bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel, Minimally Invasive Resection of a Pediatric Cervical Spine Osteoblastoma
Authors: Honstad Angela , Polly David W. , Hunt Matthew A.
Published: December 2015

Case:

An eleven-year-old girl with a left C6 pedicle mass consistent with an osteoblastoma was treated with a minimally invasive procedure with use of intraoperative imaging to guide intralesional curettage and grafting.

Conclusion:

Intraoperative navigation allowed localization of the tumor. We used a muscle-splitting approach and avoided the muscle stripping and blood loss associated with a standard midline incision. Performing tumor resection with minimally invasive methods enabled us to avoid a spinal fusion; this eliminated the additional risks associated with fusion, including nonunion, loss of motion, and future revisions related to the instrumentation.
Intercept Method—A Novel Technique To Correct Steady-State Relative Permeability Data for Capillary End Effects
Authors: Gupta Robin , Maloney Daniel R.
Published: December 2015

In laboratory measurements of relative permeability, capillary discontinuities at sample ends give rise to capillary end effects (CEEs). End effects affect fluid flow and retention. If end-effect artifacts are not minimized by test design and data interpretation, relative permeability results may be significantly erroneous. This is a well-known issue in unsteady-state tests, but even steady-state relative permeability results are influenced by end-effect artifacts. This work describes the intercept method, a novel modified steady-state approach in which corrections for end-effect artifacts are applied as data are measured.

The intercept method requires running a steady-state relative permeability test with several different flow rates for each fractional flow. Obtaining multiple (three or four) sets of rates (Q), pressure drops (ΔP), and saturation data allows for assessment of CEE artifacts. With Darcy flow, a plot of pressure drop vs. total flow rate is typically linear. A nonzero intercept or offset is an end-effect artifact. To correct for the effect, the offset is subtracted from measured pressure drops. Corrected pressure drops are used in permeability calculations. The set of saturations from measurements at the target fractional flow is used to calculate a corrected final saturation. Because corrections for end effects are made during the test rather than after the test is complete, any discrepancies can be resolved by additional measurements before moving on to the next fractional flow. Rates are then adjusted to yield the next target fractional-flow condition, and the same protocol is repeated for each subsequent steady-state measurement. The method is validated by theory and is easy to apply.
Initial Sampling of Ensemble for Steam-Assisted-Gravity-Drainage-Reservoir History Matching
Authors: Patel Rajan G. , Trivedi Japan , Rahim Shahed , Li Zukui
Published: December 2015

History matching of a steam-assisted-gravity-drainage (SAGD) reservoir requires a large ensemble size for proper uncertainty assessment, which ultimately results in high computational cost. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the number of realizations for SAGD-reservoir simulation purposes. In this paper, a novel sampling method (based on the probability-distance-minimization method) to generate an initial ensemble of reduced size is discussed. This method considers multiple static measurements and geological properties and uses Kantorovich distance to quantify the probability distance between the original ensemble and the reduced ensemble, which is later optimized by use of the mixed-integer linear-optimization (MILP) technique. To show the effectiveness of the method, we have shown history matching of an SAGD reservoir using the smaller size initial ensemble derived from the proposed method and compared with the original ensemble. For history matching, the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) has been used because of its ability to assimilate data for large-scale nonlinear systems. Results are compared with several other methods, such as importance sampling, kernel K-means clustering, and sampling by use of orthogonal ensemble members. The robustness and usefulness of each method for generating an improved initial ensemble of reduced size are analyzed on the basis of two criteria: (1) Does the smaller ensemble retain the same statistical distribution characteristics as the original ensemble, and (2) does the smaller ensemble improve the performance of history matching? In general, we conclude that the improved, smaller initial ensemble created by use of the proposed method retains the best statistical characteristics of the original ensemble. Also, it provides better performance compared with other ranking methods in sampling and history matching using EnKF. Finally, the proposed method can reduce the computing cost significantly without compromising uncertainty in the forecast model, which allows for real-time updating at smaller time intervals.
Demonstrating Compliance with Stringent Nitrogen Limits Using a Biological Nutrient Removal Process in California's Central Valley
Authors: Merlo Rion , Witzgall Bob , Yu William , Ohlinger Kurt , Ramberg Steve , De Las Casas Carla , Henneman Seppi , Parker Denny
Published: December 2015

The Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District (District) must be compliant with stringent nitrogen limits by 2021 that the existing treatment facilities cannot meet. An 11‐month pilot study was conducted to confirm that these limits could be met with an air activated sludge biological nutrient removal (BNR) process. The pilot BNR treated an average flow of 946 m3/d and demonstrated that it could reliably meet the ammonia limit, but that external carbon addition may be necessary to satisfy the nitrate limit. The BNR process performed well throughout the 11 months of operation with good settleability, minimal nocardioform content, and high quality secondary effluent. The BNR process was operated at a minimum pH of 6.4 with no noticeable impact to nitrification rates. Increased secondary sludge production was observed during rainfall events and is attributed to a change in wastewater influent characteristics.
Potential anticancer activity of curcumin analogs containing sulfone on human cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Qiuyan , Li Dongli , Liu Yue , Wang Hui , Zhang Changyuan , Huang Huarong , He Yan , Chen Xuan , Du Zhiyun , Zheng Xi
Published: December 2015

Three curcumin analogs(S1-S3) containing sulfone were investigated for their
effects on human prostate cancer PC-3, colon cancer HT-29, lung cancer H1299
and pancreatic cancer BxPC-3 cells. The three compounds were approximately
16-to 96-fold more active than curcumin in these cell lines as determined by
the MTT assay. The effects of these compounds on cell growth were further
studied in prostate cancer PC-3 cells in both two dimensional (2D) and three
dimensional (3D) cultures. S1-S3strongly inhibited the growth and induced
cell death in PC-3 cells, and the effects of these compounds were associated
with suppression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-?B) transcriptional activity.
Moreover, treatment of PC-3 cells with all three compounds caused a decrease
in the level of phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of
transcription-3 (p-STAT3) (Tyr705),but not p-STAT3(Ser727). Only S1and
S2decreased the presence of phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) in PC-3 cells. These
curcumin analogs warrant further in vivo studies for anticancer activities in
suitable animal models.
Interdisciplinary Approach in Teaching Learning and Research
Authors: Pun Min
Published: December 2015

No AbstractCrossing the Border: International Journal of Interdisciplinary StudiesVol.3(1) 2015: 1-2
Chronological Trend of Climate in the Lumle Village Development Committee from Kaski District, Nepal
Authors: Timilsina Yajna Prasad
Published: December 2015

A study has been conducted to examine how the temperature and precipitation in the Lumle Village Development of Kaski district, Nepal has varied over the thirty years period of 1997-2008. Maximum and minimum temperature and precipitation data were collected from Narayani basin. Maximum and minimum-summer and winter temperatures and precipitation categorized as pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon were studied with duration of 10 years separately and average annual temperature and precipitation trends of each decade was examined. The trends of temporal variations of temperature and precipitation were analyzed using secular trend of time series analysis with simple linear regression. For almost all decades maximum temperatures were found to be increasing trend whereas most of the minimum temperatures for three decades were found to be decreasing trend except for two events. So, maximum and minimum temperatures were seen increasing trend with average value 0.033 Celsius per year. Extreme temperature event was seen in 2000-2005. Post monsoon precipitation was seen erratic pattern with increasing during first decade and decreasing second and third decades. Pre-monsoon precipitation is constant pattern and trend of precipitation in the first two decades are increasing where as present decade seen decreasing. But average precipitation is increasing trend with rate of 2.5346mm/year because increasing trend of previous two decades outweighs present rate. Extreme drought period was seen in 2005. Actually, it is concluded that Lumle has decreasing trend in total seasonal precipitation and an increasing trend in temperatures. Crossing the Border: International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies Vol.3(1) 2015: 53-64
Resilient Modulus of Fine-Grained Soils for Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design
Authors: Titi Hani H. , English Ryan , Faheem Ahmed
Published: December 2015

The research objectives were to establish a resilient modulus test result database and to develop correlations for estimating the resilient modulus of Wisconsin fine-grained soils from basic soil properties. Laboratory testing was conducted on representative Wisconsin fine-grained soils to evaluate their physical and compaction properties. The resilient modulus of each investigated soil was determined from the repeated load triaxial (RLT) test according to the AASHTO T307 procedure. The laboratory testing program produced a high-quality, consistent database of test results. The resilient modulus constitutive equation of mechanistic–empirical pavement design was selected to estimate the resilient modulus of Wisconsin fine-grained soils. Material parameters of the constitutive equation were evaluated from RLT test results. Then statistical analysis was performed to develop correlations between basic soil properties and constitutive model parameters. The resilient modulus values obtained from RLT tests and estimated from the constitutive equations were in agreement. The correlations developed could estimate the resilient modulus of compacted subgrade soils with reasonable accuracy. The proposed material parameter correlations could be used to estimate the resilient modulus of Wisconsin fine-grained soils as Level 2 input parameters. Statistical analysis of the test results also provided resilient modulus values for the investigated soil types that can be used as Level 3 input parameters.
Incorporating the Effect of Moisture Variation on Resilient Modulus for Unsaturated Fine-Grained Subgrade Soils
Authors: Abu-Farsakh Murad Y. , Mehrotra Ayan , Mohammad Louay , Gaspard Kevin
Published: December 2015

Moisture content and stress state, which includes the effects of matric suction for unsaturated soil, exert a significant effect on the resilient modulus (MR) values of fine-grained subgrade soils. The moisture content and, consequently, matric suction vary periodically in subgrades in response to seasonal variation. The relationship between MR and matric suction is investigated through repeated load triaxial testing on fine-grained soils to obtain MR values and evaluation of the soil–water characteristic curves (SWCCs). The SWCCs, which represent the relationship between suction and degree of saturation, were evaluated with a combination of axis-translation and chilled-mirror hygrometer techniques to allow SWCC representation across the entire range of saturation. The plasticity index (PI) had a significant impact on the matric suction–water content relationship such that the SWCC shifted to the left as the soil PI decreased. The test results indicated a significant relationship between MR and matric suction. The results also were used to analyze the relationship between MR and moisture, which showed that the degree of saturation was superior to gravimetric water content in its ability to capture the effect of moisture variation on MR values. A modified constitutive MR-matric suction model was proposed to capture the effect of moisture variation on MR while accounting for the stress state of unsaturated soils. The proposed model performed better than existing models in reducing the number of regression constants and providing a better fit to the measured MR data.
Seasonal Effects on a Low-Volume Road Flexible Pavement
Authors: Bazi Gabriel , Briggs Robert , Saboundjian Steve , Ullidtz Per
Published: December 2015

Alaska's Parks Highway is a 323-mi, asphalt-paved, predominantly two-lane, low-volume roadway that links the state's two largest cities (Anchorage and Fairbanks). The effects of thawing on this low-volume roadway pavement were assessed, and seasonal adjustment factors for the different pavement layers were developed. Falling weight deflectometer (FWD) testing was carried out weekly during springtime at three temperature data probe sites. The purpose of the FWD tests was to monitor the pavement structural conditions and moduli variations during the spring thaw and recovery periods. When the pavement began to thaw, how quickly thawing progressed, and whether the pavement returned to an equilibrium summertime state were also determined. Observations indicated that profound changes in backcalculated modulus values could occur within 1 week of thaw onset. In addition, moduli were used to develop modular ratios for the subgrade and base course layers. Results showed that while thawing, the subgrade and base course layers reached about 30% to 40% and 50% to 70%, respectively, of their summertime reference moduli. These ratios were lower than those currently used in Alaskan pavement design. Additional testing should be conducted to verify the proposed seasonal adjustment factors. Surface moduli values, calculated and plotted without the need for the pavement layer thicknesses, are useful in instantly identifying whether partial thawing has occurred.
Exploring Piecewise Linear Effects of Crash Contributing Factors with a Novel Poisson–Mixed Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines Model
Authors: Zhang Yanru , Jiang Ximiao , Haghani Ali , Huang Baoshan
Published: December 2015

Pavement maintenance is vital to ensuring the structural integrity and ride quality of the roadway and in reducing traffic congestion and the number of incidents. Of these, traffic safety represents a major component. Previous research contributed greatly to understanding the effects of pavement management or traffic engineering factors on occurrence and severity of traffic crashes. However, to the authors' knowledge, very few studies have investigated the piecewise linear (nonmonotonic) effects of these factors on crash frequency. It is hypothesized that the influence of some factors may vary over a few regimes, and yet the factors may interact with each other. Analyzing and understanding these kinds of piecewise linear effects and interactions could help transportation agencies identify key crash determinants and proactively apply remedial treatments. Moreover, it will provide a reference for agencies to manage pavement strategically and efficiently from a safety perspective. To achieve that goal, a novel statistical model [Poisson–mixed multi-variate adaptive regression splines (MARS) model] is proposed. This model can identify piecewise linear and multilevel interactive effects as does conventional MARS. The new model can also account for temporal and spatial correlations of crash data. Pavement quality, traffic, roadway geometric, and crash data from 2004 to 2009 on Tennessee state route roadways were used. Results support the hypothesis that the relationship between crash frequency and many explanatory variables is piecewise linear and that some of these variables are significantly interactive. The goodness of fit shows that the Poisson–mixed MARS model notably outperforms the Poisson MARS model. The proposed method could be used as a good alternative in modeling traffic crash data, especially for a wide range of traffic variation.
Results and Lessons from Local Calibration Process of the Highway Safety Manual for the State of Maryland
Authors: Shin Hyeon-Shic , Dadvar Seyedehsan , Lee Young-Jae
Published: December 2015

This paper discusses Maryland's experience in developing local calibration factors (LCFs) in the application of the Highway Safety Manual (HSM), which is the required process for adjusting predicted crashes estimated by the HSM's safety performance functions (SPFs) to local jurisdictions. The LCFs for 18 facility types were calculated with data for the period 2008 to 2010. Additional variables were gathered by alternative data collection methods. Because HSM's crash proportion was different from Maryland's, Maryland's crash proportion was used to predict crash frequency and calculate the LCFs. Maryland in general had fewer crashes than predicted crash frequency generated by the HSM's SPFs. The LCFs for 15 of 18 facility types were less than 1.0. In particular, intersection LCFs were extremely low. Because of potential issues with unreported minor and property damage only crashes, the authors recommend using the LCFs for fatal and injury crashes where available. The pairwise comparison of Maryland LCFs with the LCFs of nine case studies showed statistically significant differences between states, providing grounds for jurisdiction-specific LCF development.
Giving Good Directions: Order of Mention Reflects Visual Salience
Authors: Clarke Alasdair D. F. , Elsner Micha , Rohde Hannah
Published: December 2015

In complex stimuli, there are many different possible ways to refer to a specified target. Previous studies have shown that when people are faced with such a task, the content of their referring expression reflects visual properties such as size, salience, and clutter. Here, we extend these findings and present evidence that (i) the influence of visual perception on sentence construction goes beyond content selection and in part determines the order in which different objects are mentioned and (ii) order of mention influences comprehension. Study 1 (a corpus study of reference productions) shows that when a speaker uses a relational description to mention a salient object, that object is treated as being in the common ground and is more likely to be mentioned first. Study 2 (a visual search study) asks participants to listen to referring expressions and find the specified target; in keeping with the above result, we find that search for easy-to-find targets is faster when the target is mentioned first, while search for harder-to-find targets is facilitated by mentioning the target later, after a landmark in a relational description. Our findings show that seemingly low-level and disparate mental “modules” like perception and sentence planning interact at a high level and in task-dependent ways.
Vers une gestion concertée de l'environnement. La directive « habitats » entre l'ambition et les possibles
Authors: Maljean-Dubois Sandrine , Dubois Jérôme
Published: December 2015

La directive européenne n° 92/43/CE du 21 mai 1992 dite directive « habitats » marque une étape majeure dans l'édification d'une politique communautaire de la protection de la diversité biologique. Ambitieuse, elle doit aboutir à la constitution d'un réseau de zones de conservation, le réseau Natura 2000. En France, la mise en œuvre de la directive accuse un important retard. La Commission a intenté des procédures de recours en manquement pour non- transposition et non-application de cet instrument. Ces tribulations offrent un exemple particulièrement éclairant de la négociation des politiques publiques environnementales, dans un contexte difficile en raison tant de la diversité des acteurs concernés par la gestion et la préservation des milieux naturels, que de la portée de la directive dans le champ de l'aménagement du territoire.
L'apport du principe de précaution au droit de la responsabilité civile
Authors: Guégan Anne
Published: December 2015

Si le principe de précaution voit son interprétation controversée et sa

portée encore débattue, il semble qu'il puisse intéresser le droit de la responsabilité civile. Une telle affirmation ne va pourtant pas de soi, et l'apport du principe de précaution au droit de la responsabilité civile reste aujourd'hui bien incertain. Face à des menaces de dommages graves et irréversibles, il n'est plus temps de penser en termes de réparation et de compensation, il faut éviter. Mais, défendant la notion juridique de responsabilité, il est permis de rechercher si la responsabilité civile peut jouer un rôle dans la mise en œuvre du principe de précaution. Il convient alors de définir à quelles conditions, et de quelle manière, elle peut constituer un mode de déclinaison du principe, aux côtés de mesures plus pertinentes qui restent à construire. Cette réflexion conduira, dans un premier temps, à vérifier que les sujets de la responsabilité civile sont concernés par le principe de précaution, et à envisager l'apport naturel du principe à l'appréciation du comportement en droit de la responsabilité civile. C'est ici le fait générateur de responsabilité civile qui sera mis en lumière. Dans un second temps, c'est l'éventualité d'apports plus inattendus du principe de précaution au droit de la responsabilité civile qu'il faudra examiner : sur le terrain des autres conditions de la responsabilité civile (dommage, lien de causalité) et sur celui des causes d'exonération (force majeure et risque de développement).
La loi du 13 mai 1996, relative à la faute pénale d'imprudence, est inapplicable à la pollution délibérée d'un cours d'eau. A propos de Cass. crim. 2 juillet 1998, Association nationale de protection des eaux et rivières et autres
Authors: Guihal Dominique
Published: December 2015

L'article 121-3 du Code pénal ne peut s'appliquer lorsque la cour d'appel a relevé que les fonctionnaires, poursuivis sur le fondement de l'article L. 232-2 du Code rural avaient été informés des risques de pollution que comportait la technique utilisée pour le dragage d'un canal.
Methodologies, Models and Algorithms for Patients Rehabilitation
Authors: Mashat A. S. , Fardoun H. M.
Published: December 2015

Introduction: This editorial is part of the Focus Theme of Methods of Information in Medicine on “Methodologies, Models and Algorithms for Patients Rehabilitation”. Objective: The objective of this focus theme is to present current solutions by means of technologies and human factors related to the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for improving patient rehabilitation. Methods: The focus theme examines distinctive measurements of strengthening methodologies, models and algorithms for disabled people in terms of rehabilitation and health care, and to explore the extent to which ICT is a useful tool in this process. Results: The focus theme records a set of solutions for ICT systems developed to improve the rehabilitation process of disabled people and to help them in carrying out their daily life. Conclusions: The development and subsequent setting up of computers for the patients’ rehabilitation process is of continuous interest and growth.
Comparison of the catalytic activity for the Suzuki–Miyaura reaction of (η5-Cp)Pd(IPr)Cl with (η3-cinnamyl)Pd(IPr)(Cl) and (η3-1-t-Bu-indenyl)Pd(IPr)(Cl)
Authors: Melvin Patrick R , Hazari Nilay , Lant Hannah M C , Peczak Ian L , Shah Hemali P
Published: December 2015

Complexes of the type (η3-allyl)Pd(L)(Cl) and (η3-indenyl)Pd(L)(Cl) are highly active precatalysts for the Suzuki–Miyaura reaction. Even though allyl and indenyl ligands are similar to cyclopentadienyl (Cp) ligands, there have been no detailed comparative studies exploring the activity of precatalysts of the type (η5-Cp)Pd(L)(Cl) for Suzuki–Miyaura reactions. Here, we compare the catalytic activity of (η5-Cp)Pd(IPr)(Cl) (IPr = 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-1,3-dihydro-2H-imidazol-2-ylidene, Cp) with two commercially available catalysts (η3-cinnamyl)Pd(IPr)(Cl) (Cin) and (η3-1-t-Bu-indenyl)Pd(IPr)(Cl) (tBuInd). We show that Cp gives slightly better catalytic activity than Cin, but significantly inferior activity than tBuInd. This order of activity is rationalized by comparing the rates at which the precatalysts are activated to the monoligated Pd(0) active species along with the tendency of the starting precatalysts to comproportionate with monoligated Pd(0) to form inactive Pd(I) dimers. As part of this work the Cp supported Pd(I) dimer (μ-Cp)(μ-Cl)Pd2(IPr)2 (CpDim) was synthesized and crystallographically characterized. It does not readily disproportionate to form monoligated Pd(0) and consequently CpDim is a poor catalyst for the Suzuki–Miyaura reaction.
Justice environnementale et approche par les capabilités
Authors: Ballet Jérôme , Bazin Damien , Pelenc Jérôme
Published: December 2015

Nous montrons que l’approche par les capabilités offre de sérieuses pistes pour donner tout son sens à la justice environnementale abordée sous l’angle de la justice comparative. L’approche des capabilités permet de prendre en compte les trois enjeux que soulève la justice environnementale : la distribution des bénéfices et des nuisances liés à l’environnement, les enjeux de participation des populations dans l’élaboration des régulations environnementales, la reconnaissance des identités collectives. Cependant, cela suppose d’une part d’attribuer une priorité à la liberté de processus sur la liberté d’opportunités, d’autre part l’introduction du concept de capabilité collective.
Cheap Preferences and Intergenerational Justice
Authors: Zwarthoed Danielle
Published: December 2015

L’objet de cet article est un défi auquel font face les théories welfaristes de la justice intergénérationnelle. Les conceptions subjectives du welfarisme permettent et même exigent qu’une génération, G1, inculque des préférences chiches à la génération suivante, G2. Cela autoriserait G1 à consommer les ressources disponibles jusqu’à épuisement, au lieu de les épargner, ce qui semble contredire l’idéal de durabilité. L’objectif de cet article est de montrer que, même si en effet le welfarisme exige de cultiver des préférences chiches chez les générations futures, il peut néanmoins répondre à deux objections majeures à une éducation visant à former de telles préférences, l’Objection de l’Autonomie et l’Objection de l’Equité. Cet article défend les thèses suivantes. Un enseignement voué à développer les capacités liées à l’autonomie est compatible avec la formation de préférences chiches pour autant que l’autonomie est comprise comme un état final et non comme une précondition. Plus encore, le développement de l’autonomie pourrait même être requis afin d’améliorer les opportunités de bien-être de G2. Cependant, puisqu’être autonome rend G2 capable de réviser ses préférences chiches de départ, G1 devrait également épargner assez de ressources pour donner à G2 la possibilité de le faire. Par conséquent, cultiver des préférences chiches chez G2 ne permet pas à G1 d’épuiser les ressources disponibles.
Effects of a Behavioral and Exercise Program on Depression and Quality of Life in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Controlled, Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Azizan Azilyana , Justine Maria
Published: December 2015

Sedentary behavior and low participation in exercise among older adults can lead to depression and low quality of life (QOL). The current study investigated the effects of behavioral and exercise programs on depression severity and QOL among Malaysian community-dwelling older adults. A controlled, quasi-experimental, pre–posttest design was used. A total of 63 participants were divided into three groups: (a) exercise and behavior group (EBG), (b) exercise only group (EG), and (c) control group (CG). Results showed a significant difference in depression among groups (
F
(2,58) = 33.49,
p
< 0.01, η
2
= 0.54; mean, EBG < EG < CG) and in physical (
F
(2,58) = 5.33,
p
< 0.01, η
2
= 0.16; mean, EBG > EG > CG) and mental (
F
(2,58) = 4.08,
p
< 0.01, η
2
= 0.12; mean, EBG > CG > EG) scores of QOL. A combination of behavioral and exercise programs has superior effects on depression and QOL of older adults. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 42
(2), 45–54.]
Effects of Staffing and Regional Location on Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccination Rates in Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Miller Erin L. , Alexander Gregory L. , Madsen Richard W.
Published: December 2015

Vaccinations reduce the risk of hospitalizations and adverse health outcomes in older adult populations, which has led to initiatives such as the Healthy People 2010 goal to vaccinate 90% of all nursing home residents. The current analysis looked at the percentage of residents who received vaccinations in 15,653 nursing homes in the United States and relationships of vaccination to staffing intensity and regional location. Overall, approximately 75% of facilities reached the optimum 90% vaccination levels for long-term residents, but less than 50% reached this goal for short-term residents. Further analyses revealed a consistently lower median rate of vaccination for metropolitan areas and indicated a weak relationship between staffing levels of RNs and short-term resident vaccination. Factors influencing staffing levels, and the possible connection between vaccination and technology, are discussed, as well as suggestions for future research aimed at better understanding mechanisms involved in suboptimal influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in nursing homes. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 42
(2), 38–44.]
Health Literacy Education in Health Professions Schools: An Integrative Review
Authors: Toronto Coleen E. , Weatherford Barbara
Published: December 2015

Background:

Most Americans lack the health literacy skills to function in today's health care environment. The Institute of Medicine's
Health Literacy: A Prescription to End Confusion
report recommended that health professionals be trained to effectively communicate with patients with low health literacy.

Method:

An integrative review was conducted, using six electronic databases: CINAHL, ERIC, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SocINDEX, and Web of Science.

Results:

Nine articles met the inclusion criteria. Educational interventions include multimodal approaches using didactic content, followed by active learning strategies. Evaluative methods in the classroom were used in all studies; however, only one study assessed students' health literacy skills.

Conclusion:

Findings support research efforts that (a) clarify where health literacy should be taught, (b) target the assessment of students' health literacy skills, (c) perform rigorous psychometric testing of evaluative instruments used, and (d) create interprofessional learning opportunities. [
J Nurs Educ.
2015;54(12):669–676.]
Comparison of Visual Quality After SMILE and LASEK for Mild to Moderate Myopia
Authors: Yu Manrong , Chen Minjie , Wang Bingjie , Zou Leilei , Zhu Xiaoyu , Dai Jinhui
Published: December 2015

PURPOSE:

To compare the objective and subjective quality of vision after femtosecond laser-assisted small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and laser-assisted subepithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) for mild to moderate myopia.

METHODS:

This prospective, comparative study included 65 eyes of 33 patients in the SMILE group, with a mean spherical equivalent (SE) of −4.16 ± 0.82 diopters, and 50 eyes of 25 patients in the LASEK group, with a mean SE of −3.81 ± 0.97 diopters. Visual acuity, corneal topography, contrast sensitivity, and wavefront aberrations were recorded preoperatively and compared with postoperative measurements. A quality of vision questionnaire was scored and analyzed 3 months postoperatively.

RESULTS:

Three months postoperatively, the SMILE group had fewer (
P
< .05) higher-order aberrations (HOAs) (0.390 ± 0.175
µ
m), including spherical aberration (SA) (0.262 ± 0.242
µ
m), than the LASEK group (HOAs = 0.479 ± 0.148
µ
m, SA = 0.576 ± 0.287
µ
m, trefoil = 0.465 ± 0.248
µ
m). There was no significant difference in the amount of coma and trefoil between the two groups after surgery. Analysis of the scores of glare and halos in the quality of vision questionnaire revealed that SMILE (night glare = 1.25 ± 1.22, halos = 0.97 ± 1.12) provided a better quality of vision (
P
< .05) than LASEK (night glare = 2.32 ± 1.99, halos = 1.96 ± 1.77). The two groups demonstrated no significant difference in contrast sensitivity 3 months postoperatively. No vision-threatening complications were noted at any stage in either group.

CONCLUSIONS:

Both SMILE and LASEK are safe and effective surgical procedures in the correction of myopia. SMILE has a lower induction rate of HOAs and a higher degree of patient satisfaction than LASEK at 3 months postoperatively.

[
J Refract Surg.
2015;31(12):795–800.]
Increased Biomechanical Efficacy of Corneal Cross-linking in Thin Corneas Due to Higher Oxygen Availability
Authors: Kling Sabine , Richoz Olivier , Hammer Arthur , Tabibian David , Jacob Soosan , Agarwal Amar , Hafezi Farhad
Published: December 2015

PURPOSE:

To compare the currently available ultraviolet-A (UV-A) corneal cross-linking (CXL) treatment protocols for thin corneas with respect to oxygen, UV fluence, and osmotic pressure.

METHODS:

Freshly enucleated murine (n = 16) and porcine (n = 16) eyes were used. The dependency on oxygen and the amount of UV absorption were evaluated using different CXL protocols, including standard CXL, contact lens-assisted CXL (caCXL), and CXL after corneal swelling. The CXL protocol was adapted from the treatment parameters of the human cornea to fit the thickness of murine and porcine corneas. Immediately after CXL, the corneas were subjected to biomechanical testing, including preconditioning, stress relaxation at 0.6 MPa, and stress-strain extensiometry. A two-element Prony series was fitted to the relaxation curves for viscoelastic characterization.

RESULTS:

Standard CXL was most efficient; prior corneal swelling reduced the long-term modulus by 6% and caCXL by 15% to 20%. Oxygen reduction decreased the long-term modulus G∞ by 14% to 15% and the instantaneous modulus G
0
by 2% to 5%, and increased the short-term modulus G
2
by 22% to 31%. Reducing the amount of absorbed UV energy decreased the long-term modulus G∞ by 5% to 34%, the instantaneous modulus G
0
by 7% to 29%, and the short-term modulus G
2
by 17% to 20%. The amount of absorbed UV light was more important in porcine than in murine corneas.

CONCLUSIONS:

The higher oxygen availability in thin corneas potentially increases the overall efficacy of riboflavin UV-A CXL compared to corneas of standard thickness. Clinical protocols for thin corneas should be revised to implement these findings.

[
J Refract Surg.
2015;31(12):840–846.]
Dangling Lens Phacoemulsification: A Novel Technique for Near Complete Zonular Dehiscence
Authors: Toygar Okan , Snyder Michael E. , Riemann Christopher D.
Published: December 2015

PURPOSE:

To demonstrate a novel technique for the management of dangling lenses with near complete zonular dehiscence.

METHODS:

A capsule-sparing combined anterior and posterior surgical approach for dangling lenses with severe zonular dehiscence is described. The surgical record of a patient who underwent phacoemulsification with “dangling lens technique” and in-the-bag intraocular lens (IOL) implantation was evaluated.

RESULTS:

This technique was able to preserve the lens capsule, allowing freedom of IOL choice and an optimally reconstructed anterior segment. Placement of sutured capsular tension rings (CTRs) or segments provided long-term stabilization of the capsular bag and the bag-fixated posterior chamber IOL. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred during a follow-up of 3 years.

CONCLUSIONS:

Combined microincisional pars plana vitrectomy, posterior levitation of the crystalline lens, phacoemulsification with sutured CTR, and in-the-bag IOL placement may be considered for surgical management of patients with nearly luxated, dangling, crystalline lenses.

[
J Refract Surg.
2015;31(12):835–838.]
Primary Intravitreal Ranibizumab for High-Risk Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Baumal Caroline R. , Goldberg Roger A. , Fein Jordana G.
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate initial treatment of high-risk retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) with low-dose intravitreal ranibizumab.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Case series of premature infants with high-risk pre-threshold or threshold posterior ROP receiving primary therapy with 0.2 mg ranibizumab. Pre-treatment and post-injection examination, RetCam (Clarity Medical Systems, Pleasanton, CA) images, fluorescein angiography, resolution of ROP and plus disease, and stability of examinations were assessed.

RESULTS:

Eight eyes of four infants received primary ranibizumab treatment. Plus disease resolved within 48 hours of unilateral injection, and there was no change in ROP appearance in the contralateral eye. Complete resolution of stage 3 ROP occurred 1 week after injection. Recurrent progressive stage 2 or 3 ROP in mid to anterior zone 2 was noted 8 to 11 weeks after ranibizumab in all eyes. Treatment of recurrent ROP with peripheral laser led to complete ROP regression. Comparison of images before ranibizumab injection to images after ROP recurred demonstrated anterior retinal growth. Retina examinations remained stable without ROP recurrence or detachment at follow-up 8 to 18 months after ranibizumab injection.

CONCLUSION:

Intravitreal ranibizumab induces rapid, complete regression of high-risk posterior ROP with continued retina growth peripherally. The potential for recurrent ROP after a single 0.2 mg ranibizumab injection for posterior ROP requires vigilant monitoring. Subsequent peripheral laser for ROP recurrences may spare the posterior retina from photocoagulation effects.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:432–438.]
Preoperative and Intraoperative Prognostic Factors of Epiretinal Membranes Using Chromovitrectomy and Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling
Authors: Machado Leonardo M. , Furlani Bruno A. , Navarro Rodrigo M. , Farah Michel E. , Maia Andre , Magalhães Octaviano , Rodrigues Eduardo B. , Moraes Nilva , Maia Mauricio
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the preoperative and intraoperative findings as prognostic indicators of functional and anatomic results of idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Vitrectomies included ERM and internal limiting membrane (ILM) removal with vital dyes. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), optical coherence tomography (OCT), fluorescein angiography, and autofluorescence were performed at baseline and postoperatively. Intraoperative ILM status after ERM removal was also evaluated.

RESULTS:

Thirty-one eyes were monitored for a mean of 16.78 months. BCVA and central foveal thickness (CFT) improved significantly (
P
< .001) from baseline at 3 and 12 months. Preoperative hyperautofluorescence was associated with greater CFT reduction (
P
< .005). ILM status after ERM peeling did not influence visual recovery but was associated with anatomical results as measured by OCT.

CONCLUSION:

Preoperative poor initial BCVA and RPE defects by FAF may not be bad prognostic factors. Preoperative hyperautofluorescence was associated with greater CFT reduction. Intraoperative classification of ILM status after ERM and ILM staining/peeling was reported and may be useful for future studies, though it was not associated neither with preoperative nor postoperative BCVA.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:457–462.]
Adverse Vitreoretinal Outcomes of Glaucoma Drainage Devices Based on Verified and Unverified Financial Claims Data
Authors: Banitt Michael R. , Feuer William J. , Schiffman Joyce C. , Parrish Richard K.
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To determine adverse vitreoretinal outcome rates after glaucoma drainage device (GDD) surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Medical records from the Anne Bates Leach Eye Hospital with financial claims from 1991 to 2005 for GDD surgery coded for endophthalmitis, choroidal hemorrhage, or retinal detachment were reviewed. Cumulative incidences were calculated before and after verifying claims with chart review.

RESULTS:

GDD surgery was performed in 2,661 eyes. Thirty-three cases of endophthalmitis were identified, with 10 attributable to GDD (1-, 5-, and 10-year cumulative incidences: 0.22%, 0.43%, and 0.83%, respectively). Forty cases of choroidal hemorrhage were identified, with 20 attributable to GDD (1-, 5-, and 10-year incidences: 0.81% for all time points). Rhegmatogenous retinal detachments developed in 148 eyes, with 42 attributable to GDD (1-, 5-, and 10-year incidences: 1.25%, 2.02%, and 2.67%, respectively).

CONCLUSION:

This study’s complication rates compare favorably with those previously reported. The use of claims data without chart review verification may result in overestimated event rates.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:463–470.]
Retinoschisis and Outer Retinal Hole Formation in a Patient With Papillorenal Syndrome
Authors: Droms Rebecca J. , Liang Michelle C. , Duker Jay S.
Published: December 2015

This report describes a 19-year-old patient with the rare association of macular retinoschisis and outer retinal hole formation with papillorenal syndrome. Initially diagnosed with transplant-related central serous chorioretinopathy, she presented several years later with worsening vision and distortion in her right eye. On examination, she was found to have bilateral optic nerve dysplasia, bilateral macular and extramacular retinoschisis, and a serous retinal detachment with outer hole formation in the right eye. A history of prior renal transplantation due to poor kidney development led to the diagnosis of papillorenal syndrome.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:477–480.]
The Colonial Essence of a Contemporary Policy: Towards a Fanonian Approach of Positive Discrimination in France
Authors: Ghorbal Karim
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this article is to consider the trans-historic dimension of the discussions around positive discrimination in France with the aim to emphasize the origins and continuities of the phenomenon. Firstly, I consider how this practice of differentiation has a dialectic and contradictory relationship with the universalist and republican principles of France. I then demonstrate that some of the historical basis for this relatively recent policy are found in colonialism and slavery. Ultimately, I will face these issues from the vantage point of the concept of "reconnaissance" in Fanonian proposing an analysis through which positive discrimination is inscribed within a dynamic, not at all anachronistic, that insidiously reinforces and perpetuates the cultural and social hegemony of the traditional elites.
Maritime post routes between Corunna and the Caribbean as a Geographic Information System (Gis) model
Authors: Baudot Monroy María
Published: December 2015

In 1764, the Secretariat of State created the Maritime Post in order to establish regular, reliable communications with the colonies in the Americas. This was the first in a series of decisive measures which advanced the spread of free trade. The new state service, which came under the Royal Treasury, was designed like a trade route in order to make it self-sufficient. It entailed sending a monthly packet boat to Havana, and from there, documents were distributed throughout the Americas. The logbooks kept by packet boat pilots provide a range of valuable data which make it possible to create a historical GIS.
La fonction du savoir imaginaire dans La Vie mode d’emploi de Georges Perec
Authors: Shiotsuka Shuichiro
Published: December 2015

La Vie mode d’emploi de Georges Perec multiplie les savoirs imaginaires. Si la plupart de ces savoirs existent sous forme de détails fragmentaires, ne formant pas de système cohérent, ils n’en jouent pas moins dans plusieurs chapitres un rôle important en tant que moteurs du récit. Alors, quel est le rôle de ces savoirs dans la stratégie globale de l’écriture du livre ? L’objectif de cet article est de répondre à cette question en considérant plusieurs chapitres dont la diégèse met en scène un savoir particulier. Au terme de nos analyses, il s'avère que les savoirs mis en fiction dans La Vie mode d’emploi – archéologique, ethnographique, pétrochimique, lexicographique, historique et cartographique – peuvent s’interpréter comme autant de métaphores de la conception du roman et des techniques romanesques mises en œuvre par Perec.
Sciences imaginaires et imaginaire de la science dans Doctor Who (2005-2014)
Authors: Dubois François-Ronan
Published: December 2015

La série télévisée britannique Doctor Who est la plus longue série télévisée du patrimoine audiovisuel mondial. Au fil des décennies, depuis les années 1960, elle a accompagné l’évolution de l’imaginaire techno-scientifique de l’Ouest, à travers de la Guerre Froide, la crainte nucléaire, le développement de la génétique, les révolutions médicales et informatiques, jusqu’à nos jours. Elle a attiré à ce titre l’attention des spécialistes de la communication scientifique, qui se sont interrogés sur ses vertus vulgarisatrices et démocratiques. Loin de proposer cependant une explication constamment rationnelle des technologies et des méthodes scientifiques présentées à l’écran, Doctor Who traite la science fictive et prospective qu’elle met en scène comme une magie de conte au vocabulaire ésotérique. Devant cette série immensément populaire, qui façonne l’imaginaire commun depuis si longtemps, se pose alors la question de déterminer le discours tenu implicitement sur cette science dont le fonctionnement interne est caché ou tout simplement éludé.
An Introduction to Remote Installation Vulnerability in Content Management Systems
Authors: Dadkhah Mehdi , Shamshirband Shahaboddin
Published: December 2015

Web-based applications are being increasingly used to share data and remote access. These applications form an integral part of the financial, education, and government sectors in most countries. The most important issue in web-based applications is maintaining basic principles of security: integrity, confidentiality and availability. Many web vulnerabilities have been identified and should be always considered by web-based applications developers and security professionals. Lack of vigilance in attending to these vulnerabilities may result in the software system being attacked by hackers and the most important asset of an organization, i.e., protected data, being compromised. This paper identifies a new type of web susceptibility termed remote installation vulnerability (RIV) which renders content management systems (CMS) and websites exploitable to cyber-attacks. A simple strategy is recommended to address this vulnerability.