bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-Assembled Micelles Composed of Doxorubicin Conjugated Y-Shaped PEG-Poly(glutamic acid)2 Copolymers via Hydrazone Linkers
Authors: Sui Bowen , Xu Hui , Jin Jian , Gou Jingxin , Liu Jingshuo , Tang Xing , Zhang Yu , Xu Jinghua , Zhang Hongfeng , Jin Xiangqun
Published: August 2014

In this work, micelles composed of doxorubicin-conjugated Y-shaped copolymers (YMs) linked via an acid-labile linker were constructed. Y-shaped copolymers of mPEG-b-poly(glutamate-hydrazone-doxorubicin)2 and linear copolymers of mPEG-b-poly(glutamate-hydrazone-doxorubicin) were synthesized and characterized. Particle size, size distribution, morphology, drug loading content (DLC) and drug release of the micelles were determined. Alterations in size and DLC of the micelles could be achieved by varying the hydrophobic block lengths. Moreover, at fixed DLCs, YMs showed a smaller diameter than micelles composed of linear copolymers (LMs). Also, all prepared micelles showed sustained release behaviors under physiological conditions over 72 h. DOX loaded in YMs was released more completely, with 30% more drug released in acid. The anti-tumor efficacy of the micelles against HeLa cells was evaluated by MTT assays, and YMs exhibited stronger cytotoxic effects than LMs in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Cellular uptake studied by CLSM indicated that YMs and LMs were readily taken up by HeLa cells. According to the results of this study, doxorubicin-conjugated Y-shaped PEG-(polypeptide)2 copolymers showed advantages over linear copolymers, like assembling into smaller nanoparticles, faster drug release in acid, which may correspond to higher cellular uptake and enhanced extracellular/intracellular drug release, indicating their potential in constructing nano-sized drug delivery systems.
Ruthenium Polypyridine Complexes Combined with Oligonucleotides for Bioanalysis: A Review
Authors: Zhang Shuyu , Ding Yubin , Wei Hui
Published: August 2014

Ruthenium complexes are among the most interesting coordination complexes and they have attracted great attention over the past decades due to their appealing biological, catalytic, electronic and optical properties. Ruthenium complexes have found a unique niche in bioanalysis, as demonstrated by the substantial progress made in the field. In this review, the applications of ruthenium complexes coordinated with polypyridine ligands (and analogues) in bioanalysis are discussed. Three main detection methods based on electrochemistry, electrochemiluminescence, and photoluminscence are covered. The important targets, including DNA and other biologically important targets, are detected by specific biorecognition with the corresponding oligonucleotides as the biorecognition elements (i.e., DNA is probed by its complementary strand and other targets are detected by functional nucleic acids, respectively). Selected examples are provided and thoroughly discussed to highlight the substantial progress made so far. Finally, a brief summary with perspectives is included.
The Body Divine: Tantric Śaivite Ritual Practices in the Svacchandatantra and Its Commentary
Authors: McCarter Simone
Published: August 2014

This work examines ritual, cosmology, and divinization as articulated in select passages of the Svacchandatantra and its commentary by the late tenth century non-dual theologian, Kṣemarāja. Both the Svacchandatantra and its commentary prescribe the worship of the deity Svacchandabhairava, a form of Śiva, and his consort Aghoreśvarī. Drawing on Gavin Flood’s notion of entextualization, I examine how the rituals described seek to inscribe the corporeal body so that the practitioner is made part of the larger Tantric body and tradition. This present study serves to illustrate the formulation of a Tantric body in the rituals prescribed in the Svacchandatantra and commentary and to extend the theory of entextualization to include the ritual environment. I argue that a Tantric Śaivite religious identity is formulated through rituals which seek to create linkages between the cosmos, the body, and by extension, the ritual environment.
LiftingWiSe: A Lifting-Based Efficient Data Processing Technique in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Aboelela Emad
Published: August 2014

Monitoring thousands of objects which are deployed over large-hard-to-reach areas, is an important application of the wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Such an application requires disseminating a large amount of data within the WSN. This data includes, but is not limited to, the object’s location and the environment conditions at that location. WSNs require efficient data processing and dissemination processes due to the limited storage, processing power, and energy available in the WSN nodes. The aim of this paper is to propose a data processing technique that can work under constrained storage, processing, and energy resource conditions. The proposed technique utilizes the lifting procedure in processing the disseminated data. Lifting is usually used in discrete wavelet transform (DWT) operations. The proposed technique is referred to as LiftingWiSe, which stands for Lifting-based efficient data processing technique for Wireless Sensor Networks. LiftingWiSe has been tested and compared to other relevant techniques from the literature. The test has been conducted via a simulation of the monitored field and the deployed wireless sensor network nodes. The simulation results have been analyzed and discussed.
An Energy-Efficient and Compact Clustering Scheme with Temporary Support Nodes for Cognitive Radio Sensor Networks
Authors: Salim Shelly , Moh Sangman , Choi Dongmin , Chung Ilyong
Published: August 2014

A cognitive radio sensor network (CRSN) is a wireless sensor network whose sensor nodes are equipped with cognitive radio capability. Clustering is one of the most challenging issues in CRSNs, as all sensor nodes, including the cluster head, have to use the same frequency band in order to form a cluster. However, due to the nature of heterogeneous channels in cognitive radio, it is difficult for sensor nodes to find a cluster head. This paper proposes a novel energy-efficient and compact clustering scheme named clustering with temporary support nodes (CENTRE). CENTRE efficiently achieves a compact cluster formation by adopting two-phase cluster formation with fixed duration. By introducing a novel concept of temporary support nodes to improve the cluster formation, the proposed scheme enables sensor nodes in a network to find a cluster head efficiently. The performance study shows that not only is the clustering process efficient and compact but it also results in remarkable energy savings that prolong the overall network lifetime. In addition, the proposed scheme decreases both the clustering overhead and the average distance between cluster heads and their members.
Antibody‐mediated immunity induced by engineered Escherichia coli OMVs carrying heterologous antigens in their lumen
Authors: Fantappiè Laura , de Santis Micaela , Chiarot Emiliano , Carboni Filippo , Bensi Giuliano , Jousson Olivier , Margarit Immaculada , Grandi Guido
Published: August 2014

Background

Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) from Gram‐negative bacteria are gaining increasing attention as vaccine platform for their built‐in adjuvanticity and for their potential use as carriers of heterologous antigens. These 2 properties offer the opportunity to make highly effective, easy to produce multi‐valent vaccines. OMVs can be loaded with foreign antigens by targeting protein expression either to the outer membrane or to the periplasm of the OMV‐producing strain. Periplasmic expression is simple and relatively efficient but leads to the accumulation of recombinant antigens in the lumen of OMVs and the ability of OMVs carrying internalized antigens to induce antigen‐specific antibody responses has been only marginally investigated and is considered to be sub‐optimal.

Methods

We have systematically analyzed in qualitative and quantitative terms antibody responses induced by OMVs carrying different heterologous antigens in their lumen. Group A Streptococcus (GAS) Slo, SpyCEP, Spy0269 and Group B Streptococcus (GBS) SAM_1372 were fused to the OmpA leader sequence for secretion and expressed in Escherichia coli. OMVs from the recombinant strains were purified and tested for immunogenicity and protective activity.

Results

All proteins were incorporated into the OMVs lumen in their native conformation. Upon mice immunization, OMVs induced high functional antibody titers against the recombinant proteins. Furthermore, immunization with Slo‐OMVs and SpyCEP‐OMVs protected mice against GAS lethal challenge.

Conclusions

The efficiency of antigen delivery to the vesicular lumen via periplasmic expression, and the surprisingly high immunogenicity and protective activity of OMVs carrying internalized recombinant antigens further strengthens the potential of OMVs as vaccine platform.
Impact de la traite des esclaves sur la phytogéographie : exemple chez les Aluku (Boni) de Guyane française
Authors: Fleury Marie
Published: August 2014

The transatlantic slave trade, involving the displacement to America of several millions of Africans also transported many plants throughout the world, causing important phytogéographie modifications. The Author is here concerned with various food plants cultivated by the descendents of escaped slaves, the Aluku (or Boni) of French Guyana : Abelmoschus esculentus L., Aframomum melegueta K. Schum., Cajanus cajan (L.) Mills, Dioscorea cayenensis Lam., Oryza glaberrima Steud., Sesamum orientale L.,Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp., Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. All these plants arrived in America via the slave trade. Tracing their history, in parallel with human history - on the slave boats on the plantations, on the camps of the rebel and finally on current villages - the author attempts to illustrate the ecological, economic and cultural factors which determined the choice of these plants from among African flora.
Les ressources des différents groupements végétaux de la Sierra Tarasca et leurs utilisations par les P'Urhepecha (Mexique)
Authors: Motte Élisabeth , Labat Jean-Noël
Published: August 2014

En la Sierra Tarasca una de las grandes regiones forestales de Mexico, se desarollan cuatro tipos de vegetaciôn principales : el bosque de oyameles, el bosque de pinos, el bosque mesôfilo de montana y el bosque de encinos, asi como dos tipos de menor extension, la vegetaciôn de las corrientes de lava recientes y la vegetaciôn ruderal. Los P'urhépecha explotan tradicionalmente los recursos végétales naturales. El inventario de la utilizaciôn de las especies muestra la riqueza de la flora y su importancia para la economîa rural. Las materias primas de origen vegetal autorisan las actividades secundarias de ganancia lo que contribuye a la economia familiar. Ellas proveen particularmente productos alimenticios y son utilizadas en la medicina tradicional y en al artisanaux Si la explotaciôn tradicional no ha puesto en peligro los bosques, en las ultimas decadas se han producido perturvaciones que amenazan el equilibrio ecolôgico. Los principales factores son la deforestation intensiva, para el establecimiento de cultivos de gran rendimiento comercial, y la degradaciôn, a menudo irreversible, de los bosques por la intensification y la mecanizactôn salvajes de la explotaciôn de la résina y de la madera. A través de este atentado al patrimonio natural, todos los modelos culturales de los P'urhépecha estàn amenazados.
Tropiques d'abondance ou Tropiques menacées. Regards d'Européens sur la flore et la végétation de l'Afrique tropicale humide (XVIIe-XXe siècles)
Authors: Juhé-Beaulaton Dominique , Roussel Bernard
Published: August 2014

La flore et la végétation de la zone tropicale humide de l'Afrique de l'Ouest sont actuellement perçues comme riches et menacées à la fois. Cette perception n'est pas nouvelle comme le montre l'analyse des sources historiques et scientifiques anciennes. Dès les premiers voyages, s'est élaborée une image mettant en valeur la richesse biologique de ces régions. Ce n'est qu'à partir de la fin du 19e siècle que les premiers inventaires scientifiques ont été réalisés et qu'apparurent les premières prises de conscience concernant l'appauvrissement de la flore et la dégradation des couverts végétaux. Cette analyse montre également que les intérêts économiques et politiques des nations européennes ont de tout temps joué un rôle important dans l'élaboration des représentations.
Ressources des terroirs et diversité bio-culturelle. Perspectives de recherche
Authors: Bérard Laurence , Marchenay Philippe
Published: August 2014

So-called "traditional" or "local" agricultural products are now at the center of major debates with high stakes. Both animal and vegetal products raise an array of research issues such as their link to a specific locality, tradition or know-how. Biodiversity is a common theme that is omnipresent in all of these approaches. It can be appreciated and studied through plant varieties, domestic breeds, product transformation, or agricultural systems. This approach brings out different levels of complexity. From the microbiological diversity maintained through cheese-making to the diversity of a landscape maintained through farm systems oriented toward a specific production, a strategic role is played by traditional know-how, techniques, and in general, social factors.
Les fourmis, le maïs et la pluie
Authors: Katz Esther
Published: August 2014

Atta and Pogonomyrmex are large tropical ants. Both present and past mesoamerican Indians have associated these ants with two key elements of their ecological and cultural environment : maize and rain. Maize, the main subsistence crop, is mainly cultivated during the rainy season. Atta ants reproduce at the beginning of the rainy season. The Indians catch queen ants and eat them in a steamed corn-flour dough. After the harvest, offerings are made to the ants. According to myths, ants, assisted by lightening, brought maize to man from the underworld, which was also the source of intclouds and wind. In the prehispanic period, ants were associated with the planet Venus and Quetzalcoatl, the plumed serpent god, both of which were associated with the start of the rainy season. Ants played the role of civilizing hero, acting as an intermediary with the underworld.
Une plante aromatique de la Caraïbe : le bois d'Inde
Authors: Bourgeois Paul
Published: August 2014

The West Indian bay-tree, or Pimenta racemosa (P. Miller) J.W. Moore, Myrtaceae, is an aromatic plant native of the Caribbean islands and surrounding coastal regions. Its leaves and berries are used as spices. Bay oil, an essential oil extracted from its leaves, has long been used in perfumes and the cosmetics industry. Bay rum, a spirit, is applied locally as a tonic and antirheumatic lotion. We have made an overview of the known botanical, phytoecological, chemical, biological, pharmacological, and toxicological properties of Pimenta racemosa and its essential oil. The abundance of this plant, even in the wild, and its enormous potential should be taken into account when developing new approaches to enhance its economic value.
Caractérisation et fonctions des enduits placés sur les masques Ejumba en basse Casamance, sud du Sénégal
Authors: Bleton Jean , Rivallain Josette , Sansoulet Jean
Published: August 2014

En Afrique, l'usage des enduits est courant, particulièrement sur les objets rituels. Les masques d'initiation de Basse Casamance en portent depuis le XVIIIe siècle avec des variantes liées au temps. L'enduit retient des attributs riches en symbolique faisant appel à la pluie, la sécheresse, à la force, au savoir, aux mauvais esprits. La composition de l'enduit varie d'une région à l'autre et en fonction de l'époque. L'analyse chimique ne coïncide pas exactement avec les informations rapportées par les voyageurs et les enquêteurs. Elle met en évidence des gommes, des cires (autres que la cire d'abeille) et des résines.
Le figuier dans la littérature agronomique gréco-latine et arabo-andalouse
Authors: Carabaza Bravo Julia-Maria
Published: August 2014

L'auteur analyse, dans une perspective historique, les principaux traités agricoles grecs, latins et hispano-arabes du IIIe siècle avant J.-C. jusqu'au XIVe siècle et leurs différents apports sur la culture du figuier qui, avec la vigne et l'olivier a été l'espèce la plus fréquemment étudiée dans ces ouvrages. Elle en étudie les différents aspects : description de l'arbre, du fruit, des techniques culturales (modes de plantations, greffes, traitements des maladies).
La friche entre célébration et disparition, le cas des Hautes-Fagnes (Ardenne, Belgique) et du Levézou (Massif Central, France)
Authors: Marty Pascal
Published: August 2014

Ce texte présente une comparaison des évolutions différentes de deux milieux de landes en moyenne montagne (Levézou, Massif Central, France) et Hautes-Fagnes (Ardenne, Belgique). Dans les deux derniers siècles, le recyclage des landes en friche est indissociable des discours et des représentations des groupes sociaux usagers de l'espace. On met en évidence, dans les deux cas étudiés, des processus de substitution de paysages. Les plantations de résineux succèdent aux landes. Alors que l'enrésinement connaît un blocage et une remise en question en Ardenne, il se poursuit sans état d'âme en Rouergue, accompagné de la mise en culture des landes. Dans ce contexte évolutif, la biodiversité n'est pas un argument absolu. Au contraire, tantôt elle sert de caution forte, à côté d'autres arguments sur le thème de l'eau, pour justifier la création d'une réserve naturelle, tantôt elle est totalement passée sous silence car elle contredirait un aménagement de l'espace guidé par des intérêts essentiellement agricoles. Dans les deux cas étudiés, dynamiques végétales et logiques sociales interfèrent dans la production des milieux et des territoires.
Les ligneux à usages multiples dans les jachères et les champs du Plateau Central du Burkina Faso
Authors: Belem Mamounata , Bognounou Ouétian , Ouedraogo Sibiri Jean , Maiga Abdoul Aziz
Published: August 2014

Le Plateau central appartient au système agro-sylvo-pastoral nord soudanien du Burkina Faso. Les jachères qu'on y trouve ont des âges divers et jouent un rôle important dans la production (cueillette, chasse, cultures). Les enquêtes par questionnaires semi-structures ont appréhendé la perception et l'utilisation des ligneux dans les champs et les jachères. Elles portent sur 38 ligneux à usages multiples dont 6 se rencontrent dans toutes les provinces. Il s'agit de Adansonia digit ata (Baobab), Lannea microcarpa (Raisinier), Tamarindus indica (Tamarinier), Bombax costatum (Kapokier), Parkia biglobosa (Néré) et Butyrospermum paradoxum (Karité), ces deux dernières espèces étant les plus employées. Beaucoup d'espèces ont un intérêt alimentaire pour le bétail et se rencontrent dans toutes les provinces mais leur intensité d'utilisation diffère d'un lieu à l'autre. Si toutes les productions ligneuses fourragères sont directement utilisées, seulement 25% des espèces fruitières le sont, les 75% autres étant vendues directement ou après transformation.
Puhuy, l'amoureux déçu. La mythologie de l'engoulevent en pays maya. Quelques réflexions d'ethnozoologie comparée
Authors: Boccara Michel
Published: August 2014

The first part of this article makes an ethological analysis of the tropical night hawk in Mayan mythology. It includes a list of the different species inhabiting the Yucatan peninsula. The second part of the study compares information from the Yucatan with that from Central Vietnam. A brief overview of the mythology surrounding the South American night hawk helps to explore any parallels.
Pratiques cynégétiques et nouveaux discours écologiques chez les Nahuas du Balsas (Mexique)
Authors: Hémond Aline
Published: August 2014

According to Victor Toledo, an ethnorcological pioneer in Mexico, the local Indians had a much more extensive knowledge of flora and the agricultural use of soil than of fauna. In this article, we would like to analyse the cynegetic practices of Nahuas of the Balsas river basin, for whom hunting is above all the business of peasants defending their milpa (fields of maize and associated plants) against predators (coyotes, pécaris and coatis). Drive traps were also organised against wild pigs, wild cats, and other animals in the monte territories, the hills and spaces outside the villages, even though the big predators capable of combating man, such as jaguars, known as tiger (tecuani : Felis onca) have pratically disappeared. Hunting remains more of an expression of contact with the wilds than a source of food, even though wild game is highly regarded. This activity maintains a very big cultural importance and expresses the relation between the environment, social life, and the cosmovision. For centuries, the Balsas were also known as the one of the ecological niches of the white-tailed deer (masatl : Odocoileus virginianus) , a species that is becoming much rarer. This article will look at the new aspects of the relationship of animals and hunting for the village dwellers since their adoption of a new ecological discourse, and projects to reintroduce the white-tailed deer under the direction of ONG partners. Under these circumstances, the white-tailed deer has become a symbol for the Nahuas of the reappropriation of their territory and control over resources. The villagers' attention toward the white-tailed deer has led them to treat it as a domestic animal and modified their representation of the wilds.
Propos sur l'origine de l'artichaut et du cardon
Authors: Foury Claude
Published: August 2014

En se fondant sur des arguments puisés dans la tradition, la littérature scientifique et poétique, l'iconographie, on s'efforce de répondre à- la triple question : où, quand, comment les deux légumes actuels, artichaut et cardon, ont été domestiqués. Les incertitudes sont grandes mais l'ensemble des arguments pourrait indiquer un début de mise en culture de l'artichaut vers le premier siècle après J.C en Andalousie et/ou en Tunisie. Après une éclipse mise à profit par les arabes pour l'améliorer, il réapparaît sans conteste dans la moitié du XVe siècle. L'histoire du cardon est encore plus floue. De nouvelles études pluridisciplinaires sont souhaitables.
Un jardin de naturaliste — Histoire (s) d'un jardin-exposition au Muséum
Authors: Lizet Bernadette , Allain Yves-Marie , Brasz Jean-Pierre , Deligne Claire , Duhamel Hervé , Galangau-Quérat Fabienne , Morel Gaud , Riffet Xavier , Vitale Dominique , Wolf Anne-Elisabeth
Published: August 2014

Ce texte retrace l'histoire de la conception et la réalisation d'un jardin- exposition, et en livre une première analyse, à partir d'une enquête effectuée auprès de ses différents acteurs. Hors les murs de la Grande Galerie de l'Évolution, au fil d'un parcours au travers des plantes et des carrés bordés de buis, le Jardin d'un naturaliste propose au visiteur le portrait de Paul Jovet - l'homme et son œuvre. Au-delà de la personnalité du savant, c'est la culture professionnelle des naturalistes de ce siècle qui est ici dévoilée : l'élaboration du savoir sur la nature, les outils d'investigation, les relations aux êtres vivants.
La ville : un territoire nouveau pour la nature ? La gestion différenciée en Europe
Authors: Allain Yves-Marie
Published: August 2014

Depuis une vingtaine d'années en Europe, quelques responsables d'espaces verts publics s'interrogent sur leurs pratiques quotidiennes et leurs manières d'aborder l'entretien du patrimoine foncier et végétal. Le concept d'entretien différencié a fini par voir le jour à l'issue de colloques successifs. Mais les problèmes de traitement de la diversité du monde végétal urbain sont- ils pour autant résolus ? Rien n'est moins sûr.
History of the flora and vegetation of Berlin and their conservation
Authors: Sukopp Herbert
Published: August 2014

The Berlin area was formed during the Quaternary and is mostly covered with Weichselian and Holocene sediments. The primeval vegetation, as reconstructed by pollen analysis, soil conditions, historical reports and recent vegetation patterns, has totally changed due to the large city development since the second part of the 19th century. Today about 3.5 million people are living in the city of Berlin on 889 sq km. To understand the relationship between the plant species and the environment, it is necessary to see the present flora and biotopes as a result of the historic development. Plants can exercise a positive influence on both the climate and the air in the surroundings. Through transpiration, humidity is increased (it is often too dry in towns), and the heat required for evaporation avoids excess temperatures. Thus green areas can help to produce cool air, which is a necessary compensation in highly built-up areas. In addition, plants in vegetation belts help, to some extent, to absorb noise. Arguments for the conservation of wild plants in the cities also lead to some remarks concerning nature conservation practices in Berlin.
A HYBRID MCDM APPROACH TO ASSESS THE SUSTAINABILITY OF STUDENTS’ PREFERENCES FOR UNIVERSITY SELECTION
Authors: Kabak Mehmet , Dağdeviren Metin
Published: August 2014

Selection of the most suitable university among many alternatives is a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) problem. In this paper, an integrated approach which employs analytic network process (ANP) and preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluations (PROMETHEE) together, is proposed for this problem. By the way, the paper is concerned with criteria influencing student choice in Turkey to establish if there is any need in developing a multi-criteria model for predicting students’ preference for universities. The ANP is used to analyse the structure of the university selection problem and to determine weights of the criteria, and the PROMETHEE method is used to obtain final ranking, and to make a sensitivity analysis by changing the weights for criteria. The results indicate that three factors, future career prospects and opportunities, scholarship and university's social life at the top in the university selection.
Surgically Induced Astigmatism Following Medial Rectus Recession: Short-Term and Long-Term Outcomes
Authors: Kutlutürk Isil , Eren Zeynep , Koytak Arif , Sari Esin Sögütlü , Alis Abdulkadir , Özertürk Yusuf
Published: August 2014

Purpose:

The current study aimed to investigate short- and long-term postoperative ocular refractive effects of medial rectus recession on the involved eye and to describe the detectable effects in detail by the results of vector analysis.

Methods:

Data of patients in whom medial rectus recession was performed between 2010 and 2012 were retrospectively evaluated. The study included 52 eyes of 32 patients. Patients with a history of previous ocular surgery, congenital or progressive corneal disease, familial or acquired posterior segment disease, glaucoma, a history of ocular trauma, or any neurological or systemic disease were excluded. Best-corrected and uncorrected visual acuities and refraction examination findings of the patients were recorded before the surgery and at the postoperative first month and first year. A vector analysis program was used to analyze surgically induced astigmatism.

Results:

Significant myopic shift and astigmatic change were determined in the spherical equivalent refraction in the early postoperative period (first month); however, these changes disappeared in the long term (at the postoperative first year). A positive correlation was not observed between the amount of surgical recession and the results of ophthalmic examination at the postoperative first month and first year.

Conclusions:

Only postoperative first month spherical equivalent showed a positive correlation with the amount of surgical recession; however, this correlation disappeared at the postoperative first year.

[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2014;51(3):171–176.]
Fusion Maldevelopment (Latent/Manifest Latent) Nystagmus Syndrome: Effects of Four-Muscle Tenotomy and Reattachment
Authors: Dell’Osso Louis F. , Orge Faruk H. , Jacobs Jonathan B. , Wang Zhong I.
Published: August 2014

Purpose:

To examine the waveform and clinical effects of the four-muscle tenotomy and reattachment procedure in fusion maldevelopment nystagmus syndrome (FMNS) and to compare them to those documented in infantile nystagmus syndrome (INS) and acquired nystagmus.

Methods:

Both infrared reflection and high-speed digital video systems were used to record the eye movements in a patient with FMNS (before and after tenotomy and reattachment). Data were analyzed using the eXpanded Nystagmus Acuity Function (NAFX) that is part of the OMtools software. Model simulations and predictions were performed using the authors’ behavioral ocular motor system model in MATLAB Simulink (The MathWorks, Inc., Natick, MA).

Results:

The model predicted, and the patient’s data confirmed, that the tenotomy and reattachment procedure produces improvements in FMN waveforms across a broader field of gaze and decreases the Alexander’s law variation. The patient’s tenotomy and reattachment plots of NAFX after surgery versus gaze angle were higher and had lower slope than before surgery. Clinically, despite moderate improvements in both peak measured acuity and stereoacuity, dramatic improvements in the patient’s abilities and lifestyle resulted.

Conclusions:

The four-muscle tenotomy and reattachment nystagmus surgery produced beneficial therapeutic effects on FMN waveforms that are similar to those demonstrated in INS and acquired nystagmus. These results support the authors’ prior recommendation that tenotomy and reattachment nystagmus should be added to required strabismus procedures in patients who also have FMNS (ie, perform tenotomy and reattachment on all unoperated muscles in the plane of the nystagmus). Furthermore, when strabismus surgery is not required, four-muscle tenotomy and reattachment may be used to improve FMN waveforms and visual function.

[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2014;51(3):180–188.]
Anterior Segment Biometry Using Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Aptel Florent , Chiquet Christophe , Gimbert Aurélie , Romanet Jean-Paul , Thuret Gilles , Gain Philippe , Campolmi Nelly
Published: August 2014

PURPOSE:

To compare the anterior chamber and anterior chamber angle measurements obtained with spectral-domain anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and time-domain AS-OCT.

METHODS:

The anterior chamber of healthy participants was imaged with spectral-domain AS-OCT (Casia SS-1000; Tomey, Nagoya, Japan) and time-domain AS-OCT (Visante; Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA). Central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), angle opening distance at 500 and 750
μ
m (AOD 500 and AOD 750), trabecular iris space area at 500 and 750
μ
m (TISA 500 and TISA 750), and scleral spur angle were measured. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated. The Pearson correlation test was used to evaluate the correlation between the measurements and Bland–Altman plots to evaluate the agreement.

RESULTS:

One hundred one eyes of 101 healthy participants were analyzed. Excellent repeatability was found with both devices for CCT, AOD 500, AOD 750, TISA 750, and scleral spur angle (ICC = 0.90 to 0.98 and 0.89 to 0.97, respectively) and excellent to moderate repeatability was found for TISA 500 (ICC = 0.68 to 0.97 and 0.70 to 0.93, respectively). For all parameters, Casia and Visante measurements were significantly correlated (
r
= 0.76 to 0.98;
P
< .02). ACD measured with the Casia was significantly larger (mean difference = 0.12 ± 0.08 mm;
P
< .0001), and the scleral spur angle measured with the Casia was significantly lower (mean difference = 4.85° ± 5.30°;
P
< .01). There were nonsignificant differences between the devices for the other parameters (
P
> .06).

CONCLUSIONS:

Both Casia and Visante AS-OCT demonstrate high repeatability. Except for the ACD and scleral spur angles, the two devices show good agreement.

[
J Refract Surg.
2014;30(5):354–360.]
Time‐lapse spectral induced polarization imaging of stimulated uranium bioremediation
Authors: Flores Orozco Adrián , Williams Kenneth H. , Kemna Andreas
Published: August 2014

Tomographic measurements of the spectral induced polarization (SIP) response of aquifer sediments were conducted at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Integrated Field Research Challenge site (IFRC) in Rifle, Colorado (USA), where biostimulation research is ongoing with the purpose to immobilize uranium in tailings‐contaminated groundwater. The aims of the SIP surveys were to (a) collect data over a sufficiently broad bandwidth so as to determine the characteristic frequency of the spectral response (at which the strongest polarization response takes places), (b) investigate the distribution of spectral parameters (e.g., characteristic time constant) in an imaging framework and (c) evaluate the potential of these images to delineate changes in the hydraulic properties of the aquifer. Careful field procedures provided high‐quality SIP data from 0.060–256 Hz for three different periods during the remediation experiment. Data quality was evaluated by means of analysis of the discrepancy between normal and reciprocal measurements. A Cole‐Cole model was fitted to pixel values extracted from the inverted images in order to assess changes in the SIP response – particularly in time constant () and chargeability (m) – due to processes accompanying the stimulation of subsurface microbial activity. A significant increase in both and m was observed after halting acetate injection, consistent with the accumulation of semi‐conductive minerals (e.g., FeS) during biostimulation and the post‐injection rebound in aqueous Fe(II). The reliability of the imaged spectral parameters was assessed by means of a numerical study.
A field assessment of site‐specific correlations between hydraulic and geophysical parameters
Authors: Böhm G. , Brauchler R. , Nieto D.Y. , Baradello L. , Affatato A. , Sauter M.
Published: August 2014

In this study the potential of combining high‐resolution hydraulic tomographic and geophysical tomographic measurements to define site‐specific relationships between geophysical and hydraulic parameters was investigated. We exploit the high‐spatial resolution of hydraulic and geophysical tomographic images to define a representative and reliable site‐specific relationship, if it exists, over an area, where geophysical and hydraulic tests are performed. The parameters involved in this study were: seismic P‐wave velocity derived from seismic tomography; resistivity and electrical conductivity derived from electrical tomography (ERT); diffusivity, hydraulic conductivity and specific storage derived from hydraulic tomography. We derived a site‐specific correlation function between the parameters P‐wave velocity and diffusivity that shows the highest correlation of all hydraulic and geophysical parameter combinations. The transformation of the P‐wave velocity field into a diffusivity field using the estimated site‐specific correlation function allowed us to increase the significance of hydraulic tomographic as well as seismic tomographic measurements with respect to the spatial diffusivity distribution in the near subsurface.
Semiautomatic interpretation of microgravity data from subsurface cavities using curvature gradient tensor matrix
Authors: Zhou Wenna , Li Jiyan , Du Xiaojuan
Published: August 2014

We propose an effective technique, based on eigenvalues of the curvature gradient tensor matrix (CGTM), to determine edges and depths of shallow subsurface cavities. The new technique is similar to the tilt angle and tilt‐depth methods in edge detection and depth estimation, respectively. Our improvement to this method is that the vertical derivative of the tilt angle is replaced by an eigenvalue of the CGTM. Zero contours of eigenvalues of the CGTM can be used to outline the edges of causative sources, and the characteristic is similar to the vertical derivative of gravity field. Therefore, we use the smaller of the two eigenvalues to replace the vertical derivative in the numerator of the tilt angle, and this results in an improved edge detection method. In addition, we deduce a new depth estimation method using the point mass model parameters which can be used to estimate the centre depths of shallow causative sources. The new method is tested on a synthetic model with and without noise. It demonstrates that the new method is simple, robust and accurate. Finally, we apply the method on the measured gravity data of a mining subsidence area from Liaoyuan, Northeast of China. The results show a good correspondence with the inversion results of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) data. Such results can serve as preliminary depth estimates and location of near surface cavities.
Estimating location of scatterers using seismic interferometry of scattered rayleigh waves
Authors: Kaslilar A. , Harmankaya U. , van Wijk K. , Wapenaar K. , Draganov D.
Published: August 2014

From non‐destructive testing to medical imaging and seismology, estimating the location of scatterers is of high importance. The location estimation can be achieved using a method inspired by seismic interferometry. This method correlates only the isolated scattered fields from a scatterer, and inverts for the travel times to estimate the scatterer’s location. The correlation eliminates the influence of the path between a source and a scatterer. We illustrate the potential of the method using data from a scaled laboratory model, representing geophysical field problems. We use ultrasonic data recorded on an aluminum block containing many scatterers at the surface represented by vertical drill holes. To estimate the horizontal coordinates of a scatterer, we use the scattered Rayleigh‐wave fields recorded along two lines due to one source. We address the problem of selecting scattered fields along the two lines that pertain to the same scatterer using simple geometrical considerations, but also during the inversion. We show that the inversion does not converge when scattered fields coming from different scatterers have been chosen for the correlation.
High resolution seismic imaging at the planned tunnel entrance to the Forsmark repository for spent nuclear fuel, central Sweden
Authors: Brojerdi Fatemeh Sharifi , Zhang Fengjiao , Juhlin Christopher , Malehmir Alireza , Lehtimäki Tomas , Mattsson Håkan , Curtis Philip
Published: August 2014

The Swedish Nuclear Waste Management Company (SKB) plans to build a repository for storage of high‐level radioactive spent nuclear fuel at the Forsmark site in central Sweden at a depth of about 470 m. The planned repository will cover an area of about 3.6 km2 at this depth. Prior to beginning excavation and tunneling, some detailed geophysical surveys are being performed at the planned site. One of these was a refraction seismic survey to determine depth to bedrock in the vicinity of the planned access ramp. Two lines, each about 300 m long and spaced about 35 m apart, were acquired in August 2011. Since the bedrock topography is known to be highly variable, a close receiver (2 m) and source (6 m) spacing was required to map it. This close spacing allowed the data also to be treated as reflection seismic data and some adjustments to the acquisition procedure were made in the field with this in mind to aid in the later processing. The main adjustment was that seismic data were recorded on all geophone stations simultaneously. That is, as shots were fired along one line, data were recorded along both that line and the other one. Likewise, when shots were fired along the other line, data were recorded along that line and the first line. This adjustment allowed semi‐3D coverage between the lines. Results from first break traveltime tomography along the lines indicate a depth to bedrock that is greater than that found from geotechnical observations along the lines. This discrepancy is attributed to the uppermost bedrock being highly fractured and having a velocity significantly below that expected from the intact bedrock deeper down. Reflection seismic processing of the data shows a reflection at about 20 ms (about 60 m). The reflection is interpreted to have a gentle northwesterly dip component to it. Comparison with core data in the area suggests that the reflection is from a thin (a few metres thick) fracture zone, although none of the boreholes actually penetrate the reflector where it is mapped by the seismic data. This fracture zone may be part of a larger fracture zone mapped by core drilling further to the east. The newly mapped reflector may be crossed by the ramp when excavation begins. Further seismic surveying towards the west is required to verify if this will be the case.
Is accuracy more important than precision in near‐surface refraction seismology?
Authors: Palmer Derecke
Published: August 2014

The ubiquity of non‐uniqueness in near‐surface refraction seismology emphasises the importance of making a clear distinction between accuracy, that is, the validity of the model, and precision, that is, traveltime misfit errors. Non‐uniqueness can be resolved by identifying the most probable model within a global model space, based on the generalised reciprocal method (GRM), containing all geologically reasonable seismic velocities. All models within this model space have comparable misfit errors.

The strategy involves three elements. First, the XY parameter of the GRM facilitates a more effective differentiation of the various models of the seismic velocities in both the weathered and sub‐weathered regions than is possible with simplistic comparisons of traveltime misfit errors. Second, all valid models of the seismic velocities in the weathered and sub‐weathered regions are restricted to those which employ the same XY value in both regions. Finally, the most probable model employs the optimum XY value, which is that XY value(s) which results in the simplest model of the GRM‐derived seismic velocities in the sub‐weathered region.

Under suitable conditions where the refracting interface is sufficiently irregular, the optimum XY value can be measured to a precision of plus/minus half the station spacing. However, where that is either not possible or not undertaken, then a uniform velocity equivalent value can be computed from the cross‐over distance, with an inferred precision of plus/minus the optimum XY value.

The significance of non‐uniqueness in any investigation can be demonstrated with two models. The first employs the uniform velocity model equivalent of the optimum XY value, whereas the second employs an XY value equal to the cross‐over distance. These two models represent the end members of the set of models which are consistent with the traveltime data. They span the range of seismic velocities in the weathered layers from uniform or constant values to the hyperbolic cosine function. The latter represents the maximum vertical velocity gradient which is consistent with linear traveltime graphs and which approximates the vertical velocity gradients commonly used in many implementations of automatic refraction tomography.

Irrespective of whether the optimum XY value is determined with a precision of plus/minus half the station spacing or plus/minus the optimum XY value, the optimum XY value for uniform layers is commonly one quarter of the cross‐over distance. Therefore, the optimum XY value provides a more precise measure of the accuracy of the seismic velocities than is possible with traveltime misfit errors.
A new reconfigurable stepped frequency GPR system, possibilities and issues; applications to two different Cultural Heritage Resources
Authors: Persico Raffaele , Ciminale Marcello , Matera Loredana
Published: August 2014

Some results achieved from a reconfigurable stepped frequency GPR system will be presented. The aim is to show the possibilities of a reconfigurable architecture for a GPR system within the noninvasive prospecting of the Cultural Heritage. In particular, two sites (indoor and outdoor, respectively) have been chosen, in order to test the system in different situations that pose different problems. The same sites have been prospected also with a commercial pulsed system, in order i) to work out a comparative heuristic analysis and ii) to plan possible future advancements improving the reconfigurable system.
Utilities detection through the sum of orthogonal polarization in 3D georadar surveys
Authors: Lualdi Maurizio , Lombardi Federico
Published: August 2014

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is widely used in subsurface investigations for extracting the position and the route followed by the utility, an issue that gains more and more importance when considering the cost related to trench damage and disruptions. However, it has been noted that various targets of GPR surveys, especially linear and elongated targets, have polarization‐dependent scattering characteristics. This implies that the visibility of a subsurface scatterer in the acquired data depends on the used antenna configuration and its orientation with respect to the feature to be imaged.

Furthermore, wave attributes could be modified by the surrounding soil anisotropy and heterogeneity degree. As the GPR antennas are composed of directional dipoles, any changes in the propagation plane of the returning wave affects the recording of GPR data.

This work presents an approach based on a combination of mutually orthogonal GPR 3D data volumes through which polarization issues can be overcome, ensuring target detection even when the position and material are adverse. The strategy is evaluated through two field examples: in homogeneous soil this technique fully recovers the polarization mismatch, providing results that are closely similar to the ones that would be obtained with the optimal configuration; in heterogeneous environments it overcomes the wavelet alteration, depolarization included, strongly enhancing the signal to noise ratio and improving target reconstruction.
How Culture May Influence Ontology Co-Design
Authors: Anticoli Linda , Toppano Elio
Published: August 2014

This article addresses the issue of cultural influence in ontology design and reuse. The main assumption is that an ontology is not only a socio-technical artefact but also a cultural artefact. It contains embedded assumptions, core values, points of view, beliefs, thought patterns, etc. Based on results already found in several design fields the authors formulate some preliminary hypotheses about the possible relationships existing between culture and features of design process and produced ontology. A critical and qualitative analysis of six collaborative design systems has been performed to test some of the hypotheses, confirming some of the findings. The authors argue that a “culture aware” attitude may be of great importance for supporting the processes of cross cultural collaborative ontology design and the internalization and localization of these kinds of artefacts.
A Generic QoS Model for Web Services Design
Authors: Rahman Wan Nurhayati Wan Ab. , Meziane Farid
Published: August 2014

The development, registration, discovery, and invocation of quality Web services are vital for the successful implementation of applications using Web services. Considerable research focuses on quality for Web services. Unfortunately, current research on Quality of Service (QoS) for Web services is concentrated on service users and the implementation stage. This research highlights the importance of incorporating QoS at the design and development stages; the authors propose the introduction of QoS at the same time as functional requirements. However, Web Service Description Language (WSDL) describes the functional elements of a Web service, and QoS is significant for this description. Therefore, the authors propose an extension to the WSDL through a generic QoS metamodel, incorporating QoS specifications into the functionalities. This paper begins by defining the required QoS specifications for the development of quality Web services and explores the potential of the Unified Modeling Language as a technique and notation to specify QoS. To properly integrate QoS in the design, the authors propose extensions to the existing UML QoS profile. The paper concludes with the evaluation of the proposed framework and summarises its advantages.