bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolving from Reactive to Proactive Medicine: Community Lead (Pb) and Clinical Disparities in Pre- and Post-Katrina New Orleans
Authors: Mielke Howard , Gonzales Christopher , Powell Eric , Mielke Paul
Published: July 2014

In 2012 the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) set the blood Pb reference value at ≥5 µg/dL. Clinical analysis of children’s blood Pb levels is the common way to diagnose environmental Pb contamination, and intervention ensues with education and household dust cleanup. Recent review indicates that education and household dust cleanup are not effective at reducing children’s Pb exposure. Here we review mapping environmental Pb and children’s blood Pb response as an alternative approach for proactive Pb dust intervention. New Orleans was divided into a high (≥100 mg/kg) and low (<100 mg/kg) soil Pb communities. The children’s blood Pb prevalence ≥5 µg/dL for the high and low Pb domains were 58.5% and 24.8% respectively pre-Katrina vs. 29.6% and 7.5% post-Katrina. Elevated soil Pb (mg/kg) and consequently Pb loading (µg/square area) permeates the high Pb domain and outdoor locations lack Pb dust safe play areas. The U.S. EPA 400 mg/kg soil Pb standard poses an outside Pb dust loading burden >37 times larger than allowed on interior residential floor environments. Environmental Pb dust is decreasing because of the transfer of large quantities of low Pb soil into selected communities. City-scale soil Pb mapping is an alternative diagnostic tool that provides information for planning proactive medicine to prevent clinical Pb exposure in the first place.
Health and Health Care Disparities: The Effect of Social and Environmental Factors on Individual and Population Health
Authors: Thomas Billy
Published: July 2014

Recently the existence and prevalence of health and health care disparities has increased with accompanying research showing that minorities (African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders) are disproportionately affected resulting in poorer health outcomes compared to non-minority populations (whites). This is due to multiple factors including and most importantly the social determinants of health which includes lower levels of education, overall lower socioeconomic status, inadequate and unsafe housing, and living in close proximity to environmental hazards; all contributing to poor health. Given the ever widening gap in health and health care disparities, the growing number of individuals living at or below the poverty level, the low number of college graduates and the growing shortage of health care professionals (especially minority) the goals of this paper are to: (1) Define diversity and inclusion as interdependent entities. (2) Review the health care system as it relates to barriers/problems within the system resulting in the unequal distribution of quality health care. (3) Examine institutional and global benefits of increasing diversity in research. (4) Provide recommendations on institutional culture change and developing a diverse culturally competent healthcare workforce.
Field Spectroscopy Metadata System Based on ISO and OGC Standards
Authors: Jiménez Marcos , González Magdalena , Amaro Alberto , Fernández-Renau Alix
Published: July 2014

Field spectroscopy has undergone a remarkable growth over the past two decades in terms of use and application to different scientific disciplines. This work presents an important step forward to improve the interoperability for the spectral library interchange in the field spectroscopy scientific community, by establishing an XML-based metadata system using published International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards and Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) specifications. The proposed methodology is structured using three different XML files: each spectral library file acquired during a field campaign is accompanied by an XML file encoded according to the ISO 19156 standard, which carries the information related to the material or surface measured and the sampling procedure applied; the spectral libraries acquired on the same date share an XML file encoded according to the ISO 19115 standard, to represent dataset-level metadata; finally, all of the spectral libraries for the entire field campaign are referenced to an XML file encoded according to the Sensor Model Language (SensorML) specification, for information related to the field spectrometer characteristics and status. This structure ensures that the ISO 19156 files are not very large and avoids the repetition of many common metadata elements required to describe the dataset and sensor description.
4-Hydroxyphenylacetic Acid Attenuated Inflammation and Edema via Suppressing HIF-1α in Seawater Aspiration-Induced Lung Injury in Rats
Authors: Liu Zhongyang , Xi Ronggang , Zhang Zhiran , Li Wangping , Liu Yan , Jin Faguang , Wang Xiaobo
Published: July 2014

4-Hydroxyphenylacetic acid (4-HPA) is an active component of Chinese herb Aster tataricus which had been widely used in China for the treatment of pulmonary diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of 4-HPA on seawater aspiration-induced lung injury. Pulmonary inflammation and edema were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) white cell count, Evans blue dye analysis, wet to dry weight ratios, and histology study. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) siRNA and permeability assay were used to study the effect of 4-HPA on the production of inflammatory cytokines and monolayer permeability in vitro. The results showed that 4-HPA reduced seawater instillation-induced mortality in rats. In lung tissues, 4-HPA attenuated hypoxia, inflammation, vascular leak, and edema, and decreased HIF-1α protein level. In primary rat alveolar epithelial cells (AEC), 4-HPA decreased hypertonicity- and hypoxia-induced HIF-1α protein levels through inhibiting the activations of protein translational regulators and via promoting HIF-1α protein degradation. In addition, 4-HPA lowered inflammatory cytokines levels through suppressing hypertonicity- and hypoxia-induced HIF-1α in NR8383 macrophages. Moreover, 4-HPA decreased monolayer permeability through suppressing hypertonicity and hypoxia-induced HIF-1α, which was mediated by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in rat lung microvascular endothelial cell line (RLMVEC). In conclusion, 4-HPA attenuated inflammation and edema through suppressing hypertonic and hypoxic induction of HIF-1α in seawater aspiration-induced lung injury in rats.
Nonlinear Optical Molecular Switches for Alkali Ion Identification
Authors: Plaquet Aurélie , Champagne Benoît , Castet Frédéric
Published: July 2014

This work demonstrates by means of DFT and ab initio calculations that recognition of alkali cations can be achieved by probing the variations of the second-order nonlinear optical properties along the commutation process in spiropyran/merocyanine systems. Due to the ability of the merocyanine isomer to complex metal cations, the switching between the two forms is accompanied by large contrasts in the quadratic hyperpolarizability that strongly depend on the size of the cation in presence. Exploiting the nonlinear optical responses of molecular switches should therefore provide powerful analytical tools for detecting and identifying metal cations in solution.
Long Term Follow Up of Celiac Disease—Is Atherosclerosis a Problem?
Authors: Rybak Anna , Cukrowska Bożena , Socha Jerzy , Socha Piotr
Published: July 2014

Celiac disease (CD) is a lifelong condition and it often involves impaired nutrition, wide spectrum of symptoms and it requires constant dietetic treatment. The impact of the gluten-free diet on patients’ nutritional status and on the other biochemical parameters is being widely investigated. In this article we looked into particular risk factors that might lead to increased prevalence of atherosclerosis in CD patients, including nutritional status, gluten-free diet, lipids profile and concomitant disease—type 1 diabetes mellitus. Here, we present the current data and research on these risk factors of atherosclerosis with respect to celiac disease.
Geographic Object-Based Image Analysis Using Optical Satellite Imagery and GIS Data for the Detection of Mining Sites in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Luethje Fritjof , Kranz Olaf , Schoepfer Elisabeth
Published: July 2014

Earth observation is an important source of information in areas that are too remote, too insecure or even both for traditional field surveys. A multi-scale analysis approach is developed to monitor the Kivu provinces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to identify hot spots of mining activities and provide reliable information about the situation in and around two selected mining sites, Mumba-Bibatama and Bisie. The first is the test case for the approach and the detection of unknown mining sites, whereas the second acts as reference case since it is the largest and most well-known location for cassiterite extraction in eastern Congo. Thus it plays a key-role within the context of the conflicts in this region. Detailed multi-temporal analyses of very high-resolution (VHR) satellite data demonstrates the capabilities of Geographic Object-Based Image Analysis (GEOBIA) techniques for providing information about the situation during a mining ban announced by the Congolese President between September 2010 and March 2011. Although the opening of new surface patches can serve as an indication for activities in the area, the pure change between the two satellite images does not in itself produce confirming evidence. However, in combination with observations on the ground, it becomes evident that mining activities continued in Bisie during the ban, even though the production volume went down considerably.
A Hybrid Spatio-Temporal Data Indexing Method for Trajectory Databases
Authors: Ke Shengnan , Gong Jun , Li Songnian , Zhu Qing , Liu Xintao , Zhang Yeting
Published: July 2014

In recent years, there has been tremendous growth in the field of indoor and outdoor positioning sensors continuously producing huge volumes of trajectory data that has been used in many fields such as location-based services or location intelligence. Trajectory data is massively increased and semantically complicated, which poses a great challenge on spatio-temporal data indexing. This paper proposes a spatio-temporal data indexing method, named HBSTR-tree, which is a hybrid index structure comprising spatio-temporal R-tree, B*-tree and Hash table. To improve the index generation efficiency, rather than directly inserting trajectory points, we group consecutive trajectory points as nodes according to their spatio-temporal semantics and then insert them into spatio-temporal R-tree as leaf nodes. Hash table is used to manage the latest leaf nodes to reduce the frequency of insertion. A new spatio-temporal interval criterion and a new node-choosing sub-algorithm are also proposed to optimize spatio-temporal R-tree structures. In addition, a B*-tree sub-index of leaf nodes is built to query the trajectories of targeted objects efficiently. Furthermore, a database storage scheme based on a NoSQL-type DBMS is also proposed for the purpose of cloud storage. Experimental results prove that HBSTR-tree outperforms TB*-tree in some aspects such as generation efficiency, query performance and query type.
A Bionic Camera-Based Polarization Navigation Sensor
Authors: Wang Daobin , Liang Huawei , Zhu Hui , Zhang Shuai
Published: July 2014

Navigation and positioning technology is closely related to our routine life activities, from travel to aerospace. Recently it has been found that Cataglyphis (a kind of desert ant) is able to detect the polarization direction of skylight and navigate according to this information. This paper presents a real-time bionic camera-based polarization navigation sensor. This sensor has two work modes: one is a single-point measurement mode and the other is a multi-point measurement mode. An indoor calibration experiment of the sensor has been done under a beam of standard polarized light. The experiment results show that after noise reduction the accuracy of the sensor can reach up to 0.3256°. It is also compared with GPS and INS (Inertial Navigation System) in the single-point measurement mode through an outdoor experiment. Through time compensation and location compensation, the sensor can be a useful alternative to GPS and INS. In addition, the sensor also can measure the polarization distribution pattern when it works in multi-point measurement mode.
Reduction of the Dimensionality of the EEG Channels during Scoliosis Correction Surgeries Using a Wavelet Decomposition Technique
Authors: Al-Kadi Mahmoud , Reaz Mamun , Ali Mohd , Liu Chian
Published: July 2014

This paper presents a comparison between the electroencephalogram (EEG) channels during scoliosis correction surgeries. Surgeons use many hand tools and electronic devices that directly affect the EEG channels. These noises do not affect the EEG channels uniformly. This research provides a complete system to find the least affected channel by the noise. The presented system consists of five stages: filtering, wavelet decomposing (Level 4), processing the signal bands using four different criteria (mean, energy, entropy and standard deviation), finding the useful channel according to the criteria’s value and, finally, generating a combinational signal from Channels 1 and 2. Experimentally, two channels of EEG data were recorded from six patients who underwent scoliosis correction surgeries in the Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM) (the Medical center of National University of Malaysia). The combinational signal was tested by power spectral density, cross-correlation function and wavelet coherence. The experimental results show that the system-outputted EEG signals are neatly switched without any substantial changes in the consistency of EEG components. This paper provides an efficient procedure for analyzing EEG signals in order to avoid averaging the channels that lead to redistribution of the noise on both channels, reducing the dimensionality of the EEG features and preparing the best EEG stream for the classification and monitoring stage.
Evaluating the Infiltration Performance of Eight Dutch Permeable Pavements Using a New Full-Scale Infiltration Testing Method
Authors: Boogaard Floris , Lucke Terry , Van de Giesen Nick , Van de Ven Frans
Published: July 2014

Permeable pavements are a type of sustainable urban drainage system (SUDS) technique that are used around the world to infiltrate and treat urban stormwater runoff and to minimize runoff volumes. Urban stormwater runoff contains significant concentrations of suspended sediments that can cause clogging and reduce the infiltration capacity and effectiveness of permeable pavements. It is important for stormwater managers to be able to determine when the level of clogging has reached an unacceptable level, so that they can schedule maintenance or replacement activities as required. Newly-installed permeable pavements in the Netherlands must demonstrate a minimum infiltration capacity of 194 mm/h (540 l/s/ha). Other commonly used permeable pavement guidelines in the Netherlands recommend that maintenance is undertaken on permeable pavements when the infiltration falls below 0.50 m/d (20.8 mm/h). This study used a newly-developed, full-scale infiltration test procedure to evaluate the infiltration performance of eight permeable pavements in five municipalities that had been in service for over seven years in the Netherlands. The determined infiltration capacities vary between 29 and 342 mm/h. Two of the eight pavements show an infiltration capacity higher than 194 mm/h, and all infiltration capacities are higher than 20.8 mm/h. According to the guidelines, this suggests that none of the pavements tested in this study would require immediate maintenance.
Multilayer Numerical Modeling of Flows through Vegetation Using a Mixing-Length Turbulence Model
Authors: Barrios-Piña Hector , Ramírez-León Hermilo , Rodríguez-Cuevas Clemente , Couder-Castañeda Carlos
Published: July 2014

This work focuses on the effects of vegetation on a fluid flow pattern. In this numerical research, we verify the applicability of a simpler turbulence model than the commonly used k-" model to predict the mean flow through vegetation. The novel characteristic of this turbulence model is that the horizontal mixing-length is explicitly calculated and coupled with a multi-layer approach for the vertical mixing-length, within a general three-dimensional eddy-viscosity formulation. This mixing-length turbulence model has been validated in previous works for different kinds of non-vegetated flows. The hydrodynamic numerical model used for simulations is based on the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations for shallow water flows, where a vegetation shear stress term is considered to reproduce the effects of drag forces on flow. A second-order approximation is used for spatial discretization and a semi-implicit Lagrangian–Eulerian scheme is used for time discretization. In order to validate the numerical results, we compare them against experimental data reported in the literature. The comparisons are carried out for two cases of study: submerged vegetation and submerged and emergent vegetation, both within an open channel flow.
Expedient synthesis of 1,6-anhydro-α-D-galactofuranose, a useful intermediate for glycobiological tools
Authors: Baldoni Luciana , Marino Carla
Published: July 2014

A new and efficient three-step procedure for the synthesis of 1,6-anhydro-α-D-galactofuranose is described. The key step involves the formation of the galactofuranosyl iodide by treatment of per-O-TBS-D-Galf with TMSI, the selective 6-O-desilylation by an excess of TMSI, and the simultaneous nucleophilic attack of the 6-hydroxy group on the anomeric carbon, with the iodide as a good leaving group. This compound is a good precursor for building blocks for the construction of 1→6 linkages.
Aspilota-group (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Alysiinae) diversity in Mediterranean Natural Parks of Spain
Authors: Peris-Felipo Francisco Javier , Belokobylskij Sergey , Falcó-Garí Jose Vicente , Jiménez-Peydró Ricardo
Published: July 2014

This work analyses the biodiversity of the Aspilota-group (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Alysiinae) in three Mediterranean Natural parks: Natural Park of La Font Roja, Natural Park of Las Lagunas de la Mata-Torrevieja and Natural Park of La Tinença de Benifassà. Samples were carried out from April 2004 to December 2007. In total, 822 specimens, belonging to 52 species, were collected. Alpha, beta and gamma diversities were analysed, and the Tinença Park was proven to have higher diversity than the Font Roja and Torrevieja. Also, the structure of the Aspilota-group community was analysed.
R&D productivity in Europe: towards a regional taxonomy in the European Union
Authors: Aguado Ricardo , Martínez López Jabier
Published: July 2014

Research, development and innovation activities have become key sources of competitive advantage, which is one of the main factors behind the wellbeing of citizens living in a given territory. Being aware of this fact, public administrations at different administrative levels have encouraged the production of innovations through public policies. If we focus in Europe, regional disparities in the amount of innovation inputs and outputs are very high.

In this paper, the authors will measure the productivity of research and development activities performed by all regions in the EU. In order to do so, authors will take into account some indicators to measure innovation inputs and outputs at the regional level. Using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) authors will measure regional productivity in the field of R&D and then compare this productivity outcome between regions in the EU. After explaining this first DEA model, authors will use cluster analysis to achieve a typology of regions regarding their productivity in R&D activities. With all these results, policy makers could compare the situation of their own regions and adapt policies of efficient regions to their own institutional and economic background in the field of R&D.
Effects of pH values on the properties of buffalo and cow butter-based low-fat spreads
Authors: Abdeldaiem A. M. , Jin Q. , Liu R. , Wang X.
Published: July 2014

The objective of this study was to characterize the effects of pH values (5, 5.5, 6, 6.5 and 7) on the properties of buffalo and cow butter-based low-fat spreads. Sensory evaluation of the samples decreased with an increase in pH values and during the storage periods. In addition, phase separation occurred with pH 6, 6.5 and 7. The differences in peroxide values and oil stability index among the samples compared to the control samples were slight, while peroxide values and oil stability index decreased during the storage periods. Changes in fatty acid composition among the pH treatments and during the storage periods were detected. Differences in solid fat contents among pH treatments separately and during the storage periods were negligible. A decline in the hardness and viscosity of the samples were accompanied by an increase in pH values, and the treatments had increased effects during the storage periods. Generally, an increase of pH values did not affect the melting profiles of the spreads. Additionally, changes between the melting profiles of buffalo and cow butter-based low-fat spreads were detected.
Phenolic content of Sicilian virgin olive oils and their effect on MG-63 human osteoblastic cell proliferation
Authors: García-Martínez O. , Mazzaglia G. , Sánchez-Ortiz A. , Ocaña-Peinado F. M. , Rivas A.
Published: July 2014

The aim of this study was, first, to investigate the influence of olive variety and elevation of orchards on the phenolic compound content of Sicilian virgin olive oils (VOOs) and, second, to investigate the effects of VOO phenolic extracts on osteoblast cell growth using the human MG-63 osteosarcoma cell line. Olive oil phenolic content and its effect on human osteosarcoma cell proliferation varied according to the type of cultivar and the grove altitude. This variation was also observed within the same type of cultivar. This observation demonstrates that the cultivar and the grove location can significantly affect the chemical composition and bioactivity of virgin olive oil. Although this study supports the hypothesis that virgin olive oil phenolic fractions exert a beneficial effect on bone health, further studies assessing the in vivo accessibility of virgin olive oil phenolic compounds to osteoblast cells should be carried out.
Effect of genotype on fatty acid composition of intramuscular and subcutaneous fat of Celta pig breed
Authors: Domínguez R. , Lorenzo J. M.
Published: July 2014

A total of 45 Celta breed pigs were used to investigate the effect of genotype (Barcina, Carballiña and Santiaguesa lines) on the fatty acid composition of intramuscular (IMF) and subcutaneous fat (SF). The total IMF content was influenced by genotype (P < 0.05), since the Barcina line had the highest levels (5.21% vs 1.99 and 3.59% for Santiaguesa and Carballiña lines, respectively). The total and neutral lipids from the IMF of the Santiaguesa line displayed higher contents of PUFA than the other two lines. The nutritional indices were also affected by genotype, since the Santiaguesa line presented the lowest atherogenic (AI) and thrombogenic (TI) indices and the highest hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio (h/H) (P < 0.05). The IMF total and neutral lipids presented higher (P < 0.05) values of MUFA than SF, while the PUFA content was greatest in SF (P < 0.05). Regarding the polar fraction, samples from IMF presented the highest values of PUFA (between 37–44%). Finally, SF showed higher percentages of MUFA and SFA than IMF (P < 0.05). The differences in IMF content and back fat thickness imply that the deposition of IMF and SF may be regulated by different mechanism among the three lines.
Oleogels of virgin olive oil with carnauba wax and monoglyceride as spreadable products
Authors: Öǧütcü M. , Yılmaz E.
Published: July 2014

The oleogels of virgin olive oil with carnauba wax and monoglyceride were prepared to determine the most suitable spreadable product. The oil binding capacities of monoglyceride oleogels were higher than those of the carnauba wax oleogels. There was no true crystalline structure with carnauba wax at 3%. Although the highest solid fat content was in the 10% monoglyceride oleogel (9.38%), it was 12.15% in the commercial breakfast margarine at 20 °C. The peak melting temperature of the margarine was 47.11 °C, and among all oleogels, monoglyceride oleogel at 7% addition had the closest value (48.70 °C). The melting enthalpies of the oleogels ranged from 1.25 to 103.97 J·g−1, while it was 94.19 J·g−1 for the margarine sample. The firmness and stickiness values were usually lower in the oleogel samples than those of the margarine sample. There was no significant change in the texture parameters during storage, indicating good structural stability. The polarized light microscopy pictures revealed rod-like crystals for carnauba wax and rosette-like aggregates for monoglyceride oleogels. X-ray diffraction patterns of the samples have revealed a β´-type polymorphic structure for the oleogels. These oleogels can be used in a spreadable, breakfast margarin-like product to promote new consumption habits for this healthy oil.
Diferencias en el uso de los programas de rentas mínimas según nacionalidad. La Renta de Garantía de Ingresos en la Comunidad Autónoma vasca
Authors: Lavia Martínez Cristina , Moreno Márquez Gorka , Aierdi Urraza Xabier
Published: July 2014

En este artículo realizamos un primer análisis de la base de datos de personas perceptoras de la prestación de la Renta de Garantía de Ingresos —el programa de rentas mínimas en la Comunidad Autónoma del País Vasco (CAPV)— en Vizcaya entre 2004 y 2010, con el objeto de probar una serie de indicadores básicos para la descripción del colectivo y, especialmente, para la comparación de las poblaciones autóctona e inmigrante. Además de conocer las características de ambos colectivos e identificar pautas diferenciales sobre su presencia en la prestación, el objetivo último radica en contribuir a contrastar algunas percepciones existentes en torno al uso de las prestaciones sociales por parte del colectivo inmigrante. Entre los resultados podemos destacar diferencias entre ambos colectivos en lo referente a los perfiles sociodemográficos en aspectos tales como la edad, el sexo, estado civil o municipio de residencia. Por otra parte, se analizan aspectos como la duración de las estancias y se detecta una mayor percepción económica por parte de la población extranjera. También se recurre a unos índices para identificar las situaciones de cronicidad (máxima percepción ininterrumpida durante al menos dos años), los cuales revelan también una situación crecientemente más desfavorable entre los extranjeros e incluso permiten reconocer a algunos colectivos nacionales que destacan más (rumanos y africanos subsaharianos).
Automatic syllable segmentation of Myanmar texts using finite state transducer
Authors: Hlaing Tin Htay , Mikami Yoshiki
Published: July 2014

Automatic syllabification lies at the heart of script processing especially for the South East Asian scripts like Myanmar. Myanmar syllabification algorithms implemented so far are either rule-based or dictionary-based approach. This paper proposes a new method for Myanmar syllabification which deploys formal grammar and un-weighted finite state transducers (FST). Our proposed method focuses on orthographic way of syllabification for the input texts encoded in Unicode. We tackle syllabification of Myanmar words with standard syllable structure as well as words with irregular structures such as kinzi, consonant stacking which have not been resolved by previous methods. Our FST based syllabifier was tested on 11,732 distinct words contained in Myanmar Orthography Corpus. These words yielded 32,238 syllables and are compared with correctly hand syllabified words. Our FST based syllabification method performs with99.93% accuracy on Stuttgart FST (SFST) tools. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/icter.v6i2.7150 International Journal on Advances in ICT for Emerging Regions (ICTer), 2013;v.6(2)
Artificial neural network ensembles in time series forecasting: an application of rainfall forecasting in Sri Lanka
Authors: Nagahamulla Harshani R. K. , Ratnayake Uditha R. , Ratnaweera Asanga
Published: July 2014

Weather forecasting is a widely researched area in time series forecasting due to the necessity of accurate weather forecasts in various human activities. Out of numerous weather forecasting techniques Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) methodology is one of the most widely used techniques. In this study the application of Neural Network Ensembles in Rainfall Forecasting is investigated by using various types of Ensemble Neural Networks (ENN) to forecast the rainfall in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Ensembles are generated by changing the network architecture, changing initial weights of the ANN and changing the ANN type. Two ensembles one consisting of a collection of networks of various architectures of Multi Layer Feed Forward Network with Back Propagation Algorithm (BPN), and the other consisting of a combination of BPN, Radial Basis Function Network (RBFN) and General Regression Neural Network (GRNN). The performance of ensembles are compared with the performance of BPN, RBFN and GRNN. The ANNs are trained, validated and tested using daily observed weather data for 41 years. The results of our experiment show that the performance of the ensemble models are better than the performance of the other models for this application and that changing the network type gives better results than changing the architecture of the ANN.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/icter.v6i2.7151International Journal on Advances in ICT for Emerging Regions (ICTer), 2013;v.6(2)
Towards a structured approach for evaluating the ICT contribution to development
Authors: Kivunike Florence Nameere , Ekenberg Love , Danielson Mats , Tusubira F. F.
Published: July 2014

Undoubtedly Information and communication Technologies (ICT) contribute to development; however there is a need to know how and the extent to which development occurs. Moreover the evaluation of the ICT contribution to development has been challenged from theoretical, ethical and methodological angles. This paper addresses some of these challenges by proposing a model that enables systematic evaluation of the ICT contribution to development. The proposed model is conceptually motivated by Amartya Sen’s capability approach that defines development as freedom. Development is a process that involves the provision of opportunities (capabilities) from an ICT resource, as well as actually exploiting the opportunities to realize development benefits. The conversion of resources to opportunities and opportunities to development benefits is facilitated or inhibited by various contextual factors. Development from the capability perspective is both peoplecentered and multidimensional. This requires consideration of both instrumental effectiveness and intrinsic importance. Consequently five evaluation dimensions concerning social and economic development are proposed; namely research and education opportunities, healthcare, economic facilities, political freedoms and psychological wellbeing. ICT4D evaluation indicators are suggested for each dimension and a Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) structured evaluation process is proposed to guide the evaluation. The application of a structured evaluation approach is illustrated through the example of an online learning environment at a University in a developing country. Future research is underway to further apply and validate the model in practice.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/icter.v7i1.7152International Journal on Advances in ICT for Emerging Regions (ICTer), 2013;v.7(1); p.1-15
Roles and Regulation of Gastrointestinal Eosinophils in Immunity and Disease
Authors: Jung YunJae , Rothenberg Marc E.
Published: July 2014

Eosinophils have historically been considered to be destructive end-stage effector cells that have a role in parasitic infections and allergic reactions by the release of their granule-derived cytotoxic proteins. However, an increasing number of experimental observations indicate that eosinophils also are multifunctional leukocytes involved in diverse inflammatory and physiologic immune responses. Under homeostatic conditions, eosinophils are particularly abundant in the lamina propria of the gastrointestinal tract, where their involvement in various biological processes within the gastrointestinal tract has been posited. In this review, we summarize the molecular steps involved in eosinophil development and describe eosinophil trafficking to the gastrointestinal tract. We synthesize the current findings on the phenotypic and functional properties of gastrointestinal eosinophils and the accumulating evidence that they have a contributory role in gastrointestinal disorders, with a focus on primary eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders. Finally, we discuss the potential role of eosinophils as modulators of the intestinal immune system.
Dendritic Cell–Derived Exosomes as Immunotherapies in the Fight against Cancer
Authors: Pitt Jonathan M. , Charrier Mélinda , Viaud Sophie , André Fabrice , Besse Benjamin , Chaput Nathalie , Zitvogel Laurence
Published: July 2014

Exosomes are nanometric membrane vesicles of late endosomal origin released by most, if not all, cell types as a means of sophisticated intercellular communication. A multitude of studies showed how exosomes can mediate and regulate immune responses against tumors. Dendritic cell–derived exosomes (Dex) have received much attention as immunotherapeutic anticancer agents since the discovery that they harbor functional MHC–peptide complexes, in addition to various other immune-stimulating components, that together facilitate immune cell–dependent tumor rejection. The therapeutic potential of Dex has been substantiated with their development and clinical testing in the treatment of cancer. This review focuses on mechanisms by which Dex interact with and influence immune cells and describes how they can be engineered to promote their immunogenic capacity as novel and dynamic anticancer agents.
Fast, faster, poorest decisions?: A practical theological exploration of the role of a speedy mobinomic world in decision-making
Authors: Van den Berg Jan Albert
Published: July 2014

In a digital world, it seems as if the boundaries between rich and poor are becoming increasingly blurred. A mobinomic world is created through the use of cellular telephones, which plays an important role on multiple levels of socioeconomic understanding. Various advantages are created through the interplay between the power of mobility and the convergence of various forms of media. Considering the immediate accessibility of an overflow of data in various forms as well as time pressure, decision-making is increasingly becoming associated with living in the fast lane of the digital world. Unfortunately, the cost of faster decision-making is that it could potentially result in individuals making poor decisions on various levels. A practical-theological exploration, as embedded in a transversal rational engagement, entails a preliminary investigation and description of this digital reality, especially as portrayed in the dynamics of decision-making associated with the social media platform Twitter.
Projectivity in Algebraic Cobordism
Authors: Luis Gonzalez Jose , Karu Kalle
Published: July 2014

The algebraic cobordism group of a scheme is generated by cycles that are proper morphisms from smooth quasiprojective varieties. We prove that over a field of characteristic zero the quasiprojectivity assumption can be omitted to get the same theory.
Long-term observation of aerosol–cloud relationships in the Mid-Atlantic of the United States
Authors: Li S. , Joseph E. , Min Q. , Yin B.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Long-term ground-based observations (2006 to 2010) of aerosol and cloud properties derived from passive radiometric sensors deployed at an atmospheric measurement field station in the Baltimore–Washington corridor operated by Howard University were used to examine aerosol indirect effect on cloud optical depth (COD), liquid water path (LWP), cloud droplets effective radius (Re) and cloud droplets number concentration (Nd). A higher frequency of clouds with large COD (> 20) and small Re (< 7 m) was found during summer of 2006 and 2007 along with higher frequency of abundant aerosol loading. The five-year data are screened for summer months only and are separated into clean and polluted cases based on aerosol particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 m (PM2.5) value. Evidence of aerosol indirect effect is found where for polluted cases the mean and median values of COD and Nd distributions were elevated while the mean and median values of Re were decreased. Further reinforcing this conclusion is the result that the mean and median values of LWP distributions did not show prominent difference between clean and polluted cases, this implies that differences between the two cases of influential factors on cloud properties were relatively controlled. Moreover aerosol indirect effects were found insignificant when LWP was small but significant when LWP was large through the analysis of sensitivity of Nd to LWP under different aerosol loading and the measurements of aerosol size distribution.
The white-light humidified optical particle spectrometer (WHOPS) – a novel airborne system to characterize aerosol hygroscopicity
Authors: Rosati B. , Wehrle G. , Zieger P. , Gysel M. , Baltensperger U. , Weingartner E.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Aerosol particles experience hygroscopic growth at enhanced relative humidity (RH) which leads to changes in their optical properties. We developed the white-light humidified optical particle spectrometer (WHOPS), a new instrument to investigate the particles' hygroscopic growth. Here we present a detailed technical description and characterization of the WHOPS in laboratory and field experiments. The WHOPS consists of a differential mobility analyzer, a humidifier/bypass and a WELAS (white-light aerosol spectrometer) connected in series to provide fast measurements of particle hygroscopicity at sub-saturated RH and optical properties on airborne platforms. The WELAS employs a white-light source to minimize ambiguities in the optical particle sizing. In contrast to other hygroscopicity instruments, the WHOPS retrieves information of relatively large particles (i.e. diameter D > 280 nm), therefore investigating the more optically relevant size ranges. The effective index of refraction of the dry particles is retrieved from the optical diameter measured for size-selected aerosol samples with a well-defined dry mobility diameter. The data analysis approach for the optical sizing and retrieval of the index of refraction was extensively tested in laboratory experiments with polystyrene latex size standards and ammonium sulfate particles of different diameters. The hygroscopic growth factor (GF) distribution and aerosol mixing state is inferred from the optical size distribution measured for the size-selected and humidified aerosol sample. Laboratory experiments with pure ammonium sulfate particles revealed good agreement with Köhler theory (mean bias of ~ 3% and maximal deviation of 9% for GFs at RH = 95%). First airborne measurements in the Netherlands observed GFs (mean value of the GF distribution) at RH = 95% between 1.74 and 2.67 with a median of 1.94 for particles with a dry diameter of 500 nm. This corresponds to hygroscopicity parameters (κ) between 0.21 and 0.93 with a median of 0.33. The GF distributions indicate externally mixed particles covering the whole range of GFs between ~ 1.0–3.0. On average ~ 74% of the particles were "more hygroscopic" with GFs > 1.5, ~ 15% were non- or slightly hygroscopic with GF < 1.1 and the remaining ~ 11% were "less hygroscopic" with 1.1 < GF < 1.5. The more hygroscopic mode sometimes peaked at GF > 2, indicating influence of sea salt particles, consistent with previous ground-based particle hygroscopicity measurements in this area. The mean dry effective index of refraction for 500 nm particles was found to be rather constant with a value of 1.42 ± 0.04.
Processes determining the marine alkalinity and carbonate saturation distributions
Authors: Carter B. R. , Toggweiler J. R. , Key R. M. , Sarmiento J. L.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. We introduce a composite tracer, Alk*, that has a global distribution primarily determined by CaCO3 precipitation and dissolution. Alk* also highlights riverine alkalinity plumes that are due to dissolved calcium carbonate from land. We estimate the Arctic receives approximately twice the riverine alkalinity per unit area as the Atlantic, and 8 times that of the other oceans. Riverine inputs broadly elevate Alk* in the Arctic surface and particularly near river mouths. Strong net carbonate precipitation lowers basin mean Indian and Atlantic Alk*, while upwelling of dissolved CaCO3 rich deep waters elevates Northern Pacific and Southern Ocean Alk*. We use the Alk* distribution to estimate the carbonate saturation variability resulting from CaCO3 cycling and other processes. We show regional variations in surface carbonate saturation are due to temperature changes driving CO2 fluxes and, to a lesser extent, freshwater cycling. Calcium carbonate cycling plays a tertiary role. Monitoring the Alk* distribution would allow us to isolate the impact of acidification on biological calcification and remineralization.
Protist community composition during early phytoplankton blooms in the naturally iron-fertilized Kerguelen area (Southern Ocean)
Authors: Georges C. , Monchy S. , Genitsaris S. , Christaki U.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Microbial eukaryotic community composition was examined by 18S rRNA gene tag pyrosequencing, during the early phase of spring phytoplankton blooms induced by natural iron fertilization, off Kerguelen Island in the Southern Ocean (KEOPS2 cruise). A total of 999 operational taxonomical units (OTUs), affiliated to 30 known high-level taxonomic groups, were retrieved from 16 samples collected in the upper 300 m water column. The alveolata group was the most abundant in terms of sequence number and diversity (696 OTUs). The majority of alveolata sequences were affiliated to Dinophyceae and to two major groups of marine alveolates (MALV-I and MALV-II). In the upper 180 m, only 13% of the OTUs were shared between of the fertilized stations and the reference site characterized by high nutrient low chlorophyll (HNLC) waters. Fungi and Cercozoa were present in iron-fertilized waters, but almost absent in the HNLC samples, while Haptophyta and Chlorophyta characterized the HNLC sample. Finally, the 300 m depth samples of all stations were differentiated by the presence of MALV-II and Radiolaria. Multivariate analysis, examining the level of similarity between different samples, showed that protistan assemblages differed significantly between the HNLC and iron-fertilized stations, but also between the diverse iron-fertilized blooms.
Moderate forest disturbance as a stringent test for gap and big-leaf models
Authors: Bond-Lamberty B. , Fisk J. , Holm J. A. , Bailey V. , Gough C. M.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Disturbance-induced tree mortality is a key factor regulating the carbon balance of a forest, but tree mortality and its subsequent effects are poorly represented processes in terrestrial ecosystem models. In particular, it is unclear whether models can robustly simulate moderate (non-catastrophic) disturbances, which tend to increase biological and structural complexity and are increasingly common in aging US forests. We tested whether three forest ecosystem models – Biome-BGC, a classic big-leaf model, and the ED and ZELIG gap-oriented models – could reproduce the resilience to moderate disturbance observed in an experimentally manipulated forest (the Forest Accelerated Succession Experiment in northern Michigan, USA, in which 38% of canopy dominants were stem girdled and compared to control plots). Each model was parameterized, spun up, and disturbed following similar protocols, and run for 5 years post-disturbance. The models replicated observed declines in aboveground biomass well. Biome-BGC captured the timing and rebound of observed leaf area index (LAI), while ED and ZELIG correctly estimated the magnitude of LAI decline. None of the models fully captured the observed post-disturbance C fluxes. Biome-BGC net primary production (NPP) was correctly resilient, but for the wrong reasons, while ED and ZELIG exhibited large, unobserved drops in NPP and net ecosystem production. The biological mechanisms proposed to explain the observed rapid resilience of the C cycle are typically not incorporated by these or other models. As a result we expect that most ecosystem models, developed to simulate processes following stand-replacing disturbances, will not simulate well the gradual and less extensive tree mortality characteristic of moderate disturbances.
On inclusion of water resource management in Earth System models – Part 2: Representation of water supply and allocation and opportunities for improved modeling
Authors: Nazemi A. , Wheater H. S.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Human water use has significantly increased during the recent past. Water allocation from surface and groundwater sources has altered terrestrial discharge and storage, with large variability in time and space. Water supply and allocation, therefore, should be considered with water demand and appropriately included in large-scale models to address various online and offline implications, with or without considering possible climate interactions. Here, we review the algorithms developed to represent the elements of water supply and allocation in large-scale models, in particular Land Surface Schemes and Global Hydrologic Models. We noted that some potentially-important online implications, such as the effects of large reservoirs on land-atmospheric feedbacks, have not yet been addressed. Regarding offline implications, we find that there are important elements, such as groundwater availability and withdrawals, and the representation of large reservoirs, which should be improved. Major sources of uncertainty in offline simulations include data support, water allocation algorithms and host large-scale models. Considering these findings with those highlighted in our companion paper, we note that advancements in computation, host models, system identification algorithms as well as remote sensing and data assimilation products can facilitate improved representations of water resource management at larger scales. We further propose a modular development framework to consider and test multiple datasets, algorithms and host models in a unified model diagnosis and uncertainty assessment framework. We suggest that such a framework is required to systematically improve current representations of water resource management in Earth System models. A key to this development is the availability of regional scale data. We argue that the time is right for a global initiative, based on regional case studies, to move this agenda forward.