bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compressibility of Undisturbed Silt Loam Soil—Measurements and Simulations
Authors: Berli M. , Casini F. , Attinger W. , Schulin R. , Springman S.M. , Kirby J.M.
Published: August 2015

The protection of soils against compaction requires knowledge of the mechanical behavior and properties of structured, unsaturated soils at different water suctions. This study of an agricultural silt loam soil is based on undisturbed specimens from the plow layer (7–17 cm depth) and two subsoil layers (47–57 and 67–77 cm depths) conditioned to five initial suctions (s0 = 1, 3, 6, 16, 32 kPa) per layer and compressed under drained, confined uniaxial stress. This study shows how effective axial stress vs. void ratio curves can be calculated from experimentally determined total axial stress vs. void ratio curves using a simplified form of Bishop's effective stress equation in conjunction with a modified form of the van Genuchten equation. Casini's unsaturated soil mechanics model was successfully fitted to the effective axial stress vs. void ratio curves. The effective initial precompression stress was simulated reasonably well using initial void ratio, degree of saturation, or suction, respectively, which was determined in this study. The results demonstrate the influence of soil moisture and density on the compression behavior of an undisturbed silt loam soil and show a method for predicting precompression stress as a function of void ratio and soil water status measured as suction or degree of saturation.
A screening method for making the source water event-based approach operational
Authors: Arnold Ralf Thorsten
Published: August 2015

Numerical modeling is increasingly used as a tool for environmental assessment and planning, including for Drinking Water Source Protection in Ontario as outlined in the Government of Ontario's 2006 Clean Water Act. However, modeling procedures are often inadequate in the organizational context and tight budgets. It remains a challenge to adapt these procedures such that they are transparent and efficient for watershed practitioners. This paper reviews and analyzes the application of the event-based approach, as defined in the technical rules to the ‘Clean Water Act’. Four limitations are then identified in a case study using the common procedure. Addressing these requires iterative model refinements, which likely result in cost overruns and undermine sound budget planning. An alternative method is then suggested, demonstrated and validated, which uses numerical modeling for creating a generic diagram. Such a generic diagram offers a transparent decision-making tool for planners, other non-technical employes and land owners.
Improving phosphorus removal of conventional septic tanks by a recirculating steel slag filter
Authors: Claveau-Mallet Dominique , Lida Félix , Comeau Yves
Published: August 2015

The objective of this project was to increase the phosphorus (P) retention capacity of a conventional septic tank by adding a recirculating slag filter. Two recirculation modes and recirculation ratios from 5 to 50% were tested in the laboratory with reconstituted domestic wastewater. The best system was recirculation from the end to the inlet of the second compartment of a septic tank with a 50% recirculation ratio in the slag filter, achieving 4.2 and 1.9 mg P/L at the effluent for total phosphorus (TP) and orthophosphate (o-PO4), respectively, and a pH of 8.8. The calculated size of the slag filter for a two-bedroom house application was 1,875 kg for an expected lifetime of 2 years. The 1 mg P/L level goal was not reached, but P precipitation may be favoured by the relatively high effluent pH reaching the infiltration bed.
The role of matching when adjusting for baseline differences in the outcome variable of comparative effectiveness studies
Authors: Grijalva Carlos G , Roumie Christianne L , Murff Harvey J , Hung Adriana M , Beck Cole , Liu Xulei , Griffin Marie R , Greevy Robert A
Published: August 2015

Aim:
Evaluate performance of analytical strategies commonly used to adjust for baseline differences in continuous outcome variables for comparative effectiveness studies.
Patients & methods:
Data simulations resembling a comparison of HbA1c values after initiation of antidiabetic treatments adjusting for baseline HbA1c. We evaluated change scores, analyses of covariance including linear, nonlinear with/without robust variance estimations, before and after optimal matching. We also evaluated the impact of measurement error.
Results:
With increasing HbA1c baseline differences between groups, bias in effect estimates and suboptimal CI coverage probabilities increased in all approaches. These issues were further compounded by measurement error. Matching on baseline HbA1c, substantially mitigated these issues.
Conclusion:
In comparative studies with continuous outcomes, matching on baseline values of the outcome variable improves analytical performance.
Comprehensive Care for People With Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Jain Koyal , Mottl Amy K.
Published: August 2015

IN BRIEF Diabetic kidney disease carries a heavy burden, both economically and in terms of quality of life, largely because of its very high risk for vascular disease. Coordinated, multidisciplinary care with attention to appropriate, timely screening and preventive management is crucial to reducing the morbidity and mortality of this devastating disease.
Selecting an A1C Point-of-Care Instrument
Authors: Whitley Heather P. , Yong Ee Vonn , Rasinen Casey
Published: August 2015

A1C point-of-care (POC) instruments benefit patients with diabetes by facilitating clinician decision making that results in significant glycemic improvements. Three National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program (NGSP)–certified POC products are available in the United States: the handheld A1CNow (formerly manufactured by Bayer Diabetes Care but now made by Chek Diagnostics) and two bench-top models called the Axis-Shield Afinion Analyzer and the Siemens DCA Vantage. This article compares the three available NGSP-certified POC products in terms of accuracy, precision, ease of use, cost, and additional features. Its goal is to aid health care facilities in conveniently identifying the A1C POC product that best meets their needs. It additionally reviews evidence that supports the continued use of A1C POC instruments in the clinical arena.
Maternal Floor Infarction/Massive Perivillous Fibrin Deposition Associated with Hypercoiling of a Single-Artery Umbilical Cord: A Case Report
Authors: Taweevisit Mana , Thorner Paul Scott
Published: August 2015

Maternal floor infarction is a rare and idiopathic placental disorder associated with adverse obstetric outcomes and a high rate of recurrence in subsequent pregnancies. The pathogenesis of maternal floor infarction is unclear but has been linked to diverse underlying maternal conditions, including gestational hypertension/preeclampsia, immune-mediated diseases, and thrombophilia. Few reports link maternal floor infarction to fetoplacental conditions. We report a 34-week, macerated, growth-restricted male fetus for which the placenta showed maternal floor infarction. The umbilical cord showed excessive coiling and a single umbilical artery. These cord changes are postulated to have resulted in increased placental villous resistance and decreased fetal blood flow, creating a hydrostatic pressure gradient between the villous stroma and the intervillous space. The pressure changes could then lead to trophoblast damage and fibrinoid deposition, contributing to the maternal floor infarction in this case.
How to produce a desired bimodal microstructure for optimized mechanical properties: Investigation of the mechanisms of abnormal grain growth in pulsed electro-deposited nickel
Authors: Kerger Philipp , Rathmann Dominic , Marx Michael , Motz Christian
Published: August 2015

Mechanical properties of metallic materials are often optimized by a specific heat treatment to adjust a required grain size. Thereby solute atoms, impurities or precipitates play an important role due to their retarding forces on the grain boundary movement. However, they not only stabilize small grain sizes during a heat treatment, it is also suggested that they introduce abnormal grain growth whereby for a small amount of grains the grain size increases tenfold and more. On the one hand abnormal grain growth impedes the adjustment of a required grain size; on the other hand it can be used to introduce bimodal grain structures which are known to combine opposing mechanical properties such as a high toughness and a high ductility. Therefore, the mechanisms of abnormal grain growth are investigated by varying the content of additives during the deposition process. Particle pinning is suggested as the mechanism responsible for abnormal grain growth at least in the initial stage, while a second phase may introduce extraordinary cubic grains growing abnormally in the late stage.
Beware of Hot Tearing in Lifting Lugs – a Case Study in Mechanical Engineering
Authors: Neidel A. , Ullrich T. , Wallich S.
Published: August 2015

One out of eight lifting lugs of a large gas turbine engine exhibited indications upon magnetic particle surface crack inspection (MT), that were later verified by ultrasonic testing (UT). The subject part was made of a low-alloy steel casting. It had already been used in service and was supposed to be re-used, together with the other lifting lugs of the set. In order to determine the cause of the indications, non-destructive metallographic examinations by means of the replica technique were performed. In that investigation, the indications were determined to have been caused by crack-like decohesions of material. In one of the examined areas, these imperfections were associated with small casting defects, namely micro shrinkage. This might have contributed to crack initiation. The described small surface cracks at the cylindrical part of the lifting lug itself were probably caused by bending stresses in service. Indications were found only on one out of the entire set of eight parts. There, only the upper side of the short spigot, were axial tension on the surface is to be expected in service when the bollards are in lifting action, was affected. In a second investigation, that same part was sectioned in the area with the largest UT indications. The microstructure of this steel casting is unremarkable. However, several rather large macrocracks were found in the sectioning plane. Scanning electron micrographs confirmed this. There is a moderate carbon segregation in the subject area that is unremarkable. The longest crack in the metallographic section was forced open for microfractography in the SEM. A small pre-existing crack that could not have been caused by service loads was found. Within that area, microfractographic features of transgranular hot tearing were detected, as evidenced by a dendritic appearance of the fracture surface. This is a hot cracking mechanism.
Qui a le plus profité de l’adoption des IFRS en France ?
Authors: Baalbaki Shibly Fatima , Dumontier Pascal
Published: August 2015

Se focalisant sur l’asymétrie d’information, cette étude montre que toutes les entreprises n’ont pas identiquement bénéficié de l’adoption des IFRS. Les entreprises présentant les actifs ou activités les plus complexes, donc les plus difficiles à décrire au moyen de l’information comptable, et les entreprises très suivies par les analystes financiers ou celles qui divulguent le plus ont tiré avantage de l’adoption des IFRS. Les firmes peu suivies et celles qui divulguent peu ont été pénalisées par l’adoption de ces normes. Curieusement, les entreprises qui souffraient du plus fort déficit informationnel ont vu ce déficit s’accroître suite à cette adoption. Celles qui avaient le moins à gagner du fait d’un faible déficit informationnel ont vu ce déficit se réduire un peu plus.
Du sens, du lien, de l’activité et du confort (SLAC)
Authors: Abord De Chatillon Emmanuel , Richard Damien
Published: August 2015

Cet article propose une modélisation des conditions du bien-être au travail par l’étude de quatre dimensions : le sens du travail, le lien, l’activité et le confort (SLAC). Après une analyse de la littérature sur le bien-être, la robustesse du modèle SLAC est confrontée à deux corpus de données : une enquête auprès d’une collectivité territoriale (N = 1 127) et un baromètre qualité de vie au travail dans une banque en ligne (N = 111). L’article met en évidence la pertinence du modèle SLAC sur les deux terrains comme cadre de compréhension et de diagnostic du bien-être et de la qualité de vie au travail.
IAS 38 et activation des dépenses de développement
Authors: Dumas Guillaume , Martinez Isabelle
Published: August 2015

Les dépenses de développement sont-elles comptabilisées de manière opportuniste ou informative selon l’IAS 38 ? Les résultats de l’étude montrent que les dépenses de développement sont activées pour atteindre des résultats cibles (comptabilisation opportuniste) mais que, lorsque les dirigeants ne sont pas incités à atteindre ces résultats cibles, ces dépenses de développement activées sont associées aux avantages économiques futurs (comptabilisation informative). En outre, la présence d’un comité d’audit limite la latitude comptable des dirigeants. Quant au crédit d’impôt recherche, il influence positivement l’activation des dépenses de développement.
Battle of ideas, delivery of justice: How Justice Rapid Response contributes to the “project of International Criminal Justice”
Authors: Lehto Marja
Published: August 2015

Justice Rapid Response (JRR) is an intergovernmental mechanism that is
designed to support and complement the international community’s efforts
to ensure accountability for the most serious international crimes. It
has grown out of the recognition, some ten years ago, that for all the talk
of ending impunity for mass atrocities, the tools to come anywhere near
this worthy goal were largely insuffi cient, and this in spite of the many
political successes of the “project of international criminal justice.”
Morbidity and mortality of patients with endovascularly treated intracerebral aneurysms: does physician specialty matter?
Authors: Fennell Vernard S. , Martirosyan Nikolay L. , Palejwala Sheri K. , Lemole G. Michael , Dumont Travis M.
Published: August 2015

OBJECT

Endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular pathology, particularly aneurysms, is becoming more prevalent. There is a wide variety in clinical background and training of physicians who treat cerebrovascular pathology through endovascular means. The impact of clinical training background on patient outcomes is not well documented.

METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of a large national database, the University HealthSystem Consortium, that was queried in the years 2009–2013. Cases of both unruptured cerebral aneurysms and subarachnoid hemorrhage treated by endovascular obliteration were studied. Outcome measures of morbidity and mortality were evaluated according to the specialty of the treating physician.

RESULTS

Elective embolization of an unruptured aneurysm was the procedure code and primary diagnosis, respectively, for 12,400 cases. Patients with at least 1 complication were reported in 799 cases (6.4%). Deaths were reported in 193 cases (1.6%). Complications and deaths were varied by specialty; the highest incidence of complications (11.1%) and deaths (3.0%) were reported by neurologists. The fewest complications were reported by neurosurgeons (5.4%; 1.4% deaths), with a higher incidence of complications reported in cases performed by neurologists (p < 0.0001 for both complications and deaths) and to a lesser degree interventional radiologists (p = 0.0093 for complications). Subarachnoid hemorrhage was the primary diagnosis and procedure for 8197 cases. At least 1 complication was reported in 2385 cases (29%) and deaths in 983 cases (12%). The number of complications and deaths varied among specialties. The highest incidence of complications (34%) and deaths (13.5%) in subarachnoid hemorrhage was in cases performed by neurologists. The fewest complications were in cases by neurosurgeons (27%), with a higher incidence of complications in cases performed by neurologists (34%, p < 0.0001), and a trend of increased complications with interventional radiologists (30%, p < 0.0676). The lowest incidence of mortality was in cases performed by neurosurgeons (11.5%), with a significantly higher incidence of mortality in cases performed by neurologists (13.5%, p = 0.0372). Mortality rates did not reach statistical significance with respect to interventional radiologists (12.1%, p = 0.4884).

CONCLUSIONS

Physicians of varied training types and backgrounds use endovascular treatment of ruptured and unruptured intracerebral aneurysms. In this study there was a statistically significant finding that neurosurgically trained physicians may demonstrate improved outcomes with respect to endovascular treatment of unruptured aneurysms in this cohort. This finding warrants further investigation.
Finite element analysis of periventricular lucency in hydrocephalus: extravasation or transependymal CSF absorption?
Authors: Kim Hakseung , Jeong Eun-Jin , Park Dae-Hyeon , Czosnyka Zofia , Yoon Byung C. , Kim Keewon , Czosnyka Marek , Kim Dong-Joo
Published: August 2015

OBJECT

Periventricular lucency (PVL) is often observed in the hydrocephalic brain on CT or MRI. Earlier studies have proposed the extravasation of ventricular CSF into the periventricular white matter or transependymal CSF absorption as possible causes of PVL in hydrocephalus. However, there is insufficient evidence for either theory to be conclusive.

METHODS

A finite element (FE) model of the hydrocephalic brain with detailed anatomical geometry was constructed to investigate the possible mechanism of PVL in hydrocephalus. The initiation of hydrocephalus was modeled by applying a transmantle pressure gradient (TPG). The model was exposed to varying TPGs to investigate the effects of different geometrical characteristics on the distribution of PVL. The edema map was derived based on the interstitial pore pressure.

RESULTS

The model simulated the main radiological features of hydrocephalus, i.e., ventriculomegaly and PVL. The degree of PVL, assessed by the pore pressure, was prominent in mild to moderate ventriculomegaly. As the degree of ventriculomegaly exceeded certain values, the pore pressure across the cerebrum became positive, thus inducing the disappearance of PVL.

CONCLUSIONS

The results are in accordance with common clinical findings of PVL. The degree of ventriculomegaly significantly influences the development of PVL, but two factors were not linearly correlated. The results are indicative of the transependymal CSF absorption as a possible cause of PVL, but the extravasation theory cannot be formally rejected.
Increased level of H19 long noncoding RNA promotes invasion, angiogenesis, and stemness of glioblastoma cells
Authors: Jiang Xiaochun , Yan Yukui , Hu Minghua , Chen Xiande , Wang Yaxian , Dai Yi , Wu Degang , Wang Yongsheng , Zhuang Zhixiang , Xia Hongping
Published: August 2015

OBJECT

Increased levels of H19 long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) have been observed in many cancers, suggesting that overexpression of H19 may be important in the development of carcinogenesis. However, the role of H19 in human glioblastoma is still unclear. The object of this study was to examine the level of H19 in glioblastoma samples and investigate the role of H19 in glioblastoma carcinogenesis.

METHODS

Glioblastoma and nontumor brain tissue specimens were obtained from tissue obtained during tumor resection in 30 patients with glioblastoma. The level of H19 lncRNA was detected by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The role of H19 in invasion, angiogenesis, and stemness of glioblastoma cells was then investigated using commercially produced cell lines (U87 and U373). The effects of H19 overexpression on glioblastoma cell invasion and angiogenesis were detected by in vitro Matrigel invasion and endothelial tube formation assay. The effects of H19 on glioblastoma cell stemness and tumorigenicity were investigated by neurosphere formation and an in vivo murine xenograft model.

RESULTS

The authors found that H19 is significantly overexpressed in glioblastoma tissues, and the level of expression was associated with patient survival. In the subsequent investigations, the authors found that overexpression of H19 promotes glioblastoma cell invasion and angiogenesis in vitro. Interestingly, H19 was also significantly overexpressed in CD133+ glioblastoma cells, and overexpression of H19 was associated with increased neurosphere formation of glioblastoma cells. Finally, stable overexpression of H19 was associated with increased tumor growth in the murine xenograft model.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that increased expression of H19 lncRNA promotes invasion, angiogenesis, stemness, and tumorigenicity of glioblastoma cells. Taken together, these findings indicate that H19 plays an important role in tumorigenicity and stemness of glioblastoma and thus could be a therapeutic target for treatment of glioblastoma in the future.
Benign meningiomas (WHO Grade I) with atypical histological features: correlation of histopathological features with clinical outcomes
Authors: Marciscano Ariel E. , Stemmer-Rachamimov Anat O. , Niemierko Andrzej , Larvie Mykol , Curry William T. , Barker Fred G. , Martuza Robert L. , McGuone Declan , Oh Kevin S. , Loeffler Jay S. , Shih Helen A.
Published: August 2015

OBJECT

World Health Organization (WHO) Grade I (benign) meningiomas with atypical features may behave more aggressively than similarly graded tumors without atypical features. Here, the prognostic significance of atypical features in benign meningiomas was determined.

METHODS

Data from patients diagnosed with WHO Grade I benign meningiomas per the 2007 WHO criteria and who underwent surgery between 2002 and 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were stratified by the absence or presence of 1 to 2 atypical features with review of the clinical and histological factors.

RESULTS

A total of 148 patients met the inclusion criteria (n = 77 with atypia; n = 71 without atypia). The median follow-up duration after pathological diagnosis was 37.5 months. Thirty patients had progression/recurrence (P/R) after initial treatment, and 22 (73%) of 30 patients with P/R had 1–2 atypical features. The presence of atypical features was significantly associated with P/R (p = 0.03) and independent of the MIB-1 labeling index. The 1-year and 5-year actuarial rates of P/R were 9.6% versus 1.4% and 30.8% versus 13.8% fortumors with and without atypical features, respectively. Higher Simpson grade resection (II–IV vs I) was associated with the increased risk of P/R (p < 0.001). Stratification of patients into low-risk (Simpson Grade I), intermediate-risk (Simpson Grade II–IV with no atypical features), and high-risk groups (Simpson Grade II–IV with atypical features) was significantly correlated with increased risk of P/R (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with benign meningiomas with atypical features and those undergoing Simpson Grade II–IV resection are at significantly increased risk of P/R. Patients with these features may benefit from the consideration of additional surgery and/or radiation therapy.
Toxic levels of ammonia in human brain abscess
Authors: Dahlberg Daniel , Ivanovic Jugoslav , Hassel Bjørnar
Published: August 2015

OBJECT

Brain abscesses could lead to cerebral symptoms through tissue destruction, edema, changes in brain architecture, and increased intracranial pressure. However, the possibility that the pus itself could contribute to symptoms has received little attention. Brain abscesses are areas of tissue destruction, proteolysis, and formation of free amino acids, which are energy substrates for bacteria and possible sources of ammonia. Ammonia is neurotoxic, may cause brain edema, and could contribute to the symptoms of brain abscesses.

METHODS

The authors analyzed the extracellular phase of pus from 14 patients with brain abscesses with respect to ammonia and amino acids. For comparison, CSF from 10 patients undergoing external ventricular drainage was included. The ammonia-forming ability of Streptococcus intermedius and Staphylococcus aureus, two common microbial isolates in brain abscesses, was studied in vitro.

RESULTS

In brain abscesses ammonia was 15.5 mmol/L (median value; range 1.7–69.2 mmol/L). In CSF ammonia was 29 μmol/L (range 17–55 μmol/L; difference from value in pus: p < 0.001). The total concentration of amino acids in brain abscesses was 1.12–16 times higher than the ammonia concentration (p = 0.011). The median glucose value in pus was 0 mmol/L (range 0–2.1 mmol/L), lactate was 21 mmol/L (range 3.3–26.5 mmol/L), and pH was 6.8 (range 6.2–7.3). In vitro, S. intermedius and S. aureus formed ammonia at 6–7 mmol/L in 24 hours when incubated with 20 proteinogenic amino acids plus g-aminobutyric acid (GABA), taurine, and glutathione at 1 mmol/L.

CONCLUSIONS

Intracerebral abscesses contain toxic levels of ammonia. At the concentrations found in pus, ammonia could contribute to the brain edema and the symptoms of brain abscesses.
Laser speckle imaging to improve clinical outcomes for patients with trigeminal neuralgia undergoing radiofrequency thermocoagulation
Authors: Ringkamp Matthias , Wooten Matthew , Carson Benjamin S. , Lim Michael , Hartke Timothy , Guarnieri Michael
Published: August 2015

OBJECT

Percutaneous treatments for trigeminal neuralgia are safe, simple, and effective for achieving good pain control. Procedural risks could be minimized by using noninvasive imaging techniques to improve the placement of the radiofrequency thermocoagulation probe into the trigeminal ganglion. Positioning of a probe is crucial to maximize pain relief and to minimize unwanted side effects, such as denervation in unaffected areas. This investigation examined the use of laser speckle imaging during probe placement in an animal model.

METHODS

This preclinical safety study used nonhuman primates, Macaca nemestrina (pigtail monkeys), to examine whether real-time imaging of blood flow in the face during the positioning of a coagulation probe could monitor the location and guide the positioning of the probe within the trigeminal ganglion.

RESULTS

Data from 6 experiments in 3 pigtail monkeys support the hypothesis that laser imaging is safe and improves the accuracy of probe placement.

CONCLUSIONS

Noninvasive laser speckle imaging can be performed safely in nonhuman primates. Because improved probe placement may reduce morbidity associated with percutaneous rhizotomies, efficacy trials of laser speckle imaging should be conducted in humans.
Motor cortex stimulation and neuropathic pain: how does motor cortex stimulation affect pain-signaling pathways?
Authors: Kim Jinhyung , Ryu Sang Baek , Lee Sung Eun , Shin Jaewoo , Jung Hyun Ho , Kim Sung June , Kim Kyung Hwan , Chang Jin Woo
Published: August 2015

OBJECT

Neuropathic pain is often severe. Motor cortex stimulation (MCS) is used for alleviating neuropathic pain, but the mechanism of action is still unclear. This study aimed to understand the mechanism of action of MCS by investigating pain-signaling pathways, with the expectation that MCS would regulate both descending and ascending pathways.

METHODS

Neuropathic pain was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats. Surface electrodes for MCS were implanted in the rats. Tactile allodynia was measured by behavioral testing to determine the effect of MCS. For the pathway study, immunohistochemistry was performed to investigate changes in c-fos and serotonin expression; micro-positron emission tomography (mPET) scanning was performed to investigate changes of glucose uptake; and extracellular electrophysiological recordings were performed to demonstrate brain activity.

RESULTS

MCS was found to modulate c-fos and serotonin expression. In the mPET study, altered brain activity was observed in the striatum, thalamic area, and cerebellum. In the electrophysiological study, neuronal activity was increased by mechanical stimulation and suppressed by MCS. After elimination of artifacts, neuronal activity was demonstrated in the ventral posterolateral nucleus (VPL) during electrical stimulation. This neuronal activity was effectively suppressed by MCS.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that MCS effectively attenuated neuropathic pain. MCS modulated ascending and descending pain pathways. It regulated neuropathic pain by affecting the striatum, periaqueductal gray, cerebellum, and thalamic area, which are thought to regulate the descending pathway. MCS also appeared to suppress activation of the VPL, which is part of the ascending pathway.
Engaging Patients With Advance Directives Using an Information Visualization Approach
Authors: Woollen Janet , Bakken Suzanne
Published: August 2015

Despite the benefits of advance directives (AD) to patients and care providers, they are often not completed due to lack of patient awareness. The purpose of the current article is to advocate for creation and use of an innovative information visualization (infovisual) as a health communication tool aimed at improving AD dissemination and engagement. The infovisual would promote AD awareness by encouraging patients to learn about their options and inspire contemplation and conversation regarding their end-of-life (EOL) journey. An infovisual may be able to communicate insights that are often communicated in words, but are much more powerfully communicated by example. Furthermore, an infovisual could facilitate vivid understanding of options and inspire the beginning of often difficult conversations among care providers, patients, and loved ones. It may also save clinicians time, as care providers may be able to spend less time explaining details of EOL care options. Use of an infovisual could assist in ensuring a well-planned EOL journey. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing
,
42
(1), 16–20.]
En estil de fictes paraules que tenen sentits no fictes: anàlisi de locucions i col·locacions en Joan Roís de Corella en el context del llenguatge literari de la Corona d’Aragó en el segle XV
Authors: Martines Vicent
Published: August 2015

[ct] Aquest article presenta una mostra dels resultats de l’anàlisi detallada de locucions, col·locacions i altres elements fraseològics i d’ordre de mots significatius quant a la caracterització del cabal de llenguatge literari de Joan Roís de Corella. Aquesta anàlisi es fa amb metodologia interdisciplinar de base de lingüistica de corpus i de diacronia lingüistica, i amb el concurs de les tecnologies de la informació i la comunicació (humanitats digitals), que s’apliquen a l’anàlisi de l’aportació lèxica i estilística d’un autor clau com és Roís de Corella a fide calibrar el grau de sintonia i, alhora, d’especificitat del seu llenguatge literari; en quin grau coincideix el seu llenguatge literari amb el d’altres grans clàssics culturals de la Corona d’Aragó, i en què basa, alhora, Roís de Corella la clau de la seua mestria estilística.
Ramon Llull i l’obscuritat que il·lumina. Apunts sobre l’origen i la rendibilitat literària d’un recurs exegètic
Authors: Santanach i Suñol Joan
Published: August 2015

[ct] En diversos passatges de la seva obra, Ramon Llull fa referència a l’obscuritat expressiva –en altres casos parla de subtilitat– com una dificultat que el lector ha de superar per accedir a la significació del text; aquesta superació li reportarà coneixement i plaer intel·lectual. El motiu de l’obscuritat és present en la tractadística retòrica llatina, per bé que en el cas de Llull s’ha vinculat amb la tradició trobadoresca del trobar clus. Diversos indicis apunten que el motiu s’ha de relacionar igualment, i sobretot, amb l’exegesi bíblica. Llull se’n serveix dotant- lo d’una significació pròpia, lligada a la doctrina de les dues intencions.
Next Steps in Multimedia Networking
Authors: Kanellopoulos Dimitris N.
Published: August 2015

This chapter presents in brief background knowledge on multimedia communication: multimedia applications and services, network and user QoS requirements, bandwidth on demand, multicasting, media synchronization, adaptive media coding, multimedia streaming, and end-system support for multimedia communication. In the second part, it deals with content delivery networks (CDNs). In the third part, it concentrates on issues for achieving multimedia optimization over heterogeneous wireless and wired networks. In the fourth part, it presents the main approaches for QoS guarantees over the Internet. This part tries to include the important aspects that have significantly impacted the enhancements to the basic Internet architecture and its associated protocols. In the fifth part, the chapter presents future Internet architectures. This is followed by some future research directions in multimedia networking.
Multiple Description Coding for Multipath Video Streaming
Authors: Correia Pedro , Assuncao Pedro A. Amado , Silva Vítor
Published: August 2015

This Chapter addresses robust video coding and adaptation of compressed streams in multipath communications environments, using Multiple Description Coding (MDC). A review of Multiple Description (MD) video coding is presented, covering different video coding approaches. Different path diversity topologies and MDC networking applications are described, including MD video adaptation schemes to operate at network edges, for robust video streaming. A multi-loop architecture for Advanced Video Coding (AVC) to prevent drift distortion accumulation is also described. A simulation study of MDC for AVC is presented to evaluate the coding efficiency, the effects of distortion propagation and streaming performance in lossy networks. These research findings extend the current state-of-the-art MDC methods by developing new networking capabilities in different application scenarios maintaining coding efficiency, and increasing error robustness, when subject to transmission losses.
Adding Context Information to Video Analysis for Surveillance Applications
Authors: Javanbakhti Solmaz , Bao Xinfeng , Creusen Ivo , Hazelhoff Lykele , Sanberg Willem P. , van de Wouw D.W.J.M. (Denis) , Dubbelman Gijs , Zinger Svitlana , de With Peter H.N.
Published: August 2015

Smart surveillance systems become more meaningful if they both grow in reliability and robustness, while simultaneously offering a higher semantic level of understanding. To achieve a higher level of semantic scene understanding, the objects and their actions have to be interpreted in the given context, so that the extraction of contextual information is required. This chapter explores several techniques for extracting the contextual information such as spatial, motion, depth and co-occurrence, depending on applications. Afterwards, the chapter provides specific case studies to evaluate the usefulness of context information, based on: (1) region labeling of the surroundings of objects, (2) motion analysis of the water for moving ships, (3) traffic sign recognition for safety event evaluation and (4) the use of depth signals for obstacle detection. The chapter shows that the previous cases can be solved in an improved way with respect to robustness and semantic understanding. Case studies indicate up to 6.8% improvement of reliable correct object understanding and the novel possibility of labeling scene events as safe/unsafe depending on the object behavior and the detected surrounding context. In this chapter, it is shown that using contextual information improves automated video surveillance analysis, as it not only improves the reliability of moving object detection, but also enables scene understanding that is far beyond object understanding.
Multimedia Quality of Experience
Authors: Pokhrel Jeevan , Kushik Natalia , Wehbi Bachar , Yevtushenko Nina , Cavalli Ana Rosa
Published: August 2015

This chapter introduces the overall concept of multimedia Quality of Experience (QoE) over the Internet. It presents all the elements of multimedia QoE ecosystem and emphasizes their roles in determining the user satisfaction. The chapter also presents different multimedia transmission components and how these components contribute to successful transmission of the media content. In addition, some key performance indicators relevant to the multimedia QoE are presented with more emphasis on network and application level indicators. Furthermore, different QoE estimation methods and techniques along with QoS/QoE learning algorithms are presented. Finally, the chapter includes some of the future challenges and issues related to multimedia QoE.
QoE Measurements and Analysis for VoIP Services
Authors: Sanchez-Iborra Ramon , Cano Maria-Dolores , Moreno-Urrea Salvador , Rodrigues Joel J. P. C.
Published: August 2015

Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE) are two different approaches that evaluate the quality level of a given service. In general, QoS models analyze objective network parameters, while QoE techniques focus on what the user actually perceives when consuming the service (subjective perspective). In this chapter, it is presented a comparative study of two voice codecs employed by two well-known VoIP applications, namely Skype and Jitsi, analyzing the provided quality from two perspectives: objective and subjective evaluations. To this end, several network metrics have been taken into account; in addition, the participants in this study completed different quality surveys in order to obtain their opinion about the evaluated services. Concretely, 60 quality tests with 60 subjects have been performed in a controlled wired scenario. The obtained results suggest a clear relationship between QoS and QoE. This chapter aims to present a detailed description about the process to perform comparative quality evaluations of multimedia services from both QoS and QoE perspectives.
Facilitating Open Source Software and Standards to Assembly a Platform for Networked Music Performance
Authors: Zervas Panagiotis , Alexandraki Chrisoula
Published: August 2015

This chapter presents our efforts towards developing a Networked Music Performance (NMP) system by tailoring and re-using open source software components. The chapter builds on the assumption that NMP and videoconferencing systems share common properties for real-time bidirectional media interaction. It is acknowledged that although NMP is a form of videoconferencing, it is a lot more demanding with respect to efficient distribution of network resources allowing fast and reliable communication of audio and video streams. Initially, an overview of NMP research is provided and the design criteria of NMP system development are clearly delineated. Following, the chapter describes the network protocols involved in videoconferencing. Then, a number of relevant open source software initiatives implementing these protocols are presented and compared for their suitability for NMP system development. Finally, the chapter describes a baseline NMP platform that can serve as a testbed for further research on distributed ensemble performance and remote musical interactions.
A Review of the Digital Cinema Chain
Authors: Samčović Andreja
Published: August 2015

This chapter deals with digital cinema chain as digital cinema (DC) offers an enhanced viewing experience for audiences, content flexibility, and distribution cost savings. Taking into account that the transition from physical media to electronic one represents a paradigm shift in video compression techniques and applications, archival requirements have been analyzed. A brief overview of the DC specification has been provided as was also discussed how JPEG 2000 was utilized within this specification. The current status of digital cinema was surveyed with a focus on the compression part of the DC system. To make the system practical and economic, various coding techniques have been applied to compress DC data for archive and distribution purposes. Standardization process for archival applications is considered. Features used for shot cut detection that are robust against the artifacts in film material have also been presented.
Corneal manifestations of selected systemic diseases: A review
Authors: Gillan Wayne D.H.
Published: August 2015

The corneal manifestations of several selected systemic diseases are reviewed. Metabolic, immunologic and inflammatory and infectious diseases are included. A brief overview of each disease and how it manifests in the cornea is discussed. The importance of conducting a slit-lamp examination on every patient is emphasised.
Hendrina Cecilia Kruger se godsdienstige mentaliteitsprofiel in haar mistieke oordenkingsbundel (ca. 1750–1810) uit die trekboertyd
Authors: Raath Andries W.G.
Published: August 2015

Hendrina Cecilia Kruger’s religious mentality profile in her mystical devotional book (c. 1750−1810) from the Trekboer period. The religious views of the Trekboers on the frontier were shaped by pietistic religious literature circulating in the Cape interior. The religious ego-text of Hendrina Cecilia Kruger reflects elements of two streams of pietism: Dutch Second Reformation devotional literature and the works of German pietists in the line of Spener and other German mystics. The cumulative impact of experiential faith in Reformed mysticism and the mystical views of German pietism produced a spirituality of exceptional intensity in the pioneering communities of Reformed believers on the frontier. It is concluded that the mystical religious mentality of the Trekboer pietists exhibited exceptional levels of faith amidst dire physical and emotional conditions on the frontier. In spite of high levels of mystical pietism in her devotional book Kruger remained committed to the basic tenets of Reformed spirituality.
Reading John 7:53–8:11 as a narrative against male violence against women
Authors: O'Sullivan Michael
Published: August 2015

Male violence against women is at shocking levels in South Africa. According to Faul, ‘A woman is killed by an intimate partner every eight hours, a probable underestimate because no perpetrator is identified in 20 percent of killings’, whilst ‘More than 30 percent of girls have been raped by the time they are 18’. Reeva Steenkamp’s killing by her partner, Oscar Pistorius, came ‘the day before she planned to wear black in a “Black Friday” protest against the country’s excruciatingly high number of rapes’ (Faul). The purpose of this article is to reread a key biblical text regarding male violence against women in order to highlight how Jesus would want us to respond to such violence. The text is John 7:53–8:11. The NRSV: Catholic Edition entitles the story ‘The woman caught in adultery’. However, this title is problematic as it can lead to misleading readings of the text, as I will show, and so I have given it a different title, namely ‘The woman threatened with stoning’.
Assessing the consistency of John Calvin’s doctrine on human sinfulness
Authors: Vorster Nico
Published: August 2015

The accusation is often levelled at Calvin that his doctrine on sin is inconsistent, contradictory, deterministic and culpable of making God the Author of sin. This article probes the validity of these accusations by analysing the consistency of John Calvin’s doctrine on human sinfulness and by asking whether Calvin’s understanding of sinful human nature is theologically valid. In doing so, the investigation keeps in mind the structural make-up of his theology, the rhetorical intent of his utterances and the devices he employs to harmonise possible inconsistencies in his theology. The finding is that characterisations of Calvin’s doctrine on sin as deterministic, logically inconsistent and culpable of making God the Author of sin are not well-founded. Factors often overlooked are the dialectical nature of his theological reflection on sin, the chronological evolution of his thought on sin and the fact that he does not regard God and human beings as operating on the same ontological level, though this does not mean that God is not active in creaturely reality. When these factors are taken into account, Calvin’s doctrine on sin proves to be fairly consistent and reconcilable with the rest of his theology.
The end of leadership?: The shift of power in local congregations
Authors: Nell Ian
Published: August 2015

In a qualitative study recently carried out by the author amongst ministers in a Circuit of Dutch Reformed Congregations in a suburban context in the Western Cape, South Africa, respondents were asked whether they sensed a ‘shift of view’ concerning the role of leadership during the past 20 years in their respective congregations. The research results paint a picture of ‘the end of leadership’ at least in some form. One can also sense a ‘shift of power’ over the past two decades in these local congregations, indicating the changing dynamics of leadership. There seems to be a shift of power from the individual leader to the team, the group and the network. The aim of this paper is, firstly, to present some of the empirical results and then to reflect on the underlying reasons for this shift of power by giving a description of some broader philosophical and sociological perspectives influencing this state of affairs. This will be followed by a description of, and reflection on, theological developments on the Trinity and power that might help to understand the ‘end of leadership’ in some ways. The paper concludes with some thoughts on the role of power and leadership processes at work in local faith communities.
Double trouble: Bilateral cerebral involvement in Sturge-Weber syndrome
Authors: Adroos Narosha , Smal Janet , Suleman Farhana E.
Published: August 2015

Sturge-Weber syndrome, also known as encephalotrigeminal angiomatosis or meningofacial angiomatosis, is characterised in its classical form by a congenital, usually unilateral, ‘portwine stain’ (capillary naevus) on the face, convulsions, typical intracranial calcification and some degree of mental retardation and hemiparesis. The clinical correlation of intractable seizures with the presence of bilateral intracranial disease has management and prognostic implications, thus making the presence of bilateral disease an important factor to all those involved in the management of the child with Sturge-Weber syndrome.
A return to virtue ethics: Virtue ethics, cognitive science and character education
Authors: Gr�num Nico J.
Published: August 2015

Morality in church and society is a burning issue. Church leaders know that the challenges are both formidable and urgent, yet finding solutions is easier said than done. The question this article asks is how can we educate for character? In the past, deontology or rule ethics reigned supreme, virtue ethics, however, gradually made a comeback. Currently virtue ethics is an important part of character education in the United States of America, especially with schools affiliated with churches. Recent insights provided by researchers focusing on cognitive science (working from the vantage point of cognitive and social psychology) have managed to prove the legitimacy of virtue ethics but remind us that virtues must not be drilled into children; moral deliberation and imagination must be fostered in order to cultivate individuals with moral character that will be able to reflect on their own received tradition. I provide an example of such a method of education when I explain Integrative Ethical Education as formulated by Darcia Narvaez.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article confirms the validity of virtue ethics but calls for a change in the standard method of character education that exclusively emphasises knowledge of the Bible and strict obedience to the morals that the local community derives from the Bible, to an approach that also encourages teachers to help foster independent thinkers neither lacking in character nor the ability to reflect critically on their own tradition. I do believe that such a change is possible as was recently shown by the implementation of Darcia Narvaez�s Integrative Ethical Education in the United States of America.