bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taming Hypervalent Bonds and Strained Rings for Catalysis and Synthesis
Authors: De Nanteuil Florian , Li Yifan , Vita Maria Victoria , Frei Reto , Serrano Eloisa , Racine Sophie , Waser Jérôme
Published: September 2014

Improving the synthesis of complex organic molecules is essential for progress in many fields such as medicine, agrochemicals or materials. Since 2007, our laboratory has been focusing on the development of non-classical bond disconnections based on the use of small, energy-loaded organic
molecules: hypervalent iodine reagents and strained rings. In this overview article, we report our progress since 2011 in these areas. The use of cyclic hypervalent iodine reagents has been extended to the C2-selective alkynylation of indoles, the domino cyclization alkynylation of allenes,
the alkynylation of thiols and the azidation of carbonyl compounds. Amino-substituted aminocyclopropanes and aminocyclobutanes were used in [3+2] and [4+2] annulations to access nitrogen-rich building blocks, including nucleoside analogues. The first example of dynamic kinetic [3+2] annulation
of aminocyclopropanes with both enol ethers and aldehydes was also reported.
The von Auwers Reaction – History and Synthetic Applications
Authors: Dumeunier Raphaël , Jaeckh Simon
Published: September 2014

Dienones obtained from the facile dearomatization of phenols, can be further transformed to semi-benzenes prone to rearomatize in clean, but sometimes unexpected, fashion. Over a hundred years ago, K. von Auwers found that adding Grignards on dienones would lead spontaneously to subsequent
dehydration and a novel aromatizing rearrangement. This reaction was ignored for 50 years before Melvin Newman re-investigated these findings, studied the mechanism, and developed variations on the same theme. Since then, despite the tremendous potential of the reactions, those studies were
only rarely mentioned, before finally falling into oblivion. This review aims to provide the reader with a detailed history and comprehensive bibliography of the von Auwers rearrangement, some of its synthetic applications, and new unpublished material in the hope to open new perspectives
on this forgotten reaction.
Rhetoric as a Means for Sustainable Development Policy
Authors: Plumecocq Gael
Published: September 2014

This paper examines the hypothesis that all public policies are based, at least in part, on rhetorical strategies. By analysing public policies implemented in the context of sustainable development, this article emphasises the need for and the challenges of providing legitimate foundations for the rhetorical means used to encourage change; it is these foundations that determine a given policy's efficacy. To do so, historical analyses are used, as well as socio-economic perspectives examined through textual analysis. The text concludes by showing the importance of a common framework for action based on shared values at the regional level for legitimising the political use of rhetoric to change behaviours and attitudes.
Beckett's Dances
Authors: Starte Josephine
Published: September 2014

Modern dance has been hugely influenced by the theatre, and to some extent prose, of Samuel Beckett. References to a ‘Beckettian aesthetic’ abound in dance criticism. However, critical examination of the relationship between Beckett and dance has thus far been fairly one-sided; the influence of dance on the work of Beckett is almost entirely unaccounted for. This article highlights how Beckett's plays provide unusually detailed verbal and pictographic instructions, which so meticulously prescribe the deportment and movement of the performers, that they appear to have been choreographed. Line is used in dance as a tool for notating movement and as a reflection of the linearity of the body; in Beckett, there is a clear interest in theline of limbs, and in the lines of movement. This interest in the linear is emphasized in a choreographic approach to writing that includes the use of line diagrams in the stage directions. This article interrogates the interest in highly specific movement that pervades Beckett's opus, and suggests how the plays might usefully be put in conversation with dance. The article suggests an approach to the plays that accounts for the influence of dance on Beckett's writing, and on how different types of dance and choreographic technique surface in Beckett. The article suggests how the reading, direction and performance of movement (or lack of) in Beckett's plays, might be better understood via a better understanding of dance and choreography.
Choreography of Disobedience: Beckett's Endgame
Authors: Gatti Luciano
Published: September 2014

The article discusses Beckett's staging of Endgame at the Schiller Theater in Berlin in 1967. The starting point is the debate between the reassertion of the autonomy of drama, proposed by Christoph Menke's theory of tragedy, and Hans-Thies Lehmann's theory of post-dramatic theatre. The article argues that neither of these positions provides a proper understanding of Beckett's work as a theatre director because his stagings demand the analysis both of the stage materiality, which does not appear in studies on the autonomy of drama, as the elements of epic and dramatic genres, which are hardly discussed by the theory of post-dramatic theatre. The article seeks to demonstrate that Beckett's work as a theatre director, besides its relevance to Beckett's studies, has much to contribute to the debate on contemporary theatre.
Latino Veterans with PTSD: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pittman James
Published: September 2014

Latinos have a long history of military service with recent service including combat conditions and multiple deployments, which are highly associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Clinical acumen underscores the importance of culture in assessment and treatment, but there has been little scientific literature that investigates the unique needs of veteran Latinos with PTSD. The primary goal of this systematic review was to analyze the existing literature on Latino veterans with PTSD and to critically evaluate attention to cultural issues. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses were used to guide this review. Peer-reviewed, research reports written in English on Latino Veterans with PTSD since 1980 were included; 20 were assessment related, and nine were treatment related. All studies were quantitative. Only 13 studies mentioned culture as part of the context for Latino veterans, and only seven included cultural factors as part of the study design. Present findings highlight a lack of research focused on understanding cultural factors related to the assessment and treatment of Latino veterans with PTSD. Culturally-informed research on Latino veterans from current wars, Latina veterans and Latino veteran treatment outcomes are necessary to provide culturally-appropriate care to this growing veteran subgroup.
Modeling the Shape of Ions in Pyrite-Type Crystals
Authors: Birkholz Mario
Published: September 2014

The geometrical shape of ions in crystals and the concept of ionic radii are re-considered. The re-investigation is motivated by the fact that a spherical modelling is justified for p valence shell ions on cubic lattice sites only. For the majority of point groups, however, the ionic radius must be assumed to be an anisotropic quantity. An appropriate modelling of p valence ions then has to be performed by ellipsoids. The approach is tested for pyrite-structured dichalcogenides MX2, with chalcogen ions X = O, S, Se and Te. The latter are found to exhibit the shape of ellipsoids being compressed along the <111> symmetry axes, with two radii r|| and r⊥ describing their spatial extension. Based on this ansatz, accurate interatomic M–X distances can be derived and a consistent geometrical model emerges for pyrite-structured compounds. Remarkably, the volumes of chalcogen ions are found to vary only little in different MX2 compounds, suggesting the ionic volume rather than the ionic radius to behave as a crystal-chemical constant.
Synthesis of Ru2Br(μ-O2CC6H4–R)4 (R = o-Me, m-Me, p-Me) Using Microwave Activation: Structural and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Delgado-Martínez Patricia , Elvira-Bravo Alejandra , González-Prieto Rodrigo , Priego José , Jimenez-Aparicio Reyes , Torres M.
Published: September 2014

New bromidotetracarboxylatodiruthenium(II,III) compounds of the type [Ru2Br(μ-O2CC6H4–R)4]n [R = o-Me (1), m-Me (2), p-Me (3)] have been prepared using microwave-assisted methods. Syntheses by means of solvothermal and conventional activations have also been carried out to compare different preparation methods. The crystal structure determination of complexes 1–3 is also described. All compounds display a typical carboxylate-bridged paddlewheel-type structure with the metal atoms connected by four bridging carboxylate ligands. The axial bromide ligands connect the dimetallic units giving one-dimensional zigzag chains. The magnetic properties of all compounds have also been analyzed. Weak antiferromagnetic intermolecular interactions mediated by the bromide ligands and an appreciable zero field splitting are calculated in the fits of the magnetic data of these complexes.
Molecular Processes Studied at a Single-Molecule Level Using DNA Origami Nanostructures and Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Bald Ilko , Keller Adrian
Published: September 2014

DNA origami nanostructures allow for the arrangement of different functionalities such as proteins, specific DNA structures, nanoparticles, and various chemical modifications with unprecedented precision. The arranged functional entities can be visualized by atomic force microscopy (AFM) which enables the study of molecular processes at a single-molecular level. Examples comprise the investigation of chemical reactions, electron-induced bond breaking, enzymatic binding and cleavage events, and conformational transitions in DNA. In this paper, we provide an overview of the advances achieved in the field of single-molecule investigations by applying atomic force microscopy to functionalized DNA origami substrates.
NDVI-Based Long-Term Vegetation Dynamics and Its Response to Climatic Change in the Mongolian Plateau
Authors: Bao Gang , Qin Zhihao , Bao Yuhai , Zhou Yi , Li Wenjuan , Sanjjav Amarjargal
Published: September 2014

The response of vegetation to regional climate change was quantified between 1982 and 2010 in the Mongolian plateau by integrating the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) Global Inventory Modeling and Mapping Studies (GIMMS) normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) (1982–2006) and the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) NDVI (2000–2010). Average NDVI values for the growing season (April–October) were extracted from the AVHRR and MODIS NDVI datasets after cross-calibrating and consistency checking the dataset, based on the overlapping period of 2000–2006. Correlations between NDVI and climatic variables (temperature and precipitation) were analyzed to understand the impact of climate change on vegetation dynamics in the plateau. The results indicate that the growing-season NDVI generally exhibited an upward trend with both temperature and precipitation before the mid- or late 1990s. However, a downward trend in the NDVI with significantly decreased precipitation has been observed since the mid- or late 1990s. This is an apparent reversal in the NDVI trend from 1982 to 2010. Pixel-based analysis further indicated that the timing of the NDVI trend reversal varied across different regions and for different vegetation types. We found that approximately 66% of the plateau showed an increasing trend before the reversal year, whereas 60% showed a decreasing trend afterwards. The vegetation decline in the last decade is mostly attributable to the recent tendency towards a hotter and drier climate and the associated widespread drought stress. Monitoring precipitation stress and associated vegetation dynamics will be important for raising the alarm and performing risk assessments for drought disasters and other related natural disasters like sandstorms.
Role of Morphological Structure, Doping, and Coating of Different Materials in the Sensing Characteristics of Humidity Sensors
Authors: Tripathy Ashis , Pramanik Sumit , Cho Jongman , Santhosh Jayasree , Abu Osman Noor
Published: September 2014

The humidity sensing characteristics of different sensing materials are important properties in order to monitor different products or events in a wide range of industrial sectors, research and development laboratories as well as daily life. The primary aim of this study is to compare the sensing characteristics, including impedance or resistance, capacitance, hysteresis, recovery and response times, and stability with respect to relative humidity, frequency, and temperature, of different materials. Various materials, including ceramics, semiconductors, and polymers, used for sensing relative humidity have been reviewed. Correlations of the different electrical characteristics of different doped sensor materials as the most unique feature of a material have been noted. The electrical properties of different sensor materials are found to change significantly with the morphological changes, doping concentration of different materials and film thickness of the substrate. Various applications and scopes are pointed out in the review article. We extensively reviewed almost all main kinds of relative humidity sensors and how their electrical characteristics vary with different doping concentrations, film thickness and basic sensing materials. Based on statistical tests, the zinc oxide-based sensing material is best for humidity sensor design since it shows extremely low hysteresis loss, minimum response and recovery times and excellent stability.
An Assessment Framework for Cities Coping with Climate Change: The Case of New York City and its PlaNYC 2030
Authors: Jabareen Yosef
Published: September 2014

Climate change and its resulting uncertainties challenge the concepts, procedures, and scope of conventional approaches to planning, creating a need to rethink and revise current planning methods. This paper proposes a new conceptual framework for assessing city plans based on the idea of sustainability and planning countering climate change. It applies this framework to assess the recent master plan for the city of New York City: PlaNYC 2030. The framework consists of eight concepts that were identified through conceptual analyses of the planning and interdisciplinary literature on sustainability and climate change. Using the proposed conceptual framework to evaluate PlaNYC 2030 reveals some of the merits of the Plan. PlaNYC promotes greater compactness and density, enhanced mixed land use, sustainable transportation, greening, and renewal and utilization of underused land. With regard to the concept of uncertainty, it addresses future uncertainties related to climate change with institutional measures only. From the perspective of ecological economics, the Plan creates a number of mechanisms to promote its climate change goals and to create a cleaner environment for economic investment. It offers an ambitious vision of reducing emissions by 30% and creating a “greener, greater New York,” and links this vision with the international agenda for climate change. On the other hand, the assessment reveals that PlaNYC did not make a radical shift toward planning for climate change and adaptation. It inadequately addresses social planning issues that are crucial to New York City. NYC is “socially differentiated” in terms of the capacity of communities to meet climate change uncertainties, and the Plan fails to address the issues facing vulnerable communities due to climate change. The Plan calls for an integrative approach to climate change on the institutional level, but it fails to effectively integrate civil society, communities, and grassroots organizations into the process. The lack of a systematic procedure for public participation throughout the city’s neighborhoods and among different social groupings and other stakeholders is a critical shortcoming, particularly during the current age of climate change uncertainty. Practically, the proposed conceptual framework of evaluate appears to be an effective and constructive means of illuminating the Plan’s strengths and weaknesses, and appears to be an easy-to-grasp evaluation method, and should be easily understood and applied by scholars, practitioners and policy makers.
Using Drainage Slots in Permeable Paving Blocks to Delay the Effects of Clogging: Proof of Concept Study
Authors: Lucke Terry
Published: September 2014

Permeable interlocking concrete pavements (PICP) are specifically designed to remove sediment and other pollutants from stormwater runoff. Over time, this can lead to clogging of the PICP system. Previous research has shown that much of the clogging occurs on the bedding aggregate directly below the paving joints, while the remainder of the aggregate is unaffected. This paper describes a proof of concept study to delay the effects of clogging by making more efficient use of the bedding aggregate used in PICP systems. Lateral drainage slots were cut into the underside of PICP blocks to allow sediment-laden stormwater to access, and be filtered by, a greater surface area of bedding aggregate. Eight different slot designs were trialed in the study to determine which of the slot designs made the most efficient use of the bedding aggregate to filter the sediment from the stormwater. The study results demonstrated that the eight drainage slot designs deposited between 25% and 366% more sediment (by weight) beneath the pavers than the control pavement. The results of the study suggest that PICP systems with drainage slots cast into their bases would take much longer to clog than unmodified pavers, thereby proving the concept of this study.
Effect of Biocompatible Peritoneal Dialysis Solution on Residual Renal Function: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Seo Eun-Young , An Sook Hee , Cho Jang-Hee , Suh Hae Sun , Park Sun-Hee , Gwak Hyesun , Kim Yong-Lim , Ha Hunjoo
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Residual renal function (RRF) plays an important role in outcome of peritoneal dialysis (PD) including mortality. It is, therefore, important to provide a strategy for the preservation of RRF. The objective of this study was to evaluate relative protective effects of new glucose-based multicompartmental PD solution (PDS), which is well known to be more biocompatible than glucose-based conventional PDS, on RRF compared to conventional PDS by performing a systematic review (SR) of randomized controlled trials.

Methods

We searched studies presented up to January 2014 in MEDLINE, EMBASE, the COCHRANE library, and local databases. Three independent reviewers reviewed and extracted prespecified data from each study. The random effects model, a more conservative analysis model, was used to combine trials and to perform stratified analyses based on the duration of follow-up. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Handbook for risk of bias. Eleven articles with 1,034 patients were identified for the SR.

Results

The heterogeneity of the studies under 12 months was very high, and the heterogeneity decreased substantially when we stratified studies by the duration of follow-up. The mean difference of the studies after 12 months was 0.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 (95% confidence interval = 0.25 to + 0.67).

Conclusion

New PDS showed the effect to preserve and improve RRF for long-term use compared to conventional PDS, even though it did not show a significant difference to preserve RRF for short-term use.
Association of Pulmonary Hypertension with Mortality in Incident Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Xu Qingdong , Xiong Liping , Fan Li , Xu Fenghua , Yang Yan , Li Huiyan , Peng Xuan , Cao Shirong , Zheng Zhihua , Yang Xiao , Yu Xueqing , Mao Haiping
Published: September 2014

Background

The prognostic value of pulmonary hypertension at the start of peritoneal dialysis (PD) in patient survival is unclear.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of incident patients who initiated PD therapy from January 2007 to December 2011, and followed up through June 2013. Pulmonary hypertension was defined as an estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) of ≥ 35 mm Hg using echocardiography. Clinical parameters and laboratory findings were compared between patients with and without pulmonary hypertension and a logistic regression model was elaborated. Patient outcomes (all-cause and cardiovascular mortality) were recorded during follow-up. Survival curves were constructed by the Kaplan-Meier method, and the influences of pulmonary hypertension on outcomes were analyzed by Cox regression models.

Results

Pulmonary hypertension was prevalent in 99 (16.0%) of the 618 patients studied. The independent risk factors for pulmonary hypertension were female (odds ratio [OR] = 2.12; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29 – 3.46), left atrial diameter (OR = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.10 – 1.20), left ventricular ejection fraction (OR = 0.97; 95% CI: 0.95 – 0.99), and serum sodium (OR = 0.94; 95% CI: 0.89 – 0.99). Over a median follow-up of 29.4 months, 93 patients (15.0%) died, 59.1% of them due to cardiovascular disease. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that patients with pulmonary hypertension had worse overall rates of survival and cardiovascular death-free survival than those without pulmonary hypertension. After multivariate adjustment, pulmonary hypertension was independently associated with increased risk for both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, with hazard ratios (HRs) of 2.10 (95% CI: 1.35 – 3.27) and 2.60 (95% CI: 1.48 – 4.56), respectively.

Conclusions

The prevalence of pulmonary hypertension at the start of PD was common and associated with increased risk of both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in incident PD patients.
Baseline Fgf23 is Associated with Cardiovascular Outcome in Incident Pd Patients
Authors: Kim Hyo Jin , Park Miseon , Park Hayne Cho , Jeong Jong Cheol , Kim Dong Ki , Joo Kwon Wook , Hwang Young-Hwan , Yang Jaeseok , Ahn Curie , Oh Kook-Hwan
Published: September 2014

♦ Background

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a phosphate regulating protein. Several studies demonstrated that elevated FGF23 is independently associated with mortality for early-stage chronic kidney disease and incident hemodialysis (HD) patients. However, little is known about the significance of elevated FGF23 in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Here, we analyzed the association of FGF23 with cardiovascular (CV) events, all-cause mortality, residual renal function (RRF), and CV parameters in PD patients.

♦ Methods

The present study is a single-center, retrospective study. Patients who started PD at Seoul National University Hospital between January 2005 and July 2011 and whose baseline serum samples were available were enrolled. C-terminal FGF23 was measured. Subjects were divided into 2 groups; lower 2 tertiles (FGF23 ≤ 119.0 RU/mL) and top tertile (FGF23 > 119.0 RU/mL). The primary outcome was time to fatal or non-fatal CV events. In the subgroup analysis, the associations of FGF23 with aortic stiffness or with vascular calcification were analyzed.

♦Results

A total of 205 incident PD patients were analyzed. Mean duration of follow-up was 41.6 ± 20.0 months. The baseline median FGF23 level was 78.6 RU/mL (interquartile range [IQR], 34.1 – 155.0). At baseline, subjects in the higher FGF23 group were younger, and had a lower RRF, lower prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM), and cerebrovascular disease. During follow-up, 22 of the 205 patients (10.7%) reached primary outcome. After adjustment for age, DM, pre-existing coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, congestive heart failure, and left ventricular mass index, the higher FGF23 group exhibited significantly higher risk of primary outcome, compared with the lower group (hazard ratio [HR], 2.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05 – 6.12; p = 0.045). There were no significant differences in all-cause mortality and development of anuria between the 2 FGF23 groups. In the subgroup analysis, FGF23 groups were not associated with pulse wave velocity and abdominal aortic calcification score.

♦ Conclusion

Elevated FGF23 is associated with higher risk of adverse CV outcome for incident PD patients.
Palladium-catalysed cyclisation of alkenols: Synthesis of oxaheterocycles as core intermediates of natural compounds
Authors: Palík Miroslav , Kožíšek Jozef , Koóš Peter , Gracza Tibor
Published: September 2014

The study of Pd-catalysed cyclisation reactions of alkenols using different catalytic systems is reported. These transformations affect the stereoselective construction of mono- and/or bicyclic oxaheterocyclic derivatives depending on a starting alkenol. The substrate scope and proposed mechanism of Pd-catalysed cyclisation reactions are also discussed. Moreover, the diastereoselective Pd-catalysed cyclisation of appropriate alkenols to tetrahydrofurans and subsequent cyclisation provided properly substituted 2,5-dioxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane and 2,6-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane, respectively. Such bicyclic ring subunits are found in many natural products including ocellenynes and aurovertines.
Contraindre et habiliter : la double dimension des outils de contrôle
Authors: Ragaigne Aurélien , Oiry Ewan , Grimand Amaury
Published: September 2014

Les travaux de Michel Foucault ont fondé un courant de recherche qui a mis en évidence les mécanismes permettant aux dispositifs de contrôle de contraindre les individus. Le lien entre savoir et pouvoir joue un rôle majeur dans cette dynamique. Cet article propose d’enrichir ces travaux avec ceux d’Armand Hatchuel qui a prolongé la réflexion que Michel Foucault a réalisée sur ce lien. Les savoirs ont en effet, une double facette : ils contraignent mais, par leur dimension réflexive, ils habilitent aussi les salariés. Les savoirs leur permettent de développer de nouveaux comportements qu’ils ont eux-mêmes définis. Sur cette base conceptuelle, notre recherche souligne que les outils de contrôle ont simultanément cette double dimension de contrainte et d’habilitation. L’étude de ces dimensions apparaît ainsi comme une clé particulièrement importante pour l’analyse des usages des outils de contrôle. Dans cet article, nous présentons deux études de cas mettant en évidence cette double dimension d’habilitation et de contrainte. Les données collectées ont été obtenues à partir d’entretiens semi-directifs et d’études documentaires approfondies. La première étude de cas montre qu’un outil de contrôle des compétences initialement conçu dans une logique d’habilitation peut être utilisé dans une optique plus contraignante. Inversement, la deuxième étude de cas montre qu’une enquête de satisfaction, un outil initialement plutôt orienté vers la contrainte, peut aussi habiliter les salariés. Dans la discussion, ces résultats empiriques sont utilisés pour enrichir la littérature existante sur ls’articulation des dimensions habilitante et contraignante des outils de contrôle.
Quels facteurs influencent la satisfaction des cadres à l'égard de l'équilibre des temps (personnel et professionnel) ?
Authors: Genin Émilie
Published: September 2014

Cet article s’intéresse aux facteurs pouvant influencer la satisfaction des cadres à l’égard de l’équilibre entre temps personnel et temps professionnel. Il présente les résultats d’une enquête menée par la CFDT Cadres auprès de cadres français. Le premier constat reflète une insatisfaction généralisée des participants face à l’équilibre des temps. En second lieu, l’équilibre des temps semble plus lié à des facteurs professionnels – la charge de travail ressentie, le manque d’autonomie pour prendre ses jours de congés, le temps de trajet entre le lieu de travail et le domicile ainsi que le débordement du travail sur le temps personnel – qu’à des facteurs individuels – âge et sexe.
Competencias profesionales de los postgraduados en el Máster de Gestión de la Documentación, Bibliotecas y Archivos desde la perspectiva de empleadores, estudiantes y profesores
Authors: Arias-Coello Alicia , Simón-Blas Clara , Simón-Martín José
Published: September 2014

El presente estudio ha sido realizado para identificar en qué medida el Programa de Máster en Gestión de la Documentación, Bibliotecas y Archivos, ofertado por la Facultad de Ciencias de la Documentación de la UCM, incluye un conjunto de competencias consideradas como importantes por los empleadores, los profesores y los estudiantes del máster. Con este fin, se elaboró un cuestionario que fue enviado a empleadores del sector de la documentación y a profesores y estudiantes del máster para que valorasen la importancia de 29 competencias. A los profesores y estudiantes se les solicitó, además, su opinión acerca del grado en que dicha competencia estaba incluida en el máster. Como resultado más destacable podemos señalar: la existencia de una diferencia significativa en las valoraciones que hacen los estudiantes sobre la importancia de cada competencia y la satisfacción con su aprendizaje. El modelo de evaluación presentado permite, además, identificar las deficiencias en el currículo del máster y establecer las recomendaciones para su mejora.
Repercusión de los rankings universitarios en la prensa española
Authors: González-Riaño Mª Guadalupe , Repiso Rafael , Delgado López-Cózar Emilio
Published: September 2014

La proliferación de rankings de universidades en las últimas décadas y su papel emergente en la evaluación de los sistemas universitarios justifican el estudio de estos productos en los medios de masas. El presente trabajo pretende estudiar la repercusión que han tenido los ranking de universidades en la prensa española durante 160 meses, periodo comprendido entre el 1 de enero de 1998 hasta el 30 de abril de 2012, para ello se ha utilizado MyNewsOnline®. Se analiza la producción temporal, territorial y por cabeceras. Igualmente se estudian las noticias que han generado los principales rankings de universidades. Los resultados demuestran el creciente interés de los medios por estas herramientas científicas, especialmente por parte de la prensa de ámbito nacional. En las cabeceras de cobertura nacional destacan los rankings ARWU y Times, mientras que en la prensa local lo hace el Scimago. Las cabeceras más productivas son El País, La Vanguardia y ABC.
The Development of a Semi-Autonomous Framework for Personal Assistant Robots - SRS Project
Authors: Qiu R. , Ji Z. , Chivarov N. , Arbeiter G. , Weisshardt F. , Rooker M. , Lopez R. , Kronreif G. , Spanel M. , Li D.
Published: September 2014

SRS is a European research project for building robust personal assistant robots using ROS (Robotic Operating System) and Care-O-bot (COB) 3 as the demonstration platform. A semi-autonomous framework has been developed in the project. It consists of an autonomous control structure and user interfaces that support the semi-autonomous operation. The control structure is divided into two parts. First, it has an automatic task planner, which initialises actions on the symbolic level. The planner produces proactive robotic behaviours based on updated semantic knowledge. Second, it has an action executive for coordination actions at the level of sensing and actuation. The executive produces reactive behaviours in well-defined domains. The two parts are integrated by fuzzy logic based symbolic grounding. As a whole, they represent the framework for autonomous control. Based on the framework, SRS user interfaces are integrated on top of COB's existing capabilities to enable robust fetch and carry in unstructured environments.
Elastic Translational Joint for Large Translation of Motion Using Spiral Structures
Authors: Ha Cheol Woo , Yang Dong-Yol
Published: September 2014

As micro- and nano-devices become smaller, the ability to manipulate them with highly accurate control is increasingly important as well. The design of a micro-joint is important for highly accurate movement. In this paper, the authors discuss a new micro translational joint based on an elastic-design concept for large, precise translational motion. Using the elastic deformation of spiral structures, the new translational joint is able to accomplish precise movements over long distances. Because the proposed translational joint is integrated, there is no gap and it is thus able to move without friction. Through finite element method (FEM) simulation, the proposed translational joint was estimated to have large, but still precise, translational motion. An experiment was conducted on the optical tweezer with the result showings that the proposed joint is also capable of large, precise translational movement at the micro scale. Therefore, it is expected that there will be many applications for which the proposed translational joint can be used for the precise manipulation of micro and nano-scale devices.
Gray Seal Behavior in a Fish Weir Observed Using Dual-Frequency Identification Sonar
Authors: Nichols Owen C. , Eldredge Ernie , Cadrin Steven X.
Published: September 2014

AbstractMarine mammal depredation can have significant negative effects on the performance of fixed fishing gears. Gray seals (Halichoerus grypus grypus) have been observed feeding on fish weir catches in Nantucket Sound, and remnants of longfin inshore squid (Doryteuthis
pealeii) and finfish in the nets are attributable to seal depredation. A dual-frequency identification sonar (DIDSON) deployed in a weir to monitor squid and fish occurrence captured observations of seal presence and behavior. Continuous recordings of 24+ h were subsampled at multiple
intervals to optimize the likelihood of seal detection while minimizing processing time. Targets detected and identified to species included squid, bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix), and gray seals. Seal occurrence in the weir was observed primarily at night. The presence and behavior
of seals may negatively affect the efficiency of the weir due to disruption of the passage of schooling squid and finfish into the catch chamber. Behavioral observations collected using DIDSON can aid in the design of fishing gear modifications to reduce seal depredation.
Design, Modeling and Optimization of an Ocean Wave Power Generation Buoy
Authors: Velez Carlos , Qu Zhihua , Lin Kuo-Chi , Jin Shiyuan
Published: September 2014

Abstract Ocean waves provide an abundant, clean, and renewable source of energy. Existing systems, typically hydraulic turbines powered by high-pressure fluids, are very large in size and costly. Additionally, they require large ocean waves in which to operate. This paper
details the design, development, and laboratory prototype testing of a wave power generation system comprising a buoy that houses a set of mechanical devices and a permanent magnetic generator. The buoy, floating on the surface of the ocean, utilizes the vertical movement of ocean waves to
pull on a chain anchored to the ocean floor. The linear motion is translated into rotation, which rotates a shaft to move armature coils within the generator to produce an electric current. The amount of energy generated increases with wave height and input frequency. The flywheel inertia,
shaft rotation speed, and electrical load are optimized to provide maximize electricity production. The paper addresses the design, analysis, and implementation of mechanical and electrical systems, together with resistive load control, system optimization, and performance analysis. Both simulation
and experimental results are provided and compared.
HEMATOPOIETIC CELL TRANSPLANTATION FOR OLDER PATIENTS WITH MDS
Authors: Shadman Mazyar , Deeg Joachim
Published: September 2014

The incidence of myeloid malignancies, including myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) increases with age. While several therapeutic modalities have been developed, for most of these patients the only treatment with curative potential is allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). The development of reduced/low intensity transplant conditioning regimens allows to successfully transplant patients in their ‘60s and even ‘70s, although comorbidities may determine who does come to transplantation and who does not. Also, as many as half of the patients will develop graft versus host disease (GVHD), even with HLA matched  donors, requiring therapy for extended periods of time,  and GVHD and treatment  with glucocorticoids is likely to impact the quality  of life. Nevertheless, dependent upon disease stage at HCT, the presence of comorbidities and the regimen used, 30% to 50% of patients  60 years of age or older, may survive long-term cured of their disease. Future studies should focus on the incorporation of non-transplant modalities into the overall transplant approach, the prevention of GVHD, and the utilization of immunotherapy to reduce the incidence of relapse and GVHD and further improve overall transplant success.
PREDICTORS OF MORTALITY IN MECHANICALLY VENTILATED CRITICAL PERTUSSIS IN A LOW INCOME COUNTRY: NEW RESURGENCE IN 2013.
Authors: Borgi Aida
Published: September 2014

Background: Critical pertussis is characterized by severe respiratory failure, severe leukocytosis, pulmonary hypertension, septic shock and encephalopathy.Aim: To describe the clinical course of critical pertussis and identify predictors of death at the time of presentation for medical care.Methodology: retrospective study conducted in children’s hospital Tunisian PICU between 01 January and 31 october 2013. Patients with critical pertussis confirmed by RT-PCR and requiring mechanical ventilation were included. Predictors of death were studied.Results : A total of 17 patients were included. Median age was 50 days. Mortality was 23%. Predictors  risk of mortality  were high PRISM (p=0,007), shock (p=0,002), tachycardia (p=0,005), seizures (p=0,006), altered mental status(p=0,006), elevated WBC count (p=0,003) and hemodynamic support (p=0022). However difference did not reach statistical significance in comorbidity, pneumoniae, high pulmonary hypertension or exchange transfusion. Concomitant viral or bacterial coinfection wasn’t related to poor outcome.Conclusion: Young infants are at high risk to have critical pertussis. Despite advances in life support and the treatment of organ failure in childhood critical illness, critical pertussis remains difficult to treat.
A PROSPECTIVE, OBSERVATIONAL STUDY OF ADVERSE REACTIONS TO DRUG REGIME FOR MULTI-DRUG RESISTANT PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS IN CENTRAL INDIA.
Authors: Hire Dr. Rohan C. , Kale Dr. A. S. , Dakhale Dr. G. N. , Gaikwad Dr. Nilesh N.
Published: September 2014

AbstractObjective: 1) To assess the adverse drug reactions of second line anti-tubercular drugs used to treat Multi-drug resistant Tuberculosis (MDR TB) in central India on the basis of causality, severity and avoidability scales. 2) To study the relationship of type of MDR TB (primary or secondary) and presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) with mean smear conversion time. Material and Methods: A prospective, observational study was carried out on diagnosed multidrug resistant tuberculosis patients enrolled for DOTS‑Plus regimen at TB and Chest Disease Department from January to December 2012. They were followed for 9 months thereafter and encountered adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were noted along with the time of sputum conversion. The data were analysed by Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test and unpaired student’s‘t’ test. Results: Total 64 ADRs were reported in 55 patients out of total 110 patients (n = 110). As per the Naranjo causality assessment of ADRs, 7 patients had “definite” causal relation, 45 had “probable” causal relation and 3 had “possible” causal relation with drugs of DOTS Plus regime. As per the Hartwig’s severity assessment scale, there were total 7 ADRs in Level 1, 6 in Level 2, 33 in Level 3 and 9 in Level 4. Hallas avoidability assessment scale divided the ADRs as 3 being “Definitely avoidable”, 26 “Possibly avoidable”, 23 “Not avoidable” and 3 “unevaluable”. ). Mean sputum smear conversion time is significantly higher in patients with secondary type than that of primary type of MDR TB (p = 0.0001) and in patients with DM than those without DM (p <0.0001). Conclusion: ADRs were common in patients of MDR TB on DOTs-Plus drug regime. It was due to lack of availability of safer and equally potent drugs in DOTs-Plus drug regime compared to DOTS regime in non-resistant TB. The frequency and severity of ADRs can be reduced by strict vigilance about known and unknown ADRs, monitoring their laboratory and clinical parameters and instituting appropriate measures.Keywords: Adverse drug reactions, Avoidability, Causality, DOTs-Plus, MDR TB, Severity.
PROGNOSTIC SIGNIFICANCE AND TREATMENT IMPLICATIONS OF MINIMAL RESIDUAL DISEASE STUDIES IN PHILADELPHIA-NEGATIVE ADULT ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA
Authors: Spinelli Orietta , Tosi Manuela , Peruta Barbara , Guinea Montalvo Marie Lorena , Maino Elena , Scattolin Anna Maria , Parolini Margherita , Viero Piera , Rambaldi Alessandro , Bassan Renato
Published: September 2014

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is curable in about 40-50% of adult patients, however this is subject to ample variations owing to several host- and disease-related prognostic characteristics. Currently, the study of minimal residual disease (MRD) following induction and early consolidation therapy stands out as the most sensitive individual prognostic marker to define the risk of relapse following the achievement of remission, and ultimately that of treatment failure or success. Because substantial therapeutic advancement is now being achieved using intensified pediatric-type regimens, MRD analysis is especially useful to orientate stem cell transplantation choices. These strategic innovations are progressively leading to greater than 50% cure rates.
Infantile subdural empyema: The role of brain sonography and percutaneous subdural tapping in a resource-challenged region
Authors: Kanu Okezie Obasi , Nnoli Chinenye , Olowoyeye Omodele , Ojo Omotayo , Esezobor Christopher , Adeyomoye Adekunle , Bankole Olufemi , Asoegwu Chinyere , Temiye Edamisan
Published: September 2014

Background This study explored the outcome of children with patent anterior fontanelles who were treated with trans-fontanelle ultrasound scan (TFUSS), which is more affordable and available than CT scan and MRI in the diagnosis of childhood intracranial pathologies and treatment of subdural empyema, in developing countries. Patients and Methods: Seventeen infants with post-meningitic subdural empyema, diagnosed using trans-fontanelle ultrasound alone and treated with subdural tapping over a 31-months period, were studied. Results: Eleven patients presented with grades II and III Bannister and William grading for level of consciousness in intracranial subdural empyema. Aspirate from 7 (41.2%) patients were sterile. The most common organisms isolated were Streptococcus faecalis 3 (17.6%), Haemophilus Influenza 2 (11.8) and Staphylococcus aureus 2 (11.8), multiple organisms were isolated in three of the patients. Ninety-four percent (94%) of the patients had good outcome. Five subjects developed hydrocephalus, one patient had a recurrence of subdural empyema, four patients had residual hemiparesis, two of the four patients had speech difficulties, while one patient (~6%) died. Conclusion: While CT and MRI remain the gold standard for investigating intracranial lesions, transfontanelle ultrasonography is adequate for diagnosis of infantile subdural empyema in resource-challenged areas. Percutaneous subdural tap is an affordable and effective therapy in such patients with financial challenges.
A case of Ross syndrome presented with Horner and chronic cough
Authors: Baran Aslihan , Balbaba Mehmet , Demir Caner F. , Özdemir Hasan H.
Published: September 2014

Ross syndrome is a rare sweating disorder associated with Adie’s tonic pupil, decreased or diminished tendon reflex and unknown etiology. Although autonomic disturbances affecting sudomotor and vasomotor functions are seen commonly, they are rarely symptomatic. While Ross syndrome is typically characterized with dilated tonic pupil, it may be rarely manifested with miotic pupils (little old Adie’s pupil), which can make diagnosis difficult. In this article, we aim to specify the atypical clinical manifestations of syndrome by means of Ross syndrome manifested by autonomic symptoms, Horner syndrome, chronic cough together with bilateral little old Adie’s pupil.
Ischemic stroke following abuse of Marijuana in a Nigerian adult male
Authors: Oyinloye Olalekan , Nzeh Donald , Yusuf Ayodeji , Sanya Emmanuel
Published: September 2014

Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug among adolescents and young adults. Despite its widespread use, only a few reports exist on the association of cannabis use and stroke. A 26-year-old Nigerian male, developed right-sided ischemic stroke few hours after smoking three wraps of cannabis. He had smoked cannabis consistently for the past 4 years prior to the development of the stroke. Known stroke etiology and abuse of other illicit drugs were ruled out from history and investigations. Neuroimaging studies of the brain revealed infarcts in basal ganglia secondary to occlusion of blood flow in the left anterior and middle cerebral arteries. The mechanism of stroke in this patient was thought to be a cannabis-induced vasculopathy. Many cases of stroke in the young are increasingly being seen in hospitals in resource scarce countries. There seems to be a predilection for the basal ganglia in ischemic stroke following cannabis abuse. Therefore, cannabis abuse should be considered in young adults with basal ganglia infarcts, after excluding other known etiologies.
Psychiatric disorders revealing multiple sclerosis after 20 years of evolvement
Authors: Sennou Aicha Slassi , Boujraf Saïd , Belahsen Mohammed Faouzi , Messouak Ouafae
Published: September 2014

Previous research indicates that the onset of psychiatric disorders is sometimes associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) evolving several years later. However, information on why this might occur, and on the outcomes of such patients, is still lacking. We aim to discuss these limitations with the current paper. We describe a 51-year-old female who demonstrated severe anxiety disorder and depression years before developing MS neurological symptoms. The patient was treated for these psychiatric disorders over 20 years. In the last 3 years of her treatment, the patient demonstrated a choreic-type of movement disorder in all her limbs. This disorder is consistent with relapsing-remitting MS. Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations demonstrated aspects of MS, without MS being diagnosed conclusively. The visual evoked potential indicated a diagnosis of conduction abnormalities. The established diagnosis was slow relapsing MS. The patient underwent methylprednisolone bolus (1 g/day). This case-study suggests that health professionals should conduct a full neurological assessment when they find atypical psychiatric symptoms in a patient. This would make sure that patients receive a better standard of care, and thus experience a better quality of life.
Malignant nodular hidradenoma of scalp
Authors: Maiti Tanmoy , Somanna Sampath , Devi Bhagavatula Indira , Unchagi Asha , Shukla Dhaval
Published: September 2014

Malignant nodular hidradenoma (MNH) is a rare tumor of sweat gland known by many names in the literature. Scalp is a known and yet uncommon site of occurrence. We describe two patients with scalp MNH with brain parenchymal invasion. Both tumors recurred in spite of total excision and radiotherapy.