bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Catheter Dwell Time and CLABSIs in Neonates With PICCs: A Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Milstone Aaron M. , Reich Nicholas G. , Advani Sonali , Yuan Guoshu , Bryant Kristina , Coffin Susan E. , Huskins W. Charles , Livingston Robyn , Saiman Lisa , Smith P. Brian , Song Xiaoyan
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE:

To determine whether the daily risk of central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) increases over the dwell time of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in high-risk neonates.

METHODS:

Multicenter retrospective cohort including NICU patients with a PICC inserted between January 2005 and June 2010. We calculated incidence rates and used Poisson regression models to assess the risk of developing CLABSI as a function of PICC dwell time.

RESULTS:

A total of 4797 PICCs placed in 3967 neonates were included; 149 CLABSIs occurred over 89 946 catheter-days (incidence rate 1.66 per 1000 catheter-days). In unadjusted analysis, PICCs with a dwell time of 8 to 13 days, 14 to 22 days, and ≥23 days each had an increased risk of infection compared with PICCs in place for ≤7 days (P < .05). In adjusted analysis, the average predicted daily risk of CLABSIs after PICC insertion increased during the first 2 weeks after PICC insertion and remained elevated for the dwell time of the catheter. There was an increased risk of CLABSIs in neonates with concurrent PICCs (adjusted incidence rate ratio 2.04, 1.12–3.71). The incidence of Gram-negative CLABSIs was greater in PICCs with dwell times >50 days (incidence rate ratio 5.26, 2.40–10.66).

CONCLUSIONS:

The risk of CLABSIs increased during the 2 weeks after PICC insertion and then remained elevated until PICC removal. Clinicians should review PICC necessity daily, optimize catheter maintenance practices, and investigate novel CLABSI prevention strategies in PICCs with prolonged dwell times.
Epidemiology of Bacteremia in Febrile Infants in the United States
Authors: Biondi Eric , Evans Rianna , Mischler Matthew , Bendel-Stenzel Michael , Horstmann Sara , Lee Vivan , Aldag Jean , Gigliotti Francis
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND:

Fever in infants is a common clinical dilemma. The objective of this study was to present data from hospital systems across the northeast, southeast, mid-west, and western United States to identify the pathogens causing bacteremia in febrile infants admitted to general care units.

METHODS:

This was a retrospective review of positive blood culture results in febrile infants aged ≤90 days admitted to a general care unit across 6 hospital systems. Data were collected from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2012 from emergency departments and general inpatient units. Cultures from ICUs, central lines, or infants who had complex comorbidities were excluded, as were repeat cultures positive for the same bacteria. Common contaminants were considered pathogens if they were treated as such.

RESULTS:

We identified 181 cases of bacteremia in 177 infants. The most common pathogen was Escherichia coli (42%), followed by group B Streptococcus (23%). Streptococcus pneumoniae was more likely in older infants (P = .01). Non-low-risk bacteremic infants were more likely to have E coli or group B Streptococcus than low-risk bacteremic infants. We identified no cases of Listeria monocytogenes. Variation between sites was minimal.

CONCLUSIONS:

This is the largest and most geographically diverse study to date examining the epidemiology of bacteremia in infants. We suggest E coli is the most common cause of bacteremia in previously healthy febrile infants admitted to a general inpatient unit. We identified no cases of L monocytogenes and question whether empirical therapy remains necessary for this pathogen.
Rotinas de organizacao de exames e entrevistas no centro de investigacao ELSA-Brasil
Authors: Bensenor Isabela M , Griep Rosane H , Pinto Karina Araujo , Faria Carolina Perim de , Felisbino-Mendes Mariana , Caetano Edna I , Albuquerque Liliane da Silva , Schmidt Maria Ines
Published: November 2013

O Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto (ELSA-Brasil) é um estudo de coorte prospectivo com avaliações abrangentes ao longo do tempo. O artigo descreve a rotina de exames e entrevistas realizados pelo participante, assim como a estruturação da área física e da equipe dos Centros de Pesquisa. O ELSA-Brasil pressupõe o comparecimento do participante ao Centro de Pesquisa para a realização dos exames e entrevistas segundo protocolos padronizados desenvolvidos pelo estudo. Considerando a multiplicidade de atividades envolvidas, cada uma delas com suas necessidades particulares de padronização, foram criadas várias ordenações pré-determinadas de exames e entrevistas. Isso possibilitou um elevado padrão de qualidade na coleta dos dados sem prejuízo do conforto ao participante. Cada participante era previamente designado para uma sequência de exames e entrevistas com horário de chegada, tempo de permanência médio de cinco a seis horas e horário de saída previamente definidos.
Aspectos eticos em estudos longitudinais: o caso do ELSA-Brasil
Authors: Aquino Estela M L , Vasconcellos-Silva Paulo Roberto , Coeli Claudia Medina , Araujo Maria Jenny , Santos Simone M , Figueiredo Roberta Carvalho de , Duncan Bruce B
Published: November 2013

Historicamente a discussão acerca da eticidade dos atos em pesquisas com seres humanos privilegiou os estudos experimentais, pelo maior potencial de danos aos sujeitos envolvidos. Todavia, os estudos observacionais também envolvem riscos e suscitam questões relevantes. Neste artigo pretende-se apresentar e discutir aspectos éticos do desenvolvimento do ELSA-Brasil, um estudo longitudinal e multicêntrico, com financiamento público, no qual os sujeitos da pesquisa e pesquisadores pertencem às mesmas instituições. São descritos os procedimentos adotados para atender às exigências e compromissos éticos e a casuística que orientou as ações segundo seus princípios norteadores (beneficência, autonomia e justiça social). São apresentados alguns problemas morais que exigiram ponderação sobre riscos e benefícios na confluência com os objetivos do estudo e comentam-se peculiaridades de um estudo longitudinal e seus potenciais benefícios.
Gerencia de Informacao em Estudos Multicentricos: o Estudo Longitudinal de Saude do Adulto
Authors: Duncan Bruce Bartholow , Vigo Alvaro , Hernandez Emerson , Luft Vivian Cristine , Ahlert Hubert , Bergmann Kaiser , Mota Eduardo
Published: November 2013

A gerência da informação em estudos multicêntricos de grande porte requer uma abordagem especializada. O Estudo Longitudinal da Saúde do Adulto (ELSA-Brasil) criou um Centro de Dados para delinear e gerenciar seu sistema de dados. O objetivo do artigo foi descrever os passos envolvidos, incluindo os métodos de entrada, transmissão e gerência de informações. Foi desenvolvido um sistema web que permitiu, de forma segura e confidencial, a entrada online, verificação e edição, bem como incorporação de dados coletados em papel. Além disso, foi implantado e personalizado um sistema de armazenamento e comunicação de imagens (Picture Arquiving and Communication System) para ecocardiografia e retinografia que armazena as imagens recebidas dos Centros de Investigação e as torna acessíveis nos Centros de Leitura. Finalmente, foram desenvolvidos processos de extração e limpeza de dados para criação de bases de dados em formatos que permitam análises em múltiplos pacotes estatísticos.
Logistica de coleta e transporte de material biologico e organizacao do laboratorio central no ELSA-Brasil
Authors: Fedeli Ligia G , Vidigal Pedro G , Leite Claudia Mendes , Castilhos Cristina D , Pimentel Robercia Anjos , Maniero Viviane C , Mill Jose Geraldo , Lotufo Paulo A , Pereira Alexandre C , Bensenor Isabela M
Published: November 2013

O Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto (ELSA-Brasil) é um estudo de coorte multicêntrico com o objetivo de identificar os fatores de risco associados ao diabetes tipo 2 e à doença cardiovascular na população brasileira. O artigo descreve as estratégias de coleta, processamento, transporte e de controle de qualidade dos exames de sangue e urina no ELSA. O estudo optou pela centralização dos exames em um único laboratório. O processamento das amostras foi realizado nos laboratórios locais, reduzindo o peso do material a ser transportado e diminuindo os custos do transporte para o laboratório central no Hospital da Universidade de São Paulo. O estudo incluiu exames para avaliação de diabetes, resistência à insulina, dislipidemias, alterações eletrolíticas, hormônios tireoidianos, ácido úrico, alterações de enzimas hepáticas, inflamação e hemograma completo. Além desses exames, foram estocados DNA de leucócitos, amostras de urina, plasma e soro. O laboratório central realizou aproximadamente 375.000 exames.
Experiencia de importacao de equipamentos para pesquisa no ELSA-Brasil
Authors: Almeida Cristiana Paula Matos de , Aquino Estela M L , Mota Eduardo L A , Mota Fabio Batista , Braga Valeria Cerqueira Campos , Ladeira Roberto Marini , Silva Gabriela Feiden , Souza Angelita Gomes de , Oliveira Rosalba
Published: November 2013

OBJETIVO: Políticas de fomento à pesquisa em saúde foram estabelecidas na última década, avançando a produção científica nacional. Tal movimento não foi acompanhado do aperfeiçoamento do arcabouço legal-institucional, dificultando o desenvolvimento dos projetos de pesquisa. Isso inclusive no que tange às atividades de importação de equipamentos. O objetivo deste artigo foi analisar o processo de importação de equipamentos para o Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto (ELSA-Brasil). MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo de caso, com dados coletados em documentos internos do ELSA-Brasil em cinco Centros de Investigação e respectivas fundações de apoio. Foram analisados documentos de importação de: velocidade de onda de pulso, bioimagem e retinografia. Adicionalmente, foram realizadas entrevistas não estruturadas com pesquisadores e informantes chave nas fundações. Os dados foram tratados e organizados em três etapas: administrativa-operacional, cambial e fiscal. Foram calculados os intervalos de duração dessas etapas de modo comparativo entre os centros. RESULTADOS: A necessidade de padronização dos equipamentos em estudo multicêntrico exigiu atuação conjunta de instituições executoras e fundações. Dos equipamentos analisados, a primeira etapa, a administrativa-operacional, teve duração variada (mínimo 8 e máximo de 101, com média de 55 dias), sendo mais demorada quando incluía pareceres jurídicos. A segunda etapa, a cambial, mais longa que a primeira, não apresentou entraves ao processo (mínimo 11 e máximo 381, média de 196 dias). A terceira etapa, a fiscal, foi a mais longa (mínimo 43 e máximo 388 dias, média de 215,5 dias), devido à liberação dos equipamentos sem registro no País. Outros fatores que representaram entraves: inexperiência dos centros de investigação e das instituições em trabalhar em rede; inadequação da legislação nacional às especificidades da pesquisa científica; e falta de profissionais especializados em gestão de projeto científico. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados mostram morosidade no processo de importação de equipamentos para pesquisa no Brasil, devido, especialmente, a entraves de ordem legal, burocrática e gerencial.
Early Mother-Child Interaction and Later Quality of Attachment in Infants with an Orofacial Cleft Compared to Infants without Cleft
Authors: Habersaat Stephanie , Monnier Maryline , Peter Camille , Bolomey Luce , Borghini Ayala , Despars Josée , Pierrehumbert Blaise , Müller-Nix Carole , Ansermet François , Hohlfeld Judith
Published: November 2013

Objective

The main objective of this study was to assess mother-child patterns of interaction in relation to later quality of attachment in a group of children with an orofacial cleft compared with children without cleft.

Design

Families were contacted when the child was 2 months old for a direct assessment of mother-child interaction and then at 12 months for a direct assessment of the child's attachment. Data concerning socioeconomical information and posttraumatic stress symptoms in mothers were collected at the first appointment.

Participants

Forty families of children with a cleft and 45 families of children without cleft were included in the study. Families were recruited at birth in the University Hospital of Lausanne.

Results

Results showed that children with a cleft were more difficult and less cooperative during interaction at 2 months of age with their mother compared with children without a cleft. No significant differences were found in mothers or in dyadic interactive styles. Concerning the child's attachment at 12 months old, no differences were found in attachment security. However, secure children with a cleft were significantly more avoidant with their mother during the reunion episodes than secure children without cleft.

Conclusion

Despite the facial disfigurement and the stress engendered by treatment during the first months of the infant's life, children with cleft and their mothers are doing as well as families without cleft with regard to the mothers' mental health, mother-child relationships, and later quality of attachment. A potential contribution for this absence of difference may be the pluridisciplinary support that families of children with cleft benefit from in Lausanne.
Addressing the Spiritual Needs of Hospitalized Asian Americans: Predictors of Satisfaction among a National Sample of Inpatients
Authors: Hodge David R. , Bonifas Robin P. , Wolosin Robert J.
Published: November 2013

Tailoring services to address patients' spiritual needs is widely recognized to be an important component of service provision in health care settings. Yet, despite the growth of the Asian American population, little research has examined predictors of Asian American patients' satisfaction with this process. To address this gap, the present study employed a national sample of Asian Americans (N = 2,102) to identify predictors of satisfaction with the manner in which their spiritual needs were addressed during hospitalization. The results indicate that nursing, visitors, the discharge process, room quality, and food service played significant roles in satisfactorily addressing Asian American patients' spiritual needs. The implications are discussed for social workers as key players in the health care team and administrators of the discharge process.
Screen-and-Treat Approach to Cervical Cancer Prevention Using Visual Inspection With Acetic Acid and Cryotherapy: Experiences, Perceptions, and Beliefs From Demonstration Projects in Peru, Uganda, and Vietnam
Authors: Paul Proma , Winkler Jennifer L. , Bartolini Rosario M. , Penny Mary E. , Huong Trinh Thu , Nga Le Thi , Kumakech Edward , Mugisha Emmanuel , Jeronimo Jose
Published: November 2013

Cervical cancer is preventable but continues to cause the deaths of more than 270,000 women worldwide each year, most of them in developing countries where programs to detect and treat precancerous lesions are not affordable or available. Studies have demonstrated that screening by visual inspection of the cervix using acetic acid (VIA) is a simple, affordable, and sensitive test that can identify precancerous changes of the cervix so that treatment such as cryotherapy can be provided. Government partners implemented screening and treatment using VIA and cryotherapy at demonstration sites in Peru, Uganda, and Vietnam. Evaluations were conducted in the three countries to explore the barriers and facilitating factors for the use of services and for incorporation of screen-and-treat programs using VIA and cryotherapy into routine services. Results showed that use of VIA and cryotherapy in these settings is a feasible approach to providing cervical cancer prevention services. Activities that can help ensure successful programs include mobilizing and educating communities, organizing services to meet women's schedules and needs, and strengthening systems to track clients for follow-up. Sustainability also depends on having an adequate number of trained providers and reducing staff turnover. Although some challenges were found across all sites, others varied from country to country, suggesting that careful assessments before beginning new secondary prevention programs will optimize the probability of success.
Cell and scaffold surface engineering to enhance cell migration and tissue regeneration
Authors: Maerz Tristan , Mu Richard , Baker Kevin C.
Published: November 2013

The principles of surface engineering can be applied to cells and biomaterial scaffolds in efforts to treat disease, disorder, infection and injury. Although the body’s endogenous response to some injuries is limited, cell-based approaches exploiting native physiology, namely, through the use of gene therapy or cell surface receptors hold significant promise in treating injured or diseased tissues. Shifting binding affinities of native receptors, causing expression of non-native receptors, or binding synthetic receptors onto the surfaces of cells are the techniques that increase cellular targeting, migration and engraftment. Scaffold modification techniques that increase a scaffold’s bioactivity by providing signaling factors to endogenous cells can be used to elicit a desired response from an otherwise inert polymer. This review summarizes the endogenous homing and targeting response of leukocytes and stem cells to provide context for subsequent sections outlining existing ways of surface-modifying cells and biomaterials.
Functional and phylogenetic similarity of alien plants to co‐occurring natives
Authors: Ordonez Alejandro
Published: November 2013

Over the years, several arguments have been proposed to explain the invasibility of a given community based on the properties of the recipient community. Here, I assessed whether the balance between native species' phylogenetic and functional variability determines vulnerability to invasion. I explored this hypothesis using a consensus phylogenetic tree and a database of leaf, height, and seed traits of alien and native species co‐occurring over 83 sites worldwide. An analysis of contrasts between aliens and natives indicates that aliens are as phylogenetically close to the incumbent native community as natives are among themselves (aliens are nested within the native community phylogeny), but functionally distinct to the native community (aliens are more functionally distant to the community of native taxa than natives are among themselves). These contrasting trends are consistent for different comparison criteria (comparisons to all natives or to the nearest native) and comparisons both within and across communities, habitats, and continents. Furthermore, aliens are more functionally divergent than the native community and the closest native relative in both phylogenetically poor and rich communities. The phylogenetic similarity and functional distinctiveness of aliens with respect to the incumbent native community may explain why certain species succeed in some communities and not others. This is a step forward in resolving the long‐standing debate on the role diversity—both phylogenetic and functional—plays in determining the success of introduced plants.
Desorption and Transport Mechanisms of Gas Through Coal Matrix Pores and Gas Production Forecasting
Authors: Shi Juntai , Li Xiangfang , Xu Hanbing , Li Yanzun , Sun Fei , Ren Weina , Wang Hong , Xu Zhenzhen , Wang Zhu
Published: November 2013

Coal seams are dual porosity media containing two systems of fractures and matrix pores. The size of matrix pores is very small while specific surface area is large; a large amount of natural gas is adsorbed on the pore surface. It is generally believed that after the adsorbed gas desorbs, the desorbed gas in matrix pores first diffuses into cleats (fractures) under the driving of concentration difference, and then flows to the wellbore in the form of gas-water tow-phase flow. However, it is found that, predicted gas production based on the diffusion mechanisms of desorbed gas through matrix pores greatly deviate the actual production data. Through the preliminary research it is found that the diffusion theory ignores the existence of water in matrix pores, which makes the diffusion model inapplicable, and the gas production model based on the molecular diffusion has some problems.

Therefore, we start our study on the initial distribution of gas and water in matrix pores, and then construct a more accurate transport model by studying the dynamics and phase characteristic of gas in water bearing matrix pores. Based on the transport model, a corresponding gas production prediction model is established, and the gas production rule of coal seam gas (CSG) is obtained.

Results show that almost all desorbed gas in water bearing matrix pores linearly flows into cleats, the gas production rate can stabilize for a long time at the constant bottom hole flowing pressure condition. Through the application of gas production prediction model into the field gas wells, the predicted gas and water production by model are in good agreement with actual production data.

Our study will provide a more accurate technique for gas production forecasting of CSG wells, and moreover, it will provide scientific evidence to the rational development of CSG reservoirs.
Characterisation of retention tank water quality: particle settling velocity distribution and retention time
Authors: Maruéjouls Thibaud , Vanrolleghem Peter A. , Pelletier Geneviève , Lessard Paul
Published: November 2013

Retention tanks (RTs) are commonly used to reduce combined sewer overflows, management of which is an important way of reducing the impacts of urban development on receiving waters. However, overflow characteristics and the processes affecting them are not yet fully understood. In a context of integrated urban wastewater systems, the management of RTs is mainly done to satisfy hydraulic constraints even if the idea behind such structures is to limit the discharge of pollutants to the environment. This study reports new insights in the settling processes and the pollutant behaviour occurring in an off-line RT. The authors first focus on the total suspended solids (TSS) and the total chemical oxygen demand (CODt) dynamics at the inlet and the outlet of a RT. Secondly, they focus on the possible relationship between the variation of the particle settling velocity distribution of particles and the TSS concentration dynamics. Finally, analyses of the TSS and CODt concentration evolution during tank emptying give information on the interaction between wastewater retention time and the settling performance.
Bioretention: assessing effects of winter salt and aggregate application on plant health, media clogging and effluent quality
Authors: Denich Chris , Bradford Andrea , Drake Jennifer
Published: November 2013

Bioretention offers the potential to better match pre-development water balances while improving stormwater quality. The now extensive body of research shows bioretention to be a viable and effective option in the management of stormwater, however there continues to be a demand for information related to cold climate design and performance. To study the impact of winter road salting on bioretention functions, a salt and aggregate mixture was applied to outdoor, bioretention mesocosms with soil, mulch and vegetation layers. Freezing of the media within mesocosms was found to increase the infiltration rates. Smaller increases in infiltration rates occurred for mesocosms exposed to the salt and aggregate mixture, suggesting that media clogging due to high suspended solids loading may be counteracting the effects of expansion due to freezing. Sodium and chloride were temporarily retained in the bioretention media, but were subsequently flushed by infiltrating water. Plant species, Aster nova angliae ‘Red Shades’ and Panicum virgatum were shown to be capable of withstanding high salt exposure. The exposure of the bioretention soils to de-icing materials did not alter the media's ability of the media to remove contaminants. No evidence of increased heavy metal mobility during this study was observed. Overall, results support the potential for application of bioretention facilities in cold climate regions.
Exploring the Relationships between Self-Efficacy and Preference for Teacher Authority among Computer Science Majors
Authors: Lin Che-Li , Liang Jyh-Chong , Su Yi-Ching , Tsai Chin-Chung
Published: November 2013

Teacher-centered instruction has been widely adopted in college computer science classrooms and has some benefits in training computer science undergraduates. Meanwhile, student-centered contexts have been advocated to promote computer science education. How computer science learners respond to or prefer the two types of teacher authority, student-centered versus teacher-centered, has not yet been fully examined. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to probe how preference for teacher-centered learning or student-centered learning may affect self-efficacy in learning computer science among undergraduate computer science majors. The participants were 804 college computer science majors across Taiwan. They anonymously responded to the “Teacher Authority Scale” (with four subscales: “Preference for autonomy,” “Preference for participative management,” “Preference for dependency,” and “Preference for teacher control”) and the “Self-efficacy in Learning Computer Science Scale.” Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to delineate two sets of variables. The results indicate that preference for autonomy in computer science learning positively predicts selfefficacy in learning computer science with the strongest coefficient. Computer science learner preference for teacher control is also a positive predictor. However, preference for participation in managing the computer class and preference for depending on the teacher did not play a significant role in the students' self-efficacy in learning computer science.
An Investigation of Self-Regulatory Mechanisms in Learning to Program Visual Basic
Authors: Kuo Feng-Yang , Wu Wen-Hsiung , Lin Cathy S.
Published: November 2013

Today, information technology (IT) has permeated virtually every aspect of our society and the learning of software programming is becoming increasingly important to the creation and maintenance of the IT infrastructure critical to our daily life. In this article, we report the results of a study that demonstrates how the self-regulation paradigm may contribute to research learning in programming. A laboratory study of college students learning to program Visual Basic is conducted in this pursuit. Our study shows that both goal setting and self-efficacy in learning to program serve to positively influence the learning performance anticipatorily while self-satisfaction serves as a feedback for learners to evaluate their performance. A high level of goal commitment and self-efficacy in learning to program leads to successful learning, which in turn generates a high-level of satisfaction that further heightens students' sense of commitment to learning. Conversely, when students lack self-efficacy and goal commitment, their learning dwindles and becomes unsatisfied.
Computer-Guided Oral Reading versus Independent Practice: Comparison of Sustained Silent Reading to an Automated Reading Tutor That Listens
Authors: Mostow Jack , Nelson-Taylor Jessica , Beck Joseph E.
Published: November 2013

A 7-month study of 178 students in grades 1-4 at two Blue Ribbon schools compared two daily 20-minute treatments. Eighty-eight students used the 2000–2001 version of Project LISTEN's Reading Tutor ( www.cs.cmu.edu/∼listen ) in 10-computer labs, averaging 19 hours over the course of the year. The Reading Tutor served as a computerized implementation of the National Reading Panel's recommended guided oral reading instruction (NRP, 2000). The Reading Tutor listened to students read aloud, giving spoken and graphical help when it noticed them click for help, make a mistake, or get stuck. Students using the Reading Tutor averaged significantly higher gains across measures of reading ability, especially those involving word level skills (word identification, blending words, and spelling) than their matched classmates who spent that time doing Sustained Silent Reading (SSR) in their classrooms. Additionally, these students trended toward higher gains in fluency and reading comprehension. Overall, use of the Reading Tutor resulted in the types of improvement that would be expected from guided oral reading, but with the benefit of scalability, a problem for human-guided oral reading practice.
Ephemeral Estimation of the Value of Art
Authors: Teti Emanuele , Galli Tecla Carlotta , Sacco Pier Luigi
Published: November 2013

We investigated whether the sale price of artworks can be estimated, a priori, based on objective key factors, and whether the estimation prices by auction houses are representative of the final hammer price. The hypothesis that the price of works of art can be explained exclusively by a number of pre-established variables is rejected. A positive correlation is observed between estimated and final prices, but the latter is usually underestimated. Financial models are not always fully effective in assessing prices, since products are often represented by “unique pieces” and their markets work differently than the standard markets represented in the financial model. The research suggests that non-financial factors such as aesthetics can prevail over economic factors in forecasting the prices of artworks.
A Research into Meaning Making Strategies in Encounters with Artworks
Authors: Fróis João Pedro , Silva Carolina
Published: November 2013

What takes place when we undergo what is referred to as aesthetic experience? What is the educational value of such an experience? How does aesthetic experience prompt meaning making? Our article addresses these questions based on the analysis of data collected from an ongoing research project involving 24 Portuguese participants (12 artists and 12 non-artists), each of whom interacted with one artwork from an art museum in Lisbon through the use of mediation tools. Analysis of the results showed a subtle influence of academic training on the way participants made meaning out of their interactions with the artwork. The quality of their final written records clearly demonstrated that learning took place as a result of the use of mediation tools.
Positive and Negative Experiences from Grief Group Participation: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Dyregrov Kari , Dyregrov Atle , Johnsen Iren
Published: November 2013

This article presents qualitative interview data from the research project “Grief Support Groups in Norway” (2009–2011). The aim of this part of the study was to investigate grief group participant's experiences, benefits, and satisfaction with the grief group. Positive aspects were to meet with peers, share thoughts and feelings, normalization, exchange advice and information, and share hope. On the negative side were unfulfilled needs or expectations, additional personal stress, and unsatisfactory structure, organization, and leadership. Importantly, lack of screening caused bereaved with complicated grief to participate in groups that were non-therapeutic, leaving them with insufficient help. Also, group leaders were not always considered knowledgeable of group processes and impacts of different organizational and structural factors on groups. Conclusively, participants' needs and expectations should be considered when planning and organizing groups, in order to conduct helpful groups and increase the experience of a positive outcome.
The Death of Anna Katharina Ehmer: A Case Study in Terminal Lucidity
Authors: Nahm Michael , Greyson Bruce
Published: November 2013

Terminal lucidity, the unexpected return of mental clarity and memory shortly before the death of patients suffering from severe psychiatric and neurologic disorders, has raised the curiosity of numerous physicians and laypersons in the past. However, this peculiar phenomenon has received little attention in the recent decades. In previous publications, we have presented overviews of cases of terminal lucidity in various neurologic and psychiatric disorders. In this article, we highlight terminal lucidity in persons with mental disabilities, and focus on one of the most remarkable cases that have been reported. We provide biographical background information about the two principal witnesses who reported this case. It concerns the death of Anna Katharina Ehmer, a 26-year-old woman with severe mental disabilities who lived in an institution for people with mental disorders, and who had allegedly never spoken a single word during her life. Yet, she was reported to have sung dying songs for a half hour before she died. The case was reported by the head of this institution and by its chief physician. We consider it difficult to evaluate the authenticity of the case definitively in retrospect. Nevertheless, there are similar cases and a variety of other anomalous brain-related findings we consider worth investigating. Studies into such anomalous cases might improve our concepts of human brain functioning and of mental processing in persons with mental disabilities, and might be of special value for the dying, the bereaved, and caretakers.
Integrated protection from prevalent wheat parasites in semiarid region
Authors: Jerkovic Zoran , Jevtic Radivoje , Lalosevic Mirjana , Prijic Zeljana
Published: November 2013

This paper is aimed at presenting contemporary knowledge in the field of
integral wheat protection against parasites, i.e. the use of cultural
measures and genetic analyses directed at adequate use of breeding results,
monitoring and forecasting of prevalent parasite growth and development with
the aim of rational fungicide application. In addition, the paper suggests
the proper use of biological measures through artificial infection with
Pyrenophora tritici repentis (Ptr) in years not favourable for facultative
parasite development. Growing of the varieties not lower than 85 cm with
optimal stem growth ratio in regions with 550-650 mm precipitation, deep and
complete soil cultivation plus nutrition before sowing in late October
reduced the risk of facultative parasite appearance on lower and middle
leaves by over 15%, which was considered useful because of the antagonism to
obligate parasites. Severity of Puccinia triticina on last two leaves when
facultative parasites were absent was increased at 60-70% as maximal level
according to suggested SAGR. Nevertheless, we suggest growing of varieties
with prolonged latency period resistant to Puccinia triticina. The aim is to
avoid overaccumulation of resistance genes consequential through the decrease
of wheat grain yielding potential. Genes facilitating toxin from Ptr
spreading have to be excluded because of necessary antagonistic effect from
the middle leaves. This implies gene for the obligate parasite specific
resistance diversity of varieties in order to reduce the probability of
simultaneous overcoming of resistance and avoid insurmountable changes in
seed production. The final result of the proposed system should be the last
two leaves with mostly minimal parasite appearance and the possibility of
economical and efficient single curative treatment application once in ten
years when facultative parasites are absent in spring or after the resistance
of variety is overcome in standard conditions. The practical aim was also
dependent on leaf rust development and green leaf area dissapearence
forecasting models as well as balance between the size of the farm and
equipment due to short deadlines.
Combining ability of nitrogen deficiency stress indices for plant height in rapeseed varieties
Authors: Rameeh Valiollah
Published: November 2013

Although an average plant height is more preferable in most of agronomic
crops, less reduction of this trait in stress condition makes yield
components and seed yield sustainable in rapeseed varieties. Combining
ability, heterosis and heritability of plant height at application and
non-application of nitrogen environments (Hp and Hs, respectively) and its
related stress tolerance indices were detected in half F2 diallel crosses of
six spring rapeseed varieties. Significant mean squares of general and
specific combining abilities (GCA and SCA) were detected for Hp, Hs, mean
productivity (MP), geometric mean productivity (GMP) and stress tolerance
index (STI), indicating the importance of additive and non-additive genetic
effects for them. A high narrow-sense heritability estimate was exhibited for
STI, emphasizing the prime importance of additive genetic effects for this
stress tolerance index. A significant correlation among Hp, Hs, MP, GMP and
STI showed the efficiency of these stress indices for improving plant height
in plant breeding programme. In comparison to SCA effects, most of the
crosses had significant high parent heterosis for Hp, Hs and all the stress
indices. RGS003 with a significant positive GCA effect of Hs was considered
as a suitable parent for improving this trait and most of the combinations of
this genotype had significant negative SCA effects.
Analysis of grapevine phenology in the region of Sremski Karlovci
Authors: Ruml Mirjana , Korac Nada , Ivanisevic Dragoslav , Vujadinovic Mirjam , Vukovic Ana
Published: November 2013

A comprehensive analysis of phenological timing and growth intervals for
eight red and thirteen white wine grape cultivars in the region of Sremski
Karlovci was performed using a long-term (1986-2011) data set. Four
phenological stages of grapevine were examined: beginning of budburst,
beginning of flowering, beginning of veraison and harvest. The phenological
stages studied exhibited a 30 to 51 day variation between the earliest and
latest years for red cultivars and 29 to 49 day variation for white
cultivars. The beginning of flowering exhibited the least, while harvest
showed the highest inter-annual variation. The difference between red and
white cultivars was the greatest for harvest - the mean harvest date averaged
over all red cultivars was 24 September and over all white cultivars 14
September. The beginning of flowering to the beginning of veraison interval
showed the smallest and budburst to harvest interval the greatest year-toyear
variability. The beginning of budburst to harvest period for the cultivars
examined averaged 165 days for red and 156 days for white cultivars, with the
mean interval range of 58 days for red and 55 days for white cultivars. In
addition, it was found that a variability of the onset and duration of
phenological phases was greater between years for a single cultivar than
among cultivars within individual years, meaning that climatic factors are
more important than genetic characteristics of cultivars for phenological
timing.
Experimental and computational investigation of temperature effects on soot mechanisms
Authors: Bi Xiaojie , Xiao Maoyu , Qiao Xinqi , Lee Chia-Fon , Yu Liu
Published: November 2013

Effects of initial ambient temperatures on combustion and soot emission
characteristics of diesel fuel were investigated through experiment conducted
in optical constant volume chamber and simulation using phenomenological soot
model. There are four difference initial ambient temperatures adopted in our
research: 1000 K, 900 K, 800 K and 700 K. In order to obtain a better
prediction of soot behavior, phenomenological soot model was revised to take
into account the soot oxidation feedback on soot number density and good
agreement was observed in the comparison of soot measurement and prediction.
Results indicated that ignition delay prolonged with the decrease of initial
ambient temperature. The heat release rate demonstrated the transition from
mixing controlled combustion at high ambient temperature to premixed
combustion mode at low ambient temperature. At lower ambient temperature,
soot formation and oxidation mechanism were both suppressed. But finally soot
mass concentration reduced with decreasing initial ambient temperature.
Although the drop in ambient temperature did not cool the mean in-cylinder
temperature during the combustion, it did shrink the total area of local high
equivalence ratio, in which soot usually generated fast. At 700 K initial
ambient temperature, soot emissions were almost negligible, which indicates
that sootless combustion might be achieved at super low initial temperature
operation conditions.
The third century of electrochemistry: Lowering the horizon or raising it further?
Authors: Hadzi-Jordanov Svetomir
Published: November 2013

A survey is given of the development of electrochemistry with an author?s
non-hidden wish for more advanced development in future. The survey is based
on past achievements of electrochemistry listed shortly here. As far as the
recent state is concerned, dissatisfaction is expressed with the acceptance
of electrochemistry both as profession of graduated students, and a priority
field in financing research, as well. For the sake of truth an alternative
view is mentioned that takes the recent state of electrochemistry as normal
and in accordance with the usual course of development, (i.e. birth, rise,
achieving of maximum and then decay, fading, etc.), that is common in the
nature. This statement is based on a belief that today electrochemistry
exists on a broader basis than before, and is mainly incorporated in other
(new) branches of chemistry and science. Examples are given where recent
electrochemistry failed to fulfill the promises (e.g., production of cheap
hydrogen by means of electrocatalysts with high performance for H2 evolution,
economical use of large scale fuel cells, etc.). In summarizing the recent
fields of interest that covers electrochemistry, it is stressed out their
diversification, specialization, complexness and interdisciplinary nature. A
list of desirable highlights that could possibly help electrochemistry to
improve its rating among other science branches is composed. Also, a list of
author?s personal preferences is given.
The frequency of chemical injuries of the eye in a tertiary referral centre
Authors: Radosavljevic Aleksandra , Kalezic Tanja , Golubovic Slobodan
Published: November 2013

Introduction. Chemical injuries can occur under various circumstances and may
cause serious damage to the anterior segment of the eye. Objective. The aim
of the study was to analyze the frequency of chemical injuries treated in a
tertiary referral centre. Methods. The medical records of consecutive
patients admitted for the chemical injury of the eye to the Clinic for Eye
Diseases in Belgrade between January 1999 and December 2008 were
retrospectively analyzed in order to obtain data about proportions of
injuries, demographical characteristics of patients, circumstances under
which injuries happened, the chemicals involved, the severity of injury
according to the Roper-Hall classification and the length of hospitalization.
Results. Out of a total of 60,868 hospitalized patients, 148 (2.43/1,000)
were treated for chemical injury of the eye, with the highest incidence
observed during summer months. Men were over five times more often affected
(84.5%) and most of the injured individuals belonged to the working-age
population (mean age 44.4?16.2 years). The most common causative agents were
alkalis (73.0%), while acids (18.2%) and other substances (8.8%) were less
common. None of 35.1% patients for whom data were obtained used any
protection while handling the chemicals. The vast majority of injuries were
graded as grade II (31.1%) and III (42.6%) and the most severe ones were
caused by alkalis. An average length of hospitalization was 17.7?24.1 days
and correlated with the severity of injury. Conclusion. Chemical injuries are
relatively common problem in the Emergency Ophthalmology. Constant education
and usage of adequate protective equipment should be advised in order to
prevent serious complications.
Temperature variation on root surface with three root-end cavity preparation techniques
Authors: Bodrumlu Emre , Keskiner İlker , Sumer Mahmut , Telcioglu Nazife
Published: November 2013

Introduction. Thermal changes can occur on the external root surface when
root-end cavity preparation is performed, which may damage periodontal
ligament cells and alveolar bone. Objective. The purpose of this study was to
evaluate the temperature changes during preparation of the root-end cavities
at 1 and 3 mm to the sectioned apical root surfaces when either tungsten
carbide round bur, diamond round bur or ultrasonic diamond tip was used.
Methods. Root-end resection was performed at 90? to the long axis of the
root, 3 mm from the apex. Specimens were randomly divided into three groups
of 12 teeth each for three different root-end cavity preparation techniques
to be used, i.e. tungsten carbide bur, diamond bur and ultrasonic diamond
retro tip. Thermocouples were used to measure temperature changes at 1 mm
(T1) and 3 mm (T2) to the cutting plane during the preparations. Results. For
T1, the lowest and the highest mean temperature increases of 3.53?C and
4.34?C were recorded for the carbide and diamond burs, respectively. For T2,
the lowest and the highest mean temperature increases of 2.62?C and 4.39?C
where recorded for the carbide and diamond burs, respectively. The mean
temperatures with the ultrasonic tip were 3.68 and 3.04 ?C at T1 and T2
region, respectively. For root-end preparation, the ultrasonic preparation
technique took the shortest preparation time (10.25 sec) and the diamond bur
took the longest time (28.17 sec). Conclusion. Ultrasonic retro tips and burs
caused temperature to rise from 2.62? to 4.39?C, and these rises were within
safety levels.
Genetic polymorphisms of paraoxonase 1 and susceptibility to atherogenesis
Authors: Grubisa Ivana , Otasevic Petar , Dimkovic Nada , Nedeljkovic Ivana , Toljic Bosko , Vucinic Nada
Published: November 2013

Introduction. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is a multifunctional enzyme associated
with high-density lipoprotein particles (HDL). It is a cellular antioxidant
that hydrolyses oxidized macromolecules, especially low-density lipoproteins
(ox-LDL). Because increased oxidative stress is believed to play a crucial
role in the initiation and propagation of atherosclerosis, coding (Q192R and
L55M) and promoter (C(-107)T) region polymorphisms of pon1 gene, that are
responsible for catalytic efficiency, activity and the level of the enzyme,
have been of great interest as a potential markers of susceptibility for
atherogenesis. Objective. The aim of the study was to assess possible
association between these pon1 gene variants and clinical manifestations of
the atherosclerosis and oxidative stress. Methods. A total of 60
angiographically documented patients with manifested atherosclerotic disease
and 100 control individuals were analyzed. Genomic DNA was isolated from the
peripheral blood cells and genotyping was performed using polymerase chain
reaction followed by the restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP)
analysis. Results No significant difference in allele and genotype
frequencies of all three examined polymorphisms was found between the
atherosclerotic patients and healthy controls. The obtained results could not
support an association of pon1 gene variants with the oxidative stress and
atherogenesis. Conclusion. These polymorphisms cannot be considered risk
factors of atherosclerosis in Serbian population. A larger study is required
in order to establish possible contribution of pon1 variants to
atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular diseases.