bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An integrated approach for the measurement of inequality, poverty, and richness
Authors: Crespo Nuno , Moreira Sandrina , Simoes Nadia
Published: January 2016

The goal of the paper is to propose a new and integrated approach to the
measurement of inequality in income distribution, poverty, and richness. The
proposed set of indicators is easy to calculate and is based on a neutral
inequality concept. The method allows an objective interpretation of the
values for each measure, a decomposition according to households?
characteristics, and an immediate comparison of the results between
countries and time periods, thereby offering important conclusions for
policy action. We illustrate the application of the measures with data from
Portugal, finding that: (i) 17.78% of the individuals belong to households
classified as poor while 7.03% are rich and 75.19% are classified as middle
class; (ii) it is necessary to redistribute 23.78% of the total income of
the economy to obtain perfect equality; (iii) 2.09% of the total income in
the economy is enough to eradicate poverty.
Sources of growth: Evidence from ten central and Eastern European countries during 1993-2008
Authors: Pop Silaghi , Alexa Diana
Published: January 2016

This paper carries out a growth accounting exercise for the 10 Central and
Eastern European (CEE) countries that are part of the European Union over the
period 1993-2008. We estimate the capital share (?) from a Cobb-Douglas
production function in an intensive form, by employing panel data techniques.
The Hausman and Chi-Square tests indicate that a Cross- Section Random
Effects with Period Fixed Effects model best suits our data. Based on this
model, we find a capital share between 0.45 and 0.83, higher than the usual
0.3-0.4 used in growth accounting literature. When we take into consideration
the quality of labour force the estimated capital share slightly decreases,
but still remains high, in a range between 0.39 and 0.79. Our growth
accounting results reveal that, on average, capital per worker accumulation
is the main engine of growth in CEE, followed by the contribution of total
factor productivity (TFP). However, when dividing by sub-periods, we found
that the contribution of TFP cannot be neglected since during 1997-2004 it
proved to be the main engine of growth in some CEE countries (Czech Republic,
Slovakia, Hungary, Lithuania and Romania). Some policy implications are
offered based on our results.
Higher-order gradient elasticity models applied to geometrically nonlinear discrete systems
Authors: Challamel Noël , Kocsis Attila , Wang C.M.
Published: January 2016

The buckling and post-buckling behavior of a nonlinear discrete repetitive
system, the discrete elastica, is studied herein. The nonlinearity
essentially comes from the geometrical effect, whereas the constitutive law
of each component is reduced to linear elasticity. The paper primarily
focuses on the relevancy of higher-order continuum approximations of the
difference equations, also called continualization of the lattice model. The
pseudo-differential operator of the lattice equations are expanded by Taylor
series, up to the second or the fourth-order, leading to an equivalent
second-order or fourth-order gradient elasticity model. The accuracy of each
of these models is compared to the initial lattice model and to some other
approximation methods based on a rational expansion of the
pseudo-differential operator. It is found, as anticipated, that the higher
level of truncation is chosen, the better accuracy is obtained with respect
to the lattice solution. This paper also outlines the key role played by the
boundary conditions, which also need to be consistently continualized from
their discrete expressions. It is concluded that higher-order gradient
elasticity models can efficiently capture the scale effects of lattice
models.
The Research Search For The Least Beneficial Overcast Sky And Progress In Defining Its Luminance Gradation Function
Authors: Kittler R. , Darula S.
Published: January 2016

Recently illuminance levels under ISO/CIE homogeneous standard sky types were characterised in their relative terms after ISO/CIE (2004, 2003) standardised as normalised by the luminance in the zenith. Sky luminance and horizontal illuminance based on the gradation and scattering indicatrix functions, including the extreme overcast cases frequently encountered in nature, were recently determined in absolute physical units of luminance in kilocandles per meter square and of illuminance in kilolux. The historical search to find energy and visibility critical sky luminance distributions shows a progression of steps in studying the worst or critical overcast situations. That progression has enabled the determination and evaluation of interior illuminance for comparison of the merits of dual daylighting and artificial lighting under established criteria for comfortable visibility.
Effects Of Storage Conditions On The Quality Of Unripe Hazelnuts In The Husk
Authors: Markuszewski Bogumił , Kopytowski Jan
Published: January 2016

The purpose of the study was to assess the storability of unripe hazelnuts in the husk of four cultivars: ‘Hall’s Giant’, ‘Catalan’, ‘Webb’s Prize Cob’ and ‘Cosford’. The nuts were stored in normal and controlled atmospheres, and in Xtend® bags for three months. A quality assessment was performed based on the following parameters: weight of the nut in the husk and without the husk, weight of the kernel, percentage of nuts with husk attached, dry matter content in kernels, infection with fungal diseases, and the presence of physiological disorders. The study demonstrated that hazelnuts stored in Xtend® bags and under a controlled atmosphere had a higher weight for the nut in the husk and without the husk, as well as a higher weight of the kernel and water content when compared to batches of hazelnuts stored in a normal atmosphere. The percentage of nuts remaining in the husk was also higher when stored under such conditions. For the majority of investigated cultivars the storage in Xtend® bags, and to a lesser extent under normal atmosphere conditions, resulted in a substantial increase in nuts infected with fungal and abiotic diseases. Among investigated cultivars, ‘Hall’s Giant’ turned out to be the most resistant to storage diseases.
Quality Of Cloudy Plum Juice Produced From Fresh Fruit Of Prunus Domestica L. – The Effect Of Cultivar And Enzyme Treatment
Authors: Zbrzeźniak Monika , Nordlund Emilia , Mieszczakowska-Frąc Monika , Płocharski Witold , Konopacka Dorota
Published: January 2016

The quality of cloudy juices produced from two plum cultivars varied in chemical characteristics and native polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, and was studied in relation to specific pectinolytic activity of enzyme preparations used for fresh fruit maceration before pressing. Process effectiveness expressed as juice yield, turbidity and the rate of transfer of anthocyanins and polyphenols were determined for five different enzyme preparations, whose activity was also analysed. Juice yields obtained after 1 hour mash maceration (50 ºC, 100 g·t−1) were between 86.6 and 95.4%. The anthocyanins content of the obtained juices strongly depended on the cultivar and ranged from 26 to 50 mg·L−1 for ‘Promis’, and from 269 to 289 mg·L−1 for ‘Čačanska Najbolja’, which could be related to the differences in the measured PPO activity (175.4 and 79.8 nkat·g−1, respectively). The type of enzyme preparation strongly affected the degradation rate of anthocyanins during juice processing. Peonidin-3-rutinoside proved to be the most stable during plum juice production in contrast to cyanidin-3-glucoside. Irrespectively of the cultivar, the juice prepared with the mixture of Rohapect PTE + Rohament PL (2 : 1) showed the highest turbidity among the investigated combinations. The results suggest that for the production of cloudy plum juice use of a preparation with low pectin methyl esterase and polygalacturonase activities and high pectin lyase activity could be recommended.
Pre- And Postharvest Nutritional Value And Storage Ability Of Scallop Squash Cultivars
Authors: Balbierz Agnieszka , Kołota Eugeniusz
Published: January 2016

Scallop squash fruit may be harvested and supplied to the fresh market at different stages of maturity. However, small size and immature fruit, preferred by the consumers and food industry, have only a limited storage life, which duration, among others, depends on cultivar characteristic. The objective of the study was to evaluate the storage ability and pre- and postharvest nutritional value of small size fruit of ‘Disco’, ‘Polo F1’, ‘Sunny Delight F1’, ‘Gagat’ and ‘Okra’ scallop squash cultivars. Fruit with diameter 3-6 cm, harvested at the time of maximum fruiting, were placed in the storage room with temperature 7 ºC, and relative humidity > 95% for the period of 1 or 2 weeks. Results of the study showed that prolonged up to 14 days period of fruit storage caused a drastic, within 9.95% – 13.95% weight loss, which was associated with visual symptoms of wilting and significant decrease of dry matter, sugars, vitamin C, carotenoids and nitrates contents. Among examined cultivars, the best suitable for the short storage, lasted no longer than 7 days, appeared to be ‘Disco’ and ‘Okra’. ‘Sunny Delight F1’, the only one cultivar with yellow color of skin, containing high amounts of vitamin C and polyphenols and showing low tendency to nitrates accumulation, similarly as ‘Gagat’ and ‘Polo F1’, were less suitable for short period of cold storage.
Genome Instability In Fruit Body Derived Lines Generated From Fruiting Pfle Somatic Hybrid Lines And Development Of Hybrid Strain Specific Scar Marker In Edible Mushroom
Authors: Mallick Pijush , Sikdar Samir Ranjan
Published: January 2016

Six fruit body derived lines (pfle FB) generated from six fruiting pfle somatic hybrid mushroom lines showed genetic diversity analysed by fruit body morphology and inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. Stipe length, pelius diameter and bioefficiency % (BE%) of all the strains showed variations between each other with respect to Pleurotus florida parent. Hybrid pfle 1v and pfle 1q showed the highest value of stipe length and pelius diameter, respectively, compared with parent P. florida. Four ISSR primers amplified a total of 47 reproducible fragments with 82.9% polymorphism in which primer ISSR-03 produced the highest number of amplicons. Unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) based dendrogram exhibited two major groups in which hybrids pfle 1r and pfle 1q showed genetical closeness to parents P. florida and Lentinula edodes, respectively. Tissue culture generated line from fruit body of pfle 1r hybrid showed maximum BE% compared with the other hybrids and P. florida parent. For identification of this line, a pair of hybrid strain-specific SCAR marker (RFB2F and RFB2R) was developed based on an unique 813 bp RAPD amplicon.
Effect of Continuous-Wave Low-Intensity Ultrasound in Inflammatory Resolution of Arthritis-Associated Synovitis
Authors: Chung Jee-In , Min Byung-Hyun , Baik Eun Joo
Published: January 2016

Background

Low-intensity ultrasound (LIUS) can reduce pain and improve function in arthritic joints. Neutrophils are first-line actors in host defense that recruit macrophages. Dead neutrophils are removed during resolution of inflammation. Delayed neutrophil clearance can lead to extended inflammation or even chronic autoimmune disease. Although neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in arthritic tissue are involved in the pathogenesis of arthritis, their functional role has not been clarified.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the effect of LIUS on synovial inflammation and its resolution via neutrophil clearance.

Methods

Synovitis was induced by intra-articular injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) into the left knee joint of 58 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Low-intensity ultrasound (1 MHz, 200 mW/cm2) was applied for 10 minutes daily. Neutrophil clearance was assessed with the expression of myeloperoxidase (MPO). In addition, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining and NET formation in the synovium were observed. In neutrophil and macrophage cultures from peripheral blood, the effect of NET clearance by LIUS was investigated.

Results

In CFA-induced synovitis, MPO-positive neutrophils peaked after 2 to 3 days, filling the inflammatory core. Monocytes and macrophages in the periphery later infiltrated the core and were reduced thereafter. Low-intensity ultrasound reduced synovial hyperplasia and induced earlier MPO clearance. Neutrophils in the core of the inflamed synovium exhibited NET formation, which LIUS increased. Low-intensity also induced NETs in peripheral polymorphonuclear cells in an intensity-dependent manner and potentiated phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-induced NETosis. The PMA-induced NETs were cleared by macrophages; clearance was enhanced by LIUS.

Limitations

The effect of LIUS on CFA-induced inflammation was observed only during the acute phase. Although the effect of LIUS on NETosis in the in vitro neutrophil culture system was clear, the in vivo NETosis cannot be quantified.

Conclusions

Neutrophil extracellular traps act in inflammatory synovitis, and LIUS enhanced the NETs and resulted in neutrophil clearance by enhancing the phagocytosis of macrophages, which might be a factor underlying the therapeutic effect of LIUS in arthritic synovium.
Structural Validity of the Dutch Version of the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE-NL) in Patients With Hand and Wrist Injuries
Authors: El Moumni Mostafa , Van Eck Merit E. , Wendt Klaus W. , Reininga Inge H.F. , Mokkink Lidwine Brigitta
Published: January 2016

Background

Hand and wrist injuries are one of the most common injuries seen in adults. The Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) questionnaire has been developed as a patient-report outcome measure of pain and disability to evaluate the outcome after hand and wrist injuries.

Objective

The aims of this study were (1) to evaluate the structural validity of the existing Dutch version of the PRWE (PRWE-NL) in patients with hand or wrist injuries and (2) to investigate the appropriateness of reporting subscale scores.

Design

This was a retrospective analysis of cross-sectional data of 368 adult patients.

Methods

Patients aged 18 to 65 years and treated either surgically or conservatively for an isolated hand or wrist injury were recruited. Patients were excluded if they were unable to speak or read Dutch. Confirmatory factor analyses were used to investigate structural validity, and Cronbach alpha (α) and omega (ω) coefficients were used to investigate internal consistency.

Results

A series of confirmatory factor analyses revealed that all models (ie, a single-factor model, correlated 2- and 3-factor models, and 2 bifactor models) were associated with adequate model fit. However, inspection of the factor loadings, the explained common variance (ECV), and the different coefficient omega values revealed that the PRWE-NL should be considered a measure of a unidimensional trait. In addition, PRWE-NL subscales were associated with unacceptably low levels of reliability independently of the global PRWE-NL factor.

Limitations

Although the sample size was adequate, the response rate was 37.1%. Participants were mainly patients with fractures of the wrist or hand, predominantly treated nonsurgically.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the PRWE-NL measures a unidimensional trait. A single score should be used for the PRWE-NL, without subscale scores.
Which Children Are Not Getting Their Needs for Therapy or Mobility Aids Met? Data From the 2009–2010 National Survey of Children With Special Health Care Needs
Authors: McManus Beth M. , Prosser Laura A. , Gannotti Mary E.
Published: January 2016

Background

Pediatric rehabilitation therapy services and mobility aids have an important role in the health of children with special health care needs, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) may increase coverage for these needs. Identifying the prevalence of and factors associated with therapy and mobility aid needs and unmet needs prior to the full implementation of the ACA will be useful for future evaluation of its impact.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of and factors associated with caregiver perceived needs and unmet needs for therapy or mobility aids among children with special health care needs living in the United States.

Design

A cross-sectional, descriptive, multivariate analysis was conducted.

Methods

The 2009–2010 National Survey of Children With Special Health Care Needs was used to identify a nationally representative sample of children with special health care needs with needs for therapy (weighted n=2,603,605) or mobility aids (weighted n=437,971). Odds of having unmet needs associated with child and family characteristics were estimated.

Results

Nearly 1 in 5 children with therapy needs had unmet needs, and nearly 1 in 10 children with mobility aid needs had unmet needs. Unmet needs were most strongly associated with how frequently the condition affected function and being uninsured in the previous year.

Limitations

Data were caregiver reported and not verified by clinical assessment. Survey data grouped physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy; analysis was not discipline specific.

Conclusions

This evidence serves as a baseline about the future impact of the ACA. Pediatric rehabilitation professionals should be aware that children with special health care needs whose condition more frequently affects function and who have insurance discontinuity may need more support to meet therapy or mobility aid needs.
Vestibular Rehabilitation After Traumatic Brain Injury: Case Series
Authors: Kleffelgaard Ingerid , Soberg Helene Lundgaard , Bruusgaard Kari A. , Tamber Anne L. , Langhammer Birgitta
Published: January 2016

Background and Purpose

There has been an increasing focus on vestibular rehabilitation (VR) after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in recent years. However, detailed descriptions of the content of and patient responses to VR after TBI are limited. The purposes of this case series are (1) to describe a modified, group-based VR intervention and (2) to examine changes in self-reported and performance-based outcome measures.

Case Description

Two women and 2 men (aged 24–45 years) with mild TBI, dizziness, and balance problems participated in an 8-week intervention consisting of group sessions with guidance, individually modified VR exercises, a home exercise program, and an exercise diary. Self-reported and performance-based outcome measures were applied to assess the impact of dizziness and balance problems on functions related to activity and participation.

Outcomes

The intervention caused no adverse effects. Three of the 4 patients reported reduced self-perceived disability because of dizziness, diminished frequency and severity of dizziness, improved health-related quality of life, reduced psychological distress, and improved performance-based balance. The change scores exceeded the minimal detectable change, indicating a clinically significant change or improvement in the direction of age-related norms. The fourth patient did not change or improve in most outcome measures.

Discussion

A modified, group-based VR intervention was safe and appeared to be viable and beneficial when addressing dizziness and balance problems after TBI. However, concurrent physical and psychological symptoms, other neurological deficits, and musculoskeletal problems might influence the course of central nervous system compensation and recovery. The present case series may be useful for tailoring VR interventions to patients with TBI. Future randomized controlled trials are warranted to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of VR after TBI.
Group Versus Individual Physical Therapy for Veterans With Knee Osteoarthritis: Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Allen Kelli D. , Bongiorni Dennis , Bosworth Hayden B. , Coffman Cynthia J. , Datta Santanu K. , Edelman David , Hall Katherine S. , Lindquist Jennifer H. , Oddone Eugene Z. , Hoenig Helen
Published: January 2016

Background

Efficient approaches are needed for delivering nonpharmacological interventions for management of knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Objective

This trial compared group-based versus individual physical therapy interventions for management of knee OA.

Design and Methods

Three hundred twenty patients with knee OA at the VA Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina, (mean age=60 years, 88% male, 58% nonwhite) were randomly assigned to receive either the group intervention (group physical therapy; six 1-hour sessions, typically 8 participants per group) or the individual intervention (individual physical therapy; two 1-hour sessions). Both programs included instruction in home exercise, joint protection techniques, and individual physical therapist evaluation. The primary outcome measure was the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC; range=0–96, higher scores indicate worse symptoms), measured at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. The secondary outcome measure was the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB; range=0–12, higher scores indicate better performance), measured at baseline and 12 weeks. Linear mixed models assessed the difference in WOMAC scores between arms.

Results

At 12 weeks, WOMAC scores were 2.7 points lower in the group physical therapy arm compared with the individual physical therapy arm (95% confidence interval [CI]=−5.9, 0.5; P=.10), indicating no between-group difference. At 24 weeks, WOMAC scores were 1.3 points lower in the group physical therapy arm compared with the individual physical therapy arm (95% CI=−4.6, 2.0; P=.44), indicating no significant between-group difference. At 12 weeks, SPPB scores were 0.1 points lower in the group physical therapy arm compared with the individual physical therapy arm (95% CI=−0.5, 0.2; P=.53), indicating no difference between groups.

Limitations

This study was conducted in one VA medical center. Outcome assessors were blinded, but participants and physical therapists were not blinded.

Conclusions

Group physical therapy was not more effective than individual physical therapy for primary and secondary study outcomes. Either group physical therapy or individual physical therapy may be a reasonable delivery model for health care systems to consider.
PATTERN OF PSYCHIATRIC REFERRAL FROM EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT OF A TERTIARY LEVEL HOSPITAL IN NEPAL
Authors: Ranjan Sanjeev , Poudel Reet , Pandey Pradeep
Published: January 2016

INTRODUCTION: Emergency department serves as one of the gateway through which patients with psychiatric disorders come for treatment. The referral to the psychiatry department enables a psychiatrist to provide services to these patients in need. So, the study of this pathway of care becomes important. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 100 consecutive patients referred from emergency to the department of psychiatry were enrolled in this study. Their socio-demographic variables, reason and purpose for referral was assessed. The psychiatric diagnosis was made according to the International Classification of Diseases -10 (ICD-10) system. RESULTS: The psychiatric referral rate from the emergency was found to be 8.46%. Out of one hundred patients more referred patients were female (64%), from rural background (90%). Family members were the source of referral for emergency visit in most of the patients (74%). Dissociative disorder was the most common diagnosis (26%) followed by acute & transient psychotic disorders at 12%. CONCLUSIONS: Fewer patients are referred to psychiatry department even in a tertiary level hospital of Nepal. Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences (2015) Vol.03 No.02 Issue 10      Page : 5-9
A RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF ABDOMINAL HYSTERECTOMY IN A TEACHING HOSPITAL
Authors: Acharya Sarita , Shrestha Sweety , Pal M. N.
Published: January 2016

INTRODUCTION: Hysterectomy is the most commonly performed gynaecological surgery throughout the world. It may be life saving procedure in acute uterine hemorrhage; whereas improves the quality of life in a patient with certain uterine pathology such as fibroids, endometriosis and uterine prolapse. The objective of this study is to review the indications and complications of abdominal hysterectomy as well as to assess the correlation of preoperative clinical and ultrasonographic diagnosis with histopathology of hysterectomy specimens. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records of patients who underwent abdominal hysterectomy between January 2010 and July 2012 in the College of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Nepal was done. Various demographic and pertinent clinical informations were retrieved. Clinical presentations, indications and complications of the hysterectomy as well as the correlation between the clinical diagnosis, ultrasound findings and histopathological diagnosis of the hysterectomy specimen was studied. RESULTS: Between January 2010 and July 2012 a total of 139 patients had undergone abdominal hysterectomy for various indications. The mean age at the time of hysterectomy was 45.5 years. Abnormal vaginal bleeding and lower abdominal pain were the main presenting complaints. The median duration of symptoms was 12 months. Fourty three (40%) had hysterectomy alone and 96 (60%) had hysterectomy with salpingo oophorectomy. The most common clinical indication for hysterectomy was fibroid uterus (40.3%) followed by benign ovarian tumor (18.7%) and dysfunctional uterine bleeding (17.3%). There were no major postoperative complications. The correlation between clinical diagnosis and histopathology was significant at 0.01 level using Pearson correlations. CONCLUSION: Uterine fibroids and benign ovarian tumors are the common indications for abdominal hysterectomy. Postoperative complications are minimal and most of the time the clinical diagnosis correlates with the postoperative histopathological diagnosis.Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences (2015) Vol.03 No.02 Issue 10Pages 16-19
Gut modulator effect of methanolic extract of Solanum surattense explains its traditional use in constipation and diarrhea
Authors: Andleeb Shumaila , Ahmed Muhammad Masood , Hussain Musaddique
Published: January 2016

Current research was conducted to find out the pharmacological basis of the methanolic extract of Solanum surattense for its traditional uses in constipation and diarrhea. In isolated rabbit jejunum preparations, S. surattense exhibited the spasmogenic effect at lower concentration (0.01-1.0 mg/mL) followed by the spasmolytic effect at next higher concentration (3-5 mg/mL) with EC50 value of3.17 mg/mL. S. surattense and verapamil (standard Ca2+ channel blocker) caused an inhibition of K+ (80 mM)-induced contractions with EC50 value of0.85 and 0.15 mg/mL respectively, suggesting Ca2+ channels block-ade.Extract caused the rightward shift in Ca2+ concentration-response curve, similar to verapamil. Among the fractions, aqueous fraction showed the spasmogenic effect while dichloromethane fraction showed spasmolytic effect. It is concluded that methanolic extract of S. surattense contains spasmogenic and spasmolytic constituents, which explains its traditional uses in constipation and diarrhea.

 
An Effective and Efficient MapReduce Algorithm for Computing BFS-Based Traversals of Large-Scale RDF Graphs
Authors: Cuzzocrea Alfredo , Cosulschi Mirel , De Virgilio Roberto
Published: January 2016

Nowadays, a leading instance of big data is represented by Web data that lead to the definition of so-called big Web data. Indeed, extending beyond to a large number of critical applications (e.g., Web advertisement), these data expose several characteristics that clearly adhere to the well-known 3V properties (i.e., volume, velocity, variety). Resource Description Framework (RDF) is a significant formalism and language for the so-called Semantic Web, due to the fact that a very wide family of Web entities can be naturally modeled in a graph-shaped manner. In this context, RDF graphs play a first-class role, because they are widely used in the context of modern Web applications and systems, including the emerging context of social networks. When RDF graphs are defined on top of big (Web) data, they lead to the so-called large-scale RDF graphs, which reasonably populate the next-generation Semantic Web. In order to process such kind of big data, MapReduce, an open source computational framework specifically tailored to big data processing, has emerged during the last years as the reference implementation for this critical setting. In line with this trend, in this paper, we present an approach for efficiently implementing traversals of large-scale RDF graphs over MapReduce that is based on the Breadth First Search (BFS) strategy for visiting (RDF) graphs to be decomposed and processed according to the MapReduce framework. We demonstrate how such implementation speeds-up the analysis of RDF graphs with respect to competitor approaches. Experimental results clearly support our contributions.
Controlling Arteriogenesis and Mast Cells Are Central to Bioengineering Solutions for Critical Bone Defect Repair Using Allografts
Authors: Antebi Ben , Zhang Longze , Sheyn Dmitriy , Pelled Gadi , Zhang Xinping , Gazit Zulma , Schwarz Edward , Gazit Dan
Published: January 2016

Although most fractures heal, critical defects in bone fail due to aberrant differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells towards fibrosis rather than osteogenesis. While conventional bioengineering solutions to this problem have focused on enhancing angiogenesis, which is required for bone formation, recent studies have shown that fibrotic non-unions are associated with arteriogenesis in the center of the defect and accumulation of mast cells around large blood vessels. Recently, recombinant parathyroid hormone (rPTH; teriparatide; Forteo) therapy have shown to have anti-fibrotic effects on non-unions and critical bone defects due to inhibition of arteriogenesis and mast cell numbers within the healing bone. As this new direction holds great promise towards a solution for significant clinical hurdles in craniofacial reconstruction and limb salvage procedures, this work reviews the current state of the field, and provides insights as to how teriparatide therapy could be used as an adjuvant for healing critical defects in bone. Finally, as teriparatide therapy is contraindicated in the setting of cancer, which constitutes a large subset of these patients, we describe early findings of adjuvant therapies that may present future promise by directly inhibiting arteriogenesis and mast cell accumulation at the defect site.
Emotion Evaluation and Response Slowing in a Non-Human Primate: New Directions for Cognitive Bias Measures of Animal Emotion?
Authors: Bethell Emily , Holmes Amanda , MacLarnon Ann , Semple Stuart
Published: January 2016

The cognitive bias model of animal welfare assessment is informed by studies with humans demonstrating that the interaction between emotion and cognition can be detected using laboratory tasks. A limitation of cognitive bias tasks is the amount of training required by animals prior to testing. A potential solution is to use biologically relevant stimuli that trigger innate emotional responses. Here; we develop a new method to assess emotion in rhesus macaques; informed by paradigms used with humans: emotional Stroop; visual cueing and; in particular; response slowing. In humans; performance on a simple cognitive task can become impaired when emotional distractor content is displayed. Importantly; responses become slower in anxious individuals in the presence of mild threat; a pattern not seen in non-anxious individuals; who are able to effectively process and disengage from the distractor. Here; we present a proof-of-concept study; demonstrating that rhesus macaques show slowing of responses in a simple touch-screen task when emotional content is introduced; but only when they had recently experienced a presumably stressful veterinary inspection. Our results indicate the presence of a subtle “cognitive freeze” response; the measurement of which may provide a means of identifying negative shifts in emotion in animals.
Forecasting Value-at-Risk under Different Distributional Assumptions
Authors: Braione Manuela , Scholtes Nicolas
Published: January 2016

Financial asset returns are known to be conditionally heteroskedastic and generally non-normally distributed, fat-tailed and often skewed. These features must be taken into account to produce accurate forecasts of Value-at-Risk (VaR). We provide a comprehensive look at the problem by considering the impact that different distributional assumptions have on the accuracy of both univariate and multivariate GARCH models in out-of-sample VaR prediction. The set of analyzed distributions comprises the normal, Student, Multivariate Exponential Power and their corresponding skewed counterparts. The accuracy of the VaR forecasts is assessed by implementing standard statistical backtesting procedures used to rank the different specifications. The results show the importance of allowing for heavy-tails and skewness in the distributional assumption with the skew-Student outperforming the others across all tests and confidence levels.
Heat and Humidity in the City: Neighborhood Heat Index Variability in a Mid-Sized City in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Hass Alisa , Ellis Kelsey , Reyes Mason Lisa , Hathaway Jon , Howe David
Published: January 2016

Daily weather conditions for an entire city are usually represented by a single weather station, often located at a nearby airport. This resolution of atmospheric data fails to recognize the microscale climatic variability associated with land use decisions across and within urban neighborhoods. This study uses heat index, a measure of the combined effects of temperature and humidity, to assess the variability of heat exposure from ten weather stations across four urban neighborhoods and two control locations (downtown and in a nearby nature center) in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA. Results suggest that trees may negate a portion of excess urban heat, but are also associated with greater humidity. As a result, the heat index of locations with more trees is significantly higher than downtown and areas with fewer trees. Trees may also reduce heat stress by shading individuals from incoming radiation, though this is not considered in this study. Greater amounts of impervious surfaces correspond with reduced evapotranspiration and greater runoff, in terms of overall mass balance, leading to a higher temperature, but lower relative humidity. Heat index and relative humidity were found to significantly vary between locations with different tree cover and neighborhood characteristics for the full study time period as well as for the top 10% of heat index days. This work demonstrates the need for high-resolution climate data and the use of additional measures beyond temperature to understand urban neighborhood exposure to extreme heat, and expresses the importance of considering vulnerability differences among residents when analyzing neighborhood-scale impacts.
Design, Manufacture and Performance Test of the Thermoelectric Generator System for Waste Heat Recovery of Engine Exhaust
Authors: Jeng Tzer-Ming , Tzeng Sheng-Chung , Yang Bo-Jun , Li Yi-Chun
Published: January 2016

This study integrated the techniques of the high-performance heat transfer and thermoelectric conversion to build a thermoelectric generator system installed at the exhaust pipe of a real single-cylinder and four-stroke engine of 35.8 c.c. displacement. This system was made of the heat absorber, thermoelectric generator modules and the external heat sink. The pin-fin array was inserted into the circuitous duct to form the heat absorber, which could increase the heat-exchange surface area and the heat-exchange time to reach the object of absorbing heat and increasing thermoelectric conversion effectively.
Effect of Donepezil, Tacrine, Galantamine and Rivastigmine on Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition in Dugesia tigrina
Authors: Bezerra da Silva Cristiane , Pott Arnildo , Elifio-Esposito Selene , Dalarmi Luciane , Fialho do Nascimento Kátia , Moura Burci Ligia , De Oliveira Maislian , De Fátima Gaspari Dias Josiane , Maria Warumby Zanin Sandra , Gomes Miguel Obdulio , Dallarmi Miguel Marilis
Published: January 2016

Dugesia tigrina is a non-parasitic platyhelminth, which has been recently utilized in pharmacological models, regarding the nervous system, as it presents a wide sensitivity to drugs. Our trials aimed to propose a model for an in vivo screening of substances with inhibitory activity of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. Trials were performed with four drugs commercialized in Brazil: donepezil, tacrine, galantamine and rivastigmine, utilized in the control of Alzheimer’s disease, to inhibit the activity of acetylcholinesterase. We tested five concentrations of the drugs, with an exposure of 24 h, and the mortality and the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase planarian seizure-like activity (pSLA) and planarian locomotor velocity (pLMV) were measured. Galantamine showed high anticholinesterasic activity when compared to the other drugs, with a reduction of 0.05 μmol·min−1 and 63% of convulsant activity, presenting screw-like movement and hypokinesia, with pLMV of 65 crossed lines during 5 min. Our results showed for the first time the anticholinesterasic and convulsant effect, in addition to the decrease in locomotion induced by those drugs in a model of invertebrates. The experimental model proposed is simple and low cost and could be utilized in the screening of substances with anticholinesterasic action.
X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy Characterization of a Li/S Cell
Authors: Ye Yifan , Kawase Ayako , Song Min-Kyu , Feng Bingmei , Liu Yi-Sheng , Marcus Matthew , Feng Jun , Cairns Elton , Guo Jinghua , Zhu Junfa
Published: January 2016

The X-ray absorption spectroscopy technique has been applied to study different stages of the lithium/sulfur (Li/S) cell life cycle. We have investigated how speciation of S in Li/S cathodes changes upon the introduction of CTAB (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, CH3(CH2)15N+(CH3)3Br−) and with charge/discharge cycling. The introduction of CTAB changes the synthesis reaction pathway dramatically due to the interaction of CTAB with the terminal S atoms of the polysulfide ions in the Na2Sx solution. For the cycled Li/S cell, the loss of electrochemically active sulfur and the accumulation of a compact blocking insulating layer of unexpected sulfur reaction products on the cathode surface during the charge/discharge processes make the capacity decay. A modified coin cell and a vacuum-compatible three-electrode electro-chemical cell have been introduced for further in-situ/in-operando studies.
A Single-Element Plane Grating Monochromator
Authors: Hettrick Michael
Published: January 2016

Concerted rotations of a self-focused varied line-space diffraction grating about its groove axis and surface normal define a new geometric class of monochromator. Defocusing is canceled, while the scanned wavelength is reinforced at fixed conjugate distances and horizontal deviation angle. This enables high spectral resolution over a wide band, and is of particular advantage at grazing reflection angles. A new, rigorous light-path formulation employs non-paraxial reference points to isolate the lateral ray aberrations, with those of power-sum ≤ 3 explicitly expanded for a plane grating. Each of these 14 Fermat equations agrees precisely with the value extracted from numerical raytrace simulations. An example soft X-ray design (6° deviation angle and 2 × 4 mrad aperture) attains a resolving power > 25,000 over a three octave scan range. The proposed rotation scheme is not limited to plane surfaces or monochromators, providing a new degree of freedom in optical design. Grating rotation about its third (meridional) axis may be employed to cancel vertical deflection of the diffracted beam while maintaining the above aberration correction. This enables a simpler (pure rotary) motion for the exit slit and a fixed beam direction both horizontally and vertically.
An Ensemble Successive Project Algorithm for Liquor Detection Using Near Infrared Sensor
Authors: Qu Fangfang , Ren Dong , Wang Jihua , Zhang Zhong , Lu Na , Meng Lei
Published: January 2016

Spectral analysis technique based on near infrared (NIR) sensor is a powerful tool for complex information processing and high precision recognition, and it has been widely applied to quality analysis and online inspection of agricultural products. This paper proposes a new method to address the instability of small sample sizes in the successive projections algorithm (SPA) as well as the lack of association between selected variables and the analyte. The proposed method is an evaluated bootstrap ensemble SPA method (EBSPA) based on a variable evaluation index (EI) for variable selection, and is applied to the quantitative prediction of alcohol concentrations in liquor using NIR sensor. In the experiment, the proposed EBSPA with three kinds of modeling methods are established to test their performance. In addition, the proposed EBSPA combined with partial least square is compared with other state-of-the-art variable selection methods. The results show that the proposed method can solve the defects of SPA and it has the best generalization performance and stability. Furthermore, the physical meaning of the selected variables from the near infrared sensor data is clear, which can effectively reduce the variables and improve their prediction accuracy.
Development of an Assay for the Identification of Receptor Binding Proteins from Bacteriophages
Authors: Simpson David , Sacher Jessica , Szymanski Christine
Published: January 2016

Recently, a large number of new technologies have been developed that exploit the unique properties of bacteriophage receptor binding proteins (RBPs). These include their use in diagnostic applications that selectively capture bacteria and as therapeutics that reduce bacterial colonization in vivo. RBPs exhibit comparable, and in many cases superior, stability, receptor specificity, and affinity to other carbohydrate binding proteins such as antibodies or lectins. In order to further exploit the use of RBPs, we have developed an assay for discovering RBPs using phage genome expression libraries and protein screens to identify binding partners that recognize the host bacterium. When phage P22 was screened using this assay, Gp9 was the only RBP discovered, confirming previous predictions that this is the sole RBP encoded by this phage. We then examined the Escherichia coli O157:H7 typing phage 1 in our assay and identified a previously undescribed RBP. This general approach has the potential to assist in the identification of RBPs from other bacteriophages.
Les structures politico-administratives de l'agglomération de Bordeaux
Authors: Médard Jean-François
Published: January 2016

L'agglomération de Bordeaux vit sous le régime de la communauté urbaine qui prévoit un double niveau d'administration tant sur le plan des compétences que sur celui des organes. Cette réforme, qui a été imposée par la loi aux communes de l'agglomération a suscité de vives oppositions en banlieue. Les solutions de compromis relatives à la composition du Conseil de communauté et de son bureau reposent sur un équilibre subtil. Elles ont facilité sa mise en place et assurent les bases de son fonctionnement. Ce fonctionnement obéit à une logique intercommunale et non interpartisane. Le président, le vice-président, et surtout le secrétaire avec son état-major, y jouent un rôle prépondérant.
Évolutions théoriques et méthodologiques des thérapies psychanalytiques en couple
Authors: Lemaire Jean-Georges
Published: January 2016

Les thérapies psychanalytiques auprès des couples apportent un bénéfice thérapeutique personnel à chacun des patients et, souvent, à leur lien douloureux ambivalent, comme en témoigne une méta-analyse comparative des approches thérapeutiques anciennes ou contemporaines. Une compréhension psychanalytique plus groupale s’impose aujourd’hui pour mieux saisir les problématiques identitaires mises en jeu par les processus inconscients qui structurent tout groupe humain, mais aussi la spécificité groupale transgénérationnelle des familles et des couples, laquelle donne à leur vie émotionnelle et affective une si grande intensité.
Thérapie psychanalytique en couple : lorsque dire vient trahir, quels sont les enjeux d’appartenances identitaires entre filiation et alliance ?
Authors: Orlue Muriel
Published: January 2016

Nombreux couples arrivent en thérapie avec une demande d’amélioration de leur communication. Or les mots semblent dangereux, investis d’un pouvoir sur l’autre. Quel danger représente le fait de dire ? L’exposition de la situation d’un couple recomposé permet d’évoquer différentes dimensions de la thérapie psychanalytique en couple dont celle du discours. Contradictions et paradoxes mettent en lumière les conflits identitaires d’appartenance constitutifs du lien du couple. L’usage du verbe et ses effets fâcheux montrent combien au nom du discours s’organisent les résistances en groupe. C’est au thérapeute que revient la tâche de rendre possible le passage par le verbe, en travaillant les interactions et projections inconscientes dans l’interrelation, de cette difficulté à dire pour chacun.
La dialyse à domicile : quelles motivations et quels retentissements sur le couple ?
Authors: Roques Marjorie , Proia-Lelouey Nadine
Published: January 2016

La cohabitation avec la dialyse à domicile, ce lieu privé habituellement préservé de la maladie, invite à des questionnements sur la dynamique du couple au regard du nouveau rôle de soignant endossé par le conjoint et de celui de patient assigné au conjoint malade. Les auteurs, psychologues cliniciennes, interrogent ici les motivations conscientes et inconscientes qui conduisent à cette décision commune et leurs retentissements sur la dynamique du couple. Différentes configurations relationnelles observées dans notre clinique seront abordées. L’article, cas clinique à l’appui, montre l’intérêt d’un groupe thérapeutique avec malades et conjoints pour mettre à jour les enjeux, au niveau de la relation de couple, d’une prise en charge à domicile.
Radiation spectrum of hot excitons in Si nanocrystals
Authors: Gert Anton V. , Yassievich Irina N.
Published: January 2016

The self-trapped exciton state (STE) is very important for the dynamics of hot excitons in photoexcited silicon nanocrystals embedded in a SiO2 matrix. This fact has been recently confirmed by the experimental data obtained by the femtosecond pump– probe spectroscopy technique in Amsterdam University. In this work we have studied the energy exchange between the exciton localized in the STE state and the hot exciton in the core of silicon nanocrystals and have shown that it determines the dynamics of the energy distribution of the hot excitons. Using the Monte-Carlo we have simulated the energy distribution of excitons in the time interval 10–100 ps after excitation. Thus the model of formation of the distribution of hot excitons in silicon nanocrystals is developed and the fast formation of the wide energy distribution is demonstrated. The form of the photoluminescence spectrum almost directly corresponds to the energy distribution of excitons in a silicon nanocrystal at a given moment. In the result we have found the relaxation times of hot excitons equal to 100 ps and the inner quantum efficiency of the ultrafast photoluminescence of about 0.1%. These values are close to the experimentally observed ones.