bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunohistochemical Characterization of Sarcomas in Trp53+/− Haploinsufficient Mice
Authors: Jokinen M. P. , Morgan D. L. , Price H. C. , Herbert R. A. , Saddler T. , Dixon D.
Published: October 2017

The use of immunohistochemical (IHC) staining in determining and/or confirming the cellular origin of poorly differentiated sarcomas was evaluated in this study. Sarcomatous neoplasms were evaluated in a research study conducted in 2 strains of p53+/− haploinsufficient mice. The most common neoplasms were undifferentiated sarcomas, followed by osteosarcomas and rhabdomyosarcomas (RMSs). The RMSs were poorly differentiated and appeared similar to the pleomorphic, or adult type, RMS of humans. All sarcomas stained positive by IHC for the mesenchymal cell intermediate filament vimentin. The RMSs were identified by positive IHC staining for myogenin, a transcription factor specific to skeletal muscle. Osteosarcomas were easily identifiable on hematoxylin and eosin–stained slides; no generally accepted IHC stain specific for bone is presently available. Some of the undifferentiated sarcomas contained numerous macrophages that stained positive for F4/80, a macrophage marker; the positive-staining cells were considered to be infiltrating macrophages. One-third of the neoplasms observed in this study were associated with subcutaneous implanted electronic microchips used for animal identification. Based upon histopathologic evaluation and IHC staining, it was not possible to distinguish neoplasms associated with subcutaneous microchips from neoplasms not associated with microchips.
Trans* citizenship in post-socialist societies
Authors: Kuhar Roman , Monro Surya , Takács Judit
Published: October 2017

This article reports findings from research about trans* citizenship in 14 post-socialist countries. It evidences substantial deficits concerning trans policy making, and a lack of policy debate in this area. Most examined countries have a lack of protocols for official gender change in birth certificates, IDs, passports and other documents. Usually there are no guidelines, measures and procedures defining the standards of healthcare for trans persons. Practice concerning healthcare varies widely, and trans people and advocates exercise agency in negotiating access to care. The article suggests that trans citizenship studies need to foreground legal and social aspects of citizenship, as these are highlighted in the post-socialist context. Policy implications are discussed in relation to key citizenship debates including those concerning challenges to normative models of citizenship.
Trans* and gender variant citizenship and the state in Norway
Authors: Monro Surya , Van Der Ros Janneke
Published: October 2017

The last decade has seen the expansion of trans* identities that are gender queer, non-binary, androgynous, or multiply-sexed and gendered in Western Europe. These developments mark a shift from a uniformly gender-binaried system to one that encompasses some degree of gender pluralism, as reflected to an extent in policy changes in some European countries. However, gender binarism is still prevalent. This article uses the case of Norway to demonstrate a contrast between the citizenship statuses afforded to transsexual men and women, and the lack of citizenship rights that people with non-binary identities, and other gender-variant people who are not diagnosed as transsexual, face. The article addresses the historical role of the Norwegian state in perpetuating gender binaries, in key areas such as identity recognition. It then explores the ways in which Norwegian social policy is changing towards more trans-sensitive positions.
Validation of Scores From the High School Version of the Self-Efficacy to Teach Statistics Instrument Using Preservice Mathematics Teachers
Authors: Harrell-Williams Leigh M. , Lovett Jennifer N. , Lee Hollylynne S. , Pierce Rebecca L. , Lesser Lawrence M. , Sorto M. Alejandra
Published: October 2017

Recently adopted state standards for middle grades and high school mathematics content have an increased emphasis on statistical topics. With this change, teacher education programs may need to adapt how they prepare preservice secondary mathematics teachers (PSMTs) to teach statistics and require measures related to statistics teaching to assess the impact of programmatic changes and track teacher growth. Using responses from a sample of 290 PSMTs from 20 institutions across the United States, this study presents validity and reliability evidence for the high school version of the Self-Efficacy to Teach Statistics (SETS-HS), which could be used to assess statistics teaching efficacy. Confirmatory factor analysis results via Rasch modeling support the use of three subscales, which exhibit adequate reliabilities and correspond to the three levels in the Pre-K–12 Guidelines for Assessment and Instruction in Statistics Education endorsed by the American Statistical Association. Item and rating scale analyses indicate that the 46 items and the six-category scale employed in the SETS-HS perform as intended.
Determinants of Endotracheal Intubation in Critically Ill Patients Undergoing Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Under Conscious Sedation
Authors: Smischney Nathan J. , Seisa Mohamed O. , Kumar Mukesh , Deangelis Jillian , Schroeder Darrell R. , Diedrich Daniel A.
Published: October 2017

Objectives:

Our primary aim was to determine the factors leading to prophylactic endotracheal intubation in intensive care unit (ICU) patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy. Secondary aims were to determine the rate of unplanned endotracheal intubations during endoscopy and to determine the rate of aspiration following endoscopy for patients admitted to the ICU.

Methods:

Critically ill adult (≥18 years) patients who underwent upper and lower endoscopic procedures from January 2012 to July 2016 in a medical/surgical ICU were included. Determinants of prophylactic endotracheal intubation prior to endoscopy as well as other postprocedure outcomes were electronically captured by a validated data mart system. Given our focus on aspiration in those who were not endotracheally intubated prior to endoscopy, we used a validated definition a priori.

Results:

A total of 320 patients were included in the final analysis: 76(24%) were intubated prior to endoscopy and 244 (76%) were not. The endotracheally intubated group had a significantly higher Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation III (44.5 [16.2] vs 39.5 [15.5]; P = .02) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (6.9 [4.4] vs 3.8 [3]; P ≤ .01) scores, higher rate of hematemesis within 24 hours of endoscopy (28 [37%] vs 45 [18%]; P ≤ .01), and higher rate of upper endoscopy (72 [96%] vs 181 [74%]; P ≤ .01). We composed a composite outcome for multivariable analyses, which demonstrated the rate of any complication was significantly higher among those who were intubated prior to the procedure versus those who were not intubated previously (odds ratio: 2.80, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16-6.72, P = .02).

Conclusion:

Endoscopy performed in the ICU without endotracheal intubation is safe. However, patient selection for prophylactic intubation prior to endoscopy is of critical importance as illustrated in this study with higher illness severity, planned upper endoscopy, and hematemesis 24 hours prior being key factors on deciding to perform endotracheal intubation. Prophylactic intubation for endoscopy and preexisting cardiac disease were associated with a higher rate of adverse outcomes.
Economic Adversity Transitions From Childhood to Older Adulthood Are Differentially Associated With Later-Life Physical Performance Measures in Men and Women in Middle and High-Income Sites
Authors: Hwang Phoebe W. , dos Santos Gomes Cristiano , Auais Mohammad , Braun Kathryn L. , Guralnik Jack M. , Pirkle Catherine M.
Published: October 2017

Objective: This study examines the relationship between economic adversity transitions from childhood to older adulthood and older adulthood physical performance among 1,998 community-dwelling older adults from five demographically diverse sites from middle and high-income countries. Method: The principal exposure variable was economic adversity transition. No adversity encompassed not experiencing poverty in both childhood and older adulthood, improved described having only experienced poverty in childhood, worsened captured having experienced poverty in older adulthood, and severe is having experienced poverty in both childhood and older adulthood. The short physical performance battery (SPPB) was used for outcome measures. Analyses of the continuous SPPB score used linear regression, while analysis of a binary outcome (SPPB < 8 vs. ≥8) used Poisson regression models with robust error variance, both adjusting for sex, education, and site location. Result: In sex-stratified models, the SPPB < 8 prevalence rate ratio (PRR) was higher for the severe (PRR: 2.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.70, 4.61]), worsened (PRR: 2.40, 95% CI = [1.41, 4.09]), and improved (PRR: 1.82, 95% CI = [1.11, 3.01]) groups, compared with those with no adversity in childhood or as adults, but only for females. Discussion: Findings from this study indicate that persistent economic adversity has a negative effect on older adult physical performance, especially among women.
Promoting School Connectedness Among Minority Youth Through Experience-Based Urban Farming
Authors: Fifolt Matthew , Morgan Amy Ferguson , Burgess Zoe Ripple
Published: October 2017

Background: The public education system in the United States faces significant challenges in understanding and addressing issues of student disengagement among high-poverty youth in urban centers. Academic and community leaders are encouraged to seek new and innovative strategies to engage students in meaningful learning experiences that promote positive affective relationships and involvement in school activities. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore student and parent experiences with Jones Valley Teaching Farm (JVTF), a Birmingham-based 501 (c)(3) nonprofit that sponsors evidence-based activities through school-based urban farming. Methodology/Approach: The research team used a descriptive case study method to conduct semistructured focus group interviews with 33 students and 25 parents. Findings/Conclusions: Findings revealed multiple ways in which school-based urban farms fostered school connectedness by promoting positive relationships, enhancing students’ social-emotional growth, and providing students with opportunities to engage in hands-on, experience-based learning. Implications: This study provides important lessons about the value of offering highly interactive and engaging activities to underserved students and families. Students benefited greatly from positive interactions with their peers as well as JVTF staff members who served as mentors and role models. Furthermore, experiences with JVTF encouraged students to become change agents in their own community.
An analysis of wear processes of materials based on variational methods
Authors: Zmitrowicz Alfred
Published: October 2017

This contribution describes differential formulations and variational settings for abrasive wear processes of materials by including a micropolar layer of wear debris between contacting solids and an evolution of a clearance gap during the wear process. Continuum-based models of wear debris describe supply, circulation and ejection of particles from a contact interface. Finite-element-method equations (equilibrium, heat conduction and mass continuity) for wearing out solids and the wear debris layer have been derived from the variational principles.
Shifting the Paradigm
Authors: McKinney Amanda
Published: October 2017

Current medical education lacks significant training in the principles and practices of lifestyle medicine. In this column, I describe my journey to lifestyle medicine, lifestyle medicine education, and what it is going to take to shift the educational paradigm away from the current model to one that is focused on nutrition and lifestyle behaviors and that is both accessible and effective.
Women’s and Men’s Prominence in Sports Coverage and Changes in Large-, Medium-, and Small-City Newspapers, Pre- and Post-Title IX
Authors: Kaiser Kent
Published: October 2017

Through the lens of agenda-setting theory, this article investigates whether women’s sports coverage in mainstream newspapers increased after the passage of Title IX, consistent with the expectation that greater equality in athletics and the requirement that schools provide equality in publicity would lead to greater volume and prominence in coverage. Researchers conducted a quantitative content analysis of randomly selected front pages of sports sections from large-, medium-, and small-city newspapers for 10-year intervals in the period 1932–2012 (40 years before and after Title IX’s 1972 passage). Numbers of articles and photos and the square area devoted to them in each year were calculated. The researchers found traditional patterns of story placement and inequality persisted in large-city newspapers over the 80-year span, but small-city and medium-city newspaper coverage changed in favor of women’s sports. Thus, this article explores the thesis that proximity to women’s sports correlates to greater equality of coverage and the advancement of women’s sports. This article provides a springboard for future investigation into a larger question of the role local media play in advancing social change and social movements and suggests local media might be more effective, even if unintentionally, than big media.
Mineralogical aspects of interstratified chlorite-smectite associated with epithermal ore veins: A case study of the Todoroki Au-Ag ore deposit, Japan
Authors: Yoneda T. , Watanabe T. , Sato T.
Published: October 2017

Chlorite (C)-corrensite (Co)-smectite (S) seriesminerals occur as vein constituents in the two epithermal ore veins, the Chuetsu and Shuetsu veins of the Todoroki Au-Ag deposit. The characteristics of the C–Co–S seriesminerals indicate that the clays may be products of direct precipitation from hydrothermal fluids and subsequent mineralogical transformations during and/or after vein formation. The minerals from the Chuetsu vein are characterized by ‘monomineralic’ corrensite showing an extensive distribution throughout the vein, and trioctahedral smectite occurring locally. The Shuetsu vein minerals are characterized by C-Co series minerals which can be divided into three different types: a I type including discrete chlorite with minor amounts of S layers, a II type comprising interstratified C/Co and discrete chlorite, and a III type characterized by segregation structures of C and Co layers. The C-Co series minerals show slightly different spatial distributions in the Shuetsu vein. Different epithermal environments during the vein formations and possible kinetic effects may have played a role in the formation and conversion of Co-C series at the Shuetsu vein and S-Co series at the Chuetsu vein.
Al-free di-trioctahedral substitution in chlorite and a ferri-sudoite end-member
Authors: Trincal Vincent , Lanari Pierre
Published: October 2017

A compilation of Fe3+-bearing chlorite analyses is used: (1) to investigate the Alfree di-trioctahedral (AFDT) substitution 2Fe3++□= 3(Mg,Fe2+) in chlorite; and (2) to estimate the composition of a ferri-sudoite end-member (Si3Al)[(Fe2+,Mg)2□Al]O10(OH)8within the chlorite solid-solution domain. According to our observations, up to two Fe3+cations might be allocated in the M2-M3 chlorite sites by the substitution AFDT, which does not involve Al. These unexpected observations were made possible by the development of μXANES techniques allowingin situmeasurements ofXFe3+(Fe3+/(Fe2++ Fe3+)) in heterogeneous chlorite. Although further studies are required to confirm the crystallographic position of Fe3+ and refine its ionic/ magnetic behaviour in chlorite, this development creates opportunities for developing new geothermometers.
Intercalation of Tb(III) into magadiite and characterization of Tb-intercalated magadiites
Authors: Chen Yufeng , Yao Bao , Zou Yan , Yan Yudong
Published: October 2017

The intercalation of Tb(III) into layered magadiite is achieved by three-step ion exchanges with H+/Na+, TBA+ (tetra-n-butylammonium ions)/H+ and Tb(EDTA)3+/TBA+. Various techniques, including powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), thermogravimetric and differential thermogravimetry (TG-DTG), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and photoluminescent spectroscopy (PL), were employed to characterize the Tb-intercalated magadiites. The XRD results revealed that the basal spacing of the Tb-intercalated magadiites was obviously larger than that of the Na-magadiite, confirming the intercalation. The IR spectra showed no bands attributable to EDTA in the Tb-intercalated magadiites, indicating that the EDTA has broken away from Tb(III)-ETDA complexes during ion exchange. Moreover, the basal spacing of Tb-intercalated magadiite tends to increase slightly with the increase in water content in the Tb-intercalated magadiite. The PL spectra show weak emissions, attributed to 5D4-7FJ (J = 3, 4, 5, 6) transitions of Tb3+.
Occurrences and genesis of palygorskite/sepiolite and associated minerals in the Barzaman formation, United Arab Emirates
Authors: Draidia Salah , El Ouahabi Meriam , Daoudi Lahcen , Havenith Hans-Balder , Fagel Nathalie
Published: October 2017

The Barzaman Formation exposed in the United Arab Emirates was deposited as a series of fluvial sediment sequences lying along the western margin of the Hajar Mountains, part of the Oman–UAE ophiolite. This formation consists of a sequence of rocks dominated by variably cemented and altered conglomerates comprising calcareous siltstones and calcareous clays deposited during the Miocene to Pliocene under a humid climate. The conglomerates are composed largely of ultramafic and lesser-mafic clasts. The present study was undertaken in order to understand the occurrence and genesis of palygorskite and sepiolite in relation to the environmental changes including evaporitic and sabkha environments.

Sediments were collected from two trenches and a drill hole of ∼22 m depth. Samples were analysed by optical petrograpy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Pedogenesis occurred at the deeper level in well cemented conglomerate which constitutes the hard crust. Post-depositional erosion started in marine phreatic or vadose zones as shown by the neoformation of serpentine from the weathering of olivine as well as of calcite and dolomite. Neoformation of palygorskite, sepiolite, dolomite and halite occurred under evaporitic conditions on calcareous silty clay facies. Relatively hot, vadose and oxidizing environmental conditions affected the calcareous siltstone facies leading to the genesis of dolomite and palygorskite by direct precipitation from solution rich in Ca, Mg, Al, Fe and Si ions.
Conversion of protonic magadiite to PLS-1 zeolite: thermal stability and acidity
Authors: Kooli Fethi , Plevert Jacques , Liu Yan , Hbaieb Kais , Al-Faze Rawan
Published: October 2017

A synthetic protonic magadiite was used as a silica source to prepare zeolitic material (PLS-1) in the presence of tetramethylammonium hydroxide and water. The conversion of the protonic magadiite to the PLS-1 phase was achieved at 150°C after 5 days, or at 170°C after 3 days for SiO2: TMAOH:H2O molar ratios of 2.54:1:4.4. The synthesis of the pure PLS-1 phase depended also on the amounts of tetramethylammonium hydroxide and water used. Analysis by29Si magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy confirmed the layered character of the PLS-1 phase with a resonance at −93 ppm, and its dehydroxylation-condensation process. The chemical formula of (TMA)2Si18O33(OH)6for PLS-1 was refined with the Rietveld method and the tetrahedron-splitting model. The later model has been proposed to describe the presence of silanol defects in the layered structure of PLS-1. Upon calcinations of the PLS-1 phase at temperatures >400°C, the removal of TMA cations and dehydroxlyation of PLS-1 layers resulted in a three-dimensional structure phase identified as the CDS-1 phase, with a chemical formula of Si18O36. The CDS-1 phase exhibited a large specific surface area of 288 m2/g and microporous character, as indicated by the nitrogen adsorption isotherms. The temperature-programmed desorption profile of ammonia indicated that CDS-1 exhibited one weak type of acid sites, confirmed, by pyridine desorption studies, as weak Lewis acid sites.
The GDR’s Westpolitik and everyday anticommunism in West Germany
Authors: Hoffmann Dierk
Published: October 2017

West German anticommunism and the SED’s Westarbeit were to some extent interrelated. From the beginning, each German state had attemted to stabilise its own social system while trying to discredit its political opponent. The claim to sole representation and the refusal to acknowledge each other delineated governmental action on both sides. Anticommunism in West Germany re-developed under the conditions of the Cold War, which allowed it to become virtually the reason of state and to serve as a tool for the exclusion of KPD supporters. In its turn, the SED branded the West German State as ‘revanchist’ and instrumentalised its anticommunism to persecute and eliminate opponents within the GDR. Both phenomena had an integrative and exclusionary element.
Sodium variability is associated with increased mortality in severe burn injury
Authors: Sen Soman , Tran Nam , Chan Brian , Palmieri Tina L. , Greenhalgh David G. , Cho Kiho
Published: October 2017

Background

Dysnatremias are associated with increased mortality in critically ill patients. Hypernatremia in burn patients is also associated with poor survival. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that high plasma sodium variability is a marker for increased mortality in severely burn-injured patients.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of adult burn patients with a burn injury of 15% total body surface area (TBSA) or greater from 2010 to 2014. All patients included in the study had at least three serum sodium levels checked during admission. We used multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine if hypernatremia, hyponatremia, or sodium variability independently increased the odds ratio (OR) for death.

Results

Two hundred twelve patients met entry criteria. Mean age and %TBSA for the study was 45 ± 18 years and 32 ± 19%. Twenty-nine patients died for a mortality rate of 14%. Serum sodium was measured 10,310 times overall. The median number of serum sodium measurements per patient was 22. Non-survivors were older (59 ± 19 vs. 42 ± 16 years) and suffered from a more severe burn injury (50 ± 25% vs. 29 ± 16%TBSA). While mean sodium was significantly higher for non-survivors (138 ± 3 milliequivalents/liter (meq/l)) than for survivors (135 ± 2 meq/l), mean sodium levels remained within the laboratory reference range (135 to 145 meq/l) for both groups. Non-survivors had a significantly higher median number of hypernatremic (> 145 meq/l) measurements (2 vs. 0). Coefficient of variation (CV) was significantly higher in non-survivors (2.85 ± 1.1) than survivors (2.0 ± 0.7). Adjusting for TBSA, age, ventilator days, and intensive care unit (ICU) stay, a higher CV of sodium measurements was associated with mortality (OR 5.8 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5 to 22)). Additionally, large variation in sodium ranges in the first 10 days of admission may be associated with increased mortality (OR 1.35 (95% CI 1.06 to1.7)).

Conclusions

Increased variability in plasma sodium may be associated with death in severely burned patients.
Seismic dispersion and attenuation in saturated porous rocks with aligned fractures of finite thickness: Theory and numerical simulations — Part 2: Frequency-dependent anisotropy
Authors: Guo Junxin , Germán Rubino J. , Barbosa Nicolás D. , Glubokovskikh Stanislav , Gurevich Boris
Published: October 2017

Numerous theoretical models have been proposed for computing seismic wave dispersion and attenuation in rocks with aligned fractures due to wave-induced fluid flow between the fractures and the embedding background. However, all these models rely on certain assumptions, for example, infinitesimal fracture thickness or dilute fracture concentration, which rarely hold in real reservoirs and, thus, limit their applicability. To alleviate this issue, theoretical models for periodically or randomly spaced planar fractures and penny-shaped cracks were recently extended by the authors to the case of finite fracture thickness for P-waves propagating perpendicular to the fracture plane. Theoretical predictions under low and relatively high fracture density were then assessed by comparing with corresponding numerical simulations. However, the case of arbitrary incidence angles as well as the behaviors of S-waves remained unexplored. In this work, we therefore extended the prediction results to the full stiffness matrix through two theoretical approaches. The first approach uses an interpolation between the low- and high-frequency limits using a relaxation function obtained from the normal-incidence solution. The second approach is based on the linear slip theory with a frequency-dependent fracture compliance. Both derivations rely on the fact that all the stiffness coefficients are controlled by the same relaxation function. With the full stiffness matrix, anisotropic seismic properties can then be studied. P- and S-wave velocities and attenuations at different frequencies and incidence angles and also corresponding anisotropy parameters are calculated for one synthetic 2D rock sample. The results indicate that the predictions provided by the two theoretical approaches are in good agreement with each other and also indicate a good agreement with the corresponding numerical simulations. The extended theoretical models presented in this work are easy to apply and computationally much cheaper than numerical simulations and, hence, can be used in the seismic characterization of fractured reservoirs.
New Persistent Opioid Use Among Patients With Cancer After Curative-Intent Surgery
Authors: Lee Jay Soong-Jin , Hu Hsou Mei , Edelman Anthony L. , Brummett Chad M. , Englesbe Michael J. , Waljee Jennifer F. , Smerage Jeffrey B. , Griggs Jennifer J. , Nathan Hari , Jeruss Jacqueline S. , Dossett Lesly A.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The current epidemic of prescription opioid misuse has increased scrutiny of postoperative opioid prescribing. Some 6% to 8% of opioid-naïve patients undergoing noncancer procedures develop new persistent opioid use; however, it is unknown if a similar risk applies to patients with cancer. We sought to define the risk of new persistent opioid use after curative-intent surgery, identify risk factors, and describe changes in daily opioid dose over time after surgery.

Methods

Using a national data set of insurance claims, we identified patients with cancer undergoing curative-intent surgery from 2010 to 2014. We included melanoma, breast, colorectal, lung, esophageal, and hepato-pancreato-biliary/gastric cancer. Primary outcomes were new persistent opioid use (opioid-naïve patients who continued filling opioid prescriptions 90 to 180 days after surgery) and daily opioid dose (evaluated monthly during the year after surgery). Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for new persistent opioid use.

Results

A total of 68,463 eligible patients underwent curative-intent surgery and filled opioid prescriptions. Among opioid-naïve patients, the risk of new persistent opioid use was 10.4% (95% CI, 10.1% to 10.7%). One year after surgery, these patients continued filling prescriptions with daily doses similar to chronic opioid users ( P = .05), equivalent to six tablets per day of 5-mg hydrocodone. Those receiving adjuvant chemotherapy had modestly higher doses ( P = .002), but patients with no chemotherapy still had doses equivalent to five tablets per day of 5-mg hydrocodone. Across different procedures, the covariate-adjusted risk of new persistent opioid use in patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy was 15% to 21%, compared with 7% to 11% for those with no chemotherapy.

Conclusion

New persistent opioid use is a common iatrogenic complication in patients with cancer undergoing curative-intent surgery. This problem requires changes to prescribing guidelines and patient counseling during the surveillance and survivorship phases of care.
Effect of Stellate Ganglion Block on the Regional Hemodynamics of the Upper Extremity: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kim Min Kyoung , Yi Myung Sub , Park Pyung Gul , Kang Hyun , Lee Jae Sung , Shin Hwa Yong
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND:

The success of stellate ganglion block (SGB) is traditionally determined on the basis of findings such as Horner’s syndrome, temperature rise in the face, hyperemia of the tympanic membrane, and nasal congestion. However, decreases in vascular resistance and increases in blood flow in the arm may be more meaningful findings. To date, the effect of SGB on the regional hemodynamics of the arm has not been evaluated using pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasound.

METHODS:

A total of 52 patients who were to undergo orthopedic surgery of the forearm were randomly assigned to either the mepivacaine group (SGB with 5 mL of 0.5% mepivacaine) or the saline group (SGB with 5 mL of normal saline). Before surgery, a single anesthesiologist performed a SGB under ultrasound guidance. The temperature of the upper extremity and the resistance index and blood flow in the brachial artery were measured before SGB, 15 and 30 minutes after SGB, and 1 hour after surgery. The severity of pain, requirement for rescue analgesics, and side effects of the local anesthetic agent were all documented.

RESULTS:

After SGB, the resistance index decreased significantly and the blood flow increased significantly in the brachial artery of members of the mepivacaine group (15 minutes: P = .004 and P < .001, respectively; 30 minutes: P < .001 and P < .001, respectively). However, these values normalized after surgery. The severity of pain, need for rescue analgesics, and incidence of adverse effects were not significantly different between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although SGB did not decrease the pain associated with forearm surgery, ultrasound-guided SGB did increase blood flow and decrease vascular resistance in the arm. Therefore, pulsed-wave Doppler may be used to monitor the success of SGB.
Anesthesia Information Management Systems
Authors: Simpao Allan F. , Rehman Mohamed A.
Published: October 2017

Anesthesia information management systems (AIMS) have evolved from simple, automated intraoperative record keepers in a select few institutions to widely adopted, sophisticated hardware and software solutions that are integrated into a hospital’s electronic health record system and used to manage and document a patient’s entire perioperative experience. AIMS implementations have resulted in numerous billing, research, and clinical benefits, yet there remain challenges and areas of potential improvement to AIMS utilization. This article provides an overview of the history of AIMS, the components and features of AIMS, and the benefits and challenges associated with implementing and using AIMS. As AIMS continue to proliferate and data are increasingly shared across multi-institutional collaborations, visual analytics and advanced analytics techniques such as machine learning may be applied to AIMS data to reap even more benefits.
Chaucer's Bibles: Late Medieval Biblicism and Compilational Form
Authors: Kraebel A. B.
Published: October 2017

The use of the Bible in fourteenth-century English secular literature has been surprisingly neglected in the last two decades, largely in response to postwar scholarship carried out under the banner of Robertsonianism and championing allegorical modes of interpretation. Robertsonian exegetics remains (as Lee Patterson said) the “great unfinished business” of medieval literary studies. This essay argues for the rejection of Robertsonianism as an inadequately historicist approach to the medieval Bible, and, by focusing on formal details of the biblical manuscripts evoked in Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, it argues that interpretations of the Bible dependent on these codicological forms are more germane to the understanding of Chaucer's text than Robertsonian hermeneutics. Attention to three kinds of manuscript compilations that include biblical material illustrate some of the ways a medieval poet could harness the material forms of books to achieve specific literary ends.
Regioselective Cascade Synthesis of Chloro-Substituted 6H-Benzo[c]chromenes via Benzannulation
Authors: Muralidhar Baitinti , Reddy Sabbasani Rajasekhara
Published: October 2017

A simple and efficient cascade synthesis was achieved to produce chloro substituted 9-phenyl-6H-benzo[c]chromenes under mild and additive-free reaction conditions via chlorination followed by benzannulation. This would be a green alternative approach to introduce a chlorine atom on poly hetero aromatic rings without use of other toxic and malodorous chlorinating agents. The core structure is a part of several biological active compounds, and this new protocol allows design of new polyheterocyclic frameworks using an alternative to traditional cross-coupling strategies.
Dye-Cucurbit[n]uril Complexes as Sensor Elements for Reliable Pattern Recognition of Biogenic Polyamines
Authors: Park Kyeng Min , Kim Jeeyeon , Ko Young Ho , Ahn Youngjoo , Murray James , Li Meng , Shrinidhi Annadka , Kim Kimoon
Published: October 2017

The host-guest complexes between commercially available fluorescence dyes and cucurbit[n]urils (CB[n], n = 6, 7 and 8) were exploited as multiple sensor elements to provide arrays for sensing biogenic amines using principal component analysis (PCA). Since the sensor elements respond differently to each amine, the array generates distinct patterns of fluorescence changes for each amine. We analyzed these results using PCA to allow precise discrimination of individual biogenic amines. This result demonstrated the great potential of these host-guest complexes as useful sensor elements for biogenic molecules, which may be useful to develop a diagnostic tool for diseases including cancers.
Novel therapeutic approaches to simultaneously target rhinovirus infection and asthma/COPD pathogenesis
Authors: Mirabelli Carmen , Scheers Els , Neyts Johan
Published: October 2017

Rhinoviruses are exclusive respiratory pathogens and the etiological agents of the common cold. These viruses are increasingly reported to cause exacerbations of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Here, we review the role of rhinovirus infections in the pathogenesis of asthma and COPD and we discuss the current and potential future treatments. We propose that, in order to prevent exacerbations, the design of novel therapeutics should focus on directly acting antivirals but also include the design of drugs that simultaneously inhibit viral replication and alleviate symptoms of asthma and COPD.
The 2017 Bioinformatics Open Source Conference (BOSC)
Authors: Harris Nomi L. , Cock Peter J.A. , Chapman Brad , Fields Christopher J. , Hokamp Karsten , Lapp Hilmar , Munoz-Torres Monica , Tzovaras Bastian Greshake , Wiencko Heather
Published: October 2017

The Bioinformatics Open Source Conference (BOSC) is a meeting organized by the Open Bioinformatics Foundation (OBF), a non-profit group dedicated to promoting the practice and philosophy of Open Source software development and Open Science within the biological research community. The 18th annual BOSC (http://www.open-bio.org/wiki/BOSC_2017) took place in Prague, Czech Republic in July 2017. The conference brought together nearly 250 bioinformatics researchers, developers and users of open source software to interact and share ideas about standards, bioinformatics software development, open and reproducible science, and this year’s theme, open data. As in previous years, the conference was preceded by a two-day collaborative coding event open to the bioinformatics community, called the OBF Codefest.
Problems of Digital Economy
Authors: Левчаев Петр , Levchaev Petr
Published: October 2017

The article discusses the controversial issues of the digital economy: problems and prospects of its formation and evolution, threats to consumers of digital services. The author pays attention to the current state of digital technologies, economic principles and conditions of formation and peculiarities, the characteristics of the digital services economy, its possibilities, and also makes projections of the development process of society.
Prejudice asana institutional phenomenon
Authors: Бурганов Раис , Burganov Rais , Бурганов Булат , Burganov Bulat
Published: October 2017

A special feature of the monograph is that it embraces a wide range of theoretical, methodological and applied approaches to the study of prejudice as an institutional phenomenon. Such aspects of the research as the need for a new approach to the solution of prejudicial problems, the analysis of the state of use of prejudice in the Russian legal field, as well as the results of a sociological survey of representatives of the legal community are considered. In the opinion of the authors, a new methodological approach to solving problems in the field of application of prejudice and its lawmaking allows the increment of knowledge in the chosen field of scientific activity
Tax stimulation of resource saving in the neo-industrial economy
Authors: Королева Людмила , Koroleva Lyudmila
Published: October 2017

This monograph explains the need for tax incentives for resource conservation as an imperative of neo-industrial development. Studied acting in Russia tax incentives and preferences, alternatives to tax maneuvers to stimulate economic development in the context of the fourth industrial revolution. Recommendations for tax incentives for the creation of high-tech jobs and increase of employment; proposals on improvement of tax accounting of wastes of production and consumption and implementation of the maneuver to transposition of the tax burden from environmentally friendly, frugal, waste-free for the polluting industry; as well as a set of measures to stimulate investment in energy efficiency of production.
COMPUTER LITERACY OF HEALTHCARE STUDENTS FROM MEDICAL UNIVERSITY - PLOVDIV
Authors: Kirkova-Bogdanova Angelina
Published: October 2017

Healthcare specialists should have a sound level of computer literacy to work with medical information systems, electronic health records, telecare solutions and other modern ICT applications. A successful career in an ICT supported position as in healthcare requires proficiency in using computer technology in performing tasks. The knowledge about the level of computer literacy of our students allows two important decisions to be taken: first - the necessity of restructuring the content of the subject â€śInformaticsâ€ť to make up for the gaps from previous education in technologies and second â€“ the evaluation of volume and nature of electronic educational resources to be included in the training.The aim of the present study is to assess computer literacy of health care students and to investigate the self-assessment of their computer skills.Materials and methods: The study was conducted in the period April â€“ December 2016 among 279 students from different health care specialties. To receive an objective grade, computer literacy was assessed by a didactic test specially designed for this purpose. The process of creation and validation of the assessment tool is discussed. Students were also asked to self-assess their computer literacy.Results: The students demonstrated good computer literacy with no statistically significant impact of gender and age. Female students tend to underestimate their computer skills, while men have realistic self-assessment. Students become more critical with age â€“ older students have lower self-assessment compared to their real performance.Conclusion: The computer literacy of healthcare students is not alarmingly low, it allows them to take full advantage of e-learning. However, the course in informatics should include more activities that would allow them to upgrade their computer skills.
HOW UPBRINGING IN ROMA FAMILIES HAS CHANGED OVER THE CENTURIES
Authors: KozubĂ­k Michal , OdrĂˇĹˇkovĂˇ Barbora
Published: October 2017

This study compares family upbringing in Slovak Roma during the 18th century with that of current times. It attempts to identify parallels between the Samuel Augusitniâ€™s 18th-century masterpiece: Gypsy in Hungary, and more recent data from a long-term study of Roma people in the eastern Slovakiaâ€“Poprad District. Open and axial coding inspired by the Strauss and Corbin Grounded Theory method is used to analyze the data. The primary results reveal that the common feature in all social classes of the settlement is a strong relationship between children and family. The poorest parents fail to provide adequate living conditions. Their children are brought up on the â€streetâ€™ and come home only when hungry, thirsty, or want to sleep. Parents do not support further education of their children for several reasons: fear of an unknown environment, distrust of most educational institutions, or financial benefit of the family.
APPLICATION OF MOTIVATION-HYGIENE THEORY AMONG WORKERS OF SOCIAL CARE INSTITUTIONS
Authors: Kushta Rovena
Published: October 2017

Motivation of workers is a field of interest to any institution. Motivated workers displaying high levels of satisfaction, or otherwise lack of dissatisfaction, have a positive impact on the overall work performance. The study aims to measure motivation levels and the influence of factors such as motivation-hygiene on satisfaction/dissatisfaction level among workers of social care institutions. A quantitative method of assessment is used. The sample consists of 110 workers. Results show a positive and statistically significant correlation between motivation factors and the levels of satisfaction with work. Responsibility is the selected factor with the biggest impact on satisfaction by the workers of the institutions surveyed. There is a positive but not statistically significant correlation between such factors as hygiene and lack of satisfaction at work. To the workers, the responsible supervisor is the factor with the biggest impact on the lack of satisfaction at work, while administrative policies are calculated as being r (Pearson) = -0.27 and sig = 0.761, which shows that they influence the dissatisfaction levels at work. Therefore institutions must pay attention to motivation strategies with the purpose of increasing satisfaction and thus decreasing dissatisfaction levels at work.
ETHICAL ASPECTS OF SOCIAL WORK IN MODERN SOCIETY
Authors: MarekovĂˇ HermĂ­na
Published: October 2017

The basic principle for the exercise of professional social work is the respect for human rights and social justice. The social worker's activity is associated with high expectations on the part of society, although the moral standards of society are typically on a lower level. The legislative environment or norms governing the decisions of social workers are determined by legislation as well as generally applicable ethical norms. In practice, this creates ethical dilemmas consisting in the acceptance of a hierarchy or priorities of individual norms, whereas the adopted and applied values and norms can be counterproductive. This situation may cause a conflict between professional ethics and valid social norms. The following article tackles the issues in social work arising from the stereotypes surviving in society and a lack of competence of many social workers.
CHILDREN LEARN TO PROTECT ANIMALS â€“ AN INNOVATIVE EDUCATIONAL PROJECT RUN BY "FOUR PAWS" â€“ PRACTICAL CASE
Authors: Radeva Dora , Petrova Hristina
Published: October 2017

The introduction of the FOUR PAWS educational project "Children Learn to Protect Animals" to the Bulgarian school system was prompted by a disturbing trend of a considerable increase of violence among children, including cases of cruelty toward animals. As a response to the social request for proper reaction and relevant decisions, FOUR PAWS offers a flexible educational program that includes an interactive textbook for children "Close to Animals", a complete teachersâ€™ methodology and a new university teachers' program. All textbooks and qualification trainings for teachers are provided by FOUR PAWS animal welfare charity free of charge. The approach offered is focusing on the specific welfare of and love for animals to address the general issue â€“ teach children to be tolerant and show empathy towards both animals and humans, and thus prevent aggression.The program is directed to pre-school and primary school children and teachers. It is promoted closely with Bulgarian educational institutions and local authorities.Results: over 6000 kids included, 130 teachers trained; programme is well-accepted in all sorts of schools: of high and not so high reputation. It helps facilitate socialization and integration of children from marginalized minority groups.The social acceptance shown proves the programme's potential and the need for expansion via new educational tools and measures.
USING CLOUD TECHNOLOGIES AS A TOOL IN ORGANIZING THE EDUCATION PROCESS
Authors: Sadvakassova Aigul , Serik Meryert , Kultan Jaroslav
Published: October 2017

The transition towards innovative cloud computing technologies will allow universities to reduce the costs of purchasing software licenses and expensive computer parks with large amounts of memory and disks, since the programs used in training sessions, as well as all the results of work done, can be stored in the cloud. The transfer of educational services to the cloud will facilitate switching to a format of "learning everywhere and all the time". This article considers the pedagogical possibilities of cloud technologies, which confirm the expediency of use in the education process. The definition of cloud computing is discussed. In addition, the main task of the research was considered: using cloud technologies as a tool in the organizing education process. The experience of using open source software in training is given. The basic methods of using cloud technology in the learning process are presented.
CONTEMPORARY TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT FOR EDUCATION
Authors: Savov Teodor , Terzieva Valentina , Todorova Katia , Kademova-Katzarova Petia
Published: October 2017

The information and communication technologies (ICT) have penetrated into almost all areas of human life. They have a dual impact on education â€“ increase learning efficiency and train students actively to use innovations. We assess this impact by examining teachersâ€™ experience with innovative tools in Bulgarian schools. In an anonymous online survey, we investigate their opinions on the issues related to technology integration in contemporary classrooms. The research shows that educators appreciate the benefits of technology implementation in the teaching-learning process, but they need a single structured system encompassing all technological resources and tools. This work proposes a conception for a smart classroom â€“ an innovative learning environment that can establish and control suitable conditions for education as well as to impact the instructional process directly.