bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and verification of a real-time stochastic precipitation nowcasting system for urban hydrology in Belgium
Authors: Foresti L. , Reyniers M. , Seed A. , Delobbe L.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. The Short-Term Ensemble Prediction System (STEPS) is implemented in real-time at the Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI) of Belgium. The main idea behind STEPS is to quantify the forecast uncertainty by adding stochastic perturbations to the deterministic Lagrangian extrapolation of radar images. The stochastic perturbations are designed to account for the unpredictable precipitation growth and decay processes and to reproduce the dynamic scaling of precipitation fields, i.e. the observation that large scale rainfall structures are more persistent and predictable than small scale convective cells. This paper presents the development, adaptation and verification of the system STEPS for Belgium (STEPS-BE). STEPS-BE provides in real-time 20 member ensemble precipitation nowcasts at 1 km and 5 min resolution up to 2 h lead time using a 4 C-band radar composite as input. In the context of the PLURISK project, STEPS forecasts were generated to be used as input in sewer system hydraulic models for nowcasting urban inundations in the cities of Ghent and Leuven. Comprehensive forecast verification was performed in order to detect systematic biases over the given urban areas and to analyze the reliability of probabilistic forecasts for a set of case studies in 2013 and 2014. The forecast biases over the cities of Leuven and Ghent were found to be small, which is encouraging for future integration of STEPS nowcasts into the hydraulic models. Probabilistic forecasts of exceeding 0.5 mm h-1 are reliable up to 60–90 min lead time, while the ones of exceeding 5.0 mm h-1 are only reliable up to 30 min. The STEPS ensembles are slightly under-dispersive and represent only 80–90 % of the forecast errors.
The Privacy Ecosystem: Regulating Digital Identity in the United States and European Union
Authors: Holt Jennifer , Malčić Steven
Published: July 2015

How do policymakers and governments effectively safeguard digital privacy in the cloud? How do governments protect data stored in “the cloud” in a policy landscape that is simultaneously local, national, and global? In this article, we examine what we term “the privacy ecosystem”—the extensive global network of infrastructure, policies, legal rights, and cultural preferences that create privacy affordances for our digital information stored remotely. With these questions in mind, we look at some of the differing regulatory strategies of the European Union and United States, and the resulting contrast between policies governing privacy in the digital space.
Concept of Educational Assistance to Health Protection of the Individual
Authors: Levanova Elena Aleksandrovna , Kokorina Olga Rafailovna , Nikitin Yuriy Vladimirovich , Perepelkina Tatiyna Vladislavovna , Segodina Polina Anatolievna
Published: July 2015

The article describes the theoretical and practical need for the development of the concept of assistance to health protection of the individual in order to address the problem of health protection of students and teachers in the conditions of a higher pedagogical education. The problem of studying human health, its entirety, systemacity and connection with the environment attracts particular attention in recent years. This was one of the reasons to study the problem of “healthy lifestyle” as the qualitative characteristic of a human life aimed at health, due to the fact that a healthy lifestyle is one of the determinants of health. This is made possible with the use of specific health-protecting technologies aimed at searching for ways and means of protection and conservation of health of students and teachers in the conditions of the educational process and using educational tools, which is currently included into the priorities of education.
Performance Comparison Between FEDERICA Hand and LARM Hand
Authors: Carbone Giuseppe , Rossi Cesare , Savino Sergio
Published: July 2015

This paper describes two robotic hands that have been developed at University Federico II of Naples and at the University of Cassino. FEDERICA Hand and LARM Hand are described in terms of design and operational features. In particular, careful attention is paid to the differences between the above-mentioned hands in terms of transmission systems. FEDERICA Hand uses tendons and pulleys to drive phalanxes, while LARM Hand uses cross four-bar linkages. Results of experimental tests are reported to show how key design issues affect each robotic hand's performance.
A Modular Control Scheme for Hyper-Redundant Robots
Authors: Nho Cho Chang , Jung Hyunchul , Son Jaebum , Gi Kim Kwang
Published: July 2015

Hyper-redundant robots, robots with many degrees of freedom, are considered to be advantageous in many tasks, such as minimally invasive surgery, surveillance and inspection. However, due to their hyper degrees of freedom, the control of hyper-redundant robots is always challenging. Several fitting algorithms, which iteratively fit a hyper-redundant robot into a continuous curve, have been proposed to control the configuration of hyper-redundant robots. However, these algorithms require heavy computation, preventing them from being used in practice. In this study, we propose a novel modular control scheme for a hyper-redundant robot to reduce the computational load by dividing the robot into smaller modules and fitting each module separately. A Jacobian-based position control algorithm is also used to utilize the redundancy of each module to ensure that the overall configuration of the robot resembles the given desired curve. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme can be used to control hyper-redundant robots effectively.
Effect of Multimodal Plasmon Resonances on the Optical Properties of Five-Pointed Nanostars
Authors: Zhu Shaoli , Cortie Michael , Blakey Idriss
Published: July 2015

The optical transmission and electric field distribution of plasmonic nanostructures dictate their performance in nano-optics and nano-biosensors. Here, we consider the use of hollow, five-pointed, star-shaped nanostructures made of Al, Ag, Au or Cu. We use simulations based on finite-difference time-domain and the discrete dipole approximation to identify the strongest plasmon resonances in these structures. In particular, we were seeking plasmon resonances within the visible part of the spectrum. The silver pentagrams exhibited the strongest such resonance, at a wavelength of about 530 nm. The visible-light resonances of Au and Cu pentagrams were relatively weaker and red-shifted by about 50 nm. The main resonances of the Al pentagrams were in the ultra-violet. All the nanostars also showed a broad, dipolar-like resonance at about 1000 nm. Surprisingly, the maximum field intensities for the visible light modes were greatest along the flanks of the stars rather than at their tips, whereas those of the dipolar-like modes in the near-infrared were greatest at the tips of the star. These findings have practical implications for sensor design. The inclusion of a conformally hollow interior is beneficial because it provides additional ‘hot spots’.
Designation and Control of Landing Points for Competitive Robotic Table Tennis
Authors: Li Jing , Chen Xiaopeng , Huang Qiang , Chen Xuechao , Yu Zhangguo , Duo Yingxian
Published: July 2015

Competitive robotic table tennis involves many topics such as smart ball returning strategy, precise motion control, etc. It remains a quite challenging task due to the unpredictable, uncooperative incoming ball and the requirement of a smart strategy to defeat the opponent. Designation and control of landing points is one basic aspect of ball returning strategies in competitive robotic table tennis because different landing points require the opponent to make different efforts to return the ball. In this paper, we present a method to designate desired landing points based on competitiveness level. We also propose a learning based landing point control approach to minimize the error of the actual landing points with respect to the designated landing points. The proposed methods have been verified through experiments on a humanoid table tennis robot.
FPGA-Based Flexible Hardware Architecture for Image Interest Point Detection
Authors: Hernandez-Lopez Ana , Torres-Huitzil Cesar , Garcia-Hernandez Jose Juan
Published: July 2015

An important challenge in computer vision is the implementation of fast and accurate feature detectors, as they are the basis for high-level image processing analysis and understanding. However, image feature detectors cannot be easily applied in embedded scenarios, mainly due to the fact that they are time consuming and require a significant amount of processing power. Although some feature detectors have been implemented in hardware, most implementations target a single detector under very specific constraints. This paper proposes a flexible hardware implementation approach for computing interest point extraction from grey-level images based on two different detectors, Harris and SUSAN, suitable for robotic applications. The design is based on parallel and configurable processing elements for window operators and a buffering strategy to support a coarse-grain pipeline scheme for operator sequencing. When targeted to a Virtex-6 FPGA, a throughput of 49.45 Mpixel/s (processing rate of 161 frames per second of VGA image resolution) is achieved at a clock frequency of 50 MHz.
Obsahová analýza v pedagogickom výskume: Pohľad na jej súčasné podoby
Authors: Gavora Peter
Published: July 2015

Množstvo metodologických vplyvov zapríčinilo, že obsahová analýza nadobudla rôzne podoby a že jej súčasný stav je dosť komplikovaný. Cieľom tejto štúdie je opísať jej súčasné podoby opierajúc sa o zdôvodnený výber literatúry. Rôzne podoby obsahovej analýzy sú v jednotlivých kapitolkách štúdie postupne opísané podľa tzv. konštitučných komponentov. Týchto komponentov je šesť: typ analyzovaného obsahu, výskumná vzorka, hĺbka analýzy, smer postupu, druh kontroly kódovania a forma vyjadrenia výsledku výskumu. V štúdii budú podrobne charakterizované rôzne náplne týchto komponentov. Výsledkom štúdie je zistenie, aké konkrétne konfigurácie uvedených náplní existujú a v akom sú vzťahu. Celkový záver štúdie vedie k potvrdeniu, že rozdelenie obsahovej analýzy na kvantitatívnu a kvalitatívnu je nepresné, a preto nefunkčné a že lepšie je hodnotiť podobu obsahovej analýzy v konkrétnej výskumnej štúdii podľa špecifických náplní jej konštitučných komponentov.
Hudebně talentovaní dospívající a přijímací řízení
Authors: Mareš Jiří , Tichý Vladimír
Published: July 2015

Cílem přehledové studie je charakterizovat problémy, které souvisejí s vyhledáváním hudebních talentů a s talentovými zkouškami na vysoké školy s hudebním zaměřením. V první části tato studie přibližuje různá pojetí pojmů nadání a talent i jejich vzájemných vztahů. Ve druhé části definuje pojmy hudební nadání, hudební talent a hudební schopnosti. Třetí část studie analyzuje podobu talentových zkoušek na tři vysoké hudební školy v České republice (HAMU Praha, JAMU Brno a FU Ostrava). Studie diskutuje problémy spojené s komisionálním zkoušením uchazečů při přijímacím řízením a naznačuje možná řešení. Čtvrtá část se detailněji se zabývá výhodami a nevýhodami urychlování vývoje u hudebně talentovaných studentů, tj. případy, kdy jsou přijati bez maturity, a dokládá je reálnými daty. Závěr: má-li přijímací řízení dobře plnit svou predikční funkci při vybírání těch nejlepších studentů z celého souboru uchazečů, musí se opírat o mnohem širší spektrum validních informací než dosud.
Postoje univerzitních studentů pedagogicky orientovaných studijních programů k homosexualitě měřené na škále Homosexuality Attitude Scale
Authors: Hlaďo Petr
Published: July 2015

Cílem studie je zhodnotit postoje studentů pedagogicky orientovaných studijních programů k homosexualitě a zjistit, čím jsou ovlivněny. V příspěvku je argumentován význam tématu v rámci pedagogiky, podán přehled závěrů vybraných českých a zahraničních výzkumů vztahujících se k problematice postojů heterosexuálů k homosexualitě. Dále jsou prezentovány cíle, metodologie a poznatky z vlastního výzkumného šetření. V závěru jsou prezentována doporučení pro pregraduální vzdělávání budoucích pedagogů a podány návrhy pro další výzkum. Cílem výzkumu bylo zjistit postoje studentů pedagogicky orientovaných studijních programů k homosexualitě. Použitým výzkumným nástrojem byl dotazník Kiteové a Deauxové – Homosexuality Attitude Scale (Cronbachovo alfa = 0,91). Sběr dat proběhl v říjnu a listopadu 2014. Výběrový soubor je tvořen 1 140 respondenty. Studenti pedagogických studijních programů mají v průměrném hodnocení k homosexualitě poměrně pozitivní postoje (průměrné skóre HAS = 88,77 z teoretického rozmezí 12–105, nižší hodnota indikuje negativnější postoj k homosexualitě). Signifikantně negativnější postoje k homosexualitě byly zjištěny u mužů, studentů nižších ročníků studia a příslušníků římsko-katolické či jiné církve nebo náboženské společnosti. Z poznatků vyplývá potřeba formování postojů budoucích pedagogů k homosexualitě kombinací kognitivně-afektivních intervencí v rámci formálního vzdělávání.
Envelhecimento da População e o surgimento de novas demandas de Políticas Públicas em Viana/ES
Authors: OLIVEIRA Anderson SILVA
Published: July 2015

O aumento da participação do grupo dos idosos é acompanhado por uma série de consequências. Na área das políticas públicas, mais pessoas alcançando idades elevadas e vivendo por mais tempo, ampliam as demandas por serviços públicos, criam novas necessidades e exige dos municípios a oferta de um atendimento mais eficiente e mais amplo que possibilite aos idosos, condições favoráveis para que os mesmos tenham uma velhice saudável e ativa. Viana está envelhecendo e novas demandas por políticas públicas surgem de necessidades que até então não existiam e a procura por serviços públicos é intensificada e estas passam a ter um papel decisivo na promoção da velhice sadia.
A PRODUÇÃO E A VALORIZAÇÃO DESIGUAL DO ESPAÇO URBANO EM CAMPOS DOS GOYTACAZES-RJ: UMA ANÁLISE DAS AÇÕES DO ESTADO E DOS PROMOTORES/INCORPORADORES IMOBILIÁRIOS
Authors: Gomes Marcos Antônio Silvestre
Published: July 2015

Este artigo discute alguns aspectos da produção do espaço urbano considerando as ações de agentes sociais específicos. A partir de pesquisas bibliográficas, levantamentos de dados e entrevistas em órgãos públicos e privados, observações de campo e mapeamentos da área urbana, apresenta-se uma análise da atuação do Estado e dos promotores/incorporadores imobiliários na produção e valorização desigual do espaço urbano em Campos dos Goytacazes-RJ. Os resultados do trabalho apontam a intensificação e complexificação das ações desses agentes com o advento da economia petrolífera. No período 1981-2011 houve uma intensa valorização do eixo Sudoeste-Leste da cidade, destacando-se um vertiginoso processo de verticalização e implantação de loteamentos fechados de alto padrão, o que tem contribuído para um aumento significativo no preço do solo urbano, em detrimento de outras parcelas da cidade. Ocorreu também um alargamento da distância entre os preços praticados em áreas consideradas de maior interesse imobiliário e aquelas habitadas ou destinadas à população de menor poder aquisitivo.
Rede e território como categorias da prática sociopolítica das ações coletivas
Authors: Coelho Neto Agripino Souza , Lima Jamille Silva
Published: July 2015

A ideia central que nos propomos defender e demonstrar neste texto, consiste na premissa de que duas das mais discutidas e operacionalizadas categorias de análise do conhecimento geográfico vêm sendo crescentemente acionadas como recurso estratégico das ações coletivas, situação que nos permite considerá-las não apenas como categorias de análise, mas também como categorias da prática sociopolítica. Essa ideia deriva da constatação do modo como as duas noções vêm sendo operacionalizadas pelas ações coletivas como estratégia de organização, funcionamento e efetivação de seus propósitos. As evidências da manifestação desse fenômeno podem ser verificadas nas práticas sociais de variados coletivos sociais organizados, sobre os quais temos nos debruçado para compreender, basicamente, centrais sindicais, centrais de associações e de cooperativas. Após alguns apontamentos introdutórios, buscaremos mostrar como a ideia de rede assume um caráter proprositivo e uma natureza instrumental para as ações coletivas. Em seguida, nosso movimento consiste na investigação de como a noção de território assume uma posição de centralidade nas estratégias de variados agentes sociais. Ao final, desenvolveremos nosso argumento conclusivo no sentido de defender a rede e o território como categorias das práticas sociopolíticas das ações coletivas.
Construction identitaire et altérité en contexte de mobilité : le cas d’étudiants universitaires originaires de milieux francophones minoritaires au Canada
Authors: Pilote Annie , Canuel Marlène
Published: July 2015

Cet article traite de la construction identitaire des étudiants originaires de milieux francophones minoritaires au Canada. Menée dans une perspective microsociologique, cette recherche est basée sur l’analyse de 21 entretiens biographiques auprès d’étudiants originaires de communautés francophones de la Saskatchewan, de l’Ontario et du Nouveau-Brunswick qui ont fait le choix de poursuivre des études universitaires à Québec. Les données ont été analysées sous l’angle de l’interactionnisme symbolique. Selon cette approche, l’identité est le produit des diverses interactions dont fait l’expérience un individu au cours de sa vie. Les résultats de l’analyse d’épisodes d’interaction montrent que le contact avec les Québécois conduit à une négociation qui amène ces étudiants à revoir l’intensité de certaines dimensions de leur identité préexistante ou à s’approprier de nouvelles facettes identitaires. L’expérience de la mobilité et du contact avec l’autre, différent de soi, conduit ainsi vers une conscience plus sensible des différences avec autrui et de sa propre identité.
De la préservation linguistique et nationale : la qualité de la langue de la jeunesse acadienne, un débat linguistique idéologique
Authors: Arrighi Laurence , Violette Isabelle
Published: July 2015

Cet article a pour objectif d’analyser un débat linguistique idéologique centré sur le rapport établi entre l’avenir de la francophonie canadienne, la qualité de la langue et le devoir de la jeunesse en la matière. L’idée que la jeunesse serait particulièrement responsable de la dégradation de la langue fait l’objet d’un discours ancien et sans cesse redéployé. Nous proposons une approche critique de son actualisation récente en Acadie, telle qu’elle s’est manifestée dans des publications médiatiques aux parentés argumentatives fortes, entre l’automne 2012 et le printemps 2013. Afin d’objectiver les prises de position, nous montrons qu’elles puisent légitimité et autorité dans les fondements idéologiques du nationalisme politique moderne, qui font de la langue le ciment de l’identité collective et de sa « bonne maîtrise » une compétence accessible sur base démocratique.
Cost‐effectiveness of pre‐exposure prophylaxis targeted to high‐risk serodiscordant couples as a bridge to sustained ART use in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Ying Roger , Sharma Monisha , Heffron Renee , Celum Connie L , Baeten Jared M , Katabira Elly , Bulya Nulu , Barnabas Ruanne V
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Despite scale‐up of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for treating HIV‐positive persons, HIV incidence remains elevated among those at high risk such as persons in serodiscordant partnerships. Antiretrovirals taken by HIV‐negative persons as pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has the potential to avert infections in individuals in serodiscordant partnerships. Evaluating the cost‐effectiveness of implementing time‐limited PrEP as a short‐term bridge during the first six months of ART for the HIV‐positive partner to prevent HIV transmission compared to increasing ART coverage is crucial to informing policy‐makers considering PrEP implementation.

Methods

To estimate the real world delivery costs of PrEP, we conducted micro‐costing and time and motion analyses in an open‐label prospective study of PrEP and ART delivery targeted to high‐risk serodiscordant couples in Uganda (the Partners Demonstration Project). The cost (in USD, in 2012) of PrEP and ART for serodiscordant couples was assessed, with and without research components, in the study setting. Using Ministry of Health costs, the cost of PrEP and ART provision within a government programme was estimated, as was the cost of providing PrEP in addition to ART. We parameterized an HIV transmission model to estimate the health and economic impacts of 1) PrEP and ART targeted to high‐risk serodiscordant couples in the context of current ART use and 2) increasing ART coverage to 55% of HIV‐positive persons with CD4 ≤500 cells/µL without PrEP. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) per HIV infection and disability‐adjusted life year (DALY) averted were calculated over 10 years.

Results

The annual cost of PrEP and ART delivery for serodiscordant couples was $1058 per couple in the study setting and $453 in the government setting. The portion of the programme cost due to PrEP was $408 and $92 per couple per year in the study and government settings, respectively. Over 10 years, a programme of PrEP and ART for high‐risk serodiscordant couples was projected to avert 43% of HIV infections compared to current practice with an ICER of $1340 per infection averted. This was comparable to ART expansion alone, which would avert 37% of infections with an ICER of $1452.

Conclusions

Using Uganda's gross domestic product per capita of $1681 as a threshold, PrEP and ART for high‐risk persons have the potential for synergistic action and are cost‐effective in preventing HIV infections in high prevalence settings. The annual cost of PrEP in this programme is less than $100 per serodiscordant couple if implemented in public clinics.
Calcium specificity signaling mechanisms in abscisic acid signal transduction in Arabidopsis guard cells
Authors: Brandt Benjamin , Munemasa Shintaro , Wang Cun , Nguyen Desiree , Yong Taiming , Yang Paul G , Poretsky Elly , Belknap Thomas F , Waadt Rainer , Alemán Fernando , Schroeder Julian I
Published: July 2015

A central question is how specificity in cellular responses to the eukaryotic second messenger Ca2+ is achieved. Plant guard cells, that form stomatal pores for gas exchange, provide a powerful system for in depth investigation of Ca2+-signaling specificity in plants. In intact guard cells, abscisic acid (ABA) enhances (primes) the Ca2+-sensitivity of downstream signaling events that result in activation of S-type anion channels during stomatal closure, providing a specificity mechanism in Ca2+-signaling. However, the underlying genetic and biochemical mechanisms remain unknown. Here we show impairment of ABA signal transduction in stomata of calcium-dependent protein kinase quadruple mutant plants. Interestingly, protein phosphatase 2Cs prevent non-specific Ca2+-signaling. Moreover, we demonstrate an unexpected interdependence of the Ca2+-dependent and Ca2+-independent ABA-signaling branches and the in planta requirement of simultaneous phosphorylation at two key phosphorylation sites in SLAC1. We identify novel mechanisms ensuring specificity and robustness within stomatal Ca2+-signaling on a cellular, genetic, and biochemical level.
Cancer-associated TERT promoter mutations abrogate telomerase silencing
Authors: Chiba Kunitoshi , Johnson Joshua Z , Vogan Jacob M , Wagner Tina , Boyle John M , Hockemeyer Dirk
Published: July 2015

Mutations in the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter are the most frequent non-coding mutations in cancer, but their molecular mechanism in tumorigenesis has not been established. We used genome editing of human pluripotent stem cells with physiological telomerase expression to elucidate the mechanism by which these mutations contribute to human disease. Surprisingly, telomerase-expressing embryonic stem cells engineered to carry any of the three most frequent TERT promoter mutations showed only a modest increase in TERT transcription with no impact on telomerase activity. However, upon differentiation into somatic cells, which normally silence telomerase, cells with TERT promoter mutations failed to silence TERT expression, resulting in increased telomerase activity and aberrantly long telomeres. Thus, TERT promoter mutations are sufficient to overcome the proliferative barrier imposed by telomere shortening without additional tumor-selected mutations. These data establish that TERT promoter mutations can promote immortalization and tumorigenesis of incipient cancer cells.
Taking the brakes off telomerase
Authors: Naxerova Kamila , Elledge Stephen J
Published: July 2015

Studies using human embryonic stem cells have revealed how common cancer-associated mutations exert their effect on telomerase after cells differentiate into more specialized cell types.
Current models and standardization of sequence stratigraphy
Authors: Baoqing Li
Published: July 2015

Based on previous research, the paper summarized several sequence stratigraphic models (depositional sequence, genetic stratigraphic sequence and transgressive-regressive sequence) and standardized the workflow of sequence stratigraphy, and analyzed the merits and pitfalls of different sequence models. Sequence models representing stratigraphic records in different geological settings were applied to corresponding settings. The occurrence of system tracts was controlled by the interplay between accommodation and sediment supply, and was ascribed to changes such as tectonics, sea-level, sediment supply, climate and so on. The standardized workflow of sequence stratigraphy was based on the model-independent approach and model-dependent approach. Differentiating genetic types was essential for the standardization of sequence stratigraphy.
Participation in Mental Health Advocacy: Results of a National Survey
Authors: Cuddy Andrew
Published: July 2015

This study examined the participation of people with lived experience of mental health problems in political, social, and client advocacy. An online survey was conducted of 27 advocacy organizations across Canada. People with lived experience exhibited the highest level of participation in program delivery, with rates of participation varying by advocacy activity and sub-group. Stigma around mental health and severity of illness were rated as the strongest barriers limiting participation. The support of service providers and peer role models were considered effective strategies for increasing participation. Several self-benefits were reported as highly prevalent among mental health advocates.
Low‐harmonic magnetosonic waves observed by the Van Allen Probes
Authors: Posch J. L , Engebretson M. J. , Olson C. N. , Thaller S. A. , Breneman A. W. , Wygant J. R. , Boardsen S. A. , Kletzing C. A. , Smith C. W. , Reeves G. D.
Published: July 2015

Purely compressional electromagnetic waves (fast magnetosonic waves), generated at multiple harmonics of the local proton gyrofrequency, have been observed by various types of satellite instruments (fluxgate and search coil magnetometers and electric field sensors), but most recent studies have used data from search coil sensors, and many have been restricted to high harmonics. We report here on a survey of low‐harmonic waves, based on electric and magnetic field data from the Electric Fields and Waves double probe and Electric and Magnetic Field Instrument Suite and Integrated Science fluxgate magnetometer instruments, respectively, on the Van Allen Probes spacecraft during its first full precession through all local times, from 1 October 2012 to 13 July 2014. These waves were observed both inside and outside the plasmapause (PP), at L shells from 2.4 to ~6 (the spacecraft apogee), and in regions with plasma number densities ranging from 10 to >1000 cm−3. Consistent with earlier studies, wave occurrence was sharply peaked near the magnetic equator. Waves appeared at all local times but were more common from noon to dusk, and often occurred within 3 h after substorm injections. Outside the PP occurrence maximized broadly across noon, and inside the PP occurrence maximized in the dusk sector, in an extended plasmasphere. We confirm recent ray‐tracing studies showing wave refraction and/or reflection at PP‐like boundaries. Comparison with waveform receiver data indicates that in some cases these low‐harmonic magnetosonic wave events occurred independently of higher‐harmonic waves; this indicates the importance of including this population in future studies of radiation belt dynamics.
Monitoring changes in seismic velocity related to an ongoing rapid inflation event at Okmok volcano, Alaska
Authors: Bennington Ninfa L. , Haney Matthew , De Angelis Silvio , Thurber Clifford H. , Freymueller Jeffrey
Published: July 2015

Okmok is one of the most active volcanoes in the Aleutian Arc. In an effort to improve our ability to detect precursory activity leading to eruption at Okmok, we monitor a recent, and possibly ongoing, GPS‐inferred rapid inflation event at the volcano using ambient noise interferometry (ANI). Applying this method, we identify changes in seismic velocity outside of Okmok's caldera, which are related to the hydrologic cycle. Within the caldera, we observe decreases in seismic velocity that are associated with the GPS‐inferred rapid inflation event. We also determine temporal changes in waveform decorrelation and show a continual increase in decorrelation rate over the time associated with the rapid inflation event. The magnitude of relative velocity decreases and decorrelation rate increases are comparable to previous studies at Piton de la Fournaise that associate such changes with increased production of volatiles and/or magmatic intrusion within the magma reservoir and associated opening of fractures and/or fissures. Notably, the largest decrease in relative velocity occurs along the intrastation path passing nearest to the center of the caldera. This observation, along with equal amplitude relative velocity decreases revealed via analysis of intracaldera autocorrelations, suggests that the inflation source may be located approximately within the center of the caldera and represent recharge of shallow magma storage in this location. Importantly, there is a relative absence of seismicity associated with this and previous rapid inflation events at Okmok. Thus, these ANI results are the first seismic evidence of such rapid inflation at the volcano.
Alpha male replacements and delayed dispersal in crested macaques (Macaca nigra)
Authors: Marty Pascal R. , Hodges Keith , Agil Muhammad , Engelhardt Antje
Published: July 2015

In species with a high male reproductive skew, competition between males for the top dominant position is high and escalated fights are common between competitors. As a consequence, challenges incur potentially high costs. Selection should favor males who time an alpha male challenge to maximize chances of a successful outcome minimizing costs. Despite the importance of alpha male replacements for individual males, we know little about the timing of challenges and the condition of the challenger. We investigated the timing and process of alpha male replacements in a species living in multi‐male groups with high male reproductive skew, the crested macaque. We studied four wild groups over 6 years in the Tangkoko Reserve, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, during which 16 alpha male replacements occurred. Although unusual for cercopithecines, male crested macaques delayed their natal dispersal until they attained maximum body mass and therefore fighting ability whereupon they emigrated and challenged the alpha male in another group. Accordingly, all observed alpha male replacements were from outside males. Ours is the first report of such a pattern in a primate species living in multi‐male groups. Although the majority of alpha male replacements occurred through direct male‐male challenges, many also took place opportunistically (i.e., after the alpha male had already been injured or had left the group). Furthermore, alpha male tenures were very short (averaging ca. 12 months). We hypothesize that this unusual pattern of alpha male replacements in crested macaques is related to the species‐specific combination of high male reproductive skew with a large number of males per group. Am. J. Primatol. 79:e22448, 2017. © 2015 The Authors.American Journal of PrimatologyPublished by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Correlating intracellular nonviral polyplex localization with transfection efficiency using high‐content screening
Authors: Wongrakpanich Amaraporn , Wu Meng , Salem Aliasger K.
Published: July 2015

High‐content screening (HCS) has gained interest in cellular imaging because of its ability to provide statistically significant data from multiple parameters simultaneously in cell‐based assays. Although HCS has been mainly used in drug discovery, it has other potentially useful applications, such as elucidating the processes involved in nonviral gene vector‐mediated gene delivery, as was explored in this study. HCS was used to measure transfection efficiency and cytotoxicities of polyplexes made from fluorescently labeled polyethylenimine (PEI) and pDNA encoding EGFP (pEGFP‐N1). The results generated using HCS were confirmed using more conventional and labor‐intensive methods. For the first time, a relationship between transfected cells and the number of polyplexes in the cytoplasm was shown. Four to five polyplex signals were found in the cytoplasm of successfully transfected cells, whilst nontransfected cells harbored less than one polyplex signal within the cytoplasm. HCS has the potential to be used as a tool in the field of gene delivery. HCS can not only simultaneously measure transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity of various nonviral gene vectors; it can also be used to track such vectors through various subcellular compartments. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 31:1685–1692, 2015
Development and external validation of nomograms predicting distant metastases and overall survival after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery for patients with nonmetastatic osteosarcoma: A multi‐institutional study
Authors: Ogura Koichi , Fujiwara Tomohiro , Yasunaga Hideo , Matsui Hiroki , Jeon Dae‐Geun , Cho Wan Hyeong , Hiraga Hiroaki , Ishii Takeshi , Yonemoto Tsukasa , Kamoda Hiroto , Ozaki Toshifumi , Kozawa Eiji , Nishida Yoshihiro , Morioka Hideo , Hiruma Toru , Kakunaga Shigeki , Ueda Takafumi , Tsuda Yusuke , Kawano Hirotaka , Kawai Akira
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

In this era of individualized cancer treatment, data that could be applied to predicting the survival of patients with osteosarcoma are still limited because of the rarity of the disease and the difficulty in accumulating a sufficient number of patients. Therefore, a multi‐institutional collaboration was implemented to develop and externally validate nomograms that would predict metastasis‐free survival (MFS) and overall survival (OAS) for patients with nonmetastatic osteosarcoma.

METHODS

This study retrospectively examined 1070 patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery for nonmetastatic osteosarcoma. Data from Japanese patients (n = 557) were used to develop multivariate nomograms based on Cox regression. Six clinical and pathologic variables were built into nomograms estimating the probability of MFS and OAS 3 and 5 years after diagnosis. The model was internally validated for discrimination and calibration with bootstrap resampling and was externally validated with an independent patient cohort from Korea (n = 513).

RESULTS

A patient's age, tumor site, and histologic response were found to have a stronger influence on MFS and OAS in the model than sex, tumor size, or pathologic fracture. The nomograms and calibration plots based on these results well predicted the probability of MFS (concordance index, 0.631) and OAS (concordance index, 0.679). The concordance indices for external validation were 0.682 for MFS and 0.665 for OAS.

CONCLUSIONS

The nomograms were externally validated and verified to be useful for the prediction of MFS and OAS and for the assessment of the postoperative prognosis. They can be used for counseling patients and for establishing appropriate surveillance strategies after surgery. Cancer 2015;121:3844–3852. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Visibility Evaluation of Expressway–Tunnel Lighting in Consideration of Vehicle Headlights
Authors: Hirakawa Satoshi , Karasawa Yoshinori , Funaki Tsuyoshi
Published: July 2015

This paper quantitatively evaluates the visibility of an object on the road illuminated by vehicle headlights under tunnel lighting based on total revealing power (TRP). First, we derived the critical reflectance for drivers to detect an object on the road to calculate TRP. We then characterized the optical properties of vehicle headlights in a real tunnel and evaluated the visibility of objects illuminated by vehicle headlights and tunnel lighting. We found that the high‐beam headlights assured the visibility of reverse silhouette vision. We have shown that the visibility of the tunnel lighting mainly involves silhouette vision. It is found that the visibility of an obstacle on the road is not greatly changed depending on headlights.
Vertical transport of subwavelength localized surface electromagnetic modes
Authors: Gao Fei , Gao Zhen , Zhang Youming , Shi Xihang , Yang Zhaoju , Zhang Baile
Published: July 2015

Transport of subwavelength electromagnetic (EM) energy has been achieved through near‐field coupling of highly confined surface EM modes supported by plasmonic nanoparticles, in a configuration usually on a two‐dimensional (2D) substrate. Vertical transport of similar modes along the third dimension, on the other hand, can bring more flexibility in designs of functional photonic devices, but this phenomenon has not been observed in reality. In this paper, designer (or spoof) surface plasmon resonators (‘plasmonic meta‐atoms’) are stacked in the direction vertical to their individual planes in demonstrating vertical transport of subwavelength localized surface EM modes. The dispersion relation of this vertical transport is determined from coupled‐mode theory and is verified with a near‐field transmission spectrum and field mapping with a microwave near‐field scanning stage. This work extends the near‐field coupled resonator optical waveguide (CROW) theory into the vertical direction, and may find applications in novel three‐dimensional slow‐light structures, filters, and photonic circuits.

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Laser polishing for topography management of accelerator cavity surfaces
Authors: Zhao L. , Klopf J. M. , Reece C. E. , Kelley M. J.
Published: July 2015

Improved energy efficiency and reduced cost are greatly desired for advanced particle accelerators. Progress toward these goals can be made by atomically‐smoothing the interior surface of the niobium superconducting radiofrequency (SRF) accelerator cavities at the heart of these machines. Laser polishing offers a green alternative to the present aggressive chemical processes. We found parameters suitable for polishing niobium in all surface conditions that are expected for cavity production. Careful measurement of the resulting surface chemistry revealed a modest thinning of the surface oxide layer, but no contamination.
An industrial approach of laser polishing with different laser sources
Authors: Ukar E. , Lamikiz A. , Liébana F. , Martínez S. , Tabernero I.
Published: July 2015

Surface finishing of dies and molds is one of the most interesting applications of laser polishing process. Because of the variety of materials used in die and mold manufacturing, as well as the different surface topographies, in each case, it is necessary to use appropriate process parameters. The presented work focuses on the study of laser polishing process on three commonly used materials in the manufacture of dies and molds, such as tool steels AISI D2 and AISI P20, ductile cast iron GGG70L and LaserForm ST‐100, a specific material developed for plastic injection mold making. Experimental studies were carried out determining the influence of the energy density on the roughness reduction rate. A key point that has a direct impact on the resulting surface roughness is the initial surface finishing of the material before laser polishing. In order to determine the degree of influence, experimental studies were conducted on two steels, AISI H13 and AISI P20, which are typically used in mold making industry. The experimental tests showed that a random distribution of peaks and valleys allows more homogenous material melting and gives as result a smoother surface after laser polishing.
Experimental evaluation and prediction of deep drawability of adhesive bonded steel sheets
Authors: Satheeshkumar V. , Narayanan R. Ganesh
Published: July 2015

The main aim of the present work is to experimentally evaluate the deep drawing behaviour of adhesive bonded sheets at different adhesive properties and predict the same using finite element simulations. The deep drawing quality steel and SS316L stainless steel are used as base materials for experiments and simulations. The deep drawing behaviour is also predicted using available analytical equations and proposed semi‐empirical equations. Such predictions are validated with experimental results.

It is observed that due to increased plasticity of adhesive layer, the hardener rich formulation of adhesive improves the deep drawability of adhesive bonded blanks. The presence of carbon black in the adhesive has improved the drawability of bonded sheets up to a certain limit, say 2% by weight in the present work. The deep drawing behaviour predicted either by approach 1 (by giving experimentally evaluated adhesive properties as input) and by approach 2 (adhesive properties evaluated from rule of mixtures) are almost same, which indicates that both the methods can be used for forming behaviour prediction. The deep drawability predictions are moderately accurate with respect to experimental observation. The accuracy of analytical models for maximum load predictions is encouraging while comparing it with experimental results and numerical predictions. The proposed semi‐empirical equations show promising results to obtain initial estimate about the load‐progression behaviour of bonded sheets.
Destruction or persistence of coral atoll islands in the face of 20th and 21st century sea‐level rise?
Authors: McLean Roger , Kench Paul
Published: July 2015

The future of low‐lying reef islands has been the subject of international concern, scientific debate, and media interest in the last decade. As a result of sea‐level rise, atoll islands are expected to become increasingly unstable and to be susceptible to potential depopulation by the end of the 21st century. Some have suggested that sea‐level rise has already resulted in widespread erosion and inundation of atoll islands. Here, we analyze the physical changes in over 200 islands on 12 atolls in the central and western Pacific in the past few decades when sea level in the region increased at rates three to four times the global average. Results show little evidence of heightened erosion or reduction in island size. Instead island shores have adjusted their position and morphology in response to human impacts such as seawall construction and to variations in climate–ocean processes. These changes are reviewed and the role of sea‐level rise is evaluated. The implications of this analysis are addressed in two parts. First, we consider the proposition that future sea‐level rise will destabilize atoll islands to such an extent that their inhabitants will be forced to migrate offshore. And second, we identify a series of new challenges relating to risk reduction and adaptation policy for atoll island governments, international agencies, and island communities. These require a substantial shift away from the present adaptation paradigm of external migration and focus on the persistence of atoll islands and in‐country solutions. WIREs Clim Change 2015, 6:445–463. doi: 10.1002/wcc.350

This article is categorized under:

Paleoclimates and Current Trends > Earth System Behavior

Assessing Impacts of Climate Change > Evaluating Future Impacts of Climate Change

Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Learning from Cases and Analogies
Effects of Acetic Acid on Growth and Lipid Production by Cryptococcus albidus
Authors: Li Xiaomei , Xiong Lian , Chen Xuefang , Huang Chao , Chen Xinde , Ma Longlong
Published: July 2015

The cell growth and lipid accumulation process of Cryptococcus albidus were investigated using acetic acid as the sole carbon source at different concentrations. C. albidus showed high tolerance to acetic acid at a high concentration of 30 g L−1. The highest lipid content (32.69 ± 0.50 %) and lipid yield (0.96 ± 0.05 g L−1) were both obtained in the medium with an initial acetic acid concentration of 30 g L−1 on day five. Interestingly, the maximum lipid content and lipid yield was obtained on a different day in a medium with different acetic acid concentration. The fatty acid composition of the lipids accumulated by C. albidus was 16–23 % palmitic acid (C16:0), 3–5 % linolenic acid (C18:3), 42–51 % linoleic acid (C18:2) and 23–27 % oleic acid (C18:1), which was similar to that of soybean oil; thus, this microbial oil has great potential value as a renewable biodiesel feedstock. This work also provides valuable information for further research to use cheap substrates containing a high concentration of acetic acid (such as lignocellulosic hydrolysates), which is an economical and environmentally friendly form of microbial oil production.
Pseudomonas aeruginosaNosocomial Pneumonia: Impact of Pneumonia Classification
Authors: Micek Scott T. , Kollef Marin H. , Torres Antoni , Chen Catherine , Rello Jordi , Chastre Jean , Antonelli Massimo , Welte Tobias , Clair Bernard , Ostermann Helmut , Calbo Esther , Wunderink Richard , Menichetti Francesco , Schramm Garrett , Menon Vandana
Published: July 2015

OBJECTIVE

To describe and compare the mortality associated with nosocomial pneumonia due toPseudomonas aeruginosa(Pa-NP) according to pneumonia classification (community-onset pneumonia [COP], hospital-acquired pneumonia [(HAP], and ventilator-associated pneumonia [VAP]).

DESIGN

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adults withPa-NP. We compared mortality forPa-NP among patients with COP, HAP, and VAP and used logistic regression to identify risk factors for hospital mortality and inappropriate initial antibiotic therapy (IIAT).

SETTING

Twelve acute care hospitals in 5 countries (United States, 3; France, 2; Germany, 2; Italy, 2; and Spain, 3).

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

A total of 742 patients withPa-NP.

RESULTS

Hospital mortality was greater for those with VAP (41.9%) and HAP (40.1%) compared with COP (24.5%) (P<.001). In multivariate analyses, independent predictors of hospital mortality differed by pneumonia classification (COP: need for mechanical ventilation and intensive care; HAP: multidrug-resistant isolate; VAP: IIAT, increasing age, increasing Charlson comorbidity score, bacteremia, and use of vasopressors). Presence of multidrug resistance was identified as an independent predictor of IIAT for patients with COP and HAP, whereas recent antibiotic administration was protective in patients with VAP.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients withPa-NP, pneumonia classification identified patients with different risks for hospital mortality. Specific risk factors for hospital mortality also differed by pneumonia classification and multidrug resistance appeared to be an important risk factor for IIAT. These findings suggest that pneumonia classification forP. aeruginosaidentifies patients with different mortality risks and specific risk factors for outcome and IIAT.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2015;36(10):1190–1197