bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of Supercritical Fluid Extraction in Membrane Cleaning Process by Addition of Organic Solvents
Authors: Krzysztoforski Jan , Krasiński Andrzej , Henczka Marek , Piątkiewicz Wojciech
Published: October 2013

In this study, the process of membrane cleaning by supercritical fluid extraction was investigated. Polypropylene microfiltration membranes, contaminated with oils, were treated in a batch process with a supercritical fluid (SCF). As extractant, pure supercritical carbon dioxide or supercritical carbon dioxide with admixtures of methanol, ethanol and isopropanol were used. Single-stage and multi-stage extraction was carried out and process efficiency was determined. The obtained results showed that addition of organic solvents significantly enhances the cleaning performance, which increases with increase of organic solvent concentration and decreases with increasing temperature. All three solvents showed a comparable effect of efficiency enhancement. The results confirmed that supercritical fluid extraction can be applied for polypropylene membrane cleaning.
Lower-Limb Power cannot be Estimated Accurately from Vertical Jump Tests
Authors: Tessier Jean-François , Basset Fabien-A , Simoneau Martin , Teasdale Normand
Published: October 2013

The countermovement jump test is often adopted to monitor lower-limb power of an individual. Despite several studies on the validity of this test, there is still a need to determine the minimal difference needed to be confident that a difference in power between two individuals is present or that a true change in the performance of an individual has occurred. In this study, power was measured from ground reaction forces and compared to that obtained from predictive equations for two groups of subjects (67 trained and 20 highly trained individuals). The height of each jump was determined with kinematic techniques. The main outcome is a large discrepancy between power calculated from ground reaction forces and that calculated from predictive equations. For the trained group, the R-square value between power and predicted power was 0.53 and the minimal difference to consider that two individuals were different was 821.7 W. For the highly trained individuals, a much larger R-square value was obtained (0.94). Despite this, the minimal difference to consider that two individuals were different was still large (689.3 W). The large minimal differences obtained raise serious concerns about using countermovement jumps for appraisal and monitoring of lower-limb power of an individual.
Cardiovascular Responses, Perceived Exertion and Technical Actions During Small-Sided Recreational Soccer: Effects of Pitch Size and Number of Players
Authors: Aslan Alper
Published: October 2013

The aim of this study was to determine the cardiovascular, perceived exertion and technical effects of altering pitch size and number of players in recreational soccer match-play. The further aim was to evaluate to what extent exercise intensity during various game formats corresponds to the recommended intensity level for cardiovascular fitness improvement. Ten male recreational players aged 31.7±7.6 years (mean ± SD) completed four variations of smallsided games (except for goalkeepers, 5-a-side and 7-a-side on small and large pitches) during which heart rate, perceived exertion and technical actions were evaluated. Two-way analysis of variance on repeated measures was applied to collected data. The results indicated that an average workload expressed as heart rate and percentage of heart rate reserve during 5-a-side games was higher than for 7-a-side games. The rate of perceived exertion values were moderate and similar for all formats of games. The players performed more dribbling and successful passes, but fewer unsuccessful passes during 5-a-side games. Furthermore, the number of ball possessions and unsuccessful passes was higher on a small pitch than on a large one. Consequently, the current findings suggest that, independent of pitch size, the cardiovascular demands imposed on participants increase when the game is played with fewer players. However, all formats of recreational soccer can be used as an effective activity to promote cardiovascular fitness. Finally, participants may have more chance to perform basic technical actions during 5-a-side games on small and large pitches.
Competitive Performance, Training Load and Physiological Responses During Tapering in Young Swimmers
Authors: Toubekis Argyris G. , Drosou Evgenia , Gourgoulis Vassilios , Thomaidis Savvas , Douda Helen , Tokmakidis Savvas P.
Published: October 2013

The study examined the changes of training load and physiological parameters in relation to competitive performance during a period leading to a national championship. The training content of twelve swimmers (age: 14.2±1.3 yrs) was recorded four weeks before the national championship (two weeks of normal training and two weeks of the taper). The training load was calculated: i) by the swimmer’s session-RPE score (RPE-Load), ii) by the training intensity levels adjusted after a 7x200-m progressively increasing intensity test (LA-Load). Swimmers completed a 400- m submaximal intensity test, a 15 s tethered swimming and hand-grip strength measurements 34-35 (baseline: Test 1), 20-21 (before taper: Test 2) and 6-7 (Test 3) days before the national championship. Performance during the national championship was not significantly changed compared to season best (0.1±1.6%; 95% confidence limits: -0.9, 1.1%; Effect Size: 0.02, p=0.72) and compared to performance before the start of the two-week taper period (0.9±1.7%; 95% confidence limits: 0.3, 2.1%; Effect size: 0.12, p=0.09). No significant changes were observed in all measured physiological and performance related variables between Test 1, Test 2, and Test 3. Changes in RPE-Load (week-4 vs. week-1) were correlated with changes in performance (r=0.63, p=0.03) and the RPE-Load was correlated with the LALoad (r=0.80, p=0.01). The estimation of the session-RPE training load may be helpful for taper planning of young swimmers. Increasing the difference between the normal and last week of taper training load may facilitate performance improvements.
Activity Profiles of Soccer Players During the 2010 World Cup
Authors: Clemente Filipe Manuel , Couceiro Micael Santos , Lourenço Martins Fernando Manuel , Ivanova Monika Ognyanova , Mendes Rui
Published: October 2013

The main objective of this study was to analyse the distance covered and the activity profile that players presented at the FIFA World Cup in 2010. Complementarily, the distance covered by each team within the same competition was analysed. For the purposes of this study 443 players were analysed, of which 35 were goalkeepers, 84 were external defenders, 77 were central defenders, 182 were midfielders, and 65 were forwards. Afterwards, a thorough analysis was performed on 16 teams that reached the group stage, 8 teams that achieved the round of 16, 4 teams that reached the quarter-finals, and 4 teams that qualified for the semi-finals and finals. A comparison of the mean distance covered per minute among the playing positions showed statistically significant differences (F(4,438) = 559.283; p < 0.001; 2 = 0.836; Power = 1.00). A comparison of the activity time among tactical positions also resulted in statistically significant differences, specifically, low activity (F(4,183.371) = 1476.844; p < 0.001; 2 = 0.742; Power = 1.00), medium activity (F(4,183.370) = 1408.106; p < 0.001; 2 = 0.731; Power = 1.00), and high activity (F(4,182.861) = 1152.508; p < 0.001; 2 = 0.703; Power = 1.00). Comparing the mean distance covered by teams, differences that are not statistically significant were observed (F(3,9.651) = 4.337; p < 0.035; 2 = 0.206; Power = 0.541). In conclusion, the tactical positions of the players and their specific tasks influence the activity profile and physical demands during a match.
Performance Consistency of International Soccer Teams in Euro 2012: a Time Series Analysis
Authors: Shafizadeh Mohsen , Taylor Marc , Peñas Carlos Lago
Published: October 2013

The purpose of this study was to examine the consistency of performance in successive matches for international soccer teams from Europe which qualified for the quarter final stage of EURO 2012 in Poland and Ukraine. The eight teams that reached the quarter final stage and beyond were the sample teams for this time series analysis. The autocorrelation and cross-correlation functions were used to analyze the consistency of play and its association with the result of match in sixteen performance indicators of each team. The results of autocorrelation function showed that based on the number of consistent performance indicators, Spain and Italy demonstrated more consistency in successive matches in relation to other teams. This appears intuitive given that Spain played Italy in the final. However, it is arguable that other teams played at a higher performance levels at various parts of the competition, as opposed to performing consistently throughout the tournament. The results of the cross-correlation analysis showed that in relation to goal-related indicators, these had higher associations with the match results of Spain and France. In relation to the offensive-related indicators, France, England, Portugal, Greece, Czech Republic and Spain showed a positive correlation with the match result. In relation to the defensive-related indicators, France, England, Greece and Portugal showed a positive correlation with match results. In conclusion, in an international soccer tournament, the successful teams displayed a greater degree of performance consistency across all indicators in comparison to their competitors who occasionally would show higher levels of performance in individual games, yet not consistently across the overall tournament. The authors therefore conclude that performance consistency is more significant in international tournament soccer, versus occasionally excelling in some metrics and indicators in particular games.
An Ant Colony Algorithm for efficient ship routing
Authors: Tsou Ming-Cheng , Cheng Hung-Chih
Published: October 2013

With the substantial rising of international oil price and global warming on the rise, how to reduce operational fuel consumption and decrease air pollution has become one of the pursued goals of green ship. Ship route planning is an indispensible part of the ship navigation process, especially in transoceanic crossing ship routing. The soundness of ship routing not only affects the safety of ship navigation but also the operation economy and environmental protection. This research is based on the platform of Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS), and founded on Ant Colony Algorithm (ACA) combined with the concept of Genetic Algorithm (GA), to model living organisms optimization behaviour to perform efficient ship route planning in transoceanic crossing. Besides the realization of route planning automation, ship routing will achieve the goal of optimum carbon dioxide reduction and energy conservation, and provide reference for route planning decision.
Trade Flows between Czech Republic and East Asia
Authors: Tseng Shoiw-Mei
Published: October 2013

Since 2005, Czech Republic has succeeded in transforming its economy through international trade surplus. However, Czech Republic’s trade deficits with East Asia are burgeoning, not only in China but also in other East Asian countries. This study provides an insight into Czech Republic’s import/export performance in East Asia during 1999-2011. In this study, the geographic concentration of trade, on a macro view, is adapted to highlight Czech Republic’s new regional market of East Asia in contrast with its trade expansion in the world. In consideration of the general development of world trade, the probability model of trade flows, on a micro view, is employed to investigate Czech Republic’s trade flows of East Asian countries. The result suggests that Czech Republic is bound to encounter continuing trade imbalance with East Asia. Nevertheless, Czech Republic’s trade geographic concentration in East Asia has the potential to relax.
The variable, fractional-order discrete-time PD controller in the IISv1.3 robot arm control
Authors: Ostalczyk Piotr , Brzezinski Dariusz , Duch Piotr , Łaski Maciej , Sankowski Dominik
Published: October 2013

In this paper, the discrete differentiation order functions of the variable, fractional-order PD controller (VFOPD) are considered. In the proposed VFOPD controller, a variable, fractional-order backward difference is applied to perform closed-loop, system error, discrete-time differentiation. The controller orders functions which may be related to the controller input or output signal or an input and output signal. An example of the VFOPD controller is applied to the robot arm closed-loop control due to system changes in moment of inertia. The close-loop system step responses are presented.
Giant vulvar pendulated lypoma in patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma and inoperated giant ventral hernia
Authors: Habek Dubravko , Gverić Tugomir , Barić Marko , Smiljanić Miroslav , Prka Matija , Tomica Darko
Published: October 2013

A case is presented of a operated giant pedunculated vulvar lipoma weighing 14 kg in a patient with concomitant inoperable giant ventral postoperative hernia, complete diastasis of the anterior abdominal wall musculature and endometrial adenocarcinoma.
A triad of endocarditis, endophthalmitis, and meningitis
Authors: Kavoliūnienė Aušra , Jonkaitienė Regina , Urbonaitė Laura
Published: October 2013

Streptococcus pneumoniae is an uncommon cause of infective endocarditis; it often requires prolonged antibacterial treatment and involves a high mortality rate. We report a rare case of pneumococcal endocarditis manifesting with unusual complications — meningitis and endophthalmitis. Streptococcus pneumoniae species grew from the cerebrospinal fluid. The diagnosis of native aortic valve infective endocarditis was confirmed after some delay by transesophageal echocardiography. The patient’s eye was lost because of infective complications, but his life was saved following an aggressive antibacterial therapy in combination with an immediate aortic valve replacement.
‘Cost of Knowledge’ and ‘Quality of Knowledge’: Looking towards Future
Authors: Agrawal Ganesh Kumar , Rakwal Randeep , Sarkar Abhijit
Published: October 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v7i1.8167
PCR based detection of Phomopsis vexans (Sacc. & Syd.) - The causative agent of leaf blight and fruit rot disease of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)
Authors: Jayaramaiah KM , Mahadevakumar S. , Raj AP Charith , Janardhana GR
Published: October 2013

Leaf blight and fruit rot disease of brinjal (Solanum melongena) caused by the fungal pathogen Phomopsis vexans is the most prevailing diseases responsible for the significant yield loss in many Brinjal growing regions of India. The survey conducted during 2008-2010, seven (07) isolates of Phomopsis vexans causing leaf blight and fruit rot disease in different areas of Karnataka were isolated, identified and confirmed by Koch’s postulates. Identification of Phomopsis vexans by conventional culture method was time consuming and laborious. Hence, PCR based detection assay was used to detect the pathogen from DNA samples obtained from fungal isolates. Universal primer pairs designed from internal transcribed spacer regions ITS1 (5'-CGGATCTCTTGGTTCTGGCA-3') and ITS4 (5'-GACGCTCGAACAGGCATGCC-3') of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) of the genus Phomopsis were used for PCR. The study revealed the amplification of expected 553bp PCR products in all the DNA samples isolated from different isolates of Phomopsis vexans confirming their association in leaf blight and fruit rot disease of Brinjal.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v7i1.8173 International Journal of Life Sciences 7(1): 2013; 17-20
Competing discourses about youth sexual exploitation in Canadian news media
Authors: Saewyc Elizabeth M. , Miller Bonnie B. , Rivers Robert , Matthews Jennifer , Hilario Carla , Hirakata Pam
Published: October 2013

Media holds the power to create, maintain, or break down stigmatizing attitudes, which affect policies, funding, and services. To understand how Canadian news media depicts the commercial sexual exploitation of children and youth, we examined 835 Canadian newspaper articles from 1989 to 2008 using a mixed methods critical discourse analysis approach, comparing representations to existing research about sexually exploited youth. Despite research evidence that equal rates of boys and girls experience exploitation, Canadian news media depicted exploited youth predominantly as heterosexual girls, and described them alternately as victims or workers in a trade, often both in the same story. News media mentioned exploiters far less often than victims, and portrayed them almost exclusively as male, most often called “customers” or “consumers,” and occasionally “predators”; in contrast, research has documented the majority of sexually exploited boys report female exploiters. Few news stories over the past two decades portrayed the diversity of victims, perpetrators, and venues of exploitation reported in research. The focus on victims but not exploiters helps perpetuate stereotypes of sexual exploitation as business or a “victimless crime,” maintains the status quo, and blurs responsibility for protecting youth under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Health care providers and researchers can be advocates for accuracy in media coverage about sexual exploitation; news reporters and editors should focus on exploiters more than victims, draw on existing research evidence to avoid perpetuating stereotypes, and use accurate terms, such as commercial sexual exploitation, rather than terms related to business or trade.
Predictors of increased cumulative serum levels of the N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide 4 days after acute spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Nyberg Christoffer , Karlsson Torbjörn , Ronne-Engström Elisabeth
Published: October 2013

Object

The rupture of an intracranial aneurysm is followed by increased intracranial pressure and decreased cerebral blood flow. A major systemic stress reaction follows, presumably to restore cerebral blood flow. However, this reaction can also cause adverse effects, including myocardial abnormalities, which are common and can be serious, and increased levels of natriuretic peptides, especially brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). The association of BNP with fluid and salt balance, vasospasm, brain ischemia, and cardiac injury has been studied but almost exclusively regarding events after admission. Brain natriuretic peptide has also been measured at various time points and analyzed in different ways statistically. The authors approached BNP measurement in a new way; they used the calculated area under the curve (AUC) for the first 4 days to quantitatively measure the BNP load during the first critical part of the disease state. Their rationale was a suspicion that early BNP load is a marker of the severity of the ictus and will influence the subsequent course of the disease by disturbing the fluid and salt balance.

Methods

The study included 156 patients with acute spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Mean patient age was 59.8 ± 11.2 years, and 105 (67%) of the patients were female. An aneurysm was found in 138 patients. A total of 82 aneurysms were treated by endovascular coiling, 50 were treated by surgery, and 6 were untreated. At the time of admission, serum samples were collected for troponin-I analysis and for the N-terminal prohormone of BNP (NT-proBNP); daily thereafter, samples were collected for the NT-proBNP analysis. The cumulative BNP load was calculated as the AUC for NT-proBNP during the first 4 days. The following variables were studied in terms of their influence on the AUC for NT-proBNP: sex, age, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade of SAH, Fisher grade, angiographic result, treatment of aneurysm, clinical neurological deterioration, verified infections, vasospasm treatment, and 6-month outcome.

Results

The AUC for NT-proBNP was larger when variables indicated a more severe SAH. These variables were higher Fisher and World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grades, high levels of troponin-I at admission, an aneurysm, neurological deficits, and infections. The AUC for NT-proBNP was also larger among women, older patients, and patients with poor outcomes. Linear regression showed that the best predicting model for large AUC for NT-proBNP was the combination of the following: female sex, high levels of troponin-I, an aneurysm, neurological deficits, and advanced age.

Conclusions

The cumulative BNP load during the first days after SAH can be predicted by variables describing the severity of the disease already known at the time of admission. This information can be used to identify patients at risk for an adverse course of the disease.
Pallidal deep brain stimulation for dystonia: a case series
Authors: Petrossian Melita T. , Paul Lisa R. , Multhaupt-Buell Trisha J. , Eckhardt Christine , Hayes Michael T. , Duhaime Ann-Christine , Eskandar Emad N. , Sharma Nutan
Published: October 2013

Object

Pallidal deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a treatment option for those with early-onset dystonia. However, there are limited data on long-term outcome and treatment complications. The authors report on the short- and long-term effects of pallidal DBS in a cohort of patients with early-onset dystonia.

Methods

Fourteen consecutive pediatric patients with early-onset dystonia were systematically evaluated and treated. The duration of follow-up ranged from 16 to 84 months.

Results

There were no immediate postoperative complications. At last follow-up, 12 of the 14 patients displayed a significant decline in the Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale motor subscale score, with an average decrease of 62% ± 8.4%. The most common hardware complication was lead fracture (14.3%).

Conclusions

These data provide further evidence that DBS is a safe and effective treatment for those with earlyonset dystonia.
Thesis Abstracts Vol.1(1)
Authors: Editor The
Published: October 2013

No abstract available
Eleven Novel Polymorphic Microsatellite Loci for Oval Squid Sepioteuthis Lessoniana (Shiro-Ika Type)
Authors: Tomano Satoshi , Ahmad-Syazni Kamarudin , Ueta Yukio , Ohara Kenichi , Umino Tetsuya
Published: October 2013

The oval squid Sepioteuthis lessoniana is one of the most economically important squid species in Japan; however, its population structure is poorly understood due to the lack of hypervariable markers. Such information is critical for managing sustainable fisheries, as well as for ensuring the existence of wild S. lessoniana stocks. Eleven candidate microsatellite loci were isolated from a small insert genomic DNA library. Polymorphisms in these 11 loci were screened in 24 wild individuals. The number of alleles per locus was found to range from 5 to 19 alleles, and the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.292 to 0.958. No evidence for linkage disequilibrium was detected among all the loci. The genotypic proportions conformed to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, except at one locus. In conclusion, these polymorphic microsatellite loci may be used to develop a genetic framework to manage S. lessoniana in the future.
N,N’-alkylated Imidazolium-Derivatives Act as Quorum-Sensing Inhibitors Targeting the Pectobacterium atrosepticum-Induced Symptoms on Potato Tubers
Authors: Des Essarts Yannick , Sabbah Mohamad , Comte Arnaud , Soulère Laurent , Queneau Yves , Dessaux Yves , Hélias Valérie , Faure Denis
Published: October 2013

Bacteria belonging to the Pectobacterium genus are the causative agents of the blackleg and soft-rot diseases that affect potato plants and tubers worldwide. In Pectobacterium, the expression of the virulence genes is controlled by quorum-sensing (QS) and N-acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs). In this work, we screened a chemical library of QS-inhibitors (QSIs) and AHL-analogs to find novel QSIs targeting the virulence of Pectobacterium. Four N,N’-bisalkylated imidazolium salts were identified as QSIs; they were active at the µM range. In potato tuber assays, two of them were able to decrease the severity of the symptoms provoked by P. atrosepticum. This work extends the range of the QSIs acting on the Pectobacterium-induced soft-rot disease.
Potentiodynamic Polarization Studies and Surface Chemical Composition of Bismuth Titanate (BixTiyOz) Films Produced through Radiofrequency Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Alfonso José , Olaya Jhon , Pinzón Manuel , Marco José
Published: October 2013

The applications of Bismuth Titanate (BixTiyOz) materials have been focused on their electronic and optical properties, but with respect to the use of these compounds in applications like corrosion resistance, have been very few or nonexistent. For this reason, in the present investigation BixTiyOz thin films were deposited using RF magnetron sputtering onto silicon wafers, stainless steel 316L, and titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) substrates, in order to carry out a study of the corrosion behavior of this compound. The structural properties of the coatings were studied through X-ray diffraction (XRD), the morphology was determined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), the corrosion resistance behavior of the coated and uncoated substrates was evaluated via the Potentiodynamic Polarization technique, and surface chemical composition was evaluated through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The XRD results indicated that the films were amorphous. The SEM micrographs showed that the deposited films were homogeneous, but in some cases there were cracks. The potentiodynamic polarization technique showed that the corrosion current in the coated substrates decreased by an order of two magnitudes with respect to the uncoated substrates, but in both cases the corrosion mechanism was pitting due to the pores in the film. The XPS analysis shows that the deposited films contain both Bi3+ and Ti4+.
Schiff Bases: A Short Survey on an Evergreen Chemistry Tool
Authors: Qin Wenling , Long Sha , Panunzio Mauro , Biondi Stefano
Published: October 2013

The review reports a short biography of the Italian naturalized chemist Hugo Schiff and an outline on the synthesis and use of his most popular discovery: the imines, very well known and popular as Schiff Bases. Recent developments on their “metallo-imines” variants have been described. The applications of Schiff bases in organic synthesis as partner in Staudinger and hetero Diels-Alder reactions, as “privileged” ligands in the organometallic complexes and as biological active Schiff intermediates/targets have been reported as well.
Mapping Spatial Patterns of Posidonia oceanica Meadows by Means of Daedalus ATM Airborne Sensor in the Coastal Area of Civitavecchia (Central Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy)
Authors: Borfecchia Flavio , Micheli Carla , Carli Filippo , De Martis Selvaggia , Gnisci Valentina , Piermattei Viviana , Belmonte Alessandro , De Cecco Luigi , Martini Sandro , Marcelli Marco
Published: October 2013

The spatial distribution of sea bed covers and seagrass in coastal waters is of key importance in monitoring and managing Mediterranean shallow water environments often subject to both increasing anthropogenic impacts and climate change effects. In this context we present a methodology for effective monitoring and mapping of Posidonia oceanica (PO) meadows in turbid waters using remote sensing techniques tested by means of LAI (Leaf Area Index) point sea truth measurements. Preliminary results using Daedalus airborne sensor are reported referring to the PO meadows at Civitavecchia site (central Tyrrhenian sea) where vessel traffic due to presence of important harbors and huge power plant represent strong impact factors. This coastal area, 100 km far from Rome (Central Italy), is characterized also by significant hydrodynamic variations and other anthropogenic factors that affect the health of seagrass meadows with frequent turbidity and suspended sediments in the water column. During 2011–2012 years point measurements of several parameters related to PO meadows phenology were acquired on various stations distributed along 20 km of coast between the Civitavecchia and S. Marinella sites. The Daedalus airborne sensor multispectral data were preprocessed with the support of satellite (MERIS) derived water quality parameters to obtain here improved thematic maps of the local PO distribution. Their thematic accuracy was then evaluated as agreement (R2) with the point sea truth measurements and regressive modeling using an on purpose developd method.
Robust Kalman Filtering Cooperated Elman Neural Network Learning for Vision-Sensing-Based Robotic Manipulation with Global Stability
Authors: Zhong Xungao , Zhong Xunyu , Peng Xiafu
Published: October 2013

In this paper, a global-state-space visual servoing scheme is proposed for uncalibrated model-independent robotic manipulation. The scheme is based on robust Kalman filtering (KF), in conjunction with Elman neural network (ENN) learning techniques. The global map relationship between the vision space and the robotic workspace is learned using an ENN. This learned mapping is shown to be an approximate estimate of the Jacobian in global space. In the testing phase, the desired Jacobian is arrived at using a robust KF to improve the ENN learning result so as to achieve robotic precise convergence of the desired pose. Meanwhile, the ENN weights are updated (re-trained) using a new input-output data pair vector (obtained from the KF cycle) to ensure robot global stability manipulation. Thus, our method, without requiring either camera or model parameters, avoids the corrupted performances caused by camera calibration and modeling errors. To demonstrate the proposed scheme’s performance, various simulation and experimental results have been presented using a six-degree-of-freedom robotic manipulator with eye-in-hand configurations.
Exogenous OX40 Stimulation during Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus Infection Impairs Follicular Th Cell Differentiation and Diverts CD4 T Cells into the Effector Lineage by Upregulating Blimp-1
Authors: Boettler Tobias , Choi Youn Soo , Salek-Ardakani Shahram , Cheng Yang , Moeckel Friedrich , Croft Michael , Crotty Shane , von Herrath Matthias
Published: October 2013

T cell costimulation is a key component of adaptive immunity to viral infection but has also been associated with pathology because of excessive or altered T cell activity. We recently demonstrated that the TNFR family costimulatory molecule OX40 (CD134) is critically required to sustain antiviral T cell and Ab responses that enable control of viral replication in the context of chronic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection. In this study, we investigated whether reinforcing OX40 stimulation through an agonist Ab had the potential to prevent LCMV persistence. We observed that anti-OX40 injection early after LCMV clone 13 infection increased CD8 T cell–mediated immunopathology. More strikingly, OX40 stimulation of virus-specific CD4 T cells promoted expression of the transcriptional repressor Blimp-1 and diverted the majority of cells away from follicular Th cell differentiation. This occurred in both acute and chronic infections, and resulted in dramatic reductions in germinal center and Ab responses to the viral infection. The effect of the OX40 agonist was dependent on IL-2 signaling and the timing of OX40 stimulation. Collectively, our data demonstrate that excessive OX40 signaling can result in deleterious consequences in the setting of LCMV infection.
Characterisation of olive fruit for the milling process by using visible/near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Beghi Roberto , Giovenzana Valentina , Civelli Raffaele , Cini Enrico , Guidetti Riccardo
Published: October 2013

Increasing consumption of olive oil and table olives has recently determined an expansion of olive tree cultivation in the world. This trend is supported by the documented nutritional value of the Mediterranean diet. The aim of this work was to test a portable visible/ near infrared (vis/NIR) system (400-1000 nm) for the analysis of physical-chemical parameters, such as olive soluble solid content (SSC) and texture before the olive oil extraction process. The final goal is to provide the sector with post-harvest methods and sorting systems for a quick evaluation of important properties of olive fruit. In the present study, a total of 109 olives for oil production were analysed. Olive spectra registered with the optical device and values obtained with destructive analysis in the laboratory were analysed. Specific statistical models were elaborated to study correlations between optical and laboratory analysis, and to evaluate predictions of reference parameters obtained through the analysis of the visible-near infrared range. Statistical models were processed using chemometric techniques to extract maximum data information. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed on vis/NIR spectra to examine sample groupings and identify outliers, while partial least square (PLS) regression algorithm was used to correlate samples spectra and physical- chemical properties. Results are encouraging. PCA showed a significant sample grouping among different ranges of SSC and texture. PLS models gave fairly good predictive capabilities in validation for SSC (R2=0.67 and RMSECV%=7.5%) and texture (R2=0.68 and RMSECV%=8.2%).
Trajectories of scripture transmission: The case of Amos 5:25–27 in Acts 7:42–43
Authors: Steyn Gert J.
Published: October 2013

It is the intention of this study to explore the trajectory of the transmission and reception of three elements from Amos 5:25–27 through the stages of its history in ancient religious literature. Four stages in its trajectory are explored, namely in the Amos Masoretic Text (MT), the quotations from the Jewish Damascus Scroll sect, the Jewish-Hellenistic context of the Septuagint (LXX) Amos, and the Early Christian context of Stephen’s speech by Luke in Acts 7:42–43. The astral Mesopotamian deities of Amos MT changed to symbols which now stood for the law, the congregation, the prophets and the interpreter of the law in the sectarian context of the Damascus scroll. The LXX, in turn, understood these to be ‘the tent of Moloch’ and the ‘star of your god Raiphan’. This version is used in Acts 7, but whereas the LXX shows traces of a connection with the Heaven-and-Sun god, particularly with the planet Saturn, Luke now places the same elements within the context of the exodus narrative in Stephen’s speech. The investigation shows how the mutation of scripture becomes clear in the trajectory of its transmission and how it is constantly being reinterpreted to be relevant within the context of its time.
Marcas de destino y evaluación de sitios web: una metodología de investigación
Authors: Fernández-Cavia José , Díaz-Luque Pablo , Huertas Assumpció , Rovira Cristòfol , Pedraza-Jimenez Rafael , Sicilia María , Gómez Puertas Lorena , Míguez González María Isabel
Published: October 2013

La Web se ha convertido en el principal instrumento de búsqueda de información por parte de  los turistas. Por este motivo, los portales turísticos de los destinos deben resultar atractivos y comunicar de una manera adecuada y eficaz su imagen de marca. No existe, sin embargo, una metodología de evaluación de la calidad y eficacia comunicativa de los sitios web de destino que sea científicamente sólida y universalmente aceptada. El desarrollo de esa metodología es una de las tareas que nos hemos propuesto en el marco del proyecto de investigación “Nuevas estrategias de publicidad y promoción de las marcas turísticas españolas en la web” (CSO2008-02627), financiado por el Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación del Gobierno de España. Metodología: El equipo del proyecto ha elaborado una plantilla de análisis interdisciplinaria y omnicomprensiva que combina algunos análisis automatizados con otros de tipo cualitativo y cuantitativo. La plantilla contempla un total de doce temáticas y 154 indicadores, que se han elaborado a partir de la aportación de destacados expertos en cada una de las áreas de trabajo. En este artículo se expone la metodología de análisis elaborada y se explican las aplicaciones posibles. Resultados: El proyecto ha elaborado una metodología de evaluación que permite optimizar los sitios web de las marcas de destino, apoyando, así, el trabajo de los gestores públicos de los destinos turísticos.
Topographic and Tomographic Indices for Detecting Keratoconus and Subclinical Keratoconus: A Systematic Review
Authors: Smadja David
Published: October 2013

Purpose

To provide an overview of the topographic and tomographic indices developed for detecting keratoconus (KC) and subclinical keratoconus.

Methods

Literature review of studies describing and testing KC indices as well as indices developed for improving the sensitivity of subclinical KC detection.

Results

Several indices, based on anterior and posterior curvature measurements, corneal spatial distribution or posterior corneal elevation have been developed for improving the detection of KC and subclinical KC. However, to date, none of them could reach, alone, sufficient discriminating power for differentiating the mildest forms of the disease from normal corneas. New detection programs, based on a combination of corneal indices, and generated using artificial intelligence emerged recently and helped to significantly improve the subclinical KC detection.

Conclusion

The combination of topographic and tomographic corneal indices has helped to significantly improve the sensitivity of subclinical KC detection. However, combining these morphological indices to wavefront and biomechanical analyses of the cornea will certainly further improve the sensitivity of the future screening tests.

How to cite this article

Smadja D. Topographic and Tomographic Indices for Detecting Keratoconus and Subclinical Keratoconus: A Systematic Review. Int J Kerat Ect Cor Dis 2013;2(2):60-64.
Investigating PAH relative reactivity using congener profiles, quinone measurements and back trajectories
Authors: Alam M. S. , Delgado-Saborit J. M. , Stark C. , Harrison R. M.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Vapour and particle-associated concentrations of 15 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and 11 PAH quinones have been measured in winter and summer campaigns at the rural site, Weybourne in eastern England. Concentrations of individual PAH are 20–140 times smaller than average concentrations at an English urban site. The concentrations of PAH are greatest in air masses originating from southern England relative to those from Scandinavia and the North Atlantic, while quinone to parent PAH ratios show an inverse behaviour, being highest in the more aged North Atlantic polar air masses. While concentration of 1,2-naphthoquinone decline from summer to winter, those of 1,4-naphthoquinone and anthraquinone increase suggesting a photochemical formation pathway. A comparison of congener concentration profiles measured at Weybourne with those from an urban source area (Birmingham) reveals differential losses at the rural site, especially evident in fluoranthene: pyrene ratios and consistent with the known rates of vapour phase reactions of 3 and 4 ring compounds with hydroxyl radical. The ratios of quinones to their parent PAH at Weybourne are greater than those in the urban source area indicating either more rapid loss processes for PAH, or formation of quinones during advection of the air mass, or probably both.
Technical Note: A simple procedure for removing temporal discontinuities in ERA-Interim upper stratospheric temperatures for use in nudged chemistry-climate model simulations
Authors: McLandress C. , Plummer D. A. , Shepherd T. G.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. This note describes a simple procedure for removing unphysical temporal discontinuities in ERA-Interim upper stratospheric temperatures in March 1985 and August 1998 that have arisen due to changes in satellite radiance data used in the assimilation. The derived adjustments (offsets) to the global mean temperatures are suitable for use in chemistry-climate models that are nudged to ERA-Interim winds and temperatures. Simulations using a nudged version of the Canadian Middle Atmosphere Model (CMAM) show that the inclusion of the temperature adjustments produces temperature time series that are devoid of the large jumps in 1985 and 1998. Due to its strong temperature dependence, the simulated upper stratospheric ozone is also shown to vary smoothly in time, unlike in a nudged simulation without the adjustments where abrupt changes in ozone occur at the times of the temperature jumps. While the adjustments to the ERA-Interim temperatures remove significant artefacts in the nudged CMAM simulation, spurious transient effects that arise due to water vapour and persist for about five years after the 1979 switch to ERA-Interim data are identified, underlining the need for caution when analysing trends in runs nudged to reanalyses.
Subsurface release and transport of dissolved carbon in a discontinuous permafrost region
Authors: Jantze E. J. , Lyon S. W. , Destouni G.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Subsurface hydrological flow pathways and advection rates through the landscape affect the quantity and timing of hydrological transport of dissolved carbon. This study investigates hydrological carbon transport through the subsurface to streams and how it is affected by the distribution of subsurface hydrological pathways and travel times through the landscape. We develop a consistent mechanistic, pathway- and travel time-based modeling approach for release and transport of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). The model implications are tested against observations in the subarctic Abiskojokken catchment in northernmost Sweden (68°21' N, 18°49' E) as a field case example of a discontinuous permafrost region. The results show: (a) For DOC, both concentration and load are essentially flow-independent because their dynamics are instead dominated by the annual renewal and depletion. Specifically, the flow independence is the result of the small characteristic DOC respiration-dissolution time scale, in the range of 1 yr, relative to the average travel time of water through the subsurface to the stream. (b) For DIC, the load is highly flow-dependent due to the large characteristic weathering-dissolution time, much larger than 1 yr, relative to the average subsurface water travel time to the stream. This rate relation keeps the DIC concentration essentially flow-independent, and thereby less fluctuating in time than the DIC load.
Exploring drought vulnerability in Africa: an indicator based analysis to inform early warning systems
Authors: Naumann G. , Barbosa P. , Garrote L. , Iglesias A. , Vogt J.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Drought vulnerability is a complex concept that includes both biophysical and socio-economic drivers of drought impact that determine capacity to cope with drought. In order to develop an efficient drought early warning system and to be prepared to mitigate upcoming drought events it is important to understand the drought vulnerability of the affected regions. We propose a composite Drought Vulnerability Indicator (DVI) that reflects different aspects of drought vulnerability evaluated at Pan-African level in four components: the renewable natural capital, the economic capacity, the human and civic resources, and the infrastructure and technology. The selection of variables and weights reflects the assumption that a society with institutional capacity and coordination, as well as with mechanisms for public participation is less vulnerable to drought; furthermore we consider that agriculture is only one of the many sectors affected by drought. The quality and accuracy of a composite indicator depends on the theoretical framework, on the data collection and quality, and on how the different components are aggregated. This kind of approach can lead to some degree of scepticism; to overcome this problem a sensitivity analysis was done in order to measure the degree of uncertainty associated with the construction of the composite indicator. Although the proposed drought vulnerability indicator relies on a number of theoretical assumptions and some degree of subjectivity, the sensitivity analysis showed that it is a robust indicator and hence able of representing the complex processes that lead to drought vulnerability. According to the DVI computed at country level, the African countries classified with higher relative vulnerability are Somalia, Burundi, Niger, Ethiopia, Mali and Chad. The analysis of the renewable natural capital component at sub-basin level shows that the basins with high to moderate drought vulnerability can be subdivided in three main different geographical regions: the Mediterranean coast of Africa; the Sahel region and the Horn of Africa; the Serengeti and the Eastern Miombo woodlands in eastern Africa. Additionally, the western part of the Zambezi basin, the south-eastern border of the Congo basin and the belt of Fynbos in the Western Cape should also be included in this category. The results of the DVI at the country level were compared with drought disasters information from the EM-DAT disaster database. Even if a cause effect relationship cannot be established between the DVI and the drought disaster database, a good agreement is observed between the drought vulnerability maps and the number of persons affected by droughts. These results are a valuable contribution to the discussion on how to assess drought vulnerability and should contribute to the development of drought early warning systems in Africa.
Supervised and unsupervised MRF based 3D scene classification in multiple view airborne oblique images
Authors: Gerke M. , Xiao J.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. In this paper we develop and compare two methods for scene classification in 3D object space, that is, not single image pixels get classified, but voxels which carry geometric, textural and color information collected from the airborne oblique images and derived products like point clouds from dense image matching. One method is supervised, i.e. relies on training data provided by an operator. We use Random Trees for the actual training and prediction tasks. The second method is unsupervised, thus does not ask for any user interaction. We formulate this classification task as a Markov-Random-Field problem and employ graph cuts for the actual optimization procedure. Two test areas are used to test and evaluate both techniques. In the Haiti dataset we are confronted with largely destroyed built-up areas since the images were taken after the earthquake in January 2010, while in the second case we use images taken over Enschede, a typical Central European city. For the Haiti case it is difficult to provide clear class definitions, and this is also reflected in the overall classification accuracy; it is 73% for the supervised and only 59% for the unsupervised method. If classes are defined more unambiguously like in the Enschede area, results are much better (85% vs. 78%). In conclusion the results are acceptable, also taking into account that the point cloud used for geometric features is not of good quality and no infrared channel is available to support vegetation classification.