bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infertility Education
Authors: Cherven Brooke O. , Mertens Ann , Wasilewski-Masker Karen , Williamson Rebecca , Meacham Lillian R.
Published: November 2015

The majority of children diagnosed with cancer will become long-term survivors; however, many will suffer late effects of treatment, including infertility. Educating patients about potential risk for infertility is important, yet little is known regarding when patients would like to hear this information. The purpose of this study was to assess young adult survivors’ previous experience in receiving education about their risk for infertility and determine their preferences for infertility education at various time points during and after treatment. Only 36% of survivors report receiving education about risk for infertility at diagnosis, 39% at end of therapy, and 72% in long-term follow-up/survivor clinic visits. Survivors consistently identified their oncologist as a preferred educator at each time point. Although almost all participants identified wanting education at diagnosis, this time point alone may not be sufficient. End of therapy and survivorship may be times this message should be repeated and adapted for the survivor’s needs and developmental stage: conversations about the impact of cancer treatment on future fertility should be ongoing.
Validation of the Child and Youth Resilience Measure (CYRM-28) on a Sample of At-Risk New Zealand Youth
Authors: Sanders Jackie , Munford Robyn , Thimasarn-Anwar Tewaporn , Liebenberg Linda
Published: November 2015

Purpose:

This article reports on an examination of the psychometric properties of the 28-item Child and Youth Resilience Measure (CYRM-28).

Methods:

Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, Cronbach’s α, t-tests, correlations, and multivariate analysis of variance were applied to data collected via interviews from 593 at-risk adolescents (12–17 years) to identify the factor structure, internal consistency, test–retest reliability, construct validity, and floor and ceiling effects of the CYRM-28.

Results:

A four-factor structure was identified comprising two contextual factors, individual and family factors. The CYRM-28 and its factors show good internal reliability, stable test–retest properties, and no floor or ceiling effects. The measure also showed good construct validity.

Discussion:

The CYRM-28 shows good overall validity on this group of New Zealand youth, and researchers and social workers can have some confidence in its usefulness as a measure that can be used to assess resilience in youth from a range of ethnic backgrounds.
Investing in the Child Welfare Workforce
Authors: Briar-Lawson Katharine , Leake Robin , Dickinson Nancy , McCarthy Mary , Anderson Gary , Groza Victor , Gilmore Grover C.
Published: November 2015

Responding to David Stoesz’s invited article criticizing the Children’s Bureau and the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute (NCWWI), the author’s inaccurate assertions are challenged, and new information is provided about the significant work underway to support the child welfare workforce. The Children’s Bureau has made historic investments in workforce capacity building, which bring multiple universities, public, and tribal child welfare systems into a partnership designed to support a multilevel approach to workforce development. Information that counters the author’s spurious claims is provided with regard to the structure of NCWWI and the evaluation protocol being implemented.
“Codeine Is My Helper”
Authors: Van Hout Marie Claire , Rich Eileen , Dada Siphokazi , Bergin Michael
Published: November 2015

Misuse of codeine-containing medicines is an emerging global public health concern. The majority of research has been conducted in developed countries (European Members States, Australia, the United States). This study aimed to gain an understanding of unique individual and collective experiences of trajectories of codeine misuse and dependence in South Africa. In-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of adult codeine misusers and dependents ( n = 25). Narratives were analyzed using the empirical phenomenological psychological five-step method. Nine themes with 63 categories emerged, with two additional high levels of abstraction. Findings are illustrated: participant profile and product preferences, motives for use, transitioning to misuse and dependence, pharmacy purchasing and alternative sourcing routes, effects and withdrawal experiences, help-seeking and treatment experiences, and strategies for prevention. The study underscores the need for continued support for enhanced patient awareness of risk of habit forming use and related health consequences and professional pharmacovigilance.
Seizures following Oral Lidocaine for Esophageal Anesthesia
Authors: Parish Roy C. , Moore Rodney T. , Gotz Vincent P.
Published: November 2015

Lidocaine is absorbed from mucous membranes of the oropharynx, gastrointestinal tract, and tracheobronchial tree. First-pass hepatic metabolism of the drug greatly reduces the amount reaching the general systemic circulation in the normal individual. In patients whose hepatic metabolism is reduced by disease or drugs, or in whom liver blood flow is reduced, this first-pass effect is decreased and lidocaine concentrations may be higher than those produced by the same dose in normal patients. We report an elderly man taking cimetidine with congestive heart failure in whom the accidental ingestion of lidocaine solution for esophageal anesthesia was followed by seizures and elevated serum lidocaine concentrations.
Mucinous Variant of Follicular Carcinoma of the Thyroid Gland
Authors: Squillaci Salvatore , Pitino Antonio , Spairani Cinzia , Ferrari Mauro , Carlon Eugenio , Cosimi Maria Fabia
Published: November 2015

The rare reports of mucinous variant of follicular carcinoma of the thyroid gland have not provided enough evidence to support the recognition of these tumors as a distinct clinicopathologic entity or to understand their etiopathogenesis. We report the fourth case of mucinous variant of follicular carcinoma displaying a minimally invasive tumor with diffuse expression of thyroglobulin, TTF-1, CD56, PAX-8, cytokeratins 7 and 19, in the absence of monoclonal carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cytokeratin 20, chromogranin, HBME-1, P63 expression, and BRAF gene mutation, in a 51-year-old woman who is alive without signs of disease 13 months after total thyroidectomy, bilateral neck dissection, and radioactive iodine. Herein, fine-needle aspiration cytology disclosed “worrisome” cytologic features consisting of large epithelial cells arranged in clusters or singularly, with high nucleocytoplasmic ratio, nuclear grooves and evident nucleoli which were shared by those of mucin-producing papillary thyroid carcinoma. Therefore, knowledge of the cytological and histopathological spectrum of this lesion is important to avoid misdiagnosis. The morphologic clues leading to the correct diagnosis of mucinous variant of follicular neoplasm have been correlated with the data of the literature, and the differential diagnosis is briefly discussed.
Outcome After Salvage Arthrodesis for Failed Total Ankle Replacement
Authors: Kamrad Ilka , Henricson Anders , Magnusson Håkan , Carlsson Åke , Rosengren Björn E.
Published: November 2015

Background:

In cases with total ankle replacement (TAR) failure, a decision between revision TAR and salvage arthrodesis (SA) must be made. In a previous study, we analyzed revision TAR and found low functional outcome and satisfaction. The aims of the current study were to analyze SA concerning failure rate and patient-related outcome measures (PROMs).

Methods:

Until September 2014, a total of 1110 primary TARs were recorded in the Swedish Ankle Registry. Of the 188 failures, 118 were revised with SA (and 70 with revision TAR). Patient- and implant-specific data for SA cases were analyzed as well as arthrodesis techniques. Failure of SA was defined as repeat arthrodesis or amputation. Generic and region-specific PROMs of 68 patients alive with a solid unilateral SA performed more than 1 year before were analyzed.

Results:

The first-attempt solid arthrodesis rate of SA was 90%. Overall, 25 of 53 (47%) patients were very satisfied or satisfied. Mean Self-reported Foot and Ankle Score (SEFAS) was 22 (95% confidence interval 20-24), Euro Qol–5 Dimensions 0.57 (0.49-0.65), Euro Qol–Visual Analogue Scale 59 (53-64), Short Form-36 physical 34 (31-37) and mental 50 (46-54). The scores and satisfaction were similar to those after revision TAR but the reoperation rate was significantly lower in SA ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

Salvage arthrodesis after failed TAR had a solid arthrodesis rate of 90% at first attempt, but similar to revision TAR, less than 50% of the patients were satisfied and the functional scores were low. Until studies show true benefit of revision TAR over SA, we favor SA for failed TAR.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
What the Dialogic Literary Gatherings Did for Me
Authors: García-Carrión Rocío
Published: November 2015

Narratives organize the structure of human experience and allow for the explanation of turning-point moments in an individual’s life. Such “epiphanies” leave marks on our lives and may create possible worlds beyond the established. Dialogic Literary Gatherings (DLGs) expanded the world of Connor, an 11-year-old boy in a rural community, and his perception of it, which helped him to succeed in a critical moment of school transition between elementary and secondary school. This article reports his transformative journey during his participation in DLGs. A combination of communicative techniques—dialogic interviews, observations, and life stories—enabled critical, egalitarian, and transformative dialogues between the researcher and Connor. As such, the dialogic construction of knowledge in Connor’s communicative biography highlights how significant relational experiences enabled him to achieve more, to understand other children’s minds, and to confidently face the challenge of testing children at the end of elementary school.
Glial response in the central nervous system of cats with feline infectious peritonitis
Authors: Mesquita Leonardo P , Hora Aline S , de Siqueira Adriana , Salvagni Fernanda A , Brandão Paulo E , Maiorka Paulo C
Published: November 2015

Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate central nervous system (CNS) lesions in non-effusive and effusive cases of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) regarding aspects related to astrocytic and microglial reactions.

Methods

Five necropsied cats that were naturally infected with FIP virus, confirmed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, with different intensities of CNS lesions, were studied. Brain and cerebellum were evaluated by light microscopy and immunohistochemistry for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and vimentin to assess astrocytic morphology, and lectin histochemistry for Ricinus communis agglutinin-I (RCA-I) to detect microglia was performed to evaluate the glial response in the CNS of cats with FIP.

Results

An important astrocytic response in many areas of the CNS of all cats, including the periventricular areas of lateral ventricles and fourth ventricle, the molecular layer of the cerebellum and cerebral cortex, was visualized. This astrocytic reactivity was associated with areas of granulomatous or pyogranulomatous vasculitis/perivasculitis in most cases, and it was characterized by multifocal to coalescing astrocytosis and astrogliosis with an increase in the expression of intermediate filaments, such as GFAP. However, astrocytes exhibited strong vimentin expression in neuroparenchyma with severe inflammatory and necrotic changes, but GFAP expression was mild or absent in these cases. A microglial response was present only in severe lesions, and RCA-I expression was detected primarily in gitter cells and resting microglia.

Conclusions and relevance

The present study indicates a strong astrocytic response, including the presence of many less differentiated vimentin-positive astrocytes and gitter cells positive for RCA-1 in severe lesions in the CNS of cats with FIP.
Morbidity pattern by age, sex and breed in insured cats in Japan (2008–2013)
Authors: Inoue Mai , Hasegawa Atsuhiko , Sugiura Katsuaki
Published: November 2015

Objectives

The aim of the study was to describe the morbidity pattern of different diagnostic categories in insured cats in Japan by age, sex and breed.

Methods

The annual incidence rates of having at least one insurance claim were calculated overall and stratified by diagnosis, age, sex and breed using data from insured cats in the period April 2008 to March 2013.

Results

The overall annual incidence rate of having at least one insurance claim was 4632 (95% confidence interval 4608–4656) cats per 10,000 cat-years at risk. The highest annual incidence rate was obtained for digestive system disorders, followed by urinary tract disorders and dermatological disorders. The incidence rates varied between breeds for most diagnostic categories: for cardiovascular system disorders, Scottish Fold, American Shorthair, Persian, Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cat, Ragdoll and Bengal had a higher annual incidence rate than crossbreeds.

Conclusions and relevance

This study provides comparative and quantitative estimates of morbidity pattern in insured Japanese cats. These estimates can be utilised by veterinary practitioners, breeders and owners in diagnostic decision-making, breeding and when selecting a new pet, respectively.
Why post on social networking sites (SNS)? Examining motives for visiting and sharing pilgrimage experiences on SNS
Authors: Park Hyejin , Seo Soobin , Kandampully Jay
Published: November 2015

Traditional pilgrimages were driven by religious beliefs; modern tourists instead visit pilgrimage destinations in response to various motives, including the search for individual, spiritual peace. Despite the increasing popularity of pilgrimage and social network sites (SNS) among tourists, little research has considered what motivates tourists to visit pilgrimage destinations and then post their pilgrimage experiences on SNS. This study identifies travelers’ motivations to visit pilgrimage destinations as well as antecedents of their intentions to share their pilgrimage experiences on SNS. An online survey, administered to 304 adults in the United States, reveals that spiritual, travel, friendship, self-presentation, and status motives relate positively to intentions to visit pilgrimage destinations and share pilgrimage experiences on SNS. The significance of the motives also differs with the level of religious belief. This study provides practical implications that can help the tourism industry develop enhanced pilgrimage destination marketing strategies.
A numerical investigation of effects of defect edge discontinuities on contact forces and vibrations for a defective roller bearing
Authors: Liu Jing , Shao Yimin
Published: November 2015

Vibration characteristics of a roller bearing caused by a roller passing over the defect on the races are determined by the contact forces between the roller and races of the bearing. The vibration characteristics and contact forces are determined by the sizes and edge discontinuities of the defect. Therefore, it is very useful to investigate the relationships between defect edge discontinuities and the contact forces, and those between defect edge discontinuities and the vibrations for diagnosing the defects with different edge discontinuities in the roller bearings. A dynamic nonlinear finite element model for a roller bearing with a localized surface defect considering different edge discontinuities on its outer race is developed using an explicit dynamics finite element software package in this work. The effects of the defect edge discontinuities, radial load, and shaft speed on the contact force between the roller and outer race of the roller bearing are investigated, as well as the vibrations of the bearing. In-depth analyses of the contact forces between the roller and localized surface defect with different edge discontinuities are presented, which did not study in the previous literatures. The numerical results show that the number of the impacts between the roller and end edge of the defect caused by the re-stressing is more than that between the roller and beginning edge of the defect caused by the de-stressing, which is also affected by the defect edge discontinuities.
Relationship Between Primary Patency and Lesion Length Following Bare Nitinol Stent Placement for Femoropopliteal Disease
Authors: Soga Yoshimitsu , Takahara Mitsuyoshi , Iida Osamu , Suzuki Kenji , Hirano Keisuke , Kawasaki Daizo , Shintani Yoshiaki , Yamaoka Terutoshi , Ando Kenji
Published: November 2015

Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between 1-year primary patency and lesion length in patients with femoropopliteal disease treated with bare nitinol stents. Methods: The study was a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained multicenter database. Between January 2004 and December 2011, 1047 consecutive patients (mean age 72 years; 765 men) underwent femoropopliteal stenting with nitinol stents in 1373 limbs. The mean vessel diameter was 5.3±0.7 mm and the mean lesion length was 142±75 mm. One-year follow-up data were collected and analyzed to ascertain which lesion length would be expected to demonstrate a 1-year primary patency above the established 66% objective performance goal (OPG). Results: The lower limit of the 95% confidence interval (CI) for the unadjusted 1-year primary patency was >66% when the lesion length was ≤243 mm. After adjustment of the covariates to match those of the OPG-derived population, the 1-year primary patency decreased linearly with longer lesion length. The 1-year primary patency was 83.2% (95% CI 79.8% to 86.1%) for a 100-mm lesion length, 76.4% (95% CI 71.7% to 80.5%) for a 200-mm lesion length, and 70.7% (95% CI 62.4% to 77.7%) for a 300-mm lesion length. The maximum lesion length providing a 1-year primary patency significantly greater than 66% was calculated to be 263 mm. Conclusion: The 1-year primary patency of femoropopliteal lesions treated with bare nitinol stents decreased linearly with longer lesion length. The maximum lesion length providing a higher patency rate than the OPG of 66% was ~25 cm.
Super Columbine Massacre RPG! and Grand Theft Autoethnography
Authors: Borchard Kurt
Published: November 2015

Here, I use autoethnography, media accounts, and work in sociology to consider the popular video game series Grand Theft Auto (GTA), its abstraction of violence and social relations, and the formation of my Self. I also consider the video game Super Columbine Massacre RPG! (or Role Playing Game) as a deconstruction of cause and effect arguments concerning links between video game violence and real-world violence. I consider such games as sites for ideological reproduction, particularly of sexism, racism, and homophobia, as well as for critical thinking about the social worlds we want.
Being a Vegan
Authors: Andreatta Maria Marta
Published: November 2015

In this performative autoethnography, I seek to reconstruct and explain the experience of becoming a vegan within a hegemonic meat culture, and the new worldview acquired by going through this process, by drawing on Denzin’s concept of epiphany, and critical animal studies.
Featured Article: Cardioprotective effects of lysyl oxidase inhibition against volume overload-induced extracellular matrix remodeling
Authors: El Hajj Elia C , El Hajj Milad C , Ninh Van K , Gardner Jason D
Published: November 2015

A hallmark of heart failure (HF) is adverse extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, which is regulated by the collagen cross-linking enzyme, lysyl oxidase (LOX). In this study, we evaluate the efficacy of LOX inhibition to prevent adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling and dysfunction using an experimental model of HF. Sprague–Dawley rats were subjected to surgically induced volume overload (VO) by creation of aortocaval fistula (ACF). A LOX inhibitor, beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN; 100 mg/kg/day), was administered to rats with ACF or sham surgery at eight weeks postsurgery. Echocardiography was used to assess progressive alterations in cardiac ventricular structure and function. Left ventricular (LV) catheterization was used to assess alterations in contractility, stiffness, LV pressure and volume, and other indices of cardiac function. The LV ECM alterations were assessed by: (a) histological staining of collagen, (b) protein expression of collagen types I and III, (c) hydroxyproline assay, and (d) cross-linking assay. LOX inhibition attenuated VO-induced increases in cardiac stress, and attenuated increases in interstitial myocardial collagen, total collagen, and protein levels of collagens I and III. Both echocardiography and catheterization measurements indicated improved cardiac function post-VO in BAPN treated rats vs. untreated. Inhibition of LOX attenuated VO-induced decreases in LV stiffness and cardiac function. Overall, our data indicate that LOX inhibition was cardioprotective in the volume overloaded heart.
Metabolic Control With the Bio-inspired Artificial Pancreas in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Reddy Monika , Herrero Pau , Sharkawy Mohamed El , Pesl Peter , Jugnee Narvada , Pavitt Darrell , Godsland Ian F. , Alberti George , Toumazou Christofer , Johnston Desmond G. , Georgiou Pantelis , Oliver Nick S.
Published: November 2015

Background:

The Bio-inspired Artificial Pancreas (BiAP) is a closed-loop insulin delivery system based on a mathematical model of beta-cell physiology and implemented in a microchip within a low-powered handheld device. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the BiAP over 24 hours, followed by a substudy assessing the safety of the algorithm without and with partial meal announcement. Changes in lactate and 3-hydroxybutyrate concentrations were investigated for the first time during closed-loop.

Methods:

This is a prospective randomized controlled open-label crossover study. Participants were randomly assigned to attend either a 24-hour closed-loop visit connected to the BiAP system or a 24-hour open-loop visit (standard insulin pump therapy). The primary outcome was percentage time spent in target range (3.9-10 mmol/l) measured by sensor glucose. Secondary outcomes included percentage time in hypoglycemia (<3.9 mmol/l) and hyperglycemia (>10 mmol/l). Participants were invited to attend for an additional visit to assess the BiAP without and with partial meal announcements.

Results:

A total of 12 adults with type 1 diabetes completed the study (58% female, mean [SD] age 45 [10] years, BMI 25 [4] kg/m2, duration of diabetes 22 [12] years and HbA1c 7.4 [0.7]% [58 (8) mmol/mol]). The median (IQR) percentage time in target did not differ between closed-loop and open-loop (71% vs 66.9%, P = .9). Closed-loop reduced time spent in hypoglycemia from 17.9% to 3.0% ( P < .01), but increased time was spent in hyperglycemia (10% vs 28.9%, P = .01). The percentage time in target was higher when all meals were announced during closed-loop compared to no or partial meal announcement (65.7% [53.6-80.5] vs 45.5% [38.2-68.3], P = .12).

Conclusions:

The BiAP is safe and achieved equivalent time in target as measured by sensor glucose, with improvement in hypoglycemia, when compared to standard pump therapy.
Primary acute myeloid leukemia cells with overexpression of EVI-1 are sensitive to all-trans retinoic acid
Authors: Verhagen Han J. M. P. , Smit Marjon A. , Rutten Arjo , Denkers Fedor , Poddighe Pino J. , Merle Pauline A. , Ossenkoppele Gert J. , Smit Linda
Published: November 2015

Key Points

EVI-1–positive AML cases are sensitive to ATRA.
Complete genome sequence of Thioalkalivibrio paradoxus type strain ARh 1T, an obligately chemolithoautotrophic haloalkaliphilic sulfur-oxidizing bacterium isolated from a Kenyan soda lake
Authors: Berben Tom , Sorokin Dimitry Y. , Ivanova Natalia , Pati Amrita , Kyrpides Nikos , Goodwin Lynne A. , Woyke Tanja , Muyzer Gerard
Published: November 2015

Thioalkalivibrio paradoxus strain ARh 1T is a chemolithoautotrophic, non-motile, Gram-negative bacterium belonging to the Gammaproteobacteria that was isolated from samples of haloalkaline soda lakes. It derives energy from the oxidation of reduced sulfur compounds and is notable for its ability to grow on thiocyanate as its sole source of electrons, sulfur and nitrogen. The full genome consists of 3,756,729 bp and comprises 3,500 protein-coding and 57 RNA-coding genes. This organism was sequenced as part of the community science program at the DOE Joint Genome Institute.
Annotation inconsistencies beyond sequence similarity-based function prediction – phylogeny and genome structure
Authors: Promponas Vasilis J. , Iliopoulos Ioannis , Ouzounis Christos A.
Published: November 2015

The function annotation process in computational biology has increasingly shifted from the traditional characterization of individual biochemical roles of protein molecules to the system-wide detection of entire metabolic pathways and genomic structures. The so-called genome-aware methods broaden misannotation inconsistencies in genome sequences beyond protein function assignments, encompassing phylogenetic anomalies and artifactual genomic regions. We outline three categories of error propagation in databases by providing striking examples – at various levels of appreciation by the community from traditional to emerging, thus raising awareness for future solutions.
Evidence-Based Medicine as a Tool for Undergraduate Probability and Statistics Education
Authors: Masel J. , Humphrey P. T. , Blackburn B. , Levine J. A.
Published: November 2015

Most students have difficulty reasoning about chance events, and misconceptions regarding probability can persist or even strengthen following traditional instruction. Many biostatistics classes sidestep this problem by prioritizing exploratory data analysis over probability. However, probability itself, in addition to statistics, is essential both to the biology curriculum and to informed decision making in daily life. One area in which probability is particularly important is medicine. Given the preponderance of pre health students, in addition to more general interest in medicine, we capitalized on students’ intrinsic motivation in this area to teach both probability and statistics. We use the randomized controlled trial as the centerpiece of the course, because it exemplifies the most salient features of the scientific method, and the application of critical thinking to medicine. The other two pillars of the course are biomedical applications of Bayes’ theorem and science and society content. Backward design from these three overarching aims was used to select appropriate probability and statistics content, with a focus on eliciting and countering previously documented misconceptions in their medical context. Pretest/posttest assessments using the Quantitative Reasoning Quotient and Attitudes Toward Statistics instruments are positive, bucking several negative trends previously reported in statistics education.
Novel myristoylation of the sperm-specific hexokinase 1 isoform regulates its atypical localization
Authors: Kumar Sujeet , Parameswaran Sreejit , Sharma Rajendra K.
Published: November 2015

The hexokinase 1 variant in mammalian spermatozoa (HK1S) has a unique N-terminus and this isoform atypically localizes to the plasma membrane. However, the mechanism of this process currently remains ambiguous. In this report, we show that fatty acylation underlies the specific sorting of HK1S. Employing chimeric reporter constructs, we first established that compartmentalization of HK1S does not function exclusively in sperm cells and that this feature is swappable to somatic HEK293 cells. Although the N-terminus lacks the classical consensus signature for myristoylation and the sequence-based predictions fail to predict myristoylation of HK1S, complementary experimental approaches confirmed that HK1S is myristoylated. Using live-cell confocal microscopy, we show that the mutation of a single amino acid, the myristoyl recipient Gly2, impedes the prominent feature of plasma membrane association and relocates the enzyme to the cytosol but not the nucleus. Additionally, substitutions of the putatively palmitoylated Cys5 is also reflected in a similar loss of compartmentalization of the protein. Taken together, our findings conclusively demonstrate that the N-terminal ‘MGQICQ’ motif in the unique GCS domain of HK1S acquires hydrophobicity by dual lipidic modifications, N-myristoylation and palmitoylation, to serve the requirements for membranous associations and thus its compartmentalization.
Cd(II) Capture Ability of an Immobilized, Fluorescent Hexapeptide
Authors: Galbács Gábor , Szokolai Hajnalka , Kormányos Attila , Metzinger Anikó , Szekeres Levente , Marcu Claudiu , Peter Francisc , Muntean Cornelia , Negrea Adina , Ciopec Mihaela , Jancsó Attila
Published: November 2015

A novel, cysteine-containing fluorescent hexapeptide, N-acetyl-Tyr-Cys-Ser-Ser-Cys-Tyr– (YY), targeting Cd(II) ion sensing, was synthesized on various solid supports including two resins, as well as glass and quartz surfaces. The synthesis was based on the Fmoc (9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl) and the APTES (3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane) methodologies on the resin and silica supports, respectively. The immobilized ligand, except when coupled to a hydrophobic benzhydrylamine resin, showed a remarkably efficient, pH-dependent Cd(II) capturing ability with a maximum binding capacity around neutral pH. The effect of contact time and metal ion concentration was also studied with a hydrophilic resin supported peptide (YY-NTG). The interaction of YY-NTG with Cd(II) was investigated by pH-potentiometric titrations in aqueous samples containing the resin beads and Cd(II). These studies, together with metal ion capturing experiments under buffer-controlled pH, prove that each immobilized peptide can bind one Cd(II) ion at pH 7.0 in the presence of one equivalent metal ion or metal ion excess. For Cd(II) binding to YY-NTG a notably high, K = 1.3 × 1010 apparent stability constant was determined (1:1 metal-to-ligand ratio, pH 7.0). Analytical results suggest that the concentration of Cd(II) can be measured below 200 nM with this silica-supported peptide. The usefulness of the probe was demonstrated by fluorescence spectroscopy.
Control of Photocleavage Reaction by Intramolecular Hydrogen Bonding in (3-Benzoxazolyl-2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)methyl Acetate
Authors: Honda Takuya , Arai Tatsuo
Published: November 2015

2-Hydroxyphenylpyridine and 2-hydroxyphenylbenzoxazole derivatives were synthesized and their photochemical properties were investigated. The results indicated that photocleavage reaction was controlled by intramolecular hydrogen bond.
Expulsion of Pore Water from MCM-41 and SBA-16 and the Enthalpy Change of Melting of Water
Authors: Kittaka S. , Urabe T. , Tominaga I.
Published: November 2015

Expulsion of pore water from the cylindrical pores of MCM-41 and cage-like pores of SBA-16 was studied for the cooling process. It was observed in MCM-41 just above the capillary full filling. In SBA-16 samples, it only appeared for the fully hydrated sample exposed to the saturated vapour pressure, P0. When the pore remained hydrated below P0, expulsion of water was not observed. This is explained by the fact that expanded water fills the outermost vacant spherical pores at the particle surface. When an SBA-16 particle was fully wetted with liquid water, the freezing temperature of the pore water decreased slightly. This was caused by the pressure increase derived from occlusion of pore water with surrounding frozen ice. This form of water occlusion should be common in nature at low temperatures (biological cells, liposomes, porous stone, etc.) and was clearly identified in a well-defined porous system.
Natural and Cross-Linked Chitosan Spheres as Adsorbents for Diesel Oil Removal
Authors: Farias P.V.S. , Aragão D.C. , Farias M.V. , Correia L.M. , Carvalho T.V. , Aguiar J.E. , Vieira R.S.
Published: November 2015

Natural and cross-linked chitosan spheres were used as adsorbents for oil diesel removal. Natural chitosan was cross-linked with glutaraldehyde and epichlorohydrin. The chitosan spheres were soaked in diesel oil at different concentrations using a batch adsorption system. These experiments were carried out to measure the adsorption capacity of the spheres and the percentage of oil removed from the synthetic solutions. The equilibrium data were well described by the Langmuir and Langmuir—Freundlich models, which indicates that after the chemical modification, the maximum adsorption capacity increased significantly. This increase in adsorption capacity could be explained by modifications of surface characteristics (porosity and roughness) or the formation of new bonds after the cross-linking reactions. Our study results show that bioadsorbents based on chitosan is a promising material for diesel oil removal from organic solutions, and thus can be useful in bioremediation.
Implementing evidence-based enteral nutrition guidelines in intensive care units: a prospective observational study
Authors: Kalaldeh Mahmoud Al , Shahin Mahmoud
Published: November 2015

Aim

To evaluate the impact of evidence-based enteral nutrition (EN) guidelines on nutritional outcomes in critically ill, mechanically ventilated patients.

Methods

A prospective observational study included an introductory programme for nurses on recent American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) nurse-centered guidelines on EN. Bedside observations pre and post-intervention included clinical outcomes, nutritional adequacy, and EN-associated complications.

Results

A total of 192 patients (80 controls,112 intervention patients) participated. Following implementation of the guidelines, the most significant clinical outcomes included a reduction in gastric residual volume (P=0.001) and change in body weight (P=0.032). Calorie adequacy increased from 8.7% to 55.4% (P<0.001). The incidence of pulmonary aspiration and diarrhoea reduced significantly (P=0.03, P<0.001 respectively). Gender, duration of EN, duration of mechanical ventilation, and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score were factors influencing nutritional adequacy.

Conclusion

Adopting ASPEN guidelines improves nutritional adequacy and clinical outcomes in enterally fed, mechanically ventilated patients.
Examining the role of probiotics in the hospital setting
Authors: Joshi Mayur R
Published: November 2015

The last few decades have seen the search for alternative therapies increase immeasurably as the general and scientific population look for more natural treatments for many diseases, with fewer side effects and clinical implications. This review article looks at some of the evidence behind the use of probiotic supplements within the hospital setting with specific clinical applications. The evidence for their use is growing and compelling in certain therapeutic situations. With the increase in volume and quality of clinical evidence, the use of probiotics should become more widespread in the future.
Influence of pyridoxine and spermine on lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) plants
Authors: ORABI SALWA A. , TALAAT IMAN M. , BALBAA LAILA K. , ABDALLA ABDALLA EL-MOURSI
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Orabi SA, Talaat IM, Balbaa LK, Abdalla AE. 2015. Influence of pyridoxine and spermine on lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) plants. Nusantara Bioscience 7: 139-143. Two pot experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of pyridoxine and spermine (each at 50, 100 and 200 mg/L) on plant growth, essential oil yield, and its main constituents. All treatments significantly promoted plant height, fresh and dry mass (g/plant) of Cymbopogon citratus L., especially 100 mg/L spermine which mostly recorded the highest increments in total nitrogen, total phosphorous and total potassium mainly in the second cut, followed by 200 mg/L pyridoxine. Total phenols, essential oil % and oil yield recorded the maximum increments with spermine treatments followed by pyridoxine. Treatment of lemongrass plants with 100 mg/L spermine gave the highest relative percentage of citronellol (51.20%). Oxygenated compounds recorded the highest value (89.70%) with 200 mg/L spermine treatment, while the maximum non-oxygenated ones resulted from the untreated plants (13.65%). All treatments under study significantly affected the scavenging ability of the natural antioxidants of the plant extract towards the stable free radical DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl-hydrate). Application of spermine at the concentration of 100 mg/L recorded the highest increment in phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) enzyme activity (µg/g F.wt.).
Savage sexism: Examining gendered intelligence in Hulk and She-Hulk comics
Authors: Settoducato Elizabeth
Published: November 2015

By using Hulk and She-Hulk comics from the 1980s as subjects for a case study, this article explores the seemingly lost potential of She-Hulk’s intelligence and exposes the problematic depictions of female superheroes as seen in her comics. This article pushes back against the practice of citing fans and their preferences as rationale for the troubling depictions of gendered bodies that so often characterize superhero comics (especially in a context of the 1980s cult of fitness), and examines not only these gendered representations, but also the gender differences in comics readership. In looking for alternatives to and subversive moments against these gendered social messages, this article also discusses the extent to which intelligence can be read as a sexually neutralizing element for Bruce Banner (Hulk) and his cousin Jennifer Walters (She-Hulk). Ultimately, it seems that, at least in the 1980s, attempts at smashing the status quo were countered by the stereotypical sexism produced and perpetuated by patriarchy.
Towards a contingencybased approach to value for community radio
Authors: Order Simon
Published: November 2015

Community radio in Australia is now well established and considered an important part of the radio sector, however, in today’s economically driven world it is at the bottom of the media money pile. In order to argue for its continuing existence, funding and development in an ever-changing media landscape, some means of capturing its value is essential. This article describes the development of a theoretical framework of value for community radio. The content of the framework was achieved by, first, examining, community media/radio literature through five relevant lenses of analysis. Secondly, a subsequent meta-analysis was applied to consolidate the framework. In order to test the utility of the draft theoretical framework of value, three case studies were conducted with different types of community radio stations in Perth, Western Australia. Two primary research methods were used: interviews with staff and audience focus groups. The testing exercise provided a multimodal insight into the values of community radio as reflected in real life practice. The analysis revealed how value was perceived by participants across three stations as personal motivations, and second, that value at individual stations was contingent upon the characteristics of the individual community radio stations.
Contemporary Christian radio in Britain: A new genre on the national dial
Authors: Cooper Martin , Macaulay Kirsty
Published: November 2015

Only in the second decade of the twenty-first century has contemporary Christian radio appeared as a new genre in Britain, unlike the United States where it has long been a significant format. Responsibility for religious broadcasting in the United Kingdom was, for most of the twentieth century, fulfilled by the BBC. However, the gradual relaxation of broadcasting regulations since the 1980s and the introduction of Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) have provided openings for Christian radio stations, and since 2009 the United Kingdom has had two national stations broadcasting from mainland studios for the first time. This article explores recent developments in this genre, using primary research interviews with Christian radio broadcasters. It suggests that what started out as a way for Christians to evangelize and proselytize their message has become a radio service that broadcasts almost exclusively to converted believers. It also observes that the programming and scheduling of these stations closely resembles the speech-and-music-mix style of BBC Local Radio, implying an attempt to insert themselves directly into the mainstream of the radio spectrum.
Theorizing Twitter Chat
Authors: Megele Claudia
Published: November 2015

Drawing on sociological, psychological and pedagogic theories, this article offers a conceptualisation of Twitter and Twitter chats as a continuous multilogue within communities of practice and/or communities of interest (CoP and CoI).This article examines the collapsing and increasingly overlapping boundaries of formal and informal education and locates Twitter chats within this overlapping area. Furthermore, conceptualising Twitter interactions as multilogue conversations, the article offers an object relational conception of knowledge, knowledge generation, and learning and a dynamic interpretation of Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) and the notion of More Knowledgeable Other (MKO) to offer a theorisation and pedagogic perspective in relation to Twitter and Twitter chats.The article concludes by considering some of the implications of such a theorisation for individual and professional identity, learning and pedagogy.
Do LEGO® Models Aid Reflection in Learning and Teaching Practice?
Authors: Nerantzi Chrissi , Despard Craig Scott
Published: November 2015

In this paper we describe the use of LEGO® models within assessment of the Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP) offered at the University of Salford. Within the context of the PGCAP, we model innovative and contextualised assessment strategies for and of learning. We challenge our students, who are teachers in higher education (HE), to think and rethink the assessment they are using with their own students. We help them develop a deeper understanding and experience of good assessment and feedback practice in a wider context while they are assessed as students on the PGCAP. We report on an evaluation of how the LEGO® model activity was used with a cohort of students in the context of the professional discussion assessment. We share the impact it had on reflection and the assessment experience and make recommendations for good practice.
Inspirational Teaching: Beyond Excellence and Towards Collaboration for Learning with Sustained Impact
Authors: Jensen Kathrine SH , Adams Joelle , Strickland Karen
Published: November 2015

Within higher education, there is a continued focus on teaching quality, with teaching excellence often linked to the idea of engaging and motivating students. This article examines the concept of ‘inspirational’ teaching, going beyond notions of excellent teaching, and proposes that inspirational teaching is defined by being transformational in the sense that it has a sustained positive impact on student learning. By exploring current literature on inspirational teaching, including some literature on teaching excellence, four overarching themes are identified as constituents of inspirational teaching: knowledge and passion for the subject, understanding learning and knowledge, constructive and challenging learning environment and students as individuals, partners and colleagues. The practices of the inspirational teachers presented are characterised by their focus on student learning rather than teacher performance and so indicate that inspirational teaching is an outcome that cannot be reduced to a set of characteristics or practices. Finally, we conclude that collaborative and scholarly relationships between students and teachers underpin these four themes and are central to creating inspirational learning experiences.
Online MCQ Assessment Anxiety Amongst 1st Year Psychology Students
Authors: Davies Gareth
Published: November 2015

First year undergraduate students studying psychology online with the University of the Highlands and Islands experienced anxiety while taking the first of two online multiple choice question (MCQ) assessments. The literature reveals that test anxiety, computer anxiety and technostress have been recognised as issues for some time. As a distributed University that relies heavily on online technology, these issues are potentially significant for UHI and other higher education institutions utilising online learning platforms. Feedback from students after the first MCQ assessment revealed that test anxiety, computer anxiety and technostress were all experienced in some form during the deployment of the assessment. Consequentially, steps were taken to mitigate against these reported issues. Detailed technical advice and guidance was issued ahead of the second online MCQ assessment. End of module feedback from students indicated that anxiety-related issues were reduced by the advice issued to them. For subsequent cohorts of students, formative assessments and detailed technical advice and guidance were issued. MCQ tests were reduced from two to one. An examination of assessment pass rates and feedback for this second cohort of students indicated that the use of a formative assessment and detailed technical advice and guidance deployed prior to the summative assessment were effective at ameliorating against online test anxiety. There are a number of factors that might interact in a complex way to affect student performance in an online MCQ test setting. It is important that wherever possible, we deploy assessments that are a valid test of students’ knowledge and understanding of subject material rather than their ability to deal with situations that engender anxiety and stress.
Future thinking: imaginative expectations for the leaky university
Authors: Wall Gina
Published: November 2015

This paper makes particular reference to the University of the Highlands and Islands and asks: Does the geographical distribution of the university offer us new ways of thinking ‘university’? The relation between power/knowledge and university structures is explored, as is the notion that university can be thought of as action rather than institution, and the significance of the porous or leaky university which plays out with institutional space is also considered. These ideas are investigated through reference to innovative developments in education from the 1980s to the present. The key projects to which the paper refers are the state institution of the Collège International de Philosophie in France (1984), the self-institution of the Copenhagen Free University in Denmark (2001–2007), and the current European multi-institutional Academy project. These projects provide a series of formulations of university through which the distributed institution is critically examined. Of central importance is the emergence of the notion of the transversity, a mode of thinking, and practising, university as translocational, interstitial and discursive. Drawing on experiences of distance delivery of studio based education in fine art, the impact of the distributed university on learning is explored. Further lines of enquiry are suggested which will aim, in future work, to take cognisance of the technological imaginary which may be at play. This will also lead to future research into the question: How do we mobilise the radically leaky university in order to enmesh knowledge and life in the Highlands and Islands?