bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Types of Solutions of the Second Order Nonlinear Boundary Value Problems
Authors: Dobkevich Maria , Sadyrbaev Felix , Sveikate Nadezhda , Yermachenko Inara
Published: August 2014

We review the results concerning types of solutions of boundary value problems for the second order nonlinear equation(l2x)(t)=f(t,x,x′),where(l2x)(t)is the second order linear differential form. The existence results and the multiplicity results are stated in terms of types of solutions.
Effect of Ultrasonic Pretreatment on Biomethane Potential of Two-Phase Olive Mill Solid Waste: Kinetic Approach and Process Performance
Authors: Rincón B. , Bujalance L. , Fermoso F. G. , Martín A. , Borja R.
Published: August 2014

The effect of ultrasound (US) pretreatment on two-phase olive mil solid waste (OMSW) composition and subsequent anaerobic biodegradation was evaluated by chemical oxygen demand solubilization and biochemical methane potential (BMP) tests. OMSW was ultrasonically pretreated at a power of 200 W and frequency of 24 kHz for time periods of 20, 40, 60, 90, 120, and 180 minutes, corresponding to specific energies of 11367, 21121, 34072, 51284, 68557, and 106003 kJ/kg total solids, respectively. In order to evaluate the US pretreatment, a low, medium, and high exposure time, that is, 20, 90, and 180 min, were selected for BMP tests. Methane yields of311±15,393±14, and370±20 mL CH4/g VSadded(VS: volatile solids) were obtained for 20, 90, and 180 minutes, respectively, while the untreated OMSW gave373±4 mL CH4/g VSadded. From a kinetic point of view, the BMP tests showed a first exponential stage and a second sigmoidal stage. In the first stage, the kinetic constant obtained for US pretreated OMSW at 20 minutes was 46% higher than those achieved for the pretreated OMSW at 90 and 180 minutes and 48% higher than that for untreated OMSW. The maximum methane production rate achieved was 12% higher than that obtained for untreated OMSW.
Glanuloplasty with Oral Mucosa Graft following Total Glans Penis Amputation
Authors: Appiah Kwaku , Amoah George , Azorliade Roland , Gyasi-Sarpong Kofi , Aboah Ken , Arthur Douglas , Nyamekye Baah , Otu-Boateng Kwaku , Maison Patrick , Twumasi-Frimpong Benjamin , Opoku Antwi Issac , Yenli Edwin
Published: August 2014

This is a report on the technique of neoglans reconstruction in a patient with amputated glans penis following guillotine neonatal circumcision. A 4 cm long and 2 cm wide lower lip oral mucosa graft was harvested and used to graft the distal 2 cm of the corporal bodies after 2 cm of the distal penile skin had been excised. One edge of the lower lip oral mucosa graft was anastomosed to the urethral margins distally and proximally to the skin. At six months of followup, patient had both satisfactory cosmetic and functional outcomes.
ECLAT Cluster Spacecraft Magnetotail Plasma Region Identifications (2001–2009)
Authors: Boakes P. D. , Nakamura R. , Volwerk M. , Milan S. E.
Published: August 2014

The European Space Agency’s four‐spacecraft Cluster mission has been observing the Earth’s dynamical magnetotail region since early 2001. The magnetotail, and in particular the hot trapped plasma sheet, is a critical region in the coupled Sun‐Earth system. Changes in the solar wind have direct influence on the properties and dynamical processes occurring in this region, which in turn directly influence operational near‐Earth space, the upper atmosphere, and even induce large‐scale currents in the ground. As part of the European Cluster Assimilation Technology (ECLAT) project, a magnetotail plasma region dataset has been produced to facilitate magnetospheric research and further our understanding of the important processes linking the solar wind‐magnetospheric‐ionospheric system. The dataset consists of a comprehensive list of plasma regions encountered in the nightside magnetosphere of the Earth by each of the four Cluster spacecraft in the years 2001–2009. The regions identified are those where major energy transport/conversion processes take place and are important regions for system level science. Characteristic averaged parameters describing the behavior of each region are provided for further understanding. The dataset facilitates the use of the large repository of Cluster data by the wider scientific community.
Genetic Variants in the SORL1 Gene Are Associated with Age at Onset of Alzheimer Disease: A Survival Analysis
Authors: Wang Ke-Sheng , Liu Xuefeng , Wang Liang , Briones David , Xu Chun
Published: August 2014

Few studies focused on the association of SORL1 with the age at onset (AAO) of Alzheimer disease (AD). This study investigated the association of 43 SNPs in SORL1 with the AAO of AD by using the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the Cox proportional hazards model in SAS version 9.2 and linear regression model in PLINK software (791 AD patients and 782 controls). Both logrank test and Cox regression model showed that five SNPs (rs1784934, rs676759, rs560573, rs593769, and rs11218313) were associated with the AAO of AD in the male sample, while one SNP (rs17125558) was associated with the AAO of AD in the female sample (P<0.05). SNP rs560573, previously associated with the risk of late-onset AD, showed the most association with the AAO in the male sample (P=0.0077 for logrank test and P=0.0117 in the Cox model). The mean AAO was approximately 2.5 years earlier in individuals who were homozygous for the minor allele compared with those who had at least one major allele. Linear regression model showed that rs2282649 and rs726601 were associated with AAO in the whole sample (P=0.0374 and 0.0367, resp.). These findings provide evidence of several genetic variants in SORL1 influencing the AAO of AD.
A Hybrid Multiple Criteria Group Decision‐Making Approach for Green Supplier Selection in the TFT‐LCD Industry
Authors: Tsui Che-Wei , Wen Ue-Pyng
Published: August 2014

The awareness of the need for environmental protection is increasing throughout the world. The focuses of green supplier selection are on considering environmental criteria and strengthening the competitiveness of the entire supply chain. The purpose of this study is to develop a green supplier selection procedure for the thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT‐LCD) industry using polarizer suppliers as an example. First, a decision framework for green supplier selection is developed based on literatures and the supplier audit forms provided by an anonymous flat panel display manufacturer in Taiwan. Then, a hybrid multiple criteria group decision‐making (MCGDM) method is proposed based on analytic hierarchy process (AHP), entropy, elimination and choice expressing the reality III (ELECTRE III), and the linear assignment method to assist the manufacturer in choosing among four polarizer suppliers. The final ranking results for green supplier selection and different opinions from each department are provided. An improvement report is suggested to enhance suppliers’ performance. For the evaluation procedure, most managers emphasize the importance of current capability and the capability of research and development. Furthermore, we found that the subsidiary supplier should improve quality control competence immediately to be considered as the potential candidate of primary supplier.
Stability and Bifurcation Analysis on an Ecoepidemiological Model with Stage Structure and Time Delay
Authors: Wang Lingshu , Feng Guanghui
Published: August 2014

An ecoepidemiological predator-prey model with stage structure for the predator and time delay due to the gestation of the predator is investigated. The effects of a prey refuge with disease in the prey population are concerned. By analyzing the corresponding characteristic equations, the local stability of each of the feasible equilibria of the model is discussed. Further, it is proved that the model undergoes a Hopf bifurcation at the positive equilibrium. By means of appropriate Lyapunov functions and LaSalle’s invariance principle, sufficient conditions are obtained for the global stability of the semitrivial boundary equilibria. By using an iteration technique, sufficient conditions are derived for the global attractiveness of the positive equilibrium.
Existence of Almost Periodic Solutions for Impulsive Neutral Functional Differential Equations
Authors: Liu Junwei , Zhang Chuanyi
Published: August 2014

The existence of piecewise almost periodic solutions for impulsive neutral functional differential equations in Banach space is investigated. Our results are based on Krasnoselskii’s fixed-point theorem combined with an exponentially stable strongly continuous operator semigroup. An example is given to illustrate the theory.
Pantoeasp. Isolated from Tropical Fresh Water ExhibitingN-Acyl Homoserine Lactone Production
Authors: Tan Wen-Si , Muhamad Yunos Nina Yusrina , Tan Pui-Wan , Mohamad Nur Izzati , Adrian Tan-Guan-Sheng , Yin Wai-Fong , Chan Kok-Gan
Published: August 2014

N-Acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) serves as signaling molecule for quorum sensing (QS) in Gram-negative bacteria to regulate various physiological activities including pathogenicity. With the aim of isolating freshwater-borne bacteria that can cause outbreak of disease in plants and portrayed QS properties, environmental water sampling was conducted. Here we report the preliminary screening of AHL production usingChromobacterium violaceumCV026 andEscherichia coli[pSB401] as AHL biosensors. The 16S rDNA gene sequence of isolate M009 showed the highest sequence similarity toPantoea stewartiiS9-116, which is a plant pathogen. The isolatedPantoeasp. was confirmed to produceN-3-oxohexanoyl-L-HSL (3-oxo-C6-HSL) through analysis of high resolution mass tandem mass spectrometry.
An Improved Laguerre-Samuelson Inequality of Chebyshev-Markov Type
Authors: Hürlimann Werner
Published: August 2014

The Chebyshev-Markov extremal distributions by known moments to order four are used to improve the Laguerre-Samuelson inequality for finite real sequences. In general, the refined bound depends not only on the sample size but also on the sample skewness and kurtosis. Numerical illustrations suggest that the refined inequality can almost be attained for randomly distributed completely symmetric sequences from a Cauchy distribution.
Preparation and Properties of 3D Chitosan Microtubes
Authors: Gegel Natalia O. , Shipovskaya Anna B. , Vdovykh Luba S. , Babicheva Tatiana S.
Published: August 2014

The preparation of 3D chitosan microtubes from polymer solutions in citric and lactic acids by the wet and dry molding methods is described. The mechanism of formation of the insoluble polymeric layer constructing the walls of these microtubes is characterized. The microtubes obtained from chitosan solutions in citric acid are found to have a fragile porous inner layer. For those obtained from chitosan solutions in lactic acid the morphology, elastic-deformation properties, physicomechanical properties, and biocompatibility were assessed. These samples have smooth outer and inner surfaces with no visible defects and high values of elongation at break. The strength of the microtubes obtained by the dry method is much higher than in the case of the wet one. A high adhesion and high proliferative activity of the epithelial-like MA-104 cellular culture on the surface of our microtubular substrates in model in vitro experiments were revealed. Prospects of using chitosan microtubes as vascular prostheses are suggested.
Early Surgery Does Not Seem to Be a Pivotal Criterion to Improve Prognosis in Patients with Frontal Depressed Skull Fractures
Authors: Neville Iuri Santana , Amorim Robson Luis , Paiva Wellingson Silva , Sanders Felipe Hada , Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen , Andrade Almir Ferreira de
Published: August 2014

Introduction. There has been much debate about the ideal timing of surgery of frontal depressed skull fractures (DSF). In this paper, we assess whether timing of surgery may have influenced outcome.Methods. Retrospective cohort of 40 consecutive patients with frontal DSF who underwent surgical treatment over a 36-month period. The patients were divided into early surgery group (ESG) which were operated within 24 h and delayed surgery group (DSG).Results. The population comprised 39 (97.50%) men and the mean age was 27.9 years (range, 2–81 yr). There was no difference of age (P=0.53), gender male (P=1.00), presence of focal lesion on head CT (P=0.89), hypotension (P=0.28), and hypoxia (P=0.15). Mean Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was significantly lower in patients of ESG than DSG (8.75 and 11.7, resp.,P=0.02). There was no difference between the groups in relation to death (P=0.13), unfavourable outcome (P=0.41), late posttraumatic epilepsy (P=0.64), and smell-and-taste disturbances (P=1.00). Only one patient (3.5%) evolved meningitis during follow-up.Conclusion. We found no difference between the ESG and DSG in respect to death, unfavourable outcome, LPE, and STD.
Antiproliferative Activity of Hamigerone and Radicinol Isolated fromBipolaris papendorfii
Authors: Giridharan Periyasamy , Verekar Shilpa A. , Gohil Akash R. , Mishra Prabhu Dutt , Khanna Amit , Deshmukh Sunil Kumar
Published: August 2014

Secondary metabolites from fungi organisms have extensive past and present use in the treatment of many diseases and serve as compounds of interest both in their natural form and as templates for synthetic modification. Through high throughput screening (HTS) and bioassay-guided isolation, we isolated two bioactive compounds hamigerone (1) and radicinol (2). These compounds were isolated from fungusBipolaris papendorfii, isolated from the rice fields of Dera, Himachal Pradesh, India. The structures of the compounds were established on the basis of spectroscopic data, namely, NMR (1H,13C, mass, and UV). Both compounds were found to be antiproliferative against different cancer cells. Furthermore we have also noted that both compounds showed increase in apoptosis by favorably modulating both tumor suppressor protein (p53) and antiapoptic protein (BCL-2), and in turn increase caspase-3 expression in cancer cells. This is the first report of these compounds from fungusBipolaris papendorfiiand their anticancer activity.
Unusual Presentation of Pseudoaneurysm with Trochanteric Fracture Femur with Associated Long-Term Antiepileptic Therapy
Authors: Rana Nipun , Dhaked Gajanand , Sharma Satish , Tripathi Sandeep
Published: August 2014

Arterial injury following impalement due to a trochanteric hip fracture-fragment per se has been documented rarely. We report a case of pseudoaneurysm of profunda femoris artery at the first perforator branch in a 48-year-old male, with trochanteric hip fracture following a fall during an epileptic episode. Persistent recalcitrant pain, globular swelling in the groin, unexplained drop in the haemoglobin level, and color doppler ultrasonography findings were salient features to the diagnosis. Additionally, we collected all reported cases of pseudoaneurysm associated with hip fractures. We reviewed the literature regarding the incidence, treatment, and prognosis for the same. Acute vascular injury was probably caused by the spikes of fractured lesser trochanter which was found to be displaced superomedially. All trochanteric fractures especially those with displaced lesser trochanter fragment should be closely watched for the possibility of vascular injury. Early diagnosis and treatment in a staged manner can prevent the catastrophic vascular event and hence the limb.
LH Pretreatment as a Novel Strategy for Poor Responders
Authors: Ferraretti Anna Pia , Gianaroli Luca , Motrenko Tatiana , Feliciani Elisabetta , Tabanelli Carla , Magli Maria Cristina
Published: August 2014

Introduction. Poor response to ovarian stimulation is still a major problem in IVF. The study presents a new stimulation protocol evaluated in a suppopulation of very difficult young poor ovarian responders.Material and Methods. The study consists in two sections. The first includes data from a randomized controlled study involving forty-three young patients with a poor ovarian response in at least two previous cycles (intended as cycle cancellation or with ≤3 collected oocytes). Patients were randomized in two groups: group A (control) received FSH (400 IU/day), while group B received the new stimulation protocol consisting in a sequential association of 150 IU r-LH for 4 days followed by 400 IU r-FSH/after downregulation with daily GnRh agonist. The second includes data from the overall results in 65 patients treated with the new protocol compared to their previous performance with conventional cycles (historical control).Results. Both in the RCT and in the historical control study, LH pretreatment was able to decrease the cancellation rate, to improve thein vitroperformance, and to significantly increase the live birth rates.Conclusions. LH pretreatment improved oocyte quantity and quality in young repeated poor responders selected in accordance with the Bologna criteria.
Traffic Flow Prediction Model for Large‐Scale Road Network Based on Cloud Computing
Authors: Yang Zhaosheng , Mei Duo , Yang Qingfang , Zhou Huxing , Li Xiaowen
Published: August 2014

To increase the efficiency and precision of large‐scale road network traffic flow prediction, a genetic algorithm‐support vector machine (GA‐SVM) model based on cloud computing is proposed in this paper, which is based on the analysis of the characteristics and defects of genetic algorithm and support vector machine. In cloud computing environment, firstly, SVM parameters are optimized by the parallel genetic algorithm, and then this optimized parallel SVM model is used to predict traffic flow. On the basis of the traffic flow data of Haizhu District in Guangzhou City, the proposed model was verified and compared with the serial GA‐SVM model and parallel GA‐SVM model based on MPI (message passing interface). The results demonstrate that the parallel GA‐SVM model based on cloud computing has higher prediction accuracy, shorter running time, and higher speedup.
Morphological Characterization and Assessment of Genetic Variability, Character Association, and Divergence in Soybean Mutants
Authors: Malek M. A. , Rafii Mohd Y. , Shahida Sharmin Afroz Most. , Nath Ujjal Kumar , Mondal M. Monjurul Alam
Published: August 2014

Genetic diversity is important for crop improvement. An experiment was conducted during 2011 to study genetic variability, character association, and genetic diversity among 27 soybean mutants and four mother genotypes. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the mutants and mothers for nine morphological traits. Eighteen mutants performed superiorly to their mothers in respect to seed yield and some morphological traits including yield attributes. Narrow differences between phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation (PCV and GCV) for most of the characters revealed less environmental influence on their expression. High values of heritability and genetic advance with high GCV for branch number, plant height, pod number, and seed weight can be considered as favorable attributes for soybean improvement through phenotypic selection and high expected genetic gain can be achieved. Pod and seed number and maturity period appeared to be the first order traits for higher yield and priority should be given in selection due to their strong associations and high magnitudes of direct effects on yield. Cluster analysis grouped 31 genotypes into five groups at the coefficient value of 235. The mutants/genotypes from cluster I and cluster II could be used for hybridization program with the mutants of clusters IV and V in order to develop high yielding mutant-derived soybean varieties for further improvement.
CDC42 Inhibition Suppresses Progression of Incipient Intestinal Tumors
Authors: Sakamori Ryotaro , Yu Shiyan , Zhang Xiao , Hoffman Andrew , Sun Jiaxin , Das Soumyashree , Vedula Pavan , Li Guangxun , Fu Jiang , Walker Francesca , Yang Chung S. , Yi Zheng , Hsu Wei , Yu Da-Hai , Shen Lanlan , Rodriguez Alexis J. , Taketo Makoto M. , Bonder Edward M. , Verzi Michael P. , Gao Nan
Published: August 2014

Mutations in the APC or β-catenin genes are well-established initiators of colorectal cancer, yet modifiers that facilitate the survival and progression of nascent tumor cells are not well defined. Using genetic and pharmacologic approaches in mouse colorectal cancer and human colorectal cancer xenograft models, we show that incipient intestinal tumor cells activate CDC42, an APC-interacting small GTPase, as a crucial step in malignant progression. In the mouse, Cdc42 ablation attenuated the tumorigenicity of mutant intestinal cells carrying single APC or β-catenin mutations. Similarly, human colorectal cancer with relatively higher levels of CDC42 activity was particularly sensitive to CDC42 blockade. Mechanistic studies suggested that Cdc42 may be activated at different levels, including at the level of transcriptional activation of the stem cell–enriched Rho family exchange factor Arhgef4. Our results indicate that early-stage mutant intestinal epithelial cells must recruit the pleiotropic functions of Cdc42 for malignant progression, suggesting its relevance as a biomarker and therapeutic target for selective colorectal cancer intervention. Cancer Res; 74(19); 5480–92. ©2014 AACR.
Isolated Right-Sided Mural Infective Endocarditis in a 32-Year-Old Woman with Muscular Ventricular Septal Defect
Authors: Lee Kwan Yong , Yi Jeong-Eun , Moon Donggyu , Jung Hae-Ok , Youn Ho-Joong , Lim Jeonguk , Lee Jung Eun
Published: August 2014

Bacterial endocarditis secondary to jet streams from a congenital heart defect without valvular involvement is very rare, especially in adult patients. We report an unusual case of a 32-year-old woman with a previously known unrepaired ventricular septal defect (VSD) who presented with intermittent fever and chills after dental treatment and was diagnosed with isolated right-sided mural infective endocarditis associated with a muscular-type VSD. Echocardiography revealed a low echogenic, mobile vegetation along the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) free wall and a small-sized muscular-type VSD. The patient's blood culture grew Streptococcus viridians. After 3 weeks of antibiotic treatment, VSD patch closure was performed, and the vegetation on the RVOT endomyocardium was removed.
When He Comes, Will He Build It? Temple, Messiah and Targum Jonathan
Authors: Shepherd David
Published: August 2014

In exploring the possibility that ancient Judaism included an expectation that a Messiah would build the Temple, scholarship has been drawn to passages in Targum Jonathan which have been seen by some to evidence such an anticipation. The analysis of these passages offered in the present study suggests that while TgJon was exegetically interested in those ‘Anointed Ones’ whom the Hebrew tradition had expected to build the First and Second Temples, its translation manifests no contemporary expectation of a Messiah who would build a new Temple in the meturgeman’s own time or the world to come.
À propos d’un messianisme qui divise: Targum Genèse 49.8–12
Authors: Legrand Thierry
Published: August 2014

The Haggadic content of Targum Onqelos Gen. 49.8–12 strays far from the Massoretic text and varies greatly from Targum Neofiti and the Palestinian recensions. This study focuses on the messianic features of these sections (messianism centred on the teaching of the Torah, pacific or belligerent). It also examines the part played by TgOnq 49.8–12 in the history of the redaction of Onqelos. According to the author of this article, this section did not belong to proto-Onqelos, but is the outcome of a late reflection (end of the 2nd century or beginning of the 3rd century ce), which occurred in a Babylonian context, on the events of the Second Jewish war.
A new titanosauriform sauropod (Dinosauria: Saurischia) from the Lower Cretaceous of Hyogo, Japan
Authors: SAEGUSA HARUO , IKEDA TADAHIRO
Published: August 2014

A new genus and species of titanosauriform sauropod is erected based on a partial skeleton found in the Lower Cretaceous Sasayama Group of Hyogo Prefecture, SW Japan. The new taxon is here named as Tambatitanis amicitiae gen. et sp. nov., which is diagnosed by the following features of the caudal vertebrae, chevrons and braincase: the postzygapophysis and the summit of the neural spine of the anterior caudal vertebrae are located beyond the posterior border of the centrum, the spine of the anterior caudal vertebrae is curved strongly anteriorly and bow-shaped in lateral view, the summit of the neural spine is expanded and hemispherical with its anterior face excavated by the posterodorsal extension of a deep and narrow SPRF, the transverse process of the anterior caudal vertebrae are short and L shaped, the anterior chevron is the longest among sauropods in proportion to body size, the distal ends of the anterior chevrons are rod-shaped, the distal ends of the mid chevrons are transversely thin and anteroposteriorly long without cranial processes, and the dorsal border of the shaft of the paroccipital process that forms the ventral margin of the posttemporal fenestra is short mediolaterally and V-shaped in posterior view. A phylogenetic analysis suggests that T. amicitiae is a basal titanosauriform, possibly belonging to the East Asian endemic clade Euhelopodidae. The caudals and chevrons are described in detail in order to document highly autapomorphic features of the new taxon as well as potentially phylogenetically informative characters. The discovery of T. amicitiae suggests that East Asian basal titanosauriforms were diverse not only in the number of the taxa but also in the morphological variation of the caudal elements.
Storm Evader: Using an iPad to Teach Kids about Meteorology and Technology
Authors: McGovern Amy , Balfour Andrea , Beene Marissa , Harrison David
Published: August 2014

We have developed and released an iPad application, Storm Evader, to demonstrate to youth how technology can be used as a tool and to teach youth about weather and its impact on real-world activities, including flying. As technology becomes more widespread in modern society, many young people overlook the usefulness of technology and have instead come to see it primarily as a provider of entertainment. Storm Evader exposes children to meteorology and aviation in an engaging way. The game requires players to route planes across the United States while avoiding dangerous storms and conserving fuel. The artificial intelligence inside the game suggests routes around a storm. To maximize their scores, players should take the computer’s suggestions into account. Players are exposed to actual radar data and are aided by computer-generated forecast models and storm outlooks from the Storm Prediction Center. In the future, we will include a turbulence model. Exposure to the variety of weather forecasts and their use in the game introduces children to new weather concepts. We also report results of surveys of learning from groups of children playing the game.
Variability of the Daily-Mean Shortwave Cloud Radiative Forcing at the Surface at a Midlatitude Site in Southwestern Europe
Authors: Salgueiro Vanda , Costa Maria João , Silva Ana Maria , Bortoli Daniele
Published: August 2014

The shortwave cloud radiative forcing is calculated from surface measurements taken in Évora from 2003 to 2010 with a multifilter rotating shadowband radiometer (MFRSR) and with an Eppley black and white pyranometer. A new approach to estimate the clear-sky irradiance based on radiative transfer calculations is also proposed.

The daily-mean values of the cloud radiative forcing (absolute and normalized) as well as their monthly and seasonal variabilities are analyzed. The study shows greater variability of radiative forcing during springtime with respect to the other seasons. The mean daily cloudy periods have seasonal variation proportional to the seasonal variation of the cloud radiative forcing, with maximum values also occurring during springtime. The minimum values found for the daily-mean cloud radiative forcing are −139.5 and −198.4 W m−2 for MFRSR and Eppley data, respectively; the normalized values present about 40% of sample amplitude, both for MFRSR and Eppley. In addition, a quantitative relationship between the MFRSR and Eppley cloud radiative forcings applicable to other locations is proposed.
ENSO Amplitude Modulation Associated with the Mean SST Changes in the Tropical Central Pacific Induced by Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation
Authors: Kang In-Sik , No Hyun-ho , Kucharski Fred
Published: August 2014

The mechanism associated with the modulation of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) amplitude caused by the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO) is investigated by using long-term historical observational data and various types of models. The observational data for the period 1900–2013 show that the ENSO variability weakened during the positive phase of the AMO and strengthened in the negative phase. Such a relationship between the AMO and ENSO amplitude has been reported by a number of previous studies. In the present study the authors demonstrate that the weakening of the ENSO amplitude during the positive phase of the AMO is related to changes of the SST cooling in the eastern and central Pacific accompanied by the easterly wind stress anomalies in the equatorial central Pacific, which were reproduced reasonably well by coupled general circulation model (CGCM) simulations performed with the Atlantic Ocean SST nudged perpetually with the observed SST representing the positive phase of the AMO and the free integration in the other ocean basins. Using a hybrid coupled model, it was determined that the mechanism associated with the weakening of the ENSO amplitude is related to the westward shift and weakening of the ENSO zonal wind stress anomalies accompanied by the westward shift of precipitation anomalies associated with the relatively cold background mean SST over the central Pacific.
On the Contribution of Longwave Radiation to Global Climate Model Biases in Arctic Lower Tropospheric Stability
Authors: Barton Neil P. , Klein Stephen A. , Boyle James S.
Published: August 2014

Previous research has found that global climate models (GCMs) usually simulate greater lower tropospheric stabilities compared to reanalysis data. To understand the origins of this bias, the authors examine hindcast simulations initialized with reanalysis data of six GCMs and find that four of the six models simulate within five days a positive bias in Arctic lower tropospheric stability during the Arctic polar night over sea ice regions. These biases in lower tropospheric stability are mainly due to cold biases in surface temperature, as very small potential temperature biases exist aloft.

Similar to previous research, polar night surface temperature biases in the hindcast runs relate to all-sky downwelling longwave radiation in the models, which very much relates to the cloud liquid water. Also found herein are clear-sky longwave radiation biases and a fairly large clear-sky longwave radiation bias in the day one hindcast. This clear-sky longwave bias is analyzed by running the same radiation transfer model for each model’s temperature and moisture profile, and the model spread in clear-sky downwelling longwave radiation with the same radiative transfer model is found to be much less, suggesting that model differences other than temperature and moisture are aiding in the spread in downwelling longwave radiation.

The six models were also analyzed in Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP) mode to determine if hindcast simulations are analogous to free-running simulations. Similar winter lower tropospheric stability biases occur in four of the six models with surface temperature biases relating to the winter lower tropospheric stability values.
Entropy–Copula in Hydrology and Climatology
Authors: AghaKouchak Amir
Published: August 2014

The entropy theory has been widely applied in hydrology for probability inference based on incomplete information and the principle of maximum entropy. Meanwhile, copulas have been extensively used for multivariate analysis and modeling the dependence structure between hydrologic and climatic variables. The underlying assumption of the principle of maximum entropy is that the entropy variables are mutually independent from each other. The principle of maximum entropy can be combined with the copula concept for describing the probability distribution function of multiple dependent variables and their dependence structure. Recently, efforts have been made to integrate the entropy and copula concepts (hereafter, entropy–copula) in various forms to take advantage of the strengths of both methods. Combining the two concepts provides new insight into the probability inference; however, limited studies have utilized the entropy–copula methods in hydrology and climatology. In this paper, the currently available entropy–copula models are reviewed and categorized into three main groups based on their model structures. Then, a simple numerical example is used to illustrate the formulation and implementation of each type of the entropy–copula model. The potential applications of entropy–copula models in hydrology and climatology are discussed. Finally, an example application to flood frequency analysis is presented.
A Drop Size Distribution (DSD)-Based Model for Evaluating the Performance of Wet Radomes for Dual-Polarized Radars
Authors: Salazar-Cerreño Jorge L. , Chandrasekar V. , Trabal Jorge M. , Siquera Paul , Medina Rafael , Knapp Eric , McLaughlin David J.
Published: August 2014

A novel analytical method is presented for evaluating the electrical performance of a radome for a dual-polarized phased-array antenna under rain conditions. Attenuation, reflections, and induced cross polarization are evaluated for different rainfall conditions and radome types. The authors present a model for estimating the drop size distribution on a radome surface based on skin surface material, area, inclination, and rainfall rate. Then, a multilayer radome model based on the transmission-line-equivalent circuit model is used to characterize the radome’s scattering parameters. Numerical results are compared with radar data obtained in the Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) and Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere (CASA) systems, and good agreement is found.
The Characteristics of Quality Scholarly Submissions
Authors: Rupp Deborah E. , Thornton Meghan A. , Rogelberg Steven G. , Olien Jessie L. , Berka Gregory
Published: August 2014

This editorial examines author-reported information on author team characteristics and decision points during the paper development process. In addition to presenting the typical practices of our authors, we present data linking author team practices to the actual recommendations and ratings made by reviewers on these papers. The ultimate goal of this editorial is to attempt to identify some potential drivers of publishing success at Journal of Management. While there does not seem to be a magic feather that predicts manuscript success, two of our findings suggest that seeking outside expertise when developing a team of authors, and frequent electronic communication with those authors, might have a positive effect on the assessed quality of the manuscript.
The CLEAN Carwash Initiative
Authors: Avendaño Ana , Fanning Charlie
Published: August 2014

Since 2008, the CLEAN (Community, Labor, Environmental Action Network) Carwash Initiative, in collaboration with numerous community groups, has sought to transform Los Angeles’s expansive, low-rent carwash industry, build a sustainable, long-term presence in South LA, where most of the carwasheros live and work, and establish a self-sustaining United Steelworkers’ local to lift up both the industry and the community. This paper places the initiative within the growing transnational conversation on alternative forms of worker representation and labor’s responses to declining union density, power, and anti-worker fiscal austerity. It explores the initiative’s unique institutional structures and its efforts to preserve public services and expand health care access for carwash workers.
Embolized ductus device extraction and associated iliofemoral artery repair
Authors: Ahmad Tanveer , Pasarad Ashwini Kumar , Kishore Kolkebaile Sadanand , Maheshwarappa Nandakumar Neralakere
Published: August 2014

Less-invasive methods for nonsurgical closure of a patent ductus arteriosus have gained popularity as first-line therapy. An 11-year-old girl underwent percutaneous patent ductus arteriosus closure with a device. The device embolized into the descending aorta. An attempt at catheter retrieval was complicated by iliofemoral arterial injury. Subsequent device extraction was performed with repair of the arterial injury using a tube graft.
Adult Crime, Adult Time? Benchmarking Public Views on Punishing Serious Juvenile Felons
Authors: Miller Riane N. , Applegate Brandon K.
Published: August 2014

During the 1980s and 1990s, policy makers became alarmed by the perceived increase in juveniles’ involvement in serious crime. As a result, a number of laws were passed to increase the penalties associated with the commission of such crimes, including laws making juvenile waiver to adult court easier. Although research exists regarding public support for transferring juveniles, limited research is available to shed light on whether the public supports juveniles receiving “adult time” for “adult crimes.” This study expands on the current literature by assessing the public’s views on the appropriate level of punishment for juveniles who have committed a serious felony offense. Drawing on public responses to vignettes and data from the National Judicial Reporting Program, we also benchmark public preferences against actual sentences in criminal court. Although our results show that the public favors less severe penalties for many juveniles, we also find evidence of a public sentiment that “adult crime” merits “adult time.”
Vitamin B Deficiencies in a Critically Ill Autistic Child With a Restricted Diet
Authors: Baird J. Scott , Ravindranath Thyyar M.
Published: August 2014

An 11‐year‐old male with autism became less responsive and was hospitalized with hepatomegaly and liver dysfunction, as well as severe lactic acidosis. His diet for several years was self‐limited exclusively to a single “fast food”—a particular type of fried chicken—and was deficient in multiple micronutrients, including the B vitamins thiamine and pyridoxine. Lactic acidosis improved rapidly with thiamine; 2 weeks later, status epilepticus—with low serum pyridoxine—resolved rapidly with pyridoxine. Dietary B vitamin deficiencies complicated the care of this critically ill autistic child and should be considered in this setting.
Impact of Educational Levels and Health Literacy on Community Acetaminophen Knowledge
Authors: Ip Eric J. , Tang Terrill T-L. , Cheng Vincent , Yu Junhua , Cheongsiatmoy Derren S.
Published: August 2014

Patient understanding of acetaminophen is important for its safe and appropriate self-use. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the San Francisco Bay Area to determine the impact of educational level, patient health literacy score, and other demographic characteristics on acetaminophen knowledge. A 17-item, in-person, paper-and-pen questionnaire containing questions about demographics and acetaminophen knowledge was administered to 311 adults outside 5 local grocery stores in varying socioeconomic communities. Knowledge assessed was whether Tylenol–McNeil contains acetaminophen, maximum daily dose, and primary organ affected by toxicity. Participant health literacy was evaluated using the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine-Short Form (REALM-SF) test. Of the 300 who successfully completed the study, only 3.8% of all subjects were able to answer all 3 acetaminophen knowledge questions correctly regardless of educational level or health literacy score. This reaffirms that a lack of appropriate acetaminophen knowledge remains present in the general population, and further efforts to educate patients will be needed to prevent adverse events.
A Comprehensive Review of Potential Warfarin-Fruit Interactions
Authors: Norwood Daryl A. , Parke Crystal K. , Rappa Leonard R.
Published: August 2014

Purpose:

The aim of this review is to discuss possible interactions that may occur between warfarin and fruit products.

Methods:

A literature search was conducted using the search terms: “warfarin (Coumadin®) and fruit interactions, warfarin and fruit, warfarin and fruit juice, case reports and clinical trials”.

Results:

A total of 23 citations (15 case reports and 7 controlled clinical trials) were reviewed. The majority of cases involved cranberry products, while pomegranate juice, avocado, grapefruit juice, mango, and papain were also implicated in reports of suspected warfarin-fruit interactions. Cranberry juice was also the most frequently studied fruit product. Other fruit products evaluated with warfarin in controlled clinical trials were cranberry concentrate and grapefruit juice.

Conclusion:

Although a number of case reports have been published that suggest warfarin has the potential to interact with several fruit products, it is difficult to determine their relevance, as scientific evidence is scarce. Until further information is available, clinicians may want to encourage patients to consume cranberry products and grapefruit juice in small to moderate quantities and to inquire about the recent consumption of mangos, pomegranate juice, and avocados when taking a dietary history or when assessing possible causes for international normalized ratio (INR) instability.
Reformation or exodus: Assessing the future of the Euro
Authors: Watts Martin , Sharpe Timothy , Juniper James
Published: August 2014

Eurozone economies were the most adversely affected by the Global Financial Crisis, with forecast macroeconomic outcomes still highly uncertain. This article argues first that the Eurozone policy framework can be viewed as neo-liberalism overlaid with policy constraints associated with a mis-specified Optimum Currency Area. We are critical of this framework since it is incompatible with the policy sovereignty that is experienced, if not utilised, by sovereign economies such as the USA, UK and Australia. Second, recent and proposed policy reforms which generally lie within the constraints of the Eurozone framework are examined. We conclude that these policies are piecemeal and fail to restore policy sovereignty, which ultimately requires that member countries exit the Eurozone. Key issues associated with such an exit are briefly discussed.
Government procurement contracts and minimum labour standards enforcement: Rhetoric, duplication and distraction?
Authors: Holley Sasha , Maconachie Glenda , Goodwin Miles
Published: August 2014

Government contracts for services typically include terms requiring contractors to comply with minimum labour standards laws. Procurement contract clauses specify reporting procedures and sanctions for non-compliance, implying that government contracting agencies will monitor and enforce minimum labour standards within contract performance management. In this article, the case of school cleaners employed under New South Wales government contracts between 2010 and 2011 is the vehicle for exploring the effectiveness of these protective clauses. We find that the inclusion of these protective clauses in procurement contracts is unnecessary in the Australian context, and any expectations that government contracting agencies will monitor and enforce labour standards are misleading. At best, the clauses are rhetoric, and at worst, they are a distraction for parties with enforcement powers.
Adaptive ankle–foot orthoses based on superelasticity of shape memory alloys
Authors: Mataee Morteza Gorzin , Andani Masood Taheri , Elahinia Mohammad
Published: August 2014

This article presents two innovative adaptive solutions for the ankle–foot orthosis based on mechanical and structural stiffness control of shape memory alloys. These concepts address gait abnormality in drop foot patients for various walking conditions such as different walking speeds. In the first design, a superelastic rod provides variable torsional stiffness that is adjusted by a controlled axial load. In the second design, the active length of superelastic hinge is adjusted in order to control the bending stiffness of the element. By adjusting the stiffness, variable level of compliance is achieved at the ankle. In both concepts, during powered plantarflexion in the stance phase of the gait, energy is stored in the shape memory alloy element. Release of this energy through superelasticity enables the ankle–foot orthosis to provide the desired controlled dorsiflexion motion in the sagittal plane and to raise the foot during the swing phase of the gait. The ultimate goal is to assist the patients in achieving a more natural gait and to prevent muscle atrophy. For the presented designs, numerical simulations are carried out to evaluate the stiffness properties of the active component under different gait speeds. To this end, experimental data of human gait are used to calculate the variation in ankle stiffness. The superelastic elements mimic the experimental ankle stiffness profiles.
Positive psychological states and health behaviors in acute coronary syndrome patients: A qualitative study
Authors: Huffman Jeff C , DuBois Christina M , Mastromauro Carol A , Moore Shannon V , Suarez Laura , Park Elyse R
Published: August 2014

Positive psychological states are linked to superior cardiac outcomes, possibly mediated through increased participation in health behaviors. Trained study staff conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews in the hospital and 3 months later for 34 patients diagnosed with an acute coronary syndrome. These interviews focused on positive psychological states, cardiac health behaviors, and their connection; the interviews were transcribed and independently coded using directed content analysis. Both optimism and positive affect were associated with completion of physical activity and healthy eating in a bidirectional manner. In contrast, gratitude, while common, was infrequently linked to completion of health behaviors.
Scientific objectivity in journalism? How journalists and academics define objectivity, assess its attainability, and rate its desirability
Authors: Post Senja
Published: August 2014

Journalism critics have repeatedly proposed that journalists adopt scientific standards of objectivity. A comparative survey of 134 German journalists (34%) and 163 academics (33%) from different subject areas was conducted to investigate to what degree scientific criteria of objectivity resonate in journalists’ attitudes toward and understandings of objectivity. Results show that journalists and academics equally think that objectivity is attainable and desirable. Yet members of both professions dealing with cultural or historical subjects consider it less desirable than members dealing with social or natural scientific subjects. Journalists and academics define objectivity in different terms. Journalists think objectivity demands ‘trying to let the facts speak for themselves’, and academics think it requires systematic methods and transparent accounts. In others words, respondents’ attitudes toward objectivity depend on the subjects they deal with, while their understandings of objectivity depend on their professional belonging.
A New Measure of Research Participant Burden
Authors: Lingler Jennifer H. , Schmidt Karen L. , Gentry Amanda L. , Hu Lu , Terhorst Lauren A.
Published: August 2014

Effective conceptualizations of research burden should address indirect burdens related to research duration, intensity, and invasiveness. Introducing the concept of perceived research burden, we developed, tested, and validated a new instrument, the Perceived Research Burden Assessment (PeRBA). Initial psychometric evaluation of PeRBA reveals good internal consistency, evidence of face validity, and acceptable convergent and discriminant validity.