bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Next-Generation Sequencing in Clinical Molecular Diagnostics of Cancer: Advantages and Challenges
Authors: Luthra Rajyalakshmi , Chen Hui , Roy-Chowdhuri Sinchita , Singh R.
Published: October 2015

The application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) to characterize cancer genomes has resulted in the discovery of numerous genetic markers. Consequently, the number of markers that warrant routine screening in molecular diagnostic laboratories, often from limited tumor material, has increased. This increased demand has been difficult to manage by traditional low- and/or medium-throughput sequencing platforms. Massively parallel sequencing capabilities of NGS provide a much-needed alternative for mutation screening in multiple genes with a single low investment of DNA. However, implementation of NGS technologies, most of which are for research use only (RUO), in a diagnostic laboratory, needs extensive validation in order to establish Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and College of American Pathologists (CAP)-compliant performance characteristics. Here, we have reviewed approaches for validation of NGS technology for routine screening of tumors. We discuss the criteria for selecting gene markers to include in the NGS panel and the deciding factors for selecting target capture approaches and sequencing platforms. We also discuss challenges in result reporting, storage and retrieval of the voluminous sequencing data and the future potential of clinical NGS.
VOx Surface Coverage Optimization of V2O5/WO3-TiO2 SCR Catalysts by Variation of the V Loading and by Aging
Authors: Marberger Adrian , Elsener Martin , Ferri Davide , Kröcher Oliver
Published: October 2015

V2O5/WO3-TiO2 selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalysts with a V2O5 loading of 1.7, 2.0, 2.3, 2.6, 2.9, 3.2 and 3.5 wt. % were investigated in the fresh state and after hydrothermal aging at 600 °C for 16 h. The catalysts were characterized by means of nitrogen physisorption, X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. In the fresh state, the SCR activity increased with increasing V loading. Upon aging, the catalysts with up to 2.3 wt. % V2O5 exhibited higher NOx reduction activity than in the fresh state, while the catalysts with more than 2.6 wt. % V2O5 showed increasing deactivation tendencies. The observed activation and deactivation were correlated with the change of the VOx and WOx surface coverages. Only catalysts with a VOx coverage below 50% in the aged state did not show deactivation tendencies. With respect to tungsten, above one monolayer of WOx, WO3 particles were formed leading to loss of surface acidity, sintering, catalyst deactivation and early NH3 slip. An optimal compromise between activity and hydrothermal aging resistance could be obtained only with V2O5 between 2.0 and 2.6 wt. %.
Modeling Compound Loss from Polydimethylsiloxane Passive Samplers
Authors: Thomas Courtney , Reible Danny
Published: October 2015

Volatile losses were measured from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) passive samplers during determination of contaminant porewater concentrations in sediments. Volatile losses could occur between the time of retrieval and processing of the passive sampler or in intertidal environments where the passive sampler could potentially be exposed above the water surface at low tide. A model was developed to predict losses of absorbed compounds as a function of sorbent geometry and the Henry’s Law Coefficient and PDMS-water partition coefficient of the compound of interest. The model suggests that thin layers of PDMS typically used to minimize equilibration times in passive sampling (≤30 µm) may not provide quantitative measurement of naphthalenes or other lighter volatile compounds without special efforts to reduce losses. The results suggest that the samplers should be processed rapidly onsite or kept at low temperatures after retrieval to maximize retention of more volatile compounds or designed with thick PDMS layers. The results also suggest that less volatile compounds, including phenanthrene, and higher molecular weight polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) exhibit minimal evaporative losses with typical sample processing times.
A Comprehensive Review on Fluid Dynamics and Transport of Suspension/Liquid Droplets and Particles in High-Velocity Oxygen-Fuel (HVOF) Thermal Spray
Authors: Jadidi Mehdi , Moghtadernejad Sara , Dolatabadi Ali
Published: October 2015

In thermal spraying processes, molten, semi-molten, or solid particles, which are sufficiently fast in a stream of gas, are deposited on a substrate. These particles can plastically deform while impacting on the substrate, which results in the formation of well-adhered and dense coatings. Clearly, particles in flight conditions, such as velocity, trajectory, temperature, and melting state, have enormous influence on the coating properties and should be well understood to control and improve the coating quality. The focus of this study is on the high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) spraying and high velocity suspension flame spraying (HVSFS) techniques, which are widely used in academia and industry to generate different types of coatings. Extensive numerical and experimental studies were carried out and are still in progress to estimate the particle in-flight behavior in thermal spray processes. In this review paper, the fundamental phenomena involved in the mentioned thermal spray techniques, such as shock diamonds, combustion, primary atomization, secondary atomization, etc., are discussed comprehensively. In addition, the basic aspects and emerging trends in simulation of thermal spray processes are reviewed. The numerical approaches such as Eulerian-Lagrangian and volume of fluid along with their advantages and disadvantages are explained in detail. Furthermore, this article provides a detailed review on simulation studies published to date.
Fabrication and Characterization of a Perovskite-Type Solar Cell with a Substrate Size of 70 mm
Authors: Oku Takeo , Matsumoto Taisuke , Suzuki Atsushi , Suzuki Kohei
Published: October 2015

A perovskite-type solar cell with a substrate size of 70 mm × 70 mm was fabricated by a simple spin-coating method using a mixed solution. The photovoltaic properties of the TiO2/CH3NH3PbI3-based photovoltaic devices were investigated by current density-voltage characteristic and incident photon to current conversion efficiency measurements. Their short-circuit current densities were almost constant over a large area. The photoconversion efficiency was influenced by the open-circuit voltage, which depended on the distance from the center of the cell.
Radium-223-Dichloride in Castration Resistant Metastatic Prostate Cancer—Preliminary Results of the Response Evaluation Using F-18-Fluoride PET/CT
Authors: Kairemo Kalevi , Joensuu Timo
Published: October 2015

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome after Radium-223-dichloride (223RaCl2) treatment of patients with skeletal metastases of castration resistant prostate cancer using whole-body 18F-Fluoride PET/CT. Sodium 18F-fluoride [18F]-NaF PET/CT was performed prior the treatment of 223RaCl2, after the first cycle and after the sixth cycle. The skeletal metastases were analyzed quantitatively using modified PET response evaluation PERCIST criteria. The patients were also analyzed for S-PSA. All ten patients responded in [18F]-NaF scans after 6 cycles, but interim analysis after the 1st cycle did not give additional information about the outcome. The S-PSA decrease correlated with [18F]-NaF response, only 1 patient demonstrated progressive disease, i.e., >25% increase in S-PSA values during 223RaCl2. Our results (although preliminary) suggest that 18F-Fluoride PET/CT is useful in the follow-up of castration resistant prostate cancer with skeletal metastases.
Introduction to Hardware Security
Authors: Jin Yier
Published: October 2015

Hardware security has become a hot topic recently with more and more researchers from related research domains joining this area. However, the understanding of hardware security is often mixed with cybersecurity and cryptography, especially cryptographic hardware. For the same reason, the research scope of hardware security has never been clearly defined. To help researchers who have recently joined in this area better understand the challenges and tasks within the hardware security domain and to help both academia and industry investigate countermeasures and solutions to solve hardware security problems, we will introduce the key concepts of hardware security as well as its relations to related research topics in this survey paper. Emerging hardware security topics will also be clearly depicted through which the future trend will be elaborated, making this survey paper a good reference for the continuing research efforts in this area.
Hybrid Intelligent Control Method to Improve the Frequency Support Capability of Wind Energy Conversion Systems
Authors: Heo Shin , Kim Mun , Choi Jin
Published: October 2015

This paper presents a hybrid intelligent control method that enables frequency support control for permanent magnet synchronous generators (PMSGs) wind turbines. The proposed method for a wind energy conversion system (WECS) is designed to have PMSG modeling and full-scale back-to-back insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) converters comprising the machine and grid side. The controller of the machine side converter (MSC) and the grid side converter (GSC) are designed to achieve maximum power point tracking (MPPT) based on an improved hill climb searching (IHCS) control algorithm and de-loaded (DL) operation to obtain a power margin. Along with this comprehensive control of maximum power tracking mode based on the IHCS, a method for kinetic energy (KE) discharge control of the supporting primary frequency control scheme with DL operation is developed to regulate the short-term frequency response and maintain reliable operation of the power system. The effectiveness of the hybrid intelligent control method is verified by a numerical simulation in PSCAD/EMTDC. Simulation results show that the proposed approach can improve the frequency regulation capability in the power system.
Loblolly Pine Growth Patterns on Reclaimed Mineland: Allometry, Biomass, and Volume
Authors: Priest Jeremy , Stovall Jeremy , Coble Dean , Oswald Brian , Williams Hans
Published: October 2015

Surface lignite coal mines in east Texas are commonly reforested using loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) following mining and reclamation activities. Due to the nature of such an extreme disturbance, altered growth patterns, growth rates, and productivity could be expected. We destructively sampled above- and belowground tissue to develop prediction equations specific to these sites. These prediction equations differed statistically from those found in the literature regarding unmined land. At the stand level, biomass and volume productivity appeared similar with young stands on reclaimed mineland performing slightly poorer than similarly managed unmined sites. Allometric partitioning of above- and belowground biomass differed statistically from the unmined allometric model previously studied. The allometric pattern on reclaimed mineland indicated greater partitioning of biomass belowground for young stands of low quadratic mean diameter relative to unmined stands. Older stands on reclaimed mineland exhibited no allometric partitioning differences from unmined stands, indicating the normal allometric pattern is resumed for stands greater than 10 years of age.
Multiple-Use Zoning Model for Private Forest Owners in Agricultural Landscapes: A Case Study
Authors: Truax Benoit , Gagnon Daniel , Lambert France , Fortier Julien
Published: October 2015

Many small-scale private forest owners increasingly focus their management on amenity functions rather than on wood production functions. This paradigm shift is an opportunity to implement novel forestry management approaches, such as forested land zoning. Forest zoning consists in separating the land base in three zones that have different management objectives: (1) conservation zones; (2) ecosystem management zones; and (3) intensive production zones, which locally increase productivity, as a trade off to increase the land area dedicated to conservation and ecosystem management. We evaluate the ecological feasibility of implementing forest zoning on a private property (216 ha) at St-Benoît-du-Lac, Québec (Canada) characterised by agricultural and forest land uses. As a basis for delineating conservation and ecosystem management zones, historical and contemporary data and facts on forest composition and dynamics were reviewed, followed by a detailed forest vegetation analysis of forest communities. Delineating intensive production zones was straightforward, as fertile agricultural field margins located downslope were used to establish multifunctional hybrid poplar buffers. At St-Benoît-du-Lac, a realistic zoning scenario would consist of (1) conservation zones covering 25% of the forestland (37 ha); (2) ecosystem management zones covering 75% of the forestland (113 ha, including restoration zones on 24 ha); and (3) intensive production zones on 2.8 ha. Based on a yield projection of 13 t/ha/year for hybrid poplars, only 5.6% of agricultural field areas would need to be converted into agroforestry systems to allow for the loss of wood production in a conservation zone of 37 ha of forest. Ecosystem services provision following the implementation of zoning would include increased habitat quality, biodiversity protection and enhancement (by restoration of some tree species), carbon storage, non-point source aquatic pollution control, local biomass production for heating, and increased forest economic value.
Concrete-Filled-Large Deformable FRP Tubular Columns under Axial Compressive Loading
Authors: Abdelkarim Omar , ElGawady Mohamed
Published: October 2015

The behavior of concrete-filled fiber tubes (CFFT) polymers under axial compressive loading was investigated. Unlike the traditional fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) such as carbon, glass, aramid, etc., the FRP tubes in this study were designed using large rupture strains FRP which are made of recycled materials such as plastic bottles; hence, large rupture strain (LRS) FRP composites are environmentally friendly and can be used in the context of green construction. This study performed finite element (FE) analysis using LS-DYNA software to conduct an extensive parametric study on CFFT. The effects of the FRP confinement ratio, the unconfined concrete compressive strength ( ), column size, and column aspect ratio on the behavior of the CFFT under axial compressive loading were investigated during this study. A comparison between the behavior of the CFFTs with LRS-FRP and those with traditional FRP (carbon and glass) with a high range of confinement ratios was conducted as well. A new hybrid FRP system combined with traditional and LRS-FRP is proposed. Generally, the CFFTs with LRS-FRP showed remarkable behavior under axial loading in strength and ultimate strain. Equations to estimate the concrete dilation parameter and dilation angle of the CFFTs with LRS-FRP tubes and hybrid FRP tubes are suggested.
Mapping out Patience: Cartography, Cinema and W.G. Sebald
Authors: Ng-Chan Taien
Published: October 2015

Cinematic cartography can be an especially powerful tool for deep mapping, as it can convey the narratives, emotions, memories and histories, as well as the locations and geography that are associated with a place. This is evident in the documentary film Patience (After Sebald) by Grant Gee, which follows in the footsteps of W.G. Sebald and his walking tour of Suffolk, England, as described in his book The Rings of Saturn. A variety of strategies in cinematic cartography are used quite consciously in Gee’s exploration of space, place and story. Using Teresa Castro’s three cartographic shapes of cinema, I structure an analysis of the film’s opening scene through a discussion of cinematic cartography, or the plotting of geospatial data onto a map, as well as what I will differentiate as cartographic cinema, or the mapping of space through the cinematographic image. I argue that both are necessary not only to have a deep understanding of the world and our place in it, but also in how to transmit that knowledge to others.
A Multimedia Data Visualization Based on Ad Hoc Communication Networks and Its Application to Disaster Management
Authors: Kawamura Youhei , Wagner Markus , Jang Hyongdoo , Nobuhara Hajime , Shibuya Takeshi , Kitahara Itaru , Dewan Ashraf M , Veenendaal Bert
Published: October 2015

After massive earthquakes and other large-scale disasters, existing communication infrastructure may become unavailable and, therefore, it can be quite difficult for relief organizations to fully grasp the impact of the disaster on the affected region. Consequently, this will be the cause of delays to offer the strategic assistance, and to provide water and food, etc. In order to solve the problem of re-establishing communication infrastructure to allow for information gathering, we developed an ad hoc mobile communications network for disaster-struck areas using ZigBee. As the communication speed of ZigBee is low, we propose a problem-specific image compression method for the multimedia data visualization. By using the proposed method combined with GPS information, it is possible to quickly grasp the damage situation in the region. Through our communication experiments in Tsukuba City, Japan we confirm the effectiveness of our system as a disaster information gathering and management system.
Growing City and Rapid Land Use Transition: Assessing Multiple Hazards and Risks in the Pokhara Valley, Nepal
Authors: Rimal Bhagawat , Baral Himlal , Stork Nigel , Paudyal Kiran , Rijal Sushila
Published: October 2015

Pokhara is one of the most naturally beautiful cities in the world with a unique geological setting. This important tourist city is under intense pressure from rapid urbanization and population growth. Multiple hazards and risks are rapidly increasing in Pokhara due to unsustainable land use practices, particularly the increase in built-up areas. This study examines the relationship among urbanization, land use/land cover dynamics and multiple hazard and risk analysis of the Pokhara valley from 1990 to 2013. We investigate some of the active hazards, such as floods, landslides, fire, sinkholes, land subsidence and earthquakes, and prepare an integrated multiple hazard risk map indicating the highly vulnerable zones. Land use and land cover maps from 1990 and 2013 from Landsat images (30 m resolution) have been prepared and analyzed for the spatial dynamics of urbanization and the transition of land use and land cover. In the 23-year period, the built-up area more than doubled from 24.03 km² to 54.20 km². Although the landscape in the urban, peri-urban and rural areas appears to be fragmented, different drivers play pivotal roles in landscape change in these areas. The results provide substantial information for establishing innovative action plans for disaster risk management in the valley. Recommendations are made for the most suitable places for future urban expansion in the valley. This study is important for raising awareness among policy makers and other public officials to include multiple hazard risk mitigation in land use policies and plans. Establishing connections between urban expansions, escalating population growth and multiple hazards and risk assessment will also improve in modelling the latent impact of future catastrophes and emergency preparedness.
State Fragility and Structural Gender Inequality in Family Law: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Bowen Donna , Hudson Valerie M. , Nielsen Perpetua
Published: October 2015

In this paper we examine the linkage of male-dominant family law systems and levels of nation-state security and stability. We expect such societies to be predisposed to parasitical rent-seeking and inefficiency, combined with coercive conflict resolution, resulting in higher levels of violence within the society. We demonstrate empirically that states with inequitable family law also exhibit higher levels of state fragility. Using standard indicators of state stability and security, our empirical results show that the ability to predict levels of state stability and security is significantly enhanced by examining a measure of Inequity in Family Law in addition to more conventional explanatory variables such as literacy rate, level of democracy, and civilizational influence.
Contamination Effects on Improving the Hydrogenation/Dehydrogenation Kinetics of Binary Magnesium Hydride/Titanium Carbide Systems Prepared by Reactive Ball Milling
Authors: El-Eskandarany M. Sherif , Shaban Ehab
Published: October 2015

Ultrafine MgH2 nanocrystalline powders were prepared by reactive ball milling of elemental Mg powders after 200 h of high-energy ball milling under a hydrogen gas pressure of 50 bar. The as-prepared metal hydride powders were contaminated with 2.2 wt. % of FeCr-stainless steel that was introduced to the powders upon using stainless steel milling tools made of the same alloy. The as-synthesized MgH2 was doped with previously prepared TiC nanopowders, which were contaminated with 2.4 wt. % FeCr (materials of the milling media), and then ball milled under hydrogen gas atmosphere for 50 h. The results related to the morphological examinations of the fabricated nanocomposite powders beyond the micro-and nano-levels showed excellent distributions of 5.2 wt. % TiC/4.6 wt. % FeCr dispersoids embedded into the fine host matrix of MgH2 powders. The as-fabricated nanocomposite MgH2/5.2 wt. % TiC/4.6 wt. % FeCr powders possessed superior hydrogenation/dehydrogenation characteristics, suggested by the low value of the activation energy (97.74 kJ/mol), and the short time required for achieving a complete absorption (6.6 min) and desorption (8.4 min) of 5.51 wt. % H2 at a moderate temperature of 275 °C under a hydrogen gas pressure ranging from 100 mbar to 8 bar. van’t Hoff approach was used to calculate the enthalpy (DH) and entropy (DS) of hydrogenation for MgH2, which was found to be -72.74 kJ/mol and 112.79 J/mol H2/K, respectively. Moreover, van’t Hoff method was employed to calculate the DH and DS of dehydrogenation, which was found to be 76.76 kJ/mol and 119.15 J/mol H2/K, respectively. This new nanocomposite system possessed excellent absorption/desorption cyclability of 696 complete cycles, achieved in a cyclic-life-time of 682 h.
Flocculation of Pyrite Fines in Aqueous Suspensions with Corn Starch to Eliminate Mechanical Entrainment in Flotation
Authors: Ge Wei , Li Hongqiang , Ren Yanzeng , Zhao Feiyu , Song Shaoxian
Published: October 2015

The hydrophilic flocculation of pyrite fines in aqueous suspensions with corn starch was studied by measuring particle size distribution, microscopy observation and micro-flotation. Furthermore, the interaction of corn starch with pyrite was investigated by determining the adsorption density and based on zeta potential measurements and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) analysis in this work. The results of the particle size distribution measurement show that corn starch can effectively aggregate pyrite fines, and the pyrite floccules (flocs) are sensitive to mechanical stirring. The micro-flotation results suggest that the mechanical entrainment of pyrite fines in flotation can be effectively eliminated through the formation of large-size flocs. The zeta potential of pyrite particles decreases with the addition of corn starch. The XPS results prove that carboxyl groups are generated on the digested corn starch, and both iron hydroxyl compounds and ferrous disulfide on the pyrite surface can chemically interact with the corn starch digested by sodium hydroxide.
Ab initio Studies of O2 Adsorption on (110) Nickel-Rich Pentlandite (Fe4Ni5S8) Mineral Surface
Authors: Mkhonto Peace , Chauke Hasani , Ngoepe  Phuti
Published: October 2015

Ab initio density functional theory was used to investigate the adsorption of oxygen molecule on the nickel-rich pentlandite (110) surface, which is important for mineral extraction. The three most reactive adsorption sites: Fe-top, Ni-top, and fcc-hollow have been considered. Firstly, the non-adsorbed pentlandite surface reflects the Ni atoms relaxing inwards. Consequently, their electronic structure showed high Fe 3d-orbital contribution than the Ni 3d-orbitals at the EF (indicating that the Fe atoms are more reactive than Ni). Secondly, the O2-adsorbed surface predicted lowest adsorption energy for Fe-top (-1.902 eV), as a more spontaneous reaction is likely to occur than on fcc-hollow (-1.891 eV) and Ni-top (-0.040 eV) sites, suggesting Fe preferential oxidation. The density of states indicates that the O2 show prevalence of electrons in the πp* antibonding orbitals, and are reduced to zero states at the valence band on metal-bonded oxygen (O1). The πp* orbital is observed to reside just above the EF for Fe-top and fcc-hollow site, while on Ni-top is half-occupied for both metal-bonded oxygen (O1) and terminal oxygen (O2). Finally, the isosurface charge density difference showed electron (charge) depletion on Ni/Fe metals and accumulation on the O2 molecule. Bader analysis indicated that the oxidized Fe and Ni atoms adopt more positive charge, while O2 on Fe-top atoms possesses more negative charge than on Ni-top, resulting with O1 possessing a smaller charge than O2 atom.
A Systematic Review of the Anxiolytic-Like Effects of Essential Oils in Animal Models
Authors: De Sousa Damião , Hocayen Palloma , Andrade Luciana , Andreatini Roberto
Published: October 2015

The clinical efficacy of standardized essential oils (such as Lavender officinalis), in treating anxiety disorders strongly suggests that these natural products are an important candidate source for new anxiolytic drugs. A systematic review of essential oils, their bioactive constituents, and anxiolytic-like activity is conducted. The essential oil with the best profile is Lavendula angustifolia, which has already been tested in controlled clinical trials with positive results. Citrus aurantium using different routes of administration also showed significant effects in several animal models, and was corroborated by different research groups. Other promising essential oils are Citrus sinensis and bergamot oil, which showed certain clinical anxiolytic actions; along with Achillea wilhemsii, Alpinia zerumbet, Citrus aurantium, and Spiranthera odoratissima, which, like Lavendula angustifolia, appear to exert anxiolytic-like effects without GABA/benzodiazepine activity, thus differing in their mechanisms of action from the benzodiazepines. The anxiolytic activity of 25 compounds commonly found in essential oils is also discussed.
Is Healthier Nutrition Behaviour Associated with Better Self-Reported Health and Less Health Complaints? Evidence from Turku, Finland
Authors: El Ansari Walid , Suominen Sakari , Berg-Beckhoff Gabriele
Published: October 2015

We examined nutrition behaviour, self-reported health and 20 health complaints of undergraduates in Finland. Students at the University of Turku in Finland participated in a cross-sectional online survey (N = 1189). For nutrition behaviour, we computed two composite food intake pattern scores (sweets, cakes and snacks; and fruits and vegetables), a dietary guideline adherence index and the subjective importance of healthy eating. Multinomial logistic regression assessed the association of students’ nutrition behaviour with three levels of self-reported health, controlling for many potential confounders (age, sex, living with partner, economic situation, moderate physical activity, Faculty and BMI). Factor analysis of the 20 health complaints revealed three components (psychological, pains/aches and circulatory/breathing symptoms). Multiple linear regression tested the association of students’ eating habits with the three components of health complaints, controlling for the same confounders. Fruits and raw and cooked vegetable consumption, dietary guideline adherence index and subjective importance of healthy eating were highest among students with excellent/very good self-reported health, exhibiting a decreasing trend for those individuals with poor/fair self-reported health. High levels of psychological symptoms were associated with decreased consumption of fruits and vegetables, less dietary guideline adherence and less subjective importance of healthy eating. Pain/aches symptoms were associated with a higher consumption of sweets, cookies and snacks and a lower adherence to dietary guidelines. More healthy nutrition behaviour was consistently associated with better self-reported health and less health complaints. Of the four nutrition behaviour indicators we employed, the dietary guideline adherence index was the best indicator and exhibited the most consistent associations with self-reported health and health complaints.
Non-Rigid Structure Estimation in Trajectory Space from Monocular Vision
Authors: Wang Yaming , Tong Lingling , Jiang Mingfeng , Zheng Junbao
Published: October 2015

In this paper, the problem of non-rigid structure estimation in trajectory space from monocular vision is investigated. Similar to the Point Trajectory Approach (PTA), based on characteristic points’ trajectories described by a predefined Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) basis, the structure matrix was also calculated by using a factorization method. To further optimize the non-rigid structure estimation from monocular vision, the rank minimization problem about structure matrix is proposed to implement the non-rigid structure estimation by introducing the basic low-rank condition. Moreover, the Accelerated Proximal Gradient (APG) algorithm is proposed to solve the rank minimization problem, and the initial structure matrix calculated by the PTA method is optimized. The APG algorithm can converge to efficient solutions quickly and lessen the reconstruction error obviously. The reconstruction results of real image sequences indicate that the proposed approach runs reliably, and effectively improves the accuracy of non-rigid structure estimation from monocular vision.
Fabrication of Capacitive Acoustic Resonators Combining 3D Printing and 2D Inkjet Printing Techniques
Authors: Haque Rubaiyet , Ogam Erick , Loussert Christophe , Benaben Patrick , Boddaert Xavier
Published: October 2015

A capacitive acoustic resonator developed by combining three-dimensional (3D) printing and two-dimensional (2D) printed electronics technique is described. During this work, a patterned bottom structure with rigid backplate and cavity is fabricated directly by a 3D printing method, and then a direct write inkjet printing technique has been employed to print a silver conductive layer. A novel approach has been used to fabricate a diaphragm for the acoustic sensor as well, where the conductive layer is inkjet-printed on a pre-stressed thin organic film. After assembly, the resulting structure contains an electrically conductive diaphragm positioned at a distance from a fixed bottom electrode separated by a spacer. Measurements confirm that the transducer acts as capacitor. The deflection of the diaphragm in response to the incident acoustic single was observed by a laser Doppler vibrometer and the corresponding change of capacitance has been calculated, which is then compared with the numerical result. Observation confirms that the device performs as a resonator and provides adequate sensitivity and selectivity at its resonance frequency.
Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting in Internal Fluid Flow
Authors: Lee Hyeong , Sherrit Stewart , Tosi Luis , Walkemeyer Phillip , Colonius Tim
Published: October 2015

We consider piezoelectric flow energy harvesting in an internal flow environment with the ultimate goal powering systems such as sensors in deep oil well applications. Fluid motion is coupled to structural vibration via a cantilever beam placed in a converging-diverging flow channel. Two designs were considered for the electromechanical coupling: first; the cantilever itself is a piezoelectric bimorph; second; the cantilever is mounted on a pair of flextensional actuators. We experimentally investigated varying the geometry of the flow passage and the flow rate. Experimental results revealed that the power generated from both designs was similar; producing as much as 20 mW at a flow rate of 20 L/min. The bimorph designs were prone to failure at the extremes of flow rates tested. Finite element analysis (FEA) showed fatigue failure was imminent due to stress concentrations near the bimorph’s clamped region; and that robustness could be improved with a stepped-joint mounting design. A similar FEA model showed the flextensional-based harvester had a resonant frequency of around 375 Hz and an electromechanical coupling of 0.23 between the cantilever and flextensional actuators in a vacuum. These values; along with the power levels demonstrated; are significant steps toward building a system design that can eventually deliver power in the Watts range to devices down within a well.
A Field Experiment on Enhancement of Crop Yield by Rice Straw and Corn Stalk-Derived Biochar in Northern China
Authors: Yang Yang , Ma Shaoqiang , Zhao Yi , Jing Ming , Xu Yongqiang , Chen Jiawei
Published: October 2015

Biochar, a green way to deal with burning and burying biomass, has attracted more attention in recent years. To fill the gap of the effects of different biochar on crop yield in Northern China, the first field experiment was conducted in farmland located in Hebei Province. Biochars derived from two kinds of feedstocks (rice straw and corn stalk) were added into an Inceptisols area with different dosages (1 ton/ha, 2 ton/ha or 4 ton/ha) in April 2014. The crop yields were collected for corn, peanut, and sweet potato during one crop season from spring to autumn 2014, and the wheat from winter 2014 to summer 2015, respectively. The results showed biochar amendment could enhance yields, and biochar from rice straw showed a more positive effect on the yield of corn, peanut, and winter wheat than corn stalk biochar. The dosage of biochar of 2 ton/ha or 1 ton/ha could enhance the yield by 5%–15% and biochar of 4 ton/ha could increase the yield by about 20%. The properties of N/P/K, CEC, and pH of soils amended with biochar were not changed, while biochar effects could be related to improvement of soil water content.
Mutagenic Deimmunization of Diphtheria Toxin for Use in Biologic Drug Development
Authors: Schmohl Joerg U. , Todhunter Deborah , Oh Seung , Vallera Daniel A.
Published: October 2015

Background: Targeted toxins require multiple treatments and therefore must be deimmunized. We report a method of protein deimmunization based on the point mutation of highly hydrophilic R, K, D, E, and Q amino acids on the molecular surface of truncated diphtheria-toxin (DT390). Methods: Based on their surface position derived from an X-ray-crystallographic model, residues were chosen for point mutation that were located in prominent positions on the molecular surface and away from the catalytic site. Mice were immunized with a targeted toxin containing either a mutated DT390 containing seven critical point mutations or the non-mutated parental toxin form. Results: Serum analysis revealed a significant 90% reduction in anti-toxin antibodies in mice immunized with the mutant, but not the parental drug form despite multiple immunizations. The experiment was repeated in a second strain of mice with a different MHC-haplotype to address whether point mutation removed T or B cell epitopes. Findings were identical indicating that B cell epitopes were eliminated from DT. The mutant drug form lost only minimal activity in vitro as well as in vivo. Conclusion: These findings indicate that this method may be effective for deimmunizing of other proteins and that discovery of a deimmunized form of DT may lead to the development of more effective targeted toxin.
L'influence lombarde dans les Alpes françaises du Sud
Authors: Thirion Jacques
Published: October 2015

Dès le Haut Moyen Age, les vallées alpines ont bénéficié des courants artistiques issus de l'Italie septentrionale, comme le montrent certaines pratiques décoratives et l'introduction du nouveau type de chevet à trois absides. Un témoignage par- ticulièrement explicite de l'influence lombarde est fourni au xie siècle par l'afflux des types du premier art roman méditerranéen, dont plusieurs exemplaires intéressants subsistent dans les Alpes-Maritimes, les Basses-Alpes, les Hautes-Alpes, la Savoie et les départements limitrophes. Il s'agit de cathédrales ou d'églises monastiques élevées sans doute par des ateliers lombards itinérants, d'après les modèles fournis par la Haute-Italie. Au second âge roman, aux xne et xme siècles, et même plus tard, nombreux sont les traits que les églises des Alpes françaises ont en partage avec celles de l'autre versant : fidélité au plan basilical sans transept, piles de faible section, voûtes d'ogives de profil carré, animation des parois au moyen d'appareils dichromes et d'arcatures sur colonnettes, porches à lions stylophores, etc. Les clochers s'apparentent, par leur sveltesse et leurs étages allégés, à ceux de la région des lacs. Cependant, l'adoption constante de voûtes — • particulièrement de voûtes en berceau — détermine dans les principaux monuments une organisation des volumes intérieurs très différente de celle des édifices de la plaine lombarde et plus proche des habitudes provençales. Les églises de la Provence orientale et du Dauphiné révèlent ainsi une combinaison souvent très heureuse d'éléments d'origines diverses, afin de répondre à des conditions particulières. C'étaient des problèmes du même ordre qu'étaient habitués à résoudre les ateliers de la Haute-Italie, remarquables par leur faculté d'adaptation. Dans l'état actuel des recherches, il est nécessaire de mettre en évidence la notion d'une architecture alpine qui a sa physionomie propre au sein de la grande famille lombarde.
Notes de géographie historique : l'habitat celtique dans l'arrondissement de Lille
Authors: Halbaut Hubert , Leman Delerive Germaine
Published: October 2015

De ontdekking van talrijke sites uit de La Tène-tijd in het arrondissement Rijsel wijzen op een belangrijke Keltische bewoning in de ve eeuw voor Christus, en van het einde van de ine eeuw tot het begin van onze jaartelling. Het ging om landbouwgemeenschappen, kleine gehuchten, op ongeveer een km. van elkaar, ver van de moerassenmaar in de nabijheid van bronnen in een totaal ontbost landschap.
Isolation of nuclear microsatellites in the African timber tree Lophira alata (Ochnaceae) and cross‐amplification in L. lanceolata
Authors: Piñeiro Rosalía , Staquet Adrien , Hardy Olivier J.
Published: October 2015

Premise of the study:

Microsatellite markers were isolated in the rainforest tree Lophira alata (Ochnaceae), an important timber tree from Central Africa, and cross‐amplified on its savannah counterpart, L. lanceolata.

Methods and Results:

From a microsatellite‐enriched library sequenced on a 454 GS FLX platform, 13 primer combinations were identified. Amplification was optimized in two multiplex reactions. The primers amplified di‐ and trinucelotide repeats, with two to seven alleles per locus. Eleven primers also amplified in L. lanceolata.

Conclusions:

Microsatellite primers developed for the genus Lophira displayed sufficient variation to investigate hybridization between congeneric species in the rainforest–savannah transition.
Characterization of 12 polymorphic SSR markers in Veronica subsect. Pentasepalae (Plantaginaceae) and cross‐amplification in 10 other subgenera
Authors: López‐González Noemí , Mayland‐Quellhorst Eike , Pinto‐Carrasco Daniel , Martínez‐Ortega M. Montserrat
Published: October 2015

Premise of the study:

Microsatellite primers were developed in the perennial herbs of the diploid‐polyploid complex Veronica subsect. Pentasepalae (Plantaginaceae) to investigate the role that hybridization has played in the evolution of the group, which includes several endangered species.

Methods and Results:

Twelve pairs of primers leading to polymorphic and readable markers were identified and optimized from V. jacquinii and V. orbiculata using a microsatellite‐enriched library method and 454 GS‐FLX technique. The set of primers amplified dinucleotide to pentanucleotide repeats, and the number of alleles per locus ranged from one to six, one to 11, and one to nine for V. orsiniana, V. javalambrensis, and V. rosea, respectively. Transferability analyses were performed in 20 species corresponding to 10 different subgenera.

Conclusions:

These results indicate the utility of the newly developed microsatellites across Veronica subsect. Pentasepalae, which will help in the study of gene flow patterns and genetic structure.
Deixis and Deducibility in a Wasco-Wishram Passive of Evidence
Authors: Silverstein Michael
Published: October 2015

n/a
Definiteness, Existentials, and the 'List' Interpretation
Authors: Abbott Barbara
Published: October 2015

No abstract.
Influence on Visual Quality of Intraoperative Orientation of Asymmetric Intraocular Lenses
Authors: Bonaque-González Sergio , Ríos Susana , Amigó Alfredo , López-Gil Norberto
Published: October 2015

PURPOSE:

To evaluate visual quality when changing the intraocular orientation of the Lentis Mplus LS-312MF nonrotational symmetric +3.00 diopters aspheric multifocal intraocular lens ([IOL] Oculentis GmbH, Berlin, Germany) in normal eyes.

METHODS:

An artificial eye was used to measure the in vitro wavefront of the IOL. The corneal topography of 20 healthy patients was obtained. For each eye, a computational analysis simulated the implantation of the IOL. The modulation transfer function (MTF) and an image quality parameter (visually modulated transfer function [VSMTF] metric) were calculated for a 5.0-mm pupil and for three conditions: distance, intermediate, and near vision. The procedure was repeated for each eye after a rotation of the IOL with respect to the cornea from 0° to 360° in 1° steps.

RESULTS:

Statistical analysis showed significant differences in mean VSMTF values between orientations for distance vision. Optimal orientation of the IOL (different for each eye) showed a mean improvement of 58% ± 19% (range: 20% to 121%) in VSMTF values with respect to the worst possible orientation. For these orientations, intermediate and near vision quality were statistically indistinguishable. The MTFs were different between orientations, showing a mean difference of approximately 5 cycles per degree in the maximum spatial frequencies that can be transferred between the best and the worst orientations for distance vision.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results suggest that implantation of this nonrotational symmetric IOL should improve visual outcomes if it is oriented to coincide with a customized meridian. A simple, practical method is proposed to find an approximation to the angle that an Mplus IOL should be inserted.

[
J Refract Surg.
2015;31(10):651–656.]
The unrealised ethical potential of the Methodist theology of prevenient grace
Authors: Field David N.
Published: October 2015

This article examines the unrealised ethical potential of the theology of prevenient grace. It begins with a brief analysis of John Wesley’s rejection of slavery as rooted in his theology of prevenient grace. This is demonstrated in the next section which analyses Wesley’s notion of prevenient grace. This is followed by a constructive proposal for a contemporary theology of prevenient grace and some ethical implications of this theology, for contemporary social and political ethics, are developed.
Existence of Hilbert Cusp Forms with Non-vanishingL-values
Authors: Sugiyama Shingo , Tsuzuki Masao
Published: October 2015

We develop a derivative version of the relative trace formula on PGL(2) studied in our previous work, and derive an asymptotic formula of an average of central values (derivatives) of automorphicL-functions for Hilbert cusp forms. As an application, we prove the existence of Hilbert cusp forms with non-vanishing central values (derivatives) such that the absolute degrees of their Hecke fields are arbitrarily large.
Fourteen months of on-line measurements of the non-refractory submicron aerosol at the Jungfraujoch (3580 m a.s.l.) – chemical composition, origins and organic aerosol sources
Authors: Fröhlich R. , Cubison M. J. , Slowik J. G. , Bukowiecki N. , Canonaco F. , Croteau P. L. , Gysel M. , Henne S. , Herrmann E. , Jayne J. T. , Steinbacher M. , Worsnop D. R. , Baltensperger U. , Prévôt A. S. H.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. Chemically resolved (organic, nitrate, sulfate, ammonium) data of non-refractory submicron (NR-PM1) aerosol from the first long-term deployment (27 July 2012 to 02 October 2013) of a time-of-flight aerosol chemical speciation monitor (ToF-ACSM) at the Swiss high-altitude site Jungfraujoch (JFJ; 3580 m a.s.l.) are presented. Besides total mass loadings, diurnal variations and relative species contributions during the different meteorological seasons, geographical origin and sources of organic aerosol (OA) are discussed. Backward transport simulations show that the highest (especially sulfate) concentrations of NR-PM1 were measured in air masses advected to the station from regions south of the JFJ, while lowest concentrations were seen from western regions. OA source apportionment for each season was performed using the Source Finder (SoFi) interface for the multilinear engine (ME-2). OA was dominated in all seasons by oxygenated OA (OOA, 71–88 %), with lesser contributions from local tourism-related activities (7–12 %) and hydrocarbon-like OA related to regional vertical transport (3–9 %). In summer the OOA can be separated into a background low-volatility OA (LV-OOA I, possibly associated with long-range transport) and a slightly less oxidised low-volatility OA (LV-OOA II) associated with regional vertical transport. Wood burning-related OA associated with regional transport was detected during the whole winter 2012/2013 and during rare events in summer 2013, in the latter case attributed to small-scale transport for the surrounding valleys. Additionally, the data were divided into periods with free tropospheric (FT) conditions and periods with planetary boundary layer (PBL) influence, enabling the assessment of the composition for each. Most nitrate and part of the OA are injected from the regional PBL, while sulfate is mainly produced in the FT. The south/north gradient of sulfate is also pronounced in FT air masses (sulfate mass fraction from the south: 45 %; from the north: 29 %). Furthermore, a detailed investigation of specific marker fragments of the OA spectra (f43, f44, f55, f57, f60) showed different degrees of ageing depending on season.