bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrogel is Superior to Fibrin Gel as Matrix of Stem Cells in Alleviating Antigen-Induced Arthritis
Authors: Liu He , Ding Jianxun , Li Chen , Wang Chenyu , Wang Yinan , Wang Jincheng , Chang Fei
Published: May 2016

Recently, therapy with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) has been attempted to relieve rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and reconstruct cartilage injury. However, treatment has been unsuccessful in complete prevention of persistent cartilage destruction and resulted in inferior outcomes of cartilage regeneration. Scaffolds are an important construct in the field of cartilage tissue engineering, but their role in arthritis treatment has not yet been fully examined. Here, we transplanted two types of scaffold-assisted BMMSCs: fibrin gel- and poly(l-lactide-co-glycolide)−poly(ethylene glycol)−poly(l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA−PEG−PLGA) hydrogel-assisted BMMSCs referred as FGB and HGB groups, respectively, into subchondral defects for the treatment of antigen-induced arthritis. The administration of exogenous BMMSCs ameliorated joint swelling and decreased both joint surface temperature and inflammatory cytokine levels in both groups. Immune cell composition of the inflammation of surrounding synovium, protection of adjacent cartilage, and improved cartilage repair were also observed. Overall, the HGB group had a better therapeutic efficacy than the FGB group. In conclusion, local transplantation of BMMSCs in subchondral defects presents a novel approach in inducing RA remission and recovery of RA-induced cartilage injury. To induce these changes, the selection of scaffold for cell support is exceedingly important. Further studies are needed regarding the treatment options of subchondral defects in arthritis based on modified scaffold development, application of defined MSCs sources, combination of pharmacotherapeutics, and the addition of factors that inhibit the processes of RA remission, promote the recovery of RA-induced cartilage injury and the relationship between these factors.
A 30 m Resolution Surface Water Mask Including Estimation of Positional and Thematic Differences Using Landsat 8, SRTM and OpenStreetMap: A Case Study in the Murray-Darling Basin, Australia
Authors: Donchyts Gennadii , Schellekens Jaap , Winsemius Hessel , Eisemann Elmar , Van de Giesen Nick
Published: May 2016

Accurate maps of surface water are essential for many environmental applications. Surface water maps can be generated by combining measurements from multiple sources. Precise estimation of surface water using satellite imagery remains a challenging task due to the sensor limitations, complex land cover, topography, and atmospheric conditions. As a complementary dataset, in the case of hilly landscapes, a drainage network can be extracted from high-resolution digital elevation models. Additionally, Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) initiatives, such as OpenStreetMap, can also be used to produce high-resolution surface water masks. In this study, we derive a high-resolution water mask using Landsat 8 imagery and OpenStreetMap as well as (potential) a drainage network using 30 m SRTM. Our approach to derive a surface water mask from Landsat 8 imagery comprises the use of a lower 15% percentile of Landsat 8 Top of Atmosphere (TOA) reflectance from 2013 to 2015. We introduce a new non-parametric unsupervised method based on the Canny edge filter and Otsu thresholding to detect water in flat areas. For hilly areas, the method is extended with an additional supervised classification step used to refine the water mask. We applied the method across the Murray-Darling basin, Australia. Differences between our new Landsat-based water mask and the OpenStreetMap water mask regarding positional differences along the rivers and overall coverage were analyzed. Our results show that about 50% of the OpenStreetMap linear water features can be confirmed using the water mask extracted from Landsat 8 imagery and the drainage network derived from SRTM. We also show that the observed distances between river features derived from OpenStreetMap and Landsat 8 are mostly smaller than 60 m. The differences between the new water mask and SRTM-based linear features and hilly areas are slightly larger (110 m). The overall agreement between OpenStreetMap and Landsat 8 water masks is about 30%.
Variability and Changes in Climate, Phenology, and Gross Primary Production of an Alpine Wetland Ecosystem
Authors: Kang Xiaoming , Hao Yanbin , Cui Xiaoyong , Chen Huai , Huang Sanxiang , Du Yangong , Li Wei , Kardol Paul , Xiao Xiangming , Cui Lijuan
Published: May 2016

Quantifying the variability and changes in phenology and gross primary production (GPP) of alpine wetlands in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau under climate change is essential for assessing carbon (C) balance dynamics at regional and global scales. In this study, in situ eddy covariance (EC) flux tower observations and remote sensing data were integrated with a modified, satellite-based vegetation photosynthesis model (VPM) to investigate the variability in climate change, phenology, and GPP of an alpine wetland ecosystem, located in Zoige, southwestern China. Two-year EC data and remote sensing vegetation indices showed that warmer temperatures corresponded to an earlier start date of the growing season, increased GPP, and ecosystem respiration, and hence increased the C sink strength of the alpine wetlands. Twelve-year long-term simulations (2000–2011) showed that: (1) there were significantly increasing trends for the mean annual enhanced vegetation index (EVI), land surface water index (LSWI), and growing season GPP (R2 ≥ 0.59, p < 0.01) at rates of 0.002, 0.11 year−1 and 16.32 g·C·m−2·year−1, respectively, which was in line with the observed warming trend (R2 = 0.54, p = 0.006); (2) the start and end of the vegetation growing season (SOS and EOS) experienced a continuous advancing trend at a rate of 1.61 days·year−1 and a delaying trend at a rate of 1.57 days·year−1 from 2000 to 2011 (p ≤ 0.04), respectively; and (3) with increasing temperature, the advanced SOS and delayed EOS prolonged the wetland’s phenological and photosynthetically active period and, thereby, increased wetland productivity by about 3.7–4.2 g·C·m−2·year−1 per day. Furthermore, our results indicated that warming and the extension of the growing season had positive effects on carbon uptake in this alpine wetland ecosystem.
Performance Analysis of ICA in Sensor Array
Authors: Cai Xin , Wang Xiang , Huang Zhitao , Wang Fenghua
Published: May 2016

As the best-known scheme in the field of Blind Source Separation (BSS), Independent Component Analysis (ICA) has been intensively used in various domains, including biomedical and acoustics applications, cooperative or non-cooperative communication, etc. While sensor arrays are involved in most of the applications, the influence on the performance of ICA of practical factors therein has not been sufficiently investigated yet. In this manuscript, the issue is researched by taking the typical antenna array as an illustrative example. Factors taken into consideration include the environment noise level, the properties of the array and that of the radiators. We analyze the analytic relationship between the noise variance, the source variance, the condition number of the mixing matrix and the optimal signal to interference-plus-noise ratio, as well as the relationship between the singularity of the mixing matrix and practical factors concerned. The situations where the mixing process turns (nearly) singular have been paid special attention to, since such circumstances are critical in applications. Results and conclusions obtained should be instructive when applying ICA algorithms on mixtures from sensor arrays. Moreover, an effective countermeasure against the cases of singular mixtures has been proposed, on the basis of previous analysis. Experiments validating the theoretical conclusions as well as the effectiveness of the proposed scheme have been included.
Machine Learning and Computer Vision System for Phenotype Data Acquisition and Analysis in Plants
Authors: Navarro Pedro , Pérez Fernando , Weiss Julia , Egea-Cortines Marcos
Published: May 2016

Phenomics is a technology-driven approach with promising future to obtain unbiased data of biological systems. Image acquisition is relatively simple. However data handling and analysis are not as developed compared to the sampling capacities. We present a system based on machine learning (ML) algorithms and computer vision intended to solve the automatic phenotype data analysis in plant material. We developed a growth-chamber able to accommodate species of various sizes. Night image acquisition requires near infrared lightning. For the ML process, we tested three different algorithms: k-nearest neighbour (kNN), Naive Bayes Classifier (NBC), and Support Vector Machine. Each ML algorithm was executed with different kernel functions and they were trained with raw data and two types of data normalisation. Different metrics were computed to determine the optimal configuration of the machine learning algorithms. We obtained a performance of 99.31% in kNN for RGB images and a 99.34% in SVM for NIR. Our results show that ML techniques can speed up phenomic data analysis. Furthermore, both RGB and NIR images can be segmented successfully but may require different ML algorithms for segmentation.
A Reliable Wireless Control System for Tomato Hydroponics
Authors: Ibayashi Hirofumi , Kaneda Yukimasa , Imahara Jungo , Oishi Naoki , Kuroda Masahiro , Mineno Hiroshi
Published: May 2016

Agricultural systems using advanced information and communication (ICT) technology can produce high-quality crops in a stable environment while decreasing the need for manual labor. The system collects a wide variety of environmental data and provides the precise cultivation control needed to produce high value-added crops; however, there are the problems of packet transmission errors in wireless sensor networks or system failure due to having the equipment in a hot and humid environment. In this paper, we propose a reliable wireless control system for hydroponic tomato cultivation using the 400 MHz wireless band and the IEEE 802.15.6 standard. The 400 MHz band, which is lower than the 2.4 GHz band, has good obstacle diffraction, and zero-data-loss communication is realized using the guaranteed time-slot method supported by the IEEE 802.15.6 standard. In addition, this system has fault tolerance and a self-healing function to recover from faults such as packet transmission failures due to deterioration of the wireless communication quality. In our basic experiments, the 400 MHz band wireless communication was not affected by the plants’ growth, and the packet error rate was less than that of the 2.4 GHz band. In summary, we achieved a real-time hydroponic liquid supply control with no data loss by applying a 400 MHz band WSN to hydroponic tomato cultivation.
Development of a Near Ground Remote Sensing System
Authors: Zhang Yanchao , Xiao Yuzhao , Zhuang Zaichun , Zhou Liping , Liu Fei , He Yong
Published: May 2016

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have shown great potential in agriculture and are increasingly being developed for agricultural use. There are still a lot of experiments that need to be done to improve their performance and explore new uses, but experiments using UAVs are limited by many conditions like weather and location and the time it takes to prepare for a flight. To promote UAV remote sensing, a near ground remote sensing platform was developed. This platform consists of three major parts: (1) mechanical structures like a horizontal rail, vertical cylinder, and three axes gimbal; (2) power supply and control parts; (3) onboard application components. This platform covers five degrees of freedom (DOFs): horizontal, vertical, pitch, roll, yaw. A stm32 ARM single chip was used as the controller of the whole platform and another stm32 MCU was used to stabilize the gimbal. The gimbal stabilizer communicates with the main controller via a CAN bus. A multispectral camera was mounted on the gimbal. Software written in C++ language was developed as the graphical user interface. Operating parameters were set via this software and the working status was displayed in this software. To test how well the system works, a laser distance meter was used to measure the slide rail’s repeat accuracy. A 3-axis vibration analyzer was used to test the system stability. Test results show that the horizontal repeat accuracy was less than 2 mm; vertical repeat accuracy was less than 1 mm; vibration was less than 2 g and remained at an acceptable level. This system has high accuracy and stability and can therefore be used for various near ground remote sensing studies.
Effects of Growth Parameters on the Analysis of Aspergillus flavus Volatile Metabolites
Authors: Sun Dongdi , She Jinyan , Gower Julie , Stokes C. , Windham Gary , Baird Richard , Mlsna Todd
Published: May 2016

Aspergillus flavus produces dangerous secondary metabolites known as aflatoxins, which are toxic and carcinogenic, and their contamination of agricultural products results in health issues and economic hardships in the U.S. and around the world. Early identification of aflatoxigenic isolates of A. flavus is the key in the management of these fungi. An emerging detection method for specific fungi identification involves the analysis of microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) released by the fungi. Complicating this approach is the understanding that many factors influence metabolic production, including growth parameters, such as growth media, temperature, spore counts and oxidation stress. In addition, analytical and data analysis methods can also influence the results. Several growth and analysis methods were evaluated and optimized in order to better understand the effect of the methods on fungi MVOC signatures. The results indicate that carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane (CAR/PDMS) has the best extraction efficiency for the MVOCs emitted by A. flavus. Both chemical defined agar (CDA) and chemical defined liquid (CDL) are suitable growth media for MVOC emission studies. The highest MVOC production was found at 30 °C. Log transformation was considered one of the best data pretreatment methods when analyzing MVOC data and resulted in the best principal component analysis (PCA) clustering in the experiments with different growth media. This study aims to elucidate fungal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) differences due to variations in growth parameters as a first step in the development of an analytical method for the monitoring of aflatoxigenic A. flavus contamination in crop storage facilities.
The Impact of an Epidemic Outbreak on Consumer Expenditures:An Empirical Assessment for MERS Korea
Authors: Jung Hojin , Park Minjae , Hong Kihoon , Hyun Eunjung
Published: May 2016

In this paper, we investigate the effect of an epidemic outbreak on consumer expenditures. In light of scanner panel data on consumers’ debit and credit card transactions, we present empirical evidence that outbreaks cause considerable disruption in total consumer expenditures with significant heterogeneity across categories. Our findings strongly imply that customers alter their behaviors to reduce the risk of infection. The estimated effect of an epidemic outbreak is qualitatively different from that of other macroeconomic factors. The implications of this research provide important guidance for policy interventions and marketing decisions aimed at sustaining economic growth.
Rationalization of Altitudinal Precipitation Profiles in a Data-Scarce Glacierized Watershed Simulation in the Karakoram
Authors: Wang Xiaolei , Sun Lin , Zhang Yiqing , Luo Yi
Published: May 2016

Due to the scarcity of field observations and geodetic measurements in catchments in the Karakoram Mountains in Western China, obtaining precipitation data for the high mountains involves large uncertainties and difficulties. In this study, we used a functional relationship between the annual glacier accumulation and summer temperature at the equilibrium line altitude (ELA) to derive precipitation lapse rates (PLAPSs) in a data-scarce watershed. These data were used in a modified Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model with a glacier module to simulate glacio-hydrological processes in the Yarkant River basin in the Karakoram. The PLAPS based on the widely-used grid datasets considerably underestimated precipitation, yielding an unreasonable watershed water balance and inaccurate glacier changes. However, the ELA-based PLAPS improved the simulation significantly. In the Yarkant River basin, the annual precipitation reached a peak of 800–1000 mm at approximately 5300 m a.s.l. The model simulations indicated that the contributions of glacier melt and ice melt to total runoff were 52% and 31%, respectively. Moreover, a significant precipitation increase and a non-significant temperature increase during the melt season may be the major reasons for the decreased ice melt and slower glacier shrinkage on the northern slope of the Karakoram during the period of 1968–2007.
Effects of Land Use Types on Community Structure Patterns of Benthic Macroinvertebrates in Streams of Urban Areas in the South of the Korea Peninsula
Authors: Kim Dong-Hwan , Chon Tae-Soo , Kwak Gyu-Suk , Lee Sang-Bin , Park Young-Seuk
Published: May 2016

Benthic macroinvertebrates were collected from streams located in an urban area from regions featuring different environmental conditions. Physicochemical variables and land use types pertaining to sampling sites were analyzed concurrently. Multivariate analyses (cluster analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling) and rank-abundance diagrams were used to characterize community patterns to assess ecological integrity in response to environmental conditions. Species composition patterns were mainly influenced by both the gradient of physicochemical variables (e.g., altitude, slope, conductivity) and the proportion of forest area. Community structure patterns were further correlated to the proportion of urbanization and to biological indices (e.g., diversity, number of species). Land use preferences of benthic species were identified based on the indicator values and weighted averaging regression models. Plecoptera species were representative of undisturbed streams in forest areas, whereas Tubificidae species and filtering collector caddis flies were indicator taxa in severely polluted and agricultural areas, respectively. The analyses of community structures and indicator species effectively characterized community properties and ecological integrity following natural and anthropogenic variability in urban stream ecosystems.
Challenging Environment of the Club Industry And Impact for Local Gamblers and Tourists
Authors: Lee Timothy J.
Published: May 2016

This article examines the constantly growing club industry in Australia. Sociologically, the industry provides employment opportunities but at the same time has an impact on the growth of problem gambler numbers. Economically, Australia has prospered with the development of the club
industry, primarily through raised revenue, and increased tourist numbers and employment. The industry faces a range of legislative and competitive market forces, which have significantly changed the operating environment, and there is no indication that these will abate in the foreseeable
future. This article also investigates how the external leisure industry and advances in technology has affected Australian clubs. This study contributes to provide ideas of sustainable approaches for healthy development of the club industry in Australia and worldwide.
Nonresponse Bias in Tourism Advertising Studies: Further Analyses
Authors: Choe Yeongbae , Fesenmaier Daniel R.
Published: May 2016

Although online surveys enable researchers to quickly and easily conduct advertising conversion studies, data obtained from online surveys are potentially problematic because of nonresponse bias. This study builds on earlier research concerning nonresponse bias in Internet-based tourism
advertising studies using a number of different destinations across a number of years; in particular, this study uses the Propensity Score Adjustment approach to adjust for potential nonresponse bias in the collected data. The results of this study clearly indicate that online surveys generally
result in relatively small errors when estimating conversion rates and various aspects of traveler behavior. However, this study additionally indicates that potential nonresponse biases are not consistent across advertising programs and survey waves, suggesting that destination marketers should
put more effort into understanding response bias so as to represent the total target markets more accurately. To do so, destination marketing organizations and practitioners need to collect auxiliary variables that help to adjust potential nonresponse bias.
Development of a High‐Density Linkage Map and Tagging Leaf Spot Resistance in Pearl Millet Using Genotyping‐by‐Sequencing Markers
Authors: Punnuri Somashekhar M. , Wallace Jason G. , Knoll Joseph E. , Hyma Katie E. , Mitchell Sharon E. , Buckler Edward S. , Varshney Rajeev K. , Singh Bharat P.
Published: May 2016

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br; also Cenchrus americanus (L.) Morrone] is an important crop throughout the world but better genomic resources for this species are needed to facilitate crop improvement. Genome mapping studies are a prerequisite for tagging agronomically important traits. Genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) markers can be used to build high‐density linkage maps, even in species lacking a reference genome. A recombinant inbred line (RIL) mapping population was developed from a cross between the lines ‘Tift 99D2B1’ and ‘Tift 454’. DNA from 186 RILs, the parents, and the F1 was used for 96‐plex ApeKI GBS library development, which was further used for sequencing. The sequencing results showed that the average number of good reads per individual was 2.2 million, the pass filter rate was 88%, and the CV was 43%. High‐quality GBS markers were developed with stringent filtering on sequence data from 179 RILs. The reference genetic map developed using 150 RILs contained 16,650 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 333,567 sequence tags spread across all seven chromosomes. The overall average density of SNP markers was 23.23 SNP/cM in the final map and 1.66 unique linkage bins per cM covering a total genetic distance of 716.7 cM. The linkage map was further validated for its utility by using it in mapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for flowering time and resistance to Pyricularia leaf spot [Pyricularia grisea (Cke.) Sacc.]. This map is the densest yet reported for this crop and will be a valuable resource for the pearl millet community.
PHOTOIONIZATION MODELING OF THE LOW-LUMINOSITY SEYFERT 1 NUCLEUS IN NGC 3516
Authors: Devereux Nick
Published: May 2016

Spectroscopic observations of the low-luminosity Seyfert 1 nucleus in NGC 3516 obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope show that the visible spectrum is dominated by Balmer emission lines of hydrogen (H) and a continuum luminosity that rises into the UV. The anomalous

/Hβ emission line ratio, the Balmer emission line luminosity, and the distinctive shape observed for the

emission line profile serve as important constraints for any photoionization model aimed at explaining the visible emission line spectrum of NGC 3516. Photoionization modeling using Cloudy demonstrates that the central UV–X-ray source is able to completely ionize the H gas in between the Balmer and dust reverberation radii if the electron density is

3

cm

throughout. Thus, according to this model the region responsible for producing the visible H lines is a dust-free shell of ionized H gas. Interestingly, the model predicts a rapid rise in the electron temperature as the central UV–X-ray source is approached, mirrored by an equally precipitous decrease in the Balmer line emissivity that coincides with the Balmer reverberation radius, providing a natural explanation for the finite width observed for H Balmer lines. Collectively, the merit of the model is that it explains the relative intensities of the three brightest Balmer lines and the shape of the

emission line profile. However, questions remain concerning the unusually weak forbidden lines that cannot be addressed using Cloudy due to limitations with the code.
DYNAMIC FLARING NON-POTENTIAL FIELDS ON QUIET SUN NETWORK SCALES
Authors: Chesny D. L. , Oluseyi H. M. , Orange N. B.
Published: May 2016

We report on the identification of dynamic flaring non-potential structures on quiet Sun (QS) supergranular network scales. Data from the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory allow for the high spatial and temporal resolution of this diverse class of compact structures. The rapidly evolving non-potential events presented here, with lifetimes <10 minutes, are on the order of 10″ in length. Thus, they contrast significantly with well-known active region (AR) non-potential structures such as high-temperature X-ray and EUV sigmoids (>100″) and micro-sigmoids (>10″) with lifetimes on the order of hours to days. The photospheric magnetic field environment derived from the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager shows a lack of evidence for these flaring non-potential fields being associated with significant concentrations of bipolar magnetic elements. Of much interest to our events is the possibility of establishing them as precursor signatures of eruptive dynamics, similar to notions for AR sigmoids and micro-sigmoids, but associated with uneventful magnetic network regions. We suggest that the mixed network flux of QS-like magnetic environments, though unresolved, can provide sufficient free magnetic energy for flaring non-potential plasma structuring. The appearance of non-potential magnetic fields could be a fundamental process leading to self-organized criticality in the QS-like supergranular network and contribute to coronal heating, as these events undergo rapid helicial and vortical relaxations.
EVOLUTION OF THERMALLY PULSING ASYMPTOTIC GIANT BRANCH STARS. V. CONSTRAINING THE MASS LOSS AND LIFETIMES OF INTERMEDIATE-MASS, LOW-METALLICITY AGB STARS*
Authors: Rosenfield Philip , Marigo Paola , Girardi Léo , Dalcanton Julianne J. , Bressan Alessandro , Williams Benjamin F. , Dolphin Andrew
Published: May 2016

Thermally pulsing asymptotic giant branch (TP-AGB) stars are relatively short lived (less than a few Myr), yet their cool effective temperatures, high luminosities, efficient mass loss, and dust production can dramatically affect the chemical enrichment histories and the spectral energy distributions of their host galaxies. The ability to accurately model TP-AGB stars is critical to the interpretation of the integrated light of distant galaxies, especially in redder wavelengths. We continue previous efforts to constrain the evolution and lifetimes of TP-AGB stars by modeling their underlying stellar populations. Using Hubble Space Telescope (HST) optical and near-infrared photometry taken of 12 fields of 10 nearby galaxies imaged via the Advanced Camera for Surveys Nearby Galaxy Survey Treasury and the near-infrared HST/SNAP follow-up campaign, we compare the model and observed TP-AGB luminosity functions as well as the ratio of TP-AGB to red giant branch stars. We confirm the best-fitting mass-loss prescription, introduced by Rosenfield et al., in which two different wind regimes are active during the TP-AGB, significantly improves models of many galaxies that show evidence of recent star formation. This study extends previous efforts to constrain TP-AGB lifetimes to metallicities ranging −1.59 ≲ 

[Fe/H]

 ≲ −0.56 and initial TP-AGB masses up to ∼4 M
⊙, which include TP-AGB stars that undergo hot-bottom burning.
THE MOST LUMINOUS HEAVILY OBSCURED QUASARS HAVE A HIGH MERGER FRACTION: MORPHOLOGICAL STUDY OF WISE-SELECTED HOT DUST-OBSCURED GALAXIES
Authors: Fan (范璐璐) Lulu , Han (韩云坤) Yunkun , Fang (方官文) Guanwen , Gao (高颖) Ying , Zhang (张丹丹) Dandan , Jiang (蒋效铭) Xiaoming , Wu (伍巧倩) Qiaoqian , Yang (杨俊) Jun , Li (李钊) Zhao
Published: May 2016

Previous studies have shown that Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer-selected hyperluminous, hot dust-obscured galaxies (Hot DOGs) are powered by highly dust-obscured, possibly Compton-thick active galactic nuclei (AGNs). High obscuration provides us a good chance to study the host morphology of the most luminous AGNs directly. We analyze the host morphology of 18 Hot DOGs at z ∼ 3 using Hubble Space Telescope/WFC3 imaging. We find that Hot DOGs have a high merger fraction (62 ± 14%). By fitting the surface brightness profiles, we find that the distribution of Sérsic indices in our Hot DOG sample peaks around 2, which suggests that most Hot DOGs have transforming morphologies. We also derive the AGN bolometric luminosity (∼1014
L
⊙) of our Hot DOG sample by using IR spectral energy distributions decomposition. The derived merger fraction and AGN bolometric luminosity relation is well consistent with the variability-based model prediction. Both the high merger fraction in an IR-luminous AGN sample and relatively low merger fraction in a UV/optical-selected, unobscured AGN sample can be expected in the merger-driven evolutionary model. Finally, we conclude that Hot DOGs are merger-driven and may represent a transit phase during the evolution of massive galaxies, transforming from the dusty starburst-dominated phase to the unobscured QSO phase.
Myxomycete diversity in the coastal desert of Peru with emphasis on the lomas formations
Authors: Lado Carlos , Wrigley de Basanta Diana , Estrada-Torres Arturo , Stephenson Steven L.
Published: May 2016

Results obtained from the first survey for myxomycetes in the hyperarid areas of Peru are reported. Sampling over three consecutive years was carried out at 96 localities between 0 and 1500 m elevation. A total of 78 species from 23 genera in all 6 myxomycete orders were determined from 723 collections of myxomycetes. One new species, Didymium peruvianum, is described, 2 species new to the Neotropics, 4 new records for South America and 41 additional new species for Peru are reported, increasing the country catalogue by over 50%. Results show that arid areas are rich in myxomycetes, and that each area has a unique species assemblage. Endemic plants had a particular relevance as myxomycete substrates. The predominance of the order Physarales in arid areas is reinforced, and the ecological importance of coastal fogs (garúas) is evident from the results. Comments are included on interesting or rare collections, as are SEM micrographs of several species and statistical evaluation of the results.
Imaginário de presidiárias sobre o fenômeno das drogas
Authors: Oliveira Jeane Freitas de , Rodrigues Andreia Silva , Porcino Carlos Alberto , Reale Maria Júlia de Oliveira Uchôa
Published: May 2016

O envolvimento com drogas constitui principal causa de aprisionamento de mulheres e tem relação com questões de gênero. Pesquisa qualitativa, com o objetivo de conhecer o imaginário de presidiárias sobre drogas. Foram investigadas 26 presidiárias, para as quais foi aplicada a técnica projetiva de desenho-estória com tema, cuja análise foi fundamentada na Teoria das Representações Sociais. Elementos das representações sociais evidenciados nos grafismos e conteúdo das estórias, permeados de realismos, denotaram sofrimento psíquico e agressividade, objetivadas e ancoradas nas dimensões afetiva, comportamental e psicossocial das participantes. O aprisionamento evidencia rebaixamento da estima, retraimento e isolamento sinalizados como motivos para o envolvimento das mulheres com substâncias psicoativas na tentativa de reconhecimento social e superação de carências afetivas. Conclui-se que o imaginário das participantes acerca das drogas elucida subjetividades do protagonismo feminino em meio a um fenômeno transversal na sociedade, sendo pertinente seu conhecimento para as práticas em saúde da mulher.
Antimicrobial and Mechanical Properties of Dental Resin Composite Containing Bioactive Glass
Authors: Korkut Emre , Torlak Emrah , Altunsoy Mustafa
Published: May 2016

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy and mechanical properties of dental resin composites containing different amounts of microparticulate bioactive glass (BAG).

Methods

Experimental resin composites were prepared by mixing resin matrix (70% BisGMA and 30% TEGDMA) and inorganic filler with various fractions of BAG to achieve final BAG concentrations of 5, 10 and 30 wt%. Antimicrobial efficacy was assessed in aqueous suspension against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans and in biofilm against S. mutans. The effect of incorporation of BAG on the mechanical properties of resin composite was evaluated by measuring the surface roughness, compressive strength and flexural strength.

Results

Under the dynamic contact condition, viable counts of E. coli, S. aureus and S. mutans in suspensions were reduced up to 78%, 57% and 50%, respectively, after 90 minutes of exposure to disc-shaped composite specimens, depending on the BAG contents. In 2-day-old S. mutans biofilm, incorporation of BAG into composite at ratios of 10% and 30% resulted in 0.8 and 1.4 log reductions in the viable cell counts compared with the BAG-free composite, respectively. The surface roughness values of composite specimens did not show any significant difference (p>0.05) at any concentration of BAG. However, compressive and flexural strengths of composite were decreased significantly with addition of 30% BAG (p<0.05).

Conclusions

The results demonstrated the successful utilization of BAG as a promising biomaterial in resin composites to provide antimicrobial function.
Implantable Venous Ports in Pediatric Oncology: Experience of Single Institution in Russia
Authors: Yu Rykov Maxim , Polyakov Vladimir G.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

To review our experience with implantable venous port-systems (IVPs) in pediatric cancer patients.

Materials and Methods

From 2010 to 2015 we were monitoring the treatment of 163 children (aged 3 months to 17 years) with oncologic diseases. These patients underwent venous port implantations.

Results

During insertion of 163 IVPs the following complications and technical difficulties were present: unintended puncture of the common carotid artery (CCA) during the puncture of the internal jugular vein (IJV) - 7 cases (4.3%); retrograde positioning of the distal end of the guidewire in the IJV - 17 cases (14.4%); placement of the distal end of the guidewire into the punctured subclavian vein (SV) - 12 cases (7.6%); difficulties driving the guidewire into the IJV after successful puncture - 15 cases (9.3%). The use of 163 IVPs was complicated by the following: venous port contamination - 4 cases (2.5%); occlusion of the IVPs by a clot - 8 cases (5%); withdrawal of the Huber needle bevel from the port chamber - 22 cases (13.6%); subcutaneous fat layer thinning above the port chamber - 3 cases (1.7%).

Conclusions

There are many complications, but they can be reduced by proper choice of materials and methodology.
The Relationship of Morals and Markets Today:A Review of Recent Scholarship on the Culture of Economic Life
Authors: Macekura Stephen , Mcrorie Christina , Cebul Brent , Ticona Julia , Maiers Claire , Elias Allison , O'Connor Jonathan , Schrum Ethan
Published: May 2016

This article surveys recent trends in scholarship on capitalism within the fields of history, cultural sociology, and religious studies, highlighting the ways that scholars working in each of these disciplines have shifted their methodological and substantive approaches so as to foreground the cultural and moral, rather than technical, aspects of economic life. In light of our current moment of cultural reflection upon the character and future of capitalism, this article suggests that this scholarship contains valuable resources for enriching both public and academic conversations about the relationship between capitalism and the moral life. This article concludes by identifying two promising areas for further, and interdisciplinary, scholarly attention.
Democracy as a Social Practice:Jeffrey Stout, Miroslav Volf, and the Democratic Virtues
Authors: Moret Ross
Published: May 2016

The examples of grassroots activism that form the basis of Jeffrey Stout's Blessed Are the Organized (2010) are presented by Stout as an application of the democratic politics that are described in his earlier, very influential book, Democracy and Tradition (2004). This article argues, however, that the anger and group solidarity that characterize the practices of accountability that appear in Blessed Are the Organized work to undermine some of the most precious insights of Democracy and Tradition. This article offers Miroslav Volf's generous practice of “double vision” as a way to better temper the dangers of democratic accountability, without sacrificing effectiveness.
Academically Resilient, Low-Income Students’ Perspectives of how School Counselors Can Meet their Academic Needs
Authors: Joseph Williams , Sam Steen , Albert Tracy , Dely Betty , Jacobs Brian , Nagel Chelsea , Irick Anese
Published: May 2016

This phenomenological, qualitative study examined a national sample of academically resilient, low-income middle school students’ (N = 24) perspectives of what school counselors can do to promote their academic achievement. Three main themes and nine subthemes were identified: build meaningful relationships, build on the cultural wealth of students, and provide mental health services in schools. This article discusses implications for school counselor practice and future research.
Educación popular, alternativa pedagógica para construir ciudadanía desde la primera infancia en la educación inicial
Authors: Fernández Nadia Rovira , Osorio Daysi Edith
Published: May 2016

La necesidad de generar nuevas alternativas para promover el ejercicio de ciudadanía, como una manera de prevenir la vulneración de los derechos, fue el punto de partida para implementar un proceso de investigación cualitativa, fundamentada en la investigación acción participación, que tenía como objetivo fundamental, la construcción de una propuesta metodológica, que orientara los procesos de aprendizaje para fortalecer el ejercicio de ciudadanía en la primera infancia desde la educación popular en la educación inicial. La educación popular ha sido una corriente a través de la cual se han desarrollados procesos de aprendizaje que han aportado a la liberación de los pueblos ¿Qué pasaría si se implementara desde las primeras edades de las personas para que aprendiesen a ejercer como ciudadanas/os? ¿Cómo podría implementarse esa corriente en niñas y en niños edad preescolar? las respuestas a estos interrogantes y otros resultados son los que se compartirán en este articulo.
Construcción de estrategias metodológicas para la mejora de la práctica docente, en cuatro escuelas públicas del barrio Acahualinca, Managua-Nicaragua
Authors: Lazo Montenegro Isabel Cristina , Herrera Herrera Ertilia
Published: May 2016

La Investigación realizada, es la experiencia compartida por 8 compañeras docentes de las escuelas públicas de Acahualinca, que han realizado la reflexión de su práctica docente, la construcción colectiva y colaborativa de las docentes que conllevó a la implementación de estrategias metodológicas en el aula de clase, con niños y niñas de Educación Inicial y Primaria. El propósito es mejorar la calidad de la educación y la práctica docente, a través de reflexionar su quehacer docente, tomando en cuenta el contexto, su práctica y la experiencia vivida desde el aula de clase y fuera de ella. La investigación se desarrolló en el período comprendido de marzo del 2013 hasta agosto del 2014. Se trabajaron los siguientes procesos: formación, elaboración diagnóstico, acción, evaluación de la Investigación-acción. Los resultados son muy significativos, ya que las docentes lograron aplicar las diferentes estrategias metodológicas y sobre todo lograron tomar conciencia sobre la importancia de reflexionar sobre su práctica, ya que a través de este proceso lograron contagiar a sus estudiantes y comunidad educativa sobre la importancia de construir colectivamente y aprender desde la experiencia y cambio de actitud frente a los aprendizajes.
Editorial núm 14
Authors: Castillo Herrera Beverly
Published: May 2016

La Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua (UNAN-Managua) y su Facultad Multidisciplinaria de Estelí (FAREM-Estelí) presenta la REVISTA CIENTIFICA DE FAREM-Estelí en su edición de Año 4, No.14, trimestre de Abril-Junio 2015. En este número se incluyen nueve artículos científicos provenientes de investigaciones de grado, postgrado y de investigadores de la Facultad Multidisciplinaria de Matagalpa (FAREM-Matagalpa) y de la Estación Experimental “El Limón” de FAREM-Estelí.
Learners’ Listening Comprehension Difficulties in English Language Learning: A Literature Review
Authors: Gilakjani Abbas Pourhosein , Sabouri Narjes Banou
Published: May 2016

Listening is one of the most important skills in English language learning. When students listen to English language, they face a lot of listening difficulties. Students have critical difficulties in listening comprehension because universities and schools pay more attention to writing, reading, and vocabulary. Listening is not an important part of many course books and most teachers do not pay attention to this important skill in their classes. In this paper, the researchers reviewed the terms listening, listening comprehension, listening comprehension strategies, and listening difficulties. The review of literature indicated that when teachers are aware of students’ learning difficulties they can help them develop effective listening strategies and finally solve their difficulties in listening and improve their listening comprehension abilities.
Surface acoustic wave velocity and elastic constants of cubic GaN
Authors: Riobóo Rafael J. Jiménez , Cuscó Ramon , Prieto Carlos , Kopittke Caroline , Novikov Sergei V. , Artús Luis
Published: May 2016

We present high-resolution surface Brillouin scattering measurements on cubic GaN layers grown on GaAs substrate. By using a suitable scattering geometry, scattering by surface acoustic waves is recorded for different azimuthal angles, and the surface acoustic wave velocities are determined. A comparison of experimental results with numerical simulations of the azimuthal dependence of the surface wave velocity shows good agreement and allows a consistent set of elastic constants for c-GaN to be determined.
Ultrasound Elastography for Distinction Between Parathyroid Adenomas and Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Batur Abdussamet , Atmaca Murat , Yavuz Alpaslan , Ozgokce Mesut , Bora Aydın , Bulut Mehmet Deniz , Arslan Harun , Toktas Osman , Alpaslan Muhammed
Published: May 2016

Objectives

The aim of this study was to detect the level of stiffness of parathyroid adenomas and to distinguish them from benign and malignant thyroid nodules using ultrasound elastography with acoustic radiation force impulse imaging.

Methods

Twenty‐one patients with parathyroid adenomas and 71 patients with thyroid nodules were evaluated by acoustic radiation force impulse imaging in this study. Acoustic radiation force impulse elastograms were obtained after evaluation of the thyroid nodules, which were predicted to undergo fine‐needle aspiration biopsy, and patients with a diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism, which was identified by sonography at the same time.

Results

An analysis of mean shear wave velocity (SWV) values for parathyroid adenomas and thyroid nodules showed that parathyroid adenomas had significantly higher stiffness levels compared to benign thyroid nodules (mean SWV ± SD, 3.09 ± 0.75 versus 2.20 ± 0.39 m/s; P < .001) and lower stiffness levels compared to malignant thyroid nodules (mean SWV, 3.09 ± 0.75 versus 3.59 ± 0.43 m/s; P < .001).

Conclusions

Acoustic radiation force impulse imaging has high sensitivity and specificity for differentiating parathyroid adenomas from benign and malignant thyroid nodules. As an adjunctive tool, it can help distinguish parathyroid adenomas from thyroid nodules, including posteriorly located nodules.
Prognostic Predictors of Fertility in Young Adult Patients With Varicocele
Authors: Verim Samet , Uguz Sami , Celikkanat Serhat , Guragac Ali , Turker Turker , Topuz Bahadir , Demirci Ramazan , Alp Bilal Firat , Irkilata Hasan Cem , Sağlam Mutlu
Published: May 2016

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine prognostic factors affecting semen parameters in patients with varicocele during the postadolescent period.

Methods

This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board. Between May 2013 and May 2015, we prospectively obtained demographic and sonographic data from postadolescent patients with varicocele. Potential risk factors affecting semen parameters, including age at diagnosis, height, weight, body mass index, varicocele laterality, varicocele grade, left testicular volume, right testicular volume, total testicular volume, testicular atrophy index, testicular volume differential, right and left maximum vein diameters, peak retrograde flow velocity, reflux flow volume, and reflux grade in both supine and standing positions, were recorded.

Results

The left peak retrograde flow velocity, reflux flow volume, and reflux grade in the supine and standing positions, left testicular volume, right testicular volume, total testicular volume, and follicle‐stimulating hormone level were found to be associated with abnormal semen parameters (P < .05). By multivariate analysis, the follicle‐stimulating hormone level was associated with the sperm concentration and morphologic characteristics, and the left peak retrograde flow velocity in the standing position was associated with deterioration of sperm motility and morphologic characteristics. Additionally, the left reflux grade in the standing position was associated with the sperm concentration, and the left testis volume was associated with motility.

Conclusions

The left peak retrograde flow velocity and reflux grade in the standing position were significantly associated with all semen analysis parameters. This finding supports the use of testicular duplex Doppler sonography as a noninvasive tool for evaluation of testicular function in patients with varicocele and helps clinicians determine patients' fertility status.