bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Background qualitative analysis of the European Reference Life Cycle Database (ELCD) energy datasets – part I: fuel datasets
Authors: Garraín Daniel , Fazio Simone , de la Rúa Cristina , Recchioni Marco , Lechón Yolanda , Mathieux Fabrice
Published: March 2015

Introduction

The aim of this study is to identify areas of potential improvement of the European Reference Life Cycle Database (ELCD) fuel datasets.

Case description

The revision is based on the data quality indicators described by the ILCD Handbook, applied on sectorial basis. These indicators evaluate the technological, geographical and time-related representativeness of the dataset and the appropriateness in terms of completeness, precision and methodology.

Discussion and evaluation

Results show that ELCD fuel datasets have a very good quality in general terms, nevertheless some findings and recommendations in order to improve the quality of Life-Cycle Inventories have been derived. Moreover, these results ensure the quality of the fuel-related datasets to any LCA practitioner, and provide insights related to the limitations and assumptions underlying in the datasets modelling.

Conclusions

Giving this information, the LCA practitioner will be able to decide whether the use of the ELCD fuel datasets is appropriate based on the goal and scope of the analysis to be conducted. The methodological approach would be also useful for dataset developers and reviewers, in order to improve the overall DQR of databases.
EphB2 and EphB3 play an important role in the lymphoid seeding of murine adult thymus
Authors: Alfaro David , García-Ceca Javier , Farias-de-Oliveira Desio A , Terra-Granado Eugenia , Montero-Herradón Sara , Cotta-de-Almeida Vinicius , Savino Wilson , Zapata Agustín
Published: March 2015

Adult thymuses lacking either ephrin type B receptor 2 (EphB2) or EphB3, or expressing a truncated form of EphB2, the forward signal-deficient EphB2LacZ, have low numbers of early thymic progenitors (ETPs) and are colonized in vivo by reduced numbers of injected bone marrow (BM) lineage-negative (Lin−) cells. Hematopoietic progenitors from these EphB mutants showed decreased capacities to colonize wild type (WT) thymuses compared with WT precursors, with EphB2−/− cells exhibiting the greatest reduction. WT BM Lin− cells also showed decreased colonizing capacity into mutant thymuses. The reduction was also more severe in EphB2−/− host thymuses, with a less severe phenotype in the EphB2LacZ thymus. These results suggest a major function for forward signaling through EphB2 and, to a lesser extent, EphB3, in either colonizing progenitor cells or thymic stromal cells, for in vivo adult thymus recruitment. Furthermore, the altered expression of the molecules involved in thymic colonization that occurs in the mutant thymus correlates with the observed colonizing capacities of different mutant mice. Reduced production of CCL21 and CCL25 occurred in the thymus of the 3 EphB-deficient mice, but their expression, similar to that of P-selectin, on blood vessels, the method of entry of progenitor cells into the vascular thymus, only showed a significant reduction in EphB2−/− and EphB3−/− thymuses. Decreased migration into the EphB2−/− thymuses correlated also with reduced expression of both ephrinB1 and ephrinB2, without changes in the EphB2LacZ thymuses. In the EphB3−/− thymuses, only ephrinB1 expression appeared significantly diminished, confirming the relevance of forward signals mediated by the EphB2-ephrinB1 pair in cell recruitment into the adult thymus.
Severe Insulin Resistance Alters Metabolism in Mesenchymal Progenitor Cells
Authors: Balhara Bharti , Burkart Alison , Topcu Vehap , Lee Youn-Kyoung , Cowan Chad , Kahn C. Ronald , Patti Mary-Elizabeth
Published: March 2015

Donohue syndrome (DS) is characterized by severe insulin resistance due to mutations in the insulin receptor (INSR) gene. To identify molecular defects contributing to metabolic dysregulation in DS in the undifferentiated state, we generated mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs) from induced pluripotent stem cells derived from a 4-week-old female with DS and a healthy newborn male (control). INSR mRNA and protein were significantly reduced in DS MPC (for β-subunit, 64% and 89% reduction, respectively, P < .05), but IGF1R mRNA and protein did not differ vs control. Insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of INSR or the downstream substrates insulin receptor substrate 1 and protein kinase B did not differ, but ERK phosphorylation tended to be reduced in DS (32% decrease, P = .07). By contrast, IGF-1 and insulin-stimulated insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) receptor phosphorylation were increased in DS (IGF-1, 8.5- vs 4.5-fold increase; INS, 11- vs 6-fold; P < .05). DS MPC tended to have higher oxygen consumption in both the basal state (87% higher, P =.09) and in response to the uncoupler carbonyl cyanide-p-triflouromethoxyphenylhydrazone (2-fold increase, P =.06). Although mitochondrial DNA or mass did not differ, oxidative phosphorylation protein complexes III and V were increased in DS (by 37% and 6%, respectively; P < .05). Extracellular acidification also tended to increase in DS (91% increase, P = .07), with parallel significant increases in lactate secretion (34% higher at 4 h, P < .05). In summary, DS MPC maintain signaling downstream of the INSR, suggesting that IGF-1R signaling may partly compensate for INSR mutations. However, alterations in receptor expression and pathway-specific defects in insulin signaling, even in undifferentiated cells, can alter cellular oxidative metabolism, potentially via transcriptional mechanisms.
A Mouse Model Suggests Two Mechanisms for Thyroid Alterations in Infantile Cystinosis: Decreased Thyroglobulin Synthesis Due to Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress/Unfolded Protein Response and Impaired Lysosomal Processing
Authors: Gaide Chevronnay H. P. , Janssens V. , Van Der Smissen P. , Liao X. H. , Abid Y. , Nevo N. , Antignac C. , Refetoff S. , Cherqui S. , Pierreux C. E. , Courtoy P. J.
Published: March 2015

Thyroid hormones are released from thyroglobulin (Tg) in lysosomes, which are impaired in infantile/nephropathic cystinosis. Cystinosis is a lysosomal cystine storage disease due to defective cystine exporter, cystinosin. Cystinotic children develop subclinical and then overt hypothyroidism. Why hypothyroidism is the most frequent and earliest endocrine complication of cystinosis is unknown. We here defined early alterations in Ctns−/− mice thyroid and identified subcellular and molecular mechanisms. At 9 months, T4 and T3 plasma levels were normal and TSH was moderately increased (∼4-fold). By histology, hyperplasia and hypertrophy of most follicles preceded colloid exhaustion. Increased immunolabeling for thyrocyte proliferation and apoptotic shedding indicated accelerated cell turnover. Electron microscopy revealed endoplasmic reticulum (ER) dilation, apical lamellipodia indicating macropinocytic colloid uptake, and lysosomal cystine crystals. Tg accumulation in dilated ER contrasted with mRNA down-regulation. Increased expression of ER chaperones, glucose-regulated protein of 78 kDa and protein disulfide isomerase, associated with alternative X-box binding protein-1 splicing, revealed unfolded protein response (UPR) activation by ER stress. Decreased Tg mRNA and ER stress suggested reduced Tg synthesis. Coordinated increase of UPR markers, activating transcription factor-4 and C/EBP homologous protein, linked ER stress to apoptosis. Hormonogenic cathepsins were not altered, but lysosome-associated membrane protein-1 immunolabeling disclosed enlarged vesicles containing iodo-Tg and impaired lysosomal fusion. Isopycnic fractionation showed iodo-Tg accumulation in denser lysosomes, suggesting defective lysosomal processing and hormone release. In conclusion, Ctns−/− mice showed the following alterations: 1) compensated primary hypothyroidism and accelerated thyrocyte turnover; 2) impaired Tg production linked to ER stress/UPR response; and 3) altered endolysosomal trafficking and iodo-Tg processing. The Ctns−/− thyroid is useful to study disease progression and evaluate novel therapies.
TLR4 at the Crossroads of Nutrients, Gut Microbiota, and Metabolic Inflammation
Authors: Velloso Licio A. , Folli Franco , Saad Mario J.
Published: March 2015

Obesity is accompanied by the activation of low-grade inflammatory activity in metabolically relevant tissues. Studies have shown that obesity-associated insulin resistance results from the inflammatory targeting and inhibition of key proteins of the insulin-signaling pathway. At least three apparently distinct mechanisms–endoplasmic reticulum stress, toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 activation, and changes in gut microbiota–have been identified as triggers of obesity-associated metabolic inflammation; thus, they are expected to represent potential targets for the treatment of obesity and its comorbidities. Here, we review the data that place TLR4 in the center of the events that connect the consumption of dietary fats with metabolic inflammation and insulin resistance. Changes in the gut microbiota can lead to reduced integrity of the intestinal barrier, leading to increased leakage of lipopolysaccharides and fatty acids, which can act upon TLR4 to activate systemic inflammation. Fatty acids can also trigger endoplasmic reticulum stress, which can be further stimulated by cross talk with active TLR4. Thus, the current data support a connection among the three main triggers of metabolic inflammation, and TLR4 emerges as a link among all of these mechanisms.
Slit cleavage is essential for producing an active, stable, non-diffusible short-range signal that guides muscle migration
Authors: Ordan Elly , Brankatschk Marko , Dickson Barry , Schnorrer Frank , Volk Talila
Published: March 2015

During organogenesis, secreted signaling proteins direct cell migration towards their target tissue. In Drosophila embryos, developing muscles are guided by signals produced by tendons to promote the proper attachment of muscles to tendons, essential for proper locomotion. Previously, the repulsive protein Slit, secreted by tendon cells, has been proposed to be an attractant for muscle migration. However, our findings demonstrate that through tight control of its distribution, Slit repulsion is used for both directing and arresting muscle migration. We show that Slit cleavage restricts its distribution to tendon cells, allowing it to function as a short-range repellent that directs muscle migration and patterning, and promotes their halt upon reaching the target site. Mechanistically, we show that Slit processing produces a rapidly degraded C-terminal fragment and an active, stable N-terminal polypeptide that is tethered to the tendon cell membrane, which further protects it from degradation. Consistently, the requirement for Slit processing can be bypassed by providing an uncleavable, membrane-bound form of Slit that is stable and is retained on expressing tendon cells. Moreover, muscle elongation appears to be extremely sensitive to Slit levels, as replacing the entire full-length Slit with the stable Slit-N-polypeptide results in excessive repulsion, which leads to a defective muscle pattern. These findings reveal a novel cleavage-dependent regulatory mechanism controlling Slit spatial distribution, which may operate in other Slit-dependent processes.
High-resolution live imaging reveals axon-glia interactions during peripheral nerve injury and repair in zebrafish
Authors: Xiao Yan , Faucherre Adèle , Pola-Morell Laura , Heddleston John M. , Liu Tsung-Li , Chew Teng-Leong , Sato Fuminori , Sehara-Fujisawa Atsuko , Kawakami Koichi , López-Schier Hernán
Published: March 2015

Neural damage is a devastating outcome of physical trauma. The glia are one of the main effectors of neuronal repair in the nervous system, but the dynamic interactions between peripheral neurons and Schwann cells during injury and regeneration remain incompletely characterized. Here, we combine laser microsurgery, genetic analysis, high-resolution intravital imaging and lattice light-sheet microscopy to study the interaction between Schwann cells and sensory neurons in a zebrafish model of neurotrauma. We found that chronic denervation by neuronal ablation leads to Schwann-cell death, whereas acute denervation by axonal severing does not affect the overall complexity and architecture of the glia. Neuronal-circuit regeneration begins when Schwann cells extend bridging processes to close the injury gap. Regenerating axons grow faster and directionally after the physiological clearing of distal debris by the Schwann cells. This might facilitate circuit repair by ensuring that axons are guided through unoccupied spaces within bands of Büngner towards their original peripheral target. Accordingly, in the absence of Schwann cells, regenerating axons are misrouted, impairing the re-innervation of sensory organs. Our results indicate that regenerating axons use haptotaxis as a directional cue during the reconstitution of a neural circuit. These findings have implications for therapies aimed at neurorepair, which will benefit from preserving the architecture of the peripheral glia during periods of denervation.
Phenotype-driven chemical screening in zebrafish for compounds that inhibit collective cell migration identifies multiple pathways potentially involved in metastatic invasion
Authors: Gallardo Viviana E. , Varshney Gaurav K. , Lee Minnkyong , Bupp Sujata , Xu Lisha , Shinn Paul , Crawford Nigel P. , Inglese James , Burgess Shawn M.
Published: March 2015

In the last decade, high-throughput chemical screening has become the dominant approach for discovering novel compounds with therapeutic properties. Automated screening using in vitro or cultured cell assays have yielded thousands of candidate drugs for a variety of biological targets, but these approaches have not resulted in an increase in drug discovery despite major increases in expenditures. In contrast, phenotype-driven screens have shown a much stronger success rate, which is why we developed an in vivo assay using transgenic zebrafish with a GFP-marked migrating posterior lateral line primordium (PLLp) to identify compounds that influence collective cell migration. We then conducted a high-throughput screen using a compound library of 2160 annotated bioactive synthetic compounds and 800 natural products to identify molecules that block normal PLLp migration. We identified 165 compounds that interfere with primordium migration without overt toxicity in vivo. Selected compounds were confirmed in their migration-blocking activity by using additional assays for cell migration. We then proved the screen to be successful in identifying anti-metastatic compounds active in vivo by performing orthotopic tumor implantation assays in mice. We demonstrated that the Src inhibitor SU6656, identified in our screen, can be used to suppress the metastatic capacity of a highly aggressive mammary tumor cell line. Finally, we used CRISPR/Cas9-targeted mutagenesis in zebrafish to genetically validate predicted targets of compounds. This approach demonstrates that the migrating PLLp in zebrafish can be used for large-scale, high-throughput screening for compounds that inhibit collective cell migration and, potentially, anti-metastatic compounds.
Should Cash Transfers Be Conditional? Conditionality, Preventive Care, and Health Outcomes
Authors: Attanasio Orazio P. , Oppedisano Veruska , Vera-Hernández Marcos
Published: March 2015

We study a Conditional Cash Transfer program in which the cash transfers to the mother only depend on the fulfilment of the national preventive visit schedule by her children born before she registered in the program. We estimate that preventive visits of children born after the mother registered in the program are 50 percent lower because they are excluded from the conditionality requirement. Using the same variation, we also show that attendance to preventive care improves children health. (JEL H23, I12, I18, I38, J13, J16, O15)
Regulatory Redistribution in the Market for Health Insurance
Authors: Clemens Jeffrey
Published: March 2015

Community-rating regulations equalize the insurance premiums faced by the healthy and the unhealthy. Intended reductions in the unhealthy's premiums can be undone, however, if the healthy forgo coverage. The severity of this adverse selection problem hinges largely on how health care costs are distributed across market participants. Theoretically, I show that Medicaid expansions can combat adverse selection by removing high cost individuals from the relevant risk pool. Empirically, I find that private coverage rates improved significantly in community-rated markets when states expanded Medicaid's coverage of relatively unhealthy adults. The effects of these health policy instruments are fundamentally linked. (JEL G22, G28, H51, H53, I13, I18, I38)
Improving College Access and Success for Low-Income Students: Evidence from a Large Need-Based Grant Program
Authors: Fack Gabrielle , Grenet Julien
Published: March 2015

Using comprehensive administrative data on France's single largest financial aid program, this paper provides new evidence on the impact of large-scale need-based grant programs on the college enrollment decisions, persistence, and graduation rates of low-income students. We exploit sharp discontinuities in the grant eligibility formula to identify the impact of aid on student outcomes at different levels of study. We find that the provision of 1,500 euros cash allowances to prospective undergraduate or graduate students increases their college enrollment rates by 5 to 7 percent. Moreover, we show that need-based grants have positive effects on student persistence and degree completion. (JEL H52, I22, I24, I28, J24)
Social Networks and the Decision to Insure
Authors: Cai Jing , Janvry Alain De , Sadoulet Elisabeth
Published: March 2015

Using data from a randomized experiment in rural China, we study the influence of social networks on weather insurance adoption and the mechanisms through which they operate. To quantify network effects, the experiment provides intensive information sessions about the product to a random subset of farmers. For untreated farmers, the effect of having an additional treated friend on take-up is equivalent to granting a 13 percent reduction in the insurance premium. By varying the information available about peers’ decisions and randomizing default options, we show that the network effect is driven by the diffusion of insurance knowledge rather than purchase decisions. (JEL G22, O12, O16, P36, Q12, Q54, Z13)
Signaling mechanism by the Staphylococcus aureus two-component system LytSR: role of acetyl phosphate in bypassing the cell membrane electrical potential sensor LytS
Authors: Patel Kevin , Golemi-Kotra Dasantila
Published: March 2015

The two-component system LytSR has been linked to the signal transduction of cell membrane electrical potential perturbation and is involved in the adaptation of Staphylococcus aureus to cationic antimicrobial peptides. It consists of a membrane-bound histidine kinase, LytS, which belongs to the family of multiple transmembrane-spanning domains receptors, and a response regulator, LytR, which belongs to the novel family of non-helix-turn-helix DNA-binding domain proteins. LytR regulates the expression of cidABC and lrgAB operons, the gene products of which are involved in programmed cell death and lysis. In vivo studies have demonstrated involvement of two overlapping regulatory networks in regulating the lrgAB operon, both depending on LytR. One regulatory network responds to glucose metabolism and the other responds to changes in the cell membrane potential. Herein, we show that LytS has autokinase activity and can catalyze a fast phosphotransfer reaction, with 50% of its phosphoryl group lost within 1 minute of incubation with LytR. LytS has also phosphatase activity. Notably, LytR undergoes phosphorylation by acetyl phosphate at a rate that is 2-fold faster than the phosphorylation by LytS. This observation is significant in lieu of the in vivo observations that regulation of the lrgAB operon is LytR-dependent in the presence of excess glucose in the medium. The latter condition does not lead to perturbation of the cell membrane potential but rather to the accumulation of acetate in the cell. Our, study provides for the first time the molecular basis for regulation of lrgAB in a LytR-dependent manner under conditions that do not involve sensing by LytS.
Funding source and primary outcome changes in clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov are associated with the reporting of a statistically significant primary outcome: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ramagopalan Sreeram V , Skingsley Andrew P. , Handunnetthi Lahiru , Magnus Daniel , Klingel Michelle , Pakpoor Julia , Goldacre Ben
Published: March 2015

Background: We and others have shown a significant proportion of interventional trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov have their primary outcomes altered after the listed study start and completion dates. The objectives of this study were to investigate whether changes made to primary outcomes are associated with the likelihood of reporting a statistically significant primary outcome on ClinicalTrials.gov.

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of all interventional clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov as of 20 November 2014 was performed. The main outcome was any change made to the initially listed primary outcome and the time of the change in relation to the trial start and end date.

Findings: 13,238 completed interventional trials were registered with ClinicalTrials.gov that also had study results posted on the website. 2555 (19.3%) had one or more statistically significant primary outcomes. Statistical analysis showed that registration year, funding source and primary outcome change after trial completion were associated with reporting a statistically significant primary outcome.

Conclusions: Funding source and primary outcome change after trial completion are associated with a statistically significant primary outcome report on clinicaltrials.gov.
Caregiving burden and psychological distress among spouses of bipolar patients – comparative analysis of subtype I and II
Authors: Arciszewska Aleksandra , Siwek Marcin , Dudek Dominika
Published: March 2015

Cel

Ocena poczucia obciążenia opieką nad chorym oraz poziomu dystresu psychicznego wśród małżonków pacjentów z chorobą afektywną dwubiegunową – ChAD
(I i II).

Metoda

Do badania włączono 77 osób – 41 kobiet oraz 36 mężczyzn. 44 badanych pozostawało w związku z pacjentami z ChAD I, a 33 – z pacjentami z ChAD II. Narzędzia badawcze: Kwestionariusz Oceny Zaangażowania - IEQ oraz Kwestionariusz Ogólnego Stanu Zdrowia - GHQ-12.

Wyniki

Mania w przebiegu ChAD I jest bardziej obciążająca, niż epizod obniżonego nastroju (ChAD I) i hipomania (ChAD II). Depresja w przebiegu ChAD II jest bardziej obciążająca, niż hipomania. Małżonkowie osób
z rozpoznaniem ChAD I są bardziej obciążeni, niż małżonkowie pacjentów z ChAD II. Kobiety doświadczają większego brzemienia, niż mężczyźni. Partnerzy/partnerki związani z osobą z ChAD (I i II) odczuwają ten sam, wysoki poziom dystresu psychicznego.

Wnioski

Poszczególne typy ChAD (I i II) wpływają odmiennie na partnerów/partnerki osób chorujących, oddziałując na ich subiektywne i obiektywne poczucie brzemienia oraz relacje z chorym, co wskazuje na realną potrzebę zaoferowania im adekwatnej (w zależności od podtypu choroby pacjenta, a także płci małżonka) pomocy.
Changes in intensity of neurotic symptoms associated with reduction of suicidal ideation in patients who underwent psychotherapy in the day hospital for the treatment of neurotic and behavioral disorders
Authors: Rodziński Paweł , Rutkowski Krzysztof , Murzyn Agnieszka , Sobański Jerzy , Cyranka Katarzyna , Dembińska Edyta , Grządziel Karolina , Klasa Katarzyna , Mielimąka Michał , Müldner-Nieckowski Łukasz , Smiatek-Mazgaj Bogna
Published: March 2015

Cel

Analiza związków pomiędzy zmianami w nasileniu dolegliwości nerwicowych a redukcją myśli samobójczych (MS) – tj. ich ustąpieniem lub redukcją ich nasilenia – lub brakiem redukcji MS u pacjentów, którzy przebyli cykl intensywnej psychoterapii prowadzonej w podejściu integracyjnym z przewagą podejścia psychodynamicznego w oddziale dziennym.

Metoda

Kwestionariusze objawowe KO”0” i Ankiety życiorysowe wypełnione przez 473 kobiety i 207 mężczyzn leczonych w dziennym oddziale psychoterapeutycznym z powodu zaburzeń nerwicowych, behawioralnych i zaburzeń osobowości w latach 2005-2013. Podczas kwalifikacji MS zadeklarowało 134 kobiet i 80 mężczyzn, z czego poprawę uzyskało odpowiednio 84,3% oraz 77,5%.

Wyniki

U pacjentów obu płci, którzy uzyskali poprawę w zakresie MS zaobserwowano istotnie większą, niż u pacjentów bez owej poprawy, redukcję nasilenia objawów neurotycznych. Dotyczyło to globalnego nasilenia objawów nerwicowych (współczynnik OWK) u obu płci (p<0,001), jak również większości rodzajów objawów nerwicowych u obu płci (p<0,05): Zaburzenia fobiczne, Inne zaburzenia lękowe, Zaburzenia obsesyjno-kompulsyjne, Konwersje, Zaburzenia autonomiczne, Zaburzenia somatyzacyjne, Neurastenia, Unikanie i zależność, Dysfunkcje seksualne, Dystymia; oraz wyłącznie u kobiet (p<0,05): Zaburzenia hipochondryczne, Depersonalizacje i derealizacje, Impulsywność i histrioniczność, Nieorganiczne zaburzenia snu.

Wnioski

Niniejsze badanie dostarczyło wyników, które potwierdzają skuteczność i kompleksowość intensywnej psychoterapii, jako metody leczenia prowadzącej do poprawy zarówno w zakresie MS, jak i w zakresie objawów zaburzeń nerwicowych. Pozwala to przypuszczać, że zastosowana forma psychoterapii może stanowić efektywną metodę prewencji suicydalności w tej grupie pacjentów. Zaobserwowane powiązania przemawiają także za trafnością hipotez o zbliżonej etiopatogenezie i częściowo tożsamych czynnikach osobowościowych predysponujących do wystąpienia MS i zaburzeń nerwicowych.
Changes in ego strength in patients with neurotic and personality disorders treated with a short-term comprehensive psychodynamic psychotherapy
Authors: Cyranka Katarzyna , Rutkowski Krzysztof , Mielimąka Michał , Sobański Jerzy , Klasa Katarzyna , Müldner-Nieckowski Łukasz , Dembińska Edyta , Smiatek-Mazgaj Bogna , Rodziński Paweł
Published: March 2015

Cel

Zbadanie zmiany siły ego w toku psychoterapii grupowej pacjentów leczonych z powodu zaburzeń nerwicowych i wybranych zaburzeń osobowości (F40-F61 ICD-10).

Metoda

W badaniu uczestniczyło 82 pacjentów (61 kobiet i 21 mężczyzn) leczonych intensywną krótkoterminową psychoterapią grupową w oddziale dziennym leczenia nerwic i zaburzeń behawioralnych. Dokonano oceny funkcjonowania osobowości pacjentów na początku i na końcu psychoterapii przy użyciu skali siły ego kwestionariusza MMPI-2.

Wyniki

W wyniku zastosowania psychoterapii u większości pacjentów zaobserwowano znaczący wzrost siły ego.
Zaobserwowano, iż znaczący przyrost w zakresie siły ego dotyczy zarówno grupy kobiet jak i mężczyzn. Nie odnotowano także różnic pomiędzy pacjentami z rozpoznaniem specyficznych zaburzeń osobowości i zaburzeń nerwicowych zarówno jeśli chodzi o wyniki początkowe, jak i końcowe. U pacjentów, którzy rozpoczynają leczenie z wartościami siły ego w zakresie niskim także dochodzi do korzystnych i istotnych klinicznie zmian.

Wnioski

Krótkoterminowa, intensywna psychoterapia grupowa z elementami psychoterapii indywidualnej prowadzi do uzyskania pożądanych zmian w funkcjonowaniu osobowości wyrażonych znaczącym wzrostem siły ego.
Early to Adopt and Early to Discontinue: The Impact of Self-Perceived and Actual IT Knowledge on Technology Use Behaviors of End Users
Authors: Aggarwal Rohit , Kryscynski David , Midha Vishal , Singh Harpreet
Published: March 2015

For organizations to achieve the benefits of new information technology (IT) systems, their users must adopt and then actually use these new systems. Recent models help to articulate the potentially different explanations for why some users will adopt and then continue using new technologies, but these models have not explicitly incorporated IT knowledge. This is particularly important in contexts where the user base may be non-IT professionals—i.e., the users may vary substantially in their basic IT knowledge. We draw on psychology to argue that in situations where there is a wide variance in actual IT knowledge, there will often exist a U-shaped relationship between actual and self-perceived IT knowledge such that the least knowledgeable believe themselves to be highly knowledgeable. We then draw on individual-level adoption theories to argue that users with high self-perceived IT knowledge will be more likely to adopt new technologies and do so faster. We also draw on individual-level continuance theories to argue that users with low actual IT knowledge will be more likely to discontinue using new technologies and do so faster. We test our expectations using a proprietary data set of 225 sales professionals in a large Indian pharmaceutical company that is testing a new customer relationship management system. We find strong support for our hypotheses.
Plasma exchange: exploring the complications and rationale for use
Authors: Nagalingam Karen
Published: March 2015

Plasma exchange is a tool used in the management of patients with ANCA-associated systematic vasculitis and Goodpasture's disease. The immune complex or protein is removed by plasma exchange and replacement fluid is used to maintain circulatory volume. The endpoint is disease control and, in conjunction with a variety of drugs, dialysis independence. This article discusses the rationale for treatment.
Too many renal patients let their condition define them
Authors: Finnigan Robert
Published: March 2015

Whether individuals with chronic kidney disease are on dialysis or in line for a transplant, the condition can have a significant psychological impact. Speaking from personal experience, Robert Finnigan stresses the importance of renal patients seeking help from relevant professionals if they are struggling.
Third priority: involving patients and families in end-of-life decisions
Authors: Mendes Aysha
Published: March 2015

The Liverpool Care Pathway has been recently phased out in favour of new priorities of care. In her regular column, Aysha Mendes delves into the rapidly evolving world of end-of-life care and explores what it all means for renal nurses who are caring for patients with end-stage renal disease.
Exploring the differences between leaders and managers
Authors: Ellis Peter , Abbott Jane
Published: March 2015

Renal unit managers are required to have several different skills, from people management to identifying areas of improvement. Although these members of staff are defined by their job title, other people in the team will often take the lead in a crisis and direct others in their practice. In this article, Peter Ellis and Jane Abbott look at definitions of leader and manager and their relevance to renal units.
The new nursing Code: identifying the main changes
Authors: Kolyva Katerina
Published: March 2015

At the beginning of this year, the Nursing and Midwifery Council published its revised Code for nurses and midwives. There are several important changes to the Code, which covers four overall themes of quality. Katerina Kolyva summarises some of the key updates.
Effect of Integrated Pest Management Modules against Diamond Back Moth Plutella xylostella (L) and parasitoid Cotesia plutellae (Kurdjumov)
Authors: Manisegaran S. , Vinoth R.
Published: March 2015

Two field experiments were carried out during Kharif 2012 and Rabi 2013 to assess the effect of IPM module against Diamond Back Moth, (DBM) Plutella xylostella (L) and its parasitoid Cotesia plutellae (Kurdjumov). Among five IPM modules tested, the suggestive module was found effective against DBM P. xylostella irrespective of the seasons. The suggestive module (M4) has recorded the lowest mean larval population (0.90 and 0.75 nos. / head) and registered 66 and 64. 76 percent reduction in damage over control besides recorded the highest yield of 35.13 and 35.67 t/ha and incremental cost benefit ratio of 3:26 in Kharif 2012 and Rabi 2013 respectively. Further, a maximum parasitization by C. plutellae to the tune of 30.00 percent was noticed in Suggestive module when cabbage was intercropped with onion.
Physiological Responses of Young Plants of Carpobrotus edulis (L.) N.E. Br (Aizoaceae) to Salt and Water Stress
Authors: Duarte Vilma , Fonseca Filomena
Published: March 2015

Coastal sand-dune ecosystems have a high conservational value worldwide, but are frequently subjected to the introduction of exotic floral species by man. One of these species, cohabiting successfully with the native flora of Mediterranean-type coastal habitats, is the succulent Carpobrotus edulis. This species is native to South Africa and is considered an invasive species due to its capability to compete with the local flora, invading and quickly establishing itself in cleared areas. Studies at the ecological level, on the impact of this species and its hybrids on native flora of different countries, are available in the literature. However C. edulis seemingly competitive advantages remain poorly characterized at the physiological level. To investigate the responses of this species to the main stresses present in sand-dune habitats, C. edulis plants, grown from seed under controlled conditions, were subjected to water stress and salt stress. Rapid light response curves, shoot growth and concentration of photosynthetic pigments and soluble protein were determined, and the detection of differentially expressed genes was initiated. It was found that both types of stress did not negatively affect photosynthetic electron transport rate and shoot concentration of photosynthetic pigments in this species. However, shoot soluble protein concentration was significantly decreased by salt and water stress, in relation to control levels. Both types of stress induced differential gene expression. Although work is still under way, the set of genes affected by water stress appears to be different from the set of genes affected by salt stress.
Study on Mechanical Properties of Flax Fibre Textile Reinforced Composites Fabricated Using Bio-Based Epoxy Resin Matrix
Authors: Mahendran Arunjunai Raj , Wuzella Gunter , Pichler Stefan , Lammer Herfried
Published: March 2015

Flax fibre reinforced composites were made from non-crimp and woven flax fabric reinforcements using bio-based epoxy resin matrix. The fabrics impregnated with epoxy resin containing 55% biomass carbon were fabricated using vacuum bag technique. The fibre weight content of around 40 wt% was achieved through the vacuum bag technique. The fibre assembly and the morphology of the composites were studied using optical microscope. The influences of different weave type and fibre layup direction on the mechanical properties of composites were studied. It was found that, the woven fabric had lower impact strength values than the unidirectional and biaxial oriented fibres. But the woven fabric had achieved relatively equal impact energies on both directions. The maximum flexural strength (196 MPa) and modulus (13.5 GPa) was observed for the unidirectional non-crimp fabric on 0° fibre layup direction.
Experimental Study and Numerically Supported Approach to Interpretation of Spontaneous Transitions into a State of High Conductivity in Poly(vinyl chloride) Composite Films
Authors: Vlasov D.V. , Kryshtob V.I. , Apresyan L.A. , Vlasova T.V.
Published: March 2015

The results of experimental studies of conductivity anomalies are analyzed for film samples of specially synthesized PVC and polyacetylene copolymer, in which polyene conjugated bonds are built in PVC macromolecules. In such samples spontaneous and stimulated conductivity jumps by 12 orders of magnitude take place, and the lifetime of each of these states can be very large - minutes, hours and more. The nonlinear model is considered which describes the anomalous behavior of conductivity as a result of percolation transition associated with reversible thermal "shorting" of insulating gaps between conductive regions.
Does tranexamic acid alter the risk of thromboembolism after total hip arthroplasty in the absence of routine chemical thromboprophylaxis?
Authors: Nishihara S. , Hamada M.
Published: March 2015

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been used to reduce blood loss during total hip arthroplasty (THA), but its use could increase the risk of venous thromboembolic disease (VTE). Several studies have reported that TXA does not increase the prevalence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), but most of those used routine chemical thromboprophylaxis, thereby masking the potential increased risk of TXA on VTE. We wished to ascertain whether TXA increases the prevalence of VTE in patients undergoing THA without routine chemical thromboprophylaxis. We carried out a retrospective case-control study in 254 patients who underwent a primary THA, 127 of whom received TXA (1 g given pre-operatively) and a control group of 127 who did not. All patients had mechanical but no chemical thomboprophylaxis. Each patient was examined for DVT by bilateral ultrasonography pre-operatively and on post-operative days 1 and 7. TXA was found to statistically significantly increase the incidence of total DVT on post-operative day 7 compared with the control group (24 (18.9%) and 12 (9.4%), respectively; p < 0.05) but most cases of DVT were isolated distal DVT, with the exception of one patient with proximal DVT in each group. One patient in the control group developed a non-fatal symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE). The use of TXA did not appear to affect the prevalence of either proximal DVT or PE.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:458–62.
Changing trends in the management of children’s fractures
Authors: Kosuge D. , Barry M.
Published: March 2015

The management of children’s fractures has evolved as a result of better health education, changes in lifestyle, improved implant technology and the changing expectations of society. This review focuses on the changes seen in paediatric fractures, including epidemiology, the increasing problems of obesity, the mechanisms of injury, non-accidental injuries and litigation. We also examine the changes in the management of fractures at three specific sites: the supracondylar humerus, femoral shaft and forearm. There has been an increasing trend towards surgical stabilisation of these fractures. The reasons for this are multifactorial, including societal expectations of a perfect result and reduced hospital stay. Reduced hospital stay is beneficial to the social, educational and psychological needs of the child and beneficial to society as a whole, due to reduced costs.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:442–8.
Validation of a prediction model that allows direct comparison of the Oxford Knee Score and American Knee Society clinical rating system
Authors: Maempel J. F. , Clement N. D. , Brenkel I. J. , Walmsley P. J.
Published: March 2015

This study demonstrates a significant correlation between the American Knee Society (AKS) Clinical Rating System and the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and provides a validated prediction tool to estimate score conversion.

A total of 1022 patients were prospectively clinically assessed five years after TKR and completed AKS assessments and an OKS questionnaire. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated significant correlations between OKS and the AKS knee and function scores but a stronger correlation (r = 0.68, p < 0.001) when using the sum of the AKS knee and function scores. Addition of body mass index and age (other statistically significant predictors of OKS) to the algorithm did not significantly increase the predictive value.

The simple regression model was used to predict the OKS in a group of 236 patients who were clinically assessed nine to ten years after TKR using the AKS system. The predicted OKS was compared with actual OKS in the second group. Intra-class correlation demonstrated excellent reliability (r = 0.81, 95% confidence intervals 0.75 to 0.85) for the combined knee and function score when used to predict OKS.

Our findings will facilitate comparison of outcome data from studies and registries using either the OKS or the AKS scores and may also be of value for those undertaking meta-analyses and systematic reviews.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:503–9.
Killing us softly: Investigating the aesthetics, philosophy and influence of Nordic Noir television
Authors: Creeber Glen
Published: March 2015

This article will investigate a form of Scandinavian crime fiction known as Nordic Noir, primarily focusing on examples from Swedish and Danish television. First, it will set out and explain the genre’s major narrative and aesthetic characteristics, offering illustration from serials such as Wallander (2005–2014), Forbrydelsen (2007–2012) and Broen (2011–). It will then explain how these techniques are specifically designed in order to explore a number of moral, social and ‘philosophical’ concerns. Finally, it will reveal how the genre has influenced recent examples of television drama found in Britain and America, focusing on Broadchurch (2013–), The Fall (2013–) and True Detective (2014–). The conclusion will argue that Nordic Noir’s global influence is now helping to reinvent a new breed of miniseries, one that is uniquely suited to the requirements of the new broadcasting age.
Twin pregnancy in each half of a didelphys uterus with delayed delivery and review of literature
Authors: Levy Galya , Mottet Nicolas , Fourel Marianne , Tholozan Anne-Sarah , Eckman Astrid , Ramanah Rajeev , Riethmuller Didier
Published: March 2015

Didelphys uterus results from an incomplete fusion of mullerian ducts and corresponds to the class III of mullerian abnormalities of the American Fertility Society. We describe the case of a spontaneous twin pregnancy developed in each cavity of a didelphys uterus. At 29 weeks of gestation and 6 days, the patient had preterm rupture of membranes in the right horn. She went into spontaneous labor and delivered vaginally the first “right” twin. Delivery was complicated with post-partum hemorrhage on uterine atonia treated with a Bakri balloon. She was tocolyzed to pursue the fetal lung maturity of the second twin. She had a rupture of the second membranes at 30 weeks and 3 days and had a preterm vaginal delivery at 32 weeks and 1 day of the second twin. Twin pregnancy in both horns of a uterus is extremely rare, about 1 in 1,000,000. Pregnancies on congenital abnormalities of the paramesonephric duct present frequently poor obstetrical outcomes and many complications. There are no guidelines about the follow-up of these high-risk patients or the mode of delivery.
Singular Values of One Parameter Family \(\lambda ((e^{z}-1)/z)^{m}\)
Authors: Sajid Mohammad
Published: March 2015

In the present paper, the singular values of one parameter family of entire functions \(f_{\lambda}(z)=\lambda\bigg(\dfrac{e^{z}-1}{z}\bigg)^{m}\) and \(f_{\lambda}(0)=\lambda\), \(m\in \mathbb{N}\backslash \{0\}\), \(\lambda\in \mathbb{R} \backslash \{0\}\), \(z \in \mathbb{C}\) is investigated. It is shown that all the critical values of \(f_{\lambda}(z)\) lie in the left half plane. It is also found that the function \(f_{\lambda}(z)\) has infinitely many bounded singular values and lie inside the open disk centered at origin and having radius \(|\lambda|\).
Ligand docking and binding site analysis with pymol and autodock/vina
Authors: Rauf Mohd. Ahmar , Zubair Swaleha , Azhar Asim
Published: March 2015

Docking of various therapeutically important chemical entities to the specific target sites offers a meaningful strategy that may have tremendous scope in a drug design process. For a thorough understanding of the structural features that determine the strength of bonding between a ligand with its receptor, an insight to visualize binding geometries and interaction is mandatory. Bioinformatical as well as graphical software â€˜PyMOLâ€™ in combination with the molecular docking suites Autodock and Vina allows the study of molecular combination to visualize and understand the structure-based drug design efforts. In the present study, we outlined a user friendly method to perform molecular docking using vina and finally the results were analyzed in pymol in both two as well as three-dimensional orientation. The operation bypasses the steps that are involved in docking using cygwin terminal like formation of gpf and dpf files. The simple and straight-forward operation method does not require formal bioinformatics training to apprehend molecular docking studies using AutoDock 4.2 program.
A Value-Added Study of Teacher Spillover Effects Across Four Core Subjects in Middle Schools
Authors: Yuan Kun
Published: March 2015

This study examined the existence, magnitude, and impact of teacher spillover effects (TSEs) across teachers of four subject areas (i.e., mathematics, English language arts [ELA], science, and social studies) on student achievement in each of the four subjects at the middle school level. The author conducted a series of value-added (VA) analyses, using multiple years of state achievement test scores in the four tested subjects for students at grades 7 and 8 from an urban school district in the Southern US. Results showed evidence that mathematics and ELA teachers jointly contributed to student achievement in mathematics and ELA. ELA teachers also showed TSEs on student achievement in science (at grade 8 only) and social studies (at both grade levels), with ELA teachers’ effect sizes close to or even greater than those of the own-subject teachers at grade 8. Results also showed that controlling for TSEs slightly decreased the variation and precision of teachers’ VA scores and changed the quartile rankings of individual teachers’ VA scores for a non-negligible group of teachers (11%–25%). On average, the percentage of teachers whose VA rankings were affected due to controlling for TSEs was greater for test subjects with TSEs than subjects without TSEs. Results challenge the current practice of ignoring teachers’ TSEs when estimating teachers’ VA scores. Results also support the use of group-based incentive plan when rewarding secondary mathematics and ELA teachers based on student achievement growth in these two subjects.
The Importance of Starting Right: The Influence of Accurate Intuition on Performance in Salesperson–Customer Interactions
Authors: Hall Zachary R. , Ahearne Michael , Sujan Harish
Published: March 2015

Salespeople make two types of judgments about customers in face-to-face interactions: those that are more intuitive and those that are more deliberative. The authors evaluate the influence of accurate intuitive and deliberative judgments on the performance of salespeople. To evaluate this influence, the authors employ matched survey, observational, and objective field data obtained before, during, and after salesperson–customer interactions. The results reveal that accurate intuitive judgments improve selling performance by enabling more appropriate initial sales strategies. These judgments not only help increase the effectiveness of salespeople's selling efforts but also reduce the amount of selling time, resulting in improved selling efficiency. However, performance is compromised when inaccurate deliberative judgments follow accurate intuitive judgments. The findings also identify different antecedents to judgment accuracy. Intuitive accuracy is influenced by domain-specific experience, similarity to the customer, and empathy for the customer, whereas listening skills and customer orientation influence deliberative accuracy.