bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting quality of life 5 years after medical discharge for traumatic spinal cord injury
Authors: Erosa Norma A. , Berry Jack W. , Elliott Timothy R. , Underhill Andrea T. , Fine Philip R.
Published: August 2013

Objectives

This study tested an a priori contextual model of the mediating effects of participation on the predictive relationships of functional impairment, family satisfaction, and pain to quality of life (QoL) following traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI).

Design

A longitudinal design was used to study 144 persons following discharge for traumatic SCI. Predictor variables included functional impairment and family satisfaction (at 12 months post‐discharge) and the presence of pain (at 24 months), and mediating variables were two indicators of participation (assessed 48 months post‐discharge). Life satisfaction and self‐rated health status at 60 months post‐discharge were the outcome variables.

Methods

A path model tested hypothesized prospective effects of functional impairment, family satisfaction and pain on participation and the subsequent effects of participation on the QoL variables.

Results

Greater functional impairment and pain were predictive of less participation, and participation significantly predicted both indicators of QoL. The two participation variables mediated the relationship of functional impairment and pain to life satisfaction over time. Family satisfaction had an indirect effect on QoL through its association with social integration.

Conclusions

Participation appears to mediate the prospective influence of functional impairment, family satisfaction, and pain on QoL in the years following SCI. These findings provide insight into factors that can predict QoL post‐SCI and support the use of contextual models to understand the temporal influence of disability and psychological variables on participation and subsequent QoL.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Life satisfaction and self‐rated health status are important aspects of quality of life following traumatic spinal cord injury.

Functional impairment has been inconsistently predictive of these variables over time.

Prospective research to date has not examined the mediating effects of participation in predicting quality of life.

What does this study add?

The results indicate that greater functional impairment and pain are prospectively predictive of lower participation.

Greater participation, in turn, is prospectively predictive of greater quality of life.

Participation appears to mediate the prospective influence of functional impairment, family satisfaction, and pain to quality of life.
Abiotic and Biotic Influences on Early‐Stage Survival in Two Shade‐Tolerant Tree Species in Brazil's Atlantic Forest
Authors: Jurinitz Cristiane F. , de Oliveira Alexandre A. , Bruna Emilio M.
Published: August 2013

Regeneration dynamics in tropical forests are driven by many abiotic and biotic factors, including light availability, litter depth, and density‐dependent interactions with enemies. Whether ontogenetic stage also can play a critical role, however, is seldom considered. We address how early‐stage survival of two shade‐tolerant species is affected by canopy openness, litter depth, ontogenetic stage, and conspecific neighborhood in the understories of secondary forest fragments in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We monitored the survival of naturally occurring early‐stage individuals of one canopy and one understory tree species in six forest fragments for over 2 yr. We then compared how different abiotic and biotic variables, as well as the initial height of seedlings and the length of time interval, influenced variation in survival using generalized linear mixed‐effects models. Survival of the canopy species was negatively affected by light availability, while for the understory species increasing light availability either increased (for seedlings) or decreased (for saplings) survival. In addition, survival of both species at the seedling stage was positively related to litter depth. Finally, we found that conspecific neighbors were an important biotic factor reducing survival. Our results suggest different regeneration niches for these two tree species related to light availability. Moreover, we found that the effect of both abiotic factors depends on ontogenetic stage, a critical factor for understanding regeneration niches in the forest understory.
Public preferences for donor kidney allocation: a study in Iran
Authors: Asghari Fariba , Broumand Mohammadali , Heidari Akram
Published: August 2013

Introduction

Fair allocation of donor organs is essential to maintain public trust in a public healthcare system. A study of the public's views and opinions of this could clarify non‐medical prioritization criteria. We report our survey of public opinion of criteria for donor kidney allocation.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study using random digit dialing to phone interview 706 Tehran residents. Patient scenarios were presented to determine interviewee opinions on nine recipient criteria: probability for survival, previous transplant history, time on the waiting list, age, an individual's role in developing their kidney failure, gender, marital status, social status, and financial situation. Each scenario introduced two patients and interviewees then chose the better candidate for transplantation.

Results

More than 50% of the participants chose length of waiting time, a patient's role in causing their disease, age, and survival time after transplantation as important allograft allocation criteria.

Conclusion

This study disclosed other criteria in addition to the likelihood for successful transplantation—the patient's role in the development of their disease and patient age—which should be prioritization considerations.
TLR2,TLR3,TLR4 and CD14 gene polymorphisms associated with oral lichen planus risk
Authors: Stanimirovic Dragan , Zeljic Katarina , Jankovic Ljiljana , Magic Marko , Hadzi‐Mihajlovic Milos , Magic Zvonko
Published: August 2013

The aim of this study was to assess whether polymorphisms in toll‐like receptor (TLR) and cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14) genes are associated with oral lichen planus (OLP) risk and clinical course of the disease. The study group consisted of 101 patients with confirmed OLP and 104 healthy blood donors without systemic or oral mucosal diseases. Single nucleotide polymorphisms of TLR2 (rs3804099), TLR3 (rs3775291 and rs5743312), TLR4 (rs4986790 and rs4986791), and CD14 (rs2569190) genes were genotyped using real‐time PCR or PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP). The rs5743312 TLR3 gene polymorphism was associated with increased OLP risk in comparison with the wild type genotype (OR = 15.984, P = 0.011). No association with OLP risk was observed for the polymorphisms studied in TLR2, TLR4 and CD14 genes or for the rs3775291 polymorphism of the TLR3 gene. The polymorphisms of the TLR3 gene were in linkage disequilibrium (D′ = 1, r2 = 0.1). Identified haplotypes were not associated with the risk of OLP. The findings of the current study suggest that the TT genotype of the rs5743312 TLR3 gene polymorphism may play a significant role in the aetiology of OLP.
Performance of Ni‐based Anode‐Supported SOFCs with Doped Ceria Electrolyte at Low Temperatures Between 294 and 542°C
Authors: Suzuki Toshio , Liang Bo , Yamaguchi Toshiaki , Sumi Hirofumi , Hamamoto Koichi , Fujishiro Yoshinobu , Sammes Nigel M.
Published: August 2013

The performance of a conventional anode‐supported microtubular SOFC using doped ceria as an electrolyte and Ni‐based cermet as an anode is evaluated at low operating temperature between 294 and 542°C. An open‐circuit voltage (OCV) of >0.9 V is obtained at all measured operating temperatures, and power generation is observed at temperatures as low as 294°C. The power density of the cell is 0.6 W/cm2 at 542°C operating temperature with 47% fuel utilization and is 5 mW/cm2 at 294°C operating temperature with an open‐circuit voltage of 0.95 V. According to impedance spectroscopy, a greater influence of gas flow rate, on the cell performance, is observed at higher operating temperature.
A(H1N1)pdm09 hemagglutinin D222G and D222N variants are frequently harbored by patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and advanced respiratory assistance for severe A(H1N1)pdm09 infection
Authors: Ruggiero Tina , De Rosa Francesco , Cerutti Francesco , Pagani Nicole , Allice Tiziano , Stella Maria L. , Milia Maria G. , Calcagno Andrea , Burdino Elisa , Gregori Gabriella , Urbino Rosario , Di Perri Giovanni , Ranieri Marco V. , Ghisetti Valeria
Published: August 2013

Background

In patients with A(H1N1)pdm09 infection, severe lung involvement requiring admission to intensive care units (ICU) has been reported. Mutations at the hemagglutinin (HA) receptor binding site (RBS) have been associated with increased virulence and disease severity, representing a potential marker of critical illness.

Objectives

To assess the contribution of HA‐RBS variability in critically ill patients, A(H1N1)pdm09 virus from adult patients with severe infection admitted to ICU for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support (ECMO) during influenza season 2009–2011 in Piemonte (4·2 million inhabitants), northwestern Italy, was studied.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively analyzed HA‐RBS polymorphisms in ICU patients and compared with those from randomly selected inpatients with mild A(H1N1)pdm09 disease and outpatients with influenza from the local surveillance program.

Results

By HA‐RBS direct sequencing of respiratory specimens, D222G and D222N viral variants were identified in a higher proportion in ICU patients (n = 8/24, 33·3%) than in patients with mild disease (n = 2/34, 6%) or in outpatients (n = 0/44) (Fisher's exact test P < 0·0001; OR 38·5; CI 95% 4·494–329·9). Eleven ICU patients died (42%), three of them carrying the D222G variant, which was associated with RBS mutation S183P in two. D222G and D222N mutants were identified in upper and lower respiratory samples.

Conclusions

A(H1N1)pdm09 HA substitutions D222G and D222N were harbored in a significantly higher proportion by patients with acute respiratory distress for A(H1N1)pdm09 severe infection requiring ICU admission and ECMO. These data emphasize the importance of monitoring viral evolution for understanding virus–host adaptation aimed at the surveillance of strain circulation and the study of viral correlates of disease severity.
Phylogenetic generalised dissimilarity modelling: a new approach to analysing and predicting spatial turnover in the phylogenetic composition of communities
Authors: Rosauer Dan F. , Ferrier Simon , Williams Kristen J. , Manion Glenn , Keogh J. Scott , Laffan Shawn W.
Published: August 2013

Compared to species turnover, patterns of phylogenetic turnover provide extra information about the spatial structure of biodiversity, for example providing more informative comparisons between the biota of sites which share no species. To harness this information for broad‐scale spatial analysis, we present phylo‐GDM, a technique for interpolating the spatial structure of phylogenetic turnover between sampled locations in relation to environment, based on generalised dissimilarity modelling (GDM).

Using a database of over 150 000 location records for 114 myobatrachid frog species in Australia, linked to a species‐level phylogeny inferred from 2467 base pairs of mitochondrial DNA, we calculated species and phylogenetic turnover between pairs of sites. We show how phylogenetic turnover extended the range of informative comparison of compositional turnover to more biologically and environmentally dissimilar sites. We generated GDM models which predict species and phylogenetic turnover across Australia, and tested the fit of models for different ages within the phylogeny to find the phylogenetic tree depth at which the relationship to current day environment is greatest. We also incorporated explanatory variables based on biogeographic patterns, to represent broad‐scale turnover resulting from divergent evolutionary histories. We found that while the predictive power of our models was lower for full phylogenetic turnover than for species turnover, models based on the more recent components of the phylogeny (closer to the tips) outperformed species models and full phylogenetic models.

Phylo‐GDM has considerable potential as a method for incorporating phylogenetic relationships into biodiversity analyses in ways not previously possible. Because phylogenies do not require named taxa, phylo‐GDM may also provide a means of including lineages with poorly resolved taxonomy (e.g. from metagenomic sequencing) into biodiversity planning and phylogeographic analysis.
Comparison of Two‐Phase Thermal Conductivity Models with Experiments on Dilute Ceramic Composites
Authors: Angle Jesse P. , Wang Zhaojie , Dames Chris , Mecartney Martha L.
Published: August 2013

Thermal shock resistance of cubic 8 mol% yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) can be increased by the addition of dilute second phases. This study addresses how these dilute second phases affect the thermal conductivity for two‐phase ceramic composites of 8 mol% YSZ with 10–20 vol% alumina (Al2O3) or 10–20 vol% mullite (3Al2O3·2SiO2). Thermal conductivity measurements from 310 K (37°C) to 475 K (202°C) were made using the 3ω method and compared with results from 3D analytical models and a 2D computational microstructure‐based model (Object‐Oriented Finite Element Analysis, OOF2). The linear Rule of Mixtures was the least accurate and significantly overestimated the measured thermal conductivity at low temperatures, with errors in some cases exceeding 100%. Calculations using the Bruggeman and OOF2 models were both much better, and the deviation of less than ±2.5% across all compositions and temperatures is within the range of experimental and modeling uncertainty. The Maxwell Garnett equation was a close third in accuracy (±8%). A sensitivity analysis for each model quantifies how small perturbations in the thermal conductivity of the dispersed second phase influence the effective thermal conductivity of the composite, and reveals that the linear Rule of Mixtures model is physically unrealistic and oversensitive to the thermal conductivity of the dispersed phase.
Preparation of Y3Fe5O12 Microsphere Using Bead‐Milled Nanosize Powder for Embolization Therapy Application
Authors: Aono Hiromichi , Senba Ryota , Nishimori Tadahiko , Naohara Takashi
Published: August 2013

Y3Fe5O12 microspheres having a 20–32 μm diameter range were prepared by a spray dryer using a bead‐milled nanosize powder. The high heat generation ability in an AC magnetic field was obtained by the bead milling of a commercial powder. The yield of the 20–32 μm microspheres was 13.5% after sifting using 20 and 32 μm sieves. The heat generation ability of the microsphere sample was almost the same as that for the bead‐milled powder because the temperature enhancement mechanism was the Néel relaxation of the superparamagnetic material. Furthermore, the heat generation ability of the Y3Fe5O12 microsphere was improved by calcination at low temperature. The heat ability increased as a function proportional to the square of the increasing magnetic field for the noncalcined sample and the samples calcined at 600°C. For the samples calcined at 650°C or higher, the heat generation ability increased as a function proportional to the cube of the increasing magnetic field because of the particle growth to form single‐domain ferrimagnetic particles. The sample calcined at 650°C showed the maximum heat generation ability(W/g) of 2.4·f·H3, where f and H are the frequency (kHz) and magnetic field (kA/m), respectively.
Offending behaviours of child and adolescent firesetters over a 10‐year follow‐up
Authors: Lambie Ian , Ioane Julia , Randell Isabel , Seymour Fred
Published: August 2013

Background

To assess the postintervention arson recidivism and other offending rates of a group of 182 firesetting children and adolescents referred to the New Zealand Fire Awareness and Intervention Program (FAIP) over a follow‐up period of 10 years. To investigate predictors of offending behaviour as well as variables associated with previous involvement in firesetting behaviour and offending severity.

Method

Data collected at the time of the FAIP intervention was provided by the New Zealand Fire Service and the offence histories of the sample were accessed from the New Zealand Police database (NIA). Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results

Although the arson recidivism rate was low (2%), rates of general offending were high, with 59% of the sample having committed an offence during the follow‐up period. Fifteen percent of the sample was classified as severe offenders, 40% as moderate and 4% as minor. Of offenders, 12.6% had been imprisoned during the follow‐up period. Offending was predicted by experience of abuse and a previous firesetting behaviour at the time of the FAIP intervention. Living with both parents at the time of intervention decreased the probability of an individual engaging in future offending behaviour. The presence of family stress and a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) were associated with previous firesetting behaviour. In addition, involvement with family violence (as a perpetrator, complainant or victim) was associated with more severe offending behaviour.

Conclusions

In light of existing research, the findings of this study indicate that many firesetters are at risk for future offending and that identification of high‐risk individuals is therefore an important consideration for any organization involved with firesetters. To minimize this risk, there is a need for a collaborative, multiagency approach to firesetting behaviour involving comprehensive risk assessment and appropriate referral for at‐risk individuals.
An offer you cannot refuse: down‐regulation of immunity in response to a pathogen's retaliation threat
Authors: Restif O.
Published: August 2013

According to the Red Queen hypothesis, hosts and pathogens are engaged in an escalating coevolutionary arms race between resistance and virulence. However, the vast majority of symbionts colonize their hosts' mucosal compartments without triggering any immune response, resulting in durable commensal associations. Here, I propose a simple extension of previous mathematical models for antagonistic coevolution in which the host can mount a delayed immune response; in response, the symbiont can change its virulence following this activation. Even though the levels of virulence in both phases are assumed to be genetically determined, this simple form of plasticity can select for commensal associations. In particular, coevolution can result in hosts that do not activate their immune response, thus preventing phenotypically plastic pathogens from switching to a higher virulence level. I argue that, from the host's point of view, this state is analogous to the mafia behaviour previously described in avian brood parasites. More importantly, this study provides a new hypothesis for the maintenance of a commensal relationship through antagonistic coevolution.
Management of Shrinkage Stresses in Direct Restorative Light‐Cured Composites: A Review
Authors: Mantri Shiv P. , Mantri Sneha S.
Published: August 2013

In spite of many advances in the field of dental resin composites, polymerization shrinkage continues to be a major problem. Shrinkage creates stresses within the material and its interface leading to marginal failure, staining, secondary caries, restoration displacement, tooth fracture, and postoperative sensitivity. The aim of this review is to explain the factors affecting shrinkage stresses, their consequences, and clinical strategies for their management.

Clinical Significance

Polymerization shrinkage stress in dental composites is recognized as a significant material limitation that substantially complicates the placement of restorations. Shrinkage creates stresses within the material and its interface leading to marginal failure, staining, secondary caries, restoration displacement, tooth fracture, and postoperative sensitivity. This review explains the factors affecting shrinkage stresses, their consequences, and clinical strategies for their management.
Dental Amalgam Update—Part I: Clinical Efficacy
Authors: Wahl Michael J. , Swift Edward J.
Published: August 2013

Dental amalgam use has been controversial ever since the Crawcour brothers of France introduced amalgam to the United States in 1833. It has been criticized for its alleged clinical shortcomings and biologic effects. As a result, we thought that it would be useful to provide an update on dental amalgam in two parts. Part I, presented here, focuses on the clinical aspects of dental amalgam, whereas Part II will focus on dental amalgam's biologic effects.
Impacts of palatal coverage on bolus formation during mastication and swallowing and subsequent adaptive changes
Authors: Sato T. , Furuya J. , Tamada Y. , Kondo H.
Published: August 2013

Palatal coverage is often required for elderly edentulous patients with complete dentures. The purpose of this study was to clarify impacts of palatal coverage on bolus formation and subsequent adaptive changes. Subjects were 18 healthy young dentulous adults who wore 1·5‐mm‐thick palatal plates. Subjects were asked to feed 12 g of bicoloured rice as usual, and the bolus formation by mastication and swallowing in the pharynx was observed using a nasal videoendoscopy. The bolus formation index (BFI), number of mastication strokes until swallowing, visual analogue scale about swallowing easiness and masticatory performance using colour‐changeable gum were measured under three conditions: before placement of the palatal plate (day 0), immediately after placement (day 1) and after 7 days of wearing the plate (day 7). BFI and visual analogue scale on day 1 were significantly lower than those on day 0, but those on day 7 significantly recovered to the level of day 0. The number of mastication strokes did not change from day 0 to day 1, however, that on day 7 was significantly higher. Masticatory performance on days 1 and 7 was significantly lower than that on day 0. Although palatal coverage inhibits bolus formation during feeding, subjects increased the number of mastication strokes until swallowing threshold as they adapted to palatal coverage over time. This adaptive change was due to compensate for the lowered masticatory performance to achieve bolus formation for comfortable swallowing.
Petrography and mineralogy of the ungrouped type 3 carbonaceous chondrite Dar al Gani 978
Authors: Zhang Ai‐Cheng , Yurimoto Hisayoshi
Published: August 2013

Dar al Gani (DaG) 978 is an ungrouped type 3 carbonaceous chondrite. In this study, we report the petrography and mineralogy of Ca,Al‐rich inclusions (CAI), amoeboid olivine aggregates (AOAs), chondrules, mineral fragments, and the matrix in DaG 978. Twenty‐seven CAIs were found: 13 spinel‐diopside‐rich inclusions, 2 anorthite‐rich inclusions, 11 spinel‐troilite‐rich inclusions, and 1 spinel‐melilite‐rich inclusion. Most CAIs have a layered texture that indicates a condensation origin and are most similar to those in R chondrites. Compound chondrules represent a high proportion (approximately 8%) of chondrules in DaG 978, which indicates a local dusty chondrule‐forming region and multiple heating events. Most spinel and olivine in DaG 978 are highly Fe‐rich, which corresponds to a petrologic type of >3.5 and a maximum metamorphic temperature of approximately 850–950 K. This conclusion is also supported by other observations in DaG 978: the presence of coarse inclusions of silicate and phosphate in Fe‐Ni metal, restricted Ni‐Co distributions in kamacite and taenite, and low S concentrations in the matrix. Mineralogic records of iron‐alkali‐halogen metasomatism, such as platy and porous olivine, magnetite, hedenbergite, nepheline, Na‐rich in CAIs, and chlorapatite, are present, but relatively limited, in DaG 978. The fine‐grained, intergrowth texture of spinel‐troilite‐rich inclusions was probably formed by reaction between pre‐existing Al‐rich silicates and shock‐induced, high‐temperature S‐rich gas on the surface of the parent body of DaG 978. A shock‐induced vein is present in the matrix of DaG 978, which indicates that the parent body of DaG 978 at least experienced a shock event with a shock stage up to S3.
The melt‐bearing impactites of the Ritland structure, Norway–Implications for melt formation in small impact craters
Authors: Kalleson Elin , Dypvik Henning , Riis Fridtjof , Nilsen Odd
Published: August 2013

A melt‐bearing impactite unit is preserved in the 2.7 km diameter shallow marine Ritland impact structure. The main exposure of the melt‐bearing unit is in an approximately 100 m long cliff about 700 m southwest of the center of the structure. The melt and clast content vary through this maximum 2 m thick unit, so that lithology ranges from impact melt rock to suevite. Stratigraphic variations with respect to the melt content, texture, mineralogy, and geochemistry have been studied in the field, and by laboratory analysis, including thin section microscopy. The base of the melt‐bearing unit marks the transition from the underlying lithic basement breccia, and the unit may have been emplaced by an outward flow during the excavation stage. There is an upward development from a melt matrix‐dominated lower part, that commonly shows flow structures, to an upper part characterized by more particulate matrix with patchy melt matrix domains, commonly as deformed melt slivers intermingled with small lithic clasts. Melt and lithic fragments in the upper part display a variety of shapes and compositions, some of which possibly represent fallback material from the ejecta cloud. The upper boundary of the melt‐bearing impactite unit has been placed where the deposits are mainly clastic, probably representing slump and avalanche deposits from the modification stage. These deposits are therefore considered sedimentary and not impactites, despite the component of small melt fragments and shocked minerals within the lowermost part, which was probably incorporated as the debris moved down the steep crater walls.
Opaque minerals, magnetic properties, and paleomagnetism of the Tissint Martian meteorite
Authors: Gattacceca Jérôme , Hewins Roger H. , Lorand Jean‐Pierre , Rochette Pierre , Lagroix France , Cournède Cécile , Uehara Minoru , Pont Sylvain , Sautter Violaine , Scorzelli Rosa. B. , Hombourger Chrystel , Munayco Pablo , Zanda Brigitte , Chennaoui Hasnaa , Ferrière Ludovic
Published: August 2013

We present a description of opaque minerals, opaque mineral compositions, magnetic properties, and paleomagnetic record of the Tissint heavily shocked olivine‐phyric shergottite that fell to Earth in 2011. The magnetic mineralogy of Tissint consists of about 0.6 wt% of pyrrhotite and 0.1 wt% of low‐Ti titanomagnetite (in the range ulvöspinel 3–15 magnetite 85–97). The titanomagnetite formed on Mars by oxidation‐exsolution of ulvöspinel grains during deuteric alteration. Pyrrhotite is unusual, with respect to other shergottites, for its higher Ni content and lower Fe content. Iron deficiency is attributed by an input of regolith‐derived sulfur. This pyrrhotite has probably preserved a metastable hexagonal monosulfide solution structure blocked at temperature above 300 °C. The paleomagnetic data indicate that Tissint was magnetized following the major impact suffered by this rock while cooling at the surface of Mars from a post‐impact equilibrium temperature of approximately 310 °C in a stable magnetic field of about 2 µT of crustal origin. Tissint is too weakly magnetic to account for the observed magnetic anomalies at the Martian surface.
Continuous postoperative analgesia via quadratus lumborum block – an alternative to transversus abdominis plane block
Authors: Visoiu Mihaela , Yakovleva Nataliya
Published: August 2013

Different transversus abdominis plane blocks techniques cause variations in postoperative analgesia characteristics. We report the use of unilateral quadratus lumborum catheter for analgesia following colostomy closure. The catheter was placed under direct ultrasound visualization and had good outcomes: low pain scores and minimal use of rescue analgesic medication. No complications were reported in this pediatric patient. More studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this regional anesthesia technique.
Policy Regime Perspectives: Policies, Politics, and Governing
Authors: May Peter J. , Jochim Ashley E.
Published: August 2013

We call on policy scholars to take seriously the role of policies as governing instruments and to consider more fully the factors that shape their political impacts. We suggest that the lens provided by regime perspectives is a useful way for advancing the understanding of these considerations. As a descriptive undertaking, the regime lens can be used to construct a conceptual map that considers the constellation of ideas, institutional arrangements, and interests that are involved in addressing policy problems. As an analytic lens, regime perspectives can be used to understand how and with what effect policies set in place feedback processes that shape policy legitimacy, coherence, and durability. Together, these provide new insights into policy implementation and the interplay of policy and politics in governing. Regime perspectives provide avenues for asking and answering the “big questions” about the quality of governing arrangements and the sustainability of policies that were important considerations for the development of the field of policy studies in the 1960s, but have since waned as foci for policy scholarship.
Synthesis of Evidence On Heterogeneous Interventions with Multiple Outcomes Recorded Over Multiple Follow-Up Times Reported Inconsistently: A Smoking Cessation Case-Study
Authors: Madan Jason , Chen Yen-Fu , Aveyard Paul , Wang Dechao , Yahaya Ismail , Munafo Marcus , Bauld Linda , Welton Nicky
Published: August 2013

Health technology assessment requires the synthesis of evidence from multiple sources to assess the cost-effectiveness of competing interventions. However, the format of the available reported evidence is often complex. We present a case-study of electronic aids to smoking cessation, which raises various methodological challenges. The evidence base evaluated highly complex and diverse interventions, reporting one or both of two different, but related, outcome measures. Furthermore, there were differences between studies in the number and timing of follow-up times reported, whereas 12-month continuous abstinence is required in the cost-effectiveness analysis. We develop a categorization system to evaluate the interventions, and we use network meta-analysis of time-to-relapse model parameters to estimate coherent intervention effects for any pair of categories. We compare the fit of alternative time-to-relapse models and explore the effect of joint models for both outcome measures, which can be used to estimate treatment effects when a given outcome is not reported, so that all the available evidence can be combined.
P1/P2 genotyping of known and novel null alleles in the P1PK and GLOB histo‐blood group systems
Authors: Westman Julia S. , Hellberg Åsa , Peyrard Thierry , Hustinx Hein , Thuresson Britt , Olsson Martin L.
Published: August 2013

Background

The rare but clinically important null phenotypes of the P1PK and GLOB blood group systems are due to alterations in A4GALT and B3GALNT1, respectively. A recently identified single‐nucleotide polymorphism in Exon 2a of A4GALT predicts the common P1 and P2 phenotypes but rare variants have not been tested.

Study Design and Methods

The aim of this study was to analyze 84 p, P1k, and P2k samples, with special emphasis on unknown alleles and the P1/P2 marker. Of these, 27 samples came from individuals not previously investigated genetically and were therefore subjected to sequencing of A4GALT or B3GALNT1, and a subset was tested by flow cytometry.

Results

The P1/P2 genotyping linked 20 p‐inducing mutations in A4GALT to P1 or P2 allelic background. Eight p alleles remain unlinked due to compound heterozygosity. For 23 of 25 Pk samples, concordant results were observed: P1k samples had at least one P1 allele while P2k had P2 only. The two remaining samples typed as P1+ and P1+w but were genetically P2/P2. A tendency toward higher Pk antigen expression was observed on P1k cells compared to P2k. In total, six previously unknown null mutations were found and characterized in A4GALT while four new changes were revealed in B3GALNT1.

Conclusion

For the first time, p alleles were shown to occur on both P1 and P2 allelic backgrounds. Furthermore, P1/P2 genotyping predicted the P1k versus P2k phenotype in more than 90% of globoside‐deficient samples. The number of GLOB‐null alleles was increased by 50% and several P1PK‐null alleles were identified.
Donors' perspectives on self‐deferral of men having sex with men from blood donation
Authors: Lee Cheuk‐Kwong , Lee Krystal Chi‐Kei , Lin Che‐Kit , Lee Shui‐Shan
Published: August 2013

Background

Self‐deferral of men having sex with men (MSM) from blood donation is a means of protecting blood safety. There has recently been a strategy change from permanent to time‐limited deferral in some countries. Awareness and attitudes of donors is crucial for effective implementation of MSM deferral or any change of the strategy.

Study Design and Methods

A postdonation survey was administered using a Web‐based questionnaire, after explanation by trained volunteers, to evaluate donors' awareness and compliance toward the health history enquiry (HHE, the deferral questionnaire) of the Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, sexual experiences, and opinions on permanent versus time‐limited deferral.

Results

A total of 1373 Chinese donors (male:female 1.28:1), a majority (89.1%) of whom were repeat donors, completed the survey at eight blood donation centers. Almost all (98.7%) were aware of HHE, although only half read it in detail, the latter comprising more experienced donors. Most did not hold strong views on deferral, with more than half (59.4%) concurring with both permanent and time‐limited deferral. Seventeen (3.2%) of the sexually active male donors were MSM, of whom six disagreed with permanent deferral while seven agreed with changing to time‐limited deferral. A simpler question structure was preferred by 57% of the respondents for screening MSM to achieve self‐deferral.

Conclusions

Donors generally do not read through the deferral questionnaire in sufficient detail for making an informed decision. Blood safety would eventually depend on donors' compliance with the deferral mechanism, irrespective of whether it is permanent or time‐limited.
Mannitol‐adenine‐phosphate: a novel solution for intraoperative blood salvage
Authors: Yang Ping , Zhou Jing , Kang Yi , Gong Lina , Zhang Jie , Yu Jie , Yin Xiaorong , Zhang Chongwei , Liu Guangyue , Liu Jin , Du Lei
Published: August 2013

Background

Intraoperative blood salvage (IBS) procedures include washing with normal saline (NS), which may deplete red blood cell (RBC) nutrients. The mannitol‐adenine‐phosphate (MAP) solution, commonly used for RBC preservation, provides glycolytic substrates; therefore, MAP should be a better solution than NS in IBS. In this study, we determined whether using MAP could reduce washing‐associated RBC damage and destruction.

Study Design and Methods

Adenine nucleotide contents, RBC morphology, and plasma free hemoglobin (PF‐Hb) level of RBCs treated with NS or MAP solution were compared under three conditions: 1) 4‐hour preservation of fresh blood from healthy volunteers, 2) collection from the shed blood of patients, and 3) incubation of the collected shed blood with plasma.

Results

Adenine nucleotide level and RBC elongation index were greater and PF‐Hb level was lower in MAP groups than NS groups (p < 0.05) after preservation and incubation. In NS, RBCs lost their deformability and became stomatocytes, and even RBC “ghosts” 48 hours after incubation, while they remained normal in MAP solution.

Conclusion

The MAP solution helps preserve RBC morphology and function, and reduces hemolysis, possibly due to improved energy production. Therefore, MAP should replace NS during IBS.
Nonuraemic nonfatal idiopathic calciphylaxis in a kitten
Authors: Thom Nina , Er Elif , Reinacher Manfred
Published: August 2013

Background

Calciphylaxis is a rare cutaneous disorder, characterized by vascular calcification and progressive skin necrosis, not yet described in cats. It is scarcely reported in animals, mostly due to iatrogenic or uraemic disturbances of the calcium–phosphate balance. In human patients, it is most commonly seen with end‐stage renal disease, but several nonuraemic disorders, including inherited dysfunctions of tissue calcification inhibitors, have also been described.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To describe a case of nonuraemic calciphylaxis in a cat.

Animals

A 10‐week‐old male domestic short hair kitten was presented with hyperacute skin lesions. Initial dermatological signs were characterized by sharp demarcated erosions and ulcerations on the face, including the nasal planum and lips. Cutaneous lesions rapidly progressed into thick crusts with ulcerations, involving parts of the face and pinna as well as abdominal skin.

Methods

Complete blood count, serum chemistry profile, urinalysis, parathyroid hormone measurement and histopathological examination of skin biopsies.

Results

Histopathology from newly developed abdominal skin lesions revealed severe epidermal necrosis and calcification, multifocal pannicular calcification and calcified subcutaneous vessels, supporting a diagnosis of calciphylaxis. Treatment consisted of systemic and topical antimicrobials, analgesics, pentoxifylline, Lantharenol®, sodium thiosulfate and vitamin K. After initiation of therapy, no further progression was noticed; all medications could be discontinued eventually, and no relapse was seen in the following 2 years.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Calciphylaxis should be considered as a differential diagnosis for ulcerative cutaneous disorders in young cats. More information on this disease is needed to elucidate the pathomechanism.
Estimated SIL Levels and Risk Comparisons for Relief Valves as a Function of Time-in-Service
Authors: Mitchell Emily M. , Gross Robert E. , Harris Stephen P.
Published: August 2013

The probability of failure on demand for spring-operated pressure relief valves (SORVs) is estimated by applying the Fréchet and Weibull probability distributions using proof test data from the United States Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site (SRS) in Aiken, South Carolina. The data can be accessed through the Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS) Process Equipment Reliability Database (PERD). The probability distributions enable the evaluation of risk, estimation of ANSI/ISA-84.00.01 Safety Integrity Levels (SILs), and the impact of potential modifications of the maintenance plan.

Current SRS practices are reviewed, and recommendations are made for risk-based adjustments to the maintenance plan. Subsets of valves are identified in which maintenance times can be extended and in which increased safety margins may be needed.
Analysis of Notch Effect in Fracture Micromechanisms
Authors: Cicero Sergio , Madrazo Virginia , Carrascal Isidro , Cicero Roman
Published: August 2013

This paper presents an analysis of the notch effect in fracture micromechanisms. To this end, experimental results obtained in notched specimens are presented, together with the corresponding stress field at fracture and the SEM fractographies. The specimens comprise three materials (structural steel S275JR, high-strength aluminum alloy Al7075-T651 and Polymethyl methacrylate-PMMA) and notch radii varying from 0 mm (cracks) up to 2.5 mm. The results show how the stress relaxation caused by the notch effect is accompanied by a progressive change in the fracture mechanisms, from basically brittle ones in cracked conditions (for the three materials analyzed) to non-linear mechanisms observed for high notch radii, which explain the increase caused by the notch effect in both the load bearing capacity and the apparent fracture toughness. Also the concept of critical radius, that one below which the notch effect is negligible, is justified by SEM observations.
Failure Analysis at Steam Condenser Fin Fan Cooler Tubes, Ras Tanura Refinery
Authors: AlDakhil Abdulrahman D. , AlSudairy Jarallah A. , AlBuraiki Iyad A.
Published: August 2013

A complete Process, Corrosion and Mechanical Engineering assessment was performed at a critical fin fan cooler condenser API 661 design located in Utilities Facilities of Ras Tanura Refinery, owned and operated by Saudi Aramco, the largest oil producer company of the world. The thorough analysis included a thermal engineering by computerized software, to determine heat exchanger efficiency and critical process parameters, a metallurgy microstructure analysis was performed in order to identify the root cause of tube recurrent rupture. The specimen extracted from the crack boundary was analyzed by chemical composition analysis, optical metallography and scanning electron microscopy analysis. The results demonstrate that subject tube cracking initiated on the internal surface, 60 psig steam/condensate side, and is a result of environmental stress corrosion cracking (SCC) induced by ammonia traces. Based on engineering analysis and a cost-effective-benefits study a decision was taken to change the tubes material from original Admiralty Brass to carbon steel SA-179, while the heat transfer area was modified by increasing the fins per unit length from 10fins/inch to 11fins/inch for both objectives, allow eliminating this recurrent failure and improving the air cooled heat exchanger duty by 1.5%.
The Fatigue Behaviour of a High Strength CrNi-Steel Regarding Fretting Fatigue
Authors: Christiner Thomas , Reiser Johannes , Gódor István , Eichlseder Wilfried , Trieb Franz , Stühlinger René
Published: August 2013

In many assemblies of moving components, contact problems under various lubrication conditions are lifetime-limiting. There, relative motion of contacting bodies, combined with high loads transmitted via the contact surface lead to fretting fatigue failure. For a reliable prediction of in service performance load type, different damage and failure mechanisms that may be activated during operation have to be known. In this contribution selected results of a currently conducted research project are presented. The aim of this study was to examine the material behaviour of a surface stressed steel. The influence of the fretting regime on fatigue properties has been investigated.
Thermal Upgrading of 9977 Radioactive Material (RAM) Type B Package
Authors: Gupta Narendra K. , Abramczyk Glenn
Published: August 2013

The 9977 package is a radioactive material package that was originally certified to ship Heat Sources and RTG contents up to 19 watts and it is now being reviewed to significantly expand its contents in support of additional DOE missions. Thermal upgrading will be accomplished by employing stacked 3013 containers, a 3013 aluminum spacer and an external aluminum sleeve for enhanced heat transfer. The 7th Addendum to the original 9977 package Safety Basis Report describing these modifications is under review for the DOE certification. The analyses described in this paper show that this well-designed and conservatively analyzed package can be upgraded to carry contents with decay heat up to 38 watts with some simple design modifications.
Mathematical Modeling on Fracture Propagation Control
Authors: Burlutskiy Evgeniy
Published: August 2013

The paper presents a one-dimensional transient mathematical model of compressible thermal two-phase flows of multi-component gas mixture and water in pipes. The set of mass, momentum and enthalpy conservation equations is solved for the gas and water phases. Thermo-physical properties of multi-component gas mixture are calculated by solving the Equation of State (EOS) model. The Soave-Redlich-Kwong (SRK-EOS) model is chosen. Gas mixture viscosity is calculated on the basis of the Lee-Gonzales-Eakin (LGE) correlation. The proposed mathematical model is successfully validated on the experimental measurements of rapid decompression in conventional dry natural gas mixtures at low temperature and shows very good agreement with the experimental data at high and low pressure. The influence of temperature and water on rapid gas decompression process is investigated numerically. The HLP crack velocity model is used together with the proposed mathematical model in order to determine the minimum fracture arrest toughness in piping systems containing a natural gas mixture.
Prediction of Weld Residual Stress in a PWR Pressurizer Surge Nozzle: A Proposed Fast Computational 3D Analysis Method and Influence of Its Heat Source Model
Authors: Maekawa Akira , Kawahara Atsushi , Serizawa Hisashi , Murakawa Hidekazu
Published: August 2013

Primary water stress corrosion cracking (PWSCC) generated in dissimilar metal welds is one of the safety issues in ageing pressurized water reactor piping systems. It is well known that analysis accuracy of cracking propagation due to PWSCC depends on welding residual stress conditions. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission carried out an international round robin program for welding residual stress analysis validation to evaluate the accuracy and uncertainty quantitatively. In this study, participation results in the round robin program were reported. The three-dimensional analysis based on a fast weld simulation using the Iterative Substructure Method was clarified to provide accurate results in a high-speed computation. Furthermore, the influence of different heat source models on analysis results was investigated. It was demonstrated that the residual stress and distortion calculated using the moving heat source model were more accurate.