bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Restoration of Anterior Glenoid Bone Defects in Posttraumatic Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Instability Using the J-Bone Graft Shows Anatomic Graft Remodeling
Authors: Moroder Philipp , Hirzinger Corinna , Lederer Stefan , Matis Nicholas , Hitzl Wolfgang , Tauber Mark , Resch Herbert , Auffarth Alexander
Published: May 2012

Background:

The J-bone graft technique has previously been reported for anatomic restoration of the bony glenoid surface in cases of posttraumatic recurrent anterior shoulder instability with significant glenoid bone loss.

Purpose:

To analyze the physiological remodeling process of the J-bone graft over time.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Thirty-one consecutive patients treated with anatomic glenoid restoration surgery using the J-bone graft for posttraumatic recurrent anterior shoulder instability with a significant bony glenoid defect were included in this study. Twenty patients received 3-dimensional computed tomography scans of the affected shoulder preoperatively, postoperatively, and at 1-year follow-up. On “en face” views of the glenoid, the change over time of the glenoid diameter, glenoid area, and glenoid defect size in relation to a best-fit circle indicating 100% was measured.

Results:

The average glenoid diameter increased from 81.0% preoperatively to 110.4% postoperatively ( P < .001). At 1-year follow-up, the diameter had decreased significantly to 100.6% ( P < .001), which is concordant to a theoretical perfect glenoid diameter of 100% ( P = .73). The average glenoid surface area increased from 80.8% preoperatively to 110.0% postoperatively ( P < .001). At 1-year follow-up, a decrease to 102.2% ( P < .005) was measured, which again is close to a theoretical perfect glenoid surface area of 100% ( P = .15). By applying the J-bone graft, the average missing surface area of the glenoid was reduced from 19.2% preoperatively to 3.9% postoperatively ( P < .001). At 1-year follow-up, an average of 3.6% was calculated, indicating no statistically significant change over time ( P = .90).

Conclusion:

Anatomic glenoid reconstructive surgery using the J-bone graft technique benefits from a physiological remodeling process, molding the bone graft closely into the original shape of an uninjured anterior glenoid rim. While parts of the graft lying inside the projected former surface area of the glenoid are preserved, the parts lying outside are resorbed over time, suggestive of strain-adapted graft remodeling.
Thermal and rheological characterization of antibacterial nanocomposites
Authors: Droval Guillaume , Aranberri Ibon , Germán Lorena , Ivanov Evgeni , Dimitrova Ekaterina , Kotsilkova Rumania , Verelst Marc , Dexpert-Ghys Jeannette
Published: May 2012

In this study, the filler–matrix interactions are assessed in two nanocomposites having different antibacterial activity. The two polymers used as matrix are poly(amide) 6 (PA6) and low-density poly(ethylene) (LDPE). The filler, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, with a content as low as 1 w/w% in the polymers showed great antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. However, the bacterial slaying capability of composites was found better when ZnO was dispersed in PA6, where the efficiency is similar to pure ZnO particles. The dispersion of ZnO and its interactions with the matrix have been investigated by means of scanning electron microscope, rheology, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimeter. This study shows stronger interactions of ZnO particles with LDPE, which could have an effect on final antibacterial properties.
Synthesis of photonic crystal film by self-assembly of core/shell poly(styrene)/poly(styrene-co-butyl methacrylate) submicrospheres
Authors: Kuo Yu-Cheng , Lee Yu-Chun , Chen Hui
Published: May 2012

Monodisperse core–shell poly(styrene) (poly(St))/poly(styrene- co-butyl methacrylate) spheres were fabricated from styrene (St) and butyl methacrylate (BMA) monomers by a two-step, soap-free emulsion polymerization process at the boiling point. The two-step process involves initial polymerization for a fixed period of time, followed by the addition of BMA monomer to generate the core–shell structure microsphere. Formation of the shell portion increased as the initial polymerization time period was decreased. Differential scanning calorimetric analysis showed that the core–shell microsphere exhibited glass transition temperatures ( Tgs), when the monomer conversion during the initial St polymerization step was higher than 40%. The Tgs of the core and shell occurred at 107°C and 41.9–56.7°C, respectively. These core–shell structure spheres were used to fabricate a colloidal crystal film, the photonic band gap of which could be shifted from 455–631 nm by employing core–shell spheres of various sizes. These films having photonic band gaps in the visible region were obtained by self-assembly of the core–shell spheres at 30, 50, and 80°C. The pencil hardness of the films prepared using the core–shell spheres could be increased from 5B to HB by increasing the preparation temperature, whereas the hardness of the film prepared using simple poly(St) spheres was lower than 6B.
Reliability Estimates for Multilevel Designs in Group Research
Authors: Bonito Joseph A. , Ruppel Erin K. , Keyton Joann
Published: May 2012

Items that capture group members’ outcomes from small group processes (e.g., satisfaction, cohesion) are often nonindependent. A primary assumption of most measurement models is that the data are independent; applying such models to group-outcome data measured at the individual level of analysis is thus likely to produce inaccurate estimates. A solution to the measurement of nonindependent data involves the use of multilevel modeling to estimate variances at item, individual, and group levels of analysis. Examples from several different statistics programs are provided, and Monte Carlo simulations are used to evaluate the effects of group size and number of items on reliability estimates.
“Why Is This So Hard?” A Review of Detection of Malingered ADHD in College Students
Authors: Musso Mandi W. , Gouvier Wm. Drew
Published: May 2012

Objective: The purpose of this article is to review studies that have investigated malingered ADHD in college students and offer recommendations for assessing effort in clinical evaluations of ADHD in college students. Method: This article identified and summarized nineteen peer-reviewed, empirical studies published between 2002 and 2011 that investigated malingered ADHD in college students. Results: Few of the measures examined proved useful for detecting malingered ADHD. Most self-report questionnaires were not sensitive to malingering. While there is some variability in the usefulness of neuropsychological test failure, profiles between malingerers and individuals with ADHD are too similar to confidently detect malingered ADHD. Failure of three or more symptom validity tests proved most useful at detecting malingered ADHD. Conclusion: This review suggests that there is substantial need for measures designed specifically for detecting malingered ADHD simulators are able to produce plausible profiles on most tools used to diagnose ADHD.
A Model to Estimate Passenger Vehicle Fleet Composition, Vehicle Miles Traveled, and Fuel Consumption
Authors: Vasudevan Vinod , Nambisan Shashi
Published: May 2012

A significant portion of funds in the United States for road maintenance and improvement are the levy of a fuel tax per gallon of fuel sold. The government mandated improvements in fuel efficiency of vehicles and the greater proportion of hybrid or nongasoline-powered vehicles expected to be used for passenger transportation are anticipated to adversely affect such revenues. In this study, readily available public domain data on new vehicle sales and survivability data are used to develop estimates of the future fleet composition by specific vehicle categories, vehicle miles traveled by the vehicle category, and fuel consumption by the vehicle category. It is then used to develop estimates. The model takes into consideration the emerging classes of hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles, which were not adequately captured in the historical data. This methodology could be used to support policy and operations analysis related to highway financing and infrastructure management.
Interactive mechanisms of fretting wear and corrosion of steel wires in alkaline corrosion medium
Authors: Zhang De-kun , Wang Song-quan , Shen Yan , Ge Shi-rong
Published: May 2012

Fretting corrosion tests of steel wires inside a rope were performed on a self-made fretting wear test rig to understand the fretting corrosion behaviors of steel wires under the environment of alkaline mine water trickling using a simulated alkaline corrosion medium. The results indicate that the corrosion rate of steel wire decreases rapidly and then increases with the increase in the duration of immersion. For late immersion, the corrosion rate tends to be smooth because of the large accumulation of corrosion products. It is also found that the evolution of friction coefficient vs fretting cycles can be divided into five stages. With the increase in the fretting cycles, there is an increase in the weight loss of materials and the evolution processes of damage rate can also be divided into four stages. All the results conclude that interaction of corrosion and wear dominates the fretting corrosion and leads to material loss.
Tribological properties of halogen-free ionic liquids
Authors: Minami Ichiro , Inada Taketo , Okada Yu
Published: May 2012

The tribological properties of halogen-free ionic liquids, tricyanomethanide [[Formula: see text]] salt, tetracyanoborate [[Formula: see text]] salts, and N-alkylimidazole-trialkylborane complexes were evaluated by laboratory tribo-testing of steel–steel contact under boundary conditions. Tricyanomethanide salt is composed of hydrogen, carbon, and nitrogen. The other two types of liquids are composed of hydrogen, boron, carbon, and nitrogen. They are free of halogens and heavier elements that are components of common ionic liquids, such as fluorine, phosphorus, and sulphur. As expected, the halogen-free ionic liquids exhibited low corrosion properties to steel. When evaluated as neat liquid, these halogen-free ionic liquids provided less tribological properties in comparison with a reference, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide. Tributylmethylphosphonium dimethylphosphate was examined as a prototype tribo-improving additive. It improved the wear-preventing properties and friction reducing properties of tetracyanoborate salts by 10–25% and 20–30% at a concentration of 10 mM (620 ppm of phosphorus), respectively. The additive performances for tricyanomethanide salt and the imidazole-trialkylborane complexes were not uniform under these conditions. Boron oxide and iron oxides were found by surface analysis of rubbed surfaces with tetracyanoborate salts.
Bed-sharing influences, attitudes, and practices
Authors: Krouse Anne , Craig Joanne , Watson Ursula , Matthews Zannia , Kolski Gerald , Isola Kay
Published: May 2012

The purpose of this study was to examine the infant bed-sharing practices of mothers from the birth of the infant to three months of age. The study was a longitudinal descriptive design using a self-report instrument immediately after delivery with follow-up phone interviews at one and three months after discharge. While no mothers intended to bed-share with their infants immediately after delivery, 60 percent reported bed-sharing at some time at one month after discharge and 9 percent at three months. Only 19 percent of mothers reported receiving information about infant sleeping practices from their physician and 22 percent from their nurse. One month post discharge was identified as a high-risk period for infant bed-sharing. Interventions aimed at teaching new mothers about responding to infant cues and ways to manage a fussy infant may minimize the rate of bed-sharing.
A move to more systematic and transparent approaches in qualitative evidence synthesis: update on a review of published papers
Authors: Hannes Karin , Macaitis Kirsten
Published: May 2012

In 2007, the journal Qualitative Research published a review on qualitative evidence syntheses conducted between 1988 and 2004. It reported on the lack of explicit detail regarding methods for searching, appraisal and synthesis, and a lack of emerging consensus on these issues. We present an update of this review for the period 2005–8. Not only has the amount of published qualitative evidence syntheses doubled, but authors have also become more transparent about their searching and critical appraisal procedures. Nevertheless, for the synthesis component of the qualitative reviews, a black box remains between what people claim to use as a synthesis approach and what is actually done in practice. A detailed evaluation of how well authors master their chosen approach could provide important information for developers of particular methods, who seem to succeed in playing the game according to the rules. Clear methodological instructions need to be developed to assist others in applying these synthesis methods.
Polarized Attitudes Toward the Ground Zero Mosque are Reduced by High-Level Construal
Authors: Yang Daniel Y.-J. , Preston Jesse Lee , Hernandez Ivan
Published: May 2012

On the basis of construal level theory (Trope & Liberman, 2010), we hypothesized that political polarization on controversial issues may be reduced by increasing abstract mental construal. Using the issue of the “Ground Zero Mosque” and political polarization on it as an example, we first established that liberals and conservatives hold opposing attitudes toward building a mosque near Ground Zero (Study 1). Polarized attitudes were significantly reduced by increasing the abstract (vs. concrete) level of construal, by having participants answer a series of why (vs. how) questions before considering the issue (Study 2) or by having participants read an article about the Ground Zero Mosque in a disfluent (vs. fluent) format (Study 3). We conclude that abstract mental construal may potentially provide a means for dialogue and compromise on divisive political issues, and implications for political discourse are discussed.
Exsanguination of a home hemodialysis patient as a result of misconnected blood-lines during the wash back procedure: A case report
Authors: Allcock Kerryanne , Jagannathan Balaji , Hood Christopher J , Marshall Mark R
Published: May 2012

Background

Home hemodialysis is common in New Zealand and associated with lower cost, improved survival and better patient experience. We present the case of a fully trained home hemodialysis patient who exsanguinated at home as a result of an incorrect wash back procedure.

Case presentation

The case involves a 67 year old male with a history of well controlled hypertension and impaired glucose tolerance. He commenced on peritoneal dialysis in 2006 following the development of end stage kidney failure secondary to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. He transferred to hemodialysis due to peritoneal membrane failure in 2010, and successfully trained for home hemodialysis over a 20 week period. Following one month of uncomplicated dialysis at home, he was found deceased on his machine at home in the midst of dialysis. His death occurred during the wash back procedure performed using the “open circuit” method, and resulted from misconnection of the saline bag to the venous end of the extracorporeal blood circuit instead of the arterial end. This led to approximately 2.3L of his blood being pumped into the saline bag resulting in hypovolaemic shock and death from exsanguination.

Conclusions

Despite successful training, critical procedural errors can still be made by patients on home hemodialysis. In this case, the error involved misconnection of the saline bag for wash back. This case should prompt providers of home hemodialysis to review their training protocols and manuals. Manufacturers of dialysis machinery should be encouraged to design machines specifically for home hemodialysis, and consider distinguishing the arterial and venous ends of the extracorporeal blood circuit with colour coding or incompatible connectivity, to prevent occurrences such as these in the future.
Associations between retinol-binding protein 4 and cardiometabolic risk factors and subclinical atherosclerosis in recently postmenopausal women: cross-sectional analyses from the KEEPS study
Authors: Huang Gary , Wang Dan , Khan Unab I , Zeb Irfan , Manson JoAnn E , Miller Virginia , Hodis Howard N , Budoff Matthew J , Merriam George R , Harman Mitchell S , Brinton Eliot A , Cedars Marcelle I , Su Yali , Lobo Rogerio A , Naftolin Frederick , Santoro Nanette , Taylor Hugh S , Wildman Rachel P
Published: May 2012

Background

The published literature regarding the relationships between retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) and cardiometabolic risk factors and subclinical atherosclerosis is conflicting, likely due, in part, to limitations of frequently used RBP4 assays. Prior large studies have not utilized the gold-standard western blot analysis of RBP4 levels.

Methods

Full-length serum RBP4 levels were measured by western blot in 709 postmenopausal women screened for the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study. Cross-sectional analyses related RBP4 levels to cardiometabolic risk factors, carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT), and coronary artery calcification (CAC).

Results

The mean age of women was 52.9 (± 2.6) years, and the median RBP4 level was 49.0 (interquartile range 36.9-61.5) μg/mL. Higher RBP4 levels were weakly associated with higher triglycerides (age, race, and smoking-adjusted partial Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.10; P = 0.01), but were unrelated to blood pressure, cholesterol, C-reactive protein, glucose, insulin, and CIMT levels (all partial Spearman correlation coefficients ≤0.06, P > 0.05). Results suggested a curvilinear association between RBP4 levels and CAC, with women in the bottom and upper quartiles of RBP4 having higher odds of CAC (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] 2.10 [1.07-4.09], 2.00 [1.02-3.92], 1.64 [0.82-3.27] for the 1st, 3rd, and 4th RBP4 quartiles vs. the 2nd quartile). However, a squared RBP4 term in regression modeling was non-significant (P = 0.10).

Conclusions

In these healthy, recently postmenopausal women, higher RBP4 levels were weakly associated with elevations in triglycerides and with CAC, but not with other risk factors or CIMT. These data using the gold standard of RBP4 methodology only weakly support the possibility that perturbations in RBP4 homeostasis may be an additional risk factor for subclinical coronary atherosclerosis.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT00154180
The use of artificial neural networks in electrostatic force microscopy
Authors: Castellano-Hernández Elena , Rodríguez Francisco B , Serrano Eduardo , Varona Pablo , Sacha Gomez Monivas
Published: May 2012

The use of electrostatic force microscopy (EFM) to characterize and manipulate surfaces at the nanoscale usually faces the problem of dealing with systems where several parameters are not known. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) have demonstrated to be a very useful tool to tackle this type of problems. Here, we show that the use of ANNs allows us to quantitatively estimate magnitudes such as the dielectric constant of thin films. To improve thin film dielectric constant estimations in EFM, we first increase the accuracy of numerical simulations by replacing the standard minimization technique by a method based on ANN learning algorithms. Second, we use the improved numerical results to build a complete training set for a new ANN. The results obtained by the ANN suggest that accurate values for the thin film dielectric constant can only be estimated if the thin film thickness and sample dielectric constant are known.

PACS: 07.79.Lh; 07.05.Mh; 61.46.Fg.
Existence results for higher order fractional differential equation with multi-point boundary condition
Authors: Liu Yang
Published: May 2012

The fixed point theorems on cones are used to investigate the existence of positive solution for higher order fractional differential equation with multi-point boundary condition.

MSC: 26A33; 34B15.
Worsened Outcome from Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion in Aged Rats Receiving 17β-Estradiol
Authors: Leon Rachel L. , Li Xinlan , Huber Jason D. , Rosen Charles L.
Published: May 2012

Although estrogens are neuroprotective in young adult animal models of stroke, clinical trials demonstrate that estrogens increase the incidence and severity of stroke in aged women. We have previously shown that experimental stroke pathophysiology differs between young adult and aged rats. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of 17β-estradiol after middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion in young adult and aged female rats. Focal embolic stroke was performed by middle cerebral artery occlusion with fibrin clot followed by reperfusion with iv human recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. Histological and functional outcomes were measured at 24 h after middle cerebral artery occlusion with fibrin clot. Aged rats treated with 17β-estradiol had significantly increased infarct volumes compared with placebo-treated aged rats. Young adult rats treated with 17β-estradiol had significantly decreased infarct volumes and improved functional outcome compared with ovariectomized young adult rats. Our results suggest that 17β-estradiol may act in an age-dependent manner in the postischemic rat brain. In young adult rats, it is neuroprotective; chronic treatment with 17β-estradiol during aging leads to worsened ischemic brain injury in aged female rats.
Inactivation of AMPKα1 Induces Asthenozoospermia and Alters Spermatozoa Morphology
Authors: Tartarin Pauline , Guibert Edith , Touré Aminata , Ouiste Claire , Leclerc Jocelyne , Sanz Nieves , Brière Sylvain , Dacheux Jean-Louis , Delaleu Bernadette , McNeilly Judith R. , McNeilly Alan S. , Brillard Jean-Pierre , Dupont Joëlle , Foretz Marc , Viollet Benoit , Froment Pascal
Published: May 2012

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a key regulator of cellular energy homeostasis, is present in metabolic tissues (muscle and liver) and has been identified as a modulator of the female reproductive functions. However, its function in the testis has not yet been clearly defined. We have investigated the potential role of AMPK in male reproduction by using transgenic mice lacking the activity of AMPK catalytic subunit α1 gene [α1AMPK knockout (KO)]. In the testis, the α1AMPK subunit is expressed in germ cells and also in somatic cells (Sertoli and Leydig cells). α1AMPK KO male mice show a decrease in fertility, despite no clear alteration in the testis morphology or sperm production. However, in α1AMPK−/− mice, we demonstrate that spermatozoa have structural abnormalities and are less motile than in control mice. These spermatozoa alterations are associated with a 50% decrease in mitochondrial activity, a 60% decrease in basal oxygen consumption, and morphological defects. The α1AMPK KO male mice had high androgen levels associated with a 5- and 3-fold increase in intratesticular cholesterol and testosterone concentrations, respectively. High concentrations of proteins involved in steroid production (3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, cytochrome steroid 17 alpha-hydroxylase/17,20 lysate, and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein) were also detected in α1AMPK−/− testes. In the pituitary, the LH and FSH concentrations tended to be lower in α1AMPK−/− male mice, probably due to the negative feedback of the high testosterone levels. These results suggest that total α1AMPK deficiency in male mice affects androgen production and quality of spermatozoa, leading to a decrease in fertility.
“I Went to the Summit”: The Literary Bromance of A. R. Ammons and Harold Bloom
Authors: Gilbert Roger
Published: May 2012

Few poets and critics have read and responded to one another as ardently as A. R. Ammons and Harold Bloom. Their friendship, which at times had the intensity of a romance, began in the late sixties and peaked in the early seventies, though it continued until Ammons's death in 2001. Their correspondence, while full of expressions of love and admiration, also shows them affectionately tussling over the relative merits of nature and transcendence, the sublime and the everyday, with Bloom repeatedly urging Ammons to leave mundane particulars behind and mount higher into the visionary stratosphere. Ammons summed up their ongoing agon in a note after a visit to New Haven in 1973: “Harold wants me to be intense, mad, consistently high. I want to be ordinary, casual, a man of this world.” This essay examines their decades-long dialogue in letters, poems, and essays.
Regression with Autocorrelated Errors Using Design-Adapted Haar Wavelets
Authors: Porto Rogério F. , Morettin Pedro A. , Aubin Elisete C. Q.
Published: May 2012

We present some theoretical results on semi-parametric regression models in the presence of autocorrelated errors using design-adapted Haar wavelets. We prove that the risks for the linear and nonlinear estimators are asymptotically almost minimax when the errors have absolutely summable autocovariances. For the nonlinear estimator, we also need a strong mixing property with a specific coefficient and a condition on the errors' higher-order moments. Some simulations ilustrate the theoretical achievements.
Aufklärung der Aufklärung. Heideggers Spätphilosophie und die philosophische Theologie
Authors: Gutschmidt Rico
Published: May 2012

Heidegger’s philosophy of being and enowning contains many religious topics, such as the last god, the divinities within his concept of the fourfold or his so called hölderlintheology. In this paper, these aspects shall be illuminated by relating the overall concern of Heidegger’s later philosophy to the tension between philosophy and theology: It will be argued that on the one hand his rejection of ontotheology is justified, since god is not a causally operating entity, and that on the other hand his concept of man being a part of an incomprehensible ongoing is not only an accurate criticism of reason in terms of a reflection on its limits, but also has a religious character, which can be seen as the starting point of an adequate and up to date philosophical theology. Against Heidegger’s exorbitant claim of uniqueness, his later philosophy can thus be placed in the context of traditional critique of religion and reason respectively.
Moral oder Ideologie im Nationalsozialismus?
Authors: Horster Detlef
Published: May 2012

Werner Konitzer und Raphael Gross (Hg .): Moralität des Bösen. Ethik und nationalsozialistische Verbrechen. Jahrbuch 2009 des Fritz Bauer Instituts zur Geschichte und Wirkung des Holocaust. Campus Verlag, Frankfurt/M. 2009, 269 S.

Raphael Gross: Anständig geblieben. Nationalsozialistische Moral. S. Fischer Verlag, Frankfurt/M. 2010, 278 S.

Hans Jörg Sandkühler (Hg .): Philosophie im Nationalsozialismus. Felix Meiner Verlag, Hamburg 2009, 344 S.

Wolfgang Bialas: Politischer Humanismus und Verspätete Nation. Helmuth Plessners Auseinandersetzung mit Deutschland und dem Nationalsozialismus. Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, Göttingen 2010, 295 S.
Lebensorientierung aus Konzeptionen
Authors: Hilmer Brigitte
Published: May 2012

Dieter Henrich: Werke im Werden. Über die Genesis philosophischer Einsichten. C. H. Beck, München 2011, 216 S.
Ansätze zur strukturgebenden Begleitung kollaborativer Lernprozesse
Authors: Kienle Andrea
Published: May 2012

Many studies report problems in the progress of collaborative learning processes that are caused by a missing guidance of the related communication process. This results in less focused collaborative learning processes that often end without a common group result. In this contribution two examples of structure-building guidance are presented in order to avoid these problems: navigable process models and the support of the role of a facilitator. For both approaches examples of technical implementation and the most important results of evaluation studies are presented.
Informelles, Ressourcen-basiertes Lernen
Authors: Rensing Christoph , Böhnstedt Doreen
Published: May 2012

Resource-based Learning is a widely spread form of learning, especially in work life, with the necessity to gain knowledge and competencies based on a specific demand. Mostly, this form of learning is informal which manifests in the lack of integration in an institutionally shaped learning setting and a high level of self-regulation on the learner’s side. This article summarizes the challenges of informal, Resource-based Learning, focusing on learning with the help of internet resources, gives an overview of existing works which are addressing the affiliated challenges, and poses some further research questions.
Spielbasiertes Lernen
Authors: Martens Alke , Maciuszek Dennis
Published: May 2012

In this article, the state of the art in game-based learning is described. Regarding the topic of the special issue of the i-com journal, the term game-based learning comprises the usage of computer programs in a scenario, where either single persons or a group interact with the program with the goal to learn something. Different realizations of game-based learning can be found related to the buzzwords virtual worlds, role play, and also simulations
Entdecken und Entwickeln von Praxiswissen mit PATONGO-Storm
Authors: Schümmer Till , Mühlpfordt Martin
Published: May 2012

An important factor for individual and organizational learning is the identification and the sharing of practical experience. This article presents PATONGO-Storm, a process and an e-Learning tool for supporting workshops that initiate cross-organizational exchange of practical knowledge. The tool collects and relates experiences and challenges. Practitioners with related contributions are then brought into a discourse where they develop solutions for relevant challenges. The approach was validated in the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) where it showed first positive effects.
Predicting the risk of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 for patients with commonly occurring endocrine tumors
Authors: de Laat Joanne M , Tham Emma , Pieterman Carolina R C , Vriens Menno R , Dorresteijn Johannes A N , Bots Michiel L , Nordenskjöld Magnus , van der Luijt Rob B , Valk Gerlof D
Published: May 2012

Objective

Endocrine diseases that can be part of the rare inheritable syndrome multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) commonly occur in the general population. Patients at risk for MEN1, and consequently their families, must be identified to prevent morbidity through periodic screening for the detection and treatment of manifestations in an early stage. The aim of the study was to develop a model for predicting MEN1 in individual patients with sporadically occurring endocrine tumors.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Methods

In a nationwide study in The Netherlands, patients with sporadically occurring endocrine tumors in whom the referring physician suspected the MEN1 syndrome were identified between 1998 and 2011 (n=365). Logistic regression analysis with internal validation using bootstrapping and external validation with a cohort from Sweden was used.

Results

A MEN1 mutation was found in 15.9% of 365 patients. Recurrent primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT; odds ratio (OR) 162.40); nonrecurrent pHPT (OR 25.78); pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) and duodenal NETs (OR 17.94); pituitary tumor (OR 4.71); NET of stomach, thymus, or bronchus (OR 25.84); positive family history of NET (OR 4.53); and age (OR 0.96) predicted MEN1. The c-statistic of the prediction model was 0.86 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.81–0.90) in the derivation cohort and 0.77 (95% CI 0.66–0.88) in the validation cohort.

Conclusion

With the prediction model, the risk of MEN1 can be calculated in patients suspected for MEN1 with sporadically occurring endocrine tumors.
Thyroid hormone and the central control of homeostasis
Authors: Warner Amy , Mittag Jens
Published: May 2012

It has long been known that thyroid hormone has profound direct effects on metabolism and cardiovascular function. More recently, it was shown that the hormone also modulates these systems by actions on the central autonomic control. Recent studies that either manipulated thyroid hormone signalling in anatomical areas of the brain or analysed seasonal models with an endogenous fluctuation in hypothalamic thyroid hormone levels revealed that the hormone controls energy turnover. However, most of these studies did not progress beyond the level of anatomical nuclei; thus, the neuronal substrates as well as the molecular mechanisms remain largely enigmatic. This review summarises the evidence for a role of thyroid hormone in the central autonomic control of peripheral homeostasis and advocates novel strategies to address thyroid hormone action in the brain on a cellular level.
Adiponectin inhibits KISS1 gene transcription through AMPK and specificity protein-1 in the hypothalamic GT1-7 neurons
Authors: Wen Jun-Ping , Liu Chune , Bi Wen-Kai , Hu Ya-Ting , Chen Qingshi , Huang Huibing , Liang Ji-Xing , Li Lian-Tao , Lin Li-Xiang , Chen Gang
Published: May 2012

Adiponectin secreted from adipose tissues plays a role in the regulation of energy homeostasis, food intake, and reproduction in the hypothalamus. We have previously demonstrated that adiponectin significantly inhibited GNRH secretion from GT1-7 hypothalamic GNRH neuron cells. In this study, we further investigated the effect of adiponectin on hypothalamic KISS1 gene transcription, which is the upstream signal of GNRH. We found that globular adiponectin (gAd) or AICAR, an artificial AMPK activator, decreased KISS1 mRNA transcription and promoter activity. Conversely, inhibition of AMPK by Compound C or AMPKα1-SiRNA augmented KISS1 mRNA transcription and promoter activity. Additionally, gAd and AICAR decreased the translocation of specificity protein-1 (SP1) from cytoplasm to nucleus; however, Compound C and AMPKα1-siRNA played an inverse role. Our experiments in vivo demonstrated that the expression of Kiss1 mRNA was stimulated twofold in the Compound C-treated rats and decreased about 60–70% in gAd- or AICAR-treated rats compared with control group. The numbers of kisspeptin immunopositive neurons in the arcuate nucleus region of Sprague Dawley rats mimicked the same trend seen in Kiss1 mRNA levels in animal groups with different treatments. In conclusion, our results provide the first evidence that adiponectin reduces Kiss1 gene transcription in GT1-7 cells through activation of AMPK and subsequently decreased translocation of SP1.
An Interdisciplinary Initiative to Reduce Unplanned Extubations in Pediatric Critical Care Units
Authors: Kaufman Jon , Rannie Michael , Kahn Michael G. , Vitaska Matthew , Wathen Beth , Peyton Chris , Judd Jerrold , Quinby Zachary , da Cruz Eduardo M. , Dobyns Emily
Published: May 2012

OBJECTIVE:

Unplanned extubations in pediatric critical care units can result in increased mortality, morbidity, and length of stay. We sought to reduce the incidence of these events by reliably measuring occurrences and instituting a series of coordinated interdisciplinary interventions.

METHODS:

This was an internal review board–approved quality improvement project. Data were prospectively collected from the electronic medical record, and analyzed over 24 months (January 1, 2009–December 2010), and divided into 3 periods: baseline (9 months), intervention with multiple rapid improvement cycles (8 months), and postintervention (7 months). Interventions included standardization of endotracheal tube taping practices upon admission, improved patient handoffs, systematic review of unplanned events, reexamination of sedation practices, and promotion of transparency of performance measures.

RESULTS:

The PICU experienced 21 events in the 9 months before the initiative, 13 events over the 8-month intervention period, and 5 events in the 7-month postintervention period. The cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) experienced 11, 4, and 0 events, respectively. Mean event rates per 100 patient days for each interval were 0.80, 0.50, and 0.29 for the PICU and 0.74, 0.44, and 0 for the CICU. Monthly event rates for the CICU were significantly different by using the Kruskal-Wallis test (P < .05) but not for the PICU (P = .36)

CONCLUSIONS:

Through accurate tracking, multiple practice changes, and promoting transparency of efforts and data, an interdisciplinary team reduced the number of unplanned extubations in both ICUs. This reduction has been sustained throughout the postintervention monitoring period.
Recent brazilian experience on farmer reaction and crop response to fertilizer use
Authors: Malavolta E. , Rocha M.
Published: May 2012

(1) In the period 1965/77 fertilizer consumption in Brazil increased nearly fifteen foild from circa 200,000 tons of N + P2O5 + K2O to 3 million tons. During the fifteen years extending from 1950 to 1964 usage of the primary macronutrients was raised by a factor of 2 only. (2) Several explanations are given for the remarkable increase, namely: an experimental background which supplied data for recommendations of rates, time and type of application; a convenient governmental policy for minimum prices and rural credit; capacity of the industry to meet the demand of the fertilizer market; an adequate mechanism for the diffusion of the practice of fertilizer use to the farmer. (3) The extension work, which has caused a permanent change in the aptitude towards fertilization, was carried out in the traditional way by salesmen supported by a technical staff, as well as by agronomists of the official services. (4) Two new programs were started and conducted in a rather short time, both putting emphasis on the relatively new technology of fertilizer use. (5) The first program, conducted in the Southern part of the country, extended lab and green house work supplemented by a few field trials to small land owners - the so called "operação tatú" (operation armadillo). (6) The seconde program, covering a larger problem area in the Northeast and in Central Brazil, began directly in field as thousands of demonstrations and simple experiments with the participation of local people whose involvement was essential for the success of the initiative; in this case the official extension services, both foreign and national sources of funds, and universities did participate under the leadership of the Brazilian Association for the Diffusion of Fertilizers (ANDA). (7) It is felt that the Brazilian experience gained thereof could be useful to other countries under similar conditions.
Fixação de fósforo por um latossolo vermelho escuro-orto
Authors: Mello Francisco de A.F. de , Krug Francisco J. , Carriel José M. , Lopes Márcia I.S. , Geraldi Rodolfo N. , F. Neto Vitório L.
Published: May 2012

Este trabalho relata os resultados de um ensaio realizado com o objetivo de estudar a fixação de P por um Latossolo Vermelho Escuro-Orto, serie Iracema, de Piracicaba, Estado de São Paulo. O ensaio foi realizado em vasos de plástico, cada um recebendo 500 g de terra e os tratamentos, correspondentes a 0, 100, 200, 400, 600 e 1.200 kg/ha de P2O5 na forma de Ca (H2PO4)2. H2O. Houve 4 repetições de cada tratamento. Seguiu-se um período de incubação de 3 semanas, durante o qual as parcelas permaneceram umidecidas, entre 40 e 70% do poder de retenção de umidade. Depois foram feitos trabalhos necessários do que se concluiu que: a) grande proporção do P fixado permaneceu solúvel em H2SO4 0,05 N; b) o Fe e o Al foram importantes na fixação do P; c) o pré-tratamento do solo com Ca (H2P0(4))2· H2O reduziu-lhe a capacidade de fixação de fosfato.
Efeitos da aplicação de P, B, Zn e calagem no teor de boro e zinco das folhas de mudas de Eucalyptus grandis (Hill, Ex-Maiden) cultivadas em solo de cerrado
Authors: Rocha Filho J. V. de C. , Sarruge J. R. , Haag H. P.
Published: May 2012

Foi desenvolvido em casa de vegetação, na E. S.A."Luiz de Queiroz", em Piracicaba (SP), um experimento, utilizando-se Latossol Vermelho Amarelo, fase arenosa, originalmente sob vegetação de cerrado, do município de Itirapina (SP), cujo objetivo foi estudar os efeitos de níveis de fósforo (0, 16 e 32 ppm), boro (0, 2 e 4 ppm), zinco (0, 3 e 6 ppm) e calagem (0 e 6,0 g CaCO3 + 2,5 g MgCO3) por vaso no teor de micronutrientes de folhas de Eucalyptus grandis (Hill, Ex-Maiden). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado num esquema fatorial 3³ na presença e ausência de calagem. Cada parcela foi constituída de um vaso contendo 8,0 kg de terra e duas plantas. As adubações com boro e zinco aumentaram as concentrações desses micronutrientes nas folhas das plantas. Verificou-se acúmulo de boro nos tecidos das folhas, em níveis considerados tóxicos, quan do se adicionou ao solo 2 e 4 ppm de boro. A calagem diminuiu as concentrações de zinco das folhas das plantas.
Estudos sobre a nutrição mineral do sorgo sacarino (Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench) cv. Brands. II: absorção e redistribuição do radiofósforo
Authors: Malavolta E. , Joechn A. , Sansígolo C.A. , Martins D. , Costa E.F. , Guerrini I.A. , Ferreira J.H. , Pessenda L.C.R. , Trivelin P.C.O. , Omae S. , Carvalho S.L.C.
Published: May 2012

Foi estudada a absorção radicular do radiofósforo sob influência do tempo de contato com a solução e da concentração externa. Foi também estudada a absorção foliar dos fosfatos mono e diamônico isolados e em presença de uréia. A redistribuiçao do P absorvido pelas raízes foi acompanhada através do fracionamento das formas de fósforo nos diversos órgaos da planta analisadas em diferentes períodos.
Estudos sobre a nutrição mineral do feijão macassar (Vigna sinensis (L) Endl.). I: deficiências minerais
Authors: Dantas J. Pires , Bergamin Filho H. , Malavolta E.
Published: May 2012

Sintomas de deficiências de macro e micronutrientes foram induzidos nas variedades de Vigna sinensis "pitiúba" e "dorminhoco* cultivando-as em solução nutritiva com omissão de um elemento de cada vez. Embora os sintomas, de modo geral, concordem com os descritos na literatura para outros feijões, observou-se diferença varietal na susceptibilidade às carências.
Estudos sobre a nutrição mineral do feijão macassar (Vigna sinensis (L.) Endl.). II: efeitos das carências de macronutrientes no crescimento, produção e composição mineral
Authors: Dantas J. Pires , Bergamin Filho H. , Malavolta E.
Published: May 2012

Foram induzidas deficiências de macronutrientes em duas cultivares de Vigna sinensis cultivadas em solução nutritiva. A determinação da matéria seca das diferentes partes permitiu verificar o efeito da falta de um nutriente no crescimento e na produção. As análises minerais forneceram indicações que ajudam na avaliação do estudo nutricional.
Condicionadores químicos do solo e seus efeitos sobre os Índices físicos
Authors: Freire Wesley Jorge , Moretti Filho Justo
Published: May 2012

Dois condicionadores químicos, a carboximetilcelulose, nas dosagens de 0,1% e 0,25% em relação ao peso do solo seco, e o silicato de sódio, de relação sílica-álcali igual a 3,2, a 0,6% e 1,2% em peso, foram pesquisados quanto aos seus efeitos sobre os índices físicos dos solos argiloso e barro arenoso empregados neste trabalho. Os dados obtidos foram estatisticamente analisados e os resultados permitiram que se chegassem a algumas conclusões. O tratamento 0,25% de carboximetilcelulose diminuiu o peso específico aparente seco e aumentou, consequentemente, o índice de vazios e porosidade dos solos estudados. O efeito dos tratamentos 1,2% de silicato de sódio e 0,1% de carboximetilcelulose sobre o peso específico aparente seco dos solos argilosos e barro arenoso, respectivamente, foi semelhante ao do tratamento 0,25% de carboximetilcelulose.
Efeito do sódio na produção de matéria seca em mudas de duas cultivares de algodoeiro mocó (Gossypium hirsutum L., var. Maria Galante Hucth.): cv. '9193' e 'c-71'
Authors: Rocha Filho J.V. de C. , Oliveira G.D. de , Sarruge J.R. , Bellote A.F.J. , Tenório Z.
Published: May 2012

Durante um período de noventa dias, foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, um experimento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições. Foram testados cinco níveis de sódio (0; 4; 40; 400; 4.000 ppm de sódio) utilizando-se duas fontes, cloreto e sulfato de sódio e duas cultivares de algodoeiro mocó (G. hirsutum, var. Maria Galante, Hucth.) !9193' e 'c-71', cultivadas em solução nutritiva. Os resultados mostraram que a dose 4 ppm de sódio provocou aumento na produção de matéria seca do algodoeiro, enquanto as doses 400 e 4.000 ppm de sódio, provocaram diminuição. Ocorreu efeito negativo na produção de materia seca da cultivar '9193' provocado pelo cloreto.
Orientação cardial de parcelas experimentais e radiação solar
Authors: Marcos Zilmar Z. , Cadima Z Antonio , Villa Nova Nilson A.
Published: May 2012

O efeito da orientação cardial de uma parcela experimental sobre a variação de temperatura do solo foi estudado. Verificou-se que à latitude de 15°S, a parcela com uma inclinação de rampa de 5% apresentou diferenças mensuráveis entre as temperaturas do solo nas diversas faces de exposição, sendo mais salientes as diferenças entre as faces Norte e Sul. Os dados obtidos foram coerentes com as determinações de radiação solar recebida.
Filosofia, tom e ilusão musical em Kant: da vivificação sonora do ânimo à recepção do tom da razão
Authors: Madrid Nuria Sánchez
Published: May 2012

O artigo tenciona, primeiramente, enriquecer o estudo da função que o conceito de tom desempenha na ideia kantiana de razão, ao estendê-lo à análise da música como arte dos sons que a Crítica do Juízo contém. Em segundo lugar, propõe-se determinar os motivos pelos quais a matemática se revela incapaz, devido à especificidade do método filosófico e à corporalidade da recepção musical, respectivamente, de expressar o modo de proceder da razão e da arte dos sons. Finalmente, aponta-se para uma semelhança entre música e razão, no que diz respeito à rejeição que compartilham da queda na Schwärmerei, apesar da distância que se estabelece entre ambas enquanto duas maneiras contrárias de exercitar e fomentar a vida e o sentimento dela.
Revisão taxonômica de Leptolobium (Papilionoideae, Leguminosae)
Authors: Rodrigues Rodrigo Schütz , Tozzi Ana Maria Goulart de Azevedo
Published: May 2012

Este trabalho apresenta uma revisão taxonômica de Leptolobium Vogel, incluindo chave de identificação, descrições, ilustrações e mapas de distribuição dos táxons. Leptolobium, com 12 espécies aceitas, inclui árvores ou arbustos com flores de corola branca, actinomorfa a levemente zigomorfa, 10 estames livres, ovário estipitado multiovulado, legumes indeiscentes, samaroides ou nucoides, sementes compressas e eixo hipocótilo-radícula bulboso. Leptolobium é um gênero exclusivamente neotropical, ocorrendo desde o sul do México até o norte da Argentina. Onze espécies ocorrem no Brasil, sendo sete espécies endêmicas. O lectótipo de Sweetia glazioviana Harms é designado neste trabalho. Em adição, são apresentadas informações sobre usos, nomes populares, distribuição geográfica e habitats de cada espécie.