bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HCN Channels—Modulators of Cardiac and Neuronal Excitability
Authors: Herrmann Stefan , Schnorr Sabine , Ludwig Andreas
Published: January 2015

Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels comprise a family of cation channels activated by hyperpolarized membrane potentials and stimulated by intracellular cyclic nucleotides. The four members of this family, HCN1–4, show distinct biophysical properties which are most evident in the kinetics of activation and deactivation, the sensitivity towards cyclic nucleotides and the modulation by tyrosine phosphorylation. The four isoforms are differentially expressed in various excitable tissues. This review will mainly focus on recent insights into the functional role of the channels apart from their classic role as pacemakers. The importance of HCN channels in the cardiac ventricle and ventricular hypertrophy will be discussed. In addition, their functional significance in the peripheral nervous system and nociception will be examined. The data, which are mainly derived from studies using transgenic mice, suggest that HCN channels contribute significantly to cellular excitability in these tissues. Remarkably, the impact of the channels is clearly more pronounced in pathophysiological states including ventricular hypertrophy as well as neural inflammation and neuropathy suggesting that HCN channels may constitute promising drug targets in the treatment of these conditions. This perspective as well as the current therapeutic use of HCN blockers will also be addressed.
MicroRNA Expression Profiling of Lactating Mammary Gland in Divergent Phenotype Swine Breeds
Authors: Peng Jing , Zhao Jun-Sheng , Shen Yi-Fei , Mao Hai-Guang , Xu Ning-Ying
Published: January 2015

MicroRNA (miRNA) plays a key role in development and specific biological processes, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Extensive studies of mammary miRNAs have been performed in different species and tissues. However, little is known about porcine mammary gland miRNAs. In this study, we report the identification and characterization of miRNAs in the lactating mammary gland in two distinct pig breeds, Jinhua and Yorkshire. Many miRNAs were detected as significantly differentially expressed between the two libraries. Among the differentially expressed miRNAs, many are known to be related to mammary gland development and lactation by interacting with putative target genes in previous studies. These findings suggest that miRNA expression patterns may contribute significantly to target mRNA regulation and influence mammary gland development and peak lactation performance. The data we obtained provide useful information about the roles of miRNAs in the biological processes of lactation and the mechanisms of target gene expression and regulation.
Correction: Kang, K.A.; et al., Myricetin Protects Cells against Oxidative Stress-Induced Apoptosis via Regulation of PI3K/Akt and MAPK Signaling Pathways. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2010, 11, 4348–4360
Authors: Kang Kyoung , Wang Zhi , Zhang Rui , Piao Mei , Kim Ki , Kang Sam , Kim Young , Lee Jongsung , Park Deokhoon , Hyun Jin
Published: January 2015

The authors want to change Figure 1 of the paper published in IJMS [1]. In Figure 1, 5-position of OH was at 6-position. Therefore, Figure 1 is revised as follows. The authors would like to apologize for any inconvenience caused to the readers by this change.[...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering in 2014
Authors: Journal of Marine Science Engineering Editorial Office
Published: January 2015

The editors of the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2014:[...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Molbank in 2014
Authors: Molbank Editorial Office
Published: January 2015

The editors of Molbank would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2014:[...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Minerals in 2014
Authors: Minerals Editorial Office
Published: January 2015

The editors of Minerals would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2014:[...]
Placental Adaptations in Growth Restriction
Authors: Zhang Song , Regnault Timothy , Barker Paige , Botting Kimberley , McMillen Isabella , McMillan Christine , Roberts Claire , Morrison Janna
Published: January 2015

The placenta is the primary interface between the fetus and mother and plays an important role in maintaining fetal development and growth by facilitating the transfer of substrates and participating in modulating the maternal immune response to prevent immunological rejection of the conceptus. The major substrates required for fetal growth include oxygen, glucose, amino acids and fatty acids, and their transport processes depend on morphological characteristics of the placenta, such as placental size, morphology, blood flow and vascularity. Other factors including insulin-like growth factors, apoptosis, autophagy and glucocorticoid exposure also affect placental growth and substrate transport capacity. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is often a consequence of insufficiency, and is associated with a high incidence of perinatal morbidity and mortality, as well as increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in later life. Several different experimental methods have been used to induce placental insufficiency and IUGR in animal models and a range of factors that regulate placental growth and substrate transport capacity have been demonstrated. While no model system completely recapitulates human IUGR, these animal models allow us to carefully dissect cellular and molecular mechanisms to improve our understanding and facilitate development of therapeutic interventions.
Inclusion of Fermented Foods in Food Guides around the World
Authors: Chilton Stephanie , Burton Jeremy , Reid Gregor
Published: January 2015

Fermented foods have been a well-established part of the human diet for thousands of years, without much of an appreciation for, or an understanding of, their underlying microbial functionality, until recently. The use of many organisms derived from these foods, and their applications in probiotics, have further illustrated their impact on gastrointestinal wellbeing and diseases affecting other sites in the body. However, despite the many benefits of fermented foods, their recommended consumption has not been widely translated to global inclusion in food guides. Here, we present the case for such inclusion, and challenge health authorities around the world to consider advocating for the many benefits of these foods.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Pathogens in 2014
Authors: Pathogens Editorial Office
Published: January 2015

The editors of Pathogens would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2014:[...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Pharmaceuticals in 2014
Authors: Pharmaceuticals Editorial Office
Published: January 2015

The editors of Pharmaceuticals would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2014:[...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Pharmaceutics in 2014
Authors: Pharmaceutics Editorial Office
Published: January 2015

The editors of Pharmaceutics would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2014:[...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Plants in 2014
Authors: Plants Editorial Office
Published: January 2015

The editors of Plants would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2014:[...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Resources in 2014
Authors: Resources Editorial Office
Published: January 2015

The editors of Resources would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2014:[...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Risks in 2014
Authors: Risks Editorial Office
Published: January 2015

The editors of Risks would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2014:[...]
Depth Camera-Based 3D Hand Gesture Controls with Immersive Tactile Feedback for Natural Mid-Air Gesture Interactions
Authors: Kim Kwangtaek , Kim Joongrock , Choi Jaesung , Kim Junghyun , Lee Sangyoun
Published: January 2015

Vision-based hand gesture interactions are natural and intuitive when interacting with computers, since we naturally exploit gestures to communicate with other people. However, it is agreed that users suffer from discomfort and fatigue when using gesture-controlled interfaces, due to the lack of physical feedback. To solve the problem, we propose a novel complete solution of a hand gesture control system employing immersive tactile feedback to the user’s hand. For this goal, we first developed a fast and accurate hand-tracking algorithm with a Kinect sensor using the proposed MLBP (modified local binary pattern) that can efficiently analyze 3D shapes in depth images. The superiority of our tracking method was verified in terms of tracking accuracy and speed by comparing with existing methods, Natural Interaction Technology for End-user (NITE), 3D Hand Tracker and CamShift. As the second step, a new tactile feedback technology with a piezoelectric actuator has been developed and integrated into the developed hand tracking algorithm, including the DTW (dynamic time warping) gesture recognition algorithm for a complete solution of an immersive gesture control system. The quantitative and qualitative evaluations of the integrated system were conducted with human subjects, and the results demonstrate that our gesture control with tactile feedback is a promising technology compared to a vision-based gesture control system that has typically no feedback for the user’s gesture inputs. Our study provides researchers and designers with informative guidelines to develop more natural gesture control systems or immersive user interfaces with haptic feedback.
Accelerated Detection of Viral Particles by Combining AC Electric Field Effects and Micro-Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Tomkins Matthew , Liao David , Docoslis Aristides
Published: January 2015

A detection method that combines electric field-assisted virus capture on antibody-decorated surfaces with the “fingerprinting” capabilities of micro-Raman spectroscopy is demonstrated for the case of M13 virus in water. The proof-of-principle surface mapping of model bioparticles (protein coated polystyrene spheres) captured by an AC electric field between planar microelectrodes is presented with a methodology for analyzing the resulting spectra by comparing relative peak intensities. The same principle is applied to dielectrophoretically captured M13 phage particles whose presence is indirectly confirmed with micro-Raman spectroscopy using NeutrAvidin-Cy3 as a labeling molecule. It is concluded that the combination of electrokinetically driven virus sampling and micro-Raman based signal transduction provides a promising approach for time-efficient and in situ detection of viruses.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Societies in 2014
Authors: Societies Editorial Office
Published: January 2015

The editors of Societies would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2014:[...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Systems in 2014
Authors: Systems Editorial Office
Published: January 2015

The editors of Systems would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2014:[...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Vaccines in 2014
Authors: Vaccines Editorial Office
Published: January 2015

The editors of Vaccines would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2014:[...]
L'histosol, descripteur privilégié du marais tourbeux (Histosol, as the major descriptor of peatland)
Authors: Laplace-Dolonde Arlette
Published: January 2015

L'histosol est un objet vivant contrairement à la tourbe qui est considérée comme matériau. Chaque histosol se définit par une superposition d'horizons histiques caractérisés par des proportions différentes entre la matière organique et l'eau. Leur structure et leur texture jouent un rôle important dans la conductivité hydraulique. Le régime hydrique d'un histosol est défini par les teneurs en eau des horizons de surface et celles des horizons au-dessus du niveau piézométrique d'étiage, comparé aux humidités caractéristiques obtenues en laboratoire et aux données bioclimatiques locales. Les histosols actifs des tourbières vivantes sont saturés en permanence. Ce n'est pas le cas de beaucoup de marais tourbeux français désaturés en surface. La plupart d'entre eux ont été transformés de longue date par fauchage, pâturage, maraîchage, tourbage et drainage. Il est temps d'examiner en l'état les histosols et leur comportement hydrique in situ afin de mieux gérer en conséquence chaque marais.
Le site marécageux de l'étang des Oussines (Corrèze) : une toposéquence phytosociologique remarquable (The marshy site of the Oussines pond (Correze district) : a noteworthy phytosociological succession)
Authors: Botineau Michel , Ghestem Axel , Vilks Askolds
Published: January 2015

Sur le Plateau de Millevaches existent un certain nombre d'étangs ou de lacs de retenue autour desquels s'observent des zones humides plus ou moins vastes.

Parmi ceux-ci, l'Etang de Saint-Merd-les-Oussines (Corrèze) est formé grâce à une retenue sur la Vézère non loin de sa source. Situé dans un alvéole granitique vers 840 m d'altitude, ce plan d'eau présente dans ses ceintures une grande diversité de milieux marécageux.

La séquence des groupements végétaux est analysée en fonction du gradient hydrique et de la topographie à l'aide d'une trentaine de relevés de végétation. Sont successivement abordés :

- la végétation d'hygrophytes ;

- la végétation oligotrophe de nanophanérophytes ;

- la végétation de grandes herbes vivaces du bord des eaux ;

- les ceintures amphibies de niveau supérieur (la végétation mésotrophe à Mentha arvensis ef la végétation oligotrophe à Agrostis canina et Carex curta) ;

- le bas marais acide avec ses aspects particuliers (ruisselets, vasques, landes tourbeuses) ;

- la pelouse oligotrophe hygrophile de contact.

L'intérêt biologique de ce site est renforcé par sa situation géographique, point de rencontre des domaines atlantique d'une part, montagnard et boréal d'autre part.

La présence d'un certain nombre d'espèces exceptionnelles, végétales (Luronium natans, Isoetes echinospora...) et animales (Balbuzard pêcheur, Circaète Jean- le-Blanc.) ont justifié la protection du milieu par un arrêté préfectoral de biotope.

Cependant, la déprise agricole d'une part, et l'envasement de l'étang d'autre part, constituent des menaces sur la pérennité du site. Des moyens de gestion conservatoire sont donc à envisager.
Bilan de quelques expériences de gestion sur les zones humides en réserves biologiques domaniales de Rambouillet (Evaluation of few management experiences in the wetlands of the biological reserves, forêt domaniale de Rambouillet, Yvelines, France)
Authors: Lalanne Arnault
Published: January 2015

Depuis 5 ans, l'Office National des Forêts, en collaboration avec des scientifiques, gère 600 ha de Réserves Biologiques Domaniales. Dans ces réserves, on trouve essentiellement des milieux humides. Un certain nombre d'expériences de gestion ont été mises en place sur différents habitats (Tourbières, mares, etc.). Ce sont ces résultats qui sont présentés.
Bilan de six années de gestion et de suivi de la réserve naturelle du marais de Lavours (Ain, France) (Evaluation of 6-years ecological management and survey in the natural reserve of the marais de Lavours, Ain, France)
Authors: Manneville Olivier , Majchrzak Yves , Pautou Guy
Published: January 2015

Le marais de Lavours, dans la vallée du Haut-Rhône français, a été partiellement mis en réserve naturelle en 1984 au vu de ses grandes richesses tant floristiques que faunistiques et suite à des modifications rapides (boisement par abandon de certains secteurs, destruction d'autres secteurs par la mise en culture de maïs, déséquilibres hydrologiques consécutifs à l'aménagement du Rhône). Pour en maintenir ou restaurer la biodiversité, diverses méthodes de gestion conservatoire ont été choisies {fauche et débroussaillage et surtout pâturage par des races rustiques de bovins - Highland cattle - et de chevaux - camarguais et Pottok).

Un suivi scientifique des diverses composantes du milieu (sol, eau) et des biocénoses (végétation, avi faune, amphibiens, arthropodes) a été mis en place ; cet article présente les principaux résultats du suivi de la végétation des portions du marais soumises au pâturage extensif. Les techniques employées sont variées (cartographie des formations, relevés linéaires annuels effectués selon un échantillonnage systématique stratifié à partir de 1 10 stations fixes dont des parcelles- témoins, traitements informatiques des données par A.F.P. et A.C.P., comparaison qualitative avec des secteurs analogues fauchés à l'extérieur des enclos).

Certains des objectifs ont été atteints (ouverture des formations herbacées hygrophiles, réapparition d'espèces des stades pionniers, contrôle des grands hélophytes et de la majorité des ligneux), mais Alnus glutinosa, espèce peu appétible pour les herbivores, continue sa progression et il apparaît des déséquilibres dans révolution de la flore suite au pâturage. Ceci a donc nécessité la révision du plan de gestion :

- mélange des troupeaux de bovins et de camarguais pour annuler certains effets néfastes du comportement respectif des deux types d'animaux ; léger abaissement de la charge pastorale pour maintenir un pâturage extensif ; de plus, pour des raisons zootechniques, le pâturage hivernal, par ailleurs peu efficace, est supprimé ;

- débroussaillage à ras du sol important renouvelable éventuellement, puis suivi des aulnes que l'on espère ensuite contenir pour des méthodes moins brutales ;

- suivi de certaines espèces végétales critiques (par exemple, Sanguisorba offi- cinalis, plante-hôte de 2 papillons rares, du genre Maculinea,) qui semblent défavorisées par le pâturage et préfèrent la fauche ; - maintien du suivi scientifique, mais avec un allégement du dispositif initial ; on passe ainsi de 110 stations relevées tous les ans à 76, dont chaque moitié est analysée tous les deux ans par alternance.
Synthesis of boron nitride nanotubes and their applications
Authors: Kalay Saban , Yilmaz Zehra , Sen Ozlem , Emanet Melis , Kazanc Emine , Çulha Mustafa
Published: January 2015

Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) have been increasingly investigated for use in a wide range of applications due to their unique physicochemical properties including high hydrophobicity, heat and electrical insulation, resistance to oxidation, and hydrogen storage capacity. They are also valued for their possible medical and biomedical applications including drug delivery, use in biomaterials, and neutron capture therapy. In this review, BNNT synthesis methods and the surface modification strategies are first discussed, and then their toxicity and application studies are summarized. Finally, a perspective for the future use of these novel materials is discussed.
Visible-light-induced bromoetherification of alkenols for the synthesis of β-bromotetrahydrofurans and -tetrahydropyrans
Authors: Lin Run , Sun Hongnan , Yang Chao , Yang Youdong , Zhao Xinxin , Xia Wujiong
Published: January 2015

A visible-light-induced photoredox-catalyzed bromoetherification of alkenols is described. This approach, with CBr4 as the bromine source through generation of bromine in situ, provides a mild and operationally simple access to the synthesis of β-bromotetrahydrofurans and -tetrahydropyrans with high efficiency and regioselectivity.
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ABC MODEL IN A COMPANY DEALING WITH EXTRACTION OF RAW MATERIALS
Authors: Bajus Radoslav , Stašová Lenka Hudáková
Published: January 2015

ABC method is a new system for accurate product pricing, cost analysis of the causes of individual products and their optimization. The prices of products are accurately taken into account according to all relevant overhead costs in their actual context and relationships. Except of product costs, ABC method follows costs regarding customers, suppliers, distribution, transport, manufacturing, operational and security processes, management processes and other business activities. ABC method sees the company as a complex of interrelated activities and processes. ABC method represents more precise cost calculation for the product. The aim of the present article is to highlight the introduction of the ABC method to the enterprise and compare it with the traditional method. The result is to reduce costs by introducing ABC method to the enterprise.
CHARACTERISTICS OF OMEGA-OPTIMIZED PORTFOLIOS AT DIFFERENT LEVELS OF THRESHOLD RETURNS
Authors: Vilkancas Renaldas
Published: January 2015

There is little literature considering effects that the loss-gain threshold used for dividing good and bad outcomes by all downside (upside) risk measures has on portfolio optimization and performance. The purpose of this study is to assess the performance of portfolios optimized with respect to the Omega function developed by Keating and Shadwick at different levels of the threshold returns. The most common choices of the threshold values used in various Omega studies cover the risk-free rate and the average market return or simply a zero return, even though the inventors of this measure for risk warn that “using the values of the Omega function at particular points can be critically misleading” and that “only the entire Omega function contains information on distribution”. The obtained results demonstrate the importance of the selected values of the threshold return on portfolio performance – higher levels of the threshold lead to an increase in portfolio returns, albeit at the expense of a higher risk. In fact, within a certain threshold interval, Omega-optimized portfolios achieved the highest net return, compared with all other strategies for portfolio optimization using three different test datasets. However, beyond a certain limit, high threshold values will actually start hurting portfolio performance while meta-heuristic optimizers typically are able to produce a solution at any level of the threshold, and the obtained results would most likely be financially meaningless.
THE USE OF A MODIFICATION OF THE HURWICZ’S DECISION RULE IN MULTICRITERIA DECISION MAKING UNDER COMPLETE UNCERTAINTY
Authors: Gaspars-Wieloch Helena
Published: January 2015

The paper concerns multicriteria decision making under uncertainty with scenario planning. This topic is explored by many researchers because almost all real-world decision problems have multiple conflicting criteria and a deterministic criteria evaluation is often impossible (e.g. mergers and acquisitions, new product development). We propose two procedures for uncertain multi-objective optimization (for dependent and independent criteria matrices) which are based on the SAPO method – a modification of the Hurwicz’s rule for one-criterion problems, recently presented in another paper. The new approaches take into account the decision maker’s preference structure and attitude towards risk. It considers the frequency and the level of extreme evaluations and generates logic rankings for symmetric and asymmetric distributions. The application of the suggested tool is illustrated with an example of marketing strategies selection.
REGIONAL DIFFERENTIATION OF REVENUES COLLECTED BY LOCAL GOVERNMENTS OF LITHUANIA
Authors: Ginevičius Romualdas , Slavinskaitė Neringa , Gedvilaitė Dainora
Published: January 2015

The article focuses on the issue of municipal funding from revenues collected by local governments and the state budget of Lithuania. In addition, it offers an evaluation of the Lithuanian practice in this field, discusses used methodological approaches and overviews practical experience of other countries as well as the relevant theory. Furthermore, it considers theoretical issues of local tax and tax distribution between levels of local government. Finally, it gives general principles of tax distribution and administration. The results of this investigation point to fundamental problems, relating the misbalance in funding of local governments with regional differentiation. The growth in disparities of municipal revenues demands a better redistribution of income, which includes an increasing amount of grants. However, the current system used for funding of local governments limits possible solutions that could address these problems. It should be considered that in 2009–2013, the lowest amount of municipal income per resident was identified in Vilnius County; whereas the highest amount was found in Utena (2009), Alytus (2010–2012) and Šiauliai (2013) counties.
Contrôle au faciès : une cérémonie de dégradation
Authors: Blanchard Emmanuel
Published: January 2015

Si une partie des contrôles d’identité sont organisés dans des lieuxciblés car réputés être fréquentés par des « sans-papiers », la majorité de ces interpellations visent des habitants connus pour être en situation régulière et dont l’identité ne fait même aucun doute aux yeux des agents contrôleurs. Les premiers légitiment cependant les seconds, et le Gisti s’emploie avec d’autres associations à combattre l’usage du contrôle d’identité par les forces de police comme d’une arme symbolique d’humiliation de certaines populations.
De la citoyenneté sociale au « tourisme social »
Authors: Isidro Lola
Published: January 2015

Dans le droit communautaire, le principe d’égalité de traitement entreles citoyens européens qui prime sur le droit de séjour a permis que soit reconnu, sans discrimination, un droit aux prestations d’assistance sociale. Néanmoins, dans les années récentes, l’ouverture de l’UE aux États d’Europe de l’Est a introduit une suspicion qui a donné du « tourisme social » une interprétation négative.
Emplois fermés : une exclusion illégitime
Authors: Slama Serge
Published: January 2015

Alors que, au cours des années 1990 et 2000, la plupart des professionset emplois fermés aux étrangers ont peu à peu été ouverts aux citoyens européens, au prix de longues batailles juridiques, ils sont restés interdits aux ressortissants des pays tiers. On peut dès lors se demander ce qui justifie une telle discrimination.
Perspectives franco-américaines
Authors: Mercat-Bruns Marie , Imbert Louis
Published: January 2015

Aux États-Unis comme en France, les discriminations à l’emploisont prohibées. Mais des deux côtés de l’Atlantique, des exceptions à ce principe sont admises s’agissant de la nationalité, avec des divergences entre les deux pays. Alors que la loi encadre strictement ces exceptions, d’autres discriminations apparaissent.
Une école discriminante ?
Authors: Primon Jean-Luc , Brinbaum Yaël
Published: January 2015

Dans le cadre scolaire, la question des discriminations dites « ethno-raciales » n’a été soulevée que depuis peu en France. L’institution scolaire a longtemps éludé le problème jusqu’à ce que plusieurs études fassent apparaître des groupes minorisés chez lesquels le sentiment de discrimination est fréquent. L’enquête Trajectoires et Origines, co-conduite par l’Insee et l’Ined, met en évidence la réalité des parcours scolaires et les injustices ressenties par les descendant·e·s d’immigré·e·s.
Faire sombrer Frontex
Authors: Intran Caroline , Sibley Anna
Published: January 2015

C’est pour lutter contre le déni, l’hypocrisie et le cynisme des politiqueseuropéennes de lutte contre l’immigration qu’a été lancée en 2013 la campagne Frontexit. Elle appelle à la suppression de l’agence Frontex, qu’elle désigne comme le bras opérationnel d’une vision inhumaine des migrations, fondée sur la fermeture des frontières et niant les droits fondamentaux.
Lactobacillus-produced exopolysaccharides and their potential health benefits: a review
Authors: Patten D.A. , Laws A.P.
Published: January 2015

Lactic acid bacteria, such as those of the Lactobacillus genus, naturally reside within the microbiota of the human body and have long been used as starter cultures and probiotic enhancers in fermented foods, such as fermented drinks, yoghurts and cheeses. Many of the beneficial qualities of these bacteria have traditionally been associated with the bacteria themselves, however, a recent spate of studies have demonstrated a wide variety of biological effects exhibited by lactobacilli-produced exopolysaccharides which could, theoretically, confer a range of local and systemic health benefits upon the host. In this review, we discuss the production of exopolysaccharides within the Lactobacillus genus and explore their potential as beneficial bioactive compounds.
Heuristic Principal Component Analysis-Based Unsupervised Feature Extraction and Its Application to Bioinformatics
Authors: Taguchi Y-H. , Iwadate Mitsuo , Umeyama Hideaki , Murakami Yoshiki , Okamoto Akira
Published: January 2015

Feature Extraction (FE) is a difficult task when the number of features is much larger than the number of samples, although that is a typical situation when biological (big) data is analyzed. This is especially true when FE is stable, independent of the samples considered (stable FE), and is often required. However, the stability of FE has not been considered seriously. In this chapter, the authors demonstrate that Principal Component Analysis (PCA)-based unsupervised FE functions as stable FE. Three bioinformatics applications of PCA-based unsupervised FE—detection of aberrant DNA methylation associated with diseases, biomarker identification using circulating microRNA, and proteomic analysis of bacterial culturing processes—are discussed.
Bioinformatics-Driven Big Data Analytics in Microbial Research
Authors: Prabha Ratna , Rai Anil , Singh D. P.
Published: January 2015

With the advent of sophisticated and high-end molecular biological technologies, microbial research has observed tremendous boom. It has now become one of the most prominent sources for the generation of “big data.” This is made possible due to huge data coming from the experimental platforms like whole genome sequencing projects, microarray technologies, mapping of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP), proteomics, metabolomics, and phenomics programs. For analysis, interpretation, comparison, storage, archival, and utilization of this wealth of information, bioinformatics has emerged as a massive platform to solve the problems of data management in microbial research. In present chapter, the authors present an account of “big data” resources spread across the microbial domain of research, the efforts that are being made to generate “big data,” computational resources facilitating analysis and interpretation, and future needs for huge biological data storage, interpretation, and management.
Personalized Disease Phenotypes from Massive OMICs Data
Authors: Binder Hans , Hopp Lydia , Lembcke Kathrin , Wirth Henry
Published: January 2015

Application of new high-throughput technologies in molecular medicine collects massive data for hundreds to thousands of persons in large cohort studies by characterizing the phenotype of each individual on a personalized basis. The chapter aims at increasing our understanding of disease genesis and progression and to improve diagnosis and treatment. New methods are needed to handle such “big data.” Machine learning enables one to recognize and to visualize complex data patterns and to make decisions potentially relevant for diagnosis and treatment. The authors address these tasks by applying the method of self-organizing maps and present worked examples from different disease entities of the colon ranging from inflammation to cancer.
Intellectual Property Protection for Synthetic Biology, Including Bioinformatics and Computational Intelligence
Authors: Knabel Matthew K. , Doering Katherine , Fernandez Dennis S.
Published: January 2015

Since the completion of the Human Genome Project, biologists have shifted their efforts from understanding biology to modifying it. Synthetic biology is a rapidly growing interdisciplinary field that includes developing and manufacturing synthetic nucleotide sequences, systems, genomes, and medical devices. Gaining patent protection represents an imperative and significant tool for business development in synthetic biology. Without IP protection, investors most likely will not commit necessary resources for progress. While there have been many important breakthroughs in biotechnology, recent case law rulings and legislative statutes have created obstacles for inventors to gain patent protection of novel synthetic biology inventions. These issues cause hesitation in license agreements and postpone creation of synthetic biology start-up companies. Nevertheless, inventors still can gain patent protection in many branches of synthetic biology. This chapter examines the issues, controversies, and problems associated with patent protection in synthetic biology. It then gives solutions, recommendations, and future directions for the field.
A Camera-Based System for Determining Hand Range of Movement Measurements in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Bond Aaron , Curran Kevin
Published: January 2015

Rheumatoid arthritis affects around 1% of the world's population. Detection of the disease relies heavily on observation by physicians. The effectiveness of these kinds of tests is dependent on the ability and experience and can vary depending on the observer. This chapter aims to investigate the use of Xbox Kinect camera for monitoring in rheumatoid arthritis patients as a cost-effective and precise method of assessment. A system has been developed that implements the Kinect sensor for usage in a hand recognition and digit measurement capacity. This system performs the tasks usually completed by a physician such as digit dimension monitoring and exercise observations. With the system being designed to be portable and easy-to-use, it is an ideal solution for both the physician monitoring patients in a clinic as well as posing a possible solution for patients wishing to monitor their own condition in their homes.
Holophonor
Authors: Weinel Jonathan , Cunningham Stuart , Picking Richard , Williams Lyall
Published: January 2015

This chapter considers the technological feasibility of the Holophonor, a fictional audio-visual instrument from the science fiction cartoon Futurama. Through an extended discussion of the progression of visual music towards interactive models, it was proposed that the Holophonor is an example of an ideal visual music instrument and could be constructed in the near future. This chapter recapitulates the key features of the fictional instrument. An evaluation of the technological feasibility of building a real-world version of the Holophonor is then given, with reference to existing technologies. In particular, it is proposed that the Holophonor's ability to respond to the emotional state of the performer may be facilitated by drawing on approaches from HCI and affective computing. Following this, a possible architecture for the Holophonor is proposed.
Current Trends in Interoperability, Scalability, and Security of Pervasive Healthcare Systems
Authors: Brugués Albert , Pegueroles Josep , Bromuri Stefano , Schumacher Michael
Published: January 2015

The development of pervasive healthcare systems consists of applying ubiquitous computing in the healthcare context. The systems developed in this research field have the goals of offering better healthcare services, promoting the well-being of the people, and assisting healthcare professionals in their tasks. The aim of the chapter is to give an overview of the main research efforts in the area of pervasive healthcare systems and to identify which are the main research challenges in this topic of research. Furthermore, the authors review the current state of the art for these kinds of systems with respect to some of the research challenges identified. In particular, the authors focus on contributions done regarding interoperability, scalability, and security of these systems.
Mapping Indigenous Self-Determination in Highland Guatemala
Authors: McAnany Patricia A. , Rowe Sarah M. , Cholotio Israel Quic , Menchú Evelyn Caniz , Quic José Mendoza
Published: January 2015

The challenges of building research partnerships around community mapping are critically reviewed in reference to the politics of heritage and identity among Indigenous Maya communities in highland Guatemala. This paper discusses how the goals and interests of archaeologists meshed with those of indigenous mappers in five communities that chose to participate in the mapping program. Based on responses to a survey about the mapping project, participants report joining in order to enhance self-determination, gain cartographic literacy, and improve life opportunities. Community authority over the project and a broad base of participation (including young and old, male and female) proved essential to the program, which combined traditional practices of governance with new technologies. This paper describes the community organizational model and protocols for selecting features and topics for thematic maps as well as for gaining community consensus on map content. Finally, it reflects on this transmodern approach to indigenous mapping and the future of research partnerships.
Relocating a Sense of Place Using the Participatory Geoweb
Authors: Corbett Jon M. , Evans Mike , Legault Gabrielle , Romano Zach
Published: January 2015

The interactive capability and ease of use of Geoweb technologies suggest great potential for Aboriginal communities to store, manage, and communicate place-related knowledge. For the Métis, who have a long history of dispossession and dispersion in Canada, the Geoweb offers an opportunity in realizing the desire to articulate a coherent sense of place for their people. This paper reports on a community-based research project involving the University of British Columbia (UBC) and the Métis Nation of British Columbia (MNBC) – the political body representing the Métis people in BC. The project includes the creation of a Geoweb tool specifically designed to facilitate the (self) articulation of a Métis community in contemporary BC. It examines how Geoweb technologies have been used to create a participatory, crowd-sourced Historical Document Database (HDD) that takes meaning through the interface of a map. The paper further explores how the data contributed by members of the Métis community have been used to capture, communicate, and represent community memories in the dispersed membership. It concludes by examining challenges that have emerged related to platform stability and institutional relations related to the ongoing sustainability of the HDD.
Mapping the Hopi Landscape for Cultural Preservation
Authors: Hedquist Saul L. , Koyiyumptewa Stewart B. , Bernardini Wesley , Ferguson T. J. , Whiteley Peter M. , Kuwanwisiwma Leigh J.
Published: January 2015

For the Hopi people, named places on the landscape localize, commemorate, and transmit traditional knowledge within a spatial context used to reference and explain Hopi history and culture—geographic information the Hopi Tribe seeks to preserve. This paper discusses the Hopi Cultural Preservation Office's use of geospatial technologies during recent collaborative efforts to document important places and associated cultural information. It considers how GIS and other geospatial technologies have been used to produce maps and digital imagery in a manner guided by traditional landscape perspectives and native epistemologies. Mapping Hopi lands provides many benefits, foremost being the preservation of place-related knowledge for future generations of Hopis. Geospatial technologies also facilitate Hopi efforts of heritage management by providing a medium that effectively demonstrates use of traditional landscapes to non-Hopi audiences.
Improving the Plan of a Manufacturing Network with Non-Integrated Business Units
Authors: Taghipour Atour
Published: January 2015

Despite the independency of companies in a supply chain as a network of separated business units which produce altogether the value for final customers, companies are dependent on resources and information of other members of the supply chains. To manage the use of resources and information, supply chain management plays a major role to coordinate independent companies by using the coordination mechanisms. According to the literature of supply chain management, some mechanisms largely use the information shared by members to achieve an optimal solution and some others are based on minimum level of information sharing. Planning based on minimum level of information sharing could increase the complexity of supply chain management and the complexity is ever higher when number of independent members in a supply network augments. This research addresses the problem coordination in a supply chain with more than two partners, while the information in a private element, which is not exchanged with other partners.
Confucian and Western Teaching and Learning
Authors: Wang Viktor , Torrisi-Steele Geraldine
Published: January 2015

The authors of this article consider Western teaching and learning alongside Confucian teaching and learning through reviewing the literature. The paper emphasizes that we must teach lower order thinking skills first before we teach higher order thinking skills, and confirms that rote learning and memorization precede critical thinking and creativity. It further confirms Brookfield's theory that cultural differences put a strain on the beautifully, well-reasoned theory of andragogy, which has brought a revolution to adult education and training in North America. Educational implications for instructors in North America who are involved in helping learners from the Confucian culture are such that these instructors should consider incorporating pedagogy into their everyday classroom practice. Andragogy alone may frustrate learners from the Confucian culture. Likewise, Western instructors who wish to practice andragogy in the Confucian culture may find that their practice may be limited by the aforementioned factors. The purpose of this paper is two-fold: Firstly, to contribute to a culturally sensitive discussion of teaching and learning and raise awareness that teaching and learning practices and beliefs are culturally embedded; Secondly, to draw attention to the complementary nature of what initially may appear to be two disparate approaches to teaching and learning. By comparing Western and Confucian teaching and learning perspectives, and reviewing pertinent literature, the authors seek to highlight some important ideas about teaching and learning that should be promoted to achieve the best learning outcomes on the part of all learners placed in this global economy and competition.
Video-Based Eye Tracking to Detect the Attention Shift
Authors: Kuo Yung-Lung , Lee Jiann-Shu , Hsieh Min-Chai
Published: January 2015

Eye and head movements evoked in response to obvious visual attention shifts. However, there has been little progress on the causes of absent-mindedness so far. The paper proposes an attention awareness system that captures the conditions regarding the interaction of eye gaze and head pose under various attentional switching in computer classroom. Via the algorithm of complexion area detection, eye location and eye tracking, the system detects the shifts of the subject's attention, records it and sends a notification to the class teacher. In five variant experiments of attentional shift, the authors find the cues of subjects when turning to other directions, moving forwards or backwards, and closing eyes. It applies even if the students wear glasses or have hair fringe. The findings of absent-mindedness are very important for psychologists or educators conducting post-hoc analysis. These experimental results show eye tracking are useful for detecting shift of attention.
A Study of Multi-Phase Guided Remedial Learning
Authors: Wu YuLung
Published: January 2015

In Taiwan, courses in the current online learning environment enroll at least 40-100 students, and it is difficult for teachers to manage the learning situation of each student. The proposed system treats learning portfolio, knowledge structure, and ability indicator of students as the key points of learning situations. The system integrates the information into the same framework and interface to acquire overall information of students. The learning activities in the proposed system include three stages: self-learning stage, mutual learning stage and guidance stage. This study adopted Multi-Phase Guided Remedial Learning Strategy in a learning evaluation. The learning evaluation yields positive experimental results. The evaluation shows that the proposed learning activities are effective for students learning.
How Likely is Simpson's Paradox in Path Models?
Authors: Kock Ned
Published: January 2015

Simpson's paradox is a phenomenon arising from multivariate statistical analyses that often leads to paradoxical conclusions in the field of e-collaboration as well as many other fields where multivariate methods are employed. This work derives a general inequality for the occurrence of Simpson's paradox in path models with or without latent variables. The inequality is then used to estimate the probability that Simpson's paradox would occur at random in path models with two predictors and one criterion variable. This probability is found to be approximately 12.8 percent, slightly higher than 1 occurrence per 8 path models. This estimate suggests that Simpson's paradox is likely to occur in empirical studies, in the field of e-collaboration and other fields, frequently enough to be a source of concern.
New Hybrid Web 2.0 Adoption Governance Framework for Public Sector
Authors: Ramadan Noha , Al-Qirim Nabeel
Published: January 2015

Enterprise Information Technology (IT) has proven its effectiveness in supporting business sustainability and growth. The emergence of Web 2.0 and its recent proliferation in public-sector organizations (Enterprise 2.0) has helped in fulfilling key organizational goals and objectives. It is shown in this research that Web 2.0 could assist organizations improve business processes and increase employee's productivity, communications, and information sharing. However, the pervasive use of Web 2.0 raised the need to govern such amalgamation of IT infrastructure and necessitated an investigation into Web 2.0 adoption decisions in organizations. This entails developing a governing IT (ITG) framework for Web 2.0 adoption decision taking into consideration important aspects like accountability, implementation factors, organizational policies, procedures, guidelines, and prior organizational ITG framework. Contributions and implications arising from this framework are discussed in this research, paving the way for further research in this important area.
How the Internet is Reshaping Markets, Society and Economics
Authors: Dikos George N.
Published: January 2015

The objective of this paper is to present a unifying framework for studying the impact of new collaborative technologies (or consumer technologies) on markets, society and economic science. It aims to influence researchers in social sciences, entrepreneurs and policy-makers to accelerate the adoption of the learning, tools and opportunities which the new collaborative technologies bring into their fields.