bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tenofovir Alafenamide
Authors: Gibson Amanda K. , Shah Bhavik M. , Nambiar Puja H. , Schafer Jason J.
Published: July 2016

Objective: To review the pharmacology, efficacy, safety, and place in therapy for tenofovir alafenamide (TAF). Data Sources: A search using PubMed was conducted (2004 to May 2016) using the following keywords: tenofovir alafenamide, TAF, and GS-7340. Articles were evaluated for content, and bibliographies were reviewed. Data available exclusively as abstracts from major infectious diseases and HIV conferences were also evaluated for inclusion. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Studies included were in vitro investigations; phase I, II, and III clinical trials; and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluations. Data Synthesis: Similar to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), TAF is a prodrug of tenofovir but results in significantly higher intracellular tenofovir concentrations and lower serum levels. As a result, TAF is expected to have efficacy similar to that of TDF while reducing tenofovir-associated nephrotoxicity and bone mineral density losses. Clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of TAF-containing antiretroviral regimens have confirmed these expectations, consistently demonstrating similar virological suppression compared with TDF-containing regimens as well as significant improvements in markers of kidney function and bone health. Three combination products containing TAF were approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the management of HIV-1 infection. The first of these was a single tablet regimen containing elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and TAF which is now a recommended regimen in clinical practice guidelines for initial treatment in antiretroviral-naïve patients. Conclusions: TAF is a novel nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor for the treatment of HIV-1 infection that has efficacy similar to that of TDF and improved safety compared with TDF.
Public-Private Partnerships and Corruption in the Water and Sanitation Sectors in Developing Countries
Authors: Pusok Krisztina
Published: July 2016

Do foreign private investments (originated through public-private partnerships) improve the Water and Sanitation Sector in developing countries? I synthesize market sympathetic and skeptical arguments by noting that their relative salience depends on the level of corruption in a country. Specifically, I argue that private investments can effectively provide water and sanitation through public-private partnerships if they are adequately governed by the state. When corruption is high, however, private actors will pursue profit maximization over public needs, which leads them to provide water but not adequate sanitation. I test these arguments using a cross-sectional time series of fifty-six non-Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries from 1991 through 2012.
A new concept for UAV landing gear shock vibration control using pre-straining spring momentum exchange impact damper
Authors: Son Lovely , Bur Mulyadi , Rusli Meifal
Published: July 2016

This study proposes a new method for reducing the shock vibration response of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) during the landing process by means of the momentum exchange principle (MEID). The performance of the impact damper is improved by adding a pre-straining spring to the damper system. This research discusses the theoretical application of the damper to the UAV landing gear system. The UAV dynamics is first modeled as a simple lumped mass translational vibration system. Then we analyze a more complex two-dimensional model of UAV dynamics. This model consists of the main wheel, nose wheel and main body. Three cases of UAV landing gear mechanisms: without damper, with passive MEID (PMEID) and with pre-straining spring MEID (PSMEID) are simulated. The damper performance is evaluated from the maximum acceleration and force transmission to the main body. The energy balance calculation is conducted to investigate the performance of PSMEID. The simulation results show that the proposed PSMEID method is the most effective method for reducing the maximum acceleration and force transmission of UAV during impact landing.
Antiproliferative Effect of Synadenium grantii Hook f. stems (Euphorbiaceae) and a Rare Phorbol Diterpene Ester
Authors: Campos Adriana , Vendramini-Costa Débora Barbosa , Longato Giovanna Barbarini , Zermiani Tailyn , Ruiz Ana Lúcia Tasca Gois , de Carvalho João Ernesto , Pandiella Atanasio , Cechinel Filho Valdir
Published: July 2016

Synadenium grantii is frequently used for the treatment of various diseases such as allergies, gastric disorders, and especially cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible antiproliferative potential of the methanol extract, fractions, and pure compounds from the stems of S grantii. Phytochemical analysis was carried out by conventional chromatographic techniques, and the antiproliferative activity was analyzed using the sulforhodamine B assay and an MTT-based assay. Nonpolar fraction and its subfractions from the stems of S grantii exhibited promising cytostatic effect against several human tumor cell lines (glioma, breast, kidney, and lung), with total grown inhibition values ranging from 0.37 to 2.9 μg/mL. One of the active principles of this plant was identified as a rare phorbol diterpene ester, denoted as 3,4,12,13-tetraacetylphorbol-20-phenylacetate. This compound demonstrated antiproliferative activity against glioma, kidney, lung, and triple-negative breast cancer cell lines. These results demonstrate that S grantii stems produce active principles with relevant antiproliferative potential.
A Prospective Biopsychosocial Investigation Into Head and Neck Cancer Caregiving
Authors: Nightingale Chandylen L. , Pereira Deidre B. , Curbow Barbara A. , Wingard John R. , Carnaby Giselle D.
Published: July 2016

Purpose:

Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients suffer from significant morbidity, which may introduce challenging care demands and subsequent stress-induced mind–body interactions for informal caregivers. This prospective study evaluated patient and caregiver predictors of diurnal cortisol rhythm among HNC caregivers during radiation treatment.

Method:

Patient–caregiver dyads completed measures at radiation treatment start (T1; n = 32) and 5 weeks into treatment (T2; n = 29). Measures included the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Head and Neck, the Caregiver Quality of Life (QOL) Index–Cancer, the Caregiver Reaction Assessment, the Medical Outcomes Social Support Survey, and the Eating Assessment tool. Patients also received a clinical swallowing evaluation using the Functional Assessment of Oral Intake Scale. Caregiver cortisol concentrations were assessed from salivary samples at T1 and T2.

Results:

Caregiver cortisol slope became significantly flatter during radiation treatment. Greater caregiver schedule burden was associated with a flatter cortisol slope (β = .35, p = .05) in caregivers at T1. Lower patient functional QOL (β = −.41, p = .05) and lower overall caregiver QOL at T1 (β = −.39, p = .04) were each separately associated with a flatter cortisol slope in caregivers over treatment.

Conclusions:

Results suggest the presence of a mind–body interaction in HNC caregivers. Dysregulation in diurnal cortisol rhythm in caregivers was significantly associated with increased caregiver schedule burden and lower patient and caregiver QOL. Targeted interventions developed for HNC caregivers may help to prevent negative health outcomes associated with dysregulated cortisol.
How representatives with a dovish constituency reach higher individual and joint outcomes in integrative negotiations
Authors: Aaldering Hillie , Ten Velden Femke S.
Published: July 2016

Representative negotiations often take a competitive course due to constituency pressures. However, in multi-issue integrative negotiation settings, using a competitive value-claiming strategy may result in less than optimal outcomes for both parties. In this experiment, we compared the negotiation process and outcomes of representatives with hawkish versus dovish constituencies. Representatives with a dovish constituency engaged in more information exchange and less contentious tactics, resulting in fewer impasses and higher quality agreements. Although representatives with a hawkish constituency claimed more value by placing higher demands, this negatively affected not only their joint, but also their individual outcomes. Overall, results suggest that representatives with a dovish constituency achieve better outcomes, both on an individual and dyadic level.
Intra-Abdominal Hypertension and Abdominal Compartment Syndrome after Abdominal Wall Reconstruction: Quaternary Syndromes?
Authors: Kirkpatrick A. W. , Nickerson D. , Roberts D. J. , Rosen M. J. , McBeth P. B. , Petro C. C. , Berrevoet Frederik , Sugrue M. , Xiao Jimmy , Ball C. G.
Published: July 2016

Background and Aims:

Reconstruction with reconstitution of the container function of the abdominal compartment is increasingly being performed in patients with massive ventral hernia previously deemed inoperable. This situation places patients at great risk of severe intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome if organ failure ensues. Intra-abdominal hypertension and especially abdominal compartment syndrome may be devastating systemic complications with systematic and progressive organ failure and death. We thus reviewed the pathophysiology and reported clinical experiences with abnormalities of intra-abdominal pressure in the context of abdominal wall reconstruction.

Material and Methods:

Bibliographic databases (1950–2015), websites, textbooks, and the bibliographies of previously recovered articles for reports or data relating to intra-abdominal pressure, intra-abdominal hypertension, and the abdominal compartment syndrome in relation to ventral, incisional, or abdominal hernia repair or abdominal wall reconstruction.

Results:

Surgeons should thus consider and carefully measure intra-abdominal pressure and its resultant effects on respiratory parameters and function during abdominal wall reconstruction. The intra-abdominal pressure post-operatively will be a result of the new intra-peritoneal volume and the abdominal wall compliance. Strategies surgeons may utilize to ameliorate intra-abdominal pressure rise after abdominal wall reconstruction including temporizing paralysis of the musculature either temporarily or semi-permanently, pre-operative progressive pneumoperitoneum, permanently removing visceral contents, or surgically releasing the musculature to increase the abdominal container volume. In patients without complicating shock and inflammation, and in whom the abdominal wall anatomy has been so functionally adapted to maximize compliance, intra-abdominal hypertension may be transient and tolerable.

Conclusions:

Intra-abdominal hypertension/abdominal compartment syndrome in the specific setting of abdominal wall reconstruction without other complication may be considered as a quaternary situation considering the classification nomenclature of the Abdominal Compartment Society. Greater awareness of intra-abdominal pressure in abdominal wall reconstruction is required and ongoing study of these concerns is required.
An investigation on early bearing fault diagnosis based on wavelet transform and sparse component analysis
Authors: Cui Hongyu , Qiao Yuanying , Yin Yumei , Hong Ming
Published: July 2016

Rolling bearings, as important machinery components, strongly affect the operation of machines. Early bearing fault diagnosis methods commonly take time–frequency analysis as the fundamental basis, therein searching for characteristic fault frequencies based on bearing kinematics to identify fault locations. However, due to mode mixing, the characteristic frequencies are usually masked by normal frequencies and thus are difficult to extract. After time–frequency decomposition, the impact signal frequency can be distributed among multiple separation functions according to the mode mixing caused by the impact signal; therefore, it is possible to search for the shared frequency peak value in these separation functions to diagnose bearing faults. Using the wavelet transform, time–frequency analysis and blind source separation theory, this article presents a new method of determining shared frequencies, followed by identifying the faulty parts of bearings. Compared to fast independent component analysis, the sparse component analysis was better able to extract fault characteristics. The numerical simulation and the practical application test in this article obtained satisfactory results when combining the wavelet transform, intrinsic time-scale decomposition and linear clustering sparse component analysis, thereby proving the validity of this method.
If you aren’t talking about practices, don’t call it a practice-based view: Rejoinder to Bromiley and Rau in Strategic Organization
Authors: Jarzabkowski Paula , Kaplan Sarah , Seidl David , Whittington Richard
Published: July 2016

In this debate about the value of introducing a supposed “practice-based view of strategy,” we respond to Bromiley and Rau’s defense of their approach. Coming from a background of two decades of research on strategy-as-practice, we focus on two major concerns about their initiative. The first is that the very use of the term “practice” would seem to obfuscate more than elucidate, especially given their definition of “practice” which strongly deviates from that already established in the social sciences generally. The second is that, by applying the term “practice” to strategy specifically, it becomes incumbent upon Bromiley and Rau to engage with and build upon the extensive practice-related strategy research that has gone before them.
Evolving Human Resource Development
Authors: Ruona Wendy E. A.
Published: July 2016

The Problem

After 20+ years of scholarly wrangling about the nature of the field, it seems that a great deal of coherence has emerged about the nature and forms of Human Resource Development (HRD), as evidenced in our literature and the scope and boundaries of our journals. However, paradoxically, just as this coalescence has taken root, a new challenge is emerging as related to HRD’s positioning in the evolving landscape of professions and disciplines. And, despite much progress around strategically positioning HRD, the field continues to struggle for needed power and influence within the professions, organizations, and governments.

The Solution

There is no easy solution that will clearly guide us through the next phase of HRD’s evolution. However, this article offers a review of where we have been and explores the complex dynamics that create the context in which we must act going forward. Two potential paths for HRD to navigate the territory ahead are outlined so that HRD leaders and scholars can consider the potential implications of each for practice and developing the knowledge needed to undergird the profession through research and theorizing.

The Stakeholders

HRD professionals may find this article useful in thinking about the nature of professionalization and the complex forces that are and will continue to affect HRD’s future. Potential future directions outlined here offer the opportunity for HRD scholars and scholar-practitioners to consider specific ways that they individually might respond through research, practice, and careering strategies to proactively shape the future.
Smoking Education for Low-Educated Adolescents
Authors: de Graaf Anneke , van den Putte Bas , Zebregs Simon , Lammers Jeroen , Neijens Peter
Published: July 2016

This study aims to provide insight into which modality is most effective for educating low-educated adolescents about smoking. It compares the persuasive effects of print and audiovisual smoking education materials. We conducted a field experiment with two conditions (print vs. video) and three measurement times (Time 1, Time 2, and Time 3). A total of 221 high school students in the second year of the lowest levels of education in the Netherlands participated at all three time points of the study. Results showed that participants in both conditions had more negative beliefs about smoking after being exposed to the smoking education than before, but there were no differences between the print and video version in this effect. However, the video version did make the attitude toward smoking more negative at Time 3 compared to baseline, whereas the text version did not, which suggests that the video version was more effective for educating low-educated adolescents about smoking.
Identification of differentially regulated genes in human patent ductus arteriosus
Authors: Parikh Pratik , Bai Haiqing , Swartz Michael F , Alfieris George M , Dean David A
Published: July 2016

In order to identify differentially expressed genes that are specific to the ductus arteriosus, 18 candidate genes were evaluated in matched ductus arteriosus and aortic samples from infants with coarctation of the aorta. The cell specificity of the gene's promoters was assessed by performing transient transfection studies in primary cells derived from several patients. Segments of ductus arteriosus and aorta were isolated from infants requiring repair for coarctation of the aorta and used for mRNA quantitation and culturing of cells. Differences in expression were determined by quantitative PCR using the ΔΔCt method. Promoter regions of six of these genes were cloned into luciferase reporter plasmids for transient transfection studies in matched human ductus arteriosus and aorta cells. Transcription factor AP-2b and phospholipase A2 were significantly up-regulated in ductus arteriosus compared to aorta in whole tissues and cultured cells, respectively. In transient transfection experiments, Angiotensin II type 1 receptor and Prostaglandin E receptor 4 promoters consistently gave higher expression in matched ductus arteriosus versus aorta cells from multiple patients. Taken together, these results demonstrate that several genes are differentially expressed in ductus arteriosus and that their promoters may be used to drive ductus arteriosus-enriched transgene expression.
The SMAC mimetic BV6 induces cell death and sensitizes different cell lines to TNF-α and TRAIL-induced apoptosis
Authors: El-Mesery Mohamed , Shaker Mohamed E , Elgaml Abdelaziz
Published: July 2016

The inhibitors of apoptosis proteins are implicated in promoting cancer cells survival and resistance toward immune surveillance and chemotherapy. Second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases (SMAC) mimetics are novel compounds developed to mimic the inhibitory effect of the endogenous SMAC/DIABLO on these IAPs. Here, we examined the potential effects of the novel SMAC mimetic BV6 on different human cancer cell lines. Our results indicated that BV6 was able to induce cell death in different human cancer cell lines. Mechanistically, BV6 dose dependently induced degradation of IAPs, including cIAP1 and cIAP2. This was coincided with activating the non-canonical NF -kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, as indicated by stabilizing NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK) for p100 processing to p52. More interestingly, BV6 was able to sensitize some of the resistant cancer cell lines to apoptosis induced by the death ligands tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) that are produced by different cells of the immune system. Such cell death enhancement was mediated by inducing an additional cleavage of caspase-9 to augment that of caspase-8 induced by death ligands. This eventually led to more processing of the executioner caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). In conclusion, therapeutic targeting of IAPs by BV6 might be an effective approach to enhance cancer regression induced by immune system. Our data also open up the future possibility of using BV6 in combination with other antitumor therapies to overcome cancer drug resistance.
Hypoglycemia-Induced Changes in the Electroencephalogram
Authors: Blaabjerg Lykke , Juhl Claus B.
Published: July 2016

Hypoglycemia is defined by an abnormally low blood glucose level. The condition develops when rates of glucose entry into the systematic circulation are reduced relative to the glucose uptake by the tissues. A cardinal manifestation of hypoglycemia arises from inadequate supply of glucose to the brain, where glucose is the primary metabolic fuel. The brain is one of the first organs to be affected by hypoglycemia. Shortage of glucose in the brain, or neuroglycopenia, results in a gradual loss of cognitive functions causing slower reaction time, blurred speech, loss of consciousness, seizures, and ultimately death, as the hypoglycemia progresses. The electrical activity in the brain represents the metabolic state of the brain cells and can be measured by electroencephalography (EEG). An association between hypoglycemia and changes in the EEG has been demonstrated, although blood glucose levels alone do not seem to predict neuroglycopenia. This review provides an overview of the current literature regarding changes in the EEG during episodes of low blood glucose.
Presenting online multi-image elicitation: The contributions of a hybrid protocol
Authors: Ganassali Stéphane
Published: July 2016

This article presents the protocol of online multi-image elicitation (OMIE) in an effort to evaluate its methodological contributions – using an example – and analyse its effectiveness as a marketing research technique. We will outline the theoretical and epistemological foundations of this mixed method approach, as well as the principles underpinning its development and the analytical possibilities available. We will show how this hybrid mechanism combines the appeal of an interpretive protocol using both images and text, while at the same time generating – on a large scale – rich- and good-quality data that can be used for statistical purposes. We will see that OMIE is suitable for analysing the experiential and emotional components of consumption.
Multicompartmental Trigeminal Schwannomas: Dumbbell Tumors Revisited
Authors: Mahajan Abhishek , Sable Nilesh P. , Vaish Richa , Moiyadi Aliasgar , Arya Supreeta , D’Cruz Anil Keith
Published: July 2016

Multicompartmental trigeminal schwannomas (MTSs) are a rare and complex but treatable group of tumors. Herein, we describe the clinicoradiologic presentation of two patients with MTS. The two illustrated distinct case reports highlight the role of imaging and the outcome of two different types of MTS. The Discussion summarizes the literature to date, which will help the reader diagnose these tumors in a timely manner and manage them appropriately.
Single-Cell RNAseq Reveals That Pancreatic β-Cells From Very Old Male Mice Have a Young Gene Signature
Authors: Xin Yurong , Okamoto Haruka , Kim Jinrang , Ni Min , Adler Christina , Cavino Katie , Na Erqian , Murphy Andrew J. , Yancopoulos George D. , Lin Calvin , Gromada Jesper
Published: July 2016

Aging improves pancreatic β-cell function in mice. This is a surprising finding because aging is typically associated with functional decline. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing of β-cells from 3- and 26-month-old mice to explore how changes in gene expression contribute to improved function with age. The old mice were healthy and had reduced blood glucose levels and increased β-cell mass, which correlated to their body weight. β-Cells from young and old mice had similar transcriptome profiles. In fact, only 193 genes (0.89% of all detected genes) were significantly regulated (≥2-fold; false discovery rate < 0.01; normalized counts > 5). Of these, 183 were down-regulated and mainly associated with pathways regulating gene expression, cell cycle, cell death, and survival as well as cellular movement, function, and maintenance. Collectively our data show that β-cells from very old mice have transcriptome profiles similar to those of young mice. These data support previous findings that aging is not associated with reduced β-cell mass or functional β-cell decline in mice.
The role of Sema3–Npn-1 signaling during diaphragm innervation and muscle development
Authors: Saller Maximilian Michael , Huettl Rosa-Eva , Hanuschick Philipp , Amend Anna-Lena , Alberton Paolo , Aszodi Attila , Huber Andrea B.
Published: July 2016

Correct innervation of the main respiratory muscle in mammals, namely the thoracic diaphragm, is a crucial pre-requisite for the functionality of this muscle and the viability of the entire organism. Systemic impairment of Sema3A–Npn-1 (Npn-1 is also known as NRP1) signaling causes excessive branching of phrenic nerves in the diaphragm and into the central tendon region, where the majority of misguided axons innervate ectopic musculature. To elucidate whether these ectopic muscles are a result of misguidance of myoblast precursors due to the loss of Sema3A–Npn-1 signaling, we conditionally ablated Npn-1 in somatic motor neurons, which led to a similar phenotype of phrenic nerve defasciculation and, intriguingly, also formation of innervated ectopic muscles. We therefore hypothesize that ectopic myocyte fusion is caused by additional factors released by misprojecting growth cones. Slit2 and its Robo receptors are expressed by phrenic motor axons and migrating myoblasts, respectively, during innervation of the diaphragm. In vitro analyses revealed a chemoattractant effect of Slit2 on primary diaphragm myoblasts. Thus, we postulate that factors released by motor neuron growth cones have an influence on the migration properties of myoblasts during establishment of the diaphragm.
Adaptation to Climate Change: Evidence from US Agriculture
Authors: Burke Marshall , Emerick Kyle
Published: July 2016

Understanding the potential impacts of climate change on economic outcomes requires knowing how agents might adapt to a changing climate. We exploit large variation in recent temperature and precipitation trends to identify adaptation to climate change in US agriculture, and use this information to generate new estimates of the potential impact of future climate change on agricultural outcomes. Longer run adaptations appear to have mitigated less than half—and more likely none—of the large negative short-run impacts of extreme heat on productivity. Limited recent adaptation implies substantial losses under future climate change in the absence of countervailing investments. (JEL Q11, Q15, Q51, Q54)
Can Electronic Procurement Improve Infrastructure Provision? Evidence from Public Works in India and Indonesia
Authors: Lewis-Faupel Sean , Neggers Yusuf , Olken Benjamin A. , Pande Rohini
Published: July 2016

This paper examines whether electronic procurement (e-procurement), which increases access to information and reduces personal interactions with potentially corrupt officials, improves procurement outcomes. We develop unique datasets from India and Indonesia and use variation in adoption of e-procurement within both countries. We find no evidence of reduced prices but do find that e-procurement leads to quality improvements. In India, where we observe quality directly, e-procurement improves road quality, and in Indonesia, e-procurement reduces delays. Regions with e-procurement are more likely to have winners come from outside the region. On net, the results suggest that e-procurement facilitates entry from higher quality contractors. (JEL D72, H54, H57, L12, O17, O22, R42)
An overview of cutaneous T cell lymphomas
Authors: Bagherani Nooshin , Smoller Bruce R.
Published: July 2016

Cutaneous T cell lymphomas (CTCLs) are a heterogeneous group of extranodal non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas that are characterized by a cutaneous infiltration of malignant monoclonal T lymphocytes. They typically afflict adults with a median age of 55 to 60 years, and the annual incidence is about 0.5 per 100,000. Mycosis fungoides, Sézary syndrome, and primary cutaneous peripheral T cell lymphomas not otherwise specified are the most important subtypes of CTCL. CTCL is a complicated concept in terms of etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis. Herein, we summarize advances which have been achieved in these fields.
Nursing research ethics, guidance and application in practice
Authors: Doody Owen , Noonan Maria
Published: July 2016

Ethics is fundamental to good research practice and the protection of society. From a historical point of view, research ethics has had a chequered past and without due cognisance there is always the potential for research to do harm. Research ethics is fundamental to research practice, nurse education and the development of evidence. In conducting research, it is important to plan for and anticipate any potential or actual risks. To engage in research, researchers need to develop an understanding and knowledge of research ethics and carefully plan how to address ethics within their research. This article aims to enhance students' and novice researchers' research ethics understanding and its application to nursing research.
Clinical evaluation of a securement device used on midline catheters
Authors: Ventura Roy , O'Loughlin Chris , Vavrik Boris
Published: July 2016

Since the introduction of sutureless securement products for vascular access devices (VADs), there has been a great deal of discussion of their advantages and disadvantages in comparison with sutures. This includes questions related to VAD securement, patients' comfort, infection control, user-friendliness and potential complications of using the device. The literature review of the available evidence indicates the superiority of the novel sutureless devices in the aforementioned aspects. The authors collected data to further contribute in the analysis of the attributes of these products, namely Statlock™ and Grip-Lok™ (current devices). The authors then trialled, collected and analysed data from relevant healthcare practitioners on their perception of a novel sutureless 3M™ Tegaderm™ PICC/CVC Securement Device + Tegaderm™ I.V. Advanced Securement Dressing (trialled device) for midline VADs. Evaluation forms have been provided and filled in by the practitioners. The results showed that the trialled product is perceived as user-and patient-friendly, resulting in increased security of VAD and easier handling compared to the current devices. Overall, 70% of the evaluators stated that the trialled product has better or much better overall performance. The remaining 30% characterised the overall performance comparable with the current devices.
Structured learning in paediatric vascular access: effects on clinical practice
Authors: Louise Hulse Anna
Published: July 2016

Vascular access is an essential skill requirement for many health professionals. Traditionally, in-house medical and nurse training has revealed limited paediatric vascular access experience.

Aim:

To critically evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of a structured learning and assessment framework for paediatric vascular access and its impact on improving the learning experience, skill acquisition and retention of health professionals.

Methods:

A two-part retrospective (group 1) and prospective (group 2) study involving 49 health professionals was undertaken. Purposive sampling was used with the study method of survey to evaluate learning experience and assess if learning had been transferred into practitioner clinical practice.

Results:

Overall 61% of participants in group 1 were competent 12 months post training. In comparison, 57% in group 2 were competent 10 weeks post training.

Conclusion:

Findings highlight encouraging results with improvement in practitioner learning experience, skill acquisition and retention post framework implementation.

Recommendations:

A structured programme incorporating assessment is required with the use of multi-evaluation methods to evaluate education effectiveness.
Environmentally Friendly Techniques for Wool Dyeing Process
Authors: Antighin Simona , Chirila Laura , Popescu Alina
Published: July 2016

The aim of this research was to evaluate the influence of dyeing process on the quality of surface waters contaminated with heavy metals and organic compounds, resulted after the wool dyeing process. In order to mark out this aspects an environment friendly method was proposed which involves dyeing wool fiber with new complex combinations derived from a new acid dyes which were complexed, using copper, iron, nickel and zinc salts at 2:1 combination ratio. In order to point out the environmental point of view of wastewaters an experimental protocol was tested by dyeing wool fiber at different pH. Evaluation of complexed combinations impact on the environment involve the following indicators: consumption degree of dyeing solution from the process bath, treatment degree related to the organic content expressed by COD indicator and treatment degree related to the heavy metal concentration respectively.
Supply and demand effects in television viewing. A time series analysis
Authors: Vergeer Maurice , Eisinga Rob , Franses Hans
Published: July 2016

In this study we analyze daily data on television viewing in the Netherlands. We postulate hypotheses on supply and demand factors that could impact the amount of daily viewing time. Although the general assumption is that supply and demand often correlate, we see that for television this is only marginally the case. Especially diversity of program supply, often deemed very important in media markets, does not affect (positively or negatively) television viewing behavior. Most variation in television viewing can be attributed to habit and to regular events (e. g. weekends, Christmas) and to unexpected events (e. g. the 9/11 WTC attack). We also find that weather conditions interact with program types, so that, for example, in winter times people favor entertainment programs even more, suggesting that people use television for mood management.
Heterogeneity within homogeneity: Impact of online skills on the use of online news media and interactive news features
Authors: Opgenhaffen Michael , d’Haenens Leen
Published: July 2016

Results of an online survey (
Tweeting television: Exploring communication activities on Twitter while watching TV
Authors: Buschow Christopher , Schneider Beate , Ueberheide Simon
Published: July 2016

“Social TV”, described as the use of social media such as Twitter or Facebook stimulated by TV programs, is highly topical in the television industry. Communication research has fallen behind in addressing this issue. In this paper we explore the simultaneous communication activities of Twitter users while watching TV. Additionally, we tested whether different TV programs stimulate different communication activities. The main findings of our quantitative content analysis of approximately 30,000 messages show that communication within the Twitter community as well as evaluations of shows and actors are the main subjects of the explored tweets. We also found that different TV programs evoke different communication activities. While talent shows produce expressions of fandom and critiques of the candidates in the show, live events evoke a critical debate about the show itself and what’s happening on screen. Political talk shows can stimulate a public discourse.
Solid-state 29Si NMR and FTIR analyses of lignin-silica coprecipitates
Authors: Cabrera Yohanna , Cabrera Andrés , Larsen Flemming H. , Felby Claus
Published: July 2016

When agricultural residues are processed to ethanol, lignin and silica are some of the main byproducts. Separation of these two products is difficult and the chemical interactions between lignin and silica are not well described. In the present study, the effect of lignin-silica complexing has been investigated by characterizing lignin and silica coprecipitates by FTIR and solid state NMR. Silica particles were coprecipitated with three different lignins, three lignin model compounds, and two silanes representing silica-in-lignin model compounds. Comparison of 29Si SP/MAS NMR spectra revealed differences in the distribution of silanol hydroxyl groups among different coprecipitates. These differences are dependent on the lignin type. The results are interpreted that the underlying mechanism of the interactions is the formation of hydrogen bonds between lignin aliphatic hydroxyl or carboxyl groups and the silanols, but not a condensation of the silica-in-lignin among the silica particles and not the formation of C-O-Si bonds.
Kierkegaard on the Power of Love and Despair
Authors: Danko Christina
Published: July 2016

Is it possible to live and love without despair? Kierkegaard raises this question by way of an anecdote about lost love in The Sickness unto Death. A girl believes she despairs over the loss of her beloved, but really despairs over herself. As such, her love is selfish and unhealthy. In Works of Love, Kierkegaard sheds light on an alternative approach to love via a similar anecdote. The girl experiences despair because she lacks the Eternal, not the beloved. In order to live and love without despair, she must recognize her essential dependence upon God, especially in her relationships.
A Figurative Necessity in Dealing with Selfhood in Kierkegaard’s Thinking
Authors: Nielsen Anne Louise
Published: July 2016

This article concerns the concept of selfhood in Kierkegaard’s thinking. First, it rejects any scholarly attempt to establish an essentialist metaphysics of selfhood in Kierkegaard; instead, it seeks to show how the author himself develops his thoughts on subjectivity by applying numerous literary figures and a good deal of irony. Secondly, the article underpins this reading by displaying a specific figure, “The Walking One,” that indicates that actual and individual existence is to be completed only in an actual and individual movement. From here, “The Walking One” opens up new vistas to recognition, communication and language-however, in a paradoxical way. This is proved through analyses of Philosophical Fragments (1844), The Sickness unto Death (1849) and also an upbuilding discourse “He is Believed in the World” (1847). In this light, it is argued that Kierkegaard performs a subtle dialectics between standstill and walking or between “break” and “practice.”
Kierkegaard as an Antimodern Moralist: Re-Thinking “Socio-Political” Categories in Recent Kierkegaard Scholarship
Authors: Rossatti Gabriel Guedes
Published: July 2016

The aim of this paper is to reassess Kierkegaard’s position as a “sociopolitical” thinker. In Section I the limitations of certain prevailing interpretations of Kierkegaard’s socio-political thought are discussed. In Sections II and III I advance a hermeneutic label which I believe to be more adequate to his thought, that of “antimodern.” Finally, in Section IV I draw some general conclusions with regard to the importance-not only for socio-political studies of Kierkegaard but also for other approaches-of understanding his place in the tradition of thought to which he belongs: that of the “moralists.”
On Separation as the Condition for All Existential Ethics
Authors: Verstrynge Karl
Published: July 2016

The solitary nucleus of the Kierkegaardian subject reduced existential selfhood from its very beginnings to an atomistic and Eleatic position. I wish to contend that this isolated self may not be easily reduced to an amoral self. Rather, this irreducibility or separation of the subject establishes the condition for any ethical demand. Even though this claim may finally reach beyond Kierkegaard, I argue that it provides us with a basis for all existential ethics.
Reue als Schlüssel zur existentiellen Selbstwerdung. Überlegungen im Anschluss an Kierkegaards Beichtrede von 1847
Authors: Winter Roman
Published: July 2016

This article seeks to interpret Kierkegaard’s concept of remorse as a key to the understanding of his conception of self-becoming. I argue that, according to Kierkegaard, remorse is to be considered an answer to guilt. Guilt, however, becomes a reality for-and becomes revealed to-its subject only vis-à-vis the Other. Accordingly, I further argue that Kierkegaard puts a special emphasis on the beholdenness of remorse: as an answer it is nevertheless and simultaneously a gift-a grace-of the Other, and therefore must be perceived in its irreducible dialectic of activity and passivity. In the mode of passivity the culprit suffers a conviction, or more precisely a verdict of truth; and yet, in order to incorporate this truth into his self, i.e., to become the self he truly is, he has to appropriate it, and such appropriation is, according to Kierkegaard, realized, and realized only, through the act of remorse. I unfold my interpretation primarily on the basis of Kierkegaard’s Leiligheds-Tale from 1847, yet contextualize it by drawing on his pseudonymous works also.
The Monumental Task of Kierkegaard’s Attack upon Christendom
Authors: Nowachek Matthew T.
Published: July 2016

This essay develops the argument that Kierkegaard’s attack upon Christendom in his late writings can be fruitfully understood as a monumental task in two senses: first, as attacking the monuments of Christendom, and particularly those associated with Jakob Peter Mynster and Hans Lassen Martensen, and second, as itself a monument to the existential demand of what Kierkegaard identifies as authentic New Testament Christianity. Towards this end, the notion of the monument is introduced and employed to illuminate the critical and constructive nature of Kierkegaard’s attack. The essay concludes by reflecting on what it would mean to preserve such a Kierkegaardian monument.
Faith in the Mode of Absence: Kierkegaard’s Jewish Readers in 1930s France (Rachel Bespaloff, Benjamin Fondane, Lev Shestov, and Jean Wahl)
Authors: Fox-Muraton Mélissa
Published: July 2016

In the 1930s, Jean Wahl, Lev Shestov, Benjamin Fondane, and Rachel Bespaloff were among the first to seriously introduce philosophical readings of Kierkegaard’s works in France. As Jewish intellectuals within a particularly troubled period in history, their readings of Kierkegaard were informed both by the problems of self-identification imposed upon them by the political context, and by a particular ontological understanding of human nature. This article argues that these considerations are essential for understanding how these early existential thinkers read the Dane and appealed to him in ways quite distinct from the Christian or atheist trends in existential philosophy.
Gesellschaft und Kritische Philosophie. Kierkegaards und Jaspers’ Analyse der geistigen Situation Europas im Vergleich
Authors: Granito Alessandra
Published: July 2016

Kierkegaard is an epochal philosopher who represented-not only in himself, but also in his philosophical Total-Tanke-the signs and concerns of an entire age: he defined not only his own Danish Golden Age, but he also contributed significantly to understanding its own deeper crisis through a relentless critique of culture and society in nineteenth-century Copenhagen. In the context of the analysis and the reception of A Literary Review (En Literair Anmeldelse, 1846), and in relation to Kierkegaard’s influence on philosophical and sociological perspectives in contemporary criticism, this paper explores: 1) Kierkegaard’s influence on Karl Jaspers’ book Man in the Modern Age (Die geistige Situation der Zeit, 1931) with particular reference to the latter’s conception of modernity and mass society; 2) the philosophical assumptions underlying the “European spiritual situation” and the destructive aspects of contemporary mass society according to Kierkegaard’s social and political thought; 3) the relevance of Kierkegaard’s diagnosis of the crisis as an opportunity to acquire a deeper understanding of the origin and the nature of human existence.
Martin Heidegger Reads Søren Kierkegaard – or What Did He Actually Read?
Authors: Thonhauser Gerhard
Published: July 2016

This paper presents an overview of the sources that Heidegger’s Gesamtausgabe provides for a discussion of the Heidegger-Kierkegaard relationship. I identify the translations Heidegger used and the writings that had the most impact on him. Moreover, I show that Heidegger’s relation to Kierkegaard was not consistent over his intellectual life, distinguishing five periods: an initial period of productive engagement (1919-1923); a complex period during the years in Marburg (1923-1928); an affirmative period back in Freiburg (1929-1934); a period of historical classification in the history of being (1935-1945); and an absence in the late writings (1946-1976).
Is acute appendicitis still misdiagnosed?
Authors: Kryzauskas Marius , Danys Donatas , Poskus Tomas , Mikalauskas Saulius , Poskus Eligijus , Jotautas Valdemaras , Beisa Virgilijus , Strupas Kestutis
Published: July 2016

Objective

The optimal diagnostics and treatment of acute appendicitis continues to be a challenge. A false positive diagnosis of appendicitis may lead to an unnecessary operation, which has been appropriately termed negative appendectomy. The aim of our study was to identify the effectiveness of preoperative investigations in preventing negative appendectomy.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed on adult patients who underwent operation for suspected acute appendicitis from 2008 to 2013 at Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Klinikos. Patients were divided into two groups: group A underwent an operation, where appendix was found to be normal (non-inflamed); group B underwent an appendectomy for inflamed appendix. Groups were compared for preoperative data, investigations, treatment results and pathology findings.

Results

554 patients were included in the study. Preoperative laboratory tests results of hemoglobin, hematocrit concentrations and white blood cell count were significantly higher in group B (p<0.001). Ultrasonography was performed for 78 % of patients in group A and 74 % in group B and did not provide any statistically significant results. Comparing Alvarado score results, there were more patients with Alvarado score less than 7 in group A than in group B. In our large series we could find only four independent risk factors, and they could only account for 24 % of cases.

Conclusions

In summary, acute appendicitis is still often misdiagnosed and the ratio of negative appendectomies remains rather high. Additional investigations such as observation and computed tomography should be used to prevent this.