bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Learning Map Systems to Support the Formative Assessment in Mathematics
Authors: Kingston Neal , Broaddus Angela
Published: March 2017

Despite much theoretical support, meta-analysis of the efficacy of formative assessment does not provided empirical evidence commensurate with expectations. This theoretical study suggests that teachers need a better organizing structure to allow a formative assessment process to live up to its promise. We propose that the use of learning map systems can provide that structure, and we describe aspects of using learning map systems to support mathematics instruction in two projects: the Dynamic Learning Maps® alternate assessment (DLM) and the Use of Learning Maps as an Organizing Structure for Formative Assessment (also referred to as Enhanced Learning Maps, or ELM).
Real-Time Forecasting of EV Charging Station Scheduling for Smart Energy Systems
Authors: Chokkalingam Bharatiraja , Padmanaban Sanjeevikumar , Siano Pierluigi , Krishnamoorthy Ramesh , Selvaraj Raghu
Published: March 2017

The enormous growth in the penetration of electric vehicles (EVs), has laid the path to advancements in the charging infrastructure. Connectivity between charging stations is an essential prerequisite for future EV adoption to alleviate user’s “range anxiety”. The existing charging stations fail to adopt power provision, allocation and scheduling management. To improve the existing charging infrastructure, data based on real-time information and availability of reserves at charging stations could be uploaded to the users to help them locate the nearest charging station for an EV. This research article focuses on an a interactive user application developed through SQL and PHP platform to allocate the charging slots based on estimated battery parameters, which uses data communication with charging stations to receive the slot availability information. The proposed server-based real-time forecast charging infrastructure avoids waiting times and its scheduling management efficiently prevents the EV from halting on the road due to battery drain out. The proposed model is implemented using a low-cost microcontroller and the system etiquette tested.
Prevalence of Inter-Tree Competition and Its Role in Shaping the Community Structure of a Natural Mongolian Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica) Forest
Authors: Wang Hongxiang , Wan Pan , Wang Qianxue , Liu Ling , Zhang Gongqiao , Hui Gangying
Published: March 2017

Inter-tree competition is considered one of the most important ecological processes of forest development. However, its importance in structuring the spatial patterns of plant communities remains controversial. We collected observational data from two plots in a natural Mongolian Scots pine forest to study the contribution of competition to tree growth, mortality, and size inequality. We used the nearest neighbour method to determine the presence of competition, and unmarked and marked spatial point pattern analyses to test the density-dependent mortality effects and the spatial autocorrelation of tree size. We identified significant positive correlations between tree canopy diameter and nearest neighbour distance in both plots, which were more evident in the denser plot. The pair correlation functions of both plots indicated regular distribution patterns of living trees, and trees living in more crowded environments were more likely to die. However, the mark differentiation characteristics showed weak evidence of a negative spatial autocorrelation in tree size, particularly in the high-density plot. The high mortality rate of suppressed trees and weak asymmetric competition may have accounted for the lack of dissimilarity in tree size. This study showed that inter-tree competition is an important determinant of the development of Mongolian Scots pine forests.
Yeast Diversity and Physicochemical Characteristics Associated with Coffee Bean Fermentation from the Brazilian Cerrado Mineiro Region
Authors: De Carvalho Neto Dão , De Melo Pereira Gilberto , Tanobe Valcineide , Thomaz Soccol Vanete , G. da Silva Bruno , Rodrigues Cristine , Soccol Carlos
Published: March 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the yeast diversity and physicochemical characteristics of spontaneous coffee bean fermentation conducted in the coffee-producing region in Cerrado Mineiro, Brazil. During 48 h of fermentation, yeast population increased from 6.60 to 7.89 log CFU·g−1, with concomitant pulp sugar consumption and organic acids production (mainly lactic (3.35 g·L−1) and acetic (1.27 g·L−1) acids). According to ITS-rRNA gene sequencing, yeast population was mainly represented by Saccharomyces sp., followed by Torulaspora delbrueckii, Pichia kluyveri, Hanseniaspora uvarum, H. vineae and Meyerozyma caribbica. SPME-GC-MS analysis revealed a total of 25 volatile organic compounds with predominance of hydrocarbons (9 compounds) and higher alcohols (6 compounds). The resulting fermented, roasted coffee beans were analyzed by diverse chemical analysis methods, including Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and mineral and thermogravimetric analysis. The thermal decomposition of the coffee beans occurred in four stages between 90 and 390 °C, with significant mass loss (68%) after the second stage at 190 °C. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of the main organic functions associated with coffee aroma, such as aromatic acids, ketones, aldehydes and aliphatic esters. The results presented in this study enrich our knowledge concerning yeast diversity and physicochemical characteristics associated with coffee bean fermentation, and can be used to promote a controlled on-farm processing.
Integration of Traffic Information into the Path Planning among Moving Obstacles
Authors: Wang Zhiyong , Steenbruggen John , Zlatanova Sisi
Published: March 2017

This paper investigates the integration of traffic information (TI) into the routing in the presence of moving obstacles. When traffic accidents occur, the incidents could generate different kinds of hazards (e.g., toxic plumes), which make certain parts of the road network inaccessible. On the other hand, the first responders, who are responsible for management of the traffic incidents, need to be fast and safely guided to the incident place. To support navigation in the traffic network affected by moving obstacles, in this paper, we provide a spatio-temporal data model to structure the information of traffic conditions that is essential for the routing, and present an extended path planning algorithm, named MOAAstar–TI (Moving Obstacle Avoiding A* using Traffic Information), to generate routes avoiding the obstacles. A speed adjustment factor is introduced in the developed routing algorithm, allowing integration of both the information of vehicles and traffic situations to generate routes avoiding the moving obstacles caused by the incidents. We applied our system to a set of navigation scenarios. The application results show the potentials of our system in future application in real life.
Effects of Light-Emitting Diode Irradiation on Growth Characteristics and Regulation of Porphyrin Biosynthesis in Rice Seedlings
Authors: Tran Lien , Jung Sunyo
Published: March 2017

We examined the effects of light quality on growth characteristics and porphyrin biosynthesis of rice seedlings grown under different wavelengths from light emitting diodes (LEDs). After 10 days of exposure to various wavelengths of LEDs, leaf area and shoot biomass were greater in seedlings grown under white and blue LEDs than those of green and red LEDs. Both green and red LED treatments drastically decreased levels of protoporphyrin IX (Proto IX) and Mg-porphyrins compared to those of white LED, while levels of Mg-Proto IX monomethyl ester and protochlorophyllide under blue LED were decreased by 21% and 49%, respectively. Transcript levels of PPO1 were greatly upregulated in seedlings grown under red LED compared to white LED, whereas transcript levels of HO2 and CHLD were upregulated under blue LED. Overall, most porphyrin biosynthetic genes in the Fe-porphyrin branch remained almost constant or upregulated, while most genes in the Mg-porphyrin branch were downregulated. Expression levels of nuclear-encoded photosynthetic genes Lhcb and RbcS noticeably decreased after exposure to blue and red LEDs, compared to white LED. Our study suggests that specific wavelengths of LED greatly influence characteristics of growth in plants partly through altering the metabolic regulation of the porphyrin biosynthetic pathway, and possibly contribute to affect retrograde signaling.
Vitamin D Impacts the Expression of Runx2 Target Genes and Modulates Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Membrane Vesicle Biogenesis Gene Networks in 143B Osteosarcoma Cells
Authors: Garimella Rama , Tadikonda Priyanka , Tawfik Ossama , Gunewardena Sumedha , Rowe Peter , Van Veldhuizen Peter
Published: March 2017

Osteosarcoma (OS) is an aggressive malignancy of bone affecting children, adolescents and young adults. Understanding vitamin D metabolism and vitamin D regulated genes in OS is an important aspect of vitamin D/cancer paradigm, and in evaluating vitamin D as adjuvant therapy for human OS. Vitamin D treatment of 143B OS cells induced significant and novel changes in the expression of genes that regulate: (a) inflammation and immunity; (b) formation of reactive oxygen species, metabolism of cyclic nucleotides, sterols, vitamins and mineral (calcium), quantity of gap junctions and skeletogenesis; (c) bone mineral density; and (d) cell viability of skeletal cells, aggregation of bone cancer cells and exocytosis of secretory vesicles. Ingenuity pathway analysis revealed significant reduction in Runx2 target genes such as fibroblast growth factor -1, -12 (FGF1 and FGF12), bone morphogenetic factor-1 (BMP1), SWI/SNF related, matrix associated actin dependent regulator of chromatin subfamily a, member 4 (SMARCA4), Matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein (MEPE), Integrin, β4 (ITGBP4), Matrix Metalloproteinase -1, -28 (MMP1 and MMP28), and signal transducer and activator of transcription-4 (STAT4) in vitamin D treated 143B OS cells. These genes interact with the inflammation, oxidative stress and membrane vesicle biogenesis gene networks. Vitamin D not only inhibited the expression of Runx2 target genes MMP1, MMP28 and kallikrein related peptidase-7 (KLK7), but also migration and invasion of 143B OS cells. Vitamin D regulated Runx2 target genes or their products represent potential therapeutic targets and laboratory biomarkers for applications in translational oncology.
Synthesis and Evaluation of New Pyrazoline Derivatives as Potential Anticancer Agents in HepG-2 Cell Line
Authors: Xu Weijie , Pan Ying , Wang Hong , Li Haiyan , Peng Qing , Wei Duncan , Chen Cheng , Zheng Jinhong
Published: March 2017

Cancer is a major public health concern worldwide. Adverse effects of cancer treatments still compromise patients’ quality of life. To identify new potential anticancer agents, a series of novel pyrazoline derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for cytotoxic effects on HepG-2 (human liver hepatocellular carcinoma cell line) and primary hepatocytes. Compound structures were confirmed by 1H-NMR, mass spectrometry, and infrared imaging. An in vitro assay demonstrated that several compounds exerted cytotoxicity in the micromolar range. Benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl-[5-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxy-phenyl)-3-(2-hydroxy-phenyl)-4,5-dihydo-pyrazol-1-yl]-methanone (b17) was the most effective anticancer agent against HepG-2 cells owing to its notable inhibitory effect on HepG-2 with an IC50 value of 3.57 µM when compared with cisplatin (IC50 = 8.45 µM) and low cytotoxicity against primary hepatocytes. Cell cycle analysis and apoptosis/necrosis evaluation using this compound revealed that b17 notably arrested HepG-2 cells in the G2/M phase and induced HepG-2 cells apoptosis. Our findings indicate that compound b17 may be a promising anticancer drug candidate.
Anti-Cancer Activity of Resveratrol and Derivatives Produced by Grapevine Cell Suspensions in a 14 L Stirred Bioreactor
Authors: Nivelle Laetitia , Hubert Jane , Courot Eric , Jeandet Philippe , Aziz Aziz , Nuzillard Jean-Marc , Renault Jean-Hugues , Clément Christophe , Martiny Laurent , Delmas Dominique , Tarpin Michel
Published: March 2017

In the present study, resveratrol and various oligomeric derivatives were obtained from a 14 L bioreactor culture of elicited grapevine cell suspensions (Vitis labrusca L.). The crude ethyl acetate stilbene extract obtained from the culture medium was fractionated by centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) using a gradient elution method and the major stilbenes contained in the fractions were subsequently identified by using a 13C-NMR-based dereplication procedure and further 2D NMR analyses including HSQC, HMBC, and COSY. Beside δ-viniferin (2), leachianol F (4) and G (4′), four stilbenes (resveratrol (1), ε-viniferin (5), pallidol (3) and a newly characterized dimer (6)) were recovered as pure compounds in sufficient amounts to allow assessment of their biological activity on the cell growth of three different cell lines, including two human skin malignant melanoma cancer cell lines (HT-144 and SKMEL-28) and a healthy human dermal fibroblast HDF line. Among the dimers obtained in this study, the newly characterized resveratrol dimer (6) has never been described in nature and its biological potential was evaluated here for the first time. ε-viniferin as well as dimer (6) showed IC50 values on the three tested cell lines lower than the ones exerted by resveratrol and pallidol. However, activities of the first two compounds were significantly decreased in the presence of fetal bovine serum although that of resveratrol and pallidol was not. The differential tumor activity exerted by resveratrol on healthy and cancer lines was also discussed.
Anacardic Acid Constituents from Cashew Nut Shell Liquid: NMR Characterization and the Effect of Unsaturation on Its Biological Activities
Authors: Morais Selene , Silva Katherine , Araujo Halisson , Vieira Icaro , Alves Daniela , Fontenelle Raquel , Silva Artur
Published: March 2017

Anacardic acids are the main constituents of natural cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL), obtained via the extraction of cashew shells with hexane at room temperature. This raw material presents high technological potential due to its various biological properties. The main components of CNSL are the anacardic acids, salicylic acid derivatives presenting a side chain of fifteen carbon atoms with different degrees of unsaturation (monoene–15:1, diene–15:2, and triene–15:3). Each constituent was isolated by column chromatography using silica gel impregnated with silver nitrate. The structures of the compounds were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance through complete and unequivocal proton and carbon assignments. The effect of the side chain unsaturation was also evaluated in relation to antioxidant, antifungal and anticholinesterase activities, and toxicity against Artemia salina. The triene anacardic acid provided better results in antioxidant activity assessed by the inhibition of the free radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), higher cytotoxicity against A. salina, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition. Thus, increasing the unsaturation of the side chain of anacardic acid increases its action against free radicals, AChE enzyme, and A. salina nauplii. In relation to antifungal activity, an inverse result was obtained, and the linearity of the molecule plays an important role, with monoene being the most active. In conclusion, the changes in structure of anacardic acids, which cause differences in polarity, contribute to the increase or decrease in the biological activity assessed.
Mononuclear Nickel(II) Complexes with Schiff Base Ligands: Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Activity in Norbornene Polymerization
Authors: Xu Yi-Mei , Li Kuan , Wang Yuhong , Deng Wei , Yao Zi-Jian
Published: March 2017

The nickel(II) catalyst has manifested higher catalytic activity compared to that of other late transition metal catalysts for norbornene polymerization. Therefore, several structurally similar trans-nickel(II) compounds of N,O-chelate bidentate ligands were synthesized and characterized. Both the electronic effect and the steric hindrance influence polymerization. The molecular structures of 2, 4 and 5 were further confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.
Immunization and Hedging of Post Retirement Income Annuity Products
Authors: Liu Changyu , Sherris Michael
Published: March 2017

Designing post retirement benefits requires access to appropriate investment instruments to manage the interest rate and longevity risks. Post retirement benefits are increasingly taken as a form of income benefit, either as a pension or an annuity. Pension funds and life insurers offer annuities generating long term liabilities linked to longevity. Risk management of life annuity portfolios for interest rate risks is well developed but the incorporation of longevity risk has received limited attention. We develop an immunization approach and a delta-gamma based hedging approach to manage the risks of adverse portfolio surplus using stochastic models for mortality and interest rates. We compare and assess the immunization and hedge effectiveness of fixed-income coupon bonds, annuity bonds, as well as longevity bonds, using simulations of the portfolio surplus for an annuity portfolio and a range of risk measures including value-at-risk. We show how fixed-income annuity bonds can more effectively match cash flows and provide additional hedge effectiveness over coupon bonds. Longevity bonds, including deferred longevity bonds, reduce risk significantly compared to coupon and annuity bonds, reflecting the long duration of the typical life annuity and the exposure to longevity risk. Longevity bonds are shown to be effective in immunizing surplus over short and long horizons. Delta gamma hedging is generally only effective over short horizons. The results of the paper have implications for how providers of post retirement income benefit streams can manage risks in demanding conditions where innovation in investment markets can support new products and increase the product range.
Calibrating Satellite-Based Indices of Burn Severity from UAV-Derived Metrics of a Burned Boreal Forest in NWT, Canada
Authors: Fraser Robert , Van der Sluijs Jurjen , Hall Ronald
Published: March 2017

Wildfires are a dominant disturbance to boreal forests, and in North America, they typically cause widespread tree mortality. Forest fire burn severity is often measured at a plot scale using the Composite Burn Index (CBI), which was originally developed as a means of assigning severity levels to the Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR) computed from Landsat satellite imagery. Our study investigated the potential to map biophysical indicators of burn severity (residual green vegetation and charred organic surface) at very high (3 cm) resolution, using color orthomosaics and vegetation height models derived from UAV-based photographic surveys and Structure from Motion methods. These indicators were scaled to 30 m resolution Landsat pixel footprints and compared to the post-burn NBR (post-NBR) and differenced NBR (dNBR) ratios computed from pre- and post-fire Landsat imagery. The post-NBR showed the strongest relationship to both the fraction of charred surface (exponential R2 = 0.79) and the fraction of green crown vegetation above 5 m (exponential R2 = 0.81), while the dNBR was more closely related to the total green vegetation fraction (exponential R2 = 0.69). Additionally, the UAV green fraction and Landsat indices could individually explain more than 50% of the variance in the overall CBI measured in 39 plots. These results provide a proof-of-concept for using low-cost UAV photogrammetric mapping to quantify key measures of boreal burn severity at landscape scales, which could be used to calibrate and assign a biophysical meaning to Landsat spectral indices for mapping severity at regional scales.
A Hierarchical Maritime Target Detection Method for Optical Remote Sensing Imagery
Authors: Xu Fang , Liu Jinghong , Sun Mingchao , Zeng Dongdong , Wang Xuan
Published: March 2017

Maritime target detection from optical remote sensing images plays an important role in related military and civil applications and its weakness lies in its compromised performance under complex uncertain conditions. In this paper, a novel hierarchical ship detection method is proposed to overcome this issue. In the ship detection stage, based on Entropy information, we construct a combined saliency model with self-adaptive weights to prescreen ship candidates from across the entire maritime domain. To characterize ship targets and further reduce the false alarms, we introduce a novel and practical descriptor based on gradient features, and this descriptor is robust against clutter introduced by heavy clouds, islands, ship wakes as well as variation in target size. Furthermore, the proposed method is effective for not only color images but also gray images. The experimental results obtained using real optical remote sensing images have demonstrated that the locations and the number of ships can be determined accurately and that the false alarm rate is greatly decreased. A comprehensive comparison is performed between the proposed method and the state-of-the-art methods, which shows that the proposed method achieves higher accuracy and outperforms all the competing methods. Furthermore, the proposed method is robust under various backgrounds of maritime images and has great potential for providing more accurate target detection in engineering applications.
An Improved Label-Free Indirect Competitive SPR Immunosensor and Its Comparison with Conventional ELISA for Ractopamine Detection in Swine Urine
Authors: Wang Sai , Zhao Shuai , Wei Xiao , Zhang Shan , Liu Jiahui , Dong Yiyang
Published: March 2017

Ractopamine (RCT) is banned for use in animals in many countries, and it is urgent to develop efficient methods for specific and sensitive RCT detection. A label-free indirect competitive surface plasmon resonance (SPR) immunosensor was first developed with a primary antibody herein and then improved by a secondary antibody for the detection of RCT residue in swine urine. Meanwhile, a pre-incubation process of RCT and the primary antibody was performed to further improve the sensitivity. With all the key parameters optimized, the improved immunosenor can attain a linear range of 0.3–32 ng/mL and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.09 ng/mL for RCT detection with high specificity. Furthermore, the improved label-free SPR immunosenor was compared thoroughly with a conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The SPR immunosensor showed advantages over the ELISA in terms of LOD, reagent consumption, analysis time, experiment automation, and so on. The SPR immunosensor can be used as potential method for real-time monitoring and screening of RCT residue in swine urine or other samples. In addition, the design using antibody pairs for biosensor development can be further referred to for other small molecule detection.
Reference-Dependent Aggregation in Multi-AttributeGroup Decision-Making
Authors: Gao Jianwei , Liu Huihui
Published: March 2017

To characterize the influence of decision makers’ psychological factors on the group decisionprocess, this paper develops a new class of aggregation operators based on reference-dependentutility functions (RUs) in multi-attribute group decision analysis. We consider two types of RUs:S-shaped, representing decision makers who are risk-seeking for relative losses, and non-S-shaped,representing those that are risk-averse for relative losses. Based on these RUs, we establish twonew classes of reference-dependent aggregation operators; we study their properties and showthat their generality covers a number of existing aggregation operators. To determine the optimalweights for these aggregation operators, we construct an attribute deviation weight model and adecision maker (DM) deviation weight model. Furthermore, we develop a new multi-attribute groupdecision-making (MAGDM) approach based on these RU aggregation operators and weight models.Finally, numerical examples are given to illustrate the application of the approach.
The Geometry of Noncommutative Spacetimes
Authors: Eckstein Michał
Published: March 2017

We review the concept of ‘noncommutative spacetime’ approached from an operational stand-point and explain how to endow it with suitable geometrical structures. The latter involves i.a. the causal structure, which we illustrate with a simple—‘almost-commutative’—example. Furthermore, we trace the footprints of noncommutive geometry in the foundations of quantum field theory.
Phage Biodiversity in Artisanal Cheese Wheys Reflects the Complexity of the Fermentation Process
Authors: Mahony Jennifer , Moscarelli Angelo , Kelleher Philip , Lugli Gabriele , Ventura Marco , Settanni Luca , Van Sinderen Douwe
Published: March 2017

Dairy fermentations constitute a perfect “breeding ground” for bacteriophages infecting starter cultures, particularly strains of Lactococcus lactis. In modern fermentations, these phages typically belong to one of three groups, i.e., the 936, P335, and c2 phage groups. Traditional production methods present fewer chemical and physical barriers to phage proliferation compared to modern production systems, while the starter cultures used are typically complex, variable, and undefined. In the current study, a variety of cheese whey, animal-derived rennet, and vat swab samples from artisanal cheeses produced in Sicily were analysed for the presence of lactococcal phages to assess phage diversity in such environments. The complete genomes of 18 representative phage isolates were sequenced, allowing the identification of 10 lactococcal 949 group phages, six P087 group phages, and two members of the 936 group phages. The genetic diversity of these isolates was examined using phylogenetic analysis as well as a focused analysis of the receptor binding proteins, which dictate specific interactions with the host-encoded receptor. Thermal treatments at 63 °C and 83 °C indicate that the 949 phages are particularly sensitive to thermal treatments, followed by the P087 and 936 isolates, which were shown to be much less sensitive to such treatments. This difference may explain the relatively low frequency of isolation of the so-called “rare” 949 and P087 group phages in modern fermentations.
Floral size and shape evolution following the transition to gender dimorphism
Authors: Kamath Ambika , Levin Rachel A. , Miller Jill S.
Published: March 2017

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

Floral morphology is expected to evolve following the transition from cosexuality to gender dimorphism in plants, as selection through male and female function becomes dissociated. Specifically, male‐biased dimorphism in flower size can arise through selection for larger flowers through male function, selection for smaller flowers through female function, or both. The evolutionary pathway to floral dimorphism can be most effectively reconstructed in species with intraspecific variation in sexual system. We examined the evolution of flower size and shape in Lycium californicum, whose populations are either gender dimorphic with male and female plants, or cosexual with hermaphroditic plants.

METHODS:

Floral morphology was characterized in populations spanning the species’ complete range. For a subset of the range where cosexual and dimorphic populations are in close proximity, we compared the size and shape of flowers from female and male plants in dimorphic populations to hermaphrodites in cosexual populations, accounting for variation associated with abiotic environmental conditions.

KEY RESULTS:

The magnitude of flower size dimorphism varied across dimorphic populations. After controlling for environmental variation across cosexual and dimorphic populations, flowers on males were larger than flowers on females and hermaphrodites, whereas flower size did not differ between females and hermaphrodites. Flower shape differences were associated with mating type, sexual system, and environmental variation.

CONCLUSIONS:

While abiotic environmental gradients shape both overall flower size and shape, male‐biased flower size dimorphism in L. californicum appears to arise through selection for larger flowers in males but not smaller flowers in females.
Quantification of Head Acceleration during Vestibular Rehabilitation Exercises
Authors: Hogan Anne E. , Spindel Jonathan H. , Gray Lincoln C.
Published: March 2017

Purpose:Vestibular rehabilitation exercises have been proven to reduce symptoms and diminish the risk of falls in those with dizziness and balance impairments. The first purpose of this study is to investigate a new method of measuring head movements during habituation vestibular
rehabilitation exercises. The second is to explore the relationship between head acceleration measurements during select traditional vestibular rehabilitation exercises and the variables of age, dizziness, and poor balance confidence.Research Design:A descriptive, cross-sectional study,
in a university setting.Study Sample:Fifty-two participants, ranging in age from 20 to 96 yr. All were volunteers, with the majority (34) reporting no history of dizziness or balance confidence.Data Collection:Head accelerations were calculated from linear and angular displacements
as measured by magnetometry.Results:Head accelerations decreased with increasing age, dizziness, and low balance confidence during four habituation exercises.Conclusions:Head acceleration varies as a function of age, dizziness, and low balance confidence during head movement‐based
vestibular and balance rehabilitation therapy (habituation) exercises. The magnetometry measurement method used could be applied across the course of treatment to establish predictive measures based on change in acceleration over time. More diverse participant sampling is needed to create
normative data.
Perspectives on the Pure-Tone Audiogram
Authors: Musiek Frank E. , Shinn Jennifer , Chermak Gail D. , Bamiou Doris-Eva
Published: March 2017

Background:The pure-tone audiogram, though fundamental to audiology, presents limitations, especially in the case of central auditory involvement. Advances in auditory neuroscience underscore the considerably larger role of the central auditory nervous system (CANS) in hearing
and related disorders. Given the availability of behavioral audiological tests and electrophysiological procedures that can provide better insights as to the function of the various components of the auditory system, this perspective piece reviews the limitations of the pure-tone audiogram
and notes some of the advantages of other tests and procedures used in tandem with the pure-tone threshold measurement.Purpose:To review and synthesize the literature regarding the utility and limitations of the pure-tone audiogram in determining dysfunction of peripheral sensory and
neural systems, as well as the CANS, and to identify other tests and procedures that can supplement pure-tone thresholds and provide enhanced diagnostic insight, especially regarding problems of the central auditory system.Research Design:A systematic review and synthesis of the literature.Data
Collection and Analysis:The authors independently searched and reviewed literature (journal articles, book chapters) pertaining to the limitations of the pure-tone audiogram.Results:The pure-tone audiogram provides information as to hearing sensitivity across a selected frequency
range. Normal or near-normal pure-tone thresholds sometimes are observed despite cochlear damage. There are a surprising number of patients with acoustic neuromas who have essentially normal pure-tone thresholds. In cases of central deafness, depressed pure-tone thresholds may not accurately
reflect the status of the peripheral auditory system. Listening difficulties are seen in the presence of normal pure-tone thresholds. Suprathreshold procedures and a variety of other tests can provide information regarding other and often more central functions of the auditory system.Conclusions:The
audiogram is a primary tool for determining type, degree, and configuration of hearing loss; however, it provides the clinician with information regarding only hearing sensitivity, and no information about central auditory processing or the auditory processing of real-world signals (i.e.,
speech, music). The pure-tone audiogram offers limited insight into functional hearing and should be viewed only as a test of hearing sensitivity. Given the limitations of the pure-tone audiogram, a brief overview is provided of available behavioral tests and electrophysiological procedures
that are sensitive to the function and integrity of the central auditory system, which provide better diagnostic and rehabilitative information to the clinician and patient.
Evaluation of a Stereo Music Preprocessing Scheme for Cochlear Implant Users
Authors: Buyens Wim , van Dijk Bas , Moonen Marc , Wouters Jan
Published: March 2017

Background:Although for most cochlear implant (CI) users good speech understanding is reached (at least in quiet environments), the perception and the appraisal of music are generally unsatisfactory.Purpose:The improvement in music appraisal was evaluated in CI participants
by using a stereo music preprocessing scheme implemented on a take-home device, in a comfortable listening environment. The preprocessing allowed adjusting the balance among vocals/bass/drums and other instruments, and was evaluated for different genres of music. The correlation between the
preferred settings and the participants’ speech and pitch detection performance was investigated.Research Design:During the initial visit preceding the take-home test, the participants’ speech-in-noise perception and pitch detection performance were measured, and a questionnaire
about their music involvement was completed. The take-home device was provided, including the stereo music preprocessing scheme and seven playlists with six songs each. The participants were asked to adjust the balance by means of a turning wheel to make the music sound most enjoyable, and
to repeat this three times for all songs.Study Sample:Twelve postlingually deafened CI users participated in the study.Data Collection and Analysis:The data were collected by means of a take-home device, which preserved all the preferred settings for the different songs. Statistical
analysis was done with a Friedman test (with post hoc Wilcoxon signed-rank test) to check the effect of “Genre.” The correlations were investigated with Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation coefficients.Results:All participants preferred a balance significantly
different from the original balance. Differences across participants were observed which could not be explained by perceptual abilities. An effect of “Genre” was found, showing significantly smaller preferred deviation from the original balance for Golden Oldies compared to the
other genres.Conclusions:The stereo music preprocessing scheme showed an improvement in music appraisal with complex music and hence might be a good tool for music listening, training, or rehabilitation for CI users.
Cochlear Implantation in Children with Postlingual Progressive Steeply Sloping High-Frequency Hearing Loss
Authors: Meredith Margaret A. , Rubinstein Jay T. , Sie Kathleen C. Y. , Norton Susan J.
Published: March 2017

Background:Children with steeply sloping sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) lack access to critical high-frequency cues despite the use of advanced hearing aid technology. In addition, their auditory-only aided speech perception abilities often meet Food and Drug Administration
criteria for cochlear implantation.Purpose:The objective of this study was to describe hearing preservation and speech perception outcomes in a group of young children with steeply sloping SNHL who received a cochlear implant (CI).Research Design:Retrospective case series.Study
Sample:Eight children with steeply sloping postlingual progressive SNHL who received a unilateral traditional CI at Seattle Children’s Hospital between 2009 and 2013 and had follow-up data available up to 24 mo postimplant were included.Data Collection and Analysis:A retrospective
chart review was completed. Medical records were reviewed for demographic information, preoperative and postoperative behavioral hearing thresholds, and speech perception scores. Paired t tests were used to analyze speech perception data. Hearing preservation results are reported.Results:Rapid
improvement of speech perception scores was observed within the first month postimplant for all participants. Mean monosyllabic word scores were 76% and mean phoneme scores were 86.7% at 1-mo postactivation compared to mean preimplant scores of 19.5% and 31.0%, respectively. Hearing preservation
was observed in five participants out to 24-mo postactivation. Two participants lost hearing in both the implanted and unimplanted ear, and received a sequential bilateral CI in the other ear after progression of the hearing loss. One participant had a total loss of hearing in only the implanted
ear. Results reported in this article are from the ear implanted first. Bilateral outcomes are not reported.Conclusions:CIs provided benefit for children with steeply sloping bilateral hearing loss for whom hearing aids did not provide adequate auditory access. In our cohort, significant
improvements in speech understanding occurred rapidly postactivation. Preservation of residual hearing in children with a traditional CI electrode is possible.
A Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate Approaches to Auditory Rehabilitation for Blast-Exposed Veterans with Normal or Near-Normal Hearing Who Report Hearing Problems in Difficult Listening Situations
Authors: Saunders Gabrielle H. , Frederick Melissa T. , Arnold Michelle L. , Silverman ShienPei C. , Chisolm Theresa H. , Myers Paula J.
Published: March 2017

Background:Blast exposure is a major source of injury among Service members in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. Many of these blast-exposed veterans report hearing-related problems such as difficulties understanding speech in noise and rapid speech, and following instructions
and long conversations that are disproportionate to their measured peripheral hearing sensitivity. Evidence is mounting that these complaints result from damage to the central auditory processing system.Purpose:To evaluate the effectiveness of audiological rehabilitative interventions
for blast-exposed veterans with normal or near-normal peripheral hearing and functional hearing difficulties.Research Design:A randomized controlled trial with four intervention arms.Study Sample:Ninety-nine blast-exposed veterans with normal or near-normal peripheral hearing
who reported functional hearing difficulties.Intervention:Four interventions were compared: compensatory communication strategies (CCS) education, CCS and use of a personal frequency modulation system (FM + CCS), CCS and use of an auditory training program (AT + CCS), and use of all
three interventions combined (FM + AT + CCS).Data Collection and Analysis:All participants tested before, and immediately following an 8-week intervention period. The primary outcome measures upon which the study was powered assessed speech understanding in noise and self-reported psychosocial
impacts of the intervention. In addition, auditory temporal processing, auditory working memory, allocation of attention, and hearing and cognitive self-report outcomes were assessed.Results:Use of FM + CCS resulted in significant benefit for speech understanding in noise and self-reported
hearing benefits, and FM + AT + CCS provided more self-reported cognitive benefits than FM + CCS, AT + CCS, or CCS. Further, individuals liked and reported using the FM system, but there was poor adherence to and high attrition among individuals assigned to receive AT.Conclusions:It
is concluded that a FM system (or remote microphone via Bluetooth system) is an effective intervention for blast-exposed veterans with normal or near-normal hearing and functional hearing difficulties and should be routinely considered as an intervention approach for this population when possible.
Genome‐Wide Prediction of the Performance of Three‐Way Hybrids in Barley
Authors: Li Zuo , Philipp Norman , Spiller Monika , Stiewe Gunther , Reif Jochen C. , Zhao Yusheng
Published: March 2017

Predicting the grain yield performance of three‐way hybrids is challenging. Three‐way crosses are relevant for hybrid breeding in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) adapted to East Africa. The main goal of our study was to implement and evaluate genome‐wide prediction approaches of the performance of three‐way hybrids using data of single‐cross hybrids for a scenario in which parental lines of the three‐way hybrids originate from three genetically distinct subpopulations. We extended the ridge regression best linear unbiased prediction (RRBLUP) and devised a genomic selection model allowing for subpopulation‐specific marker effects (GSA‐RRBLUP: general and subpopulation‐specific additive RRBLUP). Using an empirical barley data set, we showed that applying GSA‐RRBLUP tripled the prediction ability of three‐way hybrids from 0.095 to 0.308 compared with RRBLUP, modeling one additive effect for all three subpopulations. The experimental findings were further substantiated with computer simulations. Our results emphasize the potential of GSA‐RRBLUP to improve genome‐wide hybrid prediction of three‐way hybrids for scenarios of genetically diverse parental populations. Because of the advantages of the GSA‐RRBLUP model in dealing with hybrids from different parental populations, it may also be a promising approach to boost the prediction ability for hybrid breeding programs based on genetically diverse heterotic groups.
The Effect of Corner Modes in the Initial Conditions of Cosmological Simulations
Authors: Falck B. , McCullagh N. , Neyrinck M. C. , Wang J. , Szalay A. S.
Published: March 2017

In view of future high-precision large-scale structure surveys, it is important to quantify the percent and subpercent level effects in cosmological N-body simulations from which theoretical predictions are drawn. One such effect involves deciding whether to zero all modes above the one-dimensional Nyquist frequency, the so-called “corner” modes, in the initial conditions. We investigate this effect by comparing power spectra, density distribution functions, halo mass functions, and halo profiles in simulations with and without these modes. For a simulation with a mass resolution of

, we find that at

, the difference in the matter power spectrum is large at wavenumbers above ∼80% of

, reducing to below 2% at all scales by

. Including corner modes results in a better match between low- and high-resolution simulations at wavenumbers around the Nyquist frequency of the low-resolution simulation, but the effect of the corner modes is smaller than the effect of particle discreteness. The differences in mass functions are 3% for the smallest halos at z = 6 for the

simulation, but we find no significant difference in the stacked profiles of well-resolved halos at

. Thus removing power at

in the initial conditions of cosmological simulations has a small effect on small scales and high redshifts, typically below a few percent.
Probing the Magnetic Field Structure in
on Black Hole Horizon Scales with Polarized Radiative Transfer Simulations
Authors: Gold Roman , McKinney Jonathan C. , Johnson Michael D. , Doeleman Sheperd S.
Published: March 2017

Magnetic fields are believed to drive accretion and relativistic jets in black hole accretion systems, but the magnetic field structure that controls these phenomena remains uncertain. We perform general relativistic (GR) polarized radiative transfer of time-dependent three-dimensional GR magnetohydrodynamical simulations to model thermal synchrotron emission from the Galactic Center source Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*). We compare our results to new polarimetry measurements by the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) and show how polarization in the visibility (Fourier) domain distinguishes and constrains accretion flow models with different magnetic field structures. These include models with small-scale fields in disks driven by the magnetorotational instability as well as models with large-scale ordered fields in magnetically arrested disks. We also consider different electron temperature and jet mass-loading prescriptions that control the brightness of the disk, funnel-wall jet, and Blandford–Znajek-driven funnel jet. Our comparisons between the simulations and observations favor models with ordered magnetic fields near the black hole event horizon in Sgr A*, though both disk- and jet-dominated emission can satisfactorily explain most of the current EHT data. We also discuss how the black hole shadow can be filled-in by jet emission or mimicked by the absence of funnel jet emission. We show that stronger model constraints should be possible with upcoming circular polarization and higher frequency (349 GHz) measurements.
NGC 3105: A Young Cluster in the Outer Galaxy∗
†
Authors: Davidge T. J.
Published: March 2017

Images and spectra of the open cluster NGC 3105 have been obtained with the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph on Gemini South. The

color–magnitude diagram (CMD) constructed from these data extends from the brightest cluster members to

. This is

mag fainter than previous CMDs at visible wavelengths and allowing cluster members with sub-solar masses to be sampled. Assuming a half-solar metallicity, comparisons with isochrones yield a distance of 6.6 ± 0.3 kpc. An age of at least 32 Myr is found based on the photometric properties of the brightest stars, coupled with the apparent absence of pre-main-sequence stars in the lower regions of the CMD. The luminosity function of stars between 50 and 70 arcsec from the cluster center is consistent with a Chabrier lognormal mass function. However, at radii smaller than 50 arcsec there is a higher specific frequency of the most massive main-sequence (MS) stars than at larger radii. Photometry obtained from archival SPITZER images reveals that some of the brightest stars near NGC 3105 have excess infrared emission, presumably from warm dust envelopes. Hα emission is detected in a few early-type stars in and around the cluster, building upon previous spectroscopic observations that found Be stars near NGC 3105. The equivalent width of the NaD lines in the spectra of early-type stars is consistent with the reddening found from comparisons with isochrones. Stars with

that fall near the cluster MS have a spectral-type A5V, and a distance modulus that is consistent with that obtained by comparing isochrones with the CMD is found assuming solar neighborhood intrinsic brightnesses for these stars.
L483: Warm Carbon-chain Chemistry Source Harboring Hot Corino Activity
Authors: Oya Yoko , Sakai Nami , Watanabe Yoshimasa , Higuchi Aya E. , Hirota Tomoya , López-Sepulcre Ana , Sakai Takeshi , Aikawa Yuri , Ceccarelli Cecilia , Lefloch Bertrand , Caux Emmanuel , Vastel Charlotte , Kahane Claudine , Yamamoto Satoshi
Published: March 2017

The Class 0 protostar, L483, has been observed in various molecular lines in the 1.2 mm band at a subarcsecond resolution with ALMA. An infalling–rotating envelope is traced by the CS line, while a very compact component with a broad velocity width is observed for the CS, SO, HNCO, NH2CHO, and HCOOCH3 lines. Although this source is regarded as the warm carbon-chain chemistry (WCCC) candidate source at a 1000 au scale, complex organic molecules characteristic of hot corinos such as NH2CHO and HCOOCH3 are detected in the vicinity of the protostar. Thus, both hot corino chemistry and WCCC are seen in L483. Although such a mixed chemical character source has been recognized as an intermediate source in previous single-dish observations, we here report the first spatially resolved detection. A kinematic structure of the infalling–rotating envelope is roughly explained by a simple ballistic model with a protostellar mass of 0.1–0.2

M

⊙

and a radius of the centrifugal barrier (half of the centrifugal radius) of 30–200 au, assuming an inclination angle of 80° (0° for face-on). The broad-line emission observed in the above molecules most likely comes from the disk component inside the centrifugal barrier. Thus, a drastic chemical change is seen around the centrifugal barrier.