bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenology-Based Vegetation Index Differencing for Mapping of Rubber Plantations Using Landsat OLI Data
Authors: Fan Hui , Fu Xiaohua , Zhang Zheng , Wu Qiong
Published: May 2015

Accurate and up-to-date mapping and monitoring of rubber plantations is challenging. In this study, we presented a simple method for rapidly and accurately mapping rubber plantations in the Xishuangbanna region of southwest China using phenology-based vegetation index differencing. Temporal profiles of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), Atmospherically Resistant Vegetation Index (ARVI), Normalized Difference Moisture Index (NDMI), and Tasselled Cap Greenness (TCG) for rubber trees, natural forests and croplands were constructed using 11 Landsat 8 OLI images acquired within one year. These vegetation index time series accurately demonstrated the unique seasonal phenological dynamics of rubber trees. Two distinct phenological phases (i.e., defoliation and foliation) of rubber trees were clearly distinguishable from natural forests and croplands. Rubber trees undergo a brief defoliation-foliation process between late December and mid-March. Therefore, vegetation index differencing between the nearly complete defoliation (leaf-off) and full foliation (leaf flushing) phases was used to delineate rubber plantations within fragmented tropical mountainous landscapes. The method presented herein greatly improved rubber plantation classification accuracy. Overall classification accuracies derived from the differences of the five vegetation indices varied from 92% to 96% with corresponding kappa coefficients of 0.84–0.92. These results demonstrate the promising potential of phenology-based vegetation index differencing for mapping and monitoring rubber expansion at the regional scale.
Soil Clay Content Mapping Using a Time Series of Landsat TM Data in Semi-Arid Lands
Authors: Shabou Marouen , Mougenot Bernard , Chabaane Zohra , Walter Christian , Boulet Gilles , Aissa Nadhira , Zribi Mehrez
Published: May 2015

Clay content (fraction < 2 µm) is one of the most important soil properties. It controls soil hydraulic properties like wilting point, field capacity and saturated hydraulic conductivity, which in turn control the various fluxes of water in the unsaturated zone. In our study site, the Kairouan plain in central Tunisia, existing soil maps are neither exhaustive nor sufficiently precise for water balance modeling or thematic mapping. The aim of this work was to produce a clay-content map at fine spatial resolution over the Kairouan plain using a time series of Landsat Thematic Mapper images and to validate the produced map using independent soil samples, existing soil map and clay content produced by TerraSAR-X radar data. Our study was based on 100 soil samples and on a dataset of four Landsat TM data acquired during the summer season. Relationships between textural indices (MID-Infrared) and topsoil clay content were studied for each selected image and were used to produce clay content maps at a spatial resolution of 30 m. Cokriging was used to fill in the gaps created by green vegetation and crop residues masks and to predict clay content of each pixel of the image at 100 m grid spatial resolution. Results showed that mapping clay content using a time series of Landsat TM data is possible and that the produced clay content map presents a reasonable accuracy (R2 = 0.65, RMSE = 100 g/kg). The produced clay content map is consistent with existing soil map of the studied region. Comparison with clay content map generated from TerraSAR-X radar data on a small area with no calibration point revealed similarities in topsoil clay content over the largest part of this extract, but significant differences for several areas. In-situ observations at those locations showed that the Landsat TM mapping was more consistent with observations than the TerraSAR-X mapping.
On the Deployment of a Connected Sensor Network for Confident Information Coverage
Authors: Xu Huping , Zhu Jiajun , Wang Bang
Published: May 2015

Coverage and connectivity are two important performance metrics in wireless sensor networks. In this paper, we study the sensor placement problem to achieve both coverage and connectivity. Instead of using the simplistic disk coverage model, we use our recently proposed confident information coverage model as the sensor coverage model. The grid approach is applied to discretize the sensing field, and our objective is to place the minimum number of sensors to form a connected network and to provide confident information coverage for all of the grid points. We first formulate the sensor placement problem as a constrained optimization problem. Then, two heuristic algorithms, namely the connected cover formation (CCF) algorithm and the cover formation and relay placement with redundancy removal (CFRP-RR) algorithm, are proposed to find the approximate solutions for the sensor placement problem. The simulation results validate their effectiveness, and the CCF algorithm performs slightly better than the CFRP-RR algorithm.
Measuring Kinematic Variables in Front Crawl Swimming Using Accelerometers: A Validation Study
Authors: Callaway Andrew
Published: May 2015

Objective data on swimming performance is needed to meet the demands of the swimming coach and athlete. The purpose of this study is to use a multiple inertial measurement units to calculate Lap Time, Velocity, Stroke Count, Stroke Duration, Stroke Rate and Phases of the Stroke (Entry, Pull, Push, Recovery) in front crawl swimming. Using multiple units on the body, an algorithm was developed to calculate the phases of the stroke based on the relative position of the body roll. Twelve swimmers, equipped with these devices on the body, performed fatiguing trials. The calculated factors were compared to the same data derived to video data showing strong positive results for all factors. Four swimmers required individual adaptation to the stroke phase calculation method. The developed algorithm was developed using a search window relative to the body roll (peak/trough). This customization requirement demonstrates that single based devices will not be able to determine these phases of the stroke with sufficient accuracy.
Assessment of Gardening Wastes as a Co-Substrate for Diapers Degradation by the Fungus Pleurotus ostreatus
Authors: Espinosa-Valdemar Rosa , Vázquez-Morillas Alethia , Ojeda-Benítez Sara , Arango-Escorcia Gabriela , Cabrera-Elizalde Sonia , Quecholac-Piña Xochitl , Velasco-Pérez Maribel , Sotelo-Navarro Perla
Published: May 2015

Waste with high biomass content generated in cities in developing countries is sent to landfills or open dumps. This research aims to degrade biomass content in urban waste through cultivation, at pilot scale, of the edible mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus. First, the number of diapers used by one baby per week was measured with a survey in day care facilities. Then, cellulose content of diapers was assessed. Finally, cultivation of P. ostreatus was carried out using as substrate a mixture of diapers with gardening waste, a co-substrate readily available at urban settings. The factors assessed were strain of P. ostreatus (grey BPR-81, white BPR-5), conditioning of the substrate (diapers with and without plastic) and co-substrate (wheat straw, grass, and withered leaves). Results show that diapers are a valuable source of biomass, as generation of diapers with urine is 15.3 kg/child/month and they contain 50.2% by weight of cellulose. The highest reductions in dry weight and volume (>64%) of substrates was achieved with the substrate diaper without plastic and co-substrate wheat straw. Although diapers with plastic and grass and leaves showed lower degradation, they achieved efficiencies that make them suitable as a co-substrate (>40%), considering that their biomass is currently confined in landfills.
Secure Cooperative Spectrum Sensing via a Novel User-Classification Scheme in Cognitive Radios for Future Communication Technologies
Authors: Usman Muhammad , Insoo Koo
Published: May 2015

Future communication networks would be required to deliver data on a far greater scale than is known to us today, thus mandating the maximal utilization of the available radio spectrum using cognitive radios. In this paper, we have proposed a novel cooperative spectrum sensing approach for cognitive radios. In cooperative spectrum sensing, the fusion center relies on reports of the cognitive users to make a global decision. The global decision is obtained by assigning weights to the reports received from cognitive users. Computation of such weights requires prior information of the probability of detection and the probability of false alarms, which are not readily available in real scenarios. Further, the cognitive users are divided into reliable and unreliable categories based on their weighted energy by using some empirical threshold. In this paper, we propose a method to classify the cognitive users into reliable, neutral and unreliable categories without using any pre-defined or empirically-obtained threshold. Moreover, the computation of weights does not require the detection, or false alarm probabilities, or an estimate of these probabilities. Reliable cognitive users are assigned the highest weights; neutral cognitive users are assigned medium weights (less than the reliable and higher than the unreliable cognitive users’ weights); and unreliable users are assigned the least weights. We show the performance improvement of our proposed method through simulations by comparing it with the conventional cooperative spectrum sensing scheme through different metrics, like receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and mean square error. For clarity, we also show the effect of malicious users on detection probability and false alarm probability individually through simulations.
Optimal Strategies for Reporting Pain in Clinical Trials and Systematic Reviews: Recommendations from an OMERACT 12 Workshop
Authors: Busse Jason W. , Bartlett Susan J. , Dougados Maxime , Johnston Bradley C. , Guyatt Gordon H. , Kirwan John R. , Kwoh Kent , Maxwell Lara J. , Moore Andrew , Singh Jasvinder A. , Stevens Randall , Strand Vibeke , Suarez-Almazor Maria E. , Tugwell Peter , Wells George A.
Published: May 2015

Objective.

Pain is a patient-important outcome, but current reporting in randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews is often suboptimal, impeding clinical interpretation and decision making.

Methods.

A working group at the 2014 Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT 12) was convened to provide guidance for reporting treatment effects regarding pain for individual studies and systematic reviews.

Results

For individual trials, authors should report, in addition to mean change, the proportion of patients achieving 1 or more thresholds of improvement from baseline pain (e.g., ≥ 20%, ≥ 30%, ≥ 50%), achievement of a desirable pain state (e.g., no worse than mild pain), and/or a combination of change and state. Effects on pain should be accompanied by other patient-important outcomes to facilitate interpretation. When pooling data for metaanalysis, authors should consider converting all continuous measures for pain to a 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and use the established, minimally important difference (MID) of 10 mm, and the conventionally used, appreciably important differences of 20 mm, 30 mm, and 50 mm, to facilitate interpretation. Effects ≤ 0.5 units suggest a small or very small effect. To further increase interpretability, the pooled estimate on the VAS should also be transformed to a binary outcome and expressed as a relative risk and risk difference. This transformation can be achieved by calculating the probability of experiencing a treatment effect greater than the MID and the thresholds for appreciably important differences in pain reduction in the control and intervention groups.

Conclusion.

Presentation of relative effects regarding pain will facilitate interpretation of treatment effects.
Synthesis and Optical Properties of some Novel Bis-1,3,4-Oxadiazoles
Authors: Liu Hua , Lu Lin , Wang Dun Jia
Published: May 2015

Three 2,6-bis (1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl) pyridine derivatives were synthesized and their structures were conformed by1H NMR, FTIR, MS techniques and elemental analysis. The UV–Vis absorption and fluorescence emission spectra of these compounds were investigated in chloroform solution. The results showed that these bis-1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives had broad and strong absorption at 278−302 nm in the UV–Vis spectra and exhibited fluorescence emission at 338 −367 nm under UV illumination in fluorescence spectra. It was found that the nature of the substituents at benzene ring in bis-1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives had a significant impact on their photoluminescence behaviors.
Preparation and Chromatic Properties of Encapsulated Carbon Black Pigment via Layer-by-Layer Self-Assembly Method
Authors: Zhang Xiao Jun , Chen Ting , Jiang Wei Hui , Liu Jian Min , Zhou Tong Qing
Published: May 2015

Encapsulated carbon black pigment was prepared by layer-by-layer self-assembly method. The RX8002 carbon black particles were well coated by a SiO2 layer, which makes it has good connection with ZrSiO4 layer. Meanwhile, dense ZrSiO4 layer was coated on the C@SiO2 particles surface to prevent the corrosive effects of glaze. The structure and morphology of samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The chromatic value of the pigments was measured by the CIE color system. The results show that the carbon black particles can be well coated by SiO2 and ZrSiO4 layer. When the TEOS/H2O ratio is 0.002 and the ZrSiO4/C ratio is 0.71, the chromatic value of the encapsulated carbon black pigment is 42.55, and the pigment has a good stability in glaze.
The Evaluation of Specific Environmental and Degradation Characteristics of Surface Treated Wood
Authors: Ružinská Eva , Hagara Vladimír , Jakúbek Peter , Krajewski Krzysztof
Published: May 2015

The paper deals with the design of quantitative evaluation resulting from the decomposition products of surface-treated wood in the combustion process. This proposal evaluation in addition to monitoring the quality characteristics of the surfactant treated wood will add information on fire protection and selected environmental characteristics (emission of volatile organic compounds).
Modified Method of Evaluation the Effect of the Protection Retardant Coatings Applied on the Surface of the Wood Building Construction
Authors: Ružinská Eva , Mitterová Iveta , Zachar Martin , Majlingová Andrea , Hagara Vladimír , Jakúbek Peter
Published: May 2015

The paper deals with the protection of wood in wooden building constructions, in accordance to the current trends in the use of organic materials in the construction sector and also in the woodworking industry. The attention is paid to the assessment of the effectiveness of selected retardant protective substances applied to spruce wood that was thermally loaded for prediction of flammability properties and assessing the suitability of their application. In the experiment, there was used the modified testing method with evaluation of the characteristics of thermal degradation. At the same time, there were evaluated selected material characteristics, in relation to the adhesion of retarding coatings applied.
Adhesion of UV-Curable Coatings to Beech Wood
Authors: Štrbová Martina , Tesařová Daniela , Kúdela Jozef
Published: May 2015

In this paper, adhesion of solid coatings to wood is assessed through interactions among surface forces at their phase boundary. The issue is treated on an example of beech wood and a priming UV lacquer. Our approach used analogy with the laws valid for the system solid – liquid. The results show that cohesion of wood > adhesion of coating to wood > cohesion of coating. This relation was also confirmed by the testing of mechanical loading in tension of the whole system.
Evaluation of Limit Deformations of Zn Coated High Strength Steel
Authors: Tomáš Miroslav , Evin Emil , Németh Stanislav , Hudák Juraj
Published: May 2015

The paper presents the evaluation of limit deformations by the tensile test of notched specimens to measure the left side of forming limit curve. The notch radii R5, R10, R17.5 and R25 were machined on the specimens of 40 mm in width. The limit deformations have been assessed for Zn coated high strength steel TRIP with thickness 0.76 mm. Two types of deformation grid were electrochemically etched on the specimens: circles with diameter of 2 mm and the pattern of dots with diameter 0.5 mm and spacing 1 mm. The tensile test of notched specimens has been also numerically simulated. The experimentally measured limit curves have been compared to the mathematic Swift-Hill model.
Possibility of Increasing the Mechanical Strength of Carbon/Epoxy Composites by Addition of Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Duleba Branislav , Greškovič František , Dulebová Ľudmila , Jachowicz Tomasz
Published: May 2015

The development of nanoparticle reinforced polymer composites is presently seen as one of the most promising approaches in the field of future engineering applications. The unique properties of at least some of these nanoparticles (e.g., CNTs or carbon black) and the possibility of combining them with conventional reinforcements (e.g., carbon-, glass-or aramid-fibers) has led to an intense research in the field of nanocomposites. This study presents mechanical properties of two carbon composites made from bisphenol A epoxy resin (E) and 3 layers of 160 g/m2carbon cloth with twill (TC) and plain (PC) weave as a reference and three-composite system that consists from carbon fiber reinforced epoxy matrix and 1% of multi-wall carbon nanotubes dispersed in epoxy resin. Used hardener H507 was based on cycloaliphatic polyamine with absence of nonylphenol. Samples were also tempered at 80 oC (for 12hours) for improvement of their thermal resistance.
Application of Natural Fibers in Hybrid Composite Materials
Authors: Dúbravčík Michal
Published: May 2015

The presented article deals about hybrid composite materials based on natural fibers and their mechanical testing. It contains test process of composite materials, which contain staple fibers and whole fibers of hemp, cotton, sisal and jute combined with carbon fabric. The objective of the thesis is to confirm or decline the ability of hybrid bio-composites usage in automotive industry following the testing results. Experimental part contains the methods of bio-composites test samples manufacturing and the testing, particularly tensile strength testing and impact test at a bending. The results of this part are statistically evaluated.
Study of Selected Properties of Coatings Devoted to Extreme Tribo-Corrosive Conditions
Authors: Guzanová Anna , Brezinová Janette , Bronček Jozef , Maruschak Pavlo , Landová Mariana
Published: May 2015

The paper deals with the evaluation of coatings CoMoCrSi and WC-NiMoCrFeCo applied by High Velocity Oxygen Fuel technology from point of view of their suitability for renovation of sink roll in hot dip galvanizing line. The structure of the coatings was evaluated by metallographic analysis. The adhesion of the coatings as-sprayed and after thermal cyclic loading was determined by pull-off test. Wear resistance of the coatings was evaluated by pin-on-disc test in the corrosive environment of 1M aqueous solution of NaCl.
Non-Destructive Surface Diagnostics of Tools
Authors: Džupon Miroslav , Balko Ján , Brezinová Janette
Published: May 2015

The aim of the study was to validate non-destructive diagnostics of surface of tools and metal sheets after steel grit blasting. We used replicas produced by fy Struers, known under commercial name RepliSet-F5. The replicas were extracted from surfaces of thirty specimens with PVD coatings (CrN, TiCN) and from flat specimens after steel grit blasting. Qualitative and quantitative parameters characteristic of surface morphology were determined by means of an optical profilometer, and confocal microscope was used for surface contactless metrology measurements. We observed a qualitative coincidence of morphological images of original surfaces and replicas. The values of the quantitative parameter Sa (Arithmetic mean height according to ISO 25178) of surfaces and replicas extracted from them differed at the second decimal place. Replicas document well the surface morphology and allow one to obtain information about the state of surface in difficult-to-access sites of the tools or constructions.
Properties Evaluation of Renovation Coatings Created by Thermal Spraying Technology
Authors: Mareš Albert , Brezinová Janette , Draganovská Dagmar
Published: May 2015

Article deals with the assessment of the properties of ceramic coatings created by thermal spraying technology. Surfaces before coatings deposition were prepared by technology of pneumatic blasting. ZrSiO4coating was applied by gas plasma spraying method with NiAl intermediate layer. Mullite coating was applied by water plasma spraying without the intermediate layer and also with NiCr intermediate layer. The quality of the coatings was evaluated by three criteria: adherence of the coatings, REM analysis and EDX analysis. In terms of adhesion of the coatings was found out, that the best properties showed Mullite coating deposited without intermediate layer.
Prospects for Therapeutic Targeting of MicroRNAs in Human Immunological Diseases
Authors: Luck Marisa E. , Muljo Stefan A. , Collins Colm B.
Published: May 2015

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous oligoribonucleotides with exciting therapeutic potential. Early studies established a clear role for miRNAs in leukocyte biology. The first miRNA-based therapy, miravirsen, is now in phase 2 clinical trials, making the reality of these therapies undeniable. The capacity for miRNAs to fine-tune inflammatory signaling make them attractive treatment targets for immunological diseases. Nonetheless, the degree of redundancy among miRNAs, coupled with the promiscuity of miRNA binding sites in the transcriptome, require consideration when designing miRNA-directed interventions. Altered miRNA expression occurs across a range of inflammatory conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, and diabetes. However, very few studies successfully treated murine models of immunological diseases with miRNA-based approaches. While discussing recent studies targeting miRNAs to treat immunological conditions, we also reflect on the risks of miRNA targeting and showcase some newer delivery systems that may improve the pharmacological profile of this class of therapeutics.
Genetic characterisation of multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica serotypes isolated from poultry in Cairo, Egypt
Authors: Abdel-Maksoud Mohammed , Abdel-Khalek Rania , El-Gendy Atef , Gamal Rawia F. , Abdelhady Hemmat M. , House Brent L.
Published: May 2015

Background: Food-borne diseases pose serious health problems, affecting public health and economic development worldwide.Methods: Salmonella was isolated from samples of chicken parts, skin samples of whole chicken carcasses, raw egg yolks, eggshells and chicken faeces. Resulting isolates were characterised by serogrouping, serotyping, antimicrobial susceptibility testing and detection of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production. Antibiotic resistance genes and integrons were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Results: The detection rates of Salmonella were 60%, 64% and 62% in chicken parts, skin, and faeces, respectively, whereas the egg yolks and eggshells were uniformly negative. Salmonella Kentucky and S. Enteritidis serotypes comprised 43.6% and 2.6% of the isolates, respectively, whilst S. Typhimurium was absent. Variable resistance rates were observed against 16 antibiotics; 97% were resistant to sulfamethoxazole, 96% to nalidixic acid and tetracycline and 76% to ampicillin. Multidrug resistance was detected in 82% (64/78) of the isolates and ESBL production was detected in 8% (6/78). The β-lactamase blaTEM-1 gene was detected in 57.6% and blaSHV-1 in 6.8% of the isolates, whilst the blaOXA gene was absent. The sul1gene was detected in 97.3% and the sul2 gene in 5.3% of the isolates. Sixty-four of the 78 isolates (82%) were positive for the integrase gene (int I) from class 1 integrons, whilst int II was absent.Conclusion: This study reveals the presence of an alarming number of multidrug-resistant Salmonella isolates in the local poultry markets in Cairo. The high levels of drug resistance suggest an emerging problem that could impact negatively on efforts to prevent and treat poultry and poultry-transmitted human diseases in Egypt.
Kernels in the Category of Formal Group Laws
Authors: Demchenko Oleg , Gurevich Alexander
Published: May 2015

Fontaine described the category of formal groups over the ring of Witt vectors over a finite field of characteristic p with the aid of triples consisting of the module of logarithms, the Dieudonné module, and the morphism from the former to the latter. We propose an explicit construction for the kernels in this category in term of Fontaine's triples. The construction is applied to the formal norm homomorphism in the case of an unramified extension of ℚp and of a totally ramiûed extension of degree less or equal than p. A similar consideration applied to a global extension allows us to establish the existence of a strict isomorphism between the formal norm torus and a formal group law coming from L-series.
Classical Algebraic Geometry
Authors: Debarre Olivier , Eisenbud David , Farkas Gavril , Vakil Ravi
Published: May 2015

Progress in algebraic geometry usually comes through the introduction of new tools and ideas to tackle the classical problems of the field. Examples include new invariants that capture some aspect of geometry in a novel way, such as Voisin’s “existence of decomposition of the diagonal”, and the extension of the class of geometric objects considered to allow constructions not previously possible, such as stacks, tropical geometry, and log structures. Many famous old problems and outstanding conjectures have been resolved in this way over the last 50 years. While the new theories are sometimes studied for their own sake, they are in the end best understood in the context of the classical questions they illuminate. The goal of the workshop was to study new developments in algebraic geometry, in the context of their application to the classical problems.
Analysis, Geometry and Topology of Positive Scalar Curvature Metrics
Authors: Ammann Bernd , Hanke Bernhard , Neves André
Published: May 2015

One of the fundamental problems in Riemannian geometry is to understand the relation of locally defined curvature invariants and global properties of smooth manifolds. This workshop was centered around the investigation of scalar curvature, addressing questions in global analysis, geometric topology, relativity and minimal surface theory.
Komplexe Analysis
Authors: Eyssidieux Philippe , Hwang Jun-Muk , Kebekus Stefan , Păun Mihai
Published: May 2015

Complex Analysis is a very active branch of mathematics with applications in many other fields. The central aim of our workshop was to present recent results in several complex variables and complex geometry, and to survey topics that link it to other branches of mathematics.
Topologie
Authors: Schick Thomas , Teichner Peter , Wahl Nathalie , Weiss Michael S.
Published: May 2015

The Oberwolfach conference “Topologie” is one of only a few opportunities for researchers from many different areas in algebraic and geometric topology to meet and exchange ideas. The program covered new developments in fields such as automorphisms of manifolds, applications of algebraic topology to differential geometry, quantum field theories, combinatorial methods in low-dimensional topology, abstract and applied homotopy theory and applications of L2-cohomology. We heard about new results describing the cohomology of the automorphism spaces of some smooth manifolds, progress on spaces of positive scalar curvature metrics, a variant of the Segal conjecture without completion, advances in classifying topological quantum field theories, and a new undecidability result in combinatorial group theory, to mention some examples. As a special attraction, the conference featured a series of three talks by Dani Wise on the combinatorics of CAT(0)-cube complexes and applications to 3-manifold topology.
Transforming the Primary Care Training Clinic: New York State’s Hospital Medical Home Demonstration Pilot
Authors: Angelotti Marietta , Bliss Kathryn , Schiffman Dana , Weaver Erin , Graham Laura , Lemme Thomas , Pryor Veronica , Gesten Foster C.
Published: May 2015

Background

Training in patient-centered medical home (PCMH) settings may prepare new physicians to measure quality of care, manage the health of populations, work in teams, and include cost information in decision making. Transforming resident clinics to PCMHs requires funding for additional staff, electronic health records, training, and other resources not typically available to residency programs.

Objective

Describe how a 1115 Medicaid waiver was used to transform the majority of primary care training sites in New York State to the PCMH model and improve the quality of care provided.

Methods

The 2013–2014 Hospital Medical Home Program provided awards to 60 hospitals and 118 affiliated residency programs (training more than 5000 residents) to transform outpatient sites into PCMHs and provide high-quality, coordinated care. Site visits, coaching calls, resident surveys, data reporting, and feedback were used to promote and monitor change in resident continuity and quality of care. Descriptive analyses measured improvements in these areas.

Results

A total of 156 participating outpatient sites (100%) received PCMH recognition. All sites enhanced resident education using PCMH principles through patient empanelment, development of quality dashboards, and transforming resident scheduling and training. Clinical quality outcomes showed improvement across the demonstration, including better performance on colorectal and breast cancer screening rates (rate increases of 13%, P ≤ .001, and 11%, P = .011, respectively).

Conclusions

A 1115 Medicaid waiver is a viable mechanism for states to transform residency clinics to reflect new primary care models. The PCMH transformation of 156 sites led to improvements in resident continuity and clinical outcomes.
La formación del profesional de la información en Venezuela: Aproximación histórico-analítica
Authors: Linárez Pérez Juan Carlos
Published: May 2015

Analiza algunos elementos históricos anteriores a la implementación de los programas académicos para la formación de profesionales de la información en Venezuela. Estudia el proceso evolutivo mostrando las instituciones universitarias responsables de los planes de estudio, las iniciativas gubernamentales para aumentar la oferta académica, los tipos de cursos ofertados (técnico, pregrado, y postgrado), los títulos concedidos, algunos elementos de orientación de la actividad académica, y el enfoque de los planes de estudio actuales.
Hungarian defence forces in NATO multinational operations (highliting the Polish-Hungarian cooperation)
Authors: Farkas Tibor , Hronyecz Erika
Published: May 2015

Nowadays, the Hungarian Defence Forces (HDF) have several multinational tasks all over
the world. These are changing constantly due to the expansion of the different missions. In
the beginning, HDF personnal were participating individually (officers, NCOs), and later by
sub-level power in NATO and EU operations. The Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT)
mission in Afghanistan was the most successful operation of the HDF, which was terminated
in March 2013. Hungarian soldiers gained considerable experience in Iraq too, where they
served in a Transport Battalion under Polish command (Multinational Division). Based
on these facts, this article presents some Hungarian aspects of multinational operations.
Paratroopers in future operations
Authors: Boldizsar Gábor
Published: May 2015

Between the two World Wars paratroopers or airborne units were set up in preparation
for the coming conflicts as the means of the vertical envelopement. During World War II
several airborne operations were conducted. The strength of paratroopers deployed ranged
from the individual troopers to tens of thousands. During the Cold War era militaries in
different conflicts also used parachutes as a delivery system, airborne and special forces
units for combat behind enemy lines many times. The development of helicopter technology
modernized airborne operations and gave a possibility to combine it with air assult
capabilities.
Today’s operations require rapid deployment of forces to stop the escalation of any
conflict and handle the situation, finally to restore peace, normalize the situation and life
conditions.
To fulfil such requirements paratrooper units are one of the most appropriate ones. Thank
to their high readiness, medical and mental conditions, moral and fighting spirit, airborne
or air-transportable weaponry and equipment they can operate successfully in an extreme,
unknown environment till the arrival of the main stabilisation forces.
Aviation terrorism.
The essence of the phenomenon, systematics, typology
Authors: Glen Andrzej
Published: May 2015

The article sets out the characteristics of the reason and source of contemporary terrorism
as well as an explanation of the general concept of terrorism, including aviation terrorism.
Moreover, aviation terrorism is systematised on the ground of the subject of attack. Finally,
the article presents a typology of aviation terrorism taking into account the following
criteria: manner, form, and means, alongside the anticipated effects of aviation terrorism.
Scientific Information in the didactics of National Defence University
Authors: Kozioł Jerzy
Published: May 2015

Recently we have been witnesses to the creation of information society. Knowledge is becoming
the most important value of the contemporary civilization. Scientific Information Centres
and libraries equip their collections with new carriers of information. The changes observed
in libraries in recent years have resulted in the development of information search skills of
library users. The advancement of IT gave the users new possibilities of information gaining.
The most important task of NDU’s Library – beyond the traditional duties connected with
gathering, preparation and providing sources of information – is the assurance of direct
network access to information through systems and computer networks. The development
of Information Technology is still giving new information retrieval possibilities which
allow fast searching of the library computer catalogues gathering information about the
collection. It also results in easier access to the resources of the Internet as well as access to
source and factual information at the oreat speed.
Image-Based Method for Determining Better Walking Strategies for Hexapods
Authors: Mostafa Kazi , Chiang John Y. , Wei Kung-Ting , Her Innchyn
Published: May 2015

An intelligent walking strategy is vital for multi-legged robots possessing no a priori information of an environment when traversing across discontinuous terrain. Six-legged robots outperform other multi-legged robots in static and dynamic stability. However, hexapods require careful planning to traverse across discontinuous terrain. A hexapod walking strategy can be accomplished using a vision-based navigation system to identify the surrounding environment. This paper presents an image-based technique to achieve better walking strategies for a hexapod walking on a special terrain containing irregular, restricted regions. The properties of the restricted regions were acquired beforehand by using reliable surveillance means. Moreover, simplified forward gaits, better rotational gaits, and adaptive gait selection strategies for walking on discontinuous terrain were proposed. The hexapod can effectively switch the gait sequences and types according to the environment involved. The boundary of standing zones can be successfully labelled by applying the greyscale erosion comprising a structuring element similar in shape and size to the foot tip of the hexapod. The experimental results demonstrated that the proposed image-based technique significantly improved the walking strategies of hexapods traversing on discontinuous terrain.
Multiple Sclerosis and the LIF/IL-6 Axis: Use of Nanotechnology to Harness the Tolerogenic and Reparative Properties of LIF
Authors: Metcalfe Su M. , Strom Terry B. , Williams Anna , Fahmy Tarek M.
Published: May 2015

Leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) plays a critical role in “stemness” versus “differentiation”, a property that underpins the core value of LIF as a therapeutic for both the treatment of autoimmune disease and for promoting tissue repair. This value can be realized using nano-engineering technology, where a new generation of tools can, with unprecedented ability, manipulate biological functions. One striking example is the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). The underpinning biology is the newly identified LIF/IL-6 axis in T lymphocytes, which can tilt the behaviour between immune tolerance versus immune attack. This LIF/IL-6 axis is ideally suited to nanotherapeutic manipulation, given its inherent mechanistic simplicity of two mutually opposing feed-forward loops that determine either tolerogenic (LIF) or inflammatory (IL-6) immunity. Using LIF that is formulated in biodegradable nanoparticles (LIF-NP) and targeted to CD4+ T cells, the axis is harnessed towards immune tolerance. This has implications for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, where the clinical burden is immense. It encompasses more than 100 diseases and, in the USA alone, costs more than $100 billion in direct health care costs annually. Other properties of LIF include the promotion of healthy neuro-glial interactions within the central nervous system (CNS), where, in addition to MS, LIF-NP therapy is relevant to inflammatory neurodegenerative diseases that represent a large and increasing need within aging populations. Thirdly, LIF is a reparative growth factor that can maintain genomic plasticity. LIF-NP supports the use of stem cell-based therapies in regenerative medicine plus augment therapeutic benefits within the patient. These core properties of LIF are greatly amplified in value by the advantage of being formulated as nanoparticles, namely (i) targeted delivery, (ii) exploitation of endogenous regulatory pathways and (iii) creation of surrogate micro-stromal niches. We discuss LIF-NP as a means to harness endogenous pathways for the treatment of MS, both to reset immune self-tolerance and to promote repair of myelin that is required to support health within the nervous system.
Primary Bone Tumors: Epidemiologic Comparison of 9200 Patients Treated at Beijing Ji Shui Tan Hospital, Beijing, China, With 10 165 Patients at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
Authors: Niu Xiaohui , Xu Hairong , Inwards Carrie Y. , Li Yuan , Ding Yi , Letson G. Douglas , Bui Marilyn M.
Published: May 2015

Context

Although primary bone tumors are extremely rare, the literature suggests that there are variations in the epidemiologic characteristics in different populations. The most frequently cited epidemiologic characteristics of primary bone tumors are derived from a large US series (Mayo Clinic), with no comparable study thus far performed in China.

Objective

To identify any potential epidemiologic differences between Chinese patients and a US series of patients.

Design

We performed a comparison study between 9200 patients treated at Beijing Ji Shui Tan Hospital (JST) and 10 165 patients treated at Mayo Clinic (MC), Rochester Minnesota. Detailed epidemiologic features were analyzed.

Results

We found that giant cell tumor and osteosarcoma have significantly higher incidences in the JST than the MC patients (P < .001). However, JST patients had a significantly lower incidence of Ewing sarcoma, chordoma, fibrosarcoma, myeloma, and malignant lymphoma (P < .001). For most benign and malignant bone tumors, the Chinese cohort had a more distinct male predominance than the US cohort. Malignant bone tumors had a monomodal age distribution in the JST patient group, with a bimodal age distribution in the MC cohort. Also, there were was a predilection for tumors of the femur and tibia among the JST patients (P < .001).

Conclusions

Our data confirm that epidemiologic variations of primary bone tumors exist in different populations. Factors that may contribute to these observed differences are proposed and discussed.
Changing the Paradigm: Managing Water Throughout the Cycle for Total Water Solutions
Authors: Owen Douglas M.
Published: May 2015

Increased pressure on the global water supply from natural factors and human demand calls for a shift in attitude toward water and a new approach to how water is managed.
Grants: Money and Control
Authors: Fiveash John L.
Published: May 2015

A grant is a gift with strings attached. When one takes out a loan, there are terms to the loan, called loan covenants. They are assurances to the lender that the borrower will conduct their affairs in a certain way. Sometimes, loan covenants are worded exactly like grant assurances. Both loans and grants are funding sources; the difference is that loan covenants go away when the loan is paid, whereas grant assurances ‐ the “strings” ‐ rarely go away. Grants are designed that way. A grant trades money for control ‐ control of a project, an asset, or the way a grant recipient conducts some of its future affairs.
Direct Conversion of Cord Blood CD34+ Cells Into Neural Stem Cells by OCT4
Authors: Liao Wenbin , Huang Nick , Yu Jingxia , Jares Alexander , Yang Jianchang , Zieve Gary , Avila Cecilia , Jiang Xun , Zhang Xiao-Bing , Ma Yupo
Published: May 2015

Cellular reprogramming or conversion is a promising strategy to generate desired stem cell types from somatic cells. Neural stem cells (NSCs) have the potential to regenerate central nervous system tissue and repair damage in response to injury. However, NSCs are difficult to isolate from human tissues and expand in sufficient quantities for therapy. Here, we report a method to generate neural stem cells from cord blood CD34-positive cells by ectopic expression of OCT4 in a feeder-free system. The induced cells (iNSCs) show a characteristic NSC-like morphology and can be expanded in vitro for more than 20 passages. In addition, the iNSCs are positive for neural stem cell-specific markers such as Nestin and Musashi-1 and are similar in gene expression patterns to a human neural stem cell line. The iNSCs express distinct transcriptional factors for forebrain, hindbrain, and spinal cord regions. Upon differentiation, the iNSCs are able to commit into multilineage mature neural cells. Following in vivo introduction into NOD/SCID mice, iNSCs can survive and differentiate in the mouse brain 3 months post-transplantation. Alternatively, we were also able to derive iNSCs with an episomal vector expressing OCT4. Our results suggest a novel, efficient approach to generate neural precursor cells that can be potentially used in drug discovery or regenerative medicine for neurological disease and injury.

Significance

This study describes a novel method to generate expandable induced neural stem cells from human cord blood cells in a feeder-free system by a single factor, OCT4. The data are promising for future applications that require the generation of large amounts of autologous neural stem cells in disease modeling and regenerative medicine.
VU hidrometeorologijos specialybės studentų baigiamųjų darbų analizė klimato kaitos diskurso kontekste
Authors: Valiuškevičius Gintaras
Published: May 2015

Straipsnyje pateikiami 1994–2013 m. Vilniaus universiteto hidrometeorologijos studijų programos studentų baigiamųjų darbų struktūrą apibūdinančių charakteristikų analizės rezultatai. Kartu siekiama apibūdinti akademinio klimato kaitos diskurso specifiką. Nustatyta, kad nagrinėtų darbų tematika ir struktūra bei klimato kaitos sąvokos statusas juose tiriamuoju laikotarpiu pakito dėl informacinės ir technologinės plėtros. Rodikliai ypač pakito antroje laikotarpio pusėje: maždaug nuo 2003–2005 m. darbuose pradėta dažniau analizuoti meteorologijos-klimatologijos klausimus (anksčiau dominavo hidrologinės temos), naudoti stacionarių nuolatinių matavimų rezultatus, nagrinėti ilgesnes duomenų sekas, cituoti daugiau literatūros šaltinių anglų kalba. Tyrimas rodo, kad baigiamuosius darbus studentai linkę traktuoti kaip aukšto lygio specializuotus mokslinius tekstus ir juose vengia nepagrįstai vartoti savitus terminus. Dėl argumentų stygiaus terminas „klimato kaita“ dažniausiai vartojamas darbų įvade, dar nepradėjus nagrinėti konkrečių rezultatų.
The critical role of membralin in postnatal motor neuron survival and disease
Authors: Yang Bo , Qu Mingliang , Wang Rengang , Chatterton Jon E , Liu Xiao-Bo , Zhu Bing , Narisawa Sonoko , Millan Jose Luis , Nakanishi Nobuki , Swoboda Kathryn , Lipton Stuart A , Zhang Dongxian
Published: May 2015

Hitherto, membralin has been a protein of unknown function. Here, we show that membralin mutant mice manifest a severe and early-onset motor neuron disease in an autosomal recessive manner, dying by postnatal day 5–6. Selective death of lower motor neurons, including those innervating the limbs, intercostal muscles, and diaphragm, is predominantly responsible for this fatal phenotype. Neural expression of a membralin transgene completely rescues membralin mutant mice. Mechanistically, we show that membralin interacts with Erlin2, an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane protein that is located in lipid rafts and known to be important in ER-associated protein degradation (ERAD). Accordingly, the degradation rate of ERAD substrates is attenuated in cells lacking membralin. Membralin mutations or deficiency in mouse models induces ER stress, rendering neurons more vulnerable to cell death. Our study reveals a critical role of membralin in motor neuron survival and suggests a novel mechanism for early-onset motor neuron disease.
Projection neurons in Drosophila antennal lobes signal the acceleration of odor concentrations
Authors: Kim Anmo J , Lazar Aurel A , Slutskiy Yevgeniy B
Published: May 2015

Temporal experience of odor gradients is important in spatial orientation of animals. The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster exhibits robust odor-guided behaviors in an odor gradient field. In order to investigate how early olfactory circuits process temporal variation of olfactory stimuli, we subjected flies to precisely defined odor concentration waveforms and examined spike patterns of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) and projection neurons (PNs). We found a significant temporal transformation between OSN and PN spike patterns, manifested by the PN output strongly signaling the OSN spike rate and its rate of change. A simple two-dimensional model admitting the OSN spike rate and its rate of change as inputs closely predicted the PN output. When cascaded with the rate-of-change encoding by OSNs, PNs primarily signal the acceleration and the rate of change of dynamic odor stimuli to higher brain centers, thereby enabling animals to reliably respond to the onsets of odor concentrations.