bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The practice of clinical handover: a respite perspective
Authors: Croos Solomon
Published: July 2014

This article aims to reflect on handovers that take place in respite settings—a healthcare setting with little mention in the literature. The author presents a reflective account of the practice of handover in one respite unit in south-east England. As these are the author's own observations and experience, no reflective model has been used as a guide. The article also reports on the findings of a small web-based survey conducted by Facebook and email contacts that aimed to understand the attitudes of health professionals, mainly from the respite-care setting, towards the practice of clinical handover. The findings showed that handover is an important part of safer care practice and is highly valued by the respondents as being a planning and organising mechanism for better management of shifts. This paper concludes by raising awareness of the lack of information available about the practice of clinical handover in respite settings. It also suggests the need for an in-depth study on handover practice in respite care.
Embroiderers of Ninhue: Stitching Chilean Rural Life (Benavente)
Authors: Feldman Joseph P.
Published: July 2014

This work is a book review considering the title Embroiderers of Ninhue: Stitching Chilean Rural Life by Carmen Benavente.
Small-Scale Approaches to Evaluate the Mechanical Properties of Quasi-Brittle Reactor Core Graphite
Authors: Liu Dong , Heard Peter J. , Nakhodchi Soheil , Flewitt Peter E. J.
Published: July 2014

A range of small scale, from centimetre scale to micrometre scale, mechanical testing techniques have been used to measure the properties of nuclear reactor core graphite, including Pile Grade A (PGA) graphite and Gilsocarbon graphite. These testing methods include four-point bending (centimetre scale), diametral compression (millimetre scale), micro-scale cantilever bending (micrometre scale) and nano-indentation (micrometre scale). These methods provide both a measure of mechanical properties including elastic modulus and fracture strength and detailed information concerning the deformation and fracture mechanisms. For each test, an example using a particular specimen geometry is given and discussed with respect to the particular mechanical property evaluated and compared with macro-scale data. Nano-indentation was carried out as a conventional approach to validate and assist the understanding of the mechanical properties obtained via other small scale tests. The use of small scale test specimens offers benefits when handling irradiated reactor core graphite. The results are discussed with respect to the potential benefits, difficulties and value of small scale mechanical tests for this particular application.
Applicability and Limitations of Miniature Specimens for Properties Determination of Fine-Grained Graphite
Authors: Katoh Yutai , Snead Mary A. , Shih Chunghao , Porter Wally D. , Snead Lance L. , Burchell Timothy D.
Published: July 2014

The ability to determine mechanical, physical, and thermal properties using small-volume specimens is essential for development and qualification of nuclear materials for which the neutron-irradiated properties need to be established in a timely and cost-effective manner. This is particularly the case if one considers the small irradiation volume in fission materials test reactors and the limited availability of radiological test facilities that can handle the high-radioactivity and high-contamination potentials of nuclear materials. Historically, applicability of small-volume test specimens has been limited for nuclear graphite primarily by the sizes of particles and intrinsic defects in the as-fabricated materials in relation with the critical dimensions of the test specimens, in particular, for mechanical properties. However, this is often no longer the case for the more recent superfine-grained nuclear graphite grades in which the typical maximum grain sizes range from 15 to 50 μm. In this paper, recent studies undertaken at Oak Ridge National Laboratory on the influences of specimen geometry and dimensions on several properties of the fine-grained nuclear graphite of various grades in unirradiated and non-oxidized condition are reported. The properties to be discussed include bulk density, dynamic Young's modulus, flash thermal diffusivity, uniaxial and equibiaxial flexural strength, uniaxial compressive strength, and uniaxial tensile strength. Moreover, statistical aspects of the strength are discussed. Limitations to the specimen dimensions for these properties are discussed in relation with the recommendation in the current ASTM test standards.
Androgen receptor expression in male breast cancer predicts inferior outcome and poor response to tamoxifen treatment
Authors: Wenhui Zhao , Shuo Li , Dabei Tang , Ying Piao , Zhipeng Wang , Lei Zhong , Xiaohui He , Jingshu Geng , Hongtao Song , Qingyuan Zhang
Published: July 2014

Objective

Androgen receptor (AR) plays an important role in male breast cancer (MBC). Additionally, endocrine therapy is the most important treatment in oestrogen receptor (ER)-positive advanced breast cancer. This study was aimed to investigate the role of AR in MBC treatment and prognosis and to analyse the relationship between AR and the effect of tamoxifen treatment in MBC patients.

Methods

AR protein levels and other tumour characteristics (e.g. expression of ER (ESR1), PR (PGR), AR, HER2 (ERBB2) and Ki-67 (MKI67)) in breast cancer tissue from 102 MBC patients were determined using immunohistochemical analysis. Additionally, the relationship between AR status and clinicopathological features was analysed using the χ2-test. Association with survival was initially analysed using the Kaplan–Meier method and the log-rank test, and Cox regression analysis was used to adjust for other prognostic indicators.

Results

High expression of AR was not correlated with T-stage, histological grade, HER2 status and the status of other sex hormone receptors, but was associated with lymph node metastases (P=0.032). AR-positive patients showed significantly shorter 5-year overall survival (OS) rates (P=0.045) and 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates (P=0.026) than AR-negative patients. By contrast, for patients who received tamoxifen therapy, AR-negative patients showed a higher clinical benefit rate than AR-positive patients (P=0.025). Additionally, the median TTP and OS were significantly different (P=0.02 for TTP; P=0.029 for OS).

Conclusions

AR expression correlates strongly with both OS and DFS in patients with MBC. AR-positive patients can predict a poorer clinical outcome than AR-negative patients after adjuvant tamoxifen therapy.
Dialogues Through Autophotography: Young Masculinity And HIV Identity in Kwazulu-Natal
Authors: Blackbeard David , Lindegger Graham
Published: July 2014

For adolescent boys living with HIV, an emerging identity as a person living with HIV intersects with the construction of a masculine identity, conceptualised as situated positioning in relation to hegemonic masculinity. The research focus was to identify constructions of young masculinity at the intersection with identity as an HIV positive person, considering the reciprocal influence of masculine identity and emerging HIV positive identities. The concept of hegemonic masculinity was combined with Dialogical Self Theory in conceptualising masculine identity construction as active positioning. Visual methods (autophotography, biographical drawings and reflective interviews) were combined with semi-structured interviews and focus groups within an interpretive paradigm. Participants were all adolescent boys enlisted from an HIV support group, forming a purposive sample (N=7). Mixed data analysis methods highlighted the active dialoguing of situated masculine identity positions against hegemonic masculinities. Analysis revealed the complex processes of positioning a viable masculine identity in challenging contexts of health, spatial contexts, material conditions and hegemonic imperatives. The findings were potentially relevant for practice and policy promoting of gender equality and gender-equitable masculinities, such as participatory research and gender- based interventions.
The Impact of Music on Child Functioning
Authors: Hogenes Michel , Oers Bert van , Diekstra René F. W.
Published: July 2014

This article provides a review of empirical studies on the effects of music education on cognitive, social-emotional, and motor functioning of children. Twenty-one studies published in peer-reviewed journals in the period 1995 – 2011 that met the inclusion criteria were identified. Eighteen of these studies focused on cognitive functioning. All of them, with three exceptions, reported positive or moderate positive effects. All reviewed studies on social-emotional and motor functioning showed positive effects of music education. The authors conclude that exposure to music and music education can have a positive influence on child functioning. However, given the diversity in research design among the different studies the jury on how robust these effects are and how they can be explained is still out. (Quasi-) experimental studies need to be conducted, compliant with standards for scientific research. Only then, undeserved claims can be refuted and the surplus value of music education can be demonstrated.
Internal Communication Satisfaction as an Employee Motivation Tool in the Retail Sector in Pune
Authors: Chitrao Pradnya
Published: July 2014

Today’s work force is inundated with useless information from multiple sources. Ensuring connectivity in such a rapidly changing environment is a major challenge. This is especially true of the Retail Industry where attrition is very high. The survey studies Retail organizations’ internal communication systems for motivating employees and for ensuring customer satisfaction. It studies whether employees have access to accurate and relevant information necessary for performing effectively their job roles. “Filtering” the noise that leads to information overload has to be done by every organization. Information overload always prevents relevant information which will engage them and derive maximum productivity from reaching employees. The study revealed that all employees prefer face-to-face interaction and that interpersonal, dialogic communication remains important at levels in an organization.
Brain Injury and Altered Brain Growth in Preterm Infants: Predictors and Prognosis
Authors: Kidokoro Hiroyuki , Anderson Peter J. , Doyle Lex W. , Woodward Lianne J. , Neil Jeffrey J. , Inder Terrie E.
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND:

To define the nature and frequency of brain injury and brain growth impairment in very preterm (VPT) infants by using MRI at term-equivalent age and to relate these findings to perinatal risk factors and 2-year neurodevelopmental outcomes.

METHODS:

MRI scans at term-equivalent age from 3 VPT cohorts (n = 325) were reviewed. The severity of brain injury, including periventricular leukomalacia and intraventricular and cerebellar hemorrhage, was graded. Brain growth was assessed by using measures of biparietal width (BPW) and interhemispheric distance. Neurodevelopmental outcome at age 2 years was assessed across all cohorts (n = 297) by using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, Second Edition (BSID-II) or Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III), and evaluation for cerebral palsy.

RESULTS:

Of 325 infants, 107 (33%) had some grade of brain injury and 33 (10%) had severe injury. Severe brain injury was more common in infants with lower Apgar scores, necrotizing enterocolitis, inotropic support, and patent ductus arteriosus. Severe brain injury was associated with delayed cognitive and motor development and cerebral palsy. Decreased BPW was related to lower gestational age, inotropic support, patent ductus arteriosus, necrotizing enterocolitis, prolonged parenteral nutrition, and oxygen at 36 weeks and was associated with delayed cognitive development. In contrast, increased interhemispheric distance was related to male gender, dexamethasone use, and severe brain injury. It was also associated with reduced cognitive development, independent of BPW.

CONCLUSIONS:

At term-equivalent age, VPT infants showed both brain injury and impaired brain growth on MRI. Severe brain injury and impaired brain growth patterns were independently associated with perinatal risk factors and delayed cognitive development.
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
Authors: Kocherlakota Prabhakar
Published: July 2014

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a result of the sudden discontinuation of fetal exposure to substances that were used or abused by the mother during pregnancy. Withdrawal from licit or illicit substances is becoming more common among neonates in both developed and developing countries. NAS continues to be an important clinical entity throughout much of the world. NAS leads to a constellation of signs and symptoms involving multiple systems. The pathophysiology of NAS is not completely understood. Urine or meconium confirmation may assist the diagnosis and management of NAS. The Finnegan scoring system is commonly used to assess the severity of NAS; scoring can be helpful for initiating, monitoring, and terminating treatment in neonates. Nonpharmacological care is the initial treatment option, and pharmacological treatment is required if an improvement is not observed after nonpharmacological measures or if the infant develops severe withdrawal. Morphine is the most commonly used drug in the treatment of NAS secondary to opioids. An algorithmic approach to the management of infants with NAS is suggested. Breastfeeding is not contraindicated in NAS, unless the mother is taking street drugs, is involved in polydrug abuse, or is infected with HIV. Future studies are required to assess the long-term effects of NAS on children after prenatal exposure.
Gestational Age and Risk of Venous Thromboembolism From Birth Through Young Adulthood
Authors: Zöller Bengt , Li Xinjun , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina , Crump Casey
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND:

Preterm birth has been associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in infancy, but the longer-term risk is unknown. Our aim was to examine this association from birth through young adulthood.

METHODS:

National cohort study of 3 571 574 individuals who were live-born in Sweden from 1973 through 2008, including 206 844 born preterm (gestational age <37 weeks), and followed up to 2010 (ages 0–38 years). The main outcome was VTE.

RESULTS:

A total of 7 519 (0.2%) individuals were diagnosed with VTE in 70.8 million person-years of follow-up. Low gestational age at birth was associated with VTE in infancy (ages <1 year: adjusted hazard ratio 47.16 [95% confidence interval 21.30–104.42] for 22 to 27 weeks, 5.54 [2.53–12.12] for 28 to 33 weeks, 3.54 [2.07–6.06] for 34 to 36 weeks, 1.00 for 37 to 41 weeks [reference]), early childhood (ages 1–5 years), and young adulthood (ages 18–38 years: adjusted hazard ratio 2.76 [1.43–5.31] for 22 to 27 weeks, 1.53 [1.24–1.89] for 28 to 33 weeks, 1.24 [1.10–1.40] for 34 to 36 weeks, and 1.00 for 37 to 41 weeks [reference]), but not in late childhood (ages 6–12 years). Very preterm (<34 weeks) but not late preterm birth (34–36 weeks) was also associated with VTE in adolescence (ages 13–17 years). After further adjustment for comorbidities, these associations were attenuated, but most remained significantly elevated.

CONCLUSIONS:

In this large national cohort, low gestational age at birth was associated with increased risk of VTE in infancy, early childhood, and young adulthood.
Delayed Diagnosis of Critical Congenital Heart Defects: Trends and Associated Factors
Authors: Liberman Rebecca F. , Getz Kelly D. , Lin Angela E. , Higgins Cathleen A. , Sekhavat Sepehr , Markenson Glenn R. , Anderka Marlene
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVE:

We aimed to examine trends in timing of diagnosis of critical congenital heart defects (CCHDs) and factors associated with delayed diagnosis (diagnosis after discharge home following delivery).

METHODS:

We examined a population-based retrospective cohort of CCHD cases among live births identified through the Massachusetts Birth Defects Monitoring Program. Congenital heart defects were considered critical if the infant received corrective surgery, interventional catheterization, palliative care, or died as a result of the defect within 12 months of birth. Timing of initial diagnosis was classified as prenatal, postnatal before discharge home, or delayed. Demographic, perinatal, and mortality information was obtained from the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics. Prevalence ratios (PRs) were used to examine associations with delayed diagnosis.

RESULTS:

Among 460 467 live births to Massachusetts residents between 2004 and 2009, we identified 916 CCHD cases, of which 126 (13.8%) had delayed diagnosis. Rates of prenatal CCHD diagnosis increased from 44.9% in 2004 to 63.8% in 2009, whereas rates of delayed diagnosis decreased from 17.1% to 10.6% over the same time period. Among cases with delayed diagnosis, the most common defects were coarctation, pulmonary valve stenosis, and tetralogy of Fallot. Delayed diagnosis was associated with delivery outside a tertiary hospital (adjusted PR: 3.6 [95% confidence interval: 2.5–5.2]) and isolated CCHD (adjusted PR: 1.7 [95% confidence interval: 1.1–2.7]).

CONCLUSIONS:

Despite increasing prenatal diagnosis of CCHDs, delayed diagnosis still occurs in over 10% of cases. Understanding factors associated with delayed diagnosis could help to improve prenatal and postnatal screening efforts, including pulse oximetry testing.
A Multicenter Cohort Study of Treatments and Hospital Outcomes in Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
Authors: Hall Eric S. , Wexelblatt Scott L. , Crowley Moira , Grow Jennifer L. , Jasin Lisa R. , Klebanoff Mark A. , McClead Richard E. , Meinzen-Derr Jareen , Mohan Vedagiri K. , Stein Howard , Walsh Michele C.
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVES:

To compare pharmacologic treatment strategies for neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) with respect to total duration of opioid treatment and length of inpatient hospital stay.

METHODS:

We conducted a cohort analysis of late preterm and term neonates who received inpatient pharmacologic treatment of NAS at one of 20 hospitals throughout 6 Ohio regions from January 2012 through July 2013. Physicians managed NAS using 1 of 6 regionally based strategies.

RESULTS:

Among 547 pharmacologically treated infants, we documented 417 infants managed using an established NAS weaning protocol and 130 patients managed without protocol-driven weaning. Regardless of the treatment opioid chosen, when we accounted for hospital variation, infants receiving protocol-based weans experienced a significantly shorter duration of opioid treatment (17.7 vs 32.1 days, P < .0001) and shorter hospital stay (22.7 vs 32.1 days, P = .004). Among infants receiving protocol-based weaning, there was no difference in the duration of opioid treatment or length of stay when we compared those treated with morphine with those treated with methadone. Additionally, infants treated with phenobarbital were treated with the drug for a longer duration among those following a morphine-based compared with methadone-based weaning protocol. (P ≤ .002).

CONCLUSIONS:

Use of a stringent protocol to treat NAS, regardless of the initial opioid chosen, reduces the duration of opioid exposure and length of hospital stay. Because the major driver of cost is length of hospitalization, the implications for a reduction in cost of care for NAS management could be substantial.
Anatase titania synthesised at low temperature: recent breakthroughs
Authors: Depan Dilip
Published: July 2014

To overcome the limitations of conventional techniques that employ high-temperature calcinations to prepare nanosized anatase titania (TiO2), and thus find effective methods for low-temperature methods to synthesise nanosized TiO2 with high catalytic activity, has been one of the most challenging aspects in the photocatalyst field. In this article, the recent progress in low-temperature synthesis of nanosized anatase TiO2 is reviewed. The advances in this field are discussed in the light of the progress in the development of suitable synthetic methods. Particular emphasis is placed on the special conditions and demands to prepare uniform and stable anatase nanostructures at low temperature. The principles, reactions, synthesising procedures as well as the advantages and disadvantages of reported methods are presented. Furthermore, to overcome the intrinsic shortcomings of pure nanosized TiO2 as photocatalyst, that is, the rather low quantum efficiency and the incapability of utilising visible light, this review is also extended to the technologies of preparing TiO2 composites such as ion-doping, rare metal deposit and composite semiconductors. Finally the developing trends and the potential focus of future research in this field are prospected.
An application of safety analysis technique for thermal optimization of a paper machine
Authors: Ramzan Naveed , Kazmi Mohsin , Manzoor Faisal , Feroze Nadeem , Witt Werner
Published: July 2014

This investigation proposes a systematic framework based on the Fault Tree
analysis, for the energy and exergy optimization of a paper machine. In the
first step, energy and exergy analysis was performed on the dryer section and
its related steam and condensate system, to assess the existing performance
of paper machine. In the next step, checklists were developed for the
identification of key safety and operational issues related to the steam and
condensate system. Then, a fault tree analysis was applied to make out and
resolve the root causes. Corrective actions were taken in order to rectify
various problems. As a result, energy and exergy efficiencies of the system
increased by 22% and 14 % respectively. Moreover, an improvement in steam and
condensate recovery system was observed.
Discriminant Validity of Sense of Coherence vs Trait Anxiety in Explaining Emotional State in an Experimental Task
Authors: Gruszczyńska Ewa
Published: July 2014

Prior work has indicated that sense of coherence and trait anxiety are overlapping constructs. This study assessed this overlap in explaining emotional states during a task situation. Participants were 150 students, randomly assigned to a control and an experimental group. The experimental task was to put a jigsaw puzzle together under time pressure. Sense of coherence (SOC) and trait anxiety were measured at baseline. The dependent variables, positive and negative emotions, were measured three times: at baseline, soon before the task, and after finishing the task. As expected, at each measurement point correlations between emotional state and sense of coherence did not differ significantly from the absolute values of the relevant correlations with trait anxiety. Also, from a repeated-measures perspective, for Low SOC vs High trait anxiety and also for High SOC vs Low trait anxiety, similar explanatory power for changes in emotional state was noted. The results support doubts in literature about insufficient discriminant validity of the Orientation to Life Questionnaire as a measure of the salutogenic construct.
Monitoring of labor with WHO modified partogram – A study report
Authors: Alauddin Md , Bal Runa , De Arunangsu , Mondal Parthajit , Chakraborty Mayoukh
Published: July 2014

Introduction: Partogram represents labor events. World Health Organisation (WHO) had produced a partogram in the last decade and subsequently modified it to make it easier to use. The present study was conducted to note the effectiveness of the WHO modified partogram. Methods: Altogether 430 primigravida women, at term, having single live fetus in vertex presentation, were included for the study. The women were randomly subdivided into three groups: Group A (180 women) - monitoring of labor done by WHO modified partogram; Group B (150 women)- monitoring of labor done by WHO original partogram and 100 women in Group C (control), the labor would be monitored clinically. The results were noted in each group regarding the length of labor, vaginal delivery, cesarean sections, augmentation of labor etc. The results of Group A were compared with Group B and Group C. Result: The comparison of the results of the Group A and Group B did not reveal any statistically significant difference. The comparison of the results of the Group A and Group C observed that significantly less number of women in Group A (4.44%) was in labor for more than 12 hours than in Group C (18%). The number of vaginal delivery was more and cesarean section was less in Group A than Group C (p < 0.05). More number of women required augmentation of labor in Group C (p<0.001). Conclusion: WHO modified partogram, which is easier to use, gives almost the same effects as the WHO original partogram but significantly better results than clinical monitoring. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v3i2.10824 Nepal Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Vol.3(2) 2008; 8-11
Perceptions and practices regarding menstruation in adolescent girls in Yazd
Authors: Karbasi Sedighah Akhavan , Golestan Motahharen , Fallah Razieh
Published: July 2014

Objective: Puberty is the most prominent stage of life. The purpose of this study was to evaluate effects of puberty health education on promoting of its awareness in girls. Methods: In an interventional quasi-experimental study (pre and post test), awareness, attitude and practice of 500 high school first grade student girls evaluated before and after health education in Yazd in 2004- 2005 . Results: Mean age of menarche was 13.46±1.12. Over ninty three percent (93.6%) of girls had a previous information about menstruation where mother was the major source (53%). Good and poor knowledge were seen in 36% and 28.6% respectively but practice was seen in 24.4% and 32.8% respectively. 85.2% of girls believed that menarche is evidence of health, but in 91.6% girl’s menarche was associated with worry and shame. Negative psychological attitude about menstruation was seen in 59.8%. The mean number of knowledge and practice before and after intervention was 5.3±2.9, 11.8±2.18 and 4.3± 1.8 and 10.2 ± 2.3 respectively (PV =0.0001). Conclusion: Educational programs are needed for girls and their mothers to correct misinformation about exercise, food restrictions and good health puberty and menarche. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v3i2.10830 Nepal Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Vol.3(2) 2008; 40-43
Fifteen year history of a huge ovarian serous cystadenoma in association with uterovaginal prolapse
Authors: Rana Ashma , Gurung Geeta , Ojha Neeva , Amatya Sapana , Poudel Sandesh , Sharma Savana , Agarwal Varsha , Deo Anju , Bhandari Binay R
Published: July 2014

A huge ovarian cyst, twice tapped and existing for 15 year, longest duration ever reported in literature and for the last seven years complicated by uterovaginal prolapse is reported here to give an idea about the reproductive morbidity status of socially deprived or underprivileged Nepalese woman in rural community. Abdomino-vaginal surgical approach was combined to drain 16 liters of fluid from the ovarian cyst and excise the tumor capsule by initiating hysterectomy abdominally including the steps up to the ligation of uterine artery thereafter completing the procedure vaginally by taking over the cardinal ligaments, thus facilitating delivery of uterus with its appendages with pelvic floor repair for third degree uterovaginal prolapse. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v3i2.10833 Nepal Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Vol.3(2) 2008; 51-53
Transparent, Adherent, and Photocatalytic SiO2-TiO2 Coatings on Polycarbonate for Self-Cleaning Applications
Authors: Latthe Sanjay , Liu Shanhu , Terashima Chiaki , Nakata Kazuya , Fujishima Akira
Published: July 2014

Photocatalytic TiO2 coatings are famously known for their excellent self-cleaning behavior, where very thin water layer formed on the superhydrophilic surface can easily wash-off the dirt particles while flowing. Here we report the preparation of the optically transparent, adherent, highly wettable towards water and photocatalytic SiO2-TiO2 coatings on polycarbonate (PC) substrate for self-cleaning applications. The silica barrier layer was applied on UV-treated PC substrate before spin coating the SiO2-TiO2 coatings. The effect of different vol% of SiO2 in TiO2 and its influence on the surface morphology, mechanical stability, wettability, and photocatalytic properties of the coatings were studied in detail. The coatings prepared from 7 vol% of SiO2 in TiO2 showed smooth, crack-free surface morphology and low surface roughness compared to the coatings prepared from the higher vol% of SiO2 in TiO2. The water drops on this coating acquires a contact angle less than 10° after UV irradiation for 30 min. All the coatings prepared from different vol% (7 to 20) of SiO2 in TiO2 showed high transparency in the visible range.
Geographical Variation of Incidence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Manitoba, Canada
Authors: Torabi Mahmoud , Galloway Katie
Published: July 2014

We aimed to study the geographic variation in the incidence of COPD. We used health survey data (weighted to the population level) to identify 56,944 cases of COPD in Manitoba, Canada from 2001 to 2010. We used five cluster detection procedures, circular spatial scan statistic (CSS), flexible spatial scan statistic (FSS), Bayesian disease mapping (BYM), maximum likelihood estimation (MLE), and local indicator of spatial association (LISA). Our results showed that there are some regions in southern Manitoba that are potential clusters of COPD cases. The FSS method identified more regions than the CSS and LISA methods and the BYM and MLE methods identified similar regions as potential clusters. Most of the regions identified by the MLE and BYM methods were also identified by the FSS method and most of the regions identified by the CSS method were also identified by most of the other methods. The CSS, FSS and LISA methods identify potential clusters but are not able to control for confounders at the same time. However, the BYM and MLE methods can simultaneously identify potential clusters and control for possible confounders. Overall, we recommend using the BYM and MLE methods for cluster detection in areas with similar population and structure of regions as those in Manitoba.
Synthesis and Properties of Poly(l-lactide)-b-poly (l-phenylalanine) Hybrid Copolymers
Authors: Planellas Marc , Puiggalí Jordi
Published: July 2014

Hybrid materials constituted by peptides and synthetic polymers have nowadays a great interest since they can combine the properties and functions of each constitutive block, being also possible to modify the final characteristics by using different topologies. Poly(l-lactide-b-l-phenylalanine) copolymers with various block lengths were synthesized by sequential ring-opening polymerization of l-lactide and the N-carboxyanhydride of l-phenylalanine. The resulting block copolymers were characterized by NMR spectrometry, IR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, MALDI-TOF and UV-vis, revealing the successful incorporation of the polyphenylalanine (PPhe) peptide into the previously formed poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) polymer chain. X-ray diffraction and DSC data also suggested that the copolymers were phase-separated in domains containing either crystalline PLLA or PPhe phases. A peculiar thermal behavior was also found by thermogravimetric analysis when polyphenylalanine blocks were incorporated into polylactide.
The First Mutation Identified in a Chinese Acrodysostosis Patient Confirms a p.G289E Variation of PRKAR1A Causes Acrodysostosis
Authors: Li Nan , Nie Min , Li Mei , Jiang Yan , Xing Xiaoping , Wang Ou , Li Chunlin , Xia Weibo
Published: July 2014

Acrodysostosis is a rare skeletal dysplasia, which has not been reported previously in patients of Chinese origin. The PRKAR1A gene and PDE4D gene have been found to be causative genes of acrodysostosis. A Chinese girl with acrodysostosis and concomitant multiple hormone resistance was recruited for our study. Clinical and biochemical characters were analyzed. DNA was extracted from leukocytes and was sequenced for GNAS, PDE4D and PRKAR1A gene mutations. A de novo heterozygous missense mutation (c.866G>A/p.G289E) was identified in the PRKAR1A gene. This mutation coincided with a mutation that had been found in a patient from another ethnic group. Our findings further suggest that the c.866G>A/p.G289E mutation in the PRKAR1A gene may be the cause of acrodysostosis with concomitant multiple hormone resistance. Moreover, it is the first report of acrodysostosis genetic analysis of Chinese origin.
Activity of Antifungal Organobismuth(III) Compounds Derived from Alkyl Aryl Ketones against S. cerevisiae: Comparison with a Heterocyclic Bismuth Scaffold Consisting of a Diphenyl Sulfone
Authors: Murafuji Toshihiro , Tomura Mai , Ishiguro Katsuya , Miyakawa Isamu
Published: July 2014

A series of hypervalent organobismuth(III) compounds derived from alkyl aryl ketones [XBi(5-R'C6H3-2-COR)(Ar)] was synthesized to investigate the effect of the compounds’ structural features on their antifungal activity against the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In contrast to bismuth heterocycles [XBi(5-RC6H3-2-SO2C6H4-1'-)] derived from diphenyl sulfones, a systematic quantitative structure-activity relationship study was possible. The activity depended on the Ar group and increased for heavier X atoms, whereas lengthening the alkyl chain (R) or introducing a substituent (R') reduced the activity. IBi(C6H4-2-COCH3)(4-FC6H4) was the most active. Its activity was superior to that of the related acyclic analogues ClBi[C6H4-2-CH2N(CH3)2](Ar) and ClBi(C6H4-2-SO2 tert-Bu)(Ar) and also comparable to that of heterocyclic ClBi(C6H4-2-SO2C6H4-1'-), which was the most active compound in our previous studies. Density function theory calculations suggested that hypervalent bismuthanes undergo nucleophilic addition with a biomolecule at the bismuth atom to give an intermediate ate complex. For higher antifungal activity, adjusting the lipophilicity-hydrophilicity balance, modeling the three-dimensional molecular structure around the bismuth atom, and stabilizing the ate complex appear to be more important than tuning the Lewis acidity at the bismuth atom.
Thermal Tracking of Sports Players
Authors: Gade Rikke , Moeslund Thomas
Published: July 2014

We present here a real-time tracking algorithm for thermal video from a sports game. Robust detection of people includes routines for handling occlusions and noise before tracking each detected person with a Kalman filter. This online tracking algorithm is compared with a state-of-the-art offline multi-target tracking algorithm. Experiments are performed on a manually annotated 2-minutes video sequence of a real soccer game. The Kalman filter shows a very promising result on this rather challenging sequence with a tracking accuracy above 70% and is superior compared with the offline tracking approach. Furthermore, the combined detection and tracking algorithm runs in real time at 33 fps, even with large image sizes of 1920 × 480 pixels.
Las historias de la literatura y la canonización de autores y obras en el sistema educativo español
Authors: Núñez Gabriel
Published: July 2014

En este trabajo estudiamos algunos de los más señalados manuales de Historia de la literatura desde 1845 en que se publica el primero de ellos, hasta 1968 en que entra en crisis el modelo lector inventado por el positivismo historicista. También elaboramos un breve relato sobre la canonización de autores y obras, así como sobre la función, los logros, los componentes, las lagunas y las censuras del imaginario cultural ideado por la burguesía española para educar, estética y moralmente, a los estudiantes universitarios y a los de los institutos de secundaria de la España contemporánea.
Consideraciones sobre la poética de Claudio Rodríguez
Authors: Muro Miguel Ángel
Published: July 2014

El propósito de este artículo es estudiar la poética de Claudio Rodríguez, deslindando sus componentes y tratando de clarificarlos y presentarlos en su conjunto. El autor dejó escritas algunas páginas sobre su concepción de la poesía que animan a la reflexión y, en algunos casos, a la interpretación. Así sucede con su concepción de la poesía como un don y una ebriedad, como alianza y condena o como celebración (que dan título a sus poemarios), o con nociones como las de «participación», «contemplación viva», «expresión viva» o «ritmo personal», que configuran su forma de entender el proceso poético.
First glacier‐vibroseismic experiment ‐ results from cold firn of Colle Gnifetti
Authors: Polom Ulrich , Hofstede Coen , Diez Anja , Eisen Olaf
Published: July 2014

In the summer of 2010, a small shallow reflection seismic experiment was carried out on the firn covered cold glacier of Colle Gnifetti, Monte Rosa group, Swiss/Italian Alps. At this site, the physical properties of ice are comparable to polar conditions, which is why this site is often used for methodological tests. The experiment at 4500 m elevation was designed to explore the scope of shallow vibroseis for seismic targets within and below the glacier. A small ELVIS vibrator system was used to generate shear waves and compression waves for SH‐ and P‐wave receiver setups of two profiles. The resulting sections clearly show a boundary from ice to rock around 60 m and deeper structures below the glacier. The deepest features are estimated to be 150 m for the SH‐waves and 220 m for the P‐waves. Reflections could be detected also within the ice overburden, which are preliminarily interpreted as a change of density in the upper 30 m and possibly crystal orientation fabric in the ice column. Furthermore, elastic parameters could be derived from seismic velocities, due to clear basement reflections. The results of this unique experiment enable new insights into the internal structure of ice masses and open a promising new investigation method for sub‐ice structures and properties, such as basal sediments.
Heteroepitaxial Growth of Ge-Rich SiGe Films on Si for Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Jin , Tao Ke , Li Guo Feng
Published: July 2014

Germanium-rich silicon-germanium (Si1-xGex: 0.98≤x≤1) films were epitaxially grown on Si (001) substrate by reactive thermal chemical vapor deposition at low temperature. Si2H6 and GeF4 were used as source gases. The effect of gas flow ratio between Si2H6 and GeF4 was studied to optimize the film quality. The results indicated that Si1-xGex (x≥0.99) epilayer can be prepared directly on Si wafer at 350°C with a threading dislocation density of ~7×105/cm2 and surface RMS roughness of 1.0 nm. Hall-effect and conductivity measurements revealed that the epilayer was p-type conduction with the hall mobility of 767 cm2/Vs and the hole concentration of 6.08×1016/cm3. Those results indicated the Ge-rich Si1-xGex was an excellent candidate for bottom cells of multijunction solar cells.
Research on Architecture Materials in the Lu Garden of the Northern Wei Dynasty
Authors: Xue Zhe Yi , Gao Jing
Published: July 2014

Located in Shanxi, Datong Province, the Lu Garden is the earliest Royal Garden of grassland type for the purpose of hunting. From beginning to end with the Northern Wei Dynasty, the Lu Garden has been developing for more than 100 years and currently it is damaged after being through so many sufferings. In this paper, on the basis of investigating literatures of the Lu Garden massively, the start and the end, as well as the function of the Lu Garden are introduced. In addition, the historical status of the Lu Garden and its architecture materials are concluded.
Analysis of the Environmental Degradation and Ecological Water Requirement Process of the Typical Wetlands in Northeast China
Authors: Xie Pin Lei , Chen Yu Lin , Chang Shu Cheng , Li Jia Cong , Zhou Jia Long , Duan Hai Yan , Wang Xian En , Wang Yu
Published: July 2014

With the aggravation of water resources scarcity in northeast China at present, the area of the wetlands in the watershed has gradually decreased, and the ecotope is getting worse. In this article we take Xianghai wetland and Zhalong wetland as an example to study the process of ecological water requirement, so as to provide the basis for water environment protection. The results show that the suitable ecological water requirement of Xianghai wetland is 191.19 million m3, and the minimum ecological water requirement of Xianghai wetland is 74.32 million m3. While the suitable ecological water requirement of Zhalong wetland is 559.63 million m3, and the minimum is 217.39 million m3. The wetlands in northeast has four ecological water requirement characteristics, which includes that the northeast wetland ecological water requirement process assumes an M type; May is the month having the highest ecological water requirement of the wetland; the wetlands’ ecological water requirement shows a sharp decline in July; and the wetlands ecological water requirement becomes less in winter. The wetlands should choose a right time to make an ecological water supplement for the wetland, in order to alleviate the water shortage condition, and maintain the wetlands’ structure and function to play them normal roles.
Motor Measure and Control Software Design Based on LabVIEW
Authors: Yan Wei , Yao Wei
Published: July 2014

Motor plays an important role in industrial areas. It is necessary to get the motor parameters and performance indicators by a series of experiments before they are used. For motor test hardware platform, a software based on LabVIEW is designed. It has an easy-operating interface and makes an experiment easy and automatic. Experimental results show that the software has good practicality.
Nonlinear Feedforward-Feedback Control of an Electric Clutch Actuator
Authors: Li Xin , Zhou Hui , Li Hao , Li Xue Song
Published: July 2014

For a novel electric clutch actuator, a nonlinear feedforward-feedback control scheme is proposed to improve the performance of the position tracking control. The feedforward control is designed based on flatness in consideration of the system nonlinearities, and the linear feedback control is given to accommodate the model errors and the disturbances. Lookup tables, which are used to represent nonlinear characteristics of the actuator systems, such as friction force, appear in their original form in the designed feedforward controller. The designed controller is evaluated through simulations and experimental tests, which show that the proposed controller satisfied the control requirement. Comparison with PID control is given as well.
Research on Applied-Technology for Capacity with Variable Parameter Iteration Method
Authors: Gu Yu Feng , Li Peng Ju , Ya Ya Nan
Published: July 2014

Two-dimensional NMR spectrum can give reliable conclusion when it is used to identify and evaluate the testing fluid, and two-dimensional NMR inversion method is the key to get the spectrum Aiming at the deficiency of inversed results’ accuracy and computing speed in TSVD method, the variable parameter iteration method is proposed which include the singular value packet processing algorithm that mainly used to lay the foundation for the reliability of the results, and the variable parameter iteration algorithm that mainly used to speed up the iteration computing. In numerical simulation test, the variable parameter iteration method can restore the constructional diffusion-relaxation spectrum accurately and quickly compared with TSVD method. In oil-water experimental test, the spectrum inversed from variable parameter iteration method can identify the types of testing fluid correctly, and the relative error of oil saturation is 0.6% or 1.9% when oil water ratio is 3 to 1 or 1 to 2, the error are small that indicates the accuracy of the results got from the method is high. Variable parameter iteration method can process the real two-dimensional NMR data rapidly and efficiently, and the quality of the inversed diffusion-relaxation spectrum is high, which shows that the method has practical capacity and has the role of guiding the research of new inversion methods.
Fundamental Framework of Supporting M-Learning in RFID System
Authors: Lin Chia Chia , Chuang Huan Ming
Published: July 2014

Existing E-Learning courses are designed to guide users acquire information or to help users undertake specific tasks. User is expected to increase proficiency about the context via the stationary computer. However, such design cannot allow multiple users to access the system simultaneously, thus leading inefficiency and lack of expandability. A framework to support M-learning in RFID system is therefore proposed. A mobile user first can use a mobile computer to communicate with home agent to acquire the related server information he may be interested in. The framework can navigate mobile agents to the mobile computer when the tag is detected within the coverage of the reader. The framework enables a mobile user to directly access his/her personalized services from the mobile computer. The experimental simulation demonstrates its efficiency.
Studies on Theory with Experiments of Materials Testing Technology Based on Teaching
Authors: Xiang Dong , Wang Zhi Gang , Liu Ke Gao
Published: July 2014

Materials testing technology is the summary of the experience in the long-term practice of material testing process. However, it is so serious that the theoretical teaching is divorced from experimental teaching. In order to improve the teaching quality, the reason of the problem are analyzed, and the following solutions are proposed, such as refining and reforming the contents of theory teaching, focusing on its application in practice and experiment, timely updating knowledge of testing software applications, employing modern technical means for assist theory teaching, attaching great importance to experiment teaching, and arising the students' learning interests through the use of comprehensive experiments week, and so on.
The Application of Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process Method and Artificial Neural Network Model in the Elevator Risk Assessment
Authors: Li Xin Shi , Xu You Cai , Tao Ran , Guo Shu , Li Kun , Gou Min
Published: July 2014

The tradition elevator risk assessment model depends on the expert experience, which causes that the assessment process takes a long time. To deal with this problem, this paper proposes a new risk assessment model which is based on fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (F-AHP) and artificial neural network (ANN). This model is applied to the risk-assessment of elevators. The results show that the assessment time is shorter and the accuracy is not lower, in comparison with the traditional model.
TLR4 Activation Enhances the PD-L1–Mediated Tolerogenic Capacity of Colonic CD90+ Stromal Cells
Authors: Beswick Ellen J. , Johnson Jameel R. , Saada Jamal I. , Humen Martin , House Jenifer , Dann Sara , Qiu Suimin , Brasier Allan R. , Powell Don W. , Reyes Victor E. , Pinchuk Irina V.
Published: July 2014

Signaling via programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) and PD-L2 is crucial for maintaining peripheral tolerance. CD90+ myofibroblasts/fibroblasts (CMFs) are major programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) ligand–expressing cells in normal human colonic mucosa. CMFs suppress activated CD4+ T cell proliferation via PD-1 ligands. It is not known whether signaling through TLRs contribute to the regulation PD-1 ligands on CMFs upon colonic mucosal tolerance. In this study, we demonstrated that stimulation of TLR4 on human CMFs upregulates PD-L1, but not PD-L2, and reinforces CMF-mediated suppression of CD4+ T cell proliferation and IFN-γ production. TLR4-mediated upregulation of PD-L1 on CMFs involved NF-κB pathways and was JAK2 and MyD88 dependent. MyD88-dependent stimulation of TLR1/2 and TLR5 also upregulated PD-L1 expression on CMFs in culture. PD-L1 expression was drastically decreased in vivo in the colonic mucosa of mice devoid of MyD88. Induction of MyD88 deficiency in CMFs in fibroblast-specific MyD88 conditional knockout mice resulted in a strong increase in a mucosal IFN-γ expression concomitantly with the abrogation of PD-L1 expression in CMFs under homeostasis and epithelial injury induced by dextran sodium sulfate. Together, these data suggest that MyD88-dependent TLR stimulation of CMFs in the normal colonic mucosa may reinforce these cells’ anti-inflammatory capacity and thus contribute to the maintenance of mucosal tolerance.