bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STREET REGION DETECTION FROM NORMALIZED DIGITAL SURFACE MODEL AND LASER DATA INTENSITY IMAGE
Authors: Mendes T. S. G. , Dal Poz A. P.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. The urban road network extraction process can be simplified by firstly detecting regions corresponding to streets, allowing a substantial reduction of the search area. As a result, the extraction process is benefited in two aspects: the computational complexity and the reliability. This paper aims at detecting street regions using only data obtained by Laser Scanner Systems. A sequence of standard image processing techniques is used to process height and intensity laser scanner data. A normalized Digital Surface Model is derived from height laser scanner data, from which regions corresponding to aboveground objects (mainly trees and buildings) are detected. Next, detected tree regions are eliminated from the aboveground regions, remaining only buildings. Then, morphological operators are applied in order to obtain elongated street ribbons and homogeneous block regions. Street regions are also detected in the intensity image. The results obtained from the radiometric and geometric laser scanner data are combined, allowing the elimination of non-street regions and the improvement of the geometry of region boundaries. The experimental results showed that the methodology proved to be efficient to detect street regions.
VEHICLE DETECTION FROM AN IMAGE SEQUENCE COLLECTED BY A HOVERING HELICOPTER
Authors: Nejadasl F. K. , Lindenbergh R. C.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. This paper addresses the problem of vehicle detection from an image sequence in difficult cases. Difficulties are notably caused by relatively small vehicles, vehicles that appear with low contrast or vehicles that drive at low speed. The image sequence considered here is recorded by a hovering helicopter and was stabilized prior to the vehicle detection step considered here. A practical algorithm is designed and implemented for this purpose of vehicle detection. Each pixel is identified firstly as either a background (road) or a foreground (vehicle) pixel by analyzing its gray-level temporal profile in a sequential way. Secondly, a vehicle is identified as a cluster of foreground pixels. The results of this new method are demonstrated on a test image-sequence featuring very congested traffic but also smoothly flowing traffic. It is shown that for both traffic situations the method is able to successfully detect low contrast, small size and low speed vehicles.
The Business of Utopia: Estidama and the Road to the Sustainable City
Authors: Cugurullo Federico
Published: April 2013

Over the last couple of decades, global urban politics has experienced the increasing emergence of ambitious megaprojects aiming to create sustainable cities capable of facing severe ecological and economic crises. This essay argues that the genesis of eco-cities is grounded in a strong wave of utopianism that can have potential negative socioecological implications, and by looking at the current development strategies of Abu Dhabi, it aims to explore the interrelations among utopia, sustainability, and urban politics. Using empirical material, Abu Dhabi's development plans are examined to understand how visions of the good society and of the good city are theorized and integrated into the policy agenda. The focus is on Estidama, a program for social and urban change based on the sheik's dream of transforming Abu Dhabi into a sustainable global city, and on its main incarnation: Masdar City. In the analysis of convergences and divergences with western utopianism, this essay explains how images of the ideal city are used to boost the local economy and fulfill the political interests of the ruling class. Ultimately, the reasons behind the association eco-city/ideal city are elucidated, and the role of utopia in the quest for the sustainable society is questioned.
Reformas y adiciones a la ley de marcas y otros signos distintivos. Incidencia del CAFTA-DR
Authors: Bendaña-Guerrero Guy José
Published: April 2013

El presente artículo investigativo brinda al lector un estudio de las reformas y adiciones realizadas a la ley de marcas y otros signos distintivos de Nicaragua por la incidencia del CAFTA-DR, especialmente en lo que refiere a la equiparación de la indicación geográfica con la denominación de origen, la inclusión de los signos sonoros y olfativos como signos que pueden constituir marcas, entre otros cambios trascendentales en esta materia. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/derecho.v0i15.1031 Revista de Derecho No.15 2011 pp.125-144
Justiniano en Latinoamérica. Una crónica sobre técnica legislativa en Derecho comparado
Authors: Calvo González José
Published: April 2013

El texto repasa las iniciativas y desarrollo de políticas que desde el poder legislativo en Argentina y Nicaragua han fraguado en la reciente elaboración de colecciones normativas de sus respectivos sistemas jurídicos. Tales recopilaciones son el Digesto Jurídico Argentino y Digesto Jurídico Nicaragüense y han respondido asimismo a principios de depuración, inventario, armonización, consolidación normativa y unificación de la legislación vigente. El autor se interesa por los logros de su programa de desarrollo técnico legislativa, así como por el alcance de tales planteamientos en términos jurídico-político de contribución a la seguridad jurídica y el fortalecimiento del Estado de Derecho. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/derecho.v0i15.1033 Revista de Derecho No.15 2011 pp.191-201
Approximate Analytical Solutions of the Perturbed Yukawa Potential with Centrifugal Barrier
Authors: Rajabi Ali Akbar , Hamzavi Majid
Published: April 2013

By using the generalized parametric Nikiforov-Uvarov (NU) method, we have obtained the approximate analytical solutions of the radial Schrödinger equation for a perturbed Yukawa potential. The energy eigenvalues and corresponding eigenfunctions are calculated in closed forms. Some numerical results are presented and compared with the standard Yukawa potential. Further, we found the energy levels of the familiar Mie-type potential when the screening parameter of the perturbed Yukawa potential goes to zero, and finally, standard Yukawa and Coulomb potentials are discussed.
Exact Group Invariant Solutions and Conservation Laws of the Complex Modified Korteweg–de Vries Equation
Authors: Johnpillai Andrew G. , Kara Abdul H. , Biswas Anjan
Published: April 2013

We study the scalar complex modified Korteweg-de Vries (cmKdV) equation by analyzing a system of partial differential equations (PDEs) from the Lie symmetry point of view. These systems of PDEs are obtained by decomposing the underlying cmKdV equation into real and imaginary components. We derive the Lie point symmetry generators of the system of PDEs and classify them to get the optimal system of one-dimensional subalgebras of the Lie symmetry algebra of the system of PDEs. These subalgebras are then used to construct a number of symmetry reductions and exact group invariant solutions to the system of PDEs. Finally, using the Lie symmetry approach, a couple of new conservation laws are constructed. Subsequently, respective conserved quantities from their respective conserved densities are computed.
Potential Solutions in Radiation Hormesis
Authors: Masao Takatori  , Makoto Yagi  , Sadao Hattori
Published: April 2013

This study summarizes up-to-date information about the biopositive effects of low radiation treatment (LRT), radiation hormesis, and our experimental devices. In addition, we present a favorable treatment result in a patient with advanced rectal carcinoma who received LRT at home using a radon gas aspirator. The patient was a 61-year-old man who underwent proctectomy in 2010. During the additional first-line chemotherapy, apparent increases in tumor makers identified multiple remote metastases in the lung, sacrum and liver. Sacrum pain limited his activity of daily living and impeded his coming to our facility for LRT. Then, we decided to provide him home LRT using a radon gas aspirator. He inhaled radon gas for 15 minutes at least 3 times a day at home, resulting in remarkably reduced tumor markers and sacrum pain relief. He could walk, keep sitting up without support and sleep in the spine position again after receiving home LRT. No influence of radon gas inhalation on the second-line chemotherapy was observed. The favorable effects of LRT lead us to believe that the newly-developed devices will provide the clinical significance on malignant diseases. To establish the LRT regimen, further clinical investigation and data accumulation are thus called for.
Creative Adaptive Criminal Entrepreneurs from Africa and Human Trafficking in Belgium: Case Studies of Traffickers from Nigeria and Morocco
Authors: Leman Johan , Janssens Stef
Published: April 2013

The article is based on 48 Belgian judicial files (27 Nigerian and 21 Moroccan ones), that concern the practices that created victims of human trafficking from Nigeria and Morocco in Belgium and some neighbouring countries. We discover that the most efficient criminal entrepreneurs are the very flexible ones, who continuously adapt, learn, dare to diversify, and sometimes also to internationalize (but mostly with African partners). An important difference with the Eastern European criminals whom we studied in former research, is that the Africans most of the time do not look for coverage of their practices through legal firms. Their learning practice remains re-active; until 2012 it does not really become pro-active. There is no pro-active longer term vision and no intention to create legal structures that hide their praxis.
Contributions of mast cells and vasoactive products, leukotrienes and chymase, to dengue virus-induced vascular leakage
Authors: St John Ashley L , Rathore Abhay PS , Raghavan Bhuvanakantham , Ng Mah-Lee , Abraham Soman N
Published: April 2013

Dengue Virus (DENV), a flavivirus spread by mosquito vectors, can cause vascular leakage and hemorrhaging. However, the processes that underlie increased vascular permeability and pathological plasma leakage during viral hemorrhagic fevers are largely unknown. Mast cells (MCs) are activated in vivo during DENV infection, and we show that this elevates systemic levels of their vasoactive products, including chymase, and promotes vascular leakage. Treatment of infected animals with MC-stabilizing drugs or a leukotriene receptor antagonist restores vascular integrity during experimental DENV infection. Validation of these findings using human clinical samples revealed a direct correlation between MC activation and DENV disease severity. In humans, the MC-specific product, chymase, is a predictive biomarker distinguishing dengue fever (DF) and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). Additionally, our findings reveal MCs as potential therapeutic targets to prevent DENV-induced vasculopathy, suggesting MC-stabilizing drugs should be evaluated for their effectiveness in improving disease outcomes during viral hemorrhagic fevers.
Beneficial Contribution of Alloy Disorder to Electron and Phonon Transport in Half‐Heusler Thermoelectric Materials
Authors: Xie Hanhui , Wang Heng , Pei Yanzhong , Fu Chenguang , Liu Xiaohua , Snyder G. Jeffrey , Zhao Xinbing , Zhu Tiejun
Published: April 2013

Electron and phonon transport characteristics determines the potential of thermoelectric materials for power generation or refrigeration. This work shows that, different from most of high performance thermoelectric materials with dominant acoustic phonon scattering, the promising ZrNiSn based half‐Heusler thermoelectric solid solutions exhibit an alloy scattering dominated charge transport. A low deformation potential and a low alloy scattering potential are found for the solid solutions, which is beneficial to maintain a relatively high electron mobility despite of the large effective mass, and can be intrinsic favorable features contributing to the noticeably high power factors of ZrNiSn based alloys. A quantitive description of the different phonon scattering mechanisms suggests that the point defect scattering is the most important mechanism that determines the phonon transport process of the solid solutions. The present results indicate that alloying can be an effective approach for such materials systems to enhance thermoelectric figure of merit ZT by reducing phonon thermal conductivity, while minimizing the deterioration of charge mobility due to the low alloy scatteirng potential.
Utilizing high‐fidelity crucial conversation simulation in genetic counseling training
Authors: Holt R. Lynn , Tofil Nancy M. , Hurst Christina , Youngblood Amber Q. , Peterson Dawn Taylor , Zinkan J. Lynn , White Marjorie Lee , Clemons Jason L. , Robin Nathaniel H.
Published: April 2013

Genetics professionals are often required to deliver difficult news to patients and families. This is a challenging task, but one that many genetics trainees have limited opportunity to master during training. This is true for several reasons, including relative scarcity of these events and an understandable hesitation of supervisors allowing a trainee to provide such high stakes information. Medical simulation is effective in other health care disciplines giving trainees opportunities of “hands on” education in similar high stakes situations. We hypothesized that crucial conversations simulation would be effective for genetics trainees to gain experience in communication and counseling skills in a realistic clinical scenario. To test this hypothesis, we designed a prenatal counseling scenario requiring disclosure of an abnormal amniocentesis result and discussion of pregnancy management options; we challenged participants to address common counseling questions. Three medical genetics resident physicians and five genetic counseling students participated. Genetics and simulation experts observed the session via live video feed from a different room. A behavioral checklist was completed in real time assessing trainee's performance and documenting medical information discussed. Debriefing immediately followed the session and included simulation and genetics experts and the actor parents. Participants completed open‐ended post evaluations. There was a trend towards participants being more likely to discuss issues the child could have while an infant/toddler rather than issues that could emerge as the child with Down Syndrome transitions to adulthood and end of life (P = .069). All participants found the simulation helpful, notably that it was more realistic than role‐playing with colleagues. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Status of the freshwater mussel (Unionidae) communities of the mainstem of the Leon River, Texas
Authors: Randklev Charles R. , Johnson Matthew S. , Tsakiris Eric T. , Groce Julie , Wilkins Neal
Published: April 2013

The Leon River drainage, located in the Brazos River basin, has not been extensively surveyed for freshwater mussels (Family Unionidae). This is problematic given that three state‐threatened species, Quadrula houstonensis, Quadrula mitchelli, and Truncilla macrodon, have historically occurred in this drainage and two are now candidates for protection under the US Endangered Species Act.

Mussels were sampled qualitatively at 44 sites in the summer and fall of 2011 to determine whether these species were still extant in the Leon River. The distributions and abundances of species at present considered common were also examined. Shell length data were assessed to determine the overall viability of the mussel fauna within the Leon River drainage.

In total, 2081 live mussels were collected representing 12 species, including the federal candidate species Quadrula houstonensis, but Lampsilis hydiana, Quadrula mitchelli and Truncilla macrodon were not collected. Overall mussel abundance and species richness was low and community composition was highly fragmented with riverine species largely occurring in the middle portion of the Leon River. There was evidence that population recruitment is occurring, but only for a few species.

River impoundment, inadequate instream flows, and agricultural practices are probable causes of the changes in mussel species composition. Further studies are needed to evaluate the impacts of reservoir releases on mussel persistence within this basin and in areas where droughts and low stream flow are commonplace. More information is needed on how agricultural practices affect mussel communities; the information that is currently available does little in the way of identifying factors that can be managed at site or reach scales. Studies that address these knowledge gaps will help resource managers to design more effective strategies to protect mussel populations within and outside this basin.

Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Target innervation is necessary for neuronal polyploidization in the terrestrial slug Limax
Authors: Matsuo Ryota , Yamagishi Miki , Wakiya Kyoko , Tanaka Yoko , Ito Etsuro
Published: April 2013

The brain of gastropod mollusks contains many giant neurons with polyploid genomic DNAs. Such DNAs are generated through repeated DNA endoreplication during body growth. However, it is not known what triggers DNA endoreplication in neurons. There are two possibilities: (1) DNAs are replicated in response to some unknown molecules in the hemolymph that reflect the nutritive status of the animal; or (2) DNAs are replicated in response to some unknown factors that are retrogradely transported through axons from the innervated target organs. We first tested whether hemolymph with rich nutrition could induce DNA endoreplication. We tested whether the transplanted brain exhibits enhanced DNA endoreplication like an endogenous brain does when transplanted into the homocoel of the body of a slug whose body growth is promoted by an increased food supply. However, no enhancement was observed in the frequency of DNA endoreplication when we compared the transplanted brains in the growth‐promoted and growth‐suppressed host slugs, suggesting that the humoral environment is irrelevant to triggering the body growth‐dependent DNA endoreplication. Next, we tested the requirement of target innervation by surgically dissecting a unilateral posterior pedal nerve of an endogenous brain. Substantially lower number of neurons exhibited DNA endoreplication in the pedal ganglion ipsilateral to the dissected nerve. These results support the view that enhanced DNA endoreplication is mediated by target innervation and is not brought about through the direct effect of humoral factors in the hemolymph during body growth. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 73: 609–620, 2013
Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Napyradiomycins from Two Marine‐Derived Streptomyces Strains
Authors: Cheng Yuan‐Bin , Jensen Paul R. , Fenical William
Published: April 2013

The cancer‐cell‐cytotoxicity‐guided fractionation of the acetone extracts of two cultured marine‐derived Streptomyces strains belonging to the MAR4 group yielded six new napyradiomycins, compounds A–F (1–6), together with three known compounds, napyradiomycins B2–B4 (7–9). Napyradiomycins 1–4 are new members of the napyradiomycin “C‐type” meroterpenoids, which possess a linear monoterpene bridge between C‐7 and C‐10a. Compound 4 has an additional tetrahydropyran ring fused to the phenol moiety. Compounds 5–9 are related to the napyradiomycin “B‐type” meroterpenoids. The structures of all new compounds were assigned by interpretation of 1D and 2D NMR, MS, and other spectroscopic data. The relative configurations were assigned based upon interpretation of ROESY 2D NMR experiments. The cytotoxicity of 1–9 against the human colon carcinoma cell line HCT‐116 and their antibacterial activities against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are presented.
Enhanced Performance of Micro‐Electro‐Mechanical‐Systems (MEMS) Microbial Fuel Cells Using Electrospun Microfibrous Anode and Optimizing Operation
Authors: Fraiwan A. , Sundermier S. , Han D. , Steckl A. J. , Hassett D. J. , Choi S.
Published: April 2013

In this work, a microfabricated anode based on gold coated poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) fiber was developed that outperformed gold microelectrode by a factor of 2.65‐fold and even carbon paper by 1.39‐fold. This is a result of its ability to three‐dimensionally interface with bacterial biofilm, the metabolic “engines” of the microbial fuel cell (MFC). We also examined unavoidable issues as the MFC is significantly reduced in size (e.g. to the microscale); (1) bubble production or movement into the microchamber and (2) high sensitivity to flow rate variations. In fact, intentionally induced bubble generation in the anodic chamber reduced the MFC current density by 33% and the MFC required 4 days to recover its initial performance. Under different flow rates in the anode chamber, the current densities were almost constant, however, the current increased up to 38% with increasing flow rate in the cathode.
Cytokinesis‐blocked micronucleus cytome assay and spectral karyotyping as methods for identifying chromosome damage in a lung cancer case‐control population
Authors: Lloyd Stacy M. , Lopez Mirtha , El‐Zein Randa
Published: April 2013

Lung cancer is the leading cause of all cancer‐related deaths in the US. The need to develop more accurate cancer risk assessment tools is imperative to improve the ability to identify individuals at greatest risk of developing disease. The Cytokinesis‐Blocked Micronucleus Cytome Assay (CBMNcyt) presents a sensitive and specific method of assessing DNA damage. We have previously reported that this assay is sensitive to genetic damage caused by the tobacco‐specific nitrosamine 4‐(methylnitrosamino)−1‐(3‐pyridyl)−1‐butanone (NNK), and that binucleated cells with micronuclei, nucleoplasmic bridges and nuclear buds are strong predictors of lung cancer risk. The current study confirmed our previous findings and sought to identify the specific chromosomes involved in lung carcinogenesis. Spectral karyotyping was conducted on a subset of lung cancer cases [n = 116] and cancer‐free controls [n = 126] with the highest CBMNcyt endpoints, on baseline and NNK‐treated blood lymphocytes. After adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, smoking status, and pack and smoke years, consistent significant associations between chromosome: 9, 19, 22, X, at baseline; chromosome: 3, 4, and 16 after NNK‐induction; and chromosome: 1, 13, and 17 at both baseline and NNK‐induction; and lung cancer risk (all P ≤ 0.05) were observed. Several of these chromosomes harbor critical genes involved in lung carcinogenesis, such as the FHIT gene, CDKN2A, PADPRP, and TP53. Our results indicate that the CBMNcyt assay when used in conjunction with other cytogenetic methodologies can increase our ability to identify specific chromosomal regions associated with DNA damage, thereby improving our understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved in individual cancer predisposition. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
RNA sequencing identifies fusion of theEWSR1andYY1genes in mesothelioma with t(14;22)(q32;q12)
Authors: Panagopoulos Ioannis , Thorsen Jim , Gorunova Ludmila , Micci Francesca , Haugom Lisbeth , Davidson Ben , Heim Sverre
Published: April 2013

Mesothelioma is a rare but very aggressive tumor derived from mesothelial cells. A number of often complex but nonrandom cytogenetic abnormalities have been found in these tumors, resulting in loss of chromosome bands 14q32 and 22q12 in more than 35% of the cases. In this study, we used RNA sequencing to search for fusion transcripts in a mesothelioma carrying a t(14;22)(q32;q12) as the sole chromosomal aberration and found anEWSR1–YY1and its reciprocalYY1–EWSR1fusion transcript. Screening 15 additional cases of mesothelioma from which we had RNA but no cytogenetic information, we identified one more tumor carrying anEWSR1–YY1fusion gene but not the reciprocalYY1–EWSR1transcript. RT‐polymerase chain reaction and sequencing showed that in both cases exon 8 ofEWSR1(nucleotide 1,139, accession number NM_013986 version 3, former exon 7 in sequence with accession number X66899) was fused to exon 2 ofYY1(nucleotide 1,160, accession number NM_003403 version 3). TheEWSR1breakpoint in exon 8 in theEWSR1–YY1chimeric transcript is similar to what is found in other fusions involvingEWSR1such asEWSR1–FLI1,EWSR1–DDIT3, andEWSR1–ATF1. The EWSR1–YY1‐encoded protein is an abnormal transcription factor with the transactivation domain of EWSR1 and the DNA‐binding domain of YY1. This is the first study to detect a specific fusion gene in mesothelioma (the reason how frequent theEWSR1–YY1fusion is remains uncertain) and also the first time that direct involvement of YY1 in oncogenesis has been demonstrated. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic relationship between multiple squamous cell carcinomas arising in the oral cavity
Authors: Montebugnoli Lucio , Leonardi Elisa , Morandi Luca , Farnedi Anna , Gissi Davide Bartolomeo , Marchetti Claudio , Tarsitano Achille , Balbi Tiziana , Gentile Luciano , Cocchi Roberto , Foschini Maria Pia
Published: April 2013

Background

Histological and clinical criteria are generally used to differentiate second primary tumors (SPTs) from local recurrences. The purpose of the present study was to apply mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D‐loop analysis to differentiate SPTs from local recurrences and to validate the clinical classification.

Methods

The study population consisted of 20 consecutive patients presenting multiple oral neoplastic lesions for a total of 25 paired lesions. The mtDNA D‐loop analysis was performed by direct sequencing and phylogenetic clusterization.

Results

Agreement between mtDNA analysis and clinical classification was found in 19 cases. Discrepancies arose in 6 cases in which the clinical criteria based only on the spatial or temporal distance of the second lesion from the index tumor had led to a diagnosis of SPT (2 cases) or local recurrence (4 cases).

Conclusion

The present data highlight the value of mtDNA analysis in establishing the clonal relationship between the index tumor and the second neoplastic lesion. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 94–100, 2014
Synthetic sickness or lethality points at candidate combination therapy targets in glioblastoma
Authors: Szczurek Ewa , Misra Navodit , Vingron Martin
Published: April 2013

Synthetic lethal interactions in cancer hold the potential for successful combined therapies, which would avoid the difficulties of single molecule‐targeted treatment. Identification of interactions that are specific for human tumors is an open problem in cancer research. This work aims at deciphering synthetic sick or lethal interactions directly from somatic alteration, expression and survival data of cancer patients. To this end, we look for pairs of genes and their alterations or expression levels that are “avoided” by tumors and “beneficial” for patients. Thus, candidates for synthetic sickness or lethality (SSL) interaction are identified as such gene pairs whose combination of states is under‐represented in the data. Our main methodological contribution is a quantitative score that allows ranking of the candidate SSL interactions according to evidence found in patient survival. Applying this analysis to glioblastoma data, we collect 1,956 synthetic sick or lethal partners for 85 abundantly altered genes, most of which show extensive copy number variation across the patient cohort. We rediscover and interpret known interaction betweenTP53andPLK1, as well as provide insight into the mechanism behindEGFRinteracting withAKT2, but notAKT1norAKT3. Cox model analysis determines 274 of identified interactions as having significant impact on overall survival in glioblastoma, which is more informative than a standard survival predictor based on patient's age.
H‐coil repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for pain relief in patients with diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Onesti E. , Gabriele M. , Cambieri C. , Ceccanti M. , Raccah R. , Di Stefano G. , Biasiotta A. , Truini A. , Zangen A. , Inghilleri M.
Published: April 2013

Background

Painful neuropathy is associated with plasticity changes in the nervous system. Standard repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non‐invasive technique used to study changes in cortical excitability and to inhibit pain perception. Deep rTMS is a newer development that allows direct activation of deeper neuronal populations, by a unique coil design termed the H‐coil. This study was designed to assess whether deep rTMS applied over the motor cortical lower‐limb representation relieves pain in patients with diabetic neuropathy.

Methods

Patients were randomly assigned to receive daily real or sham H‐coil rTMS for 5 consecutive days. After a 5‐week washout period, they crossed over to the alternative treatment for additional 5 days (according to a crossover study design). Outcome measures were changes in the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and in area and threshold of RIII nociceptive flexion reflex (RIII reflex).

Results

Of the 25 patients randomized, 23 completed the study. After real rTMS, the VAS scores decreased significantly (p = 0.01), and so did RIII reflex area (p < 0.01), while no significant effects in these variables were induced by the sham rTMS treatment. The rTMS‐induced changes in the outcome measures disappeared about 3 weeks after stimulation. All patients tolerated stimulation well.

Conclusions

Deep H‐coil rTMS provides pain relief in patients with diabetic neuropathy. This innovative technique can induce a therapeutic effect on brain areas that otherwise remain difficult to target. rTMS may produce its analgesic effects, inducing motor cortex plasticity and activating descending inhibitory pain control systems.
Distal‐Less Regulates Eyespot Patterns and Melanization in Bicyclus Butterflies
Authors: MONTEIRO ANTÓNIA , CHEN BIN , RAMOS DIANE M. , OLIVER JEFFREY C. , TONG XIAOLING , GUO MIN , WANG WEN‐KAI , FAZZINO LISA , KAMAL FIRDOUS
Published: April 2013

Butterfly eyespots represent novel complex traits that display substantial diversity in number and size within and across species. Correlative gene expression studies have implicated a large suite of transcription factors, including Distal‐less (Dll), Engrailed (En), and Spalt (Sal), in eyespot development in butterflies, but direct evidence testing the function of any of these proteins is still missing. Here we show that the characteristic two‐eyespot pattern of wildtype Bicyclus anynana forewings is correlated with dynamic progression of Dll, En, and Sal expression in larval wings from four spots to two spots, whereas no such decline in gene expression ensues in a four‐eyespot mutant. We then conduct transgenic experiments testing whether over‐expression of any of these genes in a wild‐type genetic background is sufficient to induce eyespot differentiation in these pre‐patterned wing compartments. We also produce a Dll‐RNAi transgenic line to test how Dll down‐regulation affects eyespot development. Finally we test how ectopic expression of these genes during the pupal stages of development alters adults color patters. We show that over‐expressing Dll in larvae is sufficient to induce the differentiation of additional eyespots and increase the size of eyespots, whereas down‐regulating Dll leads to a decrease in eyespot size. Furthermore, ectopic expression of Dll in the early pupal wing led to the appearance of ectopic patches of black scales. We conclude that Dll is a positive regulator of focal differentiation and eyespot signaling and that this gene is also a possible selector gene for scale melanization in butterflies. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 320B:321–331, 2013. © 2013 The Authors. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A non‐stationary epidemic type aftershock sequence model for seismicity prior to the December 26, 2004 M 9.1 Sumatra‐Andaman Islands mega‐earthquake
Authors: Bansal A. R. , Ogata Y.
Published: April 2013

We study temporal changes in seismicity in Sumatra‐Andaman Islands region before the M 9.1 earthquake of December 26, 2004. We applied the epidemic type aftershock sequence (ETAS) models to the seismicity. The two‐stage non‐stationary ETAS model with a single change‐point provides a better statistical fit to the seismicity data than the stationary ETAS model throughout the whole period. We made further change‐point analysis of data sets by dividing into two sub‐regions. The best fitted models suggest that the seismic activation relative to the ETAS rates started in the middle of July 2000 (about 4.5 years before the M 9.1 earthquake). This includes an increase in the background seismicity rates, particularly in the southern part of the seismogenic zone near the epicenter. A space‐time ETAS model also suggests that the background seismicity throughout the entire Sumatra‐Andaman Islands area had increased after the change‐point time.
The utility of atmospheric analyses for the mitigation of artifacts in InSAR
Authors: Foster James , Kealy John , Cherubini Tiziana , Businger Steven , Lu Zhong , Murphy Michael
Published: April 2013

The numerical weather models (NWMs) developed by the meteorological community are able to provide accurate analyses of the current state of the atmosphere in addition to the predictions of the future state. To date, most attempts to apply the NWMs to estimate the refractivity of the atmosphere at the time of satellite synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data acquisitions have relied on predictive models. We test the hypothesis that performing a final assimilative routine, ingesting all available meteorological observations for the times of SAR acquisitions, and generating customized analyses of the atmosphere at those times will better mitigate atmospheric artifacts in differential interferograms. We find that, for our study area around Mount St. Helens (Amboy, Washington, USA), this approach is unable to model the refractive changes and provides no mean benefit for interferogram analysis. The performance is improved slightly by ingesting atmospheric delay estimates derived from the limited local GPS network; however, the addition of water vapor products from the GOES satellites reduces the quality of the corrections. We interpret our results to indicate that, even with this advanced approach, NWMs are not a reliable mitigation technique for regions such as Mount St. Helens with highly variable moisture fields and complex topography and atmospheric dynamics. It is possible, however, that the addition of more spatially dense meteorological data to constrain the analyses might significantly improve the performance of weather modeling of atmospheric artifacts in satellite radar interferograms.
The Congo River plume: Impact of the forcing on the far‐field and near‐field dynamics
Authors: Denamiel Cléa , Budgell W. Paul , Toumi Ralf
Published: April 2013

The first numerical simulations of the Congo River plume dynamics are presented in this study. The different forcing mechanisms responsible for the seasonal variations of the plume extend are separately analyzed and the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) is employed to carry out both a process orientated study—with simple baseline simulations and a sensitivity study—with realistic 1 year runs setup in 2005. The baseline model is forced only by the river flow, in the presence of realistic bathymetry. Tides, wind stress, surface heat flux, and ocean boundary conditions are the forcing added to the realistic model. The typical seasonal orientation of the Congo River plume is found to be northward during most of year except for the February–March (FM) season when the plume has a large westward extension (about 800 km) and its area nearly doubles. The northward extension of the plume is explained by a buoyancy‐driven upstream coastal flow—due to the unique geomorphology of the Congo River estuary—and the combined influences of the ambient ocean currents and the wind. During the FM season, the surface ocean circulation is driving both (1) the westward extension of the plume and (2) the southward transport of the Nyanga River fresh waters which feed the Congo River plume. In the near‐field region of the plume, the presence of the deep Congo canyon has two main effects: (1) its depth increases the intrusion of sea water into the river mouth and (2) its orientation initiates the formation of the upstream flow.
On the currents and transports connected with the atlantic meridional overturning circulation in the subpolar North Atlantic
Authors: Xu X. , Hurlburt H. E. , Schmitz W. J. , Zantopp R. , Fischer J. , Hogan P. J.
Published: April 2013

Results from an interannually forced, 0.08° eddy‐resolving simulation based on the Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model, in conjunction with a small but well‐determined transport database, are used to investigate the currents and transports associated with the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) in the subpolar North Atlantic (SPNA). The model results yield a consistent warming in the western SPNA since the early 1990s, along with mean transports similar to those observed for the trans‐basin AMOC across the World Ocean Circulation Experiment hydrographic section AR19 (16.4 Sv) and boundary currents at the exit of the Labrador Sea near 53°N (39.0 Sv) and east of the Grand Banks near 43°N (15.9 Sv). Over a 34 year integration, the model‐determined AMOC across the AR19 section and the western boundary current near 53°N both exhibit no systematic trend but some long‐term (interannual and longer) variabilities, including a decadal transport variation of 3–4 Sv from relatively high in the 1990s to low in the 2000s. The decadal variability of the model boundary current transport near 53°N lags the observed winter time North Atlantic Oscillation index by about 2 years and leads the model AMOC across the AR19 section by about 1 year. The model results also show that the long‐term variabilities are low compared to those on shorter time scales. Thus, rapid sampling of the current over long time intervals is required to filter out high‐frequency variabilities in order to determine the lower frequency variabilities of interest.
Gravity of the Arctic Ocean from satellite data with validations using airborne gravimetry: Oceanographic implications
Authors: McAdoo David C. , Farrell Sinead Louise , Laxon Seymour , Ridout Andy , Zwally H. J. , Yi Donghui
Published: April 2013

Precise mappings of sea surface topography, slope, and gravity of the Arctic Ocean are derived from altimeter data collected by Envisat and ICESat. Both altimeters measured instantaneous sea surface height at leads in the sea ice. To reduce contamination by ice‐freeboard signal and tracker noise in Envisat height data, a retracking of the waveform data was performed. Analogous reprocessing of ICESat data was also done. Arctic mean sea surfaces (MSSs) were computed from Envisat data spanning 2002–2008 and ICESat data spanning 2003–2009. Farrell et al. (2012) used these “ICEn” MSSs to estimate mean dynamic topography (MDT). These same Envisat and ICESat data are used, in sea‐surface‐slope form, to compute the ARCtic Satellite‐only (ARCS‐2) altimetric marine gravity field. ARCS‐2 extends north to 86°N and uses GRACE/GOCE gravity data (GOCO02S) for its long‐wavelength (>260 km) components. Use of Envisat data improves the spatial resolution over that of existing Arctic marine gravity fields in many areas. ARCS‐2's spatial resolution aids in tracing tectonic fabric—e.g., extinct plate boundaries—over broad areas of the Arctic basin whose tectonic origin remains a mystery. ARCS‐2's precision is validated using NASA 2010/2011 Operation IceBridge (OIB) airborne gravimetry. ARCS‐2 and OIB gravity along with ICEn‐MSS results are employed to locate short‐wavelength errors approaching 1 m in current Arctic marine geoids (EGM2008). Precise OIB airborne gravity corroborates that such errors in current geoid/gravity models are widespread in Arctic areas lacking accurate surface gravity data. These geoid errors limit the spatial resolution at which MDT can be mapped.
Key controls on the seasonal and interannual variations of the carbonate system and air‐sea CO2 flux in the Northeast Atlantic (Bay of Biscay)
Authors: Jiang Zong‐Pei , Hydes David J. , Tyrrell Toby , Hartman Sue E. , Hartman Mark C. , Dumousseaud Cynthia , Padin Xose Antonio , Skjelvan Ingunn , González‐Pola César
Published: April 2013

Biogeochemical variations of surface water in the Northeast Atlantic (Bay of Biscay) were examined using high‐frequency underway measurements combined with monthly sampling of carbon‐related variables. The mechanisms controlling seasonal CO2 variability were investigated by distinguishing the contributions of biological and physical processes to the monthly changes in dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2). The seasonality of DIC (47–81 µmol kg−1) had a single peak with a winter maximum primarily driven by vertical mixing and a summer minimum driven by spring biological removal. Non‐Redfield C:N uptake was observed in the nutrient‐depleted summer but not during the spring bloom. In the North Atlantic, pCO2 seasonality shows a latitudinal transition: from the temperature‐dominated oligotrophic subtropical gyre to the subpolar region where pCO2 is dominated by changing concentrations of DIC. In the midlatitude Bay of Biscay, the annual cycle of pCO2 (61–75 µatm) showed a double‐peak distribution. The summer pCO2 peak was mainly driven by temperature increase, while the winter peak resulted from the dominant effect of entrainment of subsurface water. Interannual variations of DIC were more pronounced in winter and were driven by the changes in the strength of winter mixing. Higher wintertime concentrations and seasonal amplitudes of DIC were observed in cold years when the mixed‐layer depths were deeper, which appears to be associated with negative phases of the North Atlantic Oscillation. The Bay of Biscay shows a decrease of CO2 uptake in 2008–2010 (−0.97 and −0.75 mol m−2 yr−1) compared to 2002–2004 (−1.47 and −1.68 mol m−2 yr−1).
Effects of solar penetration on the annual cycle of sea surface temperature in the North Pacific
Authors: Liang Xi , Wu Lixin
Published: April 2013

The effects of solar penetration on the annual cycle of extratropical North Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) are investigated based on coupled ocean‐atmosphere model simulations. It is found that the solar penetration can significantly improve the seasonal cycle of the North Pacific SST in the model. In summer, the solar penetration can partly reduce the SST warm bias in the model by diluting the shortwave radiation to the seasonal thermocline, while in winter, it can reduce the model SST cold bias through the entrainment of the warm thermocline water into the mixed layer. The solar penetration forces significant changes not only in the ocean but also in the atmosphere. The changes in the atmospheric circulation are characterized by a baroclinic structure with ridge/trough in the lower/upper troposphere in summer and an equivalent barotropic trough in winter. As a result, the annual mean of the oceanic subtropical gyre is intensified. Our study echoes the potential importance of the ecosystem in modulating the coupled ocean‐atmosphere interaction over the extratropical oceans.
Near‐infrared optical constants of naturally occurring olivine and synthetic pyroxene as a function of mineral composition
Authors: Trang David , Lucey Paul G. , Gillis‐Davis Jeffrey J. , Cahill Joshua T. S. , Klima Rachel L. , Isaacson Peter J.
Published: April 2013

Radiative transfer theory will assist in determining olivine and pyroxene proportions and compositions from the surface of a planetary body composed of intimately mixed minerals. In order to use radiative transfer techniques, the model requires the optical constants of olivine and pyroxene. Optical constants are parameters that describe the degree light absorbed (k) and refracted (n) in a medium. Here we only parameterize k in the near infrared from 0.6 to 2.5 µm of natural olivine as a function of forsterite number and synthetic pyroxene with respect to wollastonite and ferrosilite number. In contrast to previous work, this study is an improvement on previous work because we have a diverse and larger sample size leading to robust optical parameters. Additionally, we characterize each k‐spectrum with the modified Gaussian model (MGM). MGM is a physically realistic model of near‐infrared absorptions due to electronic transitions. In each spectrum, we model each absorption and continuum with Gaussians and an inverse of a linear function, respectively. We find that our fitting routine characterizes the olivine and pyroxene k‐spectra in a robust and consistent manner. Then we use regression analysis to characterize each parameter of the Gaussians and the continuum as a function of mineral composition. The developed optical parameters from this work will allow calculations of mineral proportions and compositions on planetary surfaces with use of data from missions such as Dawn, MESSENGER, SELENE, and Chandrayaan‐1.
NAFTA, Skilled Migration, and Continental Nursing Markets
Authors: Gabriel Christina
Published: April 2013

High‐skilled labour migration figures prominently in global policy narratives. Increasingly, countries in the global north have introduced policies to attract and facilitate the entry of skilled migrants. More recently, the high‐skilled migrant is cast as an ‘agent of development’ within policy discourse and practice. This paper challenges this rhetoric by interrogating the ways in which the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is implicated in skilled worker mobility. Specifically, it focuses on the empirical case of the nascent continental nursing labour market to highlight the linkages between trade, migration, and development. Two specific interrelated aspects are investigated. First, the ways in which the NAFTA appeared to promote a set of linkages between nursing labour markets of Canada, US, and Mexico through its mobility provisions. Second and relatedly, the paper explores how the new continental nursing market, engendered by the NAFTA, has created a space for third party actors, most notably nursing recruiters, to facilitate cross‐border mobility of nurses. The paper emphasises the importance of considering the diverse contexts that are implicated in the production, mobility, and governance of specific skills. This consideration troubles dominate policy narratives of skilled migration as being either a boon or detriment to development goals. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanoparticles for Gene Delivery
Authors: Tian Huayu , Chen Jie , Chen Xuesi
Published: April 2013

Nanocarriers are a new type of nonviral gene carriers, many of which have demonstrated a broad range of pharmacological and biological properties, such as being biodegradable in the body, stimulus‐responsive towards the surrounding environment, and an abiltiy to specifically targeting certain disease sites. By summarizing some main types of nanocarriers, this Concept considers the current status and possible future directions of the potential clinical applications of multifunctional nanocarriers, with primary attention on the combination of such properties as biodegradability, targetability, transfection ability, and stimuli sensitivity.