bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Femoral cement extraction in revision total hip arthroplasty – an in vitro study comparing computer-assisted freehand-navigated cement removal to conventional cement extraction
Authors: Mumme Torsten , Friedrich Max Julian , Rode Henrik , Gravius Sascha , Andereya Stefan , Müller-Rath Ralf , de la Fuente Matias
Published: June 2015

Revision surgery of cemented femoral stems in total hip arthroplasty is gaining more and more importance, but cement removal in revision hip arthroplasty may be technically challenging. Conventional manual cement removal can be time consuming and be associated with complications such as cortical perforation, fracture, or bone loss. The aim of this study was to investigate the practicability of computer-navigated cement removal.

In an

The mean time for cement removal was 29±5 min for the conventional method and 32±8 min for the freehand-navigated cement removal. Here, excepting the preparatory examinations, the navigated cement removal only took 13±5 min. The measured temperature during polymerization was 36±5°C and during navigated cement removal was 37±8°C. In the distal part of the femur, cement removal was more accurate with the conventional method compared to the navigated one.

The freehand-navigated cement removal, with the exception of the preparatory examinations, is time saving compared to the conventional method. However, a potential for technical development especially for the milling device and accuracy exist.
Flexible scope for ISO 15189 accreditation: a guidance prepared by the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) Working Group Accreditation and ISO/CEN standards (WG-A/ISO)
Authors: Thelen Marc H.M. , Vanstapel Florent J.L.A. , Kroupis Christos , Vukasovic Ines , Boursier Guilaime , Barrett Edward , Andreu Francisco Bernabeu , Brguljan Pika Meško , Brugnoni Duilio , Lohmander Maria , Sprongl Ludek , Vodnik Tatjana , Ghita Irina , Vaubourdolle Michel , Huisman Willem , on behalf of the Working Group Accr
Published: June 2015

The recent revision of ISO15189 has further strengthened its position as the standard for accreditation for medical laboratories. Both for laboratories and their customers it is important that the scope of such accreditation is clear. Therefore the European co-operation for accreditation (EA) demands that the national bodies responsible for accreditation describe the scope of every laboratory accreditation in a way that leaves no room for doubt about the range of competence of the particular laboratories. According to EA recommendations scopes may be fixed, mentioning every single test that is part of the accreditation, or flexible, mentioning all combinations of medical field, examination type and materials for which the laboratory is competent. Up to now national accreditation bodies perpetuate use of fixed scopes, partly by inertia, partly out of fear that a too flexible scope may lead to over-valuation of the competence of laboratories, most countries only use fixed scopes. The EA however promotes use of flexible scopes, since this allows for more readily innovation, which contributes to quality in laboratory medicine. In this position paper, the Working Group Accreditation and ISO/CEN Standards belonging to the Quality and Regulation Committee of the EFLM recommends using an approach that has led to successful introduction of the flexible scope for ISO15189 accreditation as intended in EA-4/17 in The Netherlands. The approach is risk-based, discipline and competence-based, and focuses on defining a uniform terminology transferable across the borders of scientific disciplines, laboratories and countries.
Differentiation of acute pyelonephritis from other febrile states in children using urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL)
Authors: Arambašić Jadranka , Mandić Sanja , Debeljak Željko , Mandić Dario , Horvat Vesna , Šerić Vatroslav
Published: June 2015

Acute pyelonephritis is a severe disease which is sometimes difficult to recognize based on clinical symptoms and routinely available diagnostic tests, especially in young children. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) as a biomarker of acute pyelonephritis.

In this case-control study we analyzed 134 children (median age 2.5 years) who were admitted to the Pediatric Clinic of University Hospital Centre Osijek, Croatia. Eighty of them had acute pyelonephritis, while 54 children had febrile state of different etiology including cystitis and they represented the control group. uNGAL, white blood cells, C-reactive protein, urinanalysis, urine culture, kidney ultrasound and a dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphic scan were done for each child. uNGAL was measured using chemiluminiscent microparticle immunoassay on ARHITECT i1000SR (Abbott Diagnostics, IL, USA).

uNGAL values were significantly higher in children with acute pyelonephritis compared to the control groups (113.6 ng/mL vs. 10.2 ng/mL, p<0.001). A receiver operating characteristic curve comparison was done for tested parameters and encouraging results were obtained for uNGAL (AUC=0.952). A cut-off value of 29.4 ng/mL had 92.5% sensitivity and 90.7% specificity. We showed that uNGAL can also serve in differentiating acute pyelonephritis from cystitis (cut-off 38.5 ng/mL), and for differentiation of cystitis from febrile states with etiology other than urinary tract infection (UTI) (cut-off 20.4 ng/mL).

uNGAL can be a useful diagnostic biomarker in acute pyelonephritis in children, but also in differentiating cystitis from febrile states other than UTI.
Multi-scale pin fins: Scale analysis and mathematical optimization of micro-pin fins arranged in rows
Authors: Bello-Ochende Tunde
Published: June 2015

This paper shows the performance of a cylindrical micro-pin fins with multiples-arrays structures for maximum heat transfer. The structures has a varying geometric sizes (diameter, height and spacing). The effects of Reynolds number and thermal conductivity ratio on the optimized geometric configurations and the maximum heat transfer rate is documented. Two design configuration were considered. Scales and computational fluid dynamics analysis shows that the benefits of varying fin height is minimal. Results show that performace is increased when three rows of micro pin fin heat sinks with a reduced degree of freedom (fixed height) when compared to two rows of micro pin fins heat sink for the same amount of material. The optimized diameters of the fins seems to have greatest effect on perfomance of the heat sink.
Associated motion in Mojeño Trinitario: Some typological considerations
Authors: Rose Françoise
Published: June 2015

Associated motion is a very little known category. Markers of associated motion encode, on a lexical verb, a motion event in a temporal relation with the event expressed by the lexical verb (and not just the path, as directionals do). The literature on associated motion is scarce, mostly restricted to Australian and Amazonian languages. The paper builds on the general literature on associated motion as a backdrop to the analysis proper of the data from Mojeño Trinitario, an Arawak language spoken in Bolivia. This paper offers a detailed description of the associated motion markers of Mojeño Trinitario, at the morphological, semantic, and discourse levels. The study is mainly based on textual and elicited data collected in the field. The new insights provided in this paper will contribute to the emerging typology of associated motion.
Eurusd Intraday Price Reversal
Authors: Wiśniewska Marta
Published: June 2015

The study investigates the mean reversion in 1-minute EURUSD. Intraday patters in FX seem of particular interest as more and more trades in the FX market are automated high frequency trades (HFT). The study reveals that the mean reversion is present in the intraday EURUSD. ADF test rejects unit root. The average of the deviation of EURUSD from its (moving) mean is close to zero. Furthermore when short and long positions are simultaneously open, the average maximum return achieved through 24 hour period is similar, providing yet another evidence for mean reversion and lack of weak form of market efficiency.
Organisation of the Analytical, Stoichiometric, and Thermodynamic Information for water Chemistry Calculations
Authors: Földényi Rita , Marton Aurél
Published: June 2015

A common feature of the chemical processes of the hydrosphere and water treatment plants is that essentially the same types of chemical equilibrium reactions occur in both fields. These equilibria could be acid/base, complexation, redox, precipitation, and interfacial processes. Since these reactions may also occur in combination, the aqueous environments are unavoidably multispecies systems. Due to multiple equilibria, the state of aggregation, the state of oxidation, as well as the electric charge of the species may change dramatically. Calculation of the equilibrium concentration of the species is facilitated by the availability of analytical, stoichiometric, and thermodynamic information that are consistently organised into an ASTI matrix. The matrix makes it possible to apply a uniform algebraic treatment for all occurring equilibria even, if later on, further reactions have to be included in the chemical model. The use of the ASTI matrix enables us to set up the necessary mass balance equations and equilibrium relationships, which together form a non-linear system of equations (NLSE). The goal of our paper is to show that the use of the ASTI matrix approach in cooperation with the powerful engineering calculation software, MATHCAD14, results in fast and easy handling of the NLSE-s and, consequently, the calculations of speciation in aqueous systems. The paper demonstrates the method of application in three examples: the calculation of the pH dependence of the solubility of calcite in closed and open systems, the calculation of the pH and pε in a system where acid/base reactions, complexation equilibria, and redox equilibria occur, and a study of adsorption of lead ions on aluminium oxide.
Biological Purification of Chemically Pre-Treated Dairy Wastewater before Discharge into a Municipal Sewage Systems
Authors: Gulyás Gábor , Fazekas Bence , Varga Regina , Kárpáti Árpád
Published: June 2015

Dairy production is one of the most inefficient processes with respect to water usage in the food industry. It was estimated that the production of a litre of milk creates three to four litres of wastewater. Dairy wastewater contains a high amount of dissolved and suspended solids. Moreover, it contains high concentrations of fat, protein, and carbohydrate. Consequently, the dairy wastewater content of organic compounds is high and so is its chemical oxygen demand. The majority of organic compounds are biodegradable with a high biological and chemical oxygen demand ratio. In this work, we examined the biological purification of physico-chemically pretreated wastewater from a Hungarian milk-processing factory before it was discharged into the public sewage system. The chemical oxygen demand of the pre-treated wastewater ranged from 500 to 2500 mg dm-3. We found that it was possible to achieve efficient organic material removal from nutrient-poor wastewater without nutrient dosage contrary to the literature. The activated sludge system manifested efficient organic material removal that required a smaller biological volume. Experiments with biofilms have shown that a thicker biofilm needs more dissolved oxygen, which dictates oxygen input levels to be sufficient for creating an aerobic environment.
Supporting Informed Negotiation Processes in Group Recommender Systems
Authors: Gross Tom
Published: June 2015

Group recommender systems make suggestions to groups of users who want to share experiences or products. Despite their high potential for helping users, GRS face diverse challenges that can be clustered into two groups: predictions and processes. Generating predictions of the goodness of the fit of recommendations to the group has been seen as a core challenge of recommender systems from their beginning, while supporting the processes of discussion for reaching consensus on the item to pick is a more recent challenge. In this paper I report on a base platform for GRS with powerful algorithms for generating and explaining recommendations with high predictions, and an easy and effective process model for GRS.
NSF expedition on variability-aware software: Recent results and contributions
Authors: Wanner Lucas , Lai Liangzhen , Rahimi Abbas , Gottscho Mark , Mercati Pietro , Huang Chu-Hsiang , Sala Frederic , Agarwal Yuvraj , Dolecek Lara , Dutt Nikil , Gupta Puneet , Gupta Rajesh , Jhala Ranjit , Kumar Rakesh , Lerner Sorin , Mitra Subhasish , Nicolau Alexandru , Simunic Rosing Tajana , Srivastava Mani B. , Swanson Steve , Sylvester Dennis , Zhou Yuanyuan
Published: June 2015

In this paper we summarize recent results and contributions from the NSF Expedition on Variability-Aware Software, a five year, multi-university effort to tackle the problem of hardware variations and its implications and opportunities in software. The Expedition has made contributions in characterization and online monitoring of variations (particularly in microprocessors and flash memories), proposed new coding techniques for variability-tolerant storage, provided tools and platforms for the development of variability-aware software, and created new runtime support systems for variability-aware task-scheduling and execution.
Numerical Analysis Of Flat Slabs With Spherical Voids Subjected To Shear Force
Authors: Bindea M. , Chezan Claudia Maria , Puskas A.
Published: June 2015

Full flat slabs can be enhanced by using spherical voids to replace the unemployed concrete from the core part of the slab. Therefore we get low self-weighted slabs that can reach a high range of spans, a low material consumption compared to classical solutions used so far. On the other hand, the upsides of these slabs pale against the insecurity in design stage about their punching and shear force behaviour. In this paper it is presented a parametric study about shear force behaviour of flat slabs with spherical voids used in standard condition service. The study was made using the Atena 3D finit element design software, starting form a numerical model gauged on experimental results on real models – scale 1:1. Based on these lab results, the model’s validation was made by overlapping the load – displacement experimental curves on the curves yielded from numerical analyses. The results indicate that under a longitudinal reinforcement rate of lower than 0.50%, flat slabs with spherical voids don’t fail to shear force and over this value the capable shear force decreases in comparison with solid slabs, as the reinforcement rate increases.
Mathematical Modelling Of The Bridges Structural Monitoring II
Authors: Rădulescu G.M.T. , Rădulescu A.T.G. , Rădulescu M.V.G. , Naş Sanda
Published: June 2015

We have seen in the previous paper that in the case of resistance elements made of steel, at least in this case study, the structure’s response to strains, in this case sunshine, is uncertain, may or may not be linear. The analysis continues for the four characteristic months of 2013, respectively the second month (February), the fifth (May), the eighth (August) and the event (November), covering the four seasons and approximately the entire range of temperatures to which the resistance elements of the bridge are subject to along a calendar year - case study Incheon Grand Bridge, Seoul, South Korea. The number of data pairs recorded, as we have noted, every 15 minutes, is initially 11,616, being difficult to process. Some software (e.g. Table Curve 2D) can work with a maximum of 3000 data pairs. In what follows we will examine the behaviour of a reinforced concrete element of the North Bridge Gap front line and we will build a mathematical model of its behaviour to sunshine, from the input data, one recording every hours, thus reducing the number of measurements to 2904. The aim is to obtain a mathematical model with a correlation coefficient above 0.9, which is also verified and validated. This model will allow us to calculate the expected position of the sensor mounted on the resistance element for a certain temperature, the degree of confidence of the result, the interval of residual values. Because the history of the evolution of temperatures for each moment analyzed is different it produces different results, but ones that fit the specified regressive mathematical model.
This is the title of an article with a correction statement included
Authors: Paulsen Paul , Carstensen Carsten , Juliansen Juliane
Published: June 2015

I am an abstract in English language.
Human Resource Management Practices to Support Emotional Labor in Emergency Response
Authors: Mastracci Sharon
Published: June 2015

Based on a continuing program of research, this paper reveals several organizational measures needed if emotional labor is to be supported, including self-care plans, recruiting for self-awareness, and performance evaluations that capture more than a standard set of knowledge, skills, and abilities. The paper focuses on the experience of emergency responders, who work in extreme conditions that demand extensive emotional labor. Propositions are presented to link human resource management practices and individual and organizational outcomes; propositions that can inform future research and hypothesis testing in this area.
Huntahan* vocab assessment toward enriching mother tongue-based classroom practices
Authors: Cacho Reynald M. , Cacho Lynle C.
Published: June 2015

This two-phase action research examined the profile and knowledge level of Grade III pupils about their knowledge on the distinct local vocabularies in order to formulate enrichment or intervention, to address any deficiency or lack of, and to assess whether such enrichment programs are effective for authentic, localized implementation of the MTB-MLE. The research instruments used in the first phase included survey and vocabulary assessment test. The researchers initially employed descriptive statistics to interpret the result. Majority of the respondents have established residency in Lopez, Quezon for at least four years. All of the pupils speak Tagalog only at home. The first phase of the research revealed that the pupils of Lopez West Elementary School Bldg. 1 performed satisfactorily in the language test. Most of them found that the most difficult words are generally content words. The initial results of this study serve as baseline information implying that the pupils’ level of understanding of the Lopezeños words needs enhancement and/or reinforcements; hence, there is an urgent need to implement the 2nd cycle of this action research. The second phase once implemented seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention and/or enrichment activities that may guide language teachers in the conduct of classroom-based, culturally sensitive, contextualized language instruction.
The relation of vitamin D status with metabolic syndrome in childhood and adolescence: an update
Authors: Challa Anna S. , Makariou Stefania E. , Siomou Ekaterini C.
Published: June 2015

Among children and adolescents, metabolic syndrome (MetS) is more common than previously believed. Hence, any information on the relation between vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency and insulin resistance (IR) in this population with risk of developing MetS is of great importance. This review analyzes and evaluates the existing evidence from cross-sectional, observational, and retrospective studies concerning the effect of vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency on MetS as a whole or on its various components. Most data show that insufficient vitamin D status is associated with increased prevalence of MetS or its individual components, mainly blood pressure and IR, often independent of overall obesity or abdominal adiposity. The implications of these findings could be associated with increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus in later life. The very few randomized control trials examining any possible beneficial effects of vitamin D supplementation are also included.
Occurrence of pesticide residues in fruit from Podlasie (Poland) in 2012
Authors: Łozowicka Bożena , Hrynko Izabela , Kaczyński Piotr , Rutkowska Ewa , Jankowska Magdalena , Mojsak Patrycja
Published: June 2015

Extensive use of pesticides in agriculture can lead to contamination of fruit harvests and an increased risk of toxic effects on humans. A total of 123 fruit samples harvested in 2012 in the north-eastern region of Poland were analysed for pesticide residues as part of the national monitoring programme, and as part of research commissioned by private customers. Pesticide residues were found in 64.2% of the samples. There were pesticide residues below the maximum residue level (MRL) in 63 (51.2%) of the samples, while 16 (13%) exceeded MRLs set by Regulation (EC) 396/2005. The gooseberry, currant, and strawberry samples showed the most contamination. The most frequently detected pesticides were dithiocarbamates (54) followed by difenoconazole (22), boscalid (17), and alpha-cypermethrin (15). More than half of analysed samples had multiple residues (up to 8 residues), with multiple residues most common in gooseberry and currant samples. This study shows cases of non-authorised pesticide use by farmers who are trying to protect certain fruit.
Rogowski Coil for Current Measurement in a Cryogenic Environment
Authors: Ma Tao , Dai Shaotao , Zhang Jingye , Zhao Lianqi
Published: June 2015

A Rogowski coil based sensor for current measurement in a cryogenic environment and results of its application for paralleled high temperature superconducting (HTS) coil current sharing are presented. The current sensor consists of a Rogowski coil and an integrator, where the coil output voltage is proportional to the derivative of primary current and the integrator transfers the differentiation to normal state. The Rogowski coil has promising applicability at cryogenic circumstance because its body is made of low temperature materials. The integrator ensures a large bandwidth with feasible magnitude, which is vital for dynamic current measurement during the quench of the HTS coil. The proposed current sensor is used for current sharing measurement of two paralleled Bi2223 HTS coils, and the experimental results show that the measurement precision is better than 0.5%.
Preventive Conservation of Historic Buildings
Authors: Van Balen Koenraad
Published: June 2015

Preventive Conservation is argued to improve preservation of heritage at large. The UNESCO chair on Preventive Conservation, monitoring and maintenance of monuments and sites (PRECOM3OS) has pushed research and collaboration to understand the nature of preventive conservation in the field of built heritage. The study of the concepts and practices of prevention in public health helps to understand the systemic nature of prevention and how they can be transferred to the conservation world.
Centralization versus Decentralization of Legislative Production and the Effect on Litigation: A Case Study
Authors: Di Vita Giuseppe
Published: June 2015

This paper presents an empirical investigation into the effects on the duration of disputes of the coordination externalities that arise from the decentralization of laws and regulatory power from the state to the regions. To this aim we consider Italy, whose territory is divided into twenty regions, using a dataset derived from 800 judgements pronounced by the Italian regional administrative courts over eight years, from 2000 to 2007. The most important result of our research is that in sectors where European legislation prevails, and lower coordination externalities are observed, we find a shorter duration of disputes, whilst in economic sectors more exposed to decentralized legislation, with greater coordination externalities, disputes tend to have a longer duration.
Selecting the tuning parameter of the ℓ1 trend filter
Authors: Yamada Hiroshi , Yoon Gawon
Published: June 2015

The
Atomic force microscopy as an advanced tool in neuroscience
Authors: Jazvinšćak Jembrek Maja , Šimić Goran , Hof Patrick R. , Šegota Suzana
Published: June 2015

This review highlights relevant issues about applications and improvements of atomic force microscopy
(AFM) toward a better understanding of neurodegenerative changes at the molecular level with the hope of
contributing to the development of effective therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative illnesses. The basic
principles of AFM are briefly discussed in terms of evaluation of experimental data, including the newest
PeakForce Quantitative Nanomechanical Mapping (QNM) and the evaluation of Young’s modulus as the crucial
elasticity parameter. AFM topography, revealed in imaging mode, can be used to monitor changes in live neurons
over time, representing a valuable tool for high-resolution detection and monitoring of neuronal morphology.
The mechanical properties of living cells can be quantified by force spectroscopy as well as by new AFM. A variety
of applications are described, and their relevance for specific research areas discussed. In addition, imaging as well
as non-imaging modes can provide specific information, not only about the structural and mechanical properties
of neuronal membranes, but also on the cytoplasm, cell nucleus, and particularly cytoskeletal components.
Moreover, new AFM is able to provide detailed insight into physical structure and biochemical interactions in
both physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
Zählverluste bei der Zählung von Metall-Nukliden in flüssigen Szintillatoren
Authors: Erdtmann Gerhard
Published: June 2015

Die Zählraten von Flüssigkeitsszintillator-Probenlösungen mit Metallsalzen sind oft nur kurze Zeit konstant, weil die Aktivität an der Probenflasche adsorbiert wird. Auch bei Verbindungen, in denen die Metall- Nuklide komplex gebunden sind, treten Zählverluste auf. Sie lassen sich vermeiden, wenn man der Probe Träger oder dem Szintillator hochdisperses Sillciumdioxid zusetzt. Trägerzusatz kann nachteilig sein, wenn sich stark farbige oder im Szintillator unlösliche Verbindungen bilden.
Annealing of Recoil Bromine-82 in Hexabromoethane
Authors: Collins Kenneth E. , Harbottle Garman
Published: June 2015

The effect of pre-irradiation of hexabromoethane with gamma rays upon subsequent thermal annealing of recoil bromine-82 has been examined: the doses given ranged from 2 to 2 X 107
r. The results reveal a complex pattern which is discussed in terms of trapped defects having a variety of activation energies for release, and the interaction of the released defects with the recoil atoms. The results of both pre- and postirradiation (radiation annealing) were found to depend on radiation intensity. In the former case the higher the intensity the greater the effectiveness in promoting annealing while in the latter the reverse was true.
Aktivierungsanalytische Bestimmung von Verunreinigungen in Aluminium
Authors: Kiesl W.
Published: June 2015

In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird die aktivierungsanalytische Bestimmung von Vanadium und Nickel in Aluminium beschrieben. Für beide Elemente werden Extraktionsmethoden angewendet, wobei das Vanadium aus salzsaurer Lösung als Cupferronat, das Nickel aus ammoniakalischer Lösung als Nickeldimethylglyoximat mit Chloroform extrahiert wird. Für die quantitative Bestimmung werden der 1,40- MeV-Peak von 52V bzw. der 1,09-MeV-Peak von 65Ni benützt.
Radiochemical Studies of Fission Induced by 14.7 MeV Neutrons
Authors: James R. H. , Martin G. R. , Silvester D. J.
Published: June 2015

Measurements have been made of the yields of 19 nuclides from the fission of natural uranium (essentially 238U) induced by neutrons of 14.7 ± 0.2 MeV. A peak-to-valley ratio of 9.4 is found with the yield at the maximum of the light peak measured as 6.5%. The maxima of the light and heavy peaks fall respectively at masses 99 and 136, the peak width at half height being 14 mass units.

Measurements of the yields at masses 133 and 135 (made by gas counting the xenon members of the decay chains) provide evidence for 'fine structure' in the yield/mass curve in this region.
A Convenient Carrier-free Separation of Niobium from Zirconium
Authors: Lyle S. J. , Shendrikar A. D.
Published: June 2015

A solvent extraction method is presented for the separation of 95Nb in a carrier-free form from Zr. Nb is extracted into a chloroform solution of N-benzoyl-N-phenyl-hydroxylamine from an aqueous hydrochloric acid phase 0.05 M in hydrofluoric acid. By following the recommended procedure a decontamination factor of about 104 from Zr is achieved and up to 1 mg per ml of Zr in the aqueous phase does not impair the separation. The Nb may be back extracted into aqua regia, ammoniacal hydrogen peroxide, or aqueous ammonia, from all of which aqueous solutions of different chemical compositions can readily be prepared. The complete procedure need not take longer than 30 minutes.
Separation of Americium (III) from Lanthanides by Quaternary Ammonium Salt Extraction
Authors: Gerontopulos P. Th. , Rigali L. , Barbano P. G.
Published: June 2015

The extraction of americium (III) and the rare earth elements from ammonium thiocyanate solutions into xylene solutions of a quaternary ammonium salt (Aliquat-336) has been investigated. It was found that good separation of americium from rare earths can be achieved by using moderately concentrated ammonium thiocyanate solutions. Extraction coefficients for americium and R. E. were directly proportional to the amine concentration in the solvent. Extraction coefficients were affected by temperature changes, by the presence of various contaminant anions and by the nature of the solvent used, but separation factors between americium and R. E. remained essentially constant. Moderately high separation factors were obtained within the lanthanide group.
Plutonium(IV) Extraction from Nitric Acid Solutions by Mixtures of Long-Chain Ammonium Nitrates
Authors: Bac R.
Published: June 2015

The liquid-liquid extraction of tracer amounts of Pu(IV) from 0.5 and 3 M nitric acid solutions by a mixture A + B, of two quaternary ammonium nitrates of a high molecular weight, or of one such nitrate with a long-chain tertiary amine nitrate in chloroform and in the octanol containing solvents n-dodecane or o-xylene has been studied.

The Pu(IV) distribution coefficients D observed are not widely different from the values calculated for D = (DA
1/q
+ DB
1/q) q where DA
and DB
represent the Pu(IV) distribution coefficients for each of the components alone, and q denotes the slope value of the extraction curve, log DA
vs. log [A]initial.

The extracting agents used are: trilaurylamine (TLA), trilauryl-methylammonium nitrate (TLMA) and hexadecyl-dimethyl-benzyl ammonium nitrate (HDDMBA).

Thermodifferential molecular weight determinations of quaternary ammonium nitrates and their Th(IV) and U(VI) nitrate complexes in benzene show a higher degree of association for the metal complexes than for the extracting agents. By saturation of solutions of different quaternary ammonium nitrates in benzene with Th(NO3)4 · 6H2O the thorium loading is lower in both light- and heavy organic phase than would correspond with a ratio of two quaternary ammonium nitrate molecules to one thorium atom.
Zur Kristallchemie des Radiums
Authors: Weigel F. , Trinkx A.
Published: June 2015

Im Rahmen kristallchemischer Untersuchungen an Radiumverbindungen wurden eine Reihe von Salzen des Typs RaXO4 im Mikromaßstab dargestellt und röntgenographisch untersucht. Die folgenden physikalischen Daten wurden bestimmt:

[xxx]

Alle Salze sind mit den homologen Bariumsalzen isotyp.
La identificación entre la razón práctica y la idea de Dios en el Opus Postumum de Kant
Authors: Calvo Portela Ruth
Published: June 2015

El teísmo moral que defiende Kant es un eje crucial de su filosofía. Pero las ideas de Dios y de la inmortalidad del alma como postulados de la razón práctica conllevan una serie de problemas, como, por ejemplo, la cosificación de lo noúmeno, el antropomorfismo de la noción de Dios y la relación entre inmanencia y transcendencia. El intento por parte de Kant de dar una respuesta a estas cuestiones le lleva en las últimas obras a replantearse el papel de la divinidad. De ahí que se dé una paulatina identificación entre la razón práctica universal y la idea de Dios, que llegará a defenderse claramente en su Opus Postumum. Me propongo hacer un estudio de dicha identificación a través de la comparación entre Kant y la postura de Fichte en los textos de la polémica del ateísmo.DOI  http://dx.doi.org/10.15304/ag.34.2.1752
On Meaning and Measuring: A philosophical and historical View
Authors: Trillas Enric , Seising Rudolf
Published: June 2015

This paper just tries to revisit the view on meaning, and particularly in meaningless statements, hold by the thinkers inscribed in the famous "Vienna Circle". It is done under the typically scientific form of measuring empirically adquired concepts that can be considered in the same tradition of the Circle. In addition, it also contains some historical notes, as well as some related reflexions on Karl Menger's  thought on the lack of a suitable geometry for the microworld.DOI  http://dx.doi.org/10.15304/ag.34.2.2096
Lichtung: el claro del ser. Un estudio a raíz de las meditaciones de Holzwege
Authors: Garrido Periñán Juan José
Published: June 2015

Lichtung es una expresión que ha vertebrado el pensamiento de Martin Heidegger desde prácticamente sus comienzos como estudiante en la Universidad de Friburgo. En este sentido, dilucidaremos una de las primeras interpretaciones de Lichtung, en tanto claro del ser, que encontramos, dentro de la prolija obra del autor, en la obra Holzwege. Aquí, Heidegger intentar desprenderse de aquella percepción que pensaba el fenómeno de Lichtung como iluminación intencional del Dasein, a favor de otra, de menos compromisos para con la subjetividad humana, que la piensa como el lugar de espaciamiento de la diferencia ontológica o el acontecimiento apropiador del ser, y que viene a ser unos de los modos en que se resuelve lo que se ha venido a llamar Kehre.DOI  http://dx.doi.org/10.15304/ag.34.2.2188
Application of Linear Discriminant Analysis to the Long-term Averaged Spectra of Simulated Disorders of Oral-Nasal Balance
Authors: De Boer Gillian , Bressmann Tim
Published: June 2015

Objective

Acoustic studies of oral-nasal balance disorders to date have focused on hypernasality. However, in patients with cleft palate, nasal obstruction may also be present, so that hypernasality and hyponasality co-occur. In this study, normal speakers simulated different disorders of oral-nasal balance. Linear discriminant analysis was used to create a tentative diagnostic formula based on the long-term averaged spectra (LTAS) of the speech stimuli.

Materials and Methods

Eleven female participants were recorded while reading nonnasal and nasal speech stimuli. LTASs of the recordings were run for their normal oral-nasal balance and their simulations of hyponasal, hypernasal, and mixed oral-nasal balance. The amplitude values (in decibels) were extracted in 100-Hz intervals over a range of 4 kHz.

Results

A repeated-measures analysis of variance of the normalized amplitudes revealed a resonance condition–frequency band amplitude interaction effect ( P < .001). A linear discriminant analysis of the participants’ LTAS led to formulas correctly classifying 80.7% of the oral-nasal balance conditions.

Conclusion

The simulations produced distinctive spectra enabling the creation of formulas that predicted the oral-nasal balance above chance level. Future research with speakers with oral-nasal balance disorders will be needed to investigate the potential of this approach for the clinical diagnosis of disorders of oral-nasal balance.
Presentación
Authors: Cuesta Torre María Luzdivina
Published: June 2015

Presentación al número monográfico dedicado a la influencia de la fábula esópica en la literatura europea
El uso didáctico de la fábula en la literatura renacentista alemana
Authors: Monreal Pérez Juan Luis
Published: June 2015

El uso didáctico de la fábula en la literatura renacentista alemana
Safer Roads Owing to Higher Gasoline Prices: How Long It Takes
Authors: Chi Guangqing , Brown Willie , Zhang Xiang , Zheng Yanbing
Published: June 2015

Objectives. We investigated how much time passes before gasoline price changes affect traffic crashes.

Methods. We systematically examined 2004 to 2012 Mississippi traffic crash data by age, gender, and race. Control variables were unemployment rate, seat belt use, alcohol consumption, climate, and temporal and seasonal variations.

Results. We found a positive association between higher gasoline prices and safer roads. Overall, gasoline prices affected crashes 9 to 10 months after a price change. This finding was generally consistent across age, gender, and race, with some exceptions. For those aged 16 to 19 years, gasoline price increases had an immediate (although statistically weak) effect and a lagged effect, but crashes involving those aged 25 to 34 years was seemingly unaffected by price changes. For older individuals (≥ 75 years), the lagged effect was stronger and lasted longer than did that of other age groups.

Conclusions. The results have important health policy implications for using gasoline prices and taxes to improve traffic safety.
Enforcement Provisions of Indoor Tanning Bans for Minors: An Analysis of the First 6 US States
Authors: Bulger Amy L. , Mayer Jonathan E. , Gershenwald Jeffrey E. , Guild Samantha R. , Gottlieb Mark A. , Geller Alan C.
Published: June 2015

Several states have passed legislation banning minors from indoor tanning; however, concern has been raised regarding enforcement. We explored the statutes pertaining to enforcement in the first 6 US states to pass legislation banning minors younger than 18 years from indoor tanning. The findings reflect significant variability in enforcement provisions across the 6 states. Further investigations are needed to determine whether the statutes are successful in curbing indoor tanning among youths and ultimately whether indoor tanning bans among minors help to reduce skin cancer incidence.
Assessing Proposals for New Global Health Treaties: An Analytic Framework
Authors: Hoffman Steven J. , Røttingen John-Arne , Frenk Julio
Published: June 2015

We have presented an analytic framework and 4 criteria for assessing when global health treaties have reasonable prospects of yielding net positive effects.

First, there must be a significant transnational dimension to the problem being addressed. Second, the goals should justify the coercive nature of treaties. Third, proposed global health treaties should have a reasonable chance of achieving benefits. Fourth, treaties should be the best commitment mechanism among the many competing alternatives.

Applying this analytic framework to 9 recent calls for new global health treaties revealed that none fully meet the 4 criteria. Efforts aiming to better use or revise existing international instruments may be more productive than is advocating new treaties.
Results of the Field Operation of a Distributed-Flux Burner in a Heater Treater in a Northern Canada Heavy Oil Field: Thermal Performance and Firetube Life
Authors: Gotterba James A. , Bartz David F.
Published: June 2015

Horizontal heater treaters are commonly used to separate oil/water emulsions from enhanced oil recovery in heavy oil reservoirs. Conventional burners used in these heaters can cause hot spots that result in coking of the viscous emulsion on the outer surface of the firetube. This coking layer acts as an insulator and results in high tube-wall temperatures, leading to an early failure of the firetube. The problem may be exacerbated when polymer injection is used in the recovery fluid because of the increased viscosity of the fluid and the thermal breakdown of the polymer, which create a thicker insulating layer along the firetube.

To reduce the coking and the resulting firetube failures, a conventional burner can be replaced with a radiant distributed-flux burner that spreads the heat over a much larger area, with a very uniform flame shape. The distributed-flux burner consists of a porous-ceramic cylindrical surface that provides surface-stabilized premixed combustion, such that combustion characteristics at every point along the cylindrical burner surface are nearly identical. This reduces the peak heat flux within the combustion zone significantly, reducing the likelihood of hot spots and the potential for coking compared with conventional burners. At the same time, more heat is distributed farther down the length of the firetube, increasing heat transfer in the rear section of the heater and improving its overall efficiency and heater throughput. Firetube life is increased because of the lower peak temperatures of the tube wall, and because less heat may be needed to achieve the required process throughput and water cut.

This paper presents data from both pilot tests and field tests of a recent burner retrofit of a horizontal heater treater at an oil sands field in northern Canada. The retrofit was completed in a 2-day effort. On the basis of recent field data, thermal analysis, and measurements made in laboratory tests, the distributed-flux burner is compared with a conventional burner with respect to thermal efficiency and tube-wall temperatures.
Dancing with Loneliness in Later Life: A Pilot Study Mapping Seasonal Variations
Authors: Victor Christina , Sullivan Mary P. , Woodbridge Rachel , Thomas Michael
Published: June 2015

Temporal variations in loneliness at the individual and population level have long been reported in longitudinal studies. Although the evidence is limited due to methodological distinctions among studies, we broadly know that loneliness as one ages is a dynamic experience with people becoming more or less lonely or staying the same over time. There is, however, less evidence to understand individual variations in loneliness over shorter periods of time. This paper reports on one element of a small mixed method pilot study to investigate seasonal variations in loneliness over the course of one year and to test the effectiveness of tools used to collect data at repeated short intervals. Our findings confirm that loneliness is dynamic even over shorter periods of time with participants reporting to be lonelier in the evenings, weekends and spring-summer period. Data measures were at times problematic due to language and/or interpretation and reinforce the relevance of reviewing the more common approaches to studying loneliness to more effectively capture the complex and individual nature of the experience.
Effect of Biological and Mass Transfer Parameter Uncertainty on N2O Emission Estimates from WRRFs
Authors: Song Kang , Harper Willie F. , Takeuchi Yuki , Hosomi Masaaki , Terada Akihiko
Published: June 2015

This research used the detailed activated sludge model (ASM) to investigate the effect of parameter uncertainty on nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from biological wastewater treatment systems. Monte Carlo simulations accounted for uncertainty in the values of the microbial growth parameters and in the volumetric mass transfer coefficient for dissolved oxygen (kLaDO), and the results show that the detailed ASM predicted N2O emission of less than 4% (typically 1%) of the total influent loading. Uncertainties in kLaDO were further investigated in experiments, which showed that lower values of kLaDO generated higher soluble N2O levels. The detailed ASM likely requires revision to account for abiotic reactions and other factors that cause higher levels of N2O emission.
Microsoft's Foreign Earnings: Tax Strategy
Authors: Kyj Larissa S. , Romeo George C.
Published: June 2015

The high corporate tax rate and the complexity of the U.S. tax code provide U.S. multinationals with the incentives and opportunities to shift income to foreign low-tax jurisdictions. In theory, U.S. corporations are taxed at the statutory rate of 35 percent on their worldwide income, but income earned by an active Controlled Foreign Corporation (CFC) is usually not taxed until it is repatriated to the parent company in the U.S. As a result, trillions of dollars in cash and investments sit in offshore companies, awaiting a repatriation tax holiday. Much of these earnings are held by technology companies. The case looks at Microsoft Corporation, a company with $60.8 billion in unrepatriated earnings as of 2012. The case considers tax havens, nonrepatriation of earnings, cost-sharing arrangements, and transfer pricing and is intended to expose students to the subtleties and complexities of corporate tax strategies. Although the case is set in 2012, the goal of the case is to demonstrate to the students the complex environment in which multinational corporations operate and is independent of any particular tax regime.
Collusive Accounting Supervision and Economic Culture
Authors: Cieslewicz Joshua K.
Published: June 2015

Supervisors who manipulate accounting information to their advantage may seek the cooperation of subordinates, who depend on them for career advancement and direction, in order to navigate their way through their organization's controls. In this way, accounting supervisors influence not only the end users of accounting information, but also subordinates who learn about the accounting profession from them. In investigating collusive supervision, I utilize a field-based instrument and a sample of practicing accounting supervisors. I find that accounting supervisors' behavioral intentions to encourage their subordinates to collude in manipulating accounting information are influenced by attitudes, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, and materialism. I investigate cultural influences on these relationships. I find that power distance and collectivism increase the likelihood that an accounting supervisor will encourage subordinates to collude in manipulating accounting information. Uncertainty avoidance, or rule orientation, decreases the likelihood. Partial least squares (PLS) path modeling illustrates direct and indirect cultural effects. The findings suggest that adding relevant cultural variables to the Theory of Planned Behavior and considering related mediation effects can increase the framework's capacity to explain behaviors in international or cross-cultural settings. Ramifications for subordinates, educators, the accounting profession, organizations, and policy makers are discussed.
Latex and nonlatex orthodontic elastics: In vitro and in vivo evaluations of tissue compatibility and surface structure
Authors: Martínez-Colomer Sara , Gaton-Hernández Patrícia , Romano Fábio Lourenço , De Rossi Andiara , Fukada Sandra Yasuyo , Nelson-Filho Paulo , Consolaro Alberto , Silva Raquel Assed Bezerra , Silva Lea Assed Bezerra
Published: June 2015

Objective: 

To test the null hypothesis that there is no difference between latex and nonlatex orthodontic elastics with respect to tissue compatibility and surface structure.

Materials and Methods: 

Latex and nonlatex elastics were implanted in the subcutaneous connective tissue of 45 Wistar rats. In the control groups, no material was implanted (sham). After 24 hours, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days, the animals were euthanized; tissue samples were processed and analyzed by descriptive and semi-quantitative microscopic analysis and quantification of plasma extravasation. The surface structure of elastics was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey test and Kruskal-Wallis test at 5% significance level.

Results: 

Peri-implant plasma extravasation was significantly higher (P < .05) in the animals that received latex elastics compared with those with nonlatex elastics and those that were control animals. The microscopic analysis revealed a more intense inflammatory infiltrate in the initial periods without statistically significant difference (P > .05) between the experimental and control groups. The SEM analysis revealed that the latex elastics presented microspheres and porosities, while the nonlatex elastics exhibited crystals on their surface and absence of porosities.

Conclusion: 

The null hypothesis was rejected since the latex elastics were more irritating to the connective tissue than the nonlatex elastics in the initial periods and presented a more porous surface.