bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Species–area relationships are modulated by trophic rank, habitat affinity, and dispersal ability
Authors: van Noordwijk C. G. E. (Toos) , Verberk Wilco C. E. P. , Turin Hans , Heijerman Theodoor , Alders Kees , Dekoninck Wouter , Hannig Karsten , Regan Eugenie , McCormack Stephen , Brown Mark J. F. , Remke Eva , Siepel Henk , Berg Matty P. , Bonte Dries
Published: August 2014

In the face of ongoing habitat fragmentation, species–area relationships (SARs) have gained renewed interest and are increasingly used to set conservation priorities. An important question is how large habitat areas need to be to optimize biodiversity conservation. The relationship between area and species richness is explained by colonization–extinction dynamics, whereby smaller sites harbor smaller populations, which are more prone to extinction than the larger populations sustained by larger sites. These colonization–extinction dynamics are predicted to vary with trophic rank, habitat affinity, and dispersal ability of the species. However, empirical evidence for the effect of these species characteristics on SARs remains inconclusive.

In this study we used carabid beetle data from 58 calcareous grassland sites to investigate how calcareous grassland area affects species richness and activity density for species differing in trophic rank, habitat affinity, and dispersal ability. In addition, we investigated how SARs are affected by the availability of additional calcareous grassland in the surrounding landscape.

Beetle species richness and activity density increased with calcareous grassland area for zoophagous species that are specialists for dry grasslands and, to a lesser extent, for zoophagous habitat generalists. Phytophagous species and zoophagous forest and wet‐grassland specialists were not affected by calcareous grassland area. The dependence of species on large single sites increased with decreasing dispersal ability for species already vulnerable to calcareous grassland area. Additional calcareous grassland in the landscape had a positive effect on local species richness of both dry‐grassland specialists and generalists, but this effect was restricted to a few hundred meters.

Our results demonstrate that SARs are affected by trophic rank, habitat affinity, and dispersal ability. These species characteristics do not operate independently, but should be viewed in concert. In addition, species' responses depend on the landscape context. Our study suggests that the impact of habitat area on trophic interactions may be larger than previously anticipated. In small habitat fragments surrounded by a hostile matrix, food chains may be strongly disrupted. This highlights the need to conserve continuous calcareous grassland patches of at least several hectares in size.
Contribution of Neuraminidase of Influenza Viruses to the Sensitivity to Sera Inhibitors and Reassortment Efficiency
Authors: Kiseleva Irina , Larionova Natalie , Fedorova Ekaterina , Bazhenova Ekaterina , Dubrovina Irina , Isakova-Sivak Irina , Rudenko Larisa
Published: August 2014

Live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) represent reassortant viruses with hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) gene segments inherited from circulating wild-type (WT) parental influenza viruses recommended for inclusion into seasonal vaccine formulation, and the 6 internal protein-encoding gene segments from cold-adapted attenuated master donor viruses (genome composition 6:2). In this study, we describe the obstacles in developing LAIV strains while taking into account the phenotypic peculiarities of WT viruses used for reassortment. Genomic composition analysis of 849 seasonal LAIV reassortants revealed that over 80% of reassortants based on inhibitor-resistant WT viruses inherited WT NA, compared to 26% of LAIV reassortants based on inhibitor-sensitive WT viruses. In addition, the highest percentage of LAIV genotype reassortants was achieved when WT parental viruses were resistant to non-specific serum inhibitors. We demonstrate that NA may play a role in influenza virus sensitivity to non-specific serum inhibitors. Replacing NA of inhibitor-sensitive WT virus with the NA of inhibitor-resistant master donor virus significantly decreased the sensitivity of the resulting reassortant virus to serum heat-stable inhibitors.
Effects of self-ligating and conventional brackets on halitosis and periodontal conditions
Authors: Kaygisiz Emine , Uzuner Fatma Deniz , Yuksel Sema , Taner Levent , Çulhaoğlu Rana , Sezgin Yasemin , Ateş Can
Published: August 2014

Objective: 

To evaluate the effects of fixed orthodontic treatment with steel-ligated conventional brackets and self-ligating brackets on halitosis and periodontal health.

Materials and Methods: 

Sixty patients, at the permanent dentition stage aged 12 to 18 years, who had Angle Class I malocclusion with mild-to-moderate crowding were randomly selected. Inclusion criteria were nonsmokers, without systematic disease, and no use of antibiotics and oral mouth rinses during the 2-month period before the study. The patients were subdivided into three groups randomly: the group treated with conventional brackets (group 1, n  =  20) ligated with steel ligature wires, the group treated with self-ligating brackets (group 2, n  =  20), and the control group (group 3, n  =  20). The periodontal records were obtained 1 week before bonding (T1), immediately before bonding (T2), 1 week after bonding (T3), 4 weeks after bonding (T4), and 8 weeks after bonding (T5). Measurements of the control group were repeated within the same periods. The volatile sulfur components determining halitosis were measured with the Halimeter at T2, T3, T4, and T5. A two-way repeated measures of analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the groups statistically.

Results: 

No statistically significant group × time interactions were found for plaque index, gingival index, pocket depth, bleeding on probing, and halitosis, which means three independent groups change like each other by time. The risk of tongue coating index (TCI) being 2 was 10.2 times higher at T1 than at T5 (P < .001). Therefore, the probability of higher TCI was decreased by time in all groups.

Conclusions: 

The self-ligating brackets do not have an advantage over conventional brackets with respect to periodontal status and halitosis.
Pensée en action/ pensée sur l’action : une fenêtre sur l’agir professoral?
Authors: Cicurel Francine
Published: August 2014

Résumé :

Lorsque un enseignant visionne le filmage de son action en classe, ce qui est souvenir enfoui dans la mémoire redevient perception. Le fait de se voir au milieu de sa classe, en acte, amène l’enseignant à penser d’une autre façon son métier, sa manière de faire, ce qui caractérise son public et la manière dont il aborde les divers obstacles qu’il rencontre nécessairement. Montent alors à la conscience des savoirs cachés, des motifs sur lesquels il n’a pas le temps ni l’habitude de s’étendre, des appréciations qui ne portent pas seulement sur la langue mais aussi sur la représentation qu’il a des apprenants, des commentaires sur l’image de soi, sur les croyances, le métier, la gestion des imprévus, la rationalité ou la spontanéité de l’action. Cet article se propose d’interroger les discours de verbalisations d’enseignants comme voie d’accès à ce qu’on appelle la pensée enseignante.
Performing Vintage: The Cultivation and Dissemination of Vintage Sensibilities at the Brooklyn Flea
Authors: Peters Lauren Downing
Published: August 2014

Abstract:

“Vintage” as a fashion term is difficult to pin down. While some scholars argue that vintage only applies to fashion items that are at least twenty years old, others argue that it is also an easily manufactured and commodifiable sensibility. This article offers a revised definition of vintage as performance and bridges the fields of fashion studies, cultural studies, and ethnography. Using the Brooklyn Flea in Brooklyn, New York, as my primary research site, I use interviews and in-depth ethnographic observation to provide a new framework through which we can come to understand the Brooklyn vintage phenomenon and observe an example of aesthetic renewal in a vibrant consumption landscape. I suggest that, through this case study and through the lens of performance, we can come to understand vintage as produced in interactions between cultural actors (principally the consumers and purveyors of vintage objects) and disseminated by street-style photographers, who spread images of the flea online to the virtual viewing public.
Laying Tracks and Tracking Change: An Interrogation of Nostalgia, National Identity, and the Railway in Contemporary Photography
Authors: Bishop-Stall Reilley
Published: August 2014

Abstract:

From the time of the earliest photographs commissioned to document the construction of the railway, the camera and the train have enjoyed a mutually beneficial, almost symbiotic, relationship, and despite, or perhaps owing to, the parallel decline of both traditional forms in more recent decades, the two technologies remain remarkably intertwined. This project examines the work of two contemporary artists, Scott Conarroe and Mark Ruwedel, whose photographs depict the enduring presence of the railway industry throughout North America. Exploring the coeval development of photography and the railway and the contribution of both to the construction of national identity in the nineteenth century, I interrogate the two technologies’ shared relevance to questions of transportation, communication, and perception in the present, in order to explore how a nation or community is affected by infrastructure that remains from technologies that once were vital to its creation and unification. Providing a critique of the growing literature on nostalgia, I argue that ethical engagement, both within the present and in regards to the past, depends upon an acknowledgement of the heterotemporality of space and the heterogeneity of time.
Perovskite Catalysts—A Special Issue on Versatile Oxide Catalysts
Authors: Lin Yu-Chuan , Hohn Keith
Published: August 2014

Perovskite-type catalysts have been prominent oxide catalysts for many years due to attributes such as flexibility in choosing cations, significant thermal stability, and the unique nature of lattice oxygen. Nearly 90% metallic elements of the Periodic Table can be stabilized in perovskite’s crystalline framework [1]. Moreover, by following the Goldschmidt rule [2], the A- and/or B-site elements can be partially substituted, making perovskites extremely flexible in catalyst design. One successful example is the commercialization of noble metal-incorporated perovskites (e.g., LaFe0.57Co0.38Pd0.05O3) for automotive emission control used by Daihatsu Motor Co. Ltd. [3]. Thus, growing interest in, and application of perovskites in the fields of material sciences, heterogeneous catalysis, and energy storage have prompted this Special Issue on perovskite catalysts. [...]
Effectiveness of a New Exercise Program after Lower Limb Arterial Blood Flow Surgery in Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Jakubsevičienė Edita , Vasiliauskas Donatas , Velička Linas , Kubilius Raimondas , Milinavičienė Eglė , Venclovienė Jonė
Published: August 2014

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a supervised exercise program (SEP) plus at home nonsupervised exercise therapy (non-SET) on functional status, quality of life (QoL) and hemodynamic response in post-lower-limb bypass surgery patients. Results: One hundred and seventeen patients were randomized to an intervention (n = 57) or a control group (n = 60). A new individual SEP was designed for patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and applied to the studied subjects of the intervention group who also continued non-SET at home, whereas those assigned to the control group received just usual SEP according to a common cardiovascular program. The participants of the study were assessed by a 6-min walking test (6 MWT), an ankle-brachial index (ABI), and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36) of QoL at baseline, at 1 and 6 months after surgery. A significant improvement was observed in the walked distance in the intervention group after 6 months compared with the control group (p < 0.001). The intervention group had significantly higher QoL score in the physical and mental component of SF-36 (p < 0.05). Conclusions: A 6-month application of the new SEP and non-SET at home has yielded significantly better results in walking distance and QoL in the intervention group than in the controls.
High Power Spark Delivery System Using Hollow Core Kagome Lattice Fibers
Authors: Dumitrache Ciprian , Rath Jordan , Yalin Azer
Published: August 2014

This study examines the use of the recently developed hollow core kagome lattice fibers for delivery of high power laser pulses. Compared to other photonic crystal fibers (PCFs), the hollow core kagome fibers have larger core diameter (~50 µm), which allows for higher energy coupling in the fiber while also maintaining high beam quality at the output (M2 = 1.25). We have conducted a study of the maximum deliverable energy versus laser pulse duration using a Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm. Pulse energies as high as 30 mJ were transmitted for 30 ns pulse durations. This represents, to our knowledge; the highest laser pulse energy delivered using PCFs. Two fiber damage mechanisms were identified as damage at the fiber input and damage within the bulk of the fiber. Finally, we have demonstrated fiber delivered laser ignition on a single-cylinder gasoline direct injection engine.
The Succinated Proteome of FH-Mutant Tumours
Authors: Yang Ming , Ternette Nicola , Su Huizhong , Dabiri Raliat , Kessler Benedikt , Adam Julie , Teh Bin , Pollard Patrick
Published: August 2014

Inherited mutations in the Krebs cycle enzyme fumarate hydratase (FH) predispose to hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC). Loss of FH activity in HLRCC tumours causes accumulation of the Krebs cycle intermediate fumarate to high levels, which may act as an oncometabolite through various, but not necessarily mutually exclusive, mechanisms. One such mechanism, succination, is an irreversible non-enzymatic modification of cysteine residues by fumarate, to form S-(2-succino)cysteine (2SC). Previous studies have demonstrated that succination of proteins including glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) and mitochondrial aconitase (ACO2) can have profound effects on cellular metabolism. Furthermore, immunostaining for 2SC is a sensitive and specific biomarker for HLRCC tumours. Here, we performed a proteomic screen on an FH-mutant tumour and two HLRCC-derived cancer cell lines and identified 60 proteins where one or more cysteine residues were succinated; 10 of which were succinated at cysteine residues either predicted, or experimentally proven, to be functionally significant. Bioinformatic enrichment analyses identified most succinated targets to be involved in redox signaling. To our knowledge, this is the first proteomic-based succination screen performed in human tumours and cancer-derived cells and has identified novel 2SC targets that may be relevant to the pathogenesis of HLRCC.
A Contact Angle Study of the Interaction between Embedded Amphiphilic Molecules and the PDMS Matrix in an Aqueous Environment
Authors: Qiu Wenjun , Sun Xiaojiao , Wu Chaoqun , Hjort Klas , Wu Zhigang
Published: August 2014

Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) surface modification via gradient-induced transport of embedded amphiphilic molecules is a novel, easy, flexible, and environmentally friendly approach for reducing protein adsorption on PDMS in microfluidic applications. To better understand the processing and the potential use in the viability-sensitive applications such as manipulation and culturing of primary neural cells, we systematically investigate how embedded molecules interact with a PDMS matrix and its surface in aqueous environments by studying the wetting angle over time under various processing conditions, including water exposure time, water exposure temperature, curing master materials, in addition to comparing different embedded amphiphilic molecules. The results indicate that the water exposure time clearly plays an important role in the surface properties. Our interpretation is that molecular rearrangement of the surface-embedded molecules improves surface coverage in the short term; while over a longer period, the transport of molecules embedded in the bulk enhance its coverage. However, this improvement finally terminates when molecules transported from the bulk to the surface are not sufficient to replace the molecules leaching into the water.
New Eco-Friendly 1-Alkyl-3-(4-phenoxybutyl) Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquids Derivatives: A Green Ultrasound-Assisted Synthesis, Characterization, Antibacterial Activity and POM Analyses
Authors: Messali Mouslim , Aouad Mohamed , El-Sayed Wael , Al-Sheikh Ali Adeeb , Ben Hadda Taibi , Hammouti Belkheir
Published: August 2014

In view of the emerging importance of the ILs as “green” materials with wide applications and our general interests in green processes, a series of a twenty five new 1-alkyl-3-(4-phenoxybutyl) imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) derivatives is synthesized using a facile and green ultrasound-assisted procedure. Their structures were characterized by FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, 11B, 19F, 31P, and mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial screens of some selected ILs were conducted against a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The antimicrobial activity of each compound was measured by determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) yielding very interesting and promising results. Their antibacterial activities are reported, and, on the basis of the experimental and virtual POM screening data available, attempt is also made to elucidate the structure activity relationship.
Light-Induced Production of An Antibody Fragment and Malaria Vaccine Antigen from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Munjal Neera , Garzon-Sanabria Andrea , Quinones Katelyn , Gregory James , Nikolov Zivko
Published: August 2014

The eukaryotic green alga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, is a unique expression platform that can efficiently express complex therapeutic proteins. However, demonstrating that therapeutic molecules can be produced in quantifiable levels is essential to establish the potential of the C. reinhardtii expression system. Thus, the objective of this investigation was to determine the process conditions that could maximize C. reinhardtii biomass accumulation and induced-production of the two recombinant proteins, a single chain fragment antibody molecule (αCD22 scFv) and malaria vaccine antigen (Pfs25), produced in the chloroplast of C. reinhardtii. To achieve a higher production of recombinant proteins, cultivation variables of C. reinhardtii, such as mixing, light-induction time and intensity, nutrient depletion and culture age, were investigated and optimized. The optimal light-induction time was 24 h at a light intensity of 300 μmol m−2 s−1. Replacement of the culture media in the late exponential growth with fresh media was beneficial to the accumulation of recombinant proteins. Optimization led to increases in the accumulation of recombinant proteins by six-fold and the recombinant protein fraction in the extracted soluble protein by two-fold.
Application of the Regional Water Mass Variations from GRACE Satellite Gravimetry to Large-Scale Water Management in Africa
Authors: Ramillien Guillaume , Frappart Frédéric , Seoane Lucia
Published: August 2014

Time series of regional 2° × 2° Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) solutions of surface water mass change have been computed over Africa from 2003 to 2012 with a 10-day resolution by using a new regional approach. These regional maps are used to describe and quantify water mass change. The contribution of African hydrology to actual sea level rise is negative and small in magnitude (i.e., −0.1 mm/y of equivalent sea level (ESL)) mainly explained by the water retained in the Zambezi River basin. Analysis of the regional water mass maps is used to distinguish different zones of important water mass variations, with the exception of the dominant seasonal cycle of the African monsoon in the Sahel and Central Africa. The analysis of the regional solutions reveals the accumulation in the Okavango swamp and South Niger. It confirms the continuous depletion of water in the North Sahara aquifer at the rate of −2.3 km3/y, with a decrease in early 2008. Synergistic use of altimetry-based lake water volume with total water storage (TWS) from GRACE permits a continuous monitoring of sub-surface water storage for large lake drainage areas. These different applications demonstrate the potential of the GRACE mission for the management of water resources at the regional scale.
Laser-Machined Microcavities for Simultaneous Measurement of High-Temperature and High-Pressure
Authors: Ran Zengling , Liu Shan , Liu Qin , Huang Ya , Bao Haihong , Wang Yanjun , Luo Shucheng , Yang Huiqin , Rao Yunjiang
Published: August 2014

Laser-machined microcavities for simultaneous measurement of high-temperature and high-pressure are demonstrated. These two cascaded microcavities are an air cavity and a composite cavity including a section of fiber and an air cavity. They are both placed into a pressure chamber inside a furnace to perform simultaneous pressure and high-temperature tests. The thermal and pressure coefficients of the short air cavity are ~0.0779 nm/°C and ~1.14 nm/MPa, respectively. The thermal and pressure coefficients of the composite cavity are ~32.3 nm/°C and ~24.4 nm/MPa, respectively. The sensor could be used to separate temperature and pressure due to their different thermal and pressure coefficients. The excellent feature of such a sensor head is that it can withstand high temperatures of up to 400 °C and achieve precise measurement of high-pressure under high temperature conditions.
Indoor Magnetic Signature Based Localization Algorithm without Person-Dependent Parameter Calibration
Authors: Suh Young , Amarbayasgalan Baatardorj
Published: August 2014

Location-dependent differences of ambient magnetic fields inside a building can be used to estimate location. In this paper, an inertial/magnetic sensor is attached to a belt position and its location is estimated using the ambient magnetic field. The walking distance is estimated using the linear relationship between the walking step length and the maximum acceleration during the step. The magnetic field data during walking is compared with a pre-collected magnetic signature. In this process, calibration steps are required for two person-dependent parameters : the walking step length estimation parameter and the hard iron parameter. An adaptive algorithm is proposed, in which these person-dependent parameters are estimated in addition to the location. Thus no person-dependent parameter calibration process is required. Through experiments, it is shown that the location and parameters are estimated accurately.
Implementing a Mobile Social Media Framework for Designing Creative Pedagogies
Authors: Cochrane Thomas , Antonczak Laurent
Published: August 2014

The rise of mobile social media provides unique opportunities for new and creative pedagogies. Pedagogical change requires a catalyst, and we argue that mobile social media can be utilized as such a catalyst. However, the mobile learning literature is dominated by case studies that retrofit traditional pedagogical strategies and pre-existing course activities onto mobile devices and social media. From our experiences of designing and implementing a series of mobile social media projects, the authors have developed a mobile social media framework for creative pedagogies. We illustrate the implementation of our mobile social media framework within the development of a new media minor (an elective set of four courses) that explicitly integrates the unique technical and pedagogical affordances of mobile social media, with a focus upon student-generated content and student-determined learning (heutagogy). We argue that our mobile social media framework is potentially transferable to a range of educational contexts, providing a simple design framework for new pedagogies.
A Referential Methodology for Education on Sustainable Tourism Development
Authors: Hatipoglu Burcin , Ertuna Bengi , Sasidharan Vinod
Published: August 2014

Sustainable tourism has the potential of contributing to local development while protecting the natural environment and preserving cultural heritage. Implementation of this form of tourism requires human resources that can assume effective leadership in sustainable development. The purpose of the international student program, described in this paper, was to develop and implement an educational methodology to fulfill this need. The study, which was developed and applied by two universities, took place in August 2013, in the study setting of Kastamonu, Turkey. The effectiveness of the program was measured by pre- and post-surveys using the Global Citizenship Scale developed by Morais and Ogden. The findings document a change in intercultural communication, global knowledge and political voice dimensions of the scale.
Paramyxovirus Glycoprotein Incorporation, Assembly and Budding: A Three Way Dance for Infectious Particle Production
Authors: El Najjar Farah , Schmitt Anthony , Dutch Rebecca
Published: August 2014

Paramyxoviruses are a family of negative sense RNA viruses whose members cause serious diseases in humans, such as measles virus, mumps virus and respiratory syncytial virus; and in animals, such as Newcastle disease virus and rinderpest virus. Paramyxovirus particles form by assembly of the viral matrix protein, the ribonucleoprotein complex and the surface glycoproteins at the plasma membrane of infected cells and subsequent viral budding. Two major glycoproteins expressed on the viral envelope, the attachment protein and the fusion protein, promote attachment of the virus to host cells and subsequent virus-cell membrane fusion. Incorporation of the surface glycoproteins into infectious progeny particles requires coordinated interplay between the three viral structural components, driven primarily by the matrix protein. In this review, we discuss recent progress in understanding the contributions of the matrix protein and glycoproteins in driving paramyxovirus assembly and budding while focusing on the viral protein interactions underlying this process and the intracellular trafficking pathways for targeting viral components to assembly sites. Differences in the mechanisms of particle production among the different family members will be highlighted throughout.
Attribution of Decadal-Scale Lake-Level Trends in the Michigan-Huron System
Authors: Hanrahan Janel , Roebber Paul , Kravtsov Sergey
Published: August 2014

This study disentangles causes of the Michigan-Huron system lake-level variability. Regional precipitation is identified as the primary driver of lake levels with sub-monthly time lag, implying that the lake-level time series can be used as a proxy for regional precipitation throughout most of the 1865–present instrumental record. Aside from secular variations associated with the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, the lake-level time series is dominated by two near-decadal cycles with periods of 8 and 12 years. A combination of correlation analysis and compositing suggests that the 8-y cycle stems from changes in daily wintertime precipitation amounts associated with individual storms, possibly due to large-scale atmospheric flow anomalies that affect moisture availability. In contrast, the 12-y cycle is caused by changes in the number of instances, or frequency, of summertime convective precipitation due to a preferred upper-air trough pattern situated over the Great Lakes. In recent decades, the lake-level budget exhibited an abnormal—relative to the remainder of the instrumental record—evaporation-driven trend, likely connected to regional signatures of anthropogenic climate change. The latter effect must be accounted for, along with the effects of precipitation, when assessing possible scenarios of future lake-level variability.
Social presence in online learning communities: the role of personal profiles
Authors: Kear Karen , Chetwynd Frances , Jefferis Helen
Published: August 2014

Online communication is increasingly used in education, but it is not without problems. One significant difficulty is a lack of social presence. Social presence relates to the need for users of technology-based communication to perceive each other as real people. Low social presence can be a particular issue in text-based, asynchronous systems such as discussion forums, leading to feelings of impersonality and disengagement from online learning. Features of online communication systems have the potential to increase social presence. One possibility, advocated in the literature on online learning, is the use of personal profiles and photos to help participants to learn something about each other and feel more connected. This paper discusses the question: To what extent do personal profiles enhance social presence in online learning communities? It presents research findings from two studies which investigated learners’ use and perceptions of personal profiles in online forums. The findings suggest that personal profiles and photos help some online learners to feel in touch with each other. Other learners, however, do not feel the need for these facilities, have privacy concerns or prefer to focus on the forum postings.Keywords: personal profile; online community; learning community; social presence; distance learning(Published: 7 August 2014)Citation: Research in Learning Technology 2014, 22: 19710 -http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v22.19710
Human Pancreatic Islets Isolated from Donors with Elevated HbA1c Levels: Islet Yield and Graft Efficacy
Authors: Qi Meirigeng , McFadden Brian , Valiente Luis , Omori Keiko , Bilbao Shiela , Juan Jemily , Rawson Jeffrey , Oancea Alina R. , Scott Stephen , Nair Indu , Ferreri Kevin , Mullen Yoko , Dafoe Donald , Ei-Shahawy Mohamed , Kandeel Fouad , Al-Abdullah Ismail H.
Published: August 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of elevated donor HbA1c levels (type 2 diabetes, T2D) on the islet yield and functionality postisolation. In this retrospective analysis, donors for islet isolations were classified into two groups: T2D group (HbA1c ≥ 6.5%, n = 18) and normal group (HbA1c < 6.5%, n = 308). Optimum pancreas digestion time (switch time) was significantly higher in the T2D group compared to the normal group (13.7 ± 1.2 vs. 11.7 ± 0.1 min, respectively, p = 0.005). Islet yields were significantly lower in the T2D group compared to the control (T2D vs. control): islet equivalent (IEQ)/g (prepurification 2,318 ± 195 vs. 3,713 ± 114, p = 0.003; postpurification 1,735 ± 175 vs. 2,663 ± 89, p = 0.013) and islet particle number (IPN)/g (prepurification, 2,519 ± 336 vs. 4,433 ± 143, p = 0.001; postpurification, 1,760 ± 229 vs. 2,715 ± 85, p = 0.007). Islets from T2D pancreata had significantly lower viability (T2D vs. control: 91.9 ± 1.6 vs. 94.4 ± 0.3%, p = 0.004) and decreased oxygen consumption rate (DOCR) (T2D vs. control: 0.09 ± 0.01 and 0.21 ± 0.03 nmol O2100 islets−1min−1, p = 0.049). The islets isolated from T2D donor pancreata reversed diabetes in NOD-SCID mice in 9% (2/22) compared to islets from control donor pancreata, which reversed diabetes in 67% (175/260, p < 0.001). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that elevated HbA1c (≥6.5%) is associated with impairment of islet function and lower islet yield; however, these islets could not be suitable for clinical applications.
Graduating Baccalaureate Students’ Evidence-Based Practice Knowledge, Readiness, and Implementation
Authors: Llasus Ludy , Angosta Alona D. , Clark Michele
Published: August 2014

With evidence-based practice (EBP) as an expected core competency for all health care professionals and the integration of EBP competencies in nursing curricula, the process of translating EBP knowledge to EBP implementation behaviors among graduating baccalaureate nursing students was examined. A sample of 174 students in four states participated in this online survey. Results showed students scored low on their EBP knowledge test and engagement in EBP implementation behaviors. However, students were moderately confident in their EBP readiness. EBP readiness was a significant mediator between knowledge and engagement in implementation behaviors. Nursing education should focus on increasing students’ self-confidence in their EBP competencies to support engagement in EBP implementation behaviors. A nursing workforce ready to deliver care using an evidence-based approach has the potential of improving patient outcomes. [
J Nurs Educ
. 2014;53(9, Suppl.):S82–S89.]
Linking Community Partners to Increase Tetanus Immunizations among Farmers
Authors: Main Maria Eve , Jones M. Susan
Published: August 2014

Increasing the number of individuals adequately immunized to prevent illness is a goal of community health nursing, but achieving this goal among occupational groups such as farmers remains a challenge. This article shares the process and outcome of a community-based participatory research project designed to provide tetanus immunizations to farmers. Key agricultural partners were identified in south central Kentucky and these individuals coordinated the site selection, advertisement, and recruitment for a tetanus immunization program. A total of 280 farmers or individuals associated with farming were surveyed over a 7-month period. The participants had limited knowledge of tetanus etiology and 84% of the participants either reported no tetanus booster in the past 10 years or did not know their tetanus immunization status. Positive outcomes included increasing the tetanus immunization rate among participating farmers and facilitating partnerships with community agencies and organizations.
United Arab Emirates
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2014

The economic recovery in the U.A.E. is gaining strength, but subject to increased regional uncertainty. The government should undertake cost-benefit analysis and implement projects that have high economic return. In order to reduce government-related entities (GRE) risks, the authorities should complete restructuring of GRE debt and communicate their strategy by developing a GRE risk management framework. The central bank has taken steps in strengthening risk monitoring and the management system. The progress made by National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in establishing macroeconomic statistics proved an important step toward developing statistical capacity.
Observed characteristics of dust storm events over the western United States using meteorological, satellite, and air quality measurements
Authors: Lei H. , Wang J. X. L.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. To improve dust storm identification over the western United States, historical dust events measured by air quality and satellite observations are analyzed based on their characteristics in data sets of regular meteorology, satellite-based aerosol optical depth (AOD), and air quality measurements. Based on the prevailing weather conditions associated with dust emission, dust storm events are classified into the following four typical types: (1) The key feature of cold front-induced dust storms is their rapid process with strong dust emissions. (2) Events caused by meso- to small-scale weather systems have the highest levels of emissions. (3) Dust storms caused by tropical disturbances show a stronger air concentration of dust and last longer than those in (1) and (2). (4) Dust storms triggered by cyclogenesis last the longest. In this paper, sample events of each type are selected and examined to explore characteristics observed from in situ and remote-sensing measurements. These characteristics include the lasting period, surface wind speeds, areas affected, average loading on ground-based optical and/or air quality measurements, peak loading on ground-based optical and/or air quality measurements, and loading on satellite-based aerosol optical depth. Based on these analyses, we compare the characteristics of the same dust events captured in different data sets in order to define the dust identification criteria. The analyses show that the variability in mass concentrations captured by in situ measurements is consistent with the variability in AOD from stationary and satellite observations. Our analyses also find that different data sets are capable of identifying certain common characteristics, while each data set also provides specific information about a dust storm event. For example, the meteorological data are good at identifying the lasting period and area impacted by a dust event; the ground-based air quality and optical measurements can capture the peak strength well; aerosol optical depth (AOD) from satellite data sets allows us to better identify dust-storm-affected areas and the spatial extent of dust. The current study also indicates that the combination of in situ and satellite observations is a better method to fill gaps in dust storm recordings.
Near real-time water vapor tomography using ground-based GPS and meteorological data: long-term experiment in Hong Kong
Authors: Jiang P. , Ye S. R. , Liu Y. Y. , Zhang J. J. , Xia P. F.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Water vapor tomography is a promising technique for reconstructing the 4-D moisture field, which is important to the weather forecasting and nowcasting as well as to the numerical weather prediction. A near real-time 4-D water vapor tomographic system is developed in this study. GPS slant water vapor (SWV) observations are derived by a sliding time window strategy using double-difference model and predicted orbits. Besides GPS SWV, surface water vapor measurements are also assimilated as real time observations into the tomographic system in order to improve the distribution of observations in the lowest layers of tomographic grid. A 1-year term experiment in Hong Kong was carried out. The feasibility of the GPS data processing strategy is demonstrated by the good agreement between the time series of GPS-derived Precipitable Water Vapor (PWV) and radio-sounding-derived PWV with a bias of 0.04 mm and a root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 1.75 mm. Using surface humidity observations in the tomographic system, the bias and RMSE between tomography and radiosonde data are decreased by half in the ground level, but such improved effects weaken gradually with the rise of altitude until becoming adverse above 4000 m. The overall bias is decreased from 0.17 to 0.13 g m−3 and RMSE is reduced from 1.43 to 1.28 g m−3. By taking the correlation coefficient and RMSE between tomography and radiosonde individual profile as the statistical measures, quality of individual profile is also improved as the success rate of tomographic solution is increased from 44.44 to 63.82% while the failure rate is reduced from 55.56 to 36.18%.
A GCM comparison of Plio–Pleistocene interglacial–glacial periods in relation to Lake El'gygytgyn, NE Arctic Russia
Authors: Coletti A. J. , DeConto R. M. , Brigham-Grette J. , Melles M.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Until now, the lack of time-continuous, terrestrial paleoenvironmental data from the Pleistocene Arctic has made model simulations of past interglacials difficult to assess. Here, we compare climate simulations of four warm interglacials at Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 1 (9 ka), 5e (127 ka), 11c (409 ka), and 31 (1072 ka) with new proxy climate data recovered from Lake El'gygytgyn, NE Russia. Climate reconstructions of the Mean Temperature of the Warmest Month (MTWM) indicate conditions 2.1, 0.5 and 3.1 °C warmer than today during MIS 5e, 11c, and 31, respectively. While the climate model captures much of the observed warming during each interglacial, largely in response to boreal summer orbital forcing, the extraordinary warmth of MIS 11c relative to the other interglacials in the proxy records remain difficult to explain. To deconvolve the contribution of multiple influences on interglacial warming at Lake El'gygytgyn, we isolated the influence of vegetation, sea ice, and circum-Arctic land ice feedbacks on the climate of the Beringian interior. Simulations accounting for climate-vegetation-land surface feedbacks during all four interglacials show expanding boreal forest cover with increasing summer insolation intensity. A deglaciated Greenland is shown to have a minimal effect on Northeast Asian temperature during the warmth of stage 11c and 31 (Melles et al., 2012). A prescribed enhancement of oceanic heat transport into the Arctic ocean has some effect on Beringian climate, suggesting intrahemispheric coupling seen in comparisons between Lake El'gygytgyn and Antarctic sediment records might be related to linkages between Antarctic ice volume and ocean circulation. The exceptional warmth of MIS 11c remains enigmatic however, relative to the modest orbital and greenhouse gas forcing during that interglacial. Large Northern Hemisphere ice sheets during Plio-Pleistocene glaciation causes a substantial decrease in Mean Temperature of the Coldest Month (MTCM) and Mean Annual Precipitation (PANN) causing significant Arctic aridification. Aridification and cooling can be linked to a combination of mechanical forcing from the Laurentide and Fennoscandian ice sheets on mid-tropospheric westerly flow and expanded sea ice cover causing albedo-enhanced feedback.
Calibration and accuracy analysis of a focused plenoptic camera
Authors: Zeller N. , Quint F. , Stilla U.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. In this article we introduce new methods for the calibration of depth images from focused plenoptic cameras and validate the results. We start with a brief description of the concept of a focused plenoptic camera and how from the recorded raw image a depth map can be estimated. For this camera, an analytical expression of the depth accuracy is derived for the first time. In the main part of the paper, methods to calibrate a focused plenoptic camera are developed and evaluated. The optical imaging process is calibrated by using a method which is already known from the calibration of traditional cameras. For the calibration of the depth map two new model based methods, which make use of the projection concept of the camera are developed. These new methods are compared to a common curve fitting approach, which is based on Taylor-series-approximation. Both model based methods show significant advantages compared to the curve fitting method. They need less reference points for calibration than the curve fitting method and moreover, supply a function which is valid in excess of the range of calibration. In addition the depth map accuracy of the plenoptic camera was experimentally investigated for different focal lengths of the main lens and is compared to the analytical evaluation.
Daytime fog detection and density estimation with entropy minimization
Authors: Caraffa L. , Tarel J. P.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Fog disturbs the proper image processing in many outdoor observation tools. For instance, fog reduces the visibility of obstacles in vehicle driving applications. Usually, the estimation of the amount of fog in the scene image allows to greatly improve the image processing, and thus to better perform the observation task. One possibility is to restore the visibility of the contrasts in the image from the foggy scene image before applying the usual image processing. Several algorithms were proposed in the recent years for defogging. Before to apply the defogging, it is necessary to detect the presence of fog, not to emphasis the contrasts due to noise. Surprisingly, few a reduced number of image processing algorithms were proposed for fog detection and characterization. Most are dedicated to static cameras and can not be used when the camera is moving. Daytime fog is characterized by its extinction coefficient, which is equivalent to the visibility distance. A visibility-meter can be used for fog detection and characterization, but this kind of sensor performs an estimation in a relatively small volume of air, and is thus sensitive to heterogeneous fog, and air turbulence with moving cameras. In this paper, we propose an original algorithm, based on entropy minimization, to detect fog and estimate its extinction coefficient by the processing of stereo pairs. This algorithm is fast, provides accurate results using low cost stereo camera sensor and, the more important, can work when the cameras are moving. The proposed algorithm is evaluated on synthetic and camera images with ground truth. Results show that the proposed method is accurate, and, combined with a fast stereo reconstruction algorithm, should provide a solution, close to real time, for fog detection and visibility estimation for moving sensors.
The Mediterranean is becoming saltier
Authors: Borghini M. , Bryden H. , Schroeder K. , Sparnocchia S. , Vetrano A.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. The deep waters of the western Mediterranean Sea have become saltier and warmer for at least the past 40 years at rates of about 0.015 and 0.04 °C per decade. Here we show that two processes contribute to these increases in temperature and salinity. On interannual timescales, deep water formation events in severe winters transmit increasingly salty intermediate waters into the deep water. The second process is a steady downward flux of heat and salt associated with salt finger mixing down through the halocline–thermocline that connects the Levantine Intermediate Water with the deep water. We illustrate these two processes with observations from repeat surveys of the western Mediterranean basin we have made over the past 10 years.
Financial Exposure of McDonald’s Corp. Success as a Market Leader
Authors: Shahid Maria , Shafiq Hamna , Khan Ayesha , Bari Rafia , Shahzad Nimra , Ch. Irum Saeed , Parveen Sadia
Published: August 2014

The purpose of this study is to explore the financial aspects of McDonald’s success as a market leader despite of the global recession and tough competition offered by Yum brands. Financial ratio analysis, horizontal analysis, vertical analysis and DuPont analysis are applied for 9 years financial data of McDonald’s. And it is discovered that efficient operations, strong short and long term solvency position, high profitability, highly loyal customer, broader network expansion and the value adding menu are major factors of its success. But it has to improve its asset utilization efficiency to remain No. 1 in highly competitive fast food industry. The expected learning outcomes of this case study is to illustrate the success factors, particularly in financial terms which provides a strong base for a business organization to maintain its competitive position &  leadership. The readers are expected to be able to get an understanding of the following terms at the completion of this study: an understanding of calculation and interpretation of basic financial ratios and its implications for financial managers, investors and creditors; the significance of various financial analysis for a business organization, the importance of understanding the external business environment and how that environment poses threats as well as new opportunities for the businesses operating in it. This case study is designed for the students of BBA/MBA and helpful in the courses of corporate finance and financial reporting analysis.
Impact of Research and Development on Firm Performance
Authors: Ghaffar Aimen , Khan Waseem Ahmed
Published: August 2014

This study has been conducted to see the impact of research and development budget on the performance of the firms. Research and development is an increasingly important concept in order to have success in this era. The paper finds out the relationship between research and development and firm performance. Firm performance is measured through the ratios of return on assets, return on equity and the earnings per share of the firms. The data analyzed by using SPSS. Results confirmed the positive correlation between the dependent and the independent variables. Limitations of the study were shortage of time and studying of a single sector. In future, different other sectors can be studied to see the impact of research and development on their performance.