bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ants, elevation, phylogenetic diversity and community structure
Authors: Smith M. Alex
Published: November 2015

Testing the degree of support for macroecological patterns requires that the data behind these hypotheses be available for examination and re‐testing. Using geographically wide‐spread incidence matrices and a multi‐gene phylogeny for ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), I calculated phylogenetic measurements of alpha and beta diversity and elevation to test the degree of support for the expected relationships between diversity and elevation (negative) and between phylogenetic clustering and elevation (positive). Whether diversity was estimated morphologically or phylogenetically, the elevational decay of alpha diversity was more frequently a linear decline than a mid‐elevation peak. However the expectation that phylogenetic community structure would more likely be clustered with increasing elevation was not supported. This might be due to the fact that the physiological limitations filtering the taxa present are expressed at the species level and are thus beyond the resolution of this phylogeny. Trends linking elevational decay in beta diversity to temperature and precipitation were weak, but the results do support Janzen's 1967 prediction that communities on tropical mountains were less similar to each other than in temperate mountain communities. At the genus level, these data suggest that there is no general pattern regarding whether environmental/habitat filters (clustering) or inter‐specific competition (dispersion) filter the taxa present. Instead, this analysis suggests that the community assemblages are not significantly different from random across elevation or temperature. These findings reinforce how important it is to support intuition with data and how critical it is to make data public and accessible so that hypotheses can be re‐examined and tested.
Thermal patterns constrain diurnal behavior of a ground‐dwelling bird
Authors: Carroll J. Matthew , Davis Craig A. , Elmore R. Dwayne , Fuhlendorf Samuel D. , Thacker Eric T.
Published: November 2015

Recently, gaining knowledge about thermal refuges for vulnerable species has been a major focal point of ecological studies, and this focus has been heightened by predicted temperature increases associated with global climate change. To better understand how organisms respond to thermal landscapes and extremes, we investigated the thermal ecology of a gallinaceous bird species (northern bobwhite; Colinus virginianus, hereafter bobwhite) during a key life history period. Specifically, our study focused on the brood‐rearing period of precocial bobwhite chicks associated with brood‐attending adults. We measured site‐specific black bulb temperatures (Tbb) and vegetation characteristics across 38 brood tracking days and 68 random landscape sites to assess thermal patterns at scales relevant to broods. We observed that the landscape was thermally heterogeneous, exhibiting variation in Tbb up to 40°C during peak diurnal heating demonstrating a wide array of thermal choices available to broods. At 15:00 h, broods selected thermal refuges that moderated Tbb on average up to 10.4°C more than landscape sites. Moreover, broods exhibited behavioral thermoregulation through reduced movement and by occupying more moderate microclimates that afforded taller vegetation structure during high heat. Modeled climate projections suggest that future Tbb in thermal refuges will approach those currently avoided on the landscape, emphasizing the need for future conservation plans that acknowledge fine scale thermal space in climate change scenarios. These findings underline that studying both abiotic and biotic factors at scales relevant to organisms can increase our understanding of how thermally heterogeneous landscapes provide thermal choices under extreme conditions.
Substance Use and Cumulative Exposure to American Society: Findings From Both Sides of the US–Mexico Border Region
Authors: Borges Guilherme , Cherpitel Cheryl J. , Orozco Ricardo , Zemore Sarah E. , Wallisch Lynn , Medina-Mora Maria-Elena , Breslau Joshua
Published: November 2015

Objectives. We investigated whether Mexican immigration to the United States exerts transnational effects on substance use in Mexico and the United States.

Methods. We performed a cross-sectional survey of 2336 Mexican Americans and 2460 Mexicans in 3 Texas border metropolitan areas and their sister cities in Mexico (the US–Mexico Study on Alcohol and Related Conditions, 2011–2013). We collected prevalence and risk factors for alcohol and drug use; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, alcohol-use disorders; and 2 symptoms (hazardous use and quit or control) of drug use disorder across a continuum of migration experiences in the Mexican and Mexican American populations.

Results. Compared with Mexicans with no migrant experience, the adjusted odds ratios for this continuum of migration experiences ranged from 1.10 to 8.85 for 12-month drug use, 1.09 to 5.07 for 12-month alcohol use disorder, and 1.13 to 9.95 for 12-month drug-use disorder. Odds ratios increased with longer exposure to US society. These findings are consistent with those of 3 previous studies.

Conclusions. People of Mexican origin have increased prevalence of substance use and disorders with cumulative exposure to US society.
The Public Health Framework of Legalized Marijuana in Colorado
Authors: Ghosh Tista , Van Dyke Mike , Maffey Ali , Whitley Elizabeth , Gillim-Ross Laura , Wolk Larry
Published: November 2015

On January 1, 2014, Colorado became the first state in the nation to sell legal recreational marijuana for adult use. As a result, Colorado has had to carefully examine potential population health and safety impacts as well as the role of public health in response to legalization. We have discussed an emerging public health framework for legalized recreational marijuana. We have outlined this framework according to the core public health functions of assessment, policy development, and assurance. In addition, we have discussed challenges to implementing this framework that other states considering legalization may face.
Risk Factors for and Behavioral Consequences of Direct Versus Indirect Exposure to Violence
Authors: Zimmerman Gregory M. , Posick Chad
Published: November 2015

Research suggests that direct exposure (personal victimization) and indirect exposure (witnessing or hearing about the victimization of a family member, friend, or neighbor) to violence are correlated. However, questions remain about the co-occurrence of these phenomena within individuals. We used data on 1915 youths (with an average age of 12 years at baseline) from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods to examine this issue. Results indicated that youths who tended to be personally victimized were also likely to witness violence; conversely, youths who disproportionately witnessed violence were relatively unlikely to experience personal victimization. In addition, direct and indirect exposures to violence were associated with subsequent adverse outcomes in similar ways. The key distinguishing factor was, rather, the cumulative level of violence (both direct and indirect) to which youths were exposed.
Legal Barriers to Adolescent Participation in Research About HIV and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections
Authors: Moore Quianta L. , Paul Mary E. , McGuire Amy L. , Majumder Mary A.
Published: November 2015

Whether adolescents can participate in clinical trials of pharmacologic therapies for HIV prevention, such as preexposure prophylaxis, without parental permission hinges on state minor consent laws.

Very few of these laws explicitly authorize adolescents to consent to preventive services for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Unclear state laws may lead to research cessation.

We have summarized legal, ethical, and policy considerations related to adolescents’ participation in HIV and sexually transmitted infection prevention research in the United States, and we have explored strategies for facilitating adolescents’ access.
Correlates of Sexual HIV Risk Among African American Men Who Have Sex With Men
Authors: Kelly Jeffrey A. , St Lawrence Janet S. , Tarima Sergey S. , DiFranceisco Wayne J. , Amirkhanian Yuri A.
Published: November 2015

Objectives. We examined correlates of condomless anal intercourse with nonmain sexual partners among African American men who have sex with men (MSM).

Methods. We recruited social networks composed of 445 Black MSM from 2012 to 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Cleveland, Ohio; and Miami Beach, Florida. Participants reported past-3-month sexual behavior, substance use, and background, psychosocial, and HIV-related characteristics.

Results. Condomless anal intercourse outside main concordant partnerships, reported by 34.4% of MSM, was less likely in the case of no alcohol and marijuana use in the past 30 days, and higher risk-reduction behavioral intentions. High frequency of condomless anal intercourse acts with nonmain partners was associated with high gay community participation, weak risk-reduction intentions, safer sex not being perceived as a peer norm, low condom-use self-efficacy, and longer time since most recent HIV testing.

Conclusions. Condomless anal intercourse with nonmain partners among Black MSM was primarily associated with gay community participation, alcohol and marijuana use, and risk-reduction behavioral intentions.
Business improvement districts as a management instrument for city center’s regeneration in Serbia
Authors: Radosavljevic Uros , Djordjevic Aleksandra , Zivkovic Jelena
Published: November 2015

Urban regeneration and economic development in the context of competitive
global markets and impacts to Serbian cities represent challenges calling for
new responses for transformative action in urban governance. Policy-makers
understanding of that relation may contribute to suitable use of policy
instruments for creating good business environment in cites. Business
improvement districts (BIDs) represent possible model used as a management
instrument for fostering local economic development, city promotion and
improving the quality of urban public space and life. The paper presents
theoretical approaches of policy instruments use and sets recommendations for
management of BIDs based on two cases of city center?s regeneration in
Serbia. We argue that for BIDs to be a useful model for city center?s
regeneration, an appropriate use and combination of regulatory, economic and
informational management instruments is necessary.
Social and cultural context as an indicator of sustainability of brownfield regeneration
Authors: Stoilkov-Koneski Anita
Published: November 2015

The research shows the most important objectives that lead to a sustainable
outcome of brownfield regeneration, based on literature review in the
academic circles and leading European projects involved in brownfield
regeneration. After identifying the most important drivers of the process of
regeneration, the aim of the research was to identify which are the
objectives that need to be strengthened in order to achieve long term
sustainability of brownfield regeneration. In that matter, the main focus of
the paper is social and cultural context which is an indicator of
sustainability of brownfield redevelopment projects in a way that does not
necessary mean economic sustainability. Social and cultural objectives of
brownfield regeneration have been listed with practical examples of how they
could be achieved based on positive European experiences.
Gaseous and particulate urban air pollution in the region of Vojvodina (Serbia)
Authors: Malinovic-Milicevic Slavica , Mihailovic Dragutin , Nikolic-Djoric Emilija , Jevtic Marija
Published: November 2015

The present study focuses on interpretations of the temporal variations and
variations between urban locations of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide
(NO2) and black smoke (BS) during the period 2001-2008 in the Vojvodina
Region of Serbia (VR_S). In this study we examined variations of pollutants
concentrations during household heating and non-heating seasons and the
effect of household heating, traffic, rainfall and wind speed on the air
pollution levels of SO2, NO2 and BS in eight locations. The analyses showed
that the annual limit values of these pollutants as recommended by the
Serbian regulations and recommendations were not exceeded, unlike the daily
limits. Higher SO2 concentrations during household heating season in four
locations indicate the substantial impact of house?hold heating on air
quality. Positive effects of the use of environmentally cleaner fuels were
observed in only two locations. The growing impact of traffic on air
pollution is shown by the increasing trend of NO2 during both seasons. Calm
wind conditions and an absence of rainfall were found to have incremental
effects on pollution levels in most locations.
The Effect of the Draft DSM-5 Criteria for GAD on Prevalence and Severity
Authors: Andrews Gavin , Hobbs Megan J.
Published: November 2015

Objective: Options for revising the DSM-IV Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) diagnostic criteria have been made by the DSM-5 Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive, Post-traumatic and Dissociative Disorders Work Group. It has been proposed that renaming the disorder Generalized Worry Disorder, clarifying criterion A to emphasize the primacy of worry, reducing the duration required, altering the list of associated symptoms to reflect the concomitants of worry that are specific to GAD, and adding behavioural criteria could clarify the concept of chronic worry for clinicians and enhance the reliability of the diagnosis. The influence of the proposed changes on the prevalence and severity of cases is examined.

Method: Data from a national survey and from a clinical data set were used to quantify the effect of the proposed changes.

Results: Reducing the duration from 6 to 3 months and removing the clinical significance criterion raised the prevalence of GAD, whereas revising the associated symptoms and adding behavioural symptoms reduced the prevalence. With all the new options implemented, although the prevalence of the diagnosis rose by 9%, it was associated with similar levels of distress and impairment as DSM-IV cases.

Conclusions: There is preliminary evidence that the proposals may increase the prevalence of GAD but may not influence the severity of cases. The clinical utility, reliability and validity of the diagnosis remains to be established.
Smoking Status, Mental Disorders and Emotional and Behavioural Problems in Young People: Child and Adolescent Component of the National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing
Authors: Lawrence David , Mitrou Francis , Sawyer Michael G. , Zubrick Stephen R.
Published: November 2015

Objective: To examine the relationship between smoking behaviour, mental disorders and emotional and behavioural problems in a nationally representative sample of young people.

Method: Data were taken from the child and adolescent component of the National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing which assessed mental health problems in two main ways: using a fully structured interview (the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children) and using the Child Behaviour Checklist and the Youth Self Report, which assess emotional and behavioural problems on a dimensional scale. The relationship between smoking and mental health problems was assessed using logistic regression.

Results: Among young people with conduct disorder 72% had smoked in the last 30 days, 46% of young people with depressive disorder, and 38% among young people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. This compared with 21% of young people with none of these disorders. Odds ratios (OR) for current smoking were consistently elevated for young people with mental health problems after adjusting for demographic and socio-economic factors across all measures of mental health used. The OR for current smoking in young people with parent-reported externalizing behaviours in the clinical range was 4.5 (95%CI: 3.1–6.8), and for young people with parent-reported internalizing problems in the clinical range the OR was 2.7 (95%CI: 1.8–4.0). Young people with mental health problems started smoking on average at a younger age, were more likely to progress to current smoking, and smoked on average a higher number of cigarettes per day.

Conclusions: After adjusting for demographic and socio-economic factors, young people with mental health problems were more likely to start smoking, progress to daily smoking, and smoke more heavily. Mental illness is an important issue to consider in tobacco control in young people.
Accuracy of Official Suicide Mortality Data in Queensland
Authors: Williams Ruth F.G. , Doessel Darrel P. , Sveticic Jerneja , de Leo Diego
Published: November 2015

Objective: The purpose is to answer the following research question: are the time-series data published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics for Queensland statistically the same as those of the Queensland Suicide Register?

Method: This question was answered by first modelling statistically, for males and females, the time series suicide data from these two sources for the period of data availability, 1994 to 2007 (14 observations). Fitted values were then derived from the ‘best fit’ equations, after rigorous diagnostic testing. The outliers in these data sets were addressed with pulse dummy variables. Finally, by applying the Wald test to determine whether or not the fitted values are the same, we determined whether, for males and females, these two data sets are the same or different.

Results: The study showed that the Queensland suicide rate, based on Queensland Suicide Register data, was greater than that based on Australian Bureau of Statistics data. Further statistical testing showed that the differences between the two data sets are statistically significant for 24 of the 28 pair-wise comparisons.

Conclusions: The quality of Australia's official suicide data is affected by various practices in data collection. This study provides a unique test of the accuracy of published suicide data by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The Queensland Suicide Register's definition of suicide applies a more suicidological, or medical/health, conception of suicide, and applies different practices of coding suicide cases, timing of data collection processes, etc. The study shows that ‘difference’ between the two data sets predominates, and is statistically significant; thus the extent of the under-reporting of suicide is not trivial. Given that official suicide data are used for many purposes, including policy evaluation of suicide prevention programmes, it is suggested that the system used in Queensland should be adopted by the rest of Australia too.
Development and Psychometric Evaluation of a Measure to Assess Distress in Partners of Australian Combat Veterans
Authors: MacDonell Gail V. , Marsh Nigel V. , Hine Donald W. , Bhullar Navjot
Published: November 2015

Objective: The aim of the present study was to develop and evaluate a multidimensional measure of distress experienced by partners of Australian combat veterans.

Method: The Partners of Veterans Distress Scale (POV-DS) was developed using factor analysis on a sample of 665 female members of Partners of Veterans Association of Australia. Content validity for the scale was established by using focus groups and expert feedback during item development phase. In addition, two self-report inventories were administered to assess physical/mental health, and satisfaction with life.

Results: Following principal-axis factoring, 45 items were retained, loading on seven distinct but correlated factors: Sleep problems, Hyper-vigilance, Social isolation, Financial problems, Intimacy problems, Exhaustion, and Negative affect. The factor structure was cross-validated using confirmatory factor analysis on a hold-out sample. The distress subscales all exhibited excellent internal consistency (αs ranged from 0.84 to 0.95). Validation analyses revealed subscales derived from the seven-factor model explained 31% to 45% of the variance in partners’ physical health, mental health, and satisfaction with life.

Conclusions: The study found that the POV-DS is a reliable and valid tool for assessing distress in partners of Australian combat veterans.
Shared Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder: Broadening the Concept of Shared Psychotic Disorder
Authors: Mergui Joseph , Jaworowski Sol , Greenberg David , Lerner Vladimir
Published: November 2015

Objective: Folie a deux (shared psychotic disorder) is often described in the context of schizophrenia. In this article we present this syndrome in a non psychotic context.

Method: We report a case of induced obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in a married couple. Six months after the deterioration in the patient's OCD, his wife developed the same symptoms with no preceding history of an Axis I disorder. Neither spouse demonstrated psychotic symptomatology. The husband was successfully treated on an outpatient basis with Citalopram and Clonazepam. His wife's OCD spontaneously resolved without medication in parallel with the resolution of her husband's OCD.

Results: We highlight the uncommon phenomenon of shared psychiatric disorder occurring in the context of OCD. In the current psychiatric diagnostic nomenclature, (DSM IV and ICD10), there is no category for a non-psychotic shared psychiatric disorder. We raise the question of broadening the concept of shared disorder so as to include shared OCD and perhaps other shared psychiatric syndromes.

Conclusions: More controlled studies are required in order to better understand the psychopathology and mechanisms of psychotic and non-psychotic shared disorders in psychiatry. We believe there are important treatment implications of such an understanding.
Health Seeking Behavior and Utilization of Health Care Services in Eastern Hilly Region of Nepal
Authors: Bhattarai Sailesh , Parajuli Surya Bahadur , Rayamajhi Rajan Bikram , Paudel Ishwari Sharma , Jha Nilambar
Published: November 2015

noBackground & Objectives: Preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative health care services depend not only in availability & accessibility of it but also on awareness and attitude of the people and various inter-woven social structure that determines in making choice. The objective of this study was to explore health seeking behavior and utilization of health care services in the rural places in VDCs of Ilam district of Eastern Nepal.Materials & Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in between period of March 25th 2013 to April 10th 2013 Fikkal and Pashupatinagar VDCs in Ilam district with sample of 300 people. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire.Results: One fifth of the populations were found to be seeking traditional healers’ service and 80 percent among modern treatment system were relying on private treatment facility for treating sickness. People who had lived more than 20 years in that place and who felt modern health services were costly were likely to use service of traditional healers. Similarly people suffering from chronic illness, having health facility more than 30 minutes and using stretcher or walking as means of transportation were using government health centers more compared to private services.Conclusion: Significant people still use traditional healers’ service and the government health facility utilization was low as compared to private. The people living for longer period in that place and having the concept that modern health centers are costly were primary user of traditional healing system. Health facility nearby or people who could afford for automobile travel facilities were using costly private health centers.JCMS Nepal. 2015; 11(2):8-16
Clinical presentation of vernal keratoconjunctivitis in Bharatpur Medical College
Authors: Dahal Polina , Bhattarai Sanjeet
Published: November 2015

Background & Objectives: To evaluate the different clinical presentation of Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) in our context.Materials & Methods: Ninety diagnosed VKC patients attending the outpatient department of College of Medical Sciences from 1st March 2014 to 1st June 2015 were enrolled in the study.Results: The study revealed male predominance (83.33%). Commonly occurring symptoms were itching (100%) and redness (80%). Commonest sign was tarsal papillae (100%). Conjunctival hyperemia was seen in 94.1% cases and 180 eyes of 90 cases showed Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis.Conclusion: The clinical presentation of VKC patients in our context are very much similar to the findings of the other study done in Nepal and other parts of the world. Commonly occurring symptoms are itching, redness and commonly occurring signs are tarsal papillae and conjunctival hyperemia.JCMS Nepal. 2015; 11(2):17-19
Wildlife in U.S. Cities: Managing Unwanted Animals
Authors: Hadidian John
Published: November 2015

Conflicts between people and wild animals in cities are undoubtedly as old as urban living itself. In the United States it is only of late, however, that many of the species now found in cities have come to live there. The increasing kind and number of human-wildlife conflicts in urbanizing environments makes it a priority that effective and humane means of conflict resolution be found. The urban public wants conflicts with wildlife resolved humanely, but needs to know what the alternative management approaches are, and what ethical standards should guide their use. This paper examines contemporary urban wildlife control in the United States with a focus on the moral concerns this raises. Much of the future for urban wildlife will depend on reform in governance, but much as well will depend on cultural changes that promote greater respect and understanding for wild animals and the biotic communities of which they and we are both a part.
Conformance Testing of SGSF-064-1 Using CANoe
Authors: Kim Intaek , Al-Hilo Ahmed , Jang Hyuk , Yoo Jong-Geol
Published: November 2015

In this paper, the authors describe a conformance testing system for SGSF-064-1, the communication protocol between electric vehicles and conductive DC (direct current) chargers in Korea. Since the SGSF-064-1 is based on CAN (controller area network), the testing system was developed by CANoe. The DC charger known as EVSE (electric vehicle supply equipment) is the system being tested and the developed system implemented in PC (personal computer). The developed system performs as a tester to ensure that the DC chargers from various manufactures can conform to the communication protocol in SGSF-064-1. The testing system contains four testing modes which also consist of several test cases.
Computational Studies of Glutamate Transporters
Authors: Setiadi Jeffry , Heinzelmann Germano , Kuyucak Serdar
Published: November 2015

Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the human brain whose binding to receptors on neurons excites them while excess glutamate are removed from synapses via transporter proteins. Determination of the crystal structures of bacterial aspartate transporters has paved the way for computational investigation of their function and dynamics at the molecular level. Here, we review molecular dynamics and free energy calculation methods used in these computational studies and discuss the recent applications to glutamate transporters. The focus of the review is on the insights gained on the transport mechanism through computational methods, which otherwise is not directly accessible by experimental probes. Recent efforts to model the mammalian glutamate and other amino acid transporters, whose crystal structures have not been solved yet, are included in the review.
Simultaneous High Performance Liquid Chromatography Assay of Pentoxifylline, Mupirocin, Itraconazole, and Fluticasone Propionate in Humco™ Lavare Wound Base
Authors: Purvis Troy
Published: November 2015

This article details the elements used in the method verification for the simultaneous high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay of Pentoxifylline, Mupirocin, Itraconazole, and Fluticasone Propionate in Humco™ Lavare Wound base. The method was proven to be linear over 50%–150% of the nominal concentration of the standards. The method was proven to be accurate over 50%–150%, with 98%–102% recovery of the actives from spiked placeboes over that range. The method was shown to be specific to the analytes listed and precise, yielding acceptable results for system reproducibility and method repeatability. The method, as written, is considered to have been verified.
Nitric Oxide and Lutein: Function, Performance, and Protection of Neural Tissue
Authors: Stringham James , Stringham Nicole
Published: November 2015

The soluble gas neurotransmitter nitric oxide (NO) serves many important metabolic and neuroregulatory functions in the retina and brain. Although it is necessary for normal neural function, NO can play a significant role in neurotoxicity. This is often seen in disease states that involve oxidative stress and inflammation of neural tissues, such as age-related macular degeneration and Alzheimer’s disease. The dietary xanthophyll carotenoid lutein (L) is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that, if consumed in sufficient amounts, is deposited in neural tissues that require substantial metabolic demand. Some of these specific tissues, such as the central retina and frontal lobes of the brain, are impacted by age-related diseases such as those noted above. The conspicuous correspondence between metabolic demand, NO, and L is suggestive of a homeostatic relationship that serves to facilitate normal function, enhance performance, and protect vulnerable neural tissues. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on these points.
Inferring Directed Road Networks from GPS Traces by Track Alignment
Authors: Xie Xingzhe , Bing-YungWong Kevin , Aghajan Hamid , Veelaert Peter , Philips Wilfried
Published: November 2015

This paper proposes a method to infer road networks from GPS traces. These networks include intersections between roads, the connectivity between the intersections and the possible traffic directions between directly-connected intersections. These intersections are localized by detecting and clustering turning points, which are locations where the moving direction changes on GPS traces. We infer the structure of road networks by segmenting all of the GPS traces to identify these intersections. We can then form both a connectivity matrix of the intersections and a small representative GPS track for each road segment. The road segment between each pair of directly-connected intersections is represented using a series of geographical locations, which are averaged from all of the tracks on this road segment by aligning them using the dynamic time warping (DTW) algorithm. Our contribution is two-fold. First, we detect potential intersections by clustering the turning points on the GPS traces. Second, we infer the geometry of the road segments between intersections by aligning GPS tracks point by point using a “stretch and then compress” strategy based on the DTW algorithm. This approach not only allows road estimation by averaging the aligned tracks, but also a deeper statistical analysis based on the individual track’s time alignment, for example the variance of speed along a road segment.
Benzene-Induced Aberrant miRNA Expression Profile in Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells in C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Wei Haiyan , Zhang Juan , Tan Kehong , Sun Rongli , Yin Lihong , Pu Yuepu
Published: November 2015

Benzene is a common environmental pollutant that causes hematological alterations. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) may play a role in benzene-induced hematotoxicity. In this study, C57BL/6 mice showed significant hematotoxicity after exposure to 150 mg/kg benzene for 4 weeks. Benzene exposure decreased not only the number of cells in peripheral blood but also hematopoietic progenitor cells in the bone marrow. Meanwhile, RNA from Lin− cells sorted from the bone marrow was applied to aberrant miRNA expression profile using Illumina sequencing. We found that 5 miRNAs were overexpressed and 45 miRNAs were downregulated in the benzene exposure group. Sequencing results were confirmed through qRT-PCR. Furthermore, we also identified five miRNAs which significantly altered in Lin−c-Kit+ cells obtained from benzene-exposed mice, including mmu-miR-34a-5p; mmu-miR-342-3p; mmu-miR-100-5p; mmu-miR-181a-5p; and mmu-miR-196b-5p. In summary, we successfully established a classical animal model to induce significant hematotoxicity by benzene injection. Benzene exposure may cause severe hematotoxicity not only to blood cells in peripheral circulation but also to hematopoietic cells in bone marrow. Benzene exposure also alters miRNA expression in hematopoietic progenitor cells. This study suggests that benzene induces alteration in hematopoiesis and hematopoiesis-associated miRNAs.
Mechanical, Thermomechanical and Reprocessing Behavior of Green Composites from Biodegradable Polymer and Wood Flour
Authors: Morreale Marco , Liga Antonio , Mistretta Maria , Ascione Laura , Mantia Francesco
Published: November 2015

The rising concerns in terms of environmental protection and the search for more versatile polymer-based materials have led to an increasing interest in the use of polymer composites filled with natural organic fillers (biodegradable and/or coming from renewable resources) as a replacement for traditional mineral inorganic fillers. At the same time, the recycling of polymers is still of fundamental importance in order to optimize the utilization of available resources, reducing the environmental impact related to the life cycle of polymer-based items. Green composites from biopolymer matrix and wood flour were prepared and the investigation focused on several issues, such as the effect of reprocessing on the matrix properties, wood flour loading effects on virgin and reprocessed biopolymer, and wood flour effects on material reprocessability. Tensile, Dynamic-mechanical thermal (DMTA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and creep tests were performed, pointing out that wood flour leads to an improvement of rigidity and creep resistance in comparison to the pristine polymer, without compromising other properties such as the tensile strength. The biopolymer also showed a good resistance to multiple reprocessing; the latter even allowed for improving some properties of the obtained green composites.
Reduction of Adipose Tissue Formation by the Controlled Release of BMP-2 Using a Hydroxyapatite-Coated Collagen Carrier System for Sinus-Augmentation/Extraction-Socket Grafting
Authors: Lee Jung-Seok , Kim Tae-Wan , Park Soyon , Kim Byung-Soo , Im Gun-Il , Cho Kyoo-Sung , Kim Chang-Sung
Published: November 2015

The effects of hydroxyapatite (HA)-coating onto collagen carriers for application of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2) on cell differentiation in vitro, and on in vivo healing patterns after sinus-augmentation and alveolar socket-grafting were evaluated. In vitro induction of osteogenic/adipogenic differentiation was compared between the culture media with rhBMP-2 solution and with the released rhBMP-2 from the control collagen and from the HA-coated collagen. Demineralized bovine bone and collagen/HA-coated collagen were grafted with/without rhBMP-2 in sinus-augmentation and tooth-extraction-socket models. Adipogenic induction by rhBMP-2 released from HA-coated collagen was significantly reduced compared to collagen. In the sinus-augmentation model, sites that received rhBMP-2 exhibited large amounts of vascular tissue formation at two weeks and increased adipose tissue formation at eight weeks; this could be significantly reduced by using HA-coated collagen as a carrier for rhBMP-2. In extraction-socket grafting, dimensional reduction of alveolar ridge was significantly decreased at sites received rhBMP-2 compared to control sites, but adipose tissue was increased within the regenerated socket area. In conclusion, HA-coated collagen carrier for Escherichia coli-derived rhBMP-2 (ErhBMP-2) may reduce in vitro induction of adipogenic differentiation and in vivo adipose bone marrow tissue formation in bone tissue engineering by ErhBMP-2.
Biomedical and Clinical Importance of Mussel-Inspired Polymers and Materials
Authors: Kaushik Nagendra , Kaushik Neha , Pardeshi Sunil , Sharma Jai , Lee Seung , Choi Eun
Published: November 2015

The substance secreted by mussels, also known as nature’s glue, is a type of liquid protein that hardens rapidly into a solid water-resistant adhesive material. While in seawater or saline conditions, mussels can adhere to all types of surfaces, sustaining its bonds via mussel adhesive proteins (MAPs), a group of proteins containing 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) and catecholic amino acid. Several aspects of this adhesion process have inspired the development of various types of synthetic materials for biomedical applications. Further, there is an urgent need to utilize biologically inspired strategies to develop new biocompatible materials for medical applications. Consequently, many researchers have recently reported bio-inspired techniques and materials that show results similar to or better than those shown by MAPs for a range of medical applications. However, the susceptibility to oxidation of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine poses major challenges with regard to the practical translation of mussel adhesion. In this review, various strategies are discussed to provide an option for DOPA/metal ion chelation and to compensate for the limitations imposed by facile 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine autoxidation. We discuss the anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial activity, and adhesive behaviors of mussel bio-products and mussel-inspired materials (MIMs) that make them attractive for synthetic adaptation. The development of biologically inspired adhesive interfaces, bioactive mussel products, MIMs, and arising areas of research leading to biomedical applications are considered in this review.
Cell Systems to Investigate the Impact of Polyphenols on Cardiovascular Health
Authors: Grootaert Charlotte , Kamiloglu Senem , Capanoglu Esra , Van Camp John
Published: November 2015

Polyphenols are a diverse group of micronutrients from plant origin that may serve as antioxidants and that contribute to human health in general. More specifically, many research groups have investigated their protective effect against cardiovascular diseases in several animal studies and human trials. Yet, because of the excessive processing of the polyphenol structure by human cells and the residing intestinal microbial community, which results in a large variability between the test subjects, the exact mechanisms of their protective effects are still under investigation. To this end, simplified cell culture systems have been used to decrease the inter-individual variability in mechanistic studies. In this review, we will discuss the different cell culture models that have been used so far for polyphenol research in the context of cardiovascular diseases. We will also review the current trends in cell culture research, including co-culture methodologies. Finally, we will discuss the potential of these advanced models to screen for cardiovascular effects of the large pool of bioactive polyphenols present in foods and their metabolites.
Pomegranate Peel Extract Prevents Bone Loss in a Preclinical Model of Osteoporosis and Stimulates Osteoblastic Differentiation in Vitro
Authors: Spilmont Mélanie , Léotoing Laurent , Davicco Marie-Jeanne , Lebecque Patrice , Miot-Noirault Elisabeth , Pilet Paul , Rios Laurent , Wittrant Yohann , Coxam Véronique
Published: November 2015

The nutritional benefits of pomegranate have attracted great scientific interest. The pomegranate, including the pomegranate peel, has been used worldwide for many years as a fruit with medicinal activity, mostly antioxidant properties. Among chronic diseases, osteoporosis, which is associated with bone remodelling impairment leading to progressive bone loss, could eventually benefit from antioxidant compounds because of the involvement of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of osteopenia. In this study, with in vivo and ex vivo experiments, we investigated whether the consumption of pomegranate peel extract (PGPE) could limit the process of osteopenia. We demonstrated that in ovariectomized (OVX) C57BL/6J mice, PGPE consumption was able to significantly prevent the decrease in bone mineral density (−31.9%; p < 0.001 vs. OVX mice) and bone microarchitecture impairment. Moreover, the exposure of RAW264.7 cells to serum harvested from mice that had been given a PGPE-enriched diet elicited reduced osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption, as shown by the inhibition of the major osteoclast markers. In addition, PGPE appeared to substantially stimulate osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity at day 7, mineralization at day 21 and the transcription level of osteogenic markers. PGPE may be effective in preventing the bone loss associated with ovariectomy in mice, and offers a promising alternative for the nutritional management of this disease.
An Algorithm to Identify Compounded Non-Sterile Products that Can Be Formulated on a Commercial Scale or Imported to Promote Safer Medication Use in Children
Authors: Bhatt-Mehta Varsha , MacArthur Robert , Löbenberg Raimar , Cies Jeffrey , Cernak Ibolja , II Richard
Published: November 2015

The lack of commercially-available pediatric drug products and dosage forms is well-known. A group of clinicians and scientists with a common interest in pediatric drug development and medicines-use systems developed a practical framework for identifying a list of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) with the greatest market potential for development to use in pediatric patients. Reliable and reproducible evidence-based drug formulations designed for use in pediatric patients are needed vitally, otherwise safe and consistent clinical practices and outcomes assessments will continue to be difficult to ascertain. Identification of a prioritized list of candidate APIs for oral formulation using the described algorithm provides a broader integrated clinical, scientific, regulatory, and market basis to allow for more reliable dosage forms and safer, effective medicines use in children of all ages. Group members derived a list of candidate API molecules by factoring in a number of pharmacotherapeutic, scientific, manufacturing, and regulatory variables into the selection algorithm that were absent in other rubrics. These additions will assist in identifying and categorizing prime API candidates suitable for oral formulation development. Moreover, the developed algorithm aids in prioritizing useful APIs with finished oral liquid dosage forms available from other countries with direct importation opportunities to North America and beyond.
Analysis of the Sensitivity of K-Type Molecular Sieve-Deposited MWNTs for the Detection of SF6 Decomposition Gases under Partial Discharge
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxing , Li Xin , Luo Chenchen , Dong Xingchen , Zhou Lei
Published: November 2015

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is widely utilized in gas-insulated switchgear (GIS). However, part of SF6 decomposes into different components under partial discharge (PD) conditions. Previous research has shown that the gas responses of intrinsic and 4 Å-type molecular sieve-deposited multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) to SOF2 and SO2F2, two important decomposition components of SF6, are not obvious. In this study, a K-type molecular sieve-deposited MWNTs sensor was developed. Its gas response characteristics and the influence of the mixture ratios of gases on the gas-sensing properties were studied. The results showed that, for sensors with gas mixture ratios of 5:1, 10:1, and 20:1, the resistance change rate increased by nearly 13.0% after SOF2 adsorption, almost 10 times that of MWNTs sensors, while the sensors’ resistance change rate with a mixture ratio of 10:1 reached 17.3% after SO2F2 adsorption, nearly nine times that of intrinsic MWNT sensors. Besides, a good linear relationship was observed between concentration of decomposition components and the resistance change rate of sensors.
Optimization Algorithm for Kalman Filter Exploiting the Numerical Characteristics of SINS/GPS Integrated Navigation Systems
Authors: Hu Shaoxing , Xu Shike , Wang Duhu , Zhang Aiwu
Published: November 2015

Aiming at addressing the problem of high computational cost of the traditional Kalman filter in SINS/GPS, a practical optimization algorithm with offline-derivation and parallel processing methods based on the numerical characteristics of the system is presented in this paper. The algorithm exploits the sparseness and/or symmetry of matrices to simplify the computational procedure. Thus plenty of invalid operations can be avoided by offline derivation using a block matrix technique. For enhanced efficiency, a new parallel computational mechanism is established by subdividing and restructuring calculation processes after analyzing the extracted “useful” data. As a result, the algorithm saves about 90% of the CPU processing time and 66% of the memory usage needed in a classical Kalman filter. Meanwhile, the method as a numerical approach needs no precise-loss transformation/approximation of system modules and the accuracy suffers little in comparison with the filter before computational optimization. Furthermore, since no complicated matrix theories are needed, the algorithm can be easily transplanted into other modified filters as a secondary optimization method to achieve further efficiency.
Performance Evaluation of a Multichannel All-In-One Phantom Dosimeter for Dose Measurement of Diagnostic X-ray Beam
Authors: Jeon Hyesu , Yoo Wook , Shin Sang , Kwon Guwon , Kim Mingeon , Kim Hye , Song Young , Jang Kyoung , Youn Won , Lee Bongsoo
Published: November 2015

We developed a multichannel all-in-one phantom dosimeter system composed of nine sensing probes, a chest phantom, an image intensifier, and a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor to measure the dose distribution of an X-ray beam used in radiation diagnosis. Nine sensing probes of the phantom dosimeter were fabricated identically by connecting a plastic scintillating fiber (PSF) to a plastic optical fiber (POF). To measure the planar dose distribution on a chest phantom according to exposure parameters used in clinical practice, we divided the top of the chest phantom into nine equal parts virtually and then installed the nine sensing probes at each center of the nine equal parts on the top of the chest phantom as measuring points. Each scintillation signal generated in the nine sensing probes was transmitted through the POFs and then intensified by the image intensifier because the scintillation signal normally has a very low light intensity. Real-time scintillation images (RSIs) containing the intensified scintillation signals were taken by the CMOS image sensor with a single lens optical system and displayed through a software program. Under variation of the exposure parameters, we measured RSIs containing dose information using the multichannel all-in-one phantom dosimeter and compared the results with the absorbed doses obtained by using a semiconductor dosimeter (SCD). From the experimental results of this study, the light intensities of nine regions of interest (ROI) in the RSI measured by the phantom dosimeter were similar to the dose distribution obtained using the SCD. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the planar dose distribution including the entrance surface dose (ESD) can be easily measured by using the proposed phantom dosimeter system.