bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic modalities x-ray and CT chest differ in the management of thoracic injury
Authors: Chapagain D , Reddy DJ , Shah S , Shrestha KG
Published: June 2015

Objective: To observe difference in the management of blunt trauma to the chest on the basis of conventional xray and computerised tomography of the chest. Methods: This prospective study was conducted between December 2011 to October 2012 in COMS in Bharatpur,a tertiary referral centre in central Nepal . Clinically stable thoracic injury patients were first evaluated with chest x-ray and the management on this basis was recorded. The findings of the CT chest were assessed and the type of management on the basis of CT was also recorded. Outcome was assessed in terms of mortality, morbidity, hospital and ICU stay with respect to the management on the basis of chest x-ray and CT scan. Results: Of the 129 patients, 74.4% were male and 25.6% were female with the patients ranging in age from 7 to 87 years (mean = 40.41 years). The most common mechanism of trauma to the chest was as a result of a motor vehicle accident (69.8%), followed by fall injury (20.2%). X-ray chest diagnosed rib fracture in 62%, haemothorax in 37%, pneumothorax in 27%, lung contusion in 10% and haemopneumothorax in 21% patients. Similarly CT chest diagnosed rib fracture in 86%, haemothorax in 54%, pneumothorax in 36%, lung contusion in 30% and haemopneumothorax in 30% patients. Mean hospital stay was 9.5 days in the group of patients having management on the basis of x-ray chest relative to mean stay of 10.2 days in the CT- chest group. In the management on the basis of xray group, there was a mean ICU stay of 2.8days compared to mean stays of 3.2 days in CT chest group. Conclusion: Though CT scan of the chest is more informative and differs the management of the blunt chest trauma, one should not forget to advise the cost effective, easily available and initial guiding agent, xray chest for early management of the chest injury patient. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v10i1.12764 Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2014, Vol.10(1); 22-31
Prevalence of palate-gingival groove in patients of Dhulikhel Hospital
Authors: Shreshta D , Humagain M , Swastika S
Published: June 2015

Background: Palato-gingival groove is a rare developmental anomaly leading to pulpal and periodontal diseases. Radicular extensions of these grooves are areas for plaque accumulation which are difficult to clean. Its clinical and radiographic findings mimic endo-perio lesions leading to diagnostic dilemma, ineffective treatment attempts and treatment failures. Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of coronal and radicular palato-gingival groove in dental patients visiting Dhulikhel Hospital and its association with gingival disease. Methods: Patients (N=231) visiting dental out-patient department of Dhulikhel Hospital, were examined for the presence or absence of palato-gingival groove in maxillary anteriors. Loe and Silness Gingival index was also recorded for all the patients using University of North Caroline-15 periodontal probe. Chisquare test was used to test the association of the presence of palato-gingival groove and gingival disease. P value of <0.05 was considered to be significant. Results: A total of 1362 maxillary anterior teeth were included in the study. The prevalence of coronal palatogingival groove among 1362 teeth was 6.6%. Coronal palato-gingival grooves were more common in females (56.6%) than in male (43.3%) patients. Prevalence of radicular groove was only 0.88% for lateral incisors and 0.2% for canines. There was no significant association between palate-gingival groove and gingival disease (P=0.91). Conclusion: The prevalence of palato-gingival groove is common in dental patients visiting Dhulikhel Hospital. Gingival disease is not significantly associated with palate-gingival groove. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v10i1.12765 Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2014, Vol.10(1); 32-36
Effects of radar side-lobes on snow depth retrievals from Operation IceBridge
Authors: Kwok R. , Haas C.
Published: June 2015

Arctic snow depth data products from four years (2009–12) of Operation IceBridge (OIB) surveys are examined. In our analysis, we found spurious spikes in the snow depth distributions of both the multi-year and seasonal ice covers. These spikes are artifacts that stem from the incorrect identification of side lobes and main lobes of the impulse response of the snow radar as returns from the air–snow interface. The current OIB snow depth retrieval algorithm does not explicitly account for the presence of these side lobes and main lobes. As a result, overall accuracy of snow depth returns and related statistics is negatively affected. Although the range locations of these side lobes are predictable for each radar installation, they vary with individual airborne campaigns. Comparisons with limited in situ snow surveys show significant differences of >20 cm between OIB and in situ snow surveys. These artifacts affect OIB ice thickness estimates because they rely on estimates of sea-ice freeboard, which are calculated as the differences between coincident snow freeboard from lidar elevations and the retrieved snow depth estimates discussed here. Since these products are widely distributed to the scientific community, our results suggest that earlier geophysical studies based on these products may need to be re-examined.
New long-term mass-balance series for the Swiss Alps
Authors: Huss Matthias , Dhulst Laurie , Bauder Andreas
Published: June 2015

In this study we present 19 new or re-analysed series of glacier-wide seasonal mass balance for the Swiss Alps based on direct measurements. The records partly start around 1920 and continue until today. Previously unpublished and unevaluated observations of point winter and annual balance are compiled from various sources and archives. These highly valuable datasets have not yet been consistently evaluated and were thus unavailable to the scientific community. Using distributed modelling for spatial interpolation and extrapolation and homogenization of the point measurements, we infer continuous series of area-averaged mass balance. The results are validated against independent decadal ice volume changes from photogrammetric surveys. Six of the new seasonal series cover 60 years and more and add a substantial amount of information on the variations of regional glacier mass change. This will strengthen the worldwide collection of glacier monitoring data, especially for the data-sparse period before the 1980s. We compare our results to existing long-term series and present an updated assessment of mass-balance variability and glacier sensitivity throughout the European Alps.
Time Domain Simulation of Sound Waves Using Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics Algorithm with Artificial Viscosity
Authors: Li Xu , Zhang Tao , Zhang Yong
Published: June 2015

Smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH), as a Lagrangian, meshfree method, is supposed to be useful in solving acoustic problems, such as combustion noise, bubble acoustics, etc., and has been gradually used in sound wave computation. However, unphysical oscillations in the sound wave simulation cannot be ignored. In this paper, an artificial viscosity term is added into the standard SPH algorithm used for solving linearized acoustic wave equations. SPH algorithms with or without artificial viscosity are both built to compute sound propagation and interference in the time domain. Then, the effects of the smoothing kernel function, particle spacing and Courant number on the SPH algorithms of sound waves are discussed. After comparing SPH simulation results with theoretical solutions, it is shown that the result of the SPH algorithm with the artificial viscosity term added attains good agreement with the theoretical solution by effectively reducing unphysical oscillations. In addition, suitable computational parameters of SPH algorithms are proposed through analyzing the sound pressure errors for simulating sound waves.
Electrodeposition of Alloys and Compounds in the Era of Microelectronics and Energy Conversion Technology
Authors: Zangari Giovanni
Published: June 2015

Electrochemical deposition methods are increasingly being applied to advanced technology applications, such as microelectronics and, most recently, to energy conversion. Due to the ever growing need for device miniaturization and enhanced performance, vastly improved control of the growth process is required, which in turn necessitates a better understanding of the fundamental phenomena involved. This overview describes the current status of and latest advances in electrodeposition science and technology. Electrochemical growth phenomena are discussed at the macroscopic and atomistic scale, while particular attention is devoted to alloy and compound formation, as well as surface-limited processes. Throughout, the contribution of Professor Foresti and her group to the understanding of electrochemical interfaces and electrodeposition, is highlighted.
The Implications for Renewable Energy Innovation of Doubling the Share of Renewables in the Global Energy Mix between 2010 and 2030
Authors: Saygin Deger , Kempener Ruud , Wagner Nicholas , Ayuso Maria , Gielen Dolf
Published: June 2015

Benefits of increasing the renewable energy (RE) share in the total energy mix include better energy security, carbon dioxide emission reductions and improved human health. This paper identifies the potential of RE technologies and role of innovation to double the global RE share from 18% to 36% between 2010 and 2030. As a first step, a Reference Case is developed based on national energy plans of 26 countries which increases the RE share to 21% by 2030. Next, the realizable potential of RE technologies is estimated beyond the Reference Case at country and sector levels. By aggregating country potentials, this paper reveals that the global RE share can double to 36% by 2030. Despite differences in starting points and resource potentials, there is a role for each country in achieving a doubling. For many countries their Reference Cases result in low RE shares and many countries are just beginning to explore ways to increase RE use. The paper identifies action areas where innovation can increase technology development and improve cost-effectiveness, thereby accelerating global RE deployment. More research is required to specify these action areas for individual countries and specific technologies, as well as to identify policy needs to address them.
An Innovative Design of a Microtab Deployment Mechanism for Active Aerodynamic Load Control
Authors: Tsai Kuo-Chang , Pan Cheng-Tang , Cooperman Aubryn , Johnson Scott , Van Dam C.
Published: June 2015

This study presents an innovative design of a microtab system for aerodynamic load control on horizontal-axis wind-turbine rotors. Microtabs are small devices located near the trailing edge of the rotor blades and enable a rapid increase or decrease of the lift force through deployment of the tabs on the pressure or suction side of the airfoil, respectively. The new system has been designed to replace an earlier linearly-actuated microtab mechanism whose performance was limited by space restrictions and stiction. The newly-designed microtab system is based on a four-bar linkage that overcomes the two drawbacks. Its improved kinematics allows for the tab height to increase from 1.0% to 1.7% of the airfoil chord when fully deployed, thereby making it more effective in terms of aerodynamic load control. Furthermore, the modified four-bar link mechanism provides a more robust and reliable mechanical structure.
An Environmental Analysis of the Effect of Energy Saving, Production and Recovery Measures on Water Supply Systems under Scarcity Conditions
Authors: Puleo Valeria , Sambito Mariacrocetta , Freni Gabriele
Published: June 2015

Water is one of the primary resources provided for maintaining quality of life and social status in urban areas. As potable water is considered to be a primary need, water service has usually been managed without examining the economic and environmental sustainability of supply processes. Currently, due to increases in energy costs and the growth of environment preservation policies, reducing water leakage, energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) production have become primary objectives in reducing the environmental footprint of water service. The present paper suggests the implementation of some performance indicators that show the interdependence of water loss, energy consumption and GHG emission. These indicators are used to compare a few possible mitigation scenarios involving water loss reduction and increasing the system’s energy efficiency. The proposed indicators were applied to a complex urban water supply system serving the city of Palermo (Italy).
Correction: Sahlin, E., et al. Using Nature-Based Rehabilitation to Restart a Stalled Process of Rehabilitation in Individuals with Stress-Related Mental Illness. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2015, 12, 1928–1951
Authors: Sahlin Eva , Ahlborg Gunnar , Tenenbaum Artur , Grahn Patrik
Published: June 2015

The authors wish to make the following corrections to their paper published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health [1]: [...]
Dimethyl Fumarate Protects Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells and Neurons from Oxidative Damage through Nrf2-ERK1/2 MAPK Pathway
Authors: Wang Qin , Chuikov Sergei , Taitano Sophina , Wu Qi , Rastogi Arjun , Tuck Samuel , Corey Joseph , Lundy Steven , Mao-Draayer Yang
Published: June 2015

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common multifocal inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Due to the progressive neurodegenerative nature of MS, developing treatments that exhibit direct neuroprotective effects are needed. Tecfidera™ (BG-12) is an oral formulation of the fumaric acid esters (FAE), containing the active metabolite dimethyl fumarate (DMF). Although BG-12 showed remarkable efficacy in lowering relapse rates in clinical trials, its mechanism of action in MS is not yet well understood. In this study, we reported the potential neuroprotective effects of dimethyl fumarate (DMF) on mouse and rat neural stem/progenitor cells (NPCs) and neurons. We found that DMF increased the frequency of the multipotent neurospheres and the survival of NPCs following oxidative stress with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) treatment. In addition, utilizing the reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, we showed that DMF reduced ROS production induced by H2O2. DMF also decreased oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. Using motor neuron survival assay, DMF significantly promoted survival of motor neurons under oxidative stress. We further analyzed the expression of oxidative stress-induced genes in the NPC cultures and showed that DMF increased the expression of transcription factor nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) at both levels of RNA and protein. Furthermore, we demonstrated the involvement of Nrf2-ERK1/2 MAPK pathway in DMF-mediated neuroprotection. Finally, we utilized SuperArray gene screen technology to identify additional anti-oxidative stress genes (Gstp1, Sod2, Nqo1, Srxn1, Fth1). Our data suggests that analysis of anti-oxidative stress mechanisms may yield further insights into new targets for treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Characterization of Behaviour and Remote Degeneration Following Thalamic Stroke in the Rat
Authors: Weishaupt Nina , Riccio Patricia , Dobbs Taylor , Hachinski Vladimir , Whitehead Shawn
Published: June 2015

Subcortical ischemic strokes are among the leading causes of cognitive impairment. Selective atrophy of remote brain regions connected to the infarct is thought to contribute to deterioration of cognitive functions. The mechanisms underlying this secondary degenerative process are incompletely understood, but are thought to include inflammation. We induce ischemia by unilateral injection of endothelin-I into the rat dorsomedial thalamic nucleus, which has defined reciprocal connections to the frontal cortex. We use a comprehensive test battery to probe for changes in behaviour, including executive functions. After a four-week recovery period, brain sections are stained with markers for degeneration, microglia, astrocytes and myelin. Degenerative processes are localized within the stroke core and along the full thalamocortical projection, which does not translate into measurable behavioural deficits. Significant microglia recruitment, astrogliosis or myelin loss along the axonal projection or within the frontal cortex cannot be detected. These findings indicate that critical effects of stroke-induced axonal degeneration may only be measurable beyond a threshold of stroke severity and/or follow a different time course. Further investigations are needed to clarify the impact of inflammation accompanying axonal degeneration on delayed remote atrophy after stroke.
How Often Do Comparative Randomised Controlled Trials in the Field of Eczema Fail to Directly Compare the Treatments Being Tested?
Authors: Ratib Sonia , Wilkes Sally , Nankervis Helen , Thomas Kim , Williams Hywel
Published: June 2015

The objective of the study was to identify all parallel design randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing treatments for eczema in recent dermatology literature that have failed to report a between-group analysis. The GREAT database (www.greatdatabase.org.uk) was searched to identify parallel group RCTs comparing two or more interventions published in the English language in the last decade, 2004 to 2013. The primary outcome was the number of studies that had not reported a between-group analysis for any of the outcomes. Where possible we re-analysed the data to determine whether a between-group analysis would have given a different conclusion to that reported. Out of a total of 304 RCTs in the study period, 173 (56.9%) met the inclusion criteria. Of the 173 eligible studies, 12 (6.9%) had not conducted a between-group analysis for any of the reported outcomes. There was no clear improvement over time. Five of the eight studies that were re-analysed yielded non-significant between-group differences yet reported significant within-group comparisons. All but one of the 12 studies implied that the experimental intervention was successful despite not undertaking any between-group comparisons. Although the proportion of all RCTs that fail to report an appropriate between-group analysis is small, the fact that any scientist who purports to compare one treatment against another then chooses to omit the key comparison statistic is worrying.
(S)-N-(N-(((2R,3S,4R,5R)-5-(6-Amino-9H-purin-9-yl)-3,4-dihydroxytetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl)sulfamoyl)-5-oxopyrrolidine-2-carboxamide
Authors: Khaybullin Ravil , Liang Xiao , Qi Xin
Published: June 2015

Aminoacyl sulfamides represent a family of high-affinity inhibitors of the specific aminoacyl tRNA synthetase activity. In this paper we describe the synthesis of a novel sulfamide adenosine derivative 4 bearing pyroglutamyl fragment (pGlu-SA).
A New Predictive Model of Centerline Segregation in Continuous Cast Steel Slabs by Using Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines Approach
Authors: Nieto Paulino , Suárez Victor , Antón Juan , Bayón Ricardo , Blanco José , Fernández Ana
Published: June 2015

The aim of this study was to obtain a predictive model able to perform an early detection of central segregation severity in continuous cast steel slabs. Segregation in steel cast products is an internal defect that can be very harmful when slabs are rolled in heavy plate mills. In this research work, the central segregation was studied with success using the data mining methodology based on multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) technique. For this purpose, the most important physical-chemical parameters are considered. The results of the present study are two-fold. In the first place, the significance of each physical-chemical variable on the segregation is presented through the model. Second, a model for forecasting segregation is obtained. Regression with optimal hyperparameters was performed and coefficients of determination equal to 0.93 for continuity factor estimation and 0.95 for average width were obtained when the MARS technique was applied to the experimental dataset, respectively. The agreement between experimental data and the model confirmed the good performance of the latter.
Adsorption, Thermodynamic and Quantum Chemical Studies of 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium Based Ionic Liquids as Corrosion Inhibitors for Mild Steel in HCl
Authors: Mashuga Motsie , Olasunkanmi Lukman , Adekunle Abolanle , Yesudass Sasikumar , Kabanda Mwadham , Ebenso Eno
Published: June 2015

The inhibition of mild steel corrosion in 1 M HCl solution by some ionic liquids (ILs) namely, 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate [HMIM][TfO], 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate [HMIM][BF4], 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [HMIM][PF6], and 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide [HMIM][I] was investigated using electrochemical measurements, spectroscopic analyses and quantum chemical calculations. All the ILs showed appreciably high inhibition efficiency. At 303 K, the results of electrochemical measurements indicated that the studied ILs are mixed-type inhibitors. The adsorption studies showed that all the four ILs adsorb spontaneously on steel surface with [HMIM][TfO], [HMIM][BF4] and [HMIM][I] obeying Langmuir adsorption isotherm, while [HMIM][PF6] conformed better with Temkin adsorption isotherm. Spectroscopic analyses suggested the formation of Fe/ILs complexes. Some quantum chemical parameters were calculated to corroborate experimental results.
Non-Invasive Biomarkers for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Carrier Detection
Authors: Anaya-Segura Mónica , García-Martínez Froylan , Montes-Almanza Luis , Díaz Benjamín-Gómez , Ávila-Ramírez Guillermina , Alvarez-Maya Ikuri , Coral-Vázquez Ramón , Mondragón-Terán Paul , Escobar-Cedillo Rosa , García-Calderón Noemí , Vázquez-Cardenas Norma , García Silvia , López-Hernández Luz
Published: June 2015

Non-invasive biological indicators of the absence/presence or progress of the disease that could be used to support diagnosis and to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment are of utmost importance in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). This neuromuscular disorder affects male children, causing weakness and disability, whereas female relatives are at risk of being carriers of the disease. A biomarker with both high sensitivity and specificity for accurate prediction is preferred. Until now creatine kinase (CK) levels have been used for DMD diagnosis but these fail to assess disease progression. Herein we examined the potential applicability of serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1), myostatin (GDF-8) and follistatin (FSTN) as non-invasive biomarkers to distinguish between DMD steroid naïve patients and healthy controls of similar age and also for carrier detection. Our data suggest that serum levels of MMP-9, GDF-8 and FSTN are useful to discriminate DMD from controls (p < 0.05), to correlate with some neuromuscular assessments for DMD, and also to differentiate between Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) and Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) patients. In DMD individuals under steroid treatment, GDF-8 levels increased as FSTN levels decreased, resembling the proportions of these proteins in healthy controls and also the baseline ratio of patients without steroids. GDF-8 and FSTN serum levels were also useful for carrier detection (p < 0.05). Longitudinal studies with larger cohorts are necessary to confirm that these molecules correlate with disease progression. The biomarkers presented herein could potentially outperform CK levels for carrier detection and also harbor potential for monitoring disease progression.
Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B Inhibitors from the Roots of Cudrania tricuspidata
Authors: Quang Tran , Ngan Nguyen , Yoon Chi-Su , Cho Kwang-Ho , Kang Dae , Lee Ho , Kim Youn-Chul , Oh Hyuncheol
Published: June 2015

A chemical investigation of the methanol extract from the roots of Cudrania tricuspidata resulted in the isolation of 16 compounds, including prenylated xanthones 1–9 and flavonoids 10–16. Their structures were identified by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry and comparisons with published data. Compounds 1–9 and 13–16 significantly inhibited PTP1B activity in a dose dependent manner, with IC50 values ranging from 1.9–13.6 μM. Prenylated xanthones showed stronger PTP1B inhibitory effects than the flavonoids, suggesting that they may be promising targets for the future discovery of novel PTP1B inhibitors. Furthermore, kinetic analyses indicated that compounds 1 and 13 inhibited PTP1B in a noncompetitive manner; therefore, they may be potential lead compounds in the development of anti-obesity and -diabetic agents.
Evaluation of a Mobile Phone Image-Based Dietary Assessment Method in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Rollo Megan , Ash Susan , Lyons-Wall Philippa , Russell Anthony
Published: June 2015

Image-based dietary records have limited evidence evaluating their performance and use among adults with a chronic disease. This study evaluated the performance of a 3-day mobile phone image-based dietary record, the Nutricam Dietary Assessment Method (NuDAM), in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Criterion validity was determined by comparing energy intake (EI) with total energy expenditure (TEE) measured by the doubly-labelled water technique. Relative validity was established by comparison to a weighed food record (WFR). Inter-rater reliability was assessed by comparing estimates of intake from three dietitians. Ten adults (6 males, age: 61.2 ± 6.9 years old, BMI: 31.0 ± 4.5 kg/m2) participated. Compared to TEE, mean EI (MJ/day) was significantly under-reported using both methods, with a mean ratio of EI:TEE 0.76 ± 0.20 for the NuDAM and 0.76 ± 0.17 for the WFR. Correlations between the NuDAM and WFR were mostly moderate for energy (r = 0.57), carbohydrate (g/day) (r = 0.63, p < 0.05), protein (g/day) (r = 0.78, p < 0.01) and alcohol (g/day) (rs = 0.85, p < 0.01), with a weaker relationship for fat (g/day) (r = 0.24). Agreement between dietitians for nutrient intake for the 3-day NuDAM (Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) = 0.77–0.99) was lower when compared with the 3-day WFR (ICC = 0.82–0.99). These findings demonstrate the performance and feasibility of the NuDAM to assess energy and macronutrient intake in a small sample. Some modifications to the NuDAM could improve efficiency and an evaluation in a larger group of adults with T2DM is required.
NO-Rich Diet for Lifestyle-Related Diseases
Authors: Kobayashi Jun , Ohtake Kazuo , Uchida Hiroyuki
Published: June 2015

Decreased nitric oxide (NO) availability due to obesity and endothelial dysfunction might be causally related to the development of lifestyle-related diseases such as insulin resistance, ischemic heart disease, and hypertension. In such situations, instead of impaired NO synthase (NOS)-dependent NO generation, the entero-salivary nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway might serve as a backup system for NO generation by transmitting NO activities in the various molecular forms including NO and protein S-nitrosothiols. Recently accumulated evidence has demonstrated that dietary intake of fruits and vegetables rich in nitrate/nitrite is an inexpensive and easily-practicable way to prevent insulin resistance and vascular endothelial dysfunction by increasing the NO availability; a NO-rich diet may also prevent other lifestyle-related diseases, including osteoporosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cancer. This review provides an overview of our current knowledge of NO generation through the entero-salivary pathway and discusses its safety and preventive effects on lifestyle-related diseases.
Retrieval of High-Resolution Atmospheric Particulate Matter Concentrations from Satellite-Based Aerosol Optical Thickness over the Pearl River Delta Area, China
Authors: Li Lili , Yang Jingxue , Wang Yunpeng
Published: June 2015

Satellite remote sensing offers an effective approach to estimate indicators of air quality on a large scale. It is critically significant for air quality monitoring in areas experiencing rapid urbanization and consequently severe air pollution, like the Pearl River Delta (PRD) in China. This paper starts with examining ground observations of particulate matter (PM) and the relationship between PM10 (particles smaller than 10 μm) and aerosol optical thickness (AOT) by analyzing observations on the sampling sites in the PRD. A linear regression (R2 = 0.51) is carried out using MODIS-derived 500 m-resolution AOT and PM10 concentration from monitoring stations. Data of atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) height and relative humidity are used to make vertical and humidity corrections on AOT. Results after correction show higher correlations (R2 = 0.55) between extinction coefficient and PM10. However, coarse spatial resolution of meteorological data affects the smoothness of retrieved maps, which suggests high-resolution and accurate meteorological data are critical to increase retrieval accuracy of PM. Finally, the model provides the spatial distribution maps of instantaneous and yearly average PM10 over the PRD. It is proved that observed PM10 is more relevant to yearly mean AOT than instantaneous values.
Remote Sensing and GIS for Habitat Quality Monitoring: New Approaches and Future Research
Authors: Zlinszky András , Heilmeier Hermann , Balzter Heiko , Czúcz Bálint , Pfeifer Norbert
Published: June 2015

Habitat quality is the ability of the environment to provide conditions appropriate for individual and species persistence. Measuring or monitoring habitat quality requires complex integration of many properties of the ecosystem, where traditional terrestrial data collection methods have proven extremely time-demanding. Remote sensing has known potential to map various ecosystem properties, also allowing rigorous checking of accuracy and supporting standardized processing. Our Special Issue presents examples where remote sensing has been successfully used for habitat mapping, quantification of habitat quality parameters, or multi-parameter modelling of habitat quality itself. New frontiers such as bathymetric scanning, grassland vegetation classification and operational use were explored, various new ecological verification methods were introduced and integration with ongoing habitat conservation schemes was demonstrated. These studies show that remote sensing and Geoinformation Science for habitat quality analysis have evolved from isolated experimental studies to an active field of research with a dedicated community. It is expected that these new methods will substantially contribute to biodiversity conservation worldwide.
An Indoor Mobile Location Estimator in Mixed Line of Sight/Non-Line of Sight Environments Using Replacement Modified Hidden Markov Models and an Interacting Multiple Model
Authors: Ru Jingyu , Wu Chengdong , Jia Zixi , Yang Yufang , Zhang Yunzhou , Hu Nan
Published: June 2015

Localization as a technique to solve the complex and challenging problems besetting line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) transmissions has recently attracted considerable attention in the wireless sensor network field. This paper proposes a strategy for eliminating NLOS localization errors during calculation of the location of mobile terminals (MTs) in unfamiliar indoor environments. In order to improve the hidden Markov model (HMM), we propose two modified algorithms, namely, modified HMM (M-HMM) and replacement modified HMM (RM-HMM). Further, a hybrid localization algorithm that combines HMM with an interacting multiple model (IMM) is proposed to represent the velocity of mobile nodes. This velocity model is divided into a high-speed and a low-speed model, which means the nodes move at different speeds following the same mobility pattern. Each moving node continually switches its state based on its probability. Consequently, to improve precision, each moving node uses the IMM model to integrate the results from the HMM and its modified forms. Simulation experiments conducted show that our proposed algorithms perform well in both distance estimation and coordinate calculation, with increasing accuracy of localization of the proposed algorithms in the order M-HMM, RM-HMM, and HMM + IMM. The simulations also show that the three algorithms are accurate, stable, and robust.
Residents’ Experiences of Privacy and Comfort in Multi-Storey Apartment Dwellings in Subtropical Brisbane
Authors: Kennedy Rosemary , Buys Laurie , Miller Evonne
Published: June 2015

Dwellings in multi-storey apartment buildings (MSAB) are predicted to increase dramatically as a proportion of housing stock in subtropical cities over coming decades. The problem of designing comfortable and healthy high-density residential environments and minimising energy consumption must be addressed urgently in subtropical cities globally. This paper explores private residents’ experiences of privacy and comfort and their perceptions of how well their apartment dwelling modulated the external environment in subtropical conditions through analysis of 636 survey responses and 24 interviews with residents of MSAB in inner urban neighbourhoods of Brisbane, Australia. The findings show that the availability of natural ventilation and outdoor private living spaces play important roles in resident perceptions of liveability in the subtropics where the climate is conducive to year round “outdoor living”. Residents valued choice with regard to climate control methods in their apartments. They overwhelmingly preferred natural ventilation to manage thermal comfort, and turned to the air-conditioner for limited periods, particularly when external conditions were too noisy. These findings provide a unique evidence base for reducing the environmental impact of MSAB and increasing the acceptability of apartment living, through incorporating residential attributes positioned around climate-responsive architecture.
Proteasome as a Molecular Target of Microcystin-LR
Authors: Zhu Zhu , Zhang Li , Shi Guoqing
Published: June 2015

Proteasome degrades proteins in eukaryotic cells. As such, the proteasome is crucial in cell cycle and function. This study proved that microcystin-LR (MC-LR), which is a toxic by-product of algal bloom, can target cellular proteasome and selectively inhibit proteasome trypsin-like (TL) activity. MC-LR at 1 nM can inhibit up to 54% of the purified 20S proteasome TL activity and 43% of the proteasome TL activity in the liver of the cyprinid rare minnow (Gobiocypris rarus). Protein degradation was retarded in GFP-CL1-transfected PC-3 cells because MC-LR inhibited the proteasome TL activity. Docking studies indicated that MC-LR blocked the active site of the proteasome β2 subunit; thus, the proteasome TL activity was inhibited. In conclusion, MC-LR can target proteasome, selectively inhibit proteasome TL activity, and retard protein degradation. This study may be used as a reference of future research on the toxic mechanism of MC-LR.
Effects of Rainfall Intensity and Slope Gradient on Runoff and Soil Moisture Content on Different Growing Stages of Spring Maize
Authors: Mu Wenbin , Yu Fuliang , Li Chuanzhe , Xie Yuebo , Tian Jiyang , Liu Jia , Zhao Nana
Published: June 2015

The rainfall-runoff process (RRP) is an important part of hydrologic process. There is an effective measure to study RRP through artificial rainfall simulation. This paper describes a study on three growing stages (jointing stage, tasseling stage, and mature stage) of spring maize in which simulated rainfall events were used to study the effects of various factors (rainfall intensity and slope gradient) on the RRP. The RRP was tested with three different rainfall intensities (0.67, 1.00, and 1.67 mm/min) and subjected to three different slopes (5°, 15°, and 20°) so as to study RRP characteristics in semiarid regions. Regression analysis was used to study the results of this test. The following key results were obtained: (1) With the increase in rainfall intensity and slope, the increasing relationship with rainfall duration, overland flow, and cumulative runoff, respectively, complied with logarithmic and quadratic functions before reaching stable runoff in each growing stage of spring maize; (2) The runoff coefficient increased with the increase in rainfall intensity and slope in each growing stages of spring maize. The relationship between runoff coefficient, slope, rainfall intensity, rainfall duration, antecedent soil moisture, and vegetation coverage was multivariate and nonlinear; (3) The runoff lag time decreased with the increase in rainfall intensity and slope within the same growing stage. In addition, the relationship between runoff lag time, slope, rainfall intensity, antecedent soil moisture, and vegetation coverage could also be expressed by a multivariate nonlinear equation; (4) The descent rate of soil infiltration rate curve increased with the increased rainfall intensity and slope in the same growing stage. Furthermore, by comparing the Kostiakov, Horton, and Philip models, it was found that the Horton infiltration model was the best for estimating soil infiltration rate and cumulative infiltration under the condition of test.
Analysis of Dry Spells in Southern Italy (Calabria)
Authors: Caloiero Tommaso , Coscarelli Roberto , Ferrari Ennio , Sirangelo Beniamino
Published: June 2015

A deficit in precipitation may impact greatly on soil moisture, snowpack, stream flow, groundwater, and reservoir storage. Among the several approaches available to analyze this phenomenon, one of the most applied is the analysis of dry spells. In this paper, an investigation of the spatial and temporal patterns of dry spells, in a region of southern Italy, has been carried out on a daily precipitation dataset. First, the frequency distributions of the sequences of dry days have been analyzed. Then, the regional areas most affected by dry events have been evaluated at annual and seasonal scale. Finally, the long-term trend of the dry spells has been estimated at annual and seasonal scale. Results show that the lower probabilities of long dry spells occur in the main reliefs of the region, while the highest values have been detected in the Ionian side. The spatial distribution of the mean and maximum length values of the dry spells evidenced a west–east gradient. The trend analysis mainly revealed a negative behavior in the duration of the dry spells at annual scale and a positive trend in the winter period.
Salivary gland scintigraphy in patients suffering from severe kerato conjunctivitis sicca
Authors: Gerdan L. , Sieg P. , Hakim S. G. , Brüggemann A. , Gebhard M. , Buchmann I. , Konitzer J.
Published: June 2015

Low tear production or elevated tear evaporation can lead to severe keratoconjunctivitis sicca. In patients with this disease, the transfer of an autologous submandibular gland into the temporal fossa is currently the most common surgical lacrimal gland substituting procedure. Aim: We compared the pre- and postoperative viability of transferred submandibular glands. Patients, methods: Altogether 16 submandibular glands had been transferred in 12 patients. The graft's viability was evaluated before and 0.5–1, 1–6 and 8–12 months after transplantation by dynamic salivary gland scintigraphies after application of 40–50 MBq 99mTc-pertechnetate. Quantitative analysis was performed by calculation and comparison of the glandula submandibularis-to-background-ratio (SBR) and the transplant-tobackground-ratio (TBR). The scintigraphic results were correlated with the clinical follow-up. Results: All grafts remained viable during clinical follow-up. Salivary gland scintigraphy yielded 15 true positive results and 1 falsenegative result. Comparison of presurgical SBR and postsurgical TBR showed good correlation with the clinical course. In 10 patients at least one transplant-reduction was necessary due to excessive epiphora occurring averagely 8 months after transplantation. Conclusion: Our results show that salivary gland scintigraphy very exactly reflects the morphological and biochemical postsurgical changes in a transferred submandibular gland. Thus, it is a reliable tool to exactly and objectively evaluate the viability of the grafts in the postsurgical course.
Middle Jurassic evidence for the origin of Cupressaceae: A paleobotanical context for the roles of regulatory genetics and development in the evolution of conifer seed cones
Authors: Spencer Alan R. T. , Mapes Gene , Bateman Richard M. , Hilton Jason , Rothwell Gar W.
Published: June 2015

•Premise of the study:Triassic and Jurassic fossils record structural changes in conifer seed cones through time, provide the earliest evidence for crown‐group conifer clades, and further clarify sister‐group relationships of modern conifer families. A new and distinct seed‐cone from the Isle of Skye in western Scotland provides the oldest detailed evidence for the ancestral morphology of the phylogenetically contentious family Cupressaceae.

•Methods:A single isolated cone was prepared as serial sections by the cellulose acetate peel technique, mounted on microscope slides, and viewed and photographed using transmitted light. The three‐dimensional structure of the cone was first reconstructed from the serial sections and then refined through imaging with x‐ray microtomography.

•Key results: Scitistrobus duncaanensis, gen. et sp. nov., is a 7.5 mm‐diameter cylindrical seed cone with helically arranged bract–scale complexes in which three scale tips separate from a large bract, each tip bearing one adaxial seed. Seeds are near‐inverted, show 180° rotational symmetry, and have a diminutive wing in the major plane.

•Conclusions:Scitistrobus duncaanensisextends the fossil record for anatomically preserved seed cones of the Cupressaceae backward from the Upper Jurassic to the Aalenian Stage of the Middle Jurassic. The cone displays a previously unknown combination of characters that we regard as diagnostic for seed cones of early‐divergent Cupressaceae and helps to clarify the sequence of structural changes that occurred during the transition from ancestral voltzialean conifers to morphologically recognizable Cupressaceae. Hypotheses of homology underpinning such transformational series can be tested by ongoing reciprocal illumination between the morphology of fossil taxa and the morphogenesis and developmental genetics of their extant crown‐group relatives.
L’intervention en milieu de travail éducatif entre visée de transformation et visée de connaissance
Authors: Laurent Yvette , Saujat Frédéric
Published: June 2015

Cette contribution s’attache à expliciter la manière dont les recherches collaboratives que nous menons avec des professionnels de l’éducation et de la formation mobilisent une clinique, entendue comme une démarche d’action et de connaissance. Nous nous appuierons pour ce faire sur une recherche fondamentale de terrain, menée auprès d’enseignants d’éducation physique et sportive de l’académie d’Aix Marseille et s’originant dans la prise en charge d’une demande, émanant de l’Inspection Pédagogique Régionale : comment améliorer l’impact des interventions en formation continue sur le travail quotidien des enseignants ? Bien évidemment, l’existence d’une demande transforme sensiblement la position du chercheur, d’abord par le renoncement au confort procuré par l’élaboration et la conduite de problématiques guidées suivant des considérations purement théoriques et expérimentales. Cette posture du chercheur intervenant dans une situation concrète et dans un but défini, confronté à la nécessité d’agir sur des objets qui ne sont pas donnés, qu’il lui faut construire à partir de la demande formulée, a des conséquences fortes sur ce dernier. Il lui faut intégrer à sa démarche l’existence et l’activité des acteurs de la situation dans et sur laquelle il intervient, sujets à part entière et non objets eux-mêmes de la recherche et accepter les interactions entre l’objet étudié et le déroulement de l’analyse. Les effets et les résultats de cette intervention-recherche sont discutés dans la dernière partie de l’article. Concernant les premiers, on soutient que l’intervention, à travers les situations qu’elle crée et leur transformation, ouvre sur un triple développement : celui des situations de travail examinées, celui des sujets impliqués, et celui du collectif mobilisé. Concernant les résultats, on montre comment l’analyse des « traces » développementales produites par cette remise en chantier de l’activité ordinaire permet d’ouvrir une trappe sur les organisateurs de l’activité enseignante.
Accompagner chemin faisant une équipe d’enseignants en dynamique d’innovation : importance des dimensions d’Intersubjectivité et d’Éthique
Authors: Janner Martine , Vergnon Marie
Published: June 2015

Cet article restitue l’analyse ex post d’un accompagnement réalisé par des chercheurs auprès d’une équipe d’enseignants d’un collège urbain, situé en zone dite sensible. Depuis la rentrée scolaire, ces derniers s’étaient engagés dans un processus d’innovation par la mise en œuvre d’une différenciation structurale assortie de multiples dispositifs avec des élèves repérés comme étant en difficulté, depuis un an. Grâce aux ancrages en phénoménologie et en philosophie du langage, nous avons cherché à cerner ce processus tel que les enseignants le percevaient grâce aux échanges lors des moments d’accompagnement. Nous nous sommes également attachées à comprendre les caractéristiques spécifiques de la posture d’accompagnement qu’il a fallu adopter alors même que la demande d’intervention n’a été formulée qu’en milieu d’année scolaire, et encore, de façon peu explicite, malgré nos sollicitations. Fallait-il pour autant s’abstenir d’intervenir en tant que chercheurs ? Comment prendre en compte la souffrance et les difficultés éprouvées par plusieurs enseignants de l’équipe face à leurs interrogations sur leurs missions d’enseignement, voire leur identité professionnelle ? Ces analyses font ressortir d’autant l’importance des dimensions de l’intersubjectivité et de l’éthique de l’accompagnement.
Différents savoirs issus de la pratique dans une démarche de recherche collaborative
Authors: Magnoler Patrizia , Rossi Pier Giuseppe
Published: June 2015

La complexité du système enseignement-apprentissage demande d’être interrogée quand elle doit se confronter avec des prescriptions ministérielles et des suggestions théoriques qui posent des perspectives différentes. La pratique d’enseignement devient alors l’objet d’analyse parmi plusieurs figures professionnelles pour construire une culture partagée à travers un dialogue entre savoirs pratiques et savoirs théoriques. Culture qui trouve une assise aussi dans les savoirs « de la pratique », savoir d’expérience organisé, avec du sens individuel mais aussi collectif. L’article présente la démarche d’une recherche collaborative qui a permis de découvrir des modalités avec lesquelles les enseignants a) parviennent à la construction des notions utiles pour leur propre pratique, b) modifient leurs propres routines et développent leur propre professionnalité, c) découvrent la présence des organisateurs dans leurs propres pratiques et leur importance dans la gestion de l’enseignement.