bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laboratory Services in Support of Public Health: A Status Report
Authors: Wilcke Burton W. , Inhorn Stanley L. , Astles J. Rex , Su Bertina , Wright Abigail , White Vanessa A. 
Published: July 2017

Objectives. To assess Healthy People 2010 Objective 23–13 and its related sub-objectives measuring comprehensive laboratory services in support of essential public health programs, the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) collaborated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to create and administer a survey of state public health laboratories (PHLs). Methods. A committee of APHL, with representation from CDC, constructed the survey based on the 11 Core Functions of State Public Health Laboratories (hereafter, Core Functions)—the premise being that the extent to which they fulfilled these Core Functions would represent their level of providing or assuring comprehensive laboratory services in support of public health. The survey was distributed biennially to all state health agencies from 2004 to 2008, and respondents were given two months to complete it. Results. The response rate for all surveys was ≥90.2%. State PHLs were more likely to meet the sub-objectives relating to traditional functions (e.g., disease surveillance and reference testing) than other areas (e.g., food safety and environmental testing). Emergency preparedness fell in between. Overall, but most notably in the areas of food safety and training and education, there was improvement from 2006 to 2008, with the percentage of respondents who met more than half of the sub-objectives increasing from 58.7% in 2006 to 61.2% in 2008. Conclusions. The comprehensive laboratory services survey has been a valuable tool in measuring the laboratory infrastructure that underpins public health in the U.S. It will be necessary to continue monitoring laboratory infrastructure in this way to determine where the gaps in services exist and how they can best be addressed.
Knowledge and Perceptions of Quality Systems among Vermont Laboratorians
Authors: Blumen Steven R. , Naud Shelly , Palumbo Mary Val , McIntosh Barbara , Wilcke Burton W. 
Published: July 2017

Objectives. This article reports on a survey of medical laboratorians' knowledge of quality systems in their workplace and their perceptions about the effect of job function, education and training, professional credentials, and experience on the overall quality of testing and results. Methods. The Medical Laboratory Workforce Survey was designed and conducted in Vermont in 2005. Surveys were distributed to all laboratorians working in Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments-regulated laboratories throughout Vermont. Results were analyzed for statistical significance using the Fisher's exact test for overall group comparisons. Results. Laboratorians perceived that they were generally knowledgeable about the quality systems in place in their laboratories (96% considered themselves familiar with quality assurance [QA] measures in their laboratory), but meeting quality objectives and perceptions of factors that impact quality measures in the laboratory were variably influenced by the laboratorians' years of experience, professional credentials, organization type, and job title. Almost half (47%) of laboratorians said they did not have a role in deciding the QA measures, whereas 77% felt they had a significant impact on meeting the QA objectives. Conclusions. Not all laboratorians feel that they play a significant role in assuring quality or influencing quality measures used in the laboratory. All laboratorians should be encouraged to take an active approach to influence quality systems in the laboratory to ensure the highest quality health care possible.
Comparing Active and Passive Varicella Surveillance in Philadelphia, 2005–2010: Recommendations for the Transition to Nationwide Passive Varicella Disease Surveillance
Authors: Viner Kendra , Perella Dana , Lopez Adriana , Bialek Stephanie , Nguyen Michael , Spells Niya , Watson Barbara 
Published: July 2017

Objective. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) conducts active surveillance for varicella in West Philadelphia. For its approximately 300 active surveillance sites, PDPH mandates biweekly reports of varicella (including zero cases) and performs intensive case investigations. Elsewhere in Philadelphia, surveillance sites passively report varicella cases, and abbreviated investigations are conducted. We used active varicella surveillance program data to inform the transition to nationwide passive varicella surveillance. Methods. We compared classification of reported cases, varicella disease incidence, and reporting completeness for active and passive surveillance areas for 2005–2010. We assessed reporting completeness using capture-recapture analysis of 2- to 18-year-old cases reported by schools/daycare centers and health-care providers. Results. From 2005 to 2010, PDPH received 3,280 passive and 969 active surveillance varicella case reports. Most passive surveillance reports were classified as probable cases (18% confirmed, 56% probable, and 26% excluded), whereas nearly all of the active surveillance reports were either confirmed or excluded (36% confirmed, 11% probable, and 53% excluded). Overall incidence rates calculated using confirmed/probable cases were similar in the active and passive surveillance areas. Detection of laboratory-confirmed, breakthrough, and moderate-to-severe cases was equivalent for both surveillance areas. Conclusions. Although active surveillance for varicella results in better classified cases, passive surveillance provides comparable data for monitoring disease trends in breakthrough and moderate-to-severe varicella. To further improve passive surveillance in the two-dose-varicella vaccine era, jurisdictions should consider conducting periodic enhanced surveillance, encouraging laboratory testing, and collecting additional varicella-specific variables for passive surveillance.
Discussion of the Method of Study of the Effects of Vibratory Stress on the Primate Spine
Authors: Quandieu P. , Pellieux L. , Nogues C. , Longevialle C. , Borredon P. 
Published: July 2017

The exceptionally severe conditions of vibration and acceleration stresses sometimes encountered in aeronautics led the authors to develop a method to study the effects of such stresses on the spinal column. The experiment, conducted in a laboratory, specified the action of paravertebral muscle contraction on the transfer functions of intervertebral discs, and quantified the mechanical changes in the articular system resulting from the ablation of the nucleus pulposus. The validity of this method was tested through several types of examinations: radiological, histological, and physical. This latter test essentially included studies of the harmonic distortion of collected signals, of the coherence function relative to disc transfer functions, of signal amplitude and time average distribution histograms. The results of these examinations demonstrate the value of the method and the rationale of using a transfer function to study the response of the lumbar intervertebral disc to vibration.
One plus one equals three! Improving vocabulary acquisition and learning in pupils with speech and language impairments
Authors: Sim Iain 
Published: July 2017

This study describes the use of science with secondary-aged pupils to help devel op vocabulary acquisition in pupils with speech and language difficulties. It suggests that the teaching of specific vocabulary teaching objectives in practi cal teaching context can support children’s learning of scientific concepts. … the spoken word remains the simplest and the most powerful means of communication we have. (Jonathan Dimbleby, Richard Dimbleby Lecture, BBC 1996.)
Assessment of the perceptual threshold of touch (PTT) with high-frequency transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (Hf/TENS) in elderly patients with stroke: a reliability study
Authors: Eek Elsy , Engardt Margareta 
Published: July 2017

Objective: To evaluate the inter-rater reliability and reliability between occasions of assessing the perceptual threshold of touch (PTT) with high-frequency transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (Hf/TENS) in elderly patients with stroke. Design: A test–retest study of reliability using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and limits of agreement. Setting: Geriatric rehabilitation unit. Subjects: Thirty-two consecutive patients with stroke 3 65 years of age. Main outcome measures: Two-channel current stimulator TENS CEFAR Tempo with four self-adhesive skin electrodes. The stimulator delivered a high-frequency constant current of 40 Hz. The strength of the stimulation was quantifiable and assessed in milliampere (mA). Interventions: The assessments were performed on the hands and feet by two raters. The PTT was identified as the level registered in milliampere (mA) at which the patients perceived a tingling sensation. Results: The ICC values (0.94–0.99) were shown to be good for inter-rater reliability, as well as reliability between occasions. However an additional analysis with limits of agreement showed a high level of agreement for assessment of the hand but a moderate to low agreement for assessment of the foot where some bias was also identified. Clinical acceptable reliability: 3 1 mA for the hand and 3 5 mA for the foot are so far recommended for establishing real differences in clinical measures. Conclusion: Hf/TENS shows an overall high reliability for assessing the PTT of the hand and moderate to low reliability for the foot. Additional research with exclusion of bias is needed to determine the reliability of assessing the foot.
Community patient education and exercise for people with fibromyalgia: a parallel group randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hammond Alison , Freeman Kaye 
Published: July 2017

Objective: To evaluate the effects of a community patient education -exercise programme, using a cognitive-behavioural approach, for people with fibromyalgia. Design: A randomized, parallel group trial with assessments at 0, 4 and 8 months. Setting: Community leisure centres. Subjects: People with fibromyalgia ( n=183) attending a rheumatology outpatient department at a large district general hospital. Interventions: Participants were randomized to a patient education-exercise group ( n=97) or relaxation (attention control) group ( n=86). Main measures: The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (0-80; lower score means better health). Secondary outcomes included: the Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale(pain and other symptoms subscales: 1 -10 scale; higher scores mean greater self-efficacy) and self-reported improvement. Results: Fifty participants withdrew or were unable to attend and 133 completed and returned baseline questionnaires: patient education group ( n=71); relaxation group ( n=62); 120/133 participants were women. Average age was 48. 53 (SD 10.89) years. Follow-up ranged between 73 and 82% of questionnaires returned. At four months, there was a difference in average changes in total Fibromyalgia ImpactQuestionnaire scores between the two groups: patient education group -3.38 (SD 9.35); relaxation group 0.3 (SD 8.85); P=0.02. Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale scores were significantly higher in the patient education group: pain 0.59 (SD 1.45)compared to the relaxation group’s -0.12 (SD 1.22); P=0.003; other symptoms (patient education group 0.72 (SD 1.33); relaxation group 0.03 (SD 1.16); P=0.002). At eight months these differences were no longer apparent. Forty-seven per cent in the patient education group self-reported improvement compared with 13% in the relaxation group (ϰ=13.65; P=0.0001). Conclusion: Short-term improvements resulted from the education -exercise programme but were not sustained. Appropriate selection may improve efficacy.
The Importance of the Temperature and Lateral Pressure on the CFRP Joints Strength under Uniaxial Loading
Authors: Scarponi Claudio , Marini Giuseppe , Montanari Paolo 
Published: July 2017

The purpose of the present paper is to provide the assessment and evaluation results of the temperature and lateral pressure influence on the CFRP pin loaded joints strength while they are subjected to tension. The subject study is composed of the following two main parts: 1. the Experimental Results, which are obtained through the application of four (4) different lateral pressure conditions (none, low, medium, and high), and range of temperatures (room, + 60°C, + 80°C, -55°C, -100°C, and -150°C) 2. the Theoretical Results, which are obtained through the use of 2D finite element analysis In addition, the study provides an in depth description of the employed test methodology and a comparison of the numerical and experimental final results.
Aspects of the Tensile Response of Random Continuous Glass/Epoxy Composites
Authors: Okoli Okenwa I. , Smith G. F. 
Published: July 2017

The impact properties of a material represent its capacity to absorb and dissipate energies under impact shock loading. If a material is strain rate sensitive, its static mechanical properties cannot be used in designing against impact failure. In addition, the failure modes in dynamic conditions can be quite different from those observed in static tests. The effect of strain rate on failure mechanisms was investigated by viewing fractured surfaces of tensile specimens using a scanning electron microscope (S.E.M.). The relationship between the energy dissipated and fibre content was also evaluated. Tensile tests were conducted on a random continuous glass/epoxy laminate at increasing rates of strain. A second laminate (with random continuous glass reinforcement) was tested in tension at various fibre volume fractions in order to ascertain the relationship between fibre content and energy dissipated. The results suggest that although the fibres fail in a brittle mode, the matrix failure mode is dominant as strain rate is increased. In addition, increasing the test speed results in catastrophic failure due to enhanced crack propagation rate. The results also indicated that increasing the fibre volume fraction saw an initial increase in energy to a peak value, followed by a decrease as the fibre content was increased. This implies that there is a point where increasing the fibre volume fraction becomes detrimental to energy absorption. This has been identified as the point where there is poor wetting of the glass fibres, possibly due to the resin penetration of the glass being restricted by the packing density.
Environmental Insulation Thickness
Authors: Bowdidge J.R. 
Published: July 2017

This report introduced the new concept of Environmental Insulation Thickness which is defined with reference to the total pollution created during manufacture and saved during the use of insulation. Briefly, the EIT is the thickness of insulation beyond which no further reduction in pollution can be achieved by the additional use of insulation. The idea and method of calculation is similar to that used in the calculation of economic insulation thickness in which the total cost curve shows a minimum at the most economic thickness of insulation. Although the principles of the analyses are similar, the thicknesses which are given by the two approaches are very different because the Environmental insulation thicknesses are so high in comparison with those currently considered to be economic. It can be argued, however, that true costs should include environmental impacts. In this event, the two methods should approximate one to the other. The report shows the relationship between current insulation measures which are in use and points out that the Environmental Insulation Thickness represents the maximum potential for pollution saving through insulation irrespective of cost The report also demonstrates the opportunity we are afforded by insulation to mitigate the effects of our activity upon the environment
Research Note: Drug Use in San Diego Arrestees
Authors: Pennell Susan , Curtis Christine 
Published: July 2017

This research note describes the Drug Use Forecasting (DUF) program in San Diego jail facilities. Sponsored by the National Institute of Justice, the DUF program tracks drug use among arrestees through voluntary urine testing and a drug history interview. Results are used by policymakers to plan allocation of enforcement and treatment resources and link trends in drug use to intervention strategies. In June of 1987, two-thirds of the male DUF sample had positive results for drug use, increasing to 75% three months subsequent. Female arrestees were more likely than their male counterparts to test positive and admit injection of illicit drugs. The drug testing results confirm what law enforcement has suggested for some time- namely, that there is an association between drug use and crime.
Ostomy Patient Care Program
Authors: Gebhardt Margaret C. , Caiola Stephen M. , Eckel Fred M. 
Published: July 2017

The ostomate is often a forgotten patient with regards to proper psychological and emotional preparation for his surgery and proper continuing care of his ostomy. The pharmacist can play an important role in aiding the ostomy patient, especially in providing him adequate appliances and ostomy-care information. The development and implementation of the ostomy program of the N. C. Memorial Hospital Pharmacy is presented in detail. A brief explanation of why ostomy surgery is necessary, of the various types of ostomies and of the various appliances utilized is also presented. The following services of the program are described: Use of a patient profile card in order to have on record the patient's specific appliance and replacement parts; Fitting the new ostomate with the proper appliance and instructing him on its proper use; Interviewing patient on return clinic visits to determine if the patient is having ostomy-related problems or needs any replacement parts for his appliance; Providing patient's appliance needs through the mail or through communication with the patient's local community or hospital pharmacist, and Conducting a presurgical consultation with the future ostomate to briefly explain appliances and how their use will affect his life, plus answer questions which may be making him apprehensive.
Heparin-Induced Hyperkalemia
Authors: Aull Larry , Chao Helen , Coy Kevin 
Published: July 2017

Heparin-induced hypoaldosteronism leading to hyperkalemia is an uncommon adverse effect. It appears as though heparin blocks an enzymatic step in the synthesis of aldosterone, and reduced aldosterone levels may be evident as early as four days after initiation of therapy. Although all patients who receive heparin may have reduced aldosterone levels, most are able to compensate through increased renin production and therefore remain asymptomatic. However, patients on prolonged heparin therapy or those unable to adequately increase renin production (e.g., patients with diabetes or renal insufficiency) may exhibit signs of hypoaldosteronism, such as hyperkalemia. The assistance of Leanne Wierzbowski in manuscript preparation is acknowledged.
The Effects of β-Crystal Surface Roughening on Aluminum Adhesion to BOPP Film
Authors: Ruf Brenda L. 
Published: July 2017

Roughened tenter-process homopolymer biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) films were prepared by forming j3-crystals in cast polypropylene sheet and subsequently melting the 13-crystals as the sheet was stretched in the machine direction. The roughened films, along with unroughened control films, were corona treated and vacuum metallized with aluminum to 2.1 optical density and then extrusion laminated to a commercially produced BOPP film. Several different laminated metallized films were tested for aluminum adhesion. The roughened films exhibited poorer aluminum adhesion than the unroughened controls.
Sexual Orientation as Interpretation? Sexual Desires, Concepts, and Choice
Authors: Díaz-León E. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAre sexual orientations freely chosen? The idea that someone’s sexual orientation is not a choice is very influential in the mainstream LGBT political movement. But do we have good reasons to believe it is not a choice? Going against the orthodoxy, William Wilkerson has recently argued that sexual orientation is partly constituted by our interpretations of our own sexual desires, and we choose these interpretations, so sexual orientation is partly constituted by choice. In this paper I aim to examine the question of whether our interpretations of our own sexual desires are constitutive of our sexual orientations. I will argue that whereas Wilkerson’s argument for the claim that sexual orientations are in part constituted by our chosen interpretations of our sexual desires is not sound, there are good reasons for endorsing a weaker claim, namely, that there are different but equally apt descriptions of the same sexual desires, depending on which concepts we have.
Excitation functions of proton induced nuclear reactions on natFe up to 16 MeV, with emphasis on radiochemical determination of low cross sections
Authors: Uddin Md. Shuza , Chakraborty Animesh Kumer , Spellerberg Stefan , Spahn Ingo , Shariff Md. Asad , Rashid Md. Abdur , Qaim Syed M. 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Excitation functions for the formation of the radionuclides 56Co, 57Co, 58m+gCo and 54Mn via proton induced reactions on natural iron target were measured from their respective thresholds up to 16 MeV using the stacked-foil activation technique and HPGe detector γ-ray spectroscopy. In the threshold energy range, the low cross sections for 54Mn were measured radiochemically. All the measured values were compared with available experimental data and with theoretical calculations reproduced in TENDL-2015 nuclear data library. New data for the formation of 57Co, 58Co and 54Mn were obtained near their reaction thresholds. Other data obtained strengthen the database. Polynomial fittings of the data measured in this work as well as of all data sets (including the present data) were performed. The present data appear to be closer to theoretical calculations than the literature data.
Raising the Pole for Min in the Temple of Isis at Shanhūr
Authors: Minas-Nerpel Martina , De Meyer Marleen 
Published: July 2017

Summary
This article presents the translation and commentary of two unpublished offering scenes from the eastern and western external walls of the Roman period temple at Shanhūr. Pharaoh Claudius (41-54 CE) raises the pole for Min’s cult chapel and presents lettuce to the same god in the corresponding scene. The pole-raising scene is quite exceptional for many reasons, but mainly because a specific date is mentioned for this ritual, a unique element in all known pole-raising scenes so far, which enables us to date a local Min festival. The appendix provides a chronological and up-to-date overview of all known thirty-two pole-raising scenes from the Old Kingdom to the Roman Period.