bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stakeholder Perceptions of the Need for Research on Elements of Service Dog Partnerships in the Workplace
Authors: Glenn Margaret K.
Published: November 2015

Purpose:To examine the perceived need for research on elements of successful service dog partnerships in the workplace outlined by stakeholders in an exploratory study.

Method:A structured mixed methods approach was used to gather ideas from people with service dogs, trainers, vocational rehabilitation counselors, and other health care professionals. Sixty-eight people participated in the process, from brainstorming elements (n= 24), sorting them into clusters (n= 10), rating the items for importance (n= 40), and need for research (n= 34). Among those rating research, most were service dog handlers (55%). Primarily, the group had experience with mobility/stability dogs (45%) or medical alert/response service dogs (35%).

Results:Sixty-eight elements were brainstormed and rated according to need for research. The clusters Monitoring and Dog Preparation received the highest mean ratings in response to the question,What is your perception of the relative priority of conducting research on this item?All 68 elements were perceived to be in need of further research.

Conclusion:The conclusion was that the elements established in this study should generate scholarly activity in the rehabilitation and disability research and service community with the intent of identifying promising practices related to the use of service dogs in the workplace by people with disabilities.
Valores normales de amplitud de acomodación mediante una técnica objetiva en personas emétropes de 35 a 40 años de edad de la Clínica de Optometría de la Universidad de La Salle
Authors: González Bermúdez Johanna M. , Rozo Castillo Luz Ángela , Medrano Muñoz Sandra M. , León Álvarez Alejandro
Published: November 2015

Objective: To determine the reference values of amplitude of accommodation through the dynamic objective measurement of the amplitude of accommodation (MODAA, for its initials in Spanish) in pre-presbyopic emmetropic people between the ages of 35 and 40, examined at the Optometry Clinic from La Salle University. Methodology: Fifty emmetropic patients were included, distance and near visual acuity with each eye equal or better than 20/30, normal binocularity. Defects of more than 1.50 Dpt in its sphere or more than 1.00 Dpt in the cylinder were excluded, as well as accommodative and vergence alterations, strabismus, amblyopia, anisometropia (≥ 1.00 Dpt in the sphere or the cylinder), systemic diseases, anterior or posterior segment alterations, ocular history of surgery or trauma. Each patient was subjected to three tests of amplitude of accommodation: MODAA, Donders and Sheard, and the values were compared according to Hofstetter and Duane. Results: The reference value found for MODAA in patients between the ages of 35 and 40 was: 4 Dpt (SD 0.25 Dpt). The subjective techniques (Donders and Sheard) gave higher values than MODAA. The reference values of Hofstetter, Donders and Duane have statistical differences from MODAA. Conclusions: The MODAA method has a range of reference in pre-presbyotic patients between 3.75 and 4.25 Dpt, and this value is not comparable to Donders and Duane’s normality value tables nor with the Hofstetter formulas.
Uso de exámenes especiales para diagnósticos más precisos de ectasias corneales. Reporte de caso
Authors: Vidal Olarte Rosario
Published: November 2015

Visual and ocular health professionals are currently faced with the typical cases of primary and secondary corneal ectasia, and even though the most frequent ones are keratoconus, it is not always so. Hence the importance of a good clinical correlation, as well as of the request of special tests in order to help achieve a better diagnosis. It is essential to remember that, in most cases, they are asymmetric binocular processes, so that if one eye presents more advanced symptoms, the opposite eye should also be monitored, because the condition will most likely develop further. The case of a sixteen year old Computer Technology student diagnosed with keratoconus is presented.
Disponibilidad de guías de práctica clínica para conjuntivitis alérgica en optometría en Colombia, 2010-2011
Authors: Márquez Galvis Mónica Marlene
Published: November 2015

Desde la sanción de la Ley 372 de 1997, el optómetra se encuentra habilitado para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de las patologías del segmento anterior del ojo. Este manejo se debe respaldar a través de las guías clínicas de atención (guías de práctica clínica), pues se desconoce la forma como los optómetras diagnostican y tratan las patologías de su competencia. Objetivo: determinar el porcentaje de optómetras que tienen guías clínicas de atención, utilizando como referencia el manejo de la conjuntivitis alérgica. Materiales y métodos: mediante un cuestionario anónimo se obtuvo la información acerca de la frecuencia de uso de guías clínicas de atención, edad de los profesionales, área geográfica de ejercicio y perfil laboral, entre otros. Se realizó análisis univariado y bivariado de los datos para explorar la posible relación entre variables. Resultados: se encuestaron 180 optómetras, de los cuales el 58,3 % no hace uso de guía alguna para el manejo de la conjuntivitis alérgica. Quienes hacen uso (n = 35) toman como fuente principal los protocolos manejados por las instituciones prestadoras de salud (IPS) donde laboran. Conclusiones y recomendaciones: menos de la mitad de los optómetras (41,7 %) tienen guía de práctica clínica (GPC) para el manejo de la conjuntivitis alérgica, su uso no está ampliamente difundido entre estos profesionales. Es necesaria la conformación de un ente que cree, recopile, adapte y distribuya GPC de interés para la optometría, en pro de un mejor desempeño del profesional y beneficio de los pacientes.
Queratocono subclínico
Authors: Rojas Yepes Jairo Giovanni
Published: November 2015

Se documenta el caso clínico de un paciente que asiste a consulta con una prescripción óptica de astigmatismo miópico en ambos ojos. En el examen optométrico no se encuentra variación significativa con la corrección óptica existente. Tres años después presenta agudeza visual disminuida, leve aumento en la curvatura corneal y en el valor dióptrico de la esfera y cilindro de ambos ojos, además de variación del eje en uno de ellos (15 grados). Los hallazgos anteriores justificaron solicitar exámenes complementarios que pudieran explicar las modificaciones presentadas en las condiciones visuales y oculares en el periodo entre los dos controles. La prueba clínica complementaria (Pentacam) permitió determinar la presencia un queratocono subclínico.

 
Acomodación en pacientes de cinco a doce años con ambliopía refractiva leve y moderada: prueba piloto
Authors: Medrano Sandra Milena , Acuña Bedoya Lina Marcela , Angulo Sánchez Sara Viviana
Published: November 2015

Objetivo: determinar el estado acomodativo en pacientes con ambliopía refractiva entre los cinco años y los doce años de edad. Metodología: se incluyó una muestra de quince niños ambliopes refractivos y un grupo control de quince niños entre los cinco años y los doce años de edad. Los pacientes de grupo control debían tener AV máxima de 0,32 LogMar sin corrección, tanto en visión lejana como en visión próxima y defectos refractivos corregidos. Se tuvieron en cuenta individuos con ambliopía refractiva leve y moderada de tipo isometrópica y anisometrópica con AV mínima de 0,4 y máxima de 0,8 LogMar con corrección óptica adecuada. Se excluyeron sujetos que padecían alteración ocular de tipo orgánico, problemas cognitivos, diagnóstico o con cirugía de estrabismo o trauma y pacientes que hubieran estado o que en su momento asistieran a terapia visual. En cada paciente se evaluó el estado acomodativo midiendo el Lag de acomodación, la flexibilidad de acomodación y la amplitud de acomodación (AA) con tres técnicas subjetivas (PU, MPD y ML) y una objetiva (MODAA). Resultados: la AA medida con los cuatro métodos fue estadísticamente significativa menor en los ambliopes (p < 0,05), siendo la diferencia más marcada con el empleo de ML (4,72 D). Sin embargo, con la técnica objetiva de MODAA que ha demostrado tener alta fiabilidad, las diferencias no fueron clínicamente significativas (0,47). Conclusiones: el estado acomodativo de los pacientes ambliopes refractivos entre cinco años y doce años, es menor cuando se emplean procedimientos subjetivos. La alteración acomodativa más frecuente fue la insuficiencia de acomodación.

 
Caracterización de la morbilidad visual y ocular de la población atendida en la región oriental, según los reportes de los RIPS, 2009 y 2010
Authors: Mayorga Corredor Myriam Teresa , Calixto Rubio María Del Pilar
Published: November 2015

Objetivo: caracterizar la morbilidad visual y ocular de la población atendida en la región oriental colombiana, según los reportes de los registros individuales de prestación en servicios de salud (RIPS), capítulo VII del Código Internacional de Enfermedades, décima versión (CIE-10), 2009 y 2010. Materiales y método: se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo retrospectivo de la morbilidad visual y ocular de la población atendida. Resultados: se analizaron 343.219 RIPS del 2010 y 768.561 del 2009, en su mayoría del género femenino, con 54 % en el 2009 y 58,2 % en el 2010. Los grupos diagnósticos de mayor frecuencia en el 2009 fueron trastornos de la conjuntiva (52,6 %), de la acomodación y de la refracción (26,8 %), de los párpados (9,5 %), del aparato lagrimal (2,6 %), y ceguera y disminución de la agudeza visual (2,2 %). Para el 2010 hubo un aumento importante en el reporte de trastornos el cristalino (4,6 %) y glaucoma (2,1 %); los otros diagnósticos más prevalentes en este año fueron trastornos de la acomodación y refracción (50,5 %), de la conjuntiva (21,2 %), de los párpados (4,2 %), ceguera y disminución de la agudeza visual (3,1 %) y alteraciones de la visión (2,2 %). Conclusiones: en la región oriental, las alteraciones reportadas con mayor frecuencia en el 2009 fueron los trastornos de la conjuntiva, y de estos, el pterigión y la conjuntivitis aguda. En el 2010 se reportaron con más frecuencia los trastornos de la acomodación y de la refracción.
Caracterización de la morbilidad visual y ocular de la población atendida en la región central, según los reportes de los RIPS, 2009 y 2010
Authors: Rodríguez Álvarez Martha Fabiola , Cáceres Mayra , Barbosa Lady
Published: November 2015

Objetivo: caracterizar la morbilidad visual y ocular de la población atendida en los reportes de los registros individuales de la prestación de servicios de salud (RIPS), años 2009 y 2010, en los departamentos que corresponden a la región central de Colombia. Materiales y Métodos: estudio descriptivo retrospectivo. Se incluyeron los RIPS del capítulo VII de la Clasificación Internacional de Enfermedades, décima versión (CIE-10): enfermedades del ojo y sus anexos. Para el análisis estadístico, los 59 códigos del capítulo VII del CIE-10 se reagruparon en 18 códigos establecidos por la Red Epidemiológica Iberoamericana de Salud Visual y Ocular (REISVO) y se tuvieron en cuenta las siguientes variables: edad, género y régimen de cobertura en salud. Resultados: los diagnósticos más frecuentes fueron trastornos de la conjuntiva (2009: 60,1 % y 2010: 25,4 %) y de la acomodación y refracción (2009: 20,9 % y 2010: 43,9 %). El trastorno de los párpados fue el tercer diagnóstico más frecuente en los dos años (2009: 9,5 % y 2010: 4,4 %). El porcentaje de ceguera y disminución de la agudeza visual fue del 3,1 % en el 2010. Conclusiones: los trastornos de la acomodación y de la refracción tienen una alta prevalencia en la región y afectan principalmente los grupos de población infantil y adulta, lo cual crea una alerta para el Ministerio de Protección Social, pues en el mundo, los errores refractivos no corregidos son la principal causa de deficiencia visual y la segunda causa de ceguera.
Valores normales de la amplitud de acomodación subjetiva entre los 5 y los 19 años de edad
Authors: León Álvarez Alejandro , Estrada Álvarez Jorge Mario , Medrano Sandra Milena
Published: November 2015

Objective To determine the normative values of the amplitude of accommodation (AA) with four subjective procedures. Materials and methods 586 students between the ages of 5 and 19 from public schools in Pereira were included. AA was measured by means of the Donders (push up [PU], push down [PD] and modified push down [MPD]) and Sheard (minus lens [ML]) methods. Results The average for the entire age group was: PU: 14.58 D PD: 9.55 D MPD: 12.01 D ML: 11.00 D in addition, the change of the AA for age was estimated through linear regression: PU: 0.25 D PD: 0.03 D MPD: 0.10 D ML: 0.09 D. Conclusions AA is different with each technique, and when compared to studies conducted outside of Colombia furthermore, AA decrease is not similar in these tests.
Determinación de la tonicidad de la solución multipropósito All In One Light
Authors: Fernández Gil Laura , Liévano Paola Andrea , Rivera Rojas Lucy
Published: November 2015

Objective To determine erythrocyte response against the All In One Light multipurpose solution used for cleaning contact lenses. Methodology 5 mL of each of the following substances were placed in test tubes: distilled water, All In One Light solution, 0.9% NaCl solution and 6% NaCl solution then, three drops of sheep blood were added to each solution, left to rest for twenty minutes, and observations were made on the optical microscope at 100 X. The solutions were then centrifuged at 1500 rpm for 10 minutes, and the effect in color of the supernatant and presence or absence of precipitate was observed. Results The surface morphology of the erythrocytes in the All In One Light and 0.9% NaCl solutions had a smooth appearance, with 6% NaCl was perforated and cell debris was revealed with distilled water. The supernatants color after centrifugation in the All In One Light solution and the distilled water was deep red and in the 0.9% NaCl solution and 6% NaCl solution it was light red. Conclusions The All In One Light solution is isotonic compared to the blood plasma, despite the partial hemolysis.
Contra la ceguera social
Authors: Estévez Cuervo Hernando Arturo
Published: November 2015

Blindness, as a social problem, is evident from the lack of interest in other people’s welfare, the inability to social empathy as a condition for collective coexistence and the use of social prejudice that make others invisible in other words, social blindness exists when you lose the ability to recognize others as actors in the social construction of values. This paper depicts social blindness as a disease of perception, not the eyes the causes lie in the ability to perceive the world and all its contents, both material and human, and not in the internal ability of organisms and physiological processes to see the world.
Efecto de la neurotoxicidad en la función visual de trabajadores de lavado en seco
Authors: Jiménez Barbosa Ingrid Astrid , Khuu Sieu , Ying Boon Mei
Published: November 2015

Dry cleaning workers are exposed to organic solvents like perchlorethylene (perc). This can affect the Central Nervous System (cns), provoke neurotoxicity and associate to neuro-visual alterations related to the visual contrast sensitivity function (csf) and the loss of color vision. Objective: To determine the deficits of contrast sensitivity (csf) by spatial frequency in a group of dry cleaning workers exposed to occupational levels of perc and its relation to the neurotoxic symptoms. Materials and methods: A case and control study in 40 dry cleaning workers and in 35 regular people with no exposure to perc was done in Bogota, Colombia. The csf was evaluated using psychophysical methods; the spatial frequencies studied were 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0 and 16.0 cpd. Neurotoxicity was evaluated with the modified questionnaire Q16. Results: Significant differences were observed in cs above 1.0cpd (p < 0.05). The Spearman correlation showed a significant negative relation between the punctuation of the modified version of the Q16 questionnaire and the spatial frequencies2.0, 4.0 and 8 cpd (Spearmanp Rho < 0.05) in the cases. The Mann Whitney U test showed significant differences between cases and controls for the modified Q16 questionnaire (p <0.05). Conclusion: the csf was significantly lower in those exposed to perc for the spatial frequencies above 1.0 cpd. The presence of neurotoxic symptoms in dry cleaning workers is associated with losses in csf in medium and high spatial frequencies.
Variaciones en el grado de aberraciones ópticas corneales de alto orden en pacientes diagnosticados con ectasias corneales implantados con anillos intraestromales
Authors: Vidal Olarte Rosario
Published: November 2015

Objetivo: identificar si existen variaciones significativas en el grado de aberraciones corneales de alto orden después del implante de los anillos intraestromales, en pacientes diagnosticados con ectasias corneales. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio analítico y longitudinal de intervención en pacientes mayores de 18 años. Se valoró el estado refractivo; la agudeza visual medida con log mar; la queratometría topográfica; las aberraciones ópticas corneales coma, trifoid, esférica y el Root Mean Square High Order (rms Ho), mediante el topógrafo Keratron Scout, y la calidad visual por medio de la prueba de letras de Mars para la sensibilidad al contraste. Todo lo anterior en tres momentos antes de la intervención, primer y tercer mes postoperatorio. Resultados: en 39 ojos de 26 pacientes evaluados antes, al mes y al tercer mes después del implante se presentaron diferencias significativamente clínicas, aunque no estadísticas: a) se incrementó la agudeza visual sin corrección, b) hubo disminución del valor esférico y cilíndrico, c) aplanamiento en la K1 y K2, d) diferencias en cuanto al grado de aberraciones ópticas de alto orden corneales, después del procedimiento, e) una mejor calidad visual para estos pacientes y f) uso de lentes oftálmicos con mayor tolerancia. Conclusión: las aberraciones ópticas de la superficie anterior de la córnea no presentan una diferencia estadísticamente significativa antes y después del implante de segmentos intraestromales, aunque sí existen cambios a nivel clínico y en magnitud.
Waterflood Direction and Front Characterization with Multiple Methods: A Case Study in Changqing Oilfield, China
Authors: He Youwei , Cheng Shiqing , Li Lei , Mu Guoquan , Zhang Tiantian , Xu Hainan , Qin Jiazheng , Yu Haiyang
Published: November 2015

Due to the effect of reservoir heterogeneity and micro-fractures in low permeability reservoirs, effectively characterization of waterflood direction and front has become a tough issue under high water-cut condition. In order to achieve better understanding of such a complex problem, a workflow, containing statistical and numerical techniques, is developed to characterize waterflood direction and front distribution in Changqing Oilfield by employing both flow rates and bottom-hole pressure (BHP) data. The workflow includes four steps: first, dynamic analysis is used to qualitatively investigate the relationships between injector and producers. Then, constraint multiple linear regressions (MLR) method is applied to calculate the interwell connectivity coefficients, which was used to quantitatively describe the waterflood direction by injection and production rates. Based on the results of the two former steps, we can adopt numerical well testing as our third step to deal with flow rates and BHP data to characterize the waterflood direction and front. Finally, streamline method is employed to simulate the waterflood front and high-permeability channels distribution based on the outcome of the three preceding techniques. We apply this workflow to the well group W16 in Changqing Oilfield, and the results show that we can acquire better understanding of waterflood performance under high water-cut condition, including interwell connectivity, waterflood direction, and waterflood front distribution.

Compared to individual method, the proposed workflow can offer more perspectives and ways to make a comprehensive and deep investigation of the waterflood reservoir. With the help of the information obtained by this workflow, operators could make more reasonable decisions on waterflood management such as well pattern optimization and injection-production parameters adjustment.
Channel Fracturing Maximizes Production from Low-Permeability Reservoirs in India
Authors: Sharma Amit , Shah Arpit , Bordeori Krishna , Da-Costa Olushola Horatio , Aggarwal Vishal , Ranjan Amit , Nagar Ankesh , Misra Anurag , Pathak Shashank , Ranjan Vishal
Published: November 2015

Hydraulic fracturing has evolved as the preferred completion strategy for low-permeability reservoirs in India. Hence, a hydraulic fracturing technique that maximizes production and is also operationally efficient will provide an optimum solution for the development of these reservoirs. A channel fracturing technique recently applied to more than 20 treatments for various operators in different fields and reservoirs in India has been delivering superior production results and has proved to be operationally more efficient compared to conventional hydraulic fracturing operations performed in India.

Proppant is pumped in pulses at the surface during the channel fracturing technique. These pulses create stable channels within the hydraulic fractures thus decoupling fracture conductivity from the proppant pack itself which result in providing near-infinite fracture conductivity. An earth model was prepared from petrophysical measurements including acoustical data which allowed for the calculation of stresses that are required for hydraulic fracture modelling. These preliminary models were further calibrated based on pressure data gathered during fracture diagnostic tests and this calibrated model was used for the final treatment design. Post-treatment production evaluation was performed by applying nodal analysis and by comparing actual production with predicted production from a reservoir simulator.

Treatment evaluation indicated higher fracture conductivity for channel fracturing technique than that of conventional treatments and this led to higher production. Fracturing fluid recovery has also been higher as compared to conventional treatments. Screenouts were eliminated on the treatments that applied the channel fracturing technique. This allowed fracturing zones that might not have been completed with conventional treatments. The amount of proppant pumped per stage has been reduced by nearly 50% as compared to conventional treatments and treating pressures in general have been lower which has led to lower horsepower consumption on the treatments. These successful hydraulic fracturing treatments have confirmed the applicability of the channel fracturing technique in the low-permeability reservoirs of India.

This paper presents channel fracturing treatments that have been performed for the first time in India including treatments performed with heated fluid expanding the envelope for the technology application. This paper identifies a solution for screenouts during hydraulic fracturing treatments while maximizing production from low-permeability reservoirs.
Characterization and Measurement of Multiscale Gas Transport in Shale-Core Samples
Authors: Alnoaimi K. R. , Duchateau C.. , Kovscek A. R.
Published: November 2015

This work introduces an experimental technique to probe simultaneously flow and diffusion of gas through shale. A core-scale pressure-pulse-decay experiment is used to study the upstream- and downstream-pressure responses of Eagle Ford and Haynesville shale samples. With the aid of numerical models, the pressure histories obtained from the experiments are matched and gas and rock properties are obtained. The experiments are conducted at varying pore pressure and net effective stress to understand the sensitivity of the rock porosity and permeability as well as the gas diffusivity. A dual-porosity model is constructed to examine gas transport through a system of micropores and microcracks. In this sense, the role of the two different-sized pore systems is deconvolved. In some cases, the micropore system carries roughly one-third of the gas flow. The porosity, permeability, and diffusivity obtained assign physical properties to the macroscales and microscales simultaneously. Results bridge the gap between these scales and improve our understanding of how to assign transport physics to the correct pore scale.
Measurement of G* in Fine Asphalt Mixes
Authors: Miranda-Argüello Fabiola , Loria-Salazar Luis , Aguiar-Moya José P. , Leiva-Padilla Paulina
Published: November 2015

This study characterized the mechanical properties in fine asphalt mixtures by means of a microscale test. The method involved the design of the fine asphalt matrix, the specimen preparation, the performance of shear tests, and the construction of complex shear modulus master curves based on the obtained results. The tests were performed with a device called a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA). The test configuration consisted of a temperature and frequency sweep for a given strain level, within the linear viscoelastic range of the material. The test implementation experimental design involved the use of two aggregate sources and three asphalt types (neat, styrene–butadiene rubber modified, and ethylene copolymer modified). On the basis of the results for the mixes, master curves were calibrated by sigmoidal, Christensen–Anderson, and Christensen–Anderson–Marasteanu general models and using Arrhenius and William–Landel–Ferry shift factors. As part of the study, the DMA test based on shear loading mode was successfully implemented and allowed for measurement of a fundamental material property: complex shear modulus ( G*). The G* estimation involved measurement of shear stress, strain, and phase angles. Complex shear moduli in the range of 40 to 170 MPa were obtained; the fine asphalt mixtures modified with ethylene block copolymer developed higher stiffness, and the ones with neat binder had lower stiffness. From the G* results, master curves were developed. A higher fit was obtained when the general sigmoidal formula was used; this result indicated the high degree of similitude in behavior between the fine asphalt matrix and the complete hot-mix asphalt mixtures.
Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Carbon and Population
Authors: Gilland Bernard
Published: November 2015

Population growth makes food production increase necessary; economic growth increases demand for animal products and livestock feed. As further increase of the cropland area is ecologically undesirable, it is necessary to increase crop yields; this requires, inter alia, more nitrogen and phosphorus fertiliser, despite the environmental problems which this will exacerbate. It is probable that a satisfactory food supply and an environmentally benign agriculture worldwide cannot be achieved without reducing population to approximately three billion. The reduction could be achieved by 2200 if the total fertility rate - currently 2.5 - declined to 1.5 as a world average by 2050, and remained at that level until 2200, but the probability of such a global fertility trajectory is close to zero. It will also be necessary to replace fossil energy by nuclear and renewable energy in order to stabilise atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration, but the phase-out cannot be completed until the 22nd century, when the atmospheric concentration will be approximately 50% above the 2015 level of 400 ppm.
Multifunctionality in Molecular Magnetism
Authors: Pinkowicz Dawid , Czarnecki Bernard , Reczyński Mateusz , Arczyński MirosłAw
Published: November 2015

Molecular magnetism draws from the fundamental ideas of structural chemistry and combines them with experimental physics resulting in one of the highest profile current topics, namely molecular materials that exhibit multifunctionality. Recent advances in the design of new generations of multifunctional molecular magnets that retain the functions of the building blocks and exhibit non-trivial magnetic properties at higher temperatures provide promising evidence that they may be useful for the future construction of nanoscale devices. This article is not a complete review but is rather an introduction into the fascinating world of multifunctional solids with magnetism as the leitmotif. We provide a subjective selection and discussion of the most inspiring examples of multifunctional molecular magnets: magnetic sponges, guest-responsive magnets, molecular magnets with ionic conductivity, photomagnets and non-centrosymmetric and chiral magnets.
The Search for Hydrogen Stores on a Large Scale; A Straightforward and Automated Open Database Analysis as a First Sweep for Candidate Materials
Authors: Breternitz Joachim , Gregory Duncan
Published: November 2015

The storage of hydrogen is considered as the bottleneck in the implementation of portable fuel cell power generating systems. The necessary experimental studies to discover and develop appropriate storage materials are always time-limited. We discuss herein the approach of an uncomplicated and accessible computationally based analysis of database knowledge towards the identification of promising storage systems. The open access policy of the Crystallography Open Database (COD) invites researchers to grasp the opportunity to formulate targeted analyses of crystalline solids, unfettered by material resources. We apply such an approach to the initial evaluation of potential solid-state hydrogen stores, although the method could potentially be transferred to other material analysis tasks.
Application of Green Tea Catechin for Inducing the Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Dedifferentiated Fat Cells in Vitro
Authors: Kaida Koji , Honda Yoshitomo , Hashimoto Yoshiya , Tanaka Masahiro , Baba Shunsuke
Published: November 2015

Despite advances in stem cell biology, there are few effective techniques to promote the osteogenic differentiation of human primary dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cells. We attempted to investigate whether epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the main component of green tea catechin, facilitates early osteogenic differentiation and mineralization on DFAT cells in vitro. DFAT cells were treated with EGCG (1.25–10 μM) in osteogenic medium (OM) with or without 100 nM dexamethasone (Dex) for 12 days (hereafter two osteogenic media were designated as OM(Dex) and OM). Supplementation of 1.25 μM EGCG to both the media effectively increased the mRNA expression of collagen 1 (COL1A1) and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and also increased proliferation and mineralization. Compared to OM(Dex) with EGCG, OM with EGCG induced earlier expression for COL1A1 and RUNX2 at day 1 and higher mineralization level at day 12. OM(Dex) with 10 μM EGCG remarkably hampered the proliferation of the DFAT cells. These results suggest that OM(without Dex) with EGCG might be a preferable medium to promote proliferation and to induce osteoblast differentiation of DFAT cells. Our findings provide an insight for the combinatory use of EGCG and DFAT cells for bone regeneration and stem cell-based therapy.
Does Lysosomial Acid Lipase Reduction Play a Role in Adult Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease?
Authors: Baratta Francesco , Pastori Daniele , Polimeni Licia , Tozzi Giulia , Violi Francesco , Angelico Francesco , Del Ben Maria
Published: November 2015

Lysosomal Acid Lipase (LAL) is a key enzyme involved in lipid metabolism, responsible for hydrolysing the cholesteryl esters and triglycerides. Wolman Disease represents the early onset phenotype of LAL deficiency rapidly leading to death. Cholesterol Ester Storage Disease is a late onset phenotype that occurs with fatty liver, elevated aminotransferase levels, hepatomegaly and dyslipidaemia, the latter characterized by elevated LDL-C and low HDL-C. The natural history and the clinical manifestations of the LAL deficiency in adults are not well defined, and the diagnosis is often incidental. LAL deficiency has been suggested as an under-recognized cause of dyslipidaemia and fatty liver. Therefore, LAL activity may be reduced also in non-obese patients presenting non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), unexplained persistently elevated liver transaminases or with elevation in LDL cholesterol. In these patients, it could be indicated to test LAL activity. So far, very few studies have been performed to assess LAL activity in representative samples of normal subjects or patients with NAFLD. Moreover, no large study has been carried out in adult subjects with NAFLD or cryptogenic cirrhosis.
Drug Name Recognition: Approaches and Resources
Authors: Liu Shengyu , Tang Buzhou , Chen Qingcai , Wang Xiaolong
Published: November 2015

Drug name recognition (DNR), which seeks to recognize drug mentions in unstructured medical texts and classify them into pre-defined categories, is a fundamental task of medical information extraction, and is a key component of many medical relation extraction systems and applications. A large number of efforts have been devoted to DNR, and great progress has been made in DNR in the last several decades. We present here a comprehensive review of studies on DNR from various aspects such as the challenges of DNR, the existing approaches and resources for DNR, and possible directions.
Gadolinium(III)-DOTA Complex Functionalized with BODIPY as a Potential Bimodal Contrast Agent for MRI and Optical Imaging
Authors: Ceulemans Matthias , Nuyts Koen , De Borggraeve Wim , Parac-Vogt Tatjana
Published: November 2015

The synthesis and characterization of a novel gadolinium(III) DOTA complex functionalized with a boron-dipyrromethene derivative (BODIPY) is described. The assembly of the complex relies on azide diazotransfer chemistry in a copper tube flow reactor. The azide thus formed is coupled directly with an alkyne via click chemistry, resulting into a paramagnetic and luminescent gadolinium(III) complex. Luminescent data and relaxometric properties of the complex have been evaluated, suggesting the potential applicability of the complexes as a bimodal contrast agent for magnetic resonance and optical imaging. The complex displays a bright emission at 523 nm with an absorption maximum of 507 nm and high quantum yields of up to 83% in water. The proton relaxivity of the complex measured at 310 K and at frequencies of 20 and 60 MHz had the values of 3.9 and 3.6 s−1·mM−1, respectively.
Sex, Race, and Age Differences in Observed Years of Life, Healthy Life, and Able Life among Older Adults in The Cardiovascular Health Study
Authors: Thielke Stephen , Diehr Paula , Yee Laura , Arnold Alice , Quiñones Ana , Whitson Heather , Jacob Mini , Newman Anne
Published: November 2015

Objective: Longevity fails to account for health and functional status during aging. We sought to quantify differences in years of total life, years of healthy life, and years of able life among groups defined by age, sex, and race. Design: Primary analysis of a cohort study. Setting: 18 years of annual evaluations in four U.S. communities. Participants: 5888 men and women aged 65 and older. Measurements: Years of life were calculated as the time from enrollment to death or 18 years. Years of total, healthy, and able life were determined from self-report during annual or semi-annual contacts. Cumulative years were summed across each of the age and sex groups. Results: White women had the best outcomes for all three measures, followed by white men, non-white women, and non-white men. For example, at the mean age of 73, a white female participant could expect 12.9 years of life, 8.9 of healthy life and 9.5 of able life, while a non-white female could expect 12.6, 7.0, and 8.0 years, respectively. A white male could expect 11.2, 8.1, and 8.9 years of life, healthy life, and able life, and a non-white male 10.3, 6.2, and 7.9 years. Regardless of starting age, individuals of the same race and sex groups spent similar amounts (not proportions) of time in an unhealthy or unable state. Conclusion: Gender had a greater effect on longevity than did race, but race had a greater effect on years spent healthy or able. The mean number of years spent in an unable or sick state was surprisingly independent of the lifespan.
Mineralogical and Geochemical Compositions of the No. 5 Coal in Chuancaogedan Mine, Junger Coalfield, China
Authors: Yang Ning , Tang Shuheng , Zhang Songhang , Chen Yunyun
Published: November 2015

This paper reports the mineralogy and geochemistry of the Early Permian No. 5 coal from the Chuancaogedan Mine, Junger Coalfield, China, using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Low-temperature ashing X-ray diffraction (LTA-XRD) in combination with Siroquant software, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The minerals in the No. 5 coal from the Chuancaogedan Mine dominantly consist of kaolinite, with minor amounts of quartz, pyrite, magnetite, gypsum, calcite, jarosite and mixed-layer illite/smectite (I/S). The most abundant species within high-temperature plasma-derived coals were SiO2 (averaging 16.90%), Al2O3 (13.87%), TiO2 (0.55%) and P2O5 (0.05%). Notable minor and trace elements of the coal include Zr (245.89 mg/kg), Li (78.54 mg/kg), Hg (65.42 mg/kg), Pb (38.95 mg/kg), U (7.85 mg/kg) and Se (6.69 mg/kg). The coal has an ultra-low sulfur content (0.40%). Lithium, Ga, Se, Zr and Hf present strongly positive correlation with ash yield, Si and Al, suggesting they are associated with aluminosilicate minerals in the No. 5 coal. Arsenic is only weakly associated with mineral matter and Ge in the No. 5 coals might be of organic and/or sulfide affinity.
Algae Undaria pinnatifida Protects Hypothalamic Neurons against Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress through Akt/mTOR Signaling
Authors: Kim Jongwan , Moon Il , Goo Tae-Won , Moon Seong-Su , Seo Minchul
Published: November 2015

Increased endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is known to be one of the causes of hypothalamic neuronal damage, as well as a cause of metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Recent evidence has suggested that Undaria pinnatifida (UP), an edible brown algae, has antioxidant activity. However, the neuroprotective effect of UP has yet to be examined. In this study, to investigate the neuroprotective effect of UP on ER stress-induced neuronal damage in mouse hypothalamic neurons, mice immortal hypothalamic neurons (GT1-7) were incubated with extract of UP. ER stress was induced by treating with tunicamycin. Tunicamycin induced apoptotic cell death was compared with the vehicle treatment through excessive ER stress. However UP protected GT1-7 cells from cell death, occurring after treatment with tunicamycin by reducing ER stress. Treatment with UP resulted in reduced increment of ATF6 and CHOP, and recovered the decrease of phosphorylation of Akt/mTOR by tunicamycin and the increment of autophagy. These results show that UP protects GT1-7 cells from ER stress induced cell death through the Akt/mTOR pathway. The current study suggests that UP may have a beneficial effect on cerebral neuronal degeneration in metabolic diseases with elevated ER stress.
Perceived Stress, Stressors, and Coping Mechanisms among Doctor of Pharmacy Students
Authors: Beall Jennifer , DeHart Renee , Riggs Robert , Hensley John
Published: November 2015

The primary purpose of this study was to examine perceived stress in doctor of pharmacy students during their first, second, and third years of their program in a fully implemented new curriculum. The secondary objectives were to determine if there is a relationship between perceived stress and certain demographic variables, to compare student pharmacist perceived stress to the perceived stress in the general population, and to examine student reported stressors during pharmacy school and coping strategies employed for those stressors. A previously validated survey (Perceived Stress Scale-10) was given to first, second, and third year student pharmacists. Females exhibited higher mean stress scores than males. The under 22 years and over 32 years age categories exhibited higher mean stress scores than the 22 to 26 year old student population. There was no significant difference in perceived stress scores between classes of the program. Only a portion of the variation in stress scores was predicted by gender, age, marital status, race, and year in curriculum. Stress scores among these student pharmacists are higher overall than those in previously published probability samples in the general population. Class assignments and completing electronic portfolios were the top stressors reported. Spending time with family and friends was the most frequent coping mechanism reported. Programming related to stress reduction (particularly among female and nontraditional age students) appears warranted.
Who Benefits from Public Healthcare Subsidies in Egypt?
Authors: Rashad Ahmed , Sharaf Mesbah
Published: November 2015

Direct subsidization of healthcare services has been widely used in many countries to improve health outcomes. It is commonly believed that the poor are the main beneficiaries from these subsidies. We test this hypothesis in Egypt by empirically analyzing the distribution of public healthcare subsidies using data from Egypt Demographic and Health Survey and Egypt National Health Accounts. To determine the distribution of public health care subsidies, we conducted a Benefit Incidence Analysis. As a robustness check, both concentration and Kakwani indices for outpatient, inpatient, and total healthcare were also calculated. Results show some degree of inequality in the benefits from public healthcare services, which varied by the type of healthcare provided. In particular, subsidies associated with University hospitals are pro-rich and have inequality increasing effect, while subsidies associated with outpatient and inpatient care provided by the Ministry of Health and Population have not been pro-poor but have inequality reducing effect (weakly progressive). Results were robust to the different analytical methods. While it is widely perceived that the poor benefit the most from health subsidies, the findings of this study refute this hypothesis in the case of Egypt. Poverty reduction measures and healthcare reforms in Egypt should not only focus on expanding the coverage of healthcare benefits, but also on improving the equity of its distribution.
Postconflit : entre guerre et paix ?
Authors: Cattaruzza Amaël , Dorier Elisabeth
Published: November 2015

La notion de « postconflit », définie par les Nations unies, désigne un modèle idéal de transition après une guerre, impliquant institutions internationales, États et acteurs civils, privés et associatifs pour surmonter ensemble les tensions et (re)construire une paix durable ( peace-building dans le jargon international). La terminologie internationale du postconflit définit une norme d’intervention impliquant une série d’actions standardisées : urgence humanitaire, post-urgence, transition, state-building , processus de réconciliation, reconstruction et développement, etc. Cependant, les discours institutionnels présentant l’intervention postconflit comme une technique neutre sont contestables car ils évacuent les enjeux politiques, les rivalités de pouvoir et les impacts indésirables du processus lui-même. L’objectif de ce numéro est de rassembler différents éclairages territoriaux montrant les décalages entre idéal et réalité, ainsi que les points communs à des programmes internationaux engagés de manière similaire dans des contextes différents. Il contribue aussi à un positionnement de la géographie comme outil de lecture spécifique, les contributions proposant des analyses à différentes échelles des jeux d’acteurs et dynamiques territoriales entre guerre et paix.
Analyse de la compétence des propriétaires – dirigeants des P.M.E. du Nord – Cameroun
Authors: Ngongang Dagobert
Published: November 2015

Dans cet article, les auteurs se penchent sur la compétence des propriétaires-dirigeants des PME de la région Nord-Cameroun. Ils cherchent à répondre à deux interrogations : en quoi l’environnement familial et le soutien de la communauté d’origine peuvent-ils déterminer la compétence du propriétaire-dirigeant ? Dans quelle mesure les compétences influent-elles l’atteinte des objectifs fixés et la flexibilité de l’entreprise. Se fondant sur les résultats d’une étude empirique menée auprès de 61 propriétaires-dirigeants, l’auteur montre que l’environnement familial détermine la compétence des propriétaires-dirigeants et que les compétences du propriétaire-dirigeants influence positivement l’atteinte des objectifs et la flexibilité des entreprises.
Characteristics of Children With Primary Congenital Glaucoma Receiving Trabeculotomy and Goniotomy
Authors: Mukkamala Lekha , Fechtner Robert , Holland Bart , Khouri Albert S.
Published: November 2015

Purpose:

To describe the groups of patients who received trabeculotomy or goniotomy for the treatment of primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) regarding age at treatment, intraocular pressure (IOP) outcome, and medication burden.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of patients with PCG seen at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, from 1998 to 2012 was conducted. Inclusion criteria were patients who received trabeculotomy or goniotomy with at least 9 months of follow-up. Presenting examination, surgical intervention, IOP, and number of medications at 1 and 2 years postoperatively were recorded. Absolute and qualified success, defined as IOP greater than 5 and less than 21 mm Hg without and with medications, respectively, was determined.

Results:

Fifty eyes of 29 patients were diagnosed as having PCG. Of those, 25 eyes received trabeculotomy or goniotomy, with 19 fulfilling inclusion criteria. Average age at the time of trabeculotomy was 8 months versus 21 months for patients undergoing goniotomy. Mean IOP was significantly reduced (
P
< .001) for both trabeculotomy and goniotomy by 29.5% at 1 year and 33.3% at 2 years. There was no significant difference in IOP control between trabeculotomy and goniotomy groups. Patients in the goniotomy group were treated with significantly more medications before and after surgery compared to patients receiving trabeculotomy (
P
< .01), resulting in a greater rate of absolute success in trabeculotomy at 1 and 2 years.

Conclusions:

Patients with PCG who underwent trabeculotomy had higher IOP and were treated at an earlier age than those who had goniotomy. Both effectively lowered IOP up to 2 years with greater medication burden in patients receiving goniotomy.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus.
2015;52(6):377–382.]
Zona residencial, en Leysin (Suiza)
Authors: Weber M. R. , Petrovich-Niegoch N. , Schoch A. , Möller R.
Published: November 2015

Por su planeamiento, la zona residencial de vacaciones de Leysin se sitúa en la nueva tendencia del turismo social. El conjunto realizado agrupa 20 apartamentos, con capacidad para alojar familias de cuatro a cinco personas durante algunas semanas. Cada unidad consta de tres habitaciones principales, cuarto de baño y una pequeña cocina. Completa este conjunto residencial una edificación que aloja la vivienda del conserje, y los servicios comunes: recepción, almacén, lavadero y central de calefacción.