bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Examination of Transmission Quality in the IP Multi-Protocol Label Switching Corporate Networks
Authors: Strzęciwilk Dariusz 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
The paper presents the examination of quality of transmission designed and built based on IP/MPLS technology as well as BGP and OSPF routing protocols of corporate network. It indicates the factors forming and affecting the service quality in IP network, including QoS support network architecture, particularly the architecture of DiffServ differentiated services. Main problems occurring in these architectures have been discussed. The analysis of data and voice transmission via IP network of Best Effort architecture and in Differentiated Service architecture of differentiated transmission quality have been conducted. It has been presented that the MPLS technology may be effectively applied in building corporate networks requiring network services of highest quality parameters with lossless packet transmission and maximum delay guarantee.
DC Large-Scale Simulation of Nonlinear Circuits on Parallel Processors
Authors: Udave Diego Ernesto Cortés , Ogrodzki Jan , Gutiérrez De Anda Miguel Angel 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Newton-Raphson DC analysis of large-scale nonlinear circuits may be an extremely time consuming process even if sparse matrix techniques and bypassing of nonlinear models calculation are used. A slight decrease in the time required for this task may be enabled on multi-core, multithread computers if the calculation of the mathematical models for the nonlinear elements as well as the stamp management of the sparse matrix entries is managed through concurrent processes. In this paper it is shown how the numerical complexity of this problem (and thus its solution time) can be further reduced via the circuit decomposition and parallel solution of blocks taking as a departure point the Bordered-Block Diagonal (BBD) matrix structure. This BBD-parallel approach may give a considerable profit though it is strongly dependent on the system topology. This paper presents a theoretical foundation of the algorithm, its implementation, and numerical complexity analysis in virtue of practical measurements of matrix operations.
Accelerator Science and Technology in Europe EuCARD 2012
Authors: Romaniuk Ryszard S. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Accelerator science and technology is one of a key enablers of the developments in the particle physics, photon physics, electronics and photonics, also applications in medicine and industry. The paper presents a digest of the research results in accelerators in Europe, shown during the third annual meeting of the EuCARD - European Coordination of Accelerator Research and Development. EuCARD concerns building of research infrastructure, including advanced photonic and electronic systems for servicing large high energy physics experiments. There are debated a few basic groups of such systems like: measurement - control networks of large extent, multichannel systems for metrological data acquisition, precision photonic networks for reference time distribution.
Discriminative Validity of Metabolic and Workload Measurements for Identifying People With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Authors: Snell Christopher R. , Stevens Staci R. , Davenport Todd E. , Van Ness J. Mark 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundReduced functional capacity and postexertion fatigue after physical activity are hallmark symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and may even qualify for biomarker status. That these symptoms are often delayed may explain the equivocal results for clinical cardiopulmonary exercise testing in people with CFS. Test reproducibility in people who are healthy is well documented. Test reproducibility may not be achievable in people with CFS because of delayed symptoms.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine the discriminative validity of objective measurements obtained during cardiopulmonary exercise testing to distinguish participants with CFS from participants who did not have a disability but were sedentary.DesignA prospective cohort study was conducted.MethodsGas exchange data, workloads, and related physiological parameters were compared in 51 participants with CFS and 10 control participants, all women, for 2 maximal exercise tests separated by 24 hours.ResultsMultivariate analysis showed no significant differences between control participants and participants with CFS for test 1. However, for test 2, participants with CFS achieved significantly lower values for oxygen consumption and workload at peak exercise and at the ventilatory or anaerobic threshold. Follow-up classification analysis differentiated between groups with an overall accuracy of 95.1%.LimitationsOnly individuals with CFS who were able to undergo exercise testing were included in this study. Individuals who were unable to meet the criteria for maximal effort during both tests, were unable to complete the 2-day protocol, or displayed overt cardiovascular abnormalities were excluded from the analysis.ConclusionsThe lack of any significant differences between groups for the first exercise test would appear to support a deconditioning hypothesis for CFS symptoms. However, the results from the second test indicated the presence of CFS-related postexertion fatigue. It might be concluded that a single exercise test is insufficient to reliably demonstrate functional impairment in people with CFS. A second test might be necessary to document the atypical recovery response and protracted fatigue possibly unique to CFS, which can severely limit productivity in the home and workplace.
Perspectives of Academic Faculty and Clinical Instructors on Entry-Level DPT Preparation for Pediatric Physical Therapist Practice
Authors: Kenyon Lisa K. , Dole Robin L. , Kelly Stephanie P. 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundTo prepare students for pediatric practice, the professional (entry-level) curriculum must reflect the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) required for pediatric physical therapist practice.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to develop consensus concerning the pediatric-specific KSA that should be expected of doctor of physical therapy (DPT) students at various points in the curriculum: prior to a pediatric clinical education experience, after a pediatric clinical education experience, and at the end of a DPT program.Design and MethodsThe study was conducted using the Delphi method. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to recruit pediatric academic faculty and pediatric clinical instructors. Three Web-based survey rounds were used to achieve consensus, defined as agreement among ≥70% of informants. The first round identified pediatric-specific KSA that were essential for DPT students to demonstrate at the identified points in the curriculum. In the second round, informants indicated their level of agreement with each item identified in the first round. Items that achieved consensus were included in the third round, in which informants rated the level of proficiency that DPT students should demonstrate related to pediatric-specific KSA.ResultsConsensus revealed the informants' perspectives concerning pediatric-specific KSA that a DPT student should be able to demonstrate at the identified curricular points. Consensus was reached on items in the curricular categories of basic science and foundations for practice; common pediatric diagnoses/pathologies, examination, interventions/plan of care/documentation; and general skills and abilities.LimitationsLimitations included the small sample size and the potential for informants to feel uncomfortable prioritizing KSA.ConclusionsThis study is an initial step toward identifying pediatric-specific KSA that should be demonstrated by DPT students.
Expanding the Scoring System for the Dynamic Gait Index
Authors: Shumway-Cook Anne , Taylor Catherine S. , Matsuda Patricia Noritake , Studer Michael T. , Whetten Brady K. 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundThe Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) measures the capacity to adapt gait to complex tasks. The current scoring system combining gait pattern (GP) and level of assistance (LOA) lacks clarity, and the test has a limited range of measurement.ObjectiveThis study developed a new scoring system based on 3 facets of performance (LOA, GP, and time) and examined the psychometric properties of the modified DGI (mDGI).DesignA cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted.MethodsNine hundred ninety-five participants (855 patients with neurologic pathology and mobility impairments [MI group] and 140 patients without neurological impairment [control group]) were tested. Interrater reliability was calculated using kappa coefficients. Internal consistency was computed using the Cronbach alpha coefficient. Factor analysis and Rasch analysis investigated unidimensionality and range of difficulty. Internal validity was determined by comparing groups using multiple t tests. Minimal detectable change (MDC) was calculated for total score and 3 facet scores using the reliability estimate for the alpha coefficients.ResultsInterrater agreement was strong, with kappa coefficients ranging from 90% to 98% for time scores, 59% to 88% for GP scores, and 84% to 100% for LOA scores. Test-retest correlations (r) for time, GP, and LOA were .91, .91, and .87, respectively. Three factors (time, LOA, GP) had eigenvalues greater than 1.3 and explained 79% of the variance in scores. All group differences were significant, with moderate to large effect sizes. The 95% minimal detectable change (MDC95) was 4 for the mDGI total score, 2 for the time and GP total scores, and 1 for the LOA total score.LimitationsThe limitations included uneven sample sizes in the 2 groups. The MI group were patients receiving physical therapy; therefore, they may not be representative of this population.ConclusionsThe mDGI, with its expanded scoring system, improves the range, discrimination, and facets of measurement related to walking function. The strength of the psychometric properties of the mDGI warrants its adoption for both clinical and research purposes.
A Rasch-Validated Version of the Upper Extremity Functional Index for Interval-Level Measurement of Upper Extremity Function
Authors: Hamilton Clayon B. , Chesworth Bert M. 
Published: June 2013

Background
The original 20-item Upper Extremity Functional Index (UEFI) has not undergone Rasch validation.

Objective
The purpose of this study was to determine whether Rasch analysis supports the UEFI as a measure of a single construct (ie, upper extremity function) and whether a Rasch-validated UEFI has adequate reproducibility for individual-level patient evaluation.

Design
This was a secondary analysis of data from a repeated-measures study designed to evaluate the measurement properties of the UEFI over a 3-week period.

Methods
Patients (n=239) with musculoskeletal upper extremity disorders were recruited from 17 physical therapy clinics across 4 Canadian provinces. Rasch analysis of the UEFI measurement properties was performed. If the UEFI did not fit the Rasch model, misfitting patients were deleted, items with poor response structure were corrected, and misfitting items and redundant items were deleted. The impact of differential item functioning on the ability estimate of patients was investigated.

Results
A 15-item modified UEFI was derived to achieve fit to the Rasch model where the total score was supported as a measure of upper extremity function only. The resultant UEFI-15 interval-level scale (0–100, worst to best state) demonstrated excellent internal consistency (person separation index=0.94) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [2,1]=.95). The minimal detectable change at the 90% confidence interval was 8.1.

Limitations
Patients who were ambidextrous or bilaterally affected were excluded to allow for the analysis of differential item functioning due to limb involvement and arm dominance.

Conclusion
Rasch analysis did not support the validity of the 20-item UEFI. However, the UEFI-15 was a valid and reliable interval-level measure of a single dimension: upper extremity function. Rasch analysis supports using the UEFI-15 in physical therapist practice to quantify upper extremity function in patients with musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremity.
Climate affects symbiotic fungal endophyte diversity and performance
Authors: Giauque Hannah , Hawkes Christine V. 
Published: June 2013

• Premise of the study: Fungal endophytes are symbionts that inhabit aboveground tissues of most terrestrial plants and can affect plant physiology and growth under stressed conditions. In a future faced with substantial climate change, endophytes have the potential to play an important role in plant stress resistance. Understanding both the distributions of endophytes and their functioning in symbiosis with plants are key aspects of predicting their role in an altered climate.• Methods: Here we characterized endophytes in grasses across a steep precipitation gradient to examine the relative importance of environmental and spatial factors in structuring endophyte communities. We also tested how 20 endophytes isolated from drier and wetter regions performed in symbiosis with grass seedlings under high and low soil moisture in the greenhouse.• Key results: Environmental factors related to historical and current precipitation were the most important predictors of endophyte communities in the field. On average, endophytic fungi from western sites also reduced plant water loss in the greenhouse compared to fungi from eastern sites. However, there was substantial variability in how individual endophytic taxa affected plant traits under high and low water availability, with up to two orders of magnitude difference in the plasticity of plant traits conferred by the different fungal taxa.• Conclusions: While species sorting appears to largely explain local endophyte community composition, their function in symbiosis is not predictable from local environmental conditions. The development of a predictive framework for endophyte function will require further study of individual fungal taxa and genotypes across environmental gradients.
Dactylitis in Psoriatic Arthritis: Prevalence and Response to Therapy in the Biologic Era
Authors: Gladman Dafna D. , Ziouzina Olga , Thavaneswaran Arane , Chandran Vinod 
Published: July 2013

Objective.To determine the prevalence of acute dactylitis in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and to compare the response of new acute dactylitis to treatment with traditional disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) and anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (anti-TNF) agents in a longitudinal PsA cohort.Methods.Patients with PsA followed at 6 months according to a standard protocol from January 2000 to January 2010 were included in our study. Acute dactylitis was defined as the presence of painful swelling of an entire digit. Response was defined as either complete resolution of dactylitis or > 50% improvement in the number of dactylitic digits. A multivariate generalized estimating equations analysis using a negative binomial model to account for repeated measures was conducted to determine predictors for response to treatment of dactylitis.Results.Of the 752 patients seen in the clinic during this period, 294 had dactylitis in at least 1 visit, giving a prevalence of 39%. Patients with acute dactylitis and data available for response at 6 and 12 months (n = 252; 34% women, mean age 47 yrs, PsA duration 11 yrs) were included in the study on predictors of response to treatment. Multivariate analysis showed that treatment with anti-TNF agents was a significant predictor of improvement in dactylitis at 12 months (relative risk 0.528, 95% CI 0.283–0.985, p = 0.045).Conclusion.The prevalence of dactylitis on at least 1 visit was 39%. Treatment was associated with improvement of dactylitis. Patients treated with biologics had better response to treatment compared with those treated with nonbiologic DMARD alone.
La nouvelle « science électorale » américaine
Authors: Pène Clémence 
Published: June 2013

Après la défaite de John Kerry face à George W. Bush en 2004, le Parti démocrate s’est reconstruit. Il s’est transformé en laboratoire d’expérimentation d’une « nouvelle science électorale », misant sur les nouvelles technologies et la maîtrise des bases de données. Cette « nouvelle science » a été mise à profit par les équipes de Barack Obama pour remporter deux élections présidentielles. Elle est aujourd’hui utilisée par les démocrates pour appuyer l’action du gouvernement.
L’introuvable capitale du Mali. La question de la capitale dans l’historiographie du royaume médiéval du Mali
Authors: Collet Hadrien 
Published: June 2013

Parmi les nombreuses hypothèses portant sur la capitale du Mali à son apogée (xiiie-début xve siècle), celle de Niani, apparue sous la plume des « historiens coloniaux », a connu la plus belle fortune. Construite par l’histoire coloniale, puis partiellement déconstruite à partir des années 1970, l’hypothèse de Niani, bien que porteuse d’une façon de faire de l’histoire aujourd’hui révolue, continue d’avoir ses partisans. Apparue en 1923, elle traverse l’époque coloniale et celle des indépendances des années 1960 avant de se retrouver confrontée à la méthode critique de l’histoire académique et de l’archéologie. Cette étude propose donc d’appréhender l’historiographie spécifique à Niani, qui reflète les évolutions de l’écriture de l’histoire ancienne du Soudan, et de faire le point sur l’état des recherches actuelles sur la question de la capitale du Mali.
Mobilité et archéologie le long de l’arc oriental du Niger : pavements et percuteurs
Authors: Haour Anne 
Published: June 2013

Cet article examine le rôle de la migration en Afrique de l’Ouest, rappelant pour commencer la prévalence de traditions des premiers-arrivés et prenant l’exemple de la migration de saison sèche en zone hausa (cin rani). Le but principal est de voir dans quelle mesure ces notions tirées largement du contemporain peuvent nous assister dans l’interprétation des restes archéologiques, en particulier en prenant en compte la notion d’« espace d’expérience », une approche qui tente de situer le contexte social des activités. Deux sortes de comportement technique sont examinées : la fabrication de poteries par pilonnage sur forme concave, et l’usage de pavement de tessons de céramique. Cette discussion prend pour cas d’étude les résultats préliminaires de travaux archéologiques au nord-Bénin et propose que l’utilisation de ces deux techniques puisse servir d’indicateurs de migration.
Le Discours historique de l’estat du royaume de Borno, genèse et construction d’une histoire du Borno par un captif de Tripoli au XVIIe siècle
Authors: Dewière Rémi 
Published: June 2013

Le Discours historique de l’estat du royaume de Borno, écrit par un ancien captif de Tripoli en 1685, est l’une des sources les plus importantes de l’histoire de ce royaume sahélien situé sur la rive ouest du lac Tchad. Malheureusement, son analyse fut délaissée du fait d’incohérences, et l’intérêt de la source fut dévalué. Cependant, une étude du contexte de rédaction du manuscrit ainsi que de la construction du récit montre la grande richesse de ce texte. Tout en s’inscrivant dans un contexte favorable à la mise à l’écrit de l’expérience de captivité, celui que nous appellerons le « chirurgien français » effectue un réel travail de recherche tant à Tripoli qu’à son retour en France, où il rédige avec l’aide d’une tierce personne ce chapitre dans un ouvrage bien plus volumineux sur l’histoire de Tripoli. Le plus intéressant reste la façon dont le « chirurgien français » a recueilli ses sources : leur recensement permet un premier classement de celles-ci et une première analyse de l’apport du Discours historique de l’estat du royaume de Borno pour l’histoire moderne du sultanat de Borno.
Peuples et évolution climatique en Afrique nord-tropicale, de la fin du Néolithique à l’aube de l’époque moderne
Authors: Maley Jean , Vernet Robert 
Published: June 2013

La fin du Néolithique, au cours du IIIe millénaire BP, a correspondu à l’affaiblissement des périodes humides et à la mise en place de la géographie actuelle dans la zone sud-saharienne et sahélienne, qui s’étend de l’Atlantique au lac Tchad. Depuis cette époque le climat a cependant continué à beaucoup varier. La succession des différents épisodes climatiques, phases humides ou phases arides – et leurs interactions complexes –, est précisée. Ces faits climatiques sont mis en parallèle avec l’évolution archéologique et historique des différentes phases culturelles. Dans cette immense région, souvent à la limite de conditions naturelles extrêmes, les évènements climatiques ont toujours eu des conséquences très importantes sur l’évolution des peuplements humains. Le relativement bon synchronisme des principaux changements culturels, d’ouest en est à travers la bande sahélienne, paraît avoir été fréquemment contrôlé par le rôle directeur des changements climatiques majeurs et des variations environnementales qui en ont résulté.
Tadmekka. Archéologie d’une ville caravanière des premiers temps du commerce transsaharien
Authors: Nixon Sam 
Published: June 2013

Cet article présente les premières fouilles systématiques de Tadmekka, une des villes commerçantes majeures d’Afrique de l’Ouest, qui a participé à la croissance du commerce transsaharien durant les premières années de l’ère islamique (vers 650-1500). En 2005, des fouilles sur les ruines de Tadmekka (Essouk), dans le Nord du Mali, ont fourni une stratigraphie de 6,5 m, depuis le milieu du premier millénaire jusque vers 1400. Les analyses effectuées ensuite ont considérablement amélioré notre compréhension des périodes « préhistoriques » et historiques, et permettent d’ouvrir des perspectives nouvelles. Après une description des prémisses du projet et une présentation complète de ses résultats, nous présentons une histoire du développement de Tadmekka, en plaçant côte à côte les résultats archéologiques et les indices fournis par la documentation historique. Nous nous focalisons ensuite sur des analyses spécifiques, comme par exemple : les modes de construction à Tadmekka, le monnayage en or, le commerce des produits au-delà du Sahara, les céramiques, les industries locales et les pratiques alimentaires.
Thematic Analysis of Cardiac Care Patients’ Explanations for Declining Contribution to a Genomic Research-Based Biobank
Authors: Williams Pamela Holtzclaw , Nemeth Lynne S. , Sanner Jennifer E. , Frazier Lorraine Q. 
Published: July 2013

Background
Health care delivery systems increasingly ask patients to contribute biological samples for future genomic-based health research during critical care admissions, as the result of genome-based research requirements of unprecedented large sample sizes. Few reports describe patients’ perceptions and responses to actual biobanking approaches in clinical settings. A qualitative study was conducted to explore 568 cardiac care patients’ explanations of why they declined to contribute their samples to a future genomic research biobank.

Objectives
To (1) identify themes emerging from explanations for declining contribution to the research biobanking initiative and (2) determine how the content informs the stewardship conceptual framework that addresses evidence-based clinical ethics practices in genomic and genetic research biobanking.

Methods
This qualitative study used an analytic method that combines inductive and deductive approaches to identify themes in patients’ explanations for declining to contribute to a research biobank initiative. The hybrid design has relevance to health services research that seeks to develop taxonomy, themes, and theory.

Results
Inductive approaches showed that themes of intrusion and autonomy dominated explanations. Deductive approaches affirmed previously proposed elements of a stewardship conceptual framework that addresses ethics in biobanking.

Conclusion
Research in understanding patients’ perceptions can guide nursing and biobank practices in developing best practices.