bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Successful Uterovaginal Anastomosis in an Unusual Presentation of Congenital Absence of Cervix
Authors: Chowdhury TA , Mahmud Nusrat , Mahtab Naushaba Tarannum , Deb Anjan Kumar
Published: March 2015

Cervical agenesis or dysgenesis (fragmentation, fibrous cord and obstruction) is an extremely rare congenital anomaly. Conservative surgical approach to these patients involves uterovaginal anastomosis, cervical canalization and cervical reconstruction. In failed conservative surgery, total hysterectomy is the treatment of choice. We report what we believe to be the first successful end-to-end uterovaginal anastomosis of an unusual case of congenital cervical agenesis. A 25-yearold female presented complaining of primary amenorrhea and primary subfertility for the same duration. At laparoscopy, complete separation between the cervix and the body of the uterus was found and hanging from surrounding supports. Both ovaries and fallopian tubes were anatomically positioned. There was another muscular tissue of 2 cm in diameter at the pouch of Douglas which was attached with lateral pelvic wall by transverse cervical ligament. Upon readmission, laparotomy was performed under general anesthesia in a semilithotomy position allowing both abdominal and vaginal approaches. Uterovaginal anastomosis was done by the restoration of the genital tract by direct suturing of the isthmus uteri to the vagina. Insertion of a 16F Foley catheter transvaginally through the vaginal opening into the endometrial cavity and was inflated with 5 ml of fluid into the catheter balloon. There were no postoperative complications. Foley catheter was kept in situ for 21 days. Patient had her first menstruation on 11th day of surgery and that was continued for 5 days with regular flow. Consecutive 3-cycles follow-up has been done and the patient is having her normal menstruation. In the presence of cervical anomaly with functional uterus and intact vagina, uterovaginal anastomosis is feasible and effective and should be applied as a first-line treatment option.

How to cite this article

Mahmud N, Mahtab NT, Chowdhury TA, Deb AK. Successful Uterovaginal Anastomosis in an Unusual Presentation of Congenital Absence of Cervix. J South Asian Feder Menopause Soc 2014;2(2):105-110.
Long-term particulate matter modeling for health effect studies in California – Part 1: Model performance on temporal and spatial variations
Authors: Hu J. , Zhang H. , Ying Q. , Chen S.-H. , Vandenberghe F. , Kleeman M. J.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. For the first time, a ~ decadal (9 years from 2000 to 2008) air quality model simulation with 4 km horizontal resolution over populated regions and daily time resolution has been conducted for California to provide air quality data for health effect studies. Model predictions are compared to measurements to evaluate the accuracy of the simulation with an emphasis on spatial and temporal variations that could be used in epidemiology studies. Better model performance is found at longer averaging times, suggesting that model results with averaging times ≥ 1 month should be the first to be considered in epidemiological studies. The UCD/CIT model predicts spatial and temporal variations in the concentrations of O3, PM2.5, elemental carbon (EC), organic carbon (OC), nitrate, and ammonium that meet standard modeling performance criteria when compared to monthly-averaged measurements. Predicted sulfate concentrations do not meet target performance metrics due to missing sulfur sources in the emissions. Predicted seasonal and annual variations of PM2.5, EC, OC, nitrate, and ammonium have mean fractional biases that meet the model performance criteria in 95, 100, 71, 73, and 92% of the simulated months, respectively. The base data set provides an improvement for predicted population exposure to PM concentrations in California compared to exposures estimated by central site monitors operated 1 day out of every 3 days at a few urban locations. Uncertainties in the model predictions arise from several issues. Incomplete understanding of secondary organic aerosol formation mechanisms leads to OC bias in the model results in summertime but does not affect OC predictions in winter when concentrations are typically highest. The CO and NO (species dominated by mobile emissions) results reveal temporal and spatial uncertainties associated with the mobile emissions generated by the EMFAC 2007 model. The WRF model tends to overpredict wind speed during stagnation events, leading to underpredictions of high PM concentrations, usually in winter months. The WRF model also generally underpredicts relative humidity, resulting in less particulate nitrate formation, especially during winter months. These limitations must be recognized when using data in health studies. All model results included in the current manuscript can be downloaded free of charge at http://faculty.engineering.ucdavis.edu/kleeman/ .
Estimated desert-dust ice nuclei profiles from polarization lidar: methodology and case studies
Authors: Mamouri R. E. , Ansmann A.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. A lidar method is presented that permits the estimation of height profiles of ice nuclei concentrations (INC) in desert dust layers. The polarization lidar technique is applied to separate dust and non-dust backscatter and extinction coefficients. The desert dust extinction coefficients σd are then converted to aerosol particle number concentrations APC280 which consider particles with radius > 280 nm only. By using profiles of APC280 and ambient temperature T along the laser beam, the profile of INC can be estimated within a factor of 3 by means of APC-T-INC parameterizations from the literature. The observed close relationship between σd at 500 nm and APC280 is of key importance for a successful INC retrieval. We studied this link by means of AERONET (Aerosol Robotic Network) sun/sky photometer observations at Morocco, Cabo Verde, Barbados, and Cyprus during desert dust outbreaks. The new INC retrieval method is applied to lidar observations of dust layers with the spaceborne lidar CALIOP (Cloud Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization) during two overpasses over the EARLINET (European Aerosol Research Lidar Network) lidar site of the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), Limassol (34.7° N, 33° E), Cyprus. The good agreement between the CALIOP and CUT lidar retrievals of σd, APC280, and INC profiles corroborates the potential of CALIOP to provide 3-D global desert dust APC280 and INC data sets.
Response of key stress-related genes of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica in the vicinity of submarine volcanic vents
Authors: Lauritano C. , Ruocco M. , Dattolo E. , Buia M. C. , Silva J. , Santos R. , Olivé I. , Costa M. M. , Procaccini G.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Submarine volcanic vents are being used as natural laboratories to assess the effects of CO2 on marine organisms and communities, as this gas is the main component of emissions. Seagrasses should positively react to increased dissolved carbon, but in vicinity of volcanic vents there may be toxic substances, that can have indirect effects on seagrasses. Here we analysed the expression of 35 stress-related genes in the Mediterranean keystone seagrass species P. oceanica in the vicinity of submerged volcanic vents located in the Islands of Ischia and Panarea, Italy, and compared them with those from control sites away from the influence of vents. Reverse Transcription-Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to characterize the expression levels of genes. Fifty one per cent of genes analysed showed significant expression changes. Metal detoxification genes were mostly down-regulated in relation to controls both in Ischia and Panarea locations, indicating that P. oceanica does not increase the synthesis of heavy metal detoxification proteins in response to the environmental conditions present at the two vents. The expression levels of genes involved in free radical detoxification indicate that, in contrast with Ischia, P. oceanica at the Panarea vent face stressors that result in the production of reactive oxygen species triggering antioxidant responses. In addition, heat shock proteins were also activated at Panarea and not at Ischia. Overall, our study reveals that P. oceanica is generally under higher stress in the vicinity of the vents at Panarea than at Ischia, possibly resulting from environmental and evolutionary differences existing between the two volcanic sites. This is the first study analysing gene responses in marine plants living near natural CO2 vents and our results call for a careful consideration of factors, other than CO2 and acidification, that can cause stress to seagrasses and other organisms near volcanic vents.
Optical sampling of the flux tower footprint
Authors: Gamon J. A.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. The purpose of this review is to address the reasons and methods for conducting optical remote sensing within the flux tower footprint. Fundamental principles and conclusions gleaned from over two decades of proximal remote sensing at flux tower sites are reviewed. An organizing framework is the light-use efficiency (LUE) model, both because it is widely used, and because it provides a useful theoretical construct for integrating optical remote sensing with flux measurements. Multiple ways of driving this model, ranging from meteorological measurements to remote sensing, have emerged in recent years, making it a convenient conceptual framework for comparative experimental studies. New interpretations of established optical sampling methods, including the Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) and Solar-Induced Fluorescence (SIF), are discussed within the context of the LUE model. Multi-scale analysis across temporal and spatial axes is a central theme, because such scaling can provide links between ecophysiological mechanisms detectable at the level of individual organisms and broad patterns emerging at larger scales, enabling evaluation of emergent properties and extrapolation to the flux footprint and beyond. Proper analysis of sampling scale requires an awareness of sampling context that is often essential to the proper interpretation of optical signals. Additionally, the concept of optical types, vegetation exhibiting contrasting optical behavior in time and space, is explored as a way to frame our understanding of the controls on surface–atmosphere fluxes. Complementary NDVI and PRI patterns across ecosystems are offered as an example of this hypothesis, with the LUE model and light-response curve providing an integrating framework. We conclude that experimental approaches allowing systematic exploration of plant optical behavior in the context of the flux tower network provides a unique way to improve our understanding of environmental constraints and ecophysiological function. In addition to an enhanced mechanistic understanding of ecosystem processes, this integration of remote sensing with flux measurements offers many rich opportunities for upscaling, satellite validation, and informing practical management objectives ranging form assessing ecosystem health and productivity to quantifying biospheric carbon sequestration.
Hydrologic controls on DOC, As and Pb export from a polluted peatland – the importance of heavy rain events, antecedent moisture conditions and hydrological connectivity
Authors: Broder T. , Biester H.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Bogs can store large amounts of lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) attributed to atmospheric deposition of anthropogenic emissions. Pb and As are exported along with dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in these organic-rich systems, but it is not yet clear which hydrological (pre-)conditions favor their export. This study combines one year continuous monitoring of precipitation, bog water level and pore water concentration changes with bog discharge, DOC, As and Pb stream concentrations and fluxes. Concentrations ranged from 5 to 30 mg L−1 for DOC, 0.2 to 1.9 μg L−1 for As and 1.3 to 12 μg L−1 for Pb with highest concentrations in late summer. As and Pb concentrations significantly correlated with DOC concentrations. Fluxes depended strongly on discharge, as 40% of As and 43% of Pb were exported by the upper 10% of discharge, pointing out the over-proportional contribution of heavy rain and high discharge events to annual As, Pb and DOC export. Exponential increase in element export from the bog is explained by connection of additional DOC, As and Pb pools in the acrotelm during water table rise, which is most pronounced after drought. Pb, As and DOC concentrations in pore water provide evidence of an increase of the soluble Pb pool as soon as the peat layer gets hydrologically connected, while DOC and As peak concentrations in runoff lag in comparison to Pb. Our data indicates a distinct bog-specific discharge threshold of 8 L s−1, which is thought to depend mainly on the bogs size and drainage conditions. Above this threshold element concentration do not further increase and discharge gets diluted. Combining pore water and discharge data shows that As and Pb exports are not only dependent on the amount of precipitation and discharge, but on the frequency and depth of water table fluctuations. Comparing the annual bog As and Pb export with element inventories indicates that As is much more mobilized than Pb, with annual fluxes accounting for 0.85 and 0.27‰ of total As and Pb inventory, respectively.
The oxygen isotope composition of phosphate released from phytic acid by the activity of wheat and Aspergillus niger phytase
Authors: v. Sperber C. , Tamburini F. , Brunner B. , Bernasconi S. M. , Frossard E.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for living organisms. Under P-limiting conditions plants and microorganisms can exude extracellular phosphatases that release inorganic phosphate (Pi) from organic phosphorus compounds (Porg). Phytic acid (IP6) is an important form of Porg in many soils. The enzymatic hydrolysis of IP6 by phytase yields plant available inorganic phosphate (Pi) and less phosphorylated inositol derivates as products. The hydrolysis of organic P-compounds by phosphatases leaves an isotopic imprint on the oxygen isotope composition (δ18O) of released Pi, which might be used to trace P in the environment. This study aims at determining the effect of phytase on the oxygen isotope composition of released Pi. For this purpose, enzymatic assays with histidine acid phytases from wheat and Aspergillus niger were prepared using IP6, adenosine 5'monophosphate (AMP) and glycerophosphate (GPO4) as substrates. For a comparison to the δ18O of Pi released by other extracellular enzymes, enzymatic assays with acid phosphatases from potato and wheat germ with IP6 as substrate were prepared. During the hydrolysis of IP6 by phytase, four Pi are released, and one oxygen atom from water is incorporated into each Pi. This incorporation of oxygen from water into Pi is subject to an apparent inverse isotopic fractionation (ϵ ∼ 6 to 10‰), which is similar to that imparted by acid phosphatase from potato during the hydrolysis of IP6 (ϵ ∼ 7‰) where less than three Pi are released. The incorporation of oxygen from water into Pi during the hydrolysis of AMP and GPO4 by phytase yielded a normal isotopic fractionation (ϵ ∼ −12‰), again similar to values reported for acid phosphatases from potato and wheat germ. We attribute this similarity in ε to the same amino acid sequence motif (RHGXRXP) at the active site of these enzymes, which leads to similar reaction mechanisms. We suggest that the striking substrate-dependency of the isotopic fractionation could be attributed to a difference in the δ18O-values of the C-O-P bridging and non-bridging oxygen atoms in organic phosphate compounds.
An integrated user-friendly ArcMAP tool for bivariate statistical modelling in geoscience applications
Authors: Jebur M. N. , Pradhan B. , Shafri H. Z. M. , Yusoff Z. M. , Tehrany M. S.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Modelling and classification difficulties are fundamental issues in natural hazard assessment. A geographic information system (GIS) is a domain that requires users to use various tools to perform different types of spatial modelling. Bivariate statistical analysis (BSA) assists in hazard modelling. To perform this analysis, several calculations are required and the user has to transfer data from one format to another. Most researchers perform these calculations manually by using Microsoft Excel or other programs. This process is time-consuming and carries a degree of uncertainty. The lack of proper tools to implement BSA in a GIS environment prompted this study. In this paper, a user-friendly tool, bivariate statistical modeler (BSM), for BSA technique is proposed. Three popular BSA techniques, such as frequency ratio, weight-of-evidence (WoE), and evidential belief function (EBF) models, are applied in the newly proposed ArcMAP tool. This tool is programmed in Python and created by a simple graphical user interface (GUI), which facilitates the improvement of model performance. The proposed tool implements BSA automatically, thus allowing numerous variables to be examined. To validate the capability and accuracy of this program, a pilot test area in Malaysia is selected and all three models are tested by using the proposed program. Area under curve (AUC) is used to measure the success rate and prediction rate. Results demonstrate that the proposed program executes BSA with reasonable accuracy. The proposed BSA tool can be used in numerous applications, such as natural hazard, mineral potential, hydrological, and other engineering and environmental applications.
Non–stationarity in annual maxima rainfall across Australia – implications for Intensity–Frequency–Duration (IFD) relationships
Authors: Verdon-Kidd D. C. , Kiem A. S.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Rainfall Intensity–Frequency–Duration (IFD) relationships are commonly required for the design and planning of water supply and management systems around the world. Currently IFD information is based on the "stationary climate assumption" – that weather at any point in time will vary randomly and that the underlying climate statistics (including both averages and extremes) will remain constant irrespective of the period of record. However, the validity of this assumption has been questioned over the last 15 years, particularly in Australia, following an improved understanding of the significant impact of climate variability and change occurring on interannual to multidecadal timescales. This paper provides evidence of non-stationarity in annual maxima rainfall timeseries using 96 daily rainfall stations and 66 sub-daily rainfall stations across Australia. Further, the effect of non-stationarity on the resulting IFD estimates are explored for three long-term sub-daily rainfall records (Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne) utilising insights into multidecadal climate variability. It is demonstrated that IFD relationships may under- or over-estimate the design rainfall depending on the length and time period spanned by the rainfall data used to develop the IFD information. It is recommended that non-stationarity in annual maxima rainfall be explicitly considered and appropriately treated in the ongoing revisions of Engineers Australia's guide to estimating and utilising IFD information, "Australian Rainfall and Runoff", and that clear guidance needs to be provided on how to deal with the issue of non-stationarity of extreme events (irrespective of whether that non-stationarity is due to natural or anthropogenic climate change). The findings of our study also have important implications for other regions of the world that exhibit considerable hydroclimatic variability and where IFD information is based on relatively short data sets.
Modelling rapid mass movements using the shallow water equations in Cartesian coordinates
Authors: Hergarten S. , Robl J.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. We propose a new method to model rapid mass movements on complex topography using the shallow water equations in Cartesian coordinates. These equations are the widely used standard approximation for the flow of water in rivers and shallow lakes, but the main prerequisite for their application – an almost horizontal fluid table – is in general not satisfied for avalanches and debris flows in steep terrain. Therefore, we have developed appropriate correction terms for large topographic gradients. In this study we present the mathematical formulation of these correction terms and their implementation in the open-source flow solver GERRIS. This novel approach is evaluated by simulating avalanches on synthetic and finally natural topographies and the widely used Voellmy flow resistance law. Testing the results against analytical solutions and the proprietary avalanche model RAMMS, we found a very good agreement. As the GERRIS flow solver is freely available and open source, it can be easily extended by additional fluid models or source areas, making this model suitable for simulating several types of rapid mass movements. It therefore provides a valuable tool for assisting regional-scale natural hazard studies.
Analysis of a landslide multi-date inventory in a complex mountain landscape: the Ubaye valley case study
Authors: Schlögel R. , Malet J.-P. , Remaître A. , Reichenbach P. , Doubre C.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. We propose a methodology (1) to prepare a multi-date landslide inventory for a mountainous area affected by several landslide types with different degrees of activity, and (2) to estimate the temporal occurrence and the intensity of the landslides through the analysis of morphological indicators. The inventory, covering the period 1956–2010, is constructed for the middle section of the Ubaye valley (South French Alps) based on the analysis of multi-source documents (geomorphological maps, historical reports of landslide events, field surveys, series of orthophotographs and SAR satellite images). The uncertainties in the interpretation of the documents and the landslide morphological features are taken into account in relation to the scale of the source documents. Several morphological indicators are calculated to describe quantitatively the evolution of the landslides (length, area, relative elevation, runout distance). Frequency-area density functions are calculated to estimate the changes in the landslide distributions. A Poisson model is used to estimate the probability of reactivation of the observed landslides. The proposed multi-date inventory and the associated statistics give additional information to the event catalogue managed by local authorities.
21st century changes in snow water equivalent over Northern Hemisphere landmasses due to increasing temperature, projected with the CMIP5 models
Authors: Shi H. X. , Wang C. H.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Changes in snow water equivalent (SWE) over Northern Hemisphere (NH) landmasses are investigated for the early (2016–2035), middle (2046–2065) and late (2080–2099) 21st century using twenty global climate models, which are from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5). The results show that, relative to the 1986–2005 mean, the multi-model ensemble projects a significant decrease in SWE for most regions, particularly over the Tibetan Plateau and western North America, but an increase in eastern Siberia. Seasonal SWE projections show an overall decreasing trend, with the greatest reduction in spring, which is linked to the stronger inverse partial correlation between the SWE and increasing temperature. Moreover, zonal mean annual SWE exhibits significant reductions in three Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP), a stronger linear relationship between SWE and temperature at mid–high latitudes suggests the reduction in SWE there is related to rising temperature. However, the rate of reduction in SWE declines gradually during the 21st century, indicating that the temperature may reach a threshold value that decreases the rate of SWE reduction. A large reduction in zonal maximum SWE (ZMSWE) between 30° and 40° N is evident in all 21st century for the three RCPs, while RCP8.5 alone indicates a further reduction at high latitudes in the late period of the century. This pattern implies that ZMSWE is affected not only by a terrain factor but also by the increasing temperature. In summary, our results show both a decreasing trend in SWE in the 21st century and a decline in the rate of SWE reduction over the 21st century despite rising temperatures.
Lead detection in Arctic sea ice from CryoSat-2: quality assessment, lead area fraction and width distribution
Authors: Wernecke A. , Kaleschke L.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Leads cover only a small fraction of the Arctic sea ice but they have a dominant effect on the turbulent exchange between the ocean and the atmosphere. A supervised classification of CryoSat-2 measurements is performed by a combination with visual MODIS scenes. For several parameters thresholds are optimized and tested in order to reproduce this prior classification. The maximum power of the waveform shows the best classification properties amongst them, including the Pulse Peakiness. With the same correct lead detection rates as of published classifiers, the amount of ice being detected as lead can be reduced by up to 40%. Lead area fraction estimates based on CryoSat-2 show a major fracturing event in the Beaufort Sea in 2013. The resulting Arctic wide lead width distribution follows a power law with an exponent of 2.47 ± 0.04 for the winter seasons from 2011 to 2014, confirming and complementing a regional study based on a high resolution SPOT image.
What drives smallholder farmers’ crop production choices in Central Zambia? Lessons from the 2012/2013 agricultural season
Authors: Mubanga Kabwe Harnadih , Umar Bridget Bwalya , Muchabi Jane , Mubanga Chishimba
Published: March 2015

The study, conducted in central Zambia was aimed at determining the major drivers of crop production choices among smallholder farmers. It utilized recent national crop production and utilization data; 200 semi-structured interview schedules, and key informant interviews conducted with smallholder farmers and experts from the agricultural sector in Zambia respectively. Results showed that despite being confronted by late on-set of rains and post germination crop attacks by army worms which made maize (Zea mays) production extremely precarious, 61.5% of the affected smallholder farmers replanted their cultivated land with maize. The farmers had a choice of whether to replant maize which had a ready market from the state agency, the Food Reserve Agency, or to plant a drought tolerant crop such as sorghum or millet which would have guaranteed them with household food security from own production. They mainly chose the former option. They increased production of other crops such as soya beans (Glycine max), sun flower(Helianthus annuus) and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) when contract farming with private business entities became available. Markets determined smallholder farmers’ crop production choices more than household food security from own production or availability of climate information forecasting poor rainfall distribution. The study concludes that (i) prior knowledge of climate information does not necessarily result in a change of smallholder farmers’ crop production choices in response to a predicted climate anomaly, (ii) markets are a major determinant of crops cultivated by smallholder farmers, and hence adaptation measures involving crop diversification should be designed with market availability in mind.
Experimental Evaluation of RGB-D Visual Odometry Methods
Authors: Fang Zheng , Zhang Yu
Published: March 2015

RGB-D cameras that can provide rich 2D visual and 3D depth information are well suited to the motion estimation of indoor mobile robots. In recent years, several RGB-D visual odometry methods that process data from the sensor in different ways have been proposed. This paper first presents a brief review of recently proposed RGB-D visual odometry methods, and then presents a detailed analysis and comparison of eight state-of-the-art real-time 6DOF motion estimation methods in a variety of challenging scenarios, with a special emphasis on the trade-off between accuracy, robustness and computation speed. An experimental comparison is conducted using publicly available benchmark datasets and author-collected datasets in various scenarios, including long corridors, illumination changing environments and fast motion scenarios. Experimental results present both quantitative and qualitative differences between these methods and provide some guidelines on how to choose the right algorithm for an indoor mobile robot according to the quality of the RGB-D data and environmental characteristics.
A New Concept for Magnetic Capsule Colonoscopy Based on an Electromagnetic System
Authors: Lucarini Gioia , Ciuti Gastone , Mura Marco , Rizzo Rocco , Menciassi Arianna
Published: March 2015

Traditional endoscopy based on flexible endoscopes is reliable and effective, but poorly tolerated by patients; it also requires extended training by physicians. In order to reduce the invasiveness of these procedures, wireless passive capsule endoscopy has been proposed and clinically used during the past decade. A capsule endoscope with an active locomotion mechanism is desirable for carrying out controllable interactive procedures that are normally not possible using passive devices. Due to many difficulties in embedding actuators in swallowable devices, many researchers and companies have adopted an external magnetic field actuation solution. Magnetic resonance modified systems or permanent magnets are used to manoeuvre capsules remotely; however, both these cases present some limitations: magnetic resonance systems are bulky and expensive and permanent magnets are intrinsically unstable to control, and it is impossible to switch them off. Within this framework, the authors present the design and assessment of a magnetic system for endoscopic capsules based on an electromagnetic approach. In particular, the use of a single electromagnet was proposed and investigated: magnetic attraction, locomotion forces and magnetic torques were modelled for guaranteeing the reliable navigation of the capsule and based on these specifications, an electromagnet was designed, developed and experimentally evaluated. The results demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed approach for active locomotion capsule endoscopy.
Multiplication by 10 base-5: Making Sense of Place Value Structure Through an Alternate Base
Authors: Fasteen Jodi , Melhuish Kathleen , Thanheiser Eva
Published: March 2015

Prior research has shown that preservice teachers (PSTs) are able to demonstrate procedural fluency with whole number rules and operations, but struggle to explain why these procedures work. Alternate bases provide a context for building conceptual understanding for overly routine rules. In this study, we analyze how PSTs are able to make sense of multiplication by 10fivein base five. PSTs' mathematical activity shifted from a procedurally based concatenated digits approach to an explanation based on the structure of the place value number system.
Elementary Teacher Candidates' Use of Number Strings: Creating a Math-Talk Learning Community
Authors: Bofferding Laura , Kemmerle Melissa
Published: March 2015

This article presents the results of an exploratory study detailing 4 teacher candidates' initial implementations of a number string protocol in which they presented sequences of related problems to 3rd graders. We detail how the teacher candidates were taught the components of the protocol in their methods course and describe the math-talk (student-participation) levels that occurred during their 1st number string experience with their students. We coded the lesson transcripts for math-talk levels, which range from teacher-led to student-driven, and provide examples of the number strings and excerpts from the teacher candidates' reflections to illustrate our results. Results indicate that number strings are a supportive structure for beginning teachers as they facilitate math talk.
Openness and Measurement: Two Principles for Improving Educational Practice and Shared Instructional Products
Authors: Morris Anne K. , Hiebert James
Published: March 2015

Two studies were conducted to identify the conditions under which instructors teaching the same mathematics teacher preparation course would continuously improve their shared instructional products (lesson plans for class sessions) using small amounts of data on preservice teacher performance. Findings indicated that when lesson-level student performance data were simply collected, by course section, the instructors could make important changes to the lessons but did not often do so. However, when the instructors were encouraged to compare data across semesters, they generated hypotheses that guided instructional improvements, which then were tested through multiple cycles. The cycles of hypothesis testing helped instructors clarify the goals for improvement, use the performance data to test whether changes were actually improvements, and reduce their tolerance for marginal student performance.
A Comparison of Mathematics Classroom Observation Protocols
Authors: Boston Melissa , Bostic Jonathan , Lesseig Kristin , Sherman Milan
Published: March 2015

In this article, we provide information to assist mathematics teacher educators in selecting classroom observation tools. We review three classroom observation tools: (1) the Reform-Oriented Teaching Observation Protocol (RTOP); (2) the Instructional Quality Assessment (IQA) in Mathematics; and (3) the Mathematical Quality of Instruction (MQI). We begin by describing each tool and providing examples of research studies or program evaluations using each tool. We then look across tools to identify each tool's specific focus, and we discuss how the features of each tool (and the protocol for its use) might serve as affordances or constraints in relation to the goals, purposes, and resources of a specific investigation. We close the article with suggestions for how each tool might be used by mathematics teacher educators to support teachers' learning and instructional change.
Playing Winless Teams//Ranking the Safest U.S. Cities
Authors: Jones Michael A. , Wilson Jennifer M.
Published: March 2015

Questions investigate how ranking depends on the weighting of criteria. Probability and possibility are evaluated in the context of an unusual streak.
Shine On, Shine Dome
Authors: Wilcock Douglas
Published: March 2015

The architecture of Australia's Shine Dome prompts questions about geometry of a spherical cap, projections of parabolas, and ratios in the distribution of weight.
Mathematics Lessons from Finland and Sweden
Authors: Seaberg Rebecca L.
Published: March 2015

International comparisons highlight many differences and a few similarities among these two countries and the United States.
Using Repetition to Make Ideas Stick
Authors: Lykins Alicia N.
Published: March 2015

Repetition of a key phrase that encapsulates a big idea can be a valuable teaching tool.
Integers: Draw or Discard!
Authors: Bofferding Laura , Wessman-Enzinger Nicole
Published: March 2015

The inclusion of negative numbers in the April 2014 Problem Solvers card game encourages students to consider multiple meanings of the minus sign and the relation of negative numbers to positive numbers so they can make strategic moves.
Unfolding a Problem
Authors: Currier Sarah Cox
Published: March 2015

Learn how origami is more than arts and crafts; it can take problem solving in new directions.
Worth a Thousand Words
Authors: Yeh Cathery
Published: March 2015

A picture can serve as a powerful tool for students to investigate the mathematics in their everyday lives. Share a photo of something students experience regularly in their communities: a local restaurant menu, a bus ticket, or even a bowl of fruit. Ask students to find the mathematics in the picture. Start by brainstorming as a class, paying close attention to the numerical or geometric aspects of the photo. Allow students to work as partners or in groups to create problems relevant to the context.
An Analysis of Suicide Attempts in Jaén Province (Andalusia-Spain)
Authors: Sánchez-Teruel David , Muela-Martínez José A. , García-León Ana
Published: March 2015

Aim

Suicide is the leading cause of non-accidental death in Spain across both sexes and all age groups; however, data on suicide attempts by region are heterogeneous and little reported. This study aimed to examine the socio-demographic and epidemiological variables most strongly related to suicide attempts in Jaén province.

Method

Data on people who had attempted suicide over a 26-month period (2009–2011) were collected from the emergency departments of two hospitals via their electronic medical record systems specific to the Autonomous Community of Andalusia (Spain). Descriptive and frequency statistics were obtained and the relationship among variables was examined.

Results

Suicide attempters were aged 24 to 53 years, being primarily women (65.25%). The most frequent suicide method was medication ingestion (85.55%); thus, ingestion of toxic substances has become the preferred method among women (LR(3) = 14.731; p = .02). The hospitals discharged the patients (46.44%) or referred them to mental health services in the area (20.08%) following a suicide attempt. There were more hospital discharges when the attempt involved ingestion of toxic substances or self-harm (LR(12) = 20.603; p = .05), and in winter and spring (LR(12) = 69.772; p < .001).

Conclusion

The need for emergency departments to have prevention and intervention procedures in place, specifically designed for suicide attempts and at-risk individuals, is discussed.
Perceived Stress Scale Applied to College Students: Validation Study
Authors: Dias Juliana Chioda Ribeiro , Silva Wanderson Roberto , Maroco João , Campos Juliana Alvares Duarte Bonini
Published: March 2015

Objetivo

Apresentar uma versão em português (pós-acordo ortográfico) da Escala de Estresse Percebido (PSS-14), e estimar sua validade e confiabilidade em universitárias brasileiras.

Método

Realizaram-se validações de face e conteúdo. Realizou-se análise fatorial confirmatória (n = 1081) e utilizando-se como índices de ajustamento a razão qui-quadrado por graus de liberdade (χ²/gl), Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Normed of Fit Index (NFI) e o Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA). Avaliou-se a estabilidade do melhor modelo em amostras independentes por análise multigrupos e a invariância pela diferença do qui-quadrado (Δχ²) para os pesos fatoriais (λ), Covariância entre fatores (Cov) e Resíduos (Res). Estimou-se a validade convergente pela Variância Extraída Média (VEM) e Confiabilidade Composta (CC). As validades concorrente e divergente da PSS foram estimadas por análise correlacional de Pearson (r) com a Weight Concerns Scale e o Inventário de Burnout de Maslach, respetivamente. A consistência interna foi estimada pelo Coeficiente alfa de Cronbach padronizado (α).

Resultados

A versão de 10 itens (PSS-10) apresentou melhor ajustamento à amostra (χ²/gl = 10,69; CFI = 0,90; GFI = 0,93; RMSEA = 0,09). A validade convergente esteve abaixo do recomendado (VEM = 0,34; CC = 0,84). A consistência interna (α = 0,83) foi adequada. A estrutura foi estável nas subamostras independentes. As validades concorrente e divergente foram adequadas.

Conclusão

A PSS-10 apresentou adequada validade, confiabilidade e estabilidade em amostras independentes de estudantes universitárias.
El turismo en los procesos de desarrollo rural
Authors: Andrés Sarasa José Luis
Published: March 2015

El objetivo de este trabajo se concreta en presentar las etapas que deben seguirse para
alcanzar un desarrollo rural integrado. Para ello se propone reflexionar en torno a la nueva
funcionalidad del medio rural, las disfuncionalidades que atenazan su desarrollo, las ventajas
cualitativas en que apoyarse y los actores y estrategias que deben entrar en juego. Se concluye
que posicionarse en la jerarquía territorial emergente no puede ser a cualquier precio y que
no es tarea fácil, por ello es preciso movilizar todas las sinergias locales.
Cartografía de zonas vulnerables a la erosión hídrica con la ayuda del método PAP/CAR y SIG en relación con la presa Allal el Fassi, Atlas Medio
Authors: Faleh Ali , Maktite Abderrahim
Published: March 2015

El presente trabajo tiene por objetivo estudiar la erosión hídrica en las dos cuencas de
Beni Alaham y Al Azhar situadas en el Atlas Medio, estableciendo jerarquias de parcelas
según el grado erosivo con la ayuda de la aproximación PAP/CAR que permite, sobre todo,
calibrar la integración de los factores que influyen en la erosión hídrica, tales como : la
pendiente topográfica derivada de la morfología y la inclinación de las pendientes, la red
hidrográfica, el tipo de suelo y el material litológico, la tipología de la cobertura vegetal que
se relacionan con los sistemas de explotación agrícola, y en especial, sobre las medidas y
estructuras antierosivas existentes.
El trabajo ha estado realizado a través de tres etapas del método apuntado, éstas son:
La aproximación predictiva que se basa en el análisis de factores naturales (pendiente,
cobertera vegetal y litología) y el tratamiento de la base de datos especificadas en los mapas
elaborados, los cuales muestran los resultados del estado de degradación de los suelos.
La aproximación desctriptiva se basa en la cartografía de las diferentes formas y procesos
de pérdida de suelo, manifestadas en la zona de esudio.
La aproximación de integración que permite la combinación de las dos fases precedentes
cuyo objetivo es conseguir un producto cartográfico muy preciso que refleje la realidad del
estado de degración del suelo y la evolución de la erosión futura.
Geografía médica de Caso (Asturias) (1945)
Authors: Feo Parrondo Francisco
Published: March 2015

La Geografía médica de Caso (1945) analiza de forma pormenorizada la situación demográfica y sanitaria de este municipio, la influencia de los factores físicos y humanos para concluir con una revisión somera de las principales enfermedades que afectaban a los habitantes.
Estudio del norte de Santiago de Chile mediante cartografía histórica:
Authors: Quilodrán Rubio Carolina , Sahady Villanueva Antonio , Bravo Sánchez José
Published: March 2015

En la ribera norte del río Mapocho, en Santiago de Chile, existió un área que fue
reconocida como La Chimba, el lugar ideal para que se asentaran allí numerosas familias
indígenas antes del periodo de fundación de la ciudad. Esta otra banda u otra orilla, –significado en lengua quechua de La Chimba–, durante largo tiempo fue el límite septentrional
de Santiago del Nuevo Extremo, con una historia y un desarrollo territorial marcados por
las diversas situaciones naturales y culturales de la ciudad. A partir de la documentación
histórica, en el presente estudio se analiza la representación de La Chimba entre los siglos
XVI y el XIX.
Cost differentials of dental outpatient care across clinical dentistry branches
Authors: Rančić Jovana , Rančić Nemanja , Majstorović Nemanja , Biočanin Vladimir , Milosavljević Marko , Jakovljević Mihajlo
Published: March 2015

Background: Dental care presents affordability issues in Central & Eastern European transitional economies due to lack of insurance coverage in most countries of the region and almost complete out-of-pocket payments by citizens.Objective: Real world estimates on cost differentials across clinical dentistry branches, ICD-10 diagnostic groups and groups of dental services.Methods: Prospective case-series cost analysis was conducted from the patient perspective. A six months time horizon was adopted. Sample size was 752 complete episodes of treatment in 250 patients, selected in 2012/2013 throughout several specialist state- and private-owned dental clinics in Serbia. All direct costs of dental care were taken into account and expressed in Euros (€).Results: Mean total costs of dental care were € 46 ± 156 per single dentist visit while total costs incurred by this population sample were € 34,424. Highest unit utilization of services belongs to conservative dentistry (31.9%), oral surgery (19.5%) and radiology (17.4%), while the resource with the highest monetary value belongs to implantology € 828 ± 392, orthodontics € 706 ± 667 and prosthetics € 555 ± 244. The most frequently treated diagnosis was tooth decay (33.8% unit services provided), pulpitis (11.2%) and impacted teeth (8.5%), while most expensive to treat were anomalies of tooth position (€ 648 ± 667), abnormalities of size and form of teeth (€ 508 ± 705) and loss of teeth due to accident, extraction or local periodontal disease (€ 336 ± 339).Conclusion: Although the range of dental costs currently falls behind EU average, Serbia’s emerging economy is likely to expand in the long run while market demand for dental services will grow. Due to threatened financial sustainability of current health insurance patterns in Western Balkans, getting acquainted with true size and structure of dental care costs could essentially support informed decision making in future.
Hospital Based Health Technology Assessment: an example from Siena
Authors: Manzi Pietro , Barberini Pietro , Dori Fabrizio
Published: March 2015

The Health Technology Assessment (HTA) has emerged in recent years as a useful tool in healthcare decision-making. It is a multidisciplinary process that summarizes information about the medical, social, economic and ethical issues related to the use of a health technology and provides evidence-based information on how to allocate resources. The experience of Siena University Hospital is an example of multidisciplinary hospital-based HTA. In the present paper we summarize the organization of HTA commission and the assessment methodology of the purchase, rental or sale of medical equipment and medical devices. Furthermore we illustrate the data concerning the commission activities in 2013.
Brood care in a 100-million-year-old scale insect
Authors: Wang Bo , Xia Fangyuan , Wappler Torsten , Simon Ewa , Zhang Haichun , Jarzembowski Edmund A , Szwedo Jacek
Published: March 2015

Behavior of extinct organisms can be inferred only indirectly, but occasionally rare fossils document particular behaviors directly. Brood care, a remarkable behavior promoting the survival of the next generation, has evolved independently numerous times among animals including insects. However, fossil evidence of such a complex behavior is exceptionally scarce. Here, we report an ensign scale insect (Hemiptera: Ortheziidae), Wathondara kotejai gen. et sp. nov., from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber, which preserves eggs within a wax ovisac, and several freshly hatched nymphs. The new fossil is the only Mesozoic record of an adult female scale insect. More importantly, our finding represents the earliest unequivocal direct evidence of brood care in the insect fossil record and demonstrates a remarkably conserved egg-brooding reproductive strategy within scale insects in stasis for nearly 100 million years.
Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells regulate the regeneration of their niche by secreting Angiopoietin-1
Authors: Zhou Bo O , Ding Lei , Morrison Sean J
Published: March 2015

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are maintained by a perivascular niche in bone marrow but it is unclear whether the niche is reciprocally regulated by HSCs. Here, we systematically assessed the expression and function of Angiopoietin-1 (Angpt1) in bone marrow. Angpt1 was not expressed by osteoblasts. Angpt1 was most highly expressed by HSCs, and at lower levels by c-kit+ hematopoietic progenitors, megakaryocytes, and Leptin Receptor+ (LepR+) stromal cells. Global conditional deletion of Angpt1, or deletion from osteoblasts, LepR+ cells, Nes-cre-expressing cells, megakaryocytes, endothelial cells or hematopoietic cells in normal mice did not affect hematopoiesis, HSC maintenance, or HSC quiescence. Deletion of Angpt1 from hematopoietic cells and LepR+ cells had little effect on vasculature or HSC frequency under steady-state conditions but accelerated vascular and hematopoietic recovery after irradiation while increasing vascular leakiness. Hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells and LepR+ stromal cells regulate niche regeneration by secreting Angpt1, reducing vascular leakiness but slowing niche recovery.