bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential regulation of surface receptor expression, proliferation, and apoptosis in HaCaT cells stimulated with interferon-γ, interleukin-4, tumor necrosis factor-α, or muramyl dipeptide
Authors: El Darzi Emale , Bazzi Samer , Daoud Sarah , Echtay Karim S , Bahr Georges M
Published: April 2017

Keratinocytes are routinely subjected to both internal and external stimulation. This study investigates the effects of interferon gamma, interleukin-4, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and the synthetic immunomodulator muramyl dipeptide on the human keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT. Following HaCaT stimulation with cytokines or muramyl dipeptide for different time periods, changes in the expression of different cell surface receptors, cell proliferation, and cell apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometry, tritiated thymidine uptake, and annexin-V staining, respectively. A significant decrease in the expression of CD49d was found upon treatment with interleukin-4. Interferon gamma and tumor necrosis factor alpha increased the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and major histocompatibility complex class I, whereas major histocompatibility complex class II and CD1b were only upregulated by interferon gamma. Interferon gamma and tumor necrosis factor alpha had opposite effects regarding CD119 expression, with the former downregulating, while the latter upregulating its expression. Of the stimuli tested, only interferon gamma and tumor necrosis factor alpha significantly inhibited proliferation of HaCaT cells, yet only interferon gamma played a significant role in inducing HaCaT cell apoptosis. Our data demonstrate differential effects of the three tested cytokines on keratinocytes and reveal that the absence of HaCaT cell responses to muramyl dipeptide is associated with undetectable levels of its cytoplasmic receptor, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain–containing protein 2.
Investigation of degradation products produced by recycling the solvent during chemical degradation of fiber-reinforced composites
Authors: Sokoli Hülya U , Simonsen Morten E , Søgaard Erik G
Published: April 2017

Recycling of fiber-reinforced thermoset composites using chemical solvolysis has been investigated thoroughly in recent years, where solvents such as water, alcohols and ketones have been used. However, high costs are related to the use of organic solvents, decreasing the sustainability of the process. In this study, acetone has been used as the organic solvent. To increase the sustainability of the process, the solvent was recycled in eight consecutive batches using new glass fiber-reinforced composites in each recycling. No additional amount of acetone was added, resulting in a reduction of solvent consumption by 88%. It was found that the recycled solvent became increasingly more concentrated with degradation products from the epoxy resin and compounds produced by acetone aldol reactions. These degradation products promoted and enhanced the degradation of the composite. Among the compounds produced by acetone aldol reaction, the industrially important bulk chemical mesityl oxide accounted for 68–79% of the total chromatographic peak area. Simultaneously, with the optimization of a process for converting composite waste into its constituent (fibers and resin), valuable bulk chemicals can be produced to increase the overall commercial interest.
Web-Mediated Problem-Based Learning and Computer Programming: Effects of Study Approach on Academic Achievement and Attitude
Authors: Yağcı Mustafa
Published: April 2017

In the relevant literature, it is often debated whether learning programming requires high-level thinking skills, the lack of which consequently results in the failure of students in programming. The complex nature of programming and individual differences, including study approaches, thinking styles, and the focus of supervision, all have an effect on students’ achievement in programming. How students learn programming and the relationships between their study approaches and their achievement in programming have not yet been adequately illuminated. In this regard, the present study aims to investigate the effect of the study approach used on students’ attitudes toward programming and on their academic achievement within an online problem-based learning environment. In this study, a single-factor, pretest posttest single group and semiempirical method was utilized. The study was conducted on 41 students from a public university in Turkey. To implement problem-based learning activities, a teaching environment was created with the Moodle platform, allowing for group work and discussions. Seven status of the problems were prepared exclusively for the 12-week application period so that students could make suggestions about how to solve them. In the data collection phase, the Study Approach Scale, the Attitude Towards Programming Scale, and the Academic Achievement Test were employed. T-test and covariance analyses were carried out in the statistical analysis phase. According to the findings of the present study, students adopting the “deep” study approach were more successful than the students adopting a “superficial” approach. Moreover, it was determined that the problem-based learning application had a positive effect on students’ attitudes toward programming and that the study approach did not significantly affect the students’ attitude toward programming.
Simulation of capacitive pressure sensor based on microelectromechanical systems technology
Authors: Baghelani Masoud , Hosseini-Sianaki Ahmad , Behzadi Zeinab , Mirabdolah Lavasani Arash
Published: April 2017

This paper proposes a very high sensitivity pressure sensor with a novel technique for temperature compensation. The proposed technique employs a geometrical method for self-compensation of Young’s modulus reduction due to temperature increase, where a stronger spring with much larger length and width is anchored. According to the connection of the suspension spring to the larger spring, in higher temperatures, the large spring experiences more length increase, which in turn increases the stiffness of the suspension spring and, consequently, could compensates the Young’s modulus reduction. Simulation results verify that the temperature variation related error in the compensated sensor is less than 0.66% of full-scale under 260 ℃ of temperature range, which shows considerable improvement in comparison with literature. The total consumed area is about 0.033 mm2 with the sensitivity of 290 × 10−6 K−1.
Computerized simulation of tooth contact for planar internal gear enveloping crown worm drive with errors
Authors: Luo Wenjun , Chen Yonghong , Chen Yan , Zhang Guanghui
Published: April 2017

The influence of manufacturing errors and assemble errors on the tooth contact in the planar internal gear enveloping crown worm drive (the crown worm drive) is investigated in this paper. Based on the gear geometry theory and the common moving frame of conjugate tooth surfaces, the mathematical models of crown worm drive are deduced with various kinds of errors, and the methods of solving the actual contact point and actual contact area are presented, as well as the tooth contact analysis is developed by the numerical examples. This work is expected to give a theoretical basis for the manufacture and assemble of crown worm drive.
Grey prediction models for the standard limit of vehicle noise
Authors: Zhao Zhendong , Hu Changzheng
Published: April 2017

With an increasing number of vehicles and increasing environmental protection requirements, countries have accelerated the rate of revision of automobile noise standards and legislation. Scientific prediction of the limiting values in future noise standards is helpful to promote the development of automobile noise reduction technology and measurement analysis technology. The development of noise standard limits has its own objective laws and is restricted to the current and future developments in automotive technology. The amplitude of noise will be reduced increasingly less in the future. Grey prediction theory can explore the variation rules by processing a few effective data. In this paper, grey theory is used to deal with the limited original data in the vehicle noise standard. Non-equal-interval quadratic fitting of the grey Verhulst direct model to predict the future noise standard limits is selected on the basis of calculation and comparison of different models. The Verhulst model is employed to describe the system development by using the characteristics of saturation. By means of quadratic fitting, the accuracy of the Verhulst model can be further improved. The simulation results show the validity and the accuracy of the model. The prediction result is useful for standards and regulations makers and for car manufacturers.
The effect of TiO2 coating on biological NiTi alloys after micro-arc oxidation treatment for corrosion resistance
Authors: Sukuroglu Ebru Emine , Sukuroglu Suleyman , Akar Kubra , Totik Yasar , Efeoglu Ihsan , Arslan Ersin
Published: April 2017

NiTi alloys exhibit good properties, such as shape memory behavior, high corrosion resistant, having the closest elasticity modulus of a human bone and superior biocompatibility properties. However, the surface problems that arise during the use of this alloy limit the usage in the industry and health sector. In recent years, micro-arc oxidation method is used to improve the surface properties and increase the usage of these alloys. In this study, the TiO2 coatings were deposited on the NiTi substrates. The surface topography, morphology, crystallographic structure, and thickness of the coatings were determined using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The corrosion properties were investigated using potentiostat test unit in two different media such as NaCl solution and simulated body fluid. The results show that the coated samples have higher corrosion resistance than uncoated samples in the two different media.
From Selz to Gigerenzer: A thought-psychological research history, which needs a Popperian, fallibilist theory of rationality to effectively develop
Authors: Wettersten John
Published: April 2017

Two sharply separated traditions in the philosophy of science and in thought psychology began with Otto Selz’s psychology. The first tradition began with Karl Popper; it has been developed by many others. The developers of the second tradition have included Julius Bahle, Adriaan de Groot, Herbert Simon, and Gerd Gigerenzer. The first tradition has ignored empirical studies of thought processes. The second tradition is widely based on Simon’s inductivist philosophy. The first tradition can be improved by integrating empirical studies of rationality into its research. The second tradition can be improved by replacing its inductivist assumptions with a fallibilist framework.
The ‘gig economy’: employee, self-employed or the need for a special employment regulation?
Authors: Todolí-Signes Adrián
Published: April 2017

The digital era has changed employment relationships dramatically, causing a considerable degree of legal uncertainty as to which rules apply in cyberspace. Technology is transforming business organisation in a way that makes employees – as subordinate workers – less necessary. New types of companies, based on the ‘on-demand economy’ or so-called ‘sharing economy’ and dedicated to connecting customers directly with individual service providers, are emerging. These companies conduct their entire core business through workers that they classify as self-employed. In this context, employment law is facing its greatest challenge, as it has to deal with a very different reality to the one existing when it was created. This article analyses the literature available about the classification of this new type of worker as an employee or as self-employed, concluding that there is a need for a new special labour regulation. It also describes and justifies the bases for this new special labour regulation.
Energy harvesting using flexible piezoelectric materials from human walking motion: Theoretical analysis
Authors: Cha Youngsu
Published: April 2017

Human walking is a good energy source that can be harvested to support wearable devices. For one walking cycle, the muscles at each joint of human lower body consume tens of watts. The considerable amount of kinetic energy generated while walking can be turned to useful electric energy through energy transducers. In this article, we theoretically investigate energy harvesting from flexible piezoelectric materials attached to humans while walking. We focus on the hip, knee, and ankle motions of walking humans and analyze the frequency characteristic of the motions using Fourier series fitting. A model is utilized to predict the electrical responses from piezoelectric materials and the power harvested through load resistances. In particular, we estimate the harvested power from polyvinylidene fluoride and derive the contour maps with respect to the harvested power as a function of the load resistance and walking frequency. Moreover, we discuss the necessary mechanical power input required to deflect the energy harvester and the effects of the varied parameters.
Linear and nonlinear analysis of the thermal effects of beam piezoelectric bending actuator on adaptive optics
Authors: Wang Hairen , Hu Lin
Published: April 2017

The beam piezoelectric bending actuator, of a simple structure and at a low cost, can be a good match for the large adaptive optics telescopes, for it has a large stroke and a high resonance frequency. In this article, the thermal effects of a beam piezoelectric bending actuator are analyzed in the aspects of the statics, dynamics, and nonlinear dynamics. The results of the linear statics and dynamics have shown that the thermal effects will produce the zero offsets to the static strokes of the beam piezoelectric bending actuator and have little influence on the resonant frequency. Besides, finite element analysis methods are applied to validate the analytic methods. The conclusions have shown that the analytic results and the finite element analysis results are reasonably consistent with each other. Furthermore, the nonlinear behaviors of the beam piezoelectric bending actuator in dynamics are studied, and through the changeable curves of the frequency, it can be observed that the results of the strokes imposed on the actuator have exhibited multiple values and jumps near the resonance.
An enhancement of mechanical and rheological properties of magnetorheological elastomer with multiwall carbon nanotubes
Authors: Abdul Aziz Siti Aishah , Mazlan Saiful Amri , Nik Ismail Nik I , Choi Seung-Bok , Ubaidillah  , Yunus Nurul Azhani Binti
Published: April 2017

In this work, a new type of magnetorheological elastomer, which is reinforced by carbon nanotubes, is fabricated and its material properties are experimentally investigated. In order to achieve this goal, as a first step, different types of multiwall carbon nanotubes are incorporated into a series of natural rubber–based magnetorheological elastomers as additives. Several experimental instruments such as X-ray diffractometer, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry are utilized. From the test, several salient properties of the proposed magnetorheological elastomer are observed or/and characterized. The results indicate that the interaction between natural rubber–based magnetorheological elastomers and multiwall carbon nanotubes can provide significant improvement in mechanical and rheological properties. More specifically, it is observed that mechanical properties such as tensile strength are enhanced up to 11% by the functionalized multiwall carbon nanotube. It is also found that the field-dependent storage and loss moduli of the proposed magnetorheological elastomer samples are increased compared to magnetorheological elastomer without multiwall carbon nanotube. It is finally identified that magnetorheological efficiency, which indicates force controllability by the magnetic field, of the proposed magnetorheological elastomer samples is consistent with the increased operating frequency. Therefore, it is expected that the results of morphological, thermal, and rheological properties parallel to incorporation of multiwall carbon nanotubes into magnetorheological elastomers are effectively used for proper selection of magnetorheological elastomer applications.
Primary Pulmonary Myxoid Sarcoma: A Newly Described Entity—Report of a Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: Prieto-Granada Carlos N. , Ganim Rose B. , Zhang Lei , Antonescu Cristina , Mueller James
Published: April 2017

Primary pulmonary myxoid sarcoma (PPMS) is a recently described, exceedingly rare low-grade lung sarcoma that tends to present in young females as an endobronchial mass and shows evidence of an EWSR1- CREB1 fusion. Herein, we present a case of PPMS with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis for EWSR1 and CREB1 rearrangements. An 80-year-old woman presented with an endobronchial, multinodular tumor exhibiting spindle, ovoid and epithelioid cells arranged in reticular/lattice-like and alveolar-like patterns in a myxoid background. The tumor showed focal epithelial membrane antigen immunoreactivity as well as an Alcian blue–positive stroma that was sensitive to digestion with hyaluronidase. EWSR1 and CREB1 rearrangements were detected by break-apart FISH probes. The patient showed persistence of disease 36 months after diagnosis and was discharged to hospice care. We contribute with a report of an additional case of this very unusual entity and perform a brief review of the literature published so far on the subject.
Imaging Acute and Chronic Pain in the Human Brainstem and Spinal Cord
Authors: Henderson Luke A. , Keay Kevin A.
Published: April 2017

While acute pain serves as a protective mechanism designed to warn an individual of potential or actual damaging stimuli, chronic pain provides no benefit and is now considered a disease in its own right. Since the advent of human brain imaging techniques, many investigations that have explored the central representation of acute and chronic pain have focused on changes in higher order brain regions. In contrast, far fewer have explored brainstem and spinal cord function, mainly due to significant technical difficulties. In this review, we present some of the recent human brain imaging studies that have specifically explored brainstem and spinal cord function during acute noxious stimuli and in individuals with chronic pain. We focus particularly on investigations that explore changes in areas that receive nociceptor afferents and compare humans and experimental animal data in an attempt to describe both microscopic and macroscopic changes associated with acute and chronic pain.
Advertising spending, firm performance, and the moderating impact of CSR
Authors: Assaf A. George , Josiassen Alexander , Ahn Jin Sun , Mattila Anna S.
Published: April 2017

This article investigates the potential of corporate social responsibility (CSR) to influence the link between advertising spending and firm performance. Drawing upon the literature of CSR, we hypothesize that CSR positively moderates the relationship between advertising spending and firm performance. We focus on two types of firm performance: sales and firm value. Using two samples from both the hotel and restaurant industries, we found that firms with higher levels of CSR enjoy higher returns on advertising spending than firms with lower levels of CSR. We discuss the theoretical and managerial implications of these findings and provide direction for future research.
Digital unhu: Mobile connectivity and immaterial labor in Zimbabwean artistic expression
Authors: McClune Caitlin
Published: April 2017

Through an analysis of two cases of Zimbabwean artistic collaboration and expression, this article proposes the concept “digital unhu” as a useful tool for understanding a Zimbabwean-inflected expression of immaterial labor. This concept is premised on the unprecedented rise of mobile phones in Zimbabwe, and contains three main components, including the fusion of older traditions with newer technologies, an emphasis on community and collaboration, and strategies of mobility. Using this framework, this article seeks to add to scholarship that considers a variety of factors that influence digital practices in the rise of mobile phone use in the global south. Specifically, it emphasizes the impact of markets, as well as historical and cultural influences, on mobile phone practices in Zimbabwe.
Taking it personally: How to increase interorganizational knowledge sharing in a tourist district
Authors: Kim Namhyun , Shim Changsup
Published: April 2017

Despite the critical role individual workers play in delivering tourism products and services, there is a dearth of empirical information about “personal” factors that influence inter-organizational knowledge sharing in relation to tourist destinations. This study fills this knowledge gap by exploring personal factors that influence inter-organizational knowledge sharing, by empirically examining the personal experiences of individuals working for various organizations in the Bomun Tourism Complex, the oldest national tourist district in Gyeongju, South Korea. The results of our preliminary survey showed that Bomun Tourism Complex employees tend to interact with others in the same type of business and in private meetings as opposed to in more public or industry-wide meetings, with wide variation in the level of actual interaction. In-depth interviews then focused on three personal factors we had identified in an extensive literature review: personal attitude, competence, and embeddedness. Based on the results, three practical implications to increase inter-organizational knowledge sharing were offered: educating people about the substantial benefits of interorganizational knowledge sharing, finding ways to promote community spirit within the cluster, increasing various types of interactions and meetings, and activating the mediating role of destination management organizations.
Mean-parametrized Conway–Maxwell–Poisson regression models for dispersed counts
Authors: Huang Alan
Published: April 2017

Conway–Maxwell–Poisson (CMP) distributions are flexible generalizations of the Poisson distribution for modelling overdispersed or underdispersed counts. The main hindrance to their wider use in practice seems to be the inability to directly model the mean of counts, making them not compatible with nor comparable to competing count regression models, such as the log-linear Poisson, negative-binomial or generalized Poisson regression models. This note illustrates how CMP distributions can be parametrized via the mean, so that simpler and more easily interpretable mean-models can be used, such as a log-linear model. Other link functions are also available, of course. In addition to establishing attractive theoretical and asymptotic properties of the proposed model, its good finite-sample performance is exhibited through various examples and a simulation study based on real datasets. Moreover, the MATLAB routine to fit the model to data is demonstrated to be up to an order of magnitude faster than the current software to fit standard CMP models, and over two orders of magnitude faster than the recently proposed hyper-Poisson model.
Admiral Nurses delivering workplace clinics for family carers: Innovative practice
Authors: Weatherhead Ian , Eades Linda , Harrison Dening Karen , Weidner Wendy
Published: April 2017

Dementia UK and The Charity for Civil Servants teamed up to test the acceptability and feasibility of delivering a work-based Admiral Nurse clinic to support family carers during their employed working hours. This paper presents some of the learning from this innovative approach.
Neoliberalism in Higher Education: Can We Understand? Can We Resist and Survive? Can We Become Without Neoliberalism?
Authors: Cannella Gaile S. , Koro-Ljungberg Mirka
Published: April 2017

Concern regarding capitalism, profiteering, and the corporatization of higher education is not new. A market focus that creates students as consumers and faculty as service providers has dominated global practices in colleges and universities for some time. Most recently, however, this more liberal market-driven focus has actually morphed away from a jurisdictional emphasis (with a potential focus on fairness) to forms of veridiction (neoliberal truth regimes) that legitimate intervention into all aspects of society, the environment, interpretations of the world around us, even into the physical individual bodies of human beings as well as the more-than-human. In higher education, this neoliberal saturation has led to changes that are of seismic proportion. The authors in this special issue describe their own research into, interpretations of, and life experiences as they attempt to survive within this neoliberal condition, and as they also generate counter conducts and ways of thinking without neoliberalism.
Recurrent Hemarthrosis due to Iatrogenic AVF Treated With Onyx Embolization
Authors: Koleilat Issam , Phair John
Published: April 2017

A 78-year-old gentleman presented with recurrent symptomatic hemarthrosis after total knee arthroplasty. His workup revealed an iatrogenic arteriovenous fistula (iAVF). The iAVF was embolized with the Onyx Liquid Embolization System with resolution of his symptoms up to 10 months of follow-up. This is the first description to our knowledge of an iatrogenic hemarthrosis after total knee arthroplasty successfully treated with Onyx solution embolization.
Traffic management systems: A classification, review, challenges, and future perspectives
Authors: de Souza Allan M , Brennand Celso ARL , Yokoyama Roberto S , Donato Erick A , Madeira Edmundo RM , Villas Leandro A
Published: April 2017

In cities, where the number of vehicles continuously increases faster than the available traffic infrastructure to support them, congestion is a difficult issue to deal with and it becomes even worse in case of car accidents. This problem affects many aspects of the modern society, including economic development, traffic accidents, increase in greenhouse emissions, time spent, and health damages. In this context, modern societies can rely on traffic management system to minimize traffic congestion and its negative effects. Traffic management systems are composed of a set of application and management tools to improve the overall traffic efficiency and safety of the transportation systems. Furthermore, to overcome such issue, traffic management system gathers information from heterogeneous sources, exploits such information to identify hazards that may potentially degrade the traffic efficiency, and then provides services to control them. With this question in mind, this article presents a classification, review, challenges, and future perspectives to implement a traffic management system.
Energy optimization of ant colony algorithm in wireless sensor network
Authors: Li Peng , Nie Huqing , Qiu Lingfeng , Wang Ruchuan
Published: April 2017

An energy consumption optimization algorithm based on ant colony algorithm is proposed for wireless sensor network. The proposed algorithm allows each node in wireless sensor network to save the distance and residual energy of neighbor nodes. Furthermore, in terms of probability selection of the nodes and the pheromone update, this algorithm focuses on the next hop node through the comparison of distance between the nodes and the residual energy, which ensures less possibility of nodes with low energy selected as the next hop. Therefore, the proposed algorithm improves energy load balancing, stability of wireless sensor network and, eventually, extends the life span of the wireless sensor network. The simulation results show that the improved ant colony algorithm avoids too much energy consumption of a certain local node resulting in more uniform energy consumption for each node.
Surgical site infection prevention: An analysis of compliance with good practice in a teaching hospital
Authors: de Oliveira Adriana Cristina , Sarmento Gama Camila
Published: April 2017

Background:

Surgical teams play a critical role in reducing surgery-related risks during preoperative and intraoperative phases.

Aim:

To analyse the preoperative and intraoperative practices adopted by surgical teams in surgical site infections prevention.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study conducted during April–September 2013 in a large university hospital in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. It was conducted through observation of the surgical practice during preoperative and intraoperative phases of procedures used by a gastroenterological, cardiovascular and paediatric surgical team.

Results:

A total of 100 surgeries were monitored. Hair removal was performed for 20% of the patients inside the operating room by professionals using clippers in 65% of operations. The antimicrobial agent of choice was appropriate/satisfactory in 62% of the operations and administered up to 60 min before surgical incision in 90.3% of the cases. The operating room door was kept closed in 4% of these procedures.

Discussion:

Some preoperative measures for surgical site infection prevention were not adhered to by the professionals who were monitored in this study. It is recommended that surgical teams undergo professional surveillance and training to highlight the necessity and importance of implementing measures to improve the quality of care provided to surgical patients.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Older Adults With Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Using Multiple Daily Injections of Insulin: Results From the DIAMOND Trial
Authors: Ruedy Katrina J. , Parkin Christopher G. , Riddlesworth Tonya D. , Graham Claudia
Published: April 2017

Objective:

The objective was to determine the effectiveness of real-time continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in adults ≥ 60 years of age with type 1 (T1D) or type 2 (T2D) diabetes using multiple daily insulin injections (MDI).

Methods:

A multicenter, randomized trial was conducted in the United States and Canada in which 116 individuals ≥60 years (mean 67 ± 5 years) with T1D (n = 34) or T2D (n = 82) using MDI therapy were randomly assigned to either CGM (Dexcom™ G4 Platinum CGM System® with software 505; n = 63) or continued management with self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG; n = 53). Median diabetes duration was 21 (14, 30) years and mean baseline HbA1c was 8.5 ± 0.6%. The primary outcome, HbA1c at 24 weeks, was obtained for 114 (98%) participants.

Results:

HbA1c reduction from baseline to 24 weeks was greater in the CGM group than Control group (−0.9 ± 0.7% versus −0.5 ± 0.7%, adjusted difference in mean change was −0.4 ± 0.1%, P < .001). CGM-measured time >250 mg/dL ( P = .006) and glycemic variability ( P = .02) were lower in the CGM group. Among the 61 in the CGM group completing the trial, 97% used CGM ≥ 6 days/week in month 6. There were no severe hypoglycemic or diabetic ketoacidosis events in either group.

Conclusion:

In adults ≥ 60 years of age with T1D and T2D using MDI, CGM use was high and associated with improved HbA1c and reduced glycemic variability. Therefore, CGM should be considered for older adults with diabetes using MDI.
How to Test Questions About Similarity in Personality and Social Psychology Research
Authors: Barranti Maxwell , Carlson Erika N. , Côté Stéphane
Published: April 2017

Social and personality psychologists are often interested in the extent to which similarity, agreement, or matching matters. The current article describes response surface analysis (RSA), an approach designed to answer questions about how (mis)matching predictors relate to outcomes while avoiding many of the statistical limitations of alternative, often-used approaches. We explain how RSA provides compressive and often more valid answers to questions about (mis)matching predictors than traditional approaches provide, outline steps on how to use RSA (including modifiable syntax), and demonstrate how to interpret RSA output with an example. To bolster our argument that RSA overcomes many limitations of traditional approaches (i.e., incomplete or misleading inferences), we compare results from four popular approaches (i.e., difference scores, residuals, moderated regression, and the truth and bias model) to those obtained from RSA. We discuss specific applications of RSA to social and personality psychology research.
Zellweger syndrome: Depiction of MRI findings in early infancy at 3.0 Tesla
Authors: Pfeifer Cory M , Martinot Carlos A
Published: April 2017

Zellweger syndrome, also referred to as cerebrohepatorenal syndrome, is a rare autosomal recessive disease representing the most severe form of the peroxisomal biogenesis disorders. Neuroanatomical sequelae include impaired neuronal migration, diffuse hypomyelination, and sensorineural degeneration. Due to the rare and severe nature of this disorder, early mortality, and comorbidities that place the patient at risk for sedated imaging, high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging findings of Zellweger syndrome are scarce in the literature. Presented here is a case of this rare disease imaged at 3.0 Tesla.
Fluid resuscitation with lactated Ringer’s solution vs normal saline in acute pancreatitis: A triple-blind, randomized, controlled trial
Authors: de-Madaria Enrique , Herrera-Marante Iván , González-Camacho Verónica , Bonjoch Laia , Quesada-Vázquez Noé , Almenta-Saavedra Isabel , Miralles-Maciá Cayetano , Acevedo-Piedra Nelly G , Roger-Ibáñez Manuela , Sánchez-Marin Claudia , Osuna-Ligero Rosa , Gracia Ángel , Llorens Pere , Zapater Pedro , Singh Vikesh K , Moreu-Martín Rocío , Closa Daniel
Published: April 2017

Background

Little is known regarding the optimal type of fluid resuscitation in acute pancreatitis (AP).

Objective

The objective of this article was to compare the effect of lactated Ringer’s solution (LR) vs normal saline (NS) in the inflammatory response in AP.

Methods

We conducted a triple-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Patients ≥ 18 admitted with AP were eligible. Patients were randomized to receive LR or NS. Primary outcome variables were number of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria at 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours and blood C-reactive protein (CRP) levels at 48 hours and 72 hours. In vitro complementary experiments were performed to further explore the interaction between pH, lactate and inflammation.

Results

Nineteen patients receiving LR and 21 receiving NS were analyzed. The median (p25–p75) number of SIRS criteria at 48 hours were 1 (1–2) for NS vs 1 (0–1) for LR, p = 0.060. CRP levels (mg/l) were as follows: at 48 hours NS 166 (78–281) vs LR 28 (3–124), p = 0.037; at 72 hours NS 217 (59–323) vs LR 25 (3–169), p = 0.043. In vitro, LR inhibited the induction of inflammatory phenotype of macrophages and NF-κB activation. This effect was not observed when using Ringer’s solution without lactate, suggesting a direct anti-inflammatory effect of lactate.

Conclusions

Lactated Ringer’s is associated with an anti-inflammatory effect in patients with acute pancreatitis.
Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Alpha-Gal Food Allergy Appears to Be Patient Driven
Authors: Flaherty Mary Grace , Kaplan Samantha Jan , Jerath Maya R.
Published: April 2017

Objective: Patients exhibiting life-threatening symptoms associated with the alpha-gal food allergy (delayed urticaria or anaphylaxis due to mammalian meat) are frequently undiagnosed, causing unnecessary emergency department (ED) and health care visits, and extensive pain and suffering. This study aimed to determine the path to diagnosis experienced by alpha-gal patients. Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted from March to June 2016 with a chronological systematic sample of approximately 10% of patients diagnosed with alpha-gal and treated by the University of North Carolina Allergy and Immunology Clinic (n = 28). Main outcome measures included average length of time between first symptoms’ appearance and diagnosis, number and type of health care encounters en route to diagnosis, and typical symptom severity. Results: Six interviewees (21%) were diagnosed within a year of experiencing symptoms, of the remaining 22, mean time to diagnosis was 7.1 years. In over 100 medical encounters (including 28 ED visits and 2 urgent care) the correct diagnosis or effective diagnosing referral occurred less than 10% of the time. Seventy-one percent (20/28) described their first symptoms as severe. More patients found the allergist specializing in this condition on their own (n = 12; 43%) than those who were formally diagnosed or received referrals (n = 10; 36%) through the health care system. Conclusions: The medical community is challenged to stay abreast of emerging and newly uncovered illnesses through traditional medical literature communication channels. Presently, patients more often discover a diagnosis of alpha-gal allergy by using information resources on their own than by presenting to the ED with anaphylaxis.
Pharmaceutical Perspectives of Spices and Condiments as Alternative Antimicrobial Remedy
Authors: D’Souza Savita P. , Chavannavar Suvarna V. , Kanchanashri B. , Niveditha S. B.
Published: April 2017

Medicinal values of spices and condiments are being revived by biologists through in vitro and in vivo trials providing evidence for its antimicrobial activities. The essential oils and extracts of spices like black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg contain active compounds like piperine, eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, and lignans. Similarly, condiments like coriander, black cumin, turmeric, garlic, and ginger are recognized for constituents like linalool, thymoquinones, curcumin, allicin, and geranial respectively. These act as natural preventive components of several diseases and represent as antioxidants in body cells. Scientists have to investigate the biochemical nature, mode of action, and minimum concentration of administrating active ingredients effectively. This review reports findings of recent research carried out across South Asia and Middle East countries where spices and condiments form chief flavoring components of traditional foods. It narrates the history, myths, and facts people believe in these regions. There may not be scientific explanation but has evidence of cure for centuries.
Online Dissertation Chairs’ Perceptions on the Role of Reflective Mentoring Practices and Changing Student Cross-Cultural and Generational Worldviews
Authors: Fedock Barbara
Published: April 2017

Online doctoral students from different cross-cultural generations may disconnect when dissertation chairs fail to understand how students’ worldviews impact doctoral students during the dissertation-writing process. Because of the changing needs of digitally connected Generation Z students who will enter online doctoral programs by the mid-2020s, higher education leaders must create a model that will prepare online doctoral chairs to change how they mentor students and reflect on mentoring practices. The purpose of this qualitative exploratory case study was to examine how online dissertation chairs perceived the role of reflective mentoring practices and changing student cross-cultural and generational worldviews. The themes that emerged were online anonymity versus personalization, shepherd leadership versus transformational leadership, and meeting professional goals versus student-centered goals. The significance of the study is the need for online leaders to institute a change process that will be firmly in place for online dissertation chairs when Generation Z students are old enough to begin doctoral programs.
An Unusual First Manifestation of Hodgkin Lymphoma: Epitrochlear Lymph Node İnvolvement—A Case Report and Brief Review of Literature
Authors: Yardimci Veysi Hakan , Yardimci Aytul Hande
Published: April 2017

Although epitrochlear lymph nodes may be enlarged as a part of generalized lymphadenopathy, isolated enlargement of epitrochlear lymph nodes is rarely seen. We describe Hodgkin’s lymphoma in a 55-year-old male who presented with isolated epitrochlear lymphadenopathy of his right arm. In the histopathological examination of the epitrochlear lymph node was a lymphocyte-rich Hodgkin lymphoma with a clinical grade (CS IA) diagnosed. The diagnosis was confirmed, via the bone marrow biopsy and positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging, as pathological stage PS IA and clinical stage CS IA. Epitrochlear lymph node involvement, as a first presentation, is rarely seen in Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The aim of this study was to recapitulate the possible background diseases arising on the basis of an asymptomatic epitrochlear lymphadenopathy, to review the Hodgkin lymphoma presenting with primary epitrochlear lymphadenopathy in light of the literature, and to highlight the importance of a careful examination of the elbow site in routine physical examination.
Self-Assessed Competence of Experienced Expatriate Nurses in a Rural and Remote Setting
Authors: Aqtash Salah , Robb Walter Frederick , Hunter Lyndal Heather , Almuhtasib Majdi , Hamad Abeer , Brownie Sharon Mary
Published: April 2017

We aimed to measure the self-assessed level of competence among nurses working in the public hospitals of Al-Gharbia Region, a remote rural region of United Arab Emirates, and to explore the factors associated with the nurses’ self-perceived competency. The Nurse Competency Scale, which measures the self-assessed level of competency of nurses, has been validated in a variety of clinical settings, in facilities of various sizes, and in small and large cohorts. However, its application among an expatriate nursing workforce working in small hospitals and health facilities in remote and rural areas has not been examined. We used the Nurse Competency Scale to survey the nursing workforce in Al-Gharbia’s public hospitals in United Arab Emirates. All 435 practicing registered nurses with more than 3 months clinical experience in the network were invited to participate. Data were collected electronically and analyzed by international collaborators. Statistical analysis included analysis of variance, Kruskal–Wallis, multiple linear regression, χ2 test of independence, and Cronbach’s α. Totally, 189 responses were analyzed (43.4% response rate). Overall self-assessed levels of competence were uniformly “very good” across all competence categories. The overall score (84.3) was higher than those found in most other studies. Frequency of use was the most outstanding variable influencing self-assessed competence. Total years of experience were the next significant variable. Some items of the scale were not yet applicable to activities in the region, particularly those relating to supervision of students. The high scores achieved by expatriate nurses in the small hospitals of Al-Gharbia reflect well on the rigor of the recruitment process, ongoing cross-training and functional competency assessment. Policies and practices aimed at recruiting experienced expatriate nurses and providing opportunities to use competencies continue to be critical in providing a quality nursing service in a rural and remote region.
Customer Value Creation in Multichannel Systems: The Interactive Effect of Integration Quality and Multichannel Complexity
Authors: Kabadayi Sertan , Loureiro Yuliya Komarova , Carnevale Marina
Published: April 2017

This research examines factors that influence consumer perceptions of value created by a multichannel system of service delivery. The literature suggests that multichannel integration quality allows firms to benefit from the effect of synergy and complementarity between channels. We investigate the perceived value of multichannel service delivery in the context of retail banking services, where such multichannel systems are omnipresent. We propose and test a model in which multichannel integration quality is an important value driver, such that higher multichannel integration quality leads to greater value perceptions of not only the multichannel system, but also the overall value of the bank as perceived by the customer. Importantly, the complexity of the multichannel system of service delivery, as perceived by customers, moderates the direct effect of channel integration quality on perceived value of the multichannel system, so that in highly complex multichannel systems, channel integration quality will have a stronger effect on the perceived value to customer. Our findings also shed light on the specific factors that contribute to consumer value perceptions of multichannel retail banking services, which has important implications to managers and researchers.
Effective Decentralization of a Pharmacy Technician to Facilitate Delivery of Medications Prior to Discharge in a Community Hospital
Authors: Van Gorder Charles M. , Yost Scott H. , Negrelli Jenna M. , Anderson Scott H. , Chew Carolyn
Published: April 2017

Background: There are many benefits to a well-designed prescription process and delivery service at the time of discharge from the hospital. However, the discharge prescription delivery service in our hospital has historically been infrequently utilized. Objective: To assess the number of patients with prescriptions in hand prior to discharge, the number of prescriptions filled, the duration of time to get discharge prescriptions to the floor, and the motivation patients had for declining the service. Methods: This single-center, quality improvement project was initiated as a pilot program from March through December 2015, utilizing a certified pharmacy technician (CPhT) on a 56-bed cardiovascular floor from Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. All patients discharged during the pilot time period were included in the analysis. The CPhT was responsible for collecting, inputting, processing, delivering, and charging for discharge prescriptions. Results: The number of patients utilizing the service increased from an average of 68 to 132 per month, pre- and postintervention, respectively. Total prescriptions increased from 296 preintervention to 456 postintervention per month. Prescription delivery time to the patient was decreased by 28 minutes. Conclusions: The utilization of a decentralized CPhT in a 56-bed cardiology unit at a large community hospital increased both the number of patients and total number of prescriptions filled prior to discharge. Future studies are warranted to evaluate medication interventions at discharge and readmission rates in patients who have prescriptions in hand prior to discharge versus those that do not.
Readability and Comprehensibility of Patient Information Leaflets for Antidiabetic Medications in Qatar
Authors: Munsour Emad Eldin , Awaisu Ahmed , Hassali Mohamed Azmi Ahmad , Darwish Sara , Abdoun Einas
Published: April 2017

Background:The readability and comprehensibility of the patient information leaflets (PILs) provided with antidiabetic medications are of questionable standards; this issue negatively affects adherence to drug therapy, especially in patients with limited literacy skills. Objective: To evaluate the readability and comprehensibility of PILs supplied with medications used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Qatar. Methods: All PILs of the antidiabetic medications in Qatar were evaluated using the Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) score for readability. The Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, Gunning-Fog Index, and SMOG Grading were used to estimate the comprehensibility of PILs in terms of school grade levels. Results: A total of 45 PILs were evaluated: 32 (71.1%) PILs of brand-name products and 13 (28.9%) for generics. Nine (20%) of the PILs were in English only; 8 (17.8%) were in English, Arabic, and French; and 28 (62.2%) were in English and Arabic. The mean FRE score was 37.71 (±15.85), and the most readable PIL had FRE score of 62. The mean scores for the comprehensibility evaluations were 10.96 (±2.67), 15.02 (±2.52), and 11.41 (±1.6) for the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, Gunning-Fog Index, and SMOG Grading, respectively. The most commonly used antidiabetic medication was metformin with 1372.9 (±552.9) as PILs’ mean number of words. Conclusion: Only 2.2% of PILs had acceptable readability scores. All PILs could be comprehended by at least an 11th grade student, which exceeds the recommended grade level for health-related materials. Approximately 20% of these PILs were in English only and were not readable by most patients.