bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Make it explicit!’: Improving collaboration through increase of script coercion
Authors: Papadopoulos P.M. , Demetriadis S.N. , Weinberger A.
Published: July 2013

This paper investigates the impact of the proposed ‘Make It Explicit!’ technique on students' learning when participating in scripted collaborative activities. The method posits that when asking students to proactively articulate their own positions explicitly, then improved peer interaction is triggered in a subsequent collaborative session. Forty‐two (42) students worked collaboratively in dyads on a peer‐review‐scripted task with the aid of a Web‐based technological system. Students were asked to individually study the same material and produce answers to study questions, review their peer's work and, finally, produce collaboratively revised common answers to the study questions. Dyads were randomly assigned in two conditions: low coercion (LC) and high coercion (HC). In theHCcondition, students were required to write and submit to the system their reviews, prior to the task of producing the common answers to the study questions. In theLCcondition, instead, submitting the individual review to the system was optional. By collecting and analysing both quantitative (pre‐ and post‐test scores, measures of individual and collaborative learning) and qualitative (interviews, log files) data, it is shown that students in theHCcondition applied better collaboration patterns and outperformed students in theLCcondition in acquiring domain conceptual knowledge. Overall, this work analyses key aspects of implementing the ‘Make It Explicit!’ technique and concludes that it can efficiently improve collaborative learning outcomes by increasing script coercion.
Role of thiazolidinediones, insulin sensitizers, in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Chang Eugene , Park Cheol‐Young , Park Sung Woo
Published: July 2013

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome, obesity and insulin resistance has become an epidemic in the world. A strong association exists between metabolic syndrome and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), though the etiology of NAFLD is still unclear. This close association leads to numerous clinical studies to investigate the effects of insulin sensitizers, thiazolidinediones (TZDs), on hepatic fat accumulation. Thiazolidinediones affect glucose and lipid metabolism in insulin‐sensitive tissues, which in turn reduces the lipid content in the liver by modulating several mediators. In the present review, we discuss key modulators – adiponectin and sirtulin‐adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase signaling – as the mechanisms responsible for NAFLD related to metabolic syndrome.
Out‐of‐season production of 17,20β‐dihydroxypregn‐4‐en‐3‐one in the roach Rutilus rutilus
Authors: Scott A. P. , Hill T. , Beresford N. , Runnalls T. J. , Sumpter J. P. , Ellis T.
Published: July 2013

In this study, although the highest production of two physiologically significant progestins in teleosts [17,20β‐dihydroxypregn‐4‐en‐3‐one (17,20β‐P) and 17,20β,21‐trihydroxypregn‐4‐en‐3‐one (17,20β,21‐P)] was observed in the period just prior to spawning in both male and female roach Rutilus rutilus, there was also a substantial production (mean levels of 5–10 ng ml−1 in blood; and a rate of release of 5–20 ng fish−1 h−1 into the water) in males and females in the late summer and early autumn (at least 7 months prior to spawning). During this period, the ovaries were increasing rapidly in size and histological sections were dominated by oocytes in the secondary growth phase [i.e. incorporation of vitellogenin (VTG)]. At the same time, the testes were also increasing rapidly in size and histological sections were dominated by cysts containing mainly spermatogonia type B. Measurements were also made of 11‐ketotestosterone (11‐KT) in males and 17β‐oestradiol and VTG in females. The 3 months with the highest production of 11‐KT coincided with the period that spermatozoa were present in the testes. In females, the first sign of a rise in 17β‐oestradiol concentrations coincided with the time of the first appearance of yolk globules in the oocytes (in August). The role of the progestins during the late summer and autumn has not been established.
Effects of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on the diet of Bathyraja macloviana, a benthophagous skate
Authors: Barbini S. A. , Scenna L. B. , Figueroa D. E. , Díaz de Astarloa J. M.
Published: July 2013

The effects of intrinsic (sex, maturity stage and body size) and extrinsic (depth and region) factors on the diet of Bathyraja macloviana, in the south‐west Atlantic Ocean, were evaluated using a multiple‐hypothesis modelling approach. Bathyraja macloviana fed mainly on polychaetes followed by amphipods, isopods and decapods. Effects of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on diet composition of this species were found. The consumption of polychaetes had a humped relationship with total length (LT), and isopods and decapods increased with increasing LT. Immature individuals preyed on amphipods more heavily than mature individuals. Furthermore, region and depth had an important effect on the consumption of isopods, decapods and amphipods. Such ontogenetic changes and spatial patterns may provide insights into understanding the regulatory mechanisms of marine communities.
Commentary: Of Course It Is All About Attachment!
Authors: Johnson Susan , Greenman Paul
Published: July 2013

In the reply to the Bensen et al. article, we suggest that representation of the relationship between attachment and relationship satisfaction, the understanding of relationship specific versus general attachment, and the understanding of EFT presented in the paper are incorrect. We also find the analyses and conclusions of the paper highly questionable. It is however, encouraging to find that the field of couple therapy is recognizing the relevance of attachment theory as a core variable in adult bonding relationships and one that must be taken into account in the creation of change in such relationships.
Nonthyroidal illness: a risk factor for coronary calcification and arterial stiffness in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis?
Authors: Meuwese Christiaan L. , Carrero Juan J. , Cabezas‐Rodríguez Iván , Heimburger Olof , Barany Peter , Lindholm Bengt , Qureshi Abdul R. , Ripsweden Jonaz , Dekker Friedo W. , Stenvinkel Peter
Published: July 2013

Objectives

Low triiodothyronine levels, as part of the nonthyroidal illness syndrome, are common in dialysis patients and have repeatedly been shown to be associated with increased (cardiovascular) mortality rates. We hypothesized that increased vascular calcification may mediate this relationship.

Methods

A total of 84 patients from the Stockholm region receiving maintenance peritoneal dialysis were included in the study. Serum concentrations of free triiodothyronine (fT3), thyroxine and thyroid‐stimulating hormone were measured. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores were assessed by cardiac computed tomography scans. Surrogates of arterial stiffness included aortic diastolic and systolic blood pressures, pulse pressure, augmentation pressure and Buckberg's subendocardial viability ratio measured by pulse waveform analyses. Patients were subsequently followed, and events of death and censoring were recorded. Thyroid hormone concentrations were associated with CAC scores, measures of arterial stiffness and all‐cause mortality. The associations between CAC scores and arterial stiffness surrogates and mortality were also determined to evaluate a possible causal pathway.

Results

Both CAC scores and arterial stiffness surrogates were substantially higher in individuals with low fT3 levels. These associations persisted in multivariate logistic and linear regression analyses. During a median (interquartile range) follow‐up of 32 (22–42) months, 24 patients died. Both fT3 levels below the median value [HR crude 4.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4–12.6] and CAC scores above the median value (HR crude 5.8, 95% CI 1.7–20.1) were strongly associated with mortality.

Conclusions

In patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis, fT3 levels were strongly associated with arterial stiffness, coronary artery calcification and mortality. We speculate that the association between nonthyroidal illness and mortality may be partly mediated by acceleration of vascular calcification.
Psychological and Physiological Predictors of Health in Romantic Relationships: An Attachment Perspective
Authors: Stanton Sarah C. E. , Campbell Lorne
Published: July 2013

This article reviews the burgeoning literature linking greater individual differences in attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance to poorer health. Extant research indicates that more anxiously and avoidantly attached individuals experience heightened psychological (e.g., distress) and physiological (e.g.,HPAaxis activation) responses to stressful situations, as well as have poorer mental (e.g., depression) and physical (e.g., immune system functioning) health. Research also suggests that perceived social support processes are sometimes beneficial for more anxiously and avoidantly attached persons' mental health, but are not helpful in alleviating physiological responses to stress. Future studies could fruitfully delve into the possible dyadic influences on health and interventions to improve the health experiences of more anxiously and avoidantly attached individuals. Lastly, future research could benefit from longitudinal explorations of health.
THE IMPACT OF MARGINAL BUSINESS TAXES ON STATE MANUFACTURING
Authors: Funderburg Richard , Bartik Timothy J. , Peters Alan H. , Fisher Peter S.
Published: July 2013

We estimate the impact of manufacturer business taxes on value added during the 1990s for 15 manufacturing sectors in 20 U.S. states. When the tax climate is properly measured as the potential liability arising from new investment in a state, we estimate that a 10 percent reduction in the effective tax liability is associated with a 3.5 to 5.3 percent increase in value added for the state's targeted manufacturing industry. When we isolate the value of industrial incentives from the basic tax system in our theoretically preferred marginal tax measure, we find that a 10 percent reduction in liability achieved by way of lowering taxes is associated with a 4.5 percent increase in value added while an equivalent reduction achieved by way of increasing incentives is associated with only 1.2 percent industrial growth, the latter elasticity not statistically different from zero.
The genus Eremophila (Scrophulariaceae): an ethnobotanical, biological and phytochemical review
Authors: Singab Abdel Nasser , Youssef Fadia S , Ashour Mohamed L , Wink Michael
Published: July 2013

Objectives

Eremophila (Scrophulariaceae) is an endemic Australian genus with 214 species, which is commonly known as Fuchsia bush, Emu bush or Poverty bush. Plants of this genus played an important role for the Australian Aborigines who used them widely for medicinal and ceremonial purposes. Many studies have been carried out on many species of this genus and have generated immense data about the chemical composition and corresponding biological activity of extracts and isolated secondary metabolites.

Key findings

Thorough phytochemical investigations of different Eremophila species have resulted in the isolation of more than 200 secondary metabolites of different classes with diterpenes as major constituents. Biological studies and traditional clinical practice demonstrated that Eremophila and its bioactive compounds possess various pharmacological properties. Plants were employed especially as a cardiotonic drug and also as potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiviral agents.

Further investigations are required to explore other Eremophila species, to evaluate the different biological activities of either their extracts or the isolated compounds and the possible underlying modes of action.
Herb‐induced autoimmune‐like hepatitis in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Wang Jir‐You , Lee Chang‐Yin , Pan Po‐Jung , Chang Wen‐Chi , Chiu Jen‐Hwey , Chen Wei‐Shone , Shyr Yi‐Ming
Published: July 2013

Background & Aims

Animal model suitable for studying herb‐induced experimental autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) remains a challenging problem. A medicinal herb containing Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Sb) and Bupleurum chinense DC (Bc) has been sporadically reported to be related to liver fibrosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Sb and Bc on experimental AIH in mice.

Methods

C57BL/6J mice received intraperitoneal injection of Sb and/or Bc herbal extracts (1 mg/kg) for 4 or 8 weeks. Serum samples were collected to analyse serum transferase (AST, ALT), creatinine, markers for AIH and hepatic cytokine levels such as IFN‐γ, IL10 and TGF‐β1. Peripheral mononuclear cell (PBMC) gene expression profiles were analysed to show their effects on immune system.

Results

Our results showed that Sb or Bc treatment increased serum AST, ALT, IgG and ANA levels. Prominent necroinflammatory changes were demonstrated in the livers of Sb‐ or Bc‐treated mice while the decrease in IFN‐γ and elevation of IL10 and TGF‐β1 levels in liver tissues. Furthermore, the PMBC gene expression profile suggested that Sb or Bc treatment could modulate immune responses.

Conclusion

We conclude that the presence of AIH in Sb‐ or Bc‐treated mice and C57BL/6J strain mice is a reliable animal model for studying herb‐induced AIH‐like hepatitis.
Patterns of cerebral amyloid angiopathy define histopathological phenotypes in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Allen N. , Robinson A. C. , Snowden J. , Davidson Y. S. , Mann D. M. A.
Published: July 2013

Aims

Pathological heterogeneity of Aβ deposition in senile plaques (SP) and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been long noted. The aim of this study was to classify cases of AD according to their pattern of Aβ deposition, and to seek factors which might predict, or predispose towards, this heterogeneity.

Methods

The form, distribution and severity of Aβ deposition (as SP and/or CAA) was assessed semiquantitatively in immunostained sections of frontal, temporal and occipital cortex from 134 pathologically confirmed cases of AD.

Results

Four patterns of Aβ deposition were defined. Type 1 describes cases predominantly with SP, with or without CAA within leptomeningeal vessels alone. Type 2 describes cases where, along with many SP, CAA is present in both leptomeningeal and deeper penetrating arteries. Type 3 describes cases where capillary CAA is present along with SP and arterial CAA. Type 4 describes a predominantly vascular phenotype, where Aβ deposition is much more prevalent in and around blood vessels, than as SP. As would be anticipated from the group definitions, there were significant differences in the distribution and degree of CAA across the phenotype groups, although Aβ deposition as SP did not vary. There were no significant differences between phenotype groups with regard to age of onset, age at death, disease duration and brain weight, or disease presentation. Women were over‐represented in the type 1 phenotype and men in type 2. Genetically, type 3 (capillary subtype) cases were strongly associated with possession of the APOE ε4 allele.

Conclusions

This study offers an alternative method of pathologically classifying cases of AD. Further studies may derive additional genetic, environmental or clinical factors which associate with, or may be responsible for, these varying pathological presentations of AD.
Down‐regulation of apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) in spinal motor neurones under oxidative stress
Authors: Chu Tak‐Ho , Guo Anchen , Wu Wutian
Published: July 2013

Aim

Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) is an intermediate enzyme in base excision repair which is important for removing damaged nucleotides under normal and pathological conditions. Accumulation of damaged bases causes genome instability and jeopardizes cell survival. Our study is to examine APE1 regulation under oxidative stress in spinal motor neurones which are vulnerable to oxidative insult.

Methods

We challenged the motor neurone‐like cell line NSC‐34 with hydrogen peroxide and delineated APE1 function by applying various inhibitors. We also examined the expression of APE1 in spinal motor neurones after spinal root avulsion in adult rats.

Results

We showed that hydrogen peroxide induced APE1 down‐regulation and cell death in a differentiated motor neurone‐like cell line. Inhibiting the two functional domains of APE1, namely, DNA repair and redox domains potentiated hydrogen peroxide induced cell death. We further showed that p53 phosphorylation early after hydrogen peroxide treatment might contribute to the down‐regulation of APE1. Our in vivo results similarly showed that APE1 was down‐regulated after root avulsion injury in spinal motor neurones. Delay of motor neurone death suggested that APE1 might not cause immediate cell death but render motor neurones vulnerable to further oxidative insults.

Conclusion

We conclude that spinal motor neurones down‐regulate APE1 upon oxidative stress. This property renders motor neurones susceptible to continuous challenge of oxidative stress in pathological conditions.
Buddhist religious practices and blood pressure among elderly in rural Uttaradit Province, northern Thailand
Authors: Stewart Onwilasini , Yamarat Khemika , Neeser Karl J. , Lertmaharit Somrat , Holroyd Eleanor
Published: July 2013

The purpose of this study was to test the relationship between Buddhist religious practices and blood pressure. A cross‐sectional survey of Buddhist religious practices and blood pressure was conducted with 160 Buddhist elderly in rural Uttaradit, northern Thailand. After controlling for the variables of gender, status, education, salary, underlying hypertension, exercise, salt intake, and taking antihypertensive medications, it was found that lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure is associated with the Buddhist religious practice of temple attendance. The Buddhist older people who regularly attended a temple every Buddhist Holy day (which occurs once a week) were found to have systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings lower than people who did not attend as regularly. It is recommended that nurses advocate for temple attendance in the care protocols for older Buddhist hypertensive patients both in Thailand and internationally.
Contrasting modes of inorganic carbon acquisition amongst Symbiodinium (Dinophyceae) phylotypes
Authors: Brading Patrick , Warner Mark E. , Smith David J. , Suggett David J.
Published: July 2013

Growing concerns over ocean acidification have highlighted the need to critically understand inorganic carbon acquisition and utilization in marine microalgae. Here, we contrast these characteristics for the first time between two genetically distinct dinoflagellate species of the genus Symbiodinium (phylotypes A13 and A20) that live in symbiosis with reef‐forming corals.

Both phylotypes were grown in continuous cultures under identical environmental conditions. Rubisco was measured using quantitative Western blots, and radioisotopic 14C uptake was used to characterize light‐ and total carbon dioxide (TCO2)‐dependent carbon fixation, as well as inorganic carbon species preference and external carbonic anhydrase activity.

A13 and A20 exhibited similar rates of carbon fixation despite cellular concentrations of Rubisco being approximately four‐fold greater in A13. The uptake of CO2 over was found to support the majority of carbon fixation in both phylotypes. However, A20 was also able to indirectly utilize by first converting it to CO2 via external carbonic anhydrase.

These results show that adaptive differences in inorganic carbon acquisition have evolved within the Symbiodinium genus, which thus carries fundamental implications as to how this functionally key genus will respond to ocean acidification, but could also represent a key trait factor that influences their productivity when in hospite of their coral hosts.
Pain, Pain Catastrophizing, and History of Intentional Overdoses and Attempted Suicide
Authors: Sansone Randy A. , Watts Daron A. , Wiederman Michael W.
Published: July 2013

Background

The management of pain patients with analgesics is challenging, with one of the risks being overdose with prescribed medications and death. In this study, we examined relationships between pain and pain catastrophizing, and past history of intentional overdoses and suicide attempts.

Method

Using a cross‐sectional approach and a self‐report survey methodology, we examined 239 consecutive internal medicine outpatients in the United States. We inquired about pain “today, over the past month,” and “over the past year;” and assessed pain catastrophizing with the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), past histories of intentional overdoses, and suicide attempts.

Results

There were statistically significant relationships between all of the pain variables, as well as PCS scores, and history of intentional overdoses. There were also statistically significant relationships between all of the pain variables, as well as PCS scores, and history of suicide attempts.

Conclusions

Although we cannot discern causal relationships, findings indicate that patients with pain complaints and pain catastrophizing have a greater likelihood of having past histories of intentional overdoses and suicide attempts. We discuss the potential implications of these findings.
Mapping powdery mildew resistance gene in V97‐3000 soybean
Authors: Wang Yueqiang , Shi Ainong , Zhang Bo , Chen Pengyin
Published: July 2013

V97‐3000 is a maturity group (MG) V soybean breeding line derived from SS 516 × V90‐2592 (Vance × V81‐1325) with high stachyose, small seed and powdery mildew resistance. A total of 53 F2:3 families were derived from a cross between V97‐3000 and a powdery mildew susceptible line V99‐5089. The 53 F2:3 families, each with 30 plants, were grown in the greenhouse for powdery mildew evaluation, and the corresponding 53 F2 plants were genotyped using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Results showed that the 53 F2:3 families segregated in ratio of one resistant : two segregating : one susceptible (13 : 26 : 14) and the 26 segregating F2:3 families each exhibited a good fit to three resistant : one susceptible, indicating that resistance to powdery mildew is conditioned by a single dominant gene. The gene for powdery mildew resistance in V97‐3000 was mapped on chromosome 16 [linkage group (LG) J] flanked by Satt547 and Sat_396 on one side and Sat_393 on the other side with 3.8 cM and 3.9 cM distance, respectively. This study provides a new source of powdery mildew resistance and information of genetic location of the resistance gene and linked markers, which is useful for breeders selecting powdery mildew resistance through marker‐assisted selection (MAS) in soybean breeding programmes.
Association between Internet overuse and aggression in Korean adolescents
Authors: Kim Kitai
Published: July 2013

Background

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between Internet overuse and aggression.

Methods

A total of 2336 high school students (boys, 57.5%; girls, 42.5%) in South Korea completed the structured questionnaire. The severity of Internet overuse was evaluated using Young's Internet Addiction Test. Aggression was measured using the Aggression Questionnaire, a modified hostility inventory by Buss and Perry.

Results

The proportions of boys who were classified as severe addicts and moderate addicts were 2.5% and 53.7%, respectively. For girls, the corresponding proportions were 1.9% and 38.9%, respectively. manova results for univariate analysis showed that sex, duration of Internet use, most‐frequently used Internet activities, level of Internet addiction, smoking, alcohol, and caffeine were significantly associated with aggression scores. From multivariate analysis, it was found that smoking, alcohol, and level of Internet addiction were independently associated with all aggressive characteristics. Internet addiction scores were also significantly associated with all aggression scores from simple and multiple linear regression analyses (parameter estimate = 0.54–0.58 for total aggression). Pearson correlation results showed that Internet addiction scores revealed the highest correlation coefficients with aggression among Internet‐related factors, age, and sex. Severe Internet‐addicted boys showed higher scores in all aggression characteristics than severe Internet‐addicted girls, even though it was not statistically significant in every characteristic. However, there was no sex effect on the association between Internet overuse and aggression.

Conclusion

This study shows that Internet overuse is strongly associated with aggression in adolescents.
Factors influencing the response to specific immunotherapy for asthma in children aged 5–16 years
Authors: Peng Wansheng , Liu Enmei
Published: July 2013

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors predicting the response to allergen‐specific immunotherapy (ASIT) in children with asthma.

Methods

The case notes of children with asthma who received ASIT for 2 years were retrospectively reviewed. The cases were then divided into an effective clinical response group, defined as absence of asthma symptoms without requirement for medication for at least 6 months during follow up; and an ineffective clinical response group. At the time of initiating treatment, blood was collected for analysis of serum total IgE. Family history of atopy, history of passive smoking, onset age of wheezing and so on was obtained from each patient. Ten factors that may influence children's response were analyzed on logistic regression analysis and compared between groups.

Results

A total of 99 children with asthma received ASIT s.c. for 2 years during September 2007–February 2010. The average age was 8.66 ± 0.30 years. Good response to ASIT was found in 72 cases, while an inadequate response was found in 27 cases. Of the 10 factors tested for correlation with clinical response to ASIT, a significant correlation was found with onset age of wheezing and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). The odds ratio for the onset age of wheezing was 2.81 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.40–5.65, P = 0.004) and that for AHR was 1.33 (95%CI: 1.04–1.70, P = 0.021).

Conclusion

Potential predictors for the response to ASIT in children with asthma were identified. Onset age of wheezing and AHR may influence response to ASIT.
Designing Service Level Agreements for Inventory Management
Authors: Liang Liping , Atkins Derek
Published: July 2013

Service level agreements (SLAs) are widely employed forms of performance‐based contracts in operations management. They compare performance during a period against a contracted service level and penalize outcomes exceeding some allowed deviation. SLAs have a number of design characteristics that need careful tuning to ensure that incentives are properly aligned. However, there is little theoretical research in this area. Using an example of an SLA for outsourcing inventory management, we make a number of recommendations. First it is preferable, if possible, that penalties be proportional to the underperformance rather than lump‐sum ones. This goes a long way towards mitigating strategic (“gaming”) behavior by the supplier. Second, it might be thought that giving “bonuses for good performance” rather than “penalties for bad performance” are essentially identical apart from the former being a more positive approach to management. This turns out to be incorrect in the case of large percentage service rate targets and that penalties will normally be preferred by the buying firm. Third, in order not to incorrectly penalize underperformance resulting purely from “noise” rather than supplier efforts, management might think it best to make allowed deviations from the target generous. Again intuition is not a helpful guide here: for proportional penalties, acceptable performance deviations should be close to the target. Although these results come from a particular inventory application, it is likely that the lessons are applicable to SLAs in general.
Learning‐induced modulations of the stimulus‐preceding negativity
Authors: Morís Joaquín , Luque David , Rodríguez‐Fornells Antoni
Published: July 2013

The neural basis of feedback expectation, which is crucial in learning theory, has only been minimally studied. Stimulus‐preceding negativity (SPN), an ERP component that appears prior to the presentation of feedback, has been proposed as being related to feedback expectation. The present study showed, for the first time, amplitude modulations of the SPN component during learning acquisition in a trial‐by‐trial associative learning task. The results indicate that SPN could be a plausible electrophysiological index of the cognitive processes engaged while expecting the appearance of relevant feedback during reinforcement learning.
The ward round – patient experiences and barriers to participation
Authors: Swenne Christine Leo , Skytt Bernice
Published: July 2013

Background

Patients’ participation is essential to their well‐being and sense of coherence, as well as to their understanding of and adherence to prescribed treatments. Ward rounds serve as a forum for sharing information between patient and caregiver. The purpose of the ward round is to obtain information and plan medical and nursing care through staff–patient communication.

Aim and Objective

The aim and objective of this study was to investigate patients’ experiences during the ward round and their ability to participate in their care.

Methodological design and justification

The study was qualitative and descriptive in design. Fourteen inpatients at a cardiovascular ward were interviewed. Qualitative content analysis was used for the analysis.

Ethical issues and approval

The ethics of scientific work were adhered to. Each study participant gave his/her informed consent based on verbal and written information. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee at Uppsala University.

Results

The analysis revealed one theme and three subthemes related to patients’ experiences of ward rounds. The main theme was handling of information from the daily ward round while waiting for private consultation. The subthemes were making the best of the short time spent on ward rounds; encountering traditional roles and taking comfort in staff competency; and being able to choose the degree to which one participates in the decision‐making process.

Conclusions

Several aspects of traditional ward round routines could be improved in regard to the two‐way information exchange process between caregivers and patient. Patients’ and caregivers’ ability to communicate their goals and the environment in which the communication occurs are of great importance. The information provided by nurses is easier to understand than that provided by physicians. The atmosphere must be open; the patient should be treated with empathy by staff; and patients’ right to participate must be acknowledged by all healthcare professionals involved.
Implementation of an intraoperative blood transport and storage initiative and its effect on reducing red blood cell and plasma waste
Authors: Brown Michael J. , Button Lisa M. , Badjie Karafa S. , Guyer Jean M. , Dhanorker Sarah R. , Brach Erin J. , Johnson Pamela M. , Stubbs James R.
Published: July 2013

Background

The national waste rate for hospital‐issued blood products ranges from 0% to 6%, with operating room–responsible waste representing up to 70% of total hospital waste. A common reason for blood product waste is inadequate intraoperative storage.

Study Design and Methods

Our transfusion service database was used to quantify and categorize red blood cell (RBC) and fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP) units issued for intraoperative transfusion that were wasted over a 27‐month period. Two cohorts were created: 1) before implementation of a blood transport and storage initiative (BTSI)—RBC and plasma waste January 1, 2011‐May 31, 2012; 2) after implementation of BTSI—RBC and plasma waste June 1, 2012, to March 31, 2013. The BTSI replaced existing storage coolers (8‐hr coolant life span with temperature range of 1‐10°C) with a cooler that had a coolant life span of 18 hours and a temperature range of 1 to 6°C and included an improved educational cooler placard and an alert mechanism in the electronic health record. Monthly median RBC and plasma waste and its associated cost were the primary outcomes.

Results

An intraoperative BTSI significantly reduced median monthly RBC (1.3% vs. 0.07%) and FFP (0.4% vs. 0%) waste and its associated institutional cost. The majority of blood product waste was due to an unacceptable temperature of unused returned blood products.

Conclusion

An intraoperative BTSI significantly reduced median monthly RBC and FFP waste. The cost to implement this initiative was small, resulting in a significant estimated return on investment that may be reproducible in institutions other than ours.
Leukoreduction and ultraviolet treatment reduce both the magnitude and the duration of the HLA antibody response
Authors: Jackman Rachael P. , Deng Xutao , Bolgiano Douglas , Utter Garth H. , Schechterly Cathy , Lebedeva Mila , Operskalski Eva , Luban Naomi L. , Alter Harvey , Busch Michael P. , Slichter Sherrill J. , Norris Philip J.
Published: July 2013

Background

Both leukoreduction and ultraviolet (UV) light treatment of blood products have been shown to reduce the incidence of HLA antibody development in recipients, but the impact of these treatments on the magnitude and persistence of the antibody response is less clear.

Study Design and Methods

Longitudinal samples from 319 subjects taken from four different study cohorts were evaluated for HLA antibodies to determine the effects of leukoreduction and UV treatment on HLA antibody generation and persistence.

Results

Subjects receiving leukoreduced or UV‐treated blood products were less likely to generate Class I HLA antibodies, and those receiving leukoreduced blood were also less likely to generate Class II HLA antibodies. Among those receiving nonleukoreduced blood, 55% developed Class I HLA antibodies and 51% developed Class II HLA antibodies compared with 28% (Class I) and 15% (Class II) for those receiving leukoreduced blood and 36% (Class I) and 54% (Class II) for those receiving UV‐treated blood. Among alloimmunized subjects, leukoreduction resulted in a significant twofold reduction in the magnitude of Class I HLA antibodies, and UV treatment resulted in a significant threefold reduction in the magnitude of Class II HLA antibodies. Both treatments resulted in shorter persistence of Class I HLA antibodies.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that leukoreduction and UV treatment of blood products results not only in a reduction in the incidence of HLA antibody production, but also in lower and more transient HLA antibody levels among sensitized transfusion recipients.
Preclinical safety evaluation of human platelets treated with antimicrobial peptides in severe combined immunodeficient mice
Authors: Bosch‐Marcé Marta , Mohan Ketha V.K. , Gelderman Monique P. , Ryan Patricia L. , Russek‐Cohen Estelle , Atreya Chintamani D.
Published: July 2013

Background

Bacterial sepsis is a complication attributed to room temperature (RT)‐stored platelets (PLTs) in transfusion medicine. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are emerging as new therapeutic agents against microbes. We had previously demonstrated bactericidal activity of select synthetic AMPs against six types of bacteria in stored PLTs. In this report, we tested these AMPs for their potential antibody response and interference with the recovery and survival of human PLTs in an animal model.

Study Design and Methods

Two separate studies were conducted to evaluate the safety of the synthetic AMPs. 1) Two AMPs (PD3 and PD4), derived from thrombin‐induced human PLT microbicidal protein, and four repeats of arginine‐tryptophan (RW), containing two to five repeats (RW2‐RW5), were tested in rabbits for potential antibody response. 2) RT‐stored human PLTs treated for 2 hours with each of the six AMPs individually or with phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) alone were infused into severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice to evaluate their in vivo recovery and survival by flow cytometry.

Results

Except for PD3, which showed a weak immune response, all other peptides did not induce any detectable antibodies in rabbits. Furthermore, all six AMPs tested did not significantly affect the in vivo recovery and survival of human PLTs in SCID mice compared to PBS alone–treated PLTs.

Conclusion

Preclinical evaluation studies reported here demonstrate that the selected AMPs used in the study did not adversely affect the human PLT recovery and survival in the SCID mouse model, suggesting further study of AMPs toward addressing the bacterial contamination of PLTs.
Successful cord blood transplantation after repeated transfusions of unmobilized neutrophils in addition to antifungal treatment in an infant with chronic granulomatous disease complicated by invasive pulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Shigemura Tomonari , Nakazawa Yozo , Yoshikawa Kentaro , Hirabayashi Koichi , Saito Shoji , Kobayashi Norimoto , Sakashita Kazuo , Shiohara Masaaki , Wada Taizo , Shimodaira Shigetaka , Agematsu Kazunaga , Koike Kenichi
Published: July 2013

Background:

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare inherited primary immunodeficiency that affects phagocytic cells. CGD patients are susceptible to fungal infections, especially Aspergillus infections. The management of life‐threatening Aspergillus infections in CGD is particularly difficult because some infections cannot be eradicated with standard antifungal treatments and, hence, result in death.

Case Report:

A 2‐week‐old girl developed invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, which rapidly progressed to respiratory failure. Liposomal amphotericin B, micafungin, and voriconazole were not effective. At the age of 2 months, she was diagnosed with p67phox‐deficient CGD. In addition to antifungal treatment, the patient received 21 granulocyte transfusions (GTX), which were obtained from 300‐ or 400‐mL whole blood samples from healthy random donors who were not treated with granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor or dexamethasone. The median neutrophil count of the GTX was 1.88 × 108/kg body weight. Rituximab was administered to reduce alloimmunization to human leukocyte antigens (HLA) after the eighth GTX, resulting in their absence of anti‐HLA before and after cord blood transplantation (CBT). A marked improvement in her invasive pulmonary aspergillosis was achieved, although the first CBT was rejected. Complete hematopoietic recovery was obtained after the second CBT.

Conclusion:

Repeated GTX containing relatively low doses of neutrophils might be able to control severe Aspergillus infections in infants with CGD.
Leucine‐rich glioma inactivated 3 promotes HaCaT keratinocyte migration
Authors: Jeong Yun‐Mi , Park Woo‐Jae , Kim Myo‐Kyoung , Baek Kwang Jin , Kwon Nyoun Soo , Yun Hye‐Young , Kim Dong‐Seok
Published: July 2013

Our finding that human skin expresses leucine‐rich glioma inactivated 3 (LGI3) raises the question of the function of this cytokine in keratinocytes. We have shown that LGI3 stimulates human HaCaT keratinocyte migration without affecting viability or proliferation. Western blot analysis showed that LGI3 induced focal adhesion kinase activation, Akt phosphorylation, and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) phosphorylation in these cells. Using the scratch wound assay and a modified Boyden chamber, we found that LY294002, a selective phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase inhibitor, and LiCl, a selective GSK3β inhibitor, abolished LGI3‐induced cell migration. We tested β‐catenin levels after LGI3 treatment because the Akt‐GSK3β pathway regulates β‐catenin accumulation, and β‐catenin promotes cell migration. LGI3 treatment increased β‐catenin protein and nuclear localization, whereas LY294002 prevented LGI3‐induced focal adhesion kinase and Akt activation as well as β‐catenin accumulation. Overall, these data suggest that LGI3 stimulates HaCaT cell migration following β‐catenin accumulation through the Akt pathway.
Microwedge Machining for the Manufacture of Directional Dry Adhesives
Authors: Day Paul , Eason Eric V. , Esparza Noe , Christensen David , Cutkosky Mark
Published: July 2013

Directional dry adhesives are inspired by animals such as geckos and are a particularly useful technology for climbing applications. Previously, they have generally been manufactured using photolithographic processes. This paper presents a micromachining process that involves making cuts in a soft material using a sharp, lubricated tool to create closely spaced negative cavities of a desired shape. The machined material becomes a mold into which an elastomer is cast to create the directional adhesive. The trajectory of the tool can be varied to avoid plastic flow of the mold material that may adversely affect adjacent cavities. The relationship between tool trajectory and resulting cavity shape is established through modeling and process characterization experiments. This micromachining process is much less expensive than previous photolithographic processes used to create similar features and allows greater flexibility with respect to the microscale feature geometry, mold size, and mold material. The micromachining process produces controllable, directional adhesives, where the normal adhesion increases with shear loading in a preferred direction. This is verified by multi-axis force testing on a flat glass substrate. Upon application of a post-treatment to decrease the roughness of the engaging surfaces of the features after casting, the adhesives significantly outperform comparable directional adhesives made from a photolithographic mold.
On Centrifugal Softening in Finite Element Method Rotordynamics
Authors: Genta Giancarlo , Silvagni Mario
Published: July 2013

The centrifugal softening effect is an alleged and elusive reduction of the natural frequencies of a rotating system with increasing speed which is sometimes found in finite element rotordynamics. This reduction may, in some instances, be large enough to cause some of the natural frequencies to vanish, leading to a sort of elastic instability. Some doubts can, however, be cast on the phenomenon itself and on the mathematical models causing it to appear. The aim of the present work is to shed some light on centrifugal softening and to discuss the assumptions that are at the basis of three-dimensional FEM modeling in rotordynamics. One and two degrees of freedom models, such as the ones introduced by Rankine and Jeffcott, are first studied and then the classical rotating beam, ring, disk, and membrane are addressed. Some numerical models, built using the FEM, are then solved using both dedicated and general purpose codes. In all cases no strong centrifugal softening is found.
On the Combined Effect of Pressure and Third Invariant on Yielding of Porous Solids With von Mises Matrix
Authors: Cazacu Oana , Revil-Baudard Benoit , Lebensohn Ricardo A. , Gărăjeu Mihail
Published: July 2013

In this work it is shown that the exact plastic potential for porous solids with von Mises perfectly plastic matrix containing spherical cavities should involve a very specific coupling between the mean stress and the third invariant of the stress deviator. Furthermore, a new approximate plastic potential that preserves this key feature of the exact one is developed. Unlike all existing analytical criteria for porous solids with von Mises matrix, this new criterion displays a lack of symmetry with respect to both the hydrostatic and deviatoric axes. A full-field approach is also used to generate numerical gauge surfaces. These calculations confirm the aforementioned new features of the dilatational response.
A Class of Conservative Phase Field Models for Multiphase Fluid Flows
Authors: Li Jun , Wang Qi
Published: July 2013

Hydrodynamic phase field models for multiphase fluids formulated using volume fractions of incompressible fluid components do not normally conserve mass. In this paper, we formulate phase field theories for mixtures of multiple incompressible fluids, using volume fractions, to ensure conservation of mass and momentum for the fluid mixture as well as the total volume for each fluid phase. In this formulation, the mass-average velocity is nonsolenoidal when the densities of incompressible fluid components in the mixture are not equal, making it a bona fide compressible model subject to an internal constraint. Derivation of mass conservation and energy dissipation in phase field models based on both Allen–Cahn dynamics and Cahn–Hilliard dynamics are presented. One salient feature of the phase field models is that the hydrostatic pressure is coupled with the transport of the volume fractions making the momentum transport and the volume fraction transport fully coupled in light of the mass conservation. Near equilibrium dynamics are explored using a linear analysis. In the case of binary fluid mixtures, one potential growth mode is identified in all the models for a class of free energy, which has been adopted for multiphase fluids. The growth is either absent for all waves or of a longwave feature.
Generalized FVDAM Theory for Periodic Materials Undergoing Finite Deformations—Part II: Results
Authors: Cavalcante Marcio A. A. , Pindera Marek-Jerzy
Published: July 2013

In Part I, a generalized finite-volume direct averaging micromechanics (FVDAM) theory was constructed for periodic materials with complex microstructures undergoing finite deformations. The generalization involves the use of a higher-order displacement field representation within individual subvolumes of a discretized analysis domain whose coefficients were expressed in terms of surface-averaged kinematic variables required to be continuous across adjacent subvolume faces. In Part II of this contribution we demonstrate that the higher-order displacement representation leads to a substantial improvement in subvolume interfacial conformability and smoother stress distributions relative to the original theory based on a quadratic displacement field representation, herein called the 0th order theory. This improvement is particularly important in the finite-deformation domain wherein large differences in adjacent subvolume face rotations may lead to the loss of mesh integrity. The advantages of the generalized theory are illustrated through examples based on a known analytical solution and finite-element results generated with a computer code that mimics the generalized theory's framework. An application of the generalized FVDAM theory involving the response of wavy multilayers confirms previously generated results with the 0th order theory that revealed microstructural effects in this class of materials which are important in bio-inspired material architectures that mimic certain biological tissues.
Enhanced Formability in Sheet Metals Produced by Cladding a High Strain-Rate Sensitive Layer
Authors: Hu X. H. , Wu P. D. , Lloyd D. J. , Embury J. D.
Published: July 2013

The necking behavior of cladding sheets with a rate-sensitive layer cladding on a rate-insensitive core material has been studied. A nonlinear long-wavelength analysis, similar to the one proposed by Hutchinson and Neale (1977, “Influence of Strain-Rate Sensitivity on Necking Under Uniaxial Tension,” Acta Metal., 25, pp. 839–846) for monolithic rate-sensitive materials, is developed to identify the onset of necking in a rate-sensitive clad sheet. This relatively simple analysis is validated by comparing its numerical results with those based on more complicated finite element analysis. It is demonstrated that for monolithic rate-sensitive materials the proposed nonlinear analysis reduces to the one developed by Hutchinson and Neale (1977). For cladding sheets, it is found that the necking strain increases monotonically by increasing the strain-rate sensitivity of the clad layer if the volume fraction of cladding is fixed. It is also revealed that, for fixed strain-rate sensitivity of the clad layer, necking localization is retarded by increasing the volume fraction of the cladding layer.