bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensibilisation: informer – connaître – agir
Authors: Turrian François , Glauser Christa
Published: March 2013

Raising awareness: information, knowledge, action

Raising awareness in individuals is the first link in a chain which can lead to knowledge and then to action – change in behaviour. As regards forest biodiversity, public awareness has been raised by many actors in Switzerland, notably forest managers and non-governmental organisations. Ecological processes are not easy to explain so that they are understood by most people. Awareness raising needs time and a wide range of communication tools. Visual tools and, above all, personal direct experience calling on the emotions are the most important means to raise the awareness of groups which are new to the question. To illustrate this statement the article presents a modern approach to education for forest biodiversity: the programme “In search of special trees”, launched by ASPO/BirdLife Switzerland. This programme combines several approaches: written and visual, field work, meeting with forest management actors, and conservation measures.
Antimicrobial activity of Saponins rich fraction of Cassia auriculata Linn against various microbial strains
Authors: Deshpande Supriya , Kewatkar Shailesh , Paithankar Vivek
Published: March 2013

In the present investigation, the saponins rich fraction of roots of Cassia auriculata L. was evaluated for antimicrobial activity against P. vesicularis, Streptococcus faecalis, Aeromonas hydrophilia, Salmonella typhae, Staphylococcus cohni, Serratia ficaria and E. coli at concentration of 12.5 mg/ml, 25 mg/ml, 37.5 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml. Antimicrobial activity of Cassia auriculata L. was carried out by well diffusion method. At maximum conc. i.e. 50mg/ml, antimicrobial effect of Saponin rich extract can be arranged in sequence of - P. vesicularis > Serratia ficaria > Streptococcus cohni > Aeromonas hydrophilic> Salmonella typhae > Sterptococcus faecalis > E. coli. The results indicate the saponins rich fraction of roots of Cassia auriculata L. might be exploited as natural drug for the treatment of several infectious diseases caused by these organisms. Cassia auriculata L. was observed to have antibacterial activity and can be used for medicinal purposes.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v2i4.14056 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, March 2013, 2(4): 85-87
Synthesis and biological activity of acetylacetone thiosemicarbazone and their metallic complexes
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Kumar Nitin
Published: March 2013

In present work, Ligand acetylacetone thiosemicarbazone and their 11 complexes of the type ML2X2, ML2X, where M = Cu(II), Cd(II), Co(II), Zn(II), Hg(II); L = acetylacetone thiosemicarbazone; X = Cl, NO3 or CH3COO; X = SO4 have been synthesized and characterized with the help of molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility measurements, infra-red and ultra-violet spectroscopy. The spectral data revealed that the thiosemicarbazone act as bidentate ligand, making use of thionic sulphur and the azomethine nitrogen atom for co-ordination to the central metal atom. All the compounds have been screened for their antibacterial activity against Gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Some of complexes exhibited appreciable activity.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v2i4.14057 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, March 2013, 2(4): 88-91
Evaluation of total phenolic content, free radical scavenging activity and phytochemical screening of different extracts of Averrhoa bilimbi (fruits)
Authors: Hasanuzzaman Md. , Ali Md. Ramjan , Hossain Marjan , Kuri Sourov , Islam Mohammad Safiqul
Published: March 2013

The present study was designed to investigate the phytochemical screening, the free radical scavenging activity and to determine the total phenolic content of methanolic extract and different solvent soluble fractions of Averrhoa bilimbi Linn. (Oxalidiaceae) fruits. The free radical scavenging activity was evaluated by analyzing the bleaching rate of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and total phenolic content was determined by using Folin-Ciocalteau reagent, which results were expressed in gallic acid equivalent (mg of GAE/g of sample). The phytochemical screening revealed the potent source of different phytochemical constituents on different extractives including, phenol, flavonoid, tannin that are responsible for antioxidant action. In the determination of total phenolic content, different extractives showed a significant content of phenolic compounds ranging from 50.23-68.67 mg of GAE/g of extractive. The plant sample displayed significant DPPH free radical scavenging activity with highest IC50 value in crude methanolic extract (30.365 ?g/ml) followed by chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, pet-ether and aqueous soluble fractions having value of 32.852 ?g/ml, 36.708 ?g/ml, 50.35 ?g/ml, and 79.918 ?g/ml, respectively as opposed to that of the scavenging effects of BHT of 19.656 ?g/ml.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v2i4.14058 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, March 2013, 2(4): 92-96
Prevention of Graphene Restacking for Performance Boost of Supercapacitors—A Review
Authors: Li Jiantong , Östling Mikael
Published: March 2013

Graphene is a promising electrode material for supercapacitors mainly because of its large specific surface area and high conductivity. In practice, however, several fabrication issues need refinement. The restacking of graphene flakes upon being packed into supercapacitor electrodes has become a critical challenge in the full utilization of graphene’s large specific surface area to further improve the device performance. In this review, a variety of recent techniques and strategies are overviewed for the prevention of graphene restacking. They have been classified into several categories to improve and facilitate the discussion on the underlying ideas. Based on the overview of the existing techniques, we discuss the trends of future research in the fields.
A Co-Powered Biomass and Concentrated Solar Power Rankine Cycle Concept for Small Size Combined Heat and Power Generation
Authors: Borello Domenico , Corsini Alessandro , Rispoli Franco , Tortora Eileen
Published: March 2013

The present work investigates the matching of an advanced small scale Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Rankine cycle plant with end-user thermal and electric load. The power plant consists of a concentrated solar power field co-powered by a biomass furnace to produce steam in a Rankine cycle, with a CHP configuration. A hotel was selected as the end user due to its high thermal to electric consumption ratio. The power plant design and its operation were modelled and investigated by adopting transient simulations with an hourly distribution. The study of the load matching of the proposed renewable power technology and the final user has been carried out by comparing two different load tracking scenarios, i.e., the thermal and the electric demands. As a result, the power output follows fairly well the given load curves, supplying, on a selected winter day, about 50 GJ/d of thermal energy and the 6 GJ/d of electric energy, with reduced energy dumps when matching the load.
African Americans and Network Disadvantage: Enhancing Social Capital through Participation on Social Networking Sites
Authors: Smith Danielle
Published: March 2013

This study examines the participation of African Americans on social networking sites (SNS), and evaluates the degree to which African Americans engage in activities in the online environment to mitigate social capital deficits. Prior literature suggests that compared with whites, African Americans have less social capital that can enhance their socio-economic mobility. As such, my research question is: do African Americans enhance their social capital through their participation on SNS? I use nationally representative data collected from the Pew Internet and American Life Project to explore the research question. The results suggest that the online environment is potentially a space in which African Americans can lessen social capital deficits.
Men’s Migration, Women’s Personal Networks, and Responses to HIV/AIDS in Mozambique
Authors: Avogo Winfred , Agadjanian Victor
Published: March 2013

This study brings together the literature on social network approaches to social capital and health and on migration and HIV risks to examine how non-migrating wives of labor migrants use their personal networks to cope with perceived risks of HIV infection in rural southern Mozambique. Using data from a 2006 survey of 1,680 women and their dyadic interactions, we compare the composition of personal networks, HIV/AIDS communication, and preventive behavior of women married to migrants and those married to non-migrants. Results show that migrants’ wives were more likely than non-migrants’ wives to have other migrants’ wives as personal network members, to engage in HIV/AIDS communication, and to discuss HIV prevention. However, they were no more likely to talk about HIV/AIDS with migrants’ wives than with non-migrants’ wives. They were also no more likely to talk about AIDS and its prevention than non-migrants’ wives who express worry about HIV infection from their spouses. Finally, we detect that network members’ prevention behavior was similar to respondents’, although this did not depend on migration. We contextualize these findings within the literature and discuss their policy implications.
What are the Benefits of Interacting with Nature?
Authors: Keniger Lucy , Gaston Kevin , Irvine Katherine , Fuller Richard
Published: March 2013

There is mounting empirical evidence that interacting with nature delivers measurable benefits to people. Reviews of this topic have generally focused on a specific type of benefit, been limited to a single discipline, or covered the benefits delivered from a particular type of interaction. Here we construct novel typologies of the settings, interactions and potential benefits of people-nature experiences, and use these to organise an assessment of the benefits of interacting with nature. We discover that evidence for the benefits of interacting with nature is geographically biased towards high latitudes and Western societies, potentially contributing to a focus on certain types of settings and benefits. Social scientists have been the most active researchers in this field. Contributions from ecologists are few in number, perhaps hindering the identification of key ecological features of the natural environment that deliver human benefits. Although many types of benefits have been studied, benefits to physical health, cognitive performance and psychological well-being have received much more attention than the social or spiritual benefits of interacting with nature, despite the potential for important consequences arising from the latter. The evidence for most benefits is correlational, and although there are several experimental studies, little as yet is known about the mechanisms that are important for delivering these benefits. For example, we do not know which characteristics of natural settings (e.g., biodiversity, level of disturbance, proximity, accessibility) are most important for triggering a beneficial interaction, and how these characteristics vary in importance among cultures, geographic regions and socio-economic groups. These are key directions for future research if we are to design landscapes that promote high quality interactions between people and nature in a rapidly urbanising world.
Coarse and Fine Culturable Fungal Air Concentrations in Urban and Rural Homes in Egypt
Authors: Awad Abdel , Gibbs Shawn , Tarwater Patrick , Green Christopher
Published: March 2013

The main objective of the present study was to assess culturable airborne fungal concentrations, and types in different seasons. Two-stage viable impactor samplers were used with malt extract agar medium as the collection media. Culturable airborne fungal concentrations were collected indoors and outdoors of 43 homes in urban and rural environments from November 2008 to October 2009 in Egypt. Fungal concentrations were significantly higher in the rural environment than the urban environment. The median indoor and outdoor total fungal concentrations were 608 and 675 CFU/m3 in the urban environment and 1,932 and 1,872 CFU/m3 in the rural environment, respectively. The greatest concentrations were found in the autumn and spring season. Indoor and outdoor concentrations were significantly correlated (P < 0.001). The highest concentrations were observed in the fungal size range of <8 µm (fine fraction). The indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratios were not statistically different between seasons. Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium and yeasts were the predominant genera indoors and outdoors, and the abundance of genera varied by season and region. This study is of a potential interest as little reported research on the indoor fungal air quality from Egypt.
Multifunctional Cement Composites Strain and Damage Sensors Applied on Reinforced Concrete (RC) Structural Elements
Authors: Baeza Francisco , Galao Oscar , Zornoza Emilio , Garcés Pedro
Published: March 2013

In this research, strain-sensing and damage-sensing functional properties of cement composites have been studied on a conventional reinforced concrete (RC) beam. Carbon nanofiber (CNFCC) and fiber (CFCC) cement composites were used as sensors on a 4 m long RC beam. Different casting conditions (in situ or attached), service location (under tension or compression) and electrical contacts (embedded or superficial) were compared. Both CNFCC and CFCC were suitable as strain sensors in reversible (elastic) sensing condition testing. CNFCC showed higher sensitivities (gage factor up to 191.8), while CFCC only reached gage factors values of 178.9 (tension) or 49.5 (compression). Furthermore, damage-sensing tests were run, increasing the applied load progressively up to the RC beam failure. In these conditions, CNFCC sensors were also strain sensitive, but no damage sensing mechanism was detected for the strain levels achieved during the tests. Hence, these cement composites could act as strain sensors, even for severe damaged structures near to their collapse.
From Powders to Dense Metal Parts: Characterization of a Commercial AlSiMg Alloy Processed through Direct Metal Laser Sintering
Authors: Manfredi Diego , Calignano Flaviana , Krishnan Manickavasagam , Canali Riccardo , Ambrosio Elisa , Atzeni Eleonora
Published: March 2013

In this paper, a characterization of an AlSiMg alloy processed by direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) is presented, from the analysis of the starting powders, in terms of size, morphology and chemical composition, through to the evaluation of mechanical and microstructural properties of specimens built along different orientations parallel and perpendicular to the powder deposition plane. With respect to a similar aluminum alloy as-fabricated, a higher yield strength of about 40% due to the very fine microstructure, closely related to the mechanisms involved in this additive process is observed.
Natural Aristolactams and Aporphine Alkaloids as Inhibitors of CDK1/Cyclin B and DYRK1A
Authors: Marti Guillaume , Eparvier Véronique , Morleo Barbara , Ven Jessica , Apel Cécile , Bodo Bernard , Amand Séverine , Dumontet Vincent , Lozach Olivier , Meijer Laurent , Guéritte Françoise , Litaudon Marc
Published: March 2013

In an effort to find potent inhibitors of the protein kinases DYRK1A and CDK1/Cyclin B, a systematic in vitro evaluation of 2,500 plant extracts from New Caledonia and French Guyana was performed. Some extracts were found to strongly inhibit the activity of these kinases. Four aristolactams and one lignan were purified from the ethyl acetate extracts of Oxandra asbeckii and Goniothalamus dumontetii, and eleven aporphine alkaloids were isolated from the alkaloid extracts of Siparuna pachyantha, S. decipiens, S. guianensis and S. poeppigii. Among these compounds, velutinam, aristolactam AIIIA and medioresinol showed submicromolar IC50 values on DYRK1A.
New Microslice Technology for Hyperspectral Imaging
Authors: Content Robert , Blake Simon , Dunlop Colin , Nandi David , Sharples Ray , Talbot Gordon , Shanks Tom , Donoghue Danny , Galiatsatos Nikolaos , Luke Peter
Published: March 2013

We present the results of a project to develop a proof of concept for a novel hyperspectral imager based on the use of advanced micro-optics technology. The technology gives considerably more spatial elements than a classic pushbroom which translates into far more light being integrated per unit of time. This permits us to observe at higher spatial and/or spectral resolution, darker targets and under lower illumination, as in the early morning. Observations of faint glow at night should also be possible but need further studies. A full instrument for laboratory demonstration and field tests has now been built and tested. It has about 10,000 spatial elements and spectra 150 pixel long. It is made of a set of cylindrical fore-optics followed by a new innovative optical system called a microslice Integral Field Unit (IFU) which is itself followed by a standard spectrograph. The fore-optics plus microslice IFU split the field into a large number of small slit-like images that are dispersed in the spectrograph. Our goal is to build instruments with at least hundreds of thousands of spatial elements.
Fingerprint Identification Using SIFT-Based Minutia Descriptors and Improved All Descriptor-Pair Matching
Authors: Zhou Ru , Zhong Dexing , Han Jiuqiang
Published: March 2013

The performance of conventional minutiae-based fingerprint authentication algorithms degrades significantly when dealing with low quality fingerprints with lots of cuts or scratches. A similar degradation of the minutiae-based algorithms is observed when small overlapping areas appear because of the quite narrow width of the sensors. Based on the detection of minutiae, Scale Invariant Feature Transformation (SIFT) descriptors are employed to fulfill verification tasks in the above difficult scenarios. However, the original SIFT algorithm is not suitable for fingerprint because of: (1) the similar patterns of parallel ridges; and (2) high computational resource consumption. To enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the algorithm for fingerprint verification, we propose a SIFT-based Minutia Descriptor (SMD) to improve the SIFT algorithm through image processing, descriptor extraction and matcher. A two-step fast matcher, named improved All Descriptor-Pair Matching (iADM), is also proposed to implement the 1:N verifications in real-time. Fingerprint Identification using SMD and iADM (FISiA) achieved a significant improvement with respect to accuracy in representative databases compared with the conventional minutiae-based method. The speed of FISiA also can meet real-time requirements.
Opening up the Window into “Chemobrain”: A Neuroimaging Review
Authors: Scherling Carole , Smith Andra
Published: March 2013

As more chemotherapy-treated cancer patients are reaching survivorship, side-effects such as cognitive impairment warrant research attention. The advent of neuroimaging has helped uncover a neural basis for these deficits. This paper offers a review of neuroimaging investigations in chemotherapy-treated adult cancer patients, discussing the benefits and limitations of each technique and study design. Additionally, despite the assumption given by the chemobrain label that chemotherapy is the only causative agent of these deficits, other factors will be considered. Suggestions are made on how to more comprehensively study these cognitive changes using imaging techniques, thereby promoting generalizability of the results to clinical applications. Continued investigations may yield better long-term quality of life outcomes by supporting patients’ self-reports, and revealing brain regions being affected by chemotherapy.
La production de soi, ou le joueur comme œuvre de son jeu
Authors: Craipeau Sylvie
Published: March 2013

Les nouvelles normes sociales de la société mettent en avant la responsabilité de l’individu vis-à-vis de son propre destin. L’action et la production de soi-même vont de pair. Or les jeux de rôle en réseau offrent un terrain à cette expérimentation de soi, voire à une production de soi. Cependant, la recherche de reconnaissance immobilise les joueurs devant leur écran, les incitant à chercher de nouveaux objets pour leur équipement, à réussir leurs combats, à monter toujours au niveau supérieur du jeu. Dès lors, ce ne sont pas seulement les conditions objectives de l’indépendance qui sont acquises de plus en plus tardivement, et souvent de façon précaire, ce sont aussi les modes de structuration de la personnalité. La pratique des jeux en ligne renvoie à la tension que vivent les jeunes, entre l’injonction sociale à l’autonomie et à la production de soi et les difficultés socio-économiques de réalisation de ce projet dans la réalité.
Usage problématique des jeux vidéo : l'approche psychodynamique
Authors: Tortolano Sophie
Published: March 2013

Au départ de sa pratique et des concepts psychodynamiques, l’auteur tente de développer une compréhension de l’usage problématique des jeux en ligne par des adolescents. C’est comme symptôme à la fois subjectif, transgénérationnel et propre à notre culture contemporaine qu’elle aborde le recours et le rapport au monde virtuel comme tentative de réintroduire de la transitionnalité là où les liens sont fragilisés. L’auteur explique comment l’espace virtuel échoue en tant qu’espace transitionnel, car il ne permet pas le déploiement de l’expérience tangible de l’existence. Au contraire, c’est le moi-idéal qui prédomine ainsi que la tentative de maintenir l’illusion narcissique primaire en évitant la nécessaire désillusion. À travers un cas, elle montre que la dépendance aux jeux en ligne massivement multijoueurs est le reflet d’une souffrance singulière, mais aussi une tentative de la résoudre. Un espace thérapeutique peut alors permettre d’utiliser cette expérience partielle afin de la comprendre et d’installer une véritable aire transitionnelle où un travail de symbolisation, d’historisation et de subjectivation sera possible au profit d’un moi plus libre. Ce texte invite le lecteur à considérer les espaces virtuels comme source de créativité qui peut devenir problématique pour des sujets fragilisés invitant, dès lors, les adultes à y être suffisamment attentifs.
Addictions et surmédicalisation du social : contexte et pistes de réflexion
Authors: Suissa Amnon Jacob
Published: March 2013

Dans la gestion des problèmes psychosociaux liés aux addictions, plusieurs modalités de contrôle social coexistent. On peut penser à la perspective pénale, thérapeutique, médicale ou celle du laissez-faire. Dans cette mouvance, et devant l’émergence d’addictions nouvelles, la redéfinition actuelle du terme addiction exige une grille d’analyse multifactorielle. Face au culte de la vitesse, de l’hyperindividualisme et de la performance à tout prix (hurried society), comment expliquer la tendance à une surmédicalisation des conditions sociales et à une explosion des catégories et des typologies de dépendants ? Jusqu’à quel point la société contemporaine génère-t-elle des conditions où les personnes ont le sentiment d’être de moins en moins à la hauteur ? Comment concilier les enjeux de l’intentionnalité et des choix des personnes avec une idéologie de la « santéisation », d’une pathologisation de l’existence ? Face à ces questions, l’auteur suggère de faire un survol des tendances sociales actuelles en analysant la dépendance, non pas uniquement comme le fruit intrapsychique d’une souffrance à saveur individuelle, mais également comme le résultat des discours et des modalités de contrôle qui varient selon les acteurs en présence et la faiblesse/force des liens sociaux. En guise de conclusion, et même si le modèle Minesotta des Alcooliques Anonymes fondé sur les douze étapes est moins populaire en Europe et en France qu’en Amérique du Nord, l’auteur illustrera le processus par lequel ce discours et cette idéologie de ces mouvements d’entraide contribuent à multiplier les étiquetages de la pathologisation au détriment des compétences souvent cachées des personnes et de leur réseau familial et social.
Mobile Computer Application for Promoting Physical Activity
Authors: McMahon Siobhan , Vankipuram Mithra , Fleury Julie
Published: March 2013

Despite evidence that physical activity reduces the risk of falls and other causes of disability and death, the majority of older adults do not engage in physical activity on a regular basis. Mobile technology applications have emerged as potential resources for promoting physical activity behavior. This article describes features of a new application, Ready∼Steady, highlighting approaches used in its design and development, and implications for clinical practice. Iterative processes enabled the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of the application consistent with the wellness motivation theory, as well as established user-specific strategies and theoretical design principles. Implications in terms of potential benefits and constraints are discussed. Integrating technology that promotes health and wellness in the form of mobile computer applications is a promising adjunct to nursing practice.
Noncemented Total Hip Arthroplasty for Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head in Elderly Patients
Authors: Wang Ta-I , Hung Shih-Hsin , Su Yu-Ping , Feng Chi-Quang , Chiu Fang-Yao , Liu Chien-Lin
Published: March 2013

The results of total hip arthroplasty (THA) for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) in elderly patients (80 years or older) has not been well defined. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical course of and the results in noncemented THA for ONFH in elderly patients.

Between 1998 and 2007, one hundred seven consecutive hips with ONFH in 103 patients were evaluated. The causes of ONFH were traumatic in 46 (43%) hips and nontraumatic in 61 (57%) hips. All hips were treated with noncemented THA. Average follow-up was 72 months (range, 60–144 months). The functional results improved to statistical significance after THA. However, no significant differences existed between 6 months, 1 year, and 5 years postoperatively. Nine (8.4%) postoperative complications occurred in these 107 hips, including 1 stem loosening, 1 liner wearing, 4 postoperative infections, 2 postoperative dislocations, and 1 pulmonary embolism. Fifteen (14.6%) deaths occurred during follow-up. The progression of ONFH in elderly patients was so rapid and the result of core decompression was so poor that a salvage procedure seemed to have no role in the treatment. Harris Hip Score, Short Form 36 physical function score, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores significantly improved after noncemented THA. Ninety-two hips had a complete follow-up, and the survivorship of prosthesis was 95% (88/92) with minimal 5-year follow-up. Noncemented THA was effective in the treatment of ONFH in this group of patients.
Early Complications of Anterior Supine Intermuscular Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Yi Chengla , Agudelo Juan F. , Dayton Michael R. , Morgan Steven J.
Published: March 2013

Anterior supine intermuscular total hip arthroplasty (THA) performed on a fracture table has been increasingly used for primary THA. Accurate cup placement, low incidence of dislocation, shorter hospital stay, and faster return of function are potential benefits of the technique. However, a high complication rate, particularly during a surgeon’s learning curve, has been reported. A retrospective analysis of 61 consecutive anterior supine intermuscular primary THAs with at least 6-month follow-up was performed. All procedures were performed using the anterior supine intermuscular approach with cementless implants under fluoroscopic guidance on a fracture table. Prospectively collected data were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate the early complication rate and radiographic accuracy of implant placement. Five (8.2%) intraoperative complications were observed: including 3 trochanteric fractures and 2 calcar fractures, 4 of which required cable fixation during the index procedure. One nondisplaced trochanteric fracture was treated conservatively. One patient sustained an injury of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. Postoperative complications included 1 anterior dislocation, 1 infected superficial hematoma, 1 stem subsidence, and 1 loose stem, with the latter 2 presenting as increasing thigh pain postoperatively and requiring stem revision. The overall complication rate was 16.4% (10/61). Overall, 3 patients (4 hips; 6.5%) required reoperation. No femoral or sciatic nerve injuries occurred, and no patient was diagnosed with venous thromboembolism. All intraoperative fractures occurred during the first 32 cases, and none during the last 29 cases. A potentially high incidence of complications with the anterior supine intermuscular THA exists during a surgeon’s learning curve in an academic setting.
InterTan Nail Versus Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation-Asia in the Treatment of Unstable Trochanteric Fractures
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Zhang Kairui , Jia Yanfei , Yu Bin , Feng Wei
Published: March 2013

The goal of this study was to compare the outcomes of unstable trochanteric fractures treated with the InterTan nail (Smith & Nephew, Memphis, Tennessee) and the Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation (PFNA-II) (Synthes, Solothurn, Switzerland). A total of 132 consecutive patients with unstable trochanteric fractures of the femur were enrolled in the study. The only intervention was InterTan nail or PFNA-II fixation of the unstable trochanteric fractures. Follow-up occurred at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively and yearly thereafter. Radiographs were obtained at each follow-up, and all implant position changes, complications, and fixation failures were recorded. A total of 113 patients meeting the criteria were evaluated at a mean last follow-up of 18.36 months (range, 12–30 months). Intraoperative complications and length of hospital stay were comparable between the groups. Patients treated with the PFNA-II experienced shorter fluoroscopy and operative times, less intraoperative blood loss, and less femoral neck shortening. The incidence of thigh pain was significantly higher in the PFNA-II group (30.4%) than in the InterTan group (10.3%) (
P
=.001). No statistically significant differences existed in general complications, local complications, walking ability, Harris Hip Scores, or hip range of motion at final follow-up.
Columbus Navigated TKA System: Clinical and Radiological Results at a Minimum of 5 Years With Survivorship Analysis
Authors: Hakki Sam , Saleh Khaled J. , Potty Anish G. , Bilotta Victor , Oliveira Daniel
Published: March 2013

The major factors that determine a favorable long-term clinical and functional outcome after conventional total knee arthroplasty (TKA) include correct implant positioning and restoration of the mechanical axis with soft tissue balancing to reduce aseptic failure; hence, the need for further developmental strategies that improve the accuracy and reproducibility of the surgical technique remains paramount for contemporary navigation research. Not all navigation systems are the same. The literature published thus far on mid-term results of navigated TKA relies on software that has no step-by-step soft tissue balancing with the tibia-first technique. The results are equivalent to those of conventional TKA.

Therefore, the current authors conducted a minimum 5-year follow-up of a soft tissue–based navigated TKA system with the goal of soft tissue balancing. They analyzed intraoperative alignment and range of motion measurements, functional outcomes, radiographic assessment, and survival rates of high-flexion, high-conformity unresurfaced patella TKAs. The results at 5 years revealed a component revision rate of 0% compared with other nonnavigated TKAs (2.8% revision rate). The authors achieved a well-balanced TKA with a 0°±2° mechanical axis and an improved range of motion from 95° preoperatively to 110° postoperatively.
Ten-year Results Using a Dynamic Treatment for Proximal Phalangeal Fractures of the Hands
Authors: Fok Margaret Woon Man , Ip Wing Yuk , Fung Boris Kwok Keung , Chan Rebecca KitYuk , Chow Shew Ping
Published: March 2013

Fractures of the proximal phalanges of the hands can be treated by many methods. With surgical intervention, a loss in proximal interphalangeal joint movement is common. Using the stabilizing effect of the zancolli complex-metacarpophalangeal retention apparatus and an external device such as a thermoplastic metacarpophalangeal block splint, proximal phalangeal fractures can be stabilized in terms of axis, length, and rotation.

This study reports the authors’ 10-year results managing these fractures with dynamic treatment. All patients with closed fractures of the proximal phalanges admitted to Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China, between July 2000 and June 2010 were analyzed. Fractures with rotational deformities or displaced intra-articular configurations were excluded. A dynamic splint that kept the metacarpophalangeal joint maximally flexed while allowing free movement of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints of the injured finger was applied for at least 4 weeks. Results were evaluated using the Belsky classification and grip strength assessment. The results of 97 patients (103 fractures) were analyzed. At a minimum 1-year follow-up, 75% of patients attained excellent or good results. Neither nonunion nor delayed fracture union was noted. The 25% of patients who attained poor results were older than those who attained excellent or good results (average age, 53.1 vs 35.1 years, respectively) and tended to comply poorly with the rehabilitation program. Using the stabilizing effect of the zancolli complex-metacarpophalangeal retention apparatus and a metacarpophalangeal block splint, bone healing and movement recovery can be achieved simultaneously.
Effect of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields on the Bioactivity of Human Osteoarthritic Chondrocytes
Authors: Sadoghi Patrick , Leithner Andreas , Dorotka Ronald , Vavken Patrick
Published: March 2013

Low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) are used for the treatment of human osteoarthritic cells in vivo without knowledge of underling principles. The authors evaluated the effect of PEMFs on human chondrocytes of the osteoarthritic knee in vitro. Biopsies of the cut femoral condyles after total knee arthroplasty were kept in a standard cell culture medium consisting of Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium: nutrient mixture F-12, 10% fetal calf serum, PenStrept (Mediatech, Inc, Manassas, Virginia), and ascorbic acid for 4 days and randomly split into an exposed group (PEMF for 4 hours daily for 4 days at 75 Hz and 1.6 mT) and a control group. Both groups were retained for biochemical and polymerase chain reaction analysis (glycosaminoglycan and DNA levels). APvalue less than .05 was considered significant.

DNA analysis revealed no differences between groups and no increase in content after exposure (P=.88 and .66, respectively). The increase of glycosaminoglycans was 0.4±1.6 ng (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4 to 0.5) and −0.5±1.8 ng (95% CI, 0.6 to −1.5) in the exposed and control groups, respectively, with no significant difference (P=.24). A smaller decrease of glycosaminoglycan and DNA levels was observed over 4 days in the exposed group compared with the control group, with no statistical significance. The authors concluded that low-frequency PEMFs do not significantly influence the biosynthetic activity of explantcultures of human osteoarthritic cells in vitro. Nevertheless, they may be suitable as an adjuvant to a larger treatment regimen.
Trends in Orthopedics: An Analysis of Medicare Claims, 2000–2010
Authors: Belatti Daniel A. , Phisitkul Phinit
Published: March 2013

The complete Medicare Part B claims databases for the years 2000 through 2010 were queried. Musculoskeletal procedures were grouped into 12 anatomical or functional groups for multiyear analysis. Utilization rates per 1000 Medicare beneficiaries and spending per Medicare beneficiary were calculated. Compound annual growth rates were used to compare spending trends with national health care spending data. Medicare payments for orthopedic procedures increased 63.7% in 10 years, from $1.6 billion in 2000 to $2.6 billion in 2010. The number of procedures increased by a similar proportion, from 8.2 to 13.6 million (66.9%); the average reimbursement per procedure decreased slightly. The overall utilization rate increased by 41.4% over the past decade, from 206.73 to 292.41 per 1000 beneficiaries. Considerable variation was found when these procedures were analyzed, with utilization rates per 1000 beneficiaries ranging from large increases (spine, +214.5%; endoscopy, +128%) to modest decreases (hand and fingers, −9.9%). Payment trends, corrected for inflation and growth in the number of Medicare enrollees, showed similar heterogeneity. Payment per beneficiary increased at only 0.65% above inflation for orthopedic procedures, well below the 4.67% compound annual growth rate seen for overall Medicare spending.

These data demonstrate that, despite significant increases in its utilization, orthopedics does not appear to be a driver for increases in Medicare spending over the past decade. Only spinal and endoscopic procedures stand out as having experienced exceptional growth; demonstration of clinical success and cost effectiveness in these areas would be helpful to strengthen support for these evolving trends in orthopedic practice.
Arthroscopic Treatment of Symptomatic Paralabral Cysts in the Hip
Authors: Lee Keun-Ho , Park Youn-Soo , Lim Seung-Jae
Published: March 2013

Acetabular labral tears or paralabral cysts in the hip are frequently detected using magnetic resonance imaging or arthrography. Unlike parameniscal cysts in the knee and paralabral cysts in the shoulder, reports of the outcomes of surgical treatment for paralabral cysts in the hip recalcitrant to conservative management are limited in the literature.

The authors report 2 cases of paralabral cysts in the hip that were treated with arthroscopic surgery. The patients presented with chronic hip pain, and preoperative magnetic resonance imaging showed paralabral cysts at the superior aspect of the acetabulum. After failure of conservative management for more than 6 months, arthroscopic surgery was performed while the patients were under general anesthesia and in a supine position on a fracture table. Arthroscopic examination confirmed the preoperative diagnosis of paralabral cysts with degenerative labral fibrillation or tears in both patients. Arthroscopic cyst decompression and debridement of the degenerative labral tissues were performed using an arthroscopic thermal probe and a shaver.

Clinical outcomes, determined by the Harris Hip Score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score, and University of California, Los Angeles activity score, were satisfactory for the 2 patients at 2 and 3 years postoperatively, respectively. Magnetic resonance imaging obtained for 1 patient at 6 months postoperatively showed complete decompression of the paralabral cyst. The authors believe that arthroscopic treatment for symptomatic hip paralabral cysts is a safe and effective procedure with excellent clinical outcomes.
«Los Mercuriales» - París – Francia
Authors: Milh A. H. , Hereng J. M.
Published: March 2013

El proyecto comprende, básicamente, dos torres gemelas de oficinas, de 30 plantas sobre rasante cada una, más un ático destinado a instalaciones, y 3 niveles subterráneos que albergan las instalaciones y servicios. La edificación se completa, a nivel del terreno, con un cuerpo anexo dedicado a galería de exposiciones.
La planta tipo de la torre, de 950 m2 útiles, obtiene un alto grado de flexibilidad al relegar los elementos de soporte a un núcleo central de hormigón —que a su vez alberga las comunicaciones verticales y los servicios de aseo— y al perímetro de la planta, cuyos pilares, de poca sección, están dispuestos en luces de 3 m.
A la variada y completa gama de instalaciones y sistemas al servicio de las torres, aspecto destacable del proyecto, cabe agregar un planteamiento atractivo de los espacios libres de planta baja, destinados a la circulación pública peatonal.
Nuevos materiales aislantes y de seguridad en la construcción
Authors: Rodríguez G.
Published: March 2013

En este artículo, después de resaltar la importancia de la Edificación y de las Obras Públicas, y del gran papel de la industria química en orden a mejorar las propiedades de los productos tradicionales, se analizan las cualidades de nuevos materiales aislantes y de seguridad.
Entre estos materiales destacan:
— El cloruro de polivinilo, usado en carpintería, tuberías para conducción de aguas, etc., por sus propiedades impermeabilizantes, buen aislamiento térmico y acústico y gastos de mantenimiento casi nulos.
— El polietileno, utilizado para derivación de aguas y saneamiento por su ligereza e Ininflamabilidad.
— Las poliamidas, utilizadas en cerrajería por sus propiedades mecánicas elevadas y alta resistencia a la corrosión, etc.
— Espumas de poliestireno, empleadas en revestimientos diversos.
— Espumas de poliéster, de propiedades insonorizantes y que combinadas con el plomo se usan contra las vibraciones.
— Los granulados de vidrio celular, de múltiples propiedades.
— El vidrio hojoso con películas de butiral de polivinilo de buenas propiedades contra los choques y para reducir la energía solar.
— El policarbonato, usado en investigación aeroespacial y como material de seguridad.
Universidad de Ciencias de Butler Indianapolis (EE. UU.)
Authors: Hellmuth George , Obata Gyo , Kassabaum George
Published: March 2013

El edificio de Ciencias y el Instituto de Investigación Holcomb forman parte, con sus 20.500 m2 construidos, del complejo científico de la Universidad de Butler.
El esquema de organización adoptado para su desarrollo consiste en acoplar la nueva estructura en «L», originada por la unión de ambos edificios, a la ya existente, con el fin de concentrar las circulaciones peatonales en el gran patio rectangular creado.
La nueva construcción alberga distintos tipos de laboratorios para estudiantes, agrupados en departamentos con salas de clase y de lectura localizadas en la planta baja. Por su parte el Instituto Holcomb distribuye laboratorios de investigación, seminarios, oficinas y biblioteca científica. En ambas estructuras los laboratorios están localizados en la zona central de cada planta, disponiéndose los corredores y oficinas en el perímetro, adyacentes a los servicios, escaleras y ascensores situados en la parte exterior de la edificación.
Hotel de la Torre Londres - Gran Bretaña
Authors: Howard Wood Renton
Published: March 2013

Ha sido construido a orillas del Támesis, y debe su nombre a la proximidad de la Torre de Londres, que igualmente nominó al antiguo Tower Bridge, puente sobre el río, situado a escasos metros del edificio. La fachada posterior del hotel se orienta hacia la inmediata Dársena de Santa Catalina, completando un entorno atractivo en una de las zonas paradójicamente peor aprovechadas de la ciudad.
La construcción ocupa una edificabilidad total de 36.560 m2 organizados en 15 plantas, sobre rasante, más un sótano dedicado a las instalaciones mecánicas y a aparcamientos.
El programa comprende: 704 habitaciones dobles; 111 individuales; 8 suites; 95 habitaciones para el personal del hotel; servicios de restaurante; bar y cafetería; tres salas de conferencias; una galería pública de funcionamiento diverso; cocinas; varias plantas mecánicas de instalaciones; garaje subterráneo; comedor y salas para el personal, y oficinas de administración.
Centro Beaubourg París – Francia
Authors: Piano & Rogers Arquitectos , Ove Arup & Partners Ingenieros
Published: March 2013

En este artículo se estudian las características del Centro Beaubourg, en el que se producen simultáneamente diversas actividades y que proporciona un gran dinamismo al entorno que le rodea.
Este edificio, de forma paralelepipédica, tiene dos partes perfectamente delimitadas:
— una infraestructura de hormigón, que comprende tres plantas de aparcamiento y tres plantas técnicas y de servicio;
— una superestructura de acero y vidrio constituida por catorce pórticos.
Las comunicaciones se realizan: las del público, por la fachada Oeste; y para los materiales y servicios, por la fachada Este.
Club de campo de la Sociedad Bilbaina Bilbao – España
Authors: Iñiguez de Onzoño Félix , Iñiguez de Onzoño José Luis , Rodríguez Valentín , Soldevilla Alfonso
Published: March 2013

El Club de Campo, con sus diversas instalaciones, forma parte de una urbanización de 320 hectáreas de superficie que comprenderá, además, 750 parcelas destinadas a viviendas unifamiliares de distintos programas.
El Club, propiamente dicho, incorpora diversas funciones, entre las que destacan: un campo de golf, en el lado norte; pistas de tenis descubiertas, al este, y piscinas, al sur. En el flanco oeste una construcción anexa alberga pistas cubiertas de tenis y frontón. El proyecto tiene previstas edificaciones auxiliares, a realizar en el futuro, que se destinarán a guardería infantil y a nuevas instalaciones deportivas.
Situada sobre una porción elevada del terreno, la construcción procura, al mismo tiempo, aprovechar las hermosas vistas del entorno natural en su diseño interior y, exteriormente, mimetizar la nueva edificación con el paisaje y la arquitectura tradicional del País Vasco, evitando en ambos sentidos el contraste o la imposición agresiva. Al logro de este propósito contribuye, de una forma decisiva, la importante cubierta que compone un movimiento sobrio y equilibrado de volúmenes y la elección adecuada de materiales, de tonalidad neutra, para los revestimientos y acabados exteriores.
Escuela-liceo de Avon Fontainebleau – Francia
Authors: Bayonne Philippe
Published: March 2013

Sustituye y amplía la antigua ciudad escolar de Avon, conjunto de edificios docentes que se encontraban en precarias condiciones de seguridad, de los que conserva, sin embargo, aquellos que se mantienen en buen estado.
Las nuevas instalaciones, capaces para 1.142 alumnos de ambos sexos externos, internos y mediopensionistas, abarca un programa de edificación muy amplio y variado, compuesto por numerosas aulas para clases específicas y generales, locales socioeducativos, dormitorios para internos, comedores, cocina, enfermería, administración, y las oficinas y despachos de profesores y encargados. El conjunto se completa con un aparcamiento y un garaje para bicicletas. La construcción, realizada según un procedimiento industrial en el que predomina el hormigón, se organiza mediante la yuxtaposición de diez cuerpos cuadrados subdivididos, a su vez, en nueve células de 9,20 m de lado. Aparte se encuentra el bloque de dormitorios y la conserjería. El complejo está enclavado en el bosque de Fontainebleau, lo cual constituye el mayor condicionante de la construcción; así, el tratamiento de las fachadas estuvo subordinado a su total integración en el ambiente circundante. Lo mismo se puede decir del abastecimiento de las necesidades energéticas, reducidas en este caso a la eléctrica y a la solar por su carácter de no contaminantes.
Estadio de Kansas City (EE. UU.)
Authors: C. F. Murphy  Associates Arquitectos e ingenieros
Published: March 2013

El estadio Crosby Kemper, situado en el centro de un distrito industrial de Kansas, fue concebido para un funcionamiento diverso que comprende actividades que van desde la música y competiciones deportivas hasta pruebas hípicas. Tiene capacidad para unas 16.000 ó 18.000 personas, y plazas de aparcamiento para 4.000 coches.
En su concepción arquitectónica sobresale la solución adoptada para la realización de la cubierta, mediante enormes vigas tubulares metálicas, de sección triangular y altura de 8,25 m, con diámetros de tubo que alcanzan los 120 cm.