bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Next steps for electronic health records to improve the diagnostic process
Authors: Liebovitz David
Published: April 2015

Electronic health record (EHR) usage is accelerating while preventable diagnostic error persists. EHRs may even contribute to diagnostic error through several pathways including poor usability and an over reliance on electronic chart based communication. The changing context of healthcare delivery offers potential financial incentives for organizations to leverage EHRs to reduce diagnostic error. The lack of standard quality metrics for reporting rates of diagnostic error, a lack of diagnostic feedback systems for physicians and organizations, and a lack of compelling evidence for specific interventions underscore the need for further research in preventing diagnostic error. Many potential strategies exist for EHRs to reduce the likelihood of diagnostic error. Practical next steps for leveraging EHR systems to assist in the diagnostic process are suggested. These include patient engagement strategies, closed loop result tracking, targeted next step reminder systems, and expansion of a list of actionable patient states based on diagnosis triggers.
Harmonization of clinical laboratories in Africa: a multidisciplinary approach to identify innovative and sustainable technical solutions
Authors: Putoto Giovanni , Cortese Antonella , Pecorari Ilaria , Musi Roberto , Nunziata Enrico
Published: April 2015

Background: In an effective and efficient health system, laboratory medicine should play a critical role. This is not the case in Africa, where there is a lack of demand for diagnostic exams due to mistrust of health laboratory performance. Doctors with Africa CUAMM (Collegio Universitario Aspiranti Medici Missionari) is a non-profit organization, working mainly in sub-Saharan Africa (Angola, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda) to help and sustain local health systems. Doctors with Africa CUAMM has advocated the need for a harmonized model for health laboratories to assess and evaluate the performance of the facilities in which they operate.

Methods: In order to develop a harmonized model for African health laboratories, previous attempts at strengthening them through standardization were taken into consideration and reviewed. A survey with four Italian clinicians experienced in the field was then performed to try and understand the actual needs of health facilities. Finally a market survey was conducted to find new technologies able to update the resulting model.

Results: Comparison of actual laboratories with the developed standard – which represents the best setting any African health laboratory could aim for – allowed shortcomings in expected services to be identified and interventions subsequently prioritized. The most appropriate equipment was proposed to perform the envisaged techniques. The suitability of appliances was evaluated in consideration of recognized international recommendations, reported experiences in the field, and the availability of innovative solutions that can be performed on site in rural areas, but require minimal sample preparation and little technical expertise.

Conclusions: The present work has developed a new, up-to-date, harmonized model for African health laboratories. The authors suggest lists of procedures to challenge the major African health problems – HIV/AIDS, malaria, tubercolosis (TB) – at each level of pyramidal health system. This model will hopefully support the non-governmental organization (NGO) Doctors with Africa CUAMM in its activities in sub-Saharan hospitals, providing them with a guideline to programme future interventions.
A Wide Stop-Band Miniaturized Branch-Line Hybrid Coupler
Authors: Ehteshami Mahin , Jamshidifar Mehran
Published: April 2015

In this paper, a novel miniaturized wide
Underage drinking: does the minimum age drinking law offer enough protection?
Authors: Green Rivka , Jason Hannah , Ganz Debora
Published: April 2015

Underage drinking is a significant problem in the US. It is responsible for several thousand mortalities and fatalities each year, both among minors and other members of society. Additionally, underage alcohol consumption produces a severe economic burden in the US. Introduction to alcohol in youth poses serious long-term risks for adolescents, including occupational, educational, and psychosocial impairments, and increases the risk for developing alcohol abuse disorders in adulthood. In order to address and mitigate this problem, the US has set a minimum age drinking law of 21 in all 50 states, and has implemented several supplementary laws limiting the possession and consumption of alcohol. Though these laws have successfully reduced underage drinking, several additional strategies are noteworthy, including preventative and intervention efforts incorporating environmental, individual, communal, and parental factors. The following literature review describes these concepts as they relate to underage drinking laws in the US. Directions for future research, interventions, and ongoing challenges related to the minimum drinking age in the US are also discussed.
Comparison of Splitting Methods on Survival Tree
Authors: Shimokawa Asanao , Kawasaki Yohei , Miyaoka Etsuo
Published: April 2015

We compare splitting methods for constructing survival trees that are used as a model of survival time based on covariates. A number of splitting criteria on the classification and regression tree (CART) have been proposed by various authors, and we compare nine criteria through simulations. Comparative studies have been restricted to criteria that suppose the survival model for each terminal node in the final tree as a non-parametric model. As the main results, the criteria using the exponential log-likelihood loss, log-rank test statistics, the deviance residual under the proportional hazard model, or square error of martingale residual are recommended when it appears that the data have constant hazard with the passage of time. On the other hand, when the data are thought to have decreasing hazard with passage of time, the criterion using the two-sample test statistic, or square error of deviance residual would be optimal. Moreover, when the data are thought to have increasing hazard with the passage of time, the criterion using the exponential log-likelihood loss, or impurity that combines observed times and the proportion of censored observations would be the best. We also present the results of an actual medical research to show the utility of survival trees.
Cross-cultural Adaption and Validity of the “Patient Specific Functional Scale” / Kulturelle Adaption und Validierung der deutschen Version der “Patient Specific Functional Scale”
Authors: Heldmann Patrick , Schöttker-Königer Thomas , Schäfer Axel
Published: April 2015

Objective: Measurement of activity and participation related outcomes play an important role in rehabilitation of low back pain. Therefore the „Patient Specific Functional Scale»(PSFS) was developed to assess individual, patient related activities. The aim of this study is the cultural adaptation and validation of the PSFS for German speaking countries.

Method: A cultural translation and adaptation process was carried out in accordance with standardized guidelines. The internal and external responsiveness and the construct validity adjustment to the German version pertaining to patients with lumbar back pain was examined in comparison to the «Oswestry Disability Index»(ODI).

Results: In both groups the PSFS proved itself to be more sensitive in comparison to the ODI. The internal responsiveness of ODI improved ES= -0.75), (non-improved ES= -0.38). PSFS (improved ES= 1.96), (non-improved ES 0.77). The external responsiveness of ODI (AUC= 0.59), of PSFS (AUC= 0.83) (P= 0.0068). Constructs of both measurement instruments have a weak and a moderate correlation on measuring point 1 (r= -0.28) and 2 (r= -0.58).

Conclusion: The German version of PSFS proves itself to be a feasible model and a method of high sensitivity in evaluating changes in the functional ability of patients with lumbar back pain. The instrument can be recommended to be used in clinical practice.
Der Kanon der Informationswissenschaft
Authors: Friedländer Mathilde B.
Published: April 2015

Blaise Cronin hat 2013 die Frage formuliert, ob es so etwas wie einen Kanon der Informationswissenschaft gibt. Er schlägt vor, zur Ermittlung des Kanons auch Namens- und Sachregister von einschlägigen Lehrbüchern informetrisch auszuwerten. Untersucht wurden englischsprachige Publikationen aus der Kategorie
Verstehen und Verständlichkeit von populärwissenschaftlichen Texten: Das Projekt PopSci – Understanding Science
Authors: Wolfer Sascha , Hansen-Schirra Silvia , Held Uli
Published: April 2015

Die öffentliche Akzeptanz und Wirkung natur- und technikwissenschaftlicher Forschung hängt grundlegend davon ab, ob sich die Ziele und Forschungsergebnisse an die Öffentlichkeit vermitteln lassen. Doch die Inhalte aktueller Forschungsvorhaben sind für ein Laienpublikum oft nur schwer zugänglich und verständlich. Vor dem Hintergrund, die gesellschaftliche Diskussion natur- und technikwissenschaftlicher Forschung zu verbessern, untersuchen und bewerten wir im Projekt
Concepts of Colours in Children with Congenital Blindness
Authors: Dimitrova-Radojichikj Daniela
Published: April 2015

This descriptive qualitative interview study investigates knowledge of colours in students who are congenitally blind. The purpose of this research was to explore how the lack of direct experience with colour, as a result of congenital blindness, affects judgments about semantic concepts. Qualitative methods were used to conduct interviews with 15 students. The results of the study indicate that students know the colours and have a favourite colour. The implications for practice are to pay more attention when we teach students with congenital blindness to associate colours with specific objects.
Four types of evidentiality in the native languages of Brazil
Authors: Hengeveld Kees , Dall’Aglio Hattnher Marize Mattos
Published: April 2015

In this paper we argue that the notions generally grouped together under the heading of evidentiality actually belong to four different evidential subcategories, which are different from one another in terms of their semantic scope. The hierarchical, scopal architecture of Functional Discourse Grammar is used to define these four categories. After giving our arguments for this new classification, we test a number of predictions that follow from it concerning the coexistence of evidential subcategories within a language and the co-occurrence of evidential markers in a single clause. We investigate our predictions in a sample of 64 native languages of Brazil. The data from these languages show that the presence of one or more of the four evidential subcategories can be systematically described in terms of an implicational hierarchy.
Surface Quality Assessment Following High Performance Cutting of AZ91HP Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Gziut Olga , Kuczmaszewski Józef , Zagórski Ireneusz
Published: April 2015

The article presents test results of surface roughness after AZ91HP magnesium alloy machining with variable technological parameters (vc, fz, ap) as well as tool geometry (γ=5°. and γ = 30°.). Two carbide end mills were applied during the tests. Roughness analysis was conveyed at the end face (Ra, Rq, RzDIN, Rt, Ry, RSm) and lateral face (Ra, Rz, RSm) of the tested sample. A decrease of roughness parameters (for increasing vc) as well as an increase (with growing fz) was observed in the lateral face tests. Similar interrelations were noticed for end face of the sample. Lower roughness parameters values were recorded for tool rake angle equal to γ = 5°.
Collaborative Intelligence - Definition and Measured Impacts on Internetworked e-Work
Authors: Zhong Hao , Levalle Rodrigo Reyes , Moghaddam Mohsen , Nof Shimon Y.
Published: April 2015

Internetworked e-Work is enabling new channels in cyber space for collaboration among physical and cyber agents, e.g., humans, robots, software agents. Research on Collaborative Control Theory (CCT) indicates that building and augmenting the Collaborative Intelligence (CI) of participants in cyber-physical networks can provide better support for achieving their individual and common goals. In spite of its rising significance and popularity, however, no clear and precise definition and universal quantitative measure has been proposed for the CI. In this article, we first formalize the CI by suggesting a formal definition, based on the definitions of its elements - collaboration and intelligence. We then propose a quantitative measure for the CI, adapted from the universal intelligence measure. For illustration, we analyze three recent collaborative e-Work studies at three different scales: (1) Telerobotenabled computer supported collaborative design; (2) Collaborative product line control in supply networks; (3) Demand and capacity sharing in multi-enterprise collaboration. From these case studies, common advantages such as work efficiency, network robustness and stability, service level, resource utilization, and collaboration cost are observed, analyzed, and translated into formal CI measures. Results indicate significant impacts of CI on the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of collaborative activities in emerging e-Work networks.
The impact of anaemia on treatment outcome in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of anal canal and anal margin
Authors: Oblak Irena , Cesnjevar Monika , Anzic Mitja , Hadzic Jasna But , Ermenc Ajra Secerov , Anderluh Franc , Velenik Vaneja , Jeromen Ana , Korosec Peter
Published: April 2015

Background

Radiochemotherapy is the main treatment for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal. Anaemia is reported to have adverse effect on survival in cancer patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of anaemia on radiochemotherapy treatment outcome in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal.

Patients and methods

One hundred consecutive patients with histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal were treated radically with 3-dimensional conformal or intensity-modulated radiation therapy followed by brachytherapy or external beam radiotherapy boost and with concurrent mitomycin C and 5-fluorouracil. The influence on survival of pre-treatment, mean on-treatment and end-of-treatment haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations was studied.

Results

The 5-year locoregional control, disease free survival, disease specific survival and overall survival rates for all patients were 72%, 71%, 77% and 62%, respectively. In univariate analysis, patients with pre-treatment and end-of-treatment Hb > 120 g/L survived statistically significantly better compared to patients with Hb ≤ 120 g/L. Patients with mean on-treatment Hb > 120 g/L only had statistically significant better locoregional control and overall survival than patients with Hb ≤ 120 g/L. In multivariate analysis, independent prognostic factors were pre-treatment Hb (> 120 g/L vs. ≤ 120 g/L) for overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.419, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.190–0.927, p = 0.032) and stage (I & II vs. III) for disease specific (HR = 3.523, 95% CI = 1.375–9.026, p = 0.009) and overall survival (HR = 2.230, 95% CI = 1.167–4.264, p = 0.015).

Conclusions

The pre-treatment, mean on-treatment and end-of-treatment Hb concentration > 120 g/L carried better prognosis for patients for with squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal treated with radiochemotherapy. The pre-treatment Hb > 120 g/L was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival of patients with anal canal cancer.
Fine-grained and probabilistic cross-linguistic influence in the pronunciation of cognates: Evidence from corpus-based spontaneous conversation and experimentally elicited data
Authors: Brown Esther L. , Amengual Mark
Published: April 2015

The present study examines variable realizations of Spanish word-initial voiced and voiceless dental stops in Spanish-English cognate pairs. Employing a variationist approach to naturalistic data, we report significantly decreased likelihood of reduced articulations of word-initial /d/ in cognates in spontaneous bilingual Puerto Rican discourse, and no such probabilistic effect for cognates in monolingual Spanish of the same speech community. Using experimentally controlled elicited data of Spanish word-initial /t/, we also find evidence of significant fine-grained effects of English on the articulations of Spanish cognates in the form of lengthened VOT for Spanish-English bilinguals. These results indicate that cross-language lexical connections affect phonetic categories in the speech production of Spanish-English bilinguals. It is proposed that both fine-grained and probabilistic effects of the phonology of one language on another can be explained within the Exemplar Model of Lexical Representation.
Análisis acústico de la vibrante múltiple en el español de Valencia (España)
Authors: García Fernando Melero
Published: April 2015

El objetivo de este estudio es proporcionar un análisis acústico de la producción de la vibrante múltiple en el habla natural de hablantes nativos de Valencia. Para ello, se han analizado 14 entrevistas sociolingüísticas. La vibrante múltiple se analizó en función de diversas variables. Por un lado, se consideraron dos variables dependientes: número de oclusiones y duración de la vibrante múltiple. Por otro lado, las variables independientes son de dos tipos: lingüísticas y extralingüísticas. En general, los resultados revelaron un número considerable de variables no canónicas que contienen menos de dos oclusiones. Con respecto a los factores lingüísticos, se encontraron más producciones canónicas en sílabas tónicas y en posición inicial de palabra. En cuanto a los factores sociales, el grupo de hablantes más jóvenes se caracterizó por producciones más innovadoras no canónicas. Por el contrario, el grupo compuesto por mujeres produjo vibrantes con mayor número de oclusiones y duración que el grupo compuesto por hombres. Finalmente, el nivel de educación de los hablantes pareció no tener un efecto significativo en la producción de la vibrante múltiple.
The First Records Of The Skipper Flies (Diptera, Piophilidae) From Ukraine
Authors: Misiachna A. V. , Korneyev V. A.
Published: April 2015

Eight species of the family Piophilidae are found in the mainland Ukraine. Five of them, Allopiophila luteata (Haliday, 1833), Parapiophila vulgaris (Fallén, 1820), Protopiophila latipes (Meigen, 1838), Stearibia nigriceps (Meigen, 1826), and Neottiophilum praeustum (Meigen, 1826), are recorded from the first time from Ukraine. Two species, Mycetaulus bipunctatus (Fallén, 1823) and Prochyliza nigrimana (Meigen, 1826), have been previously recorded only from Crimea.
Differences In Skull Size Of Harbour Porpoises, Phocoena phocoena (Cetacea), In The Sea Of Azov And The Black Sea: Evidence For Different Morphotypes And Populations
Authors: Goldin P. E. , Vishnyakova K. A.
Published: April 2015

There are two porpoise stocks in the northern Black Sea: the north-western (Odessa Gulf) and northeastern (Crimean and Caucasian waters); in addition, another stock is in the Sea of Azov. The Azov porpoises are distinct in their body size and biology. This research was conducted on the skulls of stranded sexually mature porpoises from the north-eastern Black Sea, north-western Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. In the north-eastern Black Sea samples, both present-day and old-time, the sexual dimorphism of the skull size was not significant, whereas in the Sea of Azov the females were significantly larger than males. The Azov skulls were strongly different from those from the Black Sea: they were larger, proportionally wider and had the wider rostra; also, there was no significant chronological variation within the Black Sea. The Azov and Black Sea samples were classified with the 100 % success with four variables. The northwestern Black Sea skulls were somewhat intermediate in their characteristics between the Azov and northeastern Black Sea samples, but they were classify ed together with other Black Sea specimens. The difference between the Azov and Black Sea skulls was greater than between many North Atlantic populations, despite the extreme geographical proximity of the two stocks. The low variation within the Black Sea supports the earlier conclusions on the lack of genetic variation: all the Black Sea stocks are expected to be genetically similar sub-populations, whereas the Azov and Marmara stocks possibly represent the genetically distant populations. The porpoises from the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov equally show the traits which characterize the subspecies Phocoena phocoena relicta, but the Black Sea porpoises appear to be more paedomorphic in terms of ontogenetic trajectories.
The First Record Of The Salticid Spiders Sibianor larae And S. tantulus (Aranei, Salticidae) In Ukraine
Authors: Evtushenko K. V.
Published: April 2015

Two species of salticid spiders Sibianor larae Logunov, 2000 and S. tantulus (Simon, 1868) were revealed as a result of verification of collected samples from the forest zone of Ukraine. Th e redefined specimens were previously identify ed as S. aurocinctus (Ohlert, 1865). Specimens of S. aurocinctus were not found in the material. Geographic coordinates of localities and description of S. larae and S. tantulus habitats are provided.
Density Functional Theory Calculations of H/D Isotope Effects on Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell Operations
Authors: Yanase Satoshi , Oi Takao
Published: April 2015

To elucidate hydrogen isotope effects observed between fuel and exhaust hydrogen gases during polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell operations, H-to-D reduced partition function ratios (RPFRs) for the hydrogen species in the Pt catalyst phase of the anode and the electrolyte membrane phase of the fuel cell were evaluated by density functional theory calculations on model species of the two phases. The evaluation yielded 3.2365 as the value of the equilibrium constant of the hydrogen isotope exchange reaction between the two phases at 39 °C, which was close to the experimentally estimated value of 3.46–3.99 at the same temperature. It was indicated that H+ ions on the Pt catalyst surface of the anode and H species in the electrolyte membrane phase were isotopically in equilibrium with one another during fuel cell operations.
Solving Fractional Partial Differential Equations with Variable Coefficients by the Reconstruction of Variational Iteration Method
Authors: Hesameddini Esmail , Rahimi Azam
Published: April 2015

In this article, we propose a new approach for solving fractional partial differential equations with variable coefficients, which is very effective and can also be applied to other types of differential equations. The main advantage of the method lies in its flexibility for obtaining the approximate solutions of time fractional and space fractional equations. The fractional derivatives are described based on the Caputo sense. Our method contains an iterative formula that can provide rapidly convergent successive approximations of the exact solution if such a closed form solution exists. Several examples are given, and the numerical results are shown to demonstrate the efficiency of the newly proposed method.
The White Matter Structural Network Underlying Human Tool Use and Tool Understanding
Authors: Bi Yanchao , Han Zaizhu , Zhong Suyu , Ma Yujun , Gong Gaolang , Huang Ruiwang , Song Luping , Fang Yuxing , He Yong , Caramazza Alfonso
Published: April 2015

The ability to recognize, create, and use complex tools is a milestone in human evolution. Widely distributed brain regions in parietal, frontal, and temporal cortices have been implicated in using and understanding tools, but the roles of their anatomical connections in supporting tool use and tool conceptual behaviors are unclear. Using deterministic fiber tracking in healthy participants, we first examined how 14 cortical regions that are consistently activated by tool processing are connected by white matter (WM) tracts. The relationship between the integrity of each of the 33 obtained tracts and tool processing deficits across 86 brain-damaged patients was investigated. WM tract integrity was measured with both lesion percentage (structural imaging) and mean fractional anisotropy (FA) values (diffusion imaging). Behavioral abilities were assessed by a tool use task, a range of conceptual tasks, and control tasks. We found that three left hemisphere tracts connecting frontoparietal and intrafrontal areas overlapping with left superior longitudinal fasciculus are crucial for tool use such that larger lesion and lower mean FA values on these tracts were associated with more severe tool use deficits. These tracts and five additional left hemisphere tracts connecting frontal and temporal/parietal regions, mainly overlapping with left superior longitudinal fasciculus, inferior frontooccipital fasciculus, uncinate fasciculus, and anterior thalamic radiation, are crucial for tool concept processing. Largely consistent results were also obtained using voxel-based symptom mapping analyses. Our results revealed the WM structural networks that support the use and conceptual understanding of tools, providing evidence for the anatomical skeleton of the tool knowledge network.
Dentate Gyrus Development Requires ERK Activity to Maintain Progenitor Population and MAPK Pathway Feedback Regulation
Authors: Vithayathil Joseph , Pucilowska Joanna , Goodnough L. Henry , Atit Radhika P. , Landreth Gary E.
Published: April 2015

The ERK/MAPK pathway is an important developmental signaling pathway. Mutations in upstream elements of this pathway result in neuro-cardio-facial cutaneous (NCFC) syndromes, which are typified by impaired neurocognitive abilities that are reliant upon hippocampal function. The role of ERK signaling during hippocampal development has not been examined and may provide critical insight into the cause of hippocampal dysfunction in NCFC syndromes. In this study, we have generated ERK1 and conditional ERK2 compound knock-out mice to determine the role of ERK signaling during development of the hippocampal dentate gyrus. We found that loss of both ERK1 and ERK2 resulted in 60% fewer granule cells and near complete absence of neural progenitor pools in the postnatal dentate gyrus. Loss of ERK1/2 impaired maintenance of neural progenitors as they migrate from the dentate ventricular zone to the dentate gyrus proper, resulting in premature depletion of neural progenitor cells beginning at E16.5, which prevented generation of granule cells later in development. Finally, loss of ERK2 alone does not impair development of the dentate gyrus as animals expressing only ERK1 developed a normal hippocampus. These findings establish that ERK signaling regulates maintenance of progenitor cells required for development of the dentate gyrus.
A Network of Visual Motion-Sensitive Neurons for Computing Object Position in an Arthropod
Authors: Medan Violeta , Berón De Astrada Martín , Scarano Florencia , Tomsic Daniel
Published: April 2015

Highly active insects and crabs depend on visual motion information for detecting and tracking mates, prey, or predators, for which they require directional control systems containing internal maps of visual space. A neural map formed by large, motion-sensitive neurons implicated in processing panoramic flow is known to exist in an optic ganglion of the fly. However, an equivalent map for processing spatial positions of single objects has not been hitherto identified in any arthropod. Crabs can escape directly away from a visual threat wherever the stimulus is located in the 360° field of view. When tested in a walking simulator, the crabNeohelice granulataimmediately adjusts its running direction after changes in the position of the visual danger stimulus smaller than 1°. Combining mass and single-cell staining within vivointracellular recording, we show that a particular class of motion-sensitive neurons of the crab's lobula that project to the midbrain, the monostratified lobula giants type 1 (MLG1), form a system of 16 retinotopically organized elements that map the 360° azimuthal space. The preference of these neurons for horizontally moving objects conforms the visual ecology of the crab's mudflat world. With a mean receptive field of 118°, MLG1s have a large superposition among neighboring elements. Our results suggest that the MLG1 system conveys information on object position as a population vector. Such computational code can enable the accurate directional control observed in the visually guided behaviors of crabs.
3-M syndrome: a novel CUL7 mutation associated with respiratory distress and a good response to GH therapy
Authors: Deeb A , Afandi O , Attia S , Fatih A El
Published: April 2015

3-M syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the CUL7, OBSL1 and CCDC8 genes. It is characterised by growth failure, dysmorphic features and skeletal abnormalities. Data in the literature show variable efficacy of GH in the treatment of short stature. We report four Emirati siblings with the condition. The index case is a 10-year-old boy with characteristic features, including prenatal and postnatal growth failure, a triangular face, a long philtrum, full lips and prominent heels. Genetic testing confirmed a novel mutation (p.val88Ala) in the CUL7 gene. The parents are healthy, first-degree cousins with nine children, of whom two died in the first year of life with respiratory failure. Both had low birth weight and growth retardation. The boy's older sibling reached an adult height of 117 cm (−6.71 SDS). She was never treated with GH. He was started on GH treatment at 7 years of age, when his height was 94 cm (−5.3 SDS). 3-M syndrome should be considered in children with short stature who have associated dysmorphism and skeletal abnormalities. The diagnosis is more likely to occur in families that have a history of consanguinity and more than one affected sibling. Death in early infancy due to respiratory failure is another clue to the diagnosis, which might have a variable phenotype within a family. Genetic testing is important for confirming the diagnosis and for genetic counselling. GH treatment might be beneficial in improving stature in affected children.

Learning points

3-M syndrome should be considered in families that have more than one sibling with short stature, particularly if there is consanguinity.

Syndrome phenotype might be variable within a family with the same mutation.

Genetic analysis is helpful in confirming diagnosis in the presence of variable siblings' phenotype.

GH treatment might be useful in improving stature in 3-M syndrome.
Diversity of birds in the Mata do Junco State Wildlife Refuge, a remnant of the Atlantic Forest of Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Ruiz-Esparza Juan , Santos Caroline Silva dos , Cunha Mônica Alves da , Ruiz-Esparza Daniela Pinheiro Bitencurti , Rocha Patrício A. da , Beltrão-Mendes Raone , Ferrari Stephen F.
Published: April 2015

This study presents an inventory of the bird fauna of the Mata do Junco State Wildlife Refuge in Capela, in the northeastern Brazilian state of Sergipe. Monthly samples were collected between January 2011 and May 2012. Each 3-day sample was based on mist-netting (100 m) in two areas and the compilation of MacKinnon lists of 10 species. During the 17 months of the study period, the occurrence of 129 bird species belonging to 41 families was confirmed for the study area. In the mist-nets, a total of 469 individuals representing 58 species were captured in 3400 net-hours of sampling effort. A total of 100 MacKinnon lists were compiled, resulting in an inventory of 119 bird species. Eight of the species are endemic to Brazil, of which, five are restricted to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Three of the species are included in the IUCN Red List, at different levels of concern. Overall, the results of the study indicate that the Mata do Junco represents an important area for the protection of the region’s avian fauna and the habitats they rely on.
Comprehensive modelling and sizing of PV systems from location to load
Authors: Isabella O. , Nair G. Ganesan , Tozzi A. , Castro Barreto J. Hernandez , Chandra Mouli G. Ram , Lantsheer F. , van Berkel S. , Zeman M.
Published: April 2015

Photovoltaic (PV) systems are progressively used for decentralized electricity generation. To obtain the maximum yield from such systems, optimisation of all components is essential. In this contribution, we provide a comprehensive modelling and sizing of PV systems for any location. Three applications are here presented providing real time monitoring of PV potential, accurate prediction of yield taking into account thermodynamic temperature effects, optimization of modules orientation addressing the effects of shading and efficient sizing of inverter for a higher yield output. When combined, these models can accurately predict the real time performance of any PV system.
The Development and Application of High-Efficiency Low-Cost Silicon Thin Film Solar Cell
Authors: Tan Xueshi , Mao Bingxue , Zhang Feng , Yang Jingjing
Published: April 2015

For the industrial application of silicon thin film solar cells, the current focus is on how to realize high-efficiency low-cost production process and minimize light-induced degradation effect, thus effectively reducing the balance-of-system (BOS) costs of system integration. In this paper, a brief introduction based on our development and application in this area is presented, highlighting in the achievement of some layers in a-Si:H/μc-Si:H tandem solar cell by optimizing the property of single layers, such as amorphous intrinsic layer, intermediate reflective layer and microcrystalline intrinsic layer. After transferring the process achievement to the industrial production line, we obtained the low-cost thin-film silicon solar cells with high photovoltaic conversion efficiency of 10.2%.
História, memória e ficção: que fronteiras?
Authors: Matos Sérgio Campos
Published: April 2015

Sociólogos e historiadores do século XX estabeleceram uma clara distinção entre história e memória. Mas nos últimos decênios tem-se chamado a atenção para aquilo que pode haver de comum entre esses dois campos que nem sempre coincidem. Pretende-se problematizar as complexas relações entre história e memória: as exigências críticas da escrita da história e os registos das diferentes memórias (memória individual, memórias coletivas), equacionando também a relação memória/esquecimento. E o que distingue a história da ficção? Em que medida podem as memórias ser permeáveis à imaginação? Todos ficcionalizamos o nosso passado. Poder-se-á reduzir a escrita da história a uma dimensão narrativa?
Fontes literárias da cultura brasileira para a história dos saberes psicológicos
Authors: Massimi Marina
Published: April 2015

Neste artigo é discutida a utilização das fontes literárias no âmbito da história dos saberes psicológicos. Em primeiro lugar, apresenta-se a contribuição de Dilthey e de Huizinga na discussão das interfaces entre história, psicologia e literatura. Em segundo lugar, apresenta-se um exemplo de análise de fonte literária no âmbito da história dos saberes psicológicos: o estudo da novela alegórica do jesuíta Alexandre de Gusmão, História do Predestinado Peregrino e de seu irmão Precito (1682). Aponta-se que a fonte literária pode ser enfocada da perspectiva da história dos saberes psicológicos, seja por ser transmissora de conceitos e práticas psicológicos, seja pela ação exercida no dinamismo psíquico dos destinatários por meio de sua construção retórica.
Funcionalidade familiar em longevos residentes em domicílio
Authors: Vera Ivania , Lucchese Roselma , Nakatani Adélia Yaeko Kyosen , Pagotto Valeria , Montefusco Selma Rodrigues Alves , Sadoyama Geraldo
Published: April 2015

Objetivo: identificar os fatores associados à funcionalidade familiar de longevos não institucionalizados residentes em Goiânia (GO), Brasil. Método: tratou-se de um estudo epidemiológico, de base populacional, com delineamento transversal. Foram aplicadas escalas de avaliação da capacidade funcional e cognitiva. A dinâmica familiar foi mensurada utilizando o Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection and Resolve (APGAR) por meio de entrevista domiciliar com 131 longevos. Resultados: houve prevalência do sexo feminino, média de idade de 83,87 anos, condição de viuvez, residindo em família extensa, escolaridade primária e autopercepção de saúde regular. Grande parcela despontou independência para autocuidado e dependência parcial para Atividades Instrumentais de Vida Diária. A funcionalidade familiar prevaleceu com média do escore de 9,06 pontos. Conclusão: concluiu-se que a funcionalidade familiar nos longevos está associada à autopercepção de saúde ruim/péssima, osteoporose e queda. Os resultados permitiram caracterizar a funcionalidade familiar de longevos, com vistas à valorização e à priorização da família como cuidadora.
Redução do número de cigarros durante internação psiquiátrica: intervenção ou punição?
Authors: Oliveira Renata Marques de , Furegato Antonia Regina Ferreira
Published: April 2015

A restrição do fumo durante internação psiquiátrica provoca mudanças pessoais e institucionais. Objetivo: Identificar a percepção dos portadores de transtorno mental, fumantes, sobre a redução do número de cigarros durante a internação psiquiátrica. Método: Estudo exploratório com 96 portadores de transtorno mental, fumantes, internados em hospital geral: G1 (34 sujeitos quando permitido um cigarro/hora) e G2 (62 sujeitos quando reduzido para oito cigarros/dia). Questionário semiestruturado. Análise temática do conteúdo. Resultados: O G1 declarou-se satisfeito com a restrição – fumo na internação como direito. O G2 resiste à mudança da restrição que ocorreu sem diálogo ou apoio. Apesar das dificuldades, constataram-se algumas mudanças de atitudes sobre o cigarro tais como aumento responsabilidade, descoberta de capacidade em reduzir o fumo e ressignificação do seu papel. Conclusão: Alguns sujeitos entendem a mudança na política de saúde do tabagismo como punição, enquanto outros como oportunidade de repensar o papel do cigarro em sua vida.
Nursing diagnoses and interventions for a child after cardiac surgery in an intensive care unit
Authors: Cavalcante Agueda Maria Ruiz Zimmer , Brunori Evelise Helena Fadini Reis , Lopes Camila Takáo , Silva Andréa Braz Vendramini , Herdman T. Heather
Published: April 2015

Objetivo: descrever o julgamento clínico de enfermagem para identificar diagnósticos NANDA e desenvolver um plano de tratamento NIC para uma criança em pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca em terapia intensiva. Método: estudo de caso com coleta de dados retrospectiva no prontuário. Resultados: três enfermeiras identificaram diagnósticos NANDA e intervenções NIC. Criança de 6 meses, submetida a cirurgia cardíaca, necessitou oxigenação extracorpórea por membrana no pós-operatório. Foram identificados quatro principais diagnósticos, aos quais foram direcionadas dez intervenções. A proposta de intervenções para responder às necessidades humanas prioritárias da criança foi otimizada pelo uso das terminologias padronizadas. Todos os diagnósticos foram sustentados por indicadores diagnósticos; todas as intervenções foram cientificamente sustentadas. Conclusão: espera-se que os enfermeiros abordem não somente as respostas fisiológicas, mas também aquelas dos domínios psicossociais.
Prevalência de depressão em bombeiros
Authors: Lima Eduardo de Paula , Assunção Ada Ávila , Barreto Sandhi Maria
Published: April 2015

A depressão apresenta alta carga de doença no mundo. Fatores socioeconômicos e exposição a situações extremas no trabalho podem estar associados à doença. O objetivo do trabalho é investigar a prevalência e fatores associados à depressão em bombeiros de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Estudo transversal foi realizado em universo de bombeiros do sexo masculino em Belo Horizonte (n = 711). O Inventário Beck para Depressão (IBD) foi utilizado para avaliar a presença de depressão. Modelos de regressão logística (uni e multivariada) foram utilizados para estudar a associação entre características sociodemográficas, estressores ocupacionais, situação de saúde e depressão. A prevalência de depressão na amostra estudada foi 5,5%. A chance de depressão foi maior entre bombeiros que relataram sintomas de estresse pós-traumático (OR = 12,47; IC95%: 5,64-27,57) e uso abusivo de álcool (OR = 5,30; IC95%: 2,35-11,96). Os resultados são discutidos considerando as inter-relações entre transtornos mentais, o efeito do trabalhador sadio e o reconhecimento social do trabalho dos bombeiros.
Autoavaliação do estado de saúde e fatores associados: um estudo em trabalhadores bancários
Authors: Petarli Glenda Blaser , Salaroli Luciane Bresciani , Bissoli Nazaré Souza , Zandonade Eliana
Published: April 2015

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar como trabalhadores bancários avaliam seu estado de saúde e os principais fatores associados a esse indicador nessa população. Trata-se de um estudo transversal com 525 funcionários de uma rede bancária do Estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil. A magnitude das associações foi avaliada através de regressão logística hierarquizada em níveis. Verificou-se que 17% (n = 87) dos bancários autoavaliaram seu estado de saúde como regular ou ruim. Estiveram associados à pior autoavaliação de saúde o reduzido nível socioeconômico (OR = 1,80; IC95%: 1,06-3,05), o estilo de vida sedentário (OR = 2,64; IC95%: 1,42-4,89), o excesso de peso (OR = 3,18; IC95%: 1,79-5,65), o baixo apoio social (OR = 3,71; IC95%: 2,10-6,58) e a presença de doenças crônicas (OR = 5,49; IC95%: 2,46-12,27). Concluiu-se que, comparado com outras localidades, houve um expressivo número de bancários que autoavaliaram seu estado de saúde como regular ou ruim, e que a presença de doenças crônicas apresentou-se como o fator de maior impacto sobre a forma como o indivíduo avalia sua própria saúde.
Do que morrem os pacientes com tuberculose: causas múltiplas de morte de uma coorte de casos notificados e uma proposta de investigação de causas presumíveis
Authors: Rocha Marli Souza , Oliveira Gisele Pinto de , Aguiar Fernanda Pinheiro , Saraceni Valéria , Pinheiro Rejane Sobrino
Published: April 2015

O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar as causas múltiplas de morte de uma coorte de pacientes notificados com tuberculose (TB) e apresentar uma proposta de investigação de causas presumíveis. Realizou-se linkage probabilístico entre o Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) 2006 e o Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade (SIM), 2006-2008. Ocorreram 825 mortes, das quais 23% por TB, 16% com TB e 61% sem menção da TB. Duzentos e quinze (42,7%) óbitos ocorreram antes do término do esquema básico de tratamento e não tinham menção da TB, cujo perfil foi distinto do padrão quando a TB era uma das causas associadas. A elevada frequência de doenças do aparelho respiratório, AIDS e causas mal definidas sugerem falha na qualidade da informação. Elaborou-se proposta de correção das causas associadas no SIM e de investigação de óbito com base na relação de causas presumíveis. De acordo com a proposta, 26 óbitos poderiam ter a causa básica modificada. Este estudo destaca a gravidade do quadro da TB e a importância do linkage para a vigilância da TB e melhoria das informações do SIM e do SINAN.
Mortality from Alzheimer's disease in Brazil, 2000-2009
Authors: Teixeira Jane Blanco , Souza Junior Paulo Roberto Borges de , Higa Joelma , Theme Filha Mariza Miranda
Published: April 2015

Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent type of dementia in the elderly worldwide. To evaluate the mortality trend from Alzheimer's disease in Brazil, a descriptive study was conducted with the Mortality Information System of the Brazilian Ministry of Health (2000-2009). Age and sex-standardized mortality rates were calculated in Brazil's state capitals, showing the percentage variation by exponential regression adjustment. The state capitals as a whole showed an annual growth in mortality rates in the 60 to 79 year age bracket of 8.4% in women and 7.7% in men. In the 80 and older age group, the increase was 15.5% in women and 14% in men. Meanwhile, the all-cause mortality rate declined in both elderly men and women. The increase in mortality from Alzheimer's disease occurred in the context of chronic diseases as a proxy for increasing prevalence of the disease in the population. The authors suggest healthcare strategies for individuals with chronic non-communicable diseases
pH, sódio, potássio, cálcio, magnésio e alumínio em solos contaminados com fluido de perfuração de poços de petróleo após ensaios de lixiviação
Authors: Freitas Fábio Cardoso de , Presotto Rafael Antônio , Genúncio Glaucio da Cruz , Sobrinho Nelson Moura Brasil do Amaral , Zonta Everaldo
Published: April 2015

Na exploração do petróleo, o uso de fluidos de perfuração é essencial para o equilíbrio da pressão entre as formações e o interior do poço, além de impedir o refluxo do reservatório de petróleo ao poço. Os fluidos também são responsáveis pela elevação dos cascalhos de perfuração à superfície. Entretanto, estes podem ser potenciais contaminantes do ambiente, uma vez que chegam à superfície impregnados de fluidos. O trabalho objetivou avaliar o pH e os teores de Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+e Al3+em um Latossolo e um Planossolo submetidos a doses de fluido de perfuração, após sofrerem dois ensaios de lixiviação. Os resultados mostraram que a adição dos fluidos ao Planossolo e Latossolo nas concentrações de 4%, 8% e 16% (m/m) reduziu o alumínio tóxico a zero e promoveu aumento do pH do solo, Na+, K+e Ca2+em comparação ao controle
Políticas de distribuição com lote econômico de entrega em problemas de roteirização com estoque gerenciado pelo fornecedor e sistema logístico em três níveis
Authors: Guimarães Thiago , Scarpin Cassius , Steiner Maria Teresinha
Published: April 2015

Em sistemas de gerenciamento de estoque pelo fornecedor (Vendor Managed Inventory - VMI), as decisões logísticas são centralizadas no Centro de Distribuição (CD), possibilitando uma redução simultânea dos custos de armazenagem e transporte. Sua operação requer a resolução de um complexo problema de otimização combinatória, denominado Problema de Roteirização e Estoques (PRE) que consiste no gerenciamento do estoque do cliente, no estabelecimento da frequência e quantidade de produto entregue, além do roteiro percorrido pelo veículo ao longo de um horizonte de planejamento. Este trabalho apresenta três novas políticas de distribuição baseadas no cálculo de lote econômico de entrega para o PRE. Um modelo de Programação Linear Inteira Mista Binária (PLIMB) foi proposto considerando um sistema logístico de três níveis, sendo uma Base de Fornecimento (BF), um CD e um conjunto de clientes. Também foi proposta uma nova abordagem heurística que decompõe o PRE em dois subproblemas: o primeiro é responsável pela programação das entregas e a formação de grupos de atendimento ao longo do horizonte de planejamento. O segundo subproblema constrói os roteiros para os grupos formados no primeiro estágio, empregando heurísticas clássicas de construção de rotas, juntamente com procedimento de melhorias intrarrotas. Ajustes entre rotas são realizados por uma nova estratégia de busca ampla em vizinhança. Cenários de pequeno, médio e grande porte, com variações no custo de estocagem e de transporte, foram gerados a partir de dados da literatura e parametrizados no contexto da pesquisa. Extensivos testes computacionais foram conduzidos a fim de evidenciar a eficiência das políticas de distribuição propostas e a efetividade da estratégia heurística utilizada.