bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of a Novel Bat Adenovirus Isolated from Straw-Colored Fruit Bat (Eidolon helvum)
Authors: Ogawa Hirohito , Kajihara Masahiro , Nao Naganori , Shigeno Asako , Fujikura Daisuke , Hang’ombe Bernard , Mweene Aaron , Mutemwa Alisheke , Squarre David , Yamada Masao , Higashi Hideaki , Sawa Hirofumi , Takada Ayato
Published: December 2017

Bats are important reservoirs for emerging zoonotic viruses. For extensive surveys of potential pathogens in straw-colored fruit bats (Eidolon helvum) in Zambia, a total of 107 spleen samples of E. helvum in 2006 were inoculated onto Vero E6 cells. The cell culture inoculated with one of the samples (ZFB06-106) exhibited remarkable cytopathic changes. Based on the ultrastructural property in negative staining and cross-reactivity in immunofluorescence assays, the virus was suspected to be an adenovirus, and tentatively named E. helvum adenovirus 06-106 (EhAdV 06-106). Analysis of the full-length genome of 30,134 bp, determined by next-generation sequencing, showed the presence of 28 open reading frames. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed that EhAdV 06-106 represented a novel bat adenovirus species in the genus Mastadenovirus. The virus shared similar characteristics of low G + C contents with recently isolated members of species Bat mastadenoviruses E, F and G, from which EhAdV 06-106 diverged by more than 15% based on the distance matrix analysis of DNA polymerase amino acid sequences. According to the taxonomic criteria, we propose the tentative new species name “Bat mastadenovirus H”. Because EhAdV 06-106 exhibited a wide in vitro cell tropism, the virus might have a potential risk as an emerging virus through cross-species transmission.
Lignin Biodegradation in Pulp-and-Paper Mill Wastewater by Selected White Rot Fungi
Authors: Costa Stefania , Dedola Davide , Pellizzari Simone , Blo Riccardo , Rugiero Irene , Pedrini Paola , Tamburini Elena
Published: December 2017

An investigation has been carried out to explore the lignin-degrading ability of white rot fungi, as B. adusta and P. crysosporium, grown in different media containing (i) glucose and mineral salts; (ii) a dairy residue; (iii) a dairy residue and mineral salts. Both fungi were then used as inoculum to treat synthetic and industrial pulp-and-paper mill wastewater. On synthetic wastewater, up to 97% and 74% of lignin degradation by B. adusta and P. crysosporium, respectively, have been reached. On industrial wastewater, both fungal strains were able to accomplish 100% delignification in 8–10 days, independent from pH control, with a significant reduction of total organic carbon (TOC) of the solution. Results have confirmed the great biotechnological potential of both B. adusta and P. crysosporium for complete lignin removal in industrial wastewater, and can open the way to next industrial applications on large scale.
Scoping for the Operation of Agile Urban Adaptation for Secondary Cities of the Global South: Possibilities in Pune, India
Authors: Radhakrishnan Mohanasundar , Pathak Tejas , Irvine Kenneth , Pathirana Assela
Published: December 2017

Urban areas, especially in developing countries, are adapting to deficits in infrastructure and basic services (Type I adaptation) and to adaptation gaps in response to current and future climatic, societal and economic change (Type II adaptation). The responses to these adaptations needs can be integrated and implemented using an “agile urban adaptation process”, i.e., an adaptive planning process quickly adapting to change in a flexible manner in short planning horizons, where the requirements and responses evolve through evolutionary development, early delivery, continuous improvement and collaboration between self-organizing and cross-functional teams. This paper focuses on how to move from the current conceptual stage to developing practical knowledge for the operation of agile urban adaptation. Scoping methodology comprises (i) understanding and structuring the adaptation context; (ii) exploring the four agile elements—balancing type I & II adaptation needs, flexibility, range of scenarios and involvement of stakeholders—in the adaptation context; (iii) a detailed SWOT analysis (strength, weakness, opportunities and threat) of adaptation responses; (iv) mapping relationships and synergies between the adaptation responses; and (v) preparing agility score cards for adaptation responses. The scoping exercise revealed that the agile adaptation process can move from concept to operation in Pune, India where the city is improving the basic services and adapting to climate change. For example: conventional adaptation responses such as city greening and check-dams across the rivers have agile characteristics; these responses are synergetic with other adaptation responses; and, there is a possibility to compare conventional adaptation responses based on agile characteristics. This scoping exercise also reveals that urban agile adaptation is not about implementing novel adaptation responses but understanding, planning and implementing conventional adaptation responses using an agile perspective. Urban agile adaptation is also about mainstreaming agile ideas using traditional adaptation responses. Hence, it is possible to apply agile the urban adaptation process using conventional adaptation responses in urban areas which address adaptation deficits related to infrastructure development as well as climate and socio-economic adaptation.
Should We Leave? Attitudes towards Relocation in Response to Sea Level Rise
Authors: Song Jie , Peng Binbin
Published: December 2017

The participation of individuals contributes significantly to the success of sea level rise adaptation. This study therefore addresses what influences people’s likelihood of relocating away from low-lying areas in response to rising sea levels. The analysis was based on a survey conducted in the City of Panama Beach in Florida (USA). Survey items relate to people’s risk perception, hazard experience, threat appraisal, and coping appraisal, whose theoretical background is Protection Motivation Theory. Descriptive and correlation analysis was first performed to highlight critical factors which were then examined by a multinomial Logit model. Results show that sea level rise awareness is the major explanatory variable. Coping appraisal is qualitatively viewed as a strong predictor for action, while threat appraisal is statistically significant in driving relocation intention. These factors should be integrated in current risk communication regarding sea level rise.
Quantifying Roughness Coefficient Uncertainty in Urban Flooding Simulations through a Simplified Methodology
Authors: Bellos Vasilis , Kourtis Ioannis , Moreno-Rodenas Antonio , Tsihrintzis Vassilios
Published: December 2017

A methodology is presented which can be used in the evaluation of parametric uncertainty in urban flooding simulation. Due to the fact that such simulations are time consuming, the following methodology is proposed: (a) simplification of the description of the physical process; (b) derivation of a training data set; (c) development of a data-driven surrogate model; (d) use of a forward uncertainty propagation scheme. The simplification comprises the following steps: (a) unit hydrograph derivation using a 2D hydrodynamic model; (b) calculation of the losses in order to determine the effective rainfall depth; (c) flood event simulation using the principle of the proportionality and superposition. The above methodology was implemented in an urban catchment located in the city of Athens, Greece. The model used for the first step of the simplification was FLOW-R2D, whereas the well-known SWMM software (US Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, USA) was used for the second step of the simplification. For the training data set derivation, an ensemble of 100 Unit Hydrographs was derived with the FLOW-R2D model. The parameters which were modified in order to produce this ensemble were the Manning coefficients in the two friction zones (residential and urban open space areas). The surrogate model used to replicate the unit hydrograph derivation, using the Manning coefficients as an input, was based on the Polynomial Chaos Expansion technique. It was found that, although the uncertainties in the derived results have to be taken into account, the proposed methodology can be a fast and efficient way to cope with dynamic flood simulation in an urban catchment.
Interactions of low-energy electrons with the FEBID precursor chromium hexacarbonyl (Cr(CO)6)
Authors: Khreis Jusuf M , Ameixa João , Ferreira da Silva Filipe , Denifl Stephan
Published: December 2017

Interactions of low-energy electrons with the FEBID precursor Cr(CO)6 have been investigated in a crossed electron–molecular beam setup coupled with a double focusing mass spectrometer with reverse geometry. Dissociative electron attachment leads to the formation of a series of anions by the loss of CO ligand units. The bare chromium anion is formed by electron capture at an electron energy of about 9 eV. Metastable decays of Cr(CO)5− into Cr(CO)4−, Cr(CO)4− into Cr(CO)3− and Cr(CO)3− into Cr(CO)2− are discussed. Electron-induced dissociation at 70 eV impact energy was found to be in agreement with previous studies. A series of Cr(CO)nC+ (0 ≤ n ≤ 3) cations formed by C–O cleavage is described for the first time. The metastable decay of Cr(CO)6+ into Cr(CO)5+ and collision-induced dissociation leading to bare Cr+, are discussed. In addition, doubly charged cations were identified and the ration between doubly and singly charged fragments was determined and compared with previous studies, showing considerable differences.
Global Current Circuit Structure in a Resistive Pulsar Magnetosphere Model
Authors: Kato Yugo. E.
Published: December 2017

Pulsar magnetospheres have strong magnetic fields and large amounts of plasma. The structures of these magnetospheres are studied using force-free electrodynamics. To understand pulsar magnetospheres, discussions must include their outer region. However, force-free electrodynamics is limited in it does not handle dissipation. Therefore, a resistive pulsar magnetic field model is needed. To break the ideal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) condition

, Ohm’s law is used. This work introduces resistivity depending upon the distance from the star and obtain a self-consistent steady state by time integration. Poloidal current circuits form in the magnetosphere while the toroidal magnetic field region expands beyond the light cylinder and the Poynting flux radiation appears. High electric resistivity causes a large space scale poloidal current circuit and the magnetosphere radiates a larger Poynting flux than the linear increase outside of the light cylinder radius. The formed poloidal-current circuit has width, which grows with the electric conductivity. This result contributes to a more concrete dissipative pulsar magnetosphere model.
Characteristics that Produce White-light Enhancements in Solar Flares Observed by Hinode/SOT
Authors: Watanabe Kyoko , Kitagawa Jun , Masuda Satoshi
Published: December 2017

To understand the conditions that produce white-light (WL) enhancements in solar flares, a statistical analysis of visible continuum data as observed by Hinode/Solar Optical Telescope (SOT) was performed. In this study, approximately 100 flare events from M- and X-class flares were selected. The time period during which the data were recorded spans from 2011 January to 2016 February. Of these events, approximately half are classified as white-light flares (WLFs), whereas the remaining events do not show any enhancements of the visible continuum (non-WLF; NWL). To determine the existence of WL emission, running difference images of not only the Hinode/SOT WL (G-band, blue, green, and red filter) data, but also the Solar Dynamics Observatory/Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager continuum data are used. A comparison between these two groups of WL data in terms of duration, temperature, emission measure of GOES soft X-rays, distance between EUV flare ribbons, strength of hard X-rays, and photospheric magnetic field strength was undertaken. In this statistical study, WLF events are characterized by a shorter timescale and shorter ribbon distance compared with NWL events. From the scatter plots of the duration of soft X-rays and the energy of non-thermal electrons, a clear distinction between WLF and NWL events can be made. It is found that the precipitation of large amounts of accelerated electrons within a short time period plays a key role in generating WL enhancements. Finally, it was demonstrated that the coronal magnetic field strength in the flare region is one of the most important factors that allow the individual identification of WLF events from NWL events.
The KMOS Cluster Survey (KCS). III. Fundamental Plane of Cluster Galaxies at z ≃ 1.80 in JKCS 041*
Authors: Prichard Laura J. , Davies Roger L. , Beifiori Alessandra , Chan Jeffrey C. C. , Cappellari Michele , Houghton Ryan C. W. , Mendel J. Trevor , Bender Ralf , Galametz Audrey , Saglia Roberto P. , Stott John P. , Wilman David J. , Lewis Ian J. , Sharples Ray , Wegner Michael
Published: December 2017

We present data for 16 galaxies in the overdensity JKCS 041 at

as part of the K-band Multi-Object Spectrograph (KMOS) Cluster Survey (KCS). With 20 hr integrations, we have obtained deep absorption-line spectra from which we derived velocity dispersions for seven quiescent galaxies. We combined photometric parameters derived from Hubble Space Telescope images with the dispersions to construct a fundamental plane (FP) for quiescent galaxies in JKCS 041. From the zero-point evolution of the FP, we derived a formation redshift for the galaxies of

, corresponding to a mean age of 1.4 ± 0.2 Gyr. We tested the effect of structural and velocity dispersion evolution on our FP zero-point and found a negligible contribution when using dynamical mass-normalized parameters (

) but a significant contribution from stellar-mass-normalized parameters (

). From the relative velocities of the galaxies, we probed the 3D structure of these 16 confirmed members of JKCS 041 and found that a group of galaxies in the southwest of the overdensity had systematically higher velocities. We derived ages for the galaxies in the different groups from the FP. We found that the east-extending group had typically older galaxies (

Gyr) than those in the southwest group (0.3 ± 0.2 Gyr). Although based on small numbers, the overdensity dynamics, morphology, and age results could indicate that JKCS 041 is in formation and may comprise two merging groups of galaxies. This result could link large-scale structure to ages of galaxies for the first time at this redshift.
The Green Bank Ammonia Survey: Unveiling the Dynamics of the Barnard 59 Star-forming Clump
Authors: Redaelli E. , Alves F. O. , Caselli P. , Pineda J. E. , Friesen R. K. , Chacón-Tanarro A. , Matzner C. D. , Ginsburg A. , Rosolowsky E. , Keown J. , Offner S. S. R. , Francesco J. Di , Kirk H. , Myers P. C. , Hacar A. , Cimatti A. , Chen H. H. , Chen M. C. , Lee K. I. , Seo Y. M.
Published: December 2017

Understanding the early stages of star formation is a research field of ongoing development, both theoretically and observationally. In this context, molecular data have been continuously providing observational constraints on the gas dynamics at different excitation conditions and depths in the sources. We have investigated the Barnard 59 core, the only active site of star formation in the Pipe Nebula, to achieve a comprehensive view of the kinematic properties of the source. This information was derived by simultaneously fitting ammonia inversion transition lines (1, 1) and (2, 2). Our analysis unveils the imprint of protostellar feedback, such as increasing line widths, temperature, and turbulent motions in our molecular data. Combined with complementary observations of dust thermal emission, we estimate that the core is gravitationally bound following a virial analysis. If the core is not contracting, another source of internal pressure, most likely the magnetic field, is supporting it against gravitational collapse and limits its star formation efficiency.
On the Formation of Multiple Concentric Rings and Gaps in Protoplanetary Disks
Authors: Bae Jaehan , Zhu Zhaohuan , Hartmann Lee
Published: December 2017

As spiral waves driven by a planet in a gaseous disk steepen into a shock, they deposit angular momentum, opening a gap in the disk. This has been well studied using both linear theory and numerical simulations, but so far only for the primary spiral arm: the one directly attached to the planet. Using 2D hydrodynamic simulations, we show that the secondary and tertiary arms driven by a planet can also open gaps as they steepen into shocks. The depths of the secondary/tertiary gaps in surface density grow with time in a low-viscosity disk (

), so even low-mass planets (e.g., super-Earth or mini-Neptune-mass) embedded in the disk can open multiple observable gaps, provided that sufficient time has passed. Applying our results to the HL Tau disk, we show that a single 30 Earth-mass planet embedded in the ring at 68.8 au (B5) can reasonably well reproduce the positions of the two major gaps at 13.2 and 32.3 au (D1 and D2), and roughly reproduce two other major gaps at 64.2 and 74.7 au (D5 and D6) seen in the mm continuum. The positions of secondary/tertiary gaps are found to be sensitive to the planetary mass and the disk temperature profile, so with accurate observational measurements of the temperature structure, the positions of multiple gaps can be used to constrain the mass of the planet. We also comment on the gaps seen in the TW Hya and HD 163296 disk.
Constraining Magnetization of Gamma-Ray Bursts Outflows Using Prompt Emission Fluence
Authors: Pe’er Asaf
Published: December 2017

Considered here is the acceleration and heating of relativistic outflow by local magnetic energy dissipation process in Poynting-flux dominated outflow. Adopting the standard assumption that the reconnection rate scales with the Alfvén speed, I show here that the fraction of energy dissipated as thermal photons cannot exceed

(for adiabatic index

) of the kinetic energy at the photosphere. Even in the most radiatively efficient scenario, the energy released as non-thermal photons during the prompt phase is at most equal to the kinetic energy of the outflow. These results imply that calorimetry of the kinetic energy that can be done during the afterglow phase could be used to constrain the magnetization of gamma-ray bursts (GRB) outflows. I discuss the recent observational status and its implications on constraining the magnetization in GRB outflows.
Modeling Synthetic Spectra for Transiting Extrasolar Giant Planets: Detectability of H2S and PH3 with the James Webb Space Telescope
Authors: Wang Dong , Miguel Yamila , Lunine Jonathan
Published: December 2017

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)’s large aperture and wide wavelength coverage will enable it to collect the highest-quality transit spectra observed so far. For exoplanetary atmospheres we expect to retrieve the abundance of the most abundant molecules, such as H2O, CO, and CH4. Other molecules, such as H2S and PH3, have been observed in Jupiter and Saturn but their chemistry and detectability in strongly irradiated planets are largely unknown. In this paper, we make the first effort to study their spectral features in solar composition atmospheres, and evaluate their detectability with the JWST. We model the chemistry of phosphorus and sulfur in solar composition atmospheres. Our model includes the effect of vertical transport. Photochemistry effects are not included in our calculations. Using the abundance profiles, we model the JWST transmission and emission spectra for a K = 6.8 G-type star and for planets with cloud-free solar composition atmospheres. We find PH3 is detectable at 3σ from transmission spectra of the simulated atmosphere with

K using the NIRCam LW grism F444W mode with a total observing time of 28.8 hr. H2S is detectable at 3σ in the transmission and emission spectra for the simulated planet with

K using the NIRCam LW grism F322W2 mode with a total observing time of 24.0 hr. Our results specifically highlight the importance of including H2S for future abundance retrieval with the JWST. The presence of clouds and hazes challenges the detections of PH3 and H2S, but H2S features are still expected to be present in the emission spectra.
Autonomic Computing Architecture for SCADA Cyber Security
Authors: Nazir Sajid , Patel Shushma , Patel Dilip
Published: December 2017

Autonomic computing paradigm is based on intelligent computing systems that can autonomously take actions under given conditions. These technologies have been successfully applied to many problem domains requiring autonomous operation. One such area of national interest is SCADA systems that monitor critical infrastructures such as transportation networks, large manufacturing, business and health facilities, power generation, and distribution networks. The SCADA systems have evolved into a complex, highly connected system requiring high availability. On the other hand, cyber threats to these infrastructures have increasingly become more sophisticated, extensive and numerous. This highlights the need for newer measures that can proactively and autonomously react to an impending threat. This article proposes a SCADA system framework to leverage autonomic computing elements in the architecture for coping with the current challenges and threats of cyber security.
GME of MPEG-4 on Multicore Processors
Authors: Alsarayreh Mahmoud , Alzoubi Hussein
Published: December 2017

Multicore processor systems are leading the microprocessor industry today. This has placed more pressure upon programmers to write parallel programs that wisely balance load among cores on the same system and optimize performance. On the other hand, the video-form of data is getting more and more importance. Video is the fuel for many contemporary Internet applications like YouTube. Video is the most storage and bandwidth-hungry type of data, especially in the context of new video applications like HDTV and IPTV. Exploiting video compression manifests itself in real-time applications. In light of this, it is important to bring to practice parallelized video codecs programmed to run on multicore systems. In this paper, the authors concentrate on one aspect of the MPEG-4 video codec, the global motion estimation and compensation. They present a parallel implementation for MPEG-4 global motion estimation and compensation on multicore processors and provide a detailed performance evaluation under various scenarios.
Fingerprint Matching Using Rotational Invariant Orientation Local Binary Pattern Descriptor and Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Kumar Ravinder
Published: December 2017

The objective of this article is to propose rotation invariant fingerprint descriptor, and a faster and better generalized performance classifier. The author proposes a new multi-resolution analysis based fingerprint descriptor, computed from fingerprint orientation pattern called as orientation local binary pattern (OLBP). The feature vector is constructed by concatenating the OLBP histograms obtained from tessellated ROI of distorted fingerprint images. Secondly, the author proposes a hybrid classifier, which combines a powerful extreme learning machine (ELM) and a well generalized resilient propagation (RPROP). Finally, they propose two hybrid training algorithms using ELM and RPROP. The matching accuracy of 99.9% validates the performance of the proposed OLBP features and the proposed hybrid classification algorithms perform better as compared to the original ELM.
Degrading Bouc–Wen Model Parameters Identification Under Cyclic Load
Authors: Marano G. C. , Pelliciari M. , Cuoghi T. , Briseghella B. , Lavorato D. , Tarantino A. M.
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this article is to describe the Bouc–Wen model of hysteresis for structural engineering which is used to describe a wide range of nonlinear hysteretic systems, as a consequence of its capability to produce a variety of hysteretic patterns. This article focuses on the application of the Bouc–Wen model to predict the hysteretic behaviour of reinforced concrete bridge piers. The purpose is to identify the optimal values of the parameters so that the output of the model matches as well as possible the experimental data. Two repaired, retrofitted and reinforced concrete bridge pier specimens (in a 1:6 scale of a real bridge pier) are tested in a laboratory and used for experiments in this article. An identification of Bouc–Wen model's parameters is performed using the force–displacement experimental data obtained after cyclic loading tests on these two specimens. The original model involves many parameters and complex pinching and degrading functions. This makes the identification solution unmanageable and with numerical problems. Furthermore, from a computational point of view, the identification takes too much time. The novelty of this work is the proposal of a simplification of the model allowed by simpler pinching and degrading functions and the reduction of the number of parameters. The latter innovation is effective in reducing computational efforts and is performed after a deep study of the mechanical effects of each parameter on the pier response. This simplified model is implemented in a MATLAB code and the numerical results are well fit to the experimental results and are reliable in terms of manageability, stability, and computational time.
Brucella abortus Triggers a cGAS-Independent STING Pathway To Induce Host Protection That Involves Guanylate-Binding Proteins and Inflammasome Activation
Authors: Costa Franco Miriam M. , Marim Fernanda , Guimarães Erika S. , Assis Natan R. G. , Cerqueira Daiane M. , Alves-Silva Juliana , Harms Jerome , Splitter Gary , Smith Judith , Kanneganti Thirumala-Devi , de Queiroz Nina M. G. P. , Gutman Delia , Barber Glen N. , Oliveira Sergio C.
Published: December 2017

Immunity against microbes depends on recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns by innate receptors. Signaling pathways triggered by Brucella abortus DNA involves TLR9, AIM2, and stimulator of IFN genes (STING). In this study, we observed by microarray analysis that several type I IFN–associated genes, such as IFN-β and guanylate-binding proteins (GBPs), are downregulated in STING knockout (KO) macrophages infected with Brucella or transfected with DNA. Additionally, we determined that STING and cyclic GMP–AMP synthase (cGAS) are important to engage the type I IFN pathway, but only STING is required to induce IL-1β secretion, caspase-1 activation, and GBP2 and GBP3 expression. Furthermore, we determined that STING but not cGAS is critical for host protection against Brucella infection in macrophages and in vivo. This study provides evidence of a cGAS-independent mechanism of STING-mediated protection against an intracellular bacterial infection. Additionally, infected IFN regulatory factor-1 and IFNAR KO macrophages had reduced GBP2 and GBP3 expression and these cells were more permissive to Brucella replication compared with wild-type control macrophages. Because GBPs are critical to target vacuolar bacteria, we determined whether GBP2 and GBPchr3 affect Brucella control in vivo. GBPchr3 but not GBP2 KO mice were more susceptible to bacterial infection, and small interfering RNA treated–macrophages showed reduction in IL-1β secretion and caspase-1 activation. Finally, we also demonstrated that Brucella DNA colocalizes with AIM2, and AIM2 KO mice are less resistant to B. abortus infection. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the STING-dependent type I IFN pathway is critical for the GBP-mediated release of Brucella DNA into the cytosol and subsequent activation of AIM2.
Time-Restricted Feeding Alters the Innate Immune Response to Bacterial Endotoxin
Authors: Cissé Yasmine M. , Borniger Jeremy C. , Lemanski Elise , Walker William H. , Nelson Randy J.
Published: December 2017

An important entraining signal for the endogenous circadian clock, independent of light, is food intake. The circadian and immune systems are linked; forced desynchrony of the circadian clock via nighttime light exposure or genetic ablation of core clock components impairs immune function. The timing of food intake affects various aspects of the circadian clock, but its effects on immune function are unknown. We tested the hypothesis that temporal desynchrony of food intake alters innate immune responses. Adult male Swiss Webster mice were provided with food during the night, the day, or ad libitum for 4 wk, followed by administration of LPS prior to the onset of either the active phase (zeitgeber time [ZT]12: Experiment 1) or the inactive phase (ZT0: Experiment 2). Three hours after LPS administration, blood was collected, and serum was tested for bacteria-killing capacity against Escherichia coli, as a functional assay of immune function. Additionally, cytokine expression was examined in the serum (protein), spleen, and hypothalamus (mRNA). Day-fed mice suppressed bacteria-killing capacity and serum cytokine responses to LPS during the active phase (ZT12). Night-fed mice increased bactericidal capacity, as well as serum and hypothalamic mRNA responses of certain proinflammatory cytokines during the active phase. Only day-fed mice enhanced serum cytokine responses when LPS challenge occurred during the inactive phase (ZT0); this did not result in enhanced bactericidal capacity. These data suggest that mistimed feeding has functional relevance for immune function and provide further evidence for the integration of the circadian, metabolic, and immune systems.
Square-free Values of Decomposable Forms
Authors: Yao Xiao Stanley
Published: December 2017

In this paper we prove that decomposable forms, or homogeneous polynomials F(x1, . . . , xn) with integer coefficients that split completely into linear factors over , take on infinitely many square-free values subject to simple necessary conditions, and they have deg f ≤ 2n + 2 for all irreducible factors f of F. This work generalizes a theorem of Greaves.
A combinatorial identity for the speed of growth in an anisotropic KPZ model
Authors: Chhita Sunil , Ferrari Patrik L.
Published: December 2017

The speed of growth for a particular stochastic growth model introduced by Borodin and Ferrari in [5], which belongs to the KPZ anisotropic universality class, was computed using multi-time correlations. The model was recently generalized by Toninelli in [38] and for this generalization the stationarymeasure is known but the time correlations are unknown. In this note, we obtain algebraic and combinatorial proofs for the expression of the speed of growth from the prescribed dynamics.
Dimers on rail yard graphs
Authors: Boutillier Cédric , Bouttier Jérémie , Chapuy Guillaume , Corteel Sylvie , Ramassamy Sanjay
Published: December 2017

We introduce a general model of dimer coverings of certain plane bipartite graphs, which we call rail yard graphs (RYG). The transfer matrices used to compute the partition function are shown to be isomorphic to certain operators arising in the so-called boson–fermion correspondence. This allows to reformulate the RYG dimer model as a Schur process, i.e. as a random sequence of integer partitions subject to some interlacing conditions.

Beyond the computation of the partition function, we provide an explicit expression for all correlation functions or, equivalently, for the inverse Kasteleyn matrix of the RYG dimer model. This expression, which is amenable to asymptotic analysis, follows from an exact combinatorial description of the operators localizing dimers in the transfer-matrix formalism, and then a suitable application of Wick’s theorem.

Plane partitions, domino tilings of the Aztec diamond, pyramid partitions, and steep tilings arise as particular cases of the RYG dimermodel. For the Aztec diamond, we provide new derivations of the edge-probability generating function, of the biased creation rate, of the inverse Kasteleyn matrix and of the arctic circle theorem.
Сингулярные солитоны и спектральная мероморфность
Authors: Grinevich Petr Georgievich , Novikov Sergei Petrovich
Published: December 2017

Как правило, для солитонных уравнений кроме регулярных решений удается построить интересные классы сингулярных решений. При этом условия совместности их особенностей с динамикой, задаваемой уравнением, влекут жесткие ограничения на вид особых точек. Например, известные мероморфные решения уравнения Кортевега-де Фриза имеют полюсы второго порядка по пространственной переменной, причем старший коэффициент - всегда треугольное число. Важный пример решений такого рода - сингулярные конечнозонные решения.
В пространственно-одномерном случае собственные функции вспомогательных линейных операторов с полюсными особенностями, совместными с динамикой, оказываются также локально мероморфными для всех значений спектрального параметра. Это свойство, которое мы называем спектральной мероморфностью, позволяет естественно определить индефинитную метрику на пространстве, порожденном собственными функциями, причем число отрицательных квадратов указанной метрики оказывается новым интегралом движения.
Также в работе обсуждаются аналоги указанных результатов для двумерных задач.
Библиография: 50 названий.
Решения уравнения Захарова типа волн-убийц
Authors: Rao Jiguang , Wang Lihong , Liu Wei , He Jingsong
Published: December 2017

Выведена общая формула для решений типа волн-убийц уравнения Захарова с помощью метода билинейных преобразований. Волны-убийцы $N$-го порядка представлены в явном виде через определители $N$-го порядка, матричные элементы которых заданы простыми выражениями. Показано, что фундаментальная волна-убийца представляет собой линейную волну-убийцу с линейным профилем на плоскости $(x,y)$, которая возникает на постоянном фоне при $t\ll 0$ и затем постепенно стремится к постоянному фону при $t\gg 0$. Волны-убийцы высшего порядка, возникающие на постоянном фоне и затем исчезающие в нем, описывают взаимодействие нескольких фундаментальных линейных волн-убийц. Рассмотрены также различные структуры волн-убийц высшего порядка. Аналитически и графически представлены различия между волнами-убийцами уравнения Захарова и уравнения Дэви-Стюартсона первого типа.
Скаляризация стационарных квазиклассических задач для систем уравнений и приложение к физике плазмы
Authors: Anikin Anatolii Yur'evich , Dobrokhotov Sergey Yur'evich , Klevin Aleksandr Igorevich , Tirozzi Brunello
Published: December 2017

Предложен метод нахождения асимптотических решений стационарных задач для пучков дифференциальных (и псевдодифференциальных) операторов, символ которых - самосопряженная матрица. Показано, что вопрос построения асимптотических решений, отвечающих выделенному собственному значению (называемому эффективным гамильтонианом, термом или модой), в случае отсутствия смены кратности сводится к изучению объектов, связанных лишь с определителем главного матричного символа и собственным вектором, соответствующим данному (числовому) значению этого эффективного гамильтониана. В качестве примера показано, что стационарные решения могут быть эффективно вычислены в задаче о движении плазмы в ТОКАМАКе.
Active Safety System Sensors
Authors:   Active Safety Systems Standards Committee
Published: December 2017

The current document is a part of an effort of the Active Safety Systems Committee, Active Safety Systems Sensors Task Force whose objectives are to:

a

Identify the functionality and performance you could expect from active safety sensors

b

Establish a basic understanding of how sensors work

c

Establish a basic understanding of how sensors can be tested

d

Describe an exemplar set of acceptable requirements and tests associated with each technology

e

Describe the key requirements/functionality for the test targets

f

Describe the unique characteristics of the targets or tests

This document will cover items (a) and (b).
Los Centros Socioculturales de Distrito en Madrid. Un análisis estratégico para la participación comuntiaria
Authors: Palacios González Daniel
Published: December 2017

El presente artículo presenta una selección de resultados de un análisis estratégico de los Centros Culturales y Socioculturales de Distrito del Ayuntamiento de Madrid. El mismo ha sido realizado con vistas a reconocer los problemas en cuanto a la ausencia de participación comunitaria. El análisis incluye una definición general de los centros, su posicionamiento, ciclo de vida y diagnóstico según categorías. Se concluido con unas recomendaciones para la contribución al debate sobre la participación. 
Preferencias turísticas de los chinos para viajar al extranjero
Authors: Qin Yi , Giménez Chornet Vicent
Published: December 2017

Con el crecimiento económico de China se ha incrementado en los últimos años los viajes al extranjero. Se analizan los motivos, características y preferencias de la población China para viajar al extranjero: gustos, temporada preferida de viajar, duración del viaje, canales de búsqueda de información sobre viajes, lugares de destino preferidos o los problemas que tienen los chinos cuando viajan al extranjero.
Critical Analysis of the Current Assisted Reproductive Technology Guidelines
Authors: Mittal Manishi , Jyothishmathi Sharma P
Published: December 2017

Aim

To present an overview of the current Artificial Reproductive Techniques (ART) guidelines focussing on grey zones

Introduction

Infertility is a major health and social concern in modern day India. Due to the great diversity in management protocols and absence of standard operating procedures, there is a necessity to develop country-specific guidelines for assisted reproduction. Also, there is need to curb unethical practices. Guidelines in this regard have undergone several changes over the years. It is important that adequate care is taken before the bill becomes a law so that both patients and health workers mutually benefit from ART

Overview

The present article gives an insight into the development of guidelines over the years with elaboration of the salient features of the current ART Bill under specific chapter headings, ten chapters in total. Also discussed is the recent Surrogacy Bill. In each context, critical analysis is provided that underscores the grey areas that need to be addressed. At the end of the article, certain recommendations have been put forward to aid the successful implementation of current guidelines

Clinical significance

It is imperative that all ART practitioners be well versed with the current ART guidelines as ignorance cannot be cited as an excuse under any circumstance. Also, practitioners can give valuable inputs before the bill finally becomes a law. The law must ensure that physicians are not unnecessarily persecuted in the name of patient rights, as this will lead to fearful practice, which in turn will hamper patient management.

How to cite this article

Sharma PJ, Mittal M. Critical Analysis of the Current Assisted Reproductive Technology Guidelines. Int J Infertil Fetal Med 2017;8(3):113-119.
Redesigning the Peer Audit Process to Enhance Clinical Dialogue
Authors: Orest Marianne R. , Eyler Steven
Published: December 2017

This case report describes the process used to engage clinicians in redesigning the peer audit system and the outcome of this effort at the Rehabilitation Therapies department of the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington. A wide variety of peer audit processes, tools, and requirements have been used across disciplines and clinical sites. Rehabilitation therapy staff participated in a group project using a project charter to design the new approach to the peer audit. A single peer audit tool and unified audit process were developed for use across therapy disciplines and care settings. A survey was used to collect pre- and postrevision data. Responses to all survey questions indicated favorable change. Broad engagement of clinical staff in the redesign resulted in a peer audit process that was completed more consistently and was more likely to be perceived as resulting in meaningful discussion, encouraging critical thinking, and improving clinical skills.
Effectiveness of Cognitive and Occupation-Based Interventions for Children With Challenges in Sensory Processing and Integration: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pfeiffer Beth , Clark Gloria Frolek , Arbesman Marian
Published: December 2017

This systematic review examines the evidence for the effectiveness of cognitive and occupation-based interventions to improve self-regulation in children and youth who have challenges in processing and integrating sensory information. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guided the methodology. Five studies identified through a comprehensive database search met the inclusion criteria and were separated into categories of cognitive and occupation-based interventions. Articles that did not specifically measure sensory integration (SI) or processing challenges were omitted. Synthesis of the articles suggests that self-regulation (e.g., sensory processing, emotional regulation, executive functioning, social function) improved with cognitive and occupation-based interventions. Because the number of studies that measured sensory processing or SI challenges was limited, researchers are encouraged to include these measures in future research to understand the impact of a broader range of cognitive and occupation-based interventions.
Impact of uncertainties in inorganic chemical rate constants on tropospheric composition and ozone radiative forcing
Authors: Newsome Ben , Evans Mat
Published: December 2017

Abstract. Chemical rate constants determine the composition of the atmosphere and how this composition has changed over time. They are central to our understanding of climate change and air quality degradation. Atmospheric chemistry models, whether online or offline, box, regional or global, use these rate constants. Expert panels evaluate laboratory measurements, making recommendations for the rate constants that should be used. This results in very similar or identical rate constants being used by all models. The inherent uncertainties in these recommendations are, in general, therefore ignored. We explore the impact of these uncertainties on the composition of the troposphere using the GEOS-Chem chemistry transport model. Based on the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) evaluations we assess the influence of 50 mainly inorganic rate constants and 10 photolysis rates on tropospheric composition through the use of the GEOS-Chem chemistry transport model. We assess the impact on four standard metrics: annual mean tropospheric ozone burden, surface ozone and tropospheric OH concentrations, and tropospheric methane lifetime. Uncertainty in the rate constants for NO2 + OH →M  HNO3 and O3 + NO  →  NO2 + O2 are the two largest sources of uncertainty in these metrics. The absolute magnitude of the change in the metrics is similar if rate constants are increased or decreased by their σ values. We investigate two methods of assessing these uncertainties, addition in quadrature and a Monte Carlo approach, and conclude they give similar outcomes. Combining the uncertainties across the 60 reactions gives overall uncertainties on the annual mean tropospheric ozone burden, surface ozone and tropospheric OH concentrations, and tropospheric methane lifetime of 10, 11, 16 and 16 %, respectively. These are larger than the spread between models in recent model intercomparisons. Remote regions such as the tropics, poles and upper troposphere are most uncertain. This chemical uncertainty is sufficiently large to suggest that rate constant uncertainty should be considered alongside other processes when model results disagree with measurement. Calculations for the pre-industrial simulation allow a tropospheric ozone radiative forcing to be calculated of 0.412 ± 0.062 W m−2. This uncertainty (13 %) is comparable to the inter-model spread in ozone radiative forcing found in previous model–model intercomparison studies where the rate constants used in the models are all identical or very similar. Thus, the uncertainty of tropospheric ozone radiative forcing should expanded to include this additional source of uncertainty. These rate constant uncertainties are significant and suggest that refinement of supposedly well-known chemical rate constants should be considered alongside other improvements to enhance our understanding of atmospheric processes.
Particulate matter air pollution offsets ozone damage to global crop production
Authors: Schiferl Luke D. , Heald Colette L.
Published: December 2017

Abstract. Ensuring global food security requires a comprehensive understanding of environmental pressures on food production, including the impacts of air quality. Surface ozone damages plants and decreases crop production; this effect has been extensively studied. In contrast, the presence of particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere can be beneficial to crops given that enhanced light scattering leads to a more even and efficient distribution of photons which can outweigh total incoming radiation loss. This study quantifies the impacts of ozone and PM on the global production of maize, rice, and wheat in 2010 and 2050. We show that accounting for the growing season of these crops is an important factor in determining their air pollution exposure. We find that the effect of PM can offset much, if not all, of the reduction in yield associated with ozone damage. Assuming maximum sensitivity to PM, the current (2010) global net impact of air quality on crop production is positive (+6.0 %, +0.5 %, and +4.9 % for maize, wheat, and rice, respectively). Future emissions scenarios indicate that attempts to improve air quality can result in a net negative effect on crop production in areas dominated by the PM effect. However, we caution that the uncertainty in this assessment is large due to the uncertainty associated with crop response to changes in diffuse radiation; this highlights that more detailed physiological study of this response for common cultivars is crucial.
Key factors affecting single scattering albedo calculation: Implications for aerosol climate forcing
Authors: Jo Duseong S. , Park Rokjin J. , Jeong Jaein I. , Curci Gabriele , Lee Hyung-Min , Kim Sang-Woo
Published: December 2017

Abstract. Single Scattering Albedo (SSA), the ratio of scattering efficiency to total extinction efficiency, is an essential parameter used to estimate the Direct Radiative Forcing (DRF) of aerosols. However, SSA is one of the large contributors to the uncertainty of DRF estimations. In this study, we examined the sensitivity of SSA calculations to the physical properties of absorbing aerosols, in particular, Black Carbon (BC), Brown Carbon (BrC), and dust. We used GEOS-Chem 3-D global chemical transport model (CTM) simulations and a post-processing tool for the aerosol optical properties (FlexAOD). The model and input parameters were evaluated by comparison against the observed aerosol mass concentrations and the Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) values obtained from global surface observation networks such as the global Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (AMS) dataset, the Surface Particulate Matter Network (SPARTAN), and the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET). The model was generally successful in reproducing the observed variability of both the Particulate Matter 2.5 μm (PM2.5) and AOD (R ~ 0.76) values, although it underestimated the magnitudes by approximately 20 %. Our sensitivity tests of the SSA calculation revealed that the aerosol physical parameters, which have generally received less attention than the aerosol mass loadings, can cause large uncertainties in the resulting DRF estimation. For example, large variations in the calculated BC absorption may result from slight changes of the geometric mean radius, geometric standard deviation, real and imaginary refractive indices, and density. The inclusion of BrC and observationally-constrained dust size distributions also significantly affected the SSA, and resulted in a remarkable improvement for the simulated SSA at 440 nm (bias was reduced by 44–49 %) compared with the AERONET observations. Based on the simulations performed during this study, we found that the global aerosol direct radiative effect was increased by 10 % after the SSA bias was reduced.