bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Partial two-stage exchange of the infected total hip replacement using disposable spacer moulds
Authors: Lombardi Jr A. V. , Berend K. R. , Adams J. B.
Published: November 2014

The common recommended treatment for infected total hip replacement is two-staged exchange including removal of all components. However, removal of well-fixed femoral stems can result in structural bone damage. We recently reported on an alternative treatment of partial two-stage exchange used in selected cases, in which a well-fixed femoral stem was left and only the acetabular component removed, the joint space was debrided thoroughly, an antibiotic-laden polymethylmethacrylate spacer was moulded using a bulb-type syringe and placed in the acetabulum, intravenous antibiotics were administered during the interval, and delayed re-implantation was performed. In 19 patients treated with this technique from January 2000 to January 2011, 89% were free of infection at a mean follow-up of four years (2 to 11). Since then, disposable silicone moulds have become available to fabricate spacers in separate femoral and head units. The head spacer mould, which incorporates various neck taper adapter options, greatly facilitates the technique of partial two-stage exchange. We report our early experience using disposable silicone head spacer moulds for partial two-stage exchange in seven patients with infected primary hip replacements.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B(11 Suppl A):66–9
Metal-on-metal hip surface replacement
Authors: Dunbar M. J. , Prasad V. , Weerts B. , Richardson G.
Published: November 2014

Metal-on-metal resurfacing of the hip (MoMHR) has enjoyed a resurgence in the last decade, but is now again in question as a routine option for osteoarthritis of the hip. Proponents of hip resurfacing suggest that its survival is superior to that of conventional hip replacement (THR), and that hip resurfacing is less invasive, is easier to revise than THR, and provides superior functional outcomes. Our argument serves to illustrate that none of these proposed advantages have been realised and new and unanticipated serious complications, such as pseudotumors, have been associated with the procedure. As such, we feel that the routine use of MoMHR is not justified.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B(11 Suppl A):17–21.
La percepción de los padres sobre la crianza de los hijos.
Authors: García Méndez Mirna , Rivera Aragón Sofía , Reyes Lagunes Isabel
Published: November 2014

El objetivo del estudio fue elaborar una escala para evaluar los estilos de crianza utilizados por padres y madres. La muestra fue no probabilística y estuvo conformada por 790 participantes, 350 padres y 440 madres de la ciudad de México, con un promedio de edad de 36.34 años. La edad de los hijos fue de 6 a 12 años. Se elaboró una escala Likert con seis opciones de respuesta (totalmente en desacuerdo-totalmente de acuerdo). Los participantes respondieron la escala de manera voluntaria. Después de realizar el análisis psicométrico a los reactivos (sesgo, correlación ítem total, t de Student para grupos extremos, análisis factorial de componentes principales con rotación ortogonal, alpha de Cronbach) la escala quedó integrada por 24 reactivos distribuidos en cinco factores: castigo, permisivo, emocional negativo, control conductual, y cognición negativa. Se concluye que se obtuvo una escala válida y confiable para evaluar los estilos de crianza empleados por padres y madres.
Epistemological perspectives in the scientific study and evaluation of executive function.
Authors: Armengol de la Miyar Carmen G. , Moes Elisabeth J.
Published: November 2014

In this article, epistemological perspectives that have shaped and affected the scientific quest for understanding what neuropsychologists term “executive functions” are reviewed. Executive functions refer to the control functions of cognition and behavior. The underlying thesis of the paper is that one’s epistemological orientation determines how one sees the interaction between brain functions and our status in the world. Each different orientation thus carries with it implications with regard to how executive functions operate, as well as how, therefore, one should try to assess them. Until recently, these functions were approached through two primary epistemological points of view. One is analytic, which has its roots in the positivistic movement. The other approach is synthetic, otherwise known as “romantic science”, and forms the basis of the work of the prominent Russian neuropsychologist A.R. Luria. A third epistemological perspective, articulated under the umbrella of ‘embodied cognition’ approaches, has been advanced in the last 20 years, and is associated most closely with the work of Francisco Varela. A review of, and reflection on how these perspectives have affected research and clinical practice in neuropsychology is provided.
Bibliotheken und Politik
Authors: Rumpf Louise
Published: November 2014

Politik ist in Bibliotheken zu Unrecht unbeliebt. Warum sie ein relevantes und legitimes Handlungsfeld für Bibliotheken darstellt, ist Thema dieses Beitrags. Anhand von Beispielen aus dem deutschen Bibliothekswesen wird erläutert, in welchem institutionellen Rahmen (polity) sich Bibliotheken als Akteure und Adressaten von Politik bewegen. Die gemeinsamen politischen Ziele und Interessen von Bibliotheken (Politikinhalte – policies) werden ebenso dargestellt wie die Besonderheiten bibliotheksbezogener politischer Entscheidungsfindungsprozesse (politics).
Tagungsbericht: Der „10. Nationale Aktionstag für die Erhaltung schriftlichen Kulturguts“ am 30. August 2014 in Weimar
Authors: Kleinbub Claudia
Published: November 2014

Der „Nationale Aktionstag für die Erhaltung schriftlichen Kulturguts“ wird seit 2005 einmal jährlich an verschiedenen Orten Deutschlands ausgerichtet. Anlass war der Brand in der Herzogin Anna Amalia Bibliothek am 2. September 2004. Veranstalter des Aktionstages ist die „Allianz Schriftliches Kulturgut Erhalten“. Der „10. Nationale Aktionstag“ fand am 30. August 2014 in der Herzogin Anna Amalia Bibliothek in Weimar unter dem Thema „Neue Wege in der Mengenrestaurierung“ statt. Den Höhepunkt bildete die Vorstellung des „Weimarer Appells: Schriftliches Kulturgut erhalten!“ durch Ranga Yogeshwar.
The Effects of Smoking Cessation on Weight Gain: New Evidence Using Workplace Smoking Bans
Authors: Fletcher Jason M.
Published: November 2014

Both tobacco use and obesity are among the most important and costly health challenges faced in developed countries. Unfortunately, they may be inversely linked. While policy interventions that have placed limits on tobacco use have increased substantially over time, one unintended consequence may be to increase obesity rates. Issues of selection and unobserved heterogeneity make it difficult to empirically assess the relationship between the two health outcomes. Additionally, there may be heterogeneous policy effects by cessation cause – smoking bans or medical treatments or tobacco prices. This paper focuses on the effects of a rapidly expanding policy by using within-individual differences in exposure to workplace smoking bans to estimate the impact of smoking cessation on weight gain using a large study of over 5000 White and Black respondents followed since 1986. Findings suggest that individuals affected by the smoking bans gained more weight in the short-term than suggested by OLS estimates.
Methoden historischer Semantik am Beispiel Max Webers – Teil 1
Authors: Bär Jochen A.
Published: November 2014

The paper discusses methods of historical semantics (word semantics and conceptual semantics). The example of Max Weber's concept ‹Geist› will show means by which the linguistic description of complex semantic phenomena (transcending the level of single words) can be captured and described. Based on the original works of Max Weber, the concept ‹Geist› will be approached in three steps: investigation of the single word (the lexeme)
The “Woman Pigeon”
Authors: Tamar Van Rachel
Published: November 2014

Prior to the 1842 Treaty of Nanjing, Chinese officials prohibited the presence of foreign women in China. While many Chinese regulations concerning foreign merchants and missionaries were not enforced, this rule was. In 1830 and again in the 1840s, in the aftermath of the first Opium War, clusters of British and American families traveled up the Pearl River to the factories that housed visiting merchants in Canton (Guangzhou). On both occasions, trouble ensued. But the conflicts may not have been all they seemed. This article suggests that foreign women did have the potential to be a problem in China, less because of inherent cultural differences than because both Chinese officials and Western merchants used Western women to embody a boundary between peoples.
EPAC2-mediated calreticulin regulates LIF and COX2 expression in human endometrial glandular cells
Authors: Kusama Kazuya , Yoshie Mikihiro , Tamura Kazuhiro , Imakawa Kazuhiko , Tachikawa Eiichi
Published: November 2014

The proper production of the implantation-related factors, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2, PTGS2), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the uterine glands is essential for embryo implantation and the establishment of endometrial receptivity. It has been shown that cAMP-mediated protein kinase A (PKA) signaling regulates the production of these factors. We have previously reported that exchange protein directly activated by cAMP 2 (EPAC2, RAPGEF4), another cAMP mediator, is involved in the differentiation of endometrial stromal cells through the regulation of the expression of calreticulin (CALR). To address whether EPAC2–CALR signaling is involved in the expression of implantation-related factors, we examined the effect of EPAC2 and CALR knockdown on their expression in cultured human endometrial glandular epithelial EM1 cells, treated with forskolin, an adenylyl cyclase activator, an EPAC-selective cAMP analog (8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-2′-O-methyl cAMP (CPT)), or a PKA-selective cAMP analog (N6-phenyl-cAMP (Phe)). In addition, the status of cell senescence was examined.EPAC2knockdown suppressed the expression of CALR protein and mRNA in EM1 cells. Forskolin- or Phe-, but not CPT-, induced expression ofLIForPTGS2and secretion of PGE2 was inhibited inEPAC2- orCALR-silenced EM1 cells. In addition, knockdown ofEPAC2orCALRincreased senescence-associated beta galactosidase activity and expression of p21 but decreased expression of p53. These findings indicate that expression of CALR regulated by EPAC2 in endometrial glandular epithelial cells is critical for the expression of LIF and PTGS2-mediated production of PGE2 through cAMP signaling. Furthermore, EPAC2 and CALR could play a role in the maintenance of gland function.
Effects of the Addition of Rhenium on the Thermoelectric Properties of the AlPdMn Quasicrystalline System
Authors: Pope A. L. , Gagnon R. , Schneidmiller R. , Alboni P. N. , Littleton R. T. , Zawilski B. , Winkler D. , Tritt T. M. , Strom-Olsen J. , Kolis J. , Legault S.
Published: November 2014

Partially due to their lack of periodic structure, quasicrystals have inherently low thermal conductivity on the order of 1 - 3 W/m-K. AlPdMn quasicrystals exhibit favorable room temperature values of electrical conductivity, 500–800 (Ω-cm)-1, and thermopower, 80 μV/K, with respect to thermoelectric applications. In an effort to further increase the thermopower and hopefully minimize the thermal conductivity via phonon scattering, quartenary Al71Pd21Mn8-XReX quasicrystals were grown. X-ray data confirms that the addition of a fourth element does not alter the quasiperiodicity of the sample. Al71Pd21Mn8-XReX quasicrystals of varying Re concentration were synthesized where x had values of 0, 0.08, 0.25, 0.4, 0.8, 2, 5, 6, and 8. Both thermal and electrical transport property measurements have been performed and are reported.
PRODUCTION OF SEMI REFINE CARRAGEENAN (SRC) FROM FRESH Kappaphycus alvarezii USING MODIFIED TECHNIQUE WITH MINIMUM USE OF FUEL
Authors: Basmal Jamal , Ikasari Diah
Published: November 2014

Semi refine carrageenan (SRC) is generally produced by cooking dried Kappaphycus alvareziiinto hot alkali solution at temperature of 80ºC for 2 hours. However, the temperature fluctuationduring the production process affects to the increase of production cost and the reduction of theyield as well as the decrease of SRC quality. The improvement of this process can be achieved bysoaking immediately fresh K. alvarezii into cold alkali solution, called cold alkali technique. Inorder to obtain its optimum condition, modification of SRC production process using cold alkalitechnique had been conducted. Fresh K. alvarezii was soaked in 8% KOH at room temperaturefor 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 days. The alkalinized K. alvarezii was then washed with fresh water untilpH reached to 7 – 8, chopped to the size of 3 – 5 mm and then dried under sun light. The SRCbeing produced was then evaluated for its quality. The result showed that the quality of SRC fromfresh seaweed K. alvarezii was affected by soaking time. The highest quality of SRC was obtainedby soaking K. alvarezii with 8% KOH solution for 50 days. This was indicated by the ester sulphatecontent of 6.74 %, water gel strength of 746 g/cm2, and moisture content of 11.73 %.
Initial Plant Size Affects Response to Thinning in Soybean
Authors: Davis Vince M. , Mellendorf Nathan E. , Villamil María B. , Nafziger Emerson D.
Published: November 2014

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] can produce compensatory yield following plant stand reduction, but the effect of plant size within a developmental stage on this ability is unknown. We seeded two cultivars at 15, 30, 45, and 60 plants m−2, and identified large and small plants within each density at V3 (third trifoliate), V6 (sixth trifoliate), R2 (full bloom), and R4 (full pod) developmental stages. Subplots were either thinned to a density of 5.3 plants m−2 or left at intact densities. The ability for large or small plants to produce compensatory growth and yield was evaluated by the differences between subsequent growth and yield produced in thinned vs. intact stands. We found small plants had equivalent harvest index to large plants across all plant densities and developmental stages, suggesting small plants were as efficient as large plants for compensating seed yield relative to biomass when stands were not thinned. However, when stands were thinned, compensatory growth and yield were different between large and small plants. For example, across all plant densities thinned at V3, large and small plants produced 51 and 37 g plant−1, respectively, and compensatory yield contributed 30 and 24 g plant−1, respectively. Thus, small plants produced 80% as much compensatory yield as large plants when thinned at V3. However, by the same comparison, the contribution of small plants declined to 57% when thinning was delayed to R4 development, suggesting small plants lost more compensatory ability over time. We conclude initial soybean plant size impacts compensatory yield plant−1.
Glufosinate Tolerance of Multiple WideStrike and Liberty‐Link Cotton (Gosspyium hirsutum L.) Cultivars
Authors: Sweeney J. A. , Jones M. A.
Published: November 2014

One option available to cotton (Gosspyium hirsutum L.) producers for control of glyphosate [N‐(phosphonomethyl)glycine]–resistant (GR) weeds is the use of glufosinate [(2RS)‐2‐amino‐4‐[hydroxy(methyl)phosphinoyl]butyric acid] (Liberty 280SL, 24.5% [w/v] glufosinate‐ammonium salt) in glufosinate‐tolerant, transgenic cotton cultivars. A field experiment conducted in 2011 and 2012 in Florence, SC, examined the effects of glufosinate on the growth, lint yield, and fiber quality of WideStrike and Liberty‐Link cotton cultivars. Five WideStrike cultivars and three Liberty‐Link cultivars were sprayed topically at the 1‐ to 3‐leaf stage and the 7‐ to 9‐leaf stage with glufosinate at 0.59 kg ha−1. Glufosinate‐ and weed‐free plots were maintained as controls for each cultivar. Reduced plant health and increased leaf injury were observed in both Liberty‐Link and WideStrike cultivars following glufosinate applications, but sprayed WideStrike cultivars displayed as much as 11% greater leaf injury than sprayed Liberty‐Link cultivars. No differences in lint yield were found between sprayed WideStrike or Liberty‐Link cultivars and their respective controls. However, averaged across all cultivars, lint yield of cotton sprayed with glufosinate was 105 kg ha−1 greater than unsprayed cotton. Yield increases of sprayed cotton appeared to be related to increased boll production at the first fruiting position and between nodes 11 and 15. Glufosinate had no effect on any fiber property evaluated. Cotton producers planting WideStrike or Liberty‐Link cotton cultivars and using glufosinate at labeled rates can adequately control GR weeds without negatively affecting lint yield or fiber quality. Cotton producers may also possibly experience slight lint yield increases as a result of glufosinate application in WideStrike and Liberty‐Link cotton cultivars.
Settling of food-processing anaerobic sludge
Authors: Rodriguez-Prado Arcadio , Ripley Leonard E. , Garcia-Orozco Jorge H.
Published: November 2014

This paper presents preliminary results of settling tests on anaerobic sludge from food-processing wastewater treatment, using 2, 4, and 8 L cylinders. A sedimentation model from the literature was applied to the sedimentation data. The specific settling velocities for the 2 and 4 L cylinders did not differ (t-test; P = 0.896), therefore the data were pooled. The specific settling velocity mean was nearly three times higher (P = 0.027) for the 8 L cylinder (21.03 × 10−4 ± 6.27 × 10−4 m/s) than the pooled smaller cylinder size (7.29 × 10−4 ± 2.32 × 10−4 m/s). Measurement challenges were encountered while working with the 8 L cylinder. Given that tests using a 1 L cylinder resulted in sludge compression, the results indicate that use of both 2 and 4 L cylinders is feasible for lab-scale measurement of sludge settling.
Case Report: Transient Left Bundle Branch Block Associated with Ect
Authors: Adams Daniel A. , Kellner Charles H. , Aloysi Amy S. , Majeske Matthew F. , Liebman Lauren S. , Ahle Gabriella M. , Bryson Ethan O.
Published: November 2014

We present the first reported case of transient left bundle branch block (LBBB) occurring during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). LBBB is an important clinical finding, as it is associated with a significant increase in mortality. Physicians providing ECT should be aware of the significance of new-onset LBBB; it may occur during treatment.
Stability of delay parabolic difference equations
Authors: Ashyralyev Allaberen , Agirseven Deniz
Published: November 2014

In the present paper, the stability of difference schemes for the approximate
solution of the initial value problem for delay differential equations with
unbounded operators acting on delay terms in an arbitrary Banach space is
studied. Theorems on stability of these difference schemes in fractional
spaces are established. In practice, the stability estimates in H?lder norms
for the solutions of difference schemes for the approximate solutions of the
mixed problems for delay parabolic equations are obtained.
Takagi Sugeno fuzzy expert model based soft fault diagnosis for two tank interacting system
Authors: Manikandan Pandiyan , Geetha Mani
Published: November 2014

The inherent characteristics of fuzzy logic theory make it suitable for fault detection and diagnosis (FDI). Fault detection can benefit from nonlinear fuzzy modeling and fault diagnosis can profit from a transparent reasoning system, which can embed operator experience, but also learn from experimental and/or simulation data. Thus, fuzzy logic-based diagnostic is advantageous since it allows the incorporation of a-priori knowledge and lets the user understand the inference of the system. In this paper, the successful use of a fuzzy FDI based system, based on dynamic fuzzy models for fault detection and diagnosis of an industrial two tank system is presented. The plant data is used for the design and validation of the fuzzy FDI system. The validation results show the effectiveness of this approach.
Handling uncertainty of resource division in multi agent system using game against nature
Authors: Skrzypczyk Krzysztof , Mellado Martin
Published: November 2014

This paper addresses the problem of resource division for robotic agents in the framework of Multi-Agent System. Knowledge of the environment represented in the system is uncertain, incomplete and distributed among the individual agents that have both limited sensing and communication abilities. The pick-up-and-collection problem is considered in order to illustrate the idea presented. In this paper a framework for cooperative task assignment to individual agents is discussed. The process of negotiating access to common resources by intercommunicating agents is modeled and solved as a game against Nature. The working of the proposed system was verified by multiple simulations. Selected, exemplary simulations are presented in the paper to illustrate the approach discussed
Adaptive backstepping control, synchronization and circuit simulation of a 3-D novel jerk chaotic system with two hyperbolic sinusoidal nonlinearities
Authors: Vaidyanathan Sundarapandian , Volos Christos , Pham Viet-Thanh , Madhavan Kavitha , Idowu Babatunde A.
Published: November 2014

In this research work, a six-term 3-D novel jerk chaotic system with two hyperbolic sinusoidal nonlinearities has been proposed, and its qualitative properties have been detailed. The Lyapunov exponents of the novel jerk system are obtained as L1 = 0.07765,L2 = 0, and L3 = −0.87912. The Kaplan-Yorke dimension of the novel jerk system is obtained as DKY = 2.08833. Next, an adaptive backstepping controller is designed to stabilize the novel jerk chaotic system with two unknown parameters. Moreover, an adaptive backstepping controller is designed to achieve complete chaos synchronization of the identical novel jerk chaotic systems with two unknown parameters. Finally, an electronic circuit realization of the novel jerk chaotic system using Spice is presented in detail to confirm the feasibility of the theoretical model
Effects of High Pressure ORE Grinding on the Efficiency of Flotation Operations
Authors: Saramak Daniel , Krawczykowska Aldona , Młynarczykowska Anna
Published: November 2014

This article discusses issues related to the impact of the high pressure comminution process on the efficiency of the copper ore flotation operations. HPGR technology improves the efficiency of mineral resource enrichment through a better liberation of useful components from waste rock as well as more efficient comminution of the material. Research programme included the run of a laboratory flotation process for HPGR crushing products at different levels of operating pressures and moisture content. The test results showed that products of the high-pressure grinding rolls achieved better recoveries in flotation processes and showed a higher grade of useful components in the flotation concentrate, in comparison to the ball mill products. Upgrading curves have also been marked in the following arrangement: the content of useful component in concentrate the floatation recovery. All upgrading curves for HPGR products had a more favourable course in comparison to the curves of conventionally grinded ore. The results also indicate that various values of flotation recoveries have been obtained depending on the machine operating parameters (i.e. the operating pressure), and selected feed properties (moisture).
Regional Differences in Demand for Coal as A Basis for Development of A Product Distribution Model for Mining Companies in the Individual Customers Segment
Authors: Magda Roman , Bogacz Paweł , Franik Tadeusz , Celej Maciej , Migza Marcin
Published: November 2014

The article presents a proposal of methodology based on the process of relationship marketing, serving to determine the level of demand for coal in the individual customer segment, as well as fuel distribution model for this customer group in Poland developed on the basis of this methodology. It also includes selected results of tests carried out using the proposed methods. These proposals have been defined on the basis of market capacity indicators, which can be determined for the district level based on data from the Polish Central Statistical Office. The study also included the use of linear programming, based on the cost of coal logistics, data concerning railway, road and storage infrastructure present on the Polish market and taking into account the legal aspects. The presented results may provide a basis for mining companies to develop a system of coal distribution management in the locations with the highest demand values.
The Effects of Friction on the Performance of A Concrete Block Mine Seal with Pressurized Grout Bags
Authors: Perry Kyle A.
Published: November 2014

Mine seals are necessary in nearly every underground coal mine to isolate mined-out areas from the ventilation network. Many seals are already in place in active mines and more need to be constructed to keep up with the development of underground coal reserves. The accidents involving seal failures at Sago and Darby prompted MSHA to create and implement new regulations regarding the strength of the seals. These regulations require the design and construction of seals that are larger and stronger than ever before. Structural seals capable of withstanding the new required design loads are now designed by an engineer and no longer approved through explosion testing.

Prior to the seal failure accidents, a solid-block wall with pressurized grout bags at the wall/ribs and wall/roof interfaces was a popular design which met the 137.9 kPa (20 psi) requirement. After implementation of the new 344.7 kPa (50 psi) or 827.4 kPa (120 psi) design regulations depending on whether the atmosphere is kept inert inby the seal, a re-design of the seal was necessary. This paper discusses the quantification of the coefficients of friction which are then implemented into finite element modeling.
The association between use of sunscreens and cosmetics and urinary concentrations of the UV filter ethylhexyl-methoxy cinnamate: A pilot biomonitoring study
Authors: Markogiannaki Evangelia , Andrianou Xanthi D. , Kalyvas Charalambos , Andra Syam S. , Makris Konstantinos C.
Published: November 2014

Ethylhexyl-methoxy cinnamate (EHMC), an ultraviolet (UV) filter that absorbs solar UVB radiation is frequently used in the formulation of sunscreens and cosmetics. Except for the controlled UV filter application studies, no general population studies on the magnitude and variability of exposures to EHMC exist. Given the widespread use of UV filters in consumer products, a pilot human biomonitoring study was undertaken to: i) determine the concentrations of EHMC in urine samples of young adults, and ii) investigate the association between consumption patterns of selected consumer products and urinary EHMC concentrations. A group of 48 randomlyselected volunteers provided a first morning urine void and a questionnaire on the types and usage patterns of sunscreens and cosmetics was administered to them. Significantly (p=0.006) higher urinary EHMC levels were observed in females, and in users of face sunscreens (p=0.008) and lipsticks (p=0.003). Linear multiple regression analysis showed that the frequency of use of face sunscreens (all year) (p=0.02) and gender (females) (p=0.03) were significant predictors of creatinine-adjusted urinary EHMC levels in the pooled sample, even after adjusting for relevant covariates, such as age, body-mass index and the number of cosmetics used. A larger sample could help us further evaluate the observed trends.
Simulating In-Situ Leaching Process Using Comsol Multiphysics
Authors: Mukhanov Bakhyt K. , Omirbekova Zhanar Zh. , Usenov Azamat K. , Wójcik Waldemar
Published: November 2014

The paper deals with simulation of in-situ uranium leaching technological process, collecting data for forecasting and leaching process control. It provides numerical simulation of uranium in-situ leaching (ISL) using Comsol Multiphysics software package application.

Previous studies evaluated main hydrodynamic characteristics of wells and reservoirs, such as the coefficient of resistance and the saturation recovery; while this paper is concerned with determining the changes in process variables in the wells during operation.
Numerical Implementation of the Fictitious Domain Method for Elliptic Equations
Authors: Temirbekov Almas N. , Wójcik Waldemar
Published: November 2014

In this paper, we consider an elliptic equation with strongly varying coefficients. Interest in the study of these equations is connected with the fact that this type of equation is obtained when using the fictitious domain method. In this paper, we propose a special method for the numerical solution of elliptic equations with strongly varying coefficients. A theorem is proved for the rate of convergence of the iterative process developed. A computational algorithm and numerical calculations are developed to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Hemispherectomy for treatment of refractory epilepsy in the pediatric age group: a systematic review
Authors: Griessenauer Christoph J. , Salam Smeer , Hendrix Philipp , Patel Daxa M. , Tubbs R. Shane , Blount Jeffrey P. , Winkler Peter A.
Published: November 2014

OBJECT

Evidence in support of hemispherectomy stems from a multitude of retrospective studies illustrating individual institutions' experience. A systematic review of this topic, however, is lacking in the literature.

METHODS

A systematic review of hemispherectomy for the treatment of refractory epilepsy available up to October 2013 was performed using the following inclusion criteria: reports of a total of 10 or more patients in the pediatric age group (≤ 20 years) undergoing hemispherectomy, seizure outcome reported after a minimum follow-up of 1 year after the initial procedure, and description of the type of hemispherectomy. Only the most recent paper from institutions that published multiple papers with overlapping study periods was included. Two reviewers independently applied the inclusion criteria and extracted all the data.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine studies with a total of 1161 patients met the inclusion criteria. Seizure outcome was available for 1102 patients, and the overall rate of seizure freedom at the last follow-up was 73.4%. Sixteen studies (55.2%) exclusively reported seizure outcomes of a single type of hemispherectomy. There was no statistically significant difference in seizure outcome and type of hemispherectomy (p = 0.737). Underlying etiology was reported for 85.4% of patients with documented seizure outcome, and the overall distribution of acquired, developmental, and progressive etiologies was 30.5%, 40.7%, and 28.8%, respectively. Acquired and progressive etiologies were associated with significantly higher seizure-free rates than developmental etiologies (p < 0.001). Twenty of the 29 studies (69%) reported complications. The overall rate of hydrocephalus requiring CSF diversion was 14%. Mortality within 30 days was 2.2% and was not statistically different between types of hemispherectomy (p = 0.787).

CONCLUSIONS

Hemispherectomy is highly effective for treating refractory epilepsy in the pediatric age group, particularly for acquired and progressive etiologies. While the type of hemispherectomy does not have any influence on seizure outcome, hemispherotomy procedures are associated with a more favorable complication profile.
Experience with intrawound vancomycin powder for posterior cervical fusion surgery
Authors: Martin Joel R. , Adogwa Owoicho , Brown Christopher R. , Kuchibhatla Maragatha , Bagley Carlos A. , Lad Shivanand P. , Gottfried Oren N.
Published: November 2014

OBJECT

Recent studies have reported that the local delivery of vancomycin powder is associated with a decrease in spinal surgical site infection. This retrospective cohort study compares posterior cervical fusion cases before and after the routine application of spinal vancomycin powder to evaluate the ability of local vancomycin powder to prevent deep wound infection after posterior cervical spinal fusion.

METHODS

Posterior cervical fusion spinal surgeries performed at a single institution were reviewed from January 2011 to July 2013. Each cohort's baseline characteristics, operative data, and rates of wound infection were compared. Associations between infection and vancomycin powder, with and without propensity score adjustment for risk factors, were determined using logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 289 patients (174 untreated and 115 treated with vancomycin powder) were included in the study. The cohorts were similar in terms of baseline and operative variables. No significant change in deep wound infection rate was seen between the control group (6.9%) and intervention group (5.2%, p = 0.563). Logistic regression, with and without propensity score adjustment, demonstrated that the use of vancomycin powder did not impact the development of surgical site infection (OR 0.743 [95% CI 0.270–2.04], p = 0.564) and (OR 0.583 [95% CI 0.198–1.718], p = 0.328), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the context of an ongoing debate on the effectiveness of locally administered vancomycin powder, the authors found no significant difference in the incidence of deep wound infection rates after posterior cervical fusion surgery with routine use of locally applied vancomycin powder. Future prospective randomized series are needed to corroborate these results.
Assessing Microbial Contributions to N2O Impacts Following Biochar Additions
Authors: Lin Xiurong , Spokas Kurt , Venterea Rodney , Zhang Renduo , Baker John , Feyereisen Gary
Published: November 2014

Varying degrees of soil nitrous oxide (N2O) mitigation have been observed following biochar applications. Laboratory incubation experiments were conducted using soils from agriculture, forest, prairie, and a sterilized sand to examine the relative contributions of bacteria and fungi to this N2O alteration. Selective chemical inhibitors were used to distinguish the relative contributions of fungal and bacterial groups to N2O production/suppression in each soil type following a fast-pyrolysis macadamia nut shell biochar (10% w/w) addition. Overall, suppressed production of N2O was initially observed between the agricultural and prairie soils following biochar addition and stimulation of N2O production was observed in the biochar amended forest soil. However, if the N2O production that was observed in the biochar control (sterile sand and biochar = 4.2 ± 0.7 ng-N g−1 day−1) was subtracted from all treatments, N2O production following biochar addition was consistently lower in all soils following biochar additions. In terms of the microbial contributions, there were no significant differences in N2O production between the microbial inhibitor treatments, despite CO2 production rate differences. Therefore, the response in the N2O production to biochar could not be directly attributed to a particular microbial group (fungi or bacteria). These results suggest the presence of abiotic production or consumption routes for nitrogen species in biochar amended soils.
Long Chain Fatty Acid Acylated Derivatives of Quercetin-3-O-Glucoside as Antioxidants to Prevent Lipid Oxidation
Authors: Warnakulasuriya Sumudu , Ziaullah  , Rupasinghe H.
Published: November 2014

Flavonoids have shown promise as natural plant-based antioxidants for protecting lipids from oxidation. It was hypothesized that their applications in lipophilic food systems can be further enhanced by esterification of flavonoids with fatty acids. Quercetin-3-O-glucoside (Q3G) was esterified individually with six selected long chain fatty acids: stearic acid (STA), oleic acid (OLA), linoleic acid (LNA), α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and decosahexaenoic acid (DHA), using Candida antarctica B lipase as the biocatalyst. The antioxidant activity of esterified flavonoids was evaluated using lipid oxidation model systems of poly-unsaturated fatty acids-rich fish oil and human low density lipoprotein (LDL), in vitro. In the oil-in-water emulsion, Q3G esters exhibited 50% to 100% inhibition in primary oxidation and 30% to 75% inhibition in secondary oxidation. In bulk oil, Q3G esters did not provide considerable protection from lipid oxidation; however, Q3G demonstrated more than 50% inhibition in primary oxidation. EPA, DHA and ALA esters of Q3G showed significantly higher inhibition in Cu2+- and peroxyl radical-induced LDL oxidation in comparison to Q3G.
A New Quantum f-Divergence for Trace Class Operators in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Dragomir Silvestru
Published: November 2014

A new quantum f-divergence for trace class operators in Hilbert Spaces is introduced. It is shown that for normalised convex functions it is nonnegative. Some upper bounds are provided. Applications for some classes of convex functions of interest are also given.
Exploring the Impact of the Increased Tuition Fees on Academic Staffs’ Experiences in Post-92 Universities: A Small-Scale Qualitative Study
Authors: Bates Elizabeth , Kaye Linda
Published: November 2014

The introduction of the new tuition fee regime in the UK academic session 2012–2013 has resulted in concerns in the Higher Education (HE) community that students’ expectations may become unmanageable. Previous research has explored the expectations and experiences of undergraduate psychology students; the current study extended this by considering whether the increased tuition fees have changed the experiences of academic staff in HE. To achieve this, five semi-structured interviews with psychology staff in two post-92 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) were undertaken. Results suggested staff perceptions have undergone minimal change in their day-to-day experiences. However, perceptions of the wider HE issues, such as meeting targets and fulfilling requirements of the role, appear to be enhanced following the contextual changes of HE. Finally, the results reported here suggest generally good staff satisfaction, regardless of these changing times within the sector. Future research and the need for more widespread, large scale studies are discussed.
Regulation of Pancreatic Beta Cell Stimulus-Secretion Coupling by microRNAs
Authors: Esguerra Jonathan , Mollet Inês , Salunkhe Vishal , Wendt Anna , Eliasson Lena
Published: November 2014

Increased blood glucose after a meal is countered by the subsequent increased release of the hypoglycemic hormone insulin from the pancreatic beta cells. The cascade of molecular events encompassing the initial sensing and transport of glucose into the beta cell, culminating with the exocytosis of the insulin large dense core granules (LDCVs) is termed “stimulus-secretion coupling.” Impairment in any of the relevant processes leads to insufficient insulin release, which contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). The fate of the beta cell, when exposed to environmental triggers of the disease, is determined by the possibility to adapt to the new situation by regulation of gene expression. As established factors of post-transcriptional regulation, microRNAs (miRNAs) are well-recognized mediators of beta cell plasticity and adaptation. Here, we put focus on the importance of comprehending the transcriptional regulation of miRNAs, and how miRNAs are implicated in stimulus-secretion coupling, specifically those influencing the late stages of insulin secretion. We suggest that efficient beta cell adaptation requires an optimal balance between transcriptional regulation of miRNAs themselves, and miRNA-dependent gene regulation. The increased knowledge of the beta cell transcriptional network inclusive of non-coding RNAs such as miRNAs is essential in identifying novel targets for the treatment of T2D.
A Community-Based Comprehensive Intervention Program for 7200 Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Chongqing (China)
Authors: Qi Li , Feng Liangui , Tang Wenge , Ma Xiangyu , Ding Xianbin , Mao Deqiang , Li Jingxin , Wang Yulin , Xiong Hongyan
Published: November 2014

This study assessed the feasibility of community-based comprehensive intervention on Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on a large population in China. An intervention study was conducted on 7200 T2DM patients within one year and consisted of six lectures on health issues, and four times face-to-face lifestyle counseling delivered by general health practitioners, at local primary health centers (PHCs). A “knowledge, attitude and practice” (KAP) survey and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) measurement were conducted at baseline and after the intervention, respectively. A total of 6586 T2DM patients completed the intervention. After one year intervention, patients’ KAP level improved significantly (p < 0.001) and the average FPG has decreased from 8.53 mmol/L (standard deviation: 2.84) to 7.11 mmol/L (standard deviation: 1.34) (p < 0.001). Patients in rural areas and with lower education level showed higher FPG and poorer KAP level both before and after the intervention. In conclusion, community-based comprehensive intervention for T2DM is feasible on a large population. Improving and repeating the comprehensive strategy is greatly recommended in order to sustain the impact, especially in rural areas and for patients with lower education levels.
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaves as a Natural Source of Bioactive Compounds
Authors: Borrás-Linares Isabel , Stojanović Zorica , Quirantes-Piné Rosa , Arráez-Román David , Švarc-Gajić Jaroslava , Fernández-Gutiérrez Alberto , Segura-Carretero Antonio
Published: November 2014

In an extensive search for bioactive compounds from plant sources, the composition of different extracts of rosemary leaves collected from different geographical zones of Serbia was studied. The qualitative and quantitative characterization of 20 rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) samples, obtained by microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), was determined by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (HPLC–ESI-QTOF-MS). The high mass accuracy and true isotopic pattern in both MS and MS/MS spectra provided by the QTOF-MS analyzer enabled the characterization of a wide range of phenolic compounds in the extracts, including flavonoids, phenolic diterpenes and abietan-type triterpenoids, among others. According to the data compiled, rosemary samples from Sokobanja presented the highest levels in flavonoids and other compounds such as carnosol, rosmaridiphenol, rosmadial, rosmarinic acid, and carnosic acid. On the other hand, higher contents in triterpenes were found in the extracts of rosemary from Gložan (Vojvodina).
Experimental and Theoretical Studies of the Factors Affecting the Cycloplatination of the Chiral Ferrocenylaldimine (SC)-[(η5-C5H5)Fe{(η5-C5H4)–C(H)=N–CH(Me)(C6H5)}]
Authors: López Concepción , Bosque Ramón , Pujol Marta , Simó Jonathan , Sevilla Eila , Font-Bardía Mercè , Messeguer Ramon , Calvis Carme
Published: November 2014

The study of the reactivity of the enantiopure ferrocenyl Schiff base (SC)-[FcCH=N–CH(Me)(C6H5)] (1) (Fc = (η5-C5H5)Fe(η5-C5H4)) with cis-[PtCl2(dmso)2] under different experimental conditions is reported. Four different types of chiral Pt(II) have been isolated and characterized. One of them is the enantiomerically pure trans-(SC)-[Pt{κ1-N[FcCH=N–CH(Me)(C6H5)]}Cl2(dmso)] (2a) in which the imine acts as a neutral N-donor ligand; while the other three are the cycloplatinated complexes: [Pt{κ2-C,N [(C6H4)–N=CHFc]}Cl(dmso)] (7a) and the two diastereomers {(Sp,SC) and (Rp,SC)} of [Pt{κ2-C,N[(η5-C5H3)–CH=N–{CH(Me)(C6H5)}]Fe(η5-C5H5)}Cl(dmso)] (8a and 9a, respectively). Isomers 7a-9a, differ in the nature of the metallated carbon atom [CPh (in 7a) or CFc (in 8a and 9a)] or the planar chirality of the 1,2-disubstituted ferrocenyl unit (8a and 9a). Reactions of 7a–9a with PPh3 gave [Pt{κ2-C,N[(C6H4)–N=CHFc]}Cl(PPh3)] (in 7b) and the diastereomers (Sp,SC) and (Rp,SC) of [Pt{κ2-C,N[(η5-C5H3)–CH=N–{CH(Me)(C6H5)}] Fe(η5-C5H5)}Cl(PPh3)] (8b and 9b, respectively). Comparative studies of the electrochemical properties and cytotoxic activities on MCF7 and MDA-MB231 breast cancer cell lines of 2a and cycloplatinated complexes 7b-9b are also reported. Theoretical studies based on DFT calculations have also been carried out in order to rationalize the results obtained from the cycloplatination of 1, the stability of the Pt(II) complexes and their electrochemical properties.
A Novel HPLC-Assisted Method for Investigation of the Fe2+-Chelating Activity of Flavonoids and Plant Extracts
Authors: Olennikov Daniil , Kashchenko Nina , Chirikova Nadezhda
Published: November 2014

Flavonoids are a class of natural phenolic compounds that show antioxidant properties. Besides the known mechanisms of action of flavonoids (binding/inactivation of free radicals and other reactive oxygen species) that determine this effect, an important factor is their ability to bind transition metal ions. In this paper, we used a HPLC method with a prechromatographic reaction of a sample with Fe2+ ions (FeCA-HPLC) to characterize the Fe2+-chelating properties of individual compounds, their mixtures, and plant extracts. Using two classes of flavonoids (flavones, flavonols) the ability of compounds to bind Fe2+ ions due to a number of structural features of the compounds was shown. If the compounds possessed Fe2+-chelating properties, the decrease in the area of the chromatographic peaks on the chromatogram was marked. By comparing the resulting chromatogram with that of the untreated sample, it was possible to estimate the value of the effect. Application of this method for the analysis of plant extracts representing a mixture of substances allows determination of the compounds that have the greatest influence on the Fe2+-chelating activity.
From Retreat Center to Clinic to Boardroom? Perils and Promises of the Modern Mindfulness Movement
Authors: Farb Norman
Published: November 2014

From its venerable Buddhist roots, mindfulness training (MT) has spread rapidly across the globe in the past few decades due to its strong salutary claim, i.e., the notion that meditation practice is an efficacious means for self-improvement. However, concerns have arisen that the appropriation of MT techniques from classical Buddhist tradition into modern secular practice has diluted the benefits of these practices. The “great danger” to the movement is that inadequately adapted MT techniques, combined with unreasonable inflation of expectations regarding MT’s benefits, may undermine MT’s true potential to effect positive change in the world. And yet, these concerns can be mitigated by consideration of the salutary claim as a persistent “quality check” on MT efficacy. It is argued that scientific investigation can take an important role in delineating the necessary characteristics for fulfilling mindfulness’ salutary claim, as well as identifying contraindicated techniques and risk factors for training. By accepting that we cannot control the spread of MT into commercial domains, researchers may still work to distinguish “right” from “wrong” mindfulness through empirical study. In this way, modern science may help to realize the salutary claim and even contribute to classical Buddhist conceptions of mindfulness, advancing our understanding of how best to promote well-being.