bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meal Pattern of Male Rats Maintained on Amino Acid Supplemented Diets: The Effect of Tryptophan, Lysine, Arginine, Proline and Threonine
Authors: Ayaso Raghad , Ghattas Hala , Abiad Mohamad , Obeid Omar
Published: July 2014

The macronutrient composition of the diet has been shown to affect food intake, with proteins having distinct effects. The present study investigated the effect of diet supplementation with individual amino acids (tryptophan, lysine, arginine, proline and threonine) on meal pattern among male rats. Meal pattern and body weight were monitored for two weeks. Proline and threonine had minimal effects on meal pattern, while the most pronounced changes were observed in the tryptophan group. Both tryptophan and lysine decreased overall food intake, which was translated into a reduction in body weight. The reduced food intake of the tryptophan group was associated with an increase in meal size, intermeal intervals (IMI) and meal time and a decrease in meal number. The decrease in the food intake of the lysine group was associated with a reduction in both IMI and meal number, and this was accompanied by an increase in meal time. Arginine increased meal number, while decreasing IMI. Proline and threonine had a minimal effect on meal pattern. Lysine seems to increase satiety, and arginine seems to decrease it, while tryptophan seems to increase satiety and decrease satiation. Accordingly, changes in meal patterns are associated with the type of amino acid added to the diet.
Proteomic Analysis of Responsive Proteins Induced in Japanese Birch Plantlet Treated with Salicylic Acid
Authors: Suzuki Hiromu , Takashima Yuya , Ishiguri Futoshi , Yoshizawa Nobuo , Yokota Shinso
Published: July 2014

The present study was performed to unravel the mechanisms of systemic acquired resistance (SAR) establishment and resistance signaling pathways against the canker-rot fungus (Inonotus obliquus strain IO-U1) infection in Japanese birch plantlet No.8. Modulation of protein-profile induced by salicylic acid (SA)-administration was analyzed, and SA-responsive proteins were identified. In total, 5 specifically expressed, 3 significantly increased, and 3 significantly decreased protein spots were identified using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) and the sequence tag method. These proteins were malate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, phosphoglycerate kinase, diaminopimalate decarboxylase, arginase, chorismate mutase, cyclophilin, aminopeptidase, and unknown function proteins. These proteins are considered to be involved in SAR-establishment mechanisms in the Japanese birch plantlet No 8.
Exploring the Best Hyperspectral Features for LAI Estimation Using Partial Least Squares Regression
Authors: Li Xinchuan , Zhang Youjing , Bao Yansong , Luo Juhua , Jin Xiuliang , Xu Xingang , Song Xiaoyu , Yang Guijun
Published: July 2014

The use of spectral features to estimate leaf area index (LAI) is generally considered a challenging task for hyperspectral data. In this study, the hyperspectral reflectance of winter wheat was selected to optimize the selection of spectral features and to evaluate their performance in modeling LAI at various growth stages during 2008 and 2009. We extracted hyperspectral features using different techniques, including reflectance spectra and first derivative spectra, absorption and reflectance position and vegetation indices. In order to find the best subset of features with the best predictive accuracy, partial least squares regression (PLSR) and variable importance in projection (VIP) were applied to estimated LAI values. The results indicated that the red edge–NIR spectral region (680 nm–1300 nm) was the most sensitive to LAI. Most features in this region exhibited a high correlation with LAI and had higher VIP values, especially the first derivative waveband at 750 nm (r = 0.900, VIP = 1.144). Adding a large number of features would not significantly improve the accuracy of the PLSR model. The PLSR model based on the fourteen features with the highest VIP values predicted LAI with a mean bootstrapped R2 value of 0.880 and a mean RMSE of 0.943 on the validation dataset and produced an estimated LAI result better than that, including the entire 54-feature dataset with a mean R2 of 0.875 and a mean RMSE of 0.965. The results of this study thus suggest that the use of only a few of the best features by VIP values is sufficient for LAI estimation.
Transfer Scheme Evaluation Model for a Transportation Hub based on Vectorial Angle Cosine
Authors: Yao Li-Ya , Xia Xin-Feng , Sun Li-Shan
Published: July 2014

As the most important node in public transport network, efficiency of a transport hub determines the entire efficiency of the whole transport network. In order to put forward effective transfer schemes, a comprehensive evaluation index system of urban transport hubs’ transfer efficiency was built, evaluation indexes were quantified, and an evaluation model of a multi-objective decision hub transfer scheme was established based on vectorial angle cosine. Qualitative and quantitative analysis on factors affecting transfer efficiency is conducted, which discusses the passenger satisfaction, transfer coordination, transfer efficiency, smoothness, economy, etc. Thus, a new solution to transfer scheme utilization was proposed.
Facing Antibiotic Resistance: Staphylococcus aureus Phages as a Medical Tool
Authors: Kaźmierczak Zuzanna , Górski Andrzej , Dąbrowska Krystyna
Published: July 2014

Staphylococcus aureus is a common and often virulent pathogen in humans. This bacterium is widespread, being present on the skin and in the nose of healthy people. Staphylococcus aureus can cause infections with severe outcomes ranging from pustules to sepsis and death. The introduction of antibiotics led to a general belief that the problem of bacterial infections would be solved. Nonetheless, pathogens including staphylococci have evolved mechanisms of drug resistance. Among current attempts to address this problem, phage therapy offers a promising alternative to combat staphylococcal infections. Here, we present an overview of current knowledge on staphylococcal infections and bacteriophages able to kill Staphylococcus, including experimental studies and available data on their clinical use.
Le « temps de récurrence » en hydrométéorologie : techniques et concepts (Rain recurrence and gumbel law)
Authors: Péguy Charles-Pierre
Published: July 2014

Résumé. - L'auteur souligne certaines limites d'application de la loi de Gumbel en hydrométéorologie (technique du gradex). Exemple : précipitations maximales en 24 h à Briançon (Hautes-Alpes).
La cueillette à la ferme : diversification ou nouvelle activité dans les zones périurbaines : l'exemple de l'Ile-de-France (Fruits and vegetables picking by costumers : diversification or new activity in the suburb areas : the example of Ile-de-France)
Authors: Rouyres Thérèse
Published: July 2014

Fruits and vegetables picking by costumers on the farms began fifteen years ago in Ile de France, on a young farmer's initiative : he wanted to make a profit with the attraction that nature had on many city-dwellers. This activity grew in big farms when the fall of wheat prices required a diversification. That can become a new activity in the areas around cities.
The Hypermetabolic Giant: 18F-FDG avid Giant Cell Tumor identified on PET-CT
Authors: O'Connor Wendi , Quintana Megan T. , Smith Scott V , Willis Monte S , McCartney William
Published: July 2014

An 87 year-old white female presented with a two-year history of intermittent discomfort in her left foot. PET-CT identified intense18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake corresponding to the lesion.  Histology of a fine needle aspiration and open biopsy were consistent with a benign giant cell tumor (GCT) of the bone.  GCT of bone is an uncommon primary tumor typically presenting as a benign solitary lesion that arises in the end of the long bones.  While GCT can occur throughout the axial and appendicular skeleton, it is exceedingly uncommon in the bone of the foot. While 18F-FDG has been established in detecting several malignant bone tumors, benign disease processes may also be identified.  The degree of 18F-FDG activity in a benign GCT may be of an intensity that can be mistakenly interpreted as a malignant lesion.  Therefore, GCT of the bone can be included in the differential diagnosis of an intensely 18F-FDG-avid neoplasm located within the tarsal bones.
Granular Cell Tumor of the Ulnar Nerve: MR Neurography Characterization
Authors: Wadhwa Vibhor , Salaria Safia N , Chhabra Avneesh
Published: July 2014

The authors report an unusual case of ulnar neuropathy caused by granular cell tumor. The report describes the anatomic 3 Tesla MR Neurography and functional diffusion tensor findings of the case, which was subsequently confirmed on surgical excision and histopathology.
Correlating Hemodynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging with high-field Intracranial Vessel Wall Imaging in Stroke
Authors: Langdon Weston , Donahue Manus J. , Van der Kolk Anja Gwendolyn , Rane Swati , Strother Megan K
Published: July 2014

Vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging at ultra-high field (7 Tesla) can be used to visualize vascular lesions noninvasively and holds potential for improving stroke-risk assessment in patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease. We present the first multi-modal comparison of such high-field vessel wall imaging with more conventional (i) 3 Tesla hemodynamic magnetic resonance imaging and (ii) digital subtraction angiography in a 69-year-old male with a left temporal ischemic infarct.
The World’s Greatest Sound Archive.
Authors: Gronow Pekka
Published: July 2014

During the era of 78 rpm shellac records, circa 1900 to 1955, at least half a million different records were produced in most countries of the world. This paper discusses the growth of the industry, the selection of artists and repertoire, the archiving of historical recordings, and their significance for musicological research. Many recordings are probably permanently lost and surviving examples are scattered across many private and public archives, but online catalogues will hopefully make this material more accessible in the future.
***
V obdobju gramofonskih plošč z 78 obrati na minuto, približno v letih 1900–1955, je nastalo vsaj pol milijona različnih posnetkov iz večino dežel sveta. Članek obravnava rast te industrije, izbiro izvajalcev in njihov repertoar, arhiviranje zgodovinskih posnetkov ter njihov pomen za muzikološka raziskovanja. Mnogi posnetki so verjetno za vedno izgubljeni, ohranjeni primeri pa so razpršeni v številnih zasebnih in javnih arhivih; upamo lahko, da bodo spletni katalogi v prihodnosti omogočili večji dostop do tega gradiva.
1908: The Beginning of Slovenian Music Discography
Authors: Kunej Drago
Published: July 2014

Prispevek se osredinja na prvo obširnejše snemanje slovenske glasbe in slovenskih izvajalcev, ki ga je izvedlo podjetje Gramophone Company v Ljubljani. Odmev tega snemanja je zaslediti v oglaševanju, saj se takrat začnejo pri nas sistematično tržiti posnetki slovenske glasbe, snemanje pa predstavlja tudi pomembno prelomnico pri snemanju plošč s slovenskim gradivom, saj so temu vzoru kmalu sledila tudi druga gramofonska podjetja. Na podlagi časopisnih oglasov in drugih dostopnih virov želi prispevek osvetliti repertoar in izbor izvajalcev ter pokazati na velik pomen tega dogodka za nadaljnja snemanja plošč s slovenskim gradivom in njihovo trženje.
***
The article focuses on the first extensive recording of Slovenian music and Slovenian performers carried out by the Gramophone Company in Ljubljana. The outcome of this recording session represents the start of systematic marketing of recorded Slovenian music in Slovenia as well as a significant turning point in producing records with Slovenian material because it set an example later followed by other gramophone companies. Based on newspaper advertisements and some other sources, the article sheds light on the repertoire and selection of performers and demonstrates the great importance of this event for records with Slovenian material and marketing them.
Recordings of Music Society Glasbena Matica Vocal Ensembles and the Representation of Folk Music at the Time of the Earliest Gramophone Recordings
Authors: Kovačič Mojca
Published: July 2014

Zvočni posnetki na gramofonskih ploščah, ki so jih snemalne družbe posnele s slovenskimi izvajalci na začetku 20. stoletja, omogočajo uvid v zvočnost tedanjega časa. Samo na podlagi podatkov o posnetkih ter notnih zapisov objavljenih glasbenih del bi si namreč ustvarili povsem drugačno predstavo o podobi katerega koli poustvarjenega glasbenega dela. Prispevek se osredotoča na posnetke vokalnih zasedb Glasbene matice in poleg podatkov o izvajalcih, repertoarju in snemanju podaja tudi interpretacijo nekaterih zvočnih posnetkov, na podlagi te pa odpira širše vprašanje o razmerju med ljudsko in umetno glasbo tedanjega časa.
***
Sound recordings that gramophone companies recorded with Slovenian musicians and singers in the early 20th century are an important insight into the sonority of the time. The image about the music would be entirely different if only the data about recordings and sheet music would be available. The article focus is on recordings of vocal ensembles of music society Glasbena matica and in addition to the musicians, repertoire and recordings also represents an interpretation of some sound recordings. Based on this data’s it opens up a broader question about the relationship between folk and art music of the time.
78 RPM Gramophone Records: An Expression of Song Folklorization or Its Origin?
Authors: Šivic Urša
Published: July 2014

Pretekle folkloristične raziskave so pri obravnavanju ponarodelosti oz. popularizacije avtorskih pesmi upoštevale različne vire, neopaženi pa so ostali posnetki slovenske glasbe na gramofonskih ploščah z 78 obrati na minuto. Pričujoči prispevek prav na podlagi posnetega slovenskega gradiva ugotavlja, kateri so bili kriteriji za izbor pesmi za snemanje, iz katerih virov so vzete pesmi in kakšno predstavo nam ponuja posneti slovenski repertoar o tedanjih priljubljenih glasbenih zvrsteh in posameznih delih.
***
Although past folklore studies have considered various sources while discussing the folklorization and popularization of art songs, they have overlooked recordings of Slovenian music on 78 rpm gramophone records. Based on Slovenian song recordings, this article seeks to determine the criteria and sources for song selection in the recording process and to establish what the musical repertoire indicates about the popular music genres and specific works of that period.
Modelling and Simulation of the Need for Harmonizing the European Higher Education Systems
Authors: Ghinea Valentina Mihaela
Published: July 2014

The “Bologna process” has become a highly used idiom by all kinds of people who do not know what exactly it involves. They are unaware of its prerequisites and the correct way to measure its positive and/or negative consequences. Thus, this chapter explains the context of the Bologna reasoning as well as briefly expressing its content. It explores whether the harmonization of the European Educational Systems proposed and agreed on by nations is a fad or a real necessity, taking into consideration the actual evolution of the world. This is done by means of computerized simulation. The simulation tool is provided by TRUE-WORLD System Dynamics Software. In the end, some recommendations for a more efficient achievement of Bologna objectives are provided.
A Qualitative Approach to Convergence of Higher Education Policies in Europe
Authors: Vasilache Simona
Published: July 2014

This chapter analyzes the state of convergence in European higher education, in the Bologna framework (as set in the Bologna declaration of 1999), based on the indicators of national policies. The authors analyzed the research papers dedicated to the topic in mainstream literature, and on that basis, they proposed a set of models for discussing policies and select relevant indicators. These indicators were debated with 10 knowledgeable experts in the field of higher education and university management, and stemming from the discussions, a questionnaire was drafted. The questionnaire was then sent out to 500 people in the HE system (following a snowball sampling). The authors received 109 valid questionnaires, which were qualitatively analyzed in the study. Thus, they find and discuss the most suitable indicators for characterizing the convergence of policies in higher education.
Science, Technology, and Society (STS) Issues
Authors: Mai Mohammed Yousef , Halim Lilia , Yaseen Ruhizan Mohammed , Meerah T. Subahan M.
Published: July 2014

This chapter discusses the results of a survey of secondary school students in Sana'a city regarding Science, Technology, and Society (STS) issues. Firstly, the chapter reviews the literature in order to seek for STS issues that should be infused into the science curriculum in Yemen. Secondly, it reports the results of the survey ranking Science, Technology, and Society issues. A valid and reliable questionnaire containing STS issues is administered to a sample of 418 students from 14 schools in Sana'a city. The results of the study reveal that the most salient issues that must be infused into the science curriculum are human health and disease, water supplies, air pollution, and energy shortages. Comparing the mean scores of males and female students, the results show significant differences in 5 themes. Implications for research and development in science education are discussed.
The Extended Body in the Teaching-Learning Process
Authors: Di Tore Stefano , Aiello Paola , Di Tore Pio Alfredo , Sibilio Maurizio
Published: July 2014

This chapter focuses on the relationship between technology and education, starting from the consideration that the software design explicitly dedicated to the teaching-learning process is, for the most part, still anchored to a discreet information processing model. This model underestimates the role of the body and corporeality in the teaching and learning process and fails to capitalize on the potential offered by enactive interaction devices already present and widely used in schools and learning-dedicated centers. The opportunities offered by the NUIs in school contexts represent the natural consequence of an embodied and enactive approach to knowledge, valued in school contexts in which the skills of perception and the action are enhanced to foster learning.
Adoption of B-Learning at Universities in Spain
Authors: Tirado-Morueta Ramón , Aguaded-Gomez J. Ignacio , Hernando-Gómez Ángel
Published: July 2014

This chapter presents the results of research whose main aims are a) to identify the rates of adoption of b-learning through the use of LMS in universities in Spain and b) to check the influence of external and internal factors on teachers in the use of b-learning. A sample was taken of 495 teachers at 4 universities using an ad-hoc questionnaire tested for construct validity. Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were used to examine the data. The results fitted Rogers' Innovation Adoption Model (1995) and corroborated the indirect influence of the environment, the direct influence of self-efficacy and measures to encourage the use of LMS in teaching, as well as certifying the predominance of a range of traditional teaching styles over models of student-based activity.
Providing Simulated Online and Mobile Learning Experiences in a Prison Education Setting
Authors: Farley Helen , Murphy Angela , Bedford Tasman
Published: July 2014

This article reports on the preliminary findings, design criteria and lessons learned while developing and piloting an alternative to traditional print-based education delivery within a prison environment. PLEIADES (Portable Learning Environments for Incarcerated Distance Education Students), was designed to provide incarcerated students with access to internet-independent secure digital and mobile technologies. An internet-independent version of Moodle was developed to complement course readings deployed on eReaders. The aim of the project was to increase access to and participation in higher education courses that are increasingly offered exclusively online. The article begins with an overview of the current provision of education within prison environments and introduces the rationale for commencing the project. The research findings of the project trial are discussed and the paper concludes with the lessons learned and implications for further research, development and implementation.
Blended Course Design
Authors: McGee Patricia
Published: July 2014

Blended or hybrid course design is generally considered to involve a combination of online and classroom activities. However defining blended courses solely based on delivery mode suggests there is nothing more to a blended course than where students meet and how they use technology. Ultimately there is a risk that blended courses defined in this way will not utilize effective strategies that have proven to improve learning for students. This study investigates pedagogical strategies or designs that have reported success in higher education coursework as published in articles that address blended pedagogy. A qualitative meta-interpretive analysis identified eight themes: definitions of blended design, meetings for the learner, online priority, technology with a purpose, focused e-interactions, active learning, distribution of time, pedagogical chunking, and outliers and omissions.
Who Owns the Floor?
Authors: Wang Airong , Steinvall Anders , Deutschmann Mats
Published: July 2014

This study investigates the effects of unequal power relations on participation in a group of student teachers and invited professionals in two collaborative workshops in Second Life. The data includes recordings, group reflections, and individual questionnaires. Participation was examined from the aspects of floor space, turn length, and utterance functions and complemented with student reflections. The results show that at a general level, the differences of floor space and turn length between the invited professionals and the students were small. Moreover, the invited professionals did more conversational management than the students, while the students performed more supportive speech acts. There were, however, individual variations.
Automated Assessment of Free Text Questions for MOOC Using Regular Expressions
Authors: Acosta Enrique Sánchez , Otero Juan José Escribano
Published: July 2014

Presently, most platforms used on the selection of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) available online have various automated methods of assessment. These type of tools are based on applications that analyze the answers using a pre-correction algorithm. Most of these programs run several types of automatic assessment, but the possible use of the technology for each of them differs with respect to the kind of automation applied. The role of technology in the objective test for online education has become extremely common, so it can be found in various MOOC platforms with this type of questions or quizzes, because the assessment system can be fully computerized (from the test design to its correction and reporting). However, not all of the assessment instruments can be easily implemented in automatic mode with the use of technology. This paper seeks to research and clarify a type of assessment tool in which the use of technologies is quite low, namely, the essay question type and within them, the short answer question type or free text question type, using regular expressions. The large number of students who would be in MOOC prevents a teacher from assessing responses of thousands of students in a finite time without the aid of technology. This research analyzes the results of an MOOC from hundreds of students to verify that the use of regular expressions in an MOOC platform is not only recommended but also necessary.
Generating Lifelong-Learning Communities and Branding with Massive Open Online Courses
Authors: Montes Rosana , Gea Miguel , Bergaz Roberto , Rojas Belén
Published: July 2014

The arrival of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) has stimulated teachers and universities to change in some ways the teaching methodologies. The success of these massive courses is based on involving students to acquire knowledge and skills in a wider community by learning from others and using active learning practices. MOOC providers also help universities to support the mission of transferring knowledge to society in any kind of area, supporting lifelong learning and adopting some kind of internationalization strategy. This is an ongoing trend where 17 of top 30 universities in the world's adopted MOOC courses. Open learning is a strategic and valuable trend in knowledge society. Opportunities appear in the Anglo and Latin American market, while problems associated with the high drop-out rate, the sustainability, and the feasibility of skill certification should be addressed. In this paper we analyze the properties of a MOOC as a learning community by taking data from a pilot of three MOOC courses performed at AbiertaUGR, the MOOC platform of the University of Granada.
Pyemotes tritici (Acari: Pyemotidae): a parasitoid of Agrilus auroguttatus and Agrilus coxalis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) in the southwestern United States of America and southern Mexico
Authors: Coleman Tom W. , Jones Michael I. , Hoddle Mark S. , Haavik Laurel J. , Moser John C. , Flint Mary L. , Seybold Steven J.
Published: July 2014

The straw itch mite, Pyemotes tritici Lagrèze-Fossat and Montané (Acari: Pyemotidae), was discovered parasitising the goldspotted oak borer, Agrilus auroguttatus Schaeffer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), an invasive exotic species to California, United States of America, and the Mexican goldspotted oak borer, Agrilus coxalis Waterhouse (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), during surveys for natural enemies for a classical biological control programme for A. auroguttatus. Pyemotes tritici caused low levels of mortality to each species of flatheaded borer, but it will likely not be a good candidate for a biological control programme because it is a generalist parasitoid with deleterious human health effects.
Telescoping Estimates for Smooth Series
Authors: Joachim Wirths Karl
Published: July 2014

We derive telescoping majorants and minorants for some classes of series and give applications of these results.
Irreducible factors of modular representations of mapping class groups arising in Integral TQFT
Authors: Gilmer Patrick M. , Masbaum Gregor
Published: July 2014

We find decomposition series of length at most two for modular representations in positive characteristic of mapping class groups of surfaces induced by an integral version of the Witten–Reshetikhin–Turaev SO(3)-TQFT at the

p

-th root of unity, where

p

is an odd prime. The dimensions of the irreducible factors are given by Verlinde-type formulas.
Risk Factors for Opisthorchis viverrini and Minute Intestinal Fluke Infections in Lao PDR, 2009–2011
Authors: Yoon Hee Jung , Ki Moran , Eom Keeseon , Yong Tai-Soon , Chai Jong-Yil , Min Duk-Young , Rim Han-Jong , Sohn Woon-Mok , Insisiengmay Bounnaloth , Phommasack Bounlay
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this report is to compare the prevalence of Opisthorchis viverrini/minute intestinal fluke (Ov/MIF) in Lao People's Democratic Republic according to different regions and evaluate the effect of ingestion of raw freshwater fish on the infection. Demographic data, behavioral data, and symptoms were obtained, and the Kato–Katz method was used for the diagnosis of Ov/MIF. In total, 3,046 individuals were enrolled. The risk factors associated with acquisition of Ov/MIF were raw fish consumption and province. Khong Island showed the highest prevalence (odds ratio = 80.1, 95% confidence interval = 47.9–133.9, P < 0.001) compared with other districts, and raw fish consumption was related to Ov/MIF infection. Administration of praziquantel to entire populations, education (avoiding consumption of raw food dishes and improved hygiene), and access to clean water and sanitation should be considered.
Observing crosswind over urban terrain using scintillometer and Doppler lidar
Authors: van Dinther D. , Wood C. R. , Hartogensis O. K. , Nordbo A. , O'Connor E. J.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. In this study, the crosswind (wind component perpendicular to a path, U⊥) is measured by a scintillometer and Doppler lidar above the urban environment of Helsinki, Finland, for 3 weeks. The scintillometer allows acquisition of a path-averaged value of U⊥ (U⊥), while the Doppler lidar allows acquisition of path-resolved U⊥ (U⊥ (x), where x is the position along the path). The goal of this study is to evaluate the applicability of scintillometer U⊥-measurements for conditions where U⊥ (x) is variable. If the scintillometer is applicable in such variable-wind conditions, it can also be used in the urban environment. Two methods were applied to obtain U⊥ from the scintillometer signal; the cumulative spectrum method (relies on scintillation spectra), and the lookup table method (relies on time-lagged correlation functions). Both methods compared reasonably well with the Doppler lidar measurements, especially considering the challenging urban environment in which they were measuring; with RMSE of 0.71 and 0.73 m s−1. This indicates that both measurement technologies are able to obtain U⊥ in the complex urban environment. The in detail investigation of four cases indicate that the cumulative spectrum method is less susceptible to a variable U⊥ (x) than the lookup table method. However, the lookup table method can be adjusted to improve its capabilities to obtain U⊥ for conditions where U⊥ (x) is variable.
Calcium phosphate formation due to pH-induced adsorption/precipitation switching along salinity gradients
Authors: Oxmann J. F. , Schwendenmann L.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Mechanisms governing phosphorus (P) speciation in coastal sediments remain unknown due to the diversity of coastal environments and poor analytical specificity for P phases. We investigated P speciation along salinity gradients comprising diverse ecosystems in a P-enriched estuary. To determine P load effects on P speciation we compared the high P site with a P-unenriched site. To improve analytical specificity, octacalcium phosphate (OCP), authigenic apatite (carbonate fluorapatite; CFAP) and detrital apatite (fluorapatite) were quantitated in addition to Al/Fe-bound P (Al/Fe-P) and Ca-bound P (Ca-P). Sediment pH primarily affected P fractions across ecosystems and independent of the P status. Increasing pH caused a pronounced downstream transition from adsorbed Al/Fe-P to mineral Ca-P. Downstream decline in Al/Fe-P was counterbalanced by the precipitation of Ca-P. This marked upstream-to-downstream switch occurred at near-neutral sediment pH and was enhanced by increased P loads. Accordingly, the site comparison indicated two location-dependent accumulation mechanisms at the P-enriched site, which mainly resulted in elevated Al/Fe-P at pH < 6.6 (upstream; adsorption) and elevated Ca-P at pH > 6.6 (downstream; precipitation). Enhanced Ca-P precipitation by increased loads was also evident from disproportional accumulation of metastable Ca-P (Ca-PMmeta). The average Ca-Pmeta concentration was six-fold, whereas total Ca-P was only twofold higher at the P-enriched site compared to the P-unenriched site. Species concentrations showed that these largely elevated Ca-Pmeta levels resulted from transformation of fertilizer-derived Al/Fe-P to OCP and CFAP due to decreasing acidity from land to the sea. Formation of OCP and CFAP results in P retention in coastal zones, which may lead to substantial inorganic P accumulation by anthropogenic P input in near-shore sediments.
Developing a model of pedagogical content knowledge for secondary and post-secondary mathematics instruction
Authors: Hauk Shandy , Toney Allison , Jackson Billy , Nair Reshmi , Tsay Jenq-Jong
Published: July 2014

The accepted framing of mathematics pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) as part of mathematical knowledge for teaching has centered on the question: What mathematical reasoning, insight, understanding, and skills are required for a person to teach elementary mathematics? Many have worked to address this question in K-8 teaching. Yet, there remains a call for examples and theory in the context of teachers with greater mathematical preparation and older students with varied and complex experiences in learning mathematics. In this theory development report we offer background and examples for an extended model of PCK – as the interplay among conceptually-rich mathematical understandings, experience in and of teaching, and multiple culturally-mediated classroom interactions.
Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Charles Bonnet Syndrome in Madrid, Spain
Authors: Santos-Bueso Enrique , Sáenz-Francés Federico , Serrador-García Mercedes , Porta-Etessam Jesús , Martínez-de-la-Casa José María , García-Feijoo Julián , García-Sánchez Julián
Published: July 2014

Purpose

Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS) is a condition characterized by development of visual hallucinations in patients with no cognitive impairment and significant loss of vision mainly caused by age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or glaucoma.

Methods

This was a study of prevalence and characteristics of CBS diagnosed at the Neuroophthalmic Unit within the Ophthalmology Department of Hospital Clínico San Carlos (HCSC), Madrid, Spain.

Results

The CBS prevalence in patients from HCSC Madrid is 0.47%, rising to 15% in patients with low vision. Women over 80 years of age comprised 58.3% of the patients, who mainly had AMD (58.3%). Main characteristics of hallucinations included animals (50%), color (58.3%), moving (75%), 6- to 12-month evolution (50%), three times a day frequency (75%), and 3- to 5-minute duration (50%).

Conclusions

Charles Bonnet syndrome is a complex process that must be treated jointly by ophthalmologists, neurologists, and psychiatrists in order to ensure accurate diagnosis and adequate management. New studies are needed in order to improve awareness of clinical manifestation of this condition, the incidence of which is underestimated due to patients' fear of being branded mentally ill, as well as physicians' lack of knowledge about CBS.
Safety of Hydroimplantation: A Foldable Intraocular Lens Implantation without the Use of An Ophthalmic Viscosurgical Device
Authors: Studeny Pavel , Hyndrak Michal , Kacerovsky Martin , Mojzis Peter , Sivekova Deli , Kuchynka Pavel
Published: July 2014

Purpose

To compare the safety of a single-piece, foldable intraocular lens (IOL) hydroimplantation with that of a standard implantation using an ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD).

Methods

One hundred consecutive patients with bilateral age-related cataract surgery were enrolled into a prospective double-blind study. Each patient's first eye was randomly assigned to a standard implantation technique with an OVD or the hydroimplantation technique, while the fellow eye received the opposite technique. The main outcomes measured were endothelial cell loss, postoperative changes of intraocular pressure (IOP), and the frequency of complications.

Results

The reduction of endothelial cell density 1 month and 6 months after the surgery was 9.76% ± 13.5%, 10.7% ± 12.6%, respectively, in group A (OVD) and 9.07% ± 12.7%, 9.13% ± 13.7%, respectively, in group B (hydroimplantation). The differences were not statistically significant. The mean IOP 2 hours after surgery was 10.19 ± 6.78 mm Hg in group A and 9.92 ± 7.01 mm Hg in group B. Twenty-four hours and 1 month after surgery, the mean IOP was 14.52 ± 5.59 mm Hg and 13.21 ± 3.5 mm Hg, respectively, in group A, and 15.45 ± 5.77 mm Hg and 13.1 ± 3.44 mm Hg, respectively, in group B. The differences between groups A and B were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

The hydroimplantation technique is a safe technique for single-piece foldable IOL implantation. There was no increase in intraoperative and postoperative complications compared with the standard implantation technique using an OVD.
Vitrectomy and Subretinal Injection of Tissue Plasminogen Activator for Large Submacular Hemorrhage Secondary to AMD
Authors: Moisseiev Elad , Ami Tal Ben , Barak Adiel
Published: July 2014

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with subretinal injection of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) for the treatment of large submacular hemorrhage (SMH) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and identify parameters correlated with the visual prognosis.

Methods

Thirty-one eyes that underwent PPV with subretinal tPA injection for large SMH secondary to AMD were included in this retrospective study. Main outcome measure was improvement in at least one line in visual acuity (VA).

Results

Improvement in VA was achieved in 14 (45.2%) patients. These patients had a significantly worse VA at presentation than patients who did not improve (p = 0.05). Central retinal thickness and earlier intervention were not correlated with the final visual prognosis. Postoperative complications included retinal detachment (19.3%), recurrent SMH (6.4%), and elevated intraocular pressure (6.4%).

Conclusions

The VA at presentation is the most significant pre-operative parameter associated with improvement in VA. A cutoff value of counting fingers VA is suggested, as patients with better VA at presentation did not benefit from surgery.
Coping with Fluid Restriction and the Quality of Life in Hemodialysis Patients with Very Low or no Daily Urine Output
Authors: Silva Luciana F. , Lopes Gildete B. , Cunha Taline O. , Protásio Bruno M. , Pisoni Ronald L. , James Sherman A. , Lopes Antonio A.
Published: July 2014

Purpose

Fluid restriction is crucial to prevent circulatory overload in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients with very low urine volume, but fluid restriction may result in psychological distress. We studied MHD patients with urine volume ≤200 ml/day to investigate if their acceptance of fluid restriction was associated with their health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

Methods

Cross-sectional study of 271 Brazilian adult MHD patients enrolled in the Prospective Study of the Prognosis of Chronic Hemodialysis Patients (PROHEMO). To assess the acceptance of fluid restriction, patients were asked about the extent of feeling bothered by living on this restriction. The KDQOL was used to determine HRQOL scores. Higher scores indicate better HRQOL with differences of >3.0 points considered clinically significant.

Results

52.4% reported being “moderately to extremely” bothered by fluid restriction and had lower scores for all HRQOL scales than patients less bothered by fluid restriction. The largest covariate-adjusted differences in HRQOL were 19.5 for emotional role (p<0.001), 15.1 for emotional well-being (p<0.001), and 14.1 for vitality (p<0.001). Adjusted differences were larger for mental component (7.53 points, p<0.001) than for physical component (2.07, p = 0.075) summaries.

Conclusions

These results indicate that MHD patients with a lower level of acceptance of fluid restriction have poorer HRQOL, particularly in mental domains of HRQOL. The high prevalence of poor acceptance of fluid restriction in the present study underscores the need for interventions to improve acceptance of fluid restriction and determine if such interventions improve HRQOL of MHD patients with very low urine volume.
The Effect of Hemodialysis on Cardiac Enzyme Levels and Echocardiographic Parameters
Authors: Ingec Muharrem , Oguz Ebru Gok , Yildirim Tolga , Ulas Turgay , Horoz Mehmet
Published: July 2014

Background

Cardiac troponins are specific and sensitive markers of myocardial damage. Troponin levels may increase without an obvious active cardiac disease in hemodialysis patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of a single hemodialysis session on echocardiographic parameters and cardiac enzyme levels, including cTn-I, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB).

Patients and methods

Forty patients under chronic hemodialysis treatment enrolled in this prospective study. All the patients had a physical examination and underwent echocardiography before and after hemodialysis. cTn-I, CPK and CK-MB levels were also determined before and after hemodialysis in all patients.

Results

Post-dialysis cTn-I levels were significantly higher compared to pre-dialysis levels (p = 0.03). cTn-I levels increased in 26 patients, did not change in 1 patient and decreased in 13 patients after hemodialysis when compared to the values determined before hemodialysis. There was no significant increase in CPK and CK-MB levels after dialysis. Statistically significant changes were detected in the end-systolic diameter of the left ventricle, end-diastolic diameter of left ventricle, ejection fraction, diameter of the left atrium, diameter of the right atrium, pulmonary artery pressure and end-diastolic diameter of the right ventricle. However, there was no significant relation between these echocardiographic changes and ultrafiltration volume, blood flow rate, age, and gender.

Conclusions

Hemodialysis leads to an increase in cTnI levels. However, the effect of increased cTnI levels on survival rates in hemodialysis patients with underlying coronary artery disease has not yet been determined. Prospective multi-center studies with large sample size are required to clarify this issue.
Improved Islet Purity by the Hypertonic-Hypotonic Method
Authors: Li Na , Zhang Ying , Liu Yang , Xiu Zhilong , Tan Mingqian , Li Shen , Guo Xin , Wang Yu , Chen Li , Song Yizhe , Yu Weiting , Lv Guojun , Ma Xiaojun
Published: July 2014

Introduction

Islet purification is usually performed using the density gradient separation method, but the purity of islets is low because exocrine cells and the embedded islets are hard to remove by using only the density gradient method. The aim of this study was to establish a new islet purification process comprising a hypertonic-hypotonic treatment step followed by a density gradient centrifugation step to improve the purity of islets.

Methods

The Plackett-Burman method was used to determine which factors had a significant influence on the purity of islets obtained after the hypertonic-hypotonic treatment step.

Results

The hypertonic solution concentration and the incubation time were both found to have a significant effect on islet purity. The purity of islets obtained using the modified purification process was significantly higher than that of islets obtained by density gradient alone (97% vs. 87.23%). Importantly, good cell viability and normal insulin secretion ability of islets were maintained following the modified purification.

Conclusions

The new purification process allows isolation of islets with improved purity and does not compromise the viability or function of the islets.
Frequently Misdiagnosed Extrapelvic Endometriosis Lesions: Case Reports and Review of the Literature
Authors: Yazdanian Deliar , Manganaro Lucia , Resta Serena , Ticino Adele , Fuggetta Eliana , Guarino Antonella , Monti Marco , Panici Pierluigi Benedetti , Porpora Maria Grazia
Published: July 2014

Extrapelvic endometriosis is a rare condition defined as the presence of endometriotic stroma and glands outside the pelvis and elsewhere in the body. The cervix, vagina, vulva, intestinal tract, urinary tract, diaphragm, abdominal wall, inguinal canal, thoracic cage and lungs, extremities and even the central and peripheral nervous system can be involved. Because extrapelvic endometriosis is located in unusual sites, it is often confused with other pathologic conditions. This can lead to a difficult and challenging diagnosis and management. In the presence of recurrent, cyclical and catamenial symptoms, extragenital endometriotic lesions should be suspected. The aim of our paper is to report 9 cases of rare locations of extrapelvic endometriosis and to provide a literature review.
STIRNER E A LIBERDADE COMO RADICAL AUTORREFERENCIALIDADE
Authors: Augusto Ramos Cesar
Published: July 2014

Pretendemos desenvolver a tese, segundo a qual Stirner propõe uma concepção de liberdade como radical autorreferencialidade do estar junto a si, que se traduz numa posse de si mesmo. A despeito da crítica a Hegel, esse sentido de liberdade aproxima-se do conceito hegeliano de liberdade, mas de modo unilateral, abandonando o correlato da intersubjetividade na concepção de Hegel. Para Stirner, o egoísmo é decorrência daquilo que se tem de mais próprio: o eu. Somente assim o indivíduo chega ser ele mesmo e reconhece essa sua condição como única — aquilo que lhe é próprio —, recusando qualquer outra determinação que se impõe acima dele mesmo, como uma impostura, um espectro que rouba sua própria identidade e, consequentemente, sua liberdade.
TRÊS PRINCÍPIOS MORAIS PARA UMA MORAL MÍNIMA
Authors: Andrade Marques de Oliveira Érico
Published: July 2014

O objetivo do meu artigo consiste na defesa de três princípios morais que caracterizam o que chamo de moral mínima. Esses três princípios não se referem ao conteúdo veiculado em cada jogo de linguagem moral, ou seja, eles não legitimam diretamente o uso de determinados predicados morais no interior de um jogo de linguagem moral, mas dizem respeito às condições que regulam e caracterizam o jogo de linguagem moral. Esses três princípios cumprem a função de determinar se um jogo de linguagem é ou não um jogo moral. Se esses três princípios compuserem a rede de princípios que caracterizam o jogo moral, será possível sustentar uma moral mínima, conforme a qual é possível identificar e, posteriormente, condenar as atitudes ou ações que não podem se configurar como um jogo de linguagem moral.
A CONSTRUÇÃO DO PSÍQUICO, DE RIBOT A FREUD
Authors: Eduardo Rubin Claudio , Verardi Bocca. Francisco
Published: July 2014

Este artigo apresenta considerações sobre possíveis infl uências teóricas de Theodule A. Ribot sobre S. Freud por ocasião de suas formulações teóricas iniciais sobre o psiquismo. Infl uências a partir de noções como memória e consciência, mas especialmente de cerebração inconsciente. Essas serão investigadas especialmente nas obras Les maladies de la mémoire (1881[1906]) e Projeto de psicologia (1895), respectivamente. Destacamos que essa influência (bem como esse importante período de elaboração da noção de psíquico) se deu pela contribuição e mediação de J. M. Charcot, tal como apresentada em Leçons sur les maladies du système nerveux faites a la Salpêtrière – Tome III, 1887), dedicada à abordagem da histeria psíquica/ideativa. Apresentaremos as duas primeiras obras (mantendo a terceira como referência) destacando o que entendemos como infl uências, heranças e inclusive divergências entre os autores, mas especialmente destacando uma linha de continuidade entre eles, para a qual Charcot teve papel fundamental. Esperamos que nossa pesquisa proporcione melhor esclarecimento sobre o estatuto inicial do psiquismo concebido por Freud bem como sobre a emergência de uma explicação alternativa que propiciou a introdução de uma instância psíquica inconsciente tal como a conhecemos.
Educação, direitos humanos e reconstrução social nas políticas contemporâneas de escolarização no Brasil
Authors: Dias da Silva Rodrigo Manoel , Dias da Silva Roberto Rafael
Published: July 2014

O presente artigo visa analisar a constituição dos direitos humanos como temática indispensável para a composição das políticas brasileiras de escolarização em nosso tempo. Partindo de uma percepção sociológica acerca dos diferentes processos de individualização na sociedade contemporânea, os autores problematizam o lugar ocupado pela temática na pauta social, assim como estabelecem um diagnóstico crítico dos diferentes sentidos que adquire em nosso tempo, enfocando seu posicionamento estratégico junto às novas formas de gestão das políticas e dos processos escolares. Por fim, mediante a percepção da revitalização dos direitos humanos em documentos produzidos para a educação básica, observa-se que tais direitos têm sido assumidos como importante instrumento de justiça escolar. Ao mesmo tempo, esses direitos engendram narrativas de reconstrução social para uma sociedade onde a incerteza, a flexibilidade e o individualismo passam a ser naturalizados nos processos coletivos de formação e convivência humanas.