bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost consequences due to reduced ulcer healing times – analyses based on the Swedish Registry of Ulcer Treatment
Authors: Öien Rut F , Forssell Henrik , Ragnarson Tennvall Gunnel
Published: June 2015

Resource use and costs for topical treatment of hard‐to‐heal ulcers based on data from the Swedish Registry of Ulcer Treatment (RUT) were analysed in patients recorded in RUT as having healed between 2009 and 2012, in order to estimate potential cost savings from reductions in frequency of dressing changes and healing times. RUT is used to capture areas of improvement in ulcer care and to enable structured wound management by registering patients with hard‐to‐heal leg, foot and pressure ulcers. Patients included in the registry are treated in primary care, community care, private care, and inpatient hospital care. Cost calculations were based on resource use data on healing time and frequency of dressing changes in Swedish patients with hard‐to‐heal ulcers who healed between 2009 and 2012. Per‐patient treatment costs decreased from SEK38 223 in 2009 to SEK20 496 in 2012, mainly because of shorter healing times. Frequency of dressing changes was essentially the same during these years, varying from 1·4 to 1·6 per week. The total healing time was reduced by 38%. Treatment costs for the management of hard‐to‐heal ulcers can be reduced with well‐developed treatment strategies resulting in shortened healing times as shown in RUT.
Care of patients in emergency department waiting rooms – an integrative review
Authors: Innes Kelli , Jackson Debra , Plummer Virginia , Elliott Doug
Published: June 2015

Aim

To conduct an integrative review of primary research examining patient care roles introduced into emergency department waiting rooms.

Background

Internationally, emergency departments are under pressure to meet increasing patient demand with limited resources. Several initiatives have been developed that incorporate a healthcare role in waiting rooms, to assess and initiate early interventions to decrease waiting times, detect patient deterioration and improve communication. The literature reporting these roles has not been systematically evaluated.

Design

Integrative review.

Data sources

Published English‐language peer reviewed articles in CINAHL, Scopus, Medline and Web of Knowledge between 2003–2014.

Review methods

Identified literature was evaluated using an integrative review framework, incorporating methodological critique and narrative synthesis of findings.

Results

Six papers were included, with three waiting room roles identified internationally – clinical initiative nurse, Physician‐Nurse Supplementary Assessment Team and clinical assistants. All roles varied in terms of definitions, scope, responsibilities and skill sets of individuals in the position. There was limited evidence that the roles decreased waiting times or improved patient care, especially during busy periods. Of note, staff members performing these roles require high‐level therapeutic relationship and effective interpersonal skills with patients, family and staff. The role requires support from other staff, particularly during periods of high workload, for optimal functioning and effective patient care.

Conclusion

Generalisations and practice recommendations are limited due to the lack of available literature. Further research is required to evaluate the impact emergency department waiting room roles have on patient outcomes and staff perspectives.
Enhancing formal e‐learning with edutainment on social networks
Authors: Labus A. , Despotović‐Zrakić M. , Radenković B. , Bogdanović Z. , Radenković M.
Published: June 2015

This paper reports on the investigation of the possibilities of enhancing the formal e‐learning process by harnessing the potential of informal game‐based learning on social networks. The goal of the research is to improve the outcomes of the formal learning process through the design and implementation of an educational game on a social network and its integration with a learning management system (LMS) of an educational institution. As a proof of concept, a Facebook educational game that enables students to learn and test their knowledge was developed. Furthermore, the game was integrated with the Moodle LMS and the evaluation was performed within the e‐learning system at the Faculty of Organizational Sciences, University of Belgrade. The results show that the application of social network edutainment in an e‐learning ecosystem has a positive impact on both the students' results and their satisfaction with the learning process as a whole.
Factors influencing Saprolegnia spp. spore numbers in Norwegian salmon hatcheries
Authors: Thoen E , Evensen Ø , Skaar I
Published: June 2015

A quantitative survey of Saprolegnia spp. in the water systems of Norwegian salmon hatcheries was performed. Water samples from 14 salmon hatcheries distributed along the Norwegian coastline were collected during final incubation in the hatcheries. Samples of inlet and effluent water were analyzed to estimate Saprolegnia propagule numbers. Saprolegnia spores were found in all samples at variable abundance. Number of spores retrieved varied from 50 to 3200 L−1 in inlet water and from 30 to >5000 L−1 in effluent water. A significant elevation of spore levels in effluent water compared to inlet water was detected. The estimated spore levels were related to recorded managerial and environmental parameters, and the number of spores in inlet water and temperature was the factor having most influence on the spore concentration in the incubation units (effluent water). Further, the relative impact of spore concentration on hatching rates was investigated by correlation analysis. From this was found that even high spore counts did not impact significantly on hatching success.
Distribution of haemic neoplasia of soft‐shelled clams in Prince Edward Island: an examination of anthropogenic factors and effects of experimental fungicide exposure
Authors: Mateo D R , MacCallum G S , McGladdery S E , Davidson J
Published: June 2015

Haemic neoplasia was first considered a disease of concern for soft‐shell clams in Prince Edward Island (PEI) when it was diagnosed as the cause of mass mortalities in 1999. The aetiology of the disease remains elusive, but has been associated with environmental degradation. In this study, a 2‐year (2001–2002) geographic and seasonal survey was conducted for haemic neoplasia, using histology, in soft‐shell clams from PEI. In addition, using geographic information system, the association between anthropogenic factors in the watersheds at sites affected by haemic neoplasia and the prevalence of the disease was investigated. Finally, histopathological changes were assessed in soft‐shell clams experimentally exposed to four concentrations of chlorothalonil for 27 days. Haemic neoplasia could not be induced at any concentration of chlorothalonil. Clams exposed to a concentration of 1000 μg L−1 of the fungicide, however, exhibited an LC50 of 17 days. Although this information provides additional toxicity information (LC50) for soft‐shell clams, further experiments are required to assess longer term exposure to the fungicide. The highest prevalences of haemic neoplasia in PEI were found in North River and Miscouche (28.3–50.9% and 33.0–77.8%, respectively). No clear seasonal patterns were found. There was a correlation between haemic neoplasia prevalence and watersheds with a high percentage of potato acreage and forest coverage (P = 0.026 and P = 0.045, respectively), suggesting a link between anthropogenic activity and the prevalence of the disease.
Six Years of Criticality Assessments: What Have We Learned So Far?
Authors: Graedel T. E. , Reck Barbara K.
Published: June 2015

The “criticality” of the various elements used in modern technologies is a topic of increasing interest, with groups from governments, consultancies, and academic institutions developing a variety of methodologies and using them to make assessments. Other groups from similar organizations are studying the methodologies that generate these assessments. Here, we analyze the different types of studies, review issues of methodology, and comment on features of nine different studies published between 2008 and mid‐2014. From these studies, we derive lists of problematic, debatable, and desirable aspects of criticality studies. We emphasize that the criticality of an element can vary depending on the target organization and that, because criticality is a dynamic state, it must be periodically re‐evaluated. There is substantial value to be derived if a more uniform methodology could be developed. We discuss how a harmonized methodological framework might be achieved and what its benefits could be. Putting into place such a structure for collaborative and publicly available criticality determinations would be very likely to better serve the present and future needs of corporations and governments than is the case at present, where different methodologies generate different results.
Age‐specific determinants of post‐partum fatigue in primiparous women
Authors: Tsuchiya Miyako , Mori Emi , Sakajo Akiko , Maekawa Tomoko , Iwata Hiroko , Maehara Kunie , Morita Akiko , Ozawa Harumi , Mochizuki Yoshimi , Aoki Kyoko , Makaya Miyuki , Tamakoshi Koji
Published: June 2015

Aim

Post‐partum fatigue is a serious concern for mothers worldwide. The aim of this study was to identify age‐specific determinants of self‐perceived fatigue after childbirth among Japanese primiparous women.

Methods

A multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted in Japan. The degree of fatigue was assessed using the Postnatal Accumulated Fatigue Scale during the hospital stay after childbirth. Associated factors were stratified into two age groups (<35 or ≥35 years old); data were analyzed using stepwise multiple regression.

Results

In the younger group, significant determinants of post‐partum fatigue included: anticipated difficulties in child‐rearing after discharge; perception of inadequate sleep conditions; dissatisfaction with childbirth; shorter sleep and meal times; longer duration between feeding and infant bedtime; unemployment; and having hyperemesis gravidarum. In the older group, significant determinants of post‐partum fatigue included: anticipated difficulties in child‐rearing after discharge; perception of inadequate sleep conditions; shorter meal times; formula feeding; and dissatisfaction with childbirth.

Conclusion

Primiparous mothers who anticipated new life with their infants to be difficult and who had an irregular lifestyle tended to report higher levels of fatigue during the post‐partum hospital stay. Nurses and midwives should assess maternal sleep and eating conditions, providing support to ensure adequate maternal rest. Special efforts should be made to reduce anxiety about new life with infants among younger primiparous women who had experienced hyperemesis gravidarum.
Selective Laser Melting Technique of Co‐Cr Dental Alloys: A Review of Structure and Properties and Comparative Analysis with Other Available Techniques
Authors: Koutsoukis Theodoros , Zinelis Spiros , Eliades George , Al‐Wazzan Khalid , Rifaiy Mohammed Al , Al Jabbari Youssef S.
Published: June 2015

Purpose

The aim of this study was to review the effect of selective laser melting (SLM) procedure on the properties of dental structures made of Co‐Cr alloys and to evaluate its quality and compare it to those produced by conventional casting and milling fabrication techniques.

Materials and Methods

A computerized database search using PubMed and Scopus was conducted for peer‐reviewed scientific research studies regarding the use of SLM in Co‐Cr dental alloys with no restrictions for publication years. The search engines provided hundreds of results, and only 48 scientific research papers, case studies, or literature reviews were considered relevant for this review.

Results

The innovative manufacturing concept of SLM offers many advantages compared with casting and milling fabrication techniques. SLM provides different microstructure from casting and milling with minimal internal porosity and internal fitting, marginal adaptation, and comparable bond strength to porcelain. Mechanical and electrochemical properties of SLM structures are enhanced compared to cast, while clinical longevity of single‐metal ceramic crowns is comparable to Au‐Pt dental alloy.

Conclusion

The SLM technique provides dental prosthetic restorations more quickly and less expensively without compromising their quality compared with restorations prepared by casting and milling techniques. Clinical significance: The current SLM devices provide metallic restorations made of Co‐Cr alloys for removable and fixed partial dentures without compromising the alloy or restoration properties at a fraction of the time and cost, showing great potential to replace the aforementioned fabrication techniques in the long term; however, further clinical studies are essential to increase the acceptance of this technology by the worldwide dental community.
The influence of prison climate on the mental health of adult prisoners: a literature review
Authors: Goomany A. , Dickinson T.
Published: June 2015

Accessible summary

Little is known about how the prison environment may impact upon the mental health of adult prisoners.

This paper highlights that prisoners perceive that the prison environment has a negative influence upon their mental health. However, a small number regarded prison as a place of respite, which afforded structure and an opportunity to access health services.

There is a need for more research in this area specifically relating to the impact the prison climate may have upon those from black and minority ethic groups.

Nurses must recognize the aspects of the prison environment that may impact upon the mental health of prisoners and demonstrate innovation and imagination in their application of interventions.

Little is known regarding how the prison environment may affect the mental health of adult prisoners. Consequently, there is a need to investigate how this setting may exacerbate mental distress among this community. This literature review explores how the prison climate influences the mental health of adult prisoners. A thematic synthesis approach was used to elicit data relating to the aspects of the prison climate, which influence the mental health of prisoners. Four primary themes emerged from the synthesis: social, emotional, organizational and physical aspects. Prisoners perceive the prison climate to have a negative influence upon their mental health. However, perceived positively, prison was regarded as a place of respite, which afforded structure and an opportunity to access health services. There is limited research available specifically exploring the potential impact of the prison climate upon those from black and ethnic minorities groups. Nurses must recognize the aspects of the prison environment that may impact upon the mental health of prisoners and demonstrate innovation and imagination in their application of interventions. Additionally nurses need to take an active role in influencing and structuring the political agenda, which governs the clinical setting.
Efficacy of feed enzymes in pig and poultry diets containing distillers dried grains with solubles: a review
Authors: Swiatkiewicz S. , Swiatkiewicz M. , Arczewska‐Wlosek A. , Jozefiak D.
Published: June 2015

Distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS), a coproduct of the ethanol industry, are often used as feed material in livestock and poultry nutrition. Results of many experiments have indicated, however, that a high dietary level of DDGS can negatively affect the digestibility of nutrients and the performance of monogastric animals due to their high content of non‐starch polysaccharides (NSP). Nevertheless, using high levels of DDGS as a protein source in livestock diets can be still economically justifiable in view of the rising prices of soya bean meal and other protein sources. The aim of some recent experiments with poultry and pigs was to improve the nutritional efficacy of high‐NSP diets through the addition of feed enzymes. As presented and discussed in this review article, the efficacy of feed enzymes added to poultry and pig diets containing DDGS is not consistent and depends on many factors. However, NSP‐hydrolysing enzymes generally seemed to be more efficient than phytases in terms of the digestibility of nutrients and the growth performance of poultry and pigs fed high‐DDGS diets. For this reason, supplementation with NSP‐hydrolysing enzymes could be an efficient way to enable the use of increased levels of DDGS in poultry and pig diets.
Effect of calcium with and without probiotic, lactose, or both on organ and body weights, immune response and caecal microbiota in moulted laying hens
Authors: Dastar B. , Khosravi A. , Boldajie F. , Ghoorchi T.
Published: June 2015

A total of 72 laying hens were used to investigate the effect of probiotic and lactose on body weight loss, tibia ash, antibody production against sheep red blood cell (SRBC), heterophile‐to‐lymphocyte (H/L) ratio and gut microbiota in a common moulting method for 14 d. Hens were randomly allocated to 6 experimental groups consisting of (i) full feed (FF), (ii) feed withdrawal (FW), (iii)FWwith calcium (Ca), (iv)FWwith Ca and offering 7 g/lit lactose in drinking water (CaL), (v)FWwith Ca and offering 1 g/lit probiotic in drinking water (CaP), and (vi)FWwith Ca and offering a mixture of lactose and probiotic in drinking water (CaLP). The results showed body weight loss in allFWgroups were more than 25% that was significantly higher thanFFgroup (p < 0.05). The relative organ weights of hens inFWgroups were lower thanFFgroup; especially, it was significant for liver and ovary (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between all groups for tibia ash. The highest H/L ratio was related toFWgroup and offering Ca and lactose numerically and probiotic alone significantly resulted in decrease of this ratio (p < 0.05). The results also showed no significant difference for antibody production againstSRBCamong experimental groups. The highest coliform bacteria numeration observed inFWgroup and lactose could significantly reduce this population (p < 0.05). Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) numeration demonstrated a significant difference among treatments, so thatFFhens had higherLABthan others (p < 0.05). In addition,FWmoulted hens had significantly lowerLABcompared to other moulted hens (p < 0.05), except for Ca group. In conclusion, probiotic and lactose was effective in maintaining caecal microbiota balance and improving immunity in hens exposed to moulting.
Effect of Frying Parameters on Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Potato Disks
Authors: Sandhu Jaspreet S. , Takhar Pawan S.
Published: June 2015

The effect of frying temperature and time on surface pore characteristics, oil content, moisture loss and mechanical properties of potato disks is investigated. Scanning electron microscopy is used to study the surface pore characteristics and rheological behavior is investigated using a dynamic mechanical analyzer. Both frying temperature and frying time had a significant impact on the pore area, creep behavior, moisture loss and fat uptake of potato disks. The changes in pore area and creep compliance were dynamic and, in turn, affected the oil uptake and moisture loss rates. Average open pore area and percent open pore area increased to 1.15 μm2 and 14.04%, respectively, during the middle frying stages. Higher frying temperature resulted in faster structural degradation, moisture loss and oil uptake during initial frying stages. Higher frying times tended to increase the percentage open pore area.

Practical Applications

The article investigates structural and mechanical changes in potato disks during frying. These are crucial to understand the transport mechanisms during frying, and to study the role played by the product microstructure on both oil uptake and texture development. The creep compliance function reported in this article is useful for predicting the texture of potatoes via mathematical models describing the frying.
Inflammation‐adapted liver stiffness values for improved fibrosis staging in patients with hepatitis C virus and alcoholic liver disease
Authors: Mueller Sebastian , Englert Stefan , Seitz Helmut K. , Badea Radu I. , Erhardt Andreas , Bozaari Bita , Beaugrand Michel , Lupșor‐Platon Monica
Published: June 2015

Background & Aims

It is well known that inflammation increases liver stiffness (LS) in patients with chronic hepatitis C (HCV) and alcoholic liver disease (ALD) independent of fibrosis stage, but no inflammation‐adapted cut‐off values have been settled so far. An early identification of rapid fibrosers, however, is essential to decide whom to treat first with the novel but expensive antiviral drugs.

Methods

Liver stiffness, biopsy‐proven fibrosis stages F0–F4 (METAVIR or Kleiner score) and routine laboratory parameters were studied in 2068 patients with HCV (n = 1391) and ALD (n = 677).

Results

Among the routine parameters for liver damage, AST correlated best with LS (HCV: r = 0.54, P < 0.0001 and ALD: r = 0.34, P < 0.0001). In the absence of elevated transaminases, cut‐off values were almost identical between HCV and ALD for F1–2, F3 and F4 (HCV: 5.1, 9.0 and 11.9 kPa vs ALD: 4.9, 8.1 and 10.5 kPa). These cut‐off values increased exponentially as a function of median AST level. The impact of AST on LS was higher in lobular‐pronounced ALD as compared to portal tract‐localized HCV. Most notably, Cohen's weighted Kappa displayed an improved agreement of the novel AST‐dependent cut‐off values with histological fibrosis stage both for HCV (0.68 vs 0.65) and ALD (0.80 vs 0.76).

Conclusions

The novel AST‐adapted cut‐off values improve non‐invasive fibrosis staging in HCV and ALD and may be also applied to other liver diseases. Especially in HCV, they could help to decide whom to treat first with the novel but expensive antiviral drugs.
Dose‐dependency of clonidine's effects in ascitic cirrhotic rats: comparison with α1‐adrenergic agonist midodrine
Authors: Sansoè Giovanni , Aragno Manuela , Mastrocola Raffaella , Parola Maurizio
Published: June 2015

Background & Aims

Sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activation decreases response to diuretics, but both α1‐adrenoceptor agonists and sympatholytic α2‐adrenoceptor agonists are recommended in the management of ascitic cirrhosis. We intend to compare the effects of increasing doses of clonidine (α2‐agonist) vs. midodrine (α1‐agonist) in advanced cirrhosis.

Methods

Renal function, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and hormonal status were measured in rats with ascitic cirrhosis due to 13‐week CCl4 administration (groups G1‐G5), in control rats (Gc), and in rats with ascitic cirrhosis untreated (G6) or treated with daily diuretics (0.5 mg/kg furosemide plus 2 mg/kg K+‐canrenoate during the 11th–13th weeks of CCl4) (G7). G1–G5 cirrhotic rats received daily, during the 11th–13th CCl4 weeks: clonidine 0.3 μg only (G1), diuretics + clonidine 0.2 (G2), 0.5 (G3) or 1 μg (G4), and diuretics + midodrine 1 mg/kg b.w. (G5).

Results

Cirrhotic rats in G1 or G2 had higher glomerular filtration rate, renal plasma flow and natriuresis than cirrhotic rats treated with diuretics (G7) (all P < 0.05). The addition of clonidine 0.2 μg to diuretics (G2 vs. G7) reduced serum norepinephrine (169 ± 71 ng/L vs. 523 ± 88 ng/L) and plasma renin activity (12 ± 3 ng/ml/h vs. 25 ± 5 ng/ml/h) (all P < 0.05). Midodrine did not improve the renal performance in ascitic rats treated with diuretics. In comparison to absolute cirrhotic controls (G6), MAP was lower in G4 and higher in G5 (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Low‐dose α2‐agonists improve natriuresis and reduce SNS function and hyper‐aldosteronism without affecting arterial pressure in experimental ascitic cirrhosis treated with diuretics.
Case report of transfusion‐related acute lung injury in a pediatric spine surgery patient transfused leukoreduced red blood cells
Authors: Cudilo Elizabeth M. , Varughese Anna M. , Mahmoud Mohamed , Carey Patricia M. , Subramanyam Rajeev
Published: June 2015

Despite leukoreduced red blood cells (LR‐RBCs) reducing the risk of transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI), we present a case of a 16‐year‐old female with kyphosis who received a transfusion of one unit of LR‐RBCs, which lead to life‐threatening, intraoperative TRALI. The clinical presentation included pulmonary edema, severe postoperative lactic acidosis, left ventricular dysfunction, increased creatine phosphokinase, fatty infiltration of the liver, and hemodynamic instability requiring inotropic support. This presentation is not the classic description of TRALI. Our patient improved with supportive treatment and was successfully extubated on postoperative day 4. TRALI work‐up revealed antibody formation to HLA A2, A68, B44, and DQA 5 for the LR‐RBCs unit administered.
Aristotle on Choosing Virtuous Action for its Own Sake
Authors: Luthra Yannig
Published: June 2015

While Aristotle claims that virtuous actions are choiceworthy for their own sakes, he also claims that many virtuous actions are to be chosen as instrumental means to securing further ends. It would seem that an action is choiceworthy for its own sake only if it would be choiceworthy whether or not it served further ends. How, then, can such virtuous actions be choiceworthy for their own sakes? This article criticizes John Ackrill's and Jennifer Whiting's answers to this question. I propose an alternative, linking the choiceworthiness of virtuous actions to the pleasure, nobility, and beauty to be found in them.
A Multi‐Method Investigation of Buyer Power and Supplier Motivation to Share Knowledge
Authors: Chen Jie , Zhao Xiande , Lewis Mike , Squire Brian
Published: June 2015

Despite the importance of knowledge sharing between supply chain partners, supplier motivation to share remains largely unexplored. This study examines the role of buyer power in supplier motivation to share knowledge. Applying a multi‐method, sequential research design, case studies followed by a scenario‐based experiment, we find buyer expert power increases supplier motivation to share, while the use of coercive power decreases this motivation. We also find that supplier dependence has a contingent effect; when dependence is high, the effects of buyer expert power and use of coercive power on motivation are weakened. The study makes three key contributions. First, it begins to address the largely unanswered question of supplier motivation to share knowledge and, more specifically, how supplier dependence and buyer use of power impact this motivation. Second, by studying both the direct and interactive effects of power structure (dependence) and power use, the research enriches understanding of the power‐influence process. Third, by adopting a research design that combines case studies and experiments, it provides a novel example of multi‐method research in POM.
The Whole‐Rock Geochemical Composition of the Wudaogou Group in Eastern Yanbian, NE China–New Clues to Its Relationship with the Gold and Tungsten Mineralization and the Evolution of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean
Authors: Chen Cong , Ren Yunsheng , Zhao Hualei , Yang Qun , Zou Xintong
Published: June 2015

The late Paleozoic Wudaogou Group, one of the oldest metamorphic units in the eastern Yanbian area, has important tectonic and metallogenic significance. Here, we provide new insights into their protoliths, tectonic setting of the metamorphic rocks and their relationships with the gold and tungsten mineralization, using new petrographic and whole‐rock geochemical data for various lithologies within the Wudaogou Group. The protolith of the metamorphic rocks of the Wudaogou Group was intermediate–basic volcanic rocks (e.g. basaltic andesite, trachyandesite, and basalt) and sedimentary rocks including argillaceous rocks, quartz sandstone, arkose and clayish greywacke, as well as pyroclastic sedimentary rock, covering tuffaceous sandstone. Before undergoing late Paleozoic epidote–amphibolite facies regional metamorphism, these protoliths were formed during the middle–late Permian in an island arc setting within a continental margin collage zone. Combined with the regional tectonic evolution, it can be speculated that the formation and the subsequent metamorphism of the protoliths of the metamorphic rocks from the Wudaogou Group were influenced by the change from subduction to collision of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean. Similarities of the rare earth element (REE) patterns and parameters among the metamorphic rocks within the Wudaogou Group, auriferous ores from the Xiaoxi'nancha gold (copper) deposit, and scheelites from the Yangjingou tungsten deposit, together with the favorable metallogenic element contents within the metamorphic rock series, imply that the Wudaogou Group could provide parts of metallic material for the gold and tungsten mineralization in the eastern Yanbian area, as exemplified by the Yangjingou deposit and Xiaoxi'nancha deposit, respectively. Further, the metamorphic sedimentary rocks, especially the metamorphic sandstones, quartz schists and quartz mica schists within the Wudaogou Group, have closer genetic relationships with the Yangjingou tungsten mineralization. However, the specific lithologies within this group which control the gold mineralization are still uncertain, and need further research.
Understanding Today's Online GIS User Through the Lens of a WorldMap Survey
Authors: Guan Weihe Wendy , Poplin Alenka , Lewis Benjamin G.
Published: June 2015

WorldMap is an open source online mapping application which aims to lower barriers for scholars who wish to visualize, analyze, organize, present, and publish mapped information. In late 2013, 290 respondents among the 8,000 registered users participated in an online survey in which they described their activities, purposes, experiences, and preferences regarding the system. Participants also described their professional background, GIS skill level, age, gender, and country of work. This study analyzes the results of the survey, by summarizing the responses to each question independently and by examining the relationships and dependencies of these answers across the different questions to try to better understand why users responded the way they did. The study is based on the user‐centered design (UCD) approach. We aim to use the survey results to improve our understanding of user demographics and needs. Findings from this study will be used to guide WorldMap improvements, and we hope the findings will also shed light on the broader requirements of online GIS users.
Epistemological Disjunctivism's Genuine Access Problem
Authors: Kraft Tim
Published: June 2015

Epistemological disjunctivism, as defended by, for example,McDowell,Neta andPritchard, is the view that epistemic justification can be – and in paradigmatic cases of perceptual knowledge actually is – both factive (i.e., entails that the belief is true) and reflectively accessible (i.e., can be known by reflection alone). One major problem for this view is the access problem: apparently, epistemological disjunctivism entails that ordinary external world propositions can be known by reflection alone. According to epistemological disjunctivism, seeing that the sun is shining is reflectively accessible and seeing that the sun is shining entails that it is. Assuming closure of reflective knowledge under known entailment it is also reflectively knowable that the sun is shining. Drawing on joint work with Neta, Pritchard replies that disjunctivism is not committed to this absurdity, but only to the possibility of reflective access to empirical reasons. In this article I offer an interpretation of this reply, but also an objection to it: my interpretation is based on applying the source/content distinction to epistemic reasons. My objection is based on arguing that the access problem is a problem for any (non‐sceptical) version of access internalism. Although Pritchard's reply solves the general access problem, it does not solve the access problem that is generated by the specific commitments of epistemological disjunctivism. Due to the transparency of self‐knowledge of propositional perception, epistemological disjunctivism cannot meet a central requirement for applying the source/content distinction.
Networks and the Dynamics of Firms' Export Portfolio: Evidence for Mexico
Authors: De Lucio Juan , Mínguez Raúl , Minondo Asier , Requena Francisco
Published: June 2015

We use network analysis tools to identify communities in the web of exporters' destinations. Our network‐based community measure is purely outcome based, it captures multilateral rather than bilateral dependence across countries, and it can be calculated at the industry level. Next, we use our network‐based community measure as predictor of additional countries chosen by firms expanding their export destination portfolio. Using data on Mexican new exporters, the probability of choosing a new export destination doubles if it belongs to the same community of any of the firm's previous destinations. The introduction of the network‐based community variable improves the accuracy of the model up to 19 per cent relative to a model that only includes gravity variables. Industry‐specific communities and general communities play similar roles in determining the dynamics of Mexican exporters' country portfolio.
The murine excisional wound model: Contraction revisited
Authors: Chen Lin , Mirza Rita , Kwon Young , DiPietro Luisa A. , Koh Timothy J.
Published: June 2015

Rodent models of healing are considered limited because of the perception that rodent wounds heal by contraction while humans heal by reepithelialization The purpose of this report is to present evidence that simple murine excisional wounds provide a valid and reproducible wound model that heals by both contraction and reepithelialization. Previous studies have shown that, although rodent wounds contract by up to 80%, much of this contraction occurs only after epithelial closure. To confirm these previous findings, we measured re‐epithelialization and contraction in three separate mouse strains, (BALB/c, db/+, and db/db); reepithelialization and contraction each accounted for ∼40 to 60% of the initial closure of full thickness excisional wounds. After closure, the wound continues to contract and this provides the impression of dominant closure by contraction. In conclusion, the simple excisional rodent wound model produces a well defined and readily identifiable wound bed over which the process of reepithelialization is clearly measurable.
Climate Factors as Important Determinants of Dengue Incidence in Curaçao
Authors: Limper M. , Thai K. T. D. , Gerstenbluth I. , Osterhaus A. D. M. E. , Duits A. J. , van Gorp E. C. M.
Published: June 2015

Macro‐ and microclimates may have variable impact on dengue incidence in different settings. We estimated the short‐term impact and delayed effects of climate variables on dengue morbidity in Curaçao. Monthly dengue incidence data from 1999 to 2009 were included to estimate the short‐term influences of climate variables by employing wavelet analysis, generalized additive models (GAM) and distributed lag nonlinear models (DLNM) on rainfall, temperature and relative humidity in relation to dengue incidence. Dengue incidence showed a significant irregular 4‐year multi‐annual cycle associated with climate variables. Based on GAM, temperature showed a U‐shape, while humidity and rainfall exhibited a dome‐shaped association, suggesting that deviation from mean temperature increases and deviation from mean humidity and rainfall decreases dengue incidence, respectively. Rainfall was associated with an immediate increase in dengue incidence of 4.1% (95% CI: 2.2–8.1%) after a 10‐mm increase, with a maximum increase of 6.5% (95% CI: 3.2–10.0%) after 1.5 month lag. A 1°C decrease of mean temperature was associated with a RR of 17.4% (95% CI: 11.2–27.0%); the effect was inversed for a 1°C increase of mean temperature (RR= 0.457, 95% CI: 0.278–0.752). Climate variables are important determinants of dengue incidence and provide insight into its short‐term effects. An increase in mean temperature was associated with lower dengue incidence, whereas lower temperatures were associated with higher dengue incidence.
Self-interest and Altruism: Pluralism as a Basis for Leadership in Business
Authors: Joseph Jay
Published: June 2015

The paper outlines the case for pluralism between self-interest (egoism) and altruism in business leadership. Scientific progression demonstrating pluralism is discussed, providing a multidisciplinary view of pluralism from evolutionary biology, psychology, moral philosophy, economic theory and organisational behavior. Findings show that myopic views of self-interest and altruism were once dominant in a number of fields however shifts in contemporary theory have provided a basis for pluralism in business leadership. Pluralism is yet to find grounding in leadership ethics, which still widely views “good leadership” through the lens of altruistic orientations. For leaders in business, the relevance of both self-interest and altruistic orientations are described. The paper seeks to address the divide between self-interest and altruism for business leaders, advocating for a realistic and pragmatic pluralistic approach to guide future research.
Influence of Sump on Containment Thermal Hydraulics: Synthesis of the TOSQAN Tests
Authors: Porcheron Emmanuel , Lemaitre Pascal , Nuboer Amandine
Published: June 2015

During the course of a severe accident in a nuclear power plant, water can be collected in the sump containment through steam condensation on walls, cooling circuit leak, and by spray systems activation. Therefore, the sump can become a place of heat and mass exchanges through water evaporation and steam condensation, which influences the distribution of hydrogen released in containment during nuclear core degradation. The objective of this paper is to present the analysis of semi-analytical experiments on sump interaction between containment atmosphere for typical accidental thermal hydraulic conditions in a pressurized water reactor (PWR). Tests are conducted in the TOSQAN facility developed by the Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire in Saclay. The TOSQAN facility is particularly well adapted to characterize the distribution of gases in a containment vessel. A tests’ grid was defined to investigate the coupled effect of the sump evaporation with wall condensation, for air steam conditions, with noncondensable gases (He, SF6), and for steady and transient states (two depressurization tests).
Batch-Scale Hydrofluorination of Li27BeF4 to Support Molten Salt Reactor Development
Authors: Kelleher Brian C. , Dolan Kieran P. , Brooks Paul , Anderson Mark H. , Sridharan Kumar
Published: June 2015

Li 2 BeF 4 , or flibe, is the primary candidate coolant for the fluoride-salt-cooled high-temperature nuclear reactor (FHR). Kilogram quantities of pure flibe are required for repeatable corrosion tests of modern reactor materials. This paper details fluoride salt purification by the hydrofluorination–hydrogen process, which was used to regenerate 57.4 kg of flibe originating from the secondary loop of the molten salt reactor experiment (MSRE) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Additionally, it expounds upon necessary handling precautions required to produce high-quality flibe and includes technological advancements which ease the purification and analysis process. Flibe batches produced at the University of Wisconsin are the largest since the MSRE program, enabling new corrosion, radiation, and thermal hydraulic testing around the United States.
Sample-morphology effects on x-ray photoelectron peak intensities. III. Simulated spectra of model core–shell nanoparticles
Authors: Powell Cedric J. , Chudzicki Maksymilian , Werner Wolfgang S. M. , Smekal Werner
Published: June 2015

The National Institute of Standards and Technology database for the simulation of electron spectra for surface analysis has been used to simulate Cu 2p photoelectron spectra for four types of spherical copper–gold nanoparticles (NPs). These simulations were made to extend the work of Tougaard [J. Vac. Sci. Technol. A 14, 1415 (1996)] and of Powell et al. [J. Vac. Sci. Technol. A 31, 021402 (2013)] who performed similar simulations for four types of planar copper–gold films. The Cu 2p spectra for the NPs were compared and contrasted with analogous results for the planar films and the effects of elastic scattering were investigated. The new simulations were made for a monolayer of three types of Cu/Au core–shell NPs on a Si substrate: (1) an Au shell of variable thickness on a Cu core with diameters of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0, and 10.0 nm; (2) a Cu shell of variable thickness on an Au core with diameters of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0, and 10.0 nm; and (3) an Au shell of variable thickness on a 1 nm Cu shell on an Au core with diameters of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0, and 10.0 nm. For these three morphologies, the outer-shell thickness was varied until the Cu 2p3/2 peak intensity was the same (within 2%) as that found in our previous work with planar Cu/Au morphologies. The authors also performed similar simulations for a monolayer of spherical NPs consisting of a CuAux alloy (also on a Si substrate) with diameters of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0, and 10.0 nm. In the latter simulations, the relative Au concentration (x) was varied to give the same Cu 2p3/2 peak intensity (within 2%) as that found previously. For each morphology, the authors performed simulations with elastic scattering switched on and off. The authors found that elastic-scattering effects were generally strong for the Cu-core/Au-shell and weak for the Au-core/Cu-shell NPs; intermediate elastic-scattering effects were found for the Au-core/Cu-shell/Au-shell NPs. The shell thicknesses required to give the selected Cu 2p3/2 peak intensity for the three types of core–shell NPs were less than the corresponding film thicknesses of planar samples since Cu 2p photoelectrons can be detected from the sides and, for the smaller NPs, bottoms of the NPs. Elastic-scattering effects were also observed on the Au atomic fractions found for the CuAux NP alloys with different diameters.
Electronic properties and charge storage effect of amorphous SiN passivated nanocrystalline silicon
Authors: Tan Dameng , Zhang Pei , Xu Jie , Cao Yunqing , Lu Peng , Li Wei , Xu Jun , Chen Kunji
Published: June 2015

Nanocrystalline Si (nc-Si) with mean size of about 4 nm embedded in amorphous SiN film was prepared by annealing Si-rich amorphous SiN film. The film compositions and microstructures were revealed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. It was found the room temperature conductivity is increased from 7 × 10−9 to 1 × 10−5 S/cm due to the formation of nc-Si. The carrier transport process of nc-Si embedded in amorphous SiN matrix is dominated by trap-assisted tunneling mechanism. Moreover, by forming a-SiN0.81/nc-Si(SiN)/a-SiN0.81 sandwiched floating gate structures, both electron and hole can be injected and stored in nc-Si by controlling the applied bias polarity. A large memory window up to about 7 V was observed, and the stored carrier density was about 1012 cm−2. Our experimental results suggested that the interface states of nc-Si can be well passivated by the amorphous SiN matrix, which results in the good charge storage effect.
Mutation atembBCodon 306, a Potential Marker for the Identification of Multidrug Resistance Associated with Ethambutol in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Cuevas-Córdoba Betzaida , Juárez-Eusebio Dulce María , Almaraz-Velasco Raquel , Muñiz-Salazar Raquel , Laniado-Laborin Rafael , Zenteno-Cuevas Roberto
Published: June 2015

Ethambutol inhibits arabinogalactan and lipoarabinomannan biosynthesis in mycobacteria. The occurrence of mutations inembBcodon 306 in ethambutol-susceptible isolates and their absence in resistant isolates has raised questions regarding the utility of this codon as a potential marker for resistance against ethambutol. The characterization of mutations onembB306 will contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms of resistance to this drug; therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the association betweenembB306 mutations and first-line drug resistance profiles in tuberculosis isolates. We sequenced the region surrounding theembB306 codon in 175 tuberculosis clinical isolates, divided according to drug sensitivity, in three groups: 110 were resistant to at least one first-line drug, of which 61 were resistant to ethambutol (EMBr), 49 were sensitive to ethambutol (EMBs) but were resistant to another drug, and 65 were pansensitive isolates (Ps). The associations betweenembB306 mutations and phenotypic resistance to all first-line drugs were determined, and their validity and safety as a diagnostic marker were assessed. One of the Psisolates (1/65), one of the EMBsisolates (1/49), and 20 of the EMBrisolates (20/61) presented with anembB306 mutation. Four different single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) atembB306 were associated with simultaneous resistance to ethambutol, isoniazid, and rifampin (odds ratio [OR], 17.7; confidence interval [CI], 5.6 to 56.1) and showed a positive predictive value of 82%, with a specificity of 97% for diagnosing multidrug resistance associated with ethambutol, indicating its potential as a molecular marker for several drugs.
Telavancin Demonstrates Activity against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolates with Reduced Susceptibility to Vancomycin, Daptomycin, and Linezolid in Broth Microdilution MIC and One-Compartment Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Models
Authors: Smith Jordan R. , Barber Katie E. , Hallesy Jessica , Raut Animesh , Rybak Michael J.
Published: June 2015

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) isolates have arisen with reduced susceptibility to several anti-MRSA agents. Telavancin (TLV), a novel anti-MRSA agent, retains low MICs against these organisms. Our objective was to determine the MICs for TLV, daptomycin (DAP), vancomycin (VAN), and linezolid (LZD) against daptomycin-nonsusceptible (DNS)
S. aureus
, vancomycin-intermediate
S. aureus
(VISA), heteroresistant VISA (hVISA), and linezolid-resistant (LZD
r
)
S. aureus
. We also evaluated these agents against each phenotype in pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) models. Seventy DNS, 100 VISA, 180 hVISA, and 25 LZD
r
MRSA isolates were randomly selected from our library and tested to determine their MICs against TLV, DAP, VAN, and LZD via broth microdilution and a Trek panel. Four isolates were randomly selected for 168-h
in vitro
models to evaluate treatment with TLV at 10 mg/kg of body weight/day, DAP at 10 mg/kg/day, VAN at 1 g every 12 h (q12h), and LZD at 600 mg q12h. The MIC
50/90
for TLV, DAP, VAN, and LZD against 70 DNS
S. aureus
isolates were 0.06/0.125 μg/ml, 2/4 μg/ml, 1/2 μg/ml, and 2/2 μg/ml, respectively. Against 100 VISA isolates, the MIC
50/90
were 0.06/0.125 μg/ml, 1/1 μg/ml, 4/8 μg/ml, and 1/2 μg/ml, respectively. Against 170 hVISA isolates, the MIC
50/90
were 0.06/0.125 μg/ml, 0.5/1 μg/ml, 1/2 μg/ml, and 1/2 μg/ml, respectively. Against 25 LZD
r
isolates, the MIC
50/90
were 0.03/0.06 μg/ml, 1/1 μg/ml, 2/2 μg/ml, and 8/8 μg/ml, respectively. The TLV MIC was >0.125 μg/ml for 10/365 (2.7%) isolates. In PK/PD models, TLV was universally bactericidal at 168 h and statistically superior to all antibiotics against DNS
S. aureus
strain R2334. These data further establish the potency of TLV against resistant MRSA. The model data demonstrate
in vitro
bactericidal activity of TLV against hVISA, VISA, DNS
S. aureus
, and LZD
r
S. aureus
strains. Further clinical research is warranted.