bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘You never come back the same’: the challenge of spiritual care in a deployed military nursing context
Authors: Ormsby Andrew , Harrington Ann , Borbasi Sally
Published: December 2016

Aims and objectives

To explore the experience of spirituality and spiritual care by military nurses on deployed operations.

Background

Despite an increasing body of research addressing spirituality in nursing care in a variety of clinical settings, the deployed military nursing context remains poorly understood.

Design

A qualitative, philosophical hermeneutic design.

Method

Ten Australian military nurses were interviewed about their experiences of spirituality and spiritual care while on deployed operations. Analyses were performed using a phenomenological method informed by philosophical hermeneutics.

Results

The participants perceived that they had an important role in the provision of spiritual care in the absence of family on deployed operations. However, the nurse also needed to care for their own spiritual needs. The results suggested that spirituality and spiritual care may provide positive benefits in protecting against the long‐term psychological, emotional and spiritual impacts of military service on deployed operations.

Conclusions

Military nurses need to understand the factors that influence spiritual care delivery in their practice setting. Nurses need to be cognizant of the importance of spiritual care in the deployed military context, not only for their patients and colleagues, but also for themselves. Spirituality is argued as a protective factor against the challenges and consequences often associated with deployment. Well‐developed spiritual resilience may assist in ensuring that military personnel return home emotionally, psychologically and spiritually ‘fit’.

Relevance for clinical practice

To provide effective spiritual nursing care to deployed military populations, the nurse needs to understand the complex military practice environment, the personal and individual nature of spiritual expressions and their own spiritual care requirements. Meaningful spiritual care aids resilience against the psychological, emotional and spiritual dangers of deployment.
Developing a patient‐led electronic feedback system for quality and safety within Renal PatientView
Authors: Giles Sally J. , Reynolds Caroline , Heyhoe Jane , Armitage Gerry
Published: December 2016

Background

It is increasingly acknowledged that patients can provide direct feedback about the quality and safety of their care through patient reporting systems. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of patients, healthcare professionals and researchers working in partnership to develop a patient‐led quality and safety feedback system within an existing electronic health record (EHR), known as Renal PatientView (RPV).

Methods

Phase 1 (inception) involved focus groups (n = 9) and phase 2 (requirements) involved cognitive walkthroughs (n = 34) and 1:1 qualitative interviews (n = 34) with patients and healthcare professionals. A Joint Services Expert Panel (JSP) was convened to review the findings from phase 1 and agree the core principles and components of the system prototype. Phase 1 data were analysed using a thematic approach. Data from phase 1 were used to inform the design of the initial system prototype. Phase 2 data were analysed using the components of heuristic evaluation, resulting in a list of core principles and components for the final system prototype.

Results

Phase 1 identified four main barriers and facilitators to patients feeding back on quality and safety concerns. In phase 2, the JSP agreed that the system should be based on seven core principles and components.

Discussion

Stakeholders were able to work together to identify core principles and components for an electronic patient quality and safety feedback system in renal services. Tensions arose due to competing priorities, particularly around anonymity and feedback. Careful consideration should be given to the feasibility of integrating a novel element with differing priorities into an established system with existing functions and objectives.
Updated competencies for the dental public health specialist: using the past and present to frame the future
Authors: Weintraub Jane A. , Rozier R. Gary
Published: December 2016

Objective

A new set of competencies for entry‐level specialists in dental public health (DPH) developed in 2016 updates the 1998 version. Our objective is to provide some context and perspective on this update.

Methods

We discuss the evolution of this dental specialty, how it differs from other dental specialties, and its importance for the public's oral health. Some societal trends that provide the rationale for this update are summarized. The ways in which this set of competencies differs from the last version are described.

Results

The first set of behavioral objectives was established in 1974 and updated at workshops in 1988 and 1997. Advanced population‐based knowledge and public health perspectives beyond that obtained in predoctoral dental education continue to be essential for the nation's oral health. Since 1998, the impact of the digital age, advances in science and technology, changes in population demographics, health status and increasing inequalities, treatment needs, prevention and treatment modalities, healthcare delivery systems, financing, personnel, legislation, and regulations have all influenced DPH practice. The updated competencies include guiding principles for the specialty, a new focus on social determinants of health, and more flexibility to address the increasing complexity and interdisciplinary nature of public health problems and the expanding knowledge and skills needed to address them. The rapid expansion of public health education might serve as an important pipeline for future DPH specialists.

Conclusion

The updated competencies can guide the educational preparation of DPH specialists and are aligned with the rapidly changing environment.
Time lags in functional response to management regimes – evidence from a 26‐year field experiment in wet meadows
Authors: Velbert Frederike , Kleinebecker Till , Mudrák Ondřej , Schwartze Peter , Hölzel Norbert
Published: December 2016

Questions

(1) How does functional composition and diversity respond to different timings and frequencies of mowing or fallow treatment; (2) to which species assembly and related ecosystem processes do these developments correspond; and (3) what is the time course of these developments, and do they reach a stable state?

Location

North‐western Germany.

Methods

In 1987, a field experiment in nine wet meadow sites formerly exploited as fertilized meadows or pastures was established with four management treatments: (1) mowing twice a year in June/July and in September, (2) mowing once a year in June/July, (3) mowing once a year in September, and (4) leaving fallow except for shrub removal. Vegetation was recorded at least every second year and the functional composition (CWM) and diversity (Rao's quadratic entropy) were analysed in the course of the experiment. We selected eight plant functional traits (Canopy height, SLA, LDMC, Seed mass, Shoot cyclicity, Clonal index, Onset of flowering, Leaf distribution) capturing the main plant life strategies.

Results

Temporal changes, fluctuations and divergences between treatments could be observed in both functional composition and diversity. In particular, the vegetation of the fallow treatment showed strong competition for light and a higher investment into internal nutrient cycling. Over time, all treatments respond towards more stressful conditions due to generally less intensive management compared with the former management and respective nutrient depletion, leading to a more nutrient‐retentive and patch‐holding strategy and little investment into competitive seedlings. High competition and loose abiotic filters in the fallow treatment led to a niche separation in foliar traits. Mowing on the other hand enforced a divergence of reproduction mechanisms.

Conclusion

We detected long‐term fluctuations and on‐going changes in functional composition and diversity even after 26 yr. Especially early succession was characterized by a transient loss of functional diversity, caused by strong time lags in immigration and extinction of species. Our findings stress the importance of long‐term experimental studies to avoid precarious misinterpretations.
Empirical insights into corporate contractarian theory
Authors: Attenborough Daniel
Published: December 2016

In UK and US company law and corporate governance, a highly influential economic theory views the company, and the rules related thereto, as a nexus of contracts for organising business activity. This so-called contractarian theory of the company depicts fundamental corporate governance arrangements as a form of private ordering, in which rules are spontaneously produced in the absence of formal legal intervention. This paper draws upon broader empirical evidence of real world private ordering to make two essential arguments, which provide much-needed nuance to the idealised view of spontaneous governance found in the contractarian analysis. First, it emphasises the significance of a distinctive and essential correlative and causal connection between hierarchy and the development and nature of private orders. Secondly, it highlights the ways in which the state positively interacts with the purported self-regulatory capability of the market to produce these uneven endogenous rules.
Risk for Hip Fracture due to Alpha Blocker Treatment in Korean Women: National Health Insurance Database Study
Authors: SEO Gi H. , SHIM Sung R. , LEE Hwan W. , KIM Jin H. , CHUN Dong‐Il , KIM Hyun J. , LEE Hyun Y. , KIM Jae H.
Published: December 2016

Objective

The aim of this study is to evaluate the risk for hip fracture associated with adverse drug reactions caused by α1‐adrenergic (alpha) blockers to treat female voiding dysfunction.

Methods

Information from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2012 was used. Hip fracture women patients who received a prescription for an alpha blocker due to voiding dysfunction were the cases. A 30‐day hazard period after administration of an alpha blocker was set. The 30‐day control period was defined as 360 days before administration. The standardized incidence ratio and hazard ratio for the risk of hip bone fracture as related to alpha blocker use were analyzed.

Results

The study cohort included 287 383 subjects having a mean age of 65.1 ± 9.7 years in the study cohort. A total of 170 and 79 hip fracture cases were diagnosed in the hazard period and control period, respectively. The incidence of newly diagnosed hip fractures per 100 000 person‐years was 763.4 in the hazard period and 348.5 in the control period. The hazard ratio for hip fracture after use of an alpha blocker was 2.19 (95% confidence interval, 1.74–2.77).

Conclusions

Alpha blockers to treat voiding dysfunction may have association with the risk for hip fracture in elderly women.
Evaluation of a Unique Defibrillation Unit with Dual‐Vector Biphasic Waveform Capabilities: Towards a Miniaturized Defibrillator
Authors: OKAMURA HIDEO , DESIMONE CHRISTOPHER V. , KILLU AMMAR M. , GILLES EMILY J. , TRI JASON , ASIRVATHAM ROSHINI , LADEWIG DEJAE J. , SUDDENDORF SCOTT H. , POWERS JOANNE M. , WOOD‐WENTZ CHRISTINA M. , GRAY PETER D. , RAYMOND DOUGLAS M. , SAVAGE SHELLEY J. , SAVAGE WALTER T. , BRUCE CHARLES J. , ASIRVATHAM SAMUEL J. , FRIEDMAN PAUL A.
Published: December 2016

Background

Automated external defibrillators can provide life‐saving therapies to treat ventricular fibrillation. We developed a prototype unit that can deliver a unique shock waveform produced by four independent capacitors that is delivered through two shock vectors, with the rationale of providing more robust shock pathways during emergent defibrillation. We describe the initial testing and feasibility of this unique defibrillation unit, features of which may enable downsizing of current defibrillator devices.

Methods

We tested our defibrillation unit in four large animal models (two canine and two swine) under general anesthesia. Experimental defibrillation thresholds (DFT) were obtained by delivery of a unique waveform shock pulse via a dual‐vector pathway with four defibrillation pads (placed across the chest). DFTs were measured and compared with those of a commercially available biphasic defibrillator (Zoll M series, Zoll Medical, Chelmsford, MA, USA) tested in two different vectors. Shocks were delivered after 10 seconds of stable ventricular fibrillation and the output characteristics and shock outcome recorded. Each defibrillation series used a step‐down to failure protocol to define the defibrillation threshold.

Results

A total of 96 shocks were delivered during ventricular fibrillation in four large animals. In comparison to the Zoll M series, which delivered a single‐vector, biphasic shock, the energy required for successful defibrillation using the unique dual‐vector biphasic waveform did not differ significantly (P = 0.65).

Conclusions

Our early findings support the feasibility of a unique external defibrillation unit using a dual‐vector biphasic waveform approach. This warrants further study to leverage this unique concept and work toward a miniaturized, portable shock delivery system.
Trichodysplasia Spinulosa in a 7‐Year‐Old Boy Managed Using Physical Extraction of Keratin Spicules
Authors: Barton Michael , Lockhart Suing , Sidbury Robert , Wang Richard , Brandling‐Bennett Heather
Published: December 2016

Trichodysplasia spinulosa (TS) is an uncommon skin disease characterized by a folliculocentric papular eruption and keratin spine formation, classically appearing on the central face and ears. It occurs in immunosuppressed patients and is linked to a viral etiology. Diagnostic tests including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are available for detection of the TS‐associated polyomavirus. Effective treatment options include topical cidofovir and oral valganciclovir. We present a case diagnosed using PCR with skin scrapings and treated using physical extraction of the keratin spicules. Significant improvement was noted, suggesting a safe, cost‐effective treatment alternative.
Divalent Cations Increase DNA Repair Activities of Bacterial (6‐4) Photolyases
Authors: Ma Hongju , Zhang Fan , Ignatz Elisabeth , Suehnel Martin , Xue Peng , Scheerer Patrick , Essen Lars Oliver , Krauß Norbert , Lamparter Tilman
Published: December 2016

The (6‐4) photolyases of the FeS‐BCP group can be considered as the most ancient type among the large family of cryptochrome and photolyase flavoproteins. In contrast to other photolyases, they contain an Fe‐S cluster of unknown function, a DMRL chromophore, an interdomain loop, which could interact with DNA, and a long C‐terminal extension. We compared DNA repair and photoreduction of two members of the FeS‐BCP family, Agrobacterium fabrum PhrB and Rhodobacter sphaeroides RsCryB, with a eukaryotic (6‐4) photolyase from Ostreococcus, OsCPF, and a member of the class III CPD photolyases, PhrA from A. fabrum. We found that the low DNA repair effectivity of FeS‐BCP proteins is largely stimulated by Mg2+ and other divalent cations, whereas no effect of divalent cations was observed in OsCPF and PhrA. The (6‐4) repair activity in the presence of Mg2+ is comparable with the repair activities of the other two photolyases. The photoreduction, on the other hand, is negatively affected by Mg2+ in PhrB, but stimulated by Mg2+ in PhrA. A clear relationship of Mg2+ dependency on DNA repair with the evolutionary position conflicts with Mg2+ dependency of photoreduction. We discuss the Mg2+ effect in the context of structural data and DNA binding.
Performance Policies and Workforce Development: Can the Market Model Be Successfully Implemented in the Public Arena?
Authors: Patrick Barbara
Published: December 2016

Performance management proposes to use market reforms to enhance public services. However, the ability to accomplish this goal is largely unsubstantiated. In the field of education, Race to the Top and No Child Left Behind aimed to improve education by mandating the development of performance provisions that enhanced workforce quality and provided options for citizens. This research assesses the relationship between legislation and the desired performance outcomes. It reveals that performance policies did not have the desired impact on workforce development reforms or citizens’ use of market mechanisms. Workforce development and market reforms were also limited by environmental variables.

Related Articles

Ertas, Nevbahar. 2015. “” Politics and Policy 43 (): 426‐451. Accessed on August 22, 2016. Available online at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12120/abstract

Neill, Katharine, and
John Morris. 2012. “.” Politics and Policy 40 (): 629‐656. Accessed on August 22, 2016. Available online at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2012.00371.x/abstract

Dahill‐Brown, Sara, and
Lesley Lavery. 2012. “.” Politics and Policy 40 (): 557‐592. Accessed on August 22, 2016. Available online at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2012.00368.x/abstract

Related Media

. https://vimeo.com/69353438

. 2012. “Race to the Top Resources.” http://www2.ed.gov/programs/racetothetop/phase1-applications/index.html
Occurrence and diversity of Tomato spotted wilt virus isolates breaking the Tsw resistance gene of Capsicum chinense in Yunnan, southwest China
Authors: Jiang L. , Huang Y. , Sun L. , Wang B. , Zhu M. , Li J. , Huang C. , Liu Y. , Li F. , Liu Y. , Dong J. , Zhang Z. , Tao X.
Published: December 2016

Widely used resistant peppers (Capsicum spp.) bearing the Tsw locus triggered the rapid emergence of resistance‐breaking (RB) isolates of Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) around the world. However, although TSWV‐induced diseases have rapidly increased in Yunnan, southwest China, in recent years, no information is available about the diversity of TSWV isolates in this region. In this study, the occurrence of natural TSWV RB variants among isolates collected in Yunnan is reported. Initially, a TSWV isolate from asparagus lettuce (TSWV‐LE) was collected in Yunnan in 2012. Surprisingly, this isolate of TSWV induced systemic necrosis on pepper carrying the Tsw resistance gene. Novel TSWV isolates, collected in 2015, included a tomato isolate (TSWV‐YN18) and a tobacco isolate (TSWV‐YN53) that also overcame Tsw‐mediated resistance. TSWV‐YN18 induced systemic ringspots, whereas TSWV‐YN53 caused systemic chlorotic mottling. Variations in the TSWV nonstructural (NSs) protein are the key determinants associated with Tsw resistance‐breaking isolates. It was found that TSWV‐LE NSs retained the hypersensitive response (HR) induction, whereas TSWV‐YN18 and TSWV‐YN53 NSs were unable to induce HR. However, the NSs of all three RB isolates suppressed RNA silencing. Sequence analysis of the NSs revealed that RB isolates of Yunnan have no amino acid mutation sites common to other previously reported RB isolates. However, two amino acids (F74 and K272) on TSWV‐LE NSs make it distinct from TSWV‐YN18 and TSWV‐YN53. The occurrence of different RB isolates and the failure of Tsw‐mediated resistance control pose serious threats to domestic pepper crops in southwest China.
Optimal Group Testing Designs for Estimating Prevalence with Uncertain Testing Errors
Authors: Huang Shih-Hao , Huang Mong-Na Lo , Shedden Kerby , Wong Weng Kee
Published: December 2016

We construct optimal designs for group testing experiments where the goal is to estimate the prevalence of a trait by using a test with uncertain sensitivity and specificity. Using optimal design theory for approximate designs, we show that the most efficient design for simultaneously estimating the prevalence, sensitivity and specificity requires three different group sizes with equal frequencies. However, if estimating prevalence as accurately as possible is the only focus, the optimal strategy is to have three group sizes with unequal frequencies. On the basis of a chlamydia study in the USA we compare performances of competing designs and provide insights into how the unknown sensitivity and specificity of the test affect the performance of the prevalence estimator. We demonstrate that the locally D- and D  s-optimal designs proposed have high efficiencies even when the prespecified values of the parameters are moderately misspecified.
Sick pay reforms and health status in a unionised labour market
Authors: Goerke Laszlo
Published: December 2016

We theoretically analyse the effects of sick pay and employees' health on collective bargaining, assuming that individuals determine absence optimally. If sick pay is set by the government and not paid for by firms, it induces the trade union to lower wages. This mitigates the positive impact on absence. Moreover, a union may oppose higher sick pay if it reduces labour supply sufficiently. Better employee health tends to foster wage demands. If the union determines both wages and sick pay, we identify situations in which it will substitute wages for sick pay because adverse absence effects can be mitigated.
Targeting of tail‐anchored membrane proteins to subcellular organelles in Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Padgett Leah R. , Arrizabalaga Gustavo , Sullivan William J.
Published: December 2016

Proper protein localization is essential for critical cellular processes, including vesicle‐mediated transport and protein translocation. Tail‐anchored (TA) proteins are integrated into organellar membranes via the C‐terminus, orienting the N‐terminus towards the cytosol. Localization of TA proteins occurs posttranslationally and is governed by the C‐terminus, which contains the integral transmembrane domain (TMD) and targeting sequence. Targeting of TA proteins is dependent on the hydrophobicity of the TMD as well as the length and composition of flanking amino acid sequences. We previously identified an unusual homologue of elongator protein, Elp3, in the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii as a TA protein targeting the outer mitochondrial membrane. We sought to gain further insight into TA proteins and their targeting mechanisms using this early‐branching eukaryote as a model. Our bioinformatics analysis uncovered 59 predicted TA proteins in Toxoplasma, 9 of which were selected for follow‐up analyses based on representative features. We identified novel TA proteins that traffic to specific organelles in Toxoplasma, including the parasite endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondrion, and Golgi apparatus. Domain swap experiments elucidated that targeting of TA proteins to these specific organelles was strongly influenced by the TMD sequence, including charge of the flanking C‐terminal sequence.
PEMIKIRAN EKONOMI AL-GHAZALI DALAM TEORI KEWANGAN
Authors: Mohamed Yusof Mohd Faiz , Borhan Joni Tamkin , Romli Nurhanani
Published: December 2016

AbstractAl-Ghazali (1055 till 1111) was a leading thinker who has made several idea related to finance, such as evolutionary theory of money, function of money, the prohibition of money hoarding, currency issues and the roles of government in a monetary system. Furthermore, the use of the currency at present often causes a variety of unhealthy economics situation. Thus, this study will describe the comparison between the roles of money in use today and the roles of money raised by al-Ghazali. Althought there was a fairly long period of time, the existence on the role of money is said to have continuity to the opinion of al-Ghazali. The study will analyze the extent to which the role of money raised by al-Ghazali can be applied to further improve the role of money in different economics system and how it is used to solve various economics problems that hit today.AbstrakAl-Ghazali bermula pada 1055 hingga 1111 merupakan seorang tokoh sarjana yang terbilang yang telah mengemukakan beberapa idea berkaitan kewangan seperti teori evolusi wang, fungsi wang, larangan dalam penimbunan wang, masalah mata wang bercampur, dan peranan kerajaan dalam kewangan. Tambahan pula, penggunaan wang pada masa kini  sering menimbulkan pelbagai situasi ekonomi yang tidak sihat. Justeru, kajian ini akan menjelaskan perbandingan antara peranan wang yang digunakan pada hari ini dengan peranan wang yang dikemukakan oleh al-Ghazali. Walaupun terdapat perbezaan tempoh masa yang agak lama, namun hasil kewujudan wang pada hari ini dikatakan mempunyai kesimbungan terhadap pandangan al-Ghazali. Kajian ini turut menganalisis sejauh mana peranan wang yang dikemukakan oleh al-Ghazali dapat diaplikasikan untuk menambah baik peranan wang dalam sistem ekonomi dan membantu memberi alternatif penyelesaian permasalahan ekonomi yang berlaku pada masa kini.
Assessment of Transition Modeling and Compressibility Effects in a Linear Cascade of Turbine Nozzle Guide Vanes
Authors: Ravelli Silvia , Barigozzi Giovanna , Casartelli Ernesto , Mangani Luca
Published: December 2016

The flow field in a linear cascade of highly loaded turbine nozzle guide vanes (NGVs) has been numerically investigated at low and high-subsonic regime, i.e., exit isentropic Mach number of M2is = 0.2 and 0.6, respectively. Extensive experimental data are available for an accurate assessment of the numerical procedure. Aerodynamic measurements include not only vane loading and pressure drop in the wake but also local flow features such as boundary layer behavior along both pressure and suction sides of the vane, as well as secondary flow structures downstream of the trailing edge (TE). Simulations were performed by using two computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes, a commercial one and an open-source based in-house code. Besides computations with the well-established shear-stress transport (SST) k–ω turbulence model assuming fully turbulent flow, transition models were taken into account in the present study. The original version of the γ–Reθ model of Menter was employed. Suluksna–Juntasaro correlations for transition length (Flenght) and transition onset (Fonset) were also tested. The main goal was to establish essential ingredients for reasonable computational predictions of the cascade aerodynamic behavior, under both incompressible and compressible regime. This study showed that transition modeling should be coupled with accurate profiles of inlet velocity and turbulence intensity to get a chance to properly quantify aerodynamic losses via CFD method. However, additional weaknesses of the transition modeling have been put forward when increasing the outlet Mach number.
Numerical Investigation of Microtexture Cutting Tool on Hydrodynamic Lubrication
Authors: Kang Zhengyang , Fu Yonghong , Ji Jinghu , Tian Liang
Published: December 2016

The aim of this technical brief is to provide a numerical approach to investigate the lubricity enhancement effect of microgrooves texture on tools' rake face. The key parameters related to cutting condition and grooves morphology were considered in the analytical model of tool–chip friction pair. The fully textured surfaces with the periodic microgrooves were systematically studied by solving the nondimensional Reynolds equation with the multigrid method. The results indicated that the microgrooves texture generates extra carrying capacity comparing to the flat tool and the optimum grooves direction is vertical to the chip sliding. Higher area density and optimum grooves width can further promote hydrodynamic lubrication. By modifying the tool rake face geometry to restrict the tool–chip slope angle, efficiency of surface texture could be greatly extended. In addition, the film's average pressure was nearly proportional to the chip velocity. Hence, the textured tool is more effective in high-speed cutting.
Gelation Performance and Feasibility Study of an Environmental Friendly Improved Inorganic Aluminum Gel for Conformance Control Under Harsh Reservoir Conditions
Authors: He Hong , Wang Yefei , Qi Ziyuan , Sun Xiaojie
Published: December 2016

Despite its successful application in controlling excessive water production in many mature oilfields, polymer gel is facing some application limitations under harsh reservoir conditions. To settle these problems, an environmental friendly improved inorganic aluminum gel that composed of polyaluminum chloride (PAC) as main agent, urea as activator, and sodium sulfate as syneresis inhibitor was developed. The effects of mass ratios of PAC and urea, component concentrations and temperature on gelation performance were studied. The gel compatibility with various formation brines, long-term thermal stability, and permeability reduction ability were evaluated to account for the feasibility of gel application. Results showed that as the mass ratio of PAC and urea increased, the gelation time increased and the degree of syneresis decreased. The gelation time and the degree of syneresis decreased with the increase of sodium sulfate concentration, which indicated that sodium sulfate could play a role in accelerating gelation and inhibiting gel syneresis. The gelation time decreased with increasing temperature. The gel could tolerate sodium chloride concentration up to 150 g·L−1 and calcium chloride concentration up to 25 g·L−1. After aging for 120 days at 130 °C, no syneresis was observed in gel samples, which indicated that the gel had good, long-term thermal stability. The gel had good permeability reduction ability and was effective in plugging high permeability zone. Thus, these results indicated that the improved inorganic gel could be a potential candidate for conformance control under harsh reservoir conditions.
Heat Transfer Characterization and Optimization of Latent Heat Thermal Storage System Using Fins for Medium Temperature Solar Applications
Authors: Shinde Asmita , Arpit Sankalp , KM Pramod , Rao Peddy V C. , Saha Sandip K.
Published: December 2016

While solar thermal power plants are increasingly gaining attention and have demonstrated their applications, extending electricity generation after the sunset using phase change material (PCM) still remains a grand challenge. Most of the organic PCMs are known to possess high energy density per unit volume, but low thermal conductivity, that necessitates the use of thermal conductivity enhancers (TCEs) to augment heat transfer within PCM. In this paper, thermal performance and optimization of shell and tube heat exchanger-based latent heat thermal energy storage system (LHTES) using fins as TCE for medium temperature (<300 °C) organic Rankine cycle (ORC)-based solar thermal plant are presented. A commercial grade organic PCM, A164 with melting temperature of 168.7 °C is filled in the shell side and heat transfer fluid (HTF), Hytherm 600 flows through the tubes. A three-dimensional numerical model using enthalpy technique is developed to study the solidification of PCM, with and without fin. Further, the effect of geometrical parameters of fin, such as fin thickness, fin height, and number of fin on the thermal performance of LHTES, is studied. It is found that fin thickness and number of fin play significant role on the solidification process of PCM. Finally, the optimum design of the fin geometry is determined by maximizing the combined objective of HTF outlet temperature and solid fraction of PCM at the end of the discharging period. The latent heat thermal storage system with 24 fins, each of 1 mm thickness and 7 mm height, is found to be the optimum design for the given set of operating parameters.
Multiple cardiac complications after adjuvant therapy for breast cancer: the importance of echocardiography. A case report and review of the literature.
Authors: Gurghean Adriana Luminita , Savulescu-Fiedler Ilinca , Mihailescu Anca
Published: December 2016

Cardiovascular complications induced by adjuvant cancer therapies may become symptomatic after many years, being responsible for increased morbidity and mortality in long-term survivors. We report a case of a 54-year old female admitted for severe heart failure induced by myocardial and valvular damage after postoperative adjuvant therapy for left breast cancer 6 years ago. Her recent history revealed nonST elevation myocardial infarction in the absence of significant cardiovascular risk factors. Transthoracic echocardiography, tissue Doppler imaging and speckle-tracking imaging revealed severe biventricular systolic dysfunction, severe mitral and tricuspid regurgitation and severe pulmonary hypertension.
Anorectal malformation as a cause of recurring perineal abscesses – value of anorectal endosonography and magnetic resonance imaging: a case report
Authors: Kołodziejczak Małgorzata , Santoro Giulio A , Sobocki Jacek , Szopiński Tomasz , Wiączek Anna , Sudoł-Szopińska Iwona
Published: December 2016

Malformations of the rectum and urinary tract frequently coexist, and the prevalence of urogenital defects in patients with a rectal defect ranges from 20 to 54%. In most patients, anorectal malformations are diagnosed and treated surgically in early childhood. In this report, we present a case of a 52-year-old male with a history of urological operations in infancy due to a congenital urethral malformation and multiple recurrent episodes of perineal abscesses with urinary retention. Anorectal endosonography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed the presence of a large cystic lesion adjacent to the rectal wall which became smaller at the level of the puborectalis. The walls of the lesion had a layered structure identical to the wall of the rectum. In addition, the examinations showed hypotrophy of the left lobe of the prostate and lack of left semnal vesicles. Thus, the lesion was diagnosed as duplication of the rectum or rectal diverticulum. Surgery was performed by an interdisciplinary team of colorectal surgeons and urologist. The lesion was removed laparoscopically. The pathological report revealed that the cystic wall was typical of the intestinal wall, consistent with a diagnosis of rectal duplication.
Ultrasonographic evaluation of acute pelvic pain in pregnant and postpartum period
Authors: Park Sung Bin , Han Byoung Hee , Lee Young Ho
Published: December 2016

Acute pelvic pain in pregnant and postpartum patients presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The interpretation of imaging findings in these patients is influenced by the knowledge of the physiological changes that occur during the pregnant and postpartum period, as well as by the clinical history. Ultrasonography remains the primary imaging investigation of the pregnant and postpartum women. This article describes the causes and imaging features of acute pelvic pain in pregnant and postpartum period and suggests characteristics to such diseases, focusing on the ultrasonography features that allow one to arrive at the corrective diagnosis. Knowledge of the clinical settings and imaging features of acute pelvic pain in pregnant and postpartum period can lead to accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of the condition.
Deltoid Electromyography is Reliable During Submaximal Isometric Ramp Contractions
Authors: Phillips David , Karduna Andrew
Published: December 2016

The EMG and load relationship is commonly measured with multiple submaximal isometric contractions. This method is both time consuming and may introduce fatigue. The purpose of this study was to determine if the electromyography (EMG) amplitude from the middle deltoid was reliable during isometric ramp contractions (IRCs) at different angles of elevation and rates of force application. Surface EMG was measured at 3 shoulder elevation angles during IRCs at 4 submaximal levels of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Data were reliable in all conditions except during the rate relative to the subjects’ MVC at 90° for 30% and 40% MVC. The main effect for angle on EMG amplitude was found to be significant, p < .01. EMG at 90° was greater than at 60° (p < .017) and at 30° (p < .017). The main effect of force level on EMG amplitude was significant, p < .01 and follow-up contrast demonstrated a significant (p < .001) linear increase of EMG amplitude with force level. We conclude that EMG amplitude from IRCs are reliable across all shoulder elevation angles and up to 40% MVC. IRCs are a feasible method for recording EMG at the deltoid.
Comparison of the Therapeutic Effects of a Sling Exercise and a Traditional Stabilizing Exercise for Clinical Lumbar Spinal Instability
Authors: Kim Yong Wook , Kim Na Young , Chang Won Hyuk , Lee Sang Chul
Published: December 2016

Context: Specific muscle-stabilization training can be relevant to patients with clinical spinal instability symptoms. The authors hypothesized that performing sling exercise using an elastic band in patients with clinical spinal instability would lead to pain reduction and improved lumbar spine stability. Objective: To compare supervised sling exercise with an elastic band with traditional stabilizing exercise in chronic lower back pain (LBP) patients with clinical spinal instability. Design: Randomized assessor-blind controlled trial. Setting: University rehabilitation hospital. Main Outcome Measures: The participants were evaluated thrice at baseline, immediately after, and 3 mo after the last treatment session with the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Interventions: Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatment groups: a traditional trunk-muscle-stabilizing exercise group or a sling-exercise with elastic bands group. The participants in all treatment groups attended treatment twice a week for 12 wk. Results: The NPRS at immediately and 3 mo after treatments showed significantly higher improvement in the sling-exercise with elastic bands group than in the traditional trunk-muscle-stabilizing exercise group, respectively (P < .05). The ODI at immediately and 3 mo after treatment showed a significantly higher improvement in the sling-exercise with elastic bands group than in the traditional trunk-muscle-stabilizing exercise group, respectively (P < .05). Conclusion: A sling exercise with elastic bands leads to a reduction in pain and disability compared with a traditional stabilizing exercise, although traditional stabilizing exercise also shows good results in chronic LBP patients with clinical spinal instability. A sling exercise with an elastic band could be a useful treatment for chronic LBP with clinical spinal instability.
Evaluating Postural Control and Ankle Laxity Between Taping and High-Top Cleats in High School Football Players
Authors: Pizac Douglas A. , Swanik Charles B. , Glutting Joseph J. , Kaminski Thomas W.
Published: December 2016

Context: Lateral ankle sprains are the most common injuries in high school sports. While ankle taping is a preferred method of external prophylactic support, its restrictive properties decline during exercise. The Under Armour® Highlight cleat is marketed on the premise that it provides added support without the need for additional ankle taping. Objective: To determine if differences in ankle joint laxity and postural control exist between football players wearing the Under Armour® Highlight cleat (Under Armour Inc, Baltimore, MD) as compared to a low/mid-top cleat with ankle tape. Design: Crossover trial. Setting: Athletic training room and football practice field sideline. Patients: 32 interscholastic football players (15.8 ± 1.0 y; 178.9 ± 7.4 cm; 87.1 ± 21.4 kg). Interventions: Ankle laxity was assessed using an instrumented ankle arthrometer (Blue Bay Research Inc, Milton, FL), while postural control testing was performed on the Tekscan MobileMat™ Balanced Error Scoring System (BESS; South Boston, MA). The 2 treatments included Under Armour® Highlight cleats and a low/mid-top cleat with ankle tape applied to the nondominant ankle only. Measurements were taken before and immediately after practice. Main Outcome Measures: The independent variable was treatment (Highlight vs low/mid-top cleat with ankle tape). Dependent variables included ankle arthrometry measures of anterior displacement (mm), inversion/eversion rotation (deg), and the modified BESS error scores. A linear mixed-effects model was used for analysis. Results: The low/mid-top cleat with tape condition had significantly higher inversion range-of-motion (ROM) and inversion/eversion rotation postexercise when compared to the Highlight cleat (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study provide some evidence that the Under Armour® Highlight cleat restricts ankle ROM following a training session better than the taped low/mid-top cleat. Further study is warranted to determine if this high-top style of football cleat can reduce the incidence of ankle sprains and how it might compare to spat taping.
Aerobic training prior to myocardial infarction increases cardiac GLUT4 and partially preserves heart function in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Schaun Maximiliano Isoppo , Marschner Rafael Aguiar , Peres Thiago Rodrigues , Markoski Melissa Medeiros , Lehnen Alexandre Machado
Published: December 2016

We assessed cardiac function (echocardiographic) and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) expression (Western blot) in response to 10 weeks of aerobic training (treadmill) prior to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) by ligation of the left coronary artery in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Animals were allocated to sedentary+sham, sedentary+AMI, training+sham, and training+AMI. Aerobic training prior to AMI partially preserves heart function. AMI and/or aerobic training increased GLUT4 expression. However, those animals trained prior to AMI showed a greater increase in GLUT4 in cardiomyocytes.
Determination of the exercise intensity that elicits maximal fat oxidation in individuals with obesity
Authors: Dandanell Sune , Præst Charlotte Boslev , Søndergård Stine Dam , Skovborg Camilla , Dela Flemming , Larsen Steen , Helge Jørn Wulff
Published: December 2016

Maximal fat oxidation (MFO) and the exercise intensity that elicits MFO (FatMax) are commonly determined by indirect calorimetry during graded exercise tests in both obese and normal-weight individuals. However, no protocol has been validated in individuals with obesity. Thus, the aims were to develop a graded exercise protocol for determination of FatMax in individuals with obesity, and to test validity and inter-method reliability. Fat oxidation was assessed over a range of exercise intensities in 16 individuals (age: 28 (26–29) years; body mass index: 36 (35–38) kg·m−2; 95% confidence interval) on a cycle ergometer. The graded exercise protocol was validated against a short continuous exercise (SCE) protocol, in which FatMax was determined from fat oxidation at rest and during 10 min of continuous exercise at 35%, 50%, and 65% of maximal oxygen uptake. Intraclass and Pearson correlation coefficients between the protocols were 0.75 and 0.72 and within-subject coefficient of variation (CV) was 5 (3–7)%. A Bland−Altman plot revealed a bias of –3% points of maximal oxygen uptake (limits of agreement: –12 to 7). A tendency towards a systematic difference (p = 0.06) was observed, where FatMax occurred at 42 (40–44)% and 45 (43–47)% of maximal oxygen uptake with the graded and the SCE protocol, respectively. In conclusion, there was a high−excellent correlation and a low CV between the 2 protocols, suggesting that the graded exercise protocol has a high inter-method reliability. However, considerable intra-individual variation and a trend towards systematic difference between the protocols reveal that further optimization of the graded exercise protocol is needed to improve validity.
Separating wild versus stocking components in fish recruitment without identification data: a hierarchical modelling approach
Authors: Dauphin Guillaume J.R. , Brugel Catherine , Legrand Marion , Prévost Etienne
Published: December 2016

Salmonid juvenile stocking programs are often poorly monitored due to the lack of identification between stocked and wild fish. In this study, a hierarchical Bayesian model is developed to take advantage of spatiotemporal variations of stocking and wild recruitment for estimating these two components despite the absence of identification data. It is first tested by means of simulated data and then applied to the 37 year abundance data set of the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) population of the Allier catchment (France). Despite the absence of identification data, juvenile densities could be estimated and split into wild and stocked components. We found that the stocked juveniles contributed significantly to the total juvenile production, while the wild reproduction continued to provide an important contribution. This approach is encouraging and promising from a management advice perspective. It is flexible enough to accommodate for case study specificities and shows that long-term monitoring abundances can be useful to assess the impact of stocking programs even in the absence of direct means of identifying stocked versus wild fish.
Dirac equation in presence of the Hartmann and Higgs oscillator superintegrable potentials with the spin and pseudospin symmetries
Authors: Mohammadi V. , Aghaei S. , Chenaghlou A.
Published: December 2016

The spin and pseudospin symmetries in the Dirac Hamiltonian are investigated in the presence of the Hartmann and the Higgs oscillator superintegrable potentials. The Pauli-Dirac representation is used in the Dirac equation with scalar and vector potentials of equal magnitude. Then, the Dirac equation is reduced to a Schrödinger-like equation. The symmetry algebras of the Schrödinger-like equation corresponding to the superintegrable potentials are represented. Also, the associated irreducible representations are shown by means of the quadratic algebras. Finally, the relativistic energy spectra of the Hartmann and the Higgs oscillator superintegrable potentials are calculated.
GLOBAL STABILITY OF A GENERAL VIRUS DYNAMICS MODEL WITH MULTI-STAGED INFECTED PROGRESSION AND HUMORAL IMMUNITY
Authors: ELAIW A. M. , ALSHAMRANI N. H.
Published: December 2016

In this paper, we propose an [Formula: see text]-dimensional nonlinear virus dynamics model that describes the interactions of the virus, uninfected target cells, [Formula: see text]-stages of infected cells and B cells. We assume that the incidence rate of infection, the generation and removal rates of all compartments are given by general nonlinear functions. We derive two threshold parameters, the basic reproduction number, [Formula: see text] and the humoral immunity number, [Formula: see text] and establish a set of conditions on the general functions which are sufficient to determine the global dynamics of the model. Utilizing Lyapunov functions and LaSalle’s invariance principle, the global asymptotic stability of all steady states of the model is proved. Numerical simulations are conducted for specific forms of the general functions in order to illustrate the dynamical behavior.
OPEN INNOVATION AS A FACILITATOR FOR CORPORATE EXPLORATION
Authors: WIKHAMN BJÖRN REMNELAND , STYHRE ALEXANDER
Published: December 2016

While open innovation is a management concept of increased attention in academia as well as in industry, studies have also shown that the implementation of open innovation can be a rather difficult and challenging process. Installed organisational structures, culture and knowledge are often portrayed as hinder for change. This study provides an in-depth case study, based on 50 interviews, of how a large pharmaceutical corporation implemented an open innovation initiative. Instead of considering existing internal knowledge and structures as problematic, these resources were rather utilised as cornerstones for value offerings in open innovation. Furthermore, employees’ engagement in open innovation resulted in a more open and dynamic climate, as well as an improved entrepreneurial image of the corporation internally as well as externally. The study contributes to the open innovation literature by advancing the understanding about the organisational implications of implementing open innovation in practice. As such, it provides valuable insights for researchers and practitioners about implementing open innovation in practice.