bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socially Interactive Technology and Contemporary Dating
Authors: Marganski Alison , Fauth Kelly
Published: December 2013

This cross-cultural research study explores socially interactive technology (SIT) and contemporary dating among young adults in Poland as well as in the United States. Specifically, the study investigates characteristics of and cultural differences in the nature of modern dating relationships with a focus on deviant dating behaviors. It was hypothesized that students in the United States would have higher rates of nontraditional dating relationships and engage in more sexualized behaviors via social media. Alternative hypotheses were provided regarding cultural differences in the reporting of socially interactive (SI) relational aggression. Online surveys asking about relationship characteristics and behaviors that occurred through short messaging services, also referred to as text messaging, and social networking were administered to students in both countries. Findings revealed statistically significant differences between countries in regard to dating composition and sexual behavior. The predictions that American students would have more nontraditional relationships and engage in more sexualized behaviors were supported. Findings also revealed that rates of SI relational aggression were higher among American students than their Polish counterparts, and subsequent analyses revealed that those who engaged in sexualized acts were more likely to report SI relational aggression victimization and perpetration, which offered evidence in support of lifestyle theory. Gender differences also emerged. A discussion follows summarizing the findings, limitations, and directions for future research.
Does Immunohistochemistry Affect Response to Therapy and Survival of Inoperable Non–Small Cell Lung Carcinoma Patients? A Survey of 145 Stage III-IV Consecutive Cases
Authors: Pelosi Giuseppe , Haspinger Eva Regina , Bimbatti Manuela , Leone Giorgia , Paolini Biagio , Fabbri Alessandra , Tamborini Elena , Perrone Federica , Testi Adele , Garassino Marina , Maisonneuve Patrick , de Braud Filippo , Pilotti Silvana , Pastorino Ugo
Published: December 2013

Whether non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) unveiled by immunohistochemistry (IHC) has the same clinical outcome as those typed by morphology is still matter of debate. A total of 145 stage III-IV, consecutive inoperable NSCLC patients treated by chemotherapy (133 cases) or EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (12 cases) and including 100 biopsies, 11 surgical specimens, and 34 cytological samples had originally accounted for 120 adenocarcinomas (ADs), 19 squamous cell carcinomas (SQCs), and 6 adenosquamous carcinomas (ADSQCs) by integrating morphology and thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF1)/p40 IHC. Thirty-two NSCLC–not otherwise specified (NSCLC-NOS) cases were identified by morphology revision of the original diagnoses, which showed solid growth pattern ( P < .001), 22 ADs, 5 SQCs, and 5 ADSQCs by IHC profiling ( P < .001), and 10 gene-altered tumors (3 EGFR, 5 KRAS, and 2 ALK). While no significant relationships were observed between response to therapy and original, morphology or IHC diagnoses, driver mutations and tumor differentiation by TTF1 expression, AD run better progression-free survival (PFS) or overall survival (OS) than other tumor types by morphology ( P = .010 and P = .047) and IHC ( P = .033 and P = .046), respectively. Furthermore, patients with NSCLC-NOS confirmed as AD by IHC tended to have poorer OS ( P = .179) and PFS ( P = .193) similar to that of ADSQC and SQC ( P = .702 and P = .540, respectively). A category of less differentiated AD with poorer prognosis on therapy could be identified by IHC, while there were no differences for SQC or ADSQC. The terminology of “NSCLC-NOS, favor by IHC” is appropriate to alert clinicians toward more aggressive tumors.
Clinicopathologic Parameters Related to Recurrence and Locoregional Metastasis in 180 Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Montebugnoli Lucio , Gissi Davide Bartolomeo , Flamminio Federica , Gentile Luciano , Dallera Vittorio , Leonardi Elisa , Beccarini Tommaso , Foschini Maria Pia
Published: December 2013

Lymph node metastasis (LNm), local recurrence (LR), and second primary tumor (SPT) after primary surgery for oral squalmous cell carcinoma (OSCC) have been considered poor prognostic entities in terms of survival rate. The purpose of this study was to identify the clinicopathologic parameters significantly related to LNm, LR, and SPT. Records from 180 patients who underwent radical surgery for OSCC were retrospectively reviewed. Perineural invasion was significantly related to LNm (18% vs 8%) and LR (15% vs 5%), while the status of the surgical margin (10% in case of clear margins, 18% close margins, and 24% involved margins), namely epithelial precursor lesions (43%) was an independent factor influencing SPT. Perineural invasion proved a good prognostic factor for early events, either LNm or LR, while a surgical margin width less than 5 mm or with epithelial precursor lesions may be considered a risk factor for late events such as SPT.
Antifriction properties increasing of ceramic MAO-coatings
Authors: Malyshev VN , Volkhin AM
Published: December 2013

In the past years, the most promising technology of producing ceramic coatings is a method of microarc oxidation. This method is characterized by universal properties of surface layer, which combines high-wear resistance, corrosion resistance, heat, and erosion resistance. The aim of the present work is to improve the tribological properties of microarc oxidation coatings using additional filling layer of coating as a thin film of polymer material. Ultra-high-molecular weight polyethylene was chosen as a polymer material. This composition material was tested under different friction conditions and showed significant decrease in friction coefficient for many friction pairs in different lubricant environment. The proposed technology of antifriction characteristics improvement of microarc oxidation coatings will significantly expand their application.
Milder multiple sclerosis course in patients with concomitant inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Zéphir Hélène , Gower-Rousseau Corinne , Salleron Julia , Simon Olivier , Debouverie Marc , Le Page Emmanuelle , Bouhnik Yoram , Lebrun-Frenay Christine , Papeix Caroline , Vigneron Benoît , Allez Matthieu , Prin Lionel , Cosnes Jacques , Vermersch Patrick , Colombel Jean-Frédéric ,   for the CFSEP, GETAID and EPIMAD Groups
Published: December 2013

An association between multiple sclerosis (MS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been suggested. The purpose of this study was to compare the disease course of patients with both MS and IBD with that of patients with isolated MS or isolated IBD. Sixty-six MS-IBD patients were identified and were matched with 251 isolated MS and 257 isolated IBD controls. Main outcomes were scores using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) in MS and extent of disease extension in IBD at last clinical evaluation. After a median 12 years of disease duration, the median EDSS and the percentages of patients reaching an EDSS of 3.0 and 4.0 were significantly lower in MS-IBD patients than in controls. MS had no impact on IBD. MS course appears to be milder in patients with concomitant IBD.
Six-step framework for ethical decision making
Authors: Enck Gavin
Published: December 2013

The expectation, from the ethos of medicine and society, is that a practitioner should make the correct ethical decision in the clinical setting. Yet there is little help for them as to a process for making ethical decisions. A structured six-step framework may assist. It is not an algorithm to arrive at a determinate answer in all situations and ethical issues but instead offers a process that indicates the most relevant information and biomedical considerations a practitioner needs to be aware of and helps to make ethics issues more manageable. The issues practitioners face are complex and resistant to reduction; it is hubris to pretend otherwise. Yet, the difficulty of these issues warrants practitioners relying on a framework to guide them in the process of making ethical decisions.
Benevolent sexism toward men: Its social legitimation and preference for male candidates
Authors: Russo Silvia , Rutto Filippo , Mosso Cristina
Published: December 2013

The present research investigated the relationship between system justification beliefs and the endorsement of ambivalent sexist attitudes toward men. In Study 1 (web-based questionnaire, N = 220) we explored the relationship between system justification (SJ), and hostile and benevolent attitudes toward men (HM and BM). Results showed that SJ was positively related to BM but not to HM. In Study 2 (paper-and-pencil questionnaire, N = 158), we tested the mediating role played by BM and HM in the relationship between SJ and the preference for male candidates. We replicated Study 1 results and showed that BM, but not HM, was positively related to the dependent variable; moreover SJ exerted an indirect and positive effect on the preference for male candidates as mediated by BM. Finally, supplementary analyses showed that the relationship between SJ and BM was positive and significant for women only. Results are discussed in light of system justification theory and of BM as an additional form of legitimization and maintenance of the status quo.
Equivalence and dynamic analysis for jointed trusses based on improved finite elements
Authors: Zhang Jing , Deng Zongquan , Guo Hongwei , Liu Rongqiang
Published: December 2013

Deployable trusses that are widely applied in space missions utilize many hinged members to adapt to different geometrical shapes and work conditions. This paper presents two improved finite elements for a link and a bending beam to calculate dynamic characteristics of non-jointed and jointed trusses. First, the axial and transverse wave motion equations of a beam are used to get the shape functions of the link and the beading beam in their axial and transverse directions. Second, the dynamic matrices of stiffness and mass for a link and a bending beam are established on the basis of virtual work principle. The dynamic matrix and a theoretical equation are used to calculate the natural frequency of a cantilever bar. The comparison of the two results shows the effectiveness of the dynamic stiffness matrix. These improved elements are proved to be more accurate in calculating the responses of structures at high frequencies than common elements. Equivalent models of non-jointed and jointed structures are obtained on the basis of the displacement and strain energy equivalence of a truss unit. The result of the period truss confirms the accuracy of the equivalent model of the non-jointed truss expressed by dynamic matrices. The dynamic influences of cubic joints on a jointed structure are evaluated by giving the simulations of the equivalent jointed structure based on improved matrices. The results indicate that the natural frequencies of the jointed structure increase with the excitation force and the stiffness of joints. A relational function among the natural frequencies, joint stiffness, and excitation force is also presented.
Popular music, psychogeography, place identity and tourism: The case of Sheffield
Authors: Long Philip
Published: December 2013

Tourism and cultural agencies in some English provincial cities are promoting their popular music ‘heritage’ and, in some cases, contemporary musicians through the packaging of trails, sites, ‘iconic’ venues and festivals. This article focuses on Sheffield, a ‘post-industrial’ northern English city which is drawing on its associations with musicians past and present in seeking to attract tourists. This article is based on interviews with, among others, recording artists, promoters, producers and venue managers, along with reflective observational and documentary data. Theoretical remarks are made on the representations of popular musicians through cultural tourism strategies, programmes and products and also on the ways in which musicians convey a ‘psychogeographical’ sense of place in the ‘soundscape’ of the city.
Performing interplay through intercultural simulations
Authors: Mahadevan Jasmin
Published: December 2013

Cross-cultural management (CCM) needs to move beyond the paradigmatic schism between positivist and interpretative research. What both paradigms share is the need to understand a specific configuration of culture in context. This article suggests multi-paradigm research through interplay on cultural performances as a means of acknowledging both paradigms. Data is based on action research in a Taiwanese–German management team. The contribution of this study lies in moving single-method interplay in CCM research to the level of cultural performances and in suggesting intercultural simulations as a viable method. Furthermore, this study shows that intercultural simulations can help uncover tacit culture that is performed but not verbalized. When used in action research, intercultural simulations facilitate integrated intercultural learning and increase the interpretative scope of qualitative research through a renegotiation of researcher–field relations.
The nested blocks and guidelines model
Authors: Meyer Miriah , Sedlmair Michael , Quinan P Samuel , Munzner Tamara
Published: December 2013

We propose the nested blocks and guidelines model for the design and validation of visualization systems. The nested blocks and guidelines model extends the previously proposed four-level nested model by adding finer grained structure within each level, providing explicit mechanisms to capture and discuss design decision rationale. Blocks are the outcomes of the design process at a specific level, and guidelines discuss relationships between these blocks. Blocks at the algorithm and technique levels describe design choices, as do data blocks at the abstraction level, whereas task abstraction blocks and domain situation blocks are identified as the outcome of the designer’s understanding of the requirements. In the nested blocks and guidelines model, there are two types of guidelines: within-level guidelines provide comparisons for blocks within the same level, while between-level guidelines provide mappings between adjacent levels of design. We analyze several recent articles using the nested blocks and guidelines model to provide concrete examples of how a researcher can use blocks and guidelines to describe and evaluate visualization research. We also discuss the nested blocks and guidelines model with respect to other design models to clarify its role in visualization design. Using the nested blocks and guidelines model, we pinpoint two implications for visualization evaluation. First, comparison of blocks at the domain level must occur implicitly downstream at the abstraction level; second, comparison between blocks must take into account both upstream assumptions and downstream requirements. Finally, we use the model to analyze two open problems: the need for mid-level task taxonomies to fill in the task blocks at the abstraction level and the need for more guidelines mapping between the algorithm and technique levels.
Ethnicity, trust and cooperation with police: Testing the dominance of the process-based model
Authors: Sargeant Elise , Murphy Kristina , Cherney Adrian
Published: December 2013

Some scholars question whether procedural justice is the key driver in promoting support for the police across all cultural contexts. In this study we examine the relationship between procedural justice, police performance, trust in the police and the willingness to cooperate with the police, and we compare Vietnamese and Indian ancestral groups with the general population in Australia. We find that procedural justice is less effective in encouraging cooperation with the police among Vietnamese and Indian ancestral groups when compared with a general population group. Procedural justice is also found to be less effective in promoting trust among Vietnamese participants, compared with the general population group. Instead, police performance is found to be more effective in promoting trust in the police among Vietnamese participants. We set out to explain these observed differences and describe why some ethnic minority groups may judge process-based factors to be less important when it comes to trusting the police or being willing to cooperate with the police.
Keeping delinquency at bay: The role of the school context for impulsive and sensation-seeking adolescents
Authors: Eklund Jenny M. , Fritzell Johan
Published: December 2013

Previous research shows that a disadvantaged school setting is associated with increased risk of adolescent delinquency. However, there is limited research on individual differences in such contextual effects. In this study, we investigated whether the association between impulsive and sensation-seeking traits and delinquency is modified by the school setting, focusing on schools’ socioeconomic and ethnic composition and average school performance. We also examined whether the association between gender and delinquency varies by school context. Participants were adolescents in ninth grade from the Stockholm School Survey (5619 pupils in 89 schools). The findings showed an attenuating effect of school advantage on adolescents’ individual risk of delinquency. Impulsive and sensation-seeking adolescents, and boys in particular, committed less crime if they attended more advantaged schools.
Influences of enteral nutrition upon CEACAM6 expression by intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Keenan Jacqueline I , Hooper Elizabeth M , Tyrer Peter C , Day Andrew S
Published: December 2013

Exclusive enteral nutrition is established as an initial therapy to induce remission in active Crohn’s disease (CD), especially in children, but the mechanisms of action of this therapy are yet to be fully defined. CEACAM6 protein is an adhesion molecule that is up-regulated in active CD and implicated in the attachment of adherent-invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) to the gut epithelium. Using the Caco-2 human adenocarcinoma cell line, this study showed that the incubation of human cells with a polymeric formula (PF) resulted in a dose-dependent increase in the expression of CEACAM6, and that this effect was most noticeable on the cell surface. Further investigation revealed that PF doubled the release of CEACAM6 protein by Caco-2 cells exposed to PF, and that an increase in release of soluble CEACAM6 inversely correlated with the ability of AIEC to associate with the intestinal epithelial cells. Our findings suggest that the secretion of cell surface-associated proteins acting as releasable decoys may be an aspect of the gut’s innate immune response to pathogenic bacteria that is strengthened by PF in the setting of CD.
Acculturation
Authors: Ndika Nnenna
Published: December 2013

The primary purpose of the study was to identify acculturation group memberships of first-generation Nigerian immigrants in the United States of America, based on socio-demographics data. The study also determined the relative power of the predictor variables in the classification. The accuracy with which the sample participants were classified into acculturation groups was also explored. One hundred four first-generation Nigerian immigrants ( N = 104) were recruited for the study. These participants lived in different states across the United States. Discriminant function analysis (DFA) was conducted to determine acculturation group memberships, the relative power of the predictors, as well as the accuracy of classification of the sample. Findings suggested that the Nigerian immigrants were classified into five acculturation groups, which were integration, assimilation, separation, assimilation and separation, as well as integration and assimilation. The assimilation and separation acculturation strategy was most frequently endorsed by the Nigerian sample, whereas the integration option was the least reported. The most powerful discriminant functions were immigration support and self-efficacy. Reclassification accuracy was 64.8%. Nigerians in the United States, and perhaps Africans in general, may be using two parallel acculturation strategies to navigate the mainstream culture in plural societies. This preference is likely linked to their multicultural backgrounds. Therefore, integration as an acculturation strategy may not be the favored option among Nigerians living in the United States. Furthermore, immigration support and self-efficacy were revealed as important markers for the classification of the Nigerian sample into acculturation groups. These are areas that require further exploration.
Reenvisioning Clinical Science
Authors: Onken Lisa S. , Carroll Kathleen M. , Shoham Varda , Cuthbert Bruce N. , Riddle Melissa
Published: December 2013

We present a vision of clinical science, based on a conceptual framework of intervention development endorsed by the Delaware Project. This framework is grounded in an updated stage model that incorporates basic science questions of mechanisms into every stage of clinical science research. The vision presented is intended to unify various aspects of clinical science toward the common goal of developing maximally potent and implementable interventions, while unveiling new avenues of science in which basic and applied goals are of equally high importance. Training in this integrated, translational model may help students learn how to conduct research in every domain of clinical science and at each stage of intervention development. This vision aims to propel the field to fulfill the public health goal of producing implementable and effective treatment and prevention interventions.
Microbial fingerprinting detects intestinal microbiota dysbiosis in Zebrafish models with chemically-induced enterocolitis
Authors: He Qi , Wang Lin , Wang Fan , Wang Chenyang , Tang Chun , Li Qiurong , Li Jieshou , Zhao Qingshun
Published: December 2013

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involves a breakdown in interactions between the host immune response and the resident commensal microbiota. Recent studies have suggested gut physiology and pathology relevant to human IBD can be rapidly modeled in zebrafish larvae. The aim of this study was to investigate the dysbiosis of intestinal microbiota in zebrafish models with IBD-like enterocolitis using culture-independent techniques.

Results

IBD-like enterocolitis was induced by exposing larval zebrafish to trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS). Pathology was assessed by histology and immunofluorescence. Changes in intestinal microbiota were evaluated by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and the predominant bacterial composition was determined with DNA sequencing and BLAST and confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Larval zebrafish exposed to TNBS displayed intestinal-fold architecture disruption and inflammation reminiscent of human IBD. In this study, we defined a reduced biodiversity of gut bacterial community in TNBS-induced coliitis. The intestinal microbiota dysbiosis in zebrafish larvae with IBD-like colitis was characterized by an increased proportion ofProteobacteria(especiallyBurkholderia) and a decreased of Firmicutes(Lactobacillus group), which were significantly correlated with enterocolitis severity(Pearson correlationp< 0.01).

Conclusions

This is the first description of intestinal microbiota dysbiosis in zebrafish IBD-like models, and these changes correlate with TNBS-induced enterocolitis. Prevention or reversal of this dysbiosis may be a viable option for reducing the incidence and severity of human IBD.
The association of marital relationship and perceived social support with mental health of women in Pakistan
Authors: Qadir Farah , Khalid Amna , Haqqani Sabahat , Zill-e-Huma  , Medhin Girmay
Published: December 2013

Background

Marital circumstances have been indicated to be a salient risk factor for disproportionately high prevalence of depression and anxiety among Pakistani women. Although social support is a known buffer of psychological distress, there is no clear evidence as to how different aspects of marital relations interact and associate with depression and anxiety in the lives of Pakistani married women and the role of social supports in the context of their marriage.

Methods

Two hundred seventy seven married women were recruited from Rawalpindi district of Pakistan using a door knocking approach to psychometrically evaluate five scales for use in the Pakistani context. A confirmatory factor analysis approach was used to investigate the underlying factor structure of Couple satisfaction Index (CSI-4), Locke-Wallace Marital Adjustment Test (LWMAT), Relationship Dynamic Scale (RDS), Multidimensional Scale for Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The interplay of the constructs underlying the three aspects of marital relations, and the role of social support on the mental health of married Pakistani women were examined using the Structural Equation Model.

Results

The factor structures of MSPSS, CSI-4, LWMAT, RDS and HADS were similar to the findings reported in the developed and developing countries. Perceived higher social support reduces the likelihood of depression and anxiety by enhancing positive relationship as reflected by a low score on the relationship dynamics scale which decreases CMD symptoms. Moreover, perceived higher social support is positively associated with marital adjustment directly and indirectly through relationship dynamics which is associated with the reduced risk of depression through the increased level of reported marital satisfaction. Nuclear family structure, low level of education and higher socio-economic status were significantly associated with increased risk of mental illness among married women.

Conclusion

Findings of this study support the importance of considering elements of marital relationship: satisfaction, adjustment and negative interactions which can be prioritized to increase the efficiency of marital interventions. It also highlights the role of social support in the context of marital relationships among Pakistani women. Furthermore, the study presents the etiological models of depression and anxiety with reference to the above.
MiR-92b inhibitor promoted glioma cell apoptosis via targeting DKK3 and blocking the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Li Qifeng , Shen Ke , Zhao Yang , Ma Chenkai , Liu Jianwen , Ma Jie
Published: December 2013

Background

MiR-92b was upregulated in gliomas. However, the association of miR-92b with glioma cell apoptosis and survival remains unknown.

Methods

Proliferation capability of glioma cells upon tranfection with miR-92b mimics or inhibitors was detected by mutiple analyses, including MTT assays, colony formation assay. Apoptosis abilities of glioma cells were detected by flow cytometric analysis. The target of miR-92b was determined by luciferase reporter and western blot. The association of miR-92b with outcome was examined in twenty glioma patients.

Results

MiR-92b expression was significantly increased in high-grade gliomas compared with low-grade gliomas, and positively correlated with the degree of glioma infiltration. Over-expression of miR-92b increased cell proliferation, whereas knockdown of miR-92b decreased cell proliferation via modulating the levels of the target, Target prediction analysis and a dual luciferase reporting assay confirmed that the inhibitory protein-coding Dickkopf-3 gene (DKK3) was a direct target of miR-92b. Furthermore, miR-92b could regulate the expression of downstream genes of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway, such as Bcl2, c-myc and p-c-Jun, in glioma cells. Finally, the increased level of miR-92b expression in high-grade gliomas confers poorer overall survival.

Conclusions

The present data indicates that miR-92b directly regulate cell proliferation and apoptosis by targetingDKK3and act as prognostic factors for glioma patients.
Basic research and clinical applications of bisphosphonates in bone disease: what have we learned over the last 40 years?
Authors: Xu Xiao-Long , Gou Wen-Long , Wang Ai-Yuan , Wang Yu , Guo Quan-Yi , Lu Qiang , Lu Shi-Bi , Peng Jiang
Published: December 2013

It is now 40 years since bisphosphonates (BPs) were first used in the clinic. So, it is timely to provide a brief review of what we have learned about these agents in bone disease. BPs are bone-specific and have been classified into two major groups on the basis of their distinct molecular modes of action: amino-BPs and non-amino-BPs. The amino-BPs are more potent and they inhibit farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS), a key enzyme of the mavalonate/cholesterol biosynthetic pathway, while the non-amino-BPs inhibit osteoclast activity, by incorporation into non-hydrolyzable analogs of ATP. Both amino-BPs and non-amino-BPs can protect osteoblasts and osteocytes against apoptosis. The BPs are widely used in the clinic to treat various diseases characterized by excessive bone resorption, including osteoporosis, myeloma, bone metastasis, Legg-Perthes disease, malignant hyperparathyroidism, and other conditions featuring bone fragility. This review provides insights into some of the adverse effects of BPs, such as gastric irritation, osteonecrosis of the jaw, atypical femoral fractures, esophageal cancer, atrial fibrillation, and ocular inflammation. In conclusion, this review covers the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of action of BPs in bone, particularly the discovery that BPs have direct anti-apoptotic effects on osteoblasts and osteocytes, and the current situation of BP use in the clinic.
An efficient magnetically modified microbial cell biocomposite for carbazole biodegradation
Authors: Li Yufei , Du Xiaoyu , Wu Chao , Liu Xueying , Wang Xia , Xu Ping
Published: December 2013

Magnetic modification of microbial cells enables to prepare smart biocomposites in bioremediation. In this study, we constructed an efficient biocomposite by assembling Fe3O4 nanoparticles onto the surface of Sphingomonas sp. XLDN2-5 cells. The average particle size of Fe3O4 nanoparticles was about 20 nm with 45.5 emu g-1 saturation magnetization. The morphology of Sphingomonas sp. XLDN2-5 cells before and after Fe3O4 nanoparticle loading was verified by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electronic microscopy. Compared with free cells, the microbial cell/Fe3O4 biocomposite had the same biodegradation activity but exhibited remarkable reusability. The degradation activity of the microbial cell/Fe3O4 biocomposite increased gradually during recycling processes. Additionally, the microbial cell/Fe3O4 biocomposite could be easily separated and recycled by an external magnetic field due to the super-paramagnetic properties of Fe3O4 nanoparticle coating. These results indicated that magnetically modified microbial cells provide a promising technique for improving biocatalysts used in the biodegradation of hazardous compounds.
Reducing length of stay for acute diabetic foot episodes: employing an extended scope of practice podiatric high‐risk foot coordinator in an acute foundation trust hospital
Authors: Cichero Matthew J , Bower Virginia M , Walsh Tom P , Yates Ben J
Published: December 2013

Background

To enhance the acute management of people with diabetic foot disease requiring admission, an extended scope of practice, podiatric high‐risk foot coordinator position, was established at the Great Western Hospital, Swindon in 2010. The focus of this new role was to facilitate more efficient and timely management of people with complex diabetic foot disease. The aim of this project was to investigate the impact of the podiatric high‐risk foot coordinator role on length of stay, rate of re‐admission and bed cost.

Method

This study evaluated the difference in length of stay and rate of re‐admission between an 11‐ month pre‐pilot period (November 2008 to October 2009) and a 10‐month pilot period (August 2010 to June 2011). The estimated difference in bed cost between the pre‐pilot and pilot audits was also calculated. Inclusion criteria were restricted to inpatients admitted with a diabetic foot ulcer, gangrene, cellulitis or infection as the primary cause for admission. Eligible records were retrieved using ICD‐10 (V9) coding via the hospital clinical audit department for the pre‐pilot period and a unique database was used to source records for the pilot phase.

Results

Following the introduction of the podiatric high‐risk foot coordinator, the average length of stay reduced from 33.7 days to 23.3 days (mean difference 10.4 days, 95% CI 0.0 to 20.8, p = 0.050). There was no statistically significant difference in re‐admission rate between the two study periods, 17.2% (95% CI 12.2% to 23.9%) in the pre‐pilot phase and 15.4% (95% CI 12.0% to 19.5%) in the pilot phase (p = 0.820). The extrapolated annual cost saving following the implementation of the new coordinator role was calculated to be £234,000 for the 2010/2011 year.

Conclusions

This audit found that the extended scope of practice coordinator role may have a positive impact on reducing length of stay for diabetic foot admissions. This paper advocates the role of a podiatric high‐risk foot coordinator utilising an extended scope of practice model, although further research is needed.
Metabarcoding avian diets at airports: implications for birdstrike hazard management planning
Authors: Coghlan Megan L , White Nicole E , Murray Dáithí C , Houston Jayne , Rutherford William , Bellgard Matthew I , Haile James , Bunce Michael
Published: December 2013

Background

Wildlife collisions with aircraft cost the airline industry billions of dollars per annum and represent a public safety risk. Clearly, adapting aerodrome habitats to become less attractive to hazardous wildlife will reduce the incidence of collisions. Formulating effective habitat management strategies relies on accurate species identification of high-risk species. This can be successfully achieved for all strikes either through morphology and/or DNA-based identifications. Beyond species identification, dietary analysis of birdstrike gut contents can provide valuable intelligence for airport hazard management practices in regards to what food is attracting which species to aerodromes. Here, we present birdstrike identification and dietary data from Perth Airport, Western Australia, an aerodrome that saw approximately 140,000 aircraft movements in 2012. Next-generation high throughput DNA sequencing was employed to investigate 77 carcasses from 16 bird species collected over a 12-month period. Five DNA markers, which broadly characterize vertebrates, invertebrates and plants, were used to target three animal mitochondrial genes (12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, and COI) and a plastid gene (trnL) from DNA extracted from birdstrike carcass gastrointestinal tracts.

Results

Over 151,000 DNA sequences were generated, filtered and analyzed by a fusion-tag amplicon sequencing approach. Across the 77 carcasses, the most commonly identified vertebrate wasMus musculus(house mouse). Acrididae (grasshoppers) was the most common invertebrate family identified, and Poaceae (grasses) the most commonly identified plant family. The DNA-based dietary data has the potential to provide some key insights into feeding ecologies within and around the aerodrome.

Conclusions

The data generated here, together with the methodological approach, will greatly assist in the development of hazard management plans and, in combination with existing observational studies, provide an improved way to monitor the effectiveness of mitigation strategies (for example, netting of water, grass type, insecticides and so on) at aerodromes. It is hoped that with the insights provided by dietary data, airports will be able to allocate financial resources to the areas that will achieve the best outcomes for birdstrike reduction.
Sustained high serum malondialdehyde levels are associated with severity and mortality in septic patients
Authors: Lorente Leonardo , Martín María M , Abreu-González Pedro , Domínguez-Rodriguez Alberto , Labarta Lorenzo , Díaz César , Solé-Violán Jordi , Ferreres José , Cabrera Judith , Igeño Jose Carlos , Jiménez Alejandro
Published: December 2013

Introduction

There is a hyperoxidative state in sepsis. The objective of this study was to determine serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels during the first week of follow up, whether such levels are associated with severity during the first week and whether non-surviving patients showed higher MDA levels than survivors during the first week.

Methods

We performed an observational, prospective, multicenter study in six Spanish Intensive Care Units. Serum levels of MDA were measured in 328 patients (215 survivors and 113 non-survivors) with severe sepsis at days one, four and eight of diagnosis, and in 100 healthy controls. The primary endpoint was 30-day mortality and the secondary endpoint was six -month mortality. The association between continuous variables was carried out using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Cox regression analysis was applied to determine the independent contribution of serum MDA levels on the prediction of 30-day and 6-month mortality. Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated as measures of the clinical impact of the predictor variables.

Results

We found higher serum MDA in septic patients at day one (p < 0.001), day four (p < 0.001) and day eight (p < 0.001) of diagnosis than in healthy controls. Serum MDA was lower in surviving than non-surviving septic patients at day one (p < 0.001), day four (p < 0.001) and day eight (p < 0.001). Serum MDA levels were positively correlated with lactic acid and SOFA during the first week. Finally, serum MDA levels were associated with 30-day mortality (HR = 1.05; 95% CI = 1.02-1.09; p = 0.005) and six-month mortality (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.05; 95% CI = 1.02-1.09; p = 0.003) after controlling for lactic acid levels, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE)-II, diabetes mellitus, bloodstream infection and chronic renal failure.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the largest series providing data on the oxidative state in septic patients to date. The novel finding is that high serum MDA levels sustained throughout the first week of follow up were associated with severity and mortality in septic patients.
A Multi-Scale Approach to Simulate Solidification Structure Evolution and Solute Segregation in a Weld Pool
Authors: Xie Yu , Dong Hongbiao , Liu Jun , Davidchack Ruslan L. , Dantzig Jonathan A. , Duggan Gregory , Tong Mingming , Browne David J.
Published: December 2013

During welding, work-pieces are melted to form a weld pool and are joined upon solidification. The quality of the welded product is largely determined by the solidified microstructure and solute distribution. In recent years phase-field (PF) models have been developed to simulate solidification structure evolution and microsegregation. However many input data for the PF simulations are difficult to measure, including at the nanoscale the solid-liquid interfacial energy and its anisotropy, and at the macroscale the solidification conditions. In this study, an integrated scheme is proposed to resolve the above challenges by linking nanoscale molecular dynamics modelling (MD) and mesoscale front tracking (FT) modelling to the PF modelling. The approach is demonstrated in a case study in which the solidified structures and solute distributions are simulated in the weld pool for Fe-0.3wt. %C steel.
A Post-Earthquake Fire Factor to Improve the Fire Resistance of Damaged Ordinary Reinforced Concrete Structures
Authors: Behnam Behrouz , Ronagh Hamid
Published: December 2013

Post-earthquake fire (PEF) is considered as one of the most problematic potentially possible disasters in urban areas, as it may result in a conflagration. Most standards and criteria, however, ignore the possibility of fire after earthquake and therefore, majority of conventional buildings are not designed to resist thermal loading after an earthquake. Thus, there is high likelihood of rapid collapse for those buildings damaged partially after an earthquake, which are subjected immediately to a following fire. An investigation based on sequential analysis inspired by FEMA356 is performed in this paper on two RC frames; three and five stories at the Life-Safety performance level and designed to the ACI 318-08 code after they are subjected to a spectral PGA of 0.35g. This is followed by a five-hour fire analysis of the weakened structures, from which the time it takes for the damaged structures to collapse is calculated. As a point of reference, the fire resistance is also determined for undamaged structures and before the occurrence of earthquake. The results show that the structures previously damaged by the earthquake and exposed to PEF are more vulnerable than those that are not damaged. A CPEF greater than 1 is then introduced as a function of fire extinguishing or evacuating time that can be multiplied by the base shear at the time of design in order to increase members sizes and thus improve the PEF resistance. Whilst the investigation is for a certain class of structures (ordinary buildings, intermediate reinforced concrete structure, three and five stories), the results confirm the need for the incorporation of post earthquake fire in the process of analysis and design, and provides some quantitative measures on the level of associated effects.
3D Models of Ancient Sundials: A Comparison
Authors: Fritsch Bernhard , Rinner Elisabeth , Graßhoff Gerd
Published: December 2013

In this paper we examine the accuracy of two different methods for creating 3D models of ancient objects. Specifically, models constructed using the structure-from-motion (SfM) system are compared with models created using a structured-light scanner. In our case study, we tested both methods on ancient sundials, as we are in the process of building a digital repository of 3D models of well-known objects. Besides the goal of obtaining visual consistency, another of our objectives is to estimate numerically the accuracy of SfM, so that reliable 3D data of sundials can be used in future research projects.
A new regulatory pathway of mRNA export by an F-box protein, Mdm30
Authors: Durairaj Geetha , Lahudkar Shweta , Bhaumik Sukesh R.
Published: December 2013

Mdm30, an F-box protein in yeast, has been recently shown to promote mRNA export. However, it remains unknown how Mdm30 facilitates mRNA export. Here, we show that Mdm30 targets the Sub2 component of the TREX (Transcription/Export) complex for ubiquitylation and subsequent proteasomal degradation. Such a targeted degradation of Sub2 enhances the recruitment of the mRNA export adaptor, Yra1, to the active genes to promote mRNA export. Together, these results elucidate that Mdm30 promotes mRNA export by lowering Sub2's stability and consequently enhancing Yra1 recruitment, thus illuminating new regulatory mechanisms of mRNA export by Mdm30.
The Development of Human Resource Planning in the Tourism Business Sector
Authors: Ананьев Александр , Ananev Aleksandr
Published: December 2013

The article studies the current ways of introducing elements of human resource planning into tourism and service enterprise development strategies. The author considers the specifics and peculiarities of the tourism and service business and identifies the major lines of application as well as the workability of corporate and HRplanning in reference to small- and medium-sized enterprises operating in the focus areas. Special stress is laid on the contribution ofmarketing research, pursuing prospective lines of tourism and service enterprise development and introducing elements of HRplanning to delivering the targeted results. The author regards the basic stages and methods of personnel planning as employed by tourism and service enterprises in terms of occupation, skill and qualification.

The article may serve the scientific, special and teaching purposes of those studying the problem of HR planning in the context of tourism and service business.
River Cruises Market in Russia: Problems and Solutions
Authors: Войт Марина , Voyt Marina
Published: December 2013

The article provides an insight into the current state of the river cruises market in Russia. The key problems of the market development are identified and possible ways of solving the problems are considered. Special attention is paid to potentially effective ways of river fleet renovation. The author substantiates the necessity to solve the problems analyzed in the article for increasing the cruise tourism competitive advantage in the cultural and educational tourism market.
Holiday Activities and Entertainment as a Peculiar Means of Advertising
Authors: Николаева Анна , Nikolaeva Anna
Published: December 2013

Activities and entertainment offered to holiday-makers by tourism enterprises turn into a peculiar form of advertising aimed at the tourist product promotion. Activities and entertainment do not only serve to keep the tourist busy and drive his/her care away but also to position the tourist complex. Activities and entertainment are individual-oriented to the greatest possible extent, affording the tourism enterprise the unique advantage of turning the tourist into an advertising medium. It is only through efficient integration of entertainment into the overall strategy of the tourism enterprise development that this kind of advertising is to be used to advantage and to entail no uncalculated risks.
Hard- and Software Evolution as a Contributor to the E-Commerce Development in the Tourism Industry (Case-study: the «Turregistr» Project)
Authors: Стахова Людмила , Stakhova Lyudmila
Published: December 2013

The article deals with the salient features of the «Turregistr» project (working-title) and the conditions requisite for its implementation. The project provides for a base designed to register and handle package tours within the Russian tourism market. Thereafter, the author touches upon the project implementation advantages afforded for both public authorities and tourism market entities.
‘Whatever it means, you should have it’: Exploring digital literacies in arts education
Authors: Boyd Vic
Published: December 2013

This article examines both staff and students’ perspectives of using learning technologies within arts education in developing flexible, longitudinal support for digital literacies. Based on data collected at a small, specialist arts institution in the United Kingdom, the article explores ways in which staff may consider students’ use of technology in learning as well as how students themselves use technology in creative practices. In so doing, the article considers the digital natives/immigrants debate through a social constructionist lens to underscore how pervading assumptions about students’ use of technology may influence ongoing support and ambiguous institutional culture.
In the wake of SNS Challenger: Rephotographing collectively online with informal learners
Authors: McLeod Gary
Published: December 2013

This article addresses the growing practice of ‘rephotography’ and the medium of social network sites in relation to developing visual literacy and digital skills within informal learning. Drawing upon ongoing research, this article examines contributions made to a bespoke social network site by participants involved in a global project that aims to identify and photograph again locations once photographed during the voyage of the British scientific survey ship HMS Challenger (18721876). With a focus on the rephotographic process, the article discusses contributions made to the project by three participants in Gibraltar, Cape Town and Manila. Upon reflection of their contributions, the combination of rephotography and a dedicated social network site is put forward as a potential visual methodology for the development of visual literacy and digital skills of twenty-first century informal learners.