bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultural Brokers and Aliens
Authors: Bhattacharya Kakali , Varbelow Sonja
Published: August 2014

Reflecting on the omnirelevant categories that inform our lives, we narrate our embodied experiences at the intersection of the social axes of differences informed by being transnationals in the United States. With a strong difference in our backgrounds as transnationals in the United States, we reflect on markers that highlight differences to incite resistance, acceptance, interrogation, and accommodation. Following Richardson’s format of writing, we use journal entries and an email conversation to discuss the interlocking ways in which social axes of differences play out in our lives and spaces of privileges that we occupy, creating normalcy for us until we have to engage in a contrasting experience challenging the normalcy. Finally, we argue that the interlocking ways in which we engage with various discursive spaces of difference blur efforts of resistance and accommodation by creating a permanent state of shuttling between intersected subject positions of difference.
Qualitative Research in the United Kingdom
Authors: Torrance Harry
Published: August 2014

There are disagreements about, and contradictory indications of, the state of qualitative inquiry as a global endeavor. The article argues that these disagreements rather miss the point. The issue is not whether or not qualitative approaches to social research are developing across disciplines and continuing to receive funding, but rather to what purposes are qualitative methods being put? What research agendas are being pursued, and who sets them? The article illustrates these issues with respect to the effects of research selectivity and concentration in the United Kingdom and argues that qualitative research should continue to develop as an intellectual resource for the community rather than as a technical service to government.
Promoting the Use of Visiting Nurse Services for Patients Discharged From Hospital
Authors: Nagata Satoko , Ogawa Kaoru , Taguchi Atsuko , Naruse Takashi , Murashima Sachiyo , Magilvy Joan Kathy
Published: August 2014

A project to encourage the adequate use of visiting nurse services (VNS) after discharge was conducted by “K” City, Japan. Eligible individuals were inpatients of general hospital ready for discharge and assessed as potentially needing VNS, and their out-of-pocket fees for VNS within 1 month following discharge were covered by the city. To clarify this project’s effect, patient/family’s intention to use VNS and the utilization of VNS at each time point were evaluated. Eighty-eight residents used the project. Before initial hospitalization, less than one quarter of users had recognized the necessity of VNS. Many participants (88.6%) continued to use VNS even after the completion of the project period despite having to cover the VNS cost by themselves, indicating that this project had a positive impact on appropriate VNS use.
Presence of external carotid artery plaque independently predicts mortality in patients without internal carotid artery atherosclerosis
Authors: Kim Esther SH , Marycz Damien M , Archinal Devon , Gornik Heather L , Shishehbor Mehdi H , Bartholomew John R
Published: August 2014

Background:

The presence of plaque in the external carotid artery (ECA) detected on carotid duplex ultrasound (CDU) is of unknown clinical significance and may not be reported in routine clinical practice. We hypothesize that ECA plaque in the absence of plaque in the other cervical vessels is a risk factor for increased all-cause mortality.

Objectives:

To determine the significance of ECA plaque on all-cause mortality in the absence of internal carotid artery (ICA) or common carotid artery (CCA) plaque.

Methods:

We queried the Non-Invasive Vascular Laboratory database for all CDUs performed between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2005. All images were reviewed for the presence of plaque. Studies were included if plaque was absent in both the CCA and the ICA. Chart review was performed to obtain demographic and clinical information. All-cause mortality was determined using the Social Security Death Index.

Results:

A total of 500 patient studies met the inclusion criteria; 64 patients (12.8%) had plaque in one or both ECAs. There was no significant difference in age (mean 58.1 ± 14.8 years), race (82.5% white), or sex (64.4% male) between those with and without ECA plaque. There was a significant difference in all-cause mortality between patients with and without isolated ECA plaque after adjustment for age, sex, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, smoking, hypertension, body mass index, and surgery within 30 days of CDU (adjusted hazard ratio 2.60, 95% CI 1.46–4.66, p<0.001).

Conclusions:

The presence of plaque isolated to the ECA is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality and may impart important prognostic information for patients referred for CDU.
SiHLEWeb.com: Development and usability testing of an evidence-based HIV prevention website for female African-American adolescents
Authors: Danielson Carla Kmett , McCauley Jenna L , Gros Kirstin Stauffacher , Jones Andrea M , Barr Simone C , Borkman April L , Bryant Brittany G , Ruggiero Kenneth J
Published: August 2014

African-American adolescent girls are at disproportionate risk for HIV infection. Although numerous evidence-based risk-reduction interventions exist, dissemination and implementation resources remain limited, and prevention services remain notably inaccessible to the very populations at highest risk for HIV infection. Internet delivery of HIV risk-reduction programming has promise as a mechanism for extending the reach of existing prevention efforts and overcoming barriers associated with traditional service delivery. This article (1) details the development process for the creation of SiHLE Web, a web-adapted version of an evidence-based, culturally informed HIV prevention program traditionally delivered to female African-American adolescents via an in-person group format, and (2) presents findings from quantitative and qualitative usability testing conducted among 18 African-American girls (13–18 years). Results suggest that users found the website improved knowledge and learning, was helpful, efficient to use, and generally attractive. Users reported some concerns about website navigation. Implications for Internet delivery of health prevention programming are discussed.
Understanding the use of circumvention tools to bypass online censorship
Authors: Mou Yi , Wu Kevin , Atkin David
Published: August 2014

Circumvention tools designed to bypass online censorship—such as simple web proxies, virtual private network service, and so on—are frequently used in countries whose governments impose heavy Internet censorship. Around 18 million Internet users in China are currently using those tools to bypass the Great Firewall and access unblocked online content. In a pioneering empirical investigation of unblocked information seeking in China’s censored online environment, the present study systematically examines a wide range of macro-social and micro-individual factors which affect the use of circumvention tools to bypass Internet censorship under the guidance of the interactive communication technology adoption model. The results reveal that, with the exception of social trust, macro-social factors have only a modest influence on the use of circumvention tools. In contrast, micro-individual-level variables—including perceived technology fluidity, gratifications, and selected demographic variables—play a much larger role in our multivariate model. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Horseshoes, stylebooks, wheels, poles, and dummies: Objects of editing power in 20th-century newsrooms
Authors: Keith Susan
Published: August 2014

This essay examines five largely unsung artifacts of 20th-century newspaper journalism – the U-shaped copy desk, stylebooks, pica sticks, proportion wheels, and paper dummies – to tell a story about power shifts in US newsrooms. The essay also offers a new model of 20th-century newsroom eras, arguing that these objects of journalism mark what might be called the age of the copy desk, a time between the 1920s and 1970s when copy-desk editors exercised a quiet control over content. That power faded over the decades, symbolized by the disappearance of the distinctively shaped copy desk and the loss of relevance of most of the other tools. It was replaced, this essay argues, by eras of the writer from the 1970s into the 1980s and the designer from the late 1980s into the 21st century.
The King’s Two Bodies as Lamentation
Authors: Shoemaker Karl
Published: August 2014

The King’s Two Bodies is, as has long been recognized, a genealogy of modern state power. But it is also something else less clearly recognized. The King’s Two Bodies is a lamentation. In Kantorowicz’s poignant eulogy, the sovereign that medieval lawyers had made in the imago dei, was revealed at last to be an idol. Profound reverence for the rule of law crumbled into absent-minded legality. The lawful sovereign became diabolical power, forever deciding exceptions but incapable of justice or grace. In The King’s Two Bodies, Kantorowicz mournfully shows how the death and tragic afterlife of a particular medieval concept of sovereignty helped to make possible the horrors of modern political absolutism and state idolatry.
Mobile Tablet Menus
Authors: Yepes Maryam F.
Published: August 2014

Using mobile tablet technology, this study compared menu selections by millennial-age respondents to test the effects of five different menu nutrition labeling formats for attractiveness, perceived influence, and actual influence on the students’ food choices. Labeling formats presented on an iPad involved combinations of numeric caloric values, traffic-light color coding, and percentage of daily intake presented as a graphic summary. Each participant was asked to select four courses from a fine-dining restaurant menu, and each was shown one of the five nutrition labeling formats (or no information at all). Although there was no significant difference in the calorie count for the six groups, the labeling format with traffic-light color coding combined with a graphic summary of the meal’s calorie count (compared with the daily recommended intake) received the highest attractiveness ranking. This attractive graphic format also showed a significant positive correlation to its perceived influence on food choices. Overall, participants in all labeling groups indicated a strong support for inclusion of nutrition information on restaurant menus using mobile tablet technology.
Human rights and the environment in the Anthropocene
Authors: Kotzé Louis J
Published: August 2014

Human rights are considered ethical demands that operate at an elevated juridical level. They have become popular legal constructs that contribute to the traditional instrumentalist and the more esoteric functions of law. While there is often considerable criticism leveled against human rights, as creatures of law and as legal mechanisms possessing unique characteristics, they are also uniquely situated and able to perform a singular mediating role in the human–environment interface. The recent mushrooming of rights to a healthy environment, environmental-related procedural rights and other substantive political and socio-economic rights bearing on environmental interests, is testimony to their increasing popularity. Yet, despite their prevalence in the environmental regulatory domain, the arrival of the Anthropocene is possibly set to require a complete rethink of the way in which we use human rights to mediate the human–environment interface. This is because the Anthropocene presents an urgent call for dramatic regulatory interventions of a kind hitherto unseen. Accepting the continuing prevalence of human rights as part of the environmental regulatory domain, this article argues that there is every reason to believe that their traditional role, nature, objectives and construction should change because of the Anthropocene. The article carries this argument by discussing the Anthropocene and its features that might influence conceptions of human rights and the environment as they are currently embedded in the social institutions of environmental law and governance. The argument then uses climate change as a useful explanatory context to identify and to understand the different types of rights issues that might arise in the Anthropocene. The next part of the discussion then takes stock of human rights in the environmental context by evaluating the way in which they currently mediate the human–environment interface. The article concludes with suggestions founding a re-imagination of the relationship between human rights and the environment in the Anthropocene.
Hepatitis C Virus Screening
Authors: D’Angelo Ryan G. , Klepser Michael , Woodfield Ryan , Patel Hemina
Published: August 2014

Objective: To provide a review on the use, percent positive agreement (PPA), percent negative agreement (PNA), and implementation of using the OraQuick HCV Rapid Antibody Test for hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening in community pharmacies in an effort to increase overall HCV screening in target populations. Data Sources: PubMed and Sagepub were searched for the following keywords: hepatitis C virus, rapid diagnostic tests, rapid assay, and rapid HCV assay. Dates searched were from January 2000 to October 2013. Study Selection: All studies including the use of the OraQuick HCV Rapid Antibody Test were included. Data Synthesis: Sensitivity and specificity of this device are compared with several standard laboratory tests for detecting HCV antibodies. In comparing these values with the clinical “standards,” PPA and PNA are more applicable terms to describe whether the OraQuick device is an effective tool for initial screening by pharmacists. The OraQuick HCV Rapid Antibody Test demonstrates high accuracy in providing accurate HCV infection status. Conclusion: The OraQuick HCV Rapid Antibody Test is a unique tool pharmacists can use in an effort to enhance the screening capabilities for HCV infection. Pharmacists often have the most contact with those patients at high risk for having contracted HCV in the past. With a relatively high PPA and high NPA, a high confidence in the accuracy of the device can be placed on initial test results. Patients should then be triaged to proper follow-up care depending on initial results.
Surface modification of type 304 stainless steel with duplex coatings for corrosion resistance in sea water environments
Authors: Krishna N. G. , Thinaharan C. , George R. P. , Parvathavarthini N. , Kamachi Mudali U.
Published: August 2014

An attempt was made to improve the localised corrosion resistance of AISI type 304 stainless steel by modifying the surface with duplex coating (titania over ceria). Simple chemical immersion method was adopted for ceria coating, whereas sol–gel route with dip coating method was followed for titania coating. The adherence of the coating was evaluated by ASTM D3359 standard, and the composition of the duplex coatings was evaluated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The experimental parameters, namely, bath composition, temperature, immersion time and withdrawal speed of the specimens, were optimised to get homogeneous adherent coating. The localised corrosion resistance of ceria, titania and duplex coatings in sea water was studied by potentiodynamic anodic polarisation experiments. These coatings were characterised also by optical and scannning electron microscopes for analysing their pit morphologies. Duplex coated 304 SS exhibited superior corrosion resistance, and the probable reason for the improvement is discussed in detail in this investigation.
Chebulagic acid from Terminalia chebula causes G1 arrest, inhibits NFκB and induces apoptosis in retinoblastoma cells
Authors: Kumar Naresh , D Gangappa , Gupta Geetika , Karnati Roy
Published: August 2014

Background

Plants are the valuable source of natural products with important medicinal properties. Most of the approved anti cancer drugs have a natural product origin or are natural products. Retinoblastoma is the most common ocular cancer of children. Although chemotherapy is the preferred mode of therapy, a successful treatment for retinoblastoma requires enucleation. Chebulagic acid (CA) fromTerminalia chebulawas shown to have anti-proliferative properties in the studies on cancerous cell lines. Due to anti cancer properties of CA and due to limitation in treatment options for retinoblastoma, the present study is undertaken to understand the role of CA on the proliferation of retinoblastoma cells.

Methods

Anti proliferative potential of CA was determined by MTT assay. The expression levels of various cell death mediators in retinoblastoma cells with CA treatment were assessed by Western blotting. Flowcytometer analysis was used to estimate the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and to determine the percentage of cells undergoing apoptosis.

Results

The present study showed CA inhibited the proliferation of retinoblastoma cells in a dose dependent manner. CA modulated MMP, induced release of Cytochromec, activated caspase 3 and shifted the ratio of BAX and Bcl2 towards cell death. G1 arrest, noticed in CA treated cells, is mediated by the increase in the expression of CDK inhibitor p27. CA treatment also decreased the levels of NFκB in the nucleus. This decrease is mediated by suppression in degradation of IκBα.

Conclusion

CA has shown significant anti proliferative potential on retinoblastoma cells. Our findings clearly demonstrate that CA induces G1 arrest, inhibits NFκB and induces apoptosis of retinoblastoma cells.
Synthesis of stable ACC using mesoporous silica gel as a support
Authors: Fu Fen , Tian Liang Guang , Xu Sheng , Xu Xian Gang , Hu Xiao Bo
Published: August 2014

Stable amorphous calcium carbonate supported by mesoporous silica gel was successfully synthesized. The silica gel support is prepared through the hydrolytic polycondensation of ethyl silicate under suitable conditions. Laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) observations reveal that the morphology of the products is branched with cruciform-like and flower-like structure. Raman spectroscopic analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation of the products confirm the combination of stable amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) nanoparticles and mesoporous silica gel. A possible growth mechanism for the branched structure has been proposed. Results indicate potential application of this work to ACC storage, crystal engineering, biomimetic synthesis, etc.
uPA and PAI-1 as biomarkers in breast cancer: validated for clinical use in level-of-evidence-1 studies
Authors: Duffy Michael J , McGowan Patricia M , Harbeck Nadia , Thomssen Christoph , Schmitt Manfred
Published: August 2014

Urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) is an extracellular matrix-degrading protease involved in cancer invasion and metastasis, interacting with plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), which was originally identified as a blood-derived endogenous fast-acting inhibitor of uPA. At concentrations found in tumor tissue, however, both PAI-1 and uPA promote tumor progression and metastasis. Consistent with the causative role of uPA and PAI-1 in cancer dissemination, several retrospective and prospective studies have shown that elevated levels of uPA and PAI-1 in breast tumor tissue are statistically independent and potent predictors of poor patient outcome, including adverse outcome in the subset of breast cancer patients with lymph node-negative disease. In addition to being prognostic, high levels of uPA and PAI-1 have been shown to predict benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with early breast cancer. The unique clinical utility of uPA/PAI-1 as prognostic biomarkers in lymph node-negative breast cancer has been confirmed in two independent level-of-evidence-1 studies (that is, in a randomized prospective clinical trial in which the biomarker evaluation was the primary purpose of the trial and in a pooled analysis of individual data from retrospective and prospective studies). Thus, uPA and PAI-1 are among the best validated prognostic biomarkers currently available for lymph node-negative breast cancer, their main utility being the identification of lymph node-negative patients who have HER-2-negative tumors and who can be safely spared the toxicity and costs of adjuvant chemotherapy. Recently, a phase II clinical trial using the low-molecular-weight uPA inhibitor WX-671 reported activity in metastatic breast cancer.
Deep sequencing of the X chromosome reveals the proliferation history of colorectal adenomas
Authors: De Grassi Anna , Iannelli Fabio , Cereda Matteo , Volorio Sara , Melocchi Valentina , Viel Alessandra , Basso Gianluca , Laghi Luigi , Caselle Michele , Ciccarelli Francesca D
Published: August 2014

Background

Mismatch repair deficient colorectal adenomas are composed of transformed cells that descend from a common founder and progressively accumulate genomic alterations. The proliferation history of these tumors is still largely unknown. Here we present a novel approach to rebuild the proliferation trees that recapitulate the history of individual colorectal adenomas by mapping the progressive acquisition of somatic point mutations during tumor growth.

Results

Using our approach, we called high and low frequency mutations acquired in the X chromosome of four mismatch repair deficient colorectal adenomas deriving from male individuals. We clustered these mutations according to their frequencies and rebuilt the proliferation trees directly from the mutation clusters using a recursive algorithm. The trees of all four lesions were formed of a dominant subclone that co-existed with other genetically heterogeneous subpopulations of cells. However, despite this similar hierarchical organization, the growth dynamics varied among and within tumors, likely depending on a combination of tumor-specific genetic and environmental factors.

Conclusions

Our study provides insights into the biological properties of individual mismatch repair deficient colorectal adenomas that may influence their growth and also the response to therapy. Extended to other solid tumors, our novel approach could inform on the mechanisms of cancer progression and on the best treatment choice.
Genotyping cell-free tumor DNA in the blood to detect residual disease and drug resistance
Authors: Siravegna Giulia , Bardelli Alberto
Published: August 2014

DNA fragments released from cancer cells into the blood can be used to generate molecular profiles of tumors. Non-invasive 'liquid biopsies' can be used to monitor minimal residual disease and detect the emergence of drug resistance.
Diversity and biochemical features of culturable fungi from the coastal waters of Southern China
Authors: Li Li , Singh Purnima , Liu Ying , Pan Shenquan , Wang Guangyi
Published: August 2014

Fungi play a major role in various biogeochemical cycles of terrestrial and marine ecosystems. However, fungi in marine environments remain to be one of the most under-studied microbial groups. This study investigates the diversity of planktonic fungi from the coastal habitat off Pearl River Delta (China) using culture-dependent approach. A total of 22 fungi and 9 yeast isolates were recovered from 30 seawater and 2 sediment samples. Microscopic and ITS rRNA gene sequence analyses revealed that most of the fungi belonged to the phylum Ascomycota and Basidiomycota with a very small percentage (3%) of the subphylum Mucoromycotina of the Phylum Zygomycota. Most of these fungal isolates exhibited considerable production of extracellular enzymes, cellulase, lipase and laccase. Fungal isolates of two genera Mucor and Aspergillus sp. demonstrated pelletization capability over a wide range of pH, suggesting them as potential agents towards algae harvesting and wastewater treatment.
Reduced catabolic protein expression in Clostridium butyricum DSM 10702 correlate with reduced 1,3-propanediol synthesis at high glycerol loading
Authors: Gungormusler-Yilmaz Mine , Shamshurin Dmitry , Grigoryan Marine , Taillefer Marcel , Spicer Victor , Krokhin Oleg V , Sparling Richard , Levin David B
Published: August 2014

Higher initial glycerol loadings (620 mM) have a negative effect on growth and 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) synthesis in Clostridium butyricum DSM 10702 relative to lower initial glycerol concentrations (170 mM). To help understand metabolic shifts associated with elevated glycerol, protein expression levels were quantified by LC/MS/MS analyses. Thirty one (31) proteins involved in conversion of glycerol to 1,3-PDO and other by-products were analyzed by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). The analyses revealed that high glycerol concentrations reduced cell growth. The expression levels of most proteins in glycerol catabolism pathways were down-regulated, consistent with the slower growth rates observed. However, at high initial glycerol concentrations, some of the proteins involved in the butyrate synthesis pathways such as a putative ethanol dehydrogenase (CBY_3753) and a 3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase (CBY_3045) were up-regulated in both exponential and stationary growth phases. Expression levels of proteins (CBY_0500, CBY_0501 and CBY_0502) involved in the reductive pathway of glycerol to 1,3-PDO were consistent with glycerol consumption and product concentrations observed during fermentation at both glycerol concentrations, and the molar yields of 1,3-PDO were similar in both cultures. This is the first report that correlates expression levels of glycerol catabolism enzymes with synthesis of 1,3-PDO in C. butyricum. The results revealed that significant differences in the expression of a small subset of proteins were observed between exponential and stationary growth phases at both low and high glycerol concentrations.
EU enlargement and the race to the bottom of welfare states
Authors: Skupnik Christoph
Published: August 2014

After the introduction of the freedom of movement for Eastern European workers, EU-15 countries were expected to reduce public benefits in order to avoid becoming “welfare magnets”. However, OECD data do not support the prediction of a race to the bottom in benefit levels. Using EU-LFS data, I analyze the determinants of migration flows and do not find evidence that welfare state variables affect migration flows when controlling for temporary political restrictions of the freedom of movement. This explains why the pressure to modify welfare spending is small. Furthermore, evidence is found that the restrictions offset the migration incentive effects of work-related pull factors.
On the Volume of the Zero Cell of a Class of Isotropic Poisson Hyperplane Tessellations
Authors: Hörrmann Julia , Hug Daniel
Published: August 2014

We study a parametric class of isotropic but not necessarily stationary Poisson hyperplane tessellations in n-dimensional Euclidean space. Our focus is on the volume of the zero cell, i.e. the cell containing the origin. As a main result, we obtain an explicit formula for the variance of the volume of the zero cell in arbitrary dimensions. From this formula we deduce the asymptotic behaviour of the volume of the zero cell as the dimension goes to ∞.
Recurrence and Transience of Critical Branching Processes in Random Environment with Immigration and an Application to Excited Random Walks
Authors: Bauernschubert Elisabeth
Published: August 2014

We establish recurrence and transience criteria for critical branching processes in random environments with immigration. These results are then applied to the recurrence and transience of a recurrent random walk in a random environment on ℤ disturbed by cookies inducing a drift to the right of strength 1.
On Classes of Equivalence and Identifiability of Age-Dependent Branching Processes
Authors: Chen Rui , Hyrien Ollivier
Published: August 2014

Age-dependent branching processes are increasingly used in analyses of biological data. Despite being central to most statistical procedures, the identifiability of these models has not been studied. In this paper we partition a family of age-dependent branching processes into equivalence classes over which the distribution of the population size remains identical. This result can be used to study identifiability of the offspring and lifespan distributions for parametric families of branching processes. For example, we identify classes of Markov processes that are not identifiable. We show that age-dependent processes with (nonexponential) gamma-distributed lifespans are identifiable and that Smith-Martin processes are not always identifiable.
Modelling Electricity Futures by Ambit Fields
Authors: Barndorff-Nielsen Ole E. , Benth Fred Espen , Veraart Almut E. D.
Published: August 2014

In this paper we propose a new modelling framework for electricity futures markets based on so-called ambit fields. The new model can capture many of the stylised facts observed in electricity futures and is highly analytically tractable. We discuss martingale conditions, option pricing, and change of measure within the new model class. Also, we study the corresponding model for the spot price, which is implied by the new futures model, and show that, under certain regularity conditions, the implied spot price can be represented in law as a volatility modulated Volterra process.
A Two-Sided Laplace Inversion Algorithm with Computable Error Bounds and its Applications in Financial Engineering
Authors: Cai Ning , Kou S. G. , Liu Zongjian
Published: August 2014

Transform-based algorithms have wide applications in applied probability, but rarely provide computable error bounds to guarantee the accuracy. We propose an inversion algorithm for two-sided Laplace transforms with computable error bounds. The algorithm involves a discretization parameter C and a truncation parameter N. By choosing C and N using the error bounds, the algorithm can achieve any desired accuracy. In many cases, the bounds decay exponentially, leading to fast computation. Therefore, the algorithm is especially suitable to provide benchmarks. Examples from financial engineering, including valuation of cumulative distribution functions of asset returns and pricing of European and exotic options, show that our algorithm is fast and easy to implement.
Nonparametric Inference for Queueing Networks of GeomX/G/∞ Queues in Discrete Time
Authors: Edelmann Dominic , Wichelhaus Cornelia
Published: August 2014

We study nonparametric estimation problems for discrete-time stochastic networks of GeomX/G/∞ queues. We assume that we are only able to observe the external arrival and external departure processes at the nodes over a stretch of time. Based on such incomplete information of the system, we aim to construct estimators for the unknown general service time distributions at the nodes without imposing any parametric condition. We propose two different estimation approaches. The first approach is based on the construction of a so-called sequence of differences, and a crucial relation between the expected number of external departures at a node and specific sojourn time distributions in the network. The second approach directly utilizes the structure of the cross-covariance functions between external arrival and departure processes at the nodes. Both methods lead to deconvolution problems which we solve explicitly. A detailed simulation study illustrates the numerical performances of our estimators and shows their advantages and disadvantages.
Limit Theory for High Frequency Sampled MCARMA Models
Authors: Fasen Vicky
Published: August 2014

We consider a multivariate continuous-time ARMA (MCARMA) process sampled at a high-frequency time grid {hn, 2hn,…, nhn}, where hn ↓ 0 and nhn → ∞ as n → ∞, or at a constant time grid where hn = h. For this model, we present the asymptotic behavior of the properly normalized partial sum to a multivariate stable or a multivariate normal random vector depending on the domain of attraction of the driving Lévy process. Furthermore, we derive the asymptotic behavior of the sample variance. In the case of finite second moments of the driving Lévy process the sample variance is a consistent estimator. Moreover, we embed the MCARMA process in a cointegrated model. For this model, we propose a parameter estimator and derive its asymptotic behavior. The results are given for more general processes than MCARMA processes and contain some asymptotic properties of stochastic integrals.
Case Report: Pulmonary metastases of malignant meningioma
Authors: Basunaid Suhail , Franssen Frits M.E. , Accord Ryan , Hamid Myrurgia Abdul , Mahesh Shekar , Baumert Brigitta G. , Schijns Olaf E.M.G.
Published: August 2014

Meningioma accounts for approximately one-third of primary central nervous system tumors. Most meningiomas are benign, although up to one third are classified as atypical or malignant. We describe a 63-year Caucasian male presenting with pleural metastases from an intracranial meningioma. Distant metastases from meningiomas are infrequently found in clinical practice and mostly are associated with atypical or malignant meningiomas. There is no standard treatment; however surgical resection of both the primary and metastatic lesions is the safest therapy. The overall prognosis of atypical meningiomas is poor. Our patient died one week after discharge from our hospital.
PAGAL - Properties and corresponding graphics of alpha helical structures in proteins
Authors: Chakraborty Sandeep , Rao Basuthkar J. , Dandekar Abhaya M.
Published: August 2014

Alpha helices (AH) are peptide fragments characterized by regular patterns of hydrogen bonding between the carbonyl oxygen and amino nitrogen of residues regularly spaced in sequence, resulting in spiral conformations. Their preponderance in protein structures underlines their importance. Interestingly, they are invariably present in all anti-microbial peptides. For example, the cecropin component of the chimeric anti-microbial protein designed previously by our group comprises of two AHs linked by a short stretch of random coil. These anti-microbial peptides are often amphipathic (quantified by a hydrophobic moment), aligning hydrophobic residues on one surface and charged residues on the others. In the current work, we reproduce previously described computational methods to compute the hydrophobic moment of AHs - and provide open access to the source code (PAGAL). We simultaneously generated input files for TikZ (a package for creating high resolution graphics programmatically) to obtain the Edmundson wheel and showing the direction and magnitude of the hydrophobic moment, and Pymol scripts to generate color coded protein surfaces. Additionally, we have observed an empirical structural property of AHs: the distance between the Cα atoms of the ith and (i+4)th residue is equal to the distance between the carbonyl oxygens of the ith and (i+4)th residue. We validated this using 100 non-homologous high resolution structures from the PISCES database. The source code and manual is available at http://github.com/sanchak/pagal and on http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11136.
Blood and blood transfusion reactions: 1
Authors: Bradbury Martyn , Cruickshank Jeremy Pope
Published: August 2014

Blood transfusion is a well-established mode of treatment for many disorders. This article, the first of two parts, examines the therapeutic indications for blood replacement. The second part will discuss the associated complications and the nursing care required in such situations.
Multidisciplinary clinical supervision
Authors: Thomas Ben , Reid Judith
Published: August 2014

Care of people with mental health problems demands a range of specialist skills from various disciplines. Although there is growing awareness of the issues surrounding the implementation of clinical supervision within mental health nursing, there is little published research about its use, either among or between other disciplines. This article examines the models and practice of clinical supervision among a group of professionals working in a mental health trust.
Behavioural treatments in post-traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Lovell Karina , Richards David
Published: August 2014

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is increasingly becoming recognised as a serious mental health problem (Department of Health, 1991). Psychological treatments for PTSD remain in their infancy, though limited research has demonstrated the efficacy of behavioural and cognitive-behavioural interventions.
Factors influencing nurses' analgesia decisions
Authors: Field Linda
Published: August 2014

The first article in this two-part series (Vol 5(13): 778-84) presented an empirical study of nurses' and patients' pain following surgery. Results indicate that nurses give consistently lower pain ratings for patient's pain than do patients. The main implication of this research is that nurses continue to underestimate the severity of pain suffered by patients postoperatively. This article considers a second empirical study, the objectives of which were to determine which methods nurses use to assess and monitor pain relief and which factors influence their decision to give or withhold analgesia. Results reveal that while nurses claim to rely on patients' self-reports of pain, the most influential factors in the decision whether or not to^ive analgesia are the dosage, type and frequency of drug prescribed. The main reason for withholding analgesia is that the patient reacted adversely to the medication. Student nurses placed more emphasis than trained nurses on the timing and amount of analgesia given. Nurses had a good knowledge of pain assessment tools, although few had used them.
Should there be a nursing presence in the operating theatre?
Authors: Barker Mike
Published: August 2014

Theatre nurses currently face the greatest threat to their existence since the evolution of the theatre nursing role. Traditionally perceived as task-oriented and separatist, the nature of the current theatre nursing role has led to the operating department being devalued as a clinical placement for preregistration student nurses which has a consequent effect on recruitment and retention problems. This article examines what the nurse provides, or could provide, in the operating theatre. The themes are that theatre nurses must give due consideration to the short-term future of their clinical role In order to regain status in the hierarchy of mainstream nursing.
Care Study: Community assessment of a patient following hip replacement
Authors: Beckles Sandra
Published: August 2014

Mrs Simmonds, a 76-year-old woman, had undergone a total hip replacement after sustaining a fall In her home. She had subsequently developed pressure sores on both heels. She was referred to the district nurses for continuing care in the community following discharge from hospital. There had been no indication of hip problems before her accident. She suffered with asthma, but at the time of discharge her respiratory condition was stable. The district nurse telephoned Mrs Simmonds to arrange an appointment at her convenience and asked permission for a student nurse (the author) to accompany her; Mrs Simmonds agreed to this. The interview was to take place at Mrs Simmonds' home where there would be fewer distractions, thus enabling us to concentrate on the purpose of the interview. Information was collected over a number of home visits.
Nursing elderly people with dignity and respect
Authors: Castledine George
Published: August 2014

What do elderly people who are ill expect from nurses? There is much in the literature describing what relatives want, but little about what elderly people want themselves. Arblaster et al (1990) suggest that dignity and respect are high on elderly people's agenda. Dignity refers to the ‘worth’ we place on them and ‘respect’ to how considerately we treat them.
Taking a healthy view on show ring condition
Authors: Bulbrook Liz
Published: August 2014

Liz Bulbrook BSc (Hons), Director of nutrition at Baileys Horse Feeds examines why our good doers are becoming fatter
Dietary control of gastric ulcers in horses
Authors: Durham Andy E
Published: August 2014

Andy E Durham European Specialist in Equine Medicine, Liphook Equine Hospital, discusses potential strategies for long-term control
A breath of fresh air
Authors: Chapman Stella
Published: August 2014

Stella Chapman BVSc (Hons), PGCE, MSc, MRCVS, Teaching Fellow in Equine Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, discusses lower respiratory tract disease
Physiotherapy training in nursing and residential homes
Authors: Dunn Brenda , Donald Norma , Gray Sue
Published: August 2014

Brenda Dunn, Norma Donald and Sue Gray discuss the role of physiotherapy in promoting and maintaining mobility in elderly residents in nursing and residential homes in Glasgow.
How to… Set up a relatives' group
Authors: Burton-Jones Julia
Published: August 2014

In this article, Julia Burton-Jones of the Relatives and Residents Association gives some suggestions for setting up a relatives' group.
Effect of High Speed Blowing on the Bulk Density of Ground Residues
Authors: Zamora-Cristales Rene , Sessions John , Smith David , Marrs Gevan
Published: August 2014

Transportation costs of ground forest residues can be reduced by increasing the dry wood bulk density per trailer per trip. Increasing the dry wood bulk density can be achieved by compacting the material into the trailer after it is processed by a grinder. However, increasing load density is often difficult to achieve in conventional conveyor-fed, gravity drop loading methods. The effect of high speed blowing during loading of low moisture wood grindings on the final bulk density was analyzed for two feedstock piece sizes, branches-and-tops and pulpwood. A structured fully randomized field test was implemented with two factors: loading method (high speed blowing and conveyor fed) and bit type (carbide hammer bits and knife-edge bits). The high speed blowing of grindings was made using a blower system to pack the material into the trailer during loading. The resulting bulk density using high speed blowing was compared against the results obtained from the conventional conveyor-fed (gravity drop) loading. The high speed blowing method produced a significant increase in bulk density ranging between 24 and 35 percent more than the conventional conveyor-fed loading. In terms of grinding configuration, knife-edge bits produced a higher bulk density (9%) compared with carbide hammer bits but only for the pulpwood piece size class. The use of high speed blowing during loading was the most powerful factor impacting truckload bulk density in these trials and demonstrated promising results that can lead to significantly lower transportation costs when processing low moisture content harvest residues.
Mechanical and Physical Properties of Thermally Modified Plywood and Oriented Strand Board Panels
Authors: Aro Matthew D. , Brashaw Brian K. , Donahue Patrick K.
Published: August 2014

Thermal modification can increase resistance to biological degradation, reduce equilibrium moisture content, and improve the dimensional stability of solid wood. In this study, oriented strand board (OSB) and two types of plywood were thermally modified as a posttreatment at 140°C, 150°C, 160°C, 170°C, and 180°C. Plywood moduli of rupture (MOR) and elasticity (MOE) decreased up to 54 and 22 percent, respectively, at the 180°C treatment, while OSB MOR and MOE decreased up to 25 and 4.3 percent, respectively. Internal bond strength of plywood decreased with increasing temperature, while OSB experienced minimal change. Screw-holding strength of all panels was more adversely affected by increasing temperatures than nail-holding strength, with OSB experiencing 17 and 27 percent maximum reductions in nail- and screw-holding strengths, respectively. Thickness swell performance of all panels improved with increasing temperature, with plywood exhibiting 41 and 77 percent improvements at the 160°C and 180°C treatments, respectively. Mass increase (when subjected to a water soak) of OSB decreased 12 percent at the 150°C treatment, after which it increased.

These results suggest that thermal modification posttreatments can improve the thickness swell and water absorption performance of plywood and OSB panels. However, some mechanical properties decreased significantly at treatment temperatures exceeding 160°C. The results provide a technical baseline that may help advance thermal modification technology from primarily solid-wood-only applications toward new, high-volume engineered wood markets. With further research, it may be possible to optimize the treatment technique(s) to ensure that the panels retain sufficient mechanical strength for the desired end-use applications.
The policy agora: how power inequalities affect the interaction between researchers and policy makers
Authors: Brown Chris
Published: August 2014

This paper examines notions of power in relation to evidence-informed policy making and explores four key areas. First, I outline contemporary conceptualisations of how power operates in society; second, I spotlight the implications of power inequalities for how evidence is used by policy makers (and present the policy ‘agora’; a discursively controlled paradigm of ideology and epistemology which serves to distinguish between the types of evidence that policy makers will and won't engage with); third, I then define what I consider as evidence ‘misuse’; before finishing with an analysis of why evidence misuse materialises and how its enactment might be minimised.
Evidence-informed health policies in Eastern Mediterranean countries: comparing views of policy makers and researchers
Authors: El-Jardali Fadi , Lavis John N , Jamal Diana , Ataya Nour , Dimassi Hani
Published: August 2014

The objective of this paper is to conduct comparative analysis about the views and practices of policy makers and researchers on the use of health systems evidence in policy making in selected Eastern Mediterranean countries. We analysed data from two self-reported surveys, one targeted at policy makers and the other at researchers. Results show a wide gap between policy makers and researchers when comparing perceptions on factors influencing the policy-making process and use of evidence in health policy making. Findings highlight specific areas for undertaking knowledge translation activities and implementing interventions to narrow the gap between policy makers and researchers.
Research on Policing: Insights from the Literature
Authors: Thomas Garry
Published: August 2014

Professionalism and integrity are currently the main topics of discussion in policing in England and Wales, with a drive towards professionalising the police service. This drive is being supported by central government and the newly formed College of Policing, who are pursuing the idea of evidence-based policing practices through research and evaluation. This article considers the developments in the research on policing from its early beginnings in the middle of the 20th century to the present day. It also considers whether the lessons learned and insights from the past will be used to provide a useful reference for the future development of research on policing.
Front-Line Police Perceptions of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in a Canadian Province
Authors: Stewart Michelle , Glowatski Krystal
Published: August 2014

This paper reports findings from police interviews regarding understandings of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) including the challenges this presents at the front line. The project investigates police perceptions, as individuals with FASD can have disproportionate contact with justice systems. Inconsistent with expectations, officers expressed understandings of FASD. Police reported the need for more training or information for when they encounter individuals with FASD. Practice-oriented solutions, including training developed and delivered by experienced officers, is posited to respond to unmet needs. The findings offer new insight into officer perceptions that has practical implications for front-line training and practice. To date there is limited research on how police understand FASD. This project helps fill the gap. The research has value beyond discussions of FASD. Similar to the challenges of working with persons with mental illness, there is a need for innovative front-line approaches to better address divergent client needs.