bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of a Totally Occluded Superior Mesenteric Artery Facilitated by Retrograde Crossing via Collaterals from the Celiac Artery
Authors: Robken Jon , Shammas Nicolas W.
Published: March 2015

Purpose:

To present a new approach route for recanalization of a chronically occluded superior mesenteric artery (SMA).

Technique:

Percutaneous treatment of an SMA occlusion can be accomplished in some cases via retrograde crossing through collaterals from the celiac artery. From a right common femoral artery (CFA) approach, an 8-F RDC guide catheter is advanced to the origin of the celiac artery via. Using a 5-F angled Glidecath, a long 0.035-inch stiff Glidewire, and a Choice PT wire, the glide catheter is advanced via the celiac artery into the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery. Using the angled Glidewire and the Choice PT wire, the occluded SMA is cannulated in a retrograde fashion. Through an 8-F sheath in the left CFA, an 8-F RDC guide catheter is advanced into the abdominal aorta. A goose neck snare is used to capture the Choice wire, which is withdrawn through the left catheter and sheath. The SMA occlusion is dilated, and the RDC guide is advanced into the SMA origin over the balloon. Another Choice PT wire and a 0.035-inch Wholey High Torque wire are placed in an antegrade fashion through the now open SMA. Angioplasty and stenting are then completed in the SMA over the Wholey wire.

Conclusion:

Retrograde recanalization of the SMA via celiac collaterals offers a new endovascular approach to treating patients with chronic mesenteric ischemia and a chronically occluded SMA.
The Italian Validation of the Anosognosia Questionnaire for Dementia in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Gambina G. , Valbusa V. , Corsi N. , Ferrari F. , Sala F. , Broggio E. , Condoleo M. T. , Surdo V. , Errera P. , Cagnin A. C. , Moretto G. , Moro V.
Published: March 2015

Although the Anosognosia Questionnaire-Dementia (AQ-D) is one of the main instruments for assessing awareness in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the normative data were until now limited to people from Argentina and Japan. This study aims to validate this instrument in an European context, in particular in an Italian sample. In a multicenter project (Verona, Padova, and Trapani), 130 patients with AD and their caregivers participated in the study. Psychometric characteristics of AQ-D are confirmed indicating that the scale permits the early identification of anosognosia and the correct care management of patients. Indeed, anosognosia results to be present also in patients with very mild AD (moderate: 44.44%; mild: 47.17%; and very mild: 23.73%). Moreover, the results indicate that deficits in awareness may vary in severity and that different types of anosognosia may be identified.
Population health in New Zealand 2000–2013: From determinants of health to targets
Authors: Sheridan Nicolette F , Kenealy Timothy W , Schmidt-Busby Jacqueline IG , Rea Harold H
Published: March 2015

Objective:

To determine how ‘population health’ has been understood in practice and policy and has influenced health system restructuring in New Zealand since 2000.

Methods:

Interviews in 2007–2008 with managers, clinicians, government policy advisors and academics were undertaken to explore the relationships between population health, determinants of health, and health system restructuring. This was augmented by a review of major government health policies from 2009 to 2013 to establish which notions of population health were reflected.

Results:

Population health shifted from a broad notion of health determinants to focus on a small number of quantifiable health targets driven by financial incentives. Meantime, an emphasis on ‘quality and safety’ impeded population health activities. District Health Board programmes to identify high risk individuals, by disease or hospital service utilisation, diverted attention from broader population health outcomes. District Health Boards were not held accountable for integrating a population health approach in service planning and did not initiate or lead intersectoral work. Community consultation was limited. Primary Health Organisations, although mandated to address population health, typically aligned with the small-business model of general practice making service integration difficult to achieve. In policy, ‘population health’ dropped from favour in the mid-2000s, although many documents, outside the health sector, carried forward these values.

Conclusion:

A progressively narrower focus on a small number of health targets and on organisational processes undermined earlier policy intentions and health system restructuring that sought to improve broader population health outcomes.
An ICU Nurse With a History of Tremors
Authors: Lurati Ann
Published: March 2015

A 52-year-old female working as a registered nurse in the ICU developed tremors with fine motor activities in stressful situations. She was evaluated by a neurologist and was diagnosed with physiological tremors. Implications for practice are explored.
Explaining the origins and evolution of India’s Korean policy
Authors: Kumar Rajiv
Published: March 2015

This paper attempts to explain the origins and evolution of India’s Korean policy since its independence. India’s Korean policy during the Korean crisis mainly revolved around its commitment to non-alignment in which India adopted a neutral stance. After initially pursuing a non-alignment policy, there was a gradual shift away from this early neutralism towards a policy in which India seemed to be more inclined towards North Korea than to South Korea. The end of the Cold War brought about a remarkable change in India’s Korean policy, as it forged a new India–South Korea partnership. As a result of this, India improved its relationship with the South, whereas its interaction with the North remained minimal. Now it seems that India’s Korean policy is entering a new phase in which it is seeking to deepen its security and economic ties with South Korea, and is showing a fresh enthusiasm to resolve the Korean issue. What factors have accounted for the evolution of India’s Korean policy over the last seventy years? The paper employs a binary approach to examine such a complex and intricate phenomenon, and argues that a combination of external and domestic factors have influenced the origins and evolution of India’s Korean policy. This study is based mainly on primary sources.
It’s Not What You Say, It’s The Way That You Say It
Authors: Geertshuis Susan A. , Morrison Rachel L. , Cooper-Thomas Helena D.
Published: March 2015

The quality of relationships between supervisors and their subordinates has been found to be predictive of subordinate performance. A number of explanatory mechanisms have been proposed, and the frequency and nature of dyadic communication have been posited as contributory. To further explore this potential mechanism, the authors tested the hypothesis that upward influencing communications mediate the relationship between relationship quality, as measured by leader-member exchange (LMX), and supervisor ratings of subordinate performance. In a study involving 107 supervisors, LMX was positively associated with reported frequencies of upward influences delivered as rational argument and negatively associated with ingratiatory and assertive communications. LMX was also positively associated with performance ratings, but this relationship was fully mediated by the frequency of upward influencing tactics, with rational argument being positively predictive of performance ratings and assertiveness being negatively associated with ratings of performance.
Multidimensional Dyspnea Profile: an instrument for clinical and laboratory research
Authors: Banzett Robert B. , O'Donnell Carl R. , Guilfoyle Tegan E. , Parshall Mark B. , Schwartzstein Richard M. , Meek Paula M. , Gracely Richard H. , Lansing Robert W.
Published: March 2015

There is growing awareness that dyspnoea, like pain, is a multidimensional experience, but measurement instruments have not kept pace. The Multidimensional Dyspnea Profile (MDP) assesses overall breathing discomfort, sensory qualities, and emotional responses in laboratory and clinical settings. Here we provide the MDP, review published evidence regarding its measurement properties and discuss its use and interpretation. The MDP assesses dyspnoea during a specific time or a particular activity (focus period) and is designed to examine individual items that are theoretically aligned with separate mechanisms. In contrast, other multidimensional dyspnoea scales assess recalled recent dyspnoea over a period of days using aggregate scores.

Previous psychophysical and psychometric studies using the MDP show that: 1) subjects exposed to different laboratory stimuli could discriminate between air hunger and work/effort sensation, and found air hunger more unpleasant; 2) the MDP immediate unpleasantness scale (A1) was convergent with common dyspnoea scales; 3) in emergency department patients, two domains were distinguished (immediate perception, emotional response); 4) test–retest reliability over hours was high; 5) the instrument responded to opioid treatment of experimental dyspnoea and to clinical improvement; 6) convergent validity with common instruments was good; and 7) items responded differently from one another as predicted for multiple dimensions.
Erlotinib and bevacizumabversuscisplatin, gemcitabine and bevacizumab in unselected nonsquamous nonsmall cell lung cancer
Authors: Thomas Michael , Fischer Jürgen , Andreas Stefan , Kortsik Cornelius , Grah Christian , Serke Monika , von Eiff Michael , Witt Christian , Kollmeier Jens , Müller Ernst , Schenk Michael , Schröder Michael , Villalobos Matthias , Reinmuth Niels , Penzel Roland , Schnabel Philipp , Acker Thomas , Reuss Alexander , Wolf Martin
Published: March 2015

Erlotinib with bevacizumab showed promising activity in recurrent nonsquamous (NS) nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The INNOVATIONS study was designed to assess in first-line treatment of unselected cisplatin-eligible patients this combination compared to cisplatin, gemcitabine and bevacizumab.

Stage IIIB/IV patients with NS-NSCLC were randomised on erlotinib (150 mg daily) and bevacizumab (15 mg·kg−1on day 1, every 3 weeks) (EB) until progression, or cisplatin (80 mg·m−2on day 1, every 3 weeks) and gemcitabine (1250 mg·m−2on days 1 and 8, every 3 weeks) up to six cycles and bevacizumab (15 mg·kg−1on day 1, every 3 weeks) (PGB) until progression.

224 patients were randomised (EB n=111, PGB n=113). The response rate (12%versus36%; p<0.0001), progression-free survival (median 3.5versus6.9 months; hazard ratio (HR) 1.85, 95% CI 1.39–2.45; p<0.0001) and overall survival (median 12.6versus17.8 months; HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.01–1.97; p=0.04) clearly favoured PGB. In patients with epidermal growth factor receptor mutations (n=32), response rate, progression-free survival and overall survival were not superior with EB.

Platinum-based combination chemotherapy remains the standard of care in first-line treatment of unselected NS-NSCLC. Molecular targeted approaches strongly mandate appropriate testing and patient selection.
Quantum dot-sensitized solar cells having 3D-TiO2 flower-like structures on the surface of titania nanorods with CuS counter electrode
Authors: Buatong Nattha , Tang I-Ming , Pon-On Weeraphat
Published: March 2015

The photovoltaic performance of a quantum dot (QD)-sensitized solar cell consisting of CdS/CdSe/ZnS QDs loaded onto the surface of the three-dimensional (3D) flower-like TiO2 structure grown on an array (1D) of TiO2 nanorods (FTiR) is studied. The flower-like structure on the rod-shaped titania was synthesized using a double-step hydrothermal process. The FTiR array exhibited a 3D/1D composite structure with a specific surface area of 81.87 m2/g. Using CuS as the counter electrode instead of Pt offers the best performance and leads to an increase in the conversion efficiency (η). The efficiency of the CdS/CdSe/ZnS QD-loaded FTiR assembling CuS counter electrode cell improved from η = 2.715% (Voc = 0.692 V, Jsc = 5.896 mA/cm2, FF = 0.665) to η = 0.703% (Voc = 0.665 V, Jsc = 2.108 mA/cm2, FF = 0.501) for the QD-loaded FTiR assembling Pt counter electrode cell. These studies reveal a synergistically beneficial effect on the solar-to-current conversion of these QD-sensitized solar cells when a CuS counter electrode is used instead of the usual Pt counter electrode.
Predicting involvement of polycomb repressive complex 2 in direct conversion of mouse fibroblasts into induced neural stem cells
Authors: Yaqubi Moein , Mohammadnia Abdulshakour , Fallahi Hossein
Published: March 2015

Introduction

Mouse fibroblasts could be directly converted into induced neural stem cells (iNSCs), by introducing a set of known transcription factors (TFs). This process, known as direct reprogramming, is an alternative source of NSCs production for cell therapy applications, hence, more common sources for such cells including embryonic stem cell (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSCs) are also in use. Despite their importance, the exact role of different TFs involved in the conversion of fibroblasts into iNSCs and the interactions between these factors has not been studied.

Methods

Here, we have used available microarray data to construct a gene regulatory network to understand the dynamic of regulatory interactions during this conversion. We have implemented other types of data such as information regarding TFs binding sites and valid protein-protein interactions to improve the network reliability. The network contained 1857 differentially expressed (DE) genes, linked by11054 interactions. The most important TFs identified based on topology analysis of the network. Furthermore, in selecting such TFs, we have also considered their role in the regulation of nervous system development.

Results

Based on these analyses, we found that Ezh2, Jarid2, Mtf2, Nanog, Pou5f1, Sall4, Smarca4, Sox2, Suz12, and Tcf3 are the main regulators of direct conversion of mouse fibroblasts into iNSCs. Because, members of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) were present in the most effective TFs’ list, we have concluded that this complex is one of the major factors in this conversion. Additionally, gene expression profiling of iNSCs, obtained from a different data sets, showed that Sox2 and Ezh2 are two main regulators of the direct reprogramming process.

Conclusions

Our results provide an insight into molecular events that occur during direct reprogramming of fibroblasts into iNSCs. This information could be useful in simplifying the production of iNSCs, by reducing the number of required factors, for use in regenerative medicine.
Combining material and model pedigree is foundational to making ICME a reality
Authors: Arnold Steven M , Holland Frederic A , Bednarcyk Brett A , Pineda Evan J
Published: March 2015

With the increased emphasis on reducing the cost and time to market of new materials, the need for analytical tools that enable the virtual design and optimization of materials throughout their processing-internal structure-property-performance envelope, along with the capturing and storing of the associated material and model information across its life cycle, has become critical. This need is also fueled by the demands for higher efficiency in material testing; consistency, quality, and traceability of data; product design; engineering analysis; as well as control of access to proprietary or sensitive information. Fortunately, materials information management systems and physics-based multiscale modeling methods have kept pace with the growing user demands. Herein, recent efforts to identify best practices associated with these user demands and key principles for the development of a robust materials information management system will be discussed. The goals are to enable the connections at various length scales to be made between experimental data and corresponding multiscale modeling toolsets and, ultimately, to enable ICME to become a reality. In particular, the NASA Glenn Research Center efforts towards establishing such a database (for combining material and model pedigree) associated with both monolithic and composite materials as well as a multiscale, micromechanics-based analysis toolset for such materials will be discussed.
Development of plasma enhanced antiviral surgical gown for healthcare workers
Authors: Parthasarathi Venkatesan , Thilagavathi Govindharajan
Published: March 2015

Plasma treatments are gaining popularity in the textile industry due to their numerous advantages over conventional wet processing techniques. In this study, nonwoven fabrics spunbond polypropylene, polyester basis weight of 25 g/m2and microporous PTFE film were used to develop tri-laminate antiviral surgical gown. The outer layer of spunbond polypropylene was treated with plasma enhanced fluorocarbon. The plasma treated polypropylene was also treated with titanium nano dispersion finish in a single bath pad-dry-cure method. The pore sizes of nonwoven fabrics were characterized using tri-nocular microscope. The titanium nano finished polypropylene was characterized by scanning electron microscope. The tri-laminate surgical gown was developed with outer layer of plasma treated polypropylene, middle layer of PTFE and inner layer of polyester nonwoven. Liquid barrier properties of surgical performance were analyzed by viral penetration, antibacterial, spray impact penetration, hydrostatic resistance, tensile properties and moisture vapour permeability to estimate their suitability for antiviral surgical gown. It is observed that plasma treated gown shows 99.04% bacterial reduction as compared to untreated, thus providing barrier against microbes. The plasma treatment does not alter the weight and tensile properties of surgical gown. The developed plasma enhanced flurocarbon treated tri-laminate surgical gown offer sufficient liquid barrier properties for level 4 protection as per Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation classification. Moisture vapour transfer rate of plasma treated tri-laminate gown decreased by 21% in comparison with untreated nonwoven gown.
Regeneration of rabbit calvarial defects using cells-implanted nano-hydroxyapatite coated silk scaffolds
Authors: Park Jin-Young , Yang Cheryl , Jung Im-Hee , Lim Hyun-Chang , Lee Jung-Seok , Jung Ui-Won , Seo Young-Kwon , Park Jung-Keug , Choi Seong-Ho
Published: March 2015

Background

The aim of this study was to characterize the efficacy of nano-hydroxyapatite-coated silk fibroin constructs as a scaffold for bone tissue engineering and to determine the osteogenic effect of human dental pulp and periodontal ligament derived cells at an early stage of healing in rabbits. 3D silk fibroin constructs were developed and coated using nano-hydroxyapatite crystals. Dental pulp and periodontal ligament cells from extracted human third molars were cultured and seeded onto the silk scaffolds prior to in vivo implantation into 8 male New Zealand White rabbits. Four circular windows 8 mm in diameter were created in the calvarium of each animal. The defects were randomly allocated to the groups; (1) silk scaffold with dental pulp cells (DPSS), (2) silk scaffold with PDL cells (PDLSS), (3) normal saline-soaked silk scaffold (SS), and (4) empty control. The animals were sacrificed 2 (n = 4) or 4 weeks (n = 4) postoperatively. The characteristics of the silk scaffolds before and after cell seeding were analyzed using SEM. Samples were collected for histologic and histomorphometic analysis. ANOVA was used for statistical analysis.

Result

Histologic view of the experimental sites showed well-maintained structure of the silk scaffolds mostly unresorbed at 4 weeks. The SEM observations after cell-seeding revealed attachment of the cells onto silk fibroin with production of extracellular matrix. New bone formation was observed in the 4 week groups occurring from the periphery of the defects and the silk fibers were closely integrated with the new bone. There was no significant difference in the amount of bone formation between the SS group and the DPSS and PDLSS groups.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study, silk scaffold is a biocompatible material with potential expediency as an osteoconductive scaffold in bone tissue engineering. However, there was no evidence to suggest that the addition of hDPCs and hPDLCs to the current rabbit calvarial defect model can produce an early effect in augmenting osteogenesis.
AP-1 Transcription Factors c-FOS and c-JUN Mediate GnRH-Induced Cadherin-11 Expression and Trophoblast Cell Invasion
Authors: Peng Bo , Zhu Hua , Ma Liyang , Wang Yan-ling , Klausen Christian , Leung Peter C. K.
Published: March 2015

GnRH is expressed in first-trimester human placenta and increases cell invasion in extravillous cytotrophoblasts (EVTs). Invasive phenotypes have been reported to be regulated by transcription factor activator protein 1 (AP-1) and mesenchymal cadherin-11. The aim of our study was to investigate the roles of AP-1 components (c-FOS/c-JUN) and cadherin-11 in GnRH-induced cell invasion in human EVT cells. Phosphorylated c-FOS and phosphorylated c-JUN were detected in the cell column regions of human first-trimester placental villi by immunohistochemistry. GnRH treatment increased c-FOS, c-JUN, and cadherin-11 mRNA and protein levels in immortalized EVT (HTR-8/SVneo) cells. Moreover, GnRH treatment induced c-FOS and c-JUN protein phosphorylation and nuclear accumulation. Pretreatment with antide, a GnRH antagonist, attenuated GnRH-induced cadherin-11 expression. Importantly, basal and GnRH-induced cadherin-11 expression and cell invasion were reduced by small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of c-FOS, c-JUN, and cadherin-11 in HTR-8/SVneo cells. Our results suggest that GnRH induces the expression and phosphorylation of the AP-1 transcription factors c-FOS and c-JUN in trophoblast cells, which contributes to GnRH-induced elevation of cadherin-11 expression and cell invasion.
Acrylamide and Lactic Acid-based Sol–Gel Process for the Preparation of Silver and Nickel Nanoparticles under a N2 Protecting Atmosphere
Authors: Li Pingyun , Sun Ju , Li Hang , Guo Xiaode , Deng Guodong , Liu Hongying , Jiang Wei , Li Fengsheng , Gu Zhiming , Wang Yujiao
Published: March 2015

This letter reports the preparation of silver and nickel nanoparticles via a sol–gel process using acrylamide and lactic acid as the coordination agents. Silver nanoparticles with face-centered-cubic crystalline phase and grain size in the nanometer range can be obtained at 773 K. These results provide a new research route for the preparation of metallic nanoparticles.
Alternative, Lead-free, Hybrid Organic–Inorganic Perovskites for Solar Applications: A DFT Analysis
Authors: Giorgi Giacomo , Yamashita Koichi
Published: March 2015

We here theoretically investigate, by means of a density functional-based approach, the MATl0.5Bi0.5I3 (MA: CH3NH3+) perovskite, where Tl/Bi aliovalent ionic pairs replace Pb cations of the parental MAPbI3. On the basis of a pure structural and electronic analysis, considering the close similarities with the well-assessed MAPbI3 system, we predict such compounds as potential alternative materials for solar applications.
OR Forum—A Glimpse at an Operation Analyst’s World War II: “Report on the Combat Performance of the Remote Control Turrets of B-29 Aircraft”
Authors: Green Alex E. S. , Green Deborah S. , Francis Richard L.
Published: March 2015

Alex Green was a pioneering operations analyst/researcher for the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. His February 1945 operations analysis “Report on the Combat Performance of the Remote Control Turrets of B-29 Aircraft” was classified and buried for 70 years. Stationed in the China-Burma-India theatre and addressing a problem of combat losses posed by General Curtis LeMay, Green used written reports and interviews to draw conclusions regarding direction of enemy attack on the B-29s, opposite those of a large stateside simulation study. Resulting in LeMay’s changes in B-29 flight formations and frontal armaments, his report also addressed B-29 gun dispersion adjustments and modifications to the analog computer in the plane’s nose. This paper examines how Green drew his conclusions under wartime conditions before digital computers. Apart from the extraordinary advances in computer technology, much of his methodology is still relevant today and a part of operations research (OR). This paper offers a window into the origins of OR and remarkable efforts of its pioneers.
Coronary angiography
Authors: Mendes Aysha
Published: March 2015

This section presents a concise overview of the treatments and clinical procedures regularly carried out in the field of cardiovascular care. This ‘back-to-basics’ article aims to refresh nurses’ knowledge on correct practice, as well as introduce students and junior nurses to procedures
BSH annual meeting: yesterday's problems, today's solutions
Authors: Masters Jayne
Published: March 2015

Jayne Masters reports on the British Society of Heart Failure's 17th Annual Autumn meeting, held in Westminster in November 2014
One of the lucky ones: early diagnosis saved James’ life
Authors: Bailey James
Published: March 2015

James Bailey was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome after a ‘panic attack’ on the football field. He shares his story here
The ongoing pacemaker debate continues…
Authors: Palmer Sarah J
Published: March 2015

Last month, Dr Alex Chen wrote in responding to an article published in the December issue of the journal. The author, Sarah Jane Palmer, responds here to the many points raised by Dr Chen in his letter
ECG of the month
Authors: Regan Clare , Regan Martin
Published: March 2015

Clare Regan and Martin Regan present an ECG for you to analyse.
Research Roundup
Authors: Cope Graham F
Published: March 2015

In this section, Graham Cope presents a synopsis of a selection of recently published articles of interest to nurses working in the field of cardiovascular nursing. The aim of this roundup is to provide a brief overview of the research papers selected. A full reference is provided for those who wish to take a look at the research in further detail
What is the value of a nurseled clinic for patients with replacement heart valves?
Authors: Parkin Denise H , Chambers John B
Published: March 2015

Background:

Long-term regular specialist surveillance is recommended to reduce the risks of complications arising after heart valve surgery. This could be delivered by a nurse-led valve clinic.

Aims:

To determine how often clinical events are detected within a nurse-led valve clinic and how often a cardiologist or sonographer is required.

Methods:

Nurse-led valve clinic outcomes and events were analysed over 48 months from 2010 to 2013. An endpoint was any new symptom or event or the need for an unscheduled echocardiogram.

Results:

There were 544 visits in 206 patients. Endpoints were found in 178 visits (33%). A cardiologist was required in 100 visits (18%) to see the patient in 27 and give advice in 73. Another clinician was needed in 8 visits. Unscheduled echocardiography was required in 70 (13%) visits.

Conclusion:

A nurse-led valve clinic is feasible. Clinical endpoints are detected frequently and enhanced long-term care can be safely provided. Review or discussion with a cardiologist or unscheduled echocardiography is sometimes required which supports the model of a multidisciplinary clinic.
Funding should follow the child
Authors: Peacock Marie
Published: March 2015

MA Education Ltd, St Jude's Church, Dulwich Road, London, SE24 0PB. neil.henty@markallengroup.com
A better initial reflection
Authors: Brett Frances
Published: March 2015

The introduction of the Early Years Teacher Status qualification was largely welcomed by the sector, and now, six months after the initial courses began, we look at the benefits of taking the work-based routes.
Considering festivals
Authors: Allingham Sue
Published: March 2015

How do we involve children in cultural celebrations? Do we have the same plans each year, the same resources, regardless of the children and their own beliefs? How often do we reflect on this provision?
Active learners at work
Authors: Rich Diane
Published: March 2015

Following on from last month's article, that looked at children thinking historically, we turn our attention to what we mean by children being active learners and how this helps them to understand the world.
Research, review, repeat
Authors: Fisher Caroline
Published: March 2015

Knowing where to start when creating a research-engaged setting is difficult, and understanding what is involved, as well as recognising where you are on the journey is crucial, as Caroline Fisher explains.
Research in action: Outdoor play in a childminding setting
Authors: Holman Kerry
Published: March 2015

We all know that outdoor experiences are an essential part of a healthy childhood, but do we always make the most of what our settings offer, especially if children's play takes us out of our comfort zone?
What we can learn from…: The woods
Authors: Chapman Ailsa
Published: March 2015

If you go down to the woods today, you're sure of a big surprise… in fact, in the modern world, children lives are becoming more and more remote from the places that shape our favourite fairytales.
From junk to treasure
Authors: Ashworth Sally
Published: March 2015

Recycled materials, unlike most off-the-peg resources, provide limitless opportunities for exploration, they allow children to fully use their imagination and curiosity, in turn, developing all areas of learning.
Terry soaring dinosaur
Authors: Sargent Marianne
Published: March 2015

In this second extract from Planning for Learning through Dinosaurs, we use the flying beasts of the sky as inspiration for a range of activities linked to all areas of learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage.
The big and small of it
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: March 2015

This is the last in a series of articles that uses practical activities based on the expressive arts, such as music, song and dance, to develop young children's skills in the mathematics area of early learning.
Examining the extent to which stress contributes to disease in the gastrointestinal tract: a literature review
Authors: Best Carolyn
Published: March 2015

Stress may be defined as a state of mental or emotional strain resulting from hostile or difficult circumstances. Repeated stress increases an individual's susceptibility to disease. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulceration, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis are associated with high levels of anxiety and stress. This paper sets out to review the research findings regarding potential links between gastrointestinal disease and stress.
Surviving the histopathology report in an MDT meeting, and understanding its implications in patient management: 2
Authors: Zanetto Ulises
Published: March 2015

This review article addresses the need for incorporating basic histological knowledge to the curriculum of gastrointestinal nurses. This issue is tackled head on by providing not a scholastic ‘lecture’ but a compendium of relevant material delivered in a two-part series of articles. Part 1 included information on tissue techniques, sectioning, basic histological terminology, and tissue types. Part 2 is concerned with the histology of the gastrointestinal tract including general structure and the structure of each of its segments. It is hoped that this will equip colleagues with a tool to better understand histopathology reports, and doing so will enhance multidisciplinary discussions involving the histological information necessary when making patient-management decisions.
Focusing on the early years to improve health for all
Authors: Murphy Madeleine
Published: March 2015

A recent seminar saw Sir Michael Marmot address the impact of inequalities on children's outcomes, and the All Party Parliamentary Group for Conception to Age 2: first 1001 days has published a report highlighting recommendations for government.
Baby-led weaning: The theory and evidence behind the approach
Authors: Rapley Gill
Published: March 2015

Baby-led weaning (BLW) is an approach to the introduction of solid foods that, although not new, has gained popularity rapidly since it was given this name. While there is currently little direct evidence to justify the approach, there exists a range of research that provides support for the principles that underpin it, namely the developmental readiness of infants to feed themselves using their hands, and their innate ability to respond appropriately to both appetite and satiety. In its practical application, BLW is in line with current weaning recommendations and there is tentative evidence that suggests it may lead to positive health outcomes. It is therefore something that health visitors should be prepared to discuss with parents.
Embracing New Technology
Authors: Oldman Crystal
Published: March 2015

Crystal Oldman discusses how the lessons from a learning event on the digitalisation of district nursing can be applied to the health visiting workforce.
Problema de tomografía local usando wavelets B-spline cúbicos
Authors: Díaz Ossa Wilmar Alberto , Vacca González Harold
Published: March 2015

En el presente artículo se describe e implementa una solución al problema de la tomografía local, equivalente a la inversión de la transformada de Radon, utilizando la transformada wavelet. Para ello se ejecuta un algoritmo basado en wavelets B-spline cúbicos de soporte compacto con suficientes momentos de desvanecimiento para que la función de escalado filtrada, la wavelet madre y su transformada de Hilbert tengan decaimiento rápido. Lo anterior favorece la localización de la transformada wavelet de la transformada de Radon y, por tanto, la inversión, es decir; la reconstrucción de una región central de interés del fantasma Shepp-Logan.
Modelo para identificación de cargas perturbadoras de la calidad de potencia eléctrica en cuanto al fenómeno armónico en una s/e
Authors: Moreno Cañón Julio César , Aguirre Buitrago Charles , Noguera Vega Luis Antonio
Published: March 2015

En este documento se presenta el modelo en particular con el propósito de identificar y enfocar la carga no lineal en el sistema eléctrico de un operador de red. Debido a los nuevos requisitos y parámetros de la regulación, hoy es necesario comenzar a establecer, localizar y desactivar el usuario culpable; de lo contrario, la compañía eléctrica tendrá el deber de garantizar mejor calidad de poder. A través de la estadística, en este caso con ayuda de correlación, se describen los parámetros eléctricos y características de los usuarios.
Design and construction of a goniophotometer for the lighting laboratory at District University, Faculty of Technology
Authors: Cortés Torres José David , Rodríguez Rodríguez Wilson Fernando , Cárdenas Franco Hugo Armando
Published: March 2015

En este artículo se presentan los resultados del diseño y construcción de un fotogoniómetro para un laboratorio de iluminación. El dispositivo cuenta con la instrumentación y mecánica necesarias para efectuar fotometrías de tipo C sobre luminarias de alumbrado público. En particular, pueden realizarse las pruebas conocidas como matriz de intensidad, curvas polares y curvas isolux. El equipo trabajó con luminarias no superiores a10 kgde peso y1.27 mde longitud. El proceso de diseño incluyó la instrumentación de dos sensores fotométricos, los cuales enlazados con un procesador PSoC Cypress hacen que la adquisición y tratamiento se hagan en tiempos inferiores a los requeridos por equipos convencionales. En el futuro cercano, se realizarán ajustes con el fin de implementar fotometrías de tipo B.
Sistema de alta disponibilidad basado en plataforma de virtualización para pequeñas y medianas empresas
Authors: Wanumen Silva Luis Felipe , Mosquera Palacios Darin Jairo
Published: March 2015

La tolerancia a fallos se basa hoy día fundamentalmente en un concepto: redundancia (Guangping, y otros, 2009). La investigación busca proponer una solución para pequeñas y medianas empresas basada en una arquitectura de alta disponibilidad y tolerancia a fallos, soportada en servicios, mediante la duplicación de sus elementos críticos y la disposición redundante de elementos software y hardware que cooperen (Weiping & Ke, 2006), bien sea en forma activa-activa o activa-pasiva, siempre en forma transparente al usuario final.
Accesibilidad territorial: instrumento de planificación urbana y regional
Authors: Escobar García Diego Alexander , Urazán Bonells Carlos Felipe
Published: March 2015

En esta investigación se explora el estado del arte respecto a los análisis de accesibilidad territorial y el uso de los mismos como instrumentos de planificación a nivel mundial. Se muestra claramente la metodología general de aplicación y la amplia gama de posibilidades existentes como un potente instrumento de planificación territorial a nivel urbano y regional. A lo largo del artículo se abordan ejemplos que muestran cómo la aplicación de esta metodología puede potenciar la toma de decisiones respecto a un proyecto de intervención futura, o reflejar necesidades en los cambios operativos de un servicio de transporte. Este instrumento de planificación se soporta en el procesamiento y análisis geoestadístico de una gran cantidad de datos, en su gran mayoría datos de posicionamiento satelital, características operativas, topológicas y geográficas de las redes que se va a estudiar. Para ambos niveles de planificación territorial se obtienen resultados gráficos valiosos que permiten identificar el impacto de las intervenciones o de los cambios operativos sobre el territorio. Este artículo muestra las bondades de la metodología como instrumento de planificación y concluye sobre la aplicación de la misma.
Comunidad científica y tecnológica, ha llegado la oficina que te acompañará en la transferencia de tu conocimiento
Authors: Monsalve Duarte Tatiana
Published: March 2015

OTRI
Redetermination of the crystal structure of endo-2-carboxy-bicyclo[2.2.1]- heptane, C8H12O2
Authors: Schalekamp Henk , Hosten Eric C. , Betz Richard
Published: March 2015

C8H12O2, triclinic, P1̅ (no. 2), a = 5.8945(4) Å, b = 6.0522(3) Å, c = 10.7643(7) Å, α = 101.219(2)°, β = 90.581(2)°, γ = 95.445(2)°, V = 374.8 Å3, Z = 2, Rgt(F) = 0.0417, wRref(F2) = 0.1105, T = 200 K.
¡Qué feíto estás tú también, cariño!: A Comparison of the Response to the Use of ‘Positive’ Irony for Complimenting in Peninsular and Mexican Spanish
Authors: Mack Sara , Sykes Julie M.
Published: March 2015

Previous work examining irony has indicated that positive irony can be used to convey praise and build solidarity in both compliments and compliment responses. However, systematic, cross-dialectal work in this area is still relatively scarce. Using an e-DCT (i.e. an electronically delivered discourse completion task that includes a verbal report component), this study compares compliment-response sequences, which include the presence and absence of positive irony, in Mexican and Peninsular Spanish. Results indicate a strong influence on strategy choice by both groups of speakers based on the presence or absence of positive irony in the compliment. While common tendencies were found across dialectal groups, there were differences in terms of the specific strategies used to realize these underlying patterns, especially in the case of [+irony] compliments. Verbal report data were also analyzed to further understand the speakers’ selection of certain strategies.
The Role of Frequency in First-Person Plural Variation in Brazilian Portuguese: Nós vs. a gente
Authors: Travis Catherine E. , Silveira Agripino S.
Published: March 2015

This paper investigates the conditioning of the variation between two first-person plural forms in contemporary spoken Brazilian Portuguese, an older pronoun nós used with first-person plural agreement and a newer pronoun a gente, derived from an NP meaning ‘the people’, used with third-person singular agreement. This is part of a broader change in the language involving the breakdown of verbal agreement as third-person marking extends to the domains of first- and second-person. We consider the conditioning of use of these forms in spoken Brazilian Portuguese from Fortaleza and uncover a phenomenon that as yet has not been noted in relation to this variation, namely frequency. We find that the high type frequency of a gente contributes to the spreading use of this form, and the high token frequency of nós in specific constructions slows it down. We predict that these highly frequent constructions (such as nos temos ‘we have’, digamos ‘let’s say’ and vamos + V-INF ‘let’s V’) may remain a last vestige of nós in Brazilian Portuguese as a gente comes to take over the realm of first-person plural.
The Development of L2 Spanish Intonation During a Study Abroad Immersion Program in León, Spain: Global Contours and Final Boundary Movements
Authors: Henriksen Nicholas C. , Geeslin Kimberly L. , Willis Erik W.
Published: March 2015

The current study is the first technically-principled examination of second language Spanish intonation as it develops in a study abroad context. As such, it aims to identify patterns of development related to overall F0 contours and final boundary movements by creating individual profiles for each L2 learner at the beginning and the end of their stay abroad. Our data come from 5 English-speaking learners of Spanish enrolled in a study abroad immersion program for 7 weeks in León, Spain. We collected data through a computerized production task that elicited three context-based sentence types: declaratives, absolute interrogatives, and pronominal interrogatives. This task was administered once upon arrival to León and again at the end of the 7-week program (approximately 6 weeks elapsed between tasks). In our analysis, we calculated the initial and final tonal levels in addition to the Low and High tones of pitch accents (when applicable). For each learner the most common strategy employed at each recording time was identified. Our findings show that despite individual variation, most L2 learners modify their intonational patterns (i.e. pitch accent and boundary movements) through an increase in frequency of use of their more dominant intonation patterns and/or changes in their final boundary tone inventory.
On Teaching Grammar
Authors: Lunn Patricia
Published: March 2015

There are two major arguments for including grammar in the university Spanish curriculum: 1) that grammar identifies productive patterns that can serve as organizing principles for learning, and 2) that the structure of Spanish constitutes part of the knowledge that a humanities-based education is designed to impart. Recent research in the focus on form model has superseded the dichotomous debate on acquisition versus learning and provided a research-based justification for using grammar to focus student attention on productive patterns. Grammar should also play a role beyond the basic language sequence; because one of the defining characteristics of a language is its grammar, it is a natural component of cultural studies (a view supported by the ACTFL standards). Restricting the debate about teaching grammar to the realm of applied linguistics produces unrealistic expectations for the language classes and a lost opportunity for engagement with language data in the culture classes.
Testing the Cognitive Load Hypothesis: Repair Rates and Usage in a Bilingual Community
Authors: Dumont Jenny
Published: March 2015

It has been assumed that bilingual speakers have a heavier cognitive load than monolinguals, which may be responsible for language change such as simplification, overgeneralization, transfer and code-switching. While the cognitive load hypothesis is interesting, the hypothesis has not been empirically tested using naturally occurring speech. Using data from a Spanish/English bilingual community, this study operationalizes and tests the cognitive load hypothesis by studying disfluencies in two groups of Spanish speakers with varying degrees of English proficiency. Specifically, truncated utterances and the mechanisms of linguistic repair involved in fixing these disfluencies are examined. The results show measurable differences between the two groups. The group of speakers with higher bilingual proficiency, who are predicted to have a heavier cognitive load, shows a significantly higher rate of repair; additionally the syntactic patterns and types of repair are significantly different between the more bilingual and the less bilingual speakers, suggesting that they use repair in divergent ways. There is not sufficient evidence, however, to conclude that the more bilingual speakers have a higher cognitive load.
The Necessity of Both Naturally-Occurring and Elicited Data in Spanish Intonational Phonology
Authors: Face Timothy L.
Published: March 2015

In Spanish intonational phonology, as well as intonational phonology more generally, far more work has been carried out using elicited data than naturallyoccurring data. This is to be expected given the complexities of intonation in naturally-occurring speech and the many factors that affect it. Examining intonation in a more controlled context allows an understanding of it that can serve as a starting point for the examination of intonation in naturally-occurring speech. But even then, both types of data are necessary. There are intonation patterns that occur in naturally-occurring speech that either do not exist or exist in very limited contexts in elicited speech, and therefore they are not (adequately) analyzed until naturally-occurring speech is investigated. At the same time, however, intonation patterns are complex, containing various pitch movements, and elicited data, such as through perception tasks, can help tease apart the pieces of intonation patterns and determine which ones are meaningful in communication.
Otra mirada a los procesos de gramaticalización del Presente Perfecto en español: Perú y Argentina
Authors: Louro Celeste Rodríguez , Yupanqui Margarita Jara
Published: March 2015

In this paper we analyze the Preterit (e.g. Estudié toda la noche) and the Present Perfect (PP) (e.g. He estudiado toda la noche) in the Lima variety of Peruvian Spanish (PER) and in Argentinian River Plate Spanish (ARG). PER and ARG have been described as “pretérito-favoring”. We revisit this proposal and show that - although the Preterit is widespread in both these dialects - the use of the PP and the tendency for the Preterit to appear in PP contexts is crucially dissimilar. Based on a thorough analysis of a corpus of oral data (125,352 words), we argue that the different patterns of development in PER and ARG are best explained by the disparate PP usage in continuative and same day/ recent past contexts. We contend that conflating PER and ARG under the umbrella term “Latin American Spanish” does not account for observed usage in oral interaction.
Prosodia y pragmática
Authors: Escandell-Vidal Victoria
Published: March 2015

In this paper I discuss some issues of the prosody/pragmatics interface from a pragmatician’s point of view. Among the questions that can be addressed, I focus on the following: How can we distinguish linguistic from non-linguistic aspects of prosody? Do all prosodic differences contribute to the same level of representation? What are the implications of the connection between prosody and interpretation for the general architecture of the language faculty and its interaction with other cognitive subsystems? Cognitive pragmatics can provide very useful analytical tools to answer these questions, such as the notion of procedural meaning (i.e. the linguistic encoding of processing instructions) and the distinction between three levels of representation (propositional explicatures, higher-level explicatures and implicatures). In this view, conventionalized prosodic patterns guide the hearer towards the intended interpretation by systematically constraining the interpretation in various levels. This includes grammatical distinctions, but also indications about illocutionary force, propositional attitude and the connections with the context.