bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular pathological analysis of sarcomas using paraffin‐embedded tissue: current limitations and future possibilities
Authors: van de Rijn Matt , Guo Xiangqian , Sweeney Robert T , Beck Andrew H , West Robert B
Published: October 2013

Sarcomas of soft tissue and bone are rare neoplasms that can be separated into a large number of different diagnostic entities. Over the years, a number of diagnostic markers have been developed that aid pathologists in reaching the appropriate diagnoses. Many of these markers are sarcoma‐specific proteins that can be detected by immunohistochemistry in formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) sections. In addition, a wide range of molecular studies have been developed that can detect gene mutations, gene amplifications or chromosomal translocations in FFPE material. Until recently, most sequencing‐based approaches relied on the availability of fresh frozen tissue. However, with the advent of next‐generation sequencing technologies, FFPE material is increasingly being used as a tool to identify novel immunohistochemistry markers, gene mutations, and chromosomal translocations, and to develop diagnostic tests.
Rarely metastasizing soft tissue tumours
Authors: Mangham D Chas , Kindblom Lars‐Gunnar
Published: October 2013

Soft tissue tumours that rarely metastasize have been afforded their own subcategory in recent WHO classifications. This review discusses the nature of these tumours and the difficulty in constructing usefully simple classifications for heterogeneous and complex groups of tumours. We also highlight the specific rarely metastasizing soft tissue tumours that have been recently added to the WHO classification (phosphaturic mesenchymal tumour, pseudomyogenic haemangioendothelioma) and those entities where there have been recent important defining genetic discoveries (myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma, solitary fibrous tumour, myoepitheliomas).
MILKING OTHER MEN'S BEASTS
Authors: FUDGE ERICA
Published: October 2013

This article takes as its point of departure a small piece of evidence: a single‐line entry in a seventeenth‐century Essex Sessions Roll about the theft of milk. This fragment of the legal archive and the world it offers us a glimpse of are used to explore what it might mean to take seriously the presence of animals as historical actors. The article also—and inseparably—asks us to think about the nature of that being called the human that so frequently goes without comment in historical (as in other humanities) scholarship. Using work from historiography, sensory history, social history, anthropology, and contemporary animal science, the article proposes that introducing animals as actors and not just as objects into historical work will not only broaden and deepen what we might know about the past, it will also challenge some assumptions as to what the focus of our discipline might be.
Justice as a Family Value: How a Commitment to Fairness is Compatible with Love
Authors: Kleingeld Pauline , Anderson Joel
Published: October 2013

Many discussions of love and the family treat issues of justice as something alien. On this view, concerns about whether one's family is internally just are in tension with the modes of interaction that are characteristic of loving families. In this essay, we challenge this widespread view. We argue that once justice becomes a shared family concern, its pursuit is compatible with loving familial relations. We examine four arguments for the thesis that a concern with justice is not at home within a loving family, and we explain why these arguments fail. We develop and defend an alternative conception of the justice‐oriented loving family, arguing that justice can—and, for the sake of justice, should—be seen as a family value.
In Defense of Experience
Authors: Oksala Johanna
Published: October 2013

This article studies our philosophical understanding of experience in order to question the current political and theoretical dismissal of experiential accounts in feminist theory. The focus is on Joan Scott's critique of experience, but the philosophical issues animating the discussion go beyond Scott's work and concern the future of feminist theory and politics more generally. I ask what it means for feminist theory to redefine experience as a linguistic event the way Scott suggests. I attempt to demonstrate that the consequences that she draws from such a theoretical move are both philosophically and politically problematic. A critical study of the evidence of experience does not have to imply metaphysical or epistemological foundationalism, as Scott claims, but on the contrary, such a study is indispensable for challenging them. We must hold onto experience as an important resource for contesting sexist discourses and oppressive conceptual schemas.
Comparing pellet and stable isotope analyses of nestling Bonelli's Eagle Aquila fasciata diet
Authors: Resano‐Mayor Jaime , Hernández‐Matías Antonio , Real Joan , Parés Francesc , Inger Richard , Bearhop Stuart
Published: October 2013

Diet analyses are central to the study of avian trophic ecology, and stable isotope analyses have made an increasing contribution in the last two decades. Few isotopic studies have assessed the diet of raptor species, which are more frequently analysed by conventional diet methods such as pellet analysis. In this study, we compare prey consumption estimates of nestling Bonelli's Eagles Aquila fasciata from conventional pellet analysis (in terms of items and biomass) and stable isotopic mixing models (SIAR) using δ13C, δ15N and δ34S of feathers. The pellet analysis showed that European Rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus, pigeons (mainly Common Wood Pigeons Columba palumbus and Domestic Pigeons Columba livia dom.), Red‐legged Partridges Alectoris rufa, passerines, Yellow‐legged Gulls Larus michahellis and Eurasian Red Squirrels Sciurus vulgaris were the main prey, so they were selected for diet reconstructions in SIAR. At the population level, mean prey consumption estimates were similar for pellets (both items and biomass) and SIAR. At the territory level, the weighted kappa statistic showed good ordinal scale agreement in main prey consumption between items or biomass and SIAR. Although the intraclass correlation coefficient showed poor method agreement when considering all prey in the same analysis, the intraclass correlation coefficients for each prey category showed significant agreement between pellets and SIAR when estimating the consumption of Rabbits, pigeons and Gulls, with lower agreement for passerines and Squirrels. Lastly, there was poor method agreement for estimates of Partridges. Our results suggest an overall agreement between the pellet analysis and SIAR when estimating nestling Bonelli's Eagle diet at both the population and, to a lesser extent, the territory level, supporting the usefulness of isotopic mixing models when identifying the terrestrial and marine components of raptor diets.
Satellite‐derived vegetation indices as surrogate of species richness and abundance of ground beetles in temperate floodplains
Authors: Lafage Denis , Secondi Jean , Georges Anita , Bouzillé Jan‐Bernard , Pétillon Julien
Published: October 2013

Remotely sensed data are frequently employed for monitoring vegetation and for estimating herbivore diversity. Their use for predicting predator arthropod species abundance and richness has also been investigated with success for ants and beetles in forests using normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) and for beetles in mountain forests using light detection and ranging data.

We investigated whether vegetation indices, derived from multispectral SPOT imagery could predict abundance and species richness of ground active spiders and ground beetles in a new ecological context, the floodplain meadows of the Loire River in Western Europe. Using pitfall traps, we collected carabids and spiders in the field.

Maximum vegetation height, litter‐depth and plant species richness best explained species assemblages of both groups (multivariate analyses). NDVI and enhanced vegetation index (EVI 2) were strongly related to activity‐density and species richness for ground beetles only, EVI 2 being the best surrogate. Relationships between vegetation indices and spider assemblage patterns were either non‐significant or weak.

We demonstrated that EVI 2 is a good surrogate of the abundance and richness of carabid species in a temperate floodplain, and has potential as a low cost method for mapping arthropod assemblages at large spatial scales.

Our approach provides a tool which contributes to biodiversity assessment at large spatial scales. It can also contribute to the prioritisation of conservation areas and early change detection, as carabids are keystone indicators.
Primary irritation index and safety zone of cosmetics: retrospective analysis of skin patch tests in 7440Korean women during 12 years
Authors: An S. M. , Ham H. , Choi E. J. , Shin M. K. , An S. S. , Kim H. O. , Koh J. S.
Published: October 2013

Synopsis

Background

Cosmetics are products used over long periods by the public, and their safety is very important. Several types of human tests are used widely for the evaluation of cosmetics including single patch tests, in‐use tests, human repeated insult patch test (HRIPT). However, there is no clear and well‐defined published objective and standardized criteria for primary skin irritation in regard to the large variety of cosmetic products.

Methods

This study analysed human patch tests conducted from May 2001 to December 2012 with 4606 materials of prototype or finished cosmetic products on 7440 normal Korean women aged 18−60 years. The tested products were patched under occlusion for 24 or 48 h, and skin tolerance was assessed twice at 30 min and 24 h after patch removal using a 5‐step scale according to the CTFA guidelines.

Results

Human patch tests for cosmetics were performed of 4606 cases, and 30−33 subjects participated in each case. The response in each case was calculated based on total subject number, skin reaction intensity and the number of respondents. The calculated response was standardized using thez‐score, and a safety zone was provided in terms of human primary irritation in accordance with the human skin reaction evaluation criteria and usage or formula of cosmetics.

Conclusions

This study established the safety criteria for irritation in the cosmetics field.
Biofilm removal by 6% sodium hypochlorite activated by different irrigation techniques
Authors: Ordinola‐Zapata R. , Bramante C. M. , Aprecio R. M. , Handysides R. , Jaramillo D. E.
Published: October 2013

Aim

To compare the removal of biofilm utilizing four irrigation techniques on a bovine root canal model.

Methodology

Fifty dentine specimens (2 × 2 mm) were infected with biofilm. The samples were then adapted to previously created cavities in the bovine model. The root canals were irrigated twice with 2 mL of 6% sodium hypochlorite for 2 min (4 min total). Following initial irrigation, the different treatment modalities were introduced for 60 s (3 × 20 s intervals). The evaluated techniques were needle irrigation, Endoactivator (Dentsply Tulsa Dental, Tulsa, OK, USA), passive ultrasonic irrigation and laser‐activated irrigation (photon‐induced photoacoustic streaming). The controls were irrigated with distilled water and conventional needle irrigation. Subsequently, the dentine samples were separated from the model and analysed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Fifteen operative fields were scanned per block, and SEM pictures were captured. Two calibrated evaluators examined the images and collected data using a four‐degree scale. Nonparametric tests were used to evaluate for statistical significance amongst the groups.

Results

The group undergoing laser‐activated irrigation using photon‐induced photoacoustic streaming exhibited the most favourable results in the removal of biofilm. Passive ultrasonic irrigation scores were significantly lower than both the Endoactivator and needle irrigation scores. Sonic and needle irrigation were not significantly different. The least favourable results were found in the control group.

Conclusions

Laser activation of 6% sodium hypochlorite significantly improved the cleaning of biofilm‐infected dentine followed by passive ultrasonic irrigation.
Humidity Sensing Property of NaCl‐Added Mesoporous Silica Synthesized by a Facile Way with Low Energy Cost
Authors: Geng Wangchang , Zhou Lunwei , Duan Libing , Gu Junwei , Zhang Qiuyu , Yuan Qing , Jiang Xingmao
Published: October 2013

NaCl‐added mesoporous silica SBA‐15 was prepared by a simple grind method which needs low energy cost. Humidity sensing property was studied. Study results indicated that NaCl‐added material possesses higher humidity sensitivity. Its impedance changed more than four orders of magnitude when the relative humidity changed from 11% RH to 95% RH. From the viewpoint of economy, NaCl‐added SBA‐15 material which possesses high sensitivity and needs low energy cost is more suitable to be a promising humidity sensing material. Complex impedance spectra, the corresponding equivalent circuit, and bode diagrams were carefully analyzed to explore sensing mechanism.
Effect of MgO Grain Size on Thermal Expansion Behavior of Alumina–Magnesia–Carbon Refractory
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Santanu , Chattopadhyay Arup K. , Das Gopesh C. , Maitra Saikat
Published: October 2013

The effect of MgO grain size on the permanent linear change behavior of resin bonded alumina–magnesia–carbon refractory has been studied in relation to the formation of spinel phase in these refractories as a function of firing time and temperature. From scanning electron microscopic studies, spinelization at the interface of Al2O3 and MgO grains has also been studied to determine the reaction kinetics for gaining insight into the process.
New Reduced Graphene Oxide/Alumina (RGO/Al2O3) Nanocomposite: Innovative Method of Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Maria Jastrzębska Agnieszka , Roman Olszyna Andrzej , Jureczko Joanna , Kunicki Antoni
Published: October 2013

A novel method was developed to synthesize reduced graphene oxide/alumina nanocomposite (RGO/Al2O3) by in situ depositing Al2O3 nanoparticles on graphene oxide flakes by a dry sol–gel process. The scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy investigations results showed that Al2O3 nanoparticles (19 ± 5 nm) were homogeneously distributed onto the surface of curly‐shaped RGO flakes acting as a spacer between individual flakes. The high BET‐specific surface area of the analyzed composite (242.4 m2/g) together with very low open porosity indicates that RGO/Al2O3 nanocomposites have a very friable structure and show low tendency to agglomeration.
The impact of textual enhancement on EFL learners' grammatical awareness of future plans and intentions
Authors: Jahan Akhter , Kormos Judit
Published: October 2013

This experimental study explores the impact of textual enhancement on English language learners' noticing of and grammatical awareness of expressing future plans and intentions. The study was conducted over five weeks with a pre‐test, immediate post‐test and delayed post‐test research design with the participation of 97 tertiary level students in Bangladesh. The results reveal that exposure to textually enhanced input facilitates the development of metalinguistic knowledge of the ‘be going to’ construction, as well as the learners' controlled use of the construction ‘will’ for expressing future plans and intentions. Input enhancement alone, however, was not effective in helping the participants to gain a full understanding of the complexities of form to function mappings with regard to targeted future meanings.

Der Einfluss von Textaufbereitungen auf das grammatikalische Bewusstsein von EFL‐Lernern In dieser experimentellen Studie wird untersucht, wie sich Textaufbereitungen für Lerner des Englischen auf das “noticing” und das grammatikalische Bewusstsein beim Ausdruck von zukünftigen Plänen und Handlungen auswirken. Die Studie erstreckte sich über fünf Wochen mit einem Prätest, unmittelbaren Posttest und zeitverzögerten Posttest Design mit 97 Teilnehmern aus dem terziären Bildungsbereich in Bangladesch. Die Studie ergab, dass verbesserter Textinput die Entwicklung von metalinguistischem Wissen über die “be going to”‐Konstruktion erleichtert, ebenso wie die kontrollierte Verwendung der “will”‐Konstruktion durch die Lerner, um Pläne und Intentionen in der Zukunft zu beschreiben. Verbesserter Input erwies sich jedoch nicht als effekiv für das Ziel, den Teilnehmern zu helfen, ein vollständiges Verständnis der Komplexitäten der Form‐Fuktion‐Zuordnung im Bereich der untersuchten Futurbedeutungen zu vermitteln.
The place of debt in establishing identity and self‐worth in transitional life phases: young home leavers and credit
Authors: McNeill Lisa S.
Published: October 2013

Consumption behaviour has long been linked to identity and notions of the self, with these concepts becoming ever more relevant in a global culture of consumption where materialistic behaviours and attitudes are seen as determinants of self‐image. Against this landscape of consumption, Generation Y is oft criticized as the ‘want it now’ generation, focused on hedonic acquisition of possessions and brands. This group was born into a society that reinforces the self through having and have been encouraged to consume since childhood. Debt is increasing in the youth market, with most teenagers now having access to credit cards and university graduates entering the workplace with high levels of consumer as well as educational debt. This study examines the consumption behaviour of two sets of young adult consumers: recent home leavers and those who have lived away from home for a longer period of time, examining their experience with debt in a framework of self‐identity. Core themes to emerge from this research are centred on the place of debt in establishing identity and self‐worth in transitional life phases.
Multiple linear leiomyomas of the forehead as the presenting sign of Reed syndrome
Authors: Kakar Rohit , Davis Jeremy C. , Crowe David R.
Published: October 2013

A 62‐year‐old female presented with a linear arrangement of multiple asymptomatic, discrete, dome‐shaped, smooth, skin‐colored papules and nodules involving the left forehead. Histopathology showed a poorly circumscribed nodule of haphazardly arranged fascicles of smooth muscle cells involving the papillary and superficial reticular dermis. Genetic testing revealed the patient to be heterozygous for the R233H mutation in the fumarate hydratase gene. Clinical, microscopic, and genetic findings were consistent with a diagnosis of Reed syndrome. Reed syndrome is a rare disorder defined by cutaneous and uterine leiomyomas and, uncommonly, renal cell carcinoma.
Optimisation of a quality improver for instant rice and its quality properties
Authors: Huang Meihua , He Guoqing , Chen Shupan , Cui Meilin , Ma Lisha , Liu Yankun
Published: October 2013

Three additives were optimised for the sensory characteristics, textural and physicochemical properties of instant rice by using response surface methodology (RSM) and principal component analysis (PCA). Comprehensive evaluation indicated that 0.025% glycerol monolaurate (GML), 0.58% β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) and 0.41% alcohol formed a new quality improver of instant rice. Moreover, several specific quality properties of instant rice were further studied. Compared with freshly cooked rice, instant rice with or without optimised additives owned much lower quality. The microstructure observation and pasting properties by Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA) analysis implied that quality improver could distinctly ameliorate the texture and viscoelastic properties. Simultaneously, the quality improver had no significant effects on the starch digestion. But, it could retard short‐term starch retrogradation of instant rice, namely △Hr value decreasing from 1.511 J g−1 to 1.386 J g−1.
Optimisation of green ultrasonic cell grinder extraction of iridoid glycosides from Corni fructus by response surface methodology
Authors: Xie Xiao‐Yu , Chen Fang‐Fang , Yu Jing , Shi Yan‐Ping
Published: October 2013

Ultrasonic cell grinder extraction (UCGE), employing water as solvent, was proposed as a sustainable and efficient method for the extraction of two iridoid glycosides (morroniside and loganin) from Corni fructus. Extraction yields were determined by four variables: ratio of solution to solid, extraction power, extraction buffer time and extraction time. Data analysis by response surface methodology showed that best yields, 2.176% ± 0.006% (predicted value of 2.195%) for morroniside and 0.839% ± 0.004% (predicted value of 0.852%) for loganin, were obtained when the values of these four variables were set at 45:1 mL g−1, 1600 w, 2.3 s and 40 min, respectively. The yields of morroniside and loganin using UCGE method were 0.198–0.279% and 0.167–0.181% higher than that of traditional heat reflux extraction method, respectively. Thus, the UCGE method is more productive, economic and environmentally friendly and has great potential to be used widely in natural product chemistry.
Volatile secondary metabolites of Greco (Vitis vinifera L.) must
Authors: Lamorte Simona Antonella , Gambuti Angelita , Genovese Alessandro , Moio Luigi
Published: October 2013

Greco grape (Vitis vinifera L.), a typical white variety of Campania region in the South of Italy, was investigated for the first time determining volatile‐free and glycosidically bound secondary metabolites that could be at the base of the aroma profile of DOCG ‘Greco di Tufo’ wines. C18 reversed‐phase isolates of ‘Greco’ musts have been investigated by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. ‘Greco’ must resulted characterised by a content of glycoconjugated terpenoids ranging from 180 to 370 μg L−1. Linalool and geraniol detected in the ‘Greco’ must above their odour thresholds could explain a floral character attributed to the wine. Guaiacol in free fraction, 4‐vinylguaiacol and eugenol in the bound fraction could be at the origin of nutty and spicy notes of the wine. Some observations of this study also show that precursors of floral, spicy and nutty odorants seem to be enhanced by clay soil and good sun exposure.
Headspace solid‐phase micro extraction coupled to comprehensive two‐dimensional with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry applied to the evaluation of Nebbiolo‐based wine volatile aroma during ageing
Authors: Bordiga Matteo , Piana Gianluca , Coïsson Jean Daniel , Travaglia Fabiano , Arlorio Marco
Published: October 2013

This study presents the application of a headspace solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME) method on the analysis of Nebbiolo‐based wine volatiles by comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) and time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (TOF‐MS). The aroma patterns were established for different samples of Nebbiolo‐based wines, aged in oak wood barrels for 18 months at constant temperature. The methodology allowed for the simultaneous analysis of over 130 different volatile compounds detected in the headspace. The odour activity values (OAVs) were assessed to identify potentially important odorants of Nebbiolo‐based wine during ageing. The highest OAVs were obtained for several compounds such as ethyl octanoate, ethyl hexanoate, isoamyl acetate, β‐damascenone, ethyl cinnamate, ethyl 3‐methylbutanate and acetaldehyde. Ethyl butanoate, octanoic acid, ethyl dihydrocinnamate and γ‐nonalactone were also at concentrations higher than their corresponding threshold. Also vanillin, (E)‐whisky lactone, (Z)‐whisky lactone, guaiacol and 4‐ethyl guaiacol seem to be important odorants after oak wood ageing period.
Assessment of normal erythropoiesis by flow cytometry: important considerations for specimen preparation
Authors: Wangen J. R. , Eidenschink Brodersen L. , Stolk T. T. , Wells D. A. , Loken M. R.
Published: October 2013

Introduction

The extension of quantitative flow cytometric studies to the erythroid lineage in patients with suspected myelodysplastic syndrome has prompted a reassessment of cell surface antigen expression during normal erythropoiesis. Erythropoiesis in normal and pathologic bone marrows was studied to determine the expected antigenic relationships of maturing erythroid cells.

Methods

A total of 200 bone marrow specimens were evaluated by multidimensional flow cytometry (MDF). Samples were prepared using either NH4Cl lysis or Ficoll density gradient separation.

Results

Normal erythroid development is described as a two‐step process observable with the intensity relationships between CD235a, CD71, CD45, CD105, CD34, CD117, and CD36. The variability of these intensities (CV) was determined. A comparison of processing techniques determined lysis is the optimal analytic technique for the analysis of early‐stage erythroid cells. Nucleic acid staining with DRAQ5 revealed that Ficoll allows for the analysis of reticulocytes and mature erythrocytes otherwise eliminated by lysis.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate while lysis alters the light scatter characteristics of erythroid precursors, it did not alter quantitative antigen expression or nucleic acid content. The expected variability in antigen intensities is defined. These studies provide a basis for a comparison of erythroid development between normal individuals and those with erythroid dysplasia associated with myelodysplastic syndromes.
Evidence‐based practice for pain management for cancer patients in an acute care setting
Authors: Choi Mona , Kim Hee Sun , Chung Su Kyoung , Ahn Mee Jung , Yoo Jae Yong , Park Ok Sun , Woo So Rah , Kim So Sun , Kim Sun Ah , Oh Eui Geum
Published: October 2013

The purpose of this study is to implement an evidence utilization project using an audit and feedback approach to improve cancer pain management. A three‐phased audit and feedback approach was used. A 46‐bed oncology nursing unit in the university's cancer centre was selected as a research site. Nursing records extracted from 137 patients (65 for the baseline assessment and 72 for the follow‐up audit) were used to examine nurse compliance with four audit criteria derived from best practice guidelines related to the assessment and management of pain. We observed a significant improvement in compliance from baseline to follow‐up for the following criteria: documenting the side effects of opioids (2–83%), use of a formalized pain assessment tool (22–75%), and providing education for pain assessment and management to patients and caregivers (0–47%). The audit and feedback method was applicable to the implementation of clinical practice guidelines for cancer pain management. Leadership from both administrative personnel and staff nurses working together contributes to the spread of an evidence‐based practice culture in clinical settings. As it was conducted in a single oncology nursing unit and was implemented over a short period of time, the results should be carefully interpreted.
A qualitative study on the roles and responsibilities of nurse consultants in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Dominic SK , Lee Diana TF , Chair Sek Ying , Fung Sylvia YK , Chan Eric LS , Chan Carmen WH
Published: October 2013

This study aims to explore the roles and responsibilities of seven newly appointed nurse consultants (NCs) in various clinical specialties in Hong Kong as a pioneer project. Qualitative approaches using direct observation and semi‐structured interviews were adopted with two full‐day observations on the seven NCs plus 56 semi‐structured interviews of NCs, nurses, doctors and patients. Five major NCs’ roles and responsibilities had been identified, namely providing expert practice, initiating service development, leading education, guiding continuous quality improvement (CQI) and conducting research and providing evidence‐based practice. The seven NCs within this study have by and large achieved building professional excellence, respect and trust within their own spheres. It is strongly recommended that the NC post be formally established in the new Nurses Career Structure to enable expert clinical nurses to develop a clinical career to contribute to service and patient care to its maximum.
Determining the effectiveness of illustrated communication material for communication with intubated patients at an intensive care unit
Authors: Otuzoğlu Münevver , Karahan Azize
Published: October 2013

Communication with non‐speaking patients in intensive care unit is stress for both nurse and patients. Semi‐experimental study that took place at a University Hospital was to develop illustrated material for patient communication and determine its effectiveness. The study sample consisted of 90 intubated patients at the Adult Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit who had undergone open heart surgery. The patients were divided into the intervention and control groups. Data analysis was with descriptive statistics and the χ2 test. The illustrated communication material was stated to be helpful by 77.8% and partially helpful by 22.2% of the intervention group patients regarding the communication between the health‐care staff and the patients. Control group patients had more difficulties communicating with the health‐care staff. Illustrated communication material was an effective method in communicating with intubated patients.
The social dimensions of happiness and life satisfaction ofAustralians: Evidence from theWorldValuesSurvey
Authors: Vinson Tony , Ericson Matthew
Published: October 2013

Relatively short‐term verbal therapies and other forms of intervention may help people to overcome difficult passages in life, but studies in recent decades have pointed to the salience of social and economic conditions in shaping life satisfaction and happiness. The present study contributes to our knowledge of this field by extending the range of social factors considered, but also, crucially, by the employment of statistical analyses that serve to disentangle the often overlapping variables associated with life satisfaction and happiness. Our results support previous ‘demographic’ findings as well as new results including education, marriage, children, human rights and, particularly in the context ofAustralian society, perceived choice in life. Establishing what the major contributing factors are can assist the formulation of social policy. Moreover, it can alert practitioners to the value of consolidating their work by encouraging service users to utilise community sources that enhance life satisfaction and/or happiness.

Key Practitioner Message: ●The informed linking of service users to sources of life satisfaction and happiness can ‘value add’ direct service interventions;●The salience of exercising individual choice to achieving life satisfaction reinforces the importance of the practice principle of self‐determination;●A person's sense of physical wellbeing is a relevant part of social assessment and subsequent planned actions.
Robot‐assisted laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for left clinical stage I non‐seminomatous germ cell testicular cancer: Focus on port placement and surgical technique
Authors: Mir Maria Carmen , Autorino Riccardo , Samarasekera Dinesh , Klink Joseph , Stephenson Andrew J , Kaouk Jihad H
Published: October 2013

The aim of our report was to describe the feasibility of robotic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in the contemporary era. We suggest the linear port location and 90° robotic docking as the main key to minimizing instrument clashing and improving the range of surgical accessibility.
Denonvilliers' space expansion by transperineal injection of hydrogel: Implications for focal therapy of prostate cancer
Authors: de Castro Abreu Andre Luis , Ma Yanling , Shoji Sunao , Marien Arnaud , Leslie Scott , Gill Inderbir , Ukimura Osamu
Published: October 2013

We developed and assessed a technique of: (i) expanding Denonvilliers' space by hydrogel (polyethylene glycol) during focal cryoabation; and (ii) temperature mapping to ensure protection of the rectal wall. In a fresh cadaver, 20 cc of hydrogel was injected transperineally into Denonvilliers' space under transrectal ultrasound guidance. Successful expansion of Denonvilliers' space was achieved with a range of 9–11 mm thickness covering the entire posterior prostate surface. Two freeze‐thaw cycles were used to expand the iceball reaching the rectal wall as an end‐point. Intraoperative transrectal ultrasound monitoring and temperature mapping in Denonvilliers' space by multiple thermocouples documented real‐time iceball expansion up to 10 mm beyond the prostate, and safety in protecting the rectal wall from thermal injury. The lowest temperatures of the thermocouples with a distance of 0 mm, 5 mm and 10 mm from the prostate were: −35°C, −18°C and 0°C (P < 0.001), respectively. In gross and microscopic examination, the hydrogel mass measured 11 × 40 × 34 mm, which was identical to the intraoperative transrectal ultrasound measurements, there was no infiltration of the hydrogel into the rectal wall or prostate and no injury to the pelvic organs. In conclusion, the expansion of Denonvilliers' space by transperineal injection of hydrogel is feasible and a promising technique to facilitate energy‐based focal therapy of prostate cancer.
Dose adjustment guidelines for medications in patients with renal impairment: how consistent are drug information sources?
Authors: Khanal A. , Castelino R. L. , Peterson G. M. , Jose M. D.
Published: October 2013

Background

It is known that patients with renal disease are often administered inappropriate dosages of drugs. A lack of quantitative data in the available drug information sources and inconsistency in dosing information may augment the problem of dosing error.

Aims

To determine the concordance among five drug information sources regarding the dosing recommendations provided for drugs considered problematic in patients with renal impairment and to determine the consistency among the sources regarding the definition of renal impairment and categorisation of chronic kidney disease.

Methods

Five standard drug information sources were reviewed for 61 drugs recommended to be used with caution in renal impairment. Information on recommendations for dosage adjustment in renal impairment was extracted and analysed. Further, the definition and classification of renal impairment were recorded. The recommendation for each drug was coded into six different categories and the intersource reliability was calculated.

Results

Only slight agreement was observed among the sources (Fleiss Kappa: 0.3). Qualitative data were not well defined, and there was a lack of consistency in quantitative values. Some drugs marked as contraindicated in one source were not mentioned as such in others. Also, drugs considered as not requiring dosage adjustment in one source had explicit recommendations in other sources. The definition and classification of renal impairment differed among the five information sources.

Conclusions

There should be an evidence‐based approach to drug dosage adjustment in order to bring uniformity to the recommendations. Regular updating of the content of the drug information sources is also important.
Infants' Perception of Intonation: Is It a Statement or a Question?
Authors: Frota Sonia , Butler Joseph , Vigário Marina
Published: October 2013

The ability to distinguish phonetic variations in speech that are relevant to meaning is essential for infants' language development. Previous studies into the acquisition of prosodic categories have focused on lexical stress, lexical pitch accent, or lexical tone. However, very little is known about the developmental course of infants' perception of linguistic intonation. In this study, we investigate infants' perception of the correlates of the statement/yes–no question contrast in a language that marks this sentence type distinction only by prosodic means,EuropeanPortuguese (EP). Using a modified version of the visual habituation paradigm,EP‐learning infants at 5–6 and 8–9 months were able to successfully discriminate segmentally varied, single‐prosodic word intonational phrases presented with statement or yes–no question intonation, demonstrating that they are sensitive to the prosodic cues marking this distinction as early as 5 months and maintain this sensitivity throughout the first year. These results suggest the presence of precocious discrimination abilities for intonation across segmental variation, similarly to previous reports for lexical pitch accent, but unlike previous findings for word stress.
Exercise for mental illness: A systematic review of inpatient studies
Authors: Stanton Robert , Happell Brenda
Published: October 2013

A substantial body of evidence supports the role of exercise interventions for people with a mental illness. However, much of this literature is conducted using outpatient and community‐based populations. We undertook a systematic review examining the effect of exercise interventions on the health of people hospitalized with depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or anxiety disorders. Eight studies met our inclusion criteria. Several studies show positive health outcomes from short‐term and long‐term interventions for people hospitalized due to depression. Although positive, the evidence for inpatients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or anxiety disorders is substantially less. There is an urgent need to address the paucity of literature in this area, in particular the optimal dose and delivery of exercise for people hospitalized as a result of mental illness. Standardization of reporting exercise programme variables, the assessment of mental illness, and the reporting of adverse events must accompany future studies.
Workplace violence against nurses in emergency departments in Jordan
Authors: ALBashtawy M.
Published: October 2013

Background

Hospital violence against healthcare providers, especially nurses, is a significant concern in every healthcare setting in the world.

Aim

To assess the incidence, characteristics and contributing factors of workplace violence committed against nurses in hospital emergency departments in Jordan.

Method

A cross‐sectional study design was carried out from 1 May to 31 July 2011. The study included the 12 provinces of Jordan by randomly choosing one hospital from each province. A convenient sample of 227 nurses met the inclusion criteria. Chi‐square testing and odds ratio were used to analyse the data.

Findings

The total number of participants was 227. More than three‐quarters of the participants (75.8%) were exposed to at least one type of violence. The number of incidents of verbal violence was approximately fivefold that of the number of incidents of physical violence. Among the perpetrators of verbal violence, patients were the primary perpetrators.

Conclusion

Large‐scale studies investigating the consequences of violence on nursing satisfaction and the quality and quantity of care administered to the community in the healthcare sector are recommended.
The Impact of Financial Analyst Reports on Small Caps Prices in Italy
Authors: Guagliano Claudia , Linciano Nadia , Contento Concetta Magistro
Published: October 2013

This paper examines the abnormal stock returns around the publication of 1167 reports issued by 26 brokerage firms on 37 small caps admitted to listing on the Italian Stock Market from 2003 to 2011. The focus is on small caps going public because for such firms information asymmetries may be severe and, therefore, analyst reports should be particularly valuable to the market. Several hypotheses are tested. First of all, the market impact is computed for the whole sample and for each recommendation category (buy, hold and sell). The exercise is repeated by controlling for the presence of contemporaneous news; by taking into account only the initiations of coverage; by selecting only the changes in recommendations. The results obtained through a standard event study methodology show that analyst reports on small caps are informative for the market, although the price impact differs across the samples considered. For the whole sample of reports, the cumulative abnormal returns estimated over a 3‐day event window around the publication date are statistically significant for buy and hold recommendations only (+0.98 and −0.83 per cent, respectively); however, after selecting out contaminating events only buys are significant (+1.13 per cent). Also the buy recommendations included in the initiation of coverage sample turn out to convey information to the market (+1.50 per cent); the highest price impact, however, is estimated for the upgrades included in the revisions of recommendation sample (+2.19 per cent). The second result of the paper is that information leakage is not widespread, given that abnormal returns are almost never significant before the report date. Therefore on average, the timing of the market reaction to financial research dissemination does not signal tipping or selective disclosure.
Gains to Chinese Bidder Firms: Domestic vs. Foreign Acquisitions
Authors: Black Emma L. , Doukas Angelos J. , Xing Xiaofei , Guo Jie (Michael)
Published: October 2013

This paper examines whether foreign acquisition of Chinese firms improves share price performance relative to domestic acquisitions. The results show that foreign acquisitions are not associated with positive abnormal returns in the short‐run, but that they are so associated for domestic acquisitions. Foreign acquisitions also realise significant long‐run gains, especially when the acquiring firm is large. Specifically, we find that there is a significant, positive long‐run outperformance of 29.81% for large foreign acquisitions benchmarked against domestic ones, while large foreign acquisitions earn 22.39% in aggregate. Our evidence suggests that large Chinese acquirers gain when they expand their operations abroad, consistent with the literature on reverse internalisation.
The Squeezed Middle: An Exploration of Creativity, Conformity and Social Class on the Academic Achievement of Undergraduate Students within a UK Art School
Authors: Jackson Mark
Published: October 2013

Over the past decade, a wealth of UK government initiatives have provided opportunities for higher education institutions to increase student numbers by engaging more with defined groups of students who do not traditionally participate in post compulsory education. Within the creative arts subjects, the success of these politically sensitive initiatives, however, also serves to highlight the growing frustrations of another group of students who show little progress in their achievement during their time at university. These students have a relatively successful school exam profile, are rarely identified as requiring any additional teaching support, maintain an excellent record of attendance and yet rarely achieve the highest assessment grades. Using data collected from a university design department over the past 5 years supported by interviews with current students, this article explores how the cultural behaviours frequently associated as advantageous to emotional welfare may become increasing problematic in an art and design education culture that celebrates creativity, risk taking and ambiguity.
Virtual Voices: Exploring Creative Practices to Support Life Skills Development among Young People Working in a Virtual World Community
Authors: Sclater Madeleine , Lally Victor
Published: October 2013

The dialectical relationship between social justice, active participation and the development of aesthetic sensibilities is re‐emerging as a theme among art and design educators as concerns mount for the future of art and design education in the curriculum – particularly in the UK, but also internationally. This article explores the potential of virtual worlds to support the development of young people's voices using creative practices – photography, film‐making and fashion – as the principal means of engaging young people in developing their understanding of active citizenship. The use of creative practices to support a range of wider educational aims in virtual worlds has not yet been investigated and, we contend, is an area of serious research endeavour. We report on the research of an EPSRC/ESRC‐funded project called ‘Inter‐Life’ which examined how virtual worlds could be used to support the development and acquisition of life skills to enhance the management of important life transitions. The project investigated the extent to which young people's engagement in creative practices within these environments assisted with these processes. Some implications for future research are outlined.
Art Spoken Here: Reggio Emilia for the Big Kids
Authors: Cutcher Alexandra
Published: October 2013

Developing one's creative potential is a basic human right, and thus the relationship between democracy and creativity is ineffable. Reggio Emilia pedagogies recognise this intrinsically; teaching through this modality embeds deep learning and an aesthetic awareness not often evident in formal schooling, despite the overwhelming evidence regarding the value of a sustained art education. Our children are all born creative and brave, yet something happens to them as they grow – the opportunities to express themselves artistically at school become minimised, the art curriculum becomes marginalised, and our children's creative genius falls away. What would Reggio Emilia look like in the High School classroom? Imagine a curriculum where all students' creative potential was nurtured, every day. This article explores this proposition, and argues that by utilising the highly successful pedagogies of Reggio Emilia, we can attend to the fundamental right of every child to an education that nurtures their inherent creativity.
Postcode Criminals
Authors: Hiett Sandra , Kushner Joann
Published: October 2013

Postcode Criminals was the second phase of an international participatory community arts project challenging negative stereotypes of urban youth. Concerned with the impact of zero tolerance community policing strategies in the UK and USA, artists Joann Kushner and Dread Scott developed an art‐based project with a social justice agenda. To give voice to an under‐represented group, the project invited high academic achievers with no history of criminal behaviour from economically and socially deprived urban communities to participate. Postcode Criminals focused on regions of Liverpool and New York, typically sites where community policing strategies had been in force for some time. The findings of this project reveal that relationships between young people, their communities and the police force have been damaged as a direct result of community policing strategies, despite the reported success in crime reduction figures. Fear of crime was found to be a greater problem in urban communities than crime itself. Young people's experiences of ‘ephebiphobia’, the fear of teenagers, were articulated, creating alternative, positive representations of themselves and providing a catalyst for improved community relations.
Biomechanical evaluation of the stabilizing function of the atlantoaxial ligaments under shear loading: A canine cadaveric study
Authors: Reber Katrine , Bürki Alexander , Vizcaino Reves Nuria , Stoffel Michael , Gendron Karine , Ferguson Stephen J , Forterre Franck
Published: October 2013

Objectives

To evaluate the stabilizing function of atlanto‐axial ligaments in dogs.

Study Design

Cadaveric biomechanical study.

Animals

Beagle dog cadavers (n = 10).

Methods

The craniocervical region was collected from 10 Beagle cadavers, and the occipito‐atlanto‐axial region was prepared and freed from the surrounding muscles. Care was taken to preserve integrity of the atlantoaxial ligaments and atlantoaxial joint capsule. The atlanto‐occipital joints were blocked with 2 diverging transarticular 1.8 mm positive threaded K‐wires. Specimen extremities were embedded in polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and mounted on a simulator testing shear load at the atlantoaxial joint. Range of motion (ROM) and neutral zone (NZ) were determined with all ligaments intact, after cutting the apical ligament, both alar ligaments, the transverse ligaments and finally after cutting the dorsal atlantoaxial ligament.

Results

ROM increased similarly and stepwise during testing. The most significant increase was observed after transection of the alar ligaments.

Conclusion

The alar ligaments seem to be the most important ligamentous structures for stabilization of the atlantoaxial joint under shear load.