bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consistent Application of Risk Management for Selection of Engineering Design Options in Mega-Projects
Authors: Raydugin Yuri
Published: January 2013

Traditional application of project risk management is limited to identifying and addressing project risks and then developing cost along with schedule contingencies. This paper proposes a method to consistently utilize the project risk management methods during Front End Engineering Design (FEED) phase of project development to select engineering design options. This method was called for recently to make several key engineering design decisions in a mega-project (case study). It allows significantly accelerate decision making and successfully manage various types of bias through leveraging the structure and visualization it provides. The proposed method is also applicable for engineering change management in any phase including operations.
Surgeon Assistive Augmented Reality Model with the use of Endoscopic Camera for Line of Vision Calculation
Authors: Daskalaki Anastasia , Giokas Kostas , Koutsouris Dimitris
Published: January 2013

In this paper, the authors describe a surgeon assistive Augmented Reality (AR) model for endoscopic procedures. They analyze the main parts of the model and the processes that need to be established such as, the registration of the patient, the segmentation of medical data, their 3D reconstruction, and the detection of endoscopic instruments and the camera. The authors present two graphical user interfaces, build to serve the needs of segmentation, navigation, and visualization of the final intra-operative scene. By using preoperative data of the patient (MRI-CT) and image processing techniques, the authors can provide a unique view of the surgical scene. The potentials and the advantages of endoscopic-robotic surgeries nowadays can be improved. Augmented surgery scenes with information about the patients underline structures, enables wider situation awareness, precision, and confidence.
Logistic Planning with Nonlinear Goal Programming Models in Spreadsheets
Authors: Strang Kenneth David
Published: January 2013

This is a case study of a coal mining company to demonstrate how algebra principles and nonlinear goal programming can be applied for logistics planning using spreadsheet software. The paper asserts that mathematical programming techniques are not well-accepted by managers because the models are difficult to understand due to abstract notational conventions yet alternative commercial software is inflexible (and sometimes inaccurate). The relevant operations research literature was reviewed, highlighting techniques applicable for analyzing quantitative and qualitative logistics data. A practical supply-demand transportation logistics model was built which included determinist constraints and stochastic costing theories, while applying both linear and nonlinear calculus slope principles. The formulae were explained in algebraic standard form (citing corresponding spreadsheet functions). The logistics problem was optimized, illustrating how 6 mining sites could supply 4 countries with sufficient coal to meet different electricity demand levels, surpassing the break-even goal and projecting annual revenue of over $34 billion.
Hybrid Multi-Objective Methods to Solve Reentrant Shops
Authors: Dugardin Frédéric , Yalaoui Farouk , Amodeo Lionel
Published: January 2013

This article examines the multi-objective scheduling of a reentrant hybrid flow shop. This type of shop is composed of several stages made of several identical parallel machines. When a task has to be processed on a stage, it is assigned to the machine with the smallest workload. This problem shows a reentrant structure: each task must be processed several times at each stage. In this paper, this problem is solved by minimizing two objectives: the makespan (maximum completion time of the jobs) and the total tardiness of the tasks. A new method is improved with different local searches: Adjacent and Non Adjacent Pairwise Interchange, Extract and Backward-Shifted Reinsertion, and Extract and Forward-Shifted Reinsertion. Every local search is tuned with statistical method (design of experiment) and the best one is worked out. This method is compared with the best one in several instances. The results involve three different measures.
Energy Management System for Domestic Electrical Appliances
Authors: Chao Kuo-Ming , Shah Nazaraf , Farmer Raymond , Matei Adriana
Published: January 2013

A variety of energy management systems are currently available for domestic domain, and many are concerned with real-time energy consumption monitoring and display of statistical and real time data of energy consumption. Although these systems play a crucial role in providing a detailed picture of energy consumption in home environment and contribute to influencing energy consumption behavior, households are required to then take appropriate measures to reduce energy consumption. Some energy management systems provide energy saving tips but they do not take into account households’ profiles and energy consumption of home appliances. To generate an effective and real time appliance level advice on energy consumption, the system must be able to cope with a large volume of data. The proposed system addresses this issue by taking into account household profiles and energy consumption of domestic electrical appliances. The system also uses an approach based on functional data services to deal with the challenge of processing a large volume of data in real time.
Analyzing the Cognitive Difficulties for Developing and Using UML Class Diagrams for Domain Understanding
Authors: Bera Palash
Published: January 2013

Developing and using conceptual models require modelers’ cognitive efforts. To identify and analyze the cognitive difficulties of modelers in developing and using conceptual models, two laboratory studies were conducted using UML class diagram as a conceptual modeling technique. In the first study, two groups of modelers were trained to develop UML class diagrams, with only one group being trained to develop the diagrams using ontological rules. All these diagrams were then provided to a different set of modelers who used them to answer domain understanding tasks. It was found that modelers who used the ontological rules had less difficulty in developing the diagrams than those who didn’t. Similarly, modelers who used the diagrams developed by the group trained with rules had less difficulty in performing problem solving tasks than the modelers who used the diagrams developed by the group without training. It was observed that the cognitive difficulties of the modelers of the first study were transferred to the modelers in the second study.
Empirical Comparison of 3-D Virtual World and Face-to-Face Classroom for Higher Education
Authors: Chen Xiaofeng , Siau Keng , Nah Fiona Fui-Hoon
Published: January 2013

Many higher education institutions have set up virtual classrooms in the 3-D virtual world. In this research, the authors assess the relative effectiveness of a 3-D virtual world learning environment, Second Life, compared to traditional face-to-face learning environment. They also assess the effects of instructional strategies in these two learning environments on interactivity, perceived learning, and satisfaction. The authors’ findings suggest that learning environment interacts with instructional strategy to affect the learners’ perceived learning and satisfaction. Specifically, when interactive instructional strategy is used, there is no significant difference for perceived learning and satisfaction between the 3-D virtual world and face-to-face learning environment. However, when a direct instructional strategy is used, there is a significant difference for perceived learning and satisfaction. They also assessed whether or not technology helps increase learner and instructor interaction. The result suggests that in interactive instructional sessions, students experienced a higher level of classroom interactivity in Second Life than in face-to-face classroom.
Research Note
Authors: Laurier Wim , Poels Geert
Published: January 2013

This research note shows that the scope of conceptual data modeling patterns can be identified, clarified, and explicitly represented by positioning them into an ontology-based framework. A clear and explicit definition of scope could help deciding which patterns match which parts of the domain to be represented. The authors demonstrate their argument by positioning existing conceptual data modeling patterns into a two-dimensional structuring framework that is constructed using two ontology-derived ‘benchmark’ patterns: an enterprise pattern for representing transactions (derived from the REA domain ontology) and an abstraction pattern for representing reality at different levels of abstraction (derived from the UFO foundational ontology). By means of an application scenario dealing with the conceptual design of a transactional enterprise database, the authors illustrate how the framework can be used to evaluate the relevancy and completeness of candidate patterns with respect to the problem at hand.
Incidental Second Language Vocabulary Learning from Reading Novels
Authors: Fisher Tony , Sharples Mike , Pemberton Richard , Ogata Hiroaki , Uosaki Noriko , Edmonds Phil , Hull Anthony , Tschorn Patrick
Published: January 2013

This paper reports on a study in which incidental English vocabulary learning from three mobile modes (book, e-book and e-book with user modelling and adaptive vocabulary learning support) was investigated. The study employed a crossover design to test for vocabulary gain from reading three simplified English novels among a group of Japanese high school students, learning English as a second language. Small vocabulary gains were noted; however there was no significant difference between the modes in this respect. Participants also gave their reactions to using the three modes. The authors reflect on some possible reasons for the results, and identify some methodological considerations.
Interoperability and Functionality of WS-* Implementations
Authors: Schönberger Andreas , Schwalb Johannes , Wirtz Guido
Published: January 2013

Recently, the Web Services Interoperability Organization (WS-I) has announced to have completed its interoperability standards work. The latest deliverables include the so-called “Basic Security Profile” and the “Reliable Secure Profile.” This gives rise to the question whether or not Web Services adopters can rely on interoperability and functionality of Web Services stacks, in particular in terms of security and reliability features. To answer this question, the authors thoroughly analyze two important Web Services stacks for interoperability of WS-Security and WS-ReliableMessaging features. Their analysis shows that security and reliability features are far from being implemented in an interoperable manner. Additionally, they reveal that some of those interoperability problems are not even covered by WS-I profiles and therefore conclude that WS-I’s work has not yet resulted in Web Services interoperability. Finally, the authors investigate support for the so-called “Secure WS-ReliableMessaging Scenario” in order to find out whether WS-* adopters can at least rely on the availability of real-world functionality in homogeneous environments.
FcαRI-Mediated Inhibition of IL-12 Production and Priming by IFN-γ of Human Monocytes and Dendritic Cells
Authors: Lecocq Marylène , Detry Bruno , Guisset Amélie , Pilette Charles
Published: January 2013

We showed that IgA induces IL-10 in monocytes and dendritic cells. Because reciprocal inhibition exists between IL-10 and IL-12, we explored whether IgA could regulate this other immunoregulatory cytokine. In human monocytes and monocyte-derived dendritic cells preincubated with IFN-γ before stimulation by LPS, suppression of p40 and IL-12p70 production was observed upon IgA treatment during IFN-γ priming. Washout experiments and inhibition of IFN-γ–induced CXCL10 (IP-10) and FcγRI (CD64) indicated that inhibition by IgA occurred at both the LPS and IFN-γ levels. Inhibition was not affected by blockade of IL-10 or MAPK but involved FcαRI/CD89-mediated suppression of STAT1 phosphorylation. These data indicate that FcαRI ligation on human monocytes and dendritic cells inhibits IL-12 expression and type 1 activation by interfering with STAT1 activation.
Two Rare Disease-Associated Tyk2 Variants Are Catalytically Impaired but Signaling Competent
Authors: Li Zhi , Gakovic Milica , Ragimbeau Josiane , Eloranta Maija-Leena , Rönnblom Lars , Michel Frédérique , Pellegrini Sandra
Published: January 2013

Tyk2 belongs to the Janus protein tyrosine kinase family and is involved in signaling of immunoregulatory cytokines (type I and III IFNs, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-12 families) via its interaction with shared receptor subunits. Depending on the receptor complex, Tyk2 is coactivated with either Jak1 or Jak2, but a detailed molecular characterization of the interplay between the two enzymes is missing. In human populations, the Tyk2 gene presents high levels of genetic diversity with >100 nonsynonymous variants being detected. In this study, we characterized two rare Tyk2 variants, I684S and P1104A, which have been associated with susceptibility to autoimmune disease. Specifically, we measured their in vitro catalytic activity and their ability to mediate Stat activation in fibroblasts and genotyped B cell lines. Both variants were found to be catalytically impaired but rescued signaling in response to IFN-α/β, IL-6, and IL-10. These data, coupled with functional study of an engineered Jak1 P1084A, support a model of nonhierarchical activation of Janus kinases in which one catalytically competent Jak is sufficient for signaling provided that its partner behaves as proper scaffold, even if inactive. Through the analysis of IFN-α and IFN-γ signaling in cells with different Jak1 P1084A levels, we also illustrate a context in which a hypomorphic Jak can hamper signaling in a cytokine-specific manner. Given the multitude of Tyk2-activating cytokines, the cell context–dependent requirement for Tyk2 and the catalytic defect of the two disease-associated variants studied in this paper, we predict that these alleles are functionally significant in complex immune disorders.
Article Commentary: De Materia Medica versus Codex Alimentarius for the Reinforcement of the Gynecologic Immune System: The Case of Endometriosis
Authors: Vassiliadis Simon
Published: January 2013

Since the first Pharmacopoeia under the title “De Materia Medica,” the importance of the utilization of plants and herbs has been an invaluable medicinal tool successfully employed for strengthening the immune system for combating a number of diseases in general, or assisting fertility and reproductive issues in particular. The beneficial use of herbal extracts, constituting the basis of modern medicines, is lately under the shadow of Codex Alimentarius that threatens, if not properly applied, serious immunity features rendering the host defenseless for intercepting harmful invaders, one of which is the mesenchymal endometriotic stem cell causing endometriosis.
A Spectral Method for Second Order Volterra Integro-Differential Equation with Pantograph Delay
Authors: Zheng Weishan , Chen Yanping
Published: January 2013

In this paper, a Legendre-collocation spectral method is developed for the second order Volterra integro-differential equation with pantograph delay. We provide a rigorous error analysis for the proposed method. The spectral rate of convergence for the proposed method is established in both L2-norm and L∞-norm.
Surveillance of Japanese Encephalitis Virus Infection in Mosquitoes in Vietnam from 2006 to 2008
Authors: Kuwata Ryusei , Nga Phan Thi , Yen Nguyen Thi , Hoshino Keita , Isawa Haruhiko , Higa Yukiko , Hoang Nguyen Vet , Trang Bui Minh , Loan Do Phuong , Phong Tran Vu , Sasaki Toshinori , Tsuda Yoshio , Kobayashi Mutsuo , Sawabe Kyoko , Takagi Masahiro
Published: January 2013

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infection in mosquitoes was monitored in Vietnam from 2006 to 2008. A total of 15,225 mosquitoes, identified as 26 species in five genera were collected and 12,621 were grouped into 447 pools for examination of JEV infection by assays for cytopathic effects in C6/36 cells and by RT-PCR to detect flavivirus RNA. Three JEV strains were isolated from Culex tritaeniorhynchus Giles collected in northern and southern Vietnam and two JEV strains were isolated from Culex vishnui Theobald collected in the highlands of Vietnam. Genetic and phylogenetic analyses, based on complete E gene nucleotide sequences, revealed that the five JEV strains were classified into the genotype I group and six amino acid differences were found in these five strains. These results indicated that multiple JEV genotype I populations are circulating countrywide in Vietnam, transmitted by bites of their Cx. tritaeniorhynchus and Cx. vishnui.
Cidadania e produção universitária: o perfil dos dirigentes e a institucionalização de práticas democráticas
Authors: Pires Lenin Santos , De Lima Roberto Kant
Published: January 2013

No presente artigo os autores propõem uma reflexão, a partir de suas pesquisas sobre processos administração institucional de conflitos, e longa vivencia no ambiente universitário, sobre as práticas universitárias vigentes. Os autores focalizam o sistema de crenças que opõem os saberes profissionais docentes e técnico-administrativos. Este responsável pela estratificação e hierarquização das posições sociais dos sujeitos, a partir de seu pertencimento a uma ou outra categoria profissional, em detrimento dos conhecimentos fundamentais para o funcionamento administrativo das instituições. Neste panorama, ganham relevo os grupos políticos que se organizam através de malhas de relações, envolvendo funcionários e professores, sempre numa relação hierárquica que não se fundamenta no conhecimento profissional especificamente. Grupos que disputam e exercem significativo poder por sobre as estruturas institucionais prescritas. O texto estimula o exercício de por sob descrição tais processos, em prol da necessidade do amadurecimento do debate acerca da eficiência e efetividade dos processos de gestão dos assuntos universitários e acadêmicos. O artigo coloca em discussão a natureza da profissionalização requerida para os dirigentes universitários, em prol da democratização e universalização dos recursos institucionais desenvolvidos em torno dos esforços acadêmicos de ensino, pesquisa e extensão.
Ocean acidification shows negligible impacts on high-latitude bacterial community structure in coastal pelagic mesocosms
Authors: Roy A.-S. , Gibbons S. M. , Schunck H. , Owens S. , Caporaso J. G. , Sperling M. , Nissimov J. I. , Romac S. , Bittner L. , Mühling M. , Riebesell U. , LaRoche J. , Gilbert J. A.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. The impact of ocean acidification and carbonation on microbial community structure was assessed during a large-scale in situ costal pelagic mesocosm study, included as part of the EPOCA 2010 Arctic campaign. The mesocosm experiment included ambient conditions (fjord) and nine mesocosms with pCO2 levels ranging from ~145 to ~1420 μatm. Samples for the present study were collected at ten time points (t–1, t1, t5, t7, t12, t14, t18, t22, t26 to t28) in seven treatments (ambient fjord (~145), 2 × ~185, ~270, ~685, ~820, ~1050 μatm) and were analysed for "small" and "large" size fraction microbial community composition using 16S RNA (ribosomal ribonucleic acid) amplicon sequencing. This high-throughput sequencing analysis produced ~20 000 000 16S rRNA V4 reads, which comprised 7000 OTUs. The main variables structuring these communities were sample origins (fjord or mesocosms) and the community size fraction (small or large size fraction). The community was significantly different between the unenclosed fjord water and enclosed mesocosms (both control and elevated CO2 treatments) after nutrients were added to the mesocosms, suggesting that the addition of nutrients is the primary driver of the change in mesocosm community structure. The relative importance of each structuring variable depended greatly on the time at which the community was sampled in relation to the phytoplankton bloom. The sampling strategy of separating the small and large size fraction was the second most important factor for community structure. When the small and large size fraction bacteria were analysed separately at different time points, the only taxon pCO2 was found to significantly affect were the Gammaproteobacteria after nutrient addition. Finally, pCO2 treatment was found to be significantly correlated (non-linear) with 15 rare taxa, most of which increased in abundance with higher CO2.
Response of Nodularia spumigena to pCO2 – Part 2: Exudation and extracellular enzyme activities
Authors: Endres S. , Unger J. , Wannicke N. , Nausch M. , Voss M. , Engel A.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. The filamentous and diazotrophic cyanobacterium Nodularia spumigena plays a major role in the productivity of the Baltic Sea as it forms extensive blooms regularly. Under phosphorus limiting conditions Nodularia spumigena have a high enzyme affinity for dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) by production and release of alkaline phosphatase. Additionally, they are able to degrade proteinaceous compounds by expressing the extracellular enzyme leucine aminopeptidase. As atmospheric CO2 concentrations are increasing, we expect marine phytoplankton to experience changes in several environmental parameters, including pH, temperature, and nutrient availability. The aim of this study was to investigate the combined effect of CO2-induced changes in seawater carbonate chemistry and of phosphate deficiency on the exudation of organic matter, and its subsequent recycling by extracellular enzymes in a Nodularia spumigena culture. Batch cultures of Nodularia spumigena were grown for 15 days under aeration with low (180 μatm), medium (380 μatm), and high (780 μatm) CO2 concentrations. Obtained pCO2 levels in the treatments were on median 315, 353, and 548 μatm CO2, respectively. Extracellular enzyme activities as well as changes in organic and inorganic compound concentrations were monitored. CO2 treatment–related effects were identified for cyanobacterial growth, which in turn influenced the concentration of mucinous substances and the recycling of organic matter by extracellular enzymes. Biomass production was increased by 56.5% and 90.7% in the medium and high pCO2 treatment, respectively, compared to the low pCO2 treatment. In total, significantly more mucinous substances accumulated in the high pCO2 treatment, reaching 363 μg Xeq L−1 compared to 269 μg Xeq L−1 in the low pCO2 treatment. However, cell-specific rates did not change. After phosphate depletion, the acquisition of P from DOP by alkaline phosphatase was significantly enhanced. Alkaline phosphatase activities were increased by factor 1.64 and 2.25, respectively, in the medium and high compared to the low pCO2 treatment. We hypothesise from our results that Nodularia spumigena can grow faster under elevated pCO2 by enhancing the recycling of organic matter to acquire nutrients.
Palynological evidence for gradual vegetation and climate changes during the African Humid Period termination at 13°N from a Mega-Lake Chad sedimentary sequence
Authors: Amaral P. G. C. , Vincens A. , Guiot J. , Buchet G. , Deschamps P. , Doumnang J.-C. , Sylvestre F.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. Located at the transition between the Saharan and Sahelian zones, at the center of one of the largest endorheic basins, Lake Chad is ideally located to record regional environmental changes that occurred in the past. However, until now, no Holocene archive was directly cored in this lake. In this paper, we present pollen data from the first sedimentary sequence collected in Lake Chad (13° N; 14° E; Sahel region). Dated between ca. 6700 and ca. 5000 cal yr BP, this record is continuous and encompasses part of the termination of the African Humid Period (AHP). Vegetation reconstructions are based on standard analyses of pollen diagrams and are strengthened by quantitative approaches. Potential biomes are reconstructed using the biomization method and mean annual precipitation (Pann) is estimated using the modern analogues technique. Results show that, between ca. 6700 and ca. 6050 cal yr BP, a vegetation close to humid woodland or humid savanna, including elements currently found further southward, thrived in the vicinity of the Mega-Lake Chad in place of the modern dry woodland, steppe and desert vegetation. At the same time, montane forest populations extended further southward on the Adamawa Plateau. The high abundance of lowland humid pollen taxa, particularly of Uapaca, is interpreted as the result of a northward migration of the corresponding plants during the AHP. This preferential zonal occurrence of these taxa in Lake Chad Basin (LCB) (rather than extrazonal) is driven by more humid local and regional climate conditions at this latitude, as shown by mean Pann estimated values of ca. 800 (−400/+700) mm during this period. However, we cannot rule out that an increase of the Chari–Logone inputs into the Mega-Lake Chad might have also contributed to control the abundance of these taxa. Changes in the structure and floristic composition of the vegetation towards more open and drier formations occurred after ca. 6050 cal yr BP, following a decrease in mean Pann estimates to approximately 600 (−230/+600) mm. But, the constant significant presence of lowland humid taxa until ca. 5000 cal yr BP, contemporaneous with a slight increase in steppic taxa, demonstrates that at this date, the modern vegetation was not yet established in the vicinity of Lake Chad. Our data indicate that between ca. 6700 and ca. 5000 cal yr BP vegetation and climate changes must have occurred progressively, but that century-scale climate variability was superimposed on this long-term mid-Holocene drying trend as observed around ca. 6300 cal yr BP, where pollen data indicate more humid conditions.
Cost and impact analysis of preventive and remedial measures for safe drinking water
Authors: Tahir M. A. , Rasheed H.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. Preventive measures yield much higher cost effective benefits as compared to remedial measures. To verify this hypothesis, a survey was conducted in two different regions of Rawalpindi district of Pakistan by comparing the cost on medication and mitigation expenditures for reduction in the burden of water borne diseases. Water Quality monitoring of the study areas in comparison to WHO Drinking Water Guidelines revealed the satisfactory level of physico-chemical parameters, however; significant bacteriological contamination was found at 86% of the monitored sites in Gujar Khan and 87% in Murree region. A field questionnaire was used to estimate the expenditures on disinfection and sanitation and concluded that 8.09% of total income of each family were spent by the inhabitants of the study area on medication for water borne diseases. Correlation was worked out between the rate of water related diseases (VWRD), unsafe drinking water (CDW), poor sanitation (PS), unhealthy personal hygiene and environment (UHPHE). A simulation model "Victim's Rate Calculator" was developed to forecast the estimated number of victims within a population. Findings of the study verified the hypothesis that preventive measures are better choice than remedial measures due to cost benefit ratio (1 : 1.6) with a clear advantage of 60%.
On the nature of rainfall intermittency as revealed by different metrics and sampling approaches
Authors: Mascaro G. , Deidda R. , Hellies M.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. A general consensus on the concept of rainfall intermittency has not yet been reached, and intermittency is often attributed to different aspects of rainfall variability, including the fragmentation of the rainfall support (i.e., the alternation of wet and dry intervals) and the strength of intensity fluctuations and bursts. To explore these different aspects, a systematic analysis of rainfall intermittency properties in the time domain is presented using high-resolution (1-min) data recorded by a network of 201 tipping-bucket gauges covering the entire island of Sardinia (Italy). Four techniques, including spectral and scale invariance analysis, and computation of clustering and intermittency exponents, are applied to quantify the contribution of the alternation of dry and wet intervals (i.e., the rainfall support fragmentation), and the fluctuations of intensity amplitudes, to the overall intermittency of the rainfall process. The presence of three ranges of scaling regimes between 1 min to ~ 45 days is first demonstrated. In accordance with past studies, these regimes can be associated with a range dominated by single storms, a regime typical of frontal systems, and a transition zone. The positions of the breaking points separating these regimes change with the applied technique, suggesting that different tools explain different aspects of rainfall variability. Results indicate that the intermittency properties of rainfall support are fairly similar across the island, while metrics related to rainfall intensity fluctuations are characterized by significant spatial variability, implying that the local climate has a significant effect on the amplitude of rainfall fluctuations and minimal influence on the process of rainfall occurrence. In addition, for each analysis tool, evidence is shown of spatial patterns of the scaling exponents computed in the range of frontal systems. These patterns resemble the main pluviometric regimes observed on the island and, thus, can be associated with the corresponding synoptic circulation patterns. Last but not least, we demonstrate how the methodology adopted to sample the rainfall signal from the records of the tipping instants can significantly affect the intermittency analysis, especially at smaller scales. The multifractal scale invariance analysis is the only tool that is insensitive to the sampling approach. Results of this work may be useful to improve the calibration of stochastic algorithms used to downscale coarse rainfall predictions of climate and weather forecasting models, as well as the parameterization of intensity-duration-frequency curves, adopted for land planning and design of civil infrastructures.
On the multi-fractal characteristics of the ULF geomagnetic field before the 1993 Guam earthquake
Authors: Masci F.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. Ida et al. (2005) document significant changes in the multi-fractal parameters of the ULF geomagnetic field H component starting about one month before the 1993 Guam earthquake. According to the authors, these multi-fractal signatures can be considered as precursory signals of the Guam earthquake. As a consequence, they conclude that the multi-fractal analysis may have an important role in the development of short-term earthquake prediction capabilities. Since this and other similar reports have motivated the idea that earthquake prediction based on electromagnetic precursory signals may one day become a routine technique, the presumed precursors need to be validated through independent datasets. In this review the seismogenic origin of the multi-fractal magnetic signatures documented by Ida et al. (2005) before the 8 August 1993 Guam earthquake is seriously put into question. By means of the geomagnetic ΣKp index, it is demonstrated that these multi-fractal parameter changes are normal signals induced by the variation of the global geomagnetic activity level.
Behavioral economics and the design of a dual‐flush toilet
Authors: Arocha Jade S. , McCann Laura M.J.
Published: January 2013

Dual‐flush toilets, which use a high‐volume flush for solid waste and a lower‐volume flush for liquid waste, can reduce water consumption. Behavioral economics was used to analyze the design of the dual‐flush mechanism for the Sloan Uppercut® toilet. The default option, pushing the handle down, results in a large flush. Because Americans have been “conditioned” to push a toilet handle down, it was expected that most users would push it down out of habit. A field experiment measuring up versus down flushes in eight women's toilets in a municipal building confirmed this expectation. Although Sloan predicted a 2:1 urination‐to‐defecation ratio, the observed ratio during the control period was 1:4, i.e. the ratio was the opposite of what would occur if people used the toilets correctly. Adding signage to each stall only increased the ratio to 2:5, emphasizing the importance of the default.
It isn't real, until it's on TV: Media and the water industry
Authors: Lellou Brandy
Published: January 2013

Using entertainment media ‐ movies, video games, TV, and online apps ‐ water purveyors may be able to better communicate the value of water and engage the public in taking action.
Spatial, diel, and seasonal changes in the fish community structure of a Mexican tropical estuary
Authors: Zárate-Hernández R , Castillo–Rivera M , Sanvicente–Añorve L , Ortiz–Burgos S
Published: January 2013

To extend our knowledge about spatial and temporal variations in the structure of estuarine fish communities, diel samplings (collections every 2 h) were carried out every two months over a one-year period in two different habitats (vegetated and nonvegetated). We collected a total of 34,766 individuals, corresponding to 72 species, most of them with marine and tropical affinities. Species richness was significantly higher in the vegetated habitat, whereas abundance (number of fish) was higher in the nonvegetated habitat. The diel pattern of abundance showed peaks at dusk and dawn, whereas richness was higher at night. Seasonally, fish abundance and species richness showed peaks during January, March, and July–September, and these peaks were related to the entry of temperate species, production processes in the system, and rainfall pattern. Fish assemblages showed significant differences among habitats, day/night, and months. In the vegetated habitat, Lagodon rhomboides, Menidia beryllina, and Orthopristis chrysoptera were the predominant species. Microphagus species such as Brevoortia gunteri, Brevoortia patronus, and Mugil curema were predominant during the warm, dry season (March–May) and they were more abundant during the day. In contrast, predatory species such as Citharichthys spilopterus and Opsanus beta were more abundant during the rainy season and their capture was higher at night. The two most numerically abundant species, Anchoa mitchilli and Membras martinica, showed a twilight pattern, with abundance peaks at dusk and dawn, respectively. Hence, in Pueblo Viejo Lagoon (Mexico), the spatiotemporal changes in species composition are in part related to predator avoidance and feeding strategies, through a coupling of life histories with the diel and seasonal variation in the availability of resources, the presence of submerged vegetation playing an important role in this dynamic.
Long-term study of the life cycle and growth of Heleobia australis (Caenogastropoda, Cochliopidae) in the Bahía Blanca estuary, Argentina
Authors: Carcedo MC , Fiori SM
Published: January 2013

The life cycle and growth of the mud-snail Heleobia australis was studied in the Bahía Blanca estuary (Argentina) from April 2008 to April 2010. Four age classes were identified. This species recruits once a year, during summer. In general, the recruits (< 2.5 mm) represented a small percentage of the total population. The growth rate of H. australis declined with increasing animal size and showed a marked seasonal pattern for the population under study: lower rate during winter and higher rate in summer. A life cycle of approximately 30 months (~2.5 years) was estimated for the population of H. australis in the Bahía Blanca estuary. This population shows variations in growth rate, abundance of recruits, and shell size in relation to more northerly populations. Several factors like parasitism, predation, environmental features, and anthropogenic action may be interacting to produce these differences. This work constitutes the first long-term study of the life cycle of cochliopids. Heleobia australis appears to be a long-lived species and exhibits variations in its life cycle that seem to be influenced by biological and physical variables. Long-term studies that include biological interactions and spatial features of the microhabitats are needed to elucidate patterns in life-history traits of H. australis along its distribution range.
Evaluation of the Gulf of California as a potential source of bioactive marine actinobacteria
Authors: Torres-Beltrán M , Cardoso-Martínez F , Millán-Aguiñaga N , Becerril-Espinosa A , Soria-Mercado IE
Published: January 2013

Actinobacteria produce many bioactive compounds currently used as antibiotics and anticancer drugs. The objective of this project was to evaluate the Gulf of California as a novel source of bioactive actinobacterial strains. A total of 235 actinobacterial strains were isolated from marine sediment collected in Concepción and los Ángeles bays (Mexico). Based on their morphology, seawater requirements, and 16S rRNA sequencing, actinobacterial strains were classified as Streptomyces, Micromonospora, and Salinispora. Sixty-nine organic and aqueous extracts were obtained using liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate; 17 showed cytotoxic activity against breast cancer cells (MCF7) and cervical cancer cells (HeLa). The highest activity values observed, expressed as survival percentage, were 20–25% against MCF7 cells (strains S-365, S-355, and S-361) and 24–25% against HeLa cells (strains S-165, S-361, and S-353). Only three aqueous extracts showed antibiotic activity towards methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, with activity values of 3% and 6% for strains S-370 and S-369, respectively. Molecular weights found by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis are reported for Micromonospora species isolated from soil, but no species specific secondary metabolite evidence was observed for Salinispora isolates. The biological activity observed in this work offers opportunities for further chemical studies to define the compounds responsible for this activity in order to contribute to the discovery of new drugs and to acknowledge the Gulf of California as a reservoir of marine bioactive actinobacteria strains that are important for human health.
Spatial Mental Models: The Interaction of Presentation Format, Task Requirements and Availability of Working Memory Components
Authors: Picucci Luciana , Gyselinck Valérie , Piolino Pascale , Nicolas Serge , Bosco Andrea
Published: January 2013

Two experiments investigate how people create spatial mental models (SMMs) as a function of presentation format. Spatial representations following a route within a virtual environment (visual) and an auditory description (verbal) were compared. Moreover, a dual‐task procedure was adopted to depict the role of working memory (WM) components in such a task. Two testing formats were examined in both experiments: sentence verification (verbal) and sketch map (visual) tasks. This study shows that both presentations lead to adequate spatial representation. Nonetheless, SMMs are not presentation free. They are built by virtual presentation with a contribution of visuo‐spatial WM. An involvement of verbal WM emerged while encoding spatial information from both verbal and virtual presentation. Congruency between presentation and testing formats slightly reduces the gap between verbal and virtual presentation. SMMs appear to be affected by the interaction of presentation and testing format as well as by the WM availability. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functionalized Fe‐Filled Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes as Multifunctional Scaffolds for Magnetization of Cancer Cells
Authors: Marega Riccardo , De Leo Federica , Pineux Florent , Sgrignani Jacopo , Magistrato Alessandra , Naik Anil Damodar , Garcia Yann , Flamant Lionel , Michiels Carine , Bonifazi Davide
Published: January 2013

With the aim to design addressable magnetically‐active carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for cancer treatment, the use of Fe‐filled CNTs (Fe@MWCNTs) as multifunctional scaffolds is reported for exohedrally anchoring a monoclonal antibody (mAb) known to bind a plasma membrane receptor over‐expressed in several cancer cells (EGFR). Comprehensive microscopic (transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy) and spectroscopic (Raman, 57Fe Mossbauer, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X‐ray diffraction) characterizations reveal the efficient confinement of magnetically‐active Fe phases (α‐Fe and Fe3C), while compositional evaluations through XPS, thermogravimetric analysis and gel electrophoresis confirm that mAb immobilization onto Fe@MWCNTs occurs. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), confocal microscopy imaging and western blotting confirm the targeting action toward EGFR‐overexpressing cell lines (EGFR+). In vitro magnetic filtration experiments demonstrate that a selective removal of EGFR+ cells from a mixed population of healthy cell lines could be obtained in very short times (≈10 min). Cytotoxicity evaluations by classic cell staining procedures after application of an electromagnetic radiation inducing magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH), show a selective suppression of the EGFR+ cell line. Molecular dynamics and docking simulations of the hybrid mAb/Fe@MWCNTs conjugates nicely show how the presence of the CNT framework does not sterically affect the conformational properties of the two antigen binding regions, further supporting the biochemical findings.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Oxidative Acylation of N‐Benzyltriflamides with Aldehydes via CH Bond Activation
Authors: Sharma Satyasheel , Park Jihye , Park Eonjeong , Kim Aejin , Kim Minyoung , Kwak Jong Hwan , Jung Young Hoon , Kim In Su
Published: January 2013

A palladium‐catalyzed ortho‐acylation of N‐benzyltriflamides with aldehydes via direct sp2 CH bond activation is described. Benzylamines with a triflamide directing group in the presence of palladium acetate, acetic acid, and tert‐butyl hydroperoxide as an oxidant can be effectively coupled with aryl and alkyl aldehydes to provide ortho‐acyl‐N‐benzyltriflamides with a high regioselectivity.
Periosteal versus true cross‐sectional geometry: A comparison along humeral, femoral, and tibial diaphyses
Authors: Macintosh Alison A. , Davies Thomas G. , Ryan Timothy M. , Shaw Colin N. , Stock Jay T.
Published: January 2013

Cross‐sectional geometric (CSG) properties of human long bone diaphyses are typically calculated from both periosteal and endosteal contours. Though quantification of both is desirable, periosteal contours alone have provided accurate predictions of CSG properties at the midshaft in previous studies. The relationship between CSG properties calculated from external contours and “true” (endosteal and periosteal) CSG properties, however, has yet to be examined along the whole diaphysis. Cross‐sectional computed tomography scans were taken from 21 locations along humeral, femoral, and tibial diaphyses in 20 adults from a late prehistoric central Illinois Valley cemetery. Mechanical properties calculated from images with (a) artificially filled medullary cavities (“solid”) and (b) true unaltered cross‐sections were compared at each section location using least squares regression. Results indicate that, in this sample, polar second moments of area (J), polar section moduli (Zp), and cross‐sectional shape (Imax/Imin) calculated from periosteal contours correspond strongly with those calculated from cross‐sections that include the medullary cavity. Correlations are high throughout most of the humeral diaphysis and throughout large portions of femoral and tibial diaphyses (R2 = 0.855–0.998, all P < 0.001, %SEE ≤ 8.0, %PE ≤ 5.0), the major exception being the proximal quarter of the tibial diaphysis for J and Zp. The main source of error was identified as variation in %CA. Results reveal that CSG properties quantified from periosteal contours provide comparable results to (and are likely to detect the same differences among individuals as) true CSG properties along large portions of long bone diaphyses. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic evidence for spatio‐temporal changes in the dispersal patterns of two sympatric African colobine monkeys
Authors: Minhós Tania , Nixon Elizabeth , Sousa Cláudia , Vicente Luis M. , da Silva Maria Ferreira , Sá Rui , Bruford Michael W.
Published: January 2013

Western black‐and‐white colobus and Temmink's red colobus are two forest‐dependent African primates with similar ecological requirements, often found in sympatry. Their most striking difference lies in their social system: black‐and‐white colobus live in small groups with mainly male‐mediated dispersal but where females can also disperse, whereas red colobus live in larger groups with males described as philopatric. To investigate whether genetic evidence supports the reported patterns of dispersal based on observational data, we examined eight black‐and‐white and six red colobus social groups from Cantanhez National Park, Guinea‐Bissau. Microsatellite markers revealed a lack of sex‐biased dispersal for black‐and‐white colobus. Gene flow, mainly mediated by females, better explained the genetic patterns found in red colobus, with some evidence for less extensive male dispersal. In contrast to the microsatellite data, low mitochondrial diversity for the black‐and‐white colobus suggests that historical and/or long‐range male‐mediated gene flow might have been favored. In red colobus, the co‐existence of three divergent mitochondrial haplogroups suggests that the Cantanhez population contains a secondary contact zone between divergent lineages that evolved in allopatry. Female‐biased dispersal in this species may be a major factor contributing to the colonization by such differentiated mitochondrial lineages in the region. Overall, we find evidence for a spatio‐temporal change in the dispersal patterns of the colobus monkeys of Cantanhez, with mitochondrial DNA indicating dispersal by mainly a single sex and microsatellite data suggesting that recently both sexes appear to be dispersing within the population. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intrinsic connectivity network disruption in progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Gardner Raquel C. , Boxer Adam L. , Trujillo Andrew , Mirsky Jacob B. , Guo Christine C. , Gennatas Efstathios D. , Heuer Hilary W. , Fine Eric , Zhou Juan , Kramer Joel H. , Miller Bruce L. , Seeley William W.
Published: January 2013

Objective

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) has been conceptualized as a large‐scale network disruption, but the specific network targeted has not been fully characterized. We sought to delineate the affected network in patients with clinical PSP.

Methods

Using task‐free functional magnetic resonance imaging, we mapped intrinsic connectivity to the dorsal midbrain tegmentum (dMT), a region that shows focal atrophy in PSP. Two healthy control groups (1 young, 1 older) were used to define and replicate the normal connectivity pattern, and patients with PSP were compared to an independent matched healthy control group on measures of network connectivity.

Results

Healthy young and older subjects showed a convergent pattern of connectivity to the dMT, including brainstem, cerebellar, diencephalic, basal ganglia, and cortical regions involved in skeletomotor, oculomotor, and executive control. Patients with PSP showed significant connectivity disruptions within this network, particularly within corticosubcortical and cortico‐brainstem interactions. Patients with more severe functional impairment showed lower mean dMT network connectivity scores.

Interpretation

This study defines a PSP‐related intrinsic connectivity network in the healthy brain and demonstrates the sensitivity of network‐based imaging methods to PSP‐related physiological and clinical changes. Ann Neurol 2013;73:603–616