bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) 4b/a Gene Polymorphisms and Coronary Artery Disease: Evidence from a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yang Yujiao , Du Kang , Liu Zhengxia , Lu Xiang
Published: May 2014

A variety of studies have suggested that the 4b/a polymorphism in the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) risk. However, the data remain conflicting. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to estimate the overall association between risk of CAD and eNOS 4b/a polymorphism. Case-control, cohort or cross-sectional studies evaluating the association between eNOS 4b/a polymorphism and CAD susceptibility were systematically identified in PubMed up to 31 October 2013. Pooled odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the association in overall and subgroup analyses. A total of 10,617 cases and 8302 controls from 37 studies were included in the study. The results of overall analysis revealed significant positive associations between CAD risk and eNOS 4b/a polymorphism in homozygote comparisons (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.16–1.87), heterozygote comparisons (OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.02–1.27) and dominant models (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.06–1.33). In subgroup analyses, similar associations were identified in African individuals, as determined using population-based source subgroups and noted in small-and-moderate sample size subgroups (case sample size or control sample size <500). The current meta-analysis revealed that eNOS 4b/a polymorphisms could be a risk factor for developing CAD, particularly in African populations and population-based subgroups.
Removal of Heavy Metal Ions with Acid Activated Carbons Derived from Oil Palm and Coconut Shells
Authors: Rahman Mokhlesur , Adil Mohd , Yusof Alias , Kamaruzzaman Yunus , Ansary Rezaul
Published: May 2014

In this work, batch adsorption experiments were carried out to investigate the suitability of prepared acid activated carbons in removing heavy metal ions such as nickel(II), lead(II) and chromium(VI). Acid activated carbons were obtained from oil palm and coconut shells using phosphoric acid under similar activation process while the differences lie either in impregnation condition or in both pretreatment and impregnation conditions. Prepared activated carbons were modified by dispersing hydrated iron oxide. The adsorption equilibrium data for nickel(II) and lead(II) were obtained from adsorption by the prepared and commercial activated carbons. Langmuir and Freundlich models fit the data well. Prepared activated carbons showed higher adsorption capacity for nickel(II) and lead(II). The removal of chromium(VI) was studied by the prepared acid activated, modified and commercial activated carbons at different pH. The isotherms studies reveal that the prepared activated carbon performs better in low concentration region while the commercial ones in the high concentration region. Thus, a complete adsorption is expected in low concentration by the prepared activated carbon. The kinetics data for Ni(II), Pb(II) and Cr(VI) by the best selected activated carbon fitted very well to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model.
The Relationship between Biofilm and Physical-Chemical Properties of Implant Abutment Materials for Successful Dental Implants
Authors: De Avila Erica , De Molon Rafael , Vergani Carlos , De Assis Mollo, Jr. Francisco , Salih Vehid
Published: May 2014

The aim of this review was to investigate the relationship between biofilm and peri-implant disease, with an emphasis on the types of implant abutment surfaces. Individuals with periodontal disease typically have a large amount of pathogenic microorganisms in the periodontal pocket. If the individuals lose their teeth, these microorganisms remain viable inside the mouth and can directly influence peri-implant microbiota. Metal implants offer a suitable solution, but similarly, these remaining bacteria can adhere on abutment implant surfaces, induce peri-implantitis causing potential destruction of the alveolar bone near to the implant threads and cause the subsequent loss of the implant. Studies have demonstrated differences in biofilm formation on dental materials and these variations can be associated with both physical and chemical characteristics of the surfaces. In the case of partially edentulous patients affected by periodontal disease, the ideal type of implant abutments utilized should be one that adheres the least or negligible amounts of periodontopathogenic bacteria. Therefore, it is of clinically relevance to know how the bacteria behave on different types of surfaces in order to develop new materials and/or new types of treatment surfaces, which will reduce or inhibit adhesion of pathogenic microorganisms, and, thus, restrict the use of the abutments with indication propensity for bacterial adhesion.
Fuzzy Pattern Classification Based Detection of Faulty Electronic Fuel Control (EFC) Valves Used in Diesel Engines
Authors: Tugsal Umut , Anwar Sohel
Published: May 2014

In this paper, we develop mathematical models of a rotary Electronic Fuel Control (EFC) valve used in a Diesel engine based on dynamic performance test data and system identification methodology in order to detect the faulty EFC valves. The model takes into account the dynamics of the electrical and mechanical portions of the EFC valves. A recursive least squares (RLS) type system identification methodology has been utilized to determine the transfer functions of the different types of EFC valves that were investigated in this study. Both in frequency domain and time domain methods have been utilized for this purpose. Based on the characteristic patterns exhibited by the EFC valves, a fuzzy logic based pattern classification method was utilized to evaluate the residuals and identify faulty EFC valves from good ones. The developed methodology has been shown to provide robust diagnostics for a wide range of EFC valves.
Bundle Block Adjustment of Airborne Three-Line Array Imagery Based on Rotation Angles
Authors: Zhang Yongjun , Zheng Maoteng , Huang Xu , Xiong Jinxin
Published: May 2014

In the midst of the rapid developments in electronic instruments and remote sensing technologies, airborne three-line array sensors and their applications are being widely promoted and plentiful research related to data processing and high precision geo-referencing technologies is under way. The exterior orientation parameters (EOPs), which are measured by the integrated positioning and orientation system (POS) of airborne three-line sensors, however, have inevitable systematic errors, so the level of precision of direct geo-referencing is not sufficiently accurate for surveying and mapping applications. Consequently, a few ground control points are necessary to refine the exterior orientation parameters, and this paper will discuss bundle block adjustment models based on the systematic error compensation and the orientation image, considering the principle of an image sensor and the characteristics of the integrated POS. Unlike the models available in the literature, which mainly use a quaternion to represent the rotation matrix of exterior orientation, three rotation angles are directly used in order to effectively model and eliminate the systematic errors of the POS observations. Very good experimental results have been achieved with several real datasets that verify the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed adjustment models.
Low Carbon Supplier Selection in the Hotel Industry
Authors: Hsu Chia-Wei , Kuo Tsai-Chi , Shyu Guey-Shin , Chen Pi-Shen
Published: May 2014

This study presents a model for evaluating the carbon and energy management performance of suppliers by using multiple-criteria decision-making (MCDM). By conducting a literature review and gathering expert opinions, 10 criteria on carbon and energy performance were identified to evaluate low carbon suppliers using the Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM). Subsequently, the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method was used to determine the importance of evaluation criteria in selecting suppliers and the causal relationships between them. The DEMATEL-based analytic network process (DANP) and VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) were adopted to evaluate the weights and performances of suppliers and to obtain a solution under each evaluation criterion. An illustrative example of a hotel company was presented to demonstrate how to select a low carbon supplier according to carbon and energy management. The proposed hybrid model can help firms become effective in facilitating low carbon supply chains in hotels.
Characterization of Cytomegalovirus Lung Infection in Non-HIV Infected Children
Authors: Restrepo-Gualteros Sonia , Jaramillo-Barberi Lina , Gonzalez-Santos Monica , Rodriguez-Martinez Carlos , Perez Geovanny , Gutierrez Maria , Nino Gustavo
Published: May 2014

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a prevalent pathogen in the immunocompromised host and invasive pneumonia is a feared complication of the virus in this population. In this pediatric case series we characterized CMV lung infection in 15 non-HIV infected children (median age 3 years; IQR 0.2–4.9 years), using current molecular and imaging diagnostic modalities, in combination with respiratory signs and symptoms. The most prominent clinical and laboratory findings included cough (100%), hypoxemia (100%), diffuse adventitious breath sounds (100%) and increased respiratory effort (93%). All patients had abnormal lung images characterized by ground glass opacity/consolidation in 80% of cases. CMV was detected in the lung either by CMV PCR in bronchoalveolar lavage (82% detection rate) or histology/immunohistochemistry in lung biopsy (100% detection rate). CMV caused respiratory failure in 47% of children infected and the overall mortality rate was 13.3%. Conclusion: CMV pneumonia is a potential lethal disease in non-HIV infected children that requires a high-index of suspicion. Common clinical and radiological patterns such as hypoxemia, diffuse adventitious lung sounds and ground-glass pulmonary opacities may allow early identification of CMV lung infection in the pediatric population, which may lead to prompt initiation of antiviral therapy and better clinical outcomes.
Response of Vegetables to Cadmium-Enriched Soil
Authors: Bakhshayesh Babak , Delkash Madjid , Scholz Miklas
Published: May 2014

Environmental and water pollution through heavy metals is a growing concern. The recycling of untreated wastewater, which is often contaminated with heavy metals, for agricultural applications is becoming more popular. However, information on the amount of absorption and accumulation of cadmium (Cd) at variable concentrations by different crops is limited. This study aims to analyze the impact of various Cd concentrations (0, 30, 60 and 120 mg/kg) in the root zone on the quantity of its absorption as well as accumulation in various parts of seven different types of common vegetables. The experiments were carried out under laboratory-like controlled conditions. Four treatments and three replicates were selected. Cadmium accumulation exceeded the permissible limits for human consumption, and its accumulation in different plant parts followed this order: Leaves: broccoli > spinach > basil > garlic > carrot > tarragon > dill. Stems: broccoli > spinach > basil > garlic > tarragon > carrot > dill. Roots: broccoli > garlic > basil > spinach > carrot > dill > tarragon. Therefore, the authors recommend the reuse of treated wastewater, which should be virtually free of contaminants such as heavy metals, to irrigate farm lands in the future.
Improved Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Isolation
Authors: Chan Tzu-Min , Harn Horng-Jyh , Lin Hui-Ping , Chou Pei-Wen , Chen Julia Yi-Ru , Ho Tsung-Jung , Chiou Tzyy-Wen , Chuang Hong-Meng , Chiu Shao-Chih , Chen Yen-Chung , Yen Ssu-Yin , Huang Mao-Hsuan , Liang Bing-Chiang , Lin Shinn-Zong
Published: May 2014

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are currently available for a range of applications and benefits and have become a good material for regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and disease therapy. Before ex vivo expansion, isolation and characterization of primary hMSCs from peripheral tissues are key steps for obtaining adequate materials for clinical application. The proportion of peripheral stem cells is very low in surrounding tissues and organs; thus the recovery ratio will be a limiting factor. In this review, we summarized current common methods used to isolate peripheral stem cells, as well as the new insights revealed to improve the quantity of stem cells and their stemness. These strategies offer alternative ways to acquire hMSCs in a convenient and/or effective manner, which is important for clinical treatments. Improved isolation and mass amplification of the hMSCs while ensuring their stemness and quantity will be an important step for clinical use. Enlarged suitable hMSCs are more clinically applicable for therapeutic transplants and may help people live longer and better.
Umbilical Cord Blood: A Trustworthy Source of Multipotent Stem Cells for Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Jaing Tang-Her
Published: May 2014

It is conservatively estimated that one in three individuals in the US might benefit from regenerative medicine therapy. However, the relation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) to human blastocysts always stirs ethical, political, moral, and emotional debate over their use in research. Thus, for the reasonably foreseeable future, the march of regenerative medicine to the clinic will depend upon the development of non-ESC therapies. Current sources of non-ESCs easily available in large numbers can be found in the bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord blood (UCB). UCB provides an immune-compatible source of stem cells for regenerative medicine. Owing to inconsistent results, it is certainly an important and clinically relevant question whether UCB will prove to be therapeutically effective. This review will show that UCB contains multiple populations of multipotent stem cells, capable of giving rise to hematopoietic, epithelial, endothelial, and neural tissues both in vitro and in vivo. Here we raise the possibility that due to unique immunological properties of both the stem cell and non-stem cell components of cord blood, it may be possible to utilize allogeneic cells for regenerative applications without needing to influence or compromise the recipient immune system.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine for Musculoskeletal Diseases: Bench, Bedside, and Industry
Authors: Wei Chih-Chang , Lin Andrew Boyd , Hung Shih-Chieh
Published: May 2014

Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can self-renew and differentiate into osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes. MSCs have effectively emerged as a promising tool for clinical applications, specifically in musculoskeletal diseases. This article reviews the status of preclinical animal studies, clinical trials, and the efforts of the industry in using MSCs to treat musculoskeletal diseases such as bone fractures, bone defects, focal chondral lesions, osteoarthritis, spinal diseases, and tendon injuries. We also discuss the current problems encountered and potential of using MSCs in future clinical studies.
Salvianolic Acid B Maintained Stem Cell Pluripotency and Increased Proliferation Rate by Activating Jak2–Stat3 Combined with EGFR–Erk1/2 Pathways
Authors: Liu Chia Hui , Shyu Woei-Cherng , Fu Ru-Huei , Huang Shyh-Jer , Chang Cheng-Hsuan , Huang Yu-Chuen , Chen Shih-Yin , Lin Shinn-Zong , Liu Shih-Ping
Published: May 2014

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are considered the most powerful in terms of differentiating into three-germ-layer cells. However, maintaining self-renewing ESCs and iPSCs in vitro requires leukemia-induced factor (LIF), an expensive reagent. Here we describe a less expensive compound that may serve as a LIF substitute—salvianolic acid B (Sal B), a Salvia miltiorrhiza extract. We found that Sal B is capable of upregulating Oct4 and Sox2, two genes considered important for the maintenance of ESC pluripotency. Our MTT data indicate that instead of triggering cell death, Sal B induced cell proliferation, especially at optimum concentrations of 0.01 nM and 0.1 nM. Other results indicate that compared to non-LIF controls, Sal B-treated ESCs expressed higher levels of several stem cell markers while still maintaining differentiation into three-germ-layer cells after six passages. Further, we found that Sal B triggers the Jak2–Stat3 and EGFR–ERK1/2 signaling pathways. Following Sal B treatment, (a) levels of phosphorylated (p)-Jak2, p-Stat3, p-EGFR, and p-ERK proteins all increased; (b) these increases were suppressed by AG490 (a Jak2 inhibitor) and ZD1839 (an EGFR inhibitor); and (c) cytokines associated with the Jak2–Stat3 signaling pathway were upregulated. Our findings suggest that Sal B can be used as a LIF replacement for maintaining ESC pluripotency while increasing cell proliferation.
The Use of ADSCs as a Treatment for Chronic Stroke
Authors: Chan Tzu-Min , Harn Horng-Jyh , Lin Hui-Ping , Chiu Shao-Chih , Lin Po-Cheng , Wang Hsin-I , Ho Li-Ing , Chuu Chih-Pin , Chiou Tzyy-Wen , Hsieh An-Cheng , Chen Yu-Wen , Ho Wen-Yu , Lin Shinn-Zong
Published: May 2014

Stroke is one of the disorders for which clinically effective therapeutic modalities are most needed, and numerous ways have been explored to attempt to investigate their feasibilities. However, ischemic- or hemorrhagicinduced inflammatory neuron death causes irreversible injuries and infarction regions, and there are currently no truly effective drugs available as therapy. It is therefore urgent to be able to provide a fundamental treatment method to regenerate neuronal brain cells, and therefore, the use of stem cells for curing chronic stroke could be a major breakthrough development. In this review, we describe the features and classification of stroke and focus on the benefits of adipose tissue-derived stem cells and their applications in stroke animal models. The results show that cell-based therapies have resulted in significant improvements in neuronal behaviors and functions through different molecular mechanisms, and no safety problems have so far arisen after transplantation. Further, we propose a clinical possibility to create a homing niche by reducing the degree of invasive intracerebroventricular transplantation and combining it with continuous intravenous administration to achieve a complete cure.
Plasma-Depleted versus Red Cell-Reduced Umbilical Cord Blood
Authors: Young Wise
Published: May 2014

Umbilical cord blood banks use two methods to store frozen umbilical cord blood (UCB): red cell reduction (RCR) or plasma depletion (PD). The RCR method centrifuges cord blood in hetastarch or albumin to isolate 21 ml of cord blood containing mostly white blood cells, adds 4 ml of 50% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and then freezes the resulting 25 ml of cell suspension. The PD method removes plasma, saves all the cells, and freezes the cells in 10% DMSO. PD UCB units are cheaper to process but more expensive to store and somewhat more troublesome to thaw. However, when properly thawed and washed, PD UCB units have as many or more total nucleated cells (TNCs), CD34+ cells, and colony-forming units (CFU) than RCR units. Two studies suggest that PD units have 20–25% more TNCs, MNCs, and CD34+ cells, as well as two to three times more CFU than RCR units. Higher TNC, CD34+, and CFU counts predict engraftment rate with faster neutrophil and platelet recovery. PD units have high engraftment rates with low mortality and high disease-free survival, comparable with clinical results of treatments with RCR units. One recent series of studies suggests that PD units are more effective for treating thalassemia with 2-year survival rates of 88%, disease-free survival rates of 74%, and 100% cure rate for children under age 7, compared to only 61% overall survival and 23% disease-free survival rate in thalassemic children treated with RCR units. These findings suggest that PD units not only have more TNCs, CD34+ cells, and CFU than RCR units but also have high engraftment rates and may be more effective for treating certain conditions such as β-thalassemia.
Sustained Running in Rats Administered Corticosterone Prevents the Development of Depressive Behaviors and Enhances Hippocampal Neurogenesis and Synaptic Plasticity without Increasing Neurotrophic Factor Levels
Authors: Yau Suk-Yu , Li Ang , Zhang En-Dong , Christie Brian R. , Xu Aimin , Lee Tatia M. C. , So Kwok-Fai
Published: May 2014

We have previously shown that voluntary running acts as an anxiolytic and ameliorates deficits in hippocampal neurogenesis and spatial learning. It also reduces depression-like behaviors that are normally observed in rats that were administered either low (30 mg/kg) or moderate (40 mg/kg) doses of corticosterone (CORT). However, the protective effects of running were absent in rats treated with a high (50 mg/kg) dose of CORT. We examined whether allowing animals to exercise for 2 weeks prior and/or concurrently with the administration of 50 mg/kg CORT treatment could have similar protective effects. We examined hippocampal neurogenesis using immuno-histochemical staining of proliferative and survival cells with the thymidine analogs (BrdU, CIdU, and IdU). In addition, we monitored synaptic protein expression and quantified the levels of neurotrophic factors in these animals as well as performing behavioral analyses (forced swim test and sucrose preference test). Our results indicate that the depressive phenotype and reductions in neurogenesis that normally accompany high CORT administration could only be prevented by allowing animals to exercise both prior to and concurrently with the CORT administration period. These animals also showed increases in both synaptophysin and PSD-95 protein levels, but surprisingly, neither brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) nor insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels were increased in these animals. The results suggest that persistent exercise can strengthen resilience to stress by promoting hippocampal neurogenesis and increasing synaptic protein levels, thereby reducing the deleterious effects of stress.
The Potential Therapeutic Applications of Olfactory Ensheathing Cells in Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Chou Ruey-Hwang , Lu Cheng-You , Wei-Lee  , Fan Jia-Rong , Yu Yung-Luen , Shyu Woei-Cherng
Published: May 2014

Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) are unique glia cells restricted to the primary olfactory system including the olfactory mucosa, olfactory nerve, and the outer nerve layer of the olfactory bulb. OECs guide growing olfactory axons from the neurons of the nasal cavity olfactory mucosa to the olfactory bulb to connect both the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS). Based on these specialized abilities of OECs, transplantation of OECs to injury sites has been widely investigated for their potential therapeutic applications in neural repair in different injuries. In this article, we reviewed the properties of OECs and their roles in olfactory regeneration and in treatment of different injuries including spinal cord injury, PNS injury, and stroke and neurodegenerative diseases.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in Byrsonima cydoniifolia (Malpighiaceae) and cross‐amplification in B. crassifolia
Authors: Bernardes Vanessa , dos Anjos Daniela Elaine , Gondim Sara Giselle de Cássia Alexandre , Murakami Devanir Mitsuyuki , Bizão Nair , Telles Mariana Pires de Campos
Published: May 2014

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed and characterized in Byrsonima cydoniifolia (Malpighiaceae) to allow further investigation of genetic variation in natural populations. Cross‐amplification was tested in the related species B. crassifolia.

• Methods and Results: Seventeen microsatellite markers were isolated by a microsatellite‐enriched library protocol. Fourteen polymorphic and three monomorphic loci were identified in B. cydoniifolia. The mean number of alleles in the three populations were 6.5, 6.5, and 8.2, ranging from three to 17 for different loci and populations. Mean observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.706 and 0.727, respectively. The fixation index was close to zero for all but two loci. Nine microsatellite loci were successfully cross‐amplified in B. crassifolia.

• Conclusions: This new set of microsatellite markers will be a useful tool for genetic studies of B. cydoniifolia, supporting strategies for maintaining the genetic diversity of this species and possibly that of many related species.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in Fimbristylis sericea (Cyperaceae)1
Authors: Yamauchi Satoka , Ohsako Takanori
Published: May 2014

• Premise of the study: We developed microsatellite markers for Fimbristylis sericea, a coastal herb found in sand dunes in Asia and Australia.

• Methods and Results: Twelve microsatellite loci were isolated, and the genetic variability within and among local populations was characterized. The number of alleles per locus was two to five with a mean of 3.5, total expected heterozygosity per locus was 0.069–0.645 with a mean of 0.336, and average expected heterozygosity within a population per locus was 0.051–0.230. Most of the loci deviated significantly from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium.

• Conclusions: All 12 microsatellite loci were polymorphic within and among populations. These loci could be useful genetic markers for population genetic studies of F. sericea populations.
Theoretical studies on the intramolecular cyclization of 2,4,6-t-Bu3C6H2P=C: and effects of conjugation between the P=C and aromatic moieties
Authors: Yoshifuji Masaaki , Ito Shigekazu
Published: May 2014

The intramolecular C–H insertion of the Mes*-substituted phosphanylidenecarbene [Mes*P=C:] (Mes* = 2,4,6-t-Bu3C6H2) and physicochemical properties of the cyclized product, 6,8-di-tert-butyl-3,4-dihydro-4,4-dimethyl-1-phosphanaphthalene were studied based on ab initio calculations. Whereas the alternative Fritsch–Buttenberg–Wiechell-type rearrangement requires almost no activation energy, the intramolecular cyclization needs an activation energy of 12.3 kcal/mol at the MP2(full)/6-31G(d) condition. DFT calculations supported that the optimized structure of the cyclization product of Mes*P=C: suggests remarkable conjugation effects between the nearly coplanar P=C skeleton and the aryl moiety.
Abundance and Distribution of Mangrove Landbirds in Florida
Authors: Lloyd John D. , Slater Gary L.
Published: May 2014

Florida's mangroves provide habitat for an eclectic mix of bird species, including five taxa rarely found elsewhere in North America. Little is known of the natural history of any of these birds, which poses an obstacle to effective conservation. To help fill some of the basic gaps in our understanding of this avifauna, we conducted extensive surveys in Florida's mangroves during 2008–2011, with the goals of quantifying distribution and estimating breeding-season abundance of mangrove landbirds. We detected 80 species in the mangroves during the breeding season; most were species in Passeriformes (n  =  29), but other important taxa included Ciconiiformes (n  =  13) and Charadriiformes (n  =  12). We focused our analysis on the 18 landbird species (including members of Falconiformes, Columbiformes, Cuculiformes, Piciformes, and Passeriformes) that had >90 detections and that were detected at >5% of the survey points. The landbird avifauna of Florida's mangroves is lower in both species richness and total number of individuals than other vegetation types of southern Florida. The breeding assemblage of mangrove landbirds was dominated numerically by four species that accounted for 58% of all detections of landbirds (this same group accounted for 52% of detections of all species encountered): red-bellied woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus, northern cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis, Florida prairie warbler Setophaga discolor paludicola, and white-eyed vireo Vireo griseus. Only Florida prairie warbler is restricted to mangroves; the other three species are common throughout much of eastern North America. Each of these species was also widely distributed in the mangroves. Of the other species unique to the mangroves of Florida, black-whiskered vireo Vireo altiloquus was widespread but was less abundant than Florida prairie warbler. White-crowned pigeon Patagioenas leucocephala, gray kingbird Tyrannus dominicensis, and Cuban yellow warbler Setophaga petechia gundlachi were detected only in the Florida Keys and on the islands of Florida Bay, but were found in high densities where present. Mangrove cuckoo Coccyzus minor was found throughout the mangroves but occurred at very low density and at only a small percentage of survey points. Overall, mangrove landbirds reflect the biogeographic condition common throughout southern Florida, in which largely temperate faunas coexist with largely tropical floras. The predominance of temperate species in Florida's mangroves has produced an avifauna apparently more species-rich than that found in the mangroves of West Indian islands, which include additional tropical species but no species of temperate origin.
The Challenges of Obtaining Credible Data for Transportation Security Modeling
Authors: Campo Matt , Greenberg Michael , Mayer Henry , Lowrie Karen
Published: May 2014

The National Transportation Security Center of Excellence (NTSCOE) was established in August 2007 to develop new approaches to defend, protect, and increase the resilience of the nation's multi-modal transportation infrastructure, and to create education and training programs for transportation security. The Center for Transportation Safety, Security, and Risk (CTSSR) at Rutgers University, an NTSCOE institution, developed models that address multi-modal resilience of freight and transit transportation networks. Data collection processes for each project presented significant hurdles for the research team in developing credible and accurate modeling tools. For any given data need, the potential exists for data gaps, collection, and processing errors, publication and use restrictions, and the need to obtain the most timely information. These challenges must be foreseen by researchers and practitioners in order to better accommodate potential restrictions on both data collection and dissemination while still providing users with a tool that improves decision making.
Command, Control, and Interoperability Center for Advanced Data Analysis
Authors: Nkwanta Asamoah , Barber Janet E.
Published: May 2014

The purpose of this chapter is to summarize and give an overview of the educational and research programs of the Command, Control, and Interoperability Center for Advanced Data Analysis (CCICADA) in an integral way. CCICADA is based at Rutgers University and is one of the components of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Center of Excellence (COE) Center for Visualization and Data Analytics (CVADA). CVADA is co-led by Rutgers University and Purdue University. Purdue's Visual Analytics for Command, Control, and Interoperability Environments (VACCINE) Center and Rutgers University's CCICADA Center were established as a DHS Homeland Security Center of Excellence in 2009. Although Purdue's focus is on visualization sciences, and Rutgers' focus is on data sciences, these two CVADA components are working closely on a number of activities, projects, and programs (Command, Control, and Interoperability Center for Advanced Data Analysis, 2013).
Maritime Security Summer Research Institute
Authors: Austin-DeFares Beth , Pullen Julie , Bunin Barry
Published: May 2014

In its efforts to respond to national workforce imperatives and central to its mission as a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Center of Excellence in Port Security, the Center for Secure and Resilient Maritime Commerce (CSR), led by Stevens Institute of Technology, has created an intensive summer research program tailored to undergraduate and graduate-level students. The Summer Research Institute (SRI) is designed to engage multidisciplinary student teams in rigorous, hands-on research in collaboration with the Center's researchers and industry and government partners. The research fields include maritime security, remote sensing technologies, emergency response and management, and Marine Transportation System (MTS) resilience. The program aims to enhance the professional development of students while increasing their interest in advanced academic study and careers in the maritime/homeland security domain.
Visual Analytics for Students and Teachers (VAST) Model at a Minority Serving Institution
Authors: Akers Timothy , Nyarko Kofi , Gwynn Douglas , Larkin Willie D.
Published: May 2014

This chapter focuses on a model for the teaching and learning of STEM by undergraduate students, teachers, and faculty at Morgan State University that focuses on visual analytics. This project represents an interdisciplinary approach to the teaching and learning of STEM at a Minority Serving Institution funded by the Department of Homeland Security. The chapter also outlines salient strategies associated with challenges at the university. In addition, the chapter discusses partnerships developed with Visual Analytics for Command, Control, and Interoperability Environments (VACCINE), a DHS Center for Excellence at Purdue University that supports DHS priority research in the area of visual analytics.
Critical Infrastructure Higher Education Initiative
Authors: Smith Kendal
Published: May 2014

As an essential element of homeland security, critical infrastructure protection requires a professional, highly educated workforce and community of leaders at all levels of government and in the private sector. Yet there are few structured and comprehensive higher education programs in critical infrastructure protection. This case study reviews an education initiative that partners the U.S. Department of Homeland Security with the Center for Infrastructure Protection and Homeland Security at the George Mason University School of Law in an effort to develop and distribute critical infrastructure protection courses and materials that will become part of a comprehensive, unified approach to homeland security education.
Homeland Security Information Technology and Engineering (ITE) Professional Development Training for Educators in Urban High Schools
Authors: Wright Brown Cecelia
Published: May 2014

This chapter focuses on an Information Technology and Engineering (ITE) professional development training project designed to increase the number of teachers in an urban school district with proficient skills, tools, and content knowledge in computer/information technology, engineering technology, and technical certifications that will support students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Through this process, high school teachers will use tools, resources, and training to understand homeland security issues and career opportunities for students in their schools. A cohort of STEM teachers from an urban school district located in Baltimore City participated in a professional development workshop that included information technology, engineering, and homeland defense education to support students pursuing technical careers in these areas. The training addressed deficiencies in content knowledge of homeland security issues and research linked to the high school STEM curriculum homeland security career opportunities available to high school students. The overall goal of the ITE profession development training was designed to increase the technical proficiency of STEM teachers in urban high schools serving historically underserved students to support students in Information Technology (IT), engineering, and homeland security careers, thus nurturing a homeland security science and engineering workforce.
Conclusion
Authors: Peters Kevin A. , Wright Brown Cecelia , Nyarko Kofi
Published: May 2014

The previous chapters in this book demonstrate how collaborative research linked to DHS Centers for Excellence support the overall mission of DHS, while at the same time support research by faculty and students at institutions of higher education. The value added and success of these programs highlight the importance of developing effective partnerships that can lead to quality research experiences for faculty, students, and teachers. In addition, the research highlighted stresses the importance of developing a strong workforce that begins long before students make the transition to institutions of higher learning. It is important that early career faculty researchers, experienced researchers, as well as undergraduate and graduate students understand DHS research priority areas that can effectively support the overall mission of DHS. The collaborative research that is linked to other federal and state agencies is important in addressing complex security issues that have an impact on the general public.
Collaborative BIM Learning via an Academia-Industry Partnership
Authors: Thomas Ken , Chisholm Gordon , Dempsey Brian , Graham Brian , Stubbs Robin
Published: May 2014

This paper focuses on a joint academia-industry Building Information Modeling (BIM) partnership in Ireland. The partnership was based on €3 million design and build project that was developed via a tender process in late 2012 using 'traditional' technology (including 2D CAD). The successful tender was led by Clancy Construction and their team gave the tender information to Waterford Institute of Technology for a student BIM project to be completed in the second semester of the 2012/13 academic year (January to May). The students were a mix of Architectural Technology, Construction Management and Quantity Surveying. As part of their scheduled semester modules they developed a BIM model of the proposed building. The industry partners continued to develop the 'real' design and build project in parallel with the student BIM project. At the end of the semester a full presentation by the students of their project was made to the design and build team. The paper reviews the general context of BIM in AEC Education and the associated role of academia-industry partnerships. An overview of both the industry design and build project and the student BIM project is also included and the associated lessons learned are identified. The paper concludes with an overview of the 2013/14 BIM related plans at Waterford Institute of Technology, including the extension to the academia-industry partnership agreement for everyone's benefit.
Prioritization of Design Requirements for Quality Engineering Education
Authors: Venkatasubbaiah K. , Shekhar N. Chandra , Kandukuri Narayana Rao
Published: May 2014

The educational institutions must strive to impart quality education and have to create greater satisfaction in their customer group. Quality Function Deployment (QFD) which is a customer driven tool in implementing Total Quality Management (TQM) helps to accomplish this task. One of the phases in QFD methodology is known as House of Quality (HoQ), which is concerned with translating the voice of customer into design requirements by stakeholders. Design requirements will determine how the customer needs are to be fulfilled. This paper presents an integrated methodology (HoQ-ANP) to translate Voices of Customer (VoC) or customer needs (CNs) into design requirements (DRs) and to determine the importance weights of DRs by considering the complex dependency relationships between and within Customer needs and DRs for total quality in engineering education. In order to deal with the vagueness, uncertainty and diversity in dependency relationships fuzzy set theory and group decision-making technique are used to determine the priority structure of CNs, inner dependence among Customer Needs (CNs), Inner dependence among DRs and inter-relationship between CNs & DRs. Prioritization of design requirements for quality engineering education is determined through a case study by employing HoQ-ANP methodology.
Business Process Reengineering (BPR) Key Success Factors
Authors: Hussein Bassam , Dayekh Ayman
Published: May 2014

Several authors and researchers have questioned the effectiveness of business process reengineering (BPR) as a holistic organizational approach especially after the demise of giant organizations all over the world. However, at a time of economic turbulence and uncertainty, BPR becomes instrumental in helping organizations reengineer existing processes and optimize them to better stay competitive and accelerate business. This paper addresses this criticism and proposes a framework that encompasses key factors that must be considered in any BPR initiative in order to ensure its success. As well as providing executives with a practical guide to consult when starting, planning, implementing and controlling the different activities needed to complete a reengineering project. The paper also identifies and elaborates on the key success BPR factors: 1) Organization wide commitment, 2) BPR team composition, 3) Business needs analysis, 4) Adequate IT infrastructure, 5) Effective change management, and 6) Ongoing continuous improvement. These key factors are presented in light of supporting literature.
BAHUI
Authors: Song Wei , Liu Yu , Li Jinhong
Published: May 2014

Mining high utility itemsets is one of the most important research issues in data mining owing to its ability to consider nonbinary frequency values of items in transactions and different profit values for each item. Although a number of relevant approaches have been proposed in recent years, they incur the problem of producing a large number of candidate itemsets for high utility itemsets. In this paper, the authors propose an efficient algorithm, namely BAHUI (Bitmap-based Algorithm for High Utility Itemsets), for mining high utility itemsets with bitmap database representation. In BAHUI, bitmap is used vertically and horizontally. On the one hand, BAHUI exploits a divide-and-conquer approach to visit itemset lattice by using bitmap vertically. On the other hand, BAHUI horizontally uses bitmap to calculate the real utilities of candidates. Using bitmap compression scheme, BAHUI reduces the memory usage and makes use of the efficient bitwise operation. Furthermore, BAHUI only records candidate high utility itemsets with maximal length, and inherits the pruning and searching strategies from maximal itemset mining problem. Extensive experimental results show that the BAHUI algorithm is both efficient and scalable.
Deductive Data Warehouses
Authors: Rabuzin Kornelije
Published: May 2014

This paper presents the idea of deductive data warehouses. Deductive data warehouses rely on deductive databases but instead of a database in the background a data warehouse is used. The authors show how Datalog (as a logic programming language) can be used to perform OLAP analysis on data. Since data warehouses don't use all the technologies that databases do (locking, transactions, integrity constraints, etc., which are not relevant in this context), some things are different and simpler then when working with deductive databases. The authors demonstrate the idea on an example and the authors show that Datalog rules can be used to perform OLAP analysis on data.
Modeling Carrier Interactions in an International Freight Transport System
Authors: Lee Hyangsook , Boile Maria , Theofanis Sotirios
Published: May 2014

This paper presents a novel multi-level hierarchical approach which models carrier interactions in international maritime freight transportation networks. Ocean carriers, land carriers and port terminal operators are considered. Port terminal operators, providing transportation services within a port complex, are regarded as a special type of the carrier, based on their behavior. The carriers make pricing and routing decisions at different parts of the multimodal network, having hierarchical relationships. Ocean carriers are regarded as the leaders in a maritime shipping market. Port terminal operators are the followers of ocean carriers as well as the leaders of land carriers. The individual carrier problem is formulated at each level using Nash equilibrium to find the optimal service charge and routing pattern for which each carrier obtains the greatest profit. Interactions among different types of carriers are captured in a three-level model. The concept of multi-leader-follower game is applied to a multi-level game. A numerical example is used to demonstrate the validity of the developed three-level model.
Identifying the Strengths and Concerns of OpenCourseware Design
Authors: Chang Chia-Yu , Hong Huang-Yao
Published: May 2014

This qualitative, exploratory study investigated the design strengths and concerns of OpenCourseware (OCW) for higher education based on user experience, using the translated Chinese website of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology OCW as a venue for exploration (http://www.myoops.org/twocw/mit/index.htm). Forty-two college students, professors, and e-learning experts in Taiwan were recruited to assess the usefulness of the OCW for learning and teaching on this website. Semi-structured, hour-long interviews were conducted. Fourteen factors – including nine strengths and five concerns – that influence the degree of effectiveness of the design and implementation of OCW were identified and discussed with reference to three major design aspects (technological, curricular, and pedagogical). The implications for better design and use of OCW as an open educational resource (OER) were discussed.
An Unusual Cause of Breast Lump: Isolated Tuberculosis of the Breast
Authors: Pal Partha , Patra Sisir Kumar , Ray Sayantan
Published: May 2014

A 60-year-old woman presented with a painful lump of 4 months duration in her right breast. She denied any history of breast trauma or family history of breast cancer. Physical examination detected a firm, tender mass in the upper inner quadrant of her right breast without an associated sinus tract. Cytology from fine-needle aspiration of the swelling showed epithelioid cells, lymphohistocytic aggregates, and necrosis. Diagnosis was confirmed by the identification of acid-fast bacilli in tissue sections using Ziehl-Neelsen staining.
Neglected Parasitic Infections in the United States: Chagas Disease
Authors: Montgomery Susan P. , Starr Michelle C. , Cantey Paul T. , Edwards Morven S. , Meymandi Sheba K.
Published: May 2014

Chagas disease, which is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, can lead to severe cardiac and gastrointestinal disease. Most persons acquire this infection through contact with vector bugs carrying T. cruzi in endemic areas of Latin America. Infection can also be acquired by congenital, transfusion, transplantation, and foodborne transmission. Although an estimated 300,000 persons with Chagas disease live in the United States, little is known about the burden of chagasic heart disease. It is not known how often congenital or vector-borne transmission of T. cruzi occurs in the United States, although it is known that infected mothers and infected vector bugs are found in this country. Better diagnostic tests and treatment drugs are needed to improve patient care, and research is needed to define transmission risks and develop strategies to prevent new infections and reduce the burden of disease.