bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic Effect of Environmental Factors on Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Kubota Takeo , Mochizuki Kazuki
Published: May 2016

Both environmental factors and genetic factors are involved in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Epigenetics, an essential mechanism for gene regulation based on chemical modifications of DNA and histone proteins, is also involved in congenital ASDs. It was recently demonstrated that environmental factors, such as endocrine disrupting chemicals and mental stress in early life, can change epigenetic status and gene expression, and can cause ASDs. Moreover, environmentally induced epigenetic changes are not erased during gametogenesis and are transmitted to subsequent generations, leading to changes in behavior phenotypes. However, epigenetics has a reversible nature since it is based on the addition or removal of chemical residues, and thus the original epigenetic status may be restored. Indeed, several antidepressants and anticonvulsants used for mental disorders including ASDs restore the epigenetic state and gene expression. Therefore, further epigenetic understanding of ASDs is important for the development of new drugs that take advantages of epigenetic reversibility.
Using Moderate-Resolution Temporal NDVI Profiles for High-Resolution Crop Mapping in Years of Absent Ground Reference Data: A Case Study of Bole and Manas Counties in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Hao Pengyu , Wang Li , Zhan Yulin , Niu Zheng
Published: May 2016

Most methods used for crop classification rely on the ground-reference data of the same year, which leads to considerable financial and labor cost. In this study, we presented a method that can avoid the requirements of a large number of ground-reference data in the classification year. Firstly, we extracted the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) time series profiles of the dominant crops from MODIS data using the historical ground-reference data in multiple years (2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010). Artificial Antibody Network (ABNet) was then employed to build reference NDVI time series for each crop based on the historical NDVI profiles. Afterwards, images of Landsat and HJ were combined to obtain 30 m image time series with 15-day acquisition frequency in 2011. Next, the reference NDVI time series were transformed to Landsat/HJ NDVI time series using their linear model. Finally, the transformed reference NDVI profiles were used to identify the crop types in 2011 at 30 m spatial resolution. The result showed that the dominant crops could be identified with overall accuracy of 87.13% and 83.48% in Bole and Manas, respectively. In addition, the reference NDVI profiles generated from multiple years could achieve better classification accuracy than that from single year (such as only 2007). This is mainly because the reference knowledge from multiple years contains more growing conditions of the same crop. Generally, this approach showed potential to identify crops without using large number of ground-reference data at 30 m resolution.
Recent Developments in Solid-Phase Extraction for Near and Attenuated Total Reflection Infrared Spectroscopic Analysis
Authors: Huck Christian
Published: May 2016

A review with more than 100 references on the principles and recent developments in the solid-phase extraction (SPE) prior and for in situ near and attenuated total reflection (ATR) infrared spectroscopic analysis is presented. New materials, chromatographic modalities, experimental setups and configurations are described. Their advantages for fast sample preparation for distinct classes of compounds containing different functional groups in order to enhance selectivity and sensitivity are discussed and compared. This is the first review highlighting both the fundamentals of SPE, near and ATR spectroscopy with a view to real sample applicability and routine analysis. Most of real sample analyses examples are found in environmental research, followed by food- and bioanalysis. In this contribution a comprehensive overview of the most potent SPE-NIR and SPE-ATR approaches is summarized and provided.
Ethyl Acetate Abatement on Copper Catalysts Supported on Ceria Doped with Rare Earth Oxides
Authors: Carabineiro Sónia , Konsolakis Michalis , Marnellos George , Asad Muhammad , Soares Olívia , Tavares Pedro , Pereira Manuel , Órfão José , Figueiredo José
Published: May 2016

Different lanthanide (Ln)-doped cerium oxides (Ce0.5Ln0.5O1.75, where Ln: Gd, La, Pr, Nd, Sm) were loaded with Cu (20 wt. %) and used as catalysts for the oxidation of ethyl acetate (EtOAc), a common volatile organic compound (VOC). For comparison, both Cu-free (Ce-Ln) and supported Cu (Cu/Ce-Ln) samples were characterized by N2 adsorption at −196 °C, scanning/transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and temperature programmed reduction in H2. The following activity sequence, in terms of EtOAc conversion, was found for bare supports: CeO2 ≈ Ce0.5Pr0.5O1.75 > Ce0.5Sm0.5O1.75 > Ce0.5Gd0.5O1.75 > Ce0.5Nd0.5O1.75 > Ce0.5La0.5O1.75. Cu addition improved the catalytic performance, without affecting the activity order. The best catalytic performance was obtained for Cu/CeO2 and Cu/Ce0.5Pr0.5O1.75 samples, both achieving complete EtOAc conversion below ca. 290 °C. A strong correlation was revealed between the catalytic performance and the redox properties of the samples, in terms of reducibility and lattice oxygen availability. Νo particular correlation between the VOC oxidation performance and textural characteristics was found. The obtained results can be explained in terms of a Mars-van Krevelen type redox mechanism involving the participation of weakly bound (easily reduced) lattice oxygen and its consequent replenishment by gas phase oxygen.
Comparison of Surface Proteomes of Adherence Variants of Listeria Monocytogenes Using LC-MS/MS for Identification of Potential Surface Adhesins
Authors: Tiong Hung , Hartson Steven , Muriana Peter
Published: May 2016

The ability of Listeria monocytogenes to adhere and form biofilms leads to persistence in food processing plants and food-associated listeriosis. The role of specific surface proteins as adhesins to attach Listeria cells to various contact surfaces has not been well characterized to date. In prior research comparing different methods for surface protein extraction, the Ghost urea method revealed cleaner protein content as verified by the least cytoplasmic protein detected in surface extracts using LC-MS/MS. The same technique was utilized to extract and detect surface proteins among two surface-adherent phenotypic strains of L. monocytogenes (i.e., strongly and weakly adherent). Of 640 total proteins detected among planktonic and sessile cells, 21 protein members were exclusively detected in the sessile cells. Relative LC-MS/MS detection and quantification of surface-extracted proteins from the planktonic weakly adherent (CW35) and strongly adherent strains (99-38) were examined by protein mass normalization of proteins. We found that L. monocytogenes 99-38 exhibited a total of 22 surface proteins that were over-expressed: 11 proteins were detected in surface extracts of both sessile and planktonic 99-38 that were ≥5-fold over-expressed while another 11 proteins were detected only in planktonic 99-38 cells that were ≥10-fold over-expressed. Our results suggest that these protein members are worthy of further investigation for their involvement as surface adhesins.
Oil in Syria between Terrorism and Dictatorship
Authors: Almohamad Hussein , Dittmann Andreas
Published: May 2016

The sale of oil and gas is one of the most important components of the Syrian economy. Unfortunately, since the discovery of these resources, the Syrian people have not benefited from the revenues earned. This study deals with the development of oil and gas production and the geographical distribution of fields, as well as production control, deterioration of production, refining and selling mechanisms, and the resulting health and environmental impacts following Islamic State’s (IS) control of the majority of oilfields in Syria. Since summer 2015, IS controls 80% of the fields with a production of 65,000 barrels per day (b/d); the Assad regime controls 8% of fields with 10,000 b/d; and Kurdish forces dominate the remaining 12% with 25,000 b/d. IS depends on oil as a major source of financing for its military and civilian activities, and has also managed to set up an extensive network of middlemen in neighbouring territories and countries, with the aim of trading crude oil for cash and other resources. IS produces and exports within its areas of control and sells part of the oil to the Assad regime, and another portion to the liberated areas, as well as to Iraq and Turkey.
Spatial Assessment of Cancer Incidences and the Risks of Industrial Wastewater Emission in China
Authors: Li Yingru , Li Huixuan , Liu Zhongwei , Miao Changhong
Published: May 2016

China’s rapid economic growth and social transitions have deteriorated environmental conditions and caused further public health issues in last three decades. This study examines the complex mechanisms of how socioeconomic transitions and physical environmental conditions impact public health, especially with respect to increasing cancer incidences in mainland China from a spatial-temporal perspective. Specifically, (1) spatial variations of seven types of cancer incidences were analyzed in relation to heavy metal emissions from industrial wastewater at the prefecture-level city scale from 2004 to 2009. Additionally; (2) spatial statistical methods were employed to explore the associations between health outcome, heavy metal emissions from industrial wastewater (arsenic, chromium, cadmium, mercury, lead), as well as socioeconomic transitions (industrialization, urbanization, globalization) and physical environmental factors (hydrology and vegetation coverage). Results showed a significant increase of cancer incidences between 2004 and 2009. Consistent with the spatial pattern of heavy metal emissions, cancer patient clusters were identified in both traditional industrial bases and newly industrialized economic zones, especially in major cities located at downstream watersheds, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenyang, and Wuhan. The results also revealed the double-edged effects of industrialization, economic growth, and urbanization on natural environment and human health. The findings provide informative knowledge of heavy metal pollution and cancer outbreaks in China and therefore offer valuable reference for authorities formulating regulations.
The Public Value of Urban Vacant Land: Social Responses and Ecological Value
Authors: Kim Gunwoo
Published: May 2016

This study reviews scholarly papers and case studies on urban vacant land to gain a stronger understanding of its public value in terms of the ecological and social benefits it can bring. This literature review offers a conceptual overview of the potential benefits of vacant land with the goal of addressing gaps in knowledge about vacant land and to provide suggestions to planners and designers on how vacant properties can be integrated with other green infrastructure in cities. There are many opportunities to redevelop vacant land to enhance its ecological and social value, and many design professionals and scholars are becoming interested in finding new ways to exploit this potential, especially with regard to planning and design. A better appreciation of the public value of urban vacant land is vital for any effort to identify alternative strategies to optimize the way these spaces are utilized for both short-term and long-term uses to support urban regeneration and renewal. This study will help planners and designers to understand and plan for urban vacant land, leading to better utilization of these spaces and opening up alternative creative approaches to envisioning space and landscape design in our urban environments.
COMPARISON OF CORONAL EXTRAPOLATION METHODS FOR CYCLE 24 USING HMI DATA
Authors: Arden William M. , Norton Aimee A. , Sun Xudong , Zhao Xuepu
Published: May 2016

Two extrapolation models of the solar coronal magnetic field are compared using magnetogram data from the Solar Dynamics Observatory/Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager instrument. The two models, a horizontal current–current sheet–source surface (HCCSSS) model and a potential field–source surface (PFSS) model, differ in their treatment of coronal currents. Each model has its own critical variable, respectively, the radius of a cusp surface and a source surface, and it is found that adjusting these heights over the period studied allows for a better fit between the models and the solar open flux at 1 au as calculated from the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF). The HCCSSS model provides the better fit for the overall period from 2010 November to 2015 May as well as for two subsets of the period: the minimum/rising part of the solar cycle and the recently identified peak in the IMF from mid-2014 to mid-2015 just after solar maximum. It is found that an HCCSSS cusp surface height of 1.7 R
⊙ provides the best fit to the IMF for the overall period, while 1.7 and 1.9 R
⊙ give the best fits for the two subsets. The corresponding values for the PFSS source surface height are 2.1, 2.2, and 2.0 R
⊙ respectively. This means that the HCCSSS cusp surface rises as the solar cycle progresses while the PFSS source surface falls.
Electroencephalogram-Artifact Extraction Enhancement Based on Artificial Intelligence Technique
Authors: Zhang Chao Zhu , Kareem Abdullah Ahmed , Abdullabs Abdullah Ali
Published: May 2016

Blind source separation (BSS) is an important technique used to recover isolated independent sources signals from mixtures. This paper proposes two blind artificial intelligent separation algorithms based on hybridization between artificial intelligent techniques with classical blind source separation algorithms to enhance the separation process. Speedy genetic algorithm SGA directly guesses the optimal coefficients of the separating matrix based on candidate initial from classical BSS algorithms also the separation criteria based on minimization of mutual information between the separating independent components. The proposed algorithms are tested by real Electroencephalogram (EEG) data, the experimental results indicate that the algorithms can quickly and effectively get optimum solution to linear blind source separation compared to classical BSS techniques, the proposed works are described by high accuracy and robustness.
Low Cost System Design to Measure and Analyze of Temperature Rise Caused by 2450 MHz RF Energy in Human Phantom Model
Authors: Kahriman Mesud , Coskun Ozlem , Yavuz Esin
Published: May 2016

In recent years humans are more exposed to human-made fields than natural fields with developing technologies. Especially, widespread of wireless communication technologies in all areas of daily life and getting closer to sensitive organs like brain caused an increase in possible risks and worries about human health. In the study, a temperature measurement card has been designed and produced with the aim of observing the temperature rise at the phantom model generated by EM energy source. To that end, we present a study on the temperature rise of small dipole antenna (2450 MHz) that operate close to a user’s head (1, 4 and 7 cm). We found good correspondence between the temperature rise values evaluated in the phantom heads. According to the results of measure, expected temperature rise in the tissue exposed to RF energy may varies to the distance between radiated source and tissue.
Corrosion Resistant Plates for Pipes Operated in Sour Environments
Authors: Matrosov Maxim Yu. , Sychev Oleg N. , Korchagin Andrey M. , Talanov Oleg P.
Published: May 2016

Based on physical metallurgy principles, specialists of Severstal and I. P. Bardin Institute developed chemical composition and manufacture technology for microalloyed steel plates for sour service line pipes with minimum guaranteed tensile strength 510 MPa, produced by TMCP (thermo-mechanical controlled process). The key elements of newly developed technology were: low-carbon, low-manganese chemical composition with balanced microalloying; production of clean steel in melting shop; microstructure control during all stages of manufacture process.
Punch Stretch Test for TRIP690 and DP780 Steel at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Krupa Robert
Published: May 2016

The forming at elevated temperatures for Advanced High Strength Steels (AHSS) opens up a new technology. The phase changes during warm deformation are the key to understanding the warm forming process. The desired microstructure and mechanical properties before and after warm forming have to be known in order to find optimal conditions for achieving good sheet formability and preferred material properties in service. In this work, the TRIP690 and DP780 steels are investigated under punch stretch test conditions in order to evaluate the temperature influence on neck formation and fracture occurrence at ambient and elevated temperatures 200oC, 400oC. Contact heat treatment was used for heating up the circular specimens. It was found that formability of the investigated steels was drastically reduced at a temperature of 400oC and brittle fracture occurred because of temper embrittlement. It is recommended to avoid steel tempering at this critical temperature.
Physical and Numerical Simulation of Cold Rolling and Heating during Continuous Annealing of DP Steel Strips
Authors: Madej Lukasz , Kwiaton Norbert , Kuziak Roman , Sitko Mateusz , Pietrzyk Maciej
Published: May 2016

Development of fast and efficient finite element model for rolling industrial grades of two DP steels was the subject of the present paper. Basis of the finite element framework, as well as material model development stages, are presented first. Model validation with experimental measurements is shown next. Finally, selected examples of multi scale modelling including microstructure level are presented to complement presented investigation and show possibilities of future developments.
Further Developments in Strip Thickness Measurement Laser-Based Strip Thickness Measurement
Authors: Roller Elke
Published: May 2016

VTLG is a new type of laser-based strip thickness gauges for cold rolling mills and offersthe solution for strip thickness measurement that the industry has long been searching for:Irrespective of the alloy, contact-free, highly precise and reliable. This article describes thedevelopments which had to be done so that now with the VTLG a solution is possible that has notbeen possible to date.
New Opportunities for Process Optimization in the Metal Industry Using Laser Line Sensors for Thickness and Width Gauging
Authors: Sonntag Achim
Published: May 2016

The use of laser line sensors in thickness and width gauges for the metal industry is the successful approach, to benefit from the advantages of laser triangulation measurement and to avoid the disadvantages of optical measurement in harsh conditions. Furthermore enables the high density of the acquired data a clever implementation of new applications.
Digitalization in Hot and Cold Rolling Mills
Authors: Ohlert Joachim , Sprock August , Sudau Peter
Published: May 2016

The demands made by the market on the steel industry will again become significantly greater in the near future.Examples of this are the expansion of the product mix, the production of smaller batch sizes, higher quality requirements, and lower prices. The paper presents possible responses of the equipment builder to these challenges. Digitalisation concepts should in particular support production engineering (hot/cold rolling) to the effect that new, mostly high-strength materials can be produced in an economically efficient way to hence allow their speedy introduction on the market.
The Virtual Rolling Mill – Enhancing Product Development and Commissioning
Authors: Klinkov Maksim , Feist Roger
Published: May 2016

Achenbach supplies worldwide with first-class customized rolling mills and machinery for the manufacturing of flat-rolled products from non-ferrous metals. In order to fulfil the customer-specific production requirements, Achenbach developed a wide variety of options for specific subjects. The control of the strip quality parameters like flatness or thickness in the rolling process is a key performance index.An increase of computation power in the field of industrial computers gave a chance to develop more complex model based control algorithms, which led to a significant improvement of the strip quality. In addition it gave an impulse for the development of a comprehensive mathematical model of the rolling mill.This paper will present the general virtual Achenbach Rolling Mill which is a digital representation of the rolling process in general and the behavior of the major actuators in the rolling process in detail. The behavior of drives, strip-tensions, and roll-gap is simulated in a multi-variable real-time environment. In the same environment the OPTIROLLi3®- model based controls can interact with the virtual machine. A vast number of challenges of the real rolling situation can be demonstrated by working on this ‘mill simulator’ and improved solutions are developed taking advantages from this platform. As the virtual machine allows all kinds of virtual testing without scrapping ‘real material’ a wide range of applications is possible for this virtual rolling mill. Some results from the SIL (software in loop) simulation will be presented for better clarity.
Industrialization of New Developments in the Lubrication System of the Coupled Tandem Mill AMEKO at ArcelorMittal Eisenhüttenstadt with Henkel AG
Authors: Tille Martin , Staes Benoit , Sardo Gaetano , Müller Andreas , Saffer Toralf , Fabian Frank
Published: May 2016

In flat cold rolling of steels, emulsions of rolling oil and water are normally used to cool and lubricate, i.e. up to 2.5 % oil is emulsified in water and sprayed on work rolls and sheet. In this article it is shown how the Henkel AG and ArcelorMittal Eisenhüttenstadt GmbH developed and industrialized successfully the thin film lubrication (TFL) in front of stand one of the AMEKO. With this device, pure rolling oil is sprayed onto the work rolls. This resulted in a rolling force decrease of approx. 4.5 % in the stand and a higher operating life of the work rolls. Furthermore, the FlexMix system of the Henkel AG is presented. Therewith it shall be possible to react flexibly on the lubrication conditions in the roll gap. Using two spray bars emulsion with higher concentration is sprayed onto the strip. Trial runs were carried out in front of rolling stand number two of the AMEKO. A rolling force reduction in the stand of up to 9.7 % was seen. Moreover up to 7.9 % of less current could be observed on the motors of this stand. The article illustrates the theoretical and practical basics on both developments including effects on the production of the AMEKO. Further an outlook is given of how future lubrication techniques can optimize the production of flat steel cold rolling mills.
Continuous Casting and Rolling Technology at MKM Mansfelder Kupfer und Messing GmbH – Optimisation of the Surface Quality for Conti-M® Strip
Authors: Palm Klaus Dieter , Busch Hendrik , Dusdorf Axel
Published: May 2016

Using Conti-M® which is a globally unique technology for producing cast-rolled copper strips, MKM has been able to link and optimise the continuous casting and rolling process together with the surface quality of milled strips. The last 15 years have seen many targeted projects for process, product and quality development. In this article, the process related challenges to optimise the surface quality of casting strip will be highlighted. We will present a process control system and the impact it had in the optimisation of the surface quality.
Production of Directly Quenched High-Strength Hot-Rolled Strip Steels - Influence of Rolling and Cooling Conditions on Mechanical Properties and Flatness
Authors: Schöttler Joachim , Maiwald Thorsten , Linke Gunnar
Published: May 2016

The production of hot-rolled sheets of high-strength and wear-resistant special structural steels by direct quenching from the rolling heat is a cost effective and energy-saving alternative to traditional production via downstream quenching the previously cut-to-length plates. Reaching the required strength and toughness parameters in combination with best flatness of the sheets requires strict compliance with the pre-set rolling and cooling conditions over the entire strip width. Using two high-strength low-alloyed steels, plant trials have been carried out to study the effect of the cooling conditions and the coiling temperature on mechanical properties, impact toughness and flatness of cut-to-length sheets made of hot-rolled strip. The results showed that by applying optimized cooling pattern and low coiling temperatures, high-strength steel sheets with outstanding mechanical properties and good flatness can be produced.
Development of Modern Steels for Strain Based Design Pipe Lines and Simulation Results
Authors: Heering Christoph , Tokmakov Kirill , Schuster Ingo
Published: May 2016

Due to the exploration of gas and oil sources in remote regions with harsh environment, the pipe line designers are faced with the challenging conditions. Especially in the cases where displacement-controlled loads are the predominant design condition, such as ground movement, strain-based design is applied instead of stress-based design to build safer pipelines and to assure the integrity of the lines along their lifetimes. It requires steels to have a large strain hardening capacity, long uniform elongation, and good toughness to achieve a well-defined and sufficient plastic deformation. In order to fulfil the requirements, all the processing steps are supposed to be well designed, for example, the chemical composition, microstructural design, thermo-mechanical controlled process (TMCP) and heat treatment, etc. In general pipe line steel has a low carbon, high manganese content combined with a certain amount of micro-alloying elements as Nb, Ti and sometimes B. Using Thermo-mechanical rolling and cooling schedules excellent combinations of strength and toughness can be established. To successfully produce steel plates for strain based design pipe lines the actual heating rolling and cooling technologies must be developed further as well as the equipment to produce such steel. The paper gives an overview about modern plate mill equipment and new setup strategies for the production of heavy plates X70 to X100 as well as thethermo-dynamic simulations used during the development.
Synthesis and Characterization of SiNW-MnO2 Core-Shell Structure
Authors: Soam Ankur , Parida Kaushik , Kumbhar A. , Dusane Rajiv
Published: May 2016

A simple and low temperature approach has been used for the deposition of manganese oxide (MnO2) film and nanoparticles on silicon nanowires (SiNWs). Firstly, SiNWs were grown using hot wire chemical vapour process (HWCVP) technique via Vapor-Liquid-Solid (VLS) mechanism using Sn as a catalyst and then electrophoretic deposition method (EPD) was used to deposit MnO2 on them. Since SiNWs have good electron transportation and high aspect ratio, the role of SiNWs is thus for improving the electrical conduction and the surface area for MnO2 for its application in a desired form. First the deposition parameters were optimized on a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) coated glass substrate to control the thickness of the MnO2 film and then it was synthesized on SiNWs. The deposition of MnO2 has been confirmed by FEG-SEM and EDX. This structure of MnO2-SiNWs could be useful for various applications.
A Numerical Study of Complex Reconstruction in Inverse Elastic Scattering
Authors: Hu Guanghui , Li Jingzhi , Liu Hongyu , Wang Qi
Published: May 2016

The purpose of this paper is to numerically realize the inverse scattering scheme proposed in [19] of reconstructing complex elastic objects by a single far-field measurement. The unknown elastic scatterers might consist of both rigid bodies and traction-free cavities with components of multiscale sizes presented simultaneously. We conduct extensive numerical experiments to show the effectiveness and efficiency of the imaging scheme proposed in [19]. Moreover, we develop a two-stage technique, which can significantly speed up the reconstruction to yield a fast imaging scheme.
Analysis of a Two-Level Algorithm for HDG Methods for Diffusion Problems
Authors: Li Binjie , Xie Xiaoping , Zhang Shiquan
Published: May 2016

This paper analyzes an abstract two-level algorithm for hybridizable discontinuous Galerkin (HDG) methods in a unified fashion. We use an extended version of the Xu-Zikatanov (X-Z) identity to derive a sharp estimate of the convergence rate of the algorithm, and show that the theoretical results also are applied to weak Galerkin (WG) methods. The main features of our analysis are twofold: one is that we only need the minimal regularity of the model problem; the other is that we do not require the triangulations to be quasi-uniform. Numerical experiments are provided to confirm the theoretical results.
A Full Space-Time Convergence Order Analysis of Operator Splittings for Linear Dissipative Evolution Equations
Authors: Hansen Eskil , Henningsson Erik
Published: May 2016

The Douglas-Rachford and Peaceman-Rachford splitting methods are common choices for temporal discretizations of evolution equations. In this paper we combine these methods with spatial discretizations fulfilling some easily verifiable criteria. In the setting of linear dissipative evolution equations we prove optimal convergence orders, simultaneously in time and space. We apply our abstract results to dimension splitting of a 2D diffusion problem, where a finite element method is used for spatial discretization. To conclude, the convergence results are illustrated with numerical experiments.
Analyses and Applications of the Second-Order Cross Correlation in the Passive Imaging
Authors: Wang Lingdi , Chen Wenbin , Cheng Jin
Published: May 2016

The first-order cross correlation and corresponding applications in the passive imaging are deeply studied by Garnier and Papanicolaou in their pioneer works. In this paper, the results of the first-order cross correlation are generalized to the second-order cross correlation. The second-order cross correlation is proven to be a statistically stable quantity, with respective to the random ambient noise sources. Specially, with proper time scales, the stochastic fluctuation for the second-order cross correlation converges much faster than the first-order one. Indeed, the convergent rate is of order , with 0 < α < 1. Besides, by using the stationary phase method in both homogeneous and scattering medium, similar behaviors of the singular components for the second-order cross correlation are obtained. Finally, two imaging methods are proposed to search for a target point reflector: One method is based on the imaging function, and has a better signal-to-noise rate; Another method is based on the geometric property, and can improve the bad range resolution of the imaging results.
An Anisotropic Convection-Diffusion Model Using Tailored Finite Point Method for Image Denoising and Compression
Authors: Lin Yu-Tuan , Shih Yin-Tzer , Tsai Chih-Ching
Published: May 2016

In this paper we consider an anisotropic convection-diffusion (ACD) filter for image denoising and compression simultaneously. The ACD filter is discretized by a tailored finite point method (TFPM), which can tailor some particular properties of the image in an irregular grid structure. A quadtree structure is implemented for the storage in multi-levels for the compression. We compare the performance of the proposed scheme with several well-known filters. The numerical results show that the proposed method is effective for removing a mixture of white Gaussian and salt-and-pepper noises.
Some Future Aspects within Perinatal Medicine considered by a Senior Fellow
Authors: Saling Erich
Published: May 2016

During the last six decades, a unique new field of applied medicine has been brought forward in the phase before the great biological event of birth, namely into the intrauterine space. On the basis of experiences collected during this time, a few selected thoughts about further aspects based on new but also on some old achievements are presented.

The first one concerns the hardly necessary too frequent use of antibiotics with its negative side effects, such as damage of intestinal flora. We found convincing results in a group of cases with premature rupture of membranes, using PVP-iodine solution for vaginal rinsing to practice in this way an efficient local antiseptic therapy until birth. Another example is amnioscopy, unfortunately replaced to a large extent. But its use remains appropriate because of the low expense and high safety of this method.

A current progress of great importance for the future is the field of perinatal programming. Malprogramming via epigenetic mechanisms results in a lifelong disposition for overweight, obesity, and diabetic metabolic disorders across generations. Important progress and reduction of risks in later life can be expected by suitable research.

A fascinating new field is fetal neurology. Fetal behavioral patterns diagnosed by four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound are directly reflecting developmental and maturational processes of the fetal central nervous system. Such information will hopefully be of great value for further elucidation of neurological problems, for instance, cerebral palsy.

And finally a field in which we have been involved in the 1980s concerns the compensatory intrauterine supply of malnourished fetuses.

Fortunately, there are some efforts to continue these studies to treat severe placental insufficiency with amino acid and glucose by intraumbilical supplementation via a port system.

How to cite this article

Saling E. Some Future Aspects within Perinatal Medicine considered by a Senior Fellow. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2016;10(2):113-115.
Perils of Miscommunication: The Beginnings of Informed Consent
Authors: McCullough Laurence B , Chervenak Frank A , Chervenak Judith
Published: May 2016

This article addresses the perils of miscommunication and the beginnings of informed consent in a landmark United States common law, Schloendorff vs Society of New York Hospital. For a century, Schloendorff has been understood as a case of surgery performed without consent on an anesthetized patient after a pelvic mass was discovered. This case illustrates the clinical ethical errors that occur when physicians fail to communicate with each other and with their patient. To support this interpretation, we review the original medical and surgical records, letters of key participants in the case, and the trial court record. Ms Schloendorff actually lost her legal case. Indeed, her surgery might not have been performed at all had her clinicians known, communicated, documented, and reaffirmed what the patient actually wanted. This new interpretation of Schloendorff is important for contemporary obstetric and gynecologic care, because it documents the perils of the medical errors of implicit consent, delegating the obtaining of consent, and miscommunication among clinicians. From the perspective of the lessons taught by Schloendorff, the modern culture of patient safety and quality that has come to define excellent obstetric and gynecologic care, including ultrasound, should be understood as a powerful preventive measure against the clinical ethical perils of miscommunication that reduce the quality of patient care and unnecessarily compromise professional obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound.

How to cite this article

Chervenak FA, McCullough LB, Chervenak J. Perils of Miscommunication: The Beginnings of Informed Consent. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2016;10(2):125-130.
Prenatal Detection of Critical Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Irshaid Lina W , Elfky Najwa
Published: May 2016

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a leading cause of infant mortality and 30% fetuses born with CHDs have other associated malformations and chromosomal abnormalities. Prenatal diagnosis also allows parents to opt for termination of the pregnancy.

How to cite this article

Irshaid LW, Elfky N, Ahmed B. Prenatal Detection of Critical Congenital Heart Disease. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2016;10(2):131-135.
A Review of Five Cases of Fetal Congenital Anomalies Diagnosed during Prenatal Ultrasound: Management Problems and Limitations
Authors: Dayyabu Aliyu L , Makama Dattijo L , Avidime Attah R , Yusuf Murtala
Published: May 2016

Congenital/fetal anomalies are structural, functional, and/or biochemical–molecular defects present at birth whether detected at that time or not. Prevalence of congenital fetal anomalies in developing countries especially in Africa is underestimated. They are seen in 2 to 3% of newborns and about 94% of severe birth defects are seen in low-resource countries. Currently, they account for 20 to 30% of perinatal mortality in developed countries. Their contribution to perinatal mortality may be much higher in developing countries. They are also an important cause of maternal mortality in developing countries because they cause prolonged obstructed labor, ruptured uterus, postpartum hemorrhage, and sepsis. Ultrasound is a very important tool in prenatal diagnosis, but ultrasound usage faces a lot of challenges in Africa. When congenital anomalies are diagnosed in Africa, management becomes a challenge as patients may not even accept the diagnosis or the line of management and this leads to catastrophic complications for the mother and her unborn infant. To overcome these challenges, various measures must be taken, such as training for practitioners, provision of equipments, community enlightenments concerning causes, possible management, and prevention.

This review is meant to highlight some of the challenges facing prenatal diagnosis and management of prenatally diagnosed congenital fetal anomalies in low-resource environments and suggest the way forward.

How to cite this article

Dayyabu AL, Makama DL, Avidime AR, Yusuf M. A Review of Five Cases of Fetal Congenital Anomalies Diagnosed during Prenatal Ultrasound: Management Problems and Limitations. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2016;10(2):136-142.
Severe Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia—Exemplary Management in Poland: Fetoscopic Endotracheal Occlusion
Authors: Wielgos Miroslaw , Kosinski Przemyslaw
Published: May 2016

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a developmental closure defect resulting in discontinuity of the diaphragm. Abdominal viscera herniate into the chest leading to mediastinal shift and lung compression. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia occurs in approximately 1 in 4,000 live births. Vast majority of cases is on the left side of the diaphragm. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is also associated with severe pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Approximately 50 to 70% of cases of CDH are isolated, but may also be associated with rare and severe genetic syndromes. It is one of the most severe birth defects with extremely high neonatal mortality and morbidity. Prognosis is worse in cases of an abnormal chromosomal microarray, severe associated anomalies, right-sided defect, liver herniation, and lower fetal lung volume. In some countries, fetoscopic endotracheal occlusion (FETO) for severe CDH is offered to selected group of patients. Since 2014, this procedure is also available in Poland in the 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Medical University of Warsaw. This article reviews management in diaphragmatic hernia and presents protocol implemented in our center.

How to cite this article

Wielgos M, Kosinski P. Severe Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia—Exemplary Management in Poland: Fetoscopic Endotracheal Occlusion. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2016;10(2):178-179.
A Fetoscopic Approach for Antenatal Correction of Open Spina Bifida
Authors: AM de Sá Renato , Acacio Gregório L , AL Pedreira Denise
Published: May 2016

Since the advent of fetoscopy, a paradigm shift toward minimally invasive options for antenatal open spina bifida (OSB) correction has been witnessed, resulting in rapid technological innovations and improved outcomes for both the mother and fetus. A history of the minimally invasive surgical management of OSB is presented, with a focus on a novel Brazilian fetoscopic approach.

How to cite this article

de Sá RAM, Acacio GL, Pedreira DAL. A Fetoscopic Approach for Antenatal Correction of Open Spina Bifida. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2016;10(2):189-192.
The magnitude of the snow-sourced reactive nitrogen flux to the boundary layer in the Uintah Basin, Utah, USA
Authors: Zatko Maria , Erbland Joseph , Savarino Joel , Geng Lei , Easley Lauren , Schauer Andrew , Bates Timothy , Quinn Patricia K. , Light Bonnie , Morison David , Osthoff Hans D. , Lyman Seth , Neff William , Yuan Bin , Alexander Becky
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Reactive nitrogen (Nr = NO, NO2, HONO) and volatile organic carbon emissions from oil and gas extraction activities play a major role in wintertime ground-level ozone exceedance events of up to 140 ppb in the Uintah Basin in eastern Utah. Such events occur only when the ground is snow covered, due to the impacts of snow on the stability and depth of the boundary layer and ultraviolet actinic flux at the surface. Recycling of reactive nitrogen from the photolysis of snow nitrate has been observed in polar and mid-latitude snow, but snow-sourced reactive nitrogen fluxes in mid-latitude regions have not yet been quantified in the field. Here we present vertical profiles of snow nitrate concentration and nitrogen isotopes (δ15N) collected during the Uintah Basin Winter Ozone Study 2014 (UBWOS 2014), along with observations of insoluble light-absorbing impurities, radiation equivalent mean ice grain radii, and snow density that determine snow optical properties. We use the snow optical properties and nitrate concentrations to calculate ultraviolet actinic flux in snow and the production of Nr from the photolysis of snow nitrate. The observed δ15N(NO3−) is used to constrain modeled fractional loss of snow nitrate in a snow chemistry column model, and thus the source of snow-sourced Nr to the overlying boundary layer. Snow-surface δ15N(NO3−) measurements range from −5 ‰ to 10 ‰ and suggest that the local nitrate burden in the Uintah Basin is dominated by primary emissions from anthropogenic sources, except during fresh snowfall events, where remote NOx sources from beyond the basin are dominant. Modeled daily-averaged snow-sourced Nr fluxes range from 5.6−71 × 107 molec cm−2 s−1 over the course of the field campaign, with a maximum noon-time value of 3.1 × 109 molec cm−2 s−1. The top-down emission estimate of primary, anthropogenic NOx in the Uintah and Duchesne counties is at least 300 times higher than the estimated snow NOx emissions presented in this study. Our results suggest that snow-sourced reactive nitrogen fluxes are minor contributors to the Nr boundary layer budget in the highly-polluted Uintah Basin boundary layer during winter 2014.
HSRL-2 aerosol optical measurements and microphysical retrievals vs. airborne in situ measurements during DISCOVER-AQ 2013: an intercomparison study
Authors: Sawamura Patricia , Moore Richard H. , Burton Sharon P. , Chemyakin Eduard , Müller Detlef , Kolgotin Alexei , Ferrare Richard A. , Hostetler Chris A. , Ziemba Luke D. , Beyersdorf Andreas J. , Anderson Bruce E.
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Over 700 vertically-resolved retrievals of effective radii, number, volume, and surface-area concentrations of aerosols obtained from inversion of airborne multiwavelength High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL-2) measurements are compared to vertically resolved airborne in situ measurements obtained during DISCOVER-AQ campaign from 2013 in California and Texas. In situ measurements of dry and humidified scattering, dry absorption, and dry size distributions are used to estimate hygroscopic adjustments which, in turn, are applied to the dry in situ measurements before comparison to HSRL-2 measurements and retrievals. The HSRL-2 retrievals of size parameters agree well with the in situ measurements once the hygroscopic adjustments are applied to the latter, with biases smaller than 25 % for surface-area concentrations, and smaller than 10 % for volume concentration. A closure study is performed by comparing the extinction and backscatter measured with the HSRL-2 with those calculated from the in situ size distributions and Mie theory, once refractive indices (at ambient RH) and hygroscopic adjustments are calculated and applied. The results of this closure study revealed discrepancies between the HSRL-2 optical measurements and those calculated from in situ measurements, in both California and Texas datasets, with the aerosol extinction and backscatter coefficients measured with the HSRL-2 being larger than those calculated from the adjusted in situ measurements and Mie theory. These discrepancies are further investigated and discussed in light of the many challenges often present in closure studies between in situ and remote sensing systems, such as: limitations in covering the same size range of particles with in situ and remote sensing instruments, as well as simplified parameterizations and assumptions used when dry in situ data are adjusted to account for aerosol hygroscopicity.
Advancements, measurement uncertainties, and recent comparisons of the NOAA frostpoint hygrometer
Authors: Hall Emrys G. , Jordan Allen F. , Hurst Dale F. , Oltmans Samuel J. , Vömel Holger , Kühnreich Benjamin , Ebert Volker
Published: May 2016

Abstract. The NOAA frostpoint hygrometer (FPH) is a balloon borne instrument flown monthly at three sites to measure water vapor profiles up to 28 km. The FPH record from Boulder, Colorado is the longest continuous stratospheric water vapor record. The instrument has an uncertainty in the stratosphere that is
AMOC-emulator M-AMOC1.0 for uncertainty assessment of future projections
Authors: Bakker Pepijn , Schmittner Andreas
Published: May 2016

Abstract. State-of-the-science global climate models show that global warming is likely to weaken the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). While such models are arguably the best tools to perform AMOC projections, they do not allow a comprehensive uncertainty assessment because of limited computational resources. Here we present an AMOC-emulator, a box model with a number of free parameters that can be tuned to mimic the sensitivity of the AMOC to climate change of a specific global climate model. The AMOC-emulator (M-AMOC1.0) is applied to simulations of global warming and melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet, performed with an intermediate complexity model. Predictive power of the AMOC-emulator is shown by comparison with a number of additional warming and Greenland Ice Sheet melt scenario that have not been used in the tuning of the AMOC-emulator, highlighting the potential of the AMOC-emulator to assess the uncertainty in AMOC projections.