bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theory of Multitudes as an Alternative to the Set Theory
Authors: Pshenichny Cyril
Published: February 2018

The initial goal of the research reported in this chapter was to develop an extension of the set theory able to handle the meanings of concepts. However, this purpose led not to extension of the said theory but to development of a new one, and this chapter presents an outline of a newly constructed theory of multitudes, which nevertheless seems to share some of the features of the set theory. Still, its approach is to clearly separate the qualitative and quantitative concerns, and first formalize the qualitative one, based on the vision communicated by natural languages. Though still not entirely formal, the proposed theory is seen to provide a common ground for a wide spectrum of independent knowledge engineering and representation techniques.
Formation of Faden Quartz Druses in Mid-Carboniferous Sandstones of the Donetsk Basin
Authors: Krisak Oleg , Bezrukov Vyacheslav
Published: February 2018

The chapter addresses the mechanism of growth of druses of faden quartz in a tectonically deformed sandstone. A peculiar feature of this type of quartz, the so-called “white tape” represented by fine subparallel cracks with fluid inclusions, appears highly informative about the genesis of the mineral and tectonic regime of its growth. Two stages of formation of druses of faden quartz are recognized. The suggested mechanism is checked for contradictions by means of the event bush method. The proposed event bush model appears to describe a wider range of quartz formation environments and therefore may serve as a conceptual framework for various models of quartz growth in sedimentary rocks.
Biography as Scenario
Authors: Mandrik Maria , Arustamov Sergey
Published: February 2018

Purely descriptive knowledge appears to have a structure that can be formalized using the newly developed tool of dynamic knowledge representation, the event bush. In its framework, a singular biography can be transformed into a knowledge-based system with an opportunity of creation of a database. However, the very approach to the database design may undergo quite a change thereafter. This change may concern the concept of primary key, composition of data scheme, and other fundamental issues of database design.
The Event Bush Method in the Light of Typed Graphs Illustrated by Common Sense Reasoning
Authors: Wolter Uwe , Korableva Olga , Solovyov Nikita
Published: February 2018

The event bush method being an efficient tool for representation and engineering of dynamic knowledge still lacks a strict mathematical foundation. Many of the syntactic properties of event bushes, however, seem compliant with directed graphs and can be described by typed graphs (i.e., by homomorphisms between directed graphs). This chapter explores an opportunity to formalize the syntactic structure of event bushes by means of typed graphs and shows useful implications of this approach for knowledge engineering and representation.
Inflammatory Monocytes Drive Influenza A Virus–Mediated Lung Injury in Juvenile Mice
Authors: Coates Bria M. , Staricha Kelly L. , Koch Clarissa M. , Cheng Yuan , Shumaker Dale K. , Budinger G. R. Scott , Perlman Harris , Misharin Alexander V. , Ridge Karen M.
Published: February 2018

Healthy children are more likely to die of influenza A virus (IAV) infection than healthy adults. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying the impact of young age on the development of life-threatening IAV infection. We report increased mortality in juvenile mice compared with adult mice at each infectious dose of IAV. Juvenile mice had sustained elevation of type I IFNs and persistent NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the lungs, both of which were independent of viral titer. Juvenile mice, but not adult mice, had increased MCP-1 levels that remained high even after viral clearance. Importantly, continued production of MCP-1 was associated with persistent recruitment of monocytes to the lungs and prolonged elevation of inflammatory cytokines. Transcriptional signatures of recruited monocytes to the juvenile and adult IAV-infected lungs were assessed by RNA-seq. Genes associated with a proinflammatory signature were upregulated in the juvenile monocytes compared with adult monocytes. Depletion of monocytes with anti-CCR2 Ab decreased type I IFN secretion, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and lung injury in juvenile mice. This suggests an exaggerated inflammatory response mediated by increased recruitment of monocytes to the lung, and not an inability to control viral replication, is responsible for severe IAV infection in juvenile mice. This study provides insight into severe IAV infection in juveniles and identifies key inflammatory monocytes that may be central to pediatric acute lung injury secondary to IAV.
Geochemistry results from the south Rae mapping project, Northwest Territories, 2015 and 2016 field seasons
Authors: Acosta-Góngora P , Martel E , Pehrsson S J
Published: February 2018

This study, a part of the GEM2 South Rae Mapping Project, was carried out during 2015 and 2016 in the southeastern portion of the Canadian Northwest Territories, in the area comprising the South Rae craton (NTS map sheets 75B, H, G, A). During the regional
mapping four new radiometric anomalies were recognized and several locales of hydrothermal alteration were outlined. All the radiometric anomalies are located in the northeast (Gemelo showing) and southwest (Sarita, Hidden, Triple-X) portions of NTS 86B along the Black Bay fault. Regional
geochemical assay samples were taken to investigate the metal signature of rocks at these locales and in potentially prospective samples throughout the study area.
Here we report concentrations for major, trace, rare earth, and platinum group elements, and precious and base metals of 65 samples, including a number showing anomalous concentrations. We report the first ever showings in NTS 86B and G: new REE (Gemelo; 0.8 wt.% REE) showing. The Gemelo showing
occurs near the northeastern terminus of the Black Bay fault. The geochemical results obtained from material collected at the southwest Black Bay fault radiometric anomalies show no particular U, Th and rare earth element enrichments.
La difusión de discursos pseudocientíficos en la radio pública española. El programa Complementarios de RNE-Radio 5
Authors: López Cantos Francisco , Millán Yeste Joan
Published: February 2018

En esta investigación vamos a analizar los contenidos del programa radiofónico Complementarios de la cadena pública Radio 5 como muestra de la preocupante pandemia de discursos pseudocientíficos que se distribuyen desde los medios de comunicación. Metodología. Utilizamos el análisis de contenido desde la perspectiva de la Frame Theory con el fin de determinar el dispositivo discursivo con que promueven los contenidos pseudocientíficos en este programa radiofónico. Resultados. La cadena pública de radio pretende promover un espacio divulgativo y de utilidad social, pero contribuye en la difusión de contenidos sin ninguna validez científica y se pone al servicio del discurso pseudocientífico. Discusión. Las denominadas terapias complementarias y los discursos pseudocientíficos ocupan el espacio público aparentando ser útiles y científicamente válidos. Conclusiones. Estos contenidos mediáticos pueden resultar muy nocivos y derivar en un serio problema de salud pública y habría que tratarlos desde una perspectiva mucho más crítica y científicamente responsable.
Optical and microphysical properties of natural mineral dust and anthropogenic soil dust near dust source regions over northwestern China
Authors: Wang Xin , Wen Hui , Shi Jinsen , Bi Jianrong , Huang Zhongwei , Zhang Beidou , Zhou Tian , Fu Kaiqi , Chen Quanliang , Xin Jinyuan
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Mineral dust aerosols (MDs) not only influence the climate by scattering and
absorbing solar radiation but also modify cloud properties and change the
ecosystem. From 3 April to 16 May 2014, a ground-based mobile laboratory was
deployed to measure the optical and microphysical properties of MDs near
dust source regions in Wuwei, Zhangye, and Dunhuang (in chronological order)
along the Hexi Corridor over northwestern China. Throughout this dust
campaign, the hourly averaged (±standard deviation) aerosol
scattering coefficients (σsp, 550 nm) of the
particulates with aerodynamic diameters less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5)
at these three sites were sequentially 101.5 ± 36.8,
182.2 ± 433.1, and 54.0 ± 32.0 Mm−1.
Correspondingly, the absorption coefficients (σap, 637 nm) were 9.7 ± 6.1, 6.0 ± 4.6, and 2.3 ± 0.9 Mm−1; single-scattering
albedos (ω, 637 nm) were 0.902 ± 0.025,
0.931 ± 0.037, and 0.949 ± 0.020; and
scattering Ångström exponents (Åsp,
450–700 nm) of PM2.5 were 1.28 ± 0.27,
0.77 ± 0.51, and 0.52 ± 0.31. During a
severe dust storm in Zhangye (i.e., from 23 to 25 April), the highest values
of σsp2.5 (∼ 5074 Mm−1), backscattering coefficient (σbsp2.5, ∼ 522 Mm−1), and ω637 (∼ 0.993) and the lowest values of
backscattering fraction (b2.5, ∼ 0.101) at 550 nm and Åsp2.5
(∼ −0.046) at 450–700 nm, with peak values of aerosol number size distribution
(appearing at the particle diameter range of 1–3 µm), exhibited that
the atmospheric aerosols were dominated by coarse-mode dust aerosols. It is
hypothesized that the relatively higher values of mass scattering efficiency during floating dust
episodes in Wuwei and Zhangye are attributed to the anthropogenic soil dust
produced by agricultural cultivations.
Source Sector and Region Contributions to Black Carbon and PM2.5
in the Arctic
Authors: Sobhani Negin , Kulkarni Sarika , Carmichael Gregory R.
Published: February 2018

Abstract. The impacts of BC and PM2.5 emissions from different source sectors (e.g. transportation, power, industry, residential, and biomass burning) and source regions (e.g. Europe, North America, China, Russia, Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East) to Arctic BC and PM2.5 concentrations are investigated using a series of sensitivity runs with WRF-STEM modeling framework. The simulations are validated using aircraft observations over the Arctic during spring and summer 2008. Emissions from power, industrial, and biomass burning sectors are found to be the main contributors to the Arctic PM2.5 with contributions of ~ 30 %, ~ 25 %, and ~ 20 % respectively. In contrast, the residential and transportation sectors are identified as the major contributors to Arctic BC with contributions of ~ 38 % and ~ 30 %. Anthropogenic emissions are the most dominant contributors (~ 88 %) to the BC surface concentration over the Arctic; however, the contribution from biomass burning is significant over the summer (up to ~ 50 %). Among all geographical regions, Europe and China have the highest contributions to the BC surface concentrations with contributions of ~ 46 % and ~ 25 % respectively. Further sensitivity runs show that among various economic sectors of all geographic regions, European and Chinese residential sector contribute up to ~ 25 % and ~ 14 % to the Arctic average surface BC concentration. For Arctic PM2.5, the anthropogenic emissions contribute >~ 75 % at the surface annually, with contributions of ~ 25 % from Europe and ~ 20 % from China; however, the contributions of biomass burning emissions are significant in particular during spring and summer. The contributions of each geographical region to the Arctic PM2.5 and BC vary significantly with altitude. The simulations show that the BC from China is transported to the Arctic in the mid-troposphere, while, BC from European emission sources are transported near the surface under 5 km, especially during winter.
Three-channel single-wavelength lidar depolarization calibration
Authors: McCullough Emily M. , Sica Robert J. , Drummond James R. , Nott Graeme J. , Perro Christopher , Duck Thomas J.
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Linear depolarization measurement capabilities were added to the CANDAC Rayleigh–Mie–Raman lidar (CRL) at Eureka, Nunavut, in the Canadian High Arctic in 2010. This upgrade enables measurements of the phases (liquid versus ice) of cold and mixed-phase clouds throughout the year, including during polar night. Depolarization measurements were calibrated according to existing methods using parallel- and perpendicular-polarized profiles as discussed in ). We present a new technique that uses the polarization-independent Rayleigh elastic channel in combination with one of the new polarization-dependent channels, and we show that for a lidar with low signal in one of the polarization-dependent channels this method is superior to the traditional method. The optimal procedure for CRL is to determine the depolarization parameter using the traditional method at low resolution (from parallel and perpendicular signals) and then to use this value to calibrate the high-resolution new measurements (from parallel and polarization-independent Rayleigh elastic signals). Due to its use of two high-signal-rate channels, the new method has lower statistical uncertainty and thus gives depolarization parameter values at higher spatial–temporal resolution by up to a factor of 20 for CRL. This method is easily adaptable to other lidar systems which are considering adding depolarization capability to existing hardware.
Background noise estimation of geomagnetic signal
Authors: Yao Xiuyi , Zhang Suqin , Teng Yuntian , Yang Dongmei
Published: February 2018

Abstract. A fast Fourier transform was applied to fit the geomagnetic diurnal variation. Fitting results showed that when the polynomial degree was greater than 160, the residual error was close to 0 nT. White noise is the main component of the residual error when the polynomial degree was greater than 160, so this method was adopted to calculate the background noise of the geomagnetic field. Spectrum analysis further demonstrated the necessity to remove background noise from geomagnetic data.
Influence of three phases of El Niño-Southern Oscillation on daily
precipitation regimes in China
Authors: Lv Aifeng , Qu Bo , Jia Shaofeng , Zhu Wenbin
Published: February 2018

Abstract. In this study, the impacts of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on daily precipitation regimes in China are examined using data from 713 meteorological stations from 1960 to 2013. We discuss the annual precipitation, frequency and intensity of rainfall events, and precipitation extremes for three phases (Eastern Pacific El Niño (EP), Central Pacific El Niño (CP), and La Niña (LN)) of ENSO events in both ENSO developing and ENSO decaying years. A Mann–Whitney U test was applied to assess the significance of precipitation anomalies due to ENSO. Results indicated that the three phases each had a different impact on daily precipitation in China and that the impacts in ENSO developing and decaying years were significantly different. EP phases caused less precipitation in developing years but more precipitation in decaying years; LN phases caused a reverse pattern. The precipitation anomalies during CP phases were significantly different than those during EP phases and a clear pattern was found in decaying years across China, with positive anomalies over northern China and negative anomalies over southern China. ENSO events which altered the frequency and intensity of rainfall roughly paralleled anomalies in annual precipitation; in EP developing years, negative anomalies in both frequency and intensity of rainfall events resulted in less annual precipitation while in CP decaying years, negative anomalies in either frequency or intensity typically resulted in reduced annual precipitation. ENSO events triggered more extreme precipitation events. In EP and CP decaying years and in LN developing years, the number of very wet days (R95p), the maximum rainfall in one day (Rx1d), and the number of consecutive wet days (CWD) all increased, suggesting an increased risk of flooding. In addition, more dry spells (DS) occurred in EP developing years, suggesting an increased likelihood of droughts during this phase.
Improving river flow generation over Great Britain in a land surface
model required for coupled land-atmosphere interactions
Authors: Martínez-de la Torre Alberto , Blyth Eleanor M. , Weedon Graham P.
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Land surface models (LSMs) represent terrestrial hydrology in weather and climate modelling operational systems and research studies. Using river flow observations from gauge stations, we study the capability of the Joint UK Land Environment Simulator (JULES) LSM to simulate river flow over 13 catchments in Great Britain, each representing different climatic and topographic characteristics at the 1 km2 spatial resolution. A series of tests, carried out to identify where the model results are sensitive to the scheme and parameters chosen for runoff production, suggests that different catchments require different parameters and even different runoff schemes to produce the best results. From these results, we introduce a new topographical parametrization that produces the best daily river flow results (in terms of Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency and mean bias) for all 13 catchments. The new parametrization introduces a dependency on terrain slope, constraining surface runoff production to wet soil conditions over flatter regions (like the Thames catchment; Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency above 0.8), whereas over steeper regions the model produces surface runoff for every rainfall event regardless of the soil wetness state. This new parametrization improves the model capability in regional (Great Britain wide) assessments. The new choice of parameters is reinforced by examining the amplitude and phase of the modelled versus observed river flows, via cross-spectral analysis for time scales longer than daily.
Heat transfer and MHD flow of non-newtonian Maxwell fluid through a parallel plate channel: analytical and numerical solution
Authors: Rahbari Alireza , Abbasi Morteza , Rahimipetroudi Iman , Sundén Bengt , Domiri Ganji Davood , Gholami Mehdi
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Analytical and numerical analyses have been performed to study the
problem of magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) flow and heat transfer of an
upper-convected Maxwell fluid in a parallel plate channel. The governing
equations of continuity, momentum and energy are reduced to two ordinary
differential equation forms by introducing a similarity transformation. The
Homotopy Analysis Method (HAM), Homotopy Perturbation Method (HPM) and
fourth-order Runge-Kutta numerical method (NUM) are used to solve this
problem. Also, velocity and temperature fields have been computed and shown
graphically for various values of the physical parameters. The objectives of
the present work are to investigate the effect of the Deborah numbers
(De), Hartman electric number (Ha), Reynolds number
(Rew) and Prandtl number (Pr) on the velocity
and temperature fields. As an important outcome, it is observed that
increasing the Hartman number leads to a reduction in the velocity values
while increasing the Deborah number has negligible impact on the velocity
increment.
Generating wind power scenarios for probabilistic ramp event
prediction using multivariate statistical post-processing
Authors: Worsnop Rochelle P. , Scheuerer Michael , Hamill Thomas M. , Lundquist Julie K.
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Wind power forecasting is gaining international significance as more regions promote policies to increase the use of renewable energy. Wind ramps, large variations in wind power production during a period of minutes to hours, challenge utilities and electrical balancing authorities. A sudden decrease in wind energy production must be balanced by other power generators to meet energy demands, while a sharp increase in unexpected production results in excess power that may not be used in the power grid, leading to a loss of potential profits. In this study, we compare different methods to generate probabilistic ramp forecasts from the High Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) numerical weather prediction model with up to twelve hours of lead time at two tall-tower locations in the United States. We validate model performance using 21 months of 80-m wind speed observations from towers in Boulder, Colorado and near the Columbia River Gorge in eastern Oregon. We employ four statistical post-processing methods, three of which are not currently used in the literature for wind forecasting. These procedures correct biases in the model and generate short-term wind speed scenarios which are then converted to power scenarios. This probabilistic enhancement of HRRR point forecasts provides valuable uncertainty information of ramp events and improves the skill of predicting ramp events over the raw forecasts. We compute Brier skill scores for each method at predicting up- and down-ramps to determine which method provides the best prediction. We find that the Standard Schaake Shuffle method yields the highest skill at predicting ramp events for these data sets, especially for up-ramp events at the Oregon site. Increased skill for ramp prediction is limited at the Boulder, CO site using any of the multivariate methods, because of the poor initial forecasts in this area of complex terrain. These statistical methods can be implemented by wind farm operators to generate a range of possible wind speed and power scenarios to aid and optimize decisions before ramp events occur.
La mediación de los regímenes de Bienestar sobre las condiciones de trabajo, empleo y salud en la población asalariada europea
Authors: Merino i Noé Jordi
Published: February 2018

En el presente artículo se propone una confluencia en un mismo modelo multinivel de algunos ámbitos propuestos por diferentes autores en el debate sobre los diferentes modelos de bienestar y condiciones de empleo como determinantes sociales de la salud en Europa. A partir de los resultados de la V Encuesta Europea de Condiciones de Trabajo se advirtió de la preeminencia de las condiciones de empleo, de la influencia de las variaciones de la tasa de paro, gasto social y umbral de pobreza sobre el estado de salud percibido apreciándose diferencias significativas según regímenes, denotando algunos factores de riesgo en los modelos Meridional y de Europa del Este para ambos sexos y en el anglosajón para mujeres. Las características de los diferentes regímenes podrían tener una función mediadora del estado de salud de la población asalariada europea.
Intercultural Europe: Cultural Diversity in the EU and the Debate on a Common European Cultural Identity
Authors: Muñoz Jordi-Jesús
Published: February 2018

El objetivo de este trabajo es hacer una aproximación al complejo sistema cultural de la Unión Europea a través del análisis de la diversidad cultural dentro de la UE y la existencia de una posible identidad cultural europea común. Se pretende así promover el debate sobre el diálogo intercultural en la Unión Europea y las acciones emprendidas por las instituciones europeas para promover una identidad cultural común basada en la pluralidad y la diversidad.
Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) Midden Site Selection and Conifer Species Composition
Authors: Elkins Eric K , Tyers Daniel B , Frisina Michael R , Rossi Joao L , Sowell Bok
Published: February 2018

Reductions in whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) due to blister rust (Cronartium ribicola) and mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) have prompted some forest managers to consider selective thinning and prescribed fire to reduce competition of whitebark pine with other conifer species. Whitebark pine is an important food source for grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, but most of the seeds are obtained by raiding red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) middens. Therefore, it is important to understand which attributes maximize red squirrel midden site selection. The objectives of this study were to estimate active midden site selection criteria and quantify the ideal conifer composition associated with red squirrel middens in the Cooke City Basin, MT. Active midden counts were collected in 810, 30-meter diameter circular plots, equally spaced along 27 transect lines in the basin. We used generalized linear mixed models to assess variables associated with middens. Midden occurrence probability was positively associated in a curvilinear relationship with conifer canopy cover and the amount of topographic shading. Midden occurrence increased as the percent of whitebark pine increased up to 44 percent. A conifer composition of 44 percent whitebark and 56 percent mixture of subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) and Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) was ideal for midden sites. Whitebark pine treatments to reduce fir and spruce competition should acknowledge the tradeoff to foraging grizzly bears.
Herstelbemiddeling in twee gevangenissen
Authors: Claes Bart , Shapland Joanna
Published: February 2018

Desistance from crime and restorative justice

Over the last twenty years, research on desistance from crime and on restorative justice has grown rapidly and both have emerged as exciting, vibrant, and dynamic areas of contemporary criminological interest. While the implementation of restorative justice practices in Europe has been essentially victim-oriented, there has always also been an emphasis on including the moral and social rehabilitation of the offender. This more offender-centred approach to restorative justice and its practices is not limited to the evaluation of its ability to reduce crime, but is to be seen within the connection between reparation, resettlement (reintegration into the community after sentence), and desistance from crime. This article examines, from a broad perspective, but including some data from research on victim-offender mediation in prison, the capacity of restorative justice interventions to impact positively on offenders’ likelihood of stopping committing criminal offences.
Submission Email Test
Authors: User Crossref
Published: February 2018

This is another submissiont est
Geographical and Chronological Analysis of Lyme Borreliosis in Stara Zagora Region
Authors: MARİNOV Marin M. , DİMİTROVA Todorka T. , KAYKAROVA Bojidarka G. , PERCHEMLİEVA Tania İ. , GARDEVA Rayna P. , COMANLİ Kartall , GEORGİEVA Vesela D. , GENEVA Blagovesta R. , YURUK Suheil
Published: February 2018

Objectives: Until recently, Lyme Borreliosis (LB) was not
commonly seen in Bulgaria. Now, this infectious disease, which is spread in the
form of natural foci, is seen in Bulgaria as well as in North America, Europe
and Asia. The objective of the present study is to analyze the dynamics and
characteristics of the LB epidemic process for Stara Zagora region over two
periods, due to the incompleteness of the data available to Regional Health
Inspectorate of Stara Zagora (1993-1997 and 2008-2012).

Methods:
Complex epidemiological methods, including the epidemiological analysis method,
were applied in the data interpretation. Routine methods have been previously
applied in studying serological samples from patients diagnosed with LB,
including indirect IFA (until 1997) and ELISA (until 2012).

Results:
During the first period of our study (1993-1997), the distribution of LB
patients by years was irregular, with the highest number of patients in 1993
(32) and 1995(39). During the second period (2008-2012), the highest number of
LB patients was recorded in 2008 (93). During both the first and second study
periods, we found that LB disease in Stara Zagora Region decreased. However, on
a national and world scale, LB disease is increasing, most likely due to the
methods of diagnostics, climate change and increased migration.

Conclusions: Because the incidence of LB is increasing worldwide,
we believe that the laboratory and clinical diagnostics of LB should be more
precise. J Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 8(1):13-17
Cybersecurity of critical infrastructures such as nuclear facilities
Authors: Berg Heinz-Peter
Published: February 2018

In the last years, cybersecurity has become a crucial essential element within the security framework of critical infrastructures such as process industry, railways, hospitals and also nuclear facilities. The types of threats change, and not only organizations requiring money from the affected organization but also nation states seem to be involved. The number of cyber-attacks to all types of critical infrastructure increased and these attacks are seen as a threatening problem.
For the specific aspects of nuclear facilities in Germany, current experiences and future activities regarding these facilities under the German IT Act are discussed. Moreover, respective regulatory requirements recently set in force in Germany are presented. In addition, ongoing international activities in this area are discussed.
The method of rational dispatching a sequence of heterogeneous repair works
Authors: Kostogryzov Andrey , Atakishchev Oleg , Nistratov Andrey , Nistratov George , Klimov Sergey , Grigoriev Leonid
Published: February 2018

For critically important power systems, some repair works should be performed by one repair brigade at the same time. Conditions for performing different works are often characterized by uncertainties. In practice, the term is given for each work, and possible damages exist if the performance of works is not well-timed. Taking into account these factors, the sequence of performing heterogeneous repair works essentially influences the safety and/or efficiency of the power system. The method of rational dispatching of the sequence of heterogeneous repair works considering the requirements of timeliness for their performance is proposed in this paper. The rational sequence of works is established by criteria of minimizing integral damages based on the best choices from different dispatcher technologies and their parameters (such as distribution of work call types by priorities, distribution of call priorities into groups, appointment of technologies inside groups). A possible effect is demonstrated by an example.
The Effects of High Intensity Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Abdominal Strength and Endurance, Core Strength, Abdominal Girth, and Perceived Body Shape and Satisfaction
Authors: Porcari John , Ryskey Abigail , Foster Carl
Published: February 2018

Background:  Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been used clinically for many years as a modality to improve muscular strength and endurance.  Recently, equipment manufacturers have developed over-the-counter NMES units to target specific muscle groups, particularly the abdominal region.  Objective:  To study the effects of self-administered neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on changes in abdominal muscle strength and endurance, core strength, abdominal girth, and subjective measures of body satisfaction and shape.  Methods:  Fifty-three adults were randomly assigned into high intensity (HI: n=27) or low intensity (LI:  n=26) groups.  The NMES device for the LI group had been altered so that subjects felt some tactile sensation, but the intensity was not sufficient to elicit a muscular contraction.  All subjects stimulated their abdominal muscles 5 days per week (30 minutes per session) for 6 weeks.  Subjects were tested at Baseline, 2, 4, and 6 weeks.  Results:  The HI group had a significantly greater increase in strength at 4 weeks (19%) and 6 weeks (29%) compared to the LI group and performed significantly more curl-ups than the LI group at 2 weeks (62%).  Both groups had a significant increase in core strength over the course of the study, with no difference between groups.  There was no change in abdominal girth between groups.  Both groups had significant improvements in body satisfaction from Baseline to 4 weeks and Baseline to 6 weeks, with no significant interaction.  Conclusions:  Results of the current study indicate that high intensity NMES can significantly increase abdominal strength and endurance compared to LI intensity (control) stimulation.  Results for subjective measures tended to favor the HI group, but were less conclusive, since the LI group also had some positive changes.
Ontogeny of long-range vocalizations in a Neotropical fossorial rodent: the Anillaco Tuco-Tuco (Ctenomyssp.)
Authors: Amaya Juan Pablo , Areta Juan Ignacio
Published: February 2018

Tuco-tucos (Ctenomysspp.) are subterranean rodents that produce territorial, high intensity long-range vocalizations (LRVs) of broadband and low frequency that are essential for long-distance communication between individuals in different tunnel systems. Despite their importance, the development of LRVs remains poorly understood. In adult Anillaco Tuco-Tucos (Ctenomyssp.) the LRV is composed by two types of syllables (series and individual notes) that are repeated a variable number of times. We studied the development of the LRVs in eight juveniles of the Anillaco Tuco-Tuco ranging from 14–28 to 104–118 days after birth. We (1) tested whether the syllables followed any of three alternative developmental modes (retention of juvenile vocalizations, modification of juvenile precursors orde novoappearance in adults), (2) evaluated the development of structural and acoustic features of syllables, and (3) tested the prediction that juveniles should produce a greater proportion of atypical series in precursors of the LRV than adults, due to lack maturation and/or precise coupling of neuromuscular and anatomical structures. The LRV of the Anillaco Tuco-Tuco exhibited a mixed developmental mode: while series developed from juvenile precursors whose acoustic features gradually approached those of adults, individual notes appeared later in the ontogeny andde novowith acoustic features indistinguishable from those of adults. The number of series per vocalization increased through development and varied from one to 25 in juvenile males and from one to six in juvenile females. The structure of the most common series type (triad) did not exhibit ontogenetic changes and was present as such at the onset of the emission of vocalizations. On the contrary, acoustic features of juvenile triad notes changed with age in both sexes (duration 90% increased through development, while bandwidth 90% and peak frequency decreased). Furthermore, juveniles emitted a higher proportion of atypical series than adults (7.4% vs. 0.3%), as expected in the development of any complex behavior that requires practice to be mastered. The maturation of the LRV occurred well before the sexual maturation, presumably due to the protracted time needed to acquire or build a burrow system long before mating is possible. We propose that protracted vocal development is another component in the slow developmental strategy ofCtenomysand subterranean rodents in general.
Environmental Determinants of Malaria Transmission Around the Koka Reservoir in Ethiopia
Authors: Endo Noriko , Eltahir Elfatih A. B.
Published: February 2018

New dam construction is known to exacerbate malaria transmission in Africa as the vectors of malaria—Anopheles mosquitoes—use bodies of water as breeding sites. Precise environmental mechanisms of how reservoirs exacerbate malaria transmission are yet to be identified. Understanding of these mechanisms should lead to a better assessment of the impacts of dam construction and to new prevention strategies. Combining extensive multiyear field surveys around the Koka Reservoir in Ethiopia and rigorous model development and simulation studies, environmental mechanisms of malaria transmission around the reservoir were examined. Most comprehensive and detailed malaria transmission model, Hydrology, Entomology, and Malaria Transmission Simulator, was applied to a village adjacent to the reservoir. Significant contributions to the dynamics of malaria transmission are shaped by wind profile, marginal pools, temperature, and shoreline locations. Wind speed and wind direction influence Anopheles populations and malaria transmission during the major and secondary mosquito seasons. During the secondary mosquito season, a noticeable influence was also attributed to marginal pools. Temperature was found to play an important role, not so much in Anopheles population dynamics, but in malaria transmission dynamics. Change in shoreline locations drives malaria transmission dynamics, with closer shoreline locations to the village making malaria transmission more likely. Identified environmental mechanisms help in predicting malaria transmission seasons and in developing village relocation strategies upon dam construction to minimize the risk of malaria.
The Effect of Elevation Bias in Interpolated Air Temperature Data Sets on Surface Warming in China During 1951–2015
Authors: Wang Tingting , Sun Fubao , Ge Quansheng , Kleidon Axel , Liu Wenbin
Published: February 2018

Although gridded air temperature data sets share much of the same observations, different rates of warming can be detected due to different approaches employed for considering elevation signatures in the interpolation processes. Here we examine the influence of varying spatiotemporal distribution of sites on surface warming in the long‐term trend and over the recent warming hiatus period in China during 1951–2015. A suspicious cooling trend in raw interpolated air temperature time series is found in the 1950s, and 91% of which can be explained by the artificial elevation changes introduced by the interpolation process. We define the regression slope relating temperature difference and elevation difference as the bulk lapse rate of −5.6°C/km, which tends to be higher (−8.7°C/km) in dry regions but lower (−2.4°C/km) in wet regions. Compared to independent experimental observations, we find that the estimated monthly bulk lapse rates work well to capture the elevation bias. Significant improvement can be achieved in adjusting the interpolated original temperature time series using the bulk lapse rate. The results highlight that the developed bulk lapse rate is useful to account for the elevation signature in the interpolation of site‐based surface air temperature to gridded data sets and is necessary for avoiding elevation bias in climate change studies.
Investigating Mercury's South Polar Deposits: Arecibo Radar Observations and High‐Resolution Determination of Illumination Conditions
Authors: Chabot Nancy L. , Shread Evangela E. , Harmon John K.
Published: February 2018

There is strong evidence that Mercury's polar deposits are water ice hosted in permanently shadowed regions. In this study, we present new Arecibo radar observations of Mercury's south pole, which reveal numerous radar‐bright deposits and substantially increase the radar imaging coverage. We also use images from MESSENGER's full mission to determine the illumination conditions of Mercury's south polar region at the same spatial resolution as the north polar region, enabling comparisons between the two poles. The area of radar‐bright deposits in Mercury's south is roughly double that found in the north, consistent with the larger permanently shadowed area in the older, cratered terrain at the south relative to the younger smooth plains at the north. Radar‐bright features are strongly associated with regions of permanent shadow at both poles, consistent with water ice being the dominant component of the deposits. However, both of Mercury's polar regions show that roughly 50% of permanently shadowed regions lack radar‐bright deposits, despite some of these locations having thermal environments that are conducive to the presence of water ice. The observed uneven distribution of water ice among Mercury's polar cold traps may suggest that the source of Mercury's water ice was not a steady, regular process but rather that the source was an episodic event, such as a recent, large impact on the innermost planet.
Circulation Changes in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea Over the Past 23,000 Years Inferred From Authigenic Nd Isotopic Ratios
Authors: Cornuault Marine , Tachikawa Kazuyo , Vidal Laurence , Guihou Abel , Siani Giuseppe , Deschamps Pierre , Bassinot Franck , Revel Marie
Published: February 2018

The Eastern Mediterranean Sea (EMS) is a key region to study circulation change because of its own thermohaline circulation. In this study, we focused on intermediate/deep water circulation since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) including the sapropel S1 period. Two cores from the Levantine Sea and the Strait of Sicily, respectively, collected at 1,780 m and 771 m water depth, were studied using 143Nd/144Nd (εNd) of foraminiferal tests and leachates as well as benthic foraminiferal stable isotopes (δ13C, δ18O). This approach allowed the determination of variations in (1) the North Atlantic water contribution to the Mediterranean basin, (2) water exchanges at the Strait of Sicily, and (3) the influence of the Nile River over the last 23,000 years. During the LGM, high benthic foraminiferal δ13C values indicate well‐ventilated intermediate and deep waters in the EMS. The εNd values were more radiogenic than at present, reflecting a smaller contribution of unradiogenic North Atlantic waters to the EMS due to reduced exchange at the Strait of Sicily. The sluggish circulation in the EMS initiated during deglaciation was further enhanced by increased Nile River freshwater inputs between 15 ka BP and the S1 period. Partial dissolution of Nile River particles contributed to an increase in EMS εNd. The large εNd gradient between the EMS and the Western Mediterranean Sea observed during LGM and S1 suggests that each basin had a distinct circulation mode. Decreasing εNd values at the Strait of Sicily after S1 reflected improved water exchange between both basins, leading to the modern circulation pattern.
Active Deformation of Malawi Rift's North Basin Hinge Zone Modulated by Reactivation of Preexisting Precambrian Shear Zone Fabric
Authors: Kolawole F. , Atekwana E. A. , Laó‐Dávila D. A. , Abdelsalam M. G. , Chindandali P. R. , Salima J. , Kalindekafe L.
Published: February 2018

We integrated temporal aeromagnetic data and recent earthquake data to address the long‐standing question on the role of preexisting Precambrian structures in modulating strain accommodation and subsequent ruptures leading to seismic events within the East African Rift System. We used aeromagnetic data to elucidate the relationship between the locations of the 2009Mw6.0 Karonga, Malawi, earthquake surface ruptures and buried basement faults along the hinge zone of the half‐graben comprising the North Basin of the Malawi Rift. Through the application of derivative filters and depth‐to‐magnetic‐source modeling, we identified and constrained the trend of the Precambrian metamorphic fabrics and correlated them to the three‐dimensional structure of buried basement faults. Our results reveal an unprecedented detail of the basement fabric dominated by high‐frequency WNW to NW trending magnetic lineaments associated with the Precambrian Mughese Shear Zone fabric. The high‐frequency magnetic lineaments are superimposed by lower frequency NNW trending magnetic lineaments associated with possible Cenozoic faults. Surface ruptures associated with the 2009Mw6.0 Karonga earthquake swarm aligned with one of the NNW‐trending magnetic lineaments defining a normal fault that is characterized by right‐stepping segments along its northern half and coalesced segments on its southern half. Fault geometries, regional kinematics, and spatial distribution of seismicity suggest that seismogenic faults reactivated the basement fabric found along the half‐graben hinge zone. We suggest that focusing of strain accommodation and seismicity along the half‐graben hinge zone is facilitated and modulated by the presence of the basement fabric.
High Performance BiOCl Nanosheets/TiO2 Nanotube Arrays Heterojunction UV Photodetector: The Influences of Self‐Induced Inner Electric Fields in the BiOCl Nanosheets
Authors: Ouyang Weixin , Teng Feng , Fang Xiaosheng
Published: February 2018

BiOCl nanosheets/TiO2 nanotube arrays heterojunction UV photodetector (PD) with high performance is fabricated by a facile anodization process and an impregnation method. The heterojunction at the interface and the internal electric fields in the BiOCl nanosheets faciliate the separation of photogenerated charge carriers and regulate the transportation of the electrons. Compared with the large dark current (≈10−5 A), low on/off ratio (8.5), and slow decay time (>60 s) of the TiO2 PD, the optimized heterojunction PD (6‐BiOCl–TiO2) yields dramatically decreased dark current (≈1 nA), ultrahigh on/off ratio (up to 2.2 × 105), and fast decay speed (0.81 s) under 350 nm light illumination at −5 V. Moreover, it exhibits an increased responsivity of 41.94 A W−1, a remarkable detectivity (D*) of 1.41 × 1014 Jones, and a high linear dynamic range of 103.59 dB. The loading amount and growth orientations of the BiOCl nanosheets alter the roles of the self‐induced internal electric field in regulating the behaviors of the charge carriers, thus affecting the photoelectric properties of the heterojunction PDs. These results demonstrate that rational construction of novel heterojunctions hold great potentials for fabricating photodetectors with high performance.
Tough Composite Hydrogels with High Loading and Local Release of Biological Drugs
Authors: Li Jianyu , Weber Eckhard , Guth‐Gundel Sabine , Schuleit Michael , Kuttler Andreas , Halleux Christine , Accart Nathalie , Doelemeyer Arno , Basler Anne , Tigani Bruno , Wuersch Kuno , Fornaro Mara , Kneissel Michaela , Stafford Alexander , Freedman Benjamin R. , Mooney David J.
Published: February 2018

Hydrogels are under active development for controlled drug delivery, but their clinical translation is limited by low drug loading capacity, deficiencies in mechanical toughness and storage stability, and poor control over the drug release that often results in burst release and short release duration. This work reports a design of composite clay hydrogels, which simultaneously achieve a spectrum of mechanical, storage, and drug loading/releasing properties to address the critical needs from translational perspectives. The clay nanoparticles provide large surface areas to adsorb biological drugs, and assemble into microparticles that are physically trapped within and toughen hydrogel networks. The composite hydrogels demonstrate feasibility of storage, and extended release of large quantities of an insulin‐like growth factor‐1 mimetic protein (8 mg mL−1) over four weeks. The release rate is primarily governed by ionic exchange and can be upregulated by low pH, which is typical for injured tissues. A rodent model of Achilles tendon injury is used to demonstrate that the composite hydrogels allow for highly extended and localized release of biological drugs in vivo, while demonstrating biodegradation and biocompatibility. These attributes make the composite hydrogel a promising system for drug delivery and regenerative medicine.
Multifunctional Cell Instructive Silk‐Bioactive Glass Composite Reinforced Scaffolds Toward Osteoinductive, Proangiogenic, and Resorbable Bone Grafts
Authors: Moses Joseph Christakiran , Nandi Samit Kumar , Mandal Biman B.
Published: February 2018

The successful regeneration of large volume bone defects necessitates the use of proangiogenic and resorbable scaffolding matrix. Impaired and slow ingrowth of host vasculature within implanted grafts greatly compromises its effective osseointegration. By addressing this, it is demonstrated that the use of copper doped bioactive glass functionalizes silk microfiber reinforcements to improve the physicochemical and osteoinductive properties of two silk scaffolding matrices (mulberry Bombyx mori and non‐mulberry Antheraea assama) employed in the study. The reinforced composite matrices increase the surface area and present an open porous biomimetic micromillieu favoring stem cell and endothelial cell migration within the matrix. Biochemical results indicate the stabilization of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α and expression of C‐X‐C chemokine receptor type‐4 in adipose derived human mesenchymal stem cells, which regulate the downstream proangiogenic signaling and endothelial cell homing, respectively. Osteoinduction, matrix turnover, and resorption effectiveness are favored better in the non‐mulberry silk matrices. The composite matrices significantly promote neo‐osseous tissue formation in volumetric femur defect in rabbits with periosteal restoration seen in the non‐mulberry silk composite matrices. Evidences of total resorption, enhanced vascular‐fibrous tissue ingrowth within the scaffold, vouch for the potential clinical translation of these developed composite silk matrices.