bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Interdisciplinary Medication Management Program for Seniors in the Community
Authors: Waite Nancy , MacKeigan Linda , Chan D. , Wichman Kristina , Applebaum R. , VanderBent S.
Published: June 2013

Background:

The call for medication management programs (MMPs) is growing, as evidence of inappropriate prescribing and medication use in seniors accumulates. Seniors in social and supportive housing programs are likely at high risk of medication problems by virtue of their socioeconomic status and/or frailty. Yet there are few published reports of MMPs in such settings.

Aim:

To assess the need for medication management support for seniors in a supportive housing setting; to profile a pharmacist's medication management interventions; and to evaluate the costs, barriers, facilitators, and impact of a MMP.

Method:

Eleven seniors' apartment buildings in Peel region, served by 1 supportive housing provider, were randomized to experimental or control groups. Seniors in experimental buildings were referred to the MMP by supportive housing supervisors, health care professionals, or themselves. A pharmacist conducted in-home medication reviews. Her drug therapy assessment and recommendations were faxed to the family physician, and shared with other health care providers and caregivers as appropriate. Medication counselling and management aids were provided as needed. On average, clients received 1.7 follow-up visits or phone calls. Medication regimen complexity, adherence, and costs will be compared between groups at 3 months. Additional measures in the experimental group include number of pharmacist-identified medication problems and interventions, acceptance of prescribing recommendations, client and health care provider satisfaction, and service cost.

Results:

Almost 100 clients have received the service. Of the first 50 clients, 83% were female, with a mean age of 77.7 years and an average of 8 prescription drugs and 2 nonprescription medicines each. The pharmacist identified 2.5 medication problems per client and made 1.7 prescriber interventions and 1.1 client interventions. The most common medication problem (31%) was needing an additional drug and 67% of prescribing recommendations were known to be adopted or accepted. The service required 3.9 hours of pharmacist time per client. Data analysis is in progress.

Implications for pharmacists:

In-home medication management reviews improve seniors' drug therapy. Opportunities exist for pharmacists to provide this service in nontraditional settings, such as supportive housing or home care programs, thus increasing access and integrating primary care and community care providers in a coordinated medication support system for seniors.
Drug-Related Problems Identified in a Workplace Asthma Self-Management Program
Authors: MacKinnon Neil J. , Morais Chantal LeCouteur , Rose Theresa
Published: June 2013

Background/Objective:

Drug-related problems (DRPs) commonly lead to many adverse outcomes in patients with asthma. The objective of this study was to identify DRPs, potential DRPs, and non-DRPs in a workplace asthma self-management program.

Methods:

“Inspire at Work” is a unique workplace asthma self-management program that is a partnership between Medavie Blue Cross (a benefits carrier) and 7 large employers in New Brunswick. As part of this program, a certified asthma educator conducted 4 in-depth assessments for each participant. The reports from these assessments were independently reviewed by a pharmacist-researcher to classify the drug-related problems, potential DRPs, and non-DRPs identified by the asthma educator.

Results:

Ninety-nine patients completed the Inspire at Work program, and 46 DRPs were identified in 34 patients. The most common types of DRPs were untreated indications (20 patients), failure to receive drugs (12 patients), and subtherapeutic dosage (11 patients). A total of 188 problems were found — an average of 1.90 problems per patient.

Conclusion:

A significant number of problems in the care of patients with asthma were identified as part of this workplace asthma self-management program. Further stages in this study will examine the relationship of these problems to adverse clinical outcomes and the utilization of health care resources.
Enhanced medication management services in the community
Authors: Riley Karen
Published: June 2013

Background:

Pharmacists are now receiving reimbursement by the Ontario government to do medication reviews for patients on 3 or more medications. However, they are often too busy in the community setting to thoroughly review medications with patients. Having a designated pharmacist to provide medication reviews could increase the number of reviews performed.

Methods:

Step 1 involved developing a business plan to determine the number of medication reviews that needed to be done to pay a pharmacist a full-time salary. Step 2 involved establishing the core elements of medication therapy management that included medication review, a medication-related action plan, documentation and follow-up. In step 3, eligible patients were called and invited to attend an appointment to review their medications with the pharmacist. Upon completion of the medication reviews, a random group of patients were requested to complete a satisfaction survey after the medication review.

Results:

Three hundred thirty-six patients received billable medication reviews from April 4 to July 27, 2012. Twenty-seven additional visits were performed as follow-up visits. Eighty pharmaceutical opinions met the eligibility criteria for billing. Fifteen patients received counselling for smoking cessation. Medication reviews were completed for 19 patients from 8 other pharmacies. Extra revenue was generated through the sales of replacements of expired products. An average of 2.08 drug-related problems per patients was identified. One hundred percent of the patients were very satisfied with the service.

Conclusion:

A full-time pharmacist position providing enhanced medication management services generated enough income to pay for a full-time pharmacist’s salary. The benefits to the patients were an increase in identification and resolution of drug-related problems, as well as an opportunity to receive disease state education and experience an improvement in disease states. Patients were extremely satisfied with the medication review process and the service provided to them. Can Pharm J 2013;146:162-168.
Responsibility and confidence
Authors: Frankel Grace Elisabeth Charlotte , Austin Zubin
Published: June 2013

Background:

Despite the changing role of the pharmacist in patient-centred practice, pharmacists anecdotally reported little confidence in their clinical decision-making skills and do not feel responsible for their patients. Observational findings have suggested these trends within the profession, but there is a paucity of evidence to explain why. We conducted an exploratory study with an objective to identify reasons for the lack of responsibility and/or confidence in various pharmacy practice settings.

Methods:

Pharmacist interviews were conducted via written response, face-to-face or telephone. Seven questions were asked on the topic of responsibility and confidence as it applies to pharmacy practice and how pharmacists think these themes differ in medicine. Interview transcripts were analyzed and divided by common theme. Quotations to support these themes are presented.

Results:

Twenty-nine pharmacists were asked to participate, and 18 responded (62% response rate). From these interviews, 6 themes were identified as barriers to confidence and responsibility: hierarchy of the medical system, role definitions, evolution of responsibility, ownership of decisions for confidence building, quality and consequences of mentorship and personality traits upon admission.

Discussion:

We identified 6 potential barriers to the development of pharmacists’ self-confidence and responsibility. These findings have practical applicability for educational research, future curriculum changes, experiential learning structure and pharmacy practice. Due to bias and the limitations of this form of exploratory research and small sample size, evidence should be interpreted cautiously.

Conclusion:

Pharmacists feel neither responsible nor confident for their clinical decisions due to social, educational, experiential and personal reasons. Can Pharm J 2013;146:155-161.
The Shot Length Styles of Miyazaki, Oshii, and Hosoda: A Quantitative Analysis
Authors: Kohara Itsutoshi , Niimi Ryosuke
Published: June 2013

How does a director express his or her film style in animated films produced by a group? To address this issue, the authors analyzed the shot length of 22 Japanese animated films directed by Miyazaki Hayao, Oshii Mamoru, and Hosoda Mamoru. Their analysis reveals the statistical measurements of shot length were clearly dependent on directors. Miyazaki’s films show that he avoids both longish and brief shots, Oshii’s shot length is relatively long on average, while Hosoda prefers relatively short shot length. Furthermore, both Oshii’s and Hosoda’s first films deviated from their subsequent films in terms of statistical indices, suggesting that they established their style of shot length during their first or second time directing. The authors determine that all three directors controlled shot length primarily through their own storyboarding as a crucial process of determining the value, since the shot lengths correlated well with the designated shot lengths on the storyboards. In conclusion, the authors identified the distinctive shot length styles of the directors.
Autophagy facilitates cytokine-induced ICAM-1 expression
Authors: Wang Chi-Yun , Chiang Tzu-Hui , Chen Chia-Ling , Tseng Po-Chun , Chien Shun-Yi , Chuang Yi-Jui , Yang Tsan-Tzu , Hsieh Chia-Yuan , Choi Pui-Ching , Lin Chiou-Feng
Published: June 2013

ICAM-1 can be induced by inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ and TNF-α. This study investigated whether autophagy regulates ICAM-1 given that autophagy facilitates signaling of these two cytokines. Exogenous IFN-γ induced ICAM-1 in human lung epithelial A549 cells carrying wild type p53, a transcription factor reported for ICAM-1, but not in PC14PE6/AS2 (AS2) cells carrying mutated p53. However, IFN-γ also induced ICAM-1 in A549 cells with short hairpin RNA-silenced p53. No changes in IFN-γ receptor expression were observed in AS2 cells, but IFN-γ-activated Jak2/STAT1/IFN regulatory factor 1 was markedly decreased. In AS2 cells, increased levels of reactive oxygen species induced the activation of Src homology domain-containing phosphatase 2 (SHP2), while SHP2 was essential for IFN-γ resistance. AS2 cells showed autophagy resistance, and the manipulation of the autophagy pathway altered IFN-γ resistance. Aberrant Bcl-2 expression and mammalian target of rapamycin activation contributed to both autophagy resistance and IFN-γ resistance. Autophagy, but not p53, also modulated TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation and ICAM-1 expression. Inhibiting autophagy decreased the adhesion of human monocytic U937 cells to IFN-γ-treated A549 cells. These results demonstrated that IFN-γ and TNF-α induced ICAM-1 expression through a common pathway that was regulated by autophagy, but not p53.
Detour to Arrive: Distancing in Service of Approach Goals
Authors: Förster Jens , Friedman Ronald S.
Published: June 2013

Although in most situations approaching desired end-states entails decreasing distance between oneself and an object, and avoiding undesired end-states increases such distance, in some cases distancing can also be a means to approach a given goal. We highlight examples involving responses to obstacles to achievement and self-control dilemmas, showing that motivational direction is not equivalent to the motivational strategy involved when people pursue their goals.
Anticipatory Control of Approach and Avoidance: An Ideomotor Approach
Authors: Eder Andreas B. , Hommel Bernhard
Published: June 2013

This article reviews evidence suggesting that the cause of approach and avoidance behavior lies not so much in the presence (i.e., the stimulus) but, rather, in the behavior’s anticipated future consequences (i.e., the goal): Approach is motivated by the goal to produce a desired consequence or end-state, while avoidance is motivated by the goal to prevent an undesired consequence or end-state. However, even though approach and avoidance are controlled by goals rather than stimuli, affective stimuli can influence action control by priming associated goals. An integrative ideomotor model of approach and avoidance is presented and discussed.
The Contribution of the Amygdala to Aversive and Appetitive Pavlovian Processes
Authors: Moscarello Justin M. , LeDoux Joseph E.
Published: June 2013

Pavlovian cues predict the occurrence of motivationally salient outcomes, thus serving as an important trigger of approach and avoidance behavior. The amygdala is a key substrate of Pavlovian conditioning, and the nature of its contribution varies by the motivational valence of unconditioned stimuli. The literature on aversive Pavlovian learning supports a serial-processing model of amygdalar function, while appetitive studies suggest that Pavlovian associations are processed through parallel circuits in the amygdala. It is proposed that serial and parallel forms of information processing can be attributed to differential recruitment of amygdalar nuclei, with emphasis placed on the lateral amygdala.
Approach–Avoidance versus Dominance–Submissiveness: A Multilevel Neural Framework on How Testosterone Promotes Social Status
Authors: Terburg David , van Honk Jack
Published: June 2013

Approach–avoidance generally describes appetitive motivation and fear of punishment. In a social context approach motivation is, however, also expressed as social aggression and dominance. We therefore link approach–avoidance to dominance–submissiveness, and provide a neural framework that describes how the steroid hormone testosterone shifts reflexive as well as deliberate behaviors towards dominance and promotion of social status. Testosterone inhibits acute fear at the level of the basolateral amygdala and hypothalamus and promotes reactive dominance through upregulation of vasopressin gene expression in the central-medial amygdala. Finally, the hormone can, depending on social context and prenatal hormone exposure, promote both pro- and antisocial behaviors and decisions through its effects on prefrontal–amygdala interactions. All these effects of testosterone, however, serve to increase and maintain social status.
Approach and Avoidance Behavior in Interpersonal Relationships
Authors: Gable Shelly L. , Gosnell Courtney L.
Published: June 2013

Social relationships are intricately tied to health and well-being and people are motivated to form and maintain interpersonal bonds. While it is clear that social relationships can be highly rewarding, it is equally clear that social relationships or the lack thereof can be the source of much distress. In this article a conceptualization of social motivation that reflects the basic necessity for people to simultaneously manage approaching the incentives and avoiding the threats in social relationships is presented. We then review evidence that the strength of approach and avoidance social motives and goals is strongly linked to social outcomes through several behavioral, cognitive, and affective processes.
What are Emotional States, and Why Do We Have Them?
Authors: Rolls Edmund T.
Published: June 2013

An approach to emotion is described in which emotions are defined as states elicited by instrumental reinforcers, that is, by stimuli that are the goals for action. This leads to a theory of the evolutionary adaptive value of emotions, which is that different genes specify different goals in their own self-interest, and any actions can then be learned and performed by instrumental learning to obtain the goals. The brain mechanisms for emotion in brain regions such as the orbitofrontal and anterior cingulate cortex provide a foundation for understanding the neural basis of emotion. Classically conditioned effects may modulate the actions initiated by this system. In addition to this instrumental learning system, some stimuli may elicit responses, for example approach, withdrawal, or fixed action patterns, but intervening states are not required for this type of adaptive response. In addition, a rational thought system involved in multistep planning can allow gene-specified goals to be deferred or avoided in order to achieve longer-term types of goals that may be more advantageous to the individual than to the genes.
Cross-Species Neuroaffective Parsing of Primal Emotional Desires and Aversions in Mammals
Authors: Panksepp Jaak
Published: June 2013

The primal motivational systems of all mammals are constituted of the evolved affective brain networks that gauge key survival issues. However, since progress in functional neuroscience has historically lagged behind conceptual developments in psychological science, motivational processes have traditionally been anchored to behavioral rather than neural and affective issues. Attempts to retrofit neuroaffective issues onto established psychological-conceptual structures are problematic, especially when fundamental evidence for primal affective circuits, and their neural nature, comes largely from animal research. This article provides a synopsis of our growing understanding of primary-process emotional systems of mammalian brains and minds, which provides a new empirically based infrastructure for higher levels of human theorizing.
Value-based practice: introducing a skills-based approach to balanced cinical decision-making
Authors: Fulford Bill K. W. M. , Peile Ed , Carroll Heidi
Published: June 2013

Whilst the importance of evidence-based practice is well recognised by most GPs, perhaps less well recognised is that there are two bases or feet’ on which sound clinical decision-making is based—the other being values-based practice (V-BP). This article does not attempt to be a comprehensive manual on the processes of V-BP. We aim to help you understand the rationale of V-BP and to demonstrate some of its processes which, as you will see, build on your existing clinical skills and knowledge. In view of the importance of clinical decision-making, it is unsurprising that the GP curriculum underlines the importance of values-based practice.
Sore throat
Authors: Long Lesley , Ellul David
Published: June 2013

Asore throat is a very common presenting complaint. In Scotland it has been estimated that as many as 51 per 1000 patients per year attend their GP or practice nurse with the symptom. However, the incidence of sore throat is much higher; it is estimated that only one in every 18 episodes of sore throat leads to a GP consultation. A sore throat can be the presenting symptom in a variety of acute and chronic conditions. This article describes the features and management of those conditions which are common and/or serious.
Basketball Coaches’ Utilization of Ankle Injury Prevention Strategies
Authors: McGuine Timothy A. , Hetzel Scott , Pennuto Anthony , Brooks Alison
Published: June 2013

Background:

Ankle injuries are the most common high school basketball injury. Little is known regarding the utilization of ankle injury prevention strategies in high school settings.

Objective:

To determine high school basketball coaches’ utilization of ankle injury prevention strategies, including prophylactic ankle bracing (PAB) or an ankle injury prevention exercise program (AIEPP).

Study Design:

Cross-sectional survey.

Methods:

The survey was distributed to all high school basketball coaches in Wisconsin. Fisher exact and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to determine if the injury prevention strategies utilized differed according to school size, sex of the team, years of coaching experience, and the coach’s education level.

Results:

Four hundred eighty (55%) coaches from 299 (74%) high schools completed the survey. Thirty-seven percent of the coaches encouraged or required their players to use PAB. School enrollment of the coaches’ teams did not affect their stance on the use of PAB ( P = 0.30), neither did the sex of the team ( P = 0.16), years coaching ( P = 0.09), nor the coach’s education ( P = 0.49). Fifty percent (n = 242) of the coaches indicated they do not utilize an AIEPP, with no difference based on school enrollment ( P = 0.47), team sex ( P = 0.41), years coaching ( P = 0.78), or the education level ( P = 0.44). Barriers to utilization of AIEPP included a lack of time, awareness, and expertise. Coaches preferred an AIEPP that was specific to basketball, combined injury prevention and performance enhancement components, was performed 2 to 3 days per week, and lasted 5 to 15 minutes.

Conclusion:

Less than half of the coaches encouraged use of PAB, and half did not utilize an AIEPP. Coaches had specific preferences for the type of AIEPP they would implement.

Clinical Relevance:

Sports medicine providers should promote ankle injury prevention strategies but need to address why prevention strategies may not be utilized in high school basketball settings.
Reported Concussion Rates for Three Division I Football Programs
Authors: Kilcoyne Kelly G. , Dickens Jonathan F. , Svoboda Steven J. , Owens Brett D. , Cameron Kenneth L. , Sullivan Robert T. , Rue John-Paul
Published: June 2013

Background:

There has been increased interest in the number of concussions occurring in college football over the past year. In April 2010, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) published new guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of concussions in student athletes.

Purpose:

To determine the number of concussions that occurred on 3 collegiate Division I military academy football teams prior to and following recent changes in the NCAA concussion management policy.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

Injury reports were reviewed from 3 Division I military academy football teams. The number of concussions that occurred over the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 seasons, including those sustained in practice and game situations, was determined for each team. Incidence rates were compared using the exact binomial method.

Results:

The combined concussion incidence rate doubled from 0.57 per 1000 athlete exposures in the 2009-2010 season to 1.16 per 1000 athlete exposures in the 2010-2011 season (incidence rate ratio, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.2-3.55; P = 0.01). The combined numbers of concussions for the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 seasons were 23 (40,481 exposures) and 42 (36,228), respectively.

Conclusion:

The combined incidence rate of concussions for the 2010-2011 season doubled from the previous season after the implementation of new NCAA policies on concussion management. While the institution of a more formalized concussion plan on the part of medical staff is one possible factor, another may have been the increased recognition and reporting on the part of players and coaches after the rule change.
A Suit of Silver: The Underdress of a Knight of the Garter in the Late Seventeenth Century
Authors: Wilcox David
Published: June 2013

This paper describes the cut and construction of the doublet and hose worn as underdress to the robes and insignia of the Knights of the Most Noble Order of the Garter at the English Court under Charles II. This example belonged to Charles Stuart, sixth Duke of Lennox and third Duke of Richmond (1639–1672), who was created a knight of the Garter in 1661. It is interesting on several counts: the dominant textile is a very pure cloth of silver; the elaborate hose are constructed with reference to earlier seventeenth-century models; the garments exemplify Charles II’s understanding of the importance of ceremony to successful kingship. The suit was conserved for an exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh and the essay gives some account of discoveries made through this process. In addition, the garments are placed in the context of late seventeenth- century dress.
PARot – assessing platelet-rich plasma plus arthroscopic subacromial decompression in the treatment of rotator cuff tendinopathy: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Carr Andrew , Cooper Cushla , Murphy Richard , Watkins Bridget , Wheway Kim , Rombach Ines , Beard David
Published: June 2013

Background

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous platelet concentrate. It is prepared by separating the platelet fraction of whole blood from patients and mixing it with an agent to activate the platelets. In a clinical setting, PRP may be reapplied to the patient to improve and hasten the healing of tissue. The therapeutic effect is based on the presence of growth factors stored in the platelets. Current evidence in orthopedics shows that PRP applications can be used to accelerate bone and soft tissue regeneration following tendon injuries and arthroplasty. Outcomes include decreased inflammation, reduced blood loss and post-treatment pain relief. Recent shoulder research indicates there is poor vascularization present in the area around tendinopathies and this possibly prevents full healing capacity post surgery (Am J Sports Med
36(6):1171–1178, 2008). Although it is becoming popular in other areas of orthopedics there is little evidence regarding the use of PRP for shoulder pathologies. The application of PRP may help to revascularize the area and consequently promote tendon healing. Such evidence highlights an opportunity to explore the efficacy of PRP use during arthroscopic shoulder surgery for rotator cuff pathologies.

Methods/Design

PARot is a single center, blinded superiority-type randomized controlled trial assessing the clinical outcomes of PRP applications in patients who undergo shoulder surgery for rotator cuff disease. Patients will be randomized to one of the following treatment groups: arthroscopic subacromial decompression surgery or arthroscopic subacromial decompression surgery with application of PRP.

The study will run for 3 years and aims to randomize 40 patients. Recruitment will be for 24 months with final follow-up at 1 year post surgery. The third year will also involve collation and analysis of the data. This study will be funded through the NIHR Biomedical Research Unit at the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials: ISRCTN10464365
Seismic characterization of fractured reservoirs by focusing Gaussian beams
Authors: Zheng Yingcai , Fang Xinding , Fehler Michael C. , Burns Daniel R.
Published: June 2013

Naturally fractured reservoirs occur worldwide, and they account for the bulk of global oil production. The most important impact of fractures is their influence on fluid flow. To maximize oil production, the characterization of a fractured reservoir at the scale of an oil field is very important. For fluid transport, the critical parameters are connectivity and transmittivity plus orientation. These can be related to fracture spacing, compliance, and orientation, which are the critical seismic parameters of rock physics models. We discovered a new seismic technique that can invert for the spatially dependent fracture orientation, spacing, and compliance, using surface seismic data. Unlike most seismic methods that rely on using singly scattered/diffracted waves whose signal-to-noise ratios are usually very low, we found that waves multiply scattered by fractures can be energetic. The direction information of the fracture multiply scattered waves contains fracture orientation and spacing information, and the amplitude of these waves gives the compliance. Our algorithm made use of the interference of two true-amplitude Gaussian beams emitted from surface source and receiver arrays that are extrapolated downward and focused on fractured reservoir targets. The double beam interference pattern provides information about the three fracture parameters. We performed a blind test on our methodology. A 3D model with two sets of orthogonal fractures was built, and a 3D staggered finite-difference method using the Schoenberg linear-slip boundary condition for fractures was used to generate the synthetic surface seismic data set. The test results showed that we were able to not only invert for the fracture orientation and spacing, but also the compliance field.
Critical Evaluation of Oncology Clinical Practice Guidelines
Authors: Reames Bradley N. , Krell Robert W. , Ponto Sarah N. , Wong Sandra L.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Significant concerns exist regarding the content and reliability of oncology clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). The Institute of Medicine (IOM) report “Clinical Practice Guidelines We Can Trust” established standards for developing trustworthy CPGs. By using these standards as a benchmark, we sought to evaluate recent oncology guidelines.

Methods

CPGs and consensus statements addressing the screening, evaluation, or management of the four leading causes of cancer-related mortality in the United States (lung, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers) published between January 2005 and December 2010 were identified. A standardized scoring system based on the eight IOM standards was used to critically evaluate the methodology, content, and disclosure policies of CPGs. All CPGs were given two scores; points were awarded for eight standards and 20 subcriteria.

Results

No CPG fully met all the IOM standards. The average overall scores were 2.75 of 8 possible standards and 8.24 of 20 possible subcriteria. Less than half the CPGs were based on a systematic review. Only half the CPG panels addressed conflicts of interest. Most did not comply with standards for inclusion of patient and public involvement in the development or review process, nor did they specify their process for updating. CPGs were most consistent with IOM standards for transparency, articulation of recommendations, and use of external review.

Conclusion

The vast majority of oncology CPGs fail to meet the IOM standards for trustworthy guidelines. On the basis of these results, there is still much to be done to make guidelines as methodologically sound and evidence-based as possible.
Molecular Characterization and Transcriptional Regulation of a Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase With Thrombospondin Motif 1 (ADAMTS1) in Bovine Preovulatory Follicles
Authors: Sayasith Khampoun , Lussier Jacques , Sirois Jean
Published: June 2013

The ovulatory process involves a complex remodeling of the extracellular matrix during which a desintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motif 1 (ADAMTS1) is thought to play a key role, but its transcriptional regulation in bovine follicles remains largely unknown. The objectives of this study were to characterize the regulation of ADAMTS1 in bovine follicles before ovulation and to determine its transcriptional control in bovine granulosa cells. Regulation of ADAMTS1 was assessed using total RNA isolated from bovine preovulatory follicles obtained at various times after human chorionic gonadotropin treatment. Results from RT-PCR analyses showed that levels of ADAMTS1 mRNA were very low at 0 hours but increased at 6 to 24 hours after human chorionic gonadotropin in granulosa cells. To determine the regulatory mechanisms controlling ADAMTS1 gene expression in vitro, primary cultures of bovine granulosa cells were established, and treatment with forskolin up-regulated ADAMTS1 mRNA levels. Promoter activity assays, 5′-deletion, and site-directed mutagenesis identified a minimal region conferring full-length basal and forskolin-stimulated ADAMTS1 promoter activities, with both being dependent on Ebox cis-acting elements. EMSAs revealed upstream stimulating factor (USF) proteins as key trans-activating factors interacting with Ebox. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays confirmed such interactions between USF and Ebox in vivo, and USF binding to Ebox elements was increased by forskolin treatment. ADAMTS1 promoter activity and mRNA expression were increased by forskolin and overexpression of the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A, but not by cotreatment with inhibitors of protein kinase A, ERK1/2, and epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathways. Furthermore, treatment with a soluble epidermal growth factor induced ADAMTS1 mRNA expression in granulosa cells. Collectively, results from this study describe the gonadotropin/forskolin–dependent up-regulation of ADAMTS1 mRNA in granulosa cells of bovine preovulatory follicles in vivo and in vitro and identify for the first time some of the molecular mechanisms responsible for ADAMTS1 promoter activation in follicular cells of a large monoovulatory species.
Nonconvexities, Retirement, and the Elasticity of Labor Supply
Authors: Rogerson Richard , Wallenius Johanna
Published: June 2013

We consider two life cycle models of labor supply that use nonconvexities to generate retirement. In each case we derive a link between hours worked prior to retirement, the intertemporal elasticity of substitution for labor (IES), and the size of the nonconvexities. This link is robust to allowing for credit constraints and human capital accumulation by younger workers and suggests values for the IES that are .75 or higher. (JEL D91, J22, J24, J26)
Even (Mixed) Risk Lovers are Prudent: Comment
Authors: Ebert Sebastian
Published: June 2013

Crainich, Eeckhoudt, and Trannoy (2013) show that mixed risk lovers are prudent. I show that common risk loving utility functions may not exhibit mixed risk loving—as is typical for risk aversion and mixed risk aversion—and thus these traits should be carefully distinguished. In particular, risk lovers may be imprudent. (JEL D81)
Prevention of influenza at Hajj: applications for mass gatherings
Authors: Haworth Elizabeth , Barasheed Osamah , Memish Ziad A , Rashid Harunor , Booy Robert
Published: June 2013

Summary

Outbreaks of infectious diseases that spread via respiratory route, e.g. influenza, are common amongst Hajj congregation in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Arabian authority successfully organized the Hajj 2009 amidst fear of pandemic influenza. While severe influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 was rare, the true burden of pandemic influenza at Hajj that year remains speculative. In this article we review the latest evidence on influenza control and discuss our experience of influenza and its prevention at Hajj and possible application to other mass gatherings. Depending on study design the attack rate of seasonal influenza at Hajj has ranged from 6% in polymerase chain reaction or culture confirmed studies to 38% in serological surveillance. No significant effect of influenza vaccine or the use of personal protective measures against influenza has been established from observational studies, although the uptake of the vaccine and adherence to face masks and hand hygiene has been low. In all, there is a relatively poor evidence base for control of influenza. Until better evidence is obtained, vaccination coupled with rapid antiviral treatment of symptomatic individuals remains the mainstay of prevention at Hajj and other mass gatherings. Hajj pilgrimage provides a unique opportunity to test the effectiveness of various preventive measures that require a large sample size, such as testing the efficacy of plain surgical masks against laboratory-confirmed influenza. After successful completion of a pilot trial conducted among Australian pilgrims at the 2011 Hajj, a large multinational cluster randomized controlled trial is being planned. This will require effective international collaboration.
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRANSPORT-FORWARDING COMPANY ON THE BASIS OF LOGISTIC APPROACH
Authors: Курлыкова Анна , Kurlykova Anna , Тяпухина Анна , Tyapukhina Anna
Published: June 2013

In article terminology is specified and distinctions between the companies which are carrying out transportation of goods are revealed. On the basis of matrix classification the division of types of service of the transport-forwarding company is carried out. The

specification of material and non-material types of service of the transport-forwarding company is carried out. The kind of activity of the transport-forwarding company on the basis of its place in a logistic chain of deliveries is defined. Auxiliary nature of activity of the company — “movement of resources” — as the main one wi thin activity of the transport-forwarding company is reasonable. Recommendations about management of the transport-forwarding company

on the basis of application of methods of logistic management are made.
STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEM BASED ON VALUE
Authors: Гусев Андрей , Gusev Andrey
Published: June 2013

The main idea of this article is to make an overview of most important questions in the area of value based management. Current trends in business development (in terms of strategic value creation) should be taken into account when a company is a subject of selling or buying. Basic analytic instruments in value management are discussed.
THE EVOLUTION OF MARKETING IN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Authors: Казаков Сергей , Kazakov Sergey , Перекалина Нина , Perekalina Nina , Рожков Илья , Rozhkov Ilya
Published: June 2013

The article describes the evolution of marketing approaches and concepts, and determines their place in the system of modern management. The article also examines the reasons for the crisis of modern marketing and possible ways of its development at this stage.
Investigation of Transmission Line Models for Switching Overvoltages Studies
Authors: Sadeghkhani Iman , Ketabi Abbas , Feuillet Rene
Published: June 2013

Overvoltages caused by switching operation of power system equipments might damage some equipment and delay power system restoration. This paper presents a comparison between transmission line (TL) models for overvoltages study and investigates which TL model is most proper for every case study. Both simulation time and accuracy factors of TL models are considered for selecting best TL model. Various cases of switching of transformer, shunt reactor, capacitor bank, and transmission line are investigated and simulation results for a partial of 39-bus New England test system, ‎show that the proposed TL model evaluation increase accuracy and reduce simulation time (accelerate power system restoration) properly.
Commercial Impact and Optimum Capacity Determination of Pumped Storage Hydro Plant for a Practical Power System
Authors: Latha P.G. , Anand S.R. , Imthias Ahamed T.P. , Sreejith Dr. P.S.
Published: June 2013

This paper attempts to study the commercial impact of pumped storage hydro plant on the operation of a stressed power system. The paper further attempts to compute the optimum capacity of the pumped storage scheme that can be provided on commercial basis for a practical power system. Unlike the analysis of commercial aspects of pumped storage scheme attempted in several papers, this paper is presented from the point of view of power system management of a practical system considering the impact of the scheme on the economic operation of the system. A realistic case study is presented as the many factors that influence the pumped storage operation vary widely from one system to another. The suitability of pumped storage for the particular generation mix of a system is well explored in the paper. To substantiate the economic impact of pumped storage on the system, the problem is formulated as a short-term hydrothermal scheduling problem involving power purchase which optimizes the quantum of power to be scheduled and the duration of operation. The optimization model is formulated using an algebraic modeling language, AMPL, which is then solved using the advanced MILP solver CPLEX.
Acute Ovarian Torsion and Primary Hypothyroidism
Authors: Nandi-Munshi Debika , Tridgell Angela , Taplin Craig E.
Published: June 2013

A 12-year-old girl presented with acute abdominal pain due to an acute ovarian torsion. She required an oophorectomy. Clinical and laboratory assessment confirmed severe primary hypothyroidism. In this report, we review this rare complication of untreated primary hypothyroidism and the physiologic mechanisms proposed to explain this phenomenon.
Molecular Simulation To Determine Key Shale Gas Parameters, And Their Use In A Commercial Simulator For Production Forecasting
Authors: Gouth F. , Collell J. , Galliero G. , Wang J.
Published: June 2013

Shale gas is a rising energy supply that is set to change the global energy market in coming decades. Even though thousands of shale gas wells are still in production throughout the world, the physics underlying the nano-scale of shale gas remains poorly understood, especially when complex fluid mixtures are involved. Effectively, compositional changes will arise in the well gas stream, resulting not only from phase changes but also from selective desorption and molecular sieving in the nano pores. The aim of this paper is twofold: Highlight the potential use of molecular simulation, to determine key reservoir parameters in term of storage and kinetics.Suggest an integrated workflow for implementing the parameters obtained in a commercial simulator and provide guidelines for tailoring the physics in the simulator to the needs of shale gas modeling.

Molecular simulation is an emerging technique which can be put to relevant use for shale gas. It offers insights into nano-scale properties such as sorption or transport coefficients. The technique is based on numerical simulations at the molecular scale for a given set of pressure and temperature conditions. Our work comprised the following actions: We started building an organic molecule compound representative of a mature kerogen.Molecular simulation was used to produce adsorption isotherms for multi-component gas. For a C1-C2 mixture, we have established that the standard Extended Langmuir isotherm model available in ECLIPSE is poorly suited to matching with actual data. We propose an enhanced model in which partial pressures are replaced by fugacity.Because of the nano-scale size of the pores in the kerogen, the gas flows not to a Darcy pattern but in a slip or transitional process instead. This kind of flow displays different transport properties, depending on molecule sizes. We used molecular simulation to check the relevance of analytical flow models such as Beskok-Karniadakis’s one and investigated how individual component flow properties change when a gas mixture is involved.

We then made a comprehensive review of commercial simulators to check their suitability for shale gas modeling. A triple porosity model was built to capture the actual nature of a shale gas formation which features organic and inorganic pores along with fractures. We show how alpha factors can successfully be used to model the molecular sieving of gas flow in the organic pores (depending on size). We also elaborate on how the extended Langmuir curve was distorted to match the results of molecular simulation. At the end of this paper, we offer insight into simulation forecasting of gas stream composition changes over time.
A Novel Infinite-Acting Radial-Flow Analysis Procedure for Estimating Horizontal and Vertical Permeability from an Observation-Probe Pressure Response
Authors: Onur M. , Hegeman P. S. , Gok I. M.
Published: June 2013

This paper presents a new infinite-acting radial-flow analysis procedure for estimating horizontal and vertical permeability solely from pressure transient data acquired at an observation probe during an interval pressure transient test (IPTT) conducted with a single-probe or dual-packer module. The procedure is based on new infinite-acting radial-flow equations that apply for all inclination angles of the wellbore in a single-layer, 3D anisotropic, homogeneous porous medium. The equations for 2D anisotropic cases are also presented and are derived from the general equations given for the 3D anisotropic case. It is shown that the radial-flow equation presented reduces to the Prats’ equation assuming infinite-acting radial flow at an observation point along a vertical wellbore in isotropic or 2D anisotropic formations of finite bed thickness.

The applicability of the analysis procedure is demonstrated by considering synthetic and field probe-probe and packer-probe IPTT data. The results indicate that the procedure provides reliable estimates of horizontal and vertical permeability solely from observation-probe pressure data during radial flow for vertical, horizontal, and slanted wellbores. Most importantly, the analysis does not require that both spherical and radial flow prevail at the observation probe during the test.
A PRAGMATIC WAY TO HANDLE UNCERTAINTY ANALYSIS IN A BROWN FIELD, KARACHAGANAK FIELD, REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN
Authors: Bigoni F. , Della Rossa E. , Francesconi A. , Imagambetov K. , Tumbarello G.
Published: June 2013

Karachaganak field, one of the largest accumulations of gas and condensate in the world, is in production since 1985. The field is an isolated carbonate platform with a hydrocarbon column of about 1500 m.

The analysis and integration of the vast amount of geological and production data allowed the building of a reservoir model characterised by a high quality History Match.

According to the usual approach, the following uncertainty analysis consists in the building of several models representing possible alternative scenarios endorsed by a similar quality HM. However, this approach was dropped because not feasible for a so large reservoir with a long production history, where the achievement of a high quality HM is time consuming.

The workflow has been, therefore, turned upside down using the HM reference model as benchmark, modifying its characteristics only in the areas not controlled by well data, without perturbing significantly the achieved HM. Estimating possible petrophysical changes (Phi, Kh, Kv, Swi), using the "distance" from productive wells and the magnitude of the HM perturbations as control parameters, "end members" models, capable to give a significant spread in the production forecast, were identified.

Finally combining these "end members" as "corner points", an Experimental Design technique allowed to build the PROXY model for relevant response variable. The validated PROXY models have been then used to generate, with Monte Carlo approach, random sampled profiles which give a reliable picture of the uncertainties.