bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global Navigation Satellite Systems Reflectometry as a Remote Sensing Tool for Agriculture
Authors: Egido Alejandro , Caparrini Marco , Ruffini Giulio , Paloscia Simonetta , Santi Emanuele , Guerriero Leila , Pierdicca Nazzareno , Floury Nicolas
Published: August 2012

The use of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) signals for remote sensing applications, generally referred to as GNSS-Reflectometry (GNSS-R), is gaining increasing interest among the scientific community as a remote sensing tool for land applications. This paper describes a long term experimental campaign in which an extensive dataset of GNSS-R polarimetric measurements was acquired over a crop field from a ground-based stationary platform. Ground truth ancillary data were also continuously recorded during the whole experimental campaign. The duration of the campaign allowed to cover a full crop growing season, and as a consequence of seasonal rains on the experimental area, data could be recorded over a wide variety of soil conditions. This enabled a study on the effects of different land bio-geophysical parameters on GNSS scattered signals. It is shown that significant power variations in the measured GNSS reflected signals can be detected for different soil moisture and vegetation development conditions. In this work we also propose a technique based on the combination of the reflected signal’s polarizations in order to improve the integrity of the observables with respect to nuisance parameters such as soil roughness.
A Hybrid TOA-Fingerprinting Based Localization of Mobile Nodes Using UWB Signaling for Non Line-Of-Sight Conditions
Authors: Kabir Md. Humayun , Kohno Ryuji
Published: August 2012

Recently, Impulse Radio Ultra Wideband (IR-UWB) signaling has become popular for providing precise location accuracy for mobile and wireless sensor node localization in the indoor environment due to its large bandwidth and high time resolution while providing ultra-high transmission capacity. However, the Non-line-of-sight (NLOS) error mitigation has considerable importance in localization of wireless nodes. In order to mitigate NLOS errors in indoor localization this paper proposes and investigates a novel approach which creates a hybrid combination of channel impulse response (CIR)-based fingerprinting (FP) positioning and an iterative Time of Arrival (TOA) real time positioning method using Ultra Wideband (UWB) signaling. Besides, to reduce the calculation complexities in FP method, this paper also introduces a unique idea for the arrangement of reference nodes (or tags) to create a fingerprinting database. The simulation results confirm that the proposed hybrid method yields better positioning accuracies and is much more robust in NLOS error mitigation than TOA only and FP only and a conventional iterative positioning method.
Noise Smoothing for Structural Vibration Test Signals Using an Improved Wavelet Thresholding Technique
Authors: Yi Ting-Hua , Li Hong-Nan , Zhao Xiao-Yan
Published: August 2012

In structural vibration tests, one of the main factors which disturb the reliability and accuracy of the results are the noise signals encountered. To overcome this deficiency, this paper presents a discrete wavelet transform (DWT) approach to denoise the measured signals. The denoising performance of DWT is discussed by several processing parameters, including the type of wavelet, decomposition level, thresholding method, and threshold selection rules. To overcome the disadvantages of the traditional hard- and soft-thresholding methods, an improved thresholding technique called the sigmoid function-based thresholding scheme is presented. The procedure is validated by using four benchmarks signals with three degrees of degradation as well as a real measured signal obtained from a three-story reinforced concrete scale model shaking table experiment. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated by computing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the root-mean-square error (RMSE) after denoising. Results reveal that the proposed method offers superior performance than the traditional methods no matter whether the signals have heavy or light noises embedded.
An Approach to Litter Generation and Littering Practices in a Mexico City Neighborhood
Authors: Muñoz-Cadena Cecilia E. , Lina-Manjarrez Pedro , Estrada-Izquierdo Irma , Ramón-Gallegos Eva
Published: August 2012

Urban litter is generated by human societies everywhere. Some litter is recyclable waste. In this study, the acronym RMSW is used to refer to recyclable municipal solid waste generated in streets. Public attitude towards RMSW generation, generators’ perceptions, and quantification of RMSW in streets were examined in a Mexico City neighborhood, where litter presence causes major environmental problems affecting the population year after year. Interviews with neighborhood residents and item counts were carried out from 2010 to 2011. In all, 58% of interviewees reported generating RMSW at variable frequencies while 42% said they did not generate this kind of waste. Laziness, lack of vigilance by municipal authorities, no litter bins in streets, and imitation were the main causes identified by interviewees as reasons for littering. Potential litter generators may be of any age, educational level or income. Interviewees’ perception of RMSW generation was compared with item counts in the neighborhood studied.
The preferred conformation of erythro- and threo-1,2-difluorocyclododecanes
Authors: Wang Yi , Kirsch Peer , Lebl Tomas , Slawin Alexandra M Z , O'Hagan David
Published: August 2012

Cyclododecane adopts a square-like structure with corner and edge CH2 groups. In this study erythro- and threo-1,2-difluorocyclododecanes were prepared to explore whether the two vicinal C–F bonds, with different relative configurations, preferably locate at corner/edge or edge/edge locations. Conformational analysis comparing the diastereoisomers was explored by using a combination of 19F{1H} NMR spectroscopy, computational studies and, in the case of the threo isomer, X-ray structural analysis. In the lowest energy conformers for both diastereoisomers the vicinal C–F bonds are located corner/edge, rather than edge/edge. These structures avoid placing a C–F bond endo into the ring, and appear to benefit from C–CHF–C angle widening, which relaxes 1,4-H,H transannular interactions.
Family Complications in Autism Diagnosis
Authors: Mehta Amar
Published: August 2012

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Understand that engaging parents is an important part of treatment for autistic children.

2.

Know that there is no consensus on which therapy is the most effective, but the benefits of behavioral therapy for autism are well established.

3.

Recognize when to prescribe medications to help manage the more difficult symptoms of autism.

The patient is a 3-year, 9-month-old Hispanic girl brought in for psychiatric evaluation by her mother at the insistence of the child’s pediatrician. She has a 2-year, 6-month-old brother who had recently been diagnosed with multiple developmental delays, and the increased scrutiny on the children in the family had prompted the mother to obtain a regular pediatrician for both children. There had been little contact with the medical community before that time.
Depression in Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Ozinci Zeynep , Kahn Tara , Antar Laura N.
Published: August 2012

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Know how to accurately diagnose depression in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) when presentation is impeded by overlap in symptoms between depression and ASD.

2.

Understand that signs and symptoms that can be seen in ASD during depression include many of the usual signs of depression, as well as an increase in self-injurious behavior, exacerbated compulsiveness, and increased stereotypic behavior.

3.

Know when to apply pharmacologic treatment for depression in autism and to monitor tolerance of and compliance with treatment.

The patient is a 15-year-old white male who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age 7 years. His mother says that although he met his early developmental milestones mostly on time, he did not start speaking until age 3 years and still did not use the words “I” and “me” appropriately. He did not join kindergarten classmates in play, preferring to play by himself with particular toys, specifically those with rolling parts such as trains and cars; his mother was not able to draw his attention to other toys.
Pathogenesis of Infantile Hemangiomas
Authors: Uihlein Lily Changchien , Liang Marilyn G. , Mulliken John B.
Published: August 2012

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Review the key features of the life cycle of infantile hemangiomas.

2.

Highlight cellular and molecular pathways involved in hemangioma-genesis.

3.

Discuss theories that may account for hemangioma-genesis.
Treatment of Infantile Hemangiomas
Authors: Lauren Christine , Garzon Maria C.
Published: August 2012

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Recognize infantile hemangiomas that are associated with a higher risk for complications and associated anomalies.

2.

Appreciate the typical timing of growth and involution of infantile hemangiomas.

3.

Become familiar with recently reported treatments for infantile hemangiomas.
Transposition Surgery for Internuclear Ophthalmoplegia
Authors: Nathan Niraj R. , Donahue Sean P.
Published: August 2012

Purpose:

To report outcomes of an extraocular muscle transposition procedure for surgical correction of internuclear ophthalmoplegia.

Methods:

Records of patients operated on between January 1999 and May 2011 were reviewed to identify patients treated with an extraocular muscle transposition procedure for internuclear ophthalmoplegia. Indications for this procedure included a known unilateral or bilateral internuclear ophthalmoplegia with a large-angle exotropia, a moderate adduction limitation, and a large-angle exodeviation in primary position. All patients underwent orthoptic evaluation preoperatively and postoperatively. Examination included assessment of subjective complaints, visual acuity, deviation in diagnostic positions of gaze, and limitation of ocular motility.

Results:

Five patients were identified. The mean reduction in exodeviation at distance after surgery was 59 ± 25 prism diopters, giving a mean percent reduction in exodeviation of 99.6% ± 0.1%. Four of five patients achieved primary position orthotropia at distance; the remaining patient had 2 prism diopters of exodeviation. One patient who had a residual exodeviation after the initial transposition procedure did not have accompanying ipsilateral lateral rectus recession, but achieved orthotropia with a subsequent ipsilateral lateral rectus recession.

Conclusion:

Transposition surgery is an effective option for surgical treatment of patients with internuclear ophthalmoplegia with exodeviation and diplopia when combined with ipsilateral lateral rectus recession.
Tear Osmolarity in Premature Infants
Authors: Ryan Andrea , Lanigan Bernadette , O’Keefe Michael
Published: August 2012

Purpose:

To measure and report tear osmolarity in premature infants and to assess the change, if any, that occurs with increasing maturity.

Methods:

In a prospective study of consecutive infants born at less than 37 weeks gestational age undergoing screening for retinopathy of prematurity, serial measurements of tear osmolarity were obtained at preterm, term, and 3 months post-term. Mean ± standard deviation tear osmolarity and percentage of infants with tear osmolarity value greater than 308 and greater than 316 mOsm/L were calculated at each stage of maturity.

Results:

Twenty-five premature infants of mean post-conceptional age 33.5 weeks and mean birth weight 1,159 ± 259 g were tested. Mean tear osmolarity was 296 ± 19.1, 302.8 ± 18, and 301.1 ± 20.9 mOsm/L at pre-term, term, and post-term, respectively. There was no significant effect for time on tear osmolarity values (
P
= .59). Tear osmolarity was greater than 308 mOsm/L in 32% and greater than 316 mOsm/L in 16%.

Conclusion:

Mean tear osmolarity in premature infants is within the expected normal range for adults and shows no significant change at term or post-term. More than two-thirds of premature infants have tear osmolarity values below the suggested diagnostic cut-offs for dry eye disease in adults. Most preterm infants do not have a dry eye based on assessment of tear osmolarity.
Different Refractive Errors in Triplets With Retinopathy of Prematurity Treated With Bevacizumab
Authors: Tseng Chien-Chi , Chen San-Ni , Hwang Jiunn-Feng , Lin Chun-Ju
Published: August 2012

The authors report refractive errors possibly resulting from intravitreal bevacizumab injection. Triplet A presented with stage 3 retinopathy of prematurity, was treated with intravitreal bevacizumab, and high refractive errors were noted. Triplet B presented with stage 2 retinopathy of prematurity in the right eye and stage 3 retinopathy of prematurity in the left eye, which regressed spontaneously. Triplet C presented with stage 2 retinopathy of prematurity in the right eye and stage 3 retinopathy of prematurity in the left eye, which were treated with intravitreal bevacizumab.
Duane Retraction Syndrome With Posterior Microphthalmos: A Rare Association
Authors: Mittal Vaibhev , Gupta Amit , Sachdeva Virender , Kekunnaya Ramesh
Published: August 2012

Duane retraction syndrome is known to be associated with numerous ocular and systemic anomalies. The authors describe a 7-year-old child with unilateral Duane retraction syndrome type 1 with bilateral posterior microphthalmos. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported coexistence of Duane retraction syndrome with posterior microphthalmos.
Intraoperative Subconjunctival Bevacizumab as an Adjunctive Treatment in Primary Pterygium: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Shahin Maha M. , Elbendary Amal M. , Elwan Mohamed M.
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intraoperative subconjunctival bevacizumab as an adjunctive treatment after surgical excision of primary pterygium.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

This was a randomized prospective clinical study. Group 1 (21 eyes) underwent pterygium excision with conjunctivo-limbal autograft. Group 2 (20 eyes) received subconjunctival 1.25 mg/0.05 mL of bevacizumab at the end of the surgery.

RESULTS:

There were no statistically significant differences regarding age, sex, laterality, or dimensions of the pterygia or grafts between the two groups (
P
> .05, 95% confidence interval). After 8 months of follow-up, two eyes in group 1 and four eyes in group 2 had recurrent pterygia. One patient in group 2 had lost graft. The difference in recurrence rate between the two groups did not reach statistical significance (
P
= 0.4, 95% confidence interval).

CONCLUSION:

Intraoperative subconjunctival bevacizumab following primary pterygium surgical excision is not helpful and possibly harmful. Larger studies are needed.
The Association Between Retinal Vessel Morphology and Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in an Elderly Population
Authors: Grinton Michael E. , Laude Augustinus , MacGillivray Tom , Henderson Ross , Starr John M. , Deary Ian J. , Aspinall Peter , Dhillon Baljean
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the relationship between retinal vessel morphology (branching coefficient, bifurcation angle, and fractal analysis) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in an elderly population.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

One hundred and one participants from the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 (population of people all born in 1936) were studied. RNFL thickness measurements (using optical coherence tomography [OCT]) and digital retinal photographs were collected. The retinal images were analyzed using custom-designed software called the Vascular Assessment and Measurement Platform for Images of the Retina.

RESULTS:

Greater deviation from the optimal arteriolar branching coefficient was associated with greater RNFL thickness (r= 0.249,P= .028). There was no significant association between RNFL thickness and the other retinal vessel morphology parameters.

CONCLUSION:

RNFL thickness increased significantly with suboptimality of arteriole branching coefficient. These findings cannot be explained by our current understanding of OCT. OCT-based biomarker metrics require further study to better define retinal neurovascular imaging and anatomy.
Towards Eden: Three post nuclear crisis reconstruction strategies
Authors: Ohmoto-Frederick Ayumi Clara
Published: August 2012

Post-crisis narratives are invested in narrative representation and symbolic reconstruction as a means of re-structuring meaning and re-establishing community. The themes in the following narratives are lofty: apocalypse and the fate of humanity. Nagasaki no kane (The Bells of Nagasaki) (1949) is an epic ground zero description of the nuclear event framed as a Catholic narrative of martyrdom. It is also a memorial for those who died in the blast. Maria no kubi (1959) is a hibakusha 被爆者 (atomic bomb victim) drama also set in Nagasaki, and it unveils the forgotten martyrs, the hidden Kurishitans (Christians) of Nagasaki. Through the evocation of Mary’s apparition, it offers an intimate look at the task of translating a Westernized Catholic ideology into an original Japanese conception. In Duras’ narrative Yes, Peut-être (1968), the unheeded spectre of the Hiroshima atomic tragedy haunts a nameless post-apocalyptic future. Each of these interrogations seeks catharsis with contrasting degrees of success and also negotiates its relationship into larger discourses. Takashi Nagai’s recovery of meaning relies on an adopted spiritual framework. Chikao Tanaka excavates poetic re-appropriated meaning from reconstruction of the symbolic. Marguerite Duras’ impossibility of nothing is part of the language of depression. They also illustrate the range of strategies mediated in these post-crisis textimonies in the search for the glimmer of a new utopia.
“Father” Africa on a Pedestal? Women’s Men in Mariama Bâ’s Une si longue lettre and Leila Abouzeid’s ‘Ām al-fīl
Authors: Bentahar Ziad
Published: August 2012

Alors que les auteures de différentes régions d’Afrique revendiquent une place pour leur sexe dans les littératures africaines de la seconde moitié du xxe siècle, l’image de la femme africaine véhiculée par leurs contemporains masculins est biaisée et partiale. De même que les écrits des femmes africaines de cette génération ont complété cette image à travers un point de vue féminin, ils ont également offert de nouvelles perspectives sur les hommes à travers les personnages masculins qu’ils mettaient en fiction. Comment la représentation des hommes par des auteures africaines se mesure-t-elle à la représentation des femmes par leurs homologues masculins ? Pour offrir un début de réponse à cette question, nous comparons deux œuvres narrant la transition du colonialisme français vers l’indépendance nationale dans deux pays africains des deux côtés du Sahara : Une si longue lettre, de la sénégalaise Mariama Bâ, publié en français en 1980 ; et‘Am al-fīl, de la marocaine Leila Abouzeid, publié en arabe en 1983. Les deux auteures ne se sont pas contentées de corriger les images des femmes véhiculées par la littérature africaine, jusque-là dominée par des voix masculines, elles ont également remis en question le stéréotype du mâle patriarcal tout-puissant.
A comparison of microscopic examination and rapid diagnostic tests used in Guyana to diagnose malaria
Authors: Kurup Rajini , Marks Rena
Published: August 2012

The aim of this study was to compare rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for malaria with routine microscopy for a prompt and accurate diagnosis of malaria and to provide an effective disease management in Guyana. Blood samples were collected randomly from 624 patients with clinical suspicion of malaria from four private hospitals in Georgetown, Guyana. The five different test methods [Paramax-3, Optimal-IT, VISITECT Malaria Combo PAN/Pf, Standard Diagnostic (SD) Bioline and conventional Giemsa stain microscopy] were performed independently by well trained and competent laboratory staff to assess the presence of malaria parasites. Results from the rapid diagnostic kits were analyzed and compared to those obtained by general microscopy. Of the 624 patients involved in the study, 197 (31.6%) tested positive and 427 (68.4%) tested negative to RDT whereas 190 (30.4%) tested positive and 434 (69.6%) tested negative to microscopy. The positive agreement index between RDT and microscopy was 89%. A comparison of microscopy with the RDTs, Paramax, Opitmal- IT, Omega, SD, showed a positive agreement index of 93%, 86%, 80% and 86%, respectively. The study, therefore, highlights the importance of both methods in diagnosis of malaria in endemic areas. Microscopy is the more reliable method in rural areas where malaria is most prevalent. RDT offers a good alternative, being an easy and rapid method that does not require an experienced laboratory technician.
Historical Experience Providing Bases for Predicting Corrosion and Stress Corrosion in Emerging Supercritical Water Nuclear Technology—Part 2: Review
Authors: Ru X. , Staehle R.W.
Published: August 2012

This review assesses past experiences from superheated fossil plants, supercritical fossil plants, superheated nuclear plants, and light water reactors from the late 1940s until the present. Data from the development and operation of these plants are directly applicable to supercritical water reactor (SCWR) plants being developed currently. This past work can be applied to the development of current designs in the choice of materials, temperature dependencies, effects of stress, and effects of environments on materials. Some of the past data from light water reactor (LWR) technology can be extrapolated into the present SCWR regimes. The past data are in good agreement among the various previous investigators. These past data are considered with respect to specific components in SCWR: fuel cladding, reactor structurals, reactor vessels, and feed water heaters. Choosing materials for the SCWR applications must recognize that the materials at nominal outlet temperatures are in a dynamic thermal range, i.e., in the nuclear superheat and fossil superheat range, the atomic structures of materials change significantly and change properties such as ductility. It is also possible that compositions and structures of grain boundaries can change, for example, the susceptibility to SCC. The surface temperatures on fuel cladding will be significantly higher than the outlet temperature, and both temperatures will exceed, substantially, the outlet temperatures of present water-cooled plants. Past isothermal data directed toward core structures may not be relevant to the same alloy as fuel cladding. The outlet temperature is useful for considering core structural materials but not for fuel elements, owing to an inevitably high film drop. SCW environments are expected to produce extensive SCC, which differs from past experience. Finally, past data were reanalyzed and additional useful insights were obtained.
Simultaneous occurrence of polar stratospheric clouds and upper-tropospheric clouds caused by blocking anticyclones
Authors: Kohma M. , Sato K.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. This study statistically examines the simultaneous appearance of polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) and upper tropospheric clouds (UCs) using satellite lidar observations for five austral winters of 2007–2011. The time series of PSC occurrence in the height range of 15–25 km are significantly correlated with those of UC in 9–11 km. The UCs observed simultaneously with PSCs reported in previous case studies are possibly located around and slightly above the tropopause (~7–8 km) rather than in the troposphere. It is shown that the simultaneous occurrence of PSCs and UCs is frequently associated with blocking highs having large horizontal scales (several thousand kilometers) and tall structure (up to a~height of ~15 km). The longitudinal variation of blocking high frequency accords well with that of the simultaneous occurrence frequency of PSCs and UCs. This coincidence is clearer when the analysis is limited to the latitudinal regions inside the stratospheric polar vortex. This fact suggests that the blocking highs provide a~preferable condition for the simultaneous occurrence of PSCs and UCs. Moreover, PSC compositions are investigated as a~function of relative-longitude of the anticyclones including blocking highs. It is seen that relatively high proportions of STS (super-cooled ternary solutions), Ice, and Mix2 (mixture of nitric acid trihydrate and STS) types are distributed to windward of, around, and to leeward of the anticyclones in the westerly background flows, respectively.
Photoproduction of ammonium in the southeastern Beaufort Sea and its biogeochemical implications
Authors: Xie H. , Bélanger S. , Song G. , Benner R. , Taalba A. , Blais M. , Tremblay J.-É. , Babin M.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Photochemistry of dissolved organic matter (DOM) plays an important role in marine biogeochemical cycles, including the regeneration of inorganic nutrients. DOM photochemistry affects nitrogen cycling by converting bio-refractory dissolved organic nitrogen to labile inorganic nitrogen, mainly ammonium (NH4+). During the August 2009 Mackenzie Light and Carbon (MALINA) Program, the absorbed photon-based efficiency spectra of NH4+ photoproduction (i.e. photoammonification) were determined using water samples from the SE Beaufort Sea, including the Mackenzie River estuary, shelf, and Canada Basin. The photoammonification efficiency decreased with increasing wavelength across the ultraviolet and visible regimes and was higher in offshore waters than in shelf and estuarine waters. The efficiency was positively correlated with the molar nitrogen:carbon ratio of DOM and negatively correlated with the absorption coefficient of chromophoric DOM (CDOM). Combined with collateral measurements of CO2 and CO photoproduction, this study revealed a stoichiometry of DOM photochemistry with a CO2 : CO : NH4+ molar ratio of 165 : 11 : 1 in the estuary, 60 : 3 : 1 on the shelf, and 18 : 2 : 1 in the Canada Basin. The NH4+ efficiency spectra, along with solar photon fluxes, CDOM absorption coefficients and sea ice concentrations, were used to model the monthly surface and depth-integrated photoammonification rates in 2009. The summertime (June–August) rates at the surface reached 6.6 nmol l−1 d−1 on the Mackenzie Shelf and 3.7 nmol l−1 d−1 further offshore; the depth-integrated rates were correspondingly 8.8 μmol m−2 d−1 and 11.3 μmol m−2 d−1. The offshore depth-integrated rate in August (8.0 μmol m−2 d−1) was comparable to the missing dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) source required to support the observed primary production in the upper 10-m layer of that area. The yearly NH4+ photoproduction in the entire study area was estimated to be 1.4 × 108 moles, with 85% of it being generated in summer when riverine DIN input is low. Photoammonification could mineralize 4% of the annual dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) exported from the Mackenzie River and provide a DIN source corresponding to 7% of the riverine DIN discharge and 1400 times the riverine NH4+ flux. Under a climate warming-induced ice-free scenario, these quantities could increase correspondingly to 6%, 11%, and 2100 times. Photoammonification is thus a significant nitrogen cycling term and may fuel previously unrecognized autotrophic and heterotrophic production pathways in the surface SE Beaufort Sea.
Putative fishery-induced changes in biomass and population size structures of demersal deep-sea fishes in ICES Sub-area VII, North East Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Godbold J. A. , Bailey D. M. , Collins M. A. , Gordon J. D. M. , Spallek W. A. , Priede I. G.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. A time series from 1977–1989 and 2000–2002 of scientific trawl surveys in the Porcupine Seabight and adjacent Abyssal Plain of the NE Atlantic was analysed to assess changes in demersal fish biomass and length frequency. These two periods coincide with the on-set of the commercial deep-water fishery in the late 1970s and the on-set of the regulation of the fishery in the early 2000's and allowed us to investigate changes in the relationship between total demersal fish biomass and depth between the pre- and post commercial fishing periods, changes in the biomass (kg km2) depth distribution and length frequency distribution of the most dominant fish species. Our results show a decline in total demersal fish biomass of 36% within the depth range of the commercial fishery (< 1500 m). Whilst there were significant declines in target (e.g. Coryphaenoides rupestris decreased by 57%) and non-target (e.g. Coryphaenoides guentheri and Antimora rostrata) species, not all species declined significantly. Changes in the overall length-frequency distribution were detected for 2 species (Coryphaenoides armatus, Synaphobranchus kaupii), but only at depths greater than 1800 m (outside the maximum depth for commercial trawling). This suggests that whilst there is evidence for likely fisheries impacts on the biomass distribution of the demersal fish population as a whole, species-specific impacts are highly variable. It is clear that changes in population structure can extend beyond the depth at which fishing takes place, highlighting the importance for also considering the indirect effects on deep-sea fish populations.
Abnormal quality detection and isolation in water distribution networks using simulation models
Authors: Nejjari F. , Pérez R. , Puig V. , Quevedo J. , Sarrate R. , Cugueró M. A. , Sanz G. , Mirats J. M.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. This paper proposes a model based detection and localisation method to deal with abnormal quality levels based on the chlorine measurements and chlorine sensitivity analysis in a water distribution network. A fault isolation algorithm which correlates on line the residuals (generated by comparing the available chlorine measurements with their estimations using a model) with the fault sensitivity matrix is used. The proposed methodology has been applied to a District Metered Area (DMA) in the Barcelona network.
Partitioning of evaporation into transpiration, soil evaporation and interception: a comparison between isotope measurements and a HYDRUS-1D model
Authors: Sutanto S. J. , Wenninger J. , Coenders-Gerrits A. M. J. , Uhlenbrook S.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Knowledge of the water fluxes within the soil-vegetation-atmosphere system is crucial to improve water use efficiency in irrigated land. Many studies have tried to quantify these fluxes, but they encountered difficulties in quantifying the relative contribution of evaporation and transpiration. In this study, we compared three different methods to estimate evaporation fluxes during simulated summer conditions in a grass-covered lysimeter in the laboratory. Only two of these methods can be used to partition total evaporation into transpiration, soil evaporation and interception. A water balance calculation (whereby rainfall, soil moisture and percolation were measured) was used for comparison as a benchmark. A HYDRUS-1D model and isotope measurements were used for the partitioning of total evaporation. The isotope mass balance method partitions total evaporation of 3.4 mm d−1 into 0.4 mm d−1 for soil evaporation, 0.3 mm d−1 for interception and 2.6 mm d−1 for transpiration, while the HYDRUS-1D partitions total evaporation of 3.7 mm d−1 into 1 mm d−1 for soil evaporation, 0.3 mm d−1 for interception and 2.3 mm d−1 for transpiration. From the comparison, we concluded that the isotope mass balance is better for low temporal resolution analysis than the HYDRUS-1D. On the other hand, HYDRUS-1D is better for high temporal resolution analysis than the isotope mass balance.
Estimation of antecedent wetness conditions for flood modelling in Northern Morocco
Authors: Tramblay Y. , Bouaicha R. , Brocca L. , Dorigo W. , Bouvier C. , Camici S. , Servat E.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. In Northern Morocco are located most of the dams and reservoirs of the country, while this region is affected by severe rainfall events causing floods. To improve the management of the water regulation structures, there is a need to develop rainfall-runoff models to both maximize the storage capacity and reduce the risks caused by floods. In this study, a model is developed to reproduce the flood events for a 655 km2 catchment located upstream of the 6th largest dam of the Morocco. Constrained by data availability, a standard event-based model was developed for hourly discharge using 16 flood events that occurred between 1984 and 2008. The model was found satisfactory to reproduce the runoff and the temporal evolution of floods, even with limited rainfall data. Several antecedent wetness conditions estimators for the catchment were compared with the initial condition of the model. These estimators include the discharge of the previous days, the antecedent precipitation index and a continuous daily soil moisture accounting model (SMA). The SMA model performed the best to estimate the initial conditions of the model, with R2=0.9. Its daily output has been compared with ASCAT and AMSR-E remote sensing data products, both were able to reproduce with accuracy the daily soil moisture dynamics at the catchment scale. This same approach could be implemented in other catchments of this region for operational purposes. The results of this study indicate the potential usefulness of remote sensing data to estimate the soil moisture conditions in the case of ungauged catchments in Northern Africa.
Basal interstitial water pressure in laboratory debris flows over a rigid bed in an open channel
Authors: Hotta N.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Measuring the interstitial water pressure of debris flows under various conditions gives essential information on the flow stress structure. This study measured the basal interstitial water pressure during debris flow routing experiments in a laboratory flume. Because a sensitive pressure gauge is required to measure the interstitial water pressure in shallow laboratory debris flows, a differential gas pressure gauge with an attached diaphragm was used. Although this system required calibration before and after each experiment, it showed a linear behavior and a sufficiently high temporal resolution for measuring the interstitial water pressure of debris flows. The values of the interstitial water pressure were low. However, an excess of pressure beyond the hydrostatic pressure was observed with increasing sediment particle size. The measured excess pressure corresponded to the theoretical excess interstitial water pressure, derived as a Reynolds stress in the interstitial water of boulder debris flows. Turbulence was thought to induce a strong shear in the interstitial space of sediment particles. The interstitial water pressure in boulder debris flows should be affected by the fine sediment concentration and the phase transition from laminar to turbulent debris flow; this should be the subject of future studies.
Possible link between Holocene East Asian monsoon and solar activity obtained from the EMD method
Authors: Liu H. Y. , Lin Z. S. , Qi X. Z. , Li Y. X. , Yu M. T. , Yang H. , Shen J.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. It is thought that East Asian monsoon (EAM) is linked and sensitive to solar activity. In this paper, we have decomposed the Dongge cave speleothem δ18O record (proxy for EAM), and Δ14C and 10Be (proxies for solar activity) time series into variations at different time scales with the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) method to reveal the possible link between the EAM variability and solar activity. There are some common cycles in the EAM and solar variability from centennial to millennial scales, indicating a possible link between EAM and solar activity at these time scales. The correlation between EAM and solar activity is much higher at millennial scales than at centennial scales, which means direct responses to the solar variation are more likely at time scales longer than a few hundred years. At ~30, 60 and 600 yr time scales, the variation in EAM is amplified by the solar amplitude modulation at ~100, 200 and 2200 yr time scales.
Using ES Cells Labeled with GFP for Analyzing Cell Behavior During Differentiation
Authors: Liu Zhonghua , Vong Queenie P. , Zheng Yixian
Published: August 2012

Mouse embryonic stem (ES) cell is a unique yet highly successful system to study stem cell maintenance and differentiation. In this protocol, we describe the generation of engineered mouse ES cells that stably express GFP alone or GFP fused with histone H2B, which allow the cells to be traced live or in fixed samples. This system can be used to study cell behavior changes as ES cells differentiate into different lineages. Curr. Protoc. Stem Cell Biol. 22:1D.8.1‐1D.8.9. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Isolation of Undifferentiated Female Germline Cells from Adult Drosophila Ovaries
Authors: Lim Robyn Su May , Osato Motomi , Kai Toshie
Published: August 2012

This unit describes a method for isolating undifferentiated, stem cell–like germline cells from adult Drosophila ovaries. Here, we demonstrate that this population of cells can be effectively purified from hand‐dissected ovaries in considerably large quantities. Tumor ovaries with expanded populations of undifferentiated germline cells are first removed from fly abdomens and dissociated into a cell suspension with the aid of protease treatment. The target cells, which express Vasa‐green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein under the control of the germline‐specific vasa promoter, are specifically selected from the suspension via fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS). These protocols can be adapted to isolate other cell types from fly ovaries, such as somatic follicle cells or escort cells, by driving GFP expression in the respective target cells. Curr. Protoc. Stem Cell Biol. 22:2E.3.1‐2E.3.14. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Nanoscale Origins of Nonlinear Behavior in Ferroic Thin Films
Authors: Vasudevan Rama K. , Okatan M. Baris , Duan Chen , Ehara Yoshitaka , Funakubo Hiroshi , Kumar Amit , Jesse Stephen , Chen Long‐Qing , Kalinin Sergei V. , Nagarajan Valanoor
Published: August 2012

The nonlinear response of a ferroic to an applied field has been studied through the phenomenological Rayleigh Law for over a hundred years. Yet, despite this, the fundamental physical mechanisms at the nanoscale that lead to macroscopic Rayleigh behavior have remained largely elusive, and experimental evidence at small length scales is limited. Here, it is shown using a combination of scanning probe techniques and phase field modeling, that nanoscale piezoelectric response in prototypical Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 films appears to follow a distinctly non‐Rayleigh regime. Through statistical analysis, it is found that an averaging of local responses can lead directly to Rayleigh‐like behavior of the strain on a macroscale. Phase‐field modeling confirms the twist of the ferroelastic interface is key in enhancing piezoelectric response. The studies shed light on the nanoscale origins of nonlinear behavior in disordered ferroics.
A Strategy for the Construction of Controlled, Three‐Dimensional, Multilayered, Tissue‐Like Structures
Authors: Gong Peiyuan , Zheng Wenfu , Huang Zhuo , Zhang Wei , Xiao Dan , Jiang Xingyu
Published: August 2012

Differentiated cells make up tissues and organs, and communicate within a complex, three dimensional (3D) environment. The spatial arrangement of cellular interactions is difficult to recapitulate in vitro. Here, a simple and rapid method for stepwise formation of 2D multicellular structures through the biotin‐streptavidin (SA) interaction and further construction of controlled, 3D, multilayered, tissue‐like structures by using the stress‐induced rolling membrane (SIRM) technique is reported. The biotinylated cells connect with the SA‐coated adherent cells to form a bilayer. The bilayer of two types of cells on the SIRM is transformed into 3D tubes, in which two types of cells can directly interact and communicate with each other, mimicking the in vivo conditions of tubular structures such as blood vessel. This method has the potential to recapitulate functional tubular structures for tissue engineering.
Supported Faceted Gold Nanoparticles with Tunable Surface Plasmon Resonance for NIR‐SERS
Authors: Bianco Giuseppe V. , Giangregorio Maria M. , Losurdo Maria , Capezzuto Pio , Bruno Giovanni
Published: August 2012

A novel dry plasma methodology for fabricating directly stabilized substrate‐supported gold nanoparticle (NP) ensembles for near infrared surface enhanced Raman scattering (NIR SERS) is presented. This maskless stepwise growth exploits Au‐sulfide seeds by plasma sulfidization of gold nuclei to produce highly faceted Au NPs with a multiple plasmon resonance that can be tuned from the visible to the near infrared, down to 1400 nm. The role of Au sulfidization in modifying the dynamics of Au NPs and of the corresponding plasmon resonance is discussed. The tunability of the plasmon resonance in a broad range is shown and the effectiveness as substrates for NIR SERS is demonstrated. The SERS response is investigated by using different laser sources operating both in the visible and in the NIR. SERS mapping of the SERS enhancement factor is carried out in order to evaluate their effectiveness, stability, and reproducibility as NIR SERS substrates, also in comparison with gold NPs fabricated by conventional sputtering and with the state‐of‐the‐art in the current literature.
Thymidylate synthase polymorphisms and risk of conotruncal heart defects
Authors: Zhu Huiping , Yang Wei , Shaw Nathan , Perloff Spencer , Carmichael Suzan L. , Finnell Richard H. , Shaw Gary M. , Lammer Edward J.
Published: August 2012

In this study, we investigated whether the two TYMS functional variants (28 bp VNTR and 1494del6) (275 cases and 653 controls) and six selected SNPs (265 case infants, 535 control infants; 169 case mothers and 276 control mothers) were associated with risks of conotruncal heart defects. Further, we evaluated interaction effects between these gene variants and maternal folate intake for risk of CTD. Cases with diagnosis of single gene disorders or chromosomal aneusomies were excluded. Controls were randomly selected from area hospitals in proportion to their contribution to the total population of live‐born infants. DNA samples were collected using buccal brushes or drawn from the repository of newborn screening blood specimens when available. Genetic variants were treated as categorical variables (homozygous referent, heterozygote, homozygous variant). Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed to estimate risks among all subjects, Hispanic and non‐Hispanic whites, respectively, using logistic regression. Gene–folate interactions were assessed for these variants by adding an interaction term to the logistic model. A dichotomized composite variable, “combined folate intake,” was created by combining maternal peri‐conceptional use of folic acid‐containing vitamin supplements with daily dietary intake of folate. In general, the results do not show strong gene‐only effects on risk of CTD. We did, however, observe a 3.6‐fold increase in CTD risk (95% CI: 1.1–11.9) among infants who were homozygotes for the 6 bp deletion in the 3′‐untranslated region (UTR) (1694del6) and whose mothers had low folate intake during the peri‐conceptional period. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Constitutional NRAS mutations are rare among patients with Noonan syndrome or juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia
Authors: Kraoua Lilia , Journel Hubert , Bonnet Philippe , Amiel Jeanne , Pouvreau Nathalie , Baumann Clarisse , Verloes Alain , Cavé Hélène
Published: August 2012

Recently, germline mutations of NRAS have been shown to be associated with Noonan syndrome (NS), a relatively common developmental disorder characterized by short stature, congenital heart disease, and distinctive facial features. We report on the mutational analysis of NRAS in a cohort of 125 French patients with NS and no known mutation for PTPN11, KRAS, SOS1, MEK1, MEK2, RAF1, BRAF, and SHOC2. The c.179G>A (p.G60E) mutation was identified in two patients with typical NS, confirming that NRAS germline mutations are a rare cause of this syndrome. We also screened our cohort of 95 patients with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML). Among 17 patients with NRAS‐mutated JMML, none had clinical features suggestive of NS. None of the 11 JMML patients for which germline DNA was available had a constitutional NRAS mutation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anthropometric measurements in Egyptian patients with osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Aglan Mona S. , Zaki Moushira E. , Hosny Laila , El‐Houssini Rasha , Oteify Ghada , Temtamy Samia A.
Published: August 2012

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a heritable skeletal disorder with bone fragility and often short stature. This study provides anthropometric measurements in Egyptian children with OI and determine variability among OI types classified according to Sillence et al. [Sillence et al. (1979); J Med Genet 16:101–116]. The study included 124 patients with OI. All were subjected to full clinical and radiological examination. Accordingly they were classified into types OI‐I (N = 16), OI‐III (N = 86), and OI‐IV (N = 22) following Sillence classification. Five anthropometric measurements were taken for each patient including: length or standing height, weight, head circumference, arm span, and sitting height. Three indices were calculated: body mass index, relative head circumference, and relative arm span. Results show that mean height standard deviation scores (SDS) was significantly reduced in OI type III and IV compared to type I. Mean sitting height SDS was significantly reduced in OI‐III than that of OI‐I. Mean relative head circumference was significantly increased in OI‐III than that in OI‐I and OI‐IV. Using anthropometry, this study was able to quantitatively assess the body physique in the different Sillence types of OI and the variability among them. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Achondroplasia‐hypochondroplasia complex and abnormal pulmonary anatomy
Authors: Bober Michael B. , Taylor Megan , Heinle Robert , Mackenzie William
Published: August 2012

Achondroplasia and hypochondroplasia are two of the most common forms of skeletal dysplasia. They are both caused by activating mutations in FGFR3 and are inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. Our patient was born to parents with presumed achondroplasia, and found on prenatal testing to have p.G380R and p.N540K FGFR3 mutations. In addition to having typical problems associated with both achondroplasia and hypochondroplasia, our patient had several atypical findings including: abnormal lobulation of the lungs with respiratory insufficiency, C1 stenosis, and hypoglycemia following a Nissen fundoplication. After his reflux and aspiration were treated, the persistence of the tachypnea and increased respiratory effort indicated this was not the primary source of the respiratory distress. Our subsequent hypothesis was that primary restrictive lung disease was the cause of his respiratory distress. A closer examination of his chest circumference did not support this conclusion either. Following his death, an autopsy found the right lung had 2 lobes while the left lung had 3 lobes. A literature review demonstrates that other children with achondroplasia‐hypochondroplasia complex have been described with abnormal pulmonary function and infants with thanatophoric dysplasia have similar abnormal pulmonary anatomy. We hypothesize that there may be a primary pulmonary phenotype associated with FGFR3‐opathies, unrelated to chest size which leads to the consistent finding of increased respiratory signs and symptoms in these children. Further observation of respiratory status, combined with the macroscopic and microscopic analysis of pulmonary branching anatomy and alveolar structure in this patient population will be important to explore this hypothesis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.