bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GPS radio occultation with TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X: sensitivity of lower troposphere sounding to the Open-Loop Doppler model
Authors: Zus F. , Beyerle G. , Heise S. , Schmidt T. , Wickert J.
Published: December 2014

Abstract. The Global Positioning System (GPS) radio occultation (RO) technique provides valuable input for numerical weather prediction and is considered as a data source for climate related research. Numerous studies outline the high precision and accuracy of RO atmospheric soundings in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. In this altitude region (8–25 km) RO atmospheric soundings are considered to be free of any systematic error. In the tropical (30° S–30° N) Lower (<8 km) Troposphere (LT), this is not the case; systematic differences with respect to independent data sources exist and are still not completely understood. To date only little attention has been paid to the Open Loop (OL) Doppler model. Here we report on a RO experiment carried out on-board of the twin satellite configuration TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X which possibly explains to some extent biases in the tropical LT. In two sessions we altered the OL Doppler model aboard TanDEM-X by not more than ±5 Hz with respect to TerraSAR-X and compare collocated atmospheric refractivity profiles. We find a systematic difference in the retrieved refractivity. The bias mainly stems from the tropical LT; there the bias reaches up to ±1%. Hence, we conclude that the negative bias (several Hz) of the OL Doppler model aboard TerraSAR-X introduces a negative bias (in addition to the negative bias which is primarily caused by critical refraction) in our retrieved refractivity in the tropical LT.
Comparison of nitric oxide measurements in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere from ACE-FTS, MIPAS, SCIAMACHY, and SMR
Authors: Bender S. , Sinnhuber M. , von Clarmann T. , Stiller G. , Funke B. , López-Puertas M. , Urban J. , Pérot K. , Walker K. A. , Burrows J. P.
Published: December 2014

Abstract. We compare the nitric oxide measurements in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (60 to 150 km) from four instruments: ACE-FTS, MIPAS, SCIAMACHY, and SMR. We use the daily zonal mean data in that altitude range for the years 2004–2010 (ACE-FTS), 2005–2012 (MIPAS), 2008–2012 (SCIAMACHY), and 2003–2012 (SMR). We first compare the data qualitatively with respect to the morphology, focussing on the major features, and then compare the time series directly and quantitatively. In three geographical regions, we compare the vertical density profiles on coincident measurement days. Since none of the instruments delivers continuous daily measurements in this altitude region, we carried out a multi-linear regression analysis. This regression analysis considers annual and semi-annual variability in form of harmonic terms and inter-annual variability by responding linearly to the solar Lyman-α radiation index and the geomagnetic Kp index. This analysis helps to find similarities and differences in the individual data sets with respect to the inter-annual variations caused by geomagnetic and solar variability. We find that the data sets are consistent and that they only disagree on minor aspects. SMR and ACE-FTS deliver the longest time series in the mesosphere and they both agree remarkably well. The shorter time series from MIPAS and SCIAMACHY also agree with them where they overlap. The data agree within ten to twenty percent when the number densities are large, but they can differ by 50 to 100% in some cases.
A study of the role of wetlands in defining spatial patterns of near-surface (top 1 m) soil carbon in the Northern Latitudes
Authors: Blyth E. M. , Oliver R. , Gedney N.
Published: December 2014

Abstract. A study of two observation-based maps (the Harmonised World Soil Database, HWSD and the Northern Circumpolar Soil Carbon Database, NCSCD) of the surface (1 m) soil carbon in the Northern Latitudes (containing the Arctic and Boreal regions) reveal that, although the amounts of carbon estimated to be present in this region are very uncertain, the patterns are robust: both maps have soil carbon maxima that coincide with the major wetlands in the region, as described in the Global Lakes and Wetlands Database, GLWD. In fact, the relationship between near-surface soil carbon and the presence of wetlands is stronger than the relationship with soil temperature and vegetation productivity. These relationships are explored using the land surface model of the UK Hadley Centre GCM: JULES (Joint UK Land Environment Simulator). The model is run to represent conditions at the end of the 20th century. Observed vegetation and phenology are used to define the vegetation, the physical properties of organic soils are represented, the fine-scale topography of the region is included in the parameterisation of the hydrology and as a result the GPP and location of the wetlands of the region are reasonably well simulated using JULES. Despite this, the soil carbon simulated by the model does not reveal the same patterns or the correlation with the wetland regions that are present in the data. This suggests that the model does not represent sufficiently strongly the suppression of heterotrophic respiration in saturated conditions. A simple adjustment to the JULES model was made whereby the heterotrophic respiration was reduced by the fraction of the grid that is modelled to be saturated. In effect, for the saturated areas the respiration was zero. This adjustment represents a simple experiment to establish the role of wetlands in defining the spatial patterns of near-surface soil carbon. The results were an improved predicted spatial pattern of soil carbon, with an increase in the correlation between soil carbon and wetlands although not as strong as suggested by the analysis of the data. This may be because the size of the wetlands was underestimated by the model. The study suggests that land surface models in general, and JULES in particular, need to establish a stronger moderation of soil respiration in saturated conditions in order that future climate controls on wetlands in the Northern Latitudes will result in the correct changes in soil carbon and carbon emissions.
On the wind stress formulation over shallow waters in atmospheric models
Authors: Jiménez P. A. , Dudhia J.
Published: December 2014

Abstract. The wind stress formulation over shallow waters is investigated using year-long observations of the wind profile within the first 100 m of the atmosphere and mesoscale simulations. The model experiments use a range of planetary boundary layer parameterizations in order to quantify the uncertainty related to the turbulent closure assumptions, and thus isolate the dominant influence of the roughness formulation. Results indicate that a positive wind speed bias exists when the common open ocean formulation for roughness is adopted. An alternative formulation consistent with shallow water observations is necessary to reconcile model results with observations, providing the first modeling evidence supporting the increase of surface drag over shallow waters. Including ocean bathymetry as static input data to atmospheric models constitutes an area where further research should be oriented.
Encapsulation of implantable integrated MEMS pressure sensors using polyimide epoxy composite and atomic layer deposition
Authors: Gembaczka P. , Görtz M. , Celik Y. , Jupe A. , Stühlmeyer M. , Goehlich A. , Vogt H. , Mokwa W. , Kraft M.
Published: December 2014

Abstract. Implantable MEMS sensors are an enabling technology for diagnostic analysis and therapy in medicine. The encapsulation of such miniaturized implants remains a largely unsolved problem. Medically approved encapsulation materials include titanium or ceramics; however, these result in bulky and thick-walled encapsulations which are not suitable for MEMS sensors. In particular, for MEMS pressure sensors the chip surface comprising the pressure membranes must be free of rigid encapsulation material and in direct contact with tissue or body fluids. This work describes a new kind of encapsulation approach for a capacitive pressure sensor module consisting of two integrated circuits. The micromechanical membrane of the pressure sensor may be covered only by very thin layers, to ensure high pressure sensitivity. A suitable passivation method for the high topography of the pressure sensor is atomic layer deposition (ALD) of aluminium oxide (Al2O3) and tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5). It provides a hermetic passivation with a high conformity. Prior to ALD coating, a high-temperature resistant polyimide–epoxy composite was evaluated as a die attach material and sealing compound for bond wires and the chip surface. This can sustain the ALD deposition temperature of 275 °C for several hours without any measurable decomposition. Tests indicated that the ALD can be deposited on top of the polyimide–epoxy composite covering the entire sensor module. The encapsulated pressure sensor module was calibrated and tested in an environmental chamber at accelerated aging conditions. An accelerated life test at 60 °C indicated a maximum drift of 5% full scale after 1482 h. From accelerated life time testing at 120 °C a maximum stable life time of 3.3 years could be extrapolated.
Features of fluid flows in strongly nonlinear internal solitary waves
Authors: Semin S. , Kurkina O. , Kurkin A. , Talipova T. , Pelinovsky E. , Churaev E.
Published: December 2014

Abstract. The characteristics of highly nonlinear solitary internal waves (solitons) are calculated within the fully nonlinear numerical model of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The verification and adaptation of the model is based on the data from laboratory experiments. The present paper also compares the results of our calculations with the calculations performed in the framework of the fully nonlinear Bergen Ocean Model. The comparison of the computed soliton parameters with the predictions of the weakly nonlinear theory based on the Gardner equation is given. The occurrence of reverse flow in the bottom layer directly behind the soliton is confirmed in the numerical simulations. The trajectories of Lagrangian particles in the internal soliton on the surface, on the pycnocline and near the bottom are computed.
Surface speed and frontal ablation of Kronebreen and Kongsbreen, NW-Svalbard, from SAR offset tracking
Authors: Schellenberger T. , Dunse T. , Kääb A. , Kohler J. , Reijmer C. H.
Published: December 2014

Abstract. Kronebreen and Kongsbreen are among the fastest flowing glaciers on Svalbard, and therefore important contributors to glacier mass loss from the archipelago through frontal ablation. Here, we present a time series of area-wide surface velocity fields from April 2012 to December 2013 based on offset tracking on repeat high-resolution Radarsat-2 Ultrafine data. Surface speeds reached up to 3.2 m d−1 near the calving front of Kronebreen in summer 2013 and 2.7 m d−1 at Kongsbreen in late autumn 2012. Additional velocity fields from Radarsat-1, Radarsat-2 and TerraSAR-X data since December 2007 together with continuous GPS measurements on Kronebreen since September 2008 revealed complex patterns in seasonal and interannual speed evolution. Part of the ice-flow variations seem closely linked to the amount and timing of surface melt water production and rainfall, both of which are known to have a strong influence on the basal water pressure and lubrication. In addition, terminus retreat and the associated reduction in backstress appear to have influenced the speed close to the calving front, especially at Kongsbreen in 2012 and 2013. Since 2007, Kongsbreen retreated up to 1800 m, corresponding to a total area loss of 2.5 km2. In 2011 the retreat of Kronebreen of up to 850 m, responsible for a total area loss of 2.8 km2, was triggered after a phase of stable terminus position since ~1990. The retreat is an important component of the mass balance of both glaciers, in which frontal ablation is the largest component. Total frontal ablation between April 2012 and December 2013 was estimated to 0.21–0.25 Gt a−1 for Kronebreen and 0.14–0.16 Gt a−1 for Kongsbreen.
REPRESENTAÇÕES SOCIAIS DE CRIANÇAS SOBRE LIXO: ANÁLISE DOS RESULTADOS DE UM PROJETO DE EDUCAÇÃO AMBIENTAL
Authors: Silva Francielih Dorneles , Oliveira Michele Morais , Palmeira Paula Angélica , Pereira Marlon Corrêa
Published: December 2014

O lixo urbano é um dos mais graves problemas ambientais contemporâneos. As cidades têm experimentado um rápido crescimento populacional e econômico, ocasionando uma produção de resíduos sólidos em grandes quantidades, o que dificulta seu tratamento e destinação adequada. Neste sentido, tem-se os projetos de educação ambiental como ações importantes com vistas à ampliação de conhecimentos e a mudanças de hábitos da população quanto ao lixo. Sendo assim, o estudo buscou analisar se houve mudanças nas representações sociais e nas atitudes das crianças quanto ao lixo após a execução do projeto de educação ambiental. Utilizou-se a metodologia quanti-qualitativa como perspectiva metodológica e o questionário com perguntas objetivas e subjetivas como técnica de coleta de dados. É evidente a relevância deste projeto como forma de contribuir para a formação de cidadãos mais responsáveis, pois se evidenciou que as crianças passaram a se reconhecer como possíveis agentes de mudanças na sociedade em que vivem.
CAIXINHAS DO MAE: ENCONTROS ENTRE O PÚBLICO E O ACERVO MUSEOLÓGICO
Authors: Naveira Miguel Alfredo Carid , Prestes Andréia Baia , Rosato Márcia Cristina
Published: December 2014

O projeto do Kit Didático, carro-chefe das Ações Educativas do Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia da Universidade Federal do Paraná (MAE), consiste em caixas temáticas, cujo tema serve de condutor para a exploração do seu conteúdo, especialmente preparado para aplicação em sala de aula; é formado por peças do acervo, textos didáticos e atividades lúdico-pedagógicas, elaboradas como ferramenta de apoio aos temas do currículo escolar do ensino de nível fundamental e médio. O kit oferece a oportunidade de explorar o acervo museológico através de outros sentidos além da visão, sendo, portanto, capaz de contemplar também alunos com necessidades especiais.
UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DO PARANÁ: UMA OPORTUNIDADE REAL DE CULTURA E ARTE
Authors: Carvalho Patricia Guilhem de Salles
Published: December 2014

O texto a seguir tem o propósito de contextualizar a relevância das atividades realizadas pela Coordenadoria de Cultura, reafirmando o princípio de indissociabilidade entre ensino, pesquisa e extensão tão presente na trajetória da Universidade Federal do Paraná, que em 2012, completou seu primeiro centenário. De uma forma bem sucinta e descritiva, o texto possibilita ainda, um maior entendimento sobre quais são os objetivos e as ações desenvolvidas por esta coordenadoria.
A INDISSOCIABILIDADE CONSCIENTE: UMA REFLEXÃO SOBRE O COTIDIANO DA DOCÊNCIA
Authors: Reimer Marilene , Zagonel Rosa Maria
Published: December 2014

A indissociabilidade ensino-pesquisa-extensão, no dia-a-dia das universidades, é uma construção contínua, que se confunde com a discussão sobre a missão da universidade no século XXI. Da mesma forma, a extensão universitária está cotidianamente articulada com o conhecimento e muitas são as concepções adotadas nas instituições. O presente artigo propõe uma reflexão sobre o papel da indissociabilidade na extensão e na formação integral do estudante universitário por meio da análise do perfil dos atores envolvidos no ensino, pesquisa e extensão, das ações realizadas e dos conhecimentos construídos. A discussão parte da nossa experiência no acompanhamento de Programas e Projetos de Extensão na UFPR e se fundamenta em autores como Freire, Boaventura Santos e Morin.
AS SUPERFÍCIES GEOMORFOLÓGICAS E A EVOLUÇÃO DO RELEVO BRASILEIRO: transcurso das ideias e correspondências no sul de Minas Gerais, sudeste do Brasil
Authors: Marques Neto Roberto
Published: December 2014

As discussões acerca das superfícies geomorfológicas não representam ponto de pleno consenso na cultura geomorfológica brasileira. Em função desse caráter, algumas ideias se coadunam ou se contrastam no que se refere à interpretação da gênese, evolução e período de elaboração das superfícies geomorfológicas consideradas para o território nacional. Em motivação dada pelo estado da arte referido, o presente artigo tem por objetivo colocar em diálogo a concepção dos principais autores que tiveram preocupação estabelecida nessa temática, procurando estabelecer correspondências no âmbito da evolução do relevo na bacia do Rio Verde, sul de Minas Gerais. A bacia de drenagem em questão perpassa terrenos da Serra da Mantiqueira, Planalto do Alto Rio Grande e Planalto de Varginha, possuindo uma série de patamares relacionados a diferentes controles tectônicos e litológicos. A diversidade morfológica existente na bacia do Rio Verde se transfigura em superfícies geomórficas de diferentes contextos genéticos e evolutivos, tendo sido identificadas superfícies de erosão propriamente ditas (Planalto de Cruzília-Minduri), superfícies estruturais, bem como superfícies dissecadas, tectonicamente deformadas e com aplainamentos localizados nos patamares de cimeira. Quanto à Superfície Sul-americana, ficou reconhecida uma heterogeneidade altimétrica vinculada a intensos basculamentos de blocos responsáveis pelo desnivelamento de níveis cronocorrelatos, mas que em alguns contextos apresentam coberturas de alteração preservada na forma de lateritas e bauxitas.
SISTEMAS DE PRODUÇÃO OLERÍCOLA COMERCIAL DO MUNICÍPIO MATO-GROSSENSE DE ALTA FLORESTA, BRASIL
Authors: Santos Cochev Jakeline Santos , Alves da Silva Neves Sandra Mara , Seabra Junior Santino , Nespoli André , Neves Ronaldo José
Published: December 2014

Dentre os sistemas agrícolas desenvolvido no âmbito da agricultura familiar está a olericultura, sendo esta responsável pelo abastecimento dos mercados, pela geração de empregos e subsistência humana. Desse modo, objetivou-se caracterizar a atividade olerícola comercial do município de Alta Floresta/MT, dando enfoque ao perfil social e econômico dos agricultores familiares, com o intuito de evidenciar a geração de subsídios que contribuam para o planejamento e desenvolvimento da atividade em âmbito municipal. Para isso, foram utilizados os dados do Censo Agropecuário de 2006 do IBGE relativo às variáveis: mão de obra; número de estabelecimentos agropecuários; condição do produtor; grupo de atividades econômicas e produtos da olericultura; trabalho de campo para realização de entrevista, com aplicação de questionário quali-quantitativo para avaliação das características sociais e econômicas dos agricultores e georreferenciamento das sedes e da área produtiva das propriedades através do Sistema de Posicionamento Global-GPS. Assim, verificou-se a redução do número de pessoas por família e também a evasão dos jovens da área rural para a área urbana em busca de oportunidades de emprego e renda. Constatou-se ainda, que é maior o número de homens do que mulheres, entre os entrevistados. Além disso, as dificuldades enfrentadas pelos agricultores estão na falta de mão de obra e assistência técnica especializada. Portanto, concluiu-se que o desenvolvimento da olericultura comercial no município de Alta Floresta demanda de políticas públicas que apoiem este segmento da agricultura familiar.
Nosces Fabios certamine ab uno: The Tale of the Three Hundred Fabii in Punica 7
Authors: Marks Raymond D.
Published: December 2014

Silius alludes to the tale of the three hundred Fabii, recounted toward the beginning of Punica 7, in the military operations of Fabius and Hannibal that comprise the principle action of the book. In doing so, he differentiates Fabius from his ancestors and their enemy in the tale, the Veientes, and, instead, identifies Hannibal with both of these historical exempla. By weaving the tale into the book’s primary narrative, he also rewrites the story and gives it a new, victorious conclusion: by defeating Hannibal at Gerunium at the book’s end, Fabius Maximus reverses his ancestors’ defeat at the Cremera river.
Swarm-based Descriptor Combination and its Application for Image Classification
Authors: Mansano Alex Fernandes , Matsuoka Jessica Akemi , Abiuzzi Nikolas Mota , Afonso Luis Claudio Sugi , Papa Joao Paulo , Faria Fábio A , Torres Ricardo Silva , Falcao Alexandre Xavier
Published: December 2014

In this paper, we deal with the descriptor combination problem in image classification tasks. This problem refers to the definition of an appropriate combination of image content descriptors that characterize different visual properties, such as color, shape and texture. In this paper, we propose to model the descriptor combination as a swarm-based optimization problem, which finds out the set of parameters that maximizes the classification accuracy of the Optimum-Path Forest (OPF) classifier. In our model,  a descriptor is seen as a pair composed of a feature extraction algorithm and a suitable distance function. Our strategy here is to combine distance scores defined by different descriptors, as well as to employ them to weight OPF edges, which connect samples in the feature space. An extensive evaluation of several swarm-based optimization techniques was performed. Experimental results have demonstrated the robustness of the proposed combination approach.
Caractéristiques multifractales et extrêmes de la précipitation à haute résolution, application à la détection du changement climatique
Authors: Hoang Cong-Tuan , Tchiguirinskaia Iouli , Schertzer Daniel , Lovejoy Shaun
Published: December 2014

La qualité des statistiques des précipitations, notamment les courbes Intensité-Durée-Fréquence, dépend étroitement de la fiabilité des données disponibles. Or, il a été montré que la plupart des séries temporelles provenant de pluviomètres à augets basculants ont une fréquence effective de mesure inférieure à celle assumée. Cette question est particulièrement importante pour l'hydrologie urbaine qui doit prendre en compte les fluctuations hautes fréquences des précipitations. Des études préliminaires ont montré que le nombre d'inondations estimé à l’aide de données à basse fréquence temporelle était plus faible que celui obtenu à l’aide des données à haute fréquence temporelle. Le déficit en données à haute fréquence peut conduire à d’apparentes ruptures des lois d’échelle, ce qui complique inutilement et notoirement la modélisation des précipitations. Il est donc indispensable de quantifier la qualité des données avant de les utiliser. Nous présentons une procédure SERQUAL qui permet de répondre à cette question et nous utilisons cette procédure SERQUAL pour sélectionner les sous-séries ayant les qualités requises pour des analyses à haute résolution. L’approche multifractale est alors appliquée sur les données sélectionnées pour caractériser la structure temporelle et le comportement extrême de la pluie. Cet article présente ainsi une estimation fiable des paramètres multifractaux de la pluie à haute résolution de cinq minutes pour les départements français de l’Isère (38), des Yvelines (78), du Var (83) et du Val-de-Marne (94). Ces paramètres peuvent être utilisés pour caler ou valider des modèles statistiques ou stochastiques. D’autre part, l’évolution des caractéristiques multifractales peut être aussi utilisée pour évaluer des conséquences hydrologiques du changement climatique. Les résultats obtenus montrent que l’influence du changement climatique n’est pas perceptible sur les précipitations pour les périodes étudiées en région Ile-de-France.
“PERVERSÃO ESSA NOSSA (DES)CONHECIDA”: UMA LEITURA PSICANALÍTICA DAS PERVERSÕES EM SADE
Authors: Ribelato Longhini Cintia , Maria Lopes Ballão Cléa
Published: December 2014

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo examinar o entendimento freudiano acerca das perversões, bem como de autores contemporâneos, como Roudinesco e Ferraz, por meio dos principais escritos que abarcam essa temática, questionando onde começa a perversão e quem são os perversos. Visa, também, discutir algumas das perversões relatadas no livro Os 120 dias de Sodoma ou a escola da libertinagem de Marquês de Sade, principalmente no que se refere ao fetichismo, a partir do viés psicanalítico. Acreditando na importância da relação entre psicanálise e a literatura, configuramos este estudo como qualitativo, que segue as orientações de uma pesquisa teórica psicanalítica e avança para uma análise de orientação também psicanalítica. Desta forma, podemos perceber nesta trajetória a dedicação freudiana no enfoque da diversidade da meta sexual que outrora foi chamada de aberração, e podemos aproximar as manifestações perversas à condição humana, a parte obscura de nós mesmos.
O FILÓSOFO E O PSICANALISTA: LINGUAGENS E CORPOS EM DELEUZE E LACAN
Authors: Sobrino Laureano Pedro
Published: December 2014

O objetivo deste trabalho é propor uma reflexão crítica sobre a relação entre o pensamento de Gilles Deleuze e o de Jacques Lacan. Buscamos abordar, principalmente, uma transformação ocorrida na leitura feita por Deleuze da obra de Lacan: este, de aliado do projeto filosófico do autor, passa a ser alvo de crítica. Para desenvolver tal questão, utilizamos principalmente a concepção de linguagem presente em ambos os autores. Partindo, na primeira parte de nosso trabalho, da lógica do sentido deleuziana, buscamos explicitar a presença do pensamento de Lacan dentro do projeto filosófico de Deleuze. Na segunda parte de nosso trabalho, apresentamos as teses de Lacan, buscando mostrar porque foi necessário a Deleuze desvencilhar-se da concepção lacaniana de linguagem, e, portanto, de sujeito. Nossa questão nos levou, então, a investigar a necessidade, na filosofia de Deleuze (e em sua obra escrita em colaboração com Félix Guattari), de se pensar um Corpo sem Órgãos (CsO), ou plano de imanência, irredutível ao conceito lacaniano de real.
Design Flaws and Service System Breakdowns: Learning from Systems Thinking
Authors: Ing David
Published: December 2014

In what ways might systems thinking be helpful to designers?  In the 21st century, the types of project with which designers have become engaged has expanded to include service systems.  Service systems are typically composites of mechanisms, organisms, human beings and ecologies.  Systems thinking is a perspective with theories, methods and practices that enables transcending disciplinary boundaries.  Application of systems thinking in designing a service system can aid in surfacing potential flaws and/or anticipating future breakdowns in functions, structures and/or processes. Designers and systems thinkers should work together to improve the nature of service systems.  As a starter set into these conversations, seven conditions are proposed as a starting context.  These conditions are presented neither as rigourously defined nor as exhaustive, but as an entry point into future joint engagement.
The Australasian genus Schizacme (Loganiaceae): new combinations and new species in the New Zealand flora
Authors: Gibbons Kerry Lynne , Conn Barry John , Henwood Murray James
Published: December 2014

Schizacme Dunlop (Loganiaceae) is a genus of five perennial subshrubs of predominantly alpine and montane habitats in south eastern Australia and in New Zealand. Schizacme was described as a segregate from Mitrasacme Labill. but combinations in the genus were not made for two New Zealand taxa, Mitrasacme montana Hook.f. var. helmsii Kirk and M. novae-zealandiae Hook.f., thought to be congeneric with Schizacme. By using nucleotide sequence data from the nuclear ribosomal ETS and the chloroplast intron petD, we confirm that New Zealand Mitrasacme and Australian Schizacme form a monophyletic group. New combinations are created in Schizacme and species limits are reviewed, with an emphasis on the New Zealand taxa. Mitrasacme montana var. helmsii is here elevated to species rank, as S. helmsii (Kirk) K.L.Gibbons. Schizacme ciliata K.L.Gibbons is here described as a segregate from S. novae-zelandiae (Hook.f.) K.L.Gibbons. The morphology of Schizacme, including the New Zealand species, is discussed.
Prostanthera elisabethae (Lamiaceae, tribe Westringieae), a new species from northern New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Conn Barry John , Wilson Trevor C
Published: December 2014

The new species Prostanthera elisabethae B.J.Conn & T.C.Wilson (Lamiaceae) is described for the first time. The distribution and abundance of this species is inadequately known, having only been collected from near Ashby, on the North Coast of New South Wales, Australia. Although very similar to P. linearis, this taxon is different by having longer pedicels. Measurements and figures accompany the description provided here to substantiate this as a new species.
Observation of polar cap patches and calculation of gradient drift instability growth times: A Swarm case study
Authors: Spicher A. , Cameron T. , Grono E. M. , Yakymenko K. N. , Buchert S. C. , Clausen L. B. N. , Knudsen D. J. , McWilliams K. A. , Moen J. I.
Published: December 2014

The Swarm mission represents a strong new tool to survey polar cap patches and plasma structuring inside the polar cap. In the early commissioning phase, the three Swarm satellites were operated in a pearls‐on‐a‐string configuration making noon‐midnight transpolar passes. This provides an unparalleled opportunity to examine the potential role of the gradient drift instability (GDI) process on polar cap patches by systematically calculating GDI growth times during their transit across the pole from day to night. Steep kilometer‐scale gradients appeared in this study as initial structures that persisted during the approximate 90 min it took a patch to cross the polar cap. The GDI growth times were calculated for a selection of the steep density gradients on both the dayside and the nightside. The values ranged from 23 s to 147 s, which is consistent with recent rocket measurements in the cusp auroral region and provides a template for future studies. Growth times of the order of 1 min found both on the dayside and on the nightside support the existing view that the GDI may play a dominant role in the generation of radio wave scintillation irregularities as the patches transit the polar cap from day to night.
From quiescence to unrest: 20 years of satellite geodetic measurements at Santorini volcano, Greece
Authors: Parks Michelle M. , Moore James D. P. , Papanikolaou Xanthos , Biggs Juliet , Mather Tamsin A. , Pyle David M. , Raptakis Costas , Paradissis Demitris , Hooper Andrew , Parsons Barry , Nomikou Paraskevi
Published: December 2014

Periods of unrest at caldera‐forming volcanic systems characterized by increased rates of seismicity and deformation are well documented. Some can be linked to eventual eruptive activity, while others are followed by a return to quiescence. Here we use a 20 year record of interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) and GPS measurements from Santorini volcano to further our understanding of geodetic signals at a caldera‐forming volcano during the periods of both quiescence and unrest, with measurements spanning a phase of quiescence and slow subsidence (1993–2010), followed by a phase of unrest (January 2011 to April 2012) with caldera‐wide inflation and seismicity. Mean InSAR velocity maps from 1993–2010 indicate an average subsidence rate of ~6 mm/yr over the southern half of the intracaldera island Nea Kameni. This subsidence can be accounted for by a combination of thermal contraction of the 1866–1870 lava flows and load‐induced relaxation of the substrate. For the period of unrest, we use a joint inversion technique to convert InSAR measurements from three separate satellite tracks and GPS observations from 10 continuous sites into a time series of subsurface volume change. The optimal location of the inflating source is consistent with previous studies, situated north of Nea Kameni at a depth of ~4 km. However, the time series reveals two distinct pressure pulses. The first pulse corresponds to a volume change (ΔV) within the shallow magma chamber of (11.56 ± 0.14) × 106 m3, and the second pulse has a ΔV of (9.73 ± 0.10) × 106 m3. The relationship between the timing of these pulses and microseismicity observations suggests that these pulses may be driven by two separate batches of magma supplied to a shallow reservoir. We find no evidence suggesting a change in source location between the two pulses. The decline in the rates of volume change at the end of both pulses and the observed lag of the deformation signal behind cumulative seismicity, suggest a viscoelastic response. We use a simple model to show that two separate pulses of magma intruding into a shallow magma chamber surrounded by a viscoelastic shell can account for the observed temporal variation in cumulative volume change and seismicity throughout the period of unrest. Given the similarities between the geodetic signals observed here and at other systems, this viscoelastic model has potential use for understanding behavior at other caldera systems.
Changes in the mesoscale variability and in extreme sea levels over two decades as observed by satellite altimetry
Authors: Woodworth Philip L. , Menéndez Melisa
Published: December 2014

A data set of precise radar altimeter sea surface heights obtained from the same 10 day repeat ground track has been analyzed to determine the magnitude of change in the ocean “mesoscale” variability over two decades. Trends in the standard deviation of sea surface height variability each year are found to be small (typically ∼0.5 percent/yr) throughout the global ocean. Trends in positive and negative extreme sea level in each region are in general found to be similar to those of mean sea level, with some small regional exceptions. Generalized Extreme Value Distribution (GEVD) analysis also demonstrates that spatial variations in the statistics of extreme positive sea levels are determined largely by the corresponding spatial variations in mean sea level changes, and are related to regional modes of the climate system such as the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation. Trends in the standard deviation of along‐track sea level gradient variability are found to be close to zero on a global basis, with regional exceptions. Altogether our findings suggest an ocean mesoscale variability that displays little change when considered over an extended period of two decades, but that is superimposed on a spatially and temporally varying signal of mean sea level change.
Spatial patterning of bone stiffness in the anterior mandibular corpus of Macaca fascicularis: Implications for models of bone adaptation
Authors: Daegling David J. , Granatosky Michael C. , McGraw W. Scott
Published: December 2014

Elastic modulus of bone from the anterior mandibular corpus was determined via microindentation in a mixed‐sex ontogenetic sample (N = 14) of Macaca fascicularis. This investigation focused on the hypothesis that material heterogeneity in the macaque mandibular symphysis—provided an accounting of age and sex variation—is explicable as a means to homogenize strains in this region. Experimental data and theoretical models of masticatory loading indicate that in the absence of material compensation, large strain gradients exist in the anterior mandibular corpus of macaques, particularly between lingual and labial cortical plates owing to the effects of lateral transverse bending. Microindentation data indicate that juvenile macaques possess less stiff bone than their subadult and adult counterparts; however, sex differences in elastic modulus are not apparent. Anisotropy variation is idiosyncratic; that is, there is not a common pattern of variation in stiffness sampled among orthogonal planes across individuals. Similarly, differences in stiffness between lingual and labial cortical plates, as well as differences among alveolar, midcorpus, and basal regions are inconsistently observed. Consequently, we find little evidence in support of the hypothesis that spatial variation in bone stiffness functions to homogenize strains in the anterior corpus; in fact, in some individuals, this spatial variation serves to exacerbate, rather than to minimize, strain gradients. The mechanical benefit of elastic modulus variation in the macaque mandibular symphysis is unclear; this variation may not confer adaptive benefit in terms of structural integrity despite the fact that such variation has discernible functional consequences. Am J Phys Anthropol 156:649–660, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tailoring of structures and permeation properties of asymmetric nanocomposite cellulose acetate/silver membranes
Authors: Figueiredo Ana Sofia , Sánchez‐Loredo María Guadalupe , Maurício António , Pereira Manuel F. C. , Minhalma Miguel , de Pinho Maria Norberta
Published: December 2014

Cellulose acetate (CA)–silver (Ag) nanocomposite asymmetric membranes were prepared via the wet‐phase inversion method by dispersing polyvinylpirrolydone‐protected Ag nanoparticles in the membrane casting solutions of different compositions. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized ex situ and added to the casting solution as a concentrated aqueous colloidal dispersion. The effects of the dispersion addition on the structure and on the selective permeation properties of the membranes were studied by comparing the nanocomposites with the silver‐free materials. The casting solution composition played an important role in the adequate dispersion of the silver nanoparticles in the membrane. Incorporation of nanoscale silver and the final silver content resulted in structural changes leading to an increase in the hydraulic permeability and molecular weight cut‐off of the nanocomposite membranes. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41796.
Output Consensus of Heterogeneous Linear Multi‐agent Systems Subject to Different Disturbances
Authors: Li Shaobao , Feng Gang , Luo Xiaoyuan , Guan Xinping
Published: December 2014

This paper investigates the output consensus problem of heterogeneous linear multi‐agent systems with individual agents subject to different disturbances. A distributed control law based on internal reference models and dynamic output feedback is presented for output consensus. It is shown that the embedded internal reference models of agents can achieve consensus to a common trajectory which is determined by the underlying system topology and the initial states of the internal reference models. Then a necessary and sufficient condition is presented for output consensus of heterogeneous linear multi‐agent systems. Finally, a numerical example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control laws.
Spline Based Pseudo‐Inversion of Sampled Data Non‐Minimum Phase Systems for an Almost Exact Output Tracking
Authors: Jetto Leopoldo , Orsini Valentina , Romagnoli Raffaele
Published: December 2014

This paper considers the problem of achieving a very accurate tracking of a pre‐specified desired output trajectory
, for linear, multiple input multiple output, non‐minimum phase and/or non hyperbolic, sampled data, and closed loop control systems. The proposed approach is situated in the general framework of model stable inversion and introduces significant novelties with the purpose of reducing some theoretical and numerical limitations inherent in the methods usually proposed. In particular, the new method does not require either a preactuation or null initial conditions of the system. The desired
and the corresponding sought input are partitioned in a transient component (
and ut(k), respectively) and steady‐state (
and us(k), respectively). The desired transient component
is freely assigned without requiring it to be null over an initial time interval. This drastically reduces the total settling time. The structure of ut(k) is a priori assumed to be given by a sampled smoothing spline function. The spline coefficients are determined as the least‐squares solution of the over‐determined system of linear equations obtained imposing that the sampled spline function assumed as reference input yield the desired output over a properly defined transient interval. The steady‐state input us(k) is directly analytically computed exploiting the steady‐state output response expressions for inputs belonging to the same set of
.
The Relationship Between Stress and Social Functioning in Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Without Intellectual Disability
Authors: Bishop‐Fitzpatrick Lauren , Mazefsky Carla A. , Minshew Nancy J. , Eack Shaun M.
Published: December 2014

Adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face substantial challenges accomplishing basic tasks associated with daily living, which are exacerbated by their broad and pervasive difficulties with social interactions. These challenges put people withASDat increased risk for psychophysiological distress, which likely factors heavily into social functioning for adults withASD, as suggested by a growing literature on stress in children that indicates that children withASDhave differential responses to stress than healthy children. We hypothesized that adults withASDand without intellectual disability (n = 38) would experience more stress than healthy volunteers (n = 37) and that there would be an inverse relationship between stress and social functioning in individuals withASD. Baseline, semi‐structured interview data from a randomized controlled trial of two treatments for adults withASDwere used to assess differences in stress between adults withASDand healthy volunteers and to assess the relationship between stress response and social functioning in adults withASD. Findings indicate that adults withASDexperience greater perceived and interviewer‐observed stress than healthy volunteers and that stress is significantly related to social functioning in adults withASD. These findings highlight the role of stress in adult functioning and outcomes and suggest the need to develop and assess treatments designed to target stress and coping in adults withASD.Autism Res2015, 8: 164–173. © 2014 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Screening of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs for inhibitory effects on the activities of six UDP‐glucuronosyltransferases (UGT1A1, 1A3, 1A4, 1A6, 1A9 and 2B7) using LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Joo Jeongmin , Kim Yang‐Weon , Wu Zhexue , Shin Jung‐Hoon , Lee Boram , Shon Jong Cheol , Lee Eun Young , Phuc Nguyen Minh , Liu Kwang‐Hyeon
Published: December 2014

Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used widely to relieve pain and to decrease inflammation. Several clinical studies have reported that NSAIDs inhibit uridine 5′‐diphospho‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes. Therefore, the study evaluated the inhibitory potential of 15 NSAIDs on the activities of six UGT isoforms (i.e. UGT1A1, 1A3, 1A4, 1A6, 1A9 and 2B7) in human liver microsomes (HLMs). Among the 15 NSAIDs tested here, mefenamic acid and diclofenac inhibited all UGTs tested in this study. Piroxicam and niflumic acid inhibited UGT1A9 activity (IC50 = 73.8 μm and 0.38 μm, respectively) and naproxen selectively inhibited UGT2B7 activity (IC50 = 53.1 μm), whereas it did not inhibit the other UGTs tested (IC50 > 200 μm). Diflunisal inhibited the UGT1A1 (IC50 = 33.0 μm) and UGT1A9 (IC50 = 19.4 μm). Acetaminophen, fenoprofen, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, meloxicam, phenylbutazone, salicylic acid and sulindac showed negligible inhibitory effects on the six UGTs (IC50 > 100 μm). These results suggest that some NSAIDs have the potential to inhibit UGTs in vitro. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two‐stage estimation for multivariate recurrent event data with a dependent terminal event
Authors: Chen Chyong‐Mei , Chuang Ya‐Wen , Shen Pao‐Sheng
Published: December 2014

Recurrent event data arise in longitudinal follow‐up studies, where each subject may experience the same type of events repeatedly. The work in this article is motivated by the data from a study of repeated peritonitis for patients on peritoneal dialysis. Due to the aspects of medicine and cost, the peritonitis cases were classified into two types: Gram‐positive and non‐Gram‐positive peritonitis. Further, since the death and hemodialysis therapy preclude the occurrence of recurrent events, we face multivariate recurrent event data with a dependent terminal event. We propose a flexible marginal model, which has three characteristics: first, we assume marginal proportional hazard and proportional rates models for terminal event time and recurrent event processes, respectively; second, the inter‐recurrences dependence and the correlation between the multivariate recurrent event processes and terminal event time are modeled through three multiplicative frailties corresponding to the specified marginal models; third, the rate model with frailties for recurrent events is specified only on the time before the terminal event. We propose a two‐stage estimation procedure for estimating unknown parameters. We also establish the consistency of the two‐stage estimator. Simulation studies show that the proposed approach is appropriate for practical use. The methodology is applied to the peritonitis cohort data that motivated this study.
Chemical synthesis of γ‐secretase activating protein using pseudoglutamines as ligation sites
Authors: Harris Paul W. R. , Squire Chris , Young Paul G. , Brimble Margaret A.
Published: December 2014

The chemical synthesis of analogue of a novel γ‐secretase activating protein, which may play a pivotal role in the formation of amyloid peptides, the precursor to Alzheimer's disease, is described. The linear polypeptide sequence, consisting of 121 amino acids was assembled from four unprotected peptide building blocks using a convergent ligation‐based synthesis. A strategic mutation of three glutamine residues to cysteine enabled the ligations, and the cysteines were subsequently converted to pseudoglutamines, to mimic the native glutamine. The full length unfolded protein was obtained in milligram amounts and was demonstrated to be homogeneous by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 104: 37–45, 2015.
Systematic review of innovative ablative therapies for the treatment of locally advanced pancreatic cancer
Authors: Rombouts S J E , Vogel J A , van Santvoort H C , van Lienden K P , van Hillegersberg R , Busch O R C , Besselink M G H , Molenaar I Q
Published: December 2014

Background

Locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) is associated with a very poor prognosis. Current palliative (radio)chemotherapy provides only a marginal survival benefit of 2–3 months. Several innovative local ablative therapies have been explored as new treatment options. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of the clinical outcomes of these ablative therapies.

Methods

A systematic search in PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library was performed to identify clinical studies, published before 1 June 2014, involving ablative therapies in LAPC. Outcomes of interest were safety, survival, quality of life and pain.

Results

After screening 1037 articles, 38 clinical studies involving 1164 patients with LAPC, treated with ablative therapies, were included. These studies concerned radiofrequency ablation (RFA) (7 studies), irreversible electroporation (IRE) (4), stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) (16), high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) (5), iodine-125 (2), iodine-125–cryosurgery (2), photodynamic therapy (1) and microwave ablation (1). All strategies appeared to be feasible and safe. Outcomes for postoperative, procedure-related morbidity and mortality were reported only for RFA (4–22 and 0–11 per cent respectively), IRE (9–15 and 0–4 per cent) and SBRT (0–25 and 0 per cent). Median survival of up to 25·6, 20·2, 24·0 and 12·6 months was reported for RFA, IRE, SBRT and HIFU respectively. Pain relief was demonstrated for RFA, IRE, SBRT and HIFU. Quality-of-life outcomes were reported only for SBRT, and showed promising results.

Conclusion

Ablative therapies in patients with LAPC appear to be feasible and safe.