bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive Intelligence
Authors: Wang Yingxu , Widrow Bernard , Zadeh Lotfi A. , Howard Newton , Wood Sally , Bhavsar Virendrakumar C. , Budin Gerhard , Chan Christine , Fiorini Rodolfo A. , Gavrilova Marina L. , Shell Duane F.
Published: November 2016

The theme of IEEE ICCI*CC'16 on Cognitive Informatics (CI) and Cognitive Computing (CC) was on cognitive computers, big data cognition, and machine learning. CI and CC are a contemporary field not only for basic studies on the brain, computational intelligence theories, and denotational mathematics, but also for engineering applications in cognitive systems towards deep learning, deep thinking, and deep reasoning. This paper reports a set of position statements presented in the plenary panel (Part I) in IEEE ICCI*CC'16 at Stanford University. The summary is contributed by invited panelists who are part of the world's renowned scholars in the transdisciplinary field of CI and CC.
Tapping Diverse Experiences
Authors: Akbar Hammad , Khan Shah Faisal
Published: November 2016

Tapping diverse experiences is recognised as important for knowledge creation. The authors examine how learning and knowledge creation are affected if a distinction between the extent and nature of employees' involvement, and differences in levels within these, is made. They offer propositions suggesting that the extent and nature of employees involvement differ in their relative contribution to different facets of knowledge creation, including shared understanding, know-why, knowledge creating behaviours and new product creativity. Finally, the authors discuss theoretical implications, future research directions and limitations of this research.
Industry Innovation and Classroom Constraints
Authors: McCrigler Brittany , Rippens Martin
Published: November 2016

iFixit's Technical Writing Project provides an example of an innovative academia-industry partnership that introduces students to the field of UX. The project bridges the industry-academia divide by leveraging private-sector flexibility along with UX's transdisciplinary nature in the design of a modular, academically-recognizable service learning project that has been successfully incorporated as coursework across multiple university departments. While gaining hands-on experience in UX design, students are exposed to best practices in information architecture, SEO, usability testing, content strategy, and categorization. At project's end, student work is published on iFixit's wiki-style website, which is accessed by 85 million users annually. Developed and implemented within the constraints of the academic context, innovative programmatic features—such as offering modifiable project scopes and timelines, providing students and instructors with substantive feedback and support from professional staff, and dividing the project into clear milestones—ensure that the project maintains academic rigor while simultaneously meeting the needs of its industry partner.
An Empirical Investigation of the Perceived Benefits of Agile Methodologies Using an Innovation-Theoretical model
Authors: Bonner Nancy A. , Kulangara Nisha , Nerur Sridhar , Teng James. T. C.
Published: November 2016

There is little doubt that agile software development (ASD) methods have gained widespread acceptance in industry. Despite the attention these methods have received, there is little empirical affirmation of the benefits that accrue to those who use agile methodologies. Grounded in the conceptual foundations of innovation diffusion and agile philosophy of development, the authors' study validates a model to assess the perceived advantage of an iterative approach to software development. Consistent with their predictions, the results suggest that evolutionary development - the cornerstone of agile development – is perceived to be less complex and more compatible with the work habits of developers. Further, the findings support the hitherto unsubstantiated claim that iterative development yields benefits to software developers. However, process flexibility, yet another important characteristic of agile development, had no significant impact on complexity, compatibility, and relative advantage. The implications of the study for academics and practitioners, and directions for future research are discussed.
Impairment of CCR6+ and CXCR3+ Th Cell Migration in HIV-1 Infection Is Rescued by Modulating Actin Polymerization
Authors: Cecchinato Valentina , Bernasconi Enos , Speck Roberto F. , Proietti Michele , Sauermann Ulrike , D’Agostino Gianluca , Danelon Gabriela , Rezzonico Jost Tanja , Grassi Fabio , Raeli Lorenzo , Schöni-Affolter Franziska , Stahl-Hennig Christiane , Uguccioni Mariagrazia ,   the Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Published: November 2016

CD4+ T cell repopulation of the gut is rarely achieved in HIV-1–infected individuals who are receiving clinically effective antiretroviral therapy. Alterations in the integrity of the mucosal barrier have been indicated as a cause for chronic immune activation and disease progression. In this study, we present evidence that persistent immune activation causes impairment of lymphocytes to respond to chemotactic stimuli, thus preventing their trafficking from the blood stream to peripheral organs. CCR6+ and CXCR3+ Th cells accumulate in the blood of aviremic HIV-1–infected patients on long-term antiretroviral therapy, and their frequency in the circulation positively correlates to levels of soluble CD14 in plasma, a marker of chronic immune activation. Th cells show an impaired response to chemotactic stimuli both in humans and in the pathogenic model of SIV infection, and this defect is due to hyperactivation of cofilin and inefficient actin polymerization. Taking advantage of a murine model of chronic immune activation, we demonstrate that cytoskeleton remodeling, induced by okadaic acid, restores lymphocyte migration in response to chemokines, both in vitro and in vivo. This study calls for novel pharmacological approaches in those pathological conditions characterized by persistent immune activation and loss of trafficking of T cell subsets to niches that sustain their maturation and activities.
The Impact of Established Immunoregulatory Networks on Vaccine Efficacy and the Development of Immunity to Malaria
Authors: Montes de Oca Marcela , Good Michael F. , McCarthy James S. , Engwerda Christian R.
Published: December 2016

The development of vaccines to protect against parasites is difficult, in large part due to complex host-parasite interactions that have evolved over millennia. Parasitic factors such as antigenic variation and host factors such as age, transmission intensity, and genetic influences are all thought to contribute to the limited efficacy of parasite vaccines. A developing theme in field studies investigating antiparasitic immunity is the emergence, establishment, and maintenance of immunoregulatory networks that shape the immune responses to new infections, as well as vaccines, thereby influencing disease outcome. In this review, we will examine why parasite vaccine candidates perform poorly in target populations and, in particular, the role of immunoregulatory networks in influencing antimalarial immunity and vaccine efficacy. We will focus our discussion on malaria, the most important parasitic disease of humans, but also highlight the broader impact of immunoregulatory networks on vaccine efficacy.
An unusual Erdheim-Chester disease with orbital involvement: a case report
Authors: Brunori Giuseppe , Seidita Aurelio , Giannitrapani Lydia , Serruto Antonietta , Bencivinni Francesco , Soresi Maurizio
Published: November 2016

Erdheim-Chester disease is a rare non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis with multiorgan involvement and a specific tropism for perivascular and fatty connective tissue, of unclear origin, with poor response to therapy. Its identification is difficult because of the variable clinical presentation and its lack of knowledge. We report the case of a 63-years-old woman, with a history of bilateral orbital pseudotumor, who comes to our attention because of progressively worsening asthenia, vomiting and systemic inflammation. Total body computerized tomography scan showed a volumetric increase of choroid plexus of the temporal horn of the left lateral ventricle, presence of solid retrobulbar tissue at the level of both maxillary sinuses, lung fibrosis, and retroperitoneal and peri-aortic infiltration. The association of these signs addressed to a diagnosis of Erdheim- Chester disease. Thus, although extremely rare, the diagnosis of Erdheim-Chester disease must be considered in the case of bilateral retro-orbital tumors and multisystemic involvement.
Opportunities and constraints for community-based conservation: The case of the KwaZulu-Natal Sandstone Sourveld grassland, South Africa
Authors: Nkambule Sizwe S. , Buthelezi Happy Z. , Munien Suveshnee
Published: December 2016

Background: South Africa is characterised by high levels of biodiversity and species endemism alongside critical levels of socio-economic vulnerability, demonstrating potential for conservation practices that provide both environmental and social benefits. It is argued that communitybased conservation (CBC) practices can be strategically positioned to achieve environmental conservation objectives as well as promote local-level socio-economic development. The KwaZulu-Natal Sandstone Sourveld (KZNSS) vegetation type is classified as endemic (to KZN, South Africa), and is at present listed as endangered. Additionally, one of the KZNSS grassland patches occurs adjacent to the low-income peri-urban community of iNanda. The study examined local community uses and perceptions of the vegetation type. Objectives: To examine the uses, perceptions and attitudes displayed by the iNanda community towards the KZNSS grassland patch. Furthermore, it is hoped that the results of this study can be utilised to inform the potential use of CBC strategies within socio-economic contexts such as iNanda. Method: A mixed methodological approach was adopted, focusing on iNanda as the case study. One hundred households were purposively interviewed. Descriptive and chi-square statistical tests were carried out to examine main data trends. Results: Respondents displayed alarming levels of unemployment (61%) and 34% relied on state grants as a source of household income. Households used the grassland for subsistence (51%), grazing (14%), recreational (13%) and cultural purposes (12%). Respondents displayed limited awareness of conservation and the ecological importance of the grassland. However, respondents recognised the need to conserve the grassland based on their perception of changes to the adjacent patch. Conclusion: Potential grassland conservation plans should consider the current use displayed by respondents. Participatory approaches to conservation such as CBC initiatives could provide much-needed socio-economic and conservation benefits.
Ideology as a factor for the eschatological outlook hidden in a text: A study between Ezekiel 37 and 4Q386 fragment 1i
Authors: Coetzee Jana
Published: November 2016

The book Ezekiel continues to present various challenges to students studying the text as a result of redaction and revision that the book went through. One will find many different points of view when analysing the book as a whole. Ezekiel’s presence in exile supplies us with significant ideological information regarding the historical context of the author of the Masoretic text, whilst the Qumran community provides the same support for the authors of the Pseudo-Ezekiel manuscripts. The vision of the dry bones is portrayed in three different texts: the Masoretic text of Ezekiel 37:1–14, Pseudo-Ezekiel 4Q385 and Pseudo-Ezekiel 4Q386. When comparing the vision of the dry bones found in these separate texts, one must consider each author’s ideology in order to establish a better understanding of the eschatological message of each text. This study reveals the importance of an ideological analysis when interpreting an eschatological text.
Suffering bodies in 2 Maccabees 3
Authors: Jordaan Pierre J.
Published: November 2016

This article aims to analyse the role that bodies play in different narratives implied in 2 Maccabees 3. In order to do this, a possible dominant narrative was constructed in which the motif of suffering bodies is shown. In the same way, a challenging narrative wherein the alleviation of suffering bodies is portrayed is also revealed. Furthermore the dynamics behind these two narratives, e.g. when the Jewish deity was willing to relieve this suffering, is also investigated. It was found that the Jewish deity responds positively when his high priest and his nation are in unison apropos their worship, and are willing to counter foreign invaders of the temple and their ideologies. To come to this conclusion the narrative therapeutic approach, as used by Epston and White, was applied to 2 Maccabees 3. This approach to interpretation is quite unique.
An assessment of implementation of Community Oriented Primary Care in Kenyan family medicine postgraduate medical education programmes
Authors: Nelligan Ian J. , Shabani Jacob , Taché Stephanie , Mohamoud Gulnaz , Mahoney Megan
Published: December 2016

Background and objectives: Family medicine postgraduate programmes in Kenya are examining the benefits of Community-Oriented Primary Care (COPC) curriculum, as a method to train residents in population-based approaches to health care delivery. Whilst COPC is an established part of family medicine training in the United States, little is known about its application in Kenya. We sought to conduct a qualitative study to explore the development and implementation of COPC curriculum in the first two family medicine postgraduate programmes in Kenya. Method: Semi-structured interviews of COPC educators, practitioners, and academic stakeholders and focus groups of postgraduate students were conducted with COPC educators, practitioners and academic stakeholders in two family medicine postgraduate programmes in Kenya. Discussions were transcribed, inductively coded and thematically analysed. Results: Two focus groups with eight family medicine postgraduate students and interviews with five faculty members at two universities were conducted. Two broad themes emerged from the analysis: expected learning outcomes and important community-based enablers. Three learning outcomes were (1) making a community diagnosis, (2) understanding social determinants of health and (3) training in participatory research. Three community-based enablers for sustainability of COPC were (1) partnerships with community health workers, (2) community empowerment and engagement and (3) institutional financial support. Conclusions: Our findings illustrate the expected learning outcomes and important communitybased enablers associated with the successful implementation of COPC projects in Kenya and will help to inform future curriculum development in Kenya.
Disaggregated data to improve child health outcomes
Authors: Tshabalala Ann M.E.T. , Taylor Myra
Published: December 2016

Background: The District Health Information System was developed in South Africa to collect aggregated routine data from public health facilities. In Amajuba District, KwaZulu-Natal, ward-based data collection has been initiated to facilitate improved responsiveness to community health needs and improve health outcomes and patient satisfaction. Aim: To assess the application of the municipal ward-based health data in the decision-making process to improve child health outcomes.Setting: The study was conducted in 25 primary health care service sites in Amajuba. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed methods’ approach was used. The study population comprised operational managers, professional nurses, ward-based outreach team leaders and supervisors. Quantitative data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were collected using focus group discussions and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Of the 131 respondents, 83 (67.5%) provided targeted child interventions to a certain or a large extent to improve child health outcomes, but only 74 (57.4%) respondents reported using municipal ward-based health data to a certain or large extent in order to inform their decisions. This discrepancy indicates poor utilisation of local health information for decision making. Conclusion: The study showed that municipal ward-based health data are not fully utilised for making informed decisions to improve child health outcomes. It is imperative to inculcate a culture of evidence-informed decisions that leads to provision of targeted interventions in order to mitigate the challenge of scarcity of resources and to improve child health outcomes.
Globally Asymptotic Stability of a Delayed Integro-Differential Equation With Nonlocal Diffusion
Authors: Weng Peixuan , Liu Li
Published: December 2016

We study a population model with nonlocal diòusion, which is a delayed integro-diòerential equation with double nonlinearity and two integrable kernels. By comparison method and analytical technique, we obtain globally asymptotic stability of the zero solution and the positive equilibrium. The results obtained reveal that the globally asymptotic stability only depends on the property of nonlinearity. As an application, we discuss an example for a population model with age structure.
Disease Severity Prediction by Spirometry in Adults with Visceral Leishmaniasis from Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Maia Isabel A. , Bezerra Frank S. , Albuquerque André Luis Pereira de , Andrade Heitor F. , Nicodemo Antonio C. , Amato Valdir S.
Published: November 2016

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is associated with interstitial pneumonitis according to histology and radiology reports. However, studies to address the functional impact on respiratory function in patients are lacking. We assessed pulmonary function using noninvasive spirometry in a cross-sectional study of hospitalized adult VL patients from Minas Gerais, Brazil, without unrelated lung conditions or acute infections. Lung conditions were graded as normal, restrictive, obstructive, or mixed patterns, according to Brazilian consensus standards for spirometry. To control for regional patterns of lung function, we compared spirometry of patients with regional paired controls. Spirometry detected abnormal lung function in most VL patients (70%, 14/20), usually showing a restrictive pattern, in contrast to regional controls and the standards for normal tests. Alterations in spirometry measurements correlated with hypoalbuminemia, the only laboratory value indicative of severity of parasitic disease. Abnormalities did not correlate with unrelated factors such as smoking or occupation. Clinical data including pulmonary symptoms and duration of therapy were also unrelated to abnormal spirometry findings. We conclude that the severity of VL is correlated with a restrictive pattern of lung function according to spirometry, suggesting that there may be interstitial lung involvement in VL. Further studies should address whether spirometry could serve as an index of disease severity in the management of VL.
Der Kulturtransfer und die Lesekultur in Laibach (Ljubljana) Ende des 19. Jahrhunderts
Authors: Žigon Tanja
Published: December 2016

In der zweiten Hälfte des 19. Jahrhunderts zog die belesene Hedwig von Radics Kaltenbrunner samt ihrer Familie von Wien nach Laibach (Ljubljana) und gründete im Jahr 1886 in der Krainer Hauptstadt ihre eigene öffentliche Leihbibliothek. Aufgrund der Archivquellen und des erhalten gebliebenen Bücherkatalogs der Leihbibliothek aus dem Jahr 1898 (Katalog der Leihbibliothek der Frau Hedwig von Radics) werden im Beitrag Lesegewohnheiten des Laibacher Bürgertums rekonstruiert, verschiedene Themenbereiche dargestellt, zu denen in der Leihbibliothek die Lektüre zur Verfügung stand wie auch die zahlenmäßige Präsenz der Bücher aus der Feder diverser AutorInnen analysiert; dadurch lässt sich indirekt die Rezeptionsgeschichte der fremdsprachigen Literatur im Land Krain rekonstruieren. Darüber hinaus ermöglicht die Recherche auch den Einblick in die interkulturellen Transferprozesse und Wechselbeziehungen auf dem kulturellen und literarischen Gebiet in Europa in der zweiten Hälfte des 19. Jahrhunderts und sichert der Hauptstadt des Landes Krain den Platz auf der mentalen Karte der europäischen Lesekultur.
Mora River Aquarium en Mora, Alentejo. Portugal
Authors: Promontorio Architects Arquitectos
Published: November 2016

El proyecto del Acuario en el río o fluviario de Mora es el resultado de una estrategia para el desarrollo regional del Alto Alentejo, que mitigue la dependencia de la cada vez más deficiente economía agrícola, a favor del desarrollo de las áreas de turismo y de ocio. 
Museo Madinat al Zahra en Córdoba
Authors: Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos, S.L.P. Arquitectos
Published: November 2016

Hay arquitecturas que se deben a una metáfora: se avienen con un concepto que, si bien no las explica literalmente, facilita su comprensión. Así sucede con el Museo y Sede Institucional en Medina Azahara (1999-2008) de Fuensanta Nieto y Enrique Sobejano.
Atelier Katharina Grosse, Berlín. Alemania
Authors: Augustinundfrankarchitekten Arquitectos
Published: November 2016

Si uno se despertase en casa de Katharina Grösse, se daría cuenta enseguida de que ha amanecido y de que, inesperadamente en Berlín, el día es soleado. Se daría cuenta porque, apenas los ojos entreabiertos, comenzaría a distinguir un espacio traslúcido, inundado por el brillo intenso de muchos colores que, reflejándose en superficies bien pulidas, se mezclan y cambian.
Campos para el deporte
Authors: Tuset Juan J.
Published: November 2016

Cuando Adolf Loos y Le Corbusier presentaron el marco teórico de la ciudad moderna como un anhelo del retorno al campo y la proclama de acabar con la calle para sustituirla por el parque, la cultura del deporte ya había iniciado una imparable expansión en las sociedades modernas. En este contexto reformista que promulgaba llenar la ciudad de naturaleza, el parque popular en Alemania (Volkspark) estableció una visión complementaria de la forma de la naturaleza en los espacios donde los hombres modernos debían encontrarse. Los campos para el deporte imaginaron una forma precisa para las áreas verdes de la ciudad en la que el deporte popular salto la forma geométrica impuesta por la arquitectura para apropiarse del espacio exterior libre de la naturaleza con el fin de restablecer en los hombres una cultura común olvidada.
Zooplankton faecal pellet transfer through the meso- and bathypelagic layers in the Southern Ocean in spring
Authors: Belcher Anna , Manno Clara , Ward Pete , Henson Stephanie , Sanders Richard , Tarling Geraint
Published: December 2016

Abstract. The faecal pellets (FP) of zooplankton can be important vehicles for the transfer of particulate organic carbon (POC) to the deep ocean, often making large contributions to carbon sequestration. However, the routes by which these FP reach the deep ocean have yet to be fully resolved. We address this by comparing estimates of FP production to measurements of FP size, shape and number in the upper mesopelagic (175–205 m), using Marine Snow Catchers, and in the bathypelagic, using sediment traps (1,500–2,000 m). The study is focussed on the Scotia Sea, which contains some of the most productive regions in the Southern Ocean, where epipelagic FP production is likely to be high. We found that, although the size distribution of zooplankton suggests that high numbers of small FP are produced in the epipelagic, small FP are rare in the deeper layers, implying that they are not transferred efficiently to depth. Consequently, small FP make only a minor contribution to FP fluxes in the meso- and bathypelagic, particularly in terms of carbon. The dominant FP in the upper mesopelagic were cylindrical and elliptical, while ovoid FP were dominant in the bathypelagic. The change in FP morphology, as well as size distribution, points to the repacking of surface FP in the mesopelagic and in situ production in the lower meso- and bathypelagic, augmented by inputs of FP via zooplankton vertical migrations. The flux of carbon to the deeper layers within the Southern Ocean is therefore strongly modulated by meso- and bathypelagic zooplankton, meaning that the community structure in these zones has a major impact on the efficiency of FP transfer to depth.
Empirical prediction for travel distance of channelized rock avalanches in the Wenchuan earthquake area
Authors: Zhan Weiwei , Fan Xuanmei , Huang Runqiu , Pei Xiangjun , Xu Qiang , Li Weile
Published: December 2016

Abstract. Rock avalanches are extremely rapid, massive flow-like movements of fragmented rock. The travel path of the rock avalanches may be confined by channels in some cases, which were named as the channelized rock avalanches. Channelized rock avalanches are potentially dangerous due to their hardly predictable travel distance. In this study, we constructed a dataset with detailed characteristic parameters of 38 channelized rock avalanches triggered by the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake using the visual interpretation of remote sensing imagery, field investigation, and literature review. Based on this dataset, we assessed the influence of different factors on the runout distance and developed prediction models of the channelized rock avalanches using the multivariate regression method. The results suggested that the movement of channelized rock avalanche was dominated by the landslide volume, total relief, and channel gradient. The performance of both models was then tested with an independent validation dataset of 8 rock avalanches that induced by the 2008 Wenchuan, the Ms7.0 Lushan earthquake, and heavy rainfall in 2013, showing acceptable good prediction results. Therefore, the travel distance prediction models for channelized rock avalanches constructed in this study is applicable and reliable for predicting the run out of similar rock avalanches in other regions.
Determinants of Bank Profitability in Ghana: New Evidence
Authors: Anarfi Daniel , Abakah Emmanuel Joel Aikins , Boateng Eunice
Published: November 2016

This study examines the determinants of profitability in the Ghanaian Banking Industry for an eight (8) year period of 2007 to 2014. Using a sample from 9 local banks and 12 foreign banks in Ghana, the study combines bank-specific determinants and macroeconomic variables to access bank profitability with Return on Assets (ROA) as the dependent variable. The Hausman specification test was performed on a panel regression to determine the appropriate model for this study. The estimation results shows that, bank SIZE and DEPOSITS are not significant and does not impact profitability. However, LOANS, CAPITAL and OVERHEADS were found to be significant and impacts on profitability. The study concludes that banks in Ghana should be technological in their operations to reduce staff cost since the OVERHEAD was highly significant and impacts negatively on ROA.
Study of Social Capital in the North and South Neighborhoods (The Case of Sari City, Iran)
Authors: Ebrahimi Ghorbanali , Razeghimaleh Hadi , Babazadeh Ali , Motevalian Sabah
Published: December 2016

The main objective of this study was to find answer to this question as whether there is a difference in the social capital between the North and South urban neighborhoods. The data of the current study were collected through a questionnaire. The statistical population of this study included subjects aged 18 and above, and sample size consisted of 450 people.The findings of this study indicated that there was a significant difference between North and South neighborhoods of Sari, Iran, with regard to the neighborhood social capital. This means that the mean social capital in the South of city (3.58 out of 5) was higher than that of North of city (1.78 out of 5). The difference was also true for all aspects of neighborhood social capital in North and South urban neighborhoods of Sari. Furthermore, in all aspects of neighborhood social capital, the South neighborhoods had a higher mean value than North urban neighborhoods.
DIF Analysis with Multilevel Data: A Simulation Study Using the Latent Variable Approach
Authors: Jin Ying , Eason Hershel
Published: December 2016

The effects of mean ability difference (MAD) and short tests on the performance of various DIF methods have been studied extensively in previous simulation studies. Their effects, however, have not been studied under multilevel data structure. MAD was frequently observed in large-scale cross-country comparison studies where the primary sampling units were more likely to be clusters (e.g., schools). With short tests, regular DIF methods under MAD-present conditions might suffer from inflated type I error rate due to low reliability of test scores, which would adversely impact the matching ability of the covariate (i.e., the total score) in DIF analysis. The current study compared the performance of three DIF methods: logistic regression (LR), hierarchical logistic regression (HLR) taking multilevel structure into account, and hierarchical logistic regression with latent covariate (HLR-LC) taking multilevel structure into account as well as accounting for low reliability and MAD. The results indicated that HLR-LC outperformed both LR and HLR under most simulated conditions, especially under the MAD-present conditions when tests were short. Practical implications of the implementation of HLR-LC were also discussed.
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Findings in Laser Maculopathy
Authors: Tomasso Livia , Benatti Lucia , La Spina Carlo , Lattanzio Rosangela , Baldin Giovanni , Carnevali Adriano , De Vitis Luigi A. , Querques Lea , Bandello Francesco , Querques Giuseppe
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Handheld laser pointer thermal injury affects primarily the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). However, so far no study has reported on the possible effects of laser pointers in the deeper layers, beneath the RPE. Here, we describe the spectral-domain optical coherence tomography angiography findings in the choriocapillaris of a patient with laser maculopathy.

Methods

A 13-year-old boy presented to our department with decreased vision in the left eye 12 hours after having stared at the beam of a laser pointer.

Results

Structural optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed 2 focal hyperreflective columns at the fovea extending from the RPE, involving all outer retinal layers, and terminating at the outer plexiform layer. The patient also underwent OCT angiography (OCT-A), which in the choriocapillary segmentation revealed 2 hypointense lesions in correspondence of the focal hyperreflectivities detected on structural OCT. We hypothesize that the OCT-A findings could represent a rarefaction of the choriocapillaris. However, the choriocapillary OCT-A findings could also represent artifacts due to the overlaying hyperreflective lesions.

Conclusions

It is known that the RPE is primarily damaged by the laser injury. Our findings suggest that the thermal injury could involve also the choriocapillaris, and thus not limited to the RPE. Multimodal imaging in laser maculopathy including OCT-A may lead to a better comprehension of the pathogenesis of laser retinal damages.
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography of Polypoidal Neovascularization Associated with Choroidal Nevus
Authors: Cicinelli Maria Vittoria , Iuliano Lorenzo , Rabiolo Alessandro , Marchese Alessandro , Querques Giuseppe , Bandello Francesco
Published: December 2016

Purpose

To report a case of juxtapapillary polypoidal choroidal neovascularization (PCNV) associated with choroidal nevus investigated by means of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A).

Methods

Case report.

Results

A 72-year-old woman presented with visual loss and metamorphopsia in her left eye for 5 days secondary to PCNV that developed on the border of a juxtapapillary choroidal nevus. Fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, and spectral-domain OCT confirmed the diagnosis. En face OCT-A disclosed a large tangled hyperreflective PCNV spreading from the optic disc at different levels of the choriocapillaris; the polyp lumina appeared hyporeflective. The patient was treated with 3 intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor with partial functional recovery.

Conclusions

Our case showed the application of OCT-A in the diagnosis of a case of active PCNV complicating a benign intraocular tumor.
An Endometriosis Patient Presented with Gross Hematuria as a Complication of the Oocyte Pick-Up Procedure
Authors: Kasapoglu Isil , Kulahci Aslan Elif , Uncu Gurkan
Published: December 2016

Purpose

To report a case of a 34-year-old female with endometriosis and a complication presented with gross hematuria due to bladder injury after transvaginal oocyte retrieval for in vitro fertilization.

Case Report

A 34-year-old woman with endometriosis presented with gross hematuria 4 days after oocyte retrieval and was conservatively followed up.

Results

As an uncommon emerging situation after oocyte retrieval for in vitro fertilization procedure, gross hematuria is pointed as a complication with an endometriosis patient.

Conclusions

Although a transvaginal approach is accepted as a safe and simpler technique for oocyte retrieval, complications like adjacent organ injury should be kept in mind. Especially in patients with endometriosis, in whom pelvic anatomy is distorted due to adhesions, oocyte pick-up procedure should be carried out more carefully.
The morphosyntax of aspect stacking in Northeastern Neo-Aramaic
Authors: Kalin Laura
Published: December 2016

Many Northeastern Neo-Aramaic languages have two distinct strategies for marking perfective aspect, both morphosyntactically restricted in different ways. The canonical perfective strategy – the perfective verb base – typically bans certain types of objects, while the secondary perfective strategy – the imperfective verb base bearing the perfective prefix qam- – requires a certain type of object. This paper deals mainly with the secondary perfective strategy, attempting to understand and formally characterize its distribution and structure. While this phenomenon is well-known in the descriptive and historical literature (see Coghill 1999 and references therein), it has never before received theoretical treatment. I argue that qam- is a high perfective aspect marker analogous to certain so-called “superlexical” prefixes in Slavic languages, which have a perfectivizing function and select for an imperfective stem (Babko-Malaya 1999; 2003; Ramchand 2004; Romanova 2004; Tatevosov 2008; Gribanova 2013; i.a.). Slavic-like stacking of high aspects is thus shown to exist in languages that lack a corresponding system of rich lexical aspect (cf. the Slavic “lexical” prefixes). The secondary perfective in Northeastern Neo-Aramaic also illuminates another cross-linguistic pattern: apparent temporal or aspectual mismatches between the clause level and the verb-stem/base level, like those found in Indo-Iranian languages (Haig 2008), need not imply that the verb bases/stems lack tense and aspect. Finally, I show that the secondary perfective furnishes a new type of argument for the syntactic nature of φ-agreement.
Interactions between canopy cover density and regeneration cores of older saplings in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands
Authors: Coban Suleyman , Colak Alper H. , Rotherham Ian D.
Published: December 2016

Aim of study: This paper provides an analysis of growth and survival of twenty–year–old Scots pine saplings in relation to canopy cover density (CCD) gradients, from dense (D–CCD), sparse (S–CCD), and gap (G–CCD) situations.Area of study: Aladag (Bolu) in northern Turkey.Material and methods: Sparse canopy cover density (S–CCD), dense canopy cover density (D–CCD) and gap canopy (G–CCD) were chosen within ten different strip sample plots (10 × 50 m) with sapling regeneration cores. Those regeneration cores were divided into two portions (individuals at the edge and middle of the regeneration cores) and from each portion three individuals was were obtained from a sample. The growth relationships of individual saplings were calculated with stem analyses. Honowski Light Factor (HLF) (ratio of Terminal sprout length (T) to Lateral sprout length (L)) was used to present growth potential measure of seedlings.Main results: The largest sapling regeneration cores were found in the G–CCD followed by S–CCD, and finally D–CCD, all tested for significance with Kruskal–Wallis Test. Compared with saplings in the middle of regeneration cores (crop saplings), those at the edge were always reduced in terms of mean height. Significant difference was only found between the ‘Main Crop’ and the ‘Edge 1’ of the regeneration cores for G–CCD suggesting that sapling regeneration cores are more typical under G–CCD conditions. HLF ratios were greater than 1 with high growth potentials for both CCD gradients (G–CCD and S–CCD) and there were no significant variations between G–CCD and S–CCD for main crop and edges. The thinning after 12–14 years increased sapling growth. However, under D–CCD, growth had virtually ceased.Research highlights: Naturally occurring Scots pine saplings are suppressed by a dense canopy. However, they are tolerant of shade to the extent that they can survive over relatively long time–periods (10–12 years) and can exploit subsequent opportunities should a canopy gap occur.Keywords: Gap regeneration; sapling growth; light regime; canopy cover density; irregular silviculture.
Mapping invasive alien Acacia dealbata Link using ASTER multispectral imagery: a case study in central-eastern of Portugal
Authors: Martins Filipe , Alegria Cristina , Artur Gil
Published: December 2016

Aim of the study: Acacia dealbata is an alien invasive species that is widely spread in Portugal. The main goal of this study was to produce an accurate and detailed map for this invasive species using ASTER multispectral imagery.Area of study: The central-eastern zone of Portugal was used as study area. This whole area is represented in an ASTER scene covering about 321.1 x 103 ha.Material and methods: ASTER imagery of two dates (flowering season and dry season) were classified by applying three supervised classifiers (Maximum Likelihood, Support Vector Machine and Artificial Neural Networks) to five different land cover classifications (from most generic to most detailed land cover categories). The spectral separability of the land cover categories was analyzed and the accuracy of the 30 produced maps compared.Main results: The highest classification accuracy for acacia mapping was obtained using the flowering season imagery, the Maximum Likelihood classifier and the most detailed land cover classification (overall accuracy of 86%; Kappa statistics of 85%; acacia class Kappa statistics of 100%). As a result, the area occupied by acacia was estimated to be approximated 24,770 ha (i.e. 8% of the study area).Research highlights: The methodology explored proved to be a cost-effective solution for acacia mapping in central-eastern of Portugal. The obtained map enables a more accurate and detailed identification of this species’ invaded areas due to its spatial resolution (minimum mapping unit of 0.02 ha) providing a substantial improvement comparably to the existent national land cover maps to support monitoring and control activities.Keywords: remote sensing; invasive alien species; land cover mapping; vegetation mapping.
Soil phosphorus fractionation as a tool for monitoring dust phosphorus signature underneath a Blue Pine (Pinus wallichiana) canopy in a Temperate Forest
Authors: Shafqat Mustafa-Nawaz , Shahid Salina , Eqani Syed-Ali-Musstjab-Akber-Shah , Shah Syed-Haider , Waseem Amir
Published: December 2016

Aims of the study: This study aims (i) to monitor the amount of dust deposition during dry season in the moist temperate forest; (ii) to study nature of P fractions in the dust samples falling on the trees in the region; (iii) to study soil P fractions as influenced by the processes of throughfall and stemflow of a Blue Pine (Pinus wallichiana) canopy and to finger print the contribution of dust towards P input in the temperate forest ecosystem.Area of study: The site used for the collection of soil samples was situated at an elevation of 6900 feet above sea levels (temperate forest in Himalaya region) in the Thandani area national forest located in the north west of Pakistan.Material and methods:  For soil sampling and processing, three forest sites with three old tree plants per site were selected at approximately leveled plain for surface soil sampling. Two dust samples were collected and analyzed for different physicochemical properties along with different P fractions. First dust sample was collected from a site situated at an elevation of 4000 feet and second one was collected from an elevation of 6500 feet above sea levels. Modified Hedley procedure for the fractionation of P in the dust and soil samples were used.Main results: The input of dust was 43 and 20 kg ha-1 during drier months of the year (September-June) at lower and higher elevation sites respectively, and the dust from lower elevation site had relative more all P fractions than the other dust sample. However, HCl-Pi fraction was dominant in both samples. Both labile (water plus NaHCO3) and non-labile (NaOH plus HCl) inorganic P (Pi) fractions were significantly increased in the surface soil by both stemflow and throughfall compared to the open field soil. The buildup of NaOH and HCl-Pi pools in soils underneath the canopy might prove useful in fingerprinting the contribution of atmospheric dust towards P cycling in this temperate forest.Research highlights: The role of dust in the cycling of P in temperate forest in Himalaya region.Keywords: soil phosphorus fractions; atmospheric dust; stemflow, throughfall; temperate forest.
Morpho-physiological response of Acacia auriculiformis as influenced by seawater induced salinity stress
Authors: Haque Md Anamul , Rahman Md. Mezanur , Nihad Sheikh Arafat Islam , Amin Howlader Md. Ruhul , Akand Md. Mahmudul Hasan
Published: December 2016

Aim of the study: To evaluate the morpho-physiological changes of Acacia auriculiformis in response to seawater induced salinity stress along with its tolerance limit.Area of study: Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Bangladesh.Material and methods: Three saline treatments (4, 8, 12 dS m-1) were applied to six-month aged Acacia auriculiformis seedlings from January 2014 to June 2014 and the tap water was used as control treatment. To observe salinity effects, the following parameters were measured by using various established techniques: plant height and leaf number, plant biomass, shoot and root distribution as well as shoot and root density, water uptake capacity (WUC), water saturation deficit (WSD) and water retention capacity (WRC), exudation rate, and cell membrane stability.Main results: Diluted seawater caused a notable reduction in shoot and root distribution in addition to shoot and root density, though plant height, leaf number and plant biomass were found to be decreased to some extent compared to control plants. Water status of the plant also altered when plants were subjected to salinity stress. Nevertheless, membrane stability revealed good findings towards salinity tolerance.Research highlights: Considering the above facts, despite salinity exerts some negative effects on overall plant performance, interestingly the percent reduction value doesn’t exceed 50% as compared to control plants, and the plants were successful to tolerate salinity stress till the end of the experiment (150 days) through adopting some tolerance mechanisms.Additional key words: Salt stress; halophytes; growth parameters; WUC; exudation rate; membrane stability.Abbreviations used: BSMRAU (Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University); RCBD (randomized complete block design); DATI (days after treatment imposition); RWC (relative water content); WUC (water uptake capacity); WSD (water saturation deficit); WRC (water retention capacity); FW (fresh weight); DW (dry weight); TW (turgid weight); ROS (reactive oxygen species).
Invasion of alien plants in fire-damaged forests at southern boundary of the taiga zone
Authors: Khapugin Anatoliy A. , Vargot Elena V. , Chugunov Gennadiy G. , Shugaev Nikita I.
Published: December 2016

Aim of study: Biological invasions are one of the most important areas of forest research. In this study, we revealed invasibility of fire-damaged forests at the southern boundary of the taiga zone.Area of study: The Mordovia State Nature Reserve (Central Russia).Material and Methods: Altogether, 11 square plots of each 100 ×100 m were established in different types of fire-damaged forests. To test plant invasion outside the established plots, field researches were carried out by route method in fire-damaged area of the Mordovia Reserve.Main Results: Six alien species (Erigeron canadensis, E. annuus, Oenothera biennis, Lactuca serriola, Sambucus racemosa, Viola arvensis) were registered within the established plots in 2011–2014. In addition, two alien invasive plants (Solidago canadensis and Bidens frondosa) were found outside these plots. No differences were detected in invasibility of the tested forest ecosystems.Research highlights: Among the revealed alien species, Erigeron canadensis, Lactuca serriola and Solidago canadensis are the most invasive plants in forest ecosystems. The first one was observed with a high occurrence frequency and abundance in all forest types tested. The second one has not been differed by abundance, but it characterized by a high competition as well as a large biomass and a large number of seeds. Solidago canadensis penetrated to natural forest ecosystem in a short time period due to closest location of its dispersal centers near the boundary of the Mordovia Reserve. These species are the most probable invaders of the forest ecosystems.Keywords: Invasive plants; invisibility; post-fire successions; Mordovia State Nature Reserve; wildfire; forest ecosystem.
Future scenarios and conservation strategies for a rear-edge marginal population of Pinus nigra Arnold in Italian central Apennines
Authors: Marchi Maurizio , Nocentini Susanna , Ducci Fulvio
Published: December 2016

Aim of study: To forecast the effects of climate change on the spatial distribution of Black pine of Villetta Barrea in its natural range and to define a possible conservation strategy for the speciesArea of study: A rear-edge marginal population of Pinus nigra spp. nigra in Abruzzo region, central Italian ApenninesMatherials and Methods: For its adaptive and genetic traits this population is considered endemic of the Italian peninsula and represents a rear-edge marginal population of nigra subspecies. The spatial distribution of the tree in the administrative Region (Abruzzo) was used to define the ecological traits while three modelling techniques (GLM, GAM, Random Forest) were used to build a Species distribution model according to two climatic scenarios.Main results: The marginal population's range was predicted to shift at higher elevations as consequence of climatic adaptation. Many zones, represented by the higher part of the mountains surrounding the study area (currently bare and inhospitable for trees), were identified as suitable in future for the species. However, in the case of a rapid climate change, this marginal population may not be able to move as fast as necessary. An in-situ adaptive management integrated with an assisted migration protocol might be considered to enforce the natural regeneration and improve the richness and variability of the genetic pool.Research highlights: Most of the genetic richness is held in small populations at the borders of natural distribution of forest species. Monitoring this MAP could be useful to understand the adaptive processes of the species and could support the future management of many other within-core populations.Keywords: Species Distribution Models; Mediterranean forests; Abruzzo; climate change; altitudinal shift.