bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A High-Q Resonant Pressure Microsensor with Through-Glass Electrical Interconnections Based on Wafer-Level MEMS Vacuum Packaging
Authors: Luo Zhenyu , Chen Deyong , Wang Junbo , Li Yinan , Chen Jian
Published: December 2014

This paper presents a high-Q resonant pressure microsensor with through-glass electrical interconnections based on wafer-level MEMS vacuum packaging. An approach to maintaining high-vacuum conditions by integrating the MEMS fabrication process with getter material preparation is presented in this paper. In this device, the pressure under measurement causes a deflection of a pressure-sensitive silicon square diaphragm, which is further translated to stress build up in “H” type doubly-clamped micro resonant beams, leading to a resonance frequency shift. The device geometries were optimized using FEM simulation and a 4-inch SOI wafer was used for device fabrication, which required only three photolithographic steps. In the device fabrication, a non-evaporable metal thin film as the getter material was sputtered on a Pyrex 7740 glass wafer, which was then anodically bonded to the patterned SOI wafer for vacuum packaging. Through-glass via holes predefined in the glass wafer functioned as the electrical interconnections between the patterned SOI wafer and the surrounding electrical components. Experimental results recorded that the Q-factor of the resonant beam was beyond 22,000, with a differential sensitivity of 89.86 Hz/kPa, a device resolution of 10 Pa and a nonlinearity of 0.02% F.S with the pressure varying from 50 kPa to 100 kPa. In addition, the temperature drift coefficient was less than −0.01% F.S/°C in the range of −40 °C to 70 °C, the long-term stability error was quantified as 0.01% F.S over a 5-month period and the accuracy of the microsensor was better than 0.01% F.S.
The Outward Extension of an Ecological Footprint in City Expansion: The Case of Beijing
Authors: Xie Gaodi , Chen Wenhui , Cao Shuyan , Lu Chunxia , Xiao Yu , Zhang Changshun , Li Na , Wang Shuo
Published: December 2014

A biologically productive area was used in the ecological footprint method to measure the demand and impact of human activities on the natural capital, and further, to judge whether the impact is within the scope of the regional bio-capacity. In this presentation, an indicator “ecological footprint distance (Def)” is proposed. The results indicated that the proposed indicator Def could identify the outward extension of a city’s ecological footprint with the city’s rapid expansion. From 2008 to 2012, the proportion of imported bio-capacity increased approximately from 48% to 64%, which implied that the ecological impact of Beijing had expanded year by year. The Def of Beijing increased from 567 km in 2008 to 677 km in 2012, with an average annual increase of about 25 km. From the perspective of seasonal change, Beijing’s ecological footprint distance in winter and spring was much higher than in summer and fall. The main features of provincial-spatial distribution of Beijing’s Def were as follows: grain and oil and meat and eggs were mainly supplied by Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Hebei and Inner Mongolia; yet vegetable and fruit were mainly supplied by Hainan, Guangdong, Hebei and Shandong. Measures should be taken to decentralize the sources of imported bio-capacity, so as to ensure a sustainable development in Metropolitan cities.
Feasibility Analysis of Establishing Multilateral Nuclear Approaches (MNAs) in the Asian Region and the Middle East
Authors: Tazaki Makiko , Kuno Yusuke
Published: December 2014

To establish frameworks for multilateral nuclear approaches (MNAs), we identified challenges and their possible solutions through case studies proposing to establish three different MNAs, comprising existing states in the Asian region and the Middle East, in accordance with twelve features deemed necessary for establishing MNAs. In all case studies, political instability of MNA member states and the region, as well as political conflicts between MNA member states and other states were seen as challenges hindering the establishment of MNAs. There are no simple measures to overcome such challenges, but additional case-by-case measures, including the direct involvement of international organizations, supplier states and nuclear weapon states, in MNAs, as well as the application of regional safeguards and regional systems of accounting for and control of nuclear material (RSAC) within MNAs, may contribute toward mitigating the political challenges.
The Legal Structure of Taiwan’s Wetland Conservation Act
Authors: Su Yi-Yuan
Published: December 2014

In July of 2013, Taiwan passed its Wetland Conservation Act and will begin the implementation of the Act on 2 February 2015. With this Act, Taiwan has become the second Asian country to have specific legislation on wetland conservation and protection. This new law enables the society to achieve sustainable utilization on wetland ecological services. The core concepts of the Wetland Conversation Act include biological diversity conservation and wise use of wetland resources. Special political circumstances prevent Taiwan from registering its wetlands as a conservation priority under the Ramsar Convention. This new law allows the government to evaluate and assign a specific area as a “Wetland of Importance.” Under this status, any development activities within the designated area shall be prohibited unless the developer prepares a usage plan for review. The usage plan and the original usage of the natural resources within the wetland area shall also follow the “wise use” principle to protect the wetland and biological service system. However, this new law does not provide clear separation between the two different “wise use” standards. If the development is deemed necessary, new law provides compensation mitigation measures to extend the surface of the wetland and provides additional habitats for various species. Wetland conservation and management rely heavily on systematic research and fundamental data regarding Taiwan’s wetlands. Determining how to adopt these scientific methodologies and transfer them into enforceable mechanisms is a sizeable challenge for both biologists and lawyers as the Wetland Conservation Act creates many legal norms without clarifying definitions. This article will review the current wetland regulations from the legal perspective and provide suggestions for enforcement in the future.
What Are Complex eHealth Innovations and How Do You Measure Them?
Authors: Hübner U.
Published: December 2014

Objectives: eHealth and innovation are often regarded as synonyms – not least because eHealth technologies and applications are new to their users. This position paper challenges this view and aims at exploring the nature of eHealth innovation against the background of common definitions of innovation and facts from the biomedical and health informatics literature. A good understanding of what constitutes innovative eHealth developments allows the degree of innovation to be measured and interpreted.

Methods: To this end, relevant biomedical and health informatics literature was searched mainly in Medline and ACM digital library. This paper presents seven facts about implementing and applying new eHealth developments hereby drawing on the experience published in the literature.

Results: The facts are: 1. eHealth innovation is relative. 2. Advanced clinical practice is the yardstick. 3. Only used and usable eHealth technology can give birth to eHealth innovatio. 4. One new single eHealth function does not make a complex eHealth innovation. 5. eHealth innovation is more evolution than revolution. 6. eHealth innovation is often triggered behind the scenes; and 7. There is no eHealth innovation without sociocultural change.

Conclusions: The main conclusion of the seven facts is that eHealth innovations have many ingredients: newness, availability, advanced clinical practice with proven outcomes, use and usability, the supporting environment, other context factors and the stakeholder perspectives. Measuring eHealth innovation is thus a complex matter. To this end we propose the development of a composite score that expresses comprehensively the nature of eHealth innovation and that breaks down its complexity into the three dimensions: i) eHealth adoption, ii) partnership with advanced clinical practice, and iii) use and usability of eHealth. In order to better understand the momentum and mechanisms behind eHealth innovation the fourth dimension, iv) eHealth supporting services and means, needs to be studied. Conceptualising appropriate measurement instruments also requires eHealth innovation to be distinguished from eHealth sophistication, performance and quality, although innovation is intertwined with these concepts. The demanding effort for defining eHealth innovation and measuring it properly seem worthwhile and promise advances in creating better systems. This paper thus intends to stimulate the necessary discussion.
On measuring the bending strength of septate grass stems
Authors: Robertson Daniel J. , Smith Simeon L. , Cook Douglas D.
Published: December 2014

• Premise of the study: Reliable testing methodologies are a fundamental tenet of scientific research. However, very little information is found in the literature explaining how to accurately measure the structural bending strength of plant stems. It was hypothesized that the most commonly employed loading configuration used in bending experiments (placement of loading anvil at an internodal region of the stem or stalk) may significantly alter test results and introduce errors in bending strength measurements of plant stems.

• Methods: Four types of mechanical tests were performed on bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea), giant reed (Arundo donax), and maize (Zea mays) to investigate how different loading configurations employed during three‐point bending experiments affect test results of septate grass stems and to develop a testing protocol that provides reliable measures of stalk bending strength.

• Results: Results confirmed the hypothesis that internodal‐loaded three‐point bending test can produce erroneous bending strength measurements. This testing methodology causes plant stems to break prematurely and produces failure types and patterns incongruent with stalks that broke in their natural (in situ) environment. In contrast, a modified test configuration produces natural failure patterns and more accurate measurements of bending strength.

• Conclusion: Reliable measurements of stalk bending strength can be obtained by maximizing the span length of bending tests and placing the loading anvil at stronger and denser nodal tissues. These results are relevant to ecological and evolutionary plant biomechanics studies as well as agronomic breeding studies focused on measuring plant phenotypes such as stalk lodging strength, or on improving bending strength of septate plant stems.
Modification of physical properties of poly(L-lactic acid) by addition of methyl-β-cyclodextrin
Authors: Suzuki Toshiyuki , Ei Ayaka , Takada Yoshihisa , Uehara Hiroki , Yamanobe Takeshi , Takahashi Keiko
Published: December 2014

Poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) is a biodegradable plastic and one of the most famous plastics made from biobased materials. However, its physical strength is insufficient compared to general-purpose plastics. In this study, the effect of methylcyclodextrin (MeCD) addition on the structure and physical properties, especially the drawing behavior, of PLLA was investigated. Through thermal analysis, it was found that MeCD addition lowers the crystallinity and enhances the mobility of PLLA. The sample containing approximately 17% MeCD was drawn to more than 1000% at 60 °C, although PLLA fractured at a strain of less than 100%. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)-Raman in situ measurements also revealed decreases in the glass transition temperature (Tg), cold crystallization temperature (Tc), and melting point (Tm), and improvement in structural distribution with temperature. DSC-Raman measurements simultaneously supplied information about crystallinity and thermal properties. Thus, it was concluded that MeCD had high affinity for PLLA, and the addition of MeCD increased the amorphous component of PLLA and enhanced the drawability.
BANK CONCENTRATION AND NON-PERFORMING LOANS IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
Authors: Çifter Atilla
Published: December 2014

This paper examines the effect of bank concentration on the non-performing loans (NPLs) for ten Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. The short-run effect of bank concentration is tested with the generalised method of moments system and the instrumental variable approaches, and the long-run effect is tested with the fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) approach. The empirical analysis shows that the bank concentration is an insignificant factor on the NPLs, either in the short or in the long-run of the panel data set. On the other hand, individual FMOLS results reveal that the bank concentration reduces the NPLs in Estonia, Latvia, and Slovakia, and increases the NPLs in Bulgaria, Croatia, Lithuania, Poland, and Slovenia in the long-run. According to this evidence, the bank concentration does not reduce the credit risk for all of the CEE countries. Therefore, bank concentration may not affect systemic stability in the CEE countries. These findings are also robust in controlling several factors, including additional control variables. As a result, the relationship between the bank concentration and the NPLs, in regards to the CEE countries, is ambiguous.
REVISITING THE QUIET LIFE HYPOTHESIS IN BANKING USING NONPARAMETRIC TECHNIQUES
Authors: Färe Rolf , Grosskopf Shawna , Maudos Joaquín , Tortosa-Ausina Emili
Published: December 2014

Early studies testing the quiet life hypothesis in banking found strong evidence that banks in more concentrated markets exhibit lower cost efficiency levels. More recent studies have reexamined the issue in different contexts with mixed results. These approaches are based on stipulating a linear relationship between market power and efficiency in banking, which might be problematic, as suggested by the literature on efficiency analysis. We explore how bank cost efficiency measures are related to market power using flexible techniques, which are more consistent with those employed to measure efficiency in the first stage of the analysis. Our study focuses on the Spanish banking industry, which has been experiencing substantial change in the last few years, combining institutions with different ownership structures and business models. Results show that the relationship varies according to the level of market power, the component of efficiency evaluated (cost, technical or allocative) and the type of banking firm (commercial bank or savings bank), suggesting that the quiet life might be a reality only for some financial institutions.
EVOLUTION OF EFFICIENCY AND ITS DETERMINANTS IN THE RETAIL SECTOR IN SPAIN: NEW EVIDENCE
Authors: Moreno Justo De Jorge , Carrasco Oscar Rojas
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this work is twofold: on the one hand, recent methodologies will be used to estimate technical efficiency and its determinants factors in Spain's retail sector. In particular, the order-m approach, which is based on the concept of expected minimum input function and quantile regression, for the analysis of the factors determinants of efficiency is used. On the other hand, the results obtained applying the methods mentioned in the Spanish retail sector can contribute to opening up a new field of analysis since the results may be compared by means of the methodologies proposed as well as those which already exist in the literature. The paper used data envelopment analysis stochastic (order-m) to measure efficiency and quantile regression analysis for the second stage in Spanish retail. For the second stage of analysis relative of the factors determinants of efficiency, we use quantile regression. We take account of heterogeneity between the different characteristics of firms, using quantile regression techniques. We find that firm size, age and market concentration are positively related to the efficiency along the quantiles considered in the analysis. The relationship between intensity of capital and better trained employees in the efficiency shows a curvilinear behavior. Also, there are significant differences by region to which the firm belongs. The main contribution of this paper is to provide an efficiency analysis for Spanish retail sector using a non parametric approach with a robust estimator and quantile regression analysis for second stage. This methodology allows for a more careful analysis of what happens at firm level.
INNOVATIVE APPLICATION OF CONTEMPORARY MANAGEMENT METHODS IN A KNOWLEDGE-BASED ECONOMY – INTERDISCIPLINARITY IN SCIENCE
Authors: Ejdys Joanna , Ustinovičius Leonas , Stankevičienė Jelena
Published: December 2014

Interdisciplinarity, which is a part of the research paradigm in all fields of science, constitutes a real challenge in research. It manifests itself particularly in the diversity of the undertaken research topics, in the variety of the adopted research approaches (theoretical, methodological, normative, empirical-descriptive), and in the flexibility and the ability to see both the scientific problems as well as the economic and social needs. The ability to cross the boundaries between the fields of technical and social sciences, to identify problems and to seek solutions at the frontiers of scientific disciplines, the eagerness to work in research teams diverse in terms of competence, age and skills, creating conditions for both the personal development and that of individual team members, breaking the stereotypical ways of thinking in the process of solving problems and anticipating future events are all features of an academic culture nurtured by Professor Joanicjusz Nazarko. The paper highlights the research of Professor Joanicjusz Nazarko, presents a review of his extensive scientific work and lists some of his publications.
EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF VISUALI ZATION METHODS OF EARTH QUAKE CATALOGUE MAPS
Authors: Pődor Andrea , Kiszely Marta
Published: December 2014

The aim of the study is to find possible solutions to represent earthquake catalogue data and design maps which can help non-professionals to identify those places where earthquakes occurred frequently. The goal is to visualize all available catalogue data sets in a complex way on a single map, displaying the long-term recurrence times of earthquakes. Therefore, raw data and aggregated data were combined with different cartographic visualization techniques to test the applicability of earthquake maps. Preliminary research demonstrates that aggregation can improve the process of retrieving information from earthquake maps and 3D visualization is useful to find the places of earthquakes of highest magnitude. A second result is that 3D visualization is not effective in the comparison of quantities of released energy and the number of earthquakes.
Outcome of Takayasu Arteritis with Inactive Disease at Diagnosis: The Extent of Vascular Involvement As a Predictor of Activation
Authors: Hong Seokchan , Bae Seung-Hyeon , Ahn Soo Min , Lim Doo-Ho , Kim Yong-Gil , Lee Chang-Keun , Yoo Bin
Published: December 2014

Objective.

Some patients with Takayasu arteritis (TA) have inactive disease at the time of diagnosis. The objective of our study was to investigate the clinical outcomes and factors that predict disease activation in patients with clinically inactive TA.

Methods.

The medical records of patients diagnosed with TA between 1990 and 2012 were reviewed. At the time of diagnosis, patients were identified as having inactive disease according to the National Institutes of Health definition. Patients who went on to develop active disease during followup were classified as the “activation group”. The pattern of vascular involvement was classified according to the International Conference on TA, 1994.

Results.

A total of 59 patients with TA were classified as having inactive disease at the time of diagnosis. During the followup, 13 (22.0%) of these experienced TA activation (median followup, 37.0 mos; activation group). The remaining 46 (78.0%) did not experience disease activation (stable group). Renovascular hypertension was more common in the activation group than in the stable group (5/13, 38.5% vs 4/46, 8.7%, p = 0.019). Further, type V, which is the most extensive, was more common in the activation group (12/13, 92.3%) than in the stable group (18/46, 39.1%, p = 0.008). Multivariate analysis identified type V disease (OR 10.969, 95% CI 1.144–105.182, p = 0.038) as being significantly associated with an increased risk of disease activation.

Conclusion.

Substantial portions of patients with clinically inactive TA at the time of diagnosis experienced disease activation during followup. Type V disease may be an important predictive factor for disease activation in patients with clinically inactive TA.
Genre, justice et droit pénal international
Authors: Freedman Jane
Published: December 2014

L’établissement de la Cour pénale internationale ( cpi ) et l’adoption du Statut de Rome ont été vus par beaucoup comme un pas en avant dans la défense des droits des femmes à l’échelle internationale, et surtout dans la lutte contre les violences fondées sur le genre dans les conflits armés. Mais l’inclusion du ‘genre’ dans le Statut n’a pas été acquise sans lutte, surtout de la part des ong s des droits des femmes. Dans cet article, nous retraçons l’histoire des débats sur le genre dans le droit pénal international pour rendre compte du processus par lequel les crimes liés au genre ont été reconnus dans le Statut de Rome. Puis nous analysons l’application du droit pénal international dans certains cas de crimes liés au genre pour montrer les obstacles qui persistent à une vraie prise en compte des enjeux de genre par le droit, et enfin nous discutons la façon dont la jurisprudence de la cpi pourrait avoir une influence plus large sur la reconnaissance du genre dans d’autres sphères du droit international ou national.
Les ‘persécutions liées au genre' en Suisse : les frontières du droit d'asile en question
Authors: Miaz Jonathan
Published: December 2014

À travers le cas suisse, cet article analyse l’intégration d’une dimension de genre dans la définition juridique de la notion de réfugiée. L’auteur y montre comment différents niveaux de la chaîne du droit ont contribué à cette évolution, laquelle est donc appréhendée à la fois par le haut (instances internationales, débats parlementaires, jurisprudence), mais aussi par le bas, dans les pratiques internes de l’administration. En mettant en lien ces différents niveaux, l’auteur insiste sur le rôle important que jouent les fonctionnaires dans la production des normes juridiques (et non pas seulement dans leur seule application). Enfin, il montre que, si les ‘persécutions liées au genre’ sont davantage prises en compte, elles restent des motifs ‘de seconde zone’ dont le caractère politique demeure dénié. 1
Rapports sociaux de sexe et production du droit de la famille au Sénégal et au Maroc
Authors: N’Diaye Marième
Published: December 2014

Au Sénégal et au Maroc, la réforme du droit de la famille avait pour objectif de concilier impératifs de la religion islamique et reconnaissance du principe d’égalité des sexes. La question du statut des femmes a constitué l’enjeu central des débats construits autour de l’opposition entre égalité et complémentarité, qui renvoie à la tension entre reconnaissance des droits individuels et volonté de préserver l’institution familiale, érigée en symbole d’une identité culturelle et religieuse. L’objet de cet article est d’examiner comment la problématique du genre a été intégrée au débat et quelle a été son influence sur les textes adoptés. Malgré l’adoption de réformes substantielles, la conception de l’égalité juridique est restée tributaire du cadre islamique et n’a pas nécessairement intégré une réflexion critique sur les rapports de genre.
La reconnaissance législative et jurisprudentielle du harcèlement sexuel, une victoire féministe ? (1992-2012)
Authors: Le Magueresse Catherine
Published: December 2014

Nommé et défini par les féministes, le harcèlement sexuel est devenu, en France, grâce à leur mobilisation, un délit pénal en 1992. Néanmoins, la définition légale puis jurisprudentielle de cette infraction échappa alors significativement à celles qui avaient initié ce mouvement législatif. Face aux résistances à la reconnaissance de cette réalité, les féministes n’ont pas désarmé et leur ténacité a porté ses fruits : la loi du 6 août 2012 a globalement tenu compte de leurs critiques et demandes. La vigilance est cependant de mise quant à son application.
La personnalité dépendante : un facteur de risque majeur pour la dépression du post-partum ?
Authors: Versaevel Christophe , Leleu Olivier , Jeanson Robert , Lajugie Christine , Bizet Bruno , Danel Thierry , Charrel Claire-Lise , Duhamel Alain
Published: December 2014

Objectif de l’étude : l’étude tente de démontrer que la personnalité dépendante est un facteur de risque majeur dans la dépression du post-partum. Méthode : une série de questionnaires est remise à une population de parturientes. Ces questionnaires identifient le risque de présenter une dépression du post-partum et une personnalité dépendante. Résultats : il existe une association statistiquement significative entre les scores à l’EPDS (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) et les scores au QPD (Dependent Personality Questionnaire) (p < 0,0001 et r = 0,51). En cas de QPD > ou = à 13, il y a 15,63 fois plus d’EPDS > ou = à 11 (de 2,7 à 42%). Conclusion : si le QPD était réalisé avant la grossesse ou au début de celle-ci, cela permettrait d’identifier une population vulnérable à la dépression du post-partum.
Capacité de mentalisation parentale et problématiques pédopsychiatriques : perspectives théorique et clinique
Authors: Urfer Fanny-Maude , Achim Julie , Terradas Miguel M. , Ensink Karin
Published: December 2014

Le nombre important d’enfants consultant en pédopsychiatrie incite à se pencher sur les facteurs pouvant contribuer au développement d’une psychopathologie. L’un d’eux concerne la capacité de mentalisation, soit la capacité à percevoir et interpréter son propre comportement et celui d’autrui en fonction d’états mentaux. Etant donné que cette capacité se développe suivant, notamment, la qualité du contexte relationnel au sein duquel évolue l’enfant, il apparaît pertinent de considérer cette capacité chez les parents. Ainsi, cet article propose une réflexion théorique et clinique quant à la capacité de mentalisation des pères et des mères d’enfants d’âge préscolaire consultant en pédopsychiatrie.
La viabilité des modèles sociaux européens après la crise de 2008
Authors: Warin Thierry
Published: December 2014

L’article se propose de faire une analyse de la viabilité des modèles sociaux européens. À l’aube de la sortie de la crise de 2008, les pays membres de l’Union européenne ont fait face à une hausse des déficits publics et en conséquence des dettes publiques. Les dépenses sociales – par définition les stabilisateurs automatiques – ont contribué à ces augmentations. Dans un contexte post-crise où il est question de revenir à des niveaux de déficits et de dettes respectant le cadre institutionnel européen, est-ce que les dépenses sociales peuvent être réduites sans remettre en cause les modèles sociaux européens ? La croissance économique est la clé de la viabilité du système social. Cependant, cela veut dire que l’Europe reste concurrentielle en termes de coûts et productivité et qu’elle retrouve des marges de manœuvre budgétaires. Cela est d’autant plus important que lorsqu’une crise survient, elle augmente les tensions et révèle les fragilités.
Un siècle après. Quelques remarques sur les principaux thèmes philosophiques du congrès de 1911
Authors: Iofrida Manlio
Published: December 2014

Le projet d'un congrès international de philosophie et la fondation de la Revue de métaphysique et de morale sont liés à la construction de l'édifice institutionnel de la III e République, et notamment à la conception laïque d'une république fondée sur l'éducation publique, sur la raison et sur la science, telle qu'elle se développe après 1870. D'un côté, on rappelle le rôle du kantisme ; de l'autre, on examine les positions de Durkheim et de Bergson, qui représentent, au congrès de Bologne, des positions limites par rapport à celles rationalistes dominantes. On met en évidence chez Bergson une contraposition explicite à l'élitisme qui caractérise l'idée allemande de Kultur .
Strengthening New Graduate Nurse Residency Programs in Critical Care: Recommendations From Nurse Residents and Organizational Stakeholders
Authors: Adams Jeffrey M. , Alexander Gail A. , Chisari R. Gino , Banister Gaurdia , McAuley Mary Elizabeth , Whitney Kevin B. , Erickson Jeanette Ives
Published: December 2014

Background:

Thirty-four new graduate nurses participated in a critical care nurse residency program in preparation for opening a new intensive care unit. At the end of the program, multi-constituent focus groups were held to assess program effectiveness.

Method:

Participants included 34 new graduate nurses, 18 preceptors and staff nurse partners, five clinical nurse specialists, and five nurse directors. Twelve focus groups were held; groups included four to eight nurses from the same role group. Two independent reviewers analyzed recordings and transcripts of focus group content to identify themes.

Results:

Five themes were identified: program design, developing nursing expertise, program impact on the unit, future expectations, and communication. Comments were used to guide program improvements and offer new insights for residency programs in acute and critical care.

Conclusion:

Obtaining structured input from multiple program stakeholders is beneficial in evaluating a program's impact and identifying areas for improvement.
J Contin Educ Nurs.
2015;46(1):41–48.
Immune Complexes Suppress IFN-γ–Induced Responses in Monocytes by Activating Discrete Members of the SRC Kinase Family
Authors: Boekhoudt Gunther H. , McGrath Anna G. , Swisher Jennifer F. A. , Feldman Gerald M.
Published: December 2014

The regulation of the innate and the adaptive immune responses are extensively intertwined and tightly regulated. Ag-driven immune responses that are modulated by immune complexes (ICs) are known to inhibit IFN-γ–dependent MHC class II expression. We have previously demonstrated that ICs dramatically inhibit IFN-γ–induced activation of human monocytes through the activation of the FcγRI signaling pathway. In the present study we further explore the mechanisms by which ICs regulate IFN-γ activation of human monocytes. We demonstrate that members of the SRC kinase family (SKF) are key mediators of IFN-γ pathway suppression: inhibitors of the SKF reverse the ability of ICs to suppress IFN-γ signaling. Small interfering RNA was used to target specific members of the SKF. The data indicate that SRC and LYN are both required for ICs to elicit their immunosuppressive activity, whereas FYN does not appear to contribute to this function. Similarly, the kinase SYK, though not a member of the SKF, is also demonstrated to be involved in this IC-mediated immunosuppression. Our data suggest a mechanism whereby ICs directly inhibit inflammatory signals by crosslinking FcγRI, resulting in the activation of the specific phosphotyrosine kinases SRC, LYN, and SYK and the concomitant suppression of the IFN-γ signaling pathway.
The α-Tocopherol Form of Vitamin E Reverses Age-Associated Susceptibility to Streptococcus pneumoniae Lung Infection by Modulating Pulmonary Neutrophil Recruitment
Authors: Bou Ghanem Elsa N. , Clark Stacie , Du Xiaogang , Wu Dayong , Camilli Andrew , Leong John M. , Meydani Simin N.
Published: December 2014

Streptococcus pneumoniae infections are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in older patients. Uncontrolled neutrophil-driven pulmonary inflammation exacerbates this disease. To test whether the α-tocopherol (α-Toc) form of vitamin E, a regulator of immunity, can modulate neutrophil responses as a preventive strategy to mitigate the age-associated decline in resistance to S. pneumoniae, young (4 mo) and old (22–24 mo) C57BL/6 mice were fed a diet containing 30-PPM (control) or 500-PPM (supplemented) α-Toc for 4 wk and intratracheally infected with S. pneumoniae. Aged mice fed a control diet were exquisitely more susceptible to S. pneumoniae than young mice. At 2 d postinfection, aged mice suffered 1000-fold higher pulmonary bacterial burden, 2.2-fold higher levels of neutrophil recruitment to the lung, and a 2.25-fold higher rate of lethal septicemia. Strikingly, α-Toc supplementation of aged mice resulted in a 1000-fold lower bacterial lung burden and full control of infection. This α-Toc–induced resistance to pneumococcal challenge was associated with a 2-fold fewer pulmonary neutrophils, a level comparable to S. pneumoniae–challenged, conventionally fed young mice. α-Toc directly inhibited neutrophil egress across epithelial cell monolayers in vitro in response to pneumococci or hepoxilin-A3, an eicosanoid required for pneumococcus-elicited neutrophil trans-epithelial migration. α-Toc altered expression of multiple epithelial and neutrophil adhesion molecules involved in migration, including CD55, CD47, CD18/CD11b, and ICAM-1. These findings suggest that α-Toc enhances resistance of aged mice to bacterial pneumonia by modulating the innate immune response, a finding that has potential clinical significance in combating infection in aged individuals through nutritional intervention.
Color coding: a tool to enhance the quality of health care in low resource settings
Authors: Shrivastava Saurabh R. , Shrivastava Prateek S. , Ramasamy Jegadeesh
Published: December 2014

Color coding in health sector refers to the systematic process of displaying information using different colors for providing assistance in classification and identification. In the public health sector, where the aim is to improve the health indicators of the general population as a whole, application of color coding not only enables diagnosis of important health condition but even serves as a rationale to start an appropriate line of management. Multiple applications of color-coding have been identified in the health sector. However, the colorcoded approach is not fool-proof and has its shortcomings. Moreover, most of these concerns can be resolved by proper sensitization of health professionals and adoption of a standardized color-coding approach universally. In conclusion, color coding in health care has the immense scope to ensure delivery of quality assured services, especially in low resource settings. Nevertheless, there is a crucial need to implement this approach universally to expand its range of benefits to both patients and healthcare professionals.
Catalogo critico delle Cantharidae d’Italia (Insecta, Coleoptera)
Authors: Fanti Fabrizio
Published: December 2014

Questo articolo, di carattere essenzialmente compilativo ma arricchito da numerosi dati inediti, prende in considerazione la corologia delle specie italiane della Famiglia Cantharidae e riflette il punto di vista personale dell’autore relativamente a numerose indicazioni dubbie presenti in letteratura. La forma proposta è quella di un Catalogo delle specie italiane di Cantharidae con l’indicazione esplicita di tutte le regioni nelle quali ogni specie è nota. I taxa che attualmente compongono la famiglia, conosciuti per l’italia, sono 219 (215 specie e 4 sottospecie), ai quali bisogna aggiungere le 12 specie che sono state ritenute dubbie, o dal punto di vista della validità tassonomica, oppure perché la loro presenza in italia resta da confermare (citazioni molto vecchie e/o dubbie). Molte specie sono citate per la prima volta (o confermate nei casi dubbi) di varie regioni italiane: Cantharis decipiens (Umbria), Cantharis falzonii (Campania), Cantharis flavilabris (Umbria), Cantharis fusca (Friuli Venezia Giulia, Umbria, conferma per il Veneto), Cantharis montana (Val d’aosta, Piemonte), Cantharis pallida (Umbria), Cantharis terminata (Val d’aosta, Lombardia, Veneto), Metacantharis clypeata (Friuli Venezia Giulia), Podistra rufotestacea (Friuli Venezia Giulia, toscana), Rhagonycha gallica (Lombardia, Friuli Venezia Giulia), Rhagonycha lignosa (Umbria), Rhagonycha lutea (Veneto), Rhagonycha nigriceps (Molise), Malthinus bilineatus (Lombardia), Malthinus deceptor (Umbria), Malthinus devillei (toscana, Umbria, Lazio), Malthinus facialis (Lombardia, Veneto), Malthinus fasciatus (Emilia Romagna: nuovo per San Marino), Malthinus glabellus (Umbria), Malthinus neapolitanus (Toscana, Umbria), Malthinus pseudobiguttatus (conferma per Piemonte, Liguria e Basilicata), Malthinus reflexus (Piemonte, toscana, Umbria), Malthinus seriepunctatus (Umbria, Basilicata), Malthinus sordidus sordidus (Val d’aosta, Lombardia, Umbria), Malthodes brevicornis (Umbria, Lazio), Malthodes facetus (Umbria), Malthodes flavoguttatus (Val d’aosta), Malthodes latialis (toscana), Malthodes lobatus (Umbria), Malthodes parthenias (Umbria), Malthodes pinnatus (Calabria), Malthodes siculus (Umbria), Malthodes solarii (toscana), Malthodes spectabilis (Umbria), Malthodes umbrosus (Umbria). Vengono infine discusse brevemente le specie da escludere dalla fauna italiana.
Tetraliidae and Trapeziidae (Crustacea, Decapoda, Brachyura) from the Early Eocene of Monte Magrè (Vicenza, NE Italy)
Authors: De Angeli Antonio , Ceccon Loris
Published: December 2014

The decapod crustaceans of the families Tetraliidae and Trapeziidae from the Early Eocene (middle-late Ypresian) of Monte Magrè (Schio, Vicenza, NE Italy), are described. The specimens are assigned to Eurotetralia loerenthey (Müller, 1975) n. gen., Tetralia vicetina n. sp. (Tetraliidae Castro, Ng & Ahyong, 2004); Archaeotetra lessinea n. sp., Eomaldivia trispinosa Müller & Collins, 1991, Paratetralia convexa Beschin, Busulini, De Angeli & Tessier, 2007, and Paratetralia sulcata n. sp. (Trapeziidae Miers, 1886).
The specimens were discovered associated with other decapods, in the coral-rich limestone. This report is the oldest fossil record of both two families. The stratigraphical distribution of the Tetraliidae and Trapeziidae is extended back to the middle-late Ypresian.
Spontaneous Rupture of the Kidney Affected by Multifocal Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Dell'Atti Lucio
Published: December 2014

Papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC) represents the second most common type of malignant renal epithelial tumor (represents the 10% of the kidney's carcinoma) and can be subclassified in the basophile type I and eosinophile type II. We report a clinical case of spontaneous rupture of the kidney affected by multifocal (42 tumors foci) pRCC in a young man 53 years old, without showing earlier specific cancer signs and symptoms. Prognosis for type I pRCC is better than type II pRCC, but it is anyway related to the tumoral grade, to the tumoral stage and to the diagnostic precocity. Signs and symptoms are very similar to those characterizing the more frequent clear cell carcinoma. Nevertheless in the 40% of the cases the lesion is asymptomatic. To our knowledge, this is the first case of spontaneous rupture of the kidney affected by multifocal pRCC in literature without showing earlier specific cancer signs and symptoms.
Trained Community Volunteers Improve Tuberculosis Knowledge and Attitudes Among Adults in a Periurban Community in Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Balogun Mobolanle , Sekoni Adekemi , Meloni Seema Thakore , Odukoya Oluwakemi , Onajole Adebayo , Longe-Peters Olukemi , Ogunsola Folasade , Kanki Phyllis J.
Published: December 2014

Nigeria has the world's 10th largest tuberculosis (TB) burden. Targeted community-based interventions can potentially help reduce TB incidence. We designed an intervention in a periurban community where 10 community volunteers were trained to provide community TB education and also detect and refer TB suspects to a nearby clinic. To determine the effect of the intervention on knowledge, attitude, and preventive practices of TB, we compared results from a pre-intervention survey with those of a post-intervention survey. Pre-intervention, respondents had a mean knowledge score of 10.6 ± 7.0 of a possible 34, a mean attitude score of 5.8 ± 3.3 of a possible 10, and a mean practice score of 5.3 ± 1.4 of a possible 7. The intervention significantly increased the mean knowledge score to 16 ± 5.4 (P < 0.001) and mean attitude score to 7.0 ± 1.8 (P < 0.001); however, there was no statistically significant difference in the mean practice score. Eight TB suspects were referred to the clinic, and one suspect was subsequently diagnosed with TB. The use of trained community volunteers to share information on TB improved the overall knowledge and attitudes of respondents. Continued empowerment of the community should be encouraged to promote TB prevention and care.
Pain and Bloody Ear Discharge in a Returning Traveler
Authors: LaCourse Sylvia M. , Martinez Raquel M. , Spach David H. , Fang Ferric C.
Published: December 2014

Cochliomyia hominivorax, the New World screwworm, was a serious livestock pest in the southern United States until the 1960s, when it was successfully eradicated by the release of sterile male flies. It remains endemic in parts of the Caribbean and South America, and there is concern that climate change may extend its geographic distribution. Cochliomyia hominivorax is voracious and can cause extensive damage to soft tissue and bone. We describe the case of a 26-year-old traveler who presented with otalgia and bloody otorrhea after returning from a vacation in the Dominican Republic, where exposure to screwworm flies most likely occurred during a nap on the beach. The causative agent was recognized by its characteristic larval anatomy, which includes pigmented dorsal tracheal trunks and posterior spiracles with an open peritreme.
Being Ready to Treat Ebola Virus Disease Patients
Authors: Brett-Major David M. , Jacob Shevin T. , Jacquerioz Frederique A. , Risi George F. , Fischer William A. , Kato Yasuyuki , Houlihan Catherine F. , Crozier Ian , Bosa Henry Kyobe , Lawler James V. , Adachi Takuya , Hurley Sara K. , Berry Louise E. , Carlson John C. , Button Thomas. C. , McLellan Susan L. , Shea Barbara J. , Kuniyoshi Gary G. , Ferri Mauricio , Murthy Srinivas G. , Petrosillo Nicola , Lamontagne Francois , Porembka David T. , Schieffelin John S. , Rubinson Lewis , O'Dempsey Tim , Donovan Suzanne M. , Bausch Daniel G. , Fowler Robert A. , Fletcher Thomas E.
Published: December 2014

As the outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in West Africa continues, clinical preparedness is needed in countries at risk for EVD (e.g., United States) and more fully equipped and supported clinical teams in those countries with epidemic spread of EVD in Africa. Clinical staff must approach the patient with a very deliberate focus on providing effective care while assuring personal safety. To do this, both individual health care providers and health systems must improve EVD care. Although formal guidance toward these goals exists from the World Health Organization, Medecin Sans Frontières, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other groups, some of the most critical lessons come from personal experience. In this narrative, clinicians deployed by the World Health Organization into a wide range of clinical settings in West Africa distill key, practical considerations for working safely and effectively with patients with EVD.
Bromine partitioning in the tropical tropopause layer: implications for stratospheric injection
Authors: Fernandez R. P. , Salawitch R. J. , Kinnison D. E. , Lamarque J.-F. , Saiz-Lopez A.
Published: December 2014

Abstract. Very short-lived (VSL) bromocarbons are produced at a prodigious rate by ocean biology and these source compounds (SGVSL), together with their inorganic degradation products (PGVSL), are lofted by vigorous convection to the tropical tropopause layer (TTL). Using a state-of-the-art photochemical mechanism within a global model, we calculate annual average stratospheric injection of total bromine due to VSL sources to be 5 pptv (parts per trillion by volume), with ~ 3 pptv entering the stratosphere as PGVSL and ~ 2 pptv as SGVSL. The geographic distribution and partitioning of VSL bromine within the TTL, and its consequent stratospheric injection, is highly dependent on the oceanic flux, the strength of convection and the occurrence of heterogeneous recycling reactions. Our calculations indicate atomic Br should be the dominant inorganic species in large regions of the TTL during daytime, due to the low ozone and cold conditions of this region. We propose the existence of a "tropical ring of atomic bromine" located approximately between 15 and 19 km and between 30° N and 30° S. Daytime Br / BrO ratios of up to ~ 4 are predicted within this inhomogeneous ring in regions of highly convective transport, such as the tropical Western Pacific. Therefore, we suggest that experimental programs designed to quantify the bromine budget of the TTL and the stratospheric injection of VSL biogenic bromocarbons should include a strategy for the measurement of atomic Br during daytime as well as HOBr and BrCl during nighttime.
Aerosol hygroscopicity and cloud condensation nuclei activity during the AC3Exp campaign: implications for cloud condensation nuclei parameterization
Authors: Zhang F. , Li Y. , Li Z. , Sun L. , Li R. , Zhao C. , Wang P. , Sun Y. , Liu X. , Li J. , Li P. , Ren G. , Fan T.
Published: December 2014

Abstract. Aerosol hygroscopicity and cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activity under background conditions and during pollution events are investigated during the Aerosol-CCN-Cloud Closure Experiment (AC3Exp) campaign conducted at Xianghe, China in summer 2013. A gradual increase in size-resolved activation ratio (AR) with particle diameter (Dp) suggests that aerosol particles have different hygroscopicities. During pollution events, the activation diameter (Da) measured at low supersaturation (SS) was significantly increased compared to background conditions. An increase was not observed when SS was > 0.4%. The hygroscopicity parameter (κ) was ~ 0.31–0.38 for particles in accumulation mode under background conditions. This range in magnitude of κ was ~ 20%, higher than κ derived under polluted conditions. For particles in nucleation or Aitken mode, κ ranged from 0.20–0.34 for background and polluted cases. Larger particles were on average more hygroscopic than smaller particles. The situation was more complex for heavy pollution particles because of the diversity in particle composition and mixing state. A non-parallel observation CCN closure test showed that uncertainties in CCN number concentration estimates ranged from 30–40%, which are associated with changes in particle composition as well as measurement uncertainties associated with bulk and size-resolved CCN methods. A case study showed that bulk CCN activation ratios increased as total condensation nuclei (CN) number concentrations (NCN) increased on background days. The background case also showed that bulk AR correlated well with the hygroscopicity parameter calculated from chemical volume fractions. On the contrary, bulk AR decreased with increasing total NCN during pollution events, but was closely related to the fraction of the total organic mass signal at m/z 44 (f44), which is usually associated with the particle's organic oxidation level. Our study highlights the importance of chemical composition in determining particle activation properties and underlines the significance of long-term observations of CCN under different atmospheric environments, especially regions with heavy pollution.