bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detección de períodos húmedos en la Provincia del Chaco (1961-2005). Una aproximación a la identificación de núcleos pluviométricos
Authors: Pyszczek Oscar Luis , Pérez María Emilia 
Published: September 2019

<p>El presente artículo tiene como objeto de estudio a las precipitaciones acaecidas en la Provincia del Chaco durante el período 1961-2005. Específicamente se ha estudiado tanto a escala anual como mensual, los períodos de meses cuyas precipitaciones hayan sido superiores a los promedios anuales (períodos húmedos). La metodología empleada en la investigación, conforma un aporte original puesto que se ha ensayado un criterio propio para establecer núcleos de precipitaciones superiores a lo normal o núcleos pluviométricos partiendo de la previa implementación del método de quintiles. Estos núcleos pluviométricos han sido definidos como el intervalo de 2 a 5 meses cuyo monto total represente el 50% o más de los promedios anuales. Los datos estadísticos utilizados provienen de la Red Pluviométrica Provincial registrados por la Administración Provincial del Agua, organismo rector en cuestiones hídricas en la Provincia.</p><p> </p>
Ciudad, territorio, paisajes y vulnerabilidad. El caso del área metropolitana del Gran Resistencia (AMGR)
Authors: Alberto Juan Antonio 
Published: September 2019

<p>El presente trabajo surge del soporte teórico y apreciaciones prácticas sobre el fenómeno de expansión urbana, la fragmentación territorial, la vulnerabilidad de sus paisajes resultantes y sus problemas derivados, fundamentos vinculados al Área Metropolitana del Gran Resistencia (AMGR), en la Provincia del Chaco, como parte del trabajo de investigación realizado en el Departamento e Instituto de Geografía, de la Facultad de Humanidades, UNNE. Hoy es incuestionable que el vertiginoso crecimiento urbano y la multiplicación de las ciudades, en los últimos cincuenta años, es un fenómeno social y demográfico con un fuerte impacto sobre el ambiente, que se traduce en una fragmentación territorial y problemas ambientales de distintas índoles y alcances. Así el hacinamiento de personas en áreas de riesgos ambientales acrecienta su vulnerabilidad y hacen que los factores ambientales sean una de las principales causas de muerte, enfermedad y pérdida de la productividad, preservando la pobreza. El crecimiento acelerado y expansión desordenada del conurbano (AMGR) ocurrida a especialmente desde fines de los años 60, se caracteriza por una tendencia a la expansión de la vida ciudadana de cada centro hacia la periferia, llegando con el correr de los años a desdibujarse los límites municipales de cada uno para originar una gran mancha urbana. Este proceso acumuló, desde lo socio estructural, un déficit importante de infraestructuras y de equipamientos en la periferia de la capital y sus centros vecinos, asociados desde los socio espacial a problemas ambientales y profundos y rápidos cambios en el paisaje urbano, periurbano (suburbano, vorurbano y rururbano), rural y natural inmediato. En resumen, intentamos mostrar aquí los cambios permanentes y sus problemas coligados en el AMGR y su espacio periurbano, territorios signados por su transición hacia ambientes rurales y naturales, que se transforman en ámbitos de fusión, riesgos, vulnerabilidades y conflictos entre lo ambiental y lo social y todas sus connotaciones.</p><p> </p>
Perfil demográfico de las lomadas arenosas en el triángulo noroccidental de la provincia de Corrientes (Argentina): análisis en dos momentos censales (2001 y 2010)
Authors: Ojeda Elsie Araseli , Ponce Blanca Elizabeth 
Published: September 2019

<p>La región de Lomadas Arenosas corresponde al abanico aluvial del sistema del río Paraná, el cual cubre el noroeste y suroeste de la provincia de Corrientes (Argentina). Este medio natural proporciona a la población, recursos para la satisfacción de sus necesidades. Por este motivo, es importante conocer su estructura demográfica, debido a las importantes consecuencias que genera en el ámbito económico y social, así como también, para ser utilizado en futuros estudios de evaluación del impacto de la población sobre dichos recursos. El área en estudio está compuesta por 17 departamentos que se sitúan en el triángulo noroccidental de la provincia de Corrientes. En el presente trabajo, nos centraremos únicamente en describir la evolución demográfica y la estructura por edad y sexo de la población. Esta última, es el resultado de las características pasadas de la fecundidad, mortalidad y migración.</p><p> </p>
La movilidad cotidiana en Resistencia, Chaco, Argentina. Propuestas para micro intervenciones integrales urbanas (nodos)
Authors: Rey Celmira Esther 
Published: September 2019

<p>El presente trabajo ensaya identificar emergentes del funcionamiento de la movilidad cotidiana y su configuración territorial respectiva, en intersecciones o nodos de Resistencia, capital de la provincia del Chaco, Argentina. Específicamente, se evalúa el estado del equipamiento (infraestructura y mobiliario vial) de la vía pública y sobre modos o prácticas habituales de los sujetos usuarios de las mismas (peatones – pasajeros-conductores de vehículos). Aspectos analizados teniendo en cuenta parámetros prescriptos en normativas vigentes y amparadas en los principios de accesibilidad, comunicación, equidad y justicia espacial que permitieron establecer un diagnóstico microespacial del estado en que se encuentran los nodos, objeto de estudio de esta tesis. A partir del estado de situación detectado, sumado al producto obtenido de los discursos de los habitantes que habitualmente utilizan esas intersecciones, se postulan modelos de estado óptimo en los nodos seleccionados como escenarios territoriales accesibles y seguros en cuanto acondicionamiento físico material y, sobre modos correctos en que deben ser usados conforme las leyes que rigen a tal fin. Los modelos resultantes se construyeron mediante el uso de programas informáticos con potencial suficiente para simular microambientes óptimos para circular. Esta última acción vislumbra, a través de la planificación territorial, proponer condiciones para que el desarrollo de la movilidad cotidiana se realice conforme una relación de complementaria entre usos, respeto entre las personas y el entorno inmediato. Se plantea esta propuesta reconociendo que durante la movilidad se articulan complejas relaciones donde se pone de manifiesto el estilo de vida de una población, claramente identificable a través del acondicionamiento de la vía pública y el modo en que es utilizada por sus habitantes. De modo que, cada elemento componente del espacio analizado debe interactuar manteniendo un equilibrio dinámico tendiente a evitar conflictos y la potencial aparición de lesiones por esa causa.</p><p> </p>
Características morfométricas de lagunas del valle aluvial del río Alto Paraná (tramo Yacyretá-Confluencia)
Authors: Meza Julio César , Contreras Félix Ignacio 
Published: September 2019

<p>En el valle aluvial del río Paraná en su tramo comprendido entre la represa de Yacyretá y la confluencia con el río Paraguay se localizan ambientes lénticos que se ven condicionados por la dinámica hidrosedimentológica del río. Los cuerpos lagunares representan aquí un escenario útil para la identificación de procesos y factores relacionados con la actividad biológica. Por tal motivo, son fundamentales los estudios geomorfológicos, ya que condicionan los parámetros fisicoquímicos y biológicos de estos ambientes. La morfometría es una de las variables que afectan a estos parámetros, asimismo, permite identificar la dinámica de estos cuerpos en relación a los pulsos de inundación. En ese sentido, este trabajo aborda la distribución y caracterización morfométrica de lagunas del valle aluvial del río Alto Paraná entre la represa Yacyretá y su confluencia con el río Paraguay. </p>
Role of Learning Management Systems (LMS) in Developing Learning Skills
Authors: Alokluk Jamilah , Al-Amri Aisha 
Published: September 2019

The current study aimed at measuring the efficiency of Blackboard in developing the collaborative and individual learning skills for Taibah University students. Moreover, it sought to unravel the differences (if any) in the effectiveness of the system in developing the above-mentioned skills according to the change of the user (student, staff member), gender (male, female), and the change of college to which the user belongs (scientific, humanitarian). The study adopted an analytical descriptive approach as it suits the nature of the study and its variables. Doing so, the researchers have built a learning tool which consists of two lists of e-learning skills; the first is for the individual e-learning skills and is divided into three main focuses including 45 paragraphs, and the second for the collaborative e-learning skills and is divided into three main focuses including 26 paragraphs. The study sample consisted of members of staff, students (males and females) distributed across colleges of Taibah University (n= 17).
The study came up with some results of which the most significant were: the Blackboard’s efficiency in developing the individual e-learning skills for the students is high with an efficiency average of..... And its efficiency in developing the collaborative e-learning skills for the students is also high with an efficiency average of.. Which reflects the importance of integrating the electronic systems within the learning and teaching processes and underlines its positive role in achieving the quality learning at low cost and effort. In addition, the study came up with the absence of indicative differences statistically in developing the individual and collaborative e-learning skills as per the user's change (student - member staff), or per the gender’s change (male-female), or per the sort of college change to which the user belongs (scientific - humanitarian). The study recommends the conduct of periodic assessment processes for the system’s efficiency in developing students’ various learning skills and calls for conducting similar studies to determine the necessary technological requirements for developing Blackboard on the basis of the individual and collaborative e-learning skills.
Phase I trial of caudate deep brain stimulation for treatment-resistant tinnitus
Authors: Cheung Steven W. , Racine Caroline A. , Henderson-Sabes Jennifer , Demopoulos Carly , Molinaro Annette M. , Heath Susan , Nagarajan Srikantan S. , Bourne Andrea L. , Rietcheck John E. , Wang Sarah S. , Larson Paul S. 
Published: September 2019

OBJECTIVEThe objective of this open-label, nonrandomized trial was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bilateral caudate nucleus deep brain stimulation (DBS) for treatment-resistant tinnitus.METHODSSix participants underwent DBS electrode implantation. One participant was removed from the study for suicidality unrelated to brain stimulation. Participants underwent a stimulation optimization period that ranged from 5 to 13 months, during which the most promising stimulation parameters for tinnitus reduction for each individual were determined. These individual optimal stimulation parameters were then used during 24 weeks of continuous caudate stimulation to reach the endpoint. The primary outcome for efficacy was the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI), and executive function (EF) safety was a composite z-score from multiple neuropsychological tests (EF score). The secondary outcome for efficacy was the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI); for neuropsychiatric safety it was the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale (FrSBe), and for hearing safety it was pure tone audiometry at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 kHz and word recognition score (WRS). Other monitored outcomes included surgery- and device-related adverse events (AEs). Five participants provided full analyzable data sets. Primary and secondary outcomes were based on differences in measurements between baseline and endpoint.RESULTSThe treatment effect size of caudate DBS for tinnitus was assessed by TFI [mean (SE), 23.3 (12.4)] and THI [30.8 (10.4)] scores, both of which were statistically significant (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, 1-tailed; alpha = 0.05). Based on clinically significant treatment response categorical analysis, there were 3 responders determined by TFI (≥ 13-point decrease) and 4 by THI (≥ 20-point decrease) scores. Safety outcomes according to EF score, FrSBe, audiometric thresholds, and WRS showed no significant change with continuous caudate stimulation. Surgery-related and device-related AEs were expected, transient, and reversible. There was only one serious AE, a suicide attempt unrelated to caudate neuromodulation in a participant in whom stimulation was in the off mode for 2 months prior to the event.CONCLUSIONSBilateral caudate nucleus neuromodulation by DBS for severe, refractory tinnitus in this phase I trial showed very encouraging results. Primary and secondary outcomes revealed a highly variable treatment effect size and 60%–80% treatment response rate for clinically significant benefit, and no safety concerns. The design of a phase II trial may benefit from targeting refinement for final DBS lead placement to decrease the duration of the stimulation optimization period and to increase treatment effect size uniformity.Clinical trial registration no.: NCT01988688 (clinicaltrials.gov).
The connectivity index: an effective metric for grading epileptogenicity
Authors: Yan Qi , Gaspard Nicolas , Zaveri Hitten P. , Blumenfeld Hal , Hirsch Lawrence J. , Spencer Dennis D. , Alkawadri Rafeed 
Published: September 2019

OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study was to investigate the performance of a metric of functional connectivity to classify and grade the excitability of brain regions based on evoked potentials in response to single-pulse electrical stimulation (SPES).METHODSPatients who underwent 1-Hz frequency stimulation at prospectively selected contacts between 2003 and 2014 at the Yale Comprehensive Epilepsy Center were included. The stimulated contacts were classified as the seizure onset zone (SOZ), highly irritative zone (possibly epileptogenic irritative zone [IZp]), and control contacts not involved in the epileptic activity. Response contacts were classified as SOZ, active interictal irritative zone (IZ), quiet, or other. The normalized number of responses was defined as the number of contacts with any evoked responses divided by the total number of recorded contacts, and the normalized distance is the ratio of the average distance between the site of stimulation and sites of evoked responses to the average distances between the site of stimulation and all other recording contacts. A new metric that the authors labeled the connectivity index (CI) is defined as the product of the 2 values.RESULTSA total of 57 stimulation sessions in 22 patients were analyzed. The CI of the SOZ was higher than for control contacts (median CI of 0.74 vs 0.16, p = 0.0002). The evoked responses after stimulation of SOZ were seen at further distances compared to control (median normalized distance 0.96 vs 0.62, p = 0.0005). It was 1.8 times more likely that a response would be recorded at the SOZ than in nonepileptic contacts after stimulation of a control site. Habitual seizures were triggered in 27% of patients and 35% of SOZ contacts (median stimulation intensity 4 mA) but in none of the control or IZp contacts. Non-SOZ contacts in multifocal or poor surgical outcome cases had a higher CI than non-SOZ contacts in patients with localizable onsets (median CI of 0.5 vs 0.12, p = 0.04). There was a correlation between the stimulation current intensity and the normalized number of evoked responses (r = + 0.49, p = 0.01) but not with distance (r = + 0.1, p = 0.64).CONCLUSIONSThe authors found enhanced connectivity when stimulating the SOZ compared to stimulating control contacts; responses were more distant as well. Habitual auras and seizures provoked by SPES were highly predictive of brain sites involved in seizure generation.
Endoscopic transmastoid posterior petrosal approach for locally aggressive tumors in the petrous part of the temporal bone involving the internal auditory canal, jugular foramen, and hypoglossal canal
Authors: Shin Masahiro , Hasegawa Hirotaka , Miyawaki Satoru , Kakigi Akinobu , Takizawa Tsuguto , Kondo Kenji , Shiode Taketo , Kin Taichi , Saito Nobuhito 
Published: September 2019

OBJECTIVEThe posterior petrosal approach is an established surgical method offering wide access to skull base lesions through mastoid air cells. The authors describe their experience with the endoscopic transmastoid “posterior petrosal” approach (EPPAP) for skull base tumors involving the internal auditory canal (IAC), jugular foramen, and hypoglossal canal.METHODSThe EPPAP was performed for 7 tumors (3 chordomas, 2 chondrosarcomas, 1 schwannoma, and 1 solitary fibrous tumor). All surgical procedures were performed under endoscopic visualization with mastoidectomy. The compact bone of the mastoid air cells and posterior surface of the petrous bone are carefully removed behind the semicircular canals. When removal of cancellous bone is extended superomedially through the infralabyrinthine space, the surgeon can expose the IAC and petrous portion of the internal carotid artery to reach the petrous apex (infralabyrinthine route). When removal of cancellous bone is extended inferomedially along the sigmoid sinus, the surgeon can safely reach the jugular foramen (transjugular route). Drilling of the inferior surface of petrous bone is extended further inferoposteriorly behind the jugular bulb to approach the hypoglossal canal and parapharyngeal space through the lateral aspect of the occipital condyle (infrajugular route).RESULTSOf the 7 tumors, gross-total resection was achieved in 4 (57.1%), subtotal resection (> 95% removal) in 2 (28.6%), and partial resection (90% removal) in 1 (14.2%). Postoperatively, 2 of 3 patients with exudative otitis media showed improvement of hearing deterioration, as did 2 patients with tinnitus. Hypoglossal nerve palsy and swallowing difficulty were improved after surgery in 2 patients and 1 patient, respectively. In 1 patient with severe cranial nerve deficits before surgery, symptoms did not show any improvement.CONCLUSIONSThe authors present their preliminary experience with EPPAP for skull base tumors in the petrous part of the temporal bone and the lateral part of the occipital condyle involving the cranial nerves and internal carotid arteries. The microscope showed a higher-quality image and illumination in the low-power field. However, the endoscope could offer wider visualization of the surgical field and contribute to minimizing the size of the surgical pathways, necessity of brain retraction, and eventually the invasiveness of surgery. Thus, the EPPAP may be safe and effective for skull base tumors in the petrous region, achieving balance between the radicality and invasiveness of the skull base surgery.
Clip-first policy versus coil-first policy for the exclusion of middle cerebral artery aneurysms
Authors: Berro David Hassanein , L’Allinec Vincent , Pasco-Papon Anne , Emery Evelyne , Berro Mada , Barbier Charlotte , Fournier Henri-Dominique , Gaberel Thomas 
Published: September 2019

OBJECTIVEMiddle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms are a particular subset of intracranial aneurysms that can be excluded by clipping or coiling. A comparison of the results between these two methods is often limited by a selection bias in which wide-neck and large aneurysms are frequently treated with surgery. Here, the authors report the results of two centers using opposing policies in the management of MCA aneurysms: one center used a clip-first policy while the other used a coil-first policy, which limited the selection bias and ensured a good comparison of these two treatment modalities.METHODSAll patients treated for either ruptured or unruptured MCA aneurysms at one of two institutions between January 2012 and December 2015 were eligible for inclusion in this study. At one center a clip-first policy was applied, whereas the other applied a coil-first policy. The authors retrospectively reviewed the medical records of these patients and compared their clinical and radiological outcomes.RESULTSA total of 187 aneurysms were treated during the inclusion period; 88 aneurysms were treated by coiling and 99 aneurysms by clipping. The baseline patient and radiological characteristics were similar between the two groups, but the clinical presentation of the ruptured aneurysm cohort differed slightly. In the ruptured cohort (n = 90), although patients in the coiling group had a higher rate of additional surgery, the complication rate, functional outcome, and risk of death were similar between the two treatment groups. In the unruptured cohort (n = 97), the complication rate, functional outcome, and risk of death were also similar between the two treatment groups, although the risk of discomfort related to the temporal muscle atrophy was higher in the surgical group. Overall, the rate of complete occlusion was higher in the clipping group (84.2%) than in the coiling group (31%), which led to a higher risk in the coiling group of aneurysm retreatment within the first 2 years (p = 0.04).CONCLUSIONSClipping and coiling for MCA aneurysm treatment provide the same clinical outcome for ruptured and unruptured aneurysms. However, clipping provides higher short- and long-term rates of complete exclusion, which in turn decreases the risk of aneurysm retreatment. Whether this lower occlusion rate can have a clinical impact in the long-term must be further evaluated.
Inflammation and obstruction of distal catheter slits in ventriculoperitoneal shunts: likely role of graphite
Authors: Del Bigio Marc R. , Sidhu Ravinder K. , Kazina Colin J. , Serletis Demitre 
Published: September 2019

OBJECTIVETissue reactions that contribute to obstruction of peritoneal catheters in ventriculoperitoneal shunt systems are not well characterized. Several recent rapid obstructions in children prompted a retrospective quality assurance review.METHODSThe authors conducted a detailed investigation of 22 surgically explanted peritoneal shunt catheters and 8 autopsy cases with documented distal shunt obstruction. Patients’ medical histories were reviewed, and the catheters and/or tissues were subjected to conventional histological and immunohistochemical evaluations. In addition, 3 cases were subjected to electron microscopic examination including elemental analysis.RESULTSThe majority of symptomatic obstructions were associated with distal slit catheters (17 slit, 3 open-end, and 2 unknown type). Among the autopsy cases, deaths were attributed to shunt failure in 2 cases of slit catheter obstruction, 1 case of open-end catheter obstruction, and 1 case of catheter withdrawal from the peritoneal cavity. The early tissue response consisted of a predominantly T lymphocyte accumulation with phagocytosis of graphite particles by macrophages. This is associated with proliferation of fibroblasts, mesothelial cells, and blood vessels, which can grow through the slits and occlude the catheter lumen. As the inflammation subsides after approximately 1 year, the tissue plug becomes collagenized and calcified.CONCLUSIONSThis study, supported by experimental literature in other organ systems, indicates that graphite used to coat the slit openings of distal catheters from ventriculoperitoneal shunts likely predisposes to obstruction. Neurosurgeons and manufacturers should consider the potential negative consequences of this shunt design. The authors concur with previous recommendations that slit-valve distal catheters should not be used for ventriculoperitoneal shunting unless they can be proven safe and efficacious in a controlled trial.