bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating a Smartphone–Based Self–Management System into Usual Care of Advanced CKD
Authors: Ong Stephanie W. , Jassal Sarbjit V. , Miller Judith A. , Porter Eveline C. , Cafazzo Joseph A. , Seto Emily , Thorpe Kevin E. , Logan Alexander G.
Published: May 2016

Background and objectives

Patient self-management has been shown to improve health outcomes. We developed a smartphone-based system to boost self-care by patients with CKD and integrated its use into usual CKD care. We determined its acceptability and examined changes in several clinical parameters.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

We recruited patients with stage 4 or 5 CKD attending outpatient renal clinics who responded to a general information newsletter about this 6-month proof-of-principle study. The smartphone application targeted four behavioral elements: monitoring BP, medication management, symptom assessment, and tracking laboratory results. Prebuilt customizable algorithms provided real–time personalized patient feedback and alerts to providers when predefined treatment thresholds were crossed or critical changes occurred. Those who died or started RRT within the first 2 months were replaced. Only participants followed for 6 months after recruitment were included in assessing changes in clinical measures.

Results

In total, 47 patients (26 men; mean age =59 years old; 33% were ≥65 years old) were enrolled; 60% had never used a smartphone. User adherence was high (>80% performed ≥80% of recommended assessments) and sustained. The mean reductions in home BP readings between baseline and exit were statistically significant (systolic BP, −3.4 mmHg; 95% confidence interval, −5.0 to −1.8 and diastolic BP, −2.1 mmHg; 95% confidence interval, −2.9 to −1.2); 27% with normal clinic BP readings had newly identified masked hypertension. One hundred twenty-seven medication discrepancies were identified; 59% were medication errors that required an intervention to prevent harm. In exit interviews, patients indicated feeling more confident and in control of their condition; clinicians perceived patients to be better informed and more engaged.

Conclusions

Integrating a smartphone–based self–management system into usual care of patients with advanced CKD proved feasible and acceptable, and it appeared to be clinically useful. The results provide a strong rationale for a randomized, controlled trial.
A study on the use of the reactor basic experiments in the U-D2O lattices of the RB critical assembly for validation of modern nuclear data libraries
Authors: Pesic Milan
Published: May 2016

Demand on the availability of well-defined reactor experiments for validation
of computer codes for use in nuclear industry and nuclear technology is
everlasting. Users must be confident of the results obtained by the proven
computer codes and nuclear data libraries chosen in the models. The
well-defined (mostly historical) and evaluated reactor experiments (about
5000 in 2015) were collected continuously as the benchmarks within the frame
of the OECD/NEA international projects ICSBEP (since 1995) and IRPhEP (since
2003). The Handbooks of the Projects are published in electronic forms (at
the NEA web site of the OECD and at a DVD media) every year. This study is
aimed to (a) examine and evaluate reactor basic experiments, carried out in
the lattice of the natural uranium metal fuel in the heavy water of the RB
critical assembly first core in 1958, and (b) demonstrate their possibility
for validation of modern nuclear data libraries. These RB reactor basic
experiments include: (1) approach to criticality, (2) determination of the
reactivity gradient at the D2O critical level, (3) measurement of the
dependence of the D2O critical level on the D2O temperature, i. e. dependence
of the reactivity with change in the D2O temperature; (4) the critical
reactor geometrical parameter (buckling) measurements, (5) the migration
length measurements, (6) determination of the neutron multiplication factor
in the infinite lattice, and (7) the safety rods reactivity measurements.
Results of the experiments are compared to the results obtained using modern
nuclear data libraries of the ACE type by applying the MCNP6.1, a well-known
and proven computer code based on the Monte Carlo method. A short overview of
these experiments (done at the RB assembly) is shown. A brief description of
the neutron ACE type nuclear data libraries (created in the LANL, based on
the ENDF/B-VII.0 and ENDF/B-VII.1 files, or created in the OECD/NEA, based on
the JEFF-3.2 evaluated nuclear data files), used in this validation study, is
given. The benchmark models used for this validation study are described and
the obtained results were analyzed. It is concluded that most of these
reactor basic experiments, carried out in the lattice of the natural uranium
metal fuel rods and the heavy water of the RB critical assembly, can be used
as the benchmarks for validation of new nuclear data libraries. It may be
done after further evaluations of influence of missing data, information and
uncertainties in the material composition and geometry dimensions have been
prepared according to the IRPhEP criteria and standards.
Traumatic lung injury attributed to tornadic activity–induced barometric pressure changes in two dogs
Authors: Cichocki Brandy N. , Dugat Danielle R. , Snider Timothy A.
Published: May 2016

CASE DESCRIPTION A 7-year-old castrated male Italian Greyhound (dog 1) and an approximately 1-year-old female Labrador Retriever (dog 2) were evaluated because of respiratory distress 8 and 10 days, respectively, after a tornado.

CLINICAL FINDINGS No obvious external injuries were identified auscultation revealed decreased bronchovesicular sounds in the affected hemithorax of both dogs. Clinicopathologic changes were mild, with evidence of inflammation in both dogs. Thoracic radiography of both dogs revealed pneumothorax and pleural effusion with effacement of the diaphragm; findings on CT included severe pulmonary atelectasis of affected lung lobes with normal bronchial tree configurtion and no evidence of diaphragmatic hernia.

TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Exploratory thoracotomy of both dogs confirmed CT findings Pulmonary parenchymal damage consistent with a large rupture was found in both patients. A large hematoma was adhered to the ruptured lung lobe of dog 1. Grossly affected lung tissue was removed; histologic examination revealed atelectasis, pulmonary fib osis, thrombosis, and minimal (dog 1) to marked (dog 2) inflammation Microbial culture of lung tissue yielded no growth for dog 1 and Streptococcus spp and Escherichia coli susceptible to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid for dog 2. Dog 1 had a recurrence of pneumothorax treated by drainage with a thoracostomy tube 1 month after surgery. Eighteen months after surgery, both dogs were reportedly doing well.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE Development of clinical signs after a tornado, together with clinical, diagnostic imaging, surgical, and histologic findings led to a presumptive diagnosis of pulmonary barotrauma for both dogs. Long-term outcome for these dogs, treated at a referral hospital, was good.
Spine Kinematics During Prone Extension in People With and Without Low Back Pain and Among Classification-Specific Low Back Pain Subgroups
Authors: Mazzone Brittney , Wood Ron , Gombatto Sara
Published: May 2016

Study Design

Cross-sectional observational design.

Background

Spine extension is used in physical therapy during examination and treatment for low back pain (LBP). However, kinematics during prone extension have not been examined using 3-D motion capture.

Objectives

The primary purpose was to determine differences in spine kinematics during prone extension between subjects with and without LBP. An exploratory analysis was conducted to examine kinematic differences among LBP subgroups.

Methods

Kinematics of the thoracic and lumbar spine were examined during prone extension, using optical motion capture, in 18 subjects with LBP and 17 subjects without LBP (control group). Excursion of each spinal region was calculated for the entire movement and during 25% increments of extension movement duration. Subjects with LBP were examined and assigned to subgroups using 3 different classification systems for LBP. Repeated-measures analysis-of-variance tests were used to examine effects of group (LBP, control), spine region, and increment of movement duration, and to explore effects of LBP subgroup.

Results

For spine kinematics, there was a significant group-by-region interaction effect (P<.05). Subjects with LBP displayed less lower lumbar extension (13.3° ± 4.9°) than control subjects (21.4° ± 9.2°). The majority of lower lumbar extension occurred during the first 50% of the motion for subjects with LBP. Subgroup-by-region interaction effects were significant for 2 of 3 LBP classification systems (P<.05).

Conclusion

Subjects with LBP displayed less lower lumbar extension than control subjects during prone extension. These differences should be considered when evaluating and prescribing prone extension. The interpretation of subgroup differences with prone extension kinematics is limited in the current study by the small sample size, but may need to be considered in future studies of spine kinematics.

Level of Evidence

Diagnosis, level 4. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(7):571–579. Epub 12 May 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6159
Optimal Materialized View Management in Distributed Environment Using Random Walk Approach
Authors: Bagale Purushottam , Joshi Shashidhar Ram
Published: May 2016

Materialized View selection and maintenance is a critical problem in many applications. In large databases particularly in distributed database, query response time plays an important role as timely access to information and it is the basic requirement of successful business application. The materialization of all views is not possible because of the space constraint and maintenance cost constraint. Materialized views selection is one of the crucial decisions in designing a data warehouse for optimal efficiency. Selecting a suitable set of views that minimizes the total cost associated with the materialized views is the key component in distributed database environment. Several solutions have been proposed in the literature to solve this problem. However, most studies do not encompass search time, storage constrains and maintenance cost. In this research work two algorithms are depicted; first for materialized view selection and maintenance in distributed environment where database is distributed, Second algorithm is for node selection in distributed environment. 

Journal of Advanced College of Engineering and Management, Vol.1, 2015, 69-75
Earthwork Planning and Visualisation of Time-Location Information in Road Construction Projects
Authors: Shah R. K.
Published: May 2016

Accurate information of locations from visual aspect is vital for efficient resource planning and managing the workspace conflicts in the earthwork operations, which are missing in the existing linear schedules. Hence, the construction managers have to depend on the subjective decisions and intangible imagining for resources allocation, workspace conflicts and location-based progress monitoring in the earthwork projects. This has caused uncertainties in planning and scheduling of earthworks, and consequently delays and cost overruns of the projects. To overcome these issues, a framework of computer based prototype model was developed using the theory of location-based planning. This paper focuses on the case study experiments to demonstrate the functions of the model, which includes automatic generation of location-based earthwork schedules and visualisation of cut-fill locations on a weekly basis. The experiment results confirmed the model’s capability in identifying precise weekly locations of cut-fill and also visualising the time-space conflicts at the earthwork projects. Hence, the paper concludes that the model is a useful decision supporting tool to improve site productivity and reduce production cost of earthworks in the construction projects like roads and railways. 

Journal of Advanced College of Engineering and Management, Vol. 1, 2015, pp. 75-84
Poultry Faeces Management by Bioconversion Technology with Modified GGC 2047 Model
Authors: Neupane S. K. , Sharma Ram K. , Karki Shiva Shankar
Published: May 2016

In this report, entitled “Poultry Faeces Management by Bioconversion Technology with Modified GGC 2047 model” focuses on various parameters relating to physico-chemical characteristics of the substrate, fertilizing value of digested poultry waste and potential to create profitability from biogas energy, thus generated and balancing the environmental aspects using poultry waste digestion. Also, biogas may be the tool of energy generation in rural areas while sanitation (waste management) in urban areas of developing countries asNepal. Biogas production from chicken faeces could be obtained more effectively by feeding around 8.5 kg per day. It is concluded that digester could be run by around 2.5 quintal chicken faeces per month. Hence those people, who can manage this quantity of waste, can utilize bio-digester without poultry farm.

Journal of Advanced College of Engineering and Management, Vol. 1, 2015, pp. 107-117
Words are not enough: nonword repetition as an indicator of arcuate fasciculus integrity during brain tumor resection
Authors: Sierpowska Joanna , Gabarrós Andreu , Fernandez-Coello Alejandro , Camins Àngels , Castañer Sara , Juncadella Montserrat , Morís Joaquín , Rodríguez-Fornells Antoni
Published: May 2016

OBJECTIVE

Subcortical electrical stimulation during brain surgery may allow localization of functionally crucial white matter fibers and thus tailoring of the tumor resection according to its functional limits. The arcuate fasciculus (AF) is a white matter bundle connecting frontal, temporal, and parietal cortical areas that is often disrupted by left brain lesions. It plays a critical role in several cognitive functions related to phonological processing, but current intraoperative monitoring methods do not yet allow mapping of this tract with sufficient precision. In the present study the authors aimed to test a new paradigm for the intraoperative monitoring of the AF.

METHODS

In this report, the authors studied 12 patients undergoing awake brain surgery for tumor resection with a related risk of AF damage. To preserve AF integrity and the cognitive processes sustained by this tract in the intraoperative context, the authors used real word repetition (WR) and nonword repetition (NWR) tasks as complements to standard picture naming.

RESULTS

Compared with the errors identified by WR or picture naming, the NWR task allowed the detection of subtle errors possibly related to AF alterations. Moreover, only 3 patients demonstrated phonological paraphasias in standard picture naming, and in 2 of these patients the paraphasias co-occurred with the total loss of WR and NWR ability. Before surgery, lesion volume predicted a patient's NWR performance.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors suggest that monitoring NWR intraoperatively may complement the standard naming tasks and could permit better preservation of the important language production functions subserved by the AF.
Investigating the Temporal Variability of the Standardized Precipitation Index in Lebanon
Authors: Mahfouz Peter , Mitri George , Jazi Mireille , Karam Fadi
Published: May 2016

The impact of global climate change on Lebanon’s society, environment, and economy is expected to be tremendous. Indices have been developed to help in the identification and monitoring of drought and characterization of its severity. In this context, this work aimed at assessing the temporal variability of the Standardized Precipitation Index in Lebanon for improved understanding of drought occurrence. This is expected to help in mitigation and response actions to future drought circumstances across the country. The methodology of work involved the calculation of the Standardized Precipitation Index over different time series from four regions across the country using both the Variability Analysis of Surface Climate Observations (VASClimO) gridded rainfall dataset for the period 1951–2000 and the European rainfall dataset E-OBS for the period 1950–2014. In general, higher precipitation values were recorded by the VASClimO dataset than those coming from the E-OBS dataset. Intra-annual precipitation changes showed increasing precipitation starting in September-October and decreasing precipitation starting in February. The VASClimO dataset showed a 50% increase in the frequency of severe drought conditions, while the E-OBS dataset indicated a 60% increase in the frequency of moderate drought conditions. In addition, it was observed that the winter of 2014, characterized by extreme drought conditions, was the driest in the past 56 years. Although specific years were commonly characterized by severe to extreme drought conditions with the use of both datasets, considerable differences between the two datasets were observed with respect to the identification of the degree of wet and dry conditions for some other years. Overall, trend lines for the Standardized Precipitation Index values, as derived from VASClimO and E-OBS datasets, commonly point to a relatively slight increase in drought conditions mainly in the winter-spring season; however, the situation on the ground could vary greatly given that many other environmental factors (e.g., changes in land cover) may also play an important role in affecting drought conditions.
Energy Performance of Verandas in the Building Retrofit Process
Authors: Albatici Rossano , Passerini Francesco , Pfafferott Jens
Published: May 2016

Passive solar elements for both direct and indirect gains, are systems used to maintain a comfortable living environment while saving energy, especially in the building energy retrofit and adaptation process. Sunspaces, thermal mass and glazing area and orientation have been often used in the past to guarantee adequate indoor conditions when mechanical devices were not available. After a period of neglect, nowadays they are again considered as appropriate systems to help face environmental issues in the building sector, and both international and national legislation takes into consideration the possibility of including them in the building planning tools, also providing economic incentives. Their proper design needs dynamic simulation, often difficult to perform and time consuming. Moreover, results generally suffer from several uncertainties, so quasi steady-state procedures are often used in everyday practice with good results, but some corrections are still needed. In this paper, a comparative analysis of different solutions for the construction of verandas in an existing building is presented, following the procedure provided by the slightly modified and improved Standard EN ISO 13790:2008. Advantages and disadvantages of different configurations considering thermal insulation, windows typology and mechanical ventilation systems are discussed and a general intervention strategy is proposed. The aim is to highlight the possibility of using sunspaces in order to increase the efficiency of the existing building stock, considering ease of construction and economic viability.
Modeling the Viscoelastic Behavior of Amorphous Shape Memory Polymers at an Elevated Temperature
Authors: Cui Fangda , Moon Swapnil , Rao I.
Published: May 2016

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are soft active materials, their special property is the ability to hold a temporary shape and when exposed to a suitable trigger, they come back to their original shape. These external stimuli can be temperature, light or electro-magnetic fields. Amorphous SMPs are a class of thermally-activated SMPs that rely on glass transition to retain their temporary shape. Above the glass transition temperature (T > Tg), (amorphous SMPs exhibit finite deformation and viscoelastic behavior. In this work we develop a model to capture the viscoelastic behavior of the amorphous SMPs at elevated temperatures. The model uses an approach that was initially developed to study non-Newtonian viscoelastic fluids. We accomplish this by developing a multi-branch model based on the theory of multiple natural configurations using the maximization of the rate dissipation to determine the evolution of the natural configurations. We apply our model to study several different deformations at an elevated temperature T = 130 °C and show that this approach is able to capture the viscoelastic behavior of these polymers. The predictions of the theory are then compared with experimental results.
Prevention of Asbestos-Related Disease in Countries Currently Using Asbestos
Authors: Marsili Daniela , Terracini Benedetto , Santana Vilma , Ramos-Bonilla Juan , Pasetto Roberto , Mazzeo Agata , Loomis Dana , Comba Pietro , Algranti Eduardo
Published: May 2016

More than 40 years of evaluation have consistently confirmed the carcinogenicity of asbestos in all of its forms. This notwithstanding, according to recent figures, the annual world production of asbestos is approximatively 2,000,000 tons. Currently, about 90% of world asbestos comes from four countries: Russia, China, Brazil and Kazakhstan; and the wide use of asbestos worldwide represents a global threat. The purpose of this paper is to present a review of the asbestos health impact and to discuss the role of epidemiological investigations in countries where asbestos is still used. In these contexts, new, “local” studies can stimulate awareness of the size of the problem by public opinion and other stakeholders and provide important information on the circumstances of exposure, as well as local asbestos-related health impacts. This paper suggests an agenda for an international cooperation framework dedicated to foster a public health response to asbestos, including: new epidemiological studies for assessing the health impact of asbestos in specific contexts; socio-cultural and economic analyses for contributing to identifying stakeholders and to address both the local and global implications of asbestos diffusion; public awareness on the health and socio-economic impact of asbestos use and banning.
The Effect of the Molecular Architecture on the Antioxidant Properties of Chitosan Gallate
Authors: Wu Chunhua , Wang Liping , Fang Zhongxiang , Hu Yaqin , Chen Shiguo , Sugawara Tatsuya , Ye Xingqian
Published: May 2016

To elucidate the structure–antioxidant activity relationships of chitosan gallate (CG), a series of CG derivatives with different degrees of substitution (DS’s) and molecular weights (MWs) were synthesized from chitosan (CS) and gallic acid (GA) via a free radical graft reaction. A higher MW led to a lower DS of CG. The structures of CG were characterized by FT-IR and 1H NMR, and results showed that GA was mainly conjugated to the C-2 and C-6 positions of the CS chain. The antioxidant activity (the DPPH radical scavenging activity and reducing power) were enhanced with an increased DS and a decreased MW of CG. A correlation between antioxidant activities and the DS and MW of CG was also established. In addition, a suitable concentration (0~250 μg/mL) of CG with different MWs (32.78~489.32 kDa) and DS’s (0~92.89 mg·GAE/g CG) has no cytotoxicity. These results should provide a guideline to the application of CG derivatives in food or pharmacology industries.
Microstructure Evolution and High-Temperature Compressibility of Modified Two-Step Strain-Induced Melt Activation-Processed Al-Mg-Si Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Lin Chia-Wei , Hung Fei-Yi , Lui Truan-Sheng , Chen Li-Hui
Published: May 2016

A two-step strain-induced melt activation (TS-SIMA) process that omits the cold working step of the traditional strain-induced melt activation (SIMA) process is proposed for 6066 Al-Mg-Si alloy to obtain fine, globular, and uniform grains with a short-duration salt bath. The results show that increasing the salt bath temperature and duration leads to a high liquid phase fraction and a high degree of spheroidization. However, an excessive salt bath temperature leads to rapid grain growth and generates melting voids. The initial degree of dynamic recrystallization, which depends on the extrusion ratio, affects the globular grain size. With an increasing extrusion ratio, the dynamic recrystallization becomes more severe and the dynamic recrystallized grain size becomes smaller. It results in the globular grains becomes smaller. The major growth mechanism of globular grains is Ostwald ripening. Furthermore, high-temperature compressibility can be improved by the TS-SIMA process. After a 4 min salt bath at 620 °C, the high-temperature compression ratio become higher than that of a fully annealed alloy. The results show that the proposed TS-SIMA process has great potential.
Effects of Brassicaceae Isothiocyanates on Prostate Cancer
Authors: Novío Silvia , Cartea María , Soengas Pilar , Freire-Garabal Manuel , Núñez-Iglesias María
Published: May 2016

Despite the major progress made in the field of cancer biology, cancer is still one of the leading causes of mortality, and prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most encountered malignancies among men. The effective management of this disease requires developing better anticancer agents with greater efficacy and fewer side effects. Nature is a large source for the development of chemotherapeutic agents, with more than 50% of current anticancer drugs being of natural origin. Isothiocyanates (ITCs) are degradation products from glucosinolates that are present in members of the family Brassicaceae. Although they are known for a variety of therapeutic effects, including antioxidant, immunostimulatory, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties, nowadays, cell line and animal studies have additionally indicated the chemopreventive action without causing toxic side effects of ITCs. In this way, they can induce cell cycle arrest, activate apoptosis pathways, increase the sensitivity of resistant PCa to available chemodrugs, modulate epigenetic changes and downregulate activated signaling pathways, resulting in the inhibition of cell proliferation, progression and invasion-metastasis. The present review summarizes the chemopreventive role of ITCs with a particular emphasis on specific molecular targets and epigenetic alterations in in vitro and in vivo cancer animal models.
Adsorption of Emerging Ionizable Contaminants on Carbon Nanotubes: Advancements and Challenges
Authors: Ma Xingmao , Agarwal Sarang
Published: May 2016

The superior adsorption capacity of carbon nanotubes has been well recognized and there is a wealth of information in the literature concerning the adsorption of unionized organic pollutants on carbon nanotubes. Recently, the adsorption of emerging environmental pollutants, most of which are ionizable, has attracted increasing attention due to the heightened concerns about the accumulation of these emerging contaminants in the environment. These recent studies suggest that the adsorption of emerging ionizable contaminants on carbon nanotubes exhibit different characteristics than unionized ones. For example, a new charge-assisted intermolecular force has been proposed for ionizable compounds because some adsorption phenomenon cannot be easily explained by the conventional force theory. The adsorption of ionizable compounds also displayed much stronger dependence on solution pH and ionic strength than unionized compounds. This article aims to present a brief review on the current understanding of the adsorption of emerging ionizable contaminants to carbon nanotubes and discuss further research needs required to advance the mechanistic understanding of the interactions between ionizable contaminants and carbon nanotubes.
Multivalent Carbohydrate-Lectin Interactions: How Synthetic Chemistry Enables Insights into Nanometric Recognition
Authors: Roy René , Murphy Paul , Gabius Hans-Joachim
Published: May 2016

Glycan recognition by sugar receptors (lectins) is intimately involved in many aspects of cell physiology. However, the factors explaining the exquisite selectivity of their functional pairing are not yet fully understood. Studies toward this aim will also help appraise the potential for lectin-directed drug design. With the network of adhesion/growth-regulatory galectins as therapeutic targets, the strategy to recruit synthetic chemistry to systematically elucidate structure-activity relationships is outlined, from monovalent compounds to glyco-clusters and glycodendrimers to biomimetic surfaces. The versatility of the synthetic procedures enables to take examining structural and spatial parameters, alone and in combination, to its limits, for example with the aim to produce inhibitors for distinct galectin(s) that exhibit minimal reactivity to other members of this group. Shaping spatial architectures similar to glycoconjugate aggregates, microdomains or vesicles provides attractive tools to disclose the often still hidden significance of nanometric aspects of the different modes of lectin design (sequence divergence at the lectin site, differences of spatial type of lectin-site presentation). Of note, testing the effectors alone or in combination simulating (patho)physiological conditions, is sure to bring about new insights into the cooperation between lectins and the regulation of their activity.
An Assessment of Demand for a Combined PharmD–MBA Program at the University of Saskatchewan
Authors: Mansell Kerry , Bruneau-Bouchard Antoine , Bruni-Bossio Vincent
Published: May 2016

(1) Background: Combined MBA programs are becoming increasingly popular, and it is anticipated that there will be 60 combined pharmacy–MBA programs across North America in 2015. We aimed to see if there would be support for a combined PharmD–MBA program at the University of Saskatchewan. (2) Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year pharmacy students at the University of Saskatchewan. A separate questionnaire was developed and all practicing pharmacists in Saskatchewan were emailed a link to SurveyMonkey® (Palo Alto, CA, USA) to fill it out online. In-person and phone interviews were conducted with pharmacy stakeholders in Saskatchewan and across the country. (3) Results: Of the 265 students, 193 (72.8%) were present on the days the questionnaires were distributed, and they all completed the questionnaires. When asked if they would have pursued a combined degree if the U of S had offered it when they entered the pharmacy program, 16.6% (32/193) and 37.3% (72/193) either strongly agreed or agreed and 29.0% (56/193) were unsure. When pharmacists were asked if an MBA would be valuable or applicable in their current job, 42.2% (128/303) agreed and 13.9% (42/303) strongly agreed. When asked if they felt students graduating with a combined degree would be at an advantage for certain job opportunities upon graduation, 33.6% (100/298) strongly agreed and 55.4% (165/298) agreed. A total of 8 interviews were conducted with key stakeholders from across Canada. Of these 8 stakeholders, only 2 were aware that other combined programs were offered. All of the stakeholders were in favour of the idea of a combined degree. Some felt it was important for the program to have a clear value proposition and healthcare related content would be desirable. (4) Conclusions: Overall, pharmacist, pharmacy student, and stakeholder input indicate that a combined program could be supported at the University of Saskatchewan.
A Late Neolithic “fishing net” from Kurdistan, Northern Iraq?
Authors: Nieuwenhuyse Olivier , Berghuijs Koen , Mühl Simone
Published: May 2016

In this paper we present a textile imprint observed on a prehistoric (Late Neolithic) sherd recovered from the site of Bestansur, Northern Iraq. Dated to ca 6500-6200 cal. BC, this represents one of the earliest textile imprints in the region. We discuss the find and the type of textile. Rather tentatively we suggest it may have been used as a “ fishing net”.
Emanuel Cave (Israel): The Site and its Bearing on Early Middle Paleolithic Technological Variability
Authors: Goder-Goldberger Mae , Cheng Hai , Edwards R. Lawrence , Marder Ofer , Peleg Yuval , Yeshurun Reuven , Frumkin Amos
Published: May 2016

A series of short successive occupations were revealed at the new Middle Paleolithic site of Emanuel Cave. A date of 191± 1 Ka (U/ Th) is suggested as a terminus post quem for the archaeological deposits. Despite the ephemeral nature of the site, the lithic assemblage displays two distinct facies ; the lower layers with a predominantly laminar nature and the upper layers, reflecting more use of the Levallois technology. Techno-typological comparison of the lower layers with other Levantine assemblages position it within the early Middle Paleolithic technological tradition as seen at Hayonim lower E and F and Hummal 6b. Thus implying a wider range of technological variability than suggested by the Tabun “ cultural” classification commonly used to defi ne the Middle Paleolithic of the Levant.
Marine-derived myxobacteria of the suborder Nannocystineae: An underexplored source of structurally intriguing and biologically active metabolites
Authors: Dávila-Céspedes Antonio , Hufendiek Peter , Crüsemann Max , Schäberle Till F , König Gabriele M
Published: May 2016

Myxobacteria are famous for their ability to produce most intriguing secondary metabolites. Till recently, only terrestrial myxobacteria were in the focus of research. In this review, however, we discuss marine-derived myxobacteria, which are particularly interesting due to their relatively recent discovery and due to the fact that their very existence was called into question. The to-date-explored members of these halophilic or halotolerant myxobacteria are all grouped into the suborder Nannocystineae. Few of them were chemically investigated revealing around 11 structural types belonging to the polyketide, non-ribosomal peptide, hybrids thereof or terpenoid class of secondary metabolites. A most unusual structural type is represented by salimabromide from Enhygromyxa salina. In silico analyses were carried out on the available genome sequences of four bacterial members of the Nannocystineae, revealing the biosynthetic potential of these bacteria.
Population Genomics Related to Adaptation in Elite Oat Germplasm
Authors: Esvelt Klos Kathy , Huang Yung‐Fen , Bekele Wubishet A. , Obert Don E. , Babiker Ebrahiem , Beattie Aaron D. , Bjørnstad Åsmund , Bonman J. Michael , Carson Martin L. , Chao Shiaoman , Gnanesh Belaghihalli N. , Griffiths Irene , Harrison Stephen A. , Howarth Catherine J. , Hu Gongshe , Ibrahim Amir , Islamovic Emir , Jackson Eric W. , Jannink Jean‐Luc , Kolb Frederic L. , McMullen Michael S. , Mitchell Fetch Jennifer , Murphy J. Paul , Ohm Herbert W. , Rines Howard W. , Rossnagel Brian G. , Schlueter Jessica A. , Sorrells Mark E. , Wight Charlene P. , Yan Weikai , Tinker Nicholas A.
Published: May 2016

Six hundred thirty five oat (Avena sativa L.) lines and 4561 single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci were used to evaluate population structure, linkage disequilibrium (LD), and genotype–phenotype association with heading date. The first five principal components (PCs) accounted for 25.3% of genetic variation. Neither the eigenvalues of the first 25 PCs nor the cross‐validation errors from K = 1 to 20 model‐based analyses suggested a structured population. However, the PC and K = 2 model‐based analyses supported clustering of lines on spring oat vs. southern United States origin, accounting for 16% of genetic variation (p < 0.0001). Single‐locus F‐statistic (FST) in the highest 1% of the distribution suggested linkage groups that may be differentiated between the two population subgroups. Population structure and kinship‐corrected LD of r2 = 0.10 was observed at an average pairwise distance of 0.44 cM (0.71 and 2.64 cM within spring and southern oat, respectively). On most linkage groups LD decay was slower within southern lines than within the spring lines. A notable exception was found on linkage group Mrg28, where LD decay was substantially slower in the spring subpopulation. It is speculated that this may be caused by a heterogeneous translocation event on this chromosome. Association with heading date was most consistent across location‐years on linkage groups Mrg02, Mrg12, Mrg13, and Mrg24.
ANALYTIC H i-to-H2 PHOTODISSOCIATION TRANSITION PROFILES
Authors: Bialy Shmuel , Sternberg Amiel
Published: May 2016

We present a simple analytic procedure for generating atomic (H i) to molecular (

) density profiles for optically thick hydrogen gas clouds illuminated by far-ultraviolet radiation fields. Our procedure is based on the analytic theory for the structure of one-dimensional H i/

photon-dominated regions, presented by Sternberg et al. Depth-dependent atomic and molecular density fractions may be computed for arbitrary gas density, far-ultraviolet field intensity, and the metallicity-dependent H2 formation rate coefficient, and dust absorption cross section in the Lyman–Werner photodissociation band. We use our procedure to generate a set of

transition profiles for a wide range of conditions, from the weak- to strong-field limits, and from super-solar down to low metallicities. We show that if presented as functions of dust optical depth, the

and

density profiles depend primarily on the Sternberg “

parameter” (dimensionless) that determines the dust optical depth associated with the total photodissociated

column. We derive a universal analytic formula for the

transition points as a function of just

. Our formula will be useful for interpreting emission-line observations of H i/

interfaces, for estimating star formation thresholds, and for sub-grid components in hydrodynamics simulations.
HOMOLOGOUS SOLAR EVENTS ON 2011 JANUARY 27: BUILD-UP AND PROPAGATION IN A COMPLEX CORONAL ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Pick M. , Stenborg G. , Démoulin P. , Zucca P. , Lecacheux A.
Published: May 2016

In spite of the wealth of imaging observations at the extreme-ultraviolet (EUV), X-ray, and radio wavelengths, there are still relatively few cases where all of the imagery is available to study the full development of a coronal mass ejection (CME) event and its associated shock. The aim of this study is to contribute to the understanding of the role of the coronal environment in the development of CMEs and the formation of shocks, and their propagation. We have analyzed the interactions of a couple of homologous CME events with ambient coronal structures. Both events were launched in a direction far from the local vertical, and exhibited a radical change in their direction of propagation during their progression from the low corona into higher altitudes. Observations at EUV wavelengths from the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly instrument on board the Solar Dynamic Observatory were used to track the events in the low corona. The development of the events at higher altitudes was followed by the white-light coronagraphs on board the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory. Radio emissions produced during the development of the events were well recorded by the Nançay solar instruments. Thanks to their detection of accelerated electrons, the radio observations are an important complement to the EUV imaging. They allowed us to characterize the development of the associated shocks, and helped to unveil the physical processes behind the complex interactions between the CMEs and ambient medium (e.g., compression, reconnection).
Inherent Governmental Functions and Areas of Further Security Privatization in the Czech Republic
Authors: Bureš Oldřich
Published: May 2016

This study analyzes the limits and further areas of possible privatization of security in the Czech Republic in the context of a growing number of private security companies (PSCs). With reference to the recent foreign studies of security privatization and interviews conducted with the owners and/or managers of PSCs operating in the Czech Republic, this study shows that the process of security privatization is not taking place somewhere outside the structures of the Czech state because the very (in)activity of its components in providing security, along with the understandable efforts of PSCs to maximize their profits by offering new services, or extending the range of the existing ones, represents one of its key determinants. By outlining possible further areas as well as limits of security privatization in the Czech Republic, this study has the ambition to be the basis for not only an academic, but also a political debate about the ways of ensuring the safety of the citizens of the Czech Republic in the foreseeable future.
Le bilan thermique des étangs : réflexion épistémologique et application aux étangs limousins
Authors: Touchart Laurent
Published: May 2016

Le concept de bilan thermique d’un lac, créé au xix e siècle, a connu l’une des évolutions sémantiques les plus disparates de l’histoire de la limnologie. À travers de multiples significations dérivées, il est possible de déceler une propension récente à lui donner le sens de somme algébrique des flux énergétiques à l’interface entre l’eau et l’air. Ainsi, par un renversement de paradigme épistémologique, le bilan thermique n’est plus un but, mais un moyen, et la limnologie est dépossédée de son estimation, au profit de la climatologie. On discute ici l’intérêt d’un retour au sens initial de différence entre le nombre maximal et minimal de calories contenues dans le plan d’eau, favorisant une démarche géographique intégratrice et hydrosystémique. On propose aussi : (i) d’appliquer ce concept créé pour les lacs aux étangs, qui se distinguent par leur petite taille, leur stratification éphémère et leur capacité à déverser la totalité du volume calorifique dans le réseau hydrographique lors des vidanges ; (ii) d’étudier les variations calorifiques à toutes les échelles de temps, y compris instantanées ; (iii) de travailler à l’avenir à partir de plusieurs profils thermiques. Les premiers résultats, concernant quelques étangs limousins, montrent le bien-fondé du retour épistémologique. En effet, les fortes valeurs de fin d’été proviennent des rythmes de brassage par convection forcée, donc du fonctionnement limnologique, et non des flux énergétiques d’origine climatique.
Je suis fatigué·e d’avoir du courage
Authors: Gallienne Emmanuelle
Published: May 2016

Résumé De l’inhospitalité
Surgical Intervention for Medically Refractory Hyperthyroidism
Authors: Knollman Philip D. , Giese Ann , Bhayani Mihir K.
Published: May 2016

Pediatric hyperthyroidism can be multifactorial, with Graves' disease (GD) being the most common etiology. Treatment focuses on identification of the cause of the hyperthyroidism and achieving a biochemical cure with symptom resolution. This article highlights the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of a pediatric patient with GD.

[
Pediatr Ann
. 2016;45(5):e171–e175.]
Retrospective Study of 967 Patients With Spinal Tuberculosis
Authors: Shi Tao , Zhang Zehua , Dai Fei , Zhou Qiang , He Qingyi , Luo Fei , Hou Tianyong , Xu Jianzhong
Published: May 2016

China is a country with a high tuberculosis (TB) burden. Spinal TB is one reason for the resurgence of TB in China. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical and epidemiological features of patients with spinal TB in a teaching hospital of Southwest China. The study group comprised 967 patients with spinal TB who were admitted to the authors' institution from 1999 to 2013. Demographic characteristics, prevalence of symptoms and clinical manifestations, prevalence of multidrug resistance and extensive drug resistance of spinal TB, management and outcome, and incidence of complications were recorded and analyzed. The patients included 473 women and 494 men with a mean age of 35.86±15.68 years. The most common presentation of spinal TB was back pain, followed by night sweats and fever. The thoracic spine was the most commonly involved level, followed by the lumbar spine and cervical spine. The incidence of neurological involvement in spinal TB is 33.3%. Noncontiguous spinal TB was seen in 3.41% of cases. The incidence of concomitant pulmonary TB was 14.37%. A total of 740 patients were successfully treated with surgery and anti-TB drugs. No mortality was related to spinal TB. Spinal TB increased every year from 1999 to 2013 in Southwest China. Back pain is the most common clinical symptom, and the thoracic spine is the vertebral body most often involved. The most commonly used first- and second-line anti-TB drugs are isoniazid and levofloxacin, respectively. [
Orthopedics.
2016; 39(5):e838–e843.]
A3 Learning System: Advanced Active and Autonomous Learning System
Authors: Takahashi Akiko , Kashiwaba Yasuhiro , Okumura Toshiaki , Ando Toshihiko , Yajima Kuniaki , Hayakawa Yoshihiro , Takeshige Motomu , Uchida Tatsuo
Published: May 2016

This paper proposes the Advanced-Active-Autonomous (A3) Learning System, which is an educational system based on the use of information and communication technology. The A3 Learning System is a combination of Active Learning (AL), Project/Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and Mastery Learning (ML). We report some uses of the A3 system and implemented AL and ML in foundational learning in the software/hardware information fields. Additionally, we implemented PBL in software design. We implemented two methods; one involves individual students and the other involves a group. Furthermore, to evaluate the benefits of the A3 Learning System, the Progress Report on Generic Skill (PROG) test was carried out; the results of the test are discussed here.
Synthesizing Technological and Pedagogical Knowledge in Learning Design
Authors: Papanikolaou Kyparisia A. , Makrh Katerina , Magoulas George D. , Chinou Dionisia , Georgalas Athanasios , Roussos Petros
Published: May 2016

Based on a design rational for constructivist pre-service teacher training on Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL), in this paper the authors consider teachers as designers of innovative digital educational content. Under this lens, the selection of appropriate technologies is considered as a threefold process that concerns the availability of technological tools for implementing a virtual classroom that facilitates communication, collaboration, and administration, the enabling technologies for serving specific learning purposes, and the technologies or tools that support trainees to design effective TEL-based courses. A number of questions emerge as the authors are looking for the most appropriate technologies for cultivating certain competences related to class operation, learning design and student engagement in a constructive manner. As a first step, in this paper, they investigate how trainees combine particular technologies with pedagogical tools to cultivate specific competences i.e. certain types of Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge. Lastly, factors that trainees perceive as influential when adopting TEL tools in practice are revealed by their study.
Maturity in Health Organization Information Systems
Authors: Carneiro Alberto
Published: May 2016

Adapting maturity models to healthcare organization's needs is an issue that researchers and technicians should consider and a valuable instrument for IT managers because these models allow the assessment of a present situation as well as the identification of useful improvement measures. This paper discusses the practical utilization of maturity models, including different manners of exploring model's usefulness. For a more complete understanding of maturity models, the selection of criteria and processes of measurement, called metrics, is briefly reviewed in terms of indicators and daily procedures. Some issues of management information systems security are briefly addressed, along with a note on measuring security assessment. Finally some considerations are presented about the need for privacy of personal data to ensure the strategies to be pursued to sensitive data in order to establish a level of effective privacy which is included in the concerns of security of information systems.