bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preoperative JJ stent placement in ureteric and renal stone treatment: results from the Clinical Research Office of Endourological Society (CROES) ureteroscopy (URS) Global Study
Authors: Assimos Dean , Crisci Alfonso , Culkin Daniel , Xue Wei , Roelofs Anita , Duvdevani Mordechai , Desai Mahesh , de la Rosette Jean ,   the CROES URS Global Study Group
Published: August 2015

Objective

To compare outcomes of ureteric and renal stone treatment with ureteroscopy (URS) in patients with or without the placement of a preoperative JJ stent.

Patients and Methods

The Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society (CROES) URS Global Study collected prospective data for 1 year on consecutive patients with ureteric or renal stones treated with URS at 114 centres around the world. Patients that had had preoperative JJ stent placement were compared with those that did not. Inverse‐probability‐weighted regression adjustment (IPWRA) was used to examine the effect of preoperative JJ stent placement on the stone‐free rate (SFR), length of hospital stay (LOHS), operative duration, and complications (rate and severity).

Results

Of 8 189 patients with ureteric stones, there were 978 (11.9%) and 7 133 patients with and without a preoperative JJ stent, respectively. Of the 1 622 patients with renal stones, 590 (36.4%) had preoperative stenting and 1 002 did not. For renal stone treatment, preoperative stent placement increased the SFR and operative time, and there was a borderline significant decrease in intraoperative complications. For ureteric stone treatment, preoperative stent placement was associated with longer operative duration and decreased LOHS, but there was no difference in the SFR and complications. One major limitation of the study was that the reason for JJ stent placement was not identified preoperatively.

Conclusions

The placement of a preoperative JJ stent increases SFRs and decreases complications in patients with renal stones but not in those with ureteric stones.
Validation of the Japanese version of the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale and assessment of the effect of pain on scale responses in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Masuda Hiroki , Mori Masahiro , Uzawa Akiyuki , Muto Mayumi , Uchida Tomohiko , Kobayashi Shigeo , Kuwabara Satoshi
Published: August 2015

Objective

Fatigue is a major disabling symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) is generally approved for evaluating fatigue in MS patients. However, a Japanese version of MFIS has not been established. The aims of the present study were to validate the Japanese MFIS and to investigate its relationship with pain in Japanese MS patients.

Methods

The MFIS was translated into Japanese by a professional translator. The Japanese version of MFIS was carried out for 30 relapsing–remitting MS patients during remission, and 30 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. MFIS for MS patients was repeated within 4 days to show the reliability. The Japanese version of the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory and Pain Effects Scale were also carried out.

Results

No significant difference in MFIS score was found between the first and second assessments. Total scores were higher for the patients than for controls (P < 0.001); they correlated with those of the Kurtzke's Expanded Disability Status Scale (P < 0.001), Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (P = 0.031) and Pain Effects Scale (P < 0.001). Positive correlations were found among subscales of the Japanese version of the MFIS in the patients.

Conclusions

A Japanese version of the MFIS validated fatigue evaluation in these patients.
Neuron–astrocyte interactions in neurodegenerative diseases: Role of neuroinflammation
Authors: Rama Rao Kakulavarapu V. , Kielian Tammy
Published: August 2015

Selective neuron loss in discrete brain regions is a hallmark of various neurodegenerative disorders, although the mechanisms responsible for this regional vulnerability of neurons remain largely unknown. Earlier studies attributed neuron dysfunction and eventual loss during neurodegenerative diseases as exclusively cell autonomous. Although cell‐intrinsic factors are one critical aspect in dictating neuron death, recent evidence also supports the involvement of other central nervous system cell types in propagating non‐cell autonomous neuronal injury during neurodegenerative diseases. One such example is astrocytes, which support neuronal and synaptic function, but can also contribute to neuroinflammatory processes. Indeed, aberrations in astrocyte function have been shown to negatively impact neuronal integrity in several neurological diseases. The present review focuses on neuroinflammatory paradigms influenced by neuron–astrocyte cross‐talk in the context of select neurodegenerative diseases.
Anisotropic Strain Limiting for Quadrilateral and Triangular Cloth Meshes
Authors: Ma Guanghui , Ye Juntao , Li Jituo , Zhang Xiaopeng
Published: August 2015

The cloth simulation systems often suffer from excessive extension on the polygonal mesh, so an additional strain‐limiting process is typically used as a remedy in the simulation pipeline. A cloth model can be discretized as either a quadrilateral mesh or a triangular mesh, and their strains are measured differently. The edge‐based strain‐limiting method for a quadrilateral mesh creates anisotropic behaviour by nature, as discretization usually aligns the edges along the warp and weft directions. We improve this anisotropic technique by replacing the traditionally used equality constraints with inequality ones in the mathematical optimization, and achieve faster convergence. For a triangular mesh, the state‐of‐the‐art technique measures and constrains the strains along the two principal (and constantly changing) directions in a triangle, resulting in an isotropic behaviour which prohibits shearing. Based on the framework of inequality‐constrained optimization, we propose a warp and weft strain‐limiting formulation. This anisotropic model is more appropriate for textile materials that do not exhibit isotropic strain behaviour.
Predictive Value of D‐Dimer Levels and Tissue Doppler Mitral Annular Systolic Velocity for Detection of Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus in Patients with Mitral Stenosis in Sinus Rhythm
Authors: Kurakula Naresh , Durgaprasad Rajasekhar , Velam Vanajakshamma , Akula Vidya Sagar , Kasala Latheef , Muvva Kalyan Venkateswarlu
Published: August 2015

Background

Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a gold standard test for diagnosis of left atrial (LA) thrombus, but it has limited sensitivity for identification of small thrombi within side lobes. Thus, the absence of visualizing a left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus does not equate with the absence of a LAA thrombus.

Aim

To assess the predictive value of mitral annular systolic velocity (Sa) and D‐dimer for the detection of LA thrombus and spontaneous echocardiographic contrast (SEC) in mitral stenosis (MS) patients with sinus rhythm (SR).

Methods

Transthoracic echocardiogram, TEE, and D‐dimer analysis were performed in 104 severe MS patients and divided them into three groups: Group I:no LA thrombus or SEC; Group II:LA SEC only; and Group III:LA thrombus.

Results

Group III had more severe New York Heart Association (NYHA) class (III‐IV) dyspnea and lower Sa (6.9 ± 0.7 vs.10.0 ± 1.2 cm/sec), lower LAA late emptying velocity (17.7 ± 2.1 vs. 24.4 ± 4.2 cm/sec), larger LA transverse dimension, and LAA area (LAAA) than group I+II. Mean D‐dimer levels were higher in groups III and II than in group I. In multivariate analysis Sa, D‐dimer levels, LAAA, and NYHA class were independent predictors of LA thrombus. ROC curve analysis revealed that higher Sa >8 cm/sec and lower D‐dimer levels <370 μg/L predict the absence of LA thrombus and lower Sa <8 cm/sec and higher D‐dimer levels >510 μg/L predict the presence of LA thrombus.

Conclusion

Measurement of Sa and D‐dimer levels is necessary for better assessment of LA thrombus and SEC, for identification of patients who are at high risk for LA thrombus formation and for initiation of prophylactic anticoagulation.
Evaluation of heart rate and rhythm during exercise
Authors: Allen K. J. , Young L. E. , Franklin S. H.
Published: August 2015

Heart rate and rhythm can readily be monitored during exercise. Although there is considerable variation depending on the athletic discipline, exercise can be considered to be one of the most physiologically demanding times for the cardiovascular system. Assessment of heart rate during exercise typically provides information regarding fitness and the intensity of exercise, and on some occasions may provide an early indication of disease. Cardiac causes of poor performance occur relatively infrequently in comparison with disorders of the musculoskeletal and respiratory systems. Nevertheless, exercise induces cardiac hypertrophy, which predisposes athletes to valvular regurgitation and arrhythmias. Consequently cardiac murmurs and arrhythmias are frequently present in equine athletes, whereupon the clinical significance can be difficult to determine. Undertaking an exercise test to identify exercise‐induced arrhythmias is important in the assessment of poor athletic performance and the risk of sudden cardiac death during exercise. This paper describes the assessment of heart rate and rhythm during exercise. Most research has been undertaken on racehorses but, where data are available for other disciplines, they have been included. Considerations regarding the choice, type and design of exercise test were detailed in the first paper in this series.
Gastric impaction and large colon volvulus: Can one lead to the other?
Authors: Blikslager A. T.
Published: August 2015

The possibility of stomach impaction resulting in large colon volvulus is raised by authors reporting the findings of both lesions in 7 horses. Although this combination of lesions has not been reported before, it is interesting to consider the effect of a gastric impaction compressing the colon as the stomach increases in size with firm ingesta. Anatomically, the stomach is dorsal to the colon, and might therefore compress the colon. As to how this might result in volvulus, it is interesting to speculate on the possible roles of gas accumulation or other changes in the intracolonic environment, such as composition in microbiota. The report of 7 horses also highlights the need to thoroughly explore any horse taken to surgery because of intractable colic in case there is more than one lesion.
Resection of a ceruminous adenocarcinoma in a horse by a modified vertical ear canal ablation
Authors: Skärlina E. M. , Tvedten H. W. , Roberts V. L. H. , Gorvy D. A.
Published: August 2015

A 13‐year‐old Swedish Warmblood mare was presented for evaluation of a mass on the medial aspect of the left vertical ear canal. The mass was initially resected using monopolar loop diathermy. Histopathological diagnosis of the excisional biopsy was a low‐grade malignant ceruminous adenocarcinoma. The clinical and histopathological features of this previously unreported neoplasm in the horse are described. A modified vertical ear canal ablation was performed in order to remove the base of the neoplasm with adequate free margins. The surgical technique is described. No recurrence was noted 2 years after surgery and the appearance and function of the pinna were retained.
Asymmetric functional interaction between chaperonin and its plastidic cofactors
Authors: Guo Peng , Jiang Shan , Bai Cuicui , Zhang Wenjuan , Zhao Qian , Liu Cuimin
Published: August 2015

The specific cochaperonin, chloroplast chaperonin (Cpn)20, consisting of two tandem GroES‐like domains, is present abundantly in plant and algal chloroplasts, in addition to Cpn10, which is similar in size to GroES. How Cpn20 oligomers, containing six or eight 10‐kDa domains, cooperate with the heptameric ring of chaperonin at the same time as encountering symmetry mismatch is unclear. In the present study, we characterized the functional cooperation of cochaperonins, including two plastidic Cpn20 homo‐oligomers from Arabidopsis (AtCpn20) and Chlamydomonas (CrCPN20), and one algal CrCPNs hetero‐oligomer, consisting of three cochaperonins, CrCPN11, CrCPN20 and CrCPN23, with two chaperonins, Escherichia coli GroEL and Chlamydomonas CrCPN60. AtCpn20 and CrCPNs were functional for assisting both chaperonins in folding model substrates ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase from Rhodospirillum rubrum (RrRubisco) in vitro and complementing GroES function in E. coli. CrCPN20 cooperated only with CrCPN60 (and not GroEL) to refold RrRubisco in vitro and showed differential complementation with the two chaperonins in E. coli. Cochaperonin concatamers, consisting of six to eight covalently linked 10‐kDa domains, were functionally similar to their respective native forms. Our results indicate that symmetrical match between chaperonin and cochaperonin is not an absolute requisite for functional cooperation.
AMPK inhibits MTDH expression via GSK3β and SIRT1 activation: potential role in triple negative breast cancer cell proliferation
Authors: Gollavilli Paradesi Naidu , Kanugula Anantha Koteswararao , Koyyada Rajeswari , Karnewar Santosh , Neeli Praveen Kumar , Kotamraju Srigiridhar
Published: August 2015

Recent studies have highlighted the involvement of metadherin (MTDH), an oncogenic protein, in promoting cancer progression, metastasis and chemoresistance in many cancers including mammary carcinomas. However, the molecular regulation of MTDH is still not completely understood. In this study we document that AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation‐induced anti‐proliferative effects are, in part, mediated by inhibiting MTDH expression in MDA‐MB‐231 and BT‐549 triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. 5‐Aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide ribonucleotide (AICAR), an AMPK activator, caused growth arrest, inhibition of migration and invasion of TNBC cells. Intriguingly, AICAR or metformin treatment resulted in significant downregulation of MTDH expression via inhibiting c‐Myc expression. In contrast, treatment of cells with compound C, an inhibitor of AMPK, increased both c‐Myc and MTDH expressions in TNBC cells. Also, AMPK activation caused increased glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) activity by inhibiting the inactive phosphorylation at Ser9, on the one hand, and activation of sirtuin1 (SIRT1) by inhibiting Ser47 phosphorylation, as evidenced by deacetylation of p53, on the other hand. Moreover, AMPK‐induced GSK3β and SIRT1 activities were found to be responsible for inhibiting c‐Myc‐mediated upregulation of MTDH, as LiCl (an inhibitor of GSK3β) and EX‐527 (an inhibitor of SIRT1) reversed AICAR‐mediated downregulation of c‐Myc and MTDH expressions. Similar results were observed with siSIRT1 treatment. Furthermore, AICAR and EX‐527 treatments caused increased cell death under MTDH‐depleted conditions. Finally, we uncovered a novel regulation of MTDH expression and showed that AMPK activation by inducing GSK3β and SIRT1 downregulates MTDH expression via inhibiting c‐Myc in TNBC cells.
Combined and independent cytotoxicity of sodium hypochlorite, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and chlorhexidine
Authors: Vouzara T. , Koulaouzidou E. , Ziouti F. , Economides N.
Published: August 2015

Aim

To evaluate the capacity of commonly used root canal irrigants to induce cytotoxic effects, when applied singly or in combination. The hypothesis tested was that the irrigants were less cytotoxic when applied in combination than independently.

Methodology

MRC5 cells were grown as monolayer cultures at 37 °C in an atmosphere containing 5% CO2 in air and 100% relative humidity. Cells were exposed to sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), chlorhexidine (CHX) and their combinations (NaOCl/EDTA, NaOCl/CHX, EDTA/CHX) in serial dilutions. Growth medium was Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with 10% foetal bovine serum and antibiotics and was used as control. The effect on cell survival was estimated after 6 and 24 h of exposure by means of the sulforhodamine B assay, in reference to controls. Dose–response curves were plotted, and 50% inhibitory doses (IC50) were subjected to statistical analysis (anova and post hoc comparison test; P < 0.05). Analysis of cell survival and interaction of the irrigants was performed using CalcuSyn dose effect analyzer software to calculate a combination index (CI).

Results

The tested irrigants were cytotoxic in dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. CHX was the most cytotoxic irrigant tested, followed by NaOCl, whilst EDTA was the least cytotoxic irrigant tested. The difference between CHX and NaOCl was significant (P < 0.05) as well as between NaOCl and EDTA (P < 0.05). Based on CalcuSyn modelling, a mainly antagonistic effect was recorded with NaOCl/CHX and NaOCl/EDTA combinations. The combination EDTA/CHX had an additive to antagonistic effect.

Conclusions

CHX was significantly more cytotoxic than NaOCl and EDTA. NaOCl was significantly more cytotoxic than EDTA. The combined action of irrigants did not produce a significant increase in their cytotoxicity.
Music and communication in the operating theatre
Authors: Weldon Sharon‐Marie , Korkiakangas Terhi , Bezemer Jeff , Kneebone Roger
Published: August 2015

Aims

To observe the extent and the detail with which playing music can impact on communication in the operating theatre.

Background

According to the cited sources, music is played in 53‐72% of surgical operations performed. Noise levels in the operating theatre already exceed World Health Organisation recommendations. There is currently a divide in opinions on the playing of music in operating theatres, with few studies conducted and no policies or guidance provided.

Design

An ethnographic observational study of teamwork in operating theatres through video recordings. Quantitative and qualitative data analysis approaches were used.

Methods

This study was conducted between 2012–2013 in the UK. Video recordings of 20 operations over six months in two operating theatres were captured. The recordings were divided into music and non‐music playing cases. Each case was logged using a request/response sequence identified through interactional analysis. Statistical analysis, using a χ2, explored the difference between the proportion of request repetitions and whether music was playing or not. Further interactional analysis was conducted for each request repetition.

Results

Request/response observations (N = 5203) were documented. A chi‐square test revealed that repeated requests were five times more likely to occur in cases that played music than those that did not. A repeated request can add 4‐68 seconds each to operation time and increased tensions due to frustration at ineffective communication.

Conclusions

Music played in the operating theatre can interfere with team communication, yet is seldom recognized as a potential safety hazard. Decisions around whether music is played and around the choice of music and its volume, are determined largely by surgeons. Frank discussions between clinicians, managers, patients and governing bodies should be encouraged for recommendations and guidance to be developed.
Selection on incremental variation of eye size in a wild population ofDaphnia
Authors: Brandon C. S. , James T. , Dudycha J. L.
Published: August 2015

Several studies of eye morphology have analysed macroevolutionary patterns in the diversity of eyes, and although these studies are often linked to environment or behaviour, they provide only indirect evidence of selection. Specific data to show the microevolutionary potential for adaptation by natural selection in eye morphology have been lacking. We document directional selection on eye size, an important determinant of visual capabilities, in a wild population of the freshwater microcrustaceanDaphnia. We show that even slight changes in eye size may have major consequences for fitness. An increase in eye diameter of 19.9 μm – slightly more than one standard deviation – is associated with an increase in clutch size of one egg, or an increase of nearly 20% of the mean clutch size. Furthermore, relative eye size is genetically variable and thus could evolve in response to the observed selective pressure. We conclude that selection on incremental variation in eye size may have led to differences observed on broader taxonomic scales.
Weight Loss Associated with Cholinesterase Inhibitors in Individuals with Dementia in a National Healthcare System
Authors: Sheffrin Meera , Miao Yinghui , Boscardin W. John , Steinman Michael A.
Published: August 2015

Objectives

To determine whether initiation of cholinesterase inhibitors is associated with significant weight loss in a real‐word clinical setting.

Design

Retrospective cohort study from 2007 to 2010 comparing weight loss in individuals with dementia newly prescribed cholinesterase inhibitors and those newly prescribed other chronic medications.

Setting

National Veterans Affairs data.

Participants

Individuals aged 65 and older with a diagnosis of dementia who received a new prescription for a cholinesterase inhibitor or other new chronic medication.

Measurements

The primary outcome was time to 10‐pound weight loss over 12 months. Propensity score matching was used to control for the likelihood of receiving a cholinesterase inhibitor based on baseline characteristics. Data were analyzed in a priori defined subgroups according to age, comorbid burden, and initial weight.

Results

Of 6,504 individuals that met study criteria, 1,188 started on cholinesterase inhibitors were matched to 2,189 started on other medications. The propensity‐matched cohorts were well balanced on baseline covariates. Participants initiated on cholinesterase inhibitors had a higher risk of weight loss than matched controls at 12 months (hazard ratio = 1.23, 95% confidence interval (CI)  = 1.07–1.41). At 12 months, 29.3% of participants taking cholinesterase inhibitors had experienced weight loss, compared with 22.8% of nonusers, corresponding to a number needed to harm of 21.2 (95% CI = 12.5–71.4) over 1 year. There were no significant differences in the risk of weight loss within subgroups.

Conclusion

These results are consistent with the available data from randomized controlled trials. Clinicians should consider the risk of weight loss when prescribing cholinesterase inhibitors.
The impact of HIV‐related stigma on the lives of HIV‐positive women: an integrated literature review
Authors: Ho Szu‐Szu , Holloway Aisha
Published: August 2015

Aims and objectives

To critically explore how Human Immunodeficiency Virus‐related stigma impacts on the lives of Human Immunodeficiency Virus‐positive women through an integrative review of the literature.

Background

Throughout history Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection has been associated with sex trade, injecting drug use and other deviant behaviours within society. These historical associations can lead to the generation of negative perceptions of Human Immunodeficiency Virus‐positive women. As such, women who contract Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection can be susceptible to societal stigma.

Design

An integrative literature review.

Methods

To identify the publications on the impact of Human Immunodeficiency Virus‐related stigma among women, a search was performed using the following databases: CINAHL, Medline, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstract covering the period from 2000–2014. The following key words were included in the search: ‘women’, ‘Human Immunodeficiency Virus’, and ‘stigma’.

Results

Twenty‐six articles were retrieved and reviewed. From the results, four key themes merged in relation to the impact of Human Immunodeficiency Virus‐related stigma on Human Immunodeficiency Virus‐positive women's lives: the individual, relationships, work and the community.

Conclusions

Despite great advances in the management and treatment of those who are Human Immunodeficiency Virus positive, it appears the lives of many women living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus remain greatly affected by their Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection with gender‐specific stigma and stereotypes. Having a holistic understanding of this impact offers the potential for those responsible for the funding and draws the attention of researchers and policy makers on promoting medical services specifically for Human Immunodeficiency Virus‐positive women, minimising social stigmatisation towards this client group, and optimising their health outcomes.

Relevance to clinical practice

In an attempt to amplify Human Immunodeficiency Virus‐positive women's ability to resist social injustice, obtain support and optimise their health outcomes, nurses should expand their roles and work with professionals from different sectors to ensure the provision of comprehensive care to women with Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection.
Women's Attitudes Toward Family Formation and Life Stage Transitions: A Longitudinal Study in Korea
Authors: Kim Erin Hye‐Won , Cheung Adam Ka Lok
Published: August 2015

Although it is well documented that family attitudes become less traditional over cohorts, little is known about how individuals' attitudes change over time. More research also is needed on how the within‐individual changes relate to important life stage events such as marriage, childbirth, and transitions in education and work. Evidence is particularly lacking in Asian countries, which have socioeconomic and cultural contexts very different from those in the West. To fill these gaps in the literature, the authors analyzed the attitudes toward family formation of Korean women in their 20s and 30s (N = 6,042). Individual fixed effects regression using the panel data from the Korean Longitudinal Survey of Women and Families revealed that women became more traditional over time and that transitions to marriage and motherhood partly accounted for the change. These findings are explained within the context of very low fertility in Korea and have implications for other rapidly changing societies.
Nerve Ultrasound and Electrophysiology for Therapy Monitoring in Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
Authors: Kerasnoudis Antonios , Pitarokoili Kalliopi , Gold Ralf , Yoon Min‐Suk
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

We evaluated prospectively nerve ultrasound and electrophysiology as monitoring methods of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP).

METHODS

Overall 15 healthy subjects and 11 CIDP patients undergoing IVIG therapy were recruited in the study. All patients underwent clinical, ultrasound, and electrophysiological evaluation at the time point of first onset of symptoms (<6 weeks of symptoms) and 4, 8, and 12 months after onset.

RESULTS

The intranerve cross‐sectional area (CSA) variability of each nerve, but not the CSA alone, correlated with the MRC Scale score during 12‐month follow‐up. On the other hand, none of the electrophysiological parameters correlated with the MRC Scale Score in each of the peripheral nerves. Interestingly, in ¾ of the CIDP patients, the resolution of the conduction block correlated with the improvement in the MRC Sum score.

CONCLUSIONS

Nerve ultrasound and in particular the intranerve CSA variability seems to be a useful method in monitoring CIDP patients. Although the sample size is small, the intranerve CSA variability seems to be more promising than neurophysiology.
Images of flight nursing in Australia: A study using institutional ethnography
Authors: Brideson Genevieve , Willis Eileen , Mayner Lidia , Chamberlain Diane J.
Published: August 2015

Pictures speak a thousand words. The traditional romantic image of an Australian aeromedical service is a male doctor and male pilot, out to rescue the male stockman from the red dust of the Australian outback. However, the reality is considerably different, particularly in the current context of the Australian healthcare system.

This paper examines the images of flight nursing using a critical lens. The images are derived from popular literature sources from the early 1940s through to the present. A textual analysis of the images of flight nursing using the methodology of institutional ethnography reveals a number of themes including the glamorous, the romantic, and the heroic nurse. This study illustrates that the way these nurses are portrayed within popular literature mirrors the Australian cultural ethic of heroic bush pioneer, yet at the same time the work these nurses do is undervalued by various omissions and misrepresentations. The results from this study have the potential to significantly improve recognition of the work performed by flight nurses and to challenge incorrect cultural myths.
The Radicalism of Truth‐insensitive Epistemology: Truth's Profound Effect on the Evaluation of Belief
Authors: Turri John
Published: August 2015

Many philosophers claim that interesting forms of epistemic evaluation are insensitive to truth in a very specific way. Suppose that two possible agents believe the same proposition based on the same evidence. Either both are justified or neither is; either both have good evidence for holding the belief or neither does. This does not change if, on this particular occasion, it turns out that only one of the two agents has a true belief. Epitomizing this line of thought are thought experiments about radically deceived “brains in vats.” It is widely and uncritically assumed that such a brain is equally justified as its normally embodied human “twin.” This “parity” intuition is the heart oftruth‐insensitivetheories of core epistemological properties such as justification and rationality. Rejecting the parity intuition is considered radical and revisionist. In this paper, I show that exactly the opposite is true. The parity intuition is idiosyncratic and widely rejected. A brain in a vat is not justified and has worse evidence than its normally embodied counterpart. On nearly every ordinary way of evaluating beliefs, a false belief is significantly inferior to a true belief. Of all the evaluations studied here, only blamelessness is truth‐insensitive.
The Effects of Remittances on Output per Worker in Sub‐Saharan Africa: A Production Function Approach
Authors: Ssozi John , Asongu Simplice A.
Published: August 2015

This paper uses a production function to examine the channels through which remittances affect output per worker in 31 Sub‐Saharan African countries from 1980 to 2010. Lagged remittances increase physical capital per worker, average years of schooling and total factor productivity, but the effectiveness of remittances varies with the income level of the recipient nation. Although remittances have increased both physical capital and total factor productivity among the upper middle income nations, among the lower middle income, they have increased only the physical capital. Meanwhile a reduction in institutional risk has encouraged investment and efficiency, but its relationship to the effectiveness of remittances has been inconclusive.
Clinical Outcomes in Dialysis Patients: Prospects for Improvement with Aldosterone Receptor Antagonists
Authors: Suthar Samantha Dias , Middleton John P.
Published: August 2015

Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly those who have end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) and require therapy with dialysis, suffer disproportionately from cardiovascular illnesses. Therapy with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) effectively reduces cardiac risk in discrete populations. Blockade of the mineralocorticoid receptor carries the potential to reduce blood pressure and to promote favorable remodeling of cardiac structure. Preliminary observations suggest that MRAs can improve survival in patients with ESRD though their widespread adoption is tempered by concerns about effectiveness in patients who have reduced kidney function and the risks of hyperkalemia. This generates a particular conundrum, as sudden cardiac arrest is the predominant cause of death in patients with advanced CKD. In this review, we highlight the potential cardiovascular benefits and review the evident risks of MRAs in patients with ESRD.
Racial Salience and the Consequences of Making White People Uncomfortable: Intra‐Racial Discrimination, Racial Screening, and the Maintenance of White Supremacy
Authors: Thornhill Ted
Published: August 2015

Most sociological research on racial discrimination has had an “inter‐racial” focus. That is, researchers have been principally concerned with the disparate treatment that people of color receive relative to Whites in different social contexts. However, recent theoretical work emerging from legal studies suggests that an alternative conception of “intra‐racial” discrimination exists that extends beyond colorism. This theory of intra‐racial discrimination stipulates that many organizations in the “post‐racial” era desire some measure of racial diversity. Yet, in their efforts to achieve this racial diversity they screen people of color based on their degree of racial salience. Whether a given person of color is hired, promoted, or in the case of college admissions, accepted, is a function of whether or not Whites within the organization consider them racially palatable, or not overly concerned with race. This creates an incentive for people of color to work their identity to allay any concerns among Whites that they may be too racially salient. In this paper I critically review this work and attempt to further buttress its claims by highlighting how this process has clear historical precedent. I conclude by showing how the audit method can be used to empirically examine this practice contemporarily.
The New World oil‐collecting bees Centris and Epicharis (Hymenoptera, Apidae): molecular phylogeny and biogeographic history
Authors: Martins Aline C. , Melo Gabriel A. R.
Published: August 2015

We present a first comprehensive time‐calibrated phylogeny for two Neotropical genera of bees, Centris and Epicharis, whose females collect floral oil together with pollen for larval provisioning, and that traditionally have been grouped in the tribe Centridini. Our analyses rely on a matrix of 167 taxa and 4228 aligned nucleotides for the subfamily Apinae, with denser sample of Centris and Epicharis. Centris and Epicharis are strongly supported monophyletic groups, but Centridini is paraphyletic in relation to the corbiculate bees. The inner phylogenetic relationships of Epicharis agree with the current taxonomic classification. In Centris, three main clades were recovered, namely the Centris, Trachina and Melacentris groups. Inner relationships in Centris suggest the reinstatement of some subgenera and proposition of new ones. Early diversification of Centris and Epicharis took place at the tropical regions of South America. Epicharis and the Melacentris group in Centris mostly diversified in that region, expanding over Central America and tropical North America only recently in the last 3 My. The groups Trachina and Centris present a complex biogeographic history, with expansions to the Nearctic region, the Antilles, and temperate regions of South America in the late Oligocene and Miocene.
Correlation Between Friction and Wear of Cubic Borone Nitride Cutting Tools in Precision Hard Machining
Authors: Grzesik Wit , Denkena Berend , Żak Krzysztof , Grove Thilo , Bergmann Benjamin
Published: August 2015

In this paper, the contribution of tool wear to friction was determined for precision hard turning using Cubic Borone Nitride (CBN) cutting tools. The tool nose wear VBC and the corresponding changes of component forces Fc, Ff, and Fp resulting from tool wear evolution were continuously measured during wear tests. Based on the mechanics of nonorthogonal cutting, the normal and friction forces acting on rake and flank faces were calculated for all measuring points, and as a result, relevant changes of the friction coefficient were determined. Additionally, friction changes resulting from tool wear under different feed rate, depth of cut, and tool nose radius were discussed in terms of the plowing energy produced by the tool nose.
Sensitivity Analysis of Operational Time Differences for a Pump–Valve System on a Water Hammer Response
Authors: Wan Wuyi , Li Fuqiang
Published: August 2015

Pumps and valves are primary power and control devices in water supply piping systems. A collaborative operational scheme is very important for a series pump–valve system to decrease the transient pressure during the startup process. In order to analyze the influence of the operational time differences between the pump and the valve on the transient process, a complicated pump system was numerically simulated using the method of characteristics (MOC). The boundary conditions of the pump and the valve were separately established by equating an auxiliary element in the discrete mesh. The transient pressure, pump speed, and flow were studied for various time differences and the valve opening process for the series pump–valve startup process. Furthermore, an optimal collaborative scheme was presented to prevent inverse rotation and overpressure during the startup process. The results show that a reasonable time-lapse and fast opening can prevent the backward flow and reverse rotation, as well as control the transient maximal pressure during the system startup process.
Selection of Design Lower Deck Elevation of Fixed Offshore Platforms for Mexican Code
Authors: Campos Dante , Ortega César , Alamilla Jorge L. , Soriano Alberto
Published: August 2015

This paper presents the definition of lower deck elevation (LDE) of fixed offshore platforms in Mexican part of the Gulf of Mexico (GoM), which were applied in the Mexican code for design and assessment of fixed offshore structures NRF-003-PEMEX-2007. This was obtained as a result of a decision methodology developed here, an optimization algorithm composed of an objective minimization function subject to a safety restriction and by the application of a set of real structural maintenance and equipment replacement costs. Platform projected service life dependent total costs of LDE contemplate expected costs of structural and equipment maintenance after the occurrence of tropical cyclones and northers, and the expected cost of equipment mobilization. This work regards a group of offshore platforms in the Bay of Campeche whose elevation lies between 15.85 and 19.10 m above mean sea level, as well as recent metocean hazard information. Similar expected values of total costs due to maintenance and repair were obtained, while safety constrains demand the LDE not to be less than +19.10 m.
Radiation impedance study of a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer by finite element analysis
Authors: Bayram Baris
Published: August 2015

In this study, radiation impedance of a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer composed of square-shaped membranes arranged in m × m configuration (m = 1 − 5) is investigated using finite element analysis (FEA) of a commercially available software package(ANSYS). Radiation impedance is calculated for immersed membranes operating in conventional and collapse modes. Individual membrane response within the multi-membrane configuration is analyzed, and excited modes and their effects on radiation impedance and the pressure spectra are reported. This FEA provides an accurate behavior of the acoustic coupling of a thin membrane in a multi-membrane configuration, and extends above the anti-resonance frequency. The first resonance frequency of the membrane is excited for m × m (m ≥ 3) configuration in conventional mode and for m × m (m ≥ 2) configuration in collapse mode. Therefore, this frequency is determined to be responsible for the adverse effects observed in radiation impedance and pressure spectrum. A membrane configuration, which is missing the central membrane from the full m × m configuration is proposed, and is investigated with the FEA. This study is beneficial for the design of precise transducers suited for biomedical applications.
Acoustic and behavioral repertoires of the hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius)
Authors: Maust-Mohl Maria , Soltis Joseph , Reiss Diana
Published: August 2015

This study describes the acoustic and behavioral repertoires of the common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius). Simultaneous audio and video recordings were collected of male and female hippos at Disney's Animal Kingdom®. Visual inspection of spectrograms resulted in classifying signals into three main categories (burst of air, tonal, and pulsed) produced in-air, underwater, or simultaneously in both mediums. Of the total acoustic signals, most were produced underwater (80%), and the majority of the total signals were tonal (54%). Using multivariate analysis of the acoustic parameters, 11 signal types were described and differentiated. In the burst of air category, chuffs and snorts were distinguished by minimum and peak frequency, and bubble displays were described. In the tonal category, grunts, groans, screams, and whines were distinguished by several frequency measures (e.g., minimum, maximum, fundamental, peak frequency). Wheeze honks were tonal signals that often involved a chorus of overlapping calls. In the pulsed category, click trains, croaks, and growls were distinguished by frequency and duration. Video analysis demonstrated that chuffs, groans, and whines were associated with submissive contexts, while snorts, grunts, and growls were associated with dominance contexts. These results provide further information about the acoustic signals and concurrent behavior of hippos.
Achieving Speaker Gender Equity at the American Society for Microbiology General Meeting
Authors: Casadevall Arturo
Published: August 2015

In 2015, the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) General Meeting essentially achieved gender equity, with 48.5% of the oral presentations being given by women. The mechanisms associated with increased female participation were (i) making the Program Committee aware of gender statistics, (ii) increasing female representation among session convener teams, and (iii) direct instruction to try to avoid all-male sessions. The experience with the ASM General Meeting shows that it is possible to increase the participation of female speakers in a relatively short time and suggests concrete steps that may be taken to achieve this at other meetings.

IMPORTANCE
Public speaking is very important for academic advancement in science. Historically women have been underrepresented as speakers in many scientific meetings. This article describes concrete steps that were associated with achieving gender equity at a major meeting.
A Simple Flow-Cytometric Method Measuring B Cell Surface Immunoglobulin Avidity Enables Characterization of Affinity Maturation to Influenza A Virus
Authors: Frank Gregory M. , Angeletti Davide , Ince William L. , Gibbs James S. , Khurana Surender , Wheatley Adam K. , Max Edward E. , McDermott Adrian B. , Golding Hana , Stevens James , Bennink Jack R. , Yewdell Jonathan W.
Published: August 2015

Antibody (Ab) affinity maturation enables an individual to maintain immunity to an increasing number of pathogens within the limits of a total Ig production threshold. A better understanding of this process is critical for designing vaccines that generate optimal Ab responses to pathogens. Our study describes a simple flow-cytometric method that enumerates virus-specific germinal center (GC) B cells as well as their AC50, a measure of Ab avidity, defined as the antigen concentration required to detect 50% of specific B cells. Using a model of mouse Ab responses to the influenza A virus hemagglutinin (IAV HA), we obtained data indicating that AC50decreases with time postinfection in an affinity maturation-dependent process. As proof of principle of the utility of the method, our data clearly show that relative to intranasal IAV infection, intramuscular immunization against inactivated IAV in adjuvant results in a diminished GC HA B cell response, with increased AC50correlating with an increased serum Ab off-rate. Enabling simultaneous interrogation of both GC HA B cell quantity and quality, this technique should facilitate study of affinity maturation and rational vaccine design.

IMPORTANCEThough it was first described 50 years ago, little is known about how antibody affinity maturation contributes to immunity. This question is particularly relevant to developing more effective vaccines for influenza A virus (IAV) and other viruses that are difficult vaccine targets. Limitations in methods for characterizing antigen-specific B cells have impeded progress in characterizing the quality of immune responses to vaccine and natural immunogens. In this work, we describe a simple flow cytometry-based approach that measures both the number and affinity of IAV-binding germinal center B cells specific for the IAV HA, the major target of IAV-neutralizing antibodies. Using this method, we showed that the route and form of immunization significantly impacts the quality and quantity of B cell antibody responses. This method provides a relatively simple yet powerful tool for better understanding the contribution of affinity maturation to viral immunity.
Brown tumours of the tibia and second metacarpal bone in a woman with severe vitamin D deficiency
Authors: Al-Sharafi Butheinah A , Al-Imad Shafiq A , Shamshair Amani M , Al-Faqeeh Derhim H
Published: August 2015

Brown tumours caused by vitamin D deficiency are rare. Most cases are caused by primary hyperparathyroidism, and are rarely caused by secondary hyperparathyroidism in cases of renal failure. We present a case of Brown tumours of the tibia and second metacarpal bone in a 50-year-old woman who had a low dietary intake of vitamin D and had worn a veil for most of her adult life. The Brown tumours were caused by vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism. The patient improved on treatment with vitamin D3 and calcium supplements. This is a rare case and the first, to our knowledge, with a Brown tumour of the tibia caused by vitamin D deficiency due to decreased dietary intake and decreased exposure to sunlight. The course of treatment and investigations of the patient are described.
Disseminated tuberculosis in an HIV-infected child: rifampicin resistance detected by GeneXpert in a lymph node aspirate but not in cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Gamell Anna , Ntamatungiro Alex John , Battegay Manuel , Letang Emilio
Published: August 2015

A 9-year-old HIV-infected child previously treated with inadequate doses of antitubercular drugs based on weight was admitted 5 months after initial tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis with acute hemiplegia and inguinal lymphadenopathies in a rural hospital in Tanzania. He was diagnosed with TB meningitis and lymphadenitis using XpertMycobacterium tuberculosis/rifampicin (MTB/RIF) assay. Rifampicin resistance was detected in the lymph node aspirate but not in the cerebrospinal fluid. His TB therapy was optimised based on available medications and antiretroviral treatment was initiated 6 weeks later. Despite these efforts, the clinical evolution was poor and the child died 12 weeks after admission.
Gastric pneumatosis in a small-for-gestational-age neonate
Authors: Penninga Luit , Werz Markus J , Reurings Jurrian C , Nellensteijn David R
Published: August 2015

We describe a dysmature (small-for-gestational-age) neonate born at term with multiple congenital defects, who presented with bloody diarrhoea. The abdominal X-ray showed gastric pneumatosis. The patient was treated conservatively with intravenous fluids and antibiotics, and recovered uneventfully. The patient underwent genetic investigation, and was diagnosed with Cornelia de Lange syndrome. Gastric pneumatosis is rare, and may be the result of neonatal sepis, gastritis, pyloric stenosis, necrotising enterocolitis of the stomach, misplacement of nasogastric tubes, or non-invasive positive pressure ventilation. Furthermore, it is speculated that gastric pneumatosis might more frequently occur with congenital, cardiac or genetic disorders.