bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probability of Occurrence of Life‐Threatening Ventricular Arrhythmias in Chagas' Disease versus Non‐Chagas' Disease
Authors: FILHO MARTINO MARTINELLI , DE SIQUEIRA SÉRGIO FREITAS , MOREIRA HENRIQUE , FAGUNDES ALEXANDRO , PEDROSA ANÍSIO , NISHIOKA SILVANA D'ÓRIO , COSTA ROBERTO , SCANAVACCA MAURÍCIO , D'ÁVILA ANDRÉ , SOSA EDUARDO
Published: October 2013

The implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is highly effective in the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias (VA) responsible for sudden cardiac death. However, the probability of occurrence of these arrhythmic events in presence of cardiomyopathy remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to compare the probability of nonoccurrence of life‐threatening VA in ICD recipients with Chagas' versus non‐Chagas' heart disease. Over a mean follow‐up of 10.5 months, 53 ICD recipients (mean age = 50.1 years, 48 male) were evaluated. Eleven patients had Chagas' heart disease, 19 had idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and 23 had ischemic cardiomyopathy. Ventricular tachyarrhythmias with a cycle length < 315 ms were considered life‐threatening. The cumulative probability of nonoccurrence of life‐threatening VA was examined by Kaplan‐Meyer method and the outcomes were submitted to the log rank test. At 2 years, the cumulative probability of life‐threatening VA nonoccurrence was 0 in the Chagas' heart disease group versus 40% up to 55 months of follow‐up in the non‐Chagas' disease group (P = 0.0097). Among patients with cardiomyopathies of different etiologies, those with Chagas' heart disease had the lowest cumulative probability of nonoccurrence of life‐threatening VA, confirming its unfavorable prognosis and the importance of preventive measures against sudden death in this disease.
New Descriptors of Homogeneity of the Propagation of Ventricular Repolarization
Authors: BATCHVAROV VELISLAV , DILAVERIS POLYCHRONIS , FÄRBOM PATRIK , GHURAN AZAD , ACAR BURAK , HNATKOVA KATERINA , CAMM A. JOHN , MALIK MAREK
Published: October 2013

Available descriptors of irregularities of ventricular repolarization are of limited clinical value. We studied the effect of autonomic variations on several new descriptors of the three‐dimensional T loop. Twelve‐lead digital ECGs were recorded continuously in 40 healthy subjects at baseline in the supine position, during postural changes (supine → sitting → standing → supine → standing), and during Valsalva maneuver performed three times in the supine and three times in the standing positions. A minimum dimensional space was constructed from the 12‐lead ECG, using singular value decomposition, on the basis of median ECG beats constructed from 10‐second consecutive ECG recordings. Temporal variations (TLA and PL, which measure the T loop area, and LD, the interlead relationship during repolarization) and wavefront direction descriptors (TCRT, the deviation between the QRS and T vectors) were calculated and expressed as normalized values. Values of TLA, PL, and TCRT were significantly lower in the sitting than in the supine position (‐38139 ± 9099 vs 47133 ± 7511, −0.017 ± 0.005 vs 0.033 ± 0.005 and −0.032 ± 0.019 vs 0.071 ± 0.015, respectively, P < 0.001 for all) and decreased further in the standing position (‐88288 ± 14468, −0.067 ± 0.013, −0.198 ± 0.025, respectively, P < 0.001 for all). LD increased from supine to sitting (98.7 ± 29.4 vs −87.5 ± 15.2, P < 0.001) and increased further, though nonsignificantly in the standing position (118.3 ± 35.2). TLA, PL, and TCRT decreased from baseline during Valsalva in the supine (‐34118 ± 11424 vs 62234 ± 12215, −0.038 ± 0.014 vs 0.065 ± 0.010, −0.08 ± 0.03 vs 0.10 ± 0.02, respectively, P < 0.001 for all) and standing positions (‐108263 ± 21051 vs −68909 ± 10271, −0.109 ± 0.014 vs −0.048 ±0.009, −0.30 ± 0.035 vs −015 ± 0.016, respectively, P < 0.05 for all). LD was significantly increased by Valsalva in the supine position (13 ± 46 vs −153 ± 30, P < 0.001) and nonsignificantly in the standing position (99 ± 50 vs 86 ± 30, P = NS). There were significant correlations among TLA, PL, and LD, and no significant correlation between TCRT and any of the temporal variation descriptors. These new temporal and wavefront direction descriptors are sensitive and rapid detectors of autonomic effects on ventricular repolarization.
Difference in the Nature of Eu3+ Environment in Eu3+‐Doped BaTiO3 and BaSnO3
Authors: Patel Dinesh K. , Vishwanadh Bathula , Sudarsan Vasanthakumaran , Kulshreshtha Shailendra K.
Published: October 2013

BaTiO3 and BaSnO3 samples doped with Eu3+ ions were prepared using glycine‐nitrate gel combustion method. Relative intensities and line shapes of magnetic dipole allowed 5D0 → 7F1 and electric dipole allowed 5D0 → 7F2 transitions of Eu3+ from the hosts, BaTiO3 and BaSnO3, are significantly different. Based on detailed structural investigations, it is confirmed that synthesizedBaTiO3 sample is tetragonal with no center of symmetry around Ba2+ ions. Unlike this BaSnO3 is cubic with centrosymmetric Ba2+ site. From X‐ray diffraction and experimentally obtained Judd–Ofelt parameters (Ω2 and Ω4 values), it is confirmed that in BaTiO3 there is a decrease in the average Ba–O and Ba–Ba distances compared with that in BaSnO3. This leads to higher Eu–O bond polarizability and adds to the distortion in its environment around Eu3+ in BaTiO3:Eu compared with BaSnO3:Eu. This is responsible for the observed difference in the luminescence properties.
Aboriginal women's experiences of accessing health care when state apprehension of children is being threatened
Authors: Denison Jacqueline , Varcoe Colleen , Browne Annette J.
Published: October 2013

Aims

To report findings from a study examining the impact of the threat of child removal on Aboriginal women's experiences accessing of healthcare services.

Background

A wealth of data highlights the higher proportion of Aboriginal children in government care in Canada compared with non‐Aboriginal children. Aboriginal women experience poorer health outcomes than non‐Aboriginal women and face significant barriers to healthcare access. However, little is known about how these phenomena may intersect.

Design

The study was conducted in two phases: (1) a secondary analysis of interviews with Aboriginal women and healthcare providers (n = 7) that were collected for a larger study; and (2) primary interviews with Aboriginal women (n = 9) and healthcare providers (n = 8), conducted between July–October 2011.

Methods

Postcolonial feminist perspectives and the principles of exploratory, qualitative research guided this ethnographic study. Data were analysed using principles of thematic analysis and interpretive description.

Findings

Aboriginal women whose children are involved with the child protection system often experience complex sociopolitical and economic challenges, which intersect with the threat of apprehension. Such threat did not impact women's decisions to seek healthcare services for their children, but experiences of racism, prejudice and discrimination in mainstream healthcare agencies and the fear of child apprehension influenced their decisions to access health care for themselves in ways that deterred access.

Conclusion

Racism, judgment and discrimination towards Aboriginal mothers in healthcare agencies must be addressed. Educating healthcare providers about culturally safe approaches to care is critical to mitigating the ongoing impact of colonialism and its effects on health of Aboriginal people.
Genetic structure of pike (Esox lucius) reveals a complex and previously unrecognized colonization history ofIreland
Authors: Pedreschi Debbi , Kelly‐Quinn Mary , Caffrey Joe , O'Grady Martin , Mariani Stefano
Published: October 2013

Aim

We investigated genetic variation ofIrish pike populations and their relationship withEuropean outgroups, in order to elucidate the origin of this species to the island, which is largely assumed to have occurred as a human‐mediated introduction over the past few hundred years. We aimed thereby to provide new insights into population structure to improve fisheries and biodiversity management inIrish freshwaters.

Location

Ireland,Britain and continentalEurope.

Methods

A total of 752 pike (Esox lucius) were sampled from 15 locations around Ireland, and 9 continentalEuropean sites, and genotyped at six polymorphic microsatellite loci. Patterns and mechanisms of population genetic structure were assessed through a diverse array of methods, includingBayesian clustering, hierarchical analysis of molecular variance, and approximateBayesian computation.

Results

Varying levels of genetic diversity and a high degree of population genetic differentiation were detected. Clear substructure within Ireland was identified, with two main groups being evident. One of theIrish populations showed high similarity withBritish populations. The other, more widespread, Irish strain did not group with anyEuropean population examined. ApproximateBayesian computation suggested that this widespreadIrish strain is older, and may have colonized Ireland independently of humans.

Main conclusions

Population genetic substructure in Irish pike is high and comparable to the levels observed elsewhere inEurope. A comparison of evolutionary scenarios upholds the possibility that pike may have colonized Ireland in two ‘waves’, the first of which, being independent of human colonization, would represent the first evidence for natural colonization of a non‐anadromous freshwater fish to the island ofIreland. Although further investigations using comprehensive genomic techniques will be necessary to confirm this, the present results warrant a reappraisal of current management strategies for this species.
The MM‐CGI Cerebral Palsy: modification and pretesting of an instrument to measure anticipatory grief in parents whose child has cerebral palsy
Authors: Al‐Gamal Ekhlas , Long Tony
Published: October 2013

Aims and objectives

To establish the potential of a modified version of the MM‐CGI Childhood Cancer to assess anticipatory grief in parents of children with cerebral palsy, to amend the existing scale for use with the specific patient group, to test the psychometric properties of the modified version (MM‐CGI Cerebral Palsy) and to review the clinical potential of the new scale.

Background

Parents of children with cerebral palsy may experience reactions similar to parents of children with other enduring or life‐limiting conditions, and anticipatory grief may be one such psychological reaction. While the burden of caring is sometimes balanced by positive perceptions of the child, which enhance coping ability, for many parents the outcome is damage to their physical and mental health and impaired family functioning.

Design

A cross‐sectional, descriptive, correlational design.

Methods

The MM‐CGI Cerebral Palsy was administered in structured interviews with 204 parents. Standardised measures of caregivers' depression, stress and perceived social support were also administered. Mothers and fathers were recruited from healthcare centres and schools for special education. Cronbach's alpha was used to assess internal consistency, and Pearson's product–moment correlation was used to assess construct validity.

Results

The subscales were each found to measure a single dimension of anticipatory grief, and significant correlations were established with existing instruments. The instrument demonstrated excellent internal consistency reliability and good construct validity.

Conclusions

The MM‐CGI Cerebral Palsy could be useful for diagnosing anticipatory grief among parents of children with cerebral palsy. This preliminary work moves the programme on to testing in intervention studies.

Relevance to clinical practice

In the absence of an existing measure for the assessment of anticipatory grief, specifically in parents of children with cerebral palsy, the MM‐CGI Cerebral Palsy could prove to be an effective assessment tool for clinicians and researchers.
Risks of neurological and immune‐related diseases, including narcolepsy, after vaccination with Pandemrix: a population‐ and registry‐based cohort study with over 2 years of follow‐up
Authors: Persson I. , Granath F. , Askling J. , Ludvigsson J. F. , Olsson T. , Feltelius N.
Published: October 2013

Objectives

To investigate the association between vaccination with Pandemrix and risk of selected neurological and immune‐related diseases including narcolepsy.

Design

Population‐based prospective cohort study using data from regional vaccination registries and national health registries.

Setting

Seven healthcare regions in Sweden comprising 61% of the Swedish population.

Subjects

Study population of 3 347 467 vaccinated and 2 497 572 nonvaccinated individuals (vaccination coverage ≈60%) followed between 2009 and 2011 for 6.9 million person‐years after exposure and 6.0 million person‐years without exposure.

Main outcome measure and analysis

First recorded diagnosis of neurological and immune‐related diseases. Relative risks [hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs)] assessed using Cox regression, adjusted for covariates.

Results

For all selected neurological and immune‐related outcomes under study, other than allergic vaccine reactions (for which we verified an expected increase in risk) and narcolepsy, HRs were close to 1.0 and always below 1.3. We observed a three‐fold increased risk of a diagnosis of narcolepsy (HR: 2.92, 95% CI: 1.78–4.79; that is, four additional cases per 100 000 person‐years) in individuals ≤20 years of age at vaccination and a two‐fold increase (HR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.00–4.75) amongst young adults between 21 and 30 years of age. The excess risk declined successively with increasing age at vaccination; no increase in risk was seen after 40 years of age.

Conclusions

For a large number of selected neurological and immune‐related diseases, we could neither confirm any causal association with Pandemrix nor refute entirely a small excess risk. We confirmed an increased risk for a diagnosis of narcolepsy in individuals ≤20 years of age and observed a trend towards an increased risk also amongst young adults between 21 and 30 years.
Impact of age on viral kinetics of peginterferon alfa‐2a/ribavirin in chronic hepatitis C: final analysis from the PROPHESYS cohort
Authors: Aronsohn A. , Ancuta I. , Caruntu F. , Coppola C. , Delic D. , Digiacomo A. , Dusheiko G. M. , Lengyel G. , Marcellin P. , Orlandini A. , Pruthi J. , Silva G. F. , Tallarico L. , Schmitz M. , Tatsch F. , Korner E. , Cheinquer H.
Published: October 2013

The population of patients with chronic hepatitis C viral infection is ageing; however, elderly, hepatitis C‐infected patients are understudied and less frequently treated. This subanalysis of data from the multinational PROPHESYS study examined associations between age (≤65 vs >65 years), on‐treatment virological response and sustained virological response (SVR) in patients treated with peginterferon alfa‐2a (40KD)/ribavirin in accordance with local licences. PROPHESYS comprised three cohorts studied in 19 countries according to country‐specific legal and regulatory requirements. This subanalysis includes treatment‐naive HCV mono‐infected patients assigned to receive peginterferon alfa‐2a (40KD)/ribavirin, with 6276 individuals aged ≤65 years and 349 aged >65 years. Rapid virological response (RVR) rates by Week 4 were consistently lower in older genotype (G) 1 (21.6% vs 27.2% in younger patients), G2 (80.7% vs 85.1%) and G3 (60.0% vs 74.2%) patients. SVR rates were significantly lower (29.8% vs 43.0%) and relapse rates significantly higher (43.1% vs 26.7%) in older G1 patients (P = 0.0002 vs ≤65 years). In contrast, SVR and relapse rates were similar in G2 and G3 patients regardless of age. The positive predictive value of RVR for SVR was comparable in older and younger G1 patients (66.7% vs 68.6%, respectively) and higher in older G2 (80.7% vs 75.6%) and G3 (77.8% vs 66.8%) patients. Virological response rates are generally lower in elderly CHC patients, and RVR is a reliable positive predictor of SVR in patients >65 years.
Oil and Vinegar: A Positive Fiscal Theory of the Euro Crisis
Authors: Blankart Charles B.
Published: October 2013

The theory of optimal currency areas states that a currency union may succeed if the participating countries have complementary industry structures. If this is not the case a currency union does not, inevitably, have to fail because market forces will induce adjustments of the industry structures that will eventually lead to a successful currency union. This optimism is, however, not warranted for the euro. The euro has now been in a crisis for more than three years and a self‐correcting mechanism leading out of the crisis is not in sight. The reason is that the euro union does not suffer from unadjusted industries, but from unadjusted governments. While industries adjust under the command of the invisible hand of the market in a currency union, this is not necessarily the case for governments. The general point of this paper is that countries with incompatible governments remain inimical in a currency union. They generate externalities and crises which cannot be eliminated as well in a political union.

Assume that two countries traditionally cooperate in an economic union. Their governments are financially independent. They “go Dutch”. A currency union, such as the euro union, is different. It opens not only the option of a closer economic cooperation, but it also allows for a joint cash management so that each government has the temptation to live on the other's costs and hence to generate negative externalities on the other. The governments may be aware of this trap. They conclude a Treaty in order to prevent their mutually destructive behavior. But the Treaty turns out to be non‐enforceable and therefore unable to stop the infringements by mutual externalities, this being the essence of the euro crisis. Therefore the governments should withdraw and return to an economic union without externalities.
Connecting Workers to Jobs: Latin American Innovations in Labor Intermediation Services
Authors: Mazza Jacqueline
Published: October 2013

Over the past decade, Latin American public employment services have been investing in improving and transforming rudimentary employment services into more comprehensive labor intermediation services. Intermediation services connect workers to jobs, training, and social services. They are of particular importance in Latin America where the tradition of listing jobs openly is more limited and large pools of disadvantaged workers search for work inefficiently through equally disadvantaged informal sector contacts. This article analyzes job searches in the Americas and the evolution and progress of Latin American versions of labor intermediation services. It classifies countries in the region as developing in stages, those in early development (stage one) and those with advancing coverage and efficiency (stage two). It argues that the most advanced of these services in the region are evolving toward a third future stage, to integrate and more efficiently connect diffused social, antipoverty and labor programs, to be positioned to serve key development challenges in Latin America.
Perceived decisional responsibility for mechanical ventilation and weaning: a Norwegian survey
Authors: Haugdahl Hege S , Storli Sissel , Rose Louise , Romild Ulla , Egerod Ingrid
Published: October 2013

Aim

To explore variability in perceptions of nurse managers and physician directors regarding roles, responsibilities and clinical‐decision making related to mechanical ventilator weaning in Norwegian intensive care units (ICUs).

Background

Effective teamwork is crucial for providing optimal patient care in ICU. More knowledge on nurses' and physicians' perceptions of responsibility in clinical decision‐making for mechanical ventilation is needed.

Methods

Self‐administered survey of mechanical ventilation and weaning responsibilities was sent to nurse managers and physician directors of Norwegian adult ICUs. Nurses' decisional influence and autonomy were estimated on a numeric rating scale (NRS) from 0 to 10 (least to most).

Results

Response rate was 38/60 (63%) nurses and 38/52 (73%) physicians. On the NRS nurse managers perceived the autonomy and influence of nurses' ventilator decisions higher than physician directors: median of 7 (IQR 5–8) (nurses) versus 5 (3–6) (physicians), (p < 0·01), and 8 (7–9) (nurses) versus 7 (5–8) (physicians), (p < 0·01) respectively. Respondents agreed that nurses collaborated in assessment of patient response to ventilator changes and titrating ventilator settings: 92% of nurses and 87% of physicians, (p = 0·46), and recognizing weaning failure 84% of nurses and 84% of physicians, (p = 0·96). Physician directors perceived significantly less collaborative decision‐making on weaning method (p = 0·01), weaning readiness (p = 0·04) and readiness to extubate (p < 0·01) than nurse managers. Both groups acknowledged the importance of ‘knowing the patient’ for weaning success, and agreed that the assessment of work of breathing, well‐being, and clinical deterioration were important for determining weaning tolerance.

Conclusions

Nurse managers perceived nurses to have greater autonomy, influence and collaborative interaction regarding decisions on mechanical ventilation than physician directors. Greater awareness and acknowledgment of nurses' role may promote interprofessional collaboration and improve patient care.
An audit of eye dryness and corneal abrasion in ICU patients in Iran
Authors: Masoudi Alavi Negin , Sharifitabar Zahra , Shaeri Mehdi , Adib Hajbaghery Mohsen
Published: October 2013

Background

The use of sedation and muscle relaxants can predispose intensive care unit (ICU) patients to poor eyelid closure and eye disorders. These complications may not get the nursing care and attention that they require; this and the predisposing factors need to be further investigated.

Aims and objectives

The aim of this audit was to use the standard eye‐care technique and determine the incidence of eye dryness and corneal abrasion, on day 5 after admission, in comatose patients in the ICU.

Design and methods

This was an audit, in the four ICUs in two teaching hospitals in the cities of Kashan and Tehran. An ophthalmologist examined the corneal abrasion and eye dryness on the day of admission and then day 5. The eye‐care method and other variables such as sex and age were also recorded. Statistical tests of χ2, spearman and multiple linear regressions were used to determine the relationships between variables.

Results

Eighty‐seven patients participated in the audit. On day 5, 28 patients (32·2%) had dry eyes and 12 patients had developed corneal abrasion (13·8%). The mean of Schirmer tear value on admission was 21 ± 4·5 mm. This value decreased to 16·1 ± 5·6 mm on day 5. About 10·3% of patients who received eye lubricant products, and 20·7% of those receiving adhesive tape as eye‐care method developed corneal abrasion.

Conclusions

Corneal abrasion and eye dryness were common problems in ICU patients. Eye dryness was the main risk factor for the development of corneal abrasion. Patients receiving adhesive tape as an eye‐care method were twice more likely to develop corneal abrasion.

Relevance to clinical practice

Eye care and eye assessment should be essential parts of nursing care for patients in ICU. To prevent corneal abrasion, using eye lubricants is more effective than closing eyes by adhesive tape.
Student nurses in critical care: benefits and challenges of critical care as a learning environment for student nurses
Authors: Williams Elizabeth , Palmer Chris
Published: October 2013

Aim

This article is a literature view of student nurses' experiences of critical care and the value of their experience to the nursing community. To explore the literature in relation to the value of critical care as a learning environment, the experiences and perceptions of student nurses in critical care and the impact of mentors on the experience.

Background

The shortage of critical care nurses and increasing numbers of acutely ill patients being cared for outside critical care areas has highlighted the importance of nurses being equipped with appropriate knowledge and skills to care for such patients. Student nurses have been experiencing critical care for many years and though it is accepted that it can be a stressful environment, there has been little empirical evidence of this. As anxiety has been said to interfere with learning, how much of an impact can this have and can anything be done about it?

Search strategy

Using Medline, CINAHL and British Nursing Index (BNI) and search terms including nursing students or student nurses, critical or intensive care and perceptions, expectations or pre‐conceptions, a literature search was carried out. Some articles explored registered nurses experiences, despite the titles, so this was set as an exclusion criteria.

Conclusions

Critical care offers a wealth of learning opportunities which are only available in high acuity areas. Though students can be very anxious before commencing their placements, mentors and higher education play an important part in helping them overcome this. The challenge is how to work together to provide effective support systems for the benefit of the students.
The temporal dynamics of cognitive reappraisal: Cardiovascular consequences of downregulation of negative emotion and upregulation of positive emotion
Authors: Pavlov Sergei V. , Reva Natalia V. , Loktev Konstantin V. , Tumyalis Alexei V. , Korenyok Vladimir V. , Aftanas Lyubomir I.
Published: October 2013

This study examines the effects of cognitive reappraisal on the cardiovascular response to affective stimuli. Participants (N = 53) were shown affective images and were asked either to attend to the images, or to downregulate negative affect through reappraisal of negative images or upregulate positive affect through reappraisal of positive images while continuous measures of cardiovascular activity were recorded. Reappraisal of negative images was associated with lower total peripheral resistance and larger cardiac output in the prestimulus period, whereas reappraisal of positive images was associated with less pronounced decreases of heart rate, cardiac output, and mean blood pressure in the viewing period as compared to unregulated conditions. The results indicate that cognitive reappraisal engenders adaptive hemodynamic profiles both during anticipation and during viewing of affective images depending on their valence and the regulatory goal.
Energy Consumption and Carbon Emission Based Industrial Productivity in China: A Sustainable Development Analysis
Authors: Chen Shiyi , Santos‐Paulino Amelia U.
Published: October 2013

The paper investigates the determinants of productivity growth in China. It also analyses the sustainability of the country's industrial growth by estimating sectoral productivity, accounting for energy usage and emission since the market‐oriented reforms launched in the late 1970s. The empirical analysis indicates that productivity is the most significant driver of growth. The substantial productivity improvement of China's industry is mainly attributable to high‐tech light industrial sectors. Heavy industry lags behind in terms of productivity and overall technical change.
The Role of Trade in Intra‐Industry Productivity Growth—the Case of Old and New European Union Countries
Authors: Parteka Aleksandra
Published: October 2013

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the role of trade in productivity growth in a sample of 30 sectors in 25 EU countries in the period of rapid East–West integration (1995–2007). Shift‐share analysis is used to show that changes in value added per hour worked in these countries appear to be mainly due to positive developments (rising productivity) within single industries and only to a lower extent result from a shift towards higher productivity activities. Trade is found to be an important positive determinant of intra‐industry productivity growth in European countries. Exports and imports alike can be associated with efficiency gains, but intermediate good exchange and trade with New Member States exert a particularly strong influence on intra‐industry productivity growth in the EU.
West African Single Currency and Competitiveness
Authors: Dufrénot Gilles , Sugimoto Kimiko
Published: October 2013

This paper compares different nominal anchors to promote internal and external competitiveness in the case of a fixed exchange rate regime for the future single regional currency of the Economic Community of the West African States (ECOWAS). We use counterfactual analyses and estimate a model of dependent economy for small commodity exporting countries. We consider four foreign anchor currencies: the US dollar, the euro, the yen and the yuan. Our simulations show little support for a dominant peg in the ECOWAS area if they pursue several goals: maximizing the export revenues, minimizing their variability, stabilizing them and minimizing the real exchange rate misalignments from the fundamental value.
Experimental Analysis of Thermo‐mechanical Behaviour of Electronic Components with Speckle Interferometry
Authors: Casavola C. , Lamberti L. , Moramarco V. , Pappalettera G. , Pappalettere C.
Published: October 2013

Experimental investigations of thermo‐mechanical behaviour of electronic components may help to prevent catastrophic in‐service failures. Non‐contact optical techniques such as speckle and moiré interferometry are naturally suited for carrying out measurements on electronic equipment as they are non‐invasive techniques and provide high‐resolution full‐field information on displacements. In spite of its inherent ability to measure deformations at the nanometer level, there are few examples of application of speckle interferometry to true monitoring of thermo‐mechanical behaviour of electronic components in real time. For this reason, the paper presents a phase shifting electronic speckle pattern interferometry (PSESPI) experimental set‐up developed in order to monitor the time evolution of thermal deformations in electronic components for aerospace applications submitted to normal or anomalous working conditions. Cyclic loads are also analysed to assess fatigue behaviour. Experimental results obtained for whole electronic boards and single components mounted on board fully demonstrate the capability of PSESPI to detect even small differences in thermo‐mechanical response between normal and anomalous functioning.
A Hands‐on Activity for Teaching the Poisson Distribution Using the Stock Market
Authors: Dunlap Mickey , Studstill Sharyn
Published: October 2013

The number of increases a particular stock makes over a fixed period follows a Poisson distribution. This article discusses using this easily‐found data as an opportunity to let students become involved in the data collection and analysis process.
Contralateral optic neuropathy and retinopathy associated with visual and afferent pupillomotor dysfunction following enucleation in six cats
Authors: Donaldson David , Matas Riera Màrian , Holloway Andrew , Beltran Elsa , Barnett Keith C.
Published: October 2013

Purpose

To investigate contralateral optic neuropathy and retinopathy following enucleation in 6 cats.

Methods

Retrospective study. The medical records of cats with contralateral visual and afferent pupillomotor dysfunction following enucleation presented to the Animal Health Trust (AHT), Newmarket,UK, between January 1994 and January 2010 were reviewed. Information recorded included history, signalment, ophthalmic findings, electroretinography (ERG) (2/6) andMRI(3/6) findings and long‐term outcome. Pearson's chi‐square tests were used to compare breed proportions (P < 0.05).

Results

Six cats aged 1.5 to 11 (median 5.5) years presented with mydriasis and/or visual deficits noted immediately following enucleation. Enucleation involved optic nerve (ON) ligation in all of the four cases for which this information was available. Ophthalmic findings included mydriasis with absent pupillary light reflex (PLR) (4/6), incompletePLRs (2/6), absence of dazzle reflex (4/6) and absence of menace response (4/6). Funduscopy initially revealed multifocal peripapillary retinal lesions, with subsequent progressive optic nerve head (ONH) and retinal atrophy.ERGrecordings revealed normal outer retinal function at 6 and 22 weeks (2/2). OnMRI, the optic chiasm (OC) ipsilateral to the enucleation could not be identified and the contralateralOCwas atrophied (3/3).

Conclusions

The acute afferentONdeficits following enucleation, progressiveONHatrophy, normal outer retinal function andMRIdemonstratingOCpathology are consistent with chiasmal injury due to traction on theONduring enucleation. Rostral traction on the globe to facilitateONligation is contraindicated in cats.
Characteristics of residency training associated with first‐time pass rate on the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists certifying examination
Authors: Hendrix Diane V. H. , Bentley Ellison , Rohrbach Barton W.
Published: October 2013

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the association of various aspects of veterinary ophthalmology residency training with the first‐time pass rate (FTPR) of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) examination, as well as the individual written, image recognition, animal examination, and surgical sections of the examination.

Procedures

Program type, resident evaluations, cumulative surgery and case logs, and scores from ACVO examinations from 2007 to 2010 were evaluated.

Results

Data were available for 71 candidates. The overall FTPR was 35% (n = 25). For the different sections of the examination, FTPRs were as follows: written (68%), image recognition (76%), intraocular surgery (80%), extraocular surgery (65%), and animal examination (75%). The overall FTPR among candidates from academic residency (AR) programs was 43% (20 of 47), while the FTPR of residents in private practice (PPR) programs was 21% (5 of 24; P = 0.07). The AR candidates were more likely to pass the written portion than PPR residents (P = 0.02), and AR candidates had significantly more time off clinics (median 25%) vs PPR residents (median 18%; P = 0.007). The AR residents also had a higher reported percentage of direct supervision than PPR residents (95% vs 76%, respectively). Although PPR residents did significantly more surgeries and examined significantly more dogs and cats, those from ARs examined significantly more equine, bovine, avian, camelid, and reptile species.

Conclusions

Overall, AR residents had a higher FTPR and were more likely to pass the written portion of the examination. Total case and surgery numbers were not associated with FTPR.
ASYMMETRIC NASAL MUCOSAL THICKENING IN HEALTHY DOGS CONSISTENT WITH THE NASAL CYCLE AS DEMONSTRATED BY MRI AND CT
Authors: Friling Lisa , Nyman Helena T. , Johnson Victoria
Published: October 2013

The nasal cycle is a physiological phenomenon that causes regular cyclical congestion and decongestion of the venous sinusoids lining the nasal mucosa. The purpose of this prospective study was to describe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomographic (CT) features of the normal nasal cycle in a group of dogs. Five dogs were recruited that met the following criteria: 8 to 15 months old, nonbrachiocephalic breed, no clinical signs or history of nasal disease, and undergoing anesthesia for problems unrelated to the nasal cavity. Nasal MRI (n = 5) and CT scans (pre‐ and postcontrast, n = 5) were acquired. Images were evaluated subjectively by two board‐certified radiologists and objectively by a diagnostic imaging intern using regions of interest placed on each side of the nasal cavity. Findings were compared using Cohen's kappa coefficient and Students t‐test on log‐transformed data. All dogs showed diffuse unilateral mucosal thickening of the rostral part of the nasal cavity in both MRI and CT studies. This mucosal thickening shifted sides between examinations in three dogs. Changes appeared most marked on T2‐weighted scans. No asymmetric mucosal changes were seen in the mucosa of the ethmoturbinates, vomer–nasal septum, hard palate or the frontal sinuses in any patient on MRI or CT. Computed tomographic contrast enhancement of the thickened mucosa was not statistically significant (P‐value < 0.08). In conclusion, the normal nasal cycle may cause asymmetrical mucosal changes in the rostral part of the nasal cavity that mimic MRI and CT characteristics previously reported for inflammatory disease in dogs.
US–National Institutes of Health‐funded research for cutaneous wounds in 2012
Authors: Richmond Nicholas A. , Lamel Sonia A. , Davidson Jeffrey M. , Martins‐Green Manuela , Sen Chandan K. , Tomic‐Canic Marjana , Vivas Alejandra C. , Braun Liza R. , Kirsner Robert S.
Published: October 2013

Chronic cutaneous wounds are a major burden on patients, healthcare providers, and the US healthcare system. This study, carried out in part by the Wound Healing Society's Government Regulatory Committee, aimed to evaluate the current state of National Institutes of Health funding of cutaneous wound healing–related research projects. National Institutes of Health Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools Expenditures & Results system was used to identify wound healing projects funded by the National Institutes of Health in the 2012 fiscal year. Research projects focusing on cutaneous wound prevention/education, mechanisms, complications, treatment, or imaging/monitoring were included in the analysis. Ninety‐one projects were identified, totaling a collective funding of $29,798,991 and median funding of $308,941. Thirteen institutes/centers from the National Institutes of Health were responsible for awarding funds; three of which (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases) accounted for 60.4% of the grant funding. The predominant funding mechanisms included R01 (48.3%), R43 (14.3%), and R21 (9.9%). New applications and pre‐existing applications accounted for 39.6 and 55.0% of the awarded grants, respectively. Grants awarded to investigators affiliated with universities accounted for 68.1% of grants and 25.3% were to investigators in the private sector. This analysis of current National Institutes of Health funding may facilitate more transparency of National Institutes of Health‐allocated research funds and serve as an impetus to procure additional support for the field of wound healing.
Role of neuropeptides, neurotrophins, and neurohormones in skin wound healing
Authors: Chéret Jérémy , Lebonvallet Nicolas , Carré Jean‐Luc , Misery Laurent , Le Gall‐Ianotto Christelle
Published: October 2013

Due to the close interactions between the skin and peripheral nervous system, there is increasing evidence that the cutaneous innervation is an important modulator of the normal wound healing process. The communication between sensory neurons and skin cells involves a variety of molecules (neuropeptides, neurohormones, and neurotrophins) and their specific receptors expressed by both neuronal and nonneuronal skin cells. It is well established that neurotransmitters and nerve growth factors released in skin have immunoregulatory roles and can exert mitogenic actions; they could also influence the functions of the different skin cell types during the wound healing process.
A simple microfluidic strategy for cell migration assay in an in vitro wound‐healing model
Authors: Zhang Min , Li Hongjing , Ma Huipeng , Qin Jianhua
Published: October 2013

In vitro scratch wound assays are commonly used strategies to measure cell repair rate, facilitating the study of cell migration, tissue reorganization, and cell division. This work presented a simple and novel microfluidic device that allowed a quantitative investigation of the cell migration and cell proliferation behaviors in an in vitro wound‐healing model, especially focused on the scratch assay. The microfluidic device is composed of four units, which include cell growth regions and cell‐free regions created by micropillars. Using this device, we evaluated the proliferation and migration process of human gastric epithelial cells in the presence of different concentrations of the epidermal growth factor, and investigated the migration behavior of mesenchymal stem cells toward tumor cells as well. This approach has the unique capability to create localized cell‐free regions in parallel, and facilitate quantitative research on cell migration in the wound‐healing process, providing a powerful platform for elucidating the mechanism of cell migration in regeneration medicine.
Development of a wound healing index for patients with chronic wounds
Authors: Horn Susan D. , Fife Caroline E. , Smout Randall J. , Barrett Ryan S. , Thomson Brett
Published: October 2013

Randomized controlled trials in wound care generalize poorly because they exclude patients with significant comorbid conditions. Research using real‐world wound care patients is hindered by lack of validated methods to stratify patients according to severity of underlying illnesses. We developed a comprehensive stratification system for patients with wounds that predicts healing likelihood. Complete medical record data on 50,967 wounds from the United States Wound Registry were assigned a clear outcome (healed, amputated, etc.). Factors known to be associated with healing were evaluated using logistic regression models. Significant variables (p < 0.05) were determined and subsequently tested on a holdout sample of data. A different model predicted healing for each wound type. Some variables predicted significantly in nearly all models: wound size, wound age, number of wounds, evidence of bioburden, tissue type exposed (Wagner grade or stage), being nonambulatory, and requiring hospitalization during the course of care. Variables significant in some models included renal failure, renal transplant, malnutrition, autoimmune disease, and cardiovascular disease. All models validated well when applied to the holdout sample. The “Wound Healing Index” can validly predict likelihood of wound healing among real‐world patients and can facilitate comparative effectiveness research to identify patients needing advanced therapeutics.
Introduction to Pipeline Repair Using Composites
Authors: Baniah Bidyut B. , Khera Ashish , Knights James
Published: October 2013

There are many different types of composite pipe repair available on the market all of which are extremely different and have undergone different levels of testing, research and onward development. On the market today there is a great deal of confusion as to which type of composite repair should be used on pipelines with many choices of fibre, architecture and resin available. Composite Sleeve type repairs are accepted in the ASME B31.4 and B31.8 codes as being suitable for the repair of gas and fluid pipelines but with the introduction of the ISO TS 24817 and ASME PCC 2 article 4.1 guidelines many composite wrap type repairs have entered the market.
Development of API 5L X-80 Plates and Pipes at Essar Steel
Authors: Kulkarni Anil , Chatterjee Sirshendu , Patel Yogesh , Amte Nitin
Published: October 2013

India is a large and rapidly growing economy. The energy requirements of the country in terms of oil products and natural gas is also huge. Given its vast geographical size, there is ever-growing need to transport these oil & gas products over large distances but economically. For this purpose, several new projects for laying of new pipeline networks are at different stages of planning. In order to keep the cost of such large pipeline projects lower, countries around the world have shifted to higher strength API grades of steel. This was facilitated by advances in steel-making and processing technology and modern facilities that came up in advanced countries. India is no different and we have seen a gradual shift towards higher strength API grades being used for pipelines. Essar Steel has been a major producer of API grades of steel in India over the last 15 years initially through its hot-strip mill and more recently adding a state-of-the-art 5M wide plate mill as well as pipe mills, both LSAW & HSAW.

Different alloy designs have been used around the world to produce high strength and high toughness API grades. These have produced essentially two types of microstructures which are either ferrite + pearlite or ferrite + acicular ferrite. But these microstructures show varying response to the pipe-making process. Choice of alloy design also has a major bearing on the cost of steel, but is partly influenced by mill capability. At Essar, while cost was a major determining criterion for selection of suitable alloy design, mill capability was not a constraint. Essar Steel has successfully produced X-80 plates and pipes with a modified HTP alloy design and using the new facilities of plate mill & pipe mill. The paper gives some of the key highlights of this development activity.

This was a collaborative effort between the metallurgists & engineers at Essar Steel India Limited and experts from CBMM.
Niobium Microalloyed Line Pipe Steels: Technological Overview
Authors: Gray J. M. , Subramanian S. V.
Published: October 2013

A quantitative understanding of hierarchical evolution of microstructure is essential in order to design the base chemistry and optimize rolling schedules to obtain the morphological microstructure coupled with high density and dispersion of crystallographic high angle boundaries to achieve the target strength and fracture properties in higher grade line pipe steels, microalloyed with niobium. Product-process integration has been the key concept underlying the development of niobium microalloyed line pipe steel technology over the years. The development of HTP technology based on 0.1 wt % Nb and low interstitial was predicated by advances in process metallurgy to control interstitial elements to low levels (C <0.03wt% and N< 0.003wt%), sulfur to ultra-low levels (S<20ppm), as well as in product metallurgy based on advances in basic science aspects of thermo-mechanical rolling and phase transformation of pancaked austenite under accelerated cooling conditions, and toughness properties of heat affected zones in welding of niobium microalloyed line pipes. A historical perspective/technological overview of evolution of HTP for line pipe applications is the focus of this paper in order to highlight the key metallurgical concepts underlying Nb microalloying technology which have paved the way for successful development of higher grade line pipe steels over the years.