bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Universal Attack Against Histogram-Based Image Forensics
Authors: Barni Mauro , Fontani Marco , Tondi Benedetta
Published: September 2013

In this paper the authors propose a universal image counter-forensic scheme that contrasts any detector based on the analysis of the image histogram. Being universal, the scheme does not require knowledge of the detection algorithms available to the forensic analyst, and can be used to conceal traces left in the histogram of the image by any processing tool. Instead of adapting the histogram of the image to fit some statistical model, the proposed scheme makes it practically identical to the histogram of an untouched image, by solving an optimization problem. In doing this, the perceptual similarity between the processed and counter-attacked image is preserved to a large extent. The validity of the scheme in countering both contrast-enhancement and splicing- detection is assessed through experimental validation.
VON WILLEBRAND FACTOR, ANGIODYSPLASIA AND ANGIOGENESIS
Authors: Randi Anna M. , Laffan Mike A , Starke Richard D.
Published: September 2013

The large multimeric glycoprotein Von Willebrand factor (VWF) is best known for its role in haemostasis; however in recent years other functions of VWF have been identified, indicating that this protein is involved in multiple vascular processes. We recently described a new role for VWF in controlling angiogenesis, which may have significant clinical implications for patients with Von Willebrand disease (VWD), a genetic or acquired condition caused by the deficiency or dysfunction of VWF. VWD can be associated with angiodysplasia, a condition of degenerative blood vessels often present in the gastrointestinal tract, linked to dysregulated angiogenesis.  Angiodysplasia can cause severe intractable bleeding, often refractory to conventional VWD treatments. In this review summarise the evidence showing that VWF controls angiogenesis, and review the angiogenic pathways which have been implicated in this process. We discuss the possible mechanisms though which VWF regulates angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and integrin αvβ3, leading to signalling through vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2), one of the most potent activators of angiogenesis. We also review the evidence that links VWF with angiodysplasia, and how the newly identified function of VWF in controlling angiogenesis may pave the way for the development of novel therapies for the treatment of angiodysplasia in congenital VWD and in acquired conditions such as Heyde syndrome.
Structure and petrology of the Grand Forks Group, British Columbia
Authors: Preto V A
Published: September 2013

The Grand Forks Group, a raised fault block of high grade metamorphic rocks, represents one of the southernmost extensions of the Shuswap Metamorphic Complex of southern British Columbia, In Grand Forks map-area the group is made up of approximately 2.2.,000 feet
of strata, about 10,700 feet of which are metasedimentary rocks, Evidence is presented that the lower part of the metasedimentary succession can be correlated with the latest Precambrian-early Paleozoic sequence of southern British Columbia, The petrochemistry of the amphibolitic rocks that occur
throughout the group indicates that they are predominantly of igneous parentage, A low-pressure, high-temperature type of metamorphism of highest amphibolite facies grade, previously unrecognized m the Shuswap Terrane, is described, The plutonic evolution 0; the complex began with the emplacement of
basic intrusions in the sedimentary pile, Metamorphic foliation in all units and emplacement of bodies of granitic rocks developed later during a period characterized by movement parallel to the layering, Continued deformation resulted in f'ast-west directed fold structures showing a relative sense
of transport of south over north, Upward movement of the central part of the area, folding about northerly trending axes, retrograde metamorphism and potash metasomatism followed this deformation, The last stages of evolution of the complex were marked by intrusion, in Eocene and Oligocene time, of
stocks and dykes ranging in composition from quartz diorite to quartz monzonite, monzonite and syenite, followed by block faulting
Current Research Part A
Authors:   Geological Survey of Canada
Published: September 2013

A subcircular, 300-km-diameter region of high-grade metamorphic rocks, the Ashuanipi complex, occurs in the southeastern corner of the Superior Province. Older migmatitic gneisses and younger homogeneous granitoids are recognized. The migmatites consist of an
older sequence of metasedimentary and rare, probably metavolcanic mafic rocks. Variably migmatitic tonalite occurs as sheets of 1-2000 m width within the supracrustal sequence. The migmatites are eut by both foliated and massive tonalites and by the most abundant rock type,
garnet-orthopyroxene-biotite diatexite. Later intrusions include orthopyroxene-biotite diatexite, granite and syenite, the latter locally with nepheline. Structures trend dominantly northwest and have moderate to steep northeasterly dips suggesting regional homoclinal geometry. Folds of migmatitic
layering, involving at least some of the diatexites, are open and upright, with gentle to moderate plunge. Several large, inward-dipping aval structures may either be fold inte,ference structures or deformed magma chambers. Assemblages of garnet-orthopyroxene-biotite-plagioclase-Kjeldspar-quartz
occur throughout the re­gion indicating uniform granulite facies conditions. With the exception of some Late granites and syenites, all rock types contain orthopyroxene. Encouraging gold assays were obtained from a sulphide-rich schist at the contact between metasedi­mentary and mafic
gneisses.
Quaternary geology of northeastern Alberta
Authors: Bednarski J M
Published: September 2013

The Kazan upland, the only surface exposure of Precambrian shield in Alberta, was extensively scoured by the Laurentide Ice Sheet during the last glaciation and is now sparsely covered by glacial deposits. In contrast, areas underlain by Paleozoic sedimentary
rocks west of the Slave River are covered by widespread glacial, deltaic, and lacustrine sediments.
The ice sheet flowed southwestward over the area during the last glacial maximum, but the pattern of ice flow changed during deglaciation when two distinct lobes developed. A westward-flowing ice lobe, occupying the Lake Athabasca basin, converged with southwesterly flowing ice north of it. The
lateral contact between the two lobes is marked by converging striae and a broad east-west band of glacial outwash and lake sediments.
As the ice sheet retreated eastward, the Slave River lowland and Lake Athabasca basin were flooded from the north by glacial Lake McConnell. The ice sheet formed an extensive ice dam along the western edge of the Kazan upland and glacial Lake McConnell reached about 305 m a.s.l. near present-day
Lake Athabasca. The Slave moraine marks the position of this ice front and is correlative with the 10 ka BP Cree Lake moraine of northeastern Saskatchewan.
As glacial Lake McConnell drained, a large delta formed in the Slave River lowland depositing sand over the glaciolacustrine mud. The delta was at its largest when Lake Athabasca separated from glacial Lake McConnell between 9 and 8 ka BP. Later, in the Holocene, the Peace and Slave rivers incised
the older deltaic sediments, forming the modern Peace River-Athabasca River delta.
Lower Paleozoic stratigraphy of northern Yukon Territory and northwestern District of Mackenzie
Authors: Morrow D W
Published: September 2013

Lower Paleozoic strata within northern Yukon Territory and northwestern District of Mackenzie include the Mackenzie-Peel Shelf sequence and strata westward to the region of the Yukon Stable Block in northern Yukon Territory. These early Paleozoic paleogeographic
provinces were separated by the Richardson Trough and by the Knorr Block, a local region of uplifted Precambrian strata immediately south of the Richardson Mountains. High-angle faults bounding Richardson Trough and the Knorr Block may have been active in early Paleozoic time, causing a degree of
tectonic decoupling between the Mackenzie-Peel Shelf and the Yukon Stable Block. The Knorr Block contains an anomalously thin lower Paleozoic sequence and several unconformities, indicating that it underwent episodes of differential uplift and subsidence with respect to both the Mackenzie-Peel Shelf
and the Yukon Stable Block.
tectonic decoupling led to the development of distinctly different lower Paleozoic depositional histories and lithostratigraphies east and west of Richardson Trough. Lower Paleozoic stratigraphy of the Mackenzie-Peel Shelf sequence conforms to the second-order sequence stratigraphy developed across
continental North America. These second-order sequences are poorly developed across the Yukon Stable Block and their bounding unconformities are less evident than on the Mackenzie-Peel Shelf. Laterally continuous marker beds and distinctive subsurface log markers are not well developed in the lower
Paleozoic of the northern Yukon.
The profound lithostratigraphic differences between regions support the necessity of different stratigraphic nomenclatures. The use of the Michelle and Ogilvie formations in northern Yukon Territory is reaffirmed. The Peel, Tatsieta, Arnica, Landry and Hume formations are restricted to areas east of
Richardson Mountains and the Knorr Range. A new formation name, the Bouvette Formation, is applied to a 500 to 1000 m-thick shallow-water carbonate sequence formerly mapped as the !Db map unit during Operation Porcupine. The Mount Dewdney Formation, another new formation, includes yellow and orange
weathering, silty and sandy, thin bedded and mudcracked tidal-flat dolostones that rest unconformably on the Bouvette Formation in the region of the Dave Lord High on the west side of the Yukon Stable Block. The Ogilvie and Bouvette formations are the most prospective subsurface hydrocarbon
reservoir units in the subsurface of Eagle Plain.
Clinical skills required of ophthalmic nurse practitioners in tertiary level public hospitals in the Western Cape Province
Authors: Kyriacos U. , Scheepers L. D. , Hill E. W. , Jordan S.
Published: September 2013

Background: South Africa has a 32-year history of training ophthalmic nurse practitioners (ONPs). The role and required skills and competencies of ONPs are not well documented in the international literature and are also absent from South African publications, including South African Nursing Council publications. Aim: This study aims to inform curriculum development and human resource planning by reporting on the clinical skills expected of ONPs by members of multidisciplinary ophthalmology teams. Method: A limited survey was undertaken in the ophthalmology wards and outpatient departments of three tertiary level hospitals in the Western Cape Province. A researcher-designed structured self-completion questionnaire was distributed to 30 ophthalmology practitioners: doctors, nurses and technicians. Respondents were asked to indicate the expected clinical skills of ONPs. Findings: All questionnaires were completed. All respondents favoured ONPs taking histories and performing emergency eye irrigations. There was less support for more complex procedures, such as B-scans. One-third of respondents did not expect ONPs to have skills in eight key areas, including examination of the anterior chamber angle for glaucoma. No statistically significant differences were found between responses of doctors and nurses, with one exception: more nurses (15/18) than doctors (4/10) had confidence in the ONP undertaking basic eye examinations for ocular motility (Fisher‘s exact test, P = 0 .035). Conclusion: In the study settings, ONPs are not using their specialist skills to the full. Not all practitioners were receptive to ONPs using the skills that they had acquired during their postgraduate diploma, threatening the educational effectiveness of this initiative.
Experiences of primary health care nurses in implementing integrated management of childhood illnesses strategy at selected clinics of Limpopo Province
Authors: Vhuromu E. N. , Davhana-Maselesele M.
Published: September 2013

Treatment of the under five years is a national priority as an attempt in curbing deaths and deformities affecting children. Primary health care was implemented in the clinics in order to help in the treatment of illnesses affecting the community, including children. As a result of childhood illnesses; the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nation Children's Fund (UNICEF) came up with Integrated Management of Childhood illnesses (IMCI) strategy to enhance treatment of such illnesses in developing countries. Primary health care nurses (PHCNS) in Limpopo province were also trained to implement the strategy. This study is intended to explore and describe the experiences of PHCNS in implementing the IMCI strategy at selected clinics in Vhembe District in the Limpopo Province. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design was used. In-depth interviews were conducted with PHCNS who are IMCI trained and have implemented the strategy for a period of not less than two years. Data analysis was done through using Tesch’s method of open coding for qualitative analysis. Findings revealed that PHCNS had difficulty in rendering IMCI services due to lack of resources and poor working conditions. Recommendations address the difficulties experienced by PHCNS when implementing the IMCI strategy.
Prevalence of peste des petits ruminants in the arid zone in the Republic of Niger
Authors: Farougou Souaibou , Gagara Mariama , Mensah Guy A.
Published: September 2013

The study aimed to determine the prevalence of peste des petits ruminants in the arid zone (Niamey, Tillabéry and Tahoua) of the Republic of Niger. A serological survey was conducted and 519 serum samples were collected from 253 unvaccinated sheep and 266 unvaccinated goats. The sample included 340 female animals (168 sheep and 172 goats) and 160 kids and lambs (78 lambs and 82 kids). A competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay yielded an overall seroprevalence of 45.0%. The prevalence in sheep was 42.0% compared with 47.9% in goats. The seroprevalence observed amongst small ruminants in Tahoua (49.8%) and Tillabéry (46.6%) was significantly higher (p = 0.001) than that observed in animals from Niamey (25.1%). It was also higher (p = 0.04) in sheep younger than two years (51.8%) than in adults (37.6%). Conversely, the seroprevalence showed no significant difference between male animals (35.8% in sheep; 50.1% in goats) and female animals (45.1% in sheep; 46.4% in goats). The prevalence of the disease observed amongst the sheep and goat populations confirms the continued danger of this disease in the areas studied. It is therefore necessary to develop strategies such as improving livestock services, providing effective vaccines and implementing a vaccination programme for an effective control of the disease in sub-Saharan Africa.
Measuring and modeling the hygroscopic growth of two humic substances in mixed aerosol particles of atmospheric relevance
Authors: Zamora I. R. , Jacobson M. Z.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. The hygroscopic growth of atmospheric particles affects atmospheric chemistry and Earth's climate. Water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) constitutes a significant fraction of the dry submicron mass of atmospheric aerosols, thus affecting their water uptake properties. Although the WSOC fraction is comprised of many compounds, a set of model substances can be used to describe its behavior. For this study, mixtures of Nordic aquatic fulvic acid reference (NAFA) and Fluka humic acid (HA), with various combinations of inorganic salts (sodium chloride and ammonium sulfate) and other representative organic compounds (levoglucosan and succinic acid), were studied. We measured the equilibrium water vapor pressure over bulk solutions of these mixtures as a function of temperature and solute concentration. New water activity (aw) parameterizations and hygroscopic growth curves at 25 °C were calculated from these data for particles of equivalent composition. We examined the effect of temperature on the water activity and found a maximum variation of 9% in the 0–30 °C range, and 2% in the 20–30 °C range. Five two-component mixtures were studied to understand the effect of adding a humic substance (HS), such as NAFA and HA, to an inorganic salt or a saccharide. The deliquescence point at 25 °C for HS-inorganic mixtures did not change significantly from that of the pure inorganic species. However, the hygroscopic growth of HA / inorganic mixtures was lower than that exhibited by the pure salt, in proportion to the added mass of HA. The addition of NAFA to a highly soluble solute (ammonium sulfate, sodium chloride or levoglucosan) in water had the same effect as the addition of HA to the inorganic species for most of the water activity range studied. Yet, the water uptake of these NAFA mixtures transitioned to match the growth of the pure salt or saccharide at high aw values. The remaining four mixtures were based on chemical composition data for different aerosol types. As expected, the two solutions representing organic aerosols (40% HS/40% succinic acid/20% levoglucosan) showed lower water uptake than the two solutions representing biomass burning aerosols (25% HS/27% succinic acid/18% levoglucosan/30% ammonium sulfate). However, interactions in multicomponent solutions may be responsible for the large variation of the relative water uptake of identical mixtures containing different HSs above a water activity of 0.95. The ZSR (Zdanovskii, Stokes, and Robinson) model was able to predict reasonably well the hygroscopic growth of all the mixtures below aw = 0.95, but produced large deviations for some multicomponent mixtures at higher values.
Formulation and test of an ice aggregation scheme for two-moment bulk microphysics schemes
Authors: Kienast-Sjögren E. , Spichtinger P. , Gierens K.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. A simple formulation of aggregation for two-moment bulk microphysical models is derived. The solution involves the evaluation of a double integral of the collection kernel weighted with the crystal size (or mass) distribution. This quantity is to be inserted into the differential equation for the crystal number concentration which has classical Smoluchowski form. The double integrals are evaluated numerically for log-normal size distributions over a large range of geometric mean masses. A polynomial fit of the results is given that yields good accuracy. Various tests of the new parameterisation are described: aggregation as stand-alone process, in a box-model, and in 2-D simulations of a cirrostratus cloud. These tests suggest that aggregation can become important for warm cirrus, leading even to higher and longer-lasting in-cloud supersaturation. Cold cirrus clouds are hardly affected by aggregation. The collection efficiency is taken from a parameterisation that assumes a dependence on temperature, a situation that might be improved when reliable measurements from cloud chambers suggests the necessary constraints for the choice of this parameter.
Ionospheric response to total solar eclipse of 22 July 2009 in different Indian regions
Authors: Kumar S. , Singh A. K. , Singh R. P.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. The variability of ionospheric response to the total solar eclipse of 22 July 2009 has been studied analyzing the GPS data recorded at the four Indian low-latitude stations Varanasi (100% obscuration), Kanpur (95% obscuration), Hyderabad (84% obscuration) and Bangalore (72% obscuration). The retrieved ionospheric vertical total electron content (VTEC) shows a significant reduction (reflected by all PRNs (satellites) at all stations) with a maximum of 48% at Varanasi (PRN 14), which decreases to 30% at Bangalore (PRN 14). Data from PRN 31 show a maximum of 54% at Kanpur and 26% at Hyderabad. The maximum decrement in VTEC occurs some time (2–15 min) after the maximum obscuration. The reduction in VTEC compared to the quiet mean VTEC depends on latitude as well as longitude, which also depends on the location of the satellite with respect to the solar eclipse path. The amount of reduction in VTEC decreases as the present obscuration decreases, which is directly related to the electron production by the photoionization process. The analysis of electron density height profile derived from the COSMIC (Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere & Climate) satellite over the Indian region shows significant reduction from 100 km altitude up to 800 km altitude with a maximum of 48% at 360 km altitude. The oscillatory nature in total electron content data at all stations is observed with different wave periods lying between 40 and 120 min, which are attributed to gravity wave effects generated in the lower atmosphere during the total solar eclipse.
Digital Climate Atlas of the Carpathian Region
Authors: Antolović I. , Mihajlović V. , Rančić D. , Mihić D. , Djurdjević V.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. The main goal of the CARPATCLIM (Climate of the Carpathian Region) project is to construct the gridded climatological database for the region in a daily temporal resolution for the period 1961–2010 by using 0.1° spatial resolution. The solution of this requirement as well as one of the final products of the CARPATCLIM project is a Digital Climate Atlas which is designed as the main entry point for all the gridded data and maps generated during the project, together with metadata for all data sets (original data as well as data created during the project). With respect to the INSPIRE (Infrastructure for Spatial Information in the European Community) directive, the Digital Climate Atlas is developed as a rich Web GIS (Geographic Information System) application based on modern Web standards offering all necessary tools for climate data visualization and extraction. Another important product of the CARPATCLIM project is the Metadata Catalog which is designed as a tool for searching of climate metadata by various parameters (i.e. period, variable, region etc.).
The Chemistry CATT-BRAMS model (CCATT-BRAMS 4.5): a regional atmospheric model system for integrated air quality and weather forecasting and research
Authors: Longo K. M. , Freitas S. R. , Pirre M. , Marécal V. , Rodrigues L. F. , Panetta J. , Alonso M. F. , Rosário N. E. , Moreira D. S. , Gácita M. S. , Arteta J. , Fonseca R. , Stockler R. , Katsurayama D. M. , Fazenda A. , Bela M.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Coupled Chemistry Aerosol-Tracer Transport model to the Brazilian developments on the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (CCATT-BRAMS, version 4.5) is an on-line regional chemical transport model designed for local and regional studies of atmospheric chemistry from the surface to the lower stratosphere suitable both for operational and research purposes. It includes gaseous/aqueous chemistry, photochemistry, scavenging and dry deposition. The CCATT-BRAMS model takes advantage of BRAMS-specific development for the tropics/subtropics as well as the recent availability of preprocessing tools for chemical mechanisms and fast codes for photolysis rates. BRAMS includes state-of-the-art physical parameterizations and dynamic formulations to simulate atmospheric circulations down to the meter. This on-line coupling of meteorology and chemistry allows the system to be used for simultaneous weather and chemical composition forecasts as well as potential feedback between the two. The entire system is made of three preprocessing software tools for user-defined chemical mechanisms, aerosol and trace gas emissions fields and the interpolation of initial and boundary conditions for meteorology and chemistry. In this paper, the model description is provided along with the evaluations performed by using observational data obtained from ground-based stations, instruments aboard aircrafts and retrieval from space remote sensing. The evaluation accounts for model applications at different scales from megacities and the Amazon Basin up to the intercontinental region of the Southern Hemisphere.
Resolving structural errors in a spatially distributed hydrologic model using ensemble Kalman filter state updates
Authors: Spaaks J. H. , Bouten W.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. In hydrological modeling, model structures are developed in an iterative cycle as more and different types of measurements become available and our understanding of the hillslope or watershed improves. However, with increasing complexity of the model, it becomes more and more difficult to detect which parts of the model are deficient, or which processes should also be incorporated into the model during the next development step. In this study, we first compare two methods (the Shuffled Complex Evolution Metropolis algorithm (SCEM-UA) and the Simultaneous parameter Optimization and Data Assimilation algorithm (SODA)) to calibrate a purposely deficient 3-D hillslope-scale model to error-free, artificially generated measurements. We use a multi-objective approach based on distributed pressure head at the soil–bedrock interface and hillslope-scale discharge and water balance. For these idealized circumstances, SODA's usefulness as a diagnostic methodology is demonstrated by its ability to identify the timing and location of processes that are missing in the model. We show that SODA's state updates provide information that could readily be incorporated into an improved model structure, and that this type of information cannot be gained from parameter estimation methods such as SCEM-UA. We then expand on the SODA result by performing yet another calibration, in which we investigate whether SODA's state updating patterns are still capable of providing insight into model structure deficiencies when there are fewer measurements, which are moreover subject to measurement noise. We conclude that SODA can help guide the discussion between experimentalists and modelers by providing accurate and detailed information on how to improve spatially distributed hydrologic models.
Preliminary results of in vitro culture of pea and lupin embryos for the reduction of generation cycles in single seed descent technique
Authors: Surma Maria , Adamski Tadeusz , Święcicki Wojciech , Barzyk Paweł , Kaczmarek Zygmunt , Kuczyńska Anetta , Krystkowiak Karolina , Mikołajczak Krzysztof , Ogrodowicz Piotr
Published: September 2013

The aim of the studies was to establish in vitro conditions for the culture of pea and lupin embryos as the first step in the development of an in vitro assisted single seed descent technique for the attainment of homozygous populations. Materials for the study included of pea, and narrow-leafed and yellow lupin cultivars. Embryos dissected from mature but still-green seeds were cultured in vitro on two modified MS media and under three temperature regimes. Shoot and root lengths of regenerated plants were measured after 7, 14 and 21 days of culture. For pea plants full-strength MS medium with 4 g l−1 agar and temperature 22/ 20°C (day/night) appeared to be the most conducive to shoot and root development, whereas for lupin plants lower temperatures were more propitious: 12°C in the dark for narrow-leafed lupin and 16/ 12°C (day/night) for yellow lupin. Almost all the cultured embryos developed into plants, but not all the regenerated plants survived acclimation to ex vitro conditions.
Detection and Screening of Chemicals Related to the Chemical Weapons Convention
Authors: Murray George M.
Published: September 2013

Spurred by recent events, there is an ever‐growing interest in the detection of hazardous chemicals in both military and civilian contexts. The threat of chemical weapons has spread from the battlefield to cities and towns due to the threat of international terrorism. Detection of hazardous chemicals and now chemical weapons is a requirement for first responders of all sorts. While a plethora of devices and materials exist, they all have certain inherent weaknesses and no one device can be relied upon to give an unambiguous response. As usual in chemical detection, two orthogonal methods give a much higher confidence than does any single method.

This article identifies hazardous chemicals identified by the Chemical Weapons Convention and provides a description of materials and devices for sensing and responding to chemical agent contamination and releases. It comparatively evaluates current and near‐term sensor options for detecting the most likely current threats. It also identifies sensor technologies that may be capable of responding to a wider range of substances (e.g., hazardous industrial chemicals and new chemical warfare agents) to provide options for coping with new threats as they develop. Previous research results on the principal background contaminants that have the potential of introducing unwanted false alarms in chemical agent detection systems are collated, and techniques that may be capable of reducing the impact of toxic material releases are suggested.
Ducted and Unducted Fans in Airbreathing Engines
Authors: Fite Eric Brian
Published: September 2013

Gas turbine engines for modern aircraft are efficient, environmentally friendly, safe and reliable in supplying thrust required for aircraft flight. These engines rely on many components to meet required performance standards expected by the commercial aviation industry. One of the primary component systems is the fan or open rotor system used to generate the preponderance of thrust generated by the engine. This chapter is intended to introduce several aspects related to the design of fan and open rotor systems. This includes how the fan defining parameters are established and subsequently a high‐level review of how the systems are designed in terms of aerodynamic and structural performance, acoustics, materials, and manufacturing considerations. Included in the sections addressing each of these disciplines are some design paradigms for increased performance and efficiency. The bulk of the material discusses ducted fans that are common to modern turbofan engines but some material is included for open rotors (high‐speed propellers also known as unducted fans or propfans). Throughout the chapter issues and challenges facing the fan designer of modern systems are noted and common design requirements and methods are covered to a limited extent.
Patterns of movement and seed dispersal by three lemur species
Authors: Razafindratsima Onja H. , Jones Thomas A. , Dunham Amy E.
Published: September 2013

We combined data on gut‐passage times, feeding, and movement to explore the patterns of seed dispersal by Eulemur rubriventer, Eulemur rufrifrons, and Varecia variegata editorum lemurs in Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar. These lemur species deposited less than half of their consumed seeds >100 m away from conspecific trees (40–50%). Long‐distance dispersal (>500 m) was rare and average dispersal distances were short relative to those reported of similar‐sized haplorrhine primates. The three lemur species showed no significant differences in mean seed‐dispersal distances. However, they differed in the shape of their frequency distributions of seed‐dispersal distances as a result of differences in how they moved through their habitats. The short distances of seed dispersal we observed and the depauperate frugivorous fauna in Madagascar suggest seed‐dispersal may be more limited than in other tropical forests with important implications for plant‐community dynamics, biodiversity maintenance, and restoration efforts in Madagascar. Am. J. Primatol. 76:84–96, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reading Group Rehabilitation for Patients with Psychosis: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Volpe Umberto , Torre Fabiana , De Santis Valeria , Perris Francesco , Catapano Francesco
Published: September 2013

Objective

Group reading activities are often reported to be helpful in a variety of psychiatric conditions. However, data on the effects of structured reading rehabilitation activities, in both hospital and community settings for patients with psychosis, are still scarce. Our aim was to investigate the effects on clinical status, disability, psychosocial functioning and cognitive functioning of a structured group reading activity, in a sample of hospitalized patients with psychosis.

Methods

We enrolled 41 consecutive patients with psychosis and randomly assigned them to a structured group reading programme. For all included patients, we psychometrically evaluated clinical symptomatology, psychosocial functioning and disability, as well as cognitive functioning. All evaluations were repeated at a 6‐month follow‐up. Repeated‐measure multiple analyses of variance were used to test the effect of the group reading activities on the clinical, psychosocial and cognitive measures.

Results

We found that, after 6 months from discharge, structured group reading activities induced a statistically significant improvement of cognitive (p < 0.007) and psychosocial (p < 0.008) functioning in patients with psychosis and reduced their disability (p < 0.005), with respect to the control group. Furthermore, such programmes are easy to implement and were perceived as extremely ‘interesting’ and ‘useful’ by patients with psychosis.

Conclusions

Rehabilitation programmes focusing on group reading activities should be regarded as a valid psychosocial rehabilitation tool for psychotic patients with severe mental disability. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

A structured group reading programme induced a significant symptomatological cognitive and psychosocial amelioration in hospitalized patients with psychosis.

The improvement was sustained also at the 6‐month follow‐up, with respect to the control group.

Structured group reading activities are perceived, by severely ill psychiatric patients, as highly useful, interesting and pleasant, while they are relatively easy to implement.
Shape and Size Tunable Synthesis of Coordination Polymer Mn2W(CN)8·xH2O Microcrystals through a Simple Solution Chemical Route
Authors: Zhu Guoxing , Xiao Yunyun , Shen Xiaoping , Zhang Qingjing , Yuan Aihua
Published: September 2013

By using a simple solution chemistry approach with polyvinyprrolidone (PVP) as a capping agent, Mn2W(CN)8·xH2O microcrystals with unique morphologies including rice‐like, rod, octahedron, square platelet, and hollow‐core square platelet have been successfully synthesized. The influence of experimental parameters such as reaction temperature, feed ratio of Mn2+ to PVP, reaction time, and reactant concentration on the morphology and size of Mn2W(CN)8·xH2O microcrystals were systematically investigated. The reaction temperature proved to be a key factor for morphological evolution of the products. It was found that 20, 55, and 85 °C were key points of morphological transformation. A possible growth mechanism of the Mn2W(CN)8·xH2O microcrystals is proposed.
Strongly Blue Luminescent Cationic Iridium(III) Complexes with an Electron‐Rich Ancillary Ligand: Evaluation of Their Optoelectronic and Electrochemiluminescence Properties
Authors: Ladouceur Sébastien , Swanick Kalen N. , Gallagher‐Duval Shawn , Ding Zhifeng , Zysman‐Colman Eli
Published: September 2013

Two strongly blue luminescent cationic heteroleptic iridium complexes 1b and 2b bearing a 4,4′‐bis(dimethylamino)‐2,2′‐bipyridine (dmabpy) ancillary ligand and either 1‐benzyl‐4‐(2,4‐difluorophenyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazole (dFphtl) or 2‐(2,4‐difluorophenyl)‐5‐methylpyridine (dFMeppyH), respectively, have been synthesized and fully characterized. In comparison with other analogues, the interplay of the triazole unit with the dmabpy unit and methylation of the pyridine ring are discussed with respect to the photophysical, electrochemical, and electrochemiluminescent (ECL) properties of the complexes. The two complexes, 1b and 2b, are blue emitters with λmax = 495 and 494 nm, respectively. The nature of the excited states was established by various photophysical and photochemical experiments as well as DFT calculations. Both complexes emit from a ligand‐centered state, however, the emission of 1b possesses significant charge‐transfer character, which is absent in 2b. The presence of the methyl group on the cyclometalating ligand leads only to a modest increase in the radiative rate constant, kr, but otherwise does not appreciably influence the optoelectronic properties of the complex compared with the non‐methylated analogue. In contrast, the efficacy of the ECL emission when scanning to 2.50 V is strongly influenced by the presence of the methyl group. ECL emission is also enhanced in complexes bearing dmabpy ancillary ligands compared with those containing dtBubpy ligands. The two complexes exhibit similar electrochemical behavior. Incorporation of the dmabpy ligand shifts both the oxidation and reduction cathodically. The combination of the dmabpy and dFphtl groups increases the redox potential difference and thus the HOMO–LUMO gap but the emission is not further blueshifted. Thus, the structural modification of the cyclometalating ligand, although only modestly tuning the emission energy, modulates the nature of the excited state and the efficiency of the ECL process.
Permanently enhanced dynamic triggering probabilities as evidenced by two M ≥ 7.5 earthquakes
Authors: Gomberg Joan
Published: September 2013

The 2012 M7.7 Haida Gwaii earthquake radiated waves that likely dynamically triggered the 2013 M7.5 Craig earthquake, setting two precedents. First, the triggered earthquake is the largest dynamically triggered shear failure event documented to date. Second, the events highlight a connection between geologic structure, sedimentary troughs that act as waveguides, and triggering probability. The Haida Gwaii earthquake excited extraordinarily large waves within and beyond the Queen Charlotte Trough, which propagated well into mainland Alaska and likely triggering the Craig earthquake along the way. Previously, focusing and associated dynamic triggering have been attributed to unpredictable source effects. This case suggests that elevated dynamic triggering probabilities may exist along the many structures where sedimentary troughs overlie major faults, such as subduction zones’ accretionary prisms and transform faults’ axial valleys. Although data are sparse, I find no evidence of accelerating seismic activity in the vicinity of the Craig rupture between it and the Haida Gwaii earthquake.
Identification of unrecognized tundra fire events on the north slope of Alaska
Authors: Jones Benjamin M. , Breen Amy L. , Gaglioti Benjamin V. , Mann Daniel H. , Rocha Adrian V. , Grosse Guido , Arp Christopher D. , Kunz Michael L. , Walker Donald A.
Published: September 2013

Characteristics of the natural fire regime are poorly resolved in the Arctic, even though fire may play an important role cycling carbon stored in tundra vegetation and soils to the atmosphere. In the course of studying vegetation and permafrost‐terrain characteristics along a chronosequence of tundra burn sites from AD 1977, 1993, and 2007 on the North Slope of Alaska, we discovered two large, previously unrecognized tundra fires. The Meade River fire burned an estimated 500 km2 and the Ketik River fire burned an estimated 1200 km2. Based on radiocarbon dating of charred twigs, analysis of historic aerial photography, and regional climate proxy data, these fires likely occurred between AD 1880 and 1920. Together, these events double the estimated burn area on the North Slope of Alaska over the last ~100 to 130 years. Assessment of vegetation succession along the century‐scale chronosequence of tundra fire disturbances demonstrates for the first time on the North Slope of Alaska that tundra fires can facilitate the invasion of tundra by shrubs. Degradation of ice‐rich permafrost was also evident at the fire sites and likely aided in the presumed changes of the tundra vegetation postfire. Other previously unrecognized tundra fire events likely exist in Alaska and other Arctic regions and identification of these sites is important for better understanding disturbance regimes and carbon cycling in Arctic tundra.
Virtual Screening of Anti‐Mycobacterial Plant Compounds
Authors: Saadat Fatemeh , Sardari Soroush , Maleki Bahram
Published: September 2013

Deaths from tuberculosis have long gripped people and threatened human health. The need for new drug compounds are critically sensed by medical scientists and practitioners due to the emergence of new strains and the slow rate of discovering novel medicines for this disease. Since plants are a rich source of diverse drug compounds, they are among the best choices to achieve new ones. The study of all plants or their compounds is an almost impossible scenario; hence bio/cheminformatics methodology can be used to reduce time and cost spent in drug discovery. For this purpose, we made several databases of anti‐mycobacterial plant compounds and further found filter criteria which were able to describe more predicted bioactive compounds by the established algorithm. Also, we present the survey of the developed resource by using bio/cheminformatics tools. The presence of several anti‐mycobacterial compounds in the predicted algorithm and introduction of new active compounds represent the high potential of this method. In addition, the general profile of such bioactive molecules is pinpointed using molecular descriptors and cheminformatics approach.
Alzheimer mit Hybridmolekülen in die Zange nehmen
Authors: Decker Michael , Wehle Sarah
Published: September 2013

Bislang lässt sich die Alzheimer‐Demenz nur symptomatisch und das auch mehr schlecht als recht behandeln. Einem neuen Ansatz gegen komplexe Erkrankungen folgen Hybridmoleküle: Sie verbinden in einer Struktur unterschiedliche Wirkstoffmoleküle und adressieren so gleichzeitig verschiedene biologische Prozesse.
Age‐period‐cohort models using smoothing splines: a generalized additive model approach
Authors: Jiang Bei , Carriere Keumhee C.
Published: September 2013

Age‐period‐cohort (APC) models are used to analyze temporal trends in disease or mortality rates, dealing with linear dependency among associated effects of age, period, and cohort. However, the nature of sparseness in such data has severely limited the use of APC models. To deal with these practical limitations and issues, we advocate cubic smoothing splines. We show that the methods of estimable functions proposed in the framework of generalized linear models can still be considered to solve the non‐identifiability problem when the model fitting is within the framework of generalized additive models with cubic smoothing splines. Through simulation studies, we evaluate the performance of the cubic smoothing splines in terms of the mean squared errors of estimable functions. Our results support the use of cubic smoothing splines for APC modeling with sparse but unaggregated data from a Lexis diagram. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐Assembled Supramolecular Channels: Toward Biomimetic Materials for Directional Translocation
Authors: Legrand Yves‐Marie , Barboiu Mihail
Published: September 2013

This Personal Account summarizes the recent developments in the development of self‐assembled supramolecular channels and their dimensional extension towards up‐scaled self‐organized materials. This Personal Account begins with a short, non‐exhaustive description of artificial supramolecular channel systems that are involved in water‐, proton‐, and ion‐transport processes through bilayer membranes. Then, these “all‐made” artificial systems will be described as a source of inspiration, by presenting several breakthroughs over the last few years in the field of biomimetic supramolecular channel systems. Their inclusion in artificial polymeric/hybrid matrixes, which results in the formation of biomimetic artificial materials for directional translocation through channeling pathways, will be described in the last part of the Personal Account, with an emphasis on all of the efforts that are necessary to maintain their channel‐transporting function within bilayer membranes under up‐scaled operating conditions.
Molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal synaptic plasticity: systems biology meets computational neuroscience in the wilds of synaptic plasticity
Authors: Blackwell Kim T. , Jedrzejewska‐Szmek Joanna
Published: September 2013

Interactions among signaling pathways that are activated by transmembrane receptors produce complex networks and emergent dynamical behaviors that are implicated in synaptic plasticity. Temporal dynamics and spatial aspects are critical determinants of cell responses such as synaptic plasticity, although the mapping between spatiotemporal activity pattern and direction of synaptic plasticity is not completely understood. Computational modeling of neuronal signaling pathways has significantly contributed to understanding signaling pathways underlying synaptic plasticity. Spatial models of signaling pathways in hippocampal neurons have revealed mechanisms underlying the spatial distribution of extracellular signal‐related kinase (ERK) activation in hippocampal neurons. Other spatial models have demonstrated that the major role of anchoring proteins in striatal and hippocampal synaptic plasticity is to place molecules near their activators. Simulations of yet other models have revealed that the spatial distribution of synaptic plasticity may differ for potentiation versus depression. In general, the most significant advances have been made by interactive modeling and experiments; thus, an interdisciplinary approach should be applied to investigate critical issues in neuronal signaling pathways. These issues include identifying which transmembrane receptors are key for activating ERK in neurons, and the crucial targets of kinases that produce long‐lasting synaptic plasticity. Although the number of computer programs for computationally efficient simulation of large reaction–diffusion networks is increasing, parameter estimation and sensitivity analysis in these spatial models remain more difficult than in single compartment models. Advances in live cell imaging coupled with further software development will continue to accelerate the development of spatial models of synaptic plasticity. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2013, 5:717–731. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1240

This article is categorized under:

Biological Mechanisms > Cell Signaling

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Mechanistic Models
Identification of phospholipase activity inRhinella arenarumsperm extract capable of inducing oocyte activation
Authors: Bonilla Federico , Minahk Carlos , Ajmat María Teresa , Toranzo Graciela Sánchez , Bühler Marta Inés
Published: September 2013

Egg activation, which includes cortical granule exocytosis, resumption and completion of meiosis and pronuclear formation culminates in the first mitotic cleavage. However, the mechanism through which the fertilizing sperm induces this phenomenon is still controversial. We investigated the effect of the microinjection of homologous sperm soluble fractions obtained by fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) from reacted sperm (without acrosome) and non-reacted sperm on the activation ofRhinella arenarumoocytes maturedin vitro. The FPLC-purified sperm fraction obtained from reacted or non-reacted sperm is able to induce oocyte activation when it is microinjected. This fraction has a 24 kDa protein and showed phospholipase C (PLC) activityin vitro, which was inhibited by D-609 but not by n-butanol or neomycin, suggesting that it is a PLC that is specific for phosphatidylcholine (PC-PLC). The assays conducted using inhibitors of inositol triphosphate (IP3) and ryanodine receptors (RyRs) indicate that the fraction with biological activity would act mainly through the cADPr (cyclic ADP ribose) pathway. Moreover, protein kinase C (PKC) inhibition blocks the activation produced by the same fraction. Immunocytochemical studies indicate that this PC-PLC can be found throughout the sperm head.
WHAT, IF ANYTHING, MAKES THE DEATH PENALTY UNJUSTIFIED?
Authors: Suttle Bruce B.
Published: September 2013

Preface: Of course it is recognized that miscarriages of justice do occur, innocent people are wrongly punished, even executed. This can never be excused or justified. Never. But this is not the issue here. Rather, I am positing, for the sake of the inquiry, that the punishment imposed pertains to only those who are truly guilty of their crimes.