bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water-Soluble Coenzyme Q10 Inhibits Nuclear Translocation of Apoptosis Inducing Factor and Cell Death Caused by Mitochondrial Complex I Inhibition
Authors: Li Haining , Chen Guisheng , Ma Wanrui , Li Ping-An
Published: August 2014

The objectives of the study were to explore the mechanism of rotenone-induced cell damage and to examine the protective effects of water-soluble Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on the toxic effects of rotenone. Murine hippocampal HT22 cells were cultured with mitochondrial complex I inhibitor rotenone. Water-soluble CoQ10 was added to the culture media 3 h prior to the rotenone incubation. Cell viability was determined by alamar blue, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by dihydroethidine (DHE) and mitochondrial membrane potential by tetramethyl rhodamine methyl ester (TMRM). Cytochrome c, caspase-9 and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) were measured using Western blotting after 24 h rotenone incubation. Rotenone caused more than 50% of cell death, increased ROS production, AIF nuclear translocation and reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential, but failed to cause mitochondrial cytochrome c release and caspase-9 activation. Pretreatment with water-soluble CoQ10 enhanced cell viability, decreased ROS production, maintained mitochondrial membrane potential and prevented AIF nuclear translocation. The results suggest that rotenone activates a mitochondria-initiated, caspase-independent cell death pathway. Water-soluble CoQ10 reduces ROS accumulation, prevents the fall of mitochondrial membrane potential, and inhibits AIF translocation and subsequent cell death.
Hip Osteoarthritis in Dogs: A Randomized Study Using Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Adipose Tissue and Plasma Rich in Growth Factors
Authors: Cuervo Belen , Rubio Monica , Sopena Joaquin , Dominguez Juan , Vilar Jose , Morales Manuel , Cugat Ramón , Carrillo Jose
Published: August 2014

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of a single intra-articular injection of adipose mesenchymal stem cells (aMSCs) versus plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) as a treatment for reducing symptoms in dogs with hip osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: This was a randomized, multicenter, blinded, parallel group. Thirty-nine dogs with symptomatic hip OA were assigned to one of the two groups, to receive aMSCs or PRGF. The primary outcome measures were pain and function subscales, including radiologic assessment, functional limitation and joint mobility. The secondary outcome measures were owners’ satisfaction questionnaire, rescue analgesic requirement and overall safety. Data was collected at baseline, then, 1, 3 and 6 months post-treatment. Results: OA degree did not vary within groups. Functional limitation, range of motion (ROM), owner’s and veterinary investigator visual analogue scale (VAS), and patient’s quality of life improved from the first month up to six months. The aMSCs group obtained better results at 6 months. There were no adverse effects during the study. Our findings show that aMSCs and PRGF are safe and effective in the functional analysis at 1, 3 and 6 months; provide a significant improvement, reducing dog’s pain, and improving physical function. With respect to basal levels for every parameter in patients with hip OA, aMSCs showed better results at 6 months.
Cystic Fibrosis Related Liver Disease—Another Black Box in Hepatology
Authors: Staufer Katharina , Halilbasic Emina , Trauner Michael , Kazemi-Shirazi Lili
Published: August 2014

Due to improved medical care, life expectancy in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) has veritably improved over the last decades. Importantly, cystic fibrosis related liver disease (CFLD) has become one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in CF patients. However, CFLD might be largely underdiagnosed and diagnostic criteria need to be refined. The underlying pathomechanisms are largely unknown, and treatment strategies with proven efficacy are lacking. This review focuses on current invasive and non-invasive diagnostic standards, the current knowledge on the pathophysiology of CFLD, treatment strategies, and possible future developments.
Preparation and Characterization of Antioxidant Nanoparticles Composed of Chitosan and Fucoidan for Antibiotics Delivery
Authors: Huang Yi-Cheng , Li Rou-Ying
Published: August 2014

In this study, we developed novel chitosan/fucoidan nanoparticles (CS/F NPs) using a simple polyelectrolyte self-assembly method and evaluated their potential to be antioxidant carriers. As the CS/F weight ratio was 5/1, the CS/F NPs were spherical and exhibited diameters of approximately 230–250 nm, as demonstrated by TEM. These CS/F NPs maintained compactness and stability for 25 day in phosphate-buffered saline (pH 6.0–7.4). The CS/F NPs exhibited highly potent antioxidant effects by scavenging 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), reducing the concentration of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and superoxide anion (O2−) in stimulated macrophages. The DPPH scavenging effect of CS/F NPs primarily derives from fucoidan. Furthermore, these CS/F NPs activated no host immune cells into inflammation-mediated cytotoxic conditions induced by IL-6 production and NO generation. The MTT cell viability assay revealed an absence of toxicity in A549 cells after exposure to the formulations containing 0.375 mg NPs/mL to 3 mg NPs/mL. Gentamicin (GM), an antibiotic, was used as a model drug for an in vitro releasing test. The CS/F NPs controlled the release of GM for up to 72 h, with 99% of release. The antioxidant CS/F NPs prepared in this study could thus be effective in delivering antibiotics to the lungs, particularly for airway inflammatory diseases.
Studies on the Anticonvulsant Activity and Influence on GABA-ergic Neurotransmission of 1,2,4-Triazole-3-thione- Based Compounds
Authors: Plech Tomasz , Kaproń Barbara , Łuszczki Jarogniew , Wujec Monika , Paneth Agata , Siwek Agata , Kołaczkowski Marcin , Żołnierek Maria , Nowak Gabriel
Published: August 2014

The anticonvulsant activity of several 1,2,4-triazole-3-thione derivatives on mouse maximal electroshock-induced seizures was tested in this study. Characteristic features of all active compounds were rapid onset of action and long lasting effect. Structure-activity observations showed that the probability of obtaining compounds exerting anticonvulsant activity was much higher when at least one of the phenyl rings attached to 1,2,4-triazole nucleus had a substituent at the para position. The obtained results, moreover, permit us to conclude that despite the structural similarity of loreclezole (second-generation anticonvulsant drug) and the titled compounds, their anticonvulsant activity is achieved via completely different molecular mechanisms.
Synthesis and Antifungal Activity of Novel Triazole Compounds Containing Piperazine Moiety
Authors: Wang Yanwei , Xu Kehan , Bai Guojing , Huang Lei , Wu Qiuye , Pan Weihua , Yu Shichong
Published: August 2014

Design and synthesis of triazole library antifungal agents having piperazine side chains, analogues to fluconazole were documented. The synthesis highlighted utilization of the click chemistry on the basis of the active site of the cytochrome P450 14α-demethylase (CYP51). Their structures were characterized by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, MS and IR. The influences of piperazine moiety on in vitro antifungal activities of all the target compounds were evaluated against eight human pathogenic fungi.
Hypoglycemic and Hypotensive Activity of a Root Extract of Smilax aristolochiifolia, Standardized on N-trans-Feruloyl-Tyramine
Authors: Amaro Carol , González-Cortazar Manasés , Herrera-Ruiz Maribel , Román-Ramos Rubén , Aguilar-Santamaría Lucia , Tortoriello Jaime , Jiménez-Ferrer Enrique
Published: August 2014

The metabolic syndrome (MS) is a condition consisting of various metabolic abnormalities that are risk factors for developing kidney failure, cardiovascular, vascular and cerebrovascular diseases, among others. The prevalence of this syndrome shows a marked increase. The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacological effect of Smilax aristolochiifolia root on some components of MS and obtain some of the active principle using chromatographic techniques. The compound isolated was N-trans-feruloyl tyramine NTF (1), and its structure was determined by spectroscopic and spectrometric analyses. The whole extract and the standardized fractions were able to control the weight gain around 30%; the fraction rich in NTF was able to decrease the hypertriglyceridemia by 60%. The insulin resistance decreased by approximately 40%; the same happened with blood pressure, since the values of systolic and diastolic pressure fell on average 31% and 37% respectively, to levels comparable to normal value. The treatment also had an immunomodulatory effect on the low-grade inflammation associated with obesity, since it significantly decreased the relative production of pro-inflammatory cytokines regarding anti-inflammatory cytokines, both kidney and adipose tissue. Therefore it can be concluded that the extract and fractions of Smilax aristolochiifolia root with NTF are useful to counteract some symptoms of MS in animal models.
Analysis on Blast Fungus-Responsive Characters of a Flavonoid Phytoalexin Sakuranetin; Accumulation in Infected Rice Leaves, Antifungal Activity and Detoxification by Fungus
Authors: Hasegawa Morifumi , Mitsuhara Ichiro , Seo Shigemi , Okada Kazunori , Yamane Hisakazu , Iwai Takayoshi , Ohashi Yuko
Published: August 2014

To understand the role of the rice flavonoid phytoalexin (PA) sakuranetin for blast resistance, the fungus-responsive characteristics were studied. Young rice leaves in a resistant line exhibited hypersensitive reaction (HR) within 3 days post inoculation (dpi) of a spore suspension, and an increase in sakuranetin was detected at 3 dpi, increasing to 4-fold at 4 dpi. In the susceptible line, increased sakuranetin was detected at 4 dpi, but not at 3 dpi, by which a large fungus mass has accumulated without HR. Induced expression of a PA biosynthesis gene OsNOMT for naringenin 7-O-methyltransferase was found before accumulation of sakuranetin in both cultivars. The antifungal activity of sakuranetin was considerably higher than that of the major rice diterpenoid PA momilactone A in vitro and in vivo under similar experimental conditions. The decrease and detoxification of sakuranetin were detected in both solid and liquid mycelium cultures, and they took place slower than those of momilactone A. Estimated local concentration of sakuranetin at HR lesions was thought to be effective for fungus restriction, while that at enlarged lesions in susceptible rice was insufficient. These results indicate possible involvement of sakuranetin in blast resistance and its specific relation to blast fungus.
Application of Iron Magnetic Nanoparticles in Protein Immobilization
Authors: Xu Jiakun , Sun Jingjing , Wang Yuejun , Sheng Jun , Wang Fang , Sun Mi
Published: August 2014

Due to their properties such as superparamagnetism, high surface area, large surface-to-volume ratio, easy separation under external magnetic fields, iron magnetic nanoparticles have attracted much attention in the past few decades. Various modification methods have been developed to produce biocompatible magnetic nanoparticles for protein immobilization. This review provides an updated and integrated focus on the fabrication and characterization of suitable magnetic iron nanoparticle-based nano-active materials for protein immobilization.
Fabrication of Meso-Porous Sintered Metal Thin Films by Selective Etching of Silica Based Sacrificial Template
Authors: Dumée Ludovic , She Fenghua , Duke Mikel , Gray Stephen , Hodgson Peter , Kong Lingxue
Published: August 2014

Meso-porous metal materials have enhanced surface energies offering unique surface properties with potential applications in chemical catalysis, molecular sensing and selective separation. In this paper, commercial 20 nm diameter metal nano-particles, including silver and copper were blended with 7 nm silica nano-particles by shear mixing. The resulted powders were cold-sintered to form dense, hybrid thin films. The sacrificial silica template was then removed by selective etching in 12 wt% hydrofluoric acid solutions for 15 min to reveal a purely metallic meso-porous thin film material. The impact of the initial silica nano-particle diameter (7–20 nm) as well as the sintering pressure (5–20 ton·m−2) and etching conditions on the morphology and properties of the final nano-porous thin films were investigated by porometry, pyknometery, gas and liquid permeation and electron microscopy. Furthermore, the morphology of the pores and particle aggregation during shear mixing were assessed through cross-sectioning by focus ion beam milling. It is demonstrated that meso-pores ranging between 50 and 320 nm in average diameter and porosities up to 47% can be successfully formed for the range of materials tested.
Polyelectrolyte Multilayers in Microfluidic Systems for Biological Applications
Authors: Minnikanti Saugandhika , Gangopadhyay Aveek , Reyes Darwin
Published: August 2014

The formation of polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) for the first time, two decades ago, demonstrating the assembly on charged substrates in a very simple and efficient way, has proven to be a reliable method to obtain structures tunable at the nanometer scale. Much effort has been put into the assembly of these structures for their use in biological applications. A number of these efforts have been in combination with microfluidic systems, which add to the nanoassembly that is already possible with polyelectrolytes, a new dimension in the construction of valuable structures, some of them not possible with conventional systems. This review focuses on the advancements demonstrated by the combination of PEMs and microfluidic systems, and their use in biological applications.
An Efficient Method of Estimating Downward Solar Radiation Based on the MODIS Observations for the Use of Land Surface Modeling
Authors: Chen Min , Zhuang Qianlai , He Yujie
Published: August 2014

Solar radiation is a critical variable in global change sciences. While most of the current global datasets provide only the total downward solar radiation, we aim to develop a method to estimate the downward global land surface solar radiation and its partitioned direct and diffuse components, which provide the necessary key meteorological inputs for most land surface models. We developed a simple satellite-based computing scheme to enable fast and reliable estimation of these variables. The global Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) products at 1° spatial resolution for the period 2003–2011 were used as the forcing data. Evaluations at Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN) sites show good agreement between the estimated radiation and ground-based observations. At all the 48 BSRN sites, the RMSE between the observations and estimations are 34.59, 41.98 and 28.06 W∙m−2 for total, direct and diffuse solar radiation, respectively. Our estimations tend to slightly overestimate the total and diffuse but underestimate the direct solar radiation. The errors may be related to the simple model structure and error of the input data. Our estimation is also comparable to the Clouds and Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) data while shows notable improvement over the widely used National Centers for Environmental Prediction and National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP/NCAR) Reanalysis data. Using our MODIS-based datasets of total solar radiation and its partitioned components to drive land surface models should improve simulations of global dynamics of water, carbon and climate.
Retrieval of Aerosol Optical Depth from Optimal Interpolation Approach Applied to SEVIRI Data
Authors: Zawadzka Olga , Markowicz Krzysztof
Published: August 2014

This paper presents two algorithms used to derive Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) from a synergy of satellite and ground-based observations, as well as aerosol transport model output. The Spinning Enhanced Visible Infrared Radiometer (SEVIRI) instrument on board Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) allows us to monitor aerosol loading over land at high temporal and spatial resolution. We present the algorithms which were fed with the data acquired via the SEVIRI channel 1, and also channels 1 and 3 in conjunction. In both cases, the surface reflectance is the most important parameter that should be estimated during the retrieval process. The surface properties are estimated during days with a low AOD (less than 0.1 at 500 nm) based on the radiance measured by the SEVIRI detector and aerosol optical properties modeled with the aerosol transport model or measured by the MODIS sensor. For data from the model and the MODIS, ground-based stations equipped with a sun photometer have been applied to correct the AOD fields using the optimal interpolation method. By assuming that surface reflectance at the SEVIRI resolution changes slowly over time, the AOD has been computed. Comparison of the SEVIRI AOD with the sun photometer observations shows good agreement/correlation. The mean bias is small (an order of 0.01–0.02) and the root mean square (rms) is about 0.05 for both one- and two-channel methods. In addition, the rms for the one-channel method does not change with the AOD.
Estimation of Gross Domestic Product Using Multi-Sensor Remote Sensing Data: A Case Study in Zhejiang Province, East China
Authors: Yue Wenze , Gao Jiabin , Yang Xuchao
Published: August 2014

There exists a spatial mismatch between socioeconomic data, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and physical and environmental datasets. This study provides a dasymetric approach for GDP estimation at a fine scale by combining the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program Operational Linescan System (DMSP/OLS) nighttime imagery, enhanced vegetation index (EVI), and land cover data. Despite the advantages of DMSP/OLS nighttime imagery in estimating human activities, its drawbacks, including coarse resolution, overglow, and saturation effects, limit its application. Hence, high-resolution EVI data were integrated with DMSP/OLS in this study to create a Human Settlement Index (HSI) for estimating the GDP of secondary and tertiary industries. The GDP of the primary industry was then estimated on the basis of land cover data, and the area with the GDP of the primary industry was classified by a threshold technique (DN ≤ 8). The regression model for GDP distribution estimation was implemented in Zhejiang Province in southeast China, and a GDP density map was generated at a resolution of 250 m × 250 m. Compared with the outcome of taking DMSP/OLS as a unique parameter, estimation errors obviously decreased. This study offers a low-cost and accurate approach for rapidly estimating high-resolution GDP distribution to construct an important database for the government when formulating developmental strategies.
A Sustainable and Resilient Housing Model for Indigenous Populations of the Mosquitia Region (Honduras)
Authors: Gambino Valeria , Micangeli Andrea , Naso Vincenzo , Michelangeli Emanuele , Mario Luca
Published: August 2014

This study develops a sustainable housing model for the Mosquitia region of Honduras, aimed at improving the living conditions of indigenous communities and reducing their vulnerability to the effects of climate change. The improved housing efficiency and resilience will contribute to strengthen sanitation and hygiene, improve the living comfort and reduce environmental impact, particularly focusing on preserving the forest biodiversity. The project was developed following the criteria of environmental, technical, social and economic sustainability to propose a shared model, reproducible by the beneficiaries living in different kinds of Mosquitian ecosystems. Increased building efficiency is obtained through optimization of construction techniques and improvement of materials’ performances. The main material of the proposed dwelling is wood, coherently with the “Miskita” tradition; the increase of its durability, which is obtained by proper seasoning and protection from atmospheric agents and parasites, contributes to the optimization of the use of this natural resource and to reducing the impact on deforestation, which threatens forest biodiversity. The data collection campaign, conducted before developing the housing model design and which has aimed at obtaining information on technical and social aspects related to residences’ welfare and health conditions, has highlighted the great importance of improving the construction model. Despite the advance in sanitary conditions and the economic level, the data collection campaign revealed that even the most developed communities amongst those visited have been perpetrating substantial construction errors, which reduce the resilience of structures to extreme natural phenomena, such as tropical storms and hurricanes, which frequently affect the Mosquitia region. This unexpected discovery increased the importance of housing model design in order to correct these improper construction techniques and avoid their application in the newly-started village growth.
Bacteriostatic effect of equine pure plateletrich plasma and other blood products against methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: López C. , Giraldo C. E. , Álvarez M. E. , Carmona J. U.
Published: August 2014

Objectives: 1) To evaluate the bacteriostatic in vitro effect of pure platelet-rich plasma (P-PRP), pure platelet-rich gel (P-PRG), leukocyte-poor gel (LPG), platelet-poor plasma (PPP), and heat inactivated plasma (IP) against methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) over a period of 24 hours. 2) To determine the degradation of platelet factor-4 (PF-4), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), and platelet-derived growth factor isoform BB (PDGF-BB) in these equine blood components. 3) To establish correlations between platelet and leukocyte counts, PF-4 concentrations, and MSSA growth.

Methods: Fourteen horses were used. Blood components were obtained by a manual protocol. Every blood component was mixed with MSSA and Müller-Hinton Broth and cultured at 37°C for 24 hours. Samples for the determination of bacterial growth (colonyforming units) and PF-4, TGF-β1 and PDGFBB concentrations were taken at one, four, eight, 12 and 24 hours.

Results: The bacterial growth was significantly (p = 0.01) inhibited for P-PRP, P-PRG, LPG and PPP in comparison with IP and, the positive control group during the first 12 hours. The P-PRG had higher and sustained TGF-β1 and PDGF-BB concentrations over time in comparison with the other blood components.

Clinical significance: The plasma complement could be one of the most responsible components of the in vitro bacteriostatic effect of P-PRP, P-PRG, LPG and PPP against MSSA. Additionally, P-PRG was the better biomaterial because it had an acceptable bacteriostatic effect and the highest concentration of growth factors.
Augmenting Transcultural Diffusion through Knowledge Management
Authors: Hume Craig , Hume Margee
Published: August 2014

This chapter discusses the enabling role of internal marketing in adoption of knowledge management in the non-profit sector. The chapter considers the novel concept of transcultural marketing that strengthens transcultural diffusion and discusses the cultural complexities of the non-profit sector and the cultural barriers requiring consideration in the adoption of knowledge management. Transcultural marketing encompasses the promotion and development of oneness through diffusion of transcultural ideas and technologies from diverse philosophies within the one environment while respecting and embracing diversity in thinking. The chapter presents the case of a large charitable non-profit sector firm and then offers specific discussion on the knowledge management culture and the role of internal marketing in implementation. This chapter advances understanding of the relationships of knowledge management, the role of internal marketing in generating, sustaining, and strengthening transcultural diffusion of knowledge in nonprofit firms and offers a basic framework of “Must Have” and “Nice to Have” for Knowledge Management implementation in not for profit organizations. Trans-cultural diffusion is the dissemination and exchange of cultural rudiments including ideas, styles, and technologies, and is deeply embedded in the success and philosophy of knowledge management.
Social Media and its Effect on Consumer Loyalty
Authors: Camillo Angelo A. , Di Pietro Loredana
Published: August 2014

Due to the increasing number of users and powerful Web-based tools available today on social networks such as Facebook, enterprises are strategically focusing on the marketing opportunities provided by social media. In fact, presence on a social network such as Facebook can provide the firm with a mechanism for gathering consumer information quickly on a wider segment of the population. This chapter investigates the effectiveness of the firm's presence on social networks and their effect on the firm and the consumer. It attempts to identify a possible linkage between a firm's presence on a social network and consumer loyalty by addressing critical elements useful for developing new and efficient strategies based on online channels. The data collected from 1,520 surveying Facebook users was analyzed using the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) technique. The results suggest there is a strong relationship between the firm's presence on the social network and consumer loyalty, thus contributing to the sustained marketing strategies of “social commerce.” Hence, a page rich in content has a positive influence on consumer judgement and loyalty toward the firm with benefits for consumer-centric-oriented strategies.
Extended family: a caddisfly new to Saskatchewan, Canada with notes on the life history ofNeophylax splendens(Trichoptera: Thremmatidae)
Authors: Hoemsen Brittney M. , Phillips Iain D. , Parker Dale W. , Bell Aaron J. , Bergsveinson Jordyn A. , Armstrong James S. , Chivers Douglas P.
Published: August 2014

Streams draining the Cypress Hills support unique and understudied macroinvertebrate communities in Saskatchewan, Canada. Here, we report the discovery of a species of caddisfly new to the Cypress Hills and Saskatchewan,Neophylax splendensDenning (Trichoptera: Thremmatidae). Larvae were collected early in May 2012, and are found to enter pre-pupal diapause in mid-June until mid-September. Larvae were identified asN. splendensby morphological characters and verified with genetic analysis. Its occurrence strengthens the biogeographical link between the montane regions in British Columbia, Canada and Utah, United States of America with the southwest corner of Saskatchewan. This study highlights the importance of seasonal sampling, resolute species level identifications in biological surveys and the use of genetic analyses to obtain this level of identification.
A global central banker competency model
Authors: Brits David W. , Veldsman Theo H.
Published: August 2014

Orientation: No comprehensive, integrated competency model exists for central bankers. Due to the importance of central banks in the context of the ongoing global financial crisis, it was deemed necessary to design and validate such a model.Research purpose: To craft and validate a comprehensive, integrated global central banker competency model (GCBCM) and to assess whether central banks using the GCBCM for training have a higher global influence.Motivation for the study: Limited consensus exists globally about what constitutes a ‘competent’ central banker. A quantitatively validated GCBCM would make a significant contribution to enhancing central banker effectiveness, and also provide a solid foundation for effective people management.Research approach, design and method: A blended quantitative and qualitative research approach was taken. Two sets of hypotheses were tested regarding the relationships between the GCBCM and the training offered, using the model on the one hand, and a central bank’s global influence on the other.Main findings: The GCBCM was generally accepted across all participating central banks globally, although some differences were found between central banks with higher and lower global influence. The actual training offered by central banks in terms of the model, however, is generally limited to technical-functional skills. The GCBCM is therefore at present predominantly aspirational. Significant differences were found regarding the training offered.Practical/managerial implications: By adopting the GCBCM, central banks would be able to develop organisation-specific competency models in order to enhance their organisational capabilities and play their increasingly important global role more effectively.Contribution: A generic conceptual framework for the crafting of a competency model with evaluation criteria was developed. A GCBCM was quantitatively validated.
Preparing collections for digitisation: The case of religious archives in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Garaba Francis
Published: August 2014

This article seeks to suggest some of the steps that archival repositories with religious archives should adopt when preparing collections for digitisation. The proposed resource manual is based on a survey using questionnaires, observation and interviews that was conducted between 2011 and 2012 in archival repositories with religious archives in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa to ascertain their readiness for digitisation. The findings revealed that the lack of adequate housing facilities and the need to promote access were incentivising the need to pursue this expensive but noble venture. In other words, the two models of digitisation preferred by these archival repositories were on demand and user initiated, respectively. Despite the great enthusiasm by these surveyed institutions to leapfrog into the digital era, the study concluded, inter alia, that there was a need for the repositories to ensure that their analogue material was meticulously organised before embarking on digitisation. Other pertinent issues included the need for pragmatism, laying parameters in as far as the scope and purpose of what such a project would aim at, identifying resources (human, technical and financial), the benefits to be derived from the digitisation, time framing, transforming the organisational culture, copyright issues, metadata provision, collaborating and selection of content to be digitised. These recommendations come against a backdrop of the poor state of religious archives in the Pietermaritzburg Cluster of Theological Libraries (PCTL) and the need for these repositories to strategically position themselves for the inevitable digitisation, thus ensuring the survival of this record in the long term. It was Bailey who advocated that information professionals need to recognise that although technology moves quickly, with organisations slow to change, we need to work to expedite our responsiveness to change, whatever its pace.Intradisciplinary and/or�interdisciplinary�implications: There is need for archival repositories to move with the times in search of relevance in this InfoTech world; hence, in some academic circles digitisation has been viewed as the microfilm of the new millennium. The proposed resource manual could therefore promote best practices in their digitisation efforts.
An integrated water system model considering hydrological and biogeochemical processes at basin scale: model construction and application
Authors: Zhang Y. Y. , Shao Q. X. , Ye A. Z. , Xing H. T.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Integrated water system modeling is a reasonable approach to provide scientific understanding and possible solutions to tackle the severe water crisis faced over the world and to promote the implementation of integrated river basin management. Such a modeling practice becomes more feasible nowadays due to better computing facilities and available data sources. In this study, the process-oriented water system model (HEXM) is developed by integrating multiple water related processes including hydrology, biogeochemistry, environment and ecology, as well as the interference of human activities. The model was tested in the Shaying River Catchment, the largest, highly regulated and heavily polluted tributary of Huai River Basin in China. The results show that: HEXM is well integrated with good performance on the key water related components in the complex catchments. The simulated daily runoff series at all the regulated and less-regulated stations matches observations, especially for the high and low flow events. The average values of correlation coefficient and coefficient of efficiency are 0.81 and 0.63, respectively. The dynamics of observed daily ammonia-nitrogen (NH4N) concentration, as an important index to assess water environmental quality in China, are well captured with average correlation coefficient of 0.66. Furthermore, the spatial patterns of nonpoint source pollutant load and grain yield are also simulated properly, and the outputs have good agreements with the statistics at city scale. Our model shows clear superior performance in both calibration and validation in comparison with the widely used SWAT model. This model is expected to give a strong reference for water system modeling in complex basins, and provide the scientific foundation for the implementation of integrated river basin management all over the world as well as the technical guide for the reasonable regulation of dams and sluices and environmental improvement in river basins.
Safe-economical route model of a ship to avoid tropical cyclones using dynamic forecast environment
Authors: Wu L. , Wen Y. , Wu D. , Zhang J. , Xiao C.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. In heavy sea conditions related to tropical cyclones (TCs), losses to shipping caused by capsizing are greater than other kinds of accidents. Therefore, it is important to consider capsizing risk in the algorithms used to generate safe-economic routes that avoid tropical cyclones (RATC). A safe-economic routing and assessment model for RATC, based on a dynamic forecasting environment, is presented in this paper. In the proposed model, a ship's risk is quantified using its capsizing probability caused by heavy wave conditions. Forecasting errors in the numerical models are considered in the ship risk assessment according to their distribution characteristics. A case study shows that: the economic cost of RATCs is associated not only to the ship's speed, but also to the acceptable capsizing probability which is related with the ship's characteristic and the cargo loading condition. Case study results demonstrate that the optimal routes obtained from the model proposed in this paper are superior to those produced by traditional methods.
Statistical modeling of rainfall-induced shallow landsliding using static predictors and numerical weather predictions: preliminary results
Authors: Capecchi V. , Perna M. , Crisci A.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. We present a quantitative indirect statistical modeling for predicting rainfall-induced shallow landsliding. We consider as input layers both static thematic predictors, such as geomorphological, geological, climatological information, and numerical weather model's forecast. Two different statistical techniques are used to combine together the above mentioned predictors: a Generalized Linear Model and Breiman's Random Forests. We tested these two techniques for two rainfall events that occurred in 2011 and 2013 in Tuscany region (central Italy). Model's evaluation is measured by means of sensitivity-specificity ROC analysis. In the 2011 rainfall event, the Random Forests technique performs slightly better, whereas in the 2013 rainfall event the Generalized Linear Model provides more accurate predictions. This study seeks also to establish whether the rainfall-induced shallow landsliding prediction might substantially benefit from the information provided by the numerical weather model's outputs. Using the variable importance parameter provided by the Random Forests algorithm, we asses the added value carried by numerical weather forecast, in particular in the rainfall event characterized by deep atmospheric convection and heavy precipitations.
Bayesian optimization for tuning chaotic systems
Authors: Abbas M. , Ilin A. , Solonen A. , Hakkarainen J. , Oja E. , Järvinen H.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. In this work, we consider the Bayesian optimization (BO) approach for tuning parameters of complex chaotic systems. Such problems arise, for instance, in tuning the sub-grid scale parameterizations in weather and climate models. For such problems, the tuning procedure is generally based on a performance metric which measures how well the tuned model fits the data. This tuning is often a computationally expensive task. We show that BO, as a tool for finding the extrema of computationally expensive objective functions, is suitable for such tuning tasks. In the experiments, we consider tuning parameters of two systems: a simplified atmospheric model and a low-dimensional chaotic system. We show that BO is able to tune parameters of both the systems with a low number of objective function evaluations and without the need of any gradient information.
Improvements in Perception of Maximum Reaching Height Transfer to Increases or Decreases in Reaching Ability
Authors: WAGMAN JEFFREY B. , TAHENY CRAIG A. , HIGUCHI TAKAHIRO
Published: August 2014

Perception of affordances for a given behavior reflects not only a person’s current action capabilities but also impending changes to his or her action capabilities. This experiment investigated perception of affordances for reaching when the means of performing the reaching task would increase or decrease reaching ability. The results showed that in both cases perception of maximum reaching height reflected the person’s anthropometric properties (i.e., standing height) and the future means of reaching, and improvements in perception of maximum reaching height transferred to unpracticed reaching tasks. The results highlight the role of action in the perception of affordances and are discussed in the context of a description of perceptual systems as smart perceptual devices.
Detecting letters and words in prose passages: A test of alternative theoretical accounts of the missing letter effect
Authors: HEALY ALICE F. , CUNNINGHAM THOMAS F.
Published: August 2014

College students searched for either h or the in prose passages in which every h occurred in the test word the. In Experiment 1, passage versions differed in that the critical noun phrases were either the alone (i.e., in citation form as a noun referring to itself) or “the definite article.” Many more detection errors occurred for letter than word target items, especially with “the definite article.” In Experiment 2, passage versions differed in that a given noun phrase containing the test word the occurred as a subject in one version and an object in the other. Again, many more detection errors occurred when the target item was the letter h than when it was the letter sequence the. Also, with letter but not letter sequence targets, more detection errors occurred for object than subject noun phrases. In Experiment 3, passages were presented either in regular format or with all capital letters. Students made more detection errors with the regular than with the capitals format, many more errors occurred when participants searched for letters than for letter sequences, and the effect of target item was larger with regular than with capitals format. These findings suggest that accounts of detection errors in reading must include the influence of unitization and processing time or attentional allocation.
The Importance of Source and Cue Type in Time-Based Everyday Prospective Memory
Authors: OATES Joyce M. , PEYNIRCIOG ˘ LU ZEHRA F.
Published: August 2014

We examined the effects of the source of a prospective memory task (provided or generated) and the type of cue (specific or general) triggering that task in everyday settings. Participants were asked to complete both generated and experimenter-provided tasks and to send a text message when each task was completed. The cue/context for the to-be-completed tasks was either a specific time or a general deadline (time-based cue), and the cue/context for the texting task was the completion of the task itself (activity-based cue). Although generated tasks were completed more often, generated cues/contexts were no more effective than provided ones in triggering the intention. Furthermore, generated tasks were completed more often when the cue/context comprised a specific time, whereas provided tasks were completed more often when the cue/context comprised a general deadline. However, texting was unaffected by the source of the cue/context. Finally, emotion modulated the effects. Results are discussed within a process-driven framework.
The Centennial Gleissberg Cycle and its association with extended minima
Authors: Feynman J. , Ruzmaikin A.
Published: August 2014

The recent extended minimum of solar and geomagnetic variability (XSM) mirrors the XSMs in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries: 1810–1830 and 1900–1910. Such extended minima also were evident in aurorae reported from 450 A.D. to 1450 A.D. This paper argues that these minima are consistent with minima of the Centennial Gleissberg Cycles (CGCs), a 90–100 year variation observed on the Sun, in the solar wind, at the Earth, and throughout the heliosphere. The occurrence of the recent XSM is consistent with the existence of the CGC as a quasiperiodic variation of the solar dynamo. Evidence of CGCs is provided by the multicentury sunspot record, by the almost 150 year record of indexes of geomagnetic activity (1868 to present), by 1000 years of observations of aurorae (from 450 to 1450 A.D.) and millennial records of radionuclides in ice cores. The aa index of geomagnetic activity carries information about the two components of the solar magnetic field (toroidal and poloidal), one driven by flares and coronal mass ejections (related to the toroidal field) and the other driven by corotating interaction regions in the solar wind (related to the poloidal field). These two components systematically vary in their intensity and relative phase giving us information about centennial changes of the sources of solar dynamo during the recent CGC over the last century. The dipole and quadrupole modes of the solar magnetic field changed in relative amplitude and phase; the quadrupole mode became more important as the XSM was approached. Some implications for the solar dynamo theory are discussed.
The force‐free configuration of flux ropes in geomagnetotail: Cluster observations
Authors: Yang Y. Y. , Shen C. , Zhang Y. C. , Rong Z. J. , Li X. , Dunlop M. , Ma Y. H. , Liu Z. X. , Carr C. M. , Rème H.
Published: August 2014

Unambiguous knowledge of magnetic field structure and the electric current distribution is critical for understanding the origin, evolution, and related dynamic properties of magnetic flux ropes (MFRs). In this paper, a survey of 13 MFRs in the Earth's magnetotail are conducted by Cluster multipoint analysis, so that their force‐free feature, i.e., the kind of magnetic field structure satisfying J × B = 0, can be probed directly. It is showed that the selected flux ropes with the bipolar signature of the south‐north magnetic field component generally lie near the equatorial plane, as expected, and that the magnetic field gradient is rather weak near the axis center, where the curvature radius is large. The current density (up to several tens of nA/m2) reaches their maximum values as the center is approached. It is found that the stronger the current density, the smaller the angles between the magnetic field and current in MFRs. The direct observations show that only quasi force‐free structure is observed, and it tends to appear in the low plasma beta regime (in agreement with the theoretic results). The quasi force‐free region is generally found to be embedded in the central portion of the MFRs, where the current is approximately field aligned and proportional to the strength of core field. It is shown that ~60% of surveyed MFRs can be globally approximated as force free. The force‐free factor α is found to be nonconstantly varied through the quasi force‐free MFR, suggesting that the force‐free structure is nonlinear.
Feedbacks between ice cover, ocean stratification, and heat content in Ryder Bay, western Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Venables Hugh J. , Meredith Michael P.
Published: August 2014

A multiyear, all‐season time series of water column physical properties and sea ice conditions in Ryder Bay, at the western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP), is used to assess the effects on the ocean of varying ice cover. Reduced ice cover leads to increased mixing and heat loss in the winter. The reduction in stratification persists into the following summer, preconditioning the water column to a greater vertical extent of surface‐driven mixing. This leads to an increased amount of heat from insolation being mixed down, affecting approximately the top 100 m. The increased heat uptake in summer exceeds the heat lost the preceding winter, giving the initially counter‐intuitive effect that enhanced winter cooling generates warmer temperatures in the following summer and autumn. This process is therefore a positive feedback on sea ice, as reduced sea ice leads to increased heat content in the ocean the following autumn. It also causes increased winter atmospheric temperatures due to the increased winter heat loss from the ocean. In the deeper part of the water column, heat and carbon stored in the Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW) layer are released by deep mixing events. At these depths, conditions are restored by advection and vertical mixing on multiyear time scales. In recent years, stronger deep mixing events in winter have led to a persistent reduction in CDW temperatures at the study site. Ocean glider data demonstrate the representativeness of these results across the wider region of Marguerite Bay, within which Ryder Bay is situated.
Decreased monsoon precipitation in the Northern Hemisphere due to anthropogenic aerosols
Authors: Polson D. , Bollasina M. , Hegerl G. C. , Wilcox L. J.
Published: August 2014

The Northern Hemisphere monsoons are an integral component of Earth's hydrological cycle and affect the lives of billions of people. Observed precipitation in the monsoon regions underwent substantial changes during the second half of the twentieth century, with drying from the 1950s to mid‐1980s and increasing precipitation in recent decades. Modeling studies suggest that anthropogenic aerosols have been a key factor driving changes in tropical and monsoon precipitation. Here we apply detection and attribution methods to determine whether observed changes are driven by human influences using fingerprints of individual forcings (i.e., greenhouse gas, anthropogenic aerosol, and natural) derived from climate models. The results show that the observed changes can only be explained when including the influence of anthropogenic aerosols, even after accounting for internal climate variability. Anthropogenic aerosol, not greenhouse gas or natural forcing, has been the dominant influence on Northern Hemisphere monsoon precipitation over the second half of the twentieth century.