bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the Role of Knowledge Management in Software Development
Authors: O'Connor Rory V. , Basri Shuib
Published: April 2014

Software and systems engineering is distinct from other forms of engineering as it deals with an intangible product, where the progress in construction is not explicitly visible and team members often rely on the documentation of others to follow and review progress. Furthermore unlike traditional engineering disciplines, there is no single standardized unified process. The role of knowledge management in the software engineering literature is becoming more evident, as the software development activity is essentially a human knowledge intensive activity and is seen by many as a key factor. This paper discusses the role of software development knowledge management within software development process and specifically how software development knowledge is managed in software development in order to support software process improvement and the role of knowledge management in this. The authors present the results of a study of knowledge management process practices in very small software companies and discusses these under the major identified issues of: Communication; Learning and sharing; Documentation and Knowledge management process and commitment. The findings in this study give an insight towards knowledge management practices as they relate to software development process practices in very small companies and the important factors that must be considered to preserve knowledge and quality software.
Batch study, equilibrium and kinetics of adsorption of naphthalene using waste tyre rubber granules
Authors: Aisien Felix A. , Amenaghawon Andrew N. , Adinkwuye Albert I.
Published: April 2014

The potential use of waste tyre rubber granules (WTRG) for the batch adsorption of naphthalene from aqueous solutions was investigated. The effect of various operational variables such as contact time, initial naphthalene concentration, adsorbent dose, size of adsorbent particles, and temperature of solution on the adsorption capacity of WTRG was evaluated. The adsorption of naphthalene by WTRG was a fast kinetic process with an equilibrium contact time of 60 min. A low temperature (5°C), small adsorbent particle size (0.212 mm) and higher adsorbent dosage favored the adsorption process. Results of isotherm studies revealed that adsorption of naphthalene was best described by the Langmuir isotherm equation (R2=0.997) while the kinetics of the process was best described by the Lagergren pseudofirst order kinetic equation (R2=0.998). This study has demonstrated the suitability of WTRG for the removal of naphthalene from aqueous solution.
Disability and masculinity in South African autosomatography
Authors: Lipenga Ken J.
Published: April 2014

This article examines the representation of disability by disabled black South African men as portrayed in two texts from the autosomatography genre, which encompasses first-person narratives of illness and disability. Drawing on extracts from Musa E. Zulu’s The language of me and William Zulu’s Spring will come, the article argues that physical disability affects heteronormative concepts of masculinity by altering the body, which is the primary referent for the construction and performance of hegemonic masculinity. In ableist contexts, the male disabled body may be accorded labels of asexuality. This article therefore reveals how male characters with disabilities reconstruct the male self by both reintegrating themselves within the dominant grid of masculinity and reformulating some of the tenets of hegemonic masculinity.
A Randomized Controlled Trial to Study the Effect of Yoga Therapy on Cardiac Function and N Terminal Pro BNP in Heart Failure
Authors: Krishna Bandi Hari , Pal Pravati , Pal G. K. , Balachander J. , Jayasettiaseelon E. , Sreekanth Y. , Sridhar M. G. , Gaur G. S.
Published: April 2014

Aims

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether yoga training in addition to standard medical therapy can improve cardiac function and reduce N terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT pro BNP) in heart failure (HF).

Methods

130 patients were recruited and randomized into two groups: Control Group (CG) ( n = 65), Yoga Group (YG). In YG, 44 patients and in CG, 48 patients completed the study. Cardiac function using left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), myocardial performance index (Tei index), and NT pro BNP, a biomarker of HF, was assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks.

Result

Improvement in LVEF, Tei index, and NT pro BNP were statistically significant in both the groups. Furthermore, when the changes in before and after 12 weeks were in percentage, LVEF increased 36.88% in the YG and 16.9% in the CG, Tei index was reduced 27.87% in the YG and 2.79% in the CG, NT pro BNP was reduced 63.75% in the YG and 10.77% in the CG. The between group comparisons from pre to post 12 weeks were significant for YG improvements (LVEF, P < 0.01, Tei index, P < 0.01, NT pro BNP, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

These results indicate that the addition of yoga therapy to standard medical therapy for HF patients has a markedly better effect on cardiac function and reduced myocardial stress measured using NT pro BNP in patients with stable HF.
Acoustic measurements of a liquefied cohesive sediment bed under waves
Authors: Mosquera R. , Groposo V. , Pedocchi F.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. In this article the response of a cohesive sediment deposit under the action of water waves is studied with the help of laboratory experiments and an analytical model. Under the same regular wave condition three different bed responses were observed depending on the degree of consolidation of the deposit: no bed motion, bed motion of the upper layer after the action of the first waves, and massive bed motion after several waves. The kinematic of the upper 3 cm of the deposit were measured with an ultrasound acoustic profiler, while the pore-water pressure inside the bed was simultaneously measured using several pore pressure sensors. A poro-elastic model was developed to interpret the experimental observations. The model showed that the amplitude of the shear stress increased down into the bed. Then it is possible that the lower layers of the deposit experience plastic deformations, while the upper layers present just elastic deformations. Since plastic deformations in the lower layers are necessary for pore pressure build-up, the analytical model was used to interpret the experimental results and to state that liquefaction of a self consolidated cohesive sediment bed would only occur if the bed yield stress falls within the range defined by the amplitude of the shear stress inside the bed.
Turning the tide: mutually evasive ebb- and flood-dominant channels and bars in an experimental estuary
Authors: Kleinhans M. G. , van Rosmalen T.M. , Roosendaal C. , van der Vegt M.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Tidal bars in estuaries are poorly understood compared to fluvial bars. There is limited theory that predicts tidal bar dimensions. Moreover, where fluvial channels bifurcate around bars, tidal channels around bars often develop either flood- or ebb-dominance which remains unexplained. Tidal experiments are rare and have not reproduced these phenomena to date because these are usually highly ebb-dominated. Here we report preliminary experiments in a novel setup that produce tidal bars from an initial situation with flat bed and exactly symmetrical ebb- and flood-related sediment mobility. The bars initially develop in a saw-tooth pattern with mutually evasive ebb- and flood channels. The tips of the bars evolve further into lobate bars built up from sediment from excavating channels. The bar tips form steep and high obstructions for the opposing flow direction, which then diverges into evasive channels. The bars develop into a diamond shape as channels bifurcate and deepen around it. We further found that bar height correlates well to bar width but not with bar length, whilst bar length correlates well to the tidal excursion length. As the experiment progressed scour holes developed that affected the channel and bar pattern and are considered artifacts of the experiment. We conclude that the mutually evasive ebb- and flood-dominance of channels emerges simultaneously with the onset of tidal bar formation, and that these preliminary data confirm results from linear stability analyses. The results are proof of principle for the novel experimental setup for tidal systems.
Study on hydraulic resistance of erodible bed at the Chiyoda experimental flume
Authors: Kakinuma T. , Inoue T. , Akahori R. , Takeda A.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. The authors made erodible bed experiments under steady flow condition at the Chiyoda Experimental Flume, a large-scale facility constructed on the floodplain of the Tokachi River, and observed sand waves on the bed of the flume. In this study, the characteristics of the sand waves are examined along the longitudinal survey lines and confirmed to be dunes. Next, the authors estimated Manning's roughness coefficients from the observed hydraulic values and assumed that the rise of the coefficients attributed to the sand wave development. Finally, vertical flow distribution on the sand waves are examined, and observed velocity distribution on the crest of waves found to be explained by the logarithmic distribution theory.
Smoothing error pitfalls
Authors: von Clarmann T.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. The difference due to the content of a priori information between a constrained retrieval and the true atmospheric state is usually represented by the so-called smoothing error. In this paper it is shown that the concept of the smoothing error is questionable because it is not compliant with Gaussian error propagation. The reason for this is that the smoothing error does not represent the expected deviation of the retrieval from the true state but the expected deviation of the retrieval from the atmospheric state sampled on an arbitrary grid, which is itself a smoothed representation of the true state. The idea of a sufficiently fine sampling of this reference atmospheric state is untenable because atmospheric variability occurs on all scales, implying that there is no limit beyond which the sampling is fine enough. Even the idealization of infinitesimally fine sampling of the reference state does not help because the smoothing error is applied to quantities which are only defined in a statistical sense, which implies that a finite volume of sufficient spatial extent is needed to meaningfully talk about temperature or concentration. Smoothing differences, however, which play a role when measurements are compared, are still a useful quantity if the involved a priori covariance matrix has been evaluated on the comparison grid rather than resulting from interpolation. This is, because the undefined component of the smoothing error, which is the effect of smoothing implied by the finite grid on which the measurements are compared, cancels out when the difference is calculated.
Timing of sea ice retreat can alter phytoplankton community structure in the western Arctic Ocean
Authors: Fujiwara A. , Hirawake T. , Suzuki K. , Imai I. , Saitoh S.-I.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. This study assesses the response of phytoplankton assemblages to recent climate change, especially with regard to the shrinking of sea ice in the northern Chukchi Sea of the western Arctic Ocean. Distribution patterns of phytoplankton groups in the late summers of 2008–2010 were analysed based on HPLC pigment signatures and, the following four major algal groups were inferred via multiple regression and cluster analyses: prasinophytes, diatoms, haptophytes and dinoflagellates. A remarkable interannual difference in the distribution pattern of the groups was found in the northern basin area. Haptophytes dominated and dispersed widely in warm surface waters in 2008, whereas prasinophytes dominated in cold water in 2009 and 2010. A difference in the onset date of sea ice retreat was evident among years–the sea ice retreat in 2008 was 1–2 months earlier than in 2009 and 2010. The spatial distribution of early sea ice retreat matched the areas in which a shift in algal community composition was observed. Steel-Dwass's multiple comparison tests were used to assess the physical, chemical and biological parameters of the four clusters. We found a statistically significant difference in temperature between the haptophyte-dominated cluster and the other clusters, suggesting that the change in the phytoplankton communities was related to the earlier sea ice retreat in 2008 and the corollary increase in sea surface temperatures. Longer periods of open water during the summer, which are expected in the future, may affect food webs and biogeochemical cycles in the western Arctic due to shifts in phytoplankton community structure.
Nitrous oxide emissions from maize–wheat field during 4 successive years in the North China Plain
Authors: Zhang Y. , Mu Y. , Zhou Y. , Liu J. , Zhang C.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Agricultural soil with fertilization is a main anthropogenic source for atmospheric nitrous oxide (N2O). N2O fluxes from a maize–wheat rotation field in the North China Plain (NCP) were investigated for 4 successive years using the static chamber method. The annual N2O fluxes from the control (without fertilization) and fertilization plots were 1.5 ± 0.2 and 9.4 ± 1.7 kg N ha−1 yr−1 in 2008–2009, 2.0 ± 0.01 and 4.0 ± 0.03 kg N ha−1 yr−1 in 2009–2010, 1.3 ± 0.02 and 5.0 ± 0.3 kg N ha−1 yr−1 in 2010–2011, and 2.7 ± 0.6 and 12.5 ± 0.1 kg N ha−1 yr−1 in 2011–2012, respectively. Annual direct emission factors (EFd's) in the corresponding years were 2.4 ± 0.5%, 0.60 ± 0.01%, 1.1 ± 0.09% and 2.9 ± 0.2%, respectively. Significant linear correlation between fertilized-induced N2O emissions (Y, kg N ha−1) during the periods of 10 days after fertilization and rainfall intensities from 4 days before to 10 days after fertilization (X, mm) in the 4 years was found as Y = 0.048X − 1.1 (N = 4, R2 = 0.99, P < 0.05). Therefore, the remarkable interannual variations of N2O emissions and the EFd's were mainly ascribed to the rainfall.
Methanotrophic activity and bacterial diversity in volcanic-geothermal soils at Pantelleria island (Italy)
Authors: Gagliano A. L. , D'Alessandro W. , Tagliavia M. , Parello F. , Quatrini P.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Volcanic and geothermal systems emit endogenous gases by widespread degassing from soils, including CH4, a greenhouse gas twenty-five times as potent as CO2. Recently, it has been demonstrated that volcanic/geothermal soils are source of methane, but also sites of methanotrophic activity. Methanotrophs are able to consume 10–40 Tg of CH4 a−1 and to trap more than 50% of the methane degassing through the soils. We report on methane microbial oxidation in the geothermally most active site of Pantelleria island (Italy), Favara Grande, whose total methane emission was previously estimated in about 2.5 t a−1. Laboratory incubation experiments with three top-soil samples from Favara Grande indicated methane consumption values up to 950 ng g−1 dry soil h−1. One of the three sites, FAV2, where the highest oxidation rate was detected, was further analysed on a vertical soil profile and the maximum methane consumption was measured in the top-soil layer but values > 100 ng g−1 h−1 were maintained up to a depth of 15 cm. The highest consumption rate was measured at 37 °C, but a still recognizable consumption at 80 °C (> 20 ng g−1 h−1) was recorded. In order to estimate the bacterial diversity, total soil DNA was extracted from Favara Grande and analysed using a Temporal Temperature Gradient gel Electrophoresis (TTGE) analysis of the amplified bacterial 16S rRNA gene. The three soil samples were probed by PCR using standard proteobacterial primers and newly designed verrucomicrobial primers targeting the unique methane monooxygenase gene pmoA; the presence of methanotrophs was detected in sites FAV2 and FAV3, but not in FAV1, where harsher chemical-physical conditions and negligible methane oxidation were detected. The pmoA gene libraries from the most active site FAV2 pointed out a high diversity of gammaproteobacterial methanotrophs distantly related to Methylococcus/Methylothermus genera and the presence of the newly discovered acido-thermophilic methanotrophs Verrucomicrobia. Alphaproteobacteria of the genus Methylocystis were isolated from enrichment cultures, under a methane containing atmosphere at 37 °C. The isolates grow at pH 3.5–8 and temperatures of 18–45 °C, and show a methane oxidation rate of ~ 450 μmol mol−1 h−1. Soils from Favara Grande showed the largest diversity of methanotrophic bacteria until now detected in a geothermal soil. While methanotrophic Verrucomicrobia are reported to dominate highly acidic geothermal sites, our results suggest that slightly acidic soils, in high enthalpy geothermal systems, host a more diverse group of both culturable and uncultivated methanotrophs.
Decoupling the effects of clear atmosphere and clouds to simplify calculations of the broadband solar irradiance at ground level
Authors: Oumbe A. , Qu Z. , Blanc P. , Lefèvre M. , Wald L. , Cros S.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. In the case of infinite plane-parallel single- and double-layered cloud, the solar irradiance at ground level computed by a radiative transfer model can be approximated by the product of the irradiance under clear atmosphere and a modification factor due to cloud properties and ground albedo only. Changes in clear-atmosphere properties have negligible effect on the latter so that both terms can be calculated independently. The error made in using this approximation depends mostly on the solar zenith angle, the ground albedo and the cloud optical depth. In most cases, the maximum errors (percentile 95%) on global and direct surface irradiances are less than 15 W m−2 and less than 2–5% in relative value. These values are similar to those recommended by the World Meteorological Organization for high quality measurements of the solar irradiance. Practically, the results mean that a model for fast calculation of surface solar irradiance may be separated into two distinct and independent models, possibly abaci-based, whose input parameters and resolutions can be different, and whose creation requires less computation time and resources than a single model.
Upstream to downstream: a multiple-assessment-point approach for targeting non-point-source priority management areas at large watershed scale
Authors: Chen L. , Zhong Y. , Wei G. , Shen Z.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. The identification of priority management areas (PMAs) is essential for the control of non-point-source (NPS) pollution, especially for a large-scale watershed. However, previous studies have typically focused on small-scale catchments adjacent to specific assessment points; thus, the interactions between multiple river points remain poorly understood. In this study, a multiple-assessment-point PMA (MAP-PMA) framework was proposed by integrating the upstream sources and the downstream transport aspects of NPS pollution. Daning River watershed was taken as a case study in this paper, which has demonstrated that the integration of the upstream input changes was vital for the final PMAs map, especially for downstream areas. Contrary to conventional wisdom, this research recommended that the NPS pollutants could be best controlled among the upstream high-level PMAs when protecting the water quality of the entire watershed. The MAP-PMA framework provided a more cost-effective tool for the establishment of conservation practices, especially for a large-scale watershed.
Identifying flood recharge and inter-aquifer connectivity using multiple isotopes in subtropical Australia
Authors: King A. C. , Raiber M. , Cendón D. I. , Cox M. E. , Hollins S. E.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. An understanding of hydrological processes is vital for the sustainable management of groundwater resources, especially in areas where an aquifer interacts with surface water systems or where aquifer-interconnectivity occurs. This is particularly important in areas that are subjected to frequent drought/flood cycles, such as the Cressbrook Creek catchment in southeast Queensland, Australia. In order to understand the hydrological response to flooding and to identify inter-aquifer connectivity, multiple isotopes (δ2H, δ18O, 87Sr/86Sr, 3H and 14C) were used in this study in conjunction with a comprehensive hydrochemical assessment, based on data collected six months after severe flooding in 2011. The depleted stable isotope (δ2H and δ18O) signatures of the flood-generating rainfall were evident in surface water samples, indicating that these extreme events were a major source of recharge to the dam in the catchment headlands. Furthermore, stable isotopes confirmed that the flood generated significant recharge to the alluvium in the lower part of the catchment, particularly in areas where interactions between surface waters and groundwater were identified and where diffuse aquifer recharge is normally limited by a thick and relatively impermeable unsaturated zone. However, in the upper parts of the catchment where recharge generally occurs more rapidly due to the dominance of coarse-grained sediments in the unsaturated zone, the stable isotope signature of groundwater resembles the longer-term average rainfall values, highlighting that recharge was sourced from smaller rainfall events that occurred subsequent to the flood. Interactions between the bedrock aquifers and the alluvium were identified at several sites in the lower part of the catchment based on 87Sr/86Sr ratios, and supported by the hydrochemical assessment, which included the modelling of evaporation trends and saturation indices. The integrated approach used in this study facilitated the identification of hydrological processes over different spatial and temporal scales, and the method can be applied to other complex geological settings with variable climatic conditions.
Hydroclimatic control of sediment and metal export from a rural catchment in Northwest Spain
Authors: Palleiro L. , Rodríguez-Blanco M. L. , Taboada-Castro M. M. , Taboada-Castro M. T.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. This paper examines sediment and metal (Al, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn) exportation at different time scales (annual, seasonal and event) during a three-year period (2005–2008) in the Mero River headwater, a rural catchment under humid temperate climate. Inter-annual differences were found both in annual loads and their distributions throughout the year. At annual scale, sediment and particulate metal loads followed the same trend as streamflow, while dissolved metals showed different patterns. Runoff events contributed to 63% of the total sediment load, whereas particulate and dissolved metal loads accounted for between 38–61 and 27–49% of the total load, respectively. Runoff events were characterized by high variability in sediment and metal loads, a few events representing a high percentage of the metal exported. Sediment loads were related to maximum and initial discharge. Particulate metal loads were highly correlated with sediment loads, runoff being the hydrological variable that best explains the load of these metals. Dissolved metal loads displayed different patterns. Dissolved Al, showed a great correlation with runoff, while dissolved Mn with maximum discharge.
Decision tree analysis of factors influencing rainfall-related building damage
Authors: Spekkers M. H. , Kok M. , Clemens F. H. L. R. , ten Veldhuis J. A. E.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Flood damage prediction models are essential building blocks in flood risk assessments. Little research has been dedicated so far to damage of small-scale urban floods caused by heavy rainfall, while there is a need for reliable damage models for this flood type among insurers and water authorities. The aim of this paper is to investigate a wide range of damage-influencing factors and their relationships with rainfall-related damage, using decision tree analysis. For this, district-aggregated claim data from private property insurance companies in the Netherlands were analysed, for the period of 1998–2011. The databases include claims of water-related damage, for example, damages related to rainwater intrusion through roofs and pluvial flood water entering buildings at ground floor. Response variables being modelled are average claim size and claim frequency, per district per day. The set of predictors include rainfall-related variables derived from weather radar images, topographic variables from a digital terrain model, building-related variables and socioeconomic indicators of households. Analyses were made separately for property and content damage claim data. Results of decision tree analysis show that claim frequency is most strongly associated with maximum hourly rainfall intensity, followed by real estate value, ground floor area, household income, season (property data only), buildings age (property data only), ownership structure (content data only) and fraction of low-rise buildings (content data only). It was not possible to develop statistically acceptable trees for average claim size, which suggest that variability in average claim size is related to explanatory variables that cannot be defined at the district scale. Cross-validation results show that decision trees were able to predict 22–26% of variance in claim frequency, which is considerably better compared to results from global multiple regression models (11–18% of variance explained). Still, a large part of the variance in claim frequency is left unexplained, which is likely to be caused by variations in data at subdistrict scale and missing explanatory variables.
Supracor Hyperopia and Presbyopia Correction: 6-Month Results
Authors: Cosar Cemile Banu , Sener Asim Bozkurt
Published: April 2014

Purpose

To investigate refractive and visual outcomes and complications of the Supracor procedure to treat presbyopia.

Methods

A total of 123 eyes from 68 presbyopic patients with hyperopia were enrolled in this prospective, nonrandomized, clinical trial. The Supracor procedure was performed using the Technolas excimer laser 217P (Technolas Perfect Vision GmbH). Follow-up eye examinations were performed at postoperative day 1, month 1, and month 6.

Results

All 123 surgeries were uneventful. At 6 months postoperatively, uncorrected distance visual acuity was 20/20 or better in 27 (22.0%) eyes and 20/25 or better in 45 (36.6%) eyes. At 6 months postoperatively, 35 (28.5%) eyes lost 1 line and 13 (10.6%) eyes lost 2 lines of corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA). At 6 months postoperatively, uncorrected near visual acuity was 20/20 or better in 95 (77.2%) eyes and 20/25 or better in 110 (89.4%) eyes. At 6 months postoperatively, 6 (4.9%) eyes lost 1 line of corrected near visual acuity.

Conclusions

The Supracor presbyopia procedure showed good near visual acuity outcomes over 6 months follow-up but loss of CDVA occurred in 39.1% of eyes.
Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant for Macular Edema following Uncomplicated Phacoemulsification
Authors: Furino Claudio , Boscia Francesco , Recchimurzo Nicola , Sborgia Carlo , Alessio Giovanni
Published: April 2014

Purpose

To retrospectively study the efficacy of a single 0.7-mg dexamethasone intravitreal implant in eyes with refractory macular edema secondary to uncomplicated phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implant.

Methods

In 11 eyes of 11 consecutive patients with persistent refractory macular edema, secondary uncomplicated cataract extraction, and intraocular lens implant, the injection of 0.7-mg dexamethasone implant was performed at the Clinica Oculistica, University of Bari, Italy. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and intraocular pressure (IOP) was evaluated at baseline, 1 month, and 6 months.

Results

After a mean follow-up of 6.27 ± 0.47 months, BCVA was significantly increased from 20/40 to 20/22 (p<0.0001), mean central retinal thickness decreased significantly from 462 ± 100 to 276 ± 8 μm (p<0.0001), and IOP did not change significantly (p = 0.053). In no case were postoperative complications observed.

Conclusions

A single injection of 0.7-mg dexamethasone intravitreal implant was effective in the treatment of persistent refractory macular edema secondary to uneventful phacoemulsification and in-bag lens implant.
Temperament Profile in Patients with Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Piskunowicz Małgorzata , Jaracz Marcin , Lesiewska Hanna , Malukiewicz Grażyna , Brożek-Pestka Marzenna , Borkowska Alina
Published: April 2014

Purpose

To assess temperament in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) compared to healthy controls.

Methods

A total of 32 patients diagnosed with acute CSCR and 30 healthy controls matched by age and sex were assessed with the self-report Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory. Central serous chorioretinopathy was diagnosed based on fluorescein angiography and spectral optical coherence tomography.

Results

Significantly higher mean scores of harm avoidance in patients with CSCR were found. Differences also were noted in subscales of novelty-seeking and reward dependence.

Conclusions

The patients with CSCR demonstrated less exploratory behaviors, higher risk avoidance, restraint, and low extravagance. They were more quick-tempered, disorganized, and easily frustrated, with a tendency to avoid negative and potentially harmful stimuli, less tolerance to frustration, higher level of insecurity, and higher level of anticipatory anxiety.
Efficacy of Transscleral Diode Laser Cyclophotocoagulation in Patients with Good Visual Acuity
Authors: Ghosh Saurabh , Manvikar Sridhar , Ray-Chaudhuri Neeta , Birch Michael
Published: April 2014

Purpose

To study the effect on central vision of transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation (TSDLC) for the reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with visual acuity (VA) better than 6/18.

Methods

Retrospective chart review was conducted of patients undergoing cyclophotocoagulation between 2000 and 2008. Patients who underwent TSDLC with VA of 6/18 or better and at least 24 months follow-up were included. Primary outcome was decrease of 2 or more lines at 24 months. Secondary outcome was IOP control with or without treatment.

Results

A total of 46 eyes of 44 patients were included with VA ranging from 6/18 to 6/5 (median VA 6/12). Mean IOP was 24 mm Hg (range 12-35). A mean of 1.3 treatments were given per eye, with 12 eyes (26%) requiring retreatment. At 24 months, the median VA was 6/18 (range light perception—6/5). Eighteen eyes (39.1%) retained the same VA, 35 eyes (76.1%) retained VA of 6/18 or better, in 7 eyes (19.4%) VA was <6/60. Loss of ≥2 lines was recorded in 11 eyes (23.9%), and loss of 1 line in 13 eyes (28.3%). Mean IOP at 24 months was 17.2 mm Hg (range 12-28). Thirty-nine (84.8%) patients had IOP ≤21 mm Hg.

Conclusions

This study suggests a role of TSDLC as an effective, safe, and rapid method of treatment in patients with good vision over a 24-month period. The loss of VA in some patients is similar to previously reported studies in patients having cyclodiode, trabeculectomy, or tube surgery.
High Expression of sLex Associated with Poor Survival in Argentinian Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Zwenger Ariel , Rabassa Martin , Demichelis Sandra , Grossman Gabriel , Segal-Eiras Amada , Croce Maria Virginia
Published: April 2014

Aim

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies in Argentina with 11,043 new cases and 6,596 deaths estimated to have occurred in 2008. The present study was developed to clarify the differential expression of MUC1, MUC2, sLex, and sLea in colorectal cancer patients and their relationship with survival and clinical and histological features.

Methods

Ninety primary tumor samples and 43 metastatic lymph nodes from CRC patients were studied; follow-up was documented. Twenty-six adenoma and 68 histological normal mucosa specimens were analyzed. An immunohistochemical approach was applied and statistical analysis was performed.

Results

In tumor samples, MUC1, sLea, and sLex were highly expressed (94%, 67%, and 91%, respectively); also, we found a significantly increased expression of the 3 antigens in primary tumors and metastatic lymph nodes compared with normal mucosa and adenomas. MUC2 was expressed in 52% of both normal mucosa and CRC samples; this reactivity significantly decreased in metastatic lymph nodes (p<0.05). A multiple comparison analysis showed that MUC1 and sLex discriminated among 3 groups: normal, adenoma, and CRC tissues. The increase of sLex expression showed an association with recurrence, and survival analysis showed that a high sLex staining was significantly associated with a poor survival. By multivariate analysis MUC1 inmunoreactivity correlated positively and significantly with tumor size, while MUC2 expression showed the opposite correlation.

Conclusions

The correlation of sLex overexpression in primary tumors and metastatic lymph nodes, the discrimination among the normal, adenoma, and CRC groups based on sLex expression, as well as its association with recurrence and survival, all suggest a prognostic role of sLex in Argentinian CRC patients.
The Pattern of Proline, Glutamic Acid, and Leucine-Rich Protein 1 Expression in Chinese Women with Primary Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhang Yanzhi , Wang Peng , Shi Mumu , Sasano Hironobu , Chan Monica S.M. , Dai Jiali , Guo Lunshu , Liu Ming , Wang Xiaoyan , Ma Ying , Wang Lin
Published: April 2014

Background

Disparities of biomarkers’ expression in breast cancer across different races and ethnicities have been well documented. Proline, glutamic acid, and leucine-rich protein 1 (PELP1), a novel ER coregulator, has been considered as a promising biomarker of breast cancer prognosis; however, the pattern of PELP1 expression in Chinese women with breast cancer has never been investigated. This study aims to provide useful reference on possible racial or ethnic differences of PELP1 expression in breast cancer by exploring the pattern of PELP1 expression in Chinese women with primary breast cancer.

Methods

The expression of PELP1 in primary breast cancer samples from 130 Chinese female patients was detected by immunohistochemistry and correlated to other clinicopathological parameters; for comparison, the expression of PELP1 in 26 benign breast fibroadenomas was also examined.

Results

The overall value of the PELP1 H-score in breast cancer was significantly higher than that in breast fibroadenoma (p<0.001). In our breast cancer patients, the ER/HER-2-positive group had significantly higher PELP1 H-scores than their negative counterparts (p=0.003 for ER and p=0.022 for HER-2); the Ki-67-high group also showed significantly higher PELP1 H-scores than the Ki-67-low group (p=0.008). No significant association between PELP1 H-scores and other clinicopathological parameters was found. Finally, the PELP1 H-score in breast cancers of the luminal B subtype was significantly higher than that in the triple negative subtype (p=0.002).

Conclusion

Overexpression of PELP1 in Chinese women with primary breast cancer appears to be associated with biomarkers of poor outcome; these results are similar to other reports based on Western populations.
Are educational or quality improvement interventions delivered at the induction or orientation of junior doctors effective?
Authors: McMenamin Luke , Blencowe Natalie , Roland Damian
Published: April 2014

There has been significant media scrutiny in the UK of the period when doctors change over into new jobs, with a number of reports highlighting increased mortality. Starting work in a new hospital confers a potential patient safety risk and induction programmes are therefore designed to familiarise doctors with local policies. Little is known about using this time as an opportunity to improve patient outcomes or change practice. The aim was to review interventions which may aid hospital trusts during induction and a strategy to direct future educational and implementation research. A review of Medline, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus and ERIC databases with key terms (induction or orientation, junior doctor or intern, intervention or education or implementation, quality improvement or patient safety or outcome) extracted relevant abstracts. Articles of relevance were analysed and coded as to the type of patient or doctor group, intervention and outcome. Only seven studies were found which generally reported perceived benefits rather than objective outcomes. A significant opportunity to improve evidence based practice and patient safety is being missed by not thoroughly evaluating the impact of induction and orientation of health care professionals.
L’expedició de D. Luis Méndez de Haro y Guzmán a Extremadura, 1658-1659: implicacions per a la política internacional espanyola del moment
Authors: Williams Lynn
Published: April 2014

En aquest article s’examina l’expedició d’Haro a Extremadura, així com les seves implicacions per a la política internacional espanyola del moment. La llarga absència de D. Luis, el privat de Felip IV, de la cort fa que el monarca s’hi recolzi cada vegada menys i que comenci a deixar-se assessorar principalment per Balbases i Medina de las Torres. A més, l’estrepitosa derrota d’Elvas al gener del 1659 obliga el favorit del rei a tornar a Madrid totalment humiliat i evita que es torni a col·locar immediatament a la cúpula del poder. De fet, la debilitat de la seva posició és tan gran en aquesta època que Haro és incapaç d’impedir la ratificació del tractat negociat amb França a París malgrat estar convençut que es tracta d’un document indecorós i inacceptable. No obstant això, aprofita les seves converses amb Mazzarino als Pirineus per millorar notablement els termes de la pau i, a la vegada, recuperar plenament el seu paper com a preferit del rei.
Llevar un «libro de cuenta y razón» en la Provenza moderna (siglos XVI-XVIII): escritura doméstica y relato de uno mismo
Authors: Luciani Isabelle
Published: April 2014

La autora analiza 87 libros de cuenta y razón escritos en francés en Provenza entre los siglos XVI y XVIII, tanto en sus aspectos materiales como sociales. Aunque existen modelos y rasgos comunes, entre ellos predomina una diversidad que permite a cada escritor una apropiación personal de la escritura. El libro de cuenta y razón es pues una forma de egodocumento que no viene definido ni por un género literario, ni por la existencia de una conciencia explícita de uno mismo, sino, simplemente, por los modos empíricos que cada escritor utiliza para presentar su vida cotidiana.
Family Matters: Household Size in Relation to the Well-Being of Aboriginal School-Aged Children Living Off-Reserve
Authors: Quinless Jacqueline
Published: April 2014

Using a life-course perspective and data taken from the 2006 Aboriginal Peoples Survey (APS) Children and Youth supplement, this study applies a creative analytical approach using combined regression techniques and a two-way interaction effect between Aboriginal family structure (lone-parent families and coupled families) and household size to examine the effects on three dimensions of Aboriginal children’s well-being. In all three regression models, household size had a noticeable effect in relation to different family structures (i.e., lone-parent compared to coupled families) and on children’s well-being outcomes, while controlling for other important social and economic factors such as age, gender of parent, and income. The most valuable finding in this study is that, regardless of whether a child resides in a lone-parent family or a coupled family, the number of people living in the household has an effect on their well-being. In particular, the findings show that as household size increases, a child’s engagement in social activities increases, their parent(s) perceive them to be better school performers, and the number of chronic health conditions they have decreases.
Where is the eBay for Intellectual Property?
Authors: Klusas Matthew B , Cypess Raymond H. , Rosenfield Seth , Gerstein Adam
Published: April 2014

This paper is an examination of the economics, organizational dynamics and structural factors inhibiting an electronic market for intellectual property. Â Several intermediaries exist to facilitate the transition of intellectual property (IP) from sellers to buyers.Â  Over the past 20 years, a number of companies attempted to create an online â€œeBay for IP.â€Â  These IP Exchanges (IPEs) failed to gain traction in competition with other mediums that provide channels to facilitate IP transactions. Â Compounding the problem is the concentration of intellectual property assets amongst a small group of institutions and within those institutions as well as organizational hurdles inherent in academic technology transfer offices.Â  As a result, the business model for an online IPE market is fundamentally challenging, and no successful IPE exists to date.
New Books
Authors: Friedman Yali
Published: April 2014

New books from the publisher of the Journal of CommercialBiotechnology
Marc Bernard, le « Goncourt » et le populisme
Authors: Curatolo Bruno
Published: April 2014

L’auteur de Zig-Zag, son premier roman paru en 1929 chez Gallimard, avait, en raison de ses origines sociales, vocation à fonder, au début des années 1930, le groupe des écrivains prolétariens avec, entre autres, Henri Poulaille, Eugène Dabit ou Louis Guilloux, et à adopter des positions politiques proches du communisme. Toutefois, dans les mêmes années, il fut l’ami de certains poètes surréalistes, peu enclins à suivre la ligne et dont l’inspiration était parfois voisine de la sienne. À travers ses articles de presse (Monde, Le Figaro) et des archives inédites, c’est la complexité de Marc Bernard en matière d’esthétique littéraire que veut refléter cette étude depuis ses premiers essais jusqu’à la consécration du Goncourt.
MODELAGEM DO ESTOQUE DE CARBONO PARA MIMOSA SCABRELLA BENTH. LOCALIZADAS NO PARANÁ	Modeling of carbon stock for Mimosa scabrella Benth. located in Paraná, Brazil
Authors: Mognon Francelo , Scheibe Dallagnol Felipe , Doubrawa Betina , Flizikowski Lis Camila , Sanquetta Carlos Roberto
Published: April 2014

A grande quantidade de poluentes emitidos diariamente na atmosfera tem ocasionado à intensificação dos gases de efeito estufa (GEE). Esses gases, somados ao desmatamento e às queimadas, contribuem com as alterações climáticas. A alternativa mais conhecida para combater essa mudança do clima é a fixação de carbono na biomassa florestal, seja pelo plantio de florestas, podendo ser associado com a recuperação de áreas degradadas, ou a simples conservação dos estoques existentes em florestas naturais. Essas ações são conhecidas como sequestro de carbono. Neste sentido, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo modelar o estoque de carbono por meio de ajustes de diferentes modelos para a espécie Mimosa scabrella Benth., realizando também a determinação do fator de expansão de biomassa e a razão de raízes. A equação que apresentou melhor ajuste foi com base no modelo proposto por Schumacher-Hall, obtendo boas estatísticas, apresentando um R²aj de 0,991 e Sxy% de 10,541%. De acordo com análise realizada no presente trabalho, o FEB médio (1,41) não apresentou aumento em função da idade, seguindo uma tendência média ao longo dos anos, tendo poucas oscilações durante o período. A mesma observação pode ser feita com o R, que apresentou valor médio de 0,18. Desse modo, recomenda-se a utilização da modelagem para estimativa do estoque de carbono para a espécie Mimosa scabrella. Contudo, a utilização do FEB e R proporcionam estimativas confiáveis para obtenção da biomassa, podendo assim, utilizar o teor médio ponderado de carbono para a estimativa do estoque do mesmo para a espécie em questão.
Vulsino volcanic aquifer in Umbria Region : Hydrogeological survey for the characterization of the presence of arsenic and aluminium and the correct use of groundwater
Authors: Fratini Stefano , Francesconi Fabrizio Maria , Checcucci Roberto , Frondini Francesco , Lanzi Daniela , Spinsanti Roberto
Published: April 2014

In December 2009 and the first months of 2010, a large water crisis took place in the Orvieto area, because of sudden high concentration of aluminum (Al) in the groundwater of the vulsino aquifer. This represents a supply for Orvieto’s population and other near municipalities (about 20,000 people). The contamination had reached values of about 3000 μg/l. Water crisis was made worse because of the expiring, in the same period, as expected, of the derogation of European Commission that allowed Arsenic concentrations above 10 μg/l (up to 50 μg/l). The contamination by Al occurred after intense and persistent rains, that mobilized a large amount of aluminum hydroxides in perched water table, in the form of colloidal particles. The field analysis showed that the potable water catchments are not interested in the same way by the contamination, i.e. the vulsino aquifer was not wholly conditioned by the presence of Al; in addition, in the same period in which the Al contamination occurred, there were no changes in the levels of As in groundwater. This paper shows the study of the complex hydrogeological Vulsino system; the aim is to identify technical solutions for realizing new catchments in order to manage the resource, in qualitative and quantitative terms, replacing/integrating the current equipments, which represent a risk because of the presence of Al and, secondly, As. A numerical flow and transport model was implemented to support the hydrogeological study, that has allowed us to formulate reliable predictions regarding the risk of Al contamination of future new wells.
Condom use and HIV testing among men who have sex with men in Jordan
Authors: Alkaiyat Abdulsalam , Schaetti Christian , Liswi Mohammad , Weiss Mitchell G
Published: April 2014

Introduction

To identify sociocultural determinants of self‐reported condom use and HIV testing and examine variables related to accessibility, motivation and obstacles among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Jordan.

Design

Cross‐sectional study among MSM who were identified through services of a local non‐governmental organization (NGO).

Methods

Respondents were studied with a semi‐structured interview based on the Explanatory Model Interview Catalogue (EMIC) framework. The vignette‐based EMIC interview considered locally relevant HIV/AIDS‐related knowledge, risk perception and perceived causes, as well as awareness of services and sources of support.

Results

Of the 97 respondents, 27% reported that they used a condom at last intercourse; 38% had been tested at least once for HIV. Positive determinants of condom use were higher education level, acknowledging MSM as a high‐risk group, seeking advice from a medical doctor and the perceived causes “sex with prostitutes” and “sex with animals.” Awareness of available treatment was a positive determinant of HIV testing. Blood transfusion as a perceived cause and asking advice from friends were negative determinants.

Conclusions

Jordanian MSM seem to be aware of the risk of HIV infection and effective prevention methods, and they are willing to be tested for HIV. Our findings addressed the importance of the sexual meaning of HIV/AIDS on the control of HIV/AIDS among MSM. More effective engagement of NGOs and MSM in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS is needed, enlisting the support of medical doctors and community health workers. Peer education should be strategically strengthened. Political commitment is needed to mitigate social stigma.
Diagnostic Imaging of the Mueller-Weiss Syndrome
Authors: Nguyen Anthony S. , Tagoylo Gino H. , Mote Gregory A.
Published: April 2014

We report three patients with diagnostic imaging findings that are consistent with Mueller-Weiss syndrome. Mueller-Weiss syndrome is a rare condition that involves osteonecrosis of the navicular bone in an adult. The characteristic findings for Mueller-Weiss syndrome include a dorsomedial dislocation along with the collapse of the lateral navicular bone, resulting in a comma-shaped configuration. Through these three case studies, we aim to familiarize both foot and ankle specialists and radiologists with the diagnostic imaging findings for Mueller-Weiss syndrome.