bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continental‐scale water‐level response to a large earthquake
Authors: Shi Z. , Wang G. , Manga M. , Wang C.‐Y.
Published: September 2014

Co‐seismic groundwater‐level changes induced by earthquakes have been reported for thousands of years. The M8.0 Wenchuan earthquake caused co‐seismic groundwater‐level responses across the Chinese mainland. Three types of changes were recorded in 197 monitoring wells: co‐seismic oscillations ranging in amplitude from 0.004 to 1.1 m, immediate co‐seismic step changes ranging from 0.0039 to 9.188 m, and more gradual postseismic changes ranging from 0.014 to 1.087 m. We find that the co‐seismic groundwater‐level response is complex. There is neither a clear relationship between the response amplitude and the distance from the epicenter, nor a clear relationship between the groundwater response and lithology at the continental scale. Both the sign and amplitude of water‐level changes are random at the continental scale, and a poroelastic response to the co‐seismic static strain cannot explain most of the co‐seismic changes. However, wells located near the edges of tectonically active blocks have larger response amplitudes than those in the middle of these ‘stable’ blocks. Considered together, these observations indicate that permeability enhancement caused by the earthquake is a significant or dominant mechanism causing water‐level changes. These data indicate that large earthquakes can cause the widespread permeability changes in the shallow crust although the magnitude of permeability change is uncertain.
Hydraulic conductivity of fractured upper crust: insights from hydraulic tests in boreholes and fluid‐rock interaction in crystalline basement rocks
Authors: Stober I. , Bucher K.
Published: September 2014

The permeability (κ[m2]) of fractured crystalline basement of the upper continental crust is an intrinsic property of a complex system of rocks and fractures that characterizes the flow properties of a representative volume of that system. Permeability decreases with depth. Permeability can be derived from hydraulic well test data in deep boreholes. Only a handful of such deep wells exist on a worldwide basis. Consequently, few data from hydraulically tested wells in crystalline basement are available to the depth of 4–5 km. The permeability of upper crust varies over a very large range depending on the predominant rock type at the studied site and the geological history of the drilled crystalline basement. Hydraulic tests in deep boreholes in the continental crystalline basement revealed permeability (κ) values ranging over nine log‐units from 10−21 to 10−12 m2. This large variance also decreases with depth, and at 4 km depth, a characteristic value for the permeability κ is 10−15 m2. The permeability varies with time due to deformation‐related changes of fracture aperture and fracture geometry and as a result of chemical reaction of flowing fluids with the solids exposed along the fractures. Dissolution and precipitation of minerals contribute to the variation of the permeability with time. The time dependence of κ is difficult to measure directly, and it has not been observed in hydraulic well tests. At depths below the deepest wells down to the brittle ductile transition zone, evidence of permeability variation with time can be found in surface exposures of rocks originally from this depth. Exposed hydrothermal reaction veins are very common in continental crustal rocks and witness fossil permeability and its variation with time. The transient evolution of permeability can be predicted from models using fictive and simple starting conditions. However, a geologically meaningful quantitative description of permeability variation with time in the deeper parts of the brittle continental crust resulting from combined fracturing and chemical reaction appears very difficult.
Liver stiffness and aspartate aminotransferase levels predict the risk for liver fibrosis progression in hepatitisCvirus/HIV‐coinfected patients
Authors: Gonzalez FA , Van den Eynde E , Perez‐Hoyos S , Navarro J , Curran A , Burgos J , Falcó V , Ocaña I , Ribera E , Crespo M
Published: September 2014

Objectives

The aim of the study was to investigate liver fibrosis outcome and the risk factors associated with liver fibrosis progression in hepatitisCvirus (HCV)/HIV‐coinfected patients.

Methods

We prospectively obtained liver stiffness measurements by transient elastography in a cohort of 154HCV/HIV‐coinfected patients, mostlyCaucasian men on suppressive antiretroviral treatment, with the aim of determining the risk for liver stiffness measurement (LSM) increase and to identify the predictive factors for liver fibrosis progression. To evaluateLSMtrends over time, a linear mixed regression model withLSMlevel as the outcome and duration of follow‐up in years as the main covariate was fitted.

Results

After a median follow‐up time of 40 months, the median increase inLSMwas 1.05 kPa/year [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72–1.38 kPa/year]. Fibrosis stage progression was seen in 47% of patients, and 17% progressed to cirrhosis. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels and liver fibrosis stage at baseline were identified as independent predictors ofLSMchange. Patients withF3(LSM9.6–14.5 kPa) orASTlevels ≥ 64 IU/Lat baseline were at higher risk for acceleratedLSMincrease (ranging from 1.45 to 2.61 kPa/year), whereasLSMchange was very slow among patients with bothF0−F1 (LSM ≤ 7.5 kPa) andASTlevels ≤ 64 IU/Lat baseline (0.34 to 0.58 kPa/year). An intermediate risk forLSMincrease (from 0.78 to 1.03 kPa/year) was seen in patients withF2 (LSM7.6–9.5 kPa) andASTbaseline levels ≤ 64 IU/L.

Conclusions

ASTlevels and liver stiffness at baseline allow stratification of the risk for fibrosis progression and might be clinically useful to guideHCVtreatment decisions inHIV‐infected patients.
Human papillomavirus‐related basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder associated with genital tract human papillomavirus infection
Authors: Ginori Alessandro , Barone Aurora , Santopietro Rosa , Barbanti Gabriele , Cecconi Filippo , Tripodi Sergio Antonio
Published: September 2014

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma is a biologically aggressive neoplasm mainly found in the head and neck region. Recently, four cases of basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder have been reported, and three of them occurred in patients with neurogenic bladder, repeated catheterizations and human papillomavirus infection of the urinary tract. To the best of our knowledge, none of the patients affected by basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder described in the literature had documented genital involvement by human papillomavirus. Herein, we describe the case of a woman with neurogenic bladder affected by basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder and by a concomitant genital tract human papillomavirus infection.
Human amoebic hepatic abscess: in situ interactions between trophozoites, macrophages, neutrophils and T cells
Authors: Ventura‐Juárez J. , Jarillo‐Luna R. A. , Fuentes‐Aguilar E. , Pineda‐Vázquez A. , Muñoz‐ Fernández L. , Madrid‐Reyes J. I. , Campos‐Rodríguez R.
Published: September 2014

Amoebic liver abscesses (ALA) are the most frequent and severe extraintestinal clinical presentations of amoebiasis. During the early establishment of amoebae in the liver parenchyma, as well as during the extension of the tissue necrosis, parasites interact with the parenchymal liver cells and, as a consequence of these interactions, hepatocytes can be destroyed and host immune cells can become activated. However, little is known about the nature of these interactions in the liver or about the factors involved in the local immune response. In this investigation we studied the localization of Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites, TCD4+, TCD8+ cells, CD68+ macrophages and CD15+ neutrophils in human ALA using immunohistochemical techniques. Trophozoites were found close to undamaged hepatocytes in both lysed and non‐lysed areas with either sparse or abundant inflammatory infiltrate. CD8+ cells were more abundant than CD4+ T cells. CD 68+ macrophages and CD15+ neutrophils were also detected, suggesting that neutrophils, macrophages and T cells might be related to the local host immune mechanisms in ALA. We also found that E. histolytica possesses proteins recognized by antibodies raised against inducible nitric oxide synthase.
Neighbouring‐group composition and within‐group relatedness drive extra‐group paternity rate in the European badger (Meles meles)
Authors: Annavi G. , Newman C. , Dugdale H. L. , Buesching C. D. , Sin Y. W. , Burke T. , Macdonald D. W.
Published: September 2014

Extra‐group paternity (EGP) occurs commonly among group‐living mammals and plays an important role in mating systems and the dynamics of sexual selection; however, socio‐ecological and genetic correlates of EGP have been underexplored. We use 23 years of demographic and genetic data from a high‐density European badger (Meles meles) population, to investigate the relationship between the rate of EGP in litters and mate availability, mate incompatibility and mate quality (heterozygosity). Relatedness between within‐group assigned mothers and candidate fathers had a negative quadratic effect on EGP, whereas the number of neighbouring‐group candidate fathers had a linear positive effect. We detected no effect of mean or maximum heterozygosity of within‐group candidate fathers on EGP. Consequently, EGP was associated primarily with mate availability, subject to within‐group genetic effects, potentially to mitigate mate incompatibility and inbreeding. In badgers, cryptic female choice, facilitated by superfecundation, superfoetation and delayed implantation, prevents males from monopolizing within‐group females. This resonates with a meta‐analysis in group‐living mammals, which proposed that higher rates of EGP occur when within‐group males cannot monopolize within‐group females. In contrast to the positive meta‐analytic association, however, we found that EGP associated negatively with the number of within‐group assigned mothers and the number of within‐group candidate fathers; potentially a strategy to counter within‐group males committing infanticide. The relationship between the rate of EGP and socio‐ecological or genetic factors can therefore be intricate, and the potential for cryptic female choice must be accounted for in comparative studies.
School density affects the strength of collective avoidance responses in wild‐caught Atlantic herring Clupea harengus: a simulated predator encounter experiment
Authors: Rieucau G. , De Robertis A. , Boswell K. M. , Handegard N. O.
Published: September 2014

An experimental study in a semi‐controlled environment was conducted to examine whether school density in wild‐caught Atlantic herring Clupea harengus affects the strength of their collective escape behaviours. Using acoustics, the anti‐predator diving responses of C. harengus in two schools that differed in density were quantified by exposing them to a simulated threat. Due to logistical restrictions, the first fish was tested in a low‐density school condition (four trials; packing density = 1·5 fish m−3; c. 6000 fish) followed by fish in a high‐density school condition (five trials; packing density = 16 fish m−3; c. 60 000 fish). The C. harengus in a high‐density school exhibited stronger collective diving avoidance responses to the simulated predators than fish in the lower‐density school. The findings suggest that the density (and thus the internal organization) of a fish school affects the strength of collective anti‐predatory responses, and the extent to which information about predation risk is transferred through the C. harengus school. Therefore, the results challenge the common notion that information transfer within animal groups may not depend on group size and density.
Knowing ‘something is not right’ is beyond intuition: development of a clinical algorithm to enhance surveillance and assist nurses to organise and communicate clinical findings
Authors: Brier Jessica , Carolyn Moalem , Haverly Marsha , Januario Mary Ellen , Padula Cynthia , Tal Ahuva , Triosh Henia
Published: September 2014

Aims and objectives

To develop a clinical algorithm to guide nurses' critical thinking through systematic surveillance, assessment, actions required and communication strategies. To achieve this, an international, multiphase project was initiated.

Background

Patients receive hospital care postoperatively because they require the skilled surveillance of nurses. Effective assessment of postoperative patients is essential for early detection of clinical deterioration and optimal care management. Despite the significant amount of time devoted to surveillance activities, there is lack of evidence that nurses use a consistent, systematic approach in surveillance, management and communication, potentially leading to less optimal outcomes. Several explanations for the lack of consistency have been suggested in the literature.

Design

Mixed methods approach.

Methods

Retrospective chart review; semi‐structured interviews conducted with expert nurses (n = 10); algorithm development.

Results

Themes developed from the semi‐structured interviews, including (1) complete, systematic assessment, (2) something is not right (3) validating with others, (4) influencing factors and (5) frustration with lack of response when communicating findings were used as the basis for development of the Surveillance Algorithm for Post‐Surgical Patients.

Conclusion

The algorithm proved beneficial based on limited use in clinical settings. Further work is needed to fully test it in education and practice.

Relevance to clinical practice

The Surveillance Algorithm for Post‐Surgical Patients represents the approach of expert nurses, and serves to guide less expert nurses' observations, critical thinking, actions and communication. Based on this approach, the algorithm assists nurses to develop skills promoting early detection, intervention and communication in cases of patient deterioration.
WEALTH EFFECTS AND MACROECONOMIC DYNAMICS
Authors: Cooper Daniel , Dynan Karen
Published: September 2014

The effect of wealth on consumption is an issue of long‐standing interest to economists. Conventional wisdom suggests that fluctuations in household wealth have driven major swings in economic activity both in the United States and abroad. This paper considers the so‐called consumption wealth effects. There is an extensive existing literature on wealth effects that has yielded some insights. For example, research has documented the relationship between aggregate household wealth and aggregate consumption over time, and a large number of household‐level studies suggest that wealth effects are larger for households facing credit constraints. However, there are also many unresolved issues regarding the influence of household wealth on consumption. We review the most important of these issues and argue that there is a need for much more research in these areas as well as better data sources for conducting such analysis.
Bruxism and oral parafunctional hyperactivity in social phobia outpatients
Authors: Hermesh H. , Schapir L. , Marom S. , Skopski R. , Barnea E. , Weizman A. , Winocur E.
Published: September 2014

Anxiety and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are considered aggravating factors for bruxism. We examined the influence of anxiety, depression and SSRI on bruxism in social phobia (SP). Twenty‐three drug naïve, 17 SSRI‐treated SP patients and 33 healthy controls underwent a psychiatric assessment and completed Leibowitz Social Anxiety Scale and Beck Depression Inventory. Oral parafunctional activity (PF) was evaluated by TM‐dental examination and by a questionnaire. Drug‐ naïve and SSRI‐treated SP patients did not differ on demographic and clinical measures. Awake bruxism, ‘JAW PLAY’ and at least one PF were more prevalent in SP than in controls. Severity of SP predicted the presence of PF. SP, but not depression, was associated with higher risk of oral PF and awake bruxism. Chronic SSRI treatment of SP did not affect sleep and awake bruxism. Dental and anxiety screening may improve the prognosis psychiatric and dental patients. Effective treatment of SP may mitigate bruxism.
Rural Health Care Bypass Behavior: How Community and Spatial Characteristics Affect Primary Health Care Selection
Authors: Sanders Scott R. , Erickson Lance D. , Call Vaughn R.A. , McKnight Matthew L. , Hedges Dawson W.
Published: September 2014

Purpose

(1) To assess the prevalence of rural primary care physician (PCP) bypass, a behavior in which residents travel farther than necessary to obtain health care, (2) To examine the role of community and non‐health‐care‐related characteristics on bypass behavior, and (3) To analyze spatial bypass patterns to determine which rural communities are most affected by bypass.

Methods

Data came from the Montana Health Matters survey, which gathered self‐reported information from Montana residents on their health care utilization, satisfaction with health care services, and community and demographic characteristics. Logistic regression and spatial analysis were used to examine the probability and spatial patterns of bypass.

Results

Overall, 39% of respondents bypass local health care. Similar to previous studies, dissatisfaction with local health care was found to increase the likelihood of bypass. Dissatisfaction with local shopping also increases the likelihood of bypass, while the number of friends in a community, and commonality with community reduce the likelihood of bypass. Other significant factors associated with bypass include age, income, health, and living in a highly rural community or one with high commuting flows.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that outshopping theory, in which patients bundle services and shopping for added convenience, extends to primary health care selection. This implies that rural health care selection is multifaceted, and that in addition to perceived satisfaction with local health care, the quality of local shopping and levels of community attachment also influence bypass behavior.
INFERENCE FOR A SPECIAL BILINEAR TIME‐SERIES MODEL
Authors: Ling Shiqing , Peng Liang , Zhu Fukang
Published: September 2014

It is well known that estimating bilinear models is quite challenging. Many different ideas have been proposed to solve this problem. However, there is not a simple way to do inference even for its simple cases. This article proposes a generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity‐type maximum likelihood estimator for estimating the unknown parameters for a special bilinear model. It is shown that the proposed estimator is consistent and asymptotically normal under only finite fourth moment of errors.
The process of Danish nurses’ professionalization and patterns of thought in the 20th century
Authors: Beedholm Kirsten , Frederiksen Kirsten
Published: September 2014

In this article,we address how the professionalization process is reflected in the way Danish nursing textbooks present ‘nursing’ to new members of the profession during the 20th century. The discussion is based on a discourse analysis of seven Danish textbooks on basic nursing published between 1904 and 1996. The analysis was inspired by the work of Michel Foucault, in particular the concepts of rupture and rules of formation. First, we explain how the dominating role of the human body in nursing textbooks disappears in the mid‐20th century. This transformation can of course be attributed to changes in tasks and responsibilities for nurses or to the implementation of increasing amounts of knowledge and theories from other disciplines than medicine into the nurses’ knowledge base. However, inspired by Foucault, we consider these historical changes to be the conditions of possibilities and not causes. The second part of the analysis shows that along with ‘the disappearance of the body’, a second discursive change appears: the role of doctors and medicine changes fundamentally from about mid‐20th century. Finally, we argue that this discursive reorganization enabling new patterns of thought to emerge was driven by a professional interest in describing nursing as an independent profession.
Peptide YY, neuropeptide Y and corticotrophin‐releasing factor modulate gastrointestinal motility and food intake during acute stress
Authors: Forbes Sarah C. , Cox Helen M.
Published: September 2014

Background

Peripheral neuropeptide Y (NPY) provides protection against the endocrine, feeding and gastrointestinal (GI) responses to stress; however, it is not yet established how it interacts with corticotrophin‐releasing factor (CRF) to mediate these effects. Peptide YY (PYY) also has significant roles in GI motility and food intake but little is known about its role in stress responses.

Methods

Upper GI transit, fecal pellet output (FPO) and feeding responses, and the role of CRF1 receptors, during restraint or a novel environment stress, were ascertained in PYY−/−, NPY−/− and wild type (WT) mice, with CRF and the CRF1 antagonist, antalarmin, injected intraperitoneally.

Key Results

Upper GI transit and FPO were significantly increased in PYY−/− mice during restraint stress. Exogenous CRF increased defecation during placement in a novel environment in WT mice through CRF1, while CRF1 blockade reduced defecation in WT and NPY−/− mice but had no effect in PYY−/− mice. In addition, CRF1 blockade had no effect on upper GI transit in WT mice, or on food intake in PYY−/− or NPY−/− mice, but it significantly increased food intake in WT mice.

Conclusions & Inferences

Endogenous NPY appears to inhibit the colonic motor response induced by CRF1 activation, unlike PYY, while both peptides are required for CRF1 modulation of feeding behavior during stress. Overall, these results provide new insights into the mechanism by which PYY and NPY affect stress responses.
High‐grade myofibroblastic sarcoma of the mandible: case report in a child and literature review
Authors: de Albuquerque R.L.C. , Melo S.L.S. , Bastos T.S. , Rocha R.S. , Piva M.R. , de Melo M.F.B.
Published: September 2014

Myofibroblastic sarcoma (MS) is a rare neoplasm with a predilection for the head–neck region. Most MSs are low‐grade tumours, but a rarer, less differentiated, high‐grade variant has been described. To date, only six cases of MS have been reported in children, all low‐grade tumours. We report a case of aggressive MS, presented as an ulcerated mass in the anterior region of the mandible of an 11‐year‐old girl. Radiographs showed extensive bone destruction and ‘floating‐in‐air’ teeth displacement. Histopathological analysis revealed proliferation of pleomorphic spindle‐shaped and round cells arranged in a storiform and fascicular pattern. Immunohistochemically, tumour cells showed intense positivity for α‐smooth muscle actin and vimentin but focal for desmin, CD99 and HHF‐35. Laminin, S‐100 protein, CD68, pan‐cytokeratin and epithelial membrane antigen were negative. These findings were interpreted as high‐grade MS. Chemotherapy and segmental mandibulectomy were used to achieve local control, but the patient died 6 months later as a result of multiple metastases.
Immunological response and protection of mice immunized with plasmid encoding Toxoplasma gondii glycolytic enzyme malate dehydrogenase
Authors: Hassan I. A. , Wang S. , Xu L. , Yan R. , Song X. , XiangRui L.
Published: September 2014

Toxoplasma gondii Malate dehydrogenase (TgMDH) plays an important role as part of the energy production cycle. In this investigation, immunological changes and protection efficiency of this protein delivered as a DNA vaccine have been evaluated. Mice were intramuscularly immunized with pTgMDH, followed by challenge with virulent T. gondii RH strain, 2 weeks after the booster immunization. Compared to the control groups, the results showed that pTgMDH has stimulated specific humoral response as demonstrated by significant high titers of total IgG and subclasses IgG1 and IgG2a, beside IgA and IgM, but not IgE. Analysis of cytokine profiles revealed significant increases of IFN‐γ, IL‐4 and IL‐17, while no significant changes were detected in TGF‐β1. In cell‐mediated response, both T lymphocytes subpopulations CD4+ and CD8+ were positively recruited as significant percentages were recorded in response to immunization with TgMDH. Significant long survival rate, 17 days, has been observed in the TgMDH vaccinated group, in contrast with control groups which died within 8–9 days after challenge. These results demonstrated that TgMDH could induce significant immunological responses leading to a considerable level of protection against acute toxoplasmosis infection.
The origin and genetic diversity of the causal agent of Asian soybean rust, Phakopsora pachyrhizi, in South America
Authors: Jorge V. R. , Silva M. R. , Guillin E. A. , Freire M. C. M. , Schuster I. , Almeida A. M. R. , Oliveira L. O.
Published: September 2014

A sequence‐based approach was used to investigate molecular genetic variations in Phakopsora pachyrhizi, an obligate biotrophic pathogen that causes Asian soybean rust. In Argentina, the samples came from uredinium‐bearing leaves taken from 11 soybean fields; in Brazil, the samples comprised urediniospores from leaves of 10 soybean genotypes that had been grown in three experimental stations during two growing seasons. PCR‐based cloning techniques were used to generate DNA sequences for two gene regions and alignments were supplemented with data from GenBank. A total of 575 sequences for the internal transcribed spacer region (18 ribotypes) and 160 partial sequences for a housekeeping gene encoding ADP‐ribosylation factor (10 haplotypes) were obtained. Ribotype accumulation curves predicted that about 20 bacterial clones would recover 5–6 ribotypes (c. 70–80% of the total molecular variation) per locality. The samples from the three experimental stations in Brazil displayed most (14 out of 16) ribotypes found worldwide; the lack of genetic structure and differentiation at a diverse geographic scale suggests that both local and distant sources provide airborne inoculum during disease establishment. Soybean genotypes with resistance genes for the Asian soybean rust did not decrease the molecular genetic variation of fungal populations.
Phi‐class glutathione‐S‐transferase is involved in Dn1‐mediated resistance
Authors: Schultz Thia , van Eck Leon , Botha Anna‐Maria
Published: September 2014

Wheat Dn genes afford resistance to the economically important pest, Diuraphis noxia (Kurdjumov, Russian wheat aphid, RWA) and have been the topic of transcriptomic and proteomic studies aimed at unraveling the pathways involved in resistance. The antibiotic resistance conveyed by Dn1 is characterized by a hypersensitive response (HR) followed by systemic acquired resistance (SAR). Although many candidate genes differentially expressed during the Dn1‐mediated resistance response have been identified, few have been functionally verified. The aim of this study was to silence three HR‐associated candidate genes in Dn1 containing wheat using virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS): thylakoid‐associated ascorbate peroxidase (tAPX), phi‐class glutathione‐S‐transferase (TaGSTF6) and superoxide dismutase Cu/Zn (SOD). D. noxia fertility was used as a measure of antibiotic resistance. Silencing of SOD Cu/Zn had little effect on D. noxia fertility, while increased aphid reproduction was recorded on tAPX‐ and TaGSTF6‐silenced plants. However, tAPX‐silencing only affected early measurements and did not have a prolonged effect on resistance. TaGSTF6‐silenced plants expressed lowered H2O2 production in resistant wheat under infestation conditions, suggesting that TaGSTF6 and H2O2 play an integral role in Dn1‐mediated D. noxia resistance in wheat plants.
Near‐wins and near‐losses in gambling: A behavioral and facial EMG study
Authors: Wu Yin , van Dijk Eric , Clark Luke
Published: September 2014

This study investigated responses to near‐wins (i.e., nonwin outcomes that were close to a major win, and their counterpart, near‐losses (nonwin outcomes that are proximal to a major loss) in a decision‐making task, measuring (a) luck ratings, (b) adjustment of bet amount, and (c) facial muscle reactivity at zygomaticus and corrugator sites. Compared to full‐misses, near‐wins decreased self‐perceived luck and near‐losses increased self‐perceived luck, consistent with the effects of upward versus downward counterfactual thinking, respectively. Wins and losses both increased zygomaticus reactivity, and losses selectively enhanced corrugator reactivity. Near‐wins heightened zygomaticus activity, but did not affect corrugator activity, thus showing a similar response pattern to actual wins. There were no significant facial EMG effects of near‐losses. We infer that near‐wins engender some appetitive processing, despite their objective nonwin status.
Telephone advice nursing: parents’ experiences of monitoring calls in children with gastroenteritis
Authors: Kvilén Eriksson Elisabeth , Sandelius Susanna , Wahlberg Anna Carin
Published: September 2014

A common reason for calling a telephone advice nurse is gastroenteritis symptoms in children. A monitoring call is a follow‐up call from the telephone nurse to the care seeker in order to follow up on given advice and make a new assessment. The aim of the study was to describe the parents’ experiences of monitoring calls in telephone advice nursing in children with gastroenteritis. A qualitative interview method was chosen and data were analysed inductively with a qualitative latent content analysis. Ten parents, nine mothers and one father were interviewed. Four main categories and 13 subcategories were identified and described as useful, and the main categories were convenience – parents found it convenient to get access to self‐care advice at home, confirmation – the interaction between the telephone nurse and the parent seemed to become deeper and closer as a result of the monitoring call, support – in a vulnerable situation receiving further information and an opportunity to let the telephone nurse monitor the sick child and guidance – to be guided through the most acute phase in the child's gastroenteritis symptoms. Monitoring calls seemed to be experienced as a security enhancing, positive opportunity and a robust complement to seeking care at a healthcare facility. The results of the study indicate how inhabitants can receive expert advice, support and guidance for care and provide a useful basis for Swedish Healthcare Direct (SHD) to develop the modalities for monitoring calls.
Teaching the Millennial Generation in the Religious and Theological Studies Classroom
Authors: Bauman Whitney , Marchal Joseph A. , McLain Karline , O'Connell Maureen , Patterson Sara M.
Published: September 2014

This essay provides an overview of the distinctive challenges presented to teaching and learning in religious and theological studies by the conditions and characteristics of “millennial” students. While the emerging literature on this generation is far from consistent, it is still instructive and important to engage, as students that are immersed in technology and social networking have different facilities and difficulties that educators would do well to carefully address and critically employ. Teachers in theological and religious studies are distinctly positioned to grapple with such conditions, particularly around the practices of identity formation, media literacy, and embodiment. Attention to the development of such practices engages key issues for both the millennial students and the religious and theological studies teacher: virtual reality, spiritual identity, globalization and violence, critical consumption and ethical creativity, focused and contemplative thinking, and intercultural and interpersonal respect.
When God Smites: Talking with Students about the Violence of God in Scripture
Authors: Seibert Eric A.
Published: September 2014

This article emphasizes the need for religious educators to address the issue of divine violence in Scripture with students, and it offers various pedagogical strategies for doing so. The focus is on violent Old Testament texts, with special attention given to the issue of Canaanite genocide. A general framework for structuring class time around divine violence in Scripture is proposed which includes (1) encouraging students to encounter violent biblical texts firsthand, (2) helping them understand why people find these passages problematic, and (3) offering various options for dealing with the potential problems these passages raise. In the second half of the article, significant attention is devoted to a number of practical considerations that should be taken into account when talking about this sensitive issue in class. A brief word about assessment is offered at the end.
Additive solution‐7 reduces the red blood cell cold storage lesion
Authors: Cancelas Jose A. , Dumont Larry J. , Maes Lou A. , Rugg Neeta , Herschel Louise , Whitley Pamela H. , Szczepiokowski Zbigniew M. , Siegel Alan H. , Hess John R. , Zia Majid
Published: September 2014

Background

Transfusion of long‐stored red blood cells (RBCs) is associated with decreased in vivo RBC recovery, delivery of RBC breakdown products, and increased morbidity and mortality. Reducing the burden of this RBC “storage lesion” is a major challenge in transfusion medicine. Additive solution‐7 (AS‐7) is a new RBC storage solution designed to improve RBC metabolism by providing phosphate and increasing buffering capacity.

Study Design and Methods

Storage quality in AS‐7 was measured in a prospective, randomized, three‐center trial using units of whole blood from healthy human subjects whose RBCs were stored for up to 56 days in AS‐7 (n = 120) or for 42 days in the control solution AS‐1 (n = 60).

Results

Hemolysis and shedding of protein‐containing microvesicles were significantly reduced in RBCs stored in AS‐7 for 42 and 56 days compared with RBCs stored in AS‐1. Autologous in vivo recoveries of RBCs stored in AS‐7 was 88 ± 5% at 42 days (n = 27) and 82 ± 3% at 56 days (n = 27), exceeding recoveries of RBCs stored in currently used solutions.

Conclusion

Increasing the phosphate, pH range, and buffer capacity of a RBC storage system allowed RBCs to be stored better and longer than currently approved storage systems. AS‐7 ameliorates the long‐term storage lesion resulting in significantly increased viability in vitro and in vivo.
Prophylactic anti‐D preparations display variable decreases in Fc‐fucosylation of anti‐D
Authors: Kapur Rick , Della Valle Luciana , Verhagen Onno J.H.M. , Hipgrave Ederveen Agnes , Ligthart Peter , de Haas Masja , Kumpel Belinda , Wuhrer Manfred , van der Schoot C. Ellen , Vidarsson Gestur
Published: September 2014

Background

RhIG is obtained from hyperimmunized healthy anti‐D donors (HIDs) boosted with D+ red blood cells (RBCs). One hypothesis for its mechanism of action is fast clearance of opsonized D+ RBCs through Fcγ receptor (FcγR)III. Levels of immunoglobulin (Ig)G Fc‐fucosylation influence interactions with FcγRIII, with less Fc‐fucosylation strengthening the interaction.

Study Design and Methods

Anti‐D IgG1 Fc‐glycosylation patterns in 93 plasma samples from 28 male and 28 female Dutch HIDs and RhIG were analyzed with mass spectrometry. The Fc‐glycosylation profiles of HIDs were evaluated with regard to their immunization history.

Results

HID sera demonstrated clearly lowered anti‐D Fc‐fucosylation compared to normal IgG fucosylation (93%); this was more pronounced for female than for male HIDs (47% vs. 65%, p = 0.001). RhIG preparations from seven manufacturers varied greatly in the level of Fc‐fucosylation (56%‐91%). The level of fucosylation slightly increased upon repeated immunization, although it remained fairly constant over time. The RhIG from the different manufacturers all demonstrated increased Fc‐galactosylation (64%‐82%) compared to total IgG (38%‐51%).

Conclusion

RhIG preparations vary in Fc‐fucosylation and all demonstrate increased galactosylation. Despite not knowing the exact working mechanism, immunoprophylaxis could perhaps be optimized by selection of donors whose anti‐D have low amounts of Fc‐fucose, to increase the clearance activity of anti‐D preparations, as well as high amounts of galactosylation, for anti‐inflammatory effects. Implementing a biologic assay in the standardization of RhIG preparations might be considered.
Infectivity of blood components from donors with occult hepatitis B infection – results from an Australian lookback programme
Authors: Seed C. R. , Maloney R. , Kiely P. , Bell B. , Keller A. J. , Pink J. ,   the Blood Service Medical Services Lookback Team
Published: September 2014

Background and objectives

Previous studies have demonstrated that transfused blood components from donors with occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) are potentially infectious. This study reports the results of an Australian lookback programme for the period subsequent to the commencement of individual donation HBV NAT in July 2010 and estimates the HBV transmission rate for components from two categories of donors, confirmed OBI and HBV inconclusive (anti‐HBc reactive with non‐discriminated NAT result).

Materials and methods

Using the results of lookback investigations, we estimated HBV transmission rates by donor category and type of component transfused based on the prevalence of antibodies to HBV core antigen (anti‐HBc) in recipients adjusted for the estimated prevalence in the general population.

Results

After subtracting the background anti‐HBc rate, we derived an adjusted transmission rate (all components) with lower and upper bounds as follows: 0·85% (0·00–2·35%) for OBI donors, 2·83% (1·23–4·33%) for inconclusive donors and 1·81% (0·21–3·31%) for total (OBI and inconclusive) donors. The median adjusted transmission rate for total donors was higher (but not statistically) for plasma (3·01%) than RCCs (2·86%), but there was no evidence of transmission for cryoprecipitate or platelets (0% for both components).

Conclusion

Our lookback study suggests a low (0·2–3·3%) but measurable rate of HBV transmission in Australia associated with donors with OBI and supports published evidence that at least some blood component types from OBI donors, including a proportion undetectable by ID‐NAT can transmit HBV by transfusion.
Germination characteristics and seedbank of the alien species Leucaena leucocephala (Fabaceae) in Brazilian forest: ecological implications
Authors: Marques A R , Costa C F , Atman A P F , Garcia Q S
Published: September 2014

Plant species invasiveness is frequently associated with rapid proliferation and production of seeds that can persist in the soil for long periods of time. Leucaena leucocephala (Fabaceae) is an alien and invasive species, for example in Brazilian forest and savannah ecosystems. This study quantified the invasive potential of this species by analysing its seed rain (using seed collectors), seed longevity in the soil (stored in buried bags) and the germination capacity of the soil seedbank (by collecting soil samples in the study area). Our results showed that seed rain occurred throughout the year, although more intensely from July to September, with about 5500 seeds m−2 year−1 being released. The numbers of seeds in the buried bags diminished over time and intact seeds showed low germinability (approximately 15%), although their viability remained >80% of the recovered seeds after two years of in situ storage. The germinability of seeds collected directly from the soil was approximately 40%, indicating that more than half of the seeds of soil seedbank were dormant (physical dormancy). Leucaena leucocephala produces large numbers of seeds and is able to form a persistent short‐lived seedbank (viability 1–5 years). These factors may contribute significantly to its invasive potential, which makes it difficult to control this species once it becomes established. As control costs become higher over time, immediate public efforts are needed to counter this threat.
Pyridoxamine protects against mechanical defects in cardiac ageing in rats: studies on load dependence of myocardial relaxation
Authors: Wang Chih‐Hsien , Wu En‐Ting , Wu Ming‐Shiou , Tsai Ming‐Shian , Ko Ya‐Hui , Chang Ru‐Wen , Chang Chun‐Yi , Chang Kuo‐Chu
Published: September 2014

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

This study aimed to investigate the hypothesis that pyridoxamine, one of the three natural forms of vitamin B6, can protect against myocardial relaxation of senescent animals by targeting arterial stiffening and contractile dysfunction of the left ventricle.

What is the main finding and its importance?

We found that treating the senescent rats with pyridoxamine for 5 months might improve myocardial relaxation rate, at least partly through its ability to enhance myocardial contractile performance, increase wave transit time and decrease wave reflection factor.

Our team demonstrated in the past that pyridoxamine attenuated arterial stiffening by targeting the pathogenic formation of glycated collagen cross‐links in aged rats. Herein, we examined whether pyridoxamine therapy can protect against mechanical defects in myocardial relaxation by improving arterial wave properties and cardiac contractile performance in senescent animals. Fifteen‐month‐old male Fisher 344 rats were treated daily with pyridoxamine (1 g l−1 in drinking water) for 5 months and compared with age‐matched untreated control animals (20 months old). Arterial wave properties were characterized by wave transit time (τw) and wave reflection factor (Rf). We measured the contractile status of the myocardium in an intact heart as the left ventricular (LV) end‐systolic elastance (Ees). Myocardial relaxation was described according to the time constant of the LV isovolumic pressure decay (τe). Pyridoxamine therapy prevented the age‐associated prolongation in LV τe and the diminished Ees in senescent rats. The drug also attenuated the age‐related augmentation in afterload imposed on the heart, as evidenced by the increased τw and decreased Rf. We found that the LV τe was significantly influenced by both the arterial τw and Rf (τe = 16.3902 + 8.3123 × Rf − 0.4739 × τw; r = 0.7048, P < 0.005). In the meantime, the LV τe and the LV Ees showed a significant inverse linear correlation (τe = 13.9807 − 0.0068 × Ees; r = 0.6451, P < 0.0005). All these findings suggested that long‐term treatment with pyridoxamine might ameliorate myocardial relaxation rate, at least partly through its ability to enhance myocardial contractile performance, increase wave transit time and decrease wave reflection factor in aged rats.
Components of action potential repolarization in cerebellar parallel fibres
Authors: Pekala Dobromila , Baginskas Armantas , Szkudlarek Hanna J. , Raastad Morten
Published: September 2014

Key points

The presynaptic action potential waveform was investigated in cerebellar parallel fibres from rats.

The spike repolarization was composed of a fast tetraethylammonium‐sensitive component and a slow margatoxin‐sensitive depolarized after‐potential (DAP). These components could be manipulated relatively independently, possibly offering independent control of synchronous and asynchronous transmitter release.

Axonal electrical activation sometimes gave bursts of action potentials at the soma; these bursts were created by the axon because they invaded the soma at membrane potentials well below the somatic spike threshold.

Axonal bursts could reliably be induced by increasing the DAP pharmacologically, suggesting that proper control of DAP amplitude is necessary to suppress axonal bursting.

The fast repolarization was particularly well controlled because blockers of three groups of K+ channels (tetraethylammonium, margatoxin and quinine) were needed to abolish it.

Repolarization of the presynaptic action potential is essential for transmitter release, excitability and energy expenditure. Little is known about repolarization in thin, unmyelinated axons forming en passant synapses, which represent the most common type of axons in the mammalian brain's grey matter. We used rat cerebellar parallel fibres, an example of typical grey matter axons, to investigate the effects of K+ channel blockers on repolarization. We show that repolarization is composed of a fast tetraethylammonium (TEA)‐sensitive component, determining the width and amplitude of the spike, and a slow margatoxin (MgTX)‐sensitive depolarized after‐potential (DAP). These two components could be recorded at the granule cell soma as antidromic action potentials and from the axons with a newly developed miniaturized grease‐gap method. A considerable proportion of fast repolarization remained in the presence of TEA, MgTX, or both. This residual was abolished by the addition of quinine. The importance of proper control of fast repolarization was demonstrated by somatic recordings of antidromic action potentials. In these experiments, the relatively broad K+ channel blocker 4‐aminopyridine reduced the fast repolarization, resulting in bursts of action potentials forming on top of the DAP. We conclude that repolarization of the action potential in parallel fibres is supported by at least three groups of K+ channels. Differences in their temporal profiles allow relatively independent control of the spike and the DAP, whereas overlap of their temporal profiles provides robust control of axonal bursting properties.
A Novel Global Optimization Algorithm and its Application to Airfoil Optimization
Authors: Yang B. , Xu Q. , He L. , Zhao L. H. , Gu Ch. G. , Ren P.
Published: September 2014

In this paper, a novel global optimization algorithm has been developed, which is named as Particle Swarm Optimization combined with Particle Generator (PSO-PG). In PSO-PG, a particle generator was introduced to iteratively generate the initial particles for PSO. Based on a series of comparable numerical experiments, it was convinced that the calculation accuracy of the new algorithm as well as its optimization efficiency was greatly improved in comparison with those of the standard PSO. It was also observed that the optimization results obtained from PSO-PG were almost independent of some critical coefficients employed in the algorithm. Additionally, the novel optimization algorithm was adopted in the airfoil optimization. A special fitness function was designed and its elements were carefully selected for the low-velocity airfoil. To testify the accuracy of the optimization method, the comparative experiments were also carried out to illustrate the difference of the aerodynamic performance between the optimized and its initial airfoil.
Performance Metrics and Experimental Testing of Erosion-Resistant Compressor Blade Coatings
Authors: Leithead Sean G. , Allan William D. E. , Zhao Linruo
Published: September 2014

A durability test rig for erosion-resistant gas turbine engine compressor blade coatings was designed and commissioned. Bare and coated 17-4PH steel modified NACA 6505-profile blades were spun at an average speed of 10 860 rpm and exposed to garnet sand-laden air for 5 hours at an average sand concentration of 2.5gm3of air and a blade leading edge (LE) Mach number of 0.50. The rig was designed to represent a first stage axial compressor. Two 16μm-thick coatings were tested: Titanium Nitride (TiN) and Chromium-Aluminum-Titanium Nitride (CrAlTiN), both applied using an Arc Physical Vapour Deposition technique. A composite scale, defined as the LAZ score, was devised to compare the durability performance of bare and coated blades based on mass-loss and blade dimension changes. The bare blades’ LAZ score was set as a benchmark of 1.00, with the TiN-coated and CrAlTiN-coated blades obtaining respective scores of 0.69 and 0.41. A lower score identified a more erosion-resistant coating. Major locations of blade wear included: trailing edge (TE), LE and rear suction surface (SS). TE thickness was reduced, the LE became blunt, and the rear SS was scrubbed by overtip and recirculation zone vortices. The erosion effects of secondary flows were found to be significant. Erosion damage due to reflected particles was absent due to a low blade solidity of 0.7. The rig is best suited for durability evaluation of erosion-resistant coatings after being proven worthy of consideration for gas turbine engines through ASTM standardized testing.