bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promising Developments in Marine Applications With Artificial Muscles: Electrodeless Artificial Cilia Microfibers
Authors: Kim Kwang J. , Palmre Viljar , Stalbaum Tyler , Hwang Taeseon , Shen Qi , Trabia Sarah
Published: October 2016

AbstractIonic polymer-metal composite artificial muscles have received great research attention in the development of robotic manipulators, advanced medical devices, and underwater propulsors, such as artificial fish fins. This is due to their unique properties of large deformation,
fast dynamic response, low-power requirements, and the ability to operate in aquatic environments. Recently, locomotion of biological cells and microorganisms through unique motion of cilium (flagellum) has received great interest in the field of biomimetic robotics. It is envisioned that
artificial cilia can be an effective strategy for maneuvering and sensing in small-scale bioinspired robotic systems. However, current actuators used for driving the robots are typically rigid, bulky in mechanism and electronics requirements producing some acoustic signatures, and difficult
to miniaturize. Herein, we report biomimetic, wirelessly driven, electroactive polymer (EAP) microfibers that actuate in an aqueous medium when subjected to an external electric field of <5 V/mm, which can be realized to create cilia-based robotic systems for aquatic applications. Initial
development and manufacturing of these systems is presented in this paper. The EAP fibers are fabricated from ionic polymer precursor resin through melt-drawing process and have a circular cross-section with a diameter of 30‐70 μm. When properly activated and subjected to an electric
field with switching polarity, the EAP fibers exhibit cyclic actuation with adequate response time (0.05‐5 Hz). The experimental results are presented and discussed to demonstrate the performance and feasibility of biomimetic cilia-based microactuators. Prospective bioinspired applications
of the artificial muscle cilia-based system in marine operations are also discussed.
Design and Modeling of a Novel Biomimetic Robot Inspired by Water Strider
Authors: Huang Haocai , Zhang Shihao , Chen Xianlei , Miao Jin , Ge Han
Published: October 2016

AbstractThis paper presents the mechanical design, modeling, and experimental behavior of a novel biomimetic robot inspired by water striders, which are six-legged insects that move on water by propelling themselves using two mesothoracic legs and supporting themselves with
the four other legs. As the surface tension of water is too low for the robot to carry heavy equipment, four hollow elongated ellipsoids are used as the supporting legs. Relative to a screw propeller, the rowing legs cause less turbulence in the water. Because of the propeller, this robot
can operate in various environments, such as a windy lake, underground pipeline, and even the sea. The total weight of the robot is 439 g. The paper is focused mainly on the hydrodynamic characteristics of the stroke legs and supporting legs. The model of flow over a flat plate is used to
describe the hydrodynamic characteristics of the stroke legs, which can be used to improve the shape of the paddle. Several shapes of supporting legs are tested by STAR-CCM+ software to determine the running resistance. By modeling the hydrodynamics of the stroke and supporting legs, the structure
of the robot can be improved. As experimentally validated, this robot exhibits good performance on water and can reach an average speed of 125.5 mm/s.
Designing a Hydrodynamic Shape and Thrust Mechanism for a Batoid Underwater Robot
Authors: Azarsina Farhood
Published: October 2016

AbstractGiven the facts that a vast area of the earth is covered by water and the average depth of the oceans is more than 3,000 m, the issue of the unknowns beneath the water surface is a challenging and questionable one. It has been a few decades since remotely operated vehicles as well as untethered underwater robots have appeared and elevated the level of complex engineering. In this category, underwater robots that mimic fish and aquatic creatures open new horizons. In this article, imitating the body shape, kinematics, and swimming mechanism of a batoid fish (Dasyatidae), a vessel is designed that can swim at an acceptable speed with a limited amount of power. The hull shape is based on a cardioid curve, and drag force is calculated using fundamentals of fluid mechanics. Propulsion of the robot-fish is two wings at starboard and port that are undulating backward; thrust is approximated versus shaft speed. Finally, the power for swimming at the design speed is evaluated and compared with the available data of similar orders of magnitude.
Design of Walking and Swimming Algorithms for a Multi-legged Underwater Robot Crabster CR200
Authors: Yoo Seong-yeol , Shim Hyungwon , Jun Bong-Huan , Park Jin-Yeong , Lee Pan-Mook
Published: October 2016

AbstractIn this paper, we describe a design method for the static walking and swimming algorithms of a subsea hexapod robot called Crabster (CR200). CR200 is a 200-m-class seabed walking and flying robot that is specialized in environments with high current and turbid water.
To design the algorithms of a hexapod robot, we propose a design method that uses a schedule vector and a paired leg index vector to secure convenience and expandability. By changing the combination of the indexed schedule vector, we can design the locomotion algorithms for the walking and
swimming functions of CR200. We use common parameters to simplify the algorithms and to facilitate ease of transition between algorithms. Using the index vector design method, walking and swimming algorithms are designed that can be applied to CR200 according to the underwater environment
and explorative conditions. In this paper, we designed six types of gait algorithms and four types of swimming algorithms. The algorithms designed, using the proposed method, are simulated using MATLAB and validated through the experiments.
Menin Plays a Critical Role in the Regulation of the Antigen-Specific CD8+ T Cell Response upon Listeria Infection
Authors: Yamada Takeshi , Kanoh Makoto , Nabe Shogo , Yasuoka Toshiaki , Suzuki Junpei , Matsumoto Akira , Kuwahara Makoto , Maruyama Saho , Fujimoto Takuya , Sakisuka Ryo , Yasukawa Masaki , Yamashita Masakatsu
Published: October 2016

Menin, a tumor suppressor protein, is encoded by the MEN1 gene in humans. Certain germinal mutations of MEN1 induce an autosomal-dominant syndrome that is characterized by concurrent parathyroid adenomas and several other tumor types. Although menin is also expressed in hematopoietic lineages, its role in CD8+ T cells remains unclear. We generated Meninflox/flox CD4-Cre (Menin-KO) mice by crossing Meninflox/flox mice with CD4-Cre transgenic (Tg) mice to determine the role of menin in CD8+ T cells. Wild-type (WT) and Menin-KO mice were infected with Listeria monocytogenes expressing OVA to analyze the immune response of Ag-specific CD8+ T cells. Menin deficiency resulted in an impaired primary immune response by CD8+ T cells. On day 7, there were fewer Menin-KO OVA-specific CD8+ T cells compared with WT cells. Next, we adoptively transferred WT and Menin-KO OT-1 Tg CD8+ T cells into congenic recipient mice and infected them with L. monocytogenes expressing OVA to determine the CD8+ T cell–intrinsic effect. Menin-KO OT-1 Tg CD8+ T cells were outcompeted by the WT cells upon infection. Increased expression of Blimp-1 and T-bet, cell cycle inhibitors, and proapoptotic genes was observed in the Menin-KO OT-1 Tg CD8+ T cells upon infection. These data suggest that menin inhibits differentiation into terminal effectors and positively controls proliferation and survival of Ag-specific CD8+ T cells that are activated upon infection. Collectively, our study uncovered an important role for menin in the immune response of CD8+ T cells to infection.
Germinal Center Hypoxia Potentiates Immunoglobulin Class Switch Recombination
Authors: Abbott Robert K. , Thayer Molly , Labuda Jasmine , Silva Murillo , Philbrook Phaethon , Cain Derek W. , Kojima Hidefumi , Hatfield Stephen , Sethumadhavan Shalini , Ohta Akio , Reinherz Ellis L. , Kelsoe Garnett , Sitkovsky Michail
Published: October 2016

Germinal centers (GCs) are anatomic sites where B cells undergo secondary diversification to produce high-affinity, class-switched Abs. We hypothesized that proliferating B cells in GCs create a hypoxic microenvironment that governs their further differentiation. Using molecular markers, we found GCs to be predominantly hypoxic. Compared to normoxia (21% O2), hypoxic culture conditions (1% O2) in vitro accelerated class switching and plasma cell formation and enhanced expression of GL-7 on B and CD4+ T cells. Reversal of GC hypoxia in vivo by breathing 60% O2 during immunization resulted in reduced frequencies of GC B cells, T follicular helper cells, and plasmacytes, as well as lower expression of ICOS on T follicular helper cells. Importantly, this reversal of GC hypoxia decreased Ag-specific serum IgG1 and reduced the frequency of IgG1+ B cells within the Ag-specific GC. Taken together, these observations reveal a critical role for hypoxia in GC B cell differentiation.
A rare hereditary disease: Muckle-Wells syndrome
Authors: Ramreddy Nitya , Hopkins Aviva , Lozada Carlos
Published: October 2016

Cryopyrin associated periodic syndrome (CAPS) is a dominantly-inherited autoinflammatory disease, which is included in the group of periodic fever syndromes. It is caused by a defect in the regulation of inflammatory cytokines, particularly interleukin-1β. CAPS encompasses a spectrum of three phenotypes of increasing severity: familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome, Muckle-Wells syndrome (MWS) and neonatal onset multisystem inflammatory disease. We report the case of a 58-year-old male, who had migratory joint pains, daily urticaria, chills, and episodic conjunctivitis since childhood and hearing loss in his 20s with a family history of similar symptoms. He was diagnosed with MWS after being found to have a R262W gene mutation in NLRP3 gene and successfully treated with canakinumab. After his discovery, other 1st and 2nd degree family members with similar complaints were found to have the same genetic mutation and were also successfully treated with canakinumab.
Understand the value chain network, understand the market, understand the industry and understand the customer
Authors: Walters David
Published: October 2016

Supply chain management is under pressure as many organisations use it as a means of producing cash through cost-efficiency programmes (Walters and Rainbird: 2007). This paper discusses the increasing application of a value chain network approach, one that uses network management and the assumption that “customer centricity” replaces efficiency decisions with effectiveness decisions and in doing so results in improved marketing and financial performance. This paper uses examples from a wide range of organisations and industries to illustrate the increasing application of the concept.
The financial burden of national road infrastructure and the equity thereof: A South African perspective
Authors: Brits Anton
Published: October 2016

Economic activities in South Africa during the past decade have caused, inter alia, road traffic congestion to accelerate annually and road infrastructure to deteriorate rapidly. Motor vehicle sales, correlated with economic trends and the economic empowerment of citizens, have and still are increasing at a faster rate than the supply of necessary infrastructure. As such, congestion, especially in the Gauteng area, has reached unacceptable levels during peak hours, necessitating the upgrading and continual maintenance of these roads and other national roads. The financial burden of upgrading and maintaining road infrastructure is enormous and, although the South African government makes contributions, an income from the road infrastructure is necessary to sustain quality infrastructure. However, a road-user paying approach, especially the structure thereof, should be acceptable to society in terms of economic efficiency and various means of equity. This article reviews the relevance of a road-user paying approach as applied in South Africa.
Social norms and compliance with road traffic rules in urban areas: Initial impressions of drivers in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Mawanga Freddie F. , Ntayi Joseph M.
Published: October 2016

Since 1998, the government of Uganda has formulated traffic rules for road drivers, set penalties for violation of these rules and deployed traffic personnel to enforce compliance. However, there is continued non-compliance with these rules, particularly among drivers of personal vehicles on Kampala roads. It is likely that the actions of these drivers are influenced by individual or social perceptions and pressures (social norms). These social norms include injunctive norms (influences from people that drivers respect), descriptive norms (influences from other drivers’ behaviour) and perceived behaviour control (drivers exploiting available opportunities). The study explores the existence of these norms among drivers of personal vehicles and analyses the way the norms affect compliance with road traffic rules when moderated by road obstructions and control systems in Kampala, Uganda.
Trade facilitation through logistics performance:The enabling role of National Government
Authors: Havenga Jan H.
Published: October 2016

Despite two decades of visionary policies, problems within South Africa’s freight logistics system remain. Logistics costs are high, the current road and rail solutions will be unable to meet long-term demand for freight transport sustainably, and rural economies still do not have efficient access to the corridor transport network. This article postulates that one of the core reasons for the state of affairs is the inability of government to enable an optimally functioning freight logistics system. The main challenges faced by government are identified and an intervention is proposed to develop an overarching framework and implementation plan to address South Africa’s long-term freight logistics needs.
Efficacy of recent transport policy making and implementation in South Africa
Authors: Mitchell Malcolm , Walters Jackie
Published: October 2016

Despite the importance of transport to the social and economic development of a country, very little, if any, work appears to have been done in South Africa to assess the impact of transport policy in achieving its aims and objectives. Two policy areas that have wide social and economic impacts are the public transport industry and the development of the national roads network. Public transport, or more specifically commuter bus transport policy, is aimed at improving the mobility and affordability of the travelling public while at the same time increasing the transparency of the subsidy system through a tender and negotiated contract regimen. The policy on national roads directly impacts the general economy as an estimated 88% of all freight tonnage (excluding the dedicated iron ore and coal lines of Transnet Freight Rail) is moved over the road network of South Africa with the national roads linking the main economic centres of the country. This research assesses the impact of these two areas of policy making by comparing policies for commuter bus transport and primary (national) roads for two policy periods, namely, 1986 to 1994 and 1994 to 2004. The research methodology used is that of the mixed-methods research procedure explained more fully in the article and the annexure to the paper. The research arrives at conclusions in respect of the impact of the policy on the problems and issues in the two separate sectors of transport during the policy periods analysed. It also draws conclusions on the policy-making process used as well as identifying deficiencies in the process. Finally it makes recommendations to address these inadequacies.
Procurement challenges in the South African public sector
Authors: Ambe Intaher M. , Badenhorst-Weiss Johanna A.
Published: October 2016

This article reports on an exploration of challenges experienced in the field of procurement within the South African public sector. To institute procurement best practices, a supply chain management system was adopted in South Africa in 2003. The procurement process was granted constitutional status and has been used to address past inequitable policies and practices. It promotes aims which are, arguably, secondary to the primary aim of procurement. For the exploration, a conceptual analytical approach was employed and some of the key guiding pillars of public procurement in South Africa divulged. The challenges restraining effective and efficient implementation of public procurement are also revealed. The article concludes by recommending the development of competency through customised (separate) training materials and programmes, the involvement of stakeholders in the bidding process and the employment of good strategic sourcing practices.
Quality of the paratransit service (tricycle) and its operation in Aba, Nigeria: An analysis of customers' opinions
Authors: Nwaogbe Obioma R. , Ibe C. C. , Ukaegbu S. I.
Published: October 2016

This study examines the quality of the paratransit service and its operations in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria, with a view to identifying its challenges and contributions to informal transport and equitable service distribution to the residents of Aba. Structured questionnaires and past literature were used as sources of data. The primary data included road networks, number of trips per day by operators, operating speed, and purpose of travel, passengers' security, tricycle speed, and waiting time. The study was conducted by using two questionnaires: one for the operators and the other for tricycle users. The total number of completed questionnaires for the survey was 100 for operators and 229 for users. The sampling technique used was random sampling from several zones of the study area. Data were analysed using percentage and Chi-square statistical techniques for testing the hypotheses with the Minitab 11.0 version package. The study found that 92% of operators reported a high level of road network deterioration, and 61% reported making 9-12 trips per day. The hypothesis test was used to study people's feelings about the attributes of the service provided for paratransit users, such as affordability, regularity, comfort and safety. It was found that there is no significant difference at the 5% level between the various categories of these respondents.
Authentic leadership and organisational citizenship behaviour in the public health care sector: The role of workplace trust
Authors: Coxen Lynelle , Van der Vaart Leoni , Stander Marius W.
Published: October 2016

Orientation: The orientation of this study was towards authentic leadership and its influence on workplace trust and organisational citizenship behaviour in the public health care sector.Research purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of authentic leadership on organisational citizenship behaviour, through workplace trust among public health care employees in South Africa. The objective was to determine whether authentic leadership affects organisational citizenship behaviour through workplace trust (conceptualised as trust in the organisation, immediate supervisor and co-workers).Motivation for the study: Employees in the public health care industry are currently being faced with a demanding work environment which includes a lack of trust in leadership. This necessitated the need to determine whether authentic leadership ultimately leads to extra-role behaviours via workplace trust in its three referents.Research design, approach and method: A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was used with employees the public health care sector in South Africa (N = 633). The Authentic Leadership Inventory, Workplace Trust Survey and Organisational Citizenship Behaviour Scale were administered to these participants.Main findings: The results indicated that authentic leadership has a significant influence on trust in all three referents, namely the organisation, the supervisor and co-workers. Both trust in the organisation and trust in co-workers positively influenced organisational citizenship behaviour. Conversely, authentic leadership did not have a significant influence on organisational citizenship behaviour. Finally, authentic leadership had a significant indirect effect on organisational citizenship behaviour through trust in the organisation and trust in co-workers. Trust in the organisation was found to have the strongest indirect effect on the relationship between authentic leadership and organisational citizenship behaviour.Practical/managerial implications: The main findings suggest that public health care institutions would benefit if leaders are encouraged to be more authentic as this might result in increases in both trust among co-workers and in the organisation. Consequently, employees might be more likely to exert additional effort in their work.Contribution/value-add: Limited empirical evidence exists with regard to the relationship between authentic leadership, workplace trust in its three referents and organisational citizenship behaviour. This study aimed to contribute to the limited number of studies conducted.
Obturator hernia
Authors: Shreshtha S
Published: October 2016

A 70 year old lady presented to surgery emergency with small bowel obstruction without any obvious etiology. On exploration she was found to have an obstructed obturator hernia, which is a rare pelvic hernia with an incidence of 0.07-1.4% of all intra-abdominal hernias. Diagnosis is often delayed until laparotomy for bowel obstruction. Strangulation is frequent and mortality remains high (25%). Early diagnosis and surgical treatment contributes greatly to reduce the mortality and morbidity rates. A variety of techniques have been described, however surgical repair has not been standardized. It is an important diagnosis to be considered in elderly patients with intestinal obstruction.
Tropospheric ozone maxima observed over the Arabian
Sea during the pre-monsoon
Authors: Jia Jia , Ladstätter-Weißenmayer Annette , Hou Xuewei , Rozanov Alexei , Burrows John
Published: October 2016

Abstract. An enhancement of the tropospheric ozone column (TOC) over Arabian Sea (AS) during the pre-monsoon season is reported in this study. The potential sources of the AS spring ozone pool are investigated by use of multiple data sets (e.g., SCIAMACHY Limb-Nadir-Matching TOC, OMI/MLS TOC, TES TOC, MACC reanalysis data, MOZART-4 model and HYSPLIT model). 3/4 of the enhanced ozone concentrations are attributed to the 0–8 km height range. The main source of the ozone enhancement is considered to be caused by long range transport of ozone pollutants from India (~ 50 % contributions to the lowest 4 km, ~ 20 % contributions to the 4–8 km height range), the Middle East, Africa and Europe (~ 30 % in total). In addition, the vertical pollution accumulation in the lower troposphere, especially at 4–8 km, was found to be important for the AS spring ozone pool formation. Local photochemistry, on the other hand, plays a negligible role in producing ozone at the 4–8 km height range. In the 0–4 km height range, ozone is quickly removed by wet-deposition. The AS spring TOC maxima are influenced by the dynamical variations caused by the sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly during the El Niño period in 2005 and 2010 with a ~ 5 DU decrease.
Space-based NOx emission estimates over remote regions improved in DECSO
Authors: Ding Jieying , van der A Ronald Johannes , Mijling Bas , Levelt Pieternel Felicitas
Published: October 2016

Abstract. We improve the emission estimate algorithm DECSO (Daily Emission estimates Constrained by Satellite Observations) to better detect NOx emissions over remote areas. The new version is referred to as DECSO v5. The error covariance of the sensitivity of NO2 column observations to gridded NOx emissions has been better characterized. This reduces the background noise of emission estimates with a factor of 10. An emission update constraint has been added to avoid unrealistic day-to-day fluctuations of emissions. We estimate total NOx emissions, which include biogenic emissions that often drive the seasonal cycle of the NOx emissions. We demonstrate the improvements implemented in DECSO v5 for the domain of East Asia in the year 2012 and 2013. The emissions derived by DECSO v5 are in good agreement with other inventories like MIX. In addition, the improved algorithm is able to better capture the seasonality of NOx emissions and for the first time it reveals ship tracks near the Chinese coasts that are otherwise hidden by the outflow of NO2 from the Chinese mainland. The precision of monthly emissions derived by DECSO v5 for each grid cell is about 20 %.
Global ocean particulate organic carbon flux merged with satellite
parameters
Authors: Mouw Colleen B. , Barnett Audrey , McKinley Galen A. , Gloege Lucas , Pilcher Darren
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Particulate organic carbon (POC) flux estimated from POC concentration observations from sediment traps and 234Th are compiled across the global ocean. The compilation includes six time series locations: CARIACO, K2, OSP, BATS, OFP, and HOT. Efficiency of the biological pump of carbon to the deep ocean depends largely on biologically mediated export of carbon from the surface ocean and its remineralization with depth; thus biologically related parameters able to be estimated from satellite observations were merged at the POC observation sites. Satellite parameters include net primary production, percent microplankton, sea surface temperature, photosynthetically active radiation, diffuse attenuation coefficient at 490 nm, euphotic zone depth, and climatological mixed layer depth. Of the observations across the globe, 85 % are concentrated in the Northern Hemisphere with 44 % of the data record overlapping the satellite record. Time series sites accounted for 36 % of the data, while 71 % of the data are measured at  ≥  500 m with the most common deployment depths between 1000 and 1500 m. This data set is valuable for investigations of CO2 drawdown, carbon export, remineralization, and sequestration. The compiled data can be freely accessed at doi:10.1594/PANGAEA.855600.
A systematic assessment of drought termination in the United Kingdom
Authors: Parry Simon , Wilby Robert L. , Prudhomme Christel , Wood Paul J.
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Drought termination can be associated with dramatic transitions from drought to flooding. Greater attention may be given to these newsworthy and memorable events, but drought terminations that proceed gradually also pose challenges for water resource managers. This paper defines drought termination as a distinctive phase of the event. Using observed river flow records for 52 UK catchments, a more systematic and objective approach for detecting drought terminations is demonstrated. The parameters of the approach are informed by a sensitivity analysis that ensures a focus on terminations of multi-season to multi-year droughts. The resulting inventory of 467 drought terminations provides an unprecedented historical perspective on this phenomenon in the UK. Nationally and regionally coherent drought termination events are identifiable, although their characteristics vary both between and within major episodes. Contrasting drought termination events in 1995–1998 and 2009–2012 are examined in greater depth. The data are also used to assess potential linkages between metrics of drought termination and catchment properties. The duration of drought termination is moderately negatively correlated with elevation (rs =  −0.47) and catchment average rainfall (rs =  −0.42), suggesting that wetter catchments in upland areas of the UK tend to experience shorter drought terminations. More urbanized catchments tend to have gradual drought terminations (contrary to expectations of flashy hydrological response in such areas), although this may also reflect the type of catchments typical of lowland England. Significant correlations are found between the duration of the drought development phase and both the duration (rs =  −0.29) and rate (rs =  0.28) of drought termination. This suggests that prolonged drought development phases tend to be followed by shorter and more abrupt drought terminations. The inventory helps to place individual events within a long-term context. The drought termination phase in 2009–2012 was, at the time, regarded as exceptional in terms of magnitude and spatial footprint, but the Thames river flow record identifies several comparable events before 1930. The chronology could, in due course, provide a basis for exploring the complex drivers, long-term variability, and impacts of drought termination events.
ERROR ANALYSIS FOR THE AIRBORNE DIRECT GEOREFERINCING TECHNIQUE
Authors: Elsharkawy Ahmed S. , Habib Ayman F.
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Direct Georeferencing was shown to be an important alternative to standard indirect image orientation using classical or GPS-supported aerial triangulation. Since direct Georeferencing without ground control relies on an extrapolation process only, particular focus has to be laid on the overall system calibration procedure. The accuracy performance of integrated GPS/inertial systems for direct Georeferencing in airborne photogrammetric environments has been tested extensively in the last years. In this approach, the limiting factor is a correct overall system calibration including the GPS/inertial component as well as the imaging sensor itself. Therefore remaining errors in the system calibration will significantly decrease the quality of object point determination. This research paper presents an error analysis for the airborne direct Georeferencing technique, where integrated GPS/IMU positioning and navigation systems are used, in conjunction with aerial cameras for airborne mapping compared with GPS/INS supported AT through the implementation of certain amount of error on the EOP and Boresight parameters and study the effect of these errors on the final ground coordinates. The data set is a block of images consists of 32 images distributed over six flight lines, the interior orientation parameters, IOP, are known through careful camera calibration procedure, also 37 ground control points are known through terrestrial surveying procedure. The exact location of camera station at time of exposure, exterior orientation parameters, EOP, is known through GPS/INS integration process. The preliminary results show that firstly, the DG and GPS-supported AT have similar accuracy and comparing with the conventional aerial photography method, the two technologies reduces the dependence on ground control (used only for quality control purposes). Secondly, In the DG Correcting overall system calibration including the GPS/inertial component as well as the imaging sensor itself is the limiting factor to achieve good object space.
EXTRACTION OF BUILDING BOUNDARY LINES FROM AIRBORNE
LIDAR POINT CLOUDS
Authors: Tseng Yi-Hsing , Hung Hsiao-Chu
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Building boundary lines are important spatial features that characterize the topographic maps and three-dimensional (3D) city models. Airborne LiDAR Point clouds provide adequate 3D spatial information for building boundary mapping. However, information of boundary features contained in point clouds is implicit. This study focuses on developing an automatic algorithm of building boundary line extraction from airborne LiDAR data. In an airborne LiDAR dataset, top surfaces of buildings, such as roofs, tend to have densely distributed points, but vertical surfaces, such as walls, usually have sparsely distributed points or even no points. The intersection lines of roof and wall planes are, therefore, not clearly defined in point clouds. This paper proposes a novel method to extract those boundary lines of building edges. The extracted line features can be used as fundamental data to generate topographic maps of 3D city model for an urban area. The proposed method includes two major process steps. The first step is to extract building boundary points from point clouds. Then the second step is followed to form building boundary line features based on the extracted boundary points. In this step, a line fitting algorithm is developed to improve the edge extraction from LiDAR data. Eight test objects, including 4 simple low buildings and 4 complicated tall buildings, were selected from the buildings in NCKU campus. The test results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method in extracting complicate building boundary lines. Some results which are not as good as expected suggest the need of further improvement of the method.
LAND SUBSIDENCE MONITORING USING PS-InSAR TECHNIQUE FOR L-BAND SAR DATA
Authors: Thapa S. , Chatterjee R. S. , Singh K. B. , Kumar D.
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Differential SAR-Interferometry (D-InSAR) is one of the potential source to measure land surface motion induced due to underground coal mining. However, this technique has many limitation such as atmospheric in homogeneities, spatial de-correlation, and temporal decorrelation. Persistent Scatterer Interferometry synthetic aperture radar (PS-InSAR) belongs to a family of time series InSAR technique, which utilizes the properties of some of the stable natural and anthropogenic targets which remain coherent over long time period. In this study PS-InSAR technique has been used to monitor land subsidence over selected location of Jharia Coal field which has been correlated with the ground levelling measurement. This time series deformation observed using PS InSAR helped us to understand the nature of the ground surface deformation due to underground mining activity.
MAPPING ROBINIA PSEUDOACACIA FOREST HEALTH CONDITIONS BY USING COMBINED SPECTRAL, SPATIAL AND TEXTUREAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM IKONOS IMAGERY
Authors: Wang H. , Zhao Y. , Pu R. , Zhang Z.
Published: October 2016

Abstract. In this study grey-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) textures and a local statistical analysis Getis statistic (Gi), computed from IKONOS multispectral (MS) imagery acquired from the Yellow River Delta in China, along with a random forest (RF) classifier, were used to discriminate Robina pseudoacacia tree health levels. The different RF classification results of the three forest health conditions were created: (1) an overall accuracy (OA) of 79.5% produced using the four MS band reflectances only; (2) an OA of 97.1% created with the eight GLCM features calculated from IKONOS Band 4 with the optimal window size of 13 × 13 and direction 45°; (3) an OA of 94.0% created using the four Gi features calculated from the four IKONOS MS bands with the optimal distance value of 5 and Queen’s neighborhood rule; and (4) an OA of 96.9% created with the combined 16 spectral (four), spatial (four), and textural (eight) features. The experimental results demonstrate that (a) both textural and spatial information was more useful than spectral information in determining the Robina pseudoacacia forest health conditions; and (b) IKONOS NIR band was more powerful than visible bands in quantifying varying degree of forest crown dieback.
OBJECT-BASED FOREST COVER MONITORING USING GAOFEN-2 HIGH
RESOLUTION SATELLITE IMAGES
Authors: Li S. M. , Li Z. Y. , Chen E. X. , Liu Q. W.
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Forest cover monitoring is an important part of forest management in local or regional area. The structure and tones of forest can be identified in high spatial remote sensing images. When forests cover change, the spectral characteristics of forests is also changed. In this paper a method on object-based forest cover monitoring with data transformation from time series of high resolution images is put forward. First the NDVI difference image and the composite of PC3,PC4, PC5 of the stacked 8 layers of time series of high resolution satellites are segmented into homogeneous objects. With development of the object-based ruleset classification system, the spatial extent of deforestation and afforestation can be identified over time across the landscape. Finally the change accuracy is achieved with reference data.
Glacier change and glacial lake outburst flood risk in the Bolivian Andes
Authors: Cook Simon J. , Kougkoulos Ioannis , Edwards Laura A. , Dortch Jason , Hoffmann Dirk
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Glaciers of the Bolivian Andes represent an important water resource for Andean cities and mountain communities, yet relatively little work has assessed changes in their extent over recent decades. In many mountain regions, glacier recession has been accompanied by the development of proglacial lakes, which can pose a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) hazard. However, no studies have assessed the development of such lakes in Bolivia despite recent GLOF incidents here. Our mapping from satellite imagery reveals an overall areal shrinkage of 228.1 ± 22.8 km2 (43.1 %) across the Bolivian Cordillera Oriental between 1986 and 2014. Shrinkage was greatest in the Tres Cruces region (47.3 %), followed by the Cordillera Apolobamba (43.1 %) and Cordillera Real (41.9 %). A growing number of proglacial lakes have developed as glaciers have receded, in accordance with trends in most other deglaciating mountain ranges, although the number of ice-contact lakes has decreased. The reasons for this are unclear, but the pattern of lake change has varied significantly throughout the study period, suggesting that monitoring of future lake development is required as ice continues to recede. Ultimately, we use our 2014 database of proglacial lakes to assess GLOF risk across the Bolivian Andes. We identify 25 lakes that pose a potential GLOF threat to downstream communities and infrastructure. We suggest that further studies of potential GLOF impacts are urgently required.
Bioanalytical Method Validation for Dronedarone and Duloxetine in Blood Serum
Authors: Chadha Renu , Bali Alka , Bansal Gulshan
Published: October 2016

The present work relates to the development and validation of reversed-phase HPLC–UV-photodiode array methods for the estimation of two drugs in blood serum: dronedarone hydrochloride (DDN), a class III antiarrhythmic drug, and duloxetine hydrochloride (DLX), an antidepressant. Chromatographic analysis of DLX was carried out on a Nucleodur C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) using ammonium acetate buffer (32 mM, pH 5.5) and acetonitrile (40 + 60, v/v; flow rate of 1.0 mL/min; detection wavelength of 290 nm) as the mobile phase. A Waters XTerra C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) was used for the chromatographic analysis ofDDN using an acetonitrile–ammonium formate buffer (20 mM, pH 3.0, with formic acid; 45 + 55, v/v; flow rate 1.0 mL/min) as the mobile phase. Pentazocine and bupropion HCl were used as the internal reference standards for DLX and DDN, respectively. Excellent linearity was observed for DLX (r2 = 0.9996; concentration range 0.2–10.0 μg/mL) and DDN (r2 = 0.9997; concn. range 2.0–50.0 μg/mL). The LODs for DLX and DDN were 0.022 and 0.78 μg/mL, respectively, and the LOQs 0.066 and 2.4 μg/mL, respectively.
Improving Adequacy of Small Biopsy and Fine-Needle Aspiration Specimens for Molecular Testing by Next-Generation Sequencing in Patients With Lung Cancer: A Quality Improvement Study at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Authors: Padmanabhan Vijayalakshmi , Steinmetz Heather B. , Rizzo Elizabeth J. , Erskine Amber J. , Fairbank Tamara L. , de Abreu Francine B. , Tsongalis Gregory J. , Tafe Laura J.
Published: October 2016

Context.—

At our medical center, cytopathologists perform rapid on-site evaluation for specimen adequacy of fine-needle aspiration and touch imprint of needle core biopsy lung cancer samples. Two years ago the molecular diagnostics laboratory at our institution changed to next-generation sequencing using the Ion Torrent PGM and the 50-gene AmpliSeq Cancer Hotspot Panel v2 for analyzing mutations in a 50-gene cancer hot spot panel. This was associated with a dramatic fall in adequacy rate (68%).

Objective.—

To improve the adequacy rate to at least 90% for molecular testing using next-generation sequencing for all specimens collected by rapid on-site evaluation by the cytology laboratory.

Design.—

After baseline data on adequacy rate of cytology specimens with rapid on-site evaluation for molecular testing had been collected, 2 changes were implemented. Change 1 concentrated all the material in one block but did not produce desired results; change 2, in addition, faced the block only once with unstained slides cut up front for molecular testing. Data were collected in an Excel spreadsheet and adequacy rate was assessed.

Results.—

Following process changes 1 and 2 we reached our goal of at least 90% adequacy rate for molecular testing by next-generation sequencing on samples collected by rapid on-site evaluation including computed tomography–guided needle core biopsies (94%; 17 of 18) and fine-needle aspiration samples (94%; 30 of 32).

Conclusion.—

This study focused on factors that are controllable in a pathology department and on maximizing use of scant tissue. Optimizing the adequacy of the specimen available for molecular tests avoids the need for a second procedure to obtain additional tissue.
Laboratory Diagnosis of Zika Virus Infection
Authors: Landry Marie Louise , St. George Kirsten
Published: October 2016

Context.—The rapid and accurate diagnosis of Zika virus infection is an international priority.

Objective.—To review current recommendations, methods, limitations, and priorities for Zika virus testing.

Data Sources.—Sources include published literature, public health recommendations, laboratory procedures, and testing experience.

Conclusions.—Until recently, the laboratory diagnosis of Zika infection was confined to public health or research laboratories that prepared their own reagents, and test capacity has been limited. Furthermore, Zika cross-reacts serologically with other flaviviruses, such as dengue, West Nile, and yellow fever. Current or past infection, or even vaccination with another flavivirus, will often cause false-positive or uninterpretable Zika serology results. Detection of viral RNA during acute infection using nucleic acid amplification tests provides more specific results, and a number of commercial nucleic acid amplification tests have received emergency use authorization. In addition to serum, testing of whole blood and urine is recommended because of the higher vial loads and longer duration of shedding. However, nucleic acid amplification testing has limited utility because many patients are asymptomatic or present for testing after the brief period of Zika shedding has passed. Thus, the greatest need and most difficult challenge is development of accurate antibody tests for the diagnosis of recent Zika infection. Research is urgently needed to identify Zika virus epitopes that do not cross-react with other flavivirus antigens. New information is emerging at a rapid pace and, with ongoing public-private and international collaborations and government support, it is hoped that rapid progress will be made in developing robust and widely applicable diagnostic tools.
Innes: Security Bonds
Authors: Sandri G. , Puccia A. , Bardi M. , Corbari E. , DeMarco J.
Published: October 2016

Risk in society is a pertinent concept of late modernity. Most elements of our social and interpersonal lives are in some way linked to concerns about safety, security and fear of harm. As a consequence, we spend a great deal of time engaged in emotional, physical and economic processes that facilitate our safety. Whether this be through purchasing anti-theft devices, or subscribing to self-defense training courses; participating in neighbourhood-watch schemes or altering our behavior to prevent susceptibility to victimization, all demonstrate an inherent pre-occupation with risk and perceived danger. The work presented in this paper offers an in-depth socio-criminological analysis focusing on the issue of citizens insecurity, and proposes an original interpretative paradigm emerging from findings on the INNES (Intimate Neighborhood Strengthening) European Project. A presentation of the idiographic and nomothetic motivations and conditions influencing and predicting social fears and insecurities over the last two decades is discussed, with the presentation of the new interpretative model, ‘Social Cobweb Theory’. This model focuses on solidarity and on the strengthening of intimate neighborhood bonds and argues that these aforementioned concepts function as an effective approach in lowering citizens' perceptions of individual insecurities and risk.
Pour une écoute poétique de la matière sonore : Brume de Dieu de Claude Régy
Authors: Dodet Cyrielle
Published: October 2016

Cet article analyse l’écoute complexe dans Brume de Dieu, créé par le metteur en scène français Claude Régy en 2010, d’après le roman Les oiseaux de Tarjei Vesaas. À l’instar de l’acuité auditive extrême du protagoniste Mattis, le spectateur est amené à développer une écoute poétique eu égard à la diction singulière du comédien, à la conception sonore de Philippe Cachia, aux perceptions sensorielles rendues incertaines ainsi qu’à la qualité du silence façonné par Régy. Rythme et signifiance permettent de créer des points d’écoute dans cette puissante matière sonore, tout en les mettant à l’épreuve.
Reinforcement of the Flexor Tendon Repair Using Human Amniotic Membrane
Authors: Dogramaci Yunus , Duman Ibrahim Gökhan
Published: October 2016

Background:

Human amniotic membrane is used to prevent peritendinous adhesions after tendon injuries. This study compares the mechanical properties of modified Kessler repairs and modified Kessler repairs strengthened using multiple layers of human amniotic membrane.

Methods:

Twenty flexor digitorum profundus tendons of sheep forelimbs were sutured by the two-strand modified Kessler technique (group A) and by the two-strand modified Kessler repair reinforced with multiple layers of human amniotic membrane (group B). To assess the mechanical performance of the repairs, tendons were subjected to a linear noncyclic load-to-failure test using a material testing machine. Outcome measures included ultimate forces and the mode of failure.

Results:

The mean ± SD value of the failure strength was 34.6 ± 1.64 N for group A and 50.6 ± 5.60 N for group B. The reinforced repair provided a significantly higher ultimate load compared with the nonreinforced group (P < .001). All of the specimens failed due to suture breakage at the repair site.

Conclusions:

The results of this study show that the modified Kessler repair can be reinforced effectively with human amniotic membrane.
First Metatarsal Head and Medial Eminence Widths with and Without Hallux Valgus
Authors: Lenz Robin C. , Nagesh Darshan , Park Hannah K. , Grady John
Published: October 2016

Background:

Resection of the medial eminence in hallux valgus surgery is common. True hypertrophy of the medial eminence in hallux valgus is debated. No studies have compared metatarsal head width in patients with hallux valgus and control patients.

Methods:

We reviewed 43 radiographs with hallux valgus and 27 without hallux valgus. We measured medial eminence width, first metatarsal head width, and first metatarsal shaft width in patients with and without radiographic hallux valgus.

Results:

Medial eminence width was 1.12 mm larger in patients with hallux valgus (P < .0001). Metatarsal head width was 2.81 mm larger in patients with hallux valgus (P < .001). Metatarsal shaft width showed no significant difference (P = .63).

Conclusions:

Metatarsal head width and medial eminence width are significantly larger on anteroposterior weightbearing radiographs in patients with hallux valgus. However, frontal plane rotation of the first metatarsal likely accounts for this difference.
Losing self control
Authors: Miller Luke , Farnè Alessandro
Published: October 2016

Our brain is less able to move one of our hands if an illusion makes us feel like the hand does not belong to us.