bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Orchestrating care: nursing practice with hospitalised older adults
Authors: Dahlke Sherry Ann , Phinney Alison , Hall Wendy Ann , Rodney Patricia , Baumbusch Jennifer 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundThe increased incidence of health challenges with aging means that nurses are increasingly caring for older adults, often in hospital settings. Research about the complexity of nursing practice with this population remains limited.ObjectiveTo seek an explanation of nursing practice with hospitalised older adults.MethodsDesign. A grounded theory study guided by symbolic interactionism was used to explore nursing practice with hospitalised older adults from a nursing perspective. Glaserian grounded theory methods were used to develop a mid‐range theory after analysis of 375 hours of participant observation, 35 interviews with 24 participants and review of selected documents.ResultsThe theory of orchestrating care was developed to explain how nurses are continuously trying to manage their work environments by understanding the status of the patients, their unit, mobilising the assistance of others and stretching available resources to resolve their problem of providing their older patients with what they perceived as ‘good care’ while sustaining themselves as ‘good’ nurses. They described their practice environments as hard and under‐resourced. Orchestrating care is comprised of two subprocesses: building synergy and minimising strain. These two processes both facilitated and constrained each other and nurses’ abilities to orchestrate care.ConclusionsAlthough system issues presented serious constraints to nursing practice, the ways in which nurses were making meaning of their work environment both aided them in managing their challenges and constrained their agency.Implications for practiceNurses need to be encouraged to share their important perspective about older adult care. Administrators have a role to play in giving nurses voice in workplace committees and in forums. Further research is needed to better understand how multidisciplinary teams influence care of hospitalized older adults.
Refractive indices used by the Haag‐Streit Lenstar to calculate axial biometric dimensions
Authors: Suheimat Marwan , Verkicharla Pavan K. , Mallen Edward A. H. , Rozema Jos J. , Atchison David A. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractPurposeTo estimate refractive indices used by the Lenstar biometer to translate measured optical path lengths into geometrical path lengths within the eye.MethodsAxial lengths of model eyes were determined using the IOLMaster and Lenstar biometers; comparing those lengths gave an overall eye refractive index estimate for the Lenstar. Using the Lenstar Graphical User Interface, we noticed that boundaries between media could be manipulated and opposite changes in optical path lengths on either side of the boundary could be introduced. Those ratios were combined with the overall eye refractive index to estimate separate refractive indices. Furthermore, Haag‐Streit provided us with a template to obtain ‘air thicknesses’ to compare with geometrical distances.ResultsThe axial length estimates obtained using the IOLMaster and the Lenstar agreed to within 0.01 mm. Estimates of group refractive indices used in the Lenstar were 1.340, 1.341, 1.415, and 1.354 for cornea, aqueous, lens, and overall eye, respectively. Those refractive indices did not match those of schematic eyes, but were close in the cases of aqueous and lens. Linear equations relating air thicknesses to geometrical thicknesses were consistent with our findings.ConclusionThe Lenstar uses different refractive indices for different ocular media. Some of the refractive indices, such as that for the cornea, are not physiological; therefore, it is likely that the calibrations in the instrument correspond to instrument‐specific corrections and are not the real optical path lengths.
MicroRNA156 as a promising tool for alfalfa improvement
Authors: Aung Banyar , Gruber Margaret Y. , Amyot Lisa , Omari Khaled , Bertrand Annick , Hannoufa Abdelali 
Published: December 2014

SummaryA precursor of miR156 (MsmiR156d) was cloned and overexpressed in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) as a means to enhance alfalfa biomass yield. Of the five predicted SPL genes encoded by the alfalfa genome, three (SPL6, SPL12 and SPL13) contain miR156 cleavage sites and their expression was down‐regulated in transgenic alfalfa plants overexpressing miR156. These transgenic plants had reduced internode length and stem thickness, enhanced shoot branching, increased trichome density, a delay in flowering time and elevated biomass production. Minor effects on sugar, starch, lignin and cellulose contents were also observed. Moreover, transgenic alfalfa plants had increased root length, while nodulation was maintained. The multitude of traits affected by miR156 may be due to the network of genes regulated by the three target SPLs. Our results show that the miR156/SPL system has strong potential as a tool to substantially improve quality and yield traits in alfalfa.
Nuclear Power as a Basis for Future Electricity Generation
Authors: Pioro I. , Duffey R. 
Published: December 2014

It is well known that electrical power generation is the key factor for advances in industry, agriculture, technology, and standards of living. Also, a strong power industry with diverse energy sources is very important for a nation’s independence. In general, electrical energy can be generated from (1) burning mined and refined energy sources such as coal, natural gas, oil, and nuclear; and (2) harnessing energy sources such as hydro, biomass, wind, geothermal, solar, and wave power. Today, the main sources for electrical energy generation are (1) thermal power, primarily using coal and secondarily natural gas; (2) “large” hydraulic power from dams and rivers; and (3) nuclear power from various reactor designs. The balance of the energy sources is from using oil, biomass, wind, geothermal, and solar, which have a visible impact just in some countries. This paper presents the current status and role of the nuclear-power industry in the world with a comparison of nuclear-energy systems to other energy systems.
Investigation of the Circumferential Static Pressure Non-Uniformity Caused by a Centrifugal Compressor Discharge Volute
Authors: Sorokes James M. , Borer Cyril J. , Koch Jay M. 
Published: December 2014

The paper describes experimental and computational fluid dynamics analyses of the non-uniform static pressure distortion caused by the discharge volute in a high pressure, centrifugal compressor. The experiments described in this paper were done using a heavily instrumented gas re-injection compressor operating at over 6000 psia discharge. Instrumentation was installed to measure static, total, and dynamic pressure as well as impeller strain and mechanical vibrations. A brief description of the compressor and instrumentation are provided.
Concurrent with the experimental work, CFD runs were completed to study the reasons for the pressure non-uniformity. The CFD pressure profile trends agreed well with the experimental results and provided analytical corroboration for the conclusions drawn from the test data.
Conclusions are drawn regarding: a) the response of the non-uniformity to changing flow rates; b) the extent to which the non-uniformity can be detected upstream of the impeller; and c) the mechanical influences of the non-uniformity on the impellers.
Dry Low Emissions Premixer CCD Modeling and Validation
Authors: Hura Harjit S. , Joshi Narendra D. , Mongia Hukam C. , Tonouchi Jon 
Published: December 2014

Computational Combustion Dynamics has been used extensively at General Electric Company for combustion applications. This paper demonstrates an application of Advanced Combustion Code to GE’s lean premixed dry low NOx emissions LM2500 and LM6000 gas turbine combustors. A methodology for anchoring the Double Annular Counter-Rotating Swirler (DACRS) exit conditions to Laser Doppler Velocity data from a reacting single cup experiment is described. The DACRS exit velocity profiles and turbulence parameters are inlet boundary conditions for the annular combustor simulation. Since over 80 per cent of the total air enters the combustor via the premixers, inaccuracies in these boundary conditions have a significant impact on the predicted flame shape, liner temperatures and emissions.
The paper shows comparisons between measured and predicted velocity in a rectangular duct equipped with a single DACRS. The k-ε turbulence model and the two-step eddy break up/eddy dissipation combustion models are used to predict the reacting flow field of the natural gas/air flame. The inlet velocity profiles are developed first to match the LV data and the observed flame impingement location at nominal settings of the inlet turbulence parameters. The sum square error between measured and predicted velocity is used as the optimization function. Next, a design of experiment computational study is conducted to determine the inlet turbulence length scale and kinetic energy in order to further improve the data match. The eddy break up model is shown to be more robust than the eddy dissipation model. The eddy dissipation model resulted in slow combustion rates, and high fuel and carbon monoxide emissions.
An Experimental Study of Tip Clearance Flow in a Radial Inflow Turbine
Authors: Dambach R. , Hodson H. P. , Huntsman I. 
Published: December 2014

This paper describes an experimental investigation of tip clearance flow in a radial inflow turbine. Flow visualisation and static pressure measurements were performed. These were combined with hot-wire traverses into the tip gap. The experimental data indicates that the tip clearance flow in a radial turbine can be divided into three regions. The first region is located at the rotor inlet, where the influence of relative casing motion dominates the flow over the tip. The second region is located towards midchord, where the effect of relative casing motion is weakened. Finally a third region exists in the exducer, where the effect of relative casing motion becomes small and the leakage flow resembles the tip flow behaviour in an axial turbine.
Integration of the velocity profiles showed that there is little tip leakage in the first part of the rotor because of the effect of scraping. It was found that the bulk of tip leakage flow in a radial turbine passes through the exducer. The mass flow rate, measured at four chordwise positions, was compared with a standard axial turbine tip leakage model. The result revealed the need for a model suited to radial turbines. The hot-wire measurements also indicated a higher tip gap loss in the exducer of the radial turbine. This explains why the stage efficiency of a radial inflow turbine is more affected by increasing the radial clearance than by increasing the axial clearance.
GPU‐based prompt gamma ray imaging from boron neutron capture therapy
Authors: Yoon Do‐Kun , Jung Joo‐Young , Jo Hong Key , Sil Lee Keum , Suk Suh Tae 
Published: December 2014

Purpose:The purpose of this research is to perform the fast reconstruction of a prompt gamma ray image using a graphics processing unit (GPU) computation from boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) simulations.Methods:To evaluate the accuracy of the reconstructed image, a phantom including four boron uptake regions (BURs) was used in the simulation. After the Monte Carlo simulation of the BNCT, the modified ordered subset expectation maximization reconstruction algorithm using the GPU computation was used to reconstruct the images with fewer projections. The computation times for image reconstruction were compared between the GPU and the central processing unit (CPU). Also, the accuracy of the reconstructed image was evaluated by a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.Results:The image reconstruction time using the GPU was 196 times faster than the conventional reconstruction time using the CPU. For the four BURs, the area under curve values from the ROC curve were 0.6726 (A‐region), 0.6890 (B‐region), 0.7384 (C‐region), and 0.8009 (D‐region).Conclusions:The tomographic image using the prompt gamma ray event from the BNCT simulation was acquired using the GPU computation in order to perform a fast reconstruction during treatment. The authors verified the feasibility of the prompt gamma ray image reconstruction using the GPU computation for BNCT simulations.
Characterization of the Exradin W1 scintillator for use in radiotherapy
Authors: Carrasco P. , Jornet N. , Jordi O. , Lizondo M. , Latorre‐Musoll A. , Eudaldo T. , Ruiz A. , Ribas M. 
Published: December 2014

Purpose:To evaluate the main characteristics of the Exradin W1 scintillator as a dosimeter and to estimate measurement uncertainties when used in radiotherapy.Methods:We studied the calibration procedure, energy and modality dependence, short‐term repeatability, dose‐response linearity, angular dependence, temperature dependence, time to reach thermal equilibrium, dose‐rate dependence, water‐equivalent depth of the effective measurement point, and long‐term stability. An uncertainty budget was derived for relative and absolute dose measurements in photon and electron beams.Results:Exradin W1 showed a temperature dependence of −0.225% °C−1. The loss of sensitivity with accumulated dose decreased with use. The sensitivity of Exradin W1 was energy independent for high‐energy photon and electron beams. All remaining dependencies of Exradin W1 were around or below 0.5%, leading to an uncertainty budget of about 1%. When a dual channel electrometer with automatic trigger was not used, timing effects became significant, increasing uncertainties by one order of magnitude.Conclusions:The Exradin W1 response is energy independent for high energy x‐rays and electron beams, and only one calibration coefficient is needed. A temperature correction factor should be applied to keep uncertainties around 2% for absolute dose measurements and around 1% for relative measurements in high‐energy photon and electron beams. The Exradin W1 scintillator is an excellent alternative to detectors such as diodes for relative dose measurements.
Sialic Acid-Binding Protein
Sp
2CBMTD Protects Mice against Lethal Challenge with Emerging Influenza A (H7N9) Virus
Authors: Govorkova Elena A. , Baranovich Tatiana , Marathe Bindumadhav M. , Yang Lei , Taylor Margaret A. , Webster Robert G. , Taylor Garry L. , Connaris Helen 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACT

Compounds that target the cellular factors essential for influenza virus replication represent an innovative approach to antiviral therapy.
Sp
2CBMTD is a genetically engineered multivalent protein that masks sialic acid-containing cellular receptors on the respiratory epithelium, which are recognized by influenza viruses. Here, we evaluated the antiviral potential of
Sp
2CBMTD against lethal infection in mice with an emerging A/Anhui/1/2013 (H7N9) influenza virus and addressed the mechanistic basis of its activity
in vivo. Sp
2CBMTD was administered to mice intranasally as a single or repeated dose (0.1, 1, 10, or 100 μg) before (day −7, −3, and/or −1) or after (6 or 24 h) H7N9 virus inoculation. A single
Sp
2CBMTD dose (10 or 100 μg) protected 80% to 100% of the mice when administered 7 days before the H7N9 lethal challenge. Repeated
Sp
2CBMTD administration conferred the highest protection, resulting in 100% survival of the mice even at the lowest dose tested (0.1 μg). When treatment began 24 h after exposure to the H7N9 virus, a single administration of 100 μg of
Sp
2CBMTD protected 40% of the mice from death. The administration of
Sp
2CBMTD induced the pulmonary expression of proinflammatory mediators (interleukin-6 [IL-6], IL-1β, RANTES, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 [MCP-1], macrophage inflammatory protein-1α [MIP-1α], and inducible protein [IP-10]) and recruited neutrophils to the respiratory tract before H7N9 virus infection, which resulted in less pronounced inflammation and rapid virus clearance from mouse lungs.
Sp
2CBMTD administration did not affect the virus-specific adaptive immune response, which was sufficient to protect against reinfection with a higher dose of homologous H7N9 virus or heterologous H5N1 virus. Thus,
Sp
2CBMTD was effective in preventing H7N9 infections in a lethal mouse model and holds promise as a prophylaxis option against zoonotic influenza viruses.
Caprylic Acid and Glyceryl Trinitrate Combination for Eradication of Biofilm
Authors: Rosenblatt Joel , Reitzel Ruth A. , Raad Issam 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACT

There is a growing need for biocompatible, broad-spectrum, nonantibiotic, antimicrobial treatments because of the frequent ineffectiveness of antibiotics against biofilms and the increasing incidence of antibiotic resistance. In this study, we demonstrate rapid and complete biofilm eradication in an
in vitro
model with synergistic combinations of glyceryl trinitrate and caprylic acid against resistant Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and fungal biofilms.
Use and Clinical Interpretation of Pneumococcal Antibody Measurements in the Evaluation of Humoral Immune Function
Authors: Daly Thomas M. , Hill Harry R. 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTPneumococcal vaccination is a commonly used technique for assessing the humoral immune status of a patient suspected of having immunodeficiency. Interpretation of what constitutes an adequate response, however, can be challenging. This is due to the complexity of the data generated from serotype-specific assays, historical variations in the assays used to measure pneumococcal antibodies, and varying recommendations on the relevant cut points that define response. In this review, we summarize the historical evolution of assays used for this purpose and discuss the analytical considerations that have influenced published data. We also examine current clinical recommendations for defining an adequate response to vaccination, with a particular focus on the interpretation of serotype-specific data generated by multiplex assays.
Human Adenovirus Type 7 Infection Associated with Severe and Fatal Acute Lower Respiratory Illness and Nosocomial Transmission
Authors: Cui Xianyan , Wen Liang , Wu Zhihao , Liu Nan , Yang Chaojie , Liu Wei , Ba Zhongwei , Wang Jian , Yi Shengjie , Li Hao , Liang Beibei , Li Peng , Jia Leili , Hao Rongzhang , Wang Ligui , Hua Yuejin , Wang Yong , Qiu Shaofu , Song Hongbin 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACT
A 23-year-old male died of severe pneumonia and respiratory failure in a tertiary hospital in Beijing, and 4 out of 55 close contacts developed fever. Molecular analysis confirmed human adenovirus type 7 (HAdV7) as the causative agent. We highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment and proper transmission control of HAdV7.
Structure of an Enteric Pathogen, Bovine Parvovirus
Authors: Kailasan Shweta , Halder Sujata , Gurda Brittney , Bladek Heather , Chipman Paul R. , McKenna Robert , Brown Kevin , Agbandje-McKenna Mavis 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACT

Bovine parvovirus (BPV), the causative agent of respiratory and gastrointestinal disease in cows, is the type member of the
Bocaparvovirus
genus of the
Parvoviridae
family. Toward efforts to obtain a template for the development of vaccines and small-molecule inhibitors for this pathogen, the structure of the BPV capsid, assembled from the major capsid viral protein 2 (VP2), was determined using X-ray crystallography as well as cryo-electron microscopy and three-dimensional image reconstruction (cryo-reconstruction) to 3.2- and 8.8-Å resolutions, respectively. The VP2 region ordered in the crystal structure, from residues 39 to 536, conserves the parvoviral eight-stranded jellyroll motif and an αA helix. The BPV capsid displays common parvovirus features: a channel at and depressions surrounding the 5-fold axes and protrusions surrounding the 3-fold axes. However, rather than a depression centered at the 2-fold axes, a raised surface loop divides this feature in BPV. Additional observed density in the capsid interior in the cryo-reconstructed map, compared to the crystal structure, is interpreted as 10 additional N-terminal residues, residues 29 to 38, that radially extend the channel under the 5-fold axis, as observed for human bocavirus 1 (HBoV1). Surface loops of various lengths and conformations extend from the core jellyroll motif of VP2. These loops confer the unique surface topology of the BPV capsid, making it strikingly different from HBoV1 as well as the type members of other
Parvovirinae
genera for which structures have been determined. For the type members, regions structurally analogous to those decorating the BPV capsid surface serve as determinants of receptor recognition, tissue and host tropism, pathogenicity, and antigenicity.

IMPORTANCE
Bovine parvovirus (BPV), identified in the 1960s in diarrheic calves, is the type member of the
Bocaparvovirus
genus of the nonenveloped, single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)
Parvoviridae
family. The recent isolation of human bocaparvoviruses from children with severe respiratory and gastrointestinal infections has generated interest in understanding the life cycle and pathogenesis of these emerging viruses. We have determined the high-resolution structure of the BPV capsid assembled from its predominant capsid protein VP2, known to be involved in a myriad of functions during host cell entry, pathogenesis, and antigenicity for other members of the
Parvovirinae
. Our results show the conservation of the core secondary structural elements and the location of the N-terminal residues for the known bocaparvovirus capsid structures. However, surface loops with high variability in sequence and conformation give BPV a unique capsid surface topology. Similar analogous regions in other
Parvovirinae
type members are important as determinants of receptor recognition, tissue and host tropism, pathogenicity, and antigenicity.
Tobacco smoking and risk of endometriosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bravi Francesca , Parazzini Fabio , Cipriani Sonia , Chiaffarino Francesca , Ricci Elena , Chiantera Vito , Viganò Paola , La Vecchia Carlo 
Published: December 2014

ObjectiveSince conflicting results have been published on the role of tobacco smoking on the risk of endometriosis, we provide an up-to-date summary quantification of this potential association.DesignWe performed a PubMed/MEDLINE search of the relevant publications up to September 2014, considering studies on humans published in English. We searched the reference list of the identified papers to find other relevant publications. Case–control as well as cohort studies have been included reporting risk estimates on the association between tobacco smoking and endometriosis. 38 of the 1758 screened papers met the inclusion criteria. The selected studies included a total of 13 129 women diagnosed with endometriosis.SettingAcademic hospitals.Main outcome measureRisk of endometriosis in tobacco smokers.ResultsWe obtained the summary estimates of the relative risk (RR) using the random effect model, and assessed the heterogeneity among studies using the χ2test and quantified it using the I2statistic. As compared to never-smokers, the summary RR were 0.96 (95% CI 0.86 to 1.08) for ever smokers, 0.95 (95% CI 0.81 to 1.11) for former smokers, 0.92 (95% CI 0.82 to 1.04) for current smokers, 0.87 (95% CI 0.70 to 1.07) for moderate smokers and 0.93 (95% CI 0.69 to 1.26) for heavy smokers.ConclusionsThe present meta-analysis provided no evidence for an association between tobacco smoking and the risk of endometriosis. The results were consistent considering ever, former, current, moderate and heavy smokers, and across type of endometriosis and study design.