bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound Characteristics of Symptomatic Carotid Plaques: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Brinjikji Waleed , Rabinstein Alejandro A. , Lanzino Giuseppe , Murad Mohammad H. , Williamson Eric E. , DeMarco J. Kevin , Huston III John
Published: August 2015

Background: Ultrasound is the most commonly used imaging modality for assessing carotid artery stenosis. A number of studies have demonstrated that surface irregularities, heterogeneous echotexture and hypoechoic plaques are risk factors for acute ischemic stroke. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature to better define the risk of stroke based on the sonographic characteristics of carotid plaques. Materials and Methods: We performed a comprehensive search for studies reporting imaging findings of symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid plaques on ultrasound using MEDLINE and EMBASE. We included both case-control and cohort studies examining the relationship between complex plaque and acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. Complex plaque was defined as plaque that had any of the following characteristics: heterogeneous echogenicity, echolucency, neovascularization, surface irregularity, ulceration, and intraplaque motion. Meta-analyses using the random-effects model were performed for complex plaque and each of the individual complex plaque characteristics. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. We explored the impact of publication bias by constructing funnel plots and testing their symmetry. We conducted the meta-analysis using Comprehensive Meta-analysis version 2.2, Englewood, N.J., USA. Results: A total of 1,013 articles were screened and 23 studies with 6,706 carotid plaques were included. Ultrasound plaque characteristics with a higher prevalence in individuals with symptomatic compared to asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis included plaque neovascularity (OR = 19.68, 95% CI = 3.14-123.16), complex plaque (OR = 5.12, 95% CI = 3.42-7.67), plaque ulceration (OR = 3.58, 95% CI = 1.66-7.71), plaque echolucency (OR = 3.99, 95% CI = 3.06-5.19) and intraplaque motion (OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.02-2.41). Variables not associated with symptom status included heterogenous echotexture (OR = 2.68, 95% CI = 0.56-12.80) and surface irregularity without ulceration (OR = 2.38, 95% CI = 0.70-8.11). No evidence of publication bias was observed based on Eggers test (p value of 0.05 for complex plaque and 0.53 for plaque echolucency). The remaining plaque features had insufficient data to assess for publication bias. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis and systematic review of the literature demonstrated that plaques with complex features, particularly those with echolucency, neovascularization, ulceration and intraplaque motion are associated with ischemic symptoms. Assessment of carotid plaque on ultrasound may provide stroke risk information beyond measurement of luminal stenosis. Thus, sonographic evaluation of carotid artery stenosis should focus on the detection of these plaque characteristics in addition to quantifying the degree of stenosis.
Prospective Teachers Proportional Reasoning and Presumption of Student Work
Authors: Sapti Mujiyem
Published: August 2015

This study aimed to describe the proportional reasoning of prospective teachers and their predictions about students' answers. Subjects were 4 prospective teacher  7th semester Department of Mathematics Education, Muhammadiyah University of Purworejo. Proportional reasoning task used to obtain research data. Subjects were asked to explain their reasoning and write predictions of student completion. Data was taken on October 15th, 2014. Interviews were conducted after the subjects completed the task and recorded with audio media. The research data were subject written work and interview transcripts. Data were analyzed using qualitative analysis techniques. In solving the proportional reasoning task, subjects using the cross product. However, they understand the meaning of the cross product. Subject also could predict students' reasoning on the matter.
EFL Speaking Anxiety among Senior High School Students and Policy Recommendations
Authors: Mukminin Amirul , Masbirorotni Masbirorotni , Noprival Noprival , Sutarno Sutarno , Arif Nelly , Maimunah Maimunah
Published: August 2015

This report drew on a larger study which was to describe and understand the sources of senior high school students’ English language speaking anxiety at senior high schools in Jambi, Indonesia. The purpose of this paper was to report some of findings from the qualitative interview data on the sources of senior high school students’ English language speaking anxiety at one senior high school in Jambi, Indonesia. Data were collected through demographic profiles and semi-structured interview with senior high school students. The demographic data were analysed descriptively while the interview data were transcribed and analysed line by line to generate and develop codes and themes. An analysis of the interview data revealed that five major themes were related to students’ English language speaking anxiety, including (1) low speaking skill due to lack of vocabulary and grammar, (2) fear of negative responses from others, (3) low self-esteem to speak in English, (4) fear of being evaluated by teachers, and (5) cultural influences to speak English due to a more teacher-centred style. Suggestions and policy implications are also discussed.
The Role of the Educator in Adult Education
Authors: Giannoukos Georgios , Besas Georgios , Galiropoulos Christos , Hioctour Vasilios
Published: August 2015

The educator in adult education according to the theory of Andragogy, social change and transformative learning is to work towards achieving positive change by coordinating the learning procedure in a way that enables the learner to overcome certain false believes he has due to social conditioning, his working environment and the way in which he has learned.
Mannitol and Outcome in Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Wang Xia , Arima Hisatomi , Yang Jie , Zhang Shihong , Wu Guojun , Woodward Mark , Muñoz-Venturelli Paula , Lavados Pablo M. , Stapf Christian , Robinson Thompson , Heeley Emma , Delcourt Candice , Lindley Richard I. , Parsons Mark , Chalmers John , Anderson Craig S.
Published: August 2015

Background and Purpose—

Mannitol is often used to reduce cerebral edema in acute intracerebral hemorrhage but without strong supporting evidence of benefit. We aimed to determine the impact of mannitol on outcome among participants of the Intensive Blood Pressure Reduction in Acute Cerebral Hemorrhage Trial (INTERACT2).

Methods—

INTERACT2 was an international, open, blinded end point, randomized controlled trial of 2839 patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (<6 hours) and elevated systolic blood pressure allocated to intensive (target systolic blood pressure, <140 mm Hg within 1 hour) or guideline-recommended (target systolic blood pressure, <180 mm Hg) blood pressure–lowering treatment. Propensity score and multivariable analyses were performed to investigate the relationship between mannitol treatment (within 7 days) and poor outcome, defined by death or major disability on the modified Rankin Scale score (3–6) at 90 days.

Results—

There was no significant difference in poor outcome between mannitol (n=1533) and nonmannitol (n=993) groups: propensity score–matched odds ratio of 0.90 (95% confidence interval, 0.75–1.09;
P
=0.30) and multivariable odds ratio of 0.87 (95% confidence interval, 0.71–1.07;
P
=0.18). Although a better outcome was suggested in patients with larger (≥15 mL) than those with smaller (<15 mL) baseline hematomas who received mannitol (odds ratio, 0.52 [95% confidence interval, 0.35–0.78] versus odds ratio, 0.91 [95% confidence interval, 0.72–1.15];
P
homogeneity <0.03 in propensity score analyses), the association was not consistent in analyses across other cutoff points (≥10 and ≥20 mL) and for differing grades of neurological severity. Mannitol was not associated with excess serious adverse events.

Conclusions—

Mannitol seems safe but might not improve outcome in patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00716079.
Islamic Law of Inheritance: Ultimate Solution to Social Inequality against Women
Authors: Bello Abdulmajeed Hassan
Published: August 2015

According to the Sharīʿah, when someone dies, most of his rights are transferred to his heirs and representatives. These transferable rights include all rights to property, usufruct, and other dependent rights. The Islamic system of inheritance contains an extensive distributive scheme around the wider family circle. The difference between shares received depends upon the duties with which each person must cope. However, there is strong prejudice against the social role of women. Thus, a woman’s share of inheritance becomes meaningful when she gains the right to employ that share herself.
A Checklist of the bryophytes of Distrito Federal (Brasília, Brazil)

Authors: Câmara Paulo Eduardo Aguiar Saraiva , De Oliveira Juliana Rosa do Pará Marques , Santiago Maria Matilde Macedo
Published: August 2015

The Distrito Federal, one of the most important centers of plant endemism in central Brazil, is located in the center of Brazil, with an area of 5,814 km2 at coordinates 15o30’ S, 16o03’W. Cerrado vegetation covers the region. The main city in the Distrito Federal is Brasília, the capital of Brazil with a population of 2.5 million. In the last two decades the anthropogenic action has reduced the original plant cover drastically. In this paper a checklist of the bryophytes (Marchantiophyta, Bryophyta and Anthocerotophyta) is presented. A total of 176 species are listed, 114 among Bryophyta, 61 among Marchantiophyta and 1 in the Anthocerotophyta. The families best represented are the Bryaceae and Sematophyllaceae (Bryophyta), and the Jubulaceae and Lejeuneaceae (Marchantiophya).
A new genus and species, Pilosimitra buckii (Sematophyllaceae, Musci), from Costa Rica

Authors: Tan Benito , Dauphin Gregorio
Published: August 2015

A new genus and species, Pilosimitra buckii (Sematophyllaceae, Musci), from Costa Rica is described and illustrated. This new genus differs from all other members of the family in having an autapomorphic or derived character, densely hairy calyptra, plus a combination of several other characters not seen in other genera in the family.
New species of Edessa Fabricius, 1803 (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) from Costa Rica
Authors: FERNANDES JOSE ANTONIO MARIN , SILVA VALERIA JULIETE DA , CORREIA ANDRE OLIVEIRA , NUNES BENEDITO MENDES
Published: August 2015

The edessines from Costa Rica are little known; only 18 species have been registered or described from this country so far. Mainly based in a large sample from Instituto Nacional de Biodiverdidad (INBio), Costa Rica, we decided to update the information concerning Edessinae from Costa Rica. We present a list of species from Costa Rica raising the number of known species from Costa Rica to 65. We are also describing nine new species: Edessa bella Fernandes & Silva, E. bruneolineata Fernandes & Correia, E. curvata Fernandes & Nunes, E. lewisi Fernandes & Silva, E. nigroangulata Fernandes & Silva, E. osae Fernandes & Nunes, E. oxcarti Fernandes & Correia, E. pallidoangulata Fernandes & Nunes and E. puravida Fernandes & Correia. Species were described, illustrated and photographed. Distribution maps for the species are also provided.
Contributions to the study of the genus Hephathus Ribaut, 1952 (Homoptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadellidae: Macropsinae) of Russia and adjacent countries
Authors: TISHECHKIN DMITRI YU.
Published: August 2015

In Russia and the adjacent territories, the genus Hephathus includes three species, H. nanus (Herrich-Schäffer, 1835), H. freyi (Fieber, 1868) = H. tshakaranus Dlabola, 1957, syn. n., and H. achilleae Mityaev, 1967. They are indistinguishable in genitalia shape, but differ in male calling signal structure and black pattern of face. Photos of habitus and face, drawings of genitalia and male 2nd abdominal apodemes, signal oscillograms, and distribution maps for all species are provided. H. orientalis Linnavuori, 1953 is indistinguishable from H. freyi in coloration and genitalia shape; therefore, investigation of male calling signals is necessary for elucidation of its status. Macropsis fergusoni Evans, 1942 from Tasmania and Asmaropsis troilos Linnavuori, 1978 from Eritrea differ from Palaearctic Hephathus in the shape of head, pro-, and mesonotum and apparently belong to other genera.
A new look at the holotype and type locality of Setopagis maculosa (Todd, 1920) Aves: Caprimulgidae), with remarks on its systematic relationships
Authors: COSTA THIAGO V. V. , INGELS JOHAN , CAVARZERE VAGNER , SILVEIRA LUÍS FÁBIO
Published: August 2015

Setopagis maculosa (Todd, 1920) (Aves: Caprimulgidae) was described based on a single male specimen collected by Samuel Milton Klages in French Guiana, northeastern South America. Since then, no new specimens have been collected nor have any reliable records been made, and the validity of the species has been questioned. A detailed analysis of the holotype reveals that it has unique and distinctive morphological traits that support the validity and taxonomic status of the species, which is provisionally placed in Setopagis. We present new information on the type locality at the time of its collection, which may shed some light on the habitat preferences of the species, and we provide details on its plumage that have been largely overlooked and that will be important for future field identification.
Combined PI3K/Akt and Hsp90 targeting synergistically suppresses essential functions of alloreactive T cells and increases Tregs
Authors: Berges Carsten , Bedke Tanja , Stuehler Claudia , Khanna Nina , Zehnter Sarah , Kruhm Michaela , Winter Nadine , Bargou Ralf C , Topp Max S , Einsele Hermann , Chatterjee Manik
Published: August 2015

Acute graft-versus-host disease is still a major cause of transplant-related mortality after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. It requires immunosuppressive treatments that broadly abrogate T cell responses, including beneficial ones directed against tumor cells or infective pathogens. Inhibition of the heat shock protein of 90 kDa has been demonstrated to eliminate tumor cells, as well as alloreactive T cells while preserving antiviral T cell immunity. Here, we show that the suppressive effects of heat shock protein of 90 kDa inhibition on alloreactive T cells were synergistically enhanced by concomitant inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, which is also strongly activated upon allogeneic stimulation. Molecular analyses revealed that this antiproliferative effect was mainly mediated by induction of cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. In addition, we observed an increased proportion of activated regulatory T cells, which critically contribute to acute graft-versus-host disease control, upon combined heat shock protein of 90 kDa/Akt isoforms 1 and 2 or heat shock protein of 90 kDa/PI3K/p110δ isoform inhibition. Moreover, antiviral T cell immunity was functionally preserved after combined heat shock protein of 90 kDa/Akt isoforms 1 and 2 inhibition. Taken together, our data suggest that the combined heat shock protein of 90 kDa/PI3K/Akt inhibition approach represents a reasonable dual strategy to suppress residual tumor growth and efficiently deplete alloreactive T cells and thus, provide a rationale to prevent and treat acute graft-versus-host disease selectively without impairing pathogen-specific T cell immunity.
An Efficient Approach to Prepare Carbon Nanotube–Gold Nanoparticles Nanocomposites Based on Amphiphilic Copolymer Containing Coumarin
Authors: Liu Jingcheng , Lin Licheng , Xie Yazhen , Liu Yanbing , Yuan Yan , Liu Xiaoya , Liu Ren
Published: August 2015

An efficient approach to prepare carbon nanotube–gold nanoparticle nanocomposites was reported by using amphiphilic copolymer containing coumarin. Amphiphilic copolymer PSVM was synthesized by addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and was employed to functionalize pristine MWNTs (multiwalled nanotubes). Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) synthesized by an in situ reduction approach were then strongly anchored on the functionalized MWNTs. This technique provided a simple and convenient route to efficiently assemble AuNPs onto the surfaces of MWNTs.
Development of an image-based screening system for inhibitors of the plastidial MEP pathway and of protein geranylgeranylation
Authors: Hartmann Michael , Gas-Pascual Elisabet , Hemmerlin Andrea , Rohmer Michel , Bach Thomas J.
Published: August 2015

In a preceding study we have recently established an in vivo visualization system for the geranylgeranylation of proteins in a stably transformed tobacco BY-2 cell line, which involves expressing a dexamethasone-inducible GFP fused to the prenylable, carboxy-terminal basic domain of the rice calmodulin CaM61, which naturally bears a CaaL geranylgeranylation motif (GFP-BD-CVIL). By using pathway-specific inhibitors it was there demonstrated that inhibition of the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway with oxoclomazone and fosmidomycin, as well as inhibition of protein geranylgeranyl transferase type 1 (PGGT-1), shifted the localization of the GFP-BD-CVIL protein from the membrane to the nucleus. In contrast, the inhibition of the mevalonate (MVA) pathway with mevinolin did not affect this localization. Furthermore, in this initial study complementation assays with pathway-specific intermediates confirmed that the precursors for the cytosolic isoprenylation of this fusion protein are predominantly provided by the MEP pathway. In order to optimize this visualization system from a more qualitative assay to a statistically trustable medium or a high-throughput screening system, we established now new conditions that permit culture and analysis in 96-well microtiter plates, followed by fluorescence microscopy. For further refinement, the existing GFP-BD-CVIL cell line was transformed with an estradiol-inducible vector driving the expression of a RFP protein, C-terminally fused to a nuclear localization signal (NLS-RFP). We are thus able to quantify the total number of viable cells versus the number of inhibited cells after various treatments. This approach also includes a semi-automatic counting system, based on the freely available image processing software. As a result, the time of image analysis as well as the risk of user-generated bias is reduced to a minimum. Moreover, there is no cross-induction of gene expression by dexamethasone and estradiol, which is an important prerequisite for this test system.
Skilled feeders improve the lives of people with swallowing difficulties
Authors: Miles Anna
Published: August 2015

Eating and drinking difficulties are extremely common for elderly people in hospital and residential care facilities. Healthcare assistants play a pivotal role in mealtimes and in the feeding process. Skilled feeders reduce chest infections and choking, prevent medication errors and improve the quality of life of dependent feeders. Ensuring all care staff have advanced feeding skills is important. Speech-language therapists can provide training and resources in hospitals and residential care facilities.
Impact of commissioning weight-loss surgery for bariatric patients
Authors: Petty Natasha
Published: August 2015

Obesity is a major UK public health issue that is increasingly costly to an individual's personal health, the NHS and society. It requires an immediate intervention, as well as a long-term strategy to decrease the rising rates of obesity. NHS England (2013) has published a policy to commission bariatric surgery for carefully selected individuals according to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines ( NICE, 2006 ). This has been shown to be a clinically and cost effective weight-loss treatment option ( Picot et al, 2009 ), but is invasive and expensive compared with non-surgical weight-loss programmes. In addition, there remains inequality in access to bariatric care services across England, thereby preventing potentially eligible patients from getting the treatment they need. Further clarity is required regarding the commissioning responsibilities across the four tiers of the obesity care services. This clarity would help to achieve a more ‘joined-up’ clinical pathway that is focused at a local level to improve access. However, there is criticism that too much funding is currently being invested in the provision of bariatric surgery when it could be better spent on national roll-out programmes for intensive lifestyle interventions that promote more sustainable weight loss across England.
Being equipped to care for patients at risk of self-harm and suicide
Authors: Mendes Aysha
Published: August 2015

Last month, Aysha Mendes discussed patient suicide, how this affects nursing staff and what can be done to support them. This month, she delves into health professionals' ability to care for people at risk of self-harm and suicide, and the impact of their awareness, beliefs and attitudes on care
Managing venous leg ulcers using compression therapy and dressings
Authors: Powell Gail , Wicks Gill , Will Katrin
Published: August 2015

Patient comfort and satisfaction with both compression therapy and wound care are critical to the success of venous leg ulcer treatment. This study observed 22 patients with venous leg ulcers treated over 12 weeks with two-layer compression hosiery and a range of wound dressings. The mean duration of the ulcers was 10.5 months and 48% had a history of recurrent ulcers. Half the ulcers healed within 12 weeks; there was an increase in the proportion of patients reporting ‘no impairment’ to their mobility, but it was not significant. The ease of donning the two-layer hosiery was rated as excellent or good at 86% of control visits and the ease of doffing at 78%. In 95% of cases the clinicians said they would use the same combination of products again and 73% of patients were satisfied with it.
Water masses and nutrient sources to the Gulf of Maine
Authors: Townsend David W. , Pettigrew Neal R. , Thomas Maura A. , Neary Mark G. , McGillicuddy Dennis J. , O'Donnell James
Published: August 2015

The Gulf of Maine, a semienclosed basin on the continental shelf of the northwest Atlantic Ocean, is fed by surface and deep water flows from outside the gulf: Scotian Shelf Water (SSW) from the Nova Scotian shelf that enters the gulf at the surface and slope water that enters at depth
and along the bottom through the Northeast Channel. There are two distinct types of slope water, Labrador Slope Water (LSW) and Warm Slope Water (WSW); it is these deep water masses that are the major source of dissolved inorganic nutrients to the gulf. It has been known for some time that
the volume inflow of slope waters of either type to the Gulf of Maine is variable, that it covaries with the magnitude of inflowing SSW, and that periods of greater inflows of SSW have become more frequent in recent years, accompanied by reduced slope water inflows. We present here analyses
of a 10-year record of data collected by moored sensors in Jordan Basin in the interior Gulf of Maine, and in the Northeast Channel, along with recent and historical hydrographic and nutrient data that help reveal the nature of SSW and slope water inflows. We show that proportional inflows
of nutrient-rich slope waters and nutrient-poor SSWs alternate episodically with one another on timescales of months to several years, creating a variable nutrient field on which the biological productivities of the Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank depend. Unlike decades past, more recent inflows
of slope waters of either type do not appear to be correlated with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), which had been shown earlier to influence the relative proportions of the two types of slope waters that enter the gulf, WSW and LSW. We suggest that of greater importance than the NAO
in recent years are recent increases in freshwater fluxes to the Labrador Sea, which may intensify the volume transport of the inshore, continental shelf limb of the Labrador Current and its continuation as the Nova Scotia Current. The result is more frequent, episodic influxes of colder,
fresher, less dense, and low-nutrient SSW into the Gulf of Maine and concomitant reductions in the inflow of deep, nutrient-rich slope waters. We also discuss evidence that modified Gulf Stream ring water may have penetrated to Jordan Basin in the summer of 2013.
Nitrogen substrate–dependent nitrous oxide cycling in salt marsh sediments
Authors: Ji Qixing , Babbin Andrew R. , Peng Xuefeng , Bowen Jennifer L. , Ward Bess B.
Published: August 2015

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is important to Earth's climate because it is a strong absorber of radiation and an important ozone depletion agent. Increasing anthropogenic nitrogen input into the marine environment, especially to coastal waters, has led to increasing N2O
emissions. Identifying the nitrogen compounds that serve as substrates for N2O production in coastal waters reveals important pathways and helps us understand their control by environmental factors. In this study, sediments were collected from a long-term fertilization site in Great
Sippewissett Marsh, Falmouth, Massachusetts. The 15N tracer incubation time course experiments were conducted and analyzed for potential N2O production and consumption rates. The two nitrogen substrates of N2O production, ammonium and nitrate, correspond to
the two production pathways, nitrification and denitrification, respectively. When measurable nitrate was present, despite ambient high ammonium concentrations, denitrification was the major N2O production pathway. When nitrate was absent, ammonium became the dominant substrate
for N2O production, via nitrification and coupled nitrification-denitrification. Net N2O consumption was enhanced under low oxygen and nitrate conditions. N2O production and consumption rates increased with increasing levels of nitrogen fertilization in long-term
experimental plots. These results indicate that increasing anthropogenic nitrogen input to salt marshes can stimulate sedimentary N2O production via both nitrification and denitrification, whereas episodic oxygen depletion results in net N2O consumption.
Sandy sediment budget of the midcoast of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Authors: da Motta Lucas Marchi , Toldo Elírio Ernestino , de Sá Luiz Emílio , de Almeida Brito , Nunes José Carlos
Published: August 2015

Calculation of the coastal sediment budget involves estimation of the timing and intensity of processes of erosion, transport, and deposition, as well as an understanding of local and regional sediment dynamics. The modern sedimentary deposits present in the coastal zone constitute
the physical basis of coastal ecosystems. Knowledge of the dynamics of these sediments from the source to sink area, through regional sediment management, is critical to understanding the long-term stability of the coastal zone and the fate of these important natural resources. In this article,
the littoral cell concept has been applied to the midcoast of Rio Grande do Sul, a wave-dominated and dissipative-intermediate sandy coast in southern Brazil. To analyze littoral drift variations along the 275 km long study area, the shoreline was divided into 12 cells. Littoral drift rates
were estimated and compared using the energy flux method. Wave parameters were obtained from WAVEWATCH III. The sand volume of the coastal dune field (4.20 billion m3) was quantified using satellite imagery and the aeolian transport rates estimated utilizing the sediment budget
residual. The net annual longshore transport rates obtained with the Coastal Engineering Research Center equation range from 0.60 to 2.63 million m3 per year. The littoral drift rates obtained with the Van Rijn (2001) and Kamphuis (1991) equations range between 0.15 and 1.00 million
m3 per year. Based on the sediment budget and dune field age, the CERC formula seems more appropriate to estimate longshore transport.
An Unsupervised Urban Change Detection Procedure by Using Luminance and Saturation for Multispectral Remotely Sensed Images
Authors: Ye Su , Chen Dongmei
Published: August 2015

Unsupervised change detection techniques have been widely employed in the remote-sensing area when suitable reference data is not available. Image (or Index) differencing is one of the most commonly used methods due to its simplicity. However, past applications of image differencing
were often inefficient in separating real change and noise due to the lack of steps for feature selection and integration of contextual information. To address these issues, we propose a novel unsupervised procedure which uses two complementary features, namely luminance and saturation, extracted
from multispectral images, and combines T-point thresholding, Bayes fusion, and Markov Random Fields. Through a case study, the performance of our proposed procedure was compared with other three unsupervised change-detection methods including Principle Component Analysis (PCA), Fuzzy c-means
(FCM), and Expectation Maximum-Markov Random Field (EM-MRF). The change detection results from our proposed method are more compact with less noise than those from other methods over urban areas. The quantitative accuracy assessment indicates that the overall accuracy and Kappa statistic of
our proposed procedure are 95.1 percent and 83.3 percent, respectively, which are significantly higher than the other three unsupervised change detection methods.
Bioenergy Crop Identification at Field Scale Using VHR Airborne CIR Imagery
Authors: Sohl Muhammad Abdullah , Schlager Patric , Schmieder Klaus , Rafique H.M.
Published: August 2015

The present study is aimed at developing a methodology to extract maize, a predominant energy crop, and efficiently map its spatial distribution in a Natura 2000 region of northern Germany. Following a GEOBIA approach, segmentation was performed on two hierarchical levels. Level 1 consisted
of field boundaries, and level 2 represented variations within level 1. Decision rules were developed for level 2 based on spectral information, vegetation indices, standard deviations and knowledge of crop phenology. For this purpose, first, level 2 image objects were classified. Subsequently
classification was shifted to level 1. Maize covered 10.6 percent of total study area. The presented methodology gives the advanced user the flexibility to integrate expert knowledge in the classifier. In addition, the implementation time of decision rules was very fast and helped to produce
results with high accuracy.
IURO – Soziale Mensch-Roboter-Interaktion in den Straßen von München
Authors: Buss Martin , Carton Daniel , Khan Sheraz , Kühnlenz Barbara , Kühnlenz Kolja , Landsiedel Christian , de Nijs Roderick , Turnwald Annemarie , Wollherr Dirk
Published: August 2015

Das Projekt Interactive Urban Robot (IURO)
erforscht Mensch-Roboter-Interaktion und autonome Robotik in
innerstädtischer Umgebung. In dem beleuchteten Szenario ist der
Roboter auf Routenanweisungen von Passanten angewiesen, die er in
natürlichsprachlichem Dialog und multimodaler Interaktion erwirbt.
Besonderes Augenmerk liegt auf den sozialen Gesichtspunkten, die
dieses Szenario, bei dem der Roboter auf Hilfestellung von
unbedarften Interaktionspartnern angewiesen ist, mit sich bringt.
Es werden zudem Aspekte der Navigation und Wahrnehmung in der
komplexen Umgebung einer Innenstadt erörtert.
Modellierung und Nichtlineare Modellprädiktive Regelung des Abluftmassenstroms von Brennstoffzellen
Authors: Schultze Martin , Horn Joachim
Published: August 2015

Polymerelektrolytmembran-Brennstoffzellen sind effiziente Energiewandler, liefern elektrische Energie, Wasser und sauerstoffarme
Abluft. Letztere eignet sich zur Flugzeug-Tank-Inertisierung. Der Beitrag beschreibt die Modellierung, Zustandsschätzung und
Nichtlineare Modellprädiktive Regelung eines multifunktionalen Brennstoffzellensystems. Ziel ist die geregelte Bereitstellung eines
entfeuchteten, sauerstoffarmen Abluftmassenstroms.
Movement Onset Detection and Target Estimation for Robot-Aided Arm Training
Authors: Riener Robert , Novak Domen
Published: August 2015

This paper presents a motion intention estimation algorithm that is based on the recordings of joint torques, joint positions,
electromyography, eye tracking and contextual information. It is intended to be used to support a virtual-reality-based robotic arm
rehabilitation training. The algorithm first detects the onset of a reaching motion using joint torques and electromyography. It then
predicts the motion target using a combination of eye tracking and context, and activates robotic assistance toward the target. The
algorithm was first validated offline with 12 healthy subjects, then in a real-time robot control setting with 3 healthy subjects. In
offline crossvalidation, onset was detected using torques and electromyography 116 ms prior to detectable changes in joint
positions. Furthermore, it was possible to successfully predict a majority of motion targets, with the accuracy increasing over the
course of the motion. Results were slightly worse in online validation, but nonetheless show great potential for real-time use with
stroke patients.
Aktive Magnetlagerung für Turbomaschinen auf Basis von Standardantriebstechnik
Authors: Denk Joachim , Köpken Hans-Georg , Stoiber Dietmar , Viering Frank
Published: August 2015

Dieser Artikel beschreibt, wie zuverlässige Standardantriebsregelungstechnik und Standardleistungsteile, die in
Werkzeugmaschinenanwendungen in hoher Stückzahl zum Einsatz kommen, genutzt werden können, um Magnetlager in
Turbomaschinenanwendungen anzusteuern. Als Nachweis für die Tragfähigkeit des Ansatzes werden Ergebnisse von Prototypentests
mit einem 5-MW-Asynchronmotor sowie eine Kundenprototypenanwendung mit einem 23-MW-Kompressorstrang präsentiert.
Development of a tunable drug delivery system based on chitosan/polyacrylic acid polyelectrolyte multilayers from biodegradable scaffolds
Authors: Wulf Katharina , Schünemann Sophie , Strohbach Anne , Busch Raila , Felix Stephan B. , Schmitz Klaus-Peter , Sternberg Katrin , Petersen Svea
Published: August 2015

Polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) films, established by layer-by-layer deposition, are attractive for drug delivery systems as drug delivery can be systematically controlled. However, one limitation of this coating method is the time-consuming character. The adsorption time of one layer typically takes minutes and commonly, investigated multilayers loaded with drugs contain more than 80 layers. Within our study we systematically evaluate parameters allowing the generation of a PEM-based drug delivery system on poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) with a reduced time consuming construction process and a controlled delivery of physiological amounts of active drugs. Therefore, several PEM based on PLLA with only five tetralayers consisting of polycation/polyanion/drug/polyanion are established and investigated regarding the release profiles of avidin fluorescein isothiocyanate as model substance and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). We demonstrate that the polyelectrolyte nature and molecular weight of polyanions (hyaluronic acid, polyacrylic acid) and polycations (poly-L-lysine, chitosan) strongly influence the drug release profiles. Furthermore, in vitro cell culture studies show that the released VEGF amount and the cover layer from the favorite coating systems can beneficially enhance human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation.
Catalytic Degradation of Pyrrole in Aqueous Solution by Cu/SBA-15
Authors: Garg Shweta , Srivastava Vimal Chandra , Singh Seema , Mandal Tapas Kumar
Published: August 2015

Present study reports parametric and kinetic study for catalytic per oxidation (CPO) of pyrrole by Cu/SBA-15 catalyst using H2O2 as an oxidant. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy and thermo gravimetric-differential thermal analyses were used for the characterization of catalyst. Effects of various operating variables such as initial concentration of pyrrole (Co): 48.3–386.8 mg/L, catalytic dose (Cw): 0.5–2 g/L, stoichiometric ratio of hydrogen peroxide/pyrrole: 1–4, and reaction temperature (T): 50–60°C were studied. More than 85% pyrrole mineralization was observed at the optimum conditions of Cw = 1.5 g/L, stoichiometric ratio of hydrogen peroxide/pyrrole = 3, T = 55°C at pH = 6.1. A two-step pseudo-first-order kinetic model well-described the pyrrole mineralization by the CPO process.
How unique is the service leadership model? A comparison with contemporary leadership approaches
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L. , Chung Po P.Y. , Leung Hildie
Published: August 2015

The growth of the service economy in the contemporary world has resulted in a different set of requirements for effective leadership as compared with the industrial era, which focused primarily on manufacturing industries. To nurture “service leaders” in the service economy, the Hong Kong Institute of Service Leadership and Management proposed the service leadership model. The key characteristics of the service leadership model are outlined in this paper. A systematic comparison was also conducted to identify the common and unique features of the service leadership model with reference to the existing leadership theories, including the trait, servant, spiritual, authentic, ethical, transformational, charismatic, and top-down leadership approaches. The limitations and future directions for research in service leadership are also presented.
Evolution and realms of service leadership and leadership models
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L. , Sun Rachel C.F. , Liu Ting Ting
Published: August 2015

This paper presents a lesson plan in a course entitled “Service Leadership” at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. In that lecture, three basic aspects of the service leadership model are presented. First, the origin of service leadership from an evolutionary anthropology perspective is outlined. Second, three realms of service leadership with reference to self, others and systems are presented. Third, two leadership models (i.e. top-down and bottom-up models) are introduced, and their strengths and weaknesses are examined. Students are also invited to reflect on their assumptions of men with reference to leadership. Several class activities including role-play, self-reflection exercises and questionnaire survey are designed to help students achieve the learning outcomes. The paper ends by highlighting topics which can help students to have critical thinking and reflections.
Response of Piles Subjected to Progressive Soil Movement
Authors: Qin Hongyu , Guo Wei Dong
Published: August 2015

Model tests were conducted to investigate the behavior of vertically loaded, free head piles undergoing lateral soil movement using an experimental apparatus developed in house. This paper presents ten new tests on an instrumented model pile in dry sand, which provide the profiles of bending moment, shear force and pile deflection along the pile, the development of maximum bending moment Mmax, maximum shear force Tmax, and pile deflection y0 at the ground surface with soil movement. The tests reveal the effects of axial load P (at pile head), the distance between the tested pile and source of free soil movement Sb, sliding depths, and angle of soil movement (via loading angle) on the pile response. For instance, the axial loading P leads to extra bending moment and deflection in the passive pile; the Mmax reduces with increase in Sb; and the Mmax is proportional to the “angle” of soil movement. The elastic solution by Guo and Qin [Guo, W. D., Qin, H. Y., 2010, “Thrust and Bending Moment of Rigid Piles Subjected to Moving Soil,” Can. Geotech. J., Vol. 47, No. 2, pp. 180–196] was used to predict the development of Mmax and Tmax observed in the current tests, a boundary element analysis, and an in situ pile test, respectively. It provides satisfactory predictions for all cases against the measured data.
Effect of Low Temperature on Latex Triaxial Membranes
Authors: Dyvik Rune
Published: August 2015

Triaxial tests on soils typically have a latex membrane that confines the test specimen. Because temperature can affect geotechnical test results, laboratory testing is occasionally performed at in situ temperatures, which are typically lower than room temperature. Some long-duration low-temperature triaxial tests have yielded unusual stress path results that do not indicate failure as expected. This study shows that fresh- or salt-water-soaked latex triaxial membranes (as is the condition for a triaxial test) experience a 20-fold increase in stiffness over time at temperatures from just above the freezing point of water to at least 7.5°C. This stiffening comes from partial crystallization of the latex at low temperature. Stiffened membranes do not behave elastically, but exhibit a brittle type of behavior that can adversely affect test results. Variations of latex membrane stiffness with temperature and test duration are presented. These can be used to determine appropriate membrane stiffness corrections for processing triaxial test results. Triaxial tests for which temperature and duration would more than double the latex membrane stiffness are not recommended. Within the range of doubling membrane stiffness at low temperatures, membrane dimensional changes are not significant and may be neglected in the membrane correction.
A Method for the Determination of MN Antigens in Dried Blood
Authors: Levkov JS
Published: August 2015

MN phenotypes of experimentally prepared dried blood samples, some as old as six months, were obtained using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels, electroblotting, and monoclonal antibodies.
Voice Stress Evaluators and Lie Detection
Authors: Hollien H , Geison L , Hicks JW
Published: August 2015

Proponents of vocal stress analysis systems argue that they are able to detect spoken deception by analysis of “stress” in the voice signal. Presumably, they do so by examining traces made by laryngeal microtremors which, they claim (1) exist in the voice, (2) are associated with stress, and (3) ultimately are associated with lying. However, most research that seeks to identify the relationships between microtremors and laryngeal function has produced negative results, and data on the ability of voice analyzers to detect stress from speech—or to identify spoken deception—have been negative or “mixed” in nature. Since perspectives based on available results leave a number of questions unanswered, a series of experiments has been undertaken. The first was focused on the basic acoustic/temporal correlates of stress in voice (the subject of an earlier report), the second on examination of stress by commercial voice analyzers, and the third on the detection of relatively high-risk lies by this same type of voice analysis procedure. It was found that correct stress/nonstress identifications occurred only at chance levels; the lie/nonlie identification scores were quite similar with professional “examiners” performing at about the same level of accuracy as other auditors. The following review is divided into two parts: a history of the controversy and a presentation of the two cited experiments.
The Treating Psychiatrist as Forensic Evaluator in Release Decisions
Authors: Miller RD
Published: August 2015

In a previous paper, the author argued that clinicians who perform initial forensic evaluations might be better able to assume subsequent treating relationships with those they have evaluated than independent evaluators. In this paper, the author discusses the problems involved when clinicians who have established treatment relations with patients are then called upon to testify in release hearings. He concludes that the conflicts potentially are more significant in this situation, and that treating clinicians should not evaluate their patients for release.
The Psychiatrist's Role in Retrospective Determination of Suicide: An Uncertain Science
Authors: Goldstein RL
Published: August 2015

Psychiatrists have made significant contributions to our understanding of the phenomenon of suicide and are generally regarded as experts in all matters relating to suicide. When a legal determination must be made as to whether an individual has died as a result of suicide or by accidental (or any other) means, psychiatrists are often called upon to proffer their expert opinion to assist the courts to resolve the matter. Two case illustrations are presented and analyzed in which psychiatrists were called upon to make such retrospective determinations of suicide. The question is raised as to whether psychiatrists may sometimes exceed the limits of their scientific expertise in making such determinations.
Vitreous Humor Chemistry: The Use of Potassium Concentration for the Prediction of the Postmortem Interval
Authors: Stephens RJ , Richards RG
Published: August 2015

Upon review of the literature, extensive disagreement was found as to the usefulness of vitreous humor potassium concentration as a predictor of the postmortem interval (PMI). A pilot study of 1427 cases was performed to address this problem. The requisite statistical analysis for the prediction of PMI is inverse prediction. The 95% inverse prediction interval was found to be approximately ±20 h. The linear regression equation for the data was y = 0.238 x + 6.342, with a coefficient of determination (r2) of 0.374. This r2 value means that 62.6% of the variation of potassium is unaccounted for by the variation in PMI. Further studies are required to attribute this unaccounted variation to quantifiable factors. This would narrow the inverse prediction interval and enable vitreous potassium to be a useful aid in the prediction of PMI.
Evaluation of Textile Fiber Evidence: A Review
Authors: Bresee RR
Published: August 2015

The problem of establishing whether or not a certain fibrous textile is the source of a particular single fiber collected from a crime scene is discussed in this paper. A single evidential fiber present at a crime scene can be associated with four major events. These are fiber transfer, persistence after transfer, evidence collection, and fiber analysis. These events are reviewed by drawing on both published research and general scientific principles.
The Effects of Deformed Shot on Shotgun Pellet Dispersion
Authors: Thornton JI , Rios FG
Published: August 2015

It has been previously proposed that the outliers of shotgun dispersion pattern are due to shot which are aerodynamically less stable as a result of impulse deformation at the instant of discharge. This has been confirmed by an experiment in which all of the shot are intentionally deformed before the loading of the shotshell. Any pattern of dispersed shot is therefore likely to be in part a result of a shot packing factor which describes the propensity of shot to be deformed upon discharge or to be cushioned against such deformation.
A Rapid Screening Technique for the Detection of Spermatozoa
Authors: Fraysier HD
Published: August 2015

Phase contrast microscopy has been used for some time to search for and identify spermatozoa. An enhancement to the technique using xylene in conjunction with phase contrast microscopy is discussed. The method has been found to save time by allowing identification of spermatozoa with xylene-enhanced phase contrast microscopy in many cases that would have been unsuccessful using the normal “dry” phase contrast microscopy techniques. This eliminates a staining and reexamination step.
Analysis of Dihydrocodeine in Urine Using Sep-Pak® C18 Cartridges for Sample Cleanup
Authors: Nakamura GR , Stall WJ , Meeks RD
Published: August 2015

A rapid and precise method for the isolation and identification of dihydrocodeine from urine is reported. The narcotic is isolated from urine using Sep-Pak® C18 cartridges for cleanup, requiring less than 30 min for preparation. Identification is performed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.