bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of staff quality improvement training needs among Veterans Affairs nursing home leadership
Authors: Zakoscielna Karolina M. , Parmelee Patricia A. , Lichtenstein Stephanie
Published: February 2014

This study seeks to describe clinical leadership’s perceptions of staff understanding of the minimum data set (MDS) quality indicators (QIs) and ways to improve staff understanding of this system, as well as specific perceived training needs among Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) nursing home care unit (NHCU) clinical leadership. This cross-sectional online survey using structured (quantitative) and open-ended (qualitative) items took place in 97 VA NHCUs nationwide. A total of 289 leadership staff including directors of nursing, medical directors, MDS coordinators participated. Qualitative analysis yielded several themes regarding why staff do/do not understand MDS QIs, and strategies to improve staff understanding included involvement, staffing/staff roles, education/training, mechanics, big picture. Regarding how to improve understanding, respondents recommended education/training, involvement, reinforcement and others. Of specific training strategies/needs, the most frequently identified were using the MDS as a clinical assessment tool. Quantitative analyses were not significant. These results highlight the range of causes identified by managers for frontline staff’s understanding (or lack thereof) of the QIs, and their preference for ways to improve staff understanding of what the MDS means. Understanding and applying these strategies may help improve staff’s use of the MDS QIs in VA and non-VA skilled nursing facilities.
Para-dichlorobenzene toxicity – a review of potential neurotoxic manifestations
Authors: Dubey Divyanshu , Sharma Vibhash D. , Pass Steven E. , Sawhney Anshudha , Stüve Olaf
Published: February 2014

Background:

Para-dichlorobenzene (PDCB) is an active ingredient of mothballs, deodorizers and fumigants. Due to the easy availability of this chemical, there is a considerable risk for accidental or intentional toxic exposure. Recently, multiple cases of PDCB toxicity due to mothball ingestion were reported. PDCB toxicity can affect multiple organ systems including liver, kidneys, skin, lung and the central nervous system (CNS). CNS toxicity often results in leukoencephalopathy and heterogeneous neurological manifestations.

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to illustrate the clinical presentation, imaging findings, diagnosis and management of PDCB toxicity.

Methods:

We carried out a literature review of the pharmacological and toxicological properties of PDCB.

Conclusions:

PDCB and other aromatic hydrocarbons are capable of CNS tissue damage and in promoting functional neurological decline. While very little is currently known about prevalence of PDCB addiction, it cannot be ruled out that its illicit use among young people is under-recognized. The number of cases of PDCB toxicity might also rise due to the increasing industrial and domestic use of this chemical.
Framing Social Justice Leadership in a University-Based Preparation Program
Authors: Trujillo Tina , Cooper Robert
Published: February 2014

Scholars are increasingly considering how theoretical concepts about social justice might permeate leadership preparation programs’ design. Yet the degree to which these concepts actually anchor these programs is unclear. This article addresses this gap by analyzing how the University of California’s Principal Leadership Institute bridges theory and practice according to a social justice framework. It applies a theoretical framework for guiding social justice leadership preparation to guide a content analysis of program syllabi. It identifies specific features of the program’s curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment that reflect or contradict this framework, and then discusses the implications for research and practice.
The Effect of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction on Pitch Velocity in Major League Baseball Pitchers
Authors: Lansdown Drew A. , Feeley Brian T.
Published: February 2014

Background:

The medial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is the primary restraint to valgus load, and injury is commonly encountered as a result of overuse in throwing athletes. Reconstruction of this ligament has allowed for a high rate of return to sport for elite pitchers. Public perception of this procedure has resulted in a commonly held belief of increased throwing velocity following UCL reconstruction.

Hypothesis:

Fastball velocity for Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers is significantly decreased following UCL reconstruction.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A total of 129 pitchers were identified as undergoing UCL reconstruction from publicly available reports, and a final group of 80 MLB pitchers were included for analysis. Statistics were collected, including pitch velocity, pitch selection, and performance outcomes. Pre- and postoperative statistics were compared using paired t tests to allow for evaluation of each pitcher relative to his baseline velocity and performance.

Results:

Mean fastball velocity was significantly decreased following UCL reconstruction, with a presurgical mean velocity of 91.3 mph and postoperative velocity of 90.6 mph ( P = .003). The greatest observed difference was in pitchers older than 35 years, with fastball velocity decreasing from 91.7 to 88.8 mph ( P = .0048). Pitchers threw fewer fastballs after reconstruction. Pitch velocity for curveballs, changeups, and sliders did not change significantly after UCL reconstruction. Additionally, pitchers threw fewer innings and pitches following reconstruction and produced fewer wins above replacement relative to their preinjury state.

Conclusion:

Contrary to popular opinion, fastball velocity for MLB pitchers is significantly decreased following UCL reconstruction, which should reinforce the importance of preventing overuse injuries.
Transtibial Tunnel Placement in Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Tompkins Marc , Keller Thomas C. , Milewski Matthew D. , Gaskin Cree M. , Brockmeier Stephen F. , Hart Joseph M. , Miller Mark D.
Published: February 2014

Background:

It is common to place the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tibial tunnel with a transtibial technique using a guide that attempts to place the center of the tunnel 1 to 1.5 cm distal to the tibiofemoral joint. It is unknown how well this technique will re-create the native tibial footprint of the PCL.

Purpose:

To evaluate the accuracy of tibial tunnel placement using a transtibial technique.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Ten cadaveric knees from 10 donors underwent arthroscopic transtibial drilling of the tibial tunnel with use of a posteromedial portal for visualization. The transtibial guide was rested flush against the tibial spines to allow for the guide to be as distal as possible, which was between 1 and 1.5 cm distal to the tibiofemoral joint line. Using this technique, an attempt was made to place the tibial tunnels as close to the center of the PCL footprint as possible. All knees underwent computed tomography both pre- and postoperatively with a previously reported technique optimized for ligament evaluation. This allowed comparison of the anatomic PCL tibial footprint to the tibial tunnel aperture. The percentage of tunnel aperture contained within the native footprint as well as the distance from the center of the tunnel aperture to the center of the footprint was measured.

Results:

The percentage of tunnel aperture contained within the native footprint was 45.9% ± 23.1%. The distance from the center of the tibial tunnel aperture to the center of the tibial PCL footprint was 6.4 ± 2.3 mm. The tunnels were almost always (9/10) distal (or inferior) to the native footprint and either slightly lateral (5/10) or centered (5/10) in a medial to lateral direction.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates that using the transtibial drilling technique in the tibia for PCL reconstruction places approximately half of the tibial tunnel aperture within the tibial footprint. Generally, the tunnel is distal to the footprint.

Clinical Relevance:

Consideration should be given to the fact that, using this transtibial technique, the tibial tunnel aperture is generally not placed in the center of the footprint. This may not be a negative issue, however, since there are other potential advantages from distal tunnel placement.
Exogenous interleukin-10 alleviates allergic inflammation but inhibits local interleukin-10 expression in a mouse allergic rhinitis model
Authors: Wang Shui-Bin , Deng Yu-Qin , Ren Jie , Xiao Bo-Kui , Liu Zheng , Tao Ze-Zhang
Published: February 2014

Background

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) has an important anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory function, and its expression is negatively correlated with the development and severity of allergic rhinitis (AR). However, the in vivo effects of exogenous IL-10 on AR have not been studied and the mechanisms underlying the effects of IL-10 have not been fully understood. Here, we investigated the effects of intranasal administration of recombinant mouse (rm) IL-10 on the expression of Th responses and local IL-10 in a mouse model of AR induced by ovalbumin.

Results

Administration of rmIL-10 during challenge significantly reduced the number of eosinophils and mast cells, as well as Type 2 helper T (Th2) and Th17 cell related cytokine and transcription factor levels in the nasal mucosa and nasal lavage fluid in AR mice. The rmIL-10 treatment significantly inhibited the number of IL-10-positive cells and IL-10 mRNA expression in the nasal mucosa in AR mice.

Conclusion

Our results show that exogenous IL-10 administrated in challenge phase alleviates nasal allergic inflammation in AR mice, most likely by inhibiting Th2 and Th17 responses. It can also inhibit local IL-10 levels in the nasal mucosa. Our findings indicate that IL-10 may have the potential as an inhibitor of AR.
Short-term surgical and long-term survival outcomes after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer
Authors: Chen Ke , Mou Yi-Ping , Xu Xiao-Wu , Cai Jia-Qin , Wu Di , Pan Yu , Zhang Ren-Chao
Published: February 2014

Background

Laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) for gastric cancer has gradually gained popularity. However, the long-term oncological outcomes of LDG have rarely been reported. This study aimed to investigate the survival outcomes of LDG, and evaluate the early surgical outcomes of laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) and totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG).

Methods

Clinical outcomes of 240 consecutive patients with gastric cancer who underwent LDG at our institution between October 2004 and April 2013 were analyzed. Early surgical outcomes of LADG and TLDG were compared and operative experiences were evaluated.

Results

Of the 240 patients, 93 underwent LADG and 147 underwent TLDG. There were 109 T1, 36 T2, 31 T3, and 64 T4a lesions. The median follow-up period was 31.5 months (range: 4–106 months). Tumor recurrence was observed in 40 patients and peritoneal recurrence was observed most commonly. The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates according to tumor stage were 90.3% and 93.1% in stage I, 72.7% and 67.6% in stage II, and 34.8% and 41.5% in stage III, respectively. No significant differences in early surgical outcomes were noted such as operation time, blood loss and postoperative recovery between LADG and TLDG (P >0.05).

Conclusions

LDG for gastric cancer had acceptable long-term oncologic outcomes. The early surgical outcomes of the two commonly used LDG methods were similar.
Identification of FISH biomarkers to detect chromosome abnormalities associated with prostate adenocarcinoma in tumour and field effect environment
Authors: Zhang Ying , Perez Thomas , Blondin Beth , Du Jing , Liu Ping , Escarzaga Diana , Coon John S , Morrison Larry E , Pestova Katerina
Published: February 2014

Background

To reduce sampling error associated with cancer detection in prostate needle biopsies, we explored the possibility of using fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) to detect chromosomal abnormalities in the histologically benign prostate tissue from patients with adenocarcinoma of prostate.

Methods

Tumour specimens from 33 radical prostatectomy (RP) cases, histologically benign tissue from 17 of the 33 RP cases, and 26 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) control cases were evaluated with Locus Specific Identifier (LSI) probes MYC (8q24), LPL (8p21.22), and PTEN (10q23), as well as with centromere enumerator probes CEP8, CEP10, and CEP7. A distribution of FISH signals in the tumour and histologically benign adjacent tissue was compared to that in BPH specimens using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Results

The combination of MYC gain, CEP8 Abnormal, PTEN loss or chromosome 7 aneusomy was positive in the tumour area of all of the 33 specimens from patients with adenocarcinomas, and in 88% of adjacent histologically benign regions (15 out of 17) but in only 15% (4 out of 26) of the benign prostatic hyperplasia control specimens.

Conclusions

A panel of FISH markers may allow detection of genomic abnormalities that associate with adenocarcinoma in the field adjacent to and surrounding the tumour, and thus could potentially indicate the presence of cancer in the specimen even if the cancer focus itself was missed by biopsy and histology review.
Eptifibatide-induced acute profound thrombocytopenia: a case report
Authors: Graidis Christos , Golias Christos , Dimitriadis Dimokritos , Dimitriadis Georgios , Bitsis Theodosis , Dimitrelos Ilias , Tsiakou Afroditi , Charalabopoulos Konstantinos
Published: February 2014

Background

The interactions among cells or among cells and components of the extracellular matrix, is a crucial pathophysiological process involving some molecules collectively known as adhesion molecules (CAMs). Glycoprotein IIb / IIIa receptors are only restricted to blood platelets and they bind fibrinogen and adhesion proteins such as fibronectin, vitronectin, von Willebrand factor to form cross bridges between adjacent platelets. IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists are an object of intense research activity for target therapy worldwide during the last decades. Three GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors, abciximab, tirofiban, and eptifibatide, have been approved for clinical use. Profound thrombocytopenia is an uncommon but clinically important complication of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors.

Case presentation

This case report discusses a forty-four-year-old male patient with acute coronary syndrome who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention and developed profound thrombocytopenia within 4 hours of first administration of eptifibatide.

Conclusion

This report adds another case of eptifibatide-induced thrombocytopenia to the medical literature and endorses the importance of platelet count monitoring after initiating therapy with this agent.
Patients in a private hospital in India leave the emergency department against medical advice for financial reasons
Authors: Naderi Sassan , Acerra John R , Bailey Kathryn , Mukherji Pinaki , Taraphdar Taraknath , Mukherjee Tirtha , Pal Abin , Ward Mary Frances , Miele Kathryn , Mathias Maxwell , Tan Richard , Kline Myriam , Alagappan Kumar , Silverman Robert
Published: February 2014

Background

Some reports indicate financial concerns as a factor affecting ED patients leaving the acute care setting against medical advice (AMA). In India, no person is supposed to be denied urgent care because of inability to pay. Since a large proportion of the Indian health care system is financed by out-of-pocket expenses, we investigate the role of financial constraints for ED patients at a private hospital in India in leaving AMA.

Methods

A prospective ED-based cross-sectional survey of patients leaving AMA was conducted at a private hospital in India from 1 October 2010 to 31 December 2010. Descriptive statistics and the chi-square test were used to identify associations between financial factors and the decision to leave the hospital AMA.

Results

Overall, 55 (3.84%) ED patients left AMA, of which 46 (84%) reported leaving because of financial restrictions. Thirty-nine (71%) respondents indicated the medical bill would represent more that 25% of their annual income. Females (19/19) were more likely to leave AMA for financial reasons compared to males (27/36, p = 0.017). Among females who signed out AMA, the decision was never made by the female herself.

Conclusion

The number of people leaving the ED AMA in a private Indian hospital is relatively high, with most leaving for financial reasons. In most cases, women did not decide to leave the ED AMA for themselves, whereas males did. This survey suggests that steps are needed to ensure that the inability to pay does not prevent emergent care from being provided.
Reviewer acknowledgement 2013
Authors: Seikaly Hadi , Wright Erin
Published: February 2014

Contributing reviewers

The Editors of Journal of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery would like to thank all our reviewers who have contributed to the journal in Volume 42 (2013).
Response to imatinib as a function of target kinase expression in recurrent glioblastoma
Authors: Hassler Marco Ronald , Vedadinejad Mariam , Flechl Birgit , Haberler Christine , Preusser Matthias , Hainfellner Johannes Andreas , Wöhrer Adelheid , Dieckmann Karin Ute , Rössler Karl , Kast Richard , Marosi Christine
Published: February 2014

Background

Despite some progress in the treatment of glioblastoma, most patients experience tumor recurrence. Imatinib mesylate, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor of platelet derived growth factor receptor-alpha and -beta, c-fms, c-kit, abl and arg kinase (imatinib targets), has been shown to prevent tumor progression in early studies of recurrent gliomas, but has shown weak activity in randomized controlled trials. We studied the response to oral imatinib in 24 patients with recurrent glioblastoma who showed immunohistochemical expression of these imatinib targets in the initially resected tumor tissue.

Methods

We offered oral imatinib, 400 mg once daily treatment to 24 recurrent glioblastoma patients whose initial biopsy showed presence of at least one imatinib inhibitable tyrosine kinase.

Results

Six imatinib treated patients survived over one year. Twelve patients achieved at least tumor stabilisations from 2.6 months to 13.4 months. Median progression free survival was 3 months and median overall survival was 6 months. Imatinib was well tolerated. We found evidence, though not statistically significant, that arg kinase [Abl-2] immunopositivity had shorter survival [5 months] than the arg kinase immunonegative group [9 months].

Conclusions

Responses to imatinib observed in this patient series where imatinib inhibitable tyrosine kinases were documented on the original biopsy are marginally better than that previously reported in imatinib treatment of unselected recurrent glioblastoma patients. We thus present a suggestion for defining a patient sub-population who might potentially benefit from imatinib.
The constitutional startup of Russia in the global constitutionalization context
Authors: Ильин Андрей , Ilin Andrey
Published: February 2014

The process of the global constitutianalization has been

started by the European civilization (English constitutional acts of

the second half of the 17th century). Maturation of the constitutionalism

is a part of the social development during the industrial period.

The constitution in its classical form should be free of any social

estates influence and political inequality. The constitutianalization

of Europe in the rough was completed by the end of the 20th century.

Russia became a nominal constitution as one of the last great European

powers. To make an objective analysis, we should compare

Russia with equal intercontinental countries: the European Powers

with their colonies. All of these states never had an all-national

constitutional act. Thus the Russian “Fundamental laws” from

the 23th of April 1906 were at the level of the most big countries

having a European metropolis, moreover they surpassed them,

because the written fundamental law was an empire-wide act,

however, their proper constitutional provisions did not apply to all

the patrials. The constitutional component of the Russian fundamental

law corresponded the baseline of European constitutionalism

of the turn of the 19th–20th centuries: a dualistic monarchy.
A Branch-and-Price Algorithm for the Multidepot Vehicle Routing Problem with Interdepot Routes
Authors: Muter Ibrahim , Cordeau Jean-François , Laporte Gilbert
Published: February 2014

This paper proposes a column generation algorithm for the multidepot vehicle routing problem with interdepot routes. This problem is an extension of the multidepot vehicle routing problem in which the vehicles are allowed to stop at intermediate depots along their routes to replenish. The problem can be modeled as a set covering problem in which the variables are rotations corresponding to feasible combinations of routes. We consider two pricing subproblems to generate rotations. The first one generates rotations directly by solving an elementary shortest path problem with resource constraints on a modified version of the original customer-depot network. The second one exploits the relationship between the sets of routes and rotations but results in a model with many columns. We discuss some issues related to solving this second pricing subproblem by column generation and we introduce an alternate approach to alleviate these difficulties. We show through computational experiments that the second pricing mechanism performs better than the first to compute the linear programming relaxation lower bound. We then embed it within a branch-and-bound algorithm to compute optimal integer solutions. Moreover, we assess the benefits of allowing interdepot routes in multidepot vehicle routing.
Journalism in the trend towards new media: A sixteen year longitudinal study
Authors: Du Ying Roselyn
Published: February 2014

Recent years have witnessed a significant increase in the need for new media faculty in the journalism field. This research aims to identify hiring trends in the context of new media via a longitudinal study of job advertisements for journalism faculty published since 1995, the ‘Year of the Internet’. The study includes a content analysis that focuses on credentials and expectations outlined in the selected advertisements for faculty positions. In particular, this study analysed the requirements for new-media-specific expertise. It attempts to reflect the rapid development and evolution of new media and technologies in the journalism field and its implications.
Effects of pragmatic and moral concerns on perceived TV quality
Authors: Artero Juan P. , Etayo Cristina , Sánchez-Tabernero Alfonso
Published: February 2014

This article analyses perceived television quality in a sample of Spanish consumers by considering the role played by viewers’ concerns about television contents. It applies to all kinds of terrestrial television channels in Spain. These concerns are found to be classiffied in two categories: pragmatic and moral. The intensity of these concerns is related to the socio-demographic characteristics of the viewers. Male, older and educated viewers are found to show stronger pragmatic concerns on TV content whereas women and older viewers show stronger moral concerns. Pragmatic concerns have a negative influence on perceived TV quality, but no effect is detected for moral concerns.
MODELING JET INTERACTIONS WITH THE AMBIENT MEDIUM
Authors: Beall J. H. , Guillory J. , Rose D. V. , Wolff Michael T.
Published: February 2014

Recent high-resolution (see, e.g., [13]) observations of astrophysical jets reveal complex structures apparently caused by ejecta from the central engine as the ejecta interact with the surrounding interstellar material. These observations include time-lapsed “movies” of both AGN and microquasars jets which also show that the jet phenomena are highly time-dependent. Such observations can be used to inform models of the jet–ambient-medium interactions. Based on an analysis of these data, we posit that a significant part of the observed phenomena come from the interaction of the ejecta with prior ejecta as well as interstellar material. In this view, astrophysical jets interact with the ambient medium through which they propagate, entraining and accelerating it. We show some elements of the modeling of these jets in this paper, including energy loss and heating via plasma processes, and large scale hydrodynamic and relativistic hydrodynamic simulations.
ULTRAHIGH ENERGY COSMIC RAYS: REVIEW OF THE CURRENT SITUATION
Authors: Stanev Todor
Published: February 2014

We describe the current situation of the data on the highest energy particles in the Universe – the ultrahigh energy cosmic rays. The new results in the field come from the Telescope Array experiment in Utah, U.S.A. For this reason we concentrate on the results from these experiments and compare them to the measurements of the other two recent experiments, the High Resolution Fly’s
Eye and the Southern Auger Observatory.
THE MASS COMPOSITION OF ULTRA HIGH ENERGY COSMIC RAYS
Authors: Grillo Aurelio F.
Published: February 2014

The status of the Mass Composition measurements of Ultra High Energy Cosmic Rays is presented, with emphasis on the results from the Fluorescence Detector of the Pierre Auger Observatory. Possible consequences of the present measurements are discussed, both on the particle physics and astrophysics aspects.
RESULTS FROM LHCF EXPERIMENT
Authors: Tricomi Alessia
Published: February 2014

The LHCf experiment has taken data in 2009 and 2010 p–p collisions at LHC at √s = 0.9TeV and √s = 7TeV. In this paper the most up-to-date results on the inclusive photon spectra and the π0 spectra measured by LHCf are reported. Comparison of these spectra with the model expectations and the impact on high energy cosmic ray (HECR) Physics are iscussed. In addition, perspectives for future analyses as well as the program for the next data taking period, in particular the foreseen data taking in p–Pb collisions, will be discussed.
THE PAST AND THE FUTURE OF DIRECT SEARCH OF GW FROM PULSARS IN THE ERA OF GW ANTENNAS
Authors: Milano L. , Calloni E. , De Rosa R. , De Laurentis M. , Di Fiore L. , Garufi F.
Published: February 2014

In this paper we will give an overview of the past and present status of Gravitational Wave (GW) research associated with pulsars, taking into account the target sensitivity achieved from interferometric laser GW antennas such as Tama, Geo, Ligo and Virgo. We will see that the upper limits obtained with searches for periodic GW begin to be astrophysically interesting by imposing non-trivial constraints on the structure and evolution of the neutron stars. We will give prospects for the future detection of pulsar GW signals, with Advanced Ligo and Advanced Virgo and future enhanced detectors, e.g. the Einstein Telescope.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN ULTRA-HIGH ENERGY NEUTRINO ASTRONOMY
Authors: Grieder Peter K. F.
Published: February 2014

We outline the current situation in ultrahigh energy (UHE) cosmic ray physics, pointing out the remaining problems, in particular the puzzle concerning the origin of the primary radiation and the role of neutrino astronomy for locating the sources. Various methods for the detection of UHE neutrinos are briefly described and their merits compared. We give an account of the achievements of the existing optical Cherenkov neutrino telescopes, outline the possibility of using air fluorescence and particle properties of air showers to identify neutrino induced events, and discuss various pioneering experiments employing radio and acoustic detection of extremely energetic neutrinos. The next generation of space, ground and sea based neutrino telescopes now under construction or in the planning phase are listed.
LIMIT ON UHE NEUTRINO FLUXES FROM THE PIERRE AUGER OBSERVATORY
Authors: Maldera S.
Published: February 2014

The surface detector of the Pierre Auger Observatory is sensitive to Ultra High Energy (UHE) neutrinos. Neutrinos of all flavors can interact in the atmosphere producing inclined showers near the ground. Moreover, ultra high energy Earth-skimming tau neutrinos can be observed through the detection of showers induced by the decay of tau leptons created by interactions in the Earth’s crust. In both cases, neutrino showers can be identified through the time structure of the signals in the surface detector stations. Two sets of identification criteria have been designed to search for down-going and up-going neutrinos in the recorded data, with no candidates found. We will discuss the identification criteria used, and we will present the corresponding limits on the diffuse and point source neutrino fluxes.
ANALYSIS OF THE MACRO EXPERIMENT DATA TO COMPARE PARTICLE ARRIVAL TIMES UNDER GRAN SASSO
Authors: Ronga Francesco
Published: February 2014

The claim of a neutrino velocity different from the speed of the light, made in September 2011 by the Opera experiment, suggested the study of the time delays between TeV underground muons in the Gran Sasso laboratory using the old data of the MACRO experiment, ended in 2000. This study can also give hints on new physics in the particle cascade produced by the interaction of a cosmic ray with the atmosphere.
ICECUBE OBSERVATORY: NEUTRINOS AND THE ORIGIN OF COSMIC RAYS
Authors: Desiati Paolo
Published: February 2014

The completed IceCube Observatory, the first km3 neutrino telescope, is already providing the most stringent limits on the flux of high energy cosmic neutrinos from point-like and diffuse galactic and extra-galactic sources. The non-detection of extra-terrestrial neutrinos has important consequences on the origin of the cosmic rays. Here the current status of astrophysical neutrino searches, and of the observation of a persistent cosmic ray anisotropy above 100TeV, are reviewed.
NEUTRINOS FROM ICARUS
Authors: Farnese Christian
Published: February 2014

Liquid Argon Time Projection Chambers are very promising detectors for neutrino and astroparticle physics due to their high granularity, good energy resolution and 3D imaging, allowing for a precise event reconstruction. ICARUS T600 is the largest liquid Argon (LAr) TPC detector ever built (~600 ton LAr mass) and is presently operating underground at the LNGS laboratory. This detector, internationally considered as the milestone towards the realization of the next generation of massive detectors (~tens of ktons) for neutrino and rare event physics, has been smoothly running since summer 2010, collecting data with the CNGS beam and with cosmics. The status of this detector will be shortly described together with the intent to adopt the LAr TPC technology at CERN as a possible solution to the sterile neutrino puzzle.
STATUS OF THE CUORE EXPERIMENT
Authors: Tomei Claudia
Published: February 2014

The CUORE (Cryogenic Underground Observatory for Rare Events) experiment will search for neutrinoless double beta decay of 130Te, a rare nuclear process that, if observed, would demonstrate the Majorana nature of the neutrino and enable measurements of the effective Majorana mass. The CUORE setup consists of an array of 988 tellurium dioxide crystals, operated as bolometers, with a total mass of about 200 kg of 130Te. The experiment is under construction at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory in Italy. As a first step towards CUORE, the first tower (CUORE-0) has been assembled and will soon be in operation.
THE GERDA EXPERIMENT: STATUS AND FUTURE PLANS
Authors: Zavarise Paolo
Published: February 2014

The GERDA experiment is searching for the neutrinoless double beta decay of 76Ge. An observation of the neutrinoless double beta decay will not only prove lepton number violation by two units, but also that the neutrino is its own anti-particle, thus of Majorana type. The status of the experiment will be presented.
GRB INVESTIGATIONS BY ESA GAIA AND LOFT
Authors: Hudec René , Šimon Vojtech , Hudec Lukáš
Published: February 2014

The possibility of studying GRBs with the ESA Gaia and LOFT missions is briefly addressed. The ESA Gaia satellite to be launched in November 2013 will focus on high precision astrometry of stars and all objects down to limiting magnitude 20. The satellite will also provide photometric and spectral information and hence important inputs for various branches of astrophysics, including the study of GRBs and related optical afterglows (OAs) and optical transients (OTs). The strength of Gaia in GRB analyses will be the fine spectral resolution (spectro-photometry and ultra-low dispersion spectroscopy), which will allow the correct classication of related triggers. An interesting feature of Gaia BP and RP instruments will be the study of highly redshifted triggers. Similarly, the low dispersion spectroscopy provided by various plate surveys can also supply valuable data for investigations of high-energy sources. The ESA LOFT candidate mission, now in the assessment study phase, will also be able to detect and be used in the study of GRBs, with emphasis on low-energy (X-ray) emission.
THE ASTRO-H MISSION
Authors: Maeda Yoshitomo , Takahashi Tadayuki , Mitsuda Kazuhisa , Kelley Richard
Published: February 2014

A review of the Astro-H mission is presented here on behalf of the Astro-H collaboration. The joint JAXA/NASA ASTRO-H mission is the sixth in a series of highly successful X-ray missions initiated by the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS). One of the main uniquenesses of the ASTRO-H satellite is the high sensitivity and imaging capability of the wide energy band from 0.3 keV to 600 keV. The coverage is achieved by combining the four instruments of the SXS, SXI, HXI, and SGD. The other main uniqueness is a spectroscopic capability not only for a point-like source but also for an extended source with high spectral resolution of ΔE~4÷7eV of SXS. Using the unique powers of these instruments, ASTRO-H will address unresolved issues in high-energy astrophysics.
THE JEM-EUSO MISSION
Authors: Bertaina Mario , Ebisuzaki Toshikazu , Galeotti Piero , Kajino Fumiyoshi
Published: February 2014

The JEM-EUSO mission explores the origin of the extreme energy cosmic rays (EECRs) above 50EeV and explores the limits of the fundamental physics, through the observations of their arrival directions and energies. It is designed to open a new particle astronomy channel. This superwide-field (60 degrees) telescope with a diameter of about 2.5m looks down from space onto the night sky to detect near UV photons (330 ÷ 400nm, both fluorescent and Cherenkov photons) emitted from the giant air showers produced by EECRs. The arrival direction map with more than five hundred events will tell us the origin of the EECRs and allow us to identify the nearest EECR sources with known astronomical objects. It will allow them to be examined in other astronomical channels. This is likely to lead to an  nderstanding of the acceleration mechanisms perhaps producing discoveries in astrophysics and/or fundamental physics. The comparison of the energy spectra among the spatially resolved individual sources will help to clarify the acceleration/emission mechanism, and also finally confirm the Greisen–Zatsepin–Kuz’min process for the validation of Lorentz invariance up to γ ~ 1011. Neutral components (neutrinos and gamma rays) can also be detected as well, if their fluxes are high enough. The JEM-EUSO mission is planned to be launched by a H2B rocket about 2017 and transferred to ISS by H2 Transfer Vehicle (HTV). It will be attached to the Exposed Facility external experiment platform of “KIBO”.
THE NA62 EXPERIMENT AT CERN AND THE MEASUREMENT OF THE ULTRA-RARE DECAY K+-π+v¯v
Authors: Antonelli Antonella
Published: February 2014

The NA62 experiment at CERN aims at the very challenging task of measuring with 10% relative error the Branching Ratio of the ultra-rare decay of the K+ into π+ ν¯ν which is expected to occur only in about 8 out of 1011 Kaon decays. This will be achieved by means of an intense hadron beam, an accurate kinematical reconstruction and a redundant veto system for identifying and suppressing all spurious events. Good resolution on the missing mass in the decay is achieved using a high-resolution beam tracker to measure the kaon momentum and with a spectrometer equipped with straw tubes operating in vacuum. Hermetic veto (up to 50 mrad) of the photon from π0 decays is achieved with a combination of large angle veto (with a creative reuse of the old OPAL lead glass blocks), the NA48 liquid Krypton calorimeter and two small angle calorimeters to cover the angle down to zero. The identification of the muons and the consequent veto is performed by a fast hodoscope plane (used in the first level of the trigger to reduce the rate) and by a 17 meter, neon-filled RICH counter which is able to separate pions and muons in the momentum interval between 15 and 35 GeV. Particle identification in the beam (K+ separation) is achieved with an H2 differential Cherenkov counter. The trigger for the experiment is based on a multilevel structure with a first level implemented in the readout boards and with the subsequent level done in the software. The aim is to reduce the 10MHz level zero rate to a few kHz sent to the CERN computing centre. Studies are underway to use GPU boards in some key point of the trigger system to improve the performance.
 
CONSTRAINING SPACETIME TORSION WITH THE MOON, MERCURY AND LAGEOS
Authors: March Riccardo , Bellettini Giovanni , Tauraso Roberto , Dell’Agnello Simone
Published: February 2014

We consider an extension of Einstein General Relativity where, beside the Riemann curvature tensor, we suppose the presence of a torsion tensor. Using a parametrized theory based on symmetry arguments, we report on some results concerning the constraints that can be put on torsion parameters by studying the orbits of a test body in the solar system.
THE AUGER ENGINEERING RADIO ARRAY
Authors: Weidenhaupt Klaus
Published: February 2014

The Auger Engineering Radio Array currently measures MHz radio emission from extensive air showers induced by high energy cosmic rays with 24 self-triggered radio detector stations. Its unique site, embedded into the baseline detectors and extensions of the Pierre Auger Observatory, allows to study air showers in great detail and to calibrate the radio emission. In its final stage AERA will expand to an area of approximately 20km2 to explore the feasibility of the radio-detection technique for future cosmic-ray detectors. The concept and hardware design of AERA as well as strategies to enable self-triggered radio detection are presented. Radio emission mechanisms are discussed based on polarization analysis of the first AERA data.
A COMPUTER CLUSTER SYSTEM FOR PSEUDO-PARALLEL EXECUTION OF GEANT4 SERIAL APPLICATION
Authors: Federici Memmo , Martino Bruno L.
Published: February 2014

Simulation of the interactions between particles and matter in studies for developing X-rays detectors generally requires very long calculation times (up to several days or weeks). These times are often a serious limitation for the success of the simulations and for the accuracy of the simulated models. One of the tools used by the scientific community to perform these simulations is Geant4 (Geometry And Tracking) [2, 3]. On the best of experience in the design of the AVES cluster computing system, Federici et al. [1], the IAPS (Istituto di Astrofisica e Planetologia Spaziali INAF) laboratories were able to develop a cluster computer system dedicated to Geant 4. The Cluster is easy to use and easily expandable, and thanks to the design criteria adopted it achieves an excellent compromise between performance and cost. The management software developed for the Cluster splits the single instance of simulation on the cores available, allowing the use of software written for serial computation to reach a computing speed similar to that obtainable from a native parallel software. The simulations carried out on the Cluster showed an increase in execution time by a factor of 20 to 60 compared to the times obtained with the use of a single PC of medium quality.
THE SENSITIVITY OF THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT TO CHANGES IN THE CONCENTRATION OF GASES IN PLANETARY ATMOSPHERES
Authors: Bressler Smadar , Shaviv Giora , Shaviv Nir J.
Published: February 2014

We present a radiative transfer model for Earth-Like-Planets (ELP). The model allows the assessment of the effect of a change in the concentration of an atmospheric component, especially a greenhouse gas (GHG), on the surface temperature of a planet. The model is based on the separation between the contribution of the short wavelength molecular absorption and the long wavelength one. A unique feature of the model is the condition of energy conservation at every point in the atmosphere. The radiative transfer equation is solved in the two stream approximation without assuming the existence of an LTE in any wavelength range. The model allows us to solve the Simpson paradox, whereby the greenhouse effect (GHE) has no temperature limit. On the contrary, we show that the temperature saturates, and its value depends primarily on the distance of the planet from the central star. We also show how the relative humidity affects the surface temperature of a planet and explain why the effect is smaller than the one derived when the above assumptions are neglected.
A PROBLEMATIZAÇÃO DAS POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS EDUCACIONAIS NA ÁREA DA EDUCAÇÃO BILÍNGUE DE SURDOS
Authors: Andreis-Witkoski Sílvia
Published: February 2014

A comunidade surda, após histórica luta de mobilização por seus direitos, conseguiu, no Brasil, por meio da Lei nº 10.436/2002, regulamentada pelo Decreto nº 4.626/2005, o reconhecimento oficial da Língua Brasileira de Sinais (Libras) como meio legal de comunicação e expressão das pessoas surdas e o direito a um ensino bilíngue. No entanto, na contramão do previsto na legislação brasileira, o cenário político, em prol de uma inclusão indiscriminada e compulsória deste alunado no ensino regular, caminhava na direção oposta, com o desmantelamento das escolas de surdos. Contudo, como decorrência do forte movimento social dos grupos surdos, começam a ser sinalizadas novas ações, em consonância com os anseios destes sujeitos, pela confirmação dos direitos já conquistados na legislação. Exemplo disso é a criação da primeira escola bilíngue em Palhoça, Santa Catarina, no ano de 2012, bem como a aprovação da Lei nº 5.016, de 11 de janeiro de 2013, que estabelece os parâmetros para o desenvolvimento de políticas públicas educacionais voltadas à educação bilíngue para os surdos, a serem implementadas no âmbito do Distrito Federal. O presente artigo apresenta e discute as relações entre as políticas públicas educacionais, problematizando-as a partir da perspectiva da educação defendida pelos próprios surdos. Enfatiza também, ao desnudar os prejuízos linguísticos, identitários, socioculturais, entre outros, os desmembramentos das implicações pelas quais a maioria surda se opõe ao processo inclusivo no ensino regular.http://dx.doi.org/10.14572/nuances.v24i2.2481
Time use and gender inequalities : some evidence from three latin american countries.
Authors: Pedrero Nieto Mercedes
Published: February 2014

This article presents gender differences on time use for three Latin American countries. Variations on time use depend on being male or female and the roles played in the household, which are identified through the marital status, kinship and age. Gender inequalities in the global workload - defined as the sum of time spent working for the market and the time devoted to domestic tasks - are disadvantageous for women limiting their access to other opportunities because time is not an endless resource. Such inequalities are of great significance, since a higher workload for women does not represent greater well-being for them. Also, there is a lack of economic compensation for it since higher workloads rely on unpaid work. More working hours demand more effort and cause more fatigue and in many cases, greater alienation. On the other hand, free time for men means more autonomy for them, more recreation and in some cases, greater opportunities for personal enrichment (cultural or spiritual) and the strengthening of their social networks. These results lead us to consider specific necessary actions to achieve gender equality so that women can decide about their own personal use of time as a precondition to achieve equality in other fields of life
Strategies to reconcile domestic and paid work duties in mexican police women : a stepping stone to gender equality?
Authors: Tena Olivia
Published: February 2014

This study examines the experience of Mexican police women regarding their strategies for reconciling paid employment and family life from a gender perspective and explores some individual and structural experiences about work-life related preferences. Double presence, understood as the need to respond simultaneously to the demands of paid and domestic-family work, affects mostly women and may negatively affect their health, so it is important to analyze its different manifestations in working women whose jobs have prolonged and atypical work schedules such as police officers. Mixed (quantitative−qualitative) methods were used, so that first questionnaires were applied to police women and men with operative ranks and the same was done with women who had a command rank. After that,, women with both police ranks were interviewed in order to delve into some quantitative indicators related to gender inequalities in the division of labor. Results showed gender inequities in the way women and men arrange their work and family life. These inequalities result in individual informal conciliatory strategies that derive in an increases in women’s workloads. The specificity of the police institution is discussed as well as the prevalence of the needs of police women in the way they make their choices for the reconciliation of family and employment. Finally, the importance of institutional policies that allow free choice in women is revealed.
Nonlinear Group IV photonics based on silicon and germanium: from near-infrared to mid-infrared
Authors: Zhang Lin , Agarwal Anuradha M. , Kimerling Lionel C. , Michel Jurgen
Published: February 2014

Group IV photonics hold great potential for nonlinear applications in the near- and mid-infrared (IR) wavelength ranges, exhibiting strong nonlinearities in bulk materials, high index contrast, CMOS compatibility, and cost-effectiveness. In this paper, we review our recent numerical work on various types of silicon and germanium waveguides for octave-spanning ultrafast nonlinear applications. We discuss the material properties of silicon, silicon nitride, silicon nano-crystals, silica, germanium, and chalcogenide glasses including arsenic sulfide and arsenic selenide to use them for waveguide core, cladding and slot layer. The waveguides are analyzed and improved for four spectrum ranges from visible, near-IR to mid-IR, with material dispersion given by Sellmeier equations and wavelength-dependent nonlinear Kerr index taken into account. Broadband dispersion engineering is emphasized as a critical approach to achieving on-chip octave-spanning nonlinear functions. These include octave-wide supercontinuum generation, ultrashort pulse compression to sub-cycle level, and mode-locked Kerr frequency comb generation based on few-cycle cavity solitons, which are potentially useful for next-generation optical communications, signal processing, imaging and sensing applications.
Using Crossword Puzzles to Enhance Students’ Learning of Technical Biological Terms
Authors: Stansfield William D.
Published: February 2014

The goal of this Quick Fix is to inform biology teachers about the availability of online crossword puzzles that can be used to engage students and help them learn technical biological terms.