bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FREE WILL AS A SKILL
Authors: Riser John
Published: December 2014

This article develops a conception of free will as a type of skill based upon the knowledgeable exercise of cognitive abilities. Critiques of some traditional accounts of free will are advanced; and a view is proposed in which acts of free will are those purposively controlled (caused) by acquired information and the learned ‘know-how’ of deliberation. What makes an act of will free is not that one theoretically could have done otherwise under the specific circumstances, but that one does in fact do otherwise than act in an uninformed, unreflective and thoughtless manner. Implications for moral responsibility are examined.
Bacterial community responses to a gradient of alkaline mountaintop mine drainage in Central Appalachian streams
Authors: Bier Raven L , Voss Kristofor A , Bernhardt Emily S
Published: December 2014

Microbial community composition and diversity change along chemical gradients, leading to the expectation that microbial community information might provide new gradient characterizations. Here we examine stream bacteria composition and diversity along a strong chemical gradient in Central Appalachian streams. Coal mining in the region generates alkaline mine drainage (AlkMD), causing dramatic increases in conductivity, alkalinity, sulfate and metals sufficient to degrade stream macrobiota communities throughout the ecoregion. In this study, we examined the relationship between water and biofilm chemistry and biofilm bacteria taxonomic composition in streams where active and reclaimed surface coal mines occupied 0–96% of watershed surface area. We incubated wood veneers in each stream site for 4 months to develop biofilms on similar substrates. We sampled water chemistry at the time of deployment and collection, and after 1 month. Following incubation, we collected biofilms for microbial and chemical characterization. Microbial composition was determined by pyrosequencing 16S rRNA amplicons. Biofilm subsamples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to determine metal concentrations. Our results show that microbial community composition differed significantly between AlkMD-exposed and AlkMD-unexposed sites, and that compositional dissimilarity increased with AlkMD loading. Diversity was not correlated with pH or extent of upstream mining, but instead correlated with biofilm concentrations of Cd, Mn, Zn and Ni. Within mined sites, the extent of upstream mining was negatively correlated with taxonomic richness. Despite major compositional shifts, functional capacity predicted with PICRUSt (Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States) correlated with mining in only 3 of 43 level-2 KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) Orthology groups.
An integrated epigenomic analysis for type 2 diabetes susceptibility loci in monozygotic twins
Authors: Yuan Wei , Xia Yudong , Bell Christopher G. , Yet Idil , Ferreira Teresa , Ward Kirsten J. , Gao Fei , Loomis A. Katrina , Hyde Craig L. , Wu Honglong , Lu Hanlin , Liu Yuan , Small Kerrin S. , Viñuela Ana , Morris Andrew P. , Berdasco María , Esteller Manel , Brosnan M. Julia , Deloukas Panos , McCarthy Mark I. , John Sally L. , Bell Jordana T. , Wang Jun , Spector Tim D.
Published: December 2014

DNA methylation has a great potential for understanding the aetiology of common complex traits such as Type 2 diabetes (T2D). Here we perform genome-wide methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeDIP-seq) in whole-blood-derived DNA from 27 monozygotic twin pairs and follow up results with replication and integrated omics analyses. We identify predominately hypermethylated T2D-related differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and replicate the top signals in 42 unrelated T2D cases and 221 controls. The strongest signal is in the promoter of theMALT1gene, involved in insulin and glycaemic pathways, and related to taurocholate levels in blood. Integrating the DNA methylome findings with T2D GWAS meta-analysis results reveals a strong enrichment for DMRs in T2D-susceptibility loci. We also detect signals specific to T2D-discordant twins in theGPR61andPRKCBgenes. These replicated T2D associations reflect both likely causal and consequential pathways of the disease. The analysis indicates how an integrated genomics and epigenomics approach, utilizing an MZ twin design, can provide pathogenic insights as well as potential drug targets and biomarkers for T2D and other complex traits.
Do good actions inspire good actions in others?
Authors: Capraro Valerio , Marcelletti Alessandra
Published: December 2014

Actions such as sharing food and cooperating to reach a common goal have played a fundamental role in the evolution of human societies. Despite the importance of suchgoodactions, little is known about if and how they can spread from person to person to person. For instance, does being recipient of an altruistic act increase your probability of being cooperative with a third party? We have conducted an experiment on Amazon Mechanical Turk to test this mechanism using economic games. We have measured willingness to be cooperative through a standard Prisoner's dilemma and willingness to act altruistically using a binary Dictator game. In the baseline treatments, the endowments needed to play were given by the experimenters, as usual; in the control treatments, they came from a good action made by someone else. Across four different comparisons and a total of 572 subjects, we have never found a significant increase of cooperation or altruism when the endowment came from a good action. We conclude that good actions do not necessarily inspire good actions in others. While this is consistent with the theoretical prediction, it challenges the majority of other experimental studies.
Stereospecific recognition and quantitative structure–activity relationship between antibodies and enantiomers: ofloxacin as a model hapten
Authors: Mu Hongtao , Wang Baoling , Xu Zhenlin , Sun Yuanming , Huang Xinan , Shen Yudong , Eremin Sergei A. , Zherdev Anatoly V. , Dzantiev Boris B. , Lei Hongtao
Published: December 2014

In this study, ofloxacin stereoisomers were chosen as a simple model to investigate the stereospecific recognition of chiral haptens and antibodies.
Negative thermal quenching of photoluminescence in annealed ZnO–Al2O3 core–shell nanorods
Authors: Wu Yukun , Li Junwen , Ding Huaiyi , Gao Zhiwei , Wu Yiming , Pan Nan , Wang Xiaoping
Published: December 2014

Negative thermal quenching behavior of photoluminescence is observed in the annealed ZnO–Al2O3 core–shell nanorods, which is originated from the Al donor in ZnO induced through an annealing process.
CPMV-induced synthesis of hollow mesoporous SiO2nanocapsules with excellent performance in drug delivery
Authors: Kumar Koushi , Kumar Doddi Shanmukha , Kalle Arunasree Marasanapalli , Paik Pradip
Published: December 2014

Synthesis of CPMV- hollow silica nanocapsules and their use in nanomedicine.
A helix–coil transition induced by the metal ion interaction with a grafted iron-binding site of the CyaY protein family
Authors: Vazquez Diego S. , Agudelo William A. , Yone Angel , Vizioli Nora , Arán Martín , González Flecha F. Luis , González Lebrero Mariano C. , Santos Javier
Published: December 2014

An iron-binding motif EExxED from the first α-helical stretch of frataxin was grafted on a foreign peptide scaffold:KD= 1.9 ± 0.2 μM and 1 : 1 stoichiometry.
Facile synthesis of ZnO–C nanocomposites with enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Xue Jinjuan , Ma Shuaishuai , Zhou Yuming , Zhang Zewu
Published: December 2014

ZnO–C nanocomposites exhibit excellent photocatalytic activity towards methylene blue degradation.
An asymmetric pericyclic cascade approach to 3-alkyl-3-aryloxindoles: generality, applications and mechanistic investigations
Authors: Richmond Edward , Ling Kenneth B. , Duguet Nicolas , Manton Lois B. , Çelebi-Ölçüm Nihan , Lam Yu-Hong , Alsancak Sezen , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Houk K. N. , Smith Andrew D.
Published: December 2014

The reaction of l-serine derived N-arylnitrones with alkylarylketenes generates 3-alkyl-3-aryloxindoles in good yields and excellent enantioselectivities.
Enhanced visible-light-induced photocatalytic performance of a novel ternary semiconductor coupling system based on hybrid Zn–In mixed metal oxide/g-C3N4 composites
Authors: Lan Meng , Fan Guoli , Yang Lan , Li Feng
Published: December 2014

Ternary semiconductor coupling system based on hybrid Zn–In mixed metal oxide/g-C3N4 composites exhibited significantly enhanced visible-light-induced photocatalytic performance.
Discrimination of sibutramine and its analogues based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and chemometrics: toward the rapid detection of synthetic anorexic drugs in natural slimming products
Authors: Mao Hui , Qi Meihui , Zhou Yujie , Huang Xiaoyan , Zhang Liying , Jin Yang , Peng Yan , Du Shuhu
Published: December 2014

A new approach, which uses SERS measurement and chemometrical tool, is developed to discriminate between sibutramine and its analogues, and successfully applied to the NSP quality screening without sample pretreatments.
Enantioselective solid phase extraction prior to spectrofluorometric determination: a procedure for the determination of naproxen enantiomers in the presence of each other
Authors: Ahmadi Mazaher , Madrakian Tayyebeh , Afkhami Abbas
Published: December 2014

Enantioselective solid phase extraction of naproxen drug enantiomers.
Control of swelling–deswelling behavior of a self-oscillating gel by designing the chemical structure
Authors: Masuda Tsukuru , Terasaki Ayako , Akimoto Aya Mizutani , Nagase Kenichi , Okano Teruo , Yoshida Ryo
Published: December 2014

To improve the self-oscillating gel we have developed so far, the ternary self-oscillating polymer and the gel were newly prepared. Their phase transition and self-oscillating behaviors were investigated considering potential applications.
Hyperattenins A–I, bioactive polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols from Hypericum attenuatum Choisy
Authors: Li Dongyan , Xue Yongbo , Zhu Hucheng , Li Yan , Sun Bin , Liu Junjun , Yao Guangmin , Zhang Jinwen , Du Guang , Zhang Yonghui
Published: December 2014

Nine new bioactive polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols were isolated from the aerial parts ofHypericum attenuatumChoisy.
Highly hydrophilic microfluidic device prototyping using a novel poly(dimethylsiloxane)-based polymeric mix
Authors: Rigat-Brugarolas L. G. , Homs-Corbera A. , Samitier J.
Published: December 2014

We present a novel methodology to create in a simple and fast way an interpenetrating polymer network biomaterial, mixing 2-hydroxyethil methacrylate and poly(dimethylsiloxane), for long-lasting highlyhydrophilic microfluidic device prototyping.
Hydrosilylation as an efficient tool for polymer synthesis and modification with methacrylates
Authors: Risangud Nuttapol , Li Zhijian , Anastasaki Athina , Wilson Paul , Kempe Kristian , Haddleton David M.
Published: December 2014

Hydrosilylation is a well-established reaction for the preparation of organo-silicon compounds, in which vinyl groups react with silanes (Si–H) usually catalysed by late transition metal complexes, most often Pt(ii) complexes.
Surface-functionalized silica aerogels and alcogels for methylene blue adsorption
Authors: Saad Naim , Al-Mawla Mazen , Moubarak Elias , Al-Ghoul Mazen , El-Rassy Houssam
Published: December 2014

Surface-functionalized silica aerogels and alcogels preparedviaa two-step sol–gel process through the combination of different silicon precursors were used in the adsorption of methylene blue dye molecules from aqueous media.
Structural effects of the dispersing agent polysorbate 80 on liquid crystalline nanoparticles of soy phosphatidylcholine and glycerol dioleate
Authors: Wadsäter Maria , Barauskas Justas , Rogers Sarah , Skoda Maximilian W. A. , Thomas Robert K. , Tiberg Fredrik , Nylander Tommy
Published: December 2014

The location of stabilizer (polysorbate 80) within lipid liquid crystalline nanoparticles – neutrons and X-rays reveal internal structure and adsorption.
Structural tailoring of hydrogen-bonded poly(acrylic acid)/poly(ethylene oxide) multilayer thin films for reduced gas permeability
Authors: Xiang Fangming , Ward Sarah M. , Givens Tara M. , Grunlan Jaime C.
Published: December 2014

Setting the assembling pH at 2.75 minimizes the negative impacts of poly(acrylic acid) ionization, COOH dimerization, and phase separation on the formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonds within a poly(acrylic acid)/poly(ethylene oxide) assembly, leading to low oxygen permeability.
Self-assembly of “Mickey Mouse” shaped colloids into tube-like structures: experiments and simulations
Authors: Wolters Joost R. , Avvisati Guido , Hagemans Fabian , Vissers Teun , Kraft Daniela J. , Dijkstra Marjolein , Kegel Willem K.
Published: December 2014

Triangular colloids with one sticky and two non-sticky lobes self-assemble into tube-like structures due to their geometry and anisotropic interactions.
Enhancement of photocatalytic performance via a P3HT-g-C3N4 heterojunction
Authors: Bai Xiaojuan , Sun Changpo , Wu Songling , Zhu Yongfa
Published: December 2014

Schematic illustration of charge separation and photocatalytic processes over g-C3N4 and P3HT-g-C3N4 photocatalysts under visible light irradiation.
Miniaturisation of the triangular patch antenna by the novel dual‐reverse‐arrow fractal
Authors: Orazi Homayoon , Soleimani Hadi
Published: December 2014

A novel geometry called the dual‐reverse‐arrow fractal (DRAF) is introduced, which is the combination of two dual Koch fractals. It is implemented on an equilateral‐triangular patch antenna. This structure has smaller dimensions compared to the rectangular structure and has wide applications in arrays to reduce their size. Furthermore, the use of triangular elements in array leads to the decrease of side‐lobe levels. Four cases of the triangular patch are compared to show that the presented fractal geometry is effective in the miniaturisation of patch antenna and decreasing its resonance frequency, while the antenna bandwidth and efficiency are kept constant. To increase the antenna efficiency, an air space is placed under the patch. Finally, a portion of the corner of fractal triangle is cut to generate circular polarisation by proper positioning of the feed points. The proposed DRAF antenna achieved 40% reduction in size compared to the similar triangular antenna. The proposed DRAF geometry has potential applications in various radiating systems and microwave devices.
Soft switching high‐voltage gain dc–dc interleaved boost converter
Authors: e Silva Aquino Ranoyca Nayana Alencar Leão , Tofoli Fernando Lessa , Praca Paulo Peixoto , Oliveira Demercil de Souza , Barreto Luiz Henrique Silva Colado
Published: December 2014

This study presents the qualitative and quantitative analyses, design procedure and experimental results on a soft switching cell applied to a high‐voltage gain interleaved boost converter. An active snubber cell is proposed as a possible solution for the increase of efficiency in a hard switching topology, where switching losses are drastically minimised. The main advantages of the introduced circuit are the common source terminal to all switches; zero‐voltage switching of the main switches; zero current switching of the auxiliary switches; low‐voltage stress across the switches; balanced voltage across the output capacitors; the presence of a magnetic coupling cell, which allows the gain to be significantly increased; and the magnetic components that are designed for twice the switching frequency. A prototype rated at 500 W is implemented and evaluated, where relevant issues are discussed to validate the theoretical assumptions.
The elastic and thermoelectric properties of the Zintl compound Ca5Al2Sb6 under high pressure
Authors: Yang Gui , Cui Haitao , Ma Dongwei , He Chaozheng
Published: December 2014

The elastic and thermoelectric properties of Ca5Al2Sb6 under pressure are studied using ab initio calculation and semiclassical Boltzmann theory. The calculated elastic constants and minimum thermal conductivity indicate that Ca5Al2Sb6 exhibits an anisotropic structure and high thermoelectric performance. The size of the band gap shows a nonlinear change with increasing pressure. Based on the electronic structure, the calculated thermoelectric parameters show that the Seebeck coefficient has no obvious change under pressure, whereas the electrical conductivity improves with increasing pressure. Therefore, the power factor increases at an appropriate pressure of P = 2.6 GPa. P-type doping of Ca5Al2Sb6 may achieve better thermoelectric performance than n-type doping, in agreement with experiment. The anisotropic thermoelectric properties of Ca5Al2Sb6 indicate that the thermoelectric performance along the z-direction is superior to other directions. This is attributed to the combination of the large dispersion and high band degeneracy along the Γ-Z direction in the band structure.
Slow motion of a circular cylinder in a plane Poiseuille flow in a microchannel
Authors: Jeong Jae-Tack , Jang Chul-Soo
Published: December 2014

The slow motion of a circular cylinder in a plane Poiseuille flow in a microchannel is analyzed for a wide range of cylinder radii and positions across the channel. The cylinder translates parallel to the channel walls and rotates about its axis. The Stokes approximation is used and the problem is solved analytically using the Papkovich-Fadle eigenfunction expansion and the least-squares method. The stream function and the pressure distribution of the flow field are obtained as results. The force and moment exerted on the cylinder, and the pressure change far from the cylinder, are calculated and shown as functions of the size and location of the cylinder. The results confirm some reciprocal relations exactly. In particular, the translational and rotational velocities of the drifting cylinder in the existing Poiseuille flow are determined. The induced pressure change, when the cylinder drifts in the Poiseuille flow, is also calculated. Some typical streamline patterns, depending on the size and location of the cylinder, are shown and discussed. When the cylinder translates and/or rotates in the channel blocked at infinity, a series of Moffatt eddies appears far from the cylinder in the channel, as expected.
Characterization of solid state nuclear track detectors of the polyallyl-diglycol-carbonate (CR-39/PM-355) type for light charged particle spectroscopy
Authors: Malinowska A. , Jaskóła M. , Korman A. , Szydłowski A. , Kuk M.
Published: December 2014

This paper presents a method which uses the characteristics of the etch pits induced in a polyallyl-diglycol-carbonate (PADC) detector of the CR-39/PM-355 type to estimate particle energy. This method is based on the data provided by a semiautomatic system that selects tracks according to two parameters, crater diameters, and mean gray level values. In this paper we used the results of the calibration measurements that were obtained in our laboratory in the period 2000–2014. Combining the information on the two parameters it is possible to determine unambiguously the incident projectile energy values. The paper presents the results of an attempt to estimate the energy resolution of the method when analyzing the tracks produced in the CR-39/PM-355 detector by energetic ions such as alpha particles, protons, and deuterons. We discuss the energy resolution of the measurement of light charged particle energy which is based on the parameters (crater diameter and mean gray level value) of tracks induced in solid state nuclear track detectors of the PADC type.
Note: Pre-pulse characterization of femtosecond laser pulse by filamentation in transparent media
Authors: Liu X. L. , Lu X. , Ma J. L. , Du Z. G. , He Y. , Li Y. T. , Chen L. M. , Zhang J.
Published: December 2014

A new method and associating system has been presented to characterize pre-pulses of femtosecond laser using laser filamentation in transparent media. Pre-pluses of the laser system has been measured experimentally and it is in good agreement with the results obtained by third order cross-correlator. This method can be used for fast detection of temporal laser intensity relatively in order to avoid formation of pre-plasmas before laser matter interaction experiments.
Expansion of a cold non-neutral plasma slab
Authors: Karimov A. R. , Yu M. Y. , Stenflo L.
Published: December 2014

Expansion of the ion and electron fronts of a cold non-neutral plasma slab with a quasi-neutral core bounded by layers containing only ions is investigated analytically and exact solutions are obtained. It is found that on average, the plasma expansion time scales linearly with the initial inverse ion plasma frequency as well as the degree of charge imbalance, and no expansion occurs if the cold plasma slab is stationary and overall neutral. However, in both cases, there can exist prominent oscillations on the electron front.
Geometrical correction factors for finite-size probe tips in microscopic four-point-probe resistivity measurements
Authors: Ilse Klemens , Tänzer Tommy , Hagendorf Christian , Turek Marko
Published: December 2014

The sheet resistance of thin film structures is commonly measured using a four-point-probe setup and involves the application of geometrical correction factors depending on the sample geometry and electrode pitch. The characterization of small thin film structures in the micrometer range requires probe tip diameters and spacings that are of similar size. An experimental realization with micro-manipulators is possible as tip distances in a range of a few micrometers can be achieved. However, such a setup requires an additional correction factor accounting for the finite probe tip contact area. Neglecting such a correction leads to an underestimation of the sheet resistance when the electrode pitch is comparable to the probe contact area diameter. Based on numerical simulation results, we develop a simplified method applying a new phenomenological correction scheme which takes into account the finite contact area size for small probe distances. This method can be applied directly without any additional numerical simulations and corrects the underestimation due to the probe tip size significantly.
Tilted dipole model for bias-dependent photoluminescence pattern
Authors: Fujieda Ichiro , Suzuki Daisuke , Masuda Taishi
Published: December 2014

In a guest-host system containing elongated dyes and a nematic liquid crystal, both molecules are aligned to each other. An external bias tilts these molecules and the radiation pattern of the system is altered. A model is proposed to describe this bias-dependent photoluminescence patterns. It divides the liquid crystal/dye layer into sub-layers that contain electric dipoles with specific tilt angles. Each sub-layer emits linearly polarized light. Its radiation pattern is toroidal and is determined by the tilt angle. Its intensity is assumed to be proportional to the power of excitation light absorbed by the sub-layer. This is calculated by the Lambert-Beer's Law. The absorption coefficient is assumed to be proportional to the cross-section of the tilted dipole moment, in analogy to the ellipsoid of refractive index, to evaluate the cross-section for each polarized component of the excitation light. Contributions from all the sub-layers are added to give a final expression for the radiation pattern. Self-absorption is neglected. The model is simplified by reducing the number of sub-layers. Analytical expressions are derived for a simple case that consists of a single layer with tilted dipoles sandwiched by two layers with horizontally-aligned dipoles. All the parameters except for the tilt angle can be determined by measuring transmittance of the excitation light. The model roughly reproduces the bias-dependent photoluminescence patterns of a cell containing 0.5 wt. % coumarin 6. It breaks down at large emission angles. Measured spectral changes suggest that the discrepancy is due to self-absorption and re-emission.
Giant magnetocaloric effect in ferromagnetic superconductor RuSr2GdCu2O8
Authors: Midya A. , Mandal P.
Published: December 2014

We have investigated the magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of ferromagnetic superconductor Ru(Sr1–xLax)2GdCu2O8 (x = 0–0.10) by magnetization and heat capacity measurements. RuSr2GdCu2O8 shows onset of superconductivity at around 46 K, which coexists with the weak ferromagnetic ordering of the RuO2 moments and the antiferromagnetic ordering of the Gd moments. Both superconducting RuSr2GdCu2O8 and non-superconducting Ru(Sr0.9La0.1)2GdCu2O8 compounds exhibit a large magnetic entropy change due to the field-induced metamagnetic transition. The maximum values of entropy change, adiabatic temperature change, and refrigerant capacity are ∼15.5 J kg−1 K−1, ∼14 K, and ∼125 J kg−1, respectively, for a field change of 0–7 T for both the compounds. These magnetocaloric parameters also have reasonably good values for a moderate field change (2–3 T), therefore, fulfilling the necessary conditions for refrigeration in the low-temperature region.
Transition of temperature coefficient of conductance in weakly coupled gold nanoparticle arrays
Authors: Wang Ying , Guan Changrong , Sun Jinling , Peng Lianmao , Liao Jianhui
Published: December 2014

A unique positive-to-negative transition of temperature coefficient of conductance (TCC) was observed in self-assembled close-packed Au nanoparticle (AuNP) arrays. The transition of TCC can be interpreted properly with a diffusive hopping model, in which the Coulomb charging energy Ea plays a significant role. Two parameters of AuNP arrays, the nearest neighboring number and the particle core size, have been varied to tune Ea. Our data show that the positive-to-negative transitions of TCC are relevant to both parameters, which confirms the validity of the diffusive hopping model.
Conceptualizing organizational resilience in tourism crisis management.
Authors: Scarpino M. R. , Gretzel U.
Published: December 2014

This chapter provides a novel framework for destination marketing/management organizations (DMOs) to develop organizational resilience to tourism crises and disasters. The new framework is tourism-centric, yet intentionally broad-based in order to accommodate DMOs in varying contexts and environments.
How does crisis leadership influence effective crisis readiness (CR)?
Authors: Cronin J. , Parry K.
Published: December 2014

This chapter focuses on the need for a 'living' crisis management plan, which could be adapted over time for different crisis situations. The chapter draws on leadership theories and concepts to illustrate the importance of crisis leadership (CL) in effectively managing crises within the Thai hotel industry. It focuses on the relationship between CL and crisis readiness (CR), and on how the CL categories of crisis experience and experiential learning (EL) impact upon an organization's ability to prepare for a future crisis. It is then suggested that EL needs to be 'lived and breathed'. In addition, senior management should give high priority to a crisis management plan and should view the plan as a 'living manual' by incorporating it into the organization's day-to-day operations.
The development of a transnational tourism risk, crisis and recovery management network.
Authors: Beirman D.
Published: December 2014

This chapter outlines the development of a transnational tourism risk, crisis and recovery management network, using a case study of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)'s Rapid Response Taskforce (PRRT). The core paradigm in preparing contingency measures and crisis response necessarily focuses on collaborative approaches between private sector stakeholders and governments. Because risk to the viability of the tourism industry and the impact of a crisis event frequently extends beyond national frontiers, the PRRT builds collaborative alliances within and beyond the Asia-Pacific including (but not limited to) the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Tourism, and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Tourism.
Conclusion and future directions.
Authors: Campiranon K. , Ritchie B. W.
Published: December 2014

This chapter summarizes the content and themes of this book on tourism crisis and disaster management in the Asia-Pacific, and identifies future research opportunities.
Climate change and global health: a new conceptual framework - Mini Review.
Authors: Butler C. D.
Published: December 2014

Climate change's burden of disease seems orders of magnitude too low to justify claims that it is this century's greatest threat to health. However, such claims can be more easily understood by considering how climate change acts as a risk multiplier, compounding pre-existing socially and politically-mediated drivers of adverse health consequences including conflict.
MpTheory Java library: a multi-platform Java library for systems biology based on the Metabolic P theory
Authors: Marchetti Luca , Manca Vincenzo
Published: December 2014

Summary: MpTheory Java library is an open-source project collecting a set of objects and algorithms for modeling observed dynamics by means of the Metabolic P (MP) theory, that is, a mathematical theory introduced in 2004 for modeling biological dynamics. By means of the library, it is possible to model biological systems both at continuous and at discrete time. Moreover, the library comprises a set of regression algorithms for inferring MP models starting from time series of observations. To enhance the modeling experience, beside a pure Java usage, the library can be directly used within the most popular computing environments, such as MATLAB, GNU Octave, Mathematica and R.

Availability and implementation: The library is open-source and licensed under the GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL) Version 3.0. Source code, binaries and complete documentation are available at http://mptheory.scienze.univr.it.

Contact:  luca.marchetti@univr.it, marchetti@cosbi.eu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The potential utility of parent-reported attention screening in survivors of childhood cancer to identify those in need of comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation
Authors: Hardy Kristina K. , Willard Victoria W. , Wigdor Alissa B. , Allen Taryn M. , Bonner Melanie J.
Published: December 2014

Background

Survivors of childhood cancer are at risk for neuropsychological late effects, yet identifying those in need of evaluation and obtaining needed services can be challenging for the medical team. Finding time- and cost-effective screening measures that can be used to identify children in need of evaluation is a clinical priority. Our objective was to investigate the association between parent-rated attention problems and related neuropsychological impairments in childhood cancer survivors as a means of identifying those at high risk for difficulties.

Methods

Cognitive and psychosocial data of survivors who completed neuropsychological evaluations were retrospectively abstracted. Parents of 70 survivors of pediatric cancer (mean age, 11.6 years) completed the Conners Parent Rating Scale and the Child Behavior Checklist. Children also completed a measure of intellectual functioning. The 18 symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity were abstracted from the Conners questionnaire, and participants were classified according to whether or not they met attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptom criteria (≥6 inattentive symptoms).

Results

Survivors who met symptom criteria for ADHD (27%) demonstrated greater impairments in IQ and working memory, but not processing speed, than survivors who did not. Meeting ADHD symptom criteria was also associated with greater externalizing and social problems but not more internalizing symptoms. ADHD symptom screening was associated with low sensitivity (range = 26.3%–69.2%) but stronger specificity (range = 75.0%–82.7%) for neuropsychological difficulties.

Conclusion

Parental ratings of attentional symptoms may be a useful way to screen survivors who may be in need of a full neuropsychological assessment.
Trigonometric parallax of IRAS 22555+6213 with VERA: Three-dimensional view of sources along the same line of sight
Authors: Chibueze James O. , Sakanoue Hirofumi , Nagayama Takumi , Omodaka Toshihiro , Handa Toshihiro , Kamezaki Tatsuya , Burns Ross A. , Kobayashi Hideyuki , Nakanishi Hiroyuki , Honma Mareki , Ueno Yuji , Kurayama Tomoharu , Matsuo Mitsuhiro , Sakai Nobuyuki
Published: December 2014

We report the results of the measurement of the trigonometric parallax of an H2O maser source in IRAS 22555+6213 with the VLBI Exploration of Radio Astrometry (VERA). The annual parallax was determined to be 0.314 ± 0.070 mas, corresponding to a distance of $3.18^{+0.90}_{-0.66}\,{\rm kpc}$. Our results confirm IRAS 22555+6213 to be located in the Perseus arm. We computed the peculiar motion of IRAS 22555+6213 to be (Usrc, Vsrc, Wsrc) = (4 ± 4, −32 ± 6, 8 ± 6) km s−1, where Usrc, Vsrc, and Wsrc are directed toward the Galactic center, in the direction of Galactic rotation and toward the Galactic north pole, respectively. IRAS 22555+6213, NGC 7538, and Cepheus A lie along the same line of sight, and are within 2° on the sky. Their parallax distances, with which we derived their absolute position in the Milky Way, show that IRAS 22555+6213 and NGC 7538 are associated with the Perseus Arm, while Cepheus A is located in the Local Arm. We compared the kinematic distances of IRAS 22198+6336, G108.18+05.51, G108.20−00.58, G108.47+02.81, G108.59+00.49, Cepheus A, NGC 7538, G111.23−01.23, G111.25−00.76, and IRAS 22555+6213 derived with flat and non-flat rotation curves with their parallax distance and found the kinematic distance derived from the non-flat rotation assumption (−5 to −39 km s−1 lag) to be consistent with the parallax distance.
Correlation between γ-ray and radio emissions in Fermi blazars
Authors: Wu De-Xiang , Fan Jun-Hui , Liu Yi , Yang Jiang-He , Hao Jing-Meng , Pei Zhi-Yuan , Lin Chao
Published: December 2014

Blazars as a special subclass of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs) consist of two classes, namely Flat Spectrum Radio Quasars (FSRQs) and BL Lacertae objects (BL Lacs). We compiled information about core and extended radio emissions of 124 γ-ray (0.1–100 GeV) loud blazars (79 FSRQs and 45 BL Lacs). Correlation is found between γ-ray and 5 GHz radio luminosities when the dependence of these two parameters on redshift is taken into account. The correlation suggests that, as well as the radio emission, the γ-ray emission may be strongly beamed. We find no correlation between the γ-ray luminosity (Lγ) and the core-dominance parameter R = Lcore/Lext, where Lcore is the VLBI core emission at 5 GHz, Lext is the extended (lobe) radio emissions at 5 GHz, but there is a strong correlation between log(Lγ/Lext) and log(1 + R).
Stacking analysis of 12CO and 13CO spectra of NGC 3627: Existence of non-optically thick 12CO emission?
Authors: Morokuma-Matsui Kana , Sorai Kazuo , Watanabe Yoshimasa , Kuno Nario
Published: December 2014

We stacked 12CO and 13CO spectra of NGC 3627 after redefining the velocity axis of each spectrum of the mapping data so that the zero corresponds to the local mean velocity of the 12CO spectra. The signal-to-noise ratios of the resulting spectra are improved by a factor of up to 3.2 compared to those obtained with normal stacking analysis. We successfully detect a weak 13CO emission from the interarm region where the emission was not detected in the individual pointings. We compare the integrated intensity ratios $I_{^{12}\rm {CO}}/I_{^{13}{\rm CO}}$ among six characteristic regions (center, bar, bar-end, offset, arm, and interarm). We find that $I_{^{12}\rm {CO}}/I_{^{13}{\rm CO}}$ in the bar and interarm are higher than those in the other regions by a factor of ∼ 2 and $I_{^{12}\rm {CO}}/I_{^{13}{\rm CO}}$ in the center is moderately high. These high $I_{^{12}\rm {CO}}/I_{^{13}{\rm CO}}$ ratios in the bar and center are attributed to a high intensity ratio ($T_{^{12}\rm {CO}}/T_{^{13}{\rm CO}}$), and that in the interarm is attributed to a high ratio of the full width at half maximum of spectra (FWHM$_{^{12}\rm {CO}}/$FWHM$_{^{13}{\rm CO}}$). The difference between FWHM$_{^{12}{\rm CO}}$ and FWHM$_{^{13}{\rm CO}}$ of the interarm indicates the existence of two components, one with a narrow line width (∼ FWHM$_{\rm ^{13}CO}$) and the other with a broad line width (∼ FWHM$_{\rm ^{12}CO}$). Additionally, the $T_{^{12}\rm {CO}}/T_{^{13}{\rm CO}}$ ratio in the broad-line-width component of the interarm is higher than the other regions. The high $T_{^{12}\rm {CO}}/T_{^{13}{\rm CO}}$ in the center and bar and of the broad-line-width component in the interarm suggest the existence of non-optically thick 12CO components. We find that more than half of the 12CO emissions of the interarm are likely to be radiated from the diffuse component. Our result suggests that the use of a universal CO-to-H2 conversion factor might lead to an overestimation of molecular gas mass and underestimation of star-formation efficiency in the interarm by a factor of a few.
Marivirga lumbricoides sp. nov., a marine bacterium isolated from the South China Sea
Authors: Xu Yongle , Zhang Rui , Li Qipei , Liu Keshao , Jiao Nianzhi
Published: December 2014

A novel, aerobic, heterotrophic, orange-pigmented, Gram-staining-negative, rod-shaped, gliding bacterial strain, designated JLT2000T, was isolated from surface water of the South China Sea. The strain was oxidase- and catalase-positive. The major cellular fatty acids of strain JLT2000
T
were C12 : 0, iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c), C16 : 0 and C18 : 0. MK-7 was the major respiratory quinone and the major polar lipids were phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain JLT2000T was 37.9 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain JLT2000T formed a branch within the genus

Marivirga

, but was clearly separated from the two established species of this genus,

Marivirga tractuosa

and

Marivirga sericea

. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of strain JLT2000T with the type strains of these two species was 95.8 % and 96.1 %, respectively. Strain JLT2000T had a shorter cell length and wider growth range in different temperatures and salinities than those of

Marivirga tractuosa

NBRC 15989T and

Marivirga sericea

NBRC 15983T. In addition, strain JLT2000T could utilize more carbon sources and hydrolyse more polymers than

Marivirga tractuosa

NBRC 15989T and

Marivirga sericea

NBRC 15983T. Based on this polyphasic analysis, strain JLT2000T represents a novel species of the genus

Marivirga

, for which the name Marivirga lumbricoides sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JLT2000T ( = JCM 18012T = CGMCC 1.10832T).
Reconstruction of Gene Regulatory Networks based on Repairing Sparse Low-rank Matrices
Authors: Chang Young Hwan , Dobbe Roel , Bhushan Palak , Gray Joe W. , Tomlin Claire J.
Published: December 2014

With the growth of high-throughput proteomic data, in particular time series gene expression data from various perturbations, a general question that has arisen is how to organize inherently heterogenous data into meaningful structures. Since biological systems such as breast cancer tumors respond differently to various treatments, little is known about exactly how these gene regulatory networks (GRNs) operate under different stimuli. For example, when we apply a drug-induced perturbation to a target protein, we often only know that the dynamic response of the specific protein may be affected. We do not know by how much, how long and even whether this perturbation affects other proteins or not. Challenges due to the lack of such knowledge not only occur in modeling the dynamics of a GRN but also cause bias or uncertainties in identifying parameters or inferring the GRN structure. This paper describes a new algorithm which enables us to estimate bias error due to the effect of perturbations and correctly identify the common graph structure among biased inferred graph structures. To do this, we retrieve common dynamics of the GRN subject to various perturbations. We refer to the task as “repairing” inspired by “image repairing” in computer vision. The method can automatically correctly repair the common graph structure across perturbed GRNs, even without precise information about the effect of the perturbations. We evaluate the method on synthetic data sets and demonstrate advantages over C-regularized graph inference by advancing our understanding of how these networks respond across different targeted therapies. Also, we demonstrate an application to the DREAM data sets and discuss its implications to experiment design.
Influence of edaphic and management factors on the diversity and abundance of ammonia‐oxidizing thaumarchaeota and bacteria in soils of bioenergy crop cultivars
Authors: Bertagnolli Anthony D. , Meinhardt Kelley A. , Pannu Manmeet , Brown Sally , Strand Stuart , Fransen Steven C. , Stahl David A.
Published: December 2014

Ammonia‐oxidizing thaumarcheota (AOA) and ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB) differentially influence soil and atmospheric chemistry, but soil properties that control their distributions are poorly understood. In this study, the ammonia monooxygenase gene (amoA) was used to identify and quantify presumptive AOA and AOB and relate their distributions to soil properties in two experimental fields planted with different varieties of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), a potential bioenergy feedstock. Differences in ammonia oxidizer diversity were associated primarily with soil properties of the two field sites, with pH displaying significant correlations with both AOA and AOB population structure. Percent nitrogen (%N), carbon to nitrogen ratios (C : N), and pH were also correlated with shifts nitrifier population structure. Nitrosotalea‐like and Nitrosospira cluster II populations were more highly represented in acidic soils, whereas populations affiliated with Nitrososphaera and Nitrosospira cluster 3A.1 were relatively more abundant in alkaline soils. AOA were the dominant functional group in all plots based on quantitative polymerase chain reaction and high‐throughput sequencing analyses. These data suggest that AOA contribute significantly to nitrification rates in carbon and nitrogen rich soils influenced by perennial grasses.
Environmental tobacco smoke exposure, urine CC‐16 levels, and asthma outcomes among Chinese children
Authors: Ma Y.‐N. , Qian Z. , Wang J. , Rodemich E. , Lee Y. L. , Lv X.‐F. , Liu Y.‐Q. , Zhao Y. , Huang M.‐M. , Liu Y. , Sun J. , He Q.‐C. , Dong G.‐H.
Published: December 2014

Background

Previous studies have shown the relationship between club cell secretory protein (Clara) (CC‐16) and respiratory diseases. However, few studies have explored the associations between urine CC‐16 levels and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure in children. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether ETS exposure is associated with CC‐16 when stratified by asthma status.

Methods

In our study, CC‐16 was measured on 537 children aged 9–15 from northeast China in 2011–2012 using the Human Clara Cell Protein ELISA kits. Doctor‐diagnosed asthma was defined as having ever been diagnosed with asthma by a physician. The relationship between ETS exposure and urine CC‐16 level was assessed using linear regression.

Results

When stratified by asthma status, a negative association between ETS exposure and urine CC‐16 was observed after adjusting for the effects of the related covariates, with an adjusted β coefficient [P value] = −0.31 [0.006] in the first 2 years of life and with an adjusted β coefficient [P value] = −0.68 [0.004] in the first 2 years of life and current.

Conclusions

Our study shows long‐term exposure to ETS was associated with urinary CC‐16 among children without asthma.
Epidemiology of 411 140 cataract operations performed in public hospitals and private hospitals/clinics in Denmark between 2004 and 2012
Authors: Solborg Bjerrum Søren , Mikkelsen Kim Lyngby , la Cour Morten
Published: December 2014

Purpose

To study the epidemiology and mortality in patients who had cataract surgery in public hospitals and private hospitals/clinics in Denmark between 2004 and 2012 and to assess the validity of the Danish cataract registries.

Methods

Register‐ and chart‐based study.

Results

A total of 411 140 cataract operations were performed in 243 856 patients. Patients who had cataract surgery in public hospitals had an overall statistically significantly 62% higher mortality compared to patients who had cataract surgery in private hospitals/clinics. The decrease in mean age at first eye cataract surgery in private hospitals/clinics was statistically significantly greater compared to the decrease in mean age at first eye cataract surgery in public hospitals (p < 0.001). The median time interval between first and second eye cataract surgery decreased statistically significantly during the study period (p < 0.001) and was statistically significantly shorter in all calendar years for patients operated in private hospitals/clinics compared to patients operated in public hospitals (p < 0.001). In all, 46% of the cataract operations performed in private hospitals/clinics that led to cases of postoperative endophthalmitis were not registered in any registry.

Conclusion

In general, patients who had cataract surgery in private hospitals/clinics were healthier, had first eye cataract surgery at an increasingly younger age and had a reduced time interval between cataract surgeries in the two eyes compared to patients who had cataract surgery in public hospitals. The lack of registration of cataract surgery by the private hospitals/clinics limits the quality of the registries.
Reduced port laparoscopic gastrectomy: A review, techniques, and perspective
Authors: Inaki Noriyuki
Published: December 2014

Reduced port laparoscopic surgery has been used increasingly. It is a concept that has grown out of the various efforts aimed at minimally invasive surgery, with SILS being the ultimate reduced port technique. Reduced port laparoscopic surgery has been used to perform sleeve gastrectomy in bariatric surgery and excision of benign gastric submucosal tumor, applications that generally do not require lymph node dissection or complicated reconstruction. It can be done safely, result in a permanent cure, and offer good cosmetic outcomes. Reduced port laparoscopic surgery for gastric cancer has a short history, and its usefulness has not yet been fully established. This review describes the present situation and challenges faced as well as standardized procedures and the future prospects of reduced port laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer, which my team performs almost daily. These aspects of reduced port laparoscopic surgery are presented in light of the literature.