bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioproduction of Chitooligosaccharides: Present and Perspectives
Authors: Jung Woo-Jin , Park Ro-Dong
Published: October 2014

Chitin and chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) have been traditionally obtained by chemical digestion with strong acids. In light of the difficulties associated with these traditional production processes, environmentally compatible and reproducible production alternatives are desirable. Unlike chemical digestion, biodegradation of chitin and chitosan by enzymes or microorganisms does not require the use of toxic chemicals or excessive amounts of wastewater. Enzyme preparations with chitinase, chitosanase, and lysozymeare primarily used to hydrolyze chitin and chitosan. Commercial preparations of cellulase, protease, lipase, and pepsin provide another opportunity for oligosaccharide production. In addition to their hydrolytic activities, the transglycosylation activity of chitinolytic enzymes might be exploited for the synthesis of desired chitin oligomers and their derivatives. Chitin deacetylase is also potentially useful for the preparation of oligosaccharides. Recently, direct production of oligosaccharides from chitin and crab shells by a combination of mechanochemical grinding and enzymatic hydrolysis has been reported. Together with these, other emerging technologies such as direct degradation of chitin from crustacean shells and microbial cell walls, enzymatic synthesis of COS from small building blocks, and protein engineering technology for chitin-related enzymes have been discussed as the most significant challenge for industrial application.
An Efficient High Throughput Metabotyping Platform for Screening of Biomass Willows
Authors: Corol Delia , Harflett Claudia , Beale Michael , Ward Jane
Published: October 2014

Future improvement of woody biomass crops such as willow and poplar relies on our ability to select for metabolic traits that sequester more atmospheric carbon into biomass, or into useful products to replace petrochemical streams. We describe the development of metabotyping screens for willow, using combined 1D 1H-NMR-MS. A protocol was developed to overcome 1D 1H-NMR spectral alignment problems caused by variable pH and peak broadening arising from high organic acid levels and metal cations. The outcome was a robust method to allow direct statistical comparison of profiles arising from source (leaf) and sink (stem) tissues allowing data to be normalised to a constant weight of the soluble metabolome. We also describe the analysis of two willow biomass varieties, demonstrating how fingerprints from 1D 1H-NMR-MS vary from the top to the bottom of the plant. Automated extraction of quantitative data of 56 primary and secondary metabolites from 1D 1H-NMR spectra was realised by the construction and application of a Salix metabolite spectral library using the Chenomx software suite. The optimised metabotyping screen in conjunction with automated quantitation will enable high-throughput screening of genetic collections. It also provides genotype and tissue specific data for future modelling of carbon flow in metabolic networks.
The Dynamical Behavior of the s-Trioxane Radical Cation—A Low-Temperature EPR and Theoretical Study
Authors: Naumov Sergej , Knolle Wolfgang , Naumov Sergej , Pöppl Andreas , Janovský Igor
Published: October 2014

The radical cation of s-trioxane, radiolytically generated in a freon (CF3CCl3) matrix, was studied in the 10–140 K temperature region. Reversible changes of the EPR spectra were observed, arising from both ring puckering and ring inversion through the molecular plane. The ESREXN program based on the Liouville density matrix equation, allowing the treatment of dynamical exchange, has been used to analyze the experimental results. Two limiting conformer structures of the s-trioxane radical cation were taken into account, namely “rigid” half-boat and averaged planar ones, differing strongly in their electron distribution. The spectrum due to the “rigid” half-boat conformer can be observed only at very low (<60 K) temperatures, when the exchange of conformers is very slow. Two transition states for interconversion by puckering and ring-inversion were identified, close in activation energy (2.3 and 3.0 kJ/mol calculated). Since the energy difference is very small, both processes set on at a comparable temperature. In the case of nearly complete equilibration (fast exchange) between six energetically equivalent structures at T > 120 K in CF3CCl3, a septet due to six equivalent protons (hfs splitting constant 5.9 mT) is observed, characteristic of the dynamically averaged planar geometry of the radical cation. DFT quantum chemical calculations and spectral simulation including intramolecular dynamical exchange support the interpretation.
Use of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) with Polymers in Solar Cells
Authors: Alturaif Huda , ALOthman Zeid , Shapter Joseph , Wabaidur Saikh
Published: October 2014

There is a clear need to make energy cheap, readily accessible and green, while ensuring its production does not contribute to further climate change. Of all the options available, photovoltaics offer the highest probability of delivering a meaningful and sustainable change in the way society produces its energy. One approach to the development of such photovoltaics involves the use of polymers. These systems offer the advantages of cheap production, flexibility (and hence a range of deployment opportunities) and tunability of light absorption. However, there are issues with polymer-based photovoltaic systems and one significant effort to improve these systems has involved the use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). This review will focus on those efforts. CNTs have been used in virtually every component of the devices to help charge conduction, improve electrode flexibility and in some cases as active light absorbing materials.
Tissue-Specific Distribution of Ginsenosides in Different Aged Ginseng and Antioxidant Activity of Ginseng Leaf
Authors: Zhang Ying-Chun , Li Geng , Jiang Chao , Yang Bin , Yang Hong-Jun , Xu Hai-Yu , Huang Lu-Qi
Published: October 2014

The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the effect of the cultivation year on the quality of different ginseng tissues. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of ginsenosides were conducted using a UPLC-UV-MS method. Eight main ginsenosides in three tissues (leaf, rhizome and main root) and four parts (periderm, phloem, cambium and xylem) of ginseng aged from 1 to 13 years were determined using a UPLC-PDA method. Additionally, the antioxidant capacities of ginseng leaves were analyzed by the DPPH, ABTS and HRSA methods. It was found that the contents of ginsenosides increased with cultivation years, causing a sequential content change of ginsenosides in an organ-specific manner: leaf > rhizome > main root. The ratio between protopanaxatriol (PPT, Rg1, Re and RF) and protopanaxadiol (PPD, Rb1, Rb2, RC and Rd) in the main root remained stable (about 1.0), while it increased in leaf from 1.37 to 3.14 and decreased in the rhizome from 0.99 to 0.72. The amount of ginsenosides accumulated in the periderm was 45.48 mg/g, which was more than twice as high compared with the other three parts. Furthermore, the antioxidant activities of ginseng leaves were measured as Trolox equivalents, showing that antioxidant activity increased along with time of cultivation. The results show that the best harvest time for shizhu ginseng is the fifth year of cultivation, and the root and rhizome could be used together within seven planting years for their similar PPT/PPD level. Besides, the quality of the ginseng products would be enhanced with the periderm. The ginseng leaf is rich in ginsenosides and has potential application for its antioxidant capacity.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Children: Focus on Nutritional Interventions
Authors: Yang Min , Gong Sitang , Ye Shui , Lyman Beth , Geng Lanlan , Chen Peiyu , Li Ding-You
Published: October 2014

With increasing prevalence of childhood obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as the most common cause of liver disease among children and adolescents in industrialized countries. It is generally recognized that both genetic and environmental risk factors contribute to the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Recently, there has been a growing body of evidence to implicate altered gut microbiota in the development of NAFLD through the gut-liver axis. The first line of prevention and treatment of NAFLD in children should be intensive lifestyle interventions such as changes in diet and physical activity. Recent advances have been focused on limitation of dietary fructose and supplementation of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and prebiotics/probiotics. Convincing evidences from both animal models and human studies have shown that reduction of dietary fructose and supplement of vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and prebiotics/probiotics improve NAFLD.
Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations and Depressive Symptoms among Young Adult Men and Women
Authors: Polak Maria , Houghton Lisa , Reeder Anthony , Harper Michelle , Conner Tamlin
Published: October 2014

There has been an increased interest in the role of vitamin D in depression; however, there have been few studies conducted in younger population groups. Our aim was to investigate the association between vitamin D status and depressive symptoms in a non-clinical young adult sample living in Dunedin, New Zealand. A cross-sectional sample of 615 young adults completed a questionnaire including demographics and the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Height, weight and a blood sample for 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was obtained. Serum 25(OH)D was used to predict depression scores, adjusting for potential confounders including time spent outdoors for 13 consecutive days, BMI, age, sex and ethnicity. Prevalence of low vitamin D was high even in this age group, and serum 25(OH)D was negatively associated with depression symptoms before and after adjustment. When investigating the relationship between the presence versus absence of depressive symptoms and quartiles of 25(OH)D, participants in the lowest quartile were more likely to report depressive symptoms compared with those in the highest quartile. Although our findings suggest that vitamin D is a predictor of depression symptomatology, even when controlling for time spent outdoors, a randomised controlled trial in this young adult target group is needed to confirm the association.
Improved Surface Reflectance from Remote Sensing Data with Sub-Pixel Topographic Information
Authors: Roupioz Laure , Nerry Francoise , Jia Li , Menenti Massimo
Published: October 2014

Several methods currently exist to efficiently correct topographic effects on the radiance measured by satellites. Most of those methods use topographic information and satellite data at the same spatial resolution. In this study, the 30 m spatial resolution data of the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) from ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer) are used to account for those topographic effects when retrieving land surface reflectance from satellite data at lower spatial resolution (e.g., 1 km). The methodology integrates the effects of sub-pixel topography on the estimation of the total irradiance received at the surface considering direct, diffuse and terrain irradiance. The corrected total irradiance is then used to compute the topographically corrected surface reflectance. The proposed method has been developed to be applied on various kilometric pixel size satellite data. In this study, it was tested and validated with synthetic Landsat data aggregated at 1 km. The results obtained after a sub-pixel topographic correction are compared with the ones obtained after a pixel level topographic correction and show that in rough terrain, the sub-pixel topography correction method provides better results even if it tends to slightly overestimate the retrieved land surface reflectance in some cases.
Temporal Polarimetric Behavior of Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L.) at C-Band for Early Season Sowing Date Monitoring
Authors: Yang Hao , Li Zengyuan , Chen Erxue , Zhao Chunjiang , Yang Guijun , Casa Raffaele , Pignatti Stefano , Feng Qi
Published: October 2014

Spatial monitoring of the sowing date plays an important role in crop yield estimation at the regional scale. The feasibility of using polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data for early season monitoring of the sowing dates of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) fields is explored in this paper. Polarimetric SAR responses of six parameters, relying on polarization decomposition methods, were investigated as a function of days after sowing (DAS) during the entire growing season, by means of five consecutive Radarsat-2 images. A near-continuous temporal evolution of these parameters was observed, based on 88 oilseed rape fields. It provided a solid basis for determining the suitable temporal window and the best polarimetric parameters for sowing date monitoring. A high sensitivity of all polarimetric parameters to the DAS at different growing stages was shown. Simple linear models could be calibrated to estimate sowing dates at early growth stages and were validated on an independent data set. Although Volume and Span parameters provided the highest sowing date estimation accuracy at the earlier growth stages, the other four parameters (Volume/Total, Odd/Total, Entropy and Alpha) were more accurate for a wider temporal window. These results demonstrate the capability and high potential of polarimetric SAR data for monitoring the sowing date of crops in the early season.
Estimating Biomass of Barley Using Crop Surface Models (CSMs) Derived from UAV-Based RGB Imaging
Authors: Bendig Juliane , Bolten Andreas , Bennertz Simon , Broscheit Janis , Eichfuss Silas , Bareth Georg
Published: October 2014

Crop monitoring is important in precision agriculture. Estimating above-ground biomass helps to monitor crop vitality and to predict yield. In this study, we estimated fresh and dry biomass on a summer barley test site with 18 cultivars and two nitrogen (N)-treatments using the plant height (PH) from crop surface models (CSMs). The super-high resolution, multi-temporal (1 cm/pixel) CSMs were derived from red, green, blue (RGB) images captured from a small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Comparison with PH reference measurements yielded an R2 of 0.92. The test site with different cultivars and treatments was monitored during “Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt und CHemische Industrie” (BBCH) Stages 24–89. A high correlation was found between PH from CSMs and fresh biomass (R2 = 0.81) and dry biomass (R2 = 0.82). Five models for above-ground fresh and dry biomass estimation were tested by cross-validation. Modelling biomass between different N-treatments for fresh biomass produced the best results (R2 = 0.71). The main limitation was the influence of lodging cultivars in the later growth stages, producing irregular plant heights. The method has potential for future application by non-professionals, i.e., farmers.
Tridimensional Reconstruction Applied to Cultural Heritage with the Use of Camera-Equipped UAV and Terrestrial Laser Scanner
Authors: Xu Zhihua , Wu Lixin , Shen Yonglin , Li Fashuai , Wang Qiuling , Wang Ran
Published: October 2014

No single sensor can acquire complete information by applying one or several multi-surveys to cultural object reconstruction. For instance, a terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) usually obtains information on building facades, whereas aerial photogrammetry is capable of providing the perspective for building roofs. In this study, a camera-equipped unmanned aerial vehicle system (UAV) and a TLS were used in an integrated design to capture 3D point clouds and thus facilitate the acquisition of whole information on an object of interest for cultural heritage. A camera network is proposed to modify the image-based 3D reconstruction or structure from motion (SfM) method by taking full advantage of the flight control data acquired by the UAV platform. The camera network improves SfM performances in terms of image matching efficiency and the reduction of mismatches. Thus, this camera network modified SfM is employed to process the overlapping UAV image sets and to recover the scene geometry. The SfM output covers most information on building roofs, but has sparse resolution. The dense multi-view 3D reconstruction algorithm is then applied to improve in-depth detail. The two groups of point clouds from image reconstruction and TLS scanning are registered from coarse to fine with the use of an iterative method. This methodology has been tested on one historical monument in Fujian Province, China. Results show a final point cloud with complete coverage and in-depth details. Moreover, findings demonstrate that these two platforms, which integrate the scanning principle and image reconstruction methods, can supplement each other in terms of coverage, sensing resolution, and model accuracy to create high-quality 3D recordings and presentations.
Advances in Target Detection and Tracking in Forward-Looking InfraRed (FLIR) Imagery
Authors: Sanna Andrea , Lamberti Fabrizio
Published: October 2014

Here we give context to the Special Issue on “Detection and Tracking of Targets in Forward-Looking InfraRed (FLIR) Imagery” in Sensors. We start with an introduction to the role of infrared images in today’s vision-based applications, by outlining the specific challenges that characterize detection and tracking in FLIR images. We then illustrate why selected papers have been chosen to represent the domain of interest, by summarizing their main contributions to the state-of-the-art. Lastly, we sum up the main evidence found, and we underline some of the aspects that are worthy of further investigation in future research activities.
Terrestrial Laser Scanning for Vegetation Sampling
Authors: Richardson Jeffrey , Moskal L. , Bakker Jonathan
Published: October 2014

We developed new vegetation indices utilizing terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) to quantify the three-dimensional spatial configuration of plant communities. These indices leverage the novelty of TLS data and rely on the spatially biased arrangement of a TLS point cloud. We calculated these indices from TLS data acquired within an existing long term manipulation of forest structure in Central Oregon, USA, and used these data to test for differences in vegetation structure. Results provided quantitative evidence of a significant difference in vegetation density due to thinning and burning, and a marginally significant difference in vegetation patchiness due to grazing. A comparison to traditional field sampling highlighted the novelty of the TLS based method. By creating a linkage between traditional field sampling and landscape ecology, these indices enable field investigations of fine-scale spatial patterns. Applications include experimental assessment, long-term monitoring, and habitat characterization.
Multi-Fault Detection of Rolling Element Bearings under Harsh Working Condition Using IMF-Based Adaptive Envelope Order Analysis
Authors: Zhao Ming , Lin Jing , Xu Xiaoqiang , Li Xuejun
Published: October 2014

When operating under harsh condition (e.g., time-varying speed and load, large shocks), the vibration signals of rolling element bearings are always manifested as low signal noise ratio, non-stationary statistical parameters, which cause difficulties for current diagnostic methods. As such, an IMF-based adaptive envelope order analysis (IMF-AEOA) is proposed for bearing fault detection under such conditions. This approach is established through combining the ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD), envelope order tracking and fault sensitive analysis. In this scheme, EEMD provides an effective way to adaptively decompose the raw vibration signal into IMFs with different frequency bands. The envelope order tracking is further employed to transform the envelope of each IMF to angular domain to eliminate the spectral smearing induced by speed variation, which makes the bearing characteristic frequencies more clear and discernible in the envelope order spectrum. Finally, a fault sensitive matrix is established to select the optimal IMF containing the richest diagnostic information for final decision making. The effectiveness of IMF-AEOA is validated by simulated signal and experimental data from locomotive bearings. The result shows that IMF-AEOA could accurately identify both single and multiple faults of bearing even under time-varying rotating speed and large extraneous shocks.
Estimation of Nitrogen Vertical Distribution by Bi-Directional Canopy Reflectance in Winter Wheat
Authors: Huang Wenjiang , Yang Qinying , Pu Ruiliang , Yang Shaoyuan
Published: October 2014

Timely measurement of vertical foliage nitrogen distribution is critical for increasing crop yield and reducing environmental impact. In this study, a novel method with partial least square regression (PLSR) and vegetation indices was developed to determine optimal models for extracting vertical foliage nitrogen distribution of winter wheat by using bi-directional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) data. The BRDF data were collected from ground-based hyperspectral reflectance measurements recorded at the Xiaotangshan Precision Agriculture Experimental Base in 2003, 2004 and 2007. The view zenith angles (1) at nadir, 40° and 50°; (2) at nadir, 30° and 40°; and (3) at nadir, 20° and 30° were selected as optical view angles to estimate foliage nitrogen density (FND) at an upper, middle and bottom layer, respectively. For each layer, three optimal PLSR analysis models with FND as a dependent variable and two vegetation indices (nitrogen reflectance index (NRI), normalized pigment chlorophyll index (NPCI) or a combination of NRI and NPCI) at corresponding angles as explanatory variables were established. The experimental results from an independent model verification demonstrated that the PLSR analysis models with the combination of NRI and NPCI as the explanatory variables were the most accurate in estimating FND for each layer. The coefficients of determination (R2) of this model between upper layer-, middle layer- and bottom layer-derived and laboratory-measured foliage nitrogen density were 0.7335, 0.7336, 0.6746, respectively.
Sol-Gel Zinc Oxide Humidity Sensors Integrated with a Ring Oscillator Circuit On-a-Chip
Authors: Yang Ming-Zhi , Dai Ching-Liang , Wu Chyan-Chyi
Published: October 2014

The study develops an integrated humidity microsensor fabricated using the commercial 0.18 μm complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process. The integrated humidity sensor consists of a humidity sensor and a ring oscillator circuit on-a-chip. The humidity sensor is composed of a sensitive film and branch interdigitated electrodes. The sensitive film is zinc oxide prepared by sol-gel method. After completion of the CMOS process, the sensor requires a post-process to remove the sacrificial oxide layer and to coat the zinc oxide film on the interdigitated electrodes. The capacitance of the sensor changes when the sensitive film adsorbs water vapor. The circuit is used to convert the capacitance of the humidity sensor into the oscillation frequency output. Experimental results show that the output frequency of the sensor changes from 84.3 to 73.4 MHz at 30 °C as the humidity increases 40 to 90%RH.
Planning Landscape Corridors in Ecological Infrastructure Using Least-Cost Path Methods Based on the Value of Ecosystem Services
Authors: Lee Jung A , Chon Jinhyung , Ahn Changwoo
Published: October 2014

Ecosystem service values have rarely been incorporated in the process of planning ecological infrastructure for urban areas. Urban ecological infrastructure is a network system of natural lands and waters that provides ecosystem services. The purpose of this study was to design landscape corridors that maximize the value of ecosystem services in ecological infrastructure planning. We explored the optimal corridors to enhance the connectivity among landscape elements to design an ecological infrastructure for the city of Gwacheon, South Korea, as an example of a small urban area. We calculated the value of ecosystem services using standardized estimation indices based on an intensive review of the relevant literature and employed the least-cost path method to optimize the connectivity of landscape structural elements. The land use type in the city with the highest estimated value of ecosystem services was the riparian zone (i.e., 2011 US$7,312.16/ha). Given areal coverage of all land use types, the estimated value of developed area open spaces was 2011 US$899,803.25, corresponding to the highest contribution to the total value of ecosystem services. Therefore, the optimal configured dispersal corridors for wildlife were found from the riparian zones (source area) to the developed area open spaces (destination area) in the city. Several challenges remain for improving the estimation of the value of ecosystem services and incorporating these ecosystems in ecological infrastructure planning. Nonetheless, the approaches taken to estimate the value of ecosystem services and design landscape corridors in this study may be of value to future efforts in urban ecological infrastructure planning.
EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH ON THE REMOVAL OF HYDROGEN SULFIDE AND AMMONIA FROM BIOGAS USING ZEOLITE CHARGES / SIEROS VANDENILIO IR AMONIAKO ADSORBCIJOS CEOLITO ĮKROVA IŠ BIOLOGINIŲ DUJŲ EKSPERIMENTINIAI TYRIMAI
Authors: Stomaitė Kristina , Zagorskis Alvydas
Published: October 2014

Experimental studies have been carried out using an adsorber – a constructed laboratory bench. Zeolite, a natural mineral, has been selected as a charge. This aluminosilicate of a crystalline structure is resistant to high temperatures, aggressive mediums and the impact of radiation. Zeolite is ecologically clean, inert and non-toxic material, which fully suits to be used in most industrial, agricultural, environment fields and at home for eliminating the consequences of ecological accidents etc. For the purification of contaminated biogas, the laboratory adsorber is equipped with three sections filled up with 10 cm of adsorbing material the efficiency of which is established after every filtration column (10 cm, 20 cm and 30 cm). The studies have been carried employing two different contaminants – sulphur hydrogen (H2S) and ammonia (NH3). It has been established that, with a high concentration of sulphur hydrogen, the efficiency has amounted to 96.1% while the degree of ammonia purification has reached 95.4%,when NH3 concentration in biogas is 24.0 mg/m3.
Eksperimentiniai tyrimai atlikti naudojant laboratorinį stendą – adsorberį. Adsorbentu naudojamas gamtinės kilmės mineralas – ceolitas. Šis kristalinės struktūros aliumosilikatas yra atsparus aukštoms temperatūroms, agresyvioms terpėms ir jonizuojančiosios spinduliuotės poveikiui. Ceolitai – ekologiškai švari, inertinė ir nenuodinga medžiaga, visiškai tinkama naudoti daugelyje pramonės, žemės ūkio, buities, gamtosaugos sričių, taip pat ekologinių katastrofų pasekmėms šalinti ir kitur. Užterštoms biologinėms dujoms valyti laboratoriniame adsorberyje įrengtos trys kolonėlės, pripildytos 10 cm storio adsorbuojamosios medžiagos. Išmatavus teršalo koncentracijas prieš ir po kiekvienos adsorberio kolonėlės (10 cm, 20 cm ir 30 cm), nustatomas adsorbento – ceolito granulių – efektyvumas. Tyrimai atlikti per įrenginį leidžiant sieros vandeniliu (H2S) ir amoniaku (NH3) užterštas biologines dujas. Nustatyta, kad kai pradinė sieros vandenilio koncentracija yra 2371 mg/m3, teršalo išvalymo efektyvumas siekė 96,1 %. Amoniako (NH3) adsorbcijos efektyvumas siekė 95,4 %, kai pradinė NH3 koncentracija biologinėse dujose buvo 24,0 mg/m3.
L'entrepreneur dans le libertarisme de gauche, une discussion critique
Authors: Gharbi Jean-Sébastien
Published: October 2014

L’objectif de ce papier est double : d’une part défendre l’idée que la théorie de la justice proposée par le libertarisme de gauche fait de la figure de l’entrepreneur une éminence grise, centrale, bien que très rarement mentionnée et, d’autre part, discuter les critiques qui ont été adressées à cette théorie de la justice.
Effectiveness of Simulation for Improvement in Self-Efficacy Among Novice Nurses: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Franklin Ashley E. , Lee Christopher S.
Published: October 2014

The influence of simulation on self-efficacy for novice nurses has been reported inconsistently in the literature. Effect sizes across studies were synthesized using random-effects meta-analyses. Simulation improved self-efficacy in one-group, pretest–posttest studies (Hedge’s
g
= 1.21, 95% CI [0.63, 1.78];
p
< 0.001). Simulation also was favored over control teaching interventions in improving self-efficacy in studies with experimental designs (Hedge’s
g
= 0.27, 95% CI [0.1, 0.44];
p
= 0.002). In nonexperimental designs, consistent conclusions about the influence of simulation were tempered by significant between-study differences in effects. Simulation is effective at increasing self-efficacy among novice nurses, compared with traditional control groups. [
J Nurs Educ.
2014;53(11):607–614.]
Validation of a New Assessment Tool for a Pediatric Nursing Simulation Module
Authors: Shin Hyunsook , Shim Kaka , Lee Yunah , Quinn Laurie
Published: October 2014

The Lasater clinical judgment rubric (LCJR) is a standardized scoring method to assess student clinical judgment. The aims of this study were to (a) develop a scenario-specific clinical judgment assessment tool guided by the LCJR and (b) evaluate the new assessment tool’s psychometric properties and ability to assess clinical judgment. Content validity was established using an expert panel. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to assess the psychometric properties of the instrument. Convergent validity was identified using critical thinking. A three-factor model identified and confirmed with EFA and CFA was used in the new assessment tool to assess 250 undergraduate nursing students from three universities in Seoul, South Korea. The internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.825. Results of this study can provide nursing faculty with ways to develop and use new assessment tools in nursing education. [
J Nurs Educ
. 2014;53(11):623–629.]
Professional Socialization of Students in Clinical Nurse Specialist Programs
Authors: Ares Terri L.
Published: October 2014

Graduate nursing programs facilitate the transition of RNs to advanced roles through a complex process of professional socialization. The purpose of this study was to explore the professional socialization of clinical nurse specialist (CNS) students. Two hundred twenty-five students, representing 73 CNS programs, responded to an online survey. Both preprogram variables and educational experiences contributed to an adequate level of CNS socialization. Students’ self-concept was strong, and they felt prepared to practice in the role, which was highly correlated with their perceptions of how well the program prepared them academically and experientially. Having a CNS mentor was positively associated with readiness to practice. Outcomes did not vary with cohort status, and online instruction did not impede socialization. These findings provide implications for CNS program advisement and design. [
J Nurs Educ.
2014;53(11):631–640.]
Genetic support for the morphological identification of larvae of Myctophidae, Gonostomatidae, Sternoptychidae and Phosichthyidae (Pisces) from the western Mediterranean
Authors: Bernal Ainhoa , Viñas Jordi , Olivar M. Pilar
Published: October 2014

Mesopelagic fishes experience an extreme body transformation from larvae to adults. The identification of the larval stages of fishes from the two orders Myctophiformes and Stomiiformes is currently based on the comparison of morphological, pigmentary and meristic characteristics of different developmental stages. However, no molecular evidence to confirm the identity of the larvae of these mesopelagic species is available so far. Since DNA barcoding emerged as an accurate procedure for species discrimination and larval identification, we have used the cytochrome c oxidase 1 or the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal DNA regions to identify larvae and adults of the most frequent and abundant species of myctophiforms (family Myctophidae) and stomiiforms (families Gonostomatidae, Sternoptychidae and Phosichthyidae) from the Mediterranean Sea. The comparisons of sequences from larval and adult stages corroborated the value of the morphological characters that were used for taxonomic classification. The combination of the sequences obtained in this study and those of related species from GenBank was used to discuss the consistency of monophyletic clades for different genera. Pairwise nucleotide distances were notably higher inter- than intraspecifically, and were useful to discern between congeners such as Cyclothone braueri and C. pygmaea, Hygophum benoiti and H. hygomii, Lampanyctus crocodilus and L. pusillus, and Notoscopelus bolini and N. elongatus.
Was species diversification in Tenthredinoidea (Hymenoptera: Symphyta) related to the origin and diversification of angiosperms?
Authors: Isaka Y. , Sato T.
Published: October 2014

The paraphyletic grouping “Symphyta” (8353 described species) represents the basal lineages of the insect order Hymenoptera. The most species-rich superfamily in Symphyta is Tenthredinoidea (7390 species), with six extant families. Most of tenthredinoids species are phytophagous at the larval stage, and the species using angiosperms as a host are more numerous (6265 species) than those using gymnosperms (140 species) or pteridophytes (985 species). In this study, we investigated whether diversification of Tenthredinoidea could be attributed to their use of angiosperms as hosts by examining host plant usage by lineage. We performed molecular phylogenetic and divergence time estimation analyses using molecular data (~2 kilobase sequence in five DNA regions) and conducted a diversification analysis. Our results suggest that Tenthredinoidea (excluding Blasticotomidae) had used angiosperms since its origin; the phylogeny of Tenthredinoidea showed a significant shift in diversification at two nodes, and those nodes overlap with the periods of origin and diversification of angiosperms.
A Method for Detecting Intracellular Perforin in Mouse Lymphocytes
Authors: Brennan Amelia J. , House Imran G. , Oliaro Jane , Ramsbottom Kelly M. , Hagn Magdalena , Yagita Hideo , Trapani Joseph A. , Voskoboinik Ilia
Published: October 2014

Cytotoxic lymphocytes destroy pathogen-infected and transformed cells through the cytotoxic granule exocytosis death pathway, which is dependent on the delivery of proapoptotic granzymes into the target cell cytosol by the pore-forming protein, perforin. Despite the importance of mouse models in understanding the role of cytotoxic lymphocytes in immune-mediated disease and their role in cancer immune surveillance, no reliable intracellular detection method exists for mouse perforin. Consequently, rapid, flow-based assessment of cytotoxic potential has been problematic, and complex assays of function are generally required. In this study, we have developed a novel method for detecting perforin in primary mouse cytotoxic T lymphocytes by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. We used this new technique to validate perforin colocalization with granzyme B in cytotoxic granules polarized to the immunological synapse, and to assess the expression of perforin in cytotoxic T lymphocytes at various stages of activation. The sensitivity of this technique also allowed us to distinguish perforin levels in Prf1+/+ and Prf1+/− mice. This new methodology will have broad applications and contribute to advances within the fields of lymphocyte biology, infectious disease, and cancer.
System Identification Modeling and Flight Characteristics Analysis of Miniature Coaxial Helicopter
Authors: Dadkhah Navid , Mettler Bérénice
Published: October 2014

This paper describes the identification modeling and analysis of a miniature coaxial helicopter. The first part of the paper focuses on the development of the parameterized model with an emphasis on the coaxial rotor configuration. The model explicitly accounts for the dynamics of the
lower rotor and uses an implicit lumped parameter model for the upper rotor and stabilizer bar. The parameterized model was identified using frequency domain system identification. The flight data collection experiments were performed in an indoor flight-test facility built around a commercial
vision-based tracking system. The second part of the paper focuses on the verification of the model's accuracy, the consistency of the identified parameters, and the analysis of the flight dynamics. The accuracy was verified by comparing model-predicted responses with flight experimental responses.
The identified parameters and model's physical consistency were examined using experiments in which specific aspects of the dynamics were isolated. For example, we used video images from a high-speed camera to verify the rotor and stabilizer bar time constants. Finally, the identified derivatives
were verified based on first principles to demonstrate that the derivatives are physically meaningful.
THE EFFECT OF THE REYNOLDS NUMBER OF AIR FLOW TO THE PARTICLE COLLECTION EFFICIENCY OF A FIBROUS FILTER MEDIUM WITH CYLINDRICAL SECTION
Authors: Kouropoulos George
Published: October 2014

At this study an attempt for the theoretical approach of the Reynolds number effect of air flow to the particle collection efficiency of a fibrous filter with cylindrical section will be made. Initially, a report of the air filtration models to fibrous filter media will be presented along with an explanation of both the parameters and the physical quantities which govern the air filtration process. Furthermore, the resulting equation from the mathematical model will be applied to a real filter medium and the characteristic curves of filter efficiency will be drawn. The change of a filter medium efficiency with regard to the Reynolds number of air flow that passes through the filter, derived from the curves, will be studied. The general conclusion that we have is that as the Reynolds number of filtered air increases, the collection efficiency of the filter decreases.
FINE STRUCTURE IN MANHATTAN’S DAYTIME URBAN HEAT ISLAND: A NEW DATASET
Authors: Vant-Hull Brian , Karimi Maryam , Sossa Awolou , Wisanto Jade , Nazari Rouzbeh , Khanbilvardi Reza
Published: October 2014

A street-level temperature and humidity dataset with high resolution spatial and temporal components has been created for the island of Manhattan, suitable for use by the urban health and modeling communities. It consists of a set of pedestrian measurements over the course of two summers converted into anomaly maps, and a set of ten light-post mounted installations measuring temperature, relative humidity, and illumination at three minute intervals over three months. The quality control and data reduction used to produce the anomaly maps is described, and the relationships between spatial and temporal variability are investigated. The data sets are available for download via the project website.
COMPARATIVE EFFICIENCIES STUDY OF SLOT MODEL AND MOUSE MODEL IN PRESSURISED PIPE FLOW
Authors: Pandit Saroj Kumar , Oka Yoshihiro , Shigeta Naohide , Watanabe Masahiro
Published: October 2014

The flow in sewers is unsteady and variable between free-surface to full pipe pressurized flow. Sewers are designed on the basis of free surface flow (gravity flow) however they may carry pressurized flow. Preissmann Slot concept is widely used numerical approach in unsteady free surface-pressurized flow as it provides the advantage of using free surface flow as a single type flow. Slot concept uses the Saint-Venant’s equations as a basic equation for one-dimensional unsteady free surface flow. This paper includes two different numerical models using Saint Venant’s equations. The Saint Venant`s equations of continuity and momentum are solved by the Method of Characteristics and presented in forms for direct substitution into FORTRAN programming for numerical analysis in the first model. The MOUSE model carries out computation of unsteady flows which is founded on an implicit, finite difference numerical solution of the basic one dimensional Saint Venant’s equations of free surface flow. The simulation results are compared to analyze the nature and degree of errors for further improvement.
Bovine trypanosome species prevalence and farmers’ trypanosomiasis control methods in south-western Uganda
Authors: Alingu Richard A. , Muhanguzi Dennis , MacLeod Ewan , Waiswa Charles , Fyfe Jenna
Published: October 2014

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Mbarara district, south-western Uganda in May 2012 to determine the burden of African animal trypanosomosis (AAT) in the semi-intensive dairy production systems where pyrethroid acaricides are frequently used in the control of tick-borne diseases (TBDs). A total of 295 cattle blood samples were taken and analysed using a single pair of primers previously designed to amplify internal transcribed spacer (ITS1) of trypanosome ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (rDNA). A structured questionnaire was administered to 55 participating livestock farmers to generate data on acaricide and trypanocidal drug usage. The overall prevalence of trypanosome species was 2.4% (95% CI; 1.0% – 4.8%); Trypanosoma vivax was the most predominant species (2.0%; 95% CI; 0.7% – 4.4%). A single mixed infection of T. vivax and Trypanosoma brucei s.l. was detected. All the participating farmers used acaricides for tsetse and TBD control; 89.1% of the acaricides used were pyrethroids. About half of the farmers used trypanocidal drugs, mainly diminazene formulations (Berenil®). Low prevalence of trypanosomes in examined samples is most likely related to the frequent use of pyrethroid insecticides, trypanocides and restricted grazing (paddocking and tethering). These rigorous management practices are geared towards optimising production of exotic dairy breeds kept in this region that are highly susceptible to TBDs and AAT.
Bupivacaine Lozenge Compared with Lidocaine Spray as Topical Pharyngeal Anesthetic before Unsedated Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: A Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Salale Nesrin , Treldal Charlotte , Mogensen Stine , Rasmussen Mette , Petersen Janne , Andersen Ove , Jacobsen Jette
Published: October 2014

Unsedated upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE) can induce patient discomfort, mainly due to a strong gag reflex. The aim was to assess the effect of a bupivacaine lozenge as topical pharyngeal anesthetic compared with standard treatment with a lidocaine spray before UGE. Ninety-nine adult outpatients undergoing unsedated diagnostic UGE were randomized to receive either a bupivacaine lozenge (L-group, n = 51) or lidocaine spray (S-group, n = 42). Primary objective was assessment of patient discomfort including acceptance of the gag reflex during UGE. The L-group assessed the discomfort significantly lower on a visual analog scale compared with the S-group ( P = 0.02). There was also a significant difference in the four-point scale assessment of the gag reflex ( P = 0.03). It was evaluated as acceptable by 49% in the L-group compared with 31% in the S-group. A bupivacaine lozenge compared with a lidocaine spray proved to be a superior option as topical pharyngeal anesthetic before an UGE.
Discovery and Characterization of Potential Prognostic Biomarkers for Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever
Authors: Poole-Smith B. Katherine , Gilbert Alexa , Gonzalez Andrea L. , Beltran Manuela , Tomashek Kay M. , Ward Brian J. , Hunsperger Elizabeth A. , Ndao Momar
Published: October 2014

Half a million patients are hospitalized with severe dengue every year, many of whom would die without timely, appropriate clinical intervention. The majority of dengue cases are uncomplicated; however, 2–5% progress to severe dengue. Severe dengue cases have been reported with increasing frequency over the last 30 years. To discover biomarkers for severe dengue, we used surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry to analyze dengue virus positive serum samples from the acute phase of infection. Using this method, 16 proteins were identified as candidate biomarkers for severe dengue. From these 16 biomarkers, three candidates were selected for confirmation by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot: vitronectin (Vtn, 55.1 kDa), hemopexin (Hx, 52.4 kDa), and serotransferrin (Tf, 79.2 kDa). Vitronectin, Hx, and Tf best differentiated between dengue and severe dengue.
Chikungunya Virus Infections Among Travelers–United States, 2010–2013
Authors: Lindsey Nicole P. , Prince Harry E. , Kosoy Olga , Laven Janeen , Messenger Sharon , Staples J. Erin , Fischer Marc
Published: October 2014

Chikungunya virus is an emerging threat to the United States because humans are amplifying hosts and competent mosquito vectors are present in many regions of the country. We identified laboratory-confirmed chikungunya virus infections with diagnostic testing performed in the United States from 2010 through 2013. We described the epidemiology of these cases and determined which were reported to ArboNET. From 2010 through 2013, 115 laboratory-confirmed chikungunya virus infections were identified. Among 55 cases with known travel history, 53 (96%) reported travel to Asia and 2 (4%) to Africa. No locally-acquired infections were identified. Six patients had detectable viremia after returning to the United States. Only 21% of identified cases were reported to ArboNET, with a median of 72 days between illness onset and reporting. Given the risk of introduction into the United States, healthcare providers and public health officials should be educated about the recognition, diagnosis, and timely reporting of chikungunya virus disease cases.
Granular discharge rate for submerged hoppers
Authors: Wilson T. J. , Pfeifer C. R. , Mesyngier N. , Durian D. J.
Published: October 2014

The discharge of spherical grains from a hole in the bottom of a right circular cylinder is measured with the entire system underwater.  We find that the discharge rate depends on filling height, in contrast to the well-known case of dry non-cohesive grains.  It is further surprising that the rate increases up to about twenty five percent, as the hopper empties and the granular pressure head decreases.  For deep filling, where the discharge rate is constant, we measure the behavior as a function of both grain and hole diameters.  The discharge rate scale is set by the product of hole area and the terminal falling speed of isolated grains.  But there is a small-hole cutoff of about two and half grain diameters, which is larger than the analogous cutoff in the Beverloo equation for dry grains. Received: 11 September 2014,  Accepted: 10 October 2014; Reviewed by: L. Staron, CNRS, Universite Pierre et Marie Curie, Institut Le Rond d'Alembert, Paris, France; Edited by: L. A. Pugnaloni; DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4279/PIP.060009Cite as: T J Wilson, C R Pfeifer, N Meysingier, D J Durian, Papers in Physics 6, 060009 (2014)
Commentary on "Granular discharge rate for submerged hoppers"
Authors: Staron Lydie
Published: October 2014

A Commentary on the paper by T. J. Wilson et al. [Pap. Phys. 6, 060009 (2014)]. The authors of the paper offer a Reply. Received: 16 October 2014, Accepted: 16 October 2014; Edited by: L. A. Pugnaloni; DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4279/PIP.060010Cite as: L Staron, Papers in Physics 6, 060010 (2014)