bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corruption in Higher Education: Does it Differ across the Nations and Why?
Authors: Osipian Ararat L.
Published: December 2008

Corruption in higher education is a newly emerging topic in the field of education research. Some aspects of corruption in education have been addressed in recent works by Eckstein, Hallak & Poisson, Heyneman, Noah & Eckstein, Segal, and Washburn. However, rigorous systematic research is lacking. This article considers corruption in higher education as reported in the media, following publications in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Russian Federation. It addresses the differences in forms of corruption across the nations, identifying how exactly they differ and why. Major findings point to the following: some forms of corruption are region-specific while others are universal; types of corruption are connected to the characteristics of the national systems; the general trend in the media attention reflects growing concern about corruption in academia; in the United States more attention is now paid to fraud, plagiarism, and cheating, but in Russia to bribery in admissions. The findings help to determine which aspects of corruption in higher education should be given more consideration in future research and which might be prioritised, as well as how the national systems of higher education can be improved.
Overrepresented Minorities in Special Education in the United States and Romania: Comparison between African-American and Roma Populations in Disability Studies
Authors: Walker Gabriela
Published: December 2008

This manuscript briefly examines minority participation within the school population that is eligible for special education services – namely, African Americans in the United States and the Roma population in Romania. A large percentage of students from both minorities come to school unprepared to learn and they remain behind because of the simultaneous action of several factors, such as family values, material support for child education, evaluation team members' and teachers' perceptions and expectations, insufficient student and parent guidance, and institutional racial/ethnic discrimination. Children coming from minority groups, and from low-socio-economic-status families, are more likely to be identified as having special needs in both the United States and Romania.
Muscle-Derived Angiopoietin-Like Protein 4 Is Induced by Fatty Acids via Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor (PPAR)-δ and Is of Metabolic Relevance in Humans
Authors: Staiger Harald , Haas Carina , Machann Jürgen , Werner Roman , Weisser Melanie , Schick Fritz , Machicao Fausto , Stefan Norbert , Fritsche Andreas , Häring Hans-Ulrich
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE— Long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) contribute to metabolic homeostasis in part via gene regulation. This study's objective was to identify novel LCFA target genes in human skeletal muscle cells (myotubes).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— In vitro methods included culture and treatment of human myotubes and C2C12 cells, gene array analysis, real-time RT-PCR, Western blotting, ELISA, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and RNA interference. Human subjects (two cohorts) were characterized by oral glucose tolerance test, hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy, and standard blood analyses (glucose, insulin, C-peptide, and plasma lipids).

RESULTS— We show here that ANGPTL4 (encoding angiopoietin-like protein 4) represents a prominent LCFA-responsive gene in human myotubes. LCFA activated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-δ, but not PPAR-α or -γ, and pharmacological activation of PPAR-δ markedly induced ANGPTL4 production and secretion. In C2C12 myocytes, knockdown of PPARD, but not of PPARG, blocked LCFA-mediated ANGPTL4 induction, and LCFA treatment resulted in PPAR-δ recruitment to the ANGPTL4 gene. In addition, pharmacological PPAR-δ activation induced LIPE (encoding hormone-sensitive lipase), and this response crucially depended on ANGPTL4, as revealed by ANGPTL4 knockdown. In a human cohort of 108 thoroughly phenotyped subjects, plasma ANGPTL4 positively correlated with fasting nonesterified fatty acids (P = 0.0036) and adipose tissue lipolysis (P = 0.0012). Moreover, in 38 myotube donors, plasma ANGPTL4 levels and adipose tissue lipolysis in vivo were reflected by basal myotube ANGPTL4 expression in vitro (P = 0.02, both).

CONCLUSIONS— ANGPTL4 is produced by human myotubes in response to LCFA via PPAR-δ, and muscle-derived ANGPTL4 seems to be of systemic relevance in humans.
Lipoic Acid Synthase (LASY)
Authors: Padmalayam Indira , Hasham Sumera , Saxena Uday , Pillarisetti Sivaram
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE—Lipoic acid synthase (LASY) is the enzyme that is involved in the endogenous synthesis of lipoic acid, a potent mitochondrial antioxidant. The aim of this study was to study the role of LASY in type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We studied expression of LASY in animal models of type 2 diabetes. We also looked at regulation of LASY in vitro under conditions that exist in diabetes. Additionally, we looked at effects of LASY knockdown on cellular antioxidant status, inflammation, mitochondrial function, and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake.

RESULTS—LASY expression is significantly reduced in tissues from animal models of diabetes and obesity compared with age- and sex-matched controls. In vitro, LASY mRNA levels were decreased by the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and high glucose. Downregulation of the LASY gene by RNA interference (RNAi) reduced endogenous levels of lipoic acid, and the activities of critical components of the antioxidant defense network, increasing oxidative stress. Treatment with exogenous lipoic acid compensated for some of these defects. RNAi-mediated downregulation of LASY induced a significant loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and decreased insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in skeletal muscle cells. In endothelial cells, downregulation of LASY aggravated the inflammatory response that manifested as an increase in both basal and TNF-α–induced expression of the proinflammatory cytokine, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). Overexpression of the LASY gene ameliorated the inflammatory response.

CONCLUSIONS—Deficiency of LASY results in an overall disturbance in the antioxidant defense network, leading to increased inflammation, insulin resistance, and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Reduced Adipose Tissue Oxygenation in Human Obesity
Authors: Pasarica Magdalena , Sereda Olga R. , Redman Leanne M. , Albarado Diana C. , Hymel David T. , Roan Laura E. , Rood Jennifer C. , Burk David H. , Smith Steven R.
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE— Based on rodent studies, we examined the hypothesis that increased adipose tissue (AT) mass in obesity without an adequate support of vascularization might lead to hypoxia, macrophage infiltration, and inflammation.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— Oxygen partial pressure (AT pO2) and AT temperature in abdominal AT (9 lean and 12 overweight/obese men and women) was measured by direct insertion of a polarographic Clark electrode. Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and insulin sensitivity was measured by hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. Abdominal subcutaneous tissue was used for staining, quantitative RT-PCR, and chemokine secretion assay.

RESULTS— AT pO2 was lower in overweight/obese subjects than lean subjects (47 ± 10.6 vs. 55 ± 9.1 mmHg); however, this level of pO2 did not activate the classic hypoxia targets (pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase and vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]). AT pO2 was negatively correlated with percent body fat (R = −0.50, P < 0.05). Compared with lean subjects, overweight/obese subjects had 44% lower capillary density and 58% lower VEGF, suggesting AT rarefaction (capillary drop out). This might be due to lower peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ1 and higher collagen VI mRNA expression, which correlated with AT pO2 (P < 0.05). Of clinical importance, AT pO2 negatively correlated with CD68 mRNA and macrophage inflammatory protein 1α secretion (R = −0.58, R = −0.79, P < 0.05), suggesting that lower AT pO2 could drive AT inflammation in obesity.

CONCLUSIONS— Adipose tissue rarefaction might lie upstream of both low AT pO2 and inflammation in obesity. These results suggest novel approaches to treat the dysfunctional AT found in obesity.
Bimodal Distribution of Glucose Is Not Universally Useful for Diagnosing Diabetes
Authors: Vistisen Dorte , Colagiuri Stephen , Borch-Johnsen Knut ,   on behalf of the DETECT-2 Collaboration
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE—Bimodality in the distribution of glucose has been used to define the cut point for the diagnosis of diabetes. Previous studies on bimodality have primarily been in populations with a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes, including one study in a white Caucasian population. All studies included participants with known diabetes. The aim of this study was to assess whether a bimodal structure is a general phenomenon in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and 2-h plasma glucose that is useful for deriving a common cut point for diabetes in populations of different origin, both including and excluding known diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—The Evaluation of Screening and Early Detection Strategies for Type 2 Diabetes and Impaired Glucose Tolerance (DETECT-2) project is an international collaboration pooling surveys from all continents. These studies include surveys in which plasma glucose was measured during an oral glucose tolerance test; in total, 43 studies (135,383 participants) from 27 countries were included. A mixture of two normal distributions was fitted to plasma glucose levels, and a cut point for normal glycemia was estimated as their intersection. In populations with a biologically meaningful cut point, bimodality was tested for significance.

RESULTS—Distributions of FPG and 2-h plasma glucose did not, in general, produce bimodal structures useful for deriving cut points for diabetes. When present, the cut points produced were inconsistent over geographical regions.

CONCLUSIONS—Deriving cut points for normal glycemia from distributions of FPG and 2-h plasma glucose does not appear to be suitable for defining diagnostic cut points for diabetes.
Lower Serum Creatinine Is a New Risk Factor of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Harita Nobuko , Hayashi Tomoshige , Sato Kyoko Kogawa , Nakamura Yoshiko , Yoneda Takeshi , Endo Ginji , Kambe Hiroshi
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE—Because skeletal muscle is one of the target tissues for insulin, skeletal muscle mass might be associated with type 2 diabetes. Serum creatinine is a possible surrogate marker of skeletal muscle mass. The purpose of this study was to determine whether serum creatinine level is associated with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—The study participants were nondiabetic Japanese men (n = 8,570) aged 40–55 years at entry. Type 2 diabetes was diagnosed if fasting plasma glucose was ≥126 mg/dl or if participants were taking oral hypoglycemic medication or insulin.

RESULTS—During the 4-year follow-up period, 877 men developed type 2 diabetes. Lower serum creatinine was associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The multiple-adjusted odds ratio for those who had serum creatinine levels between 0.40 and 0.60 mg/dl was 1.91 (95% CI 1.44–2.54) compared with those who had levels between 0.71 and 0.80 mg/dl.

CONCLUSIONS—Lower serum creatinine increased the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Higher Prevalence of Retinopathy in Diabetic Patients of South Asian Ethnicity Compared With White Europeans in the Community
Authors: Raymond Neil T. , Varadhan Lakshminarayanan , Reynold Dilini R. , Bush Kate , Sankaranarayanan Sailesh , Bellary Srikanth , Barnett Anthony H. , Kumar Sudhesh , O'Hare J. Paul ,   on behalf of the UK Asian Diabetes Study Retinopathy Study Group
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE—The purpose of this study was to compare prevalence and risk factors for diabetic retinopathy among U.K. residents of South Asian or white European ethnicity.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—This was a community-based cross-sectional study involving 10 general practices; 1,035 patients with type 2 diabetes were studied: 421 of South Asian and 614 of white European ethnicity. Diabetic retinopathy, sight-threatening retinopathy, maculopathy, and previous laser photocoagulation therapy were assessed after grading of retinal photographs. Data were collected on risk factors including age, duration, and treatment of diabetes, blood pressures, serum total cholesterol, and A1C.

RESULTS—Patients of South Asian ethnicity had significantly higher systolic (144 vs. 137 mmHg, P < 0.0001) and diastolic (84 vs. 74 mmHg, P < 0.0001) blood pressure, A1C (7.9 vs. 7.5%, P < 0.0001), and total cholesterol (4.5 vs. 4.2 mmol/l, P < 0.0001). Diabetic retinopathy was detected in 414 (40%) patients (189 South Asian [45%] versus 225 white European [37%]; P = 0.0078). Sight-threatening retinopathy was detected in 142 (14%) patients (68 South Asian [16%] versus 74 white European [12%]; P = 0.0597). After adjustment for confounders, there were significantly elevated risks of any retinopathy and maculopathy for South Asian versus white European patients.

CONCLUSIONS—Patients of South Asian ethnicity had a significantly higher prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy, with significantly elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure, A1C, and total cholesterol; lower attained age; and younger age at diagnosis. Earlier onset of disease and higher levels of modifiable risk factors make early detection of diabetes, annual referral for retinal screening, and intensive risk factor control key elements in addressing this health inequality.
A comparison of arsenic mobility in Phaseolus vulgaris, Mentha aquatica, and Pteris cretica rhizosphere
Authors: Száková Jiřina , Tlustoš Pavel , Goessler Walter , Findenig Silvia , Richtrová Eva , Balík Jiří
Published: December 2008

The ability of Phaseolus vulgaris, Mentha aquatica, and Pteris cretica to release arsenic (As) species from contaminated soil was tested in rhizobox experiments in three soils differing in their physicochemical parameters and total and mobile As concentration. Relatively low uptake of arsenic by P. vulgaris and M. aquatica resulted in very low and ambiguous changes in rhizosphere soil compared to bulk soil. However, there were observed differences in the distribution of the mobile As portion in soil to individual As species as affected by plant species and/or plantation conditions of these plants. Higher percentage of mobile arsenite in mint rhizosphere seems to be related to more reducing conditions during cultivation of these wetland plants. P. cretica planted in the soils containing between 36 and 1436 mg As kg−1 was able to accumulate between 80 and 500 mg As kg−1 in aboveground biomass. The extractable concentrations of As compounds in rhizosphere soil of P. cretica showed a clear depletion of arsenate (representing more than 90% of extractable arsenic) with the distance from plant roots. However, the As uptake mechanisms, as well as As transformation within hyperaccumulating fern plants, differ substantially from those in higher plants. Therefore the finding of suitable higher plant tolerant to the As soil contamination with good ability to accumulate As in aboveground biomass remains for the further research.
Kinetics of N-substituted phenothiazines and N-substituted phenoxazines oxidation catalyzed by fungal laccases
Authors: Tetianec Lidija , Kulys Juozas
Published: December 2008

Laccase-catalyzed oxidation of N-substituted phenothiazines and N-substituted phenoxazines was investigated at pH 5.5 and 25°C. The recombinant laccase from Polyporus pinsitus (rPpL) and the laccase from Myceliophthora thermophila (rMtL) were used. The dependence of initial reaction rate on substrate concentration was analyzed by applying the laccase action scheme in which the laccase native intermediate (NI) reacts with a substrate forming reduced enzyme. The reduced laccase produces peroxide intermediate (PI) which in turn decays to the NI. The calculated constant (kox) values of the PI formation are (6.1±3.1)×105 M−1s−1 for rPpL and (2.5±0.9)×104 M−1s−1 for rMtL. The bimolecular constants of the reaction of the native intermediate with electron donor (kred) vary in the interval from 2.2×105 to 2.1×107 M−1s−1 for rPpL and from 1.3×102 to 1.8×105 M-1s−1 for rMtL. The larger reactivity of rPpL in comparison to rMtL is associated with the higher redox potential of type I Cu of rPpL. The variation of kred values for both laccases correlates with the change of the redox potential of substrates. Following outer sphere (Marcus) electron transfer mechanism the calculated activationless electron transfer rate and the apparent reorganization energy are 5.0×107 M−1s−1 and 0.29 eV, respectively.
Changes in the human nuclear chromatin induced by ultra wideband pulse irradiation
Authors: Shckorbatov Yuriy , Pasiuga Vladimir , Kolchigin Nicolai , Batrakov Dmitry , Kazansky Oleg , Kalashnikov Vladimir
Published: December 2008

The effects of ultra wideband pulse radiation on human cells were investigated. The density of the flow of energy on the surface of irradiated object varied from 10−6 to 10−2 W/cm2 with exposure of 10 s. It was shown that heterochromatin granule quantity in cell nuclei increased under the influence of radiation from 10−4 to 10−2 W/cm2. In some intervals the effect increased with irradiation dose. At irradiation intensity 10−3 W/cm2 the process of heterochromatin granule formation was fully reversible after 2 h of recovery; at intensity 10−2 W/cm2 the reversion of irradiation effects was not full. The data obtained indicated the strong biological activity of ultra wideband ultra short pulse radiation.
On the benefits of silymarin in murine colitis by improving balance of destructive cytokines and reduction of toxic stress in the bowel cells
Authors: Esmaily Hadi , Hosseini-Tabatabaei Azadeh , Rahimian Reza , Khorasani Reza , Baeeri Maryam , Barazesh-Morgani Ahmadreza , Yasa Nargues , Khademi Yassaman , Abdollahi Mohammad
Published: December 2008

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a multifactorial disease with an unknown etiology characterized by oxidative stress, leucocyte infiltration and a rise in inflammatory cytokines. In this study, we have investigated the effects of silymarin, a mixture of several flavonolignans with established antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, on trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis in rats. Experimental colitis was induced in male Wistar-albino rats by delivering TNBS to the distal colon. All the medicines were administered by gavage for seven days. Thirty-six male rats were divided into six groups containing six rats in each one. Control rats received only TNBS. In the treated groups, animals were given different doses of silymarin (40, 80, and 160 mg/kg). Dexamethasone (1 mg/kg) was used as the positive treatment. Colonic status was investigated seven days post induction of colitis through macroscopic, histological, and biochemical analyses. Amelioration of the morphological signs including macroscopic damage, necrotic area, and histology were seen subsequent to treating animals with silymarin. These observations were accompanied by a significant reduction in the degree of both neutrophil infiltration, indicated by decreased myeloperoxidase activity, and lipid peroxidation, as measured by a decline in malodialdehyde content in inflamed colon as well as a decrease in levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β). The results of the present study reveal that the beneficial effect of silymarin in bowel cells is mediated through its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials.
Ultrasonographic observations of the maturation of basic movements in guinea pig fetuses
Authors: Sekulić Slobodan , Lukač Damir , Drapšin Minja , Čapo Ivan , Lalošević Dušan , Novakov-Mikić Aleksandra
Published: December 2008

Ultrasonography has not previously been used for studying fetal movements in precocial rodents. The objective of this study was to ultrasonographically determine the sequence of the appearance of basic movements in a guinea pig fetus. The research included eight guinea pig females carrying one fetus each. Fetal movements were observed for 10 minutes each day, from the 25th to 38th day of gestation. The time and sequence of the appearance of movements was observed as follows: whole body flexion (mean 27.6 SD ± 1.68), whole body extension (mean 28.1 SD ± 1.12), head flexion (mean 28.1 SD ± 1.80), head extension (mean 30.5 SD ± 2.67) forelimbs flexion (mean 30.5 SD ± 2.32), forelimbs extension (mean 30.7 SD ± 1.84), trunk rotation (mean 31.9 SD ± 2.23), forelimbs alternating flexion and extension (mean 32.1 SD ± 2.1), hind limbs extension (mean 32.2 SD ± 3.2), hind limbs flexion (mean 32.4 SD ± 3.16), and hind limbs alternating flexion and extension (mean 33.5 SD ± 2.39). The identical sequences of basic movement appearances in guinea pigs, sheep, and rats suggest that the rostrocaudal gradient of basic movement appearance could be a general developmental pattern in mammalian species.
Assessment of the effect of cyclic chalcone analogues on mitochondrial membrane and DNA
Authors: Kubálková Janka , Tomečková Vladimíra , Perjési Pál , Guzy Juraj
Published: December 2008

The cytotoxic and protective effects of selected synthetic chalcone analogues have been shown in previous studies. We studied their cytotoxic effect on the modification of mitochondrial membrane potential and on DNA. The first spectral information about the methoxy group as well as the dimethylamino substituent in E-2-arylmethylene-1-benzosuberones molecule was obtained by absorption and emission spectra. The cytotoxic effect of both cyclic chalcone analogues on DNA were detected by alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis. Better fluorescent chalcone analogue E-2-(4′-dimethylamino-benzylidene)-1-benzosuberone was studied further in fresh isolated mitochondria. The decrease of rat liver mitochondria membrane potential (Δψ) was observed by fluorescence emission spectra. For the collapsing of mitochondrial potentials and as the negative control of mitochondrial function the CCCP uncoupler was used. The absorption maximum of the methoxy group was found at a shorter wavelength (λ = 335 nm) than that of the dimethylamino group (λ = 406 nm). The excitation spectra were very similar to the absorption spectra for both molecules but the emission spectra showed a better fluorescence for dimethylamino derivative. After the addition of E-2-(4′-dimethylamino-benzylidene)-1-benzosuberone to the intact mitochondria the decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential Δψ was observed by emisssion fluorescence spectra. Both cyclic chalcone analogues induced DNA damage, which was detected by alkaline comet assay. Mainly the apoptotic cells were detected, but necrotic cells were also present. Similarities in the percentages of DNA migration from the head were observed in both treatment groups. Both benzosuberones, with dimethylamino- and methoxy- substituent, were very active biologically, as shown by DNA results of the comet assay. Due to its better fluorescence properties, only the fluorophore with dimethylamino substituent was selected for further study of the function of rat liver mitochondria. Decline of mitochondrial function as well as mitochondrial DNA damage were evident between experimental and control groups.
Applications and Limitations of Impact Echo Scanning for Void Detection in Posttensioned Bridge Ducts
Authors: Tinkey Yajai , Olson Larry D.
Published: December 2008

Findings are summarized from an internal research study to determine applications and limitations of the impact echo scanning (IES) system for void detection in posttensioned bridge ducts. The nominal thickness of the test panels ranged from 0.2 to 0.7 m with plastic and steel ducts inside. The diameter of the ducts ranged from 50 to 120 mm. One tapered section (with wall thicknesses between 0.2 to 0.7 m) had draped ducts, with the rest being straight ducts. Impact echo (IE) testing was performed using the IE scanner system. This system, as rolled, automatically performs an IE test at 25-mm (1-in.) intervals. All IE scans in this investigation were performed on lines perpendicular to the general posttensioned duct direction. The maximum frequency of excitation of the impactor in the scanner used in research is 25 kHz. This internal research is an expanded study from a previous research project funded by the NCHRP-IDEA program titled Nondestructive Evaluation Method for Determination of Internal Grout Conditions Inside Bridge Posttensioning Ducts Using Rolling Stress Waves for Continuous Scanning. The purpose of the study was to better understand the nominal thickness limitation of the structures for IE tests, using a scanner with a maximum excitation of 25 kHz to correctly identified voids in posttensioned bridge ducts.
Chloride Permeability and Microstructure of Portland Cement Mortars Incorporating Nanomaterials
Authors: He Xiaodong , Shi Xianming
Published: December 2008

Chloride permeability of concrete has been recognized as a critical intrinsic property affecting the durability of reinforced concrete. An experimental study was done, designed to examine the chloride permeability and microstructure of portland cement mortar with nanomaterials admixed at 1% by weight of cement. The electromigration test showed that, for cement mortars of the same mix design, the incorporation of nanoparticles (Fe2 O3, Al2O3, TiO2, and SiO2) and nanoclays (montmorillonite) improved the chloride penetration resistance of the mortar, as indicated by the reduced apparent diffusion coefficients of chloride anion. The nanomaterials also reduced the general ionic permeability of the mortar, as indicated by the reduced electric charge passing through. Such improvements were especially significant when using nano-SiO2 and nanoclays. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy test indicated that incorporation of nanomaterials in cement mortar significantly increased its ionic transport resistance and decreased its electric capacitance, and again such effects were especially significant when using nano-SiO2 and nanoclays. The field emission scanning electron microscopy test revealed that the admixing of nanomaterials not only led to denser cement mortar but also changed the morphology of cement hydration products. Mechanisms are proposed to explain the physicochemical changes induced by the nanomaterials and the specific surface area of nanomaterials is demonstrated as one of the key factors. Considering the low cost of nanoclays, their use in concrete to reduce chloride permeability and to improve other properties of concrete is promising.
Shrinkage Mitigation Strategies in Cementitious Systems
Authors: Radlinska Aleksandra , Rajabipour Farshad , Bucher Brooks , Henkensiefken Ryan , Sant Gaurav , Weiss Jason
Published: December 2008

Shrinkage reducing admixtures (SRAs) and saturated lightweight aggregates (LWAs) are increasingly used to reduce shrinkage cracking of concrete mixtures. While both methods show great potential, to obtain the full anticipated benefits of either SRA or LWA the boundary conditions of the concrete element must be carefully considered and understood. Addressed are shrinkage and shrinkage cracking behavior of concrete with sealed and unsealed boundaries. The sealed concrete undergoes self-desiccation, while the unsealed concrete simultaneously experiences both self-desiccation and external drying. The research work presented provides a theoretical and experimental demonstration of the differences in the shrinkage behavior of mixtures containing SRA and LWA. Data are provided from experiments that demonstrate the benefits of SRA and LWA under sealed and unsealed conditions. Theoretical considerations explain the influence of boundary conditions on shrinkage and cracking of concrete. This has important implications for selecting an adequate shrinkage mitigation strategy. In addition, it is demonstrated that the experimental results are consistent with the theoretical predictions.
The Time Needed for Clinical Documentation versus Direct Patient Care
Authors: Spötl H.-P. , Ammenwerth E.
Published: December 2008

Objectives: Health care professionals seem to be confronted with an increasing need for high-quality, timely, patient-oriented documentation. However, a steady increase in documentation tasks has been shown to be associated with increased time pressure and low physician job satisfaction. Our objective was to examine the time physicians spend on clinical and administrative documentation tasks. We analyzed the time needed for clinical and administrative documentation, and compared it to other tasks, such as direct patient care.

Methods: During a 2-month period (December 2006 to January 2007) a trained investigator completed 40 hours of 2-minute work-sampling analysis from eight participating physicians on two internal medicine wards of a 200-bed hospital in Austria. A 37-item classifica tion system was applied to categorize tasks into five categories (direct patient care, communication, clinical documentation, administrative documentation, other).

Results: From the 5555 observation points, physicians spent 26.6% of their daily working time for documentation tasks, 27.5% for direct patient care, 36.2% for communication tasks, and 9.7% for other tasks. The documentation that is typically seen as administrative takes only approx. 16% of the total documentation time.

Conclusions: Nearly as much time is being spent for documentation as is spent on direct patient care. Computer-based tools and, in some areas, documentation assistants may help to reduce the clinical and administrative documentation efforts.
Medical Image Computing for Computer-supported Diagnostics and Therapy
Authors: Ehrhardt J. , Handels H.
Published: December 2008

Objectives: Medical image computing has become one of the most challenging fields in medical informatics. In image-based diagnostics of the future software assistance will become more and more important, and image analysis systems integrating advanced image computing methods are needed to extract quantitative image parameters to characterize the state and changes of image structures of interest (e.g. tumors, organs, vessels, bones etc.) in a reproducible and objective way. Furthermore, in the field of software-assisted and navigated surgery medical image computing methods play a key role and have opened up new perspectives for patient treatment. However, further developments are needed to increase the grade of automation, accuracy, reproducibility and robustness. Moreover, the systems developed have to be integrated into the clinical workflow.

Methods: For the development of advanced image computing systems methods of different scientific fields have to be adapted and used in combination. The principal methodologies in medical image computing are the following: image segmentation, image registration, image analysis for quantification and computer assisted image interpretation, modeling and simulation as well as visualization and virtual reality. Especially, model-based image computing techniques open up new perspectives for prediction of organ changes and risk analysis of patients and will gain importance in diagnostic and therapy of the future.

Results: From a methodical point of view the authors identify the following future trends and perspectives in medical image computing: development of optimized application-specific systems and integration into the clinical workflow, enhanced computational models for image analysis and virtual reality training systems, integration of different image computing methods, further integration of multimodal image data and biosignals and advanced methods for 4D medical image computing.

Conclusions: The development of image analysis systems for diagnostic support or operation planning is a complex interdisciplinary process. Image computing methods enable new insights into the patient’s image data and have the future potential to improve medical diagnostics and patient treatment.
Challenges in the Evolution of the Medical Informatics Program at Heidelberg/Heilbronn (Germany)
Authors: Haag M. , Leven F. J. , Dickhaus H. , Knaup P.
Published: December 2008

Objective: Health and medical informatics (HMI) is an evolving discipline. Therefore, evolving educational programs in HMI have to take a variety of requirements into account. The aim of this paper is to analyze these requirements and to compare them with the medical informatics program Heidelberg/Heilbronn, Germany.

Methods: Systematic analysis of the IMIA recommendations on educating HMI, the Bologna declaration, current technological and health care developments and the results of graduates surveys.

Results: The latest revision of the Heidelberg/ Heilbronn medical informatics program not only takes current developments into account but also realizes the IMIA recommendations, the Bologna declaration and graduates’ data and feedback obtained in structured surveys. The topics bioinformatics, IT security and tele-medicine were strengthened, taking major research and application trends into account. The program has been transformed into a consecutive bachelor/master program. It qualifies its graduates to work in the field of medical informatics as well as in informatics.

Conclusions: Medical informatics is a very broad field. Programs have to make concessions to scope: It is not possible to provide profound knowledge and skills in computer science and also teach a variety of application areas like bioinformatics, public health informatics and clinical informatics in depth within one medical informatics program. Many graduate programs in various nations concentrate on providing HMI skills to health care professionals.
Biomedical and Health Informatics in Translational Medicine
Authors: Kulikowski C. W. , Kulikowski C. A.
Published: December 2008

Objectives: To discuss translational medicine advances challenging biomedical and health informatics.

Methods: Reviewing material presented at the Heidelberg 35th Anniversary Workshop, summarizing results from the 1st AMIA Summit on Translational Bioinformatics and discussing the opportunities, difficulties, and ethical dilemmas confronting researchers, practitioners, and healthcare managers in transitional bioinformatics.

Results: The first results in translational medicine are appearing in the biomedical literature. All rely on bioinformatics methods for analysis.

Conclusions: Translational medicine introduces new problems of interpretation and application to healthcare. Applying results to complex human-machine systems raises ethical issues, which are augmented in healthcare informatics. Bridging biological, medical, and informatics knowledge requires new epistemological approaches.
The Future of Medical Informatics
Authors: Winter A.
Published: December 2008

Objectives: Presenting the author’s point of view on chances and challenges of medical informatics in research, education, and practice of information management, especially in the field of regional as well as institutional health information systems.

Method: Collecting and interpreting current issues concerning (health) information systems and their management from selected references.

Results: There are challenging research topics concerning information management, IT service management in small health care units, reference models, trustworthy architectures, service-oriented architectures. Medical informatics requires multidisciplinarity.

Conclusions: Medicine and health care need medical informatics as a scientific, researching discipline.
GIS-BASED RESTORATION SYSTEM FOR HISTORIC TIMBER BUILDINGS USING RFID TECHNOLOGY/GIS PAREMTA ISTORINIŲ RĄSTINIŲ PASTATŲ RESTAURAVIMO SISTEMA TAIKANT RFID TECHNOLOGIJĄ
Authors: Cheng Min-Yuan , Tsai Hsing-Chih , Lien Li-Chuan , Kuo Chun-Hung
Published: December 2008

Using geographic information system (GIS) and other established technologies, this paper develops an information management system that integrates graphic and non‐graphic data to enhance the effectiveness of historic building restoration work in Taiwan. Radio frequency identification (RFID) is used to permit real‐time tracking of assembly components and thus enhance restoration management efficiency. Restoration data stored in the memory of RFID tags can be changed and updated according to the needs of a specific restoration phase. The use of RFID handheld readers both improves data collection efficiency and system mobility. In the developed system, timber structure restoration data and drawings in the GIS can be accessed online immediately for use in the restoration process and to help advise strategic design, construction, and management decisions. Data of each timber element, including restoration sequence, restoration contractors, supervisors, evaluated strength capacity etc can be retrieved remotely through a handheld PDA reader‐writer used onsite. Data of component construction sequence during disassembly or re‐assembly, critical to project success, can be transmitted in a synchronized manner to the developed host system to achieve a level of accuracy and reliability significantly greater than that typically achieved using traditional reconstruction management approaches.

Santrauka

Taikant geografinę informacinę sistemą (GIS) ir kitas technologijas, straipsnyje plėtojama informacinė valdymo sistema, integruojanti grafinius ir negrafinius duomenis, didinanti istorinių pastatų restauravimo efektyvumą Taivane. Sudedamiesiems komponentams stebėti realiajame laike taikomas radijo dažnių identifikavimas (RFID), taip didinant restauravimo valdymo efektyvumą. Saugomi RFID ženklių atmintyje restauravimo duomenys gali būti keičiami ir atnaujinami pagal specifinės restauravimo fazės reikmes. Taikant RFID delninius skaitytuvus gerėja tiek duomenų kaupimo efektyvumas, tiek sistemos mobilumas. Sukurtoje sistemoje rąstų statinio restauravimo duomenys ir piešiniai (brėžiniai) geografinėje informacinėje sistemoje gali būti iš karto pasiekiami kompiuteriniu tinklu ir taikomi restauravimo procese bei padėti strategiškai projektuojant, konstruojant, taip pat ir valdymo sprendimams priimti. Kiekvieno rąsto elemento duomenys, restauravimo seka, restauravimo vykdytojai, prižiūrėtojai, stiprybių galimybės ir kita gali būti pasiekiami nuotoliniu būdu su delniniu PDA skaitytuvu-rašytuvu darbo vietoje. Komponentų konstravimo eilės tvarkos išmontuojant ar sumontuojant duomenys gali būti sinchroniškai perduodami sukurtai valdančiai sistemai siekiant daug didesnio tikslumo ir patikimumo lygio, nei įprastai pasiekiama taikant tradicinius restauravimo valdymo taikymus.
THE REGULATION OF PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PARAMETERS OF CERAMIC BRICKS DEPENDING ON THE DRYING REGIME/KERAMINIŲ PLYTŲ FIZIKINIŲ IR MECHANINIŲ SAVYBIŲ REGULIAVIMAS DŽIOVINIMO REŽIMU
Authors: Mačiulaitis Romualdas , Malaiškienė Jurgita , Kičaitė Asta
Published: December 2008

In the scientific studies the influence of burning regime or composition of formation mix on the final properties of the ceramic bricks is analysed most often. However, drying regime is also of paramount importance in the process of the high quality ceramic production. The formed ceramic samples were dried according to 8 different drying regimes while burning regime was not varied during the investigation. The dried samples were burnt for 24 hours keeping the maximum temperature 1050 °C for 3 hours. Later on these parameters were determined experimentally: density, general shrinkage, compressive strength and rate of ultrasound spread. As the statistical and regression analyses of data were performed, the empirical equations, showing how the selected stages of drying regime influence the physical and mechanical parameters of ceramics, and vice versa, how the selection of the dimensions of the stages of drying regime depends on the desired values of the ceramics properties, were derived. Santrauka Statybinės keramikos kokybę labai lemia formavimo masės komponentų ir jų kiekių bei degimo režimo parinkimas. Tačiau taip pat labai svarbus yra ir teisingas keraminio pusgaminio džiovinimo režimo parinkimas, nes netinkamas keraminių pusgaminių džiovinimo intensyvumas gali būti pagrindinė keramikos dirbinių defektų atsiradimo priežastis. Defektų keramikos bandiniuose atsiranda todėl, kad per intensyviai džiovinant bandinius pusgaminyje atsiranda vidinių įtempių, kurie dėl per greito laisvo vandens pasišalinimo viršija leistinus ir pusgaminis trūkinėja net nepradėjus degimo proceso. Todėl, norint gauti kokybiškus keraminius dirbinius, yra svarbu nustatyti, kaip parinkti džiovinimo etapų dydžiai daro įtaką galutinėms keraminės šukės fizikinių-mechaninių rodiklių reikšmėms, taip pat būtų aktualu išnagrinėti džiovinimo režimo reguliavimo galimybes praktiškai. Tikslui pasiekti buvo suformuoti vienodos sudėties keraminiai bandiniai, kurie buvo išdžiovinti pagal 8 skirtingus džiovinimo režimus ir išdegti pagal vieną pasirinktą režimą. Vėliau eksperimentiškai buvo nustatyti pasirinkti fizikiniaimechaniniai rodikliai. Atlikta statistinė ir regresinė analizė, gautos empirinės lygtys, kurias naudojant galima parinkti džiovinimo režimą pagal norimus gauti fizikinius-mechaninius rodiklius, ir, atvirkščiai, parinkus džiovinimo režimą galima prognozuoti, kokios keraminės šukės fizikinių-mechaninių rodiklių reikšmės bus gautos.
E-PROCUREMENT PERSPECTIVES IN CONSTRUCTION SECTOR SMES/E. PIRKIMŲ PERSPEKTYVOS SMULKIOSE IR VIDUTINĖSE STATYBŲ SEKTORIAUS ĮMONĖSE
Authors: Vitkauskaitė Elena , Gatautis Rimantas
Published: December 2008

Although the construction sector plays an important role in European economics, the use of information communication technology (ICT) systems in this industry is very low while the potential of e‐Business to increase productivity and efficiency is not exploited. This paper aims to identify internal processes which are most important to small and medium enterprises (SME) in construction industry and to estimate opportunities to adapt ICT in order to optimise those processes. The methodology used ‐ analysis of current processes in construction companies in pursuance to find out which are most important for SMEs and define future scenarios of one selected process via story telling. Twelve internal current processes of construction SMEs identified and out of those four most important ones selected are: e-Tendering, e-Site, e-Procurement and e-Quality, where “e” stands both for electronic and envisioning. e‐Procurement process perspectives are defined and functionalities required for this scenario listed. Santrauka Elektroninis verslas statybų sektoriuje yra labai ribotas. Nepanaudojamos jo galimybės statybos verslo procesų produktyvumui ir efektyvumui didinti. Straipsnyje siekiama išskirti svarbiausius vidinius smulkių ir vidutinių statybos įmonių (SVĮ) procesus bei įvertinti informacinių ryšio technologijų taikymo galimybes šiems procesams optimizuoti. Naudojami metodai – tai esamų statybos procesų analizė siekiant nustatyti, kurie iš jų įmonėms yra svarbiausi, ir apibūdinti vieno pasirinkto proceso ateities perspektyvas. Išskirta dvylika statybos smulkių ir vidutinių įmonių vidinių procesų, iš kurių, remiantis tam tikrais kriterijais, atrinkti keturi svarbiausi: e. konkursas, e. objektas (statybų aikštelė), e. pirkimas ir e. kokybė (čia „e.“ žymi elektroninį ir numatomą procesą (angl. envisioning)). Straipsnyje išsamiai aprašytas numatomas e. pirkimų procesas, įvardyti jam keliami funkciniai reikalavimai.
VISUALIZING SIMULATED MONOLITHIC CONSTRUCTION PROCESSES/SUMODELIUOTO MONOLITINIŲ STATYBŲ PROCESO VIZUALIZAVIMAS
Authors: Hajdasz Magdalena
Published: December 2008

This paper concerns visualizing simulated construction processes by using two modules, which are part of the expert system. Modelling and analyzing construction processes by using simulation and visualizing results technique allows participants to provide an in‐depth insight into this complex undertaking. The system discussed has a hierarchical and modular structure and is designed for monolithic constructions. Major elements of this system are objects such as: concrete mixers, buckets, slip forms, cranes and a building team. The paper describes the work of two modules that enable combining production systems of sets of means, simulation, and visualisation results. Simulation is a valuable tool in analyzing construction process because it allows construction designers to carry out experiments that make evaluation of different variants possible. Visualizations presented offer an insightful approach to understand complexities of the construction process. The dynamic nature of the construction process has been taken into account and is handled by the system. Santrauka Nagrinėjamas sumodeliuoto statybų proceso vizualizavimas naudojant du modelius, kurie yra ekspertinės sistemos dalis. Statybos procesų modeliavimas ir analizavimas, pasitelkiant modeliavimo ir vizualizavimo rezultatus, leidžia pateikti dalyviams nuodugnų šio sudėtingo sumanymo supratimą. Aptariama ekspertinė sistema turi hierarchinę ir agreguotą struktūrą ir yra sukurta specialiai monolitinėms konstrukcijoms. Pagrindiniai šios sistemos elementai: betono maišyklės, kibirai, klojiniai, kranai ir statybos brigados. Šis straipsnis apibūdina dviejų modulių darbą, kuris leidžia suderinti gamybos sistemos priemonių, modeliavimo ir vizualizavimo rezultatus. Modeliavimas yra naudingas įrankis analizuojant statybos procesus, nes leidžia statybos projektuotojams atlikti eksperimentus, kurių metu įvertinamos įvairių variantų įgyvendinimo galimybės. Vizualizavimu išsamiai paaiškinama, kas yra statybos proceso sudėtingumas. Buvo atsižvelgta į dinaminę statybos proceso prigimtį, ir tai buvo išspręsta naudojant šią sistemą.
DRUG DELIVERY THROUGH LIPOSOME BY ULTRASONIC CAVITATION
Authors: CHIU PO-LIN , WU CHUNG-YUO , TSAO JENHO , CHANG FU-HSIUNG
Published: December 2008

Ultrasonic cavitation has found potential usages in medical applications, and we are developing a new drug delivery control system based on liposome and cavitation technology. In order to reduce the side effects of drugs and increase the efficacy of drugs, we combine the advantage of the usage of liposome and ultrasonic cavitation to attain the system. In this system, imaging unit and power unit are essential elements. There are many parameters which need to be controlled. By this drug delivery system, we are to verify its safety and availability. In this paper, we describe how this drug delivery system by ultrasonic cavitation to be designed and evaluated.
NEW DESIGN OF SYNERGISTIC WRIST SPLINT
Authors: CHOU PEI-HSI , CHOU YOU-LI , HUANG GWO-FENG , LIN GAU-TYAN , YANG KUN-I , SU FONG-CHIN
Published: December 2008

Tendons are frequently injured by direct trauma. Tendon adhesions are a common factor compromising the results of tendon repair and to this day represent one of the most challenging problems in hand surgery. Use of controlled motion splints during the early stages of tendon recovery increases tendon gliding. Thus, a variety of controlled motion splints have been developed. This paper introduces a new controlled motion splint called the Synergistic Wrist Motion Splint (SWIMS). The "seqential quadratic programming method" was used to optimize Yang's synertistic model of the wrist/hand system, with the results being embodied in a practical controlled motion splint. Derivation of the model is discussed in detail. The dimensions of a patient's hand are input into a general formula to generate a specific SWIMS configuration for the patient. Five prototype SWIMS splints were produced and tested on 5 normal subjects. A three-dimensional motion analysis system was employed to measure the relative motion between the wrist and finger joints due to passive muscle tension for the prototype SWIMS splints, and the results are compared with the mathematical simulation or model.