bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An empirical research on management innovation of high-technology manufacturers
Authors: Huang Po-Yu , Wu Tian-Sheng , Chen Li-Jia , Saito Riga , Yu Chih-Lang , Huang Chih-Yao , Tsai Sang-Bing , Xue You-Zhi , Chen Quan , Chen Chang-Bin , Wang Jiang-Tao , Tang Ling
Published: July 2015

Management innovation is the method with which enterprises acquire competitive advantage over their competitors, especially in current fierce competitive industry environment. Simultaneous importance–performance analysis can be used to simultaneously analyze three concepts of management innovation factors including the importance, self-expression, and the performance of competitors, so that enterprises are able to understand the status of their management innovation capability. Decision-making trial-and-evaluation laboratory is the method for enterprises to process and calculate the level of influence and causality between the indicators and subsequently determine the weight of the indicators. This study developed the 14 management innovation–based assessment indicators to evaluate a management innovation capability. In the first stage, simultaneous importance–performance analysis is used to compare the management innovation capabilities of company A and its competitors. In the second stage, decision-making trial-and-evaluation laboratory is used to analyze the influence and causality between the indicators. Finally, the strategies of management innovation are rebuilt based on the simultaneous importance–performance analysis and decision-making trial-and-evaluation laboratory analysis, which has both theoretical and practical contributions.
Tuberculosis associates with both airflow obstruction and low lung function: BOLD results
Authors: Amaral André F.S. , Coton Sonia , Kato Bernet , Tan Wan C. , Studnicka Michael , Janson Christer , Gislason Thorarinn , Mannino David , Bateman Eric D. , Buist Sonia , Burney Peter G.J.
Published: July 2015

In small studies and cases series, a history of tuberculosis has been associated with both airflow obstruction, which is characteristic of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and restrictive patterns on spirometry. The objective of the present study was to assess the association between a history of tuberculosis and airflow obstruction and spirometric abnormalities in adults.

The study was performed in adults, aged 40 years and above, who took part in the multicentre, cross-sectional, general population-based Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease study, and had provided acceptable post-bronchodilator spirometry measurements and information on a history of tuberculosis. The associations between a history of tuberculosis and airflow obstruction and spirometric restriction were assessed within each participating centre, and estimates combined using meta-analysis. These estimates were stratified by high- and low/middle-income countries, according to gross national income.

A self-reported history of tuberculosis was associated with airflow obstruction (adjusted odds ratio 2.51, 95% CI 1.83–3.42) and spirometric restriction (adjusted odds ratio 2.13, 95% CI 1.42–3.19).

A history of tuberculosis was associated with both airflow obstruction and spirometric restriction, and should be considered as a potentially important cause of obstructive disease and low lung function, particularly where tuberculosis is common.
Anti-cancer effect of Cordyceps militaris in human colorectal carcinoma RKO cells via cell cycle arrest and mitochondrial apoptosis
Authors: Lee Hwan Hee , Lee Seulki , Lee Kanghyo , Shin Yu Su , Kang Hyojeung , Cho Hyosun
Published: July 2015

Background

Cordyceps militaris has been used as a traditional medicine in Asian countries for a long time. Different types of Cordyceps extract were reported to have various pharmacological activities including an anti-cancer effect. We investigated the inhibitory effect of Cordyceps militaris ethanol extract on a human colorectal cancer-derived cell line, RKO.

Methods

RKO cells were treated with various concentrations of nucleosides-enriched ethanol extract of Cordyceps militaris for 48 h and cytotoxicity was measured using a CCK-8 assay. Then, xenograft Balb/c nude mice were injected with RKO cells and subsequently orally administered with ethanol extract of Cordyceps militaris every day for 3 weeks to examine the inhibitory effect on tumor growth. Lastly, the effect of Cordyceps militaris on cell cycle as well as apoptosis was measured using flow cytometry. Also, the expression of p53, caspase 9, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved PARP, Bim, Bax, Bak, and Bad were detected using western blot assay.

Results

RKO cells were highly susceptible to the ethanol extract of Cordyceps militaris (CME) and the growth of RKO cells-derived tumor was significantly delayed by the treatment of Cordyceps militaris. Cordyceps militaris induced cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase (untreated; 20.5 %, CME 100 μg/ml; 61.67 %, CME 300 μg/ml; 66.33 %) and increased early apoptosis (untreated; 1.01 %, CME 100 μg/ml; 8.48 %, CME 300 μg/ml; 18.07 %). The expression of p53, cleaved caspase 9, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved PARP, Bim, Bak, and Bad were upregulated by the treatment of Cordyceps militaris.

Conclusion

Ethanol extract of Cordyceps militaris was highly cytotoxic to human colorectal carcinoma RKO cells and inhibited the growth of tumor in xenograft model. The anti-tumor effect of Cordyceps militaris was associated with an induction of cell cycle arrest and mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis.
Association between number of comorbid medical conditions and depression among individuals with diabetes; race and ethnic variations
Authors: Lankarani Maryam Moghani , Assari Shervin
Published: July 2015

Background

Medical and psychiatric comorbidities are commonly comorbid with diabetes. Race and ethnicity may, however, modify the link between medical and psychiatric comorbidities in individuals with diabetes. In this study we compared Non-Hispanic Whites, African Americans, and Caribbean Blacks with diabetes for the association between number of comorbid medical conditions and lifetime and 12-month major depressive disorder (MDD) in individuals with diabetes.

Methods

Data came from the National Survey of American Life (NSAL), 2001–2003. We included 603 patients with diabetes (75 non-Hispanic Whites, 396 African Americans, and 131 Caribbean Blacks). Number of comorbid medical conditions was the independent variable, lifetime and 12-month MDD were dependent variables, and age, gender, education, marital status, employment, and body mass index were covariates. Race- and ethnic- specific logistic regressions were used to determine race and ethnic differences in the associations between number of chronic medical conditions and lifetime and 12-month MDD, while the effect of all covariates were controlled.

Results

Number of chronic medical conditions was positively associated with lifetime MDD among non-Hispanic Whites (OR = 1.719, 95 % CI = 1.018 – 2.902) and African Americans (OR = 1.235, 95 % CI = 1.056– 1.445) but not Caribbean Blacks (P > .05). Number of chronic medical conditions was also associated with 12-month MDD among non-Hispanic Whites (OR = 1.757, 95 % CI = 1.119 – 2.759) and African Americans (OR = 1.381, 95 % CI = 1.175 - 1.623) but not Caribbean Blacks (P > .05).

Conclusions

This study shows race- and ethnic- differences in the association between number of medical comorbidities and MDD among patients with diabetes. These findings invite researchers to study the mechanisms behind race- and ethnic- differences in vulnerability and resilience to the mental health effects of chronic medical conditions.
PCA analysis of the nighttime anomaly in far-from-geomagnetic pole regions from VTEC GNSS data
Authors: Meza A. , Natali M. P. , Fernández L. I.
Published: July 2015

The Weddell Sea Anomaly (WSA) is defined when the nighttime plasma density is greater than the daytime density in the area near the Weddell Sea, more specifically in the region limited by 50° S–70° S in latitude and 225° E–315° E in longitude. A similar ionospheric anomaly is also observed near the Okhotsk Sea in the northern hemisphere, and such a feature was named as Okhotsk Sea Anomaly (OSA).

The objective of this work is to infer possible physical causes of the WSA and OSA phenomena. To that end, we applied the principal component analysis (PCA) technique to the vertical total electron content (VTEC) from global International GNSS Service (IGS) in order to analyze the temporal and spatial variations of the ionosphere during noon and night in far-from-magnetic pole regions, during a 3-year period at high (2000–2002) and low (2006–2008) solar activity conditions.

The first mode of PCA applied on VTEC scattering represents on average the 93 % of the total VTEC variability. Thus, the PCA expansions up to mode 1 resulted enough to show WSA and OSA during summer solstices in both solar activity conditions, as well as WSA during spring equinox during low solar activity. Besides, the analysis of the temporal variations of these first modes should provide the interpretation of a probable physical explanation to the observed anomalies. We conclude that the main contributors to the anomalies should be a combination of the same physical mechanisms that explain annual variation and semiannual anomaly in that regions located far from the magnetic poles.
The Molecular Biology Capstone Assessment: A Concept Assessment for Upper-Division Molecular Biology Students
Authors: Couch Brian A. , Wood William B. , Knight Jennifer K.
Published: July 2015

Measuring students’ conceptual understandings has become increasingly important to biology faculty members involved in evaluating and improving departmental programs. We developed the Molecular Biology Capstone Assessment (MBCA) to gauge comprehension of fundamental concepts in molecular and cell biology and the ability to apply these concepts in novel scenarios. Targeted at graduating students, the MBCA consists of 18 multiple-true/false (T/F) questions. Each question consists of a narrative stem followed by four T/F statements, which allows a more detailed assessment of student understanding than the traditional multiple-choice format. Questions were iteratively developed with extensive faculty and student feedback, including validation through faculty reviews and response validation through student interviews. The final assessment was taken online by 504 students in upper-division courses at seven institutions. Data from this administration indicate that the MBCA has acceptable levels of internal reliability (α = 0.80) and test–retest stability (r = 0.93). Students achieved a wide range of scores with a 67% overall average. Performance results suggest that students have an incomplete understanding of many molecular biology concepts and continue to hold incorrect conceptions previously documented among introductory-level students. By pinpointing areas of conceptual difficulty, the MBCA can provide faculty members with guidance for improving undergraduate biology programs.
A High-Enrollment Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience Improves Student Conceptions of Scientific Thinking and Ability to Interpret Data
Authors: Brownell Sara E. , Hekmat-Scafe Daria S. , Singla Veena , Chandler Seawell Patricia , Conklin Imam Jamie F. , Eddy Sarah L. , Stearns Tim , Cyert Martha S.
Published: July 2015

We present an innovative course-based undergraduate research experience curriculum focused on the characterization of single point mutations in p53, a tumor suppressor gene that is mutated in more than 50% of human cancers. This course is required of all introductory biology students, so all biology majors engage in a research project as part of their training. Using a set of open-ended written prompts, we found that the course shifts student conceptions of what it means to think like a scientist from novice to more expert-like. Students at the end of the course identified experimental repetition, data analysis, and collaboration as important elements of thinking like a scientist. Course exams revealed that students showed gains in their ability to analyze and interpret data. These data indicate that this course-embedded research experience has a positive impact on the development of students’ conceptions and practice of scientific thinking.
Drawing-to-Learn: A Framework for Using Drawings to Promote Model-Based Reasoning in Biology
Authors: Quillin Kim , Thomas Stephen
Published: July 2015

The drawing of visual representations is important for learners and scientists alike, such as the drawing of models to enable visual model-based reasoning. Yet few biology instructors recognize drawing as a teachable science process skill, as reflected by its absence in the Vision and Change report’s Modeling and Simulation core competency. Further, the diffuse research on drawing can be difficult to access, synthesize, and apply to classroom practice. We have created a framework of drawing-to-learn that defines drawing, categorizes the reasons for using drawing in the biology classroom, and outlines a number of interventions that can help instructors create an environment conducive to student drawing in general and visual model-based reasoning in particular. The suggested interventions are organized to address elements of affect, visual literacy, and visual model-based reasoning, with specific examples cited for each. Further, a Blooming tool for drawing exercises is provided, as are suggestions to help instructors address possible barriers to implementing and assessing drawing-to-learn in the classroom. Overall, the goal of the framework is to increase the visibility of drawing as a skill in biology and to promote the research and implementation of best practices.
The Faculty Self-Reported Assessment Survey (FRAS): Differentiating Faculty Knowledge and Experience in Assessment
Authors: Hanauer David I. , Bauerle Cynthia
Published: July 2015

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education reform efforts have called for widespread adoption of evidence-based teaching in which faculty members attend to student outcomes through assessment practice. Awareness about the importance of assessment has illuminated the need to understand what faculty members know and how they engage with assessment knowledge and practice. The Faculty Self-Reported Assessment Survey (FRAS) is a new instrument for evaluating science faculty assessment knowledge and experience. Instrument validation was composed of two distinct studies: an empirical evaluation of the psychometric properties of the FRAS and a comparative known-groups validation to explore the ability of the FRAS to differentiate levels of faculty assessment experience. The FRAS was found to be highly reliable (α = 0.96). The dimensionality of the instrument enabled distinction of assessment knowledge into categories of program design, instrumentation, and validation. In the known-groups validation, the FRAS distinguished between faculty groups with differing levels of assessment experience. Faculty members with formal assessment experience self-reported higher levels of familiarity with assessment terms, higher frequencies of assessment activity, increased confidence in conducting assessment, and more positive attitudes toward assessment than faculty members who were novices in assessment. These results suggest that the FRAS can reliably and validly differentiate levels of expertise in faculty knowledge of assessment.
Sexual dimorphisms in leukocyte trafficking in a mouse peritonitis model
Authors: Kay Emma , Gomez-Garcia Lorena , Woodfin Abigail , Scotland Ramona S , Whiteford James R
Published: July 2015

Sexual dimorphisms exist in the incidence and severity of many diseases, with females demonstrating relative protection from inflammatory conditions. The extent and mechanisms by which excessive leukocyte recruitment underlies these differences are not well established, and better understanding is essential for the development of targeted therapies. Here, we set out to compare the male and female inflammatory response in a murine zymosan-induced peritonitis model and to understand how leukocyte subsets are mobilized from storage pools in both sexes. This work shows that female C57BL/6 mice recruit fewer classical monocytes and neutrophils during zymosan-induced peritonitis. In addition, sex differences were evident in the circulation, as female mice showed reduced neutrophilia and monocytosis vs. male counterparts, despite having similar mobilization from BM stores. Importantly, we show that storage and trafficking of splenic leukocytes during acute inflammation are distinct between the sexes. Male mice have greater splenic stores of neutrophils and classical and nonclassical monocytes, despite similar spleen sizes, signifying another source of potential pathogenic leukocytes. This work demonstrates that males and females have distinct leukocyte-trafficking profiles in acute inflammation and suggests that the spleen, not the BM, plays a role in determining sex differences in the available pool of immune cells. Such dimorphisms demonstrate the importance of considering gender in assay development, drug design, and clinical trials.
EctopicAtoh1expression drives Merkel cell production in embryonic, postnatal and adult epidermis
Authors: Ostrowski Stephen M. , Wright Margaret C. , Bolock Alexa M. , Geng Xuehui , Maricich Stephen M.
Published: July 2015

Merkel cells are mechanosensitive skin cells whose production requires the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor Atoh1. We induced ectopic Atoh1 expression in the skin of transgenic mice to determine whether Atoh1 was sufficient to create additional Merkel cells. In embryos, ectopic Atoh1 expression drove ectopic expression of the Merkel cell marker keratin 8 (K8) throughout the epidermis. Epidermal Atoh1 induction in adolescent mice similarly drove widespread K8 expression in glabrous skin of the paws, but in the whisker pads and body skin ectopic K8+ cells were confined to hair follicles and absent from interfollicular regions. Ectopic K8+ cells acquired several characteristics of mature Merkel cells in a time frame similar to that seen during postnatal development of normal Merkel cells. Although ectopic K8+ cell numbers decreased over time, small numbers of these cells remained in deep regions of body skin hair follicles at 3 months post-induction. In adult mice, greater numbers of ectopic K8+ cells were created by Atoh1 induction during anagen vs. telogen and following disruption of Notch signaling by conditional deletion of RBPj in the epidermis. Our data demonstrate that Atoh1 expression is sufficient to produce new Merkel cells in the epidermis, that epidermal cell competency to respond to Atoh1 varies by skin location, developmental age and hair cycle stage, and that the Notch pathway plays a key role in limiting epidermal cell competency to respond to Atoh1 expression.
Oculomotor strategy of an avian ground forager: tilted and weakly yoked eye saccades
Authors: Tyrrell Luke P. , Butler Shannon R. , Fernández-Juricic Esteban
Published: July 2015

Many bird species are capable of large saccadic eye movements that can result in substantial shifts in gaze direction and complex changes to their visual field orientation. In the absence of visual stimuli, birds make spontaneous saccades that follow an endogenous oculomotor strategy. We used new eye tracking technology specialized for small birds to study the oculomotor behavior of an open-habitat, ground foraging songbird, the European starling (Sturnus vulgaris). We found that starlings primarily move their eyes along a tilted axis 13.46° downwards anteriorly and upwards posteriorly, which differs from the axis parallel to the horizon employed by other species. This tilted axis could enhance foraging and anti-predator strategies while starlings are head-down looking for food, allowing them to direct vision between the open mandibles to visually inspect food items and above and behind the head to scan areas where predators are more likely to attack. We also found that starlings have neither fully conjugate saccades (e.g., humans) nor independent saccades (e.g., chameleons). Rather, they exhibit weakly yoked saccades where the left and right eyes move at the same time but not the same magnitude. Functionally, weakly yoked saccades may be similar to independent saccades in that they allow the two eyes to concomitantly perform different tasks. The differences between the oculomotor strategies of studied species suggest eye movements play variable but important roles across bird species with different ecological niches.
Biomolecule-assisted Hydrothermal Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties of Copper Sulfide Hollow Spheres
Authors: Zhu Yanjun , Liu Tao , Ma Wei , Zhang Dan , Zhang Ning , Chen Limiao , Liu Xiaohe , Qiu Guanzhou
Published: July 2015

Copper sulfide (CuS) hollow spheres could be successfully synthesized in large quantities through a facile biomolecule-assisted hydrothermal synthetic method. The as-fabricated CuS hollow spheres showed specific capacitances and excellent cycling stability in supercapacitors.
Copper-catalyzed Facile Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Triazine–Triazole Conjugates
Authors: Wang Zhenhua , Wang Xiu , Zhang Guofang , Zhang Weiqiang , Gao Ziwei
Published: July 2015

A series of unsymmetrical triazine–triazole conjugates were prepared by the copper-catalyzed cycloaddition reactions of 2-azide-4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazine with terminal alkynes under mild reaction conditions. The heterocyclic conjugates were characterized as 1,4-substitution products. The UV–vis and photoluminescence properties of the triazine-based molecules were evaluated.
Divergent target recognition by coexpressed 5′-isomiRs of miR-142-3p and selective viral mimicry
Authors: Manzano Mark , Forte Eleonora , Raja Archana N. , Schipma Matthew J. , Gottwein Eva
Published: July 2015

Sequence heterogeneity at the ends of mature microRNAs (miRNAs) is well documented, but its effects on miRNA function are largely unexplored. Here we studied the impact of miRNA 5′-heterogeneity, which affects the seed region critical for target recognition. Using the example of miR-142-3p, an emerging regulator of the hematopoietic lineage in vertebrates, we show that naturally coexpressed 5′-variants (5′-isomiRs) can recognize largely distinct sets of binding sites. Despite this, both miR-142-3p isomiRs regulate exclusive and shared targets involved in actin dynamics. Thus, 5′-heterogeneity can substantially broaden and enhance regulation of one pathway. Other 5′-isomiRs, in contrast, recognize largely overlapping sets of binding sites. This is exemplified by two herpesviral 5′-isomiRs that selectively mimic one of the miR-142-3p 5′-isomiRs. We hypothesize that other cellular and viral 5′-isomiRs can similarly be grouped into those with divergent or convergent target repertoires, based on 5′-sequence features. Taken together, our results provide a detailed characterization of target recognition by miR-142-3p and its 5′-isomiR-specific viral mimic. We furthermore demonstrate that miRNA 5′-end variation leads to differential targeting and can thus broaden the target range of miRNAs.
Journal subscription expenditure of UK higher education institutions
Authors: Lawson Stuart , Meghreblian Ben
Published: July 2015

The academic libraries of higher education institutions (HEIs) pay significant amounts of money each year for access to academic journals. The amounts paid are often not transparent especially when it comes to knowing how much is paid to specific publishers. Therefore data on journal subscription expenditure were obtained for UK HEIs using a series of Freedom of Information requests. Data were obtained for 153 HEIs’ expenditure with ten publishers over a five-year period. The majority of institutions have provided figures but some are still outstanding. The data will be of interest to those who wish to understand the economics of scholarly communication and see the scale of payments flowing within the system. Further research could replicate the data collection in other jurisdictions.
Mathematical modeling of processes in the human respiratory system
Authors: Канунникова  , Kanunnikova A. , Ивахно  , Ivakhno N. , Федоров  , Fedorov S.
Published: July 2015

Scientific relevance and purpose. This research looks at the urgent task of modeling the structure of the human respiratory system and processes occurring in it, in order to predict the changes in physiological parameters occurring under different mechanical actions.

Results. This paper suggests mathematical model based on the description of equations of the mass flow and mass flow rate in the pulmonary channels in cases, when airways are branched in accordance with the prin-ciple of regular dichotomy with regard to the equations of work dynamics of the respiratory muscles and the ability to model different stresses in the breathing circuit, caused by trainers. The research examined the stresses generated by muscles in the radial and axial direction of the equivalent hollow cylinder, which represented the chest with regard to the elastic stress component in the cylinder wall and variable muscle stress in the circumfe-rential direction. The paper contains the results of mathematical modeling of breathing without stress, the graphs of volume and mass flow in lungs generations and pressure-flow diagram.

Conclusions. The developed mathematical models enable more precise multi-parameter modeling of the dynamics of functioning of complex biotech system "respiratory muscles trainer - human", which enables the implementation of the prediction of shifts of physiological and mechanical properties from the values of the normal process and to adjust the control actions on this basis
Optimization Task Solving in AnyLogic Environment
Authors: Калугин  , Kalugin A.
Published: July 2015

The paper delivers detailed description of computer optimization experiment recommended for conducting while learning Computer Modeling within

Informatics course. The article contains methodological recommendations, necessary illustrations, and tasks for individual work. Concrete example

illustrates application of new kinds of learning activity in AnyLogic computer modeling environment that is free of charge for educational purposes.
ECG of the month
Authors: Regan Martin
Published: July 2015

Martin Regan presents two ECGs for you to analyse
Legality of treatment choice
Authors: Cowan William
Published: July 2015

This month, we received the following letter from a private client solicitor who is married to a cardiac nurse, and who has been following our quarterly Legal column written by Swansea University's Richard Griffith
Research Roundup
Authors: Cope Graham F
Published: July 2015

In this section, Graham Cope presents a selection of recently published articles of interest to nurses working in the field of cardiovascular nursing. The aim of this roundup is to provide a brief overview of the research papers selected. A full reference is provided for those who wish to take a look at the research in further detail
Heart failure nurse specialist crisis interventions and avoided hospital admissions
Authors: McLaughlin Donna , Hoy Leontia , Glackin Marie
Published: July 2015

This service evaluation identified the crisis interventions carried out by a heart failure nurse specialist working across the acute and primary care sector of a rural Trust which resulted in avoided hospital admissions. A note trawl was carried out for patients who had an avoided hospital admission, within a 1–year period, as a result of crisis intervention by the specialist nurse. At least 160 hospital admissions were avoided as a result of crisis interventions by the heart failure nurse specialist, resulting in savings of approximately £544 434. Of the avoided hospital admissions requiring crisis intervention, 80% occurred owing to planned care with the heart failure nurse specialist. The most frequent intervention by the heart failure nurse specialist involved commencing or increasing diuretics in 31% of cases. The evaluation demonstrated that frequent review of patients by the heart failure nurse specialist resulted in avoided hospital admissions. Recommendations include dissemination of findings regarding the cost effectiveness of the heart failure nurse specialist's role to inform service development. The need for further research relating to the effective education of patients about their heart failure is highlighted.
Nursing the out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patient: use of therapeutic hypothermia
Authors: Palmer Sarah Jane
Published: July 2015

In England in 2013, 28 000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests were attended to by the emergency services. Fewer than 9% of these survive to the point of discharge from hospital, but many patients may be severely neurologically impaired as a result of brain tissue necrosis. This is caused by hypoxia, as a result of loss of circulation and, therefore, loss of oxygen supply to brain tissue. If CPR is successful, there is still a strong risk of brain tissue necrosis from the ‘down-time’. Such neurological deficit can result in immobility, long-term ventilation and further organ support. A treatment for survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest that has been proven to prevent further brain tissue necrosis and improve prognosis and outcomes is therapeutic hypothermia. This article covers the in-depth knowledge the nurse requires in order to know when and how to implement therapeutic hypothermia within the appropriately equipped health-care setting, while working with the intensivist and wider health-care team to provide the best possible care for the patient. It covers the emergency department to the intensive care setting, with a background to the pre-hospital scenario and statistics of the out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patient. Numerous nursing considerations are required in monitoring the patient, and a number of complications could also occur, which shall be covered in this article. Therapeutic hypothermia is a highly beneficial treatment, which may change long-term outcomes and prognoses for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients, if implemented swiftly and appropriately.
Understanding palliative care needs in heart failure
Authors: Ivany Elena
Published: July 2015

There is increasing recognition that end-of-life care is often suboptimal for those with advanced non-malignant diseases. Although patients reported little understanding of palliative care, it is clear that individuals living with heart failure have a number of palliative care needs. Among these are education, communication, symptom management and psychosocial needs. In particular, this literature review found that clinicians often struggled to discuss palliation with heart failure patients owing to the unclear disease trajectory and cardiac-specific barriers to identifying palliation needs. Carers reported a need for greater social support and better guidance on best practice care. Furthermore, patients struggled to cope physically and psychologically with their reduced physical capabilities and were fearful of being a burden to their carers.
The use of primary PCI for the treatment of STEMI
Authors: Cooper Diana
Published: July 2015

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) accounts for 1 in 5 male and 1 in 8 female deaths in the UK. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is the treatment of choice for ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). A network of PPCI centres across the UK provides a safe and effective treatment for patients and prompt diagnosis and transfer to a PPCI cardiac catheter laboratory provider is the key to a successful outcome. Access is more commonly via the radial artery, rather than the femoral artery, since this reduces access site complications. Complications are rare (less than 1%), but serious, and require a skilled multidisciplinary team approach for optimal management. Hospitalisation is for 2–3 days in uncomplicated cases, with secondary prevention and cardiac rehabilitation being offered to all AMI patients. The introduction of PPCI for STEMI across the UK has reduced patient mortality and improved outcomes in comparison with fibrinolysis, which was the previous standard. This article provides a review of PPCI for the treatment of STEMI.
A narrative review of the theoretical foundations of loneliness
Authors: Tzouvara Vasiliki , Papadopoulos Chris , Randhawa Gurch
Published: July 2015

Loneliness has been found to relate to a wide range of harmful health outcomes. The adverse effects of loneliness upon people's lives emphasise the importance of understanding its nature and process. A number of theoretical and conceptual foundations have been proposed by scholars and are discussed and reflected upon in this article. The discussion and understanding of loneliness theoretical foundations provide useful insights toward the interpretation of its occurrence.
Understanding the Code: exceptions to the duty of patient confidentiality
Authors: Griffith Richard
Published: July 2015

Last month's article considered the scope of a district nurse's duty to maintain the confidentiality of patient information under the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code, their contract of employment, and the law. This month, Richard Griffith considers the exceptions to these duties and sets out when a district nurse would be justified in disclosing patient information.
Medical and oncological management of malignant mesothelioma
Authors: Bibby Anna C , Gibbs Lara , Braybrooke Jeremy P
Published: July 2015

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer, for which no curative oncological treatment currently exists. This article outlines the options for managing malignant pleural effusions, describes the developments in chemotherapy over the past 10 years and summarizes the evidence for prophylactic and palliative radiotherapy.
Cheyne–Stokes respiration during sleep: mechanisms and potential interventions
Authors: Wang Yan , Cao Jie , Feng Jing , Chen Bao-Yuan
Published: July 2015

Cheyne–Stokes respiration is characterized by a typical waxing and waning pattern in breathing amplitude, interspersed with central apnoeas or hypopnoeas. This article reviews current knowledge regarding Cheyne–Stokes respiration with a particular emphasis on the mechanisms and latest methods of intervention.
Characterization of Residue and Bio-Oil Produced by Liquefaction of Loblolly Pine at Different Reaction Times
Authors: Celikbag Yusuf , Via Brian K.
Published: July 2015

The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of liquefaction time on the properties of residue and bio-oil produced by liquefaction of loblolly pine using ethylene glycol at 150°C. Liquefaction was carried out in a glass reactor for 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 minutes. The lowest residue content of 42 percent was obtained from 90 minutes of liquefaction. Fourier transform infrared analysis of residue and bio-oil revealed that as liquefaction time was prolonged, more hemicellulose underwent degradation, resulting in the formation of compounds containing carbonyl groups. An inverse correlation between the intensity of peaks at 1,734 cm−1 (carbonyl groups) and 3,293 cm−1 (OH stretching) in the infrared spectra of bio-oil was observed. X-ray diffraction analysis of residue supported the degradation of hemicellulose in the early stage of liquefaction as well as cellulose degradation as the liquefaction was prolonged. Finally, the hydroxyl number of bio-oil was determined by the phthalic anhydride esterification method and was found to be in the range of 1,230 to 1,427 mg KOH/g, depending on liquefaction time.
Synthesis and Characterization of Bio-Based Phenol-Formaldehyde Resol Resins from Bark Autoclave Extractives
Authors: Zhao Yong , Yan Ning , Feng Martin
Published: July 2015

With the growing concern for fossil fuel depletion and environmental carbon footprint, there is a strong interest in exploring the renewable biomass materials as substitutes for petroleum-based feedstock. In this study, bark autoclave extractives from the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins)–infested lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl.) were used for partially replacing petroleum-based phenol in the phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resol resin synthesis. The structural characteristics of the bark autoclave extractives were examined using liquid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The curing behavior and curing kinetics, bonding strength, and bond development of the resulting bio-based bark extractive–PF resol resins were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), lap shear, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) tests, respectively. Results showed that bark autoclave extractives were a complicated mixture containing tannin, degraded hemicellulose, and degraded lignin components. The bark extractive–PF resins exhibited a higher molecular weight, higher viscosity, shorter gel time, and faster curing rate than the laboratory-made PF resin without bark components. The bark extractive–PF resins had comparable bonding strength to a commercial PF resin even when the phenol replacement rate was as high as 50 percent by weight. Bark autoclave extractives obtained from the beetle-infested lodgepole pine are suitable as a partial replacement of petroleum-based phenol in making PF resol adhesives.
Modelagem da formação e propagação de trincas em misturas asfálticas
Authors: Soares Jorge Barbosa , Freitas Felipe Araújo Colares de
Published: July 2015

O trincamento da camada asfáltica em pavimentos é apontado como o principal defeito das rodovias brasileiras. Estudos experimentais e numéricos sobre este fenômeno vêm sendo realizados considerando o material como homogêneo. Este artigo apresenta uma abordagem numérica baseada na Teoria da Mecânica da Fratura na qual considera-se a heterogeneidade do material, sendo o ligante e os agregados tratados separadamente. As simulações realizadas são verificadas e calibradas através de ensaios laboratoriais simples e convencionais. O estudo trata da formação e propagação de trincas sob carregamentos monotônicos e aponta para uma nova forma de simulação do fenômeno de fadiga de misturas. É ainda discutida a utilização de uma abordagem multi-escala, na qual o dano observado na forma da propagação de trincas na escala local pode ser considerado numa escala global compatível com o pavimento real.
Configuração de redes do tipo hub-and-spoke para o transporte rodoviário de carga parcelada no Brasil utilizando algoritmos genéticos
Authors: Silva Marcos Roberto , Cunha Cláudio Barbieri da
Published: July 2015

Este trabalho descreve uma estratégia de solução heurística baseada em algoritmos genéticos para o problema de configuração de redes do tipo "hub-and-spoke" para transportadoras de carga parcelada no Brasil. Esse problema consiste em determinar quantos e quais são os terminais de consolidação de carga parcelada (também conhecidos como "hubs") e quais pontos ou filiais são atendidos por cada "hub", de forma a minimizar o custo total, composto de parcelas de custos fixos e variáveis. O modelo proposto se diferencia dos demais encontrados na literatura por permitir considerar fatores de economia de escala para os custos de transporte que variam de acordo com os respectivos volumes de carga entre instalações, como ocorre com as transportadoras de carga no Brasil. Dada a natureza combinatorial do problema e a sua função objetivo não linear, duas estratégias de solução heurísticas são utilizadas, ambas baseadas em Algoritmos Genéticos, sendo uma delas com uma abordagem inédita de utilizar algoritmos genéticos em duas fases. As heurísticas foram aplicadas a um problema real de uma transportadora de carga parcelada no Brasil e permitiram obter resultados de ótima qualidade.
Caminhos para a modicidade tarifária nas rodovias pedagiadas no Brasil
Authors: Rocha João Gualberto Coutinho , Vanalle Rosângela Maria
Published: July 2015

Ao longo dos últimos anos, a malha rodoviária brasileira vem sendo submetida a um programa de privatização sob a forma de concessão de serviço público. A exploração de rodovias, pela iniciativa privada, traz como conseqüência a prática da cobrança de pedágio, como forma de remuneração dos capitais privados investidos. A despeito dos benefícios derivados dos investimentos realizados nas rodovias concedidas, o nível tarifário dos pedágios tem se mostrado, por vezes, superior à expectativa e à disponibilidade financeira dos usuários. O propósito deste artigo é introduzir a discussão sobre algumas medidas e ações passíveis de serem implementadas no sentido da redução dos valores do pedágio, no Brasil. O tema é bastante complexo e, envolvendo diferentes níveis de decisão, porém o presente texto pretende tão somente apontar caminhos viáveis à modicidade tarifária, respeitando o equilíbrio económico nos contratos já firmados e mantendo o padrão de qualidade nos serviços ofertados pelas concessionárias.
As agências de regulação dos serviços no Brasil e na França: transportes e telecomunicações
Authors: Brasileiro Anisio , Orrico Filho Rômulo
Published: July 2015

Este trabalho analisa, nos casos do Brasil e França, as experiências de criação de agências regulatórias nas redes de transportes e telecomunicações. A escolha dessas duas redes deve-se ao fato de que ambas passam por reformas regulatórias importantes, cobrem um leque variado de possibilidades de regulação, e são sujeitas a forte presença do Estado na sua provisão baseada na noção de serviço público. Mas os dois países vêm seguindo caminhos diferentes. A França busca uma terceira via, diferente da desregulamentação anglo-saxônica; o Brasil busca combinar as noções de serviço público e de public utility, com resultados até o momento pouco claros. O trabalho assim se estrutura. Inicialmente, põe-se a problemática conceitual em torno das reformas regulatórias nas redes sociotécnicas. Em seguida, busca-se reconstituir, em uma perspectiva histórica, os grandes momentos, nos dois paises, de privatização-estatização-privatização com vistas a compreender os fatores culturais, econômicos e sociais que marcaram, desde seus inícios, as relações entre o Estado e as empresas privadas. Por fim, analisam-se as leis brasileiras e francesas de criação das agências de transporte e telecomunicações, ressaltando-se suas similitudes e diferenças.
Análise de custos operacionais e dos atrasos de aeronaves na Área Terminal São Paulo (TMA-SP)
Authors: Martins Santana Erico Soriano , Ferreira Hupalo Mauricio , Matos Feitosa Milton Valdir , Müller Carlos
Published: July 2015

O artigo desenvolve uma avaliação comparativa do atraso de aeronaves em vôo na Área Terminal de São Paulo (TMA-SP), a região aérea mais congestionada no Brasil, e de seus impactos em termos de custos. Diferentes cenários de fluxo foram construídos e simulados. A avaliação econômica foi baseada no custo operacional médio de vôo na TMA-SP. A análise foi concentrada nas operações de vôo e de solo que tiveram origem ou destino nos aeroportos de Congonhas, Guarulhos ou Viracopos, os três aeroportos mais movimentados da TMA-SP. O software SIMMOD Plus 4.0! foi utilizado para simular as operações no espaço aéreo e no lado aéreo dos aeroportos. Cinco cenários operacionais foram analisados. Destes, dois cenários — um considerando a operação de uma terceira pista no Aeroporto de Guarulhos e o outro considerando a remoção de aeronaves lentas do Aeroporto de Congonhas —, resultaram considerável redução no congestionamento e atraso na TMA-SP. A partir desses resultados, três novos cenários admitindo 10%, 20% e 30% de transferência de demanda de Congonhas para Guarulhos foram construídos e analisados. Os cenários propostos reduziram o atraso nos procedimentos de chegada e de partida dos vôos, diminuindo o custo operacional das empresas aéreas assim como aumentando a capacidade do sistema TMA-SP.
Caracterização operacional de praças de pedágio do estado de São Paulo
Authors: Araújo Juliana Jerônimo de , Setti José Reynaldo
Published: July 2015

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar a operação de praças de arrecadação de pedágio, a fim de fornecer subsídios para o seu projeto e para o estabelecimento de parâmetros e procedimentos para avaliação do nível de serviço. Os dados foram coletados em cinco praças de pedágio do estado de São Paulo. Os aspectos operacionais estudados foram: o processo de chegadas dos veículos às praças; o perfil da velocidade durante a desaceleração dos veículos na entrada da praça; o processo de escolha da cabine pelos motoristas; o processo de atendimento dos veículos nas cabines; o perfil da velocidade durante a aceleração dos veículos na saída da praça; e as velocidades desenvolvidas nas cabines com tecnologia AVI. Através de um modelo de simulação, também se apresenta um método que exemplifica como o nível de serviço das praças poderia ser estimado a partir desses dados.
Drivers and outcomes of private-public partnerships in mass transit systems: an exploratory analysis of selected cases
Authors: Aragão Joaquim , Santos Enilson , Orrico Filho Rômulo , Brasileiro Anísio
Published: July 2015

O artigo pretende analisar as políticas de inserção do capital privado em sistemas de transporte de massa. Como se argumenta na introdução, os diferentes pesos relativos dos fatores políticos e dos argumentos econômicos em cada projeto podem levar a resultados diferentes e afetar de forma distinta o sucesso do empreendimento. Uma série de questões selecionadas compõe o escopo analítico a ser desenvolvido. Inicialmente, o conceito de parceria público-privada é explanado, e nas seções subseqüentes, casos originários de países em desenvolvimento e industrializados são discutidos. O artigo encerra-se com conclusões pautadas pelo conjunto das questões selecionadas.
Uma proposta metodológica para estimar o custo da poluição do ar nas análises de viabilidade de sistemas de transportes urbanos
Authors: Camilli Landmann Marcelo , Ribeiro Helena , Deák Csaba
Published: July 2015

O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar um novo método para valoração monetária da poluição do ar para ser utilizado nas análises de viabilidade de projetos de transportes. Os métodos tradicionalmente utilizados, com base nos custos de saúde, envolvem várias etapas de cálculo, muita imprecisão, e são considerados muito complexos e onerosos. Além disso, os dados necessários nem sempre estão disponíveis nos países em desenvolvimento, o que tem levado a adaptações precárias dos resultados dos estudos feitos nos países desenvolvidos, com base na renda per capita, por exemplo, desconsiderando assim a dispersão dos poluentes e outras especificidades das regiões de estudo, como o grau de exposição e a pré-disposição da população local às doenças. O método proposto tem como base os custos do controle das emissões veiculares. Através de pesquisa de preços de catalisadores e dos custos de manutenção e fiscalização das emissões veiculares, e aplicando-se as equações de consumo de combustíveis em redes urbanas, chegou-se a um modelo bastante simples e direto, que pode ser facilmente utilizado nos estudos de planejamento de transportes. Como dados de entrada são utilizados os valores de veículo*km, veículo*hora e velocidade média na rede, obtidos a partir de modelos de simulação de transportes. Finalmente, se assinala que o método proposto deriva de uma abordagem em que a conservação ambiental, mais do que mera questão de eficiência econômica, é uma condição necessária à própria reprodução da sociedade.