bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient Local Histogram Searching via Bitmap Indexing
Authors: Wei Tzu‐Hsuan , Chen Chun‐Ming , Biswas Ayan
Published: July 2015

Representing features by local histograms is a proven technique in several volume analysis and visualization applications including feature tracking and transfer function design. The efficiency of these applications, however, is hampered by the high computational complexity of local histogram computation and matching. In this paper, we propose a novel algorithm to accelerate local histogram search by leveraging bitmap indexing. Our method avoids exhaustive searching of all voxels in the spatial domain by examining only the voxels whose values fall within the value range of user‐defined local features and their neighborhood. Based on the idea that the value range of local features is in general much smaller than the dynamic range of the entire dataset, we propose a local voting scheme to construct the local histograms so that only a small number of voxels need to be examined. Experimental results show that our method can reduce much computational workload compared to the conventional approaches. To demonstrate the utility of our method, an interactive interface was developed to assist users in defining target features as local histograms and identify the locations of these features in the dataset.
Compressive Volume Rendering
Authors: Liu Xiaoyang , Alim Usman R.
Published: July 2015

Compressive rendering refers to the process of reconstructing a full image from a small subset of the rendered pixels, thereby expediting the rendering task. In this paper, we empirically investigate three image order techniques for compressive rendering that are suitable for direct volume rendering. The first technique is based on the theory of compressed sensing and leverages the sparsity of the image gradient in the Fourier domain. The latter techniques exploit smoothness properties of the rendered image; the second technique recovers the missing pixels via a total variation minimization procedure while the third technique incorporates a smoothness prior in a variational reconstruction framework employing interpolating cubic B‐splines. We compare and contrast the three techniques in terms of quality, efficiency and sensitivity to the distribution of pixels. Our results show that smoothness‐based techniques significantly outperform techniques that are based on compressed sensing and are also robust in the presence of highly incomplete information. We achieve high quality recovery with as little as 20% of the pixels distributed uniformly in screen space.
Visual Analysis of Spatio‐Temporal Data: Applications in Weather Forecasting
Authors: Diehl A. , Pelorosso L. , Delrieux C. , Saulo C. , Ruiz J. , Gröller M. E. , Bruckner S.
Published: July 2015

Weather conditions affect multiple aspects of human life such as economy, safety, security, and social activities. For this reason, weather forecast plays a major role in society. Currently weather forecasts are based on Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models that generate a representation of the atmospheric flow. Interactive visualization of geo‐spatial data has been widely used in order to facilitate the analysis of NWP models. This paper presents a visualization system for the analysis of spatio‐temporal patterns in short‐term weather forecasts. For this purpose, we provide an interactive visualization interface that guides users from simple visual overviews to more advanced visualization techniques. Our solution presents multiple views that include a timeline with geo‐referenced maps, an integrated webmap view, a forecast operation tool, a curve‐pattern selector, spatial filters, and a linked meteogram. Two key contributions of this work are the timeline with geo‐referenced maps and the curve‐pattern selector. The latter provides novel functionality that allows users to specify and search for meaningful patterns in the data. The visual interface of our solution allows users to detect both possible weather trends and errors in the weather forecast model. We illustrate the usage of our solution with a series of case studies that were designed and validated in collaboration with domain experts.
Map‐based Visualizations Increase Recall Accuracy of Data
Authors: Saket Bahador , Scheidegger Carlos , Kobourov Stephen G. , Börner Katy
Published: July 2015

We investigate the memorability of data represented in two different visualization designs. In contrast to recent studies that examine which types of visual information make visualizations memorable, we examine the effect of different visualizations on time and accuracy of recall of the displayed data, minutes and days after interaction with the visualizations. In particular, we describe the results of an evaluation comparing the memorability of two different visualizations of the same relational data: node‐link diagrams and map‐based visualization. We find significant differences in the accuracy of the tasks performed, and these differences persist days after the original exposure to the visualizations. Specifically, participants in the study recalled the data better when exposed to map‐based visualizations as opposed to node‐link diagrams. We discuss the scope of the study and its limitations, possible implications, and future directions.
Finite‐Time Mass Separation for Comparative Visualizations of Inertial Particles
Authors: Günther Tobias , Theisel Holger
Published: July 2015

The visual analysis of flows with inertial particle trajectories is a challenging problem because time‐dependent particle trajectories additionally depend on mass, which gives rise to an infinite number of possible trajectories passing through every point in space‐time. This paper presents an approach to a comparative visualization of the inertial particles’ separation behavior. For this, we define the Finite‐Time Mass Separation (FTMS), a scalar field that measures at each point in the domain how quickly inertial particles separate that were released from the same location but with slightly different mass. Extracting and visualizing the mass that induces the largest separation provides a simplified view on the critical masses. By using complementary coordinated views, we additionally visualize corresponding inertial particle trajectories in space‐time by integral curves and surfaces. For a quantitative analysis, we plot Euclidean and arc length‐based distances to a reference particle over time, which allows to observe the temporal evolution of separation events. We demonstrate our approach on a number of analytic and one real‐world unsteady 2D field.
FOREIGN ENTRY INTO U.S. SERVICE INDUSTRY BY TAKEOVERS AND THE CREATION OF NEW FIRMS
Authors: Feliciano Zadia M. , Sun Jing
Published: July 2015

We study the relation between foreign entry in U.S. service sector industries and the revealed comparative advantage of the investing country using U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis firm‐level data on all foreign takeovers and new foreign‐owned firms from 1998 to 2008. We find foreign acquisitions in the service sector are in industries of U.S. comparative advantage while new foreign firms are in industries of investing country's comparative advantage. This suggests that foreign acquisitions in the service sector are not directly related to foreign investors' competitiveness in the industry of investment. In contrast foreign investors in new service sector firms come from countries with a competitive edge in the industries of investment. We also find that foreign investors of new service sector firms are from Organization for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) countries with a comparative disadvantage in royalties and trademarks. (JEL F21, F23, G34)
Phonotactic behaviour and vertical sound source localisation of the parasitoid fly Emblemasoma auditrix (Diptera: Sarcophagidae)
Authors: TRON NANINA , BEUTER LIESA‐KRISTIN , LAKES‐HARLAN REINHARD
Published: July 2015

1. Acoustically guided movement in a three‐dimensional space is a complex behavioural task performed notably by birds, bats, and some insect species. The precision of acoustic orientation depends on the directionality of the hearing system as well as on auditory behaviour.

2. The fly Emblemasoma auditrix Diptera (Sarcophagidae) is a parasitoid of the cicada Okanagana rimosa Auchenorrhyncha (Cicadidae) and locates its host in the complex habitat of a forest. The phonotactic behaviour of the fly was analysed experimentally with emphasis on the vertical domain in the field. Different experimental setups allowed discriminating subsequent steps in the phonotactic behaviour of E. auditrix.

3. During the phonotactic flight, flies first landed on landmarks, which were used to re‐adjust to the elevation of the sound source. Acoustic targets were located from these resting positions. The sound source elevation was detected at the start of the flight as the longitudinal body axis was adjusted to the inclination of the target sound source.

4. Flies usually did not land directly upon the sound source, but landed nearby, and most often above the target. Within the target area, types of movement for the final approach differed in respect to target position; flies walked predominantly if the final target was located above or below, but for horizontally located targets much of the distance was covered by flight.

5. In conclusion, E. auditrix can locate the acoustic target in complex habitats and uses a flexible multi‐step approach for short‐range phonotaxis.
Electromyography‐based seizure detector: Preliminary results comparing a generalized tonic–clonic seizure detection algorithm to video‐EEG recordings
Authors: Szabó Charles Ákos , Morgan Lola C. , Karkar Kameel M. , Leary Linda D. , Lie Octavian V. , Girouard Michael , Cavazos José E.
Published: July 2015

Objective

Automatic detection of generalized tonic–clonic seizures (GTCS) will facilitate patient monitoring and early intervention to prevent comorbidities, recurrent seizures, or death. Brain Sentinel (San Antonio, Texas, USA) developed a seizure‐detection algorithm evaluating surface electromyography (sEMG) signals during GTCS. This study aims to validate the seizure‐detection algorithm using inpatient video–electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring.

Methods

sEMG was recorded unilaterally from the biceps/triceps muscles in 33 patients (17white/16 male) with a mean age of 40 (range 14–64) years who were admitted for video‐EEG monitoring. Maximum voluntary biceps contraction was measured in each patient to set up the baseline physiologic muscle threshold. The raw EMG signal was recorded using conventional amplifiers, sampling at 1,024 Hz and filtered with a 60 Hz noise detection algorithm before it was processed with three band‐pass filters at pass frequencies of 3–40, 130–240, and 300–400 Hz. A seizure‐detection algorithm utilizing Hotelling's T‐squared power analysis of compound muscle action potentials was used to identify GTCS and correlated with video‐EEG recordings.

Results

In 1,399 h of continuous recording, there were 196 epileptic seizures (21 GTCS, 96 myoclonic, 28 tonic, 12 absence, and 42 focal seizures with or without loss of awareness) and 4 nonepileptic spells. During retrospective, offline evaluation of sEMG from the biceps alone, the algorithm detected 20 GTCS (95%) in 11 patients, averaging within 20 s of electroclinical onset of generalized tonic activity, as identified by video‐EEG monitoring. Only one false‐positive detection occurred during the postictal period following a GTCS, but false alarms were not triggered by other seizure types or spells.

Significance

Brain Sentinel's seizure detection algorithm demonstrated excellent sensitivity and specificity for identifying GTCS recorded in an epilepsy monitoring unit. Further studies are needed in larger patient groups, including children, especially in the outpatient setting.
Prostanoids are not involved in postocclusive reactive hyperaemia in human skin
Authors: Hellmann Marcin , Gaillard‐Bigot Florence , Roustit Matthieu , Cracowski Jean‐Luc
Published: July 2015

Several mediators contribute to postocclusive reactive hyperaemia (PORH) in the skin, including sensory nerves and endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizing factors. The main objective of this study was to investigate the specific involvement of prostanoids in human skin PORH. We tested the effect of the inhibition of cyclo‐oxygenases (COX) by 4 mm ketoprofen, infused through microdialysis fibers inserted into the healthy volunteers forearm skin, following 5 min brachial artery occlusion. Skin microvascular blood flux was recorded using two‐dimensional Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging. Maximal cutaneous vascular conductance (CVCmax) was obtained following the perfusion of 29 mm sodium nitroprusside. A systematic review of the effects of COX inhibitors on skin peak PORH was also performed. We observed no significant difference between ketoprofen and placebo for the PORH peak (78 ± 8 and 71 ± 19% CVCmax, respectively) and area under the curve (2951 ± 721 and 2490 ± 936% CVCmax.s). A meta‐analysis showed a substantial heterogeneity between studies, with overall a neutral effect of COX inhibition on peak PORH. Cyclo‐oxygenase inhibition does not alter skin PORH, suggesting no involvement of prostanoids in cutaneous postocclusive vasodilatation in healthy humans.
Forest tree growth response to hydroclimate variability in the southern Appalachians
Authors: Elliott Katherine J. , Miniat Chelcy F. , Pederson Neil , Laseter Stephanie H.
Published: July 2015

Climate change will affect tree species growth and distribution; however, under the same climatic conditions species may differ in their response according to site conditions. We evaluated the climate‐driven patterns of growth for six dominant deciduous tree species in the southern Appalachians. We categorized species into two functional groups based on their stomatal regulation and xylem architecture: isohydric, diffuse porous and anisohydric, ring porous. We hypothesized that within the same climatic regime: (i) species‐specific differences in growth will be conditional on topographically mediated soil moisture availability; (ii) in extreme drought years, functional groups will have markedly different growth responses; and (iii) multiple hydroclimate variables will have direct and indirect effects on growth for each functional group. We used standardized tree‐ring chronologies to examine growth of diffuse‐porous (Acer, Liriodendron, and Betula) and ring‐porous (Quercus) species vs. on‐site climatic data from 1935 to 2003. Quercus species growing on upslope sites had higher basal area increment (BAI) than Quercus species growing on mesic, cove sites; whereas, Acer and Liriodendron had lower BAI on upslope compared to cove sites. Diffuse‐porous species were more sensitive to climate than ring porous, especially during extreme drought years. Across functional groups, radial growth was more sensitive to precipitation distribution, such as small storms and dry spell length (DSL), rather than the total amount of precipitation. Based on structural equation modeling, diffuse‐porous species on upslope sites were the most sensitive to multiple hydroclimate variables (r2 = 0.46), while ring‐porous species on upslope sites were the least sensitive (r2 = 0.32). Spring precipitation, vapor pressure deficit, and summer storms had direct effects on summer AET/P, and summer AET/P, growing season small storms and DSL partially explained growth. Decreasing numbers of small storms and extending the days between rainfall events will result in significant growth reduction, even in regions with relatively high total annual rainfall.
Improvement of the ACE‐inhibitory and DPPH radical scavenging activities of soya protein hydrolysates through pepsin pretreatment
Authors: Zhang Yuanhong , Sun Weizheng , Zhao Mouming , Su Guowan , Ning Zhengxiang , Sun‐Waterhouse Dongxiao
Published: July 2015

This study aimed to investigate the effect of pepsin pretreatment on the ACE‐inhibitory and DPPH radical scavenging activities of soya protein hydrolysates prepared with alcalase and protamex. The protein recovery, TCA‐soluble peptide content, surface hydrophobicity, particle size and zeta potential were evaluated. Results showed that the hydrolysates exhibited varying ACE‐inhibitory (i.e. the highest value 72.6% by alcalase and 84.3% by protamex) and DPPH radical scavenging activities (i.e. the highest value 51.9% by alcalase and 51.7% by protamex). Pepsin pretreatment could make soya proteins more susceptible for hydrolysis, and the results showed that the ACE‐inhibitory and DPPH radical scavenging activities of the resultant hydrolysates were improved. A highly significant positive correlation between ACE‐inhibitory and DPPH radical scavenging activities was observed in the alcalase hydrolysates, while no significant correlation among other treatments. The physical properties of hydrolysates, that is surface hydrophobicity, particle size and zeta potential, could influence their ACE‐inhibitory and DPPH radical scavenging activities.
Nursing curricula relating to care for disabled children: literature review
Authors: Ilkhani Mahnaz , Glasper Alan , Jarrett Nikki
Published: July 2015

Aim

To provide a literature review of nursing curricula relating to care for children with disabilities.

Background

Children with disabilities do not receive adequate attention in nursing curricula for children.

Introduction

The best approach to promoting the standard of care delivery to children with disabilities is to improve the quantity and quality of training among health professionals.

Methods

We conducted the review using three databases, CINAHL, MEDLINE and ProQuest, between the years 1990 and 2015. The review commenced in 2012 and was updated in 2015. Seventy‐eight studies were initially identified.

Results

Out of 78 retrieved articles, only six research articles contained all the keywords ‘education’, ‘disability’ and ‘curriculum’; no articles contained all the keywords ‘nursing education, ‘children with disabilities’ and ‘curriculum’.

Discussion

Five themes have been generated from the literature review relating to disability content within nursing curricula, namely: overloaded curriculum, gaps in the contemporary curricula, lack of faculty expertise, problems with teaching methods and focus on the medical model.

Conclusion

There was a paucity of evidence for the way that disability was presented in the nursing curricula for children.

Implications for Nursing and Health Policy

Improving the provision of care delivery to children with disabilities should be paid adequate attention in nursing curricula for children. Additionally, there is a need for policy‐makers to identify the best coverage of nursing curricula, as well as the most effective nurse training methods that enhance knowledge and clinical skills relating to the care of children with disabilities.
Effect of piracetam and nimodipine on full‐thickness skin burns in rabbits
Authors: Sari Elif , Dincel Gungor C
Published: July 2015

The potential of several drugs for full‐thickness skin burns has been investigated, but the treatment of such burns remains a challenge in plastic surgery. The present study was designed to determine the effect of systemic and topical administration of piracetam and nimodipine on full‐thickness skin burn wound healing. A total of 36 New Zealand male rabbits were divided into six groups. Full‐thickness skin burns were produced in all the groups, except the control group. Piracetam was administered systemically (piracetam‐IV) and topically (piracetam‐C) for 14 days, and nimodipine was administered systemically (nimodipine‐IV) and topically (nimodipine‐C) over the burn wounds for 14 days. The sham group underwent burn injury but was not administered any drug. After 21 days, gross examination and histopathological analysis were performed and the results were compared statistically. Nimodipine‐C and nimodipine‐IV had no effect on burn wound healing. However, both piracetam‐IV and piracetam‐C significantly enhanced the healing of the full‐thickness skin burn wounds, although the latter was more effective, useful and practical in burn wound healing. The histopathological features of the wounds in the piracetam‐C group were closer to those of the control group than those of the other groups. Piracetam‐C rather than piracetam‐IV may promote full‐thickness burn wound healing in rabbits.
Ceratomyxa tunisiensis n. sp. (Myxosporea: Bivalvulida) from the Gallbladders of Two Carangid Fish Caught Off the Coast of Tunisia
Authors: Thabet Aouatef , Mansour Lamjed , Al Omar Suliman Y. , Tlig‐Zouari Sabiha
Published: July 2015

A new coelozoic Myxozoan species, Ceratomyxa tunisiensis n. sp., was found infecting the gallbladders of two carangid fish, Caranx rhonchus and Trachurus trachurus (Perciforme, Carangidae), from the Gulf of Gabès, on the southern coast of Tunisia. The parasite develops in spherical mono‐, diplo‐, or polysporic tropozoites in the gallbladder of the hosts. Mature spores are typical of the genus Ceratomyxa. They are transversely elongated and narrowly crescent‐shaped with a slightly convex anterior and concave posterior, and measure 23 ± 0. 27 (20–25) μm width × 6 ± 0.26 (5–8) μm in length. Spore shell valves are symmetrical with rounded ends. Two spherical polar capsules situated on either side of the sutural line measure 2.2 μm (2.0–3.0) in diam. Periodical sampling of C. rhonchus and T. trachurus from Marsh 2012 to February 2013 showed that infection due to C. tunisiensis occurs in 59% and 69% of the examined fish, respectively. Molecular analysis based on the small subunit (SSU) rRNA sequence shows high genetic divergence with all other ceratomyxid species. A Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic tree shows association with the species C. leatharjecketi Fiala, kova, Kodadkova, Freeman, Bartošova‐Sojkova, and Atkinson, 2015 reported from the gallbladder of Aluterusmonoceros (L.) caught in the Andaman Sea, off Malaysia. Nonetheless, the SSU rRNA sequences of C. tunisiensis and C. leatharjecketi have only a 90% similarity.
Effects of wheat protein in milk replacers on abomasal emptying rate in calves
Authors: Wittek T. , Ernstberger M. , Muckenhuber M. , Flöck M.
Published: July 2015

Diarrhoea is a condition with tremendous impact on calf health. Infectious agents play a dominant role; however, non‐infective factors may also contribute to pathogenesis of diarrhoea. One factor, the abomasal emptying rate, is mainly influenced by the composition of feed. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of different protein sources in milk replacers on abomasal emptying rate and clinical parameters. The effect of increasing age of the calves on abomasal emptying was also evaluated. The study compared abomasal emptying rates and clinical parameters in calves, which were fed either milk replacer containing only whey protein or one which partially contained wheat protein. Abomasal emptying rate was estimated by ultrasonography. Ten calves were used in the study over 18 days, and each calf was fed 3 periods of 3 days length using different milk replacers in an alternating crossover design. The abomasum was emptied significantly faster when the wheat protein containing milk replacer was fed (half‐emptying time wheat protein 49.1 ± 4.1 min, half‐emptying time milk protein 59.1 ± 7.4 min); however, clinical parameters and weight gain did not differ between the feeding regimes. Age did not significantly influence abomasal emptying rate. As milk replacers containing wheat proteins increased abomasal emptying rate, they may have a higher potential to initiate diarrhoea, especially if high volumes are fed. Thus, the feeding regimes are likely to be even more important when such milk replacers are used.
Evaluation of Serum Thyroid‐Stimulating Hormone Concentration as a Diagnostic Test for Hyperthyroidism in Cats
Authors: Peterson M.E. , Guterl J.N. , Nichols R. , Rishniw M.
Published: July 2015

Background

In humans, measurement of serum thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration is commonly used as a first‐line discriminatory test of thyroid function. Recent reports indicate that canineTSH(cTSH) assays can be used to measure felineTSHand results can help diagnose or exclude hyperthyroidism.

Objectives

To investigate the usefulness ofcTSHmeasurements as a diagnostic test for cats with hyperthyroidism.

Animals

Nine hundred and seventeen cats with untreated hyperthyroidism, 32 euthyroid cats suspected of having hyperthyroidism, and 131 clinically normal cats.

Methods

Prospective study. Cats referred to the Animal Endocrine Clinic for suspected hyperthyroidism were evaluated with serum T4, T3, free T4(fT4), andTSHconcentrations. Thyroid scintigraphy was used as the gold standard to confirm or exclude hyperthyroidism.

Results

Median serumTSHconcentration in the hyperthyroid cats (<0.03 ng/mL) was significantly (P < .001) lower than concentrations in clinically normal cats (0.05 ng/mL) or euthyroid cats with suspected thyroid disease (0.06 ng/mL). Only 18 (2.0%) hyperthyroid cats had measurableTSHconcentrations (≥0.03 ng/mL), whereas 114 (69.9%) of the 163 euthyroid cats had detectable concentrations. Combining serumTSHwith T4orfT4concentrations lowered the test sensitivity ofTSHfrom 98.0 to 97.0%, but markedly increased overall test specificity (from 69.9 to 98.8%).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

SerumTSHconcentrations are suppressed in 98% of hyperthyroid cats, but concentrations are measurable in a few cats with mild‐to‐moderate hyperthyroidism. Measurement of serumTSHrepresents a highly sensitive but poorly specific test for diagnosis of hyperthyroidism and is best measured in combination with T4andfT4.
Theoretical Model of Coronary Blood Flow Regulation: Role of Myocardium Compressive Forces
Authors: Xie Xinzhou , Wang Yuanyuan
Published: July 2015

Objective

Auto‐regulatory reserve of coronary blood flow is nonuniformly distributed across the ventricular wall. MCF are thought to play an important role in determining the transmural distribution of myocardium blood flow. Here, impacts of MCF on coronary flow regulation are analyzed using a theoretical model.

Methods

Coronary microvessels at various depths in the ventricular wall are represented by parallel segments. Nine vessel regions are connected in series to represent one parallel segment, which includes four vasoactive regions regulated by the wall tension, the shear stress and the metabolic demand. The nonuniform distribution of MCF is modeled and its effects on coronary flow regulation are taken into consideration by using a modified tension model and a vessel collapse model. Flow regulation behaviors in both normal and obstructed coronary circulation are simulated.

Results

Model‐predicted auto‐regulatory curve is shifted to the high pressure region by including the effect of MCF. Model‐predicted flow distributions in obstructed coronary circulation show that severe stenosis in coronary artery would first impede myocardial blood flow in subendocardial layer.

Conclusions

The model results indicate that MCF plays an important role in coronary flow regulation and also in determining the transmural distribution of myocardium blood flow.
Community health workers and social change:
Authors: MAES KENNETH
Published: July 2015

Major global health institutions, public and private, currently see community health workers (CHWs) as crucial resources. But the daily experiences and complex motives of CHWs, as well as their concerns and criticisms, remain poorly understood by the institutions that promote their value and draw on their labor. Donors, states, NGOs, and other public health institutions often approach the motivations and performance of CHWs as problems that can be solved with a mix of psychological, economic, and management theories; novel incentive packages and supervisory structures; and surveys, interviews, and randomized controlled trials. This special issue shifts the goal toward documenting power inequalities, labor relations, and interactions among CHWs, donors, health officials, supervisors, and care recipients. The articles in this issue offer valuable ethnographic accounts of CHWs in 21st‐century Africa, Latin America, and Asia, and deliver a clear message: CHWs participate in important relationships and politics, seeking change in their own job conditions and roles, and other social, political, and economic changes. These forms of “participation” are variable, evolving, and shaped by unique local histories as well as transnational policies and norms. The articles here aim to demonstrate that ethnography and mixed methods can help bring about improvements in policy and practice by explaining and interpreting CHW practices and governance and by encouraging global health actors to treat CHWs not as magic bullets or human resources, but as people with multiple skills, desires, and perspectives.
Relational Adjectives at Interfaces
Authors: Moreno Mihaela Marchis
Published: July 2015

The paper investigates the properties of relational adjectives at the syntax/morphology interface. Specifically, it proposes an analysis of relational adjectives that accounts of the mismatch between their nominal semantics/syntax and the adjectival morphology. Relational adjectives are semantically underlying nouns but they show several syntactic properties that set them apart from nouns such as deficient number, lack of anaphoric properties and incompatibility with complex event nouns. I account for these deficiencies by analyzing them as underspecified nouns with a minimal syntactic structure on a par with the one of default mass nouns proposed by Borer (2005). Moreover, positive evidence is provided for a split classification of relational adjectives as proposed in Bosque & Picallo (1996) according to which Thematic relational adjectives are arguments of deverbal nouns while Classificatory adjectives, restrictive modifiers of simple nouns. Special focus is placed on the parallel between Thematic adjectives and genitives in Romance that provides a theoretical answer to the syntax/morphology mismatch: In the spirit of Distributed Morphology (cf. Embick & Noyer 2006), I argue that the Case features of the nouns underlying in Thematic adjectives are relevant only at PF, conditioning the choice of Vocabulary Items expressing Case: the adjectival suffix or the de genitival preposition.
Comparative morphological evaluation of domestic animal cornea
Authors: Nautscher Nadine , Bauer Achim , Steffl Martin , Amselgruber Werner M.
Published: July 2015

Objective

This study described corneal morphology in different domestic animals using histological and immunohistochemical methods. Specifically, we evaluated the species‐specific distribution pattern of cytokeratins (CKs) and aquaporins (AQPs) to assess their contribution to the strength and transparency of the cornea, respectively.

Procedures

Corneal sections (2 μm thick) were obtained from 28 pigs, 11 cows, two goats, six horses, four dogs, and five cats and stained with hematoxylin–eosin and periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) reaction. Immunohistochemistry was also performed using CK1 to 3 and AQP1 and 5 antibodies.

Results

Domestic animal corneas were composed of corneal epithelium, stroma, Descemet's membrane, and corneal endothelium. Bowman's layer was not detected using the PAS reaction. The three‐layered epithelium was thinnest in carnivores and thickest in equines and bovines. CKs were demonstrated immunohistochemically in all species examined, especially in the most superficial layer of the corneal epithelium. CKs were more widely distributed in canine and feline corneal epithelial cell layers compared to other species. The corneal monolayer endothelium was immunostained with AQP1 in all species examined, and it was also present in stromal keratocytes in a species‐specific manner. In contrast, AQP5 was exclusively localized to the corneal epithelium. Epithelial staining patterns varied markedly between species, and the widest distribution of AQP5 was demonstrated in feline epithelial cell layers.

Conclusions

Differences in the distribution of CKs and AQPs in various species suggest species differences in the maintenance of structural integrity and fluid balance.
Structural, optical, and transport properties of AlGaN/GaN and AlGaN/InGaN heterostructure on sapphire grown by plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Jana Sanjay Kr. , Ghosh Saptarsi , Dinara Syed Mukulika , Mahata Mihir , Das Soumen , Biswas Dhrubes
Published: July 2015

The effects of indium on the strain states, surface morphologies, and polarization induced charges (and in turn on sheet carrier concentrations) at the interfacial channel layers of AlGaN/GaN and AlGaN/InGaN specimens have been investigated. Room temperature Raman spectroscopy was performed to explain the residual strains by the optical phonon frequency shift from their bulk values, and also to analyze the quality of the GaN and InGaN channel layer by the full width at half maxima of E2high and A1(LO) (longitudinal-optical) phonon lines. The strain state was also analyzed by room temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectra by observing the direct excitonic transition from Γ6v →Γ1c (A, B) for valance band to conduction band. The surface morphology was observed from atomic force microscopy imaging inferring pit densities of 4.4×107 cm−2 and 6×107 cm−2 for 5×5 μm area scans. In addition, the screw and edge type defect density were 3.28×107 and 5.85×109; 2.40×108 and 4.91×109 cm−2 as calculated from high resolution x-ray diffraction pattern (HRXRD) analysis for AlGaN/GaN and AlGaN/InGaN heterostructure, respectively. The homogeneity of the epilayers were confirmed by measuring (20 × 20 mm2) areal scans of omega-rel diffraction profiles. In addition, the theoretical estimation of carrier confinement at the interfacial two-dimensional electron gas concentration (2DEG) was carried out from analytical expressions accounting both polarization effects (spontaneous and piezoelectric) and interdependence of sheet density with Fermi level in the Ga(Al) face terminated AlGaN/GaN (or AlGaN/InGaN) airy quantum well. The calculated charge density for AlGaN/GaN and AlGaN/InGaN were found to be 1.60×1013  and 1.75×1013  cm−2 using in-plane strain values from HRXRD, and 1.20×1013  and 1.50×1013  cm−2 using in-plane strain values from room temperature PL band edge emission, respectively. Also, the calculated 2DEG concentrations were compared with the experimental outcomes using Hall-effect measurement based on van-der-Pauw geometry at 300 K. The experimental 2DEG concentrations were found to be 1.45×1013  and 2×1013  cm−2 for AlGaN/GaN and AlGaN/InGaN, respectively. The enhanced carrier concentrations from both analytical and experimental observations are attributed to the effect of “In” incorporation in the channel layer.
Regular black hole remnants and graviatoms with de Sitter interior as heavy dark matter candidates probing inhomogeneity of early universe
Authors: Dymnikova Irina , Khlopov Maxim
Published: July 2015

We address the question of regular primordial black holes with de Sitter interior, their remnants and gravitational vacuum solitons G-lumps as heavy dark matter candidates providing signatures for inhomogeneity of early universe, which is severely constrained by the condition that the contribution of these objects in the modern density does not exceed the total density of dark matter. Primordial black holes and their remnants seem to be most elusive among dark matter candidates. However, we reveal a nontrivial property of compact objects with de Sitter interior to induce proton decay or decay of neutrons in neutron stars. The point is that they can form graviatoms, binding electrically charged particles. Their observational signatures as dark matter candidates provide also signatures for inhomogeneity of the early universe. In graviatoms, the cross-section of the induced proton decay is strongly enhanced, what provides the possibility of their experimental searches. We predict proton decay paths induced by graviatoms in the matter as an observational signature for heavy dark matter searches at the IceCUBE experiment.
Synthesis and photophysical properties of silicon(IV) tetrapyrazinoporphyrazines axially substituted with ethylene glycol chains as potential photosensitizer
Authors: Song Cheol Jun , Park Jong Min , Yao Wang , Jung Chang Young , Jaung Jae Yun
Published: July 2015

Photodynamic therapy involves administration of a tumor-localizing photosensitizer, which may require metabolic conversion, followed by activation of the photosensitizer with light of a specific wavelength. In this paper, we report the design and synthesis of silicon(IV) tetrapyrazinoporphyrazines derived from 5,9,9-trimethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,8-methanoquinoxaline-2,3-dicarbonitrile. The HO –( CH 2 CH 2 O )n– CH 3 groups were introduced at axial positions to give a specific functionality. In particular, poly(ethylene glycol) groups were expected to increase water solubility without changing the λmax.
Reduced Operator Approximation for Modelling Open Quantum Systems
Authors: Werpachowska A.
Published: July 2015

We present the reduced operator approximation: a simple, physically transparent and computationally efficient method of modelling open quantum systems. It employs the Heisenberg picture of the quantum dynamics, which allows us to focus on the system degrees of freedom in a natural and easy way. We describe different variants of the method, low- and high-order in the system–bath interaction operators, defining them for either general quantum harmonic oscillator baths or specialising them for independent baths with Lorentzian spectral densities. Its wide applicability is demonstrated on the examples of systems coupled to different baths (with varying system–bath interaction strength and bath memory length), and compared with the exact pseudomode and the popular quantum state diffusion approach. The method captures the decoherence of the system interacting with the bath, while conserving the total energy. Our results suggest that quantum coherence effects persist in open quantum systems for much longer times than previously thought.
On the explicit formula related to Riemann's zeta-function
Authors: Li Xian-Jin
Published: July 2015

In 1940, Weil [Sur les fonctions algébriques à corps de constantes finis, C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris210 (1940) 592–594] proved the Riemann hypothesis for curves over finite fields. It follows from the Castelnuovo–Severi defect inequality concerning correspondences between algebraic curves (see [A. Mattuck and J. Tate, On the inequality of Castelnuovo–Severi, Abh. Math. Sem. Univ. Hamburg22 (1958) 295–299]). An important step in the proof of Castelnuovo–Severi's defect inequality is the invariance of the Castelnuovo–Severi defect under trivial correspondences, so that the degree of divisors can be modified by adding multiples of trivial correspondences. In the number field case, the Weil distribution Δ(h) (see [A. Weil, Sur les formules explicites de la théorie des nombres, Izv. Akad. Nauk SSSR Ser. Mat.36 (1972) 3–18]) corresponds to the Castelnuovo–Severi defect. Functions of the form ∑ξ∈K* f(ξx) with f in the Schwartz–Bruhat space S(𝔸)0 correspond to trivial correspondences. In this paper, we show that the two terms [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in the Weil distribution can be chosen to be zero by adding "trivial correspondences" to h while keeping the Weil distribution essentially unchanged. As an application of this result, the Weil distribution is expressed as the spectral trace of an operator on a Hilbert space.
Evaluation of the convolution sums ∑l+27m=nσ(l)σ(m) and ∑l+32m=nσ(l)σ(m)
Authors: Alaca Şaban , Kesicioğlu Yavuz
Published: July 2015

We determine the convolution sums [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for all positive integers [Formula: see text]. We then use these evaluations together with known evaluations of other convolution sums to determine the numbers of representations of [Formula: see text] by the octonary quadratic forms [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. A modular form approach is used.
The Impact of Irrigation Capital Subsidies on Common-Pool Groundwater Use and Depletion: Results for Western Kansas
Authors: Quintana Ashwell Nicolas E. , Peterson Jeffrey M.
Published: July 2015

We examine the effects of irrigation technology subsidies using a model of inter-temporal common pool groundwater use with substitutable technology and declining yields from groundwater stocks, where pumping cost and stock externalities arise from the common property problem. We develop and simulate an optimal control analytical model parameterized for Sheridan County, Kansas, overlying the Ogallala aquifer. We contrast competitive and optimal allocations and account for endogenous and time-varying irrigation capital on water use and groundwater stock. In our analysis, we account for the labor-savings from improved irrigation technologies. We find that in the absence of policy intervention, the competitive solution yields an early period with underinvestment in efficiency-improving irrigation technology relative to the socially efficient solution, followed by a period of overinvestment. This suggests a potential role for irrigation capital subsidies to improve welfare over certain ranges of the state variables. In contrast to previous work, we find evidence that significant returns may be achieved from policy intervention. We simulate a policy scenario where an irrigation technology subsidy is implemented to explore whether such a program can capture significant portions of the potential welfare gain.
Large Linguistic Corpus Reduction with SCP Algorithms
Authors: Barbot Nelly , Boëffard Olivier , Chevelu Jonathan , Delhay Arnaud
Published: July 2015

Linguistic corpus design is a critical concern for building rich annotated corpora useful in different domains of applications. For example, speech technologies such as ASR (Automatic Speech Recognition) or TTS (Text-to-Speech) need a huge amount of speech data to train data-driven models or to produce synthetic speech. Collecting data is always related to costs (recording speech, verifying annotations, etc.), and as a rule of thumb, the more data you gather, the more costly your application will be. Within this context, we present in this article solutions to reduce the amount of linguistic text content while maintaining a sufficient level of linguistic richness required by a model or an application. This problem can be formalized as a Set Covering Problem (SCP) and we evaluate two algorithmic heuristics applied to design large text corpora in English and French for covering phonological information or POS labels. The first considered algorithm is a standard greedy solution with an agglomerative/spitting strategy and we propose a second algorithm based on Lagrangian relaxation. The latter approach provides a lower bound to the cost of each covering solution. This lower bound can be used as a metric to evaluate the quality of a reduced corpus whatever the algorithm applied. Experiments show that a suboptimal algorithm like a greedy algorithm achieves good results; the cost of its solutions is not so far from the lower bound (about 4.35% for 3-phoneme coverings). Usually, constraints in SCP are binary; we proposed here a generalization where the constraints on each covering feature can be multi-valued.
CODRA: A Novel Discriminative Framework for Rhetorical Analysis
Authors: Joty Shafiq , Carenini Giuseppe , Ng Raymond T.
Published: July 2015

Clauses and sentences rarely stand on their own in an actual discourse; rather, the relationship between them carries important information that allows the discourse to express a meaning as a whole beyond the sum of its individual parts. Rhetorical analysis seeks to uncover this coherence structure. In this article, we present CODRA— a COmplete probabilistic Discriminative framework for performing Rhetorical Analysis in accordance with Rhetorical Structure Theory, which posits a tree representation of a discourse.

CODRA comprises a discourse segmenter and a discourse parser. First, the discourse segmenter, which is based on a binary classifier, identifies the elementary discourse units in a given text. Then the discourse parser builds a discourse tree by applying an optimal parsing algorithm to probabilities inferred from two Conditional Random Fields: one for intra-sentential parsing and the other for multi-sentential parsing. We present two approaches to combine these two stages of parsing effectively. By conducting a series of empirical evaluations over two different data sets, we demonstrate that CODRA significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art, often by a wide margin. We also show that a reranking of the k-best parse hypotheses generated by CODRA can potentially improve the accuracy even further.
Augmentation Autologous Adipose Injections in the Larynx
Authors: Benninger Michael S. , Hanick Andrea L. , Nowacki Amy S.
Published: July 2015

Objective:

Autologous adipose injection (AAI) is a recognized method for vocal fold augmentation. The study’s purpose is to explore short- and long-term outcomes of AAI.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review of 43 patients undergoing AAI was performed; patient perception of outcome, Voice Handicap Index (VHI), maximum phonatory time (MPT), and disposition were evaluated.

Results:

Over 5 years, 43 AAI patients had documented postoperative follow-up (25 paralysis, 8 paresis, 9 bowing/presbylarynges, and 5 scar/sulci). Mean follow-up was 32 weeks. There was gradual patient loss to follow-up. Thirty-nine of 40 (98%) had patient-reported improvement at 6 weeks, 28 of 34 (82%) had improvement at 2 to 6 months, with 10 of 12 (83%) sustaining their improvement for >1 year. Significant improvement in mean VHI was observed at 4 to 6 weeks (mean reduction, 26; P < .0001) and 2 to 6 months (mean reduction, 23; P < .0001). Improvement in mean MPT was observed at 4 to 6 weeks (mean increase, 8 s; P < .0001), 2 to 6 months (6 s; P = .007), and >1 year (4 s; P = .03). Eight patients went on to medialization laryngoplasty.

Conclusion:

AAI successfully augments vocal folds in short-term outcomes with some gradual decrease in effectiveness. Although patient attrition limited conclusions, objective long-term benefit may occur in >50% of patients.
Predictors of Performance Appraisal Discomfort
Authors: Smith Wanda J. , Harrington K. Vernard , Houghton Jeffery D.
Published: July 2015

In this study, one hundred and eight state and federal employees responded to a questionnaire concerning their feelings of discomfort during performance appraisal. It was hypothesized that performance appraisal discomfort (PAD) would be positively related to beliefs concerning the importance of performance appraisal. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that, controlling for age and experience, communication reticence would be positively related to PAD. Finally, it was hypothesized that, controlling for communication reticence, length of rater-ratee relationship would be negatively related to PAD. Regression analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between beliefs about performance appraisals and PAD, as well as between communication reticence and PAD. Contrary to predictions, length of rater-ratee relationship did not have a significant impact on PAD.
Differences in Supervisor and Non-Supervisor Perceptions of Quality Culture and Organizational Climate
Authors: Johnson Jocelyn J.
Published: July 2015

Data were collected from 8,126 employees in à large government service agency using an anonymous survey measuring 9 aspects of quality culture and 10 aspects of organizational climate. Results show that supervisors perceived all 19 aspects of the culture and climate measured on the survey significantly more positively than did non-supervisors. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for organizational effectiveness.