bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Marketing Consulting on Performances of Agrarian Clusters in Serbia
Authors: Cvijanović Drago , Mihailović Branko , Čavlin Miroslav , Čavlin Gordana
Published: January 2015

The subject of this paper is the role of marketing consulting in development of performances of agrarian clusters in Serbia. The research that was carried out has pretensions to point out to many issues that are linked to these problems, initiate their solving, inform those that are obligated to be interested on the role and significance of consulting, as well as the methods of its use. About everything that could contribute to an increase in benefit and improvement of agriculture, including proposing solutions that resulted from exact researches through application of scientific methods by logical conclusions. The empirical research of impact of marketing consulting on the performances of agrarian clusters in Serbia was carried out by a survey. Audit was performed by a procedure by which some relevant scientific conclusions were achieved—by researching data in the field specifically, by collecting adequate data on the agrarian clusters which operate in Serbia. In this paper we started from the following hypothesis: Using marketing consulting improves marketing performances of agrarian clusters, which indirectly leads to an improvement in their financial performance. The basis of the research hypothesis is the so called, PIMS program whose starting point is the influence of the market’s strategy on an enterprise’s profit, i.e., it shows the connection between marketing and financial performance of an enterprise. Finally, regardless to the level of success of the research, and proving the obtained results, this paper will surely represent a basis for future researches of marketing consulting and their support to business management.
Developing a Sustainability Assessment Model to Analyze China’s Municipal Solid Waste Management Enhancement Strategy
Authors: Li Hua , Nitivattananon Vilas , Li Peng
Published: January 2015

This study develops a sustainability assessment model for analysis and decision-making of the impact of China’s municipal solid waste management enhancement strategy options based on three waste treatment scenarios: landfill disposal, waste-to-energy incineration, and a combination of a material recovery facility and composting. The model employs life cycle assessment, health risk assessment, and full cost accounting to evaluate the treatment scenarios regarding safeguarding public health, protecting the environment and conserving resources, and economic feasibility. The model then uses an analytic hierarchy process for an overall appraisal of sustainability. Results suggest that a combination of material recovery and composting is the most efficient option. The study results clarify sustainable attributes, suitable predications, evaluation modeling, and stakeholder involvement issues in solid waste management. The demonstration of the use of sustainability assessment model (SAM) provides flexibility by allowing assessment for a municipal solid waste management (MSWM) strategy on a case-by-case basis, taking into account site-specific factors, therefore it has the potential for flexible applications in different communities/regions.
Mapping a Nursing Terminology Subset to open EHR Archetypes
Authors: Cook T. W. , Cavalini L. T. , Nogueira J. R. M.
Published: January 2015

Background: Healthcare information technologies have the potential to transform nursing care. However, healthcare information systems based on conventional software architecture are not semantically interoperable and have high maintenance costs. Health informatics standards, such as controlled terminologies, have been proposed to improve healthcare information systems, but their implementation in conventional software has not been enough to overcome the current challenge. Such obstacles could be removed by adopting a multilevel model-driven approach, such as the open EHR specifications, in nursing information systems.

Objectives: To create an open EHR archetype model for the Functional Status concepts as published in Nursing Outcome Indicators Catalog of the International Classification for Nursing Practice (NOIC-ICNP).

Methods: Four methodological steps were followed: 1) extraction of terms from the NOICICNP terminology; 2) identification of previously published open EHR archetypes; 3) assessment of the adequacy of those open EHR archetypes to represent the terms; and 4) development of new open EHR archetypes when required.

Results: The “Barthel Index” archetype was retrieved and mapped to the 68 NOIC-ICNP Functional Status terms. There were 19 exact matches between a term and the correspondent archetype node and 23 archetype nodes that matched to one or more NOIC-INCP. No matches were found between the archetype and 14 of the NOIC-ICNP terms, and nine archetype nodes did not match any of the NOIC-ICNP terms.

Conclusions: The open EHR model was sufficient to represent the semantics of the Functional Status concept according to the NOICICNP, but there were differences in data granularity between the terminology and the archetype, thus producing a significantly complex mapping, which could be difficult to implement in real healthcare information systems. However, despite the technological complexity, the present study demonstrated the feasibility of mapping nursing terminologies to open EHR archetypes, which emphasizes the importance of adopting the multilevel model-driven approach for the achievement of semantic interoperability between healthcare information systems.
Oxygen-plasma-modified biomimetic nanofibrous scaffolds for enhanced compatibility of cardiovascular implants
Authors: Pappa Anna Maria , Karagkiozaki Varvara , Krol Silke , Kassavetis Spyros , Konstantinou Dimitris , Pitsalidis Charalampos , Tzounis Lazaros , Pliatsikas Nikos , Logothetidis Stergios
Published: January 2015

Electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds have been extensively used in several biomedical applications for tissue engineering due to their morphological resemblance to the extracellular matrix (ECM). Especially, there is a need for the cardiovascular implants to exhibit a nanostructured surface that mimics the native endothelium in order to promote endothelialization and to reduce the complications of thrombosis and implant failure. Thus, we herein fabricated poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds, to serve as coatings for cardiovascular implants and guide tissue regeneration. Oxygen plasma treatment was applied in order to modify the surface chemistry of the scaffold and its effect on cell attachment and growth was evaluated. The conditions of the surface modification were properly adjusted in order to define those conditions of the treatment that result in surfaces favorable for cell growth, while maintaining morphological integrity and mechanical behavior. Goniometry (contact angle measurements), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements were used to evaluate the morphological and chemical changes induced by the plasma treatment. Moreover, depth-sensing nanoindentation was performed to study the resistance of the plasma-treated scaffolds to plastic deformation. Lastly, the cell studies indicated that all scaffolds were cytocompatible, with the plasma-treated ones expressing a more pronounced cell viability and adhesion. All the above findings demonstrate the great potential of these biomimetic tissue-engineering constructs as efficient coatings for enhanced compatibility of cardiovascular implants.
THE ANALYSIS OF METHODOLOGIES FOR TESTING COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH IN MASONRY MORTAR JOINTS / MŪRO SKIEDINIO GULSČIOJOJE SIŪLĖJE GNIUŽDOMOJO STIPRIO TYRIMŲ METODŲ ANALIZĖ
Authors: Šlivinskas Tomas
Published: January 2015

The article analyzes masonry as composite material and presents the factors that affect the mechanical characteristics of masonry. The article also deals with the most frequently used destructive and non-destructive testing methods for the compressive strength of masonry mortar as well as related advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, the analysis of methods for testing ultrasonic waves has been carried out. The article reveals that for using the methodology of testing a mortar bonded wafer, the compressive strength correlation of masonry mortar is set between the ascertainment of masonry mortar strength using a regular mortar testing methodology (LST EN 1015-11:2004) and the compressive strength of mortar possibly taken from masonry joints. The obtained results of an experimental study on the samples have demonstrated that the strength reduction ratio of masonry mortar depends on the compressive strength of mortar. The value of the ratio is increasing with the descending compressive strength of mortar.
Šiame straipsnyje nagrinėjamas mūras kaip kompozitinė medžiaga. Apžvelgiami veiksniai, veikiantys mechanines mūro charakteristikas. Išnagrinėti dažniausiai taikomi mūro skiedinio gniuždomojo stiprio tyrimų metodai, pateikti metodų privalumai ir trūkumai. Straipsnyje, taikant klijuotų skiedinio plokštelių bandymo metodiką, nustatyta mūro skiedinio gniuždomojo stiprio priklausomybė tarp mūro skiedinio stiprio nustatymo pagal įprastinę skiedinio bandymo metodiką ir skiedinio, tikėtina, paimto iš mūro siūlės, gniuždomojo stiprio.
THE INFLUENCE OF HYDROGEN GAS ON THE MEASURES OF EFFICIENCY OF DIESEL INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE / VANDENILIO DUJŲ ĮTAKA DYZELINIO VIDAUS DEGIMO VARIKLIO EFEKTYVUMO RODIKLIAMS
Authors: Latakas Jurgis , Pukalskas Saugirdas , Rimkus Alfredas , Melaika Mindaugas , Vėgneris Ričardas , Stravinskas Paulius
Published: January 2015

In this research paper energy and ecological parameters of diesel engine which works under addition of hydrogen (10, 20, 30 l/ min) are presented. A survey of research literature has shown that addition of hydrogen gases improve diesel combustion; increase indicated pressure; decrease concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrocarbons (HC), particles; decrease fuel consumptions. Results of the experiment revealed that hydrogen gas additive decreased pressure in cylinder in kinetic combustion phase. Concentration of CO2 and nitrous oxides (NOx) decreased not significantly, HC – increased. Concentration of particles in engine exhaust gases significantly decreased. In case when hydrogen gas as additive was supplied, the fuel consumptions decreased a little. Using AVL BOOST software combustion process analysis was made. It was determined that in order to optimize engine work process under hydrogen additive usage, it is necessary to adjust diesel injection angle.
Straipsnyje pateikiamas dyzelinio variklio, veikiančio su vandenilio priedu (10, 20, 30 l/min), energetinių ir ekologinių rodiklių tyrimas. Atlikus literatūros apžvalgą pastebėta, kad vandenilio dujų priedas pagerina dyzelino degimą, padidina indikatorinį slėgį, sumažina anglies dvideginio (CO2), angliavandenilių (HC), kietųjų dalelių koncentraciją, sumažina degalų sąnaudas. Bandymo rezultatai parodė, kad vandenilio dujų priedas sumažino variklio indikatorinį slėgį kinetinės degimo fazės metu. CO2 ir azoto oksidų (NOx) koncentracija nedaug sumažėjo, HC – padidėjo. Kietųjų dalelių koncentracija variklio išmetamosiose dujose itin sumažėjo. Tiekiant vandenilio dujas kaip priedą nedaug sumažėja dyzelino sąnaudos. AVL BOOST programa atlikta degimo proceso analizė. Nustatyta, kad siekiant optimizuoti variklio darbą, naudojant vandenilio priedą, būtina reguliuoti dyzelino įpurškimo paskubos kampą.
RESEARCH ON PROBABILITY FOR FAILURES IN VW CARS DURING WARRANTY AND POST-WARRANTY PERIODS / „VW“ MARKĖS AUTOMOBILIŲ GEDIMŲ TIKIMYBĖS GARANTINIU IR POGARANTINIU LAIKOTARPIU TYRIMAS
Authors: Luneckas Dainius , Bartulis Vilius
Published: January 2015

The present paper examines the distribution of failures in „Volkswagen“ car during warranty and post-warranty periods. A statistical mathematical model has been developed upon collecting distribution data on car failures. Considering mileage rates, probabilities for a failure in the systems, including suspension and transmission, cooling, electrical, etc., have been determined during warranty and expiration periods. The obtained results of the conducted research have been compared. The reached conclusions have been formulated and summarized.
Šiame straipsnyje nagrinėjamas „Volkswagen“ markės automobilių gedimų pasiskirstymas garantiniu ir pogarantiniu laikotarpiu. Surinkus gedimų pasiskirstymo duomenis, sudarytas statistinis matematinis modelis. Atsižvelgiant į automobilių ridą, nustatytos variklio, pakabos ir transmisijos, aušinimo, elektros ir kitų sistemų gedimų tikimybės garantiniu laikotarpiu bei jam pasibaigus. Tyrimo metu gauti rezultatai lyginami tarpusavyje. Suformuluotos ir apibendrintos išvados.
Prevention of functional gastrointestinal disorders in neonates: clinical and socioeconomic impact
Authors: Indrio F. , Di Mauro A. , Di Mauro A. , Riezzo G. , Panza R. , Cavallo L. , Francavilla R.
Published: January 2015

Infantile colic, gastro-oesophageal reflux and constipation are the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) affecting infants during the first months of life. Despite infantile colic, functional constipation and regurgitation had a self-limited pattern, they are considered a risk factor for developing different disorders later in life. The pathophysiology of these functional diseases is still controversial but there is growing evidence that an abnormal gut microbiota colonisation may play a crucial role. An early probiotic supplementation could determine a change in colonisation and may represent a new strategy for preventing FGIDs.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea: An Update for Mental Health Providers
Authors: Khawaja Imran S. , Hashmi Ali , Ebrahim Ayesha , Ullevig Connie , Shah Asim , Hurwitz Thomas D.
Published: January 2015

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common breathing disorder during sleep that has many implications beyond disrupted sleep. The
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
, fifth edition recognizes three sleep-related breathing disorders—OSA, central sleep apnea, and sleep-related hypoventilation. OSA has many overlapping symptoms with depression, and is increasingly recognized as an independent risk factor for hypertension and cardiovascular disease. It is crucial for mental health providers to remain vigilant in recognizing patients with signs and symptoms consistent with OSA. This review focuses on updates in terminology and testing, complications of untreated OSA, and its relationship with mental disorders.

[
Psychiatr Ann
. 2015;45(1):19–24.]
Parasomnias: An Update
Authors: Howell Michael J. , Khawaja Imran S. , Schenck Carlos H.
Published: January 2015

Parasomnias comprise a category of sleep disorders that includes behavioral and emotional disturbances occurring during any stage of sleep or during states of mixed sleep and wakefulness. These disorders can range from having vocalizations and minor movements to very complex and aggressive behaviors that result in serious injury and disruption of sleep for the patients and the bed partners. Parasomnias need careful clinical history-taking often followed by a sleep lab study to rule out other sleep disorders. Parasomnias can frequently be mistaken as nocturnal manifestations of psychiatric disorders, which makes it very important for psychiatrists to have a proper understanding of these sleep disorders.

[
Psychiatr Ann
. 2015;45(1):30–34.]
William Whitney Godding and the Concepts of Asylum and Therapeutic Community
Authors: Knable Michael B.
Published: January 2015

St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington, DC, was built in 1855, and now, despite its designation as a historical site, it is currently being renovated to house the Department of Homeland Security. The hospital’s buildings, grounds, and philosophy of humane care were greatly enhanced during the administration of William Whitney Godding, MD, the hospital’s second superintendent. Prior to joining St. Elizabeth’s, Godding had leadership roles at other public hospitals in New Hampshire and Massachusetts—hospitals that have also been drastically reduced in size and mission. This article discusses Godding’s career and contributions in light of the drastic reduction in the availability of psychiatric beds in the United States, and also the decline of the concepts of “asylum” and “therapeutic community.”

[
Psychiatr Ann
. 2015;45(1):45–48.]
Biomechanical Analysis of Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Aperture Femoral Fixation
Authors: Mutnal Amar , Leo Brian M. , Vargas Luis , Colbrunn Robb W. , Butler Robert S. , Uribe John W.
Published: January 2015

The goal of this study was to determine whether single-tunnel–double-bundle-equivalent posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction using an aperture femoral fixation device better replicated normal knee kinematics than single-bundle reconstruction. Eight fresh-frozen human cadaver knees underwent arthroscopically assisted PCL reconstruction and were examined with a robotic testing system to assess knee joint kinematics under combinations of applied internal, neutral, and external rotational tibial torque and anteroposterior translational forces at 0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120° flexion. Three conditions were tested: (1) intact PCL; (2) single-tunnel PCL reconstruction with anterolateral and posteromedial bundle fixation at 90°/90° (single bundle); and (3) 90°/0° (double-bundle equivalent), respectively. Posterior tibial translation was the primary outcome measure. Compared with the intact knee, double-bundle-equivalent reconstruction under external tibial torque allowed greater posterior translation across the flexion arc as a whole (
P
=.025) and at 30° flexion (
P
=.027) when results were stratified by flexion angle. No other kinematic differences were found with single-bundle or double-bundle-equivalent fixation, including mediolateral translation and both coupled and isolated tibial rotation (
P
>.05). Single-bundle PCL reconstruction closely approximated native knee rotational and translational kinematics, whereas double-bundle-equivalent reconstruction permitted increased posterior translation with applied external tibial torque, particularly at lower flexion angles. Single-bundle PCL reconstruction provides knee stability similar to the intact condition, making it a practical alternative to conventional double-bundle PCL reconstruction. The authors found that double-bundle-equivalent reconstruction provided no advantage to justify its clinical use. [
Orthopedics.
2015; 38(1):9–16.]
Comparison of Nonnavigated and 3-dimensional Image-based Computer Navigated Balloon Kyphoplasty
Authors: Sembrano Jonathan N. , Yson Sharon C. , Polly David W. , Ledonio Charles Gerald T. , Nuckley David J. , Santos Edward R. G.
Published: January 2015

Balloon kyphoplasty is a common treatment for osteoporotic and pathologic compression fractures. Advantages include minimal tissue disruption, quick recovery, pain relief, and in some cases prevention of progressive sagittal deformity. The benefit of image-based navigation in kyphoplasty has not been established. The goal of this study was to determine whether there is a difference between fluoroscopy-guided balloon kyphoplasty and 3-dimensional image-based navigation in terms of needle malposition rate, cement leakage rate, and radiation exposure time. The authors compared navigated and nonnavigated needle placement in 30 balloon kyphoplasty procedures (47 levels). Intraoperative 3-dimensional image-based navigation was used for needle placement in 21 cases (36 levels); conventional 2-dimensional fluoroscopy was used in the other 9 cases (11 levels). The 2 groups were compared for rates of needle malposition and cement leakage as well as radiation exposure time. Three of 11 (27%) nonnavigated cases were complicated by a malpositioned needle, and 2 of these had to be repositioned. The navigated group had a significantly lower malposition rate (1 of 36; 3%;
P
=.04). The overall rate of cement leakage was also similar in both groups (
P
=.29). Radiation exposure time was similar in both groups (navigated, 98 s/level; nonnavigated, 125 s/level;
P
=.10). Navigated kyphoplasty procedures did not differ significantly from nonnavigated procedures except in terms of needle malposition rate, where navigation may have decreased the need for needle repositioning. [
Orthopedics.
2015; 38(1):17–23.]
Predictive Value of Robotic-Assisted Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: El Bitar Youssef F. , Jackson Timothy J. , Lindner Dror , Botser Itamar B. , Stake Christine E. , Domb Benjamin G.
Published: January 2015

Acetabular cup positioning, leg-length discrepancy, and global offset are important parameters associated with outcomes following total hip arthroplasty (THA). Deviation from an accepted range of values can lead to significant complications, including dislocation, leg-length discrepancy, impingement, accelerated bearing surface wear, and revisions. The purpose of this study was to assess whether robotic-assisted THA was reliable in predicting radiographic measurements of cup inclination and anteversion, leg-length change, and global offset change. All 61 robotic-assisted THAs that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were performed by a single surgeon through a mini-posterior approach. Data provided by the robot were collected prospectively, and radiographic data were collected retrospectively by 2 blinded independent reviewers. The cohort in this study consisted of 27 male and 34 female patients, with an average age of 60.5 years. A strong inter- and intraobserver correlation was found for the radiographic measurements of cup inclination, cup anteversion, leg-length discrepancy, and global offset (r>0.8 withP<.001 for all). Ninety-six point seven percent of robotic-measured inclination angles and 98.4% of robotic-measured anteversion angles were within 10° of radiographic measurements. One hundred percent of robotic-measured leg-length change and 91.8% of robotic-measured global offset change were within 10 mm of radiographic measurements. Robotic-assisted THA showed good predictive value for cup inclination and anteversion angles and measurements of leg-length change and global offset change done postoperatively on plain radiographs. Further refinement of the robotic system would make it more accurate in predicting the postoperative parameters mentioned. [Orthopedics.2015; 38(1):e31–e37.]
Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis for Bicipital Tendonitis With SLAP Tear
Authors: Gupta Anil K. , Chalmers Peter N. , Klosterman Emma L. , Harris Joshua D. , Bach Bernard R. , Verma Nikhil N. , Cole Brian J. , Romeo Anthony A.
Published: January 2015

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of patients undergoing subpectoral biceps tenodesis for bicipital tendonitis with a superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) tear. Patients undergoing primary subpectoral biceps tenodesis for arthroscopically confirmed SLAP tears with signs or findings of bicipital tendonitis were included. An independent observer collected data prospectively as part of a data repository, which was then analyzed retrospectively. Primary outcome measures were the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and pain relief via visual analog scale (VAS). Secondary outcome measures included the Simple Shoulder Test (SST), Constant, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and Short Form 12 (SF-12) scores. Twenty-eight patients with a mean±SD age of 43.7±13.4 years and a mean±SD follow-up of 2.0±1.0 years met inclusion criteria. Workers’ compensation was involved with 43% of cases, and 46% of the included patients were manual laborers. Eight (32%) patients were athletes, and 88% of the athletes were overhead athletes. Intraoperatively, 15 (54%) patients had type I SLAP tears, 10 (36%) had type II SLAP tears, 1 (3%) had a type III SLAP tear, and 2 (7%) had type IV SLAP tears. Significant improvements were seen in the following outcome measures pre- vs postoperatively: ASES score (58±23 vs 89±18;
P
=.001), SST score (6.3±3.6 vs 10.6±3.3;
P
=.001), SANE score (54±24 vs 88±25;
P
=.003), VAS score (3.8±2.0 vs 1.1±1.8;
P
=.001), SF-12 overall score (35±6 vs 42±6;
P
=.001), and SF-12 physical component score (39±6 vs 50±10;
P
=.001). Overall satisfaction was excellent in 80% of patients. Subpectoral biceps tenodesis demonstrates excellent clinical outcomes in select patients with SLAP tears. [
Orthopedics.
2015; 38(1):e48–e53.]
Thumb Proximal Phalanx Reconstruction With Nonvascularized Corticocancellous Olecranon Bone Graft
Authors: Soong Maximillian
Published: January 2015

Large segmental bone defects of the phalanges reportedly have been treated with free vascularized grafts from the hand, foot, or knee, or with nonvascularized grafts from the iliac crest. A nonvascularized structural corticocancellous graft from a local site would be advantageous. The olecranon has been used as a source of both cancellous and corticocancellous graft. The authors describe a unique case of the use of nonvascularized corticocancellous olecranon bone graft for structural purposes in a mutilating thumb injury. The patient injured the left thumb with a miter saw, resulting in a large degloving wound over a severely comminuted fracture of the proximal phalanx, with segmental bone loss between a base fragment and displaced condylar fragments. Provisional pin fixation was performed at the time of initial emergent irrigation and debridement, along with repairs of the extensor pollicis longus, radial digital nerve, and dorsal digital nerve. This was followed 3 weeks later by non-vascularized corticocancellous bone grafting from the olecranon to the proximal phalanx under regional anesthesia. The thumb was mobilized at 11 weeks, and solid union was radiographically confirmed at 6 months. The patient achieved moderate active range of motion and was able to return to work as a physical therapist. The elbow healed uneventfully and without pain or fracture at the donor site. This case shows that robust structural bone graft for the phalanges may be obtained from the nearby olecranon, under regional anesthesia, without microsurgery, and with potential advantages over the iliac crest. [
Orthopedics.
2015; 38(1):58–61].
Barcoding of Live Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells for Multiplexed Mass Cytometry
Authors: Mei Henrik E. , Leipold Michael D. , Schulz Axel Ronald , Chester Cariad , Maecker Holden T.
Published: January 2015

Mass cytometry is developing as a means of multiparametric single-cell analysis. In this study, we present an approach to barcoding separate live human PBMC samples for combined preparation and acquisition on a cytometry by time of flight instrument. Using six different anti-CD45 Ab conjugates labeled with Pd104, Pd106, Pd108, Pd110, In113, and In115, respectively, we barcoded up to 20 samples with unique combinations of exactly three different CD45 Ab tags. Cell events carrying more than or less than three different tags were excluded from analyses during Boolean data deconvolution, allowing for precise sample assignment and the electronic removal of cell aggregates. Data from barcoded samples matched data from corresponding individually stained and acquired samples, at cell event recoveries similar to individual sample analyses. The approach greatly reduced technical noise and minimizes unwanted cell doublet events in mass cytometry data, and it reduces wet work and Ab consumption. It also eliminates sample-to-sample carryover and the requirement of instrument cleaning between samples, thereby effectively reducing overall instrument runtime. Hence, CD45 barcoding facilitates accuracy of mass cytometric immunophenotyping studies, thus supporting biomarker discovery efforts, and it should be applicable to fluorescence flow cytometry as well.
The Trojan Lifetime Champions Health Survey: Development, Validity, and Reliability
Authors: Sorenson Shawn C. , Romano Russell , Scholefield Robin M. , Schroeder E. Todd , Azen Stanley P. , Salem George J.
Published: January 2015

Context

Self-report questionnaires are an important method of evaluating lifespan health, exercise, and health-related quality of life (HRQL) outcomes among elite, competitive athletes. Few instruments, however, have undergone formal characterization of their psychometric properties within this population.

Objective

To evaluate the validity and reliability of a novel health and exercise questionnaire, the Trojan Lifetime Champions (TLC) Health Survey.

Design

Descriptive laboratory study.

Setting

A large National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I university.

Patients or Other Participants

A total of 63 university alumni (age range, 24 to 84 years), including former varsity collegiate athletes and a control group of nonathletes.

Intervention(s)

Participants completed the TLC Health Survey twice at a mean interval of 23 days with randomization to the paper or electronic version of the instrument.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Content validity, feasibility of administration, test-retest reliability, parallel-form reliability between paper and electronic forms, and estimates of systematic and typical error versus differences of clinical interest were assessed across a broad range of health, exercise, and HRQL measures.

Results

Correlation coefficients, including intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for continuous variables and κ agreement statistics for ordinal variables, for test-retest reliability averaged 0.86, 0.90, 0.80, and 0.74 for HRQL, lifetime health, recent health, and exercise variables, respectively. Correlation coefficients, again ICCs and κ, for parallel-form reliability (ie, equivalence) between paper and electronic versions averaged 0.90, 0.85, 0.85, and 0.81 for HRQL, lifetime health, recent health, and exercise variables, respectively. Typical measurement error was less than the a priori thresholds of clinical interest, and we found minimal evidence of systematic test-retest error. We found strong evidence of content validity, convergent construct validity with the Short-Form 12 Version 2 HRQL instrument, and feasibility of administration in an elite, competitive athletic population.

Conclusions

These data suggest that the TLC Health Survey is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing lifetime and recent health, exercise, and HRQL, among elite competitive athletes. Generalizability of the instrument may be enhanced by additional, larger-scale studies in diverse populations.
Open-label observational study to assess the efficacy and safety of aprepitant for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting prophylaxis in Indian patients receiving chemotherapy with highly emetogenic chemotherapy/moderately emetogenic chemotherapy regimens
Authors: Hingmire Sachin , Raut Nirmal
Published: January 2015

Context: Currently, there is limited data on the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in Indian population with aprepitant containing regimens. Aims: The aim was to assess the Efficacy and Safety of Aprepitant for the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with highly emetogenic chemotherapy/moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC/MEC) regimens. Settings and Design: Investigator initiated, multicentric, open-label, prospective, noncomparative, observational trial. Subjects and Methods: Triple drug regimen with aprepitant, palonosetron, and dexamethasaone administration was assessed for the prevention of CINV during acute, delayed, and the overall phase (OP) for HEC/MEC Regimens. The primary endpoint was complete response (CR; no emesis and no use of rescue medication) and the key secondary endpoint was the complete control (CC; no emesis, no rescue medication and no more than mild nausea) during the OP. Statistical Analysis Used: Perprotocol efficacy was analyzed for the first cycle with results represented in terms of CR/CC rates using descriptive statistics. Results: Seventy-five patients were included in the study with median age of 49.7 years and 89.7% being females. The CR rate (OP) for patients administered HEC or MEC regimens during the first cycle were 92% and 90.9%, respectively. Similarly, the CC rates (OP) were 75% and 90% for these regimens, respectively. 7 (9.2%) patients reported adverse drug reactions that were mild and transient with no reports of any serious adverse events. Conclusions: Use of aprepitant containing regimen for patients receiving HEC/MEC regimen resulted in significantly high CR and CC response rates, which further consolidate its potential role to improve patient quality of life and compliance to disease management.
Giant solitary trichoepithelioma
Authors: Teli Bhavuray , Thrishuli P. B. , Santhosh R. , Amar D. N. , Rajpurohit Shravan
Published: January 2015

Adnexal tumors like giant solitary trichoepitheliomas are uncommon to most of us to permit a ready familiarity with them. Information regarding the genesis, clinical profile, behavior, and management options for this tumor is limited. There are 18 cases reported in the world literature till date. This review attempts to provide insight to this rare tumor. Our search included indexed literature from Pubmed, Directory of Open Access Journals, Health Inter Network Access to Research Initiative and Google databases in addition to standard dermatology texts. Giant solitary trichoepithelioma is a rare trichogenic tumor with potential for local recurrence. It has predilection for the older age, but may present at any age including at birth. It has close resemblance to basal cell carcinoma and other skin adnexal tumors - clinically, cytologically, and histologically. CD10, CD 34, PHLDA1 but not p75NTR are useful adjunct markers. Surgical excision is the standard treatment. Recurrence and possible transformation into BCC cautions follow up at regular intervals.
Introduction
Authors: Barros Juanita De
Published: January 2015

This book investigates ideas and policymaking about reproduction and the size and health of populations in Britain's Caribbean colonies both before and immediately after the end of slavery, a period spanning the early nineteenth century to the 1930s. The focus is on Jamaica, Barbados, and Guyana, and on maternal education and infant welfare initiatives introduced by colonial policymakers, including midwife training programs. The book considers the debates about population growth in these three colonies, as well as the problem of infant mortality. It also examines how the ideas and institutions of tropical medicine influenced perceptions of Caribbean populations.
Population Anxieties and Infant Mortality
Authors: Barros Juanita De
Published: January 2015

In the years after the end of slavery, declining populations due to high death rates, especially among the very young, sparked deep concerns. Disease causation and infant mortality were blamed on former slaves. In Guyana, Jamaica, and Barbados, investigations into the causes of infant mortality highlighted the need for healthy populations, resulting in the introduction of infant and maternal welfare initiatives in the early twentieth century. This chapter examines the debates about the health and size of populations, much of which was centred on the problem of infant mortality, in Britain's Caribbean colonies during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It looks at the emergence of a range of new ideas about medicine and public health, together with immigration, designed to ensure the population growth needed to sustain the colonial economies.
Social Welfare Policies and Population Questions in the 1930s
Authors: Barros Juanita De
Published: January 2015

This chapter considers the extent to which many of the ideas and approaches concerning population growth and infant and maternal welfare in Britain's Caribbean colonies—particularly Jamaica, Guyana, and Barbados—continued to be expressed in the 1930s in the context of the West India Royal Commission (Moyne Commission) hearings. It also examines how Caribbean men and women influenced the commission by expressing their views about sex, reproduction, and morality, as well as making their own demands.
Model calculations of the effects of present and future emissions of air pollutants from shipping in the Baltic Sea and the North Sea
Authors: Jonson J. E. , Jalkanen J. P. , Johansson L. , Gauss M. , Denier van der Gon H. A. C.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Land-based emissions of air pollutants in Europe have steadily decreased over the past two decades, and this decrease is expected to continue. Within the same time span emissions from shipping have increased in EU ports and in the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, defined as SECAs (sulfur emission control areas), although recently sulfur emissions, and subsequently particle emissions, have decreased. The maximum allowed sulfur content in marine fuels in EU ports is now 0.1%, as required by the European Union sulfur directive. In the SECAs the maximum fuel content of sulfur is currently 1% (the global average is about 2.4%). This will be reduced to 0.1% from 2015, following the new International Maritime Organization (IMO) rules. In order to assess the effects of ship emissions in and around the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, regional model calculations with the EMEP air pollution model have been made on a 1/4° longitude × 1/8° latitude resolution, using ship emissions in the Baltic Sea and the North Sea that are based on accurate ship positioning data. The effects on depositions and air pollution and the resulting number of years of life lost (YOLLs) have been calculated by comparing model calculations with and without ship emissions in the two sea areas. In 2010 stricter regulations for sulfur emissions were implemented in the two sea areas, reducing the maximum sulfur content allowed in marine fuels from 1.5 to 1%. In addition ships were required to use fuels with 0.1 % sulfur in EU harbours. The calculations have been made with emissions representative of 2009 and 2011, i.e. before and after the implementation of the stricter controls on sulfur emissions from 2010. The calculations with present emissions show that per person, an additional 0.1–0.2 years of life lost is estimated in areas close to the major ship tracks with current emission levels. Comparisons of model calculations with emissions before and after the implementation of stricter emission control on sulfur show a general decrease in calculated particle concentration. At the same time, however, an increase in ship activity has resulted in higher emissions of other components, and subsequently air concentrations, in particular of NOx, especially in and around several major ports. Additional model calculations have been made with land-based and ship emissions representative of year 2030. Following a decrease in emissions from all sectors, air quality is expected to improve, and depositions to be reduced. Particles from shipping are expected to decrease as a result of emission controls in the SECAs. Further controls of NOx emissions from shipping are not decided, and calculations are presented with and without such controls.
Adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system for temperature and humidity profile retrieval from microwave radiometer observations
Authors: Ramesh K. , Kesarkar A. P. , Bhate J. , Venkat Ratnam M. , Jayaraman A.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. The retrieval of accurate profiles of temperature and water vapour is important for the study of atmospheric convection. Recent development in computational techniques motivated us to use adaptive techniques in the retrieval algorithms. In this work, we have used an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) to retrieve profiles of temperature and humidity up to 10 km over the tropical station Gadanki (13.5° N, 79.2° E), India. ANFIS is trained by using observations of temperature and humidity measurements by co-located Meisei GPS radiosonde (henceforth referred to as radiosonde) and microwave brightness temperatures observed by radiometrics multichannel microwave radiometer MP3000 (MWR). ANFIS is trained by considering these observations during rainy and non-rainy days (ANFIS(RD + NRD)) and during non-rainy days only (ANFIS(NRD)). The comparison of ANFIS(RD + NRD) and ANFIS(NRD) profiles with independent radiosonde observations and profiles retrieved using multivariate linear regression (MVLR: RD + NRD and NRD) and artificial neural network (ANN) indicated that the errors in the ANFIS(RD + NRD) are less compared to other retrieval methods. The Pearson product movement correlation coefficient (r) between retrieved and observed profiles is more than 92% for temperature profiles for all techniques and more than 99% for the ANFIS(RD + NRD) technique Therefore this new techniques is relatively better for the retrieval of temperature profiles. The comparison of bias, mean absolute error (MAE), RMSE and symmetric mean absolute percentage error (SMAPE) of retrieved temperature and relative humidity (RH) profiles using ANN and ANFIS also indicated that profiles retrieved using ANFIS(RD + NRD) are significantly better compared to the ANN technique. The analysis of profiles concludes that retrieved profiles using ANFIS techniques have improved the temperature retrievals substantially; however, the retrieval of RH by all techniques considered in this paper (ANN, MVLR and ANFIS) has limited success.
Dynamic statistical optimization of GNSS radio occultation bending angles: an advanced algorithm and its performance analysis
Authors: Li Y. , Kirchengast G. , Scherllin-Pirscher B. , Norman R. , Yuan Y. B. , Fritzer J. , Schwaerz M. , Zhang K.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. We introduce a new dynamic statistical optimization algorithm to initialize ionosphere-corrected bending angles of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) based radio occultation (RO) measurements. The new algorithm estimates background and observation error covariance matrices with geographically-varying uncertainty profiles and realistic global-mean correlation matrices. The error covariance matrices estimated by the new approach are more accurate and realistic than in simplified existing approaches and can therefore be used in statistical optimization to provide optimal bending angle profiles for high-altitude initialization of the subsequent Abel transform retrieval of refractivity. The new algorithm is evaluated against the existing Wegener Center Occultation Processing System version 5.6 (OPSv5.6) algorithm, using simulated data on two test days from January and July 2008 and real observed CHAMP and COSMIC measurements from the complete months of January and July 2008. The following is achieved for the new method's performance compared to OPSv5.6: (1) significant reduction in random errors (standard deviations) of optimized bending angles down to about two-thirds of their size or more; (2) reduction of the systematic differences in optimized bending angles for simulated MetOp data; (3) improved retrieval of refractivity and temperature profiles; (4) produces realistically estimated global-mean correlation matrices and realistic uncertainty fields for the background and observations. Overall the results indicate high suitability for employing the new dynamic approach in the processing of long-term RO data into a reference climate record, leading to well characterized and high-quality atmospheric profiles over the entire stratosphere.
Microbial assemblages on a cold-water coral mound at the SE Rockall Bank (NE Atlantic): interactions with hydrography and topography
Authors: van Bleijswijk J. D. L. , Whalen C. , Duineveld G. C. A. , Lavaleye M. S. S. , Witte H. J. , Mienis F.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. This study shows the microbial community composition over Haas Mound, one of the most prominent cold-water coral mounds of the Logachev Mound Province (Rockall Bank, NE Atlantic), outlining distribution patterns both vertically from the seafloor to the water column and laterally across the mound and coupling this to mound topography and hydrography. Samples were collected in 2012 and 2013 from biotopes that were partially chosen based on high definition video surveys that were conducted prior to sampling and included overlaying water (400 m depth and 5+10 m above the bottom (m ab)) collected with a CTD/Rosette system and near-bottom water, sediment, Lophelia pertusa mucus, and L. pertusa skeleton samples collected with a box-core. Furthermore, temperature and current measurements were obtained at two sites at the summit and foot of Haas Mound to study near-bed hydrodynamic conditions. Community composition was determined by next generation Roche 454 sequencing yielding high-resolution records of 16 S rRNA genotypes, improving our understanding of deep-sea microbial consortia. With the methods we employed we were able to report for the first time Archaea in association with L. pertusa. The pattern of similarities between samples visualized by multi-dimensional scaling (MDS), indicates a strong link between the distribution of microbes and specific biotopes. All biotopes share a number of taxa, but biotopes are distinct on basis of relative abundances and a small number of unique taxa. Similarity in microbes indicates that water is well-mixed at 400 m depth, but less so at 5 + 10 m above the bottom, where microbial communities differed between summit, slope and off mound. Even more variability was observed in the near-bottom water samples, which group according to sampling station. Likely the coral framework prevents the near-bottom water in between the branches to be vigorously mixed with the water overlaying the reef. The microbial consortium on Haas Mound appears strongly linked with the surrounding environment, making cold-water coral communities sensitive to outside environmental influences.
Impact of seawater carbonate chemistry on the calcification of marine bivalves
Authors: Thomsen J. , Haynert K. , Wegner K. M. , Melzner F.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Bivalve calcification, particular of the early larval stages is highly sensitive to the change of ocean carbonate chemistry resulting from atmospheric CO2 uptake. Earlier studies suggested that declining seawater [CO32−] and thereby lowered carbonate saturation affect shell production. However, disturbances of physiological processes such as acid-base regulation by adverse seawater pCO2 and pH can affect calcification in a secondary fashion. In order to determine the exact carbonate system component by which growth and calcification are affected it is necessary to utilize more complex carbonate chemistry manipulations. As single factors, pCO2 had no and [HCO3−] and pH only limited effects on shell growth, while lowered [CO32−] strongly impacted calcification. Dissolved inorganic carbon (CT) limiting conditions led to strong reductions in calcification, despite high [CO32−], indicating that [HCO3−] rather than [CO32−] is the inorganic carbon source utilized for calcification by mytilid mussels. However, as the ratio [HCO3−] / [H+] is linearly correlated with [CO32−] it is not possible to differentiate between these under natural seawater conditions. Therefore, the availability of [HCO3−] combined with favorable environmental pH determines calcification rate and an equivalent of about 80 μmol kg−1 [CO32−] is required to saturate inorganic carbon supply for calcification in bivalves. Below this threshold biomineralization rates rapidly decline. A comparison of literature data available for larvae and juvenile mussels and oysters originating from habitats differing substantially with respect to prevailing carbonate chemistry conditions revealed similar response curves. This suggests that the mechanisms which determine sensitivity of calcification in this group are highly conserved. The higher sensitivity of larval calcification seems to primarily result from the much higher relative calcification rates in early life stages. In order to reveal and understand the mechanisms that limit or facilitate adaptation to future ocean acidification, it is necessary to better understand the physiological processes and their underlying genetics that govern inorganic carbon assimilation for calcification.