bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exposure to Air Ions in Indoor Environments: Experimental Study with Healthy Adults
Authors: Wallner Peter , Kundi Michael , Panny Michael , Tappler Peter , Hutter Hans-Peter
Published: November 2015

Since the beginning of the 20th century there has been a scientific debate about the potential effects of air ions on biological tissues, wellbeing and health. Effects on the cardiovascular and respiratory system as well as on mental health have been described. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in this topic. In an experimental indoor setting we conducted a double-blind cross-over trial to determine if higher levels of air ions, generated by a special wall paint, affect cognitive performance, wellbeing, lung function, and cardiovascular function. Twenty healthy non-smoking volunteers (10 female, 10 male) participated in the study. Levels of air ions, volatile organic compounds and indoor climate factors were determined by standardized measurement procedures. Air ions affected the autonomous nervous system (in terms of an increase of sympathetic activity accompanied by a small decrease of vagal efferent activity): In the test room with higher levels of air ions (2194/cm3 vs. 1038/cm3) a significantly higher low to high frequency ratio of the electrocardiography (ECG) beat-to-beat interval spectrogram was found. Furthermore, six of nine subtests of a cognitive performance test were solved better, three of them statistically significant (verbal factor, reasoning, and perceptual speed), in the room with higher ion concentration. There was no influence of air ions on lung function and on wellbeing. Our results indicate slightly activating and cognitive performance enhancing effects of a short-term exposure to higher indoor air ion concentrations.
Numerical Analysis of Hydrodynamic Flow in Microfluidic Biochip for Single-Cell Trapping Application
Authors: Khalili Amelia , Ahmad Mohd
Published: November 2015

Single-cell analysis has become the interest of a wide range of biological and biomedical engineering research. It could provide precise information on individual cells, leading to important knowledge regarding human diseases. To perform single-cell analysis, it is crucial to isolate the individual cells before further manipulation is carried out. Recently, microfluidic biochips have been widely used for cell trapping and single cell analysis, such as mechanical and electrical detection. This work focuses on developing a finite element simulation model of single-cell trapping system for any types of cells or particles based on the hydrodynamic flow resistance (Rh) manipulations in the main channel and trap channel to achieve successful trapping. Analysis is carried out using finite element ABAQUS-FEA™ software. A guideline to design and optimize single-cell trapping model is proposed and the example of a thorough optimization analysis is carried out using a yeast cell model. The results show the finite element model is able to trap a single cell inside the fluidic environment. Fluid’s velocity profile and streamline plots for successful and unsuccessful single yeast cell trapping are presented according to the hydrodynamic concept. The single-cell trapping model can be a significant important guideline in designing a new chip for biomedical applications.
Augmenting the Activity of Monoterpenoid Phenols against Fungal Pathogens Using 2-Hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde that Target Cell Wall Integrity
Authors: Kim Jong , Chan Kathleen , Mahoney Noreen
Published: November 2015

Disruption of cell wall integrity system should be an effective strategy for control of fungal pathogens. To augment the cell wall disruption efficacy of monoterpenoid phenols (carvacrol, thymol), antimycotic potency of benzaldehyde derivatives that can serve as chemosensitizing agents were evaluated against strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae wild type (WT), slt2Δ and bck1Δ (mutants of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and MAPK kinase kinase, respectively, in the cell wall integrity pathway). Among fourteen compounds investigated, slt2Δ and bck1Δ showed higher susceptibility to nine benzaldehydes, compared to WT. Differential antimycotic activity of screened compounds indicated “structure-activity relationship” for targeting the cell wall integrity, where 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde (2H4M) exhibited the highest antimycotic potency. The efficacy of 2H4M as an effective chemosensitizer to monoterpenoid phenols (viz., 2H4M + carvacrol or thymol) was assessed in yeasts or filamentous fungi (Aspergillus, Penicillium) according to European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing or Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute M38-A protocols, respectively. Synergistic chemosensitization greatly lowers minimum inhibitory or fungicidal concentrations of the co-administered compounds. 2H4M also overcame the tolerance of two MAPK mutants (sakAΔ, mpkCΔ) of Aspergillus fumigatus to fludioxonil (phenylpyrrole fungicide). Collectively, 2H4M possesses chemosensitizing capability to magnify the efficacy of monoterpenoid phenols, which improves target-based (viz., cell wall disruption) antifungal intervention.
Mobilization of Copper ions by Flavonoids in Human Peripheral Lymphocytes Leads to Oxidative DNA Breakage: A Structure Activity Study
Authors: Arif Hussain , Rehmani Nida , Farhan Mohd , Ahmad Aamir , Hadi Sheikh
Published: November 2015

Epidemiological studies have linked dietary consumption of plant polyphenols with lower incidence of various cancers. In particular, flavonoids (present in onion, tomato and other plant sources) induce apoptosis and cytotoxicity in cancer cells. These can therefore be used as lead compounds for the synthesis of novel anticancer drugs with greater bioavailability. In the present study, we examined the chemical basis of cytotoxicity of flavonoids by studying the structure–activity relationship of myricetin (MN), fisetin (FN), quercetin (QN), kaempferol (KL) and galangin (GN). Using single cell alkaline gel electrophoresis (comet assay), we established the relative efficiency of cellular DNA breakage as MN > FN > QN > KL > GN. Also, we determined that the cellular DNA breakage was the result of mobilization of chromatin-bound copper ions and the generation of reactive oxygen species. The relative DNA binding affinity order was further confirmed using molecular docking and thermodynamic studies through the interaction of flavonoids with calf thymus DNA. Our results suggest that novel anti-cancer molecules should have ortho-dihydroxy groups in B-ring and hydroxyl groups at positions 3 and 5 in the A-ring system. Additional hydroxyl groups at other positions further enhance the cellular cytotoxicity of the flavonoids.
Global Profiling of Various Metabolites in Platycodon grandiflorum by UPLC-QTOF/MS
Authors: Lee Jae , Ji Seung-Heon , Kim Geum-Soog , Song Kyung-Sik , Um Yurry , Kim Ok , Lee Yi , Hong Chang , Shin Dong-Ho , Kim Chang-Kug , Lee Seung-Eun , Ahn Young-Sup , Lee Dae-Young
Published: November 2015

In this study, a method of metabolite profiling based on UPLC-QTOF/MS was developed to analyze Platycodon grandiflorum. In the optimal UPLC, various metabolites, including major platycosides, were separated well in 15 min. The metabolite extraction protocols were also optimized by selecting a solvent for use in the study, the ratio of solvent to sample and sonication time. This method was used to profile two different parts of P. grandiflorum, i.e., the roots of P. grandiflorum (PR) and the stems and leaves of P. grandiflorum (PS), in the positive and negative ion modes. As a result, PR and PS showed qualitatively and quantitatively different metabolite profiles. Furthermore, their metabolite compositions differed according to individual plant samples. These results indicate that the UPLC-QTOF/MS-based profiling method is a good tool to analyze various metabolites in P. grandiflorum. This metabolomics approach can also be applied to evaluate the overall quality of P. grandiflorum, as well as to discriminate the cultivars for the medicinal plant industry.
Single-Cell Isolation and Gene Analysis: Pitfalls and Possibilities
Authors: Hodne Kjetil , Weltzien Finn-Arne
Published: November 2015

During the last two decades single-cell analysis (SCA) has revealed extensive phenotypic differences within homogenous cell populations. These phenotypic differences are reflected in the stochastic nature of gene regulation, which is often masked by qualitatively and quantitatively averaging in whole tissue analyses. The ability to isolate transcripts and investigate how genes are regulated at the single cell level requires highly sensitive and refined methods. This paper reviews different strategies currently used for SCA, including harvesting, reverse transcription, and amplification of the RNA, followed by methods for transcript quantification. The review provides the historical background to SCA, discusses limitations, and current and future possibilities in this exciting field of research.
Molecular Effects of Irradiation (Cobalt-60) on the Control of Panonychus citri (Acari: Tetranychidae)
Authors: Zhang Ke , Luo Lingyan , Chen Xieting , Hu Meiying , Hu Qiongbo , Gong Liang , Weng Qunfang
Published: November 2015

The effective dose of irradiation to control pest mites in quarantine has been studied extensively, but the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of the irradiation on mites are largely unknown. In this study, exposure to 400 Gy of γ rays had significant (p < 0.05) effects on the adult survival, fecundity and egg viability of Panonychus citri. The irradiation caused the degradation of the DNA of P. citri adults and damaged the plasma membrane system of the egg, which led to condensed nucleoli and gathered yolk. Additionally, the transcriptomes and gene expression profiles between irradiated and non-irradiated mites were compared, and three digital gene expression libraries were assembled and analyzed. The differentially expressed genes were putatively involved in apoptosis, cell death and the cell cycle. Finally, the expression profiles of some related genes were studied using quantitative real-time PCR. Our study provides valuable information on the changes in the transcriptome of irradiated P. citri, which will facilitate a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that cause the sterility induced by irradiation.
Luminescent Lanthanide Metal Organic Frameworks for cis-Selective Isoprene Polymerization Catalysis
Authors: Russell Samantha , Loiseau Thierry , Volkringer Christophe , Visseaux Marc
Published: November 2015

In this study, we are combining two areas of chemistry; solid-state coordination polymers (or Metal-Organic Framework—MOF) and polymerization catalysis. MOF compounds combining two sets of different lanthanide elements (Nd3+, Eu3+/Tb3+) were used for that purpose: the use of neodymium was required due to its well-known catalytic properties in dienes polymerization. A second lanthanide, europium or terbium, was included in the MOF structure with the aim to provide luminescent properties. Several lanthanides-based MOF meeting these criteria were prepared according to different approaches, and they were further used as catalysts for the polymerization of isoprene. Stereoregular cis-polyisoprene was received, which in some cases exhibited luminescent properties in the UV-visible range.
Holmium(III) Supermesityl-Imide Complexes Bearing Methylaluminato/Gallato Ligands
Authors: Schädle Dorothea , Maichle-Mössmer Cäcilia , Törnroos Karl , Anwander Reiner
Published: November 2015

Heterobimetallic µ2-imide complexes [Ho(µ2-Nmes*){Al(CH3)4}]2 (1, supermesityl = mes* = C6H2tBu3-2,4,6) and [Ho(µ2-Nmes*){Ga(CH3)4}]2 (2) have been synthesized from homoleptic complexes Ho[M(CH3)4]3 (M = Al, Ga) via deprotonation of H2Nmes* or with K[NH(mes*)] according to a salt metathesis-protonolysis tandem reaction. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction of isostructural complexes [Ho(µ2-Nmes*){M(CH3)4}]2 (M = Al, Ga) revealed asymmetric Ho2N2 metallacycles with very short Ho–N bond lengths and secondary Ho arene interactions.
Clinical Kinesiology and Posturology Applied to a Group of Italian Students. A Morphological Observational Study.
Authors: Trovato Francesca , Roggio Federico , Szychlinska Marta , Borzì Francesca , Musumeci Giuseppe
Published: November 2015

The percentage of children who develop postural deviations during their teens is constantly growing. Many hours of study in a sitting position, poor physical activity, and inadequate information become crucial factors leading to a wrong posture. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of untreated structural alterations, ascribed to incorrect posture (paramorphisms or dysmorphisms), in the adolescent growth phase of students at high school. The anthropometric and postural analyses of a sample of adolescents allowed the correct evaluation of their structural situation in order to establish the presence of conditions different from an ideal posture. The presence of scoliotic deviations was ascertained in 36% of students. Almost half of the students showed a non-physiological curve of the cervical and lumbar spine. A consistent part of examined students showed a non-physiological condition of shoulders (28%), scapulas (>50%), pelvis (≈50%), and hips (36.25%). A prominent malleolus was observed in 17.5% of students; 6.25% had an asymmetry between the ankles; and 18.75% had a foot deformity. If we consider that 65% of students showed a non-physiological musculoskeletal condition, we can consequently hypothesize that during the primary and middle school no one bothered to correct these children under the postural profile. The lack of postural education in the Italian school system should be addressed, in order to prevent postural defects that, if detected in time, can still be re-educated.
Hardware-Efficient Delta Sigma-Based Digital Signal Processing Circuits for the Internet-of-Things
Authors: Liu Yifei , Furth Paul , Tang Wei
Published: November 2015

This paper presents hardware-efficient Delta Sigma linear processing circuits for the next generation low-power VLSI devices in the Internet-of-things (IoT).We first propose the P-N (positive-negative) pair method to manipulate both the analog value and length of a first-order Delta Sigma bit sequence. We then present a binary counter method. Based on these methods, we develop Delta Sigma domain on-the-fly digital signal-processing circuits: the Delta Sigma sum adder, average adder and coefficient multiplier. The counter-based average adder can work with both first-order and higher-order Delta Sigma modulators and can also be used as a coefficient multiplier. The functionalities of the proposed circuits are verified by MATLAB simulation and FPGA implementation. We also compare the area and power between the proposed Delta Sigma adders and a conventional multi-bit adder by synthesizing both circuits in the IBM 0.18-μm technology. Synthesis results show that the proposed Delta Sigma processing circuits can extensively reduce circuit area and power. With 100 inputs, a Delta Sigma average adder saves 94% of the silicon area and 96% of the power compared to a multi-bit binary adder. The proposed circuits have the potential to be widely used in future IoT circuits.
Microwave Annealing for NiSiGe Schottky Junction on SiGe P-Channel
Authors: Lin Yu-Hsien , Tsai Yi-He , Hsu Chung-Chun , Luo Guang-Li , Lee Yao-Jen , Chien Chao-Hsin
Published: November 2015

In this paper, we demonstrated the shallow NiSiGe Schottky junction on the SiGe P-channel by using low-temperature microwave annealing. The NiSiGe/n-Si Schottky junction was formed for the Si-capped/SiGe multi-layer structure on an n-Si substrate (Si/Si0.57Ge0.43/Si) through microwave annealing (MWA) ranging from 200 to 470 °C for 150 s in N2 ambient. MWA has the advantage of being diffusion-less during activation, having a low-temperature process, have a lower junction leakage current, and having low sheet resistance (Rs) and contact resistivity. In our study, a 20 nm NiSiGe Schottky junction was formed by TEM and XRD analysis at MWA 390 °C. The NiSiGe/n-Si Schottky junction exhibits the highest forward/reverse current (ION/IOFF) ratio of ~3 × 105. The low temperature MWA is a very promising thermal process technology for NiSiGe Schottky junction manufacturing.
Extremely Randomized Machine Learning Methods for Compound Activity Prediction
Authors: Czarnecki Wojciech , Podlewska Sabina , Bojarski Andrzej
Published: November 2015

Speed, a relatively low requirement for computational resources and high effectiveness of the evaluation of the bioactivity of compounds have caused a rapid growth of interest in the application of machine learning methods to virtual screening tasks. However, due to the growth of the amount of data also in cheminformatics and related fields, the aim of research has shifted not only towards the development of algorithms of high predictive power but also towards the simplification of previously existing methods to obtain results more quickly. In the study, we tested two approaches belonging to the group of so-called ‘extremely randomized methods’—Extreme Entropy Machine and Extremely Randomized Trees—for their ability to properly identify compounds that have activity towards particular protein targets. These methods were compared with their ‘non-extreme’ competitors, i.e., Support Vector Machine and Random Forest. The extreme approaches were not only found out to improve the efficiency of the classification of bioactive compounds, but they were also proved to be less computationally complex, requiring fewer steps to perform an optimization procedure.
Role of the Red Ginseng in Defense against the Environmental Heat Stress in Sprague Dawley Rats
Authors: Kim Kui-Jin , Yoon Kye-Yoon , Hong Hee-Do , Lee Boo-Yong
Published: November 2015

Global temperature change causes heat stress related disorders in humans. A constituent of red ginseng has been known the beneficial effect on the resistance to many diseases. However, the mechanism of red ginseng (RG) against heat stress still remains unclear. To determine the effect of RG on heat stress, we examined the effect of the RG on the gene expression profiles in rats subjected to environmental heat stress. We evaluated the transcripts associated with hepatic lipid accumulation and oxidative stress in rats subjected to heat stress. We also analyzed the reactive oxygen species (ROS) contents. Our results suggested RG inhibited heat stress mediated altering mRNA expressions include HSPA1, DEAF1, HMGCR, and FMO1. We also determined RG attenuated fat accumulation in the liver by altering C/EBPβ expression. RG promoted to repress the heat stress mediated hepatic cell death by inhibiting of Bcl-2 expression in rats subjected to heat stress. Moreover, RG administered group during heat stress dramatically decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and ROS associated genes compared with the control group. Thus, we suggest that RG might influence inhibitory effect on environmental heat stress induced abnormal conditions in humans.
Inverse Correlation between Vitamin D and C-Reactive Protein in Newborns
Authors: Tao Rui-Xue , Zhou Qi-Fan , Xu Zhi-Wei , Hao Jia-Hu , Huang Kun , Mou Zhe , Jiang Xiao-Min , Tao Fang-Biao , Zhu Peng
Published: November 2015

Some studies suggested that adequate vitamin D might reduce inflammation in adults. However, little is known about this association in early life. We aimed to determine the relationship between cord blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in neonates. Cord blood levels of 25(OH)D and CRP were measured in 1491 neonates in Hefei, China. Potential confounders including maternal sociodemographic characteristics, perinatal health status, lifestyle, and birth outcomes were prospectively collected. The average values of cord blood 25(OH)D and CRP were 39.43 nmol/L (SD = 20.35) and 6.71 mg/L (SD = 3.07), respectively. Stratified by 25(OH)D levels, per 10 nmol/L increase in 25(OH)D, CRP decreased by 1.42 mg/L (95% CI: 0.90, 1.95) among neonates with 25(OH)D <25.0 nmol/L, and decreased by 0.49 mg/L (95% CI: 0.17, 0.80) among neonates with 25(OH)D between 25.0 nmol/L and 49.9 nmol/L, after adjusting for potential confounders. However, no significant association between 25(OH)D and CRP was observed among neonates with 25(OH)D ≥50 nmol/L. Cord blood 25(OH)D and CRP levels showed a significant seasonal trend with lower 25(OH)D and higher CRP during winter-spring than summer-autumn. Stratified by season, a significant linear association of 25(OH)D with CRP was observed in neonates born in winter-spring (adjusted β = −0.11, 95% CI: −0.13, −0.10), but not summer-autumn. Among neonates born in winter-spring, neonates with 25(OH)D <25 nmol/L had higher risk of CRP ≥10 mg/L (adjusted OR = 3.06, 95% CI: 2.00, 4.69), compared to neonates with 25(OH)D ≥25 nmol/L. Neonates with vitamin D deficiency had higher risk of exposure to elevated inflammation at birth.
Optimal Design for Reactivity Ratio Estimation: A Comparison of Techniques for AMPS/Acrylamide and AMPS/Acrylic Acid Copolymerizations
Authors: Scott Alison , Riahinezhad Marzieh , Penlidis Alexander
Published: November 2015

Water-soluble polymers of acrylamide (AAm) and acrylic acid (AAc) have significant potential in enhanced oil recovery, as well as in other specialty applications. To improve the shear strength of the polymer, a third comonomer, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS), can be added to the pre-polymerization mixture. Copolymerization kinetics of AAm/AAc are well studied, but little is known about the other comonomer pairs (AMPS/AAm and AMPS/AAc). Hence, reactivity ratios for AMPS/AAm and AMPS/AAc copolymerization must be established first. A key aspect in the estimation of reliable reactivity ratios is design of experiments, which minimizes the number of experiments and provides increased information content (resulting in more precise parameter estimates). However, design of experiments is hardly ever used during copolymerization parameter estimation schemes. In the current work, copolymerization experiments for both AMPS/AAm and AMPS/AAc are designed using two optimal techniques (Tidwell-Mortimer and the error-in-variables-model (EVM)). From these optimally designed experiments, accurate reactivity ratio estimates are determined for AMPS/AAm (rAMPS = 0.18, rAAm = 0.85) and AMPS/AAc (rAMPS = 0.19, rAAc = 0.86).
Quantifying Effusion Rates at Active Volcanoes through Integrated Time-Lapse Laser Scanning and Photography
Authors: Slatcher Neil , James Mike , Calvari Sonia , Ganci Gaetana , Browning John
Published: November 2015

During volcanic eruptions, measurements of the rate at which magma is erupted underpin hazard assessments. For eruptions dominated by the effusion of lava, estimates are often made using satellite data; here, in a case study at Mount Etna (Sicily), we make the first measurements based on terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), and we also include explosive products. During the study period (17–21 July 2012), regular Strombolian explosions were occurring within the Bocca Nuova crater, producing a ~50 m-high scoria cone and a small lava flow field. TLS surveys over multi-day intervals determined a mean cone growth rate (effusive and explosive products) of ~0.24 m3·s−1. Differences between 0.3-m resolution DEMs acquired at 10-minute intervals captured the evolution of a breakout lava flow lobe advancing at 0.01–0.03 m3·s−1. Partial occlusion within the crater prevented similar measurement of the main flow, but integrating TLS data with time-lapse imagery enabled lava viscosity (7.4 × 105 Pa·s) to be derived from surface velocities and, hence, a flux of 0.11 m3·s−1 to be calculated. Total dense rock equivalent magma discharge estimates are ~0.1–0.2 m3·s−1 over the measurement period and suggest that simultaneous estimates from satellite data are somewhat overestimated. Our results support the use of integrated TLS and time-lapse photography for ground-truthing space-based measurements and highlight the value of interactive image analysis when automated approaches, such as particle image velocimetry (PIV), fail.
A Comparative Study of Sampling Analysis in the Scene Classification of Optical High-Spatial Resolution Remote Sensing Imagery
Authors: Hu Jingwen , Xia Gui-Song , Hu Fan , Zhang Liangpei
Published: November 2015

Scene classification, which consists of assigning images with semantic labels by exploiting the local spatial arrangements and structural patterns inside tiled regions, is a key problem in the automatic interpretation of optical high-spatial resolution remote sensing imagery. Many state-of-the-art methods, e.g., the bag-of-visual-words model and its variants, the topic models and unsupervised feature learning-based approaches, share similar procedures: patch sampling, feature learning and classification. Patch sampling is the first and a key procedure, and it has a considerable influence on the results. In the literature, many different sampling strategies have been used, e.g., random sampling and saliency-based sampling. However, the sampling strategy that is most suitable for the scene classification of optical high-spatial resolution remote sensing images remains unclear. In this paper, we comparatively study the effects of different sampling strategies under the scenario of scene classification of optical high-spatial resolution remote sensing images. We divide the existing sampling methods into two types: random sampling and saliency-based sampling. Here, we consider the commonly-used grid sampling to be a specific type of random sampling method, and the saliency-based sampling consists of keypoint-based sampling and salient region-based sampling. To compare their performances, we rely on a standard bag-of-visual-words model to learn the global features for testing because of its simplicity, robustness and efficiency. In addition, we conduct experiments using a Fisher kernel framework to validate our conclusions. The experimental results obtained on two commonly-used datasets using different feature learning methods show that random sampling can provide comparable and even better performance than all of the saliency-based strategies.
Accurate Annotation of Remote Sensing Images via Active Spectral Clustering with Little Expert Knowledge
Authors: Xia Gui-Song , Wang Zifeng , Xiong Caiming , Zhang Liangpei
Published: November 2015

It is a challenging problem to efficiently interpret the large volumes of remotely sensed image data being collected in the current age of remote sensing “big data”. Although human visual interpretation can yield accurate annotation of remote sensing images, it demands considerable expert knowledge and is always time-consuming, which strongly hinders its efficiency. Alternatively, intelligent approaches (e.g., supervised classification and unsupervised clustering) can speed up the annotation process through the application of advanced image analysis and data mining technologies. However, high-quality expert-annotated samples are still a prerequisite for intelligent approaches to achieve accurate results. Thus, how to efficiently annotate remote sensing images with little expert knowledge is an important and inevitable problem. To address this issue, this paper introduces a novel active clustering method for the annotation of high-resolution remote sensing images. More precisely, given a set of remote sensing images, we first build a graph based on these images and then gradually optimize the structure of the graph using a cut-collect process, which relies on a graph-based spectral clustering algorithm and pairwise constraints that are incrementally added via active learning. The pairwise constraints are simply similarity/dissimilarity relationships between the most uncertain pairwise nodes on the graph, which can be easily determined by non-expert human oracles. Furthermore, we also propose a strategy to adaptively update the number of classes in the clustering algorithm. In contrast with existing methods, our approach can achieve high accuracy in the task of remote sensing image annotation with relatively little expert knowledge, thereby greatly lightening the workload burden and reducing the requirements regarding expert knowledge. Experiments on several datasets of remote sensing images show that our algorithm achieves state-of-the-art performance in the annotation of remote sensing images and demonstrates high potential in many practical remote sensing applications.
Reliability and Validity of the Multidimensional Locus of Control IPC Scale in a Sample of 3668 Greek Educators
Authors: Kourmousi Ntina , Xythali Vasiliki , Koutras Vasilios
Published: November 2015

The Multidimensional Locus of Control IPC Scale (IPC LOC Scale) is an instrument for assessing the locus of control on adults. The aim of the present study is to translate the IPC LOC Scale and evaluate its reliability and validity in a sample of Greek teachers. Data were collected from a nationwide sample of 3668 educators of all levels and specialties. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to determine the internal consistency reliability. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted in order to test the construct validity of the questionnaire. Validity was further examined by investigating the correlation of the IPC LOC Scale with the Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSES) and its association with several demographic and work-related data. Internal consistency reliability was satisfactory with a Cronbach’s alpha above 0.70 for all LOC dimensions. CFA confirmed that the items composing the three subscales of the IPC LOC Scale measure the same construct. Also, the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), the comparative fit index (CFI) and the goodness of fit index (GFI) values were 0.053, 0.951, and 0.937, respectively for the three-factor model, further confirming the manufacturer’s theory for the three latent variables, Internality, Powerful Others, and Chance. Intercorrelations and correlation coefficients between the IPC LOC Scale and the RSES were significant, while age and sex differences were also found. The Greek version of the IPC LOC Scale was found to have satisfactory psychometric properties and could be used to evaluate the locus of control in Greek teachers.
A Comparison between Learning Style Preferences, Gender, Sport and Achievement in Elite Team Sport Athletes
Authors: Braakhuis Andrea , Williams Tea , Fusco Elizabeth , Hueglin Shawn , Popple Alex
Published: November 2015

Athletes have preferences for the way in which they internalize and process information, whether that is visual, aural, by-doing (kinesthetic), reading or a mixture of preferences. Health professionals that interact with athletes rarely consider the individual learning style prior to any communication or education, despite mounting evidence for the benefits of learning-style tailored education. The aim of this study was to characterize athletes with regards to their preferred learning style. Athletes (n = 93) from 24 sports and various sport achievement levels completed a questionnaire, including the visual (V), auditory (A), reading/writing (R), kinesthetic (K)/(VARK) Questionnaire for Athletes. Questionnaire outcomes were analysed by X2 analysis on SPSS. The main findings were: (1) very few athletes have a visual learning-style preference; (2) there was a significant relationship between gender and VARK preference (X2 = 13.84, p = 0.003); (3) and between athletic status and VARK preference (X2 = 9.2, p = 0.025); (4) there was a trivial association between individual/ team sport athletes and assessed VARK preference (X2 = 3.95, p = 0.265). Our findings show significant variation in learning-style preference between males and females, and those of different athletic status. Health professionals should be aware of the inadequacy of visual information presentation when working with athletes. Furthermore, health professionals working with elite and female athletes should be comfortable using a mixture of learning styles (multi-modal).
A Method to Evaluate the Stimulation of a Real World Field of View by Means of a Spectroradiometric Analysis
Authors: Nardecchia Fabio , Barbalace Monica , Bisegna Fabio , Burattini Chiara , Gugliermetti Franco , Vollaro Andrea , Salata Ferdinando , Golasi Iacopo
Published: November 2015

Stimulation elicited by a real world field of view is related to the color, the intensity and the direction of the information reaching the eye: different spectral power distributions of light trigger different responses. An evaluation of the stimulation provided by the field of view can be performed by measuring the spectral radiance with a spectroradiometer and weighting this data with an efficiency curve. Different weights (physical, physiological and psychological) can lead to different analyses and consequently to different results. The proposed method allows an overall and simplified evaluation of the field of view based on spectral and luminance measures and a script that processes the luminous information. The final aim of this approach is to provide further information about the light stimulation reaching the retina and to supply a qualitative evaluation of the field of view, allowing to know how much stimulation is coming from a certain area within the visual field depending on the type of surface, basing on spectral and directional information. This approach can have practical implications, allowing technicians and designers to take into consideration the possible visual fields, in order to properly shape the features of stimulation throughout the day, hence following a field of view-based dynamic design.
Designing Rainwater Harvesting Systems Cost-Effectively in a Urban Water-Energy Saving Scheme by Using a GIS-Simulation Based Design System
Authors: Chiu Yie-Ru , Tsai Yao-Lung , Chiang Yun-Chih
Published: November 2015

Current centralized urban water supply depends largely on energy consumption, creating critical water-energy challenge especially for many rapid growing Asian cities. In this context, harvesting rooftop rainwater for non-potable use has enormous potential to ease the worsening water-energy issue. For this, we propose a geographic information system (GIS)-simulation-based design system (GSBDS) to explore how rainwater harvesting systems (RWHSs) can be systematically and cost-effectively designed as an innovative water-energy conservation scheme on a city scale. This GSBDS integrated a rainfall data base, water balance model, spatial technologies, energy-saving investigation, and economic feasibility analysis based on a case study of eight communities in the Taipei metropolitan area, Taiwan. Addressing both the temporal and spatial variations in rainfall, the GSBDS enhanced the broad application of RWHS evaluations. The results indicate that the scheme is feasible based on the optimal design when both water and energy-savings are evaluated. RWHSs were observed to be cost-effective and facilitated 21.6% domestic water-use savings, and 138.6 (kWh/year-family) energy-savings. Furthermore, the cost of per unit-energy-saving is lower than that from solar PV systems in 85% of the RWHS settings. Hence, RWHSs not only enable water-savings, but are also an alternative renewable energy-saving approach that can address the water-energy dilemma caused by rapid urbanization.
Diversity of extracellular vesicles in human ejaculates revealed by cryo‐electron microscopy
Authors: Höög Johanna L. , Lötvall Jan
Published: November 2015

Human ejaculates contain extracellular vesicles (EVs), that to a large extent are considered to originate from the prostate gland, and are often denominated “prostasomes.” These EVs are important for human fertility, for example by promoting sperm motility and by inducing immune tolerance of the female immune system to the spermatozoa. So far, the EVs present in human ejaculate have not been studied in their native state, inside the seminal fluid without prior purification and isolation procedures. Using cryo‐electron microscopy and tomography, we performed a comprehensive inventory of human ejaculate EVs. The sample was neither centrifuged, fixed, filtered or sectioned, nor were heavy metals added. Approximately 1,500 extracellular structures were imaged and categorized. The extracellular environment of human ejaculate was found to be diverse, with 5 major subcategories of EVs and 6 subcategories of extracellular membrane compartments, including lamellar bodies. Furthermore, 3 morphological features, including electron density, double membrane bilayers and coated surface, are described in all subcategories. This study reveals that the extracellular environment in human ejaculate is multifaceted. Several novel morphological EV subcategories are identified and clues to their cellular origin may be found in their morphology. This inventory is therefore important for developing future experimental approaches, and to interpret previously published data to understand the role of EVs for human male fertility.
Development of microsatellite markers for the apomictic triploid fern Myriopteris lindheimeri (Pteridaceae)
Authors: Grusz Amanda L. , Pryer Kathleen M.
Published: November 2015

Premise of the study:

Microsatellite markers were developed for investigating the population dynamics of Myriopteris lindheimeri (Pteridaceae), an apomictic triploid fern endemic to deserts of the southwestern United States and Mexico.

Methods and Results:

Using 454 sequencing, 21 microsatellite markers were developed. Of these, 14 were polymorphic with up to five alleles per locus and eight markers amplified in one or more congeneric close relatives (M. covillei, M. fendleri, M. aurea, and M. rufa). To demonstrate marker utility, M. lindheimeri samples from three Arizona populations were genotyped at nine loci. For each population, diversity measures including percent polymorphic loci, frequency of heterozygotes across all loci, and genotypic diversity were calculated. Across the three populations, on average, 63% of loci were polymorphic, the average frequency of heterozygotes (across all loci) was 0.32, and average genotypic diversity was 0.34.

Conclusions:

These markers provide a foundation for future studies exploring polyploidy and apomixis in myriopterid ferns.
Polymorphic SSR markers for Plasmopara obducens (Peronosporaceae), the newly emergent downy mildew pathogen of Impatiens (Balsaminaceae)
Authors: Salgado‐Salazar Catalina , Rivera Yazmín , Veltri Daniel , Crouch Jo Anne
Published: November 2015

Premise of the study:

Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were developed for Plasmopara obducens, the causal agent of the newly emergent downy mildew disease of Impatiens walleriana.

Methods and Results:

A 202‐Mb draft genome assembly was generated from P. obducens using Illumina technology and mined to identify 13,483 SSR motifs. Primers were synthesized for 62 marker candidates, of which 37 generated reliable PCR products. Testing of the 37 markers using 96 P. obducens samples showed 96% of the markers were polymorphic, with 2−6 alleles observed. Observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.000−0.892 and 0.023−0.746, respectively. Just 17 markers were sufficient to identify all multilocus genotypes.

Conclusions:

These are the first SSR markers available for this pathogen, and one of the first molecular resources. These markers will be useful in assessing variation in pathogen populations and determining the factors contributing to the emergence of destructive impatiens downy mildew disease.
Molecular-oxygen-promoted Cu-catalyzed oxidative direct amidation of nonactivated carboxylic acids with azoles
Authors: Ding Wen , Mai Shaoyu , Song Qiuling
Published: November 2015

A copper-catalyzed oxidative direct formation of amides from nonactivated carboxylic acids and azoles with dioxygen as an activating reagent is reported. The azole amides were produced in good to excellent yields with a broad substrate scope. The mechanistic studies reveal that oxygen plays an essential role in the success of the amidation reactions with copper peroxycarboxylate as the key intermediate. Transamidation occurs smoothly between azole amide and a variety of amines.
Risk Factors for Hearing Loss in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Tarshish Yael , Huang Lin , Jackson Frank I. , Edwards Julianne , Fligor Brian , Wilkins Abigail , Uluer Ahmet , Sawicki Gregory , Kenna Margaret
Published: November 2015

Background:Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are at increased risk for sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) due, at least in part, to the ototoxic side effects of routine CF therapies. However, the prevalence of SNHL and additional factors contributing to the development of SNHL
are unknown.Purpose:To identify risk factors associated with the development of SNHL in a large cohort of CF patients who had been referred for audiometric testing.Research Design:A retrospective study of audiometric results and medication information in a cohort of patients
with CF.Study Sample:Records of 178 CF patients seen at Boston Children’s Hospital for audiometric testing from 2007 to 2010 were reviewed. Mean age of patients was 18 yr (standard deviation = 10 yr), and 98 (55%) of the patients were female.Data Collection and Analysis:Audiometric
results, medications, and hospitalizations were recorded. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between SNHL and the number of hospitalizations and chronic antibiotic use in the year prior to the patients’ audiometry.Results:In this sample, 37/178
(21%) patients had SNHL. Twenty-nine (78%) of the 37 patients had bilateral SNHL and 8 (22%) had unilateral SNHL. Across all age groups, the majority of patients had a bilateral hearing loss (HL). A multivariable model showed that older age and more frequent hospitalizations were associated
with SNHL. The number of courses of chronic antibiotics in the year prior to audiometric testing was not correlated with rate of HL.Conclusions:This study suggests that age and frequency of hospitalizations are key predictors of HL development. Increased awareness and regular screening
for SNHL should be included in the routine care of CF patients, particularly those at the highest risk.
Analysis of Heterogeneous Concepts during Projection of Facilities of Good Manufacturing Practice and Human Biobank
Authors: Spiroski Ivo
Published: November 2015

The aim of this thesis is to analyse and to present heterogeneous concepts during projection of facilities of good manufacturing practice and human biobank.Feasibility study for bio banks of stem cells is prepared for one current health institution in Republic of Macedonia. The space covers 105 square meters for biobank for stem cells, as well as additional space. With this projects program are defined requested needs of the investor during preparation of the basic project for the biobank for stem cells. The prepared architectural – constructive solution allow smooth flow of the technology defined by the investor. The solution is optimal related to the function, construction and economics. It was established that in the Republic of Macedonia there is not present any kind of bank for stem cells, but there are present several liaison offices for collection and deposition of stem cells from several foreign countries. It is necessary to project, construct and to put in function several banks for stem cells in the Republic of Macedonia in order to fulfil the needs of patients with malignant diseases.
Douter et sourire, Roth ou le dompteur d’ambivalence
Authors: Helleu Alexandra
Published: November 2015

L’humour de Philip Roth joue d’une ambivalence décomplexée. Le passage répété par la position dépressive offre à ses personnages un regard exempt de déni capable de s’amuser des complexités pulsionnelles. L’écriture de Roth tisse des liens, elle perlabore. Contre toute rigidification psychique, elle use du rire pour mettre en scène le travail de liaison.
La chambre d’enfant
Authors: Roucous Nathalie , Dauphragne Antoine
Published: November 2015

Dans la perspective d’étude des différents « biens de l’enfant » dans l’unité spatiale que constitue le domicile, la recherche vise à appréhender le rôle des enfants dans la construction de la chambre et à étudier les modalités d’organisation familiale autour de cet espace. À partir d’un échantillon de quinze familles ayant au moins un enfant âgé de 7 à 9 ans, la visité-guidée de leur domicile par les enfants, fait apparaitre la chambre comme un espace matériel et symbolique dédié non seulement à ses objets mais à l’enfant lui-même. Observations et entretiens révèlent que la chambre se construit avec et par les objets à travers la question de leur usage et du rangement, mais aussi par le choix du mobilier et de l’agencement spatial. Dans cette construction, la décoration apparaît comme l’espace le plus propice à la rencontre des pratiques et des goûts des parents et enfants. Ce sont ces interactions et leurs différentes modalités qui sont ici analysées pour saisir cette socialisation qui se tisse au quotidien, en articulant sous différentes formes attribution des parents et appropriation des enfants.
The Effect of Cartilage Injury After Arthroscopic Stabilization for Shoulder Instability
Authors: Krych Aaron J. , Sousa Paul L. , King Alexander H. , Morgan Joseph A. , May Jedediah H. , Dahm Diane L.
Published: November 2015

This study was undertaken to (1) determine the incidence of articular cartilage injuries in patients with instability of the glenohumeral joint, (2) determine whether recurrent dislocations increased the risk of articular damage, and (3) correlate these injuries with postoperative clinical outcomes. A cohort was identified of consecutive patients who underwent diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging and shoulder arthroscopy for glenohumeral instability with documented dislocation or subluxation between 1997 and 2006 at a single institution. Patients with moderate or severe osteoarthritis were excluded. Arthroscopic findings were recorded, including lesion location and Outerbridge grade. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES) was used to assess outcome in 61 patients who were available for follow-up. Outcomes were compared between shoulders with and without articular lesions. A total of 87 shoulders (83 patients) met the inclusion criteria, with 69 (83%) men and 14 (17%) women. Mean age was 26.1 years (range, 18–64 years), and mean follow-up was 36 months (range, 33–39 months). Cartilage injuries were found in 56 shoulders (64%). Previously documented shoulder dislocation requiring closed reduction (
P
=.046) and the number of discrete dislocations (
P
=.032) were significant for glenoid injury. A greater number of dislocations was associated with higher-grade lesions of the glenohumeral joint (
P
<.001). Overall, mean ASES score was 89.6 (range, 37–100). In patients with an articular cartilage lesion, mean ASES score was 90.4 (range, 58–100) compared with 88.1 (range, 37–100) in those without this injury (
P
=.75). Although clinical outcomes were not significantly affected, further investigation is warranted to establish a relationship between these injuries and longer-term outcomes. [
Orthopedics.
2015; 38(11):e965–e969.]