bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant activity and polyphenol profile of Vranac red wines from Balkan region
Authors: Mitic Milan , Kostic Danijela , Pavlovic Aleksandra , Micic Ruzica , Stojanovic Branka , Paunovic Dusan , Dimitrijevic Danica
Published: June 2015

The objective of the present study was to investigate the correlation between
the radical-scavenging properties (measured by evaluating the quenching of
the stable 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil radical) of Serbian, Macedonian and
Montenegran red wine Vranac of different geographical origins, and their
contents of total phenolics, total flavonoids and polyphenol profile. All
tested Vranac wines samples showed a high antioxidant activity ranging from
13.00 to 15.02 mmol/L, while the total polyphenolic content was between
3478.70 and 3935.19 mg/L. The predominant anthocyanin was
malvidin-3-glucoside (179.04-281.31 mg/L), predominant flavonol was
quercetin-3-glucoronide (5.88-11.78 mg/L), predominant flavan-3-ol was
catechin (24.43 - 76.78 mg/L) and predominant hydroxicinnamic acid was
t-caftaric acid (13.46-38.56 mg/L). Generally, red wines Vranac produced from
Balkan regions are a rich source of phenolics, which the evident antioxidant
capacity showed.
The Association between Audit Partner Rotation and Audit Fees: Empirical Evidence from the Australian Market
Authors: Stewart Jenny , Kent Pamela , Routledge James
Published: June 2015

We examine the relation between audit partner rotation and audit fees for a sample of Australian firms from 2007 to 2010. We find a significant positive association between audit fees and partner rotation in the year of rotation. The association persists in the first year post rotation and to a lesser extent in the second year post rotation. Our analysis suggests that higher audit fees are associated with both mandatory and voluntary partner rotation. However, when we divide the sample into large global clients, mid-level clients, and small local clients, we find that mandatory and voluntary rotation are associated with higher audit fees for large global clients, while only voluntary rotation is associated with higher audit fees for small local clients. We do not find an association between partner rotation and audit fees for mid-level clients. Our study suggests that the extent to which firms are able to pass on the costs of partner rotation varies across different segments of the audit market.
Physical Therapist Practice in the Intensive Care Unit: Results of a National Survey
Authors: Malone Daniel , Ridgeway Kyle , Nordon-Craft Amy , Moss Parker , Schenkman Margaret , Moss Marc
Published: June 2015

Background

Early rehabilitation improves outcomes, and increased use of physical therapist services in the intensive care unit (ICU) has been recommended. Little is known about the implementation of early rehabilitation programs or physical therapists' preparation and perceptions of care in the United States.

Objective

A national survey was conducted to determine the current status of physical therapist practice in the ICU.

Design

This study used a cross-sectional, observational design.

Methods

Self-report surveys were mailed to members of the Acute Care Section of the American Physical Therapy Association. Questions addressed staffing, training, barriers, and protocols, and case scenarios were used to determine perceptions about providing rehabilitation.

Results

The response rate was 29% (667/2,320). Staffing, defined as the number of physical therapists per 100 ICU beds, was highest in community hospitals (academic: median=5.4 [range=3.6–9.2]; community: median=6.7 [range=4.4–10.0]) and in the western United States (median=7.5 [range=4.2–12.9]). Twelve percent of physical therapists reported no training. Barriers to providing ICU rehabilitation included insufficient staffing and training, departmental prioritization policies, and inadequate consultation criteria. Responses to case scenarios demonstrated differences in the likelihood of consultation and physical therapists' prescribed frequency and intensity of care based on medical interventions rather than characteristics of patients. Physical therapists in academic hospitals were more likely to be involved in the care of patients in each scenario and were more likely to perform higher-intensity mobilization.

Limitations

Members of the Acute Care Section of the American Physical Therapy Association may not represent most practicing physical therapists, and the 29% return rate may have contributed to response bias.

Conclusions

Although staffing was higher in community hospitals, therapists in academic and community hospitals cited insufficient staffing as the most common barrier to providing rehabilitation in the ICU. Implementing strategies to overcome barriers identified in this study may improve the delivery of ICU rehabilitation services.
Operative complications and differences in outcome after clipping and coiling of ruptured intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Ayling Oliver G. S. , Ibrahim George M. , Drake Brian , Torner James C. , Macdonald R. Loch
Published: June 2015

OBJECT

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, with better outcomes reported following endovascular coiling compared with neurosurgical clipping of the aneurysm. The authors evaluated the contribution of perioperative complications and neurological decline to patient outcomes after both aneurysm-securing procedures.

METHODS

A post hoc analysis of perioperative complications from the Clazosentan to Overcome Neurological iSChemia and Infarction Occurring after Subarachnoid hemorrhage (CONSCIOUS-1) study was performed. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores for patients who underwent neurosurgical clipping and endovascular coiling were analyzed preoperatively and each day following the procedure. Complications associated with a decline in postoperative GCS scores were identified for both cohorts. Because patients were not randomized to the aneurysm-securing procedures, propensity-score matching was performed to balance selected covariates between the 2 cohorts. Using a multivariate logistic regression, the authors evaluated whether a perioperative decline in GCS scores was associated with long-term outcomes on the extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (eGOS).

RESULTS

Among all enrolled subjects, as well as the propensity-matched cohort, patients who underwent clipping had a significantly greater decline in their GCS scores postoperatively than patients who underwent coiling (p = 0.0024). Multivariate analysis revealed that intraoperative hypertension (p = 0.011) and intraoperative induction of hypotension (p = 0.0044) were associated with a decline in GCS scores for patients undergoing clipping. Perioperative thromboembolism was associated with postoperative GCS decline for patients undergoing coiling (p = 0.03). On multivariate logistic regression, postoperative neurological deterioration was strongly associated with a poor eGOS score at 3 months (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.78-0.95, p = 0.0032).

CONCLUSIONS

Neurosurgical clipping following aSAH is associated with a greater perioperative decline in GCS scores than endovascular coiling, which is in turn associated with poorer long-term outcomes. These findings provide novel insight into putative mechanisms of improved outcomes following coiling, highlighting the potential importance of perioperative factors when comparing outcomes between clipping and coiling and the need to mitigate the morbidity of surgical strategies following aSAH.
Pure neuritic leprosy presenting as ulnar nerve neuropathy: a case report of electrodiagnostic, radiographic, and histopathological findings
Authors: Payne Russell , Baccon Jennifer , Dossett John , Scollard David , Byler Debra , Patel Akshal , Harbaugh Kimberly
Published: June 2015

Hansen’s disease, or leprosy, is a chronic infectious disease with many manifestations. Though still a major health concern and leading cause of peripheral neuropathy in the developing world, it is rare in the United States, with only about 150 cases reported each year. Nevertheless, it is imperative that neurosurgeons consider it in the differential diagnosis of neuropathy.

The causative organism is Mycobacterium leprae, which infects and damages Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system, leading first to sensory and then to motor deficits. A rare presentation of Hansen’s disease is pure neuritic leprosy. It is characterized by nerve involvement without the characteristic cutaneous stigmata. The authors of this report describe a case of pure neuritic leprosy presenting as ulnar nerve neuropathy with corresponding radiographic, electrodiagnostic, and histopathological data.

This 11-year-old, otherwise healthy male presented with progressive right-hand weakness and numbness with no cutaneous abnormalities. Physical examination and electrodiagnostic testing revealed findings consistent with a severe ulnar neuropathy at the elbow. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed diffuse thickening and enhancement of the ulnar nerve and narrowing at the cubital tunnel. The patient underwent ulnar nerve decompression with biopsy. Pathology revealed acid-fast organisms within the nerve, which was pathognomonic for Hansen’s disease. He was started on antibiotic therapy, and on follow-up he had improved strength and sensation in the ulnar nerve distribution.

Pure neuritic leprosy, though rare in the United States, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of those presenting with peripheral neuropathy and a history of travel to leprosy-endemic areas. The long incubation period of M. leprae, the ability of leprosy to mimic other conditions, and the low sensitivity of serological tests make clinical, electrodiagnostic, and radiographic evaluation necessary for diagnosis. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is imperative to prevent permanent neurological injury.
Baclofen pump catheter leakage after migration of the abdominal catheter in a pediatric patient with spasticity
Authors: Dastgir Amer , Ranalli Nathan J. , MacGregor Theresa L. , Aldana Philipp R.
Published: June 2015

The authors report an unusual case of intrathecal baclofen withdrawal due to the perforation and subsequent leakage of a baclofen pump catheter in a patient with spastic cerebral palsy. A 15-year-old boy underwent an uncomplicated placement of an intrathecal baclofen pump for the treatment of spasticity due to cerebral palsy. After excellent control of symptoms for 3 years, the patient presented to the emergency department with increasing tremors following a refill of his baclofen pump. Initial evaluation consisted of radiographs of the pump and catheter, which appeared normal, and a successful aspiration of CSF from the pump’s side port. A CT dye study revealed a portion of the catheter directly overlying the refill port and extravasation of radiopaque dye into the subfascial pocket anterior to the pump. During subsequent revision surgery, a small puncture hole in the catheter was seen to be leaking the drug. The likely cause of the puncture was an inadvertent perforation of the catheter by a needle during the refilling of the pump. This case report highlights a unique complication in a patient with an intrathecal baclofen pump. Physicians caring for these patients should be aware of this rare yet potential complication in patients presenting with baclofen withdrawal symptoms.
Adaptive Filtering Queueing for Improving Fairness
Authors: Yang Jui-Pin
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we propose a scalable and efficient Active Queue Management (AQM) scheme to provide fair bandwidth sharing when traffic is congested dubbed Adaptive Filtering Queueing (AFQ). First, AFQ identifies the filtering level of an arriving packet by comparing it with a flow label selected at random from the first level to an estimated level in the filtering level table. Based on the accepted traffic estimation and the previous fair filtering level, AFQ updates the fair filtering level. Next, AFQ uses a simple packet-dropping algorithm to determine whether arriving packets are accepted or discarded. To enhance AFQ’s feasibility in high-speed networks, we propose a two-layer mapping mechanism to effectively simplify the packet comparison operations. Simulation results demonstrate that AFQ achieves optimal fairness when compared with Rotating Preference Queues (RPQ), Core-Stateless Fair Queueing (CSFQ), CHOose and Keep for responsive flows, CHOose and Kill for unresponsive flows (CHOKe) and First-In First-Out (FIFO) schemes under a variety of traffic conditions.
Climate Change Mitigation through Energy Benchmarking in the GCC Green Buildings Codes
Authors: Alhorr Yousef , Elsarrag Esam
Published: June 2015

It is well known that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) of countries resides at or close to the top of the global table of CO2 emissions per capita and its economy relies heavily on its fossil fuels. This provides a context for green building programs that initially aim to create an understanding of emission pathways within the GCC and hence develop approaches to their reduction in the built environment. A set of criteria will allow specific analysis to be undertaken linked to the spatial dimensions of the sector under study. In this paper, approaches to modelling energy consumption and CO2 emissions are presented. As investment in the built environment continues, natural resources dwindle and the cost of energy increases, delivering low-energy buildings will become mandatory. In this study, a hybrid modelling approach (bottom-top & top-bottom) is presented. Energy benchmarks are developed for different buildings’ uses and compared with international standards. The main goals are to establish design benchmarks and develop a modelling tool that contains specific information for all buildings types (existing and new), as well as planned and projected growths within the various city districts, then integrate this database within a geospatial information system that will allow us to answer a range of “what-if”-type questions about various intervention strategies, emissions savings, and acceptability of pre-defined course of actions in the city sector under consideration. The spatial carbon intensity may be adjusted over a certain period, (e.g., through local generation (microgeneration)) or due to an increasing proportion of lower carbon-energy in the generation mix and this can be related to the sector and city overall consumption.
White Shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei That Have Received Gracilaria tenuistipitata Extract Show Early Recovery of Immune Parameters after Ammonia Stressing
Authors: Chen Yu-Yuan , Chen Jiann-Chu , Lin Yong-Chin , Yeh Su-Tuen , Huang Chien-Lun
Published: June 2015

White shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei immersed in seawater (35‰) containing Gracilaria tenuistipitata extract (GTE) at 0 (control), 400, and 600 mg/L for 3 h were exposed to 5 mg/L ammonia-N (ammonia as nitrogen), and immune parameters including hyaline cells (HCs), granular cells (GCs, including semi-granular cells), total hemocyte count (THC), phenoloxidase (PO) activity, respiratory bursts (RBs), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, lysozyme activity, and hemolymph protein level were examined 24~120 h post-stress. The immune parameters of shrimp immersed in 600 mg/L GTE returned to original values earlier, at 96~120 h post-stress, whereas in control shrimp they did not. In another experiment, shrimp were immersed in seawater containing GTE at 0 and 600 mg/L for 3 h and examined for transcript levels of immune-related genes at 24 h post-stress. Transcript levels of lipopolysaccharide and β-1,3-glucan binding protein (LGBP), peroxinectin (PX), cytMnSOD, mtMnSOD, and HSP70 were up-regulated at 24 h post-stress in GTE receiving shrimp. We concluded that white shrimp immersed in seawater containing GTE exhibited a capability for maintaining homeostasis by regulating cellular and humoral immunity against ammonia stress as evidenced by up-regulated gene expression and earlier recovery of immune parameters.
Structure and Mössbauer Analysis of Melt-Spun Fe-Pd Ribbons Containing Ni and Co
Authors: Rekik Hanen , Chemingui Mahmoud , Bachaga Tarek , Cherif Amal , Bruna Pere , Sunol Joan , Khitouni Mohamed
Published: June 2015

Fe68.45Pd28.21Co1.66Ni1.66 alloy in ribbon geometry was produced by melt spinning. The microstructure of the samples was examined using scanning electron microscopy. The structural identification of the as-spun ribbon sample and the annealed ones was performed by means of X-ray diffraction. All the Bragg peaks were indexed based on an fcc type structure of (γ-Fe, Pd) phase with a lattice parameter a = 3.742 (3) Å. This result was proved by Mössbauer technique. The annealed ribbon at 600 °C shows an L10 ordered fct structure. An endothermic reaction at T = 358 °C followed by an exothermic one at 390 °C were observed on heating. These reactions were attributed to the Curie temperature of nickel and to the annihilation of an excess of quenched-in vacancies, respectively.
mDurance: A Novel Mobile Health System to Support Trunk Endurance Assessment
Authors: Banos Oresti , Moral-Munoz Jose , Diaz-Reyes Ignacio , Arroyo-Morales Manuel , Damas Miguel , Herrera-Viedma Enrique , Hong Choong , Lee Sungyong , Pomares Hector , Rojas Ignacio , Villalonga Claudia
Published: June 2015

Low back pain is the most prevalent musculoskeletal condition. This disorder constitutes one of the most common causes of disability worldwide, and as a result, it has a severe socioeconomic impact. Endurance tests are normally considered in low back pain rehabilitation practice to assess the muscle status. However, traditional procedures to evaluate these tests suffer from practical limitations, which potentially lead to inaccurate diagnoses. The use of digital technologies is considered here to facilitate the task of the expert and to increase the reliability and interpretability of the endurance tests. This work presents mDurance, a novel mobile health system aimed at supporting specialists in the functional assessment of trunk endurance by using wearable and mobile devices. The system employs a wearable inertial sensor to track the patient trunk posture, while portable electromyography sensors are used to seamlessly measure the electrical activity produced by the trunk muscles. The information registered by the sensors is processed and managed by a mobile application that facilitates the expert’s normal routine, while reducing the impact of human errors and expediting the analysis of the test results. In order to show the potential of the mDurance system, a case study has been conducted. The results of this study prove the reliability of mDurance and further demonstrate that practitioners are certainly interested in the regular use of a system of this nature.
CPM Signals for Satellite Navigation in the S and C Bands
Authors: Xue Rui , Sun Yanbo , Zhao Danfeng
Published: June 2015

Frequency allocations in the L band suitable for global navigation satellite system (GNSS) services are getting crowded and system providers face an ever tougher job when they try to bring in new signals and services while maintaining radio frequency compatibility. With the successive opening of the S and C bands to GNSS service, the multi-band combined navigation is predicted to become a key technology for future high-precision positioning navigation systems, and a single modulation scheme satisfying the requirements in each band is a promising solution for reducing user terminal complexity. A universal modulation scheme based on the continuous phase modulation (CPM) family suitable for the above bands’ demands is proposed. Moreover, this paper has put forward two specific CPM signals for the S and C bands, respectively. Then the proposed modulation schemes, together with existing candidates, are comprehensively evaluated. Simulation results show that the proposed CPM signals can not only satisfy the constraint condition of compatibility in different bands well and reduce user terminal complexity, but also provide superior performance in terms of tracking accuracy, multi-path mitigation and anti-jamming compared to other candidate modulation schemes.
Highly Sensitive Multi-Channel IDC Sensor Array for Low Concentration Taste Detection
Authors: Khan Md. Rajibur , Kang Shin-Won
Published: June 2015

In this study, we designed and developed an interdigitated capacitor (IDC)-based taste sensor array to detect different taste substances. The designed taste sensing array has four IDC sensing elements. The four IDC taste sensing elements of the array are fabricated by incorporating four different types of lipids into the polymer, dioctyl phenylphosphonate (DOPP) and tetrahydrofuran (THF) to make the respective dielectric materials that are individually placed onto an interdigitated electrode (IDE) via spin coating. When the dielectric material of an IDC sensing element comes into contact with a taste substance, its dielectric properties change with the capacitance of the IDC sensing element; this, in turn, changes the voltage across the IDC, as well as the output voltage of each channel of the system. In order to assess the effectiveness of the sensing system, four taste substances, namely sourness (HCl), saltiness (NaCl), sweetness (glucose) and bitterness (quinine-HCl), were tested. The IDC taste sensor array had rapid response and recovery times of about 12.9 s and 13.39 s, respectively, with highly stable response properties. The response property of the proposed IDC taste sensor array was linear, and its correlation coefficient R2 was about 0.9958 over the dynamic range of the taste sensor array as the taste substance concentration was varied from 1 μM to 1 M. The proposed IDC taste sensor array has several other advantages, such as real-time monitoring capabilities, high sensitivity 45.78 mV/decade, good reproducibility with a standard deviation of about 0.029 and compactness, and the circuitry is based on readily available and inexpensive electronic components. The proposed IDC taste sensor array was compared with the potentiometric taste sensor with respect to sensitivity, dynamic range width, linearity and response time. We found that the proposed IDC sensor array has better performance. Finally, principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to discriminate different types of taste of the mixed taste substances.
Evaluating the CO2 Emission of the Milk Supply Chain in Italy: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Torquati Biancamaria , Taglioni Chiara , Cavicchi Alessio
Published: June 2015

During the last few years, Italian dairy farms, which gather, process and sell milk at the national level, have strengthened their leading market position at the detriment of dairy cooperatives, operating within regional borders. Moreover, decreasing milk prices and increasing production costs have recently induced many farmers to open automatic vending machines, dispensing raw milk for direct sale to local consumers. In order to contribute to the environmental assessment of alternative systems, this study estimated CO2 emissions related to the transport from production farms to point of sale, for three brands of fresh milk currently sold in the Umbria region (Italy), starting from the food miles indicator as a simple concept, easily understood by consumers. These brands differ in the origin of milk (national, regional and local) and distribution channels (large-scale retail channels for national and regional brands and vending machines for the local one). Thus, we estimated the emissions generated by the transport of the fresh milk consumed by regional households. In agreement with previous studies about CO2 emissions of foreign milk supply chains, the analysis showed that the production system of regional-branded milk, sold by retail channels, is the most efficient in terms of the environmental impact of transport.
A MCDM Analysis of the Roşia Montană Gold Mining Project
Authors: Mihai Adriana , Marincea Adina , Ekenberg Love
Published: June 2015

The need and estimated utility for a structured analysis of the Roşia Montană gold exploitation project have been palpable in the Romanian public sphere during the last 15 years and there is a vast amount of conflicting information and opinions on the benefits and risks involved. This article provides a comprehensive decision analysis of the Roşia Montană project. Over 100 documents from the past years have been gathered regarding the Roşia Montană mining project, which cover the main official, formal and less formal documents covering the case and produced by a wide range of stakeholders. These were then analyzed while designing a multi-criteria tree including the relevant perspectives under which the most commonly discussed four alternatives were analyzed. The result of this can be translated into a valuable recommendation for the mining company and for the political decision-makers. If these stakeholders want the continuation of the project and its acceptance by civil society, the key challenge is to increase the transparency of the process and improve the credibility and legal aspects; if these aspects cannot be met, the decision-makers need to pay attention to the alternatives available for a sustainable development in the area.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN)
Authors: Canta Annalisa , Pozzi Eleonora , Carozzi Valentina
Published: June 2015

The mitochondrial dysfunction has a critical role in several disorders including chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathies (CIPN). This is due to a related dysregulation of pathways involving calcium signalling, reactive oxygen species and apoptosis. Vincristine is able to affect calcium movement through the Dorsal Root Ganglia (DRG) neuronal mitochondrial membrane, altering its homeostasis and leading to abnormal neuronal excitability. Paclitaxel induces the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore in axons followed by mitochondrial membrane potential loss, increased reactive oxygen species generation, ATP level reduction, calcium release and mitochondrial swelling. Cisplatin and oxaliplatin form adducts with mitochondrial DNA producing inhibition of replication, disruption of transcription and morphological abnormalities within mitochondria in DRG neurons, leading to a gradual energy failure. Bortezomib is able to modify mitochondrial calcium homeostasis and mitochondrial respiratory chain. Moreover, the expression of a certain number of genes, including those controlling mitochondrial functions, was altered in patients with bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy.
Paysages et aménagement dans le cadre de l'Espace Mont- Blanc. Réflexion pour une démarche locale : le cas de la commune des Houches (Landscapes and local planning in l'Espace Mont-Blanc, the case of Les Houches)
Authors: Giazzi Franck
Published: June 2015

Abstract. - The ''Mont-Blanc area" brings together crossborder territories that belong to France, Switzeland and Italy. Thus the Mont-Blanc massif is the center of a thought process about the conservation of an exceptionally interesting area. The studies done by the working group "sensitive environments and landscapes " have set up a methodology that links at a regional scale the natural environment, landscapes and human activities. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the possibility of transferring this way of work to the local scale. The example used is the commune Les Houches.
Histoire récente du glacier du Trient (Suisse) (Recent story of the Trient glacier)
Authors: Ehinger Jacques
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - Durant le XXe siècle, la dynamique du glacier du Trient peut être décomposée en trois phases principales, caractérisées chacune par une progression suivie d'un retrait. Les variations des températures semblent expliquer une grande partie de ces mouvements. D'autres paramètres, comme les précipitations et la topographie, doivent être pris en compte si l'on souhaite affiner l'interprétation des fluctuations de la langue glaciaire. Une augmentation des températures moyennes en été et en automne semble accélérer la fonte jusqu'en 2000. La fonte, amorcée en 1987, se poursuit actuellement, mais paraît ralentir en raison d'un changement de topographie.
La désagrégation des roches et les chutes de pierres en milieu de montagne polaire (Longyearbyen, Spitsberg) (Rock weathering and rock falls in polar mountain environment)
Authors: Prick Angélique
Published: June 2015

Abstract. - The slopes around Longyearbyen are undergoing mass movements that can lead to natural disasters. A sandstone and shale rockwall is monitored in order to better understand the relationship between rock temperature, rock moisture content, weathering and rock fall occurrence in high latitude environments. Temperature and moisture conditions prone to cause frost damage are met only rarely. No evidence of a frequent occurrence of thermal shocks was found. Cryogenic weathering is thought to act on this rockwall by wedging. Rock fall activity is evaluated using sediment traps and monitoring the decay of painted squares. The largest rock fall events happened when conditions were favourable for cryogenic weathering.
Les Grecs anciens et la montagne : les populations et les cités face à un milieu (Greeks and mountain : people and cities in front of an environment)
Authors: Debidour Michel
Published: June 2015

Abstract. - The author deals with the place of mountain among Ancient Greeks : mythology (house of gods, place of many stories) and cults (Delphi). Greece is mountainous, mais mountain seemed to be wild, even repulsive. Scarcely worked, but for hunting and herds, mountain was mainly used for thoroughfare and boundary between different cities (poleis).
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers for an endemic tree in East Asia, Quercus variabilis (Fagaceae)
Authors: Wang Xian , Li Jing , Li Yong
Published: June 2015

Premise of the study:

Microsatellite markers of Quercus variabilis (Fagaceae) were isolated for population genetic and landscape genetic studies.

Methods and Results:

Roche 454 pyrosequencing combined with the magnetic bead enrichment protocol were used to isolate microsatellite markers for Q. variabilis. A total of 2121 microsatellites were identified from 63,851 individual sequence reads. One hundred microsatellite loci were selected to test primer amplification efficiency among 24 individuals from two wild populations. Among the 100 tested markers, 34 primer pairs were successfully amplified. Of these, 14 yielded polymorphic amplification products, whereas the remaining 20 loci were monomorphic. The number of alleles for polymorphic loci ranged from two to six, and the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.042 to 0.750.

Conclusions:

These microsatellite loci will provide useful tools for further population genetic and landscape genetic studies on Q. variabilis.
If They Were Real: Lessons Learned from Literary Characters With Dementia
Authors: Kazer Meredith Wallace , Osborn Karen
Published: June 2015

Dementia and its side effects often leave individuals unable to tell their stories or experiences. Consequently, nurses must rely strictly on clinical observations as a basis for understanding dementia—an understanding that is necessary to provide the best possible care. Relying on clinical observations leads to challenges in fully understanding the experience of living with dementia. Fictional literature gives authors license to write about individuals with dementia rather than the clinical aspects of the disease, which provides insight into the patient and family experience and illustrates their needs. The current article explores dementia through an analysis of eight literary works and insights that may help expand the quality of geriatric nursing care. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing
,
41
(9), 42–47.]
Comparison of Measurements and Clinical Outcomes After Wavefront-Guided LASEK Between iDesign and WaveScan
Authors: Jung Ji Won , Chung Byung Hoon , Han Sun Hyup , Kim Eung Kweon , Seo Kyoung Yul , Kim Tae-im
Published: June 2015

PURPOSE:

To compare the measurements of refractive errors and ocular aberrations obtained using iDesign and WaveScan (Abbott Medical Optics, Inc., Santa Ana, CA), and to compare surgical outcomes of wavefront-guided LASEK using ablation profiles based on both aberrometers.

METHODS:

Ninety myopic eyes of 45 normal patients were evaluated using both the iDesign and WaveScan to measure spherical and cylindrical errors, spherical equivalents, and Zernike coefficients of ocular aberrations. Wavefront-guided LASEK was performed in a different group of 59 eyes of 30 patients divided into two groups, the iDesign and Wavescan groups. The clinical outcomes between the two groups including uncorrected visual acuity, refractive errors, contrast sensitivity, and ocular aberration were compared at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS:

The iDesign produced significantly higher myopic values for refractive errors than the WaveScan, as well as significantly lower levels of total higher order, third, fourth, and fifth order root mean square values and Zernike coefficients of vertical coma and spherical aberration. At postoperative 1, 3, and 6 months, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of uncorrected visual acuity and remaining refractive errors. The percentages of patients with spherical equivalents within ±1.00 and ±0.50 diopters of emmetropia were 100% (29 eyes) and 75.9% (22 eyes), respectively, in the iDesign group and 96.7% (29 eyes) and 70.0% (21 eyes), respectively, in the WaveScan group. Mesopic contrast sensitivity values were significantly higher, and the change in root mean square values for spherical aberration was significantly lower in the iDesign group.

CONCLUSIONS:

There were significant differences between the iDesign and the WaveScan in the measurements of refraction and ocular aberrations. Wavefront-guided LASEK based on an ablation profile from the iDesign demonstrated comparable refractive predictability with the WaveScan group, resulting in minimal physician adjustment and superior postoperative visual quality.

[
J Refract Surg.
2015;31(6):398–405.]
Wavefront-Guided Laser Treatment Using a High-Resolution Aberrometer to Measure Irregular Corneas: A Pilot Study
Authors: Shaheen Mohamed Shafik , El-Kateb Mohamed , Hafez Tarek A. , Piñero David P. , Khalifa Mounir A.
Published: June 2015

PURPOSE:

To evaluate in a pilot study the visual, refractive, corneal topographic, and aberrometric changes after wavefront-guided LASIK or photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) using a high-resolution aberrometer to calculate the treatment for aberrated eyes.

METHODS:

Twenty aberrated eyes of 18 patients undergoing wavefront-guided LASIK or PRK using the VISX STARS4IR excimer laser and the iDesign aberrometer (Abbott Medical Optics, Inc., Santa Ana, CA) were enrolled in this prospective study. Three groups were differentiated: keratoconus post-CXL group including 11 keratoconic eyes (10 patients), post-LASIK group including 5 eyes (5 patients) with previous decentered LASIK treatments, and post-RK group including 4 eyes (3 patients) with previous radial keratotomy. Visual, refractive, contrast sensitivity, corneal topographic, and ocular aberrometric changes were evaluated during a 6-month follow-up.

RESULTS:

An improvement in uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected visual acuity (CDVA) associated with a reduction in the spherical equivalent was observed in the three groups, but was only statistically significant in the keratoconus post-CXL and post-LASIK groups (
P
≤ .04). All eyes gained one or more lines of CDVA after surgery. Improvements in contrast sensitivity were observed in the three groups, but they were only statistically significant in the keratoconus post-CXL and post-LASIK groups (
P
≤ .04). Regarding aberrations, a reduction was observed in trefoil aberrations in the keratoconus post-CXL group (
P
= .05) and significant reductions in higher-order and primary coma aberrations in the post-LASIK group (
P
= .04).

CONCLUSIONS:

Wavefront-guided laser enhancements using the evaluated platform seem to be safe and effective to restore the visual function in aberrated eyes.

[
J Refract Surg.
2015;31(6):411–418.]
Accelerated Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking in Thin Keratoconic Corneas
Authors: Ozgurhan Engin Bilge , Akcay Betul Ilkay Sezgin , Kurt Tugba , Yildirim Yusuf , Demirok Ahmet
Published: June 2015

PURPOSE:

To report the outcomes of accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking in patients with thin corneas (minimum corneal thickness < 400
µ
m).

METHODS:

Thirty-four eyes of 34 patients with a minimum corneal thickness less than 400
µ
m were included. All patients underwent accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking (irradiance power of 30 mW/cm
2
at 3 minutes with a total surface dose of 5.4 J/cm
2
). Uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refraction (diopters [D]), and topography were evaluated at baseline and at the 1-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up visit. Endothelial cell density (cells/mm
2
) was calculated preoperatively and postoperatively at 12 months. The corneal stromal demarcation line was measured using anterior segment optical coherence tomography at 1 month postoperatively.

RESULTS:

The mean age of all patients (14 women and 20 men) was 23.08 ± 3.90 years (range: 16 to 29 years). UDVA and CDVA increased but not significantly. UDVA improved from 0.67 ± 0.32 (20/93 ± 20/41 Snellen) to 0.56 ± 0.28 logMAR (20/72 ± 20/38 Snellen) (
P
= .033) and CDVA improved from 0.49 ± 0.19 (20/61 ± 20/30 Snellen) to 0.42 ± 0.19 logMAR (20/52 ± 20/30 Snellen) (
P
= .009) at the last follow-up visit. The mean spherical and cylindrical refractions did not significantly change (
P
= .100 and 0.139, respectively). At the last follow-up visit, the flat keratometry decreased from 47.40 ± 2.52 to 46.95 ± 2.48 D, steep keratometry decreased from 51.04 ± 3.71 to 50.62 ± 3.57 D, and apex keratometry decreased from 57.58 ± 4.49 to 56.26 ± 4.47 D (
P
= .001, = .0019, = .001, respectively) from baseline. The mean endothelial cell density changed from 2,726.02 ± 230.21 to 2,714.58 ± 218.26 cells/mm
2
at 12 months postoperatively (
P
=.086).

CONCLUSION:

The results of this study revealed that accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking stabilized the progression of keratoconus without a significant endothelial cell density loss during the 12 months of follow-up.

[
J Refract Surg.
2015;31(6):386–390.]
Metodología para el estudio de las trazas y las relaciones intrínsecas en la Iglesia de la Asunción de Llíria
Authors: Torner M.ª E. , Más Á. , Lerma C. , Gil E.
Published: June 2015

La iglesia de la Asunción de Llíria, Valencia (España), es uno de los edificios más importantes y a su vez mas desconocidos del barroco valenciano. Se propone a través de este templo una metodología de análisis extrapolable a otros estudios de edificios históricos, en los que como en este caso, no tengamos documentación basada en el estudio pormenorizado de las trazas del templo y la posterior construcción. Se ha obtenido como resultado la elaboración de una hipótesis inédita de cómo podría haber sido el proceso secuencial de las trazas previas tanto de la planta como de la sección apoyándonos para la obtención del resultado en los distintos tratados arquitectónicos y el estudio de los planos del templo. Con la obtención de las trazas se ha realizado un análisis a nivel métrico, a nivel geométrico y la relación entre ambos con la finalidad de obtener las propiedades intrínsecas del edificio.
A Bayesian Network Based on the Differentiated Pedagogy to Generate Learning Object According to FSLSM
Authors: Zaoui Seghroucheni Yassine , AL Achhab M. , El mohajir B. E.
Published: June 2015

In this paper we propose a model that generates learning objects in an adaptive learning system according to the Felder-Silverman learning styles, based on the Bayesian networks and taking into consideration the recommendations of the differentiated pedagogy which requires creating multiple versions of the same learning object. The proposed model includes also correcting the non-learning paths which is the main reason behind the choice of versioning the learning objects.
Implementation of an Adaptive Learning System that Include Correction of Learning Path Based on the Differentiated Pedagogy and the Bayesian Network
Authors: Zaoui Seghroucheni Yassine , AL Achhab M. , El mohajir B. E.
Published: June 2015

The aim of this paper is to use the Unified Modeling Language in order to design and implement an adaptive learning system that assigns learning objects according to the Fielder and Silverman learning styles (FSLSM), using the Bayesian networks. This system include also correcting the resultant learning path in the case of a failure in an evaluation, by calculating the similarities in behaviors between the struggling learner and the other succeeding learners, and then correct the corresponding learning path, either by recommending other versions of the same Learning object, which are designed previously according to the recommendations of the differentiated pedagogy, or by going back to his initial profile and correct the outcome of FSLSM according to what is observed as an adopted behavior within the system.
Application-Level Monitoring and SLA Violation Detection for Multi-Tenant Cloud Services
Authors: Emeakaroha Vincent C. , Netto Marco A. S. , Brandic Ivona , De Rose César A. F.
Published: June 2015

Keeping the quality of service defined by Service Level Agreements (SLAs) is a key factor to facilitate business operations of Cloud providers. SLA enforcement relies on resource and application monitoring—a topic that has been investigated by various Cloud-related projects. Application-level monitoring still represents an open research issue, especially for billing and accounting purposes. Such a monitoring is becoming fundamental, as Cloud services are multi-tenant, thus having users sharing the same resources. This chapter describes key challenges on application provisioning and SLA enforcement in Clouds, introduces a Cloud Application and SLA monitoring architecture, and proposes two methods for determining the frequency that applications needs to be monitored. The authors evaluate their architecture on a real Cloud testbed using applications that exhibit heterogeneous behaviors. The achieved results show that the architecture is low intrusive, able to monitor resources and applications, detect SLA violations, and automatically suggest effective measurement intervals for various workloads.
On Controlling Elasticity of Cloud Applications in CELAR
Authors: Copil Georgiana , Moldovan Daniel , Le Hung Duc , Truong Hong-Linh , Dustdar Schahram , Sofokleous Chrystalla , Loulloudes Nicholas , Trihinas Demetris , Pallis George , Dikaiakos Marios D. , Giannakopoulos Ioannis , Papailiou Nikolaos , Konstantinou Ioannis , Sheridan Craig , Loverdos Christos K. K. , Floros Evangelos , Star Kam , Xing Wei
Published: June 2015

Today's complex cloud applications are composed of multiple components executed in multi-cloud environments. For such applications, the possibility to manage and control their cost, quality, and resource elasticity is of paramount importance. However, given that the cost of different services offered by cloud providers can vary a lot with their quality/performance, elasticity controllers must consider not only complex, multi-dimensional preferences and provisioning capabilities from stakeholders but also various runtime information regarding cloud applications and their execution environments. In this chapter, the authors present the elasticity control approach of the EU CELAR Project, which deals with multi-dimensional elasticity requirements and ensures multi-level elasticity control for fulfilling user requirements. They show the elasticity control mechanisms of the CELAR project, from application description to multi-level elasticity control. The authors highlight the usefulness of CELAR's mechanisms for users, who can use an intuitive, user-friendly interface to describe and then to follow their application elasticity behavior controlled by CELAR.
Mobile Internet Use in Japan: Text-Message Dependency and Social Relationships
Authors: Ishii Kenichi
Published: June 2015

Japanese mobile Internet-use is unique in that users are more dependent on mobile text messaging as compared to PC-based Internet and mobile voice communication. Previous studies show the following: (1) Age is the most important predictor for mobile text messaging. (2) Mobile text messaging is associated with strong ties in closed networks; on the other hand, some people enjoy anonymous communication with so-called “intimate strangers” in open networks. Mobile Internet use is significantly different from PC-based Internet use in terms of user motivation. (3) Cross-cultural comparison indicates that Japanese people tend to use mobile text messaging, while they are less willing to utilize mobile voice communication. (4) It has been hotly argued whether and how mobile phone use is associated with interpersonal relationships among young people. Some researchers claim that mobile phones facilitate “selective interpersonal relationship” among young people, while others investigate how mobile text messaging is related to social network characteristics.
Using Mobile Phones for Educational Assessment
Authors: Sahin Fusun
Published: June 2015

Mobile assessment (m-assessment) is a natural extension of incorporating technology into educational assessment. M-assessment is an emerging field, with foundational studies first published in 2005, but has drawn interest from scholars from all around the world, who have since examined the delivery and effects of m-assessment. Current research encompasses the use of m-assessment in various contexts, including mobile environments, classrooms, work-based settings, informal learning settings, and distance education settings. Current studies also report the effects of m-assessment on student achievement and attitude, as well as highlighting advantages and concerns regarding the administration of m-assessment. The article concludes with a statement of future research imperatives in four areas: extending the purpose of m-assessment, extending the context in which m-assessment can be used, improving delivery of m-assessment, and advancing research to evaluate effects of m-assessment.
Human Resource Recruiting and Selection Using Cellphone Apps
Authors: Ross William , Newman Evan , Chen Jeng-Chung V.
Published: June 2015

The development of Internet-enabled mobile phone applications (apps) affords new opportunities for organizations as they seek to add talent to their workforces. Employers are increasingly reliant on third-party job placement websites (e.g., Monster.com), virtual job fairs, Social Networking Websites, and even massively multiplayer online games such as Second Life to recruit job candidates. Organizations are also utilizing their own websites and apps to both attract and evaluate new applicants. Accompanying these trends is the use of Internet-based smartphone testing for evaluating job candidates, as well as the use of mobile videoconferencing to conduct interviews. This chapter describes such trends, and identifies key questions for future research.
Attachment to Mobile Phones across Social Contexts
Authors: Çelik Burçe , Erdoğmuş Fırat
Published: June 2015

This article presents a critical literature review of the major works on mobile phone culture, which examine the whys and wherefores of this technology's popularity in different socio-economic and cultural landscapes. Thus, it focuses particularly on how these multiplicities and varieties have been discussed, analyzed and researched in the existing mobile phone literature. There are different lines of research which can be categorized as following: the major works (mostly empirical studies whose findings are based on fieldwork) that demonstrate the mobile phone's use and instrumental value for people who are physically mobile and need instantaneous and spontaneous connections with others; the works that focus on the social promise of the mobile phone such as providing a means of social acceptance, through implying social status and particular lifestyles to polish one's face and gain recognition in social relations; and finally the studies that emphasize the sensing, affecting and affected, and fantasies of the body and the collective in contemplating the bond between body and mobile phone.