bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluid pressure sensing with fiber-optic distributed acoustic sensing
Authors: Becker Matthew , Coleman Thomas , Ciervo Christopher , Cole Matthew , Mondanos Michael
Published: November 2017

Measurement of interwell hydraulic interference is a fundamental method of characterizing the permeability structure of geothermal, carbon sequestration, and petroleum reservoirs. A new system of pressure measurement is demonstrated that utilizes fiber-optic cable. In the laboratory, fiber-optic distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) was used to measure oscillating pressure signals employed at mHz frequencies. DAS measures oscillatory strain rate along the fiber-optic cable caused by oscillatory pressure changes. Pressure was measured in a water-filled reservoir subjected to an oscillating water level. Because the native measurement of the DAS system is strain rate, the quality of the measurement degrades with longer oscillation periods and smaller pressure changes. Tests showed a linear relationship between DAS strain and hydrostatic pressure for short oscillation periods (<10 s), but a poor relationship for longer periods (>100 s). The approach exhibits poor sensitivity to fluid pressure compared with piezoelectric transducers. However, because fiber-optic cable can withstand harsh environments and measurements are distributed (every 0.25 m along the fiber-optic cable), further refinement may make DAS useful for geofluid monitoring. This is especially true given that geomechanical, seismic, and temperature monitoring may be conducted along the same cable.
Seismic monitoring leveraging existing telecom infrastructure at the SDASA: Active, passive, and ambient-noise analysis
Authors: Martin Eileen R. , Castillo Chris M. , Cole Steve , Sawasdee Paphop Stock , Yuan Siyuan , Clapp Robert , Karrenbach Martin , Biondi Biondo L.
Published: November 2017

We analyze active and passive seismic data recorded by the Stanford distributed acoustic sensing array (SDASA) located in conduits under the Stanford University campus. For the active data we used low-energy sources (betsy gun and sledge hammer) and recorded data using both the DAS array and 98 three-component nodes deployed along a 2D line. The joint analysis of shot profiles extracted from the two data sets shows that some surface waves and refracted events are consistently recorded by the DAS array. In areas where geophone coupling was suboptimal because of surface obstructions, DAS recordings are more coherent. In contrast, surface waves are more reliably recorded by the geophones than the DAS array. Because of the noisy environment and weak sources, neither data set shows clear reflections. We demonstrate the repeatability of DAS recordings of local earthquakes by comparing two weak events (magnitude 0.95 and 1.34) with epicenters 100 m apart that occurred only one minute from each other. Analyzing another local, and slightly stronger, earthquake (magnitude 2.0) we show how the kinematics of both the P-arrival and S-arrival can be measured from the DAS data. Interferometric analysis of passive data shows that reliable virtual-source responses can be extracted from the DAS data. We observe Rayleigh waves when correlating aligned receivers, and Love waves when correlating receivers belonging to segments of the array parallel to each other. Dispersion analysis of the virtual sources shows the expected decrease in surface-wave velocity with increasing frequency.
Neuromodulatory Burst Therapy for Agent Orange–Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Case Report
Authors: Rasekhi Roxanna , Babb Danielle , Price Chane
Published: November 2017

The prevalence of neuromuscular diseases and peripheral neuropathies in veterans exposed to Agent Orange (AO) is particularly high. Pharmacologic management has not been effective for these patients. Burst therapy spinal cord stimulation (SCS), recently approved for use in the United States, has had demonstrable success in both Europe and Australia. We present a patient with AO-induced peripheral neuropathy who was successfully treated with burst SCS. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the use of burst SCS for treatment of peripheral neuropathy related to AO exposure.
Point-of-Care Ultrasound in the Periarrest Setting—Lessons Learned: A Case Report
Authors: Juhl-Olsen Peter , Aagaard Rasmus , Jeppesen Anni Nørgaard
Published: November 2017

Point-of-care ultrasound may elucidate reversible causes of cardiac arrest, and its use is supported by international guidelines in the periarrest setting. We present a case in which the treatment of cardiac arrest caused tension pneumothoraces and cardiac tamponade by pneumopericardium. Both pneumothorax and tamponade were expected to be identified with ultrasound, but were not. Subcutaneous emphysema precluded the diagnosis of pneumothorax. Cardiac imaging was false negative for tamponade, because the latter was caused by air and not fluid. Diagnoses are not to be excluded with inconclusive point-of-care ultrasound examinations, which should prompt further clinical evaluation and imaging.
Safe Labeling Practices to Minimize Medication Errors in Anesthesia: 5 Case Reports and Review of the Literature
Authors: Prakash Smita , Mullick Parul , Kumar Ajay , Pawar Mridula
Published: November 2017

Drug error is a significant hazard to patient health. Poor, incorrect, and inconsistent labeling of injectable medicines and fluids, and the devices used to deliver these, has been identified as a patient safety issue. We report 5 cases of medication error as a consequence of incorrect or inappropriate labeling and analyze their cause. Recommendations for safe and practical labeling practices in anesthesia based on a review of the literature are presented. Implementation of the recommended labeling practices can reduce the risk of medication error and contribute to the safe administration of drugs.
‘The Forms of Tissues, or Cell-aggregates’: D'Arcy Thompson's influence and its limits
Authors: Graner François , Riveline Daniel
Published: November 2017

In two chapters of his book On Growth and Form, D'Arcy Thompson used numerous biological and physical observations to show how principles from mathematics and physics – such as pressure differences, surface tension and viscosity – could explain cell shapes and packing within tissues. In this Review, we depict influences that enabled the genesis of his ideas, report examples of his visionary observations and trace his impact over the past 100 years. Recently, his ideas have been revisited as a new field of research emerged, linking cell-level physics with epithelial tissue structure and development. We critically discuss the potential and the limitations of both Thompson's and the modern approaches.
Tension, contraction and tissue morphogenesis
Authors: Heer Natalie C. , Martin Adam C.
Published: November 2017

D'Arcy Thompson was a proponent of applying mathematical and physical principles to biological systems, an approach that is becoming increasingly common in developmental biology. Indeed, the recent integration of quantitative experimental data, force measurements and mathematical modeling has changed our understanding of morphogenesis – the shaping of an organism during development. Emerging evidence suggests that the subcellular organization of contractile cytoskeletal networks plays a key role in force generation, while on the tissue level the spatial organization of forces determines the morphogenetic output. Inspired by D'Arcy Thompson's On Growth and Form, we review our current understanding of how biological forms are created and maintained by the generation and organization of contractile forces at the cell and tissue levels. We focus on recent advances in our understanding of how cells actively sculpt tissues and how forces are involved in specific morphogenetic processes.
Mechanical control of growth: ideas, facts and challenges
Authors: Irvine Kenneth D. , Shraiman Boris I.
Published: November 2017

In his classic book On Growth and Form, D'Arcy Thompson discussed the necessity of a physical and mathematical approach to understanding the relationship between growth and form. The past century has seen extraordinary advances in our understanding of biological components and processes contributing to organismal morphogenesis, but the mathematical and physical principles involved have not received comparable attention. The most obvious entry of physics into morphogenesis is via tissue mechanics. In this Review, we discuss the fundamental role of mechanical interactions between cells induced by growth in shaping a tissue. Non-uniform growth can lead to accumulation of mechanical stress, which in the context of two-dimensional sheets of tissue can specify the shape it assumes in three dimensions. A special class of growth patterns – conformal growth – does not lead to the accumulation of stress and can generate a rich variety of planar tissue shapes. Conversely, mechanical stress can provide a regulatory feedback signal into the growth control circuit. Both theory and experiment support a key role for mechanical interactions in shaping tissues and, via mechanical feedback, controlling epithelial growth.
Anisotropic shear stress patterns predict the orientation of convergent tissue movements in the embryonic heart
Authors: Boselli Francesco , Steed Emily , Freund Jonathan B. , Vermot Julien
Published: November 2017

Myocardial contractility and blood flow provide essential mechanical cues for the morphogenesis of the heart. In general, endothelial cells change their migratory behavior in response to shear stress patterns, according to flow directionality. Here, we assessed the impact of shear stress patterns and flow directionality on the behavior of endocardial cells, the specialized endothelial cells of the heart. At the early stages of zebrafish heart valve formation, we show that endocardial cells are converging to the valve-forming area and that this behavior depends upon mechanical forces. Quantitative live imaging and mathematical modeling allow us to correlate this tissue convergence with the underlying flow forces. We predict that tissue convergence is associated with the direction of the mean wall shear stress and of the gradient of harmonic phase-averaged shear stresses, which surprisingly do not match the overall direction of the flow. This contrasts with the usual role of flow directionality in vascular development and suggests that the full spatial and temporal complexity of the wall shear stress should be taken into account when studying endothelial cell responses to flow in vivo.
The ATPase activity of Asna1/TRC40 is required for pancreatic progenitor cell survival
Authors: Norlin Stefan , Parekh Vishal , Edlund Helena
Published: November 2017

Asna1, also known as TRC40, is implicated in the delivery of tail-anchored (TA) proteins into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), in vesicle-mediated transport, and in chaperoning unfolded proteins during oxidative stress/ATP depletion. Here, we show that Asna1 inactivation in pancreatic progenitor cells leads to redistribution of the Golgi TA SNARE proteins syntaxin 5 and syntaxin 6, Golgi fragmentation, and accumulation of cytosolic p62+ puncta. Asna1−/− multipotent progenitor cells (MPCs) selectively activate integrated stress response signaling and undergo apoptosis, thereby disrupting endocrine and acinar cell differentiation, resulting in pancreatic agenesis. Rescue experiments implicate the Asna1 ATPase activity and a CXXC di-cysteine motif in ensuring Golgi integrity, syntaxin 5 localization and MPC survival. Ex vivo inhibition of retrograde transport reproduces the perturbed Golgi morphology, and syntaxin 5 and syntaxin 6 expression, whereas modulation of p53 activity, using PFT-α and Nutlin-3, prevents or reproduces apoptosis in Asna1-deficient and wild-type MPCs, respectively. These findings support a role for the Asna1 ATPase activity in ensuring the survival of pancreatic MPCs, possibly by counteracting p53-mediated apoptosis.
An asymmetric attraction model for the diversity and robustness of cell arrangement in nematodes
Authors: Yamamoto Kazunori , Kimura Akatsuki
Published: November 2017

During early embryogenesis in animals, cells are arranged into a species-specific pattern in a robust manner. Diverse cell arrangement patterns are observed, even among close relatives. In the present study, we evaluated the mechanisms by which the diversity and robustness of cell arrangements are achieved in developing embryos. We successfully reproduced various patterns of cell arrangements observed in various nematode species in Caenorhabditis elegans embryos by altering the eggshell shapes. The findings suggest that the observed diversity of cell arrangements can be explained by differences in the eggshell shape. Additionally, we found that the cell arrangement was robust against eggshell deformation. Computational modeling revealed that, in addition to repulsive forces, attractive forces are sufficient to achieve such robustness. The present model is also capable of simulating the effect of changing cell division orientation. Genetic perturbation experiments demonstrated that attractive forces derived from cell adhesion are necessary for the robustness. The proposed model accounts for both diversity and robustness of cell arrangements, and contributes to our understanding of how the diversity and robustness of cell arrangements are achieved in developing embryos.
Microfluidic chest cavities reveal that transmural pressure controls the rate of lung development
Authors: Nelson Celeste M. , Gleghorn Jason P. , Pang Mei-Fong , Jaslove Jacob , Goodwin Katharine , Varner Victor D. , Miller Erin , Radisky Derek C. , Stone Howard A.
Published: November 2017

Mechanical forces are increasingly recognized to regulate morphogenesis, but how this is accomplished in the context of the multiple tissue types present within a developing organ remains unclear. Here we use bioengineered “microfluidic chest cavities” to precisely control the mechanical environment of the fetal lung. We show that transmural pressure controls airway branching morphogenesis, the frequency of airway smooth muscle contraction, and the rate of developmental maturation of the lungs, as assessed by transcriptional analyses. Timelapse imaging reveals that branching events are synchronized across distant locations within the lung, and are preceded by long-duration waves of airway smooth muscle contraction. Higher transmural pressure decreases the interval between systemic smooth muscle contractions and increases the rate of morphogenesis of the airway epithelium. These data reveal that the mechanical properties of the microenvironment instruct crosstalk between different tissues to control the development of the embryonic lung.
Plasticity within the niche ensures the maintenance of a Sox2+ stem cell population in the mouse incisor
Authors: Sanz-Navarro Maria , Seidel Kerstin , Sun Zhao , Bertonnier-Brouty Ludivine , Amendt Brad A. , Klein Ophir D. , Michon Frederic
Published: November 2017

In mice, the incisors grow throughout the animal's life, and this continuous renewal is driven by dental epithelial and mesenchymal stem cells. Sox2 is a principal marker of the epithelial stem cells that reside in the mouse incisor stem cell niche, called the labial cervical loop, but relatively little is known about the role of the Sox2+ stem cell population. In this study, we show that conditional deletion of Sox2 in the embryonic incisor epithelium leads to growth defects and impairment of ameloblast lineage commitment. Deletion of Sox2 specifically in Sox2+ cells during incisor renewal revealed cellular plasticity that leads to the relatively rapid restoration of a Sox2-expressing cell population. Furthermore, we show that Lgr5-expressing cells are a subpopulation of dental Sox2+ cells that also arise from Sox2+ cells during tooth formation. Finally, we show that the embryonic and adult Sox2+ populations are regulated by distinct signalling pathways, which is reflected in their distinct transcriptomic signatures. Together, our findings demonstrate that a Sox2+ stem cell population can be regenerated from Sox2− cells, reinforcing its importance for incisor homeostasis.
Graph Theory of Ring-Current Diamagnetism
Authors: Aihara Jun-ichi
Published: November 2017

Various magnetic criteria of aromaticity have been proposed so far, because they are easily calculated and applicable to a variety of cyclic π-systems. Many researchers, however, are reluctant to accept all or some of them. Our graph theory of ring-current diamagnetism revealed serious flaws in familiar magnetic criteria of aromaticity. Physically meaningful information on aromaticity can nevertheless be extracted from the ring-current diamagnetism. In particular, magnetic resonance energy (MRE), derived from the ring-current diamagnetic susceptibility, is interpretable as a kind of aromatic stabilization energy (ASE) and helps in consistently interpreting energetic and magnetic criteria of aromaticity. MRE and related quantities can be determined without reference to any hypothetical polyene-like structure but with a reasonable assumption that, when a magnetic field is applied to a cyclic π-system, a current is induced in each circuit in proportion to the ASE arising from the circuit. Unlike other conventional magnetic indexes, they are independent of the size and shape of the π-system.
Efficacy of a rectal spacer with prostate SABR—first UK experience
Authors: King Raymond B , Osman Sarah OS , Fairmichael Ciaran , Irvine Denise M , Lyons Ciara A , Ravi Ananth , O'Sullivan Joe M , Hounsell Alan R , Mitchell Darren M , McGarry Conor K , Jain Suneil
Published: November 2017

Objective:

This study assessed the use of implanted hydrogel rectal spacers for stereotactic ablative radiotherapy-volumetric modulated arc therapy (SABR-VMAT) patients, investigating practicality, dosimetric impact, normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) and early toxicity.

Methods:

Data from the first 6 patients treated within a prostate SABR and rectal spacer trial were examined to determine spacer insertion tolerability, resultant changes in treatment planning and dosimetry and early toxicity effects. CT scans acquired prior to spacer insertion were used to generate SABR plans which were compared to post-insertion plans. Plans were evaluated for target coverage, conformity, and organs at risk doses with NTCPs also determined from resultant dose fluences. Early toxicity data were also collected.

Results:

All patients had successful spacer insertion under local anaesthetic with maximal Grade 1 toxicity. All plans were highly conformal, with no significant differences in clinical target volume dose coverage between pre- and post-spacer plans. Substantial improvements in rectal dose metrics were observed in post-spacer plans, e.g. rectal volume receiving 36 Gy reduced by ≥42% for all patients. Median NTCP for Grade 2 + rectal bleeding significantly decreased from 4.9 to 0.8% with the use of a rectal spacer (p = 0.031). To date, two episodes of acute Grade 1 proctitis have been reported following treatment.

Conclusion:

The spacer resulted in clinically and statistically significant reduction in rectal doses for all patients.

Advancesin knowledge:

This is one of the first studies to investigate the efficacy of a hydrogel spacer in prostate SABR treatments. Observed dose sparing of the rectum is predicted to result in meaningful clinical benefit.
Πολυπολικότητα, αναρχία, εθνικό συμφέρον και ευρωπαϊκή ασφάλεια μετά τον Ψυχρό Πόλεμο: Μια θεωρητική παρέμβαση
Authors: Υφαντής Κώστας
Published: November 2017

Το άρθρο αναλύει τη μετά-ψυχροπολεμική προβληματική της ευρωπαϊκής ασφάλειας. Εξετάζει αν η έννοια της ασφάλειας έχει αλλάξει ως αποτέλεσμα των νέων γεωπολιτικών εξελίξεων στην Ευρώπη και το βαθμό στον οποίο οι μεταβαλλόμενες συστημικές συνθήκες έχουν προκαλέσει την ανάγκη επαναπροσέγγισης της θεωρίας των διεθνών σχέσεων και της ανάλυσης εξωτερικής πολιτικής. Το βασικό επιχείρημα είναι ότι η φύση της νέας συστημικής πραγματικότητας, σε αντίθεση με τις ρεαλιστικές και νεορεαλιστικές προβλέψεις, μπορεί να συμβάλει στις προσπάθειες των μελών της ε.ε. να διαμορφώσουν κανόνες που να προωθούν συνεργασιακές συμπεριφορές μεταξύ των κρατών και διαδικασίες ολοκλήρωσης στο πεδίο της εξωτερικής πολιτικής και ασφάλειας. Η ανάλυση ασχολείται με τη θεωρητική «αντιπαράθεση» στο χώρο και στοχεύει στην ανάδειξη των προσδιορι- στικών χαρακτηριστικών της «νέας τάξης» στην Ευρώπη. Έννοιες όπως παγκοσμιοποίηση, διαφοροποίηση της μονάδας, πολυπολικότη- τα, αναρχία, εθνικά συμφέροντα, ρόλοι και ταιπότητες, εξετάζονται σε μια προσπάθεια να κατανοηθεί η δομή των περιφερειακών υποσυστημάτων σε σχέση με την κρατική συμπεριφορά και διάδραση.
Ιδέες, Θεσμοί και Συμφέροντα στη Δημόσια Πολιτική: η περίπτωση της ευρωπαϊκής οικονομικής πολιτικής
Authors: Παγουλάτος Γιώργος
Published: November 2017

Συνδέοντας μια εργαλειακή/ματεριαλιστική με μια ερμηνευτική/ψυχο- λογική προσέγγιση του ρόλου των ιδεών, το άρθρο συζητά τις συνθήκες υπό τις οποίες οι ιδέες επιδρούν στη δημόσια πολιτική, με ειδικότερη περιπτωσιολογική αναφορά στην ευρωπαϊκή οικονομική πολιτική και την άνοδο του μονεταριστικού έναντι του κεϋνσιανού παραδείγματος. Εξετάζεται θεωρητικά η δυναμική διάδραση μεταξύ ιδεών, θεσμών και συμφερόντων και η συνδυασμένη επίδρασή τους στη δημόσια πολιτική. Το άρθρο προτείνει ένα επιχείρημα σκεπτικισμού εναντίον του τριπλού αναγωγισμού των συμφερόντων, θεσμών και ιδεών. (α) Ο βολονταριστικός λόγος μιας ορθολογιστικής προσέγγισης, βασισμένης στην υποτιθέμενη επεξηγηματική παντοδυναμία του συμφέροντος, μετριάζεται από την υπόμνηση θεσμικών ανασχέσεων και τροχιών εξάρτησης καθώς και του πλαισίου ιδεών μέσω του οποίου τα συμφέροντα αυτοπροσδιορίζονται και οι εξωτερικές πιέσεις εννοιολογούνται. (β) Η νεοθεσμική «συντηρητική» μεροληπτικό- τητα υπέρ της σταθερότητας και συνέχειας -πηγή δυσκολιών όταν πρέπει να εξηγηθεί η θεσμική αλλαγή- αντισταθμίζεται από το διαπλαστικό ρόλο της πολιτικής δράσης σε συνδυασμό με ιδεατικούς παράγοντες. (γ) Η ερμηνευτική και ψυχολογική λειτουργία των ιδεών περιορίζεται από τις αναγκαιότητες που επιβάλλει η πολιτική οικονομία, οι θεσμικές εξαρτήσεις και ο ορθολογισμός των συμφερόντων.
Σημεία, κεφάλαια, δίκτυα. Μια αναλυτική προσέγγιση για τη νομότυπη διαφθορά
Authors: Παπαδόπουλος Δημήτρης Α.
Published: November 2017

Η έννοια της διαφθοράς ως «αξιοποίησης δημόσιας θέσης με σκοπό την απόκτηση ιδιωτικών ωφελειών» ήταν ανέκαθεν συνδεδεμένη στενά με την έκνομη και ανήθικη σφαίρα δραστηριοτήτων και συναλλαγών μεταξύ τον δημόσιου και ιδιωτικού τομέα. Στην παρούσα εργασία, αρχικά αναπτύσσεται η θέση ότι σημαντικός παράγοντας αποτυχίας περιορισμού των τάσεων και φαινομένων, καθίσταται η ατομοκεντρική εικόνα που διατηρούμε για τη διαδικασία και το μηχανισμό διαφθοράς στον δυτικό κόσμο, η οποία δι/varai να εκλαμβάνει τυπικά νομότυπο χαρακτήρα. Παράλληλα προτεί- νεται ένα αναλυτικό πλαίσιο λεπτομερούς αναπαράστασης εν δυνάμει δικτύων νομότυπης διαφθοράς με το συνυπολογισμό θεσμικών και οικονομικών δεδομένων, ως ενός επιπρόσθετου μέσου ελέγχου και καταγραφής των φαινομένων διαφθοράς κυρίως στις θεσμικά και οικονομικά ανεπτυγμένες χώρες. Τέλος, στη βάση τής, υπό μορφή ορισμένων υποθέσεων εργασίας, κατατιθέμενης ιδιαιτερότητας της σχετικής ελληνικής εμπειρίας, παρατίθεται ένα ενδεικτικό αποσπασματικό παράδειγμα χρησιμοποίησης τού εν λόγω πλαισίου για την ανάλυση φαινομένων νομότυπης διαφθοράς στον τομέα ανάθεσης και παραγωγής δημόσιων έργων.
H« ελληνική υπόθεση» στο Συμβούλιο της Ευρώπης: Η διεθνής προστασία των ανθρωπίνων δικαιωμάτων στην Ελλάδα μετά την 21 η Απριλίου 1967 ως αντικείμενο διεθνούς διαφοράς
Authors: Στελακάτος-Λοβέρδος Μιχάλης Κ.
Published: November 2017

Δεν διατίθεται περίληψη.
Τα σύγχρονα Μέσα και η πολιτική επικοινωνία
Authors: Παπαθανασόπουλος Στέλιος
Published: November 2017

Το κείμενο εξετάζει τις αλλαγές στο πεδίο της πολιτικής επικοινωνίας σε σχέση με τις εξελίξεις, ιδίως τις τεχνολογικές, της μαζικής επικοινωνίας μέσα από το πρίσμα της «θεωρίας του Μέσου». Πιο συγκεκριμένα εστιάζει στις αλλαγές που συνδέονται με την ευρεία χρήση της τηλεόρασης και των ηλεκτρονικών υπολογιστών στην πολιτική επικοινωνία. Θεωρεί ότι η τηλεόραση και ο ηλεκτρονικός υπολογιστής τείνουν να εξομοιώνουν ή να ομογενοποιούν τον τρόπο παροχής της πολιτικής επικοινωνίας στο επίπεδο των μηχανισμών, του IH περιεχομένου και στις στρατηγικές και πρακτικές της επικοινωνίας, jÊj καθώς και ασκούν επιρροές στην οργάνωση και τα οικονομικά των κομμάτων. Υποστηρίζει ακόμη ότι ο επαγγελματισμός της πολιτικής επικοινωνίας συνδέεται άμεσα με τη «λογική του Μέσου», και προβαίνει σε μια διάκριση ανάμεσα στους νέους και παλαιούς επαγγελματίες της πολιτικής. Όσον αφορά το διαδίκτυο, θεωρεί ότι δε θα οδηγήσει σε μια πιο άμεση ηλεκτρονική δημοκρατία, αλλά δεν παραβλέπει ότι η ευρεία χρήση του θα έχει επιπτώσεις για την πολιτική και τη δημοκρατία γενικότερα, καθώς και τη θεωρία της επικοινωνίας ειδικότερα.
Η πολιτική κουλτούρα και τα μέσα επικοινωνίας. Η περίπτωση των φοιτητών της Αθήνας
Authors: Δεμερτζής Νίκος , Αρμενάκης Αντώνης
Published: November 2017

Στο άρθρο αυτό επιχειρείται, βάσει δειγματοληπτικής έρευνας, μια πρώτη συστηματική καταγραφή και ερμηνεία των πολιτικών στάσεων και αντιλήψεων των φοιτητών και της σχέσης τους με τα MME. Επίσης, εξετάζεται η συσχέτιση ορισμένων βασικών παραμέτρων της πολιτικής τους κουλτούρας, όπως η πολιτική δυσαρέσκεια και η ικανοποίηση από τη δημοκρατία, με την από μέρους τους χρήση και αξιολόγηση των μέσων ενημέρωσης, ώστε να αναδειχθούν οι όποιες ιδιαιτερότητες της κοινωνικής κατηγορίας «φοιτητές». Από την ανάλυση των αποτελεσμάτων προέκυψε ότι οι φοιτητές επιδεικνύουν σχετικά μεγαλύτερο ενδιαφέρον για την πολιτική σε σύγκριση με τον γενικό πληθυσμό, διακατέχονται από αποξένωση, πολιτικό κυνισμό και αναρμοδιότητα περί την πολιτική. Αν και καταφέρονται αρνητικά για τα κόμματα και τις φοιτητικές παρατάξεις, ένας στους τρεις δηλώνει ικανοποίηση από τη λειτουργία της δημοκρατίας στη χώρα. Η υψηλή τηλεθέαση δε σχετίζεται με το ενδιαφέρον για την πολιτική· συσχετίζεται όμως με την αυξημένη ικανοποίηση από τη δημοκρατία και την περιορισμένη αίσθηση πολιτικής αρμοδιότητας, ένδειξη ότι συμβάλλει στη θεαματικοποίηση του πολιτικού γίγνεσθαι και στην αδρανοποίηση των πολιτών-τηλεθεατών. Τέλος, ορισμένες τάσεις αρνητισμού κι αποξένωσης προϋπάρχουν και λειτουργούν ανεξάρτητα από την έκθεση στην τηλεοπτική και έντυπη ειδησεογραφία.
Κλεομένης Κουτσούκης - Ιωάννης Σακκάς (επιμ.), Πτυχές του Εμφυλίου Πολέμου 1946-1949, Φιλίστωρ, Αθήνα 2000, 509 σελ.
Authors: Μαραντζίδης Νίκος
Published: November 2017

Δεν διατίθεται περίληψη.
Review of Strategies to Reduce Central Line‐Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) and Catheter‐Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI) in Adult ICUs
Authors: Patel Payal K. , Gupta Ashwin , Vaughn Valerie M. , Mann Jason D. , Ameling Jessica M. , Meddings Jennifer
Published: November 2017

Central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) and catheter‐associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) are costly and morbid. Despite evidence‐based guidelines, Some intensive care units (ICUs) continue to have elevated infection rates. In October 2015, we performed a systematic search of the peer‐reviewed literature within the PubMed and Cochrane databases for interventions to reduce CLABSI and/or CAUTI in adult ICUs and synthesized findings using a narrative review process.

The interventions were categorized using a conceptual model, with stages applicable to both CAUTI and CLABSI prevention: (stage 0) avoid catheter if possible, (stage 1) ensure aseptic placement, (stage 2) maintain awareness and proper care of catheters in place, and (stage 3) promptly remove unnecessary catheters. We also looked for effective components that the 5 most successful (by reduction in infection rates) studies of each infection shared. Interventions that addressed multiple stages within the conceptual model were common in these successful studies. Assuring compliance with infection prevention efforts via auditing and timely feedback were also common. Hospitalists with patient safety interests may find this review informative for formulating quality improvement interventions to reduce these infections.
Acute hand injury splinting – the good, the bad and the ugly
Authors: Richards T , Clement R , Russell I , Newington D
Published: November 2017

Injuries to the hand comprise 20% of all emergency department attendances, with an estimated annual treatment cost of over £100 million in the UK. The initial assessment and management of hand injuries is usually undertaken by junior staff, many of whom have little or no training or experience in splinting hand fractures. In the Department of Orthopaedic Hand Surgery, Morriston Hospital, we regularly observe patients presenting to the specialist hand fracture clinics having had initial management that shows no appreciation for the treatment objectives or the safe positions for splinting. This article aims to provide guidance for frontline staff on the management of hand fractures, with particular emphasis on the appropriate nonoperative care to avoid any unnecessary morbidity.
Cardiovascular risk reduction in referrals to outpatient vascular clinics
Authors: Stather P , Muscara F , Benson R , Blackwell J , Bootun R , Bosanquet D , Brooke P , Busuttil A , Coupland A , Dattani N , Duncan A , Edmonds R , Kane R , Koshnow Z , McCretton D , Nesbitt C , O’Connell M , Omotolani L , Onida S , Saratzis A , Shalhoub J , Sidloff D , Skinner A , Tsui A
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), aneurysmal disease (AD) or carotid atherosclerosis are at high cardiovascular risk, necessitating secondary cardiovascular protection. The aim of this study was to determine compliance with cardiovascular risk reduction guidelines in new patients referred to vascular clinics.

Methods

A multicentre collaborative national observational audit of new patients referred to eight tertiary general vascular clinics over a three-month period in England and Wales was conducted by the Vascular and Endovascular Research Network (VERN). Referral letters, case notes and investigations were reviewed by local investigators, and data analysed by VERN.

Results

A total of 656 patients were included in the study: 73.2% had PAD, 23.2% had AD and 3.7% had carotid atherosclerosis. A third (37.5%) were current smokers, two-thirds (61.7%) were on antiplatelet therapy and two-thirds (61.5%) were on statin therapy. Smoking was more prevalent in the PAD cohort (PAD 41.4%, AD 27.5%, p=0.003). However, more PAD patients were on antiplatelet therapy (PAD 63.9%, AD 53.3%, p=0.024). Both antiplatelet and statin prescription significantly increased with the number of cardiovascular risk factors. Patients with a previous cardiac or cerebrovascular history were more likely to have stopped smoking, and to be on antiplatelet and statin therapy (p<0.0001 for each). Overall, 47.3% of patients were on both antiplatelet and statin therapy, and 28.9% were on antiplatelet and statin therapy and not smoking.

Conclusions

This study highlights deficiencies in cardiovascular risk minimisation in patients with established vascular disease. Patients with concomitant cardiac or cerebrovascular disease were more likely to be on best medical therapy.
The effects of quercetin on oxidative stress and fibrosis markers in chronic kidney disease rat model
Authors: Layal Kamalia , Perdhana Ika S. , Louisa Melva , Estuningtyas Ari , Soetikno Vivian
Published: November 2017

Background: Oxidative stress may play a role in the pathogenesis of (CKD), Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor involved in cell defense mechanism against oxidative stress. In this study, we examined the effect of quercetin, a polyphenplic antioxidant anti fibrosis compund in fruits and vegetables, on the 5/6 nephrectomy-induced CKD progression model rats through modulation of Nrf2 expression.Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal control group (C), untreated 5/6 nephrectomy (Nx), quercetin-treated 5/6 nephrectomy (100 mg/kgBW/day orally) (NxQ), and captopril-treated 5/6 nephrectomy (10 mg/kgBW/day orally) (NxK) for 8 weeks. At the end of study, all animals were sacrified. Urine, blood, and kidney tissues were taken for examination of proteinuria, plasma creatinine, urea, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, Nrf2, Keap1, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expressions, and renal fibrosis.Results: Quercetin administration did not affect the level of protein in urine, plasma creatinine, and urea. However, it tended to reduce the level of MDA, increase GPx activity, Nrf2, Keap1, and HO-1 expression as well as the degree of fibrosis.Conclusion: In 5/6 nephrectomized rats, quercetin tended to ameliorate the level of MDA, GPx activity, Nrf2, Keap1, and HO-1 expression. In addition, quercetin tended to decrease the degree of fibrosis in the remnant kidney.
Antecedentes sobre los impactos ecologicos de los fuegos y de otros factores antropicos en los bosques de Jubaea chilensis (Moll) Baillon: caso de estudio: microcuencas periurbanas de las ciudades de Valparaíso y Viña del Mar, Chile
Authors: Pérez Víctor Quintanilla , Constanzo Mauricio Morales
Published: November 2017

Los incendios forestales que se producen anualmente durante los veranos en Chile mediterráneo, han afectado también la biodiversidad de las formaciones vegetales. Actualmente se distingue un paisaje fragmentado, sobre todo por los cambios de uso del suelo y que han reducido bastante el hábitat de la palma nativa. El clima mediterráneo de Chile se caracteriza en los valles y cordilleras costeras por un largo y seco verano, precipitaciones nulas y constantes vientos cálidos en el litoral. Esto favorece la recurrencia y extensión de los fuegos forestales. Se expone el estado actual de la situación con respecto al bosque de la palma endémica de Chile (Jubaea chilensis (Moll) Baillon que vive asociada al matorral esclerófilo mediterráneo en el litoral de Valparaíso (33°03´Sur- 71°3¨Weste) y cuyo cortejo florístico, está muy alterado por los impactos de los recurrentes fuegos estivales y la acción antrópica en microcuencas costeras. Por otra parte la regeneración de los palmares es escasa debido a la explotación que realizan los lugareños de sus frutos (“coquitos”) comestibles y también por la herbivoría de fauna y animales domésticos. La especie está declarada en estado de vulnerable y el estado junto a algunas fundaciones privadas, llevan a cabo desde más o menos unos 15 años, planes de regeneración y recuperación de esta palma que es la más longeva y una de las más australes del mundo.
Vulnerabilidade à erosão costeira e riscos associados à ocupação: estudo de caso do município de Aracaju/Sergipe, Brasil
Authors: Oliveira Mota Luana Santos , E Souza Rosemeri Melo
Published: November 2017

Los incendios forestales que se producen anualmente durante los veranos en Chile mediterráneo, han afectado también la biodiversidad de las formaciones vegetales. Actualmente se distingue un paisaje fragmentado, sobre todo por los cambios de uso del suelo y que han reducido bastante el hábitat de la palma nativa. El clima mediterráneo de Chile se caracteriza en los valles y cordilleras costeras por un largo y seco verano, precipitaciones nulas y constantes vientos cálidos en el litoral. Esto favorece la recurrencia y extensión de los fuegos forestales. Se expone el estado actual de la situación con respecto al bosque de la palma endémica de Chile (Jubaea chilensis (Moll) Baillon que vive asociada al matorral esclerófilo mediterráneo en el litoral de Valparaíso (33°03´Sur- 71°3¨Weste) y cuyo cortejo florístico, está muy alterado por los impactos de los recurrentes fuegos estivales y la acción antrópica en microcuencas costeras. Por otra parte la regeneración de los palmares es escasa debido a la explotación que realizan los lugareños de sus frutos (“coquitos”) comestibles y también por la herbivoría de fauna y animales domésticos. La especie está declarada en estado de vulnerable y el estado junto a algunas fundaciones privadas, llevan a cabo desde más o menos unos 15 años, planes de regeneración y recuperación de esta palma que es la más longeva y una de las más australes del mundo.
Comparison of model predictive control strategies for a fluidized catalytic cracker
Authors: Boum Alexandre , Corriou Jean Pierre , Latifi Abderrazak
Published: November 2017

A FCC model is used to compare five different Model Predictive Control (MPC) strategies. The FCC process is a complex petrochemical unit with catalyst recycling that makes its behaviour highly nonlinear. The FCC comprises a riser, a separator and a regenerator with important heat coupling due to the endothermic cracking reactions of gas oil in the riser and the exothermic combustion reactions in the regenerator. The riser and the regenerator exhibit fast and slow dynamics respectively. The temperatures at riser top and in the regenerator should be controlled by manipulation of catalyst and air flow rates. All these nonlinear and coupled characteristics render the multivariable control problem difficult and thus the FCC process constitutes a valuable benchmark for comparing control strategies. Here, the performances of Dynamic Matrix Control, Quadratic Dynamic Matrix Control, MPC control with penalty on the outputs, NonLinear MPC control, Observer Based MPC control are compared.
Factores distintivos de emprendimiento que propiciaron el éxito: casos de estudio en empresarios de Ibagué, Tolima
Authors: Parra Álvis Mercedes , Rubio Guerrero Germán , López Posada Laura Marcela
Published: November 2017

Este artículo explora la relación entre los principales rasgos distintivos de los emprendedores y la incidencia en su perdurabilidad empresarial. Se estudiaron 10 casos de emprendedores de Ibagué, bajo dos enfoques: un análisis cualitativo soportado en entrevistas estructuradas a empresarios, y el cuantitativo sustentado en los resultados de la encuesta a empleados y clientes. El estudio fue realizado por los grupos de Investigación GIMN y Gideut de la Universidad del Tolima, institución que lo nancia. Los rasgos de mayor trascendencia que tienen los empresarios y que les han permiti- do posicionar sus organizaciones en la región son: el nivel de formación, el liderazgo que han impartido, el amor por el trabajo, inversión tanto en infraestructura como en personal y, nalmente, la atención al cliente.
Diferencias y similitudes entre percepción y autopercepción de administradores universitarios y su líder
Authors: Pantoja Aguilar Martín P.
Published: November 2017

Se condujo un análisis comparativo entre las percepciones que los admi- nistradores universitarios tienen sobre el estilo de liderazgo de su director y la propia autoevaluación de este último, en una universidad pública estatal (UPE) en México. Se utilizó la herramienta “Perfil gerencial 5-D” desarrollada por Nosnik (2013), así que apoyándose en las teorías de Karl Pooper (demarcación de la ciencia) y de Imre Lakatos (metodología de los programas de investigación científica), genera perfiles gerenciales basados en la metodología de los sistemas heurísticos (MSH). El objetivo fue contar con un análisis comparativo de percepciones que sirva a la reflexión de los líderes en la búsqueda de mejora continua de su estilo. Los resultados detectaron las áreas de oportunidad existentes para la mejora en los estilos de liderazgo de los directores y proporcionan un estudio de caso aplicable en otras universidades.
Optimización utilizando lógica difusa de dispositivo de análisis de componentes químicos de ingredientes naturales basados en el internet de las cosas IoT
Authors: Angulo-Sogamoso Karen Vanessa , Gil-Sierra Danilo Gustavo , Salcedo-Parra Octavio José
Published: November 2017

En el presente artículo, se presenta la optimización utilizando lógica difusa de un dispositivo conformado por una báscula con sensores integrados. Los cuales permiten identificar los alimentos y realizar un análisis químico, con el fin de identificar compuestos que pueden resultar nocivos para la salud de las personas. La bascula podrá ser conectada a través de bluetooth a cualquier aparato móvil, el cual utilizando una aplicación programada con la técnica de lógica difusa, le permitirá al usuario una descripción de los componentes de cualquier alimento, además de sugerir otros ingredientes que le permitan seguir una dieta más saludable y balanceada. La metodología de desarrollo se divide en tres etapas, la primera determinar las características de la bascula, luego las características del sensor y por último el desarrollo del aplicativo. La implementación del modelo está basado en la correlación de un Sistema Experto y de Lógica Difusa (Fuzzy Logic), en donde se establecen un sistema de inferencia, considerando la elección de variables de entrada y el establecimiento de tres macros que tienen evaluaciones integradas (propias de INVIMA), que posteriormente permitirán calcular los niveles de toxicidad en los alimentos. Al mismo tiempo con el fin de probar y validar el modelo, de tal modo que éste entregue resultados consistentes, se comparan resultados obtenidos en otros estudios, donde se puede evidenciar que el modelo planteado es más eficiente en un 7,57% con respecto a los demás puestos en consideración.
Concepciones de tecnología en docentes universitarios de ciencias
Authors: Cardoso-Erlam Néstor Roberto , Morales-Oliveros Edna Eliana
Published: November 2017

A continuación, se presenta un resultado parcial de la investigación “Concepciones de Ciencia, tecnología y las relaciones CTS en profesores universitarios y de formación media, y en textos escolares de ciencias”. Enseguida se aborda la pregunta  acerca de las  concepciones  que  sobre  la naturaleza de la  tecnología expresan los profesores universitarios de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Universidad del Tolima. La información se recogió mediante entrevista focal y el análisis de la información se realizó mediante análisis de contenido. Se encuentra que los profesores expresan diversas concepciones sobre la naturaleza de la tecnología, algunas más desactualizadas que otras. Sólo un docente expresa una visión adecuada y actualizada.
La comunicación pública de la ciencia y la tecnología-Public communication of science and technology
Authors: Gallego-Torres Adriana Patricia , Duvan-Reyes Jaime
Published: November 2017

-
The effects of tightness-looseness in organizational culture on corporate entrepreneurship and firm performance: A regional study in Turkey
Authors: Üstün Ferda , Kılıç Kemal Can
Published: November 2017

In this study, the tightness-looseness dimension, suggested as a cultural dimension of community was examined at organizational level. Introducing the tightness-looseness dimension to the literature, and identifying the effects of the dimension on corporate entrepreneurship activities and firm performance, which poses great importance for organizations, were the main purposes of the study. In the study, the correlations between dependent and independent variables were examined through the hypotheses suggested, and the consistency level of the model was analyzed through the structural equation modeling. It was concluded from the study that there was a significant positive correlation between the tightness-looseness level and corporate entrepreneurship and firm performance. Coefficients of corporate entrepreneurship, proactivity, innovational orientation, and coefficients of firm performance, and coefficients concerning the profit, growth, and customer satisfaction seem to be statistically significant. Accordingly, the higher (or lower) the level of looseness is, the higher (or lower) the level of corporate entrepreneurship and firm performance will be. The validity of the model on the target sample has been discussed considering the compliance indices of the model proposed in the study on Turkey's leading industrial enterprises. As the results of the analysis of the constructed structural equation model gave the values of good and acceptance level goodness of fit (RMSEA <0.05, GFI and CFI> 0.95 and AGFI> 0.90), the model was found to be acceptable.
Plasma betaine concentrations correlate with plasma cortisol but not with C-reactive protein in an elderly population
Authors: Lever Michael , Storer Malina K. , Lewis John G. , George Peter M. , Chambers Stephen T.
Published: November 2017

Low plasma betaine concentrations are a feature of seriously ill patients. Increased dietary betaine intake has been associated with lowered systemic inflammation. We aimed to compare plasma cortisol (a stress marker) and C-reactive protein (an inflammation marker) as statistical predictors of plasma betaine concentrations.

Plasma carnitine, cortisol and C-reactive protein concentrations, other biochemical measures and urine betaine excretion, were compared with plasma betaine concentration by correlation and in multiple regression models, using morning blood and urine samples from 64 ambulant elderly subjects and from 55 patients admitted to hospital with hip fractures.

In the ambulant elderly without acute trauma, plasma cortisol (with negative coefficients) and carnitine (with positive coefficients) statistically predicted plasma betaine concentrations. C-reactive protein was not a predictor. In the patients, the significant predictors were plasma carnitine (positive coefficient) and plasma homocysteine (negative coefficient) and C-reactive protein again was not a predictor. In regression models using combined patient and control data there were large ranges of both cortisol and especially C-reactive protein; cortisol and homocysteine (negative coefficients) and carnitine (positive coefficient) were significant predictors but C-reactive protein was not significant.

Stress rather than inflammation may affect plasma betaine concentrations.
(σ,τ)-*-Jordan ideals in *-prime rings
Authors: Ashraf Mohammad , Parveen Nazia
Published: November 2017

Let R be a prime ring with involution

⋆

{\star}

, and let σ, τ be endomorphisms on R. For any

x
,
y

∈
R

{x,y\in R}

, let

(
x
,
y
)

σ
,
τ

=

x
⁢
σ
⁢

(
y
)

+

τ
⁢

(
y
)

⁢
x

{(x,y)_{\sigma,\tau}=x\sigma(y)+\tau(y)x}

and

C

σ
,
τ

⁢

(
R
)

=

{

x
∈
R

∣

x
⁢
σ
⁢

(
y
)

=

τ
⁢

(
y
)

⁢
x

}

{C_{\sigma,\tau}(R)=\{x\in R\mid x\sigma(y)=\tau(y)x\}}

.
An additive subgroup U of R is said to be a

(
σ
,
τ
)

{(\sigma,\tau)}

-right Jordan ideal (resp.

(
σ
,
τ
)

{(\sigma,\tau)}

-left
Jordan ideal) of R if

(
U
,
R
)

σ
,
τ

⊆
U

{(U,R)_{\sigma,\tau}\subseteq U}

(resp.

(
R
,
U
)

σ
,
τ

⊆
U

{(R,U)_{\sigma,\tau}\subseteq U}

), and U is called a

(
σ
,
τ
)

{(\sigma,\tau)}

-Jordan ideal if U is both a

(
σ
,
τ
)

{(\sigma,\tau)}

-right
Jordan ideal and a

(
σ
,
τ
)

{(\sigma,\tau)}

-left Jordan ideal of R. A

(
σ
,
τ
)

{(\sigma,\tau)}

-Jordan ideal U
of R is said to be a

(
σ
,
τ
)

{(\sigma,\tau)}

-

⋆

{\star}

-Jordan ideal if

U
⋆

=
U

{U^{\star}=U}

.
In the present paper, it is shown that if U is commutative, then R is commutative. The commutativity of R is also obtained if

(
U
,
U
)

σ
,
τ

⊆

C

σ
,
τ

⁢

(
R
)

{(U,U)_{\sigma,\tau}\subseteq C_{\sigma,\tau}(R)}

. Some more results are obtained on the

⋆

{\star}

-prime ring with a characteristic different from 2.
Wandel versus Stabilität im Informations- und Wissensmanagement: Optimierte Handhabung eines Spannungsfelds
Authors: Reiß Michael
Published: November 2017

Das spannungsgeladene Zusammenspiel von Wandel und Stabilität lässt sich mit einem Hybridansatz besser verstehen und gestalten als mit den vorliegenden Ansätzen der Path Constitution, des geschichteten Wandels oder des durchbrochenen Gleichgewichts. Der Beitrag vermittelt einen Überblick über die generischen Architekturen von Hybridansätzen, vor allem die Prinzipien, qualitativen Muster und quantitativen Proportionen der Kopplung von Wandel und Stabilität und gibt damit neue Antworten auf die Fragen nach dem Wie, Wann, Wo und Wie viel einer Konfiguration von kontinuierlicher und diskontinuierlicher Veränderung.
The taxpayer’s intentions: Subjective prerequisites in tax law
Authors: Påhlsson Robert
Published: November 2017

Tax legislation contains references to taxpayer’s intentions with their transactions. The acquisition or sale of an asset may be treated differently, for example, depending on the purpose of the person holding it. This article contains a discussion of the concept of subjective prerequisites, with particular emphasis on the role they can play in tax law. How the terms intention and purpose are actually used in the Swedish Income Tax Act (ITA) is also explored.