bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges in the Design of a T Cell Vaccine in the Context of HIV-1 Diversity
Authors: Tongo Marcel , Burgers Wendy
Published: October 2014

The extraordinary variability of HIV-1 poses a major obstacle to vaccine development. The effectiveness of a vaccine is likely to vary dramatically in different populations infected with different HIV-1 subtypes, unless innovative vaccine immunogens are developed to protect against the range of HIV-1 diversity. Immunogen design for stimulating neutralizing antibody responses focuses on “breadth” – the targeting of a handful of highly conserved neutralizing determinants on the HIV-1 Envelope protein that can recognize the majority of viruses across all HIV-1 subtypes. An effective vaccine will likely require the generation of both broadly cross-neutralizing antibodies and non-neutralizing antibodies, as well as broadly cross-reactive T cells. Several approaches have been taken to design such broadly-reactive and cross-protective T cell immunogens. Artificial sequences have been designed that reduce the genetic distance between a vaccine strain and contemporary circulating viruses; “mosaic” immunogens extend this concept to contain multiple potential T cell epitope (PTE) variants; and further efforts attempt to focus T cell immunity on highly conserved regions of the HIV-1 genome. Thus far, a number of pre-clinical and early clinical studies have been performed assessing these new immunogens. In this review, the potential use of these new immunogens is explored.
Arboviral Bottlenecks and Challenges to Maintaining Diversity and Fitness during Mosquito Transmission
Authors: Forrester Naomi , Coffey Lark , Weaver Scott
Published: October 2014

The term arbovirus denotes viruses that are transmitted by arthropods, such as ticks, mosquitoes, and other biting arthropods. The infection of these vectors produces a certain set of evolutionary pressures on the virus; involving migration from the midgut, where the blood meal containing the virus is processed, to the salivary glands, in order to transmit the virus to the next host. During this process the virus is subject to numerous bottlenecks, stochastic events that significantly reduce the number of viral particles that are able to infect the next stage. This article reviews the latest research on the bottlenecks that occur in arboviruses and the way in which these affect the evolution and fitness of these viruses. In particular we focus on the latest research on three important arboviruses, West Nile virus, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus and Chikungunya viruses and compare the differing effects of the mosquito bottlenecks on these viruses as well as other evolutionary pressures that affect their evolution and transmission.
KSHV miRNAs Decrease Expression of Lytic Genes in Latently Infected PEL and Endothelial Cells by Targeting Host Transcription Factors
Authors: Plaisance-Bonstaff Karlie , Choi Hong , Beals Tyler , Krueger Brian , Boss Isaac , Gay Lauren , Haecker Irina , Hu Jianhong , Renne Rolf
Published: October 2014

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) microRNAs are encoded in the latency-associated region. Knockdown of KSHV miR-K12-3 and miR-K12-11 increased expression of lytic genes in BC-3 cells, and increased virus production from latently infected BCBL-1 cells. Furthermore, iSLK cells infected with miR-K12-3 and miR-K12-11 deletion mutant viruses displayed increased spontaneous reactivation and were more sensitive to inducers of reactivation than cells infected with wild type KSHV. Predicted binding sites for miR-K12-3 and miR-K12-11 were found in the 3’UTRs of the cellular transcription factors MYB, Ets-1, and C/EBPα, which activate RTA, the KSHV replication and transcription activator. Targeting of MYB by miR-K12-11 was confirmed by cloning the MYB 3’UTR downstream from the luciferase reporter. Knockdown of miR‑K12-11 resulted in increased levels of MYB transcript, and knockdown of miR-K12-3 increased both C/EBPα and Ets-1 transcripts. Thus, miR-K12-11 and miR-K12-3 contribute to maintenance of latency by decreasing RTA expression indirectly, presumably via down‑regulation of MYB, C/EBPα and Ets-1, and possibly other host transcription factors.
Framework for Assessing the Rainwater Harvesting Potential of Residential Buildings at a National Level as an Alternative Water Resource for Domestic Water Supply in Taiwan
Authors: Liaw Chao-Hsien , Chiang Yu-Chuan
Published: October 2014

Domestic rainwater harvesting (DRWH) is widely recognized as an alternative source of water in Taiwan because of water shortages. This suggests that rainwater potential should be maximized and quantified. In this article, we assess the potential of DRWH at a national level. To consider the climatic, building characteristic, economic, and ecological aspects of DRWH, we propose three categories: (1) theoretical; (2) available; and (3) environmental bearable rainwater potential. Four main steps were followed to develop the proposed framework: (1) Fifteen rainfall zones across Taiwan were generated through cluster analysis based on the average annual 10-day rainfall distributions of rainfall stations and administrative districts; (2) The roof area in each rainfall zone was estimated using a geographic information system (GIS) and land use classification database; (3) The weighted percentage of rainwater use in each rainfall zone was determined by the optimal point on the storage capacity and rainwater supply reliability curve for an equivalent building from each building type; (4) The percentage of the total roof area used to harvest rainwater in each region depends on the downstream impact of the stream flow. The procedures developed in this study constitute an effective tool for preliminarily estimation of the national DRWH potential.
Improvement of Subcutaneous Bioartificial Pancreas Vascularization and Function by Coencapsulation of Pig Islets and Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Primates
Authors: Vériter Sophie , Gianello Pierre , Igarashi Yasuhiro , Beaurin Gwen , Ghyselinck Audrey , Aouassar Najima , Jordan Bénédicte , Gallez Bernard , Dufrane Denis
Published: October 2014

Insufficient oxygenation can limit the long-term survival of encapsulated islets in subcutaneous tissue. Transplantation of coencapsulated pig islets with adipose or bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs or BM-MSCs, respectively) was investigated with regard to implant vascularization, oxygenation, and diabetes correction in primates. The in vivo impact of MSCs on graft oxygenation and neovascularization was assessed in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes that were subcutaneously transplanted with islets coencapsulated with AMSCs ( n = 8) or BM-MSCs ( n = 6). Results were compared to islets encapsulated alone ( n = 8). STZ diabetic primates were subcutaneously transplanted with islets coencapsulated with BM-MSCs ( n = 4) or AMSCs ( n = 6). Recipients were monitored metabolically and immunologically, and neoangiogenesis was assessed on explanted grafts. Results were compared with primates transplanted with islets encapsulated alone ( n = 5). The cotransplantation of islets with BM-MSCs or AMSCs in diabetic rats showed significantly higher graft oxygenation than islets alone (3% and 3.6% O2 for islets + BM-MSCs or AMSCs, respectively, vs. 2.2% for islets alone). A significantly better glycated hemoglobin correction (28 weeks posttransplantation) was found for primates transplanted with islets and MSCs (7.4% and 8.1%, respectively) in comparison to islets encapsulated alone (10.9%). Greater neoangiogenesis was found in the periphery of coencapsulated islets and AMSCs in comparison to islets alone ( p lt; 0.01). In conclusion, the coencapsulation of pig islets with MSCs can improve significantly the islets' survival/function in vitro. The coencapsulation of islets with MSCs improves implant oxygenation and neoangiogenesis. However, the cotransplantation of islets with MSCs improves only slightly the long-term function of a subcutaneous bioartificial pancreas in a primate preclinical model.
Carbon-based smart nanomaterials in biomedicine and neuroengineering
Authors: Monaco Antonina M , Giugliano Michele
Published: October 2014

The search for advanced biomimetic materials that are capable of offering a scaffold for biological tissues during regeneration or of electrically connecting artificial devices with cellular structures to restore damaged brain functions is at the forefront of interdisciplinary research in materials science. Bioactive nanoparticles for drug delivery, substrates for nerve regeneration and active guidance, as well as supramolecular architectures mimicking the extracellular environment to reduce inflammatory responses in brain implants, are within reach thanks to the advancements in nanotechnology. In particular, carbon-based nanostructured materials, such as graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nanodiamonds (NDs), have demonstrated to be highly promising materials for designing and fabricating nanoelectrodes and substrates for cell growth, by virtue of their peerless optical, electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. In this review we discuss the state-of-the-art in the applications of nanomaterials in biological and biomedical fields, with a particular emphasis on neuroengineering.
Loose-fit polypseudorotaxanes constructed from γ-CDs and PHEMA-PPG-PEG-PPG-PHEMA
Authors: Kong Tao , Ye Lin , Zhang Ai-ying , Feng Zeng-guo
Published: October 2014

A pentablock copolymer was prepared via the atom transfer radical polymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) initiated by 2-bromoisobutyryl end-capped PPO-PEO-PPO as a macroinitiator in DMF. Attaching PHEMA blocks altered the self-assembly process of the pentablock copolymer with γ-CDs in aqueous solution. Before attaching the PHEMA, the macroinitiator was preferentially bent to pass through the inner cavity of γ-CDs to give rise to tight-fit double-chain stranded polypseudorotaxanes (PPRs). After attaching the PHEMA, the resulting pentablock copolymer was single-chain stranded into the interior of γ-CDs to form more stable, loose-fit PPRs. The results of1H NMR, WXRD, DSC, TGA,13C CP/MAS NMR and FTIR analyses indicated that γ-CDs can accommodate and slip over PHEMA blocks to randomly distribute along the entire pentablock copolymer chain. This results in unique, single-chain stranded PPRs showing no characteristic channel-type crystal structure.
Le financement du logement social : forces et éléments de fragilité du modèle économique français
Authors: Hoorens Dominique
Published: October 2014

Face à la crise désespérément durable du logement, les objectifs que la France vient de s’assigner sont à la fois ambitieux et légitimes : produire 500 000 logements par an dont 150 000 logements sociaux, accélérer la rénovation thermique du parc et poursuivre la rénovation urbaine. Leur concrétisation est rendue difficile par le contexte de crise des finances publiques, par la complexité du marché du logement où la rationalisation à moyen terme se heurte aux effets à court terme et par le choix malheureux fait de longue date par notre pays de favoriser la « rente foncière ». Les organismes de logement social sont des acteurs majeurs du secteur locatif et se mobilisent actuellement pour assurer toute leur part de l’objectif national. Le modèle économique du logement social en France repose sur un système à la fois classique (utilisation de l’effet de levier de la dette, mobilisation de subventions) et spécifique (utilisation d’un circuit d’épargne quasiment dédié, coordination d’aides à la pierre et d’aides à la personne). Il a permis la constitution d’un parc de plus de quatre millions de logements dans de bonnes conditions d’exploitation pour les locataires et de sécurité financière pour les prêteurs et les pouvoirs publics. Classification JEL : R31, R38.
Marchés du logement et politiques macroprudentielles : la situation européenne
Authors: de Bandt Olivier , Durant Dominique
Published: October 2014

Depuis quelques années, les politiques macroprudentielles ont trouvé un domaine d’application privilégié sur le marché immobilier et notamment le marché du logement. Après une analyse des expériences au niveau international, l’article étudie leur intérêt, mais souligne aussi, malgré le faible recul, certaines limites importantes. Il montre ensuite comment le dispositif européen formé par la directive et le règlement de 2013 sur les exigences de fonds propres, et les nouveaux pouvoirs confiés à la Banque centrale européenne ainsi qu’en France, au Haut Conseil de stabilité financière pourraient offrir une réponse partielle à ces questions. Classification JEL : G21, G22, G28.
Inflammation and Lymphopenia Trigger Autoimmunity by Suppression of IL-2–Controlled Regulatory T Cell and Increase of IL-21–Mediated Effector T Cell Expansion
Authors: Chevalier Nina , Thorburn Alison N. , Macia Laurence , Tan Jian , Juglair Laurent , Yagita Hideo , Yu Di , Hansbro Philip M. , Mackay Charles R.
Published: October 2014

The dynamic interplay between regulatory T cells (Tregs) and effector T cells (Teffs) governs the balance between tolerance and effector immune responses. Perturbations of Treg frequency and function or imbalances in Treg/Teff levels are associated with the development of autoimmunity. The factors that mediate these changes remain poorly understood and were investigated in this study in murine autoimmune arthritis. Tregs displayed a stable phenotype in arthritic mice and were fully functional in in vitro suppression assays. However, their expansion was delayed relative to Teffs (T follicular helper cells and Th17 cells) during the early stages of autoimmune reactivity. This imbalance is likely to have led to insufficient Treg control of Teffs and induced autoimmunity. Moreover, a counterregulatory and probably IL-7–driven increase in thymic Treg production and recruitment to inflamed tissues was too slow for disease prevention. Increased Teff over Treg expansion was further aggravated by inflammation and lymphopenia. Both these conditions contribute to autoimmune pathogenesis and were accompanied by decreases in the availability of IL-2 and increases in levels of IL-21. IL-2 neutralization or supplementation was used to show that Treg expansion mainly depended on this cytokine. IL-21R−/− cells were used to demonstrate that IL-21 promoted the maintenance of Teffs. Thus, at inflammatory sites in experimental arthritis, a deficit in IL-2 hampers Treg proliferation, whereas exaggerated IL-21 levels overwhelm Treg control by supporting Teff expansion. This identifies IL-2 and IL-21 as targets for manipulation in therapies for autoimmunity.
Helping Themselves: Optimal Virus-Specific CD4 T Cell Responses Require Help via CD4 T Cell Licensing of Dendritic Cells
Authors: Olson Matthew R. , Seah Shirley G. K. , Cullen Jolie , Greyer Marie , Edenborough Kathryn , Doherty Peter C. , Bedoui Sammy , Lew Andrew M. , Turner Stephen J.
Published: October 2014

Although CD4+ T cell help (Th) is critical for inducing optimal B cell and CD8+ T cell responses, it remains unclear whether induction of CD4+ Th responses postinfection are also dependent on CD4+ T cell help. In this study, we show that activation of adoptively transferred Th cells during primary influenza A virus (IAV) infection enhances both the magnitude and functional breadth of endogenous primary IAV-specific CD4+ T cell responses. This enhancement was dependent on CD154-CD40–dependent dendritic cell licensing and resulted in a greater recall capacity of IAV-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T memory responses after heterologous IAV infection. These data suggest that engaging pre-existing CD4 responses at the time of priming may be a strategy for improving cellular immunity after vaccination.
Human IgA Fc Receptor FcαRI (CD89) Triggers Different Forms of Neutrophil Death Depending on the Inflammatory Microenvironment
Authors: Wehrli Marc , Cortinas-Elizondo Fabiola , Hlushchuk Ruslan , Daudel Fritz , Villiger Peter M. , Miescher Sylvia , Zuercher Adrian W. , Djonov Valentin , Simon Hans-Uwe , von Gunten Stephan
Published: October 2014

FcαRI (CD89), the human Fc receptor for IgA, is highly expressed on neutrophil granulocytes. In this study, we show that FcαRI induces different forms of neutrophil death, depending on the inflammatory microenvironment. The susceptibility of inflammatory neutrophils from sepsis or rheumatoid arthritis toward death induced by specific mAb, or soluble IgA at high concentrations, was enhanced. Although unstimulated cells experienced apoptosis following anti-FcαRI mAb stimulation, preactivation with cytokines or TLR agonists in vitro enhanced FcαRI-mediated death by additional recruitment of caspase-independent pathways, but this required PI3K class IA and MAPK signaling. Transmission electron microscopy of FcαRI-stimulated cells revealed cytoplasmic changes with vacuolization and mitochondrial swelling, nuclear condensation, and sustained plasma membrane. Coculture experiments with macrophages revealed anti-inflammatory effects of the partially caspase-independent death of primed cells following FcαRI engagement. Our data suggest that FcαRI has the ability to regulate neutrophil viability and to induce different forms of neutrophils depending on the inflammatory microenvironment and specific characteristics of the ligand–receptor interactions. Furthermore, these findings have potential implications for FcαRI-targeted strategies to treat neutrophil-associated inflammatory diseases.
Developing new potting mixes with Sphagnum fibers
Authors: Jobin Philippe , Caron Jean , Rochefort Line
Published: October 2014

Jobin, P., Caron, J. and Rochefort, L. 2014. Developing new potting mixes with Sphagnum fibers. Can. J. Soil Sci. 94: 585–593. Researchers are developing techniques to mass produce Sphagnum fibers (SF) on a sustainable basis since this material has properties that could benefit the growing-media industry. The objective of this study was to incorporate SF into peat-based substrates to enhance the value of brown Sphagnum peat and/or replace perlite in blond peat mixes. Nine substrates were prepared by mixing brown Sphagnum peat (BrSP) or sieved brown Sphagnum peat (sBrSP) with 0, 15 and 30% of SF and substituting 0, 50 and 100% of the perlite in a 70% blond Sphagnum peat (BSP) and 30% perlite mix with SF. The growth of Pelargonium was unaffected by the addition of SF, with the exception of above-ground biomass which was 15% lower in the BrSP substrate containing 15% SF. In the case of Petunia, above-ground biomass increased with a 30% SF addition to sBrSP, and below-ground biomass increased with a 30% SF addition to BrSP and sBrSP. Adding SF to peat increased water retention and hydraulic conductivity, but either reduced or had no impact on air-filled porosity. Removing fine particles from BrSP and adding 30% SF provided promising results, although the effect varied with plant species. Moreover, it is clear that SF can be used as a substitute for perlite in BSP mixes.
Examining the Structural Aspect of the Construct Validity of the Japanese Version of the Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool
Authors: Notoh Hiroyuki , Yamada Takashi , Kobayashi Norikazu , Ishii Yoshikazu , Forsyth Kirsty
Published: October 2014

Introduction:

The purpose of this study was to clarify the structural aspect of the construct validity of the Japanese version of the Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool.

Method:

The Japanese version of the Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool was examined using a Rasch model and confirmatory factor analysis. Demographic variables and scores on the Japanese version of the Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool and the Functional Independence Measure were retrieved from 115 clients in rehabilitation wards.

Findings:

The results of our study indicate that the Japanese version of the Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool effectively assesses clients' ability to engage in activities of daily living and their occupational participation as a dynamic process of engaging in these activities. The level of correlation between the Japanese version of the Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool and the Functional Independence Measure indicates that the former is able to effectively evaluate occupational participation. The structure of the items within the Japanese version of Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool was found to be commensurate with the structure of the Model of Human Occupation.

Conclusion:

The Japanese version of Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool is a useful assessment tool for assessing occupational participation.
Epistemic and Ontological Cognition of Entering and Postdidactic Occupational Therapy Students
Authors: Mitchell Anita Witt
Published: October 2014

Beliefs about knowledge and knowing, also called epistemic and ontological cognition (EOC), are associated with many aspects of learning and achievement; no published studies have described the EOC of occupational therapy students. This study compares and contrasts occupational therapy students’ EOC at entry and on completion of didactic coursework. Twenty-one incoming and 33 postdidactic students completed the Epistemic Beliefs Inventory and the modified Four-Quadrant Scale and provided explanations for their self-ratings. Results indicate that the postdidactic students held more sophisticated stances toward occupational therapy–specific knowledge. The entering students demonstrated dogmatist and skeptic perspectives, with minimal evidence of a rationalist view of knowledge, whereas the postdidactic students showed evidence of primarily skeptic stances, with the emergence of rationalist views. Implications for occupational therapy theory, education, and research are discussed.
Use of Simulation in Occupational Therapy Education: Way of the Future?
Authors: Bethea Dorothy Peterson , Castillo Dahlia Cavazos , Harvison Neil
Published: October 2014

OBJECTIVE. A national study explored the use of simulated learning experiences in U.S. occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant entry-level academic programs.

METHOD. Program faculty at 245 of 310 occupational therapy assistant and occupational therapy entry-level programs completed a self-reported 23-question online survey on the use of simulation and its challenges and benefits. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, and thematic coding.

RESULTS. Of 245 programs, 175 (71%) reported using simulation, with the most common teaching methods incorporating human actors and students and video cases. Simulated scenarios were primarily presented in intervention courses (90%). Faculty provided feedback that benefits of the simulated experience were increased critical reasoning, problem solving and decision making, and communication among students. Challenges were time, cost, and scheduling.

CONCLUSION. Findings were similar to those in the literature in terms of simulated learning’s uses, benefits, and challenges. Further research on student learning outcomes and pedagogy in occupational therapy is recommended.
Comparison of On-Campus and Hybrid Student Outcomes in Occupational Therapy Doctoral Education
Authors: Mu Keli , Coppard Brenda M. , Bracciano Al G. , Bradberry J. Chris
Published: October 2014

We compared the graduate outcomes of doctoral students in a traditional on-campus occupational therapy program with those in a hybrid program. Participants were 81 students from an on-campus program and 13 students from a hybrid program. Graduate outcomes were measured with student grade-point average (GPA) at the end of each academic year, cumulative GPA, Fieldwork Performance Exam, National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) practice exam scores, and final NBCOT pass rate. Consistent with previous research, our results revealed no significant differences on most outcome variables, suggesting that hybrid programs are an effective delivery model for postsecondary higher education. These findings may provide guidance to occupational therapy programs in curriculum design, content delivery, and program refinement and development. Replication of this study is needed with a larger sample and inclusion of qualitative data. Future studies should compare the affective domain of graduate outcomes in on-campus and online or hybrid programs.
Climatology of free-tropospheric humidity: extension into the SEVIRI era, evaluation and exemplary analysis
Authors: Schröder M. , Roca R. , Picon L. , Kniffka A. , Brogniez H.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. A new free-tropospheric humidity (FTH) data record is presented. It is based on observations from the Meteosat Visible and Infrared Imager (MVIRI) onboard Meteosat-2–Meteosat-5, as well as Meteosat-7, and the Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI) onboard Meteosat-8 and Meteosat-9 at the water absorption band near 6.3 μm. The data set is available under clear-sky and low-level cloud conditions. With the extension to SEVIRI observations, the data record covers the period 1983–2009 with a spatial resolution of 0.625° × 0.625° and a temporal resolution of 3 h. The FTH is the mean relative humidity (RH) in a broad layer in the free troposphere. The relation between the observed brightness temperature (BT) and the FTH is well established. Previous retrievals are refined by taking into account the relative humidity Jacobians in the training process of the statistical retrieval. The temporal coverage is extended into the SEVIRI period, the homogenization of the BT record is improved, and the full archive is reprocessed using updated regression coefficients. The FTH estimated from the Meteosat observations is compared to the FTH computed from the RH profiles of the Analyzed RadioSoundings Archive (ARSA). An average relative bias of −3.2% and a relative root-mean-square difference (RMSD) of 16.8% are observed. This relative RMSD agrees with the outcome of an analysis of the total uncertainty of the FTH product. The decadal stability of the FTH data record is 0.5 ± 0.45% per decade. As exemplary applications, the interannual standard deviation, the differences on decadal scales, and the linear trend in the FTH data record and in the frequency of occurrence of FTH < 10% (FTHp10) are analyzed per season. Interannual standard deviation maxima and maxima in absolute decadal differences are featured in gradient areas between dry and wet regions, as well as in areas where FTH reaches minima and FTHp10 reaches maxima. An analysis of the FTH linear trends and of the associated uncertainty estimates is achieved to identify possible problems with the data record. Positive trends in FTHp10 are featured in gradient areas between wet and dry regions, in regions where the FTH is minimum, in regions where FTHp10 is maximum, and in regions where differences between FTHp10 averaged over the 2000s and 1990s are negative. However, these positive trends in FTHp10 are associated with maximum standard deviation and are thus hardly significant. This analysis and intercomparisons with other humidity data records are part of the Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment (GEWEX) Water Vapor Assessment (G-VAP).
Using the chemical equilibrium partitioning space to explore factors influencing the phase distribution of compounds involved in secondary organic aerosol formation
Authors: Wania F. , Lei Y. D. , Wang C. , Abbatt J. P. D. , Goss K.-U.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Many atmospheric and chemical variables influence the partitioning equilibrium between gas phase and condensed phases of compounds implicated in the formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA). The large number of factors and their interaction makes it often difficult to assess their relative importance and concerted impact. Here we introduce a two-dimensional space, which maps regions of dominant atmospheric phase distribution within a coordinate system defined by equilibrium partitioning coefficients between the gas phase, an aqueous phase and a water insoluble organic matter (WIOM) phase. Placing compounds formed from the oxidation of n-alkanes, terpenes and mono-aromatic hydrocarbons on the maps based on their predicted partitioning properties allows for a simple graphical assessment of their equilibrium phase distribution behaviour. Specifically, it allows for the simultaneous visualization and quantitative comparison of the impact on phase distribution of changes in atmospheric parameters (such as temperature, salinity, WIOM phase polarity, organic aerosol load, and liquid water content), and chemical properties (such as oxidation state, molecular size, functionalization, and dimerisation). The graphical analysis reveals that the addition of hydroxyl, carbonyl and carboxyl groups increases the affinity of aliphatic, alicyclic and aromatic hydrocarbons for the aqueous phase more rapidly than their affinity for WIOM, suggesting that the aqueous phase may often be relevant even for substances that are considerably larger than the C2 and C3 compounds that are typically believed to be associated with aqueous SOA. In particular, the maps identify some compounds that contribute to SOA formation if partitioning to both WIOM and aqueous phase is considered, but would remain in the gas phase if either condensed phase were neglected. For example, many semi-volatile α-pinene oxidation products will contribute to aqueous SOA under the high liquid water content conditions encountered in clouds, but would remain vapours in wet aerosol. It is conceivable to develop parameterizations of "partitioning basis sets" that group compounds with comparable partitioning properties, which – when combined with data on the abundance of those groups of compounds – could serve in the simulation of SOA formation.
AOD trends during 2001–2010 from observations and model simulations
Authors: Pozzer A. , de Meij A. , Yoon J. , Tost H. , Georgoulias A. K. , Astitha M.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. The aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) trend between 2001–2010 is estimated globally and regionally from observations and from model simulations. The model is able to reproduce quantitatively the AOD trends as observed by MODIS satellite sensor, while some discrepancies are found when compared to MISR and SeaWIFS observations. Thanks to an additional simulation without any change in the emissions, it is shown that decreasing AOD trends over the US and Europe are due to decrease in the emissions, while over the Sahara Desert and the Middle East region the meteorological changes do play a major role. Over South East Asia, both meteorology and emissions changes are equally important in defining AOD trends. Additionally, decomposing the regional AOD trends into individual aerosol components reveals that the soluble components are the most dominant contributers to the total AOD, as their influence on the total AOD is enhanced by the aerosol water content.
Sensitivity of PARASOL multi-angle photo-polarimetric aerosol retrievals to cloud contamination
Authors: Stap F. A. , Hasekamp O. , Röckmann T.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. An important problem in satellite remote sensing of aerosols is related to the need to perform an adequate cloud screening. If a cloud screening is applied that is not strict enough, the ground scene has the probability of residual cloud cover which causes large errors on the retrieved aerosol parameters. On the other hand, if the cloud screening procedure is too strict, too many clear sky cases, especially near-cloud scenes, will falsely be flagged cloudy. The detrimental effects of cloud contamination as well as the importance of aerosol cloud interactions that can be studied in these near-cloud scenes call for new approaches to cloud screening. Multi-angle, multi-wavelength photo-polarimetric measurements have a unique capability to distinguish between scattering by (liquid) cloud droplets and aerosol particles. In this paper the sensitivity of aerosol retrievals from multi-angle, photo-polarimetric measurements to cloud contamination is investigated and the ability to intrinsically filter the cloud contaminated scenes based on a goodness-of-fit criteria is evaluated. Hereto, an aerosol retrieval algorithm is applied to a partially clouded, synthetic data-set including partial cloud cover as well as non-cloud screened POLDER-3/PARASOL observations It is found that a goodness-of-fit filter, together with a filter on the coarse mode refractive index (mrcoarse > 1.335) and a cirrus screening adequately reject the cloud contaminated scenes. No bias nor larger SD are found in the retrieved parameters for this intrinsic cloud filter compared to the parameters retrieved in a priori cloud screened data-set (using MODIS/AQUA cloud masks) of PARASOL observations. Moreover, less high aerosol load scenes are misinterpreted as cloud contaminated. The retrieved aerosol optical thickness, single scattering albedo and Ångström exponent show good agreement with AERONET observations. Furthermore, the synthetic retrievals give confidence in the ability of the algorithm to correctly retrieve the micro-physical aerosol parameters.
A dynamic water accounting framework based on marginal resource opportunity cost
Authors: Tilmant A. , Marques G. , Mohamed Y.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Many river basins throughout the world are increasingly under pressure as water demands keep rising due to population growth, industrialization, urbanization and rising living standards. In the past, the typical answer to meet those demands focused on the supply-side and involved the construction of hydraulic infrastructures to capture more water from surface water bodies and from aquifers. As river basins were being more and more developed, downstream water users and ecosystems have become increasingly dependent on the management actions taken by upstream users. The increased interconnectedness between water users, aquatic ecosystems and the built environment is further compounded by climate change and its impact on the water cycle. Those pressures mean that it has become increasingly important to measure and account for changes in water fluxes and their corresponding economic value as they progress throughout the river system. Such basin water accounting should provide policy makers with important information regarding the relative contribution of each water user, infrastructure and management decision to the overall economic value of the river basin. This paper presents a dynamic water accounting approach whereby the entire river basin is considered as a value chain with multiple services including production and storage. Water users and reservoirs operators are considered as economic agents who can exchange water with their hydraulic neighbours at a price corresponding to the marginal value of water. Effective water accounting is made possible by keeping track of all water fluxes and their corresponding hypothetical transactions using the results of a hydro-economic model. The proposed approach is illustrated with the Eastern Nile River basin in Africa.
3D EXTENTION OF THE VOR ALGORITHM TO DETERMINE AND OPTIMIZE THE COVERAGE OF GEOSENSOR NETWORKS
Authors: Doodman S. , Afghantoloee A. , Mostafavi M. A. , Karimipour F.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Recent advances in electrical, mechanical and communication systems have led to development of efficient low-cost and multi-function geosensor networks. The efficiency of a geosensor network is significantly based on network coverage, which is the result of network deployment. Several optimization methods have been proposed to enhance the deployment efficiency and hence increase the coverage, but most of them considered the problem in the 2D environment models, which is usually far from the real situation. This paper extends a Voronoi-based deployment algorithm to 3D environment, which takes the 3D features into account. The proposed approach is applied on two case studies whose results are evaluated and discussed.
EFFECTS OF HETEROGENIETY ON SPATIAL PATTERN ANALYSIS OF WILD PISTACHIO TREES IN ZAGROS WOODLANDS, IRAN
Authors: Erfanifard Y. , Rezayan F.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Vegetation heterogeneity biases second-order summary statistics, e.g., Ripley's K-function, applied for spatial pattern analysis in ecology. Second-order investigation based on Ripley's K-function and related statistics (i.e., L- and pair correlation function g) is widely used in ecology to develop hypothesis on underlying processes by characterizing spatial patterns of vegetation. The aim of this study was to demonstrate effects of underlying heterogeneity of wild pistachio (Pistacia atlantica Desf.) trees on the second-order summary statistics of point pattern analysis in a part of Zagros woodlands, Iran. The spatial distribution of 431 wild pistachio trees was accurately mapped in a 40 ha stand in the Wild Pistachio & Almond Research Site, Fars province, Iran. Three commonly used second-order summary statistics (i.e., K-, L-, and g-functions) were applied to analyse their spatial pattern. The two-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov goodness-of-fit test showed that the observed pattern significantly followed an inhomogeneous Poisson process null model in the study region. The results also showed that heterogeneous pattern of wild pistachio trees biased the homogeneous form of K-, L-, and g-functions, demonstrating a stronger aggregation of the trees at the scales of 0–50 m than actually existed and an aggregation at scales of 150–200 m, while regularly distributed. Consequently, we showed that heterogeneity of point patterns may bias the results of homogeneous second-order summary statistics and we also suggested applying inhomogeneous summary statistics with related null models for spatial pattern analysis of heterogeneous vegetations.
LOCATION BASED SERVICE IN INDOOR ENVIRONMENT USING QUICK RESPONSE CODE TECHNOLOGY
Authors: Hakimpour F. , Zare Zardiny A.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Today by extensive use of intelligent mobile phones, increased size of screens and enriching the mobile phones by Global Positioning System (GPS) technology use of location based services have been considered by public users more than ever.. Based on the position of users, they can receive the desired information from different LBS providers. Any LBS system generally includes five main parts: mobile devices, communication network, positioning system, service provider and data provider. By now many advances have been gained in relation to any of these parts; however the users positioning especially in indoor environments is propounded as an essential and critical issue in LBS. It is well known that GPS performs too poorly inside buildings to provide usable indoor positioning. On the other hand, current indoor positioning technologies such as using RFID or WiFi network need different hardware and software infrastructures. In this paper, we propose a new method to overcome these challenges. This method is using the Quick Response (QR) Code Technology. QR Code is a 2D encrypted barcode with a matrix structure which consists of black modules arranged in a square grid. Scanning and data retrieving process from QR Code is possible by use of different camera-enabled mobile phones only by installing the barcode reader software. This paper reviews the capabilities of QR Code technology and then discusses the advantages of using QR Code in Indoor LBS (ILBS) system in comparison to other technologies. Finally, some prospects of using QR Code are illustrated through implementation of a scenario. The most important advantages of using this new technology in ILBS are easy implementation, spending less expenses, quick data retrieval, possibility of printing the QR Code on different products and no need for complicated hardware and software infrastructures.
INVESTIGATING THE RELATION BETWEEN PREVALENCE OF ASTHMATIC ALLERGY WITH THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ENVIRONMENT USING ASSOCIATION RULE MINING
Authors: Kanani Sadat Y. , Karimipour F. , Kanani Sadat A.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. The prevalence of allergic diseases has highly increased in recent decades due to contamination of the environment with the allergy stimuli. A common treat is identifying the allergy stimulus and, then, avoiding the patient to be exposed with it. There are, however, many unknown allergic diseases stimuli that are related to the characteristics of the living environment. In this paper, we focus on the effect of air pollution on asthmatic allergies and investigate the association between prevalence of such allergies with those characteristics of the environment that may affect the air pollution. For this, spatial association rule mining has been deployed to mine the association between spatial distribution of allergy prevalence and the air pollution parameters such as CO, SO2, NO2, PM10, PM2.5, and O3 (compiled by the air pollution monitoring stations) as well as living distance to parks and roads. The results for the case study (i.e., Tehran metropolitan area) indicates that distance to parks and roads as well as CO, NO2, PM10, and PM2.5 is related to the allergy prevalence in December (the most polluted month of the year in Tehran), while SO2 and O3 have no effect on that.
SPATIAL ANALYSIS FOR OUTLIER REMOVAL FROM LIDAR DATA
Authors: Matkan A. A. , Hajeb M. , Mirbagheri B. , Sadeghian S. , Ahmadi M.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Outlier detection in LiDAR point clouds is a necessary process before the subsequent modelling. So far, many studies have been done in order to remove the outliers from LiDAR data. Some of the existing algorithms require ancillary data such as topographic map, multiple laser returns or intensity data which may not be available, and some deal only with the single isolated outliers. This is an attempt to present an algorithm to remove both the single and cluster types of outliers, by exclusively use of the last return data. The outliers will be removed by spatial analyzing of LiDAR point clouds in a hierarchical scheme that is uses a cross-validation technique. The algorithm is tested on a dataset including many single and cluster outliers. Our algorithm can deal with both the irregular LiDAR point clouds and the regular grid data. Experimental results show that the presented algorithm almost completely detects both the single and cluster outliers, but some inlier points are wrongly removed as outlier. An accuracy assessment indicated 0.018% Error α and, 0.352% Error β that are very satisfactory.
Risk Mapping of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis via a Fuzzy C Means-based Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System
Authors: Akhavan P. , Karimi M. , Pahlavani P.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Finding pathogenic factors and how they are spread in the environment has become a global demand, recently. Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) created by Leishmania is a special parasitic disease which can be passed on to human through phlebotomus of vector-born. Studies show that economic situation, cultural issues, as well as environmental and ecological conditions can affect the prevalence of this disease. In this study, Data Mining is utilized in order to predict CL prevalence rate and obtain a risk map. This case is based on effective environmental parameters on CL and a Neuro-Fuzzy system was also used. Learning capacity of Neuro-Fuzzy systems in neural network on one hand and reasoning power of fuzzy systems on the other, make it very efficient to use. In this research, in order to predict CL prevalence rate, an adaptive Neuro-fuzzy inference system with fuzzy inference structure of fuzzy C Means clustering was applied to determine the initial membership functions. Regarding to high incidence of CL in Ilam province, counties of Ilam, Mehran, and Dehloran have been examined and evaluated. The CL prevalence rate was predicted in 2012 by providing effective environmental map and topography properties including temperature, moisture, annual, rainfall, vegetation and elevation. Results indicate that the model precision with fuzzy C Means clustering structure rises acceptable RMSE values of both training and checking data and support our analyses. Using the proposed data mining technology, the pattern of disease spatial distribution and vulnerable areas become identifiable and the map can be used by experts and decision makers of public health as a useful tool in management and optimal decision-making.
A NOVEL APPROACH TO SUPPORT MAJORITY VOTING IN SPATIAL GROUP MCDM USING DENSITY INDUCED OWA OPERATOR FOR SEISMIC VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT
Authors: Moradi M. , Delavar M. R. , Moshiri B. , Khamespanah F.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Being one of the most frightening disasters, earthquakes frequently cause huge damages to buildings, facilities and human beings. Although the prediction of characteristics of an earthquake seems to be impossible, its loss and damage is predictable in advance. Seismic loss estimation models tend to evaluate the extent to which the urban areas are vulnerable to earthquakes. Many factors contribute to the vulnerability of urban areas against earthquakes including age and height of buildings, the quality of the materials, the density of population and the location of flammable facilities. Therefore, seismic vulnerability assessment is a multi-criteria problem. A number of multi criteria decision making models have been proposed based on a single expert. The main objective of this paper is to propose a model which facilitates group multi criteria decision making based on the concept of majority voting. The main idea of majority voting is providing a computational tool to measure the degree to which different experts support each other’s opinions and make a decision regarding this measure. The applicability of this model is examined in Tehran metropolitan area which is located in a seismically active region. The results indicate that neglecting the experts which get lower degrees of support from others enables the decision makers to avoid the extreme strategies. Moreover, a computational method is proposed to calculate the degree of optimism in the experts’ opinions.
UBISOUND: DESIGN A USER GENERATED MODEL IN UBIQUITOUS GEOSPATIAL INFORMATION ENVIRONMENT FOR SOUND MAPPING
Authors: Soleimani S. , Keshtehgar E. , Malek M. R.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. In this paper, we study how mobile computing and wireless technologies can be explored to provide effective ubiquitous GIS services. Instead of reinventing the wheels, we make use of smartphones, off-the-shelf components, and existing technologies in ubiquitous computing (i.e. wireless and mobile positioning technologies, and data acquisition techniques and processing via sensors) to develop a middleware, and tools for the development of systems and applications to provide effective ubiquitous GIS services. Two main tasks to be studied are: 1) Developing a framework, called UbiSound, to provide the infrastructure and architectural support for realizing ubiquitous GIS services; and 2) Designing and developing ubiquitous GIS applications by utilizing the UbiSound framework to let users experience and benefit from the context aware services. We use scenario to illustrate how mobile/wireless and sensor technologies can enable ubiquitous GIS services in UbiSound. Some of the examples included in UbiSound are: Noise mapping, soundscape mapping and wellbeing data acquisition and analysis.
DIFFERENT OPTIMAL BAND SELECTION OF HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGES USING A CONTINUOUS GENETIC ALGORITHM
Authors: Talebi Nahr S. , Pahlavani P. , Hasanlou M.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. In the most applications in remote sensing, there is no need to use all of available data, such as using all of bands in hyperspectral images. In this paper, a new band selection method was proposed to deal with the large number of hyperspectral images bands. We proposed a Continuous Genetic Algorithm (CGA) to achieve the best subset of hyperspectral images bands, without decreasing Overall Accuracy (OA) index in classification. In the proposed CGA, a multi-class SVM was used as a classifier. Comparing results achieved by the CGA with those achieved by the Binary GA (BGA) shows better performances in the proposed CGA method. At the end, 56 bands were selected as the best bands for classification with OA of 78.5 %.