bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asymmetrical Information and Public Failure in the Myriad Decision
Authors: Shareef Reginald
Published: September 2014

The Public Value concept is a Public Management normative process that utilizes efficiency and ethics as co-equal determinants to assess organizational outcomes. As such, Public Value represents what Ghoshal calls intellectual pluralism or the utilization of normative management processes in the social sciences to challenge the intellectual absolutism of the Chicago School. One discipline where Public Value can be used to assess normative results is Legal Studies’ antitrust field. This research applies Public Value criteria in evaluating the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2013 ruling in Association for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics. The conclusions tentatively found the Court’s decision will (a) create Public Value at the macro level but (b) trigger public failure at the micro level for poor women because of an asymmetrical information network. This outcome fits with Stiglitz’s hypothesis concerning asymmetrical information and market failure. Further empirical research on Myriad’s policy is recommended.
Enhancement of surface properties using new annealing technique for ITO thin films
Authors: Hegde G. , Mehdi Q. Z. , Al-Dabbagh J. , Mahmoud Ahmed N.
Published: September 2014

Influence of new technique of ‘oil thermal annealing (OTA)’ on the nanostructured ITO coated films which improve adhesion strength, electrical conductivity and optical properties (transmittance) is revealed. The X-ray diffraction measurement (XRD) used to investigate the properties of nano structure films when the annealing temperature increases from 150 to 300°C. Surface characteristics of ITO films were investigated by different methods revealed the improvement in their surface properties due to oil thermal annealing treatment in comparison with as deposited films. Annealing is used to reduce inherent defects that may be introduced during the prepared thin film and cooling processes. The ITO film significantly presents a higher electrical conductivity of 38·6×103 Ω−1 cm−1, as compared with as deposited films (∼0·909×103 Ω−1 cm−1). The proposed technique is useful in photonic device applications.
Electroless copper plating on particulate reinforcements and effects on mechanical properties of SiCp/Fe composite
Authors: Zhang Y. , Zong B. Y. , Jin J. , Cao X.
Published: September 2014

The electroless copper plating process on the powder of SiC has been investigated. Thickness of the coating was tailored by the amount of copper salt added in the bath with a molar ratio of 4∶1 between reducing agent of sodium hypophosphite and copper salt. It is also found that mixed complexing agent improves the smoothness of the coating surface. Compared with mechanical properties of the SiCp/Fe composites with and without copper coating, it is shown that the copper coating improves the tensile strength by 12·6% and the final elongation by 18·1% with the SiC volume fraction of 20%. Moreover, further investigation shows that the copper coating has a same effect on the tensile strength improvement as a similar nickel coating process but has a significantly better effect on improvement of the final elongation of the composite.
Student centered curricular elements are associated with a healthier educational environment and lower depressive symptoms in medical students
Authors: AlFaris Eiad Abdelmohsen , Naeem Naghma , Irfan Farhana , Qureshi Riaz , van der Vleuten Cees
Published: September 2014

Background

Any curriculum change is essentially an environmental change; therefore there is a need to assess the impact of any change in the curriculum on the students’ perception of the Educational Environment (EE) and psychological well-being. The objectives of the current study are to (i) compare the EE perceptions of medical students studying in a System Based Curriculum (SBC) with those studying in a traditional curriculum (ii) compare the rate of depressive symptoms among the same students studying in both types of curricula (iii) determine whether there is a difference in the EE perception and depressive symptoms based on gender and year of study.

Methods

A cross sectional survey was conducted in a Saudi Medical School from 2007-2011, a period in which the school transitioned from a traditional to a SBC. A bilingual version of the Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM) inventory was used for measuring the EE; the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI II) was used for screening of depressive symptoms. A separate demographic questionnaire was also used. Mean scores and percentages were calculated. Continuous variables were summarized as means and standard deviation. For comparison of means, the effect size and student t test (with significance level of <0.05) were used. The percentages of the categorical data were compared using chi square test.

Results

The mean total DREEM score of positive perception of the EE in the SBC students was significantly higher (better) than the traditional curriculum students (p < 0.01) with an effect size of 0.472. The mean total score on the BDI-II inventory for depressive symptoms was higher (sicker) 21.3 among the female traditional curriculum students than 16.7 among the male traditional curriculum students and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.001). The BDI score of the female SBC students (14.7) was significantly lower (healthier) than the female traditional curriculum students (21.3). No similar change was noted for the male students.

Conclusion

The current study adds to the advantages of the SBC indicating not only healthier EE for both genders but also healthier emotional well-being for female students only.
Long-term outcome in early survivors of cardiogenic shock at the acute stage of myocardial infarction: a landmark analysis from the French registry of Acute ST-elevation and non-ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction (FAST-MI) Registry
Authors: Aissaoui Nadia , Puymirat Etienne , Simon Tabassome , Bonnefoy-Cudraz Eric , Angoulvant Denis , Schiele Francois , Benamer Hakim , Quandalle Philippe , Prunier Fabrice , Durand Eric , Berard Laurence , Blanchard Didier , Danchin Nicolas
Published: September 2014

Introduction

There are little data about patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) who survive the early phase of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The aim of this study was to assess long-term (5-year) mortality among early survivors of AMI, according to the presence of CS at the acute stage.

Methods

We analyzed 5-year follow-up data from the French registry of Acute ST-elevation and non-ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction (FAST-MI) 2005 registry, a nationwide French survey including consecutive patients admitted for ST or non-ST-elevation AMI at the end of 2005 in 223 institutions.

Results

Of 3670 patients enrolled, shock occurred in 224 (6.1%), and 3411 survived beyond 30 days or hospital discharge, including 99 (2.9%) with shock. Early survivors with CS had a more severe clinical profile, more frequent concomitant in-hospital complications, and were less often managed invasively than those without CS.

Five-year survival was 59% in patients with, versus 76% in those without shock (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 1.72 [1.24-2.38], P = 0.001). The excess of death associated with CS, however, was observed only during the first year (one-year survival: 77% vs 93%, adjusted HR: 2.87 [1.85 to 4.46] P <0.001), while survival from one to 5 years was similar (76% vs 82%, adjusted HR: 1.06 [0.64 to 1.74]). Propensity score-matched analyses yielded similar results.

Conclusions

In patients surviving the early phase of AMI, CS at the initial stage carries an increased risk of death up to one year after the acute event. Beyond one year, however, mortality is similar to that of patients without shock.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00673036, Registered May 5, 2008.
Tamoxifen induces apoptosis through cancerous inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A–dependent phospho-Akt inactivation in estrogen receptor–negative human breast cancer cells
Authors: Liu Chun-Yu , Hung Man-Hsin , Wang Duen-Shian , Chu Pei-Yi , Su Jung-Chen , Teng Tsung-Han , Huang Chun-Teng , Chao Ting-Ting , Wang Cheng-Yi , Shiau Chung-Wai , Tseng Ling-Ming , Chen Kuen-Feng
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Tamoxifen, a selective estrogen receptor (ER) modulator, may affect cancer cell survival through mechanisms other than ER antagonism. In the present study, we tested the efficacy of tamoxifen in a panel of ER-negative breast cancer cell lines and examined the drug mechanism.

Methods

In total, five ER-negative breast cancer cell lines (HCC-1937, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468, MDA-MB-453 and SK-BR-3) were used for in vitro studies. Cellular apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry and Western blot analysis. Signal transduction pathways in cells were assessed by Western blot analysis. The in vivo efficacy of tamoxifen was tested in xenograft nude mice.

Results

Tamoxifen induced significant apoptosis in MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468, MDA-MB-453 and SK-BR-3 cells, but not in HCC-1937 cells. Tamoxifen-induced apoptosis was associated with inhibition of cancerous inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (CIP2A) and phospho-Akt (p-Akt) in a dose-dependent manner. Ectopic expression of either CIP2A or Akt protected MDA-MB-231 cells from tamoxifen-induced apoptosis. In addition, tamoxifen increased protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) activity, and tamoxifen-induced apoptosis was attenuated by the PP2A antagonist okadaic acid in the sensitive cell lines, but not in resistant HCC-1937 cells. Moreover, silencing CIP2A by small interfering RNA sensitized HCC-1937 cells to tamoxifen-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, tamoxifen regulated CIP2A protein expression by downregulating CIP2A mRNA. Importantly, tamoxifen inhibited the in vivo growth of MDA-MB-468 xenograft tumors in association with CIP2A downregulation, whereas tamoxifen had no significant effect on CIP2A expression and anti-tumor growth in HCC-1937 tumors.

Conclusions

Inhibition of CIP2A determines the effects of tamoxifen-induced apoptosis in ER-negative breast cancer cells. Our data suggest a novel “off-target“ mechanism of tamoxifen and suggest that CIP2A/PP2A/p-Akt signaling may be a feasible anti-cancer pathway.
DNA demethylases target promoter transposable elements to positively regulate stress responsive genes in Arabidopsis
Authors: Le Tuan-Ngoc , Schumann Ulrike , Smith Neil A , Tiwari Sameer , Au Phil Chi Khang , Zhu Qian-Hao , Taylor Jennifer M , Kazan Kemal , Llewellyn Danny J , Zhang Ren , Dennis Elizabeth S , Wang Ming-Bo
Published: September 2014

Background

DNA demethylases regulate DNA methylation levels in eukaryotes. Arabidopsis encodes four DNA demethylases, DEMETER (DME), REPRESSOR OF SILENCING 1 (ROS1), DEMETER-LIKE 2 (DML2), and DML3. While DME is involved in maternal specific gene expression during seed development, the biological function of the remaining DNA demethylases remains unclear.

Results

We show that ROS1, DML2, and DML3 play a role in fungal disease resistance in Arabidopsis. A triple DNA demethylase mutant, rdd (ros1 dml2 dml3), shows increased susceptibility to the fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum. We identify 348 genes differentially expressed in rdd relative to wild type, and a significant proportion of these genes are downregulated in rdd and have functions in stress response, suggesting that DNA demethylases maintain or positively regulate the expression of stress response genes required for F. oxysporum resistance. The rdd-downregulated stress response genes are enriched for short transposable element sequences in their promoters. Many of these transposable elements and their surrounding sequences show localized DNA methylation changes in rdd, and a general reduction in CHH methylation, suggesting that RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM), responsible for CHH methylation, may participate in DNA demethylase-mediated regulation of stress response genes. Many of the rdd-downregulated stress response genes are downregulated in the RdDM mutants nrpd1 and nrpe1, and the RdDM mutants nrpe1 and ago4 show enhanced susceptibility to F. oxysporum infection.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that a primary function of DNA demethylases in plants is to regulate the expression of stress response genes by targeting promoter transposable element sequences.
Individualizing kinase-targeted cancer therapy: the paradigm of chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Eiring Anna M , Deininger Michael W
Published: September 2014

The success of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in treating chronic myeloid leukemia highlights the potential of targeting oncogenic kinases with small molecules. By using drug activity profiles and individual patient genotypes, one can guide personalized therapy selection for patients with resistance.
Evolutionarily conserved genetic interactions with budding and fission yeast MutS identify orthologous relationships in mismatch repair-deficient cancer cells
Authors: Tosti Elena , Katakowski Joseph A , Schaetzlein Sonja , Kim Hyun-Soo , Ryan Colm J , Shales Michael , Roguev Assen , Krogan Nevan J , Palliser Deborah , Keogh Michael-Christopher , Edelmann Winfried
Published: September 2014

Background

The evolutionarily conserved DNA mismatch repair (MMR) system corrects base-substitution and insertion-deletion mutations generated during erroneous replication. The mutation or inactivation of many MMR factors strongly predisposes to cancer, where the resulting tumors often display resistance to standard chemotherapeutics. A new direction to develop targeted therapies is the harnessing of synthetic genetic interactions, where the simultaneous loss of two otherwise non-essential factors leads to reduced cell fitness or death. High-throughput screening in human cells to directly identify such interactors for disease-relevant genes is now widespread, but often requires extensive case-by-case optimization. Here we asked if conserved genetic interactors (CGIs) with MMR genes from two evolutionary distant yeast species (Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyzes pombe) can predict orthologous genetic relationships in higher eukaryotes.

Methods

High-throughput screening was used to identify genetic interaction profiles for the MutSα and MutSβ heterodimer subunits (msh2Δ, msh3Δ, msh6Δ) of fission yeast. Selected negative interactors with MutSβ (msh2Δ/msh3Δ) were directly analyzed in budding yeast, and the CGI with SUMO-protease Ulp2 further examined after RNA interference/drug treatment in MSH2-deficient and -proficient human cells.

Results

This study identified distinct genetic profiles for MutSα and MutSβ, and supports a role for the latter in recombinatorial DNA repair. Approximately 28% of orthologous genetic interactions with msh2Δ/msh3Δ are conserved in both yeasts, a degree consistent with global trends across these species. Further, the CGI between budding/fission yeast msh2 and SUMO-protease Ulp2 is maintained in human cells (MSH2/SENP6), and enhanced by Olaparib, a PARP inhibitor that induces the accumulation of single-strand DNA breaks. This identifies SENP6 as a promising new target for the treatment of MMR-deficient cancers.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate the utility of employing evolutionary distance in tractable lower eukaryotes to predict orthologous genetic relationships in higher eukaryotes. Moreover, we provide novel insights into the genome maintenance functions of a critical DNA repair complex and propose a promising targeted treatment for MMR deficient tumors.
Obtaining informed consent for clinical tumor and germline exome sequencing of newly diagnosed childhood cancer patients
Authors: Scollon Sarah , Bergstrom Katie , Kerstein Robin A , Wang Tao , Hilsenbeck Susan G , Ramamurthy Uma , Gibbs Richard A , Eng Christine M , Chintagumpala Murali M , Berg Stacey L , McCullough Laurence B , McGuire Amy L , Plon Sharon E , Parsons D Williams
Published: September 2014

Background

Effectively educating families about the risks and benefits of genomic tests such as whole exome sequencing (WES) offers numerous challenges, including the complexity of test results and potential loss of privacy. Research on best practices for obtaining informed consent (IC) in a variety of clinical settings is needed. The BASIC3 study of clinical tumor and germline WES in an ethnically diverse cohort of newly diagnosed pediatric cancer patients offers the opportunity to study the IC process in the setting of critical illness. We report on our experience for the first 100 families enrolled, including study participation rates, reasons for declining enrollment, assessment of clinical and demographic factors that might impact study enrollment, and preferences of parents for participation in optional genomics study procedures.

Methods

A specifically trained IC team offered study enrollment to parents of eligible children for procedures including clinical tumor and germline WES with results deposited in the medical record and disclosure of both diagnostic and incidental results to the family. Optional study procedures were also offered, such as receiving recessive carrier status and deposition of data into research databases. Stated reasons for declining participation were recorded. Clinical and demographic data were collected and comparisons made between enrolled and non-enrolled patients.

Results

Over 15 months, 100 of 121 (83%) eligible families elected to enroll in the study. No significant differences in enrollment were detected based on factors such as race, ethnicity, use of Spanish interpreters and Spanish consent forms, and tumor features (central nervous system versus non-central nervous system, availability of tumor for WES). The most common reason provided for declining enrollment (10% of families) was being overwhelmed by the new cancer diagnosis. Risks specific to clinical genomics, such as privacy concerns, were less commonly reported (5.5%). More than 85% of parents consented to each of the optional study procedures.

Conclusions

An IC process was developed that utilizes a specialized IC team, active communication with the oncology team, and an emphasis on scheduling flexibility. Most parents were willing to participate in a clinical germline and tumor WES study as well as optional procedures such as genomic data sharing independent of race, ethnicity or language spoken.
Bevacizumab, an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibody, inhibits osteoarthritis
Authors: Nagai Toshihiro , Sato Masato , Kobayashi Miyuki , Yokoyama Munetaka , Tani Yoshiki , Mochida Joji
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Angiogenesis is an important factor in the development of osteoarthritis (OA). We investigated the efficacy of bevacizumab, an antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor and an inhibitor of angiogenesis, in the treatment of OA using a rabbit model of anterior cruciate ligament transection.

Methods

First, we evaluated the response of gene expression and histology of the normal joint to bevacizumab treatment. Next, in a rabbit model of OA induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection, we used macroscopic and histological evaluations and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to examine the responses to intravenous (systemic) administration of bevacizumab (OAB IV group). We also investigated the efficacy of intra-articular (local) administration of bevacizumab in OA-induced rabbits (OAB IA group).

Results

Histologically, bevacizumab had no negative effect in normal joints. Bevacizumab did not increase the expression of genes for catabolic factors in the synovium, subchondral bone, or articular cartilage, but it increased the expression of collagen type 2 in the articular cartilage. Macroscopically and histologically, the OAB IV group exhibited a reduction in articular cartilage degeneration and less osteophyte formation and synovitis compared with the control group (no bevacizumab; OA group). Real-time PCR showed significantly lower expression of catabolic factors in the synovium in the OAB IV group compared with the OA group. In articular cartilage, expression levels of aggrecan, collagen type 2, and chondromodulin-1 were higher in the OAB IV group than in the OA group. Histological evaluation and assessment of pain behaviour showed a superior effect in the OAB IA group compared with the OAB IV group 12 weeks after administration of bevacizumab, even though the total dosage given to the OAB IA group was half that received by the OAB IV group.

Conclusions

Considering the dosage and potential adverse effects of bevacizumab, the local administration of bevacizumab is a more advantageous approach than systemic administration. Our results suggest that intra-articular bevacizumab may offer a new therapeutic approach for patients with post-traumatic OA.
Self-potential monitoring for hydrologic investigations in urban covered-karst terrain
Authors: Bumpus Peter B. , Kruse Sarah E.
Published: September 2014

In the covered karst of west-central Florida, USA, sinkholes (sandy collapse conduits) provide locally concentrated recharge to underlying aquifers. For water management, it would be beneficial to understand the rates at which collapse conduits recharge an underlying aquifer. Self-potential (SP) monitoring has promise as a noninvasive, relatively low-cost method for assessing temporal variability in flow. Previous studies suggested that negative SP anomalies over collapse conduits correspond to downward-flowing groundwater; however, before SP surveys can be reliable indicators of conduit flow, SP from ET, soil conductivity changes, redox, electrode effects, and cultural noise must be better understood. A year of continuous SP monitoring with two grids of approximately 15 Pb/PbCl/KCl nonpolarizing electrodes each was combined with high-resolution ground-penetrating radar surveys and intermittent water table monitoring over two small covered-karst conduits in Tampa, Florida, USA. Although variations in SP resulting from changes in cultural noise, soil conductivity, ET, redox, and rainfall were evident, separate and unrelated positive and negative SP anomalies episodically manifested over conduits, which suggested that conduit flow could be dynamic, not static. Three flow regimes in conduits were postulated: conduit permeability higher than in surrounding surficial sediments, conduit permeability lower than in surrounding surface sediments, conduit permeability matched surrounding surface sediments. Numerical steady-state 2D simulations in Comsol created the three postulated flow regimes and revealed that a different SP polarity could result from different rates of flow: positive SP corresponded to higher permeability conduits, negative SP corresponded to lower permeability conduits, no or minimal SP appeared when conduits and surrounding sediments had equal permeability. In these models, downward flow was not responsible for generating negative SP. To assess the hydrology of a conduit, it appears that SP should be monitored continuously. Further monitoring of field sites with hydrologic sensors is needed.
Involvement of the Family Physician in the Care of Chemotherapy-Treated Patients With Cancer: Patients' Perspectives
Authors: Ben-Ami Eytan , Merom Hadar , Sikron Fabienne , Livneh Jessica , Sadetzki Siegal , Wolf Ido
Published: September 2014

The authors' data point to a lack of communication between team members and inadequate medical training as major barriers to comprehensive care for chemotherapy-treated patients.
Predictors and Intensity of Online Access to Electronic Medical Records Among Patients With Cancer
Authors: Gerber David E. , Laccetti Andrew L. , Chen Beibei , Yan Jingsheng , Cai Jennifer , Gates Samantha , Xie Yang , Lee Simon J. Craddock
Published: September 2014

Among patients with cancer, personal health record portal use is frequent and increasing; understanding the implications of this new technology will be central to the delivery of safe and effective care.
Physician Attitudes and Practices Related to Voluntary Error and Near-Miss Reporting
Authors: Smith Koren S. , Harris Kendra M. , Potters Louis , Sharma Rajiv , Mutic Sasa , Gay Hiram A. , Wright Jean , Samuels Michael , Ye Xiaobu , Ford Eric , Terezakis Stephanie
Published: September 2014

Physicians are less likely to report events than other colleagues. There are barriers to physician reporting that need to be addressed to encourage reporting and create a fair culture around reporting.
When Using Patient-Reported Outcomes in Clinical Practice, the Measure Matters: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Snyder Claire F. , Herman Joseph M. , White Sharon M. , Luber Brandon S. , Blackford Amanda L. , Carducci Michael A. , Wu Albert W.
Published: September 2014

The authors' results suggest that, when using PROs in clinical practice for patient management, the PRO measure matters in terms of usefulness to patients. The authors advise careful selection of the PRO measure best suited for the particular clinical practice application.
Bending the Cost Curve: A Unique Collaboration Between Radiation Oncologists and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts to Optimize the Use of Advanced Technology
Authors: Steingisser Lee , Acker Brian , Berman Stuart , Brenner Mark J. , Bornstein Bruce A. , Busse Paul , FitzGerald Thomas J. , Jacobson Joseph O. , Jekowsky Eliot , Kachnic Lisa A. , Mamon Harvey , McKee Andrea , Shulman Lawrence N. , Stevenson Mary Ann , Wazer David , Fallon John A.
Published: September 2014

Because of increased treatment planning time and quality assurance, IMRT is costly. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Radiation Oncology Physicians Advisory Council have developed a strategy to develop standards for the appropriate use of IMRT.
Changing Physician Incentives for Affordable, Quality Cancer Care: Results of an Episode Payment Model
Authors: Newcomer Lee N. , Gould Bruce , Page Ray D. , Donelan Sheila A. , Perkins Monica
Published: September 2014

Modifying the current fee-for-service payment system for cancer therapy with feedback data and financial incentives that reward outcomes and cost efficiency resulted in a significant total cost reduction. Eliminating existing financial chemotherapy drug incentives paradoxically increased the use of chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy Drug Shortages in the United States Revisited
Authors: Kantarjian Hagop
Published: September 2014

The practices of group purchasing organizations have been recently highlighted by several sources as a potential major root cause of generic chemotherapy drug shortages.
Nesting behaviour influences species-specific gas exchange across avian eggshells
Authors: Portugal Steven J. , Maurer Golo , Thomas Gavin H. , Hauber Mark E. , Grim Tomáš , Cassey Phillip
Published: September 2014

Carefully controlled gas exchange across the eggshell is essential for the development of the avian embryo. Water vapour conductance (GH2O) across the shell, typically measured as mass loss during incubation, has been demonstrated to optimally ensure the healthy development of the embryo while avoiding desiccation. Accordingly, eggs exposed to sub-optimal gas exchange have reduced hatching success. We tested the association between eggshell GH2O and putative life-history correlates of adult birds, ecological nest parameters and physical characteristics of the egg itself to investigate how variation in GH2O has evolved to maintain optimal water loss across a diverse set of nest environments. We measured gas exchange through eggshell fragments in 151 British breeding bird species and fitted phylogenetically controlled, general linear models to test the relationship between GH2O and potential predictor parameters of each species. Of our 17 life-history traits, only two were retained in the final model: wet-incubating parent and nest type. Eggs of species where the parent habitually returned to the nest with wet plumage had significantly higher GH2O than those of parents that returned to the nest with dry plumage. Eggs of species nesting in ground burrows, cliffs and arboreal cups had significantly higher GH2O than those of species nesting on the ground in open nests or cups, in tree cavities and in shallow arboreal nests. Phylogenetic signal (measured as Pagel's λ) was intermediate in magnitude, suggesting that differences observed in the GH2O are dependent upon a combination of shared ancestry and species-specific life history and ecological traits. Although these data are correlational by nature, they are consistent with the hypothesis that parents constrained to return to the nest with wet plumage will increase the humidity of the nest environment, and the eggs of these species have evolved a higher GH2O to overcome this constraint and still achieve optimal water loss during incubation. We also suggest that eggs laid in cup nests and burrows may require a higher GH2O to overcome the increased humidity as a result from the confined nest microclimate lacking air movements through the nest. Taken together, these comparative data imply that species-specific levels of gas exchange across avian eggshells are variable and evolve in response to ecological and physical variation resulting from parental and nesting behaviours.
An object oriented implementation of the Yeadon human inertia model
Authors: Dembia Christopher , Moore Jason K. , Hubbard Mont
Published: September 2014

We present an open source software implementation of a popular mathematical method developed by M.R. Yeadon for calculating the body and segment inertia parameters of a human body. The software is written in a high level open source language and provides three interfaces for manipulating the data and the model: a Python API, a command-line user interface, and a graphical user interface. Thus the software can fit into various data processing pipelines and requires only simple geometrical measures as input.
Dementia: neuroleptic drugs and alternative treatments
Authors: Nazarko Linda
Published: September 2014

Most people with dementia are cared for at home. However, when a person develops challenging behaviour, hospitalization or placement in residential care becomes more likely. People with dementia can cope well in a familiar environment but develop challenging behaviour when moved to a new place. This article looks at the reasons behind certain behaviour and how support workers can offer effective compassionate care. It also explains the costs and benefits of medication used to treat behavioural problems.
Letters to the Editor
Authors: McCausland Rhoda , Wheeler Mike , Delve Tony
Published: September 2014

Prison nurses must have specialist status

Healthcare assistants should be registered

RCN vote is a blow for qualified nurses
Evaluation of 12-hour shifts on a cardiology nursing development unit
Authors: Wootten Nick
Published: September 2014

The first part of this two-part article discussed the implementation of 12-hour shifts using a locally devised nursing development unit (NDU) framework (Vol 9(19): 2095–9). This article, the second part, discusses the results of a survey to evaluate the 12-hour shifts, the problems encountered during the implementation of 12-hour shifts, the solutions and the NDU framework as described in the first part of the article. A qualitative design to the postal survey was chosen with the resulting data being subjected to a content analysis. Data triangulation compared survey results with incident reports and sickness records. The limitations of the survey included having the change agent analysing the data, the sampling method and being unable to pilot the questionnaire. The results indicated an improvement in the quality of patient care, although this is difficult to measure, a pacing of workload throughout the day, and tiredness during, after and at the end of a stretch of shifts. Other results centred on staff morale, social life, student nurses' experience and night shifts. The solutions to identified problems included the employment of two twilight nurses to help the night staff during the busy early evening period. As a requirement of the NDU framework, standards were produced from the survey results, as this would allow subsequent audit of the 12-hour shift system. The recommendations from this survey included the dissemination of results both locally and nationally to expand the body of nursing knowledge and to promote practice based on the best available evidence.
Is public transport good for public health?
Authors: Castledine George
Published: September 2014

Given the recent tragedies surrounding trains, boats and planes, perhaps it is time to review the influence of these methods of transport on public health. A few centuries ago when stage coaches were first introduced into Great Britain they were seen by some as a great evil and those who travelled by these coaches became weary and listless.
Diseases of the pleural space
Authors: Murgia Daniela
Published: September 2014

Pleural effusion is defined as the abnormal collection of fluid in the pleural space secondary to changes in the transpleural pressure balance, increases in mesothelial and capillary endothelial permeability, or impairment of lymphatic drainage. The evaluation of pleural effusion is recommended in order to determine the definitive aetiology of the condition and for treatment planning. Clinically, pleural fluid is typically classified as transudate, serosanguineous, haemorrhagic, chylous, inflammatory or neoplastic.
Update on Toxocara spp. and toxocarosis
Authors: Fisher Maggie
Published: September 2014

Toxocara species eggs are produced by adult worms in the intestine of the fox, dog and cat definitive hosts. In the environment, third-stage larvae develop inside the eggs and once developed the larvae are infective. The relative contribution of the three species of definitive hosts depends on the population size, the prevalence and intensity of infection in those hosts and what steps are taken to prevent infection or pick up faeces, particularly in the case of dogs. Infection in paratenic hosts results in larval migration, which can cause behavioural changes when migration occurs in the CNS. Infection in the lungs of the definitive host must be distinguished from other causes of lung disease. Of the syndromes associated with infection in humans, the varied signs associated with covert toxocarosis are becoming better understood and are now believed to include asthma, reduced lung function, reduced cognitive function, and chronic coughing. Diagnosis in humans remains challenging with elimination of other possible causes an important constituent.
Cytology (part 2): approach to slide examination
Authors: Cian Francesco
Published: September 2014

A systematic approach to slide examination is considered crucial in the correct interpretation of cytological samples. This is based on the evaluation of the cellularity, cell preservation and of the main cell types present in the preparation. A first distinction should be made between inflammatory and neoplastic lesions. Neoplasia should be classified according to their origin into epithelial, mesenchymal and round cells. The presence or absence of specific criteria of malignancy should then help in the distinction between benign and malignant forms.
Feline physiotherapy: part 2
Authors: Price Hannah
Published: September 2014

Feline physiotherapy can be complex due to the range of conditions that feline patients may present with. Fractures are one of the most common orthopaedic conditions; a more complex condition is tetanus where the animal may present with a limb issue that is a secondary effect of an infection.

Fractures can be complex at times due to the nature of how the fracture has occurred. This article explores the skills used by a physiotherapist to assist in fracture healing, pain reduction, range of motion of all limbs, muscle development and return of functional independence to the animal. To assist in doing this, a case study is included. To show the adaptation a physiotherapist is required to use with clinical decision-making, a second case study presents a complex case of tetanus, and the cat's road to recovery.
Managing inflammatory bowel disease care closer to home: anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) therapy
Authors: Stansfield Catherine
Published: September 2014

The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) continues to increase, and the approaches to management are becoming more complex and demanding. The use of anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) therapy to manage IBD is also growing. This has increased the demand on secondary care resources to accommodate patients, in terms of frequent admissions. Therefore, the administration of anti-TNF treatment in the community should be adopted. The following article analyses the political agenda, in particular the Care Closer to Home initiative and the long-term conditions agenda, and how the expansion of primary-care-based anti-TNF services will enable patient-centred care to be developed and political agendas to be met.
Type 2 ostertagiosis
Authors: Mitchell Sian
Published: September 2014

Ostertagia ostertagi is the most important gastro-intestinal nematode affecting cattle in the UK. It has the potential to cause disease (ostertagiosis) in young grazing animals, usually in the second half of the year (type 1 disease) and also to inhibit its development in the host and cause disease in late winter/early spring (type 2 disease). Type 2 disease may have a low morbidity but is more severe than type 1 disease, possibly due to the mass synchronous emergence of inhibited parasites causing severe abomasal damage and also possibly due to failure to diagnose and treat quickly. This parasite continues to interest researchers due to the overwhelming evidence of it causing significant economic loss in cattle.
How to investigate a headshaking horse
Authors: Roberts Veronica
Published: September 2014

1–2% of the UK equine population may display headshaking. As such, being called out to investigate these cases is not uncommon, but can be challenging. This article discusses possible causes of headshaking, with an emphasis on headshaking from trigeminally mediated facial dysesthesia. A logical step-by-step approach to investigation is provided.
Interdisciplinary management of dysphagia
Authors: Miles Anna , McFarlane Mary , Kainth Preetpal , Parmar Paresh
Published: September 2014

Dysphagia is a condition that affects many older people and can make eating and drinking more difficult. This article reviews different ways to treat this condition and the benefits of health professionals taking a collaborative approach
How can your care home comply with the ‘effective’ domain?
Authors: Frankova Helena
Published: September 2014

This third article in our series on preparing for CQC's new-style comprehensive inspections focuses on the ‘effective’ domain. What can you do to make sure your residential or nursing home can evidence good practice?
Preliminary Study of Effects of Tip Geometry and Material Type of Circular Saws on Cutting Surface Quality of Medium-Density Fiberboard
Authors: Xu Wei , Wu Zhihui , Zhang Jilei , Mao Weiguo , Huang Qiongtao
Published: September 2014

Effects of tip height and material type, radial clearance angle, and blade lateral runout of circular saws on the machined surface quality of medium-density fiberboards (MDF) cut by circular saws in terms of roughness height were investigated. Experimental results indicated that the tip material type and magnitude of tip radial clearance angle affected the surface roughness height of MDF the most. Using circular saws brazed with polycrystalline diamond (PCD) tips can significantly reduce the surface roughness height compared with using tungsten carbide tips. Circular saws brazed with PCD tips of a radial clearance angle of 0.5° reduced the surface roughness height by as much as half compared with the one with a radial clearance angle of 1.0°. Analytical analysis results indicated that a circular saw with longer tips of a smaller radial clearance angle should be preferred.
Characterization of Inhomogeneity in Silicon Dioxide Films on 4H-Silicon Carbide Epitaxial Substrate Using a Combination of Fourier Transform Infrared and Cathodoluminescence Spectroscopy
Authors: Yoshikawa Masanobu , Seki Hirohumi , Inoue Keiko , Nanen Yuichiro , Kimoto Tsunenobu
Published: September 2014

We measured the Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and cathodoluminescence (CL) spectra of silicon dioxide (SiO2) films grown on 4H-silicon carbide (4H-SiC) substrates and confirmed that the phonon observed at around 1150-1250 cm−1 originates from the upper branch of the surface phonon polaritons (SPPs) in the SiO2 films and that its frequency is sensitive to the oxide thickness. The relative intensity of the upper branch of SPPs normalized by that of the transverse optical phonon (TO) tended to increase with decreasing channel mobility (CM). A comparison of the FT-IR and CL measurements shows that the relative intensity is correlated with an inhomogeneity in the SiO2–SiC interface and the CM of SiC devices. A combination of FT-IR spectroscopy and CL spectroscopy provides us with a large amount of data on the inhomogeneity, defect, and oxide thickness of SiO2 films on 4H-SiC substrates.
»Verstehst Du auch, was Du liest?«
Authors: Moltmann Jürgen
Published: September 2014

Können wir mit allgemeinen Methoden wie der historisch-kritischen, der formgeschichtlichen, der sozialgeschichtlichen, der kulturanthropologischen etc. die theologischen Texte des Neuen Testaments »verstehen«? Können wir durch die Identifizierung mit der apostolischen Theologie des Paulus wie Karl Barth im »Römerbrief« von 1922 die doch zugleich historischen Texte des Neuen Testaments »verstehen«? »Verstehen« bezieht sich auf die Sache, von der diese Texte reden, und entsteht im kritischen Zirkel von Textexegese und Sachexegese. Verstehen entsteht auf der eschatologischen Brücke über Vergangenheit und Vergessen, die mit der Auferstehung Christi »von den Toten« begehbar wird.
Medizin zwischen Heilskultur und Heilkunst
Authors: Kappauf Herbert
Published: September 2014

In der gesellschaftlichen Erwartungshaltung der Neuzeit hat sich die Rangordnung zwischen medizinischer Heilkunst und religiös bestimmter Heilskultur umgekehrt. Die Sorge um das Seelenheil ist abgelöst worden durch das Streben nach einem heilen Körper, das Züge einer Gesundheitsreligion angenommen hat. Doch gerade die Erfolge der modernen Medizin, stellen ihr Selbstverständnis in Frage. Sie muss sich zwar nicht mehr in eine religiöse Heilskultur ein-, dafür aber der Ökonomie unterordnen. Demgegenüber gilt es, fernab dem Anspruch einer Heilskultur, die Kunst des Heilens wieder zu gewinnen.
Hoffnung
Authors: Erbguth Frank , Buntfuß Markus
Published: September 2014

Die Ausführungen des Mediziners skizzieren die Vielfalt, in der in der Medizin von Hoffnung die Rede ist, und zeigen im personalen Kontext exemplarisch auf, dass und wie der Arzt auch bei unheilbarer Krankheit Hoffnung vermitteln kann, z.B. indem er eine Adaptation der Hoffnung auf das Machbare unterstützt. Der Theologe konstatiert im gesellschaftlichen Erwartungshorizont der Gegenwart einen Verlust der großen Hoffnungsentwürfe und andererseits eine ungebrochene Wirksamkeit alltäglichen Hoffens. In der religiösen Überlieferung des Christentums passt sich - nach den großen biblischen Entwürfen - Hoffnung ebenfalls zunehmend den Wechselfällen des Lebens an und kann gerade so zur heilenden Hoffnung werden.
Verletzung und Heil-Werden
Authors: Kojer Marina
Published: September 2014

Mit zunehmender Schwere der Erkrankung werden Menschen mit Demenz immer feinfühliger. Dies ermöglicht ihnen, offen Gebliebenes auf der Gefühlsebene aufzuarbeiten. Zugleich macht es sie verletzlicher, aber über die Verletzung kann es zu Heilungen kommen, wenn empathische Begleiter den Schmerz aufnehmen und mit den Betroffenen teilen.
O FARMACÊUTICO E A PROMOÇÃO DE SAÚDE: UMA UNIÃO POSSÍVEL NA PRÁTICA?
Authors: Castro Carolina Couto Herculano , Quevedo Michele Peixoto
Published: September 2014

Desde a consolidação do SUS, o farmacêutico integra o sistema público de saúde. Observa-se a necessidade de profissionais com atuação ampliada, o que, na prática, inicia-se com a introdução do conceito de atenção farmacêutica. O foco do serviço, antes centralizado no medicamento, passa a se voltar para o paciente, mudança esta que implica em diversas estratégias para que o farmacêutico torne parte de seu contexto profissional. O presente trabalho pretendeu identificar e compreender os fatores limitantes da execução de atividades de promoção da saúde dentro do processo de trabalho do farmacêutico na atenção primária. Trata-se de uma pesquisa explicativa e descritiva de corte qualitativo, a partir da realidade do trabalho de farmacêuticos de Unidades Básicas de Saúde com Estratégia Saúde da Família. Foram realizadas entrevistas semi-estruturadas com seis farmacêuticos, e prévio questionário para caracterização dos sujeitos. Os dados foram tratados através da análise de conteúdo e análise temática. Conclui-se que há necessidade de maior aproximação entre os profissionais farmacêuticos e a Saúde Pública, com transformações na formação e gestão.
Teaching english to very young learners through authentic communicative performances
Authors: Guevara Diana Carolina , Ordoñez Claudia Lucia
Published: September 2014

We present here the results for the kindergarten level of a qualitative research study on the impact of a curriculum connecting learningevents in Spanish and English in authentic communicative performances. The school in the study was a private institution in a mid-sizedColombian city. The curriculum is based on communicative and constructivist principles and presents the learning events as communicativeauthentic performances. We describe the performances that the kindergarten teachers developed based on the curriculum, how they achievedauthenticity in them, and their impact on the students’ attitude towards the English class and on their learning. We analyzed four teacherinterviews and four class observations done over a year, plus two more class recordings made independently by the teachers. They revealthat teachers used a variety of games, especially role-playing games developed from ideas from the children, reading of stories, and songsand that the students became enthusiastic and active and improved their oral skills considerably.
Blended learning and the language teacher: a literature review
Authors: Mendieta Aguilar Jenny Alexandra
Published: September 2014

An innovative idea which is increasingly gaining attention is the infusion of technology into face-to-face language curricular programs.Nonetheless, although “the approach of blending Computer-assisted Language Learning (CALL) applications with face-to-face teaching andlearning is as old as CALL itself” (Neumeier, 2005, p. 163), CALL as a field still lacks qualitative research on blended learning. There is insufficientinformation about teachers’ perceptions and the roles they play in these mixed environments, and without an understanding of these features,it is difficult to create new and effective models (Grgurovic, 2010). Research has been conducted comparing learning outcomes in traditionaland blended foreign language classes, yet the various sociocultural (external) and psychological (internal) aspects that mediate teachers’and learners’ transition from face-to-face to online learning, seem to go unexamined (White, 2006). Throughout this paper, therefore, I reviewliterature on the infusion of technology into the curriculum, specifically in relation to blended learning, so as to a) illustrate teachers’ viewsabout blended leaning and their transition from face-to-face to blended/online instruction; and b) discuss ways in which future research mightprovide an alternative understanding of how language teachers manage the new-work order established by the online learning componentpresent in blended programs.
Eco-friendly conjugate hydrocyanation of 2-aroyl α,β-unsaturated ketones with potassium hexacyanoferrate(II)
Authors: Li Zheng , Zheng Huanhuan
Published: September 2014

Conjugate hydrocyanation of 2-aroyl α,β-unsaturated ketones employing potassium hexacyanoferrate(II) as an eco-friendly cyanide source, benzoyl chloride as a promoter and potassium hydroxide as a catalyst by a one-pot two-step procedure is described. The advantages of this protocol are no use of strong toxic cyanating agents, the high yield of the products and a simple work-up procedure.