bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mixing Experimental Study on Water-rock Interaction (WRI) in the Inland Shallow Salt Groundwater Area
Authors: Changsuo Li , Liting Xing , Liyan Wang , Fengjuan Zhang , Bo Liu
Published: April 2015

The shallow salt groundwater is widely distributed in North Shandong, which makes it difficult for people and livestock to drink daily. In addtion, the genetic mechanism of shallow salt groundwater is complicated. The study was carried out in Xiyan Village of Jiyang County, it choosed the silt buried in 3-9 m depth, shallow salt groundwater and atmospheric precipitation as test materials to measure chemical composition of groundwater. Base on soluble salt test, rain-saltwater mixing test and rain-saltwater-silt mixing test, ions component of mixture were measured, the hydrogeochemical action process of WRI was analyzed and formation-evolution of inland saltwater was deepened knowledge. It is shown that (1) The occurrence threshold of WRI was 20%, which was the volume of saltwater in mixture. (2) When the rainwater, saltwater and silt were mixed together for 12 hours, calcite and dolomite precipitated, halite and gypsum were in dissolved state. When the volume of saltwater in mixture was larger than 20%, gypsum was closed to saturation, the main cation exchange was Mg-Na, the exchange of Ca-Na was in the second place; The order for anion adsorption amount of aquifer medium was SO42- > HCO3- >C-. The study proves that groundwater circulation is slow and continual, some hydrochemical actions (i.e. ion exchange, adsorption, mineral dissolution or precipitation, and strong evaporation-concentration) are happened during the evolution process of inland shallow groundwater. All these will lead to Cl•SO4-Mg•Na type salt or slight salt water with TDS being larger than 2g·L-1.
Sneaking Operation Modes in Zero-Current-Switching Converter
Authors: Lili Qu , Bo Zhang , Tang Wallace K.S.
Published: April 2015

This paper reports the occurrence of some abnormal operational modes in soft-switching converters. By constructing
a Boolean matrix based on the states of the switching components, some unexpected topological states are identified.
Consequently, these states excite the abnormal or sneaking operational modes as referred. A three-stage step-up zero-
current switching converter is used as an illustrative example and detailed analysis has been carried out. The phenomenon
has also been confirmed in experiences, where performance degradation is noticed.
The Monitoring and Feedback for the Construction Quality of the Mass Concrete Based on the Distributed Optical-Fiber Temperature Measurement System
Authors: Jin Feng , Zhou Yihong
Published: April 2015

Temperature control is a key factor which affects the construction quality of the mass concrete, which is also an important measure to prevent crack propagation. Lots of engineering practices show that most of temperature cracks come out in the form of the surface crack during the construction of the concrete dam. In addition, deep cracks and transverse cracks are usually developed by surface cracks. Strengthening conversation and surface insulation are one of the main methods to prevent surface cracks. In this paper, Xiluodu hydropower dam is taken as the engineering background, and an insulation monitoring experiment under the winter low-temperature condition was carried out on the fresh concrete layer during the construction period using the distributed fiber optic temperature monitoring system. The inversion of the equivalent heat coefficient for the fresh concrete layer with the covering of the polyethylene membrane insulation materials was conducted, besides the monitoring results and the feedback analysis of the conservation status was obtained based on the test data. The above procedure provides a basis for evaluating the quality of construction and the dynamic adjustment of the construction programs.
Impermeability Durability of SCC Reinforced with Fibrillated Polypropylene Fiber
Authors: He X.B. , Li Y. , Shen Q.
Published: April 2015

The paper studied the influences of the volume content and slenderness ratio of fibrillated polypropylene fiber
on the impermeability durability of self-consolidating concrete (SCC) reinforced with the fibrillated polypropylene fiber,
and proposed to use the modified relative permeability coefficient method to evaluate the water-resistant properties of
SCC reinforced with the fiber. Also, the influence mechanism of the fiber on the permeability of the concrete has been
analyzed according to the mercury injection test, scanning electronic microscope (SEM) observation and the basic
principles of fracture mechanics. Results showed that: 1) the total porosity of SCC gradually increased with the increase in
the fiber content; 2) the harmful porosity of SCC decreased firstly and then increased with the increase in the fiber
content, while the harmful porosity increased with the increase in the fiber length; 3) when the reference mix proportion
of SCC was kept constant, the fiber volume content was not more than 0.10 %, and the appropriate fiber length ranged
from 12 to 15mm; 4) when the volume content is no more than 0.15%, the hardened SCC reinforced with fibrillated
polypropylene fiber possessed good water impermeability gradation (＞P12); the splitting strength and flexural tensile
strength of the hardened SCC reinforced with fibrillated polypropylene fiber increased with the addition of the fiber
content; the relative water penetration coefficient of the hardened SCC reinforced with fibrillated polypropylene fiber
decreased with the addition of the fiber content firstly and then increased; the Coulomb value first increased smoothly (the
maximum Coulomb value is less than 2000C, and low according to JTJ/T 193-2009 and ASTM C 1202), and then
increased sharply.
The Research on the Affect of Collapse State and Bearing Capacity of the Soil Layer Properties Adjacent to the Bearing Plate of the Multi-Extruded-Expanded-Plates Pile
Authors: Qian Yongmei , Liu Xiaolong
Published: April 2015

This paper introduces the research status and analysis of the Multi-Extruded-Expanded-Plates pile (the MEEP pile) at home and abroad, by studying when the plate of pile embedded in different characteristics soil layer, the thickness, physical properties of upper and lower soil layer adjacent to the soil with plate cause the influence on soil break and bearing capacity of the soil layer with plate, analyzing the work together with pile and soil in different soil layer, providing a theoretical basis to improve the calculation formula of bearing capacity of single pile, ensuring the rationality and reliability of the design of the MEEP pile.
Instantaneous Minimum Fuel Consumption Control for Parallel Hybrid
Hydraulic Excavator
Authors: Miao Xu , Dingxuan Zhao , Tao Ni , Yao Wang
Published: April 2015

Hybrid excavator control strategy based on rules optimizes the specific fuel consumption only to determine
engine operating point in the perspective of qualitative analysis, it is not sufficient to reduce the excavator fuel
consumption because of ignoring the affect of engine power output. In this paper, an instantaneous minimum fuel
consumption control strategy for hybrid power-train is proposed, strategy determines the ideal operating point taking both
the main influence factors of fuel consumption into consideration, the ultra-capacitor energy variation which is caused by
the motor power output is converted to the equivalent fuel consumption and included in the current power-train fuel
consumption. The output torque combination of the engine and motor which minimize the current fuel consumption is
adopted. The bench test results validate that the engine is 12% fuel saving on average after optimizing, and at the same
time the ultra-capacitor energy is effectively maintained.
Analysis Method for Surface Topography Model in High Speed Milling
Hardened Steel
Authors: Bin Jiang , Minghui Zhang , Zhigang Wang , Yancong Guan
Published: April 2015

During high speed milling hardened steel, the problem that tool vibration reducing machining surface
quality causes led to a research for the influence characteristics of milled surface topography through high speed
milling experiment. To determine the formation condition of milled surface topography, using displacement increment
of origin of tool coordinate system which is caused by the milling cutter vibration and installation error, modifies the
cutting motion trajectory. Based on the tool-workpiece contact relationship and the cutting layer parameters of contact
points on two teeth, the residual units of machined surface are established, thereby proposing a solution method for
the deformation and distribution characteristic of residual units under the overhanging volume and the vibration.
Therefore, the milled surface topography of cutting hardness steel with high speed ball-end milling cutter is revealed
to bring out a striking contrast between the simulation and experiment of milled surface topography of hardness steel.
Design Method of B-Axis Components of Water Chamber Head Turning
and Milling Machining Center
Authors: Minli Zheng , Fenglan Cheng , Jiaxue Zhao , Shouzheng Sun , Chongmin Jiang
Published: April 2015

Aiming at the demands of nuclear water chamber head’s multi-inclined holes and ramps in boring and milling,
based on design requirements of special turning and milling machining center, B-axis structural design is put forward,
research on deformation characteristics of ram components under different swing angle, propose the control methods of
deformation and errors. Adopt modeling method of equal mass, construction of deformation and displacement analysis
model of B-axis components, explore formation reason of maximum gap between components’ joint surface, form
optimization design scheme of rotation structure of B-axis components. Trial-produce prototype of B-axis components,
make experiment of trial cut water chamber head in turning and milling machining center, utilize test results of part's
machining quality, verify unloading effects and machining accuracy of design scheme of B-axis components has been
verified.
Bearing Fault Prediction System Design Based on LabVIEW
Authors: Guoqing Wu , Yiping Luo , Hongjuan Ren
Published: April 2015

High-precision machine tools are important equipment of production line in general [1]. However, it is too
difficult to do failure prediction and maintenance of the spindle bearings. Equipment utilization will be decreased if the
damaged bearing is not replaced in time. This paper designed a set of bearing failure prediction system based on
LabVIEW programming environment, according to the requirement for the maintenance of spindle bearing on production
line. The system will predict the bearing failure through the analysis of the size precision of the parts. The system mainly
consists of two parts, data acquisition system and data analysis system. It achieves the following functions: data analysis
and calculation, data display and storage, system failure alarms, etc.
Study on the Heat Transfer Characteristics Performed in the Infrared
Thermography Detection of Welded Structure
Authors: Liu Zhiping , Liu Xingle , Jiang Lei , Lu Ge , Liu Huilong
Published: April 2015

During the weld defect detection, the heat transfer characteristics are closely related to the material properties
of welded structure. Based on the electromagnetic induction infrared thermography technology, the heat transfer
Characteristics of the welded material are studied with the changing temperature. By using the finite element analysis
software COMSOL, the eddy current density and temperature distributions and the law of thermal diffusion were analyzed
which provide a reference for the study of heat transfer characteristics of weld defects. The internal temperature dynamic
changes of the weld with surface crack or near-surface crack were also discussed. The appropriate time to observe and the
key defect location on the steel obtained from the heat conduction process can be applied to the development of heat
transfer characteristic analysis for steel weld and weld defects detection.
Economic Compensatory Method for Thermal Power Unit Joint Wind Power Accommodation Based on Objective Optimization
Authors: Zhang Wei , Qin Chao , Zhou Bingbing , Huang Yanli , Tan Zhongfu
Published: April 2015

Providing peaking auxiliary for wind power will affect the thermal power generation efficiency and reduce
generation economic benefit. To realize the coordinated scheduling optimization of thermal power and wind power, the
key problem is the economic compensation of thermal power peaking. In this paper, through the analysis of the influence
of wind power on thermal power generation performance and thermal power peak load regulation on abandon wind, an
economic compensation model based on objective optimization is established. The example analysis shows that
cooperation of thermal power and wind power can improve the wind power accommodation level and unit efficiency, and
the economic compensation mechanism can guarantee thermal power unit economic benefit effectively.
Can Investors Detect Managers' Lack of Spontaneity? Adherence to Predetermined Scripts during Earnings Conference Calls
Authors: Lee Joshua
Published: April 2015

This paper examines whether market participants infer negative information about future unexpected firm performance when managers adhere to predetermined scripts when responding to questions during earnings conference calls. I argue that managers respond to questions from prepared scripts to avoid the disclosure of bad news. Using a measure of the adherence to predetermined language, I provide evidence that a lack of spontaneity is negatively associated with the market reaction to the call and with the abnormal returns in the subsequent quarter. I further find that analysts downgrade their forecasts following these calls. I also provide evidence that adherence to predetermined language is negatively associated with future unexpected firm accounting performance, supporting investors' negative response to it. Finally, I find that bid-ask spreads increase and firms are less likely to guide future earnings when managers adhere to the predetermined language of a script, suggesting that firms provide less information, not more, during these calls.

JEL Classifications: G14; M40; M41.
Priority Dissemination of Public Disclosures
Authors: Dong Bei , Li Edward Xuejun , Ramesh K , Shen Min
Published: April 2015

This study examines the unintended effects of a pre-Reg FD practice that gave a broad group of sophisticated market participants 15-minute earlier access to all corporate press releases than the general public. We find that roughly one-eighth of the price discovery to earnings announcements issued during regular trading hours was due to privileged access to information in earnings press releases, with the 15-minute priority dissemination contributing to just over 50 percent of price discovery from all privileged access. In addition, we find that transient institutions benefited from priority dissemination, especially when the earnings contained good news. Finally, consistent with economic theory, we find that intraday bid-ask spreads decreased post-Reg FD for firms that had sufficient market liquidity to allow trading opportunities during the 15-minute window. Our study has implications for current discussions on whether preferential information distribution by firms and information intermediaries creates an uneven playing field among investors.

Data Availability: The data used in this study are available from the public sources identified in the paper

JEL Classifications: D82; G14; K22; M45.
The Kiddie Tax and Scholarship Income: An Analysis of the Unforeseen Tax Consequences Resulting from the Evolution and Execution of IRC 1(g) and a Roadmap for Reform
Authors: Rubenstein Rachael E. , Madison Thomas F. , Royalty Kent W.
Published: April 2015

One of the changes contained in the Tax Reform Act of 1986 is the tax on unearned income of minor children, also known as the “kiddie tax.” We review this tax, its legislative history, the amendments and interpretations that have enlarged its application, and the unintended consequences that resulted from the expansion of the kiddie tax to young adults up to the age of 24, specifically as it applies to taxable scholarship income. Many college students whose higher educations are heavily subsidized by scholarships may face significant tax burdens as a result of the kiddie tax. This reality is not in line with the congressional intent of curtailing tax avoidance through shifting ownership of income-producing assets. We provide examples of the tax's impact, and we conclude by offering potential solutions that protect the public fisc while reducing the negative and unintended consequences created by expansion of the kiddie tax.
Eating Disorders in Girls and Women With Type 1 Diabetes: A Longitudinal Study of Prevalence, Onset, Remission, and Recurrence
Authors: Colton Patricia A. , Olmsted Marion P. , Daneman Denis , Farquhar Jamie C. , Wong Harmonie , Muskat Stephanie , Rodin Gary M.
Published: April 2015

OBJECTIVE

Girls and women with type 1 diabetes are at increased risk for developing eating disorders (EDs), and these disorders are associated with serious diabetes-related medical complications. This study describes the longitudinal course of disturbed eating behavior (DEB) and EDs in a cohort with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 126 girls with type 1 diabetes receiving care for diabetes at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto participated in a series of seven interview-based assessments of ED behavior and psychopathology over a 14-year period, beginning in late childhood. Survival analysis was used.

RESULTS

Mean age was 11.8 ± 1.5 years at time 1 and 23.7 ± 2.1 years at time 7. At time 7, 32.4% (23/71) met the criteria for a current ED, and an additional 8.5% (6/71) had a subthreshold ED. Mean age at ED onset (full syndrome or below the threshold) was 22.6 years (95% CI 21.6–23.5), and the cumulative probability of onset was 60% by age 25 years. The average time between onset of ED and subsequent ED remission was 4.3 years (95% CI 3.1–5.5), and the cumulative probability of remission was 79% by 6 years after onset. The average time between remission of ED and subsequent recurrence was 6.5 years (95% CI 4.4–8.6), and the cumulative probability of recurrence was 53% by 6 years after remission.

CONCLUSIONS

In this longitudinal study, EDs were common and persistent, and new onset of ED was documented well into adulthood. Further research regarding prevention and treatment for this vulnerable group is urgently needed.
Introduction: Presidential disability and presidential succession
Authors: Gilbert Robert E. , Bucy Erik P.
Published: April 2015

This introduction to the special issue on presidential disability and succession focuses on the distinctly positive contributions that invocations of the Twenty-Fifth Amendment have made to American political life since the Amendment's ratification in 1967. It also underlines the importance for Presidents, their family members and aides to understand the necessity for putting the welfare of the country first, above all else—even at times above the wishes of a disabled Chief Executive. As the articles in this special issue make clear, the Twenty-Fifth Amendment provides an effective constitutional mechanism by which the country's well-being can be maintained while simultaneously showing compassion and respect for a disabled leader. The idea for this issue emerged from a conference organized by Professor Robert E. Gilbert focusing on presidential disability and succession held on the campus of Northeastern University in April 2014. Papers from the conference assembled here clarify and add to the historical record about presidential inability while illuminating the many political, legal, and constitutional contingencies that future presidential administrators may face. Contributors to this issue have varied disciplinary and professional backgrounds, including expertise in American politics, constitutional law, the presidency and vice presidency, presidential impairment, and, of course, the Twenty-Fifth Amendment to the Constitution.
The politics of presidential medical care: The case of John F. Kennedy
Authors: McDermott Rose
Published: April 2015

Political concerns often compromise the delivery of high quality medical care in ways that can be both problematic and dangerous for political leaders. President John F. Kennedy's medical care offers a particularly rich exposition of the many ways in which these dynamics can play out and how additional factors can complicate matters, such as when the patient is himself duplicitous, when family members try to intervene in care, and when public exposure risks political future. This article examines the politics and management of Kennedy's medical conditions by the various physicians involved in his care and explores how these considerations may have compromised not only the quality of his care but, in turn, exerted an influence on his behavior. This happened not only through the downstream effect of his treatment on his thoughts and behavior but also through the tremendous allocation of time and attention that his care required—attention a healthier man would have been able to direct toward problems of greater national concern.
From Public to Private Standards for Tropical Commodities: A Century of Global Discourse on Land Governance on the Forest Frontier
Authors: Byerlee Derek , Rueda Ximena
Published: April 2015

Globalization and commodity exports have a long history in affecting land use changes and land rights on the tropical forest frontier. This paper reviews a century of social and environmental discourse around land issues for four commodities grown in the humid tropics—rubber, cocoa, oil palm and bananas. States have exercised sovereign rights over land and forest resources and the outcomes for deforestation and land rights of existing users have been quite varied depending on local institutional contexts and political economy. In the current period of globalization, as land use changes associated with tropical commodities have accelerated, land issues are now at center stage in the global discourse. However, efforts to protect forests and the rights of local communities and indigenous groups continue to be ad hoc and codification of minimum standards and their implementation remains a work in progress. Given a widespread failure of state directed policies and institutions to curb deforestation and protect land rights, the private sector, with the exception of the rubber industry, is emphasizing voluntary standards to certify sustainability of their products. This is an important step but expectations that they will effectively address concerns about the impact of tropical commodities expansion might be too high, given their voluntary nature, demand constraints, and the challenge of including smallholders. It is also doubtful that private standards can more than partially compensate for long standing weaknesses in land governance and institutions on the forest frontier.
(S)-2-Methyl-2-(4-methylpent-3-enyl)-6-(propan-2-ylidene)-3,4,6,7-tetrahydropyrano[4,3-g]chromen-9(2H)-one
Authors: Susilawati Yasmiwar , Nugraha Ricky , Muhtadi Ahmad , Soetardjo Supriyatna , Supratman Unang
Published: April 2015

A novel chromene, (S)-2-methyl-2-(4-methylpent-3-enyl)-6-(propan-2-ylidene)-3,4,6,7-tetrahydropyrano[4,3-g]chromen-9(2H)-one (1), was isolated from the leaves of Peperomia pellucida (Piperaceae). The chemical structure of 1 was determined by spectroscopic methods and comparison with those related compounds previously reported.
Misfit Layer Compounds and Ferecrystals: Model Systems for Thermoelectric Nanocomposites
Authors: Merrill Devin , Moore Daniel , Bauers Sage , Falmbigl Matthias , Johnson David
Published: April 2015

A basic summary of thermoelectric principles is presented in a historical context, following the evolution of the field from initial discovery to modern day high-zT materials. A specific focus is placed on nanocomposite materials as a means to solve the challenges presented by the contradictory material requirements necessary for efficient thermal energy harvest. Misfit layer compounds are highlighted as an example of a highly ordered anisotropic nanocomposite system. Their layered structure provides the opportunity to use multiple constituents for improved thermoelectric performance, through both enhanced phonon scattering at interfaces and through electronic interactions between the constituents. Recently, a class of metastable, turbostratically-disordered misfit layer compounds has been synthesized using a kinetically controlled approach with low reaction temperatures. The kinetically stabilized structures can be prepared with a variety of constituent ratios and layering schemes, providing an avenue to systematically understand structure-function relationships not possible in the thermodynamic compounds. We summarize the work that has been done to date on these materials. The observed turbostratic disorder has been shown to result in extremely low cross plane thermal conductivity and in plane thermal conductivities that are also very small, suggesting the structural motif could be attractive as thermoelectric materials if the power factor could be improved. The first 10 compounds in the [(PbSe)1+δ]m(TiSe2)n family (m, n ≤ 3) are reported as a case study. As n increases, the magnitude of the Seebeck coefficient is significantly increased without a simultaneous decrease in the in-plane electrical conductivity, resulting in an improved thermoelectric power factor.
UPLC-MSE Profiling of Phytoplankton Metabolites: Application to the Identification of Pigments and Structural Analysis of Metabolites in Porphyridium purpureum
Authors: Juin Camille , Bonnet Antoine , Nicolau Elodie , Bérard Jean-Baptiste , Devillers Romain , Thiéry Valérie , Cadoret Jean-Paul , Picot Laurent
Published: April 2015

A fast and high-resolution UPLC-MSE analysis was used to identify phytoplankton pigments in an ethanol extract of Porphyridium purpureum (Pp) devoid of phycobiliproteins. In a first step, 22 standard pigments were analyzed by UPLC-MSE to build a database including retention time and accurate masses of parent and fragment ions. Using this database, seven pigments or derivatives previously reported in Pp were unequivocally identified: β,β-carotene, chlorophyll a, zeaxanthin, chlorophyllide a, pheophorbide a, pheophytin a, and cryptoxanthin. Minor amounts of Divinyl chlorophyll a, a chemotaxonomic pigment marker for prochlorophytes, were also unequivocally identified using the database. Additional analysis of ionization and fragmentation patterns indicated the presence of ions that could correspond to hydroxylated derivatives of chlorophyll a and pheophytin a, produced during the ethanolic extraction, as well as previously described galactosyldiacylglycerols, the thylakoid coenzyme plastoquinone, and gracilamide B, a molecule previously reported in the red seaweed Gracillaria asiatica. These data point to UPLC-MSE as an efficient technique to identify phytoplankton pigments for which standards are available, and demonstrate its major interest as a complementary method for the structural elucidation of ionizable marine molecules.
Soy Protein-Based Infant Formulas with Supplemental Fructooligosaccharides: Gastrointestinal Tolerance and Hydration Status in Newborn Infants
Authors: Lasekan John , Baggs Geraldine , Acosta Sonja , Mackey Amy
Published: April 2015

Unlike milk-based infant formulas, soy-based infant formulas containing supplemental fructooligosaccharides (FOS) have not been clinically evaluated. A randomized, double-blind, 28 day parallel feeding trial compared gastrointestinal (GI) tolerance and hydration in healthy term newborn infants fed either a commercialized soy formula (with history of safe use) containing sucrose as 20% of total carbohydrate, no supplemental short-chain FOS (scFOS) and no mixed carotenoids (lutein, lycopene, beta-carotene) as a control (CF, n = 62 infants) or one of two experimental soy-based formulas, EF1 (n = 64) and EF2 (n = 62) containing scFOS (2.5 g/L) and mixed carotenoids. EF1 differed from EF2 by containing sucrose. Results indicated no significant study group differences (p > 0.05) in study completion rates (CF = 81, EF1 = 86, & EF2 = 87%), growth, mean rank stool consistency, stool frequency, formula intake, spit-up/vomit, and safety measures (urine specific gravity, USG; hydration status and adverse events). Mean USGs for study groups were normal (<1.03). The EF1 > CF group in percent yellow stools (p < 0.01 at age 14 days). In conclusion, the study suggested that term infants fed soy-based formulas supplemented with scFOS and mixed carotenoids, with or without sucrose in the 1st 35 days of infancy demonstrated good tolerance and hydration comparable to the control soy-based formula with history of safe use.
General Rainfall Patterns in Indonesia and the Potential Impacts of Local Seas on Rainfall Intensity
Authors: Lee Han
Published: April 2015

The relationships between observed rainfall, El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and sea surface temperature (SST) variations in the Pacific and Indian Oceans were analyzed using a 1° latitude–longitude grid over Indonesia. The Global Summary of the Day rainfall records provide 26 years of rainfall data (January 1985 to August 2010) for 23 stations throughout the Indonesian islands. The ENSO and SST variations were calculated using the Multivariate ENSO Index (MEI), the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), NINO1 + 2, NINO3, NINO3.4, NINO4, the Dipole Mode Index (DMI) for the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), and Indian Ocean Basin-wide (IOBW) index. The results show that the rainfall in the southern Sumatra and southern Java Islands, which face the Indian Ocean, was positively correlated with the negative IOD, whereas the rainfall in northwestern Sumatra was positively correlated with the positive IOD. In eastern Indonesia, the rainfall was positively correlated with La Niña. The PDO index was also strongly correlated with the rainfall in this region. In central Indonesia, seasonal variations due to monsoons are predominant, and the rainfall exhibited strong negative and positive correlations with the MEI and NINO.WEST, respectively, indicating that high rainfall occurred during strong La Niña episodes. The highly negative and positive correlations with the MEI and NINO.WEST, respectively, in central Indonesia led us to analyze the impacts of Indonesian seas on the rainfall in the region. Using four synoptic-scale scenarios, we investigated the relative residence time of Indonesian seawater along the pathways associated with the Pacific-Indian hydraulic head difference. The results show that when both the western Pacific and eastern Indian Oceans are warm (positive NINO.WEST and negative DMI), the rainfall intensity over central Indonesia is strongest. This increase is explained by the relationship between the residence time of Indonesian seawater and the exposure to surface evaporation: a longer exposure of Indonesian seas results in greater seawater warming and evaporation and more convection-generated cumulus clouds.
Impact of EU Data Protection Laws on Cloud Computing
Authors: Eldred Morgan , Adams Carl , Good Alice
Published: April 2015

The global nature of cloud computing has resulted in emerging challenges, such as clashes between legal systems, cultural differences, and business practice norms: cloud-computing is at the forefront of recognising, and “smoothing over,” emergent differences between nation states as we move towards a more globally connected world. This chapter uses the emergent differences over regulation governing data protection; as the world becomes more interconnected, we are likely to see more examples of technology practices and models sweeping around the globe, and raising further areas for clashes between nations and regions, much like the fault lines between tectonic plates. This chapter provides contribution by capturing some emergent “fault lines” in an in-depth case study comparing the evolving EU directives covering data protection and how they relate to non-EU data protection legal systems. This provides the foundations to consider cloud-computing challenges, inform policymakers in measures to resolve “clashes,” and in informing researchers investigating other global technology phenomena.
Genome Sequencing in the Cloud
Authors: Chen Wei , Wan Yun , Peng Bo , Amos Christopher I
Published: April 2015

This chapter discussed the latest development of using cloud-computing technology for genome sequencing in bioinformatics field. It introduced the definition of genome sequencing and cloud computing, discussed the current status of NGS in cloud with the example of Nimbix. It also provided a rich source of cloud computing related service providers and technologies for references. Finally, it discussed the challenges of conducting NGS in a cloud environment.
Incorporating the Predictability of Consequences into a Disruption Management Framework
Authors: Riley Jason M. , Miller Janis , Sridharan V.
Published: April 2015

The authors introduce a disruption management framework that incorporates both the probability of disruption and the predictability of consequences. The resulting model prescribes one of four supply chain strategies: flexibility, risk and loss mitigation, agility, and resilience. Managers can leverage the presented framework within a comprehensive supply chain risk management process to develop tactics aligned with risk management, supply chain, and overall operating strategies to overcome a range of disruption consequences.
Community composition and structure had no effect on forest susceptibility to invasion by the emerald ash borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)
Authors: Smith Annemarie , Herms Daniel A. , Long Robert P. , Gandhi Kamal J.K.
Published: April 2015

Emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), is a non-native, wood-boring beetle that has caused widespread mortality of ash (Fraxinus Linnaeus (Oleaceae)) in eastern North America. During 2004–2007, we determined whether forest community composition and structure of black (F. nigra Marshall), green (F. pennsylvanica Marshall), and white (F. americana Linnaeus) ash stands influenced their susceptibility to EAB invasion in southeast Michigan, United States of America. There was no relationship between EAB-induced ash decline or percentage mortality and any measure of community composition (tree species diversity, stand/ash density, total basal area, or relative dominance of ash). There was also no relationship between measures of EAB impact (density of EAB signs, ash decline rating, percentage ash mortality, or percentage infested ash) and forest attributes (ash/total stand density, basal area, ash importance, or stand diversity). Decline and mortality of black ash advanced more rapidly than that of white and green ash. Percentage mortality of ash increased from 51% to 93% during 2004–2007. Distance from the epicentre of the invasion was negatively correlated with ash mortality, but this relationship dissipated over time. Stand composition data suggests that ash will be replaced by Quercus Linnaeus (Fagaceae), Acer Linnaeus (Sapindaceae), and Tilia Linnaeus (Malvaceae); such vegetation changes will irreversibly alter the structure and function of these forests.
Critical Role for IL-18 in Spontaneous Lung Inflammation Caused by Autophagy Deficiency
Authors: Abdel Fattah Elmoataz , Bhattacharya Abhisek , Herron Alan , Safdar Zeenat , Eissa N. Tony
Published: April 2015

Autophagy is an important component of the immune response. However, the functions of autophagy in human diseases are much less understood. We studied biological consequences of autophagy deficiency in mice lacking the essential autophagy gene Atg7 or Atg5 in myeloid cells. Surprisingly, these mice presented with spontaneous sterile lung inflammation, characterized by marked recruitment of inflammatory cells, submucosal thickening, goblet cell metaplasia, and increased collagen content. Lung inflammation was associated with increase in several proinflammatory cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage and in serum. This inflammation was largely driven by IL-18 as a result of constitutive inflammasome activation. Following i.p. LPS injection, autophagy-deficient mice had higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines in lungs and in serum, as well as increased mortality, than control mice. Intranasal bleomycin challenge exacerbated lung inflammation in autophagy-deficient mice and produced more severe fibrotic changes than in control mice. These results uncover a new and important role for autophagy as negative regulator of lung inflammation.
Atti Sociali
Authors: Italiana Società Entomologica
Published: April 2015

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Prognostic significance of cell surface phenotype in acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Aziz Shiek Aejaz , Sharma Susheel Kumar , Sabah Iram , Jan M Aleem
Published: April 2015

Context: To find out the phenotypic character of lymphoblasts of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients in our study cohort and their possible effect on the prognosis. Aims: To investigate the phenotype in ALL in our demographic population and to prognosticate various upfront current protocols employed in our hospital. Settings and Design: The study spanned over a period of 4 years with retrospective and prospective data of January 2008 through December 2011. Materials and Methods: 159 patients of all age groups were enrolled for the study, of which flow cytometry was done in 144 patients. Statistical Analysis Used: Analysis was done using the variables on SPSS (statistical package for social sciences) software on computer. Survival curves were estimated by method of Kaplan-Meir. Results: Majority of the patients were of B-cell (68.1%) and 30.6% patients were of T-cell lineage. Of these, 80.6% patients were having cALLa positivity. Complete remission (CR) was achieved in 59.1%, 16.4% relapsed, and 20.1% patients died. Conclusions: Phenotyping has become an important and integral part of diagnosis, classification, management and prognosticating in ALL. B-cell has been found to have a better survival over T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia. cALLa antigen positivity has good impact in achieving CR in only B-cell lineage, myeloid coexpression has no significant effect on the outcome. BFM (Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster) based protocols though showed a higher CR and survival vis-a-vis UKALL-XII. However, patients enrolled in former group being of low risk category and lesser in numbers cannot be compared statistically with a fair degree of confidence.
Use of criteria pollutants, active and passive mercury sampling, and receptor modeling to understand the chemical forms of gaseous oxidized mercury in Florida
Authors: Huang J. , Miller M. B. , Edgerton E. , Gustin M. S.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. The highest mercury (Hg) wet deposition in the United States (US) occurs along the Gulf of Mexico, and in the southern and central Mississippi River Valley. Gaseous oxidized Hg (GOM) is thought to be a major contributor due to its high water solubility and reactivity. Therefore, it is critical to understand the concentrations, potential for wet and dry deposition, and GOM compounds present in the air. Concentrations and dry deposition fluxes of GOM were measured at Outlying Landing Field (OLF), Florida, using a Tekran® 2537/1130/1135, and active and passive samplers using cation-exchange and nylon membranes. Relationships with Tekran® derived data must be interpreted with caution, since GOM concentrations can be biased low depending on the chemical compounds in air, and interferences with water vapor and ozone. Only gaseous elemental Hg and GOM are discussed here since the PBM measurement uncertainties are higher. Criteria air pollutants were concurrently measured and Tekran® data were assessed along with these using Principal Component Analysis to identify associations among air pollutants. Based on the diel pattern, high GOM concentrations at this site were associated with fossil fuel combustion and gas phase oxidation during the day, and gas phase oxidation and transport in the free troposphere. The ratio of GEM/CO at OLF (0.008 ng m−3 ppbv−1) was much higher than the numbers reported for the Western United States and central New York for domestic emissions or biomass burning (0.001 ng m−3 ppbv−1), which we suggest is indicative of a marine boundary layer source. Results from nylon membranes with thermal desorption analyses suggest five potential GOM compounds exist in this area, including HgBr2, HgO, Hg(NO3)2, HgSO4, and an unknown compound. This indicates that the site is influenced by different gaseous phase reactions and sources. A~high GOM event related to high CO but average SO2 suggests the air parcels moved from the free troposphere and across Arkansas, Mississippi, and Alabama at low elevation (< 300 m) using back trajectory analysis. We hypothesize this is due to subsidence of Hg containing air from the free troposphere. It is difficult to fully understand GOM dry deposition processes without knowing the actual GOM compounds, and their corresponding physicochemical properties, such as the Henry's Law constant. Overall, measured GOM dry deposition at this site ranged from 4–23% of total Hg wet deposition. The Aerohead sampling system for dry deposition captures primarily GOM since it would only collect fine particulate bound Hg by way of diffusion.
Influence of wood density in tree-ring based annual productivity assessments and its errors in Norway spruce
Authors: Bouriaud O. , Teodosiu M. , Kirdyanov A. V. , Wirth C.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Estimations of tree annual biomass increments are used by a variety of studies related to forest productivity or carbon fluxes. Biomass increment estimations can be easily obtained from diameter surveys or historical diameter reconstructions based on tree rings records. However, the biomass models rely on the assumption of a constant wood density. Converting volume increment into biomass also requires assumptions on the wood density. Wood density has been largely reported to vary both in time and between trees. In Norway spruce, wood density is known to increase with decreasing ring width. This could lead to underestimating the biomass or carbon deposition in bad years. The variations between trees of wood density has never been discussed but could also contribute to deviations. A modelling approach could attenuate these effects but will also generate errors. Here were developed a model of wood density variations in Norway spruce, and an allometric model of volume growth. We accounted for variations in wood density both between years and between trees, based on specific measurements. We compared the effects of neglecting each variation source on the estimations of annual biomass increment. We also assessed the errors of the biomass increment predictions at tree level, and of the annual productivity at plot level. Our results showed a partial compensation of the decrease in ring width in bad years by the increase in wood density. The underestimation of the biomass increment in those years reached 15%. The errors related to the use of an allometric model of volume growth were modest, around ±15%. The errors related to variations in wood density were much larger, the biggest component being the inter-tree variability. The errors in plot-level annual biomass productivity reached up to 40%, with a full account of all the error sources.
The periglacial engine of mountain erosion – Part 1: Rates of frost cracking and frost creep
Authors: Andersen J. L. , Egholm D. L. , Knudsen M. F. , Jansen J. D. , Nielsen S. B.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. With accelerating climate cooling in the late Cenozoic, glacial and periglacial erosion became more widespread on the surface of the Earth. The resultant shift in erosion patterns significantly changed the large-scale morphology of many mountain ranges worldwide. Whereas the glacial fingerprint is easily distinguished by its characteristic fjords and U-shaped valleys, the periglacial fingerprint is more subtle but potentially prevailing in some landscape settings. Previous models have advocated a frost-driven control on debris production on steep headwalls and glacial valley sides. Here we investigate the important role that periglacial processes also play in less steep parts of mountain landscapes. Understanding the influences of frost-driven processes in low-relief areas requires a focus on the consequences of an accreting soil-mantle, which characterizes such surfaces. In this paper, we present a new model that quantifies two key physical processes: frost cracking and frost creep, as a function of both temperature and sediment thickness. Our results yield new insights to how climate and sediment transport properties combine to scale the intensity of periglacial processes. The thickness of the soil-mantle strongly modulates the relation between climate and the intensity of mechanical weathering and sediment flux. Our results also point to an offset between the conditions that promote frost cracking and those that promote frost creep, indicating that a stable climate can only provide optimal conditions for one of those processes at a time. Finally, quantifying these relations also opens the possibility of including periglacial processes in large-scale, long-term landscape evolution models, as demonstrated in a companion paper.
JULES-crop: a parametrisation of crops in the Joint UK Land Environment Simulator
Authors: Osborne T. , Gornall J. , Hooker J. , Williams K. , Wiltshire A. , Betts R. , Wheeler T.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Studies of climate change impacts on the terrestrial biosphere have been completed without recognition of the integrated nature of the biosphere. Improved assessment of the impacts of climate change on food and water security requires the development and use of models not only representing each component but also their interactions. To meet this requirement the Joint UK Land Environment Simulator (JULES) land surface model has been modified to include a generic parametrisation of annual crops. The new model, JULES-crop, is described and evaluation at global and site levels for the four globally important crops; wheat, soybean, maize and rice. JULES-crop demonstrates skill in simulating the inter-annual variations of yield for maize and soybean at the global and country levels, and for wheat for major spring wheat producing countries. The impact of the new parametrisation, compared to the standard configuration, on the simulation of surface heat fluxes is largely an alteration of the partitioning between latent and sensible heat fluxes during the later part of the growing season. Further evaluation at the site level shows the model captures the seasonality of leaf area index, gross primary production and canopy height better than in the standard JULES. However, this does not lead to an improvement in the simulation of sensible and latent heat fluxes. The performance of JULES-crop from both an Earth system and crop yield model perspective is encouraging. However, more effort is needed to develop the parametrisation of the model for specific applications. Key future model developments identified include the introduction of processes such as irrigation and nitrogen limitation which will enable better representation of the spatial variability in yield.