bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Pure Land”: Inhabiting the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang
Authors: Kenderdine Sarah
Published: April 2013

This article examines two exhibition installations that integrate high‐resolution digital archeological datasets (photography and 3D architectural models) with immersive, interactive display systems. These analogous installations, Pure Land: Inside the Mogao Grottoes at Dunhuang and Pure Land: Augmented Reality Edition, allow visitors to engage in different ways with a full‐scale augmented digital facsimile of Cave 220 from the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Mogao Grottoes, Gansu Province, northwestern China. The peerless treasuries of paintings and sculptures at Dunhuang are extremely vulnerable. Comprehensive digitization has become a primary method of preservation at the site. The digital facsimiles of this cultural paragon can be transformed, providing formative personal experiences for museum visitors. The Pure Land projects contribute to new strategies for rendering cultural content and heritage landscapes. Interpreting these installations through the lens of phenomenology and panoramic immersion helps situate them at the forefront of virtual heritage today.
Differentiated markers in undifferentiated cells: Expression of smooth muscle contractile proteins in multipotent bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Liu Yingxi , Deng Bingqing , Zhao Yong , Xie Shuanglun , Nie Ruqiong
Published: April 2013

In studying the differentiation of stem cells along smooth muscle lineage, smooth muscle cell (SMC) contractile proteins serve as markers for the relative state of maturation. Yet, recent evidence suggests that some SMC markers are probably expressed in multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Such a paradox necessitates investigations to re‐examine their role as differentiated markers in MSCs. We tried to detect the expression of four widely used SMC markers including α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), h1‐calponin, desmin and smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SM‐MHC), as well as the other isoforms of calponin family in resting MSCs. Then we used three different conditions to initiate MSCs differentiation along SMC lineage, and examined the alternation of SMC markers expression at both the transcript level and protein level. Desmin and h1‐calponin are expressed in MSCs, in the presence or absence of SMC induction conditions. Moreover, MSCs are shown to express all known isoforms of calponin. Double‐staining reveals that h1‐calponin +/α‐SMA – cells constitute the majority of resting MSCs. Under differentiated conditions, expression of SM‐MHC was initiated and expression of α‐SMA was promoted. The expression of SM‐MHC and upregulation of α‐SMA are relatively reliable indications of a mature smooth muscle phenotype in MSCs. Given that the cells are particularly rich in calponins expression, we postulate possible roles of these proteins in regulating cellular function by taking part in actin cytoskeleton and signaling. These findings imply that an extensive study of the cell physiology of MSCs should focus on the functional roles for these proteins, rather than simply regard them as differentiated markers.
Fast Diastolic Swinging Motion of the Mitral Valve as a Clinical Marker of Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Genetically Affected Young Children without Left Ventricular Hypertrophy: A New Role for Noninvasive Imaging?
Authors: Udink ten Cate Floris E.A. , Junghaenel Shino , Brockmeier Konrad , Sreeram Narayanswami
Published: April 2013

Structural mitral valve (MV) abnormalities are common in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). This is the first report demonstrating MV abnormalities in very young children as the sole overt clinical feature of a known HCM‐causing sarcomere protein gene mutation. Due to MV leaflet elongation, we also noticed a typical fast diastolic swinging motion of the MV in our patients. This novel echocardiographic feature may be used as a clinical marker of HCM disease in the absence of left ventricular hypertrophy.
Left Ventricular Fibroma Presenting as Syncope and Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: Joly Joanna M. , Fuisz Anthon R. , Weissman Gaby
Published: April 2013

Cardiac fibromas represent the second most common benign cardiac mass seen in the pediatric population, but they are rarely seen in adults. Given their large size and unpredictable location within the heart, patients may present with varying symptomatology, and in many cases, the initial presentation is sudden death. Both echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging are critical to the early diagnosis and prompt treatment of these potentially dangerous primary tumors. We report a 29‐year‐old woman presenting with syncope and ventricular tachycardia. She was found to have a 5.0 cm inferoapical left ventricular fibroma, which was successfully resected.
LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE IN THE WEAK‐LINK GAME
Authors: CARTWRIGHT EDWARD , GILLET JORIS , VAN VUGT MARK
Published: April 2013

We investigate the effects of leadership in a four‐player weak‐link game. A weak‐link game is a coordination game with multiple Pareto‐ranked Nash equilibria. Because the more efficient equilibria involve a degree of strategic uncertainty groups typically find it difficult to coordinate on more efficient equilibria. We wanted to see whether leadership by example, in the form of one player acting publicly before the rest of the group, could help groups do better. Our results suggest that leadership can increase efficiency but is far from being a guarantee of success. Specifically, in a significant number of groups we observed successful leadership and increased efficiency, but in most groups efficiency was low despite the efforts of leaders. We did not find any difference between voluntary leaders and leaders that are randomly assigned. (JEL C72, H41)
Courtship Display Persists Despite Early Social Deprivation
Authors: Barbosa Miguel , Ojanguren Alfredo F. , Magurran Anne E.
Published: April 2013

Early experience is known to be important in the development of mating behaviour. The behavioural and chemical stimuli obtained by observing adults interacting are thought to operate as template by which young acquire the ability to sexually display when appropriate. But, while the importance of early social interactions for the development of mating behaviour is well accepted, how social deprivation at different onto‐genetic phases contributes for this effect is poorly understood. Here, we address this gap by asking how social deprivation at different ontogenetic phases (before or after 6 wk) mediates male mating behaviour in the Trinidadian guppy. We show that in the absence of early social interaction, the latency of mating behaviour is briefly delayed, but that all individuals were able to sexually display in <30 min. Interestingly, regardless of the timing of social deprivation, mating behaviour starts sooner under female‐biased sex ratios environments that than under a male‐biased sex ratio, suggesting that male sexual behaviour is driven by female cues. The short‐lived effects of social deprivation on mating behaviour reflect the extraordinary innate plasticity of guppies, which is likely to contribute to their success as invasive species.
Biodiversity impacts of bioenergy crop production: a state‐of‐the‐art review
Authors: Immerzeel DESIRÉE J. , Verweij PITA A. , van der Hilst FLOOR , Faaij ANDRÉ P. C.
Published: April 2013

The use of biomass as feedstock for energy is often associated with increased claims on land, competition with food production and impacts on other ecosystem services. Studies on sustainability aspects of bioenergy production often indicate biodiversity as a key concern. This article presents a first comprehensive review of published impacts of bioenergy crop production on biodiversity, evaluates the drivers and pressures of biodiversity change and summarizes current trends and impacts. The review provides insight into the types of biodiversity indicators applied under a range of conditions and the mitigating measures proposed to minimize negative impacts or realize biodiversity benefits. The 53 selected publications give diverse results that are explained by the various spatial scales, production systems and regions, time horizons, methodologies and biodiversity indicators used. Reported impacts depend on initial land use and are mostly negative, especially in tropical regions. The impacts of second generation bioenergy crops tend to be less negative than first generation ones, and are in some cases positive (at the field level), in particular in temperate regions. Land‐use change appears as the key driver of biodiversity change, whereas the associated habitat loss, alterations in species richness and abundance are the main impacts addressed. Such changes are often paired with the (initiation of a) process of biological homogenization. The article confirms that concerns about the expansion of bioenergy crop production not only relate to the direct effects on biodiversity by replacing natural vegetation, but increasingly to indirect effects as well. These effects have, however, shown to be difficult to quantify. At the same time, the land sparing vs. land sharing debate receives growing attention, whereas little evidence exists in bioenergy literature on the impacts of large‐scale application of these strategies on (agro)biodiversity. Following the findings of the review, the article finally provides recommendations for future research.
Models for institutional and professional accreditation of haemophilia centres in Italy
Authors: Calizzani G. , Vaglio S. , Arcieri R. , Menichini I. , Tagliaferri A. , Antoncecchi S. , Carloni M. T. , Breda A. , Santagostino E. , Ghirardini A. , Tamburrini M. R. , Morfini M. , Mannucci P. M. , Grazzini G.
Published: April 2013

The Health Commission of the Conference between the Italian State and Regions recognized the need to establish an institutional accreditation model for Haemophilia Centres (HCs) to be implemented by 21 Regions in order to provide patients with haemophilia and allied inherited coagulations disorders with high and uniform standards of care. The Italian National Blood Centre, on behalf of the Commission, convened a panel of clinicians, patients, experts, representatives from Regions and Ministry of Health. The agreed methodology included: systematic literature review and best practice collection, analysis of provisions and regulations of currently avalable services, priority setting, definition of principles and criteria for the development of recommendations on the optimal requirements for HCs. The result was the formulation of two recommendations sets. Two sets of recommendations were produced. The first concerns regional policy planning, in which the following aspects of comprehensive haemophilia care should be considered for implementation: monitoring and auditing, multidisciplinary approach to clinical care, protocols for emergency management, home treatment and its monitoring, patient registries, drug availability and procurement, recruitment and training of health care professionals. The second set concerns the accreditation process and lists 23 organizational requirements for level 1 HCs and 4 additional requirements for level 2 HCs. These recommendations help to provide Italian Regional Health Authorities with an organizational framework for the provision of comprehensive care to patients with inherited coagulation disorders based on current scientific evidence.
Intracranial haemorrhage in von Willebrand disease: a report on six cases
Authors: Labarque V. , Stain A. M. , Blanchette V. , Kahr W. H. A. , Carcao M. D.
Published: April 2013

The incidence of intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) in von Willebrand disease (VWD) is not well documented. We describe our single centre experience regarding ICH in children with VWD and identify how such children presented and were managed. Thirty‐three head trauma events leading to medical attention occurred in 24 of 153 children with VWD followed in our institution. In only 15 of these were computed tomography (CT) imaging studies performed; seven in children with type 1 VWD, one in a child with type 2N VWD and seven in children with type 3 VWD. In six of these 15 episodes an ICH was identified: two children with type 1 VWD, one child with type 2N VWD and three children with type 3 VWD. In two of the 6 cases an ICH was only confirmed following a second CT scan. Neurological symptoms, including vomiting (noted in all six), headache, irritability, lethargy and/or alteration in the level of consciousness were present in all children with confirmed ICH. In contrast vomiting, irritability and alterations in level of consciousness were never present in those children without confirmed ICH. All three children with type 3 VWD who experienced an ICH were commenced on long‐term prophylaxis. ICH, although rare, does occur in children with VWD and particularly in children with type 3 VWD. A much larger cohort of patients with VWD experiencing an ICH is needed to make recommendations regarding treatment of such events, including the role of prophylaxis in patients with more severe forms of VWD.
Impaired brain activity in cirrhotic patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy: Evaluation by near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Nakanishi Hiroyuki , Kurosaki Masayuki , Nakanishi Kaoru , Tsuchiya Kaoru , Noda Takamasa , Tamaki Nobuharu , Yasui Yutaka , Hosokawa Takanori , Ueda Ken , Itakura Jun , Anami Kimitaka , Asahina Yasuhiro , Enomoto Nobuyuki , Higuchi Teruhiko , Izumi Namiki
Published: April 2013

Aim

Near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a tool that could non‐invasively measure the regional cerebral oxygenated hemoglobin (oxy‐Hb) concentration with high time resolution. The aim of the present study is to reveal the time‐dependent regional cerebral oxy‐Hb concentration change coupled with brain activity during task performance in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE).

Methods

Cerebral oxy‐Hb concentration was measured by using NIRS in 29 cirrhotic patients without overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Of those, 16 patients who had abnormal electroencephalography findings were defined as having MHE. Responsive increase in oxy‐Hb during a word‐fluency task was compared between MHE and non‐MHE patients.

Results

There was no difference in the maximum value of oxy‐Hb increase between patients with and without MHE (0.26 ± 0.12 vs 0.32 ± 0.22 mM·mm, P = 0.37). However, the pattern of the time course changes of oxy‐Hb was different between the two groups. The MHE group was characterized by a gradual increase of oxy‐Hb throughout the task compared to steep and repetitive increase in the non‐MHE group. Increase in oxy‐Hb concentration at 5 s after starting the task was significantly small in the MHE group compared to the non‐MHE (0.03 ± 0.05 vs 0.11 ± 0.09 mM·mm, P = 0.006).

Conclusion

The cerebral oxygen concentration is poorly reactive in response to tasks among cirrhotic patients without overt HE but having abnormal electroencephalography findings. These impaired responses in regional cerebral oxy‐Hb concentration may be related to the latent impairment of brain activity seen in MHE.
Impact of a cybertutor in dermatological teaching
Authors: Soirefmann Mariana , Comparin Cristiane , Boza Juliana , Wen Chao Lung , Cestari Tania Ferreira
Published: April 2013

Background

The potential value of multimedia programs as an accessory instrument for medical education has already been demonstrated in several areas. However, most of them lack adequate validation. The authors proposed this study in order to develop and evaluate a computer multimedia program, aiming at providing a more attractive and state of the art learning tool in dermatology.

Methods

The cybertutor was developed containing clinical cases, self‐education classes, and short video presentations. In order to evaluate its impact, 50 undergraduate students attending the third year of Medical School at UFRGS were randomized into two groups: group 1 was submitted to a multimedia program on a specific dermatological subject – parasite infestations, and group 2 to standard classes on the same subject. Both classes were taught by an experienced teacher, on the same subject and at the same time. In the end, the level of knowledge acquisition for the two groups was evaluated by a multiple choice test.

Results

The average of correct answers was 11.16 (SD = 1.625) in group 1 and 11.96 (SD = 1.645) in group 2. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups (P = 0.09). The majority (80%) of the students who attended the cybertutor group showed interest in taking part in similar activities.

Conclusions

According to this study, multimedia programs may be used for undergraduate education in Dermatology as a complementary educational tool. Contact with an instructor is still considered to be important and should be offered simultaneously.
Repair of postpneumonectomy bronchopleural fistula using pedicled pericardial flap supported by fibrin glue
Authors: Jabłoński Sławomir , Brocki Marian , Klejszmit Piotr , Kutwin Leszek , Wawrzycki Marcin , Śmigielski Jacek
Published: April 2013

Effective closure of the postpneumonectomy bronchopleural fistula (PBF) with the use of different techniques still remains a challenge for thoracic surgeons. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of modified method of PBF closure using pedicled pericardial flap (PPF) supported by fibrin glue (FG). The efficacy of the late PBF closure with the use of two surgical methods was compared. In 10 patients, the edges of the PBF were covered with FG and PPF. In the second group of nine patients, myoplasty was used to close the bronchial fistula. Postsurgical follow‐up was for 1 year. In the first group, the healing of the fistula was achieved in 100% of the cases, whereas in the second, myoplasty group, healing was achieved in only 66·67% of the cases. The number of complications was similar in both groups. Pericardial flap supported by fibrin glue can be an effective method adjunctive to the treatment of PBF in selected patients.
The Psoriasis Symptom Diary: development and content validity of a novel patient‐reported outcome instrument
Authors: Lebwohl Mark , Swensen Andrine R. , Nyirady Judit , Kim Edward , Gwaltney Chad J. , Strober Bruce E.
Published: April 2013

Background

Chronic plaque psoriasis has a profound impact on a patient's daily life. To understand the effects of psoriasis treatments, it is essential to assess the patient's experience of symptoms and how they impact their daily life. The goal of this study was to develop and establish the content validity of a new patient reported outcome (PRO) psoriasis measure.

Methods

The Psoriasis Symptom Diary was developed by (i) identifying key plaque psoriasis‐related symptoms and impacts through qualitative patient interviews (n = 29); (ii) developing an initial set of items that captured the key patient experiences; and (iii) conducting cognitive interviews to test patient understanding of items selected for inclusion in the new psoriasis symptom measure (n = 16).

Results

Patients noted a variety of symptoms, with plaque‐related pain (including related concepts of burning and stinging), changes in skin appearance, and itching reported by all patients. Patients also expressed notable embarrassment and avoidance of social situations, due to the appearance of plaques, and limited mobility. The Psoriasis Symptom Diary assesses the severity and impact of symptoms using a 24‐hour recall period to reduce recall bias and error.

Conclusions

The Psoriasis Symptom Diary was developed to assess important symptoms and disease‐related impacts in a manner consistent with guidelines for establishing the content validity of new PRO instruments. Following quantitative psychometric testing, the Psoriasis Symptom Diary may support efficacy endpoints in clinical trials.
Comparison of Mathematical Models of Lactic Acid Bacteria Growth in Vacuum‐Packaged Raw Beef Stored at Different Temperatures
Authors: Li M. Y. , Sun X. M. , Zhao G. M. , Huang X. Q. , Zhang J. W. , Tian W. , Zhang Q. H.
Published: April 2013

The lactic acid bacteria grown in vacuum‐packaged raw beef under 7, 10, 15, and 20 °C has been studied in this paper. Four primary models, the modified Gompertz, logistic, Baranyi, and Huang model were used for data fitting. Statistical criteria such as the bias factor and accuracy factor, mean square error, Akaike's information criterion, and the residual distribution were used for comparing the models. The result showed that all of the 4 models can fit the data well and they were not significantly different in the performance. They were equally capable of describing bacterial growth, but the growth rate and lag time estimated from the modified Gompertz model were a little higher than other models. The estimate for the lag time was not accurate as the growth rate.
Fabrication of Highly Textured Fine‐Grained α‐Alumina by Templated Grain Growth of Nanoscale Precursors
Authors: Chang Yunfei , Poterala Stephen , Yener Doruk , Messing Gary L
Published: April 2013

[0001] textured alumina ceramics with a fine grain size were fabricated between 1400°C and 1600°C via templated grain growth (TGG) using fine alumina platelets (~0.6 and ~3 μm diameter) aligned by tape casting in either a 50 nm α‐Al2O3 matrix powder, or in a seeded boehmite sol. The 3 μm templates could be readily aligned by tape casting in both matrices (orientation parameters r = 0.27 and 0.18, respectively), whereas 0.6 μm diameter templates were well aligned in the seeded boehmite sol only (r = 0.29). Improved alignment in boehmite sols is attributed to inorganic gelation, resulting in a strongly pseudo‐plastic rheology that preserves template alignment against the influence of Brownian motion. The in situ formation of fine α‐Al2O3 matrix after transformation in the seeded boehmite system results in a higher driving force for TGG and improves texture development. The combination of 3 μm templates with a seeded boehmite matrix results in extremely high texture qualities (texture fraction f = 0.97–0.99, r = 0.17) while maintaining a relatively fine grain size (5–10 μm in diameter and 1.5–3 μm in thickness). Although undoped samples can be fully textured at 1600°C, adding as little as ~0.25 wt% CaO/SiO2 dopant improves TGG kinetics and yields full texture at 1400°C.
Identification and antifungal susceptibility of fungi isolated from dermatomycoses
Authors: Silva L.B. , de Oliveira D.B.C. , da Silva B.V. , de Souza R.A. , da Silva P.R. , Ferreira‐Paim K. , Andrade‐Silva L.E. , Silva‐Vergara M.L. , Andrade A.A.
Published: April 2013

Background

Dermatomycoses are superficial fungal infections of the skin, hair and nails that affect more than 20–25% of the people worldwide. These infections can be caused by yeasts, dermatophytes and non‐dermatophyte filamentous fungi (NDFF) and are considered a public health problem. Despite this, few studies have investigated the prevalence and antifungal susceptibility of causative agents of dermatomycoses in the developing world.

Objectives

The aims of this study were to identify and determine the antifungal susceptibility profile of yeast and filamentous fungi isolated from dermatomycoses in Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Methods

Specimens were obtained from patients with clinically diagnosed and laboratory confirmed dermatomycosis between July 2009 and July 2011. Fungal identification was based on classical methods and antifungal susceptibility testing was performed by broth microdilution method.

Results

Of the 216 fungal isolates, 116 (53.8%) were yeasts, 70 (32.4%) dermatophytes and 30 (13.8%) NDFF. Onychomycosis was the most common clinical condition. Candida parapsilosis (24.1%) and Trichophyton rubrum (17.1%) were the fungi most frequently isolated. Voriconazole, ketoconazole and itraconazole were the most potent antifungal agents against yeast, whereas terbinafine, voriconazole and itraconazole had a high in vitro activity against dermatophytes. Overall, the antifungal agents had little or no activity against NDFF and the highest minimum inhibitory concentrations were those against Fusarium spp.

Conclusion

Yeasts, particularly C. parapsilosis, play an important role as causative agents of dermatomycosis in our region. Our results suggest that the antifungal susceptibility testing coupled with proper identification of the fungi may be useful to assist clinicians in determining the appropriate therapy for dermatomycoses.
The old trout Salmo trutta in the pond
Authors: Kraabøl M. , Fjeld G. , Johnsen S. I. , Dokk J. G. , Dervo B. K. , Skurdal J.
Published: April 2013

The last of 12 brown trout Salmo trutta stocked in a small pond in south‐east Norway in 1979 were caught in July 2011. These fish represent a curiosity regarding longevity and growth pattern, and ageing from otoliths was consistent with the known life history of this specimen. Despite almost total stagnation in growth since the age of 16 years, the testes were fully developed.
Haematophagous feeding of newly metamorphosed European sea lampreys Petromyzon marinus on strictly freshwater species
Authors: Silva S. , Servia M. J. , Vieira‐Lanero R. , Nachón D. J. , Cobo F.
Published: April 2013

Approximately 6% of the freshwater living northern straight‐mouth nase Pseudochondrostoma duriense in two Spanish rivers had attached post‐metamorphic sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus. Minimum prey size was 16·1 cm fork length and 56·3 g mass. The condition factor of attacked P. duriense was 16% lower than that of unattacked conspecifics.
Water loss at normal enamel histological points during air drying at room temperature
Authors: DE MEDEIROS R.C.G. , DE LIMA T.A.S. , GOUVEIA C.R. , DE SOUSA F.B.
Published: April 2013

This in vitro study aimed to quantify water loss at histological points in ground sections of normal enamel during air drying at room temperature (25°C) and relative humidity of 50%. From each of 10 ground sections of erupted permanent human normal enamel, three histological points (n = 30) located at 100, 300 and 500 μm from enamel surface and along a transversal following prisms paths were characterized regarding the mineral, organic and water volumes. Water loss during air drying was from 0 to 48 h. Drying occurred with both falling and constant‐drying rates, and drying stabilization times (Teq) ranged from 0.5 to 11 h with a mean 0.26 (±0.12)% weight loss. In some samples (n = 5; 15 points), Teq increased as a function of the distance from the enamel surface, and drying occurred at an apparent diffusion rate of 3.47 × 10−8 cm2 s−1. Our data provide evidence of air drying resulting in air replacing enamel's loosely bound water in prisms sheaths following a unidirectional water diffusion rate of 3.47 × 10−8 cm2 s−1 (from the original enamel surface inward), not necessarily resulting in water evaporating directly into air, with important implications for transport processes and optical and mechanical properties.
Enhancing frontline clinical leadership in an acute hospital trust
Authors: Phillips Natasha , Byrne Geraldine
Published: April 2013

Aims and objectives

To report on a leadership programme for ward managers in one National Health Service Trust that aimed to enhance their contribution to the delivery of the organisation's key objectives to support excellent patient experience.

Background

Effective ward leadership has been recognised as vital to the quality of care, resource management and interprofessional working. However, there is evidence that, at present, front‐line nurse leaders are ill equipped to lead effectively and lack confidence in their ability to do so.

Design

The project aimed to provide a tailored programme for ward managers to develop their portfolio of skills to perform this pivotal role. The course contained two key elements: an integrated teaching programme to enhance leadership knowledge and skills and action learning to facilitate application to individual's own leadership practice. Both were underpinned by a change project where each individual indentified, undertook and evaluated an innovation in practice.

Methods

Twenty‐two ward managers completed the leadership programme. Participants completed semi‐structured questionnaires after each taught module. Action learning was evaluated through a combined structured and semi‐structured questionnaire.

Results

All participants evaluated the programme as increasing their repertoire of leadership skills. Following completion of the programme, ward managers continue to work together as an evolving community of practice.

Conclusion

Ward managers' development is enhanced by a programme integrating theory, action learning and completion of a ward‐based project.

Relevance to clinical practice

Ward managers cannot be effectively developed in isolation. Leadership development is best supported where the organisation is also committed to developing. A leadership development programme that incorporates knowledge from within the organisation with external expertise can be an effective method to enhance front‐line clinical leadership.
Mood‐induced variations of mandible and tongue postures
Authors: Bourdiol P. , Mishellany‐Dutour A. , Peyron M.‐A. , Woda A.
Published: April 2013

Twelve young adults in a good general health were observed during habitual posture of tongue and jaw in different emotional conditions induced by watching three video sequences. The position of the mandible was tracked by the displacements of an electromagnetic sensor glued to the chin. The tongue‐to‐palate distance was obtained by 2‐D location of three electromagnetic sensors placed on the tongue upper midline surface. Head displacements were evaluated with a sensor fixed to an upper central incisor and were subtracted from corresponding displacements of tongue and chin sensors to obtain the real tongue and mandible positions during continuous recording sequences. Emotional conditioning by a fear movie influenced the vertical position of the mandible: the mean interarch distances during the fear movie (2·34 ± 0·24 mm) were significantly different from those measured during the tender (3·13 ± 0·35) and neutral (3·42 ± 0·80) movies, respectively (anova repeated measure, SNK; P < 0·05). anova repeated measure indicated that the tongue‐to‐palate distance differed significantly when the subjects were watching the conditioning movies (P = 0·003), the tip of the tongue taking a lower position during the fear movie than during the tender and neutral movies.
Comparative Statics of Optimal Nonlinear Income Taxation with a Publicly Provided Input and a Nonlinear Production Technology
Authors: BRETT CRAIG , WEYMARK JOHN A.
Published: April 2013

Comparative static properties of the solution to an optimal nonlinear income tax problem are provided for a model in which the government both designs a redistributive income tax schedule and provides a public input for a nonlinear production technology. These assumptions imply that wage rates are endogenous. The endogeneity of the wages necessitates taking account of general equilibrium effects of changes in the parameters of the model that are not present when the technology is linear.
Growth and Welfare Maximization in Models of Public Finance and Endogenous Growth
Authors: MISCH FLORIAN , GEMMELL NORMAN , KNELLER RICHARD
Published: April 2013

This paper evaluates the trade‐off between growth and welfare maximization from two perspectives. First, it synthesizes and extends endogenous growth models with public finance to compare the growth‐ and welfare‐maximizing tax rates. Second, it examines the distinct model outcomes in terms of the growth rates and welfare levels. This comparison highlights the range of trade‐offs: the growth‐maximizing tax rate can lie above, below, or on the welfare‐maximizing equivalent. We find however that even relatively large differences in growth‐ and welfare‐maximizing tax rates translate into relatively small differences in growth rates, and, in some cases, welfare levels.
To Majority through the Search for Unanimity
Authors: QUESADA ANTONIO
Published: April 2013

The relative majority rule is characterized, when there are only two alternatives, in terms of axioms of unanimity, reducibility, ontoness (which expresses citizen sovereignty), and no veto power (a weakening of almost unanimity). The strongest axiom is reducibility, which embodies the preference aggregation procedure that successively synthesizes two divergent preferences until divergence disappears and, therefore, unanimity can be applied.
Polyadenylation of 18S rRNA in algae1
Authors: Zhuang Yunyun , Zhang Huan , Lin Senjie
Published: April 2013

Polyadenylation is best known for occurring to mRNA of eukaryotes transcribed by RNA polymerase II to stabilize mRNA molecules and promote their translation. rRNAs transcribed by RNA polymerase I or III are typically believed not to be polyadenylated. However, there is increasing evidence that polyadenylation occurs to nucleus‐encoded rRNAs as part of the RNA degradation pathway. To examine whether the same polyadenylation‐assisted degradation pathway occurs in algae, we surveyed representative species of algae including diatoms, chlorophytes, dinoflagellates and pelagophytes using oligo (dT)‐primed reversed transcription PCR (RT‐PCR). In all the algal species examined, truncated 18S rRNA or its precursor molecules with homo‐ or hetero‐polymeric poly(A) tails were detected. Mining existing algal expressed sequence tag (EST) data revealed polyadenylated truncated 18S rRNA in four additional phyla of algae. rRNA polyadenylation occurred at various internal positions along the 18S rRNA and its precursor sequences. Moreover, putative homologs of noncanonical poly(A) polymerase (ncPAP) Trf4p, which is responsible for polyadenylating nuclear‐encoded RNA and targeting it for degradation, were detected from the genomes and transcriptomes of five phyla of algae. Our results suggest that polyadenylation‐assisted RNA degradation mechanism widely exists in algae, particularly for the nucleus‐encoded rRNA and its precursors.
Motivation, Gender, and Possible Selves
Authors: Henry Alastair , Cliffordson Christina
Published: April 2013

Despite the consistency with which gender differences have been found in second language motivation, little systematic research has taken place on motivation and gender to date. Permeating self‐concept development, gender impacts not only current selves but also future‐oriented possible selves. In construing possible selves, females tend to emphasize interdependence, meaning they invest more in interpersonal relationships and self–other interaction. Based on instruments measuring ideal language‐speaking/using selves and an interdependent self‐construal in a sample of 140 female and 129 male adolescents enrolled in the final year of secondary education in Sweden, and using confirmatory factor analysis, support was found for the hypothesis that gender‐related variance on a measure of the ideal language‐speaking/using self could be accounted for by an interdependent self‐construal. In discussing the results, further avenues for exploring the impact of gender on possible selves using more contextually sensitive research designs are presented.
Ries crater and suevite revisited—Observations and modeling Part II: Modeling
Authors: Artemieva N. A. , Wünnemann K. , Krien F. , Reimold W. U. , Stöffler D.
Published: April 2013

We present the results of numerical modeling of the formation of the Ries crater utilizing the two hydrocodes SOVA and iSALE. These standard models allow us to reproduce crater shape, size, and morphology, and composition and extension of the continuous ejecta blanket. Some of these results cannot, however, be readily reconciled with observations: the impact plume above the crater consists mainly of molten and vaporized sedimentary rocks, containing very little material in comparison with the ejecta curtain; at the end of the modification stage, the crater floor is covered by a thick layer of impact melt with a total volume of 6–11 km3; the thickness of true fallback material from the plume inside the crater does not exceed a couple of meters; ejecta from all stratigraphic units of the target are transported ballistically; no separation of sedimentary and crystalline rocks—as observed between suevites and Bunte Breccia at Ries—is noted. We also present numerical results quantifying the existing geological hypotheses of Ries ejecta emplacement from an impact plume, by melt flow, or by a pyroclastic density current. The results show that none of these mechanisms is consistent with physical constraints and/or observations. Finally, we suggest a new hypothesis of suevite formation and emplacement by postimpact interaction of hot impact melt with water or volatile‐rich sedimentary rocks.
Age‐appropriate infant and young child feeding practices are associated with child nutrition in India: insights from nationally representative data
Authors: Menon Purnima , Bamezai Apurva , Subandoro Ali , Ayoya Mohamed Ag , Aguayo Victor M.
Published: April 2013

Age‐appropriate infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices are critical to child nutrition. The objective of this paper was to examine the associations between age‐appropriate IYCF practices and child nutrition outcomes in India using data from ∼18 463 children of 0–23.9 months old from India's National Family Health Survey, 2005–06‐3. The outcome measures were child height‐for‐age z‐score (HAZ), weight‐for‐age z‐score (WAZ), weight‐for‐height z‐score, stunting, underweight and wasting. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used, accounting for the clustered survey data. Regression models were adjusted for child, maternal, and household characteristics, and state and urban/rural residence. The analyses indicate that in India suboptimal IYCF practices are associated with poor nutrition outcomes in children. Early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding were not associated with any of the nutrition outcomes considered. Not consuming any solid or semi‐solid foods at 6–8.9 months was associated with being underweight (P < 0.05). The diet diversity score and achieving minimum diet diversity (≥4 food groups) for children 6–23 months of age were most strongly and significantly associated with HAZ, WAZ, stunting and underweight (P < 0.05). Maternal characteristics were also strongly associated with child undernutrition. In summary, poor IYCF practices, particularly poor complementary foods and feeding practices, are associated with poor child nutrition outcomes in India, particularly linear growth.
Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome in Neonates: An 8‐Year Retrospective Study in a Single Institution
Authors: Li Ming Y. , Hua Yi , Wei Guang H. , Qiu Lin
Published: April 2013

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is a rare disorder in children. Complications may occur without timely treatment. Mortality in children with SSSS is approximately 4%. Other than a limited number of case reports, data on SSSS in neonates are limited. The objective of the current study was to investigate SSSS in neonates. A retrospective review of neonates with a diagnosis of SSSS from January 2004 to January 2012 was performed. Population distribution, historical features, physical examination findings including laboratory tests, antibiotic therapies, and outcomes were evaluated. Thirty‐nine cases were included, 31 (79.5%) in the last 4 years. The mean patient age was 17.4 ± 7.7 days. Boys (25 cases) were more commonly affected, and occurrence during summer and autumn months was more frequent. The face was the most common body part affected and the area most commonly initially affected. Fever, high white blood cell count, and high C‐reactive protein levels were uncommon. Pneumonia was the most frequent complication (74.4%). The positive rate of Staphylococcus aureus isolation was low (23.5%). Drug susceptibility tests showed that amoxicillin with clavulanic acid and cephalosporins were effective in practice. The median length of hospitalization was 9.0 days. All of the 39 neonates were cured without scarring. This study established basic epidemiologic characteristics of a group of neonates diagnosed with SSSS. In the presence of a clinical suspicion of SSSS, even with apparently normal laboratory tests, immediate treatment with cephalosporins, β‐lactamase‐resistant semisynthetic penicillin, or both is advocated.
Social Policy: What Have We Learned?
Authors: Guzman Tatyana , Pirog Maureen A. , Seefeldt Kristin
Published: April 2013

In this review, we focus on current research on the major welfare program in the United States, food security programs, Social Security, Social Security Disability, Unemployment Insurance, child support, and tax provisions such as the Earned Income Tax Credit that provide substantial financial support for low‐income households and other potentially vulnerable populations such as the elderly and the unemployed. Since many of these are programs specifically targeted at poor and low‐income individuals, we also describe how poverty is defined in the United States, update readers on the ongoing debate over poverty measurement, and provide some comparison to how it is measured outside the United States. Looking across the various social policies addressed in this review and the associated recent research, one clear theme emerges: the United States is very concerned about work disincentives potentially embedded within these programs.
Characterization of a novel HLA‐DQB1*06 allele, HLA‐DQB1*06:04:04
Authors: Cosentini E. , Andreani M. , Ciardiello G. , Di Luzio A. , Testi M.
Published: April 2013

The novel allele human leukocyte antigen(HLA)‐DQB1*06:04:04 differs from HLA‐DQB1*06:04:01 by a silent nucleotide substitution at codon 75 (TTG → CTG).
HLA‐DPA1*01:11, a well‐documented novel allele identified by sequence‐based typing in three Chinese Han individuals
Authors: He L. M. , Xu Y. P. , Deng Z. H. , Zhao J.
Published: April 2013

The novel HLA‐DPA1*01:11 allele differs from the closest allele DPA1*01:03:01 by single nucleotide change at coding sequence nucleotide 242 A>G (codon 50 CAA>CGA) in exon 2.
Microparticles in stored canine RBC concentrates
Authors: Herring Jennifer M. , Smith Stephanie A. , McMichael Maureen A. , O'Brien Mauria , Ngwenyama Thandeka R. , Corsi Raffaella , Galligan Alyssa , Beloshapka Alison N. , Deng Ping , Swanson Kelly S.
Published: April 2013

Background

Transfusion of RBC concentrates may cause adverse effects in the recipient, particularly when stored > 2 weeks. Prestorage removal of WBCs and platelets (leukoreduction, LR) improves clinical outcome in the human recipient. As blood ages during storage, progressive alterations in the structure and function of the cells occur. Changes in cell membranes may lead to formation of microparticles (MPs) in stored blood.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to quantify MP concentration in supernatants from canine RBC concentrates from 11 clinically healthy dogs.

Methods

Whole blood units (n = 11) were collected and randomized either to be stored without LR (n = 5), or to be subject to prestorage LR (n = 6). Whole blood was processed for the generation of RBC concentrates, from which aliquots were aseptically collected weekly for 5 weeks. Supernatants from the concentrates were evaluated for phosphatidylserine‐expressing MPs by flow cytometry using staining with Annexin‐V‐phycoerythrin.

Results

Microparticle counts were similar between non‐LR and LR units on storage days 0 and 7, but were significantly higher in non‐LR units on days 14, 21, 28, and 35. MPs increased during the 35‐day storage by a mean (SD) of 1.8 (1.4)‐fold in LR units and 5.5 (3.1)‐fold in non‐LR units.

Conclusions

There was marked formation of phosphatidylserine‐expressing MPs during storage beyond 7 days in canine RBC concentrates. Prestorage LR attenuated the generation of MPs.
Complex Modal Decomposition for Estimating Wave Properties in One-Dimensional Media
Authors: Feeny B. F.
Published: April 2013

A method of complex orthogonal decomposition is summarized for the time-domain, and then formulated and justified for application in the frequency-domain. The method is then applied to the extraction of modes from simulation data of sampled multimodal traveling waves for estimating wave parameters in one-dimensional continua. The decomposition is first performed on a transient nondispersive pulse. Complex wave modes are then extracted from a two-harmonic simulation of a dispersive medium. The wave frequencies and wave numbers are obtained by looking at the whirl of the complex modal coordinate, and the complex modal function, respectively, in the complex plane. From the frequencies and wave numbers, the wave speeds are then estimated, as well as the group velocity associated with the two waves. The decomposition is finally applied to a simulation of the traveling waves produced by a Gaussian initial displacement profile in an Euler–Bernoulli beam. While such a disturbance produces a continuous spectrum of wave components, the sampling conditions limit the range of modal components (i.e., mode shapes and modal coordinates) to be extracted. Within this working range, the wave numbers and frequencies are obtained from the extraction, and compared to theory. Modal signal energies are also quantified. The results are robust to random noise.
Effects of catalyst thickness on the fabrication and performance of carbon nanotube-templated thin layer chromatography plates
Authors: Kanyal Supriya S. , Jensen David S. , Miles Andrew J. , Dadson Andrew E. , Vail Michael A. , Olsen Rebecca , Scorza Fabien , Nichols Judy , Vanfleet Richard R. , Davis Robert C. , Linford Matthew R.
Published: April 2013

The effects of iron catalyst thickness on the fabrication and performance of microfabricated, binder-free, carbon nanotube (CNT)-templated, thin layer chromatography (TLC) plates are demonstrated. The iron catalyst was deposited at thicknesses ranging from 4 to 18 nm in increments of 2 nm. Its thickness plays a key role in governing the integrity and separation capabilities of microfabricated TLC plates, as determined using a test dye mixture. Atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy show that smaller and more numerous catalyst nanoparticles are formed from thinner Fe layers, which in turn govern the diameters and densities of the CNTs. The average diameter of the Fe nanoparticles, Dp, is approximately six times the initial Fe film thickness, tFe: Dp ≈ 6tFe. After deposition of relatively thick silicon layers on CNTs made with different Fe thicknesses, followed by oxidation, all of the resulting CNT-templated SiO2 wires had nearly the same diameter. Consequently, their surface areas were very similar, although their areal densities on the TLC plates were not because thinner catalyst layers produce denser CNT forests. For tFe = 6 nm, nanotube growth appears to be base growth, not tip growth. Best TLC separations of a test dye mixture were obtained with plates prepared with 6 or 4 nm of catalyst. Calculations suggest a loss of surface area for TLC plates made with thicker Fe layers as a result of fewer, thicker CNTs, where the density of silica nanotubes (device surface area) goes approximately as 1/tFe2. While the focus of this paper is toward a greater understanding of the processing conditions that lead to the best TLC plates, a baseline separation of three analgesics (caffeine, phenacetine, and propyphenazone) is shown on a normal phase TLC plate grown with 6 nm of iron.
Enhanced response to molecular adsorption of structurally defective graphene
Authors: Kim Kanghyun , Kang Haeyong , Lee Cho Yeon , Yun Wan Soo
Published: April 2013

This study shows that a minimal introduction of structural defects to graphene can greatly enhance its sensitivity to molecular gas adsorption. The electrical conductance of graphene is enhanced by several orders of magnitude after defect generation by exposure to Ar plasma for just a few seconds. This enhancement in the response of the graphene is strongly dependent upon the extent of the defect site formation, reflecting the dominant effect of the defects on graphene's physicochemical sensitivity to molecular adsorption. Repeated cycles of the adsorption and desorption of gas molecules on the same graphene device are successfully demonstrated, implying the promise of the graphene device as a molecular sensing platform.