bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of partial addition of n-butanol in rubber seed oil methyl ester powered diesel engine
Authors: Patil Vishal V , Patil Ranjit S
Published: May 2017

The objective of present study is to evaluate the combustion, performance, and emission characteristics of refined biodiesel (biofuel) such as rubber seed oil methyl ester with the partial addition of n-butanol (butanol) in it in a single cylinder four stroke diesel engine operated at a constant speed of 1500 rpm. Various characteristics of butanol–rubber seed oil methyl ester blends with varying volume percentage of butanol such as 5, 10, 15, and 20 in butanol–rubber seed oil methyl ester blends were compared with the characteristics of neat rubber seed oil methyl ester (100%) and neat diesel (100%) at various load conditions on engine (such as 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) for the compression ratio 18. It is found that brake specific fuel consumption was increased by 17% with an increase in butanol content from 5% to 20% in butanol–rubber seed oil methyl ester blends at full load condition. Brake thermal efficiency was decreased by 14% with an increase in butanol content from 5% to 20% in butanol–rubber seed oil methyl ester blends at full load condition. Carbon monoxide and HC emissions were found to be negligible, i.e. less than 0.1% and 35 ppm, respectively, for all selected fuels. NOx emissions were decreased by 10% with an increase in butanol content from 5% to 20% in butanol–rubber seed oil methyl ester blends at full load condition. Various characteristics were compared for six fuels (neat rubber seed oil methyl ester, four renewable butanol–rubber seed oil methyl ester blends, and neat diesel) in order to finalize the promising alternate sustainable renewable fuel in place of shortly diminishing conventional diesel fuel in order to provide the solution for increase in demand and price of conventional fuel (diesel) for power generation and to reduce the serious issues concerned with environmental pollution due to usage of neat diesel.
Adult mediation of preschool children’s use of mobile technologies in public libraries in Taiwan: A socio-cultural perspective
Authors: Sung Hui-Yun
Published: May 2017

This study explores characteristics of caregivers’ mediating behaviours for supporting preschool children’s emergent literacy development mediated by mobile technologies (i.e. laptops, tablets and smart phones). Design-based research in the action research framing was used to examine the process of adult-child interaction and communication in nine Involve Me workshops at five public libraries between 2013 and 2014 in Taiwan. A deductive-inductive thematic analysis identified examples to illustrate main forms of caregivers’ mediating behaviours: ‘focusing’, ‘affecting’, ‘expanding’, ‘encouraging’ and ‘regulating behaviour’. This study embraces the role of media mentorship in libraries, but acknowledges such a role demands training for library practitioners in order to effectively support children’s and families’ literary needs in the digital age.
Bayesian meta-analysis: The role of the between-sample heterogeneity
Authors: Moreno Elías , Vázquez-Polo Francisco-José , Negrín Miguel A
Published: May 2017

The random effect approach for meta-analysis was motivated by a lack of consistent assessment of homogeneity of treatment effect before pooling. The random effect model assumes that the distribution of the treatment effect is fully heterogenous across the experiments. However, other models arising by grouping some of the experiments are plausible. We illustrate on simulated binary experiments that the fully heterogenous model gives a poor meta-inference when fully heterogeneity is not the true model and that the knowledge of the true cluster model considerably improves the inference. We propose the use of a Bayesian model selection procedure for estimating the true cluster model, and Bayesian model averaging to incorporate into the meta-analysis the clustering estimation. A well-known meta-analysis for six major multicentre trials to assess the efficacy of a given dose of aspirin in post-myocardial infarction patients is reanalysed.
Why the history of nursing ethics matters
Authors: Fowler Marsha D
Published: May 2017

Modern American nursing has an extensive ethical heritage literature that extends from the 1870s to 1965 when the American Nurses Association issued a policy paper that called for moving nursing education out of hospital diploma programs and into colleges and universities. One consequence of this move was the dispersion of nursing libraries and the loss of nursing ethics textbooks, as they were largely not brought over into the college libraries. In addition to approximately 100 nursing ethics textbooks, the nursing ethics heritage literature also includes hundreds of journal articles that are often made less accessible in modern databases that concentrate on the past 20 or 30 years. A second consequence of nursing’s movement into colleges and universities is that ethics was no longer taught by nursing faculty, but becomes separated and placed as a discrete ethics (later bioethics) course in departments of philosophy or theology. These courses were medically identified and rarely incorporated authentic nursing content. This shift in nursing education occurs contemporaneously with the rise of the field of bioethics. Bioethics is rapidly embraced by nursing, and as it develops within nursing, it fails to incorporate the rich ethical heritage, history, and literature of nursing prior to the development of the field of bioethics. This creates a radical disjunction in nursing’s ethics; a failure to more adequately explore the moral identity of nursing; the development of an ethics with a lack of fit with nursing’s ethical history, literature, and theory; a neglect of nursing’s ideal of service; a diminution of the scope and richness of nursing ethics as social ethics; and a loss of nursing ethical heritage of social justice activism and education. We must reclaim nursing’s rich and capacious ethics heritage literature; the history of nursing ethics matters profoundly.
A sub-cc nonlinear piezoelectric energy harvester for powering leadless pacemakers
Authors: Ansari MH , Karami M Amin
Published: May 2017

A miniature nonlinear piezoelectric energy harvester is developed to power state of the art leadless cardiac pacemakers from cardiac motions. The energy harvester is integrated in the leadless pacemaker and is connected to the myocardium. The energy harvester converts myocardial motions to electricity to power leadless pacemakers. The energy is stored in a battery or supercapacitor and is used for pacing. The device is composed of a bimorph piezoelectric beam confined in a gray iron frame. The system is assembled at high temperature and operated at the body temperature. The mismatch in the coefficients of thermal expansion of the beam and the frame causes the beam to buckle in body temperature. This intentional buckling makes the beam unstable and improves the power production and robustness of the device. Having high natural frequency is a major problem in microelectromechanical systems energy harvesters. Considering the small size of the energy harvester, [Formula: see text], the natural frequency is expected to be high. In our design, the natural frequency is lowered significantly using a buckled beam and a proof mass. Since the beam is buckled, the design is bistable and nonlinear, which could increase the output power. In this article, the device is analytically modeled, and the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the energy harvester are analytically derived. The terms corresponding to geometric nonlinearities are included in the electromechanical coupled governing equations. The simulations show that the device generates sufficient electricity to power leadless pacemakers.
Do Black Lives Really Matter—To Social Work? Introduction to the Special Edition
Authors: Holosko Michael J. , Briggs Harold E. , Miller Keva M.
Published: May 2017

This article presents and summarizes the special issue entitled: Practice, Research, and Scholarship on African American. The authors examine the professions’ contradictory actions in partnering with African American scholars, communities, and people to achieve its social justice and civil rights mission. It reintroduces the reader of this collection to June Gary Hopps who originally rung the clarion call to action about the profession’s waffling nature regarding African Americans. The authors overview the collection, which depicts the professions’ lack of focus on issues of race, African American well-being, and oppression experiences. This issue unravels the role played by social work in its meager attention to the plight of African American leaders and faculty, their achievements, and challenges. It also conveys the realities of too few research studies on key issues impacting African Americans. This article concludes with a nudge to the reader to weigh the evidence contained in this serial.
Beyond ASD: Evidence for the Effectiveness of Social Narratives
Authors: Zimmerman Kathleen N. , Ledford Jennifer R.
Published: May 2017

Social narratives (e.g., Social Stories™) are common antecedent-based interventions promoted for the purposes of improving prosocial behaviors and reducing challenging behavior for children with and without disabilities. Although they are commonly prescribed and used, their effectiveness has almost exclusively been assessed for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The purpose of this review was to synthesize the literature on social narrative interventions for children without ASD using a new synthesis framework: the Single Case Analysis and Review Framework (SCARF). Specifically, the review assessed the quality, rigor, and outcomes of single case design studies measuring the effectiveness of social narratives for decreasing challenging behavior or increasing prosocial behavior in children without ASD. Conclusions suggest cautious use of social narratives in isolation for children without ASD due to variable outcomes and absence of a sufficient number of rigorous studies. Future high-quality research is needed to address questions surrounding effective instructional components, participant characteristics, and implementation fidelity.
Neuronal DNA Methyltransferases: Epigenetic Mediators between Synaptic Activity and Gene Expression?
Authors: Bayraktar Gonca , Kreutz Michael R.
Published: May 2017

DNMT3A and 3B are the main de novo DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) in the brain that introduce new methylation marks to non-methylated DNA in postmitotic neurons. DNA methylation is a key epigenetic mark that is known to regulate important cellular processes in neuronal development and brain plasticity. Accumulating evidence disclosed rapid and dynamic changes in DNA methylation of plasticity-relevant genes that are important for learning and memory formation. To understand how DNMTs contribute to brain function and how they are regulated by neuronal activity is a prerequisite for a deeper appreciation of activity-dependent gene expression in health and disease. This review discusses the functional role of de novo methyltransferases and in particular DNMT3A1 in the adult brain with special emphasis on synaptic plasticity, memory formation, and brain disorders.
R147W in PROC Gene Is a Risk Factor of Thromboembolism in Thai Children
Authors: Sirachainan Nongnuch , Chuansumrit Ampaiwan , Sasanakul Werasak , Yudhasompop Najwa , Mahaklan Lalita , Vaewpanich Jarin , Charoenkwan Pimlak , Kanjanapongkul Somjai , Visudtibhan Anannit , Wongwerawattanakoon Pakawan
Published: May 2017

The p.R147W mutation, the c.C6152T in exon 7, causing a change in amino acid from arginine to tryptophan of the PROC gene has been reported as a common mutation in Taiwanese populations with venous thromboembolism (VTE). The present study aimed to identify the prevalence of p.R147W in the Thai population and children with TE and the risk of developing TE. Patients aged ≤18 years diagnosed with TE were enrolled. The PROC gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction using a specific primer in exon 7. The restriction fragment length polymorphism was designed using MwoI restriction enzyme. A total of 184 patients and 690 controls were enrolled. The most common diagnosis of TE was arterial ischemic stroke (AIS), at 100 (54.3%), followed by VTE, at 38 (20.6%), and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), at 23 (12.5%). The prevalence of heterozygous and homozygous p.R147W in patients and controls was 9.5% versus 5.8% and 2.7% versus 0.1%, respectively. Heterozygous p.R147W had odds ratios (ORs) of 1.8 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0-3.2, P = .04), 3.2 (95% CI: 1.2-8.2, P = .009), and 4.5 (95% CI: 1.6-12.8, P = .002) of developing overall TE, VTE, and CVST, respectively. Homozygous p.R147W had ORs of 20.2 (95% CI: 2.3-173.7, P < .001), 21.4 (95% CI: 2.2-207.9, P < .001), and 43.3 (95% CI: 3.8-490.6, P < .001) of developing overall TE, AIS, and CVST, respectively. This study suggested that p.R147W is a common mutation and increased risk of TE in Thai children.
Force transmissibility of floating raft systems with quasi-zero-stiffness isolators
Authors: Yingli Li , Daolin Xu
Published: May 2017

In view of the excellent performance of a single quasi-zero-stiffness (QZS) device in vibration attenuation, this paper presents a study on a vibration isolation floating raft system constructed with a double-layer QZS mechanism. A QZS device is a typical nonlinear isolator, hence the floating raft system is a coupled highly nonlinear isolation system. To understand the behaviors and its performance in vibration attenuation, an analytical approach is developed to describe the characteristics including the mathematical relationship between amplitude–frequency, force transmissibility, and the effects of the mass ratio and damping ratios on attenuation performance. The outcomes show that the two-degree-of-freedom QZS–QZS system is superior for vibration isolation when compared to the traditional linear system and the two other types of QZS systems. The effective vibration isolation frequency region of the QZS–QZS system is expanded to the low-frequency region by 72%. The QZS system is sensitive to the damping ratio, which decreases the resonance peak significantly. The mass ratio is a crucial design parameter in low-frequency vibration isolation design.
Tracing Legitimating Accounts During Times of Change: The Case of the Organic Food Certification Debate, 1990 to 2011
Authors: Sheridan Michael J. , Mote Jonathon E.
Published: May 2017

This study explores the dynamics of how organizations make appeals for legitimacy in unstable fields. Empirically, we investigate the debate surrounding U.S. Department of Agriculture organic food certification from 1990 to 2011, which took place as the field of organic food production was destabilized by the entrance of new market participants, as well as the effort by the federal government to regulate what constituted “organic” food. We argue that organizations alter appeals for legitimacy (legitimating accounts) when organization fields undergo change and existing or expected legitimating accounts are undermined by any number of forces, such as social movements, shifting markets, or new actors. Our results illustrate how actors strategically deploy rhetoric to appeal to different constituencies and audiences in an unstable field, and highlight how organizational actors in the organic certification debate sought to legitimate claims.
Correlation Between Preoperative Serum Carcinoembryonic Antigen Levels and Expression on Pancreatic and Rectal Cancer Tissue
Authors: Boogerd LSF , Vuijk FA , Hoogstins CES , Handgraaf HJM , van der Valk MJM , Kuppen PJK , Sier CFM , van de Velde CJH , Burggraaf J , Fariña-Sarasqueta A , Vahrmeijer Alexander L
Published: May 2017

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)–targeted imaging and therapeutic agents are being tested in clinical trials. If CEA overexpression in malignant tissue corresponds with elevated serum CEA, serum CEA could assist in selecting patients who may benefit from CEA-targeted agents. This study aims to assess the relationship between serum CEA and CEA expression in pancreatic (n = 20) and rectal cancer tissues (n = 35) using histopathology. According to local laboratory standards, a serum CEA >3 ng/mL was considered elevated. In pancreatic cancer patients a significant correlation between serum CEA and percentage of CEA-expressing tumor cells was observed ( P = .04, ρ = .47). All 6 patients with homogeneous CEA expression in the tumor had a serum CEA >3 ng/mL. Most rectal cancer tissues (32/35) showed homogeneous CEA expression, independent of serum CEA levels. This study suggests that selection of pancreatic cancer patients for CEA-targeted agents via serum CEA appears adequate. For selection of rectal cancer patients, serum CEA levels are not informative.
This girl’s life: An autoethnography
Authors: O’Shea Saoirse Caitlin
Published: May 2017

This essay seeks to add to a growing awareness of transgender lives and narratives in management and organisational studies. It presents an often visceral and emotive autoethnographical account of the experience of being a non-binary transsexual in the United Kingdom to question whether it is possible to think gender without invoking the heterosexual matrix and being held to account by it. It also asks what may need to be done so that the abject and marginalised in society may have liveable lives rather than an otherwise unliveable life resulting from that matrix. It argues that transgender is often conflated in management research theoretically as queer or queer’s evil twin where the latter concept reduces trans lives to rigid, polarised positions in the matrix and stereotypes. The essay concludes by asking an open question, how we may organise so as to make lives liveable?
Retinal atrophy in relation to visual functioning and vision-related quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Balk Lisanne J , Coric Danko , Nij Bijvank Jenny A , Killestein Joep , Uitdehaag Bernard MJ , Petzold Axel
Published: May 2017

Background:

Inner retinal layer atrophy in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) has been validated as a structural imaging biomarker for neurodegeneration.

Objective:

To determine how retinal layer thickness relates to high-contrast visual acuity (HCVA), low-contrast visual acuity (LCVA) and vision-related quality of life (QoL) and to investigate the effect of previous episodes on MS-associated optic neuritis (MSON).

Methods:

Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was performed in 267 patients with MS. Images were segmented for the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) and the macular ganglion cell inner plexiform layer (GCIPL). Ophthalmological evaluations included history of MSON, HCVA, LCVA, and vision-related QoL.

Results:

Independent of MSON, HCVA and LCVA were significantly associated with pRNFL and GCIPL thicknesses. Vision-related QoL was positively associated with pRNFL (β = 0.92, p = 0.06) and GCIPL (β = 0.93, p = 0.02) thicknesses. These associations were independent of MSON. Not only binocular but also monocular atrophy of the inner retinal layers was associated with lower vision-related QoL.

Conclusion:

This study showed that retinal atrophy has a significant impact on visual functioning in patients with MS. OCT may therefore provide useful insight to patients with visual dysfunction, and our findings support including OCT and vision-related QoL measures into optic neuritis treatment trials.
Cognitive and behavioral coping in people with Chronic fatigue syndrome: An exploratory study searching for intervention targets for depressive symptoms
Authors: Kraaij Vivian , Bik Janneke , Garnefski Nadia
Published: May 2017

The aim of the study was to find relevant coping factors for the development of psychological interventions for people with chronic fatigue syndrome who suffer from depressive symptoms. A total of 30 adults with chronic fatigue syndrome filled in the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, the COPE and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The findings suggested that cognitive coping strategies have a stronger influence than behavioral coping strategies on depressive symptoms. Especially, the cognitive coping strategies refocusing positive, positive reappraisal and catastrophizing were of importance. These findings suggest that these coping strategies should be part of psychological programs for people with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Women and African Americans are less influential when they express anger during group decision making
Authors: Salerno Jessica M. , Peter-Hagene Liana C. , Jay Alexander C. V.
Published: May 2017

Expressing anger can signal that someone is certain and competent, thereby increasing their social influence—but does this strategy work for everyone? After assessing gender- and race-based emotion stereotypes (Study 1), we assessed the effect of expressing anger on social influence during group decision making as a function of gender (Studies 2–3) and race (Study 3). Participants took part in a computerized mock jury decision-making task, during which they read scripted comments ostensibly from other jurors. A “holdout” juror always disagreed with the participant and four other confederate group members. We predicted that the contextual factor of who expressed emotion would trump what was expressed in determining whether anger is a useful persuasion strategy. People perceived all holdouts expressing anger as more emotional than holdouts who expressed identical arguments without anger. Yet holdouts who expressed anger (versus no anger) were less effective and influential when they were female (but not male, Study 2) or Black (but not White, Study 3)—despite having expressed identical arguments and anger. Although anger expression made participants perceive the holdouts as more emotional regardless of race and gender, being perceived as more emotional was selectively used to discredit women and African Americans. These diverging consequences of anger expression have implications for societally important group decisions, including life-and-death decisions made by juries.
The exposure to traumatic events and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder among Korean journalists
Authors: Lee Mina , Ha Eun Hye , Pae Jung Kun
Published: May 2017

This study investigated posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms on Korean journalists and the contributing variables. Predicting variables included the exposure to traumatic events, coping strategy, social support, optimism, negative beliefs, and the journalists’ occupational perspectives. A total of 367 Korean journalists participated in the survey. The findings revealed that, first, Korean journalists had suffered severely from PTSD symptoms according to the prevalence rate. Second, the extent of traumatic event exposure, the length of career, the use of dysfunctional coping strategy, a lack of social support, and negative beliefs were identified as significantly related variables. Finally, occupational perspectives showed meaningful associations with development of the symptoms. This study provided an empirical analysis of Korean journalists’ experiences of traumatic events and psychological stress for the first time.
Determining minimum visibility levels in different road lighting scenarios
Authors: Buyukkinaci B , Onaygil S , Guler O , Yurtseven MB
Published: May 2017

This study investigates visibility levels for different road lighting scenarios. Four different road lighting classes (M2, M3, M4, M5), two different colour temperature luminaires (4000 K and 6000 K) and four different critical object reflectances (0.20, 0.30, 0.40, 0.50) were used to determine the effects of lighting classes and colour temperatures on the critical object detection. In total, 1920 photographs were taken on a test road and visibility levels were calculated for each case. From these 1920 visibility levels, photographs corresponding to 245 visibility level values ranging from 1 to 9 were selected and evaluated by 30 subjects aged between 25 and 35 years in a laboratory environment. As a result of the study, it was shown that visibility levels are between 7.0 and 8.5 for road lighting classes ranging from M2 to M5, illuminated by light sources with different colour temperatures, for 100% detection of critical objects. This result is in line with the suggested VL values changing between 7 and 10 in the literature.
Distributive equality, relational equality and preferences about higher education
Authors: Voigt Kristin
Published: May 2017

Are scenarios in which disadvantaged students prefer not to attend (certain) universities a concern from the perspective of an egalitarian theory of justice? I consider this question from the respective perspectives of two prominent approaches to equality: distributive theories, which focus on the fairness of inequalities in outcomes, and relational theories, in which equality is conceived in terms of the relations among individuals. While distributive theorists seek to directly assess the fairness of distributions, relational theorists argue that our assessment of distributions must be guided by broader concerns of relational equality. As I suggest in this article, this difference in approach is also reflected in the debate about justice and education, in particular in the context of the debate about whether justice in education requires some form of equality or, rather, as theorists such as Elizabeth Anderson and Debra Satz have suggested, ‘adequacy’. I suggest that both distributive and relational theorists can identify as problematic that disadvantaged students prefer not to go to university (or certain universities), though they will have different interpretations of what precisely is problematic about such a scenario and how it relates to inequality of the relevant kind. However, this judgment is susceptible to the objection that it is counterintuitive that preferences that individuals endorse and identify with would be the source of unfair inequalities. In response, I argue that both distributive and relational egalitarians have good reason to challenge this objection; individuals’ preferences, even if the individuals themselves endorse these preferences, should not fall beyond the purview of egalitarian theory. The final section returns to the theoretical debate between distributive and relational approaches to equality.
Pedagogy of hate
Authors: Neary Mike
Published: May 2017

This paper is a critical engagement with Peter McLaren’s book Pedagogy of Insurrection: From Resurrection to Revolution. The paper focusses on a number of key themes in the book: the historical Jesus; the dialectic of love and hate; cognition and consciousness; and the relationship between capitalist abstraction and revolutionary theory. The conclusion is that McLaren is right about many things, not least the need for a revolutionary theory and action that supports the abolition of capitalism through value-form theory and radical love. But the extent to which McLaren’s work is based on critical rage pedagogy, it is an understatement. His radical love needs a radical hate, not a physical, psychological or pathological hate, but a hate for what the world has become. Radical hate is the critical concept on which negative dialectics is based.
Uptake of telehealth implementation for COPD patients in a high-poverty, inner-city environment: A survey
Authors: Granger Catherine L , Wijayarathna Rachel , Suh Eui-Sik , Arbane Gill , Denehy Linda , Murphy Patrick , Hart Nicholas
Published: May 2017

This study aimed to investigate computer and internet access and education attained in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as potential barriers to implementation of telemedicine. We prospectively assessed 98 patients admitted with an acute exacerbation of COPD (mean age: 70.5 ± 9.3 years; force expired volume in the first second: 0.75 ± 0.39 L; 59% male) recording educational level attained and home computer and internet access. Hospital readmission surveillance occurred up to 2.7 (2.6–2.8) years following the index hospital admission. Only 16% of patients had a computer and only 14% had internet access; this group were younger and more educated than those without a computer. There was no difference in hospital readmissions over 2 years between those with and without access to a computer or internet. Only 12% of the whole cohort were educated to a school leaving age of 16 years and this group were more likely to be still working. School leaving age was directly associated with fewer hospital readmissions ( r = 0.251, p = 0.031). In conclusion, these data highlight the current challenges to the widespread implementation of telehealth in COPD patients as there is limited availability of computer and internet access with such patients demonstrating a lower level of education achievement.
Secondary Procedures Following Iliac Branch Device Treatment of Aneurysms Involving the Iliac Bifurcation: The pELVIS Registry
Authors: Donas Konstantinos P. , Inchingolo Mirjam , Cao Piergiorgio , Pratesi Carlo , Pratesi Giovanni , Torsello Giovanni , Pitoulias Georgios A. , Ferrer Ciro , Parlani Gianbattista , Verzini Fabio ,   on behalf of the pELVIS Registry collaborators, Austermann Martin , Weiss Kristin , Bosiers Michel , Barbante Matteo , Simonte Gioele , Fargion Aaron , Masciello Fabrizio
Published: May 2017

Purpose: To evaluate the incidence and reasons for secondary procedures in patients treated with iliac branch devices (IBDs) for isolated iliac aneurysm or aortoiliac aneurysms involving the iliac bifurcation. Methods: Between January 2005 and December 2015, 575 surgical-high-risk patients (mean age 72.0±8.4 years; 558 men) with isolated iliac aneurysms (n=79) or aortoiliac aneurysms involving the iliac bifurcation (n=496) were treated with placement of 650 ZBIS or Gore IBDs (75 bilateral) in 6 European centers. The primary outcome was procedure-related reinterventions for occlusion or high-grade (>70%) stenosis of the bridging device, occlusion of the ipsilateral common or external iliac artery (EIA), type I/III endoleak, rupture, or infection following IBD implantation. Clinical and radiological data were analyzed based on preset definitions of comorbidities, aneurysm morphology, intraoperative variables, and follow-up strategies. Results: Nine (1.6%) reinterventions were performed within 30 days for occlusion or endoleak. Among 10 (1.5%) occluded EIAs ipsilateral to a deployed IBD, 6 underwent a reintervention with additional stent placement after thrombolysis (n=4) or a femorofemoral or iliofemoral crossover bypass (n=2). Three of 14 patients with early type I endoleak had a reintervention for an insufficient proximal sealing zone (stent-grafts in 2 common iliac arteries and 1 bifurcated endograft). Mean clinical and radiological follow-up were 32.6±9.9 and 29.8±21.1 months, respectively. Forty-two (7.3%) patients underwent reinterventions in the follow-up period. The overall postoperative reintervention rate was 8.9%. Both external and common iliac segments occluded in 30 (4.6%) IBDs; 2 patients had a crossover bypass and 14 were treated with endovascular techniques. In the other 14 patients, no specific treatment was performed. Seven (1.2%) patients with isolated EIA occlusion were treated during follow-up. Nineteen of the overall 28 patients with type I endoleak underwent endovascular repair. The other 9 were under radiological surveillance due to less significant (<5 mm) sac increase. No reintervention was performed to recanalize 11 (1.6%) occluded internal iliac arteries. Conclusion: Midterm experience with placement of IBDs is associated with a low incidence of secondary procedures due to type I endoleaks and occlusions. The main reasons for reinterventions seem to be short proximal sealing zone and poor conformability of the ZBIS device in elongated EIAs.
Ballistic wearable electronic vest design
Authors: Bilir Mehmet Zahit , Gürcüm Banu Hatice
Published: May 2017

In present study, electronic vests were designed by using conductive textile material and electronic circuits. The objective was to sense armed assaults and transmit the coordinates and position of gun fire instantly to the headquarters. Another objective is to provide instant emergency respond for injuries at vital sections of the body and to capture perpetrators quickly. To reach the desired targets, silver-coated conductive yarn, polyamide plain weave and various circuit components were used. Silver-coated conductive yarn was used to form sensor unit of the electronic vest and stitched over polyamide fabric in 3 mm intervals. Main vest section was prepared in medium size and conductive-yarn sensor unit was installed to the vest with a velcro system. Classical and Surface Mount Device (SMD) circuit technologies were used in circuit units to sense bullet intrusion and transmit the case to operational center. Two different circuit designs were tested at a shooting range and the outcomes were assessed and compared for two different circuits. It was observed in shooting tests that both vests were able to sense bullet intrusions in case of an assault and to transmit the shot message with the coordinates and position of the shoot correctly.
Three-Phase Adaptive Radiation Therapy for Patients With Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Undergoing Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy: Dosimetric Analysis
Authors: Deng Shan , Liu Xu , Lu Heming , Huang Huixian , Shu Liuyang , Jiang Hailan , Cheng Jinjian , Peng Luxing , Pang Qiang , Gu Junzhao , Qin Jian , Lu Zhiping , Mo Ying , Wu Danling , Wei Yinglin
Published: May 2017

Patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma undergoing intensity-modulated radiation therapy may experience significant anatomic changes throughout the entire treatment course, and adaptive radiation therapy may be necessary to maintain optimal dose delivered both to the targets and to the critical structures. The timing of adaptive radiation therapy, however, is largely unknown. This study was to evaluate the dosimetric benefits of a 3-phase adaptive radiation therapy technique for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Twenty patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy were recruited prospectively. After fractions 5 and 15, each patient had repeat computed tomography scans, and adaptive replans with recontouring the targets and organs at risk on the new computed tomography images were generated and used for subsequent treatment (replan 1 and replan 2). Two hybrid intensity-modulated radiation therapy plans (plan 1 and plan 2) were generated by superimposing the initial plan (plan 0) to each repeated new computed tomography image, reflecting the actual dose delivered to the targets and organs at risk if no changes were made to the original plan. Dosimetric comparisons were made between the adaptive replans (adaptive radiation therapy plans: plan 0 + replan 1 + replan 2) and their corresponding nonadaptive radiation therapy plans (plan 0 + plan 1 + plan 2). Comparing with the nonadaptive radiation therapy plans, the adaptive radiation therapy plans resulted in a significant improvement in conformity index for planning target volumes for primary disease, involved lymph node, high-risk clinical target volume, and low-risk clinical target volume (PTVnx, PTVnd, PTV1, and PTV2, respectively). Median V95 for PTVnx; D95, D99, V100, V95, and V93 for PTVnd; D99 and V100 for PTV1; and D95, D99, V100, V95, and V93 for PTV2 were increased significantly. There were significant dose–volume reductions, including maximum doses to the brainstem and temporal lobes, mean doses to the glottis, V50 for the supraglottis, Dmean and V30 for the left parotid, median dose to the right optic nerve, and V55 for the skin. The 3-phase adaptive intensity-modulated radiation therapy for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma results in improvements in target coverage and conformity index and decreased doses to some organs at risk.
Review of Techniques to Achieve Optical Surface Cleanliness and Their Potential Application to Surgical Endoscopes
Authors: Kreeft Davey , Arkenbout Ewout Aart , Henselmans Paulus Wilhelmus Johannes , van Furth Wouter R. , Breedveld Paul
Published: May 2017

A clear visualization of the operative field is of critical importance in endoscopic surgery. During surgery the endoscope lens can get fouled by body fluids (eg, blood), ground substance, rinsing fluid, bone dust, or smoke plumes, resulting in visual impairment. As a result, surgeons spend part of the procedure on intermittent cleaning of the endoscope lens. Current cleaning methods that rely on manual wiping or a lens irrigation system are still far from ideal, leading to longer procedure times, dirtying of the surgical site, and reduced visual acuity, potentially reducing patient safety. With the goal of finding a solution to these issues, a literature review was conducted to identify and categorize existing techniques capable of achieving optically clean surfaces, and to show which techniques can potentially be implemented in surgical practice. The review found that the most promising method for achieving surface cleanliness consists of a hybrid solution, namely, that of a hydrophilic or hydrophobic coating on the endoscope lens and the use of the existing lens irrigation system.
Arthroscopic Assisted Resection of Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Lesions: A 19-Year Follow-up
Authors: Soreide Endre , Haugstvedt Jan-Ragnar , Husby Torstein
Published: May 2017

Background: This study assesses long-term functional and subjective outcomes following arthroscopic assisted resection of lesions of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). Methods: Functional and subjective outcomes were assessed based on review of patient charts for patient demographic characteristics, comprehensive clinical evaluation, obtained radiographs, and patient-reported questionnaires. Results: Fifteen patients, of whom 9 were female, and 10 dominant wrists, were included in this study. Median age was 60 (range, 37-73) years, and median duration of follow-up was 19 (range, 18-21) years. Median Mayo Wrist Score was 85 (range, 45-100). Four patients scored excellent, 7 good, 3 fair, and 1 poor result according to the Modified Mayo Wrist Score. Median Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Arm was 20 (range, 0-45) and Patient-Rated Wrist and Hand Evaluation was 8 (range, 0-61). Patients reported high rate for satisfaction and low rate for pain. All patients presented intact stability of the distal radioulnar joint. Conclusions: This study demonstrates persisting satisfactory subjective and functional outcomes for patients following arthroscopic assisted resection for lesions of the TFCC at 19 years of follow-up. Arthroscopically assisted resection of selected TFCC lesions seems to be both a safe and efficient procedure.
Temperature Rise in Kirschner Wires Inserted Using Two Drilling Methods: Forward and Oscillation
Authors: Anderson Scott Richard , Inceoglu Serkan , Wongworawat Montri D.
Published: May 2017

Background: Kirschner wires (K-wires) are commonly used in orthopedic surgery. However, the loosening of the pins can lead to delayed or improper healing or infection. Wire loosening can occur by thermal necrosis that occurs due to heat produced during wire insertion. Although the parameters that affect temperature rise in cortical bone during wire insertion and drilling have been studied, the effect of drilling mode (oscillation versus forward) is unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare the temperature changes occurring in cortical bone during wire insertions by oscillating and forward drills. Our hypothesis is that oscillation drilling would produce less heat compared with forward drilling in K-wire insertion with 2 commonly used wire diameters. Methods: We drilled K-wires in a pig metacarpal model and measured the temperature rise between forward and oscillation drilling modes using diamond-tipped 0.062- and 0.045-inch-diameter K-wires. There were 20 holes drilled for each group (n = 20). Results: The average temperature rise using the 0.062-inch K-wire under forward and oscillation insertion was 14.0 ± 5.5°C and 8.8 ± 2.6°C, respectively. For the 0.045-inch K-wire, under forward and oscillation insertion, the average temperature rise was 11.4 ± 2.6°C and 7.1 ± 1.9°C, respectively. The effects of the drilling mode and wire diameter on temperature rise were significant ( P < .05). Conclusions: In conclusion, the oscillation of K-wires during insertion causes a lower temperature rise when compared with forward drilling.
Governing body nurses’ experiences of clinical commissioning groups: an observational study of two clinical commissioning groups in England
Authors: Allan Helen T , Dixon Roz , Lee Gay , Savage Jan , Tapson Christine
Published: May 2017

Clinical commissioning groups were set up under the Health & Social Care Act (2012) in England to commission healthcare services for local communities. Governing body nurses provide nursing leadership to commissioning services on clinical commissioning groups. Little is known about how nurses function on clinical commissioning groups. We conducted observations of seven formal meetings, three informal observation sessions and seven interviews from January 2015 to July 2015 in two clinical commissioning groups in the South of England. Implicit in the governing body nurse role is the enduring and contested assumption that nurses embody the values of caring, perception and compassion. This assumption undermines the authority of nurses in multidisciplinary teams where authority is traditionally clinically based. Emerging roles within clinical commissioning groups are not based on clinical expertise, but on well-established new public management concepts which promote governance over clinically-based authority. While governing body nurses claim an authority located in clinical and managerial expertise, this is contested by members of the clinical commissioning group and external stakeholders irrespective of whether it is aligned with clinical knowledge and practice or with new forms of management, as both disregard the type of expertise nurses in commissioning embody.
Is He a Dramatist? Or, Something Singular! Staging Dickensian Drama as Practice-Led Research
Authors: Robinson Joanna , Cox Jensen Oskar , Whipday Emma
Published: May 2017

Charles Dickens is not usually remembered as a dramatist; in fact, the contemporary success of his subsequently neglected dramatic writing is predicated on the absence of the authorial persona that we now consider ‘Dickensian’. Drawing on findings from a practice-led research project, which staged Dickens’s burletta Is She His Wife? or, Something Singular!, this article examines what performing this play can tell us about Dickensian dramaturgy and nineteenth-century theatrical culture. Interrogating the role of practice-led research in the study of nineteenth-century drama, we suggest that this methodology allows contemporary scholars to look beyond Dickens’s contemporary significance as a canonised literary and heritage figure. Our historically informed production illuminates the ways in which Dickens used material properties, music, and performance strategies to stage-manage his own disappearing act as a playwright.
Policing roulette: Sex workers’ perception of encounters with police officers in the indoor and outdoor sector in England
Authors: Klambauer Eva
Published: May 2017

The regulation of sex work continues to be a divisive topic in England and internationally. Policies governing the policing of the sex industry in England are continually revised and debated, but are seldom grounded in empirical evidence of sex workers’ experiences. Based on 49 qualitative interviews with sex workers in England, this article finds that indoor sex workers had far more positive experiences with the police than outdoor sex workers. Despite this difference, both indoor and outdoor sex workers perceive their interactions with the police through the lens of their stigmatized status as sex workers and do not expect respectful treatment by the police. This article presents compelling evidence that an enforcement-led approach to policing creates insuperable barriers to the success of protective policing.
The effectiveness of ultrasound guided hydrodistension and physiotherapy in the treatment of frozen shoulder/adhesive capsulitis in primary care: a single centre service evaluation
Authors: Bryant Michael , Gough Andrew , Selfe James , Richards Jim , Burgess Elizabeth
Published: May 2017

Background

Evidence for optimal non-operative treatment of frozen shoulder is lacking. The present study aimed to evaluate a treatment strategy for stage II to III frozen shoulder provided by the current primary care musculoskeletal service.

Methods

General practioner referrals of shoulder pain to the musculoskeletal service diagnosed with stage II to III frozen shoulder and who opted for a treatment strategy of hydrodistension and guided physiotherapy exercise programme over a 12-month period were evaluated for 6 months. Thirty-three patients were diagnosed with stage II to III frozen shoulder by specialist physiotherapists and opted for the treatment strategy. Outcome measures included Shoulder Pain Disability Index (SPADI) and Shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH), pain score and range of movement. Data were collected at baseline, as well as at 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 6 months.

Results

All patients significantly improved in shoulder symptoms on the SPADI and QuickDASH scores ( p < 0.001). Pain scores and range of shoulder movement flexion, abduction, external rotation showed significant improvement at all time points ( p < 0.001).

Conclusions

This service evaluation demonstrates that management of frozen shoulder stage II to III, as conducted by physiotherapists in a primary care setting utilizing hydrodistension and a guided exercise programme, represents an effective non-operative treatment strategy.
Three Cycles of Radiofrequency Ablation Are More Efficacious Than Two in the Management of Morton’s Neuroma
Authors: Brooks David , Parr Adam , Bryceson William
Published: May 2017

Background. Morton’s neuroma is a common cause of forefoot pain. Outcomes of conservative therapy are mixed and many patients undergo operative intervention. Radiofrequency ablation has recently gained favor as a treatment option, although the optimal regime is unknown. This study investigates the effectiveness of 2 versus 3 cycles of radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of Morton’s neuroma. Methods. We surveyed a cohort of patients with Morton’s neuroma who had progressed to radiofrequency ablation after failed conservative treatment. Patients received either 2 or 3 cycles of radiofrequency ablation by a single surgeon. We assessed patients based on their change in numerical pain rating scale, symptom improvement, complications, and progression to surgical excision through a series of telephone interviews. Outcomes between the 2 treatment arms were compared by parametric tests. Results. Twenty-eight patients were included in the study. Eighteen patients with 21 neuromas received 2 cycles and 10 patients with 11 neuromas received 3 cycles. Mean time of follow-up was 12.9 months. Overall, 88% of patients were either very or moderately satisfied with their outcome. In patients who received 2 cycles mean numerical pain scores decreased from 7.9 ± 1.1 to 3.4 ± 2.4 postprocedure. Three patients progressed to operative excision. In patients who received 3 cycles, numerical pain scores decreased from 8.0 ± 1.0 to 1.5 ± 2.0 postprocedure. One patient progressed to operative excision. Patients who received 3 cycles had reduced medium-term pain postoperatively compared with 2 cycles (3.4 ± 2.4 vs 1.5 ± 2.0, P = .011). Conclusion. Radiofrequency ablation provides a high rate of patient satisfaction in the treatment of Morton’s neuroma with few side effects. It appears that 3 cycles may be superior to 2 cycles but a randomized controlled trial will be required to confirm these results.

Levels of Evidence: Intervention, Level III: Comparative study without concurrent controls