bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conservative interpolation between general spherical meshes
Authors: Kritsikis E. , Aechtner M. , Meurdesoif Y. , Dubos T.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. An efficient, local, explicit, second-order, conservative interpolation algorithm between spherical meshes is presented. The cells composing the source and target meshes may be either spherical polygons or longitude–latitude quadrilaterals. Second-order accuracy is obtained by piecewise-linear finite volume reconstruction over the source mesh. Global conservation is achieved through the introduction of a supermesh, whose cells are all possible intersections of source and target cells. Areas and intersections are computed exactly to yield a geometrically exact method. The main efficiency bottleneck caused by the construction of the supermesh is overcome by adopting tree-based data structures and algorithms, from which the mesh connectivity can also be deduced efficiently. The theoretical second-order accuracy is verified using a smooth test function and pairs of meshes commonly used for atmospheric modelling. Experiments confirm that the most expensive operations, especially the supermesh construction, have O(NlogN) computational cost. The method presented is meant to be incorporated in pre- or post-processing atmospheric modelling pipelines, or directly into models for flexible input/output. It could also serve as a basis for conservative coupling between model components, e.g. atmosphere and ocean.
A GIS OF SARDINIA'S COASTAL DEFENSE SYSTEM (XVI – XVIII CENTURY)
Authors: Deidda M. , Musa C. , Vacca G.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. The use of GIS as a tool for archival, analysis and representation of geographic information has become significantly popular in many scientific fields that are directly concerned with the "territory" as their object of study. The field of application of GIS, however, has expanded also in other areas, such as those related to humanities and architecture, in which the territory is studied in an "indirect" mode because it constitutes a kind of substrate on which to develop a specific spatial analysis for particular purposes. Among these areas are to be included certainly archeology and restoration, fields in which the GIS has become a useful tool for historical studies. In this work we present a GIS developed for the study of the historical and territorial coastal defense system of Sardinia (16th – 18th century), in order to respond to the need to store, analyze and efficiently manage the information regarding cultural heritage and landscape heritage such as that consisting of the coastal defensive towers of Sardinia. This defensive system, in fact, was composed by over 100 towers positioned around the entire coastal perimeter of Sardinia, of which more than 90 still exist today. Their position was planned on the basis of the following criteria: - Warning the neighboring towers about the sighting of enemy ships - Protecting coasts located near the towns - Monitoring the water sources near the coast - Allowing for the full visibility of the coasts of any morphology With this study we also verified, through the use of high resolution and high accuracy DTM (LiDAR) and the topographic databases, whether the positioning criteria specified in the design of the system were respected and effective.
SPATIAL DATA SUPPLY CHAINS
Authors: Varadharajulu P. , Azeem Saqiq M. , Yu F. , McMeekin D. A. , West G. , Arnold L. , Moncrieff S.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. This paper describes current research into the supply of spatial data to the end user in as close to real time as possible via the World Wide Web. The Spatial Data Infrastructure paradigm has been discussed since the early 1990s. The concept has evolved significantly since then but has almost always examined data from the perspective of the supplier. It has been a supplier driven focus rather than a user driven focus. The current research being conducted is making a paradigm shift and looking at the supply of spatial data as a supply chain, similar to a manufacturing supply chain in which users play a significant part. A comprehensive consultation process took place within Australia and New Zealand incorporating a large number of stakeholders. Three research projects that have arisen from this consultation process are examining Spatial Data Supply Chains within Australia and New Zealand and are discussed within this paper.
Development of a Global Fire Weather Database
Authors: Field R. D. , Spessa A. C. , Aziz N. A. , Camia A. , Cantin A. , Carr R. , de Groot W. J. , Dowdy A. J. , Flannigan M. D. , Manomaiphiboon K. , Pappenberger F. , Tanpipat V. , Wang X.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. The Canadian Forest Fire Weather Index (FWI) System is the mostly widely used fire danger rating system in the world. We have developed a global database of daily FWI System calculations, beginning in 1980, called the Global Fire WEather Database (GFWED) gridded to a spatial resolution of 0.5° latitude by 2/3° longitude. Input weather data were obtained from the NASA Modern Era Retrospective-Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA), and two different estimates of daily precipitation from rain gauges over land. FWI System Drought Code calculations from the gridded data sets were compared to calculations from individual weather station data for a representative set of 48 stations in North, Central and South America, Europe, Russia, Southeast Asia and Australia. Agreement between gridded calculations and the station-based calculations tended to be most different at low latitudes for strictly MERRA-based calculations. Strong biases could be seen in either direction: MERRA DC over the Mato Grosso in Brazil reached unrealistically high values exceeding DC = 1500 during the dry season but was too low over Southeast Asia during the dry season. These biases are consistent with those previously identified in MERRA's precipitation, and they reinforce the need to consider alternative sources of precipitation data. GFWED can be used for analyzing historical relationships between fire weather and fire activity at continental and global scales, in identifying large-scale atmosphere–ocean controls on fire weather, and calibration of FWI-based fire prediction models.
Earnings Smoothing, Momentum and Statistical Arbitrage: Global Evidence
Authors: Booth G. Geoffrey , Gurun Ayfer
Published: June 2015

We employ the notion of statistical arbitrage to investigate the relationship between earnings smoothing and returns from momentum trading of stocks and explore the role that the level of investor sophistication may play in the smoothing-return calculus. To do so, we exploit the observation that both earnings smoothing and momentum profits are related to the cross-sectional variation in returns.  We analyze the relevant data of 25 developed and emerging economies. Our results confirm the proposition that momentum profits as indicated by statistical arbitrage measures are inversely related to earnings smoothing but only in those markets where investors are more sophisticated and are able to take advantage of liquidity traders, who are often uninformed. 
Islamic Microfinance Industry in Yemen “Challenges and Opportunities”
Authors: Alshebami Ali Saleh , Khandare D. M.
Published: June 2015

The purpose of the study is to theoretically review the Islamic micro finance industry in Yemen and to identify the challenges and opportunities for this industry. The data collected is entirely based on secondary data collected from various sources such as books, websites, official reports and others. The study covered the period from 1997 to 2013. The study revealed that there is a promising demand for Islamic microfinance and at the same time there are some challenges facing its growth and development. The researcher finally concluded the study by providing some valuable suggestions that might help in progressing of the industry.
Impact of Border Strip and Flood Method of Irrigation on Wheat Cultivation in the Malaprabha Command Area of Karnataka
Authors: Rudrapur Shreeshail , Patil B. L.
Published: June 2015

A study conducted in the Malaprabha command area revealed that border strip method of irrigation was found better in terms of yield, income and water savings in cultivation of wheat. The crop yield was higher in border strip method of irrigation (28.50 q/ha) over flood (20.90 q/ha). The net returns was also higher in border strip method of irrigation (Rs. 20851.01/ha) over flood (Rs. 8024.92/ha). The highest cost of irrigation was found in flood method of irrigation (Rs. 2898.47/ha) compared to border strip method of irrigation (Rs. 2051.13/ha). The highest water consumption was seen under flood method of irrigation (12.04 ha cm) followed by border strip method of irrigation (8.41 ha cm).
Specialized fast track: a sustainable model to improve emergency department patient flow
Authors: Manno Emilpaolo , Pesce Marco , Stralla Umberto , Festa Federico , Geninatti Silvio , Balzarro Maria Fausta , Di Leo Daniele , Gelain Barbara
Published: June 2015

Objective: Emergency department (ED) overcrowding is a hospital-wide problem that demands a whole-hospital solution. We developed and implemented a fast track model for streaming ED patients with low-acuity illness or injury to specialized care areas (gynecology-obstetrics, orthopedics-trauma, pediatrics, and primary care) staffed by existing specialist resources with access to general ED services. The study aim was to determine whether streaming of ED visits into specialized fast track areas increased operational efficiency and improved patient flow in a mixed adult and pediatric ED without incurring extra costs.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the ED discharge records of patients who were mainstreamed or fast tracked during the 3-year period from 1 January 2010 through 31 December 2012. ED visits were identified according to a five-level triage scheme; performance indicators were compared for: wait time, length of stay, leave before being seen and revisit rates.Results: A reduction in wait time, length of stay, and leave before being seen rate was seen with fast track streaming (p < .01). These improvements were achieved without additional medical and nurse staffing.Conclusions: Specialized fast track streaming helped us meet patients’ care needs and contain costs. Lower-acuity patients were seen quickly by a specialist and safely discharged or admitted to the hospital without diverting resources from patients with high-acuity illness or injury. Involvement of all stakeholders in seeking a sustainable solution to ED crowding as a hospital-wide problem was key to enhancing cooperation between the ED and the hospital units.
CONTRIBUIÇÕES DO ESTÁGIO NA CRECHE PARA A CONSTRUÇÃO DA IDENTIDADE PROFISSIONAL DE FUTUROS PROFESSORES
Authors: T Ciríaco Klinger , Ojeda Rodrigues Janaína
Published: June 2015

This paper focus basically on a qualitative study of descriptive-analytical nature that was based on the investigation of how much the internship contributes for the initial training and professional identity of Pedagogy students at the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul/UFMS/Campus de Naviraí. Thus, through the analysis of interviews with three future female teachers means we sought to understand the process of building their identities in relation to being a teacher in Child Education (day-care center). Two semi-structured interview scripts were utilized: one before starting the internship activities and the other upon completion of discipline. The data analysis showed us that the Pedagogy students had positive expectancies in regard to the experience with babies; however, the fear of the experience is quite remarkable when they think about the pedagogical practice that they will perform as real teachers. Finally, it was evident that the Pedagogy students empathize with child education and its practice, being able to build their own professional identity around it.
Psychosocial Risk Factors for Cognitive Decline in Late-Life Depression: Findings from the MTLD-III Study
Authors: Rej Soham , Begley Amy , Gildengers Ariel , Dew Mary Amanda , Reynolds III Charles F. , Butters Meryl A.
Published: June 2015

BackgroundCognitive impairment and depression frequently co-occur in late life. There remains a need to better characterize psychosocial risk factors of cognitive decline in older adults with depression. We hypothesized that certain psychosocial factors would be associated with higher risk of cognitive decline in individuals with late-life depression.Methods130 individuals aged ≥ 65 years who had achieved remission from a major depressive episode were randomized to donepezil or placebo and then closely followed for two years. Using Cox proportional hazard models, we examined the association between baseline median household income, education level, race, marital status, and social support and cognitive decline over the follow-up.ResultsLower interpersonal support (OR = 0.86 [0.74-0.99], p = .04) and lower baseline global neuropsychological score (OR = 0.56 [0.36-0.87], p = .001) predicted shorter time to conversion to MCI or dementia in univariate models. These exposures did not remain significant in multivariate analyses. Neither socioeconomic status nor other psychosocial factors independently predicted cognitive diagnostic conversion (p > .05).ConclusionsWe did not find reliable associations between cognitive outcome and any of the psychosocial factors examined. Future largescale, epidemiological studies, ideally using well-validated subjective measures, should better characterize psychosocial risk factors for cognitive decline in late-life depression.
Hepatic Granulomas: A Review With Emphasis on Infectious Causes
Authors: Lamps Laura W.
Published: June 2015

Context

Many diseases that cause granulomas or granulomatous inflammation involve the liver. Some of these disease processes are intrinsic hepatic diseases, whereas others are disseminated systemic diseases that involve the liver as well as other organs.

Objective

To review the evaluation of granulomas in the liver with an emphasis on infectious causes, as well as the use of special stains, serologic studies, and molecular diagnostic techniques. Pertinent noninfectious causes of hepatic granulomas that are in the differential diagnosis are also discussed.

Data Sources

Literature review and cases acquired during years of practice.

Conclusions

A wide variety of infectious and noninfectious entities cause hepatic granulomas.
Artificial Intelligence for Pathologists Is Not Near— It Is Here: Description of a Prototype That Can Transform How We Practice Pathology Tomorrow
Authors: Ye Jay J.
Published: June 2015

Context

Pathologists' daily tasks consist of both the professional interpretation of slides and the secretarial tasks of translating these interpretations into final pathology reports, the latter of which is a time-consuming endeavor for most pathologists.

Objective

To describe an artificial intelligence that performs secretarial tasks, designated as Secretary-Mimicking Artificial Intelligence (SMILE).

Design

The underling implementation of SMILE is a collection of computer programs that work in concert to “listen to” the voice commands and to “watch for” the changes of windows caused by slide bar code scanning; SMILE responds to these inputs by acting upon PowerPath Client windows (Sunquest Information Systems, Tucson, Arizona) and its Microsoft Word (Microsoft, Redmond, Washington) Add-In window, eventuating in the reports being typed and finalized. Secretary-Mimicking Artificial Intelligence also communicates relevant information to the pathologist via the computer speakers and message box on the screen.

Results

Secretary-Mimicking Artificial Intelligence performs many secretarial tasks intelligently and semiautonomously, with rapidity and consistency, thus enabling pathologists to focus on slide interpretation, which results in a marked increase in productivity, decrease in errors, and reduction of stress in daily practice. Secretary-Mimicking Artificial Intelligence undergoes encounter-based learning continually, resulting in a continuous improvement in its knowledge-based intelligence.

Conclusions

Artificial intelligence for pathologists is both feasible and powerful. The future widespread use of artificial intelligence in our profession is certainly going to transform how we practice pathology.
Microcredit and Poverty: When Microcredit Works and When It Doesn't
Authors: Quibria M.G.
Published: June 2015

This paper explores the relationship between microcredit and poverty reduction. To investigate this question, we posit a bare-bone, household model that outlines the economic environment within which various types of family- microenterprises operate. It highlights a number of issues that impinge on household earnings such as the nature of the labor market, technology, product demand and entrepreneurial skills. The paper argues that the impact of microcredit is likely to be different across household types as well as across different economic environments. The paper identifies several important demand and supply constraints to the household's graduation from poverty. These constraints are difficult to overcome in a traditional economic environment, marked by stagnant technology and market saturation.
A comparison between entecavir and tenofovir in chronic hepatitis B in the clinical practice: a single-center experience
Authors: Sollima Salvatore , Torre Alessandro
Published: June 2015

Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) affects 350-400 million of patients worldwide. Entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) are two nucleoside/nucleotide analogs recommended as first-line treatments in CHB.This retrospective study aimed at comparing effectiveness and renal safety of ETV and TDF through the analysis of data obtained from our CHB outpatients from June 2007 to September 2014. 41 out of 126 CHB outpatients were treated with ETV and 18 with TDF.TDF showed greater, though not statistically significant, effectiveness, in the three groups considered, i.e. naïve, pretreated with nucleoside/nucleotide analogs other than ETV or TDF, and pretreated with ETV or TDF patients. In particular, in naïve patients, those treated with TDF attained not detectable levels of viremia more rapidly (7 months versus 9 months) than ETV-treated patients, even starting from higher HBV DNA levels. In addition, virologic failure was observed in 0 versus 11% in TDF and ETV group, respectively. Also in patients pretreated with nucleoside/nucleotide analogs other than ETV or TDF, virologic failure was observed just in ETV patients. In patients who switched from ETV or TDF the mean time to attain undetectable HBV DNA levels was shorter in TDF group (3 months versus 6 months).Considering renal toxicity, there was no difference in creatinine and GFR levels between the two groups. Proteinuria and phosphaturia were greater in TDF patients, reaching statistical significance just in those pretreated with nucleoside/nucleotide analogs other than ETV or TDF.
Feminicidio / femicidio : les enjeux théoriques et politiques d’un discours définitoire de la violence contre les femmes
Authors: Lapalus Marylène
Published: June 2015

Cet article s’intéresse au travail de reformulation discursive et définitoire des violences contre les femmes par les intellectuelles latino-américaines, au Mexique et au Costa Rica, depuis vingt ans. Il se donne comme objectif d’identifier les stratégies définitoires utilisées par les concepts de femicidio et feminicidio pour dénoncer, conceptualiser et politiser la violence vécue, en particulier dans l’espace intime. En combinant les apports de la réflexion sociologique et linguistique, cette contribution souligne les dynamiques croisées entre contexte de mobilisation, formulation discursive de nouveaux concepts et mise à l’agenda public de nouvelles catégories juridiques.
Représentations sociales et parentalité : les points de vue des parents présentant une déficience ou une lenteur intellectuelle
Authors: Milot Élise , Turcotte Daniel , Tétreault Sylvie
Published: June 2015

Cet article présente les résultats d’une étude exploratoire québécoise portant sur les représentations sociales (RS) de la parentalité des personnes ayant une déficience ou une lenteur intellectuelle (DI/LI). Neuf parents ont participé à des entrevues individuelles semi-structurées. Pour les cinq répondants ayant conservé la garde de leurs enfants, la parentalité symbolise l’accès à un rôle hautement désiré dont l’exercice suscite fierté, valorisation, reconnaissance sociale et détermination. Pour ceux qui vivent leur parentalité à travers l’expérience du placement de leurs enfants, leur représentation est davantage teintée par des sentiments d’injustice, de souffrance et de disqualification. Ceux-ci émergent en effet de leurs échanges avec les intervenants en protection de la jeunesse et les membres de leur entourage. La réflexion proposée porte sur les facteurs pouvant freiner ou favoriser le développement d’une identité parentale positive et un réseau de soutien à la parentalité adéquat.
Interventions du superviseur lors de séances de rétroaction visant le développement de la réflexivité : étude de la variabilité inter-superviseurs
Authors: Bocquillon Marie , Dehon Arnaud , Derobertmasure Antoine
Published: June 2015

En formation initiale des enseignants, le développement de la réflexivité est souvent analysé en considérant le point de vue du futur enseignant. Or, le rôle du superviseur notamment lors d’échanges avec les futurs enseignants peut être primordial. Dans le cadre d’activités pédagogiques intégrées dans l’axe des savoir-faire de la formation, dix entretiens de rétroaction menés par deux superviseurs sont analysés afin d’appréhender d’éventuelles différences dans leurs interventions et d’éventuelles incidences sur le développement de la réflexivité des futurs enseignants.
An Efficient DNA Molecule Clustering using GCC Algorithm
Authors: Kholood Faisal , Alnowaiser Alsaby
Published: June 2015

Researchers in the biotechnology field have accomplished many achievements in the past century. They can now measure expression levels for thousands of genes, testing different conditions over varying periods of time. The analysis of the measurement results is essential to understand gene patterns and extract information about their functions and their biological roles. This paper describes a novel approach for clustering large-scale next-generation sequences (NGS). It also facilitates the process of predicting patterns and the likelihood of mutations based on a semi-supervised clustering technique. The process is based on the previously developed construction of FuzzyFind Dictionary utilizing the Golay Code for error correction. The introduced method is exceptional; it has linear time complexity with one passage through the file.
Internal structure of a coronal mass ejection revealed by Akatsuki radio occultation observations
Authors: Ando H. , Shiota D. , Imamura T. , Tokumaru M. , Asai A. , Isobe H. , Päzold M. , Häusler B. , Nakamura M.
Published: June 2015

A coronal mass ejection (CME) was observed at the heliocentric distance of 12.7 Rυ by radio occultation measurements using the Akatsuki spacecraft. The temporal developments of the bulk velocity and the electron column density along the raypath traversing the CME were obtained, and under the assumption that the irregularities are transported across the raypath, the internal structure of the CME covering the region from the core to the tail was retrieved. The suggested internal structure was compared with Large Angle Spectroscopic Coronagraph images, a numerical study and previous radio occultation observations of CMEs to propose a CME model; the bulk velocity and the electron density have relatively large values in the core, decrease behind the core, and increase again in the tail region where the fast plasma flow associated with the magnetic reconnection converges. This implies that the magnetic reconnection behind the CMEs might continue up to at least the heliocentric distance of ∼13 Rυ.
Explaining solar cycle effects on composition as it relates to the winter anomaly
Authors: Burns A. G. , Solomon S. C. , Wang W. , Qian L. , Zhang Y. , Paxton L. J. , Yue X. , Thayer J. P. , Liu H. L.
Published: June 2015

The solar cycle variation of F2 region winter anomaly is related to solar cycle changes in the latitudinal winter‐to‐summer difference of O/N2. Here we use the National Center for Atmospheric Research–Global Mean Model to develop a concept of why the latitudinal winter‐to‐summer difference of O/N2 varies with solar cycle. The main driver for these seasonal changes in composition is vertical advection, which is expressed most simply in pressure coordinates. Meridional winds do not change over the solar cycle, so the vertical winds should also not change. The other component of vertical advection is the vertical gradient of composition. Is there any reason that this should change? At solar maximum vertical temperature gradients between 100 and 200 km altitude are strong, whereas they are weak at solar minimum. To maintain the same pressure, the weak vertical temperature gradients at solar minimum must be balanced by weak density gradients and the strong temperature gradients at solar maximum must be balanced by strong density gradients to obtain the same pressure profile. Changes in the vertical density gradients are species dependent: heavy species change more and light species change less than the average density change. Hence, vertical winds act on stronger O/N2 gradients at solar maximum than they do at solar minimum, and a stronger winter‐to‐summer difference of O/N2 occurs at solar maximum compared with solar minimum.
The Presence of a Weapon Shrinks the Functional Field of View
Authors: Harada Yuki , Hakoda Yuji , Kuroki Daiichiro , Mitsudo Hiroyuki
Published: June 2015

This study examined whether the functional field of view shrinks by the presence of a weapon or the increase of emotional arousal. In Experiment 1, participants viewed two types of pictures depicting scenes involving weapons or control objects and were asked to identify digits presented at the periphery when the pictures disappeared. The results showed that the presence of a weapon impaired identification of the peripheral digits, even when the pictures were equal with respect to emotional arousal level. In Experiment 2, participants viewed emotionally arousing pictures or neutral pictures, neither of which included weapons, and they were asked to identify digits presented at the periphery when the pictures disappeared. The results revealed that the increased emotional arousal did not impair identification of the peripheral digits. These results indicate that the functional field of view shrinks because of the presence of a weapon but not because of increased emotional arousal.Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photophysics of Molecular‐Weight‐Induced Losses in Indacenodithienothiophene‐Based Solar Cells
Authors: Gasparini Nicola , Katsouras Athanasios , Prodromidis Mamantos I. , Avgeropoulos Apostolos , Baran Derya , Salvador Michael , Fladischer Stefanie , Spiecker Erdmann , Chochos Christos L. , Ameri Tayebeh , Brabec Christoph J.
Published: June 2015

The photovoltaic performance and optoelectronic properties of a donor–acceptor copolymer are reported based on indacenodithienothiophene (IDTT) and 2,3‐bis(3‐(octyloxy)phenyl)quinoxaline moieties (PIDTTQ) as a function of the number‐average molecular weight (Mn). Current–voltage measurements and photoinduced charge carrier extraction by linear increasing voltage (photo‐CELIV) reveal improved charge generation and charge transport properties in these high band gap systems with increasing Mn, while polymers with low molecular weight suffer from diminished charge carrier extraction because of low mobility–lifetime (μτ) product. By combining Fourier‐transform photocurrent spectroscopy (FTPS) with electroluminscence spectroscopy, it is demonstrate that increasing Mn reduces the nonradiative recombination losses. Solar cells based on PIDTTQ with Mn = 58 kD feature a power conversion efficiency of 6.0% and a charge carrier mobility of 2.1 × 10−4 cm2 V−1 s−1 when doctor bladed in air, without the need for thermal treatment. This study exhibits the strong correlations between polymer fractionation and its optoelectronics characteristics, which informs the polymer design rules toward highly efficient organic solar cells.
Homozygous 16p13.11 duplication associated with mild intellectual disability and urinary tract malformations in two siblings born from consanguineous parents
Authors: Houcinat N. , Llanas B. , Moutton S. , Toutain J. , Cailley D. , Arveiler B. , Combe C. , Lacombe D. , Rooryck C.
Published: June 2015

The use of array‐comparative genomic hybridization (array‐CGH) in routine clinical work has allowed the identification of many new copy number variations (CNV). The 16p13.11 duplication has been implicated in various congenital anomalies and neurodevelopmental disorders, but it has also been identified in healthy individuals. We report a clinical observation of two brothers from related parents each carrying a homozygous 16p13.11 duplication. The propositus had mild intellectual disability and posterior urethral valves with chronic renal disease. His brother was considered a healthy child with only learning disabilities and poor academic performances. However, a routine medical examination at 25‐years‐old revealed a mild chronic renal disease and ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Furthermore, the father presented with a unilateral renal agenesis, thus it seemed that a “congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract” (CAKUT) phenotype segregated in this family. This may be related to the duplication, but we cannot exclude the involvement of additional genetic or non‐genetic factors in the urological phenotype. Several cohort studies showed association between this chromosomal imbalance and different clinical manifestations, but rarely with CAKUT. The duplication reported here was similar to the larger one of 3.4 Mb previously described versus the more common of 1.6 Mb. It encompassed at least 11 known genes, including the five ohnologs previously identified. Our observation, in addition to expanding the clinical spectrum of the duplication provides further support to understanding the underlying pathogenic mechanism. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Release of Potentially Toxic Elements From Industrial Sludge: Implications for Land Disposal
Authors: Dung Tran Thi Thu , Cappuyns Valérie , Vassilieva Elvira , Golreihan Asefeh , Phung Nguyen Ky , Swennen Rudy
Published: June 2015

In recent years, rapid industrial development has led to an increase in various types of industrial waste generation in Vietnam. Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) can contaminate water resources when waste is not properly treated and/or stored in confined disposal facilities. This study characterizes the occurrence and leaching behavior of PTEs from industrial sludge under the influence of oxidation and pH with implications for open dump disposal. Environmental issues related to possible management options are also addressed. Sludge samples from industrial parks at Binh Duong and Dong Nai, Southern Vietnam, were oxidized under atmospheric conditions. The results indicate that Fe and Mn (both samples) and Cu, Ni, and Zn (Binh Duong sample) may pose a potential threat to the water quality for sludge dumped near water bodies. Therefore, we recommend avoiding uncontrolled upland disposal of such sludge. Some preliminary treatment to immobilize PTEs should be applied to the sludge originating from Binh Duong prior to upland disposal. A recovery of Ni and Zn from this sludge could be considered. For the less contaminated sludge from Dong Nai, beneficial use, such as land application for agricultural purposes, is a possible option.
JS4Cloud: script‐based workflow programming for scalable data analysis on cloud platforms
Authors: Marozzo Fabrizio , Talia Domenico , Trunfio Paolo
Published: June 2015

Workflows are an effective paradigm to model complex data analysis processes, such as knowledge discovery in databases applications, which can be efficiently executed on distributed computing systems such as a Cloud platform. Data analysis workflows can be designed through visual programming, which is a convenient design approach for high‐level users. On the other hand, script‐based workflows are a useful alternative to visual workflows, because they allow expert users to program complex applications more effectively. In order to provide Cloud users with an effective script‐based data analysis workflow formalism, we designed the JS4Cloud language. The main benefits of JS4Cloud are as follows: (i) it extends the well‐known JavaScript language while using only its basic functions (arrays, functions, and loops); (ii) it implements both a data‐driven task parallelism that automatically spawns ready‐to‐run tasks to the Cloud resources and data parallelism through an array‐based formalism; and (iii) these two types of parallelism are exploited implicitly so that workflows can be programmed in a fully sequential way, which frees users from duties like work partitioning, synchronization, and communication. We describe how JS4Cloud has been integrated within the data mining cloud framework (DMCF), a system supporting the scalable execution of data analysis workflows on Cloud platforms. In particular, we describe how data analysis workflows modeled as JS4Cloud scripts are processed by DMCF by exploiting parallelism to enable their scalable execution on Clouds. Finally, we present some data analysis workflows developed with JS4Cloud and the performance results obtained by executing such workflows on DMCF. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novo‐G#: a multidimensional torus‐based reconfigurable cluster for molecular dynamics
Authors: Lawande Abhijeet G. , George Alan D. , Lam Herman
Published: June 2015

Molecular dynamics (MD) is a large‐scale, communication‐intensive problem that has been the subject of high‐performance computing research and acceleration for years. Not surprisingly, the most success in accelerating MD comes from specialized systems such as the Anton machine. In this paper, we describe Novo‐G# (novo‐jee‐sharp), a multi‐node reconfigurable system designed for the acceleration of communication‐intensive scientific problems in general, and MD in particular. This system provides a high‐bandwidth, low‐latency 3D torus network to allow direct communication between kernels running on multiple field‐programmable gate arrays. We also present a performance model for Novo‐G# running the 3D Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) kernel that forms the core of MD simulations. We validate the model against published Anton performance data and through initial hardware experiments on Novo‐G#. Finally, through simulation studies, we show that this system at scale performs better than specialized systems like Anton and outperforms established CPU‐based clusters like Blue Gene/Q by an order of magnitude for the 3D FFT kernel, with greater flexibility and lower costs. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phylogeography ofPogonomyrmex barbatusandP. rugosusharvester ants with genetic and environmental caste determination
Authors: Mott Brendon M. , Gadau Jürgen , Anderson Kirk E.
Published: June 2015

We present a phylogeographic study of at least six reproductively isolated lineages of new world harvester ants within thePogonomyrmex barbatusandP. rugosusspecies group. The genetic and geographic relationships within this clade are complex: Four of the identified lineages show genetic caste determination (GCD) and are divided into two pairs. Each pair has evolved under a mutualistic system that necessitates sympatry. These paired lineages are dependent upon one another because theirGCDrequires interlineage matings for the production of F1 hybrid workers, and intralineage matings are required to produce queens. ThisGCDsystem maintains genetic isolation among these interdependent lineages, while simultaneously requiring co‐expansion and emigration as their distributions have changed over time. It has also been demonstrated that three of these fourGCDlineages have undergone historical hybridization, but the narrower sampling range of previous studies has left questions on the hybrid parentage, breadth, and age of these groups. Thus, reconstructing the phylogenetic and geographic history of this group allows us to evaluate past insights and hypotheses and to plan future inquiries in a more complete historical biogeographic context. Using mitochondrialDNAsequences sampled across most of the morphospecies’ ranges in the U.S.A. and Mexico, we conducted a detailed phylogeographic study. Remarkably, our results indicate that one of theGCDlineage pairs has experienced a dramatic range expansion, despite the genetic load and fitness costs of theGCDsystem. Our analyses also reveal a complex pattern of vicariance and dispersal inPogonomyrmexharvester ants that is largely concordant with models of late Miocene, Pliocene, and Pleistocene range shifts among various arid‐adapted taxa in North America.
Population substructure and space use of Foxe Basin polar bears
Authors: Sahanatien Vicki , Peacock Elizabeth , Derocher Andrew E.
Published: June 2015

Climate change has been identified as a major driver of habitat change, particularly for sea ice‐dependent species such as the polar bear (Ursus maritimus). Population structure and space use of polar bears have been challenging to quantify because of their circumpolar distribution and tendency to range over large areas. Knowledge of movement patterns, home range, and habitat is needed for conservation and management. This is the first study to examine the spatial ecology of polar bears in the Foxe Basin management unit of Nunavut, Canada. Foxe Basin is in the mid‐Arctic, part of the seasonal sea ice ecoregion and it is being negatively affected by climate change. Our objectives were to examine intrapopulation spatial structure, to determine movement patterns, and to consider how polar bear movements may respond to changing sea ice habitat conditions. Hierarchical and fuzzy cluster analyses were used to assess intrapopulation spatial structure of geographic position system satellite‐collared female polar bears. Seasonal and annual movement metrics (home range, movement rates, time on ice) and home‐range fidelity (static and dynamic overlap) were compared to examine the influence of regional sea ice on movements. The polar bears were distributed in three spatial clusters, and there were differences in the movement metrics between clusters that may reflect sea ice habitat conditions. Within the clusters, bears moved independently of each other. Annual and seasonal home‐range fidelity was observed, and the bears used two movement patterns: on‐ice range residency and annual migration. We predict that home‐range fidelity may decline as the spatial and temporal predictability of sea ice changes. These new findings also provide baseline information for managing and monitoring this polar bear population.
Hydrological resilience of a Canadian Rockies headwaters basin subject to changing climate, extreme weather, and forest management
Authors: Harder Phillip , Pomeroy John W. , Westbrook Cherie J.
Published: June 2015

Marmot Creek Research Basin in the Canadian Rockies has been the site of intensive streamflow, groundwater, snow accumulation, precipitation, and air temperature observations at multiple elevations. The basin was instrumented in 1962, subjected to forestry experiments in the mid‐1970s, and experienced extreme flooding in 2013. Climate change, forest cover change, and recent extreme weather make the basin an ideal laboratory for studying hydrological resilience. Observations show increases in low elevation air temperature, multiple day and spring precipitation, interannual variability of precipitation, and high elevation groundwater levels. Observations also show decreases in peak seasonal snow accumulation and low elevation groundwater levels. Despite these substantial hydrometeorological and groundwater changes, streamflow volume, timing of peak, and magnitude of the peak are not changing. Streamflow volumes are also insensitive to forest cover changes and teleconnections. The June 2013 flood was unprecedented in the period of record, and the basin significantly moderated the hydrological response to the extreme precipitation; the 2013 storm precipitation depth was 65% greater than the next highest storm total over 51 years; however, the 2013 peak streamflow was only 32% greater than the next highest peak flow recorded. The hydrology of Marmot Creek Research Basin displays remarkable resilience to changing climate, extreme weather, and forest cover change. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk of congenital disease in 46 infected fetuses according to gestational age of primary human cytomegalovirus infection in the mother
Authors: Zavattoni Maurizio , Rustico Mariangela , Tassis Beatrice , Lombardi Giuseppina , Furione Milena , Piralla Antonio , Baldanti Fausto
Published: June 2015

Given the difficulty in establishing the exact time of HCMV transmission from mother to fetus, HCMV intrauterine infection was investigated in 46 infected fetuses/newborns by correlating maternal and fetal parameters with clinical outcome according to the time interval between the onset of maternal infection and prenatal diagnosis. In detail, 17/28 (60.7%) asymptomatic and 18/18 (100%) symptomatic fetuses/newborns were infected as a consequence of a primary maternal HCMV infection acquired ≤8 weeks of gestational age, while 11/28 (39.3%) asymptomatic and 0/18 (0%) symptomatic fetuses/newborns were congenitally infected when maternal infection was acquired >8 weeks' gestation. Symptomatic fetal infections appeared to be associated with a maternal primary infection occurring at ≤ 8 weeks' gestation. Cordocentesis performed at 20 weeks' gestation should be restricted to high risk infected fetuses. J. Med. Virol. 88:120–126, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Monitoring the freshness of fish: development of a qPCR method applied to MAP chilled whiting
Authors: Dehaut Alexandre , Krzewinski Frédéric , Grard Thierry , Chollet Marlène , Jacques Philippe , Brisabois Anne , Duflos Guillaume
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND

Monitoring of early stages of freshness decay is a major issue for the fishery industry to guarantee the best quality for this highly perishable food matrix. Numerous techniques have been developed, but most of them have the disadvantage of being reliable only either in the last stages of fish freshness or for the analysis of whole fish. This study describes the development of a qPCR method targeting the torA gene harboured by fish spoilage microorganisms. torA encodes an enzyme that leads to the production of trimethylamine responsible for the characteristic spoiled‐fish odour.

RESULTS

A degenerate primer pair was designed. It amplified torA gene of both Vibrio and Photobacterium with good efficiencies on 7‐log DNA dilutions. The primer pair was used during a shelf‐life monitoring study achieved on modified atmosphere packed, chilled, whiting (Merlangius merlangus) fillets. The qPCR approach allows the detection of an increase of torA copies throughout the storage of fillets in correlation with the evolution of both total volatile basic nitrogen (−0.86) and trimethylamine concentrations (−0.81), known as spoilage markers.

CONCLUSION

This study described a very promising, sensitive, reliable, time‐effective, technique in the field of freshness characterisation of processed fish. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Adhesion Tuning at Superhydrophobic States: From Petal Effect to Lotus Effect
Authors: Gong Guangming , Wu Juntao , Jin Xu , Jiang Lei
Published: June 2015

The influence of the micro topology on the solid/water wetting and adhesion behaviors is studied in this work. By simply tailoring the morphology, superhydrophobicity can be achieved on a weak hydrophobic surface. And the further fine‐tuning of the surficial geometry realizes the conversion of superhydrophobic states, from Petal to Lotus Effect. The experimental data indicates that the key factor that distinguishing these two states lies in the number of solid/liquid interfaces. This work provides an answer to the fundamental study of the wetting phenomena and it is a complementary to current understanding of special wettings as well.
Mitigation of topological inconsistency attacks in RPL‐based low‐power lossy networks
Authors: Mayzaud Anthéa , Sehgal Anuj , Badonnel Rémi , Chrisment Isabelle , Schönwälder Jürgen
Published: June 2015

The RPL is a routing protocol for low‐power and lossy networks. A malicious node can manipulate header options used by RPL to create topological inconsistencies, thereby causing denial of service attacks, reducing channel availability, increasing control message overhead, and increasing energy consumption at the targeted node and its neighborhood. RPL overcomes these topological inconsistencies via a fixed threshold, upon reaching which all subsequent packets with erroneous header options are ignored. However, this threshold value is arbitrarily chosen, and the performance can be improved by taking into account network characteristics. To address this, we present a mitigation strategy that allows nodes to dynamically adapt against a topological inconsistency attack based on the current network conditions. Results from our experiments show that our approach outperforms the fixed threshold and mitigates these attacks without significant overhead. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bisector and zero‐macrospin co‐rotational systems for shell elements
Authors: Izzuddin B. A. , Liang Y.
Published: June 2015

A principal issue in any co‐rotational approach for large displacement analysis of plates and shells is associated with the specific choice of the local reference system in relation to the current deformed element configuration. Previous approaches utilised local co‐rotational systems, which are invariant to nodal ordering, a characteristic that is deemed desirable on several fronts; however, the associated definitions of the local reference system suffered from a range of shortcomings, including undue complexity, dependence on the local element formulation and possibly an asymmetric tangent stiffness matrix. In this paper, new definitions of the local co‐rotational system are proposed for quadrilateral and triangular shell elements, which achieve the invariance characteristic to the nodal ordering in a relatively simple manner and address the aforementioned shortcomings. The proposed definitions utilise only the nodal coordinates in the deformed configuration, where two alternative definitions, namely, bisector and zero‐macrospin definitions, are presented for each of quadrilateral and triangular finite elements. In each case, the co‐rotational transformations linking the local and global element entities are presented, highlighting the simplicity of the proposed approach. Several numerical examples are finally presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and relative accuracy of the alternative definitions proposed for the local co‐rotational system. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.