bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of alternative approaches to assess outlying and influential observations on health care costs
Authors: Weichle Thomas , Hynes Denise M , Durazo-Arvizu Ramon , Tarlov Elizabeth , Zhang Qiuying
Published: November 2013

The distributions of medical costs are often skewed to the right because small numbers of patients use large amounts of health care resources. Using data from a study of colon cancer costs, we show, by example, the impact and magnitude of outliers and influential observations on health care costs and compared the effects of statistical costing methods for addressing the disproportionate influence of outliers and influential observations. We used data from a retrospective cohort study of 3,842 elderly veterans with colon cancer who were enrolled in and used health care from, both the Department of Veterans Affairs and Medicare in 1999–2004. After calculating the average colon cancer episode cost and distribution for the full cohort, we used box-plot methods, Winsorization, DFBETAs, and Cook's distance to identify and assess or adjust the outlying and/or influential observations. The number of observations identified as outlying and/or influential ranged from 13 when the predicted DFBETA measurement was greater than 0.15 and the observation was a qualified box-plot outlier to 384 cases using the Winsorization method at the 5th and 95th percentiles. Average costs of colon cancer episodes using these methods were similar. The method of choice from the results of this particular analysis can be conditionally based on whether the purpose is to control only for influential observations or to simultaneously control for outliers and influential observations. Understanding how estimates could change with each approach is important in assessing the impact of a particular method on the results.
Importance of Achieving Stringent Complete Response After Autologous Stem-Cell Transplantation in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Kapoor Prashant , Kumar Shaji K. , Dispenzieri Angela , Lacy Martha Q. , Buadi Francis , Dingli David , Russell Stephen J. , Hayman Suzanne R. , Witzig Thomas E. , Lust John A. , Leung Nelson , Lin Yi , Zeldenrust Steven R. , McCurdy Arleigh , Greipp Philip R. , Kyle Robert A. , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Gertz Morie A.
Published: November 2013

Purpose

To study the impact of achieving stringent complete response (sCR), an increasingly attainable goal, after autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM).

Patients and Methods

Maximal response rates were determined in 445 consecutive patients who underwent ASCT within 12 months of diagnosis of MM. The patients achieving varying degrees of complete response (CR) are the focus of our study.

Results

One hundred and nine patients (25%) achieved sCR after ASCT. The median overall survival (OS) rate from the time of transplantation for patients attaining sCR was not reached (NR), in contrast to those patients achieving conventional complete response (CR; n = 37; OS, 81 months) or near CR (nCR; n = 91; OS, 60 months; P < .001). Five-year OS rates were 80%, 53%, and 47% for sCR, CR, and nCR, respectively. The median time to progression (TTP) from ASCT of patients achieving sCR was significantly longer (50 months) than TTP of patients achieving CR or nCR (20 months and 19 months, respectively). On multivariable analysis, post-ASCT response of sCR was an independent prognostic factor for survival (hazard ratio, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.80; versus CR; P = .008), in addition to proliferation rate, pre-ASCT cytogenetics, and performance status. OS rates of patients attaining sCR continued to remain superior at 2-year landmark (median, NR v 70 months for conventional CR group; P = .007).

Conclusion

Improved long-term outcome is seen after ASCT with achievement of sCR when compared with lesser degrees of responses. Myeloma trials reporting the response rates should identify patients achieving sCR and CR separately, owing to markedly disparate outcomes of the two categories.
Evaluating Many Treatments and Biomarkers in Oncology: A New Design
Authors: Kaplan Richard , Maughan Timothy , Crook Angela , Fisher David , Wilson Richard , Brown Louise , Parmar Mahesh
Published: November 2013

There is a pressing need for more-efficient trial designs for biomarker-stratified clinical trials. We suggest a new approach to trial design that links novel treatment evaluation with the concurrent evaluation of a biomarker within a confirmatory phase II/III trial setting. We describe a new protocol using this approach in advanced colorectal cancer called FOCUS4. The protocol will ultimately answer three research questions for a number of treatments and biomarkers: (1) After a period of first-line chemotherapy, do targeted novel therapies provide signals of activity in different biomarker-defined populations? (2) If so, do these definitively improve outcomes? (3) Is evidence of activity restricted to the biomarker-defined groups? The protocol randomizes novel agents against placebo concurrently across a number of different biomarker-defined population-enriched cohorts: BRAF mutation; activated AKT pathway: PI3K mutation/absolute PTEN loss tumors; KRAS and NRAS mutations; and wild type at all the mentioned genes. Within each biomarker-defined population, the trial uses a multistaged approach with flexibility to adapt in response to planned interim analyses for lack of activity. FOCUS4 is the first test of a protocol that assigns all patients with metastatic colorectal cancer to one of a number of parallel population-enriched, biomarker-stratified randomized trials. Using this approach allows questions regarding efficacy and safety of multiple novel therapies to be answered in a relatively quick and efficient manner, while also allowing for the assessment of biomarkers to help target treatment.
Hyponatremia Following Mild/Moderate Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Is Due To SIAD and Glucocorticoid Deficiency and not Cerebral Salt Wasting
Authors: Hannon M. J. , Behan L. A. , O'Brien M. M. C. , Tormey W. , Ball S. G. , Javadpur M. , Sherlock M. , Thompson C. J.
Published: November 2013

Context:

Hyponatremia is common after acute subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) but the etiology is unclear and there is a paucity of prospective data in the field. The cause of hyponatremia is variously attributed to the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis (SIAD), acute glucocorticoid insufficiency, and the cerebral salt wasting syndrome (CSWS).

Objective:

The objective was to prospectively determine the etiology of hyponatremia after SAH using sequential clinical examination and biochemical measurement of plasma cortisol, arginine vasopressin (AVP), and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP).

Design:

This was a prospective cohort study.

Setting:

The setting was the National Neurosurgery Centre in a tertiary referral centre in Dublin, Ireland.

Patients:

One hundred patients with acute nontraumatic aneurysmal SAH were recruited on presentation.

Interventions:

Clinical examination and basic biochemical evaluation were performed daily. Plasma cortisol at 0900 hours, AVP, and BNP concentrations were measured on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 following SAH. Those with 0900 hours plasma cortisol <300 nmol/L were empirically treated with iv hydrocortisone.

Main Outcome Measures:

Plasma sodium concentration was recorded daily along with a variety of clinical and biochemical criteria. The cause of hyponatremia was determined clinically. Later measurement of plasma AVP and BNP concentrations enabled a firm biochemical diagnosis of the cause of hyponatremia to be made.

Results:

Forty-nine of 100 developed hyponatremia <135 mmol/L, including 14/100 <130 mmol/L. The cause of hyponatremia, and determined by both clinical examination and biochemical hormone measurement, was SIAD in 36/49 (71.4%), acute glucocorticoid insufficiency in 4/49 (8.2%), incorrect iv fluids in 5/49 (10.2%), and hypovolemia in 5/49 (10.2%). There were no cases of CSWS.

Conclusions:

The most common cause of hyponatremia after acute nontraumatic aneurysmal SAH is SIAD. Acute glucocorticoid insufficiency accounts for a small but significant number of cases. We found no cases of CSWS.
The Application of a MEMS Microphone Phased Array to Aeroacoustics of Small Wind Turbines
Authors: Bale Adam , Johnson David A.
Published: November 2013

A low-cost microelectromechanical (MEMS) microphone array was developed to investigate and localize aeroacoustic sources. A 1 m by 1 m array was designed as a portable measurement apparatus capable of locating noise sources from small rotating wind turbines in conjunction with open-jet wind tunnels or field measurements. Beamforming algorithms were implemented to allow simulation of sound sources and conditions expected to be encountered in testing.

Array testing with a known monopole source, multiple sources and different frequencies located the mainlobes accurately at a number of frequencies and distances. A rotating sound source was located spatially and tracked using conventional beamforming.

Experimental results from the acoustic testing of a 1.3 metre rotor diameter wind turbine in an open-jet wind tunnel indicated strong evidence of trailing edge noise at freestream velocities of 4.5 m/s and 5.5 m/s. Source maps for the 5.5 m/s tests reveal that the turbine's aeroacoustic emissions are most prevalent at the outer portions of the radius, but not necessarily at the tip. The azimuthal location of the greatest sound pressure levels was found to be roughly 120° to 130°, measured from the upward vertical, for most test conditions. An analytical model confirmed this sector to be the approximate expected azimuthal location of the source in the time-averaged source maps.
Improving the peer review process in orthopaedic journals
Authors: Sprowson A. P. , Rankin K. S. , McNamara I. , Costa M. L. , Rangan A.
Published: November 2013

The peer review process for the evaluation of manuscripts for publication needs to be better understood by the orthopaedic community. Improving the degree of transparency surrounding the review process and educating orthopaedic surgeons on how to improve their manuscripts for submission will help improve both the review procedure and resultant feedback, with an increase in the quality of the subsequent publications. This article seeks to clarify the peer review process and suggest simple ways in which the quality of submissions can be improved to maximise publication success.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2013;2:245–7.
Introduction of Complementary Foods and the Relationship to Food Allergy
Authors: Grimshaw Kate E.C. , Maskell Joe , Oliver Erin M. , Morris Ruth C.G. , Foote Keith D. , Mills E.N. Clare , Roberts Graham , Margetts Barrie M.
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVES:

To address questions regarding breastfeeding, complementary feeding, allergy development, and current infant-feeding recommendations.

METHODS:

This was a nested, case-control within a cohort study in which mothers of 41 infants diagnosed with food allergy by the age of 2 years (according to double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge) and their 82 age-matched controls kept prospective food diaries of how their infants were fed in the first year of life.

RESULTS:

Infants who were diagnosed with food allergy by the time they were 2 years of age were introduced to solids earlier (≤16 weeks of age) and were less likely to be receiving breast milk when cow’s milk protein was first introduced into their diet.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study supports the current American Academy of Pediatrics’ allergy prevention recommendations and the European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition recommendations on complementary feeding to not introduce solids before 4 to 6 months of age. It also supports the American Academy of Pediatrics’ breastfeeding recommendations that breastfeeding should continue while solids are introduced into the diet and that breastfeeding should continue for 1 year, or longer, as mutually desired by mother and infant.
Probiotic Effects on Late-onset Sepsis in Very Preterm Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Jacobs Susan E. , Tobin Jacinta M. , Opie Gillian F. , Donath Susan , Tabrizi Sepehr N. , Pirotta Marie , Morley Colin J. , Garland Suzanne M.
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Late-onset sepsis frequently complicates prematurity, contributing to morbidity and mortality. Probiotics may reduce mortality and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants, with unclear effect on late-onset sepsis. This study aimed to determine the effect of administering a specific combination of probiotics to very preterm infants on culture-proven late-onset sepsis.

METHODS:

A prospective multicenter, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized trial compared daily administration of a probiotic combination (Bifidobacterium infantis, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Bifidobacterium lactis, containing 1 × 109 total organisms) with placebo (maltodextrin) in infants born before 32 completed weeks’ gestation weighing <1500 g. The primary outcome was at least 1 episode of definite late-onset sepsis.

RESULTS:

Between October 2007 and November 2011, 1099 very preterm infants from Australia and New Zealand were randomized. Rates of definite late-onset sepsis (16.2%), NEC of Bell stage 2 or more (4.4%), and mortality (5.1%) were low in controls, with high breast milk feeding rates (96.9%). No significant difference in definite late-onset sepsis or all-cause mortality was found, but this probiotic combination reduced NEC of Bell stage 2 or more (2.0% versus 4.4%; relative risk 0.46, 95% confidence interval 0.23 to 0.93, P = .03; number needed to treat 43, 95% confidence interval 23 to 333).

CONCLUSIONS:

The probiotics B infantis, S thermophilus, and B lactis significantly reduced NEC of Bell stage 2 or more in very preterm infants, but not definite late-onset sepsis or mortality. Treatment with this combination of probiotics appears to be safe.
Images of Istanbul in translation: A case study in Slovenia
Authors: Demirkol-Ertürk Şule
Published: November 2013

The present paper examines the role of the translation of Orhan Pamuk’s İstanbul, Hatıralar ve Şehir (2003) into Slovene, in reshaping the image of Istanbul as perceived by the receiving audience. Considering Pamuk as a “translator” of Istanbul and focusing on the “metonymics” of translating cities, the present paper illustrates that translations can challenge and change the stereotyped images of cities as perceived by receiving audiences. It also shows that the narratives of cities which are bound by their authors’ choices as “translators” can only provide a partial representation of the “real” cities and can give more clues about the literary intentions and historical environment of their authors than they can give about the real cities.
Social-Cognitive Predictors of STEM Career Interests and Goal Persistence in College Students With Disabilities From Racial and Ethnic Minority Backgrounds
Authors: Cardoso Elizabeth da Silva , Dutta Alo , Chiu Chung-Yi , Johnson Ebonee T. , Kundu Madan , Chan Fong
Published: November 2013

Objective:To examine the relations of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics’s (STEM) self-efficacy, outcome expectations, interests, and contextual supports and barriers to STEM educational goals in college students with disabilities from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds

Design:Quantitative descriptive research design using hierarchical regression analysis (HRA)

Participants:115 underrepresented minority students with disabilities receiving services from the National Science Foundation (NSF) funded Minority-Disability (MIND) Alliance in STEM project at Hunter College, City University of New York and Southern University at Baton Rouge for the years 2008−2011.

Outcome Measures:TheSocial-Cognitive STEM measures

Results:The HRA results indicated that gender, advanced placement (AP) classes, father’s educational level, academic milestone self-efficacy, and STEM interest were significant predictors of goal persistence in African American and Hispanic college students with disabilities. The final model accounted for 57% of the variance in STEM persistence, which is considered a large effect size.

Conclusion:The research findings provide good support for the use of the social cognitive career theory (SCCT) framework to identify predictors of STEM persistence and to design academic retention services and career development interventions for college students who are underrepresented minorities with disabilities.
Electrochemical Treatment of Reactive Black 5 Textile Wastewater: Optimization, Kinetics, and Disposal Study
Authors: Bansal Sachin , Kushwaha Jai Prakash , Sangal Vikas Kumar
Published: November 2013

This research reports treatment of textile wastewater containing Reactive Black 5 (RB5) and other industrial constituents which are found in textile industry effluent, by the electrochemical treatment method using aluminum electrodes. Initial pH, current density (J), and electrolysis time (t) were selected as operational variables to observe the effects on chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency (Y1), dye removal efficiency (Y2), and specific energy consumed (Y3) (kWh/kg of COD removed). A response surface methodology (RSM) with full factorial central composite design (CCD) was used for designing and optimizing responses. To optimize the multiple responses, multi‐response optimization with a desirability function were utilized for maximizing Y1 and Y2, and simultaneously minimizing Y3. To address issues of treated wastewater disposal, aluminum mass balance was performed. Electrocoagulation with subsequent adsorption, electrofloatation, and electro‐oxidation were found to be the mechanism for removal of the pollutants.
The Octopus, the Squid and the Tortoise
Authors: Caruth Gail D. , Caruth Donald L.
Published: November 2013

What is the role of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) today? This is not a new question. In 1903, William James questioned the value of the degree as an indicator of teaching ability. Unfortunately, the issue James raised has never been resolved. Move forward in time to 1990. Theodore Ziolkowski essentially agreed with James, but raised additional questions about the PhD. Ziolkowski contended that completing the degree now takes much longer and many students drop out along the way. Stanley N. Katz confirmed this in his discussion of the role of the professoriate. Katz maintained that universities concentrate rewards on research rather than on teaching. This article examines each of these issues in an attempt to understand where higher education is today and how it reached this point.
Lorenzo Milani in Our Times
Authors: Mayo Peter
Published: November 2013

This article pays tribute to one of Europe's foremost critical pedagogues, the Tuscan Don Lorenzo Milani, on the ninetieth anniversary of his birth. It highlights the key moments in his life as priest and educator as well as his pedagogical approach directed at challenging the class-conditioned status quo in Italian society and at achieving greater social justice. His was a pedagogy which highlighted the collective dimensions of learning and teaching, pupils being students and educators at the same time, an approach to learning akin to what Paulo Freire would call critical literacy and what contemporary writers would call critical media literacy in the sense of reading and writing the word and the world. His pedagogy entailed a process of reading history against the grain as part of an attempt to generate a culture of non-militarization. All these elements make Don Milani and his student-teachers pedagogues for our times.
On time transformations for differential equations with state-dependent delay
Authors: Rezounenko Alexander
Published: November 2013

Systems of differential equations with state-dependent delay are considered. The delay dynamically depends on the state, i.e. is governed by an additional differential equation. By applying the time transformations we arrive to constant delay systems and compare the asymptotic properties of the original and transformed systems.
A recursion operator for the universal hierarchy equation via Cartan’s method of equivalence
Authors: Morozov Oleg
Published: November 2013

We apply Cartan’s method of equivalence to find a Bäcklund autotransformation for the tangent covering of the universal hierarchy equation. The transformation provides a recursion operator for symmetries of this equation.
Attention to Form in Collaborative Writing Tasks: Comparing Pair and Small Group Interaction
Authors: Dobao Ana Fernández
Published: November 2013

Abstract:

This study examines the opportunities that a collaborative writing task completed in pairs and in small groups offers for attention to form. Previous research suggests that collaborative writing activities encourage learners to focus their attention on language and to collaborate in the resolution of their language-related problems in ways that facilitate learning. While that research focused almost exclusively on dyads, the present study compares the performance of the same writing task by learners working in pairs (n = 64) and in groups of four (n = 80). It investigates the role played by the number of participants on the frequency, resolution, and length of language-related episodes (LREs) focused on Spanish past tense morphology. It also examines the learners’ level of engagement in these LREs. Findings indicate that both groups and pairs focused their attention on form relatively often, but groups produced a significantly higher number of past tense LREs and were also more successful at solving them. As a result, their texts were more accurate. The LREs produced by the groups were also longer and showed more evidence of elaborate engagement with past tense morphology, therefore providing enhanced opportunities for second language learning. The pedagogical implications of these findings are discussed.
Outcome of a One-Week Intensive Training Workshop for Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Workers in Liberia
Authors: Williamson Julie A. , Tornquist Susan J.
Published: November 2013

There is a huge unmet need for veterinary diagnostic laboratory services in developing nations such as Liberia. One way of bridging the service gap is for visiting experts to provide veterinary laboratory training to technicians in a central location in a short-course format. An intensive 1-week training workshop was organized for 18 student and faculty participants from the College of Agriculture and Integrated Development Studies (CAIDS) at Cuttington University in rural central Liberia. The training was designed and delivered by the non-governmental organization Veterinarians Without Borders US and funded through a Farmer-to-Farmer grant provided by the United States Agency for International Development. Although at the start of training none of the students had any veterinary laboratory experience, by the end of the course over 80% of the students were able to discuss appropriate care and use of a microscope and name at least three important components of laboratory record keeping; over 60% were able to describe how to make and stain a blood smear and how to perform a passive fecal flotation; and over 30% were able to describe what a packed cell volume is and how it is measured and name at least three criteria for classifying bacteria. The intensive training workshop greatly improved the knowledge of trainees about veterinary diagnostic laboratory techniques. The training provided initial skills to students and faculty who are awaiting the arrival of additional grant-funded laboratory equipment to continue their training.
Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of TiCrZrNbNx Alloy Nitride Thin Films
Authors: Tsau Chun-Huei , Chang Yu-Hsin
Published: November 2013

The pure elements Ti, Zr, Cr, Nb were selected to produce an TiCrZrNb alloy target and deposited thin films thereof by a reactive high vacuum DC sputtering process. Nitrogen was used as the reactive gas to deposit the nitride thin films. The effect of nitriding on the properties of the TiCrZrNbNx film was tested by changing the nitrogen ratio of the atmosphere. All of the as-deposited TiCrZrNbNx nitride films exhibited an amorphous structure. The film thickness decreases by increasing the N2 flow rate, because the Ar flow rate decreased and the target was poisoned by nitrogen. The hardness and Young’s modulus were also measured by a nano-indenter. The hardness and Young’s modulus of the TiCrZrNbNx nitride films were all lower than those of a TiCrZrNb metallic film.
Dynamics of Instantaneous Condensation in the ZRP Conditioned on an Atypical Current
Authors: Harris Rosemary , Popkov Vladislav , Schütz Gunter
Published: November 2013

Using a generalized Doob’s h-transform we consider the zero-range process (ZRP) conditioned to carry an atypical current, with focus on the regime where the Gallavotti-Cohen symmetry loses its validity. For a single site we compute explicitly the boundary injection and absorption rates of an effective process which maps to a biased random walk. Our approach provides a direct probabilistic confirmation of the theory of “instantaneous condensation” which was proposed some while ago to explain the dynamical origin of the the failure of the Gallavotti-Cohen symmetry for high currents in the ZRP. However, it turns out that for stochastic dynamics with infinite state space care needs to be taken in the application of the Doob’s transform—we discuss in detail the sense in which the effective dynamics can be interpreted as “typical” for different regimes of the current phase diagram.
A Game-Theoretic Analysis of Baccara Chemin de Fer
Authors: Ethier Stewart , Gámez Carlos
Published: November 2013

Assuming that cards are dealt with replacement from a single deck and that each of Player and Banker sees the total of his own two-card hand but not its composition, baccara is a 2 x 288 matrix game, which was solved by Kemeny and Snell in 1957. Assuming that cards are dealt without replacement from a d-deck shoe and that Banker sees the composition of his own two-card hand while Player sees only his own total, baccara is a 2 x 2484 matrix game, which was solved by Downton and Lockwood in 1975 for d = 1, 2, . . . , 8. Assuming that cards are dealt without replacement from a d-deck shoe and that each of Player and Banker sees the composition of his own two-card hand, baccara is a 25 x 2484 matrix game, which is solved herein for every positive integer d.
Membrane Signaling Induced by High Doses of Ionizing Radiation in the Endothelial Compartment. Relevance in Radiation Toxicity
Authors: Corre Isabelle , Guillonneau Maëva , Paris François
Published: November 2013

Tumor areas can now be very precisely delimited thanks to technical progress in imaging and ballistics. This has also led to the development of novel radiotherapy protocols, delivering higher doses of ionizing radiation directly to cancer cells. Despite this, radiation toxicity in healthy tissue remains a major issue, particularly with dose-escalation in these new protocols. Acute and late tissue damage following irradiation have both been linked to the endothelium irrigating normal tissues. The molecular mechanisms involved in the endothelial response to high doses of radiation are associated with signaling from the plasma membrane, mainly via the acid sphingomyelinase/ceramide pathway. This review describes this signaling pathway and discusses the relevance of targeting endothelial signaling to protect healthy tissues from the deleterious effects of high doses of radiation.
Amorphous Li-Al-Based Compounds: A Novel Approach for Designing High Performance Electrode Materials for Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Thoss Franziska , Giebeler Lars , Thomas Jürgen , Oswald Steffen , Potzger Kay , Reuther Helfried , Ehrenberg Helmut , Eckert Jürgen
Published: November 2013

A new amorphous compound with the initial atomic composition Al43Li43Y6Ni8 applied as electrode material for Li-ion batteries is investigated. Unlike other amorphous compounds so-far investigated as anode materials, it already contains Li as a base element in the uncycled state. The amorphous compound powder is prepared by high energy ball milling of a master alloy. It shows a strongly enhanced specific capacity in contrast to amorphous alloys without Li in the initial state. Therewith, by enabling a reversible (de)lithiation of metallic electrodes without the phase transition caused volume changes it offers the possibility of much increased specific capacities than conventional graphite anodes. According to the charge rate (C-rate), the specific capacity is reversible over 20 cycles at minimum in contrast to conventional crystalline intermetallic phases failing by volume changes. The delithiation process occurs quasi-continuously over a voltage range of nearly 4 V, while the lithiation is mainly observed between 0.1 V and 1.5 V. That way, the electrode is applicable for different potential needs. The electrode stays amorphous during cycling, thus avoiding volume changes. The cycling performance is further enhanced by a significant amount of Fe introduced as wear debris from the milling tools, which acts as a promoting element.
Integrating Land Change Science and Savanna Fire Models in West Africa
Authors: Laris Paul
Published: November 2013

Fire is a key component of many land use systems and a determinant of land change. There is a growing concern that climate change will cause more catastrophic fires, but in many areas the impacts will be mediated by human land use practices. In African savannas, for example, fires are frequent and research finds low inter-annual variability in burned areas in places with highly variable rainfall. This regularity of fire suggests that African regimes are humanized, meaning that they are governed by human practices more than climate variation. Although these fire regimes are stable, they vary greatly over space. This paper will determine the reasons for two distinctly different fire regimes in Mali by integrating land change and savanna fire science. The study takes a two pronged approach to examine the causes of fire regimes and the reasons they change. It tests the notion that land cover (not land use) governs fire regimes by combining long term burn scar and vegetation analysis with local interviews. Results indicate that efforts to link fire and land change science, need to focus more on subtle differences in land cover, landscape pattern and human practices, than on drought, land use or fire policy.
Targeting C-myc G-Quadruplex: Dual Recognition by Aminosugar-Bisbenzimidazoles with Varying Linker Lengths
Authors: Ranjan Nihar , Arya Dev
Published: November 2013

G-quadruplexes are therapeutically important biological targets. In this report, we present biophysical studies of neomycin-Hoechst 33258 conjugates binding to a G-quadruplex derived from the C-myc promoter sequence. Our studies indicate that conjugation of neomycin to a G-quadruplex binder, Hoechst 33258, enhances its binding. The enhancement in G-quadruplex binding of these conjugates varies with the length and composition of the linkers joining the neomycin and Hoechst 33258 units.
Design and Implementation of a Micromechanical Silicon Resonant Accelerometer
Authors: Huang Libin , Yang Hui , Gao Yang , Zhao Liye , Liang Jinxing
Published: November 2013

The micromechanical silicon resonant accelerometer has attracted considerable attention in the research and development of high-precision MEMS accelerometers because of its output of quasi-digital signals, high sensitivity, high resolution, wide dynamic range, anti-interference capacity and good stability. Because of the mismatching thermal expansion coefficients of silicon and glass, the micromechanical silicon resonant accelerometer based on the Silicon on Glass (SOG) technique is deeply affected by the temperature during the fabrication, packaging and use processes. The thermal stress caused by temperature changes directly affects the frequency output of the accelerometer. Based on the working principle of the micromechanical resonant accelerometer, a special accelerometer structure that reduces the temperature influence on the accelerometer is designed. The accelerometer can greatly reduce the thermal stress caused by high temperatures in the process of fabrication and packaging. Currently, the closed-loop drive circuit is devised based on a phase-locked loop. The unloaded resonant frequencies of the prototype of the micromechanical silicon resonant accelerometer are approximately 31.4 kHz and 31.5 kHz. The scale factor is 66.24003 Hz/g. The scale factor stability is 14.886 ppm, the scale factor repeatability is 23 ppm, the bias stability is 23 μg, the bias repeatability is 170 μg, and the bias temperature coefficient is 0.0734 Hz/°C.
Large Scale Genome Analysis Shows that the Epitopes for Broadly Cross-Reactive Antibodies Are Predominant in the Pandemic 2009 Influenza Virus A H1N1 Strain
Authors: Lara-Ramírez Edgar , Segura-Cabrera Aldo , Salazar Ma , Rodríguez-Pérez Mario , Guo Xianwu
Published: November 2013

The past pandemic strain H1N1 (A (H1N1)pdm09) has now become a common component of current seasonal influenza viruses. It has changed the pre-existing immunity of the human population to succeeding infections. In the present study, a total of 14,210 distinct sequences downloaded from National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database were used for the analysis. The epitope compositions in A (H1N1)pdm09, classic seasonal strains, swine strains as well as highly virulent avian strain H5N1, identified with the aid of the Immune Epitope DataBase (IEDB), were compared at genomic level. The result showed that A (H1N1) pdm09 contains the 90% of B-cell epitopes for broadly cross-reactive antibodies (EBCA), which is in consonance with the recent reports on the experimental identification of new epitopes or antibodies for this virus and the binding tests with influenza virus protein HA of different subtypes. Our analysis supports that high proportional EBCA depends on the epitope pattern of A (H1N1)pdm09 virus. This study may be helpful for better understanding of A (H1N1)pdm09 and the production of new influenza vaccines.
Dry/Wet Conditions Monitoring Based on TRMM Rainfall Data and Its Reliability Validation over Poyang Lake Basin, China
Authors: Li Xianghu , Zhang Qi , Ye Xuchun
Published: November 2013

Local dry/wet conditions are of great concern in regional water resource and floods/droughts disaster risk management. Satellite-based precipitation products have greatly improved their accuracy and applicability and are expected to offer an alternative to ground rain gauges data. This paper investigated the capability of Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) rainfall data for monitoring the temporal and spatial variation of dry/wet conditions in Poyang Lake basin during 1998–2010, and validated its reliability with rain gauges data from 14 national meteorological stations in the basin. The results show that: (1) the daily TRMM rainfall data does not describe the occurrence and contribution rates of precipitation accurately, but monthly TRMM data have a good linear relationship with rain gauges rainfall data; (2) both the Z index and Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) based on monthly TRMM rainfall data oscillate around zero and show a consistent interannual variability as compared with rain gauges data; (3) the spatial pattern of moisture status, either in dry months or wet months, based on both the Z index and SPI using TRMM data, agree with the observed rainfall. In conclusion, the monthly TRMM rainfall data can be used for monitoring the variation and spatial distribution of dry/wet conditions in Poyang Lake basin.
Effects of Ocean Acidification and Warming on Sperm Activity and Early Life Stages of the Mediterranean Mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis)
Authors: Vihtakari Mikko , Hendriks Iris , Holding Johnna , Renaud Paul , Duarte Carlos , Havenhand Jon
Published: November 2013

Larval stages are among those most vulnerable to ocean acidification (OA). Projected atmospheric CO2 levels for the end of this century may lead to negative impacts on communities dominated by calcifying taxa with planktonic life stages. We exposed Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) sperm and early life stages to pHT levels of 8.0 (current pH) and 7.6 (2100 level) by manipulating pCO2 level (380 and 1000 ppm). Sperm activity was examined at ambient temperatures (16–17 °C) using individual males as replicates. We also assessed the effects of temperature (ambient and ≈20 °C) and pH on larval size, survival, respiration and calcification of late trochophore/early D-veliger stages using a cross-factorial design. Increased pCO2 had a negative effect on the percentage of motile sperm (mean response ratio R= 71%) and sperm swimming speed (R= 74%), possibly indicating reduced fertilization capacity of sperm in low concentrations. Increased temperature had a more prominent effect on larval stages than pCO2, reducing performance (RSize = 90% and RSurvival = 70%) and increasing energy demand (RRespiration = 429%). We observed no significant interactions between pCO2 and temperature. Our results suggest that increasing temperature might have a larger impact on very early larval stages of M. galloprovincialis than OA at levels predicted for the end of the century.
Shifts in diversification rates and clade ages explain species richness in higher‐level sedge taxa (Cyperaceae)
Authors: Escudero Marcial , Hipp Andrew
Published: November 2013

•Premise of the study:Understanding heterogeneity in species richness across the tree of life is a challenge in evolutionary biology. The sedge family, Cyperaceae, is classified into tribes that exhibit a roughly 200‐fold range in species richness. The Cyperaceae present an excellent case study in the determinants of species richness within higher‐level taxa.

•Methods:We used secondary calibration based on prior studies and fossils from a rush (Juncaceae) and five sedges to calibrate two previously published Cyperaceae phylogenies, then compared our results to previous molecular clock analyses. We used an information‐theoretic approach to identify shifts in lineage diversification rates and phylogenetic generalized least squares to fit alternative models of clade species richness.

•Key results:Our results suggest a late Cretaceous origin for Cyperaceae (76–89 mya). The inferred 0.06 speciation events Ma–1is comparable to overall diversification rates in the order Poales but faster than angiosperm background rates. A threefold increase in diversification rate at the base of the species‐rich SDC+FAEC clade is correlated with climatic changes during the Paleocene–Eocene boundary (ca. 55 mya). The greater driver of among‐clade variance in species richness, however, is clade age (simpleR2= 0.334,P= 0.0006).

•Conclusions:Although shifts in diversification rates play a role in the generation of heterogeneous patterns of species richness, our study demonstrates that variance in clade age alone explains ca. 33% of among‐clade variation in species diversity, which stands in contrast to the general pattern for angiosperms.
Network architectures of remote laboratories: Proposal of a new solution and comparative analysis with existing ones
Authors: Titov Igor , Smirnova Elena
Published: November 2013

Remote laboratories are being built upon different network architectures. This paper analyzes major classes of such network architectures from the point of view of network infrastructure, with examples of currently employed solutions. Pros and cons of each architecture are discussed. A new solution making network communications between laboratory servers and laboratory users to be more efficient is proposed. This solution is based on using high-performance computers such as IBM Mainframe as common layer for laboratory servers, simplifying and unifying software development of remote laboratories for their producers
Study of Improved DV-Hop Localization Algorithm in Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Wang Jingxia , Chen Haisong
Published: November 2013

An improved method is put forward in this paper to settle the larger location error of the classic DV-Hop algorithm. The average hop size is corrected using the hop count based on both the local network connectivity and the global average hop size information of the network. The invalid result is defined and corrected based on the random number in a specified area at the same time. The simulation results show that the improved algorithm gets better localization accuracy than the classic algorithm and other existing improved algorithms. Moreover, it is simple and needs small amount of calculation. So it is a practical algorithm for nodes localization in wireless sensor network.
A SOA and Knowledge-based Telemonitoring Framework: Design, Modeling, and Deployment
Authors: Zhang Weiping , Thurow Kerstin , Stoll Regina
Published: November 2013

Telemonitoring systems have proven to greatly reduce medical costs while improving the quality of medical care. Today, the main factors restricting the development and popularization of Telemonitoring systems include scalability and compatibility. The current sensor devices lack unified standards and deliver complicated data structures. This paper presents the design for an ontology-based context model, and related middleware, that provide a reusable and extensible application framework for Remote Healthcare and assistance at home. We define the semantic information to describe attributes of sensors, services and working procedures. Developers may rewrite the service definition to adapt to new requirements as needed.
Genome-Wide Regulatory Analysis Reveals That T-bet Controls Th17 Lineage Differentiation through Direct Suppression of IRF4
Authors: Gökmen M. Refik , Dong Rong , Kanhere Aditi , Powell Nick , Perucha Esperanza , Jackson Ian , Howard Jane K. , Hernandez-Fuentes Maria , Jenner Richard G. , Lord Graham M.
Published: November 2013

The complex relationship between Th1 and Th17 cells is incompletely understood. The transcription factor T-bet is best known as the master regulator of Th1 lineage commitment. However, attention is now focused on the repression of alternate T cell subsets mediated by T-bet, particularly the Th17 lineage. It has recently been suggested that pathogenic Th17 cells express T-bet and are dependent on IL-23. However, T-bet has previously been shown to be a negative regulator of Th17 cells. We have taken an unbiased approach to determine the functional impact of T-bet on Th17 lineage commitment. Genome-wide analysis of functional T-bet binding sites provides an improved understanding of the transcriptional regulation mediated by T-bet, and suggests novel mechanisms by which T-bet regulates Th cell differentiation. Specifically, we show that T-bet negatively regulates Th17 lineage commitment via direct repression of the transcription factor IFN regulatory factor-4 (IRF4). An in vivo analysis of the pathogenicity of T-bet–deficient T cells demonstrated that mucosal Th17 responses were augmented in the absence of T-bet, and we have demonstrated that the roles of T-bet in enforcing Th1 responses and suppressing Th17 responses are separable. The interplay of the two key transcription factors T-bet and IRF4 during the determination of T cell fate choice significantly advances our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development of pathogenic T cells.
Protective Role of the Neuropeptide Urocortin II against Experimental Sepsis and Leishmaniasis by Direct Killing of Pathogens
Authors: Campos-Salinas Jenny , Caro Marta , Cavazzuti Antonio , Forte-Lago Irene , Beverley Stephen M. , O’Valle Francisco , Gonzalez-Rey Elena
Published: November 2013

We currently face an alarming resurgence in infectious diseases characterized by antimicrobial resistance and therapeutic failure. This has generated the urgent need of developing new therapeutic approaches that include agents with nontraditional modes of action. A recent interest focused on approaches based on our natural immune defenses, especially on peptides that combine innate antimicrobial activity against diverse pathogens and immunoregulatory functions. In this study, to our knowledge, we describe for the first time the antimicrobial activity of the neuropeptide urocortin II (UCNII) against a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and tropical parasites of the genus Leishmania. Importantly, this cytotoxicity was selective for pathogens, because UCNII did not affect mammalian cell viability. Structurally, UCNII has a cationic and amphipathic design that resembles antimicrobial peptides. Using mutants and UCNII fragments, we determined the structural requirements for the interaction between the peptide and the surface of pathogen. Following its binding to pathogen, UCNII caused cell death through different membrane-disrupting mechanisms that involve aggregation and membrane depolarization in bacteria and pore formation in Leishmania. Noteworthily, UCNII killed the infective form of Leishmania major even inside the infected macrophages. Consequently, UCNII prevented mortality caused by polymicrobial sepsis and ameliorated pathological signs of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Besides its presence in body physical and mucosal barriers, we found that innate immune cells produce UCNII in response to infections. Therefore, UCNII could be considered as an ancient highly-conserved host peptide involved in the natural antimicrobial defense and emerge as an attractive alternative to current treatments for microbial disorders with associated drug resistances.
Psychological capital, work engagement and organisational commitment amongst call centre employees in South Africa
Authors: Simons Janet C. , Buitendach Johanna H.
Published: November 2013

Orientation: The development of psychological capital amongst call centre employees could have an impact on positive work-related attitudes and behaviour; such as work engagement and organisational commitment.Research purpose: The purpose of the research was to determine the relationship between psychological capital, work engagement and organisational commitment amongst call centre employees; and further, to determine whether psychological capital and work engagement hold predictive value for the organisational commitment of call centre employees.Motivation for the study: There is a gap in research in understanding and enabling positive resource capacities in highly stressful work contexts such as call centres.Research design, approach and method: A cross-sectional survey design was used. A sample of 106 call centre employees from a South African organisation participated in the research. The measuring instruments included a demographic questionnaire, the Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ), the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) and the Organisational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ).Main findings: Significant positive relationships were found between psychological capital, work engagement and organisational commitment. The results showed work engagement as being the only significant predictor of organisational commitment.Practical/managerial implications: Call centre employers need to develop and implement workplace interventions that would increase the psychological capital of call centre employees.Contribution/value-add: The research findings will benefit both call centre employees and management. The study highlighted the importance of the role of optimism as a subdimension of psychological capital in developing work engagement and organisational commitment amongst call centre employees.