bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
JOINT ALIGNMENT OF UNDERWATER AND ABOVE-THE-WATER PHOTOGRAMMETRIC 3D MODELS BY INDEPENDENT MODELS ADJUSTMENT
Authors: Menna F. , Nocerino E. , Troisi S. , Remondino F.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. The surveying and 3D modelling of objects that extend both below and above the water level, such as ships, harbour structures, offshore platforms, are still an open issue. Commonly, a combined and simultaneous survey is the adopted solution, with acoustic/optical sensors respectively in underwater and in air (most common) or optical/optical sensors both below and above the water level. In both cases, the system must be calibrated and a ship is to be used and properly equipped with also a navigation system for the alignment of sequential 3D point clouds. Such a system is usually highly expensive and has been proved to work with still structures. On the other hand for free floating objects it does not provide a very practical solution. In this contribution, a flexible, low-cost alternative for surveying floating objects is presented. The method is essentially based on photogrammetry, employed for surveying and modelling both the emerged and submerged parts of the object. Special targets, named Orientation Devices, are specifically designed and adopted for the successive alignment of the two photogrammetric models (underwater and in air). A typical scenario where the proposed procedure can be particularly suitable and effective is the case of a ship after an accident whose damaged part is underwater and necessitate to be measured (Figure 1). The details of the mathematical procedure are provided in the paper, together with a critical explanation of the results obtained from the adoption of the method for the survey of a small pleasure boat in floating condition.
BUILDING A 3D REFERENCE MODEL FOR CANAL TUNNEL SURVEYING USING SONAR AND LASER SCANNING
Authors: Moisan E. , Charbonnier P. , Foucher P. , Grussenmeyer P. , Guillemin S. , Koehl M.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Maintaining canal tunnels is not only a matter of cultural and historical preservation, but also a commercial necessity and a security issue. This contribution adresses the problem of building a full 3D reference model of a canal tunnel by merging SONAR (for underwater data recording) and LASER data (for the above-water parts). Although both scanning devices produce point clouds, their properties are rather different. In particular, SONAR data are very noisy and their processing raises several issues related to the device capacities, the acquisition setup and the tubular shape of the tunnel. The proposed methodology relies on a denoising step by meshing, followed by the registration of SONAR data with the geo-referenced LASER data. Since there is no overlap between point clouds, a 3-step procedure is proposed to robustly estimate the registration parameters. In this paper, we report a first experimental survey, which concerned the entrance of a canal tunnel. The obtained results are promising and the analysis of the method raises several improvement directions that will help obtaining more accurate models, in a more automated fashion, in the limits of the involved technology.
UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAMMETRY METHODS FOR A PECULIAR CASE-STUDY: SAN DOMENICO (PRATO-ITALY)
Authors: Pruno E. , Marcotulli C. , Vannini G. , Drap P.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. San Domenico Church (Prato, Tuscan, Italy) is a very peculiar case of terrestrial archaeology surveyed with underwater archaeological photogrammetric approach. The vault of the choir was completely filled by a very important numbers of potteries, which is very interesting building technique. To document this technique a complete photogrammetric survey was realized, layer by layer, following underwater archaeology system. It is interesting to note that in underwater archaeology such a case is quite rare, in fact or the wreck is in shallow water and the digging can be made (but this case is now unrealistic because in shallow water all the wreck have been stolen – or already excavated by archaeologist – !) or we are in deep water, with well conserved wreck but the depth doesn’t allow the excavation. In the last case only a surface survey is possible. Also for these reasons this particular case- study is very interesting in order to test underwater methods on real case. This experimentation is a good opportunity to develop and check methods, algorithm and software to obtain a relevant model of the site merging 3D measure and knowledge about the artefact as typology, theoretical model, spatial relationship between them. Even if this work started in 2006, with now obsolete digital camera and with a photographic campaign which not respect always the current constraints for building a dense cloud of point in photogrammetry,it is now used as a case-study for developing a relevant approach for underwater archaeology survey.
3D MODELS COMPARISON OF COMPLEX SHELL IN UNDERWATER AND DRY ENVIRONMENTS
Authors: Troisi S. , Del Pizzo S. , Gaglione S. , Miccio A. , Testa R. L.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. In marine biology the shape, morphology, texture and dimensions of the shells and organisms like sponges and gorgonians are very important parameters. For example, a particular type of gorgonian grows every year only few millimeters; this estimation was conducted without any measurement instrument but it has been provided after successive observational studies, because this organism is very fragile: the contact could compromise its structure and outliving. Non-contact measurement system has to be used to preserve such organisms: the photogrammetry is a method capable to assure high accuracy without contact. Nevertheless, the achievement of a 3D photogrammetric model of complex object (as gorgonians or particular shells) is a challenge in normal environments, either with metric camera or with consumer camera. Indeed, the successful of automatic target-less image orientation and the image matching algorithms is strictly correlated to the object texture properties and of camera calibration quality as well. In the underwater scenario, the environment conditions strongly influence the results quality; in particular, water’s turbidity, the presence of suspension, flare and other optical aberrations decrease the image quality reducing the accuracy and increasing the noise on the 3D model. Furthermore, seawater density variability influences its refraction index and consequently the interior orientation camera parameters. For this reason, the camera calibration has to be performed in the same survey conditions. In this paper, a comparison between the 3D models of a Charonia Tritonis shell are carried out through surveys conducted both in dry and underwater environments.
COMPUTER VISION PHOTOGRAMMETRY FOR UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE RECORDING IN A LOW-VISIBILITY ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Van Damme T.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Computer Vision Photogrammetry allows archaeologists to accurately record underwater sites in three dimensions using simple twodimensional picture or video sequences, automatically processed in dedicated software. In this article, I share my experience in working with one such software package, namely PhotoScan, to record a Dutch shipwreck site. In order to demonstrate the method’s reliability and flexibility, the site in question is reconstructed from simple GoPro footage, captured in low-visibility conditions. Based on the results of this case study, Computer Vision Photogrammetry compares very favourably to manual recording methods both in recording efficiency, and in the quality of the final results. In a final section, the significance of Computer Vision Photogrammetry is then assessed from a historical perspective, by placing the current research in the wider context of about half a century of successful use of Analytical and later Digital photogrammetry in the field of underwater archaeology. I conclude that while photogrammetry has been used in our discipline for several decades now, for various reasons the method was only ever used by a relatively small percentage of projects. This is likely to change in the near future since, compared to the ‘traditional’ photogrammetry approaches employed in the past, today Computer Vision Photogrammetry is easier to use, more reliable and more affordable than ever before, while at the same time producing more accurate and more detailed three-dimensional results.
UTILIZING UNDERWATER THREE-DIMENSIONAL MODELING TO ENHANCE ECOLOGICAL AND BIOLOGICAL STUDIES OF CORAL REEFS
Authors: Burns J. H. R. , Delparte D. , Gates R. D. , Takabayashi M.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. The structural complexity of coral reefs profoundly affects the biodiversity, productivity, and overall functionality of reef ecosystems. Conventional survey techniques utilize 2-dimensional metrics that are inadequate for accurately capturing and quantifying the intricate structural complexity of scleractinian corals. A 3-dimensional (3D) approach improves the capacity to accurately measure architectural complexity, topography, rugosity, volume, and other structural characteristics that play a significant role in habitat facilitation and ecosystem processes. This study utilized Structure-from-Motion (SfM) photogrammetry techniques to create 3D mesh models for several Hawaiian corals that represent distinct morphological phenotypes. The orthophotos and digital elevation models generated from the SfM process were imported into geospatial analysis software in order to quantify several metrics pertaining to 3D complexity that are known to affect ecosystem biodiversity and productivity. The 3D structural properties of the reconstructed coral colonies were statistically analyzed to determine if the each species represents a unique morpho-functional group. The SfM reconstruction techniques described in this paper can be utilized for an array of research purposes to improve our understanding of how changes in coral composition affect habitat structure and ecological processes in coral reef ecosystems.
3D RECONSTRUCTION OF AN UNDERWATER ARCHAELOGICAL SITE: COMPARISON BETWEEN LOW COST CAMERAS
Authors: Capra A. , Dubbini M. , Bertacchini E. , Castagnetti C. , Mancini F.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. The 3D reconstruction with a metric content of a submerged area, where objects and structures of archaeological interest are found, could play an important role in the research and study activities and even in the digitization of the cultural heritage. The reconstruction of 3D object, of interest for archaeologists, constitutes a starting point in the classification and description of object in digital format and for successive fruition by user after delivering through several media. The starting point is a metric evaluation of the site obtained with photogrammetric surveying and appropriate 3D restitution. The authors have been applying the underwater photogrammetric technique since several years using underwater digital cameras and, in this paper, digital low cost cameras (off-the-shelf). Results of tests made on submerged objects with three cameras are presented: © Canon Power Shot G12, © Intova Sport HD e © GoPro HERO 2. The experimentation had the goal to evaluate the precision in self-calibration procedures, essential for multimedia underwater photogrammetry, and to analyze the quality of 3D restitution. Precisions obtained in the calibration and orientation procedures was assessed by using three cameras, and an homogeneous set control points. Data were processed with © Agisoft Photoscan. Successively, 3D models were created and the comparison of the models derived from the use of different cameras was performed. Different potentialities of the used cameras are reported in the discussion section. The 3D restitution of objects and structures was integrated with sea bottom floor morphology in order to achieve a comprehensive description of the site. A possible methodology of survey and representation of submerged objects is therefore illustrated, considering an automatic and a semi-automatic approach.
UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAMMETRY AND 3D RECONSTRUCTION OF MARBLE CARGOS SHIPWRECK
Authors: Balletti C. , Beltrame C. , Costa E. , Guerra F. , Vernier P.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Nowadays archaeological and architectural surveys are based on the acquisition and processing of point clouds, allowing a high metric precision, essential prerequisite for a good documentation. Digital image processing and laser scanner have changed the archaeological survey campaign, from manual and direct survey to a digital one and, actually, multi-image photogrammetry is a good solution for the underwater archaeology. This technical documentation cannot operate alone, but it has to be supported by a topographical survey to georeference all the finds in the same reference system. In the last years the Ca' Foscari and IUAV University of Venice are conducting a research on integrated survey techniques to support underwater metric documentation. The paper will explain all the phases regarding the survey’s design, images acquisition, topographic measure and the data processing of two Roman shipwrecks in south Sicily. The cargos of the shipwrecks are composed by huge marble blocks, but they are different for morphological characteristic of the sites, for the depth and for their distribution on the seabed. Photogrammetrical and topographical surveys were organized in two distinct methods, especially for the second one, due to the depth that have allowed an experimentation of GPS RTK’s measurements on one shipwreck. Moreover, this kind of three-dimensional documentation is useful for educational and dissemination aspect, for the ease of understanding by wide public.
CHARACTERIZATION OF RECYCLED RUBBER USING PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION TECHNIQUES
Authors: Uriarte I. , Zulueta E. , Guraya T. , Arsuaga M. , Garitaonandia I. , Arriaga A.
Published: April 2015

A material based on recycled rubber has been developed to use as a protective coating on road barriers with the aim of improving motorcyclists' security against crash impacts. This material is based on grounded rubber from used tires added by extrusion using low-density polyethylene as adhesive. Compression tests have been performed for different densities of the recycled material to fully describe the mechanical characteristics under high strain rates (in the rank 0.057–5.7 s−1), and a constitutive model composed of a hyperelastic Mooney Rivlin part and a viscoelastic part based on the generalized Maxwell model has been taken to characterize this behavior. Hyperelastic parameters have been obtained by means of the least-squares fitting technique, and particle swarm optimization (PSO) has been used to obtain viscoelastic parameters. The PSO algorithm is shown to be a good optimization method, simple, versatile, and consisting of few parameters that accelerate to the optimal solution. Therefore, this article presents a new and efficient approach to obtaining the parameters for the viscoelastic model. The behavior of the experimental material confirms the theoretically obtained results, so the procedure presented in the article is validated successfully.
Investigation of the records of earthquake slip in carbonaceous materials from the Taiwan Chelungpu fault by means of infrared and Raman spectroscopies
Authors: Hirono Tetsuro , Maekawa Yuka , Yabuta Hikaru
Published: April 2015

To understand the mechanism of fault lubrication during the 1999 Taiwan Chi‐Chi earthquake, we developed a new temperature proxy for carbonaceous materials by using infrared and Raman spectroscopies together with heating and friction experiments. We found marked anomalies in the infrared and Raman spectra of carbonaceous materials retrieved from the primary slip zone of the earthquake: the infrared spectra exhibited very weak aliphatic CH2 and CH3 peaks and aromatic C=C absorbance peaks, and the Raman spectra exhibited very weak disordered and graphitic bands and a high ratio of disordered band area to graphitic band area. Those weak peaks and bands and the band area ratio were reproduced by heating carbonaceous materials from the nearby host rock to 700°C. These results suggest that the frictional heat in the slip zone reached approximately 700°C. We characterized the host rock's carbonaceous materials by means of elemental analysis, pyrolysis‐gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry, and simultaneous thermogravimetry‐differential scanning calorimetry and found that the H/C and O/C ratios were 1.29 and 0.30, respectively (which are close to the ratios for lignin) and that the volatile fraction was as high as 48 wt %. The pyrolysates obtained by heating from 100 to 400°C were dominated by phenols, fatty alcohols, and n‐alkanes. When the residue from pyrolysis at 100–400°C was rapidly heated to 700°C, the resulting pyrolysate was dominated by phenols, aromatic compounds, heterocyclic compounds, and n‐alkenes. This information suggests that change in the infrared and Raman spectra with increasing temperature may have been due to decomposition and aromatization reactions during pyrolysis. Rapid heating during earthquake slip may promote reactions of carbonaceous materials that are different from the reactions that occur during long‐term geological metamorphism.
Resonant and nonresonant whistlers‐particle interaction in the radiation belts
Authors: Camporeale Enrico
Published: April 2015

We study the wave‐particle interactions between lower band chorus whistlers and an anisotropic tenuous population of relativistic electrons. We present the first direct comparison of first‐principle particle‐in‐cell (PIC) simulations with a quasi‐linear diffusion code. In the PIC approach, the waves are self‐consistently generated by the temperature anisotropy instability that quickly saturates and relaxes the system toward marginal stability. We show that the quasi‐linear diffusion and PIC results have significant quantitative mismatch in regions of energy/pitch angle where the resonance condition is not satisfied. Moreover, for pitch angles close to the loss cone the diffusion code overestimates the scattering, particularly at low energies. This suggests that higher‐order nonlinear theories should be taken in consideration in order to capture nonresonant interactions, resonance broadening, and to account for scattering at angles close to 90°.
Price Transmission, International Trade, and Asymmetric Relationships in the Dutch Agri‐Food Chain
Authors: Verreth Daphne M.I. , Emvalomatis Grigorios , Bunte Frank , Kemp Ron , Oude Lansink Alfons G.J.M.
Published: April 2015

This paper analyses the response of producer, wholesale, retail, and international trade prices to shocks in prices in upstream or downstream stages in the Dutch onion and red pepper supply chains. The analysis allows for asymmetric adjustment among food prices when the wholesale or retail stages exert oligopoly power. The study provides a theoretical underpinning of the relationship between domestic and international prices. Asymmetries in price transmission are examined using the Houck as well as the error‐correction approaches. The impulse response analyses show that red pepper prices return to their long‐term equilibria relatively quickly, whereas onion prices settle at a new equilibrium after a price shock. Market power in the wholesale sector affects the responses of onion prices but has little or no effect on the responses of red pepper prices. Market power in the retail sector does not affect the onion prices or the red pepper prices. Analysis of weekly price data over the period from 2005 to 2008 suggests asymmetric adjustment in producer‐wholesale and international‐producer prices in the Dutch onion supply chain. The results also show asymmetric transmission between producer and retail prices for red pepper.
Co‐gasification of woody biomass and sewage sludge in a fixed‐bed downdraft gasifier
Authors: Ong Zhehan , Cheng Yongpan , Maneerung Thawatchai , Yao Zhiyi , Tong Yen Wah , Wang Chi‐Hwa , Dai Yanjun
Published: April 2015

Experimental and numerical studies of cogasification of woody biomass and sewage sludge have been carried out. The gasification experiments were performed in a fixed‐bed downdraft gasifier and the experimental results show that 20 wt % dried sewage sludge in the feedstock was effectively gasified to generate producer gas comprising over 30 vol % of syngas with an average lower heating value of 4.5 MJ/Nm3. Further increasing sewage sludge content to 33 wt % leads to the blockage of gasifier, which is resulted from the formation of agglomerated ash. The numerical models were then developed to simulate the reactions taking place in four different zones of the gasifier (i.e., drying, pyrolysis, combustion, and reduction zones) and to predict the producer gas composition and cold gas efficiency. The deviation between the numerical and experimental results obtained was lower than 10%. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 2508–2521, 2015
Severe osteogenesis imperfecta caused by double glycine substitutions near the amino‐terminal triple helical region in COL1A2
Authors: Takagi Masaki , Shinohara Hiroyuki , Narumi Satoshi , Nishimura Gen , Hasegawa Yukihiro , Hasegawa Tomonobu
Published: April 2015

Most cases of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) are caused by heterozygous mutations in COL1A1 or COL1A2, the genes encoding the two type I procollagen alpha chains, proα1 (I) and proα2 (I). We report on a unique case of severe OI, a long term survivor of lethal type II OI, rather than progressively deforming type III, due to double substitutions of glycine residues in COL1A2 (p.Gly208Glu and p.Gly235Asp), located on the same allele. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of a patient with double COL1A2 glycine substitution mutations on the same allele. We show for the first time that double COL1A2 glycine substitution mutations located near the amino‐terminal triple helical region, which individually are likely to result in mild OI, cause severe OI in combination. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Moyamoya disease in two patients with Noonan‐like syndrome with loose anagen hair
Authors: Lo Fu‐Sung , Wang Chao‐Jan , Wong Mun‐Ching , Lee Ni‐Chung
Published: April 2015

Moyamoya disease is a unique chronic cerebrovascular condition caused by progressive stenosis of the arteries around the circle of Willis with prominent arterial collateral circulation. Noonan‐like syndrome with loose anagen hair (NSLH) is characterized by short stature, characteristic facial phenotype, darkly pigmented and hairless skin, mild psychomotor delay with attention deficit disorder, and easily pluckable, sparse, thin, slow growing hair. Mutations in SHOC2 have been reported to underlie NSLH. In this paper, we describe two individuals with NSLH who also have moyamoya disease and in whom heterozygous germline mutation in SHOC2 was found. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The “physician on call patient engagement trial” (POPET): measuring the impact of a mobile patient engagement application on health outcomes and quality of life in allergic rhinitis and asthma patients
Authors: Cingi Cemal , Yorgancioglu Arzu , Cingi Can Cemal , Oguzulgen Kıvılcım , Muluk Nuray Bayar , Ulusoy Seçkin , Orhon Nezih , Yumru Cengiz , Gokdag Dursun , Karakaya Gul , Çelebi Şaban , Çobanoglu H. Bengü , Unlu Halis , Aksoy Mehmet Akif
Published: April 2015

Background

In this prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled, double‐blind study, we investigated the impact of a mobile patient engagement application on health outcomes and quality of life in allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma patients.

Methods

In total, 327 patients with diagnoses of persistent AR or mild‐to‐severe persistent asthma were randomized into 2 intervention groups and 2 control groups upon their admission at outpatient clinics. The intervention groups (POPET‐AR and POPET‐Asthma) received a mobile phone application (“physician on call patient engagement trial” [POPET]), enabling them to communicate with their physician, and record their health status and medication compliance. The AR groups completed the Rhinitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) at initiation and at the first month of the study. The asthma groups completed the Asthma Control Test (ACT) at initiation and at the third month of the study.

Results

The POPET‐AR group showed better clinical improvement than the control group in terms of the overall RQLQ score as well in measures of general problems, activity, symptoms other than nose/eye, and emotion domains (p< 0.05). In the POPET‐Asthma group, more patients (49%) achieved a well‐controlled asthma score (ACT > 19) compared with the control group (27%); this was statistically significant (p< 0.05).

Conclusion

Use of a mobile engagement platform, such as POPET, can have a significant impact on health outcomes and quality of life in both AR and asthma, potentially decreasing the number of hospital admissions, repeat doctor visits, and losses in productivity. Improvements were seen in domains related to activity, productivity, perception of disease, and emotion.
Back To Basics: Rags and Me!
Authors: Creo Robert A.
Published: April 2015

Editor's note: Veteran Alternatives columnist Bob Creo, a Pittsburgh neutral, is revisiting his classic CPR Institute website columns of a decade ago in a Back to Basics Series that he has subtitled “Human Problems, Human Solutions.” In his recent Master Mediators columns, Creo has focused on neuroscience, psychological factors and cognitive biases that affect dispute resolution. These updated Back to Basics columns, in print for the first time, began in November, revisiting mediation‐room techniques and practice issues. This month, the focus is on getting to closure.
Data on One Side, Rhetoric on the Other
Authors: Hopkins Gabriel
Published: April 2015

This article is adapted and expanded from the author's blog post last month—after the Newark, N.J., Consumer Financial Protection Bureau hearing discussed in the article above—at http://publicjustice.net/blog.
Ruthenium‐Oxide‐Coated Sodium Vanadium Fluorophosphate Nanowires as High‐Power Cathode Materials for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Peng Manhua , Li Biao , Yan Huijun , Zhang Dongtang , Wang Xiayan , Xia Dingguo , Guo Guangsheng
Published: April 2015

Sodium‐ion batteries are a very promising alternative to lithium‐ion batteries because of their reliance on an abundant supply of sodium salts, environmental benignity, and low cost. However, the low rate capability and poor long‐term stability still hinder their practical application. A cathode material, formed of RuO2‐coated Na3V2O2(PO4)2F nanowires, has a 50 nm diameter with the space group of I4/mmm. When used as a cathode material for Na‐ion batteries, a reversible capacity of 120 mAh g−1 at 1 C and 95 mAh g−1 at 20 C can be achieved after 1000 charge–discharge cycles. The ultrahigh rate capability and enhanced cycling stability are comparable with high performance lithium cathodes. Combining first principles computational investigation with experimental observations, the excellent performance can be attributed to the uniform and highly conductive RuO2 coating and the preferred growth of the (002) plane in the Na3V2O2(PO4)2F nanowires.
Triglycine sulphate and its deuterated analog in polyurethane matrix for thermal/infrared detection: A comparison
Authors: Sudhakaran Jayalakshmy Maliyekattu , Philip Jacob
Published: April 2015

Composites comprising of polycrystalline triglycine sulphate (TGS) or its deuterated analog (DTGS) in powder form dispersed in polyurethane (PU) are synthesized for pyroelectric sensor applications. TGS and DTGS have high pyroelectric coefficients, but are susceptible to humidity, and PU is inherently electroactive. So composites made of TGS or DTGS dispersed in PU can be expected to have high pyroelectric coefficient as well as immunity to humidity. Composites with inclusion volume fraction between 0 and 0.25 are prepared, and their dielectric, pyroelectric, and thermal properties measured. In general, deuteration leads to decrease in dielectric constant and specific heat, but increase in thermal conductivity. The pyroelectric coefficient and figures of merit get enhanced significantly with deuteration as well as inclusion volume fraction. Comparison with similar composites shows that these samples have the highest values for figures of merit, indicating their potential use as thermal/infrared detectors that are immune to humidity. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42250.
Hyperlinks embedded in twitter as a proxy for total external in‐links to international university websites
Authors: Orduña‐Malea Enrique , Torres‐Salinas Daniel , Delgado López‐Cózar Emilio
Published: April 2015

Twitter as a potential alternative source of external links for use in webometric analysis is analyzed because of its capacity to embed hyperlinks in different tweets. Given the limitations on searching Twitter's public application programming interface (API), we used the Topsy search engine as a source for compiling tweets. To this end, we took a global sample of 200 universities and compiled all the tweets with hyperlinks to any of these institutions. Further link data was obtained from alternative sources (MajesticSEO and OpenSiteExplorer) in order to compare the results. Thereafter, various statistical tests were performed to determine the correlation between the indicators and the possibility of predicting external links from the collected tweets. The results indicate a high volume of tweets, although they are skewed by the performance of specific universities and countries. The data provided by Topsy correlated significantly with all link indicators, particularly with OpenSiteExplorer (r = 0.769). Finally, prediction models do not provide optimum results because of high error rates. We conclude that the use of Twitter (via Topsy) as a source of hyperlinks to universities produces promising results due to its high correlation with link indicators, though limited by policies and culture regarding use and presence in social networks.
Descriptive study on neural tube defects in Argentina
Authors: Sargiotto Carla , Bidondo María Paz , Liascovich Rosa , Barbero Pablo , Groisman Boris
Published: April 2015

Background

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are the most common congenital anomalies of the central nervous system. Prevalence of NTDs varies depending on geographic region and folic acid fortification. The main objectives of this study are to analyze the prevalences of NTDs reported to the National Registry of Congenital Anomalies of Argentina (RENAC) during the period 2009 to 2013, to compare them with data from other selected surveillance systems of the Americas, and to evaluate the impact of folic acid fortification on the prevalence of NTDs in Argentina.

Methods

We analyzed changes in prevalence between 2009 and 2013 for the RENAC, and differences in prevalence between RENAC and other surveillance systems. We evaluated changes for the pre and postfortification time periods in Argentina.

Results

In Argentina, anencephaly and spina bifida showed no statistically significant variation between 2009 and 2013, and encephalocele showed a statistically significant decline. The RENAC showed a statistically significant higher prevalence for all three defects when compared with surveillance systems from Chile, Colombia, and Costa Rica, and a statistically significant lower birth prevalence than Cuba for anencephaly. No differences were observed when comparing it to the Atlanta‐USA and Mexico systems. A significant decrease in prevalence was observed for all three anomalies for the postfortification period in Argentina.

Conclusion

The characteristics of cases reported to the RENAC are similar to those already reported in the literature. The differences in prevalence between the RENAC and other surveillance systems could be artifactual or real. We confirmed the decrease of prevalence of NTDs after folic acid fortification. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 103:509–516, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The evaluation and steering of English academy schools through inspection and examinations: national visions and local practices
Authors: Kauko Jaakko , Salokangas Maija
Published: April 2015

The article analyses the redefinition and distribution of powers between central governance and local actors in English independent state‐funded schooling. Earlier research on governance confirms the importance of the local and the school level in reshaping national‐level reforms and steering policies. The research draws on data from interviews with national‐level policymakers and an ethnographic school case study, thereby yielding contrasting views and perceptions of governance at the national level, and the day‐to‐day reality at the local level. The empirical analysis gives mixed results in that the national visions of innovative local practices seem not to be manifest at the local level. Despite the legal and financial freedoms granted to academy schools, the case academy is constrained by the national policy of steering by evaluation, namely inspection and testing, and the managerial practices of the sponsor. The article concludes that the real effect of academies is still under construction and meanwhile their space for action is strongly restricted by the tools of evaluation. As a more theoretical conclusion the analysis suggests that future analysis should concentrate more on action rather than structures and on evaluation as an embedded practice.
The visibility and invisibility of performance management in schools
Authors: Page Damien
Published: April 2015

This article presents findings from a study of performance management in 10 schools, five primary and five secondary. The aim was to gain a snapshot of how headteachers are interpreting and implementing the reforms to the performance and capability procedures for teachers introduced in September 2013. The findings suggest that the evaluation of teachers is conducted within a context of normalised visibility with evidence of competence collected via observations, learning walks, electronic data, organisational and architectural structures. However, this normalised visibility is contrasted with the normalised invisibility of the actual processes of judgement such as appraisal. Invisibility also frames the management of incompetence, with poorly performing teachers routinely offered ‘compromise agreements’ to avoid the official capability procedures. The article concludes by highlighting the limits of the panoptic metaphor in a consideration of teacher evaluation and discusses an alternative metaphor, that of glass, with which to view the performance management of teachers.
Punica granatum and its therapeutic implications on breast carcinogenesis: A review
Authors: Vini Ravindran , Sreeja Sreeharshan
Published: April 2015

Punica granatum has a recorded history of pharmacological properties which can be attributed to its rich reservoir of phytochemicals. Investigations in recent years have established its tremendous potential as an antitumorogenic agent against various cancers including breast cancer, which is the second leading cause of cancer‐related deaths in women. The plausible role of Punica as a therapeutic agent, as an adjuvant in chemotherapy, and its dietary implications as chemopreventive agent in breast cancer have been explored. Mechanistic studies have revealed that Punica extracts and its components, individually or in combination, can modulate and target key proteins and genes involved in breast cancer. Our earlier finding also demonstrated the role of methanolic extract of pomegranate pericarp in reducing proliferation in breast cancer by binding to estrogen receptor at the same time not affecting uterine weight unlike estradiol or tamoxifen. This review analyses other plausible mechanisms of Punica in preventing the progression of breast cancer and how it can possibly be a therapeutic agent by acting at various steps of carcinogenesis including proliferation, invasion, migration, metastasis, angiogenesis, and inflammation via various molecular mechanisms. © 2015 BioFactors, 41(2):78–89, 2015
A quantitative proteomic analysis of cellular responses to high glucose media in Chinese hamster ovary cells
Authors: Liu Zhenke , Dai Shujia , Bones Jonathan , Ray Somak , Cha Sangwon , Karger Barry L. , Li Jingyi Jessica , Wilson Lee , Hinckle Greg , Rossomando Anthony
Published: April 2015

A goal in recombinant protein production using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells is to achieve both high specific productivity and high cell density. Addition of glucose to the culture media is necessary to maintain both cell growth and viability. We varied the glucose concentration in the media from 5 to 16 g/L and found that although specific productivity of CHO‐DG44 cells increased with the glucose level, the integrated viable cell density decreased. To examine the biological basis of these results, we conducted a discovery proteomic study of CHO‐DG44 cells grown under batch conditions in normal (5 g/L) or high (15 g/L) glucose over 3, 6, and 9 days. Approximately 5,000 proteins were confidently identified against an mRNA‐based CHO‐DG44 specific proteome database, with 2,800 proteins quantified with at least two peptides. A self‐organizing map algorithm was used to deconvolute temporal expression profiles of quantitated proteins. Functional analysis of altered proteins suggested that differences in growth between the two glucose levels resulted from changes in crosstalk between glucose metabolism, recombinant protein expression, and cell death, providing an overall picture of the responses to high glucose environment. The high glucose environment may enhance recombinant dihydrofolate reductase in CHO cells by up‐regulating NCK1 and down‐regulating PRKRA, and may lower integrated viable cell density by activating mitochondrial‐ and endoplasmic reticulum‐mediated cell death pathways by up‐regulating HtrA2 and calpains. These proteins are suggested as potential targets for bioengineering to enhance recombinant protein production. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 31:1026–1038, 2015
Perceptual validity in animation of human motion
Authors: Etemad S. Ali , Arya Ali , Parush Avi , DiPaola Steve
Published: April 2015

The crucial concept of modeling and synthesis/control of human motion (including face and body) for animation has been widely studied and explored in the literature. In this regard, the audience's perception of generated or recorded animation scenes is of critical importance. In this paper, we explore and conceptualize the general notions that need to be taken into account for human motion to maintain perceptual accuracy. We propose a paradigm called Perceptual Validity composed of four major components, which are discussed in detail. The model is concerned with different aspects of the scene such as correct illustration of the stimuli, context, and local/global relations of various visual cues present in human motion. Satisfying all the proposed principles, based on the literature, seems compulsory and vital for synthesis of perceptually valid animation scenes of human motion. We investigate the relative significance of the different components of the paradigm using feedback from expert animators and conduct a case study on one of the components of the paradigm. For further evaluation and exploration, Disney's principles of animation are discussed and compared against our proposed paradigm. We argue that while there are significant parallels and overlaps, our model is only focused on and more inclusive towards human motion and can therefore provide a valuable set of guidelines for animators in the field of character animation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Familial hypercholesterolemia presenting with multiple nodules of the hands and elbow
Authors: Maharaj Satish , Chang Simone , Nayak Shivananda B.
Published: April 2015

Key Clinical Message

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common but commonly missed diagnosis. Tendon xanthomas are a physical sign strongly suggestive of FH. Physicians must identify tendon xanthomas, apply validated clinical scoring such as the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network criteria and offer cascade screening. This approach will increase recognition of FH.
Ankle clonus
Authors: Fareedy Shoaib Bilal , Pathak Ranjan
Published: April 2015

Key Clinical Message

Clonus is a series of involuntary, rhythmic, muscular contractions, and relaxations. It may be caused by interruption of the upper motor neuron fibers such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, or by metabolic alterations such as severe hepatic failure or serotonin syndrome. We present a video case of impressive left ankle clonus in a patient with old right middle cerebral artery stroke.
A 6q14.1‐q15 microdeletion in a male patient with severe autistic disorder, lack of oral language, and dysmorphic features with concomitant presence of a maternally inherited Xp22.31 copy number gain
Authors: Quintela Ines , Fernandez‐Prieto Montse , Gomez‐Guerrero Lorena , Resches Mariela , Eiris Jesus , Barros Francisco , Carracedo Angel
Published: April 2015

Key Clinical Message

We report on a male patient with severe autistic disorder, lack of oral language, and dysmorphic features who carries a rare interstitial microdeletion of 4.96 Mb at chromosome 6q14.1‐q15. The patient also harbors a maternally inherited copy number gain of 1.69 Mb at chromosome Xp22.31, whose pathogenicity is under debate.
Snapshot in surgery: brain abscess as a complication of a recurrent sigmoid diverticular abscess
Authors: Zhou Zhaowei , Wuppalapati Siddhartha , Scott Nigel
Published: April 2015

Key Clinical Message

A 35‐year‐old man was found to have a cerebral abscess secondary to a recurrent sigmoid diverticular abscess. Both cultures grew Streptococcus anginosus. Brain abscess is a rare but potential complication of sigmoid diverticulitis. Streptococcus anginosus, which is found in human gut flora, is a common cause of brain abscess.
Temperature‐Induced Modulation of the Sample Position in Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy
Authors: Clausmeyer Jan , Schäfer Dominik , Nebel Michaela , Schuhmann Wolfgang
Published: April 2015

Feedback‐mode scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) was conducted with in situ control of the sample temperature using a Peltier element. The intrinsic heat pulsing of the temperature control feedback loop causes the sample position to oscillate periodically. By synchronizing tip current acquisition with the oscillatory temperature modulation of the sample, tip current values at different tip‐to‐sample separations are recorded and used to estimate the slope of the distance–current relationship (z‐approach curve). In‐phase amplification of only the distance‐dependent current signal is achieved using the approximated slope and hence the relative imaging contrast is enhanced. Moreover, sample‐position modulated SECM allows distinguishing between electrochemically active and inactive domains on the sample in a single area scan without an a priori knowledge of the sample topography.
Recent Progress towards Transition‐Metal‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Fluorenes
Authors: Zhou Ai‐Hua , Pan Fei , Zhu Chunyin , Ye Long‐Wu
Published: April 2015

Fluorenes are a commonly encountered structural motif in materials science, pharmaceutical chemistry, and organic synthesis. Among various strategies towards the synthesis of this unique structure, transition metal‐catalyzed functionalization has emerged as one of the most efficient methods. This Minireview presents an overview of the recent advances in this emerging area by highlighting the reactions’ specificity and applicability and, where possible, provides a mechanistic rationale.
ChemInform Abstract: Structure, Properties and Luminescence Mechanism of Sr1.93B2O5:0.07Eu3+ Red Phosphors.
Authors: Liu Quansheng , Zheng Zhaoyang , Zhang Xiyan , Bai Zhaohui
Published: April 2015

Sr1.93B2O5:0.07Eu3+ is prepared by firing stoichiometric amounts of SrCO3, H3BO3, and Eu2O3 (Al2O3 crucible, 1050 °C, 2 h).
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis, Structure, and Na‐Ion Migration in Na4NiP2O7F2: A Prospective High Voltage Positive Electrode Material for the Na‐Ion Battery.
Authors: Kundu Dipan , Tripathi Rajesh , Popov Guerman , Makahnouk W. R. M. , Nazar Linda F.
Published: April 2015

Single crystals of Na4NiP2O7F2 are prepared by a flux reaction of NiO with excess Na2PO3F (Au crucible in silica tube, 675 °C, 8 h; cooling to 400 °C within 10 h).
ChemInform Abstract: All First Row Transition Metal Oxide Photoanode for Water Splitting Based on Cu3V2O8.
Authors: Seabold Jason A. , Neale Nathan R.
Published: April 2015

F‐doped tin‐oxide‐coated glass electrodes are dip‐coated with Cu3V2O8 (or Mo‐doped Cu3V2O8) nanoparticles followed by drying and annealing in air (425 °C, 1 h).
ChemInform Abstract: Copper‐Catalyzed Enantioselective 1,4‐Addition of Alkyl Groups to N‐Sulfonyl Imines.
Authors: Westmeier Johannes , von Zezschwitz Paultheo
Published: April 2015

The enantioselective 1,4‐addition of dialkylzinc to cyclic N‐sulfonyl imines in the presence of Ferringa′s phosphoramidite catalyst is presented.
ChemInform Abstract: Direct Asymmetric Hydrogenation of α‐Keto Acids by Using the Highly Efficient Chiral Spiro Iridium Catalysts.
Authors: Yan Pu‐Cha , Xie Jian‐Hua , Zhang Xiang‐Dong , Chen Kang , Li Yuan‐Qiang , Zhou Qi‐Lin , Che Da‐Qing
Published: April 2015

The catalytic hydrogenation of α‐keto acids employing an Ir/SpiroPAP (IRC) catalyst proceeds under mild conditions with potential application on large scale synthesis.
ChemInform Abstract: Copper‐Catalyzed Direct Amidation of Heterocycles with N‐Fluorobenzenesulfonimide.
Authors: Wang Sichang , Ni Zhangqin , Huang Xin , Wang Jichao , Pan Yuanjiang
Published: April 2015

The reaction tolerates various functional groups.
ChemInform Abstract: Nickel‐Catalyzed Reductive Methylation of Alkyl Halides and Acid Chlorides with Methyl p‐Tosylate.
Authors: Liang Zhuye , Xue Weichao , Lin Kunhua , Gong Hegui
Published: April 2015

In contrast to other sulfonates, methyl tosylate serves as an effective agent for the methylation of unactivated primary and secondary alkyl halides as well as aryl and alkyl carboxylic acid chlorides.
ChemInform Abstract: Oxalyl Amide Assisted Palladium‐Catalyzed Arylation of C(sp2)—H Bond at the δ Position.
Authors: Han Jian , Liu Pei , Wang Chao , Wang Qian , Zhang Jingyu , Zhao Yanwei , Shi Daqing , Huang Zhibin , Zhao Yingsheng
Published: April 2015

Various functionalized β‐arylethylamines are efficiently arylated at the ortho‐aryl position under mild conditions.
ChemInform Abstract: Iron(III)‐Catalyzed C—H Functionalization: ortho‐Benzoyloxylation of N,N‐Dialkylanilines and Its Application to 1,4‐Benzoxazepines.
Authors: Chiranjeevi Barreddi , Vinayak Botla , Parsharamulu Thupakula , PhaniBabu Vemulapalli S. , Jagadeesh Bharatam , Sridhar Balasubramanian , Chandrasekharam Malapaka
Published: April 2015

This selective ortho‐benzoyloxylation follows a polar Friedel‐Crafts‐like mechanism and is sensitive to the nucleophilicity of the anilines.
ChemInform Abstract: Nickel‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling of Carboxylic Anhydrides with Arylboronic Acids.
Authors: Chen Qiang , Fan Xin‐Heng , Zhang Li‐Peng , Yang Lian‐Ming
Published: April 2015

Aromatic ketones (III) (27 examples) are efficiently and conveniently synthesized by the title reaction.
ChemInform Abstract: Iron Pentacarbonyl in Alkoxy‐ and Aminocarbonylation of Aromatic Halides.
Authors: Babjak Matej , Caletkova Olga , Durisova Diana , Gracza Tibor
Published: April 2015

Only in the case of the methoxycarbonylation the yields of (XI) can be improved by using dppf instead of PPh3 as a ligand.
ChemInform Abstract: Enantioselective Lewis‐Base‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrosilylation of Substituted Benzophenone N‐Aryl Imines: Efficient Synthesis of Chiral (Diarylmethyl)amines.
Authors: Hu Xiao‐Yan , Zhang Min‐Min , Shu Chang , Zhang Yong‐Hong , Liao Li‐Hua , Yuan Wei‐Cheng , Zhang Xiao‐Mei
Published: April 2015

Crucial for the enantiomeric excess is the presence of an ortho‐substituent on one of the two aromatic rings.
ChemInform Abstract: Expedient Synthesis of Complex γ‐Butyrolactones from 5‐(1‐Arylalkylidene) Meldrum′s Acids via Sequential Conjugate Alkynylation/Ag(I)‐Catalyzed Lactonization.
Authors: Ahmar Siawash , Fillion Eric
Published: April 2015

The conjugate addition reaction of metal alkynylides to Meldrum′s acids gives access to derivatives (III) and (VI) having a propargylic all‐carbon quaternary center.