bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hemiarthroplasty using cemented or uncemented stems of proven design
Authors: Grammatopoulos G. , Wilson H. A. , Kendrick B. J. L. , Pulford E. C. , Lippett J. , Deakin M. , Andrade A. J. , Kambouroglou G.
Published: January 2015

National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines state that cemented stems with an Orthopaedic Data Evaluation Panel (ODEP) rating of > 3B should be used for hemiarthroplasty when treating an intracapsular fracture of the femoral neck. These recommendations are based on studies in which most, if not all stems, did not hold such a rating.

This case-control study compared the outcome of hemiarthroplasty using a cemented (Exeter) or uncemented (Corail) femoral stem. These are the two prostheses most commonly used in hip arthroplasty in the UK.

Data were obtained from two centres; most patients had undergone hemiarthroplasty using a cemented Exeter stem (n = 292/412). Patients were matched for all factors that have been shown to influence mortality after an intracapsular fracture of the neck of the femur. Outcome measures included: complications, re-operations and mortality rates at two, seven, 30 and 365 days post-operatively. Comparable outcomes for the two stems were seen.

There were more intra-operative complications in the uncemented group (13% vs 0%), but the cemented group had a greater mortality in the early post-operative period (n = 6). There was no overall difference in the rate of re-operation (5%) or death (365 days: 26%) between the two groups at any time post-operatively.

This study therefore supports the use of both cemented and uncemented stems of proven design, with an ODEP rating of 10A, in patients with an intracapsular fracture of the neck of the femur.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:94–9.
Arthrofibrosis of the knee following a fracture of the tibial plateau
Authors: Haller J. M. , Holt D. C. , McFadden M. L. , Higgins T. F. , Kubiak E. N.
Published: January 2015

The aim of this study was to report the incidence of arthrofibrosis of the knee and identify risk factors for its development following a fracture of the tibial plateau. We carried out a retrospective review of 186 patients (114 male, 72 female) with a fracture of the tibial plateau who underwent open reduction and internal fixation. Their mean age was 46.4 years (19 to 83) and the mean follow-up was16.0 months (6 to 80).

A total of 27 patients (14.5%) developed arthrofibrosis requiring a further intervention. Using multivariate regression analysis, the use of a provisional external fixator (odds ratio (OR) 4.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26 to 17.7, p = 0.021) was significantly associated with the development of arthrofibrosis. Similarly, the use of a continuous passive movement (CPM) machine was associated with significantly less development of arthrofibrosis (OR = 0.32, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.83, p = 0.024). The effect of time in an external fixator was found to be significant, with each extra day of external fixation increasing the odds of requiring manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) or quadricepsplasty by 10% (OR = 1.10, p = 0.030). High-energy fracture, surgical approach, infection and use of tobacco were not associated with the development of arthrofibrosis. Patients with a successful MUA had significantly less time to MUA (mean 2.9 months; sd 1.25) than those with an unsuccessful MUA (mean 4.86 months; sd 2.61, p = 0.014). For those with limited movement, therefore, performing an MUA within three months of the injury may result in a better range of movement.

Based our results, CPM following operative fixation for a fracture of the tibial plateau may reduce the risk of the development of arthrofibrosis, particularly in patients who also undergo prolonged provisional external fixation.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:109–14.
From needle to knife
Authors: Haddad F. S. , McCaskie A. W.
Published: January 2015

Trauma and Orthopaedic care has been through a rapid evolution over the past few decades. This Editorial discusses some of the advances.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1–2.
Early surgery for patients with a fracture of the hip decreases 30-day mortality
Authors: Bretherton C. P. , Parker M. J.
Published: January 2015

There has been extensive discussion about the effect of delay to surgery on mortality in patients sustaining a fracture of the hip. Despite the low level of evidence provided by many studies, a consensus has been accepted that delay of > 48 hours is detrimental to survival. The aim of this prospective observational study was to determine if early surgery confers a survival benefit at 30 days.

Between 1989 and 2013, data were prospectively collected on patients sustaining a fracture of the hip at Peterborough City Hospital. They were divided into groups according to the time interval between admission and surgery. These thresholds ranged from <  6 hours to between 49 and 72 hours. The outcome which was assessed was the 30-day mortality. Adjustment for confounders was performed using multivariate binary logistic regression analysis. In all, 6638 patients aged > 60 years were included.

Worsening American Society of Anaesthesiologists grade (p < 0.001), increased age (p <  0.001) and extracapsular fracture (p < 0.019) increased the risk of 30-day mortality.

Increasing mobility score (p = 0.014), mini mental test score (p < 0.001) and female gender (p = 0.014) improved survival. After adjusting for these confounders, surgery before 12 hours improved survival compared with surgery after 12 hours (p = 0.013). Beyond this the increasing delay to surgery did not significantly affect the 30-day mortality.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:104–8.
Quality Measure Performance in Small Practices Before and After Electronic Health
Record Adoption
Authors: McCullough Colleen M. , Wang Jason J. , Parsons Amanda S. , Shih Sarah C.
Published: January 2015

Introduction: To date, little research has been published on the impact that the
transition from paper-based record keeping to the use of electronic health records (EHR)
has on performance on clinical quality measures. This study examines whether small,
independent medical practices improved in their performance on nine clinical quality
measures soon after adopting EHRs.Methods: Data abstracted by manual review of paper and
electronic charts for 6,007 patients across 35 small, primary care practices were used
to calculate rates of nine clinical quality measures two years before and up to two
years after EHR adoption.Results: For seven measures, population-level performance rates
did not change before EHR adoption. Rates of antithrombotic therapy and smoking status
recorded increased soon after EHR adoption; increases in blood pressure control occurred
later. Rates of hemoglobin A1c testing, BMI recorded, and cholesterol testing decreased
before rebounding; smoking cessation intervention, hemoglobin A1c control and
cholesterol control did not significantly change.Discussion: The effect of EHR adoption
on performance on clinical quality measures is mixed. To improve performance, practices
may need to develop new workflows and adapt to different documentation methods after EHR
adoption.Conclusions: In the short term, EHRs may facilitate documentation of
information needed for improving the delivery of clinical preventive services. Policies
and incentive programs intended to drive improvement should include in their timelines
consideration of the complexity of clinical tasks and documentation needed to capture
performance on measures when developing timelines, and should also include assistance
with workflow redesign to fully integrate EHRs into medical practice.
Representações Sociais da inteligência: estrutura e efeitos de algumas variáveis sociocognitivas
Authors: Amaral Virgílio , Peixoto Francisco , Carugati Felice
Published: January 2015

O primeiro objectivo do presente estudo é o de analisar a organização estrutural das crenças e teorias implícitas sobre a inteligência em participantes de sexo feminino com diferentes inserções sociais e papéis educativos (Mães e Não Mães, Professoras e Não Professoras). Por outro lado, pretende-se também pesquisar de que modo as mesmas podem ser influenciadas por dinâmicas sociocognitivas, como possíveis conflitos identitários em participantes que desempenhem duplo papel educativo, bem como o grau de familiaridade percepcionado pelos participantes com o objecto de representação “inteligência”. Do ponto de vista teórico, adopta-se a perspectiva da Teoria das Representações Sociais, entendidas como Princípios Organizadores de Crenças e Teorias Implícitas. Quanto ao primeiro objectivo, análises factoriais confirmatórias (subsequentes a análises exploratórias) mostram um modelo de organização estrutural de três factores, com fracas ou moderadas correlações entre si. Quanto ao segundo objectivo, análises multivariadas mostram que as Mães valorizam mais teorias inatistas (confirmando estudos anteriores), como possível forma de defesa das suas identidades sociais. Alguns resultados novos face à literatura surgem nesta investigação: as Mães são também as participantes que mais valorizam a imagem de criança inteligente como criança simultaneamente bem socializada, mas também autónoma e dinâmica na prossecução de objectivos ambiciosos. Finalmente, também como resultado novo, consta-se que os participantes sem qualquer posição face à questão da familiaridade com o objecto de representação, valorizam significativamente mais esta última teoria implícita. São sugeridos estudos futuros para esclarecimento destes resultados.
Percepção de risco e medo do crime na caracterização do espaço físico e social
Authors: Brites José Almeida
Published: January 2015

A existência humana prolonga-se num quadro de coordenadas espaço-temporais (Giddens, 1991), factores determinantes da constituição e do desenvolvimento das aglomerações sociais. A anomalia que nasceu com as inurbanidades e incivilidades das cidades, acentuada e solidificada no seu desenvolvimento, possibilita uma percepção realista na pessoa, de que existe e onde actua simultaneamente, estabilidade (espaços centrais e protegidos e.g., condomínios fechados) e insegurança (espaços marginais, periféricos e desvalorizados e.g., bairros). Esta dicotomia de bom-mau, vai originar imobilidade e isolamento na pessoa, inviabilizando-a de determinadas reacções comportamentais, promovendo o medo. O medo aumenta a separação espacial e vocifera a exclusão exacerbada: segregação. Ao longo deste artigo procuraremos compreender a génese da ruptura homem-meio ambiente.
Avaliação do Autoconceito Infantil
Authors: Loureiro Manuel Joaquim , Ferrão Maria Eugénia , Navio Vera Marisa , Tavares Adriano , Teles José
Published: January 2015

Percepção do Autoconceito Infantil (PAI) é o nome de um instrumento desenvolvido por Sánchez y Escribano (1999) destinado à avaliação do autoconceito de crianças entre os três e os 10 anos de idade (Pré-primária e 1º Ciclo do Ensino Básico). Tratase de um instrumento de medida de fácil aplicação e correcção, de aplicação tanto individual como colectiva e, que no seu constructo inclui dez dimensões características do auto-conceito infantil. A adaptação portuguesa que agora se apresenta foi desenvolvida no âmbito do Projecto Eficácia Escolar no Ensino da Matemática (3EM), junto de um grupo de 954 alunos do 1º ciclo do ensino básico que fazem parte de uma amostra constituída na região da Cova da Beira. Os resultados obtidos permitem-nos constatar que esta versão de aplicação colectiva apresenta uma fiabilidade razoável (K-R 20 = 0.79) e uma estrutura factorial adequada.
Auto-criticismo, vergonha interna e dissociação: a sua contribuição para a patoplastia do auto-dano em adolescentes
Authors: Castilho Paula , Gouveia José Pinto , Bento Elisabete
Published: January 2015

Sabemos que os indivíduos com auto-dano têm uma relação disfuncional consigo próprios, pautada por uma visão negativa, defeituosa, desvalorizada ou até detestada do eu. Sabemos que estes indivíduos têm mais psicopatologia e que alguns deles, em adultos, poderão preencher critérios para patologia borderline da personalidade. O presente estudo pretende compreender a fenomenologia dos comportamentos de auto-dano e a contribuição do auto-criticismo e da vergonha interna para a sua patoplastia. A amostra é constituída por 81 adolescentes (40 são normais, 22 têm psicopatologia e 19 têm psicopatologia e comportamentos de auto-dano). Os resultados indicam que os adolescentes com auto-dano apresentam índices mais elevados de auto-criticismo, vergonha interna e dissociação. Estabelecem com o grupo social uma vinculação insegura e de pouca proximidade e apresentam mais sintomatologia depressiva. Nos adolescentes com psicopatologia, a existência de uma visão do eu defeituosa e inferior contribui significativamente para a depressão.
O Papel da Comunicação no Exercício da Parentalidade: Desafios e especificidades
Authors: Portugal Alda , Alberto Isabel
Published: January 2015

O presente artigo tem como objectivo reflectir sobre o papel da comunicação no exercício da parentalidade, atendendo aos desafios, especificidades e transversalidades familiares. A literatura teórica destaca a efectividade desta relação, surgindo o Modelo da Pragmática da Comunicação Humana (Watzlawick, Beavin, & Jackson, 1967/1993) como importante suporte para a compreensão da interacção entre estes dois conceitos. Em termos empíricos, verifica-se a existência de diversos estudos sobre a relação da comunicação parento-filial com outras variáveis, nomeadamente, o sexo de progenitores e filhos, a etapa do ciclo vital da família e a tipologia/composição familiar. Desta forma, pretende-se aprofundar o conhecimento sobre uma dimensão da parentalidade tão influente, como é a comunicação, para o bem-estar relacional entre pais e filhos.
O Traço de Mindfulness como Protector nos Comportamentos Bulímicos
Authors: Duarte Cristiana , Ferreira Cláudia , Gouveia José Pinto
Published: January 2015

Este estudo pretende contribuir para a compreensão do poder preditivo do mindfulness no âmbito dos comportamentos bulímicos. Foi usada uma bateria de instrumentos de auto-resposta para avaliar o traço de mindfulness, bulimia, insatisfação corporal, comparação social e da aparência física e vergonha, numa amostra não-clínica de 354 estudantes universitárias e 297 mulheres da população geral, e numa amostra clínica de 42 doentes com perturbação do comportamento alimentar. Os resultados mostram que em ambos os grupos se encontra uma associação entre níveis inferiores de traço de mindfulness e psicopatologia. Na amostra clínica, verifica-se que um padrão de ingestão alimentar compulsiva está associado a níveis inferiores de traço de mindfulness. As facetas Agir com Consciência Reflexiva e Não Julgar do traço de mindfulness predizem significativamente os comportamentos bulímicos. Tais resultados sugerem que o traço de mindfulness pode ter um papel protector na patologia do comportamento alimentar, abrindo novas possibilidades terapêuticas nestas perturbações.
Validação das emoções na infância: vergonha, ansiedade e sintomatologia depressiva
Authors: Lourenço Sara , Palmeira Lara , Dinis Alexandra , Gouveia José Pinto
Published: January 2015

As emoções são cruciais na compreensão do funcionamento psicológico. Os estudos realizados acerca da forma como as emoções assumem um papel preponderante na vida dos indivíduos, tendo por base as vivências relacionais com as figuras parentais na infância, dizem respeito maioritariamente às memórias daquele período, recordadas e evocadas por indivíduos na vida adulta. Com o objectivo de estudar in loco a forma como as emoções influenciam a vida dos indivíduos desde muito cedo (ainda durante a infância), realizou-se um conjunto de estudos numa amostra constituída por 188 crianças entre os 8 e os 12 anos de idade. Os resultados obtidos demonstram que mães percepcionadas como desaprovadoras das emoções dos filhos desencadeiam nas suas crianças sentimentos de vergonha, sendo que o desenvolvimento desta emoção parece contribuir significativamente para a presença de índices psicopatológicos, mais concretamente para a presença de sintomas depressivos e ansiosos.
Variáveis sociodemográficas e socioculturais e ajustamento psicológico à decisão e experiência de interrupção voluntária da gravidez
Authors: Guedes Maryse , Gameiro Sofia , Canavarro Maria Cristina
Published: January 2015

Investigadores e clínicos têm destacado a relação entre algumas variáveis sociodemográficas e socioculturais e a adaptação à experiência de interrupção voluntária da gravidez (IVG). No contexto da recente legalização da IVG em Portugal, este estudo teve como objectivo investigar a relação entre algumas variáveis sociodemográficos e socioculturais e o ajustamento psicológico no período decisório e após a IVG. A amostra, recolhida na Maternidade Doutor Daniel de Matos dos Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra, foi constituída por 53 mulheres que procuraram a Consulta de Aconselhamento Reprodutivo entre Dezembro de 2007 e Março de 2008. Este estudo prospectivo envolveu dois momentos de avaliação (antes e após a IVG), com recurso a instrumentos de auto-resposta. As mulheres solteiras e separadas/divorciadas e com forte afiliação religiosa que optaram pela IVG tenderam a apresentar pior ajustamento psicológico. São debatidas as implicações destes resultados para a investigação e prática clínica.
Vinculação, Memórias de Infância e Estilos Defensivos na População Dependente de Substâncias: Estudo Comparativo e Multivariado
Authors: Carriço Cláudia Nunes , Paixão Rui
Published: January 2015

Este artigo tem como objectivo avaliar as dimensões da vinculação na população dependente de substâncias (DS), bem como as variáveis associadas a este construto, particularmente as memórias de infância associadas à relação com os pais e os mecanismos de defesa. Numa primeira fase é feita a comparação entre um grupo de DS (n=65) e um grupo de sujeitos da população geral (n=65) emparelhados ao nível do género, idade e escolaridade. As diferenças entre grupos mostraram-se significativas ao nível da vinculação, memórias de infância e mecanismos de defesa específicos, como a clivagem e a supressão. Numa segunda fase, estuda-se a relação entre estas variáveis no grupo DS, tendo os resultados mostrado que a memória da rejeição da mãe e a clivagem têm um efeito preditor ao nível das dimensões da vinculação estudadas, sendo a clivagem o estimador mais consistente destas dimensões.
A inteligência emocional: da clarificação do constructo à sua aplicabilidade ao exercício da liderança
Authors: Silva Nuno Miguel Campos da , Lourenço Paulo Renato , Peralta Carlos Ferreira , Carvalho Carla Maria Santos de
Published: January 2015

Face à importância crescente que a temática da Inteligência Emocional (IE) tem vindo a assumir na comunidade científica e gestionária, sobretudo na sua aplicação ao exercício da liderança, neste artigo investigamos o que é a Inteligência Emocional, assim como se existe apoio científico que permita aplicar a Inteligência Emocional à liderança, sob o ponto de vista de investigação e de intervenção. Para tal, efectuamos um enquadramento histórico do constructo Inteligência Emocional, analisamos os pressupostos do modelo de Goleman (2001a, 2001b) e do modelo das capacidades da Inteligência Emocional (Mayer, Salovey & Caruso, 2008). Procedemos, também, a uma análise crítica do constructo Inteligência Emocional e, por fim, fizemos um ponto da situação sobre a investigação actual relativa à aplicabilidade da Inteligência Emocional à liderança. Após termos feito esta análise, extraímos conclusões relativamente à possível aplicação do constructo Inteligência Emocional tanto para a investigação como para a intervenção em contexto organizacional, no que concerne ao exercício da liderança.
O corpo adolescente: contributos para a compreensão da sua representação
Authors: Daniel Fernanda , Filipe Anabela
Published: January 2015

Saber como os jovens representam o corpo e o corpo ideal, enquanto realidades significativas, foi o nosso objectivo. Iniciámos o processo de investigação empírico através da recolha dos dados por associação livre de palavras inquirindo 278 jovens estudantes. Concomitantemente, efectuámos 30 entrevistas complementares. Em resultado do percurso efectuado, e tal como havia sido esperado, deparámo-nos com a representação de um corpo adolescente de existência ambígua. Reunindo em si o positivo e o negativo, o saber e o não saber, o querer e o não querer revelou-se um importante espaço de identidade e metamorfose, em permanente devir. Deste modo, as diferenças evocadas contribuíram para a construção de uma significação simbólica virtualmente “desancorada” das tautologias, das distorções, dos medos, tensões, paradoxos e estigmas, em que habitualmente o corpo adolescente se vê enredado.
Revival of physostigmine – a novel HPLC assay for simultaneous determination of physostigmine and its metabolite eseroline designed for a pharmacokinetic study of septic patients
Authors: Pinder Nadine , Zimmermann Johannes B. , Hofer Stefan , Brenner Thorsten , Weigand Markus A. , Gubbe Ute , Hoppe-Tichy Torsten , Swoboda Stefanie
Published: January 2015

Physostigmine, commonly used as an antidote in anticholinergic poisoning, is reported to have additional pharmacological effects, such as activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway in sepsis models. Due to the narrow therapeutic range of physostigmine and its metabolite eseroline, however, the plasma concentrations of these substances need to be determined so as to understand their effect and ensure safety in the treatment of septic patients.

To determine physostigmine and its metabolite eseroline, a rapid and sensitive high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method has been developed and validated. Spiked plasma samples were cleaned up and concentrated using a simple liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) procedure with N-methylphysostigmine as internal standard. Separation was achieved using reversed-phase HPLC on a Kinetex C18 column with gradient elution and fluorescence detection (254 nm excitation/355 nm emission).

LLE produced clean extracts and a mean recovery of 80.3% for eseroline and 84.9% for physostigmine. The HPLC assay revealed a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.025 ng/mL and a lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) of 0.05 ng/mL for both analytes. Linearity was observed at 0.05–10.0 ng/mL (r

The presented method is useful for human drug level monitoring of physostigmine and eseroline in accordance with current guidelines. Remarkably low plasma concentrations can be quantified after LLE with gradient elution and fluorescence detection, making this a suitable method for pharmacokinetic studies in a clinical setting.
Influence of Different Wall Materials on the Microencapsulation of Virgin Coconut Oil by Spray Drying
Authors: Hee Yen Yi , Tan Chin Ping , Abdul Rahman Russly , Mohd Adzahan Noranizan , Lai Wee Ting , Chong Gun Hean
Published: January 2015

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the different wall material combinations on the microencapsulation of virgin coconut oil (VCO) by spray drying. Maltodextrin (MD) and sodium caseinate (SC) were used as the basic wall materials and mixed with gum Arabic (GA), whey protein concentrate (WPC) and gelatin (G). The stability, viscosity and droplet size of the feed emulsions were measured. MD:SC showed the best encapsulation efficiency (80.51%) and oxidative stability while MD:SC:GA presented the lowest encapsulation efficiency (62.93%) but better oxidative stability than the other two combinations. Microcapsules produced were sphere in shape with no apparent fissures and cracks, low moisture content (2.35–2.85%) and high bulk density (0.23–0.29 g/cm3). All the particles showed relatively low peroxide value (0.34–0.82 meq peroxide/kg of oil) and good oxidative stability during storage. MD:SC:GA microencapsulated VCO had the highest antioxidant activity in both of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (0.22 mmol butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)/kg of oil) and 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays (1.35 mmol trolox/kg of oil).
Mining Breast Cancer Classification Rules from Mammograms
Authors: Yeh Jinn-Yi , Chan Si-Wa , Wu Tai-Hsi
Published: January 2015

Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in women. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to reduce the mortality rate and increase patients’ lifespan. Mammography is effective in early detection. This study proposes a computer-aided diagnosis system based on the mini-Mammographic Image Analysis Society database for analyzing mammograms. After selecting the regions of interest, we computed three typical features: the shape, spatial, and spectral domain features. We then applied the structural equation model to obtain relations between the features and the breast tissue type, lesion class, and tumor severity after feature extraction by information gain. Finally, we used the decision tree and classification and regression tree to construct computer-aided diagnosis rules; we generated 10 rules for predicting the classification of abnormal lesions and 11 rules for classifying the tumor severity. These rules can help clinicians detect and identify breast cancer efficiency from mammograms and improve medical care quality.
Evaluative Stances in Persuasive Essays by Undergraduate Students: Focusing on Appreciation Resources
Authors: Lee Sook Hee
Published: January 2015

This paper compares high-graded essays to low-graded essays written by undergraduate students in Australia. The comparison is made in an attempt to identify the extent to which the use of the evaluative language termed “
Young adult literacy learners describe the text–orality nexus
Authors: Sligo Frank , Tilley Elspeth , Murray Niki , Comrie Margie
Published: January 2015

Research has described the importance of orality at work and in everyday life but little agreement currently exists on how to theorize modern orality. This study explores how young adult literacy learners thought about and employed their textual (print) literacy within the oral contexts of their lives. We interviewed 88 mainly unemployed young persons undertaking literacy training to assess how their literacy fitted within their everyday lives, exploring their learning, employment, motivation, persistence, barriers to learning, and power dynamics. Respondents saw their textual literacy as situated within a matrix of everyday interpersonal communication more than as stand-alone functional skills, describing how literacy integrates with oral-experiential lifeworlds such as at work. Empirical evidence was provided to support the recent work of scholars who are building theory in the text–orality nexus. This study provides insights into the oral world of people with liminal (threshold) textual literacy; since such individuals are necessarily more oral than literate in their everyday life experience, they provide unique insights into how their orality intersects with use of textual information.
Research on thermal characteristics of heat pipes for led lightning devices
Authors: Lozovoi M. A. , Nikolaenko Yu. E. , Rassamakin B. M. , Khairnasov C. M.
Published: January 2015

New energy-saving technologies for lighting is a promising trend in lighting technology. To this end, during the recent decade, have been actively developed and implemented lighting units based on LED modules. Reliability of such devices is largely dependent on the ensuring of cooling of the LEDs. Heat pipes are being used with ever increasing frequency for increasing an efficiency of cooling of powerful LEDs within a lightening device. Results of experimental modeling of thermal characteristics of two aluminum heat pipes with grooved capillary structure and ammonia used as a heat transfer agent, designed for application as a heat transfer elements in designs of powerful LED lightening device with forced air cooling are presented in this paper. It is shown that for the heat flux range of 50 to 100 W and for incident flow speed in the range of 0.8 to 2.1 m/s the temperature in the heating zone of the heat pipe falls into the range of 31.0 to 52.5 °C. In this case the temperature difference along the heat pipe is between 0.9…1.7 °C, when a minimal value of the fed heat flux is 50 W, and 1.7…3.1°C, when a maximum value of the heat flux is 100 W. The value of heat transfer resistance of the heat pipes was in the range of 0.012 to 0.044 °C/W. The key factors influencing the thermal characteristics of the heat pipes are: the value of the fed heat flux, the speed of cooling air flux, heat pipe inclination angle with respect to the horizon. By using five such heat pipes within the powerful LED lightning device it is possible to achieve an elimination of the total heat flux from LED modules up to 500 W. At an efficiency factor of LEDs of about 75% this is equivalent to intake power 665 W. Taking into account that luminous efficiency of modern LEDs is about 10 times as high as those of incandescent lamps, proposed lightning device will produce a luminous flux which is equivalent to the luminous flux of a lightening device with incandescent lamps with a power of 6650 W, so that this will allow reducing an input power of the lightening device by 5985 W.
Ionization annealing of semiconductor crystals. Part two: the experiment
Authors: Garkavenko A. S. , Mokritskii V. A. , Banzak O. V. , Zavadskii V. A.
Published: January 2015

There is a conception that irradiation of semiconductor crystals with high energy electrons (300 keV) results in a significant and irreversible deterioration of their electrical, optical and structural properties. Semiconductors are typically irradiated by low voltage electron accelerators with a continuous flow, the current density in such accelerators is 10–5—10–6 A/cm2, the energy — 0,3—1 MeV. All changes in the properties after such irradiation are resistant at room temperature, and marked properties recovery to baseline values is observed only after prolonged heating of the crystals to a high temperature. In contrast, the authors in their studies observe an improvement of the structural properties of semiconductor crystals (annealing of defects) under irradiation with powerful (high current) pulsed electron beams of high energy (E0 = 0,3–1 MeV, t = 0,1—10 ns, Ω = 1—10 Hz, j = 20—300 A/cm2). In their previous paper, the authors presented theoretical basis of this effect. This article describes an experimental study on the influence of high-current pulsed electron beams on the optical homogeneity of semiconductor GaAs and CdS crystals, confirming the theory put forward earlier.
Automated system for determining the burnup of spent nuclear fuel
Authors: Mokritskii V. A. , Maslov O. V. , Banzak O. V.
Published: January 2015

The authors analyze their experience in application of semi-conductor detectors and development of a breadboard model of the monitoring system for spent nuclear fuel (SNF). Such system should use CdZnTe-detectors in which one-charging gathering conditions are realized. The proposed technique of real time SNF control during reloading technological operations is based on the obtained research results. Methods for determining the burnup of spent nuclear fuel based on measuring the characteristics of intrinsic radiation are covered in many papers, but those metods do not usually take into account that the nuclear fuel used during the operation has varying degrees of initial enrichment, or a new kind of fuel may be used. Besides, the known methods often do not fit well into the existing technology of fuel loading operations and are not suitable for operational control. Nuclear fuel monitoring (including burnup determination) system in this research is based on the measurement of the spectrum of natural gamma-radiation of irradiated fuel assemblies (IFA), as from the point of view of minimizing the time spent, the measurement of IFA gamma spectra directly during fuel loading is optimal. It is the overload time that is regulated rather strictly, and burnup control operations should be coordinated with the schedule of the fuel loading. Therefore, the real time working capacity of the system should be chosen as the basic criterion when constructing the structure of such burnup control systems.
Preventive Criminalization
Authors: Cornford Andrew
Published: January 2015

The criminal laws of many states make increasing use of preventive offenses—offenses that aim to prevent a given type of harm by targeting conduct prior to the causation of that harm. Academic commentators have largely been skeptical about such offenses. Their most potent criticism is that many preventive offenses do not target culpable wrongdoing of a kind that warrants censure and punishment through the criminal law. This article responds to this argument. Its principal contention is that some preventive offenses may be rationalized as targeting regulatory or malum prohibitum wrongs. Even if conduct does not yet cause or risk causing harm, it may warrant penalization as part of a regulatory scheme aimed at preventing that harm. This is shown to have significant implications for the legitimacy of some offenses targeted by the skeptics—in particular, offenses targeting the possession of weapons such as knives or firearms.
Scl binds to primed enhancers in mesoderm to regulate hematopoietic and cardiac fate divergence
Authors: Org Tõnis , Duan Dan , Ferrari Roberto , Montel‐Hagen Amelie , Van Handel Ben , Kerényi Marc A , Sasidharan Rajkumar , Rubbi Liudmilla , Fujiwara Yuko , Pellegrini Matteo , Orkin Stuart H , Kurdistani Siavash K , Mikkola Hanna KA
Published: January 2015

Scl/Tal1 confers hemogenic competence and prevents ectopic cardiomyogenesis in embryonic endothelium by unknown mechanisms. We discovered that Scl binds to hematopoietic and cardiac enhancers that become epigenetically primed in multipotent cardiovascular mesoderm, to regulate the divergence of hematopoietic and cardiac lineages. Scl does not act as a pioneer factor but rather exploits a pre‐established epigenetic landscape. As the blood lineage emerges, Scl binding and active epigenetic modifications are sustained in hematopoietic enhancers, whereas cardiac enhancers are decommissioned by removal of active epigenetic marks. Our data suggest that, rather than recruiting corepressors to enhancers, Scl prevents ectopic cardiogenesis by occupying enhancers that cardiac factors, such as Gata4 and Hand1, use for gene activation. Although hematopoietic Gata factors bind with Scl to both activated and repressed genes, they are dispensable for cardiac repression, but necessary for activating genes that enable hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell development. These results suggest that a unique subset of enhancers in lineage‐specific genes that are accessible for regulators of opposing fates during the time of the fate decision provide a platform where the divergence of mutually exclusive fates is orchestrated.
Ecdysone receptor in the mud crab Scylla paramamosain: a possible role in promoting ovarian development
Authors: Gong Jie , Ye Haihui , Xie Yinjie , Yang Yanan , Huang Huiyang , Li Shaojing , Zeng Chaoshu
Published: January 2015

In arthropods, it is known that ecdysteroids regulate molting, limb regeneration, and reproduction through activation of the ecdysone receptor (EcR). However, the ecdysteroid signaling pathway for promotion of ovarian development in crustaceans is still unclear. In this study, three cDNA isoforms ofEcRwere cloned from the mud crabScylla paramamosain. qRT-PCR revealed that theSpEcRmRNA was abundant in the eyestalk, ovary and epidermis. During ovarian development, theSpEcRtranscripts increased from stage I (undeveloped stage) and reached a peak at stage IV (late vitellogenic stage) before dropping to a lower level at stage V (mature stage). Meanwhile, levels of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) in the hemolymph, detected by HPLC-MS, displayed a similar pattern of increase with ovarian development. Results fromin situhybridization indicated thatSpEcRmRNA was present in the follicular cells during vitellogenesis. Results fromin vivoexperiments revealed that 20E at 0.2 μg/g body weight significantly stimulated the expression ofSpEcRandvitellogenin(SpVg) in female crabs during the early vitellogenic stage but not during the previtellogenic stage. This was confirmed by results fromin vitroexperiments which indicated thatSpEcRandSpVgexpression levels were significantly upregulated in early vitellogenic ovarian explants incubated with 5.0 μM 20E at 3 and 6 h but not in previtellogenic ovarian explants. Finally, results fromin vitrogene silencing experiments indicated that the expression ofSpEcRandSpVgin the ovary was significantly inhibited bySpEcRdsRNA. All these results together indicated that inS. paramamosain, 20E, andSpEcR, located in the follicular cells, play important roles in the promotion of ovarian development via regulating the expression ofSpVg.
A Modified Optimal Control Strategy for a Five-Finger Robotic
Authors: Cheng-Hung Chen  , D. Subbaram Naidu
Published: January 2015

This paper addresses a modified optimal control strategy for a 14-degrees-of-freedom, five-finger robotic hand to improve accuracy and reduce convergence time by modifying the performance index embedded with an exponential term. First, the trajectory planning of the joints of each finger is designed by using cubic polynomial. Then the kinematic and dynamic equations of the robotic hand and feedback linearization technique are employed. Next, the original and modified optimal control methods are applied to the robotic hand. Finally, simulations show that the proposed modified optimal control technique provides much faster response with high accuracy compared to a hybrid genetic algorithm-tuned PID control.
Le Corbusier’s Modern Museum Prototype: The Transformation of Unlimited Growth Museums
Authors: Chih-Ming Shih  , Kuang-Hsu Huang
Published: January 2015

This paper analyzes how Le Corbusier constructed the prototype of the modern museum according to the concept of Unlimited Growth, and how he interpreted and implemented the prototype in three museums. Through analyzing and comparing the development of the concept of Unlimited Growth and its implementation across three aspects of design, namely modules, space arrangements, and natural lighting, we noticed that Le Corbusier did not limit his design thinking to mere prototypes; instead, through the implementation process, he redefined the core design of the modern museum by transferring the focus from Unlimited Growth to lighting design, which would later become one of the key design issues of contemporary museum design.
Frost Heave and Ice Lenses Formation in Freezing Soils
Authors: Leonid Bronfenbrener
Published: January 2015

A generalized model for secondary frost heave in freezing fine-grained soils is presented and discussed. The cryostatic suction effect, which increases upward water permeation, ice-lens growth during freezing, and, as a consequence, the increase of soil heave, is considered to be the main mechanism of moisture transfer. We recognize the need to determine the distribution of the moisture within the frozen fringe by approximation of the experimental data for the equilibrium unfrozen water content. This distribution is the result of the complicated interaction between water, ice and the mineral skeleton during the freezing process. The generalization of the Clapeyron relation, which is used in the studies of other authors, estimates only the drop in initial freezing temperature and does not define the connection with the external temperature gradient ∆T, which is responsible for the frost heave process. This very important aspect is discussed in detail in the introduction to our paper. We take also into account the ratio Pe/Ste # 1 (where Pe<<1). This approach allows us to obtain a more general solution. The criterion of the ice lenses formation in fine-grained soils and the model for calculation of the lenses' thickness and spacing are derived. The dynamics of the lenses formation in histogram form is presented and discussed. The theoretical results obtained from the solution for fine-grained soils are compared in good agreement with experimental investigations. The model presented predicts the frost heave and ice lenses formation in freezing soils with reasonable accuracy, satisfactorily reflects observed phenomena, and thus can be suitable for engineering practice.
Operations scheduling in building tunnels of mining projects
Authors: Correa Espinal Alexander Alberto , Rodríguez Velásquez Elkin , Cadavid Jaramillo Jhoan Sebastián
Published: January 2015

This article proposes a heuristic algorithm to solve a problem of sequencing jobs in the mining tunnel construction, from input data, such as: the number of machines, the number of jobs, the number of stages and the time preparation and operation of the works in each of the stages, with the objective of minimizing the total occupation time processing all stages, resulting in increased operational efficiency of this type of project. The results obtained using the algorithm developed have a total time of occupancy to three jobs with three stages of 39 units of time compare to 59 units of time by an arbitrary solution, thus confirming that it is significant in implementing the algorithm to a problem that exhibits these characteristics.
Evaluation of parameters to determine the degree of coal dust explosibility
Authors: Casas Herrera Elkin , Blandón Montes Astrid , Molina-Escobar Jorge Martin
Published: January 2015

Coal dust is highly explosive and caused dozens of victims in Colombia. In this research the most important and direct influence on coal dust, especially those that cause combustion and explosion inside the mine factors were analyzed; is important to discuss the characteristics of each coal mined and processed, for actions that do not compromise the integrity of the staff or facilities. Four (4) channel samples of coal exploitation faces with High Volatile Bituminous C from Cerrejón Formation were collected and analyzed: Proximal (moisture, ash, volatile matter, fixed carbon, total sulfur and calorific value ); petrographic (maceral counting and vitrinite reflectance) and Hardgrove mill index. The samples were crushed to obtain fractions corresponding to meshes 200, 270 and 325 considering those sizes could give greater risks of explosion.The analysis showed that there is a direct relationship between the results of the Hardgrove mill index and the degree of explosiveness in the fraction corresponding to 200 mesh, meaning that a higher rate of milling the greater the degree of explosiveness; a direct relationship between calorific inertinite content range and also observed. The 325 mesh fraction for all samples showed the same degree of explosiveness, which indicates that the grain size and the type of coal maceral not influence the content and coal rank. The flash point decreased for finer grains for all samples. Thus, the size of carbon particle is very important as an indicator in the coal-dust explosion factor: finer particles have greater the likelihood of explosion. The percentage of inertinites has a close relationship with the explosivity index, the higher the content of this maceral, coupled with the fine grain, coal dust behaves like a highly explosive element and generate risks in mining operations.Coal rank is an important factor regard to self combustion and explosion of particles with grain sizes greater 200 mesh. If a low rank coal has susceptible and unstable at high temperature elements and this is combined with high volatile matter and some other influential environmental parameters, such as blow air, dust concentration, humidity, and pressure, among others, the ideal combustion and then a likely violent explosion may affect a large portion of mine.
Endothelial, renal and hepatic variables in wistar rats treated with Vancomycin
Authors: BRUNIERA FELIPE R. , FERREIRA FELIPE M. , SAVIOLI LUIZ R.M. , BACCI MARCELO R. , FEDER DAVID , PEREIRA EDIMAR C. , PEDREIRA MAVILDE L.G. , PETERLINI MARIA A.S. , PERAZZO FÁBIO F. , AZZALIS LIGIA A. , ROSA PAULO C.P. , JUNQUEIRA VIRGINIA B.C. , SATO MONICA A. , FONSECA FERNANDO L.A.
Published: January 2015

Vancomycin (VCM) is indicated in combat against Gram-positive infections, but it is not considered a first-choice drug because of its adverse effects. It is believed that oxidative stress is the primary mechanism of endothelial injury and the consequent VCM toxicity, which varies from phlebitis to nephrotoxicity. Moreover, dose recommendations, dilution, rates and types of infusion are still controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different VCM dilutions in endothelial, liver and kidney injuries by biochemical parameters and histopathological analysis. Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups and subjected to femoral vein cannulation for drug administration. Control groups received 0.9 ml of saline and the others received VCM (10mg/Kg/day) at dilutions of 5.0 and 10.0 mg/mL for 3 and 7 days. Homocysteine, hs-CRP, AST, ALT, GGT, urea, creatinine, lycopene, alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene and retinol were analyzed. Kidney, liver and cannulated femoral vein fragments were collected.This study showed alterations in ALT which featured hepatotoxicity. However, drug dilutions were not able to show changes in other biochemical parameters. In contrast, kidney and endothelium pathological changes were observed. More studies are needed to characterize VCM induced kidney and endothelium toxicity and biochemical markers able to show such morphological modifications.
Effects of atmospheric pollutants on somatic and germ cells of Tradescantia pallida (Rose) D.R. HUNT cv. purpurea
Authors: CRISPIM BRUNO A. , SPÓSITO JULIANA C.V. , MUSSURY ROSILDA M. , SENO LEONARDO O. , GRISOLIA ALEXÉIA B.
Published: January 2015

Anatomical alterations in leaves and DNA damage in cells caused by the accumulation of atmospheric pollutants can be measured by epidermal leaf analyses and Tradescantia micronuclei assay with early pollen tetrad cells. The present study examined the feasibility of using somatic and germ cells of Tradescantia pallida for biomonitoring purposes in the city of Dourados, state of Mato Grosso do Sul (MS), Brazil. Stomatal, micronucleus and epidermal leaf analyses were performed, using standard methodologies, on plants growing at three locations during six different time periods. Tradescantia micronuclei data were analyzed using SAS 9.2 software package and stomatal data were analyzed using SANEST software. Analyses of stomatal characteristics and micronuclei examination in T. pallida were found to be an efficient tool for monitoring atmospheric pollution. The micronucleus assay suggested that the number of micronuclei in early pollen tetrad cells was related to the intensity of vehicular traffic. Increased number of epidermal cells and stomata and increased stomatal density observed at locations with greater vehicular traffic are likely physiological responses of those plants to the increased gas exchange in highly polluted environments.
El cuidado enfermero como problema ético: concepto y principios prácticos aplicados al acto de cuidado
Authors: Miranda Alejandro , Contreras Sebastián
Published: January 2015

En este trabajo los autores estudian la naturaleza del acto del cuidado, destacan la importancia de la ética en las profesiones vinculadas con la salud de las personas y desarrollan, a la luz de la tradición central de la filosofía moral occidental, un conjunto de principios que deben guiar la actividad de la enfermería.