bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drivers of species richness and community integrity of small forest patches in an agricultural landscape
Authors: Takkis Krista , Kull Tiiu , Hallikma Tiit , Jaksi Piia , Kaljund Karin , Kauer Karin , Kull Thea , Kurina Olavi , Külvik Mart , Lanno Kaire , Leht Malle , Liira Jaan , Melts Indrek , Pehlak Hannes , Raet Janar , Sammet Kaarel , Sepp Kalev , Väli Ülo , Laanisto Lauri
Published: October 2018

Questions

Long‐term fragmentation and land use in Europe have created a landscape pattern where small forest patches are embedded among agricultural landscapes. These small forest patches can be one of the few habitats left to maintain the species richness and ecosystem functions within intensively managed agroecosystems. We ask, which factors determine vascular plant species richness, community composition and forest community integrity in small forest patches in an agricultural landscape?

Location

NE Estonia.

Methods

We combine island biogeographic theory (patch area and isolation) with the properties of the surrounding landscape and local environmental conditions within a patch to study the drivers of species richness and community integrity.

Results

Patch area together with local environmental factors (understorey light conditions and soil reaction) determined both species richness and community integrity. Total species richness and forest generalists were related to patch area alone, whereas forest specialists were additionally dependent on patch light conditions. Species richness of grassland specialists in the forest patches increased with the amount of natural habitat in the surrounding landscape, while the presence of synanthropic species was positively related to soil reaction. Forest community integrity was higher in larger, more shaded patches with low soil reaction, which together defined suitable conditions for forest communities and hindered the intrusion of species from other habitats.

Conclusions

Under a suitable set of conditions, encompassing both favourable landscape and local environmental conditions, even small forest patches can provide habitat for both forest and grassland communities in agricultural landscapes. Comprehensive approaches, considering species composition, environment and landscape conditions simultaneously, are needed for making reliable predictions of biodiversity patterns.
Modelling carbon sources and sinks in terrestrial vegetation
Authors: Fatichi Simone , Pappas Christoforos , Zscheischler Jakob , Leuzinger Sebastian
Published: October 2018

Contents

Summary
652

I.
Introduction
652

II.
Discrepancy in predicting the effects of rising [CO2] on the terrestrial C sink
655

III.
Carbon and nutrient storage in plants and its modelling
656

IV.
Modelling the source and the sink: a plant perspective
657

V.
Plant‐scale water and Carbon flux models
660

VI.
Challenges for the future
662

Acknowledgements
663

Authors contributions
663

References
663

The increase in atmospheric CO2 in the future is one of the most certain projections in environmental sciences. Understanding whether vegetation carbon assimilation, growth, and changes in vegetation carbon stocks are affected by higher atmospheric CO2 and translating this understanding in mechanistic vegetation models is of utmost importance. This is highlighted by inconsistencies between global‐scale studies that attribute terrestrial carbon sinks to CO2 stimulation of gross and net primary production on the one hand, and forest inventories, tree‐scale studies, and plant physiological evidence showing a much less pronounced CO2 fertilization effect on the other hand. Here, we review how plant carbon sources and sinks are currently described in terrestrial biosphere models. We highlight an uneven representation of complexity between the modelling of photosynthesis and other processes, such as plant respiration, direct carbon sinks, and carbon allocation, largely driven by available observations. Despite a general lack of data on carbon sink dynamics to drive model improvements, ways forward toward a mechanistic representation of plant carbon sinks are discussed, leveraging on results obtained from plant‐scale models and on observations geared toward model developments.
A curated gene list for expanding the horizons of pigmentation biology
Authors: Baxter Laura L. , Watkins‐Chow Dawn E. , Pavan William J. , Loftus Stacie K.
Published: October 2018

Over the past century, studies of human pigmentary disorders along with mouse and zebrafish models have shed light on the many cellular functions associated with visible pigment phenotypes. This has led to numerous genes annotated with the ontology term “pigmentation” in independent human, mouse, and zebrafish databases. Comparisons among these datasets revealed that each is individually incomplete in documenting all genes involved in integument‐based pigmentation phenotypes. Additionally, each database contained inherent species‐specific biases in data annotation, and the term “pigmentation” did not solely reflect integument pigmentation phenotypes. This review presents a comprehensive, cross‐species list of 650 genes involved in pigmentation phenotypes that was compiled with extensive manual curation of genes annotated in OMIM, MGI, ZFIN, and GO. The resulting cross‐species list of genes both intrinsic and extrinsic to integument pigment cells provides a valuable tool that can be used to expand our knowledge of complex, pigmentation‐associated pathways.
Long‐term off‐label dupilumab in pediatric atopic dermatitis: A case series
Authors: Treister Alison D. , Lio Peter A.
Published: October 2018

Background/Objectives

Clinical trials of dupilumab have shown efficacy in treating moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in adult patients. While a phase 2 trial of dupilumab has shown efficacy and safety in children, the medication awaits Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, and off‐label use is limited by dosing currently available to adults. We present this case series to describe the efficacy and safety profile of off‐label dupilumab use in six pediatric patients treated by one provider in a private practice.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients under the age of 18 receiving dupilumab for AD. Two dosing regimens were used as follows: adult dose for patients ≥ 40 kg and half dose for those < 40 kg. We recorded the investigator's global assessment (IGA) and body surface area (BSA) prior to dupilumab initiation and following treatment. All patients were warned of potential side effects including injection site reaction, conjunctivitis, increased risk of infection, and lack of information about use in children.

Results

Six pediatric patients were identified with an average age of 10.8 years (range: 7‐15). All patients had a decrease in IGA of at least 2 points using biweekly 300 or 150 milligram (mg) doses for an average treatment duration of 8.5 months (range: 6‐11). Three patients (50%) had an IGA of 1 after treatment. No side effects were reported.

Conclusions

Dupilumab appears to be an effective treatment for AD in pediatric patients. Optimal dose and delivery have yet to be determined.
Spectral Properties of Fluorogenic Thiophene‐derived Triarylmethane Dyes
Authors: Stensrud Kenneth F. , Zanotti Kimberly J. , Waggoner Alan S. , Armitage Bruce A.
Published: October 2018

Spectral properties and fluorogenic behaviors of five novel thiophene variants of malachite green (MG), termed MGTs, were determined. Appreciable changes as a function of homologation and substitution pattern, including absorption band positions and intensities and fluorescence quantum yields were observed. In particular, the shorter wavelength y‐band absorption was found to shift over a nearly 200 nm range based on aryl group variation, allowing fine‐tuning of the excitation wavelength for these dyes. In addition, the fluorescence intensity of some MGTs increased significantly (up to 4600‐fold) when the dye was bound to a cognate protein partner, which is potentially useful for cell imaging studies.
The Xanthophyll Carotenoid Astaxanthin has Distinct Biological Effects to Prevent the Photoaging of the Skin Even by its Postirradiation Treatment
Authors: Imokawa Genji
Published: October 2018

Exposure of human skin to ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes significant damage to that tissue. The effects of UV on the skin mainly include acute inflammation (erythema/edema) and abnormal keratinization wherein prostaglandin E2 (produced by cyclooxygenase‐2), interleukin‐8 and transglutaminase 1 (a major regulatory factor of keratinization) play pivotal roles. Later phases of UV‐induced skin reactions include hyperpigmentation, wrinkle formation and carcinogenesis, the former two being associated with the UVB‐induced production and/or secretion of endothelin‐1, stem cell factor and granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor by keratinocytes in the epidermis. Those paracrine factors then stimulate expression of the critical melanogenic enzyme tyrosinase by melanocytes in the epidermis and increase expression of neprilysin, an enzyme that degrades elastin, by fibroblasts in the dermis. This review summarizes the biological effects of the xanthophyll carotenoid astaxanthin, which prevents UV‐induced cutaneous inflammation, abnormal keratinization and wrinkling as well as pigmentation of the skin even by its postirradiation treatment.
Re‐playing Maimonides' codes: Designing games to teach religious legal systems
Authors: Gottlieb Owen
Published: October 2018

Lost & Found is a game series, created at the Initiative for Religion, Culture, and Policy at the Rochester Institute of Technology MAGIC Center. The series teaches medieval
religious legal systems. This article uses the first two games of the series as a case study to explore a particular set of processes to conceive, design, and develop games for learning. It includes the background leading to the author's work in games and teaching religion, and the specific context for the Lost & Found series. It discusses the rationale behind working to teach religious legal systems more broadly, then discuss the hermeneutics influencing the approach to understanding the legal systems being modeled, and closes with a discussion of the kind of teaching and learning involved in the design of the games and early stage data on the public play of the games.
Engaged pedagogy through role‐play in a Buddhist studies classroom
Authors: Garrett Frances
Published: October 2018

The article discusses two versions of a complex role‐playing exercise in undergraduate courses on Buddhism. The pedagogical exercise demonstrated how imagination cultivated through creative writing could be used to enhance learning about history, culture, and religion. Students were also challenged to generate an understanding of religious practice that arose from both cognitive and sensory learning. The project showed that by interacting with a form of engaged pedagogy that worked with the imagination, without leaving the classroom students developed a deep care for and active engagement with communities located spatially and temporally far from home. With empathy and critical reflection, they came to see how religious meaning is constructed at a communal level through embodied action and emotional sensibility.
Does capital punishment deter white‐collar crimes?
Authors: Goel Rajeev K. , Mazhar Ummad
Published: October 2018

This paper examines whether capital punishment, either directly or via a spillover effect, has a deterrent effect on white collar crimes. Using data on nearly 150 nations and various dimensions of capital punishment, including capital punishment for non‐violent crimes, we consider two widely prevalent white‐collar crimes—corruption and the shadow economy. Nesting the empirical analysis in the broader literature on determinants of corruption and the shadow economy, we find that capital punishment in general reduced both corruption and the shadow economy, and the deterrent effect on the shadow economy was relatively more prevalent. Adding some empirical insights to the theoretical arguments surrounding the desirability of maximal punishments, results show some trade‐off between the quantity and quality of punishment.
Disaster planning: the role of the transfusion practitioner
Authors: Deelen Rozemarijn , Costermans Els , Moss Rachel , Akers Christine
Published: October 2018

The skill set of the transfusion practitioner predominantly focuses on staff and patient education, adverse events, transfusion governance and monitoring of transfusion practices within organizations, to ensure current clinical practices align with state, national, and international guidelines and standards (Transfus Med Rev, 2015, 29, 138–44). The transfusion practitioner (TP) working in a multidisciplinary setting has a unique position, mostly within the health service setting, to play an important role in integrating transfusion planning during the developing and implementing of local, regional and national disaster plans. This review article reflects the role of the TP in recent and potential role they could play in planning for possible future major events.
Visualized identification of the maximal surgical delay effect in a rat flap model
Authors: Li Xiucun , Chen Miao , Jiang Zhenmin , Liu Yang , Lu Laijin , Gong Xu
Published: October 2018

Currently, experimental evidence suggests that the surgical delay can increase flap survival area, but its effect may decrease if the optimal delay period is missed. The aim of this study is to establish a sensitive and objective modality based on the visualized and individualized infrared thermography for identifying the maximal surgical delay effect. A rectangular three‐angiosome flap was designed on the unilateral dorsum of the rat. Ninety‐six rats were randomly divided into six groups according to the various delay time. Both the relative temperature and the relative temperature ratio were measured by the infrared thermography. Arterial density, number of vessels >0.1 mm in diameter, microvessel density, VEGF concentration, and flap viability were measured. Receiving operating characteristic curve with the highest Youden‐Index was used to detect and identify an optimal cutoff point of the relative temperature ratio in the maximal surgical delay effect. The criteria for identifying the flap maximum delay effect based on the infrared thermography included the surface of the postdelayed flaps presented white color (higher temperature) instead of the red and white pattern of the normal skin and the optimal cutoff point of the relative temperature ratio was ≥1.17 with a sensitivity of 84.6% and a specificity of 77.3%. Instead, the sensitivity and specificity of the conventional method based on the delay time were 38.5 and 90.9%, respectively. Infrared thermal imaging can accurately identify the maximum delay effect when combined with the relative temperature ratio.
Composite quasianalytic functions
Authors: Belotto da Silva André , Bierstone Edward , Chow Michael
Published: October 2018

We prove two main results on Denjoy–Carleman classes: (1) a composite function theorem which asserts that a function $f(x)$ in a quasianalytic Denjoy–Carleman class ${\mathcal{Q}}_{M}$, which is formally composite with a generically submersive mapping $y=\unicode[STIX]{x1D711}(x)$ of class ${\mathcal{Q}}_{M}$, at a single given point in the source (or in the target) of $\unicode[STIX]{x1D711}$ can be written locally as $f=g\circ \unicode[STIX]{x1D711}$, where $g(y)$ belongs to a shifted Denjoy–Carleman class ${\mathcal{Q}}_{M^{(p)}}$; (2) a statement on a similar loss of regularity for functions definable in the $o$-minimal structure given by expansion of the real field by restricted functions of quasianalytic class ${\mathcal{Q}}_{M}$. Both results depend on an estimate for the regularity of a ${\mathcal{C}}^{\infty }$ solution $g$ of the equation $f=g\circ \unicode[STIX]{x1D711}$, with $f$ and $\unicode[STIX]{x1D711}$ as above. The composite function result depends also on a quasianalytic continuation theorem, which shows that the formal assumption at a given point in (1) propagates to a formal composition condition at every point in a neighbourhood.
Dieudonné theory over semiperfect rings and perfectoid rings
Authors: Lau Eike
Published: October 2018

The Dieudonné crystal of a$p$-divisible group over a semiperfect ring$R$can be endowed with a window structure. If$R$satisfies a boundedness condition, this construction gives an equivalence of categories. As an application we obtain a classification of$p$-divisible groups and commutative finite locally free$p$-group schemes over perfectoid rings by Breuil–Kisin–Fargues modules if$p\geqslant 3$.
Explicit asymptotic expansions for tame supercuspidal characters
Authors: Spice Loren
Published: October 2018

We combine the ideas of a Harish-Chandra–Howe local character expansion, which can be centred at an arbitrary semisimple element, and a Kim–Murnaghan asymptotic expansion, which so far has been considered only around the identity. We show that, for most smooth, irreducible representations (those containing a good, minimal K-type), Kim–Murnaghan-type asymptotic expansions are valid on explicitly defined neighbourhoods of nearly arbitrary semisimple elements. We then give an explicit, inductive recipe for computing the coefficients in an asymptotic expansion for a tame supercuspidal representation. The only additional information needed in the inductive step is a fourth root of unity, which we expect to be useful in proving stability and endoscopic-transfer identities.
Stability of products of equivalence relations
Authors: Marrakchi Amine
Published: October 2018

An ergodic probability measure preserving (p.m.p.) equivalence relation ${\mathcal{R}}$ is said to be stable if ${\mathcal{R}}\cong {\mathcal{R}}\times {\mathcal{R}}_{0}$ where ${\mathcal{R}}_{0}$ is the unique hyperfinite ergodic type $\text{II}_{1}$ equivalence relation. We prove that a direct product ${\mathcal{R}}\times {\mathcal{S}}$ of two ergodic p.m.p. equivalence relations is stable if and only if one of the two components ${\mathcal{R}}$ or ${\mathcal{S}}$ is stable. This result is deduced from a new local characterization of stable equivalence relations. The similar question on McDuff $\text{II}_{1}$ factors is also discussed and some partial results are given.
Foundations of Boij–Söderberg theory for Grassmannians
Authors: Ford Nicolas , Levinson Jake
Published: October 2018

Boij–Söderberg theory characterizes syzygies of graded modules and sheaves on projective space. This paper continues earlier work with Sam, extending the theory to the setting of $\text{GL}_{k}$-equivariant modules and sheaves on Grassmannians. Algebraically, we study modules over a polynomial ring in $kn$ variables, thought of as the entries of a $k\times n$ matrix. We give equivariant analogs of two important features of the ordinary theory: the Herzog–Kühl equations and the pairing between Betti and cohomology tables. As a necessary step, we also extend previous results, concerning the base case of square matrices, to cover complexes other than free resolutions. Our statements specialize to those of ordinary Boij–Söderberg theory when $k=1$. Our proof of the equivariant pairing gives a new proof in the graded setting: it relies on finding perfect matchings on certain graphs associated to Betti tables and to spectral sequences. As an application, we construct three families of extremal rays on the Betti cone for $2\times 3$ matrices.
Springer correspondence for the split symmetric pair in type
Authors: Chen Tsao-Hsien , Vilonen Kari , Xue Ting
Published: October 2018

In this paper we establish Springer correspondence for the symmetric pair $(\text{SL}(N),\text{SO}(N))$ using Fourier transform, parabolic induction functor, and a nearby cycle sheaf construction. As an application of our results we see that the cohomology of Hessenberg varieties can be expressed in terms of irreducible representations of Hecke algebras of symmetric groups at $q=-1$. Conversely, we see that the irreducible representations of Hecke algebras of symmetric groups at $q=-1$ arise in geometry.
On -modules related to the -function and Hamiltonian flow
Authors: Bitoun Thomas , Schedler Travis
Published: October 2018

Let $f$ be a quasi-homogeneous polynomial with an isolated singularity in $\mathbf{C}^{n}$. We compute the length of the ${\mathcal{D}}$-modules ${\mathcal{D}}f^{\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}}/{\mathcal{D}}f^{\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}+1}$ generated by complex powers of $f$ in terms of the Hodge filtration on the top cohomology of the Milnor fiber. When $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}=-1$ we obtain one more than the reduced genus of the singularity ($\dim H^{n-2}(Z,{\mathcal{O}}_{Z})$ for $Z$ the exceptional fiber of a resolution of singularities). We conjecture that this holds without the quasi-homogeneous assumption. We also deduce that the quotient ${\mathcal{D}}f^{\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}}/{\mathcal{D}}f^{\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}+1}$ is nonzero when $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}$ is a root of the $b$-function of $f$ (which Saito recently showed fails to hold in the inhomogeneous case). We obtain these results by comparing these ${\mathcal{D}}$-modules to those defined by Etingof and the second author which represent invariants under Hamiltonian flow.
Niels Bohr’s First 1913 Paper: Still Relevant, Still Exciting, Still Puzzling
Authors: Ford Kenneth W.
Published: October 2018

Many teachers like to introduce the Bohr atom toward the end of an introductory physics course. This is an excellent idea, given the historic importance of Bohr’s 1913 work, which provided the bridge from Planck’s quantized interaction of matter and radiation (1900) to the full theory of quantum mechanics (1925-28). Unfortunately, the version of the Bohr atom that appears in many textbooks and is no doubt often presented to students is more wrong than right and may leave both teachers and students wondering why, more than a hundred years later, it is still being taught. This “pedagogic” version postulates that an electron in a stationary state moves in a circular orbit with an angular momentum that is an integral multiple of h/2π (L = nh/2π = nħ)—ħ for the lowest-energy state, 2ħ for the next state, and so on. This picture of the hydrogen atom is wrong in two senses. First it doesn’t conform to our present understanding of the hydrogen atom. This, in itself, is not a reason to scrap it, for the historical development of quantum physics is certainly of interest. But second, it doesn’t conform to the essence of what Bohr actually did. That is a reason not to teach about circular orbits and L = nħ.
Aerodynamic Lift, Part 2: A Comprehensive Physical Explanation
Authors: McLean Doug
Published: October 2018

In the companion paper, “Aerodynamic Lift, Part 1: The Science,” I described the key features of lifting flows. The objective of the present paper is to explain those features and the cause-and-effect relationships between them in a manner consistent with the laws of physics.
Characterization of linear light sources with the smartphone’s ambient light sensor
Authors: Salinas Isabel , Giménez Marcos H. , Monsoriu Juan A. , Castro-Palacio Juan C.
Published: October 2018

The smartphone’s ambient light sensor has been used in the literature to study different physical phenomena. For instance, Malus’s law, which involves the polarized light, has been verified by using simultaneously the orientation and light sensors of a smartphone. The illuminance of point light sources has been characterized also using the light sensor of smartphones and tablets, demonstrating in this way the well-known inverse-square law of distance. Moreover, these kinds of illuminance measurements with the ambient light sensor have allowed the determination of the luminous efficiency of different quasi-point optical sources (incandescent and halogen lamps) as a function of the electric power supplied. Regarding mechanical systems, the inverse-square law of distance has also been used to investigate the speed and acceleration of a moving light source on an inclined plane or to study coupled and damped oscillations. In the present work, we go further in presenting a simple laboratory experiment using the smartphone’s ambient light sensor in order to characterize a non-point light source, a linear fluorescent tube in our case.
Mario Kart 8: A case study in total internal reflection
Authors: Polak Robert , Acuesta Vincent , Cirone Jonathon , Conway Matthew B. , Summers Joseph , Tinawi Lana
Published: October 2018

Nintendo’s Mario Kart 8 features several underwater tracks, allowing players the opportunity to race through aquatic environments. One of the courses, titled “Water Park,” features a scene where the player surfaces from water by driving up a ramp. From the player’s perspective, an unrefracted image of a Ferris wheel and two trees is present above the water line as shown in Fig. 1. Of course, this view ignores the index of refraction difference of water and air; the only distinction players can make between the two environments is a marginally visible blue hue to the features above the water line.
Soundscape evaluation of urban social spaces. A comparative study: Berlin-Granada
Authors: Radicchi Antonella , Vida Jeronimo
Published: October 2018

To address the design and development of healthy built environments, noise pollution has to be taken into account, especially in Europe, where over 125 million people are affected by noise pollution from traffic every year. Since the release of the European Environmental Noise Directive in 2002, there has been a growing interest in protecting and planning quiet areas as a valid tool to reduce noise pollution. However, a common methodology to properly achieve this goal is still missing. This contribution tackles this challenge, by illustrating the implementation in Berlin and Granada of a novel participatory methodology grounded on the soundscape approach, the citizen science paradigm and a novel mobile application—the Hush City app. First, the theoretical background and methods applied are described; second, preliminary findings of the comparative assessment of “everyday quiet areas” in Berlin and Granada are illustrated. In conclusion, recommendations are provided to integrate this methodology in advanced urban planning.
Assessing vessel slowdown as an option for reducing acoustic masking for Arctic cod in the western Canadian Arctic
Authors: Pine Matthew , Hannay David E. , Insley Stephen J. , Halliday William D. , Juanes Francis
Published: October 2018

Noise from this shipping traffic can lead to acoustic masking, reducing the ability of marine animals to detect and use biologically important sounds. Vessel-slow down may be an alternative mitigation option in regions where re-routing shipping corridors to avoid important habitat for fish and marine mammals is not possible. We investigated the potential relief in masking from a 10 knot speed reduction of container and cruise ships. Based on ambient sound measurements and real shipping data, the percentage reduction in the available listening space for fish as a container or cruise ship passes under varying speeds and ambient sound conditions was shown. The mitigation effects from slower vessels (travelling at 15 knots compared to 25 knots), in terms of auditory masking, was equal between ambient sound conditions, but not equal between the type of vessel. Slowing vessels led to a substantial decrease in the listening space reductions, with the amount of reduction varying by distance away from vessels. Vessel slowdown through sensitive habitat could be an effective mitigation strategy for reducing the extent of auditory masking.
Effects of range-dependent sound speed on acoustic seaglider arrivals in the Canada Basin
Authors: Van Uffelen Lora J. , Webster Sarah E. , Worcester Peter F. , Dzieciuch Matthew
Published: October 2018

Two seagliders equipped with temperature, conductivity and pressure sensors, acoustic recorders, and acoustic Doppler current profilers were deployed in the Canada Basin as part of a large scale acoustic tomography experiment in the summer of 2016 and 2017. The seagliders received transmissions from moored acoustic sources transmitting linear frequency modulated sweeps with 100 Hz bandwidth and center frequencies on the order of 250 Hz. Sources were moored at approximately 175 m depth within an acoustic duct (sometimes referred to at the Beaufort Duct), which is present in the Canada Basin due to Pacific Winter Water, enabling acoustic transmission to long ranges. Acoustic Seagliders recorded transmissions at ranges up to 480 km. The variability and stability of the acoustic duct with range was measured by temperature and salinity profiles recorded by the gliders as they transited between moored source locations. The range dependence of this duct will be explored through oceanographic measurements made in the summer of 2016 and 2017, with particular attention paid to glider transects which roughly overlapped between the two years. The effect of the range dependent sound-speed environment on the acoustic arrivals received on the gliders will be explored through parabolic equation models and received acoustic data.
Sonographic interstitial syndrome: Clinical aspects
Authors: Soldati Gino , Smargiassi Andrea , Inchingolo Riccardo
Published: October 2018

Lung ultrasonography is gaining ever more consideration among physicians for detecting interstitial diseases. When the tissue is aerated, ultrasound may explore only the first peripheral layer of lung. Alveolar geometry and topology interact with ultrasound like air bubbles in a foam (wet or dry). In clinical ultrasound the normal lung appears like a specular reflector. Hyperdense pre-consolidated lung is physically similar to a wet foam and is sonographically diagnosed by artifacts generically called B-Lines (Sonographyc interstitial syndrome—SIS). Many pathologic conditions are involved. In order to give more specificity to SIS and to differentiate clinical patterns, it is crucial to analyse histologic patterns between cardiogenic and pneumogenic pathologies. Cardiogenic involvement develops through the thickening of interlobular septa, then the alveolar flooding occurs. Thickened interlobular septa can represent a specific “deterministic” acoustic trap that could generate specific artifacts. In a later stage, fluid overflows from interstitium and small free intra-alveolar bubbles are generated without structural tissue subversion. In case of pneumogenic SIS there is a structural deformation with folded and collapsed alveoli, thickened interstitium and damaged alveoli. In conclusion, specific artifacts, namely, radiofrequency signals, could be representative of specific patterns of SIS.
Possible role of research platforms in lung ultrasound
Authors: Tortoli Piero , Boni Enrico , Ramalli Alessandro
Published: October 2018

In a few years, ultrasound research platforms, also known as open scanners, have become a great tool for facilitating the experimental activities of ultrasound labs. Ideal platforms should be easily programmed to permit visualization of the region of interest, transmission of arbitrary sequences of arbitrary waveforms, acquisition of massive amounts of raw echo-data, and, possibly, real-time implementation of innovative processing methods. Such characteristics may be particularly relevant in lung ultrasound (LUS) applications, where quantitative methods designed around the lung properties are needed. In fact, since standard US- imaging is designed to handle impedance mismatches that are typically much lower than those found in lung tissue, LUS mostly relies on the qualitative interpretation of imaging artefacts. In particular, full control of all parameters influencing the transmit/receive modalities may allow the test of original transmit/receive strategies, while the access to raw-data may permit the off-line test of novel approaches. In this talk, the main characteristics of advanced open scanners will be reviewed, and sample applications not feasible with standard clinical scanners illustrated. Emphasis will then be given to the specific contributions that such platforms can provide to LUS. Phantom and in-vivo results obtained with the ULA-OP research platforms will be presented.
Feature detection and pneumonia diagnosis based on clinical lung ultrasound imagery using deep learning
Authors: Zheng Xinliang , Kulhare Sourabh , Mehanian Courosh , Chen Zhijie , Wilson Ben
Published: October 2018

Pneumonia is a common disease with both high morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis of pneumonia remains a clinical challenge, especially in low resource settings where prevalence is high, diagnostic devices are limited, and doctors are scarce. Lung ultrasound has been identified as a useful and low-cost tool for pneumonia diagnosis in many studies. In the present work, we first developed a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based deep learning algorithm to automatically identify four key features linked to lung conditions: pleural line, B-line, consolidation, and pleural effusion. The algorithm was trained using ultrasound data collected from over 150 pediatric and adult patients, with features annotated by expert sonographers. A single shot detection (SSD) framework was developed to detect those features in each video frame image. We then explored the accuracy of diagnosing pneumonia based on one or more lung ultrasound features, using CT as a gold standard. Our results indicate that deep learning algorithms can successfully detect abnormal lung features in ultrasound imagery, and those features can be used to diagnose pneumonia at a high sensitivity level. Computer-assisted ultrasound interpretation has the potential to place point of care, expert-level diagnostic accuracy in the hands of low-resource health care providers for pneumonia diagnosis.
Jet aircraft noise—Past, present, and future issues
Authors: McKinley Richard L. , Wall Alan T.
Published: October 2018

Aircraft noise has been an issue since for the US Air Force since World-War I. The early days of flight had noise issues that were specific to reciprocating engines and propellers. The advent of the jet engine in the 1940s changed the noise issues and focus dramatically. The jet noise problem was first addressed in the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) by Henning von Gierke and has continued until today with the development of more powerful fifth-generation fighter jet engines. This presentation will focus on the role of AFRL in noise issues with jet aircraft from the early days until now, and how that noise impacted people and communities; the research that fostered noise reductions; noise from current aircraft; the problems and issues that have persisted with jet noise; and some thoughts for future research.
Full-spectrum near-field acoustical holography for fighter jet noise imaging
Authors: Wall Alan T. , Gee Kent L. , Leete Kevin M. , Cook Mylan R. , James Michael M.
Published: October 2018

The development of acoustic imaging technologies over the previous decade has proven useful for increasing our understanding of the noise generation mechanisms inside the turbulent flows of full-scale tactical aircraft engines. In particular, advancements in near-field acoustical holography have allowed for jet noise source imaging from measurements made on tied-down aircraft over hard reflecting ground surfaces. These images have been limited in bandwidth due to the spatial resolution and extent of the holography arrays. However, improved aperture extension methods have allowed for representation of the lowest frequencies, and a new tool has been developed to produce accurate sound field images at above-Nyquist frequencies for broadband sources. These two technologies are implemented together to extend the imaging of fighter jet noise near-field toward the full spectrum required for an aircraft noise model.
Potential applications of high-index acoustic metamaterials
Authors: Zangeneh Nejad Farzad , Fleury Romain
Published: October 2018

In general, sound propagates in solid materials with a speed that is larger than that of air. Here, we discuss and demonstrate a simple metamaterial design that provides a sound speed slower than that of air. We highlight the potential of high-index acoustic metamaterials for open waveguiding, real-time analog acoustic signal processing, acoustic birefringence, and beam splitting.
Ultra-compact reflective metasurface for wave manipulation
Authors: Chen Jian , Fan Zheng
Published: October 2018

Recently, electromagnetic metasurfaces have witnessed a promising future for useful devices with extremely compact footprint. However, their mapping to acoustic regimes remains challenging because the acoustic wavelength is considerably larger than the optics, especially at low frequencies. We propose an ultra-compact metasurface that can manipulate the reflected waves upon plane waves incidences. Remarkably, the metasurface simply consists of a rigid plate perforated with deep-subwavelength grooves of varying depths. A theoretical formulation based on multiple-scattering and dynamical diffraction is established to address the underlying mechanism, and used to optimize metasurfaces for wave manipulation. Numerical simulations and experimental measurements are conducted on the designed sample, which are in good agreement and well predicted by the theory. This study provides a comprehensive guideline for the design of ultra-compact and planar acoustic reflective metasurface; moreover, the study may promise an additional avenue to integrate acoustic devices in practical applications.
On the origin of thunder: Reconstruction of lightning flashes, statistical analysis, and modeling
Authors: Lacroix Arthur , Farges Thomas , Marchiano Régis , Coulouvrat François
Published: October 2018

Thunder from 27 natural lightning flashes of three thunderstorms has been recorded in 2012 in Southern France in the 0.1–180 Hz frequency bandwidth, using a 50 m-wide triangular array of 4 recalibrated microphones in the 0.3–20 km distance range from lightning. Source reconstruction allows to separate, within the acoustical signal, Cloud-to-Ground (CG) from Intra-Cloud (IC) parts of the discharge. The possibility to separate nearby CG events is shown. A total of 36 CG signals and associated spectra is obtained, along with some IC signals. The combination of reconstruction, separation, and frequency analysis provides new insights on the origin of thunder. Thunder infrasound is shown unambiguously to originate dominantly from return strokes. Spectra of CGs and ICs are similar, but of higher amplitude for CGs. No sharp frequency peaks can be clearly evidenced. The influence of distance, therefore of propagation effects, is pointed out. Best fits of energy and frequency gravity center dependence with distance are in agreement with a nonlinear line source propagation. A link between acoustic energy and impulse Charge Moment Change (iCMC) is also indicated. Lightning is modeled as a randomly tortuous line source, and the resulting spectra are compared to observations.
Scalar metrics for structural acoustic system analysis and differentiation
Authors: Wixom Andrew S.
Published: October 2018

As computational resources continue to grow and as researchers are better able to harness these resources, the size and complexity of numerical models for studying structural acoustic systems will only increase. However, despite these ever larger models, there remains a need to reduce the results into an easily interpreted form. In this work, a variety of scalar metrics—where scalar metric is used to refer to any scalar-valued function of either frequency or time—are presented and evaluated for their utility in displaying relevant features of structural acoustic models. Particular attention is paid to metrics that allow an analyst to differentiate between related models, such as when performing a design study where several different options are being considered. The metrics are ranked for several example problems according to how well they describe the features of interest as well as how readily they may be computed.
On the study of vibrational interactions of an internal substructure with a main structure submerged in water and its acoustic radiations using admittance approach
Authors: Chen Pei-Tai
Published: October 2018

It is important and practical to design an internal substructure for supporting machines which generates vibration sources for a main submerged stiffened shell structure. Vibration propagates from the internal supporting structure to the wetted shell structure, thus radiating acoustic energy into water. The present study can be divided into two categories: 1. the main wetted structure, including stiffeners and bulkheads, etc., radiates acoustic energy into water subject to forces which is the junction interacting forces arisen from the vibrating machine, 2. the interaction force pertains to the coupling dynamic characteristics between wetted structure and the internal structure. An admittance approach is adopted to characterize individual structures and the coupled equation is derived by continuity of displacement variables and equaling forces with opposite sign at the junction of connected structures. Admittance matrices are computed by using junction forces between the structures whereas the responded displacements at the junctions are the elements of the admittance matrices. The coupled admittance equation is complex symmetric matrix. An eigenvalue analysis is performed to investigate the interaction junction forces, accordingly, the radiation characteristics of the coupled main wetted structure under fluid loading in connection with supporting internal structures.
InversionNet: A real-time and accurate full waveform inversion with convolutional neural network
Authors: Lin Youzuo , Wu Yue
Published: October 2018

With data proliferation in all geosciences domains, machine learning and data analytics are emerging as important research areas in geosciences. Full-waveform inversion has been an important tool to infer the subsurface based on geophysical measurements. However, solving full-waveform inversion can be challenging. The existing computational methods for solving acoustic full-waveform inversion are not only computationally expensive but also yields low-resolution results because of the ill-posedness and cycle skipping issues of full-waveform inversion. To resolve those issues, we employ machine-learning techniques to solve full-waveform inversion in this work. In particular, we build a convolutional neural network to model the correspondence from data to velocity structures. Our numerical examples using synthetic reflection data show that our new methods much improve the accuracy of the velocity inversion. Furthermore, the computational time for inverting the seismic data is significantly reduced.
Deep learning for estimating porous material properties from full-waveform data
Authors: Lähivaara Timo
Published: October 2018

This research focuses on both developing computational tools to model transient wave propagation in coupled poroviscoelastic-viscoelastic-acoustic media and estimating material properties from the recorded full-waveform data. Numerical simulation of wave-dominated problems is computationally demanding. Efficient parallelization, capability to handle complex geometries, and sufficient numerical accuracy are some of the requirements for a suitable full-waveform simulation technique. On the other hand, the robustness and prediction accuracy are needed from the method used to solve the corresponding inverse problem. In this work, the discontinuous Galerkin method is used to solve the forward model while the convolutional neural networks is used to solve the estimation problem. Two-dimensional model problems with simulated data are presented. In the numerical experiments, the primary unknowns are estimated while the remaining parameters which are of less interest are successfully marginalized.
Measurements and modeling of mid-frequency propagation loss during the Korea Reverberation Experiment 2017 (KOREX-17)
Authors: Son Su-Uk , Kwon Hyuckjong , Choi Jee Woong , Na Youngnam , Park Joung-Soo , Tang Dajun
Published: October 2018

Sound propagation in shallow water is significantly influenced by fluctuation of the water medium and scattering from rough ocean boundaries. To study the effect of the intensity fluctuations caused by the various environmental effects, mid-frequency propagation loss measurements along with the ocean environmental measurements were conducted on May 25–31, 2017, in shallow water off Geoje island, as part of the Korea Reverberation Experiment 2017 (KOREX-17). Continuous wave and linear frequency modulated signal with a center frequency of 3.5 kHz were transmitted by the Autonomous Reverberation Measurement System (ARMS). The Self Recording Hydrophone (SRH) was towed by the R/V Mirae at a speed of approximately 3 knots along two different tracks. Sound speed profiles were measured using the moored CTD chain near the source location, covering the water column between 3 and 50 m. CTD casts were also conducted at the beginning and end of each track. In this talk, the fluctuations of measured propagation losses were presented for both tracks. Finally, the effects of the sound speed variations on the propagation loss will be discussed in comparison with the model predictions obtained using the measured sound speed profiles.
Implementing acoustical designs—Non-acoustical project choices may help or hinder successful outcomes
Authors: Doria Damian , Essert Robert
Published: October 2018

The authors contributed acoustical design for many auditoria over the last thirty years. Many of those designs incorporated novel and sometimes unconventional approaches to achieving room acoustics goals. Aside from technical demands, implementing new acoustical ideas requires navigating a number of other challenges from discovering and coordinating the needs of project stakeholders through oversight of the construction and commissioning process. Consultants are called to serve as counselors in addition to our role as technical experts and designers. Much depends on the Owner’s aspirations, leadership and structure, and on procurement and delivery approaches. A number of case-examples will be presented along with discussion of the sometimes unexpected challenges faced by project teams in successful realization of their designs.
Benthic biophonic assemblages, their environmental divers, eco-acoustic scores at the level of the Western Mediterranean basin, and their implications for large-scale ecosystem monitoring
Authors: Iorio Lucia D. , Gervaise Cédric , Lossent Julie , Valentini Poirier Cathy Anna , Boissery Pierre
Published: October 2018

Benthic invertebrate assemblages are known to produce an important biophony composed of short transient sounds emitted while hunting, feeding, moving, for territorial defense, etc. Although they exhibit dial variations, these sounds are present year-round, 24 hours a day and have the potential to provide information on the habitat and organism-environment relationships. Here, we describe benthic invertebrate sounds (BIS) of two key Mediterranean habitats, coralligenous reefs and seagrass meadows. Then, we assess the environmental drivers of BIS variability for each habitat. 129 400 000 BIS sampled in the summers of 2015–2017 from 135 recording sites over more than 1000 km coastline were used for this study. Each sound was characterized by 28 acoustic features. Principal Component Analyses were performed to identify the most contributing features in terms of diversity and intensity. To quantify and characterize invertebrate assemblages at each site, we defined an eco-acoustic score based on BIS abundance, diversity, and intensity. These scored acoustic assemblages were then tested for environmental drivers such as site, biocenosis, depth, ecosystem health, anthropogenic pressures, etc. We hereby provide an exhaustive ocean basin-wide picture of the benthic biophony and discuss its implications as environmental proxies.