bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Material practices for meaningful engagement: An analysis of participatory learning and action research techniques for data generation and analysis in a health research partnership
Authors: O'Reilly‐de Brún Mary , de Brún Tomas , O'Donnell Catherine A. , Papadakaki Maria , Saridaki Aristoula , Lionis Christos , Burns Nicola , Dowrick Chris , Gravenhorst Katja , Spiegel Wolfgang , Van Weel Chris , Van Weel‐Baumgarten Evelyn , Van den Muijsenbergh Maria , MacFarlane Anne
Published: August 2017

Background

The material practices which researchers use in research partnerships may enable or constrain the nature of engagement with stakeholder groups. Participatory learning and action (PLA) research approaches show promise, but there has been no detailed analysis of stakeholders’ and researchers’ experiences ofPLAtechniques for data generation and co‐analysis.

Objectives

To explore stakeholders’ and researchers’ experiences ofPLAtechniques for data generation and co‐analysis.

Design

TheEU RESTOREimplementation science project employed a participatory approach to investigate and support the implementation of guidelines and training initiatives (GTIs) to enhance communication in cross‐cultural primary care consultations. We developed a purposeful sample of 78 stakeholders (migrants, general practice staff, community interpreters, service providers, service planners) from primary care settings in Austria, England, Greece, Ireland and The Netherlands. We used speed evaluations and participatory evaluations to explore their experiences of twoPLAtechniques—Commentary Charts and Direct Ranking—which were intended to generate data for co‐analysis by stakeholders about theGTIs under analysis. We evaluated 16RESTOREresearchers’ experiences using interviews. We conducted thematic and content analysis of all evaluation data.

Results

PLACommentary Charts and Direct Ranking techniques, with their visual, verbal and tangible nature and inherent analytical capabilities, were found to be powerful tools for involving stakeholders in a collaborative analysis ofGTIs. Stakeholders had few negative experiences and numerous multifaceted positive experiences of meaningful engagement, which resonated with researchers’ accounts.

Conclusion

PLAtechniques and approaches are valuable as material practices in health research partnerships.
A coproduced patient and public event: An approach to developing and prioritizing ambulance performance measures
Authors: Irving Andy , Turner Janette , Marsh Maggie , Broadway‐Parkinson Andrea , Fall Dan , Coster Joanne , Siriwardena A. Niroshan
Published: August 2017

Background

Patient and public involvement (PPI) is recognized as an important component of high‐quality health services research. PPI is integral to the Pre‐hospital Outcomes for Evidence Based Evaluation (PhOEBE) programme. The PPI event described in detail in this article focusses on the process of involving patients and public representatives in identifying, prioritizing and refining a set of outcome measures that can be used to support ambulance service performance measurement.

Objective

To obtain public feedback on little known, complex aspects of ambulance service performance measurement.

Design

The event was codesigned and coproduced with the PhOEBE PPI reference group and PhOEBE research team. The event consisted of brief researcher‐led presentations, group discussions facilitated by the PPI reference group members and electronic voting.

Setting and participants

Data were collected from eighteen patient and public representatives who attended an event venue in Yorkshire.

Results

The results of the PPI event showed that this interactive format and mode of delivery was an effective method to obtain public feedback and produced a clear indication of which ambulance performance measures were most highly favoured by event participants.

Discussion and conclusions

The event highlighted valuable contributions the PPI reference group made to the design process, supporting participant recruitment and facilitation of group discussions. In addition, the positive team working experience of the event proved a catalyst for further improvements in PPI within the PhOEBE project.
The History of Childhood and the Emotional Turn
Authors: Olsen Stephanie
Published: August 2017

The rapid emergence and consolidation of the history of emotions has already demonstrated the usefulness of the field of study in upending established historical narratives. While a heterodoxy of approaches still dominates the field, until recently, these approaches have been dominantly adult focused. This essay highlights recent work in the history of childhood and youth, questioning that focus and providing a multiplicity of ways to combine the history of childhood and the history of emotions, with a view to both the changing emotional prescriptions and proscriptions of childhood and to children's emotional experiences. I argue that the history of childhood might also influence the study of the history of emotions, adding greater range and depth of analysis as well as asking probing questions of the most important theoretical contributions to that field. To that end, the essay analyses the usefulness of new theoretical tools: ‘emotional formations’ and ‘emotional frontiers’.
A Study of Local Incorporation of Migrant Professionals in Wroclaw
Authors: Jaskulowski Krzysztof
Published: August 2017

The aim of this article is to explore the patterns of local incorporation of migrant professionals in an urban context. It focuses on Wrocław, a Polish city that is not a traditional migration destination. Drawing on qualitative research, the article analyses migrant trajectories of local incorporation in the context of their reasons for relocation, experiences and perspectives. The article shows the irrelevance of ethnic networks for local incorporation. It demonstrates the role played by the workplace and the Internet, which allows forming sociabilities based on commonalities and shared interests, irrespective of cultural differences. It also shows the inconsistency of the city's policies and calls for policy revision. The article concludes that Wroclaw's policy seems not to correspond with the specificity of professional migration. It is argued that the city's policy is based on sedimentary and assimilationist logic that does not take into account migrants’ reasons for relocation and perspectives.
Stratification of Skewed Populations: A Comparison of Optimisation‐based versus Approximate Methods
Authors: Hidiroglou Michael A. , Kozak Marcin
Published: August 2017

Survey statisticians use either approximate or optimisation‐based methods to stratify finite populations. Examples of the former are the cumrootf (Dalenius & Hodges,) and geometric (Gunning & Horgan,) methods, while examples of the latter are Sethi () and Kozak () algorithms. The approximate procedures result in inflexible stratum boundaries; this lack of flexibility results in non‐optimal boundaries. On the other hand, optimisation‐based methods provide stratum boundaries that can simultaneously account for (i) a chosen allocation scheme, (ii) overall sample size or required reliability of the estimator of a studied parameter and (iii) presence or absence of a take‐all stratum. Given these additional conditions, optimisation‐based methods will result in optimal boundaries. The only disadvantage of these methods is their complexity. However, in the second decade of 21st century, this complexity doesnotactually pose a problem. We illustrate how these two groups of methods differ by comparing their efficiency for two artificial populations and a real population. Our final point is that statistical offices should prefer optimisation‐based over approximate stratification methods; such a decision will help them either save much public money or, if funds are already allocated to a survey, result in more precise estimates of national statistics.
The enhancement of combination of berberine and metformin in inhibition of DNMT1 gene expression through interplay of SP1 and PDPK1
Authors: Zheng Fang , Wu JingJing , Tang Qing , Xiao Qian , Wu WanYin , Hann Swei Sunny
Published: August 2017

Berberine (BBR), one of active alkaloid found in the rhizome, exhibited anti‐cancer properties. We have showed that BBR inhibited growth of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells through mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK)‐mediated increase in forkhead box O3a (FOXO3a). However, the in‐depth mechanism underlying the anti‐tumor effects still remained to be elucidated. Herein, we further confirmed that BBR not only induced cell cycle arrest, but also reduced migration and invasion of NSCLC cells. Mechanistically, we observed that BBR reduced 3‐phosphoinositide‐dependent protein kinase‐1 (PDPK1) and transcription factor SP1 protein expressions. Exogenously expressed SP1 overcame BBR‐inhibited PDPK1 expression. Moreover, BBR inhibited DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) gene expression and overexpressed DNMT1 resisted BBR‐inhibited cell growth. Intriguingly, overexpressed PDPK1 antagonized BBR‐inhibited SP1 and DNMT1 expressions. Finally, metformin enhanced the effects of BBR both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, we observe that BBR inhibits proliferation of NSCLC cells through inhibition of SP1 and PDPK1; this results in a reduction of DNMT1 expression. The interplay of PDPK1 and SP1 contributes to the inhibition of DNMT1 in response to BBR. In addition, there is a synergy of BBR and metformin. This study uncovers a new mechanism of BBR in combination with metformin for NSCLC‐associated therapy.
Adding C‐reactive protein and procalcitonin to the model of end‐stage liver disease score improves mortality prediction in patients with complications of cirrhosis
Authors: Chirapongsathorn Sakkarin , Bunraksa Worawan , Chaiprasert Amnart , Punpanich Dollapas , Supasyndh Ouppatham , Kamath Patrick S
Published: August 2017

Background and Aim

This study aims to determine the performance of models adding C‐reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) to the model of end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score for mortality prediction in patients hospitalized with complications of cirrhosis.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was carried out in consecutive cirrhotic patients admitted with complications of cirrhosis between September 2012 and December 2013 at Phramongkutklao Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. All patients had venous CRP, PCT, and laboratory values for MELD score calculation measured at emergency room or admission. Cox regression analysis and the c‐statistic were used to predict mortality. The MELD‐CRP score was externally validated in 818 eligible patients from Mayo Clinic, Rochester, using data from 1288 cirrhotic patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2014.

Results

A cohort of 177 patients with cirrhosis was admitted during the study period. Seventy‐one patients were eligible for analysis. The MELD score was predictive of 90‐day mortality odds ratio (OR) 1.19 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09–1.32). Adding CRP and/or PCT to the MELD score improved the predictive of 90‐day mortality: MELD‐CRP OR 2.71 (95% CI 1.66–4.99); MELD‐PCT OR 2.72 (95% CI 1.66–4.99); MELD‐CRP‐PCT OR 2.71 (95% CI 1.67–4.92). The c‐statistics for MELD, MELD‐CRP, MELD‐PCT, and MELD‐CRP‐PCT were 0.81, 0.83, 0.84, and 0.85, respectively. Adding CRP and/or PCT to the MELD score also improved 30‐day mortality prediction. Similar results for the MELD‐CRP score were obtained from the Mayo Clinic external validation cohort.

Conclusion

The MELD‐CRP, MELD‐PCT, and MELD‐CRP‐PCT scores may be superior to the MELD score alone in predicting mortality in patients hospitalized with complications of cirrhosis.
The Spanish path of agrarian change, 1950–2005: From authoritarian to export‐oriented productivism
Authors: Clar Ernesto , Martín‐Retortillo Miguel , Pinilla Vicente
Published: August 2017

The aim of this study is to determine whether the evolution of Spain's agrarian change, between 1950 and 2005, exhibits any features important enough to differentiate it from the common model of developed countries in Western Europe. On the one hand, the Spanish agrarian transformations share the main features of the changes in Western Europe: technological innovation, increased production and productivity, the diminishing importance of the agricultural sector, close integration with the industrial sector, and a high environmental impact. On the other hand, a series of important peculiarities can be observed in Spain's agrarian change: strong expansion of intensive livestock farming; the role of increased irrigation in explaining the transformation of agriculture; policies that offered very little support to the agricultural sector under a dictatorship that denied a voice to farmers; and the prominent role of agriculture in the economy despite its small contribution to GDP.
Do Economics Departments Improve after They Appoint a Top Scholar as Chairperson?
Authors: Goodall Amanda H. , McDowell John M. , Singell Larry D.
Published: August 2017

There has been almost no research into what makes an effective chairperson in a university department. This paper constructs a historical longitudinal dataset on economics departments in 58 US research universities. It documents evidence that a department's research output tends to improve substantially when the incoming department Chair is himself or herself an outstanding scholar (in particular, is highly cited). The analysis adjusts for a set of other possible influences, including the standing of the department, university resources, the previous Chair, the trend in the department's productivity, and time‐lags. Possible interpretations, and implications for future research, are discussed.
The valuation of American options in a multidimensional exponential Lévy model
Authors: Klimsiak Tomasz , Rozkosz Andrzej
Published: August 2017

We consider the problem of valuation of American options written on dividend‐paying assets whose price dynamics follow a multidimensional exponential Lévy model. We carefully examine the relation between the option prices, related partial integro‐differential variational inequalities, and reflected backward stochastic differential equations. In particular, we prove regularity results for the value function and obtain the early exercise premium formula for a broad class of payoff functions.
Isolation of chlorophylls and carotenoids from freshwater algae using different extraction methods
Authors: Fabrowska Joanna , Messyasz Beata , Szyling Jakub , Walkowiak Jędrzej , Łęska Bogusława
Published: August 2017

Usually marine algae are an excellent source of pigments for different commercial sectors. Freshwater macroalgae can be exploited as a good source of biologically active compounds provided an appropriate extraction method is developed. The efficiency of four methods, like microwave‐assisted (MAE), ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) with ethanol as a co‐solvent, as well as conventional Soxhlet extraction were studied in the same conditions (time, solvent and temperature) for the recovery of chlorophylls and carotenoids from three freshwater green algae species: Cladophora glomerata, Cladophora rivularis and Ulva flexuosa. UV‐Vis spectrophotometry was used to determine chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total carotenoid content in obtained extracts. The results of this study showed that the advantages of novel extraction techniques (MAE and UAE) include higher yield and, in consequence, lower costs compared to traditional solvent extraction techniques. These methods were much more efficient in freshwater green algae pigment recovery than the classic Soxhlet extraction as well as SFE.
Constraining Bureaucrats Today Knowing You'll Be Gone Tomorrow: The Effect of Legislative Term Limits on Statutory Discretion
Authors: Vakilifathi Mona
Published: August 2017

Do finite time horizons constrain a legislature's ability to control the bureaucracy? I argue that legislators subject to legislative term limits enact legislation with less statutory discretion today to ensure that their preferences are implemented by the bureaucracy tomorrow since most legislators will not be around to monitor the bureaucracy over the long term. Although past works suggest that legislative term limits decrease legislatures' rate of bureaucratic oversight, I find that term‐limited legislatures use ex ante means of bureaucratic control to a greater extent by granting less statutory discretion to the bureaucracy.
Institutional design of ecolabels: Sponsorship signals rule strength
Authors: Darnall Nicole , Ji Hyunjung , Potoski Matthew
Published: August 2017

Ecolabels are designed to help consumers identify environmentally superior products and services; however, they are not all created equal. Some ecolabels have strong rules that promote environmental improvements, while others have weaker rules that permit free‐riding. Because information about ecolabel design and rule strength is typically not readily available at the point of purchase, consumers struggle to differentiate stronger ecolabels from weaker ones. We investigate whether ecolabel sponsorship is a signal that can help consumers distinguish between ecolabels according to the quality of their institutional design. Using data of 189 prominent ecolabels, we find that while most ecolabels have basic rules for environmental performance, monitoring, and conformance, the strength of these rules varies across labels according to sponsoring organization. Independent sponsors have the strongest ecolabel rules, followed by governments. Industry sponsored ecolabels have the weakest rule structures. Taken as a whole, these findings suggest that sponsorship may provide important information about whether an ecolabel is designed with rules that effectively condition firms to promote meaningful environmental improvements.
Domiciliary non‐invasive ventilation post lung transplantation
Authors: Kotecha Sakhee , Buchan Catherine , Parker Kerry , Toghill Jo , Paul Eldho , Miller Belinda , Naughton Matthew , Snell Gregory , Dabscheck Eli
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT

Background and objective

The benefits of domiciliary non‐invasive ventilation (NIV) post lung transplantation (LTx) have not previously been described. This was a single‐centre retrospective audit of patients requiring domiciliary NIV post‐LTx. Our aim was to describe indications for NIV and outcomes in chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) and diaphragmatic palsy.

Methods

All patients requiring domiciliary NIV post‐LTx between 2010 and June 2016 were assessed. NIV indications, respiratory function and patient outcomes were collected.

Results

Out of 488 LTx recipients, 20 patients were identified as requiring NIV over the 6.5‐year study period. The most common indications for NIV were CLAD and diaphragmatic palsy. Hypercapnia improved significantly with NIV. Patient outcomes were poor with nine (45%) patients dying, four (20%) undergoing redo‐LTx, four (20%) continuing domiciliary NIV and only three (15%) patients weaned off NIV.

Conclusion

This is the first case series to describe the use of domiciliary NIV post‐LTx. Patients commenced on NIV post‐LTx had severely impaired lung function and severe hypercapnia. Patients with diaphragmatic palsy often recovered. The mortality rate was high in chronic allograft dysfunction.
Nondemarcated Spaces of Knowledge‐Informed Policy Making: How Useful Is the Concept of Boundary Organization in IR?
Authors: Compagnon Daniel , Bernstein Steven
Published: August 2017

Concepts of “boundary organization” and “boundary work,” borrowed from science and technology studies (STS), are now commonly used in International Relations to analyze organizations providing a science–policy interface. This article critically examines these concepts, with close attention to specific insights from the STS literature, for their added value in understanding the interactions between knowledge production processes on the one hand and policy making at the global level on the other. It lays the basis for two critiques: (1) an institutionalist critique of the use of these metaphors highlighting the mismatch between the interplay of relevant actors—scientists, policy makers, and stakeholders—via the social spaces they occupy and international organizations; (2) on weak assumptions on coproduction. The authors argue that the true challenge for science–policy interfaces is to generate politically “usable knowledge” and conditions for social learning, thus recognizing that politicization of science is more likely than the scientification of politics.
Emission of methane and nitrous oxides from agricultural soils and related global warming potentials of Murshidabad District, West Bengal
Authors: Biswas Soham , Chakma Namita , Mollah Swati
Published: August 2017

Agricultural activities emit substantial amounts of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxides (N2O), the two important greenhouse gases (GHG) with high global warming potentials (GWP). So far, many studies have already been carried out at national and state level, but lack micro‐level (district or block‐level) inventory in India. The present study sheds light on the flux of CH4 and N2O (from all possible sources) from agricultural soil of various blocks in the Murshidabad district, based on the inventory prepared, using the IPCC methodology, with adjusted emission factors and coefficients appropriate for the local level. The economy of the Murshidabad district almost completely rests on agriculture as more than 80 per cent of the population is directly or indirectly dependent on it for their livelihood. Paddy is the dominating crop, cultivated on more than 60 per cent of the gross cropped area. The present work is based on the review of various literature and reports collected from respective state government offices and websites. Results show that CH4 and N2O emission from the agricultural fields are 126.405 Gg and 0.652 Gg respectively for the year 2011−12 with a large scale spatial variation (block‐level) within the district.
Effect of superabsorbent polymer on root water uptake and quantification of water uptake from soil profile in dry land
Authors: Liao R. , Yang P. , Zhu Y.
Published: August 2017

Few reports focus on the source of water used in crop uptake from the soil profile following superabsorbent polymer (SAP) application, particularly the quantification of crop water uptake from SAP‐treated soil and non‐SAP‐treated soil. Using column experiments, we investigated the effect of SAP on root water uptake of maize over two years and researched in depth the utilization of water from different soil layers under SAP application by employing stable isotope D/18O. The results suggest that SAP can increase root water uptake by 16.3–27.8% in SAP‐treated soil layers. The water used by the crop mainly originated in the 0‐ to 20‐cm soil layer at the jointing stage, 20‐ to 40‐cm at heading stage and 0‐ to 20‐ cm during grain filling.
Red blood cell alloimmunization in pregnancy during the years 1996‐2015 in Iceland: a nation‐wide population study
Authors: Bollason Gunnar , Hjartardottir Hulda , Jonsson Thorbjorn , Gudmundsson Sveinn , Kjartansson Sveinn , Halldorsdottir Anna Margret
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

Red blood cell (RBC) alloimmunization during pregnancy is still a major problem. Historically, anti‐D antibodies are most likely to cause severe hemolysis, but other antibodies are also important. In Iceland, postnatal RhIg prophylaxis was implemented in 1969, universal RBC antibody screening was implemented in 1978, but antenatal RhIg prophylaxis is not yet routine.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This nation‐wide population study gathered data on alloimmunized pregnancies in Iceland between 1996 and 2015. Blood bank alloimmunization data were linked to Icelandic Medical Birth Registry data. RBC antibodies were classified as either clinically significant or clinically nonsignificant.

RESULTS

In total, 912 positive antibody screens from 87,437 births were identified (1.04% prevalence). The most frequent antibodies were anti‐M (19.4%), anti‐E (19.0%), and anti‐D (12.5%). Anti‐D prevalence among D‐negative mothers was 1.1%. Icelandic Medical Birth Registry data were available for 881 (96.6%) pregnancies. In the clinically significant group (n = 474), anti‐E (27%) and anti‐D (20%) were most common, whereas anti‐M was most frequent (53%) in the clinically nonsignificant group (n = 407). Mothers in the clinically significant group were older, more often multigravidae, had more abortions and stillbirths, and had shorter gestational length. Newborns in the clinically significant group were less healthy, had lower weight and Apgar scores, and required more treatment. Among specificities in the clinically significant group, anti‐D antibodies were most strongly associated with severe hemolysis.

CONCLUSION

In this study, the prevalence of alloimmunization was similar to that in previous reports. Of all clinically significant antibodies, anti‐D was most strongly associated with severe hemolysis, requiring phototherapy or exchange transfusions. Our data emphasize the importance of implementing an antenatal prophylactic RhIg program in Iceland in the near future.
Who donates? Cross‐country and periodical variation in blood donor demographics in Europe between 1994 and 2014
Authors: Wittock Nathan , Hustinx Lesley , Bracke Piet , Buffel Veerle
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

Ageing European populations put pressure on national blood supplies, increasing the need for blood and donor base rejuvenation. Therefore, we investigate how European countries' blood donor populations differ and how they have evolved over the last 2 decades. Previous comparative research, based on 1994 Eurobarometer data, indicate that the typical donor is an educated, middle‐aged, white, married male. Other sociodemographic and socioeconomic correlates, such as employment status and type of community, are less clear.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Multilevel analyses are performed on repeated cross‐level data from the Eurobarometer (waves 1994, 2002, 2009, and 2014) to compare information on “ever having donated” across sociodemographic categories, countries, and periods.

RESULTS

There are consistent but moderate country and period differences. The donor population rose to become largest in most countries by 2009, and stabilized thereafter. Over the studied period, donors were more likely to be higher educated, married men. Nevertheless, changes across time in donor profiles within countries did occur. Women were less likely to donate blood, especially in Southern and Eastern Europe, but this gender gap has declined. Furthermore, educational attainment seems more relevant for women, although, more recently, to a lesser extent.

CONCLUSION

Although there is a promising trend in which women, young people, and students are increasingly likely to donate, more attention is needed to reach the unemployed and the low to medium educated. Because the unemployed may lack structural opportunities to donate, and the low to medium educated may lack relevant knowledge on blood donation necessity, we recommend providing practical opportunities and information on the necessity of blood donation.
High estimated prevalence of asymptomatic dengue viremia in blood donors during a dengue epidemic in southern Taiwan, 2015
Authors: Chien Yu‐Wen , Shu Yu‐Chen , Chuang Kun‐Ta , Yeh Chun‐Yin , Ko Wen‐Chien , Ko Nai‐Ying , Perng Guey‐Chuen
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

Southern Taiwan experienced a severe dengue epidemic in 2015. Adult asymptomatic cases would raise concerns on transfusion‐transmitted dengue virus (DENV) infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the magnitude of such a risk in Tainan City during this epidemic.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The daily prevalence of asymptomatic dengue viremia in blood donors in Tainan City and in selected high‐incidence districts during the 2015 dengue epidemic was estimated by an established mathematical model. Duration of viremia, duration of viremia before symptom onset, apparent‐to‐inapparent infection ratio, and reporting‐to‐underreporting ratio were four main parameters used in the model.

RESULTS

The estimated maximal and mean daily prevalence of asymptomatic dengue viremia in blood donors in Tainan during this dengue epidemic was 74.4 (95% confidence interval [CI], 60.8‐88.0) and 15.0 (95% CI, 12.3‐17.7) per 10,000, respectively. In the district with the highest incidence, the maximal and mean daily prevalence of asymptomatic viremia was 328.8 (95% CI, 271.1‐386.2) and 55.3 (95% CI, 43.4‐63.3) per 10,000, respectively. Approximately 234 (95% CI, 191‐276) blood components containing DENV were produced during the epidemic.

CONCLUSION

Although dengue is currently not endemic in Taiwan, physicians need to be aware of the risk of transfusion‐transmitted DENV infection. Our results suggest that screening measures to ensure blood safety should be evaluated and implemented during dengue epidemics even in nonendemic areas. Timely estimation of daily asymptomatic viremia prevalence by districts can help to select high‐risk areas for such measures and to evaluate cost‐effectiveness.
Red blood cell minor antigen mismatches during chronic transfusion therapy for sickle cell anemia
Authors: Yee Marianne E.M. , Josephson Cassandra D. , Winkler Anne M. , Webb Jennifer , Luban Naomi L.C. , Leong Traci , Stowell Sean R. , Fasano Ross M.
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

Red blood cell (RBC) alloimmunization occurs at a high frequency in sickle cell anemia (SCA) despite serologic matching for Rh (C/c, E/e) and K antigens. RBC minor antigen genotyping allows for prediction of antigens and RH variants that may lead to alloimmunization.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

RBC antigen genotyping was performed on chronically transfused pediatric SCA patients, using PreciseType human erythrocyte antigen (HEA), RHCE, and RHD BeadChip arrays. All patients received C/c, E/e, and K serologically matched units (Category 1); patients with prior RBC antibodies were also matched for Fya, Jkb, and any antibodies (Category 2). The RBC genotypes of all leukoreduced (LR) units transfused over a 12‐month period were determined by the prototype HEA‐LR BeadChip assay.

RESULTS

There were 2320 RBC units transfused to 90 patients in 1135 transfusion episodes. Thirty‐five (38.9%) patients had homozygous or compound heterozygous RH variants. Seven new alloantibodies were detected, with alloantibody incidence of 0.706 in 100 units for Category 2 transfusions and 0.068 in 100 units for Category 1 (p = 0.02). Three patients on Category 2 transfusions formed new anti‐Jsa and had a higher rate of exposure to Jsa than those who did not form anti‐Jsa (20.4 vs. 8.33 exposures/100 units, p = 0.02). The most frequent mismatches were S (43.9%), Doa (43.9%), Fya (29.2%), M (28.4%), and Jkb (28.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

Alloimmunization incidence was higher in those with prior RBC antibodies, suggesting that past immunologic responders are at higher risk for future alloimmunization and therefore may benefit from more extensive antigen matching beyond C/c, E/e, K, Fya, and Jkb.
Hemovigilance monitoring of platelet septic reactions with effective bacterial protection systems
Authors: Benjamin Richard J. , Braschler Thomas , Weingand Tina , Corash Laurence M.
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

Delayed, large‐volume bacterial culture and amotosalen/ultraviolet‐A light pathogen reduction are effective at reducing the risk of bacterial proliferation in platelet concentrates (PCs). Hemovigilance programs continue to receive reports of suspected septic transfusion reactions, most with low imputability. Here, we compile national hemovigilance data to determine the relative efficacy of these interventions.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Annual reports from the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, and Belgium were reviewed between 2005 and 2016 to assess the risk of bacterial contamination and septic reactions.

RESULTS

Approximately 1.65 million delayed, large‐volume bacterial culture‐screened PCs in the United Kingdom and 2.3 million amotosalen/ultraviolet‐A–treated PCs worldwide were issued with no reported septic fatalities. One definite, one possible, and 12 undetermined/indeterminate septic reactions and eight contaminated “near misses” were reported with delayed, large‐volume bacterial cultures between 2011 and 2016, for a lower false‐negative culture rate than that in the previous 5 years (5.4 vs. 16.3 per million: odds ratio, 3.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.4‐6.5). Together, the Belgian, Swiss, and French hemovigilance programs documented zero probable or definite/certain septic reactions with 609,290 amotosalen/ultraviolet‐A–treated PCs (<1.6 per million). The rates were significantly lower than those reported with concurrently transfused, nonpathogen‐reduced PCs in Belgium (<4.4 vs. 35.6 per million: odds ratio, 8.1; 95% confidence interval,1.1‐353.3) and with historic septic reaction rates in Switzerland (<6.0 vs. 82.9 per million: odds ratio, 13.9; 95% confidence interval, 2.1‐589.2), and the rates tended to be lower than those from concurrently transfused, nonpathogen‐reduced PCs in France (<4.7 vs. 19.0 per million: odds ratio, 4.1; 95% confidence interval, 0.7‐164.3).

CONCLUSION

Pathogen reduction and bacterial culture both reduced the incidence of septic reactions, although under‐reporting and strict imputability criteria resulted in an underestimation of risk.
Understanding the Methodological Process of Formation and Evolution of Scientific Empiricism in the Philosophy of West
Authors: Zanjirabadi Abulqasem Mojtahedi , Eyvazi Mohammad Rahim , Jalali Reza , Pakniya Mahbubeh , Anari Hassan Hajizadeh
Published: August 2017

The current paper evaluates the transformation of methodological approaches and perspectives of early centuries of the modern era scientism to fundamental change in the philosophical views of the west in the form of postmodern attitudes. Thus, on the one hand, the evolution in crude empiricism and its transition to positivism, logical positivism and how to transition from positivism to falsifiability will be evaluated. On the other hand, we address the transformation of positivism and falsifiability attitudes and thinking into macro structures and attitudes in the form of Imre and Lakatos research program and Thomas Kuhn's paradigm and finally, Feyerabend anarchist approach. Then, we will continue with a brief overview of how to shape the post-modern approaches as the outcome of fundamental change in the attitude of philosophy in the West. Of course, we try to avoid getting into the details of the views, as far as possible because the main focus of this paper is on the analysis of the evolution of the methodological perspectives of "Scientism (Philosophy of science)" to postmodernism.
‘The White Rose of Yorkshire’: Public Relations, Condolences and Grief Expression
Authors: Strongman Luke
Published: August 2017

In public relations, there is always unpredictability. It is part of a public relations strategists’ role to assess potential areas of crisis, to monitor the corporate mediascape for unpredictable events and to mitigate uncertainty for their clients be they organisations or individuals. But such public relations exercises are made more complex and unpredictable by the emotions experienced in public grieving. No recent commemoration has been so shocking and grief inspiring as that for British Labour Politician Member of Parliament for Batley and Spen in Yorkshire, Ms. Jo Cox who was shot and stabbed to death outside of her ‘constituency surgery’ in Birstall, West Yorkshire on June 16th, 2016. On her sudden and untimely death a nation and a Commonwealth ‘erupted’ into an expression of mourning, with some commentaries describing Ms. Cox as the ‘white rose of Yorkshire’ in a transient image, ephemeral pure and emblematic of their personal and public grief. As an MP who supported liberal causes, Ms Cox’s untimely death was also a political event. It occurred exactly at that moment of juncture when the ‘leave’ and ‘remain’ factions of the BREXIT campaign were focusing their vitriolic fervor, all the more poignant as she died espousing the liberal cause that was defeated in the first Referendum held on June 23rd, 2016. In discussing the relationship between personal and private grief, this article will focus on the eulogies for Ms Cox and the condolence message phenomenon, primarily as a mediated organisational ‘operation’.
Functional capacity in a rat model of heart failure: impact of myocardial infarct size
Authors: Hentschke Vítor Scotta , Capalonga Lucas , Rossato Douglas Dalcin , Perini Júlia Luíza , Alves Jadson Pereira , Quagliotto Edson , Stefani Giuseppe Potrick , Karsten Marlus , Pontes Mauro , Dal Lago Pedro
Published: August 2017

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

To the best of our knowledge, no studies have evaluated oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide production and exercise tolerance in rats that have undergone myocardial infarction classified by myocardial infarct (MI) size.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Oxygen uptake and exercise intolerance are MI size dependent, and classification based on MI size can distinguish rats with functional capacity impairment. Rats with a large MI (>40% of the left ventricle) might provide a good model for the testing of new therapies that have the potential to modify the variables of functional capacity.

Oxygen uptake () and exercise tolerance in rats classified by myocardial infarct (MI) size are underexplored. The aim of this study was to evaluate , carbon dioxide production () and exercise tolerance in rats that had undergone myocardial infarction. Fourteen weeks after myocardial infarction or sham surgery, rats underwent an integrated approach to evaluation of left ventricular function and , exercise tolerance and skeletal muscle weight. Based on determination of MI size, rats were assigned to sham‐operated controls (Sham, n = 12), small myocardial infarction (SMI, n = 8) and large myocardial infarction (LMI, n = 5) groups. The LMI rats showed lower systolic (ejection fraction and fractional shortening) and diastolic (E/A ratio) left ventricular function compared with SMI. Maximal (∼24%, P < 0.05), reserve (∼30%, P < 0.05), time to exhaustion (∼36%, P < 0.05) and maximal velocity (∼30%, P < 0.05) were lower in LMI compared with sham‐operated control animals, with no difference between SMI rats and sham‐operated controls. Maximal and respiratory exchange ratio showed no significant difference between MI rats and sham‐operated control rats. The LMI rats demonstrated lower gastrocnemius weight (∼12%, P < 0.05) and soleus weight (∼19%, P = 0.07) compared with sham‐operated control rats. Significant correlations between MI size, left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure, right ventricle hypertrophy, pulmonary congestion, ejection fraction and fractional shortening with maximal and distance run were observed. Oxygen uptake and exercise intolerance are MI size dependent.
Experimental Study of Aeronautical Ignition in a Swirled Confined Jet-Spray Burner
Authors: Marrero-Santiago J. , Verdier A. , Brunet C. , Vandel A. , Godard G. , Cabot G. , Boukhalfa M. , Renou B.
Published: August 2017

Aeronautical gas turbine ignition is still not well understood and its management and control are mandatory for new lean-burner designs. The fundamental aspects of swirled confined two-phase flow ignition are addressed in the present work. Two facilities enable the analysis of two characteristic phases of the process. The knowledge for ignition, acoustics and instabilities (KIAI)-Spray single-injector burner was investigated in terms of local flow properties, including the air velocity and droplet fuel (n-heptane) size-velocity characterization by phase Doppler anemometry (PDA), and the study of local equivalence ratio by means of planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) on a tracer (toluene). The initial spark location inside the chamber is vital to ensure successful ignition. An ignition probability map was elaborated varying the location of a 532 nm laser-induced spark in the chamber under ultralean nominal conditions (ϕ = 0.61). The outer recirculation zone (ORZ) was found to be the best region for placing a spark and successfully igniting the mixture. A strong correlation was found between the ignition probability field and the airflow turbulent kinetic energy and velocity fields. Local equivalence ratio enhances the importance of the ORZ. Once a successful ignition is accomplished on one injector, the injector-to-injector flame propagation must be examined. High-speed visualization through two synchronized perpendicular cameras was applied on the KIAI-Spray linear multi-injector burner. Four different injector-to-injector distances and four fuels of different volatilities (n-heptane, n-decane, n-dodecane, and jet-A1 kerosene) were evaluated. Spray branches and interinjector regions changed with the interinjector distance. Two different flame propagation mechanisms were identified: the direct radial propagation and the arc propagation mode. Ignition delay times were modified with the injector-to-injector distance and with the different fuels.
Stall Inception in a High-Speed Centrifugal Compressor During Speed Transients
Authors: Lou Fangyuan , Fabian John C. , Key Nicole L.
Published: August 2017

The inception and evolution of rotating stall in a high-speed centrifugal compressor are characterized during speed transients. Experiments were performed in the single stage centrifugal compressor (SSCC) facility at Purdue University and include speed transients from subidle to full speed at different throttle settings while collecting transient performance data. Results show a substantial difference in the compressor transient performance for accelerations versus decelerations. This difference is associated with the heat transfer between the flow and the hardware. The heat transfer from the hardware to the flow during the decelerations locates the compressor operating condition closer to the surge line and results in a significant reduction in surge margin during decelerations. Additionally, data were acquired from fast-response pressure transducers along the impeller shroud, in the vaneless space, and along the diffuser passages. Two different patterns of flow instabilities, including mild surge and short-length-scale rotating stall, are observed during the decelerations. The instability starts with a small pressure perturbation at the impeller leading edge (LE) and quickly develops into a single-lobe rotating stall burst. The stall cell propagates in the direction opposite of impeller rotation at approximately one-third of the rotor speed. The rotating stall bursts are observed in both the impeller and diffuser, with the largest magnitudes near the diffuser throat. Furthermore, the flow instability develops into a continuous high frequency stall and remains in the fully developed stall condition.
A New Method of Motion Rule Synthesis for Face Gear Manufacturing by Plane-Cutter
Authors: Peng Xian-long , Niu Qin-yu , Guo Wei , Fang Zong-de
Published: August 2017

The application of a Gleason Coniflex cutter (plane-cutter) to a modern Phoenix bevel gear machine tool in face gear manufacturing has an advantage of involving a universal cutter or grinder and an available existing machine. It is valuable to research this method for face gear manufacturing. First, the principle of the application of the plane-cutter in face gear manufacturing is presented. Then, the geometry of the cutter is defined, and the model of the face gear generated by this method in abstract is established. Third, a method that uses a predesigned contact path for the synthesis with the motion parameters of the plane-cutter is proposed; controllable transmission errors are considered in this process. Fourth, based on the equivalence principle of the position and direction, the computer numerical control (CNC) motion rules of all spindles of the machine are determined, and the surface generated by the machine is presented. Finally, numerical simulation of an example demonstrates that although the surface generated by the plane-cutter, to a certain extent, deviates from the theoretical surface generated by the traditional method, the surface, in meshing with the standard involute surface of the pinion, presents a good geometric meshing performance based on tooth contact analysis (TCA), except for a shortened contact ellipse.
Small Scale Energy Storage for Peak Demand Shaving
Authors: L’Heureux Zara E. , Lackner Klaus S.
Published: August 2017

Utilities in regulated energy markets manage power generation, transmission, and delivery to consumers. Matching peak demand with peak generation is costly, and the increasing penetration of renewable energy into the grid adds complexity due to fluctuations in supply. A few options exist for addressing the task of balancing supply and demand, including demand response, energy storage, and time-varying pricing (tariffs).

Arizona Public Service (APS), the largest electric utility company in Arizona, employs tariffs that charge more for electricity at certain times (on-peak periods) and a demand charge for the highest power demand throughout the billing period. Such tariffs incentivize end users to lower peak demand. Arizona State University (ASU), a public university with its largest campus in Tempe, AZ, participates in a time-of-use tariff structure with APS. Analysis in this paper shows that ASU’s 16MWdc of onsite solar capacity alone can lower its monthly electricity bills by over 10% by decreasing on-peak power demand.

A novel contribution of the paper is the analysis of the value of small scale, on-campus energy storage in lowering the demand charge. Most analyses consider savings from transferring off-peak electric power to peak-electric power, but this paper considers using stored electricity solely to reduce peak demand and thus lower the demand charge. Small amounts of electricity could greatly reduce overall cost. An algorithm was developed and executed in Python to decide when on-campus storage should be charged and discharged. The critical part of the algorithm is to decide when to discharge. Deploying too early, or too late, will not change peak demand.

The paper’s storage dispatch model is implemented alongside a financial model that calculates the savings in electricity bills and determines the net present value (NPV) of different storage technologies as a function of storage lifetime and installed capacity (kWh). The results show that, for all storage technologies considered, a positive NPV is realized. NPVs are very sensitive to actual power demand and thus vary from year to year. This is to be expected because the storage dispatch strategy operates on extreme values, which tend to include very rare events.

This analysis uses actual data from ASU, which allows us to extend the results to other universities and commercial customers. The favorable results suggest that a smarter dispatch algorithm based on machine learning would enable further cost savings by determining what can be thought of as a shadow price of electricity.