bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevated CO2 effects on semi‐arid grassland plants in relation to water availability and competition
Authors: Dijkstra Feike A. , Blumenthal Dana , Morgan Jack A. , LeCain Daniel R. , Follett Ronald F.
Published: April 2010

1. It has been suggested that much of the elevated CO2 effect on plant productivity and N cycling in semi‐arid grasslands is related to a CO2‐induced increase in soil moisture, but the relative importance of moisture‐mediated and direct effects of CO2 remain unclear.

2. We grew five grassland species common to the semi‐arid grasslands of northern Colorado, USA, as monocultures and as mixtures of all five species in pots. We examined the effects of atmospheric CO2 concentration (ambient vs. 780 p.p.m.) and soil moisture (15 vs. 20% m/m) on plant biomass and plant N uptake. Our objective was to separate CO2 effects not related to water from water‐mediated CO2 effects by frequently watering the pots, thereby eliminating most of the elevated CO2 effects on soil moisture, and including a water treatment similar in magnitude to the water‐savings effect of CO2.

3. Biomass of the C3 grasses Hesperostipa comata and Pascopyrum smithii increased under elevated CO2, biomass of the C4 grass Bouteloua gracilis increased with increased soil moisture, while biomass of the forbs Artemisia frigida and Linaria dalmatica had no or mixed responses. Increased plant N uptake contributed to the increase in plant biomass with increased soil moisture while the increase in plant biomass with CO2 enrichment was mostly a result of increased N use efficiency (NUE). Species‐specific responses to elevated CO2 and increased soil moisture differed between monocultures and mixtures. Both under elevated CO2 and with increased soil moisture, certain species gained N in mixtures at the expense of species that lost N, but elevated CO2 led to a different set of winners and losers than did increased water.

4. Elevated CO2 can directly increase plant productivity of semi‐arid grasslands through increased NUE, while a CO2‐induced increase in soil moisture stimulating net N mineralization could further enhance plant productivity through increased N uptake. Our results further indicate that the largest positive and negative effects of elevated CO2 and increased soil moisture on plant productivity occur with interspecific competition. Responses of this grassland community to elevated CO2 and water may be both contingent upon and accentuated by competition.
Female zebra finches compromise clutch temperature in energetically demanding incubation conditions
Authors: Nord Andreas , Sandell Maria I. , Nilsson Jan‐Åke
Published: April 2010

1. Avian embryos depend on the incubating parent to provide a thermal environment suitable for embryogenesis, but as the maintenance of optimal incubation temperatures is energetically costly, an incubating bird often must trade off embryonic investment against self‐maintenance.

2. We manipulated the energetic cost of incubation in female zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata Vieillot) by varying ambient temperature and clutch size during nocturnal incubation and recorded the corresponding effects on incubation metabolic rate and clutch temperature.

3. Females increased their night‐time incubation metabolic rate more than twofold when incubating at 10 °C compared to when incubating close to thermoneutrality (28 °C). Furthermore, clutch enlargement caused females to elevate their metabolic rate with 2·8% per additional egg added to the clutch.

4. However, despite spending more energy, females did not fully cover the increased costs of incubation, because clutch temperature decreased with decreasing ambient temperature and increasing clutch size.

5. These findings suggest that parental investment in incubation can be energetically constrained and sometimes result in clutch temperatures below the optimal level for embryonic development, at least during nocturnal incubation.
Thermal time approach to predicting seedling emergence dates of red clover, white clover and lucerne in farm fields
Authors: Sakanoue S.
Published: April 2010

A practical method for predicting seedling emergence dates of red and white clovers, and lucerne is proposed. The germination response at seven different constant temperatures ranging from 5 to 35°C was examined. Germination rate, which is a reciprocal of the duration for 50% germination of seeds, was linearly regressed against temperature to calculate the base temperature and thermal constant of seed germination. The calculated values were 3·9°C and 15·8 degree days for red clover, 4·2°C and 13·6 degree days for white clover, and 2·9°C and 17·7 degree days for lucerne. Using the base temperatures, thermal constants, and the daily mean air temperatures at the study site, the seedling emergence dates of the three forage legumes were predicted. At the same time, in an outdoor pot experiment, seeds of these legumes were sown approximately every 3 weeks and seedling emergence dates were determined. The predicted dates of seedling emergence generally fitted the observed dates. Another prediction was attempted using the base temperatures, thermal constants, and normal daily mean air temperatures recorded over more than 30 years in the study site. This prediction showed that the seedlings of the three forage legumes began to emerge at the beginning of April and could continue to emerge until the beginning of November when their non‐dormant seeds were present in the site, and that when the seeds were sown from mid‐November of one year to late March of the next year, the emergence of seedlings was delayed until the beginning of April.
Colonization and lignin decomposition of pine needle litter by Lophodermium pinastri
Authors: Osono T. , Hirose D.
Published: April 2010

The colonization and lignin decomposition of pine (Pinus thunbergii and Pinus densiflora) needle litter by an endophytic fungus, Lophodermium pinastri, was examined with field observations, a field experiment and laboratory experiments. In pine needles collected from the field, needle mass per length and lignin content were lower in needle portions bearing Lophodermium fruiting bodies than in the remaining needle portions, whereas total carbohydrate content was not different between them. Total and live hyphal lengths were greater in needle portions bearing Lophodermium fruiting bodies than in the remaining needle portions. Lophodermium fruiting bodies were not formed on sterilized needles after a 6‐month incubation on the forest floor, whereas they formed on 20% of non‐sterilized needles, indicating that this fungus can only colonize live needles on the branch. In pure culture decomposition tests, mass loss of lignin was detected for several isolates of L. pinastri, but was variable among isolates and between the needles of two pine species. A comparison of the rDNA‐internal transcribed spacer sequences between L. pinastri isolates of P. thunbergii and P. densiflora indicated that the two groups were phylogenetically separated. This study is the first to show that L. pinastri has the ability to decompose lignin in dead pine needles.
Regeneration and molecular characterization of interspecific somatic hybrids between Satsuma mandarin and two seedy sweet oranges for scion improvement
Authors: Fu J. , Peng Z. J. , Cai X. D. , Guo W. W.
Published: April 2010

With 2 figures

In an effort to produce novel and elite tetraploid germplasm for citrus seedless scion cultivar improvement, symmetric fusions were conducted between embryogenic suspension protoplasts of Citrus unshiu Marc. cv. ‘Guoqing No. 1’ (G1) and mesophyll protoplasts isolated from the leaves of ‘Red Anliu’ (Citrus sinensis Osbeck cv. ‘Red Anliu’) or ‘Taoye’ sweet oranges (C. sinensis Osb. cv. ‘Taoye’). Eight plants from G1+ ‘Red Anliu’ and 20 plants from G1+ ‘Taoye’ were regenerated, respectively. Flow cytometry analysis showed that all five randomly selected plants from G1+ ‘Taoye’ were tetraploid, and for four randomly selected plants recovered from G1+ ‘Red Anliu’, three were tetraploid and the remaining one was diploid. Genetic compositions of regenerated plants were determined by nuclear simple sequence repeat (SSR), chloroplast‐SSR and mitochondrial cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence analysis. It was confirmed that all tetraploid plants from both fusions were true somatic hybrids, with chloroplast DNA and mitochondrial DNA from embryogenic callus parent. The diploid from G1+ ‘Red Anliu’ was identified to be originated from G1 protoplast, the callus parent. The potential of these novel allotetraploid somatic hybrids in citrus scion breeding was discussed.
Cardiotoxicity with 5‐fluorouracil and capecitabine: more than just vasospastic angina
Authors: Stewart T. , Pavlakis N. , Ward M.
Published: April 2010

In this case series we present a variety of different cardiac toxicities with 5‐fluorouracil and its pro‐drug capecitabine, including myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, sinoatrial and atrioventricular node dysfunction, tako‐tsubo cardiomyopathy and QT prolongation with torsade‐de pointes ventricular tachycardia. We stress the fact that while vasospasm is a well‐recognized side‐effect of this class of chemotherapeutic agent, broader cardiotoxicity is commonly seen and an increased awareness of the range of toxicity is necessary if repeat toxicity is to be avoided.
Validity of the indicator ‘death in low‐mortality diagnosis‐related groups’ for measuring patient safety and healthcare quality in hospitals
Authors: Mihrshahi S. , Brand C. , Ibrahim J. E. , Evans S. , Jolley D. , Cameron P.
Published: April 2010

The indicator ‘death in low‐mortality diagnosis‐related groups (DRG)’ is a patient safety indicator (PSI) that can be derived from routinely collected administrative data sources. It is included in a group of PSI that have been proposed to compare and monitor standards of hospital care in Australia. To summarize the attributes of this indicator as a measure of quality and safety in healthcare and examine issues regarding the development process, definitions and use of the indicator in practice. A structured literature search was conducted using the Ovid Medline database to identify peer‐reviewed published literature which used ‘death in low‐mortality DRG’ as a quality/safety indicator. Key quality websites were also searched. The studies were critically appraised using a standardized method. A total of 12 articles was identified which met our search criteria. Most were of low methodological quality because of their retrospective study designs. Only three studies provided evidence that the quality of care gap is higher in ‘deaths in low‐mortality DRG’ than in other cases. Most of the studies reviewed show that there are several limitations of the indicator for assessing patient safety and quality of care. The few studies that have assessed associations with other measures of hospital quality have shown only weak and inconsistent associations. Higher quality, prospective, analytic studies are required before ‘death in low‐mortality DRG’ is used as an indicator of quality and safety in healthcare. Based on current evidence, the most appropriate use is as a screening tool for institutions to quickly and easily identify a manageable number of medical records to investigate in more detail.
Fishing out marine parasites? Impacts of fishing on rates of parasitism in the ocean
Authors: Wood Chelsea L. , Lafferty Kevin D. , Micheli Fiorenza
Published: April 2010

Ecology Letters(2010) 13: 761–775

Among anthropogenic effects on the ocean, fishing is one of the most pervasive and extends deepest into the past. Because fishing reduces the density of fish (reducing transmission efficiency of directly transmitted parasites), selectively removes large fish (which tend to carry more parasites than small fish), and reduces food web complexity (reducing transmission efficiency of trophically transmitted parasites), the removal of fish from the world’s oceans over the course of hundreds of years may be driving a long‐term, global decline in fish parasites. There has been growing recognition in recent years that parasites are a critical part of biodiversity and that their loss could substantially alter ecosystem function. Such a loss may be among the last major ecological effects of industrial fishing to be recognized by scientists.
Concomitant carcinoma in situ and tumour size are prognostic factors for bladder recurrence after nephroureterectomy for upper tract transitional cell carcinoma
Authors: Pieras Enrique , Frontera Guillermo , Ruiz Xavi , Vicens Antoni , Ozonas Mariano , Pizá Pedro
Published: April 2010

Study Type – Diagnosis (validating cohort) Level of Evidence 1b

OBJECTIVE

To identify prognostic risk factors for the development of subsequent bladder recurrence in patients undergoing nephroureterectomy (NU) for upper tract transitional cell carcinoma (TCC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The data of 79 patients who underwent NU for localized upper tract TCC were collected retrospectively, and analysed for clinical and pathological variables. Patients with previous invasive bladder tumours were excluded. Age, sex, tumour location, previous/synchronic bladder tumours, stage, grade, concomitant upper tract carcinoma in situ (CIS), and size were all analysed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were done using the Kaplan‐Meier Method, with the log‐rank test, and the Cox proportional hazards regression model, respectively.

RESULTS

The median follow‐up was 71 months, during which bladder tumours were detected in 42 patients (54%). On univariate analyses, tumour stage ≥ pT2 (P= 0.015), concomitant upper tract CIS (P= 0.001), high‐grade tumour G3 (P= 0.027) and tumour size >4 cm (P= 0.011) were statistically significant predictors of intravesical recurrence. After multivariate analyses, concomitant CIS (P= 0.005, hazard ratio 2.9, 95% confidence interval 1.4–5.8) and tumour size >4 cm (P= 0.042; 1.9, 1–3.7) were significantly related to bladder tumour recurrence.

CONCLUSION

There is a high bladder recurrence rate after NU for upper tract TCC. Patients with tumours of >4 cm and concomitant upper tract CIS have a major risk of developing subsequent bladder recurrence. Therefore, closer surveillance of the bladder is needed in these patients and they may potentially benefit from prophylactic intravesical instillation therapy.
Are histopathological features of prostate cancer lesions associated with identification of extracapsular extension on magnetic resonance imaging?
Authors: Wang Liang , Akin Oguz , Mazaheri Yousef , Ishill Nicole M. , Kuroiwa Kentaro , Zhang Jingbo , Hricak Hedvig
Published: April 2010

Study Type – Diagnosis (exploratory cohort) Level of Evidence

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of histopathological lesion characteristics on the sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for per‐lesion identification of extracapsular extension (ECE) of prostate cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 176 patients (median age 58.9 years, range 38–77) who underwent endorectal MRI before radical prostatectomy between January 2001 and July 2004, had no previous treatment and had whole‐mount step‐section pathological specimens showing at least one capsule‐abutting lesion. The likelihood of ECE of capsule‐abutting lesions was retrospectively scored from 1 to 5 based on radiologists’ prospective MRI interpretations. Generalized estimating equation regression models were used to determine the effect of the following histological variables on the sensitivity of MRI for identifying ECE of capsule‐abutting lesions: maximum diameter, largest perpendicular diameter (LPD), bi‐dimensional diameter product, Gleason grade, and zonal extent.

RESULTS

On histopathology, 339 capsule‐abutting lesions were found, including 54 with ECE. MRI correctly identified ECE in 36/54 capsule‐abutting lesions, including nine of 18 with focal ECE and 27/36 with established ECE, giving sensitivities (95% confidence interval) of 67 (53–78)%, 50 (27–73)% and 75 (58–87)%, respectively. MRI incorrectly identified ECE in 27/285 (9%) capsule‐abutting lesions without ECE. MRI sensitivity for per‐lesion ECE identification was significantly associated only with histopathological LPD (P= 0.009). Fifty‐one patients (29%) had ECE. MRI had a sensitivity (95% confidence interval) of 69 (54–81)% and specificity of 90 (83–94)% for per‐patient ECE identification.

CONCLUSIONS

The sensitivity of MRI in per‐lesion identification of prostate cancer ECE is significantly associated with the lesion LPD at histopathology.
Feasibility and efficacy of neoadjuvant sunitinib before nephron‐sparing surgery
Authors: Silberstein Jonathan L. , Millard Frederick , Mehrazin Reza , Kopp Ryan , Bazzi Wassim , DiBlasio Christopher J. , Patterson Anthony L. , Downs Tracy M. , Yunus Furhan , Kane Christopher J. , Derweesh Ithaar H.
Published: April 2010

Study type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

To investigate efficacy of neoadjuvant tyrosine kinase‐inhibitor therapy (TKI) before imperative nephron‐sparing surgery (NSS), as NSS in patients with large locally advanced or centrally located tumours can be challenging, and TKI therapy might result in a reduction of primary tumour burden and increase the feasibility of NSS.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a multicentre retrospective review and prospective pilot study of patients undergoing neoadjuvant sunitinib before planned NSS from February 2006 to February 2009. All patients underwent confirmatory biopsy for clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Patients received two 28‐day cycles of sunitinib before NSS. Demographics/tumour characteristics, tumour response (by the Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors), outcomes and complications were analysed.

RESULTS

Twelve patients (seven men and five women; mean age 60.1 years, tumours on 14 renal units) were given TKI before NSS for imperative indications. The mean pretreatment tumour diameter was 7.1 cm; all patients had a decrease in size of the primary tumour after TKI, with a mean reduction in maximum diameter of 1.5 cm (21.1%). Four of 14 and 10 of 14 primary tumours had a partial response and stable disease after TKI. NSS was achievable in all 14 kidneys. Four patients had a concurrent metastasectomy. The mean warm ischaemia time was 22.5 min; postoperative dialysis was not required in any patients. Final pathology revealed negative tumour margins in all 14 tumours. The mean creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (before/after NSS) were 1.34/1.40 mg/dL (P = 0.431) and 57.7/53.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 (P = 0.475), respectively. At a mean follow‐up of 23.9 months, 10 of the 12 patients were alive, one died from metastatic RCC and none required dialysis. Three of the 14 renal units developed delayed urinary leaks, all in patients who also received postoperative sunitinib. All leaks resolved with conservative measures.

CONCLUSIONS

Neoadjuvant TKI followed by NSS is safe and feasible, with all patients achieving a reduction in maximum tumour diameter, and with NSS being achievable with negative margins and with no requirement for postoperative dialysis. Further investigation is required.
Suppression of bladder overactivity by activation of somatic afferent nerves in the foot
Authors: Tai Changfeng , Shen Bing , Chen Mang , Wang Jicheng , Liu Hailong , Roppolo James R. , de Groat William C.
Published: April 2010

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

It is known that electrical stimulation of the sacral root, pudendal nerve, or tibial nerve can inhibit bladder overactivity. These stimulation methods require surgery or repeated clinical visits that are expensive and inconvenient.

This study shows for the first time that electrical stimulation of the foot can suppress bladder overactivity. Stimulation of the foot is non‐invasive, easily accessible, and convenient, which could be a widely acceptable treatment for bladder overactivity.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the possibility of suppressing bladder overactivity by electrical activation of somatic afferent nerves in the foot.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cats with an intact spinal cord were studied under α‐chloralose anaesthesia. Bladder pressure was recorded via a urethral catheter. Foot stimulation was applied via surface pad electrodes attached to the skin of the front or hind foot.

RESULTS

Reflex micturition was inhibited by electrical stimulation of the hind foot at either low (5 Hz) or high (20 Hz) frequencies, but stimulation of the front foot was ineffective. The mean (sem) bladder capacity during a saline infusion cystometrogram (CMG) was significantly (P < 0.05) increased to 153.2 (18.2)% and 136.9 (14.3)% of the control bladder capacity by stimulation at frequencies of 5 Hz and 20 Hz, respectively. Intravesical infusion of 0.25% acetic acid (AA) induced bladder overactivity and reduced bladder capacity to 20.3 (8.9)% of the control capacity measured during saline infusion. Foot stimulation inhibited the AA‐induced bladder overactivity recorded under isovolumetric conditions, and significantly (P < 0.05) increased bladder capacity during AA infusion. However, it only restored the small bladder capacity caused by AA irritation to 40–50% of the control bladder capacity measured during saline infusion. The effect of foot stimulation did not persist after termination of stimulation during repeated CMG tests.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows the potential of noninvasive transcutaneous electrical stimulation of somatic nerves in the foot to inhibit reflex bladder activity and treat overactive bladder symptoms.
Individual distress and dyadic adjustment over a three‐year follow‐up period in couple therapy: a bi‐directional relationship?
Authors: Tilden Terje , Gude Tore , Hoffart Asle , Sexton Harold
Published: April 2010

This study examined the relationship between depressive symptoms and dyadic adjustment, as well as between interpersonal problems and dyadic adjustment, during residential couple therapy and at a three‐year follow‐up (N=106). Mixed models were used in the analyses. Significant improvement (p<.001) occurred on all measures from admission to discharge (effect sizes .27−.83) and from admission to three‐year follow‐up (effect sizes .52−.79). During the observation period, improvement in depressive symptoms at the first time point predicted improvement in dyadic adjustment at the subsequent time point. Furthermore, the dyadic adjustment level at discharge predicted improvement in depressive symptoms in the follow‐up period. There were only modest associations between personality variables and dyadic adjustment. The clinical implication is that in couples suffering from co‐existing relational and symptomatic distress, couple therapy should include the aim of lowering depressive symptoms.
Dimensions of CEO–Board Relations
Authors: Boyd Brian K. , Haynes Katalin Takacs , Zona Fabio
Published: April 2010

abstract

Interactions between CEOs and their boards of directors are a prominent focus of management and strategy research. Despite the extensive literature on CEO–board relations, to date there has been limited integration of theoretical perspectives and measurement schemes. Through an extensive analysis of published studies, we hope to facilitate future research on CEO–board relations. We begin with a comparison of key theoretical approaches. Next, we conduct a content analysis of 51 empirical articles. We find that prior studies have an unbalanced focus regarding both topics and theoretical perspectives, and that there is limited consistency in the choice of measures. Based on this review, we lay out a number of promising directions for future research. We also find that, while there has been progress in international research on CEO–board relations, there are still many unanswered questions regarding the generalizability of governance theories across different geographic settings.
Heidegger's Descartes and Heidegger's Cartesianism
Authors: Shockey R. Matthew
Published: April 2010

Abstract: Heidegger's Sein und Zeit (SZ) is commonly viewed as one of the 20th century's great anti‐Cartesian works, usually because of its attack on the epistemology‐driven dualism and mentalism of modern philosophy of mind or its apparent effort to ‘de‐center the subject’ in order to privilege being or sociality over the individual. Most who stress one or other of these anti‐Cartesian aspects of SZ, however, pay little attention to Heidegger's own direct engagement with Descartes, apart from the compressed discussion in SZ §§19–21. I here show through a careful reading of Heidegger's lectures on Descartes from the years immediately preceding SZ that, while he has sharp criticisms of Descartes and certain ‘Cartesian’ aspects of modern philosophy along the lines commonly recognized, he also aims to disclose what he calls the ‘positive possibilities’ in Descartes and the philosophy he inspired. I detail a number of these and then show that they force us to see Heidegger's own early project as largely unconcerned with dualism and mentalism per se, and much more with questions of the philosophical methodology that gives rise to them. Moreover, I show that a careful reading of Heidegger's treatment of the cogito makes clear that he is no serious way attempting to ‘de‐center the subject’ and that the fundamental question of the ‘analytic of Dasein’ is one that takes Descartes as an immediate jumping off point: how can I articulate what I understand myself to be as the general kind of entity I am, and on what besides me does my being depend?
The First Confirmed Case of Down Syndrome with Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Authors: Prasher V. P. , Airuehia E. , Carey M.
Published: April 2010

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is the second commonest cause of dementia in the general population. Several researches have established an association between Down syndrome (DS) and Alzheimer’s disease. Very few studies have however showed such an association between dementia with Lewy bodies and Down syndrome. The occurrence of DLB in persons with DS is widely unrecognized. We report the first case of a person who fulfils the operational criteria for DLB and was also found to have Lewy bodies on neuropathological examination. It is important to make an early and accurate diagnosis as patients with DLB may respond differently than Alzheimer’s dementia patients to certain behavioural and medical treatments.
Predicting Placement Breakdown: Individual and Environmental Factors Associated with the Success or Failure of Community Residential Placements for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Phillips Neil , Rose John
Published: April 2010

Background  Individuals with intellectual disabilities are more likely to experience a breakdown in their community residential placement if they display ‘challenging’ behaviour. However, some individuals with behaviour that poses a severe challenge live successfully in community services long‐term, indicating that other factors are also important. This study seeks to test the validity of a proposed framework for placement breakdown that incorporates elements of Weiner’s theory of helping behaviour, in particular, staff attributions of control about the causes of an individual’s challenging behaviour.

Method  The study employed a between‐subjects design with two non‐experimental groups, controlling for the presence of challenging behaviour. One of these groups experienced a placement breakdown, whilst the other remained in the same placement. Staff completed questionnaires measuring a range of individual and service‐related factors.

Results  No differences were found between the groups in overall levels of challenging behaviour, although the breakdown group displayed higher rates of ‘intentional’ antisocial behaviour. Breakdown was predicted by a combination of increased community self‐sufficiency skills, attributions of a greater degree of control by the most senior members of staff, and lower levels of interaction and help from staff. Services in which a breakdown occurred were also of poorer overall quality, particularly in terms of staff resources and energy levels, the physical environment and administrative systems. Individuals experiencing breakdown were more likely to have had at least one acute behavioural or psychiatric admission.

Conclusions  Support was obtained for the proposed framework, indicating that staff attributions of control may play a mediating role between the challenging behaviour of an individual and the subsequent risk of placement breakdown. This has implications clinically in the identification of those at greater risk, given that this may not necessarily be those with the most severe challenging behaviour. Interventions to reduce this risk will need to address the way that staff think about challenging behaviour. Further research is required to test the validity of the framework.
Predictors of Job Satisfaction among Staff in Residential Settings for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities: A Comparison between Three Residential Models
Authors: Chou Yueh‐Ching , Kröger Teppo , Lee Yue‐Chune
Published: April 2010

Background  This cross‐sectional study aims to assess whether there are differences in staff job satisfaction, including organizational and individual characteristics, between three residential models for adults with intellectual disabilities (small residential home, group home and institution) and to investigate the organizational and individual variables associated with staff job satisfaction.

Methods  A standardized self‐administered questionnaire (Job Satisfaction Survey) was distributed together with demographic questions between April 2007 and June 2007. In total, 1301 staff members completed the questionnaire.

Results  We found that staff working at small homes had a significantly higher level of job satisfaction than staff from the other two models. Logistic regression revealed that the characteristics of the organizations at which they were employed rather than the staff’s individual characteristics were strongly associated with job satisfaction.

Conclusion  This study suggests that the residential model and the provider sector of the residential setting are the factors of concern when ensuring staff job satisfaction.
A Comparison of Quality of Life Outcomes for People with Intellectual Disabilities in Supported Employment, Day Services and Employment Enterprises
Authors: Beyer Stephen , Brown Tony , Akandi Rachel , Rapley Mark
Published: April 2010

Background  Policy objectives for people with intellectual disabilities include day service modernization and the promotion of paid employment and quality of life. Quality of life is under represented as an outcome measure in vocational research. This research compares subjective and objective quality of life, and quality of work environment for adults with intellectual disabilities in supported employment, employment enterprises and day services with non‐disabled workers in community employment.

Methods  Comprehensive Quality of Life Scale, and Work Environment Scale were collected for people with intellectual disabilities: 17 supported employees; 10 employment enterprise workers; 10 day service attendees; and 17 non‐disabled work colleagues of supported employees.

Results  Supported employees reported higher objective quality of life than employment enterprise workers and day service attendees. Non‐disabled co‐workers reported higher objective quality of life and autonomy at work than the three groups of people with intellectual disabilities. Supported employees reported higher subjective quality of life than non‐disabled co‐workers.

Conclusions  The findings support the utility of supported employment as a means to provide constructive occupation and enhanced quality of life to people with intellectual disabilities. However, closing the gap with respect to non‐disabled co‐workers on objective quality of life measures represents a challenge and will require improving the quality of job finding and workplace support and the training provided.
An Investigation of Nursing Staff Attitudes and Emotional Reactions Towards Patients with Intellectual Disability in a General Hospital Setting
Authors: Lewis Sharna , Stenfert‐Kroese Biza
Published: April 2010

Background  It has been suggested that inequalities in health care for people with intellectual disabilities may be partly explained by negative attitudes of health professionals. This study aimed to investigate the attitudes and emotional reactions reported by nursing staff working in general hospitals towards caring for patients with intellectual disabilities.

Method  Attitudes and emotional reactions were measured using a self‐report, vignette style questionnaire, tested for validity and reliability. Attitudes towards patients with physical disabilities were also assessed to act as a comparison.

Results  Nursing staff reported less positive attitudes, more negative emotions and fewer positive emotions, in response to caring for a patient with an intellectual disability compared to a patient with a physical disability. Occupational status (registered general nurse, student nurse, nursing assistant) had no effect upon respondents reported attitudes or emotions. Finally, attitudinal and emotional variables were significantly correlated, with positive emotions being associated with more favourable attitudes.

Conclusions  Although caution needs to be exercised when inferring actual behaviour from attitudes expressed, it is suggested that the presence of less positive attitudes and feelings amongst nursing staff towards patients with intellectual disabilities may affect the quality of care. Recommendations for future research and service development includes: the need to focus upon improving attitudes of nursing staff through training, and increased joint working between acute care services and Community Intellectual Disability Teams.
The Subjective Experiences of People with an Intellectual Disability and Diagnosis of Schizophrenia Who are Detained in a Medium Secure Unit
Authors: Cookson Alex , Dickson Joanne M.
Published: April 2010

Background  This paper examines the experiences of people with intellectual disabilities, in secure care, with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. The paper specifically looks at the perceptions of the participants in relation to their diagnosis and experience of psychosis.

Method  Eleven adults with intellectual disabilities in a medium secure unit were interviewed about their experiences and understanding of their diagnosis of schizophrenia and symptoms of psychosis. The transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).

Results  Three Superordinate themes were evident within the data as well as several subthemes; (i) reality of symptoms (voices as controlling/malevolent, symptoms as a real lived experience); (ii) making sense/a search for meaning (normalization, religious/spiritual explanation, psychotic symptoms as a sign of illness) and (iii) Perceptions of being labelled.

Conclusion  The results highlighted that people with intellectual disabilities hold multiple frameworks in understanding both their diagnosis of schizophrenia and the associated symptoms of psychosis. The findings provide further insight into the experiences of people with intellectual disabilities, specifically those detained within a medium secure unit. The clinical implications are discussed in terms of developing services and therapeutic approaches.
Impact of cytomegalovirus (CMV) antibody reflex testing in the transfusion service on management of CMV‐seronegative blood inventory
Authors: Fontaine Magali J. , Jurado Christine , Miller Evelyn , Viele Maurene , Goodnough Lawrence T.
Published: April 2010

BACKGROUND: Our goal is to minimize unnecessary cytomegalovirus (CMV)‐seronegative blood transfusion to preserve the CMV‐seronegative blood inventory for patients who are identified as CMV seronegative.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We implemented a CMV antibody reflex testing protocol for patients who require CMV‐compatible blood but in whom a CMV serostatus is unknown (coded as CMVT in our computer system). A solid‐phase red blood cell (RBC) adherence antibody detection system was validated to detect CMV antibodies in plasma samples (received for ABO/Rh type and RBC antibody screen) with acceptable sensitivity and specificity. We evaluated the impact of this CMV antibody reflex testing on the management of RBC and platelet (PLT) inventory for patients requiring CMV‐compatible blood.

RESULTS: Over a 16‐month period, implementation of CMV antibody reflex testing identified 361 (34%) of 1063 previously CMV‐untested patients who required CMV‐compatible blood and who were CMV seronegative. We observed a 75% decrease in the number of CMVT patients in our data base from 190 per month before implementation to 57 at 16 months postimplementation. Consequently we reevaluated the percentage in our blood inventory of CMV‐seronegative units required while potentially saving 1234 CMV‐seronegative blood products (835 RBCs and 399 PLTs) each month.

CONCLUSION: A strategy of performing CMV antibody reflex testing in the transfusion service allows more effective blood inventory management and control in maintaining a CMV‐seronegative blood inventory dedicated for patients who truly require it.
Transfusion of antibody‐opsonized red blood cells results in a shift in the immune response from the red blood cell to the antibody in a murine model
Authors: Brinc Davor , Le‐Tien Hoang , Crow Andrew R. , Semple John W. , Freedman John , Lazarus Alan H.
Published: April 2010

BACKGROUND:It is well known that infusion of immunoglobulin (Ig)G‐coated cells results in an inhibited antigen‐specific humoral immune response compared to the cells themselves, a phenomenon termed antibody‐mediated immune suppression (AMIS). Although this AMIS effect has been well described with many different types of cells as well as vaccines and insoluble antigens, the mechanisms behind this effect remain unresolved.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:To study AMIS in a broad context, three different models of AMIS were studied. In the first, mice were transfused with sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) versus IgG‐coated SRBCs. In the second, SRBCs expressing the antigen hen egg white lysozyme (HEL) were studied, and the third model consisted of the diphtheria/tetanus vaccine in the absence versus presence of anti‐tetanus IgG. The antibody responses to the SRBCs and HEL‐SRBCs, as well as the vaccine, were analyzed for up to 4 weeks after challenge.

RESULTS:In these mouse models of immunization, the IgG‐coated RBCs or HEL‐RBCs induced an antibody response against the IgG, rather than against the RBCs. The decreased response to the RBCs was directly related to the increase of the response against the IgG. The inhibitory AMIS effect using the vaccine strategy again showed an immune response against the IgG, concurrent with a decrease in the immune response against the specific vaccine component targeted.

CONCLUSIONS:This work demonstrates that, under AMIS conditions, the IgG itself becomes the focus of B cells in the immune system, suggesting a potential mechanism of B‐cell regulation.
A virally inactivated platelet‐derived growth factor/vascular endothelial growth factor concentrate fractionated from human platelets
Authors: Burnouf Thierry , Kuo Ya Po , Huang Chun Ting , Tseng Yu Hung , Lin Che Tong , Su Chen Yao
Published: April 2010

BACKGROUND: Human platelet concentrates (PCs) may be a source material to produce purified growth factors (GFs) for clinical use or cell therapy. However, no fractionation process of therapeutic‐grade GF from PCs has ever been developed.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: PCs were virally inactivated by solvent/detergent (S/D) treatment, subjected to oil extraction to remove part of the S/D agents, and fractionated on a SP‐Sepharose (SP) chromatographic column equilibrated in a phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) buffer, pH 7.5. The breakthrough was recovered, and the column was washed with the PBS buffer and then eluted by a 0.7 mol/L NaCl‐PBS buffer pH 7.5 (SP‐eluate). The SP‐breakthrough and SP‐eluate were characterized for their content in GF, proteins, lipids, and S/D agents. The MTS value of three cell lines cultivated in a medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum supplemented with 1% to 3% of SP‐eluate or recombinant human (rHu) platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐BB was compared.

RESULTS: The SP‐eluate contained a mean of 47, 17, and 6 ng/mL PDGF‐AB, ‐BB, and ‐AA, respectively, and 0.26 ng/mL vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). It was largely depleted of transforming growth factor‐β1 (2.33 ng/mL), epidermal growth factor (0.09 ng/mL), insulin‐like growth factor (3.40 ng/mL), albumin, immunoglobulin (Ig)G, IgM, IgA, and fibrinogen, which were mostly in the breakthrough. tri‐n‐butyl phosphate and Triton X‐45 were less than 2 ppm. Cell growth–promoting activity of the SP‐eluate was at least as good as that of rHu‐PDGF‐BB.

CONCLUSION: Human PC can be fractionated into a purified, virally inactivated PDGF and VEGF concentrate, opening perspectives for the development of a new range of blood products for clinical use and cell therapy procedures.
Demographic correlates of low hemoglobin deferral among prospective whole blood donors
Authors: Mast Alan E. , Schlumpf Karen S. , Wright David J. , Custer Brian , Spencer Bryan , Murphy Edward L. , Simon Toby L. ,   for the NHLBI Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study‐II
Published: April 2010

BACKGROUND: Approximately 10% of attempted blood donations are not allowed because of low hemoglobin (Hb) deferral.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Low Hb deferrals were tracked in more 715,000 whole blood donors at six blood centers across the United States. A multivariable logistic regression model was developed to comprehensively assess demographic correlates for low Hb deferral.

RESULTS: Demographic factors significantly associated with low Hb deferral include female sex (11 times greater odds than males), increasing age in men (men over 80 have 29 times greater odds than men under 20), African American race (2‐2.5 times greater odds than Caucasians), Hispanic ethnicity in women (1.29 times greater odds than Caucasian women), and weight in men (men under 124 pounds have 2.5 times greater odds than men over 200 pounds). Interestingly, increasing donation frequency is associated with decreased odds for low Hb deferral (women with one donation in the previous 12 months have two times greater odds than those with six donations).

CONCLUSIONS: Low Hb deferral is associated with female sex, older age, African American race/ethnicity, and lower body weight in men. An inverse association with donation frequency suggests a selection bias in favor of donors able to give more frequently. These data provide useful information that can be utilized to manage blood donors to limit low Hb deferrals and assist in policy decisions such as changing the Hb cutoff or permissible frequency of donation. They also generate hypotheses for new research of the causes of anemia in defined groups of donors.
Burr Erosion in Rotational Ablation of Metallic Coronary Stent: An Electron Microscopic Study
Authors: HO PAUL C. , WEATHERBY TINA M. , DUNLAP MARILYN
Published: April 2010

Background: Rotational atherectomy is used to penetrate resistant coronary lesions from standard balloon dilatation. These lesions may contain heavy calcification or metallic components from previously implanted stents. When the rotablator
® device is utilized to ablate an undilatable lesion containing metallic stent component, what happens to the rotablator® burr after grinding through metal? Are there additional technical considerations of rotational atherectomy when used in metallic “ablation”?

Methods: A challenging case of rotational ablation of a freshly placed coronary stent is presented requiring 2 burrs to penetrate the undilatable lesion overlaid by the stent. Comparative scanning electron microscopic (SEM) evaluations of 3 rotablator
® burrs are presented including the 2 used burrs and 1 brand new burr as control. SEM analyses including gross observations and detailed account of the diamond chips (DC) on the burr‐surfaces were performed.

Results: The results showed that the 1st used burr received most of the damage and erosion from the high‐speed impact with the metallic stent struts. Significant scratch marks were observed on the surface of the 1st used burr. Also, a significant number of the DC on the surface of the 1st used burr were found missing, as compared to the 2nd used burr or the brand new burr.

Conclusions: The SEM findings of the rotablator
® burrs in this study suggest a mechanism for burr erosion when used in ablating metallic coronary stents. Also based on the SEM results, technical recommendations are discussed when the rotational atherectomy device is used to ablate metallic struts of coronary stents. (J Interven Cardiol 2010;23:233–239)
Dielectric and Grain‐Boundary Characteristics of Hot Pressed CaCu3Ti4O12
Authors: Kim Byeong Kon , Lee Hyung Sub , Lee Jung Won , Lee Seung Eun , Cho Yong Soo
Published: April 2010

Effects of hot pressing (HP) on the dielectric and grain‐boundary characteristics of copper titanate (CaCu3Ti4O12 or CCTO) materials were studied with the comparison of conventionally prepared samples. HP at 1100°C in N2 atmosphere resulted in uniformly distributed smaller grain sizes and less Cu‐rich grain boundaries, without the accompanying secondary CuO phase. The high effective permittivity of ∼3 × 104 at 1 kHz, obtained in the HP sample having a relatively smaller grain size of ∼2.4 μm, is assumed to be associated with a higher dielectric constant of thinner grain‐boundary phases. The low grain‐boundary resistivities of 199–319 kΩ·cm in the HP samples are likely induced by the N2 atmosphere and less Cu‐rich grain‐boundary phase.
Low‐Temperature Solvothermal Synthesis of ZnO Quantum Dots
Authors: He Rongliang , Tsuzuki Takuya
Published: April 2010

ZnO quantum dots were synthesized via a low‐temperature solvothermal process without using surfactants. Heat treatment of ZnCl2 and NaOH solutions in tetra‐ethylene glycol at 140°C led to the formation of spherical ZnO nanoparticles consisting of the aggregates of uniform‐sized quantum dots. The particle size and morphology were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, X‐ray diffraction, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller gas absorption measurements. It was found that the quantum dots in the particles were single crystals of ZnO of ∼5 nm in diameter having the wurtzite structure. The quantum dots showed quantum size effects even in the agglomerated form. The growth mechanism of this new type of ZnO nanoparticles is proposed.
Investigation of Electromechanical Properties and Related Temperature Characteristics in Domain‐Engineered Tetragonal Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3–Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3 Crystals
Authors: Li Fei , Zhang Shujun , Xu Zhuo , Wei Xiaoyong , Luo Jun , Shrout Thomas R.
Published: April 2010

The orientation‐dependent electromechanical properties were calculated for tetragonal Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3–Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3– PbTiO3 (PIN–PMN–PT) crystals based on single‐domain data. The maximum electromechanical coupling

was found to lie along the polar direction [001], whereas the maximum piezoelectric coefficient

was found to occur along [011]. Subsequently, the piezoelectric properties of [011] poled tetragonal PIN–PMN–PT crystals, with an engineered domain configuration (“2T”), were studied using resonance impedance measurement and strain versus electric field (S–E) behavior, where the piezoelectric coefficient d33 and coupling k33 of [011] poled crystals were found to be on the order of 1000 pC/N and 0.75, respectively. The high d33 of [011] poled crystals was associated with the high shear coefficient d15 (∼2300 pC/N) in single domain state. Finally, the piezoelectric and electromechanical properties of [011] domain engineered tetragonal PIN–PMN–PT crystals were investigated as a function of temperature. In contrast to [001] single‐domain PIN–PMN–PT crystals, the piezoelectric coefficient d33 and coupling k33 of [011] poled crystals were found to decrease with increasing temperature.