bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Practical Course of "3S" Integrated Technique in GIS Specialty of Beijing Normal University
Authors: Liu H. P. , Qi J. , Bai M.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Practical course is one of the characteristics of earth sciences courses at university. Student-centered method is an important idea in university teaching, and practical course should fully reflect the idea by designing courses and controlling aspects for teaching and learning. The paper preliminarily analyzed the motivation and content of student-centered teaching idea, and explored the teaching and learning method in the practical course combining "3S" technology (which is the shorter form of remote sensing (RS), global positioning system (GPS) and geographic information systems (GIS)).
The Analysis Of Smartphone Apps In Geomatics Education
Authors: Teo T.-A. , Wu H.-M. , Shih T.-Y. , Tsai F.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Geomatics is a discipline of collecting, processing and analysing geospatial data. Data collection is a core process of geomatics which usually adopt precise equipment to measure geospatial data. With the development of technology, a smartphone in this present era is not simply for communication; several low cost measurement devices such as Global Positioning System (GPS), gyro and camera are assembled in a smartphone. Although the devices assembled in a smartphone could not meet the needs of accuracy requirement for many geomatics applications, millions of mobile applications (Apps) can be downloaded and installed from Google Play and Apple Store freely, and a variety of sensors can be chosen for user. Considering that the popularity and convenience of a smartphone, and assuming that the accuracy of those collected data is acceptable for learning purposes, it is expected that a smartphone can be employed in geomatics for hand-on education. For example, Vespucci OSM Editor is an App to edit the OpenStreetMap on Android. The user may have the hand-on experience on GPS positioning, web services and mapping via Vespucci OSM Editor. The aim of this paper is to collect and analyze different Apps for geomatics education. The Apps are classified into four categories, namely, surveying, remote sensing, GPS and Geographic Information System (GIS). In this paper, more than 20 free Apps are collected and analysed for different hand-on studies in geomatics education. Finally, all the related Apps are listed on a website for updating.
Assessing drought cycles in SPI time series using a Fourier analysis
Authors: Moreira E. E. , Martins D. S. , Pereira L. S.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. In this study, drought in Portugal was assessed using 74 time series of Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) with a 12 month time scale and 66 years length. A clustering analysis on the SPI Principal Components loadings was performed in order to find regions where SPI drought characteristics are similar. A Fourier analysis was then applied to the SPI time series included in each cluster to investigate the existence of cycles that could represent the return periods of droughts. The most frequent and significant cycles that compound the time series in each of the three clusters were therefore identified and analysed. Results show that droughts periodicities vary among the three clusters identified. The results point to a cycle with 6 years return period of droughts occurrence across the country and a cycle with 9.4 years period of droughts with very high presence in central and southern Portugal. Both these cycles are likely showing influences of the North Atlantic Oscillation on the occurrence and severity of droughts in Portugal.
Effects of bottom topography on dynamics of river discharges in tidal regions: case study of twin plumes in Taiwan Strait
Authors: Korotenko K. A. , Osadchiev A. A. , Zavialov P. O. , Kao R.-C. , Ding C.-F.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. The Princeton Ocean Model is used to investigate the intratidal variability of currents and turbulent mixing and their impact on the characteristics and evolution of the plumes of two neighboring rivers, the Zhuoshui River and the Wu River, at the central eastern coast of Taiwan Strait. The two estuaries are located close to each other and their conditions are similar in many respects, and yet the two plumes exhibit significantly different behavior. We explain this through differences of the bottom topography in the areas adjacent to the two river mouths. The Zhuoshui River runs into a shallow area that is permanently exposed to strong tidal mixing, while the Wu River mouth is located in a deeper, stratified area outside the region of intense mixing. This destruction of the plume by tidal mixing is confirmed by the results of numerical modeling with POM. The spatial and temporal variability of turbulent kinetic energy and its production rate in the study region, as well as the horizontal diffusivity, are analyzed with the emphasis given to the dependence of the turbulence parameters on the bottom topography on the one hand and their influence on the river plumes on the other. Further, we use a Lagrangian particle tracking model in combination with POM to investigate the effect of the tidal wetting-and-drying (WAD) of land taking place near the Zhuoshui estuary, and demonstrate that WAD leads to significant reduction of the plume extent and surface salinity deficit near the river mouth. We use observational data from a short field campaign in the study area to tune and validate the model experiments.
The evaluation of a communication tool within an acute healthcare organization
Authors: Sears Kim , Lewis Shannon T. , Craddock Mary Dee M. , Flowers Brandi R. , Bovie Lesley C.
Published: April 2014

Background: Striving to ensure clear, concise and consistent communication, the Situation, Background, Assessment and Recommendations (SBAR) tool was adopted for use within a multisite acute healthcare organization. Objective: To evaluate the use and effectiveness of the SBAR tool on communication within a multisite acute healthcare organization. Methods: This longitudinal study was conducted over one year and was comprised of four phases including: Phase1) pre-implementation, Phase 2) education sessions, Phase 3) post-implementation, and Phase 4) final evaluation. The study used a convenience sample that included all multidisciplinary participants from Lakeridge Health. Results: The entire sample in this study consisted of 705 multidisciplinary participants. The number of participants that completed surveys per phase was as follows: phase 1, n = 259, phase 3, n = 209, and phase 4, n = 237. Post implementation of the SBAR tool, participants identified that the tool positively influenced the level of good communication with patients and families. 59.8% participants felt that good communication existed within their function, 47.4% identified that good communication existed within their discipline, 45% recognized that the SBAR tool would work on their units and 53.6% participants identified that they were familiar with the SBAR tool. During the final evaluation of the SBAR tool, the majority of respondent 66.2% believed the tool would reduce the potential for errors, 70% felt that the SBAR process was useful in facilitating communication with other team members or patients, 53.7% of participants felt communication flow between members of their area or discipline had improved since the implementation of SBAR, 52.1% of participants felt communication flow between themselves and their colleagues had improved since the implementation of SBAR and 71.7% of participants identified that they were satisfied when using SBAR that their message was received and understood. Conclusion: This study is the first study to investigate the use of the SBAR tool across a multisite acute healthcare organization. The tool demonstrated positive results in relation to improving communication with patients and families within the organization. As patients and families are key members of the healthcare team, this finding is important. Although not meeting with a significant change, all of the questions that examined communication, i.e. good communication within function and good interdisciplinary communication, had a positive finding after the implement-tation of the SBAR tool. This study examined the importance of leadership to create and sustain a change and the relevance of the culture that people are working within to advance quality within an organization.
Comparison of cardiac time intervals between echocardiography and impedance cardiography at various heart rates
Authors: van Eijnatten Maureen A.J.M. , van Rijssel Michael J. , Peters Rob J.A. , Verdaasdonk Rudolf M. , Meijer Jan H.
Published: April 2014

The non-invasively measured initial systolic time interval (ISTI) reflects a time difference between the electrical and pumping activity of the heart and depends on cardiac preload, afterload, autonomic nervous control and training level. However, the duration of the ISTI has not yet been compared to other time markers of the heart cycle. The present study gauges the duration of the ISTI by comparing the end point of this interval, the C-point, with heart cycle markers obtained by echocardiography. The heart rate of 16 healthy subjects was varied by means of an exercise stimulus. It was found that the C-point, and therefore the end point of ISTI, occurred around the moment of the maximum diameter of the aortic arch in all subjects and at all heart rates. However, while the time difference between the opening of the aortic valves and the maximum diameter of the aortic arch decreased significantly with decreasing RR-interval, the time difference with respect to the moment of the C-point remained constant within the subjects. This means that the shortening of the ISTI with increasing heart rate in response to an exercise stimulus was caused by a shortening of the pre-ejection period (PEP). It is concluded that the ISTI can be used as a non-invasive parameter indicating the time difference between the electrical and mechanical pumping activity of the heart, both inside and outside the clinic.
Simplified estimation of membrane potentials induced by high-frequency electric signals
Authors: Saviz Mehrdad , Faraji-Dana Reza
Published: April 2014

In this paper we show why the poorly conducting cytoplasmic membranes have little effect on the overall impedance of the tissue above a certain frequency, and derive an estimate of this upper frequency. It is further shown that the induced transmembrane potentials at different sites over the membrane can be found through a simple formula for frequencies above the threshold, without the need to analytically or theoretically model the membranes directly. The findings are validated for an irregular cell shape through rigorous numerical modeling.
New record of Euphrasia frigida Pugsl. in Colesdalen, Svalbard ( Short communication )
Authors: Markovskaya Eugenia , Nataliya Shmakova , Valentina Kostina
Published: April 2014

In 2011, a new place with Euphrasia frigida Pugsl was found in the area of Colesdalen, Svalbard. In this paper, geographical location of the place is reported and a brief description of neighbouring vegetation given. The new place with E. frigida was found on SW-facing slopes (inclination of about 30°) at a shallow hollow. The clumps of E. frigida were located 1-1.5 m away from each other and formed an area of about 40 m2. Altogether, 420 individuals were found, average length of which was 2 cm. The flower length and width reached 5 and 3.5 mm, respectively. The habitat related to willow-grassland-moss association. However, the surface of a hollow was slightly eroded probably due to anthropogenic transformation caused by proximity of old abandoned settlement and a harbour that have been used for coal shipping from Colesbukta. Finding of the new place with E. frigida within Colesdalen may be related to a spreading of the species at this particular Svalbard locality. It may also support the idea that the species could be ranked thermophilic and thus potentially fast responsive to warming of polar environment.
Phenotypic and ecological diversity of freshwater coccoid cyanobacteria from maritime Antarctica and islands of NW Weddell Sea. I. Synechococcales.
Authors: Komárek Jiří
Published: April 2014

The review of freshwater natural populations of coccoid cyanobacteria from the ecosystems of the coastal Antarctica in the vicinity of Antarctic Peninsula is presented in two consequent articles. The natural cyanobacterial populations were studied from deglaciated regions with aquatic and terrestrial habitats, mainly from the islands Nelson and King George (South Shetland Islands) and from the northern deglaciated part of the James Ross Island (NW part of the Weddell Sea). Majority of identified morphospecies was distinctly ecologically restricted and their cultivation was not successful; the molecular evaluation was therefore not possible. All morphotypes appeared also in small quantities, and only few morphospecies created locally more intense populations. However, the knowledge of phenotype variation is important for the classification of Antarctic cyanobacterial diversity. This first article contains 11 taxa (morphospecies) from 9 genera from the simple phylogenetic clade, classified recently in the order Synechococcales (the second part will contain species from more complicated unicellular cyanobacterial orders). Our results were compared with literary data, but several populations occurred only rarely in atypical stages and their taxonomic classification was difficult. The modern cyanobacterial system (Hoffmann et al. 2005, Komárek et al. 2013) is used for the classification.
Diversity of microfungi in ornithogenic soils from Beaufort Island, continental Antarctic
Authors: Alias Siti Aisyah , Smykla Jerzy , Ming Chin Yoon , Rizman-Idid Mohammed , Convey Peter
Published: April 2014

This paper presents the results of a biodiversity study of microfungi in ornithogenic soils from Beaufort Island (Ross Sea, continental Antarctic). During the 2004/05 austral sum-mer, we sampled a wide range of soil habitats from an abandoned penguin rookeries to examine the biodiversity of soil microfungi. Beaufort Island is predominantly ice and snow covered, isolated, difficult to access and known to have been visited only infre-quently. Warcup's soil plating method was used for fungal cultivation. A total of ten fungal taxa were isolated, consisting of seven ascomycetes, two anamorphic fungi and one yeast. In terms of their thermal classes, a total of four psychrophilic, five psychro-tolerant and 1 mesophilic fungi were isolated. Thelebolus microsporus, Geomyces sp. and Thelebolus sp. were the most common isolated fungi. Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) and 18S rDNA sequences were obtained from 17 fungal isolates, confirming their identification as Thelebolus microsporus, Thelebolus sp., Phoma herbarum and Geo-myces sp.
Four aeroterrestrial algae grown at aspecial substrate of deglaciated coastal areas of Petuniabukta, Svalbard
Authors: Raabová Lenka , Kováčik Ľubomír
Published: April 2014

The bone remnants of sea mammals are frequently dispersed everywhere in coastal areas of Svalbard Archipelago represent aspecific natural habitat which is colonized by aeroterrestrial microscopic algae. Such bone habitat might be considered an analogue to stone substrates. However, bone habitats are not included in ecological studies of polar region. In the present study, thorough observations were made on some algal strains isolated to laboratory cultures. They included two green algal species Pseudodictyo-chloris multinucleata and Tetracystis pulchra, as well as two stramenopile algal species Heterococcus papillosus and Xanthonema debile. All these taxa are new additions to the Svalbard flora.
Sensitivity of Antarctic freshwater algae to salt stress assessed by fast chlorophyll fluorescence transient
Authors: Vilumbrales David Miguel , Skácelová Kateřina , Barták Miloš
Published: April 2014

In this study, we investigated the effects of salt stress (2 mM NaCl) on excitation energy transfer from light harvesting complexes to photosystem II (PS II) in two Antarctic algal species: Klebsormidium sp. and Zygnema sp. Short-term salt stress led to a significant changes in the shape of chlorophyll fluorescence transient (OJIP). Analyses of the polyphasic fluorescence transients (OJIP) showed that the fluorescence yield at the phases J, I and P declined considerably with the time of exposition to salt stress. In both experimental species, OJIP transients reached lowest values of chlorophyll fluorescence signal after 30/60 min. of NaCl exposition. Then, OJIP shape and chlorophyll fluo-rescence showed species-specific recovery and rised towards original values (about 2/3 of untreated control). Analyses of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters derived from OJIPs showed that salt stress led to a decrease in the maximal efficiency of PS II photo-chemistry (FV/FM) in Zygnema sp. but not Klebsormidium sp. The results indicated that the probability of excitation energy transfer before and beyond QA, and the yield of electron transport beyond QA is limited by salt-induced stress in Zygnema sp. In addition, salt stress resulted in a decrease in the photosynthetic electron transport per PS II reaction center, but both increase and decrease in the trapping per PS II reaction center was found. Performace index (PIabs) was affected negatively in Zygnema sp. but possitively Klebsormidium sp. indicating that the latter species was more resistant to salt stress than Zygnema sp.
Isolation of human pathogen Escherichia albertii from faeces of seals (Leptonychotes weddelli) in James Ross Island, Antarctica
Authors: Sedláček Ivo , Grillová Linda , Kroupová Eva , Černohlávková Jitka , Šmajs David
Published: April 2014

A set of nine gram-negative fermenting rods biochemically identified as Escherichia coli was isolated from faeces of seals. These bacteria were characterized by phenotypic classification, 16S rDNA sequence analyses, automated ribotyping, study of whole-cell protein profiles by SDS-PAGE and finally by bacteriocin production. The results of our polyphasic taxonomic study supported the recognition of P4652, P4653 and P4740 isolates as true members of Escherichia albertii species – probably a major enteric human pathogen. To our best knowledge, this is the first evidence showing that E. albertii produces bacteriocin, colicin D. Obtained data unambiguously showed incon-venience of commercial identification systems to distinguish both Escherichia species due to missing data of E. albertii in the commercial databases. The results of Escherichia isolates taxonomy suggest seals as a novel source of human and animal pathogen,E. albertii in the Antarctic region.
Parenteral Nutrition-Associated Liver Disease: a Retrospective Study of Ursodeoxycholic Acid Use in Neonates
Authors: Thibault Maxime , McMahon Jessica , Faubert Guillaume , Charbonneau Julie , Malo Josianne , Ferreira Ema , Mohamed Ibrahim
Published: April 2014

OBJECTIVES

To verify the effect of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on the duration of neonatal parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of neonates in intensive care between 2004 and 2007 presenting with parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease.

RESULTS

Of 118 eligible infants, 64 received UDCA. Cholestasis lasted longer in the UDCA group (79 vs. 50 days, p=0.001). However, treatment was delayed for a median of 24 days after cholestasis onset. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed no association between UDCA and cholestasis duration. The rate of decline of conjugated bilirubin was greater in treated patients (median 0.084 mg/dL/day vs. 0.60 mg/dL/day; p=0.009) and weight gain was greater (22.8 vs. 17.7 g/kg/day, p=0.010).

CONCLUSIONS

UDCA therapy was not associated with the duration of parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease. A delay in treatment initiation might explain this result. UDCA therapy was associated with a faster decline of conjugated bilirubin and greater weight gain.
Successful Sublingual Cobalamin Treatment in a Child with Short-Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Kotilea Kallirroi , Quennery Stefanie , Decroës Valérie , Hermans Dominique A
Published: April 2014

Vitamin B12 (B12) is essential for deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis, to maintain normal hematologic and neurologic functions. Studies suggest that cobalamin deficiency in children is more common than previously recognized. Main causes are decreased intake, abnormal absorption, and inborn errors of metabolism. The classic treatment for cobalamin deficiency is intramuscular administration of B12. There are no data concerning the use of alternative routes of cobalamin administration in children. This report shares the experience of sublingual administration of B12 to a patient with short-bowel syndrome and B12 malabsorption. We report the case of successful treatment of cobalamin deficiency by sublingual administration in a 9-year-old patient who had undergone intestinal resection and jejunum-colon, with anastomosis of 32 cm of residual small intestine and absence of distal jejunum and ileocecal junction. We determined a B12 deficiency because low serum cobalamin levels (<200 pg/mL) were shown in 2 consecutive tests (130 pg/mL and 170 pg/mL). The patient presented with neither clinical nor hematological manifestations. He received sublingual cobalamin preparation, 1000-mcg sublingual nuggets per day for 1 month. Normalization of serum cobalamin was obtained (790 pg/mL) after 1 month of treatment. The sublingual route of administration not only improved the quality of life of this patient by avoiding monthly painful injections but also reduced the cost of treatment and the number of hospital visits.
Microbial monitoring of drinking water prevents waterborne diseases—and the moon is made of green cheese
Authors: Allen Martin J. , Clancy Jennifer L. , Kirmeyer Ory , Grigg Neil S.
Published: April 2014

Microbial monitoring as currently practiced falls far short of the intended purpose of ensuring the microbial safety of drinking water.
Committee Report: Helpful information required in polymer product technical data sheets
Authors:   AWWA Standards Committee on Polyelectrolytes
Published: April 2014

AWWA's Standards Committee on Polyelectrolytes now requires that specific information be included in each polymer product's technical data sheet and specifies when suppliers must provide Product Technical Data Sheets to their product users.
Finally Finished With the Farm Bill
Authors: Roberson J. Alan
Published: April 2014

On Friday, February 7, at Michigan State University, President Obama signed the Agricultural Act of 2014, also known as the Farm Bill, marking the end of two or three years (depending on how you want to count it) of intensive negotiations. Congress had passed this bill two days earlier, and it contained a mix of reforms to commodity programs and the food stamp program, as well as addressed several other agricultural issues.
Broward County Partners Collaborate to Conserve
Authors: Rand Honey
Published: April 2014

Water is not an endless resource. Those in the water production and delivery business understand this better than most. Elected officials are beginning to appreciate that with climate change, increasing demands, and the need to protect the environment, water supply is as much a challenge as any other public service. In some areas, it's the most pressing issue. Utility directors and water managers know all too well that freshwater supplies are limited and alternative technologies can be expensive. Communities seeking new water supplies face many challenges in meeting competing demands for water.
Developmental Trends in Emotion Regulation: A Systematic Review with Implications for Community Mental Health
Authors: Rawana Jennine S. , Flett Gordon L. , McPhie Meghan L. , Nguyen Hien T. , Norwood Sarah Jane
Published: April 2014

The ability to regulate how emotions are experienced is central to psychological well-being. Developmental changes in emotion regulation (ER) strategies are unclear in the literature. Thus, a systematic review of the research literature was conducted in order to (a) describe normative ER development across childhood, adolescence, and emerging adulthood, (b) describe the patterns and processes of specific ER strategies, and (c) identify and describe the influence of specific individual factors on ER. Fifty-five studies were identified that examined key ER strategies across development. The findings highlight the importance of facilitating adaptive ER strategies among children and youth.
Expanding and Democratizing the Agenda for Preventing Youth Suicide: Youth Participation, Cultural Responsiveness, and Social Transformation
Authors: White Jennifer
Published: April 2014

Suicidal behaviours in young people are among the most challenging issues faced by educators, policy makers, and practitioners. A small number of youth suicide prevention programs have been identified as promising. At the same time, many contemporary approaches to youth suicide prevention take insufficient account of the social or cultural context and privilege the expertise of adults and researchers. In large part, this is a consequence of how scientific knowledge is constructed. By engaging young people as knowledgeable collaborators and by paying attention to broader socio-political and cultural contexts in understanding sources of suffering, a more flexible and enriched approach to youth suicide prevention research and practice is envisioned.
Diodes, Fundamentals and Transport Theory
Authors: Misiakos Konstantinos
Published: April 2014

The following article is a brief overview of the device physics of the semiconductor p‐n junction diode. It reviews the basic transport equations and derives analytical expressions for the steady state and transient current‐voltage characteristics. The range of validity of the basic equations and the analytical expressions is outlined. Special emphasis is placed upon the small signal analysis and impedance spectroscopy based on equivalent circuit models. The equations derived are compared against experimental results on silicon diodes at room as well as at low temperatures. In addition to conventional diodes, non‐conventional devices based on tunneling are also considered.
Semiconductors,IV–VI
Authors: Springholz Gunther , Bauer Günther
Published: April 2014

The IV–VI compounds formed from elements of columns IV (Ge, Sn, and Pb) and VI (S, Se, and Te) of the periodic table of elements are among the oldest known semiconducting materials. The most prominent representatives, PbS, PbSe, and PbTe, have been used for more than 100 years for electronic and optoelectronic device applications. The IV‐VI materials are narrow gap semiconductors which exhibit quite different structural, electronic, and optical properties as compared to other semiconductors. This arises from the ten valence electrons per atomic pair in the IV‐VI compounds instead of the eight valence electrons typical for the tetrahedrally bonded group IV, III–V, and II–VI semiconductors. This article overviews fundamental aspects of IV‐VI semiconductors, including their structural, optical and electronic properties, as well as practical aspects such as single crystal growth and band gap engineering. In addition, important applications such as infrared detectors, microdisk lasers, and thermoelectric devices are also discussed.
Mixing state of regionally transported soot particles and the coating effect on their size and shape at a mountain site in Japan
Authors: Adachi Kouji , Zaizen Yuji , Kajino Mizuo , Igarashi Yasuhito
Published: April 2014

Soot particles influence the global climate through interactions with sunlight. A coating on soot particles increases their light absorption by increasing their absorption cross section and cloud condensation nuclei activity when mixed with other hygroscopic aerosol components. Therefore, it is important to understand how soot internally mixes with other materials to accurately simulate its effects in climate models. In this study, we used a transmission electron microscope (TEM) with an auto particle analysis system, which enables more particles to be analyzed than a conventional TEM. Using the TEM, soot particle size and shape (shape factor) were determined with and without coating from samples collected at a remote mountain site in Japan. The results indicate that ~10% of aerosol particles between 60 and 350 nm in aerodynamic diameters contain or consist of soot particles and ~75% of soot particles were internally mixed with nonvolatile ammonium sulfate or other materials. In contrast to an assumption that coatings change soot shape, both internally and externally mixed soot particles had similar shape and size distributions. Larger aerosol particles had higher soot mixing ratios, i.e., more than 40% of aerosol particles with diameters >1 µm had soot inclusions, whereas <20% of aerosol particles with diameters <1 µm included soot. Our results suggest that climate models may use the same size distributions and shapes for both internally and externally mixed soot; however, changing the soot mixing ratios in the different aerosol size bins is necessary.
Satellites Track Precipitation of Super Typhoon Haiyan
Authors: Nguyen Phu , Sellars Scott , Thorstensen Andrea , Tao Yumeng , Ashouri Hamed , Braithwaite Dan , Hsu Kuolin , Sorooshian Soroosh
Published: April 2014

Typhoon Haiyan, which struck Southeast Asia in November 2013, might be the strongest storm on record, with a 10‐minute sustained wind speed of 230 kilometers per hour. In the Philippines alone, the damage was immense—the storm killed more than 6000 and completely leveled cities and towns, particularly on the island of Leyte.
Congress Examines NASA Budget, Space Station, and Relations With Russia
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: April 2014

Concerns about recent Russian activities related to Ukraine loomed over an 8 April congressional hearing focusing on NASA's fiscal year (FY) 2015 budget request. Rep. Frank Wolf (R‐Va.), chair of the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, and several other committee members questioned NASA administrator Charles Bolden about the agency's contingency plans if tensions between Russia and the United States cause key joint scientific endeavors between the two countries to break off. That concern is particularly critical given the countries' longtime partnership on the International Space Station (ISS) and with the United States currently relying on Russian transport to and from the station until U.S. commercial vehicles are ready to transport astronauts back and forth.
Investigating Different Modes of Climate Variability
Authors: Doi Takeshi
Published: April 2014

Climate variations, also called climate modes, are coupled ocean‐atmosphere phenomena, such as the El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) or the North Atlantic Oscillation. Enhanced monitoring efforts are starting to lead to the identification of new modes of climate variability, some of which may play important roles in governing regional and global climate extremes.
Cloud fraction mediates the aerosol optical depth‐cloud top height relationship
Authors: Gryspeerdt E. , Stier P. , Grandey B. S.
Published: April 2014

The observed strong link between aerosol optical depth (τ) and cloud top pressure (ptop) has frequently been interpreted as the invigoration of convective clouds by aerosol, with increased τ being strongly correlated with decreases in ptop (increases in cloud top height). A strong correlation between τ and cloud fraction (fc) has also been observed. Using satellite‐retrieved data, here we show that ptop is also strongly correlated to fc, and when combined with the strong sensitivity between fc and τ, a large proportion of the relationship between ptop and τcan be reconstructed. Given the uncertainties about the influence of aerosol‐cloud interactions on the τ‐fc relationship, this suggests that a large fraction of the τ‐ptop correlation may not be due to aerosol effects. Influences such as aerosol humidification and meteorology play an important role and should therefore be considered in studies of aerosol‐cloud interactions.
Effects of Two Physiotherapy Booster Sessions on Outcomes With Home Exercise in People With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bennell Kim L. , Kyriakides Mary , Hodges Paul W. , Hinman Rana S.
Published: April 2014

Objective

Enhancing exercise adherence over the longer term is an important goal in self‐management of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Following an initial period of more intensive exercise supervision, this study investigated whether 2 additional physiotherapy visits improved outcomes with continued home exercise over a subsequent 24‐week period.

Methods

A total of 78 people with medial knee OA (mean ± SD age 62.1 ± 6.9 years, mean ± SD body mass index 29.4 ± 4.0 kg/m2, and radiographic disease severity 19% mild, 49% moderate, and 32% severe) who completed a 12‐week physiotherapist‐supervised exercise trial were randomly allocated to 2 30‐minute physiotherapy booster sessions (delivered by 8 physiotherapists in private clinics) or no booster sessions for the subsequent 24 weeks. All participants were asked to continue home exercises 4 times weekly. Primary outcomes were change in pain, using a 100‐mm visual analog scale, and self‐reported physical function, measured using the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. Participants and physiotherapists were unblinded to group allocation, although participants were blinded to the study hypothesis.

Results

A total of 74 participants (95%) completed the trial. There was no significant difference between groups for change in pain (mean difference [95% confidence interval (95% CI)] 0.7 mm [−9.4, 8.0]; P = 0.88) or physical function (−0.3 units [95% CI −4.0, 3.5]; P = 0.88). The mean ± SD percentage of home exercise sessions completed was 56% ± 34% in the booster group and 51% ± 37% in the control group (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Two booster sessions with a physiotherapist did not influence pain or physical function outcomes, or measures of home exercise adherence. These findings suggest other more effective strategies are needed to maximize longer‐term adherence with the aim to achieve greater improvements in clinical outcomes from exercise in this patient population.
Socioeconomic Disparities in the Health of African Americans With Rheumatoid Arthritis From the Southeastern United States
Authors: Baldassari Antoine R. , Cleveland Rebecca J. , Jonas Beth L. , Conn Doyt L. , Moreland Larry W. , Bridges S. Louis , Callahan Leigh F.
Published: April 2014

Objective

To examine cross‐sectional baseline data from the Consortium for the Longitudinal Evaluation of African Americans with Early Rheumatoid Arthritis registry for the association between socioeconomic status (SES) with clinical and self‐report health outcomes.

Methods

We analyzed data on 937 African Americans who provided comprehensive sociodemographic data in addition to self‐reported health outcomes. SES measures included educational attainment, homeownership, household income, and occupation. Outcomes included measures of disease activity, joint damage, autoantibody status, and self‐reported measures. Multivariable linear, logistic, and zero‐inflated Poisson regression models were used to estimate associations of each SES measure with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) outcomes, controlling for sex, age, disease duration, comorbid conditions, body mass index, smoking, methotrexate/leflunomide use, and biologic agent use.

Results

The mean age was 54 years, 86% were women, and the mean RA disease duration was 7.8 years. Approximately 24% had less than a high school degree, 56% had a nonprofessional occupation, 75% had a household income ≤$30,000, and 55% were nonhomeowners. In multivariable regression models, significantly increased associations of disease activity measures and self‐reported health outcomes were observed with low household income (≤$30,000/year) and nonhomeownership. Education less than high school was primarily associated with self‐reported health outcomes. Among participants with disease duration <2 years, associations of SES were confined to self‐reported measures.

Conclusion

Our results indicate significant socioeconomic disparities in self‐reported physical and mental health, clinical disease activity measures, and autoantibody status among African Americans with RA not explained by differences in demographics, medication use, and health behaviors.
Risk Factors for Juvenile Dermatomyositis: Exposure to Tobacco and Air Pollutants During Pregnancy
Authors: Orione Maria Angélica M. , Silva Clovis A. , Sallum Adriana M. E. , Campos Lúcia M. A. , Omori Clarissa H. , Braga Alfésio L. F. , Farhat Sylvia C. L.
Published: April 2014

Objective

To evaluate the influence of exposure to inhaled environmental factors during pregnancy on the diagnosis of juvenile dermatomyositis (DM).

Methods

We performed a case–control study comprising 20 juvenile DM patients and 56 healthy controls matched by age and sex who were residents in the metropolitan region of a large city. A questionnaire assessed demographic data and environmental inhalation exposure during pregnancy (occupational exposure to demolition, chalk, construction and/or quarry dust, paints, varnish, gasoline vapor, and/or battery fluids; stationary sources of inhaled pollution near the mother's home; and maternal tobacco exposure). Daily concentrations of inhaled particulate matter, SO2, NO2, O3, and carbon monoxide (CO) were evaluated throughout the gestational period.

Results

Maternal occupational exposure to school chalk dust/gasoline vapor in the juvenile DM group was significantly higher compared with controls (50% versus 4.6%; P = 0.001). Smoking mothers and secondhand smoke exposure at home during pregnancy were significantly higher in the juvenile DM group versus controls (smoking mothers: 20% versus 1.7%; P = 0.01, and secondhand smoke: 35% versus 19%; P = 0.07). In univariate logistic regression models, maternal smoking, occupational exposure to inhaled agents, and the highest tertile of tropospheric CO (3.2–5.4 parts per million) in the third trimester were significantly associated with juvenile DM (P ≤ 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, smoking mother (odds ratio [OR] 13.26 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.21–144.29], P = 0.03), occupational exposure (OR 35.39 [95% CI 1.97–632.80], P = 0.01), and CO (third tertile) exposure in the third trimester of gestation (OR 12.21 [95% CI 1.28–115.96], P = 0.03) remained risk factors for juvenile DM.

Conclusion

Inhaled pollutants and tobacco smoking during fetal development may contribute to juvenile DM.
Reconfigurable Anisotropic Coatings via Magnetic Field‐Directed Assembly and Translocation of Locking Magnetic Chains
Authors: Tokarev Alexander , Gu Yu , Zakharchenko Andrey , Trotsenko Oleksandr , Luzinov Igor , Kornev Konstantin G. , Minko Sergiy
Published: April 2014

A method for the generation of remotely reconfigurable anisotropic coatings is developed. To form these coatings, locking magnetic nanoparticles (LMNPs) made of a superparamagnetic core and a two‐component polymer shell are employed. Two different polymers form phase‐separated coaxial shells. The outer shell provides repulsive interactions between the LMNPs while the inner shell exerts attractive forces between the particles. Applying a non‐uniform magnetic field, one gathers the particles together, pushing them to come in contact when the internal shells could effectively hold the particles together. When the magnetic field is turned off, the particles remain locked due to these strong interactions between internal shells. The shells are thus made stimuli‐responsive, so this locking can be made reversible and the chains can be disintegrated on demand. In a non‐uniform magnetic field, the assembled chains translocate, bind to the solid substrate and form anisotropic coatings with a “locked” anisotropic structure. The coatings can be constructed, aligned, realigned, degraded, and generated again on demand by changing the magnetic field and particle environment. The mechanism of the coating formation is explained using experimental observations and a theoretical model.
Gold(III) Corroles for High Performance Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Lai Shiu‐Lun , Wang Lin , Yang Chen , Chan Mei‐Yee , Guan Xiangguo , Kwok Chi‐Chung , Che Chi‐Ming
Published: April 2014

While the use of molecular materials having long‐lived triplet excited state(s) for harvesting solar energy could be an effective approach to boost up the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic solar cells (OSCs), the performances of this kind of OSCs as reported in the literature are low (< 2.9% PCE attained for the vacuum‐deposited OSCs). Herein is described the realization of high performance OSCs by using gold(III) 5,10,15‐triphenylcorrole (Au‐C1), gold(III) 10‐(p‐trifluoromethylphenyl)‐5,15‐diphenylcorrole (Au‐C2), and gold(III) 10‐(pentafluorophenyl)‐5,15‐diphenyl‐corrole (Au‐C3), as electron‐donors. These gold(III) corroles display excited state lifetimes of ≥ 25 μs and low emission quantum yields of < 0.15%. With the complexes Au‐C1, Au‐C2, and Au‐C3, vacuum‐deposited OSCs, which give PCEs of 2.7%, 3.0%, and 1.8%, respectively, are fabricated. The PCE can be further boosted up to 4.0% after thermal treatment of the OSC devices. Meanwhile, a solution‐processed OSC based on Au‐C2 with a high PCE of 6.0% is fabricated. These PCE values are among the best reported for both types of vacuum‐deposited and solution‐processed OSCs fabricated with metal‐organic complexes having long‐lived excited states as electron‐donor material. The underlying mechanism for the inferior performance of the reported OSCs is discussed.
Bioinspired Fabrication of Superhydrophobic Graphene Films by Two‐Beam Laser Interference
Authors: Jiang Hao‐Bo , Zhang Yong‐Lai , Han Dong‐Dong , Xia Hong , Feng Jing , Chen Qi‐Dai , Hong Zi‐Ruo , Sun Hong‐Bo
Published: April 2014

Reported here is a bioinspired fabrication of superhydrophobic graphene surfaces by means of two‐beam laser interference (TBLI) treatment of graphene oxide (GO) films. Microscale grating‐like structures with tunable periods and additional nanoscale roughness are readily created on graphene films due to laser induced ablation effect. Synchronously, abundant hydrophilic oxygen‐containing groups (OCGs) on GO sheets can be drastically removed after TBLI treatment, which lower its surface energy significantly. The synergistic effect of micro‐nanostructuring and the OCGs removal endows the resultant graphene films with unique superhydrophobicity. Additionally, dual TBLI treatment with 90° rotation is implemented to fabricate superhydrophobic graphene films with two‐dimensional grating‐like structures that can effectively avoid the anisotropic hydrophobicity originated from the grooved structures. Moreover, the superhydrophobic graphene films become conductive due to the laser reduction effect. Unique optical characteristics including transmission diffraction and brilliant structural color are also observed due to the presence of periodic microstructures. As a mask‐free, chemical‐free, and cost‐effective method, the TBLI processing of GO may open up a new way to biomimetic graphene surfaces, and thus hold great promise for the development of novel graphene‐based microdevices.
Dispersion‐Dominated Photocurrent in Polymer:Fullerene Solar Cells
Authors: Melianas Armantas , Pranculis Vytenis , Devižis Andrius , Gulbinas Vidmantas , Inganäs Olle , Kemerink Martijn
Published: April 2014

Organic bulk heterojunction solar cells are often regarded as near‐equilibrium devices, whose kinetics are set by well‐defined charge carrier mobilities, and relaxation in the density of states is commonly ignored or included purely phenomenologically. Here, the motion of photocreated charges is studied experimentally with picosecond time resolution by a combination of time‐resolved optical probing of electric field and photocurrent measurements, and the data are used to define parameters for kinetic Monte Carlo modelling. The results show that charge carrier motion in a prototypical polymer:fullerene solar cell under operational conditions is orders of magnitude faster than would be expected on the basis of corresponding near‐equilibrium mobilities, and is extremely dispersive. There is no unique mobility. The distribution of extraction times of photocreated charges in operating organic solar cells can be experimentally determined from the charge collection transients measured under pulsed excitation. Finally, a remarkable distribution of the photocurrent over energy is found, in which the most relaxed charge carriers in fact counteract the net photocurrent.
Plasmon‐Driven Selective Reductions Revealed by Tip‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Sun Mengtao , Zhang Zhenglong , Chen Li , Li Qiang , Sheng Shaoxiang , Xu Hongxing , Song Peng
Published: April 2014

We successfully realized in‐situ monitoring plasmon‐driven selective reduction of 2,4‐dinitrobenzenethiol to 2,2′‐diamino‐dimercaptoazobenzene, revealed by high vacuum tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (HV‐TERS). The HV‐TER spectra revealed that the 2‐nitro and the 4‐nitro of 2,4‐DNBT were selectively reduced to the 2‐amine and the –N = N– bond of 2,2′‐diamino‐dimercaptoazobenzene (2,2′DA‐DMAB). Raman‐active and IR‐active modes as well as Fermi resonance were simultaneously observed in HV‐TERS, which demonstrated the advantages of HV‐TERS over SERS, since only Raman‐active modes were observed in SERS. The intensities of molecular IR‐active modes can be manipulated by the distance between tip and substrate in the near field, due to different dependences of the plasmon gradient and plasmon intensity over the distance of nano gap. Our results in HV‐TERS are in‐situ “complete‐vibration modes” spectral analysis, which significantly extend the application of HV‐TERS in the field of ultrasensitive spectral analysis on the nano scale.
Adsorption Parameters Studies for the Removal of Mercury from Aqueous Solutions Using Hybrid Sorbent
Authors: Salahi Soheila , Ghorbani Mohsen
Published: April 2014

The aim of this research work is to investigate adsorption of mercury ions from an aqueous solution on a biocompatible polymeric polypyrrole‐chitosan (PPy/CTN) nanocomposite. The PPy/CTN nanocomposite was prepared in aqueous media by chemical polymerization of pyrrole in the presence of ferric chloride as an oxidant. Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin adsorption isotherms were applicable to the adsorption process, and their constants were evaluated. The thermodynamic equilibrium constant and the Gibbs free energy were determined. Results indicated that the Langmuir model gave a better fit to the experimental data than the other two equations. The adsorption capacity (qmax) of PPy/CTN for Hg(II) ions in terms of monolayer adsorption was 40 mg/g. The negative value of Gibbs free energy (ΔGo) indicates feasible and spontaneous adsorption of Hg(II) on the PPy/CTN nanocomposite. Also the change in entropy (ΔSo) and enthalpy (ΔHo) were estimated to be –0.21 KJ (mol K)−1 and –18.183 kJ mol−1, respectively.