bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of 4-Nitrophenylthiosemicarbazone of Salicylaldehyde and its Colorimetric Anion Recognition Properties
Authors: Hu Jing-Han , Yan Nong-Ping , Chen Juan-Juan
Published: October 2012

An efficient colorimetric anion sensor, N4-nitrophenylthiosemicarbazone of salicylaldehyde, behaves with a good selectivity and sensitivity in the recognition for F- anions by naked eye observations and UV–Vis spectral changes in DMSO. The colour of the solution containing the sensor had an obvious change from colourless to purple only after the addition of F- in DMSO while other anions did not cause obvious colour changes. The sensor reacted with F- to form a stable complex and the association constant Ka is calculated as 1.415×104 M−1.
Health Effects of Climate Changes in Bangladesh
Authors: Editor The
Published: October 2012

No Abstract availableDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/birdem.v2i2.12304(Birdem Med J 2012; 2(2): 75-76 )
Renal Denervation Therapy (RDT) in Resistant Hypertension
Authors: Amin Mohammad Gaffar , Haque Hasna Fahmima
Published: October 2012

Resistant hypertension is defined as blood pressure that remains above therapeutic goal despite the use of three antihypertensive drugs including a diuretic. As much as one third of patients with arterial hypertension are treatmentrefractory as they do not reach sufficient blood pressure control despite combination antihypertensive therapy of significant duration. The hyperactivity of sympathetic nervous system (SNS) in the occurrence of treatment-resistant long standing hypertension has been established both in animal models and in clinical practice. In these patients, the kidneys play a central role as an activator of the sympathetic nervous system. The failure of purely pharmacological approaches to treat resistant hypertension has stimulated interest in invasive device-based treatments based on old concepts. In the absence of orally active antihypertensive agents, patients with severe and complicated hypertension were widely treated by surgical denervation of the kidneys until the 1960s, but this approach was associated with a high incidence of severe adverse events and a high mortality rate. A new catheter system using radiofrequency energy has been developed, allowing an endovascular approach to renal denervation and providing patients, with resistant hypertension, with a new therapeutic option that is minimally invasive and can be performed rapidly under local anaesthesia. With this method the afferent and efferent sympathetic nervous fibers surrounding the renal artery are ablated precisely keeping the renal artery intact. To date, this technique has been evaluated only in open-label trials including small numbers of highly selected resistant hypertensive patients with suitable renal artery anatomy. The available evidence suggests a significant and persistent blood pressure-lowering effect and a very low incidence of short & long term complications with no deleterious effects on renal function. These data, although promising, need confirmation in larger randomized controlled clinical trials with longerterm follow-up.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/birdem.v2i2.12325(Birdem Med J 2012; 2(2): 104-112)
Transvaginal Ultrasonography Is the Diagnostic Method for Evaluation of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Authors: Haq Kulsum , Chowdhury Shabnom Ferdous , Mannan Maksuda , Ivy Rokshana , Tasnim K Shehneela
Published: October 2012

Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the utility of transvaginal iiltrasonography in patients presenting abnormal uterine bleeding. Materials and methods: Between July 2000 to December 2000, 50 patients underwent transvaginal sonography (TVS) for abnormal uterine bleeding. All patients had transvaginal sonography before histopathology. On TVS, the sonographic appearance of the endometrium was classified according to the following parameters: normal or abnormal thickness, homogeneous or heterogeneous echogenicity, bulbous contour, discontinuous, or obscured. A comparison was performed between TVS with histopathology. Results: The most common causes for the abnormal uterine bleeding were leiomvoma in TVS (42.0%). Other causes were dysfunctional uterine bleeding (28.0%), adenomyosis (6.0%). endometrialpolyp (4.0%), thin atrophic endometrium (8.0%), endometrial hyperplasia (8.0%). and endometrial carcinoma (4.0%). After histopathologic evaluation 40.0% patients had leiomvoma, 24.0% DUB, 10.0% adenomyosis, 8.0% endometrial polyp, 8.0% thin atrophic endometrium, 6.0% endometrial carcinoma and 4.0% endometrial hvperplasia. Comparing the TVS with histopathologic findings, TVS had a sensitivity of 94.3%, specificity of 80.0%, accuracy of 90.0%, PPVof91.6% andNPVof 85.7%. Conclusion: TVS is an easy, safe, rapid and tolerable procedure. It has an excellent diagnostic accuracy in the diagnosis of uterine pathology responsible for abnormal uterine bleeding. Abbreviation: TVS transvaginal sonographv; AUB abnormal uterine bleeding; DUB dysfunctional uterine bleeding, PPV positive predictive value, NPV Negative predictive value. Journal of Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Vol 2No.1 June 2010 page 10-12 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jssmc.v2i1.12344
Management of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura in Adult: A Review Article
Authors: Rahaman Mohammad Ferdous Ur , Rahman Farzana , Salman Mohammad , Kader Md. Abdul , Azad Md. Abdul Kalam
Published: October 2012

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpiira (ITP), also known as primary immune or autoimmune thmmbocytopenic purpura, is a common cause of thrombocytopenia and bleeding complications in children and adults. It mav be confused with other causes of thrombocvtopenia and is treated with agents that varv in efjicacv, toxicity, and cost. Clinical presentation very in children and adult. In children, ITP is usually an acute, self-limited disorder that resolves spontaneously: in adults, it is typically a chronic disorder with a more insidious onset. In about one third of adults with ITP, the condition is persistent and relatively resistant to most treatments .Available evidence suggests that only about 5% of adults with chronic ITP have spontaneous remission. The principal therapeutic options for ITP include glucocorticoids, intravenous immunoglobulin and splenectomy. Other treatments have been used for refractory cases; these include intravenous anti-Rh (D), azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, danazol, vinca alkaloids, ascorbic acid, colchicine, interferon-alpha, combination chemotherapy, protein A, immunoadsorption, cyclosporine, epsilon-aminocaproic acid, plasma exchange, and accessory splenectomy. Journal of Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Vol 2No.1 June 2010 page 24-28 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jssmc.v2i1.12348
Pressure Effect on Organic Conductors
Authors: Murata Keizo , Yokogawa Keiichi , Arumugam Sonachalam , Yoshino Harukazu
Published: October 2012

Pressure is a powerful tool to unveil the profound nature of electronic properties in a variety of organic conductors. Starting from technology of high pressure, we plan to review what kind of physics or phenomena have previously been discussed.
Adsorption of Thiophenic Compounds from Model Diesel Fuel Using Copper and Nickel Impregnated Activated Carbons
Authors: Moosavi Elham S. , Dastgheib Seyed A. , Karimzadeh Ramin
Published: October 2012

Adsorption of sulfur compoundsby porous materials is an effective way to produce cleaner diesel fuel.In this study, adsorption of refractory thiophenic sulfur compounds, i.e., benzothiophene (BT), dibenzothiophene (DBT), and 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT) in single-solute systems from n-hexane solutions onto metal-impregnated activated carbons was investigated. A hydrogen-treated activated carbon fiber was selectively loaded with Ni, NiO, Cu, Cu2O, and CuO species to systematically assess the impact of each metal species on the adsorption of thiophenic compounds (TC). Metal-loaded adsorbents had the same total metal contents and similar microporosities, but contained different types of copper or nickel species. All metal-loaded adsorbents showed enhanced adsorption of tested TC. Cu2O- or NiO-loaded adsorbents exhibited the highest uptakes, due to more specific interactions between Cu+ or Ni2+ species and TC molecules. The theoretical monolyer coverage of TC on the exposed Cu+ sites was estimated and compared with that calculated from the experimental data. Results suggested catalytic conversion of TC molecules to other compounds on the Cu+ sites, followed by adsorption of reaction products onto the carbon surface or multilayer accumulation of TC molecules on the Cu+sites. TC adsorption uptake of the majority of adsorbents followed the order of: 4,6-DMDBT > DBT > BT due to higher intensity of specific and non-specific interactions of larger TC molecules with adsorbents.
Synthesis and Characterization of Mesoporous Silica Functionalized with Calix[4]arene Derivatives
Authors: Alahmadi Sana M. , Mohamad Sharifah , Maah Mohd Jamil
Published: October 2012

This work reports a new method to covalently attach calix[4]arene derivatives onto MCM-41, using a diisocyanate as a linker. The modified mesoporous silicates were characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal analysis (TGA) and elemental analysis. The FTIR spectra and TGA analysis verified that the calix[4]arene derivates are covalently attached to the mesoporous silica. The preservation of the MCM-41 channel system was checked by X-ray diffraction and nitrogen adsorption analysis.
Is nalidixic acid screening still valid for the detection of reduced susceptibility of fluoroquinolone with SalmonellaTyphi?
Authors: Irfan Seema , Jabeen Kausar , Jilani Umair Anwar , Ahmed Bushra , Mehraj Jaishri , Ahsan Tanwir , Zafar Afia
Published: October 2012

Introduction: Considering the limitations of screening with nalidixic acid to detect reduced susceptibility to fluoroquinolones of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S.Typhi) strains, we evaluated the use of a 30 µg nalidixic acid disc screening method in Pakistan. Methodology: Non duplicate nalidixic acid susceptible S. Typhi isolates (246) from 2003-2008 were retrieved from the Salmonella strain bank. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of ciprofloxacin for all strains were determined by agar dilution and further rechecked by ciprofloxacin E-tests.E. coli ATCC 25922 was used as the control strain. The MIC data for ciprofloxacin were compared with nalidixic acid disk (30µg) zone diameters. Results: Repeat testing of all S. Typhi isolates with a nalidixic acid (30µg) disk showed 100% susceptibility with an average zone diameter of 26 mm. Agar dilution testing revealed reduced susceptibility to ciprofloxacin, with MICs of 0.125 µg /ml for three (1.2%) isolates only. Zone sizes of strains with higher MICs were significantly lower than the strains with lower MICs (20 versus 26 mm) (p value < 0.001). Conclusion: Estimation of fluoroquinolone MICs on every nalidixic acid susceptible S. Typhi strain is not cost effective in our setting; the proportion of strains with high fluoroquinolone MICs was found to be very low. We recommend periodic fluoroquinolone MIC determination to include all isolates with a nalidixic acid borderline zone (size 20-22 mm).
Coronavirus respiratory illness in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Ahdal Mohammed N. , Al-Qahtani Ahmed Ali , Rubino Salvatore
Published: October 2012

Although viruses that belong to the coronavirus family are known since the 1930s, they only gained public health attention when they were discovered to be the causative agent of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak in China in 2002–2003. On 22 September 2012, the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Saudi Arabia announced the detection of what was described as a “rare pattern” of coronavirus respiratory infection in three individuals, two Saudi citizens and one person from the Gulf Region. Neither Saudi citizen survived the infection. Molecular analysis of the isolates showed that the virus belongs to the genus beta-coronavirus. It is not known if the new isolates are circulating in the population or has recently diverged. The emergence of these novel isolates that resulted in fatal human infection ascertains that health authorities all over the world must be vigilant for the possibility of new global pandemics due to novel viral infection.
The Implementation and Future Directions of e-Health Information Policy
Authors: Lappa Evagelia C. , Giannakopoulos Georgios A.
Published: October 2012

Information technology has the potential to transform working procedure in the health care sector. Clinicians have used Health Information Management and Technology (HIM&T) for more than two decades to assist in achieving better healthcare delivery outcomes. Medical knowledge is too complex for humans to master in a single mind, and to remember everything about each patient. Medical data consist of many kinds of data from different sources, requiring the development of many medical decision support systems. Creating and indexing records for hospitals and health systems present difficult challenges, because the medical records contain sensitive information. Increased computerization and other policy factors have contributed to privacy risks. Transforming from paper-based to Electronic Medical Records (EMR) allows healthcare providers to share information across their care ecosystem. Access to this digital lifeline, connecting the EMR to the digital web platforma, is critical to saving lives, preventing medical errors and improving efficiency of healthcare delivery. Choosing the international classification systems for patients, ICD, DRGs, grouped patients according to the resources consumption required for treatment and other clinical characteristics. Information Technology provides solutions to this problem. A vital element of healthcare delivery is to ensure that the patient is always at the centre of everything clinicians do.
Situational Analysis of E-Health Initiative using ICT in Emergency Care Services
Authors: Devika P. , Mathiyalagan N.
Published: October 2012

India, with its billion inhabitants, requires better emergency services to meet the growing demand for faster critical care facilitation. The scientific advances in the field of information and communication technology have contributed to the implementation of various e-health initiatives by various state governments within the country to improve the quality, access, and delivery of emergency care. “108 Emergency Response Service” is an e-health project established by the government of Tamilnadu state in India to render emergency services to the people. A qualitative study of the effectiveness of Information and Communication technologies in this Emergency Response Service (108 Emergency Service) in Coimbatore district of Tamilnadu state (http://www.coimbatore.tn.nic) was done and recommendations to increase the effectiveness were provided. The results reveal that the efficiency and effectiveness of 108 ERS could be greatly enhanced by providing better telecommunication facilities in rural areas and by deploying Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) and Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) technologies to reduce the response time of the emergency vehicles.
Changes of deep soil desiccation with plant growth age in the Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Wang Y. Q. , Shao M. A. , Liu Z. P. , Zhang C. C.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. Negative water balance in soil can lead to soil desiccation and subsequent the formation of a dried soil layer (DSL). Essential progress on DSL temporal change has been hampered by difficulty in collecting deep soil water samples (i.e. > 1000 cm), which are necessary to quantify the real extent of DSL. We collected soil samples up to a depth of 1800 cm and investigated the evolution of soil water content (SWC) and DSL under three vegetation types (C. korshinskii, R. pseudoacacia, apple) in three zones (Ansai, Luochuan, and Changwu) of the Chinese Loess Plateau. As plant growth age increased, SWC, available soil water (ASW), SWC within DSL (DSL-SWC), and quantity of water deficit for DSL (DSL-QWD) showed similar change trends of decreasing at first and then increasing, whereas DSL thickness (DSLT) showed an increasing trend over time. A turning point in soil water change was found for the three vegetation types. In Changwu zone, the turning point, both in and out of DSL, was corresponded to the 17-year-old apple orchard. The period from 9 to 17 yr was vital to maintain the buffering function of deep soil water pool and to avoid the deterioration of soil desiccation because the highest mean decline velocity of ASW and the maximum mean forming velocity of DSLT were 165 mm yr−1 and 168 cm yr−1, respectively. Significant correlations were found between DSLT and growth age and root depth, and between DSL-QWD and root depth, whereas mean DSL-SWC had no significant correlation with either growth year or root depth. Soil water condition was highly dependent on the growth year of the plants. This information provides pertinent reference for water resource management in the Chinese Loess Plateau and possibly in other water-limited regions in the world.
Quaternary active tectonic structures in the offshore Bajo Segura basin (SE Iberian Peninsula – Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Perea H. , Gràcia E. , Alfaro P. , Bartolomé R. , Lo Iacono C. , Moreno X. , Masana E. ,   EVENT-SHELF Team
Published: October 2012

Abstract. The Bajo Segura fault zone (BSFZ) is the northern terminal splay of the Eastern Betic shear zone (EBSZ), a large left-lateral strike-slip fault system of sigmoid geometry stretching more than 450 km from Alicante to Almería. The BSFZ extends from the onshore Bajo Segura basin further into the Mediterranean Sea and shows a moderate instrumental seismic activity characterized by small earthquakes. Nevertheless, the zone was affected by large historical earthquakes of which the largest was the 1829 Torrevieja earthquake (IEMS98 X). The onshore area of the BSFZ is marked by active transpressive structures (faults and folds), whereas the offshore area has been scarcely explored from the tectonic point of view. During the EVENT-SHELF cruise, a total of 10 high-resolution single-channel seismic sparker profiles were obtained along and across the offshore Bajo Segura basin. Analysis of these profiles resulted in (a) the identification of 6 Quaternary seismo-stratigraphic units bounded by five horizons corresponding to regional erosional surfaces related to global sea level lowstands; and (b) the mapping of the active sub-seafloor structures and their correlation with those described onshore. Moreover, the results suggest that the Bajo Segura blind thrust fault or the Torrevieja left-lateral strike-slip fault, with prolongation offshore, could be considered as the source of the 1829 Torrevieja earthquake. These data improve our understanding of present deformation along the BSFZ and provide new insights into the seismic hazard in the area.
Working Memory Capacity and Mental Rotation: Evidence for a Domain-General View
Authors: Pardo-Vazquez Jose L. , Fernandez-Rey Jose
Published: October 2012

Despite the existence of numerous studies that examined the relationship between working memory capacity and performance in complex cognitive tasks, it remains unclear whether this capacity is domain specific or domain general. In addition, the available empirical evidence is somewhat contradictory. In this work we have studied the role of verbal working memory capacity in a non-verbal task – mental image rotation. If this capacity were domain specific it would be expected that high and low verbal span participants would obtain similar results in the mental rotation task. We have found that this is not the case as the high span participants performed better in terms of both speed and accuracy. Moreover, these differences depended on the processing component of the mental rotation task: the higher the processing requirements the higher the differences as a function of the working memory capacity. Therefore, the evidence presented here supports the domain general hypothesis.
Clinical Efficacy of a New Automated Hemoencefalographic Neurofeedback Protocol
Authors: Dias Álvaro Machado , Van Deusen Adrian Machado , Oda Eduardo , Bonfim Mariana Rodrigues
Published: October 2012

Among the ongoing attempts to enhance cognitive performance, an emergent and yet underrepresented venue is brought by hemoencefalographic neurofeedback (HEG). This paper presents three related advances in HEG neurofeedback for cognitive enhancement: a) a new HEG protocol for cognitive enhancement, as well as b) the results of independent measures of biological efficacy (EEG brain maps) extracted in three phases, during a one year follow up case study; c) the results of the first controlled clinical trial of HEG, designed to assess the efficacy of the technique for cognitive enhancement of an adult and neurologically intact population. The new protocol was developed in the environment of a software that organizes digital signal algorithms in a flowchart format. Brain maps were produced through 10 brain recordings. The clinical trial used a working memory test as its independent measure of achievement. The main conclusion of this study is that the technique appears to be clinically promising. Approaches to cognitive performance from a metabolic viewpoint should be explored further. However, it is particularly important to note that, to our knowledge, this is the world's first controlled clinical study on the matter and it is still early for an ultimate evaluation of the technique.
Infant Crying: Pattern of Weeping, Recognition of Emotion and Affective Reactions in Observers
Authors: Chóliz Mariano , Fernández-Abascal Enrique G. , Martínez-Sánchez Francisco
Published: October 2012

This study has three objectives: a) to describe the main differences in the crying patterns produced by the three affective states most closely related to crying: fear, anger and pain; b) to study the adults' accuracy in the recognition of the affective states related to the infant's crying, and c) to analyze the emotional reaction that infant crying elicits in the observers. Results reveal that the main differences appear in the ocular activity and in the pattern of weeping. The infants maintain their eyes open during the crying produced by fear and anger, but in the case of crying provoked by painful stimuli, the eyes remain closed almost all the time. In regard to the pattern of weeping, the crying gradually increase in the case of anger, but the weeping reaches its maximum intensity practically from the beginning in the case of pain and fear. In spite of these differences, it is not easy to know the cause that produces crying in infants, especially in the case of fear or anger. Although observers can't recognize the cause of crying, the emotional reaction is greater when the baby cries in pain than when the baby cries because of fear or anger.
Emotional and Social Problems in Adolescents from a Gender Perspective
Authors: Ruiz David Moreno , Díaz Amapola Povedano , Ferrer Belén Martínez , Ochoa Gonzalo Musitu
Published: October 2012

The present study aims to analyze the relationships between community involvement, perception of family and school climate, and emotional and social problems in adolescents (satisfaction with life, non-conformist social reputation, and school violence). The sample was composed of 1884 (52% boys and 48% girls) adolescents aged from 11 to 17 years old (M= 13.7,SD= 1.4) from the Valencia Community and Andalusia. A structural equation model was calculated to analyze the data. The results indicated that adolescent community involvement was associated with positive perceptions of family and school climate, and school violence. Associations between the variables of the study included in the structural model were also analyzed as a function of gender. The relationship between school climate and social reputation was significant only for boys. Likewise, the association between community involvement and violent behavior was found to be significant only for boys. Finally, the results and their possible implications are discussed.
The Dark and Bright Sides of Self-Efficacy in Predicting Learning, Innovative and Risky Performances
Authors: Salanova Marisa , Lorente Laura , Martínez Isabel M.
Published: October 2012

The objective of this study is to analyze the different role that efficacy beliefs play in the prediction of learning, innovative and risky performances. We hypothesize that high levels of efficacy beliefs in learning and innovative performances have positive consequences (i.e., better academic and innovative performance, respectively), whereas in risky performances they have negative consequences (i.e., less safety performance). To achieve this objective, three studies were conducted, 1) a two-wave longitudinal field study among 527 undergraduate students (learning setting), 2) a three-wave longitudinal lab study among 165 participants performing innovative group tasks (innovative setting), and 3) a field study among 228 construction workers (risky setting). As expected, high levels of efficacy beliefs have positive or negative consequences on performance depending on the specific settings. Unexpectedly, however, we found no time × self-efficacy interaction effect over time in learning and innovative settings. Theoretical and practical implications within the social cognitive theory of A. Bandura framework are discussed.
A Comparative Study on Entrepreneurial Attitudes Modeled with Logistic Regression and Bayes Nets
Authors: Puga Jorge López , García Juan García
Published: October 2012

Entrepreneurship research is receiving increasing attention in our context, as entrepreneurs are key social agents involved in economic development. We compare the success of the dichotomic logistic regression model and the Bayes simple classifier to predict entrepreneurship, after manipulating the percentage of missing data and the level of categorization in predictors. A sample of undergraduate university students (N = 1230) completed five scales (motivation, attitude towards business creation, obstacles, deficiencies, and training needs) and we found that each of them predicted different aspects of the tendency to business creation. Additionally, our results show that the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve is affected by the rate of missing data in both techniques, but logistic regression seems to be more vulnerable when faced with missing data, whereas Bayes nets underperform slightly when categorization has been manipulated. Our study sheds light on the potential entrepreneur profile and we propose to use Bayesian networks as an additional alternative to overcome the weaknesses of logistic regression when missing data are present in applied research.
Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder in a University Psychology Clinic
Authors: Puig Francisco José Estupiñá , Encinas Francisco Javier Labrador
Published: October 2012

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is the most prevalent mental disorder in our environment, and one of the main causes of disability. While several empirically supported treatments (ESTs) for MDD exist, some doubts have been cast on the applicability—in time, components, and effectiveness—of these ESTs in routine clinical practice. A few attempts have been made to contrast the effectiveness of ESTs, but usually the precise components of the treatment developed are not considered in detail. The purpose of this study is to analyze the components of an EST-based treatment on a sample of 69 MDD cases from a University Psychology Clinic, and to benchmark them against the results of published efficacy studies on ESTs (behavioral activation, cognitive therapy, interpersonal therapy). Results show that treatments delivered at this clinical facility are similar in components, length, and effectiveness (in effect size, completers and improved ratio) to the benchmarked studies. Cognitive restructuring is the most frequent component of the delivered treatments. Therapy results show a 3.12 effect size, and a 55.1% improved ratio over initial sample, an 80% of completers. Results and limitations of the current study, especially those related to sample and center characteristics, are discussed.
Validation of Children's Depression Scale in the Basque-Speaking Population
Authors: Balluerka Nekane , Gorostiaga Arantxa , Haranburu Mikel
Published: October 2012

The aim of this study was to validate the Basque version of the CDS (Children's Depression Scale, Lang & Tisher, 1978), one of the most widely used questionnaires for the assessment of childhood depression, which has already been proved to be a valid and reliable tool in different cultures. The questionnaire was administered to a community sample of 886 participants (432 males and 454 females) aged between 8 and 16. A two-factor solution was obtained (Depressive dimension and Positive Dimension), which accounted for 29.86 % of the variance. Reliability with regard to internal consistency level and long-term stability was good (α = .95 and .79; andR= .73 and .59 for Depressive and Positive dimensions, respectively). Analysis of Differential Item Functioning with respect to age and gender showed that 91% and 88% of the items, respectively, did not present DIF. External validity evidence for the questionnaire was also obtained. We consider that the present work offers researchers and professionals interested in this area of study a valid and reliable tool for assessing depressive symptoms in Basque-speaking children and adolescents.
The Memory Failures of Everyday (MFE) Test: Normative Data in Adults
Authors: Carrasco Pedro Montejo , Peña Mercedes Montenegro , Sueiro Manuel J.
Published: October 2012

One approach to the study of everyday memory failures is to use multiple-item questionnaires. The Memory Failures of Everyday (MFE) test is one of the most frequently used in Spain. Our objective is to provide normative data from the MFE in a sample of healthy, Spanish, adult participants for use in clinical practice. The sample consists of 647 employees at a large company ranging in age from 19-64 years-old. Everyday memory failures were evaluated by means of the MFE with the following response format: 0-2 (0 = never or rarely; 1 = occasionally, sometimes; 2 = frequently, often). Results: Mean MFE = 15.25 (SD = 7.50), range 0-40. Correlation with age: .133 (p = .001); and with years of education: - .059 (n.s.). A constant increase in MFE was not observed across age groups (F = 4, 59;p = .003, η2 = .02), but differences were revealed between the 19-29 and 40-49 age groups; no differences were observed between the remaining age groups. Only slight differences between men and women occurred, the women's mean being slightly higher than the men's, but the confidence intervals overlapped (F = 5, 71; p = .017, η2 = .01). These results indicate that age, years of education, and sex had no significant effects. In light of the above, the sample was viewed as a whole when computing the percentiles reported here.
Measuring Autonomy Support in University Students: the Spanish Version of the Learning Climate Questionnaire
Authors: Núñez Juan L. , León Jaime , Grijalvo Fernando , Albo José Martín
Published: October 2012

The goals of this research were to translate and analyze the psychometric properties of the Learning Climate Questionnaire (LCQ) and to develop a short form. The LCQ is a 15-item self-report measure that assesses autonomy support in educational settings. A total of 422 students (60 men and 362 women) took part in this study. Results showed evidence of construct validity and adequate reliability for the LCQ. The short form consists of five items that showed sound psychometric properties. Results of Pearson correlation and Gower index showed high agreement between the long and short forms. In conclusion, both forms can be considered as preliminary versions of the original questionnaire to assess autonomy support in educational settings.
Spanish Version of the Time Management Behavior Questionnaire for University Students
Authors: García-Ros Rafael , Pérez-González Francisco
Published: October 2012

The main objective of the study is to analyze the psychometric properties and predictive capacity on academic performance in university contexts of a Spanish adaptation of the Time Management Behavior Questionnaire. The scale was applied to 462 students newly admitted at the Universitat de València in the 2006-2007 school year. The analyses performed made it possible to reproduce the factorial structure of the original version of the questionnaire with slight modifications in the ascription of various ítems. The underlying factorial structure includes four interrelated dimensions (Establishing objectives and priorities, Time management tools, Perception of time control and Preference for disorganization), which present satisfactory levels of reliability and an adequate convergent validity with the Time management subscale of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire. The scores on the dimensions of time management show significant levels of association with academic performance in the first year of university studies, especially highlighting the predictive capacity of the subscale dealing with the Establishment of objectives and priorities. These results show the reliability and validity of this adaptation of the scale for evaluating how the students manage their academic time, and predicting their performance in the year they initiate the degree program, thus aiding in the development of intervention proposals directed towards improving these skills.
Behavioral Regulation Assessment in Exercise: Exploring an Autonomous and Controlled Motivation Index
Authors: Cid Luis , Moutão João , Leitão José , Alves José
Published: October 2012

The main purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of theBehavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire(BREQ-2) and to test the hypothesis that the different types of behavioral regulation can be combined on a single factor to assess autonomous and controlled motivation. Data were collected from 550 members of private fitness centres who ranged in age from 14 to 69 years. The analysis supported an 18-item, 5-factor model after excluding one item (S-Bχ2= 221.7,df= 125,p= .000, S-Bχ2/df= 1.77; SRMR = .06; NNFI = .90; CFI = .92; RMSEA = .04, 90% CI = .03-.05). However, the analysis also revealed a lack of internal consistency. The results of a hierarchical model based on 2 second-order factors that reflected controlled motivation (external and introjected regulation) and autonomous motivation (identified and intrinsic regulation) provided an acceptable fit to the data (S-Bχ2= 172.6,df= 74,p= .000, SB-χ2/df= 2.33; SRMR = .07; NNFI = .90; CFI = .92; RMSEA= .05, 90% CI = .04-.06), with reliability coefficients of .75 for controlled motivation and .76 for autonomous motivation. The study findings indicated that when item 17 was excluded, the Portuguese BREQ-2 was an appropriate measure of the controlled and autonomous motivation in exercise.
Outcome of An Uncemented Hydroxyapatite Coated Hemiarthroplasty for Displaced Femoral Neck Fractures: A Clinical and Radiographic 2-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Eschen Jacob , Kring Søren , Brix Michael , Ban Ilija , Troelsen Anders
Published: October 2012

Background and purpose

Hemiarthroplasty is the preferred treatment for displaced femoral neck fractures (DFNF) in elderly patients. The use of uncemented stems remains controversial and issues regarding inferior fixation in osteoporotic bone, implant-related pain and decreased mobility have discouraged their use. There is limited evidence for the use of modern uncemented femoral stems in the treatment of DFNF, and we wished to investigate the clinical and radiographic performance of an uncemented hydroxyapatite coated hemiarthroplasty at 2-year follow-up.

Patients and methods

We included 97 consecutive patients who had an uncemented, hydroxyapatite coated hemiarthroplasty (Corail, Depuy) inserted during a 1-year period. Due to unwillingness or cognitive impairment (n = 6) and death before follow-up (n = 44), a total of 47 patients (39 females) with a mean age of 81 years were available.

Results

At two year follow-up 38 of 47 patients lived in their own homes and the median New Mobility Score was 6 (range: 2–9). The median Visual Analogue Scale pain score was 0 (range: 0–5) at rest and 0 (range: 0–8) when walking. Patient satisfaction was a score of 9 (range: 2–10) on the VAS. Anterior or lateral thigh pain or groin pain was reported by 15 patients. The EQ-5D index score at follow-up was 0.72 (range: 0.16–1.00) and the EQ-5D Visual Analogue Score was 70 (range: 15–100). There were no signs of implant loosening in any of the 37 hips undergoing radiographic evaluation at follow-up.

Conclusion

The results suggest that an uncemented hydroxyapatite coated hemiarthroplasty can be used to treat displaced intracupsular femoral neck fractures with good clinical and radiographic outcomes at short term follow-up.
Evaluation of the clinical utility of maternal alloantibody screening as a surrogate to antiglobulin crossmatch procedures in resource limited settings
Authors: Awortu Jeremiah Zaccheaus , Mordi Augustina
Published: October 2012

Aims: In resource limited settings, cross matching procedures are usually limited to the conventional antiglobulin technique. Pre-transfusion screening for red cell alloantibodies are not carried out routinely. The study was aimed at evaluating the usefulness of antibody screening as a surrogate to antiglobulin crossmatch procedure.
Methods: A total 250 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic of the Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital (BMSH), Port Harcourt were screened for the presence of red cell alloantibodies using DiaMed screening and panel cells (DiaCell and DiaPanels).
Results: Alloantibodies detected were anti-E (1.2%), anti-K (0.8%), anti-C (0.4%) and anti-Jsb (0.4%). The overall prevalence rate of red cell allo - antibodies was 4.8%. A blind crossmatch performed using the serum of the patients on donor's cells revealed the following results—incompatible 5 (2.0%) and 254 (98.0%) compatible. Taking incompatible results as positive and compatible as negative, the performance indices of the antibody screening procedure was obtained as follows: sensitivity (41.6%), specificity (100%), PPV (100%), NPV (97.1%), Efficiency (48.6%). Prevalence (4.8%) and percentage safety (41 .6%). The study did not show the type and screen to reach the expected safety level of 99.0%. Its usefulness was however shown through the detection of unexpected antibodies in 4.8% of the subjects.
Conclusions: We concluded that with a high specificity obtained, the detection and identification of these antibodies would help select blood in advance for patients undergoing surgery in order to reduce the incidence of haemolytic transfusion reactions.
Correlation of umbilical cord blood volume with CD34+ cells concentration
Authors: Chandra Tulika , Afreen Sheeba , Kumar Ashutosh , Singh Uma
Published: October 2012

Aims: Umbilical cord blood (UCB) has been recently considered as an alternative source of hematopoitic progenitor cells for clinical application. The parameters commonly used to evaluate a UCB unit and predict transplant outcomes have been total nucleated cell count (TNCs), CD34+ cells concentration and total volume of cord blood collected. The volume of cord blood collection is also important for the high yield of CD34+ cells concentration and TNCs. The aim of the study was to find the correlation of umbilical cord blood volume with cord blood derived CD34+ cells concentration.
Methods: Umbilical cord blood was collected from normal vaginal and cesarean deliveries. Total volume of cord blood collection was noted. It was immediately processed and assessed for total nucleated cells count and CD34+ cells concentration. Assessment of maternal and neonatal parameters such as mode of delivery, baby's birth weight and sex, cord blood volume and CD34+ cells concentration was made.
Results: Total volume of cord blood and CD34+ cells concentration positively correlated with cesarean delivery and higher birth weight of the baby (p<0.01). We also found that, CD34+ cells concentration was higher in greater volume of collected cord blood.
Conclusions: Our study concludes that higher volume of cord blood should be preferred for processing and stem cell infusion.
Evaluation of fresh frozen plasma usage at a medical college hospital - A two year study
Authors: Kulkarni Nagarekha
Published: October 2012

Aims: The aim of this is study was to evaluate the usage of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) according to indications and to reduce inappropriate usage.
Methods: A two year retrospective study was conducted in Medical College Hospital blood bank. Based on the guidelines published by College of American Pathologists, National Health and Medical Research Council and Australasian Society for Blood Transfusion FFP usage were categorized into appropriate and inappropriate. Pre and post-transfusion INR/PT were recorded and the effect of FFP were studied in patients who received FFP.
Results: During two years 1884 units of FFP were used for 945 patients. Only 454 (48%) requests were appropriate and 491 (52%) were inappropriate requests. Absence of bleeding or surgical intervention was the commonest reasons for inappropriate FFP use. Mean improvement in the pre-transfusion INR per unit of FFP was 0.75 (median 0.56, range 0–3.7) of which 33% showed significant improvement in the pre-transfusion INR.
Conclusions: Our results showed a 48% appropriate and 52% inappropriate use of FFP in patients. Inappropriate FFP use could be reduced by educating the staff, by establishing the hospital transfusion guidelines, by regular evaluation of requistions and by conducting awareness programme among clinicians.
Optimizing Transport Time from Accident to Hospital: When to Drive and When to Fly?
Authors: Weerheijm D. V. , Wieringa M. H. , Biert J. , Hoogerwerf N.
Published: October 2012

Objective. In prehospital emergency medicine, rapid transport to a hospital is often required. Transport can be done by ambulance or HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service). Factors influencing transport time are mostly unknown. This study aims to identify these factors and optimize prehospital transport times. Methods. This is a retrospective study with HEMS data from 2010-2011. Trauma mechanism, patient characteristics, and weather conditions were collected from each transport. Distance to the hospital, predicted transport time, and the actual transport time were calculated. Each factor was analysed to determine influence on transport time. Results. We analysed 732 cases (612 by ambulance and 120 by helicopter) and found no association between mechanism of trauma, age, time of day, or weather conditions on transport time. However, transport by HEMS helicopter was nearly always faster, even at short distances. The average transport time of ambulance transport was 79% (95% CI 77.1–80.3) of target time, while in helicopter transport this was 39% (95% CI 37.4–42.9). Conclusion. This study shows the advantage of the HEMS helicopter in rapid transport from the scene to the hospital. Transport by helicopter was twice as fast as ground transport, independent of trauma mechanism, distance to hospital, or weather conditions.
Volumetric Breast Ultrasound as a Screening Modality in Mammographically Dense Breasts
Authors: Giuliano Vincenzo , Giuliano Concetta
Published: October 2012

This investigation is part of an ongoing large scale study using volumetric breast ultrasound (VBUS) as a screening modality in mammographically dense breasts, offering a substantial benefit to MR imaging of the breast in terms of cost and efficiency. The addition of VBUS to mammography in women with greater than 50% breast density resulted in the detection of 12.3 per 1,000 breast cancers, compared to 4.6 per 1,000 by mammography alone with an overall attributable risk of breast cancer of 19.92 (95% confidence level, 16.75–23.61) in our screened population. These preliminary results may justify the cost benefit of implementing the judicious use of VBUS as an alternative to MR imaging of the breast in conjunction with mammography in the dense breast screening population.
Enzyme-Enhanced Extraction of Phenolic Compounds and Proteins from Flaxseed Meal
Authors: Ribeiro Bernardo Dias , Barreto Daniel Weingart , Coelho Maria Alice Zarur
Published: October 2012

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) meal, the main byproduct of the flaxseed oil extraction process, is composed mainly of proteins, mucilage, and phenolic compounds. The extraction methods of phenolics either commonly employed the use of mixed solvents (dioxane/ethanol, water/acetone, water/methanol, and water/ethanol) or are done with the aid of alkaline, acid, or enzymatic hydrolysis. This work aimed at the study of optimal conditions for a clean process, using renewable solvents and enzymes, for the extraction of phenolics and proteins from flaxseed meal. After a screening of the most promising commercial preparations based on different carbohydrases and proteases, a central composite rotatable design and a mixture design were applied, achieving as optimal results a solution containing 6.6 and 152 gkg−1 mealof phenolics and proteins, respectively. The statistical approach used in the present study for the enzyme-enhanced extraction of phenolics and proteins from the major flaxseed byproduct was effective. By means of the sequential experimental design methodology, the extraction of such compounds was increased 10-fold and 14-fold, when compared to a conventional nonenzymatic extraction.
Thinking Like a Mathematician
Authors: Weiss Michael K. , Moore-Russo Deborah
Published: October 2012

The moves that mathematicians use to generate new questions can also be used by teachers and students to tie content together and spur exploration.
The Back Page: My Favorite Lesson: Sliding through Logarithms
Authors: Wolbert William J.
Published: October 2012

One of my favorite lessons involves a nostalgic look at the past, in the years BC (Before Calculators). The properties of logarithms are readily reinforced using an ingenious tool from the past—the slide rule. Developed in the seventeenth century by William Oughtred and others, who built on the emerging work on logarithms by John Napier, the slide rule was used to multiply, divide, and find square roots and cube roots, among other arithmetic operations. Before the advent of the pocket calculator, it was the most commonly used calculation tool in science and engineering.
Pipe Maintenance: Strategies Enhance Reliability, Longevity
Authors: Deremiah Rick , Thomsen Nels
Published: October 2012

This is the second of two articles on best practices for concrete pressure pipe. This article details long‐term maintenance strategies and reviews whether pipe assessment is a worthwhile investment. The first article ‐ Concrete Pipe: Installation Strategies Ensure Longevity and Performance, Opflow, October 2012 ‐ explored practices to ensure pipe longevity and optimal performance.
Enhance Customer Service With Technology and Collaboration
Authors: Lynch Walter
Published: October 2012

Forward‐thinking utilities are transforming their customer service centers into technology powerhouses with additional customer interaction. The improvements are the building blocks of much more efficient customer service operations.