bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal cycles and trends of water budget components in 18 river basins across Tibetan Plateau: a multiple datasets perspective
Authors: Liu Wenbin , Sun Fubao , Li Yanzhong , Zhang Guoqing , Sang Yan-Fang , Liu Jiahong , Wang Hong , Bai Peng
Published: November 2016

Abstract. The insights of water budgets over Tibetan Plateau (TP) are not fully understood so far due to the lack of quantitative observations of the land surface processes. Here, we investigated the seasonal cycles and trends of water budget components in 18 TP basins through the use of multi-source datasets during the period 1982–2011. A two-step bias correction procedure was applied to calculate the basin-wide evapotranspiration (ET) through the water balance considering the influences of glacier and water storage change. The results indicated that precipitation, which mainly concentrated during June–October (varied among different monsoons impacted basins), is the major contributor to the runoff in TP basins. The basin-wide snow water equivalent (SWE) was relatively higher from mid-autumn to spring for most TP basins. The water cycles intensified under a global warming in most basins except for the upper Yellow and Yalong Rivers, which were significantly influenced by the weakening East Asian monsoon. Corresponded to the climate warming and moistening in the TP and western China, the aridity index (PET/P) in most basins decreased. The general hydrological regimes could be inferred from the perspective of multi-source datasets although there are considerable uncertainties from different datasets, which are comparable to some existing studies using the field observations and complex modeling approaches. The results highlighted the usefulness of integrating the multi-source data (e.g., in situ observations, remote sensing products, reanalysis, land surface model simulations and climate model outputs) for hydrological applications in the data-sparse environments and could be benefit for understanding the water and energy budgets, sustainable management of water resources under a warming climate in the harsh and data-sparse Tibetan Plateau.
Biochemical piezoresistive sensors based on hydrogels for biotechnology and medical applications
Authors: Schmidt Ulrike , Jorsch Carola , Guenther Margarita , Gerlach Gerald
Published: November 2016

Abstract. Many conventional analysis techniques achieve a high-detection sensitivity; however, they are equipment or time expensive due to a multi-step procedure. Sensor concepts, introduced in this work, using piezoresistive pressure sensor chips with integrated analyte-sensitive hydrogels enable inexpensive and robust biochemical sensors, which are miniaturized and in-line capable. For these sensor setups, it is important to optimize current established analyte-sensitive, reversible and biocompatible hydrogels for pH and glucose monitoring of chemical and biochemical processes. Therefore, low-viscous monomer mixtures based on hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA), 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA), tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) and ethylene glycol (EG) were prepared in molar ratios of 70∕30∕01∕20, 60∕40∕01∕20 and 60∕40∕02∕20, respectively. Redox-polymerization of these pre-gel solutions were realized with N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine and ammonium persulfate. The reversible pH-sensitive swelling behavior of hydrogels with compositions were compared. By using the photoinitiator 2-hydroxy-4′-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-2-methylpropiophenone, the free radical photopolymerization could be implemented leading to an increase of the swelling degree (SG). Glucose-sensitive hydrogels were prepared via immobilization of glucose oxidase in HPMA–DMAEMA–TEGDMA–EG hydrogel discs. These showed increasing swelling degrees with higher glucose concentrations in aqueous media and a reversible swelling behavior. The synthesized hydrogels were integrated in different piezoresistive sensors of different designs. The pH-depending course of the output voltage of a dip sensor with photopolymerized 60∕40∕02∕20 hydrogel was studied in detail. Besides the usage of a dip sensor, two implantable, parylene C-coated setups are presented. The implantable sensor with long isolated gold bond wires was proved to be functional even after storage in aqueous media for several days.
Vulnerability of bridges to scour: insights from an international
expert elicitation workshop
Authors: Lamb Rob , Aspinall Willy , Odbert Henry , Wagener Thorsten
Published: November 2016

Abstract. Scour (localised erosion) during flood events is one of the most important threats to bridges over rivers and estuaries, and has been the cause of numerous bridge failures, with damaging consequences. Mitigation of the risk of bridges being damaged by scour is therefore important for many infrastructure owners, and is supported by industry guidance. Even after mitigation, some residual risk remains, though its extent is difficult to quantify because of the uncertainties inherent in the prediction of scour and the assessment of the scour risk. This paper summarises findings of an international expert workshop on bridge scour risk assessment exploring uncertainties about the vulnerability of bridges to scour. Two specialised structured elicitation methods were applied to explore the factors that experts in the field consider important in assessing scour risk, and to derive pooled expert judgements of bridge failure probabilities conditional on a range of assumed scenarios describing flood event severity, bridge and watercourse types and risk mitigation protocols. The experts' judgements broadly align with industry good practice, but indicate significant uncertainty about quantitative estimates of bridge failure probabilities, reflecting the difficulty in assessing the residual risk of failure. The data and findings presented here could provide useful context for the development of generic scour fragility models, and their associated uncertainties.
Assessing and analysing the impact of land take pressures on agricultural land
Authors: Aksoy Ece , Gregor Mirko , Schröder Christoph , Löhnertz Manuel , Louwagie Geertrui
Published: November 2016

Abstract. Land, and here in particular soil, is a finite and essentially non-renewable resource. EU-wide, land take, i.e. the increase of settlement area over time, consumes more than 1000 km2 annually of which half is actually sealed and, hence, lost under impermeable surfaces. Land take and in particular soil sealing has already been identified as one of the major soil threats in the 2006 EC Communication ''Towards a Thematic Strategy on Soil Protection'' and the Soil Thematic Strategy, and has been confirmed as such in the report on the implementation of this strategy. The aim of this study is to relate the potential of land for a particular use in a given region with the actual land use. This allows evaluating whether land (especially the soil dimension) is used according to its (theoretical) potential. To this aim, the impact of several land cover flows related to urban development on soils with a good, average and poor production potential were assessed and mapped. Thus, the amount and quality (potential for agricultural production) of agricultural land lost between the years 2000 and 2006 was identified. In addition, areas with high productivity potential around urban areas, indicating areas of potential future land use conflicts for Europe, were identified.
Weichselian permafrost depth in the Netherlands: a comprehensive uncertainty and sensitivity analysis
Authors: Govaerts Joan , Beerten Koen , ten Veen Johan
Published: November 2016

Abstract. The Rupelian clay in the Netherlands is currently the subject of a feasibility study with respect to the storage of radioactive waste in the Netherlands (OPERA-project). Many features need to be considered in the assessment of the long-term evolution of the natural environment surrounding a geological waste disposal facility. One of these is permafrost development as it may have an impact on various components of the disposal system, including the natural environment (hydrogeology), the natural barrier (clay) and the engineered barrier. Determining how deep permafrost might develop in the future is desirable in order to properly address the possible impact on the various components. It is expected that periglacial conditions will reappear at some point during the next several hundred thousands of years, a typical time frame considered in geological waste disposal feasibility studies. In this study, the Weichselian glaciation is used as an analogue for future permafrost development. Permafrost depth modelling using a best estimate temperature curve of the Weichselian indicates that permafrost would reach depths between 155 and 195 m. Without imposing a climatic gradient over the country, deepest permafrost is expected in the south due to the lower geothermal heat flux and higher average sand content of the post-Rupelian overburden. Accounting for various sources of uncertainty, such as type and impact of vegetation, snow cover, surface temperature gradients across the country, possible errors in palaeoclimate reconstructions, porosity, lithology and geothermal heat flux, stochastic calculations point out that permafrost depth during the coldest stages of a glacial cycle such as the Weichselian, for any location in the Netherlands, would be 130–210 m at the 2σ level. In any case, permafrost would not reach depths greater than 270 m. The most sensitive parameters in permafrost development are the mean annual air temperatures and porosity, while the geothermal heat flux is the crucial parameter in permafrost degradation once temperatures start rising again.
Estrategias y eficacia compositiva del alumnado de 6º de Primaria en relación a la práctica docente
Authors: Arbiol Solaz Amelia , Paulo Noguera Mar
Published: November 2016

A partir de los años 70, la enseñanza-aprendizaje de la escritura como instrumento comunicativo de elaboración y transformación del conocimiento ha suscitado un interés notable. La realidad, sin embargo, es que un gran número de estudiantes demuestra en la producción de textos dificultades de expresión que no siempre logran superar. Por ello, a pesar del tiempo transcurrido, sigue vigente la necesidad de analizar la práctica educativa y la repercusión en los aprendizajes de la escritura. Nuestra investigación parte de la actividad en el aula, analizando la práctica educativa respecto de la enseñanza-aprendizaje de la escritura y la repercusión que ésta tiene sobre la adquisición de estrategias y la eficacia compositiva de los estudiantes de 6º de primaria. Se trata de una investigación de orientación interpretativocomprensiva que busca la reflexión, la mejora de la práctica docente y de la eficacia compositiva de los estudiantes.
Implementación didáctica y tecnológica del Portfolio Europeo de las Lenguas Electrónico (e-PEL): Hacia la web 3.0
Authors: Mira Giménez Mario Jesús
Published: November 2016

La enseñanza-aprendizaje de idiomas se fundamenta desde hace más de una década en el Marco Común Europeo de Referencia de las Lenguas. El Consejo de Europa diseñó un instrumento para su aplicación didáctica: el Portfolio Europeo de las Lenguas (PEL), un documento personal para reflexionar sobre el proceso y el resultado del aprendizaje de lenguas y culturas. Desde 2009, se ha implantado el Portfolio Europeo de las Lenguas Electrónico (e-PEL). Sin embargo, su generalización en el aprendizaje de idiomas no se ha conseguido, quizás porque ha faltado una implementación didáctica y tecnológica. Por tanto, es necesario analizar el e-PEL para mejorar su aplicación didáctica y aprovechar las posibilidades que brindan las TIC, en general, y la Web 3.0, en particular, para dinamizar este proyecto oficial.
Investigación Acción acerca del tratamiento del error y sesión de "feedback" en el espacio curricular de Expresión Oral
Authors: Ferreiro Gabriela Mariel , Moreno Trillo Valeria Andrea
Published: November 2016

Interpretando a la investigación-acción como instrumento valioso para la reconstrucción de la práctica educativa ya que articula de manera permanente la investigación, la acción y la formación, el presente trabajo busca explorar el tratamiento del error y posterior sesión de feedback en el espacio curricular Expresión Oral: Lengua III, correspondiente al 3er año de la carrera de Profesorado de Inglés del Instituto Terciario de Formación Docente IDRA situado en la ciudad de Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Los participantes fueron los docentesinvestigadores y los 18 alumnos que se encontraban cursando esa materia. Identificados los propósitos de la investigación – explorar el tratamiento del error y posterior sesión de feedback – y la necesidad de optimizar ambas instancias se implementaron cambios sustanciales en la práctica áulica, específicamente en los trabajos prácticos y las instancias evaluativas. Asimismo, previo al cierre académico, los alumnos completaron una encuesta sobre las innovaciones realizadas. El análisis de los resultados sugiere que el uso de grabaciones, transcripciones y posterior autocorrección generó en los participantes una instancia de reflexión y concientización sobre la propia producción oral. Este procedimiento, a su vez, favoreció la sesión de feedback ya que agilizó en gran medida la instancia de devolución.
El aprendizaje temprano de lenguas extranjeras en la Comunidad de Madrid: implicaciones del perfil y metodologías de los docentes
Authors: Fleta Guillén M. Teresa
Published: November 2016

Este artículo centra su atención en el perfil, percepciones y metodologías de los docentes de lenguas extranjeras en Educación Infantil en la Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid. Con información de la normativa vigente y con datos de un estudio llevado a cabo en centros públicos y privados, el artículo analiza las metodologías, las percepciones y las distintas modalidades de perfil del profesorado, y reflexiona sobre la necesidad de replantear el sistema de formación para adaptarlo a los requerimientos de la realidad educativa actual de enseñanza bilingüe. Las conclusiones e implicaciones se centran en un conjunto de reflexiones para adecuar las metodologías y el papel del docente en formación inicial y permanente a la política educativa de implantación del aprendizaje temprano de lengua extranjera en la región.
La evaluación de la competencia oral en segundas lenguas. El caso del inglés en el mundo profesional
Authors: Pomposo Yanes Mª Lourdes
Published: November 2016

La evaluación de la competencia oral es una de las más subjetivas en la enseñanza de una segunda lengua y a veces la que más conflictos origina en cuanto la evaluación justa e injusta dependiendo de los objetivos de dicha evaluación. Además del problema de la subjetividad hay que añadir la complejidad del consumo de tiempo que requiere si se quiere realizar de forma individual, la preparación de la actividad, la rúbrica específica que se quiere utilizar y las exigencias del proceso o protocolo que se debería de seguir para una correcta evaluación.En este documento realizaremos un planteamiento teórico de la evaluación de la competencia oral en segundas lenguas, el proceso de evaluación y la importancia de las escalas de valoración. Veremos las que son utilizadas por las instituciones más reconocidas en la enseñanza y evaluación del inglés además de sus descriptores, poniendo ejemplos de dicha evaluación en el mundo laboral y además propondremos una rúbrica para evaluar de forma holística que puede ser utilizada en un proceso de selección de candidatos a un trabajo.
Proyecto interdisciplinar “Sinestesia: flipando en colores”. Experiencia de aula
Authors: Gómez Moral Alba
Published: November 2016

Este trabajo da cuenta de una experiencia de aula cimentada en torno al fenómeno de la sinestesia. Más allá de su condición retórica, la sinestesia constituye una anomalía neurológica que provoca una extraña interrelación sensorial. Esta doble perspectiva –lingüística y fisiológica— reposa en la base de un proyecto multidisciplinar llevado a cabo por alumnos de la Educación Secundaria Obligatoria entre las asignaturas de Biología y Geología y Lengua y Literatura castellanas.
La didáctica de la pronunciación del español medieval como cauce para el desarrollo de la competencia literaria en la etapa de Bachillerato
Authors: Vicente Llavata Santiago
Published: November 2016

Las últimas aportaciones metodológicas en el desarrollo de la competencia literaria señalan el acercamiento directo a los textos y a su interpretación literaria a partir de experiencias lectoras personales como los cauces más sobresalientes a la hora de promover la lectura en el ámbito de la educación. Partiendo, pues, de estas premisas teóricas, este estudio pretende contribuir al desarrollo de la competencia literaria mediante la reflexión teórica en torno a la didáctica de la pronunciación del español medieval en Bachillerato. Para ello, se propone una secuencia didáctica basada en el recurso electrónico HISPROCAST (Historia de la pronunciación de la lengua castellana). Con ello se persigue ofrecer un camino metodológico inédito en el marco de las enseñanzas de Bachillerato referido al desarrollo de la competencia literaria.
La enseñanza/aprendizaje de la oportunidad de la lengua: estudio de las funciones emotiva y apelativa partiendo de un ejemplo literario paraanalizar y reformular
Authors: González Escudero Ana , Escudero Martínez Carmen , Guerrero Ruiz Pedro
Published: November 2016

Este artículo propone diversos ejercicios (compartimentar una comunicación compleja, analizarla y reformularla) para alumnos de grado o máster que vayan a ser comunicadores (profesores, etc.), insistiendo sobre todo en el análisis de la utilización de las funciones emotiva y apelativa de la lengua. Se utiliza como base un discurso de Benito Pérez Galdós que se presenta como una comunicación fracasada (a pesar de la seguridad y elocuencia del orador) y que los alumnos deben tratar de reformular atendiendo a sus conocimientos previos sobre el uso de las dos funciones y sus mecanismos expresivos.
“Recomendación entre iguales”: el papel de los prosumidores en la reputación online de las organizaciones
Authors: Pulido Polo Marta , Benítez Eyzaguirre Lucía
Published: November 2016

El concepto de prosumer y la perspectiva relacional de las relaciones públicas permiten reconceptualizar la reputación organizacional tradicional a través del fenómeno de la recomendación entre iguales. A través de una revisión teórica fundamentada en el uso de fuentes secundarias, este trabajo tiene como objetivo principal definir la reputación online en función de las acciones de comunicación de los prosumidores como parte de la gestión de la comunicación corporativa y las relaciones públicas. Los resultados evidencian que la independencia y autonomía de los prosumidores en su participación y expresión de opiniones se viene mostrando como el modelo más eficaz de producción de confianza y, por tanto, de mayor peso para la construcción de la reputación online estableciéndose, como conclusión final, un modelo evaluativo del diálogo multidireccional organización-prosumidores-entorno.
Inhibition of ULK2 Autophagic Activity by Its Association with YAP
Authors: Shin Sung Hwa , Lee Eun Jeoung , Hyun Sunghee , Park Dowonkyoung , Kang Sang Sun
Published: November 2016

Uncoordinated 51-like kinase 2 (ULK2) is a member of the serine/threonine kinase family that functions an essential role regulating autophagy in mammalian cells. As autophagy is implicated in normal cellular homeostasis and multiple diseases, better mechanisticinsight will drive thedevelopment of novel therapeutic approaches. Here, we present evidence that ULK2 interacts withYAP for its degradation and subcellular localization. A potential PPxY motif (328PPnY331) was identified, which is similar with the consensus PPxY motif in ULK2 S/P domain. TheP329A (PA) mutation in the PY motif of ULK2 abolished the YAP-ULK2 association.At first, we observed that ULK2 physically interacted to YAP in vivo and in vitro, using a pull-down approach. Secondly, ULK2 and YAP co- localized at the apical (or tight junction) membrane as visualized by confocal microscopy. Furthermore, the PA mutant substantially increased during autophagy than that of wild-type ULK2 or the P242A mutant in transient transfection assays. Thus, the association between ULK2 and YAP through the WW domain links autophagy and the Hippo signal transduction pathway.
Impact of an Herbal Dietary Supplement Containing Spilanthes acmella and Orchis latifolia on Testosterone in Young Men
Authors: G. Moran Ryan , VonSchulze Alex T. , Bloomer Richard J.
Published: November 2016

Attention has been given recently to herbal dietary supplements proposed to elevate testosterone and nitric oxide. This study evaluated the impact of a supplement containing Spilanthes acmella extract and Orchis latifolia extract on total blood testosterone, cortisol, and nitrate/nitrite in healthy men. Methods: Thirteen men (25.0±1.0 years) were randomly assigned (double-blind, cross-over design) to ingest a supplement (containing Spilanthes acmella extract and Orchis latifolia extract) and a placebo daily for 14 days, with a 14-day washout period between assignments. Fasting blood samples were collected on the mornings of days 1, 4, 8, and 15 and analyzed for testosterone, cortisol, and nitrate/nitrite. On day 15, subjects ingested an acute dose of the supplement or placebo and blood was collected every 30 minutes for three hours, and analyzed for testosterone. Results: No increase of significance was noted for any biochemical variable (p>0.05). However, a mean increase in testosterone from day 1 to day 15 of 29% was observed for the 13 subjects when ingesting the supplement, with a mean increase of 56% noted when only considering the 8 subjects who “responded” to treatment. Cortisol was increased approximately 19% when subjects ingested the supplement, compared to only 9% with the placebo. Conclusion: Two weeks of supplementation with an herbal preparation containing Spilanthes acmella extract and Orchis latifolia extract can increase testosterone in selected young men. The supplement also results in a moderate increase in cortisol. Larger scale studies are needed to further evaluate the impact of this herbal combination on testosterone in men.
Choroidal Characteristics of Acute and Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy Using Enhanced Depth Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Ruiz-Medrano Jorge , Pellegrini Marco , Cereda Matteo G. , Cigada Mario , Staurenghi Giovanni
Published: November 2016

Purpose

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is an idiopathic disorder characterized by serous detachments of the neurosensory retina and/or the retinal pigment epithelium affecting the macular area in the majority of cases. The objective of this study was to describe choroidal findings in patients with acute and chronic CSC based on enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography analysis.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional, noninterventional study performed at Luigi Sacco University Hospital of Milan. Inclusion criteria were the presence of diagnosed (acute or chronic) CSC and being 18 years or older. Patients were evaluated with Spectralis spectral-domain optical coherence tomography enhanced depth imaging by 2 operators. The main features analyzed were intrachoroidal hyperreflective spots and hyperreflective choroidal vessel walls, as actual measurements of wall thickness could not be performed.

Results

Patients with chronic CSC had hyperreflective spots in 83.3% of the cases and hyperreflective choroidal vessel walls in 75%, whereas patients with acute course had the same alterations in 33% and 6.7% of cases, respectively.

Conclusions

These findings, if proven, may be indicative of chronic forms, thus guiding more accurate treatments and guiding clinicians through more accurate prognosis.
Bromfenac Eyedrops in the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema: A Pilot Study
Authors: Pinna Antonio , Blasetti Francesco , Ricci Giuseppe D'Amico , Boscia Francesco
Published: November 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical bromfenac in patients with newly diagnosed diabetic macular edema (DME).

Methods

In this pilot study including 17 patients with monocular, newly diagnosed DME, diagnosis of DME was established by the detection of retinal thickening at or within 500 μm of the center of the macula on ophthalmoscopic examination, according to the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study classification. Central macular thickness (CMT) was determined by optical coherence tomography. Bromfenac sodium hydrate 0.9 mg/mL eyedrops were administered in the affected eye twice daily for 30 days. Primary endpoints were changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and CMT at the end of therapy.

Results

Topical bromfenac significantly reduced mean CMT, from 465.41 ± 118.47 μm at baseline to 388.88 ± 152.63 μm posttreatment (p = 0.02). There was no significant change in BCVA and differences in mean macular volume fell just short of statistical significance (p = 0.06). Treatment was well-tolerated, and there were no topical or systemic side effects.

Conclusions

Topical bromfenac twice daily may play a role in the reduction of DME. These preliminary results warrant further larger multicenter studies to confirm our findings and establish whether topical bromfenac may be of long-term benefit in the treatment of DME.
Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Syndrome (Uveomeningoencephalitic Syndrome)
Authors: Manethova Katerina , Ernest Jan , Hrevus Michal
Published: November 2016

Purpose

To report a case of a 29-year-old man who was examined at the Eye Clinic of Central Military University Hospital Prague for a severe headache and acute blurring of vision in both eyes diagnosed as incomplete Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome (VKH).

Methods

This is a retrospective and descriptive case report based on data from clinical records, patient observation and follow-ups and analysis of acquired diagnostic tests.

Results

A 29-year-old man presented with headache and decreased vision in his left eye (LE) for 2 days. Best-corrected visual acuity was 20/20 in both his eyes. Pupillary function, intraocular pressure, results of external segment examinations, and slit-lamp biomicroscopy were normal bilaterally. Right eye funduscopy was normal; in the LE, funduscopy revealed posterior pole exudative retinal detachments. Optical coherence tomography confirmed multiple serous (bullous) retinal detachments and showed thickening of the posterior choroid also revealed by orbital ultrasound. Fluorescein angiography showed angiographic features typical of VKH disease: disseminated spotted choroidal hyperfluorescence and choroidal multifocal hypofluorescence, multifocal profuse leakage in the retina with late phase pooling, serous retinal detachment, and optic disc hyperfluorescence. All serologic tests for the diagnosis of infectious pathologies were negative. Except for severe headache, the patient did not have any neurologic, integumentary, or auditory manifestations. Immediate high-dose systemic corticosteroid treatment was given.

Conclusions

Despite prompt diagnosis, prompt aggressive systemic therapy, and a rapid response in this case, progressive pigmentary changes of retinal pigment epithelium developed shortly thereafter.
Systematic Screening of Retinopathy in Diabetes (REaD Project): An Italian Implementation Campaign
Authors: Porta Massimo , Boscia Francesco , Lanzetta Paolo , Mannucci Edoardo , Menchini Ugo , Simonelli Francesca
Published: November 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the use of telemedicine retinal screening in Italy and to identify potential elements of implementation of this system.

Methods

Patients with either new-onset diabetes or no ophthalmologic visit over the previous 2 years and attending 33 referral diabetic centers between mid-April 2013 and mid December 2015 were screened. Two partially overlapping nonstereoscopic 45° digital color images were captured from each eye using a fully automated nonmydriatic digital fundus camera. Factors limiting the assessment of retinopathy were explored.

Results

Out of 24,473 eligible individuals, 22,466 had complete data. Among them, good-quality images enabling appropriate evaluation of at least one eye were obtained from 19,712 patients (both eyes, n = 18,887). Although nonmydriatic retinographs were provided, 39% of patients were evaluated using mydriasis. The rate of low-quality images in each center was inversely associated with the number of patients assessed. This was more evident for screening in mydriasis: adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.79 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.76-0.82) (p<0.001) vs 0.96 (95% CI 0.94-0.97) (p<0.001). Finally, both the number of patients assessed and use of mydriasis were inversely related to the presence of diabetic retinopathy (DR): adjusted OR 0.93 (95% CI 0.92-0.93) (p<0.001) and 0.88 (95% CI 0.82-0.96) (p<0.001), respectively.

Conclusions

This program confirmed a role for teleophthalmology in the systematic screening of DR and provided important suggestions to improve the system deployed. A high level of training is required for operators to optimize imaging. The role of mydriasis should be evaluated further.
Alterations of Serum Osteocalcin Levels in Patients with Legg-Calvé-Perthes
Authors: Wei Wen-Bo , Dang Sha-Jie , Li Yong , Liu Zong-Zhi
Published: November 2016

Background

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) is a paediatric form of osteonecrosis that ultimately heals but will cause femoral head and acetabular deformities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the early serum measurement of osteocalcin in children with femoral head necrosis compared with that of healthy children.

Methods

20 patients with LCPD (4 girls and 16 boys) and 20 healthy volunteers (5 girls and 15 boys) were enrolled. All patients did not have additional treatment. Blood samples were obtained from all patients pre-operatively in the morning. All cases had hip radiographs. The serum levels of osteocalcin comparisons between the LCPD patients and the healthy volunteers were performed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The Spearman rank correlation was used to assess correlation between LCPD grade and serum osteocalcin levels. Significance was set at p = 0.05.

Results

The 20 patients with LCPD (72.75 ± 24.92 ng/ml) had significantly higher serum osteocalcin levels compared with the healthy group (16.80 ± 4.04 ng/ml) (p≤0.01). Serum osteocalcin levels of different LCPD grades were significantly different (Spearman's p = 0.540, p = 0.014).

Conclusions

We observed a significant correlation between serum osteocalcin levels and LCPD. These results may be meaningful in clinical practice and to future studies.
Posterior Approach to Optimise Patient-Reported Outcome from Revision Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Blackburn Julia , Lim Diana , Harrowell Ian , Parry Michael C. , Blom Ashley W. , Whitehouse Michael R.
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Most total hip arthroplasties (THAs) in the UK are performed through a posterior or lateral surgical approach. We aimed to investigate any difference in outcome from revision THA according to the approach at primary and revision THA surgery.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of 205 patients who underwent revision THA for aseptic loosening. Patients rated their pain from 0-10 and completed the Self-Administered Patient Satisfaction Scale (SAPS), Oxford Hip Score (OHS), WOMAC and Short form-12 questionnaires.

Results

205 patients (209 hips) from a cohort of 238 patients (243 hips, 86%) were available for analysis. The mean follow-up was 5 years (SD 1.71). Grouping by approach 20% (43/209) had both primary and revision procedures via a lateral approach, 20% (43/209) had their primary surgery via a lateral approach and their revision surgery via a posterior approach, whilst 60% (123/209) had both procedures via a posterior approach. The WOMAC and OHS were significantly better in patients who had a posterior approach for both primary and revision surgery, compared to those that did not (OHS p = 0.028, WOMAC p = 0.026). We found no significant differences in pain, satisfaction or health-related quality of life between the groups.

Discussion

Choice of approach for revision hip arthroplasty is influenced by a number of factors, but in clinical situations where either a lateral or posterior approach could be used, the posterior approach appears to be associated with better joint-specific outcomes. Registry data may help further explore the associations between surgical approach and the outcome from revision THA.
Acetabular Spacers in 2-Stage Hip Revision: Is it Worth it? A Single-Centre Retrospective Study
Authors: Burastero Giorgio , Basso Marco , Carrega Giuliana , Cavagnaro Luca , Chiarlone Francesco , Salomone Carlo , Papa Gabriele , Felli Lamberto
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The aim of this work is to evaluate an acetabular antibiotic loaded bone cement spacer in 2-stage revision surgery as a potential approach able to reduce complications during the inter-stage period (i.e. dislocation, acetabular wear), as well as simplify 2-stage hip revision surgery and improve hip biomechanics.

Methods

We performed a retrospective comparative study and evaluated clinical, radiological and surgical data of 71 patients affected by periprosthetic hip infection who were treated with 2-stage exchange. 31 patients were treated using an acetabular spacer in addition to the femoral (group A) while 40 underwent a standard revision surgery (femoral spacer only, group B).

Results

Mean time of surgery for the first stage was 148 ± 59 minutes and 142 ± 45 minutes for group A and B respectively; we noted a statistically significant reduction (26 min, p = 0.015) in the same parameter for the second stage (83 ± 35 minutes for group A and 109 ± 36 minutes for group B). We observed the following interstage complications: 5 femoral spacer dislocations (1 for group A and 4 for group B); 1 spacer fracture (group B), 1 spacer fracture (group A), 2 periprosthetic fractures (group B) and 2 patients with acetabular spacer instability (group B). Additionally, we observed a significant improvement in leg length restoration for group A (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Our data show that the acetabular spacer technique is able to reduce the interstage complication rate and allow improved hip biomechanics restoration.
Outcomes of Total Hip Replacement in Limbs Affected by Poliomyelitis
Authors: Faldini Cesare , De Fine Marcello , Di Martino Alberto , Fabbri Daniele , Borghi Raffaele , Chehrassan Mohammadreza , Traina Francesco
Published: November 2016

Introduction

The outcomes of total hip replacement in patients suffering from residual poliomyelitis are poorly covered in the literature. In this retrospective study we posed the question of whether total hip replacement performed for degenerative hip diseases in limbs with residual poliomyelitis could determine satisfactory mid-term clinical and radiographic results, with a reasonable complication rate.

Methods

A retrospective study was carried out to assess the results of 14 total hip replacements performed on 14 patients with residual poliomyelitis on the involved limb from June 1999 to September 2011. Average age at the time of surgery was 51 years (range 26-66 years). Mean duration of follow-up was 92 months (range 52-156 months). Surgery was performed through a direct lateral approach on all hips. All but one were cementless implants.

Results

2 implants failed, 1 due to traumatic acetabular fracture 6 days after surgery, and 1 due to aseptic cup loosening 13 years after surgery. Surgery was uneventful in all patients except 1 (7%), who experienced a transient sensory sciatic nerve palsy. At the latest follow up Harris Hip Score was 83.3 (range 72-91) with a marked improvement when compared to preoperative score (average 52, range 32-78). No dislocations had occurred.

Conclusions

Total hip replacement can be considered a feasible option for hip osteoarthritis in patients with limbs affected by residual poliomyelitis. Longer follow-up studies are needed to assess the effectiveness of unconstrained total hip replacement in polio patients.
Normal Population Reference Values for the Oxford and Harris Hip Scores – Electronic Data Collection and its Implications for Clinical Practice
Authors: McLean James M. , Cappelletto Jacob , Clarnette Jock , Hill Catherine L. , Gill Tiffany , Mandziak Daniel , Leith Jordan
Published: November 2016

Background

The aim of this study was to assess whether the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and the Oxford Hip Score (OHS) were comparable in normal, healthy, pathology-free individuals of different age, gender, ethnicity, handedness and nationality. The purpose of this study was to establish normal population values for the HHS and OHS using an electronic data collection system.

Methods

317 Australian and 310 Canadian citizens with no active hip pain, injury or pathology in the ipsilateral hip corresponding to their dominant arm, were evaluated. Participants completed an electronically-administered questionnaire and were assessed clinically. Chi-square tests, Fisher's exact test and Poisson regression models were used where appropriate, to investigate the association between hip scores, ethnicity, nationality, gender, handedness and age.

Results

There was a statistically significant association between the OHS and age (p<0.0001) and the HHS and age (p = 0.0006); demonstrating that as age increased, normal hip scores decreased. There was no statistically significant association between the HHS and gender (p = 0.1389); or HSS and nationality, adjusting for age (p = 0.5698) and adjusting for gender (p = 0.6997). There was no statistically significant association between the OHS and gender (p = 0.1350). Australians reported a statistically significant 4.2% higher overall OHS value compared to Canadians (p = 0.0490). There was no statistically significant association between the OHS and nationality in age groups 18-79 years. Participants >80 years reported a statistically significant association between the OHS and nationality (p<0.0001).

Conclusions

Studies using an electronic control group should consider differences in gender, age, ethnicity and nationality when using the HHS and OHS to assess patient outcomes. This study has established an electronic, normal control group for studies using the HHS and OHS. When using the OHS, the control group should be sourced from the same country of origin. When using the HHS, the control group should be sourced from a pre-established control group within a database, without necessarily being sourced from the same country of origin.
Design of Artificial Red Blood Cells using Polymeric Hydrogel Microcapsules: Hydrogel Stability Improvement and Polymer Selection
Authors: Zhang Wujie , Bissen Matthew J. , Savela Emily S. , Clausen Joshua N. , Fredricks Samantha J. , Guo Xiaoru , Paquin Zachary R. , Dohn Ryan P. , Pavelich Ian J. , Polovchak Alec L , Wedemeyer Michael J. , Shilling Brock E. , Dufner Emily N. , O'Donnell Anna C. , Rubio Gerardo , Readnour Logan R. , Brown Tyler F. , Lee Jung C. , Kaltchev Matey G. , Chen Junhong , Tritt Charles S.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

To improve the stability of pectin-oligochitosan hydrogel microcapsules under physiological conditions.

Methods

Two different approaches were examined: change of the cross-linker length and treatment of the hydrogel microcapsules with 150 Mm CaCl2. Replacement of pectin with alginate was also studied.

Results and Conclusions

It was observed that the molecular weight of the cross-linker oligochiotsan had no significant improvement on microcapsule stability. On the other hand, the treatment of pectin-oligochitosan microcapsules with Ca2+ increased the microcapsule stability significantly. Different types of alginate were used; however, no red-blood-cell-shaped microcapsules could be produced, which is likely due to the charge-density difference between deprotonated pectin and alginate polymers.
Balloon-assisted venous access salvage through a thrombosed arteriovenous graft
Authors: Wong Chen Pong , Damodharan Karthikeyan , Urlings Thijs A.J. , Chandramohan Sivanathan
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Maintaining vascular access by means of radiological intervention has become the mainstay of management of patients with central venous stenoses and occlusions (CVO), which can be challenging. We present a case of balloon-assisted percutaneous puncture of an occluded left subclavian vein, through a thrombosed arteriovenous graft, for a tunneled dialysis catheter insertion.

Methods

A thrombosed left arm arteriovenous graft was accessed, and the occluded left subclavian vein was traversed with 0.018 platform. An 8 mm 0.018 low platform balloon was inflated in the left subclavian vein as a target for percutaneous puncture to gain direct access into the occluded segment of the vein. This access was then used for routine placement of a tunneled left subclavian dialysis catheter.

Results

Successful placement of a tunneled dialysis catheter into an occluded left subclavian vein using a balloon- assisted puncture technique, through a thrombosed left-arm arteriovenous graft.

Conclusions

Thrombosed arteriovenous grafts are potential access sites into the central veins. Balloon-assisted punctures allow vascular access salvage into otherwise occluded segments of a central vein; in our case, it allowed access into an occluded left subclavian vein for dialysis catheter placement.
Tissue ischemia worsens during hemodialysis in end-stage renal disease patients
Authors: Malik Jan , Kudlicka Jaroslav , Lachmanova Jana , Valerianova Anna , Rocinova Katarina , Bartkova Magdalena , Tesar Vladimir
Published: November 2016

Background

Cognitive deficit is a common problem in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Ultrafiltration and hemodialysis lead to profound hemodynamic changes. The aim of this pilot study was to describe brain and hand oxygenation values in ESRD patients and their changes during hemodialysis.

Methods

Twenty-seven patients treated by chronic hemodialysis and 17 controls patients of the same age were included in the study. Regional saturation of oxygen (SrO2) was measured at the brain frontal lobe and at the hand with dialysis access using the INVOS 5100C. In 17 of ESRD patients, SrO2 was also monitored throughout hemodialysis. Finger systolic blood pressure and basic hemodialysis and laboratory data were collected.

Results

Dialysis patients had lower brain and also hand SrO2 values at rest (51.5 ± 10.9 vs. 68 ± 7%, p<0.0001 and 55 ± 16 vs. 66 ± 8%, p = 0.03, respectively). Both values further decreased during the first 35 minutes of hemodialysis (brain SrO2 to 47 ± 8%, p<0.0001 and hand to 45 ± 14%, p<0.0001, respectively). The brain SrO2 decrease was related to the ultrafiltration rate, the hand SrO2 decrease to the finger pressure and to blood hemoglobin.

Conclusions

Chronic dialysis patients suffer from tissue ischemia and that even worsens after the beginning of hemodialysis. This observation may contribute to the understanding of cognitive deficit etiology.
A Study of the Relationship between the Quality of Working Life and Mental Health of the Administrative Staff of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran, in 2016
Authors: Foroughinia Sahar , Nomani Hamid , Zangeneh Alireza , Ziapour Arash
Published: November 2016

Workplace stress affects employees’ mental health, causing severe damage to their job functions and safety. Moreover, the quality of working life is among factors that play prominent roles in the workplace. The present experimental study aimed to investigate the relationship between the quality of working life and mental health of the administrative staff of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran, in 2016. In this descriptive and correlational study conducted on the administrative staff of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences in 2016, the sample size was calculated through Kerjcie and Morgan sample size table (n=267), and the samples were selected by simple random sampling. For data collection, a demographic information questionnaire, the Walton’s quality of working life questionnaire and the Goldberg’s general health questionnaire (GHQ-28) were used. In addition, to analyze the collected data, the Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple stepwise regressions were utilized with the help of SPSS 23 software. The mean score of quality of working life was 3.40 out of 5.0, and that of mental health was 2.98 out of 4.0. There was a significant positive correlation between quality of work life and mental health (p<0.001, r=0.305). Of the dimensions of quality of working life, fair and adequate remunerations and safe and sanitary working environments had the most effects or could predict mental health to the greatest degrees, respectively. The results of the present demonstrated that fair remunerations, not necessarily financial pays, and safe and sanitary working environments influenced the employees’ mental health. So, it is recommended that managerial support, improved supervision, provision of training programs and improving the physical conditions of the workplace be placed top of the agenda towards this objective.
Faculty Perceptions Pertaining to Attributes of Successful Universities and Future Learning Environments
Authors: Hashim Khairuddin , Kutbi Ibrahim
Published: November 2016

Significant changes are driving the wheels of progress. In the context of higher education, developments in technology and globalization have made a profound impact. There is need for universities to take stock of developments to plan with realistic goals so as not to be left behind in a highly competitive globalized environment. With rapid changes in requirements, universities face the challenge of being relevant. There is need to identify the attributes of successful universities and future learning environments for universities to prepare themselves towards achieving success. This study investigates the perception of respondents pertaining to attributes of successful universities and future learning environments. Data were collected using a specially designed survey during the 2016 academic year. The sample size was 89 international academics. The results highlights critical attributes, management elements and dominant pedagogical and technological trends. The paper also reports significant differences between gender and discipline sub-groups. The findings identify key themes, trends or perceptions that can be used as a foundation for more in-depth research to discern possible strategies towards achieving success.
Discovery of Similarity and Dissimilarity
Authors: Alharthi T. N. , Elsafty M. A.
Published: November 2016

The aim of this paper is to introducesome applications on similarities and dissimilarities. Usingof asimplified diagram andtables to present the information about thesimilarities and dissimilarities account process and organization are also easyand wecalculated thetopology based on the similarityand topologyviews of thedissimilarity.Forinformation system whose values arenumeric,amethod of classification is suggested.This method is based on constructingneighborhood relation on theuniverseof theresulted classification not generallya partition for theuniverse.
Geometry of the 3D Pythagoras' Theorem
Authors: Teia Luis
Published: November 2016

This paper explains step-by-step how to construct the 3D Pythagoras' theorem by geometric manipulation of the two dimensional version. In it is shown how $x+y=z$ (1D Pythagoras' theorem) transforms into $x^2+y^2=z^2$ (2D Pythagoras' theorem) via two steps: a 90-degree rotation, and a perpendicular extrusion. Similarly, the 2D Pythagoras' theorem transforms into 3D using the same steps. Octahedrons emerge naturally during this transformation process. Hence, each of the two dimensional elements has a direct three dimensional equivalent. Just like squares govern the 2D, octahedrons are the basic elements that govern the geometry of the 3D Pythagoras' theorem. As a conclusion, the geometry of the 3D Pythagoras' theorem is a natural evolution of the 1D and 2D. This interdimensional evolution begs the question -- Is there a bigger theorem at play that encompasses all three?