bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated Sidewalk Assessment Method for Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance Using Three-Dimensional Mobile Lidar
Authors: Ai Chengbo , Tsai Yichang (James)
Published: November 2016

The sidewalk is an indispensable infrastructure for pedestrians, especially wheelchair users. Wheelchair users rely on quality sidewalks to facilitate safe and uninterrupted trips in their everyday lives. Transportation agencies are required to evaluate regulatory compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are responsible for the timely maintenance of inadequate sidewalks. However, these timely evaluation and maintenance activities are usually lacking because of the labor-intensive and cost-prohibitive data collection process in the current practice. There is an urgent need for an efficient and reliable method for assessment of sidewalk compliance with the ADA. This paper aims to address such a need by proposing an automated sidewalk assessment method using three-dimensional mobile light detection and ranging (lidar) and image processing. The presence of sidewalks and curb ramps is first extracted by use of a video log image and a lidar point cloud. Then, the corresponding key features regulated by the ADA, including the sidewalk width, cross slope, and grade and the curb ramp slope, are automatically measured. By comparison with the manual ground truth from a field survey, the experimental tests conducted on the Georgia Institute of Technology campus at Atlanta, Georgia, showed accurate measurement results for the key features of the sidewalk and curb ramps. A case study was then conducted to demonstrate that the proposed method could provide transportation agencies a convenient and cost-effective means of assessment of compliance with the ADA by integration of accurately extracted sidewalk location and measurement information.
Prediction of Benefits of Special Taxi-Pooling Design for Large Transport Terminals: Case Study of Beijing West Railway Station
Authors: Yao Weiran , Wang Ying , Wang Ning , Yang Gang , Zhang Cheng
Published: November 2016

Taxi-pooling is a newly suggested transport arrangement that may benefit the public in both cost and time. Large transport terminals, such as airports and railway stations, are ideal sites for taxi-pooling because of their large passenger volumes and limited taxi access. However, traditional taxi-pooling methods in these terminals may not be appropriate because of facility and policy restrictions. This study proposes a special taxi-pooling method based on an interactive smartphone application for large transport terminals. The benefits of the proposed method are evaluated through the use of real and simulated data from the Beijing West Railway Station. Three models that consider passengers’ acceptance of and preference for taxi-pooling were built to calculate the reduction in traffic, waiting time, and cost. The results show that the proposed method can effectively improve the travel efficiency and satisfaction of passengers and relieve traffic congestion.
Dynamic Ridesharing: Exploration of Potential for Reduction in Vehicle Miles Traveled
Authors: Rodier Caroline , Alemi Farzad , Smith Dylan
Published: November 2016

It is widely recognized that new vehicle and fuel technologies are necessary but not sufficient to meet deep greenhouse gas reduction goals in the United States. Demand management strategies, such as land use, transit, and auto pricing policies, are also needed. These measures, however, have historically faced political challenges and have been difficult to implement. Emerging ridesharing systems now suggest the possibility of a new demand management strategy that may be more politically palatable and reduce the number of vehicle miles traveled (VMT). To date, however, little research has evaluated their potential travel effects, especially on a regional scale. This study used the San Francisco, California, Bay Area activity-based travel demand model to simulate business-as-usual, transit-oriented development, and auto pricing scenarios with and without high, medium, and low ridesharing participation levels. The analysis suggests that relatively large VMT reductions are possible from moderate and high participation levels, but at low participation levels, VMT reductions are negligible. Moderate dynamic ridesharing alone compares favorably, with a 9% reduction in VMT, to transit-oriented development and auto pricing scenarios. The analysis also suggests a potentially promising policy combination: a moderately used regional dynamic ridesharing system with a 10- to 30-cent increase in the per mile cost of auto travel, which together may reduce VMT on the order of 11% to 19%.
Child Feeding and Parenting Style Outcomes and Composite Score Measurement in the ‘Feeding Healthy Food to Kids Randomised Controlled Trial’
Authors: Duncanson Kerith , Burrows Tracy , Collins Clare
Published: November 2016

Child feeding practices and parenting style each have an impact on child dietary intake, but it is unclear whether they influence each other or are amenable to change. The aims of this study were to measure child feeding and parenting styles in the Feeding Healthy Food to Kids (FHFK) Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) and test a composite child feeding score and a composite parenting style score. Child feeding and parenting style data from 146 parent-child dyads (76 boys, aged 2.0–5.9 years) in the FHFK study were collected over a 12-month intervention. Parenting style was measured using parenting questions from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children and the Child Feeding Questionnaire (CFQ) was used to measure child feeding practices. Data for both measures were collected at baseline, 3 and 12 months and then modelled to develop a composite child feeding score and a parenting score. Multivariate mixed effects linear regression was used to measure associations between variables over time. All child feeding domains from the CFQ were consistent between baseline and 12 months (p < 0.001), except for monitoring (0.12, p = 0.44). All parenting style domain scores were consistent over 12 months (p < 0.001), except for overprotection (0.22, p = 0.16). A significant correlation (r = 0.42, p < 0.0001) existed between child feeding score and parenting style score within the FHFK RCT. In conclusion, composite scores have potential applications in the analysis of relationships between child feeding and dietary or anthropometric data in intervention studies aimed at improving child feeding or parenting style. These applications have the potential to make a substantial contribution to the understanding of child feeding practices and parenting style, in relation to each other and to dietary intake and health outcomes amongst pre-school aged children.
Infrared Imaging of Cotton Fiber Bundles Using a Focal Plane Array Detector and a Single Reflectance Accessory
Authors: Santiago Cintrón Michael , Montalvo Joseph , Von Hoven Terri , Rodgers James , Hinchliffe Doug , Madison Crista , Thyssen Gregory , Zeng Linghe
Published: November 2016

Infrared imaging is gaining attention as a technique used in the examination of cotton fibers. This type of imaging combines spectral analysis with spatial resolution to create visual images that examine sample composition and distribution. Herein, we report on the use of an infrared instrument equipped with a reflection accessory and an array detector system for the examination of cotton fiber bundles. Cotton vibrational spectra and chemical images were acquired by grouping pixels in the detector array. This technique reduced spectral noise and was employed to visualize cell wall development in cotton fibers bundles. Fourier transform infrared spectra reveal band changes in the C–O bending region that matched previous studies. Imaging studies were quick, relied on small amounts of sample and provided a distribution of the cotton fiber cell wall composition. Thus, imaging of cotton bundles with an infrared detector array has potential for use in cotton fiber examinations.
A Case Study of Dynamic Response Analysis and Safety Assessment for a Suspended Monorail System
Authors: Bao Yulong , Li Yongle , Ding Jiajie
Published: November 2016

A suspended monorail transit system is a category of urban rail transit, which is effective in alleviating traffic pressure and injury prevention. Meanwhile, with the advantages of low cost and short construction time, suspended monorail transit systems show vast potential for future development. However, the suspended monorail has not been systematically studied in China, and there is a lack of relevant knowledge and analytical methods. To ensure the health and reliability of a suspended monorail transit system, the driving safety of vehicles and structure dynamic behaviors when vehicles are running on the bridge should be analyzed and evaluated. Based on the method of vehicle-bridge coupling vibration theory, the finite element method (FEM) software ANSYS and multi-body dynamics software SIMPACK are adopted respectively to establish the finite element model for bridge and the multi-body vehicle. A co-simulation method is employed to investigate the vehicle-bridge coupling vibration for the transit system. The traffic operation factors, including train formation, track irregularity and tire stiffness, are incorporated into the models separately to analyze the bridge and vehicle responses. The results show that the coupling of dynamic effects of the suspended monorail system between vehicle and bridge are significant in the case studied, and it is strongly suggested to take necessary measures for vibration suppression. The simulation of track irregularity is a critical factor for its vibration safety, and the track irregularity of A-level road roughness negatively influences the system vibration safety.
Radio Astronomy Demonstrator: Assessment of the Appropriate Sites through a GIS Open Source Application
Authors: Duarte Lia , Teodoro Ana , Maia Dalmiro , Barbosa Domingos
Published: November 2016

In the framework of Portuguese radio astronomical capacitation towards participation in the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) project, a site was selected for radio astronomical testing purposes and the development of a radio astronomical infrastructure. The site is within Herdade da Contenda (HC), a large national forest perimeter, located in Alentejo (Portugal). In order to minimize the impacts in the ecosystem and landscape, an application based on the Geographic Information System (GIS) open source environment was created, the HC Environmental Integrated Management System. This application combines several functionalities and menus with different characterization methods allowing the creation of multiple maps regarding the HC characteristics, such as Digital Elevation Model (DEM), Land Use Land Cover (LULC), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), groundwater vulnerability, erosion risk, flood risk and forest fire risk. Other geographical information can be added if necessary (human heritage visualization and fauna and flora). A decision making support tool was also developed. It incorporates an algorithm running through a series of assigned weights and eliminatory factors to find the locations best suited for the infrastructure with minimal impact to the local ecosystem. In order to test the application and the decision making tool, several maps were used as input in order to decide which sites are more adequate. The application developed can be adopted for other protected or natural areas.
To What Extent Can Existing Research Help Project Climate Change Impacts on Biodiversity in Aquatic Environments? A Review of Methodological Approaches
Authors: Forsman Anders , Berggren Hanna , Åström Mats , Larsson Per
Published: November 2016

It is broadly accepted that continued global warming will pose a major threat to biodiversity in the 21st century. But how reliable are current projections regarding consequences of future climate change for biodiversity? To address this issue, we review the methodological approaches in published studies of how life in marine and freshwater environments responds to temperature shifts. We analyze and compare observational field surveys and experiments performed either in the laboratory or under natural conditions in the wild, the type of response variables considered, the number of species investigated, study duration, and the nature and magnitude of experimental temperature manipulations. The observed patterns indicate that, due to limitations of study design, ecological and evolutionary responses of individuals, populations, species, and ecosystems to temperature change were in many cases difficult to establish, and causal mechanism(s) often remained ambiguous. We also discovered that the thermal challenge in experimental studies was 10,000 times more severe than reconstructed estimates of past and projections of future warming of the oceans, and that temperature manipulations also tended to increase in magnitude in more recent studies. These findings raise some concerns regarding the extent to which existing research can increase our understanding of how higher temperatures associated with climate change will affect life in aquatic environments. In view of our review findings, we discuss the trade-off between realism and methodological tractability. We also propose a series of suggestions and directions towards developing a scientific agenda for improving the validity and inference space of future research efforts.
End-Functionalized Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) with d-Glucosamine through Different Initiator from C-1 and C-2 Positions via Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization
Authors: Cui Guihua , Gao Zhengguo , Qiu Nannan , Satoh Toshifumi , Kakuchi Toyoji , Duan Qian
Published: November 2016

Regioselective modification of d-glucosamine (2-amino-2-deoxy-d-glucopyranose, GA) through C-1 and C-2 positions to synthesized thermo-responsive D-Glucosamine-poly(N-iso-propylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) was investigated for the first time. Two different schemes of the synthesis for GA derivatives (GA-PNIPAM (i) and (ii)) with well-defined structures using 3,4,6-tri-o-acetyl-2-deoxy-2-phthalimido-β-d-glucopyranose and 1,3,4,6-tetra-o-acetyl-2-amino-2-deoxy-β-d-glucopyranose intermediates were examined. The GA-PNIPAM (ii) had an amino at C-2 position, while there was a hydroxyl in GA-PNIPAM (i) at this position. Both the resulting oligomers (i) and (ii) had a narrow dispersity, and no significant cytotoxic response of copolymers (i) and (ii) was observed in the cell line over the concentration range from 0.1 μg/mL to 1000 μg/mL at any of the exposure times. In addition, it was discovered that GA-PNIPAM (i) and (ii) inhibited the proliferation of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells HepG2 as the concentration and the time changed, and the inhibitory activity of polymer (ii) was higher than that of he (i). The results suggest that the GA-PNIPAM polymers show excellent biocompatibility in vitro.
Techno-Economic Models for Optimised Utilisation of Jatropha curcas Linnaeus under an Out-Grower Farming Scheme in Ghana
Authors: Osei Isaac , Akowuah Joseph , Kemausuor Francis
Published: November 2016

Techno-economic models for optimised utilisation of jatropha oil under an out-grower farming scheme were developed based on different considerations for oil and by-product utilisation. Model 1: Out-grower scheme where oil is exported and press cake utilised for compost. Model 2: Out-grower scheme with six scenarios considered for the utilisation of oil and by-products. Linear programming models were developed based on outcomes of the models to optimise the use of the oil through profit maximisation. The findings revealed that Model 1 was financially viable from the processors’ perspective but not for the farmer at seed price of $0.07/kg. All scenarios considered under Model 2 were financially viable from the processors perspective but not for the farmer at seed price of $0.07/kg; however, at seed price of $0.085/kg, financial viability was achieved for both parties. Optimising the utilisation of the oil resulted in an annual maximum profit of $123,300.
Evaluation of Vertical Accuracy of the WorldDEM™ Using the Runway Method
Authors: Becek Kazimierz , Koppe Wolfgang , Kutoğlu Şenol
Published: November 2016

Accuracy assessment of a global digital elevation model (DEM) is an important and challenging task primarily because of the difficulties and costs associated with securing a reliable and representative reference dataset. In this article, we report on the vertical accuracy assessment of the WorldDEM™, the latest global DEM using the synthetic aperture radar interferometry (InSAR) method, based on the German TanDEM-X mission data. For reference data we use vertical profiles along the centerline of 47 paved runways located in different areas around the world. Our accuracy statement is based on the analysis of discrepancies between the reference data and the corresponding vertical profiles extracted from the WorldDEM™ dataset. Since the runways are nearly flat and have homogenous surfaces, the observed discrepancies are mainly due to instrument-induced error. Therefore, the derived accuracy statement has a universal character, e.g., it is not biased by other error sources including target- or environment-induced errors. Our main conclusions are that the WorldDEM™ is the most accurate global DEM to date in terms of its vertical accuracy; it appears that the accuracy is spatially independent.
Spatio-Temporal Error Sources Analysis and Accuracy Improvement in Landsat 8 Image Ground Displacement Measurements
Authors: Ding Chao , Feng Guangcai , Li Zhiwei , Shan Xinjian , Du Yanan , Wang Huiqiang
Published: November 2016

Because of the advantages of low cost, large coverage and short revisit cycle, Landsat 8 images have been widely applied to monitor earth surface movements. However, there are few systematic studies considering the error source characteristics or the improvement of the deformation field accuracy obtained by Landsat 8 image. In this study, we utilize the 2013 Mw 7.7 Balochistan, Pakistan earthquake to analyze error spatio-temporal characteristics and elaborate how to mitigate error sources in the deformation field extracted from multi-temporal Landsat 8 images. We found that the stripe artifacts and the topographic shadowing artifacts are two major error components in the deformation field, which currently lack overall understanding and an effective mitigation strategy. For the stripe artifacts, we propose a small spatial baseline (<200 m) method to avoid the stripe artifacts effect on the deformation field. We also propose a small radiometric baseline method to reduce the topographic shadowing artifacts and radiometric decorrelation noises. Those performances and accuracy evaluation show that these two methods are effective in improving the precision of deformation field. This study provides the possibility to detect subtle ground movement with higher precision caused by earthquake, melting glaciers, landslides, etc., with Landsat 8 images. It is also a good reference for error source analysis and corrections in deformation field extracted from other optical satellite images.
The supporting method for automatic diagnosis of prostatic hypertrophy
Authors: Walendziuk Wojciech , Sawicki Aleksander , Idźkowski Adam
Published: November 2016

In the paper numerical algorithms used in the automatic diagnosis of prostatic
hypertrophy are presented. The liquid flow during urination was applied as a signal that describes
the condition of prostate. In order to register the signal, the uroflowmeter was used. Patients were
included in a two-step procedure. In the first step, an analysis of signal characteristics, such as
maximum and the mean value with the use of Liverpool Nomogram, were performed. Then, the
signal was tested for the presence of oscillation. For this purpose, an algorithm that generates the
reference signal was created. Moreover, the similarity waveform was investigated with the help
of the integral index. The diversity of signals indicated the presence of anomalies and had an
impact on the final classification of the patient.
The study of extraneous conditions that affect tilt-based pointer movements
Authors: Serackis Artūras , Miniotas Darius , Katkevičius Andrius , Krukonis Audrius , Plonis Darius
Published: November 2016

Introduction: With the rapid evolution of mobile devices, there is also a tremendous
growth in their applications. This triggers new research on more efficient techniques of humancomputer
interaction. To point at an object of interest seen on the screen of a mobile device,
various new methods were suggested recently.

Methods: This paper presents the results of a user study that employed tilting as a technique for
entering text. The independent variables in the user study were mobility (sitting, walking, sitting
in the moving bus) and keyboard size (5×3, 10×4). The experiment involved 50 participants aged
from 22 to 65.

Results: In the walking condition, it took on average 11.3% more time for participants to complete
the task compared to the sitting condition with 5×3 keyboard, and 45.1% more time compared to
the sitting condition with 10×4 keyboard. Keyboard size had a marked influence on task
completion time. In addition, task completion time while traveling by bus was 3.2% longer than
that observed for the walking condition with 5×3 keyboard. Surprisingly, task completion time
with 10×4 keyboard while traveling by bus was 10.4% shorter compared to the walking condition.
Error rate and movement efficiency were investigated additionally to find out the explanation for
such performance data.
Maturity Model for E-Learning Classroom, Bimodal and Virtual Courses in Higher Education
Authors: Espinoza-Guzmán Julia , Zermeño Marcela Georgina Gómez
Published: November 2016

The use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in higher education, in many cases, does not necessarily correspond to an organizational, sustainable and consistent initiative in all courses or undergraduate programs imparted. An associated risk is wasting the potential of ICTs to contribute to the quality of education. This is an exploratory-descriptive, mixed methods investigation at Tecnológico de Costa Rica (TEC) to determine the components and factors affecting a Maturity Model (MM). Participants were students, teachers, and institution officials. Results show the components of a maturity model that provides teachers with a roadmap for implementing e-learning in face-to-face, bimodal and virtual courses, advocating for a substantial contribution to the quality of education at a Costa Rican University.
Evaluation Methods Research Based on the Concrete with Rheological Properties
Authors: Lin Jia Chao , Gao Yu Xin , Li Wei Qin , Wu Xiong , Huang Yi Xiong , Peng Yuan
Published: November 2016

As the high-rise building springs, pumping height of concrete becomes higher, which leads to futility of common property indexes to evaluate the concrete pumpability. This paper proposed a test method on concrete rheological properties to quantize its pumpability and established evaluation method on concrete pumpability to make some exploration regarding the scientifically reasonable control on concrete quality.
Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of New Three-Coordinate N-Heterocyclic Carbene Copper Complex
Authors: Liu Shao Bo , Yi Cheng , Xia Hong Ying , Zhao Feng
Published: November 2016

A three-coordinateopper (I) complex supported by N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand and bis [2-(diphenylphosphino) phenyl] ether (POP) ligand were successfully reported and characterized. The corresponding photophysical properties were investigated using UV-vis and emission spectrometry. The lowest-energy absorption band at 343 nm was assigned to metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) transtion. The emission maximum located at 470 nm upon excitation at 290 nm in PMMA films at room temperature originates from the typical 3MLCT excited state.
FO-WLP: A Disruptive Technology
Authors: Vardaman Jan
Published: November 2016

Fan-out WLP (FO-WLP) as a new form of wafer level CSP represents a disruptive technology that has a major implications semiconductor packaging and assembly infrastructure. FO-WLP is expected to be use for a number of applications in a variety of markets. FO-WLP is disruptive technology because there is no substrate and thin-film metallization is used for interconnect instead of bumps or wires. This presentation examines the drivers for FO-WLP, various formats, and the impact on the existing infrastructure. Applications and market trends are presented.
Assessment of Optimized Process Quality and Reliability for Wafer Level Applications
Authors: Ogawa Ennis , Xing Aimin , Liao David F.-S. , Ten Ten V. Y. , Neo Chong Wei , Chiang Feynman W.-C. , See Gaius , Chaara Mabrouk , Hung George , Jahja Endruw , Nguyen Steven , Hsieh Michael , Chen Ricky W. M. , Ho Darren M.-L. , Mulford Susan R. , Jorge-Estevez Hugh , Lau Melissa , Hilborn Leah , Shah Kashish , Mah Richard , Mendoza Jeff , Zhu Bei , Kirkpatrick Galen , Hsieh Ying-Ying , Samson Paolo , Tong James S. J. , Tsau Liming , Wang J.K. , Reddy Vijay , Hui Frank , Sandhu Javed , Nair Manoj , Tan Keith , Law Edward
Published: November 2016

Fanout Wafer Level Packaging (FoWLP) is a very attractive solution for microelectronics applications requiring optimized performance, smaller form factor, and low cost. By utilizing such an approach where system integration is done to multiple chips on a single package frame, the need to ensure much higher levels of process integrity, quality, and reliability becomes absolutely critical, especially if the total product volume lies in the range of tens of millions of units. A single defect type may negate the benefits of such an approach because the cost of losing one FoWLP unit results in the loss of multiple devices. Thus, yield, quality, and reliability optimization using such a package solution is critical for successful large scale manufacturing.

In this talk, the issue of defectivity and its impact on quality and reliability on Wafer-Level (WL) devices with regards to the issue of Die Edge Delamination (DED) and Chip Mechanical Integrity (CMI) is discussed. Through this discussion and the resulting solutions found to improve WL quality and reliability, better understanding on how to assess the quality and reliability of a given FoWLP solution for large scale production will be demonstrated.
Experimental Study on 28nm Chip/Package Interactions in eWLB (Embedded Wafer Level BGA) Fan-Out Wafer Level Packages
Authors: Shangguan Dongkai , Lin Yao Jian , Choi Won Kyung , Chow Seng Guan , Yoon Seung Wook
Published: November 2016

To meet the continued demand for form factor reduction and functional integration of electronic devices, WLP (Wafer Level Packaging) is an attractive packaging solution with many advantages in comparison with standard BGA (Ball Grid Array) packages. The advancement of fan-out WLP has made it a more promising solution as compared with fan-in WLP, because it can offer greater flexibility in enabling more IO's, multi-chips, heterogeneous integration and 3D SiP. In particular, eWLB (Embedded Wafer Level BGA) is a fan-out WLP solution which can enable applications that require higher I/O density, smaller form factor, excellent heat dissipation, and thin package profile, and it has the potential to evolve in various configurations with proven integration flexibility, process robustness, manufacturing capacity and production yield. It also facilitates integration of multiple dies vertically and horizontally in a single package without using substrates. For eWLB fan-out WLP, the structural design as well as selection of materials is very important in determining the process yield and long term reliability. Therefore it is necessary to investigate the key design factors affecting the reliability comprehensively. This work is focused on an experimental study on the chip-package interactions in eWLB fan-out WLP with multilayer RDL's. Standard JEDEC component and board level tests were carried out to investigate reliability, and both destructive and non-destructive analyses were performed to investigate potential structural defects. Warpage, die cracking and other failures were characterized through metrology measurements and electrical tests. Board assembly processes (including SMT, underfill, etc.) were also studied. The influence of materials and structural design on the package reliability will be demonstrated. Thermal characterization and thermo-mechanical simulation results will also be discussed.
Role of endoscopic ultrasound in pediatric gastrointestinal diseases
Authors: Singh Rajiv Ranjan , Choudhary Narendra Singh , Puri Rajesh
Published: November 2016

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a well-established diagnostic and therapeutic modality for adults. It is extremely helpful for a broad range of diagnostic indications including upper gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies, submucosal lesions, pancreatic lesions (masses, cystic lesions), chronic pancreatitis, etiological workup of recurrent acute pancreatitis, common bile duct evaluation (calculi versus tumor), gallbladder lesions/microliths, and rectal malignancy; well-established therapeutic roles include fine-needle aspiration of lesions/lymph nodes, pancreatic fluid collection drainage, pancreatic duct drainage, biliary drainage, gallbladder drainage, pelvic abscess drainage, celiac plexus block, or neurolysis. Some recent studies have reported the use of EUS in the pediatric population. EUS is safe and easy to perform in the pediatric population also. However, there is paucity of data on use of EUS in pediatric population. In contrast with its regular therapeutic use in adults, EUS is not commonly performed in children for therapeutic reasons and most of the data are available on diagnostic use only. All of studies have shown that EUS is safe and a useful modality with a positive impact on management in majority of study population. EUS is very useful in pediatric population for the evaluation of upper GI tract submucosal lesions or rectal masses, pancreaticobiliary disorders, characterization of esophageal strictures, and for evaluation of enteric duplication cysts. The advent of miniprobe that can be passed through conventional endoscopes has increased the applicability of EUS in infants and children. Although there are limited data regarding use of EUS in pediatric population, it appears to be a very promising diagnostic and therapeutic tool.
Pulmonary Hypertension in Heart Failure Patients Presenting at OAUTHC, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Authors: Amadi Valentine N. , Ajayi Olufemi E. , Akintomide Anthony O. , Abiodun Olugbenga O. , Bamikole Olaniyi J. , Balogun Michael O.
Published: November 2016

Background

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is common in heart failure patients. Literature on PH in heart failure is sparse in Nigeria. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of PH in heart failure patients and ascertain the relationship between left ventricular systolic and diastolic function and the degree of PH.

Methods

A total of 125 heart failure patients had echocardiography done. PH was diagnosed using tricuspid regurgitation jet and pulmonary ejection jet profile.

Results

PH was present in 70.4% of heart failure patients. Estimated mean pulmonary arterial pressure increased with increasing severity of systolic and diastolic dysfunction and had significantly negative correlation with ejection fraction, fractional shortening, and early mitral annular tissue diastolic velocity ( E′), but positive correlation with left ventricular end-systolic volume, right ventricular dimension, transmitral E to A ratio, and E/E′ ratio.

Conclusion

PH is very common in heart failure and has significant relationship with left ventricular function.
A Partial Response to Reintroduced Chemotherapy in a Resistant Small Cell Lung Cancer Patient after Priming with RRx-001
Authors: Oronsky Bryan , Caroen Scott , Zeman Karen , Quinn Mary , Brzezniak Christina , Scicinski Jan , Cabrales Pedro , Reid Tony R. , Trepel Jane B. , Abrouk Nacer D. , Larson Christopher , Oronsky Arnold , Lybeck Harry E. , Day Regina M. , Carter Corey A.
Published: November 2016

As an exceedingly recalcitrant and highly aggressive tumor type without Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment or a known cure, the prognosis of recurrent extensive stage platinum-resistant/refractory small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is worse than other types of lung cancer, and many other tumor types, given a response rate of less than 10% and an overall survival of less than six months. It was broadly classified into three groups based on the initial response to cisplatin/etoposide therapy, platinum-refractory, platinum-resistant, and platinum-sensitive, extensive stage SCLC inevitably relapses, at which point the only standard options are to rechallenge with the first-line chemotherapeutic regimen in the case of sensitive disease or to start the topoisomerase I inhibitor, topotecan. Sensitive disease is defined by a response to the first-line therapy and a treatment-free interval of at least 90 days, while the definitions of refractory and resistant disease, respectively, are nonresponse to the first-line treatment or relapse within 90 days. As an important predictor of response to the second-line treatment, the clinical cutoff of three months (or two months in some cases) for resistant and sensitive disease, which along with performance status prognostically separates patients into high- and low-risk categories, dictates subsequent management. This case report presents a resistant SCLC patient enrolled on a Phase II clinical trial called QUADRUPLE THREAT (formerly TRIPLE THREAT, NCT02489903) who responded to reintroduced platinum doublets after sequential priming with the resistance-reversing epi-immunotherapeutic agent, RRx-001. In the QUADRUPLE THREAT clinical trial, both during priming with RRx-001 and during sequential treatment with platinum doublets, the patient maintained a good quality of life and performance status.
DNA Methylation of Cellular Retinoic Acid-Binding Proteins in Cervical Cancer
Authors: Arellano-Ortiz Ana L. , Salcedo-Vargas Mauricio , Vargas-Requena Claudia L. , López-Díaz Josέ A. , De la Mora-Covarrubias Antonio , Silva-Espinoza Juan C. , Jimέnez-Vega Florinda
Published: November 2016

This study determined the methylation status of cellular retinoic acid-binding protein (CRABP) gene promoters and associated them with demographic characteristics, habits, and the presence of human papilloma virus (HPV) in patients with cervical cancer (CC), low and high squamous intraepithelial lesions, and no intraepithelial lesion. Women (n = 158) were selected from the Colposcopy Clinic of Sanitary Jurisdiction II in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. Demographic characteristics and habit information were collected. Cervical biopsy and endocervical scraping were used to determine methylation in promoter regions by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction technique. We found hemi-methylation patterns in the promoter regions of CRABP1 and CRABP2; there was 28.5% hemi-methylation in CRABP1 and 7.0% in that of CRABP2. Methylation in CRABP1 was associated with age (≥35 years, P = 0.002), family history of cancer (P = 0.032), the presence of HPV-16 (P = 0.013), and no alcohol intake (P = 0.035). These epigenetic changes could be involved in the CC process, and CRABP1 has the potential to be a predictive molecular marker of retinoid therapy response.
Semi-Automated Curation Allows Causal Network Model Building for the Quantification of Age-Dependent Plaque Progression in ApoE–/– Mouse
Authors: Szostak Justyna , Martin Florian , Talikka Marja , Peitsch Manuel C. , Hoeng Julia
Published: November 2016

The cellular and molecular mechanisms behind the process of atherosclerotic plaque destabilization are complex, and molecular data from aortic plaques are difficult to interpret. Biological network models may overcome these difficulties and precisely quantify the molecular mechanisms impacted during disease progression. The atherosclerosis plaque destabilization biological network model was constructed with the semiautomated curation pipeline, BELIEF. Cellular and molecular mechanisms promoting plaque destabilization or rupture were captured in the network model. Public transcriptomic data sets were used to demonstrate the specificity of the network model and to capture the different mechanisms that were impacted in ApoE–/– mouse aorta at 6 and 32 weeks. We concluded that network models combined with the network perturbation amplitude algorithm provide a sensitive, quantitative method to follow disease progression at the molecular level. This approach can be used to investigate and quantify molecular mechanisms during plaque progression.
The immersion freezing behavior of ash particles from wood and brown coal burning
Authors: Grawe Sarah , Augustin-Bauditz Stefanie , Hartmann Susan , Hellner Lisa , Pettersson Jan B. C. , Prager Andrea , Stratmann Frank , Wex Heike
Published: November 2016

Abstract. It is generally known that ash particles from coal combustion can trigger ice nucleation when they interact with water vapor and/or supercooled droplets. However, data on the ice nucleation of ash particles from different sources, including both anthropogenic and natural combustion processes, are still scarce. As fossil energy sources still fuel the largest proportion of electric power production worldwide, and biomass burning contributes significantly to the global aerosol loading, further data are needed to better assess the ice nucleating efficiency of ash particles. In the framework of this study, we found that ash particles from brown coal (i.e., lignite) burning are up to 2 orders of magnitude more ice active in the immersion mode below −32 °C than those from wood burning. Fly ash from a coal-fired power plant was shown to be the most efficient at nucleating ice. Furthermore, the influence of various particle generation methods on the freezing behavior was studied. For instance, particles were generated either by dispersion of dry sample material, or by atomization of ash–water suspensions, and then led into the Leipzig Aerosol Cloud Interaction Simulator (LACIS) where the immersion freezing behavior was examined. Whereas the immersion freezing behavior of ashes from wood burning was not affected by the particle generation method, it depended on the type of particle generation for ash from brown coal. It was also found that the common practice of treating prepared suspensions in an ultrasonic bath to avoid aggregation of particles led to an enhanced ice nucleation activity. The findings of this study suggest (a) that ash from brown coal burning may influence immersion freezing in clouds close to the source and (b) that the freezing behavior of ash particles may be altered by a change in sample preparation and/or particle generation.
Surge dynamics and lake outbursts of Kyagar Glacier, Karakoram
Authors: Round Vanessa , Leinss Silvan , Huss Matthias , Haemmig Christoph , Hajnsek Irena
Published: November 2016

Abstract. The recent surge cycle of Kyagar Glacier, in the Chinese Karakoram, caused formation of an ice-dammed lake and subsequent glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) exceeding 50 and 40 million m3 in 2015 and 2016, respectively. GLOFs from Kyagar Glacier reached double this size in 2002 and earlier, but the role of glacier surging in GLOF formation was previously unrecognised. We present an integrative analysis of the glacier surge dynamics from 2011 to 2016, assessing surge mechanisms and evaluating the surge cycle impact on GLOFs. Over 80 glacier surface velocity fields were created from TanDEM-X, Sentinel-1A and Landsat satellite data. Changes in ice thickness distribution were revealed by a time series of TanDEM-X DEMs. The analysis shows that during a quiescence phase lasting at least 14 years, ice mass built up in a reservoir area at the top of the glacier tongue and the terminus thinned by up to 100 m, but in the two years preceding the surge this pattern reversed. The surge clearly initiated with the onset of the 2014 melt season, and in the following 15 months velocity evolved in a manner consistent with a hydrologically-controlled surge mechanism with dramatic accelerations coinciding with melt seasons, winter deceleration accompanied by subglacial drainage, and rapid surge termination following the 2015 GLOF. Rapid basal motion during surging is seemingly controlled by high water pressure caused by input of surface water into either an inefficient subglacial drainage system or unstable subglacial till. Over 60 m of thickening at the terminus caused potential lake volume to increase more than 40-fold since surge onset, to currently more than 70 million m3, indicating that lake formation should be carefully monitored to anticipate large GLOFs in the near future.
Harvard Business School (HBS) Case Method to Teaching English for Business Communication
Authors: Hsu Wenhua
Published: November 2016

The present research investigated the effectiveness of Harvard Business School (HBS) case method to teaching English for Business Communication in an EFL context. The HBS case method is a commonly-used approach in the field of business and management to prepare MBA students for the challenges of leadership. In contrast, in the field of English language teaching, task-based learning (TBL) focuses on doing meaningful tasks using the target language. The definitions of tasks and the rationale of TBL are first discussed and then the TBL approach and the HBS case method are compared. The pedagogical framework is underpinned by content-based instruction, business case study and task-based learning, in which each approach has its source and theories to support it. A series of independent-groups t-tests were conducted to compare the English-majoring students’ oral performance on business communication with and without the instruction of HBS case method. To find out English majors’ perception toward the business case method, questionnaires were distributed as a follow-up study. Results provide some evidence for the effect of the case method on participation. Questionnaires reflect the learners’ need for specialist knowledge as well as oral communication skills.
Information and Communication Technology and Contesting Gender Hierarchies: Research Learnings from Africa and the Middle East
Authors: Webb Anne
Published: November 2016

Communication policies intended to contribute to changing persistent inequalities need to be informed by an in-depth understanding of systemic barriers to gender equality and women's empowerment. Not taking into account complex, historically entrenched forces that perpetuate established gendered hierarchies may result in policies effecting only superficial change. The research presented in this article demonstrates how availability of information and communication technology (ICT) does not ensure equitable access and gender equality. Access needs to be imbedded in a women's empowerment and equality agenda to contribute to transforming gender relations. Understanding what that involves is critical to the design of ICT policies that challenge gender inequalities.
SPIRE Project: Parental Involvement in Young Children’s ESL Reading Development
Authors: Harji Madhubala Bava , Balakrishnan Kavitha , Letchumanan Krishnanveni
Published: November 2016

Realising the clear dichotomy between schools and homes, the Malaysia government has now turned its attention to stakeholders and called for an increase involvement of parents, who are critical in transforming the education system. However, a clear line of demarcation continues to exist between the two prime educators of young children. Schools have yet to fully embrace the concept of active parental involvement, particularly in academic matters and have yet to design formalised programmes that provide avenues for active parental involvement. The six month Smart Partnership in Reading in English (SPIRE) formalised programme, which created a platform for non-native parents to play a more active role in developing early literacy skills in young children, particularly, reading skills in English language, was explored as an option. 25 non-native five year old children, 25 parents and the class teacher were involved in the programme. A rich ESL literacy environment was created both at school and homes by making a wide range of English storybooks and multimedia materials available for the children to be taken home. The parent-teacher partnership scaffold the children’s reading development. The teacher reads storybooks in school and the parents at home. Qualitative data gathered via interviews, home visits, meetings and informal conference provided evidence for parents’ positive attitudes towards reading English storybooks and towards being involved in their child’s reading development, a positive link between levels of parental involvement and reading development, and the plausibility of involving non-native parents through a formalised reading programme. The SPIRE programme explored in the Malaysian context can also be adopted in non English speaking countries for similar purposes.
Survey on Phytophthora Species in Aliabad and Gharetapeh Villages from Varamin City of Iran by GIS Software
Authors: Shahi-Bajestani Majid , Dolatabadi Kheyzaran
Published: November 2016

During the sampling of sub-crop areas in Aliabad and Gharetapehh of Varamin, 181 soil samples collected from the location set by GPS. After baiting and cultured samples on specific medium of the genus Phytophthora, species identified by valid keys and recorded the pollution of the genus Phytophthora in all samples conducted by GIS software. The results confirmed the existence of two species Phytophthora drechsleri and Phytophthora capsici. After searching about infection rate of each samples to the phytophthora by kriging algorithm with GIS software and correlation comparison of kriging map for amount of disease ,the percentage of sand in the soil and ups and downs on earth results showed that the slope of the land, pond areas, and that places with less electrical conductivity were contaminated.
Chemical Composition of Saline Sources as Suppliers of Minerals for Ruminants
Authors: Manera Daniel Bomfim , Voltolini Tadeu Vinhas , Menezes Daniel Ribeiro , Araújo Gherman Garcia Leal de
Published: November 2016

This study aimed to evaluate the mineral composition of solid residues (SR) from desalination waste (DWSR), saline water (SWSR) and aquaculture ponds (APSR), and to discuss the results based on ruminant requirements. Mineral determined were K, P, Ca, Mg, S, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Na, Cl, Ni, Pb, Cd and Cr, from 24 samples, 4 DWSR, 10 SWSR and 10 APSR, with three replicates. Desalination waste solid residue, SWSR and APSR had large variation of minerals. Saline water solid residue and DWSR presented potential to be used as source of Na and Cl, while the APSR can contribute Ca. All examined saline sources were poor in P, Ca and trace minerals except the APSR, showing a considerable concentration of Ca. Some samples of SWSR and APSR presented mineral concentrations that may be potentially toxic to ruminants.