bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Service System with Dependent Service and Patience Times
Authors: Wu Chenguang (Allen) , Bassamboo Achal , Perry Ohad
Published: May 2018

Motivated by recent empirical evidence, we consider a large service system in which the patience time of each customer depends on his service requirement. Our goal is to study the impact of such dependence on key performance measures, such as expected waiting times and average queue length, as well as on optimal capacity decisions. Since the dependence structure renders exact analysis intractable, we employ a stationary fluid approximation that is based on the entire joint distribution of the service and patience times. Our results show that even moderate dependence has significant impacts on system performance, so considering the patience and service times to be independent when they are in fact dependent is futile. We further demonstrate that Pearson’s correlation coefficient, which is commonly used to measure and rank dependence, is an insufficient statistic, and that the entire joint distribution is required for comparative statics. Thus, we propose a novel framework, incorporating the fluid model with bivariate dependence orders and copulas, to study the impacts of the aforementioned dependence. We then demonstrate how that framework can be applied to facilitate revenue optimization when staffing and abandonment costs are incurred. Finally, the effectiveness of the fluid-based approximations and optimal-staffing prescriptions is demonstrated via simulations.

This paper was accepted by Noah Gans, stochastic models and simulation.
OM Forum—Benchmarking Global Production Sourcing Decisions: Where and Why Firms Offshore and Reshore
Authors: Cohen Morris A. , Cui Shiliang , Ernst Ricardo , Huchzermeier Arnd , Kouvelis Panos , Lee Hau L. , Matsuo Hirofumi , Steuber Marc , Tsay Andy A.
Published: May 2018

Problem definition: Manufacturing firms are undergoing restructuring defined by a collection of adjustments and decisions, which affect the source and destination of manufactured products throughout the firm’s global supply chain network. We report on a comprehensive picture of manufacturing sourcing on a global basis. Academic/practical relevance: With dynamic changes in global economic, political, and technological conditions, the design of global supply chain strategies has become critically important for executives and has great potential for operations management research. Methodology: Our work is based on a global field study conducted in 2014 and 2015 among leading manufacturers from a wide range of industries. The data set has the distinguishing feature of reflecting actual decisions that the firms made recently (during the last three years). Results: Companies are currently restructuring their global production footprints. The majority of firms engage in offshoring. Reshoring does occur but seldom for corrective reasons. China remains the most attractive site for production sourcing, followed by Eastern Europe and Southern Asia. Manufacturing continues to decline in the developed economies of Japan and Western Europe. We observe that while North America may be at the cusp of a manufacturing renaissance, such a change is not just because of reshoring by domestic firms. Labor cost no longer dominates manufacturing location decisions; rather, firms decide based on complex trade-offs among a variety of factors. Finally, firms localize production in developed economies and use developing economies as production hubs. Managerial implications: Our goal in this paper is to inform both managerial policy decisions and the academic research agenda by developing insights on managerial practices that concern production sourcing and on the factors that drive such decisions. We develop hypotheses concerning how firms make these strategy decisions, and we discuss implications for analytical and empirical research.
Optimal Distinctiveness in the Console Video Game Industry: An Exemplar-Based Model of Proto-Category Evolution
Authors: Zhao Eric Yanfei , Ishihara Masakazu , Jennings P. Devereaux , Lounsbury Michael
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we develop an exemplar-based model of the emergence and evolution of proto-categories—new groupings of products that are only weakly entrenched but have the potential to become widely institutionalized—and examine how different positioning strategies of new entrants vis-à-vis the exemplar of a proto-category affect entrant performance. Empirically, we study the U.S. console video game industry where proto-categories frequently emerge and evolve around exemplary hit games. Analyzing a proprietary database of 6,544 games comprising 78 such proto-categories, we find that, in the early stages of proto-category emergence, conformity with the exemplar’s features is positively associated with new entrants’ sales. As a proto-category evolves, a moderate level of differentiation becomes important for enhancing sales. We also find that this temporal dynamic is driven by the changing competitive intensity in the proto-category and strongly mediated by critics’ reviews. Moreover, the mediating effect of critics’ reviews on entrant sales becomes increasingly salient with the evolution of a proto-category. Finally, we show that accounting for the influence of emerging prototypes does not diminish the explanatory power of the exemplar model we propose. We conclude the paper by discussing the implications of our findings for research on categorization and optimal distinctiveness.
‘It does what it says on the tin, doesn't it?’
Authors: Davies Simon
Published: May 2018

This 1980s TV ad strapline for Cuprinol is as relevant today as it ever was, when it comes to checking exactly what your dental waterline cleaner does. Simon Davies explores protocols and safer options
Access all areas
Authors: Henderson Kelly
Published: May 2018

How an unfortunate turns of events also turned Kelly Henderson's life upside down and her thoughts to those patients who may require a little more of our patience
Decontamination of dental instruments
Authors: Gray Sophie
Published: May 2018

The role of the dental nurse
Journal Scan
Authors: Welyczko Nikki
Published: May 2018

Nikki Welyczko, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, provides a brief overview of recently published nursing and health articles
Transanal irrigation as a treatment for bowel dysfunction
Authors: Henderson Michelle , Tinkler Linda , Yiannakou Yan
Published: May 2018

Transanal irrigation (TAI) is a treatment for bowel dysfunction, with UK approval in patients with constipation and faecal incontinence. This article is intended for health-care professionals involved in the management of patients with bowel dysfunction and describes what TAI is and the proposed method of action. It also considers the latest evidence related to the safety and efficacy of TAI. There is now a potentially overwhelming range of equipment available on prescription to deliver this treatment. The factors to consider in the appropriate selection of equipment for individual patients will be considered, alongside an algorithm for the selection of equipment to aid health professionals with this choice.
Wound centres—how do we obtain high quality? The EWMA wound centre endorsement project
Authors: Gottrup Finn , Pokorná Andrea , Bjerregaard Julie , Vuagnat Hubert
Published: May 2018

Objective:

Different types of multidisciplinary concepts for treating non-healing wounds have been developed. However, there is insufficient evidence on the quality of multidisciplinary wound centres, and a limited number of evaluation systems have so far been developed. The lack of an international wound centre evaluation/certification system is the basis for the European Wound Management Association (EWMA) Wound Centre Endorsement Project. The project aims to describe the minimum requirements for a wound management centre. These requirements have been defined as a basis for evaluation and endorsement of wound centres inside as well as outside a hospital setting (in- and outpatient clinics).

Method:

The endorsement programme focused on wound centre characteristics such as: target population; types of centres; and choice of model used. The method used to develop the EWMA wound centre endorsement programme was an evaluation of the quality of the different types of established wound centres across and outside Europe. Criteria and procedures for endorsement of wound centres were developed and pilot projects were performed outside Europe in two in-patient centres in China and one outpatient centre in Brazil.

Results:

The EWMA endorsement procedure includes the following steps: initial application; review of centre data provided via the application form and follow-up dialogue; visit to the wound centre; final report and endorsement; and re-endorsement. A follow-up visit was arranged in connection with the re-endorsement. Experiences from the pilot studies have so far indicated that the endorsement process is not only a quality declaration, but may also result in positive developments, such as increased visibility, increased patient flow, increased healing rates, and decreased amputation rate.

Conclusion:

Development of endorsement systems focusing on the minimum requirements for a wound management centre is required to support the development of high-quality wound centres which provide health-care services according to recent evidence of current best practice. The EWMA Wound Centre Endorsement Project is the first international programme of its kind and this may, in the future, support the establishment of international collaboration and knowledge sharing about the development and maintenance of high-quality wound centres.
Microcurrent as an adjunct therapy to accelerate chronic wound healing and reduce patient pain
Authors: Nair Harikrishna K.R.
Published: May 2018

Objective:

The primary aim is to assess the efficacy of microcurrent, a form of electrical stimulation, as an adjunct therapy in accelerating healing in chronic wounds by reducing wound size and pain level. The secondary aim is to assess the qualitative changes in these parameters: inflammatory symptoms, vasodilation, sleep quality, gait and frequency of bowel movement.

Method:

Eligible patients with chronic wounds were enrolled between March and June 2016, from the Wound Care Unit, Hospital Kuala Lumpur in this consecutive case series. Standard wound care was performed with microcurrent as an adjunct therapy. Each patient was treated with an anti-inflammatory frequency, followed by a vasodilation frequency, while having their wounds cleansed during each dressing change. Patients were loaned a home-microcurrent device to treat themselves three times daily using a tissue repair frequency for four weeks.

Results:

A total of 100 patients with chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, and pressure ulcers, were recruited. During the four-week treatment period, all patients had a reduction in wound size, with 16 having complete wound closure. All 89 of the 100 patients who complained of pain, associated with their wound, experienced reduced pain scores, with 11 being pain-free at the end of the four-week period. There was significant reduction (p<0.001) in both mean pain score and mean wound area during the treatment period, as well as improvements in other parameters, such as reduction in inflammatory symptoms (leg swelling, foot stiffness), increased vasodilation (skin discolouration, leg heaviness, early morning erection, sensation), improvement in sleep quality, gait, and frequency of bowel movement. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusion:

The results of this study show there was significant reduction in wound area and pain score during the treatment period. The ease of use of microcurrent devices would advocate its use in accelerating wound healing
Care and treatment of a rare Mycobacterium avium complex-infected wound: a case report
Authors: Wei Min , Jiang Qixia , Wang Jiandong
Published: May 2018

An unusual presentation of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), unlikely to be encountered in an outpatient dermatology setting, was diagnosed in a patient without an immunodeficiency. A 47-year-old woman, who was immunocompetent and had no risk factors, presented with a full-thickness, infected wound (large amounts of purulent exudate and severe pain) on her back, which had been present for two months. She was diagnosed as having an MAC infection, using a DNA microarray chip method. The patient underwent wound drainage and a fresh silver-containing dressing was applied daily for two months. Although systemic antibiotics were given for one week and anti-tuberculous medication for one month, there was no response. She also complained of bloating, nausea, loss of appetite and other problems, apparently due to drug-induced liver damage, confirmed by laboratory tests. Based on her characteristics and a literature review related to MAC infection, we implemented an individualised, holistic care protocol for the patient that included a daily diet of appropriate fresh vegetables and fruits, and adequate high-quality protein, aerobic exercises for two hours per day, and sleep for 6–8 hours per day, to alleviate the iatrogenic liver damage, improve immune function and reduce the stress response. The wound continued treatment with sharp debridement as needed, and fresh antimicrobial silver-containing dressings every other day. Wound size was measured once a week to evaluate the effects. The wound healed after 48 days, and the patient was followed-up for 18 months at the outpatient wound care centre and through social media. No recurrence or scar hyperplasia was observed.
Travel health: Prescribing typhoid vaccines
Authors: Gawthrop Mary
Published: May 2018

As with the delivery of any drug, prescribing typhoid vaccine requires meticulous risk assessment, including the careful weighing up of any risks associated against the perceived benefits. Nurse prescribers involved in the provision of typhoid vaccine need to be aware of the importance of taking a comprehensive medical history from the traveller. This includes details of any underlying medical conditions, current or recent medication and establishing if the traveller has any allergies or ever had a previous reaction to vaccines. Use of appropriate information resources, including accessing typhoid epidemiology at the traveller's destination, allows the nurse prescriber to determine if the risk of typhoid warrants prescribing the vaccine. The significance of good food, water and personal hygiene as part of an overall typhoid prevention strategy also needs to be emphasised to travellers.
Producción y edición del vídeo de bajo presupuesto: estudio de caso de "Lost Ones" (Joan Thiele) de Giada Bossi
Authors: Pérez-Rufí José-Patricio
Published: May 2018

Este artículo realiza un análisis de la producción y un análisis de contenido de un videoclip de actualidad, como estudio de caso de "Lost Ones", interpretado por Joan Thiele y dirigido por Giada Bossi con producción de Universal Music Italia y Red Bull Music. El objetivo principal será relacionar la influencia de los condicionantes iniciales de la producción del vídeo musical (en lo relativo a presupuesto y a la necesidad de comunicación comercial y creación de identidad de marca de la cantante) con las opciones aplicadas en la realización y la edición de la pieza. Comprobaremos que el ritmo acelerado en el cambio de plano y la aplicación de filtros de post-producción consiguen hacer de las limitaciones de calidad de la imagen una virtud, por cuanto crean una voluntad de estilo al envejecer las imágenes, dotándolas de un carácter "retro" apropiado a las intenciones comunicativas de los creadores del vídeo. La programación del vídeo en un canal en TDT de calidad broadcast como VH1 Italia no viene condicionada, por tanto, tanto por el nivel financiero de la producción como por su origen desde una de las grandes discográficas.
Transformando la docencia: usos de las plataformas de e-learning en la educación superior presencial
Authors: Bermúdez-Rodríguez Francisco , Fueyo-Gutiérrez M. Aquilina
Published: May 2018

La práctica totalidad de universidades de carácter presencial cuenta con plataformas de e-learning para dar soporte a los procesos de enseñanza y aprendizaje. El propósito de este artículo consiste en mostrar los aspectos más significativos de una investigación desarrollada durante tres años (2013-2015) en una Escuela Superior de Ingeniería y cuyo objetivo es realizar una aproximación a los usos tecnológico, pedagógico y comunicativo que subyacen en las propuestas docentes mediadas por la plataforma Moodle. Mediante una metodología mixta, cuantitativa y cualitativa, se utilizaron como fuentes de datos un cuestionario destinado al profesorado y la observación periférica de las 144 asignaturas de grado ofrecidas en la Escuela, pertenecientes a 7 titulaciones de ingenierías industriales y de telecomunicación. Los resultados obtenidos nos muestran que, tras más de una década de utilización de la plataforma, existe una buena adecuación tecnológica de las aulas virtuales, una gradual renovación pedagógica de las propuestas docentes y una escasa explotación de las herramientas comunicativas.
La eficiencia de los hospitales españoles en producción científica como indicador de transferencia de conocimiento
Authors: Guede-Cid María-Rocio , Puebla-Martínez Belén , Cid-Cid Ana-Isabel
Published: May 2018

La transferencia de conocimiento de la investigación pública a la sociedad se ha convertido en un elemento estratégico y fundamental por varios aspectos. La transferencia representa una fuente de financiación para la actividad investigadora, una fuente de innovación para las empresas y una fuente de desarrollo económico. Además, es parte fundamental del objetivo de construir una economía basada en el conocimiento y constituye el tercer eje de la Estrategia española de ciencia y tecnología y de innovación. A este respecto, resulta fundamental evaluar la actividad de transferencia para conocer la situación actual y proponer acciones de mejora. En este trabajo proponemos un modelo de evaluación de la eficiencia de los hospitales españoles en producción científica, dato que podría utilizarse como indicador de transferencia de conocimiento.
Educação literária e expressão/educação dramática/teatro: algumas sinergias em contexto acadêmico
Authors: Antunes Carla Pires , Dias Maria Flor , Da Silva Sara Reis
Published: May 2018

Neste breve ensaio, divulga-se e reflete-se acerca de um projeto interdisciplinar, dinamizado no período de 2013-2015, no âmbito da Licenciatura em Educação Básica, no Instituto de Educação da Universidade do Minho (Braga, Portugal). Procura-se acentuar a transversalidade da língua portuguesa, materializada em textos literários, mas também alargar a própria cultura artística, nomeadamente, no domínio da criação e fruição teatrais. Numa primeira fase, é proposto conhecer a cultura literária dos alunos da licenciatura para, posteriormente, no contexto de disciplinas como a ”Literatura para a Infância e Juventude” e a “Expressão e Educação Dramática”, alargar o contacto com modos literários cuja receção é, aparentemente, menos generalizada (poético e dramático/teatral); desenvolver dimensões fonológicas e de interpretação inerentes a contextos de dizer e de oralidade (narração, formas poético-líricas e texto dramático); perceber como a leitura poderá contribuir para a melhoria da capacidade de desconstrução de textos e, consequentemente, para a formação de futuros cidadãos ativos na leitura do texto-mundo.
Ensino médio articulado com a Educação Profissional: currículo e empregabilidade
Authors: Stryhalski Patricia Murara
Published: May 2018

Esse artigo traz um recorte da pesquisa Ensino Médio Articulado com a Educação Profissional: Currículo, Empregabilidade e Prática Docente. No entanto, tratamos de questões a partir de dados obtidos nesta pesquisa, mas, tomando como foco o currículo. Sendo assim o objetivo é como o currículo impacta na empregabilidade dos jovens egressos participantes da pesquisa Ensino Médio Articulado com a Educação Profissional: Currículo, Empregabilidade e Prática Docente. Caracterizou-se como um estudo de enfoque qualitativo cujo emprego de análise de conteúdo serviu para tabulação dos dados. Os resultados apontam que as disciplinas de Ciências Humanas são extremamente importantes nos currículos dos cursos técnicos e ouvir o egresso com sua experiência de mercado é de suma importância para aperfeiçoamento dos currículos dos cursos.
Entre o compromisso profissional e o envolvimento emocional na gestão escolar revelados pela Teoria das Representações Sociais
Authors: Gonzaga Luciano Luz , Lannes Denise Rocha Corrêa
Published: May 2018

O objetivo principal deste trabalho é revelar o processo identitário de gestores escolares acerca do termo indutor ‘SER DIRETOR DE ESCOLA’ e suas expectativas quanto à função que exercem. O aporte teórico baseia-se na Teoria das Representações Sociais. Nossos dados demonstraram uma centralidade na representação identitária de gestores de escolas de alto IDEB empenhada no compromisso com a sociabilidade e, para os gestores, de escolas de baixo IDEB a importância da competência emocional na realização da função. Em relação às expectativas, para os gestores que atuam em escolas de alto IDEB o discurso do sujeito coletivo direciona para uma prática de interação com a comunidade do entorno. Enquanto que, para os gestores de escolas de baixo IDEB, o discurso do sujeito coletivo informa uma preocupação com a aprendizagem.
O troca de estilos fabricando jovens incansáveis mutantes: uma análise com os estudos culturais
Authors: Zdradek Ana Carolina Sampaio , Beck Dinah Quesada
Published: May 2018

A partir dos trechos extraídos do programa de televisão Troca de Estilos e das contribuições dos Estudos Culturais em Educação sob a perspectiva teórica pós-estruturalista, buscamos analisar o exercício de pedagogias culturais que atuam educando mulheres, regulando suas condutas e operando sobre seus corpos por meio de discursos veiculados nesse artefato cultural. Finalizamos o artigo com reflexões e questionamentos que possibilitam repensar algumas “verdades” naturalizadas e que podem ser desconstruídas e/ou ressignificadas de modo a instigar os sujeitos a pensarem sobre as diferenças para além do corpo e do estilo vigente da moda.
O cabelo de lelê: reflexões sobre educação, cultura e identidade
Authors: Mesquita de Lima Junior Agnaldo , Tauchen Gionara
Published: May 2018

A partir da obra “Os cabelos de Lelê”, o presente trabalho busca refletir sobre os pressupostos educativos contidos na obra, focando-se no debate sobre a formação e descoberta de identidades e erotização infantil através do matrimônio. A ideia central é mostrar como as diferentes vontades de pedagogia funcionam na condução de sujeitos, utilizando-se do conceito foucaultiano de governamento, e, além disso, mostrar como essas diferentes vontades se articulam com a cultura contemporânea.
Arte, gênero e cultura visual – um olhar para as artistas mulheres
Authors: De Souza Fabiana Lopes , Zamperetti Maristani Polidori
Published: May 2018

Este texto busca entrelaçar os temas de Cultura Visual, Artes Visuais e Gênero, com o objetivo de argumentar a favor de uma educação crítica das imagens, ampliando a compreensão das visualidades cotidianas. A presença feminina na cultura e nas artes visuais não tem merecido destaque, pois em toda história da arte ocidental, as mulheres não têm sido vistas como protagonistas dos fazeres artísticos. Assim, o conhecimento das artistas mulheres, em especial, pode favorecer uma nova apreensão das visualidades contemporâneas, buscando superar as desigualdades de gênero. Portanto, verifica-se a necessidade dos estudos sobre as pedagogias culturais, visando ampliar os entendimentos sobre os espaços e as maneiras como a cultura se torna visível e o visível se torna cultura.
Paisagens biopolíticas: a produção da saúde, beleza e potência corporal dos sujeitos fumantes e não fumantes
Authors: Darsie Camilo , Hillesheim Betina , Weber Douglas Luís
Published: May 2018

Este artigo tem por objetivo analisar algumas das pedagogias culturais relacionadas ao controle do tabagismo no Brasil e fora dele. Entende-se que, por meio das paisagens urbanas, as campanhas de combate ao fumo instituem saberes e pautam comportamentos considerados mais adequados quando avaliados pelos preceitos da saúde, operando sobre a população em espaços não formais. Nesta direção, as paisagens urbanas podem ser pensadas como pedagogias culturais já que funcionam como tecnologias biopolíticas que produzem sujeitos engajados no que se refere ao controle e à manutenção de seus corpos e saúde. Nesta direção, a beleza e a potência física estão diretamente associadas à saúde.
Incorporación de la responsabilidad social empresaria en decisiones de inversión utilizando técnicas multicriterio
Authors: Bravino Laura Susana , Margaría Oscar Alcides , Rojas Heredia Elena , Santillán Gustavo Alejandro , Rosset Cecilia Verónica
Published: May 2018

La Responsabilidad Social Empresaria (RSE) se ha convertido en un aspecto más a analizar a la hora de tomar decisiones de inversión. En este sentido, las empresas deben informar sobre su desempeño general no sólo en su dimensión económica y financiera sino también en lo referente a los aspectos referidos al gobierno corporativo, social y medioambiental. Sin embargo, tanto la cantidad como la calidad de la información brindada en los reportes sobre RSE que brindan las empresas es variada, y los criterios para elaborarlos no siempre coinciden. Entonces, cabe preguntarnos ¿Cuáles son los aspectos de interés que tiene en cuenta un inversor argentino?En este trabajo se utilizaron los indicadores más relevantes tanto  para las empresas como para los grupos de interés para medir la importancia de la RSE en diferentes sectores de la economía. Para ello se trabajó con la técnica de decisión multicriterio, llamada proceso analítico jerárquico o analytic hierarchy process (AHP), tomando como base los principales indicadores estándares que pueden aplicarse en Argentina y usando la información obtenida a través de encuestas a dos grupos de interés diferentes. Esto permitió estructurar el problema en niveles de diferente jerarquía. Al comparar los resultados obtenidos con la aplicación de la metodología AHP desarrollada, se visualiza que el orden de preferencia en las alternativas difiere del establecido de acuerdo con el volumen negociado en el mercado de capitales. El sector financiero, considerado como uno de los ejes del desarrollo de la economía del país, ha demostrado un cierto grado de avance en cuanto a prácticas de responsabilidad social. Esto se vio reflejado en los resultados obtenidos, donde un mayor compromiso formal de las empresas de este sector en prácticas de RSE queda en evidencia. Sin embargo, es necesario continuar con esta política de sustentabilidad, involucrándose en proyectos que contribuyan al bienestar de la población.
Pharmacogenetic testing by polymorphic markers 681G>A and 636G>A CYP2C19 gene in patients with acute coronary syndrome and gastric ulcer in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)
Authors: Fedorinov Denis S. , Mirzaev Karin B. , Ivashchenko Dmitriy V. , Temirbulatov Ilyas I. , Sychev Dmitriy A. , Maksimova Nadezda R. , Chertovskih Jana V. , Popova Nyurguiana V. , Tayurskaya Ksenia S. , Rudykh Zoya A.
Published: May 2018

Background:

The focus of the study is to determine the prevalence of CYP2C19 alleles, associated with the risk of changes in the pharmacological response to clopidogrel and proton pump inhibitors in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and gastric ulcer from Russian and Yakut ethnic groups.

Methods:

The research included 411 patients with ACS (143 Russians and 268 Yakuts) and 204 patients with histologically confirmed gastric ulcer (63 Russians and 141 Yakuts). Genotyping of 681G>A and 636G>A polymorphisms was performed by using polymerase real-time chain reaction.

Results:

In both ethnic groups, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was followed in a distribution of alleles and genotypes in the population (p>0.05). The 681A allele frequency in the Yakut ethnic group was higher than in the Russian group: 17.53% vs. 8.39% (p=0.001). No statistically significant difference was found in the frequency of 636A in Yakuts and Russians with ACS: 3.92% vs. 3.50% (p=0.840). While comparing the frequency distribution of alleles 681A (13.49% vs. 14.54%, p=0.878) and 636A (7.94% vs. 7.80%, p=1) in patients with a gastric ulcer from Russian and Yakut ethnic groups, no significant difference was found in carrier frequency.

Conclusions:

The results of the present study may be helpful for developing guidelines for CYPC19 genotype-directed antiplatelet therapy for Yakut and Russian patients.
Historical and cross-cultural perspectives on Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Blonder Lee Xenakis
Published: May 2018

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder, affecting up to 10 million people worldwide according to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation. Epidemiological and genetic studies show a preponderance of idiopathic cases and a subset linked to genetic polymorphisms of a familial nature. Traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda recognized and treated the illness that Western Medicine terms PD millennia ago, and descriptions of Parkinson’s symptomatology by Europeans date back 2000 years to the ancient Greek physician Galen. However, the Western nosological classification now referred to in English as “Parkinson’s disease” and the description of symptoms that define it, are accredited to British physician James Parkinson, who in 1817 authored The Shaking Palsy. Later in the nineteenth century, French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot re-labeled paralysis agitans “Parkinson’s disease” and over a century of scientific research ensued. This review discusses European, North American, and Asian contributions to the understanding and treatment of PD from ancient times through the twentieth century.
Effectiveness of a generic transition-oriented patient education program in a multicenter, prospective and controlled study
Authors: Menrath Ingo , Ernst Gundula , Szczepanski Rüdiger , Lange Karin , Bomba Franziska , Staab Doris , Muehlan Holger , Thyen Ute
Published: May 2018

Objectives

For young people (YP) with a chronic condition growing up is a challenging process. This stage of life is associated with a higher risk for non-adherence, insufficient disease control, acute deteriorations and irregular consultations. Patient education programs can support YP cope with the independent disease management and the transition into adulthood. However, there is a lack of transition-oriented patient education programs for most chronic conditions. In this study, an existing generic transition-oriented education program was expanded by a module for parents and evaluated in a multicenter study all over Germany.

Methods

YP with chronic conditions and their parents were quasi-randomized into a control group (CG) and an intervention group (IG). The IG took part in the 1.5-day standardized education program ModuS-T while the CG received treatment as usual. The education program was designed as a compact workshop in a group setting for youth (15–24 years) and their parents. The education program contained youth specific topics such as the transfer to adult care, the influence of disease on the daily life of YP, and other important issues like detachment from parents, occupational career, intimate relationships and family planning. The parent module dealt with the topics transition from child-centered to adult health services, and supporting children to become adults. The program focused on improving competencies relevant for transition and self-management skills of the families. Satisfaction with the program, transition-specific knowledge, transition competencies, patient activation and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were measured at baseline and after 4 weeks.

Results

A total of 300 YP (overall mean age 17.6 years; 47% female; IG = 166, CG = 134) with 12 different conditions and their parents participated in 37 transition programs. The participants were highly satisfied with the program. The program significantly affected transition-specific knowledge, transition competence and patient activation (p < 0.001). There were no effects on HRQoL.

Conclusion

The generic transition-oriented education program empowers YP with chronic conditions and their parents in the transition process. Due to a modular approach, the program is successful in a variety of chronic conditions.
An Alternative Approach to Damage Models for Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design
Authors: Theyse Hechter Luciën , Kannemeyer Louw
Published: May 2018

The concept of transfer functions is well entrenched in mechanistic-empirical (ME) pavement design and essentially represents the performance component of ME design. Initially, transfer functions were relatively simple linear log-log functions relating some critical pavement response parameter to the number of load repetitions that can be sustained at the level of the critical response parameter before a predefined level of damage is reached. Later, given more advanced computing software, the formulation of transfer functions evolved to include continuous, nonlinear models. However, all these models have one common characteristic in the sense that they all include the number of load repetitions in the model formulation. This requires the use of a “time-hardening” approach to accumulate damage under mixed traffic and environmental conditions in a recursive damage simulation process. Unfortunately, the time-hardening process is associated with large numbers of calculations to evaluate the equivalent number of load repetitions at every instance in which the traffic load or pavement variables change. This article presents an alternative approach to the formulation of damage models that is based on the Markov property of memoryless systems. The advantage of using the memoryless model formulation in a recursive damage simulation process is that the calculation of the equivalent number of load repetitions is eliminated from the process. The recursive damage simulation process can also be initiated at any level of damage without knowing the prior history that caused the damage. The formulation and calibration of memoryless damage models are illustrated for the fatigue and plastic strain damage of asphalt concrete mixes.
A Statement on the Stress Field of Pipe-Soil Structure
Authors: Bulut O.
Published: May 2018

In this study, stress analyses of buried flexible pipes were carried out using a newly designed experimental setup for the method of photoelasticity. Several universal tests using a Dynamical Mechanical Analyzer and the parallel plate test in a polariscope were performed to obtain the mechanical and optical properties of a ring that is made from a thin plate of optically sensitive Araldite, which modeled the pipe cross section. Additionally, the mechanical properties of soil used in the experiment have been determined by unconsolidated-undrained triaxial compression tests and specifically developed photoelastic tests. This test method, which provided satisfactory results for estimating the coefficient of lateral earth pressure, can be used as a fast method to obtain this coefficient for general cases. From the buried ring experiment, the distributions of the circumferential stresses along the inner surface and the absolute value of the Tresca stresses along the outer surface of the ring were calculated by some precise photoelastic measurements. Comparing the results with those from the parallel plate test, the lack of design criteria were clarified. The buried ring experiment clarified that the pipe-soil structure keeps the field of elastic stress-strain that is due to a loading until a higher load is applied. The distributions of stresses were compared to those obtained from the finite element analysis of a half ring under the loads determined by Michell’s formulation.
Blood–Brain Barrier Leakage during Early Epileptogenesis Is Associated with Rapid Remodeling of the Neurovascular Unit
Authors: Bankstahl Marion , Breuer Heike , Leiter Ina , Märkel Martin , Bascuñana Pablo , Michalski Dominik , Bengel Frank M. , Löscher Wolfgang , Meier Martin , Bankstahl Jens P. , Härtig Wolfgang
Published: May 2018

Increased permeability of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) following cerebral injury results in regional extravasation of plasma proteins and can critically contribute to the pathogenesis of epilepsy. Here, we comprehensively explore the spatiotemporal evolution of a main extravasation component, albumin, and illuminate associated responses of the neurovascular unit (NVU) contributing to early epileptogenic neuropathology. We applied translationalin vivoMR imaging and complementary immunohistochemical analyses in the widely used rat pilocarpine post–status epilepticus (SE) model. The observed rapid BBB leakage affected major epileptogenesis-associated brain regions, peaked between 1 and 2 d post-SE, and rapidly declined thereafter, accompanied by cerebral edema generally following the same time course. At peak of BBB leakage, serum albumin colocalized with NVU constituents, such as vascular components, neurons, and brain immune cells. Surprisingly, astroglial markers did not colocalize with albumin, and aquaporin-4 (AQP4) was clearly reduced in areas of leaky BBB, indicating a severe disturbance of astrocyte-mediated endothelial-neuronal coupling. In addition, a distinct adaptive reorganization process of the NVU vasculature apparently takes place at sites of albumin presence, substantiated by reduced immunoreactivity of endothelial and changes in vascular basement membrane markers. Taken together, degenerative events at the level of the NVU, affecting vessels, astrocytes, and neurons, seem to outweigh reconstructive processes. Considering the rapidly occurring BBB leakage and subsequent impairment of the NVU, our data support the necessity of a prompt BBB-restoring treatment as one component of rational therapeutic intervention to prevent epileptogenesis and the development of other detrimental sequelae of SE.
Uncovering Neuronal Networks Defined by Consistent Between-Neuron Spike Timing from Neuronal Spike Recordings
Authors: van der Meij Roemer , Voytek Bradley
Published: May 2018

It is widely assumed that distributed neuronal networks are fundamental to the functioning of the brain. Consistent spike timing between neurons is thought to be one of the key principles for the formation of these networks. This can involve synchronous spiking or spiking with time delays, forming spike sequences when the order of spiking is consistent. Finding networks defined by their sequence of time-shifted spikes, denoted here as spike timing networks, is a tremendous challenge. As neurons can participate in multiple spike sequences at multiple between-spike time delays, the possible complexity of networks is prohibitively large. We present a novel approach that is capable of (1) extracting spike timing networks regardless of their sequence complexity, and (2) that describes their spiking sequences with high temporal precision. We achieve this by decomposing frequency-transformed neuronal spiking into separate networks, characterizing each network’s spike sequence by a time delay per neuron, forming a spike sequence timeline. These networks provide a detailed template for an investigation of the experimental relevance of their spike sequences. Using simulated spike timing networks, we show network extraction is robust to spiking noise, spike timing jitter, and partial occurrences of the involved spike sequences. Using rat multineuron recordings, we demonstrate the approach is capable of revealing real spike timing networks with sub-millisecond temporal precision. By uncovering spike timing networks, the prevalence, structure, and function of complex spike sequences can be investigated in greater detail, allowing us to gain a better understanding of their role in neuronal functioning.
Predicted Glycerol 3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Homologs and the Glycerol Kinase GlcA Coordinately Adapt to Various Carbon Sources and Osmotic Stress in Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Zhang Chi , Meng Xiuhua , Gu Huiyu , Ma Zhihua , Lu Ling
Published: May 2018

Glycerol plays an important role in the adaptation of fungi to various microenvironments and stressors, including heat shock, anoxic conditions and osmotic stress. Glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PDH) is able to catalyze dihydroxyacetone phosphate to glycerol 3-phosphate (G3P), which is subsequently dephosphorylated into glycerol. However, current knowledge about the functions of G3PDH homologs in glycerol biosynthesis in Aspergillus fumigatus is limited. Here, we show that the A. fumigatus G3PDH gene, gfdA, is crucial for normal colony growth in glucose media under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. In addition, failure of the overexpression of the gfdA homolog, gfdB, to rescue the phenotype of a gfdA null mutant suggests that gfdA plays a predominant role in the synthesis of G3P and glycerol. However, in a wild-type background, overexpressing either gfdA or gfdB is able to significantly enhance biomass production of mycelia, suggesting that gfdA and gfdB have similar functions in promoting the use of glucose. Interestingly, overexpression of the gene encoding the predicted glycerol kinase, GlcA, which is capable of phosphorylating glycerol to form G3P, significantly rescues the growth defects of gfdA null mutants in glucose media, indicating that the growth defects of gfdA null mutants might be due to the absence of G3P rather than glycerol. Moreover, Western blotting analysis revealed that gfdA is inducibly expressed by osmotic mediators. However, in the absence of gfdA, osmotic stress can rescue colony growth defects and allow colonies to partially bypass the gfdA requirement in a high osmolarity glycerol pathway-dependent manner. Therefore, the findings of this study elucidate how saprophytic filamentous fungi have developed pathways distinct from those of budding yeasts to adapt to varied carbon sources and survive environmental stresses.
Comparison of Genotypic and Phenotypic Correlations: Cheverud’s Conjecture in Humans
Authors: Sodini Sebastian M , Kemper Kathryn E , Wray Naomi R , Trzaskowski Maciej
Published: May 2018

Cheverud’s conjecture asserts that the use of phenotypic correlations as proxies for genetic correlations in situations where genetic data is not available is appropriate. Although empirical evidence for this has been found across...

Accurate estimation of genetic correlation requires large sample sizes and access to genetically informative data, which are not always available. Accordingly, phenotypic correlations are often assumed to reflect genotypic correlations in evolutionary biology. Cheverud’s conjecture asserts that the use of phenotypic correlations as proxies for genetic correlations is appropriate. Empirical evidence of the conjecture has been found across plant and animal species, with results suggesting that there is indeed a robust relationship between the two. Here, we investigate the conjecture in human populations, an analysis made possible by recent developments in availability of human genomic data and computing resources. A sample of 108,035 British European individuals from the UK Biobank was split equally into discovery and replication datasets. Seventeen traits were selected based on sample size, distribution, and heritability. Genetic correlations were calculated using linkage disequilibrium score regression applied to the genome-wide association summary statistics of pairs of traits, and compared within and across datasets. Strong and significant correlations were found for the between-dataset comparison, suggesting that the genetic correlations from one independent sample were able to predict the phenotypic correlations from another independent sample within the same population. Designating the selected traits as morphological or nonmorphological indicated little difference in correlation. The results of this study support the existence of a relationship between genetic and phenotypic correlations in humans. This finding is of specific interest in anthropological studies, which use measured phenotypic correlations to make inferences about the genetics of ancient human populations.
A Rare Pulmonary Manisfestation of Kahler's disease
Authors: Baheti Gaurav , Jain Ankur
Published: May 2018

Kahler's disease also known as Multiple Myeloma (MM) is one of the most dangerous primary malignancy of the bone marrow which is significant for its plasma cells proliferation and abnormal growth of monoclonal immunoglobulins (including M protein and light chain proteins: κ and λ). Excess amount of M protein is a potential blood thickener due to its effects on viscosity, while an excess amount of light chains could lead to an end-organ damage.

MM presenting as Interstital Lung Disease (ILD) has been documented in very rare occasions till date and hence, we are presenting forward a letter showing the importance of considering MM as a differential when a patient presents with ILD features by presenting one such case of a patient who was diagnosed with MM and developed ILD secondary due to infiltration of Myeloma cells in the parenchyma of the lungs.
Proposing the concept of Perfection Quotient (PQ) as a measure of readiness for health behavior change
Authors: Sharma Manoj
Published: May 2018

Intelligence Quotient (IQ) has been used for a long time to test for readiness of individuals with regard to their learning abilities.  It offers limited utility in ascertaining readiness toward health behavior change.  Work on emotional quotient (EQ) and X quotient (XQ) has been done in recent years but has not been applied for determining readiness toward health behavior change through health education and health promotion interventions.  The purpose of this editorial is to propose a novel concept of perfection quotient (PQ) that integrates IQ, EQ and XQ for ascertaining the readiness for health behavior change through health education and health promotion interventions in a variety of target populations. Such measure will be invaluable in ameliorating the impact of health education and health promotion interventions.
Influence of Emotional Intelligence and Spiritual Intelligence to The Professionalism and Performance of The Teacher in smk Saraswati 1 Denpasar.
Authors: Hendrastuti Gek Ayu , Agung Anak Agung Putu , Sudja I Nengah
Published: May 2018

This research aims to identify and analyze the influence of emotional intelligence and spiritual intelligence against professionalism and teacher’s performance at SMK Saraswati 1 Denpasar.  This research uses 42 people of sample which selected pursuant to of stratified simple random method. Research variable consist of emotional intelligence, and spiritual intelligence as independent variable, and also professionalism and  teachers’s performance as dependent variable. The method of analysis used validity and reliability test, quantitative descriptive analysis method and PLS. Result of this research, showed that emotional intelligence and spiritual intelligence has a significant effect on professionalism and the teacher performance of SMK Saraswati 1 Denpasar. Besides that, emotional intelligence and spiritual intelligence gives more dominantly influence on teacher performance of SMK Saraswati 1 Denpasar. So, it can be concluded that emotional intelligence and spiritual intelligence partially or simultaneously impact on teacher performance of SMK Saraswati 1 Denpasarand spiritual intelligence gives more dominantly influence on the teacher performance.