bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depression prevention, labour force participation and income of older working aged Australians: A microsimulation economic analysis
Authors: Veerman J Lennert , Shrestha Rupendra N , Mihalopoulos Cathrine , Passey Megan E , Kelly Simon J , Tanton Robert , Callander Emily J , Schofield Deborah J
Published: November 2014

Objective:

Depression has economic consequences not only for the health system, but also for individuals and society. This study aims to quantify the potential economic impact of five-yearly screening for sub-syndromal depression in general practice among Australians aged 45-64 years, followed by a group-based psychological intervention to prevent progression to depression.

Method:

We used an epidemiological simulation model to estimate reductions in prevalence of depression, and a microsimulation model, Health&WealthMOD2030, to estimate the impact on labour force participation, personal income, savings, taxation revenue and welfare expenditure.

Results:

Group therapy is estimated to prevent around 5,200 prevalent cases of depression (2.2%) and add about 520 people to the labour force. Private incomes are projected to increase by $19 million per year, tax revenues by $2.4 million, and transfer payments are reduced by $2.6 million.

Conclusion:

Group-based psychological intervention to prevent depression could result in considerable economic benefits in addition to its clinical effects.
The slow transformation of Swiss federal administrative elites
Authors: Emery Yves , Giauque David , Rebmann Frédéric
Published: November 2014

This article sets out to study the profile of Swiss administrative elites at federal level by showing how their profile has evolved in the light of what has come to be known as the wave of New Public Management (NPM), which has benefited from a very fertile ground in Switzerland. These elites correspond to a specific institutional order, in relation to specific organizational structures and workings, and have specific characteristics in terms of career paths and academic background. However, the administrative reforms that have been rolled out since the 1980s have transformed the institutional order within which executives of the federal administration evolve. This article analyses the extent to which these transformations have had an impact on the characteristics of these elites, through indicators such as academic capital, social capital, and career path within and outside the administration. The results show a slow but significant transformation in the profiles of these elites towards an increasing managerialization, reflecting that of the context in which they evolve.

Points for practitioners

The relationship between politics and the administration is naturally shaped by individuals but is closely dependent on the profiles of the players. They are currently undergoing a transformation in the wake of administrative reforms, and also of the changing profiles of both the political and administrative players. Gaining an insight into the slow transformation of the profiles of administrative elites therefore sheds light on the political-administrative nexus. The gradual managerialization of the administrative elite highlighted in this article also allows for a better understanding of which professional experiences, qualifications and skills are valued today within the senior civil service in Switzerland.
Synthesis of functionalized polyurethane foam using BES chain extender for lead ion removal from aqueous solutions
Authors: Gunashekar Subhashini , Abu-Zahra Nidal
Published: November 2014

Polyurethane foams functionalized with sulphonic acid groups have been found to be strong cation exchangers. This novel property of the foam was used to exchange lead (Pb2+) ions from aqueous solutions. Polyurethane foam synthesis is based on addition polymerization of an isocyanate (–NCO) with a polyol. The primary reaction is due to the reaction of the highly reactive –NCO groups of the isocyanate with the hydroxyl (–OH) groups of the polyol to form the urethane species. Toluene-2,4-diisocyanate,2,6-diisocyanate (CAS: 584-84-9) was reacted with polypropylene glycol 1200 (CAS 25322-69-4) in 2:1 molar ratio to form a linear pre polymer. The linear pre-polymer was further polymerized using N,N-bis(2-hydorxyethyl)-2-aminoethane-sulfonic acid (CAS 10191-18-1) chain extender. An organotin catalyst was used to accelerate the reaction and distilled water was used as a foaming agent to synthesize the functionalized polyurethane foam. The synthesized foam has an open cell content ranging from 70% to 91% and the density ranges from 160 to 432 kg/m3 depending on the foam formulation. The foam was exposed to Pb2+ solutions of known concentrations by batch process. The amount of remaining Pb2+ in the solution in parts per billion (ppb) was determined using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. The maximum Pb2+ ions exchanged per gram of the foam was measured to be 50–54 ppb from a 100 ppb Pb2+ solution over a period of 90 min. In this paper, we present the foam synthesis procedure with the design of experiments to study the effect of processing variables on the performance of this material.
Measurement Directiveness as a Cause of Response Bias
Authors: Brenner Philip S. , DeLamater John
Published: November 2014

Extant research comparing survey self-reports of normative behavior to direct observations and time diary data have yielded evidence of extensive measurement bias. However, most of this research program has relied on observational data, comparing independent samples from the same target population, rather than comparing survey self-reports to a criterion measure for individual respondents. This research addresses the next step using data from two studies. In each study, respondents completed a conventional survey questionnaire, including questions about frequency of religious behavior. Respondents were then asked to participate in a text messaging (short message service) data collection procedure, reporting either (1) participation in religious behavior specifically or (2) all changes in major activity without explicitly specifying religious behavior. Findings suggest that directive measurement, priming the respondent to consider the focal behavior, is a cause of measurement bias.
Deliberate Disequilibrium
Authors: McNair Delores E.
Published: November 2014

Anticipated retirements and relatively short tenure in office create a shortage of community college presidents in the United States. To fill the unprecedented number of vacancies requires a cadre of candidates well prepared for the demands of the position. Using Satir’s change model as a theoretical framework, this year-long reflective study examined eight first-time community college presidents in California. Satir’s model describes six stages of change; this article focuses on the third stage, one of chaos, or disequilibrium. Participants identified key professional experiences, the role of mentors, professional development activities, and doctoral studies as important strategies for navigating this professional disequilibrium and pursuing their career aspirations.
Intralobar sequestration with situs inversus totalis
Authors: Sankar Nainar Madhu , Kumar Sanath , Natarajan Sugumar , Kumar Subbaiyan , Krishnan Ramaiah , Jawale Yogesh
Published: November 2014

Pulmonary sequestration is a relatively rare congenital lesion of the lung. The occurrence of intralobar pulmonary sequestration coincidentally with situs inversus totalis is an interesting combination. We report a case of intralobar sequestration with situs inversus totalis a 30-year-old lady, which was treated successfully in our institution.
Intracranial hemorrhage detection over time using susceptibility-weighted magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Schelhorn Juliane , Gramsch Carolin , Deuschl Cornelius , Quick Harald H , Nensa Felix , Moenninghoff Christoph , Schlamann Marc
Published: November 2014

Background

The reliable detection of intracranial hemorrhages is important, but just 1 year after the hemorrhage onset it might be missed using T2-weighted spin-echo and gradient-echo sequences. Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) is a new magnetic resonance imaging sequence that is extremely sensitive in hemorrhage detection and that might improve the detection of hemorrhages over time.

Purpose

To investigate whether the detectability of intracranial blood and its degradation products is independent of the time span after intracranial hemorrhage using SWI.

Material and Methods

Sixty-six consecutive patients (28 men, 38 women) with definitely known time point of intracranial hemorrhage and available SWI sequence (1.5 or 3 T) were analyzed retrospectively. Twenty-one patients had a SWI follow-up. All SWI images were assessed by two radiologists in consensus regarding hemorrhage visibility using a 5-point scale. Statistical analysis was performed using Spearman’s correlation test.

Results

Median time interval between hemorrhage and first available SWI measurement was 819 days (range, 0 days to 13.2 years). Nine of 66 patients had an isolated subarachnoid hemorrhage (iSAH) and were therefore analyzed separately. In eight of these nine patients the hemorrhage could clearly be detected, the remaining one had minor iSAH. Spearman analysis showed no significant correlation between time span and visibility ( P = 0.660). In the remaining 57 patients (no iSAH) the hemorrhage was always visible achieving at least 3/5 points on the 5-point scale, and Spearman’s analysis revealed only a weak correlation between time span and visibility (r = 0.493, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The detectability of blood and its degradation products using SWI is reliably possible over a long period after intracranial hemorrhage.
European Integration Studies and the European Union’s Eastern Gaze
Authors: Klinke Ian
Published: November 2014

European integration studies has recently seen the first signs of a belated critical turn. While new approaches have started to challenge the way the European Union is conventionally studied, they are yet to investigate in detail the relationship between the academic field and its primary object of study. This article draws on work in critical geopolitics to explore one of the interfaces of academic knowledge on European integration and the world of policy: the Jean Monnet Programme. In highlighting the scheme’s role in the EU’s Eastern geopolitics, it argues that European integration studies resembles other forms of area studies, such as cold war era Sovietology. This comparison elucidates both the field’s long-standing resilience to critical theory and its inability to anticipate the recent crisis of the European project.
Towards a Cultural Political Economy – Not a Cultural IPE
Authors: Best Jacqueline , Paterson Matthew
Published: November 2014

This short article provides a response to Matthias Kranke’s review in this journal (vol. 42, no. 3) of our book Cultural Political Economy. Although we recognise the good intentions behind Kranke’s attempt to bring our book into ongoing ‘trans-Atlantic’ debates about the definition of International Political Economy (IPE) as a field, the very effort to define what IPE ‘is’ and ‘is not’ is precisely the kind of reifying move that our volume was trying to avoid. Our project is principally an ontological one: we try to make sense of what political economy would look like if we took seriously the role of culture. This allows us to cut through the epistemological debates that have historically defined IR and the methodological ones that have recently dominated IPE.
Synthesis, fabrication and mechanical characterization of reinforced epoxy and polypropylene composites for wind turbine blades
Authors: Al-Qabandi O , De Silva Anjali , Al-Enezi Salah , Bassyouni M
Published: November 2014

Failure of wind turbine blades usually originates from manufacturing defects or in-service defects. In this study, materials selection for manufacturing of wind turbine blades was carried out based on the mechanical and physical results obtained using the Cambridge Engineering Selector program. Thermoplastic and thermosetting composites were synthesized and processed using injection molding and vacuum assisted resin infusion techniques, respectively. Operating conditions (vacuum pressure and temperature) were optimized. The manufactured samples were tested and evaluated using destructive tests. Tensile and fatigue tests were carried out. Polypropylene random discontinuous glass fiber composites were synthesized and processed using mold injection technique. Epoxy-carbon, glass and carbon/Kevlar hybrid fiber composites were manufactured using vacuum assisted resin infusion technique. Surface morphology was characterized using scanning electron microscope analysis. Tensile strength and fatigue resistance were significantly improved by the presence of E-glass fiber (30 wt%) in polypropylene-glass fiber composites. The experimental results were compared with the Cambridge Engineering selector software database. Epoxy-carbon (carbon fiber fraction is 0.61) and carbon/Kevlar hybrid (fibers fraction is 0.6) composites showed superior mechanical properties. Epoxy/carbon composite can withstand stresses up to 1390 MPa at 106 cycles.
Check-In Check-Out + Social Skills
Authors: Ross Scott W. , Sabey Christian V.
Published: November 2014

Check-In Check-Out is a Tier 2 intervention designed to reduce problem behavior and increase prosocial behavior. Although the intervention has demonstrated effects in several studies, few research efforts have considered how the intervention can be modified to support students with social skill deficits. Through a multiple baseline design across five students, the current study evaluated a novel approach to blending social skill training and the Check-In Check-Out system, titled “Check-In Check-Out + Social Skills” (CICO+SS). Results indicated that implementation was functionally related to increased positive social engagement and decreased negative social engagement for four of the five participating students. In addition, a student teacher interventionist implemented the program with a high degree of fidelity, and school staff rated the program as effective and efficient. Although some design and measurement limitations warrant consideration, the results have practical implications for Tier 2 interventions, Check-In Check-Out, and social skill training.
Inverse kinematics and control of 4-degree-of-freedom wire-actuated in vivo robot
Authors: Sutar MK , Pathak PM , Mehta NK , Sharma AK , Gupta VK
Published: November 2014

Endoscopes have been in use for many clinical procedures including biopsy and limited surgery. A biopsy is one of its most common applications. For more than a decade, research is in continuation on various limitations encountered by surgeons in this area like dexterity, manoeuverability and controlling of the scope tip to bring it to an exact point of interest. Existing endoscopes have limitations in number of degrees of freedom. To counter this problem, a 4-degree-of-freedom in vivo robot has been proposed by the authors earlier. This article presents an inverse kinematic solution of the wire-actuated in vivo robot for trajectory control. For this, a kinematic analysis has been performed and the tip positions were obtained analytically. For a known tip position, the length of the wire to be wrapped and un-wrapped is decided from the relational approach and accordingly the desired pulley rotation is performed using the proportional–derivative controller. Simulations have been carried out for three different cases and satisfying results were obtained.
Antihistamines modulate the integrin signaling pathway in h9c2 rat cardiomyocytes
Authors: Yun JS , Kim SY
Published: November 2014

The identification of biomarkers for toxicity prediction is crucial for drug development and safety evaluation. The selective and specific biomarkers for antihistamines-induced cardiotoxicity is not well identified yet. In order to evaluate the mechanism of the life-threatening effects caused by antihistamines, we used DNA microarrays to analyze genomic profiles in H9C2 rat cardiomyocytes that were treated with antihistamines. The gene expression profiles from drug-treated cells revealed changes in the integrin signaling pathway, suggesting that cardiac arrhythmias induced by antihistamine treatment may be mediated by changes in integrin-mediated signaling. It has been reported that integrin plays a role in QT prolongation that may induce cardiac arrhythmia. These results indicate that the integrin-mediated signaling pathway induced by antihistamines is involved in various biological mechanisms that lead to cardiac QT prolongation. Therefore, we suggest that genomic profiling of antihistamine-treated cardiomyocytes has the potential to reveal the mechanism of adverse drug reactions, and this signal pathway is applicable to prediction of in vitro cardiotoxicity induced by antihistamines as a biomarker candidate.
Oxyresveratrol suppresses lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in murine macrophages
Authors: Lee HS , Kim DH , Hong JE , Lee J-Y , Kim EJ
Published: November 2014

Excessive inflammation is considered a critical factor in many human diseases. Oxyresveratrol(trans-2,3′,4,5′-tetrahydroxystilbene), a natural hydroxystilbene, has been shown to possess antioxidant and free radical-scavenging activity. In this study, we investigated the effects of oxyresveratrol (OxyR) on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of inflammatory cytokines and mediators and further explored the mechanism of action in RAW264.7 murine macrophage cell line. Production of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs; extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38), and the activation of nuclear factor κ-light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NFκB) with OxyR were assayed in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. OxyR inhibited the productions of NO, PGE2, IL-6, and GM-CSF significantly in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. OxyR suppressed mRNA and protein expressions of iNOS, COX-2, IL-6, and GM-CSF in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. OxyR suppressed the phosphorylation of Akt and JNK and p38 MAPKs and the translocation of NFκB p65 subunit into the nucleus. These results indicate that OxyR inhibits LPS-stimulated inflammatory responses though the blocking of MAPK and NFκB signaling pathway in macrophages, and suggest that OxyR possesses anti-inflammatory effects.
Assessment of hepatic function, oxidant/antioxidant status, and histopathological changes in rats treated with atorvastatin
Authors: Farag MM , Mohamed MB , Youssef EA
Published: November 2014

A major disadvantage that may occur in association with atorvastatin (ATV) therapy is elevation of serum transaminases. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of treatment of rats with various doses of ATV (2, 5, and 10 mg/kg/day) on liver function, oxidative stress, and histology and on the severity of acetaminophen (APAP) hepatotoxicity. ATV administration for 21 days resulted in a dose-dependent significant rise in serum activities of alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase. Only ATV at 10 mg/kg/day decreased reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and elicited histopathological changes in the liver. In rats challenged with APAP (500 mg/kg), the livers showed centrilobular necrosis with evident oxidative stress and liver dysfunction after 24 h. Rats challenged with APAP after pretreatment with ATV 2 or 5 mg/kg/day showed significantly lower activities of serum enzymes, higher hepatic GSH levels and SOD activities, lower MDA levels and milder histopathological changes compared with rats challenged with APAP after pretreatment with ATV 10 mg/kg/day or without drug pretreatment. In conclusion, the effect of ATV on the liver is dose dependent. Our results showed that ATV, at the highest dose used, induced hepatic lipid peroxidation and injury, suggesting a role for oxidative stress in ATV-induced hepatotoxicity. However, lower doses of ATV attenuated APAP-induced hepatotoxicity via a mechanism related, at least in part, to a reduction of APAP-induced hepatic oxidative stress. These results are of practical interest as both drugs may be used concurrently in clinical practice.
Improving Use of Medicines
Authors: Roy Vandana , Gupta Usha
Published: November 2014

In 1994 the Government of Delhi (India) implemented an essential medicines policy in public health facilities (HF) to improve the availability and rational use of medicines (RUM). An essential medicines list (EML) was made. Training programmes in RUM were initiated. After 13 years the outcome of the policy on RUM within public HF was evaluated.

 Policy implementation improved the availability of medicines to 91.4 per cent. Prescribing of medicines from EML increased (94.6 per cent) and antimicrobials declined (51.7 per cent). The number of patients with complete knowledge of how to take prescribed medicines improved (53.4 per cent). However, the use of generic medicines declined (18.1 per cent) and prescriptions were mostly incomplete (79.6 percent).

 Majority of prescribers lacked awareness about the Drug Policy, including not having undergone training sessions on RUM. There were no Drugs and Therapeutic Committees within HF, and only a few doctors had information about medicines available within the HF. The most common sources of information for medicines were commercial published sources and medical representatives of pharmaceutical companies.

 The regulatory intervention of enforcing an EML in public HF has been successful in increasing the use of medicines from the EML and improving some prescribing indicators. However, educational interventions have been inadequate and need to be combined and strengthened to improve the policy outcomes in RUM.
Managing Dengue Outbreak in Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Khan Iram Anjum , Abbas Faisal
Published: November 2014

This article aims at exploring and analyzing reasons for the spread of dengue outbreak in Lahore, Pakistan, in 2011. This led to about 300 deaths. Also, this study intends to review the appropriateness of government response in managing the dengue outbreak. The contributing factors in the spread of dengue disease included, among others, the demographic structure of Lahore district, environmental conditions, and urbanization and slum development with lack of health facilities. Furthermore, managerial and coordination failures at the level of city district government aggravated the situation. The governance failure was manifested by the non-framing of dengue disease as a public policy concern, especially when it had affected almost 4,500 persons leading to three deaths in the year 2010. There were coordination failures with tertiary level health institutions, and the city government was unprepared. Concrete and effective steps were taken when chief minister of the Punjab province intervened personally. The strategy adopted by the provincial government was so successful that in the year 2012, there were only 252 dengue cases and no deaths were reported. However, there is still need to improve coordination at the city government level and to institute a preventive regime to manage an outbreak in the future.
Service Quality and Re-visit Intention
Authors: Saini Gordhan K. , Matta Jasmeet K.
Published: November 2014

The outcomes of service quality such as customer satisfaction and subsequent re-visit intention are two of the most important indicators of organizational performance in the present competitive health care market. This article provides a holistic overview of customer experience of service quality in private hospitals as well as the implications of the same on the behavioural outcomes (e.g., customer satisfaction and re-visit intention) of customers. In this study, we identify the relative importance of critical service quality dimensions from customers’ perspective and examine the relationship between service quality and re-visit intention. A gap analysis was carried out to compare the service quality of a charitable hospital with that of a corporate hospital. A standard questionnaire covering 26 service quality variables was administered to a sample of 120 respondents in two hospitals in Mumbai. Findings suggest that the major factors that influence service quality are related to direct patient care such as hospital facilities, availability of doctors and the behaviour of staff. We suggest that service providers need to understand the critical role of human interaction in health care. Moreover, it is vital to consider all the stakeholders (including attendants and visitors) in service design and delivery as they act as participants in the service delivery process.
Investigating the Relation Between Team Learning and the Team Situation Model
Authors: van der Haar Selma , Segers Mien , Jehn Karen , Van den Bossche Piet
Published: November 2014

The development of a team situation model (TSM), a shared understanding of the current situation developed by team members moment by moment, and its impact on team effectiveness have received minor attention in team research. This study investigates a moderated mediation model including the relationship between the team learning processes of co-construction and constructive conflict, the TSM, and team effectiveness. Forty-seven emergency management command-and-control teams participated in this field study. Their task was to manage a realistic emergency simulation developed and organized by field experts. The multi-rater approach included ratings of team members, researchers, and field experts. Results show that co-construction is related to the TSM under the condition of high constructive conflict. The TSM predicts team effectiveness in terms of the quality of actions at the incident scene.
Interventional Algorithms for the Control of Coagulopathic Bleeding in Surgical, Trauma, and Postpartum Settings
Authors: Carvalho Manuela , Rodrigues Anabela , Gomes Manuela , Carrilho Alexandre , Nunes António Robalo , Orfão Rosário , Alves Ângela , Aguiar José , Campos Manuel
Published: November 2014

Several clinical settings are associated with specific coagulopathies that predispose to uncontrolled bleeding. With the growing concern about the need for optimizing transfusion practices and improving treatment of the bleeding patient, a group of 9 Portuguese specialists (Share Network Group) was created to discuss and develop algorithms for the clinical evaluation and control of coagulopathic bleeding in the following perioperative clinical settings: surgery, trauma, and postpartum hemorrhage. The 3 algorithms developed by the group were presented at the VIII National Congress of the Associação Portuguesa de Imuno-hemoterapia in October 2013. They aim to provide a structured approach for clinicians to rapidly diagnose the status of coagulopathy in order to achieve an earlier and more effective bleeding control, reduce transfusion requirements, and improve patient outcomes. The group highlights the importance of communication between different specialties involved in the care of bleeding patients in order to achieve better results.
Father Figuring
Authors: Anonymous S. F.
Published: November 2014

In this autoethnography, I (re)write the story of my father, and of myself as father. On one hand, I consider my relationship with my own father. More centrally, though, I restory this relationship as I interrogate my own fathering experiences, and the light they shed on “the” story of my relationship with my father. In (re)telling these stories, I explore the contradictions, tensions, and embodied (dis)connections between three generations of boys and men in my family.
Venous thromboembolism: What pharmacists know? What do they need?
Authors: Rey Jean-Baptiste , Jovenin Nicolas , Kreit Pierre , Sicard Jérôme , Parent Damien , Hettler Dominique , Nguyen Philippe , Ducrocq Jean-Luc
Published: November 2014

Introduction

Venous thromboembolism is common in cancer. Low-molecular weight heparins are recommended for prolonged treatment (3–6 months or more if the cancer is active) and prevention of recurrence of venous thromboembolism in cancer. Community pharmacists are often faced with questions from patients. The main objective of this study was to describe the organization, practices and knowledge of pharmacists in care of venous thromboembolism in cancer patients.

Methods

A descriptive survey was conducted electronically in October and November 2013 with pharmacists in the Champagne-Ardenne region. The questionnaire collected data on the general organization of the pharmacy, management of outpatients with cancer and thrombosis, and the level of knowledge regarding recommendations on the management of thrombosis in patients with cancer.

Results

The participation rate was 31.6%. In 93% of cases, pharmacists had no particular expertise in oncology and/or supportive care. In addition, 96% did not know the existence of recommendations for “thrombosis in cancer.” Finally, 49% gave the correct answer to the case report (low-molecular weight heparins).

Conclusion

Training sessions on the management of venous thromboembolism in cancer are currently available to pharmacists in the region. A new assessment of knowledge will be performed at the end of the year 2014. This regional experience is now extended to a national level (all French regions).
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Feezor Robert J. , Janelle Gregory M. , Klodell Charles T.
Published: November 2014

The role of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) continues to evolve and expand at a rapid pace. The advanced age and frailty of many TAVR candidates often presents complex vascular access challenges when contemplating the exact route of valve delivery. As the indications and approved routes of delivery have evolved, so have the direct open vascular and percutaneous techniques paramount to success. We review the spectrum of access options that may be available for consideration during TAVR procedures and highlight the “pearls and pitfalls” of each technique. We additionally highlight reasons a technique may be preferred for a specific patient subset, as well as the concerns addressed by the anesthesiologist in approaching TAVR.
South African report of first case of chromoblastomycosis caused by Cladosporium (syn Cladophialophora) carrionii infection in a cat with feline immunodeficiency virus and lymphosarcoma
Authors: Zambelli Anthony B , Griffiths Catherine A
Published: November 2014

This report describes a 6-year-old neutered male feline immunodeficiency-positive cat with repeated abdominal and thoracic effusions. The cat was diagnosed with and treated for lymphosarcoma but remission was short-lived and, on re-evaluation, a fungal peritoneal exudate was noted. Cytology of the organisms is described and the culture elucidated Cladosporium carrionii, an important cause of chromoblastomycosis. Treatment with itraconazole was unsuccessful in this case.
Determining inductive sensor wear debris limits for rolling contact fatigue of bearings
Authors: Becker Andrew , Abanteriba Sylvester , Forrester David
Published: November 2014

A relatively recent development for the condition monitoring of oil-wetted machinery has been the in-line full-flow inductive wear debris sensor (hereafter referred to as inductive wear debris sensors). These sensors detect a disturbance to a magnetic field caused by metallic wear debris shed from deteriorating dynamic components that is entrained in the lubricant. Applications for these sensors currently include (but are not limited to) aviation machinery, wind-turbine generators, marine propulsion systems, and locomotives. Inductive wear debris sensors can distinguish between ferromagnetic and nonferromagnetic particles as well as providing size and other related information. One of the primary advantages of this sensor type is that the detectable size range is broad and may be used to track the progress of an incipient failure such as the rolling contact fatigue of a bearing or gear as it occurs. One aspect that has received little attention in the literature is the methodology for determining a suitable limit for a particular application. Limits are a critically important aspect of machinery condition monitoring and need to be established by a robust and reliable method otherwise unnecessary maintenance can occur or an incipient fault may be missed. This paper describes a generic method for determining a physically meaningful debris limit for a deteriorating rolling element bearing when utilizing an inductive wear debris sensor.
How common is change of primary diagnosis during an episode of sickness benefit? A register study of medical sickness certificates issued 2010–2012 in Sweden
Authors: Leijon Ola , Josephson Malin , Österlund Niklas
Published: November 2014

Aim: The aims of this study were to investigate how common it is to change primary diagnosis between different diagnostic chapters during a sick-leave spell, and to explore patterns of diagnostic changes. Methods: The unit for analysis was episode of sickness benefit, that is, sick leave >14 days, which commenced between 2010 and 2012 in Sweden. For each case, the primary diagnosis was retrieved from the first and last/latest medical sickness certificate, respectively. The number of days of sickness benefit was linked to the cases. Any change of primary diagnosis was analysed by diagnostic chapter according to the ICD-10, and this was done separately for women and men. Results: In total, 803,041 cases of sickness benefit (63% women) were included in the study. During a sick-leave spell, 7.1% of female cases and 6.6% of male cases changed their primary diagnosis to a diagnosis from another diagnostic chapter. The change of primary diagnosis increased with the number of days with sickness benefit. For female cases, this increase was from 2.0% for cases that lasted 15–30 days to 20.2% for cases that lasted >365 days. For male cases, the corresponding increase was from 1.8% to 21.2%. A change of primary diagnosis was least common among those initially sick-listed for mental disorders and musculoskeletal disorders. The patterns of diagnostic changes were rather similar for women and men. Conclusions: A change of diagnosis during a sick-leave spell needs to be taken into consideration by the sickness insurance system and in the actions taken by its administration. Registry-based studies of sickness insurance need to consider diagnostic changes in both the study design and the interpretation of results.
Interprofessional, simulation-based technology-enhanced learning to improve physical health care in psychiatry: The recognition and assessment of medical problems in psychiatric settings course
Authors: Akroyd Mike , Jordan Gary , Rowlands Paul
Published: November 2014

People with serious mental illness have reduced life expectancy compared with a control population, much of which is accounted for by significant physical comorbidity. Frontline clinical staff in mental health often lack confidence in recognition, assessment and management of such ‘medical’ problems. Simulation provides one way for staff to practise these skills in a safe setting. We produced a multidisciplinary simulation course around recognition and assessment of medical problems in psychiatric settings. We describe an audit of strategic and design aspects of the recognition and assessment of medical problems in psychiatric settings course, using the Department of Health’s ‘Framework for Technology Enhanced Learning’ as our audit standards. At the same time as highlighting areas where recognition and assessment of medical problems in psychiatric settings adheres to these identified principles, such as the strategic underpinning of the approach, and the means by which information is collected, reviewed and shared, it also helps us to identify areas where we can improve.
Crowdfunding: A New Media & Society special issue
Authors: Bennett Lucy , Chin Bertha , Jones Bethan
Published: November 2014

As guest editors of this special issue of New Media & Society, we examine the concept of crowdfunding, where grassroots creative projects are funded by the masses through websites such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo, a practice that has been steadily gaining attention in the last few years, across many different sectors of society. We introduce the nine articles comprising the special issue and unravel the developments and challenges involved in these processes, concluding with suggestions for theoretical explorations and empirical considerations of the evolution and growth of crowdfunding within digital society.
Tools for compositional data with a total
Authors: Pawlowsky-Glahn Vera , Egozcue Juan José , Lovell David
Published: November 2014

Compositional data analysis usually deals with relative information between parts where the total (abundances, mass, amount, etc.) is unknown or uninformative. This article addresses the question of what to do when the total is known and is of interest. Tools used in this case are reviewed and analysed, in particular the relationship between the positive orthant of D-dimensional real space, the product space of the real line times the D-part simplex, and their Euclidean space structures. The first alternative corresponds to data analysis taking logarithms on each component, and the second one to treat a log-transformed total jointly with a composition describing the distribution of component amounts. Real data about total abundances of phytoplankton in an Australian river motivated the present study and are used for illustration.
State-space models for count time series with excess zeros
Authors: Yang Ming , Cavanaugh Joseph E , Zamba Gideon KD
Published: November 2014

Count time series are frequently encountered in biomedical, epidemiological and public health applications. In principle, such series may exhibit three distinctive features: overdispersion, zero-inflation and temporal correlation. Developing a modelling framework that is sufficiently general to accommodate all three of these characteristics poses a challenge. To address this challenge, we propose a flexible class of dynamic models in the state-space framework. Certain models that have been previously introduced in the literature may be viewed as special cases of this model class. For parameter estimation, we devise a Monte Carlo Expectation-Maximization (MCEM) algorithm, where particle filtering and particle smoothing methods are employed to approximate the high-dimensional integrals in the E-step of the algorithm. To illustrate the proposed methodology, we consider an application based on the evaluation of a participatory ergonomics intervention, which is designed to reduce the incidence of workplace injuries among a group of hospital cleaners. The data consists of aggregated monthly counts of work-related injuries that were reported before and after the intervention.
The effect of cutting parameters and tool geometry on machinability of cotton-fiber reinforced polymer composites: Cutting forces, burr formation, and chip morphology
Authors: Kuzu Ali Taner , Bakkal Mustafa
Published: November 2014

Due to the increasing importance of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites, a large number of papers published about fabrication of these materials, but yet the secondary manufacturing performance knowledge of such materials is rather limited. Understanding cutting performance of a novel natural fiber (cotton) reinforced polymer composite is the primary interest of this work. In the first part of the study, suitable cutting tool geometry was designated through milling tests and the results of cutting force, burr formation, and chip morphology. One flute left helix WC (Tungsten Carbide) tool was the most suitable tool geometry for cotton-fiber reinforced polymer milling. The optimum cutting parameters were selected with the designed quantitative scoring procedure for combined evaluation of cutting force and burr formation results. According to the evaluation system, the optimum cutting parameters were found as 25 m/min cutting speed and 200 mm/min feed rate. Three form of burr which are roll-over, poisson and entrance burr, and short ribbon shape chips with linty look were observed due to the embedded cotton fibers in LDPE matrix. At the end of the study, the benchmarking cutting force tests were conducted with pure low density polyethylene material and results compared with the cotton-fiber reinforced polymer.
Belonging in the Academy
Authors: Gonzales Sandra M. , Brammer Ethriam Cash , Sawilowsky Shlomo
Published: November 2014

This action research study, supported by a quantitative data analysis, presents a counternarrative to the deficit discourse regarding Latino/a First Time in Any College (FTIAC) departure during the first year of college. It argues that an intentional learning community model, that is culturally and linguistically responsive to Latino/a student needs, can produce significant gains in first- to second-year retention rates and better predicts retention than either high school grade point average or standardized test scores.
Differences in Gay Male Couples’ Use of Drugs and Alcohol With Sex by Relationship HIV Status
Authors: Mitchell Jason W.
Published: November 2014

Prior studies with men who have sex with men have documented a strong association between substance use with sex and risk for acquisition of HIV. However, few studies have been conducted about gay male couples’ use of substances with sex, despite the fact that between one third and two thirds of men who have sex with men acquire HIV from their relationship partners. The present study sought to (1) describe whether one or both partners in the male couple uses substances with sex—by substance type—within and/or outside of their relationship, and (2) assess whether differences exist in those who use substances with sex within and outside the relationship by the couples’ HIV status. Dyadic data for this analysis were collected in the United States from a nation-wide cross-sectional Internet study about male couples’ relationships and behaviors. Couple-level descriptive and comparative analyses were employed with 361 male couples. Except for alcohol, most couples did not use substances with sex. Of those who did, rates of who used it with sex and substance type within the relationship varied; most couples only had one partner who used substances with sex outside the relationship. Significantly higher proportions of concordantly HIV-negative and HIV-positive couples had both partners who used substances (all types) with sex within their relationship over discordant couples. Most couples had one partner who used outside the relationship; only marijuana and erectile dysfunction medication use with sex significantly differed by couples’ HIV status. Findings indicate the need to conduct additional research for prevention development.
Nutritional and Physical Activity Interventions to Improve Immunity
Authors: Davison Glen , Kehaya Corinna , Wyn Jones Arwel
Published: November 2014

Physical activity and nutrition are important in a healthy lifestyle with potential benefits to immunity often overlooked. Infection of the upper respiratory tract, and the associated symptoms, are the most frequent presentations to general practitioners and may have significant economic and social impact. In this review, we consider the role of physical activity and nutrition in improving immunity. Evidence suggests that regular moderate activity is particularly beneficial for immune enhancement and reducing the risk of infection. We also discuss some nutritional strategies. Unfortunately, the evidence for many is weak. Avoiding nutritional deficiencies seems the most pragmatic recommendation. This can be achieved with a balanced diet. Including a variety of fruits and vegetables may help ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients with little risk of excess intake of any single nutrient. Supplementation with individual nutrients is generally not recommended. Multinutrients may be beneficial for those with a preexisting deficiency but not if normal dietary intake is sufficient. Further benefit may be gained from some supplements including probiotics, bovine colostrum, and some plant-derived products (Echinacea, black elderberry, and some polyphenols) but only in specific situations/contexts. Individuals should consider their personal needs, use caution, and avoid the indiscriminate use of supplements.
Systematic review of perioperative outcomes following laparoscopic abdominal aortic aneurysm repair
Authors: Rouhani Maral J , Thapar Ankur , Maruthappu Mahiben , Munster Alex B , Davies Alun H , Shalhoub Joseph
Published: November 2014

Objective

To collate information available in the literature regarding perioperative outcomes following elective laparoscopic abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Materials and methods

Electronic databases were searched and a systematic review was performed. In total, 1256 abstracts were screened, from which 10 studies were included for analysis. Perioperative and technical outcomes were analysed.

Results

In the totally laparoscopic repair of infra-renal aneurysms ( n = 302), 30-day mortality ranged between 0% and 6% and in the laparoscopic-assisted cases ( n = 547) ranged between 0% and 7%. Of the former group, 5–30% of cases were converted to open repair, with 6% reintervention rate, whereas there was a 5–10% conversion and 3% reintervention rate in the latter group.

Conclusions

The outcomes from selected patients in selected centres demonstrate that elective laparoscopic repair of aortic aneurysms is feasible and comparable in safety to open repair; it remains unclear, however, whether there are substantial advantages of this method compared with open and endovascular repair.
A concept of integrated environmental approach for building upgrades and new construction: Part 1—setting the stage
Authors: Bomberg Mark , Gibson Michael , Zhang Jian
Published: November 2014

This article highlights the need for an active role for building physics in the development of near-zero energy buildings while analyzing an example of an integrated system for the upgrade of existing buildings. The science called either Building Physics in Europe or Building Science in North America has so far a passive role in explaining observed failures in construction practice. In its new role, it would be integrating modeling and testing to provide predictive capability, so much needed in the development of near-zero energy buildings. The authors attempt to create a compact package, applicable to different climates with small modifications of some hygrothermal properties of materials. This universal solution is based on a systems approach that is routine for building physics but in contrast to separately conceived sub-systems that are typical for the design of buildings today. One knows that the building structure, energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and moisture management all need to be considered to ensure durability of materials and control cost of near-zero energy buildings. These factors must be addressed through contributions of the whole design team. The same approach must be used for the retrofit of buildings. As this integrated design paradigm resulted from demands of sustainable built environment approach, building physics must drop its passive role and improve two critical domains of analysis: (i) linked, real-time hygrothermal and energy models capable of predicting the performance of existing buildings after renovation and (ii) basic methods of indoor environment and moisture management when the exterior of the building cannot be modified.