bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening for Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in Hypertensive Outpatients
Authors: Gurubhagavatula Indira , Fields Barry G. , Morales Christian R , Hurley Sharon , Pien Grace W , Wick Lindsay C. , Staley Bethany A. , Townsend Raymond R , Maislin Greg
Published: February 2013

The authors attempted to validate a 2‐stage strategy to screen for severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (s‐OSAS) among hypertensive outpatients, with polysomnography (PSG) as the gold standard. Using a prospective design, outpatients with hypertension were recruited from medical outpatient clinics. Interventions included (1) assessment of clinical data; (2) home sleep testing (HST); and (3) 12‐channnel, in‐laboratory PSG. The authors developed models using clinical or HST data alone (single‐stage models) or clinical data in tandem with HST (2‐stage models) to predict s‐OSAS. For each model, area under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs), sensitivity, specificity, negative likelihood ratio, and negative post‐test probability (NPTP) were computed. Models were then rank‐ordered based on AUC values and NPTP. HST used alone had limited accuracy (AUC=0.727, NPTP=2.9%). However, models that used clinical data in tandem with HST were more accurate in identifying s‐OSAS, with lower NPTP: (1) facial morphometrics (AUC=0.816, NPTP=0.6%); (2) neck circumference (AUC=0.803, NPTP=1.7%); and Multivariable Apnea Prediction Score (AUC=0.799, NPTP=1.5%) where sensitivity, specificity, and NPTP were evaluated at optimal thresholds. Therefore, HST combined with clinical data can be useful in identifying s‐OSAS in hypertensive outpatients, without incurring greater cost and patient burden associated with in‐laboratory PSG. These models were less useful in identifying obstructive sleep apnea syndrome of any severity.
Building on the positives: A psychometric review and critical analysis of the construct of Psychological Capital
Authors: Dawkins Sarah , Martin Angela , Scott Jenn , Sanderson Kristy
Published: February 2013

The construct of Psychological Capital (PsyCap) focuses on the positive psychological capacities of self‐efficacy, hope, optimism and resilience and their relationship with a range of desirable work attitudes, behaviours and organizational outcomes. There is now almost a decade of accumulated PsyCap research. However, a critical and synthesized analysis of the construct in terms of its theoretical conceptualization and psychometric properties is yet to appear in the literature. Consequently, this article aims to provide a comprehensive review and analysis of the PsyCap literature, focusing in particular on issues relevant to the psychometric profile of PsyCap as it is currently assessed. Six directives for advancing PsyCap research are proposed as part of an integrated research agenda aimed towards strengthening the conceptualization and measurement of PsyCap.

Practitioner points

This article provides a critical and synthesized psychometric‐focused review of the PsyCap construct and its application in the workplace.

Several shortcomings of the construct and its primary measure are highlighted.

Directives are proposed to further enhance the conceptualization and measurement of the construct and thus enhance its utility in the workplace.
Increased salivary immunoglobulin A and reduced α‐amylase activity in whole saliva from spastic cerebral palsy individuals
Authors: Leite Mariana F. , Aznar Lauren Cardoso Alves , Ferreira Maria Cristina D. , Guaré Renata O. , Santos Maria Teresa B.
Published: February 2013

Background

Salivary immunoglobulin A (SIgA) together with innate defenses such as α‐amylase, provides the ‘first line of defense’ against pathogens present at mucosal surfaces. This study aimed to evaluate salivary α‐amylase and immunoglobulin A (IgA) in whole saliva of spastic cerebral palsy (CP) individuals.

Methods

Whole saliva was collected from 22 CP and 24 sibling volunteers with no neurological damage control groups (CG) (aged 7–14 years). The salivary flow rate, total protein and SIgA concentrations, and α‐amylase activity were determined.

Results

The CP group presented higher salivary flow rate (35%) and lower total protein concentration (18%) compared with the CG (P ≤ 0.05). CPG had higher absolute (68%, μg SIgA/ml) and relative (55%, μg SIgA/mg prot and 108%, μg SIgA/min) concentrations of IgA compared with the CG (P ≤ 0.05). CPG had lower relative α‐amylase activity (15% mg malt/mg prot and 33%, mg malt/min) compared with the CG (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion

This study concluded that CP individuals presented alterations in the profile of salivary proteins involved in the defense system of the oral cavity.
Peripatetic in the City: De Quincey’s Confessions of an English Opium‐Eater and the Birth of the Flâneur
Authors: Stanback Emily B
Published: February 2013

This article focuses on the distinctive modes of urban spectatorship Thomas De Quincey adopts in his autobiographical Confessions of an English Opium‐Eater (1821). In keeping with De Quincey’s tendency to pastoralize his childhood, Part I of Confessions presents a young man who initially walks and reads London as if it were a village, unwilling, or perhaps unable, to register the cityscape. In these passages, which correspond to his first, 1802–1803 residence in London, De Quincey embodies a recognizably Wordsworthian subjectivity and a recognizably peripatetic perspective. Through a careful reconstruction of his younger self as an urban peripatetic, De Quincey reveals the insufficiency of a rural subjectivity to modernity and the metropolis, and examining Confessions in these terms provides new insight into De Quincey’s richly ambivalent relationship with Wordsworth and The Prelude. When De Quincey depicts his second (1804) stay in London in Part II of Confessions, he depicts a younger self now able to digest – and, one might say, to artistically and sympathetically exploit – the city. In this mode, De Quincey may be properly understood as the earliest flâneur; with characteristic prescience, moreover, De Quincey anticipates the limits of flânerie that Charles Baudelaire would eventually come to register and that Walter Benjamin later described and theorized. In depicting the self as urban peripatetic and (proto‐)flâneur, De Quincey’s Confessions marks a key moment in the history of modern urban spectatorship and practices of walking, constituting a provocative early attempt at negotiating the relationships between the eye and the crowd, the body and the pavement, the self and the modern metropolis.
Atheist, Adulterer, Sodomite, Thief, Murderer, Lyer, Perjurer, Witch, Conjuror or Brute Beast? Discovering the Ungodly in Shakespeare’s England
Authors: Werth Tiffany Jo
Published: February 2013

The “turn to religion” in early modern scholarship has rewritten critical understandings of the 16th century English Reformation by exposing confessional divides in politics, culture, and literature (Jackson & Marotti, 167–90). Such scholarly interest in religious division, however, has paid less attention to how the “ungodly,” a designation for those allegedly hostile to the foundational tenets of all versions of Christianity, shadowed religious belief from the 1530s onwards in England. This may be because of LucienFebvre’sinfluential account that declared the “unthinkability” of atheism in the 16th century. More recent attention to unbelief has challenged his judgment and shown the ungodly to be a persistent, and troubling, presence in early modern England. Frequently, this work adduces its most compelling evidence from the drama of Shakespeare’s infamous contemporary, Christopher Marlowe. This article aims to pursue further the representation of the “ungodly” by thinking about how their absent presence might affect not only arguments about religion but also the arguments that we make about epistemology, language, and what counts as the human in Shakespeare as well as his contemporaries.
Surrealism, Beat Literature and the San Francisco Renaissance
Authors: Pawlik Joanna
Published: February 2013

This article explores the reception of Surrealism in postwar American poetry, focussing on Beat and San Francisco Renaissance writers’ responses to the movement. Whilst Surrealism’s influence is frequently asserted the article suggests that its impact remains only partially explored. Existing scholarship on Surrealism’s presence in twentieth century American poetry has tended to differentiate between the small number of writers who joined Breton’s circle, and the large number of poets whose work testifies to the movement’s protean yet extensive influence on modern and postmodern verse. Taking Beat and San Francisco Renaissance writers as a case study, this article seeks to interrogate such classifications, arguing that a writer’s ‘distance’ from the epicentre of the movement is not necessarily a reliable guide to the nature of their interactions with Surrealism. Within Beat and San Francisco avant‐gardes we can find evidence of writers who joined the movement but who subjected its poetics, principles or politics to substantial modification, their particular versions of Surrealism not entirely congruent with Breton’s. Conversely, there are many writers who, it has been claimed, are influenced by the movement, yet this influence exceeded simply seasoning their work with the odd ‘surreal’ juxtaposition. For instance, though not a member of the group per se, Allen Ginsberg had extensive contact with the movement and he and his Beat colleagues helped redefine Surrealism’s postwar currency and profile. A‐historical assertions of basic similarities or differences between Beat writers and narrow definitions of Surrealism cannot capture the dynamics and complexities of these dialogues.
“News from another World”: Career and Critical Responses to Cormac McCarthy
Authors: Monk Nicholas
Published: February 2013

This article offers a short analytical overview of the career and work of Cormac McCarthy, provides a brief and necessarily selective discussion of the criticism, and suggests future directions for study. The aim of the piece is to guide those new – or relatively new – to McCarthy to the areas of the fiction, plays, films, and criticism, that will best match their interests. The article lays heavy emphasis on Cormac McCarthy’s writing style, but also recognizes the themes he develops as being of central importance in US and world culture in the early twenty‐first century: war, violence, ecology, crises of masculinity, the spiritual. McCarthy’s fiction addresses these important areas in a way that is generically close to realism, but through its picaresque tendencies and almost supernatural relationship with landscape and animals, produces a vivid collection of semi‐fantastic worlds that are hugely productive for reader and critic.
The Man, the Butterfly, and the Heaven above: A Comparative Look at Robert Browning and Chinese Philosophy
Authors: Lai Shu‐Fang
Published: February 2013

This comparative study begins with Robert Browning’s cultural encounters, including his reading of Chinese subjects and meeting a Chinese ambassador and poet, and his feeling “deepest sympathy” between the oriental poet‐brother and himself for both writing “enigmatic” poems. Being preoccupied with many philosophical issues such as truth, time, the universe, the meaning of life, living and aging, love and many puzzling issues, the poet thinker or acclaimed “interpreter of life” is seen to reveal ideas paralleling some Chinese philosophical ideas. From a global and comparative point of view, the paper examines Browning in relation to Chinese philosophy, particularly ideas analogous with Confucius’ teaching and Taoism. For example, the 16th‐century alchemist in Browning’s Paracelsus reveals ideas about intellect, learning and progressive development that juxtapose Confucius’s ideas about learning. In the later poem, “Amphibian,” the narrator, when swimming in the sea, imagines himself becoming a butterfly in the sky and ponders upon the relationships between the self and the butterfly, and the flesh and soul, and other issues about the meaning of life that correspond to certain ideas of Daoism.
Inbred and furious: negative association between aggression and genetic diversity in highly inbred fish
Authors: Ellison Amy , de Leaniz Carlos Garcia , Consuegra Sofia
Published: February 2013

Aggressive behaviour plays an important role in securing resources, defending against predators and shaping social interactions. Although aggression can have positive effects on growth and reproductive success, it is also energetically costly and may increase injury and compromise survival. Individual genetic diversity has been positively associated with aggression, but the cause for such an association is not clear, and it might be related to the ability to recognize kin. To disentangle the relationships between genetic diversity, kinship and aggression, we quantified aggressive behaviour in a wild, self‐fertilizing fish (Kryptolebias marmoratus) with naturally variable degrees of genetic diversity, relatedness and familiarity. We found that in contrast to captive fish, levels of aggression among wildK. marmoratusare positively associated with individual homozygosity, but not with relatedness or familiarity. We suggest that the higher aggression shown by homozygous fish could be related to better kin discrimination and may be facilitated by hermaphrodite competition for scarce males, given the fitness advantages provided by outcrossing in terms of parasite resistance. It seems likely that the relationship between aggression and genetic diversity is largely influenced by both the environment and population history.
The NRT2.5 and NRT2.6 genes are involved in growth promotion of Arabidopsis by the plant growth‐promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR) strain Phyllobacterium brassicacearum STM196
Authors: Kechid Maya , Desbrosses Guilhem , Rokhsi Wafaa , Varoquaux Fabrice , Djekoun Abdelhamid , Touraine Bruno
Published: February 2013

The Phyllobacterium brassicacearum STM196 strain stimulates Arabidopsis thaliana growth and antagonizes high nitrate inhibition of lateral root development. A previous study identified two STM196‐responsive genes, NRT2.5 and NRT2.6 (Mantelin et al., 2006, Planta 223: 591–603).

We investigated the role of NRT2.5 and NRT2.6 in the plant response to STM196 using single and double Arabidopsis mutants. The single mutants were also crossed with an nrt2.1 mutant, lacking the major nitrate root transporter, to distinguish the effects of NRT2.5 and NRT2.6 from potential indirect effects of nitrate pools.

The nrt2.5 and nrt2.6 mutations abolished the plant growth and root system architecture responses to STM196. The determination of nitrate content revealed that NRT2.5 and NRT2.6 do not play an important role in nitrate distribution between plant organs. Conversely, NRT2.5 and NRT2.6 appeared to play a role in the plant response independent of nitrate uptake. Using a nitrate reductase mutant, it was confirmed that the NRT2.5/NRT2.6‐dependent plant signalling pathway is independent of nitrate‐dependent regulation of root development.

Our findings demonstrate that NRT2.5 and NRT2.6, which are preferentially expressed in leaves, play an essential role in plant growth promotion by the rhizospheric bacterium STM196.
GENDER, GREEDY INSTITUTIONS, AND THE DEPARTMENTAL COURT
Authors: MACKAY FIONA , RHODES R.A.W.
Published: February 2013

This article seeks to identify, map and understand the ways in which the everyday beliefs and practices of British central government departments embed social constructions of masculinity and femininity. It draws on observational fieldwork and repeat interviews conducted between 2002 and 2004 to analyse the everyday practices of departmental courts. We argue these courts have gendered practices and are ‘greedy institutions’. We unpack their practices of hierarchy, civility, rationality, gendered division of work, and long hours. We argue that these practices have significant gender consequence most notably women have few institutional options but to ‘manage like men’.
Neither Irrationalist Nor Apologist: Revisiting Faith and Reason in Kierkegaard
Authors: Buben Adam
Published: February 2013

One of the most hotly contested debates in Kierkegaard studies concerns his sense of the relationship between faith and reason. Often caricatured as a proponent of irrational fideism, scholarship in recent decades has tried to present a more nuanced account of Kierkegaard’s position. Two likely interpretive options have emerged: supra‐rationalism and anti‐rationalism. On the former view, Kierkegaard believes that while the achievement of faith is beyond the capabilities of reason, there are still ways that reason can aid the maintenance of faith once reason’s limits are recognized. On the latter view, faith is a constant struggle against rationalizing justification, and thus, any attempt to use reason to assist in the maintenance of faith is a mistake. Interestingly, a comparison with Pascal can help one arbitrate between these two responses to the dubious irrationalist reading of Kierkegaard.
Normal fault displacement dislocating a Roman aqueduct of Ephesos, western Turkey
Authors: Passchier Cees W. , Wiplinger Gilbert , Güngör Talip , Kessener Paul , Sürmelihindi Gül
Published: February 2013

A 38‐km‐long ancient aqueduct channel that servedRomanEphesos,Turkey was dislocated vertically over 3 m by a single seismic event on a normal fault. A new channel was constructed downstream from the fault in Roman times, next to and partly on top of the original channel. Archaeological investigations and study of carbonate deposits suggest a causative seismic event in the second half of the second centuryCE, probably in 178CE, after the original channel had functioned for <35 years. The İçme Tepe fault was identified as responsible for the displacement and may still constitute a seismic and tsunami hazard for the Turkish west coast, specifically for the city of Kuşadası. Ancient aqueducts, of which more than 1400 are presently known, are a promising and almost untapped archive for archaeoseismic studies, especially in the Mediterranean area.
Protein deficiency alters CX3CL1 and endothelin‐1 in experimental Trypanosoma cruzi‐induced cardiomyopathy
Authors: Martins Régia F. , Martinelli Patrícia M. , Guedes Paulo M. M. , da Cruz Pádua Bruno , dos Santos Fabiana M. , Silva Marcelo Eustáquio , Bahia Maria T. , Talvani Andre
Published: February 2013

Objective

Chagas heart disease is developed as a result of the infection with Trypanosoma cruzi. Protein malnutrition contributes to secondary immunodeficiency. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of a low protein diet on the production of endothelin‐1 and CX3CL1 in blood and cardiac tissue samples in an experimental model with T. cruzi infection.

Methods

Fisher rats were submitted to low protein (6%) and normal protein (15%) diets and then infected with the Y strain of T. cruzi. At days 15 and 120, parasites and immune cells were evaluated.

Results

The low protein diet reduced body weight and circulating serum proteins, but promoted elevation of CX3CL1 and endothelin‐1 levels in infected animals, which were unable to control blood parasitemia replication. In heart tissue, the low protein diet reduced cardiac CX3CL1, endothelin‐1 and leucocyte infiltration in the acute phase, in particular CD68 and CD163 macrophage phenotypes.

Conclusion

Together, these results highlight the participation of endothelin‐1 and CX3CL1 in the inflammatory process of Chagas diesease, both being mediators partially controlled by the host nutritional status.
Quality of antenatal and childbirth care in selected rural health facilities in Burkina Faso, Ghana and Tanzania: similar finding
Authors: Duysburgh E. , Zhang W‐H. , Ye M. , Williams A. , Massawe S. , Sié A. , Williams J. , Mpembeni R. , Loukanova S. , Temmerman M.
Published: February 2013

Objectives

To measure pre‐intervention quality of routine antenatal and childbirth care in rural districts of Burkina Faso, Ghana and Tanzania and to identify shortcomings.

Methods

In each country, we selected two adjoining rural districts. Within each district, we randomly sampled 6 primary healthcare facilities. Quality of care was assessed through health facility surveys, direct observation of antenatal and childbirth care, exit interviews and review of patient records.

Results

By and large, quality of antenatal and childbirth care in the six districts was satisfactory, but we did identify some critical gaps common to the study sites in all three countries. Counselling and health education practices are poor; laboratory investigations are often not performed; examination and monitoring of mother and newborn during childbirth are inadequate; partographs are not used. Equipment required to provide assisted vaginal deliveries (vacuum extractor or forceps) was absent in all surveyed facilities.

Conclusion

Quality of care in the three study sites can be improved with the available human resources and without major investments. This improvement could reduce maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity.
Cardiac Na+–Ca2+ exchanger: dynamics of Ca2+‐dependent activation and deactivation in intact myocytes
Authors: Ginsburg Kenneth S. , Weber Christopher R. , Bers Donald M.
Published: February 2013

Key points

Calcium‐dependent Na+–Ca2+ exchange (NCX) activation undergoes bidirectional up/down control in intact rabbit cardiomyocytes.

In rested cells with normal [Na+]i, NCX was initially inactive, but activated after field stimulation causing Ca2+ entry.

Increased [Na+]i strongly promoted Ca2+‐dependent activation.

A fully co‐operative fourth‐order dynamic NCX activation model, incorporated into a ventricular cell model, predicted our observations.

The model further predicted that activation increased with increasing pacing frequency.

Abstract  Cardiac Na+–Ca2+ exchange (NCX) activity is regulated by [Ca2+]i. The physiological role and dynamics of this process in intact cardiomyocytes are largely unknown. We examined NCX Ca2+ activation in intact rabbit and mouse cardiomyocytes at 37°C. Sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) function was blocked, and cells were bathed in 2 mm Ca2+. We probed Ca2+ activation without voltage clamp by applying Na+‐free (0 Na+) solution for 5 s bouts, repeated each 10 s, which should evoke [Ca2+]i transients due to Ca2+ influx via NCX. In rested rabbit myocytes, Ca2+ influx was undetectable even after 0 Na+ applications were repeated for 2–5 min or more, suggesting that NCX was inactive. After external electric field stimulation pulses were applied, to admit Ca2+ via L‐type Ca2+ channels, 0 Na+ bouts activated Ca2+ influx efficaciously, indicating that NCX had become active. Calcium activation increased with more field pulses, reaching a maximum typically after 15–20 pulses (1 Hz). At rest, NCX deactivated with a time constant typically of 20–40 s. An increase in [Na+]i, either in rabbit cardiomyocytes as a result of inhibition of Na+–K+ pumping, or in mouse cardiomyocytes where normal [Na+]i is higher vs. rabbit, sensitized NCX to self‐activation by 0 Na+ bouts. In experiments with the SR functional but initially empty, the activation time course was slowed. It is possible that the SR initially accumulated Ca2+ that would otherwise cause activation. We modelled Ca2+ activation as a fourth‐order highly co‐operative process ([Ca]i required for half‐activation K0.5act = 375 nm), with dynamics severalfold slower than the cardiac cycle. We incorporated this NCX model into an established ventricular myocyte model, which allowed us to predict responses to twitch stimulation in physiological conditions with the SR intact. Model NCX fractional activation increased from 0.1 to 1.0 as the frequency was increased from 0.2 to 2 Hz. By adjusting Ca2+ activation on a multibeat time scale, NCX might better maintain a stable long‐term Ca2+ balance while contributing to the ability of myocytes to produce Ca2+ transients over a wide range of intensity.
Analysis of Multimode Burning Characteristics of Isolated Droplets of Biodiesel–Diesel Blends
Authors: Prakash Pratheesh , Raghavan Vasudevan , Mehta Pramod S.
Published: February 2013

Blended fuels such as biodiesel–diesel blends are being extensively used in practical devises such as engines. The burning characteristics of blended fuels are quite different than that of the individual fuels and need to be understood. In this study, a semiempirical analysis concerning the mass burning rate characteristics of biodiesel–diesel blends is presented based on the data measured using porous sphere experiments. Finally, a correlation for evaluating instantaneous burning rate of biodiesel–diesel blended fuels has been proposed for practical applications. Further, using this correlation, transient burning characteristics of blended biodiesel–diesel droplet in suspended mode have been studied for different blend compositions. Multiple modes of burning regimes are identified for the blended fuels.
Fidelity of the Estimation of the Deformation Gradient From Data Deduced From the Motion of Markers Placed on a Body That is Subject to an Inhomogeneous Deformation Field
Authors: Průša Vít , Rajagopal K. R. , Saravanan U.
Published: February 2013

Practically all experimental measurements related to the response of nonlinear bodies that are made within a purely mechanical context are concerned with inhomogeneous deformations, though, in many experiments, much effort is taken to engender homogeneous deformation fields. However, in experiments that are carried out in vivo, one cannot control the nature of the deformation. The quantity of interest is the deformation gradient and/or its invariants. The deformation gradient is estimated by tracking positions of a finite number of markers placed in the body. Any experimental data-reduction procedure based on tracking a finite number of markers will, for a general inhomogeneous deformation, introduce an error in the determination of the deformation gradient, even in the idealized case, when the positions of the markers are measured with no error. In our study, we are interested in a quantitative description of the difference between the true gradient and its estimate obtained by tracking the markers, that is, in the quantitative description of the induced error due to the data reduction. We derive a rigorous upper bound on the error, and we discuss what factors influence the error bound and the actual error itself. Finally, we illustrate the results by studying a practically interesting model problem. We show that different choices of the tracked markers can lead to substantially different estimates of the deformation gradient and its invariants. It is alarming that even qualitative features of the material under consideration, such as the incompressibility of the body, can be evaluated differently with different choices of the tracked markers. We also demonstrate that the derived error estimate can be used as a tool for choosing the appropriate marker set that leads to the deformation gradient estimate with the least guaranteed error.
Transient Green's Function for the General Anisotropic Solid: An Alternative Form
Authors: Brock L. M.
Published: February 2013

The Green's function for the general anisotropic solid has been the subject of several studies. Here a variation of a standard integral transform approach allows the transient Green's function to be expressed in a somewhat different form. This alternative form is less compact, but features explicit integrals of functions in terms of polar and azimuthal angles defined with respect to the principal basis coordinates. Dimensionless expressions for the three anisotropic wave speeds are also given in terms of these angles, and sample calculations presented that show wave speed dependence on propagation direction. Some standard formalisms of anisotropic elasticity are not invoked, but similar terms are identified in the course of the analysis, and help define the solution expressions.
Pressure-Impulse Diagrams for Blast Loaded Continuous Beams Based on Dimensional Analysis
Authors: Fallah A. S. , Nwankwo E. , Louca L. A.
Published: February 2013

Pressure-impulse diagrams are commonly used in preliminary blast resistant design to assess the maxima of damage related parameter(s) in different types of structures as a function of pulse loading parameters. It is well established that plastic dynamic response of elastic-plastic structures is profoundly influenced by the temporal shape of applied pulse loading (Youngdahl, 1970, “Correlation Parameters for Eliminating the Effect of Pulse Shape on Dynamic Plastic Deformation,” ASME, J. Appl. Mech., 37, pp. 744–752; Jones, Structural Impact (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, England, 1989); Li, and Meng, 2002, “Pulse Loading Shape Effects on Pressure–Impulse Diagram of an Elastic–Plastic, Single-Degree-of-Freedom Structural Model,” Int. J. Mech. Sci., 44(9), pp. 1985–1998). This paper studies pulse loading shape effects on the dynamic response of continuous beams. The beam is modeled as a single span with symmetrical semirigid support conditions. The rotational spring can assume different stiffness values ranging from 0 (simply supported) to ∞ (fully clamped). An analytical solution for evaluating displacement time histories of the semirigidly supported (continuous) beam subjected to pulse loads, which can be extendable to very high frequency pulses, is presented in this paper. With the maximum structural deflection, being generally the controlling criterion for damage, pressure-impulse diagrams for the continuous system are developed. This work presents a straightforward preliminary assessment tool for structures such as blast walls utilized on offshore platforms. For this type of structures with semirigid supports, simplifying the whole system as a single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) discrete-parameter model and applying the procedure presented by Li and Meng (Li and Meng, 2002, “Pulse Loading Shape Effects on Pressure–Impulse Diagram of an Elastic–Plastic, Single-Degree-of-Freedom Structural Model,” Int. J. Mech. Sci., 44(9), pp. 1985–1998; Li and Meng, 2002, “Pressure-Impulse Diagram for Blast Loads Based on Dimensional Analysis and Single-Degree-of-Freedom Model,” J. Eng. Mech., 128(1), pp. 87–92) to eliminate pulse loading shape effects on pressure-impulse diagrams would be very conservative and cumbersome considering the support conditions. It is well known that an SDOF model is a very conservative simplification of a continuous system. Dimensionless parameters are introduced to develop a unique pulse-shape-independent pressure-impulse diagram for elastic and elastic-plastic responses of continuous beams.
On the Identities for Elastostatic Fundamental Solution and Nonuniqueness of the Traction BIE Solution for Multiconnected Domains
Authors: Liu Y. J. , Ye W. , Deng Y.
Published: February 2013

In this paper, the four integral identities satisfied by the fundamental solution for elastostatic problems are reviewed and slightly different forms of the third and fourth identities are presented. Two new identities, namely the fifth and sixth identities, are derived. These integral identities can be used to develop weakly singular and nonsingular forms of the boundary integral equations (BIEs) for elastostatic problems. They can also be employed to show the nonuniqueness of the solution of the traction (hypersingular) BIE for an elastic body on a multiconnected domain. This nonuniqueness is shown in a general setting in this paper. It is shown that the displacement (singular) BIE does not allow any rigid-body displacement terms, while the traction BIE can have arbitrary rigid-body translation and rotation terms, in the BIE solutions on the edge of a hole or surface of a void. Therefore, the displacement solution from the traction BIE is not unique. A remedy to this nonuniqueness solution problem with the traction BIE is proposed by adopting a dual BIE formulation for problems with multiconnected domains. A few numerical examples using the 2D elastostatic boundary element method for domains with holes are presented to demonstrate the uniqueness properties of the displacement, traction and the dual BIE solutions for multiconnected domain problems.
ERK-Mediated Phosphorylation of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1 on Ser
777
Inhibits Signaling
Authors: Zakrzewska Malgorzata , Haugsten Ellen Margrethe , Nadratowska-Wesolowska Beata , Oppelt Angela , Hausott Barbara , Jin Yixin , Otlewski Jacek , Wesche Jørgen , Wiedlocha Antoni
Published: February 2013

Serine phosphorylation limits signaling by a fibroblast growth factor receptor.
A Nontranscriptional Role for HIF-1α as a Direct Inhibitor of DNA Replication
Authors: Hubbi Maimon E. , Kshitiz  , Gilkes Daniele M. , Rey Sergio , Wong Carmen C. , Luo Weibo , Kim Deok-Ho , Dang Chi V. , Levchenko Andre , Semenza Gregg L.
Published: February 2013

In response to hypoxia, HIF-1α induces cell cycle arrest by inhibiting a helicase complex that unwinds DNA in preparation for replication.
Science Signaling
Podcast: 12 February 2013
Authors: Semenza Gregg L. , Hubbi Maimon E. , VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: February 2013

In addition to mediating the transcriptional response to hypoxia, HIF-1α also inhibits proliferation under oxygen-limiting conditions.
Parainfluenza 5 and MDA5
Authors: Mueller Kristen L.
Published: February 2013

The crystal structure of a viral protein core complex reveals how paramyxoviruses inhibit the innate immune response.
E. coli
kNOws How to Win
Authors: Mueller Kristen L.
Published: February 2013

During inflammation,
Escherichia coli
uses nitrate respiration to gain a growth advantage over other gut bacteria.
Fixing Broken DNA
Authors: Mueller Kristen L.
Published: February 2013

In mammalian cells, Rap1-interacting factor 1 protects DNA ends against resection.
A Tail of ROS
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: February 2013

Reactive oxygen species produced by NADPH oxidase complex initiates Wnt-mediated regeneration in tadpoles.
Protecting the Brain
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: February 2013

Astrocytes suppress neuroinflammation through activation of their dopamine D2 receptors.
A Sugary Path to the Nucleus
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: February 2013

High glucose concentrations stimulate Wnt signaling by promoting the nuclear accumulation of β-catenin.
Streptococcus agalactiaeendocarditis presenting as acalculous cholecystitis in a previously well woman
Authors: Brewer Linda , Lavan Amanda Hanora , Cullen Laura , Duggan Joseph
Published: February 2013

This case report describes the unusual presentation of a previously very well woman withStreptococcusagalactiaeendocarditis in the emergency department. History, examination and preliminary laboratory and radiological investigations supported a diagnosis of acalculous cholecystitis, for which she was given intravenous broad spectrum antimicrobial therapy. One day following admission, the patient deteriorated and became unresponsive. Subsequent MRI of the brain revealed multiple bihemispheric cerebral emboli and a large, mobile mitral valve thrombus was visualised on her transoesophageal echocardiogram.S agalactiaewas cultured from venous blood samples and her antimicrobial cover was adjusted accordingly. Despite her presumed guarded prognosis, this patient made a remarkable recovery. To our knowledge, the association ofS agalactiaeendocarditis with acalculous cholecystitis has not been previously described.
A NATIONAL SURVEY EXPLORING VIEWS AND EXPERIENCE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS ABOUT TRANSFERRING PATIENTS FROM CRITICAL CARE HOME TO DIE
Authors: Darlington A S E , Long-Sutehall T , Addington-Hall J , Richardson A , Coombs M A
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Progress has been made towards enabling patients to die in their preferred place of care. However, it is not clear how this might apply in the context of those dying in critical care. We conducted a national survey targeting critical care staff to investigate experiences and attitudes towards transferring critical care patients home to die (HtD).

Aims and Methods

An online survey was developed informed by the literature and analysis of six focus groups with Health Care Professionals (HCPs) to assess (1) experience and (2) views. The lead consultant and lead nurse of 409 critical care units in the UK were invited, by e-mail, to take part.

Results

A total of 180 HCPs completed the online survey (response rate 24%). Experience with transferring HtD was reported by 36%. The majority agreed that transferring patients HtD is a good idea in principle (89%) and that transfer is important in terms of preferred place of death (PPD) (82%). 36% agreed that it would be unethical to prolong a patient's life to facilitate a transfer and 13% agreed that a transfer was not worth the risk of dying in the ambulance. Statistically significant differences for some views were found for physicians and nurses, and for those with and without experience of transferring HtD.

Conclusions

This study is the first to explore views of health care professionals about transferring patients from critical care HtD. Respondents' views were generally positive, particularly about honouring PPD but reservations were expressed in terms of ethical concerns and the risk of dying on route.
FAMILY CARERS' DELIVERY OF MEDICATIONS FOR THE PERSON DYING AT HOME: PRELIMINARY FINDINGS FROM THE ‘UNPACKING THE HOME’ STUDY
Authors: Turner M , Seamark D , Milligan C , Thomas C , Brearley S G , Wang X , Blake S , Payne S
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Current UK health policy aims to increase the numbers of people dying at home, but it relies on family members being available to take responsibility for caring. The ‘Unpacking the home’ study elicited the views and experiences of family carers who have cared for a dying family member at home.

Aims and Methods

This paper examines a key element of carers' responsibilities: the administration of medications. Using a multidisciplinary social science approach, qualitative interviews were undertaken with 59 family carers in the north and south of England. The interviews were analysed thematically, and a subset of 30 interviews also underwent narrative analysis.

Results

Although some support with medications is provided by healthcare staff in the community, family carers take primary responsibility for drug administration and they identified a number of important issues. They reported anxiety about giving correct and timely dosages, and concerns about keeping their loved ones comfortable without overdosing or shortening their lives. For some, medications (especially opioids) have symbolic significance, and increasing analgesia signifies that the patient is approaching death.

Conclusions

Family carers require adequate information about drugs and their effects, and support in administering medications for a dying person. There is potentially a greater role for pharmacists in managing medications at the end of life, which would be of benefit to doctors and nurses as well as dying patients and their carers.
VARIATION IN THE CARE OF BLOOD AND BOWEL CANCER PATIENTS AT THE END OF LIFE: FEASIBILITY OF USING HOSPITAL EPISODE STATISTICS TO EXAMINE NATIONAL PATTERNS
Authors: Kane E V , Morris E , Bolton E , Wilkinson J , Howell D , Johnson M , McLeod U , Oliver S E
Published: February 2013

Introduction

People dying from haematological cancer are more likely to do so in hospital than is the case for other cancers. We are assessing the utility of data linkage to provide insights into this and other patterns in end of life care, contrasting these malignancies with colorectal cancer.

Aims and Methods

To explore secondary care patterns in the last year of life, we assessed linkage between mortality data and Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) inpatient records. Deaths from haematological and colorectal cancers in England in 2008 were identified from national death registrations and linked to cancer registration and HES inpatient data. Sex, age and place of death distributions were compared.

Results

Ninety percent of 9952 persons who died from haematological cancer and 85% of 13 040 persons who died from colorectal cancer were linked to hospital admissions in the last year of life. More men (55%) than women died from both these cancers and over 80% of deaths occurred in those aged over 65yrs. More haematological than colorectal cancer deaths occurred in hospital (64% vs 38%), and fewer at home (17% vs 28%) or in a hospice (10% vs 19%). Similar distributions by sex, age and place of death were found among persons with a hospital admission in the last year of life.

Conclusions

Linkage of national mortality data to HES records was largely comprehensive and representative of all deaths from these cancers. This national linked dataset will support further exploration of differences in healthcare activity between these cancers at the end of life.
ARE PALLIATIVE CARE RESEARCH SAMPLES BIASED? RESULTS FROM INTERVIEWS WITH EXPERIENCED PALLIATIVE CARE STAFF
Authors: Preston N J , Payne SJ , Salt S , Griggs A , Rigby J , Parr A , Hennings J
Published: February 2013

Introduction

There is evidence that palliative care patients wish to be involved in palliative care research (Terryet al2006) but recruitment proves problematic (Bennett 2010).

Aims and Methods

The purpose of this small study was to understand issues about patient recruitment to research studies in hospice settings from clinicians' and researchers' perspectives. Researchers and clinicians were recruited from various palliative care settings (n=12). Participants were interviewed individually or in pairs using guided questions during June/July 2012. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and content analysis performed.

Results

The sample included research practitioners (n=3), clinicians (n=7) and professionals with dual research and clinical roles (n=2). Rather than asking all eligible patients, staff practice ‘gatekeeping’, only asking those who fit their ‘ideal participant criteria’. These patients were stereotypically deemed nice, co-operative, chatty and young. Those who tended not to be approached were poorly, emotional, angry or older. However, staff recognised that patients wanted to contribute to research and should be invited. They had experience of patients acting autonomously including those who declined or withdrew from studies so there was some evidence that patients could make these decisions for themselves.

Conclusions

There appears to be an unwritten code to only include those fitting the ideal research participant stereotype. Secondary screening for the ideal participant may create a biased sample and fail to address issues pertinent to all palliative care patients. Such gate keeping also denies patients the potential satisfaction of having contributed to knowledge development.
BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS: EVALUATING A MARIE CURIE HOSPICE PROJECT AIMED AT IMPROVING ACCESS TO PALLIATIVE CARE BY MINORITY ETHNIC GROUPS
Authors: Baillie J , Harrop E , Byrne A , Stephens K , Nelson A
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Government policy within the UK (UK) asserts that all individuals should have access to high quality palliative care. However, there is a growing body of evidence that both internationally and within the UK, individuals from minority ethnic groups are underrepresented in both accessing and using palliative care services (PCS). A hospice within a major city in the UK is attempting to increase minority groups' utilisation of PCS by employing a key worker to engage with local communities. This study aims to inform and evaluate the development and impacts of this project.

Aims and Methods

Semi-structured interviews are being undertaken with community members of minority ethnic community groups, community healthcare professionals and hospice staff, which will be repeated at 12 and 30 months. The key worker will also be interviewed at 6 monthly intervals. Ethnicity data collected by the hospice is also being analysed to identify whether there are changes to the uptake of palliative care over time.

Results

Early data indicates that language and translation remains a concern for both healthcare professionals and members of minority ethnic communities. People from minority ethnic groups were unaware of the hospice services available, while healthcare professionals wanted additional education about the specific beliefs of people from different religious groups at the end of life. Ensuring that hospices have appropriate facilities to support religious needs is vital, especially for prayers.

Conclusions

Implications will be identified for palliative care providers interested in finding ways to improve access to palliative care for minority ethnic groups.
BROADENING ACCESS; AN INTEGRATED SPECIALIST NURSE LED PALLIATIVE CARE CLINIC WITHIN A GENERAL PRACTICE SETTING
Authors: Harrop E , Baillie J , Byrne A , Stephens K , Nelson A
Published: February 2013

Introduction

A community nurse-led palliative care clinic was introduced at a large GP practice in April 2012. This is a new model for engaging patients and GPs with potential for broadening access to palliative care services. Previously clinical nurse specialists (CNS) supported patients by home visits, with the fortnightly clinic introduced as a complementary resource to consolidate the joint primary/ palliative care approach.

Aims and Methods

This study evaluates:

▸ Implementation processes

▸ The impacts of the clinic on patient experiences and professional practices,

▸ The uptake of palliative services

▸ The management and delivery of palliative care by GPs and CNS.

Baseline interviews with GPs (n=5) and CNS (n=4) were undertaken in February 2012. Patient interviews (n=6–12) and follow-up interviews with GPs (n=6–10) and CNS (n=4–6) are planned for January 2013. Patient interviews will be analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis methodology, interviews with health professionals will be analysed using Framework Analysis. The evaluation will also report on quantitative data from the palliative care register and patient tracking.

Results

Baseline interview data highlight the need for improved referral and communication practices, especially for non-cancer patients. Aspirations for the clinic included: earlier referral; improved communication and continuity of care; psychological and practical benefits for patients/ carers and more targeted use of specialist nursing resources. Data from patient and follow-up interviews will be reported against these aims, with additional themes identified.

Conclusions

Conclusions will be drawn on the effectiveness of the clinic and implications identified for palliative care provision in primary care settings, including the potential of such models to broaden access to palliative care.