bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radial vibrations of an infinitely long poroelastic composite hollow circular cylinder
Authors: Shanker B. , Kumar J. Manoj , Shah S. Ahmed , Nath C. Nageswara
Published: December 2012

The problem of radial vibrations of an infinitely long poroelastic composite hollow circular cylinder is solved by employing Biot’s theory of wave propagation in poroelastic media. A poroelastic composite hollow cylinder consists of two concentric poroelastic cylindrical layers both of which are made of different poroelastic materials with each poroelastic material as homogeneous and isotropic. The boundaries of composite hollow poroelastic cylinder are free from stress. The frequency equations of radial vibrations of poroelastic composite hollow cylinder with rigid core, poroelastic composite solid cylinder, poroelastic composite solid cylinder with rigid casing and of rigid core and poroelastic composite bore are derived as particular cases. Non-dimensional frequency is computed as a function of ratio of thickness to inner radius of core. The results are presented graphically for two types of poroelastic composite cylinders and then discussed.Keywords:Radial vibrations, Poroelasticity, Composite cylinder, Frequency, Rigid.
A modified principal component analysis-based utility theory approach for optimization of correlated responses of EDM process
Authors: Chakravorty Rina , Gauri Susanta Kumar , Chakraborty Shankar
Published: December 2012

Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is one of the most extensively used  non-traditional machining processes having multiple performance characteristics, some of which are usually correlated. So, ideally, use of principal component analysis (PCA)-based approaches that take into account the possible correlations between the responses are suitable for optimization of EDM process. A recently reported study reveals that PCA-based proportion of quality loss reduction (PQLR) method results in the best optimization performance among the four considered PCA-based approaches for EDM process. This paper presents a modified  PCA-based utility theory (UT) approach for optimization of correlated responses. The reported experimental data on EDM processes in literature are analyzed using the modified PCA-based UT approach and PCA-based PQLR method. Comparison of the predicted performance measures at the optimal process conditions derived based on these two PCA-based approaches reveal that the modified PCA-based UT approach leads to better overall optimization performance. So, it can be the most promising approach for optimizing EDM processes.Keywords: EDM; Correlated responses; Optimization; Principal component analysis; Proportion of quality loss reduction; Utility theory.
Cutting forces optimization in the turning of UD-GFRP composites under different cutting environment with polycrystalline diamond tool
Authors: Kumar Surinder , Gupta Meenu , Satsangi P.S. , Sardana H.K.
Published: December 2012

This paper studies the effect of machining parameters on cutting forces (tangential, feed and radial force) for Pultrusion process (UD-GFRP) composite rod in turning  operations using (PCD) tool under different cutting conditions (dry, wet and cooled). The experiments were conducted according to L18 orthogonal array. This paper presents an effective approach for the optimization of turning parameters based on the Taugchi’s method with regression analysis. Second order predictive model covering tool nose radius, tool rake angle, feed rate, cutting speed, cutting environment (dry, wet and cooled) and depth of cut has been developed at 95% confidence interval for cutting forces. Minimizing cutting forces is considered as an objective. The results are confirmed by further experiments.Keywords: UD-GFRP composites, ANOVA, cutting forces, polycrystalline diamond tool, Taguchi method, regression modeling
The Role of Fire-Return Interval and Season of Burn in Snag Dynamics in a South Florida Slash Pine Forest
Authors: Lloyd John D. , Slater Gary L. , Snyder James R.
Published: December 2012

Standing dead trees, or snags, are an important habitat element for many animal species. In many ecosystems, fire is a primary driver of snag population dynamics because it can both create and consume snags. The objective of this study was to examine how variation in two key components of the fire regime—fire-return interval and season of burn—affected population dynamics of snags. Using a factorial design, we exposed 1 ha plots, located within larger burn units in a south Florida slash pine (Pinus elliottii var. densa Little and Dorman) forest, to prescribed fire applied at two intervals (approximately 3-year intervals vs. approximately 6-year intervals) and during two seasons (wet season vs. dry season) over a 12- to 13-year period. We found no consistent effect of fire season or frequency on the density of lightly to moderately decayed or heavily decayed snags, suggesting that variation in these elements of the fire regime at the scale we considered is relatively unimportant in the dynamics of snag populations. However, our confidence in these findings is limited by small sample sizes, potentially confounding effects of unmeasured variation in fire behavior and effects (e.g., intensity, severity, synergy with drought cycles) and wide variation in responses within a treatment level. The generalizing of our findings is also limited by the narrow range of treatment levels considered. Future experiments incorporating a wider range of fire regimes and directly quantifying fire intensity would prove useful in identifying more clearly the role of fire in shaping the dynamics of snag populations.
Simulated Effects of Two Fire Regimes on Bighorn Sheep: The San Gabriel Mountains, California, USA
Authors: Holl Stephen A. , Bleich Vernon C. , Callenberger Barry W. , Bahro Bernard
Published: December 2012

An isolated population of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) occupies fire-adapted chaparral ranges in the San Gabriel Mountains, California, USA. During 1976 to 2006, the amount of high-suitability habitat on bighorn sheep winter-spring ranges resulting from fires (HSF) ranged from 670 ha to 3392 ha, and population estimates for sheep, which were correlated with HSF, ranged from 130 to 740 individuals. During the past 100 years, the majority of changes in the HSF were associated with a fire regime dominated by periodic large, wind-driven, high-intensity crown fires, which resulted in high variability in the HSF. Prior to European settlement, the fire regime likely included smaller, variable intensity fires that burned during summer, but that also would have influenced the HSF. The size of those smaller fires today is effectively constrained by current fire management strategies, including exclusion and suppression. We predicted that smaller summer fires would increase the amount of high-suitability habitat and reduce the variability observed in the HSF during contemporary times, and the outcomes of our comparisons were consistent with those predictions. Small fires can be implemented by prescription, and can help to stabilize and maintain a self-sustaining population of bighorn sheep in the San Gabriel Mountains.
Aspen Restoration in the Eastern Sierra Nevada: Effectiveness of Prescribed Fire and Conifer Removal
Authors: Krasnow Kevin D. , Halford Anne S. , Stephens Scott L.
Published: December 2012

Aspen (Populus tremuloidesMichx.) comprises only a small fraction (1 %) of the Sierra Nevada landscape, yet contributes significant biological diversity to this range. In an effort to rejuvenate declining aspen stands, the Bureau of Land Management conducted conifer removal in three sites (2004 to 2006) and prescribed fire in two sites (2007). The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of these treatments. In each site, aspen densities in three regeneration size classes were measured in treated and untreated transects before and up to five years post-treatment. Five years after treatment, two of the three conifer removal sites showed significant improvement over controls in the density of total stems and two of three regeneration size classes. The third site did not show significant gains over controls in any size class and experienced significant aspen overstory mortality three years after treatment, which was attributed to sunscald and advanced age at the time of treatment. Three years after treatment, the two prescribed fire sites showed significant increases in total stem density and two regeneration size classes, but also exhibited significant stem mortality, which was likely due to a combination of herbivory and drought. Overall, both treatments can be effective, but future treatments should incorporate methods to reduce post-treatment mortality of residual aspen and new sprouts.
Multi-satellite aerosol observations in the vicinity of clouds
Authors: Várnai T. , Marshak A. , Yang W.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Improved characterization of aerosol properties in the vicinity of clouds is important for better understanding two critical aspects of climate: aerosol-cloud interactions and the direct radiative effect of aerosols. Satellite measurements have provided important insights into aerosol properties near clouds, but also suggested that the observations can be affected by 3-D radiative processes and instrument blurring not considered in current data interpretation methods. This study examines systematic changes in particle properties and radiation fields that influence satellite measurements of aerosols in the vicinity of clouds. For this, the paper presents a statistical analysis of a yearlong global dataset of co-located MODIS and CALIOP observations and theoretical simulations. The results reveal that CALIOP-observed aerosol particle size and optical thickness, and MODIS-observed solar reflectance increase systematically in a wide transition zone around clouds. It is estimated that near-cloud changes in particle populations – including both aerosols and undetected cloud particles – are responsible for roughly two thirds of the observed increase in 0.55 μm MODIS reflectance. The results also indicate that 3-D radiative processes significantly contribute to near-cloud reflectance enhancements, while instrument blurring does not.
Climate change impacts on Central Asian water resources
Authors: Malsy M. , Aus der Beek T. , Eisner S. , Flörke M.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Central Asia is in large parts dominated by low precipitation and, consequentially, by low water availability. Therefore, changes of natural water resources induced by climate change are of high interest. The aim of this study is to analyse the potential impact of climate change on Central Asian water resources until the end of the 21st century and to point out the main affected regions. Thus, simulations with the large-scale hydrology model WaterGAP3 for the baseline and scenario periods were performed with outputs from three General Circulation Models (GCMs: ECHAM5, IPSL-CM4, and CNRM-CM3) and two IPCC-SRES emission scenarios (A2 and B1). The results show that mean modelled annual water availability increases for all scenarios and GCMs while CNRM-CM3 induces the wettest water situation for the 2085s and ECHAM5 the lowest water availability. Furthermore, robust trends to wetter or dryer conditions could be found for many basins. A seasonal shift of mean modelled water availability could be derived for ECHAM5 which does not show a second peak during summer. The application of daily input data showed no improvement of modelled monthly river discharges for most Central Asian basins compared to monthly input data.
Note on rotational-Raman scattering in the O2 A- and B-bands: implications for retrieval of trace-gas concentrations and terrestrial chlorophyll fluorescence
Authors: Vasilkov A. , Joiner J. , Spurr R.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Quantifying the impact of rotational Raman scattering (RRS) on the O2 A- and B-bands is important as these bands can be used for cloud- and aerosol-characterization for trace-gas retrievals including CO2 and CH4. In this paper, we simulate the spectral effects of RRS for various viewing geometries and instruments with different spectral resolutions. We also examine how aerosols affect the amount of RRS filling-in. We show that the filling-in effects of RRS are relatively small, but not negligible, in these O2 absorption bands, particularly for high spectral resolution instruments. For comparison, we also compare and contrast the spectral signatures of RRS with those of terrestrial chlorophyll fluorescence.
Intrusion of coastal waters into the pelagic Eastern Mediterranean: in situ and satellite-based characterization
Authors: Efrati S. , Lehahn Y. , Rahav E. , Kress N. , Herut B. , Gertman I. , Goldman R. , Ozer T. , Lazar M. , Heifetz E.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. A combined dataset of near real time multi-satellite observations and in situ measurements from a high-resolution survey, is used for characterizing physical-biogeochemical properties of a patch stretching from the coast to the open sea in the Levantine basin of the Eastern Mediterranean. Spatial analysis of the combined dataset indicates that the patch is a semi-enclosed system, bounded within the mixed layer and separated from ambient waters by transport barriers induced by horizontal stirring. As such, the patch is characterized by physical-biogeochemical properties that significantly differ from those of the waters surrounding it, with lower salinity, higher temperatures, higher concentrations of silicic acid and chlorophyll a, and higher abundance of Synechococcus and Picoeukaryotes cells. Based on estimates of patch dimensions (~ 40 km width and ~ 25 m depth) and propagation speed (~ 0.09 m s−1), the volume flux associated with the patch is found to be in the order of 0.1 Sv. Our observations suggest that horizontal stirring by surface currents is likely to have an important impact on the ultra-oligotrophic Levantine basin ecosystem, through (1) transport of nutrients and coastal derived material, and (2) formation of local, dynamically isolated, niches. In addition, this work provides a satellite-based framework for planning and executing high resolution sampling strategies in the interface between coast and the open sea.
Phytoplankton competition during the spring bloom in four Plankton Functional Type Models
Authors: Hashioka T. , Vogt M. , Yamanaka Y. , Le Quéré C. , Buitenhuis E. T. , Aita M. N. , Alvain S. , Bopp L. , Hirata T. , Lima I. , Sailley S. , Doney S. C.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. We investigated the mechanisms of phytoplankton competition during the spring bloom, one of the most dramatic seasonal events in lower-trophic level ecosystems, in four state-of-the-art Plankton Functional Type (PFTs) models: PISCES, NEMURO, PlankTOM5 and CCSM-BEC. In particular, we investigated the relative importance of different ecophysiological processes on the determination of the community structure, focusing both on the bottom-up and the top-down controls. The models reasonably reproduced the observed global distribution and seasonal variation of phytoplankton biomass. The fraction of diatoms with respect to the total phytoplankton biomass increases with the magnitude of the spring bloom in all models. However, the governing mechanisms differ between models, despite the fact that current PFT models represent ecophysiological processes using the same types of parameterizations. The increasing trend in the percentage of diatoms with increasing bloom magnitude is mainly caused by a stronger nutrient dependence of photosynthesis for diatoms compared to nanophytoplankton (bottom-up control). The difference in the maximum photosynthesis rate plays an important role in NEMURO and PlankTOM5 and determines the absolute values of the percentage of diatoms during the bloom. In CCSM-BEC, the light dependency of photosynthesis plays an important role in the North Atlantic and the Southern Ocean. The grazing pressure by zooplankton (top-down control), however, strongly contributes to the dominance of diatoms in PISCES and CCSM-BEC. The regional differences in the percentage of diatoms in PlankTOM5 are mainly determined by top-down control. These differences in the mechanisms suggest that the response of marine ecosystems to climate change could significantly differ among models, even if the present-day ecosystem is reproduced to a similar degree of confidence. For further understanding of plankton competition and for the prediction of future change in marine ecosystems, it is important to understand the relative differences in each physiological rate and life history rate in the bottom-up and the top-down controls between PFTs.
Simulating the mid-Pliocene Warm Period with the CCSM4 model
Authors: Rosenbloom N. A. , Otto-Bliesner B. L. , Brady E. C. , Lawrence P. J.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. This paper describes the experimental design and model results from a 500 yr fully coupled Community Climate System Model (v4) simulation of the mid-Pliocene Warm Period (mPWP) (ca. 3.3 to 3.0 Ma). We simulate the mPWP using the "alternate" protocol prescribed by the Pliocene Model Intercomparison Project (PlioMIP) for the AOGCM simulation (Experiment 2). Results from the CCSM4 mPWP simulation show a 1.9 °C increase in global mean annual temperature compared to the 1850 preindustrial control, with a polar amplification of ~ 3 times the global warming. Global precipitation increases slightly by 0.09 mm day−1 and the monsoon rainfall is enhanced, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere. Areal sea ice extent decreases in both hemispheres but persists through the summers The model simulates a relaxation of the zonal SST gradient in the tropical Pacific, with the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (Nino3.4) ~ 20% weaker than the preindustrial and exhibiting extended periods of quiescence of up to 150 yr. The maximum Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation and northward Atlantic oceanic heat transport are indistinguishable from the control. As compared to PRISM3, CCSM4 overestimates Southern Hemisphere (SH) sea surface temperatures, but underestimates Northern Hemisphere (NH) warming, particularly in the North Atlantic suggesting that an increase in northward ocean heat transport would bring CCSM4 SSTs into better alignment with proxy data.
Application of nisin into slovak fermented salami Púchov
Authors: Laukova Andrea , Turek Peter
Published: December 2012

Púchov salami is favorite fermented salami among Slovak consumers. Nisin is the only bacteriocin accepted by European Commission for a commercial use as additive for food preservation (although not commonly used in meat products). Because of its possibility to prolonge shelf-life of the products and its antimicrobial activity, its effect in dry fermented Slovak salami Púchov experimentally inoculated with Listeria innocua Li1 strain was checked. The initial number of L. innocua Li1 in the inoculated salami mixtures was 104 CFU/g (log 10; 4.04  ± 0 07). After nisin addition, the count of Li1 strain in the meat samples (inoculated with Li1 and treated by nisin) was 1.36±0.07 CFU/g; difference 2.68 logarithmic cycle was noted between Li and Li/Ni samples. At day 2, the difference 3.23 log cycle was detected between Li1 and Li/Ni samples (Li:5.46±0.08, Li/Ni: 2.14±0.07 CFU/g); at weeks 3, 4, it was 1.69 and 1.80 log cycle. Activity of nisin itself was not recovered from the experimental salamis by the analytical method; however, its inhibitory effect was shown by Li1 count decrease. The pH in  salamis during processing was almost at the same level (5.52, 5.53, 5.55). Water activity was not negatively influenced. Water content in Li/Ni salamis reached almost requested levels (maximum percentage of water requested is 34 %).
HIV-Positive Status Disclosure and Associated Factors among Children in North Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Negese Digsu , Addis Kefyalew , Awoke Akilew , Birhanu Zelalem , Muluye Dagnachew , Yifru Sisay , Megabiaw Berihun
Published: December 2012

Introduction. Clinical reports have indicated positive outcomes associated with disclosure of HIV-positive status in children. This study assessed the level and associated factors of HIV-positive status disclosure to HIV-infected children in northwest Ethiopia.Methods. Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among HIV-positive children from March to April 2012. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire by face-to-face interview technique. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed.Results. Of the 428 children, 169 (39.5%) were disclosed their HIV-positive status. The mean age of HIV-positive status disclosure was at 10.7 (±2.3) years. Having a nonbiological parent (, 95% CI: 1.22, 14.04), child’s age older than 10 years (, 95% CI: 4.5, 15.53), and death of a family member (, 95% CI: 1.16, 3.6) were significantly and independently associated with disclosure of HIV-positive status to infected children.Conclusions. The rate of disclosure of HIV-positive status to infected children still remains low in North Gondar. Hence, it is important to target children living with their biological parents and having young parents and children younger than 10 years. The guideline for disclosure of children with HIV/AIDS should be established in an Ethiopian context.
Chemical Composition, Antifungal and Antibiofilm Activities of the Essential Oil ofMentha piperitaL.
Authors: Saharkhiz Mohammad Jamal , Motamedi Marjan , Zomorodian Kamiar , Pakshir Keyvan , Miri Ramin , Hemyari Kimia
Published: December 2012

Variations in quantity and quality of essential oil (EO) from the aerial parts of cultivatedMentha piperitawere determined. The EO of air-dried sample was obtained by a hydrodistillation method and analyzed by a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The antifungal activity of the EO was investigated by broth microdilution methods as recommended by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. A biofilm formation inhibition was measured by using an XTT reduction assay. Menthol (53.28%) was the major compound of the EO followed by Menthyl acetate (15.1%) and Menthofuran (11.18%). The EO exhibited strong antifungal activities against the examined fungi at concentrations ranging from 0.12 to 8.0 μL/mL. In addition, the EO inhibited the biofilm formation ofCandida albicansandC. dubliniensisat concentrations up to 2 μL/mL. Considering the wide range of the antifungal activities of the examined EO, it might be potentially used in the management of fungal infections or in the extension of the shelf life of food products.
Entropy Generation Analysis of Human Thermal Stress Responses
Authors: Boregowda Satish C. , Choate Robert E. , Handy Rodney
Published: December 2012

The present study involves application of an open system entropy generation formulation to analyze human thermal stress responses. The time-series human thermal stress response data are obtained by conducting a simulation using a validated finite-element human thermal model (FEHTM). These simulated human thermal response data are used as an input to the entropy generation expression to obtain human entropy generation (HEG) values. The effects of variables such as air temperature, relative humidity, physical activity, and clothing on entropy generation are examined. A design of experiment (DOE) approach is utilized to study the interaction effects of air temperature and relative humidity on entropy generation. The study establishes the importance and utility of entropy generation as a holistic measure of human thermal physiological reaction to external and internal changes. This novel study has great potential for use in military medicine, rehabilitation, sports, and related applications.
Analysis of Lateral Distribution of Atmospheric Cherenkov Light at High Mountain Altitude Towards Event Reconstruction
Authors: Mishev Alexander
Published: December 2012

Air shower simulations with CORSIKA6.990 code using FLUKA 2011 and QGSJET II hadron generators are performed. The simulations are carried out at high mountain observation level, namely, Chacaltaya cosmic ray station. The lateral distribution of atmospheric Cherenkov light produced by various primary particles, namely, proton, helium, oxygen, and iron nuclei, is obtained over wide energy range, between 1011 eV and 1017 eV. The lateral distribution is obtained, integrating over time and angle Cherenkov photons till 800 m from the shower axis. The shapes of the obtained distributions are compared and parameterized. Three different approximations of lateral distribution of Cherenkov light are compared. On the basis of inverse problem solution an event analysis, towards mass composition and energy reconstruction of the primary particle, is carried out. The applications and scientific potential for HECRE experiment proposal are discussed.
Using Size-Exclusion Chromatography to Monitor Variations in the Sizes of Microwave-Irradiated Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Liu Fu-Ken
Published: December 2012

Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) was used to evaluate gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) for variations in their sizes after microwave (MW) irradiation, with the eluted NPs monitored through diode array detection to reveal their surface plasmon absorptions. The sizes of citrate-capped Au NPs decreased upon increasing the MW irradiation temperature, consistent with digestive ripening of these NPs under the operating conditions. In contrast, Au NPs capped with sodium dodecyl sulfate increased in size upon increasing the MW irradiation temperature, consistent with Ostwald ripening. When the Au NPs were capped with 3A-amino-3A-deoxy-(2AS,3AS)--cyclodextrin (H2N--CD), however, their dimensions were barely affected by the MW irradiation temperature, confirming that H2N--CD is a good stabilizer against MW irradiation. Therefore, SEC—with its short analysis times, low operating costs, automated operation, and in situ analysis—has great potential for use in the rapid monitoring of NPs subjected to treatment under various MW irradiation conditions.
Identification of Factors Impeding the Spread of Jatropha Cultivation in the State of Chiapas, Mexico
Authors: Ando Takayuki , Tsunekawa Atsushi , Tsubo Mitsuru , Kobayashi Hajime
Published: December 2012

The state government of Chiapas in Mexico is promoting the cultivation of jatropha by farmers as a source of biofuel, with the first harvest expected in 2012. However, despite the fact that the planted jatropha has now reached the harvesting stage, no reports exist on the current status of jatropha cultivation in Chiapas or on issues related to cultivation. We accordingly conducted a study aimed at ascertaining the current status of jatropha cultivation and identifying factors impeding its spread. For the study, we conducted a questionnaire survey among 88 farmers of 7 villages located within 3 municipalities, and also interviewed them. Our study pointed to 2 key factors causing the abandonment of jatropha cultivation, namely the failure of farmers to receive ProArbol payments as financial assistance for cultivation, and damage caused to jatropha roots by gophers. Pest/disease outbreaks, lack of technical assistance, lack of trust for extension workers and distrust for the project were also obstacles to the spread of jatropha cultivation.
The Evolution of Cooperative Behaviours in Physically Heterogeneous Multi-Robot Systems
Authors: Yang Jianhua , Liu Yabo , Wu Zhaohui , Yao Min
Published: December 2012

Evolutionary Robotics (ER) is a methodology that uses evolutionary computation to develop controllers for autonomous robots. The existing works focus on single robot systems or physically homogenous multi-robot teams, although physical heterogeneousness is more prevalent in the real world. It is therefore instructive to examine whether cooperative behaviours can be synthesized using artificial evolution for a team of physically heterogeneous robots. This paper makes an important contribution in answering the question of whether robots with distinct capabilities can synthesize their control strategies to accommodate their own capabilities without human intervention. We present an empirical analysis of the collaboration mechanisms and suggest guidelines about how to choose appropriate evolution methods. Simulated experiments with a team of e-puck robots show that evolution can lead to effective controllers for robots with distinct capabilities.
Parallel Robot Scheduling to Minimize Mean Tardiness with Unequal Release Date and Precedence Constraints Using a Hybrid Intelligent System
Authors: Çakar Tarık , Köker Raşit , Sarı Yavuz
Published: December 2012

This paper considers the problem of scheduling a given number of jobs on a specified number of identical parallel robots with unequal release dates and precedence constraints in order to minimize mean tardiness. This problem is strongly NP-hard. The author proposes a hybrid intelligent solution system, which uses Genetic Algorithms and Simulated Annealing (GA+SA). A genetic algorithm, as is well known, is an efficient tool for the solution of combinatorial optimization problems. Solutions for problems of different scales are found using genetic algorithms, simulated annealing and a Hybrid Intelligent Solution System (HISS). Computational results of empirical experiments show that the Hybrid Intelligent Solution System (HISS) is successful with regards to solution quality and computational time.
Super-Segments Based Classification of 3D Urban Street Scenes
Authors: Zhou Yu , Yu Yao , Lu Guiliang , Du Sidan
Published: December 2012

We address the problem of classifying 3D point clouds: given 3D urban street scenes gathered by a lidar sensor, we wish to assign a class label to every point. This work is a key step toward realizing applications in robots and cars, for example. In this paper, we present a novel approach to the classification of 3D urban scenes based on super-segments, which are generated from point clouds by two stages of segmentation: a clustering stage and a grouping stage. Then, six effective normal and dimension features that vary with object class are extracted at the super-segment level for training some general classifiers. We evaluate our method both quantitatively and qualitatively using the challenging Velodyne lidar data set. The results show that by only using normal and dimension features we can achieve better recognition than can be achieved with high-dimensional shape descriptors. We also evaluate the adopting of the MRF framework in our approach, but the experimental results indicate that thisbarely improved the accuracy of the classified results due to the sparse property of the super-segments.
Slavery, Abolitionism and Empire in India, 1772–1843
Authors: Major Andrea
Published: December 2012

There are no two things in the world more different from each other than East-Indian and West Indian-slavery (Robert Inglis, House of Commons Debate, 1833). In Slavery, Abolitionism and Empire in India, 17721843, Andrea Major asks why, at a time when East India Company expansion in India, British abolitionism and the missionary movement were all at their height, was the existence of slavery in India so often ignored, denied or excused? By exploring Britain's ambivalent relationship with both real and imagined slaveries in India, and the official, evangelical and popular discourses which surrounded them, she seeks to uncover the various political, economic and ideological agendas that allowed East Indian slavery to be represented as qualitatively different from it trans-Atlantic counterpart. In doing so, she uncovers tensions in the relationship between colonial policy and the so-called 'civilising mission', elucidating the intricate interactions between humanitarian movements, colonial ideologies and imperial imperatives in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century. The work draws on a range of sources from Britain and India to provide a trans-national perspective on this little known facet of the story of slavery and abolition in the British Empire, uncovering the complex ways in which Indian slavery was encountered, discussed, utilised, rationalised, and reconciled with the economic, political and moral imperatives of an empire whose focus was shifting to the East.
Vietnam and Beyond
Authors: Ciocia Stefania
Published: December 2012

Vietnam and Beyond: Tim OBrien and the Power of Storytelling is a comprehensive, in-depth study of one of the most thought-provoking writers of the Vietnam war generation. This volume breaks away from previous readings of OBriens development as a trauma artist and an outspoken chronicler of the American involvement in Vietnam: its thematic, rather than chronological, approach contextualizes OBriens work beyond the confines of war literature. The necessary exploration of OBriens recurrent engagement with the conflict in Vietnam leads to a thorough discussion of the writers revision of key American (and western) ideas and concerns: the association between courage, heroism and masculinity, the celebration of the pioneering spirit in the frontier narrative, the sense of superiority in the encounter with foreign civilizations, the fraught relationship between power and truth, or reality and imagination, and the attempt and the right to speak about unspeakable events. All these themes, as Ciocia illustrates, highlight OBriens compelling preoccupation with the role and the ethical responsibility of the storyteller. With his clear privileging of story-truth over happening-truth, OBrien makes a bold, serious investment in the power of fiction, as testified by his formal experimentations, metanarrative reflections and sustained meditations on matters such as individual agency, moral accountability and authenticity. Approached from this fresh perspective, OBrien emerges as a figure deserving to find a wider audience and demanding renewed scholarly attention for his remarkable achievements as a contemporary mythographer, an acute observer of the human condition and a sharp critic of American culture.
Global divergence in critical income for adult and childhood survival: analyses of mortality using Michaelis–Menten
Authors: Hum Ryan J , Jha Prabhat , McGahan Anita M , Cheng Yu-Ling
Published: December 2012

Life expectancy has risen sharply in the last 50 years. We applied the classic Michaelis–Menten enzyme kinetics to demonstrate a novel mathematical relationship of income to childhood (aged 0–5 years) and adult (aged 15–60 years) survival. We treat income as a substrate that is catalyzed to increase survival (from technologies that income buys) for 180 countries from 1970 and 2007. Michaelis–Menten kinetics permit estimates of maximal survival and, uniquely, the critical income needed to achieve half of the period-specific maximum. Maximum child and adult survival rose by about 1% per year. Critical incomes fell by half for children, but doubled for men. HIV infection and smoking account for some, but not all, of the rising critical incomes for adult survival. Altering the future cost curve for adult survival will require more widespread use of current interventions, most notably tobacco control, but also research to identify practicable low-cost drugs, diagnostics, and strategies.
Elba, a novel developmentally regulated chromatin boundary factor is a hetero-tripartite DNA binding complex
Authors: Aoki Tsutomu , Sarkeshik Ali , Yates John , Schedl Paul
Published: December 2012

Chromatin boundaries subdivide eukaryotic chromosomes into functionally autonomous domains of genetic activity. This subdivision insulates genes and/or regulatory elements within a domain from promiscuous interactions with nearby domains. While it was previously assumed that the chromosomal domain landscape is fixed, there is now growing evidence that the landscape may be subject to tissue and stage specific regulation. Here we report the isolation and characterization of a novel developmentally restricted boundary factor, Elba. We show that Elba is an unusual hetero-tripartite protein complex that requires all three proteins for DNA binding and insulator activity.
Enzymes provide demographers with food for thought
Authors: Jit Mark , Gerland Patrick
Published: December 2012

Life expectancy has increased by 20 years since the middle of the last century, but children under five have fared better than adult males.
Bad medicine
Authors: Smith Richard
Published: December 2012

In his new book Ben Goldacre argues that the pharmaceutical industry is in poor health and in urgent need of treatment. Richard Smith agrees.
Launching eLife, Part 2
Authors: Schekman Randy , Watt Fiona , Weigel Detlef
Published: December 2012

With a commitment to open access and innovation in peer review, eLife aims to publish important results in the life and biomedical sciences in a flexible digital format that allows authors to present their work in full, including the key data on which the conclusions are based.
Aortoenteric Fistulae: Present-Day Management
Authors: Xiromeritis Konstantinos , Dalainas Ilias , Stamatakos Michalis , Filis Konstantinos
Published: December 2012

An aortoenteric fistula (AEF) is a communication between the aorta and an adjacent loop of the bowel. The three most useful diagnostic modalities for detecting AEF are abdominal computed tomography scan with intravenous contrast, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and arteriography. The treatment of AEFs has improved in recent years, but despite the multiple surgical techniques reported, many of the patients do not survive or are left debilitated after treatment. Endovascular repair is an efficient and safe method to stabilize patients with life-threatening AEFs. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive and synthetic review of the latest advantages on the diagnosis and management of primary and secondary AEF.
Blood Conservation in Surgery: Current Concepts and Practice
Authors: Usoro Nathaniel I.
Published: December 2012

Blood conservation is based on the principle of avoiding allogeneic blood transfusion with the aim of improving outcome and protecting patients' rights. Surgical patients receive a significant proportion of the allogeneic blood transfused in the hospital. Blood conservation in surgery greatly reduces overall allogeneic blood use, thereby reducing costs, hazards, and adverse outcomes. Blood conservation techniques aim to lower the “transfusion trigger,” optimize the hematocrit, minimize blood loss, and optimize tissue oxygenation. Successful blood conservation involves a combination of techniques tailored to the individual patient. It requires planning and a multidisciplinary team approach but usually little technology. Bloodless medicine and surgery programs represent the gold standard in blood conservation. Blood conservation is evidence based, and it results in faster recovery, lower morbidity, lower mortality, shorter hospital stay, lower cost, and better patient (and physician) satisfaction while avoiding the hazards of allogeneic blood transfusion. Blood conservation is thus the current standard of care.
Invasive Micropapillary Carcinoma of the Ascending Colon—a Report of a Case
Authors: Shibuya Hajime , Matsuda Keiji , Shimada Ryu , Horiuchi Atsushi , Iinuma Hisae , Hayama Tamuro , Yamada Hideki , Nozawa Keijiro , Ishihara Soichiro , Watanabe Toshiaki
Published: December 2012

Micropapillary carcinoma (MC) has been recently recognized to be a rare but distinctive variant of adenocarcinoma. At present, only a limited number of colorectal MC cases have been reported. We present a case of MC of the ascending colon with distant metastasis. A 61-year-old female patient was hospitalized with a complaint of abdominal pain. A diagnostic work-up revealed cancer of the ascending colon with multiple lung metastases. The patient underwent a right hemicolectomy with lymph node dissection. A peritoneal nodule was observed in the abdominal cavity during surgery, and this nodule was also resected. The pathologic findings of the colon tumor revealed components of conventional tubular adenocarcinoma and micropapillary carcinoma. Lymph nodes and a peritoneal nodule revealed tubular adenocarcinoma. MC is a rare disease but has high malignant potential. In the present case the tumor was small in size, but the patient had a peritoneal and multiple lung metastases.
Hydatid Disease Presenting as Cutaneous Fistula: Review of a Rare Clinical Presentation
Authors: Korwar Vijay. , Subhas Gokulakkrishna. , Gaddikeri Prabhuraj. , Shivaswamy B. S.
Published: December 2012

Hydatid disease has a worldwide distribution as a result of more global travel. Liver and lungs are the most common sites for the primary hydatid cysts in the human body. We managed a 68-year-old man who presented with abdominal distension and umbilical fistula, discharging daughter cysts. Ultrasound imaging of the abdomen showed hepatic hydatid cyst forming a fistula at the umbilicus. The patient underwent a laparotomy with partial cystectomy and excision of the fistula tract. The umbilicus healed after the procedure. The patient did not have any recurrences in 5 years of follow-up. Spontaneous cutaneous fistulization of liver hydatid cyst is a rare presentation. A detailed literature search revealed 15 cases published in all languages. Hydatid disease presenting as an umbilical fistula has not been reported yet. We summarize all these cases including the presentation, findings, management, and outcome. Combined surgical and medical treatment is successful in healing of hepatic hydatid cutaneous fistula.
Laparoscopic Splenectomy for Atraumatic Splenic Rupture
Authors: Grossi Ugo , Crucitti Antonio , D'Amato Gerardo , Mazzari Andrea , Tomaiuolo Pasquina M. C. , Cavicchioni Camillo , Bellantone Rocco
Published: December 2012

Atraumatic splenic rupture (ASR) is a rare clinical entity. Several underlying benign and malignant conditions have been described as a leading cause. We report on a case of ASR in a 41-year-old man treated with laparoscopic splenectomy. Considering ASR as a life-threatening condition, a prompt diagnosis can be life saving.
Pleural Lavage Cytology Immediately After Thoracotomy in Patients With Completely Resected Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Hanagiri Takeshi , Takenaka Masaru , Oka Soich , Baba Tetsuro , Shigematsu Yoshiki , Nagata Yoshika , Shimokawa Hidehiko , Yasuda Manabu , Uramoto Hidetaka , Takenoyama Mitsuhiro , Yasumoto Kosei
Published: December 2012

This study evaluated 325 patients who had undergone pleural lavage cytology (PLC) immediately after thoracotomy following a complete resection for non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) between 2004 and 2008. The number of patients with negative and positive findings in PLC was 309 and 13, respectively. The proportion of T1 in the PLC-positive group was significantly smaller than that of the PLC-negative group. The pathologic examinations revealed that the parietal pleural invasion was significantly more severe in the PLC-positive group than in the PLC-negative group. Pathologic lymphovascular invasion was also significantly more prominent in the PLC-positive group than in the PLC-negative group. The 5-year survival rate after surgery in the PLC-positive group and PLC-negative group was 54.7% and 79.0%, respectively. The positive finding in PLC showed a tendency of an unfavorable prognosis for NSCLC patents following complete resection. Further clinical studies will be necessary to evaluate the efficacy of adjuvant therapy for PLC-positive patients.
Surgical Treatment of Intramuscular, Infiltrating Lipoma
Authors: Su Chin-Horng , Hung Jui-Kuo , Chang Ing-Lin
Published: December 2012

Lipoma may occasionally be found within the muscle, which is the intramuscular, infiltrating lipoma. Intramuscular, infiltrating lipoma is an uncommon lesion, and local recurrence can be expected if the surgical margin is not clear. We report 8 patients in a 2-year period diagnosed with intramuscular, infiltrating lipoma who were treated by marginal excision combined with wide excision in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Changhua Christian Hospital. The surgical results were satisfactory, and no local recurrence was noted in an average follow-up period of 40 months. Surgical excision is the best way to treat the symptomatic intramuscular, infiltrating lipoma. Careful preoperative evaluation and complete tumor excision with clear margins are most important to ensure successful surgical results.
Gene Expression of Mesenchyme Forkhead 1 (FOXC2) Significantly Correlates With the Degree of Lymph Node Metastasis in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Watanabe Toshiaki , Kobunai Takashi , Yamamoto Yoko , Matsuda Keiji , Ishihara Soichiro , Nozawa Keijiro , Iinuma Hisae , Kanazawa Takamitsu , Tanaka Toshiaki , Konishi Tsuyoshi , Ikeuchi Hiroki , Eshima Kiyoshi , Muto Tetsuichiro , Nagawa Hirokazu
Published: December 2012

In stage III colorectal cancer, patients with N1 stage tumors show poorer outcome than patients with N2 stage tumors. Our objective was to identify genes that are predictive for the presence of lymph node metastasis, and to characterize the aggressiveness of lymph node metastases. Gene expression profiles of colorectal cancer were determined by microarray in training (n  =  116) and test (n  =  25) sets of patients. We identified 40 discriminating probes in patients with and without lymph node metastases. Using these probes, we could predict the presence of lymph node metastasis with an accuracy of 87.1% (training set) and 76.0% (test set). Among discriminating probes, FOXC2 expression was significantly correlated with the degree of lymph node metastasis. FOXC2 was expressed significantly and disparately in patients with N1 and N2 stage tumors as analyzed by real-time reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction. FOXC2 appears to be involved in determining the aggressiveness of lymph node metastasis in colorectal cancer.
Effect of Phaleria Macrocarpa Supplementation on Apoptosis and Tumor Growth of C3H Mice With Breast Cancer Under Treatment With Adriamycin–Cyclophosphamide
Authors: Riwanto Ignatius , Budijitno Selamat , Dharmana Edi , Handojo Djoko , Prasetyo Sigit Adi , Eko Albert , Suseno Dicky , Prasetyo Bondan
Published: December 2012

The objective of this study was to know the response of supplementation of Phaleria macrocarpa (PM) to adriamycin-cyclophosphamide (AC) in the treatment of C3H mice with breast cancer. Twenty-four C3H mice, who were successfully inoculated with breast cancer cells, were randomly allocated into 4 groups: without treatment, treated with AC, treated with AC + PM 0.07 mg/d, and treated with AC + PM 0.14 mg/d. The tumor size was measured using millimeter calipers before and 12 weeks after treatment. The tumor, liver, and kidneys were removed and prepared for pathologic examination using imunohistochemistry staining, and the apoptotic index was counted using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling method. AC reduce the tumor growth significantly (P < 0.001), whereas supplementation of PM, which significantly reduced the tumor growth compared with AC only, was at the 0.14 mg/d dose (P  =  0.007). AC increase the apoptotic index significantly (P < 0.001), and supplementation with PM showed that the higher dose increased the apoptotic index. The correlation between the apoptotic index and the diameter of tumor was significantly negative (r  =  −0.884; P  =  0.020). The apoptotic index of the liver and kidney increased significantly in the AC group (P < 0.001 and P  =  0.002, respectively); supplementation with PM decreased significantly the high apoptotic index caused by AC. We conclude that PM supplementation has a synergic effect to AC treatment in reducing the tumor growth, by increasing apoptosis, and protects the liver and kidney from damage caused by AC.