bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical Structure, Property and Potential Applications of Biosurfactants Produced by Bacillus subtilis in Petroleum Recovery and Spill Mitigation
Authors: Liu Jin-Feng , Mbadinga Serge , Yang Shi-Zhong , Gu Ji-Dong , Mu Bo-Zhong
Published: March 2015

Lipopeptides produced by microorganisms are one of the five major classes of biosurfactants known and they have received much attention from scientific and industrial communities due to their powerful interfacial and biological activities as well as environmentally friendly characteristics. Microbially produced lipopeptides are a series of chemical structural analogues of different families and, among them, 26 families covering about 90 lipopeptide compounds have been reported in the last two decades. This paper reviews the chemical structural characteristics and molecular behaviors of surfactin, one of the representative lipopeptides of the 26 families. In particular, two novel surfactin molecules isolated from cell-free cultures of Bacillus subtilis HSO121 are presented. Surfactins exhibit strong self-assembly ability to form sphere-like micelles and larger aggregates at very low concentrations. The amphipathic and surface properties of surfactins are related to the existence of the minor polar and major hydrophobic domains in the three 3-D conformations. In addition, the application potential of surfactin in bioremediation of oil spills and oil contaminants, and microbial enhanced oil recovery are discussed.
Nanoparticles of Copper Stimulate Angiogenesis at Systemic and Molecular Level
Authors: Mroczek-Sosnowska Natalia , Sawosz Ewa , Vadalasetty Krishna , Łukasiewicz Monika , Niemiec Jan , Wierzbicki Mateusz , Kutwin Marta , Jaworski Sławomir , Chwalibog André
Published: March 2015

Copper is a key element affecting blood vessel growth and muscle development. However, the ions released from Cu salts are toxic. Given their specific physicochemical properties, nanoparticles of Cu (NanoCu) may have different bioactivity and affect the development of blood vessel and muscles in a different manner than Cu salts. The objective of the study was to evaluate the influence of NanoCu on embryo development and angiogenesis at the systemic and molecular level, in experiments using a chick embryo model. Fertilized chicken eggs were divided into a control group, and groups injected with a placebo, CuSO4 or NanoCu. Embryo development at the whole body level and molecular indices using an embryo chorioallantoic membrane model were measured during embryogenesis. The present study indicated for the first time that NanoCu have pro-angiogenic properties at the systemic level, to a greater degree than CuSO4 salt. The properties of NanoCu were confirmed at the molecular level, demonstrating significant effects on mRNA concentration and on mRNA gene expression of all pro-angiogenic and pro-proliferative genes measured herein.
Expression of IL-8, IL-6 and IL-1β in Tears as a Main Characteristic of the Immune Response in Human Microbial Keratitis
Authors: Santacruz Concepcion , Linares Marisela , Garfias Yonathan , Loustaunau Luisa , Pavon Lenin , Perez-Tapia Sonia , Jimenez-Martinez Maria
Published: March 2015

Corneal infections are frequent and potentially vision-threatening diseases, and despite the significance of the immunological response in animal models of microbial keratitis (MK), it remains unclear in humans. The aim of this study was to describe the cytokine profile of tears in patients with MK. Characteristics of ocular lesions such as size of the epithelial defect, stromal infiltration, and hypopyon were analyzed. Immunological evaluation included determination of interleukine (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in tear samples obtained from infected eyes of 28 patients with MK and compared with their contralateral non-infected eyes. Additionally, frequency of CD4+, CD8+, CD19+ and CD3−CD56+ cells was also determined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with MK, and compared with 48 healthy controls. Non-significant differences were observed in the size of the epithelial defect, stromal infiltration, and hypopyon. Nevertheless, we found an immunological profile apparently related to MK etiology. IL-8 > IL-6 in patients with bacterial keratitis; IL-8 > IL-6 > IL-1β and increased frequency of circulating CD3−CD56+ NK cells in patients with gram-negative keratitis; and IL-8 = IL-6 > IL-1β in patients with fungal keratitis. Characterization of tear cytokines from patients with MK could aid our understanding of the immune pathophysiological mechanisms underlying corneal damage in humans.
Immune Dysregulation in Patients Persistently Infected with Human Papillomaviruses 6 and 11
Authors: Lucs Alexandra , DeVoti James , Hatam Lynda , Afzal Ali , Abramson Allan , Steinberg Bettie , Bonagura Vincent
Published: March 2015

Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs) 6 and 11 are part of a large family of small DNA viruses, some of which are commensal. Although much of the population can contain or clear infection with these viruses, there is a subset of individuals who develop persistent infection that can cause significant morbidity and on occasion mortality. Depending on the site of infection, patients chronically infected with these viruses develop either recurrent, and on occasion, severe genital warts or recurrent respiratory papillomas that can obstruct the upper airway. The HPV-induced diseases described are likely the result of a complex and localized immune suppressive milieu that is characteristic of patients with persistent HPV infection. We review data that documents impaired Langerhans cell responses and maturation, describes the polarized adaptive T-cell immune responses made to these viruses, and the expression of class select II MHC and KIR genes that associate with severe HPV6 and 11 induced disease. Finally, we review evidence that documents the polarization of functional TH2 and T-regulatory T-cells in tissues persistently infected with HPV6 and 11, and we review evidence that there is suppression of natural killer cell function. Together, these altered innate and adaptive immune responses contribute to the cellular and humoral microenvironment that supports HPV 6 and 11-induced disease.
Syn-Ethyl 1-hydroxy-7-methoxy-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,4-b]quinolone-3-carboxylate HCl Salt
Authors: Baumann Marcus , Baxendale Ian
Published: March 2015

This short note describes a one-step synthesis of the title compound from commercially available starting materials and reports its full spectroscopic characterization data.
Smartphone-Based Indoor Integrated WiFi/MEMS Positioning Algorithm in a Multi-Floor Environment
Authors: Tian Zengshan , Fang Xin , Zhou Mu , Li Lingxia
Published: March 2015

Indoor positioning in a multi-floor environment by using a smartphone is considered in this paper. The positioning accuracy and robustness of WiFi fingerprinting-based positioning are limited due to the unexpected variation of WiFi measurements between floors. On this basis, we propose a novel smartphone-based integrated WiFi/MEMS positioning algorithm based on the robust extended Kalman filter (EKF). The proposed algorithm first relies on the gait detection approach and quaternion algorithm to estimate the velocity and heading angles of the target. Second, the velocity and heading angles, together with the results of WiFi fingerprinting-based positioning, are considered as the input of the robust EKF for the sake of conducting two-dimensional (2D) positioning. Third, the proposed algorithm calculates the height of the target by using the real-time recorded barometer and geographic data. Finally, the experimental results show that the proposed algorithm achieves the positioning accuracy with root mean square errors (RMSEs) less than 1 m in an actual multi-floor environment.
Dynamic Modeling of Cell-Free Biochemical Networks Using Effective Kinetic Models
Authors: Wayman Joseph , Sagar Adithya , Varner Jeffrey
Published: March 2015

Cell-free systems offer many advantages for the study, manipulation and modeling of metabolism compared to in vivo processes. Many of the challenges confronting genome-scale kinetic modeling can potentially be overcome in a cell-free system. For example, there is no complex transcriptional regulation to consider, transient metabolic measurements are easier to obtain, and we no longer have to consider cell growth. Thus, cell-free operation holds several significant advantages for model development, identification and validation. Theoretically, genome-scale cell-free kinetic models may be possible for industrially important organisms, such as E. coli, if a simple, tractable framework for integrating allosteric regulation with enzyme kinetics can be formulated. Toward this unmet need, we present an effective biochemical network modeling framework for building dynamic cell-free metabolic models. The key innovation of our approach is the integration of simple effective rules encoding complex allosteric regulation with traditional kinetic pathway modeling. We tested our approach by modeling the time evolution of several hypothetical cell-free metabolic networks. We found that simple effective rules, when integrated with traditional enzyme kinetic expressions, captured complex allosteric patterns such as ultrasensitivity or non-competitive inhibition in the absence of mechanistic information. Second, when integrated into network models, these rules captured classic regulatory patterns such as product-induced feedback inhibition. Lastly, we showed, at least for the network architectures considered here, that we could simultaneously estimate kinetic parameters and allosteric connectivity from synthetic data starting from an unbiased collection of possible allosteric structures using particle swarm optimization. However, when starting with an initial population that was heavily enriched with incorrect structures, our particle swarm approach could converge to an incorrect structure. While only an initial proof-of-concept, the framework presented here could be an important first step toward genome-scale cell-free kinetic modeling of the biosynthetic capacity of industrially important organisms.
Low Energy Physical Activity Recognition System on Smartphones
Authors: Morillo Luis , Gonzalez-Abril Luis , Ramirez Juan , De la Concepcion Miguel
Published: March 2015

An innovative approach to physical activity recognition based on the use of discrete variables obtained from accelerometer sensors is presented. The system first performs a discretization process for each variable, which allows efficient recognition of activities performed by users using as little energy as possible. To this end, an innovative discretization and classification technique is presented based on the χ2 distribution. Furthermore, the entire recognition process is executed on the smartphone, which determines not only the activity performed, but also the frequency at which it is carried out. These techniques and the new classification system presented reduce energy consumption caused by the activity monitoring system. The energy saved increases smartphone usage time to more than 27 h without recharging while maintaining accuracy.
“Greening” the Youth Employment—A Chance for Sustainable Development
Authors: Aceleanu Mirela , Serban Andreea , Burghelea Cristina
Published: March 2015

Currently, at the European Union level, there has been an increase in unemployment, especially youth unemployment, as a result of certain imbalances in the labor market, exacerbated by the current financial and economic crisis. The sustainable economic development of each country is strongly influenced by the human resource in the context in which it is sought the creation of a strong, competitive and prosperous Europe. The human resource and especially young people are the most precious wealth of a nation. Therefore, solving the problem of youth unemployment is a matter of great concern and requires bringing to the forefront modern employment policies correlated with the economic reality, to which the EU attaches increasingly more importance, namely promoting green employment in a green economy. Our paper begins by analyzing the evolution, causes and differences recorded at the European Union level on the size and structure of youth unemployment and it ends with identifying some measures to reduce it, in the context of European sustainable development. The conclusions in our research highlight the importance of employment policies at both the micro and macro level and show the positive role of active policies, investment in education and green employment.
Géographie régionale de la Révolution Agraire Algérienne (A geographical approach of the Agrarian Revolution in Algeria)
Authors: Brulé Jean-Claude
Published: March 2015

This paper is an attempt to appraise the spacial effects of the Agrarian Revolution since 1971 , according to the land structures inherited from the french colonization (large estates and common lands). It plays a large part in the High Plains and basins of the Tell. It is not so important in the littoral plains and in the Sahara.
La construction régionale de l'Algérie (Algeria : a regional appraisal)
Authors: Mutin Georges
Published: March 2015

Les mutations récentes enregistrées par l'Algérie remettent en cause les découpages traditionnels. L'urbanisation, l'industrialisation, les nouveaux découpages administratifs, permettent de définir trois ensembles régionaux en Algérie du Nord : une région algéroise, une région oranaise, une région orientale avec Annaba et Constantine. Enjeu géopolitique, l'espace saharien se transforme, s'urbanise et se diversifie.
Analyse quantitative de fragments de verre provenant de Begram
Authors: Dussubieux Laure , Gratuze Bernard
Published: March 2015

L'étude d'un échantillonnage de fragments de verre provenant de Begram, prêtés par le Musée Guimet, a été réalisée au Centre E. Babelon (CNRS- Orléans). Les principaux éléments majeurs, mineurs et traces ont été dosés afin de déterminer la composition de chaque échantillon pour en déduire quels types de matières premières ont été employés pour leur fabrication. Plusieurs techniques d'analyse ont été nécessaires à cette étude. Elles présentent toutes le grand avantage de sauvegarder l'intégrité de l'échantillon.

Les résultats obtenus montrent l'appartenance des échantillons de Begram à une production verrière typiquement méditerranéenne ou moyen-orientale.
Dire la qualité des chômeurs en 400 caractères
Authors: Pillon Jean-Marie
Published: March 2015

À Pôle emploi, l’activité de placement des demandeurs d’emploi repose sur l’existence de synthèses écrites de leurs démarches de recherche d’emploi. Véritables mises en fiche de la position des demandeurs d’emploi sur le marché du travail, ces textes sont fabriqués par les conseillers à l’issue des entretiens de suivi mensuel. Ces documents transmettent également un ensemble de critères d’évaluation et de jugement utilisés ultérieurement pour valoriser certains dossiers dans des épreuves de sélection à l’embauche. Ces pratiques sont l’objet d’une rationalisation organisationnelle croissante qui confère une place centrale aux dispositifs permettant d’inscrire et de mettre en circulation, au sein de Pôle emploi, les connaissances collectées à propos des chômeurs. Cet article montre en quoi les écrits utilisés et rédigés par les conseillers de Pôle emploi assurent l’articulation entre le traitement administratif des dossiers et leur valorisation sur le marché du travail.
Knowledge in the market
Authors: Le Velly Ronan , Goulet Frédéric , Mallard Alexandre
Published: March 2015

Economic sociology does not ignore the question of knowledge when considering the way in which the drivers of economic action have been studied. A number of publications thus refer to a fundamental socio-cognitive issue: the interpretation of situations and the anticipation of the consequences of actions. Networks, culture, devices, institutions, institutions, entrepreneurs, competition and quality can be re-examined with regard to the issue of knowledge mobilization in the action that concerns them. Three themes are examined in depth here: uncertainty, problems linked to the absence or instability of knowledge in the definition of the quality of goods; the heterogeneity of regimes and types of knowledge mobilised in the valuation of goods; the performativity of economic knowledge in the case of the marketisation of the production of this knowledge.
Du serious gaming au full flight simulator : proposition d'un cadre conceptuel commun pour la formation des formateurs en simulation
Authors: Lépinard Philippe
Published: March 2015

Près de 40% des heures de vol dans l’aviation légère de l’armée de Terre (ALAT) sont dorénavant effectuées sur simulateurs. Les pilotes d’hélicoptères de combat se préparent à la qualification instrument flight rules avec Microsoft Flight Simulator, pratiquent des techniques de team building grâce au système de simulation distribuée EDITH et révisent leurs check-lists dans un full flight simulator . Toutefois, cette multiplicité de technologies de simulation en perpétuelle évolution entraîne certains effets pervers. Elle oblige notamment les instructeurs à acquérir la seule maitrise technique des outils au détriment d’une réelle réflexion sur leurs pratiques d’enseignement. Notre recherche en tant qu’ insider a donc poursuivi deux objectifs. Tout d’abord, nous avons souhaité concevoir un guide normatif destiné aux instructeurs de l’ALAT et, plus généralement, à l’ensemble des acteurs de la simulation pour améliorer la communication au sein des projets de formation, industriels ou de recherche en simulation. En parallèle, nos travaux tentent d’apporter à la communauté scientifique de nouveaux éléments de réflexion pour mieux appréhender les enjeux et contraintes de la formation professionnelle par la simulation.
Quantitative Analysis of Microdistortions in Bowman’s Layer Using Optical Coherence Tomography After SMILE Among Different Myopic Corrections
Authors: Luo Jie , Yao Peijun , Li Meiyan , Xu Guichun , Zhao Jing , Tian Mi , Zhou Xingtao
Published: March 2015

PURPOSE:

To quantitatively analyze the characteristics of Bowman’s layer microdistortions after femtosecond laser small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) among different myopic corrections, and their correlations with stromal lenticule thickness.

METHODS:

In this nonrandomized, prospective, controlled study, 63 eyes of 32 consecutive patients undergoing SMILE were divided into three groups according to the preoperative spherical equivalent (SE): greater than −6.00 D (20 eyes), −3.00 to −6.00 D (26 eyes), and −3.00 D or less (17 eyes). Measurement by slit-lamp microscope, uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), manifest refraction, and Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) were conducted preoperatively and 1 day and 1 month postoperatively. Index M was calculated according to the OCT images to indicate the quantity of microdistortions in Bowman’s layer.

RESULTS:

Microdistortions in Bowman’s layer were observed in 65.0% (13 of 20 eyes) and 30.8% (8 of 26 eyes) in the greater than −6.00 D and −3.00 to −6.00 D groups, respectively, 1 day postoperatively, and in 60% (12 of 20 eyes) and 23.1% (6 of 26 eyes) 1 month later. No Bowman’s layer microdistortion was detected in the −3.00 D or less group postoperatively. The quantitative index M of microdistortions was higher in the greater than −6.00 D group than in the −3.00 to −6.00 D group at 1 day and 1 month (
P
< .05). There was no statistically significant difference between the indexes M on 1 day compared to 1 month. Index M was correlated with the preoperative SE and lenticule thickness (
P
< .05).

CONCLUSION:

The incidence and range of microdistortions in Bowman’s layer detected after SMILE are positively correlated with the myopic correction. High myopia tends to develop more microdistortions in Bowman’s layer after SMILE.

[
J Refract Surg.
2015;31(2):104–109.]
Study of the Force Dynamics at the Capsular Interface Related to Ciliary Body Stimulation in a Primate Model
Authors: Alió Jorge L. , Ben-Nun Joshua
Published: March 2015

PURPOSE:

To study the mechanical dynamics between the zonuli-capsular complex and an accommodating intraocular lens mechanics simulator using pharmacological stimulation of the ciliary body in a primate eye.

METHODS:

Following phacoemulsification removal of the lens, force/movement gauges simulating the accommodating intraocular lens mechanics were implanted in 8 primate eyes (4 positioned in-the-bag and 4 on-the-bag). The gauge readings were taken under full effect of pilocarpine 4% or atropine 1% starting 6 weeks after surgery and following 3-month intervals for 30 months.

RESULTS:

An average movement of 390
µ
m for on-the-bag gauges and 145
µ
m for in-the-bag gauges was documented at 3 months postoperatively. The mechanical compliance of in-the-bag gauges rapidly deteriorated with capsular fibrosis developing inside the gauge and the capsular bag shrinking around it. On-the-bag gauges remained functional but the initial compliance was compromised over time by the pressure build up caused by the fibrotic capsular bag.

CONCLUSIONS:

Following phacoemulsification, capsular fibrosis causes disappearance of the mechanical forces detected by an in-the-bag gauge. An on-the-bag gauge detects active forces at the sulcus lasting at least 5 years, although the contracting capsule pressure compromises its compliance. These findings have important implications for future accommodating intraocular lens designs.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2015;31(2):124–128.]
Comparative anatomy of the fasciolariids Pustulatirus ogum and Hemipolygona beckyae from Brazil (Gastropoda: Buccinoidea: Peristerniinae)
Authors: Couto Diogo R. , Simone Luiz R. L. R. , Pimenta Alexandre D.
Published: March 2015

The Brazilian species Pustulatirus ogum and Hemipolygona beckyae were examined, and certain morphological characters were described. Both species were originally assigned to the genus Latirus, considered as a heterogeneous complex. The radulae of both species are like that which characterizes Latirus, in which the innermost cusp of the rachidian tooth is well developed but always smaller than the other cusps. This feature differs from Leucozonia, in which this cusp is reduced or absent. The penis tapers terminally, and the tapered part may be long (more than half the total penis length), as in H. beckyae, or very short (less than half the total penis length), as in P. ogum. The anatomical data observed in both species are discussed under the framework of fasciolariid systematics and they appear to be widespread among other fasciolariid species. For this reason, to date, the soft-part features here provided and those known from previously studied species of Latirus are not useful for delineating precise generic diagnoses.
Trends of the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa (Magnoliophyta) in the Canary Islands: population changes in the last two decades
Authors: Fabbri Federico , Espino Fernando , Herrera Rogelio , Moro Leopoldo , Haroun Ricardo , Riera Rodrigo , González-Henriquez Nieves , Bergasa Oscar , Monterroso Oscar , Ruiz de la Rosa Manuel , Tuya Fernando
Published: March 2015

Seagrass meadows perform essential ecosystem functions and services. Though the meadows are globally deteriorating, numerous regressions remain unreported as a result of data fragmentation. Cymodocea nodosa is the most important seagrass in shallow coastal waters of the Canary Islands. No study has so far investigated temporal population trends at the entire archipelago scale. Using data collected in the past 23 years by local companies, public authorities and research groups, the population trends of Cymodocea nodosa were analysed over the past two decades at the scales of islands, island sectors and meadows. During this period, a prevalence of negative trends was revealed for three seagrass demographic descriptors (seagrass shoot density, coverage and leaf length) at the three scales, evidencing an overall deterioration in seagrass meadow integrity. These results suggest the need to develop correct management strategies to guarantee the conservation of this seagrass and the meadows it creates.
Modeling the Specific CD4+ T Cell Response against a Tumor Neoantigen
Authors: Flament Héloïse , Alonso Ramirez Ruby , Prémel Virginie , Joncker Nathalie T. , Jacquet Alexandra , Scholl Suzy , Lantz Olivier
Published: March 2015

The antitumor activity of CD4+ T cells is increasingly acknowledged in both humans and mice. The involved mechanisms have been mostly studied using transplanted tumor mouse systems. In these models, many tumor cells die at the time of implantation leading to the release of Ag in an inflammatory context contrasting with the slow and nondestructive growth of early-stage human tumors. In this study, we show that the presentation of a MHC class II–restricted model Ag (male, DBY) released by dying tumor cells may last more than 4 wk. The duration of Ag presentation varies according to the way the cells are killed before implantation. To avoid this artifactual early priming of the host precluding the study of the interactions between the immune system and tumors at the steady state, we generated a cell line expressing the DBY Ag in an inducible manner. Ag expression can be efficiently induced in vivo several days after tumor implantation. We show that the Ag reaches the lymph node and activates naive CD4+ T cells to proliferate and recirculate. We did not observe de novo induction of tumor-specific regulatory T cells. However, we observed Th1/Th17 effector cells in the tumor draining lymph node and tumors. Thus, when a neoantigen appears in established tumors, the immune system is not ignorant and naive CD4+ T cells are not tolerized. This opens up the possibility of therapeutic vaccines improving the immune response toward tumor-specific neoantigens.
Therapeutic Regulatory T Cells Subvert Effector T Cell Function in Inflamed Islets To Halt Autoimmune Diabetes
Authors: Mahne Ashley E. , Klementowicz Joanna E. , Chou Annie , Nguyen Vinh , Tang Qizhi
Published: March 2015

Therapeutic regulatory T cells (Tregs) can reverse pre-established autoimmune pathology. In this study, using a mouse model of autoimmune diabetes, we aimed to determine the means by which therapeutic Tregs control islet inflammation. Islet Ag-specific Tregs infiltrated inflamed islets soon after infusion into prediabetic mice, which was quickly followed by a selective reduction of mRNA associated with effector T cells in the islets. This change was partially due to decreased CD8+ T cell accumulation in the tissue. CD8+ T cells that remained in the islets after Treg treatment were able to engage dendritic cells in a manner similar to that found in untreated mice, consistent with the retention of an activated phenotype by islet dendritic cells shortly after Treg treatment. Nonetheless, Treg treatment abrogated IFN-γ production by intraislet CD8+ and CD4+ T cells at the protein level with minimal effect on IFN-γ mRNA. Sustained expression of IFN-γ protein by effector T cells was dependent on common γ-chain cytokine activation of the mTOR pathway, which was suppressed in islet CD8+ T cells in vivo after Treg treatment. These multifaceted mechanisms underlie the efficacy of therapeutic Treg subversion of effector T cell functions at the site of inflammation to restore normal tissue homeostasis.
Comparing different versions of the Rahim EI questionnaire in a South African context: A confirmatory factor analysis approach
Authors: Nel Petrus , Du Plessis Marieta , Bosman Leon
Published: March 2015

Orientation: Given the interest in the importance of emotional intelligence in employees and leaders with regard to performance of their jobs, it is imperative to use reliable and validinstruments to operationalise emotional intelligence.Research purpose: The purpose of the study was to assess the psychometric properties of three different versions of the Rahim emotional intelligence index (EQI), specifically withregard to its factor structure and reliability, using two different samples.otivation for the study: No previous study has investigated which version of the Rahim EQI is the most appropriate for conducting research within South African organisations. Inaddition, the question of whether the Rahim EQI measures a strong general factor has notbeen answered.Research approach, design, and method: A cross-sectional quantitative research design wasused. Two samples were used (n = 470 and n = 308). The first sample completed the 40-itemversion of the Rahim EQI, whilst the second sample completed the 30-item version of the Rahim EQI. The measurement model, representing the 22-item version of the Rahim EQI, was also fitted to both these samples. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to compare thedifferent versions, as well as conceptualisations, of the Rahim EQI.Main findings: The 22-item version of the Rahim EQI exhibited better model fit than the 40-item and 30-item versions. In addition, the bifactor model suggested that the Rahim EQIseems to measure a strong general factor (emotional intelligence) with very little evidence ofthe presence of unique group factors (self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills).Practical/managerial implications: Both the reliability and factor structure of the 22-item version of the Rahim EQI have been confirmed. The bifactor structure should inform researchers and practitioners that, in order to understand emotional intelligence, it is better to conceptualise it as a unidimensional construct.Contribution/value-add: In order to identify the most appropriate conceptualisation associated with the Rahim EQI, various goodness-of-fit statistics (e.g. comparative fit indexand root mean square error of approximation) should be consulted. The impact of the removalof items from instruments should be investigated with regard to the accuracy with which the construct is to be measured. The current study has also contributed to the literature byexamining the psychometric properties of the Rahim EQI in a South African sample.
Quantum Unique Ergodicity on Locally Symmetric Spaces: the Degenerate Lift
Authors: Silberman Lior
Published: March 2015

Given a measureon a locally symmetric spaceobtained as a weak-* limit of probability measures associated with eigenfunctions of the ring of invariant differential operators, we construct a measureon the homogeneous spaceX= Γ\Gthat liftsand is invariant by a connected subgroupA1⊂Aof positive dimension, whereG=NAKis an Iwasawa decomposition. If the functions are, in addition, eigenfunctions of the Hecke operators, thenis also the limit of measures associated with Hecke eigenfunctions on X. This generalizes results of the author with A.Venkatesh in the case where the spectral parameters stay away from the walls of the Weyl chamber.
Hyperplanes in the Space of Convergent Sequences and Preduals of ℓ1
Authors: Casini Emanuele , Miglierina Enrico , Piasecki Łukasz
Published: March 2015

The main aim of this paper is to investigate various structural properties of hyperplanes of c, the Banach space of the convergent sequences. In particular, we give an explicit formula for the projection constants and prove that an hyperplane of c is isometric to the whole space if and only if it is 1-complemented. Moreover, we obtain the classification of those hyperplanes for which their duals are isometric to ℓ1 and give a complete description of the preduals of ℓ1 under the assumption that the standard basis of ℓ1 is weak*-convergent.
Local Fourier Analysis of Multigrid Methods with Polynomial Smoothers and Aggressive Coarsening
Authors: Brannick James , Hu Xiaozhe , Rodrigo Carmen , Zikatanov Ludmil
Published: March 2015

We focus on the study of multigrid methods with aggressive coarsening and polynomial smoothers for the solution of the linear systems corresponding to finite difference/element discretizations of the Laplace equation. Using local Fourier analysis we determineautomaticallythe optimal values for the parameters involved in defining the polynomial smoothers and achieve fast convergence of cycles with aggressive coarsening. We also present numerical tests supporting the theoretical results and the heuristic ideas. The methods we introduce are highly parallelizable and efficient multigrid algorithms on structured and semi-structured grids in two and three spatial dimensions.
Selected Recent Applications of Sparse Grids
Authors: Peherstorfer Benjamin , Kowitz Christoph , Pflüger Dirk , Bungartz Hans-Joachim
Published: March 2015

Sparse grids have become a versatile tool for a vast range of applications reaching from interpolation and numerical quadrature to data-driven problems and uncertainty quantification. We review four selected real-world applications of sparse grids: financial product pricing with the Black-Scholes model, interactive exploration of simulation data with sparse-grid-based surrogate models, analysis of simulation data through sparse grid data mining methods, and stability investigations of plasma turbulence simulations.
Local Fourier Analysis for Edge-Based Discretizations on Triangular Grids
Authors: Rodrigo Carmen , Sanz Francisco , Gaspar Francisco J. , Lisbona Francisco J.
Published: March 2015

In this paper, we present a local Fourier analysis framework for analyzing the different components within multigrid solvers for edge-based discretizations on triangular grids. The different stencils associated with edges of different orientation in a triangular mesh make this analysis special. The resulting tool is demonstrated for the vector Laplace problem discretized by mimetic finite difference schemes. Results from the local Fourier analysis, as well as experimentally obtained results, are presented to validate the proposed analysis.
Towards Textbook Efficiency for Parallel Multigrid
Authors: Gmeiner Björn , Rüde Ulrich , Stengel Holger , Waluga Christian , Wohlmuth Barbara
Published: March 2015

In this work, we extend Achi Brandt's notion of textbook multigrid efficiency (TME) to massively parallel algorithms. Using a finite element based geometric multigrid implementation, we recall the classical view on TME with experiments for scalar linear equations with constant and varying coefficients as well as linear systems with saddle-point structure. To extend the idea of TME to the parallel setting, we give a new characterization of a work unit (WU) in an architecture-aware fashion by taking into account performance modeling techniques. We illustrate our newly introduced parallel TME measure by large-scale computations, solving problems with up to 200 billion unknowns on a TOP-10 supercomputer.
Geographic Variation of Female Genital Mutilation and Legal Enforcement in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Case Study of Senegal
Authors: Kandala Ngianga-Bakwin , Komba Paul N.
Published: March 2015

This paper draws on household data to examine the prevalence of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Senegal and the effectiveness of the country's anti-FGM law in dealing with actual breaches and providing protection to the victims. The 2010–2011 Senegal Demographic Health Survey and Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey (SDHS-MICS) covers 14,228 women and their daughters. Logistic regression was used to investigate the geographic distribution of FGM across regions. For the enforceability of anti-FGM, desk research was used. Overall prevalence among women and daughters was 28.1% and 6.2%, respectively. Significant factors were sociodemographics, ethnicity, and region. This analysis shows both advantages and vulnerabilities of the anti-FGM law in relation to the issue of enforcement. It indicates that the law falls short of offering adequate protection to potential victims. FGM is a cultural and social norm imbedded predominantly in rural settings and as such, drives resistance to jettisoning FGM. Legislation has been one of the driving forces behind the eradication of the practice.
A new model for the global biogeochemical cycle of carbonyl sulfide – Part 1: Assessment of direct marine emissions with an oceanic general circulation and biogeochemistry model
Authors: Launois T. , Belviso S. , Bopp L. , Fichot C. G. , Peylin P.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. The global budget of tropospheric carbonyl sulfide (OCS) is believed to be at equilibrium because background air concentrations have remained roughly stable over at least the last decade. Since the uptake of OCS by leaves (associated with photosynthesis) and soils have been revised significantly upwards recently, an equilibrated budget can only be obtained with a compensatory source of OCS. It has been assumed that the missing source of OCS comes from the low-latitude ocean, following the incident solar flux. The present work uses parameterizations of major production and removal processes of organic compounds in the NEMO-PISCES (Nucleus for European Modelling of the Ocean, Pelagic Interaction Scheme for Carbon and Ecosystem Studies) ocean general circulation and biogeochemistry model to assess the marine source of OCS. In addition, the OCS photo-production rates computed with the NEMO-PISCES model~were evaluated independently using the UV absorption coefficient of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (derived from satellite ocean color data) and apparent quantum yields available in the literature. Our simulations show global direct marine emissions of OCS in the range of 573–3997 GgS yr−1, depending mostly on the quantification of the absorption rate of chromophoric dissolved organic matter. The high estimates of that range are unlikely, as they correspond to a formulation that most likely overestimate photo-production process. Low and medium (813 GgS yr−1) estimates derived from the NEMO-PISCES model are however consistent spatially and temporally~with the suggested missing source of Berry et al. (2013), allowing us thus to close the global budget of OCS given the recent estimates of leaf and soil OCS uptake.
Azimuthal velocity shear within an Earthward fast flow – further evidence for magnetotail untwisting?
Authors: Pitkänen T. , Hamrin M. , Norqvist P. , Karlsson T. , Nilsson H. , Kullen A. , Imber S. M. , Milan S. E.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. It is well known that nonzero interplanetary magnetic field By conditions lead to a twisted magnetotail configuration. The plasma sheet is rotated around its axis and tail magnetic field lines are twisted, which causes an azimuthal displacement of their ionospheric footprints. According to the untwisting hypothesis, the untwisting of twisted field lines is suggested to influence the azimuthal direction of convective fast flows in the nightside geospace. However, there is a lack of in situ magnetospheric observations, which show actual signatures of the possible untwisting process. In this paper, we report detailed Cluster observations of an azimuthal flow shear across the neutral sheet associated with an Earthward fast flow on 5 September 2001. The observations show a flow shear velocity pattern with a V⊥y sign change, near the neutral sheet (Bx~0) within a fast flow during the neutral sheet flapping motion over the spacecraft. Firstly, this implies that convective fast flows may not generally be unidirectional across the neutral sheet, but may have a more complex structure. Secondly, in this event tail By and the flow shear are as expected by the untwisting hypothesis. The analysis of the flow shear reveals a linear dependence between Bx and V⊥y close to the neutral sheet and suggests that Cluster crossed the neutral sheet in the dawnward part of the fast flow channel. The magnetospheric observations are supported by the semi-empirical T96 and TF04 models. Furthermore, the ionospheric SuperDARN convection maps support the satellite observations proposing that the azimuthal component of the magnetospheric flows is enforced by a magnetic field untwisting. In summary, the observations give strong supportive evidence to the tail untwisting hypothesis. However, the T96 ionospheric mapping demonstrates the limitations of the model in mapping from a twisted tail.
Explaining and forecasting interannual variability in the flow of the Nile River
Authors: Siam M. S. , Eltahir E. A. B.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. This study analyzes extensive data sets collected during the twentieth century and defines four modes of natural variability in the flow of the Nile River, identifying a new significant potential for improving predictability of floods and droughts. Previous studies have identified a significant teleconnection between the Nile flow and the eastern Pacific Ocean. El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) explains about 25% of the interannual variability in the Nile flow. Here, this study identifies a region in the southern Indian Ocean, with a similarly strong teleconnection to the Nile flow. Sea surface temperature (SST) in the region (50–80° E and 25–35° S) explains 28% of the interannual variability in the flow of the Nile River and, when combined with the ENSO index, the explained variability of the flow of the Nile River increases to 44%. In addition, during those years with anomalous SST conditions in both oceans, this study estimates that indices of the SSTs in the Pacific and Indian oceans can collectively explain up to 84% of the interannual variability in the flow of the Nile. Building on these findings, this study uses the classical Bayesian theorem to develop a new hybrid forecasting algorithm that predicts the Nile flow based on global model predictions of indices of the SST in the eastern Pacific and southern Indian oceans.
Use of field and laboratory methods for estimating unsaturated hydraulic properties under different land uses
Authors: Siltecho S. , Hammecker C. , Sriboonlue V. , Clermont-Dauphin C. , Trelo-ges V. , Antonino A. C. D. , Angulo-Jaramillo R.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Adequate water management is required to improve the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural systems when water is scarce or over-abundant, especially in the case of land use changes. In order to quantify, to predict and eventually to control water and solute transport into soil, soil hydraulic properties need to be determined precisely. As their determination is often tedious, expensive and time-consuming, many alternative field and laboratory techniques are now available. The aim of this study was to determine unsaturated soil hydraulic properties under different land uses and to compare the results obtained with different measurement methods (Beerkan, disc infiltrometer, evaporation, pedotransfer function). The study has been realized on a tropical sandy soil in a mini-watershed in northeastern Thailand. The experimental plots were positioned in a rubber tree plantation in different positions along a slope, in ruzi grass pasture and in an original forest site. Non-parametric statistics demonstrated that van Genuchten unsaturated soil parameters (Ks, α and n) were significantly different according to the measurement methods employed, whereas the land use was not a significant discriminating factor when all methods were considered together. However, within each method, parameters n and α were statistically different according to the sites. These parameters were used with Hydrus1D for a 1-year simulation and computed pressure head did not show noticeable differences for the various sets of parameters, highlighting the fact that for modeling, any of these measurement methods could be employed. The choice of the measurement method would therefore be motivated by the simplicity, robustness and its low cost.
Sediment flow paths and associated organic carbon dynamics across a Mediterranean catchment
Authors: Boix-Fayos C. , Nadeu E. , Quiñonero J. M. , Martínez-Mena M. , Almagro M. , de Vente J.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Terrestrial sedimentation buries large amounts of organic carbon (OC) annually, contributing to the terrestrial carbon sink. The temporal significance of this sink will strongly depend on the attributes of the depositional environment, but also on the characteristics of the OC reaching these sites and its stability upon deposition. The goal of this study was to characterise the OC during transport and stored in the depositional settings of a medium-sized catchment (111 km2) in SE Spain, to better understand how soil erosion and sediment transport processes determine catchment-scale OC redistribution. Total organic carbon (TOC), mineral-associated organic carbon (MOC), particulate organic carbon (POC), total nitrogen (N) and particle size distributions were determined for soils (i), suspended sediments (ii) and sediments stored in a variety of sinks such as sediment wedges behind check dams (iii), channel bars (iv), a small delta in the conjunction of the channel and a reservoir downstream (v), and the reservoir at the outlet of the catchment (vi). The data show that the OC content of sediments was approximately half of that in soils (9.42 ± 9.01 g kg−1 versus 20.45 ± 7.71 g kg−1, respectively) with important variation between sediment deposits. Selectivity of mineral and organic material during transport and deposition increased in a downstream direction. The mineralisation, burial or in situ incorporation of OC in deposited sediments depended on their transport processes and on their post-sedimentary conditions. Upstream sediments (alluvial wedges) showed low OC contents because they were partially mobilised by non-selective erosion processes affecting deeper soil layers and with low selectivity of grain sizes (e.g. gully and bank erosion). We hypothesise that the relatively short transport distances, the effective preservation of OC in microaggregates and the burial of sediments in the alluvial wedges gave rise to low OC mineralisation, as is arguably indicated by C : N ratios similar to those in soils. Deposits in middle stream areas (fluvial bars) were enriched in sand, selected upon deposition and had low OC concentrations. Downstream, sediment transported over longer distances was more selected, poorly microaggregated, and with a prevalence of silt and clay fractions and MOC pool. Overall, the study shows that OC redistribution in the studied catchment is highly complex, and that the results obtained at finer scales cannot be extrapolated at catchment scale. Selectivity of particles during detachment and transport, and protection of OC during transport and deposition are key for the concentration and quality of OC found at different depositional settings. Hence, eco-geomorphological processes during the different phases of the erosion cycle have important consequences for the temporal stability and preservation of the buried OC and in turn for the OC budget.
Long-term flood controls on semi-arid river form: evidence from the Sabie and Olifants rivers, eastern South Africa
Authors: Heritage G. , Tooth S. , Entwistle N. , Milan D.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Rivers in the Kruger National Park, eastern South Africa, are characterised by bedrock-influenced "macrochannels" containing variable alluvial thicknesses and riparian vegetation assemblages. Evidence from the Sabie and Olifants rivers suggests that flows up to moderate floods (<3500 m3 s−1) tend to result in net alluviation, with sediments gradually covering the underlying bedrock. More extreme floods strip alluvium and erode bedrock, effectively exerting the primary control over long-term river morphologic development. On the Olifants River, post-flood aerial LIDAR imagery reveals that the 2012 extreme flood (~14000 m3 s−1) resulted in extensive stripping of stored alluvial sediment, exposing and eroding the underlying weathered bedrock. On the Sabie River, preliminary optically stimulated luminescence ages for remnant alluvium are all less than 1000 years, highlighting typical timescales of sediment storage. Together, these results suggest that while periods of general alluviation occur on these systems, long-term river development results from extreme flood-generated bedrock erosion.