bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cycle-Averaged Approximation of Heat Transfer Associated With Rayleigh-Plesset Gas Bubble Dynamics
Authors: Schmitt Kyle P. , Pellman Abby M. , Minichiello John C. 
Published: November 2015

The presence of entrained gas bubbles in a bubbly media leads to both dispersive and dissipative effects on a pressure wave traveling through the system. The complete set of equations used to model this process involves the combination of macroscopic pressure propagation and Rayleigh-Plesset oscillations of individual gas bubbles. This results in disparate temporal and spatial scales that are difficult to solve numerically inside of a CFD framework.
This paper presents a simplification to the set of governing equations that specifically eliminates the need to model individual bubble oscillations by using a cycle-averaged approximation. Results generated with the simplified model are verified against equivalent results considering the full set of governing equations. The approximation is shown to capture the behavior of interest — e.g., the variation in gas phase volume that alters the bulk modulus of the bubbly media or the net transfer of mechanical energy to heat — without the additional effort required to model rapid dynamics that do not contribute substantially to the pressure wave decay.
Comparison of Two Culture Methods for Use in Assessing Microbial Contamination of Duodenoscopes
Authors: Gazdik Michaela A. , Coombs Jana , Burke John P. , Lopansri Bert K. 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACT

Recent outbreaks of carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
infections associated with duodenoscopes used for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography have highlighted the challenge of cleaning and high-level disinfection of these instruments. The Food and Drug Administration has suggested that duodenoscope surveillance by microbiological culturing, along with strict adherence to reprocessing protocols, may help reduce the risk of duodenoscope-associated infection transmission. We developed and validated an effective, user-friendly duodenoscope sampling and culture protocol and compared its performance to the interim Centers for Disease Control and Prevention–recommended guidelines. Our protocol resulted in a 65% recovery rate for Gram-negative organisms, demonstrating a 2-fold increased recovery rate compared to the CDC method. The implementation of this protocol may increase the feasibility of duodenoscope surveillance for microbiology laboratories and endoscopy departments.
Development of the Quality Improvement Minimum Quality Criteria Set (QI-MQCS): a tool for critical appraisal of quality improvement intervention publications
Authors: Hempel Susanne , Shekelle Paul G , Liu Jodi L , Sherwood Danz Margie , Foy Robbie , Lim Yee-Wei , Motala Aneesa , Rubenstein Lisa V 
Published: November 2015

ObjectiveValid, reliable critical appraisal tools advance quality improvement (QI) intervention impacts by helping stakeholders identify higher quality studies. QI approaches are diverse and differ from clinical interventions. Widely used critical appraisal instruments do not take unique QI features into account and existing QI tools (eg, Standards for QI Reporting Excellence) are intended for publication guidance rather than critical appraisal. This study developed and psychometrically tested a critical appraisal instrument, the QI Minimum Quality Criteria Set (QI-MQCS) for assessing QI-specific features of QI publications.MethodsApproaches to developing the tool and ensuring validity included a literature review, in-person and online survey expert panel input, and application to empirical examples. We investigated psychometric properties in a set of diverse QI publications (N=54) by analysing reliability measures and item endorsement rates and explored sources of disagreement between reviewers.ResultsThe QI-MQCS includes 16 content domains to evaluate QI intervention publications: Organisational Motivation, Intervention Rationale, Intervention Description, Organisational Characteristics, Implementation, Study Design, Comparator Description, Data Sources, Timing, Adherence/Fidelity, Health Outcomes, Organisational Readiness, Penetration/Reach, Sustainability, Spread and Limitations. Median inter-rater agreement for QI-MQCS items was κ 0.57 (83% agreement). Item statistics indicated sufficient ability to differentiate between publications (median quality criteria met 67%). Internal consistency measures indicated coherence without excessive conceptual overlap (absolute mean interitem correlation=0.19). The critical appraisal instrument is accompanied by a user manual detailingWhat to consider,Where to lookandHow to rate.ConclusionsWe developed a ready-to-use, valid and reliable critical appraisal instrument applicable to healthcare QI intervention publications, but recognise scope for continuing refinement.
Are patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer getting appropriate DEXA scans? A District General Hospital experience
Authors: Dong Huan , Dayananda Pete , Preece Shay-Anne , Carmichael Amtul 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBreast cancer patients are often at high risk of fragility fractures partly due to adjuvant endocrine therapy such as aromatase inhibitors and chemotherapy. Baseline dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scanning is recommended as a standard of care in identifying patients who are at risk so they can be commenced on bone protective therapy.NICE guideline 80 – “Early and locally advanced breast cancer”[1] states that patients with early invasive breast cancer should have a baseline DEXA scan to assess BMD before the commencement of aromatase inhibitor treatment; if patients have treatment-induced menopause or are starting ovarian ablation/suppression therapy. We have audited the performance of a DGH against these guidelines with a target of 100% concordance.During a one year period (April 2012-April 2013), 100 patients with a new diagnosis of breast cancer were selected at random from the hospital coding database. 100 patients were chosen as this was a convenient sample size. We gathered information for these patients using electronic records, letters, and imaging. This showed a poor compliance of 38% against NICE guidelines. This in turn means that patients with low BMD at diagnosis of breast cancer are being under diagnosed and under treated, resulting in increased potential morbidity associated with fragility fractures. The interventions that resulted from this audit were: dissemination of these results to surgical and oncology departments, posters summarising the guidelines put up in breast clinics, and breast MDTs to discuss the need for DEXA scans for patients with breast cancer.A re-audit was performed for patients diagnosed with early, invasive breast cancer in January 2014 where a compliance of 90% was achieved. This represents a huge improvement in compliance from the baseline measure of 38%. In order to show that this improvement could be sustained, two further cycles were performed in February and March 2014, where the compliance was 92% and 100% respectively. Therefore the improvement in compliance was not only maintained but in fact the compliance increased even further during subsequent cycles.Hence we have achieved a large improvement in the quality of assessment of bone quality in breast cancer patients. Moreover, we have demonstrated the importance of the dissemination of information and education within a multidisciplinary setting.
Defining the palliative care patient: its challenges and implications for service delivery
Authors: Mitchell Helen , Noble Simon , Finlay Ilora , Nelson Annmarie 
Published: November 2015

BackgroundWithin the UK, general practitioners (GPs) are required to maintain a register of palliative patients under their care. The term ‘palliative’ when applied to patients encompasses a highly heterogeneous population with varying meanings amongst health professionals. We explored GPs views of what defines a palliative care patient in the context of identifying clinical service needs.MethodsAudiotaped semi-structured interviews were conducted with GPs to explore how they identify patients requiring inclusion on a palliative care register. Thematic analysis was undertaken and emerging themes identified.ResultsMajor themes suggested GPs found it difficult to define the palliative care patient. The decision to include a patient on the palliative care register was made as a multidisciplinary team. Patients not identified as ‘palliative’ were often discussed unofficially if care requirements were significant or prognosis uncertain. The needs of patients with non-malignant disease were considered equal to those with cancer but the challenges of identifying such patients greater. More emphasis was placed on intensity of care required than prognosis. Inclusion on a register triggered greater professional input and was considered beneficial to patient care.ConclusionsNo definition of the palliative care patient exists in working practice and without one there is a risk that some patients with palliative needs will not receive the necessary support, while others may access valuable resources before time. Achieving health policy targets which require identification of palliative patients will continue to be a challenge until a workable and reliable definition of the term ‘palliative’ is agreed upon.
Improving care for patients whose recovery is uncertain. The AMBER care bundle: design and implementation
Authors: Carey Irene , Shouls Susanna , Bristowe Katherine , Morris Michelle , Briant Linda , Robinson Carole , Caulkin Ruth , Griffiths Mathew , Clark Kieron , Koffman Jonathan , Hopper Adrian 
Published: November 2015

IntroductionDespite preferences to the contrary, 53% of deaths in England occur in hospital. Difficulties in managing clinical uncertainty can result in delayed recognition that a person may be approaching the end of life, and a failure to address his/her preferences. Planning and shared decision-making for hospital patients need to improve where an underlying condition responds poorly to acute medical treatment and there is a risk of dying in the next 1–2 months. This paper suggests an approach to improve this care.InterventionA care bundle (the AMBER care bundle) was designed by a multiprofessional development team, which included service users, utilising the model for improvement following an initial scoping exercise. The care bundle includes two identification questions, four subsequent time restricted actions and systematic daily follow-up.Clinical impactThis paper describes the development and implementation of a care bundle. From August 2011 to July 2012, 638 patients received care supported by the AMBER care bundle. In total 42.8% died in hospital and a further 14.5% were readmitted as emergencies within 30 days of discharge. Clinical outcome measures are in development.ConclusionsIt has been possible to develop a care bundle addressing a complex area of care which can be a lever for cultural change. The implementation of the AMBER care bundle has the potential to improve care of clinically uncertain hospital patients who may be approaching the end of life by supporting their recognition and prompting discussion of their preferences. Outcomes associated with its use are currently being formally evaluated.
The Egiin Davaa prehistoric rupture, central Mongolia: a large magnitude normal faulting earthquake on a reactivated fault with little cumulative slip located in a slowly deforming intraplate setting
Authors: Walker R. T. , Wegmann K. W. , Bayasgalan A. , Carson R. J. , Elliott J. , Fox M. , Nissen E. , Sloan R. A. , Williams J. M. , Wright E. 
Published: November 2015

Abstract

The prehistoric Egiin Davaa earthquake rupture is well-preserved in late Quaternary deposits within the Hangay Mountains of central Mongolia. The rupture is expressed by a semi-continuous 80 km-long topographic scarp. Geomorphological reconstructions reveal a relatively constant scarp height of 4–4.5 m and a NW-directed slip vector. Previous researchers have suggested that the scarp's exceptional geomorphological preservation indicates that it may correspond to an earthquake that occurred in the region
c.
500 years ago. However, we constrain the last rupture to have been at least 4 ka ago from morphological dating and <7.4 ka ago based on radiocarbon dating from one of two palaeoseismic trenches. Our study shows that discrete earthquake ruptures, along with details such as the locations of partially infilled fissures, can be preserved for periods well in excess of 1000 years in the interior of Asia, providing an archive of fault movements that can be directly read from the Earth's surface over a timescale appropriate for the study of slowly deforming continental interiors. The Egiin Davaa rupture involved
c.
8 m of slip which, along with the observations that it is largely unsegmented along its length and that the ratio of cumulative slip (
c.
250 m) to fault length (
c.
80 km) is small, suggests relatively recent reactivation of a pre-existing geological structure.

Supplementary material:
All scarp profiles are available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18871
A checklist of mammals of Kerala, India
Authors: Nameer P. O. 
Published: November 2015

<p>A checklist of mammals of Kerala State is presented in this paper. Accepted English names, scientific binomen, prevalent vernacular names in Malayalam, IUCN conservation status, endemism, Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act schedules, and the appendices in the CITES, pertaining to the mammals of Kerala are also given. The State of Kerala has 118 species of mammals, 15 of which are endemic to Western Ghats, and 29 species fall under the various threatened categories of IUCN. </p><div> </div>
Intraoperative end-tidal concentration of isoflurane in cats undergoing ovariectomy that received tramadol, buprenorphine or a combination of both
Authors: Bellini Luca , Mollo Antonio , Contiero Barbara , Busetto Roberto 
Published: November 2015

Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate the end-tidal concentration of isoflurane required to maintain heart and respiratory rate within ± 20% of basal measurement in cats undergoing ovariectomy that received buprenorphine, tramadol or a combination of both. Methods Thirty cats, divided into three groups, were enrolled in a simple operator-blinded, randomised study. Cats received acepromazine (0.03 mg/kg) and one of the following treatments: buprenorphine (0.02 mg/kg), tramadol (2 mg/kg) or a combination of both. Anaesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane titrated in order to maintain heart and respiratory rate within the target values recorded before premedication. Results Groups were similar for age, weight, dose of propofol administered, sedation and recovery scores. Cats receiving tramadol with buprenorphine were extubated earlier after isoflurane discontinuation. No statistical differences were detected in end-tidal fraction of isoflurane between buprenorphine alone or with tramadol. In cats that received tramadol or buprenorphine alone, ovarian pedicle traction caused a statistical increase in end-tidal isoflurane concentration compared with that measured during incision and suture of the skin. In cats that received the combination of tramadol plus buprenorphine no differences among surgical time points were observed. Conclusions and relevance Tramadol added to buprenorphine did not provide any advantage in decreasing the end-tidal fraction of isoflurane compared with buprenorphine alone, although it is speculated there may be an infra-additive interaction between tramadol and buprenorphine in cats.
Improving Accuracy of Grading and Referral of Diabetic Macular Edema Using Location and Extent of Hard Exudates in Retinal Photography
Authors: Litvin Taras V. , Weissenberg Camille R. , Daskivich Lauren P. , Zhou Qienyuan , Bresnick George H. , Cuadros Jorge A. 
Published: November 2015

Background: Hard exudates (HE) are used as a surrogate marker for sight-threatening diabetic macular edema (DME) in most telemedicine-based screening programs in the world. This study investigates whether proximity of HE to the center of the macula, and extent of HE are associated with greater clinically significant macular edema (CSME) severity. A novel method for associating optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans with CSME was developed. Methods: Eligible subjects were recruited from a DRS program in a community clinic in Oakland, California. Ocular fundus of each subject was imaged using 3-field 45-degree digital retinal photography and scanned using central 7-line spectral domain OCT. Two certified graders separated subjects into 2 groups, those with and without HE within 500 microns from the center of the macula. A modified DME severity scale, developed from Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study data and adapted to OCT thickness measurements, was used to stratify CSME into severe and nonsevere levels for all subjects. Results: The probabilities of severe CSME in groups 1 and 2 were 14.4% (95% CI: 8.2%-23.8%) and 9% (95% CI: 2.4%-25.5%), respectively ( P = .556). In post hoc analysis, increase in the number of sectors affected by HE within the central zone of the macula was associated with the increase in the probability of being diagnosed with severe CSME. Conclusion: We have proposed OCT-based classification of DME into severe and nonsevere CSME. Based on this limited analysis, severity of CSME is related more to extent of HE rather than proximity to the center of the macula.
Trenbolone Improves Cardiometabolic Risk Factors and Myocardial Tolerance to Ischemia-Reperfusion in Male Rats With Testosterone-Deficient Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Donner Daniel G. , Elliott Grace E. , Beck Belinda R. , Bulmer Andrew C. , Lam Alfred K. , Headrick John P. , Du Toit Eugene F. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe increasing prevalence of obesity adds another dimension to the pathophysiology of testosterone (TEST) deficiency (TD) and potentially impairs the therapeutic efficacy of classical TEST replacement therapy. We investigated the therapeutic effects of selective androgen receptor modulation with trenbolone (TREN) in a model of TD with the metabolic syndrome (MetS). Male Wistar rats (n=50) were fed either a control standard rat chow (CTRL) or a high-fat/high-sucrose (HF/HS) diet. After 8 weeks of feeding, rats underwent sham surgery or an orchiectomy (ORX). Alzet miniosmotic pumps containing either vehicle, 2-mg/kg·d TEST or 2-mg/kg·d TREN were implanted in HF/HS+ORX rats. Body composition, fat distribution, lipid profile, and insulin sensitivity were assessed. Infarct size was quantified to assess myocardial damage after in vivo ischaemia reperfusion, before cardiac and prostate histology was performed. The HF/HS+ORX animals had increased sc and visceral adiposity; circulating triglycerides, cholesterol, and insulin; and myocardial damage, with low circulating TEST compared with CTRLs. Both TEST and TREN protected HF/HS+ORX animals against sc fat accumulation, hypercholesterolaemia, and myocardial damage. However, only TREN protected against visceral fat accumulation, hypertriglyceridaemia, and hyperinsulinaemia and reduced myocardial damage relative to CTRLs. TEST caused widespread cardiac fibrosis and prostate hyperplasia, which were less pronounced with TREN. We propose that TEST replacement therapy may have contraindications for males with TD and obesity-related MetS. TREN treatment may be more effective in restoring androgen status and reducing cardiovascular risk in males with TD and MetS.
The Battle for Open by Martin Weller
Authors: MacDonald Marion 
Published: November 2015

“The Battle for Open” by Martin Weller was published on 28 November 2014 and is available in a number of formats from Ubiquity Press. Following the principles of openness, it has been made available under the CC-BY licence which allows one to share the book or even adapt its contents as long as the book is correctly cited.To the reader who is familiar with the discussions promoting open education, the book provides a clear, concise history leading up to the current state of play and the issues that are presently to the fore. If you are a newcomer to the debate, this book would be a good place to start.Weller calls advocates for open access to education to become active in the battle to ensure that the original principles of “openness” are not lost and looks at ways an educational institution might handle the changes brought about by the open education movement. This is an interesting book which looks at the issues of open access in education in depth, is thought-provoking and well worth reading.
Welfare-Improving Effect of a Small Number of Followers in a Stackelberg Model
Authors: Ino Hiroaki , Matsumura Toshihiro 
Published: November 2015

AbstractWe investigate a Stackelberg oligopoly model in which m leaders and $N - m$ followers compete. We find an important welfare effect that relates to anti-monopoly policies when we move from the Cournot model ($m = N$) to the Stackelberg model: Exchanging a small number of Cournot firms for Stackelberg followers always improves welfare under moderate conditions. This contrasts with the welfare effect that can reduce welfare when a small number of Cournot firms are exchanged for Stackelberg leaders. The key result behind this asymmetry is the contrasting limit results in the cases where m converges to N and m converges to 0. We also discuss the optimal number of leaders and the integer constraint for the number of firms.
Improved growth performance of Gracilariopsis heteroclada via short-term nitrogen enrichment
Authors: Santander-Avanceña Sheryll S. , Luhan Maria Rovilla J. , Felera-Panizales Jeralyn 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
This study examined the effect of short-term nitrogen (N) enrichment on Gracilariopsis heteroclada growth and agar quality. Planting materials were soaked in different concentrations of ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) for 6 h. Total thallus N content was highest in Gp. heteroclada enriched in 300 mg l-1 NH4Cl. Growth experiments showed that this enrichment treatment (300 mg l-1 NH4Cl for 6 h) increased the growth of Gp. heteroclada (4.22±0.09% day-1) compared with the control (3.68±0.12% day-1). Pond culture using enriched Gp. heteroclada resulted in high growth rates (6.14±0.50% day-1). No epiphyte growth was observed during either the growth experiment or the pond culture. There were no significant differences between the agar yields of the enriched (3.65±0.36%) or control (3.78±0.18%) Gp. heteroclada. Additionally, no significant differences were detected when the gel strength of the enriched (611±22 g cm-2) and control (587±11 g cm-2) Gp. heteroclada were compared. The results suggest that the short-term N enrichment method could be an alternative culture strategy to increase Gp. heteroclada production and lower farming costs.
Ribosomal intergenic spacer (IGS) sequence can distinguish varieties of Pyropia yezoensis cultivated in China
Authors: He Yuan , Xu Jiajie , Li Xingchen , Shen Songdong , Zhu Jianyi , Shen Zonggen , Jiang Bo , Lu Qinqin 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
The ribosomal intergenic spacer (IGS) variation was compared for the nine main cultivated varieties of Pyropia yezoensis in China obtained from the Chinese National Pyropia Germplasm Repository. The full length of the IGS is 5984 bp including several sequence repeats and some complex structures. The sequence analysis of four partial IGS amplicons ranged from 3628 bp to 3776 bp; and the G+C content is 52.5%. Through similarity analysis and multiple sequence alignment of these partial IGS amplicons from the nine varieties, we have found 278 variable sites which account for approximately 7.5% of the whole IGS length. Both comparison of partial IGS sequences and phylogenetic analysis indicate high levels of genetic variation among different P. yezoensis cultivars in different areas of China. In comparison to the IGS of P. haitanensis, this study highlights the important function of classification of IGS in P. yezoensis. Therefore, the IGS sequence may be used to identify intraspecific variation in P. yezoensis.