bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Letting Go and Letting the Angels Grow
Authors: Breen Paul
Published: February 2015

This paper describes a small-scale qualitative research study conducted within a community of English Language teachers, and explores how teacher development workshops can be used to foster or cultivate Communities of Practice. The study was situated in a Language Centre within the domain of UK Higher Education where there was an institutional drive to better integrate the use of new technologies with traditional approaches to pedagogy. Data was collected through focus group sessions with a team of English Language teachers before, during and after a series of teacher development workshops on the use of technology in the English for Academic Purposes classroom. These focus group sessions were then followed up with individual interviews, drawing on a framework of stimulated recall. The data was then analysed through an established discourse analysis framework in the early stages, followed by a more inductive approach of thematic analysis in the later stages; triangulated by classroom observations of all participants. The purpose of the paper is to understand the functioning of a Community of Practice in terms of its contribution to teacher development The core argument within this paper is that Communities of Practice theory can contribute much to the fields of EAP (English for Academic Purposes), and teacher development in both theoretical and practical terms. It advocates a loosening of the reins on the part of organisations so that teachers are allowed to develop at their own pace and in a manner that is self-directed and tailored to their individual needs. It draws on Vygotskian-based theories of teacher cognition which suggest that in order for development to occur in a teacher education programme, participants need some form of prompting to move from within their “zone of proximal development” (Manning & Payne, 1993, p. 361). This prompting or scaffolding, as described in Vygotsky's own work (1934), generally takes place through a combination of support from more experienced practitioners in the first instance and then “situated engagement and negotiation” with peers and practitioners within a teaching community (Samaras & Gismondi, 1998, pp. 715-733).
Students' Perceptions of Teaching and Social Presence
Authors: Bowers James , Kumar Poonam
Published: February 2015

Online learning has grown dramatically over the past few years and has become an integral part of most of the higher education institutions' overall strategy. While this explosive growth has created exciting opportunities for both institutions and students, high dropout rates in online learning environments continues to be a major concern for all institutions. Research has identified lack of social and teacher presence in online courses as major factors leading to student attrition. While it is easy to establish these presences in traditional classrooms, developing them in an online environment could be challenging due to absence of any face-to-face contact. The purpose of this preliminary study is to compare students' perceptions of social and teacher presences in online and traditional classroom. Thirty-four students enrolled in an online section and 29 students enrolled in a face-to-face section of an undergraduate course participated in the study. The results indicate that students' perceived stronger teacher and social presences in the online section compared to the face-to-face section. Implications of these results for practice and research are discussed.
Student Acceptance of University Web Portals
Authors: Fathema Nafsaniath , Ross Margaret , Witte Maria Martinez
Published: February 2015

A large number of university web portal's content and design do not meet today's students' expectations and requirements. To address students' expectations, universities spend millions on the redesign and maintenance of their web portals which students say are inadequate and lack basic services. To this end, this study explored the factors that influence students' acceptance of university web portals. It proposed an extension of Davis's (1989) Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) by adding three user related external constructs in it. A total of 429 usable responses were collected from university students through a web survey. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results of the study revealed that website quality, perceived self-efficacy, and facilitating conditions were significant in explaining students' use of university web portals and therefore, indicated that the extended TAM has sufficient explanatory power to explain students' usage of university web portals. In conclusion, important theoretical and practical implications of the results are presented for both researchers and practitioners.
Green Web Services Integration and Workflow Execution within Next Generation CEMIS
Authors: Mahmoud Tariq , Rapp Barbara , van Vliet Sebastian
Published: February 2015

This article presents a detailed implementation of the Corporate Environmental Management Information Systems (CEMIS) Next Generation platform of the IT-for-Green research project. The provided services within this platform are grouped based on the module to which they belong. These services will be the main realization of the workflows activities of the system's business processes. In the frame of this project, the Next Generation CEMIS will be developed, to integrate research concepts of current interest and investigate their feasibility through a prototypical implementation. In this paper the authors focus on two major components: the workflow engine implemented using State Chart XML (SCXML) and the Green Service Mall realized as a set of standardized Web Services.
B10 Cells: A Functionally Defined Regulatory B Cell Subset
Authors: Tedder Thomas F.
Published: February 2015

B cells are commonly thought to enhance inflammatory immune responses. However, specific regulatory B cell subsets recently were identified that downregulate adaptive and innate immunity, inflammation, and autoimmunity through diverse molecular mechanisms. In both mice and humans, a rare, but specific, subset of regulatory B cells is functionally characterized by its capacity to produce IL-10, a potent inhibitory cytokine. For clarity, this regulatory B cell subset has been labeled as B10 cells, because their ability to downregulate immune responses and inflammatory disease is fully attributable to IL-10, and their absence or loss exacerbates disease symptoms in mouse models. This review preferentially focuses on what is known about mouse B10 cell development, phenotype, and effector function, as well as on mechanistic studies that demonstrated their functional importance during inflammation, autoimmune disease, and immune responses.
The calculation of expectation values in Gaussian random tensor theory via meanders
Authors: Bonzom Valentin , Combes Frédéric
Published: February 2015

A difficult problem in the theory of random tensors is to calculate the expectation values of polynomials in the tensor entries, even in the large

N

limit and in a Gaussian distribution. Here we address this challenge for tensors of rank 4, focusing on a family of polynomials labeled by permutations, which generalize in a precise sense the single-trace invariants of random matrix models. rough Wick’s theorem, we show that the Feynman graph expansion of the expectation values of those polynomials enumerates meandric systems whose lower arch conguration is obtained from the upper arch conguration by a permutation on half of the arch feet. Our main theorem reduces the calculation of expectation values to those of polynomials labeled by stabilized-interval-free permutations (SIF) which are proved to enumerate irreducible meandric systems. is together with explicit calculations of expectation values associated to SIF permutations allows to exactly evaluate large

N

expectation values beyond the so-called melonic polynomials for the rst time.
Interrater Reliability of the Record of Driving Errors (RODE)
Authors: Barco Peggy P. , Carr David B. , Rutkoski Kathleen , Xiong Chengjie , Roe Catherine M.
Published: February 2015

The Record of Driving Errors (RODE) is a novel standardized tool designed to quantitatively document the specific types of driving errors that occur during a standardized performance-based road test. The purpose of this study was to determine interrater reliability between two occupational therapy driver rehabilitation specialists who quantitatively scored specific driving errors using the RODE in a sample of older adults diagnosed with dementia (n = 24). Intraclass correlation coefficients of major driving error and intervention categories indicated almost perfect agreement between raters. Using raters with adequate training and similar professional backgrounds, it is possible to have good interrater reliability using the RODE on a standardized road test.
Test–Retest Reliability of the Child Occupational Self-Assessment (COSA)
Authors: Ohl Alisha M. , Crook Emily , MacSaveny Diane , McLaughlin Alanna
Published: February 2015

We examined the test–retest reliability of the Child Occupational Self-Assessment (COSA). Fifty-two children ages 6–12 yr completed the COSA on two separate occasions 7–14 days apart. Participant data were analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Test–retest reliability was good for total Competence and Value scores (ICC2,1 = .72–.77) and poor to good across category scores (ICC2,1 = .44–.78). These findings suggest that the children’s perceptions of their abilities and the value they placed on their everyday activities as reflected in the test items were fairly consistent over a short period of time.
Improving Quality of Life and Depression After Stroke Through Telerehabilitation
Authors: Linder Susan M. , Rosenfeldt Anson B. , Bay R. Curtis , Sahu Komal , Wolf Steven L. , Alberts Jay L.
Published: February 2015

OBJECTIVE. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of home-based robot-assisted rehabilitation coupled with a home exercise program compared with a home exercise program alone on depression and quality of life in people after stroke.

METHOD. A multisite randomized controlled clinical trial was completed with 99 people <6 mo after stroke who had limited access to formal therapy. Participants were randomized into one of two groups, (1) a home exercise program or (2) a robot-assisted therapy + home exercise program, and participated in an 8-wk home intervention.

RESULTS. We observed statistically significant changes in all but one domain on the Stroke Impact Scale and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale for both groups.

CONCLUSION. A robot-assisted intervention coupled with a home exercise program and a home exercise program alone administered using a telerehabilitation model may be valuable approaches to improving quality of life and depression in people after stroke.
“Don’t Think Paralysis Takes Away Your Womanhood”: Sexual Intimacy After Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Fritz Heather A. , Dillaway Heather , Lysack Cathy L.
Published: February 2015

Sexuality and intimacy are important components of health and well-being. Issues surrounding sexuality and intimacy are equally important for men and women living with physical disabilities, including spinal cord injury (SCI). Yet, women’s sexuality after SCI remains largely unexamined. This article presents the findings from an in-depth qualitative investigation of the sexual and reproductive health experiences of 20 women with SCI in or around Detroit, MI. Findings echo existing literature documenting the sexual consequences of life after SCI and suggest new areas of inquiry important for better addressing sexual concerns across the lifespan. Specifically, findings suggest a need to consider the variable effects of SCI on sexual intimacy in relation to a person’s developmental trajectory, the appropriate timing of sexual education, the need to expand conceptualizations of sexual intimacy, and the ways SCI may affect sexuality in later life.
Telehealth and Occupational Therapy: Integral to the Triple Aim of Health Care Reform
Authors: Cason Jana
Published: February 2015

Programs and concepts included in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 are expected to transform health care in the United States from a volume-based health system to a value-based health system with increased emphasis on prevention and health promotion. The Triple Aim, a framework set forth by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, focuses on improving the health care experience, the health of populations, and the affordability of care. This article describes telehealth as an integral component in achieving the Triple Aim of health care and discusses implications for occupational therapy practitioners.
Increasing and decreasing trends of the atmospheric deposition of organochlorine compounds in European remote areas during the last decade
Authors: Arellano L. , Fernández P. , Fonts R. , Rose N. L. , Nickus U. , Thies H. , Stuchlík E. , Camarero L. , Catalan J. , Grimalt J. O.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. Bulk atmospheric deposition samples were collected between 2004 and 2007 at four high altitude European sites encompassing east (Skalnaté pleso), west (Lochnagar), central (Gossenköllesee) and south (Redòn) regions, and analysed for legacy and current-use organochlorine compounds (OCs). Polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) generally showed the highest deposition fluxes in the four sites, between 112 and 488 ng m−2 mo−1, and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) the lowest, a few ng m−2 mo−1. Among pesticides, endosulfans were found at higher deposition fluxes (11–177 ng m−2 mo−1) than hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) (17–66 ng m−2 mo−1) in all sites except Lochnagar that was characterized by very low fluxes of this insecticide. Comparison of the present measurements with previous determinations in Redòn (1997–1998 and 2001–2002) and Gossenköllesee (1996–1998) provided for the first time an assessment of the long-term temporal trends in OC atmospheric deposition in the European background areas. PCBs showed increasing deposition trends while HCB deposition fluxes remained nearly constant. Reemission of PCBs from soils or as consequence of glacier melting and subsequent precipitation and trapping of the volatilized compounds may explain the observed PCB trends. This process does not occur for HCB due to its high volatility which keeps most of this pollutant in the gas phase. A significant decline of pesticide deposition was observed during this studied decade (1996–2006) which is consistent with the restriction in the use of these compounds in most of the European countries. In any case, degassing of HCHs or endosulfans from ice melting to the atmosphere should be limited because of the low Henry's law constants of these compounds that will retain them dissolved in the melted water. Investigation of the relationship between air mass trajectories arriving at each site and OC deposition fluxes showed no correlation for PCBs, which is consistent with diffuse pollution from unspecific sources as the predominant origin of these compounds in these remote sites. In contrast, significant correlations between current-use pesticides and air masses flowing from the south were observed in Gossenköllesee, Lochnagar and Redòn. In the case of Redòn, the higher proportion of air masses from the south occurred in parallel to higher temperatures, which did not allow to discriminating between these two determinant factors of pesticide deposition. However, in Gossenköllesee and Lochnagar, the relationship between pesticide concentration and southern air masses was univocal reflecting the impact of regions with intensive agricultural activities.
Sources and chemical characterization of organic aerosol during the summer in the eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Kostenidou E. , Florou K. , Kaltsonoudis C. , Tsiflikiotou M. , Vratolis S. , Eleftheriadis K. , Pandis S. N.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. The concentration and chemical composition of the non-refractory fine particulate matter (NR-PM1) and black carbon (BC) levels were measured during the summer of 2012 in the suburbs of two Greek cities, Patras and Athens, in an effort to better understand the chemical processing of particles in the high photochemical activity environment of the Eastern Mediterranean. The composition of PM1 was surprisingly similar in both areas demonstrating the importance of regional sources for the corresponding pollution levels. The PM1 average mass concentration was 9–14 μg m−3. The contribution of sulphate was around 38%, while organic aerosol (OA) contributed approximately 45% in both cases. PM1 nitrate levels were low (2%). The oxygen to carbon (O : C) atomic ratio was 0.50 ± 0.08 in Patras and 0.47 ± 0.11 in Athens. In both cases the PM1 was acidic. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) was applied to the high resolution organic aerosol mass spectra obtained by an Aerodyne High Resolution Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (HR-AMS). For Patras five OA sources could be identified: 19% very oxygenated OA (V-OOA), 38% moderately oxygenated OA (M-OOA), 21% biogenic oxygenated OA (b-OOA), 7% hydrocarbon-like OA (HOA-1) associated with traffic sources and 15% hydrocarbon-like OA (HOA-2) related to other primary emissions (including cooking OA). For Athens the corresponding source contributions were: V-OOA (35%), M-OOA (30%), HOA-1 (18%) and HOA-2 (17%). In both cities the major component was OOA, suggesting that under high photochemical conditions most of the OA in the Eastern Mediterranean is quite aged. The contribution of the primary sources (HOA-1 and HOA-2) was important (22% in Patras and 33% in Athens) but not dominant.
Predicting the mineral composition of dust aerosols – Part 1: Representing key processes
Authors: Perlwitz J. P. , Pérez García-Pando C. , Miller R. L.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. Soil dust aerosols created by wind erosion are typically assigned globally uniform physical and chemical properties within Earth system models, despite known regional variations in the mineral content of the parent soil. Mineral composition of the aerosol particles is important to their interaction with climate, including shortwave absorption and radiative forcing, nucleation of cloud droplets and ice crystals, coating by heterogeneous uptake of sulfates and nitrates, and atmospheric processing of iron into bioavailable forms that increase the productivity of marine phytoplankton. Here, aerosol mineral composition is derived by extending a method that provides the composition of a wet-sieved soil. The extension accounts for measurements showing significant differences between the mineral fractions of the wet-sieved soil and the resulting aerosol concentration. For example, some phyllosilicate aerosols are more prevalent at silt sizes, even though they are nearly absent in a soil whose aggregates are dispersed by wet sieving during analysis. We reconstruct the undispersed size distribution of the original soil that is subject to wind erosion. An empirical constraint upon the relative emission of clay and silt is applied that further differentiates the soil and aerosol mineral composition. In addition, a method is proposed for mixing minerals with small impurities composed of iron oxides. These mixtures are important for transporting iron far from the dust source, because pure iron oxides are more dense and vulnerable to gravitational removal than most minerals comprising dust aerosols. A limited comparison to measurements from North Africa shows that the extension brings the model into better agreement, consistent with a more extensive comparison to global observations as well as measurements of elemental composition downwind of the Sahara, as described in companion articles.
North African vegetation–precipitation feedback in early and mid-Holocene climate simulations with CCSM3-DGVM
Authors: Rachmayani R. , Prange M. , Schulz M.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. The present study analyses the sign, strength, and working mechanism of the vegetation–precipitation feedback over North Africa in middle (6 ka BP) and early Holocene (9 ka BP) simulations using the comprehensive coupled climate–vegetation model CCSM3-DGVM (Community Climate System Model version 3 and a dynamic global vegetation model). The coupled model simulates enhanced summer rainfall and a northward migration of the West African monsoon trough along with an expansion of the vegetation cover for the early and middle Holocene compared to the pre-industrial period. It is shown that dynamic vegetation enhances the orbitally triggered summer precipitation anomaly by approximately 20% in the Sahara–Sahel region (10–25° N, 20° W–30° E) in both the early and mid-Holocene experiments compared to their fixed-vegetation counterparts. The primary vegetation–rainfall feedback identified here operates through surface latent heat flux anomalies by canopy evaporation and transpiration and their effect on the mid-tropospheric African easterly jet, whereas the effects of vegetation changes on surface albedo and local water recycling play a negligible role. Even though CCSM3-DGVM simulates a positive vegetation–precipitation feedback in the North African region, this feedback is not strong enough to produce multiple equilibrium climate-ecosystem states on a regional scale.
MATCH-SALSA – Multi-scale Atmospheric Transport and CHemistry model coupled to the SALSA aerosol microphysics model – Part 1: Model description and evaluation
Authors: Andersson C. , Bergström R. , Bennet C. , Robertson L. , Thomas M. , Korhonen H. , Lehtinen K. E. J. , Kokkola H.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. We have implemented the sectional aerosol dynamics model SALSA (Sectional Aerosol module for Large Scale Applications) in the European-scale chemistry-transport model MATCH (Multi-scale Atmospheric Transport and Chemistry). The new model is called MATCH-SALSA. It includes aerosol microphysics, with several formulations for nucleation, wet scavenging and condensation. The model reproduces observed higher particle number concentration (PNC) in central Europe and lower concentrations in remote regions. The modeled PNC size distribution peak occurs at the same or smaller particle size as the observed peak at four measurement sites spread across Europe. Total PNC is underestimated at northern and central European sites and accumulation-mode PNC is underestimated at all investigated sites. The low nucleation rate coefficient used in this study is an important reason for the underestimation. On the other hand, the model performs well for particle mass (including secondary inorganic aerosol components), while elemental and organic carbon concentrations are underestimated at many of the sites. Further development is needed, primarily for treatment of secondary organic aerosol, in terms of biogenic emissions and chemical transformation. Updating the biogenic secondary organic aerosol (SOA) scheme will likely have a large impact on modeled PM2.5 and also affect the model performance for PNC through impacts on nucleation and condensation.
Roles of initial ocean surface and subsurface states on successfully predicting 2006–2007 El Niño with an intermediate coupled model
Authors: Zheng F. , Zhu J.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. The 2006–2007 El Niño event, an unusually weak event, was predicted by most models only after the warming in the eastern Pacific had commenced. In this study, on the basis of an El Niño prediction system, roles of the initial ocean surface and subsurface states on predicting the 2006–2007 El Niño event are investigated to determine conditions favorable for predicting El Niño growth and are isolated in three sets of hindcast experiments. The hindcast is initialized through assimilation of only the sea surface temperature (SST) observations to optimize the initial surface condition, only the sea level (SL) data to update the initial subsurface state, or both the SST and SL data. Results highlight that the hindcasts with three different initial states can all successfully predict the 2006–2007 El Niño event 1 year in advance and that the hindcast initialized by both the SST and SL data performs best. A comparison between the various sets of hindcast results further demonstrates that successful prediction is more significantly affected by the initial subsurface state than by the initial surface condition. The accurate initial surface state can trigger the easier prediction of the 2006–2007 El Niño, whereas a more reasonable initial subsurface state can contribute to improving the prediction in the growth of the warm event.
Litter contribution to soil organic carbon in the agriculture abandons processes
Authors: Novara A. , Rühl J. , La Mantia T. , Gristina L. , La Bella S. , Tuttolomondo T.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. Mechanisms of litter decomposition, translocation and stabilization into soil layers are fundamental processes in ecosystem functioning as it regulates the cycle of soil organic matter (SOM), CO2 emission into the atmosphere, carbon sequestration into the soil. In this study, it was investigated the contribution of litters of different stages of Mediterranean secondary succession on Carbon sequestration, analyzing the role of earthworms on translocation of SOM into soil profile. For this purpose δ13C difference between meadow C4-Csoil and C3-Clitter were used in a field experiment. Four undisturbed litters of different stages of succession were collected (45, 70, 100 and 120 since agriculture abandon) and placed on the top of isolated soil cores. The litter contribution to C stock was affected by plant species and increased with the age of the stage of secondary succession. The soil organic carbon after 1 year since litter position increased up to 40% in comparison to no litter treatment in soil with litter of 120 years since abandon. The new carbon derived from C3-litter was decomposed and transferred into soil profile thanks to earthworms and dissolved organic carbon leaching. After 1 years the carbon increase attributed to earthworm activity ranged from 6 to 13% in soil under litter in field abandoned since 120 and 45 years, respectively.
Identification of sensitive indicators to assess the interrelationship between soil quality, management practices and human health
Authors: Zornoza R. , Acosta J. A. , Bastida F. , Domínguez S. G. , Toledo D. M. , Faz A.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. Soil quality (SQ) assessment has long been a challenging issue, since soils present high variability in properties and functions. This paper aims to increase the understanding of SQ through the review of SQ assessments in different scenarios providing evidence about the interrelationship between SQ, land use and human health. There is a general consensus that there is a need to develop methods to assess and monitor SQ for assuring sustainable land use with no prejudicial effects on human health. This review points out the importance of adopting indicators of different nature (physical, chemical and biological) to achieve a holistic image of SQ. Most authors use single indicators to assess SQ and its relationship with land uses – soil organic carbon and pH being the most used indicators. The use of nitrogen and nutrient content has resulted sensitive for agricultural and forest systems, together with physical properties such as texture, bulk density, available water and aggregate stability. These physical indicators have also been widely used to assess SQ after land use changes. The use of biological indicators is less generalized, with microbial biomass and enzyme activities being the most selected indicators. Although most authors assess SQ using independent indicators, it is preferable to combine some of them into models to create a soil quality index (SQI), since it provides integrated information about soil processes and functioning. The majority of revised articles used the same methodology to establish an SQI, based on scoring and weighting of different soil indicators, selected by means of multivariate analyses. The use of multiple linear regressions has been successfully used for forest land use. Urban soil quality has been poorly assessed, with a lack of adoption of SQIs. In addition, SQ assessments where human health indicators or exposure pathways are incorporated are practically inexistent. Thus, further efforts should be carried out to establish new methodologies to assess soil quality not only in terms of sustainability, productivity and ecosystem quality but also human health. Additionally, new challenges arise with the use and integration of stable isotopic, genomic, proteomic and spectroscopic data into SQIs.
Enthalpy benchmark experiments for numerical ice sheet models
Authors: Kleiner T. , Rückamp M. , Bondzio J. H. , Humbert A.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. We present benchmark experiments to test the implementation of enthalpy and the corresponding boundary conditions in numerical ice sheet models. Since we impose several assumptions on the experiment design, analytical solutions can be formulated for the proposed numerical experiments. The first experiment tests the functionality of the boundary condition scheme and the basal melt rate calculation during transient simulations. The second experiment addresses the steady-state enthalpy profile and the resulting position of the cold–temperate transition surface (CTS). For both experiments we assume ice flow in a parallel-sided slab decoupled from the thermal regime. We compare simulation results achieved by three different ice flow-models with these analytical solutions. The models agree well to the analytical solutions, if the change in conductivity between cold and temperate ice is properly considered in the model. In particular, the enthalpy gradient on the cold side of the CTS goes to zero in the limit of vanishing temperate-ice conductivity, as required from the physical jump conditions at the CTS.
Alternative Outcome Measures in Young Total Hip Arthroplasty Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Klit Jakob , Jacobsen Steffen , Schmiegelow Victoria , Sonne-Holm Stig , Troelsen Anders
Published: February 2015

In this prospective multicentre cohort study we studied subjects younger than 60 years of age scheduled for primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). The study assessed patients’ overall satisfaction, fulfillment of preoperative expectations, the effect on socioeconomic parameters, and quality of sex-life. Questionnaires including Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and SF-36 were evaluated preoperatively and 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. OHS and SF-36 showed significant improvements (p<0.028, Wilcoxon Signed Rank test). THA did not affect the patients’ socioeconomic status. Increased frequency of intercourse or better abilities in intercourse positions were experienced by 18 of 39 females due to reduced pain and increased range of motion. Patients sexually active before THA surgery remained active. These findings constitute important new information to young patients and surgeons during the decision making process.
The Regional Microvascular Density of the Gluteus Medius Tendon Determined by Immunohistochemistry with CD31 Staining: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Márquez William H. , Gómez-Hoyos Juan , Woodcock Santiago , Arias Luis F. , Sampson Thomas G. , Gallo Jaime A.
Published: February 2015

Background and Purpose

There are no studies to date about the vascularisation into the gluteus medius tendon. The purpose of this study was to define the microvessel density of the gluteus medius in 3 zones through a special staining with CD31 and to identify regional differences in microvascular density that may have implications for the healing.

Methods

We obtained 12 complete gluteus medius tendons from cadavers who had been an average age of 30.3 years old (range 18 to 55). All the donors were males with no known history of hip abnormalities. Following a rigorous protocol, each gluteus medius tendon was divided in 3 portions. Each gluteus medius tendon was divided in 3 portions (I: musculotendinous, II: Tendon, III: Tendon-Bone junction).

Results

There were regional differences between all anatomic zones in both the transverse section (p<0.001) and the longitudinal section (p = 0.007). Furthermore, a significant difference was found between zones II and I (mean difference −23.45 IC95% −38.77 to −8.13, p<0.001) and between zones II and III (mean difference −26.08 IC95% −41.39 to −10.76, p<0.001) in transverse section. In longitudinal sections, this difference was found as well between zones II and I (mean difference −29.48 IC95% −51.54 to −7.43, p = 0.01), but not between zones II and III (mean difference −10.87 IC95% −32.93 to 11.18, p = 0.67).

Conclusions

The microvessel density was significantly lower in the length of the tendon (central portion) compared to the other 2 regions.
Do Clinical and Quality of Life Scores Change over Time after Hip Resurfacing?
Authors: Tan Timothy L. , Le Duff Michel J. , Takamura Karren M. , Amstutz Harlan C.
Published: February 2015

Background

Metal-on-metal hip resurfacing (MOMHR) is an alternative to total hip replacement in young and active patients but little is known about the evolution of clinical outcome scores of hip resurfacing over time. The purpose of this study was 1) to assess the long-term evolution of UCLA hip scores and SF-12 Quality of life evaluations in a group of patients treated with hip resurfacing arthroplasty, 2) to determine whether the age of the patient at surgery influenced these outcome measurements, and 3) whether the changes in SF-12 scores are comparable with those of the general US population.

Patient and Methods

A total of 100 patients with unilateral, unrevised, Charnley class A MOMHR were retrospectively selected for the study. UCLA and SF-12 scores were calculated preoperatively, short-term postoperatively, and beyond 10 years.

Results

There was a decrease in the UCLA function and activity scores, and in the SF-12 physical scores between the short-term and the last follow-up at a minimum of 10 years. However, pain, walking, and SF-12 mental scores were maintained through the last follow-up. Furthermore, the SF-12 physical scores at last follow-up were comparable with those of the general US population while the mental scores were greater. There were no significant differences between the two age groups at any of the follow-up intervals for any outcome measurement.

Conclusions

While there is a slight decline in physical function following hip resurfacing over time, pain relief, walking ability, and quality of life are maintained.
Outcome of Patients on Combined Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Thajudeen Bijin , Kamel Mahmoud , Arumugam Cibi , Ali Syed Asad , John Santhosh G. , Meister Edward E. , Mosier Jarrod M. , Raz Yuval , Madhrira Machaiah , Thompson Jess , Sussman Amy N.
Published: February 2015

Background

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a lifesaving therapy used in the management of cardiopulmonary failure. Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is often added to the treatment for the correction of fluid and electrolyte imbalance in patients with acute kidney injury. Most of the literature on the use of combined ECMO and CRRT has been on pediatric patients. There are limited outcome data on the use of these combined modalities in adult patients.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of all the patients above the age of 18 years who underwent combined ECMO and CRRT at a tertiary care medical center during the period January 2007 to January 2012. The primary outcomes measured were mortality at one year and renal recovery or dialysis dependence at one month.

Results

A total of 40 patients who were treated concurrently with ECMO and CRRT were identified. The mean age was 47.01 ± 18.29 years. The most common indications for initiation of CRRT were combined fluid overload and electrolyte imbalance. Mortality at one month was (32/40) 80%. Among the 8 survivors (20%), 3 patients required continuation of hemodialysis and 5 patients were independent of dialysis at 30 days.

Conclusions

Mortality of patients treated with combined ECMO and CRRT is high. Initiation of CRRT in these patients is simply an indicator of severity of illness and fatality. Younger age, higher arterial pH, left ventricular dysfunction and use of VA ECMO are associated with improved survival in these patients.
Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Venous Access: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Stolz Lori A , Stolz Uwe , Howe Carol , Farrell Isaac J , Adhikari Srikar
Published: February 2015

Objectives

The objective of this study was to determine through a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis whether success rates, time to cannulation, and number of punctures required for peripheral venous access are improved with ultrasound guidance compared with traditional techniques in patients with difficult peripheral venous access.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, Cumulative Index to Nursing, and Allied Health Literature. Studies were included if they met the following criteria: patients of any age identified as having difficult peripheral venous access; real-time ultrasound guidance was used for peripheral venous cannulation; and inclusion of at least one of these outcomes (success rates, time to successful cannulation and number of punctures required).

Results

Seven studies were selected for final analysis. Ultrasound guidance improved success rates when compared with traditional techniques [pooled odds ratio (OR) 3.96; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.75-8.94]. No significant difference between ultrasound-guided techniques and traditional techniques was detected for time to cannulation or number of punctures required.

Conclusions

In patients with difficult peripheral venous access, ultrasound guidance increased success rates of peripheral venous placement when compared with traditional techniques. However, ultrasound guidance had no effect on time to successful cannulation or number of punctures required for successful cannulation.
Dr. Hugh Popenoe Memorial Service
Authors: Semerad Kate
Published: February 2015

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/ceiba.v52i2.1746
Comunidad de Escarabajos Coprófagos (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) en Hábitats bajo Distinta Intensidad de Uso en Yuscarán, Honduras
Authors: Rivera José D. , Cantarero Karla J.
Published: February 2015

Los recursos naturales en el Municipio de Yuscarán se encuentran bajo un continuo proceso de degradación producto de mal manejo del suelo, así como prácticas agrícolas y ganaderas intensivas. Los escarabajos coprófagos (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) son insectos muy susceptibles a la perturbación del hábitat; por lo tanto, el objetivo de la investigación fue describir como la estructura de sus comunidades es modificada desde hábitats menos a más intervenidos, a través de diferentes usos del suelo, tomando en cuenta la intensidad de uso y su estructura vegetal. La investigación se realizó de junio a diciembre del 2012 en un Bosque Tropical Siempre Verde y un Arbustal Deciduo de Tierras Bajas, cada uno con dos zonas divididas en tres sitios de muestreo según el uso del suelo. Los escarabajos se recolectaron utilizando trampas de caída cebadas con estiércol de vaca. Se caracterizó la vegetación y se registraron parámetros abióticos por hábitat. Se capturaron 2,749 individuos pertenecientes a 9 tribus, 11 géneros y 21 especies. La abundancia promedio de escarabajos disminuyó más del 50% al intensificarse la intervención humana. En el Bosque Siempre Verde, las comunidades de escarabajos estuvieron conformadas principalmente por especialistas y generalistas forestales; en el Arbustal Deciduo, las comunidades estaban compuestas por especies generalistas y heliofílicas. Este estudio muestra como la intervención humana conlleva a la pérdida de riqueza, diversidad y abundancia de las comunidades de escarabajos del Bosque Siempre Verde. No obstante, la situación es inversa y más precaria en el Ecosistema Deciduo, donde los resultados indican que se puede estar llegando a una homogenización de fauna con hábitos generalistas producto del alto grado de intervención del hábitat.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/ceiba.v52i2.1758
Análisis de la sequía en la subcuenca del río Bonito mediante el índice de precipitación estandarizado
Authors: Veroy Reyes Carlos Manuel , Valerio Martínez Raúl Orlando , Crespo Carmen Leticia , Aguilar Gilda Elena
Published: February 2015

El presente artículo detalla el trabajo realizado para analizar la sequía en la subcuenca del rio Bonito mediante el uso del índice de precipitación estandarizado y los registros de precipitación de las estaciones meteorológicas aledañas a la zona de estudio, a partir de lo cual se encontraron todos los eventos secos y húmedos entre los años 1958-2012. Además, se presentan los gráficos de máximos y mínimos promedio de precipitación, la relación entre años del fenómeno El Niño (ENOS) y eventos secos, mapas geoespaciales de las estaciones meteorológicas con su índice de precipitación para años y meses claves de estudio, tales como la del fenómeno de El Niño de 1986- 1988, huracán Mitch y periodos secos que han afectado a los pobladores de la zona. Se recolectaron datos de precipitación de 7 estaciones meteorológicas para encontrar las ocurrencias de eventos secos y eventos húmedos en la zona de la subcuenca del río Bonito durante todo el periodo de estudio 1959 – 2012. Mediante la transformación de valores de precipitación mensuales a valores de IPE (SPI-1, SPI- 12, etc.), los datos se ajustan a una distribución de probabilidad normal. De dichos resultados se recogen la presencia de los eventos en determinado mes, su caracterización como evento seco o húmedo con su grado de influencia, ya sea leve, moderada o extrema. Por último, se generan los mapas correspondientes a los períodos de mayor influencia encontrada. Se analizaron los resultados totales y se identificaron 3 períodos de severa sequía 1986-1988, 1995, 2009-2010. Igualmente, se presentó un período de alta precipitación desde 2006 al 2008. Se identificaron los períodos de bajo nivel en los máximos promedio de precipitación, donde dichos períodos de larga prolongación van desde 1983 hasta 1988 y de 1991 a 1995, que fueron períodos donde se presentó el fenómeno de El Niño en la mayoría de los años. Mediante el análisis del SPI-12, en el período de 1975 a 2012, se caracterizaron 18 diferentes años como secos, es decir, se presentaron más eventos secos extremos que eventos húmedos extremos a lo largo de un año. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/rct.v0i14.1794 Revista Ciencia y Tecnología No. 14, junio 2014: 25-41
Comparación de tres metodologías para la captación de sulfitos en camarones tratados con metabisulfito de sodio
Authors: Carranza Espinal Edgar Osiris
Published: February 2015

La industria acuícola en la zona sur pretende incrementar la comercialización de camarón entero en los mercados norteamericano y europeo, castigando fuertemente los camarones con melanosis o con residuos de sulfitos superiores a 100 ppm, respectivamente. La melanosis consiste en el desarrollo de una coloración negruzca en el exoesqueleto del camarón. El metabisulfito de sodio (MBS) inhibe la formación de melanosis. Para detectar residuos de sulfitos en camarones tratados con MBS se emplean los métodos de cintas colorimétricas, titulación con iodometría y titulación con Monier-Williams (M-W). Los objetivos del estudio fueron evaluar los métodos para detectar sulfitos en camarones tratados con MBS y determinar la cantidad de sulfitos detectados con el procedimiento M-W a diferentes tiempos de destilación. Se seleccionaron camarones de un estanque de producción, según las características de textura del exoesqueleto, que fueron sometidos a baños de 0.5 % y 1.0 % de MBS. También se determinaron las concentraciones de sulfitos y el desarrollo de melanosis durante ocho semanas de almacenamiento a -18°. El método de cintas colorimétricas no tiene precisión para detectar sulfitos en los camarones, el método M-W detectó más sulfitos que la iodometría (P<0.004). Se encontraron correlaciones altamente significativas con el método M-W entre los sulfitos detectados después de cada tiempo de destilación (P<0.001). Los camarones tratados con MBS mostraron una reducción de sulfitos a lo largo de ocho semanas de almacenamiento (P<0.04). El método M-W mostró ser el más preciso en la detección de sulfitos. Según los resultados del ensayo, se puede acortar el tiempo de destilado en el método M-W para detectar adecuadamente los residuos de sulfitos en el camarón. Los camarones tratados con MBS presentaron menos melanosis (P<0.02) que los no tratados durante ocho semanas de congelamiento. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/rct.v0i14.1796 Revista Ciencia y Tecnología No. 14, junio 2014: 62-76
Literatura de viajes para la Honduras decimonónica: Visiones, invenciones e intervenciones. Representaciones, alteridad y contexto colonialista en exploraciones y aventuras en Honduras
Authors: Barahona Miguel
Published: February 2015

La literatura viajera contiene una función histórica documental y una doble articulación: la intimista y la egocéntrica como producto de la ideología del autor narrador; así, a partir de esta premisa se realiza un análisis del libro de William Vincent Wells (1982), Exploraciones y Aventuras en Honduras. Con este estudio se intenta conceptualizar las diferentes percepciones del viajero con respecto a una sola realidad, pero enfocada desde las siguientes temáticas: las distintas percepciones de una realidad y los imaginarios e interpretaciones de la nación, desde el aspecto económico y social. La literatura viajera contiene una función histórica documental y una doble articulación: la intimista y la egocéntrica como producto de la ideología del autor narrador; así, a partir de esta premisa se realiza un análisis del libro de Wells (1982). Con este estudio se intentan conceptualizar las diferentes percepciones del viajero con respecto a una sola realidad, pero enfocada desde las siguientes temáticas: las distintas percepciones de una realidad y los imaginarios e interpretaciones de la nación, desde el aspecto económico y social. En este estudio quedó evidenciado que en el libro de William V Wells, la historia y la literatura aportan datos para aproximarse a través de un estudio filológico a la sociedad en un determinado periodo de tiempo. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/rct.v0i14.1798 Revista Ciencia y Tecnología No. 14, junio 2014: 99-114
Study of Urban Heat Island of Karachi by Using Finite Volume Mesoscale Model
Authors: Sajjad Hussain Sajjad  , Nadège Blond  , Rabia Batool  , Safdar Ali Shirazi  , Khadija Shakrullah  , M. Nasar Bhalli
Published: February 2015

Karachi is the largest and most populous metropolitan city of Pakistan and the main seaport and financial centre of the country. Rapid urbanization during last 40 to 50 years caused to accelerate its population to 23.7 million. The objective of this work was to study the impact of urbanization on development of urban heat island (UHI) of Karachi city. The study was conducted by using Finite Volume Mesoscale Model (FVM) in which topography from GTOPO30, land-use from GLC 2000 and Meteorological data from NCEP were used as an input to run the simulation. The simulations were run for three days starting at 00:00 (GMT) on 19th day of April and ending at 00:00 (GMT) on 22nd day of April over selected domain with resolution of 3x3 km of 30 cells. The results showed that there is significance urban heat island presence in Karachi city where the urban area has 5.6°C to 13.5°C higher temperature than its surrounding non-urban areas depending upon the time of a day.