bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanoscale interaction layer at the interface between Al films and SiO2 substrates of Al/AlOx/Al Josephson tunnel junctions
Authors: Zeng L. J. , Greibe T. , Nik S. , Wilson C. M. , Delsing P. , Olsson E.
Published: April 2013

An interaction layer is found at the Al/SiO2 interface in Al/AlOx/Al tunnel junctions grown on SiO2 substrates. The amorphous intermixing layer has an average thickness of about 5 nm. We present the detailed structure of this interfacial layer as determined by transmission electron microscopy. The layer contains alumina with aluminum being octahedrally coordinated according to electron energy loss spectroscopy analysis rather than tetrahedrally coordinated, where the latter coordination is the most common type in amorphous alumina. Depth profiles of the Al-O and Si-O bonding characteristics were also investigated using energy loss near edge structure.
Polarization dependent photocurrent spectroscopy of single wurtzite GaAs/AlGaAs core-shell nanowires
Authors: Kim D. C. , Dheeraj D. L. , Fimland B. O. , Weman H.
Published: April 2013

The optoelectronic properties of single wurtzite GaAs/AlGaAs core-shell nanowires with electrical contacts to the GaAs core are investigated by polarization dependent photocurrent spectroscopy. It is shown that the optical selection rules of the wurtzite GaAs band structure play a major role in observed reversals of the polarization anisotropy in photocurrent as the excitation laser energy changes. The general features of the polarization dependent photocurrent spectra are explained by considering additional effects such as the nanowire dielectric mismatch, Urbach tail, and Franz-Keldysh effect. The optical selection rules allow us to estimate the heavy-hole/light-hole splitting to be ∼90 meV in wurtzite GaAs.
Nonlinear nature of micro-particle detachment by an applied static field
Authors: Kemp B. A. , Whitney J. G.
Published: April 2013

By applying an analytical model of charged dielectric particle interactions, the physics of attachment and detachment in an applied static field is analyzed. It is shown that differences between electric field detachment and mechanical detachment, as reported from prior experiments, have fundamental theoretical basis. Described physics includes a maximum electrostatic detaching force, the enhancement in adhesion force due to particle polarization, the effective reduction in detachment force in a detaching electrostatic field, and the ineffectiveness of an applied field to detach weakly charged particles. Additionally, closed-form equations are provided for approximate calculations of the physical effects.
Optical mobility of blood cells for label-free cell separation applications
Authors: Heon Lee Kyung , Soo Lee Kang , Ho Jung Jin , Bong Chang Cheong , Jin Sung Hyung
Published: April 2013

This paper describes the optical mobilities of blood cell components. Blood cells are heterogeneous, and their optical behaviors depend on size, morphology, and other optical properties. In a step toward the label-free separation of blood cells, the optical mobility resulting from the optical scattering and cell properties was derived and evaluated for each cell component. The optical mobilities of red blood cells, lymphocytes, granulocytes, and monocytes were measured under various flow conditions of a cross-type optical particle separator.
A low voltage and submillisecond-response polymer-stabilized blue phase liquid crystal
Authors: Chen Yuan , Xu Daming , Wu Shin-Tson , Yamamoto Shin-ichi , Haseba Yasuhiro
Published: April 2013

We report a polymer-stabilized blue phase liquid crystal (BPLC) whose Kerr constant is about 2.2× larger than previous record. When filled in a 3.2-μm-thick vertical field switching cell, the on-state voltage is merely 8.4 V (at λ = 514 nm) while keeping submillisecond response time and negligible hysteresis (<1%) at the room temperature. These results imply that the dawn of BPLC era for high speed display and photonic devices has finally arrived.
Formation process of conducting filament in planar organic resistive memory
Authors: Gao S. , Song C. , Chen C. , Zeng F. , Pan F.
Published: April 2013

The formation process of conducting filaments (CFs) has been experimentally demonstrated in inorganics based memory devices, whereas the cation mobility dependent growth modes of the CFs remain an open question. Here, we provide direct evidence on this process in Ag/poly(3,4-ethylene-dioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate)/Pt planar device. The CFs, composed of partially sulfurized Ag clusters, are unexpectedly verified to nucleate initially at the middle region of the planar device and locate on the surface of the organic layer. These phenomena can be attributed to the appropriate cation mobility and the relatively lower activation energy for diffusion on the surface of the organic layer.
Controlled coupling of photonic crystal cavities using photochromic tuning
Authors: Cai Tao , Bose Ranojoy , Solomon Glenn S. , Waks Edo
Published: April 2013

We present a method to control the resonant coupling interaction in a coupled-cavity photonic crystal molecule by using a local and reversible photochromic tuning technique. We demonstrate the ability to tune both a two-cavity and a three-cavity photonic crystal molecule through the resonance condition by selectively tuning the individual cavities. Using this technique, we can quantitatively determine important parameters of the coupled-cavity system such as the photon tunneling rate. This method can be scaled to photonic crystal molecules with larger numbers of cavities, which provides a versatile method for studying strong interactions in coupled resonator arrays.
Search for dark matter in compact hydrogen clouds
Authors: Mirabal N.
Published: April 2013

The recently published Galactic Arecibo L-Band Feed Array-H i Compact Cloud Catalogue lists 20 neutral hydrogen clouds that might pinpoint previously undiscovered high-latitude dwarf galaxies. Detection of an associated gamma-ray dark matter signal could provide a route to distinguish unambiguously between truly dark-matter-dominated systems that have accumulated neutral hydrogen but have not successfully ignited star formation and pure gaseous structures devoid of dark matter. We use 4.3 years of Fermi observations to derive gamma-ray flux upper limits in the 1–300 GeV energy range for the sample. Limits on gamma rays from pair annihilation of dark matter are also presented depending on the yet unknown astrophysical factors.
An Sfp-Type PPTase and Associated Polyketide and Nonribosomal Peptide Synthases in Agrobacterium vitis Are Essential for Induction of Tobacco Hypersensitive Response and Grape Necrosis
Authors: Zheng Desen , Burr Thomas J.
Published: April 2013

An Sfp-type phosphopantetheinyl transferase (PPTase) encoding gene F-avi5813 in Agrobacterium vitis F2/5 was found to be required for the induction of a tobacco hypersensitive response (HR) and grape necrosis. Sfp-type PPTases are post-translation modification enzymes that activate acyl-carry protein (ACP) domains in polyketide synthases (PKS) and peptidyl-carrier protein (PCP) domains of nonribosomal peptide synthases (NRPS). Mutagenesis of PKS and NRPS genes in A. vitis led to the identification of a PKS gene (F-avi4330) and NRPS gene (F-avi3342) that are both required for HR and necrosis. The gene immediately downstream of F-avi4330 (F-avi4329) encoding a predicted aminotransferase was also found to be required for HR and necrosis. Regulation of F-avi4330 and F-avi3342 by quorum-sensing genes avhR, aviR, and avsR and by a lysR-type regulator, lhnR, was investigated. It was determined that F-avi4330 expression is positively regulated by avhR, aviR, and lhnR and negatively regulated by avsR. F-avi3342 was found to be positively regulated by avhR, aviR, and avsR and negatively regulated by lhnR. Our results suggest that a putative hybrid peptide-polyketide metabolite synthesized by F-avi4330 and F-avi3342 is associated with induction of tobacco HR and grape necrosis. This is the first report that demonstrates that NRPS and PKS play essential roles in conferring the unique ability of A. vitis to elicit a non-host-specific HR and host-specific necrosis.
Subsisting H1N1 influenza memory responses are insufficient to protect from pandemic H1N1 influenza challenge in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Sage Leo K. , Fox Julie M. , Tompkins Stephen M. , Tripp Ralph A.
Published: April 2013

The 2009 swine-origin pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1) influenza virus transmitted and caused disease in many individuals immune to pre-2009 H1N1 influenza virus. Whilst extensive studies on antibody-mediated pH1N1 cross-reactivity have been described, few studies have focused on influenza-specific memory T-cells. To address this, the immune response in pre-2009 H1N1 influenza-immune mice was evaluated after pH1N1 challenge and disease pathogenesis was determined. The results show that despite homology shared between pre-2009 H1N1 and pH1N1 strains, the effector memory T-cell response to pre-2009 H1N1 was generally ineffective, a finding that correlated with lung virus persistence. Additionally, pH1N1 challenge generated T-cells reactive to new pH1N1 epitopes. These studies highlight the importance of vaccinating against immunodominant T-cell epitopes to provide for a more effective strategy to control influenza virus through heterosubtypic immunity.
Genetic relationships between Mt. Halla and Mongolian populations of Hipparchia autonoe (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)
Authors: Cho Youngho , Park Jeong Sun , Kim Min Jee , Choi Deuk‐Soo , Nam Sang‐Ho , Kim Iksoo
Published: April 2013

Hipparchia autonoe belongs to the family Nymphalidae (Lepidoptera) and is designated as an endangered insect and national monument in Korea. It only inhabits a very restricted area on Mt. Halla but is widely distributed in several Asian countries including Mongolia. A previous study conducted to understand the genetic relationship between Mt. Halla and Mongolian H. autonoe for conservation purposes suffered from a limited number of samples. Therefore, we sequenced the DNA barcode region of an additional 36 H. autonoe individuals, combined them with previous data from 19 individuals, and performed phylogenetic and population genetic analyses. Furthermore, the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region was also sequenced from the 36 samples as a nuclear DNA marker. The existence of independent haplotypes, sequence types, and significant FST estimates (P < 0.05) between Mt. Halla and Mongolian populations indicated hampered gene flow between the populations. Nevertheless, an absence of a reciprocal monophyletic group in Mt. Halla and Mongolian populations by cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene‐ and ITS2‐based phylogeny suggests that the genetic isolation of the Mt. Halla population from the Mongolian populations seemed not large enough to consider them independent genetic entities.
No significant prognostic value of normal precursor B‐cell regeneration in paediatric acute myeloid leukaemia after induction treatment
Authors: Bras Anne E. , van den Heuvel‐Eibrink Marry M. , van der Sluijs‐Gelling Alita J. , Coenen Eva A. , Wind Henk , Zwaan C. Michel , te Marvelde Jeroen G. , van der Burg Mirjam , Gibson Brenda , Rijneveld Anita W. , de Haas Valérie , van Dongen Jacques J. M. , van der Velden Vincent H. J.
Published: April 2013

B‐cell precursors (BCP) regeneration in bone marrow (BM) after induction chemotherapy is prognostic for good treatment response in adult acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). We detected BCP regeneration in 81% of 59 paediatric AML patients at first complete remission; this compared to 46% in an adult study. BCP regeneration did not correlate with outcome or minimal residual disease levels. In 36 healthy BM controls, BCP levels were significantly higher in children as compared to adults. Therefore, BCP regeneration does not reflect good response to treatment in paediatric AML, possibly due to the relatively high base‐line levels of BCP in children.
Food Prices, Government Subsidies and Fiscal Balances in South Mediterranean Countries
Authors: Peeters Marga , Albers Ronald
Published: April 2013

Soaring food and energy prices sparked the revolts in Northern African countries at the end of 2010. This article investigates empirically the impact of world food prices on inflation and government subsidies for Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, the occupied Palestinian territories and Tunisia during the ten‐year period 2002–11. Its findings reveal an asymmetry in the response of consumer‐price inflation to shocks in world food prices that made inflation rise fast while nominal rigidities prevented it from falling. Moreover, it shows that government balances deteriorated to 2% of GDP in 2008 and 2011 owing to the incremental government food subsidies, while they hardly improved in value terms when world prices fell sharply in 2009.
Asset Ownership and Microloan Repayment: Examining Data from Bangladesh
Authors: White Roger , Alam Shamma Adeeb
Published: April 2013

Employing data for 34,255 loans made by the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC) to 12,455 repeat borrowers during the 2002–6 period, this article examines the relationship between borrowers' asset holdings and microloan repayment. Estimating a series of binomial probit specifications, it finds a positive relationship between land ownership and loan repayment; however, taken collectively, ownership of non‐land assets diminishes the likelihood of repayment. Influences of specific assets on repayment probabilities vary across asset types: ownership of land, corrugated tin houses, vans and rickshaws increases the likelihood of repayment, while ownership of sewing machines, televisions, radios and bicycles corresponds with a decreased repayment probability.
Unravelling the Embedded Liberal Bargain: Labour and Social Welfare Law in the Context of EU Market Integration
Authors: Ashiagbor Diamond
Published: April 2013

European economic integration with a minimalist social policy at EU level was in part made possible by strong domestic labour market and social welfare institutions. The main contention of this paper is that EU market liberalisation was embedded within institutions of social citizenship at domestic level, which served to counter the liberalisation of the internal market. But this settlement has been put under strain. In addition to the challenges posed to the sustainability of European welfare states by the global economic crisis, the internal market jurisprudence of the Court of Justice casts doubt on the sustainability of the ‘embedded liberal bargain’. This paper focuses on the role of the Court, in particular in its jurisprudence on the interaction between (EU) market freedoms and (national) labour law, which undermines the ability of states to retain their regulatory autonomy over labour or social welfare law and, arguably, speeds up the unravelling of the ‘embedded liberal bargain’.
Tibial osteomyelitis caused by Rhodococcus equi in a mature horse
Authors: Kilcoyne I. , Nieto J. , Vaughan B.
Published: April 2013

A 7‐year‐old Paint mare presented for evaluation of a swollen right hindlimb of approximately 6 weeks' duration. Ultrasonography and radiography suggested a severe osteomyelitis and abscessation of the right tibia. Previous treatment included systemic antimicrobial therapy using procaine penicillin G (22,000 u/kg bwt, q. 12 h, i.m.) and gentamicin sulfate (6.6 mg/kg bwt, q. 24 h, i.v.) initially followed by oral doxycycline (10 mg/kg bwt, q. 12 h, per os) and rifampin (5 mg/kg bwt, q. 12 h, per os). Based on the poor prognosis the mare was subjected to euthanasia. Necropsy results subsequently revealed a severe, chronic, focal, necrotising osteomyelitis with localised cellulitis and abscessation. Rhodococcus equi was isolated from the tibia, subcutaneous abscess and from a pectoral abscess found at necropsy. Immunological testing of blood samples obtained ante mortem revealed normal blood lymphocyte phenotyping, but markedly increased IgG and IgM concentrations, indicating an active humoural response. While there have been reports of Rhodococcus equi infection in mature horses this is an area previously unreported in the literature.
Severe hypertriglyceridaemia in horses and ponies with endocrine disorders
Authors: Dunkel B. , Wilford S. A. , Parkinson N. J. , Ward C. , Smith P. , Grahame L. , Brazil T. , Schott H. C.
Published: April 2013

Reasons for performing the study

Severe hypertriglyceridaemia in horses and ponies with endocrine disorders has been reported anecdotally but has not been documented in the literature.

Objectives

To describe historical and clinicopathological findings as well as progression and outcome in horses and ponies with severe hypertriglyceridaemia (serum triglyceride concentration >5.65 mmol/l) secondary to an endocrine disorder that were otherwise apparently healthy.

Methods

Cases from 6 participating institutions were identified and case details extracted from the medical records.

Results

Case details of 3 horses and 4 ponies were available. Presenting complaints included weight loss despite good appetite in 4 animals, while in 3 hypertriglyceridaemia was identified incidentally. All animals were bright and alert and showed a normal or increased appetite. Serum triglyceride concentrations ranged from 10.5 to 60.3 mmol/l. Other abnormalities included hyperglycaemia in 6 animals, suspected insulin resistance and mild to severe increases in hepatic enzyme activities. In 2 animals, moderate hepatic lipidosis was confirmed histologically. Three horses and 3 ponies were diagnosed with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction based on clinical signs and basal adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) concentrations or dexamethasone suppression test results. In 5 of these,type 2diabetes mellitus was also confirmed, while one pony suffered fromtype 2diabetes mellitus without concurrent pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction. Laboratory abnormalities improved in 4 animals with treatment (pergolide and/or insulin), in one horse specific treatment was not attempted, and in 2 ponies treatment was impaired by the owner or only partly effective. In one of the latter cases, biochemical abnormalities persisted for 7 years without apparent ill effects.

Conclusions and potential relevance

Horses and ponies may develop severe hypertriglyceridaemia secondary to endocrine disorders that are associated with insulin resistance. Hypertriglyceridaemia can resolve with treatment of the endocrinopathy. Although biochemical evidence of hepatic compromise was present, clinical abnormalities were not noted in these animals.
The decline of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) in the North Pacific: insights from indigenous people, ethnohistoric records and archaeological data
Authors: Maschner Herbert D G , Trites Andrew W , Reedy‐Maschner Katherine L , Betts Matthew
Published: April 2013

A number of hypotheses have been proposed to explain the most recent decline (1977–2012) of Steller sea lions (SSL; Eumetopias jubatus) in the Gulf of Alaska and Aleutian Islands. We examined hypotheses about fisheries competition, environmental change, predation, anthropogenic effects and disease using observations of modern Aleut and archaeological, ethnohistoric and ethnographic data from the western Gulf of Alaska and Aleutian Islands. These data indicate that Steller sea lion numbers have declined and recovered repeatedly over the past 4500 years and were last at critically low numbers during the 1870s–1930s. Steller sea lions appear to have been more abundant during the cool periods – and lower during the warmer periods. Observations by local peoples, explorers, early government surveyors and biologists since the late 1800s suggest that low populations of SSL have been associated with high populations of Gadidae fishes (Pacific cod – Gadus macrocephalus and walleye pollock – Theragra chalcogramma) and are consistent with the ocean climate hypothesis to explain the decline of sea lions. They suggest that removals by people and killer whales (Orcinus orca) did not cause the sea lion declines, but could have compounded the magnitude of the decline as sea lion numbers approached low densities. Archaeological, anthropological and ethnohistorical analyses demonstrate that fluctuations have occurred in the North Pacific over hundreds to thousands of years and provide context for understanding the changes that occur today and the changes that will continue to occur in the future.
Assessment of leaf/stem ratio in wheat straw feedstock and impact on enzymatic conversion
Authors: Zhang Heng , Fangel Jonatan U. , Willats William G.T. , Selig Michael J. , Lindedam Jane , Jørgensen Henning , Felby Claus
Published: April 2013

The composition of wheat straw leaf and stem fractions were characterized using traditional strong acid hydrolysis, and monoclonal antibodies using comprehensive microarray polymer profiling (CoMPP). These results are then related to high throughput lignocellulose pretreatment and saccharification screening data. Pure leaf fraction of wheat straw was the least recalcitrant compared to pure stem and easily digested by commercial cellulases after moderate hydrothermal pretreatment; 63% and 31% (w/w) of glucan, 88% and 61% of xylan were released from the leaf and stem fractions, respectively. By preparing samples of various leaf‐to‐stem (L/S) ratios, we found shifting conversion behavior as processing parameters were modified. Increasing the enzyme dosage, pretreatment temperature and pretreatment time all significantly improved conversion rates in samples with more than 50% leaf content, whereas less impact was observed on samples with less than 50% leaf content. Enzyme affinity, desorption and readsorption with leaf and stem fractions may affect the sugar yield in wheat straw saccharification. The data suggest that the L/S ratio is an important parameter when adjusting or optimizing conversion processes and additionally in feedstock breeding. Furthermore, this highlights the need for rapid techniques for determining L/S ratio in wheat straw harvests. The CoMPP data on specific carbohydrates and leaf pectin highlight carbohydrate epitopes that may be useful as markers in the development of novel screening techniques; especially pectin or arabinogalactan proteins related epitopes are promising.
Implications of emissions timing on the cost‐effectiveness of greenhouse gas mitigation strategies: application to forest bioenergy systems
Authors: McKechnie Jon , MacLean Heather L.
Published: April 2013

Conventional cost‐effectiveness calculations ignore the implications of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions timing and thus may not properly inform decision‐makers in the efficient allocation of resources to mitigate climate change. To begin to address this disconnect with climate change science, we modify the conventional cost‐effectiveness approach to account for emissions timing. GHG emissions flows occurring over time are translated into an ‘Equivalent Present Emission’ based on radiative forcing, enabling a comparison of system costs and emissions on a consistent present time basis. We apply this ‘Present Cost‐Effectiveness’ method to case studies of biomass‐based electricity generation (biomass co‐firing with coal, biomass cogeneration) to evaluate implications of forest carbon trade‐offs on the cost‐effectiveness of emission reductions. Bioenergy production from forest biomass can reduce forest carbon stocks, an immediate emissions source that contributes to atmospheric greenhouse gases. Forest carbon impacts thereby lessen emission reductions in the near‐term relative to the assumption of biomass ‘carbon neutrality’, resulting in higher costs of emission reductions when emissions timing is considered. In contrast, conventional cost‐effectiveness approaches implicitly evaluate strategies over an infinite analytical time horizon, underestimating nearer term emissions reduction costs and failing to identify pathways that can most efficiently contribute to climate change mitigation objectives over shorter time spans (e.g. up to 100 years). While providing only a simple representation of the climate change implications of emissions timing, the Present Cost‐Effectiveness method provides a straightforward approach to assessing the cost‐effectiveness of emission reductions associated with any climate change mitigation strategy where future GHG reductions require significant initial capital investment or increase near‐term emissions. Timing is a critical factor in determining the attractiveness of any investment; accounting for emissions timing can better inform decisions related to the merit of alternative resource uses to meet near‐, mid‐, and long‐term climate change mitigation objectives.
Using theory and evidence to drive measurement of patient, nurse and organizational outcomes of professional nursing practice
Authors: Jeffs Lianne , Sidani Souraya , Rose Donald , Espin Sherry , Smith Orla , Martin Kirsten , Byer Charlie , Fu Kaiyan , Ferris Ella
Published: April 2013

An evolving body of literature suggests that the implementation of evidence based clinical and professional guidelines and strategies can improve patient care. However, gaps exist in our understanding of the effect of implementation of guidelines on outcomes, particularly patient outcomes. To address this gap, a measurement framework was developed to assess the impact of an organization‐wide implementation of two nursing‐centric best‐practice guidelines on patient, nurse and organizational level outcomes. From an implementation standpoint, we anticipate that our data will show improvements in the following: (i) patient satisfaction scores and safety outcomes; (ii) nurses ability to value and engage in evidence based practice; and (iii) organizational support for evidence‐informed nursing care that results in quality patient outcomes. Our measurement framework and multifaceted methodological approach outlined in this paper might serve as a blueprint for other organizations in their efforts to evaluate the impacts associated with implementation of clinical and professional guidelines and best practices.
Advanced practice nursing: A concept analysis
Authors: Dowling Maura , Beauchesne Michelle , Farrelly Frances , Murphy Kathy
Published: April 2013

A variety of terms are used to describe advanced practice nursing roles internationally. This has resulted in confusion in terminology around these roles. The aim of this concept analysis was to clarify what is meant by advanced practice nursing internationally, what attributes signify advanced practice nursing and what are its antecedents, consequences, references and related terms. Rodgers's evolutionary method of concept analysis was used. Data sources included Medline, CINAHL, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts (ASSIA), Cochrane Library, Science Direct, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Dissertation Abstracts and DARE as well as relevant nursing texts and professional organization websites. The analysis reveals that there are many different articulations of the advanced practice nursing role outlined in the literature. This variety in terminology hinders developments in advanced practice nursing roles. Consensus on advanced practice nursing definitions, terminology, educational requirements and regulatory approaches is integral to the implementation of the advanced practice nursing role internationally.
Understanding current intensive care unit nursing handover practices
Authors: Spooner Amy J , Chaboyer Wendy , Corley Amanda , Hammond Naomi , Fraser John F
Published: April 2013

Clinical handover is critical to clinical decision‐making and the provision of safe, high quality, continuing care. Incomplete and inaccurate transfer of information can result in poor outcomes. To assess the content and completeness of the intensive care unit nursing shift‐to‐shift handover, a prospective, observational study design was used. A semistructured observation sheet based on 10 key principles for handover was used to overtly observe 20 bedside nursing handovers. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. Overall, the content handed over was consistent with the key principles of clinical handover. However, there were some key principles that were minimally addressed or absent from clinical handovers. Development and implementation of a handover tool specific to intensive care will assist in ensuring that all key principles are adhered to so that adverse events associated with miscommunication during clinical handover are reduced and a high standard of care is maintained.
Is Mindful Reflective Practice the way forward to reduce medication errors?
Authors: Pezzolesi Cinzia , Ghaleb Maisoon , Kostrzewski Andrzej , Dhillon Soraya
Published: April 2013

Background

Medication errors can seriously affect patients and healthcare professionals. In over 60% of cases, medication errors are associated with one or more contributory; individual factors including staff being forgetful, stressed, tired or engaged in multiple tasks simultaneously, often alongside being distracted or interrupted. Routinised hospital practice can lead professionals to work in a state of mindlessness, where it is easy to be unaware of how both body and mind are functioning.

Objective

Mindfulness, defined as moment-to-moment awareness of the everyday experience, could represent a useful strategy to improve reflection in pharmacy practice. The importance of reflection to reduce diagnostic errors in medicine has been supported in the literature; however, in pharmaceutical care, reflection has also only been discussed to a limited extent. There is expanding evidence on the effectiveness of mindfulness in the treatment of many mental and physical health problems in the general population, as well as its role in enhancing decision making, empathy and reducing burnout or fatigue in medical staff.

Considering the benefits of mindfulness, the authors suggest that healthcare professionals should be encouraged to develop their practice of mindfulness. This would not only be beneficial in relieving stress, increasing attention levels and awareness, but it is believed that the integration of mindfulness and reflective practice in a ‘Mindful Reflective Practice’ could minimise some of the individual factors that lead to medication errors.

Conclusions

Mindfulness Reflective Practice could therefore represent an important element in pre-registration education and continual professional development for pharmacists and other healthcare professionals.
Genetic polymorphisms for estimating risk of atrial fibrillation: a literature‐based meta‐analysis
Authors: Smith J. G. , Almgren P. , Engström G. , Hedblad B. , Platonov P. G. , Newton‐Cheh C. , Melander O.
Published: April 2013

Smith JG, Almgren P, Engström G, Hedblad B, Platonov PG, Newton‐Cheh C, Melander O (Department of Cardiology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden; Broad Institute of Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; and Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA). Genetic polymorphisms for estimating risk of atrial fibrillation: a literature‐based meta‐analysis. J Intern Med 2012; doi: 10.1111/j.1365‐2796.2012.02563.x

Background.  Genetic polymorphisms associated with common aetiologically complex diseases have recently been identified through genome‐wide association studies. Direct‐to‐consumer genetic testing for such polymorphisms, with provision of absolute genetic risk estimates, is marketed by several commercial companies. Polymorphisms associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) have shown relatively large risk estimates, but the robustness of such estimates across populations and study designs has not been investigated.

Design.  A systematic literature review with meta‐analysis and assessment of between‐study heterogeneity was carried out for single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the six genetic regions associated with AF in genome‐wide or candidate gene studies.

Results.  Data were identified from 18 samples of European ancestry (n = 12 100 cases, 115,702 controls) for the single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) on chromosome 4q25 (rs220733), from 16 samples (n = 12 694 cases, 132 602 controls) for the SNP on 16q22 (rs2106261) and from four samples (n = 5272 cases, 59 725 controls) for the SNP in KCNH2 (rs1805123). Only the publications in which the associations were initially reported were identified for SNPs on 1q21 and in GJA5 and IL6R, why meta‐analyses were not performed for those SNPs. In overall random‐effects meta‐analyses, association with AF was observed for both SNPs on chromosomes 4q25 [odds ratio (OR), 1.67; 95% CI, 1.50–1.86, P = 2 × 10−21] and 16q22 (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.13–1.29, P = 1 × 10−8) from genome‐wide studies, but not the SNP in KCNH2 from candidate gene studies (P = 0.15). There was substantial effect heterogeneity across case–control and cross‐sectional studies for both polymorphisms (I2 = 0.50–0.78, P < 0.05), but not across prospective cohort studies (I2 = 0.39, P = 0.15). Both polymorphisms were robustly associated with AF for each study design individually (P < 0.05).

Conclusions.  In meta‐analyses including up to 150 000 individuals, polymorphisms in two genetic regions were robustly associated with AF across all study designs but with substantial context‐dependency of risk estimates.
Using Action Research to Design Bereavement Software: Engaging People with Intellectual Disabilities for Effective Development
Authors: Read Sue , Nte Sol , Corcoran Patsy , Stephens Richard
Published: April 2013

Background Loss is a universal experience and death is perceived as the ultimate loss. The overarching aim of this research is to produce a qualitative, flexible, interactive, computerised tool to support the facilitation of emotional expressions around loss for people with intellectual disabilities. This paper explores the process of using Participatory Action Research (PAR) to develop this tool.

Materials and methods Participator Action Research provided the indicative framework for the process of developing a software tool that is likely to be used in practice.

Results People with intellectual disability worked alongside researchers to produce an accessible, flexible piece of software that can facilitate storytelling around loss and bereavement and promote spontaneous expression that can be shared with others.

Conclusion This tool has the capacity to enable individuals to capture experiences in a storyboard format; that can be stored; is easily retrievable; can be printed out; and could feasibly be personalised by the insertion of photographs.
Phylogenetic patterns and disjunct distribution in Ligularia hodgsonii Hook. (Asteraceae)
Authors: Wang Jin‐Feng , Gong Xun , Chiang Yu‐Chung , Kuroda Chiaki
Published: April 2013

Aim

The objectives of this study were to elucidate the phylogenetic origins and phylogeographical history of Ligularia hodgsonii, which exhibits a disjunct distribution between south‐western–central China and Japan.

Location

China and Japan.

Methods

Three chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) spacer regions (trnQ–5′rps16, trnL–rpl32 and psbA–trnH) were sequenced in 280 individuals of L. hodgsonii isolated from 29 natural populations, including 23 from China and 6 from Japan. Phylogenetic inference was performed using MrBayes and beast analyses. Statistical dispersal–vicariance analysis (S‐DIVA) was utilized to resolve the biogeographical events in L. hodgsonii, and to clarify the origin of the species’ disjunct distribution.

Results

Genetic variation in cpDNA revealed 19 unique haplotypes among populations. A high degree of genetic diversity (HT = 0.913) and a significant level of differentiation (GST = 0.933, NST = 0.989) were detected. Different haplotypes from continental and island populations were analysed, and the degree of genetic diversity observed within each of the two regions was similar. S‐DIVA analysis supported the occurrence of a vicariance event between the continental and island areas.

Main conclusions

Based on S‐DIVA analysis, the non‐overlapping cpDNA haplotypes and similar genetic diversity levels in continental and island populations, we conclude that the disjunct distribution of L. hodgsonii is the result of vicariance. Molecular dating suggests that the separation between populations on the islands of Japan (northern Honshu and Hokkaido) and mainland Asia occurred during the middle to late Pleistocene. Following divergence, L. hodgsonii populations probably underwent severe range contraction into multiple isolated refugia during the Last Glacial Maximum, when conditions were colder and drier than at present.
Enhanced periodontal tissue regeneration by periodontal cell implantation
Authors: Yu Na , Oortgiesen Daniel A. W. , Bronckers Antonius L. J. J. , Yang Fang , Walboomers X. Frank , Jansen John A.
Published: April 2013

Aim

Due to a lack of regenerative potential, current treatments for periodontal defects do not always provide satisfactory clinical results. Previously, the implantation of a biomaterial scaffold‐cell construct has been suggested as a clinically achievable approach. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the contribution of implanted periodontal ligament (PDL) cells to periodontal tissue regeneration.

Materials & Methods

Gelatin sponges were seeded with green fluorescent protein (GFP) transfected PDL or gingival fibroblasts (GF) cells, and implanted into a surgically created rat intrabony periodontal defect model. After six weeks, decalcified maxillae were used for histomorphometrical and immunohistochemical analyses.

Results

After six weeks, animals that had received the PDL cells exhibited significantly more functional bone and ligament. Furthermore, there were remarkable differences in the distribution of the transplanted cells. Periodontal ligament cells were always located directly lining the newly regenerated areas. In contrast, GF cells dispersed over the whole defect area, and did not provide a favourable effect on the regeneration of the periodontal tissues.

Conclusion

We concluded that PDL cells transplanted into a periodontal defect survive and favour regeneration of periodontium, possibly in a paracrine manner.
A Dinoflagellate Amylax triacantha with Plastids of the Cryptophyte Origin: Phylogeny, Feeding Mechanism, and Growth and Grazing Responses
Authors: Park Myung Gil , Kim Miran , Kang Misun
Published: April 2013

The gonyaulacalean dinoflagellates Amylax spp. were recently found to contain plastids of the cryptophyte origin, more specifically of Teleaulax amphioxeia. However, not only how the dinoflagellates get the plastids of the cryptophyte origin is unknown but also their ecophysiology, including growth and feeding responses as functions of both light and prey concentration, remain unknown. Here, we report the establishment of Amylax triacantha in culture, its feeding mechanism, and its growth rate using the ciliate prey Mesodinium rubrum (= Myrionecta rubra) in light and dark, and growth and grazing responses to prey concentration and light intensity. The strain established in culture in this study was assigned to A. triacantha, based on morphological characteristics (particularly, a prominent apical horn and three antapical spines) and nuclear SSU and LSU rDNA sequences. Amylax triacantha grew well in laboratory culture when supplied with the marine mixotrophic ciliate M. rubrum as prey, reaching densities of over 7.5 × 103 cells/ml. Amylax triacantha captured its prey using a tow filament, and then ingested the whole prey by direct engulfment through the sulcus. The dinoflagellate was able to grow heterotrophically in the dark, but the growth rate was approximately two times lower than in the light. Although mixotrophic growth rates of A. triacantha increased sharply with mean prey concentrations, with maximum growth rate being 0.68/d, phototrophic growth (i.e. growth in the absence of prey) was −0.08/d. The maximum ingestion rate was 2.54 ng C/Amylax/d (5.9 cells/Amylax/d). Growth rate also increased with increasing light intensity, but the effect was evident only when prey was supplied. Increased growth with increasing light intensity was accompanied by a corresponding increase in ingestion. In mixed cultures of two predators, A. triacantha and Dinophysis acuminata, with M. rubrum as prey, A. triacantha outgrew D. acuminata due to its approximately three times higher growth rate, suggesting that it can outcompete D. acuminata. Our results would help better understand the ecophysiology of dinoflagellates retaining foreign plastids.
Severity of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis is associated with substitution of adipose tissue in skeletal muscle
Authors: Kitajima Yoichiro , Hyogo Hideyuki , Sumida Yoshio , Eguchi Yuichiro , Ono Naofumi , Kuwashiro Takuya , Tanaka Kenichi , Takahashi Hirokazu , Mizuta Toshihiko , Ozaki Iwata , Eguchi Takahisa , Kimura Yuki , Fujimoto Kazuma , Anzai Keizo ,   Japan Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Study Group (JSG‐NAFLD)
Published: April 2013

Background and Aims

The pathogenesis of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now focusing on its organ cross‐talk with not only adipose tissue but also systemic skeletal muscle. Cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies were conducted to determine the role of intramuscular adipose tissue content (IMAC) measured by computed tomography on the severity of NAFLD/non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Methods

Two hundred eight Japanese patients with NAFLD/NASH diagnosed by liver biopsy were enrolled into a cross‐sectional study. Twenty‐one patients were enrolled in a longitudinal study and received a programmed diet and exercise intervention, in some cases the combination of pharmacotherapy. We measured IMAC in the multifidus muscle and biochemical parameters, and conducted liver histology to assess NAFLD/NASH status.

Results

Histopathological stage in terms of simple steatosis and Brunt's classification was significantly correlated with IMAC (P < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that risk factors associated with the severity of NASH were IMAC and aging (IMAC: odds ratio = 2.444, P < 0.05; Age: odds ratio = 2.355, P < 0.05). The interventions improved histopathological changes in 11 patients with NASH as well as IMAC.

Conclusion

These results suggest that skeletal muscle fat accumulation may have been linked to the pathogenesis and severity of NASH.
Dependence of the measured size of the objects on the parameters of the transmitted light source in video measurement microscopy
Authors: LIU L. , QU Y.
Published: April 2013

Parameter adjustment of the transmitted light source yields a good‐quality image for video measurement microscopy. However, a disadvantage is that the measured size of the objects changes simultaneously while the parameters of the transmitted light source are adjusted, which directly affects the measurement accuracy adversely. Furthermore, the variation of the objects’ measured size leads to the magnification variation as well. In order to analyse how the measured size of the objects varies with the parameters, we apply a photometric method and an operator algebra method to derive a unified mathematical model that correlates the parameters of the transmitted light source with the measured size of the objects. Theoretical results show that factors including the illumination intensity, the diameter of the aperture stop and the field stop and the object thickness are important to the measured size of the objects. The simulation results have been verified thoroughly using a wide variety of internal and external diameter measurement experiments. The proposed method has proved to be suitable to determine how these parameters affect measured size of the objects.
The inflammatory biomarker YKL‐40 at admission is a strong predictor of overall mortality
Authors: Mygind N. D. , Iversen K. , Køber L. , Goetze J. P. , Nielsen H. , Boesgaard S. , Bay M. , Johansen J. S. , Nielsen O. W. , Kirk V. , Kastrup J.
Published: April 2013

Objectives

YKL‐40 is an inflammatory biomarker associated with disease activity and mortality in patients with diseases characterized by inflammation and tissue remodelling. The aim of this study was to describe the prognostic value of YKL‐40 in an unselected patient population.

Design

In consecutive patients admitted to hospital during a 1‐year period, blood was collected and information regarding final diagnosis and mortality was collected. Median follow‐up time was 11.5 years.

Setting

District hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Patients

A total of 1407 patients >40 years of age were admitted acutely.

Main outcome measure

All‐cause mortality.

Results

Median YKL‐40 was increased in patients (157 μg L−1, range 13–7704 μg L−1) compared to healthy controls (40 μg L−1, range 29–58 μg L−1; P < 0.001). Patients with YKL‐40 in the highest quartile had a hazard ratio (HR) of 7.1 [95% confidence interval (CI) 4.2–12.0] for all‐cause mortality in the first year and 3.4 (95% CI 2.8–4.2) in the total study period, compared to those in the lowest quartile (HR = 1). The HR for death for all patients with YKL‐40 above the normal age‐corrected 95th percentile was 2.1 (95% CI 1.6–2.7) after 1 year and 1.5 (95% CI 1.3–1.7) during the total study period, compared to patients with YKL‐40 below the age‐corrected 95th percentile. The results of multivariable analysis showed that YKL‐40 was an independent biomarker of mortality; this was most significant in the first year. YKL‐40 was a marker of prognosis in all disease categories. The HR for death was increased in patients with YKL‐40 above the normal age‐corrected 95th percentile in healthy subjects independent of type of disease (all P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The level of YKL‐40 at admission is a strong predictor of overall mortality, independent of diagnosis and could be useful as a biomarker in the acute evaluation of all patients.
Class 3 semaphorins: physiological vascular normalizing agents for anti‐cancer therapy
Authors: Serini G. , Bussolino F. , Maione F. , Giraudo E.
Published: April 2013

Findings from preclinical and clinical studies show that vascular normalization represents a novel strategy to enhance the efficacy of and overcome the acquired resistance to anti‐angiogenic therapies in cancer. Several mechanisms of tumour vessel normalization have been revealed. Amongst them, secreted class 3 semaphorins (Sema3), which regulate axon guidance and angiogenesis, have been recently identified as novel vascular normalizing agents that inhibit metastatic dissemination by restoring vascular function. Here, we discuss the different biological functions and mechanisms of action of Sema3 in the context of tumour vascular normalization, and their impact on the different cellular components of the tumour microenvironment.