bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial and radiometric characterization of multi-spectrum
satellite images through multifractal analysis
Authors: Alonso Carmelo , Tarquis Ana M. , Zuñiga Ignacio , Benito Rosa M.
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Several studies point out that vegetation indexes can been used to estimate root zone soil moisture and earth surface images, obtained by high resolution satellites, give presently huge information on these indexes based in several wavelengths data. Because of the potential capacity for systematic observations at various scales, remote sensing technology extends possible data archives from present time to over several decades back. For this advantage, enormous efforts have been made by researchers and application specialists to delineate vegetation indexes from local scale to global scale by applying remote sensing imagery. In this work, four bands images have been considered, involved in these vegetation indexes, taken by satellites IKONOS-2 and LANDSAT-7 of the same geographic location to study the effect of both spatial (pixel size) and radiometric (number of bits coding the image) resolution on these wavelength bands. In order to do so, a multifractal analysis of these multi-spectral images was applied in each of these bands. The results showed that spatial resolution has a similar scaling effect in the four bands, but radiometric resolution has a larger influence in Blue and Green bands than in Red and Near InfraRed bands. This information should be taken in to account when vegetation indexes based on different satellite sensors are obtained.
Solving Diophantine equations with binomial coefficients in study group sessions using both elementary and higher mathematical methods
Authors: Rakamazi Richárd
Published: August 2016

The paper can be considered as the continuation of [4] in the sense that we are studying Diophantine equations containing binomial coefficients. It was an important aspect that one should be able to discuss these problems — even if not in complete depth — also in high school study group sessions with the most talented students. We present various methods through several examples, which help the successful handling of other questions too, including problems in math competitions. Our discussion starts with the elementary treatment of easier problems, and then proceed gradually to more difficult questions which require higher mathematical methods.
Amniotic Membrane as Allograft for Construction of Neovagina by McIndoe Technique in Vaginal Agenesis
Authors: Yilanlioglu Necip Cihangir , Semiz Altug , Akpak Yasam Kemal , Kahraman Semra
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND: To assess the anatomical and functional results of neovagina creation with amniotic membrane.

METHODS: We operated on three young women with vaginal agenesis two of whom had a diagnosis of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome and the other mixed gonadal dysgenesis. The mean age was 29.67 years (range 28-33). A fresh amniotic membrane retrieved from a Cesarean section on the same operation date was prepared over a mould and inserted into the newly formed tunnel between the bladder and the rectum as per McIndoe technique. The patients were followed up for one year minimum. 

RESULTS: Mean vaginal depth achieved was 8, 10 and 7 cm (average 8.3 cm) at the 12 month follow-up clinic. Two patients expressed having satisfactory sexual life at follow-up interview. One patient who had infrequent coitus and neglected appropriate use of mould needed further follow-up in clinic and self-dilation.

CONCLUSİONS: McIndoe vaginoplasty with fresh-homologous amniotic membrane is an effective low-risk procedure. It can produce good results in fairly short time span with modest demand on patient compliance and rare morbidity.
Epidemiologic Correlates of Chronic Respiratory Infections in Adults an Urban Slum of Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
Authors: Kar Sonali , Mohapatra Ipsa , Konar Amrita
Published: August 2016

INTRODUCTION: Urbanization is marked by emergence of slum areas, wherein migrants from the nearby villages stay in temporary establishments for seeking avenues of employment. These dwellings lack most of the essential living conditions like safe water, healthy living conditions and access to health services. This population is also vulnerable to social evils like alcohol and tobacco addiction. KIMS, a medical college in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India has an Urban Health Training Centre (UHTC) that caters to a slum population of nearly 12,000 population for their primary health needs. Out of the monthly average of 200 patients /day, it is observed that respiratory symptoms complaints were highest both among the young and adults. Hence the study was conceived with the following objectives.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES: To assess the cumulative prevalence of Chronic Respiratory Infections and prevalence of specific respiratory symptoms in urban slum population along with a gender break up.

To assess the association between the living conditions, tobacco use with the respiratory manifestations if any.

METHODOLOGY: A house to house survey was done wherein all population aged 20-64years were interviewed using a pretested predesigned questionnaire adapted from questionnaire used in International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (IUATLD) study. Given the prevalence of nearly 4%, with 95% CI and a relative error of 20%, the optimum sample is considered to be nearly 400. For the study Chronic Respiratory Infections (CRI) was defined as reporting of 3 or more episodes of some specific common respiratory symptoms in last one year or a diagnosed case of asthma/COPD, warranting medical treatment.

RESULTS: The cumulative prevalence for CRI was seen as 11.7%, dry cough being the most common complaint ie 23.25% in both sexes. Smoking (both men and women), overcrowding and history of TB were seen as positive predictors of the disease. Use of wood or kerosene in case of women gave an OR of 6.1 times for manifestation of the disease.

CONCLUSION: Chronic Respiratory Illness is a major burden for slum dwellers and they should be educated against the risk factors and take appropriate precautions to safeguard against the illness. 
Association Between Adrenal Hematoma and Mortality in Pediatric Multiple Blunt Traumas: An Autopsy Evaluation
Authors: Taftachi Farrokh , Abdolkarimi Leyla , Ameri Maryam , Memarian Azadeh , Behzadi Alireza , Bakhshandeh Hooman
Published: August 2016

Adrenal hematoma is a common hidden catastrophic complication in pediatric victims of multiple blunt traumas. Adrenal hematoma has no obvious symptoms and may not be detected by diagnostic methods such as magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography scan, and sonography; consequently, this complication may be neglected in children with multiple blunt traumas and cause death through sudden adrenal crisis.

The current study was conducted on 55 dead children (<13 y) and 110 matured youths (13–17 y) who died in consequence of multiple blunt traumas, comprising car crashes, fall from heights, and falling debris. Our autopsy results showed that the overall prevalence of adrenal hematoma was 26% and this rate was higher in lower ages (1–6 y). There was no significant difference regarding the occurrence of adrenal hematoma between the genders. Adrenal hematoma was most common in abdominal and pelvic traumas. Peritoneal hemorrhage, liver damage, spleen rupture, omental injury, retroperitoneal hemorrhage, renal hematoma, and pelvic fracture were the most common complications associated with adrenal hematoma. In contrast to the previous studies, hematoma was mostly observed in the left adrenal. The incidence of damage to the pancreas, which similarly to the adrenal is a retroperitoneal organ, was very low (1.7%).

The high incidence of adrenal hematoma due to severe abdominopelvic trauma in children warrants further research. Future studies should shed sufficient light on the efficacy of prophylactic steroids in patients with suspicion of severe abdominopelvic trauma.
An Ecological Study of the Relationship between High Birthweight and Maternal Socioeconomic Indicators among US States
Authors: Khir Louay , Deonandan Raywat
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND: While low birthweight babies are widely recognized as clinically challenging, large for gestational age (LGA) births also pose medical risks. To better understand and address the rise in LGA births in the USA, a better understanding of its population health determinants is indicated.OBJECTIVE: We aimed to measure associations between incidence rates of LGA births and (1) trends in maternal health insurance rates and (2) per capita state healthcare spending rates in US states.METHODS: Using public data from the CDC's Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER) online natality database, the Current Population Survey of the United States Census Bureau, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, we computed Pierson's correlation coefficient for rates of LGA births, the percentage of women without healthcare insurance, and state-level governmental spending on health care, across 50 states and the District of Columbia.RESULTS: There is substantial correlation between rates LGA incidence and the proportion of insured women in a state (r2=0.47) and moderate correlation with the extent of governmental healthcare spending (r2=0.17).
Relational quantitative reasoning in kindergarten predicts mathematical achievement in third grade
Authors: Schalk Lennart , Saalbach Henrik , Grabner Roland H. , Stern Elsbeth
Published: August 2016

Tremendous variation in elementary school children’s mathematical achievement can partly be traced back to differences in early domain-specific quantitative competencies. While previous research mainly focused on numerical magnitude representation and counting, we tested the long-term effects of relational quantitative reasoning. Before children (N = 51) entered school (i.e. at age 5-6), we assessed this competence with a test that required no knowledge about Arabic numerals. Two and a half years later, when children were in third grade of elementary school, we gauged mathematical achievement, general reasoning ability, and reading skills. A multiple regression analysis with mathematical achievement as outcome variable revealed a small but unique impact of children’s relational quantitative reasoning in kindergarten on their later mathematical achievement after controlling for general reasoning and reading abilities. Thus, a considerable amount of individual differences in mathematics achievement in elementary school results from differences in early relational quantity understanding that emerge before systematic instruction starts.
La internacionalización del multiculturalismo liberal como estructura de posibilidad para su circulación en América Latina
Authors: García Peter Sabina
Published: August 2016

The objective of the article is to analyze the processes that operate at a global level as the structure of possibility for the circulation of the liberal debate on multiculturalism in Latin America. It is based on the proposition of a theoretical-conceptual framework for the study of the circulation of knowledge that considers both the objective structures and the subjective strategies that give rise to it. Secondly, it presents three dimensions of the process of internationalization of liberal multiculturalism, identified through an analysis of the existing literature on the subject. Thirdly, the article concludes by pointing out the importance of studying the specifics of this process in different countries in Latin America based on the interaction between structures of possibility and individual, group and/or institutional strategies on the local and international level, proposing that it is thus possible to explain the differences encountered in local appropriations of the debate.
Tassara, Carlo, Antonio Ibarra y Luis Hernán Vargas Faulbaum, eds. 2015. Protección social y lucha contra la pobreza en Brasil, Colombia y Chile. ¿Graduarse de los PTC o salir de la pobreza? Madrid: Programa EUROsociAL
Authors: Agudelo Taborda Jairo
Published: August 2016

Tassara, Carlo, Antonio Ibarra y Luis Hernán Vargas Faulbaum, eds. 2015. Protección social y lucha contra la pobreza en Brasil, Colombia y Chile. ¿Graduarse de los PTC o salir de la pobreza? Madrid: Programa EUROsociAL [212 pp.].
Marine aerosol source regions to Prince of Wales Icefield, Ellesmere Island, and influence from the tropical Pacific, 1979–2001
Authors: Criscitiello Alison S. , Marshall Shawn J. , Evans Matthew J. , Kinnard Christophe , Norman Ann‐Lise , Sharp Martin J.
Published: August 2016

Using a coastal ice core collected from Prince of Wales (POW) Icefield on Ellesmere Island, we investigate source regions of sea ice‐modulated chemical species (methanesulfonic acid (MSA) and chloride (Cl−)) to POW Icefield and the influence of large‐scale atmospheric variability on the transport of these marine aerosols (1979–2001). Our key findings are (1) MSA in the POW Icefield core is derived primarily from productivity in the sea ice zone of Baffin Bay and the Labrador Sea, with influence from waters within the North Water (NOW) polynya, (2) sea ice formation processes within the NOW polynya may be a significant source of sea‐salt aerosols to the POW core site, in addition to offshore open water source regions primarily in Hudson Bay, and (3) the tropical Pacific influences the source and transport of marine aerosols to POW Icefield through its remote control on regional winds and sea ice variability. Regression analyses during times of MSA deposition reveal sea level pressure (SLP) anomalies favorable for opening of the NOW polynya and subsequent oceanic dimethyl sulfide production. Regression analyses during times of Cl− deposition reveal SLP anomalies that indicate a broader oceanic region of sea‐salt sources to the core site. These results are supported by Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer‐ and Special Sensor Microwave/Imager‐based sea ice reconstructions and air mass transport density analyses and suggest that the marine biogenic record may capture local polynya variability, while sea‐salt transport to the site from larger offshore source regions in Baffin Bay is likely. Regression analyses show a link to tropical dynamics via an atmospheric Rossby wave.
Physical complexity to model morphological changes at a natural channel bend
Authors: Guan M. , Wright N. G. , Sleigh P. A. , Ahilan S. , Lamb R.
Published: August 2016

This study developed a two‐dimensional (2‐D) depth‐averaged model for morphological changes at natural bends by including a secondary flow correction. The model was tested in two laboratory‐scale events. A field study was further adopted to demonstrate the capability of the model in predicting bed deformation at natural bends. Further, a series of scenarios with different setups of sediment‐related parameters were tested to explore the possibility of a 2‐D model to simulate morphological changes at a natural bend, and to investigate how much physical complexity is needed for reliable modeling. The results suggest that a 2‐D depth‐averaged model can reconstruct the hydrodynamic and morphological features at a bend reasonably provided that the model addresses a secondary flow correction, and reasonably parameterize grain‐sizes within a channel in a pragmatic way. The factors, such as sediment transport formula and roughness height, have relatively less significance on the bed change pattern at a bend. The study reveals that the secondary flow effect and grain‐size parameterization should be given a first priority among other parameters when modeling bed deformation at a natural bend using a 2‐D model.
A comparison of watershed storage trends over the eastern and upper Midwestern regions of the United States, 2003–2015
Authors: Thomas Brian F. , Landerer Felix W. , Wiese David N. , Famiglietti James S.
Published: August 2016

Basin‐scale groundwater storage trends calculated from long‐term streamflow records provide insight into the evolution of watershed behaviors. Our study presents the first spatially relevant validation of recession‐based trend approaches by comparing three independent storage trend estimates using GRACE‐derived groundwater storage, in situ groundwater elevation observations, and recession‐based approaches for the time period of 2003–2015. Results documented consistent agreement between spatially interpolated groundwater observation trends and recession‐based storage trends, while GRACE‐derived groundwater trends were found to exhibit variable, poor comparisons. A decreasing trend in watershed storage was identified in the southeastern U.S. while increasing trends were identified in the northeast and upper Midwest estimated from recession‐based approaches. Our recession‐based approach conducted using nested watershed streamflow records identified variable watershed storage trends at scales directly applicable for comparative hydrology studies and for assisting in watershed‐based water resources management decisions.
Current Population Survey
Authors: Fienberg Stephen E. , Tanur Judith M.
Published: August 2016

The current population survey (CPS) is the world's longest continuing large‐scale sample survey. Carried out by the U.S. Bureau of the Census for the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the CPS forms the basis of the monthly release of U.S. employment rates. The design of the CPS involves a complex combination of stratification, clustering, and random selection, and it follows a special rotating panel structure of households that allows for special month to month and year to year comparisons. The CPS is perhaps the most‐studied survey in the world and is widely emulated, but its monthly employment statistics are not without controversy.
Statistical Methods in Nuclear Material Safeguards
Authors: Bonner Elisa , Burr Tom , Krieger Thomas , Norman Claude
Published: August 2016

The nuclear industry must account for nuclear material (NM), such as items that contain plutonium‐239, uranium‐233, or uranium enriched in the 235 or 233 isotopes. Such materials are expensive, plus play a role in weapons production, so there are national and international security considerations. There are two fields of NM safeguards. First, the field of NM domestic safeguards protects NM and monitors for possible NM loss, and does not include the possibility that a facility might alter the accounting data to mask NM diversion. Second, the field of NM international safeguards does not control NM, but monitors for possible NM loss or diversion where inspectors take measurements to determine whether a facility diverted NM and could have altered the accounting records to try to mask the diversion. Domestic safeguards has two main components: physical security to monitor and control access to NM and accounting procedures to monitor the flow and location of NM quantities. Analogously, the banking industry also uses physical security (guards, cameras, locked vaults, etc.) together with accounting procedures to monitor money flow. However, the nuclear industry is more complicated owing to the multitude of physical forms and chemical compositions of NM in bulk quantities, resulting in measurement errors and statistical methods to monitor NM flow.
Mixture Distributions – Further Developments
Authors: McLachlan Geoffrey J.
Published: August 2016

Finite mixtures of distributions have provided a mathematical‐based approach to the statistical modeling of a wide variety of random phenomena. They underpin a variety of techniques in major areas of statistics, including cluster and latent class analyses, discriminant analysis, image analysis, and survival analysis, in addition to their more direct role in data analysis and inference of providing descriptive models for complex and/or heterogeneous distributions. We provide an update here on recent developments on mixture distributions and their applications.
Interpoint Distance Distribution
Authors: Bonetti Marco
Published: August 2016

The interpoint distance distribution (IDD) is the distribution of the random variable defined as the distance, or dissimilarity, between two i.i.d. random variables. Estimation and testing procedures are available, based on samples of i.i.d. observations for the one‐sample and the two‐sample problem. The IDD allows for a reduction in dimensionality and can be used to perform shape classification. It is also related to local quantities in spatial point processes.
Empirical Distribution Function (
EDF
) Statistics
Authors: Stephens Michael A.
Published: August 2016

This article gives the basics of EDF Statistics, and gives important tests with these statistics. Topics where the statistics are useful, or have been used, are summarized.
Species Richness: Estimation and Comparison
Authors: Chao Anne , Chiu Chun‐Huo
Published: August 2016

On the basis of the sampling data from an assemblage, estimation of species richness (observed plus undetected) is statistically difficult especially for highly diverse assemblages with many rare species. Simple counts of species richness in samples typically underestimate and strongly depend on sampling effort and sample completeness. There are two approaches to infer species richness and make fair comparisons among multiple assemblages based on possibly unequal sampling effort and incomplete samples that miss many species. (i) An asymptotic approach: this approach compares the estimated asymptotes of species accumulation curves. It is based on statistical sampling‐theory methods of estimating species richness. Both parametric and nonparametric methods are reviewed. We focus on the nonparametric estimators that are universally valid for all species abundance distributions. (ii) A nonasymptotic approach: this approach compares the estimated species richnesses of standardized samples with a common finite sample size or sample completeness. It is based on the seamless sample‐size‐ and coverage‐based rarefaction and extrapolation sampling curves. This approach aims to compare species richness estimates for equally large or equally complete samples. These two approaches allow researchers to efficiently use all data to make robust and detailed inferences about species richness. Two R packages (SpadeR and iNEXT) are applied to rainforest tree data for illustration.
M
onte
C
arlo Methods
Authors: Robert Christian P.
Published: August 2016

With the prevalence of high‐powered computing, Monte Carlo methods are increasingly used in a wide range of disciplines. In this article, we review some of the principles behind these methods, note the relationship with other techniques used in systems reliability, and demonstrate some methods in practice. In particular, the accept–reject algorithm, the importance sampler, and the method of composition are highlighted here. While this is not the central topic of the introduction, we also mention the connections with Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods.
Time Series Regression
Authors: Campbell Michael J.
Published: August 2016

Time series regression is used when the independent and dependent variables in an analysis are measured over time. Use of ordinary least squares results in incorrect standard errors. This article outlines how autocorrelation can be accounted for and gives some examples in the field of medicine.
Markov ChainMonteCarlo Item Response Theory Estimation
Authors: Colvin Kimberly F. , Keller Lisa A.
Published: August 2016

Item response theory (IRT) is the cornerstone of modern measurement. The benefits of using IRT have been well documented. In order to use IRT models, it is necessary to estimate item parameters. As assessments become more complex, more sophisticated models need to be developed. The difficulty in making models more complex is the issue of parameter estimation, and, without the ability to estimate parameters, the models are not useful. With the growth of computer technology, new estimation techniques are being developed for IRT. One such technique is Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC). MCMC provides parameter estimates by simulating draws from the posterior distribution of the parameters and uses the constructed samples to provide point estimates of the parameters (e.g., means and modes). Both Gibbs sampling and Metropolis–Hastings within Gibbs are described, and examples of estimating parameters of dichotomous IRT models are provided.
Model Selection
Authors: Li Ang , Pericchi Luis
Published: August 2016

In the first two sections, we review both general ideas and some specific methods for model selection from Frequentist and Bayesian viewpoints, respectively. Information criteria‐based methods that have played important roles for both schools are discussed. Moreover, we briefly review LASSO, its Bayesian interpretation, and some recently developed Bayesian shrinkage methods that are closely related to LASSO.
Gene Therapy
Authors: Ginn Samantha L. , Alexander Ian E.
Published: August 2016

Conducting a clinical trial poses a unique set of challenges that must be addressed to ensure the safety of human subjects. In this article, we discuss issues that relate in particular to gene‐therapy clinical trials. These issues include the choice of gene delivery system, the need for extensive preclinical testing to ensure the feasibility and safety of the approach, and careful monitoring of subjects for short‐ and long‐term toxicity associated with the gene‐transfer protocol. We consider the translational challenges specific for gene‐therapy trials that comprise additional regulatory oversight, unique ethical considerations, and the need for specialized personnel, infrastructure, and reagents. We also provide a brief overview of current clinical activity, highlight the main lessons learned from landmark gene‐therapy trials, and conclude by discussing the challenges facing the field as it moves into the future.
Sample Support
Authors: Goovaerts Pierre
Published: August 2016

Sample support generally refers to the length, area, or volume associated with a measurement or observation. The term originates in the field of geostatistics, primarily from mining applications. To appreciate the issues associated with this term, this entry provides (i) a more complete definition of sample support as used in geostatistics; (ii) a description of the problems that arise in working with data of differing supports; (iii) a brief overview of the solutions to change of support problems.
Selection Model (Missing Data)
Authors: Little Roderick J.
Published: August 2016

Selection models are a class of statistical models used to analyze data with missing values. Important tools for the analysis of missing values, including maximum likelihood, Bayesian methods, and parametric multiple imputation, are based on a likelihood function. With missing data, the likelihood function is in general based on a model for the joint distribution of the data and the missing data mechanism. In selection models, this joint distribution is factored into a distribution for the data if there were no missing values, and a model of the missing data indicators given the data. Rubin's sufficient conditions for ignoring the missing data mechanism are described, a selection model is presented for a simple but important case, and selection models are compared with pattern‐mixture models, an alternative class of models for data with missing values. Issues with identifying parameters, and associated sensitivity analyses, are also discussed.
Dynamic Predictions
Authors: Proust‐Lima Cécile , Blanche Paul
Published: August 2016

Individualized risk prediction has become central in medicine, especially in the monitoring, screening, and management of chronic diseases. Dynamic predictions consist of predictions that are based on information repeatedly collected over time and that can be updated (dynamically) as soon as new information becomes available. The so‐called dynamic information typically includes biomarker measures and exposure records. The aim of this article is to give a short overview about how dynamic predictions can be defined and computed and how their predictive accuracy can be evaluated. References are provided to guide further reading about popular methods and examples.
Dynamic‐Interactive Graphics
Authors: Valero‐Mora Pedro M. , Ledesma Rubén D.
Published: August 2016

Dynamic‐interactive graphics are graphics that can move smoothly and change in response to a data analyst's actions, with the changes being computed and presented in real time. This article presents an example of these kind of graphics, an overview of their history  from mainframes computers, passing by desktop computers and the Internet  and a discussion of fields where they have been applied.
Earned Value Management and Earned Schedule Performance Indexes
Authors: Lipke Walt
Published: August 2016

Earned Value Management (EVM) and Earned Schedule (ES) indexes are indicators of project execution efficiency. They are used by project managers in their efforts toward achieving project success; that is, completing within budget and delivering the product on time. This article introduces EVM and ES and discusses the statistical distribution of their respective indexes. Practical application of statistics is developed for forecasting cost and schedule.
Quantitative Imaging Biomarkers
Authors: Obuchowski Nancy A.
Published: August 2016

Over the past two decades, remarkable advances in medical imaging have allowed physicians to obtain anatomic, functional, metabolic, and physiologic measurements from medical images, the so‐called quantitative imaging biomarkers (QIBs), to aid in the prognosis, diagnosis, and management of disease. There are four basic types of QIBs: prognostic, predictive, early response, and therapeutic response. Before using a QIB in clinical practice, its technical performance must be well documented. This article describes estimation of the technical performance of QIBs, particularly bias, repeatability, and linearity. The utility of QIBs in clinical care management and as surrogate endpoints in clinical trials is addressed.
Flame‐Retardant Mechanism of Benzoxazine Resin with Triazine Structure
Authors: Zhang Xiaorui , Liu Lizhu , Yu Yang , Weng Ling
Published: August 2016

Benzoxazion resins have attracted a great deal of interests due to their excellent flame‐retardant property. In this paper, a benzoxazion resin with a triazine structure was synthesized successfully and the flame‐retardant mechanism of the resin was discussed. Its flammability property and the thermal decomposition were measured and analyzed with a cone calorimeter and thermogravimetry–differential scanning calorimetry–mass spectrometry. The chemical structure as well as the surface morphology of the cured resin after combustion was characterized by Fourier transform infrared and scanning electron microscopy. The results illustrated that little heat was released during the ignition process of the cured resin. The gas including NO2, CO2, H2O, and a few CO were produced during the thermal decomposing. With the surface of the cured resin after combustion covered with the layer of the triazine structure, the benzoxazine resin with the triazine structure exhibits a desirable property of a flame retardant.
Highly Flexible, Freestanding Supercapacitor Electrode with Enhanced Performance Obtained by Hybridizing Polypyrrole Chains with MXene
Authors: Zhu Minshen , Huang Yang , Deng Qihuang , Zhou Jie , Pei Zengxia , Xue Qi , Huang Yan , Wang Zifeng , Li Hongfei , Huang Qing , Zhi Chunyi
Published: August 2016

Though polypyrrole (PPy) is widely used in flexible supercapacitors owing to its high electrochemical activity and intrinsic flexibility, limited capacitance and cycling stability of freestanding PPy films greatly reduce their practicality in real‐world applications. Herein, we report a new approach to enhance PPy's capacitance and cycling stability by forming a freestanding and conductive hybrid film through intercalating PPy into layered Ti3C2 (l‐Ti3C2, a MXene material). The capacitance increases from 150 (300) to 203 mF cm−2 (406 F cm−3). Moreover, almost 100% capacitance retention is achieved, even after 20 000 charging/discharging cycles. The analyses reveal that l‐Ti3C2 effectively prevents dense PPy stacking, benefiting the electrolyte infiltration. Furthermore, strong bonds, formed between the PPy backbones and surfaces of l‐Ti3C2, not only ensure good conductivity and provide precise pathways for charge‐carrier transport but also improve the structural stability of PPy backbones. The freestanding PPy/l‐Ti3C2 film is further used to fabricate an ultra‐thin all‐solid‐state supercapacitor, which shows an excellent capacitance (35 mF cm−2), stable performance at any bending state and during 10 000 charging/discharging cycles. This novel strategy provides a new way to design conductive polymer‐based freestanding flexible electrodes with greatly improved electrochemical performances.
Latex‐templated biomineralization of silica nanoparticles with porous shell and their application for drug delivery
Authors: Zhou Huizhi , Luo Jingchi , Gao Qing , Yang Tingting
Published: August 2016

A latex‐templating method for synthesizing the core‐shell silica nanoparticles (NPs) with porous shell was developed via biomineralization in the presence of poly[2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride (pDMC)‐modified polystyrene latex. Calcination of the as‐obtained SiO2 NPs led to the removal of the latex core and consequently to hollow silica NPs with porous shell. In particularly, the microstructure and thickness of silica shell could be controlled by simply changing the reaction parameters of silicification. Furthermore, facile encapsulation of a drug molecules and its sustained release were demonstrated. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44200.
Colour to Greyscale Pixels: Re‐seeing Greyscale Archived Aerial Photographs and Declassified Satellite CORONA Images Based on Image Fusion Techniques
Authors: Agapiou Athos , Alexakis Dimitrios D. , Sarris Apostolos , Hadjimitsis Diofantos G.
Published: August 2016

To date, archived aerial photographs or recently declassified satellite CORONA images have been used to support archaeological research. However the use of such images is limited to the interpretation of greyscale images, which can be improved by image analysis processes including filters, edge detection techniques, etc. This article presents a methodology to improve the interpretation of these images by adding colour from recently acquired satellites or airborne sensors. The methodology followed in this article, is based on the use of pan‐sharpening algorithms which are applied to a set of an archived greyscale image and a recently colour image taken over the same area. These two images are geometrically corrected while their histograms are matched. Then, the two images are merged based on different pan‐sharpening techniques such as Brovey transformation, high pass filters, multiplicative transformation, principal component analysis and wavelet decomposition. The final result is a colour image which can be further studied for interpretation purposes. A coherence image is also calculated since differences due to time might be also observed in the images (e.g. land use changes). The results presented here from different cases studies of Cyprus indicate that the proposed methodology may be applied in any other greyscale archive dataset. From the results is was shown that Brovey and high pass filter transform seem to be able to support better the interpretation of such archive information. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Capturing the Past for the Future: an Evaluation of the Effect of Geometric Scan Deformities on the Performance of Aerial Archival Media in Image‐based Modelling Environments
Authors: Sevara Christopher
Published: August 2016

Image‐based modelling (IBM) applications can be used to successfully extract two‐ and three‐dimensional information from historic aerial and satellite imagery for use in archaeological and other landscape‐oriented research. The robust and highly automated nature of these applications can allow for image matching and dense scene reconstruction, even when input images lack information necessary for processing in traditional photogrammetric workflows. However, the overall quality of the content derived from IBM applications can be directly influenced by a number of variables, including the manner in which archival content is digitized. Significant geometric distortion can be induced in the scanning process when using non‐photogrammetric scanning devices, which can have a negative effect on the subsequent processing of scanned imagery and accuracy of derived content such as orthomosaics and digital elevation models (DEMs). While this is a well‐known issue for users of high end photogrammetry packages, the advent of IBM applications has brought the use of photogrammetric‐style techniques to a wider audience who may not be aware of the impact that geometric errors of this nature can have on the quality of derived data products. This issue is demonstrated here using a set of degraded historic World War II (WWII) Allied reconnaissance photographs that have been digitized on both photogrammetric and non‐photogrammetric platforms and subsequently processed in a well‐known IBM application using identical processing parameters. The results are compared to those from a recently collected set of vertical stereopairs and an airborne laser scan derived DEM. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel Shank3 mutant exhibits behaviors with face validity for autism and altered striatal and hippocampal function
Authors: Jaramillo Thomas C. , Speed Haley E. , Xuan Zhong , Reimers Jeremy M. , Escamilla Christine Ochoa , Weaver Travis P. , Liu Shunan , Filonova Irina , Powell Craig M.
Published: August 2016

Mutations/deletions in the SHANK3 gene are associated with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability. Here, we present electrophysiological and behavioral consequences in novel heterozygous and homozygous mice with a transcriptional stop cassette inserted upstream of the PDZ domain‐coding exons in Shank3 (Shank3E13). Insertion of a transcriptional stop cassette prior to exon 13 leads to loss of the two higher molecular weight isoforms of Shank3. Behaviorally, both Shank3E13 heterozygous (HET) and homozygous knockout (KO) mice display increased repetitive grooming, deficits in social interaction tasks, and decreased rearing. Shank3E13 KO mice also display deficits in spatial memory in the Morris water maze task. Baseline hippocampal synaptic transmission and short‐term plasticity are preserved in Shank3E13 HET and KO mice, while both HET and KO mice exhibit impaired hippocampal long‐term plasticity. Additionally, Shank3E13 HET and KO mice display impaired striatal glutamatergic synaptic transmission. These results demonstrate for the first time in this novel Shank3 mutant that both homozygous and heterozygous mutation of Shank3 lead to behavioral abnormalities with face validity for autism along with widespread synaptic dysfunction. Autism Res 2017, 10: 42–65. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Coiled‐coils: The long and short of it
Authors: Truebestein Linda , Leonard Thomas A.
Published: August 2016

Coiled‐coils are found in proteins throughout all three kingdoms of life. Coiled‐coil domains of some proteins are almost invariant in sequence and length, betraying a structural and functional role for amino acids along the entire length of the coiled‐coil. Other coiled‐coils are divergent in sequence, but conserved in length, thereby functioning as molecular spacers. In this capacity, coiled‐coil proteins influence the architecture of organelles such as centrioles and the Golgi, as well as permit the tethering of transport vesicles. Specialized coiled‐coils, such as those found in motor proteins, are capable of propagating conformational changes along their length that regulate cargo binding and motor processivity. Coiled‐coil domains have also been identified in enzymes, where they function as molecular rulers, positioning catalytic activities at fixed distances. Finally, while coiled‐coils have been extensively discussed for their potential to nucleate and scaffold large macromolecular complexes, structural evidence to substantiate this claim is relatively scarce.
Spatial clustering of average risks and risk trends in Bayesian disease mapping
Authors: Anderson Craig , Lee Duncan , Dean Nema
Published: August 2016

Spatiotemporal disease mapping focuses on estimating the spatial pattern in disease risk across a set of nonoverlapping areal units over a fixed period of time. The key aim of such research is to identify areas that have a high average level of disease risk or where disease risk is increasing over time, thus allowing public health interventions to be focused on these areas. Such aims are well suited to the statistical approach of clustering, and while much research has been done in this area in a purely spatial setting, only a handful of approaches have focused on spatiotemporal clustering of disease risk. Therefore, this paper outlines a new modeling approach for clustering spatiotemporal disease risk data, by clustering areas based on both their mean risk levels and the behavior of their temporal trends. The efficacy of the methodology is established by a simulation study, and is illustrated by a study of respiratory disease risk in Glasgow, Scotland.
Quantitative analysis of aromatics for synthetic biology using liquid chromatography
Authors: Lai Bin , Plan Manuel R. , Averesch Nils J.H. , Yu Shiqin , Kracke Frauke , Lekieffre Nicolas , Bydder Sarah , Hodson Mark P. , Winter Gal , Krömer Jens O.
Published: August 2016

The replacement of petrochemical aromatics with bio‐based molecules is a key area of current biotechnology research. To date, a small number of aromatics have been produced by recombinant bacteria in laboratory scale while industrial production still requires further strain development. While each study includes some distinct analytical methodology to quantify certain aromatics, a method that can reliably quantify a great number of aromatic products and relevant pathway intermediates is needed to accelerate strain development. In this study, we developed a robust reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography method to quantify a wide range of aromatic metabolites present in host microorganisms using the shikimate pathway, which is the major metabolic pathway for biosynthesis of aromatics. Twenty‐three metabolites can be quantified precisely with the optimized method using standard HPLC equipment and UV detection, with the mobile phase used for chromatography also compatible with mass spectrometry (MS). The limit of quantification/detection is as low as 10−10 to 10−13 mol, respectively, which makes this method feasible for quantification of intracellular metabolites. This method covers most metabolic routes for aromatics biosynthesis, it is inexpensive, robust, simple, precise and sensitive, and has been demonstrated on cell extracts from S. cerevisiae genetically engineered to overproduce aromatics.
Gene cloning of an efficiency oleate hydratase from Stenotrophomonas nitritireducens for polyunsaturated fatty acids and its application in the conversion of plant oils to 10‐hydroxy fatty acids
Authors: Kang Woo‐Ri , Seo Min‐Ju , Shin Kyung‐Chul , Park Jin‐Byung , Oh Deok‐Kun
Published: August 2016

Hydroxy fatty acids are used as precursors of lactones and dicarboxylic acids, as starting materials of polymers, and as additives in coatings and paintings. Stenotrophomonas nitritireducens efficiently converts cis‐9 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to 10‐hydroxy fatty acids. However, gene encoding enzyme involved in this conversion has not been identified to date. We purified a putative fatty acid double‐bond hydratase from S. nitritireducens by ultrafiltration and HiPrep DEAE FF and Resource Q ion exchange chromatographies. Peptide sequences of the purified enzyme were obtained by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) analysis. Sequence of the partial gene encoding this putative fatty acid double‐bond hydratase was determined by degenerate polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based on the peptide sequences. The remaining gene sequence was identified by rapid amplification of cDNA ends using cDNA of S. nitritireducens as a template, and the full‐length gene was cloned subsequently. The expressed enzyme was identified as an oleate hydratase by determining its kinetic parameters toward unsaturated fatty acids. S. nitritireducens oleate hydratase showed higher activity toward PUFAs compared with other available oleate hydratases. This suggested that the enzyme could be used effectively to convert plant oils to 10‐hydroxy fatty acids because these oils contained unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid (OA) and linoleic acid (LA) and PUFAs such as α‐linolenic acid and/or γ‐linolenic acid. The enzyme converted soybean oil and perilla seed oil hydrolyzates containing 10 mM total unsaturated fatty acids, including OA, LA, and ALA, to 8.87 and 8.70 mM total 10‐hydroxy fatty acids, respectively, in 240 min. To our knowledge, this is the first study on the biotechnological conversion of PUFA‐containing oils to hydroxy fatty acids. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 74–82. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Allergen‐specific immune response suppresses interleukin 10 expression in B cells via increasing micro‐RNA‐17‐92 cluster
Authors: Geng Xiao‐Rui , Qiu Shu‐Qi , Yang Li‐Tao , Liu Zhi‐Qiang , Yang Gui , Liu Jiang‐Qi , Zeng Lu , Li Xiao‐Xi , Mo Li‐Hua , Liu Zhi‐Gang , Yang Ping‐Chang
Published: August 2016

Interleukin (IL)‐10–expressing B cells play a critical role in the immune homeostasis in the body; its regulation has not been fully understood. Micro‐RNA (miR)‐17‐92 cluster has strong regulation in the immunity. This study tests a hypothesis that miR‐17‐92 cluster suppresses IL‐10 expression in B cells. In this study, peripheral B cells were collected from patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). The B cells were treated with specific allergens, dust mite extracts, in the culture. The expressions of miR‐17‐92 cluster and IL‐10 in the culture were assessed by real‐time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed that the levels of miR‐19a, but not the rest of the 5 members (miR‐17, miR‐18a, miR‐19b, miR‐20a, and miR‐92a), were significantly higher in peripheral B cells from AR patients as than in B cells from healthy participants. Exposure of B cells from AR patients to specific allergen, dust mite extracts, significantly increased the levels if miR‐19a and suppressed the expression of IL‐10 in B cells. The levels of histone deacetylase 11 and acetylated H3K9 were higher, and the RNA polymerase II and c‐Maf (the IL‐10 transcription factor) were lower, at the IL‐10 promoter locus. In conclusion, miR‐19a mediates the allergen‐specific immune response–decreased IL‐10 expression in B cells.
Resonance‐Assisted Hydrogen Bonding as a Driving Force in Synthesis and a Synthon in the Design of Materials
Authors: Mahmudov Kamran T. , Pombeiro Armando J. L.
Published: August 2016

Resonance‐assisted hydrogen bonding (RAHB), a concept introduced by Gilli and co‐workers in 1989, concerns a kind of intramolecular H‐bonding strengthened by a conjugated π‐system, usually in 6‐, 8‐, or 10‐membered rings. This Review highlights the involvement of RAHB as a driving force in the synthesis of organic, coordination, and organometallic compounds, as a handy tool in the activation of covalent bonds, and in starting moieties for synthetic transformations. The unique roles of RAHB in molecular recognition and switches, E/Z isomeric resolution, racemization and epimerization of amino acids and chiral amino alcohols, solvatochromism, liquid‐crystalline compounds, and in synthons for crystal engineering and polymer materials are also discussed. The Review can provide practical guidance for synthetic chemists that are interested in exploring and further developing RAHB‐assisted synthesis and design of materials.