bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Field Soil Water Retention of the Prototype Hanford Barrier and Its Variability with Space and Time
Authors: Zhang Z. Fred
Published: August 2015

Engineered surface barriers (or covers) are used to isolate underlying contaminants from water, plants, animals, and humans. To understand the flow processes within a barrier and the barrier's ability to store and release water, the field hydraulic properties of the barrier need to be known. A multiyear test of the evapotranspiration (ET) barrier at the US Department of Energy's Hanford Site in the southeast of the state of Washington has yielded in situ soil water content and pressure data from multiple locations for a 9‐yr period, offering the opportunity to estimate soil water retention properties at different locations and times. The upper 2‐m layer of the ET barrier is a silt loam, and the top 1 m also contains 15% (w/w) pea gravel. Within this layer, valid monitoring data from 1995 to 2003 for four depths at 12 monitoring stations were used to determine the field water retention of the silt loam, with and without gravel. The data covered a wide range of wetness, from near saturation to the permanent wilting point, and each retention curve contained 51 to 96 data points. The data were described well with the commonly used van Genuchten water retention model. It was found that the spatial variation of the saturated and residual water content and the pore size distribution parameter was relatively small, while that of the van Genuchten α was relatively large. The effects of spatial variability of the retention properties appeared to be larger than the combined effects of added pea gravel and plant roots on the properties. Neither the primary wetting process in the winter season nor the drying process in the summer season nor time had a detectable effect on the water retention of the silt loam barrier.
Ammonium removal by a novel heterotrophic nitrifying and aerobic denitrifying bacterium Pseudomonas stutzeri KTB from wastewater
Authors: Zhou Maohong , Ye Hairen , Zhao Xiaowei
Published: August 2015

The effects of culture conditions on a newly isolated Pseudomonas stutzeri KTB's ability to simultaneously perform heterotrophic nitrification and aerobic denitrification were investigated to determine its potential of application in nitrogen removal from wastewater. The results from experiments in the presence of 10 mmol/L of ammonium were as follows: succinate was the preferred carbon source, and the optimum C/N ratio, temperature, and initial pH were 10, 30 °C, and 7–8, respectively. Nitrogen removal took place not only in the logarithmic phase but also in the stationary phase. Under the optimum conditions, the nitrogen removal rate increased as the ammonium concentration elevated, until it was as high as 60 mmol/L. Meanwhile, the maximum specific growth rate decreased. The highest nitrogen removal rate of 0.977 mmol/L/h was observed at 60 mmol/L of ammonium and the maximum removal ratio of 85.6% at 40 mmol/L when the bacterial treatment for 48 h was completed. The strain was vulnerable to even higher ammonium loads. When incubated in anaerobically digested hennery wastewater containing 43.85 mmol/L of ammonium and 2.32 mmol/L of nitrate, the removal ratio and rate reached 82.4% and 0.397 mmol/L/h, respectively. The strain might be a great candidate for ammonium removal from wastewater.
Quality control of wastewater treatment operational data by continuous mass balancing: dealing with missing measurements and delayed outputs
Authors: Spindler A. , Krampe J.
Published: August 2015

Continuous mass balancing defines a new standard in data quality validation. Likewise relying on the principles of mass conservation it outperforms long-term static mass balancing approaches because faults in data can be assigned to their time of occurrence. This research was carried out with practical application to routine operational data in mind and two major aspects are investigated to make this application feasible. Sludge concentrations of typically balanced components (chemical oxygen demand, total nitrogen, total phosphate) are not routinely measured in wastewater treatment plants. Therefore they need to be determined from alternative, more frequent measurements such as total suspended solids. To provide the necessary statistical basis for such determination, monthly sludge sampling was found sufficient. Further, contrary to long-term static mass balancing, the effects of delay between input and output loads must not be neglected in continuous mass balancing based on daily data. While a storage/release approach did not give the desired results, the consideration of hydraulic retention (first-order flow dynamics) fundamentally improved the performance of the proposed method.
Rapid maxillary expansion in therapy-resistant enuretic children: An orthodontic perspective
Authors: Bazargani Farhan , Jönson-Ring Ingrid , Nevéus Tryggve
Published: August 2015

Objective: 

To evaluate whether rapid maxillary expansion (RME) could reduce the frequency of nocturnal enuresis (NE) in children and whether a placebo effect could be ruled out.

Methods: 

Thirty-four subjects, 29 boys and five girls with mean age of 10.7 ± 1.8 years suffering from primary NE, were recruited. All subjects were nonresponders to the first-line antienuretic treatment and therefore were classified as “therapy resistant.” To rule out a placebo effect of the RME appliance, all children were first treated with a passive appliance for 4 weeks. Rhinomanometry (RM), acoustic rhinometry (AR), polysomnographic registration, and study casts were made at different time points.

Results: 

One child experienced severe discomfort from the RME appliance and immediately withdrew from the study. Following RME, the long-term cure rate after 1 year was 60%. The RM and AR measurements at baseline and directly after RME showed a significant increase in nasal volume and nasal airflow, and there was a statistically significant correlation between reduction in enuresis and increase in nasal volume. Six months postretention, a 100% relapse of the dental overexpansion could be noted.

Conclusions: 

RME has a curative effect in some children with NE, which could be connected to the positive influence of RME on the sleep architecture. Normal transverse occlusion does not seem to be a contraindication for moderate maxillary expansion in attempts to cure NE in children.
Hypertension Management in Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Patney Vikram , Whaley-Connell Adam , Bakris George
Published: August 2015

IN BRIEF Hypertension is prevalent in most individuals with diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Failure to treat hypertension appropriately in this subgroup of patients results in an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, as well as a faster progression of kidney disease. The current guidance for appropriate treatment of hypertension in this high-risk population provides an opportunity to improve both kidney and cardiovascular outcomes. This review discusses the current state of evidence-based hypertension management in patients with DKD.
Association of Subjective Ratings to Objectively Assessed Physical Activity in Pubertal Boys with Differing BMI
Authors: Rääsk Triin , Lätt Evelin , Jürimäe Toivo , Mäestu Jarek , Jürimäe Jaak , Konstabel Kenn
Published: August 2015

The associations between subjective ratings and objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were examined in normal, and overweight and obese, pubertal boys and compared with their parents' reports. In total, 224 boys (M age = 12.2 yr.) completed the self-report questionnaire and wore an accelerometer for 7 consecutive days. Questionnaire-based indexes of physical activity (PA) were weakly associated with the accelerometer PA data. Correlations between subjective and objective assessments were significantly higher in overweight and obese groups. Parent reports predicted sedentary time better than boys' self-reports but no difference was found for MVPA. Future studies must consider that the source of rating, season, and weight status may be possible sources of confounding when using subjective assessments of PA.
Fundamental Movement Skills of Preschool Children in Northwest England
Authors: Foulkes J. D. , Knowles Z. , Fairclough S. J. , Stratton G. , O'Dwyer M. , Ridgers N. D. , Foweather L.
Published: August 2015

This cross-sectional study examined fundamental movement skill competency among deprived preschool children in Northwest England and explored sex differences. A total of 168 preschool children (ages 3–5 yr.) were included in the study. Twelve skills were assessed using the Children's Activity and Movement in Preschool Motor Skills Protocol and video analysis. Sex differences were explored at the subtest, skill, and component levels. Overall competence was found to be low among both sexes, although it was higher for locomotor skills than for object-control skills. Similar patterns were observed at the component level. Boys had significantly better object-control skills than girls, with greater competence observed for the kick and overarm throw, while girls were more competent at the run, hop, and gallop. The findings of low competency suggest that developmentally appropriate interventions should be implemented in preschool settings to promote movement skills, with targeted activities for boys and girls.
Wie lassen sich Qualität und Kosten in der Plasmawärmebehandlung beeinflussen?*
Authors: Huchel U. , Strämke S. , Strämke M.
Published: August 2015

Kurzfassung

Eine gleichbleibende, stabile und hohe Produkt- und Prozessstabilität sowie die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit auf Weltmarktniveau sind Grundanforderungen an alle modernen Fertigungsprozesse. Nitrieren der Bauteile erhöht den Widerstand gegen Verschleiß und Korrosion und steigert die Festigkeit. Vernachlässigbare Formänderungen und korrigierbare Maßänderungen erlauben es, dass nitrierte Bauteile ohne Nacharbeit eingesetzt werden können. So werden heute die Vorteile nitrierter Randschichten bei immer mehr Anwendungen genutzt. Neben der Qualität entscheiden vor allem die Kosten darüber, welches Verfahren eingesetzt wird. Ausgehend von einer Prozessanalyse zeigt der Beitrag, wie sich Kosten und Qualität bei Plasmanitrierprozessen beeinflussen lassen.
Estimation of distinctive mechanical properties of spark plasma sintered titanium–titanium boride composites through nano-indentation technique
Authors: Mani Selvakumar , Palanisamy Chandrasekar , Murugesan Mohanraj , Balasubramanian Ravisankar
Published: August 2015

In this paper, two titanium–titanium boride composites aiming at 20 % and 40 % (by volume) of titanium boride reinforcement were processed through spark plasma sintering. The mechanical properties such as fracture toughness, indentation creep, contact stiffness, indentation hardness and Young's modulus of the processed composites were evaluated by means of nano-indentation. The Young's modulus, indentation hardness and contact stiffness increase with the increase in volume fraction of titanium boride, while the fracture toughness and indentation creep decrease. The titanium composite with 38.5 % (by volume) titanium boride showed improved mechanical properties compared to the composite with 24 % (by volume) titanium boride reinforcement. The morphological influence of TiB reinforcement on the mechanical properties was also discussed.
Stretch Blow Molding of Mineral Filled PET
Authors: Billon N. , Haudin J.-M. , Vallot C. , Babin C.
Published: August 2015

Injection stretch blow molding (ISBM) is a two-step process that was designed and optimized mainly for unfilled PET resins. The present study focuses on stretch blow molding of a PET filled with different amounts of sub-micronic mineral fillers. The influence of fillers is analyzed thanks to DSC, DMA, tensile testing and processing in different configurations on a prototype apparatus and an industrial machine. It is demonstrated that fillers enhance crystallization kinetics, which leads to a reduction of the processing range. Differences in strain hardening induced by fillers make it necessary to adjust blowing temperature. However, the main effect occurs during the heating phase of the preforms. Temperature within a filled preform is much less homogeneous than in neat PET, making the temperature gradient totally different if the heating protocol is kept unchanged. Once the heating of filled preforms is controlled to reach equivalent temperature gradients, blowing is possible and rather equivalent to that of pure PET.
Enhanced Film Blowing of Polylactide by Incorporating Branched Chains and Stereocomplex Crystals
Authors: Nouri S. , Lafleur P. G. , Dubois C.
Published: August 2015

Chain architecture is an influential parameter in melt processing of polymeric material. In this study effect of different chain structures on polylactide (PLA) film blowing process and on the final film properties was investigated. Blends of linear PLA with three branched poly(L-lactide)s with 4-arms star shaped, comb like and hyper branched structures were prepared by twin screw extruder. In another series of blending, poly(D-lactide) of these branched structures were used to obtain stereocomplex crystal. Operating window of blends were determined in a series of film blowing process experiments with different blow up and take up ratio and results were compared to linear PLA as a reference. Moreover, different characterization techniques were applied to determine the properties of produced films. It was found that addition of branched architecture and presence of stereocomplex in a linear PLA matrix result in a greater operating window for film blowing and improve mechanical and crystallization properties of blown films.
Le rôle du leader formel dans la transformation des organisations pluralistes
Authors: Habib Johanna , Vandangeon-Derumez Isabelle
Published: August 2015

Les nombreux chantiers de réformes conduits actuellement dans les hôpitaux français permettent de mieux comprendre les dynamiques de transformation de ces organisations. Cette recherche se propose d’étudier le rôle du directeur d’hôpital dans la conduite du changement au sein de ces organisations, qualifiées de « pluralistes », où la transformation est complexe et dépend en grande partie de la capacité de construction de coalitions (Deniset al., 2001). Pour cela, deux études de cas de processus de changement dans des organisations hospitalières différentes sont analysées afin d’appréhender l’influence du leader formel sur la construction du leadership collectif et les niveaux de couplage associés.
Une évaluation hybride des entreprises sociales
Authors: André Kévin
Published: August 2015

Cet article traite de la question de l’évaluation des entreprises sociales en s’appuyant sur une recherche-action menée avec le social business Grameen Veolia Water. Il ressort de cette étude de cas que l’hybridité de l’entreprise sociale a conduit l’évaluation à être elle-même hybride dans son approche et dans sa méthodologie. Cette démarche, de par sa spécificité, peut contribuer à l’efficacité de l’entreprise sociale à la condition qu’elle soit appropriée à la fois par les dirigeants et par les collaborateurs.
Le mécénat d’entreprise en France
Authors: Gautier Arthur
Published: August 2015

En l’espace d’une trentaine d’années, le mécénat d’entreprise en France est passé de la marginalité à la norme. Fondé sur une collecte d’archives et la réalisation de 38 entretiens, cet article propose une brève histoire contemporaine du mécénat d’entreprise pour comprendre cet essor. Il est structuré en trois grandes phases, qui sont analysées par le biais de sept dimensions clés. Un tableau de synthèse et des perspectives d’avenir concluent l’article.
Analyzing intra-regional migration in Sub-Saharan Africa: Statistical data constraints and the role for regional organizations
Authors: Uberti Stefano Degli , De Lombaerde Philippe , Nita Sonja , Legovini Elettra
Published: August 2015

Africa has long been described as an immensely mobile continent and continues to be viewed in this vein (Amin, 1995; de Bruĳ n et al., 2001; IOM, 2005). The 2005 World Migration Report describes Africa as “the continent with the most mobile populations in the world” (IOM, 2005, p. 33). In Western Africa, for instance, almost 4.4 million migrants moved in 2005 to another country of the Economic Community of Western African States (ECOWAS) (World Bank, 2010). Compared to the overall international migrants in Western Africa (UNDP, 2009), South-South (S-S) migration accounted for more than 50% in 2005 (ACP, 2010, p. 5; Bakewell, 2009). The volume of intra-regional migrations in Africa seems to be inversely proportional to the availability of statistical data. The shortage of both quantitative and qualitative data on migration (Gnisci & Trémolières, 2006, p. 10; OECD/SWAC, 2006, p. 18; Ratha & Shaw, 2007; Zlotnik, 2003, p. 2) and timely information on population movements, whether internal or international, is a major obstacle to the understanding of migration dynamics in Africa. Nineteen of the 56 countries on the African continent have either no data or just one census providing any information on migrant stocks from the 1950s (Zlotnik, 2003).
Anaplastic meningioma: octreotide therapy for a case of recurrent and progressive intracranial disease
Authors: Rammo Richard , Rock Adam , Transou Andrea , Raghunathan Aditya , Rock Jack
Published: August 2015

Meningiomas are common intracranial tumors categorized as Grades I–III per the current WHO guidelines. A small percentage of meningiomas are Grades II and III, which are likely to recur after initial treatment. Grade III meningiomas are considered to be malignant and warrant aggressive management. If surgery and radiation fail to produce lasting remission, effective treatment options for patients with progressive anaplastic meningiomas are elusive. The authors present the case of a patient with a meningioma that gradually progressed from Grade I to Grade III over 12 years despite repeated surgery and radiation therapy. The patient has been in remission for over 3 years following octreotide therapy.
A Volunteered Geographic Information Framework to Enable Bottom-Up Disaster Management Platforms
Authors: Poorazizi Mohammad , Hunter Andrew , Steiniger Stefan
Published: August 2015

Recent disasters, such as the 2010 Haiti earthquake, have drawn attention to the potential role of citizens as active information producers. By using location-aware devices such as smartphones to collect geographic information in the form of geo-tagged text, photos, or videos, and sharing this information through online social media, such as Twitter, citizens create Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI). To effectively use this information for disaster management, we developed a VGI framework for the discovery of VGI. This framework consists of four components: (i) a VGI brokering module to provide a standard service interface to retrieve VGI from multiple resources based on spatial, temporal, and semantic parameters; (ii) a VGI quality control component, which employs semantic filtering and cross-referencing techniques to evaluate VGI; (iii) a VGI publisher module, which uses a service-based delivery mechanism to disseminate VGI, and (iv) a VGI discovery component to locate, browse, and query metadata about available VGI datasets. In a case study we employed a FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) strategy, open standards/specifications, and free/open data to show the utility of the framework. We demonstrate that the framework can facilitate data discovery for disaster management. The addition of quality metrics and a single aggregated source of relevant crisis VGI will allow users to make informed policy choices that could save lives, meet basic humanitarian needs earlier, and perhaps limit environmental and economic damage.
Human Dermal Stem/Progenitor Cell-Derived Conditioned Medium Improves Senescent Human Dermal Fibroblasts
Authors: Jung Ji-Yong , Shim Joong , Choi Hyun , Lee Tae , Shin Dong
Published: August 2015

Adult skin stem cells are recognized as potential therapeutics to rejuvenate aged skin. We previously demonstrated that human dermal stem/progenitor cells (hDSPCs) with multipotent capacity could be enriched from human dermal fibroblasts using collagen type IV. However, the effects of hDSPCs on cellular senescence remain to be elucidated. In the present study, we investigated whether conditioned medium (CM) collected from hDSPC cultures (hDSPC-CM) exhibits beneficial effects on senescent fibroblasts. We found that hDSPC-CM promoted proliferation and decreased the expression level of senescence-associated β-galactosidase in senescent fibroblasts. In addition, p53 phosphorylation and p21 expression were significantly reduced in senescent fibroblasts treated with hDSPC-CM. hDSPC-CM restored the expression levels of collagen type I, collagen type III, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase, and antagonized the increase of matrix metalloproteinase 1 expression. Finally, we demonstrated that hDSPC-CM significantly reduced reactive oxygen species levels by specifically up-regulating the expression level of superoxide dismutase 2. Taken together, these data suggest that hDSPC-CM can be applied as a potential therapeutic agent for improving human aged skin.
An Energy-Efficient Spectrum-Aware Reinforcement Learning-Based Clustering Algorithm for Cognitive Radio Sensor Networks
Authors: Mustapha Ibrahim , Ali Borhanuddin , Rasid Mohd , Sali Aduwati , Mohamad Hafizal
Published: August 2015

It is well-known that clustering partitions network into logical groups of nodes in order to achieve energy efficiency and to enhance dynamic channel access in cognitive radio through cooperative sensing. While the topic of energy efficiency has been well investigated in conventional wireless sensor networks, the latter has not been extensively explored. In this paper, we propose a reinforcement learning-based spectrum-aware clustering algorithm that allows a member node to learn the energy and cooperative sensing costs for neighboring clusters to achieve an optimal solution. Each member node selects an optimal cluster that satisfies pairwise constraints, minimizes network energy consumption and enhances channel sensing performance through an exploration technique. We first model the network energy consumption and then determine the optimal number of clusters for the network. The problem of selecting an optimal cluster is formulated as a Markov Decision Process (MDP) in the algorithm and the obtained simulation results show convergence, learning and adaptability of the algorithm to dynamic environment towards achieving an optimal solution. Performance comparisons of our algorithm with the Groupwise Spectrum Aware (GWSA)-based algorithm in terms of Sum of Square Error (SSE), complexity, network energy consumption and probability of detection indicate improved performance from the proposed approach. The results further reveal that an energy savings of 9% and a significant Primary User (PU) detection improvement can be achieved with the proposed approach.
Simultaneous Localization and Mapping with Iterative Sparse Extended Information Filter for Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: He Bo , Liu Yang , Dong Diya , Shen Yue , Yan Tianhong , Nian Rui
Published: August 2015

In this paper, a novel iterative sparse extended information filter (ISEIF) was proposed to solve the simultaneous localization and mapping problem (SLAM), which is very crucial for autonomous vehicles. The proposed algorithm solves the measurement update equations with iterative methods adaptively to reduce linearization errors. With the scalability advantage being kept, the consistency and accuracy of SEIF is improved. Simulations and practical experiments were carried out with both a land car benchmark and an autonomous underwater vehicle. Comparisons between iterative SEIF (ISEIF), standard EKF and SEIF are presented. All of the results convincingly show that ISEIF yields more consistent and accurate estimates compared to SEIF and preserves the scalability advantage over EKF, as well.
Quadruplex Integrated DNA (QuID) Nanosensors for Monitoring Dopamine
Authors: Morales Jennifer , Skipwith Christopher , Clark Heather
Published: August 2015

Dopamine is widely innervated throughout the brain and critical for many cognitive and motor functions. Imbalances or loss in dopamine transmission underlie various psychiatric disorders and degenerative diseases. Research involving cellular studies and disease states would benefit from a tool for measuring dopamine transmission. Here we show a Quadruplex Integrated DNA (QuID) nanosensor platform for selective and dynamic detection of dopamine. This nanosensor exploits DNA technology and enzyme recognition systems to optically image dopamine levels. The DNA quadruplex architecture is designed to be compatible in physically constrained environments (110 nm) with high flexibility, homogeneity, and a lower detection limit of 110 µM.
Flaviviral Replication Complex: Coordination between RNA Synthesis and 5’-RNA Capping
Authors: Klema Valerie , Padmanabhan Radhakrishnan , Choi Kyung
Published: August 2015

Genome replication in flavivirus requires (—) strand RNA synthesis, (+) strand RNA synthesis, and 5’-RNA capping and methylation. To carry out viral genome replication, flavivirus assembles a replication complex, consisting of both viral and host proteins, on the cytoplasmic side of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane. Two major components of the replication complex are the viral non-structural (NS) proteins NS3 and NS5. Together they possess all the enzymatic activities required for genome replication, yet how these activities are coordinated during genome replication is not clear. We provide an overview of the flaviviral genome replication process, the membrane-bound replication complex, and recent crystal structures of full-length NS5. We propose a model of how NS3 and NS5 coordinate their activities in the individual steps of (—) RNA synthesis, (+) RNA synthesis, and 5’-RNA capping and methylation.
Contrasting patterns of genetic diversity across the ranges ofPinus monticolaandP. strobus: A comparison between eastern and western North American postglacial colonization histories
Authors: Nadeau Simon , Godbout Julie , Lamothe Manuel , Gros‐Louis Marie‐Claude , Isabel Nathalie , Ritland Kermit
Published: August 2015

•Premises of the study:Understanding the influence of recent glacial and postglacial periods on species' distributions is key for predicting the effects of future environmental changes. We investigated the influence of two physiographic landscapes on population structure and postglacial colonization of two white pine species of contrasting habitats:P. monticola, which occurs in the highly mountainous region of western North America, andP. strobus, which occurs in a much less mountainous area in eastern North America.

•Methods:To characterize the patterns of genetic diversity and population structure across the ranges of both species, 158 and 153 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers derived from expressed genes were genotyped on range‐wide samples of 61P. monticolaand 133P. strobuspopulations, respectively.

•Key results:InP. monticola, a steep latitudinal decrease in genetic diversity likely resulted from postglacial colonization involving rare long‐distance dispersal (LDD) events. In contrast, no geographic patterns of diversity were detected inP. strobus, suggesting recolonization via a gradually advancing front or frequent LDD events. For each species,structureanalyses identified two distinct southern and northern genetic groups that likely originated from two different glacial lineages. At a finer scale, and for the two species, smaller subgroups were detected that could be remnants of cryptic refugia.

•Conclusion:During postglacial colonization, the western and eastern North American landscapes had different impacts on genetic signatures inP. monticolacompared withP. strobus. We discuss the importance of our findings for conservation programs and predictions of species' response to climate change.
Synthesis of alpha-tetrasubstituted triazoles by copper-catalyzed silyl deprotection/azide cycloaddition
Authors: Palchak Zachary L , Nguyen Paula T , Larsen Catharine H
Published: August 2015

Propargylamines are popular substrates for triazole formation, but tetrasubstituted variants have required multistep syntheses involving stoichiometric amounts of metal. A recent cyclohexanone–amine–silylacetylene coupling forms silyl-protected tetrasubstituted propargylamines in a single copper-catalyzed step. The development of the tandem silyl deprotection–triazole formation reported herein offers rapid access to alpha-tetrasubstituted triazoles. A streamlined two-step approach to this uncommon class of hindered triazoles will accelerate exploration of their therapeutic potential. The superior activity of copper(II) triflate in the formation of triazoles from sensitive alkyne substrates extends to simple terminal alkynes.
Training and Development at Both Ends of the Workforce Continuum: Opportunities and Recommended Actions
Authors:   RTI International, Hedge Jerry , Feldman Jerry
Published: August 2015

In the US, the youth (16 to 24 years old) unemployment rate has been in double-digits for the last seven years. During recessions and in weak job markets, youth are usually the first to be fired and last to be hired. While older workers (55 years and older) continue to be an essential and growing component of the workforce, they are particularly susceptible to personnel cuts, and once unemployed often face greater employment challenges than younger workers. Thus, both youth and older workers find themselves at a disadvantage in the job market, facing employment hurdles associated with skills and experience deficits. Preparing youth for success in tomorrow’s workforce is of increasing concern to our nation’s schools, communities, policy makers, and businesses. Likewise, taking advantage of the expertise and institutional knowledge possessed by older workers makes good business sense. Significant changes in the nature of work, and traditional approaches to education, training, and development often create skills-job requirements mismatches. Thus, a new learning framework and philosophy is required that emphasizes developing performance-based knowledge and skill sets from a variety of learning systems, and a willingness to learn new things in different ways in work settings, in postsecondary institutions, or through self-directed learning.
Minimal Preoperative Degenerative Arthritis May Not Predict Poor TKA Outcome
Authors: Perry Kevin I. , Strasser Nicholas L. , Harmsen William S. , Pagnano Mark W. , Trousdale Robert T.
Published: August 2015

Although most orthopedic surgeons presume that patients with more severe degenerative osteoarthritis are better candidates for total knee arthroplasty (TKA), few data have compared outcomes based on the extent of radiographic osteoarthritis. The authors tested the hypothesis that patients with minimal radiographic osteoarthritis would have worse outcomes compared with a matched cohort with severe osteoarthritis. The authors identified 29 patients (31 knees) with minimal degenerative changes who underwent TKA between 2000 and 2004. The authors identified a matched cohort with severe osteoarthritis. Mean follow-up was 5 years (range, 2–10 years). Preoperative knee scores were 63 and 59 in patients with minimal osteoarthritis and severe osteoarthritis, respectively. Postoperative knee scores were 89 and 93, respectively. Preoperative function scores were 57 and 56 in patients with minimal osteoarthritis and severe osteoarthritis, respectively. Postoperative function scores increased to 79 and 72, respectively. Of 31 patients in the minimal osteoarthritis group, 26 (84%) had mild or no pain at the time of last follow-up, whereas 5 (16%) had moderate or severe pain. In the group with severe osteoarthritis, 25 of 31 patients (81%) had mild or no pain at the time of last follow-up, whereas 6 (19%) had moderate or severe pain. In the group with minimal osteoarthritis, 6 of 31 knees (19%) had a complication. Only 1 of 31 knees (3.1%) in the matched cohort had a complication. Fewer than 1% of patients undergoing TKA at the authors’ institution had minimal preoperative radiographic osteoarthritis. These patients had a higher risk of complications, but similar pain relief, function, and overall satisfaction compared with a matched group with severe arthritis. [
Orthopedics.
2015; 38(8):e681–e684.]
Rotation and Displacement Predict Adverse Events in Pediatric Supracondylar Fractures
Authors: Flierl Michael A. , Carry Patrick M. , Scott Frank , Georgopoulos Gaia , Hadley-Miller Nancy
Published: August 2015

The goal of this study was to identify supracondylar fracture patterns that were predictive of adverse events and poor outcomes. The study consisted of a retrospective review of patients admitted for surgical treatment of a supracondylar humerus fracture between June 2008 and August 2010. Preoperative radiographs were assessed based on appearance (simple vs oblique vs comminuted), coronal plane displacement (angulated, posterior, posteromedial vs posterolateral), and rotation (rotation vs no rotation). Logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between fracture pattern and clinical outcome parameters in 373 patients who were followed for 4 weeks or more postoperatively. Outcome parameters included postoperative complications (infection, delayed healing, pin migration, revision surgery), need for physical or occupational therapy, need for postoperative intravenous narcotics, and preoperative nerve injury. Rotation and coronal displacement patterns of the fracture segments were significantly associated with postoperative complications, postoperative need for physical or occupational therapy as a result of residual stiffness, and nerve injury (
P
<.05). Compared with posteriorly displaced fractures, posterolaterally displaced fractures were associated with significantly greater odds of complications (
P
=.045), need for physical or occupational therapy (
P
<.001), and nerve injury (
P
<.001). Additionally, fractures with rotation were associated with significantly greater odds of complications (
P
<.001), need for physical or occupational therapy (
P
<.001), and nerve injury (
P
<.001) compared with fractures without rotation. Rotation and coronal plane displacement were predictive of complications, need for physical or occupational therapy, and nerve injury, and thus should be considered as potential prognostic variables when evaluating the initial injury pattern. [
Orthopedics.
2015; 38(8):e690–e695.]
Femoral Neck Fracture After Arthroscopic Femoroplasty of the Hip
Authors: Merz Michael K. , Christoforetti John J. , Domb Benjamin G.
Published: August 2015

Hip arthroscopy is an increasingly common procedure, particularly for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement. Various complications have been previously reported, and the authors sought to further evaluate the safety of this procedure. This study was conducted to identify the incidence of femoral neck fracture as well as treatment and outcomes after arthroscopic femoroplasty. In April 2013, a survey was administered to 28 established hip arthroscopists regarding the breadth of their experience, including the total number of hip arthroscopies and proximal femoroplasties performed and the number of postoperative femoral neck fractures. Fracture type, patient age, patient sex, time to fracture, comorbidities, treatments, and outcomes were queried. The study identified 27,200 total arthroscopies and 14,945 proximal femoroplasties performed by the surgeons, with 11 postoperative proximal femur fractures. The incidence of proximal femur fracture after arthroscopic femoroplasty was 0.07%, based on combined data of high-volume hip arthroscopists at multiple medical centers. Mean time to fracture after arthroscopic femoroplasty was 40.5 (±26.6) days postoperatively. The male-to-female ratio was approximately 1:3 for those with fracture, and mean patient age was 52 (±13) years. More than half of the fractures were caused by violation of weight-bearing precautions. All patients had improvement in symptoms after treatment. Femoral neck fracture after arthroscopic femoroplasty is a rare complication for established hip arthroscopists. It is most common in women and patients older than 50 years. Treatment is based on the severity of the fracture, and patients have improved outcomes after treatment. [
Orthopedics.
2015; 38(8):e696–e700.]
Staying Connected: Sustaining Collaborative Care Models with Limited Funding
Authors: Johnston Brenda J. , Peppard Lora , Newton Marian
Published: August 2015

Providing psychiatric services in the primary care setting is challenging. The multidisciplinary, coordinated approach of collaborative care models (CCMs) addresses these challenges. The purpose of the current article is to discuss the implementation of a CCM at a free medical clinic (FMC) where volunteer staff provide the majority of services. Essential components of CCMs include (a) comprehensive screening and assessment, (b) shared development and communication of care plans among providers and the patient, and (c) care coordination and management. Challenges to implementing and sustaining a CCM at a FMC in Virginia attempting to meet the medical and psychiatric needs of the underserved are addressed. Although the CCM produced favorable outcomes, sustaining the model long-term presented many challenges. Strategies for addressing these challenges are discussed. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
,
53
(8), 36–44.]
Clinical Outcomes After Implantation of a Trifocal Toric Intraocular Lens
Authors: Kretz Florian T. A. , Breyer Detlev , Klabe Karsten , Hagen Phillipp , Kaymak Hakan , Koss Michael J. , Gerl Matthias , Mueller Matthias , Gerl Ralf H. , Auffarth Gerd U.
Published: August 2015

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the visual, refractive, and contrast sensitivity outcomes, as well as the level of photic phenomena, after cataract surgery with implantation of a trifocal diffractive toric intraocular lens (IOL).

METHODS:

This prospective study included 56 eyes with corneal astigmatism of 1.00 diopters (D) or greater of 28 patients (age: 23 to 78 years) undergoing cataract surgery with implantation of the trifocal toric IOL AT LISA tri toric 939MP (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany). Monocular and binocular visual outcomes, refractive changes, contrast sensitivity, and photic phenomena perception (Halo & Glare Simulator; Eyeland-Design Network GmbH, Vreden, Germany) were evaluated at 3 months postoperatively.

RESULTS:

Mean 3-month postoperative monocular uncorrected distance (UDVA), intermediate (UIVA), and near (UNVA) visual acuities were 0.13 ± 0.15, 0.08 ± 0.15, and 0.13 ± 0.18 logMAR, respectively. Binocular postoperative CDVA, DCIVA, and DCNVA values were 0.10 logMAR or better in all cases. A total of 88.2%, 88.2%, and 95.5% of eyes achieved binocular UDVA, UIVA, and UNVA values of 0.20 logMAR or better, respectively. Postoperative refractive cylinder was 0.50 D or less and 1.00 D or less in 78.6% and 98.2% of eyes, respectively. Photopic contrast sensitivity was significantly better than mesopic values for the spatial frequencies of 6 (
P
= .007), 12 (
P
= .005), and 18 cycles/degree (
P
= .011). Mean size and intensity of halos were 50.67 ± 15.69 and 54.89 ± 17.86, respectively. Mean glare size and intensity were 39.67 ± 3.51 and 44.67 ± 15.01, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

The evaluated trifocal diffractive toric IOL provides an effective restoration of the distance, intermediate, and near vision after cataract surgery with good levels of visual quality and minimal photic phenomena.

[
J Refract Surg.
2015;31(8):504–510.]
Media Synchronization Control in Multimedia Communication
Authors: Sithu Mya , Ishibashi Yutaka
Published: August 2015

In this chapter, first, we explain media synchronization control. Next, we make a survey of media synchronization control techniques and classify the techniques. Also, we compare group synchronization control schemes. Then, we propose new control called the dynamic local lag control in joint musical performance which has severe requirements on high quality of media synchronization and high interactivity. In the performance, multiple users play their respective same or different types of musical instruments together. However, the media synchronization quality and interactivity may seriously be deteriorated owing to the network delay. By Quality of Experience (QoE) assessment, we demonstrate that the new control can achieve high quality of media synchronization and keep the interactivity high. Finally, we discuss the future directions of media synchronization control.
Data Partitioning
Authors: Fleury Martin , Al-Jobouri Laith
Published: August 2015

Data partitioning is a source-coding technique that has existed in one form or another in the standardized hybrid video codecs up to recent times. In essence, it is a method of prioritizing coding data, resulting in video layers that can be separately communicated across an error-prone network. The Chapter includes the background that has led to data partitioning being included in the standardized codecs. As this Chapter discusses, it differs from scalable video because the output from conventional, single-layer encoders can be converted to multi-layer form, rather than requiring specialist codec extensions. It is shown that the methods of forming the partitions so far employed are: dividing transformed, residual coefficients into two or more layers; and dividing coded data by function into headers, intra-, and inter-coded residuals to form three or more layers. It is also shown how layering naturally combines with protection by channel coding. Used as an error resilience tool, data partitioning presents a low overhead method, suitable for benign as well as bad channels. And in the three-layer variety, error concealment at the decoder can significantly aid the reconstruction of damaged video frames. The Chapter will be of particular interest to developers charged with making a mobile, low-latency, or interactive video streaming application robust, as they can select from the data-partitioning methods and apply them to open-source code of the recent High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) codec standard. Broadcast TV can also benefit from data partitioning. Developers of codecs additionally will find in this Chapter a guide to research and ideas about data partitioning which could be incorporated into future codecs.
Video Broadcasting Protocol for Streaming Applications with Cooperative Clients
Authors: Feng Jian , Lo Kwok-Tung
Published: August 2015

Video broadcasting is one of the efficient methods in implementing large-scale video-on-demand (VoD) systems. Managing large number of concurrent channels in a video server is the main barrier to implement Harmonic Broadcast (HB) in VoD applications. In this chapter, we propose a new transmission protocol denoted as Harmonic-Based Peer-to-Peer Broadcasting (HPB) to release the burden of HB by dispersing a large portion of workload over a number of clients denoted peer servers. As the bandwidth requirement of each segment in HB is different, we first develop a segment placement algorithm to balance the workload among peer servers. We then study the dynamic nature of peer-to-peer (P2P) paradigm on the design of the system. An analytical model is developed to determine the optimal number of peer servers required for the system under certain level of availability such that the workload of the central server can reach a target level. The results show that the workload of central server can be significantly reduced.
Transcription Factor Repertoire of Homeostatic Eosinophilopoiesis
Authors: Bouffi Carine , Kartashov Andrey V. , Schollaert Kaila L. , Chen Xiaoting , Bacon W. Clark , Weirauch Matthew T. , Barski Artem , Fulkerson Patricia C.
Published: August 2015

The production of mature eosinophils (Eos) is a tightly orchestrated process with the aim to sustain normal Eos levels in tissues while also maintaining low numbers of these complex and sensitive cells in the blood. To identify regulators of homeostatic eosinophilopoiesis in mice, we took a global approach to identify genome-wide transcriptome and epigenome changes that occur during homeostasis at critical developmental stages, including Eos-lineage commitment and lineage maturation. Our analyses revealed a markedly greater number of transcriptome alterations associated with Eos maturation (1199 genes) than with Eos-lineage commitment (490 genes), highlighting the greater transcriptional investment necessary for differentiation. Eos-lineage–committed progenitors (EoPs) were noted to express high levels of granule proteins and contain granules with an ultrastructure distinct from that of mature resting Eos. Our analyses also delineated a 976-gene Eos-lineage transcriptome that included a repertoire of 56 transcription factors, many of which have never previously been associated with Eos. EoPs and Eos, but not granulocyte-monocyte progenitors or neutrophils, expressed Helios and Aiolos, members of the Ikaros family of transcription factors, which regulate gene expression via modulation of chromatin structure and DNA accessibility. Epigenetic studies revealed a distinct distribution of active chromatin marks between genes induced with lineage commitment and genes induced with cell maturation during Eos development. In addition, Aiolos and Helios binding sites were significantly enriched in genes expressed by EoPs and Eos with active chromatin, highlighting a potential novel role for Helios and Aiolos in regulating gene expression during Eos development.
Jesus, Josephus, and the fall of Jerusalem: On doing history with Scripture
Authors: Den Hollander William
Published: August 2015

The destruction of the temple in Jerusalem by the Romans in AD 70 was an unquestionably traumatic event in the history of the Jewish people. By all accounts it was a social, political, and theological disaster. As such, contemporary Jewish figures wrestled with the meaning of the event. This article analyses the efforts by two figures in this internal Jewish dialogue to provide this meaning, namely, the historian Josephus and Jesus of Nazareth. We will see that in both cases the meaning of the destruction was rooted in the firm conviction of the God of Israel’s existence and his self-revelation in Scripture. The temple was destroyed not apart from God or in spite of God, but in full accordance with his will. This will, moreover, was judged to be accessible through Scripture, both in terms of its prophetic value and its establishment of a metanarrative – redemptive history – that provided a framework for historical events. In addition, the reason for the destruction was judged by both to be the sins of (certain) people. The major difference between them lay rather in the question of which sins exactly were judged to be responsible.