bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound-guided Endovascular Treatment for Vascular Access Malfunction: Results in 4896 Cases
Authors: Wakabayashi Masanori , Hanada Sayaka , Nakano Hiroyuki , Wakabayashi Tsunemichi
Published: January 2013

Purpose

For the protracted maintenance of vascular access, countermeasures against stenosis are important. Between March 2004 and October 2011 superficial ultrasound-guided percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) was performed in our hospital for arteriovenous fistula malfunction in 4869 cases in 1011 patients, and the utility of the treatment was assessed on the basis of early results. In cases where vascular intervention was deemed necessary, the procedure was conducted under ultrasound guidance as first option, with fluoroscopy and radiography used additionally as necessary.

Methods

The ultrasound apparatus used was primarily the 11 MHz linear-type probe (GE-Yokogawa Logiq S6). For subclavian and brachiocephalic veins, the microconvex-type probe was used to visualize the lesion through the intercostal space. In obstruction cases, ultrasound-guided PTA was performed after superficial ultrasound-guided aspiration or thrombus removal.

Results

In stenosis cases, early success (technical and clinical) was obtained in 4288 of 4414 cases (97.1%). In obstruction cases, early success was obtained in 443 cases and 91.9% for obstruction cases. Assistance by intra-operative fluoroscopy or radiography was required in 55 cases, and surgical reconstruction was required in 42 cases. Serious complications occurred in 12 of 4869 cases (0.2%).

Conclusions

Ultrasound-guided PTA for arteriovenous fistula malfunction could be used as a substitute for fluoroscopy-guided PTA, and enables the use of safe and rapid intervention techniques.
Level of satisfaction in patients/attendants admitted with traumatic brain injury at an advanced ER/Casualty in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital
Authors: Prasad M Veera , Kumar S Satish , Agrawal Amit , Mohan D Rama
Published: January 2013

Background: The objective of the present study was to develop an instrument that could be helpful to measure the level of satisfaction with hospital services in cases of traumatic brain injuries. Methods: The present pilot study was a prospective analysis of traumatic brain injury patients. The study was approved by the institutional ethical committee. The data was collected regarding demographics, clinical presentation, management offered, complications and survival. Patient satisfaction was measured by a validated questionnaire with six domains: information, human care, comfort, visiting, intimacy, and cleanliness. The data was collected in self-administered questionnaire to measure attendants’ desires and expectations for a broad spectrum of frequently used services in a hospital. Attendants indicated their level of satisfaction by selecting responses ranging from poor=1, fair=2, good=3, very good=4 and excellent=5. Each domain was scored from excellent to poor, with higher scores indicating higher levels of patient satisfaction. Results: During the pilot study period, data for a total 86 patients was collected. The mean age was 36.81 years (Age range 6-73 years, median-35.5 years). Mean hospital stay was 9.25 days (range 2-35 days, median 6.9 days). In present study almost all the patients were brought by close relatives. Most of the patients belonged to the low socio-economic status (coolie 33/86, farmers’ 17/86). Sixty six patients made good recovery, 14 had moderate disability and 6 patients had severe disability at the time of discharge. The overall satisfaction level was classified into excellent, very good, good, average and poor. Details of the level of satisfaction and most of the time it was excellent to very good and good level of satisfaction. There were no averages or poor response. Conclusions: We believe the scores obtained from the questionnaire from present pilot study can serve as baseline against which to compare the results from future surveys.
Reflexões de uma equipe de residentes multiprofissionais em saúde da família sobre o processo de reativação de um Conselho Local de Saúde
Authors: Guilherme Flavia , Callegari Daniela , Carvalho Brígida Gimenez , Iglecias Viviane Aparecida , Santos Eliezer Rodrigues dos , Campreguer Elaine dos Santos
Published: January 2013

Os conselhos de saúde são espaços de participação da sociedade civil organizada na gestão da política pública do setor, garantidos pela Lei Orgânica da Saúde. Este relato de experiência objetiva refletir sobre a trajetória percorrida por uma equipe de residentes multiprofissionais em saúde da família, para contribuir no resgate da participação popular em um Conselho Local de Saúde, destacando as potencialidades e as fragilidades desse processo. Foram identificadas como potencialidades: a construção de vínculos entre os profissionais e os usuários; o desenvolvimento de ações coletivas; o apoio da gestão local e a formação dos profissionais para que estes incentivem e legitimem a participação popular nos serviços de saúde. Dentre as fragilidades, o pouco envolvimento dos profissionais e usuários nos movimentos sociais, e o descrédito dos mesmos quanto à efetividade da participação popular. Considerando o CLS como um espaço legítimo e necessário e por reconhecer a importância da participação da população para a efetivação das políticas públicas de saúde, é que os residentes retratam no texto as principais conquistas e limitações enfrentadas na reativação do Conselho Local de Saúde.
Hiperplasia Prostática Benigna e PSA: o efeito dominó
Authors: Santos José Agostinho
Published: January 2013

Após a publicação de uma recomendação contra o rastreio câncer prostático pela U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a comunidade médica não poderá desvincular-se das particularidades relacionadas com o antígeno prostático específico (PSA). O enfoque dado às guidelines da Hiperplasia Prostática surge pela possível partilha, a determinado ponto da sua abordagem, de um trilho que cursa também com a solicitação do PSA. Os resultados de dois grandes ensaios clínicos constituem o maior corpo da evidência actual e deles sobressai que o número de homens que evitaram a morte por câncer prostático após submetidos ao rastreio foi reduzido. Há evidência de que 100-200 em 1000 homens rastreados terão um falso-positivo, a maioria dos quais será biopsada, com possíveis danos psicológicos e orgânicos. O Médico de Família deverá relembrar que não é recomendado que se ofereça esta análise, sem que primeiro discuta, juntamente com o paciente, as questões inerentes ao PSA.
Le haut représentant pour la pesc et les relations ue-onu : une extension du domaine de la lutte ?
Authors: Davidshofer Stephan
Published: January 2013

Cette contribution aborde la question de l’émergence de capacités militaires européennes, comprises comme un outil au sein d’un continuum de sécurité fourni par l’ue, en tant que produit de l’extension des luttes bureaucratiques strictement bruxelloises à d’autres arènes. En s’inspirant de travaux d’inspiration sociologique sur la construction européenne et les relations internationales, elle se penche sur le cas de l’approfondissement de la coopération entre l’ue et l’onu dans le domaine de la gestion de crise comme une condition fondamentale de la construction de la psdc. L’argument s’articule autour de la double logique d’internationalisation et d’autonomisation et du rôle joué par l’ancien haut représentant pour la politique étrangère et de sécurité commune Javier Solana et ses proches collaborateurs.
Le marché européen de défense : un nouvel espace de luttes
Authors: Lavallée Chantal
Published: January 2013

L’adoption du « paquet défense », y compris la défense dans le marché intérieur de l’ue, soulève la question du rôle de la Commission dans ce domaine névralgique. Cet article, en combinant une approche holiste de la sécurité avec la notion de champ, met en lumière la contribution de la Commission et ses relations avec les autres acteurs dans la mise en place du marché européen de défense. En analysant les pratiques et leurs effets structurants, cet article démontre que ce marché n’est pas le résultat d’une convergence des politiques nationales, mais un espace de luttes de pouvoir et de stratégies entre plusieurs acteurs, étatiques et non étatiques, pour mieux se positionner au sein du champ européen de la sécurité et de la défense.
De quoi la politique de sécurité et de défense commune est-elle l’expression ?
Authors: Balzacq Thierry
Published: January 2013

À contre-courant des récits les plus influents, les contributions rassemblées dans ce numéro d’Études internationales débouchent, à titre principal, sur un enseignement : les pratiques rendues possibles par lapsdcsecrètent les prémices d’une culture stratégique. L’objet de cette conclusion est de mettre en exergue et, simultanément, de discuter les différents arguments qui sous-tendent ce résultat. Tout en restant attentif à la singularité des préoccupations des articles passés au crible, ce texte fait l’hypothèse que l’évolution de lapsdcexprime – en même temps qu’elle en dépend – trois éléments qui permettent aux textes précédents de s’emboîter : d’abord, la manière dont l’Union européenne fabrique ses politiques dans les domaines de la défense et de la sécurité ; ensuite, les processus qu’elle isole ; enfin, les mécanismes d’exercice de la puissance qu’elle privilégie.
CONSUMER ATTITUDES IN MARKET SEGMENTATION
Authors: Gutić Dragutin , Petrić Tomislav
Published: January 2013

It is known, as well as accepted in marketing, that consumer attitudes are a variable which is used in behavioral approach to market segmentation. Former experience and published literature is almost completely based on the direction of attitudes and market segments are defined and differentiated among positive and negative consumer attitudes.Attitudes, as complex and very comlicated mental categories, always give much more possibilities than its direction. They can successfully be applied in market segmentation. In this work the authors tried to analyze and point to more metrical aspects of market segmentation on the basis of attitudes through direction, stability, intensity and change of attitude direction and intensity. Since attitudes are almost always and very often an important factor in consumer behaviour function, the authors tried to present market segmentation models also on the basis of relationship between attitudes and behaviour.
MOGUĆNOST RAZVOJA OMLADINSKOG PREDUZETNIŠTVA U REPUBLICI SRPSKOJ
Authors: Novaković Vesna
Published: January 2013

Ovaj rad istražuje mogućnosti razvoja omladinskog preduzetništva u Republici Srpskoj. Analizirajući stopu nezaposlenosti mladih ljudi, kao i rad i djelovanje svih zainteresovanih institucija na polju omladinskog preduzetništva, došlo se do zaključka da je moguć razvoj omladinskog preduzetništva formiranjem Privredne komore mladih. Ista bi bila formirana pri Privrednoj komori koja posluje na entitetskom nivou čime bi bila obezbjeđena teritorijalna zastupljenost i omogućeno svim mladim ljudima, sa cjelokupne teritorije Republike Srpske, da se uključe i da aktivno učestvuju u razvoju omladinskog preduzetništva u Republici Srpskoj.
EKONOMSKI EFEKTI I PRAVNI ASPEKTI ELEKTRONSKOG NOVCA I ELEKTRONSKOG PLAĆANJA
Authors: Raičević Vuk , Matijašević Jelena , Ignjatijević Svetlana
Published: January 2013

Elektronski novac i elektronsko bankarstvo je rezultat široke primene informaciono-komunikacione tehnologije (ICT). Razvoj informacione i komunikacione tehnologije, mnoštvo tehničkih i finansijskih inovacija intenzivira konkurenciju, utiče na unapređenje poslovnih procesa u bankama, između banaka i u odnosu sa klijentima. Predmet istraživanja u radu je analiza karakteristika, faktora razvoja i ekonomskih efekata elektronskog novca i elektronskog bankarstva, sa ciljem da ukažemo na moguće ekonomske posledice i neophodnost inoviranja i upotpunjavanja zakonske regulative u ovoj oblasti. U radu smo pošli od hipoteze da je elektronski novac i elektronsko bankarstvo, kao vid tržišnog komuniciranja, neophodno, da pozitivno utiče na brzinu i efikasnost poslovanja i da uspešnost zavisi od efikasne zaštite finansijske privatnosti korisnika.
KOMPARATIVNA ANALIZA SPOLJNOG DUGA U ZEMLJAMA ZAPADNOG BALKANA
Authors: Ćosović Mehdija , Murić Mehmed , Gudžević Faruk
Published: January 2013

Zemlje Zapadnog Balkana, čije se povećanje zaduženosti javlja kao normalna pojava njihovog višegodišnjeg privrednog razvoja, nalaze se u realnoj opasnosti od nastanka dužničke krize. Dosadašnja politika zaduživanja se nastavlja sa sve većim ulaganjem u neproizvodnu potrošnju, što zahteva ponovno zaduživanje. Pokazivanje trenda zaduženosti, analiza i komparacija spoljnog duga ovih zemalja pokazuje relevantne smernice u izboru adekvatne ekonomske politike čime bi se podigla konkurentnost ovog dela Balkana. Takođe će se komparativnom analizom stanja zaduženosti posebno oceniti stanje zaduženosti Srbije, struktura i kretanje spoljnog duga prema međunarodnim finansijskim institucijama. U radu će se komparacija sprovesti pomoću standardnih pokazatelja zaduženosti međunarodnih finansijskih institucija.
Myosin motors fragment and compact membrane-bound actin filaments
Authors: Vogel Sven K , Petrasek Zdenek , Heinemann Fabian , Schwille Petra
Published: January 2013

Cell cortex remodeling during cell division is a result of myofilament-driven contractility of the cortical membrane-bound actin meshwork. Little is known about the interaction between individual myofilaments and membrane-bound actin filaments. Here we reconstituted a minimal actin cortex to directly visualize the action of individual myofilaments on membrane-bound actin filaments using TIRF microscopy. We show that synthetic myofilaments fragment and compact membrane-bound actin while processively moving along actin filaments. We propose a mechanism by which tension builds up between the ends of myofilaments, resulting in compressive stress exerted to single actin filaments, causing their buckling and breakage. Modeling of this mechanism revealed that sufficient force (∼20 pN) can be generated by single myofilaments to buckle and break actin filaments. This mechanism of filament fragmentation and compaction may contribute to actin turnover and cortex reorganization during cytokinesis.
Dual functions of TAF7L in adipocyte differentiation
Authors: Zhou Haiying , Kaplan Tommy , Li Yan , Grubisic Ivan , Zhang Zhengjian , Wang P Jeremy , Eisen Michael B , Tjian Robert
Published: January 2013

The diverse transcriptional mechanisms governing cellular differentiation and development of mammalian tissue remains poorly understood. Here we report that TAF7L, a paralogue of TFIID subunit TAF7, is enriched in adipocytes and white fat tissue (WAT) in mouse. Depletion of TAF7L reduced adipocyte-specific gene expression, compromised adipocyte differentiation, and WAT development as well. Ectopic expression of TAF7L in myoblasts reprograms these muscle precursors into adipocytes upon induction. Genome-wide mRNA-seq expression profiling and ChIP-seq binding studies confirmed that TAF7L is required for activating adipocyte-specific genes via a dual mechanism wherein it interacts with PPARγ at enhancers and TBP/Pol II at core promoters. In vitro binding studies confirmed that TAF7L forms complexes with both TBP and PPARγ. These findings suggest that TAF7L plays an integral role in adipocyte gene expression by targeting enhancers as a cofactor for PPARγ and promoters as a component of the core transcriptional machinery.
A guide to IL and SL in Spanish: Properties, problems and proposals
Authors: Fábregas Antonio
Published: January 2013

Abstract. This article provides with a state of the art of how the Individual Level / Stage Level distinction –and the related but distinct issue of the distribution of ser / estar– is instantiated in Spanish. We argue that the IL / SL distinction can be understood in two different ways: as a contrast between properties predicated of an individual or of a stage of that individual, and as a contrast between temporally persistent properties and temporary ones. The paper ends with a specific proposal about how to capture the distinction inside a structural system.
 
La expresión verbal de futuro en un serial colombiano
Authors: García Alba
Published: January 2013

La lengua española posee una rica variedad dialectal y en este trabajo se va a poner la atención en la modalidad del español de América. Para ello se ofrecen los resultados de una investigación  sobre el lenguaje utilizado en una telenovela colombiana. El lenguaje oral constuye, sin duda, una importante fuente documental para este tipo de análisis descriptivos, ya que las fuentes escritas a menudo tienden a presentar un mayor proceso de neutralización lingüística. Por eso,  se ha utilizado las transcripciones orales realizadas sobre dicha telenovela para conocer más acerca de esta modalidad lingüística del español, así como sobre la sociedad en la que se inspira. El principal objetivo de esta investigación es describir los usos lingüísticos de los hablantes a la hora de expresar contenidos de futuro. Finalmente, resulta interesante comparar los resultados obtenidos con la expresión del futuro en el español peninsular, para poder observar las similitudes y diferencias entre ambas modalidades de la lengua castellana. 
Putting order into literal and figurative uses of verbs: "Romper" as a case study
Authors: Spalek Alexandra
Published: January 2013

This paper argues in favor of the hypothesis that the so-called ﬁgurative and literal 

meanings of verbs share a common core meaning that constitutes the semantic base of verbs across contexts. I argue for an underspeciﬁcation model of the lexicon and take the Spanish change of state verb romper ‘break’ as a case study. It is shown that the meaning variation of romper-VPs is correlated with the semantics of the theme in two ways: 1) whether and how exactly the theme is affected by the change and 2) whether the theme has a simple or a complex mereological structure. I thus analyze romper in terms of a simple scalar change, for which the exact dimension of change depends on the properties of the theme argument. The study is taken as precursor for the analysis of lexical entailments of change of state verbs in composition and aims at showing that what has often been denominated metaphoric extensions or non-regular polysemy can be analyzed alike through an underspeciﬁcation approach. The present paper represents a view of lexicon that goes against a trivial and static conception of lexical meaning.
A Successful Model for Laparoscopic Training in Mongolia
Authors: Vargas Gabriela , Price Raymond R. , Sergelen Orgoi , Lkhagvabayar Byadran , Batcholuun Pandaan , Enkhamagalan Tsiiregzen
Published: January 2013

The benefits of laparoscopic surgery have not been available to the majority of Mongolians. Mongolian surgical leaders requested assistance in expanding laparoscopy. A capacity-building approach for teaching laparoscopic cholecystectomy throughout Mongolia is reviewed. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy training program was developed. The program included a didactic course and an intensive 2-week practical operating experience. Courses were taught in Ulaanbataar and at 3 of the 4 regional diagnostic referral and treatment centers from 2006 to 2010. During this training period, a total of 303 teaching laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed. There was one common bile duct injury and one duodenal injury. The conversion rate was 2.0%. This program has been successful in creating a self-sustaining practice of training. The traditional surgical approach to gallbladder disease in Mongolia has been challenged and has, in turn, been a stimulus for improvement in the medical community.
Pulmonary Metastasis From Breast Cancer With an 18-Year Disease-Free Interval: Implication of the Role of Surgery
Authors: Fujii Takaaki , Yajima Reina , Yamaki Ei , Kohsaka Takayuki , Yamaguchi Satoru , Tsutsumi Soichi , Mogi Akira , Asao Takayuki , Kuwano Hiroyuki
Published: January 2013

The appearance of pulmonary metastasis more than 15 years after primary treatment for breast cancer is rare. We herein report the case of a breast cancer patient with solitary pulmonary metastasis, after an 18-year disease-free period, treated with resection. A 66-year-old Japanese woman was found to exhibit an abnormal shadow on a chest X-ray. She had undergone a left mastectomy for breast cancer 18 years previously. The nodule was suspected to be either metastatic or primary lung cancer, and thus thoracoscopic surgery was performed. The histologic diagnosis was metastasis from breast cancer. Pulmonary resection in breast cancer recurrence is an important diagnostic tool that allows for a differential diagnosis with primary lung cancer. The clinical implication of surgery for a solitary pulmonary metastasis from breast cancer is discussed in this report.
Minimally Invasive Treatment of Pilonidal Disease: Crystallized Phenol and Laser Depilation
Authors: Girgin Mustafa , Kanat Burhan Hakan , Ayten Refik , Cetinkaya Ziya , Kanat Zekiye , Bozdağ Ahmet , Turkoglu Ahmet , Ilhan Yavuz Selim
Published: January 2013

Pilonidal disease has been treated surgically and by various other methods for many years. The most important problem associated with such treatment is recurrence, but cosmetic outcome is another important issue that cannot be ignored. Today, crystallized phenol is recognized as a treatment option associated with good medical and cosmetic outcomes. We hypothesized that the addition of laser depilation to crystallized phenol treatment of pilonidal disease might increase the rate of success, and this study aimed to determine if the hypothesis was true. Patients who were treated with crystallized phenol and 755-nm alexandrite laser depilation were retrospectively analyzed. In total, 42 (31 male and 11 female) patients were treated with crystallized phenol and alexandrite laser depilation and were followed up between January 2009 and January 2012. In all, 38 patients (90.5%) had chronic disease and 4 (9.5%) had recurrent disease. Among the patients, 26 (61.9%) recovered following 1 crystallized phenol treatment, and the remaining patients had complete remission following repeated treatment. Some patients needed multiple treatments, even up to 8 times. None of the patients had a recurrence during a mean 24 months (range, 6–30 months) of follow-up. Whatever method of treatment is used for pilonidal disease, hair cleaning positively affects treatment outcome. The present results support the hypothesis that the addition of laser depilation (which provides more permanent and effective depilation than other methods) to crystallized phenol treatment (a non-radical, minimally invasive method associated with very good cosmetic results) can increase the effectiveness of the treatment and also reduce the recurrence rate of the disease.
Tranexamic Acid: A Potential Adjunct to Resectoscopic Endometrial Ablation
Authors: Ergun Bulent , Bastu Ercan , Ozsurmeli Mehmet , Celik Cem
Published: January 2013

Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a substantial cause of ill health in women worldwide. In this study, our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of endometrial ablation using a modified urologic resectoscope along with tranexamic acid in AUB. Sixty patients were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent resectoscopic surgery. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 (n = 30) received 500 mg of tranexamic acid. Group 2 (n = 30) served as the control group and underwent surgery without the administration of tranexamic acid. Total pictorial blood loss assessment chart (PBAC) scores were significantly lower postoperatively (152.14 ± 9.65 versus 6.6 ± 0.90; P < 0.001). When stratified by the administration of tranexamic acid, the number of patients with a postoperative day 1 PBAC score ≤15 was higher in the tranexamic group (19 versus 13), whereas the number of patients with a post operative day 1 PBAC score >15 was lower in the tranexamic group (11 versus 17), but the differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). AUB is a complex disease that may need repeated treatments. In expert hands, the treatment rate of resectoscopic surgery seems acceptable. However, some patients may require additional interventions, like repeated surgery, hysterectomy, or a drug therapy in the long run. Introduction of tranexamic acid as a potential adjunct to rollerball endometrial ablation may present an interesting option that requires additional well-designed studies before firm conclusions can be made.
Barium Appendicitis 1 Month After a Barium Meal
Authors: Urade Masaaki , Shinbo Toshihumi
Published: January 2013

Because barium sulfate (BaSO4) is not harmful to the mucosa, it is widely used for gastrointestinal imaging. Barium appendicitis is a very rare complication of barium meals and barium enema. We report a case of acute appendicitis associated with retained appendiceal barium. A 47-year-old man presented with right lower abdominal pain after upper gastrointestinal imaging was performed using barium 1 month earlier. The abdominal plain roentgenogram showed an area of retained barium in the right lower quadrant. Multiplanar reconstruction of computed tomography scans showed barium retention in the appendix. Emergency appendectomy was performed. A cross section of the specimen revealed the barium mass. Barium-associated appendicitis is a very rare clinical entity but we should be cautious of this uncommon disease when we encounter barium deposits in the appendix after barium examination. This report is significant because barium was identified both macroscopically and microscopically.
Discontinuation of Living Donor Liver Transplantation due to Donor's Intraoperative Latex-Induced Anaphylactic Shock
Authors: Shinoda Masahiro , Tanabe Minoru , Nagao Keisuke , Kitago Minoru , Fujisaki Hiroto , Odaira Masanori , Kawachi Shigeyuki , Itano Osamu , Obara Hideaki , Matsubara Kentaro , Shimojima Naoki , Fuchimoto Yasushi , Hoshino Ken , Amagai Masayuki , Kuroda Tatsuo , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: January 2013

We report on a 33-year-old female liver donor candidate who developed intraoperative latex-induced anaphylactic shock during surgery for living donor transplantation. She was the mother of the organ recipient, who was a 9-year-old boy with biliary atresia. We planned extended lateral segmentectomy for her. Although we dissected the ligament around the left lobe, the systolic blood pressure suddenly dropped and her body became flushed and warm. We administered transfusion and an ephedrine injection to recover the blood pressure. Because she recovered after the treatment, we restarted the procedure. However, she went into shock again within a few minutes. We decided to discontinue the operation. Postoperative blood tests revealed an increase in IgE-RAST and basophil activation, suggesting that the anaphylactic shock was induced by latex. Because latex allergy has become a public health problem, this allergy should be kept in mind as a potential donor operation risk.
Occupational diseases compensated in the Basque Country (Spain) from 1990 to 2008
Authors: García Gómez Montserrat , Urbaneja Arrúe Félix , Markowitz Steven , Castañeda López Rosario , Menduiña Patricia López
Published: January 2013

Objective

Spain, and some of its regions in particular, report higher rates of occupational diseases than many other countries in Europe. We describe the distribution and temporal trend of compensated occupational diseases among the working population of the Basque Country, a heavy industrialized Spanish region, from 1990 to 2008.

Methods

Employment data and occupational disease data were obtained from the Spanish Institute of Statistics and the Basque and Spanish Social Security Departments, respectively. Annual incidence of occupational diseases and temporal trends were computed.

Results

Occupational diseases (33,547) were reported among workers in the Basque Country between 1990 and 2008. The occupational disease incidence increased sixfold during the study period, mainly due to less severe cases. The most frequent occupational diseases were caused by physical agents (85%), principally musculoskeletal disorders. The occupational disease incidence in Basque Country was two to six times higher than in most other regions of Spain and Europe.

Conclusions

The rise in compensated occupational illnesses in the Basque Country is likely due to a mixture of better recognition of such illnesses and changes in laws, regulations, and administrative procedures. Chronic occupational diseases such as cancer and chronic respiratory diseases, however, remain under‐reported, and care for people with such illnesses represents an undue financial burden on the public health care system and on their families. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:326–334, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bacterial‐induced epithelial damage promotes fungal biofilm formation in a sheep model of sinusitis
Authors: Boase Sam , Jervis‐Bardy Joshua , Cleland Edward , Pant Harshita , Tan Lorwai , Wormald Peter‐John
Published: January 2013

Background

Fungal biofilms have been discovered in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients, but factors contributing to their establishment are obscure. A recent animal study showed bacterial co‐inoculation was required. We examine the role of 4 bacterial species and a cilia toxin on fungal biofilm formation in a sheep sinusitis model. The importance of epithelial integrity on fungal biofilm formation is also examined.

Methods

Forty‐eight frontal sinuses were inoculated with Aspergillus fumigatus alone, with 1 of 4 bacteria, or a cilia toxin. Bacterial and fungal biofilm was determined using confocal scanning laser microscopy. Inflammation and cilia integrity were assessed using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, respectively.

Results

No fungal biofilm formed when inoculated alone. Florid fungal biofilm developed in more than 75% of sinuses associated with bacterial biofilm of all species, except Haemophilus influenzae, which failed to establish bacterial biofilm. Fungal biofilm also established in association with cilia toxin. Significant cilial damage was incited by all bacterial biofilms and cilia toxin, and was associated with fungal proliferation. Fungal biofilm formation did not significantly increase mucosal inflammation or epithelial damage over that caused by the bacteria or cilia toxin alone.

Conclusion

Bacterial biofilms cause sinonasal mucosal inflammation and epithelial injury, which provides conditions appropriate for fungal biofilm proliferation. The role of cilia in sinonasal mucosal defense against fungal organisms has been demonstrated. Without such an insult, fungal biofilms fail to proliferate in occluded sinuses. Improving cilial recovery postoperatively and treating bacterial biofilms may be key factors in reducing recalcitrance in allergic fungal rhinosinusitis patients.
Characterization and CO2 sorption properties of poly[methacryloxypropylheptacyclopentyl‐T8‐silsesquioxane‐ co‐3‐methacryloxypropyltris(trimethylsiloxy)silane]
Authors: Kanehashi Shinji , Tomita Yuko , Kawakita Hiroshi , Sato Shuichi , Miyakoshi Tetsuo , Nagai Kazukiyo
Published: January 2013

Poly[methacryloxypropylheptacyclopentyl‐T8‐silsesquioxane (MAPOSS)‐co‐3‐methacryloxypropyltris(trimethylsiloxy)silane (SiMA)] was synthesized through free radical polymerization. The physical and carbon dioxide (CO2) sorption properties of the copolymer membranes were investigated in terms of the MAPOSS content. As the MAPOSS content increases, the membrane density increased, suggesting a decrease in the fractional free volume. In addition, the thermal stability was improved with increasing the MAPOSS content. These are because of the polyhedraloligomericilsesquioxane (POSS) units that restrict the high mobility of poly(SiMA) segments. The glass transition temperature, Tg of the copolymers was single Tg based on the differential scanning calorimetry, suggesting that the copolymers were random and not phase separation. Based on the CO2 sorption measurement, the POSS units play a role in reducing Henry's dissolution by suppressing the mobility of the poly(SiMA) component, while POSS units increase the nonequilibrium excess free volume, which contributes to the Langmuir dissolution. Based on these results, the introduction of MAPOSS unit is one of the effective ways to improved the thermal stability and CO2 sorption property due to the enhancement of the polymer rigidity. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Non‐destructive Testing for the Characterization of Moai Statues (Easter Island, Chile)
Authors: Orlando Luciana , Renzi Beatrice
Published: January 2013

Seismic tomography and ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) were combined to determine weakness zones and the degree of alteration in rock making up the Moai statues of Easter Island. The surveys were carried out on stratified argillaceous tuff that had been subjected to weathering for long periods. The argillaceous nature and unsaturated condition of the rock creates ambiguity in both the seismic and georadar data interpretation, but this ambiguity is removed by using a combined interpretation of the data. Interpretation of the combined data shows that the high seismic velocities of the inner zones of the statues must be related to water content and not to better rock quality, because of the high attenuation of the georadar signal in those zones. The weathered zone is characterized by a high signal‐to‐noise ratio of georadar data and low P‐wave seismic velocities. Comparing the seismic and GPR data sets, we found that the seismic velocity and the signal attenuation of the georadar section differ for two statues in accordance with the degree of alteration of the rock. We show that the combined interpretation of seismic and georadar data allows the removal of the ambiguities in the interpretation of the seismic velocity in the massive tuff, the definition of the thickness of the weathered layer and the linking of seismic velocity to the degree of Moai preservation, which is useful for a classification of Moai health. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A macro analysis of productivity differences across fields: Challenges in the measurement of scientific publishing
Authors: Piro Fredrik Niclas , Aksnes Dag W. , Rørstad Kristoffer
Published: January 2013

While many studies have compared research productivity across scientific fields, they have mostly focused on the “hard sciences,” in many cases due to limited publication data for the “softer” disciplines; these studies have also typically been based on a small sample of researchers. In this study we use complete publication data for all researchers employed at Norwegian universities over a 4‐year period, linked to biographic data for each researcher. Using this detailed and complete data set, we compare research productivity between five main scientific domains (and subfields within them), across academic positions, and in terms of age and gender. The study's key finding is that researchers from medicine, natural sciences, and technology are most productive when whole counts of publications are used, while researchers from the humanities and social sciences are most productive when article counts are fractionalized according to the total number of authors. The strong differences between these fields in publishing forms and patterns of coauthorship raise questions as to whether publication indicators can justifiably be used for comparison of productivity across scientific disciplines.
A multi‐objective approach to the parcel express service delivery problem
Authors: Čupić Aleksandar , Teodorović Dušan
Published: January 2013

Parcel express service in many countries assumes door‐to‐door delivery of parcels and small packages in the fastest possible way. Delivery companies usually organize hub delivery networks, as flows between hubs are characterized by the economy of scale effect. At hubs, parcels are exchanged across vans, trucks, and planes. To organize parcel delivery in a specific region, the parcel delivery company must make appropriate decisions about the total number of parcel delivery hubs, their locations, and the allocation of demand for facilities' services to facilities. These issues are modeled in this paper as a multi‐objective problem. The model developed is based on compromise programming and genetic algorithms. We also demonstrate in the paper an interactive manner in which a defined problem can be solved. The proposed model could be implemented in large‐scale networks. The paper also shows a case study of parcel delivery service in Serbia. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new interactive computer simulation system for violence risk assessment of mentally disordered violent offenders
Authors: Arborelius Lotta , Fors Uno , Svensson Anna‐Karin , Sygel Kristina , Kristiansson Marianne
Published: January 2013

Background

Assessment of risk of future violence has developed from reliance on static indicators towards a more dynamic approach. In the latter context, however, the offender is seldom confronted with real life situations.

Aims

The aim of this study is to evaluate a computer‐based system – Reactions on Display, which presents human interactions based on real‐life situations – for its effectiveness in distinguishing between potentially violent offenders with mental disorder and a healthy comparison group.

Methods

Male offenders with autism spectrum disorders or psychosis were recruited from specialist forensic psychiatric units in Sweden and healthy participants from the local communities. Each consenting participant was presented with film clips of a man in neutral and violent situations, which at critical moments stopped the story to ask him to predict the thoughts, feelings and actions of the actor.

Results

Offender patients, irrespective of diagnosis, detected fewer emotional reactions in the actor in the non‐violent sequence compared with controls. When asked to choose one of four violent actions, the offender patients chose more violent actions than did the controls. They also reported fewer physical reactions in the actors when actors were being violent. There were also some examples of incongruent or deviant responses by some individual patients.

Conclusions and implications for practice

The use of interactive computer simulation techniques is not only generally acceptable to offender patients, but it also helps to differentiate their current response style to particular circumstances from that of healthy controls in a way that does not rely on their verbal abilities and may tap more effectively into their emotional reactions than standard verbal questions and answer approaches. This may pave the way for Reactions on Display

providing a useful complement to traditional risk assessment, and

a training route with respect to learning more empathic responding, thus

having a role in aiding risk management.

Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
S‐Alkylation of Soft Scorpionates
Authors: Rajasekharan‐Nair Rajeev , Moore Dean , Chalmers Kirsten , Wallace Dawn , Diamond Louise M. , Darby Lisa , Armstrong David R. , Reglinski John , Spicer Mark D.
Published: January 2013

The alkylation reactions of soft scorpionates are reported. The hydrotris(S‐alkyl‐methimazolyl)borate dications (alkyl=methyl, allyl, benzyl), which were prepared by the reaction of TmMe anion and primary alkyl halides, have been isolated and structurally characterised. The reaction is, however, not universally successful. DFT analysis of these alkylation reactions (CS versus BH alkylation) indicates that the observed outcome is driven by kinetic factors. Extending the study to incorporate alternative imine thiones (mercaptobenzothiazole, bz; thiazoline, tz) led to the structural characterisation of di[aquo‐μ‐aquohydrotris(mercaptobenzothiazolyl)boratosodium], which contains sodium atoms in the κ3‐S,S,S coordination mode. Alkylation of Na[Tbz] and Na[tzTtz] leads to decomposition resulting in the formation of the simple S‐alkylated heterocycles. The analysis of the species involved in these reactions shows an inherent weakness in the BN bond in soft scorpionates, which has implications for their use in more advanced chemistry.
Molecular Daisy Chains: Synthesis and Aggregation Studies of an Amphiphilic Molecular Rod
Authors: Rotzler Jürgen , Drayss Sylvie , Hampe Oliver , Häussinger Daniel , Mayor Marcel
Published: January 2013

A water‐soluble cyclophane as the loop subunit, monofunctionalized with a molecular rod, has been synthesized to introduce a new binding motif for mechanically interlinked oligomers. It has been demonstrated that this hermaphroditic compound forms [c2]daisy chains in polar solvent over a wide range of concentrations. Furthermore, evidence for the formation of higher mechanically interlinked oligomers above the critical aggregation concentration has been obtained.
Theory of the Formation and Decomposition of N‐Heterocyclic Aminooxycarbenes through Metal‐Assisted [2+3]‐Dipolar Cycloaddition/Retro‐Cycloaddition
Authors: Novikov Alexander S. , Kuznetsov Maxim L. , Pombeiro Armando J. L.
Published: January 2013

The theoretical background of the formation of N‐heterocyclic oxadiazoline carbenes through a metal‐assisted [2+3]‐dipolar cycloaddition (CA) reaction of nitrones R1CHN(R2)O to isocyanides CNR and the decomposition of these carbenes to imines R1CHNR2and isocyanates OCNR is discussed. Furthermore, the reaction mechanisms and factors that govern these processes are analyzed in detail. In the absence of a metal, oxadiazoline carbenes should not be accessible due to the high activation energy of their formation and their low thermodynamic stability. The most efficient promotors that could assist the synthesis of these species should be “carbenophilic” metals that form a strong bond with the oxadiazoline heterocycle, but without significant involvement of π‐back donation, namely, AuI, AuIII, PtII, PtIV, ReV, and PdIImetal centers. These metals, on the one hand, significantly facilitate the coupling of nitrones with isocyanides and, on the other hand, stabilize the derived carbene heterocycles toward decomposition. The energy of the LUMOCNRand the charge on the N atom of the CN group are principal factors that control the cycloaddition of nitrones to isocyanides. The alkyl‐substituted nitrones and isocyanides are predicted to be more active in the CA reaction than the aryl‐substituted species, and theN,N,C‐alkyloxadiazolines are more stable toward decomposition relative to the aryl derivatives.
C5Li7+ and O2Li5+ as Noble‐Gas‐Trapping Agents
Authors: Pan Sudip , Contreras Maryel , Romero Jonathan , Reyes Andres , Chattaraj Pratim K. , Merino Gabriel
Published: January 2013

The noble‐gas‐trapping ability of the star‐shaped C5Li7+ cluster and O2Li5+ super‐alkali cluster is studied by using ab initio and density functional theory (DFT) at the MP2 and M05‐2X levels with 6‐311+G(d,p) and 6‐311+G(d) basis sets. These clusters are shown to be effective noble‐gas‐trapping agents. The stability of noble‐gas‐loaded clusters is analyzed in terms of dissociation energies, reaction enthalpies, and conceptual DFT‐based reactivity descriptors. The presence of an external electric field improves the dissociation energy.
A New Modular Phosphite‐Pyridine Ligand Library for Asymmetric Pd‐Catalyzed Allylic Substitution Reactions: A Study of the Key Pd‐π‐Allyl Intermediates
Authors: Mazuela Javier , Pàmies Oscar , Diéguez Montserrat
Published: January 2013

A library of phosphite‐pyridine ligands L1–L12 a–g has been successfully applied for the first time in the Pd‐catalyzed allylic substitution reactions of several di‐ and trisubstituted substrates by using a wide range of C, N and O nucleophiles, among which are the little studied α‐substituted malonates, β‐diketones, and alkyl alcohols. The highly modular nature of this ligand library enables the substituents/configuration at the ligand backbone, and the substituents/configurations at the biaryl phosphite moiety to be easily and systematically varied. We found that the introduction of an enantiopure biaryl phosphite moiety played an essential role in increasing the versatility of the Pd‐catalytic systems. Enantioselectivities were therefore high for several hindered and unhindered di‐ and trisubstituted substrates by using a wide range of C, N and O nucleophiles. Of particular note were the high enantioselectivities (up to>99 % ee) and high activities obtained for the trisubstituted substrates S6 and S7, which compare favorably with the best that have been reported in the literature. We have also extended the use of these new catalytic systems in alternative environmentally friendly solvents such as propylene carbonate and ionic liquids. Studies on the Pd‐π‐allyl intermediates provide a deeper understanding of the effect of ligand parameters on the origin of enantioselectivity.
Water‐Soluble and pH‐Responsive Polymeric Nanotubes from Cyclic Peptide Templates
Authors: Chapman Robert , Warr Gregory G. , Perrier Sébastien , Jolliffe Katrina A.
Published: January 2013

Water‐soluble organic nanotubes were prepared by convergently conjugating polymers of hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) and acrylic acid (AA) to self‐assembling cyclic octapeptides of alternating D and L chirality. The structure of the self‐assembled tubes was characterised in a number of polar solvents, and notably water, by using light scattering, TEM and small angle neutron scattering (SANS) techniques. In addition, the self‐assembly into tubes could be controlled by exploiting the pH responsiveness of acrylic acid polymers.
Synthesis and Thermoreversible Gelation Properties of Main‐Chain Poly(pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxamide‐triazole)s
Authors: Yim Sui‐Lung , Chow Hak‐Fun , Chan Man‐Chor , Che Chi‐Ming , Low Kam‐Hung
Published: January 2013

A series of main‐chain poly(amide‐triazole)s were prepared by copper(I)‐catalyzed alkyne–azide AABB‐type copolymerizatons between five structurally similar diacetylenes 1–5 with the same diazide 6. The acetylene units in monomers 1–5 possessed different degrees of conformational flexibility due to the different number of intramolecular hydrogen bonds built inside the monomer architecture. Our study showed that the conformational freedom of the monomer had a profound effect on the polymerization efficiency and the thermoreversible gelation properties of the resulting copolymers. Among all five diacetylene monomers, only the one, that is, 1‐Py(NH)2 which possesses the pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxamide unit with two built‐in intramolecular H bonds could produce the corresponding poly(amide‐triazole) Poly‐(PyNH)2 with a significantly higher degree of polymerization (DP) than other monomers with a lesser number of intramolecular H bonds. In addition, it was found that only this polymer exhibited excellent thermoreversible gelation ability in aromatic solvents. A self‐assembling model of the organogelating polymer Poly‐(PyNH)2 was proposed based on FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, and SEM analyses, in which H bonding, π–π aromatic stacking, hydrophobic interactions, and the structural rigidity of the polymer backbone were identified as the main driving forces for the polymer self‐assembly process.