bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Most Active Customer
Authors: Turchetti Simone
Published: December 2014

After World War II had ended, Italy, not unlike other developed countries, held the ambition to establish an atomic energy program. The Peace Treaty of 1947 forbade its administration from seeking to acquire atomic weaponry, but in 1952 a national research committee was set up to explore the peaceful uses of atomic energy, in particular with regard to building nuclear reactors. One of the committee’s goals was to use nuclear power to make the country less reliant on foreign energy provisions. Yet, this paper reveals that the atomic energy project resulted in actually increasing Italy’s dependence on overseas assistance. I explain the reasons for this outcome by looking at the unfolding of U.S.–Italy relations and the offers of collaboration in the atomic energy field put forth by the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. I argue that these offers undermined plans to shape the nuclear program as its Italian architects had envisioned, caused them to reconsider the goal of self-sufficiency in energy provisioning, and reconfigured the project to be amenable to the security and economic priorities of the U.S. administration. In this way, I conclude, the path for the Italian project to “de-develop” was set.
Educational Perspectives: Telesimulation in Neonatal Resuscitation
Authors: Manhas Deepak S. , Anderson JoDee M.
Published: December 2014

Health care professionals practicing in rural and critical access hospitals face a great diversity of clinical problems but often only have access to limited support. Geographic boundaries can construct barriers to continuing professional development. In addition, neonatal emergencies may arise infrequently at any given location. Thus, to improve neonatal resuscitation outcomes, particularly at remote and rural sites, it is likely necessary to increase the frequency with which physicians and staff are provided with hands-on simulation and team training to minimize decay. The presence of an instructor who is able to structure simulation experiences to facilitate deliberate practice, targeted assessment, feedback, and reflection may be a critical component of effective simulation, but these expert instructors typically reside in larger centers. Telesimulation, with video linkage to an expert consultant in the field, provides an opportunity for health care professionals in rural or critical access hospitals to support their own continuing education simulation curriculum.
Placental Microbiome and Its Role in Preterm Birth
Authors: Cao Bin , Stout Molly J. , Lee Iris , Mysorekar Indira U.
Published: December 2014

Despite the well-known fact that the placenta has long-term effects on maternal and fetal health, the placenta remains a poorly understood and understudied organ. Not only is the placenta a site of exchange of nutrients and blood and gases between the fetal and maternal systems, but it also performs critical metabolic functions for supporting fetal development and maintaining maternal-fetal tolerance. It is also abundantly clear that impairment of placental function leads to severe pregnancy complications, including preterm birth (PTB), a significant cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity worldwide. Understanding the causes of PTB and other adverse outcomes is clearly essential for the development of effective methods of prevention and treatment. We focus our review of one major known cause of PTB, namely, infection. We also introduce a new and somewhat unexpected factor(s) that may well affect PTB and every aspect of placental biology and function: the placental microbiome. We discuss the implications of the placenta housing a microbial biomass for PTB and the effect of maternal microbiomes at various niches for fetal colonization and health outcomes. We suggest that the placenta is an integral part of the pipeline for microbe-powered driver of fetal destiny.
Three-dimensional Rotational Angiography as a Periprocedural Imaging Tool
in Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
Authors: De Potter Tom JR , Bardhaj Gazmend , Viggiano Aniello , Morrice Keith , Geelen Peter ,   Arrhythmia Unit,
                        Cardiovascular Center, OLV Hospital, Moorselbaan 164, B9300 Aalst, Belgium.
                        E: tom.de.potter@olvz-aalst.be,   Arrhythmia Unit,
                        Cardiovascular Center, OLV Hospital, Aalst, Belgium,   Arrhythmia Unit,
                        Cardiovascular Center, OLV Hospital, Aalst, Belgium,   Arrhythmia Unit,
                        Cardiovascular Center, OLV Hospital, Aalst, Belgium,   Arrhythmia Unit,
                        Cardiovascular Center, OLV Hospital, Aalst, Belgium
Published: December 2014

Atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation relies increasingly on
three-dimensional (3D) visualisation tools to help guide an operator in
performing a procedure safely and successfully. Current generation
non-fluoroscopic navigation systems can be used as stand-alone tools, but
also offer the capability to integrate information from additional imaging
studies in order to enhance 3D model accuracy. Between available imaging
modalities, 3D rotational angiography offers a set of interesting features
such as near realtime availability, applicability in high-volume workflows,
integration with other imaging systems (fluoroscopic or non-fluoroscopic)
and very low incremental cost per procedure. Applicability of this imaging
approach in AF ablation, as a complement or substitute to other
imaging/navigation tools, is reviewed.
Management of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Infection
Authors: Podoleanu Cristian , Deharo Jean-Claude ,   Cardiology
                        Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Tîrgu Mures,
                        Tîrgu Mures, Romania,   Cardiology
                        Department, CHU La Timone, 264 Rue Saint Pierre, 13385 Marseille Cx 5,
                        France. E: jean-claude.deharo@ap-hm.fr
Published: December 2014

Despite improved preventive measures, infection associated with the use
of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) to treat often
life-threatening conditions is rising at an average annual rate of almost 5
%. This rise is being driven by the increasing complexity of CIED technology
and by the advancing age and co-morbidities of the patients. Although CIED
infection is usually suspected based on local signs at the generator pocket
site, diagnosis can be challenging in patients presenting no local
manifestations or symptoms. Diagnostic methods include microbiological
testing and echocardiography, and may be completed by positron emission
tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) scan in selected cases. CIED
infection requires a multidisciplinary approach in view of hardware
extraction, targeted antibiotic therapy and reimplantation on an as-needed
basis. Antibiotic prophylaxis targeting staphylococcal flora is recommended
but the relation of these infections to medical care exposes patients to
multi-resistant bacteria. New preventive measures utilising an antibacterial
sleeve look promising. Treatment can be started on an empirical basis using
an antistaphylococcal agent but must be continued using targeted antibiotic
therapy. Crucial questions remain as to the best prevention strategy,
optimal duration and timing of antibiotic therapy, and the most effective
reimplantation technique.
Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation – Outcomes and Future
Directions
Authors: Mountfort Katrina , Camm John , Lip Gregory , Goette Andreas , Le Heuzey Jean-Yves ,   Medical Writer,
                        Radcliffe Cardiology,   St.
                        George’s University Hospital, London, UK,   University of
                        Birmingham, Birmingham, UK,   St
                        Vincenz-Hospital, Paderborn, Germany,   Georges Pompidou
                        European Hospital and Paris Descartes University, Paris,
                        France
Published: December 2014

Stroke prevention is central to the management of patients with atrial
fibrillation (AF). Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) are the established and
long-standing option for stroke prevention therapy in patients with AF.
However, non-VKA oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have recently been developed
and demonstrated non-inferior efficacy vs VKA treatment, with fewer
limitations in clinical practice and with reduced risks of major bleeding.
In order to discuss the usage, efficacy and safety of NOACs, a satellite
symposium was held at the Cardiostim/EHRA Europace Congress in Nice in June
2014. At present, three NOACs, a direct thrombin inhibitor (dabigatran) and
two direct factor Xa inhibitors (rivaroxaban and apixaban) have been
approved in Europe for stroke prevention in patients with AF. In addition,
the once-daily factor Xa inhibitor edoxaban has recently been evaluated in
this setting in the phase III Effective Anticoagulation with Factor Xa Next
Generation in Atrial Fibrillation – Thrombolysis In Myocardial
Infarction Study 48 (ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48) that compared edoxaban 30 mg once
daily (low-dose regimen) with dose-adjusted warfarin (international
normalised ratio 2.0–3.0). ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 was the largest trial
with a NOAC to date, and demonstrated that both dosing regimens of
once-daily edoxaban were non-inferior to well-managed warfarin treatment for
the prevention of stroke or systemic embolism and also provided significant
reductions in the risk of haemorrhagic stroke, cardiovascular mortality,
major bleeding and intracranial bleeding. In summary, the recent
availability of NOACs has enabled physicians to avoid the limitations of VKA
therapy in clinical practice and tailor anticoagulant treatment to the
individual patient. However, worldwide usage of oral anticoagulant therapy
remains suboptimal compared with guideline recommendations, and further
dissemination of its benefits may prove helpful.
Current approaches for early detection and treatment of medication-related osteonecrosis of jaw
Authors: Janovszky Ágnes , Vereb Tamás , Szabó Andrea , Piffkó József
Published: December 2014

Owing to the increased life expectancy, the incidence of rheumatoid disorders and oncologic cases with bone metastasis has dramatically increased. Despite the beneficial effects of the applied antiresorptive and antiangiogenic drugs (e.g. bisphosphonates), serious side effects such as jaw osteonecrosis may also develop. The aim of the authors was to summarize present knowledge about the possibilities of prevention and treatment in medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. Based on literature data, currently used detection methods for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (including their advantages and limitations) are summarized. In addition, novel trends of surgical and adjuvant therapeutic approaches are also reviewed. The authors conclude that possibilities of prevention and efficacy of therapeutic interventions in this disorder are still limited possibly due to an incomplete knowledge of the underlying pathomechanism. An interdisciplinary cooperation for prevention and attentive monitoring in order to decrease the incidence of iatrogenic oral and maxillofacial complications seems to be particularly important. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(49), 1960–1966.
Comparison of the Accuracy of Different Transfer Impression Techniques for Osseointegrated Implants
Authors: Zen Bruno Massucato , Soares Eveline Freitas , Rodrigues Mariana Agustinho , Luthi Leonardo Flores , Consani Rafael Leonardo X. , Mesquita Marcelo Ferraz , Henriques Guilherme Elias Pessanha
Published: December 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate 3 transfer techniques used to obtain working casts of implant-supported prostheses through the marginal misfit and strain induced to metallic framework. Thirty working casts were obtained from a metallic master cast, each one containing 2 implant analogs simulating a clinical situation of 3-unit implant-supported fixed prostheses according to the following transfer impression techniques: group A, squared transfers splinted with dental floss and acrylic resin, sectioned, and re-splinted; group B, squared transfers splinted with dental floss and bis-acrylic resin; and group N, squared transfers not splinted. A metallic framework was made for marginal misfit and strain measurements from the metallic master cast. The misfit between the metallic framework and working casts was evaluated with an optical microscope following the single-screw test protocol. In the same conditions, the strain was evaluated using strain gauges placed on the metallic framework. The data were submitted to one-way analysis of variance followed by the Tukey test (α = 5%). For both marginal misfit and strain, there were statistically significant differences between groups A and N (P < .01) and groups B and N (P < .01), with greater values for group N. According to the Pearson test, there was a positive correlation between the misfit and strain variables (r = 0.5642). The results of this study showed that the impression techniques with splinted transfers promoted better accuracy than the nonsplinted technique, regardless of the splinting material used.
Socially responsible UIS for culture: a perspective from the educational and social fields /La cultura socialmente responsable de la UIS: una perspectiva desde el ámbito educativo y social
Authors: Zárate Rueda Ruth , García Rincón Sonia Cristina
Published: December 2014

El presente artículo de reflexión tiene como propósito analizar la experiencia de la UIS y la implementación de programas socialmenteresponsables desde las funciones de docencia, investigación, extensión y gestión para el fortalecimiento institucionaly el desarrollo de la región. A través de un estudio descriptivo se identificó las percepciones de la comunidad universitariaen torno al tema de la Responsabilidad Social Universitaria (RSU) para la construcción de una propuesta de modelo institucionalde gestión basado en la RSU. La Universidad Industrial de Santander, consciente de su misión de formar personasde alta calidad orientadas a promover el desarrollo y bienestar de la sociedad, fundamentadas en los valores y la ética, avanzahacia el diseño de un modelo de Responsabilidad Social Universitaria. Finalmente, la Responsabilidad Social como comportamientoético se posesiona paulatinamente en los diferentes actores sociales donde las Instituciones de Educación Superior(IES) no son ajenas y comienza a pensarse en los impactos de las decisiones y el compromiso por la rendición de cuentas.
Index 2014 (Online Only)
Authors: ESA
Published: December 2014

Please see pdf for full text version.
Enhanced Efficiency Urea Sources and Placement Effects on Nitrous Oxide Emissions
Authors: Gao Xiaopeng , Asgedom Haben , Tenuta Mario , Flaten Donald N.
Published: December 2014

The effects of band placement of enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEF) on nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions are uncertain. Placement and EEF on N2O emissions from spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) at two locations in Manitoba, in 2011 and 2012 were examined. Treatments were a no N control and 80 kg N ha−1 at planting of five combinations of placement and granular N source: broadcast‐incorporated urea (UreaI) and, subsurface side‐banded urea (UreaS; each row side‐banded), midrow‐banded urea (UreaM; placement between every other set of rows), midrow‐banded environmentally smart nitrogen (ESN, Agrium, Inc.) (ESNM), and midrow‐banded SuperU (Koch Industries Inc.) (SuperUM). Planting in 2011 was delayed 40 d compared to 2012. Planting coincided with higher soil temperature and moisture resulting in three‐ to sevenfold more growing season N2O emissions (∑N2O) in 2011 than 2012. In 2011, SuperUM and ESNM reduced ∑N2O, emission factor (EF) scaled by N‐applied EF, and yield‐scaled N2O emission intensity (EI) by 47, 67, and 55%, respectively, compared with UreaI. In 2011, increasing placement concentration of N in order broadcast‐incorporation, side‐banding, and midrow‐banding tended to decrease ∑N2O, EF, and EI of granular urea, but not statistically significant. The ∑N2O and nitrate exposure (NE), were significantly correlated over the site‐years, indicating N availability from treatments in part determined emissions. Grain yield and crop N uptake were unaffected by sources and placement. These results suggest for early season wet and warm conditions, EEF N sources can reduce emissions compared with granular urea. Further studies are required to clarify placement effects on N2O emissions.
Energycane (Saccharum spp. × Saccharum spontaneum L.) Biomass Production, Reproduction, and Weed Risk Assessment Scoring in the Humid Tropics and Subtropics
Authors: Leon Ramon G. , Gilbert Robert A. , Comstock Jack C.
Published: December 2014

There is growing interest in biofuel production, and energycane (Saccharum spp. × S. spontaneum L.) has been proposed as an important biofuel and biomass crop. However, little is known about the growth and ecology of this new crop, especially in the tropics. The present study evaluated the performance of 14 energycane clones, elephantgrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach.), and two sugarcane (S. officinarum L.) varieties in the humid tropics of Costa Rica, and eight energycane clones in the subtropics of Florida. In the tropics, energycane's growth and biomass production were highly variable when comparing clones. However, the best performing clones US85‐1006, US88‐1006, and US78‐1014 produced almost twice the dry biomass (>64 Mg ha−1) compared with sugarcane varieties Pindar and Q‐132 (21–39 Mg ha−1). In the subtropics, energycane fresh (52–79 Mg ha−1) and dry (20–30 Mg ha−1) weights were less than half of those in the tropics. Energycane clones flowered in both environments, but pollen viability was three to four times higher (>40%) in the tropics than in the subtropics, although viable seeds were found only in the tropics. Weed risk assessment (WRA) scores were higher in the tropics than in the subtropics and varied among clones. The results confirmed that energycane is a promising feedstock for biomass production and could play an important role as a bioenergy crop when grown in the tropics and subtropics, but due to genotype × environment interactions, the tradeoff between biomass production and weedy and invasive risk must be assessed for each individual clone and environment.
Microwave and acid modified talc as adsorbents of methylene blue in aqueous solution
Authors: Li Si-Fan , Yang Shuang-Chun , Zhao Shan-Lin , Li Ping , Zhang Jin-Hui
Published: December 2014

Batch adsorption experiments for removal of methylene blue from a aqueous
solution onto talcum powder were investigated using microwave and acetic acid
modified talcum powder. In batch adsorption experiments for methylene blue by
a new sorbent, the influences of particle size of talcum powder, acid
concentration, acidification time, acidification temperature, radiation time
and radiation power were investigated. The results showed that the removal
efficiency of methylene blue is up to 83.03% in the optimum conditions,
namely, the talcum powder of 1250 mesh size were treated with 1 mol/L acetic
acid at 313K for 9h and microwave radiation power and time was 600W and 5min,
respectively. The modified talcum powder was characterized by the Fourier
Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and Scanning Electronic
Microscopy. Because of the active groups OH- and the broken Si-O- and the
cracks produced from face surface of modified talcum powder, the adsorptive
capability of adsorbent was greatly enhanced.
Physicochemical characterization of zofenopril inclusion complex with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin
Authors: Udrescu Lucreţia , Sbârcea Laura , Fuliaş Adriana , Ledeţi Ionuţ , Vlase Titus , Barvinschi Paul , Kurunczi Ludovic
Published: December 2014

Zofenopril calcium (ZOF)is one of the newest angiotensin converting enzyme
(ACE) inhibitor, is one of the highly lipophilic newest angiotensin and with
low water solubility. This research investigates the interaction between ZOF
and a ?-cyclodextrin chemically modified derivative,
2-hydroxypropyl-?-cyclodextrin (HPBCD), in order to prove the formation of an
inclusion complex with an enhanced water solubility profile of ZOF. In this
research is reported for the first time the physicochemical characterization
and the solubility profile of an inclusion complex between ZOF and HPBCD.
Different spectroscopic techniques (UV absorption spectrometry, powder X-ray
diffraction, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform IR spectroscopy)
were applied in order to prove the formation of the ZOF/HPBCD inclusion
complex, both in water and in solid state, backed by thermal analysis
(TGA/DTG/HF). The obtained results confirm that the physicochemical
properties of the ZOF/HPBCD binary system, prepared using the kneading
method, are different in comparison both with the parent substances and the
corresponding physical mixture, thus suggesting that an inclusion complex was
formed. After the formation of the inclusion complex with HPBCD, the
solubility test indicated that the water solubility of ZOF was increased by 5
times.
Modeling of calcium-based sorbent reactions with sulfur dioxide
Authors: Tomanovic Ivan , Belosevic Srdjan , Milicevic Aleksandar , Tucakovic Dragan
Published: December 2014

A mathematical model of calcium sorbent reactions for simulation of sulfur
dioxide reduction from pulverized coal combustion fl e gasses is developed,
implemented within numerical code and validated against available
measurements under controlled conditions. The model attempts to closely
resemble reactions of calcination, sintering and sulfation, occurring during
the sorbent particles motion in the furnace. The sulfation is based on PSSM
(Partially Sintered Spheres Model), coupled with simulated particle
calcination and sintering. Complex geometry of the particle is taken into
account, with the assumption that it consists of spherical grains in contact
with each other. Numerical simulations of drop down tube reactors were
performed for both CaCO3 and Ca(OH)2 sorbent particles and results were
compared with available experimental data from literature. The sorbent
reactions model will be further used for simulations of desulfurization
reactions in turbulent gas-particle flow under coalcombustion conditions.
Copper and zinc concentrations in atherosclerotic plaque and serum in relation to lipid metabolism in patients with carotid atherosclerosis
Authors: Tasic Nebojsa , Tasic Danijela , Otasevic Petar , Veselinovic Mirjana , Jakovljevic Vladimir , Djuric Dragan , Radak Djordje
Published: December 2014

Background/Aim. Some oligoelements are now investigated as possibly having a
role in atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to compare the
concentrations of copper and zinc in the serum and carotid plaque and
parameters of lipid metabolism in patients with different morphology of
carotid atherosclerotic plaque. Methods. Carotid endarterectomy due to the
significant atherosclerotic stenosis was performed in 91 patients (mean age
64 ? 7). The control group consisted of 27 patients (mean age 58 ? 9),
without carotid atherosclerosis. Atheroscletoric plaques were divided into
four morphological groups, according to ultrasonic and intraoperative
characteristics. Copper and zinc concentrations in the plaque, carotid artery
and serum were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results.
Serum copper concentrations were statistically significantly higher in the
patients with hemorrhagic in comparison to those with calcified plaque (1.2 ?
0.9 ?mol/L vs 0.7 ? 0.2 ?mol/L, respectively; p = 0.021). Zinc concentrations
were statistically significantly lower in plaques of the patients with
fibrolipid in comparison to those with calcified plaques (22.1 ? 16.3 ?g/g vs
38.4 ? 25.8 ?g/g, respectively; p = 0.024). A negative significant
correlation was found for zinc and triglycerides in the serum in all the
patients (r = -0.52, p = 0.025). In the control group we also demonstrated a
positive significant correlation for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and
copper in the serum (r = 0.54, p = 0.04). Conclusion. The data obtained in
the current study are consistent with the hypothesis that high copper and
lower zinc levels may contribute to atherosclerosis and its sequelae as
factors in a multifactorial disease. Further studies are necessary in order
to conclude whether high concentration of copper and zinc in the serum could
be risk factors for atherosclesrosis.
Introduction to verification of the GOHAI instrument for measuring the oral health-related quality of life in patients with dentures using the Serbian preliminary version: A pilot study
Authors: Popovic Zeljka , Gajic Ivanka , Obradovic-Djuricic Kosovka , Milosevic Dragoslav
Published: December 2014

Background/Aim. Quality of life related to health should be seen as a
multidimensional concept that, in addition to the physical symptoms
associated with a disease and treatment, should include physical,
psychological and social functioning of a person. The primary objective of
this study was to use the Serbian preliminary version of the Geriatric Oral
Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) questionnaire in oder to examine the
consistency, reliability and stability, as well as an introduction to the
verification tool. Methods. The GOHAI questionnaire with 6-level Likert
scale, translated into Serbian, including the relevant oral health
characteristics (oral hygiene, required dentures, number of teeth extracted),
was filled by five specialists in prosthodontics for 30 randomly selected
respondents, before and after the dental prosthetic treatment. Subsequently,
in order to measure the reliability of the questionnaire, 27 patients were
reinterviewed. Results. The value of Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient (Cr?)
before the treatment was 0.878, and after the treatment it was 0.788
confirming the internal consistency and stability of the questionnaire. The
validity of discriminatory properties of the GOHAI was confirmed by the
Spearman's correlation coefficient (r), which was highly significantly
associated with oral health characteristics, confirming the high reliability
of the measurement. The results of test-retest analysis measured by the
individual Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) were in the range of
0.34-0.97, and for the total score r was 0.927, while the Kappa coefficient
was 0.63. The correlation analysis of the GOHAI score before the treatment
showed that for 10 questions there was a statistically significant
correlation of the score with the answers to the questions, and for 6
questions Spearman?s r was ? 0.7. After the treatment a highly significant
correlation of the GOHAI was shown with the answers to 10 questions, while
for 5 questions the Spearman?s r was > 0.6. The GOHAI average score before
the treatment was 19.44 ? 11.12, and after the treatment 2.77 ? 3.83, where
the lower value indicates better quality of life. Conclusion. The results of
this pilot study confirm internal consistency and stability of the Serbian
preliminary version of the GOHAI questionnaire and the causal relation
between the quality of life and the characteristics of oral health of the
patients with dentures. Accordingly, instrument verification is recommended.
Data Management in Dendroarchaeology Using Tellervo
Authors: Brewer Peter W.
Published: December 2014

The Tellervo dendrochronological software builds upon the Tree-Ring Data Standard (TRiDaS) to provide a tool for recording and managing all manner of dendrochronological data. However, Tellervo is especially useful for dendroarchaeological research. The traditional file formats used in dendrochronology—and by association the applications that use them—have very limited and nonstandard methods for recording rich information about dendro samples and their context. Such information is especially important in dendroarchaeological research to ensure accurate conclusions are made. Tellervo is described here in the context of research carried out as part of the excavations of the Theodosian Harbor at Yenikapı, Istanbul.
Bridging the Gaps in Tree-Ring Records: Creating a High-Resolution Dendrochronological Network for Southeastern Europe
Authors: Ważny Tomasz , Lorentzen Brita , Köse Nesibe , Akkemik Ünal , Boltryk Yurij , Güner Tuncay , Kyncl Josef , Kyncl Tomaš , Nechita Constantin , Sagaydak Severin , Vasileva Jeni Kamenova
Published: December 2014

Dendrochronological research in North-Central Europe and the East Mediterranean has produced networks of long regional oak (Quercus sp.) reference chronologies that have been instrumental in dating, provenancing, and paleoclimate research applications. However, until now these two important tree-ring networks have not been successfully linked. Oak forests and historical/archaeological sites in southeastern Europe provide the key for linking the North-Central European and East Mediterranean tree-ring networks, but previous dendrochronological research in this region has been largely absent. This article presents the initial results of a project, in which we have built oak tree-ring chronologies from forest sites and historical/archaeological sites along a north-south transect between Poland and northwestern Turkey, with the aim of linking the North-Central European and East Mediterranean tree-ring networks and creating a new pan-European oak data set for dendrochronological dating and paleoclimatic reconstruction. Correlation among tree-ring chronologies and the spatial distribution of their teleconnections are evaluated. The southeastern European chronologies provide a solid bridge between both major European dendrochronological networks. The results indicate that a dense network of chronologies is the key for bridging spatial and temporal gaps in tree-ring records. Dendrochronological sampling should be intensively continued in southeastern Europe because resources for building long oak chronologies in the region are rapidly disappearing.
The Prevalence of Individual Histopathologic Features Varies according to Autoantibody Status in Muscle Biopsies from Patients with Dermatomyositis
Authors: Pinal-Fernandez Iago , Casciola-Rosen Livia A. , Christopher-Stine Lisa , Corse Andrea M. , Mammen Andrew L.
Published: December 2014

Objective.

Individual dermatomyositis (DM)-associated autoantibodies are associated with distinct clinical phenotypes. This study was undertaken to explore the association of these autoantibodies with specific muscle biopsy features.

Methods.

DM subjects with a muscle biopsy reviewed at Johns Hopkins had sera screened for autoantibodies recognizing Mi-2, transcriptional intermediary factor 1-γ (TIF1-γ), NXP2, MDA5, Ro52, PM-Scl, and Jo1. We also included anti-Jo1–positive patients with polymyositis (PM) who had a biopsy read at Johns Hopkins. Analyzed histological features included perifascicular atrophy, perivascular inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, primary inflammation, and myofiber necrosis. Duration of disease, biopsy location, and treatment at biopsy were also analyzed.

Results.

We studied 91 DM and 7 anti-Jo1–positive patients with PM. In univariate analyses, TIF1-γ+ patients had more mitochondrial dysfunction (47% vs 18%; p = 0.05), NXP2+ patients had less primary inflammation (0% vs 28%; p = 0.01), Mi-2+ patients had more primary inflammation (50% vs 19%; p = 0.03), and PM-Scl+ patients had more primary inflammation (67% vs 18%; p = 0.004) than those who were negative for each autoantibody. Although reliability was limited because of small sample numbers, multivariate analysis confirmed that TIF1-γ+ patients had more mitochondrial dysfunction [prevalence ratio (PR) 2.6, 95% CI 1.0–6.5, p = 0.05] and PM-Scl+ patients had more primary inflammation (PR 5.2, 95% CI 2.0–13.4; p = 0.001) independent of disease duration at biopsy, biopsy site, and treatment at biopsy. No differences in muscle biopsy features were noted between anti-Jo1–positive patients diagnosed with DM and PM.

Conclusion.

The prevalence of different histological features varies according to autoantibody status in DM. Muscle biopsy features are similar in anti-Jo1 patients with and without a rash.
Becoming a Registered Nurse: The Nurse Extern Experience
Authors: Starr Kimberly , Conley Virginia M.
Published: December 2014

Little is known about the perceptions of nursing students externing in newly developed hospital-based programs that focus on socialization and transition to the registered nurse (RN) role rather than on institutional recruitment and retention goals. This qualitative study explored student nurse externs’ expectations, experiences, and benefits of participation in a student-focused externship program. Externs wanted to gain experience with skills and learn what it was like to be an RN. Goals were met or exceeded by becoming comfortable in the externship role, growing in skill performance and confidence, and becoming members of the healthcare team. The experience fostered growth from the novice to advanced beginner level of nursing practice. Externs saw the program participation as a valuable way to gain experience and learn what it was like to be an RN.
Developing an Interprofessional Continuing Education Symposium for Health Care Educators in Qatar
Authors: Dickerson Pamela S. , Chappell Kathy , Decker Sharon , Moore Donald , Pilcher Jobeth , Scanlon Noel , Sherman Lawrence
Published: December 2014

An international interprofessional continuing education symposium was developed and implemented by a global faculty team in Qatar in March 2014. This symposium was undertaken as part of the country’s goal of improving the quality of health care. After an extensive planning process, health care educators engaged in multiple types of learning experiences to enrich their knowledge and skills. Evaluation data support the value of this experience.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2014;45(12):545–551.
No Decreased Infection Rate When Using Antibiotic-Impregnated Cement in Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty
Authors: Yi Zeng , Bin Shen , Jing Yang , Zongke Zhou , Pengde Kang , Fuxing Pei
Published: December 2014

Educational Objectives

As a result of reading this article, physicians should be able to:

1.

Explain why periprosthetic infection is the most devastating complication of primary total joint arthroplasty.

2.

Recognize the available strategies for using antibiotic-impregnated bone cement in patients undergoing primary total joint arthroplasty.

3.

Discuss the potential strengths and limitations of using antibiotic-impregnated bone cement in primary total joint arthroplasty.

4.

Recall the available evidence regarding the use of antibiotic-impregnated bone cement in primary total joint arthroplasty.

There has been much debate and controversy about the routine use of antibiotic-impregnated bone cement in primary total joint arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to undertake a meta-analysis to determine whether the use of antibiotic-impregnated bone cement would reduce the incidence of infection after primary total joint arthroplasty. Of 313 citations identified for screening, 6 trials reporting 26,791 patients were eligible for data extraction and meta-analysis. The authors found no statistically significant difference between antibiotic-impregnated bone cement and plain bone cement in terms of the incidence of infection. The results indicated that the use of antibiotic-impregnated bone cement in primary total joint arthroplasty did not lead to a decrease in the rate of infection. [
Orthopedics.
2014; 37(12):839–845.]
Obediencias negociadas y desobediencias silenciadas en la Compañía de Jesús en España, ss. XVI-XVII
Authors: Moreno Martínez Doris
Published: December 2014

La Compañía de Jesús no fue una protagonista monolítica de la modernidad disciplinante sino un prisma de muchas caras, reflejo de la complejidad del paradigma tridentino. Uno de esos prismas tiene relación con el disentimiento interno y su gestión a lo largo de los ss. XVI y XVII, en una institución que hizo de la obediencia piedra clave de su edificio. Se aborda en el artículo la normativa de la Compañía sobre la disidencia y la dimisión, las atribuciones otorgadas por los Papas a los Generales respecto a los jesuitas rebeldes y las actitudes hacia los salidos cuajadas en los textos de la Compañía (Bobadilla, Ribadeneira, Andrade). Se subraya que, frente a estas narrativas de retribución, la Compañía moduló la norma, negoció la obediencia, atendiendo a criterios de escándalo y reputación. En esta clave, se aborda el caso del jesuita Francisco Abreo y sus tácticas para lograr una situación ventajosa a cambio de su silencio, apelando a la Inquisición española como recurso. El resentimiento de algunos exjesuitas les llevó a escribir textos como el Mónita secreta que, a finales del siglo XVII, no sólo alimentaba el antijesuitismo sino también la posibilidad de un cambio de gobierno de la Monarquía española.
Effect of citric acid and the hemihydrate amount on the properties of a calcium sulphoaluminate cement
Authors: Velazco G. , Almanza J. M. , Cortés D. A. , Escobedo J. C. , Escalante-Garcia J. I.
Published: December 2014

The influence of citric acid on the hydration and strength development of a calcium sulphoaluminate cement was investigated. Cement pastes were prepared by mixing calcium sulphoaluminate (C4A3Ŝ) with 15, 20 and 25wt% of hemihydrate (CŜH0.5). Citric acid was added as a retarder at 0 and 0.5wt%. The samples were cured at 20 °C for periods of time from 1 to 28 days to evaluate their compressive strength and to characterize the hydration products by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Calorimetric curves showed that the retarding agent considerably decreases the heat release rate and the quantity of total heat released. The main product after the curing was ettringite (C6AŜ3H32). The morphology of this phase consisted of long and thin needles growing radially on the cement grains. Samples with 15wt% of hemihydrate and 0.5wt% of citric acid developed the highest compressive strength (70 MPa) at 28 days of curing.
A Physische Geographie de Immanuel Kant: descrição e história da natureza
Authors: Vitte Antonio Carlos
Published: December 2014

Este artigo procura relacionar a geografia e a filosofia kantianas. Para Kant a geografia seria a única ciência capaz de trabalhar o empírico e o transcendental, compondo uma relação multiescalar, de acordo com a qual a descrição geográfica, associada à noção de história da natureza poderia reconstruir os processos e as paisagens do passado e fornecer explicações para as paisagens atuais.
ANALYSIS OF BLOOD FLOW PASSING THROUGH AORTIC AND MITRAL VALVES USING A COMPUTATIONAL MODEL OF CONCENTRATED PARAMETERS
Authors: Del Río Palma J. , Romero V. E. , Cerrolaza M.
Published: December 2014

Blood flow has been extensively studied because of its close relationship with cardiovascular disease. Heart valves blood flow analysis is particularly complex due to the high mobility of its leaflets, a fact that has stimulated the development of computational models aimed to its better understanding. For studying heart valves blood flow, we developed a mathematical model derived from clinical observations based on echocardiographic images, which describe valve leaflets motion and its influence on blood flow. This work presents a concentrated-parameters-based model of heart valves blood flow that takes into consideration five main factors affecting such a flow in the mitral and aortic valves. This model considers factors that are related to blood fluid and valve leaflets characteristics. Considering the main factors involved, it was found that blood flow exhibit an abnormal behavior in response to small variations (less than 10%) in blood pressure gradient or in leaflets stiffness. Likewise, after changing the roughness of the leaflets, the impact is smaller, only slightly affecting blood flow behavior with changes beyond 30%. Moreover, it was observed that the influence of fluid vortices originated behind the valves can be disregarded and the kinetic energy induced by them is almost negligible.
Immunocytochemical detection of dentin matrix proteins in primary teeth from patients with dentinogenesis imperfecta associated with osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Orsini G. , Majorana A. , Mazzoni A. , Putignano A. , Falconi M. , Polimeni A. , Breschi L.
Published: December 2014

Dentinogenesis imperfecta determines structural alterations of the collagen structure still not completely elucidated. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to assay Type I and VI collagen, various non-collagenous proteins distribution in human primary teeth from healthy patients or from patients affected by type I dentinogenesis imperfecta (DGI-I) associated with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). In sound primary teeth, an organized well-known ordered pattern of the type I collagen fibrils was found, whereas atypical and disorganized fibrillar structures were observed in dentin of DGI-I affected patients. Expression of type I collagen was observed in both normal and affected primary teeth, although normal dentin stained more uniformly than DGI-I affected dentin. Reactivity of type VI collagen was significantly lower in normal teeth than in dentin from DGI-I affected patients (P<0.05). Expressions of dentin matrix protein (DMP)-1 and osteopontin (OPN) were observed in both normal dentin and dentin from DGI-I affected patients, without significant differences, being DMP1 generally more abundantly expressed. Immunolabeling for chondroitin sulfate (CS) and biglycan (BGN) was weaker in dentin from DGI-I-affected patients compared to normal dentin, this decrease being significant only for CS. This study shows ultrastructural alterations in dentin obtained from patients affected by DGI-I, supported by immunocytochemical assays of different collagenous and non-collagenous proteins.
Sub-Fairholme Devonian rocks of the eastern Front Ranges, southern Rocky Mountains, Alberta
Authors: Aitken J D
Published: December 2014

The type section of Walcott's Ghost River Formation embraces the upper, dolomite half of the Middle Cambrian Pika Formation, the Middle or Upper Cambrian Arctomys Formation, the Upper Cambrian Lynx Formation, and only five feet of basal Devonian beds. Thick
plant-bearing Devonian red beds occupying a nearby channel were not described by Walcott. Because the name Ghost River (as a Cambrian Formation) is redundant, and because of the confusion surrounding it, further use of the name is not recommended.
The name Yahatinda Formation is proposed for basal Devonian, partly red, continental to marine-littoral beds which oyerlie irregular topography developed on a profound regional unconformity. Evidence of age from fossil plants conflicts with that from fossil fishes, but a Middle Devonian age appears
probable.
Several lines of evidence suggest that the upper contact of the Yahatinda Formation with the overlying solution-breccia-bearing basal member of the Fairholme Group is disconformable.
Échantillonnage des gaz de sol dans la région de St. Édouard, sud du Québec, Canada
Authors: Aznar J C , Malo M
Published: December 2014

Au cours de l'automne 2013, les concentrations en gaz majeurs (CO2, méthane, éthane, propane, butane) et les rapports isotopiques 13C/12C du CO2 ont été mesurés sur 247 sites. Un gaz rare (le radon (Rn)) a été
échantillonné sur 155 sites. Les sites étaient disposés en transects, le long des routes. Ce dispositif a permis une approche exploratoire des patrons spatiaux de la concentration des gaz de sol dans la région de Saint-Édouard, dans la région de Lotbinière, au
Québec. Les résultats obtenus révèlent que des valeurs anomaliques (au seuil du 95ème percentile) sont localisées dans des secteurs particuliers, ce qui exclut l'hypothèse d'une présence aléatoire des anomalies. Quantitativement, les concentrations en gaz
majeurs restent faibles (< 1 ppm), excepté pour le CO2 et le méthane. Le méthane atteint même localement des taux très importants (concentration maximale supérieure à 31%) supérieurs au seuil d'inflammabilité. Les analyses de facteurs
confondants révèlent que la distribution des anomalies ne peut pas être expliquée par les variabilités de texture des sols, d'occupation du sol, de température et d'humidité des sols, de la distance entre les sites d'échantillonnage et les routes ou par la
période d'échantillonnage. Par conséquent, deux hypothèses peuvent être envisagées pour expliquer l'origine des gaz observés dans les sols : une origine superficielle, reliée aux formations géologiques situées près de la surface, et une origine
profonde, reliée à la présence de failles et de fractures. L'observation visuelle des cartes de la présence des anomalies pour les différentes espèces de gaz semblent confirmer la seconde hypothèse. Les secteurs les plus anomaliques se retrouveraient à
proximité de la faille de Yamaska et des écailles de chevauchement plus au sud. Les gaz rencontrés dans les sols auraient alors une origine profonde et seraient plus abondants à l'aplomb des discontinuités géologiques. Ce travail, largement exploratoire ne permet pas de
trancher avec certitude cependant. Des résultats (données de gaz complémentaires, localisation des discontinuités avec des données sismiques de surface) et analyses complémentaires seront pour cela nécessaires.
Domestic airport passenger access mode choice decisions in a multi-airport region of South Africa
Authors: Carstens Stephen
Published: December 2014

The ground access mode used by air passengers to an airport has a vital impact on infrastructural and environmental decisions. An important aspect of a passenger’s mode choice is the sensitivity to factors such as access time and access cost. The objective of this research was to analyse air passenger’s sensitivity to access mode choice attributes, that is,access time, access cost, parking time and parking cost at two airports in Johannesburg, South Africa. A stated choice experiment was used to obtain the information and a latent class model was estimated. In general, discrete choice experiments are designed to reveal respondent(preference) heterogeneity and the latent class model allows for this heterogeneity to be modelled discretely. The estimated results indicated that three latent classes provided the best fit with preference heterogeneity evident from the set of parameter estimates. The access mode used was found to be the only significant covariate in the class assignment model. The respondents’ willingness to pay for a reduction in access time was estimated and it indicated that respondents had the highest access time willingness-to-pay value for the taxi as access mode. In addition, it was estimated that passengers being dropped off at the airport had a higher access time willingness-to-pay than passengers that used their own vehicles to the airport. The research results confirmed the presence of respondent heterogeneity (according to access mode) which resulted in different access time willingness-to-pay values.
Primary healthcare and family medicine in Kenya
Authors: Chege Patrick
Published: December 2014

No abstract available.
Time–frequency analysis of the sea state with the Andrea freak wave
Authors: Cherneva Z. , Guedes Soares C.
Published: December 2014

Abstract. The nonlinear and nonstationary properties of a special field wave record are analysed with the Wigner spectrum with the Choi–Williams kernel. The wave time series, which was recorded at the Ekofisk complex in the central North Sea at 00:40 UTC (universal time coordinated) on 9 November 2007, contains an abnormally high wave known as the "Andrea" wave. The ability of the Wigner spectrum to reveal the wave energy distribution in frequency and time is demonstrated. The results are compared with previous investigations for different sea states and also the state with Draupner's abnormal "New Year" wave.
Looking Back to the Future in John Steinbeck'sAmerica and Americans
Authors: Brinkman Mark
Published: December 2014

With the fiftieth anniversary of the publication of America and Americans on the horizon in 2016, we have the advantage of almost a half century of hindsight to explore how Steinbeck's America informed his contemplation of its future in the book's final essay “Americans and the Future.” This paper will look back at America in the early 1960s, followed by a comparative view of America today, guided by Steinbeck in “Americans and the Future” (with several side trips into the other essays and selected writings), to argue that not only was Steinbeck sharply perceptive about the challenges and opportunities facing his era, but he held an intuitive grasp of American identity that is timeless and relevant to twenty-first century Americans.