bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Rigorous Quasi‐Experimental Design to Evaluate the Causal Effect of a Mandatory Divorce Education Program
Authors: deLusé Stephanie R. , Braver Sanford L.
Published: January 2015

All couples with minor children who filed for divorce within a specific 6‐week period (N = 191 couples) in one jurisdiction were ordered to attend a divorce education program. The control group included about 20 couples randomly selected from each of six 6‐week intervals before and six 6‐week intervals after the treatment interval (N = 243 couples). Archival records were searched for variables such as legal and residential custody award, visitation percentage, and relitigation. The impact of the program was assessed by evaluating, for each variable, whether the data for program interval departed from the straight (regression) line drawn through all the control group intervals. Only the visitation time award significantly differed: 27.75% for treatment couples and 22.46% for control couples. Analyses show that the father's attendance at the program primarily accounts for the difference.

Key Points for the Family Court Community

There are considerable methodological weaknesses in most of the existing evaluations of divorcing parent education programs.

Stronger, more scientifically rigorous—and thus persuasive—designs are possible in court settings, such as the regression discontinuity quasi‐experimental design we feature here.

Archival records, such as various court filings, are a rich and relatively untapped source of data.

Being mandated to attend a single 2‐hour divorcing parent education class caused an increase in the visitation time award in divorce decrees.

There is a disconnect between being mandated by a judge to attend a program and actual attendance.
Cognitive‐Behavioral Methods in High‐Conflict Divorce: Systematic Desensitization Adapted to Parent–Child Reunification Interventions
Authors: Garber Benjamin D.
Published: January 2015

Children who are triangulated into their parents' conflicts can become polarized, aligning with one parent and rejecting the other. In response, courts often order families to engage mental health professionals to provide reunification interventions. This article adapts empirically established systematic desensitization and flooding procedures most commonly used to treat phobic children as possible components of a larger family systems invention designed to help the polarized child develop a healthy relationship with both parents. Strengths and weaknesses of these procedures are discussed and illustrated with case material.

Key Points for the Family Court Community

Family law and psychology agree that children should have the opportunity to enjoy a healthy relationship with both parents

Adult conflict can polarize a child's relationships, including rejection of one parent

Existing clinical and forensic “reunification” strategies often prove inadequate

Reliable and valid cognitive behavioral methods can be adopted to facilitate this process

A cognitive‐behavioral “exposure‐based” reunification protocol is discussed
The connectivity of pore space in mudstones: insights from high‐pressure Wood's metal injection, BIB‐SEM imaging, and mercury intrusion porosimetry
Authors: Klaver J. , Hemes S. , Houben M. , Desbois G. , Radi Z. , Urai J. L.
Published: January 2015

Study of the pore space in mudstones by mercury intrusion porosimetry is a common but indirect technique and it is not clear which part of the pore space is actually filled with mercury. We studied samples from the Opalinus Clay, Boom Clay, Haynesville Shale, and Bossier Shale Formations using Wood's metal injection at 316 MPa, followed by novel ion beam polishing and high‐resolution scanning electron microscopy. This method allowed us to analyze at high resolution which parts of a rock are intruded by the liquid alloy at mm to cm scale. Results from the Opalinus Clay and Haynesville Shale show Wood's Metal in cracks, but the majority of the pore space is not filled although mercury intrusion data suggests that this is the case. In the silt‐rich Boom Clay sample, the majority of the pore space was filled Wood's metal, with unfilled islands of smaller pores. Bossier Shale shows heterogeneous impregnation with local filling of pores as small as 10 nm. We infer that mercury intrusion data from these samples is partly due to crack filling and compression of the sample. This compaction is caused by effective stress developed by mercury pressure and capillary resistance; it can close small pore throats, prevent injection of the liquid metal, and indicate an apparent porosity. Our results suggest that many published MIP data on mudstones could contain serious artifacts and reliable metal intrusion porosimetry requires a demonstration that the metal has entered the pores, for example by Wood's metal injection, broad ion beam polishing, and scanning electron microscopy.
SRrp35 suppresses cell proliferation and malignancy in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Yandong , Lin Yun , Li Qun , Gao Yong
Published: January 2015

Aim

Serine/arginine‐rich (SR) proteins are known to be involved in alternative pre‐mRNA splicing, RNA metabolism and cancer development. SRrp35 is a member of this family that antagonizes classical SR proteins in the regulation of splicing. However, the function of SRRP35 in cancer remains unclear to date. This study aims to investigate SRrp35 function in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

SRrp35 expression was accessed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction in 32 pairs of clinical HCC samples and 12 kinds of HCC cell lines. The biological roles of Srrp35 were analyzed using cell viability, colony formation and soft agar growth assays in vitro and tumorigenicity in nude mice model.

Results

SRrp35 was frequently downregulated in 62.5% (20/32) of HCC specimens and most of HCC cell lines. Enhanced expression of SRrp35 significantly suppressed cell proliferation and colony formation in an anchor‐dependent and ‐independent manner, whereas knockdown of SRrp35 by RNA inference resulted in the opposite effects. In vivo, SRrp35 plays a suppressive role in developing tumor xenografts in line with the function in vitro.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that SRrp35 suppresses cell proliferation and malignancy in HCC and could be a potential therapeutic target for this disease.
Consumer trust relations with payment cards and banks: an exploratory study
Authors: Koivunen Tuija , Tuorila Helena
Published: January 2015

The article focuses on the ways in which consumer complaints reflect the trust relationship between consumers, payment cards and banks from the consumers' point of view. The empirical data consist of consumer complaints fromFinland and are analysed with qualitative method. The data show that consumers use payment cards in various places for different purposes at home and abroad at least until something unexpected and problematic happens. According to the consumer complaints, in problem situations, the banks blame the consumers and categorically deny their responsibility. Negligence on the part of the consumers and questions concerning technology are the major reason for distrust concerning the reliability of payment cards. These findings provide bases for practical guidelines to increase trust in payment cards and, finally, implications for consumer education are discussed.
Collaboration between hospital and primary care nurses: a literature review
Authors: Lemetti T. , Stolt M. , Rickard N. , Suhonen R.
Published: January 2015

Background

Nurses play an important role in the treatment and care of adults in both hospital and primary health care working within complex and fragmented organizational systems. As the nature of health care changes and hospital and primary care sectors become more closely associated, nurses in both sectors have an obligation to increase their collaboration.

Aims

This study aimed to increase the understanding of collaboration between nurses working with adults in hospital and primary health care, and to facilitate the future measurement of this collaboration.

Methods

A literature review was undertaken in July and August 2013 using CINAHL and MEDLINE databases from the earliest to August 2013. The searches produced 4951 citations that were reduced to 22 articles for review using a four‐step inclusion strategy. Inductive content analysis was used to analyse the data.

Results

It is suggested that collaboration is a process that contains (1) collaboration precursors: the opportunity to participate, knowledge and shared objectives; (2) elements of collaboration: competency, awareness and understanding of work roles and interaction; and (3) processes and outcomes: the events or behaviours that are the consequences of the collaboration between hospital and primary healthcare nurses.

Conclusions

The results indicate that collaboration between hospital and primary healthcare nurses is an important and integral part of the work of nurses and a process consisting of several predictable issues leading to useful care outcomes.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Current healthcare changes make it a requirement for hospital and primary healthcare nurses to collaborate when working with adults to continue to meet the needs of patients. The findings of this study can be used to improve collaboration in practice and to devise research to improve collaboration between hospital and primary healthcare nurses.
β‐elemene inhibited expression of DNA methyltransferase 1 through activation of ERK1/2 and AMPKα signalling pathways in human lung cancer cells: the role of Sp1
Authors: Zhao ShunYu , Wu Jingjing , Zheng Fang , Tang Qing , Yang LiJun , Li Liuning , Wu WanYin , Hann Swei Sunny
Published: January 2015

β‐elemene, a compound derived from Rhizoma zedoariae, is a promising new plant‐derived drug with broad‐spectrum anticancer activity. However, the underlying mechanism by which this agent inhibits human lung cancer cell growth has not been well elucidated. In this study, we showed that β‐elemene inhibits human non‐small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cell growth, and increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2, Akt and AMPKα. Moreover, β‐elemene inhibited expression of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), which was not observed in the presence of the specific inhibitors of ERK (PD98059) or AMPK (compound C). Overexpression of DNMT1 reversed the effect of β‐elemene on cell growth. Interestingly, metformin not only reversed the effect of β‐elemene on phosphorylation of Akt but also strengthened the β‐elemene‐reduced DNMT1. In addition, β‐elemene suppressed Sp1 protein expression, which was eliminated by either ERK1/2 or AMPK inhibitor. Conversely, overexpression of Sp1 antagonized the effect of β‐elemene on DNMT1 protein expression and cell growth. Taken together, our results show that β‐elemene inhibits NSCLC cell growth via ERK1/2‐ and AMPKα‐mediated inhibition of transcription factor Sp1, followed by reduction in DNMT1 protein expression. Metformin augments the effect of β‐elemene by blockade of Akt signalling and additively inhibition of DNMT1 protein expression. The reciprocal ERK1/2 and AMPKα signalling pathways contribute to the overall responses of β‐elemene. This study reveals a potential novel mechanism by which β‐elemene inhibits growth of NSCLC cells.
Advanced research on vasculogenic mimicry in cancer
Authors: Qiao Lili , Liang Ning , Zhang Jiandong , Xie Jian , Liu Fengjun , Xu Deguo , Yu Xinshuang , Tian Yuan
Published: January 2015

Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a brand‐new tumour vascular paradigm independent of angiogenesis that describes the specific capacity of aggressive cancer cells to form vessel‐like networks that provide adequate blood supply for tumour growth. A variety of molecule mechanisms and signal pathways participate in VM induction. Additionally, cancer stem cell and epithelial‐mesenchymal transitions are also shown to be implicated in VM formation. As a unique perfusion way, VM is associated with tumour invasion, metastasis and poor cancer patient prognosis. Due to VM's important effects on tumour progression, more VM‐related strategies are being utilized for anticancer treatment. Here, with regard to the above aspects, we make a review of advanced research on VM in cancer.
Evidence Aid approach to gap analysis and priority setting of questions for systematic reviews in disasters
Authors: Kayabu Bonnix
Published: January 2015

This article is based on a presentation at the Evidence Aid Symposium, on 20 September 2014, at Hyderabad, India. Ten years after the Indian Ocean Tsunami, Evidence Aid and it parters and other humanitarian stakeholders met to update about Evidence Aid work and discussed it future. The Evidence Aid approach to fill in the gap on the production and use of evidence in disater sector and other humanitarian health emergencies was widely discussed. Iterative approach to prioritise evidence reinforced Evidence Aid principle of independacy and a coordinated international orgasisation. The generation of 30 research questions during the prioritisation process contitute the first big step for Evidence Aid to become a one stop shop for the seach evidence on the effectiveness of interventions in disasters.
The quality analysis of literature retrievals of systematic reviews for traditional Chinese medicine
Authors: Chen Min , Xiao Yang , Liu Yuqi , Peng Yuanling , He Jia , Zhang Yonggang , Du Liang
Published: January 2015

Background

The literature retrievals are still the main problems which limit the quality of systematic review (SR) for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and there were still no comprehensive analyses for these problems. The aim of this study is to analyze these problems to guide future SRs for TCM.

Methods

The Cochrane Library (Issue 2, 2009) and the Chinese BioMedical Database (CBM, 1978‐ 2009.7.31) were comprehensively searched to identify the SRs of TCM. The native literature retrieval rate of the first author, the characteristics of the included databases, the number of the included database, the reporting of literature retrieval strategy, and the reporting of adjuvant search for both the SRs from the CBM and Cochrane Library were analyzed.

Results

A total of 341 SRs were included in our analyses, including 245 from the CBM and 96 from the CL. The Chinese‐authored SRs ranked the first in median retrieval rate (100%). The Cochrane SRs were significantly superior than the CBM SRs: more searched databases (media: 4 vs. 6, P < 0.001), more precision of retrieval time, more conducting gray literatures searches (47.92% vs. 20.41%) and handing searches (57.29% vs. 54.69%), and more reported retrieval strategies (66.67% vs. 8.16%).

Conclusions

There were significant problems in the literature retrieval of SRs for TCM. In future, when performing any SRs for TCM, sufficient and proper databases, clearly searching strategies and times, proper adjuvant retrievals should be reported. Cochrane SRs might be a better choice.
Critical appraisal of clinical practice guidelines for treating pancreatic cancer based on the global disease burden
Authors: Li Cui Cui , Wang Ying Qiang , Li You Ping , Li Xiang Lian
Published: January 2015

Objectives

To evaluate the quality of pancreatic cancer guidelines with evidence‐based methods based on the global burden of disease and to explore its status, distribution, characteristics of theme, and the difference of recommended therapies among various qualities of guidelines, so as to provide a reference for clinical decision.

Methods

The PubMed, The Cochrane Library (Issue 11, 2013), Chinese Biomedical Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and VIP databases, as well as the website of National Guidelines Clearinghouse, Guidelines International Network, and National Institute for Clinical Excellence were systematically reviewed through November 2013 for pancreatic cancer guidelines. The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) were applied to assess the methodological quality of the guidelines.

Results

A total of 14 relevant guidelines (including 5 evidence‐based ones) were identified, involving four continents (Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania), seven counties, and four international organizations. There were only two domains, namely ‘scope and purpose’ and ‘clarity of presentations’, getting high average scores (more than 60%) among all 14 guidelines. The mean AGREE domain score in guidelines varies among different areas, and the quality of 5 evidence‐based guidelines was superior to that established by consensus. According to AGREE II, 11 guidelines were weakly recommended, while 3 were not recommended due to poor methodological quality. Their subjects of 14 guidelines covered six treatment categories, including chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, support therapy, radiotherapy, and interventional therapy.

Conclusion

The overall methodological quality of pancreatic cancer guidelines is suboptimal among different countries or regions. The qualities of evidence‐based guidelines are significantly superior to consensus. The chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, and support therapy were the predominant choices by guidelines.
The methodological quality assessment tools for preclinical and clinical studies, systematic review and meta‐analysis, and clinical practice guideline: a systematic review
Authors: Zeng Xiantao , Zhang Yonggang , Kwong Joey S.W. , Zhang Chao , Li Sheng , Sun Feng , Niu Yuming , Du Liang
Published: January 2015

Objective

To systematically review the methodological assessment tools for pre‐clinical and clinical studies, systematic review and meta‐analysis, and clinical practice guideline.

Methods

We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Reviewers Manual, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP), Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN), and the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) up to May 20th, 2014. Two authors selected studies and extracted data; quantitative analysis was performed to summarize the characteristics of included tools.

Results

We included a total of 21 assessment tools for analysis. A number of tools were developed by academic organizations, and some were developed by only a small group of researchers. The JBI developed the highest number of methodological assessment tools, with CASP coming second. Tools for assessing the methodological quality of randomized controlled studies were most abundant. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias is the best available tool for assessing RCTs. For cohort and case‐control studies, we recommend the use of the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. The Methodological Index for Non‐Randomized Studies (MINORS) is an excellent tool for assessing non‐randomized interventional studies, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (ARHQ) methodology checklist is applicable for cross‐sectional studies. For diagnostic accuracy test studies, the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies‐2 (QUADAS‐2) tool is recommended; the SYstematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) risk of bias tool is available for assessing animal studies; Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) is a measurement tool for systematic reviews/meta‐analyses; an 18‐item tool has been developed for appraising case series studies, and the Appraisal of Guidelines, Research and Evaluation (AGREE)‐II instrument is widely used to evaluate clinical practice guidelines.

Conclusions

We have successfully identified a variety of methodological assessment tools for different types of study design. However, further efforts in the development of critical appraisal tools are warranted since there is currently a lack of such tools for other fields, e.g. genetic studies, and some existing tools (nested case‐control studies and case reports, for example) are in need of updating to be in line with current research practice and rigor. In addition, it is very important that all critical appraisal tools remain subjective and performance bias is effectively avoided.
Comparison of intraductal ultrasonography findings between primary sclerosing cholangitis and IgG4‐related sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Naitoh Itaru , Nakazawa Takahiro , Hayashi Kazuki , Miyabe Katsuyuki , Shimizu Shuya , Kondo Hiromu , Nishi Yuji , Yoshida Michihiro , Umemura Shuichiro , Hori Yasuki , Kato Akihisa , Okumura Fumihiro , Sano Hitoshi , Ohara Hirotaka , Joh Takashi
Published: January 2015

Background and Aim

Comparisons of intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS) findings between primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and IgG4‐related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4‐SC) have not been elucidated. We aimed to clarify the differences in transpapillary IDUS findings between PSC and IgG4‐SC.

Methods

We retrospectively compared transpapillary IDUS findings between 15 patients with PSC and 35 patients with IgG4‐SC between 2004 and 2014.

Results

IDUS findings of circular‐asymmetric wall thickness, irregular inner margin, diverticulum‐like outpouching, unclear outer margin, heterogeneous internal echo, and disappearance of three layers were significantly higher in PSC than in IgG4‐SC (P < 0.001). Irregular inner margin, diverticulum‐like outpouching, and disappearance of three layers were specific IDUS findings for PSC compared to IgG4‐SC. Diverticulum‐like outpouching on IDUS and endoscopic retrograde cholangiogram (ERC) was observed in 10 (67%) and five (33%) of 15 patients with PSC, respectively. However, based on IDUS and ERC, diverticulum‐like outpouching was not observed in any patient with IgG4‐SC. All five patients with diverticulum‐like outpouching on ERC had diverticulum‐like outpouching on IDUS, and five (50%) of 10 patients without diverticulum‐like outpouching on ERC had diverticulum‐like outpouching on IDUS.

Conclusions

The IDUS findings differed between PSC and IgG4‐SC. Irregular inner margin, diverticulum‐like outpouching, and disappearance of three layers are specific IDUS findings for PSC compared to IgG4‐SC. IDUS is a more useful procedure than ERC for the early detection of diverticulum‐like outpouching.
Exploring the transition experiences of students entering into preregistration nursing degree programs with previous professional nursing qualifications: an integrative review
Authors: Tower Marion , Cooke Marie , Watson Bernadette , Buys Nick , Wilson Keithia
Published: January 2015

Aims and objectives

This paper aims to investigate the transition experiences of students with previous nursing qualifications (nondegree qualifications) entering a nursing degree program.

Background

Nurses with professional nursing qualifications (nondegree) are an important pool of professionals to draw on to help address nursing shortages through providing alternative pathways to becoming registered nurses. However, research suggests this cohort need higher levels of support and intervention to be successful.

Design

An integrative review was conducted, guided by Whittemore and Knafl's framework. A comprehensive search was conducted and 14 studies were included in the review.

Methods

A five‐stage approach was used to conduct the review: problem identification, literature search, data evaluation, data analysis and presentation of results. Constant comparative analysis was used to identify commonalities, differences and themes in the relevant literature.

Results

Themes emerged that suggested students struggled with academic and institutional challenges, becoming learners, managing conflicting demands of outside life, developing a student identity and experienced threat to their sense of professional identity. Additionally, the cohort did not view themselves as ‘the same’ as traditional students. Holland's framework provides a useful framework from which to conceptualise these students' experiences.

Conclusion

There are challenges for this cohort of students as they transition into degree level study. Supportive activities that extend and further develop students' personality orientations may be a useful starting point in addressing some of the challenges and providing a more positive transition to university.

Relevance to clinical practice

The demand for health care is growing and there remains a shortfall of registered nurses. Nurses with professional qualifications (nondegree) are an important pool of professionals from which to increase registered nurse numbers and address workforce sustainability issues.
Phenotypic plasticity and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition in the behaviour and therapeutic response of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Vig Navin , Mackenzie Ian C. , Biddle Adrian
Published: January 2015

It is increasingly recognised that phenotypic plasticity, apparently driven by epigenetic mechanisms, plays a key role in tumour behaviour and markedly influences the important processes of therapeutic survival and metastasis. An important source of plasticity in malignancy is epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), a common epigenetically controlled event that results in transition of malignant cells between different phenotypic states that confer motility and enhance survival. In this review, we discuss the importance of phenotypic plasticity and its contribution to cellular heterogeneity in oral squamous cell carcinoma with emphasis on aspects of drug resistance and EMT.
Dimensional Accuracy of Two‐Step Impressions Measured on Scanned Casts in CAD
Authors: Baráth Zoltán , Szűts Gábor , Braunitzer Gábor , Radnai Márta
Published: January 2015

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to find out how light‐body impression material thickness influences the horizontal dimensional accuracy of casts examined on a scanned model.

Materials and Methods

Customized manikin mandibles were used for impression taking with a dual‐phase impression method. These mandibles were prepared in a way that allowed the control of light‐bodied impression material thickness. First premolars were prepared for a full crown by supragingival chamfer on both sides in all mandibles. For the measurements, buccal and lingual reference points were made at the preparation margin. Impressions were taken at nine thickness levels and a control level (TTotal = 10; 0–1.2 mm), and the reference points’ average distance was compared across thickness levels on both the left and right side. We carried out three measures for each specimen and used three specimens per thickness level. Total sample size was N = 180, creating a sizable database to understand the influence.

Results

The results indicated that light‐body impression material thickness had no influence on the horizontal dimension of a die measured on scanned dies in these specific circumstances.

Conclusions

The thickness of light‐body impression material in the dual‐phase impression taking technique did not have a significant influence on the horizontal accuracy of scanned dies, which makes the technique safe and reliable for single crown restorations without having to take extra precautions for the thickness of light‐body impression material.
The Effect of Cyclic Loading on the Compressive Strength of Core Build‐Up Materials
Authors: Zankuli Muayed A. , Silikas Nick , Devlin Hugh
Published: January 2015

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of cyclic loading on compressive strength of core build‐up materials.

Materials and Methods

Four dual‐cured composites (Core.X Flow, Grandio Core, Bright Flow Core, Spee‐Dee) and one light‐cured reinforced resin‐modified glass ionomer (Fuji II LC) were tested. One hundred cylindrical specimens (4 mm × 6 mm) were prepared. Each material had two groups (ten specimens to be tested under static loading and ten specimens to be tested after cyclic loading). The specimens were stored wet, and after 30 days, one group of each material was cyclically loaded (for 250,000 cycles with a frequency of 1.6 Hz under stress load of 68.6 N) in a chewing simulator CS–4.2. Then specimens were subjected to static compressive loading until failure in a universal testing machine.

Results

Mean compressive strength values before cycling ranged from 144 MPa (15.8) for Fuji II LC to 277 MPa (23.2) for Grandio Core. Independent t‐test showed no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) in the compressive strength of each material before and after cycling (p = 0.7 Grandio Core, p = 0.3 Core.X Flow, p = 0.6 Bright Flow Core, p = 0.2 Spee‐Dee, p = 0.6 Fuji II LC); however, there was a statistically significant difference between the materials when comparing before and after cycling.

Conclusions

All tested materials showed no reduction in the compressive strength after cycling. Therefore, the tested materials can survive 1 year in service without a reduction in compressive strength.
Exploring carer perceptions of training in out‐of‐hospital use of buccal midazolam for emergency management of seizures (2008–2012)
Authors: Connolly Anne M , Beavis Erin , Mugica‐Cox Beatrice , Bye Ann ME , Lawson John A
Published: January 2015

Aim

This study aims to explore carer perceptions of training in out‐of‐hospital use of buccal midazolam for emergency management of seizures.

Methods

A random sample of 100 families (from n = 198) who underwent training at the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Randwick campus (2008–2012) were invited to participate in a telephone questionnaire.

Results

Sixty‐three carers participated. Thirty‐three children were female, median age at training was 4 years and seizure onset 2.75 years. Seizures were generalised in 26 children and focal in 37. Common reasons for prescription included history of prolonged seizures (38%), recent diagnosis of epilepsy (33%) and overseas travel (11%). Ninety‐eight per cent of carers reported that training instructions were clear, and 94% reported the risks of using benzodiazepines were satisfactorily explained. Ninety per cent felt confident to administer the drug following training and 62% completed first aid training as recommended. Suggestions for improvement included follow‐up/review and additional demonstration/practice. Twenty‐one carers (33%) reported giving buccal midazolam a median five times, 67% reported it was effective in terminating the seizure and 71% called an ambulance as instructed. Problems reported in administration included excessive secretions and difficulties drawing up the solution. One child experienced breathing difficulties requiring oxygen by the paramedics. Four children were admitted to children's intensive care unit with status epilepticus requiring intubation.

Conclusions

Training for out‐of‐hospital use of buccal midazolam was considered valuable by carers. Only a third of the sample subsequently used midazolam. Half of these carers reported problems in administration and one reported respiratory difficulty. These results highlight the importance of drug safety and efficacious training programmes.
Does rapport‐building boost the eyewitness eyeclosure effect in closed questioning?
Authors: Nash Robert A. , Nash Alena , Morris Aimee , Smith Siobhan L.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

Several studies have documented that people's ability to correctly report details of witnessed events is enhanced when they merely close their eyes. Yet closing one's eyes in front of a stranger could sometimes create social discomfort, which other studies suggest can impair memory reports. This paper reports two experiments exploring the extent to which the memory benefits of eyeclosure are enhanced when efforts are taken to build interviewer/witness rapport, thus potentially reducing discomfort.

Methods

In both studies participants observed filmed events and, afterwards, half underwent a basic rapport‐building exercise with an interviewer. All participants then answered closed questions about specific details of the event, and half were instructed to close their eyes throughout this questioning. We recorded the proportion of questions answered correctly, incorrectly, or with ‘don't know’ responses.

Results

Both eyeclosure and rapport‐building separately enhanced correct responding. The data offer no evidence, though, that rapport‐building moderated this eyeclosure benefit. This is despite the fact that rapport‐building did appear to moderate the effect of eyeclosure on participants' self‐reported comfort during the interviews.

Conclusions

These studies give us initial cause for doubt over a hypothesized – but heretofore untested – social psychological constraint on the benefits of eyeclosure.
Novel mechanisms of controlling the activities of the transcription factors Spo0A and ComA by the plasmid‐encoded quorum sensing regulators Rap60‐Phr60 in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Boguslawski Kristina M. , Hill Patrick A. , Griffith Kevin L.
Published: January 2015

Bacillus subtilis and its closest relatives have multiple rap‐phr quorum sensing gene pairs that coordinate a variety of physiological processes with population density. Extra‐chromosomal rap‐phr genes are also present on mobile genetic elements, yet relatively little is known about their function. In this work, we demonstrate that Rap60‐Phr60 from plasmid pTA1060 coordinates a variety of biological processes with population density including sporulation, cannibalism, biofilm formation and genetic competence. Similar to other Rap proteins that control sporulation, Rap60 modulates phosphorylation of the transcription factor Spo0A by acting as a phosphatase of Spo0F∼P, an intermediate of the sporulation phosphorelay system. Additionally, Rap60 plays a noncanonical role in regulating the autophosphorylation of the sporulation‐specific kinase KinA, a novel activity for Rap proteins. In contrast, Rap proteins that modulate genetic competence interfere with DNA binding by the transcription factor ComA. Rap60 regulates the activity of ComA in a unique manner by forming a Rap60–ComA–DNA ternary complex that inhibits transcription of target genes. Taken together, this work provides new insight into two novel mechanisms of regulating Spo0A and ComA by Rap60 and expands our general understanding of how plasmid‐encoded quorum sensing pairs regulate important biological processes.
Simple self‐report FRAIL scale might be more closely associated with dialysis complications than other frailty screening instruments in rural chronic dialysis patients
Authors: Chao Chia‐Ter , Hsu Yuan‐Hsin , Chang Pei‐Yu , He Yu‐Ting , Ueng Ruey‐Shiuan , Lai Chun‐Fu , Chiang Chih‐Kang , Huang Jenq‐Wen , Huang Sheng‐Jen
Published: January 2015

Aim

Despite the perceived importance of frailty, few studies focus on its impact on rural patients undergoing chronic dialysis. Comparison of different self‐report questionnaires in assessing frailty among these patients has not been attempted before.

Methods

A prospectively enrolled chronic dialysis cohort from a rural centre was recruited for analysis. Six types of self‐report questionnaires were administered to these patients. Clinical and dialysis‐related laboratory parameters were collected. Correlation analyses between questionnaire results and dialysis complications were performed, and variables demonstrating significant correlations were entered into multivariate regression models to determine their independent associations.

Results

Six types of questionnaire (Strawbridge questionnaire, Edmonton Frail Scale, simple FRAIL scale, Groningen Frail Indicator, G8 questionnaire, and Tilburg Frail Indicator) were provided to rural patients undergoing chronic dialysis. Scores from each questionnaire showed significant association with each other, except the G8 questionnaire. Scores from the simple FRAIL scale correlated significantly with age (P = 0.02), female gender (P = 0.03), higher Liu's comorbidity index (P = 0.02), lower serum albumin (P = 0.03) and creatinine levels (P < 0.01), and higher ferritin levels (P = 0.02). The other five questionnaires did not show consistently significant relationships with important dialysis‐related complications. Multivariate linear regression analysis identified an independently negative association between serum albumin and the simple FRAIL scale results (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

This is the first study establishing the utility of different self‐report questionnaires for assessing frailty in chronic dialysis patients. The simple FRAIL scale scores might demonstrate a closer relationship with dialysis‐related complications.
Mathematical modelling of the diurnal regulation of the MEP pathway in Arabidopsis
Authors: Pokhilko Alexandra , Bou‐Torrent Jordi , Pulido Pablo , Rodríguez‐Concepción Manuel , Ebenhöh Oliver
Published: January 2015

Isoprenoid molecules are essential elements of plant metabolism. Many important plant isoprenoids, such as chlorophylls, carotenoids, tocopherols, prenylated quinones and hormones are synthesised in chloroplasts via the 2‐C‐methyl‐d‐erythritol 4‐phosphate (MEP) pathway. Here we develop a mathematical model of diurnal regulation of the MEP pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana.

We used both experimental and theoretical approaches to integrate mechanisms potentially involved in the diurnal control of the pathway.

Our data show that flux through the MEP pathway is accelerated in light due to the photosynthesis‐dependent supply of metabolic substrates of the pathway and the transcriptional regulation of key biosynthetic genes by the circadian clock. We also demonstrate that feedback regulation of both the activity and the abundance of the first enzyme of the MEP pathway (1‐deoxy‐d‐xylulose 5‐phosphate synthase, DXS) by pathway products stabilizes the flux against changes in substrate supply and adjusts the flux according to product demand under normal growth conditions.

These data illustrate the central relevance of photosynthesis, the circadian clock and feedback control of DXS for the diurnal regulation of the MEP pathway.
Leader–Member Exchange (LMX) and Performance: A Meta‐Analytic Review
Authors: Martin Robin , Guillaume Yves , Thomas Geoff , Lee Allan , Epitropaki Olga
Published: January 2015

This paper reports a meta‐analysis that examines the relationship between leader–member exchange (LMX) relationship quality and a multidimensional model of work performance (task, citizenship, and counterproductive performance). The results show a positive relationship between LMX and task performance (146 samples, ρ = .30) as well as citizenship performance (97 samples, ρ = .34), and negatively with counterproductive performance (19 samples, ρ = ‒.24). Of note, there was a positive relationship between LMX and objective task performance (20 samples, ρ = .24). Trust, motivation, empowerment, and job satisfaction mediated the relationship between LMX and task and citizenship performance with trust in the leader having the largest effect. There was no difference due to LMX measurement instrument (e.g., LMX7, LMX‐MDM). Overall, the relationship between LMX and performance was weaker when (a) measures were obtained from a different source or method and (b) LMX was measured by the follower than the leader (with common source‐ and method‐biased effects stronger for leader‐rated LMX quality). Finally, there was evidence for LMX leading to task performance but not for reverse or reciprocal directions of effects.
Olfactory responses of Drosophila suzukii females to host plant volatiles
Authors: Revadi Santosh , Vitagliano Silvia , Rossi Stacconi Marco V. , Ramasamy Sukanya , Mansourian Suzan , Carlin Silvia , Vrhovsek Urska , Becher Paul G. , Mazzoni Valerio , Rota‐Stabelli Omar , Angeli Sergio , Dekker Teun , Anfora Gianfranco
Published: January 2015

Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, an endemic pest in southeast Asia, has invaded Europe and the U.S.A. Unlike most of its closely related sibling species, the serrated ovipositor of D. suzukii permits ovipositing in undamaged fresh fruits. In the present study, volatiles are identified from host plants that are potentially involved in D. suzukii host recognition and oviposition behaviour. It is shown that mated females are attracted to volatiles emitted from intact fruits. The antennally‐active suite of compounds released from the fresh fruits is identified by gas chromatography coupled with electroantennographic detection, as well as gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. In olfactometer bioassays, mated females are significantly attracted to an electroantennographically active volatile, isoamyl acetate, when tested at 10 µg of synthetic compound in a rubber septa, which has a release rate comparable to that of fresh fruits. In addition, a genomic survey shows that D. suzukii not only possesses the full repertoire of genes encoding odorant receptors activated by isoamyl acetate in D. melanogaster, but also that one of the genes, OR67a, is represented by five duplicated copies. These results indicate that D. suzukii uses olfactory cues to select oviposition sites. The identification of volatiles emitted by host fruits that attract D. suzukii may aid in the development of a selective and efficient synthetic lure for monitoring this pest. As a close relative of Drosophila melanogaster, D. suzukii provides a unique opportunity for understanding the physiological mechanisms involved in the shift of this species from use of rotten to ripe fruits for oviposition.
Technology trajectory mapping using data envelopment analysis: the ex ante use of disruptive innovation theory on flat panel technologies
Authors: Lim Dong‐Joon , Anderson Timothy R.
Published: January 2015

In this paper, we propose a technology trajectory mapping approach using data envelopment analysis (DEA) that can scrutinize technology progress patterns from multidimensional perspectives. Literature reviews on technology trajectory mappings have revealed that it is imperative to identify key performance measures that can represent different value propositions and then apply them to the investigation of technology systems in order to capture indications of the future disruption. The proposed approach provides a flexibility not only to take multiple characteristics of technology systems into account, but also to deal with various trade‐offs among technology attributes by imposing weight restrictions in the DEA model. The application of this approach to the flat panel technologies is provided to give a strategic insight for the players involved.
Effect of vehicle on the performance of active moisturizing substances
Authors: Polaskova J. , Pavlackova J. , Egner P.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

The work is aimed at the description and study of the hydration effect of different active substances (hyaluronic acid, sericin, glycerol, and urea) incorporated in two different vehicles commonly used for compounding pharmaceutical ingredients, gel, and emulsion.

Methods

The effects of the formulations were investigated by instrumental methods in vivo after their administration to the skin of volar forearms in a group of 20 healthy volunteers (women, mean age of 28 years). Hydration effect was observed by corneometry and barrier properties (TEWL) by tewametr at regular time intervals (1–26 h) after application of the prepared samples.

Results

The results indicate that the active substances incorporated in the emulsion moisturize the skin better compared to the same substances contained in the gel. Furthermore, it was found that these ingredients, whether they are present in the emulsion or in the gel, prevent TEWL in a similar manner.

Conclusion

The study showed that differences exist among the tested active ingredients in their ability to moisturize the skin. These differences are dependent not only on the type and concentration of the active substance used but also on the type of vehicle in which they are applied. It was also found that the active substances influence the viscosity of the prepared formulations.
Identification of layers in optical coherence tomography of skin: comparative analysis of experimental and Monte Carlo simulated images
Authors: Shlivko I. L. , Kirillin M. Yu. , Donchenko E. V. , Ellinsky D. O. , Garanina O. E. , Neznakhina M. S. , Agrba P. D. , Kamensky V. A.
Published: January 2015

Background/purpose

The goal of the study is comparative analysis of the layers inOCTimages and the morphological structure of skin with thick and thin epidermis.

Methods

We analyzed the difference between skin with thin and thick epidermis in two ways. The first approach consisted in determination of the thicknesses of layers of skin with thin and thick epidermis of different localizations from experimentalOCTimages. The second approach was to develop numerical models fitting experimentalOCTimages based on Monte Carlo simulations revealing structure and optical parameters of layers of skin with thick and thin epidermis.

Results

The correspondence between theOCTimages of skin with thin and thick epidermis and the morphological structure was confirmed.OCTimages of healthy skin comprise three layers in case of skin with thin epidermis and four layers in skin with thick epidermis. TheOCTimage of the zone of the transition from skin with thick to skin with thin epidermis features five layers.

Conclusion

The revealed differences in the structure of horny and cellular layers of epidermis, as well as of papillary and reticular dermis in skin with thin and thick epidermis specify different optical properties of these layers inOCTimages.
Investigation of the cortical activation by touching fabric actively using fingers
Authors: Wang Q. , Yu W. , He N. , Chen K.
Published: January 2015

Background/purpose

Human subjects can tactually estimate the perception of touching fabric. Although many psychophysical and neurophysiological experiments have elucidated the peripheral neural mechanisms that underlie fabric hand estimation, the associated cortical mechanisms are not well understood.

Methods

To identify the brain regions responsible for the tactile stimulation of fabric against human skin, we used the technology of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), to observe brain activation when the subjects touched silk fabric actively using fingers.

Results

Consistent with previous research about brain cognition on sensory stimulation, large activation in the primary somatosensory cortex (SI), the secondary somatosensory cortex (SII) and moto cortex, and little activation in the posterior insula cortex and Broca's Area were observed when the subjects touched silk fabric.

Conclusion

The technology of fMRI is a promising tool to observe and characterize the brain cognition on the tactile stimulation of fabric quantitatively. The intensity and extent of activation in the brain regions, especially the primary somatosensory cortex (SI) and the secondary somatosensory cortex (SII), can represent the perception of stimulation of fabric quantitatively.