bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renal effects of dapagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Thomas Merlin C.
Published: July 2014

Diabetes mellitus was originally conceived as a renal disorder. In the last decade, however, there has been renewed interest in role of the kidney in the development and maintenance of high glucose levels. This has led to the development of novel agents to inhibit sodium glucose transporter-2 (SGLT2) as a means to better control glucose levels and at the same time augment calorie wasting and lower insulin, blood pressure and uric acid levels. Such actions, indirectly, may also have benefits for the prevention of diabetic complications including renal disease. However, there are also data to support the potential for direct renoprotective actions arising from inhibition of SGLT2, including actions to attenuate diabetes-associated hyperfiltration and tubular hypertrophy, as well as reduce the tubular toxicity of glucose. Some studies have demonstrated significant reductions in albumin excretion in various experimental models, independent of its effects on blood pressure or glucose control. Although promising, such actions remain to be established by comprehensive clinical trials with a renal focus, many of which are currently in progress. This article reviews the clinical and experimental data pertaining to the renal effects of SGLT2 inhibition with a particular focus on dapaglifozin.
Tinggian: What If There Is No Standard Dialect?
Authors: del Corro Anicia
Published: July 2014

The Tinggian language spoken in the province of Abra has at least ten dialects. The Philippine Bible Society was requested to assist the community to produce Scriptures in their language. Because Tinggian does not seem to have a standard dialect, the speakers of each of the ten dialects wanted a translation in their own dialect. It was explained that this was not economically viable. During the workshop to train translators, the people themselves volunteered the information that Inlaud and Binungan could be a good choice of dialects to be used to translate the Gospel of Mark, as a test project. Inlaud is spoken in eight lowland towns while Binungan is spoken in two upland towns. In events when the community naturally breaks out into a chant, Inlaud is always the dialect used. During the workshop, three translators representing Inlaud and Binungan were chosen. After translating Mark 1–4, the translation was tested by having speakers from two other dialects read the draft. It was understood and appreciated by the speakers from Adasen and Maeng dialects.
Count What All Joy? The Translation of πειρασμός in James 1.2 and 12
Authors: Bowden Andrew
Published: July 2014

This article argues that it is wrong to translate πειρασμός with two different meanings, first as “trials” in James 1.2 and 12 and then as “temptations” in 1.13. Rather, πειρασμός is best translated as “temptation” in each verse. The author first examines the genre of James, then looks at both the immediate context and the broader context of the epistle. He concludes that, since James focuses on temptation and sin throughout, the best translation for the term in 1.2 and 12 is “temptations.”
Surface residual stresses in multipass welds produced using low transformation temperature filler alloys
Authors: Ramjaun T. I. , Stone H. J. , Karlsson L. , Gharghouri M. A. , Dalaei K. , Moat R. J. , Bhadeshia H. K. D. H.
Published: July 2014

Tensile residual stresses at the surface of welded components are known to compromise fatigue resistance through the accelerated initiation of microcracks, especially at the weld toe. Inducement of compression in these regions is a common technique employed to enhance fatigue performance. Transformation plasticity has been established as a viable method to generate such compressive residual stresses in steel welds and exploits the phase transformation in welding filler alloys that transform at low temperature to compensate for accumulated thermal contraction strains. Neutron and X-ray diffraction have been used to determine the stress profiles that exist across the surface of plates welded with low transformation temperature welding alloys, with a particular focus on the stress at the weld toe. For the first time, near surface neutron diffraction data have shown the extent of local stress variation at the critical, fusion boundary location. Compression was evident for the three measurement orientations at the fusion boundaries. Compressive longitudinal residual stresses and tensile transverse stresses were measured in the weld metal.
‘A River of Knives and Swords': Ritually Deposited Weapons in English Watercourses and Wetlands during the Viking Age
Authors: Raffield Ben
Published: July 2014

This paper discusses the deposition of weapons in English rivers and wetlands during the Viking Age. Such finds have been extensively studied in Scandinavia but have rarely been academically discussed in Britain. It can be argued that the arrival of the Scandinavians in ninth- to eleventh-century Britain precipitated a marked increase in depositions of a ‘pagan’ nature. Despite deep-rooted, institutionalized Christianity having dominated England for some time, it is possible that pagan beliefs were dormant but not forgotten, with the Scandinavian arrival triggering their resurgence. Weapons form a large number of ritual depositions, with seventy deposits being mapped geographically to identify distributional patterns across the landscape. It is suggested here that ‘liminal' depositions in Viking Age Scandinavia provide an interpretative model for these finds. Given the context of endemic conflict and territorial consolidation within which they may have been deposited in England, this material can shed new light on attitudes to landscapes subject to conflict and consolidation.
Practice, Process, and Social Change in Third Millennium BC Europe: A View from the Sizandro Valley, Portugal
Authors: Lillios Katina T.
Published: July 2014

This paper considers the shift from the practice of collective burials to individual (or double) burials in western Europe at the end of the Neolithic/Copper Age, around 2500–2000 BC, through the lens of a particular mortuary site—the artificial cave of Bolores (Torres Vedras, Portugal). It suggests that the practices involved in making and using collective burials played an important role in this transformation towards increasing social differentiation. It explores how a focus on materiality at different scales, both temporal and spatial, might contribute new insights into geographically widespread and relatively co-synchronous social change.
Investigation on electroless Cu–P–micro/nanoSiC composite coatings
Authors: Faraji S. , Faraji A. H. , Noori S. R. , Ani F. N.
Published: July 2014

Copper–phosphorus (Cu–P) coatings composited with superfine silicon carbide (SiC) particles were prepared by electroless plating. The composition, morphology, structure and roughness of the composite coatings, with micro- and nanosize SiC particles were studied respectively by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). It was shown that SiC particles are codeposited homogeneously and Cu–P–SiC composite coatings have crystalline structure. Mechanical properties of coatings were studied by Vickers hardness and wear testers. Cu–P/nano–SiC composite coating showed higher microhardness and better antiwear performance than microsize SiC composite coatings. Corrosion resistance of the electroless Cu–P composite coatings on carbon steel was studied in 3·5 wt-% NaCl and 1M HCl solutions by potentiodynamic polarisation technique. The study revealed that the corrosion resistance increases with incorporation of nano SiC particles in the Cu–P.
Tondiite, Cu3Mg(OH)6Cl2, the Mg-analogue of herbertsmithite
Authors: Malcherek T. , Bindi L. , Dini M. , Ghiara M. R. , Molina Donoso A. , Nestola F. , Rossi M. , Schlüter J.
Published: July 2014

Tondiite, with the simplified formula Cu3Mg(OH)6Cl2, occurs as a rare supergene mineral in a phonolitic tephrite from the type locality, Vesuvius volcano, Italy, as well as associated with haydeeite in the Santo Domingo Mine, Arica Province, Chile. It is emerald green to bright green in colour and occurs in irregularly shaped crystals, often with stepped faces. Its calculated density is 3.503 g cm−3. Tondiite crystallizes with the herbertsmithite structure type, space groupRm. Lattice parameters area= 6.8377(7) Å andc= 14.088(2)Å for the holotype material. Thecparameter may vary with Mg/Cu ratio and the presence of impurity atoms. The five strongest lines in the calculated powder diffraction pattern are [din Å(I)(hkil)]: 5.459(88)(101), 3.419(22)(110), 2.764(100)(112 3), 2.266(54)(024), 1.706(26)(220). Several tondiite crystals have been examined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and by electron microprobe analysis. The observed Mg content ranges between 0.6 and 0.7 atoms per formula unit. The structural role of Mg is discussed.
Kitagohaite, Pt7Cu, a new mineral from the Lubero region, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Cabral A. R. , Skála R. , Vymazalová A. , Kallistová A. , Lehmann B. , Jedwab J. , Sidorinová T.
Published: July 2014

Kitagohaite, ideally Pt7Cu, is a new mineral from the Lubero region of North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The mineral occurs as alluvial grains that were recovered together with other Pt-rich intermetallic compounds and Au. Kitagohaite is opaque, greyish white and malleable and has a metallic lustre and a grey streak. In reflected light, kitagohaite is white and isotropic. The crystal structure of kitagohaite is cubic, space groupFmm, of the Ca7Ge type, witha= 7.7891(3) Å,V= 472.57(5) Å3andZ= 4. The strongest diffraction lines [din Å(I)(hkl)] are: 2.246 (100)(222), 1.948(8)(004), 1.377 (77)(044), 1.174(27)(622), 1.123 (31)(444) and 0.893 (13)(662). The Vickers hardness is 217 kg mm−2(VHN100), which is equivalent to a Mohs hardness of 3½ and the calculated density is 19.958(2) g cm−3. Electron-microprobe analyses gave a mean value (n= 13) of 95.49 wt.% Pt and 4.78 wt.%Cu, which corresponds to Pt6.93Cu1.07on the basis of eight atoms. The new mineral is named for the Kitagoha river, in the Lubero region.
Torrecillasite, Na(As,Sb)43+O6Cl, a new mineral from the Torrecillas mine, Iquique Province, Chile: description and crystal structure
Authors: Kampf A. R. , Nash B. P. , Dini M. , Molina Donoso A. A.
Published: July 2014

The new mineral torrecillasite (IMA2013-112), Na(As,Sb)43+O6Cl, was found at the Torrecillas mine, Iquique Province, Chile, where it occurs as a secondary alteration phase in association with anhydrite, cinnabar, gypsum, halite, lavendulan, magnesiokoritnigite, marcasite, quartz, pyrite, scorodite, wendwilsonite and other potentially new As-bearing minerals. Torrecillasite occurs as thin colourless prisms up to 0.4 mm long in jack-straw aggregates, as very thin fibres in puff balls and as massive intergrowths of needles. Prisms are elongated on [100] with diamond-shaped cross-section and irregular terminations. Crystals are transparent, with adamantine lustre and white streak. The Mohs hardness is 2½, tenacity is brittle and fracture is irregular. Cleavage on (001) is likely. The calculated density is 4.056 g cm−3. Optically, torrecillasite is biaxial (−) with α = 1.800(5), β = 1.96(1), γ = 2.03(calc.) (measured in white light). The measured 2V is 62.1(5)°, no dispersion or pleochroism were observed, the optical orientation isX=c,Y=b,Z=a. The mineral is very slowly soluble in H2O, slowly soluble in dilute HCl and rapidly soluble in concentrated HCl. The empirical formula, determined from electron-microprobe analyses, is (Na1.03Mg0.02)∑1.05(As3.39Sb0.62)∑4.01O6.07Cl0.93. Torrecillasite is orthorhombic,Pmcn, a= 5.2580(9),b= 8.0620(13),c= 18.654(3) Å,V= 790.7(2) Å3andZ= 4. The eight strongest X-ray powder diffraction lines are [dobsÅ(I)(hkl)]: 4.298(33)(111), 4.031(78)(014,020), 3.035(100)(024,122), 2.853(39)(115,123), 2.642(84)(124,200), 2.426(34)(125), 1.8963(32)(225) and 1.8026(29)(0·1·10,233). The structure, refined toR1= 4.06% for 814Fo>4σFreflections, contains a neutral, wavy As2O3layer parallel to (001) consisting of As3+O3pyramids that share O atoms to form six-membered rings. Successive layers are flipped relative to one another and successive interlayer regions contain alternately either Na or Cl atoms. Torrecillasite is isostructural with synthetic orthorhombic NaAs4O6Br.
A new form of macrothrombocytopenia induced by a germ-line mutation in the PRKACG gene
Authors: Manchev Vladimir T. , Hilpert Morgane , Berrou Eliane , Elaib Ziane , Aouba Achille , Boukour Siham , Souquere Sylvie , Pierron Gerard , Rameau Philippe , Andrews Robert , Lanza François , Bobe Regis , Vainchenker William , Rosa Jean-Philippe , Bryckaert Marijke , Debili Najet , Favier Remi , Raslova Hana
Published: July 2014

Key Points

We identify a new type of autosomal recessive macrothrombocytopenia associated with a mutation in PRKACG, coding the PKA catalytic subunit. The homozygous PRKACG mutation leads to a deep defect in proplatelet formation that was restored by the overexpression of wild-type PRKACG.
CYR61/CCN1 overexpression in the myeloma microenvironment is associated with superior survival and reduced bone disease
Authors: Johnson Sarah K. , Stewart James P. , Bam Rakesh , Qu Pingping , Barlogie Bart , van Rhee Frits , Shaughnessy John D. , Epstein Joshua , Yaccoby Shmuel
Published: July 2014

Key Points

CYR61/CCN1 is a bone marrow microenvironmental biomarker for myeloma progression and for transformation of MGUS and asymptomatic disease to overt myeloma. CCN1 reduces myeloma bone disease and tumor growth and is a potential therapeutic target for myeloma.
Chipping away at major depressive disorder
Authors: Rucker James JH , McGuffin Peter
Published: July 2014

An intriguing recent study examines the role of miR-1202, a glutamate receptor regulating microRNA, in regulating major depressive disorder.
Contamination status and health risk assessment of trace elements in foodstuffs collected from the Buriganga River embankments, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Khan Faysal Elahi , Jolly Yeasmin Nahar , Islam GM Rabiul , Akhter Shirin , Kabir Jamiul
Published: July 2014

Background

Unsafe food consumption is a severe problem because of heavy metal contamination, which is caused by director indirect activities of industries. The present study was conducted to assess the risk of human health by Heavy metals (Cu, Co, Fe, Zn and Mn) through the intake of vegetables and fishes obtained from the area adjacent to the Hazaribag tannery campus, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Result

The trend of mean metal concentration in Buriganga river water was Fe >Mn > Zn > Cu > Co and according to Department of Environment, Dhaka Bangladesh (DoE) (1999) the value of the above metals are within the permissible limit of irrigation water except Fe. An assessment of risk involved due to consumption of contaminated food also calculated. The trend of metals in vegetables was Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu > Co and in fishes the trend was Fe > Zn >Mn > Co > Cu. Accumulation of trace elements in vegetables was lower than maximum tolerable levels proposed by FAO/WHO food standard programme (2001) with the exception of Fe and Co respectively. In fishes metal concentration was lower than safe limit set by WHO (1989) except Mn. The Metal Pollution Index (MPI) for all the foodstuffs showed a higher value, however the calculated Health Risk Index (HRI) indicated no risk to human health upon consumption of those foodstuffs.

Conclusion

The overall study suggests that foodstuff in the area were contaminated by the assayed metals and long-term consumption can cause potential health risks to consumers.
Mental and physical illness in caregivers: results from an
English national survey sample
Authors: Smith Lindsay , Onwumere Juliana , Craig Tom , McManus Sally , Bebbington Paul , Kuipers Elizabeth
Published: July 2014

Background

Caregivers make a significant and growing contribution to the social and
medical care of people with long-standing disorders. The effective
provision of this care is dependent on their own continuing health.

Aims

To investigate the relationship between weekly time spent caregiving and
psychiatric and physical morbidity in a representative sample of the
population of England.

Method

Primary outcome measures were obtained from the Adult Psychiatric
Morbidity Survey 2007. Self-report measures of mental and physical health
were used, along with total symptom scores for common mental disorder
derived from the Clinical Interview Schedule – Revised.

Results

In total, 25% (n = 1883) of the sample identified
themselves as caregivers. They had poorer mental health and higher
psychiatric symptom scores than non-caregivers. There was an observable
decline in mental health above 10 h per week. A twofold increase in
psychiatric symptom scores in the clinical range was recorded in those
providing care for more than 20 h per week. In adjusted analyses, there
was no excess of physical disorders in caregivers.

Conclusions

We found strong evidence that caregiving affects the mental health of
caregivers. Distress frequently reaches clinical thresholds, particularly
in those providing most care. Strategies for maintaining the mental
health of caregivers are needed, particularly as demographic changes are
set to increase involvement in caregiving roles.
Behavioural and psychiatric symptoms in people with dementia admitted to the acute hospital: prospective cohort study
Authors: Sampson Elizabeth L. , White Nicola , Leurent Baptiste , Scott Sharon , Lord Kathryn , Round Jeff , Jones Louise
Published: July 2014

Background

Dementia is common in older people admitted to acute hospitals. There are concerns about the quality of care they receive. Behavioural and psychiatric symptoms of dementia (BPSD) seem to be particularly challenging for hospital staff.

Aims

To define the prevalence of BPSD and explore their clinical associations.

Method

Longitudinal cohort study of 230 people with dementia, aged over 70, admitted to hospital for acute medical illness, and assessed for BPSD at admission and every 4 (±1) days until discharge. Other measures included length of stay, care quality indicators, adverse events and mortality.

Results

Participants were very impaired; 46% at Functional Assessment Staging Scale (FAST) stage 6d or above (doubly incontinent), 75% had BPSD, and 43% had some BPSD that were moderately/severely troubling to staff. Most common were aggression (57%), activity disturbance (44%), sleep disturbance (42%) and anxiety (35%).

Conclusions

We found that BPSD are very common in older people admitted to an acute hospital. Patients and staff would benefit from more specialist psychiatric support.
Ghrelin Induces Leptin Resistance by Activation of Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 Expression in Male Rats: Implications in Satiety Regulation
Authors: Heldsinger Andrea , Grabauskas Gintautas , Wu Xiaoyin , Zhou ShiYi , Lu Yuanxu , Song Il , Owyang Chung
Published: July 2014

The anorexigenic adipocyte-derived hormone leptin and the orexigenic hormone ghrelin act in opposition to regulate feeding behavior via the vagal afferent pathways. The mechanisms by which ghrelin exerts its inhibitory effects on leptin are unknown. We hypothesized that ghrelin activates the exchange protein activated by cAMP (Epac), inducing increased SOCS3 expression, which negatively affects leptin signal transduction and neuronal firing in nodose ganglia (NG) neurons. We showed that 91 ± 3% of leptin receptor (LRb) –bearing neurons contained ghrelin receptors (GHS-R1a) and that ghrelin significantly inhibited leptin-stimulated STAT3 phosphorylation in rat NG neurons. Studies of the signaling cascades used by ghrelin showed that ghrelin caused a significant increase in Epac and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) expression in cultured rat NG neurons. Transient transfection of cultured NG neurons to silence SOCS3 and Epac genes reversed the inhibitory effects of ghrelin on leptin-stimulated STAT3 phosphorylation. Patch-clamp studies and recordings of single neuronal discharges of vagal primary afferent neurons showed that ghrelin markedly inhibited leptin-stimulated neuronal firing, an action abolished by silencing SOCS3 expression in NG. Plasma ghrelin levels increased significantly during fasting. This was accompanied by enhanced SOCS3 expression in the NG and prevented by treatment with a ghrelin antagonist. Feeding studies showed that silencing SOCS3 expression in the NG reduced food intake evoked by endogenous leptin. We conclude that ghrelin exerts its inhibitory effects on leptin-stimulated neuronal firing by increasing SOCS3 expression. The SOCS3 signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in ghrelin's inhibitory effect on STAT3 phosphorylation, neuronal firing, and feeding behavior.
Developmental Programming: Prenatal Steroid Excess Disrupts Key Members of Intraovarian Steroidogenic Pathway in Sheep
Authors: Padmanabhan Vasantha , Salvetti Natalia R. , Matiller Valentina , Ortega Hugo H.
Published: July 2014

Prenatal testosterone (T) excess disrupts ovarian cyclicity and increases circulating estradiol levels as well as follicular recruitment and persistence culminating in multifollicular ovary similar to women with polycystic ovary syndrome. We tested whether prenatal T excess, by androgenic or estrogenic action, disrupts the steroid biosynthetic machinery in sheep in a cell-, follicle stage-, age-, and treatment-specific manner consistent with the ovarian disruptions and increased estradiol release. Impact of T/dihydrotestosterone (DHT) treatments from days 30–90 of gestation on steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, cytochrome P-450 17α-hydroxylase/C17, 20-lyase (CYP17A1), and cytochrome P-450 aromatase (CYP19A1) were examined on fetal day 90, 140 and 10 months (postpubertal), and 21 months (adult, no DHT group) of age by immunohistochemistry. All 4 markers changed in a cell-, follicle stage-, and age-specific manner. Both treatments increased steroidogenic acute regulatory protein expression in preantral follicles of postpubertal and adult females. Effects of prenatal T and DHT on 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase differed in a follicle- and age-specific manner. CYP17A1 was reduced in the theca interna of antral follicles by T, but not DHT, in 10- and 21-month-old females. CYP19A1 was reduced by both T and DHT at all ages barring an increase on fetal day 140. Reduced granulosa CYP19A1 and thecal CYP17A1 in adults likely disrupt the intrafollicular androgen/estrogen balance contributing to follicular persistence. The reduced thecal CYP17A1 expression suggests that the hyperandrogenic ovarian phenotype may originate from increased enzyme activity or alternatively via a different isoform of CYP17. The reduced CYP19A1 in antral follicles of adults indicates that the increased circulating estradiol release likely arises from the increased number of persisting follicles.
Symmetric Urea-catalyzed Asymmetric Michael Addition of Thiols to β-Nitrostyrenes
Authors: Kawazoe Souichirou , Yoshida Kazuki , Shimazaki Yuichi , Oriyama Takeshi
Published: July 2014

Several pyrrolidine- and piperidine-based organocatalysts were evaluated for the asymmetric Michael addition of thiols to β-nitrostyrenes. We found a structure–activity relationship between the catalyst and a higher catalytic activity for 1,3-bis[(3R,4S)-1-benzyl-4-phenylpyrrolidin-3-yl]urea.
Explain your data by Concept Profile Analysis Web Services
Authors: Hettne Kristina , van Schouwen Reinout , Mina Eleni , van der Horst Eelke , Thompson Mark , Kaliyaperumal Rajaram , Mons Barend , van Mulligen Erik , Kors Jan A. , Roos Marco
Published: July 2014

The Concept Profile Analysis technology (overlapping co-occurring concept sets based on knowledge contained in biomedical abstracts) has led to new biomedical discoveries, and users have been able to interact with concept profiles through the interactive tool “Anni” (http://biosemantics.org/anni). However, Anni provides no way for users to save their procedures, results, or related provenance. Here we present a new suite of Web Service operations that allows bioinformaticians to design and execute their own Concept Profile Analysis workflow, possibly as part of a larger bioinformatics analysis. The source code can be downloaded from ZENODO at http://www.dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10963.
Formation of Pupils� Research Competence at Mathematics Lessons in Regular School
Authors: ���������  , Desnitskaya V.
Published: July 2014

The main components of pupils� research competence formation process at mathematics lessons have been presented in this paper. Developed by the author model, based on principles of choice, controllability and focus, educational reflection, trust and support, directed on formation of pupils� research competence has been described. Sensibleness and motivation to the concrete content of research activity is carried out during educational and informative games, educational discussions, emotional stimulation methods, selection and designing of research activity�s personal and significant content. The model assumes formation of abilities to work with various sources of information. The main conditions of carrying out a modern lesson in the developed model realization conditions have been presented. It has been shown that the organization of information and cognitive activity including stages of designing, projecting and modeling, as well as developed and introduced pedagogical providing, promotes an increase of pupils� research competence formation level.
School Natural-Science Education�s Pedagogic Potential
Authors: ��������  , Glazunov A.
Published: July 2014

Upbringing possibilities of modern natural-science school courses realizing education standards constructed on a competence-based basis are proved in this paper. These standards� didactic opportunities providing their educational potential realization have been shown. Paper�s main emphasis has been placed on pupils� world outlook and also on their meta subject competences formation. It is proved that upbringing selection�s factual content that was valid in school education, can´t solve education�s key problems. A number of new scientific directions which have to become a basic unit of naturalscience education have been specified. Connection of education quality and upbringing opportunities is proved, it is shown that education�s poor quality does a problem of pupils� scientific world outlook formation almost unreal. The need of didactic generalizations use, disclosures of a natural-science education�s experimental basis is justified in this paper. The main objective of upbringing potential realization has been formulated. Social risks related to low level of pupils� upbringing have been described.
Model of Information Support of Innovations in Education
Authors: �����������  , Khudoverdova S.
Published: July 2014

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Competence Approach in Education as Basis of Teacher�s Professional Activity Development
Authors: �����������  , Abdurazakov Magomed , ����������  , Magomedova A.
Published: July 2014

Russian educational space�s high-quality filling depends on professionalism of the teacher, his competence in the area of innovative technologies, ability to react quickly to occurring changes in society and education. Pedagogical interaction and cooperation (communication component of professional activity) is one of future teacher�s important competences. For development of modern information and educational environment there is a need for competent teacher, able to combine traditional and innovative technologies of training with educational process participants� network interaction types. Use of educational web resources and possession of Internet technologies allows the teacher to carry out information and educational activity directed on search, collecting, processing, storage, producing and transfer of educational information, promotes the use of innovative methods and forms of education, as well as improvement of traditional ones, formation of abilities to carry out educational information interaction in professional activity. The circle of these problems has been designated in this paper.
Perspective Reformulations of the CTA Problem with L2 Distances
Authors: Castro Jordi , Frangioni Antonio , Gentile Claudio
Published: July 2014

Any institution that disseminates data in aggregated form has the duty to ensure that individual confidential information is not disclosed, either by not releasing data or by perturbing the released data while maintaining data utility. Controlled tabular adjustment (CTA) is a promising technique of the second type where a protected table that is close to the original one in some chosen distance is constructed. The choice of the specific distance shows a trade-off: although the Euclidean distance has been shown (and is confirmed here) to produce tables with greater “utility,” it gives rise to mixed integer quadratic problems (MIQPs) with pairs of linked semi-continuous variables that are more difficult to solve than the mixed integer linear problems corresponding to linear norms. We provide a novel analysis of perspective reformulations (PRs) for this special structure; in particular, we devise a projected PR (P2R), which is piecewise-conic but simplifies to a (nonseparable) MIQP when the instance is symmetric. We then compare different formulations of the CTA problem, showing that the ones based on P2R most often obtain better computational results.
Palliative care staff's perceptions of do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation discussions
Authors: Low Catherine , Finucane Anne , Mason Bruce , Spiller Juliet
Published: July 2014

Background:

Do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DNACPR) decisions aim to prevent unwanted and/or clinically inappropriate CPR attempts. As the NHS Scotland DNACPR policy has become embedded into clinical practice there has been greater awareness of the need to discuss DNACPR decisions with patients who would not benefit from CPR; however, little is known about how nursing and medical staff experience these discussions.

Aim:

This study aimed to explore clinician experiences of discussing DNACPR decisions with patients in a Scottish specialist palliative care inpatient and community setting.

Method:

Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were held with 11 specialist palliative care clinicians. These were transcribed and thematic analysis was undertaken.

Results:

The clinicians found DNACPR discussions challenging and experienced anxiety before discussions took place. They found it most appropriate to discuss DNACPR in the context of wider end-of-life discussions and in response to patient triggers. Patient–clinician relationships were complex and could make the conversation easier or more difficult. Negative patient reactions were rare and discussions were thought to provide some patients with a sense of relief.

Conclusion:

The clinicians reported finding DNACPR discussions worthwhile and that they continue to discuss DNACPR decisions with patients despite the challenges. Recommendations for discussing DNACPR with patients are outlined.
Work engagement and attitudes toward caring for dying patients and families among home-visiting nurses in Japan
Authors: Mahiro Sakai , Takashi Naruse , Satoko Nagata
Published: July 2014

Background:

Nurses with higher levels of work engagement tend to be highly efficient in their work and more willing to keep working and to provide patient-centred care. However, whether more engaged nurses provide end-of-life care more proactively has not been examined in the home-care setting.

Aim:

This study aimed to examine work engagement among home-visiting nurses in Japan and its relationship with their attitudes toward caring for dying patients and their families.

Methods:

A total of 343 nurses working in 62 agencies across Chiba prefecture, eastern Japan, received an anonymous self-administered questionnaire from July to August 2012. The authors performed multiple regression analysis to explore the relationships between home-visiting nurses’ work engagement and attitudes.

Results:

Data from 184 nurses (53.6%) was analysed. Work engagement was significantly positively related to the nurses’ attitudes toward caring for dying patients and their families.

Conclusion:

As more engaged nurses tend to have more positive attitudes toward caring for dying patients and their families, further research is needed to identify the factors that might help nursing managers to enhance their staff's engagement and perhaps thereby improve their attitudes, with the ultimate aim of achieving better outcomes for patients and families.
Politics and palliative care: Panama
Authors: Smyth Dion
Published: July 2014

Dion Smyth's review of the internet for palliative nursing
Perceptions of people with multiple sclerosis on the effect and comfort of two different textured insoles: A qualitative study
Authors: Baron YJ , Robinson J , Gamesby-Iyayi H , Hodgson D , Hatton D , Warnett R , Rome K , Dixon J , Martin D
Published: July 2014

Background:

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) suffer from progressive impairment of gait and balance. One of the causal factors is reduced plantar sensation. Pilot studies indicate that textured insoles may improve gait and balance by way of enhanced plantar tactile stimulation. However, no studies have reported subjective outcomes, which could provide significant information regarding the acceptance of textured insoles and their effect on psychological wellbeing. This study aimed to report the subjective experience of participants with MS when they wore insoles with two different textures.

Methods:

A within-subjects experimental design was used with two insole textures. Forty six participants were recruited (12 males, 34 females, mean age 49.1 years, SD=6.83). Participants were randomly allocated to one of the two textured insole types, which they wore for 2 weeks. They then took part in individual semi-structured interviews about their experience of wearing the insoles. Their answers were coded using thematic analysis to identify key themes.

Results:

The same themes emerged in both texture groups. Two key themes were identified: insole comfort and efficacy. Individual participants responded to the same texture in different ways; the perception of comfort was highly individual, as was insole acceptability. Perception of efficacy influenced acceptability, with participants more likely to wear the insoles if they thought they were beneficial. In several cases, confidence in mobility increased during insole use.

Conclusions:

Textured insoles have therapeutic potential in an MS population in regard to improving mobility confidence. However, their acceptability is highly individual so generalisations about their efficacy are difficult to make. Their acceptability and efficacy appear to be linked with a perception of benefit. The perception that they are beneficial encourages participants to wear the insoles and they are more likely to experience increased confidence.

Implications:

Textured insoles could provide a simple, inexpensive intervention to help people with MS maintain function and independence, thus enhancing quality of life. However, there is likely to be considerable individual variability regarding subjective outcomes.
Rehabilitation needs change with time after orthopaedic major trauma
Authors: Claydon JH , Fearon PF , Gray AC , Wilkinson L , Aldridge SE
Published: July 2014

Background:

To comply with the Best Practice Tariff for Major Trauma, rehabilitation prescriptions are completed for patients with an Injury Severity Score above 8, which covers a broader, previously-undefined population. This project uses the rehabilitation prescription to define the characteristics and rehabilitation needs of the orthopaedic major trauma population.

Methods:

A total of 336 patients with orthopaedic major trauma had an initial rehabilitation prescription completed in 1 year. Over a 7-month period, 143 of these patients were clinically assessed by a trauma rehabilitation specialist physiotherapist. Demographic data and rehabilitation needs identified from initial and follow-up rehabilitation prescriptions were recorded and analysed.

Results:

Orthopaedic injuries affect the largest number of major trauma patients (n=336/692). Falls (30%) and road accidents (29%) are the most common mechanisms of trauma for patients of all ages (mean 55.6 years). At initial assessment, mobility (97%), pain (95%), and independence with activities of daily living (IADL) (79%) were the most prevalent rehabilitation needs identified. Five months after injury, patients had a reduced rehabilitation need for mobility (60%), IADL (30%), and pain (27%). The need for psychological support increased from 2% to 22%, while vocational needs remained stable (initial 29%, review 26%). Difficulties with mood were first identified at the review stage in 94% of cases. Of patients who were reassessed, 48% had unmet rehabilitation needs requiring referral to physiotherapy (25%), health psychology (13%), and orthopaedic review (6%).

Conclusions:

Rehabilitation from orthopaedic major trauma continues beyond the acute hospital admission. Mobility, pain and IADL are most affected by injury, and mobility problems can persist for many months after injury. Rehabilitation needs can change, with difficulties managing emotions developing over time. Physiotherapists play a lead role in addressing the most frequent rehabilitation needs, but patients need multidisciplinary support, including health psychology and pain specialists, to meet their ongoing rehabilitation needs.

Implications:

Orthopaedic major trauma patients require access to specialist multidisciplinary rehabilitation throughout their recovery journey. Reassessment of the rehabilitation prescription is necessary to evaluate an individual's changing rehabilitation needs and improve access to appropriate professionals.
A comparison of three search strategies to establish which approach was most effective in identifying trials for inclusion
Authors: Davies L , Minns Lowe CJ , Barker KL
Published: July 2014

Background:

The identification of randomised clinical trials for inclusion in systematic reviews has been challenging and laborious in the past. Many physiotherapy journals were not included in databases and resources such as PubMed and not all trials were registered. Multifaceted approaches, including searching multiple databases and hand searches of journals and conference proceedings, were often required. The recent updating of an earlier systematic review provided the opportunity to explore different approaches to search for trials. This report aims to compare three search strategies to identify which was most effective in identifying trials for inclusion in the review.

Methods:

Three search approaches were used to identify trials for a review evaluating physiotherapy exercise following discharge from hospital following hip arthroplasty. Date limitations were set from 2007 to November 2013. Approach 1: replicated the earlier multifaceted 2007 strategy 1, which searched databases using multiple search term combinations and hand searched journals and proceedings. Approach 2: was a librarian-led, online search of health databases. Approach 3: was a researcher-led, PubMed advanced search. The Cochrane library, BioMed Central (BMC), King's Fund, the Department of Health National Research Register and the ClinicalTRIALS.gov register were also searched. The search strategies were evaluated by search time and identification of trials that were included in the systematic review.

Results:

All three searches identified the articles included in the updated review, but 3 346 articles were screened using approach 1 395 in approach 2, and 1 450 in approach 3. Although the librarian-led strategy took longer to set up, the findings were more concise and the fewer articles took less time to screen. Trials registers identified ongoing studies but no new data for the review.

Conclusions:

Many physiotherapy journals are now included in PubMed. The librarian-led search was the most efficient and is recommended. If a librarian is unavailable, a PubMed advanced search is another effective, if more time consuming, option for anyone wanting to identify physiotherapy clinical trials.

Implications:

Physiotherapy trials from 2007 were identified using PubMed and online librarian-led searches meaning previously time-consuming, multifaceted search strategies may no longer be necessary to identify trials.
UK university students’ awareness of stroke early warning signs and the FAST campaign
Authors: Dance R , Kennedy N
Published: July 2014

Background:

The UK FAST (face, arm, speech, time) campaign aimed to increase awareness of stroke early warning signs (EWS) and the need to call 999. Research is needed to investigate the impact of this campaign among UK allied health professional (AHP) students and university students in general.

Methods:

Ethical approval was obtained from the university. A sample of 291 university students completed an online pilot questionnaire. Data regarding awareness of EWS, thrombolysis, the FAST campaign and the need to call 999 were collected, coded and analysed using descriptive statistics and independent sample t tests, a Mann-Whitney U test and multiple regression analyses.

Results:

Two thirds of students were aware of the FAST campaign, and the majority could name all four letters (48%). Overall, 62% could name 3 EWS and 94% knew to call 999. Awareness of the FAST campaign, being aged over 20 years and awareness of thrombolysis were significant predictors of greater EWS knowledge (P<0.001); however, firstaid training and personal experience of stroke were not. AHP students had significantly greater stroke awareness compared to non-AHP students.

Conclusions:

This study reports fairly good knowledge of stroke, suggesting the FAST campaign appears to have been somewhat successful in raising awareness within this sample. Opportunities exist for further development of knowledge, particularly the breadth of EWS known by AHP students.

Implications:

Stroke education in this population needs to be developed further to ensure sufficient knowledge as future potential bystanders and for AHP students as future healthcare professionals. Further research is warranted.
Hip and lumbar motion: Is there a correlation between flexion and functional tasks?
Authors: Alqhtani RS , Williams JM , Jones MD , Theobald PS
Published: July 2014

Background:

It is common for patients with spinal pain to report evoked pain, associated with a variety of everyday tasks. Despite this, the assessment of an individual with spinal pain usually involves the completion of movements in the cardinal planes, for example flexion and extension. The relationship between these cardinal motions and more functional tasks is yet to be established. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between flexion and more functional everyday sagittal tasks.

Methods:

Fifty three participants were recruited for this study (age 29.4 years [SD=6.5], weight 75.3 kg [SD=16.4] and height 1.7 m [SD=15.4]). Four daisy-chained accelerometers were attached to the skin over the S1, L3, T12 and lateral thigh. Each sensor provided absolute orientation with respect to gravity, which was used to determine tilt in the sagittal plane. Relative angles between adjacent sensors were used to quantify the motion for the hip, lower lumbar and upper lumbar spine. Ratios between peak values were calculated by dividing one regional peak ROM by another, quantifying regional contribution to motion. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to explore the relationship between the movements of flexion, lifting, stand-to-sit and sit-to-stand.

Results:

Strong correlations for range of motion are reported between flexion and lifting for the lower-lumbar spine (R2=0.83) and all regions during stand-to-sit and sit-to-stand (R2=0.84–0.92). Strong correlation is also noted between flexion and lifting for hip/lower-lumbar spine ratio (0.84). No tasks were highly correlated for velocity (R2=0.01–0.72).

Conclusions:

The lower-lumbar spine appears to demonstrate a relationship between flexion and lifting. However, with the exception of stand-to-sit and sit-to-stand, no other strong correlations between regional range-of-motion, velocity and ratio for a series of sagittal tasks were observed.

Implications:

These findings suggest that each functional task is distinct using a differing degree of range of motion, velocity and relative motion at the lumbar spine and hip. It is recommended that clinicians explore more than just the cardinal planes of motion in the examination of the spine, as these do not demonstrate the same kinematics as more functional tasks.
Density, viscosity and refractive index prediction of binary and ternary mixtures systems of ionic liquid
Authors: Dopazo Gonzalo Astray , Gonzalez-Temes Miriam , Lopez Dina Larios , Mejuto Juan Carlos
Published: July 2014

Different artificial neural networks architectures were developed to predict the density, viscosity and refractive index of binary and ternary mixtures of ionic liquids using their individual properties. All neural network implemented were evaluated using the root mean square error (RMSE) and the average percentage deviations (APD) for the training and validation phase. The individual models implemented show great values of R2 (greater than 9.995âˆ™10-01) and low errors in terms of RMSE, that corresponds with an APD less than 7.766âˆ™10-02 %, with the exception of the model for the prediction of viscosity where the error raised to 3.338 %. The results show that the different individual artificial neural networks implemented are a useful tool to predict the density, viscosity and refractive index of binary and ternary mixtures of ionic liquids and with reasonably accuracy. Â
Perceptions of Positive Contributions and Burnout in Community Developmental Disability Workers
Authors: Lunsky Yona , Hastings Richard P. , Hensel Jennifer , Arenovich Tamara , Dewa Carolyn S.
Published: July 2014

Research on staff supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) tends to focus on negative aspects of the work. This study expanded on previous research on the positive consequences that work in the IDD field has on staff using a brief version of the Staff Positive Contributions Questionnaire with 926 staff. Factor analysis suggested two factors: General positive contributions and Positive work motivation. Positive work motivation was associated with high levels of personal accomplishment, but shared limited variance with the other two burnout dimensions (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization). Findings lend support to the idea that we need to consider both positive and negative aspects of work life. This brief scale may be a useful index of how staff benefit from their work.
Tunisia, Egypt and the voices of the revolution in Al Jazeera English
Authors: Sarnelli Viola
Published: July 2014

Although satellite channels still have a central importance for the circulation of news in the Middle East and North Africa, the attention of many scholars has recently shifted towards the development of social media and their political use in the region. This article aims to focus on the convergence between the two media fields, specifically looking at how social networks’ contents have been selected and amplified by Al Jazeera English during the Tunisian and Egyptian 2011 revolutions. These issues are illustrated through the analysis of a selection of videos and posts published online by Al Jazeera English from 4 January to 11 February 2011.

Even though other media brands previously experimented with user-generated contents, the article argues that Al Jazeera English promoted a new configuration of ‘big’ and ‘small’ media in the MENA (Middle East and North African countries) region, based on the already well-established local media convergence.

The article also intends to explore the profile of the international public interacting with the channel’s website during the Egyptian Revolution. To do so, it analyses a selection of the comments left by the readers from 28 January to 11 February 2011, showing how during the revolts the channel became a reference point for a large international audience.