bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vivo Confocal Microscopy Report after Lasik with Sequential Accelerated Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking Treatment
Authors: Mazzotta Cosimo , Balestrazzi Angelo , Traversi Claudio , Caragiuli Stefano , Caporossi Aldo
Published: April 2014

We report the first pilot qualitative confocal microscopic analysis of a laser in situ keratomileusis (Lasik) treatment combined with sequential high-fluence accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking, denominated Lasik XTra, by means of HRT II laser scanning in vivo confocal microscopy after a 6-month follow-up. After obtaining approval from the Siena University Hospital Institutional Review Board, a 33-year-old female patient underwent a Lasik XTra procedure in her left eye. Confocal analysis demonstrated induced slight corneal microstructural changes by the interaction between UV-A, riboflavin and corneal stromal collagen, beyond the interface to a depth of 160 µm, without adverse events at the interface and endothelial levels. This application may be considered a prophylactic biomechanical treatment, stiffening the intermediate corneal stroma to prevent corneal ectasia and stabilizing the clinical results of refractive surgery. According to our preliminary experiences, this combined approach may be useful in higher-risk Lasik patients for hyperopic treatments, high myopia and lower corneal thicknesses.
Task Partitioning in a Robot Swarm: Object Retrieval as a Sequence of Subtasks with Direct Object Transfer
Authors: Pini Giovanni , Brutschy Arne , Scheidler Alexander , Dorigo Marco , Birattari Mauro
Published: April 2014

We study task partitioning in the context of swarm robotics. Task partitioning is the decomposition of a task into subtasks that can be tackled by different workers. We focus on the case in which a task is partitioned into a sequence of subtasks that must be executed in a certain order. This implies that the subtasks must interface with each other, and that the output of a subtask is used as input for the subtask that follows. A distinction can be made between task partitioning with direct transfer and with indirect transfer. We focus our study on the first case: The output of a subtask is directly transferred from an individual working on that subtask to an individual working on the subtask that follows. As a test bed for our study, we use a swarm of robots performing foraging. The robots have to harvest objects from a source, situated in an unknown location, and transport them to a home location. When a robot finds the source, it memorizes its position and uses dead reckoning to return there. Dead reckoning is appealing in robotics, since it is a cheap localization method and it does not require any additional external infrastructure. However, dead reckoning leads to errors that grow in time if not corrected periodically. We compare a foraging strategy that does not make use of task partitioning with one that does. We show that cooperation through task partitioning can be used to limit the effect of dead reckoning errors. This results in improved capability of locating the object source and in increased performance of the swarm. We use the implemented system as a test bed to study benefits and costs of task partitioning with direct transfer. We implement the system with real robots, demonstrating the feasibility of our approach in a foraging scenario.
Generation of Diversity in a Reaction-Diffusion-Based Controller
Authors: Zahadat Payam , Schmickl Thomas
Published: April 2014

A controller of biological or artificial organism (e.g., in bio-inspired cellular robots) consists of a number of processes that drive its dynamics. For a system of processes to perform as a successful controller, different properties can be mentioned. One of the desirable properties of such a system is the capability of generating sufficiently diverse patterns of outputs and behaviors. A system with such a capability is potentially adaptable to perform complicated tasks with proper parameterizations and may successfully reach the solution space of behaviors from the point of view of search and evolutionary algorithms. This article aims to take an early step toward exploring this capability at the levels of individuals and populations by introducing measures of diversity generation and by evaluating the influence of different types of processes on diversity generation. A reaction-diffusion-based controller called the artificial homeostatic hormone system (AHHS) is studied as a system consisting of different processes with various domains of functioning (e.g., internal or external to the control unit). Various combinations of these processes are investigated in terms of diversity generation at levels of both individuals and populations, and the effects of the processes are discussed representing different influences for the processes. A case study of evolving a multimodular AHHS controller with all the various process combinations is also investigated, representing the relevance of the diversity generation measures and practical scenarios.
Simulated Predator Attacks on Flocks: A Comparison of Tactics
Authors: Demšar Jure , Lebar Bajec Iztok
Published: April 2014

It is not exactly known why birds aggregate in coordinated flocks. The most common hypothesis proposes that the reason is protection from predators. Most of the currently developed examples of individual-based predator-prey models assume predators are attracted to the center of a highly coordinated flock. This proposed attraction of a predator to a flock would appear to be contradictory to an alternate hypothesis that flocks evolved as a protection against predation. In an attempt to resolve this apparent conflict, in this article we use a fuzzy individual-based model to study three attack tactics (attack center, attack nearest, attack isolated) and analyze the success of predation on two types of prey (social and individualistic). Our simulations revealed that social flocking (as opposed to individualistic behavior) is the optimal anti-predatory response to predators attacking mainly isolated individuals.
Applications of Lexicographic Semirings to Problems in Speech and Language Processing
Authors: Sproat Richard , Yarmohammadi Mahsa , Shafran Izhak , Roark Brian
Published: April 2014

This paper explores lexicographic semirings and their application to problems in speech and language processing. Specifically, we present two instantiations of binary lexicographic semirings, one involving a pair of tropical weights, and the other a tropical weight paired with a novel string semiring we term the categorial semiring. The first of these is used to yield an exact encoding of backoff models with epsilon transitions. This lexicographic language model semiring allows for off-line optimization of exact models represented as large weighted finite-state transducers in contrast to implicit (on-line) failure transition representations. We present empirical results demonstrating that, even in simple intersection scenarios amenable to the use of failure transitions, the use of the more powerful lexicographic semiring is competitive in terms of time of intersection. The second of these lexicographic semirings is applied to the problem of extracting, from a lattice of word sequences tagged for part of speech, only the single best-scoring part of speech tagging for each word sequence. We do this by incorporating the tags as a categorial weight in the second component of a 〈Tropical, Categorial〉 lexicographic semiring, determinizing the resulting word lattice acceptor in that semiring, and then mapping the tags back as output labels of the word lattice transducer. We compare our approach to a competing method due to Povey et al. (2012).
Stochastic Language Generation in Dialogue using Factored Language Models
Authors: Mairesse François , Young Steve
Published: April 2014

Most previous work on trainable language generation has focused on two paradigms: (a) using a generation decisions of an existing generator. Both approaches rely on the existence of a handcrafted generation component, which is likely to limit their scalability to new domains. The first contribution of this article is to present Bagel, a fully data-driven generation method that treats the language generation task as a search for the most likely sequence of semantic concepts and realization phrases, according to Factored Language Models (FLMs). As domain utterances are not readily available for most natural language generation tasks, a large creative effort is required to produce the data necessary to represent human linguistic variation for nontrivial domains. This article is based on the assumption that learning to produce paraphrases can be facilitated by collecting data from a large sample of untrained annotators using crowdsourcing—rather than a few domain experts—by relying on a coarse meaning representation. A second contribution of this article is to use crowdsourced data to show how dialogue naturalness can be improved by learning to vary the output utterances generated for a given semantic input. Two data-driven methods for generating paraphrases in dialogue are presented: (a) by sampling from the n-best list of realizations produced by Bagel's FLM reranker; and (b) by learning a structured perceptron predicting whether candidate realizations are valid paraphrases. We train Bagel on a set of 1,956 utterances produced by 137 annotators, which covers 10 types of dialogue acts and 128 semantic concepts in a tourist information system for Cambridge. An automated evaluation shows that Bagel outperforms utterance class LM baselines on this domain. A human evaluation of 600 resynthesized dialogue extracts shows that Bagel's FLM output produces utterances comparable to a handcrafted baseline, whereas the perceptron classifier performs worse. Interestingly, human judges find the system sampling from the n-best list to be more natural than a system always returning the first-best utterance. The judges are also more willing to interact with the n-best system in the future. These results suggest that capturing the large variation found in human language using data-driven methods is beneficial for dialogue interaction.
Introduction of the copepod Limnoithona tetraspina Zhang & Li, 1976 (Cyclopoida, Cyclopettidae) into the Shatt Al-Arab, Iraq
Authors: Mohammed Hanaa H. , Ferrari Frank D. , Abbas M. F.
Published: April 2014

The cyclopoid copepod Limnoithona tetraspina was collected for the first time in the Shatt Al-Arab, a river in Iraq, in the summer of 2009; its abundance ranged from 2-16 specimens/m3. Its distribution was restricted to the areas around Al-Sindibad Island and Al-Kornish in waters with temperatures between 27-28°C and salinities less than 4.1‰. A larger number of specimens was collected in August 2012 around Al-Sindibad Island, 134 specimens/m3, and in July 2013 around Al-Kornish, 378 specimens/m3 in waters of comparable temperatures and salinities. The copepod initially was described from the mouth of the Yangtze River, China, in 1976. It was introduced from the Yangtze River into the San Francisco Bay estuary, U.S.A., in 1993, with ship ballast water, and into the Columbia River, U.S.A., in 2003, presumably from the San Francisco Estuary. The origin of the Shatt Al-Arab population is unknown, but it is likely to have been introduced.
Molecular cloning, characterization and expression analysis of the retinoid X receptor in the swimming crab, Portunus trituberculatus (Miers, 1876) (Decapoda, Portunidae)
Authors: Tang J. , Zhu D. F. , Cui X. Y. , Xie X. , Qiu X. E.
Published: April 2014

To elucidate the role of the retinoid X receptor (RXR) in moulting and ovarian development of crustaceans, the full-length cDNA of RXR (PtRXR) in Portunus trituberculatus (Miers, 1876) was cloned by nested reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The cDNA sequence of PtRXR was determined to be 1365 bp in length and contained an open reading frame (ORF) of 1140 bp encoding a 379-amino-acid residue protein. The deduced amino-acid sequence of PtRXR shared high identities with other known RXRs. Phylogenetic analysis showed that PtRXR was clustered among crustacean RXRs and located closer to the vertebrate RXRs than the insect ultraspiracle (USP, an orthologue of RXR). Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to analyse the tissue distribution of PtRXR and its expression patterns during the moulting cycle and the second ovarian development of P. trituberculatus. The results showed that PtRXR was widely distributed in the tested tissues. PtRXR mRNA levels were significantly high in ovary and Y-organs (YO) of intermoult crabs. The mRNA levels of PtRXR in YO and mandibular organs (MO) decreased significantly from intermoult to premoult. In addition, PtRXR was expressed at each stage of the second ovarian development in ovary, hepatopancreas, YO and MO, and the expression levels reached maximal values when the ovary reached the final stage of maturation. These results indicate that PtRXR might have an important role in regulating the moulting and ovarian development of P. trituberculatus.
Seasonal changes in body size and oil sac volume of three planktonic copepods, Paracalanus parvus (Claus, 1863), Pseudocalanus newmani Frost, 1989 and Oithona similis Claus, 1866, in a temperate embayment: what controls their seasonality?
Authors: Arima Daichi , Yamaguchi Atsushi , Abe Yoshiyuki , Matsuno Kohei , Saito Rui , Asami Hiroki , Shimada Hiroshi , Imai Ichiro
Published: April 2014

Seasonal changes in body size (prosome length: PL) and oil sac volume (OSV) of the three most numerically abundant copepods in Ishikari Bay, northern Sea of Japan, Paracalanus parvus (Claus, 1863), Pseudocalanus newmani Frost, 1989 and Oithona similis Claus, 1866, were studied using monthly samples collected through vertical hauls of a 100-μm mesh NORPAC net from March, 2001 to May, 2002. Seasonal changes in PL were common for the three species and were more pronounced during a cold spring. PL was negatively correlated with temperature, and this relationship was described well using the Bělehrádek equation. Seasonal changes in OSV exhibited a species-specific pattern, i.e., OSV was greater during a warm summer for P. parvus and was greater during a cold spring for P. newmani and O. similis. The OSV peak period corresponded with the optimal thermal season of each species. The relative OSV to prosome volume of the small copepods (0.6-0.8%) was substantially lower than that of the large copepods (20-32%). These facts suggest that the oil sac of small copepods is not used for overwintering or diapauses or during periods of food scarcity, but is instead used as the primary energy source for reproduction, which occurs during the optimum thermal season of each species.
Vulnerability of Patagonian planktonic copepods to fluctuations in temperature and UV radiation
Authors: Garcia Patricia Elizabeth , Dieguez María C.
Published: April 2014

The aim of this investigation is to address the impact of fluctuations in temperature and ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on three species of South American copepods, Boeckella antiqua, B. gracilis and B. brevicaudata. These copepods are cold stenotherm and occur in high latitude lakes of South America and in mountain lakes in the Andes. The forecast scenarios for climate change in southern South America anticipate raising temperature and UVR levels. These changes may have the potential to impact high altitude and latitude ecosystems, including lakes and their cold adapted biota, such as those in Patagonia. Laboratory experiments, consisting of 10 day and 2 day incubations, were set up to analyse copepod mortality in relation with: (i) temperature, and (ii) the combined effect of temperature (5, 8, 12, 16, 20°C) and UV-B dose (61, 194 and 324 J m−2). The results obtained showed up that temperature is a limiting factor for B. brevicaudata that did not survive above 12°C. B. antiqua and B. gracilis withstood the temperature range although their mortality was higher at 12-16°C. The survivorship of these copepod species to radiation was found to depend on the UV-B dose, resulting in higher mortality at the highest UV-B dose. Overall, at least one Boeckella species showed an acute sensitivity to increasing temperature, and the three species studied proved tolerant to the UV-B experimental exposure. The survivorship patterns observed in Boeckella species reflect clearly their adaptation to high solar radiation exposure and to temperate to cold environmental conditions.
Family level classification within Thylacocephala, with comments on their evolution and possible relationships
Authors: Schram Frederick R.
Published: April 2014

Thylacocephala are among the most problematic of arthropod fossils. Various authors have allied them with all manner of crustacean groups, including branchiopods, cirripedes, remipedes, and malacostracans. They have a very apomorphic body plan often marked by hypertrophy of the compound eyes, three pairs of large raptorial subchelate limbs, eight sets of well-developed phyllobranch gills, and from 8 to at least 16 posterior trunk somites bearing paddle-like limbs. They have been thought of as a distinct class composed of two orders, Concavicarida and Conchyliocarida, but membership within the orders varies according to authors, and no familial divisions have been proposed within the orders until now. This lack of taxonomic structure inhibits organization of available information concerning the paleoecology, paleogeography, and phylogenetic relationships of thylacocephalans. A working hypothesis for the higher taxonomy within the class is proposed here. This entails a redefinition of the two orders, and recognition of seven families, five of them new: Austriocarididae Glaessner, 1931, Clausocarididae Arduini, 1992 (new status), Concavicarididae n. fam., Dollocarididae, n. fam., Microcarididae n. fam., Ostenocarididae n. fam. and Protozoeidae n. fam.
Rochinia hystrix (Stimpson, 1871) in the southwestern Atlantic, with morphological comparison to the partially sympatric congener Rochinia tanneri (Smith, 1883) (Brachyura, Epialtidae)
Authors: Pettan Renata B. , Tavares Marcos
Published: April 2014

Rochinia hystrix(Stimpson, 1871) is reported herein for the first time from the southwestern Atlantic (Canopus Bank, off the coast of Ceará, Brazil, between 240 and 260 m). This species was previously known from the eastern Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea (Antilles), between 150 and 708 m.Rochinia hystrixand immatures ofR. tanneri(Smith, 1883) resemble each other and their geographical and bathymetric ranges partially overlap, so that morphological criteria are herein provided to distinguish between the two species. The opportunity is also taken to elaborate on the status of the type material ofR. tanneri.
The Nature of the Russian Trial by Jury
Authors: Kovalev Nikolai , Smirnov Alexander
Published: April 2014

This paper explores the legal and political role of the jury system in contemporary Russia. It aims to examine whether trial by jury is an essential right of Russian citizens (jurata patriae) or, rather, a prerogative of the state (raison d’état). The main focus of the paper is the analysis of the Russian Constitution and the jurisprudence of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation. In particular, the authors consider a recent majority decision of the Constitutional Court, which uphold the constitutionality of the law that abolished jury trials for terrorist, espionage and other crimes against the state.
Relicts from Tertiary Australasia: undescribed families and subfamilies of songbirds (Passeriformes) and their zoogeographic signal
Authors: SCHODDE RICHARD , CHRISTIDIS LES
Published: April 2014

A number of hitherto unrecognized, deeply divergent taxa of Australasian songbirds have been revealed by DNA sequence studies in the last decade. Differentiation among them is at levels equivalent to family and subfamily rank among songbirds generally. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to name and describe eleven of them formally under Articles 13.1, 13.2, 16.1 and 16.2 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature so that they are made available for use in zoology. The taxa are: families Oreoicidae, Eulacestomatidae, Rhagologidae, Ifritidae and Melampittidae, and subfamilies Pachycareinae, Oreoscopinae, Toxorhamphinae, Oedistomatinae, Peltopsinae and Lamproliinae. The families to which the subfamilies belong are documented. Morphological and behavioural traits of the new family-group taxa are discussed; reasons for taxonomic rankings are summarized; and grounds for the geographic origin of corvoid songbirds, to which all the new families belong, are briefly addressed. One new genus,Megalampitta in Melampittidae, is also described.
On the systematics of Trimeresurus labialis Fitzinger in Steindachner, 1867, a pitviper from the Nicobar Islands (India), with revalidation of Trimeresurus mutabilis Stoliczka, 1870 (Squamata, Viperidae, Crotalinae)
Authors: VOGEL GERNOT , DAVID PATRICK , CHANDRAMOULI S. R.
Published: April 2014

The Asian pitviper currently identified as Trimeresurus labialis Fitzinger in Steindachner, 1867 is revised on the basis of morphological data obtained from 37 preserved specimens originating from seven islands of the Nicobar Islands. Multivariate analyses shows that these specimens can be divided into two clusters of populations which differ by a series of constant taxonomically informative morphological characters. The first cluster, which includes the name-bearing types of Trimeresurus labialis Fitzinger in Steindachner, 1867, is present only on Car Nicobar Island. The second cluster, which includes the name-bearing types of Trimeresurus mutabilis Stoliczka, 1870, is distributed on the Central Nicobar Islands. We regard these clusters as distinct species, which are morphologically diagnosable and isolated from each other. As a consequence, Trimeresurus mutabilis, long considered a synonym of T. labialis, is here resurrected to specific level. A lectotype is designated for Trimeresurus mutabilis.
Rediscovery of Lophiodes triradiatus (Lloyd, 1909), a senior synonym of L. infrabrunneus Smith and Radcliffe (Lophiiformes: Lophiidae)
Authors: HO HSUAN-CHING , BINEESH K. K. , AKHILESH K. V.
Published: April 2014

Examination of the holotype and three recently collected additional specimens from the Indian Ocean has revealed that Lophius triradiatus Lloyd, 1909 (now under Lophiodes)  is a valid species and a senior synonym of Lophiodes infrabrunneus Smith & Radcliffe, 1912 and Lophiodes abdituspinus Ni, Wu & Li, 1990. A detailed description of the additional specimens is provided.
Indian Ocean Decadal Variability: A Review
Authors: Han Weiqing , Vialard Jérôme , McPhaden Michael J. , Lee Tong , Masumoto Yukio , Feng Ming , de Ruijter Will P.M.
Published: April 2014

The international scientific community has highlighted decadal and multidecadal climate variability as a priority area for climate research. The Indian Ocean rim region is home to one-third of the world's population, mostly living in developing countries that are vulnerable to climate variability and to the increasing pressure of anthropogenic climate change. Yet, while prominent decadal and multidecadal variations occur in the Indian Ocean, they have been less studied than those in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. This paper reviews existing literature on these Indian Ocean variations, including observational evidence, physical mechanisms, and climatic impacts. This paper also identifies major issues and challenges for future Indian Ocean research on decadal and multidecadal variability.
African Climate Change Uncertainty in Perturbed Physics Ensembles: Implications of Global Warming to 4°C and Beyond*
Authors: James Rachel , Washington Richard , Rowell David P.
Published: April 2014

The importance of investigating regional climate changes associated with degrees of global warming is increasingly being recognized, but the majority of relevant research has been based on multimodel ensembles (MMEs) from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP). This has left two important questions unanswered: Are there plausible futures which are not represented by the models in CMIP? And, how would regional climates evolve under enhanced global warming, beyond 4°C? In this paper, two perturbed physics ensembles (PPEs) are used to address these issues with reference to African precipitation. Examination of model versions that generate warming greater than 4°C in the twenty-first century shows that changes in African precipitation are enhanced gradually, even to high global temperatures; however, there may be nonlinearities that are not incorporated here due to limited model complexity. The range of projections from the PPEs is compared to data from phases 3 and 5 of CMIP (CMIP3 and CMIP5), revealing regional differences. This is partly the result of implausible model versions, but the PPE dataset can be justifiably constrained given its size and systematic nature, highlighting an additional advantage over MMEs. After applying constraints, the PPEs still show changes that are outside the range of CMIP, most prominently strong dry signals in west equatorial Africa and the Sahel, implying that MMEs may underestimate risks for these regions. Analysis of African precipitation changes therefore demonstrates that regional assessments that rely on CMIP3 and CMIP5 may overlook uncertainties associated with model parameterizations and pronounced warming. More systematic approaches are needed for conservative estimates of danger.
Intense Precipitation Events Associated with Landfalling Tropical Cyclones in Response to a Warmer Climate and Increased CO2
Authors: Scoccimarro Enrico , Gualdi Silvio , Villarini Gabriele , Vecchi Gabriel A. , Zhao Ming , Walsh Kevin , Navarra Antonio
Published: April 2014

In this work the authors investigate possible changes in the intensity of rainfall events associated with tropical cyclones (TCs) under idealized forcing scenarios, including a uniformly warmer climate, with a special focus on landfalling storms. A new set of experiments designed within the U.S. Climate Variability and Predictability (CLIVAR) Hurricane Working Group allows disentangling the relative role of changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide from that played by sea surface temperature (SST) in changing the amount of precipitation associated with TCs in a warmer world. Compared to the present-day simulation, an increase in TC precipitation was found under the scenarios involving SST increases. On the other hand, in a CO2-doubling-only scenario, the changes in TC rainfall are small and it was found that, on average, TC rainfall tends to decrease compared to the present-day climate. The results of this study highlight the contribution of landfalling TCs to the projected increase in the precipitation changes affecting the tropical coastal regions.
Objectively Determined Fair-Weather NBL Features in ARW-WRF and Their Comparison to CASES-97 Observations
Authors: LeMone Margaret A. , Tewari Mukul , Chen Fei , Dudhia Jimy
Published: April 2014

Heights of nocturnal boundary layer (NBL) features are determined using vertical profiles from the Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecasting Model (ARW-WRF), and then compared to data for three moderately windy fair-weather nights during the April–May 1997 Kansas-based Cooperative Atmosphere–Surface Exchange Study (CASES-97) to evaluate the success of four PBL schemes in replicating observations. The schemes are Bougeault–LaCarrere (BouLac), Mellor–Yamada–Janjić (MYJ), quasi-normal scale elimination (QNSE), and Yonsei University (YSU) versions 3.2 and 3.4.1. This study’s chosen objectively determined model NBL height h estimate uses a turbulence kinetic energy (TKE) threshold equal to 5% , where TKE′ is relative to its background (free atmosphere) value. The YSU- and MYJ-determined h could not be improved upon. Observed heights of the virtual temperature maximum hTvmax and wind speed maximum hSmax, and the heights h1wsonde and h2wsonde, between which the radiosonde slows from ~5 to ~3 m s−1 as it rises from turbulent to nonturbulent air, and thus brackets h, were used for comparison to model results. The observations revealed a general pattern: hTvmax increased through the night, and hTvmax and hSmax converged with time, and the two mostly lay between h1wsonde and h2wsonde after several hours. Clear failure to adhere to this pattern and large excursions from observations or other PBL schemes revealed excess mixing for BouLac and YSU version 3.2 (but not version 3.4.1) and excess thermal mixing for QNSE under windy conditions. Observed friction velocity was much smaller than model values, with differences consistent with the observations reflecting local skin drag and the model reflecting regional form drag + skin drag.
Extreme Quantitative Precipitation Forecast Performance at the Weather Prediction Center from 2001 to 2011
Authors: Sukovich Ellen M. , Ralph F. Martin , Barthold Faye E. , Reynolds David W. , Novak David R.
Published: April 2014

Extreme quantitative precipitation forecast (QPF) performance is baselined and analyzed by NOAA’s Hydrometeorology Testbed (HMT) using 11 yr of 32-km gridded QPFs from NCEP’s Weather Prediction Center (WPC). The analysis uses regional extreme precipitation thresholds, quantitatively defined as the 99th and 99.9th percentile precipitation values of all wet-site days from 2001 to 2011 for each River Forecast Center (RFC) region, to evaluate QPF performance at multiple lead times. Five verification metrics are used: probability of detection (POD), false alarm ratio (FAR), critical success index (CSI), frequency bias, and conditional mean absolute error (MAEcond). Results indicate that extreme QPFs have incrementally improved in forecast accuracy over the 11-yr period. Seasonal extreme QPFs show the highest skill during winter and the lowest skill during summer, although an increase in QPF skill is observed during September, most likely due to landfalling tropical systems. Seasonal extreme QPF skill decreases with increased lead time. Extreme QPF skill is higher over the western and northeastern RFCs and is lower over the central and southeastern RFC regions, likely due to the preponderance of convective events in the central and southeastern regions. This study extends the NOAA HMT study of regional extreme QPF performance in the western United States to include the contiguous United States and applies the regional assessment recommended therein. The method and framework applied here are readily applied to any gridded QPF dataset to define and verify extreme precipitation events.
Evaluation of Tropical Intraseasonal Variability and Moist Processes in the NOGAPS Analysis and Short-Term Forecasts
Authors: Li Weiwei , Wang Zhuo , Peng Melinda S. , Ridout James A.
Published: April 2014

Navy Operational Global Atmospheric Prediction System (NOGAPS) analysis and operational forecasts are evaluated against the Interim ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim; ERAI) and satellite data, and compared with the Global Forecast System (GFS) analysis and forecasts, using both performance- and physics-based metrics. The NOGAPS analysis captures realistic Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) signals in the dynamic fields and the low-level premoistening leading to active convection, but the MJO signals in the relative humidity (RH) and diabatic heating rate (Q1) fields are weaker than those in the ERAI or the GFS analysis. The NOGAPS forecasts, similar to the GFS forecasts, have relatively low prediction skill for the MJO when the MJO initiates over the Indian Ocean and when active convection is over the Maritime Continent. The NOGAPS short-term precipitation forecasts are broadly consistent with the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) morphing technique (CMORPH) precipitation results with regionally quantitative differences. Further evaluation of the precipitation and column water vapor (CWV) indicates that heavy precipitation develops too early in the NOGAPS forecasts in terms of the CWV, and the NOGAPS forecasts show a dry bias in the CWV increasing with forecast lead time. The NOGAPS underpredicts light and moderate-to-heavy precipitation but overpredicts extremely heavy rainfall. The vertical profiles of RH and Q1 reveal a dry bias within the marine boundary layer and a moist bias above. The shallow heating mode is found to be missing for CWV < 50 mm in the NOGAPS forecasts. The diabatic heating biases are associated with weaker trade winds, weaker Hadley and Walker circulations over the Pacific, and weaker cross-equatorial flow over the Indian Ocean in the NOGAPS forecasts.
Bilingual word recognition in deaf and hearing signers: Effects of proficiency and language dominance on cross-language activation
Authors: Morford Jill P , Kroll Judith F , Piñar Pilar , Wilkinson Erin
Published: April 2014

Recent evidence demonstrates that American Sign Language (ASL) signs are active during print word recognition in deaf bilinguals who are highly proficient in both ASL and English. In the present study, we investigate whether signs are active during print word recognition in two groups of unbalanced bilinguals: deaf ASL-dominant and hearing English-dominant bilinguals. Participants judged the semantic relatedness of word pairs in English. Critically, a subset of both the semantically related and unrelated English word pairs had phonologically related translations in ASL, but participants were never shown any ASL signs during the experiment. Deaf ASL-dominant bilinguals (Experiment 1) were faster when semantically related English word pairs had similar form translations in ASL, but slower when semantically unrelated words had similar form translations in ASL, indicating that ASL signs are engaged during English print word recognition in these ASL-dominant signers. Hearing English-dominant bilinguals (Experiment 2) were also slower to respond to semantically unrelated English word pairs with similar form translations in ASL, but no facilitation effects were observed in this population. The results provide evidence that the interactive nature of lexical processing in bilinguals is impervious to language modality.
Something is stirring in Anfield: Elite Premier League football and localism
Authors: Southern Alan
Published: April 2014

The Localism Act 2011 has provided the right for community organizations to nominate local buildings to be listed as an Asset of Community Value. In England a number of inner urban neighbourhoods host elite Premier League football stadia, their physical presence often visible from afar. Two in particular stand out, both recently listed as an Asset of Community Value, the globally renown football clubs of Liverpool FC and their Anfield stadium and Manchester United and Old Trafford. Three aspects of this are noteworthy. First, the capability of a community group to organize and agitate in such a way as to ensure a local asset is listed. Second, the extent to which the legislation is providing substantive rights for community activists thereby challenging those who would suggest localism is more rhetoric than real. Third, by reviewing a single case of Anfield, we can see how the role of elite professional football club in a low-income neighbourhood can be challenged for the benefit of local residents as plans for social and economic development are shaped.
Modelling multivariate, overdispersed binomial data with additive and multiplicative random effects
Authors: Del Fava Emanuele , Shkedy Ziv , Aregay Mehreteab , Molenberghs Geert
Published: April 2014

When modelling multivariate binomial data, it often occurs that it is necessary to take into consideration both clustering and overdispersion, the former arising from the dependence between data, and the latter due to the additional variability in the data not prescribed by the distribution. If interest lies in accommodating both phenomena at the same time, we can use separate sets of random effects that capture the within-cluster association and the extra variability. In particular, the random effects for overdispersion can be included in the model either additively or multiplicatively. For this purpose, we propose a series of Bayesian hierarchical models that deal simultaneously with both phenomena. The proposed models are applied to bivariate repeated prevalence data for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in injecting drug users in Italy from 1998 to 2007.
Regularization and model selection with categorical predictors and effect modifiers in generalized linear models
Authors: Oelker Margret-Ruth , Gertheiss Jan , Tutz Gerhard
Published: April 2014

Varying-coefficient models with categorical effect modifiers are considered within the framework of generalized linear models. We distinguish between nominal and ordinal effect modifiers, and propose adequate Lasso-type regularization techniques that allow for (1) selection of relevant covariates, and (2) identification of coefficient functions that are actually varying with the level of a potentially effect modifying factor. For computation, a penalized iteratively reweighted least squares algorithm is presented. We investigate large sample properties of the penalized estimates; in simulation studies, we show that the proposed approaches perform very well for finite samples, too. In addition, the presented methods are compared with alternative procedures, and applied to real-world data.
A parametric time series model with covariates for integers in Z
Authors: Andersson Jonas , Karlis Dimitris
Published: April 2014

While models for integer valued time series are now abundant, there is a shortage of similar models when the time series refer to data defined on Z, i.e., in both the positive and negative integers. Such data occur in certain disciplines and the need for such models also appear when taking differences of a positive integer count time series. In addition one would often like to include covariates to explain variations in the variable of interest. In this article we construct a model doing all these assuming a specific innovation distribution and provide fully parametric inference, including prediction. Real data applications on accidents and financial returns are given. Finally we also discuss alternative models and extensions.
Casting speed optimal design of 304 stainless steel during twin roll strip casting process by 3D modelling
Authors: Liu Y. Y. , Liu L. G. , Guo J. , Liu L. L. , Zhang Y. , Fang Y. , Yang Q. X.
Published: April 2014

The exit temperature distribution of 304 stainless steel during twin roll strip casting process was measured. The crack morphology of the actual steel strip was observed by scanning electron microscope. Then, by establishing a three-dimensional model including casting rollers, the flow and temperature fields of 304 stainless steel during the twin roll strip casting process were modelled. The modelled temperature result is in accordance with the measured one, so the flow and temperature fields of 304 stainless steel during the twin roll casting process with different casting speeds can be modelled. The results of the flow field show that a large area of vortex forms in the pool. Those of the temperature field show that the temperature in the vortex zone is lower 30–50°C than that in the refluxing zone, and a thin shell forms on the interface between the molten pool and the casting roller. The whole temperature of the molten pool is increased with the increase in the casting speed, and an optimal casting speed is ∼0·7 m s−1.
Characterisation of subsurface oxidation damage in Ni based superalloy, RR1000
Authors: Cruchley S. , Taylor M. P. , Evans H. E. , Hardy M. C. , Child D. J.
Published: April 2014

Isothermal oxidation of the Ni based superalloy, RR1000, has been performed at 700, 750 and 800°C for exposure periods up to 2000 h. A chromia external oxide scale with an outer layer of rutile was formed together with extensive internal oxidation of aluminium, both intragranularly and intergranularly. The internal oxidation was associated with a deeper γ′ particle free zone. Extensive metallographic measurements of both the depth of internal oxidation and of the γ′ particle free zone were made. The kinetics in each case approximated well to parabolic. Possible rate controlling processes are discussed.
Bearing steel microstructures after aircraft gas turbine engine service
Authors: Nygaard J. R. , Rawson M. , Danson P. , Bhadeshia H. K. D. H.
Published: April 2014

The microstructure of aircraft gas turbine engine bearing steel has been characterised after service in Rolls-Royce Trent™ engines, with the focus on surface condition and the consequences of sliding contact. Carbide populations at the surfaces of rolling elements are found depleted by 30% after 30 000 h engine service. A single ball failure occurred after this period, leading to fatigue spalling that initiated below the contact surface. Comparisons between unused bearing raceways and those that have experienced service revealed that the microstructures resulting from secondary hardening remain remarkably stable. Plastic flow along the direction of rolling is confined to a shallow zone <2 μm beneath the contact surfaces. Transmission electron microscopy has revealed a new deformation mechanism in these bearing steels, in the form of mechanical twinning at interfaces and prior austenite grain boundaries. It is demonstrated that workhardening occurs to a depth of 1 mm in the raceway that has experienced 30000 h service.
Viscous behaviour of Bi2O3–B2O3–ZnO glass composites with ceramic fillers
Authors: Seo J. , Kim S. , Samal S. , Kim H.
Published: April 2014

Variation in the viscous flow behaviour, nature and extent of glass fluidity in glass/filler composites are addressed with respect to various factors such as filler type, content, size, density and migration distance. The characterisation of a glass (Bi2O3–B2O3–ZnO) composite consisting of two different fillers (cordierite and willemite) was determined using hot stage microscopy, a differential scanning calorimeter and a flow button test. The microstructure was analysed using a scanning electron microscope. The apparent viscosity of the glass composites increased on increasing concentration and density of the filler. The variation in the viscosity is due to the diffusion of the glass matrix through channels in the cordierite filler of the composite. Based on the calculated migration distance of the filler in the glass matrix, the present work suggests that the interfacial behaviour and the density of the filler play a significant role in determining the viscous flow of the glass composites.
Marketing factors impacting imported wood products in Central America
Authors: Quesada-Pineda H. J. , Lyon S. , Smith R.
Published: April 2014

Increasing environmental pressures against deforestation in Central America has increased harvesting restrictions and subsequently caused disruption in the supply of raw materials to primary and secondary industries. A conceptual model was developed based on literature review to describe perceptions of wood products distributors, retailers, and manufacturers regarding supplier and product attributes, retailer/manufacturer and supplier promotion strategies, potential importing barriers and company performance. After verifying internal reliability with Cronbach's alpha, confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to confirm the structure of proposed marketing constructs. Results supported only one of the proposed factors in the model, (i.e. supplier attribute). Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to determine the structure of the remaining factors. The strongest correlations were between product attributes and retailer/manufacturing marketing factors, and the second strongest correlation found was between product and supplier attributes factors. These correlations are critical to developing innovative marketing strategies to increase access to markets in Central America.
Transcription of the three HMG-CoA reductase genes of Mucor circinelloides
Authors: Nagy Gábor , Farkas Anita , Csernetics Árpád , Bencsik Ottó , Szekeres András , Nyilasi Ildikó , Vágvölgyi Csaba , Papp Tamás
Published: April 2014

Background

Precursors of sterols, carotenoids, the prenyl groups of several proteins and other terpenoid compounds are synthesised via the acetate-mevalonate pathway. One of the key enzyme of this pathway is the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase, which catalyses the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate. HMG-CoA reductase therefore affects many biological processes, such as morphogenesis, synthesis of different metabolites or adaptation to environmental changes. In this study, transcription of the three HMG-CoA reductase genes (designated as hmgR1, hmgR2 and hmgR3) of the β-carotene producing Mucor circinelloides has been analysed under various culturing conditions; effect of the elevation of their copy number on the carotenoid and ergosterol content as well as on the sensitivity to statins has also been examined.

Results

Transcripts of each gene were detected and their relative levels varied under the tested conditions. Transcripts of hmgR1 were detected only in the mycelium and its relative transcript level seems to be strongly controlled by the temperature and the oxygen level of the environment. Transcripts of hmgR2 and hmgR3 are already present in the germinating spores and the latter is also strongly regulated by oxygen. Overexpression of hmgR2 and hmgR3 by elevating their copy numbers increased the carotenoid content of the fungus and decreased their sensitivity to statins.

Conclusions

The three HMG-CoA reductase genes of M. circinelloides displayed different relative transcript levels under the tested conditions suggesting differences in their regulation. They seem to be especially involved in the adaptation to the changing oxygen tension and osmotic conditions of the environment as well as to statin treatment. Overexpression of hmgR2 and hmgR3 may be used to improve the carotenoid content.
A prediction model for renal artery stenosis using carotid ultrasonography measurements in patients undergoing coronary angiography
Authors: Lee Yonggu , Shin Jeong-Hun , Park Hwan-Cheol , Kim Soon Gil , Choi Seong-il
Published: April 2014

Background

Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and carotid atherosclerotic plaque (CAP) are well-known indicators of atherosclerosis. However, few studies have reported the value of CIMT and CAP for predicting renal artery stenosis (RAS). We investigated the predictive value of CIMT and CAP for RAS and propose a model for predicting significant RAS in patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG).

Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent renal angiography at the time of CAG in a single center in 2011 were included. RAS ≥50% was considered significant. Multiple logistic regression analysis with step-down variable selection method was used to select the best model for predicting significant RAS and bootstrap resampling was used to validate the best model. A scoring system for predicting significant RAS was developed by adding the closest integers proportional to the coefficients of the regression formula.

Results

Significant RAS was observed in 60 of 641 patients (9.6%) who underwent CAG. Hypertension, diabetes, significant coronary artery disease (CAD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage ≥3 were more prevalent in patients with significant RAS. Mean age, CIMT and number of anti-hypertensive medications (AHM) were higher and body mass index (BMI) and total cholesterol level were lower in patients with significant RAS. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified significant CAD (odds ratio (OR) 5.6), unilateral CAP (OR 2.6), bilateral CAP (OR 4.9), CKD stage ≥3 (OR 4.8), four or more AHM (OR 4.8), CIMT (OR 2.3), age ≥67 years (OR 2.3) and BMI <22 kg/m2 (OR 2.4) as independent predictors of significant RAS. The scoring system for predicting significant RAS, which included these predictors, had a sensitivity of 83.3% and specificity of 81.6%. The predicted frequency of the scoring system agreed well with the observed frequency of significant RAS (coefficient of determination r
2 = 0.957).

Conclusions

CIMT and CAP are independent predictors of significant RAS. The proposed scoring system, which includes CIMT and CAP, may be useful for predicting significant RAS in patients undergoing CAG.