bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Winter Environmental Continuum of Two Watersheds
Authors: Turcotte Benoit , Morse Brian
Published: May 2017

This paper examines the winter ecosystemic behavior of two distinct watersheds. In cold-temperate regions, the hydrological signal and environmental parameters can fluctuate dramatically over short periods of time, causing major impacts to aquatic habitats. This paper presents the results of the 2011–2012 winter field campaign in streams and rivers near Quebec City, QC, Canada. The objective was to quantify water quantity and quality parameters and their environmental connectivity from headwater creeks above to the larger rivers below over the entire freeze-up, mid-winter and breakup periods with a view toward exploring the watershed continuum. The paper presents how aquatic pulses (water level, discharge, temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen and turbidity, measured at seven sites on an hourly basis along channels of different sizes and orders) evolve through the aquatic environment. Ice conditions and the areal ice coverage were also evaluated (on a daily time step along each instrumented channel). Some findings of the investigation revealed that water temperatures remained well above 0 °C during winter in headwater channels, that dissolved oxygen levels during winter were relatively high, but with severe depletions prior to and during breakup in specific settings, that high conductivity spikes occurred during runoff events, that annual turbidity extremes were measured in the presence of ice and that dynamic ice cover breakup events have the potential to generate direct or indirect mortality among aquatic species and to dislodge the largest rocks in the channel. The authors believe that the environmental impact of a number of winter fluvial processes needs to be further investigated, and the relative significance of the winter period in the annual environmental cycle should be given additional attention.
Patient use of blood pressure self-screening facilities in general practice waiting rooms: a qualitative study in the UK
Authors: Tompson Alice C , Grant Sabrina , Greenfield Sheila M , McManus Richard J , Fleming Susannah , Heneghan Carl J , Hobbs FD Richard , Ward Alison M
Published: May 2017

Background

Blood pressure (BP) self-screening, whereby members of the public have access to BP monitoring equipment outside of healthcare consultations, may increase the detection and treatment of hypertension. Currently in the UK such opportunities are largely confined to GP waiting rooms.

Aim

To investigate the reasons why people do or do not use BP self-screening facilities.

Design and setting

A cross-sectional, qualitative study in Oxfordshire, UK.

Method

Semi-structured interviews with members of the general public recruited using posters in GP surgeries and community locations were recorded, transcribed, and coded thematically.

Results

Of the 30 interviewees, 20% were hypertensive and almost half had self-screened. Those with no history of elevated readings had limited concern over their BP: self-screening filled the time waiting for their appointment or was done to help their doctor. Patients with hypertension self-screened to avoid the feelings they associated with ‘white coat syndrome’ and to introduce more control into the measurement process. Barriers to self-screening included a lack of awareness, uncertainty about technique, and worries over measuring BP in a public place. An unanticipated finding was that several interviewees preferred monitoring their BP in the waiting room than at home.

Conclusion

BP self-screening appeared acceptable to service users. Further promotion and education could increase awareness among non-users of the need for BP screening, the existence of self-screening facilities, and its ease of use. Waiting room monitors could provide an alternative for patients with hypertension who are unwilling or unable to monitor at home.
Influences on GP coping and resilience: a qualitative study in primary care
Authors: Cheshire Anna , Ridge Damien , Hughes John , Peters David , Panagioti Maria , Simon Chantal , Lewith George
Published: May 2017

Background

‘Neoliberal’ work policies, austerity, NHS restructuring, and increased GP consultation rates provide the backdrop against increasing reports of GP burnout and an impending shortage of GPs.

Aim

To explore GPs’ experiences of workplace challenges and stresses, and their coping strategies, particularly focusing on understanding the impact of recent NHS workplace change.

Design and setting

Study design was qualitative, with data collected from two focus groups and seven one-to-one telephone interviews.

Method

Focus groups and one-to-one telephone interviews explored the experiences of GPs currently practising in England, recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview approach and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

There were 22 GP participants recruited: focus groups (n = 15) and interviews (n = 7). Interviewees understood GPs to be under intense and historically unprecedented pressures, which were tied to the contexts in which they work, with important moral implications for ‘good’ doctoring. Many reported that being a full-time GP was too stressful: work-related stress led to mood changes, sleep disruption, increases in anxiety, and tensions with loved ones. Some had subsequently sought ways to downsize their clinical workload. Workplace change resulted in little time for the things that helped GP resilience: a good work–life balance and better contact with colleagues. Although some GPs were coping better than others, GPs acknowledged that there was only so much an individual GP could do to manage their stress, given the external work issues they faced.

Conclusion

GPs experience their emotional lives and stresses as being meaningfully shaped by NHS factors. To support GPs to provide effective care, resilience building should move beyond the individual to include systemic work issues.
Patients’ preferences for GP consultation for perceived cancer risk in primary care: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Whitaker Katriina L , Ghanouni Alex , Zhou Yin , Lyratzopoulos Georgios , Morris Stephen
Published: May 2017

Background

Contacting a doctor for advice when experiencing a potential cancer symptom is an important step in early diagnosis, but barriers to consultation are commonly reported. Understanding barriers to consulting in primary care within the cancer context provides opportunities to improve earlier diagnosis of cancer

Aim

To investigate patients’ GP consultation preferences when presented with a potential cancer symptom, and to describe whether these preferences are mediated by variable levels of cancer risk.

Design and setting

A UK-wide online survey of adults ≥50 years old, using quota sampling to reflect general population characteristics.

Method

A discrete choice experiment examined participants’ preferences for primary care consultation for three cancer symptom scenarios: risk level not mentioned, risk designated as ‘low’, or risk designated as ‘high’. Scenarios based on length of consultation, time to getting an appointment, convenience, choice of GP, and GP listening skills were presented in a self-completed online questionnaire.

Results

A total of 9616 observations were obtained from 601 participants. Participants expressed preferences for doctors with better listening skills, the ability to see a GP of their choice, and shorter waiting times. These findings were the same across risk conditions and demographic groups. Participants were willing to wait an extra 3.5 weeks for an appointment with a doctor with good/very good listening skills (versus very poor listening skills) and an extra week for an appointment with a GP of their choice (versus any GP).

Conclusion

Patient decisions about help seeking seem to be particularly influenced by the anticipated listening skills of doctors. Improving doctors’ communication skills may in the longer term encourage people to seek prompt medical help when they experience a cancer symptom.
New Middle Palaeolithic Hominin Dental Remains from Qafzeh, Israel
Authors: Tillier Anne-marie
Published: May 2017

The present report is a description and paleobiological analysis of human dental remains, found during excavations conducted at Qafzeh in Lower Galilee by R. Neuville and M. Stekelis in the 1930s and, later by a team led by B. Vandermeersch during the 1960s and 1970s, never published. To this tooth sample is added an isolated tooth and a small fragment of child jaw, both found during a short season carried out under the auspices of the municipal council of Nazareth in 1996 in order to clean the site. The whole sample was unearthed from Middle Palaeolithic layers which have been previously dated to ca 90-100 ka BP, marine isotope stage 5b-c. The new human remains represent a minimum number of six adult individuals and three children. Evidence of Linear Enamel Hypoplasia is found on two teeth, one of them documenting the fi rst child case reported from the site. The Middle Palaeolithic skeletal record unearthed at Qafzeh represents today the largest early modern human sample from the Levant.
Kites on the margins. The Aragats kites in Armenia
Authors: Brochier Jacques-Élie , Barge Olivier , Karakhanyan Arkadi , Kalantaryan Iren , Chataigner Christine , Chambrade Marie-Laure , Magnin Frédéric
Published: May 2017

Many desert kites have recently (2010) been discovered on the basaltic slopes of Mount Aragats in Armenia. The implementation of various complementary techniques (geomatics, statistical analyses, geoarchaeology, malacology, radiocarbon analysis) has enabled definition of their specificities. Isolated from the classic Syro-Jordanian zone, they are characterised by a certain simplicity, great morphological homogeneity, strongly related locations to the morphological characteristics of the mountain massif, and dated between the Bronze Age and the first centuries AD.
On the use of tokens and seals along the Kopet Dagh piedmont, Turkmenistan (ca 6000-3000 BCE)
Authors: Bonora Gian Luca , Vidale Massimo , Mariottini Maurizio , Guida Giuseppe
Published: May 2017

Cet article présente les témoignages archéologiques de techniques administratives du Néolithique à l’âge du Bronze au pied du Kopet Dagh (Turkménistan méridional). Nous passons en revue les découvertes publiées significatives (différents types de jetons, sceaux, empreintes), en intégrant de nouveaux jetons de pierre et un «cachet-amulette » , trouvés en 1999 lors de notre prospection sur le site d’Ilgynly-depe, daté du Chalcolithique moyen. Le nombre de jetons est important, mais ces derniers présentent une répartition discontinue et il n’y a ni bulla ni tablette pour affirmer qu’ici l’administration a suivi un parcours semblable à celui qui est supposé pour la Mésopotamie et l’Iran. Dans la seconde moitié du 4e millénaire avant notre ère, les «cachets-amulettes » sont transformés en sceaux ornés de motifs géométriques semblables, mais avec deux perforations centrales. Nous tentons d’expliquer ce changement comme un sous-produit de l’évolution des systèmes administratifs locaux.
Two Early Epipalaeolithic Sites in Wadi Taiyiba, Northern Jordan
Authors: Maher Lisa , Macdonald Danielle A. , Alaica Aleksa , Stock Jay T. , Banning Edward B.
Published: May 2017

Deux sites de l’Épipaléolithique ancien, localisés dans le Wadi Taiyiba en Jordanie, se trouvent dans une situation géologique tout à fait différente de celle des sites comparables dans la vallée voisine, le Wadi Ziqlab. En effet, ces deux sites étaient probablement à proximité de l’ancien Lac Lisan : le premier est un site peu profond, sur une pente près de la rive du Lisan, tandis que le second comporte des dépôts stratifiés plus épais à l’avant d’un abri effondré, situé à courte distance en amont, dominant une source d’eau chaude. De courtes campagnes de fouilles dans ces deux sites ont montré que les restes fauniques étaient rares dans le premier, mais assez communs dans le second, où la gazelle de montagne est le taxon le plus abondant, suivi par le sanglier, le lièvre, le loup, le renard, le cerf, l’aurochs, le mouton et la chèvre sauvages. Des ossements humains provenant d’au moins deux individus ont également été découverts. Du matériel de mouture a été recueilli dans les deux sites. Le premier site semble correspondre globalement à une occupation de courte durée orientée vers la fabrication d’outils et les préparatifs pour la chasse, tandis que le second, qui présente un assemblage plus dense et beaucoup plus diversifié, des restes humains et les traces de nombreuses activités, serait un site d’habitat de plus longue durée, réoccupé pendant plusieurs saisons. Ils contribuent à une meilleure connaissance de la diversité fonctionnelle des sites et des modèles d’occupation des territoires, qui sont assez mal connus pour le début de l’Épipaléolithique.
Precise Regulation of miR-210 is Critical for the Cellular Homeostasis Maintenance and Transplantation Efficacy Enhancement of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Acute Liver Failure Therapy
Authors: Liu Yingxia , Xiong Yongjia , Xing Feiyue , Gao Hao , Wang Xiaogang , He Liumin , Ren Chaoran , Liu Lei , So Kwok-Fai , Xiao Jia
Published: May 2017

Stem cell transplantation is a promising clinical strategy to cure acute liver failure. However, a low cell survival ratio after transplantation significantly impairs its therapeutic efficacy. This is partly due to insufficient resistance of transplanted stem cells to severe oxidative and inflammatory stress at the injury sites. In the current study, we demonstrated that a small molecule zeaxanthin dipalmitate (ZD) could enhance the defensive abilities against adverse stresses of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADMSCs) in vitro and increase their therapeutic outcomes of acute liver failure after transplantation in vivo. Treatment with ZD dramatically improved cell survival and suppressed apoptosis, inflammation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production of hADMSCs through the PKC/Raf-1/MAPK/NF-κB pathway to maintain a reasonably high expression level of microRNA-210 (miR-210). The regulation loop between miR-210 and cellular/mitochondrial ROS production was found to be linked by the ROS inhibitor iron–sulfur cluster assembly proteins (ISCU). Pretreatment with ZD and stable knockdown of miR-210 significantly improved and impaired the stem cell transplantation efficacy through the alteration of hepatic cell expansion and injury amelioration, respectively. Vehicle treatment with ZD did not pose any adverse effect on cell homeostasis or healthy animal. In conclusion, elevating endogenous antioxidant level of hADMSCs with ZD significantly enhances their hepatic tissue-repairing capabilities. Maintenance of a physiological level of miR-210 is critical for hADMSC homeostasis.
Fourier Transform Spectroscopy of the A3Π–X3Σ− Transition of OH+
Authors: Hodges James N. , Bernath Peter F.
Published: May 2017

The OH+ ion is of critical importance to the chemistry in the interstellar medium and is a prerequisite for the generation of more complex chemical species. Submillimeter and ultraviolet observations rely on high quality laboratory spectra. Recent measurements of the fundamental vibrational band and previously unanalyzed Fourier transform spectra of the near-ultraviolet A
3Π−X
3Σ− electronic spectrum, acquired at the National Solar Observatory at Kitt Peak in 1989, provide an excellent opportunity to perform a global fit of the available data. These new optical data are approximately four times more precise as compared to the previous values. The fit to the new data provides updated molecular constants, which are necessary to predict the OH+ transition frequencies accurately to support future observations. These new constants are the first published using the modern effective Hamiltonian for a linear molecule. These new molecular constants allow for easy simulation of transition frequencies and spectra using the PGOPHER program. The new constants improve simulations of higher J-value infrared transitions, and represent an improvement of an order of magnitude for some constants pertaining to the optical transitions.
Growth of Bulges in Disk Galaxies Since z ∼ 1
Authors: Sachdeva Sonali , Saha Kanak , Singh Harinder P.
Published: May 2017

We investigate the growth of bulges in bright (

) disk galaxies since

, in rest-frame B and I-band, using images from HST ACS and WFC3 in GOODS-South for high redshifts (

) and SDSS for local (

). The growth history has been traced by performing two-component bulge-disk decomposition and further classifying the bulges into pseudos and classicals using the Kormendy relation. We have about 27% pseudo and 40% classical bulges in our sample. Classical bulges are brighter than pseudo, in both rest-bands, at all redshifts probed here; in fact since

, classicals are about ∼1 mag brighter than pseudo bulges. Both bulges have witnessed substantial growth, more than half of their present-day stellar mass has been gained since

. Their host disks have grown concurrently, becoming progressively brighter in rest-frame I-band. The high-redshift host disks of both pseudo and classical bulges are found to be equally clumpy in rest-frame B-band. In the same band, we found that the growth of classical bulges is accompanied by fading of their host disks—which might be an indication of secular processes in action. However, both host disk as well as the bulge have grown substantially in terms of stellar mass. Our analysis suggests that clump migration and secular processes alone cannot account for the bulge growth, since

, accretion, and minor mergers would be required.
An ALMA Survey of Submillimeter Galaxies in the Extended Chandra Deep Field South: Spectroscopic Redshifts
Authors: Danielson A. L. R. , Swinbank A. M. , Smail Ian , Simpson J. M. , Casey C. M. , Chapman S. C. , Cunha E. da , Hodge J. A. , Walter F. , Wardlow J. L. , Alexander D. M. , Brandt W. N. , Breuck C. de , Coppin K. E. K. , Dannerbauer H. , Dickinson M. , Edge A. C. , Gawiser E. , Ivison R. J. , Karim A. , Kovacs A. , Lutz D. , Menten K. , Schinnerer E. , Weiß A. , Werf P. van der
Published: May 2017

We present spectroscopic redshifts of

mJy submillimeter galaxies (SMGs), which have been identified from the ALMA follow-up observations of 870 μm detected sources in the Extended Chandra Deep Field South (the ALMA-LESS survey). We derive spectroscopic redshifts for 52 SMGs, with a median of z = 2.4  ±  0.1. However, the distribution features a high-redshift tail, with ∼23% of the SMGs at

. Spectral diagnostics suggest that the SMGs are young starbursts, and the velocity offsets between the nebular emission and UV ISM absorption lines suggest that many are driving winds, with velocity offsets of up to 2000 km s−1. Using the spectroscopic redshifts and the extensive UV-to-radio photometry in this field, we produce optimized spectral energy distributions (SEDs) using Magphys, and use the SEDs to infer a median stellar mass of

= (6 ± 1)× 1010
M

for our SMGs with spectroscopic redshift. By combining these stellar masses with the star formation rates (measured from the far-infrared SEDs), we show that SMGs (on average) lie a factor of ∼5 above the so-called “main sequence” at

. We provide this library of 52 template fits with robust and uniquely well-sampled SEDs as a resource for future studies of SMGs, and also release the spectroscopic catalog of ∼2000 (mostly infrared-selected) galaxies targeted as part of the spectroscopic campaign.
Removing Visual Bias in Filament Identification: A New Goodness-of-fit Measure
Authors: Green C.-E. , Cunningham M. R. , Dawson J. R. , Jones P. A. , Novak G. , Fissel L. M.
Published: May 2017

Different combinations of input parameters to filament identification algorithms, such as disperse and filfinder, produce numerous different output skeletons. The skeletons are a one-pixel-wide representation of the filamentary structure in the original input image. However, these output skeletons may not necessarily be a good representation of that structure. Furthermore, a given skeleton may not be as good of a representation as another. Previously, there has been no mathematical “goodness-of-fit” measure to compare output skeletons to the input image. Thus far this has been assessed visually, introducing visual bias. We propose the application of the mean structural similarity index (MSSIM) as a mathematical goodness-of-fit measure. We describe the use of the MSSIM to find the output skeletons that are the most mathematically similar to the original input image (the optimum, or “best,” skeletons) for a given algorithm, and independently of the algorithm. This measure makes possible systematic parameter studies, aimed at finding the subset of input parameter values returning optimum skeletons. It can also be applied to the output of non-skeleton-based filament identification algorithms, such as the Hessian matrix method. The MSSIM removes the need to visually examine thousands of output skeletons, and eliminates the visual bias, subjectivity, and limited reproducibility inherent in that process, representing a major improvement upon existing techniques. Importantly, it also allows further automation in the post-processing of output skeletons, which is crucial in this era of “big data.”
Neutral Carbon Emission in Luminous Infrared Galaxies: The [C i] Lines as Total Molecular Gas Tracers∗
Authors: Jiao Qian , Zhao 赵 Yinghe 应和 , Zhu Ming , Lu Nanyao , Gao 高 Yu 煜 , Zhang Zhi-Yu
Published: May 2017

We present a statistical study of the [C i] (3P1

3P0), [C i] (3P2

3P1) lines (hereafter [C i] (1–0) and [C i] (2–1), respectively) and the CO(1–0) line for a sample of (ultra-)luminous infrared galaxies ((U)LIRGs). We explore the correlations between the luminosities of CO(1–0) and [C i] lines, and find that

correlates almost linearly with both

and

, suggesting that [C i] lines can trace total molecular gas mass, at least for (U)LIRGs. We also investigate the dependence of

/

,

/

, and

/

on the far-infrared color of 60-to-100 μm, and find non-correlation, a weak correlation, and a modest correlation, respectively. Under the assumption that these two carbon transitions are optically thin, we further calculate the [C i] line excitation temperatures, atomic carbon masses, and mean [C i] line flux-to-H2 mass conversion factors for our sample. The resulting

masses using these [C i]-based conversion factors roughly agree with those derived from

and CO-to-H2 conversion factor.
Prospective Evaluation of Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Treatment for Myopia Using the WaveLight Refractive Suite
Authors: Cummings Arthur , Durrie Daniel , Gordon Michael , Williams Ravaughn , Gow James A. , Maus Matthias
Published: May 2017

PURPOSE:

To evaluate outcomes in patients with myopia up to −12.00 diopters (D), with or without astigmatism up to 6.00 D, who underwent LASIK with the WaveLight Refractive Suite (Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX).

METHODS:

This multicenter, prospective, single-arm study evaluated patients at baseline, on the day of surgery, and 1 day and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. The primary outcome was comparison of 1-month postoperative binocular uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) with preoperative binocular corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA). Noninferiority was defined as the upper bound of the 95% confidence interval less than 0.1 logMAR. Post-hoc analyses for superiority were conducted for monocular and binocular CDVA at 1, 3, and 6 months. Continuous variables were summarized using mean (95% confidence interval), median, quartiles, standard deviation, minimum and maximum, and categorical variables as counts and percentages.

RESULTS:

Of the 96 patients (54% female, mean age: 31 years), 5 underwent monocular and 91 binocular LASIK surgery (187 eyes). Preoperatively, mean binocular CDVA was −0.025 ± 0.126 logMAR, mean binocular UDVA was 1.148 ± 0.626 logMAR, and mean manifest spherical refraction equivalent was −3.67 ± 1.98 D. Postoperative binocular UDVA at 1 month (−0.088 ± 0.107 logMAR) was noninferior to preoperative binocular CDVA. Postoperative binocular UDVA at 1, 3 (−0.098 ± 0.107 logMAR), and 6 months (−0.105 ± 0.113 logMAR) were significantly superior to preoperative binocular CDVA (
P
< .0001 each).

CONCLUSIONS:

The primary study objective was exceeded; postoperative UDVA was significantly superior to preoperative CDVA in patients with myopia and myopia with astigmatism who underwent LASIK with the WaveLight Refractive Suite.

[
J Refract Surg.
2017;33(5):322–328.]
Management of Interface Fluid Syndrome After LASIK by Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty in a Patient With Fuchs' Corneal Endothelial Dystrophy
Authors: Shajari Mehdi , Rafiezadeh Parviz , Pavlovic Ivana , Kubiak Kate Barbara , Kohnen Thomas , Schmack Ingo
Published: May 2017

PURPOSE:

To report a case of interface fluid syndrome after LASIK in a patient with Fuchs' corneal endothelial dystrophy treated with Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK).

METHODS:

Case report.

RESULTS:

A 74-year-old patient presented with interface fluid syndrome and was treated with DMEK. Its complications in the form of partial graft detachment and cystoid macular edema were successfully managed by rebubbling and topical treatment, respectively. The treatment led to amelioration of both visual acuity and patient satisfaction. At the examination 6 months after DMEK, the cornea was clear and corrected distance visual acuity improved to a satisfactory level.

CONCLUSIONS:

Interface fluid syndrome can develop many years after LASIK as a result of corneal endothelial decompensation and can be effectively treated with DMEK. Close postoperative monitoring of patients is paramount to intervene therapeutically in case of transplant detachment or development of cystoid macular edema requiring further surgical or conservative management.

[
J Refract Surg.
2017;33(5):347–350.]
Topography-Guided LASIK Versus Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) for Myopia and Myopic Astigmatism: A Randomized, Prospective, Contralateral Eye Study
Authors: Kanellopoulos Anastasios John
Published: May 2017

PURPOSE:

To compare safety and efficacy of topography-guided LASIK and contralateral eye SMILE for myopia and myopic astigmatism correction.

METHODS:

This prospective, randomized contralateral eye study included 44 eyes of 22 patients with bilateral myopia or myopic astigmatism. Treated eyes were divided into two groups: 22 eyes were treated with topography-guided LASIK and the fellow eye of each patient was treated with SMILE. The following parameters were evaluated preoperatively and up to 3 months postoperatively: uncorrected distance vision acuity (UDVA), corrected distance vision acuity (CDVA), refractive error, corneal keratometry, contrast sensitivity, and Objective Scatter Index.

RESULTS:

At 3 months, 86.4% of the LASIK group and 68.2% of the SMILE group had UDVA of 20/20 (
P
< .002) and 59.1% and 31.8%, respectively, had UDVA of 20/16 (
P
< .002). Spherical equivalent refraction (±0.50 D) was 95.5% for the LASIK group and 77.3% for the SMILE group (
P
< .002). Residual refraction cylinder (≤ 0.25 D) was 81.8% for the LASIK group and 50% for the SMILE group (
P
< .001). Contrast sensitivity (6 cycles/degree) was 7.2 ± 1.01 in the LASIK group and 6.20 ± 1.52 in the SMILE group. Objective Scatter Index measurements at 3 months were 1.35 in the LASIK group and 1.42 in the SMILE group.

CONCLUSIONS:

Topography-guided LASIK was superior in all visual performance parameters studied, both subjective and objective. The main difference between the two techniques likely derives from the eye tracking, cyclorotation compensation, and active centration control in the LASIK technology studied in contrast to the current technology available with SMILE-like procedures. This difference appears to affect refractive and visual aberration performance outcomes.

[
J Refract Surg.
2017;33(5):306–312.]
Autonomous Wireless Sensor Node with Thermal Energy Harvesting for Temperature Monitoring of Industrial Devices
Authors: Hou Liqun , Tan Shudong , Yang Lei , Zhang Zhijuan , Bergmann Neil
Published: May 2017

The feasibility of using thermal energy harvesting to power a wireless sensor node for temperature monitoring of industrial devices is explored and evaluated in this paper. The thermal energy harvesting equipment and energy conversion circuit have been designed and fabricated. A series of experiments with various sleep periods for the sensor node are undertaken. The experimental results show that the thermal energy harvesting equipment and energy conversion circuit are able to power a commercial wireless node when the sleep period of the node is more than 16s, equating to a duty cycle of 5.4%. The results also indicate that the wireless sensor network based on the proposed autonomous wireless sensor node can monitor the industrial device temperature successfully.
An Educational Robotics Lab to Investigate Cognitive Strategies and to Foster Learning in an Arts and Humanities Course Degree
Authors: Gabriele Lorella , Marocco Davide , Bertacchini Francesca , Pantano Pietro , Bilotta Eleonora
Published: May 2017

The research aimed at presenting learning results on an Educational Robotics Lab carried out with university students that attended an Arts and Humanities Course Degree. In particular, cognitive abilities put into action by learners in using a Robotics Serious Game have been investigated and data has been collected by administering a pre and a post-test on motivation and using Project Based Learning (PBL) methodology. Significant results have been acquired on: (1) students’ motivation in relation to their performance; (2) team work strategy, analyzing the PBL; and (3) learning results. Findings showed that “intrinsic motivation” of the participating students, gathered with a specific questionnaire, was high since the beginning of the Lab experience, corroborating the hypothesis that these cognitive activities are able to stimulate curiosity, interest, enjoyment and to foster the learning also in humanities careers.
Online Product Review, Product Knowledge, Attitude, and Online Purchase Behavior
Authors: Yap Ching Seng , Ong Mor Yang , Ahmad Rizal
Published: May 2017

This case study aims to investigate buyers' post-purchase behavior on feedback ratings. From the data collected from eBay, the statistical analysis shows that the average time length that buyers post their feedback after auctions completion is 15.5 days. New sellers and experienced sellers have different chances to receive feedback. New sellers are more likely to receive negative feedback over positive feedback. The distribution of the feedback types (negative, neutral and positive) does not match that of their associated monetary volumes. This case study also demonstrates that inexperienced eBay buyers are more likely to post negative feedback ratings than experienced ones. New and used products attract different ratings in the three feedback types. With word cloud and word frequency analysis, the authors identify common issues associated with each of the three types of feedback. The paper also discusses the managerial implications and recommendations based on these findings.
Operationalising Resilience within Planning Practice
Authors: Doyle Aoife , Hynes William , Ehimen Ehiaze , Purcell Stephen M. , Coaffee Jon , Clarke Jonathan , Davis Peadar
Published: May 2017

Over the past decade the concept of ‘resilience' – broadly viewed as the capacity to plan, prepare, respond and recover from shocks or disturbances - has gained increasing attention within urban planning literature. Yet there remains ongoing debate around how this concept can be operationalised within planning policy and practice. This paper presents emerging findings from two EU funded projects – HARMONISE and RESILENS – which both seek to explore the development of e-tools and processes to equip planners with capabilities to assess and enhance the resilience of existing and future urban development projects. To date, the widespread development and optimisation of such tools (and subsequent exploitation of such functions) have been relatively limited in practice due to a poor understanding of resilience as a concept, and differing conceptualisations of ‘resilience' across cities and national borders. This paper examines some of the key practical challenges in this respect.
Cutting Edge: ERK1 Mediates the Autocrine Positive Feedback Loop of TGF-β and Furin in Glioma-Initiating Cells
Authors: Ventura Elisa , Weller Michael , Burghardt Isabel
Published: May 2017

Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive intrinsic brain tumor in adults. Self-renewing, highly tumorigenic glioma-initiating cells (GIC) have been linked to glioma invasive properties, immunomodulation, and increased angiogenesis, leading to resistance to therapy. TGF-β signaling has been associated with the tumorigenic activity of GIC. TGF-β is synthesized as a precursor molecule and proteolytically processed to the mature form by members of the family of the proprotein convertases subtilisin/kexin. In this study we report that furin is unique among the proprotein convertases subtilisin/kexin in being highly expressed in human GIC. Furin cleaves and promotes activation of pro–TGF-β1 and pro–TGF-β2, and TGF-β2 in turn increases furin levels. Notably, TGF-β2 controls furin activity in an ALK-5–dependent manner involving the ERK/MAPK pathway. We thus uncover a role of ERK1 in the regulation of furin activity by supporting a self-sustaining loop for high TGF-β activity in GIC.
Recruitment of Human C1 Esterase Inhibitor Controls Complement Activation on Blood Stage Plasmodium falciparum Merozoites
Authors: Kennedy Alexander T. , Wijeyewickrema Lakshmi C. , Huglo Alisee , Lin Clara , Pike Robert , Cowman Alan F. , Tham Wai-Hong
Published: May 2017

The complement system is a front-line defense system that opsonizes and lyses invading pathogens. To survive, microbes exposed to serum must evade the complement response. To achieve this, many pathogens recruit soluble human complement regulators to their surfaces and hijack their regulatory function for protection from complement activation. C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH) is a soluble regulator of complement activation that negatively regulates the classical and lectin pathways of complement to protect human tissue from aberrant activation. In this article, we show that Plasmodium falciparum merozoites, the invasive form of blood stage malaria parasites, actively recruit C1-INH to their surfaces when exposed to human serum. We identified PfMSP3.1, a member of the merozoite surface protein 3 family of merozoite surface proteins, as the direct interaction partner. When bound to the merozoite surface, C1-INH retains its ability to complex with and inhibit C1s, MASP1, and MASP2, the activating proteases of the complement cascade. P. falciparum merozoites that lack PfMSP3.1 showed a marked reduction in C1-INH recruitment and increased C3b deposition on their surfaces. However, these ΔPfMSP3.1 merozoites exhibit enhanced invasion of RBCs in the presence of active complement. This study characterizes an immune-evasion strategy used by malaria parasites and highlights the complex relationship between merozoites and the complement system.
IP law backgrounder
Authors:   Hickling Arthurs Low Corporation
Published: May 2017

This document provides an overview of Canadian intellectual property (IP) law with a focus on its relevance to protecting Geospatial Data, information and products. "Geospatial data" is understood as raw data, such as geographic coordinates. "Geographic
information" (GI) is understood as geographic data placed in context (for example, data about the location of mineral resources). "Geospatial data products" is understood to mean the form in which the data is expressed, and can include databases, maps, charts, photographs or other documents or
products.
IP is generally understood as having three main areas: copyright, patent and trademark. Other categories include industrial design law, the protection of integrated circuit topographies, and the protection of plant varieties. Confidential information or trade secrets are often considered to be a
form of IP protected at common or civil law, or in equity. The focus in this paper is on confidential information, copyright, trademarks and patents, although copyright is the predominant basis for the protection of geographic data and related information products.
Document juridique sur la propriété intellectuelle
Authors:   Hickling Arthurs Low Corporation
Published: May 2017

Ce document donne les grandes lignes de la loi canadienne sur la propriété intellectuelle, en se concentrant sur le rôle qu'elle joue dans la protection des données, des informations et des produits du domaine de la géospatiale. Par
« données géospatiales », on entend les données brutes, telles que les coordonnées géographiques. « L'information géographique » se réfère aux données géographiques prises dans leur contexte (par exemple, les données sur
l'emplacement des ressources minérales). Les « produits de données géospatiales » signifient la forme sous laquelle les données sont exprimées; ces produits peuvent inclure des bases de données, des cartes, des représentations graphiques, des
photographies ou autres documents ou produits.
La propriété intellectuelle comprend généralement trois domaines principaux : le droit d'auteur, les brevets et les marques de commerce. D'autres catégories peuvent inclure la loi sur les dessins industriels, la protection des topographies de circuits intégrés, et
la protection des obtentions végétales. L'information confidentielle ou les secrets professionnels sont souvent considérés comme une forme de propriété intellectuelle protégée au titre du droit commun ou civil, ou de l'equity. L'objet de ce document porte
essentiellement sur l'information confidentielle, le droit d'auteur, les marques de commerce et les brevets, bien que le droit d'auteur soit le principe de base essentiel de la protection des données géographiques et des produits d'information associés.
Volunteered geographic information (VGI) primer
Authors:   Hickling Arthurs Low Corporation
Published: May 2017

This guide is one in a series of Operational Policy documents being developed by GeoConnections. This guide is intended to inform CGDI stakeholders about the nature and scope of VGI and the realities, challenges and good practices of related operational policies.

Volunteered geographic information, or VGI, is "the widespread engagement of large numbers of private citizens, often with little in the way of formal qualifications, in the creation of geographic information" (Goodchild M. F., 2007). Using volunteered geographic information to help create or
maintain geospatial datasets is a rapidly growing trend. This guide introduces key issues in geospatial operational policy, imperative to the success of any venture into VGI. Operational policies are the guidelines, directives and policies that an organization employs to address the life cycle of
geospatial data (i.e., collection, management, dissemination and use).
This guide will be of interest to anyone seeking a better understanding of the emerging trend of VGI and areas of related operational policy, such as data quality, liability, privacy, security, licensing and copyright.
Introduction sur l'information géographique volontaire (IGV)
Authors:   Hickling Arthurs Low Corporation
Published: May 2017

Le présent guide fait partie d'une série de documents sur les politiques opérationnelles que GéoConnexions prépare actuellement. Il a pour but d'informer les intervenants de l'ICDG sur la nature et la portée de l'IGV et sur les
réalités, les enjeux et les pratiques exemplaires en matière de politiques opérationnelles connexes.
Par information géographique volontaire, ou IGV, on entend la participation répandue d'un grand nombre de simples citoyens, qui ont souvent peu de compétences officielles, à la création d'information géographique (Goodchild M. F., 2007). L'utilisation d'information
géographique volontaire pour aider à créer ou à mettre à jour des ensembles de données géospatiales est une tendance à forte croissance. Le guide présente les principales questions relatives aux politiques opérationnelles géospatiales, qui sont
impératives pour la réussite de toute entreprise dans l'IGV. Les politiques opérationnelles sont les lignes directrices, les directives et les politiques dont se sert une organisation pour gérer le cycle de vie des données géospatiales (c.-à-d. collecte, gestion,
diffusion et utilisation).
Le présent guide pourra intéresser toute personne qui souhaite mieux connaître la nouvelle tendance en matière d'IGV et les secteurs liés aux politiques opérationnelles, comme la qualité des données, la responsabilité, la protection des renseignements
personnels, la sécurité, l'octroi de licences et le droit d'auteur.
Archiving, management and preservation of geospatial data summary report and recommendations
Authors:   GeoConnections Policy Advisory Node, Working Group on Archiving and Preserving Geospatial Data
Published: May 2017

A working group was created under the GeoConnections Policy Node to identify issues and solutions related to the long-term archiving and preservation of geospatial data. This summary report provides highlights and recommendations, based on a more detailed
background study document entitled "The Management and Preservation of Geospatial Data".
Geospatial data are being produced by all levels of government and in the private sector at an unprecedented rate. However, long-term access to the wealth of these data will be compromised unless policies and procedures are created and implemented by geospatial data custodians to ensure their
archival preservation and continued availability to policy makers, industry and researchers. While considerable study and research is now being undertaken to address the subject of preserving electronic information, very little study focuses on the unique challenges to successfully archiving and
preserve geospatial data.
This study concludes that there is no single solution available that addresses all the archival challenges associated with the preservation of digital information. The finding of this study is consistent with other efforts, as noted by Au Yeung (2004) mp;lt;"the real solution for digital
preservation may lie less in technology and more in policymp;gt;". It is however clear that there is a need for a mixture of strategies that must be implemented within an effective information management structure. Implementation will be dependent upon an organization's legislative, policy and
information management requirements and its ability to invest in long-term preservation activities.
Recommendations for further action and research related to the long-term archiving and preservation of geospatial data can be divided between: 1) those activities that are institutionally based; and 2) those that require national policies, standards and guidelines that should be collaboratively
developed.
Archivage, gestion et préservation des données géospatiales, rapport sommaire et recommandations
Authors:   Noyau consultatif sur les politiques de GéoConnexions, Groupe de travail sur l'archivage et la préservation des données géospatiales
Published: May 2017

Sous lmp;gt;'égide du Noyau sur les politiques de GéoConnexions, un groupe de travail a été chargé de faire le point sur les problèmes et de trouver des solutions liés à lmp;gt;'archivage et à la préservation
à long terme des donnés géospatiales. Le présent rapport sommaire présente les points saillants et les recommandations dmp;gt;'une étude plus approfondie intitulée « La gestion et la préservation des données géospatiales ».
Des données géospatiales sont créées par tous les ordres de gouvernement et le secteur privé à une vitesse sans précédent. Cependant, lmp;gt;'accès à long terme à ces précieuses données risque dmp;gt;'être compromis si les
dépositaires des données nmp;gt;'élaborent et mettent en place des politiques et procédures afin dmp;gt;'assurer la préservation des archives et lmp;gt;'accès aux données pour les décideurs, lmp;gt;'industrie et les chercheurs. De nombreuses recherches se
penchent sur la question de la préservation de lmp;gt;'information électronique, mais bien peu se concentrent sur les défis que représentent lmp;gt;'archivage réussi et la préservation des données géospatiales.
Cette étude conclut qump;gt;'il nmp;gt;'existe pour lmp;gt;'instant aucune solution unique aux défis que nous réserve la préservation de lmp;gt;'information numérique. Les conclusions de cette études concordent avec les études antérieures, comme lmp;gt;'a
noté Au Yeung (2004) « la véritable solution de la préservation numérique pourrait être non pas technologique mais plutôt politique ». Il est cependant clair qump;gt;'une combinaison de stratégies doit être mises en place dans une structure de
gestion de lmp;gt;'information efficace. La mise en uvre dépendra des besoins des organisations en matière de législation, de politiques et de gestion de lmp;gt;'information et de leur aptitude à investir dans les activités de préservation à long terme.
Les recommandations qui guideront lmp;gt;'action et les recherches liées à lmp;gt;'archivage et à la préservation à long terme des données géospatiales peuvent se regrouper sous : 1) les activités mises en place par les institutions et 2) les activités
nécessitant des politiques, des normes et des lignes directrices nationales qui pourraient être mises au point en collaboration entre des organisations.
Comprendre les processus de l'évaluation des besoins des utilisateurs et de la conception centrée sur l'utilisateur
Authors:   GéoConnexions
Published: May 2017

Ce guide (2007) vise à aider les organisations, en particulier les gestionnaires et les développeurs, à comprendre les méthodes utilisées dans le cadre des processus de l'évaluation des besoins des utilisateurs et de la conception
centrée sur l'utilisateur. Les évaluations des besoins des utilisateurs engagent les communautés d'utilisateurs à définir le contenu, la technologie et les politiques qui permettront le mieux de régler les problèmes. La conception centrée sur l'utilisateur
aide les organisations à faire en sorte que leurs produits de géomatique règlent les problèmes recensés, grâce à une conception et à une fonction efficaces.
Symmetric Products of Equivariantly Formal Spaces
Authors: Franz Matthias
Published: May 2017

Let X be a CW complex with a continuous action of a topological group G. We show that if X is equivariantly formal for singular cohomology with coefficients in some field , then so are all symmetric products of X and in fact all its Γ-products. In particular, symmetric products of quasi-projective M-varieties are again M-varieties. This generalizes a result by Biswas and D’Mello about symmetric products of M-curves. We also discuss several related questions.
Stability properties of periodic traveling waves for the intermediate long wave equation
Authors: Angulo Pava Jaime , Cardoso Jr. Eleomar , Natali Fábio
Published: May 2017

In this paper we determine orbital and linear stability of a class of spatially periodic wavetrain solutions with the mean zero property related to the intermediate long wave equation. Our arguments follow recent developments for the study of the stability of periodic traveling waves.
Classes of contractions and Harnack domination
Authors: Badea Catalin , Suciu Laurian , Timotin Dan
Published: May 2017

Several properties of the Harnack domination of linear operators acting on Hilbert space with norm less or equal than one are studied. Thus, the maximal elements for this relation are identified as precisely the singular unitary operators, while the minimal elements are shown to be the isometries and the adjoints of isometries. We also show how a large range of properties (e.g., convergence of iterates, peripheral spectrum, ergodic properties) are transfered from a contraction to one that Harnack dominates it.
Extremal sequences for the Bellman function of the dyadic maximal operator
Authors: Nikolidakis Eleftherios
Published: May 2017

We give a characterization of the extremal sequences for the Bellman function of the dyadic maximal operator. In fact we prove that they behave approximately like eigenfunctions of this operator for a specific eigenvalue.