bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Libéralisation financière et effet sur l'investissement en Algérie
Authors: Boukhezer-Hammiche Nacira
Published: July 2013

L’Algérie a engagé, à l’instar d’autres pays en développement, une série de réformes pour s’inscrire dans une nouvelle logique qui consacre les lois du marché et de la libéralisation touchant la totalité des secteurs d’activité, pour améliorer son attractivité vis-à-vis des investisseurs étrangers et locaux. Si les diverses analyses relatives à l’investissement, notamment privé, dans les pays en développement se concentrent sur le climat des affaires, notre contribution est dirigée sur l’effet de la politique de libéralisation financière engagée en Algérie, depuis près de deux décennies.
Visualização cartográfica da acessibilidade geográfica aos postos de saude da região rural de Registro (SP)
Authors: Ferreira Ricardo Vicente , Da Graça Raffo Jorge
Published: July 2013

O mapeamento das rodovias rurais e a modelagem de elementos indicadores de restrição ao movimento por veículos de transporte podem indicar um panorama da acessibilidade das populações rurais aos serviços de saúde. Neste estudo, é apresentada uma cartografia assistida por Sistemas de Informação Geográfica (SIG) que mostra a acessibilidade dos habitantes rurais aos postos de saúde e hospitais na região de Registro (SP). O estudo da acessibilidade geográfica é de importância para a população em seu direito à assistência médico-sanitária e hospitalar. Sob a perspectiva do potencial geográfico, denominado pela literatura especializada como acessibilidade física potencial, a avaliação do quadro da acessibilidade de uma região não requer a análise de dados empíricos, pois todo habitante de uma dada área administrativa de saúde é um usuário potencial dos serviços médicos e hospitalares por ela ofertados. Nesse caso, a acessibilidade geográfica medida pode ser analisada de acordo com a posição de cada um dos moradores de um determinado espaço ou região em relação à localização do serviço de saúde. A presente pesquisa utiliza a cartografia de síntese como base conceitual para a construção de um modelo de análise espacial em SIG e apresenta visualizações da acessibilidade física potencial da região de Registro (SP). Os mapas-base utilizados na construção da síntese cartográfica abrangem os seguintes temas: vias de circulação; relevo; uso do solo e cobertura vegetal; hidrografia; habitações rurais; postos de atendimento à saúde. As representações temáticas mostram três aspectos da região: (i) a geometria da rede de transporte rodoviário rural; (ii) a mobilidade geográfica e; (iii) a acessibilidade geográfica aos serviços de saúde.
Counter-conditioning as an intervention to modify anti-fat attitudes
Authors: Flint Stuart W. , Hudson Joanne , Lavallee David
Published: July 2013

This study examined the effect of anti-fat attitude counter-conditioning using positive images of obese individuals participants completed implicit and explicit measures of attitudes towards fatness on three occasions: no intervention; following exposure to positive images of obese members of the general public; and to images of obese celebrities. Contrary to expectations, positive images of obese individuals did not result in more positive attitudes towards fatness as expected and, in some cases, indices of these attitudes worsened. Results suggest that attitudes towards obesity and fatness may be somewhat robust and resistant to change, possibly suggesting a central and not peripheral processing route for their formation.
Amino acid sequences mediating vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 binding to integrin alpha 4: homologous DSP sequence found for JC polyoma VP1 coat protein
Authors: Meyer Michael Andrew
Published: July 2013

The JC polyoma viral coat protein VP1 was analyzed for amino acid sequences homologies to the IDSP sequence which mediates binding of VLA-4 (integrin alpha 4) to vascular cell adhesion molecule 1. Although the full sequence was not found, a DSP sequence was located near the critical arginine residue linked to infectivity of the virus and binding to sialic acid containing molecules such as integrins (3). For the JC polyoma virus, a DSP sequence was found at residues 70, 71 and 72 with homology also noted for the mouse polyoma virus and SV40 virus. Three dimensional modeling of the VP1 molecule suggests that the DSP loop has an accessible site for interaction from the external side of the assembled viral capsid pentamer.
Work-family conflict and work engagement among mothers: Conscientiousness and neuroticism as moderators
Authors: Opie Tracy J. , Henn Carolina M.
Published: July 2013

Orientation: The study investigates factors that impact work-family conflict and work engagement among working mothers.Research purpose: The job demand-resources model is utilised to investigate the moderating role of conscientiousness and neuroticism on the relationship between work-family conflict and work engagement.Motivation for the study: Working mothers are challenged to establish a balance between work and family life. The resulting work-family conflict can negatively affect well-being. It is thus necessary to explore personal factors that relate to work-family conflict, particularly in the South African context.Research design, approach and method: A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was used. The sample (N = 267) was comprised of working mothers from several organisations. Data was gathered using the work-to-family conflict questionnaire, the Basic Traits Inventory and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale.Main findings: The results indicated that work-family conflict negatively predicts work engagement. Conscientiousness positively predicts work engagement, and neuroticism negatively predicts work engagement. A significant interaction effect was found for conscientiousness but not for neuroticism. The findings showed that for participants with high levels of conscientiousness, work engagement decreases significantly more with an increase in work-family conflict than for participants with low levels of conscientiousness.Practical/Managerial implications: Organisations should consider those individuals who have high levels of conscientiousness and low levels of neuroticism in the selection and placement of employees. In addition, organisations have a responsibility to provide conscientious women, particularly mothers, with adequate support to ensure that work-family conflict does not adversely impact their levels of work engagement.
Stability of external and internal implant connections after a fatigue test
Authors: Feitosa Paulo Cesar Pinheiro , de Lima Ana Paula Barbosa , Silva-Concílio Laís Regiane , Brandt William Cunha , Claro Neves Ana Christina
Published: July 2013

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the torque and detorque values of screw intermediates of external hexagon, internal hexagon, and Morse taper implants in single restorations before and after mechanical cycling. Materials and Methods: The study sample was divided into three groups (n = 10) as follows: group EH - external hexagon implant, group IH - internal hexagon implant, and group MT - Morse taper implant. Universal abutments were screwed on the implants, and metal crowns were cemented onto the abutment. The samples were submitted to a mechanical testing of 1 million cycles, with a frequency of 8 cycles per second under a 400 N load. The application and registration of the screw torque (T0) and detorque (T1) values of the intermediate were performed before and after the test. The results were statistically evaluated by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey′s test (α = 0.05). Results: There was no difference between the values of T0 and T1 in the intra-group samples. However, the inter-group difference in T0 between the EH (12.8 N cm) and MT (18.6 N cm) groups and in T1 between the EH (10.4 N cm) and IH (13.8 N cm), EH and MT (19.4 N cm), and MT and IH (P = 0.001) groups were significant. The MT group showed a lower variation of T0 and T1. Conclusion: The internal implants, particularly MT, showed better stability in these cases when used for single restorations.
Comparative assessment of marginal accuracy of grade II titanium and Ni-Cr alloy before and after ceramic firing: An in vitro study
Authors: Patil Abhijit , Singh Kishan , Sahoo Sukant , Suvarna Suraj , Kumar Prince , Singh Anupam
Published: July 2013

Objective: The aims of the study are to assess the marginal accuracy of base metal and titanium alloy casting and to evaluate the effect of repeated ceramic firing on the marginal accuracy of base metal and titanium alloy castings. Materials and Methods: Twenty metal copings were fabricated with each casting material. Specimens were divided into 4 groups of 10 each representing base metal alloys castings without (Group A) and with metal shoulder margin (Group B), titanium castings without (Group C) and with metal shoulder margin (Group D). The measurement of fit of the metal copings was carried out before the ceramic firing at four different points and the same was followed after porcelain build-up. Results: Significant difference was found when Ni-Cr alloy samples were compared with Grade II titanium samples both before and after ceramic firings. The titanium castings with metal shoulder margin showed highest microgap among all the materials tested. Conclusions: Based on the results that were found and within the limitations of the study design, it can be concluded that there is marginal discrepancy in the copings made from Ni-Cr and Grade II titanium. This marginal discrepancy increased after ceramic firing cycles for both Ni-Cr and Grade II titanium. The comparative statistical analysis for copings with metal-collar showed maximum discrepancy for Group D. The comparative statistical analysis for copings without metal-collar showed maximum discrepancy for Group C.
Self-etch bonding agent beneath sealant: Bond strength for laser-irradiated enamel
Authors: Borsatto Maria Cristina , Giuntini Jackelline de Lemes , Contente Marta Maria Martins Giamatei , Gomes-Silva Jaciara Miranda , Torres Carolina Paes , Galo Rodrigo
Published: July 2013

Objectives: This study evaluated the in vitro shear bond strength (SBS) of a resin-based pit-and-fissure sealant (Fluroshield [F], Dentsply/Caulk) associated with either an etch-and-rinse (Adper Single Bond 2 [SB], 3M/ESPE) or a two-step self-etch adhesive system (Adper SE Plus [SE], 3M/ESPE) on Er: YAG laser-irradiated enamel. Materials and Methods: Seventeen sound third molar crowns were embedded in acrylic resin, and the mesial-distal enamel surfaces were flattened. The enamel sites were irradiated with a 2.94-μm wavelength Er: YAG laser (120 mJ, 4 Hz, noncontact mode/17 mm, 20 s). The specimens were randomly assigned to three groups according to the bonding technique: I - 37% phosphoric acid etching + SB + F; II - SE + F and III - F applied to acid-etched enamel, without an intermediate layer of bonding agent. In all of the groups, a 3-mm diameter enamel-bonding site was demarcated and the sealant cylinders were bonded. After 24 hours in distilled water, the shear bond strength was tested at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/minute. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey′s test. The debonded specimens were examined with a stereomicroscope to assess the failure modes. Results: The mean SBS values in MPa were I = 6.39 (±1.44); II = 9.50 (±2.79); and III = 5.26 (±1.82). No statistically significant differences were observed between groups I and III; SE/F presented a significantly higher SBS than that of the other groups (P = 0.001). With regard to the failure mode, groups I (65%) and II (75%) presented adhesive failures, while group III showed 50% adhesive failure. Cohesive failure did not occur. Conclusion: The application of the two-step self-etch bonding agent (Adper SE Plus) beneath the resin pit-and-fissure sealant placement resulted in a significantly higher bond strength for the Er:YAG laser-irradiated enamel.
Effect of dietary boron on 5-fluorouracil induced oral mucositis in rats
Authors: Aras Mutan Hamdi , Sezer Ufuk , Erkilic Suna , Demir Tuncer , Dagli Seyda Nur
Published: July 2013

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of boron on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced oral mucositis in rats. Materials and Methods: Sixty-four male Wistar albino rats were injected with 5-FU on days 1 and 3. The right cheek pouch mucosa was scratched with the tip of an 18-G needle, dragged twice in a linear movement, on days 3 and 5. The animals were randomly divided into two groups of 32: boron group (BG) and control group (CG). Rats in the CG did not receive any treatment, whereas the others were fed boron (3 mg·kg -1·day -1 ) by gavage. The animals were sacrificed on day 3 (n = 8), 6 (n = 8), 9 (n = 8), and 12 (n = 8), and the cheek pouch was removed for histopathological analysis. Results: On day 3, both groups showed necrosis and active inflammation, but the inflammation was mild in CG and moderate in BG. On day 6, both BG and CG showed necrosis; in the CG, there was moderate inflammation, and in the BG, there was severe inflammation and granulation tissue around the necrotic area. On day 9, re-epithelization began in both groups, and there were no differences between groups. Re-epithelization was complete in both groups on day 12. Conclusion: We found no beneficial effect of boron in healing oral mucositis. Additional research is warranted to elucidate the pathogenic inflammatory mechanisms involved in mucositis and the prophylactic and therapeutic roles of antioxidants.
Risk factors and socioeconomic condition effects on periodontal and dental health: A pilot study among adults over fifty years of age
Authors: Bertoldi Carlo , Lalla Michele , Pradelli John Mauricio , Cortellini Pierpaolo , Lucchi Andrea , Zaffe Davide
Published: July 2013

Objective: Observational studies on the association among systemic/general and oral cavity indices, tooth loss, periodontal conditions, and socioeconomic inequalities are to be still performed in the population of Southern Europe. This study aims to determine the extent of this relationship among Italian healthy adults 50 years of age and above. Materials and Methods: Socioeconomic and lifestyle characteristics, cardiovascular indicators, and systemic indices were examined by contrasting the dental indices among adult people of Northern Italy. Data were processed through correlation analysis, and multivariate analysis was carried out using seemingly unrelated regressions. Results: A total of 118 adults 50 years of age and above, after anamnesis, underwent systemic and dental examination. Their socioeconomic status was found to be inversely associated only with smoking and dental parameters. Unexpected outcomes between lifestyle and risk factors were detected. The statistical analysis showed an uneven correlation among dental indices and between those indices and the socioeconomic status, such as, a periodontal condition, apparently free from influences, unusually became worse as the socioeconomic status enhanced. Conclusions: The study outcomes indicate a relationship between tooth loss and conservative endodontic therapy, but they result in alternative choices. Nevertheless, the socioeconomic status has an inverse relationship with tooth loss and conservative endodontic therapy, but a direct relation with worsening of the periodontal condition. This pilot study highlights a need for the public health administration to adopt a socioeconomic assessment not only based on the household income, but also to accordingly improve its therapeutic course.
Subpontic osseous hyperplasia: Three case reports and literature review
Authors: Aydin Ulkem , Yildirim Derya , Bozdemir Esin
Published: July 2013

Subpontic osseous hyperplasia (SOH) is an ectopic growth of bone occurring on the edentulous ridge beneath a fixed partial denture. The aim of this article is to present three patients with SOH with long-term follow-up and to make a current overview of the literature. Presented maxillary SOH is the second case in the dental literature. Intraorally the lesions were bone-hard and painless swellings in the subpontic space. Radiographically, the maxillary case was a nodular bone growth having similar radiodensity and trabeculation to the adjacent bone with a thin radiopaque border. Mandibular cases were bony growths, which were more radiopaque than the adjacent alveolar ridge. Follow-up radiographs revealed regression in two of the cases. Clinicians should take care not to cause the possible etiologies of SOH such as functional stresses and chronic irritation by the prosthetic treatments and be aware of SOH does not usually require treatment or a biopsy.
Shallow localized gingival recession defects treated with modified coronally repositioned flap technique: A case series
Authors: Akkaya Murat , Böke Fatma
Published: July 2013

Objectives: Various coronally repositioned flap (CRF) techniques have been proposed for coverage of gingival recession defects. Although CRF has several modifications all of them needs vertical or oblique external releasing incisions for treatment of localized gingival recession defects. The aim of present article was to evaluate the effectiveness of a modification of the new CRF procedure without any releasing incision for treatment of shallow localized gingival recession defects. Conclusion: Shallow localized gingival recession defects can be treated with modified coronally repositioned flap technique successfully.
Text Categorization of Heart, Lung, and Blood Studies in the Database of Genotypes and Phenotypes (dbGaP) Utilizing n-grams and Metadata Features
Authors: Ross Mindy K. , Lin Ko-Wei , Truong Karen , Kumar Abhishek , Conway Mike
Published: July 2013

The database of Genotypes and Phenotypes (dbGaP) allows researchers to understand phenotypic contribution to genetic conditions, generate new hypotheses, confirm previous study results, and identify control populations. However, effective use of the database is hindered by suboptimal study retrieval. Our objective is to evaluate text classification techniques to improve study retrieval in the context of the dbGaP database. We utilized standard machine learning algorithms (naive Bayes, support vector machines, and the C4.5 decision tree) trained on dbGaP study text and incorporated n-gram features and study metadata to identify heart, lung, and blood studies. We used the χ2 feature selection algorithm to identify features that contributed most to classification performance and experimented with dbGaP associated PubMed papers as a proxy for topicality. Classifier performance was favorable in comparison to keyword-based search results. It was determined that text categorization is a useful complement to document retrieval techniques in the dbGaP
Molecular Approaches to the Identification of Pathogenic and Nonpathogenic Listeriae
Authors: Liu Dongyou
Published: July 2013

The genus Listeria consists of a closely related group of Gram-positive bacteria that commonly occur in the environment and demonstrate varied pathogenic potential. Of the 10 species identified to date, L. monocytogenes is a facultative intracellular pathogen of both humans and animals, L. ivanovii mainly infects ungulates (eg., sheep and cattle), while other species ( L. innocua, L. seeligeri, L. welshimeri, L. grayi, L. marthii, L. rocourtiae, L. fleischmannii and L. weihenstephanensis) are essentially saprophytes. Within the species of L. monocytogenes, several serovars (e.g., 4b, 1/2a, 1/2b and 1/2c) are highly pathogenic and account for a majority of clinical isolations. Due to their close morphological, biological, biochemical and genetic similarities, laboratory identification of pathogenic and nonpathogenic Listeria organisms is technically challenging. With the development and application of various molecular approaches, accurate and rapid discrimination of pathogenic and nonpathogenic Listeria organisms, as well as pathogenic and nonpathogenic L. monocytogenes strains, has become possible.
Increased Risk of Very Low Birth Weight, Rapid Postnatal Growth, and Autism in Underweight and Obese Mothers
Authors: Moss Brian G. , Chugani Diane C.
Published: July 2013

Purpose.

To determine whether prepregnancy weight was associated with children's birth weight, early physical growth, and autism diagnosis.

Design.

Early Childhood Longitudinal Study–Birth Cohort data.

Setting.

United States.

Subjects.

Representative sample of U.S. children followed from birth through kindergarten (n = 4800). Also, a subpopulation of the very low birth weight children was examined (n = 500).

Measures.

Maternal variables included age and prepregnancy body mass index. Changes in children's height, weight, and head circumference between 9 months and 2 years were used as growth metrics. Children's sex, age, birth weight, and reported autism were also considered.

Analysis.

Logistic and multinomial logistic models assessed the impact of prepregnancy weight on birth weight and children's subsequent rate of physical growth and autism.

Results.

Children born to underweight or obese mothers had increased odds of very low birth weight. Very low birth weight was related to rapid height and weight growth and more than twice the likelihood to subsequently be diagnosed with autism. For the subgroup of very low birth weight children, rapid head growth was related to a fivefold increase in the odds of autism. After accounting for the impact birth weight and growth rates, we found prepregnancy weight indirectly impacted autism risk.

Conclusion.

Being underweight or obese during prepregnancy indirectly increased risk for autism from increased odds of low birth weight and accelerated postnatal growth.
Maximizing Retention with High Risk Participants in a Clinical Trial
Authors: Kim Romina , Hickman Norval , Gali Kathleen , Orozco Nicholas , Prochaska Judith J.
Published: July 2013

Purpose.

To describe effective retention strategies in a clinical trial with a high risk, low-income, and vulnerable patient population with serious mental illness.

Design.

Follow-up assessments were conducted for a randomized clinical tobacco treatment trial at 3, 6, and 12 months postbaseline. Initial follow-up rates of < 40% at 3 months led to implementation of proactive retention strategies including obtaining extensive contact information; building relationships with case managers and social workers; contacting jails and prisons; text messaging, e-mailing, and messaging via social networking sites; identifying appointments via electronic medical record; and field outreach to treatment facilities, residences, and parks.

Setting.

Large urban public hospital.

Subjects.

Participants were current smokers recruited from 100% smoke-free locked psychiatry units.

Measures.

Assessments covered demographics, substance use, and mental health functioning.

Analysis.

Retention rates were plotted over time in relation to key retention strategies. Chi-square and t-tests were used to examine participant predictors of retention at each follow-up. At the 12-month follow-up, the retention strategies that most frequently led to assessment completion were identified.

Results.

The sample (N = 100) was 65% male; age × = 39.5 years (SD = 11.3); 44% non-Hispanic white; 46% on Medicaid and 34% uninsured; 79% unemployed; and 48% unstably housed. Proactive retention strategies dramatically increased follow-up rates, concluding at 3 months = 82.65%, 6 months = 89.69%, and 12 months = 92.78%. Married and divorced/separated/widowed participants, those with higher income, and participants with alcohol or illicit drug problems had increased retention from 3- to 12-month follow-up.

Conclusion.

Follow-up rates improved as proactive methods to contact participants were implemented. Dedicated research staff, multiple methods, community networking, and outreach within drug treatment settings improved retention.
Public and Policy Maker Support for Point-of-Sale Tobacco Policies in New York
Authors: Schmitt Carol L. , Juster Harlan R. , Dench Daniel , Willett Jeffrey , Curry Laurel E.
Published: July 2013

Purpose.

To compare public and policy maker support for three point-of-sale tobacco policies.

Design.

Two cross-sectional surveys—one of the public from the New York Adult Tobacco Survey and one of policy makers from the Local Opinion Leader Survey; both collected and analyzed in 2011.

Setting.

Tobacco control programs focus on educating the public and policy makers about tobacco control policy solutions.

Subjects.

Six hundred seventy-six county-level legislators in New York's 62 counties and New York City's five boroughs (response rate: 59%); 7439 New York residents aged 18 or older. Landline response rates: 20.2% to 22%. Cell phone response rates: 9.2% to 11.1%.

Measures.

Gender, age, smoking status, presence of a child aged 18 years or younger in the household, county of residence, and policy maker and public support for three potential policy solutions to point-of-sale tobacco marketing.

Analysis.

t-tests to compare the demographic makeup for the two samples. Adjusted Wald tests to test for differences in policy support between samples.

Results.

The public was significantly more supportive of point-of-sale policy solutions than were policy makers: cap on retailers (48.0% vs. 19.2%, respectively); ban on sales at pharmacies (49.1% vs. 38.8%); and ban on retailers near schools (53.3% vs. 42.5%). Limitations: cross-sectional data, sociodemographic differences, and variations in item wording.

Conclusions.

Tobacco control programs need to include information about implementation, enforcement, and potential effects on multiple constituencies (including businesses) in their efforts to educate policy makers about point-of-sale policy solutions.
Innovation, Second Mover and Network System
Authors: Wang Dashu , Scuotto Veronica
Published: July 2013

In global markets a new typology of firm is emerging. Such new kind of firm has been defined second mover as it combines strategies of innovation and imitation. The purpose of this paper is to identify which external factors of network system positively influence the business performance of a second mover firm by applying a PLS-Path Modeling analysis to the Chinese and Middle Eastern markets. Our findings demonstrate that the presence of a supporting government, investment funds, and a collaborative competitive environment exercise a beneficial impact on the business performance of an second mover firm, while R&D and human resources do not represent predictors of a firm’s success.
The impact of oceanic circulation and phase transfer on the dispersion of radionuclides released from the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Choi Y. , Kida S. , Takahashi K.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. The mechanism behind the dispersion of radionuclides released from the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant on March 2011 is investigated using a numerical model. This model is a Lagrangian particle tracking–ocean circulation coupled model that is capable of solving the movement and migration of radionuclides between seawater, particulates, and bottom sediments. Model simulations show the radionuclides dispersing rapidly into the interior of the North Pacific once they enter a meso-scale eddy. However, some radionuclides also remain near the coast, with spatial distribution depending strongly on the oceanic circulation during the first month after the release. Major adsorption to bottom sediments occurs during this first month and many of these radionuclides remain on the sea floor once they are adsorbed. Model results suggest that weak offshore advection during the first month will increase the adsorption of radionuclides to bottom sediments and decelerate the dispersion to the open ocean. If vertical mixing is weak, however, fewer radionuclides reach the sea floor and adsorb to bottom sediments. More radionuclides will then quickly disperse to the open ocean.
Photosynthetic activity buffers ocean acidification in seagrass meadows
Authors: Hendriks I. E. , Olsen Y. S. , Ramajo L. , Basso L. , Steckbauer A. , Moore T. S. , Howard J. , Duarte C. M.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. Macrophytes growing in shallow coastal zones characterized by intense metabolic activity have the capacity to modify pH within their canopy and beyond. We observed diel pH ranges is in shallow (5–12 m) seagrass (Posidonia oceanica) meadows from 0.06 pH units in September to 0.24 units in June. The carbonate system (pH, DIC, and aragonite saturation state (ΩAr) and O2 within the meadows displayed strong diel variability driven by primary productivity, and changes in chemistry were related to structural parameters of the meadow, in particular, the leaf surface area available for photosynthesis (LAI). LAI was positively correlated to mean and max pHNBS and max ΩAr. Oxygen production positively influenced the range and maximum pHNBS and the range of ΩAr. In June, vertical mixing (as Turbulent Kinetic Energy) influenced ΩAr, while in September there was no effect of hydrodynamics on the carbonate system within the canopy. ΩAr was positively correlated with the calcium carbonate load of the leaves, demonstrating a direct link between structural parameters, ΩAr and carbonate deposition. There was a direct relationship between ΩAr, influenced directly by meadow LAI, and CaCO3 content of the leaves. Therefore, calcifying organisms, e.g. epiphytes with carbonate skeletons, might benefit from the modification of the carbonate system by the meadow. The meadow might be capable of providing refugia for calcifiers by increasing pH and ΩAr through metabolic activity. There is, however, concern for the ability of seagrasses to provide this refugia function in the future. The predicted decline of seagrass meadows may alter the scope for alteration of pH within a seagrass meadow and in the water column above the meadow, particularly if shoot density and biomass decline, both strongly linked to LAI. Organisms associated with seagrass communities may therefore suffer from the loss of pH buffering capacity in degraded meadows.
Optimal design of a climatological network: beyond practical considerations
Authors: Mauger G. S. , Bumbaco K. A. , Hakim G. J. , Mote P. W.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. Station locations in existing environmental networks are typically chosen based on practical constraints such as cost and accessibility, while unintentionally overlooking the geographical and statistical properties of the information to be measured. Ideally, such considerations should not take precedence over the intended monitoring goal of the network: the focus of network design should be to adequately sample the quantity to be observed. Here we describe an optimal network design technique, based on ensemble sensitivity, that objectively locates the most valuable stations for a given field. The method is computationally inexpensive and can take practical constraints into account. We describe the method, along with the details of our implementation, and present-example results for the US Pacific Northwest, based on the goal of monitoring regional annual-mean climate. The findings indicate that optimal placement of observing stations can often be highly counterintuitive, thus emphasizing the importance of objective approaches. Although at coarse scales the results are generally consistent, sensitivity tests show important differences, especially at smaller spatial scales. These uncertainties could be reduced with improvements in datasets and improved estimates of the measurement error. We conclude that the method is best suited for identifying general areas within which observations should be focused, and suggest that the approach could serve as a valuable complement to land surveys and expert input in designing new environmental observing networks.
A mass-conserving and multi-tracer efficient transport scheme in the online integrated Enviro-HIRLAM model
Authors: Sørensen B. , Kaas E. , Korsholm U. S.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. In this paper a new advection scheme for the online coupled chemical–weather prediction model Enviro-HIRLAM is presented. The new scheme is based on the locally mass-conserving semi-Lagrangian method (LMCSL), where the original two-dimensional scheme has been extended to a fully three-dimensional version. This means that the three-dimensional semi-implicit semi-Lagrangian scheme which is currently used in Enviro-HIRLAM is largely unchanged. The HIRLAM model is a computationally efficient hydrostatic operational short-term numerical weather prediction model, which is used as the base for the online integrated Enviro-HIRLAM. The new scheme is shown to be efficient, mass conserving, and shape preserving, while only requiring minor alterations to the original code. It still retains the stability at long time steps, which the semi-Lagrangian schemes are known for, while handling the emissions of chemical species accurately. Several mass-conserving filters have been tested to assess the optimal balance of accuracy vs. efficiency.
A large-scale, high-resolution hydrological model parameter dataset for climate change impact assessment for the conterminous United States
Authors: Oubeidillah A. A. , Kao S.-C. , Ashfaq M. , Naz B. , Tootle G.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. To extend geographical coverage, refine spatial resolution, and improve modeling efficiency, a computation- and data-intensive effort was conducted to organize a comprehensive hydrologic dataset with post-calibrated model parameters for hydro-climate impact assessment. Several key inputs for hydrologic simulation, including meteorologic forcings, soil, land class, vegetation, and elevation, were collected from multiple best-available data sources and organized for 2107 hydrologic Subbasins (HUC8s) in the conterminous US at refined 1/24° (~ 4 km) spatial resolution. Using high performance computing for intensive model calibration, a high-resolution parameter dataset was prepared for the macro-scale Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) hydrologic model. The VIC simulation was driven by DAYMET daily meteorological forcing and was calibrated against the USGS WaterWatch monthly runoff observations for each HUC8. The results showed that this new parameter dataset may help reasonably simulate runoff at most of the US HUC8 Subbasins. Based on this exhaustive calibration effort, it is now possible to accurately estimate the required resources for further model improvement across the entire conterminous US. We anticipate that through this hydrologic parameter dataset, the repeated effort of fundamental data processing can be lessened, so that research efforts can be emphasized on the more challenging climate change impact assessment.
A organização do conhecimento: Estudo bibliométrico na base de dados ISI Web of Knowledge
Authors: Souza Cláudia Daniele de
Published: July 2013

A Organização do Conhecimento é uma área de múltiplas aplicações e muito tradicional na pesquisa/ensino em Ciência da Informação. Grande parte da literatura trata do processo, das atividades e dos instrumentos especialmente desenvolvidos no tratamento de documentos para armazenamento, disseminação, recuperação e uso em sistemas e serviços de informação. O presente artigo apresenta uma análise bibliométrica sobre a atividade científica no campo da Organização do Conhecimento, utilizando-se publicações da base de dados ISI Web of Science – WoS. A importância do estudo bibliométrico é sustentada pela necessidade de se conhecer e avaliar a produtividade e mensurar pesquisas e autores, permitindo a detecção de modelos e padrões sobre a Organização do Conhecimento. Os procedimentos metodológicos são do tipo exploratório-descritivo e algumas etapas foram estabelecidas para melhor desdobramento: revisão bibliográfica para fundamentar a pesquisa, identificação da base de dados, elaboração da expressão de busca, coleta de dados, organização e tratamento bibliométrico com o software Vantage Point e por fim, representações gráficas com o auxílio do Microsoft Excel. Dentre os resultados da pesquisa, destaca-se que nos últimos 20 anos há um crescimento constante das publicações científicas sobre Organização do Conhecimento e que o país que lidera o ranking dos que mais publicam sobre o tema é o Canadá, ficando o Brasil em oitavo lugar.
A terminologia no estudo do usuário da informação
Authors: Kafure Ivette , Rocha Suzana , Rodrigues Vivianne , Souza Alessandra , Bastos Karolina , Raposo Patrícia , Malheiros Tania , Boeres Sonia , Feitosa Ailton
Published: July 2013

Aborda o resultado de um estudo exploratório de conceitos/termos do Grupo de Pesquisa Informação, Design e Usabilidade (IDU), do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência da Informação (PPGCinf), da Universidade de Brasília (UnB), na tentativa de definir uma nomenclatura interdisciplinar. A terminologia visa uma melhor comunicação, para o estudo do usuário da informação e a sua interação com os instrumentos tecnológicos na mediação e comunicação da informação. Apresenta terminologias utilizadas nos estudos de usuários da informação, com deficiência visual, da primeira infância e de interfaces de sistemas de informação. A pesquisa classifica-se de natureza aplicada, com abordagem qualitativa e em relação ao seu objetivo, exploratória. Conclui com uma identificação de uma terminologia comum dentro de um grupo interdisciplinar, que incorpora contribuições da Ciência da Informação, Artes, Comunicação, Psicologia Cognitiva, Educação, Computação e áreas afins, na busca de estratégias para uma melhor comunicação no exercício da pesquisa conjunta e colaborativa.
Reflexões teóricas sobre a construção paradigmática da Ciência da Informação: considerações acerca do(s) paradigma(s) cognitivo(s) e social
Authors: Carvalho Silva Jonathas Luiz , Guedes Farias Maria Giovanna
Published: July 2013

Trata da investigação dos processos teóricos e epistemológicos que influenciam na formação do paradigma cognitivo da Ciência da Informação (CI), observando ainda a emergência do paradigma social no âmbito da análise de domínio e hermenêutica da informação. Para isso, adotou-se as reflexões de autores clássicos e contemporâneos, a exemplo de Thomas Kuhn, Boaventura Santos, Capurro, Hjørland e Albrechtsen. Conclui-se que a percepção de paradigma na CI é uma questão consolidada, todavia o paradigma social ainda está em processo de construção, o que permitirá a criação de percepções, interpretações e contribuições a fim de preencher lacunas deixadas por outros paradigmas.
The Perils of the Learning Model for Modeling Endogenous Technological Change
Authors: Nordhaus William D.
Published: July 2013

Modeling of technological change has been a major empirical and analytical obstacle for many years. One approach to modeling technology is learning or experience curves, which originated in techniques used to estimate cost functions in manufacturing. These have recently been introduced in policy models of energy and climate-change economics to make the process of technological change endogenous—that is, allow technologies to vary with economic conditions. It is not widely appreciated that using learning in modeling raises major potential problems. The present note has three points. First, it shows that there is a fundamental statistical identification problem in trying to separate learning from exogenous technological change and that the estimated learning coefficient will generally be biased upwards. Second, we present two empirical tests that illustrate the potential bias in practice and show that learning parameters are not robust to alternative specifications. Finally, we show that an overestimate of the learning coefficient will provide incorrect estimates of the total marginal cost of output and will therefore bias optimization models to tilt toward technologies that are incorrectly specified as having high learning coefficients.
Robotically Assisted Microsurgery: Development of Basic Skills Course
Authors: Liverneaux Philippe André , Hendriks Sarah , Selber Jesse C , Parekattil Sijo J
Published: July 2013

Robotically assisted microsurgery or telemicrosurgery is a new technique using robotic telemanipulators. This allows for the addition of optical magnification (which defines conventional microsurgery) to robotic instrument arms to allow the microsurgeon to perform complex microsurgical procedures. There are several possible applications for this platform in various microsurgical disciplines. Since 2009, basic skills training courses have been organized by the Robotic Assisted Microsurgical and Endoscopic Society. These basic courses are performed on training models in five levels of increasing complexity. This paper reviews the current state of the art in robotically asisted microsurgical training.
The Correlation between the Degree of Enophthalmos and the Extent of Fracture in Medial Orbital Wall Fracture Left Untreated for Over Six Months: A Retrospective Analysis of 81 Cases at a Single Institution
Authors: Sung Yun Sik , Chung Chan Min , Hong In Pyo
Published: July 2013

Background In patients with medial orbital wall fracture, predicting the correlation between the degree of enophthalmos and the extent of fracture is essential for deciding on surgical treatment. We conducted this retrospective study to identify the correlation between the two parameters.

Methods We quantitatively analyzed the correlation between the area of the bone defect and the degree of enophthalmos on computed tomography scans in 81 patients with medial orbital wall fracture who had been left untreated for more than six months.

Results There was a significant linear positive correlation between the area of the medial orbital wall fracture and the degree of enophthalmos with a formula of E=0.705A+0.061 (E, the degree of enophthalmos; A, the area of bone defect) (Pearson's correlation coefficient, 0.812) (P<0.05). In addition, that there were no cases in which the degree of enophthalmos was greater than 2 mm when the area of the medial orbital wall fracture was smaller than 1.90 cm2.

Conclusions Our results indicate not only that 2 mm of enophthalmos corresponds to a bone defect area of approximately 2.75 cm2 in patients with medial orbital wall fracture but also that the degree of enophthalmos could be quantitatively predicted based on the area of the bone defect even more than six months after trauma.
Vascularized Bipedicled Pericranial Flaps for Reconstruction of Chronic Scalp Ulcer Occurring after Cranioplasty
Authors: Yoon Seok Ho , Burm Jin Sik , Yang Won Yong , Kang Sang Yoon
Published: July 2013

Background Intractable chronic scalp ulcers with cranial bone exposure can occur along the incision after cranioplasty, posing challenges for clinicians. They occur as a result of severe scarring, poor blood circulation of the scalp, and focal osteomyelitis. We successfully repaired these scalp ulcers using a vascularized bipedicled pericranial flap after complete debridement.

Methods Six patients who underwent cranioplasty had chronic ulcers where the cranial bone, with or without the metal plate, was exposed along the incision line. After completely excising the ulcer and the adjacent scar tissue, subgaleal dissection was performed. We removed the osteomyelitic calvarial bone, the exposed metal plate, and granulation tissue. A bipedicled pericranial flap was elevated to cover the defect between the bone graft or prosthesis and the normal cranial bone. It was transposed to the defect site and fixed using an absorbable suture. Scalp flaps were bilaterally advanced after relaxation incisions on the galea, and were closed without tension.

Results All the surgical wounds were completely healed with an improved aesthetic outcome, and there were no notable complications during a mean follow-up period of seven months.

Conclusions A bipedicled pericranial flap is vascularized, prompting wound healing without donor site morbidity. This may be an effective modality for treating chronic scalp ulcer accompanied by the exposure of the cranial bone after cranioplasty.
Orthodromic Transfer of the Temporalis Muscle in Incomplete Facial Nerve Palsy
Authors: Aum Jae Ho , Kang Dong Hee , Oh Sang Ah , Gu Ja Hea
Published: July 2013

Background Temporalis muscle transfer produces prompt surgical results with a one-stage operation in facial palsy patients. The orthodromic method is surgically simple, and the vector of muscle action is similar to the temporalis muscle action direction. This article describes transferring temporalis muscle insertion to reconstruct incomplete facial nerve palsy patients.

Methods Between August 2009 and November 2011, 6 unilateral incomplete facial nerve palsy patients underwent surgery for orthodromic temporalis muscle transfer. A preauricular incision was performed to expose the mandibular coronoid process. Using a saw, the coronoid process was transected. Three strips of the fascia lata were anchored to the muscle of the nasolabial fold through subcutaneous tunneling. The tension of the strips was adjusted by observing the shape of the nasolabial fold. When optimal tension was achieved, the temporalis muscle was sutured to the strips. The surgical results were assessed by comparing pre- and postoperative photographs. Three independent observers evaluated the photographs.

Results The symmetry of the mouth corner was improved in the resting state, and movement of the oral commissure was enhanced in facial animation after surgery.

Conclusions The orthodromic transfer of temporalis muscle technique can produce prompt results by applying the natural temporalis muscle vector. This technique preserves residual facial nerve function in incomplete facial nerve palsy patients and produces satisfying cosmetic outcomes without malar muscle bulging, which often occurs in the turn-over technique.
Robot-Assisted Free Flap in Head and Neck Reconstruction
Authors: Song Han Gyeol , Yun In Sik , Lee Won Jai , Lew Dae Hyun , Rah Dong Kyun
Published: July 2013

Background Robots have allowed head and neck surgeons to extirpate oropharyngeal tumors safely without the need for lip-split incision or mandibulotomy. Using robots in oropharyngeal reconstruction is new but essential for oropharyngeal defects that result from robotic tumor excision. We report our experience with robotic free-flap reconstruction of head and neck defects to exemplify the necessity for robotic reconstruction.

Methods We investigated head and neck cancer patients who underwent ablation surgery and free-flap reconstruction by robot. Between July 1, 2011 and March 31, 2012, 5 cases were performed and patient demographics, location of tumor, pathologic stage, reconstruction methods, flap size, recipient vessel, necessary pedicle length, and operation time were investigated.

Results Among five free-flap reconstructions, four were radial forearm free flaps and one was an anterolateral thigh free-flap. Four flaps used the superior thyroid artery and one flap used a facial artery as the recipient vessel. The average pedicle length was 8.8 cm. Flap insetting and microanastomosis were achieved using a specially manufactured robotic instrument. The total operation time was 1,041.0 minutes (range, 814 to 1,132 minutes), and complications including flap necrosis, hematoma, and wound dehiscence did not occur.

Conclusions This study demonstrates the clinically applicable use of robots in oropharyngeal reconstruction, especially using a free flap. A robot can assist the operator in insetting the flap at a deep portion of the oropharynx without the need to perform a traditional mandibulotomy. Robot-assisted reconstruction may substitute for existing surgical methods and is accepted as the most up-to-date method.