bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound-assisted lysis using recombinant tissue plasminogen activator and the EKOS EkoSonic endovascular system for treating right atrial thrombus and massive pulmonary embolism: A case study
Authors: Shammas NW , Padaria R , Ahuja G
Published: October 2014

Objective

Right atrial thrombus in the setting of a large pulmonary embolus is rare and is associated with serious adverse events. This case report presents the role played by EKOS EkoSonic ultrasound system in successfully treating right atrial thrombus and massive pulmonary embolism.

Case report

A 69-year-old female presented with a massive pulmonary embolus and a large mobile right atrial thrombus. She was treated with catheter-directed lysis using the EKOS EkoSonic ultrasound system and tissue plasminogen activator, with complete resolution of her right atrial thrombus and a marked improvement in her pulmonary embolus and hemodynamics.

Conclusion

This case report provides a new and an effective option to treat right atrial thrombus associated with a large pulmonary embolus leading to a good outcome.
Predicting Career Stability and Mobility
Authors: Howes Loene M. , Goodman-Delahunty Jane
Published: October 2014

This study tested occupational embeddedness and boundaryless career attitudes as a complementary explanation for career stability and mobility, in occupations previously known for lifetime employment. Current and former Australian teachers and police officers ( n = 315) completed an online survey about their careers. Consistent with the hypothesis, logistic regression analyses confirmed that embeddedness-related variables such as financial responsibility and age predicted having made an active decision to stay in the chosen occupation, and boundaryless career attitudes predicted having left that occupation to change careers. Contrary to the hypothesis, years in the career predicted a history of mobility and years of career-specific education did not add predictive utility to the model. Overall, the findings partially supported the complementary explanation for career stability and mobility. By including current and former occupational members, and identifying predictors of career behavior, this study contributed to deeper understanding of the changing nature of previously lifelong careers.
Adaptive control of Hammerstein systems with unknown Prandtl–Ishlinskii hysteresis
Authors: Al Janaideh Mohammad , Bernstein Dennis S
Published: October 2014

We numerically investigate the sense in which an adaptive control law achieves internal model control of Hammerstein plants with Prandtl–Ishlinskii hysteresis. We apply retrospective cost adaptive control to a command-following problem for uncertain Hammerstein systems with hysteretic input nonlinearities. The only required modeling information of the linear plant is a single Markov parameter. Describing functions are used to determine whether the adaptive controller inverts the plant at the exogenous frequencies.
Spatial teleconnections in African rainfall: A comparison of 19th and 20th century patterns
Authors: Nicholson Sharon E
Published: October 2014

Rainfall variability over the African continent is remarkably coherent on large-spatial scales. The continent as a whole has exhibited marked fluctuations of rainfall on scales from decades to millennia. A newly created data set commencing in 1800 allows for the comparison between patterns of spatial variability that prevailed on modern and historical time scales. The results show the dominance of a small number of spatial patterns, one of the most common being anomalies of the same sign over most of the continent. Two other common modes are an opposition between equatorial and subtropical regions and an east–west opposition in the equatorial region and in southern Africa. In these modes, the shift between negative and positive poles can be abrupt. These patterns remain stable over time. That is, the spatial patterns and their degree of dominance are markedly similar during the 19th and 20th centuries. On the other hand, the large-scale factors governing the rainfall regime appear to vary on decadal time scales. This is particularly true for ENSO and the Indian Ocean Zonal Mode. The associations with large-scale wind regimes are more stable over time. The robustness of these patterns and varying importance of large-scale factors have implications for the interpretation of paleoclimate data.
Real-time internal residual mass estimation for combustion with high cyclic variability
Authors: Larimore J , Hellström E , Jade S , Stefanopoulou AG , Jiang Li
Published: October 2014

In this work, a physics-based method of estimating the residual mass in a recompression homogeneous charge compression ignition engine is developed and analyzed for real-time implementation. The estimation routine is achieved through in-cylinder pressure and exhaust temperature measurements coupled with energy and mass conservation laws applied during the exhaust period. Experimental results on a multicylinder gasoline homogeneous charge compression ignition engine and dynamic analysis demonstrate the estimation routine’s ability to perform across a wide range of operating conditions as well as on a cycle-by-cycle basis for highly variable combustion phasing data.
Manufacturing and export provisions: Impact on the competitiveness of European pharmaceutical manufacturers and on the creation of jobs in Europe
Authors: Vicente Vanda , Simões Sérgio
Published: October 2014

European pharmaceutical manufacturers are finding it increasingly difficult to compete with pharmaceutical players established outside Europe. As a result, Europe has witnessed the migration of jobs, R&D centres and production units to other parts of the world, leading to the gradual deindustrialization of the European pharmaceutical sector. This paper seeks to address this concern by showing that minor adjustments in the Intellectual Property rights regime in Europe may lead to a relevant impact on fostering innovation, high-tech employment and reindustrialization, thus contributing to the competitiveness of the European industrial pharmaceutical activity and to the European economic recovery. Two major pragmatic measures are discussed and evaluated: the manufacturing provision and the export provision. As illustrated below, over the next 9 years, the European ratification of the manufacturing provision and of the export provision could potentially represent a €3,339 million business volume (at ex-work prices); generate up to 8,890 new direct jobs and 35,560 new indirect jobs; and potentially generate the investment associated to the enhancement of manufacturing capacity equivalent to the creation of 37 new medium-sized pharmaceutical enterprises. It should be emphasized that for this study only 73% of the European market ( manufacturing provision) and 11% of the non-European market ( export provision) was considered for calculation purposes. Hence, these already impressive numbers are just a sample of the full potential of these Provisions.
Utility of Arthroscopic Surgery for Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Authors: Lee Daniel J. , Elfar John C.
Published: October 2014

Currently, there is no consensus as to which patients would benefit most from arthroscopic surgery of the knee. Recently published randomized trials have shown limited efficacy for arthroscopic debridement and partial meniscectomy in patients with knee osteoarthritis. However, these clinical trials and others are limited by methodological problems. Indeed, many surgeons believe that arthroscopic surgery is indicated in a select group of patients, namely those with mild osteoarthritis and associated meniscal injury. More level I evidence will be required to better define the role of arthroscopic surgery in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.
Transition and Students With Mild Intellectual Disability
Authors: Bouck Emily C. , Joshi Gauri S.
Published: October 2014

Students with intellectual disability historically struggle with post-school outcomes. However, much of the research on students with intellectual disability relative to post-school outcomes and transition services is aggregated for students with mild, moderate, and severe intellectual disability. This secondary analysis of the National Longitudinal Transition Study–2 (NLTS2) focused on the in-school and post-school transition services, transition planning, and post-school goals for students with mild intellectual disability. The majority of students with mild intellectual disability received in-school transition services, yet few students reported post-school agencies participating in their transition planning. Inconsistent alignment existed between transition goals and achieving those goals. Implications for practice are discussed, including the potential need to increase attention to social skills in secondary education for students with mild intellectual disability.
Inverse ductile–brittle transition in metallic glasses?
Authors: Sun Y. H.
Published: October 2014

There is evidence that metallic glasses can show increased plasticity as the temperature is lowered. This behaviour is the opposite to what would be expected from phenomena such as the ductile–brittle transition in conventional alloys. Data collected for the plasticity of different metallic–glass compositions tested at room temperature and below, and at strain rates from rate 10−5 to 103 s−1, are reviewed. The analogous effects of low temperature and high strain rate, as observed in conventional alloys, are examined for metallic glasses. The relevant plastic flow in metallic glasses is inhomogeneous, sharply localised in thin shear bands. The enhanced plasticity at lower temperature is attributed principally to a transition from shear on a single dominant band to shear on multiple bands. The origins of this transition and its links to shear bands operating ‘hot’ or ‘cold’ are explored. The stress drop on a shear band after initial yielding is found to be a useful parameter for analysing mechanical behaviour. Schematic failure mode maps are proposed for metallic glasses under compression and tension. Outstanding issues are identified, and design rules are considered for metallic glasses of improved plasticity.
Progressive maturation toward hematopoietic stem cells in the mouse embryo aorta
Authors: Boisset Jean-Charles , Clapes Thomas , Klaus Anna , Papazian Natalie , Onderwater Jos , Mommaas-Kienhuis Mieke , Cupedo Tom , Robin Catherine
Published: October 2014

Key Points

Intraaortic clusters contain pre-HSCs progressively maturing toward an HSC fate.
Initial stem cell adhesion on porous silicon surface: molecular architecture of actin cytoskeleton and filopodial growth
Authors: Collart-Dutilleul Pierre-Yves , Panayotov Ivan , Secret Emilie , Cunin Frédérique , Gergely Csilla , Cuisinier Frédéric , Martin Marta
Published: October 2014

The way cells explore their surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) during development and migration is mediated by lamellipodia at their leading edge, acting as an actual motor pulling the cell forward. Lamellipodia are the primary area within the cell of actin microfilaments (filopodia) formation. In this work, we report on the use of porous silicon (pSi) scaffolds to mimic the ECM of mesenchymal stem cells from the dental pulp (DPSC) and breast cancer (MCF-7) cells. Our atomic force microscopy (AFM), fluorescence microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results show that pSi promoted the appearance of lateral filopodia protruding from the DPSC cell body and not only in the lamellipodia area. The formation of elongated lateral actin filaments suggests that pores provided the necessary anchorage points for protrusion growth. Although MCF-7 cells displayed a lower presence of organized actin network on both pSi and nonporous silicon, pSi stimulated the formation of extended cell protrusions.
Split hierarchical variational inequality problems and related problems
Authors: Ansari Qamrul Hasan , Nimana Nimit , Petrot Narin
Published: October 2014

The main objective of this paper is to introduce a split hierarchical variational inequality problem. Several related problems are also considered. We propose an iterative method for finding a solution of our problem. The weak convergence of the sequence generated by the proposed method is studied.

MSC:47H09, 47H10, 47J25, 49J40, 65K10.
A non-convex gradient fidelity-based variational model for image contrast enhancement
Authors: Liu Qiegen , Liu Jianbo , Xiong Biao , Liang Dong
Published: October 2014

We propose a novel image contrast enhancement method via non-convex gradient fidelity-based (NGF) variational model which consists of the data fidelity term and the NGF regularization. The NGF prior assumes that the gradient of the desired image is close to the multiplication of the gradient of the original image by a scale factor, which is adaptively proportional to the difference of their gradients. The presented variational model can be viewed as a data-driven alpha-rooting method in the gradient domain. An augmented Lagrangian method is proposed to address this optimization issue by first transforming the unconstrained problem to an equivalent constrained problem and then applying an alternating direction method to iteratively solve the subproblems. Experimental results on a number of images consistently demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can efficiently obtain visual pleasure results and achieve favorable performance than the current state-of-the-art methods.
A method for preparation and cleaning of uniformly sized arsenopyrite particles
Authors: Parthasarathy Hariprasad , Baltrus John P , Dzombak David A , Karamalidis Athanasios K
Published: October 2014

Background

The oxidative dissolution of sulfide minerals, such as arsenopyrite (FeAsS), is of critical importance in many geochemical systems. A comprehensive understanding of their dissolution rates entails careful preparation of the mineral surface. Measurements of dissolution rates of arsenic from arsenopyrite are dependent on the size and degree of oxidation of its particles, among other factors. In this work, a method was developed for preparation and cleaning of arsenopyrite particles with size range of 15-250 μm. Four different cleaning methods were evaluated for effectiveness based on the removal of oxidized species of iron (Fe), arsenic (As) and sulfur (S) from the surface. The percentage oxidation of the surface was determined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and surface stoichiometry was measured using scanning electron microscopy - energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS).

Results

Results indicate that sonicating the arsenopyrite particles and then cleaning them with 12N HCl followed by 50% ethanol, and drying in nitrogen was the most effective method. This method was successful in greatly reducing the oxide species of Fe while completely removing oxides of As and S from the arsenopyrite surface.

Conclusions

Although sonication and acid cleaning have been widely used for mineral preparation, the method described in this study can significantly reduce grain size heterogeneity as well as surface oxidation, which enables greater control in surface and dissolution experiments.
Changes in talocrural and subtalar joint kinematics of barefoot versus shod forefoot landing
Authors: Fukano Mako , Fukubayashi Toru
Published: October 2014

Background

Synergetic talocrural and subtalar joint movements allow adaptation to different footwear and/or surface conditions. Therefore, knowledge of kinematic differences between barefoot and shod conditions is valuable for the study of adaptations to footwear conditions. The objective of this study was to assess the kinematic differences in the talocrural and subtalar joints during barefoot and shod landing.

Methods

Seven healthy participants (4 males and 3 females) participated in a landing trial under barefoot and shod conditions. Fluoroscopic images and forceplate data were collected simultaneously to calculate the talocrural and subtalar joint kinematics and the vertical ground reaction force.

Results

Upon toe contact, the plantarflexion angle of the talocrural joint during the barefoot condition was significantly larger than that during the shod condition (barefoot, 20.5 ± 7.1°, shod, 17.9 ± 8.3°, p =0.03). From toe contact to heel contact, the angular changes at the talocrural and subtalar joint were not significantly different between the barefoot and shod conditions; however, the changes in the subtalar eversion angles in the barefoot condition, from heel contact to 150 ms after toe contact, were significantly larger than those in the shod condition.

Conclusions

These results suggest that footwear was able to reduce the eversion angle of the subtalar joint after heel contact during landing; the effect of wearing footwear was quite limited. Therefore, induced rearfoot kinematic alterations to prevent or manage injuries by neutral‐type footwear are likely to be impractical.
Self-potential signals from pumping tests in laboratory experiments
Authors: Vasconcelos Suzan S. , Mendonça Carlos A. , Silva Nilton
Published: October 2014

Streaming potentials can be generated when geologic porous media are subjected to pumping tests. For a homogeneous medium, theory predicts that input and output points for water circulation generate field responses in the form of electric potentials that are equivalent to those produced by current sources that are externally driven by a power source. We evaluated tank experiments showing that this assumption is valid for common geophysical scenarios and can be used to determine charge density for porous geologic media, a key parameter in interpreting electrokinetic and interfacial properties in hydrogeophysics. We also determined that when water circulation encompasses a heterogeneity, the equivalence with single current poles is lost, and this can be used as a field criterion to detect inhomogeneities near a well. Our experimental results were analyzed with finite-element modeling of water and charge flow, showing that an interfacial distribution of currents must be expected as the cause of distortions in self-potential fields. We developed a procedure that used the background resistivity model to better image the distribution of currents onto media interfaces, pointing out advances still needed and challenges still remaining to improve source imaging.
Application of unsplit convolutional perfectly matched layer for scalar arbitrarily wide-angle wave equation
Authors: Chen Hanming , Zhou Hui , Li Yanqi
Published: October 2014

A classical split perfectly matched layer (PML) method has recently been applied to the scalar arbitrarily wide-angle wave equation (AWWE) in terms of displacement. However, the classical split PML obviously increases computational cost and cannot efficiently absorb waves propagating into the absorbing layer at grazing incidence. Our goal was to improve the computational efficiency of AWWE and to enhance the suppression of edge reflections by applying a convolutional PML (CPML). We reformulated the original AWWE as a first-order formulation and incorporated the CPML with a general complex frequency shifted stretching operator into the renewed formulation. A staggered-grid finite-difference (FD) method was adopted to discretize the first-order equation system. For wavefield depth continuation, the first-order AWWE with the CPML saved memory compared with the original second-order AWWE with the conventional split PML. With the help of numerical examples, we verified the correctness of the staggered-grid FD method and concluded that the CPML can efficiently absorb evanescent and propagating waves.
Geophysical interpretation of U, Th, and rare earth element mineralization of the Bokan Mountain peralkaline granite complex, Prince of Wales Island, southeast Alaska
Authors: McCafferty Anne E. , Stoeser Douglas B. , Van Gosen Bradley S.
Published: October 2014

A prospectivity map for rare earth element (REE) mineralization at the Bokan Mountain peralkaline granite complex, Prince of Wales Island, southeastern Alaska, was calculated from high-resolution airborne gamma-ray data. The map displays areas with similar radioelement concentrations as those over the Dotson REE-vein-dike system, which is characterized by moderately high %K, eU, and eTh (%K, percent potassium; eU, equivalent parts per million uranium; and eTh, equivalent parts per million thorium). Gamma-ray concentrations of rocks that share a similar range as those over the Dotson zone are inferred to locate high concentrations of REE-bearing minerals. An approximately 1300-m-long prospective tract corresponds to shallowly exposed locations of the Dotson zone. Prospective areas of REE mineralization also occur in continuous swaths along the outer edge of the pluton, over known but undeveloped REE occurrences, and within discrete regions in the older Paleozoic country rocks. Detailed mineralogical examinations of samples from the Dotson zone provide a means to understand the possible causes of the airborne Th and U anomalies and their relation to REE minerals. Thorium is sited primarily in thorite. Uranium also occurs in thorite and in a complex suite of [Formula: see text] oxide minerals, which include fergusonite, polycrase, and aeschynite. These oxides, along with Y-silicates, are the chief heavy REE (HREE)-bearing minerals. Hence, the eU anomalies, in particular, may indicate other occurrences of similar HREE-enrichment. Uranium and Th chemistry along the Dotson zone showed elevated U and total REEs east of the Camp Creek fault, which suggested the potential for increased HREEs based on their association with U-oxide minerals. A uranium prospectivity map, based on signatures present over the Ross-Adams mine area, was characterized by extremely high radioelement values. Known uranium deposits were identified in the U-prospectivity map, but the largest tract occurs over a radioelement-rich granite phase within the pluton that is likely not related to mineralization. Neither mineralization type displays a well-defined airborne magnetic signature.
Prognostic Value of Microscopic Lymph Node Involvement in Patients With Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Bardet Stéphane , Ciappuccini Renaud , Quak Elske , Rame Jean-Pierre , Blanchard David , de Raucourt Dominique , Babin Emmanuel , Michels Jean-Jacques , Vaur Dominique , Heutte Natacha
Published: October 2014

Context:

The impact of microscopic nodal involvement on the risk of persistent/recurrent disease (PRD) remains controversial in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Objective:

The goal of the study was to assess the risk of PRD and the 4-year outcome in PTC patients according to their initial nodal status [pNx, pN0, pN1 microscopic (cN0/pN1) or pN1 macroscopic (cN1/pN1)].

Design:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study.

Patients:

The study included 305 consecutive PTC patients referred for radioiodine ablation from 2006 to 2011.

Main Outcome Measure:

We evaluated the risk of structural PRD and the disease status at the last follow-up. At ablation, persistent disease was consistently assessed by using post-radioiodine ablation scintigraphy combining total body scan and neck and thorax single-photon computed tomography-computed tomography (SPECT-CT) acquisition.

Results:

Of 305 patients, 128 (42%) were pNx, 84 (28%) pN0, 44 (14%) pN1 microscopic, and 49 (16%) pN1 macroscopic. The 4-year cumulative risk of PRD was higher in pN1 macroscopic than in pN1 microscopic patients (49% vs 24%, P = .03), and higher in pN1 microscopic than in pN0 (12%, P = .01) or pNx patients (6%, P < .001). On multivariate analysis, tumor size of 20 mm or greater [relative risk (RR) 3.4; P = .0001], extrathyroid extension (RR 2.6; P < .003), pN1 macroscopic (RR 4.5; P < .0001), and pN1 microscopic (RR 2.5; P < .02) were independent risk factors for PRD. At the last visit, the proportion of patients with no evidence of disease decreased from pNx (98%), pN0 (93%), and pN1 microscopic (89%) to pN1 macroscopic patients (70%) (P < .0001, Cochran-Armitage trend test). Extrathyroid extension (odds ratio 9.7; P < .0001) and N1 macroscopic (OR 4.9; P < .001) independently predicted persistent disease at the last visit, but N1 microscopic did not.

Conclusions:

Patients with microscopic lymph node involvement present an intermediate outcome between that observed in pN0-pNx patients and pN1 macroscopic patients. These data may justify modifications to the risk recurrence staging systems.
Muscle stem cells at a glance
Authors: Wang Yu Xin , Dumont Nicolas A. , Rudnicki Michael A.
Published: October 2014

Muscle stem cells facilitate the long-term regenerative capacity of skeletal muscle. This self-renewing population of satellite cells has only recently been defined through genetic and transplantation experiments. Although muscle stem cells remain in a dormant quiescent state in uninjured muscle, they are poised to activate and produce committed progeny. Unlike committed myogenic progenitor cells, the self-renewal capacity gives muscle stem cells the ability to engraft as satellite cells and capitulate long-term regeneration. Similar to other adult stem cells, understanding the molecular regulation of muscle stem cells has significant implications towards the development of pharmacological or cell-based therapies for muscle disorders. This Cell Science at a Glance article and accompanying poster will review satellite cell characteristics and therapeutic potential, and provide an overview of the muscle stem cell hallmarks: quiescence, self-renewal and commitment.
Signaling in chemotactic amoebae remains spatially confined to stimulated membrane regions
Authors: Gerhardt Matthias , Walz Michael , Beta Carsten
Published: October 2014

Recent work has demonstrated that the receptor-mediated signaling system in chemotactic amoeboid cells shows typical properties of an excitable system. Here, we delivered spatially confined stimuli of the chemoattractant cAMP to the membrane of differentiated Dictyostelium discoideum cells to investigate whether localized receptor stimuli can induce the spreading of excitable waves in the G-protein dependent signal transduction system. By imaging the spatiotemporal dynamics of fluorescent markers for PIP3, PTEN, and filamentous actin, we observed that the activity of the signaling pathway remained spatially confined to the stimulated membrane region. Neighboring parts of the membrane were not excited and no receptor-initiated spatial spreading of excitation waves was observed. To generate localized cAMP stimuli, either particles that carried covalently bound cAMP molecules on their surface were brought into contact with the cell, or a patch of the cell membrane was aspirated into a glass micropipette to shield this patch against freely diffusing cAMP molecules in the surrounding medium. Additionally, also the binding site of the cAMP receptor was probed with different surface-immobilized cAMP molecules, confirming results from earlier ligand binding studies.
Thermoresponsive Reversible Phase-transition of Alginate-based Semi-IPN Gel through Self-assembly of Interpenetrated Elastin-like Polypeptide
Authors: Matsukuma Daisuke , Otsuka Hidenori
Published: October 2014

We describe, for the first time, a simple and one-pot fabrication of biocompatible hydrogels functioning as an elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) matrix in terms of thermoresponsibility and structure-proved bioavailability, without complicated pretreatment and synthesis. For this purpose, composite hydrogels were formed with a semi-IPN structure wherein untreated ELPs interpenetrated the alginate–Ca2+ hydrogel as the host three-dimensional network. These biocompatible and stimuli-responsive materials are highly useful as a novel injectable matrix to induce tissue differentiation after cellular encapsulation.
Surface Functionalization of Protein Crystals with Carbohydrate Using Site-selective Bioconjugation
Authors: Abe Satoshi , Tokura Yu , Pal Rita , Komura Naoko , Imamura Akihiro , Matsumoto Kaori , Ijiri Hiroshi , Sanghamitra Nusrat J M , Tabe Hiroyasu , Ando Hiromune , Kiso Makoto , Mori Hajime , Kitagawa Susumu , Ueno Takafumi
Published: October 2014

A crystalline solid protein assembly was functionalized with Lewis X (LeX) carbohydrates via site-selective bioconjugation of cysteine residues. An antibody can bind to the surface of modified crystals through antigen–antibody interactions. The surface modification of protein crystals would provide attractive materials for applications involving extracellular matrices, biosolid catalysis, and drug delivery systems.
Examination of the Main Educational Program of the Educational Organization as an Instrument of Advancing Management of the Innovative Project on Introduction of Federal State Educational Standards of General Education
Authors: �����������  , Pokosovskaya Olga
Published: October 2014

Defining introduction of the Federal State Educational Standards (FSES) of General Education as the innovative project directed on achievement of qualitatively

new level of development of education system, the author considers examination of the main educational program (MEP) of the educational

organization of the maingeneral education levelas the effective instrument of ensuring dynamic management of educational system development.

The article describes technique and results of carrying out examination of MEP, as well as technique of organization of self-audit of an educational

organization readiness to transition to FSES of the main general education which is previous to MEP examination procedure and an integral part of

the problem-oriented analysis of aneducational system condition. Application of the offered tools on the basis of analytical data on current state of

educational system allows building the forecast of its development, revealingreference points and defining the main vectors of administrative activity.
Investigating the suitability of the intra-aortic balloon pump for patients in cardiogenic shock
Authors: Shipgood Louise
Published: October 2014

Cardiogenic shock is the leading cause of death among patients admitted alive to hospital with acute myocardial infarction. There is a lack of agreement as to the best therapy for patients who develop cardiogenic shock after receiving reperfusion therapy. Patients in cardiogenic shock who receive early percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafts (CABGs) have improved mortality rates at 6 and 12 months than those who receive medical therapy alone. On-site PCI and CABG is not available at all hospitals. This article examines the evidence to support the use of an intra aortic balloon pump to provide haemodynamic support to enable the transfer of a patient who is in cardiogenic shock to a site where revascularization can be attempted.
I got rhythm…
Authors: Sullivan Gerard
Published: October 2014

Gerard Sullivan explains what it is like to live with ventricular tachycardia and be treated with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator.
Embracing research in nursing practice
Authors: Jones Sarahjane
Published: October 2014

The establishment of an integrated research culture in medicine has contributed to the ongoing success of medical science in treating disease. Research examining the effectiveness of services and care is of increasing priority, and is a branch of research open to all health professionals. This article provides an overview of the research process aimed at health professionals with novice research skills. It will provide tools and resources to guide health professionals in the development of research concepts leading to a feasible protocol.
Development of the Lymphoedema Genito-Urinary Cancer Questionnaire
Authors: Noble-Jones Rhian , Fitzpatrick Bridie , Sneddon Margaret C , Hendry David S , Leung Hing Y
Published: October 2014

The aim of this study was to develop a patient self-report tool to detect symptoms of genital and lower limb lymphoedema in male survivors of genitourinary cancer. The study incorporated the views of patients and subject specialists (lymphoedema and urology) in the design of a patient questionnaire based on the literature. Views on comprehensiveness, relevance of content, ease of understanding and perceived acceptability to patients were collated. The findings informed the development of the next iteration of the questionnaire. The overall view of participants was that the development and application of such a tool was of great clinical value and the Lymphoedema Genito-Urinary Cancer Questionnaire (LGUCQ) has significant potential for further development as a research tool to inform prevalence of this under-reported condition.
Intermittent self-catheterisation in women: reducing the risk of UTIs
Authors: Bardsley Alison
Published: October 2014

Intermittent self-catheterisation (ISC) is the insertion and removal of a catheter to drain the bladder and is a safe and effective way to preserve renal function. It can be used as a one-off intervention to drain urine post-operatively or to measure residual urine volumes if a bladder scanner is unavailable. ISC can also be used as a long-term option to manage bladder dysfunction, and for some provides an excellent option to maintain independence and improve quality of life. Urinary tract infections are a common complication for women undertaking ISC. This article explores the prevention of urinary tract infections in women undertaking long-term ISC for the management of bladder dysfunction.
Electronic pelvic floor assessment questionnaire: a systematic review
Authors: McCooty Shanteela , Latthe Pallavi
Published: October 2014

Quality of life can be seriously affected by pelvic floor disorders and a range of other coexisting symptoms. The electronic patient assessment questionnaire (ePAQ®) is a validated tool that can be used for the assessment of pelvic floor disorders. The authors aimed to systematically review all the studies that had used ePAQ for assessment of pelvic-floor-related quality of life. The delivery of evidence-based care is paramount and dependent on a precise, detailed clinical history. A pelvic floor questionnaire is an effective way of assessing the effect of pelvic floor dysfunction on quality of life. A thorough literature search was conducted in November 2013 using various search engines. A total of 15 articles were found. Four of these articles were excluded as ePAQ had not been used and the remaining 11 articles summarised. The main themes drawn from the studies were: screening and diagnostic uses, treatment prioritisation, treatment response and miscellaneous/qualitative data. The findings illustrate that the pelvic floor assessment version of ePAQ is a useful tool in assessing patients before and after receiving pelvic floor treatment.
Ensuring we meet the needs of looked-after teenagers
Authors: Lyons Jane , Hardy Jan
Published: October 2014

The public health role of the school nurse (SN) is to identify and support children who have particular vulnerabilities and susceptibility to poor health outcomes. Looked-after children and young people are a particularly vulnerable population. This article looks at current literature on the needs of looked-after teenagers, policies and legislation, and strategies that can help meet these needs.
Calling for better mental health support for students
Authors: Gibbs Marion
Published: October 2014

Marion Gibbs explains why mental health has to be a key focus for education, and calls for politicians to make young people's wellbeing a priority and to provide the experts and resources that are needed in schools.
New app to be launched to support teenage parents
Authors: Amadi Obi
Published: October 2014

Ahead of the official launch of Best Beginnings' Baby Buddy app, experienced health professional Obi Amadi shares her views on its potential benefits.
Childhood immunisation: Recent changes to the routine schedule
Authors: Ford Karen J
Published: October 2014

Immunisation has dramatically reduced the burden of infectious diseases in childhood. Health visitors play a key role in promoting the uptake of immunisations and ensuring that every child benefits from this important public health intervention. The UK childhood immunisation schedule has recently undergone several changes including: a reduction in the number of meningococcal serogroup C conjugate vaccine (MenC) doses given in infancy and the addition of an adolescent booster; the introduction of an oral rotavirus vaccine in infancy; the extension of the influenza vaccination programme to all children ( Hakin et al, 2013a ). Additionally the inclusion of a meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine has been recommended and awaits a date for implementation ( Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, 2014 ). This article updates health visitors on the recent changes to the routine immunisation schedule and discusses ways in which health visitors can support and advise parents in their decisions regarding immunisation.
The use of a practice development group model in transforming the local health visiting service in Kent
Authors: Russell Ann
Published: October 2014

The role of a practice development group (PDG) model proved instrumental in contributing to the modernisation of the health visiting service in Kent in line with the Health Visitor Implementation Plan 2011–15: A call to action ( Department of Health (DH), 2011 ). The implementation plan is an unprecedented and ambitious programme that demonstrates a commitment to improving services and health outcomes in the early years for children, families and communities. In January 2013, Kent Community Health NHS Trust used the PDG model as a vehicle for aligning the Healthy Child Programme ( DH, 2009 ) with the transformation agenda (professional mobilisation). Transformational leadership was a crucial element in changing practice culture to offer a service fit for the 21st century. This article considers phase 1 of the PDG—the development of a new guidance framework in implementing the Healthy Child Programme in practice—and the leadership required to develop new ways of working towards standardising and modernising the service across Kent.
Ealing Health Visiting Clinical Academic Hub: Official launch
Authors: Murphy Madeleine
Published: October 2014

The official launch of North West London's super training hub for health visiting was a positive celebration of the profession and the potential to improve career development.
Making better decisions on public health spending
Authors: Murphy Madeleine
Published: October 2014

The King's Fund and Local Government Association hosted a conference to help public health professionals understand how to demonstrate value for money in interventions.
G-Protein Receptor Kinase 4 Polymorphism and Response to Antihypertensive Therapy
Authors: Muskalla Anne M , Suter Paolo M , Saur Matthias , Nowak Albina , Hersberger Martin , Krayenbuehl Pierre-Alexandre
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND

G-protein receptor kinase 4 polymorphism influences blood pressure regulation via modulation of dopamine receptor D1 in renal proximal tubular cells. We investigated the role of G-protein receptor kinase 4 polymorphism in the response to hypertensive therapy in patients with essential hypertension.

METHODS

In a prospective study, we assessed the G-protein receptor kinase 4 polymorphisms R65L, A142V, and A486V in 100 hypertensive patients. We analyzed the association of the 3 gene variants on blood pressure control and response to antihypertensive therapy with single-locus analysis, haplotype analysis, and regression analysis.

RESULTS

Hypertensive individuals with a homozygous double variant of 65L and 142V needed significantly more antihypertensive treatment (number of antihypertensives 2.59 vs 1.95, P = 0.043) and especially diuretic therapy (0.82 vs 0.49, P = 0.029) to reach the same mean arterial blood pressure than did homozygous carriers of only 1 variant or heterozygous/wild-type carriers of R65L, A142V, and A486V alleles.

CONCLUSIONS

G-protein receptor kinase 4 polymorphism is associated with antihypertensive treatment response in patients with essential hypertension. Determination of G-protein receptor kinase 4 polymorphism may improve individual antihypertensive blood pressure control in patients with essential hypertension.
Book Reviews
Authors: Ajana Btihaj , Cooley Alison , Crone Bridget , Lau Charlene K. , North Meredith , Roberts Jack , Sanader Daniella E. , Waters M.J. , Anderson Peter , Reeve Charles
Published: October 2014

The Curatorial: A Philosophy of Curating, Jean-Paul Martinon (Ed.) London: Bloomsbury Academic (2013), 280 pp., Paperback, ISBN: 978-1-47252-560-4, £65.00

Scandalous: A Reader on Art and Ethics, Nina Möntmann (ED.) Berlin: Sternberg Press (2013), 178 pp., Paperback, ISBN:
978-1-93410-587-0, €19.00

Institutional Attitudes: Instituting Art in a Flat World, Pascal Gielen (Ed.) Amsterdam: Valiz (2013), Antennae Series No. 8, 288 pp., Paperback, ISBN: 978-9-07808-868-4, €19.50

Art & Textiles: Fabric as Material and Concept in Modern Art from
Klimt to the Present, Marcus Brüderlin (Ed.) Ostfildern: Hatje Cantz Verlag (2013), 392 pp., Hardcover, ISBN: 978-3-77573-627-5 (English), ISBN: 978-3-77573-626-8 (German), €49.80

The Global Contemporary and the Rise of New Art Worlds, Hans Belting, Andrea Buddensieg and Peter
Weibel (eds) Cambridge, MA: MIT Press with ZKM/Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe (2013), 464 pp., Paperback, ISBN: 978-0-26251-834-5, US$50.00

Art Production Beyond the Art Market?, Karen van den Berg and Ursula Pasero (eds) Berlin: Sternberg Press (2013), 286 pp., Paperback, ISBN:
978-3-94336-594-8, €19.00

Audience as Subject, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts San Francisco: Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (2013), 142 pp., Paperback, ISBN: 978-0-98267-895-4, US$27.00

Visual Cultures as Seriousness, Gavin Butt and Irit Rogoff London and Berlin: Goldsmiths,
University of London and Sternberg Press (2013), 88 pp., Paperback, ISBN: 978-3-94336-539-9, £10.00

Artist-Run Spaces: Nonprofit Collective Organizations in the 1960s and 1970s, Gabriele Detterer and Maurizio Nannucci (eds) Zurich, Dijon and Florence: JRP|Ringier in co-edition with
Les Presses du reel and Zona (2012), 294 pp., Paperback, ISBN: 978-3-03764-191-0 (English)/978-2-84006-512-0 (French), €20.00

Outrage: Art, Controversy and Society, Richard Howells, Andreea Deciu Ritivoi and Judith Schachter (eds) New York: Palgrave Macmillan (2012), 352 pp., Hardcover,
ISBN: 978-0-23035-397-8, US$95.00
Comparative study of the Risutec Automatic Plant Container (APC) and Bracke planting devices
Authors: Laine Tiina , Saarinen Veli-Matti
Published: October 2014

The productivity of mechanized planting could be increased by minimizing the time spent manually reloading seedling cassettes. This study compared the work-time distribution, productivity and quality of the prototype Risutec APC fitted with an automatic feeding system and the commonly-used and manually-loaded Bracke P11.a. An approach of comparative time study was employed that compared performance of two operators using both machines in four sites where slash and stumps had been removed. Operating costs were estimated and compared for these two machines and an idealized machine with automatic feeding system (referred as AUT). AUT was assumed to be similar to the Bracke planting machine with the only difference being in automatic feeding. Productivity of the Risutec APC (196 seedlings per productive work hour [pl PWh]) was lower than that of Bracke (244 pl PWh), making the unit cost 35.7% higher. A large portion (17.6%) of the productive work time of Risutec APC was interrupted by malfunctions, so it cannot be considered robust and reliable yet. Quality of the planting work was reasonable for both machines. The results suggest that an idealized AUT could increase planting capacity (hectares per year [ha yr]) by 15.4% and lower the unit cost (Euro per seedling [â¬ pl]) by 4.7% compared to todayâs machines. The importance of an automated feeding system increases with planting efficiency because relatively more time is spent reloading seedlings. Proper automatic feeding system could offer a cost-effective solution and could enhance productivity, but the Risutec APC has yet to meet the technical and economic standards required to be competitive.0â10â1â1â1
Where She Comes From: Locating Queer Transracial Adoption
Authors: Romesburg Don
Published: October 2014

This article attempts to answer the oft-asked question of where my daughter—an African American girl with two white, middle-class gay dads—“comes from,” by tracing power constellations that make our family possible. Through critical autoethnography, it interweaves narrative about the evolving relationship we share with her birth family with analysis of intersecting, conflicting histories of U.S. transracial adoption, same-sex family recognition, shrinking public support systems for and growing criminalization of low-income women and families of color, gendered dynamics in parenting, and the shift toward foster-adoption permanency. Utilizing queer, feminist, and critical race theories of kinship, I advocate for “queer transracial family” as a form of differential becoming that is attentive to complex power relations. Queer transracial family as a critical practice seeks to enact a blended, open vision for belonging that contests colorblindness, homonormativity, and the consumerist, privatized family.
Efficacy of routine diabetic foot treatments at an outpatient clinic: a cohort study
Authors: Udovichenko Oleg Viktorovich , Berseneva Eugenia Alexandrovna
Published: October 2014

Reliable data on the efficacy of treatment for diabetic foot (DF) ulcers (DFUs) is essential for planning outpatient services, comparison of several DF clinics, pharmacoeconomic studies and prognosis of healing time. However, no reports based on Russian DF cases have been published to date.Aim. The aim of our study was to analyse of the outcomes of routine DFU treatments at one DF outpatient clinic (DFOC).Materials and methods. We analysed the medical records of all patients admitted to one DFOC for foot/leg ulcers in 2012 (72 patients, 77 episodes of treatment, 124 ulcers in total). The median age of the patients was 66 years (range: 45?90 years), 51% patients were females and 49% were males. Three (4%) patients had type 1 diabetes mellitus, whereas the rest had type 2 diabetes mellitus. The median duration of ulcer prior to the initiation of treatment was 31 days (range: 1?392 days). A total of 106 (85%) cases involved DFUs, whereas 18 (15%) involved leg ulcers in patients with diabetes. One patient had a combination of foot and leg ulcers. Examination and treatment of all patients were conducted by a single experienced doctor according to international and national guidelines. The follow-up time ranged from 8?20 months.Results. Lower extremity ischemia was observed in 39% cases. The healing rate for all ulcers at 3, 6 and 12 months was 34%, 51% and 65%, respectively. At follow-up time, ulcers remained unhealed in 16% patients and 9% survived amputations [1 (1%), below knee; 6 (8%), minor)]. Furthermore, 4% patients died on account of cardiovascular events. The results of the present study were comparable to those reported in other countries. Modern and effective treatment modalities (such as contact casting and revascularisation) were not used extensively; therefore, their active utilisation is necessary to improve treatment outcomes.Conclusions.

The healing rate for ulcers in our cohort was 34%, 51% and 65% at 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively.

Treatment efficacy should be improved by increasing the use of total contact casting and revascularisation.

Person-related measures (i.e. healing of all ulcers in a patient) are optimal for most cases, although ulcer-related measures can be significant in cases where several ulcers are detected in a patient.

Our studied cohort is typical for a DFOC; therefore, our data can be used for planning outpatient services, evaluation of other DFOCs and pharmacoeconomic studies.