bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health Insurers’ Financial Performance and Quality Improvement Expenditures in the Affordable Care Act’s Second Year
Authors: McCue Michael J. , Hall Mark
Published: December 2014

The Affordable Care Act requires health insurers to rebate any amounts less than 80%–85% of their premiums that they fail to spend on medical claims or quality improvement. This study uses the new comprehensive reporting under this law to examine changes in insurers’ financial performance and differences in their quality improvement expenditures. In the ACA’s second year (2012), insurers’ median medical loss ratios continued to increase and their median administrative cost ratios dropped, producing moderate operating margins in the group markets but a small operating loss in the individual market, at the median. For-profit insurers showed larger changes, in general, than did nonprofits. For quality improvement, insurers reported spending a significantly greater amount per member in their government plans than they did on their self-insured members, with spending on commercial insurance being in between these two extremes. The magnitude and source of these differences varied by corporate ownership.
Performance characteristics of gas-lubricated bump-type foil thrust bearing
Authors: Gad Abdelrasoul M , Kaneko Shigehiko
Published: December 2014

In the present study, the static and dynamic characteristics of Generation II bump-type foil thrust bearings are investigated. For the static characteristics, a 2D compressible Reynolds equation containing effects of centrifugal forces is derived to model the fluid flow in the thin gas film. The compliance of the bearing is calculated using analytical structural stiffness model. The fluid flow equation is coupled to the structural stiffness model and the coupled fluid–structure interaction problem is solved iteratively to obtain the steady-state characteristics of the bearing. For the dynamic characteristics, small perturbations method is used to obtain the linearized equations for the pressure components of dynamic force coefficients. The effects of rotation speed, ramp height, nominal film thickness, friction coefficients at bump foil interfaces, and bump foil stiffness on the static and dynamic characteristics of Generation II foil thrust bearings are thoroughly analyzed.
Trouble in paradise: Self-assessment and the Tao
Authors: Pinner Richard
Published: December 2014

In this article I outline how and why I have established a self-assessment system for class participation scores in an English-speaking skills course at a Japanese university. I explain how my experience with one particular student, who personally admitted to having abused the system, led me to realize that elements from Yin and Yang have been playing an important part in my beliefs as a teacher, helping me to improve my self-assessment system and further reflect on my practice. Narrative inquiry is employed as both the primary means of collecting and analysing data, although as this is Exploratory Practice inquiry I triangulate my narrative using other sources arising from pedagogically generated materials and my own teaching journal. Through this inquiry I came to realize that sometimes bad experiences and overcoming difficulties can actually become good learning experiences if the right attitude is employed. In trying to deal with one particularly problematic student I was able to identify problems with the design of my assessment system, and thus make changes which improved the course for all participants. I believe I was more reflexive and alert to these improvements because of the Exploratory Practice inquiry that I was conducting. I was also able to identify how I placed special emphasis on issues of trust and taking responsibility, which I now recognize as having been central justifications for designing the self-assessment system in the first place.
Acoustic characterization of automotive turbocompressors
Authors: Torregrosa Antonio J , Broatch Alberto , Navarro Roberto , García-Tíscar Jorge
Published: December 2014

The performance of different experimental techniques proposed in the literature for acoustic characterization was assessed through the study of the noise generated by the compressor of an automotive turbocharger under different working conditions in an engine test cell. The most critical restrictions of in-duct intensimetry methods regarding frequency limitations are presented and experimentally demonstrated. The results provided by those methods were correlated against a reference intensity probe. A beamforming method based on three-sensor-phased arrays appears to be the most reliable approach in the plane wave range, presenting higher accuracy than the more common two-microphone method and simple pressure level measurements. Also, preliminary results from a novel radiated noise quantification technique based on acoustic particle velocity are presented and discussed. The results indicate that further research on this topic is required.
An Analysis of Information Technology Adoption by IRBs of Large Academic Medical Centers in the United States
Authors: He Shan , Botkin Jeffrey R. , Hurdle John F.
Published: December 2014

The clinical research landscape has changed dramatically in recent years in terms of both volume and complexity. This poses new challenges for Institutional Review Boards’ (IRBs) review efficiency and quality, especially at large academic medical centers. This article discusses the technical facets of IRB modernization. We analyzed the information technology used by IRBs in large academic institutions across the United States. We found that large academic medical centers have a high electronic IRB adoption rate; however, the capabilities of electronic IRB systems vary greatly. We discuss potential use-cases of a fully exploited electronic IRB system that promise to streamline the clinical research work flow. The key to that approach utilizes a structured and standardized information model for the IRB application.
ERCP‐related perforations in the new millennium: A large tertiary referral center 10‐year experience
Authors: Kodali Sudha , Mönkemüller Klaus , Kim Hwasoon , Ramesh Jayapal , Trevino Jessica , Varadarajulu Shyam , Wilcox C Mel
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an important diagnostic and therapeutic modality for pancreatic and biliary disorders. Perforation is one of the most dreaded complications of ERCP. Since it is uncommon, there has been little study of incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of management.

Objectives

We aim to assess the incidence of ERCP‐related perforations and outcomes at a large tertiary referral center.

Methods

We undertook a review of an ERCP database for all perforations from 2002 to December 2012.

Results

The cumulative incidence of ERCP‐related perforations was 0.14% (12 out of 8264), and sphincterotomy‐related perforations constituted the most common cause. The mean age of these 12 patients was 58.6 years and majority were female (83.3%). The most common indications for ERCP were: suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) 41%, and common bile duct stones (CBD stones) 41%. Nine of the 12 patients (75%) had a leak and were managed medically, and four who had a perforation had surgical repair (25%).

Conclusions

In our study, leaks were much more common than perforations and the majority of patients were successfully managed with conservative therapy alone. We report a very low perforation rate and most perforations can be managed conservatively with a good outcome.
Changes in serum ghrelin level in relation to meal‐time in patients with functional dyspepsia
Authors: Kazemi MH , Eshraghian A , Hamidpour L , Taghavi SA
Published: December 2014

Background

Ghrelin is a peptide hormone that is involved in gastrointestinal motility and secretion; and therefore, may play a role in functional dyspepsia.

Objectives

To compare the change of serum ghrelin level in relation to meal‐time, between patients with functional dyspepsia and a control group.

Materials and methods

In a cross‐sectional study, 18 subjects with functional dyspepsia according to the Rome III criteria were enrolled in our study. Blood samples were collected five times: 30 minutes (min) before a standard breakfast; at the time as serving breakfast; and 30, 60 and 90 min after breakfast. Serum ghrelin concentration was measured in these patients and compared with eight normal individuals, as controls.

Results

The serum ghrelin level 30 minutes after breakfast was significantly higher in dyspepsia patients, compared to controls (751 ± 171.84 pg/ml versus 576.9 ± 195.62 pg/ml, p  = 0.033). Although patients had a higher mean serum ghrelin level 30 minutes before, exactly at the time of serving breakfast and 60 min after breakfast there was no statistically significant difference between patients and controls. The shape of the curve was also different between the two groups, from 30 min until 90 min after breakfast, which is the time that most dyspeptic symptoms usually occur, although this difference was not significant (p  > 0.05).

Conclusion

The significantly different ghrelin levels between dyspeptic patients and the normal population showed that ghrelin may have an important role in inducing symptoms, in functional dyspeptic patients.
The Evolution of Cuban Agrarian Relations
Authors: Hernández Gladys
Published: December 2014

Cuba has been seeking a new agricultural development path since the 1990s, after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the socialist international division of labour. This article outlines some of the main historical traits of Cuban agriculture and the major innovations that have occurred more recently in its efforts to reconstruct its agrarian relations. The key aspects of the recent evolution of Cuban agrarian relations are the initiatives in biodiversification and reorganization of production in Basic Units of Cooperative Production.
Effects of Y–Ce on wear behaviours of silicide coatings
Authors: Tian J. , Yu W. H. , Tian W. , Zhao J. , Li Y. Q. , Liu Y. Z.
Published: December 2014

Pure silicide coatings and Y–Ce modified silicide coatings were prepared on Ti–6Al–4V alloy by pack cementation process. The coating structures as well as their wear behaviours were comparatively studied. The results showed that the pure silicide coating and Y–Ce modified silicide coating prepared at 1080°C for 4 h had similar coating structures, mainly consisting of a TiSi2 outer layer, a TiSi middle layer and a Ti5Si4 inner layer. However, the microhardness of the Y–Ce modified silicide coating was higher than that of the pure silicide coating. The wear tests demonstrated that the mass loss of the pure silicide coating was about two times larger than that of the Y–Ce modified silicide coating, indicating the beneficial effects of Y and Ce on the wear resistance of silicide coating.
Lourdes: A Uniquely Catholic Approach to Medicine
Authors: Dichoso Travis Jon
Published: December 2014

As an American medical student, I spent the summer break between my first and second year in Lourdes, France, the site where the Immaculate Conception appeared eighteen times to St. Bernadette in 1858 as proclaimed approved by the Catholic Church and whose water is associated with over seven thousand unexplained cures. During this time I volunteered with St. Joseph's Service and Poste Secour, followed several medical teams taking care of large pilgrim groups, and shadowed Dr. Alessandro de Franciscis the president of Le Bureau des Constations Médicales, the office in Lourdes charged with investigating claims of miracles. Through my experiences, I found the mission of medicine in Lourdes to be twofold: to provide the critical care needed to give sick persons the chance to transform their experience of disease through their faith; and secondly, through the efforts of the Medical Bureau, to be an instrument by which we can comprehend the wonders of the work of God. I conclude that this twofold mission should inform the work of every Catholic in health care or research, and Lourdes provides the venue par excellence to cultivate this mission.

Lay Summary: Lourdes is a pilgrimage site in southern France that has been associated with medical miracles for the past 150 years. The site is unique in that throughout its history, physicians, of any or no faith, have been invited to participate in the proceedings of the investigations of each claimed cure. The investigations have formalized into a process handled by the Lourdes Medical Bureau and the Lourdes International Medical Association. Travis Dichoso, an American medical student, writes about his experiences as part of this process.
Thromboelastometry and organ failure in trauma patients: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Müller Marcella CA , Balvers Kirsten , Binnekade Jan M , Curry Nicola , Stanworth Simon , Gaarder Christine , Kolstadbraaten Knut M , Rourke Claire , Brohi Karim , Goslings J Carel , Juffermans Nicole P
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Data on the incidence of a hypercoagulable state in trauma, as measured by thromboelastometry (ROTEM), is limited and the prognostic value of hypercoagulability after trauma on outcome is unclear. We aimed to determine the incidence of hypercoagulability after trauma, and to assess whether early hypercoagulability has prognostic value on the occurrence of multiple organ failure (MOF) and mortality.

Methods

This was a prospective observational cohort study in trauma patients who met the highest trauma level team activation. Hypercoagulability was defined as a G value of ≥11.7 dynes/cm2 and hypocoagulability as a G value of <5.0 dynes/cm2. ROTEM was performed on admission and 24 hours later.

Results

A total of 1,010 patients were enrolled and 948 patients were analyzed. Median age was 38 (interquartile range (IQR) 26 to 53), 77% were male and median injury severity score was 13 (IQR 8 to 25). On admission, 7% of the patients were hypercoagulable and 8% were hypocoagulable. Altogether, 10% of patients showed hypercoagulability within the first 24 hours of trauma. Hypocoagulability, but not hypercoagulability, was associated with higher sequential organ failure assessment scores, indicating more severe MOF. Mortality in patients with hypercoagulability was 0%, compared to 7% in normocoagulable and 24% in hypocoagulable patients (P <0.001). EXTEM CT, alpha and G were predictors for occurrence of MOF and mortality.

Conclusions

The incidence of a hypercoagulable state after trauma is 10% up to 24 hours after admission, which is broadly comparable to the rate of hypocoagulability. Further work in larger studies should define the clinical consequences of identifying hypercoagulability and a possible role for very early, targeted use of anticoagulants.
Arterial hyperoxia and mortality in critically ill patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Damiani Elisa , Adrario Erica , Girardis Massimo , Romano Rocco , Pelaia Paolo , Singer Mervyn , Donati Abele
Published: December 2014

Introduction

The safety of arterial hyperoxia is under increasing scrutiny. We performed a systematic review of the literature to determine whether any association exists between arterial hyperoxia and mortality in critically ill patient subsets.

Methods

Medline, Thomson Reuters Web of Science and Scopus databases were searched from inception to June 2014. Observational or interventional studies evaluating the relationship between hyperoxia (defined as a supranormal arterial O2 tension) and mortality in adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients were included. Studies primarily involving patients with exacerbations of chronic pulmonary disease, acute lung injury and perioperative administration were excluded. Adjusted odds ratio (OR) of patients exposed versus those not exposed to hyperoxia were extracted, if available. Alternatively, unadjusted outcome data were recorded. Data on patients, study characteristics and the criteria used for defining hyperoxia exposure were also extracted. Random-effects models were used for quantitative synthesis of the data, with a primary outcome of hospital mortality.

Results

In total 17 studies (16 observational, 1 prospective before-after) were identified in different patient categories: mechanically ventilated ICU (number of studies (k) = 4, number of participants (n) = 189,143), post-cardiac arrest (k = 6, n = 19,144), stroke (k = 2, n = 5,537), and traumatic brain injury (k = 5, n = 7,488). Different criteria were used to define hyperoxia in terms of PaO2 value (first, highest, worst, mean), time of assessment and predetermined cutoffs. Data from studies on ICU patients were not pooled because of extreme heterogeneity (inconsistency (I2) 96.73%). Hyperoxia was associated with increased mortality in post-cardiac arrest patients (OR = 1.42 (1.04 to 1.92) I2 67.73%) stroke (OR = 1.23 (1.06 to 1.43) I2 0%) and traumatic brain injury (OR = 1.41 (1.03 to 1.94) I2 64.54%). However, these results are limited by significant heterogeneity between studies.

Conclusions

Hyperoxia may be associated with increased mortality in patients with stroke, traumatic brain injury and those resuscitated from cardiac arrest. However, these results are limited by the high heterogeneity of the included studies.
Proton pump inhibitors increase the risk for hospital-acquired Clostridium difficile infection in critically ill patients
Authors: Barletta Jeffrey F , Sclar David A
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) have been linked to Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) but there are few data specific to ICU patients. We evaluated duration of PPI exposure as a potential risk factor for hospital-acquired CDI in the ICU.

Methods

This retrospective, case-control study was conducted using the Multiparameter Intelligent Monitoring in Intensive Care II database, a large publically available database of more than 35,000 ICU patients. Adult patients with CDI were identified using the ICD-9 code for Clostridium difficile listed as a secondary diagnosis. To be included, patients had to be present in an ICU for ≥48 hours prior to Clostridium difficile acquisition. These patients were then matched to patients without CDI using the ICD-9 primary diagnosis, age (+/−5 years) and SOFA score (+/−1). Successfully matched patients were reviewed for PPI exposure and other potential confounding variables for CDI. PPI exposure was characterized as short (<2 days) or long (≥2 days). Multivariate modeling was performed to identify independent risk factors for CDI.

Results

There were 408 patients evaluated and 81% received a PPI. The percentage of patients who had a long exposure to PPIs was 83% in the CDI group compared to 73% with controls (P = 0.012). Upon inclusion of the following variables into a multivariate analysis (long PPI exposure, histamine-2-receptor antagonist administration, antibiotic administration, immunosuppression and study duration), long PPI exposure (odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.03 (1.23 to 3.36), P = 0.006) and antibiotic use (OR (95% CI) = 2.52 (1.23 to 5.18), P = 0.012) were identified as independent predictors of CDI.

Conclusions

Proton pump inhibitors are independent risk factors for the development of CDI in ICU patients. This risk is particularly exposed after two or more days of therapy.
Locomotor benefits of being a slender and slick sand-swimmer
Authors: Sharpe Sarah S. , Koehler Stephan A. , Kuckuk Robyn M. , Serrano Miguel , Vela Patricio A. , Mendelson Joseph , Goldman Daniel I.
Published: December 2014

Squamates classified as "subarenaceous" possess the ability to move long distances within dry sand; body elongation among sand and soil burrowers has been hypothesized to enhance subsurface performance. Using x-ray imaging, we performed the first kinematic investigation of the subsurface locomotion of the long, slender shovel-nosed snake (Chionactis occipitalis) and compared its biomechanics to those of the shorter, limbed sandfish lizard (Scincus scincus). The sandfish was previously shown to maximize swimming speed and minimize mechanical cost of transport during burial. Our measurements revealed that the snake also swims through sand by propagating traveling waves down the body, head to tail. Unlike the sandfish, the snake nearly followed its own tracks, thus swimming in an approximate tube of self-fluidized granular media. We measured deviations from tube movement by introducing a parameter, the local slip angle, βs, which measures the angle between direction of movement of each segment and body orientation. The average slip angle (β-s) was smaller for the snake than the sandfish; granular resistive force theory (RFT) revealed that the curvature utilized by each animal optimized its performance. The snake benefits from its slender body shape (and increased vertebral number) which allows propagation of a higher number of optimal curvature body undulations. The snake's low skin friction also increases performance. The agreement between experiment and RFT combined with the relatively simple properties of the granular "frictional fluid" make subarenaceous swimming an attractive system to study functional morphology and bauplan evolution.
The colony environment modulates sleep in honey bee workers
Authors: Eban-Rothschild Ada , Bloch Guy
Published: December 2014

One of the most important and evolutionarily conserved roles of sleep is the processing and consolidation of information acquired during wakefulness. In both insects and mammals, environmental and social stimuli can modify sleep physiology and behavior, yet relatively little is known about the specifics of the wake experiences and their relative contribution to experience-dependent modulation of sleep. Honey bees provide an excellent model system in this regard because their behavioral repertoire is well characterized and the environment they experience during the day can be manipulated while keeping an ecologically and sociobiologically relevant context. We examined whether social experience modulates sleep in honey bees, and evaluated the relative contribution of different social signals. We exposed newly emerged bees to different components of their natural social environment and then monitored their sleep behavior in individual cages in a constant lab environment. We found that rich waking experience modulates subsequent sleep. Bees that experienced the colony environment for one or two days slept more than same-age sister bees that were caged individually or in small groups in the lab. Furthermore, bees placed in mesh-enclosures in the colony, that prevented direct contact with nestmates, slept similarly to bees freely-moving in the colony. These results suggest that social signals that do not require direct or close distance interactions between bees are sufficiently rich to encompass almost the entire effect of the colony on sleep. Our findings provide a remarkable example of social-experience dependent modulation of an essential biological process.
Antiproliferative Activity of Silver Nanoplates on Human Promyelocytic Leukemia Cell Lines
Authors: Sakaguchi Tatsuya , Mine Kenta , Kudoh Fuki , Kamada Rui , Sakaguchi Kazuyasu
Published: December 2014

The physical and chemical properties of silver nanomaterials are highly dependent on their shape and size. Recently, Ag nanoparticles have been reported to be useful for medicinal and pharmaceutical applications including anticancer activity. In this study, we showed that Ag nanoplates possess significantly higher antiproliferative activity on human promyelocytic leukemia cells, HL-60, than spherical nanoparticles. The triangular Ag nanoplates induced apoptosis in the cells and were located in the same subcellular compartment as the spherical Ag nanoparticles.
Quality management problems of architecture
Authors: Этенко Вячеслав , Etenko Vyacheslav
Published: December 2014

The article deals with the problem of improving the quality

of architecture at various stages of the development of civilization.
Field research on depth distribution of normal stresses in the mass of sand base of the strip foundations with beam elements
Authors: Архипов Дмитрий , Arkhipov Dmitriy , Евтушенко Сергей , Evtushenko Sergey
Published: December 2014

The article presents the results of the field research on

depth distribution of normal stresses in the mass of sand base in the

transverse alignment of the foundation model with variable geometric

shape of the foundation base. Diagrams of the distribution of

normal stresses are constructed on the results of the experiments

being held, and presence of the arching phenomenon in the gap

between the extended elements of the foundation being confirmed.
Field research on distribution of vertical stresses and deformations in the sand base of the strip foundations with beam elements
Authors: Архипов Дмитрий , Arkhipov Dmitriy , Евтушенко Сергей , Evtushenko Sergey
Published: December 2014

The article presents the results of the field research on

distribution of normal stresses and relative deformations in

the sand base along the vertical axis in the gap between the extended

beam elements of strip foundation model with variable

geometric shape of the foundation base. In the field research of

Stress-Strain Behavior (SSB) of the subfoundation of strip foundation

model based on beam elements, it is found that the height of

the soil curved arch occurring between the extended elements of

the foundation base, increases during loading and when approaching

the ultimate loading the experimental value of the arch height

tends to the theoretical value defined by the formula proposed by

M.M. Protodyakonov.
Calculation deformability of composite beams based on numerical studies in the software package Lira 9.2
Authors: Рощина Светлана , Roina Svyetlana , Лукин Михаил , Lukin Mikhail , Грибанов Алексей , Gribanov Aleksey
Published: December 2014

The problems of calculating deformability composite

beams in the software package Lira 9.2 based on real wood work

under load are considered. The calculation in the nonlinear formulation

using the well-known Belyankin - Prager chart is performed.
Perspective—Chance Explanations in the Management Sciences
Authors: Denrell Jerker , Fang Christina , Liu Chengwei
Published: December 2014

We propose that random variation should be considered one of the most important explanatory mechanisms in the management sciences. There are good theoretical reasons to expect that chance events strongly impact organizational behavior and outcomes. We argue that models built on random variation can provide parsimonious explanations of several important empirical regularities in strategic management and organizational behavior. The reason is that random variation in a structured system can give rise to systematic patterns at the macro level. Here, we define the concept of a chance explanation; describe the theoretical mechanisms by which random variation generates patterns at the macro level; outline how key empirical regularities in management can be explained by chance models; and discuss the implications of chance models for theoretical integration, empirical testing, and management practice.
Improving family carers' experiences of support at the end of life by enhancing communication: an action research study
Authors: Dosser Isabel , Kennedy Catriona
Published: December 2014

Background

This paper builds on findings from phase one of a participatory action research study, which investigated support for family carers at the end of life in an acute hospital setting in Scotland, UK ( Dosser and Kennedy, 2012 ). The research presented here is the second phase of the participatory action research study, in which nursing staff from an acute hospital ward are involved in ongoing analysis of data and ideas guided by action cycles and reflection.

Methods

Two key change initiatives are reported; improving nurses' communication skills and improving the environment for family carers of loved ones at the end of life within the acute hospital setting. To address these points, nurses were enrolled on a communications skills course, and a new room for family carers was integrated into the hospital.

Results

Data were analysed from interviews and questionnaires with the nurses, and from insights gathered in a reflective diary taken by the researcher. The changes implemented improved the confidence of participants in communicating with carers as well as patients and colleagues.

Conclusion

The findings highlight practical strategies and communication issues that can potentially impact on the grief experience of family carers, such as having a safe space nearby to rest in private, away from the bedside.
Cadaveric surgical training improves surgeon confidence
Authors: Chambers SB , Deehan DJ , Gillinder S , Holland JP
Published: December 2014

Is using cadavers the best way to train arthroplastic surgeons?
Ignorance of the Law as a Defence to Rape: The Destruction of a Maxim
Authors: Arenson Kenneth J.
Published: December 2014

In DPP v Morgan, the House of Lords correctly concluded that an accused who entertained a genuine belief that a woman was consenting to carnal knowledge of her person could not be convicted of the common law crime of rape as such a belief and the requisite mens rea to convict were mutually exclusive of one another. Though England and Wales have resiled from this position by virtue of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, s. 1(b), which allows for conviction upon proof that the accused did not reasonably believe that the complainant was consenting, the Morgan principle has retained its vitality at common law as well as under the various statutory crimes of rape that exist throughout Australia, most notably the provisions of s. 38 of the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic). Despite a long line of Victorian Court of Appeal decisions which have reaffirmed the Morgan principle, the court has construed s. 37AA(b)(ii) of the Act as leaving open the possibility of an acquittal despite the fact that the accused acted with an awareness that one or more factors that are statutorily deemed as negating consent under s. 36(a)–(g) of the Act were operating at the time of his or her sexual penetration; specifically, the court held that the foregoing factors do not necessarily preclude a jury from finding that the accused acted in the genuine belief that the complainant was consenting. This article endeavours to explain how the accused could be aware of such circumstances at the time of penetration, yet still entertain such a belief. The article ultimately concludes that such an anomaly can only be explained through a combination of the poor drafting of s. 37AA(b)(ii) and the court's apparent refusal to follow the longstanding precept that ignorance of the law is never a defence to a crime, ostensibly prompted by its adherence to the cardinal precept that legislation is not to be construed as superfluous.
Offences against the Person: Into the 21st Century
Authors: Jefferson Michael
Published: December 2014

The Law Commission will shortly begin discussions on reform of the law of non-fatal offences by issuing a scoping paper. This article starts with a review of recent improvements in the ways in which the Commission may get its Bills enacted. It then critiques the principal (to modern eyes) crimes of this kind found in the Offences against the Person Act 1861. Its focus lies on those offences and not the more policy-driven law, for example, on the transmission of HIV/AIDS, sado-masochism, male circumcision, and boxing (all of which are highly important). It concentrates on the Commission's previously expressed concerns that the statute's language is archaic and that the Act fails to provide a hierarchy (a ‘ladder’) of offences. It concludes with a redraft of the statute and a quote from Henry LJ in R v Lynsey that ‘Bad laws cost money and clog up the courts with better things to do’.
Andreu Martín, escriure sense límits
Authors: Martín Escribà Àlex
Published: December 2014

Andreu Martín (Barcelona, 1949) és un dels escriptors més destacats de la novel·la policíaca catalana. En aquest article fem un recorregut per la seva obra i analitzem no només els seus títols més imprescindibles sinó també els principals trets que sobresurten a la seva escriptura. Més enllà de la seva aportació en solitari, l’article analitza també les seves novel·les a quatre mans i la seva repercussió dins i fora del gènere.
Ressenya de De l’anarquisme al folklore. Cels Gomis i Mestre (1841-1915) d’Emili Samper Prunera (Publicacions URV, Tarragona, 2013, 214 pàgines)
Authors: Vidal Lloret Vicent
Published: December 2014

Ressenya de: De l’anarquisme al folklore. Cels Gomis i Mestre (1841-1915) d’Emili Samper Prunera (Publicacions URV, Tarragona, 2013, 214 pàgines).
La estrategia como campo de estudio. ¿Tenemos ya un nuevo paradigma?
Authors: Pérez Dr. Rafael Alberto
Published: December 2014

Este ensayo trata de cómo la pregunta formulada por C.K. Prahalad y G. Hamel en 1994 ¿Por qué la búsqueda de un nuevo paradigma? ha encontrado al fin respuesta 20 años más tarde. Fue una larga travesía que partiendo del management estratégico se bifurcó en numerosos caminos, aunque su apertura a otros entornos y la transdisciplinariedad de su enfoque terminó por hacerlos converger en el espacio común de la complejidad. Fue así como, en estas dos últimas décadas, surgen otras formas de pensar la estrategia: sistémicas, ecologistas, biologicistas, neurocognitivas, etc. Una de ellas, la Nueva Teoría Estratégica (NTE) propone repensar e incluso refundar la estrategia desde la comunicación y lo relacional. Es la que aquí nos interesa, en parte porque somos comunicadores pero, sobre todo, porque son ya numerosos los testimonios cualificados que la consideran como el paradigma emergente, tal vez aquel que Prahalad y Hamel estaban buscando.
Synthesis of quinolinequinone derivatives and related carbocyclic compounds
Authors: Egu Samuel Attah , Okoro Uchechukwu Chris , Wirth Thomas
Published: December 2014

Palladium-catalyzed Buchwald-Hartwig aminations of various quinolinequinone derivatives give excellent yields of novel 6-arylamino derivatives of the disubstituted quinolinequinones and 3-arylamino derivatives of the corresponding naphthoquinones. The precursor quinolinequinones are prepared in a three-step sequence from 8-hydroxyquinoline. The transition-metal-catalyzed arylations of 6,7-dibromo-5,8-quinolinequinone, 6,7-dichloro-5,8-quinolinequinone and 2,3-dichloro-1,4-naphthoquinone are reported for the first time and offer fast and easy access to their derivatives.
Measures to minimize cross-contamination risks in Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product manufacturing
Authors: Roseti Livia , Serra Marta , Grigolo Brunella
Published: December 2014

Current European regulations definein vitroexpanded cells for clinical purposes as substantially manipulated and include them in the class of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products to be manufactured in compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practice. These quality requirements are generally thought to be elaborate and costly. However, they ensure three main product characteristics: safety, consistency, and absence of cross-contamination. The term crosscontamination is used to indicate misidentification of one cell line or culture by another. The Good Manufacturing Practice Guidelines suggest some recommendations in order to prevent cross-contaminations and require a demonstration that the implemented actions are effective. Here we report some practical examples useful both to minimize crosscontamination risks in an Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products production process and to evaluate the efficacy of the adopted measures.
MitraClip procedure with two MitraClips after indirect annuloplasty with the MONARC device
Authors: Rutschow Susanne , Jäger Sebastian , Gross Michael C.
Published: December 2014

Mitral regurgitation is associated with a worsened prognosis in dilated cardiomyopathy. First standard therapy consists of a mitral valve reconstruction through heart surgery including the heart–lung machine. In patients with high comorbidity, catheter-based techniques have been developed. In the Evolution I study, the MONARC system was implanted in the coronary sinus in the functional mitral regurgitation. A reduction in regurgitation by >1 grade was documented in 50% of the patients. MitraClip is an alternative, edge-to-edge technique, which joined the posterior and anterior leaflet by implanting a clip. It can be used for both functional and degenerative mitral regurgitations. We reported a case of MitraClip procedure with the use of two clips and a reduction of mitral regurgitation to grade 0–1 after implanting a MONARC device four years ago with missing relevant reduction in mitral regurgitation. With this report, we illustrated the management of Mitraclip in a patient with an implanted MONARC device and technical difficulties through the bowing of the posterior annulus.
FARMACOECONOMIA: UMA FERRAMENTA PARA A GESTÃO DOS GASTOS COM MEDICAMENTOS EM HOSPITAIS PÚBLICOS
Authors: Packeiser Priscila Becker , Resta Darielli Gindri
Published: December 2014

A farmacoeconomia é a aplicação da economia ao estudo dos medicamentos otimizando os gastos financeiros sem prejuízo ao tratamento do paciente. Diferentes estudos farmacoeconômicos podem ser empregados, sendo que os principais são: minimização de custo, análise custo-utilidade, custo-benefício e custo-efetividade. O objetivo deste estudo é realizar uma revisão dos conceitos de farmacoeconomia e dos estudos farmacoeconômicos, apresentando suas principais características e exemplos de aplicabilidade no âmbito hospitalar. Foi realizado um levantamento bibliográfico nas bases de dados do Scielo, Lilacs e Medline, selecionando 16 artigos no período de janeiro a março de 2014, publicados em inglês, português e espanhol. A escassez e limitação de recursos dos hospitais públicos brasileiros aliado ao envelhecimento populacional torna a farmacoeconomia uma importante ferramenta para a tomada de decisão quanto aos recursos farmacológicos, permitindo a escolha da melhor opção de tratamento ao paciente adequada às possibilidade de custeio do hospital.
“Are we architects or construction workers?” Re-examining teacher autonomy and turnover in charter schools
Authors: Torres A. Chris
Published: December 2014

Charter school teachers nationwide expressed greater autonomy compared to traditional public school teachers at the turn of the century. But is this trend changing? The recent proliferation of Charter Management Organizations (CMOs), which often have prescriptive organizational models, has raised questions around how teachers perceive autonomy and control in these schools. Researchers consistently find that faculty input into decision-making has a strong influence on staff commitment and turnover. This exploratory, interview-based study critically examines why and how CMO teacher autonomy is linked to turnover. CMO teachers linked various concerns over autonomy, which was limited by their organization’s model, with decisions to leave their jobs. Teachers with strong expectations for autonomy or ideas inconsistent with their school’s model experienced substantial conflict involving the discipline or socialization of students that affected their career decisions. Teachers’ desires to have a voice in issues surrounding students’ socialization ultimately hinged upon their skepticism that current practices were adequately preparing students for college and life.
Forschung für Nachhaltige Entwicklungen
Authors: Krauss Oliver , Reuscher Günter , Betker Frank
Published: December 2014

Die FONA-Mitteilungen berichten von der Konferenz Green Economy, bei der die Forschungsagenda zu nachhaltigem, ,,grünem“ Wirtschaften diskutiert wurde. Wirtschaft und Wissenschaft sollen stärker zusammenarbeiten, um umweltfreundliche Lösungen für die Wirtschaft
zu erarbeiten. Die Mitteilungen der Sozial-ökologischen Forschung geben die Diskussion vom Workshop Lebensqualität und Wettbewerbsfähigkeit erhalten und verbessern wieder, der sich beim diesjährigen BMBF-Forum mit dem Spannungsfeld zwischen Nachhaltigkeit und Wettbewerbsfähigkeit
auseinandergesetzt hat.
Femtosecond laser full and partial texturing of steel surfaces to reduce friction in lubricated contact
Authors: Ancona Antonio , Carbone Giuseppe , De Filippis Michele , Volpe Annalisa , Lugarà Pietro Mario
Published: December 2014

Minimizing mechanical losses and friction in vehicle engines would have a great impact on reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emissions, to the benefit of environmental protection. With this scope, laser surface texturing (LST) with femtosecond pulses is an emerging technology, which consists of creating, by laser ablation, an array of high-density microdimples on the surface of a mechanical device. The microtexture decreases the effective contact area and, in case of lubricated contact, acts as oil reservoir and trap for wear debris, leading to an overall friction reduction. Depending on the lubrication regime and on the texture geometry, several mechanisms may concur to modify friction such as the local reduction of the shear stress, the generation of a hydrodynamic lift between the surfaces or the formation of eddy-like flows at the bottom of the dimple cavities. All these effects have been investigated by fabricating and characterizing several LST surfaces by femtosecond laser ablation with different features: partial/full texture, circular/elliptical dimples, variable diameters, and depths but equivalent areal density. More than 85% of friction reduction has been obtained from the circular dimple geometry, but the elliptical texture allows adjusting the friction coefficient by changing its orientation with respect to the sliding direction.
Multi-pass absorption spectroscopy for H2O2 detection using a CW DFB-QCL
Authors: Cao Yingchun , Sanchez Nancy P. , Jiang Wenzhe , Ren Wei , Lewicki Rafał , Jiang Dongfang , Griffin Robert J. , Tittel Frank K.
Published: December 2014

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) detection was demonstrated with multi-pass absorption spectroscopy using a commercial 76-m astigmatic multi-pass absorption cell. An ∼7.73-μm continuous wave, distributed feedback quantum cascade laser (CW DFB-QCL) was employed for targeting a strong H2O2 line (1296.2 cm-1) in the fundamental absorption band. Wavelength modulation spectroscopy combined with a second harmonic detection technique was utilized to increase the signal-to-noise ratio. By optimizing the pressure inside the multi-pass cell and the wavelength modulation depth, a minimum detection limit (1σ) of 13.4 ppbv was achieved for H2O2 with a 2-s sampling time. From an Allan-Werle deviation plot, the detection limit could be improved to 1.5 ppbv with an averaging time of 200 s. Interference effects of atmospheric air components are also discussed.
On *-n-derivations in rings with involution
Authors: Ashraf Mohammad , Siddeeque Mohammad Aslam
Published: December 2014

Let R be a *-ring. In this paper we introduce the notion of *-n-derivation in R. An additive mapping x ↦ x*
of R into itself is called an involution on R if it satisfies the conditions: (i) (x
*)* = x, (ii) (x
y)* = y*

x*
for all
x,y ∈ R. A ring R equipped with an involution `*' is called a *-ring. It is shown that if a prime *-ring R admits a nonzero *-n-derivation (resp. a reverse *-n-derivation) D, then R is commutative. Further, some related properties of *-n-derivation in a semiprime *-ring have also been investigated. Finally, a structure theorem for *-n-derivation has been obtained.
Synthesis of iron-doped resorcinol formaldehyde-based aerogels for the removal of Cr(VI) from water
Authors: Verma Naveen Kumar , Khare Prateek , Verma Nishith
Published: December 2014

Iron-doped resorcinol formaldehyde-based aerogels (Fe-RF-AGs) were synthesized and used for the removal of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] from water using adsorption. The synthesis steps of Fe-RF-AGs comprised the gelation by the polycondensation of resorcinol and formaldehyde, followed by drying using supercritical carbon dioxide. The produced mesoporous material was
Thermal Conductivity and Viscosity of Vegetable Oil–Based Cu, Zn, and Cu–Zn Hybrid Nanofluids
Authors: Kumar Mechiri Sandeep , Vasu V. , Gopal A. Venu
Published: December 2014

Sustainable manufacturing can be considered as one of the most important issues, which use the processes that play down negative environmental impacts in pursuing the bigger picture of sustainable development. An eco-friendly cutting fluid will go along with machining to achieve relative sustainability. To achieve relative sustainability level in machining, eco-friendly nanofluids are developed in this paper. Nanofluid is a stable colloidal suspension of ultrafine solid particles in a nanometric dimension dispersed in conventional and lubrication fluids. A two-step approach of synthesis of Zn, Cu, and Cu–Zn nanoparticles by mechanical alloying, followed by dispersing them in a base fluid (vegetable oil) to prepare nanofluids has been adopted. Powder particles were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and a particle-size analyzer. It is found from the XRD results that the crystallite size was around 26 nm for Cu powders, 59 nm for Zn powders, and 25 nm for Cu–Zn alloy after 60 h of milling. The particles size reduced to 60 nm for Zn, 60 nm for Cu, and 70 nm for Cu–Zn alloy after 60 h of milling. The enhanced thermal conductivity for Zn, Cu, and Cu–Zn nanofluids were 36 %, 42 %, and 48 %, respectively, with a volume concentration of 0.5 %, compared to base fluid (vegetable oil). The enhancement in viscosity for Zn, Cu, and Cu–Zn nanofluids are 47 %, 53 %, and 61 %, respectively, with a volume fraction of 0.5 % were reported.
A High-Density Linkage Map for Astyanax mexicanus Using Genotyping-by-Sequencing Technology
Authors: Carlson Brian M , Onusko Samuel W , Gross Joshua B
Published: December 2014

The Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus, is a unique model system consisting of cave-adapted and surface-dwelling morphotypes that diverged >1 million years (My) ago. This remarkable natural experiment has enabled powerful genetic analyses of cave adaptation. Here, we describe the application of next-generation sequencing technology to the creation of a high-density linkage map. Our map comprises more than 2200 markers populating 25 linkage groups constructed from genotypic data generated from a single genotyping-by-sequencing project. We leveraged emergent genomic and transcriptomic resources to anchor hundreds of anonymous Astyanax markers to the genome of the zebrafish (Danio rerio), the most closely related model organism to our study species. This facilitated the identification of 784 distinct connections between our linkage map and the Danio rerio genome, highlighting several regions of conserved genomic architecture between the two species despite ∼150 My of divergence. Using a Mendelian cave-associated trait as a proof-of-principle, we successfully recovered the genomic position of the albinism locus near the gene Oca2. Further, our map successfully informed the positions of unplaced Astyanax genomic scaffolds within particular linkage groups. This ability to identify the relative location, orientation, and linear order of unaligned genomic scaffolds will facilitate ongoing efforts to improve on the current early draft and assemble future versions of the Astyanax physical genome. Moreover, this improved linkage map will enable higher-resolution genetic analyses and catalyze the discovery of the genetic basis for cave-associated phenotypes.
Mass Transfer Resistances at the Boundary of a Fractured Porous Medium
Authors: Epifanio Morales-Zárate  , Gilberto Espinosa-Paredes
Published: December 2014

The aim of this paper is the study of the mass transfer resistance effects at the boundary of a fractured porous media. The boundary between the porous media adjacent to the fluid considers the transient effects. The numerical experiments show that the α parameter has an influence that facilitates the mass transfer of the porous region to the fluid region. The α parameter expresses the relation of the mass transfer resistances between the porous media and the homogeneous fluid; in the present work it is considered as a parameter which facilities mass transfer of the porous region to the fluid region.