bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated-Optic Tenth-Order Micro-Ring Filters in Silicon-on-Insulator
Authors: Yan Shu Bin , Wang Xiao Qian , Ma Ke Zhen , Zhang An Fu , Xue Chen Yang , Zhang Wen Dong
Published: July 2013

In the paper, it demonstrates highly integrated tenth-order filters in silicon-on-insulator (SOI). The micro-ring resonators have a small radius of 5μm and a very large free spectral range ~ 18nm at 1.55μm communication band. For through port responses, the grating and the high-order optic filters with ten coupled micro-ring resonators are designed and demonstrated, and grating responding well matches with the experiment resonators. Devices are patterned with electron-beam lithography (EBL). And 2μm SiO2 layer is covered on the silicon waveguide, thus reducing the propagation loss in micro-ring resonators.
Nanometer-Scale SOI Based Y-Branch Couplers for High Density Optical Integrated Circuits
Authors: Zhou Zhen , Dong Zheng Fang , Feng Li Shuang , Wang Kun Bo , Zhi Yin Zhou
Published: July 2013

SOI Ridge nanowire waveguide (RNW) has advantages of strong confinement of optical mode, low propagation loss, small bend radius and fully compatible with CMOS technique, etc. An ultra-compact Y-branch coupler based on SOI RNW was designed and fabricated. Based on the finite-difference beam propagation method (FD-BPM), key parameters of the coupler were analyzed. Then the device was fabricated by electron beam lithography (EBL) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) reactive ion etching. Results showed that the propagation loss of RNW was 1.89 dB/mm, and the radiation loss of the coupler with branch angle of 30° was only 0.66 dB. Compared with traditional Y-branch coupler, the proposed structure were more promising for high density optical integrated circuits.
Disaster risk assessment at Roburnia Plantation, Mpumalanga, South Africa
Authors: Makhado Rudzani A. , Saidi Amani T.
Published: July 2013

This study reports about disaster risk assessment undertaken at Roburnia Plantation, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were followed to collect data. A total of eight experienced foresters and fire fighters were purposively sampled for interview at Roburnia Plantation. A questionnaire survey was also used to collect the data. Risk levels were quantified using the risks equations of Wisner et al. (2004) and the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR 2002). Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Analysis of variance (ANOVA, single factor) was also applied. This study found that Roburnia Plantation is highly exposed to fire risks. The mean (± s.d.) output from the Wisner risk equation shows that fire is the highest risk at 7.7 ± 0.3, followed by harsh weather conditions at 5.6 ± 0.4 and least by tree diseases, pests and pathogens at 2.3 ± 0.2. Similarly, the mean (± s.d.) output from the UNISDR risk equation also shows that fire is the highest risk at 2.9 ± 0.2, followed by harsh weather conditions at 2.2 ± 0.3 and least by tree diseases, pests and pathogens at 1.3 ± 0.2. There was no significant deference in the risk analysis outputs (p = 0.13). This study also found that the number of fire incidents were low during summer, but increased during winter and spring. This variation is mainly due to a converse relationship with rainfall, because the availability of rain moistens the area as well as the fuel. When the area and fuel is moist, fire incidents are reduced, but they increase with a decrease in fuel moisture.
Modelling the evolution of pulsar wind nebulae
Authors: Vorster Michael
Published: July 2013

Using numerical models, the influence of factors such as agnetic field strength on the evolution of pulsar wind ebulae can be determined. This includes the morphological evolution as well as the evolution of the type of light emitted and the corresponding intensity.
High D(+)-Fructose Diet Adversely Affects Testicular Weight Gain in Weaning Rats—Protection by Moderate D(+)-Glucose Diet
Authors: Shibata Katsumi , Fukuwatari Tsutomu
Published: July 2013

The use of high D(+)-fructose corn syrup has increased over the past several decades in the developed countries, while overweight and obesity rates and the related diseases have risen dramatically. However, we found that feeding a high D(+)-fructose diet (80% D(+)-fructose as part of the diet) to weaning rats for 21 days led to reduced food intake (50% less, P < 0.0001) and thus delayed the weight gains in the body (40% less, P < 0.0001) and testes (40% less, P < 0.0001) compared to the no D(+)-fructose diet. We also challenged a minimum requirement of dietary D(+)-glucose for preventing the adverse effects of D(+)-fructose, such as lower food intake and reduction of body weight and testicular weight; the minimum requirement of D(+)-glucose was ã23% of the diet. This glucose amount may be the minimum requirement of exogenous glucose for reducing weight gain.
Effect of Bevacizumab Injection before Vitrectomy on Intravitreal Hemorrhage in Pseudophakic Patients with Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Demir Mehmet , Oba Ersin , Can Efe , Kara Orhan , Cinar Sonmez
Published: July 2013

We evaluated the effect of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection before pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) on intravitreal hemorrhage (VH) during and after vitrectomy for postoperative the first day and the first month in pseudophakic patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). This retrospective study was performed on 44 eyes of 44 patients who underwent vitrectomy for PDR. Patients were divided into PPV (n = 22 eyes) and PPV + IVB (n = 22 eyes) groups. Injection of bevacizumab (1.25 mg/0.05 mL) was performed 3 days before vitrectomy. Outcomes of visual acuity as well as intraoperative and postoperative VH were compared between the two groups. One month after surgery, visual acuity improved in PPV and PPV + IVB groups ( P = 0.005, P = 0.006), respectively. There was no difference between the two groups in best corrected visual acuity at baseline and after vitrectomy ( P = 0.71). Intraoperative bleeding into the vitreous was recorded in 14 (63.6%) cases in the PPV group and in 7 (31.8%) cases in the PPV + IVB group. The first month, intravitreal hemorrhage was recorded in six patients in the PPV group and in two patients in the PPV + IVB group ( P = 0.03). The mean pre-postoperative central macular thickness was similar in both groups. Intravitreal injection of IVB before vitrectomy decreased the rate of VH at the time of surgery and at the first postoperative month in patients with PDR.
Kinetic regimes and limiting cases of gas uptake and heterogeneous reactions in atmospheric aerosols and clouds: a general classification scheme
Authors: Berkemeier T. , Huisman A. J. , Ammann M. , Shiraiwa M. , Koop T. , Pöschl U.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. Heterogeneous reactions are important to atmospheric chemistry and are therefore an area of intense research. In multiphase systems such as aerosols and clouds, chemical reactions are usually strongly coupled to a complex sequence of mass transport processes and results are often not easy to interpret. Here we present a systematic classification scheme for gas uptake by aerosol or cloud particles which distinguishes two major regimes: a reaction-diffusion regime and a mass transfer regime. Each of these regimes includes four distinct limiting cases, characterised by a dominant reaction location (surface or bulk) and a single rate-limiting process: chemical reaction, bulk diffusion, gas-phase diffusion or mass accommodation. The conceptual framework enables efficient comparison of different studies and reaction systems, going beyond the scope of previous classification schemes by explicitly resolving interfacial transport processes and surface reactions limited by mass transfer from the gas phase. The use of kinetic multi-layer models instead of resistor model approaches increases the flexibility and enables a broader treatment of the subject, including cases which do not fit into the strict limiting cases typical of most resistor model formulations. The relative importance of different kinetic parameters such as diffusion, reaction rate and accommodation coefficients in this system is evaluated by a quantitative global sensitivity analysis. We outline the characteristic features of each limiting case and discuss the potential relevance of different regimes and limiting cases for various reaction systems. In particular, the classification scheme is applied to three different datasets for the benchmark system of oleic acid reacting with ozone in order to demonstrate utility and highlight potential issues. In light of these results, future directions of research needed to elucidate the multiphase chemical kinetics in this and other reaction systems are discussed.
On the interaction between marine boundary layer cellular cloudiness and surface heat fluxes
Authors: Kazil J. , Feingold G. , Wang H. , Yamaguchi T.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. The interaction between marine boundary layer cellular cloudiness and surface fluxes of sensible and latent heat is investigated. The investigation focuses on the non-precipitating closed-cell state and the precipitating open-cell state at low geostrophic wind speed. The Advanced Research WRF model is used to conduct cloud-system-resolving simulations with interactive surface fluxes of sensible heat, latent heat, and of sea salt aerosol, and with a detailed representation of the interaction between aerosol particles and clouds. The mechanisms responsible for the temporal evolution and spatial distribution of the surface heat fluxes in the closed- and open-cell state are investigated and explained. It is found that the closed-cell state imposes its horizontal spatial structure on surface air temperature and water vapor, and, to a lesser degree, on the surface sensible and latent heat flux. The responsible mechanism is the entrainment of dry free tropospheric air into the boundary layer. The open-cell state drives oscillations in surface air temperature, water vapor, and in the surface fluxes of sensible heat, latent heat, and of sea salt aerosol. Here, the responsible mechanism is the periodic formation of clouds, rain, and of cold and moist pools with elevated wind speed. Open-cell cloud formation, cloud optical depth and liquid water path, and cloud and rain water path are identified as good predictors of the spatial structure of surface air temperature and sensible heat flux, but not of surface water vapor and latent heat flux. It is shown that the open-cell state creates conditions conducive to its maintenance by enhancing the surface sensible heat flux. The open-cell state also enhances the sea-salt flux relative to the closed-cell state. While the open-cell state under consideration is not depleted in aerosol and is insensitive to variations in sea-salt fluxes, in aerosol-depleted conditions, the enhancement of the sea-salt flux may replenish the aerosol needed for cloud formation and hence contribute to the maintenance of the open-cell state. Spatial homogenization of the surface fluxes is found to have only a small effect on cloud properties in the investigated cases. This indicates that sub-grid scale spatial variability in the surface flux of sensible and latent heat and of sea salt aerosol may not be required in large scale and global models to describe marine boundary layer cellular cloudiness.
Retrieving wind statistics from average spectrum of continuous-wave lidar
Authors: Branlard E. , Pedersen A. T. , Mann J. , Angelou N. , Fischer A. , Mikkelsen T. , Harris M. , Slinger C. , Montes B. F.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. The aim of this study is to experimentally demonstrate that the time-average Doppler spectrum of a continuous-wave (cw) lidar is proportional to the probability density function of the line-of-sight velocities. This would open the possibility of using cw lidars for the determination of the second-order atmospheric turbulence statistics. An atmospheric field campaign and a wind tunnel experiment are carried out to show that the use of an average Doppler spectrum instead of a time series of velocities determined from individual Doppler spectra significantly reduces the differences with the standard deviation measured using ordinary anemometers, such as ultra-sonic anemometers or hotwires. The proposed method essentially removes the spatial averaging effect intrinsic to the cw lidar systems.
Monitoring the lowermost tropospheric ozone with thermal infrared observations from a geostationary platform: performance analyses for a future dedicated instrument
Authors: Sellitto P. , Dufour G. , Eremenko M. , Cuesta J. , Forêt G. , Gaubert B. , Beekmann M. , -H Peuch V. , Flaud J.-M.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. In this paper, we present performance analyses for a concept geostationary observing system called MAGEAQ (Monitoring the Atmosphere from Geostationary orbit for European Air Quality). The MAGEAQ mission is designed to include a TIR spectrometer and a broadband VIS radiometer; in this work we study only the TIR component (MAGEAQ-TIR). We have produced about 20 days of MAGEAQ-TIR tropospheric ozone pseudo-observations with a full forward and inverse radiative transfer pseudo-observations simulator. We have studied the expected sensitivity of MAGEAQ-TIR and we have found that a completely independent surface −6 km ozone column (about 1.0 DOF (degrees of freedom) and maximum sensitivity at about 3.0 km, on average), as well as a partially independent surface −3 km ozone column (about 0.6 DOF and maximum sensitivity at about 2.5 km, on average) can be achieved. Then, we have compared the tropospheric ozone profiles and the lower (surface −6 km) and lowermost (surface −3 km) tropospheric ozone column pseudo-observations to the target pseudo-reality, produced with the MOCAGE (MOdèle de Chimie Atmosphérique à Grande Echelle) chemistry and transport model. We have found very small to not significant average biases (< 1% in absolute value, for the surface −6 km TOC, and about −2 to −3%, for the surface −3 km TOC) and small RMSEs (about 1.3 DU (5%), for the surface −6 km TOC, and about 1.5 DU (10%), for the surface −3 km TOC). We have tested the performances of MAGEAQ-TIR at some selected small (0.2° × 0.2°) urban and rural locations. We have found that, while the vertical structures of the lower tropospheric ozone pseudo-reality are sometimes missed, MAGEAQ-TIR lower and lowermost column pseudo-observations follow stunningly good the MOCAGE column pseudo-reality, with correlation coefficients reaching values of 0.9 or higher. Unprecedented retrieval performances for the lowermost tropospheric ozone column are shown. In any case, our MAGEAQ-TIR pseudo-observations are only partially able to replicate the MOCAGE pseudo-reality variability and temporal cycle at the very lowest layers (surface and 1 km altitude), especially at Southern European urban locations, where the photochemistry signal is partially missed or shifted at higher altitudes. Temporal artifact on the daily cycle are sometimes observed. Stratospheric-to-tropospheric exchanges during short time periods (of the order of 1 day) are detected by the MAGEAQ-TIR pseudo-observations.
Satellite views of the seasonal and interannual variability of phytoplankton blooms in the eastern China seas over the past 14 yr (1998–2011)
Authors: He X. , Bai Y. , Pan D. , Chen C.-T. A. , Cheng Q. , Wang D. , Gong F.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. The eastern China seas are some of the largest marginal seas in the world, where high primary productivity and phytoplankton blooms are often observed. However, little is known about their systematic variation of phytoplankton blooms on large spatial and long temporal scales due to the difficulty of monitoring bloom events by field measurement. In this study, we investigated the seasonal and interannual variability and long-term changes in phytoplankton blooms in the eastern China seas using a 14 yr (1998–2011) time series of satellite ocean colour data. To ensure a proper satellite dataset to figure out the bloom events, we validated and corrected the satellite-derived chlorophyll concentration (chl a) using extensive in situ datasets from two large cruises. The correlation coefficients between the satellite retrieval data and the in situ chl a on the logarithmic scale were 0.85 and 0.72 for the SeaWiFS and Aqua/MODIS data, respectively. Although satellites generally overestimate the chl a, especially in highly turbid waters, both the in situ and satellite data show that the overestimation of satellite-derived chl a has an upper limit value (10 μg L−1), which can be used as a threshold for the identification of phytoplankton blooms to avoid the false blooms resulting from turbid waters. Taking 10 μg L−1 as the threshold, we present the spatial-temporal variability of phytoplankton blooms in the eastern China seas over the past 14 yr. Most blooms occur in the Changjiang Estuary and along the coasts of Zhejiang, with a maximal frequency of 20% (about 73 days per year). The coasts of the northern Yellow Sea and the Bohai Sea also have high-frequency blooms (up to 20%). The blooms show significant seasonal variation, with most occurring in spring (April–June) and summer (July–September). The study also revealed a doubling in bloom intensity in the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea during the past 14 yr. The nutrient supply in the eastern China seas might be a major controlling factor in bloom variation. The time series in situ nutrient datasets show that both the nitrate and phosphate concentrations increased more than twofold between 1998 and 2005 in the Yellow Sea. This might be the reason for the doubling of the bloom intensity index in the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea. In contrast, there has been no significant long-term increase or decrease in the Changjiang Estuary, which might be regulated by the Changjiang River discharge. These results offer a foundation for the study of the influence of phytoplankton blooms on the carbon flux estimation and biogeochemical processes in the eastern China seas.
Growth increment periodicity in the shell of the razor clam Ensis directus using stable isotopes as a method to validate age
Authors: Cardoso J. F. M. F. , Nieuwland G. , Witbaard R. , van der Veer H. W. , Machado J. P.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. To evaluate the role of the razor clam Ensis directus in Dutch coastal waters, understanding its population dynamics is important. As such, the age structure of the population forms a key parameter. Accurate age determination in bivalve shells is not always straightforward due to the difficulty of interpreting externally visible growth lines. In the present paper, we aimed at validating the seasonality in growth line formation using visual techniques in combination with stable oxygen and carbon isotope analyses (δ18O and δ13C). High δ18O values in the shell coincided with growth marks on the external surface of the valve and in acetate peels of the shell's cross section. Most shell δ18O samples were assigned to the months from June to September. From November to March no samples were retrieved, indicating that the shell did not grow. The lowest reconstructed temperature (6.3 °C) suggests that ~ 6 °C may be the threshold temperature for growth. Nevertheless, most of the reconstructed values fell above 14.5 °C, indicating that growth occurred mainly in the summer at relatively high temperatures. Shell δ13C profiles followed a more or less seasonal cycle, but no direct relationship could be made between δ13C values and annual growth lines. Although counting external annual growth lines led to a correct estimation of age and consequently of growth rates, we recommend analysing acetate peels of cross sections to support the distinction between annual lines and disturbance lines.
The role of benthic foraminifera in the benthic nitrogen cycle of the Peruvian oxygen minimum zone
Authors: Glock N. , Schönfeld J. , Eisenhauer A. , Hensen C. , Mallon J. , Sommer S.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. The discovery that foraminifera are able to use nitrate instead of oxygen as an electron acceptor for respiration has challenged our understanding of nitrogen cycling in the ocean. It was thought before that only prokaryotes and some fungi are able to denitrify. Rate estimates of foraminiferal denitrification have been very sparse and limited to specific regions in the oceans, not comparing stations along a transect of a certain region. Here, we present estimates of benthic foraminiferal denitrification rates from six stations at intermediate water depths in and below the Peruvian oxygen minimum zone (OMZ). Foraminiferal denitrification rates were calculated from abundance and assemblage composition of the total living fauna in both surface and subsurface sediments, as well as from individual species specific denitrification rates. A comparison with total benthic denitrification rates as inferred by biogeochemical models revealed that benthic foraminifera probably account for the total denitrification in shelf sediments between 80 and 250 m water depth. The estimations also imply that foraminifera are still important denitrifiers in the centre of the OMZ around 320 m (29–50% of the benthic denitrification), but play only a minor role at the lower OMZ boundary and below the OMZ between 465 and 700 m (2–6% of total benthic denitrification). Furthermore, foraminiferal denitrification has been compared to the total benthic nitrate loss measured during benthic chamber experiments. The estimated foraminiferal denitrification rates contribute 2 to 46% to the total nitrate loss across a depth transect from 80 to 700 m, respectively. Flux rate estimates range from 0.01 to 1.3 mmol m−2 d−1. Furthermore we show that the amount of nitrate stored in living benthic foraminifera (3 to 3955 μmol L−1) can be higher by three orders of magnitude as compared to the ambient pore waters in near-surface sediments sustaining an important nitrate reservoir in Peruvian OMZ sediments. The substantial contribution of foraminiferal nitrate respiration to total benthic nitrate loss at the Peruvian margin, which is one of the main nitrate sink regions in the world ocean, underpins the importance of the previously underestimated role of benthic foraminifera in global biogeochemical cycles.
Stimulation of microbial nitrogen cycling in aquatic ecosystems by benthic macrofauna: mechanisms and environmental implications
Authors: Stief P.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. Invertebrate animals that live at the bottom of aquatic ecosystems (i.e., benthic macrofauna) are important mediators between nutrients in the water column and microbes in the benthos. The presence of benthic macrofauna stimulates microbial nutrient dynamics through different types of animal–microbe interactions, which potentially affect the trophic status of aquatic ecosystems. This review contrasts three types of animal–microbe interactions in the benthos of aquatic ecosystems: (i) ecosystem engineering, (ii) grazing, and (iii) symbiosis. Their specific contributions to the turnover of fixed nitrogen (mainly nitrate and ammonium) and the emission of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide are evaluated. Published data indicate that ecosystem engineering by sediment-burrowing macrofauna stimulates benthic nitrification and denitrification, which together allows fixed nitrogen removal. However, the release of ammonium from sediments often is enhanced even more than the sedimentary uptake of nitrate. Ecosystem engineering by reef-building macrofauna increases nitrogen retention and ammonium concentrations in shallow aquatic ecosystems, but allows organic nitrogen removal through harvesting. Grazing by macrofauna on benthic microbes apparently has small or neutral effects on nitrogen cycling. Animal-microbe symbioses provide abundant and distinct benthic compartments for a multitude of nitrogen-cycle pathways. Recent studies revealed that ecosystem engineering, grazing, and symbioses of benthic macrofauna significantly enhance nitrous oxide emission from shallow aquatic ecosystems. The beneficial effect of benthic macrofauna on fixed nitrogen removal through coupled nitrification–denitrification can thus be offset by the concurrent release of (i) ammonium that stimulates aquatic primary production and (ii) nitrous oxide that contributes to global warming. Overall, benthic macrofauna intensifies the coupling between benthos, pelagial, and atmosphere through enhanced turnover and transport of nitrogen.
Detailed insight into Arctic climatic variability during MIS 11c at Lake El'gygytgyn, NE Russia
Authors: Vogel H. , Meyer-Jacob C. , Melles M. , Brigham-Grette J. , Andreev A. A. , Wennrich V. , Tarasov P. E. , Rosén P.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. Here we present a detailed multi-proxy record of the climate and environmental evolution at Lake El'gygytgyn, Far East Russian Arctic during the period 430–395 ka covering the marine isotope stage (MIS) 12/11 transition and the thermal maximum of super interglacial MIS 11c. The MIS 12/11 transition at Lake El'gygytgyn is characterized by initial warming followed by a cold reversal implying similarities to the last deglaciation. The thermal maximum of MIS 11c is characterized by full and remarkably stable interglacial conditions with mean temperatures of the warmest month (MTWM) ranging between ca. 10–15 °C; annual precipitation (PANN) ranging between ca. 300–600 mm; strong in-lake productivity coinciding with dark coniferous forests in the catchment; annual disintegration of the lake ice cover; and full mixis of the water column. Such conditions persisted, according to our age model, for ca. 27 ± 8 kyr between ca. 425–398 ka. The Lake El'gygytgyn record closely resembles the climate pattern recorded in Lake Baikal (SE Siberia) sediments and Antarctic ice cores, implying interhemispheric climate connectivity during MIS 11c.
Linking the river to the estuary: influence of river discharge on tidal damping
Authors: Cai H. , Savenije H. H. G. , Toffolon M.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. The effect of river discharge on tidal damping in estuaries is explored within one consistent theoretical framework where analytical solutions are obtained by solving four implicit equations, i.e., the phase lag, the scaling, the damping and the celerity equation. In this approach the damping equation is obtained by subtracting the envelope curves of high water and low water occurrence, taking into account that the flow velocity consists of a tidal and river discharge component. Different approximations of the friction term are considered in deriving the damping equation, resulting in as many analytical solutions. In this framework it is possible to show that river discharge affects tidal damping primarily through the friction term. The application to the Modaomen and Yangtze estuaries demonstrates that the influence of river discharge on tidal damping can be significant in the upstream part of an estuary where the ratio of river flow to tidal flow amplitude is substantial. The analytical model is able to describe the main tidal dynamics with realistic roughness values in the upper part of the estuary, while a model with negligible river discharge can be made to fit observations only with unrealistically high roughness values. Moreover, the damping equation can be used to estimate river discharge on the basis of observed tidal damping, which makes the proposed analytical model a tool to obtain indirect information about quantities that are difficult to measure in the tidal region.
Multi-step-ahead predictor design for effective long-term forecast of hydrological signals using a novel wavelet-NN hybrid model
Authors: Yang J.-S. , Yu S.-P. , Liu G.-M.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. In order to increase the accuracy of serial-propagated long-range multi-step-ahead (MSA) prediction, which has high practical value but also great difficulty to conduct because of huge error accumulation, a novel wavelet-NN hybrid model CDW-NN, combining continuous and discrete wavelet transforms (CWT and DWT) and neural networks (NN), is designed as the MSA predictor for effective long-term forecast of hydrological signals. By the application of 12 types of hybrid and pure models in estuarine 1096 day river stage series forecasting, different forecast performances and the superiorities of CDW-NN model with corresponding driving mechanisms are discussed, and one type of CDW-NN model (CDW-NF), which uses Neuro-Fuzzy as the forecast submodel, has been proven to be the most effective MSA predictor for the accuracy enhancement in the overall 1096 days long-term forecast. The special superiority of CDW-NF model lies in the CWT based methodology, which determines the 15 and 28 day prior data series as model inputs by revealing the significant short-time periodicities involved in estuarine river stage signals. Comparing conventional single-step-ahead based long-term forecast models, the CWT based hybrid models broaden the prediction range in each forecast step from 1 day to 15 days, thus reduce the overall forecasting iteration steps from 1096 steps to 74 steps and finally creates significant decrease of error accumulations. In addition, combination of the advantages of DWT method and Neuro-Fuzzy system also very benefit filtering the noisy dynamics for model inputs and enhancing the simulation and forecast ability of the complex hydro-system.
Analysis of the Sustainability of Selected Targeted NGO Interventions for a Representative Small-Scale Farm Family in Ecuador
Authors: Erickson Richard â€œJakeâ€ , Bailey DeeVon , Ward Ruby , Allen Karin
Published: July 2013

Linear programming techniques are used to illustrate the potential effects of targeted agricultural development interventions by non-governmental organizations. The results demonstrate the interconnection of nutrition, agricultural production, and economics in determining optimum decisions for farm families in the study area in northern Ecuador. The findings suggest that planned interventions for small-scale farmers should first consider a range of nutritional, agricultural, and economic factors before an intervention is implemented. Otherwise, planned interventions that focus on only one aspect of the family's well-being have a high probability of being unsustainable
A Choice‐Based Screening Method for Compulsive Drug Users in Rats
Authors: Lenoir Magalie , Augier Eric , Vouillac Caroline , Ahmed Serge H.
Published: July 2013

We describe a protocol for screening compulsive drug users among cocaine self‐administering rats, the most frequently used animal model in addiction research. Rats are first trained on several alternating days to self‐administer either cocaine (i.v.) or saccharin‐sweetened water (by mouth)—a potent, albeit nonessential, nondrug reward. Then rats are allowed to choose between the two rewards over several days until the preference stabilizes. Most rats choose to stop using cocaine and pursue the alternative reward. Only a minority of Wistar strain rats (generally 15%) persist in taking the drug, regardless of the severity of past cocaine use and even when made hungry and offered the possibility to relieve their physiological need. Persistence of cocaine use in the face of a high‐stakes choice is a core defining feature of compulsion. This choice‐based screening method for compulsive drug users is easy to implement, has several important applications, and compares well with other methods in the field. Curr. Protoc. Neurosci. 64:9.44.1‐9.44.17. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Animal Models of Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Cohen Hagit , Matar Michael A. , Joseph Zohar
Published: July 2013

Animal behavioral studies have commonly regarded the entire group of animals subjected to the study conditions as homogeneous, disregarding individual differences in response patterns. The following discussion will focus on a method of analyzing data that aims to model clinical diagnostic criteria applied to individual patterns of response using data from behavioral measures, and employing cut‐off scores to distinguish between extremes of response versus non‐response and the sizeable proportion of study subjects in‐between them. This protocol unit will present the concept of the model and its background, provide detailed protocols for each of its components, and present a selection of studies employing and examining the model, alongside the underlying translational rationale of each.Curr. Protoc. Neurosci. 64:9.45.1‐9.45.18. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
State estimation of discrete‐time systems with arbitrarily correlated noises
Authors: Liu Wei
Published: July 2013

In this paper, the state estimation problem for discrete‐time systems is considered where the noises affecting such systems do not require any constraint condition for the correlation and distribution, that is, the noises can be arbitrarily correlated and arbitrarily distributed random vector. For this, two filtering algorithms based on the criterion of linear minimum mean‐square error are proposed. The first algorithm is an optimal algorithm that can exactly compute the linear minimum mean‐square error estimate of system states. The second algorithm is a suboptimal algorithm that is proposed to reduce the computation and storage load of the proposed optimal algorithm. Computer simulations are carried out to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithms. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanoscale Topography and Chemistry Affect Embryonic Stem Cell Self‐Renewal and Early Differentiation
Authors: LaPointe Vanessa L. S. , Fernandes Ana Tiago , Bell Nia C. , Stellacci Francesco , Stevens Molly M.
Published: July 2013

Adherent cells respond to a wide range of substrate cues, including chemistry, topography, hydrophobicity, and surface energy. The cell‐substrate interface is therefore an important design parameter in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering applications, where substrate cues are used to influence cell behavior. Thin films comprising 4.5 nm (average diameter) gold nanoparticles coated with a mixture of two alkanethiols can confer hemispherical topography and specific chemistry to bulk substrates. The behavior of murine embryonic stem cells (ESCs) on the thin films can then be compared with their behavior on self‐assembled monolayers of the same alkanethiols on vapor‐deposited gold, which lack the topographical features. Cells cultured both with and without differentiation inhibitors are characterized by immunofluorescence for Oct4 and qPCR for Fgf5, Foxa2, Nanog, Pou5f1, and Sox2. Nanoscale chemistry and topography are found to influence stem cell differentiation, particularly the early differentiation markers, Fgf5 and Foxa2. Nanoscale topography also affects Oct4 localization, whereas the chemical composition of the substrate does not have an effect. It is demonstrated for the first time that ESCs can sense topographical features established by 4.5 nm particles, and these findings suggest that nanoscale chemistry and topography can act synergistically to influence stem cell differentiation. This study furthers the understanding of the effects of these substrate properties, improving our ability to design materials to control stem cell fate.
Silver Nanoparticles Impregnated Alginate–Chitosan‐Blended Nanocarrier Induces Apoptosis in Human Glioblastoma Cells
Authors: Sharma Shilpa , Chockalingam S. , Sanpui Pallab , Chattopadhyay Arun , Ghosh Siddhartha Sankar
Published: July 2013

Herein, a green method for the development of a novel biodegradable silver nanoparticles (NPs) impregnated alginate–chitosan‐blended nanocarrier (Ag NPs–Alg–Chi NC) is reported. The synthesis of Ag NPs–Alg–Chi NC is based on the polyelectrolyte complex formation between alginate and chitosan. The composite NC is characterized by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. The Ag NPs in the NC are found to elicit anticell proliferative effect on refractory U87MG (human glioblastoma) cells at IC50 of 2.4 μg mL−1 for Ag NPs. The cell cycle analysis shows extensive DNA damage. Elevation in reactive oxygen species level indicates induction of oxidative stress in treated cells. Mitochondrial dysfunction in cell death is evident from the depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Fluorescence and SEM images of the treated cells reveal nuclear and morphological changes characteristic of apoptosis, which is further confirmed by TUNEL assay. The induction of apoptosis at low concentration of Ag NPs present in Ag NPs–Alg–Chi NC in comparison with free Ag NPs makes it a promising tool for cancer therapy.
Doxorubicin Conjugate of Poly(Ethylene Glycol)‐Block‐Polyphosphoester for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Sun Chun‐Yang , Dou Shuang , Du Jin‐Zhi , Yang Xian‐Zhu , Li Ya‐Ping , Wang Jun
Published: July 2013

Polyphosphoesters with repeating phosphoester linkages in the backbone can be easily functionalized, are biodegradable and potentially biocompatible, and may be potential candidates as polymer carriers of drug conjugates. Here, the efficacy of a polyphosphoester drug conjugate as an anticancer agent in vivo is assessed for the first time. With controlled synthesis, doxorubicin conjugated to poly(ethylene glycol)‐block‐polyphosphoester (PPEH–DOX) via labile hydrazone bonds form spherical nanoparticles in aqueous solution with an average diameter of ≈60 nm. These nanoparticles are effectively internalized by MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells and release the conjugated doxorubicin in response to the intracellular pH of endosomes and lysosomes, resulting in significant antiproliferative activity in cancer cells. Compared with free doxorubicin injection, PPEH–DOX injection exhibits much longer circulation behavior in the plasma of mice and leads to enhanced drug accumulation in tumor cells. In an MDA‐MB‐231 xenograft murine model, inhibition of tumor growth with systemic delivery of PPEH–DOX nanoparticles is more pronounced compared with free doxorubicin injection, suggesting the potential of polyphosphoesters as carriers of drug conjugates in cancer therapy.
Analyzing group E‐mail exchange to detect data leakage
Authors: Zilberman Polina , Katz Gilad , Shabtai Asaf , Elovici Yuval
Published: July 2013

Today's organizations spend a great deal of time and effort on e‐mail leakage prevention. However, there are still no satisfactory solutions; addressing mistakes are not detected and in some cases correct recipients are wrongly marked as potential mistakes. In this article we present a new approach for preventing e‐mail addressing mistakes in organizations. The approach is based on an analysis of e‐mail exchanges among members of an organization and the identification of groups based on common topics. When a new e‐mail is about to be sent, each recipient is analyzed. A recipient is approved if the e‐mail's content belongs to at least one common topic to both the sender and the recipient. This can be applied even if the sender and recipient have never communicated directly before. The new approach was evaluated using the Enron e‐mail data set and was compared with a well known method for the detection of e‐mail addressing mistakes. The results show that the proposed approach is capable of detecting 87% of nonlegitimate recipients while incorrectly classifying only 0.5% of the legitimate recipients. These results outperform previous work, which reports a detection rate of 82% without reference to the false positive rate.
A New Strategy for the Synthesis of Iron‐Oxide Nanocrystals by Using a Single‐Spinneret Electrospinning Technique
Authors: Xu Guo‐Rong , Wang Jiao‐Na , Li Cong‐Ju
Published: July 2013

Iron‐oxide nanocrystals (IONCs) have been widely researched, owing to their unique physical and chemical properties. Herein, a new strategy that involves an electrospinning technique with the addition of a surfactant is reported as an effective method for the fabrication of shaped IONCs. With the same precursor compositions, only iron‐oxide nanoparticles were obtained by using a sol–gel method without electrospinning. However, when the electrospinning technique was introduced, IONCs with special geometrical shapes (e.g., octahedral) were obtained. Characterization data indicated that the IONCs were composed of magnetite (Fe3O4) and maghemite (γ‐Fe2O3), the ratio of which could be tuned by changing the concentration of the surfactants in the precursor solutions. A mechanism for the formation of IONCs is also proposed. The effect of surfactant on the decomposition of the iron complex is the main motivation for the formation of IONCs. In the sol–gel method without electrospinning, this effect is completely inhibited by the disturbance of long molecular chains. However, in the electrospinning strategy, such disturbance can be completely or partially diminished by the electrical force field during the electrospinning process and by the spatial effect of the nanofibers, thus leading to the formation of IONCs. Finally, the magnetic properties of the obtained IONCs were investigated. This strategy is versatile and environmentally friendly and it will be applicable to the synthesis of many other functional inorganic materials.
Modelling heavy vehicle car‐following behaviour in congested traffic conditions
Authors: Aghabayk Kayvan , Sarvi Majid , Forouzideh Nafiseh , Young William
Published: July 2013

This study develops a car‐following model in which heavy vehicle behaviour is predicted separately from passenger car. Heavy vehicles have different characteristics and manoeuvrability compared with passenger cars. These differences could create problems in freeway operations and safety under congested traffic conditions (level of service E and F) particularly when there is high proportion of heavy vehicles. With increasing numbers of heavy vehicles in the traffic stream, model estimates of the traffic flow could be degrades because existing car‐following models do not differentiate between these vehicles and passenger cars. This study highlighted some of the differences in car‐following behaviour of heavy vehicle and passenger drivers and developed a model considering heavy vehicles. In this model, the local linear model tree approach was used to incorporate human perceptual imperfections into a car‐following model. Three different real world data sets from a stretch of freeway in USA were used in this study. Two of them were used for the training and testing of the model, and one of them was used for evaluation purpose. The performance of the model was compared with a number of existing car‐following models. The results showed that the model, which considers the heavy vehicle type, could predict car‐following behaviour of drivers better than the existing models. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Das Follo‐Line‐Projekt – Bau des längsten Eisenbahntunnels in Norwegen
Authors: Kalager Anne Kathrine , Smith Erik
Published: July 2013

Das norwegische Follo‐Line‐Projekt gilt als das derzeit größte Verkehrsprojekt Norwegens und umfasst auch den längsten Eisenbahntunnel des Landes. Das Projekt wird im Auftrag des Ministeriums für Transport und Kommunikation von der nationalen Eisenbahnverwaltung Norwegens entwickelt.

Die neue zweigleisige Strecke zwischen der norwegischen Hauptstadt Oslo und dem öffentlichen Verkehrszentrum in Ski umfasst einen 19,5 km langen Tunnel mit zwei eingleisigen Röhren, der in erster Linie mithilfe vier großer Tunnelbohrmaschinen errichtet werden soll. In Norwegen wird traditionell die Bohr‐ und Sprengtechnik für den Bau von Straßen‐ und Eisenbahntunneln verwendet. Im Zuge der Entscheidung, den Vortrieb zum Follo‐Line‐Tunnel mit TBM vorzunehmen, wird ein Fachwissen wieder zum Einsatz kommen, das in den 1970er‐ und 1980er‐Jahren in Norwegen vorherrschend war. Beim Bau der zwei Röhren des Follo‐Line‐Tunnels handelt es sich um ein umfassendes Projekt, das jedes vorherige Eisenbahnprojekt in Norwegen größenmäßig deutlich übertrifft.

The Follo Line Project – Constructing Norway's longest railway tunnel

The Norwegian Follo Line Project is currently the largest transport project in Norway and will include the country's longest railway tunnel. The project is being developed by the Norwegian National Rail Administration under commission from the Ministry of Transport and Communications.

The new double track line between the Norwegian capital, Oslo and the public transport centre at Ski, includes a 19,5 km twin‐tube single track tunnel to be constructed mainly using four large tunnel boring machines. In Norway, drill and blast is the traditional method for constructions of road‐ and railway tunnels. The selection of TBM excavation for the Follo Line tunnels will reignites an expertise that Norway dominated in the 1970s and in the 1980s. The construction of the Follo Line's two tunnel bores is an extensive project, significantly larger than previous railway project in Norway.
Gotthard‐Basistunnel – Der längste Tunnel der Welt
Authors: Simoni Renzo
Published: July 2013

Mit dem Bau der neuen Gotthardbahn schreibt die Schweiz Verkehrsgeschichte. Die beiden Basistunnel am Gotthard und am Ceneri sind nicht nur eine technische Pionierleistung, sie sind auch Sinnbild für die Umsetzung des Volkswillens. Bereits 1992 stimmten die Schweizer Stimmbürgerinnen und Stimmbürger der Neuen Eisenbahn‐Alpentransversale (NEAT) am Gotthard und am Lötschberg zu. 1998 bestätigten sie in einer erneuten Abstimmung den FinöV‐Fonds, der die Finanzierung der großen Schweizer Bahnprojekte sicherstellt.

Der Gotthard‐Basistunnel, mit 57 Kilometern der längste Eisenbahntunnel der Welt, wird 2016 in Betrieb gehen. Voraussichtlich 2019 vervollständigt der Ceneri‐Basistunnel die Flachbahn durch die Alpen. Damit wird die Bahn im alpenquerenden Verkehr wieder konkurrenzfähig zur Straße. Durch die kürzere und flachere Linienführung kann die Produktivität im Güterverkehr wesentlich gesteigert werden. Der Reiseverkehr profitiert von beträchtlichen Zeitgewinnen. Mit der NEAT integriert sich die Schweiz zudem ins europäische Hochgeschwindigkeitsnetz.

Gotthard Base Tunnel – the world's longest tunnel

With construction of the new Gotthard Rail Link, Switzerland is creating transport history. The two base tunnels under the Gotthard and Ceneri are not only pioneering technical achievements, they also symbolise the materialisation of a nation's will. As long ago as 1992, Switzerland's voters authorised the New Rail Link through the Alps (NRLA) under the Gotthard and Lötschberg. In a further referendum in 1998, they created the Public Transport Finance Fund (FinöV) to secure the financing of major Swiss railway projects.

The Gotthard Base Tunnel, at 57 km the world's longest railway tunnel, will go into operation in 2016. In 2019, the flat route through the Alps is scheduled to be completed with the Ceneri Base Tunnel. This will restore the competitiveness of rail over road for transalpine transport. With the shorter and flatter route, productivity in goods traffic can be significantly increased. Rail passengers benefit from substantial time gains. Also with the NRLA, Switzerland integrates itself into the European high‐speed network.