bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simple Method for Improving the Sensitivity of Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy: A Simulation and Phantom Study
Authors: Fukuda Keiko , Koishi Kazuaki , Murayama Takanobu
Published: June 2013

A novel method for canceling the skin blood flow in functional near-infrared spectroscopy is proposed to improve the accuracy of measurement of oxygen consumption in brain tissue. We use two approaches for applying cancellation signals. The sharing aperture approach uses cancellation signals detected at apertures for irradiating light, and the additional aperture approach uses the cancellation signals detected at the midpoint between the irradiation and detection apertures in the conventional measurement. We apply these methods using an equilateral-triangular probe arrangement. The cancellation signals for the additional aperture approach are detected at the triangle's center and this configuration reduces the number of probes. The characteristics of the cancellation signals are examined by simulation analysis and experiments with a phantom. The effect of the present approach is confirmed with a simple phantom study.
Stalking the Materials Genome: A Data‐Driven Approach to the Virtual Design of Nanostructured Polymers
Authors: Breneman Curt M. , Brinson L. Catherine , Schadler Linda S. , Natarajan Bharath , Krein Michael , Wu Ke , Morkowchuk Lisa , Li Yang , Deng Hua , Xu Hongyi
Published: June 2013

Accelerated insertion of nanocomposites into advanced applications is predicated on the ability to perform a priori property predictions on the resulting materials. In this paper, a paradigm for the virtual design of spherical nanoparticle‐filled polymers is demonstrated. A key component of this “Materials Genomics” approach is the development and use of Materials Quantitative Structure‐Property Relationship (MQSPR) models trained on atomic‐level features of nanofiller and polymer constituents and used to predict the polar and dispersive components of their surface energies. Surface energy differences are then correlated with the nanofiller dispersion morphology and filler/matrix interface properties and integrated into a numerical analysis approach that allows the prediction of thermomechanical properties of the spherical nanofilled polymer composites. Systematic experimental studies of silica nanoparticles modified with three different surface chemistries in polystyrene (PS), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), poly(ethyl methacrylate) (PEMA) and poly(2‐vinyl pyridine) (P2VP) are used to validate the models. While demonstrated here as effective for the prediction of meso‐scale morphologies and macro‐scale properties under quasi‐equilibrium processing conditions, the protocol has far ranging implications for Virtual Design.
The impact of neo‐osteogenesis on disease control in chronic rhinosinusitis after primary surgery
Authors: Sacks Peta‐Lee , Snidvongs Kornkiat , Rom Darren , Earls Peter , Sacks Raymond , Harvey Richard J.
Published: June 2013

Background

Osteitic bone is a feature of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), potentially playing a role in pathogenesis. Although seen after previous endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), it is also a de novo feature in patients without prior interventions. In these patients, osteitis is associated with high tissue and serum eosinophilia. However, the impact of osteitis on prognosis is unclear. This study investigates the clinical and endoscopic outcomes between patients with and without osteitis after primary ESS.

Methods

A prospective study of a cohort of previously unoperated patients with CRS undergoing ESS was performed. The sinuses were scored radiologically for osteitis using the Global Osteitis Score (GOS) and Kennedy Osteitis Score (KOS) preoperatively and were also scored dichotomously for the presence or absence of osteitis. Disease‐specific quality of life (22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcomes Test [SNOT‐22]), nasal symptom score (NSS), endoscopic score (Lund‐Kennedy), and clinical outcomes—including oral steroid use, frequency of nasal steroid irrigation, and infective exacerbations—were collected at baseline and 1 year postsurgery. The presence and extent of osteitis was assessed relative to clinical outcome.

Results

Fifty‐three patients were included (41.5% female, age 47.4 ± 13.8 years), 42.9% of which had radiologic osteitis. There was no significant association between the presence or severity of osteitis at the time of surgery and SNOT‐22, NSS, or endoscopy scores at 12 months postsurgery. However, the presence of osteitis was associated with the need for a course of oral steroid postsurgery (odds ratio [OR]=4.17; p = 0.026). High tissue eosinophilia could not predict this alone (p = 0.55). There was no significant relationship between osteitis and the frequency of steroid irrigations or infective exacerbations.

Conclusion

Osteitis in CRS is associated with the degree of eosinophilia and as a independent process it was associated with the need for a course of systemic corticosteroid over a 12‐month period, but did it not affect overall disease control.
Three‐dimensional mapping by CryoSat‐2 of subglacial lake volume changes
Authors: McMillan Malcolm , Corr Hugh , Shepherd Andrew , Ridout Andrew , Laxon Seymour , Cullen Robert
Published: June 2013

We analyze data acquired by the CryoSat‐2 interferometric radar altimeter and demonstrate its novel capability to track topographic features on the Antarctic Ice Sheet. We map the perimeter and depth of a 260 km2 surface depression above an Antarctic subglacial lake (SGL) and, in combination with Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite laser altimetry, chart decadal changes in SGL volume. During 2007–2008, between 4.9 and 6.4 km3 of water drained from the SGL, and peak discharge exceeded 160 m3 s−1. The flood was twice as large as any previously recorded and equivalent to ~ 10% of the meltwater generated annually beneath the ice sheet. The ice surface has since uplifted at a rate of 5.6 ± 2.8 m yr−1. Our study demonstrates the ability of CryoSat‐2 to provide detailed maps of ice sheet topography, its potential to accurately measure SGL drainage events, and the contribution it can make to understanding water flow beneath Antarctica.
Experiences with the OECD 308 transformation test: A human pharmaceutical perspective
Authors: Ericson Jon F , Smith Richard Murray , Roberts Gary , Hannah Bob , Hoeger Birgit , Ryan Jim
Published: June 2013

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) 308 water–sediment transformation test has been routinely conducted in Phase II Tier A testing of the environmental risk assessment (ERA) for all human pharmaceutical marketing authorization applications in Europe, since finalization of Environmental Medicines Agency (EMA) ERA guidance in June 2006. In addition to the “Ready Biodegradation” test, it is the only transformation test for the aquatic/sediment compartment that supports the classification of the drug substance for its potential persistence in the environment and characterizes the fate of the test material in a water–sediment environment. Presented is an overview of 31 OECD 308 studies conducted by 4 companies with a focus on how pharmaceuticals behave in these water–sediment systems. The geometric mean (gm) parent total system half-life for the 31 pharmaceuticals was 30 days with 10th/90th percentile (10/90%ile) of 14.0/121.6 d respectively, with cationic substances having a half-life approximately 2 times that of neutral and anionic substances. The formation of nonextractable residues (NER) was considerable, with gm (10/90%ile) of 38% (20.5/81.4) of the applied radioactivity: cationic substances 50.8% (27.7/87.6), neutral substances 31.9% (15.3/52.3), and anionic substances 16.7% (9.5/30.6). In general, cationic substances had fewer transformation products and more unchanged parent remaining at day 100 of the study. A review of whether a simplified 1-point analysis could reasonably estimate the parent total system half-life showed that the total amount of parent remaining in the water and sediment extracts at day 100 followed first-order kinetics and that the theoretical half-life and the measured total system half-life values agreed to within a factor of 1.68. Recommendations from this 4-company collaboration addressed: 1) the need to develop a more relevant water–sediment transformation test reflecting the conditions of the discharge scenario more representative of human pharmaceuticals, 2) potential use of a 1-point estimate of parent total system half-life in the EMA ERA screening phase of testing, 3) the need for a more consistent and transparent interpretation of the results from the transformation study; consistent use of terminology such as dissipation, transformation, depletion, and degradation in describing their respective processes in the ERA, 4) use of the parent total system dissipation half-life in hazard classification schemes and in revising predicted environmental concentration in ERA, and 5) further research into cationic pharmaceuticals to assess whether their classification as such serves as a structural alert to high levels of NER; and whether this results in reduced bioavailability of those residues. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2013;X:000–000. © 2013 SETAC Integr Environ Assess Manag 2014;10:114–124. © 2013 SETAC
Relations Between Hopelessness, Depressive Symptoms and Suicidality: Mediation by Reasons for Living
Authors: Bagge Courtney L. , Lamis Dorian A. , Nadorff Michael , Osman Augustine
Published: June 2013

Objective

The present study examined whether reasons for living (RFL) would partially account for the associations between traditional risk factors (depressive symptoms, hopelessness) and suicidal ideation and attempts.

Method

Data were collected from 1,075 undergraduate college students who completed a battery of online assessments.

Results

Results from a series of simultaneous mediational models indicated that the relations between risk factors and current suicidal ideation were partially mediated by total RFL (and Coping Beliefs and Self‐Evaluation subscales). Further, total RFL (and the Coping Beliefs subscale) fully mediated the relation between hopelessness and past‐year suicide attempt, and partially mediated the depressive symptoms‐suicide attempt relation.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the importance of assessing for the presence of these suicide risk and protective factors. Implications for the improved identification and treatment of young adults at risk for suicide are discussed.
CONSTRAINTS ON SUBDUCTION GEODYNAMICS FROM SEISMIC ANISOTROPY
Authors: Long Maureen D.
Published: June 2013

Much progress has been made over the past several decades in delineating the structure of subducting slabs, but several key aspects of their dynamics remain poorly constrained. Major unsolved problems in subduction geodynamics include those related to mantle wedge viscosity and rheology, slab hydration and dehydration, mechanical coupling between slabs and the ambient mantle, the geometry of mantle flow above and beneath slabs, and the interactions between slabs and deep discontinuities such as the core‐mantle boundary. Observations of seismic anisotropy can provide relatively direct constraints on mantle dynamics because of the link between deformation and the resulting anisotropy: when mantle rocks are deformed, a preferred orientation of individual mineral crystals or materials such as partial melt often develops, resulting in the directional dependence of seismic wave speeds. Measurements of seismic anisotropy thus represent a powerful tool for probing mantle dynamics in subduction systems. Here I review the observational constraints on seismic anisotropy in subduction zones and discuss how seismic data can place constraints on wedge, slab, and sub‐slab anisotropy. I also discuss constraints from mineral physics investigations and geodynamical modeling studies and how they inform our interpretation of observations. I evaluate different models in light of constraints from seismology, geodynamics, and mineral physics. Finally, I discuss some of the major unsolved problems related to the dynamics of subduction systems and how ongoing and future work on the characterization and interpretation of seismic anisotropy can lead to progress, particularly in frontier areas such as understanding slab dynamics in the deep mantle.
Description of the statistical aspects of a study for advanced colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Wieand Samuel , Cha Stephen
Published: June 2013

A screening design was used in a trial that compared a standard regimen to five experimental regimens for the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer where the endpoint was survival. The two‐stage design permitted the termination of accrual to experimental regimens that failed to show promise at the first stage. It also allowed for termination of accrual to the standard regimen if an experimental regimen appeared to offer a highly significant improvement over the standard regimen. This paper presents a description of the design and the results of the trial.
The neurobiology of receptive-expressive language interdependence
Authors: Dick Anthony Steven , Andric Michael
Published: June 2013

With a focus on receptive language, we examine the neurobiological evidence for the interdependence of receptive and expressive language processes. While we agree that there is compelling evidence for such interdependence, we suggest that Pickering & Garrod's (P&G's) account would be enhanced by considering more-specific situations in which their model does, and does not, apply.
International Environmental Law in the Anthropocene: Towards a Purposive System of Multilateral Environmental Agreements
Authors: Kim Rakhyun E. , Bosselmann Klaus
Published: June 2013

Our point of analytical departure is that the state of the global environment is deteriorating despite the accumulating body of international environmental law. By drawing on the recent Earth system science concept of interlinked planetary boundaries, this article makes a case for a goal-oriented, purposive system of multilateral environmental agreements. The notion of ‘goal’ is used here to mean a single, legally binding, superior norm – agrundnorm– that gives all international regimes and organizations a shared purpose to which their specific objectives must contribute. A bird’s eye view of the international environmental law system reveals how the absence of a unifying goal has created a condition that is conducive to environmental problemshiftingrather than problemsolving. We argue that a clearly agreed goal would provide the legal system with a point of reference for legal reasoning and interpretation, thereby enhancing institutional coherence across Earth’s subsystems. To this end, this article concludes by observing that the protection of the integrity of Earth’s life-support system has emerged as a common denominator among international environmental law instruments. Accordingly, we suggest that this notion is a strong candidate for the overarching goal of international environmental law.
DSM's Sustainability Journey Towards a Proactive Ingredient Policy for Gaining Effectiveness in the Design of Better Products
Authors: Wegman Thomas A. J. , Petit Fredric , Wilschut Annette , Jongeling Theo , Nicolle Gaelle M.
Published: June 2013

Many opportunities can be leveraged through the development of highly performing, sustainable, eco‐friendly products. Being compliant with local regulations is a prerequisite for responsible business; however, the industry could contribute much more to sustainable benefits by focusing beyond the minimum compliance level. For instance, material solutions can be developed with no substance of potential environmental concern throughout their life‐cycle and still achieve high performances. The path to more sustainable products and the challenges encountered are explained in this chapter.
Wound rotor induction generator bearing fault modelling and detection using stator current analysis
Authors: Vilchis‐Rodriguez Damian S. , Djurović Sinisa , Smith Alexander C.
Published: June 2013

This study investigates wound rotor induction machine bearing fault detection by stator current analysis. The research first establishes an analytic machine model that enables high fidelity simulation of a range of machine bearing defects. The time‐stepped simulation results are then used to examine stator current spectral signatures of typical bearing faults. The calculations indicate that a number of low magnitude fault specific frequency components appear in the current signal as a result of air‐gap variations produced by an incipient bearing fault. However, the considerably low magnitude levels at which these components are exhibited would make the detection of bearing fault using conventional current signature analysis techniques challenging. An alternative technique based on spectral analysis of complex current signals is therefore proposed in order to improve fault detection. The validity of the findings of this work is confirmed by analysis of measured data obtained on a 30 kW commercial machine test rig that can be configured to introduce a range of different bearing fault severities.
A Prospective Study of Strut versus Miniplate for Fractures of Mandibular Angle
Authors: Xue Amy S. , Koshy John C. , Wolfswinkel Erik M. , Weathers William M. , Marsack Kristina P. , Hollier Larry H.
Published: June 2013

This prospective randomized clinical trial compared the treatment outcomes of strut plate and Champy miniplate in fixation of mandibular angle fractures.

Patients with mandibular angle fracture were consented and enrolled into this study. Exclusion criteria include patients with severely comminuted fractures. The patients were randomly assigned to receive the strut plate or Champy miniplate for angle fracture fixation. Patient demographics, fracture characteristics, operative and postoperative outcomes were collected prospectively. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the significance of the outcome.

A total of 18 patients were included in this study and randomly assigned to receive either the strut plate or Champy miniplate. Out of which five patients were excluded postoperatively due to complex fracture resulting in postoperative maxillomandibular fixation. The final enrollment was 13 patients, N = 6 (strut) and N = 7 (Champy). There was no statistically significant difference in the pretreatment variables. Nine of these patients had other associated facial fractures, including parasymphyseal and subcondylar fractures. Most of the (11) patients had sufficient follow-up after surgery. Both groups exhibited successful clinical unions of the mandibular angle fractures. The complications associated with the mandibular angle were 20% in the strut plate group and 16.7% in the Champy group. One patient in the strut plate group had a parasymphyseal infection, requiring hardware removal.

The strut plate demonstrated comparable surgical outcome as the Champy miniplate. It is a safe and effective alternative for management of mandibular angle fracture.
Constructing a shared history, space and destiny
Authors: Archer Dawn , Williams Christopher
Published: June 2013

The children’s reader, Udmurtiia naveki s Rossiei, celebrates the “450th anniversary of the voluntary entry of Udmurtia into the Russian State structure”. Published in Russian, one of its aims is to familiarize young children (aged 10 and under) with “key events” in Udmurt-Russian relations leading up to the inclusion of Udmurt-inhabited areas in the Russian Empire; emphasizing throughout the absence of inter-ethnic conflict in a “multi-ethnic Udmurtia”. Drawing on history, corpus linguistics and Critical Discourse Analysis, we show how the official representations of Udmurtia and Udmurts, as presented in the reader, fail to provide them with a distinct ethnic voice – separate from Russia – within today’s Russian Federation. Specific attention is paid to the consequences of using ‘unity’ as an argument for achieving ethno-linguistic equality via a Russian civic identity; the way(s) in which this serves the Russian government’s agenda; and its effect on the construction of Udmurt identity.
Dibenzylammonium hydrogen maleate and a redetermination at 120 K of bis(dibenzylamino)methane
Authors: Castillo Juan C. , Abonía Rodrigo , Cobo Justo , Glidewell Christopher
Published: June 2013

In dibenzylammonium hydrogen maleate [or dibenzylammonium (2Z)-3-carboxyprop-2-enoate], C14H16N+·C4H3O4−, (I), the anion contains a fairly short and nearly linear O—H...O hydrogen bond, with an O...·O distance of 2.4603 (16) Å, but with the H atom clearly offset from the mid-point of the O...O vector. The counter-ions in (I) are linked by two N—H...O hydrogen bonds to formC22(6) chains and these chains are weakly linked into sheets by a C—H...O hydrogen bond. Bis(dibenzylamino)methane, C29H30N2, (II), crystallizes with two independent molecules lying across twofold rotation axes in the space groupC2/c, and the molecules are conformationally chiral; there are no direction-specific intermolecular interactions in the crystal structure of (II).
Localization of sensory mechanisms utilized by coral planulae to detect settlement cues
Authors: Tran Cawa , Hadfield Michael G.
Published: June 2013

Coral planulae are induced to settle and metamorphose by contact with either crustose coralline algae or marine bacterial biofilms. Larvae of two coral species, Pocillopora damicornis and Montipora capitata, which respond to different metamorphic cues, were utilized to investigate the sensory mechanisms used to detect metamorphic cues. Because the aboral pole of the coral planula is the point of attachment to the substratum, we predicted that it is also the point of detection for cues. To determine where sensory cells for cues are localized along the body, individual larvae were transversely cut into oral and aboral portions at various levels along the oral–aboral axis, and exposed to settlement‐inducing substrata. Aboral ends of M. capitata metamorphosed, while oral ends continued to swim. However, in larvae of P. damicornis, ¾ oral ends (i.e., lacking the aboral pole) were also able to metamorphose, indicating that the cells that detect cues may be distributed along the sides of the body. These cells do not correspond to FMRFamide‐immunoreactive cells that are present throughout the body. Cesium ions induced both aboral and oral ends of larvae of both species to settle, suggesting that oral ends have not lost their capacity to metamorphose, despite lacking sensory cells to detect natural cues. To determine whether sensory cells in larvae of P. damicornis are restricted to one side of the body, swimming behavior over substrata was observed in larvae labeled with diI, a red fluorescent lipophilic membrane stain. The larvae were found to rotate around the oral–aboral axis, with their surface against the substratum, not favoring a particular side for detecting cues. While clarifying the regions of the larval body important for settlement and metamorphosis in coral planulae, we conclude that significant differences between coral species may be due to differences in the distribution of sensory structures in relation to different planular sizes.
Cranial Invasion by Basal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: MIKHAIL GEORGE R. , BOULOS ROUSHDY S. , KNIGHTON ROBERT S. , ROGERS J. SPEED , MALIK GHAUS , DITMARS DONALD M. , NICHOLS RICHARD D.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. The direct spread of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) into the bones of the cranium takes a long period. In its early stages, it may not be detectable by radiography or computerized tomography, but can be visible as pitting during surgery. Invasion through the thickness of the calvarium due to extension of a BCC of the scalp, or involvement of the cribriform plate by spread from an intranasal lesion, is serious. Examples of cranial invasion by BCC are presented. The methods used in diagnosis and treatment are outlined.
SURGICAL GEM: Sclerotherapy—Translucidation of the Skin Prior to Injection
Authors: SCARBOROUGH DWIGHT A. , BISACCIA EMIL
Published: June 2013

Abstract. A useful technique for enhancing the visualization of microvaricosities of the legs is presented. This allows for easy, rapid, and accurate treatment of even the minutest vessels.
Red Tattoo Reactions: Treatment with the Carbon Dioxide Laser
Authors: KYANKO MARY E. , PONTASCH MARTIN J. , BRODELL ROBERT T.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Cutaneous reactions to red tattoo pigment occurred in two patients who developed erythema, swelling, and severe pruritus in the area of red coloration within their tattoos. Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser vaporization of the red portions of the tattoos led to complete resolution of symptoms with an excellent cosmetic result and preservation of the tattoo design. A step‐by‐step guide to the use of the CO2 laser for this treatment is described.
Flexibility in change practices and job outcomes for nurses: exploring the role of subjective fit
Authors: Newton Cameron , Teo Stephen T.T. , Pick David , Yeung Melissa , Salamonson Yenna
Published: June 2013

Aims

To integrate existing theoretical perspectives on change management, subjective fit and occupational stress to better understand the effects of change on employee adjustment.

Background

Although subjective fit with organizational goals and objectives has been shown to have positive effects on employee adjustment, its role in the organizational change–occupational stress context is not understood. This represents a caveat in research when considering the notion that those who feel that they fit with the organization's goals may be better equipped to reconcile and deal with change.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey of nurses from public and non‐profit sector hospitals was conducted.

Method

Data were collected from 252 public and non‐profit sector nurses via online surveys. Data were collected from June–October in 2010. Structural equation modelling was used to test the direct and indirect effects among the focal variables.

Results

The results showed that public and non‐profit nurses experience flexibility‐limiting and flexibility‐promoting change initiatives and that these are differentially related to the perception of administrative stressors and adjustment with these relationships directly and indirectly influenced by perceptions of subjective fit. Flexibility‐limiting change initiatives led to lower levels of subjective fit, higher levels of administrative stressors and less favourable adjustment. On the other hand, flexibility‐promoting change practices led to higher levels of subjective fit, lower levels of administrative stressors and ultimately better adjustment.

Conclusion

The results further the theoretical understanding of the role of subjective fit in organizational change and occupational stress theories.
Ethnic Differences in Quality of Life in Insured Older Adults with Diabetes Mellitus in an Integrated Delivery System
Authors: Laiteerapong Neda , Karter Andrew J. , John Priya M. , Schillinger Dean , Moffet Howard H. , Liu Jennifer Y. , Adler Nancy , Chin Marshall H. , Huang Elbert S.
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To explore racial and ethnic (ethnic hereafter) differences in health‐related quality of life (HRQL) in older adults with diabetes mellitus in an integrated delivery system.

Design

Observational cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Kaiser Permanente Northern California.

Participants

Ethnic‐stratified, random sample of 6,096 adults with diabetes mellitus aged 60 to 75 who completed a HRQL questionnaire.

Measurements

Physical and mental HRQL were measured based on the Medical Outcomes Study 8‐item Short Form Survey (range 0–100, mean 50). Age‐ and sex‐adjusted weighted linear regression models estimated associations between ethnicity and HRQL and evaluated potential mediators (socioeconomic status, acculturation, health behaviors, diabetes mellitus–related conditions). Differences in ethnic‐specific, adjusted mean HRQL scores were tested (reference whites).

Results

Physical HRQL was better for Filipinos (48.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 47.0–49.6, P < .001), Asians (48.1, 95% CI = 46.8–49.3, P < .001), Hispanics (45.1, 95% CI = 44.2–46.0, P < .001), and blacks (44.2, 95% CI = 43.3–45.1, P = .04) than whites (42.9, 95% CI = 42.6–43.2). Adjusting for potential mediators did not change these relationships. Mental HRQL was better only for Asians (52.7, 95% CI = 51.6–53.7, P = .01) than for whites (51.0, 95% CI = 50.7–51.3), but this difference was small and became nonsignificant after adjustment for socioeconomic status, acculturation, health behaviors, and diabetes mellitus–related conditions.

Conclusion

In older adults with diabetes mellitus in a well‐established integrated healthcare delivery system, ethnic minorities had better physical HRQL than whites. Equal access to care in an integrated delivery system may hold promise for reducing health disparities in diabetes mellitus‐related patient‐reported outcomes.
The professional competence profile of Finnish nurses practising in a forensic setting
Authors: Koskinen L. , Likitalo H. , Aho J. , Vuorio O. , Meretoja R.
Published: June 2013

Accessible summary

Forensic nurses in Finland work in the two state‐maintained forensic hospitals. The main function of these hospitals is to perform forensic psychiatric evaluation and provide treatment for two groups of patients: violent offenders found not guilty by reason of insanity, and those too dangerous or difficult to be treated in regional hospitals. Although the forensic nurses work with the most challenging psychiatric patients, they do not have any preparatory special education for the work.

This paper describes the development of nurses who participated in a 1‐year further education programme that was tailored to them.

The nurses experienced that the 1‐year education had a significant impact on their overall competence level. They found that their skills for observing, helping, teaching and caring for their patients had increased during the education.

Conversely, it was found that the nurses collaborated little with their patients' family members. They were also not familiar with utilizing research findings in improving their care of patients.

Forensic nursing is a global and relatively young profession that combines nursing care and juridical processes. There are, however, significant differences in the qualifications of forensic nurses internationally. The aim of the study was to describe the professional competence profile of practising forensic nurses in Finland and to explore the effects of a 1‐year further education programme on that competence profile. The data were collected in 2011–2012 using the Nurse Competence Scale comprising seven competence categories, and analysed using the software package SPSS version 19.0 (SPSS, Inc., Armonk, NY, USA). The participants were 19 forensic nurses and their 15 head nurses. The assessed overall scores from both informant groups indicated a high level of competence across the seven categories. The nurses felt that the overall competence level had increased during the education programme. The increase seen by the head nurses was smaller. The less frequent competence items included utilization of research and involvement of family in care. It can be stated that the 1‐year further education programme was effective in developing the nurses' competence profile and, in particular, affected their professional self‐confidence. It will, however, be essential to strengthen their skills for working with families and their awareness of evidence‐based forensic nursing.
Coencapsulation of Butyl‐Methoxydibenzoylmethane and Octocrylene into Lipid Nanocarriers: UV Performance, Photostability and in vitro Release
Authors: Niculae Gabriela , Badea Nicoleta , Meghea Aurelia , Oprea Ovidiu , Lacatusu Ioana
Published: June 2013

The coencapsulation of two UV filters, butyl‐methoxydibenzoylmethane (BMDBM) and octocrylene (OCT), into lipid nanocarriers was explored to develop stable cosmetic formulations with broad‐spectrum photoprotection and slow release properties. Different types of nanocarriers in various concentrations of the two UV filters were tested to find the combination with the best absorption and release properties. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) have been the two types of lipid nanocarriers used. The NLCs were based on either medium chain triglycerides (MCT) or squalene (Sq). The following physicochemical properties of the nanocarriers have been evaluated: particle size, morphology, zeta potential (ZP), entrapment efficiency, loading capacity, and thermal behavior. The nanocarriers have been formulated into creams containing low amounts of UV filters (2.5% BMDBM and 1% OCT). The best photoprotection results were obtained with the cream based on NLCs prepared with MCT, having a sun protection factor (SPF) of 17.2 and an erythemal UVA protection factor (EUVA–PF) of 50.8. The photostability of the encapsulated BMDBM filter was confirmed by subjecting the nanocarriers‐based creams to in vitro irradiation. The prolonged UV‐protection efficacy was coupled with a slow in vitro release of the synthetic UV filters, which followed the Higuchi release model.
Comparison of Nonlinear to Linear Thermoacoustic Stability Analysis of a Gas Turbine Combustion System
Authors: Krebs Werner , Krediet Harmen , Portillo Enrique , Hermeth Sebastian , Poinsot Thierry , Schimek Sebastian , Paschereit Oliver
Published: June 2013

Gas turbines offer a high operational flexibility and a good turn down ratio to meet future requirements of power production. In this context, stable operation over a wide range and for different blends of fuel is requested. Thermoacoustic stability assessment is crucial for accelerating the development and implementation of new combustion systems. The results of nonlinear and linear thermoacoustic stability assessments are compared on the basis of recent measurements of flame describing functions and thermoacoustic stability of a model swirl combustor operating in the fully turbulent regime. The different assessment methods are outlined. The linear thermoacoustic stability assessment yields growth rates of the thermoacoustic instability whereas the limit cycle amplitude is predicted by the nonlinear stability method. It could be shown that the predicted limit cycle amplitudes correlate well with the growth rates of excitation obtained from linear modeling. Hence, for screening the thermoacoustic stability of different design approaches a linear assessment may be sufficient while for detailed prediction of the dynamic pressure amplitude more efforts have to be spent on the nonlinear assessment including the analysis of the nonlinear flame response.
EFFECTS OF ANISOTROPIC PARABOLIC POTENTIAL ON THE ENERGY LEVELS AND TRANSITION FREQUENCY OF STRONG-COUPLING POLARON IN A QUANTUM DOT
Authors: CAI CHUN-YU , ZHAO CUI-LAN , XIAO JING-LIN
Published: June 2013

In the presence of a three-dimensional anisotropic parabolic potential (APP), the energy levels and the transition frequency between relevant levels of the strong-coupling polaron in a quantum dot (QD) are investigated by using the well-known Lee-Low-Pines (LLP) unitary transformation method and the Pekar type variational (PTV) method. The relations of the energy levels and the transition frequency with the electron–phonon (EP) coupling strength and the effective confinement lengths are derived. Numerical calculations show that the energy levels are decreasing functions of the EP coupling strength, whereas the transition frequency is an increasing one of it. And they are all increasing rapidly with decreasing the effective confinement lengths in different directions, which are showing the novel quantum size confining effect of the QD.
Study of Mechanical Properties of Composite Material Based on Polypropylene and Vietnamese Rice Husk Filler
Authors: Duy Tran Thanh , Dang Nguyen Mao , Thuc C. N. Ha , Thuc H. Ha , Dang Tan Tai
Published: June 2013

Nowadays, the consideration of the environmental impact of polymer products has led to the development of new materials combining polymers and renewable resources. Among these materials, biocomposites have been extensively studied. In the current work, we focused on preparation of biocomposites based on polypropylene and Vietnamese rice husk flour having narrow size distribution (100–125 μm) with the presence of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene as a compatibilizer. The effect of rice husk flour and maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene content on properties of composites was investigated. The results showed that mechanical parameters as well as thermal stability were significantly improved at relatively high rice husk content by the addition of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene.
Cytokine Patterns in Brain Tumour Progression
Authors: Albulescu Radu , Codrici Elena , Popescu Ionela Daniela , Mihai Simona , Necula Laura Georgiana , Petrescu Daniel , Teodoru Mihaela , Tanase Cristiana Pistol
Published: June 2013

Inflammation represents the immune system response to external or internal aggressors such as injury or infection in certain tissues. The body’s response to cancer has many parallels with inflammation and repair; the inflammatory cells and cytokines present in tumours are more likely to contribute to tumour growth, progression, and immunosuppression, rather than in building an effective antitumour defence. Using new proteomic technology, we have investigated serum profile of pro- (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, GM-CSF, and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10), along with angiogenic factors (VEGF, bFGF) in order to assess tumoural aggressiveness. Our results indicate significant dysregulation in serum levels of cytokines and angiogenic factors, with over threefold upregulation of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-10 and up to twofold upregulation of VEGF, FGF-2, IL-8, IL-2, and GM-CSF. These molecules are involved in tumour progression and aggressiveness, and are also involved in a generation of disease associated pain.
Hygienemanagement im OP und in der Endoskopie
Authors: Hübner Nils-Olaf , Thanheiser Marc
Published: June 2013

Hintergrund: Postoperative Wundinfektionen gehören zu den häufigsten nosokomialen Infektionen. Die Zunahme von mehrfachresistenten gramnegativen Erregern bereitet gerade in der Viszeralmedizin besondere Sorge. Methode und Ergebnisse: Da nicht alle Risiken für nosokomiale Infektionen beherrschbar sind, können diese Infektionen niemals vollständig vermieden werden. Umso wichtiger ist es, die vorhandenen Maßnahmen konsequent anzuwenden, um den medizinischen Fortschritt, der in der Viszeralmedizin gerade auch durch neue endoskopische und operative Verfahren in den letzten Jahren erkennbar ist, nutzen zu können. Das Verständnis der Erreger und der Infektionsbiologie ist dabei genauso wichtig wie die Kenntnis der nötigen Präventionsmaßnahmen und ihre Einbindung in klinische Prozesse. Bei invasiven Maßnahmen greifen dabei mit dem Patientenweg, dem Weg der Instrumente, der sonstigen OP/Endoskopie-Materialien und Medikamente, der OP-Einrichtung und dem Team mehrere Prozesse ineinander. Schlussfolgerung: Eine optimale Infektionsprävention ist nur bei einer Optimierung aller Prozesse sowie ihrer Interaktion zu erreichen. Anhand einer Übersicht zu Epidemiologie, Risikofaktoren und Möglichkeiten zur Vermeidung von Infektionen in der Viszeralmedizin soll ein Beitrag geleistet werden, um Viszeralmediziner für das Thema Infektionsprävention und Hygiene zu sensibilisieren und die Patientensicherheit zu erhöhen.
Crisis-Checklisten für die Endoskopie und den OP
Authors: Schulze Tobias , Runge Sören , von der Heyden Martin
Published: June 2013

Hintergrund: Im Vergleich zu präventiven Sicherheitschecklisten ist der Nutzen von Crisis-Checklisten im OP und in der Endoskopie außerhalb von anästhesiologischen Fragestellungen erst sehr wenig untersucht. Die verfügbaren klinischen Daten werden im Folgenden ausgewertet und Aspekte aus anderen sicherheitsrelevanten Bereichen sowie aus den Verhaltenswissenschaften werden diskutiert. Methode: Pubmed-Suche anhand der Stichwörter «Crisis Checklist» oder «Emergency Checklist» - kombiniert mit «Surgery» oder «Endoscopy» und unter Ausschluss anästhesiologischer Fragestellungen. Ergebnisse: Trotz zahlreicher theoretischer Anhaltspunkte aus der Kognitions- und Gruppenpsychologie, der Stressforschung sowie des standardmäßigen Gebrauchs von Crisis-Checklisten in anderen sicherheitsrelevanten Bereichen (Flugwesen, Atomkraft) ist der Gebrauch von Crisis-Checklisten in der klinischen Routine nur in einer einzigen klinischen Studie außerhalb anästhesiologischer Fragestellungen erforscht. Die verfügbare Literatur weist auf einen positiven subjektiven Effekt für die Anwender und eine verbesserte Standardisierung von klinischen Abläufen in Notfallsituationen hin. Der Einfluss auf das klinische Outcome wurde nicht untersucht. Schlussfolgerungen: Klinische Daten für eine Verbesserung des Patienten-Outcomes in Notfallsituationen durch die Nutzung von Crisis-Checklisten in der Endoskopie und im OP stehen noch aus. Nur durch diese Daten können die potenziellen Nutzer von den Vorteilen des Gebrauchs von Crisis-Checklisten überzeugt und eine hohe Akzeptanz im klinischen Alltag erreicht werden. Hier ist dringend weitere klinische Forschung notwendig.
Development of a Probabilistic Convective Weather Forecast Threshold Parameter for Flight-Routing Decisions
Authors: Sheth Kapil , Amis Thomas , Gutierrez-Nolasco Sebastian , Sridhar Banavar , Mulfinger Daniel
Published: June 2013

This paper presents a method for determining a threshold value of probabilistic convective weather forecast data. By synchronizing air traffic data and an experimental probabilistic convective weather forecast product, it was observed that aircraft avoid areas of specific forecasted probability. Both intensity and echo top of the forecasted weather were synchronized with air traffic data to derive the probability threshold parameter. This value can be used by dispatchers for flight planning and by air traffic managers to reroute streams of aircraft around convective cells. The main contribution of this paper is to provide a method to compute the probability threshold parameters using a specific experimental probabilistic convective forecast product providing hourly guidance up to 6 h. Air traffic and weather data for a 4-month period during the summer of 2007 were used to compute the parameters for the continental United States. The results are shown for different altitudes, times of day, aircraft types, and airspace users. Threshold values for each of the 20 Air Route Traffic Control Centers were also computed. Additional details are presented for seven high-altitude sectors in the Fort Worth, Texas, center. For the analysis reported here, flight intent was not considered and no assessment of flight deviation was conducted since only aircraft tracks were used.
Differentiation and Discrimination in Paul’s Ethnic Discourse
Authors: Campbell William S.
Published: June 2013

Because of Paul’s egalitarianism evidenced in his concern for an inclusive salvation that did not discriminate against gentiles, it is widely assumed that Paul opposed all ethnic distinctions as contrary to the message of Christ. A close look at his letters, especially the letter to the Romans, shows that whilst Paul, because of his belief in the impartiality of God, argues against discrimination, he does differentiate clearly between Jew and Greek and does not oppose ethnic distinctions as such. What Paul opposes is the hostility that emerges from a failure to recognize and accept the other in their distinctive identity. He is thus an advocate of social and cultural diversity rather than of uniformity.
De l’intérêt de mobiliser en marketing le genre multifactoriel et sa mesure
Authors: Ulrich Isabelle , Tissier-Desbordes Elisabeth
Published: June 2013

Résumé

Cet article souligne l’intérêt du genre et de sa mesure pour éclairer les problématiques marketing. Les auteurs montrent que la mesure du genre a évolué vers une approche multifactorielle comprenant trois facteurs principaux : cognitif (dont l’identité de genre), affectif et comportemental. Le genre apporte une valeur explicative complémentaire au sexe, de préférence quand la mesure est multifactorielle. Les auteurs explicitent également quand et comment utiliser le genre et sa mesure, identifiant les situations dans lesquelles il est pertinent d’employer ce concept, en distinguant contextes biologiques, sociaux, culturels et situationnels.
Heme oxygenase-1 aggravates heat stress-induced neuronal injury and decreases autophagy in cerebellar Purkinje cells of rats
Authors: Li Chuan-Wang , Lin Yuh-Feng , Liu Tsung-Ta , Wang Jia-Yi
Published: June 2013

We previously reported that heat stroke induces autophagy as a protection mechanism against neurodegeneration in the brain. Heme oxygenase (HO)-1 is a stress protein and can be induced by heat stress (HS). Cerebellar Purkinje cells are selectively vulnerable to heat-induced injury. In this study, we first validated an animal model of HS (38℃ for 4 h) in which sustained increase of Purkinje cell injury, HO-1 expression up to 24 h post HS (HS24), and hyperthermia reaching a rectal temperature 41.52 ± 0.32℃ were observed. In subsequent experiments, we investigated the effects of HO-1 on HS-induced Purkinje cell injury. Rats were divided into four groups: one normothermic control group receiving saline vehicle (1 mL/kg, intraperitoneal [i.p.]) and exposed to 25℃ for 4 h; and three HS groups receiving saline, or HO-1 inducer haemin (30 mg/kg, i.p.) or HO-1 inhibitor tin protoporphyrin (SnPP, 30 mg/kg, i.p.), respectively, at 12 h prior to HS. HS-induced Purkinje cell injury was further enhanced by HO-1 inducer but attenuated by HO-1 inhibitor as evaluated by immunoreactivity of apoptosis marker (active caspase-3) as well as Fluoro-Jade B histochemistry (staining for degenerating neurons), suggesting a detrimental role of HO-1. Interestingly, the protective autophagy was reduced by HO-1 inducer but enhanced by HO-1 inhibitor as demonstrated by autophagy markers including Beclin-1 and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 in Purkinje cells. Double immunofluorescent labelling of Beclin-1 or 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (an oxidative DNA damage marker) with HO-1 immunoreactivity not only demonstrated their co-localization, but also confirmed that HO-1 negatively regulated Beclin-1 but increased oxidative stress in the same Purkinje cell. Taken together, our results indicate that HO-1 aggravates HS injury in cerebellar Purkinje cells. Our findings shed new light on cell damage mechanisms by HS in central nervous system and may help to provide potential therapeutic foci.
Cytotoxicity of the Bacillus thuringiensis Cry4B toxin is mediated by the cadherin receptor BT-R3 of Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Ibrahim Mohamed A , Griko Natalya B , Bulla Lee A
Published: June 2013

We demonstrate for the first time the selective cytotoxicity of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis Cry4B toxin mediated by BT-R3 using a cell-based system, which employs High Five insect cells stably expressing BT-R3. Discovery and validation of BT-R3 as the Cry4B receptor was accomplished using a web-based computational pipeline platform that facilitates high-throughput insecticidal target identification utilizing the Anopheles gambiae genome. Once the Cry4B toxin binds to the BT-R3 receptor, a cell death pathway is manifested by sequential cytological changes that include membrane blebbing, cell swelling and lysis. Cry4B toxin associates with cell membrane in both oligomeric and monomeric forms. Monomeric toxin binds specifically to BT-R3 whereas oligomer interacts with cell membrane non-specifically. Cytotoxicity and cell death are the direct result of binding of toxin monomer to BT-R3. The oligomeric form of Cry4B toxin is not involved in cell death. Both the location of the toxin-binding region within BT-R3 and its structural motif are critical to the binding affinity and specificity of the toxin. The toxin-binding region of BT-R3 appears to be located in EC11, the most membrane proximal EC module within the extracellular domain. It is characterized by the presence of two highly conserved amino acid sequences within their N- and C-termini that flank EC11. These sequences represent signature motifs that mark the toxin-binding function in BT-R3. The two sequences form two adjacent β-strands within the β-barrel of EC11, the positioning of which is a hallmark of all Cry toxin receptors thus far reported.