bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Efficacy of Endogenous and Exogenous IGF-I in Stimulating Matrix Production in Neonatal and Mature Chondrocytes
Authors: Aguilar Izath N. , Trippel Stephen B. , Shi Shuiliang , Bonassar Lawrence J.
Published: June 2015

Objective

The goal of this study was to compare the efficacy of endogenous upregulation of IGF-I by gene therapy and exogenous addition of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) in enhancing proteoglycan synthesis by skeletally mature and neonatal chondrocytes. Chondrocyte transplantation therapy is a common treatment for focal cartilage lesions, with both mature and neonatal chondrocytes used as a cell source. Additionally, gene therapy strategies to upregulate growth factors such as IGF-I have been proposed to augment chondrocyte transplantation therapies.

Methods

Both skeletally mature and neonatal chondrocytes were exposed to either an adeno-associated virus-based plasmid containing the IGF-I gene or exogenous IGF-I.

Results

Analysis of IGF-I and glycosaminoglycan production using a 4-parameter dose-response model established a clear connection between the amount of IGF-I produced by cells and their biosynthetic response. Both neonatal and mature chondrocytes showed this relationship, but the sensitivities were quite different, with EC50 of 0.57 ng/mL for neonatal chondrocytes and EC50 of 8.70 ng/mL IGF-I for skeletally mature chondrocytes.

Conclusions

These data suggest that IGF-I gene therapy may be more effective with younger cell sources. Both cell types were less sensitive to exogenous IGF-I than endogenous IGF-I.
Development and testing of an instrument in Western Norway to measure the quality of referral information from primary care to specialised mental health care
Authors: Hartveit Miriam , Aslaksen Aslak , Vanhaecht Kris , Thorsen Olav , Hove Oddbjorn , Haug Kjell , Hovlid Einar , Assmus Jorg , Biringer Eva
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Several studies have indicated that medical referral letters do not convey the necessary information to ensure sufficient coordination of care. However, there is no definition of the core set of information items that should be communicated in a referral process, and no valid measurements to assess, and thus improve, the quality of such information. The present study aimed to develop and test an instrument to measure the quality of referral information provided by general practitioners to specialised mental health care services for adults.

Methods

Based on a recommendation taking the users’ standpoint into account, a minimum set of items for referral communication seen as essential by experienced specialists ( N = 42) was developed. An instrument to assess the quality of referral information for specialised mental health care for adults was then examined based on its psychometric properties. The examination was conducted within the region of Western Norway Regional Health Authority ( www.helse-vest.no ), representing the public specialised mental health care for approximately 1 million citizens.

Results

Nineteen items were recommended, and the instrument was found valid and reliable. The inter-rater correlation varied, and the test–retest was found to be substantial or almost perfect for a majority of the raters.

Discussion

This study embeds an exploration of improvement potential, impact of quality improvement efforts and sustainability of such efforts for facilitating effective communication in the interface between the two main health services for people with mental health problems. Further exploration on the instruments generalisability to other contexts and to the inter-rater correlation are recommended.
Evolving role of MRI in optimizing the treatment of multiple sclerosis: Canadian Consensus recommendations
Authors: Arnold Douglas L , Li David , Hohol Marika , Chakraborty Santanu , Chankowsky Jeffrey , Alikhani Katayoun , Duquette Pierre , Bhan Virender , Montanera Walter , Rabinovitch Hyman , Morrish William , Vandorpe Robert , Guilbert François , Traboulsee Anthony , Kremenchutzky Marcelo
Published: June 2015

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly important for the early detection of suboptimal responders to disease-modifying therapy for relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis. Treatment response criteria are becoming more stringent with the use of composite measures, such as no evidence of disease activity (NEDA), which combines clinical and radiological measures, and NEDA-4, which includes the evaluation of brain atrophy.

Methods

The Canadian MRI Working Group of neurologists and radiologists convened to discuss the use of brain and spinal cord imaging in the assessment of relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis patients during the treatment course.

Results

Nine key recommendations were developed based on published sources and expert opinion. Recommendations addressed image acquisition, use of gadolinium, MRI requisitioning by clinicians, and reporting of lesions and brain atrophy by radiologists. Routine MRI follow-ups are recommended beginning at three to six months after treatment initiation, at six to 12 months after the reference scan, and annually thereafter. The interval between scans may be altered according to clinical circumstances.

Conclusions

The Canadian recommendations update the 2006 Consortium of MS Centers Consensus revised guidelines to assist physicians in their management of MS patients and to aid in treatment decision making.
Selective Attention Toward Angry Faces and Risk for Major Depressive Disorder in Women
Authors: Woody Mary L. , Owens Max , Burkhouse Katie L. , Gibb Brandon E.
Published: June 2015

The current study examined selective attention toward emotional images as a risk factor for major depressive disorder (MDD). Using multiple indices of attention in a dot-probe task (i.e., reaction time [RT] and eye-tracking-based measures) in a retrospective, high-risk design, we found that women with remitted MDD, compared with controls, exhibited greater selective attention toward angry faces across RT and eye-tracking indices and greater attention toward sad faces for RT measures. Second, we followed women with remitted MDD prospectively to determine if the attentional biases retrospectively associated with MDD history would predict MDD recurrence across a 2-year follow-up. We found that women who spent a greater proportion of time looking at angry faces during the dot-probe task at the baseline assessment had a significantly shorter time to MDD onset. Taken together, these findings provide converging retrospective and prospective evidence that selective attention toward angry faces may increase risk for MDD recurrence.
Treatment outcomes of obstructive sleep apnoea in obese community-dwelling children: the NANOS study
Authors: Alonso-Álvarez María Luz , Terán-Santos Joaquin , Navazo-Egüia Ana Isabel , Martinez Mónica Gonzalez , Jurado-Luque María José , Corral-Peñafiel Jaime , Duran-Cantolla Joaquin , Cordero-Guevara José Aurelio , Kheirandish-Gozal Leila , Gozal David
Published: June 2015

The first line of treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) in children consists of adenotonsillectomy (T&A). The aim of the present study was to evaluate treatment outcomes of OSAS among obese children recruited from the community.

A cross-sectional, prospective, multicentre study of Spanish obese children aged 3–14 years, with four groups available for follow-up: group 1: non-OSAS with no treatment; group 2: dietary treatment; group 3: surgical treatment; and group 4: continuous positive airway pressure treatment.

117 obese children (60 boys, 57 girls) with a mean age of 11.3±2.9 years completed the initial (T0) and follow-up (T1)assessments. Their mean body mass index (BMI) at T1was 27.6±4.7 kg·m−2, corresponding to a BMI Z-score of 1.34±0.59. Mean respiratory disturbance index (RDI) at follow-up was 3.3±3.9 events·h−1. Among group 1 children, 21.2% had an RDI ≥3 events·h−1at T1, the latter being present in 50% of group 2, and 43.5% in group 3. In the binary logistic regression model, age emerged as a significant risk factor for residual OSAS (odds ratio 1.49, 95% confidence interval 1.01–2.23; p<0.05) in obese children surgically treated, and RDI at T0as well as an increase in BMI emerged as significant risk factors for persistent OSAS in obese children with dietary treatment (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.09–3.02 (p<0.03) and OR 8.71, 95% CI 1.24–61.17 (p=0.03)).

Age, RDI at diagnosis and obesity are risk factors for relatively unfavourable OSAS treatment outcomes at follow-up.
Influence of electron distribution on efficiency droop for GaN-based light emitting diodes
Authors: Fu Jiajia , Zhao Lixia , Zhang Ning , Wang Junxi , Li Jinmin
Published: June 2015

By modulating the indium composition in the quantum barriers of InGaN-based LEDs, the influence of electron distribution, electron overflow and Auger recombination on the external quantum efficiency (EQE) and droop effect have been investigated. Experimental results as well as numerical simulations reveal that the electron distribution is the key factor to influence both the peak efficiency and droop effect. The results show that the high electron concentration in the individual quantum well can stimulate the Auger recombination and lead to the droop effect instead of the total effective electron concentration, which is more related to the external quantum efficiency. If we modulate the indium composition in the quantum barriers of the InGaN-based LEDs, a uniform electron distribution can be achieved, which can not only enhance the EQE but also avoid the Auger recombination and improve the droop effect.
Increases in Intravenous Magnesium Use among Hospitalized Patients: An Institution Cross-Sectional Experience
Authors: Kiberd Bryce A. , Tennankore Karthik K. , Daley Christopher J. A.
Published: June 2015

Background:

Among hospitalized patients, indications for the measurement of magnesium levels and treatment of hypomagnesemia with intravenous magnesium are not well defined. Recently, there have been reports of worldwide shortages of intravenous magnesium sulphate.

Objective:

To examine secular trends in the administration of intravenous magnesium on hospital wards at a tertiary care institution. The secondary objective is to identify factors associated with magnesium use among admitted patients.

Methods:

Retrospective cross-section review of hospitalized patients at a single Canadian tertiary care center. Utilization of non-parental nutrition intravenous magnesium from 2003 to 2013 stratified by hospital ward was examined. In addition, patient level data from select wards (including medical and surgical services) was examined at early and more recent time period (4/2006 versus 4/2013).

Results:

Among the 248,329 hospitalized patients, intravenous magnesium use increased by 2.86 fold from 2003 to 2013. Not all wards had an increase whereas some had nearly a 10 fold increase in use. In the sample ( n = 769), (adjusting for admission magnesium level, presence of an indication for intravenous magnesium, ward location, comorbidity and demographics) intravenous magnesium administration was higher (25.8 % versus 5.5 %) in 2013 versus 2006 (OR 13.91 (95 % CI, 6.21–31.17, p < 0.001). Despite this increase in intravenous magnesium administration, <3 % of patients were admitted on oral magnesium in 2006 and 2013. For patients receiving intravenous magnesium only a minority were discharged on oral therapy despite low levels.

Conclusions:

This center has witnessed a considerable increase in the use of in-hospital intravenous magnesium over the last 6 years that cannot be explained for by medical indications. The risks and benefits of this therapy deserve further study. If this change in practice is representative of other North American hospitals, it may be responsible for recent drug shortages.
Is the current UK undergraduate system providing junior doctors knowledge and confidence to manage burns? A questionnaire-based cohort study
Authors: Lemon Thomas I , Stapley Simon , Idisis Andrea , Green Ben
Published: June 2015

Background

Burns are common in the UK and many of the 30,000 newly qualified doctors there will be faced with managing them in their first few years of practice. We are concerned that doctors are leaving medical school without adequate teaching on burns and therefore not prepared to manage burns competently. The aim of this study was to assess the graduating doctors self-declared knowledge of basic burns pathology as well as their knowledge and confidence in treating burns. We also wanted to assess whether students felt that their undergraduate course offered burns teaching, either formally or informally.

Methods

We designed a structured questionnaire with input from two experienced final year medical students, two experienced clinicians and two sociologists. Questions were designed to be open-ended in order to facilitate varied and circumstantiated responses. Final year medical students, due to graduate in June 2014, were invited to take part in a survey with questions on burns management, first aid, pathology, and confidence. These results were then analyzed statistically.

Results

Of the 300 students invited to join the survey, 244 fully completed the process, representing an 81.3% response rate. Of the respondents over one-third (35%) said they had not received any teaching on burns. And less than half (45%) said they had received formal teaching. Eighty-eight percent of students identified a burn can be caused by a dry heat source; however, 17% of students failed to acknowledge that chemicals are a recognized cause of burns. Only 32% of respondents were confident with management of a burn.

Conclusions

These results suggest that there is a lack in understanding of burns management, as well as a lack of confidence in treating burns among graduating doctors. There was also a self-identified lack of teaching at an undergraduate level. These concerning results could be improved by the integration of burns into the core medical curriculum.
The Industrial Organization of Health-Care Markets
Authors: Gaynor Martin , Ho Kate , Town Robert J.
Published: June 2015

The U.S. health-care sector is large and growing—health-care spending in 2011 amounted to $2.7 trillion and 18 percent of GDP. Approximately half of health-care output is allocated via markets. In this paper, we analyze the industrial organization literature on health-care markets, focusing on the impact of competition on price, quality, and treatment decisions for health-care providers and health insurers. We conclude with a discussion of research opportunities for industrial organization economists, including opportunities created by the U.S. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. (JEL J15, J24, J71, J81, K31)
Revisiting Samuelson's Foundations of Economic Analysis
Authors: Backhouse Roger E.
Published: June 2015

Paul Samuelson's Foundations of Economic Analysis played a major role in defining how economic theory was undertaken for many years after the Second World War. This paper fills out Samuelson's account of the book's origins and corrects some details, making clear his debt to E. B. Wilson and establishes that turning the thesis into a book was a long process. The contents of the book and its reception are then reviewed. ( JEL A22, B20, B31)
Computation of Acoustic Transfer Matrices of Swirl Burner with Finite Element and Acoustic Network Method
Authors: Yang Fujiang , Guo Zhihui , Fu Xiao , Yu Dan
Published: June 2015

For a gas turbine combustor, an accurate transfer matrix of the burner is an essential prerequisite for stability analysis of combustion instability. This paper describes two numerical methods for the computation of burner transfer matrix (BTM) derived from the experimental method and an experimental validation. In the numerical study, Helmholtz equation with the boundaries of plane wave radiation is solved by employing a finite element code. As alternative to the finite element method (FEM), the BTM is also assessed through using acoustic network method (ANM). In the experimental study, complex acoustic pressure at the combustion chamber firstly can be evaluated based on multi-microphone method (MMM) from three measurement points in the plenum and BTM calculated by the FEM or ANM, then be compared with the measurement for the BTM validation at resonance frequency self-excited by the combustion instability of the combustor consisting of a supply plenum, a premixed swirl-stabilized burner and a combustor chamber. The validation shows that the three calculated values are essentially the same as the experimental data, when resonance frequency approximately equal to194, 243 and 290Hz. The results indicate that acoustic behavior of the complex swirl burner can be evaluated successfully by mapping the burner to a network consisting of simple elements.
Temperature-Dependent Double-Step CO2 Occlusion of K2CO3 under Moist Conditions
Authors: Chioyama Hideyuki , Luo Hongchao , Ohba Tomonori , Kanoh Hirofumi
Published: June 2015

In this study, CO2 occlusion of K2CO3 was examined at different temperatures under moist conditions. The CO2 occlusion rate increased with increasing temperatures, whereas the saturated occlusion amount decreased. The highest occlusion amount (i.e. 6.48 mmol·g−1) was obtained at 313 K. Results of X-ray powder diffraction analysis showed that the formation of bicarbonate as a result of the K2CO3 decomposition with CO2 and H2O involved two reactions with K4H2(CO3)3·1.5H2O as an intermediate. It was determined that the lower saturated occlusion amount at higher temperatures originated from the exothermic property of the second reaction. Because the equilibrium constant for the bicarbonate formation is smaller at higher temperatures, the reaction does not proceed as quickly or efficiently according to Le Châtelier's principle. Therefore, the CO2 occlusion of K2CO3 is suitable for the saturated occlusion amount at lower temperatures.
Silica-Coated Magnetite Nanoparticles Modified with 3-Aminopropyl Groups for Solid-Phase Extraction of Pd(II) Ions from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Zavoiura Oleksandr , Zaporozhets Olga , Volovenko Olesya , Melnyk Inna V. , Zub Yuriy L.
Published: June 2015

Here we report a simple two-step synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles (NPs) coated with silica shell functionalized with 3-aminopropyl groups. The content of surface amino groups within the range of 0.7–2.8 mmol g−1 was established by elemental analysis and acid–base titration. The materials obtained are hydrolytically stable in acidic medium and are rapidly separated from the solution using an external magnetic field. It was shown that the prepared NPs efficiently extract palladium(II) ions in the form of [PdCl4]2– from the solution. The kinetics of adsorption was well described by the second-order model with the rate constant of approximately 0.76 g mmol−1 minute−1. The isotherm of adsorption is fitted by the Langmuir model with the maximum [PdCl4]2– adsorption capacity of 0.158 mmol g−1.
Integral Analysis of Shallow Ellipsoidal Suspend-Dome with Elastic Restraint
Authors: Chen Zhihua , He Yongyu , Wang Zhe , Liu Hongbo , Wang Xiaodun
Published: June 2015

Tianjin Baodi Gym is an engineering example of suspend-dome with shallow ellipsoidal shell with elastic restraints, supported on the lower reinforced concrete structure. The single model of the suspend-dome and the integral model that consists of the lower structure are established, and the static behavior, dynamic behavior and overall stability of both models are studied. Then a parametric analysis considering the effect of the rise to span ratio, the relative stiffness of the upper structure and the support stiffness is conducted, and the key parameter influencing the structural behavior is obtained. Results show that the effect of the lower structure on the static behavior of the suspend-dome is little, however, the support reaction can be significantly reduced. In addition, the integral effect has a great impact on the dynamic behavior and overall stability of the suspend-dome. Thus integral analysis should be carried out to guarantee the safety of the structure.
The Problems Facing Renewable Energy Use in Rural China
Authors: Bo Yang , Bao-Hua Wang , Fei-Ling Shen
Published: June 2015

Three main ways of how renewable energy is currently used in rural China are described in detail: biomass energy, solar energy and small hydro-power. The difficulties faced in their promotion are analyzed, such as lack of policy, lack of technical personnel, single financing channels and inadequate research efforts. Some constructive suggestions are provided, which have important theoretical significance and practical value for developing renewable energy in rural China.
Alternatives for Reducing Fine Particulate Matter from Industrial Activities in Concepción Metropolitan Area, Chile
Authors: Mardones Cristian , Jiménez Jorge
Published: June 2015

The contribution of emissions from industrial sources located in various districts of the Concepción Metropolitan Area, Chile, are analyzed in order to control the concentrations of fine particulate matter using cost-effective alternatives. The results show that regulation by economic instruments or command and control should be complemented by cleaner fuels such as natural gas. In addition, the availability of natural gas at low prices is much more important for the reduction of total costs than the type of regulation selected.
Objective and Subjective Study of the Acoustical Characteristics of Auditorio 400 Designed by Jean Nouvel for the Museum Reina Sofia in Madrid
Authors: del Cerro Emiliano , Ortiz Silvia Mª
Published: June 2015

The Auditorio 400 is a new auditorium located inside the National Museum “Centro de Arte Reina Sofia” in Madrid. It is the work of the renowned French architect Jean Nouvel. This hall has acoustic problems derived from its innovative style and from the use of its space for multiple events. For these reasons, an acoustical study was carried out in order to analyse these problems and to provide solutions to the deficiencies found without the need of large structural and aesthetics changes to the current design by Jean Nouvel. This paper presents the results of the sound pressure level measurements inside the hall, as well as a survey carried out to evaluate the location of the acoustic problems. Finally, the survey presents the interesting coincidences between objective measures and subjective opinions.
The Use of Outrigger System in Steel Plate Shear Wall Structures
Authors: Gholipour M. , Asadi E. , Alinia M.M.
Published: June 2015

The use of capacity design method (CDM) in steel plate shear wall (SPSW) structures results in large vertical boundary elements (VBEs). One way to reduce the force demands on VBEs is to employ outrigger beams in the adjacent spans of SPSW. In this paper, twelve dual SPSW-moment resisting frames are designed and analyzed by FE method to investigate the effects of outrigger system on the behavior of SPSW structures. Results show that outrigger beams can transfer considerable amount of axial force and bending moment from VBEs to the outer spans columns; resulting in smaller sections for VBEs. In addition, the most effective stories to employ outrigger beams are shown to be the stories which undergo larger drifts. Outrigger system also results in a more uniform distribution of structural stiffness along the height of SPSW frames. Furthermore, a design procedure based on the direct analysis method is proposed for the design of SPSW-Outrigger system. The procedure eliminates the excessive capacities in CDM, while satisfying all CDM requirements.
An experimental examination of energy production from domestic-based waste water treatment sludge
Authors: Cagman Selman , Coban Volkan , Eyidogan Muharrem , Kilic Fatma Canka , Kaya Durmus
Published: June 2015

In Turkey, treatment sludge that obtained from domestic wastewater and water treatment plants causes storage and disposal problems. In the current situation, there are 69 domestic wastewater treatment plants in Turkey and this corresponds to approximately 13% of the population. Total 500 thousand tons of treatment sludge is released from these treatment plants, annually. In the case of all municipalities establish a wastewater treatment plant in Turkey, approximately, 4 million tons of treatment sludge is projected to release in a year. Additionally, 3.6 million tons of treatment sludge will be obtained from the manufacturing industry. In other words, approximately 7.6 ↔ 106 tons of treatment sludge potential exists in Turkey and in the same amount of the storage area (7.6 ↔106m3) is needed for the storage of this treatment sludge, perennially.

In this study, energy production from wastewater treatment sludge through the anaerobic method has been investigated and compared to the aerobic treatment method. Also, advantages and disadvantages of both methods have been introduced. In order to determine biogas production capacity from treatment sludge, some amount of sample sludge has been taken from the final sedimentation tank before belt press in a wastewater treatment plant and it has been experimentally analyzed.
Specifies of tandem organic solar cells using optical spacers with recombination model
Authors: Boudia M.R. Merad , Cheknane A , Benyoucef B
Published: June 2015

A numerical simulation study of a Tandem solar cell is presented. The parameters of single and two-diodes lumped-circuit model are usually the saturation current, the series resistance, the ideality factor, the shunt resistance and the photocurrent. It is found that the influence of the distributed series resistance on electrical characteristics can be described numerically by the application of the two models to Tandem organic solar cells. A description of the efficiency, fill factor, open circuit voltage and short circuit current on the devices are marked with series resistance, temperature and ideality factor. This approach allows one to obtain a set of parameters which is reasonable and representative of the physical system.
Modeling and control of new model in a spatial coordinates -3D- for cable-based robots
Authors: Inel Fouad , Bouchmal Billel , Khochmane Lakhdar
Published: June 2015

This paper presents a modeling and control of new model in a spatial coordinates (x, y, z), from this structures we choose: regular pyramid of a square basis manipulated by five cables and eight cables for a cubic shape. The main objective of this work is to integrate the axe (z) on the horizontal plane (x, y) i-e the plan 3D. This last their intervention especially when we obliged to transfer the end effector from point to point, for that we used the direct and inverse geometric model to study and simulate the end effector position of the robot with five and eight cables. A graphical user interface has been implemented in order to visualizing the position of the robot. Secondly, we present the desired path and determination the tensions and cables lengths of kinematic model required to follow spiral trajectory. At the end, we study the response of our systems in closed loop with a Proportional-Integrated-Derivative (PID) using MATLAB/Simulink which used to verify the performance of the controller.
Fatigue Induced by Repeated Maximal Efforts is Specific to the Rugby Task Performed
Authors: Morel Baptiste , Rouffet David M. , Bishop David J. , Rota Samuel J. , Hautier Christophe A.
Published: June 2015

The aim of this study was to analyze fatigue occurrence during the repetition of rugby union specific tasks. Eight high-level rugby players (age 23 ± 1.1 y; body mass 90.9 ± 9.8 kg; height 1.83 ± 7.3m) performed three sessions, in a random order, to investigate specific rugby union tasks (Scrum, Maul and Running sprints). Each session consisted in 5 repetitions of 5-s maximal exertion interspersed with 20-s passive recoveries. The scrums were performed into a fixed yoke, while the mauls were realized into a moving yoke. Forces were recorded during the scrums and speeds were monitored during both mauls and sprints. Performance decrease was calculated and complemented by EMG recordings of the vastus lateralis, blood lactate accumulation and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were also obtained. The repetition of Scrums, Mauls and Sprints induced a decrease in the performance of respectively 23.3 ± 5.3%, 12.6 ± 2.5 % and 7.3 ± 0.9 %. The EMG level decreased only after Scrums and Mauls (respectively 20.8 ± 3.2 % and 12.6 ± 2.5 %; p < 0.0001) while blood lactate accumulation was significantly higher for Sprints (9.2 ± 1.1 mmol. L−1; p = 0.0061) and Maul (8.8 ± 0.8 mmol. L−1; p = 0.0028) compared to Scrum (2.9 ± 1.2 mmol. L−1). Average RPE was higher during the repetition of Scrums (7.8 ± 0.6) compared to Mauls (7.2 ± 0.6; p = 0.0086) and Sprints (7.1 ± 0.5; p = 0.001). The repetition of scrums led to a greater fatigue linked to activation perturbation while during sprints the fatigue was lower and associated with a great metabolic activity. The mauling task showed intermediate characteristics: the fatigue was moderate and both EMG losses and lactate accumulation were substantial. This confirms that conditioning, testing and substitutions should differ according to the players' position in modern rugby.
Sprinting Activities and Distance Covered by Top Level Europa League Soccer Players
Authors: Andrzejewski Marcin , Chmura Jan , Pluta Beata , Konarski Jan M.
Published: June 2015

This study presents a detailed analysis of sprinting activities and distance covered by professional soccer players in two seasons of the Europa League competition. The investigation considered such variables as the mean sprinting distance covered, duration of the rest pause between sprinting activities and maximal running speed recorded during the match. The study involved 147 soccer players participating in 10 matches played at one ground in the 2008–2009 and 2010–2011 Europa League seasons. Players' performance data were divided into two halves of matches and five playing positions. The study was carried out using data from Amisco Pro (version 1.0.2.).

Results indicate wide variations in the analyzed variables, depending on the playing position on the pitch and tactical tasks. Individualization of training speed and endurance loads will help to optimize the training process of soccer players at different levels of their athletic skills.
Exercise Performance and Recovery of Muslim Endurance Athletes during Ramadan Fasting
Authors: Havenetidis Konstantinos
Published: June 2015

This study examined the effects of Ramadan fasting on various training regimes, running endurance performance and recovery in a controlled environment. Twenty male athletes (fasting and non-fasting) performed a 20m shuttle run test (20SRT) pre and post a 4-week periodized training programme. Training loads from various types of exercises, ratings of perceived exertions (RPE), total quality recovery (TQR) and heart rates were daily monitored. No significant differences existed between groups for SRT, heart rates, training volume and RPE. A strong relationship (r=0.88; p<0.05) was evident between TQR and recovery duration (modalities: stretching, cool down, swimming, whirlpool and sauna) for fasting athletes. Ramadan fasting does not affect the achievement of daily training goals and the improvement of endurance performance throughout a mixed endurance and strength training programme where daily undulating periodized models are used. Allowing athletes to freely select from various recovery modalities above the 26 min span daily, can eventually increase their training recovery under Ramadan fasting conditions.
Gender Differences in the Spatial Distributions of the Tennis Serve
Authors: Hizan Hazuan , Whipp Peter , Reid Machar
Published: June 2015

The serve location pattern of professional, Under-16 and Under-12 high performance male and female tennis players was examined. In general, male players tended to serve more to the corners of the service box, while female players hit more serves to their opponent's body. An examination of points won through service aces and service winners indicated that male professional players won points on first serve on the deuce side of the court by serving to their opponents' backhand, and female professional players more won points on first serve by serving to the opponent's body. The findings will focus the coaching of serve performance in youth tennis players, and encourage the charting of tennis match performance to enhance player-coach discussion of tactical tendencies that are gender and age-specific.
Numerical Study of Steel Beams in Sub-frame Assembly Validation of Existing Hand Calculation Procedures
Authors: Iqbal Naveed , Heistermann Tim , Veljkovic Milan , Lopes Fernanda , Santiago Aldina , da Silva Luis Simões
Published: June 2015

The design methods currently proposed by the codes prescribe the strength assessment of structures to be based on their strength limit state. These design methods can be applied to isolated steel members to determine their design strengthin fire. The real response of a structural member is, however, more complex due to the thermal expansion and the presence of restraints against this expansion by the surrounding structure. It is therefore imperative to study the response of a structural member at high temperature in a way which includes its interaction with its surroundings. This paper focus on the numerical investigation of steel beams in structural frames connected to concrete filled tubular (CFT) columns through reverse channel connections and comparison to hand calculation procedures. Finite element models (FEM) of the sub-frames were validated against fire tests conducted on sub-frames and then their results were compared to the proposed simplified hand calculation procedures (HCM).
Surgical treatment of low rectal cancers with APER and IGAP flap
Authors: Fulham Juliette
Published: June 2015

This article describes current treatments for individuals with a low rectal cancer. It examines the rationale for surgical treatment involving abdominoperineal excision of the anus and rectum (APER) and outlines how surgery for rectal cancer has evolved over recent years. Surgical advances mean the use of regional flaps is advocated to overcome the common problem of impaired perineal wound healing and the principles of this surgery are summarised. Postoperative nursing considerations relating to the inferior gluteal artery perforator (IGAP) flap will be discussed, as well as the importance of scrupulous wound care and patient education. The implications of this form of surgery on a patient's recovery and discharge planning are also explored.
Pelvic floor muscle training for urinary incontinence postpartum
Authors: Hall Bethany , Woodward Sue
Published: June 2015

The offering of pelvic floor muscle exercises to all women during their first pregnancy is recommended by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines. Pelvic floor muscles suffer significant trauma throughout pregnancy and childbirth, which may sometimes lead to urinary incontinence postpartum. However, it is uncertain how effective pelvic floor muscle exercises are in treating this incontinence. Several trials have been analysed to try to understand this question. Issues such as when the exercises were undertaken, how often they were performed and in what circumstances they were carried out, have all been considered. While it is still uncertain whether they are effective in reducing urinary incontinence postpartum, as they are non-invasive and fairly simple to carry out, they are still the first-line management for urinary incontinence postpartum with other treatments being considered if this is ineffective.
Management of common behaviour and mental health problems
Authors: El-Radhi A Sahib
Published: June 2015

Behavioural problems are usually influenced by both biological and environmental factors. Disruptive behavioural problems such temper tantrums or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are displayed during the first years of childhood. Breath-holding attacks are relatively common and are an important problem. Although the attacks are not serious and the prognosis is usually good, parents often fear that their child may die during an attack. Parents therefore require explanation and reassurance from health professionals. Conduct disorders (often referred to as antisocial behaviours), such as aggression to others or theft, are more serious as they tend to be repetitive and persistent behaviours where the basic rights of others are violated. Emotional problems, such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder tend to occur in later childhood, and are often unrecognised because young children often find it difficult to express their emotions, or it may go unnoticed by the child's parents. This article briefly discusses the most common behavioural problems, including autism, that affect children of all ages.
Taking blood, taking stock
Authors: Reyes Selina
Published: June 2015

Selina Reyes reports back on her venipuncture course and the challenges of taking blood. In a small community, could her very first patient be someone that she knows? What are the chances?
Cost savings in the provision of home oxygen for COPD
Authors: Irving Chris , Scott Michael , Heslop Karen
Published: June 2015

Around 85 000 people are on home oxygen treatment in England, at a large cost to the NHS. The responsibility of covering the cost of these treatments shifted from regional primary care trusts to clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) in 2013. Meeting regularly with other specialties working in the community or secondary care is a good way of ensuring that oxygen is removed when it is no longer required. Home oxygen teams should aim to reduce costs to their local CGG while providing the best possible care.
How smoking during pregnancy affects the mother and fetus
Authors: Cope Graham
Published: June 2015

The prevalence of smoking during pregnancy remains unacceptably high. There are serious adverse effects on both the mother and fetus; various toxins in cigarette smoke contribute to placental changes, reduced blood flow, leading to inadequate nutrient availability and tissue necrosis. Complications include reduced fetal growth, shortened gestation and an increased risk of congenital abnormalities and stillbirth. All women who smoke during pregnancy should be biochemically identified, counselled on these adverse effects, and guided towards all available sources of help and advice, including smoking cessation services and pharmacies.
Subwavelength metal grating metamaterial for polarization-selective optical antireflection coating
Authors: Kim Wonkyu , Guo Junpeng , Hendrickson Joshua
Published: June 2015

A metamaterial structure consisting of a one-dimensional metal/air-gap subwavelength grating is investigated for optical antireflection for a germanium surface in the infrared regime. For incident light polarized perpendicularly to the metal grating lines, the metamaterial exhibits effective dielectric properties, and the Fabry–Perot-like resonance results in the elimination of the reflection and the enhancement of optical transmission. It is found that the subwavelength grating metamaterial antireflection structure does not require a deep-subwavelength grating period, which is advantageous for device fabrication. Optical transmittance as high as 93.4% with complete elimination of the reflection is shown in the midwave infrared range.
El concepto de independencia vasca en Sabino Arana Goiri
Authors: Chacón Delgado Pedro José
Published: June 2015

Puede parecer una obviedad definir al nacionalismo por su independentismo, y quizás por eso la mayoría de los investigadores del nacionalismo vasco han recurrido al lema del primer partido nacionalista, JEL (Jaungoikua eta Lagizarra, Dios y Ley Vieja en euskera), para definir esta ideología, pensando que el concepto de independencia ya iba incluido, como así es, en el segundo término de dicho lema. Esta preeminencia por el lema ha conducido a la investigación a centrarse en si Sabino Arana Goiri le daba más importancia a la religión o a la raza, por ejemplo.

Pero priorizando el concepto de independencia, como hacemos aquí, para explicar el nacionalismo vasco, por encima del lema JEL, se obtienen resultados inesperados. Por ejemplo, que el concepto de independencia, por sí solo, es previo al lema JEL, puesto que a Luis Arana Goiri, hermano del fundador y quien se supone que le transmitió la «idea» al propio Sabino, le bastó con ser independentista para ser el primer nacionalista. El concepto de independencia vasca se utilizaba, en efecto, antes de que apareciera el nacionalismo pero se trata de saber si esta ideología le dio el mismo significado que tenía o si se lo modificó y cómo.
El tándem Vigo-Mondariz en los inicios del turismo moderno en Galicia
Authors: Barral Martínez Margarita
Published: June 2015

Los años que van desde el último cuarto del siglo xix hasta la I Guerra Mundial corresponden a uno de los períodos fundamentales de la historia de Europa. La idea de progreso pretendía resumirlo todo y fue también en este ambiente donde tuvo lugar la eclosión del turismo moderno. Pero su desarrollo vino a ser la evolución del termalismo y los baños de mar de orientación cultural burguesa precedente. Para el caso de Galicia, los núcleos de Vigo como polo industrial y el vecino balneario de Mondariz destacaron como lugares de referencia en la región noroeste de la geografía española desde finales del siglo xix en el desarrollo del ocio terapéutico, en consonancia con lo que estaba sucediendo en el resto del continente. Con este texto pretendemos aproximarnos a la realidad de Vigo y del vecino balneario de Mondariz, a unos treinta y cinco kilómetros de distancia, desde finales del siglo xix, cuando el turismo se potencia como sector en auge mediante la explotación de las casas de baños de mar y de los baños termales del balneario, lo que situó el enclave en el mapa de los turistas desde comienzos del siglo xx.
El partido y la ciudad. Modelos de organización y militancia del PSUC clandestino (1963-1975)
Authors: Pala Giaime
Published: June 2015

Pese a que la bibliografía sobre la historia de los comunistas en España durante el franquismo ha crecido notablemente en los últimos años, nuestro conocimiento de las estructuras organizativas de las que se dotó cada realidad territorial comunista para realizar su trabajo político está aún lejos de ser satisfactorio. ¿Qué forma daban los comunistas a su estructura organizativa y qué finalidades buscaban con ella? ¿De qué manera estaba pensada para relacionarse con la sociedad? ¿Y en qué medida estas decisiones modificaban la manera de hacer política de los militantes? El presente artículo se propone responder a estas y otras preguntas investigando el caso del Partit Socialista Unificat de Catalunya (PSUC), sin duda el núcleo comunista más fuerte del país y cuya organización cambió radicalmente en el bienio 1969-1970: de una estructura vertical y poco diversificada a otra descentralizada y más abierta. Semejante cambio le permitió al partido crecer cuantitativa y cualitativamente, mantener un contacto más estrecho con la sociedad catalana y crear un marco en el que la militancia pudiera actuar de forma más autónoma y creativa respecto al pasado.
El acuerdo preferencial de España con la CEE (1970) evaluado por la administración norteamericana
Authors: López Zapico Misael Arturo
Published: June 2015

El artículo analiza el debate que se produjo en el seno de la Administración Nixon en torno a la firma de España de un acuerdo preferencial con la CEE en 1970. Para los departamentos económicos su firma podría traer graves consecuencias para la economía norteamericana al sentar un peligroso precedente en las relaciones entre el Mercado Común con terceros países. Por su parte, el Régimen franquista ligó el asunto a la renovación del acuerdo bilateral con Estados Unidos. Finalmente, Henry A. Kissinger, en su papel de asesor presidencial, hizo prevalecer las cuestiones políticas sobre los intereses económicos de la superpotencia.
Resonancias de Auschwitz. Una mirada a lo social a partir de Henri Tajfel, George L. Mosse, Tony Judt y Albert O. Hirschman
Authors: Alonso Zarza Martín
Published: June 2015

Este artículo rastrea el impacto del totalitarismo en la forma de entender el quehacer del científico social, con la asistencia —primordial pero no exclusiva— de cuatro reconocidos académicos: Tajfel, Mosse, Judt y Hirschman. La circunstancia del exilio como observatorio privilegiado da cuenta de un patrón de rasgos compartidos: la rebeldía frente al confinamiento identitario y disciplinar, el énfasis en la continuidad entre los procesos sociales normales y aquellos que alientan la violencia política —en particular los vinculados con la identidad— y la asunción del deber de lucidez inherente al sentimiento de vulnerabilidad y precariedad, un deber que comporta la aceptación de un rol activo en los contenciosos en que se ponen en cuestión los derechos humanos fundamentales.
Can Attitudes toward Statistics and Statistics Anxiety Explain Students’ Performance? // ¿Pueden las actitudes hacia la estadística y la ansiedad estadística explicar el rendimiento de los estudiantes?
Authors: Sesé Albert , Jiménez Rafael , Montaño Juan José , Palmer Alfonso
Published: June 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between math background, trait anxiety, test anxiety, statistics anxiety, attitudes toward statistics and statistics performance in a sample of 472 university students enrolled in statistics courses of Health Sciences majors. A Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach showed the attitudes as the stronger direct predictor of performance, and played a full mediating role on the relationship between statistics anxiety and performance. Contrary to hypothesized, the direct contribution of math background, trait anxiety, and test anxiety to performance was non-significant. A final model posited that performance was positively and directly affected by attitudes, and in turn attitudes were positively influenced by math background and negatively affected by anxiety. Math background also appeared as negative predictor of anxiety. Finally, test anxiety was a positively direct predictor of statistics anxiety.
Fenomeno emozionalen eta sormenaren arteko erlazioak oinarrizko psikologiaren ikuspegitik
Authors: Soroa Martínez Goretti , Aritzeta Galán Aitor , Balluerka Lasa Nekane
Published: June 2015

En la actualidad, la relación entre las emociones y la creatividad constituye una línea de investigación de creciente interés. Además, las habilidades socioemocionales y creativas son consideradas la piedra angular de la mejora del rendimiento académico y laboral. Pero, ¿cómo se relacionan los fenónemos emocionales y la creatividad? Este trabajo reúne las principales contribuciones que la literatura científica ofrece respecto a esta cuestión. En la primera parte, se analiza la relación entre el tono emocional (positivo o negativo), el nivel de activación (alto, medio o bajo) y los focos de regulación (de pomoción o de prevención). En la segunda parte, se presentan algunos de los modelos teóricos más significativos que investigan la interacción emoción-creatividad definiéndose, a su vez, sus dimensiones. En la tercera parte, se proponen algunas recomendaciones dirigidas al profesorado o a los/as tutores/as de cara a mejorar los procesos de enseñanza-aprendizaje. Por último, se elaboran y desarrollan algunas conclusiones con la vista fijada en la investigación futura.
Hezkuntza-komunitatearen zeregina kultura ondarearen transmisioan
Authors: Ramirez de Okariz Telleria Iñigo
Published: June 2015

Desde el ámbito de la participación ¿cuál es la función de la educación en la gestión del patrimonio cultural? El reto sería el articular lo mejor posible la distancia entre los gestores de la educación y los agentes sociales, cada uno con sus objetivos y estrategias. Dentro de la educación formal, y en cualquier modalidad y etapa del sistema educativo, estaría bien implicar tanto a los niños como a los jóvenes en su conservación y difusión. En la educación no formal, el reto es crear procesos de enseñanza entre los agentes y los gestores sociales. Pero para lograrlo ¿qué estrategia deberíamos seguir? El objetivo principal de este artículo es responder a esta cuestión usando los distintos puntos de vista de varios expertos.