bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empirical Estimates of Aboveground Carbon in Open Eucalyptus Forests of South-Eastern Australia and Its Potential Implication for National Carbon Accounting
Authors: Volkova Liubov , Bi Huiquan , Murphy Simon , Weston Christopher
Published: September 2015

The aboveground carbon (AGC) storage of open Eucalyptus forests is unknown yet they are estimated to account for almost 25% of all Australian forests and about 60% of forests in Victoria. In this study we provide the best possible estimates of total AGC including tree biomass derived from destructive biomass sampling across 23 study plots established in open Eucalyptus forests in Victoria. The field estimates of AGC were then used for calibration of Australia’s National Carbon Accounting Model, FullCAM. The study aimed to develop a transparent and defendable method to estimate AGC for one of the most common Australian forests. Our calibrations showed that the 8.3 M ha of open Eucalyptus forests of SE Australia sequester at least 139 Mt C more than default FullCAM predictions. Because most of these forests are not subject to human-induced emission such as harvesting, only emissions and stock changes from a small area of these forests is reported in national inventories and international greenhouse emissions agreements. Concern for climate change and emission reduction will inevitably require land managers to come up with defendable methods of estimating forest carbon stocks and changes in all forest types; here we show how FullCAM can be further developed for this purpose.
Effect of Venom from the Jellyfish Nemopilema nomurai on the Silkworm Bombyx mori L.
Authors: Yu Huahua , Li Rongfeng , Chen Xiaolin , Yue Yang , Xing Ronge , Liu Song , Li Pengcheng
Published: September 2015

The silkworm Bombyx mori L. (B. mori) has a significant impact on the economy by producing more than 80% of the globally produced raw silk. The exposure of silkworm to pesticides may cause adverse effects on B. mori, such as a reduction in the production and quality of silk. This study aims to assay the effect of venom from the jellyfish Nemopilema nomurai on growth, cuticle and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity of the silkworm B. mori by the leaf dipping method. The experimental results revealed that the four samples caused neither antifeeding nor a lethal effect on B. mori. The sample SFV inhibited B. mori growth after 6 days of treatment in a dose-dependent manner. The samples SFV, DSFV and Fr-1 inhibited the precipitation and synthesis of chitin in the cuticle after 12 and 14 days of treatment. In the case of the four samples, the AChE was significantly improved after 14 days of treatment.
Orchestration in learning technology research: evaluation of a conceptual framework
Authors: Prieto Luis P. , Dimitriadis Yannis , Asensio-Pérez Juan I. , Looi Chee-Kit
Published: September 2015

The term ‘orchestrating learning’ is being used increasingly often, referring to the coordination activities performed while applying learning technologies to authentic settings. However, there is little consensus about how this notion should be conceptualised, and what aspects it entails. In this paper, a conceptual framework for orchestration-related research is evaluated by an international panel of learning technology experts. The results of this evaluation show that the framework is complete and understandable, and it is particularly useful as an integrative list of aspects to consider when designing and evaluating learning technologies. To illustrate a way in which the framework can be used to help researchers structure their classroom innovation evaluations, an example is presented that follows the adoption of the framework by a group of researchers in Singapore. Finally, a new evolved version of the framework is presented, taking into account the evaluation feedback.Keywords: orchestration; conceptual framework; analytical lens; expert panel(Published: 24 September 2015)Citation: Research in Learning Technology 2015, 23: 28019 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v23.28019
A Distributed Remote Real-time Pressure Measuring System Based on The Wireless Communication Technology
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhang Zhi Jie
Published: September 2015

Abstract—with the urgent requirements on the transient pressure test in explosion field, the number of test node is increasing, which puts forward higher requirements on centralized management, controlling and process monitoring. The distributed measuring system based on wireless communication technology can manage and control all test nodes scattered in the testing area through wireless network, realizing scatter operation, collaboration and centralized control, and thus a key research point in today’s distributed measuring field.. Based on the basic principles of the distributed testing, this paper designs a wireless distributed measuring system used for the pressure measurement of the explosion field. The control central can realize a long-distance management, controlling and monitoring on many test nodes through the wireless local network, including the working parameter configuration of the each node in the testing prepared stage; the working state monitoring reset of each, node in the waiting explosion stage and so on; and the real-time transmission of the testing data.
The Implications of Cardiovascular Home Monitoring Rehabilitation - Mobile Applications as Optimum Solutions for the Future
Authors: Raileanu Mihaela , Busnatu Stefan , Sinescu Crina
Published: September 2015

This paper examines the home monitoring system used in our Department of Cardiology in the Future Internet Social Technological Alignment in Healthcare (FI-STAR) project - a project focused on secondary prevention in cardiology (www.fi-star.eu). The system used is composed of bluetooth capable medical devices that collect vital parameters though CardioStar application (an application that was developed in collaboration with computer engineers. The collected data are transmitted in real time to a central server in our hospital, where there is a continuous supervision of the parameters. We evaluated this system in order to prove its use in reducing the cardiovascular risk and increasing the adherence to the life-style changes.

This paper presents the analysis of the MAST (Model for Assessment of Telemedicine) evaluation - which is the best way of evaluation for the telemedicine solutions - from the professional point of view. The questionnaires of evaluation were performed anonymous on a online platform. The application passed successfully the MAST evaluation, demonstrating that the developed telemedicine system designed for our cardiac patients fulfills its purpose in the secondary prevention.
Specification of the Current State Vulnerabilities Related to Industrial Control Systems
Authors: Vávra Jan , Hromada Martin , Jašek Roman
Published: September 2015

The contemporary trend of increasing connectivity, interoperability and efficiency of technologies, which are used in organizations, also affected Industrial Control System (further only ICS). The recently isolated system is becoming more dependent on interconnection with external technologies. This leads to a formation of new vulnerabilities, which are significant threats to ICS. For this reason, it is necessary to devote considerable effort to analyze vulnerabilities. Neglecting of this area could lead to damage or unavailability of ICS services. The purpose of the article is to evaluate vulnerabilities related to individual elements of ICS. The fundamental question of the article is to find a true distribution of security risk related to ICS.
Automation Selective Monitoring Base on University Training and Research Satellite Receiver Teleport
Authors: Kharroubi Naoufel , Gharsellaoui Hamza
Published: September 2015

This paper deals with the study of information technologies and approaches to solve problems related to the automation of selective monitoring on the base of university training and research satellite receiver teleport. Indeed, the utilization of satellite TV technologies at all scientific research and educational process stages could be called a new educational paradigm that has a huge potential for complete development of each student and teacher during educational and research processes. The authors study and describe the approaches of such companies as BBC, SES, Red Bee Media and the two other systems.
Study on Image Processing Algorithms for Data Matrix in Dotted Domain
Authors: Li Fengmin , Yang Yaoquan , Gao Tao
Published: September 2015

Dotted Data Matrix two-dimensional bar code is widely used in the field of machinery and electronics, automobile manufacturing, pharmaceutical and medical, military firearm management etc. Compared with the standard Data Matrix two-dimensional bar code, Dotted Data Matrix bar code is composed of solid dots, which has no obvious characteristics of “L” shaped seek border region. The gaps between dotted data matrix modules are too large which increase the difficulty of identification. To solve the problem of the low recognition rate of dotted Data Matrix code, this paper gives the specific processing method which has certain degree of adaptability. This method obtains the size of bar code dotted module mainly by the spot detection algorithm that provides the reference of fixed value for the subsequent processing. Experimental results show that the algorithm can overcome the effects of large clearance, uneven illumination and noise interference in the recognition, and increase the recognition rate.
A Scalable Algorithm for One-to-One, Onto, and Partial Schema Matching with Uninterpreted Column Names and Column Values
Authors: Rabinovich Boris , Last Mark
Published: September 2015

In this paper, the authors propose a five-step approach to the problem of identifying semantic correspondences between attributes of two database schemas. It is one of the key challenges in many database applications such as data integration and data warehousing. The authors' research is focused on uninterpreted schema matching, where the column names and column values are uninterpreted or unreliable. The approach implements Bayesian networks, Pearson's correlation and mutual information to identify inter-attribute dependencies. Additionally, the authors propose an extension to their algorithm that allows the user to manually enter the known mappings to improve the automated matching results. The five-step approach also allows data privacy preservation. The authors' evaluation experiments show that the proposed approach enhances the current set of schema matching techniques.
Peptide Splicing in the Proteasome Creates a Novel Type of Antigen with an Isopeptide Linkage
Authors: Berkers Celia R. , de Jong Annemieke , Schuurman Karianne G. , Linnemann Carsten , Geenevasen Jan A. J. , Schumacher Ton N. M. , Rodenko Boris , Ovaa Huib
Published: September 2015

The proteasome is able to create spliced Ags, in which two distant parts of a protein are excised and ligated together to form a novel peptide, for presentation by MHC class I molecules. These noncontiguous epitopes are generated via a transpeptidation reaction catalyzed by the proteasomal active sites. Transpeptidation reactions in the proteasome follow explicit rules and occur particularly efficiently when the C-terminal ligation partner contains a lysine or arginine residue at the site of ligation. Lysine contains two amino groups that theoretically may both participate in ligation reactions, implying that potentially not only peptide but also isopeptide linkages could be formed. Using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we demonstrate in the present study that the proteasome can use the ε-amino group of an N-terminal lysine residue in transpeptidation reactions to create a novel type of posttranslationally modified epitopes. We show that the overall efficiency of ε ligation is only 10-fold lower as compared with α ligation, suggesting that the proteasome can produce sufficient isopeptide Ag to evoke a T cell response. Additionally, we show that isopeptides are more stable toward further proteasomal processing than are normal peptides, and we demonstrate that isopeptides can bind to HLA-A2.1 and HLA-A3 with high affinity. These properties likely increase the fraction of ε-ligated peptides presented on the cell surface for CD8+ T cell surveillance. Finally, we show that isopeptide Ags are immunogenic in vivo. We postulate that ε ligation is a genuine posttranslational modification, suggesting that the proteasome can create a novel type of Ag that is likely to play a role in immunity.
Controlled study of correlation of biomechanical profile of hemiparetic patients with distance travelled in six minutes
Authors: Moura Laís Moreira , Quintão Mônica Maria Pena , De Carvalho Karen Santos R. , Carrapatoso Beatriz Cantanhede , Malfacini Sabrina Lindenberg L. , Da Silva André Custódio , Orsini Marco , Nascimento Osvaldo J.M. , Chermont Sergio S.M.C.
Published: September 2015

The six-minute walking test (6MWT) is used to assess exercise tolerance that is associated with motor function of the lower limbs in hemiparetic patients. It is suggested that, for post-stroke subjects, performance in the 6MWT may be limited by biomechanical and cardiovascular factors. Our aim is to determine the correlation between the six-minute walk distance (6MWD) and the biomechanical profile of hemiparetic patients. During this cross-sectional controlled study, 10 hemiparetic patients with heart failure underwent 6MWT (ATS protocol). Tonus (Ashworth Scale) and goniometry of the lower limbs were measured. The average of 6MWD in two tests was 279±8 m. There was a negative correlation between the degree of spasticity for both the sural triceps (r=−0.57, P<0.05), quadriceps (r=−0.58, P<0.05) and the limitation in ankle dorsiflexion and the 6MWD (r=−0.76, P<0.05). Also, there was correlation between hip extension and ankle dorsiflexion limitations with 6MWD (r=0.66, P<0.05), (r=0.77, P<0.05). The negative correlation between the highest spasticity in paretic limb and the 6MWD and the correlation between the lower movement range of paretic hip and ankle suggest association with these factors and gait velocity in 6MWT. Loss percentage represents the percentage calculation between distance traveled and the distance predicted achieved by patients. In this study, the negative correlation between the percentage of loss of 6MWD and the limitation in the ankle dorsiflexion movement suggests that for a minor motion arch of the ankle, there is a higher percentage of walking distance loss foretold.
Effect of heparin on recanalization in acute stroke patients with intra-arterial thrombi
Authors: Mehta Bijal K. , Kamal Haris , McMurtray Aaron , Shafie Mohammed , Li Ping
Published: September 2015

Anticoagulant use, such as heparin, is usually contraindicated in acute stroke patients. We present a study of patients, who were treated with intravenous heparin after a stroke that were also found to have an intraluminal thrombus. Prior studies imply that recanalization is achieved with heparin; however heparin should only prevent thrombus propagation. Therefore it is unclear whether and how IV heparin can achieve recanalization of intraluminal thrombi in acute stroke patients. A retrospective review of all acute stroke patients from a single stroke center who received a therapeutic IV heparin infusion from 5/2006 to 9/2011 were included in the study. We compared patients who had complete/partial recanalization and/or improved flow versus those that did not, with both these groups on a standard intravenous heparin infusion protocol. Demographic data was compared between the groups. Average partial thromboplastin time (PTT) during heparin infusion, time between computed tomography angiographies (CTAs), time from stroke onset to receiving IV heparin, and vessel occluded were also compared between groups. Forty-one patients (19 female, 22 male) were included in the study with a total of 55 vessels (either carotid, middle cerebral artery, anterior cerebral artery, posterior cerebral artery/posterior circulation) having intraluminal thrombi; 31 patients had 41 vessels with either partial or complete recanalization of effected vessels, while 10 patients had 14 vessels that did not have at least one vessel recanalize while on heparin. Using t-test we noted that the average PTT between the vessels that had partial/complete recanalization group (61.74) and non-recanalization group (66.30) was not statistical significantly different (P=0.37).The average time in days on heparin between vascular imaging studies (CTA/conventional angiogram) in the group of vessels with partial/complete recanalization (7.12 days) and the ones with no change (6.11 days) was not significantly different between the two groups (P=0.59). Patient’s vessels receiving heparin for <24 hours versus those >24 hours did not significantly differ either (P=0.17). This study compares patient characteristics associated with recanalization of intraluminal thrombi in acute stroke patients on heparin. Recanalization of intraluminal thrombi are not associated with average PTT or duration on heparin.
Acetylene (C2H2) and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) from IASI satellite observations: global distributions, validation, and comparison with model
Authors: Duflot V. , Wespes C. , Clarisse L. , Hurtmans D. , Ngadi Y. , Jones N. , Paton-Walsh C. , Hadji-Lazaro J. , Vigouroux C. , De Mazière M. , Metzger J.-M. , Mahieu E. , Servais C. , Hase F. , Schneider M. , Clerbaux C. , Coheur P.-F.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. We present global distributions of C2H2 and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) total columns derived from the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) for the years 2008–2010. These distributions are obtained with a fast method allowing to retrieve C2H2 abundance globally with a 5 % precision and HCN abundance in the tropical (subtropical) belt with a 10 % (25 %) precision. IASI data are compared for validation purposes with ground-based Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer measurements at four selected stations. We show that there is an overall agreement between the ground-based and space measurements with correlation coefficients for daily mean measurements ranging from 0.28 to 0.81, depending on the site. Global C2H2 and subtropical HCN abundances retrieved from IASI spectra show the expected seasonality linked to variations in the anthropogenic emissions and seasonal biomass burning activity, as well as exceptional events, and are in good agreement with previous spaceborne studies. Total columns simulated by the Model for Ozone and Related Chemical Tracers, version 4 (MOZART-4) are compared to the ground-based FTIR measurements at the four selected stations. The model is able to capture the seasonality in the two species in most of the cases, with correlation coefficients for daily mean measurements ranging from 0.50 to 0.86, depending on the site. IASI measurements are also compared to the distributions from MOZART-4. Seasonal cycles observed from satellite data are reasonably well reproduced by the model with correlation coefficients ranging from −0.31 to 0.93 for C2H2 daily means, and from 0.09 to 0.86 for HCN daily means, depending on the considered region. However, the anthropogenic (biomass burning) emissions used in the model seem to be overestimated (underestimated), and a negative global mean bias of 1 % (16 %) of the model relative to the satellite observations was found for C2H2 (HCN).
Mammal faunal change in the zone of the Paleogene hyperthermals ETM2 and H2
Authors: Chew A. E.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. "Hyperthermals" are past intervals of geologically rapid global warming that provide the opportunity to study the effects of climate change on existing faunas over thousands of years. A series of hyperthermals is known from the early Eocene (~ 56–54 million years ago), including the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) and two subsequent hyperthermals (Eocene Thermal Maximum 2 – ETM2 – and H2). The later hyperthermals occurred during warming that resulted in the Early Eocene Climatic Optimum (EECO), the hottest sustained period of the Cenozoic. The PETM has been comprehensively studied in marine and terrestrial settings, but the terrestrial biotic effects of ETM2 and H2 are relatively unknown. Two carbon isotope excursions (CIEs) have been described in the northern part of the Bighorn Basin, WY, USA, and related to ETM2 and H2. An ~ 80 m thick zone of stratigraphic section in the extraordinarily dense, well-studied terrestrial mammal fossil record along the Fifteenmile Creek (FC) in the south–central part of the basin spans the levels at which the CIEs occur in the northern Bighorn Basin. High-resolution, multiparameter paleoecological analysis of this part of the FC section reveals two episodes of significant faunal change – faunal events B-1 and B-2 – characterized by significant peaks in species diversity and turnover and changes in abundance and relative body size. Faunal events B-1 and B-2 are hypothesized to be related to the CIEs in the northern part of the basin and hence to the climatic and environmental change of ETM2 and H2. In contrast with the PETM, change at faunal events B-1 and B-2 is less extreme, is not driven by immigration and involves a proliferation of body sizes, although abundance shifts tend to favor smaller congeners. The response at faunal events B-1 and B-2 is distinctive in its high proportion of species losses, potentially related to heightened species vulnerability in response to changes already underway in the lead-up to the EECO. Faunal response at faunal events B-1 and B-2 is also distinctive in that it shows high proportions of beta richness, suggestive of increased geographic dispersal related to transient increases in habitat (floral) complexity and/or precipitation or seasonality of precipitation.
Outcome of the Treatment of Retinopathy of Prematurity in Qatar
Authors: El Shafei M. M. , Rodriguez V. R. , Martinez F. E.
Published: September 2015

To evaluate the results of the treatment of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) patients in Qatar a retrospective analysis was made of 43 infants treated between January 1999 and December 2002 initially with indirect laser transpupillary photocoagulation. Cryotherapy was used only on those needing re-treatment. A favorable outcome overall was obtained in 40 cases (90%) after ten received re-treatment. The statistical interpretation, complicating factors and outcomes are discussed. It is concluded that the results of threshold ROP treatment in Qatar are encouraging.
(First Available Description of Circulation) Ibn Al Nafis Original Manuscript and Translation
Authors: Gehani A. A.
Published: September 2015

“And this is the right one of the two Cavities of the heart. If blood was to be “purified” in these cavities, it must pass to the left cavity where the “soul” is generated, but there are no passages between the two cavities. The mass of the heart here is dull and has no visible apertures, as some people wrongly thought. In fact, there are no invisible openings suitable for the passage of blood, either as Galen wrongly thought. The cavities of the heart in this region are sealed and its mass is thick. Therefore, if is necessary that blood to be “purified” it has to pass through the “ARTERIAL VEIN” to the lungs where it penetrates into its mass, mixes with air, and the better part of it is “purified”. It then passes into the “VENOUS ARTERY” to reach the left cavity of the heart.”
Improved Screening of Donor's Blood for Malaria: A Qatari Experience
Authors: Amer A. , Al Malki A. , Yousef B. , Al Mutawa H.
Published: September 2015

Malaria is one of the most widespread infections globally and is undoubtedly responsible for the majority of all cases of transfusion-transmitted disease in the world. Qatar is free from endemic malaria. However; cases are seen with the large expatriate work force imported from malarious areas. These constitute a significant percent of the blood donors’ pool (34%). Over a 27-month period, among 5845 volunteers tested for malaria, 21 were deferred (0.36%) showing positive result when screened by the Giemsastained thick smear technique, with 2 undiagnosed cases that led to transfusion-transmitted malaria. Since then and for the last 21 months, the Falciparum-Spot immunofluorescence (IF) test was implemented in an attempt to ensure accurate screening. Among 6367 donors tested, 274 (4.3%) were deferred. Careful questioning about donor travel history, expansion of deferral policy and the use of a more sensitive screening test have all resulted in increasing layers of safety where no transfusion-transmitted malaria was reported in the last 21 months. These measures were necessary to regain the trust of the public in the safety and stewardship of the blood supply.
Occupational Medicine in cardiovascular risk prevention by ergometry and psycho test implementing physical activities in Public Health Institute employees
Authors: Hrvoje Lalić
Published: September 2015

Within the WHO global action against chronic noninfectious diseases the local action in cooperation of Occupational Medicine and Sports and Public Health Institute in Rijeka, Croatia has been undertaken. The Project objectives were improvement of psychophysical condition of women employed in the Institute and also to spark their interest in health and physical activities. The research comprised ergometry testing 19 female employees and so the levels of glucose and lactate were tested before and after ergometry burden. They have undergone the battery of psycho tests, stress test, test of anxiety as condition, test of anxiety as trait personality and test of depression. They had 6 weeks of physical exercises 1 hour twice a week monitored by a kinesiologist. After the exercises the results proved positive but not statistically due to short period of exercises. The Scout lactate test p = .357, p > .05 indicated a minor increase of lactate after the bicycle ergometry burden test and conducted programmed exercises in relation to the bicycle ergometry burden test before the exercises. Bionime glucose test after the burden and exercise showed a decrease but smaller compared to the burden test before exercises, p = .250, p > .05 which indicates improved fitness though not significant. Concerning psychic parameters the exercises resulted in significant differences in depression, p = .0197, p < .05. In conclusion, besides the importance of carrying out such programmed physical activities, diagnosed Electrocardiograph (ECG) changes, of 19 employees one was cosmetic and one cardiac organic change, point to the significance of screening in Occupational Medicine and Sports in diagnosing potential cardiac diseases in working population.
Progressively Doping Graphene with S i: from Graphene to Silicene, a Numerical Study
Authors: Olivi-Tran Nathalie
Published: September 2015

For three different sizes of graphene nanosheets, we computed the Density of states when these nanosheets are progressively doped with an increasing percentage of S i atoms. The pure graphene nanosheets are semi conducting or not depending on their size. The pure silicene nanosheets are conducting with a conduction due to π (pi) electrons.
The S i doped graphene nanosheets are also semi conducting or not depending on their size: for small sizes, there are semi conducting and they become conducting for larger sizes and larger percentages of S idoping. We computed also the total electronic energy which is linked to the mechanical stability of all our nanosheets. This mechanical stability decreases regularly as a function of the S i percentage of doping , but for the pure silicene nanosheets, the mechanical stability decreases more abruptly.
Statistical Evaluation of Four Technologies used for Intelectualization of Smart Home Environment
Authors: Paulauskaite-Taraseviciene Agne , Jukavicius Vaidas , Morkevicius Nerijus , Jasinevicius Raimundas , Petrauskas Vytautas , Kazanavicius Vygintas
Published: September 2015

This paper addresses the issues of decision-making methods and their usage capabilities for intelligent control based on resident’s habits. Learning from the behaviour of the resident is essential for the system to adapt and provide intelligent control based on behaviour patterns. Different homes have different conditions and habits which have to be taken into account for the intelligent system to be useful. However, even deeply ingrained habits are subject to change over time. Therefore, an intelligent system has to respond to changing and diverse environment. Various decision-making methods have the potential of a number of benefits in providing intelligent control for the Smart home systems. In this paper, concurrent decision-making methods, including Artificial Neural Networks, Fuzzy Logic, Linear Programing and Bayesian, are employed with particular algorithms in order to provide control based on resident’s habits. These approaches are tested and compared within experimental scenarios for intelligent lightning control.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.itc.44.3.11965
Large-Scale Systems Control Design via LMI Optimization
Authors: Rehak Branislav
Published: September 2015

A control design for a large-scale system using LMI optimization is proposed. The control is designed in a way such that the LQ cost in the case of the decentralized control  does not exceed a certain limit. The optimized quantity are the values of the control gain matrices. The methodology is useful even for finding a decomposition of the system, however, some expert knowledge is necessary in this case. The capabilities of the algorithm are illustrated by two examples.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.itc.44.3.6464
Partial Reconfiguration of Control Systems using Petri Nets Structural Redundancy
Authors: Alcaraz-Mejia Mildreth I , Campos-Rodriguez Raul , Lopez-Mellado Ernesto , Ramirez-Trevino Antonio
Published: September 2015

This paper deals with the partial reconfiguration of the discrete control systems due to resource failures using the structural redundancy of the global system model. The approach herein proposed introduces a new subclass of Interpreted Petri Nets (IPN), named Interpreted Machines with Resources (IMR), allowing representing both the behaviour of a system and the resource allocation. Based on this model, an efficient reconfiguration algorithm is proposed; it is based on finding the set of all redundant sequences using alternative resources. The advantages of this structural reconfiguration method are: (1) it provides minimal reconfiguration to the system control assuring the properties of the original control system, (2) since the model includes resource allocation, it can be applied to a variety of systems such as Business Processes, and FPGAs, among others. The method is illustrated through a case study dealing with a manufacturing system controller that includes both alternative resources and operation sequences.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.itc.44.3.8783
The Claw Simplifies Utility Locates
Authors: Blake Mike
Published: September 2015

The Claw is a recycled trash picker. The mechanism is reversed so it's clamped shut all the time. The Claw allows operators to reach into valve vaults and grab onto anything metal to perform a locate.
Negotiating identity: reburial and commemoration of the civil war dead in southwestern Spain
Authors: Araguete-Toribio Zahira
Published: September 2015

This article considers how the reburial and commemoration of the human remains of the
Republican defeated during the Spanish Civil War (1936–39) is affected by the social,
scientific and political context in which the exhumations occur. Focusing on a particular
case in the southwestern region of Extremadura, it considers how civil society groups
administer reburial acts when a positive identification through DNA typing cannot be
attained. In so doing, the article examines how disparate desires and memories come
together in collective reburial of partially individuated human remains.
Visual Estimation of the Severity of Aortic Stenosis and the Calcium Burden by 2‐Dimensional Echocardiography
Authors: Quader Nishath , Wilansky Susan , Click Roger L. , Katayama Minako , Chaliki Hari P.
Published: September 2015

Objectives

Guidelines have recommended aortic valve surgery in asymptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis and a large aortic valve calcium burden. The purpose of this study was to determine whether visual assessment of aortic valve calcium and stenosis severity are reliable based on 2‐dimensional echocardiography alone.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 68 patients with aortic stenosis and compared them with 30 control participants without aortic stenosis. All had aortic valve calcium score assessment by computed tomography. In a random order, 2‐dimensional images without hemodynamic data were independently reviewed by 2 level 3–trained echocardiographers, who then classified these patients into categories based on aortic valve calcium and stenosis severity.

Results

The 68 patients (mean age ± SD, 74 ± 10 years) were classified as having mild (n = 28), moderate (n = 22), and severe (n = 18) aortic stenosis. When the observers were asked to grade the degree of valve calcification, the agreement between them was poor (κ = 0.33–0.39). The visual ability to determine stenosis severity compared with Doppler echocardiography had high specificity (81% and 88% for observers 1 and 2). However, sensitivity was unacceptably low (56%–67%), and the positive predictive value was poor (44%–50%). Agreement was fair (κ= 0.58–0.69) between the observers for determining severe stenosis.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that visual assessment of aortic valve calcium has high interobserver variability; the visual ability to determine severe aortic stenosis has low sensitivity but high specificity. Our results may have important implications for treatment of patients with aortic stenosis and guiding the use of handheld echocardiography. Further research with larger cohorts is needed to validate the variability, sensitivity, and specificity reported in our study.
Approach to the Swollen Arm With Chronic Dialysis Access
Authors: Reddy Shilpa N. , Boros Meghan C. , Horrow Mindy M.
Published: September 2015

The purposes of this pictorial essay are as follows: (1) Review a systematic approach to using sonography in the initial evaluation of patients with acute arm swelling and permanent dialysis access. (2) Identify normal grayscale and Doppler findings in arteriovenous fistulas and grafts. (3) Discuss a spectrum of vascular differential diagnoses for arm swelling in this setting, including stenosis of the access, draining vein complications, thrombosis, steal syndrome, and aneurysms, as well as several nonvascular causes. (4) Recognize findings that warrant further imaging evaluation or intervention.
Levator Plate Upward Lift on Dynamic Sonography and Levator Muscle Strength
Authors: Rostaminia Ghazaleh , Peck Jennifer , Quiroz Lieschen , Shobeiri S. Abbas
Published: September 2015

Objectives

To compare digital palpation with levator plate lift measured by endovaginal and transperineal dynamic sonography.

Methods

Dynamic transperineal and endovaginal sonographic examinations were performed as part of multicompartmental pelvic floor functional assessment. Patients were instructed to perform Kegel contractions while a probe captured a video clip of levator plate movement at rest and during contraction in a 2‐dimensional midsagittal posterior view. We measured the distance between the levator plate and the probe on endovaginal sonography as well as the distance between the levator plate and the gothic arch of the pubis on transperineal sonography. The change in diameter (lift) and levator plate lift ratio (lift/rest × 100) were calculated. Pelvic floor muscle strength was assessed by digital palpation and divided into functional and nonfunctional groups according to the Modified Oxford Scale. Mean differences in levator plate upward lift were compared by Modified Oxford Scale scores using Student t tests and analysis of variance.

Results

Seventy‐four women were available for analysis. The mean age was 55 (SD, 11.9) years. When measured by vaginal dynamic sonography, mean lift and lift/rest ratio values increased with increasing Modified Oxford Scale score (analysis of variance, P= .09 and .04, respectively). When scores were categorized to represent nonfunctional (0–1) and functional (2–5) muscle strength groups, the mean lift (3.2 versus 4.6 mm; P = .03) and lift/rest ratio (13% versus 20%; P = .01) values were significantly higher in women with functional muscle strength. All patients with lift of 30% or greater detected by vaginal sonography had functional muscle strength.

Conclusions

A greater levator plate lift ratio detected by dynamic endovaginal sonography was associated with higher muscle strength as determined by the Modified Oxford Scale. This novel measurement can be incorporated into sonographic evaluation of levator ani function.
Water storage changes as a marker for base flow generation processes in a tropical humid basement catchment (Benin): Insights from hybrid gravimetry
Authors: Hector Basile , Séguis Luc , Hinderer Jacques , Cohard Jean‐Martial , Wubda Maxime , Descloitres Marc , Benarrosh Nathalie , Boy Jean‐Paul
Published: September 2015

In basement catchments of subhumid West Africa, base flow is the main component of annual streamflow. However, the important heterogeneity of lithology hinders the understanding of base flow generation processes. Since these processes are linked with water storage changes (WSCs) across the catchment, we propose the use of hybrid gravity data in addition to neutron probe‐derived water content and water levels to monitor spatiotemporal WSC of a typical crystalline basement headwater catchment (16 ha) in Benin. WSC behaviors are shown to provide insights into hydrological processes in terms of water redistribution toward the catchment outlet. Hybrid gravimetry produces gravity change observations from time‐lapse microgravity surveys coupled with gravity changes monitored at a base station using a superconducting gravimeter and/or an absolute gravimeter. A dense microgravity campaign (70 surveys of 14 stations) covering three contrasted years was set up with a rigorous protocol, leading to low uncertainties (<2.5 μGal) on station gravity determinations (with respect to the network reference station). Empirical orthogonal function analyses of both gravity changes and WSCs from neutron probe data show similar spatial patterns in the seasonal signal. Areas where storage and water table show a capping behavior (when data reach a plateau during the wet season), suggesting threshold‐governed fast subsurface redistribution, are identified. This observed storage dynamics, together with geological structures investigated by electrical resistivity tomography and drill log analysis, make it possible to derive a conceptual model for the catchment hydrology.
What aspects of future rainfall changes matter for crop yields in West Africa?
Authors: Guan Kaiyu , Sultan Benjamin , Biasutti Michela , Baron Christian , Lobell David B.
Published: September 2015

How rainfall arrives, in terms of its frequency, intensity, the timing and duration of rainy season, may have a large influence on rainfed agriculture. However, a thorough assessment of these effects is largely missing. This study combines a new synthetic rainfall model and two independently validated crop models (APSIM and SARRA‐H) to assess sorghum yield response to possible shifts in seasonal rainfall characteristics in West Africa. We find that shifts in total rainfall amount primarily drive the rainfall‐related crop yield change, with less relevance to intraseasonal rainfall features. However, dry regions (total annual rainfall below 500 mm/yr) have a high sensitivity to rainfall frequency and intensity, and more intense rainfall events have greater benefits for crop yield than more frequent rainfall. Delayed monsoon onset may negatively impact yields. Our study implies that future changes in seasonal rainfall characteristics should be considered in designing specific crop adaptations in West Africa.
Detection of inner core solidification from observations of antipodal PKIIKP
Authors: Cormier Vernon F.
Published: September 2015

PKIIKP waves, reflected from the underside of the inner core boundary, are very sensitive to the S velocity in the uppermost 80 km of the inner core at antipodal distances, undergoing a phase change and a factor of 4 amplification as the distance approaches 180°. Modeled PKIIKP waveforms are consistent with a near‐zero shear modulus in the uppermost inner core in a 20–40 km thick patch beneath the eastern equatorial hemisphere. This bright spot of PKIIKP reflection correlates with a thin zone of low P velocity inferred from the complexity of PKIKP waveforms sampling this patch. Estimates of grain sizes from seismic attenuation, the absence of backscattered PKiKP coda in this region, and a prediction for enhanced heat flow through this patch suggest that it is a region of solidification rather than melting.
Is a high‐altitude meteorological analysis necessary to simulate thermosphere‐stratosphere coupling?
Authors: Siskind D. E. , Sassi F. , Randall C. E. , Harvey V. L. , Hervig M. E. , Bailey S. M.
Published: September 2015

We compare simulations of mesospheric tracer descent in the winter and spring of 2009 with two versions of the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM), both with specified dynamics. One is constrained with data from the Modern‐Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications which extends from 0 to 50 km; the other uses the Navy Operational Global Atmospheric Prediction System‐Advanced Level Physics High Altitude (NOGAPS‐ALPHA) which extends up to 92 km. By comparison with Solar Occultation for Ice Experiment data we show that constraining WACCM to NOGAPS‐ALPHA yields a dramatic improvement in the simulated descent of enhanced nitric oxide (NO) and very low methane (CH4). We suggest that constraining to NOGAPS‐ALPHA compensates for an underestimate of nonorographic gravity wave drag in WACCM. Other possibilities, such as missing energetic particle precipitation or underestimated eddy diffusion, are less likely for the Arctic winter and spring of 2009.
E region electric field dependence of the solar activity
Authors: Denardini C. M. , Moro J. , Resende L. C. A. , Chen S. S. , Schuch N. J. , Costa J. E. R.
Published: September 2015

We have being studying the zonal and vertical E region electric field components inferred from the Doppler shifts of type 2 echoes (gradient drift irregularities) detected with the 50 MHz backscatter coherent radar set at São Luis, Brazil (SLZ, 2.3°S, 44.2°W) during the solar cycle 24. In this report we present the dependence of the vertical and zonal components of this electric field with the solar activity, based on the solar flux F10.7. For this study we consider the geomagnetically quiet days only (Kp ≤ 3+). A magnetic field‐aligned‐integrated conductivity model was developed for proving the conductivities, using the IRI‐2007, the MISIS‐2000, and the IGRF‐11 models as input parameters for ionosphere, neutral atmosphere, and Earth magnetic field, respectively. The ion‐neutron collision frequencies of all the species are combined through the momentum transfer collision frequency equation. The mean zonal component of the electric field, which normally ranged from 0.19 to 0.35 mV/m between the 8 and 18 h (LT) in the Brazilian sector, show a small dependency with the solar activity. Whereas the mean vertical component of the electric field, which normally ranges from 4.65 to 10.12 mV/m, highlights the more pronounced dependency of the solar flux.
Tilt of mean sea level along the Pacific coasts of North America and Japan
Authors: Lin Hongyang , Thompson Keith R. , Huang Jianliang , Véronneau Marc
Published: September 2015

The tilt of coastal mean sea level with respect to an equipotential surface is estimated using two fundamentally different approaches. The geodetic approach is based on tide gauge and GPS observations, and a model of the geoid. The ocean approach uses a high‐resolution, dynamically based ocean model to estimate mean dynamic topography. Along the Pacific coast of North America the two approaches give similar large‐scale profiles with a minimum at about 40°N and a maximum in the northern part of the Gulf of Alaska. Along the Pacific coast of Japan the geodetically determined coastal sea levels indicate an eastward drop of about 20 cm along the south coast and a further northward drop across Tsugaru Strait. Both of these features are reproduced by the ocean models. An analysis of the alongshore momentum balance suggests that alongshore wind stress acting over the inner shelf is the primary driver of the mean sea level profile along the coast of North America. Several large‐scale features are explained using arrested topographic wave theory. A similar momentum analysis, and an additional study of time variability of sea level and circulation, suggests that the Kuroshio is the main driver of the mean sea level tilt along the south coast of Japan. Discrepancies in the alongshore tilt of sea level estimated by the geodetic and ocean approaches along both coasts are discussed in terms of errors in the ocean and geoid models.
Effect of subtropical mode water on the decadal variability of the subsurface transport through the Luzon Strait in the western Pacific Ocean
Authors: Yu Kai , Qu Tangdong , Dong Changming , Yan Youfang
Published: September 2015

Analysis of the 62 year hindcast outputs from an eddy‐resolving ocean general circulation model shows a good correspondence of the Luzon Strait subsurface transport to the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) index on a decadal time scale, with the latter leading by about 5 years. The backward particle tracing experiments indicate that the part of the subsurface water in the Luzon Strait generated by the subduction processes comes from the Subtropical Mode Water (STMW). The model results also show a strong PDO signal in the subduction rate, as well as the subsurface low potential vorticity (PV), in the formation region of the STMW, and these decadal signals can be traced all the way to the Luzon Strait as PV anomalies follow the subtropical gyre circulation in about 5 years. The PV anomalies from the STMW affect the subsurface net transport in the Luzon Strait through changing the subsurface density structure and then zonal velocity.
Seasonal and diurnal cycles of liquid water in snow—Measurements and modeling
Authors: Heilig A. , Mitterer C. , Schmid L. , Wever N. , Schweizer J. , Marshall H.‐P. , Eisen O.
Published: September 2015

Evaluating and improving snow models and outflow predictions for hydrological applications is hindered by the lack of continuous data on bulk volumetric liquid water content (θw) and storage capacity of the melting snowpack. The combination of upward looking ground‐penetrating radar and conventional snow height sensors enable continuous, nondestructive determinations of θw in natural snow covers from first surficial wetting until shortly before melt out. We analyze diurnal and seasonal cycles of θw for 4 years in a flat study site and for three melt seasons on slopes and evaluate model simulations for two different water transport schemes in the snow cover model SNOWPACK. Observed maximum increases in θw during a day are below 1.7 vol % (90th percentile) at the flat site. Concerning seasonal characteristics of θw, less than 10% of recorded data exceed 5 vol % at the flat site and 3.5 vol % at slopes. Both water transport schemes in SNOWPACK underestimate maximum θw at the flat site systematically for all observed melt seasons, while simulated θw maxima on slopes are accurate. Implementing observed changes in θw per day in outflow predictions increases model performance toward higher agreement with lysimeter measurements. Hence, continuously monitoring θw improves our understanding of liquid water percolation and retention in snow, which is highly relevant for several aspects of the cryosphere such as avalanche formation, catchment hydrology, and ice sheet mass balances.