bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Who Wants a Progressive Income Tax?
Authors: Domonkos Stefan
Published: October 2015

Using multi-level modeling, this study investigates the determinants of public opinion on personal income taxation (PIT) in Central and Eastern European countries. The analysis finds that socio-economic and demographic variables, such as household income, occupational social class, and age, are important in determining PIT preferences. However, beliefs about fairness and perceptions of corruption also play a significant role. Support for progressive taxation decreases with the acceptance of income differences as a reward for talent and effort. Also, distrust of the legal system and a conviction that tax authorities treat certain people more favorably than others increase support for progressive taxation, although this latter effect is constrained to the less affluent. These results indicate that progressive PIT might be understood by the public as a corrective measure vis-à-vis inequalities arising due to corruption. The study finds little evidence for the importance of country-level variables, such as income inequality or the institutional features of income tax systems. Nevertheless, there is a moderately strong association between overall economic development and average support for progressive taxation. The public in less developed post-socialist countries are more in favor of non-redistributive forms of taxation, such as the flat tax and lump-sum taxation. This tendency may reflect their increased willingness to accept neoliberal reforms under circumstances of growing pressure to improve the international competitiveness of the domestic economy.
Pentoxifylline-Induced Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Tan Michelle W. , Sklar Grant E.
Published: October 2015

Pentoxifylline-induced thrombocytopenia is rare, and information is lacking about its presentation. We describe a 72-year-old Chinese male who developed thrombocytopenia after initiation of pentoxifylline for the treatment of chronic lower limb ischemia due to peripheral artery disease. Venous thromboembolism had been ruled out with an ultrasound. Vascular surgeons had also determined there was no indication for surgical intervention. Four days after initiation of pentoxifylline, he developed thrombocytopenia, and his platelets were 68 × 103/μL. He was not in overt disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), based on his International Society for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (ISTH) DIC score of 4. Dengue fever, which is endemic in Singapore, was ruled out. Pseudothrombocytopenia was also excluded with a peripheral blood film. When his platelets continued to fall, pentoxifylline was discontinued on the fifth day of treatment, and platelets normalized 48 hours after discontinuation. Pentoxifylline was a probable cause of thrombocytopenia using the Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale (score = 7). The patient did not receive further doses of pentoxifylline. Prescribers should be aware of the risk of thrombocytopenia with pentoxifylline therapy and discontinue its use promptly if it is suspected.
Development of a framework for lean production system: An integrative approach
Authors: Jasti Naga Vamsi Krishna , Kodali Rambabu
Published: October 2015

Lean production is one of the alternatives to achieve excellence in the organizational operations. The objective of this study is to develop a lean production system framework by conducting critical analysis and comparative analysis on the existing lean production system frameworks. The study has collected 131 lean production system-related frameworks from the literature survey. The study has identified 39 frameworks using validity and reliability analysis, which is considered as a sample of framework in this study. The study has performed critical analysis on the sample of the frameworks in the aspects of novelty of frameworks, background development of framework, status of verification of frameworks and verification methodology used to verify the proposed frameworks. The study has proposed a framework with the help of domain knowledge, through discussion with experts in the field, comparative analysis as well as reliability and validity analysis. The study clearly discloses major irregularities in lean production system literature such as majority of frameworks have been developed based on novelty concept. The study also found a lack of significant participation of practitioners and consultants in the development of lean production system-related frameworks. The study has identified 11 pillars with the help of comparative analysis. However, finally the study has proposed a framework with the help of 11 pillars and 83 elements in the field of lean production system.
Model-based sensitivity analysis of machining-induced residual stress under minimum quantity lubrication
Authors: Ji Xia , Liang Steven Y
Published: October 2015

This article presents a sensitivity analysis of residual stress based on the verified residual stress prediction model. The machining-induced residual stress is developed as a function of cutting parameters, tool geometry, material properties, and lubrication conditions. Based on the residual stress predictive model, the main effects of the cutting force, cutting temperature, and residual stress are quantitatively analyzed through the cosine amplitude method. The parametric study is carried out to investigate the effects of minimum quantity lubrication parameters, cutting parameters, and tool geometry on the cutting performances. Results manifest that the cutting force and residual stress are more sensitive to the heat transfer coefficient and the depth of cut, while the cutting temperature is more sensitive to the cutting speed. Large maximum compressive residual stress is obtained under a lower flow rate of minimum quantity lubrication, small depth of cut, and the proper air–oil mixture ratio. This research can support the controlling and optimization of residual stress in industrial engineering by strategically adjusting the application parameters of minimum quantity lubrication.
A mixed slab-ballasted track as a means to improve the behaviour of railway infrastructure
Authors: Gallego Inmaculada , Sánchez-Cambronero Santos , Rivas Ana , Laguna Ester
Published: October 2015

The existence of zones along a railway line that have abrupt changes in the vertical track stiffness is a well-known phenomenon. It results in the need for constant maintenance activities to keep the quality of the track within an acceptable range; which, in turn, increases the operational and maintenance costs of the line. The causes of these zones are related to features in the superstructure and infrastructure of the line. This longitudinal variation results in the creation of longitudinal heterogeneity in the value of the vertical track stiffness. To deal with this problem, a new design is proposed in this paper that is focused on different infrastructure components. A three-dimensional finite element model of a section of railway track is developed in order to analyse the behaviour of both superstructure and infrastructure in response to the passage of railway loads. The proposed model, and hence the new design, is applied to a real Spanish high-speed rail line that is being constructed between Lemoa and Galdakao in the Basque Country. This line goes through an area with a complex topography and it is projected that about 70% of its length will occur in tunnels or on bridges. This characteristic is used to show the advantages and applicability of the proposed cross-section design to achieve a better homogeneity in the value of the vertical track stiffness and, therefore, to reduce the consequences (from a technical and economic point of view) of this variation on the operation of the line.
Flow behaviour and aeroacoustic characteristics of a simplified high-speed train bogie
Authors: Zhu Jianyue , Hu Zhiwei , Thompson David J
Published: October 2015

Aerodynamic noise can be a significant problem in the operation of high-speed trains; its prediction is difficult to achieve in an industrial context. The aerodynamic and aeroacoustic behaviour of the flow past a simplified high-speed train bogie at scale 1:10 is studied in this paper; the utilized approach is a two-stage hybrid method that consists in computational fluid dynamics and computational acoustics studies. The near-field unsteady flow was obtained by numerically solving the Navier–Stokes equations with the delayed detached-eddy model and the results were used to predict the far-field noise using the Ffowcs-Williams – Hawkings method. The sound radiated from the same scaled bogie model was measured in an anechoic open-jet wind tunnel. The aeroacoustic characteristics of tandem wheelsets were also investigated for comparison purposes. It was found that the unsteady flow past the bogie is characterized by coherently alternating vortex shedding from the axles and more randomly distributed vortices of various scales and orientations from the wheels and frame. The vortices formed behind the upstream geometries move downstream due to convection and impinge on the downstream bodies, generating a highly turbulent wake behind the bogie. The noise predictions correspond fairly well with the experimental measurements for the dominant frequency of tonal noise and the shape of spectra. Vortex shedding from the axles generates tonal noise, with the dominant peak corresponding to the vortex-shedding frequency. The directivity exhibits a dipole shape for the noise radiated from the bogie. Compared with the wheelsets of the bogie, the noise contribution from the bogie frame is relatively weak.
Numerical analysis of railway transition zones in soft soil
Authors: Zuada Coelho Bruno , Hicks Michael A
Published: October 2015

Transition zones are constructions intended to provide smooth passage of a train, when moving from a track supported on an embankment to a track on a stiff structure, such as a bridge, tunnel or culvert. The design of transition zones is based on creating a gradual stiffness variation between the free track and the stiffer structure. In the Netherlands, the standard transition zone design consists of placing a concrete approach slab before and after the structure. In the present paper, the performance of a typical transition zone is assessed, by means of numerical analysis. After validation of the results it is shown that the presence of a concrete slab, combined with the fact that the sleepers are hanging, causes a stress redistribution towards the free end of the approach slabs. This aggravates the long-term deformation of the soil and increases the differential settlement under normal train speed. A critical train speed is identified for the transition zone.
Experimental investigation of particle damper-based vibration suppression in printed circuit board for spacecraft applications
Authors: Veeramuthuvel P , Shankar K , Sairajan K K
Published: October 2015

One of the effective methods of passive vibration suppression is through the application of particle damping technique. This paper discusses the novel application of particle damper capsule to suppress the vibration of a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and study the relationships between the vibration responses and the input force amplitude for various particle damper parameters such as Particle Size (PS), Particle Density (PD) and Packing Ratio (PR). Several experiments were carried out with different combinations of particle damper parameters for the estimation of vibration responses in the PCB for the primary modes of vibration. Based on these, the factors which affect the vibration responses are studied in detail for the chosen combination of system parameters. Also, the relationships between the response and the applied force for various PS, PR, PD and response locations are obtained and they are used to arrive at the design guidelines for the particle damper suitable for spacecraft electronic packages. The vibration suppression of PCB under random vibration environment is performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the designed particle damper.
A Scottish multi-centre service evaluation examining the prevalence and diagnosis of Trichomonas vaginalis in symptomatic women attending sexual health clinics
Authors: Shone John , Winter Andrew , Jones Brian L , Butt Ambreen , Brawley Daniela , Cunningham Ciara , Paterson Jackie , McAllister Gina , Alexander Claire L
Published: October 2015

Trichomoniasis caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) is one of the most commonly occurring sexually transmitted infections of non-viral origin. This study examines the prevalence of TV infection amongst consenting symptomatic women attending three of the largest sexual health clinics in Scotland, United Kingdom. In addition, an evaluation of three testing methods to identify TV from vaginal fluid was performed involving the commercial Hologic APTIMA TV transcription-mediated amplification assay, a real-time PCR assay and microscopy. A total of 398 patients consented to participation and all were tested by the three methods. The prevalence of TV was 2.8% ( n = 11), with both molecular assays correctly detecting an additional two cases of TV compared to microscopy. The prevalence of three other sexually transmitted pathogens, namely Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and herpes simplex virus were 7.3% ( n = 31), 0.3% ( n = 1) and 1.5% ( n = 6), respectively. The majority of TV cases (78%; n = 8) occurred in women greater than 29 years of age compared to most Chlamydia trachomatis cases, who were aged 30 or less (97%; n = 30).
Biocompatibility evaluation of orthodontic composite by real-time cell analysis
Authors: Ersöz M , Malkoç S , Küçük EB , Bozkurt BS , Hakki SS
Published: October 2015

Introduction:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of three different light-cured orthodontic composites.

Material and methods:

Light Bond (Reliance orthodontic products), Grengloo (Ormco corporation), and Kurasper F (Kuraray Europe GmbH) were selected for the experiment. Specimens were prepared according to the manufacturers’ instructions, measuring 5 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness. Fibroblast cells were obtained from healthy gingival connective tissues. The composite cylinders were incubated in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s culture medium for 72 h according to ISO 10993-5 standards. The xCELLigence method was used to evaluate fibroblast cell vitality. After seeding 200 mL of the cell suspensions into the wells (20,000 cells/well) of the E-plate 96, gingival fibroblasts were treated with bioactive components released by the orthodontic composite materials and monitored every 15 min for 121 h.

Results:

There were no significant differences between the human gingival fibroblast (HGF) cell indexes of the control and all testing groups ( p > 0.05) at 24 and 48 h. Light Bond demonstrated statistically significant decrease in HGF index ( p < 0.05) at 72 h, but there was no significant difference among the Kurasper F, Grengloo, and untreated control groups ( p > 0.05). Light Bond ( p < 0.001) and Grengloo ( p < 0.05) groups had lower HGF cell index values when compared to untreated control group, but Kurasper F demonstrated no significant differences between the control groups at 96 h ( p > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Orthodontic composite materials include biologically active components and may change oral tissue. So, biocompatible orthodontic bonding composites should be used.
Evidence for neurotoxicity associated with amoxicillin in juvenile rats
Authors: Atli O , Demir-Ozkay U , Ilgin S , Aydin TH , Akbulut EN , Sener E
Published: October 2015

Amoxicillin (AMX) is one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics for children, and childhood is the period to have the highest risk for toxicity cases including drug-induced adverse reactions. Some neurological adverse effects (anxiety, hyperactivity, confusion, convulsions, and behavioral changes) have been reported related to AMX treatment. In the present study, we aimed to determine the neurotoxic effects of AMX administration at clinically relevant doses in female juvenile rats. AMX was administered in single oral daily doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg for 14 days. According to our results, while AMX administration caused a significant increase in the immobility time of animals, swimming time of these animals significantly decreased. AMX administration significantly reduced the onset of pentylenetetrazole-induced convulsions. The serotonin levels of brain tissues in the AMX-administered groups were decreased significantly, which is thought to be related to depression. The glutamate levels in brain tissues increased significantly in AMX-administered groups, which is thought to be related to convulsion. Otherwise, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were significantly decreased in brain tissues of AMX-administered groups. In conclusion, AMX administration triggered depression and shortened the time of the appearance of first seizure in juvenile rats. Also, altered brain neurotransmitter levels and increased oxidative stress observed in our study were thought to be the possible underlying mechanisms of AMX-induced neurotoxicity.
Coadministration of alloxan and nicotinamide in rats produces biochemical changes in blood and pathological alterations comparable to the changes in type II diabetes mellitus
Authors: Vattam KK , Raghavendran HRB , Murali MR , Savatey H , Kamarul T
Published: October 2015

Background:

In the present study, thirty six male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups and were injected with varying doses of alloxan (Ax) and nicotinamide (NA). The serum levels of glucose, insulin, and adiponectin were measured weekly up to 4 weeks.

Results:

Elevated levels of glucose were observed in all groups on days 7, 14, 21, and 28, except in groups a and f (control). The serum insulin levels were significantly elevated in groups b and c on day 7, when compared with that in group f, whereas a decrease in the serum insulin levels was observed in groups d and e on days 21 and 28. The adiponectin levels showed inconsistencies on days 7 and 14. However, significant decrease in the adiponectin levels was observed on days 21 and 28. Histological section of the pancreas showed mild (group a), moderate (group b) to severe (groups c, d, and e) degenerative changes. Concomitant fatty changes in the liver and inflammatory infiltration of the kidney were markedly observed in all the treated groups, when compared to control.

Conclusion:

These results suggested that the use of selective combination of Ax120 + NA50 injection demonstrated type II diabetes mellitus in rats.
The compromise of dynamic disulfide/thiol homeostasis as a biomarker of oxidative stress in trichloroethylene exposure
Authors: Bal C , Büyükşekerci M , Koca C , Ağış ER , Erdoğan S , Baran P , Gündüzöz M , Yilmaz ÖH
Published: October 2015

In this study, we aimed to investigate disulfide/thiol homeostasis in trichloroethylene (TCE) exposure. The study was carried out in 30 nonsmoker TCE-exposed workers with a variety of occupations. Additionally, 30 healthy nonsmoker volunteers were recruited as the control group. TCE exposure was determined by measuring urinary trichloroacetic acid (TCA) concentration. Median urinary TCA levels of exposed workers (20.5 mg/L) were significantly higher than control subjects (5 mg/L). Thiol and disulfide concentrations were determined using a novel automated method. Disulfide/thiol ratio was significantly higher in the exposed group ( p < 0.001). Thiol/disulfide homeostasis was found to be disturbed in TCE-exposed workers. We predict that in TCE-exposed workers this disturbance can be a therapeutic target, and the efficiency of the treatment can easily be monitored by the novel method we used.
Parsimonious covariate selection for a multicategory ordered response
Authors: Hsu Wan-Hsiang , DiRienzo A Gregory
Published: October 2015

We propose a flexible continuation ratio (CR) model for an ordinal categorical response with potentially ultrahigh dimensional data that characterizes the unique covariate effects at each response level. The CR model is the logit of the conditional discrete hazard function for each response level given covariates. We propose two modeling strategies, one that keeps the same covariate set for each hazard function but allows regression coefficients to arbitrarily change with response level, and one that allows both the set of covariates and their regression coefficients to arbitrarily change with response. Evaluating a covariate set is accomplished by using the nonparametric bootstrap to estimate prediction error and their robust standard errors that do not rely on proper model specification. To help with interpretation of the selected covariate set, we flexibly estimate the conditional cumulative distribution function given the covariates using the separate hazard function models. The goodness-of-fit of our flexible CR model is assessed with graphical and numerical methods based on the cumulative sum of residuals. Simulation results indicate the methods perform well in finite samples. An application to B-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia data is provided.
Pediatric Primary Care Involvement in End-of-Life Care for Children
Authors: Lindley Lisa C. , Nageswaran Savithri
Published: October 2015

Objectives:

To examine the relationship between pediatric primary care involvement and hospice and home health care use at end of life.

Methods:

California Medicaid data were used to estimate the relationship between pediatric primary care involvement and use of hospice and home health care using generalized estimating equations.

Results:

Of the 2037 children who died between 2007 and 2010, 11% used hospice and 23% used home health. Among all children, primary care was not related to hospice use and was associated with home health use, usual source of care (OR = 1.83, P < .05), comprehensive care (OR = 1.60, P < .05), and continuous care (low: OR = 1.49, P < .05; moderate: OR = 2.57, P < .05; high: OR = 2.12, P < .05). Primary care for children aged 15 to 20 years was related to hospice use, usual source of care (OR = 4.06, P < .05) and continuous care (low: OR = 4.92, P < .05; moderate OR = 4.09, P < .05; high OR = 3.92, P < .05). Primary care for children under 5 years was associated with home health use, usual source of care (OR = 2.59, P < .05), comprehensive care (OR = 2.49, P < .05), and continuous care (low: OR = 2.22, P < .05; moderate: OR = 3.64, P < .05; high: OR = 3.62, P < .05). For children aged 6 to 14 years, this association was seen with continuous care (moderate: OR = 2.38, P < .05; high: OR = 2.13, P < .05). Home health for children aged 15 to 20 years was related to continuous care (moderate: OR = 2.32, P < .05).

Conclusion:

Primary care involvement affected hospice use among older age-groups and home health use among younger age-groups. These findings underscore the need for clinical knowledge about end-of-life care for children of all ages among primary care providers.
Systematically Teaching Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder About Expository Text Structures
Authors: Carnahan Christina R. , Williamson Pamela
Published: October 2015

Students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represent an increasing number of learners in general education classrooms. While reading comprehension instruction has received growing attention, learners with ASD continue to experience poor academic outcomes. This article describes a research-based approach to teaching students with ASD to comprehend expository text in the context of standards-based instruction. Included is a description of the characteristics of ASD that influence expository text comprehension.
A Systematic Review of the Literature on the Sustainability of Community Health Collaboratives
Authors: Hearld Larry R. , Bleser William K. , Alexander Jeffrey A. , Wolf Laura J.
Published: October 2015

Recent interest in community health collaboratives has been driven by the potential of these types of organizations to solve complex health problems at the local level by bringing together stakeholders that have traditionally operated independently, and often at cross-purposes. Much of the work that is central to the mission of collaboratives can take years to reach fruition, however, and there are a number of challenges to sustaining their activities. In this article, we systematically reviewed the theoretical and empirical literature on health care collaborative sustainability, focusing on definitions and antecedents of sustainability. Given the diversity and fragmentation of this literature, we used this review as a foundation to develop a synthesized definition, conceptual groups of antecedents, and potential research propositions to help guide future research, planning, and practice of sustainable community health collaboratives.
The Rise of Wage Theft Laws
Authors: Doussard Marc , Gamal Ahmad
Published: October 2015

Seeking regulatory power unavailable at the urban scale, community–labor coalitions have persuaded dozens of state legislatures to enact legislation addressing the problem of wage theft in low-wage service industries. The project of wage theft reform raises important questions about whether urban coalitions can effectively pursue their advocacy goals in State Houses. Drawing on an inventory of 255 wage theft laws proposed between 2004 and 2012, we evaluate three rival explanations of why wage theft legislation succeeds: worker grievances, political conditions, and movement strength. We find that states with larger numbers of worker centers and higher union density are more likely to both propose and enact wage theft legislation. Our results also suggest that urban reform movements maintain greater power to set legislative agendas than they do to ensure the passage of proposed laws. This suggest that “new labor” actors have developed state-level political power that warrants further scrutiny and explanation.
Retrospective analysis of pharmacist interventions in an ambulatory palliative care practice
Authors: Ma Joseph D , Tran Victor , Chan Carissa , Mitchell William M , Atayee Rabia S
Published: October 2015

Background

We have previously reported the development of an outpatient palliative care practice under pharmacist–physician collaboration. The Doris A. Howell Service at the University of California, San Diego Moores Cancer Center includes two pharmacists who participate in a transdisciplinary clinic and provide follow-up care to patients.

Objective

This study evaluated pharmacist interventions and patient outcomes of a pharmacist-led outpatient palliative care practice.

Methods

This was a retrospective data analysis conducted at a single, academic, comprehensive cancer center. New (first visit) patient consultations were referred by an oncologist or hematologist to an outpatient palliative care practice. A pharmacist evaluated the patient at the first visit and at follow-up (second, third, and fourth visits). Medication problems identified, medication changes made, and changes in pain scores were assessed.

Results

Eighty-four new and 135 follow-up patient visits with the pharmacist occurred from March 2011 to March 2012. All new patients ( n = 80) were mostly women ( n = 44), had localized disease ( n = 42), a gastrointestinal cancer type ( n = 21), and were on a long-acting ( n = 61) and short-acting ( n = 70) opioid. A lack of medication efficacy was the most common problem for symptoms of pain, constipation, and nausea/vomiting that was identified by the pharmacist at all visits. A change in pain medication dose and initiation of a new medication for constipation and nausea/vomiting were the most common interventions by the pharmacist. A statistically significant change in pain score was observed for the third visit, but not for the second and fourth visits.

Conclusions

A pharmacist-led outpatient palliative care practice identified medication problems for management of pain, constipation, and nausea/vomiting. Medication changes involved a change in dose and/or initiating a new medication. Trends were observed in improvement and stabilization of pain over subsequent clinic visits.
Providing Access to Academic Content for High-School Students With Significant Intellectual Disability Through Interactive Videos
Authors: Evmenova Anya S. , Graff Heidi J. , Behrmann Michael M.
Published: October 2015

There has been a slight increase in the number of studies focused on the strategies used to introduce content-based instruction to students with moderate/severe disability. However, interventions for students with significant intellectual disability (ID) are lacking adapted materials to make instruction available in all major academic areas including social studies. This multiple baseline study examined the effects of adapted videos for improving factual comprehension of non-fiction clips by four high school students with significant ID. Video adaptations included picture/word-based closed captions and interactive video searching for answers. According to the visual analyses, students performed better with adapted and interactive video clips. Furthermore, social validity interviews revealed that all students enjoyed the adapted and interactive videos and found them beneficial. Limitations and directions for future research in the area of adapted and interactive video instruction are discussed.
Impact of Police Academy Training on Recruits’ Integrity
Authors: Blumberg Daniel M. , Giromini Luciano , Jacobson Laura B.
Published: October 2015

Police integrity, or the lack thereof, is a frequent topic throughout media, academia, and all law enforcement organizations. The issue has been addressed on an individual and organizational level but continues to raise as many questions as it answers. One argument is that police training causes declination in recruits’ values, which eventually leads to officers acting in unethical ways. The present study examined the extent to which police academy training impacts recruits’ self-reported integrity, which was measured at the beginning and end of academy training. Three different training formats ( n1 = 143, n2 = 87, n3 = 27) were observed, social desirability was assessed to control for response bias, and self-reported emotional intelligence was measured as a potential moderator variable. Results indicated that participants started with significantly higher than average levels of integrity (with Cohen’s d values ranging from .56 to .83) and training had no significant impact on their integrity scores, even when corrected for social desirability. The results were not impacted by the length of training, pre-academy level of emotional intelligence, or a variety of demographic variables. The study encourages law enforcement organizations to focus on ways to help their employees maintain high levels of ethical decision making.
Cost-analysis of teledentistry in residential aged care facilities
Authors: Mariño Rodrigo , Tonmukayakul Utsana , Manton David , Stranieri Andrew , Clarke Ken
Published: October 2015

Introduction

The purpose of this research was to conduct a cost-analysis, from a public healthcare perspective, comparing the cost and benefits of face-to-face patient examination assessments conducted by a dentist at a residential aged care facility (RACF) situated in rural areas of the Australian state of Victoria, with two teledentistry approaches utilizing virtual oral examination.

Methods

The costs associated with implementing and operating the teledentistry approach were identified and measured using 2014 prices in Australian dollars. Costs were measured as direct intervention costs and programme costs. A population of 100 RACF residents was used as a basis to estimate the cost of oral examination and treatment plan development for the traditional face-to-face model vs. two teledentistry models: an asynchronous review and treatment plan preparation; and real-time communication with a remotely located oral health professional.

Results

It was estimated that if 100 residents received an asynchronous oral health assessment and treatment plan, the net cost from a healthcare perspective would be AU$32.35 (AU$27.19–AU$38.49) per resident. The total cost of the conventional face-to-face examinations by a dentist would be AU$36.59 ($30.67–AU$42.98) per resident using realistic assumptions. Meanwhile, the total cost of real-time remote oral examination would be AU$41.28 (AU$34.30–AU$48.87) per resident.

Discussion

Teledental asynchronous patient assessments were the lowest cost service model. Access to oral health professionals is generally low in RACFs; however, the real-time consultation could potentially achieve better outcomes due to two-way communication between the nurse and a remote oral health professional via health promotion/disease prevention delivered in conjunction with the oral examination.
Newsletter networks in the feminist history and archives movement
Authors: McKinney Cait
Published: October 2015

This article examines how networks have been critical to the construction of feminist histories. The author examines the publication Matrices: A Lesbian/Feminist Research Newsletter (1977–1996), to argue that a feminist network mode can be traced through the examination of small-scale print newsletters that draw on the language and function of networks. Publications such as Matrices emerge into wide production and circulation in the 1970s alongside feminist community archives, and newsletters and archives work together as interconnected social movement technologies. Newsletters enabled activist-researchers writing feminist histories to share difficult-to-access information, resources, and primary sources via photocopying and other modes of print reproduction. Looking from the present, the author examines how network thinking has been a feature of feminist activism and knowledge production since before the Internet, suggesting that publications such as Matrices are part of a longer history of networked communications media in feminist contexts.
New particle number measurement method equivalent to particle measurement programme methodology
Authors: Yamada Hiroyuki , Okuda Hiroshi
Published: October 2015

A nano-aerosol monitor, which is a newly developed particle number (PN) measurement system having no volatile particle remover, was evaluated as an alternative to the particle measurement programme (PMP) methodology. The nano-aerosol monitor is a combination of a newly developed sheathless classifier and an electrometer. The nano-aerosol monitor is quite compact compared with other conventional PMP systems and can be used under vibrating conditions. Furthermore, omitting the volatile particle remover results in lower electricity usage. These features will allow the nano-aerosol monitor to be applied to PN portable emission measurement system. It was confirmed that the nano-aerosol monitor classified particles as expected, using 23-nm sodium chloride particles. The exhaust measurements from a gasoline direct injection passenger car and diesel trucks equipped with a diesel particulate filter were conducted using the nano-aerosol monitor and the PMP methodology. The results obtained with the nano-aerosol monitor were similar to those obtained with the PMP methodology for all vehicles and in all test modes, despite the fact that the nano-aerosol monitor does not have a volatile particle remover and hence detects both solid and volatile particles. These results indicated that the nano-aerosol monitor has a performance comparable to the PMP methodology. Simultaneously, the results suggested the possibility that the ratio of volatile particles in the exhausts from modern vehicles is constant. If this feature is applied to various conditions, it will be possible to obtain data comparable to those from the PMP methodology, using a particle measurement system without a volatile particle remover.
‘Buy buy Miss American Pie’
Authors: Saren Michael
Published: October 2015

Inspired by Askegaard’s thought-provoking commentary in Marketing Theory, this response argues that music is not ‘consumed’. Furthermore, there are many other market contexts where the consumption metaphor is unsuitable. The contemporary meaning of the term derives from its use by early economists like Adam Smith who labelled ‘consumption’ as the opposite of ‘production’. Some of the theoretical and ontological issues underlying the dominance of the concept of consumption in marketing are discussed. Finally, some possible alternatives to consumption as the master narrative are identified, such as those based on experience, service, value, utility, use, satisfaction, pleasure, welfare or well-being.
A Place at the Window
Authors: Jacobson Seth A. , Callahan Jamie L. , Ghosh Rajashi
Published: October 2015

Using Giddens’s Structuration Theory as a lens, this article theorizes an organizational change perspective that emphasizes the role of the marginalized. The context for this work is the current changes within the Roman Catholic Church, with respect to its teaching and norms around homosexuality. The change perspective proposes the emergence of “Legitimate Alternative Structural Configurations” (LASC) from which organizational actors find guidance for enacting behaviors that promote greater inclusion of the marginalized in a global organization. Six propositions are offered for considering the ways in which marginal actors facilitate the emergence of LASC. This conceptualization of change provides a useful lens for recognizing, understanding, and promoting the transformation of oppressive organizational structures (in this case, the Roman Catholic Church), while emphasizing the role of marginal actors in the process of change.
MicroRNAs as biomarkers of hepatotoxicity in a randomized placebo-controlled study of simvastatin and ubiquinol supplementation
Authors: Pek Sharon LT , Tavintharan Subramaniam , Woon Kaing , Lin Lifang , Ong Choon Nam , Lim Su Chi , Sum Chee Fang
Published: October 2015

Statins are potent cholesterol-lowering drugs and are generally well tolerated. Hepatotoxicity is a rare but serious adverse effect of statins; however, its mechanisms are not clear. Coenzyme Q10 deficiency has been suggested, and supplementation of reduced coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinol) has been shown to have hepatoprotective effects. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small nucleotides that have been shown to be up-regulated in drug-induced liver injury. We hypothesized that circulating miRNAs may be differentially regulated after simvastatin treatment and by comparing with that of simvastatin and ubiquinol supplementation could potentially uncover signatory miRNA profile for simvastatin-induced liver injury. In this double-blind, prospective, randomized-controlled trial, miRNA profiles and liver enzymes were compared between simvastatin-treated patients, with and without ubiquinol supplementation, over 12 weeks compared to baseline. miRNA expression was further validated in HepG2 liver cell lines by real-time PCR. Changes in miR-192, miR-146a, miR-148a, miR-15a, and miR-21 were positively correlated ( p<0.05) with alanine aminotransferase in simvastatin-only treated patients. In ubiquinol supplementation group, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase were significantly down-regulated after 12 weeks and changes in miR-15a, miR-21 and miR-33a were negatively correlated with alkaline phosphatase ( p < 0.05). Bioinformatics analyses predicted that miRNA regulation in simvastatin group was related to reduce proliferation and adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporters. Ubiquinol supplementation additionally regulated miRNAs that inhibit apoptotic and inflammatory pathways, suggesting potential hepatoprotective effects. Our results suggest that 20 mg/day of simvastatin does not have significant risk of hepatotoxicity and ubiquinol supplementation may, at the miRNA level, provide potential beneficial changes to reduce the effects of coenzyme Q10 deficiency in the liver.
Risk Factors for Puncture Site Complications After Endovascular Procedures in Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Hackl Gerald , Gary Thomas , Belaj Klara , Hafner Franz , Eller Philipp , Brodmann Marianne
Published: October 2015

Objective:

To compare femoral access site closure techniques and to highlight risk factors for puncture site complications after lower extremity endovascular procedures.

Methods:

This retrospective study included 787 patients. Procedures were performed according to a standardized protocol. Puncture site complications within 24 hours were regarded as study end points.

Results:

Ninety (11.5%) puncture site complications were registered. Conventional manual compression (n = 87, 11.1%) was significantly associated with puncture site complications (odds ratio [OR] 2.08, P = .03). Body mass index > 25 kg/m2 (OR 0.54, P = .01) and prothrombin time > 70% (OR 0.38, P = .04) were protective. All bleeding occurred in procedures >45 minutes. Blood pressure >200 mm Hg and below the knee (BTK) procedures were strong predictors for access site complications (OR 4.21, P = .01 and OR 3.33, P = .02).

Conclusions:

We observed an inferiority of conventional manual compression. Age, procedure duration > 45 minutes, BTK procedures, uncontrolled hypertension, and impaired coagulation were risk factors.
Perspectives of Special Education Teachers on General Education Curriculum Access
Authors: Petersen Amy
Published: October 2015

This qualitative research study sought to understand the perspectives of teachers of students with significant cognitive disabilities regarding general education curriculum access. The participants in this study raised many questions about what general education curriculum access is and how it might be realized. This study illuminated the need for inclusive education reform to assist general and special educators in the logistics of ensuring general education curriculum access. Continued professional development and support for decision making relating to what to teach, how to prioritize instruction, and alignment among a student’s individualized education plan, alternate assessment, and curriculum are also discussed.
Advancing pharmaceutical quality oversight during the lifecycle of generic drug products
Authors: Rosencrance Susan M , Wu Geoffrey K
Published: October 2015

To meet the challenge of ensuring quality medicines to the American public and proactively prevent drug shortage situations, the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research has formed its newest super-office, the Office of Pharmaceutical Quality. This office integrates review of drug applications with the evaluation of manufacturing facilities for a more informed quality assessment. It also promotes a lifecycle approach to quality that integrates functional areas, data, and processes and provides a drug product knowledge base. This article describes the roles and responsibilities of Office of Pharmaceutical Quality during the quality assessment and lifecycle management of generic drug products.
Delirium in critically ill military patients following trauma: A cohort analysis
Authors: Bullock Charlotte R , Richards Simon B , Winchester James A P , Jackson Thomas A , Small Charlotte L
Published: October 2015

Critically ill military trauma patients have been found to have a high incidence of psychological morbidity following their Intensive Care Unit (ICU) experience, including recall of significant auditory and visual hallucinations. It follows that this may be attributable to delirium, which has not been previously described in a young, previously fit population following trauma. The case-notes of 85 male patients (mean age 26 years), admitted to a single UK ICU following military trauma, were retrospectively assessed for delirium using DSM-IV criteria. Of the 993 ICU days assessed, 13.4% were delirium-positive, with just over half of patients (51.8%) experiencing at least one day of delirium. On delirium-positive days, 69.2% received a documented intervention, with the majority of interventions (66.4%) being pharmacological, commonly with a sedative or anti-psychotic. Presence of delirium was significantly associated with severity of injury, assessed by Injury Severity Score (OR 1.037, 95% CI 1.003–1.072, p = 0.031). Duration of ICU stay was significantly increased, from 4 to 8 days ( p < 0.005), as was the duration of mechanical ventilation (for the 84.7% of patients who were ventilated) from 7 to 13 days ( p < 0.005). Delirium is common in military trauma patients, despite their young age and premorbid fitness. A review of longer-term psychological outcomes should be considered.
Targeted temperature management in intensive care – Do we let nature take its course?
Authors: Golding Robert , Taylor Daniel , Gardner Hannah , Wilkinson Jonathan N
Published: October 2015

Should we aim to intervene and control fever in the critically ill patient? The answer is not straightforward and there is certainly no universal agreement on the subject. This article aims to discuss whether we should over-ride nature and disallow it to take it’s course, particularly where it appears that this evolutionary response to invading pathogens is actually becoming harmful to the patient. Also discussed here are the physiology of temperature control and the scope of our current understanding of the impact of fever in patients manifesting systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and sepsis in ICU, the possible interventions to combat fever (both physical and pharmacological) and the evidence for anti-pyretic drug therapy. The final section examines the potential role of targeted temperature management in the management of sepsis / SIRS in the critically ill.
Pain control in palliative care
Authors: Delaney Lucy
Published: October 2015

Palliative care aims to improve the quality of life of patients and their families in those experiencing life-threatening illness. One of the most significant aspects of palliation is the alleviation of pain and distressing symptoms. This article aims to improve confidence in pain assessment and management by presenting a review on pain in palliative care.
Magnetic resonance imaging findings of two sisters with Van der Knaap leukoencephalopathy
Authors: Koç Koray , Koç Pınar , Karaali Kamil , Olgaç Dündar Nihal , Şenol Utku , Canan Arzu
Published: October 2015

Megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts, or Van der Knaap leukoencephalopathy, is a rare disease which is characterised by macrocephaly and neurological disorders with autosomal recessive inheritance. Magnetic resonance imaging is very helpful for determining distinctive findings and distinguishing other diseases. We present the radiological findings of two sisters (aged 6 and 10 years) diagnosed with Van der Knaap leukoencephalopathy.
Bilateral pallidal hemorrhage in toxoplasmosis update of acute symmetric lesions of deep nuclei
Authors: Finelli Pasquale F , Wrubel Gregory L
Published: October 2015

As acute symmetric lesions of deep gray nuclei are often associated with an impaired level of consciousness and neuroimaging by itself cannot distinguish between etiologies, diagnosis may be problematic. Appreciation of the cause of the various neuroimaging patterns in conjunction with the history, examination and laboratory investigations allows for accurate diagnosis in the vast majority of cases. Given the metabolic vulnerability of deep gray nuclei, other than bi-thalamic infarction, it follows that toxic-metabolic and hypoxic-ischemic events account for the majority of cases. Nevertheless, the differential diagnosis is broad and diverse. We here describe two cases of bilateral pallidal hemorrhage in AIDS-associated toxoplasmosis, and review conditions recently described with acute symmetric deep gray nuclei lesions on neuroimaging.