bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The thermoregulatory benefits of the communal nest of sociable weavers Philetairus socius are spatially structured within nests
Authors: van Dijk René E. , Kaden Jennifer C. , Argüelles‐Ticó Araceli , Beltran L. Marcela , Paquet Matthieu , Covas Rita , Doutrelant Claire , Hatchwell Ben J.
Published: January 2013

Structures built by animals, such as nests, mounds and burrows, are often the product of cooperative investment by more than one individual. Such structures may be viewed as a public good, since all individuals that occupy them share the benefits they provide. However, access to the benefits generated by the structure may vary among individuals and is likely to be an important determinant of social organisation. Here we use the massive, communal nests of sociable weavers Philetairus socius, to investigate whether their thermoregulatory function varies in relation to the size of communal nests, and the position of individual nest chambers within the communal structure. We then examine whether this spatial variation in thermoregulatory function predicts the social organisation of colonies. First, we show that the sociable weavers’ communal nests buffer variation in ambient temperature, and reduce temperature variability within nest chambers. The extent of this buffering effect depends significantly on the position of nest chambers within the communal structure, and on the depth to which chambers are embedded within the nest mass. We detected no effect of nest volume on thermoregulatory benefits, suggesting that there are likely to be additional, non‐thermoregulatory benefits leading to communal nests. Finally, our results indicate that there may be competition for access to the benefits of the public good, since older birds occupied the chambers with the highest thermoregulatory benefits, where breeding activity was also more common. We discuss how the spatial structure of the benefits of the public good might influence social organisation in the unique communal lifestyle of sociable weavers.
The influence of species pools and local processes on the community structure: a test case with woody plant communities in China's mountains
Authors: Wang Shaopeng , Tang Zhiyao , Qiao Xiujuan , Shen Zehao , Wang Xiangping , Zheng Chengyang , Fang Jingyun
Published: January 2013

Understanding how patterns of biodiversity vary among taxonomic levels can provide insights into the mechanisms that regulate the assembly of ecological communities. In this study, we examined the scale and environmental dependence of the relationship between number of species and number of genera/families in woody plant communities to investigate the influences of species pool and local ecological processes on the taxonomic structures of local communities. The data we used are based on a large number of forest plots collected across the eastern part of China and the globe. The results showed that the ratio of the number of genera/families:species and the taxonomic exponents, i.e. the exponents of the genus/family–species relationship, were generally lower than null expectations based on the regional species pool, suggesting that abiotic filtering (e.g. environmental filtering and dispersal limitation) is more important than interspecific competition in shaping local communities. The extent of species pool and the area sampled for local communities both influenced our ability to infer whether local ecological processes were important. In particular, the deviation of the taxonomic ratios and exponents between empirical and null patterns increased as the extent of species pool increased, and the taxonomic exponents declined as area of the local community increased, due partly to the reduced effect of interspecific competition. We conclude that regional species pools and local processes both influenced the taxonomic structure of local woody plant communities, but their effects vary substantially among spatial scales.
“All Colors and Hues”: An Autoethnography of a Multiethnic Family's Strategies for Bilingualism and Multiculturalism
Authors: Kennedy Kimberley D. , Romo Harriett D.
Published: January 2013

This two‐year autoethnographic action research study explores the processes a multiethnic/multiracial family uses to maintain their children's heritage language of Spanish and the family's multiculturalism. Data sources (including interviews and participant observations in the home and the dual‐language school) specifically focus on the eldest child, Nelia, from her kindergarten and first‐grade years where she attended a public dual‐language program. The findings illuminate the integral link between the family's ideology toward valuing bilingualism and the necessity of school support.
Racial Identity, Phenotype, and Self‐Esteem Among Biracial Polynesian/White Individuals
Authors: Allen G. E. Kawika , Garriott Patton O. , Reyes Carla J. , Hsieh Catherine
Published: January 2013

This study examined racial identity, self‐esteem, and phenotype among biracial Polynesian/White adults. Eighty‐four Polynesian/White persons completed the Biracial Identity Attitude Scale, the Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Inventory, and a Polynesian phenotype scale. Profile analyses showed participants identified more with their Polynesian parent. A mediation analysis revealed that phenotype did not mediate the relationship between biracial identity and self‐esteem.
International Marriages Between Eastern European‐Born Women and U.S.‐Born Men
Authors: Levchenko Polina , Solheim Catherine
Published: January 2013

Globalization has increased the occurrence of “international marriages” due to expanded marriage markets resulting from increased travel and communication avenues. Although Eastern Europe is one of the top three regions of origin for marriage migrants, little is known about who chooses this type of marriage arrangement. This study describes demographic characteristics of Eastern European‐U.S. international marriages using a nationally representative sample (N = 442) from the American Community Survey, 2008–2009. Paired t test, chi‐square, and ANOVA analyses were used to assess within‐couple and between‐couple differences. Spouses in Eastern‐European‐U.S. couples were found to differ significantly by age, income, education, and number of previous marriages. Results showed that marriages between Eastern European wives and U.S. husbands differed in important ways from marriages between U.S. citizens. Findings support both status homogamy and status exchange theories of international mate selection.
Microaggressions Within Families: Experiences of Multiracial People
Authors: Nadal Kevin L. , Sriken Julie , Davidoff Kristin C. , Wong Yinglee , McLean Kathryn
Published: January 2013

This study illustrates the types of multiracial microaggressions, or subtle forms of discrimination toward multiracial people, that transpire in family settings. Utilizing a Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) Method and a Qualitative Secondary Analysis (QSA), multiracial participants (N = 9) were interviewed in three focus groups to describe the types of microaggressions they encounter in their families. Five domains emerged including (a) isolation within the family, (b) favoritism within the family, (c) questioning of authenticity, (d) denial of multiracial identity and experiences by monoracial family members, and (e) feelings about not learning about family heritage or culture. We discuss how encouraging discussions of race and ethnicity in multiracial families is conducive to promoting healthier identities and well‐being for multiracial people.
Mixed Resilience: A Study of Multiethnic Mexican American Stress and Coping in Arizona
Authors: Jackson Kelly F. , Wolven Thera , Aguilera Kimberly
Published: January 2013

Guided by an integrated framework of resilience, this in‐depth qualitative study examined the major stressors persons of multiethnic Mexican American heritage encountered in their social environments related to their mixed identity and the resilience enhancing processes they employed to cope with these stressors. Life‐story event narratives were transcribed and inductively coded using the constant comparative method. Collectively, the 24 multiethnic Mexican American participants endorsed external supports, interpersonal protective processes, and internal protective processes to navigate stressors associated with monoracism and interethnic discrimination. Findings generated from this study contribute new insight to our understanding of the dynamic interplay of culture and context in resilient processes among mixed heritage individuals. Policy and practice implications for mixed heritage clients and families are discussed.
Locating Multiethnic Families in a Globalizing World
Authors: Trask Bahira Sherif
Published: January 2013

To derive new insights into the growing number of multiethnic, immigrant, transnational families in the United States and abroad, we need to incorporate the concept of globalization into our analysis. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, an ever‐growing number of heterogeneous individuals are associating with each other and being exposed to new lifestyles, behaviors, and cultural values. This exposure is leading to increased heterogamous relationships and families. The fluidity, flow, and dynamism that characterizes contemporary social life is a critical aspect of understanding multiethnic, immigrant, transnational families. To conduct research and design policies that encourage the well‐being of families, we need to integrate into family scholarship a focus on economics, migration, and varied beliefs and values.
Behavioral Operations Management: A Blind Spot and a Research Program
Authors: Katsikopoulos Konstantinos V. , Gigerenzer Gerd
Published: January 2013

Behavioral operations management, or simply behavioral operations (BOps), aims at understanding the decision‐making of managers and at using this understanding to generate interventions that improve the operation of the supply chain. To do so, BOps imports knowledge from a number of fields such as economics, psychology and other social and behavioral sciences. We point out a blind spot in this knowledge: In BOps, the heuristics that people use are typically, although not always, viewed as a liability. The issue with this view is that it does not explain when and in what way heuristics can be an asset. We propose, as a research program for BOps, uncovering the conditions under which the heuristics that supply chain managers use are an asset, as well as the conditions under which they are a liability. We briefly discuss some research on heuristics in BOps and show how the study of quantitative models of heuristics can complement it.
Thrombolysis in the Developing World: Is There a Role for Streptokinase?
Authors: Butcher Ken , Shuaib Ashfaq , Saver Jeffrey , Donnan Geoffrey , Davis Stephen M. , Norrving Bo , Wong K. S. Lawrence , Abd-Allah Foad , Bhatia Rohit , Khan Adnan
Published: January 2013

Intravenous thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator is the only proven acute therapy for ischemic stroke. This therapy has not been translated into clinical practice in the developing world primarily due to economic constraints. Streptokinase, a lower cost alternative thrombolytic agent, is widely available in developing countries where it is utilized to treat patients with acute coronary syndromes. Although this drug has previously been found to be ineffective in ischemic stroke, the lack of benefit may have been related to a number of factors related to trial design rather than the drug itself. Specific features of prior trial designs that may have adversely affected outcomes include a prolonged treatment window, inclusion of patients with established infarction on computed tomography scan, failure to treat excessive arterial pressures, a fixed dose of streptokinase, and concomitant use of antithrombotic medications. Given the lack of therapeutic alternatives in developing countries, a new trial of streptokinase in acute stroke, utilizing stricter inclusion criteria similar to those in more recent thrombolytic studies, appears warranted.
A Patient Who Could not Allow Himself to Really Get Better
Authors: Simpson David
Published: January 2013

Starting from Freud's concept of the negative therapeutic reaction, the author contrasts Abraham's and Riviere's description of a particular type of patient who does not recover in psychoanalysis, with Klein's description the phenomenon, seen in many types of patient, of setback following helpful interpretation. He describes his clinical work with a man that corresponds with Riviere's description of being unable to improve because of his guilt and despair about his maternal object. The author believes that this originated in this man's childhood fear of evoking envy and guilt in his mother. As a result he developed a defensive barrier to protect his maternal object from his impulses which prevents him penetrating the world with passion and being successful. He is trapped by his devotion to serve his maternal object and he suffers from melancholia which is ‘borrowed’ from it.
The Spectre at the Feast: An Exploration of the Relationship Between the Dead Mother Complex and Eating Disorders
Authors: Pitcairn Wendy M.
Published: January 2013

This paper sets out to explore the relationship between postnatal depression in a mother and the subsequent development of an eating disorder in her daughter who was seen for individual work. It is suggested that postnatal depression impacted negatively on the developing relationship between the mother and her infant producing an insecure attachment leading to the development of an eating disorder. This is explored with particular reference to Green's concept of the dead mother complex. Parallels are drawn between the dead mother complex and the psychopathology of eating disorders and a number of common themes are identified.
Strategies of Feminist Bureaucrats: Perspectives from International NGOs
Authors: Smyth Ines , Turquet Laura , Eyben Rosalind
Published: January 2013

This paper explores the challenges and opportunities for feminists working as women's rights and gender equality specialists in international non‐governmental development organisations, as analysed from an insider practitioner perspective. Part 1 identifies the strategies used and the challenges encountered when Turquet lobbied DFID on its gender equality policy while struggling to avoid marginalisation within her own organisation, Action Aid. In Part 2, Smyth describes how she left Oxfam for a year to work in the Asian Development Bank and uses this experience to consider the strategic opportunities available to a gender specialist working in an NGO such as Oxfam as compared with working in an international finance institution.
Erectile dysfunction in heart failure patients: a critical reappraisal
Authors: Alberti L. , Torlasco C. , Lauretta L. , Loffi M. , Maranta F. , Salonia A. , Margonato A. , Montorsi F. , Fragasso G.
Published: January 2013

Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome with a constantly increasing incidence and prevalence in western countries. Total absence of sexual activity is registered in 30% of HF patients. Moreover, HF‐induced reduction in exercise tolerance, side effects of HF medications and the coexistence of shared risk factors between HF and sexual dysfunction may further aggravate the sexual health of HF patients. The purpose of this review is to examine the pathophysiological mechanisms behind the association of erectile dysfunction (ED) and HF, the potential therapeutic approaches and the eventual indications for sexual activity in HF patients. Medline and Cochrane Library search was performed from January 1970 through October 2012 to retrieve relevant papers outlining the association between ED and HF. Many evidences have outlined a tight association between ED and HF pathophysiological standpoint. Shared risk factors, common pathogenic traits and epidemiologic association represent some of the links between these conditions. Erectile dysfunction has been recognized as an earlier predictor of cardiovascular events; moreover, HF itself may cause and/or worsen ED because of its particular feature and co‐morbidities. Furthermore, some cardiovascular drugs may contribute to impaired erectile function. In stable patients with stable HF, sexual activity is generally not contraindicated but it should be encouraged, as a form of moderate‐intensity physical exertion. An effective treatment of ED in HF patients should be founded on the correction of reversible risk factors, on the choice of cardiovascular drugs with the lowest effect upon patient's erectile function, and on the use of phosphodiesterase‐5‐inhibitors. Physicians should be aware of the close relation between HF and ED and of the related clinical and therapeutic implications, in order to improve patients quality of life and clinical outcome.
Postoperative Performance of the Quartet® Left Ventricular Heart Lead
Authors: TOMASSONI GERY , BAKER JAMES , CORBISIERO RAFFAELE , LOVE CHARLES , MARTIN DAVID , NIAZI IMRAN , SHEPPARD ROBERT , WORLEY SETH , BEAU SCOTT , GREER G. STEPHEN , ARYANA ARASH , CAO MICHAEL , HARBERT NICOLE , ZHANG SUHONG ,   for the Promote Q CRT‐D and Quartet Left Ventricular Heart Lead Study Group
Published: January 2013

Promote® Q CRT‐D and Quartet® LV Lead Study. Introduction: The Quartet® left ventricular (LV) lead is the first with 4 pacing electrodes (tip and 3 rings) that enables pacing from 10 different pacing vectors. Postoperative performance of this lead was evaluated in a prospective, nonrandomized, multicenter IDE study.

Methods: Patients with standard indications for CRT‐D were enrolled. Electrical performance and presence of phrenic nerve stimulation (PNS) were assessed during pacing from each of 10 vectors at predischarge (within 7 days), 1 month, and 3 months postimplant.

Results: The Quartet LV lead was implanted successfully in 170 patients (95.5% implant success rate, 68 ± 11 years, 68.5% male, LVEF: 25 ± 7%, NYHA class III: 98.3% and class IV: 1.7%). Mean follow‐up was 4.7 ± 1.9 months. Capture threshold and impedance for each of the 10 LV lead pacing vectors remained stable during follow‐up. LV lead dislodgement occurred in 6 (3.5%) patients and PNS was observed in 23 (13.5%) patients. PNS was resolved noninvasively in all 23 (100%) patients, either by reprogramming to pace from the additional LV lead pacing vectors alone (13 pts, 56.5%), reprogramming to pace from the additional LV lead pacing vectors and reprogramming pacing output (4 pts, 17.4%), or by reprogramming pacing output alone (6 pts, 26.1%).

Conclusions: The Quartet LV lead electrical performance was stable and was associated with a high implant success and low dislodgement rate during 3‐month follow‐up. In all patients with PNS, the 10 pacing vectors combined with reduced output programming enabled the elimination of PNS noninvasively. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 24, pp. 449‐456, April 2013)
Age Differences in the Use of Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillators Among Older Patients Hospitalized with Heart Failure
Authors: HESS PAUL L. , GRAU‐SEPULVEDA MARIA V. , HERNANDEZ ADRIAN F. , PETERSON ERIC D. , BHATT DEEPAK L. , SCHWAMM LEE H. , YANCY CLYDE W. , FONAROW GREGG C. , AL‐KHATIB SANA M. ,   for the Get with The Guidelines Steering Committee and Hospitals
Published: January 2013

Age and ICD Use Among Older HF Patients

Introduction

Practice guidelines recommend the use of ICDs in patients with heart failure (HF) and a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of ≤ 35% in the absence of contraindications.

Methods and Results

We performed an analysis of ICD use among patients admitted with HF with LVEF of ≤ 35% and discharged alive from 251 hospitals participating in the American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines‐HF Program between January 2005 and September 2011. Among 35,772 guideline‐eligible patients, 17,639 received an ICD prior to hospitalization (10,886), during hospitalization (4,876), or were discharged with plans to undergo ICD placement after hospitalization (1,877). After adjustment, increasing age was associated with lower ICD use (odds ratio [OR] 0.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.87–0.91 per 5‐year increase in age, P  <  0.0001). Compared with patient age < 55 years, older age groups ≥ 65 years were less likely to receive an ICD (P  <  0.003). Compared with men in the same age group, women were significantly less likely to receive an ICD; this difference was more marked with increasing age (P value for interaction = 0.006). There was a temporal increase in ICD use (adjusted OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.15–1.31 of ICD use per year) that was similar in each age group (P value for interaction = 0.665).

Conclusions

Eligible older HF patients age ≥ 65 years were significantly less likely to receive an ICD. With increasing age, women were less likely to receive an ICD than men. ICD use significantly increased over time in all age groups; however, age‐related differences in ICD use persisted.
Elevated T‐Wave Alternans Predicts Nonsustained Ventricular Tachycardia in Association with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in ST‐Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) Patients
Authors: VERRIER RICHARD L. , NEARING BRUCE D. , GHANEM RAJA N. , OLSON RACHEL E. , GARBERICH ROSS F. , KATSIYIANNIS WILLIAM T. , GORNICK CHARLES C. , TANG CHUEN Y. , HENRY TIMOTHY D.
Published: January 2013

TWA and Arrhythmias in STEMI After PCI

 Introduction

Successful reperfusion with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) can paradoxically elicit temporary vulnerability to ventricular arrhythmia. We examined whether T‐wave alternans (TWA) level is correlated with nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) incidence in association with PCI in patients with acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods and Results

We analyzed continuous 24‐hour ambulatory electrocardiograms in 48 STEMI patients during and after successful primary PCI, achieving Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) grade 3 flow. TWA was measured using modified moving average method. Maximum TWA was elevated in patients with (N = 22) compared to without (N = 26) NSVT (75.1 ± 6.3 vs 49.9 ± 3.6 μV, P < 0.005) during the 22‐hour monitoring period. TWA ≥ 60μV predicted NSVT with sensitivity of 77%; specificity, 73%; positive predictive value, 71%; and negative predictive value, 79%. Area under receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.87 for maximum TWA in predicting NSVT. By comparison, ST‐segment levels did not differ in patients with versus without NSVT and were not predictive (AUC = 0.52). TWA was elevated prior to PCI and remained elevated at 30 minutes after balloon inflation despite restoration of TIMI grade 3 flow in all patients, declining by 22 hours (P < 0.05). Maximum ST‐segment levels decreased from before PCI to 30 minutes after balloon inflation. TWA is regionally specific, with higher values prior to PCI in precordial lead V5 than in V1 for left coronary lesions.

Conclusions

TWA may be useful in identifying individuals at heightened risk for arrhythmia in association with primary PCI and can potentially signal time‐dependent changes in arrhythmia vulnerability.
Integrating Self Blood Pressure Monitoring Into the Routine Management of Uncontrolled Hypertension: Translating Evidence to Practice
Authors: Angell Sonia , Guthartz Seth , Dalal Mehul , Foster Victoria , Pogue Velvie , Wei Alice , Chamany Shadi , Yi Stella
Published: January 2013

Improving hypertension control is a public health priority and could reduce health disparities. Self blood pressure monitoring (SBPM) is effective but not widely integrated into clinical care. A pragmatic study distributing blood pressure (BP) monitors was conducted to assess its effectiveness in the management of uncontrolled hypertension under conditions consistent with clinic resources. Patients, predominantly black and Hispanic adults from clinics in low‐income, medically underserved communities with uncontrolled BP were enrolled. Follow‐up assessments were conducted 9 months after enrollment. Approximately half (53%) of the patients had controlled hypertension at follow‐up. Systolic and diastolic BP decreased by 18.7 mm Hg and 8.5 mm Hg, respectively, at follow‐up. Although attenuated, decreases persisted after adjustment for regression to the mean. Clinicians were supportive of the program, although collecting follow‐up data from enrolled patients was a common challenge. The integration of SBPM into routine management of uncontrolled hypertension demonstrated substantial improvements in control. Systems to identify and track patients who are self‐monitoring may increase impact. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2013;00:00–00. ©2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of laboratory and field bioassays of laboratory‐reared Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) quality and field performance
Authors: Carpenter J. E. , Blomefield T. , Hight S. D.
Published: January 2013

Maximum production and fitness of insect species that are mass‐reared for biological control programmes such as the sterile insect technique (SIT) have benefitted from the employment of quality control and quality management. With a growing interest in the use of SIT as a tactic for the suppression/eradication of key lepidopteran pests, such as the codling moth, Cydia pomonella L. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), there is a parallel interest in inexpensive bioassays that can accurately detect differences in insect quality and monitor insect field performance. In this study, we examined laboratory (mating and flight ability) bioassays and field (field cage and open field release) bioassays simultaneously to discern the ability of the different bioassays to predict quality and field performance of codling moths produced in a commercial mass‐rearing facility. Moth quality was degraded by different levels of radiation during the sterilization procedure. Both the laboratory flight bioassay and the field cage bioassay successfully detected quality and performance differences that were relevant to moth performance in the field. However, the study data suggest that the field cage bioassay was a better predictor of the daily performance of males that had been released in the orchard than the laboratory flight bioassay. Conversely, data suggest that the controlled climatic conditions of the laboratory allowed the flight cylinder bioassay to be more sensitive in detecting daily fluctuations in the quality of moths caused by factors within the mass‐rearing facility. Therefore, both laboratory and field bioassays may be required to provide feedback on quality and performance of mass‐reared moths in a SIT programme.
The relationship between challenging behaviour and anxiety in adults with intellectual disabilities: a literature review
Authors: Pruijssers A. C. , van Meijel B. , Maaskant M. , Nijssen W. , van Achterberg T.
Published: January 2013

Background

Anxiety and challenging behaviour (CB) often occur simultaneously in people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Understanding the associations between anxiety and CB may contribute to more accurate diagnoses and management of both anxiety and CB in this population.

Aims

To examine the relationship between anxiety and CB.

Methods

A literature review covering the period from January 2000 to January 2012.

Results

Seven studies about the relationship between psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, and CB were identified. These studies confirm the relationship between anxiety and CB in people with ID, although the precise nature of this relationship remains unclear.

Conclusions

The study points toward the existence of a moderate association between anxiety and CB. Further research is needed to clarify the complex nature of the association between anxiety and CB.
Age‐specific prevalence of intellectual disability in Finland at the beginning of new millennium – multiple register method
Authors: Westerinen H. , Kaski M. , Virta L. J. , Almqvist F. , Iivanainen M.
Published: January 2013

Background

In the national study of multiple registers in 2000, the average prevalence of intellectual disability (ID) was 0.70%, with marked differences by age group (range 0.38–0.96%) – what are these differences in detail, and can they be understood?

Method

This study was based on two national health registers and six social benefit registers. Prevalence of ID was calculated by 1‐year age cohorts.

Results

The multiple register prevalence of ID increased steadily from 0.20% in the first life year to 0.74% (male: 0.90%, female: 0.58%) at 10 years. For boys, the rate fell to 0.71% at 11 years. For both sexes, a steady increase was noted in the distribution up to 40 years (male: 0.84%, female: 0.73%), followed by a sharper increase to the maximum prevalence (male: 1.19% at 48 years, female: 1.05% at 50 years). At the pension age of 66 years, a sudden drop to 0.49% occurred for men and women. Different registers gave very different age distributions.

Conclusions

By examining the data by 1‐year age cohorts, and by understanding the role of each register, it could be deduced that a proportion of cases in younger age groups is lacking, and a remarkable proportion of elderly ID persons is missing from the pooled data. The findings were more difficult to interpret, if the data were grouped into bigger age groups.
A method for estimating the fibre length in fibre‐PLA composites
Authors: CHINGA‐CARRASCO G. , SOLHEIM O. , LENES M. , LARSEN Å.
Published: January 2013

Wood pulp fibres are an important component of environmentally sound and renewable fibre‐reinforced composite materials. The high aspect ratio of pulp fibres is an essential property with respect to the mechanical properties a given composite material can achieve. The length of pulp fibres is affected by composite processing operations. This thus emphasizes the importance of assessing the pulp fibre length and how this may be affected by a given process for manufacturing composites. In this work a new method for measuring the length distribution of fibres and fibre fragments has been developed. The method is based on; (i) dissolving the composites, (ii) preparing the fibres for image acquisition and (iii) image analysis of the resulting fibre structures. The image analysis part is relatively simple to implement and is based on images acquired with a desktop scanner and a new ImageJ plugin. The quantification of fibre length has demonstrated the fibre shortening effect because of an extrusion process and subsequent injection moulding. Fibres with original lengths of >1 mm where shortened to fibre fragments with length of <200 μm. The shortening seems to be affected by the number of times the fibres have passed through the extruder, the amount of chain extender and the fraction of fibres in the polymer matrix.
Glucose metabolism down‐regulates the uptake of 6‐(N‐(7‐nitrobenz‐2‐oxa‐1,3‐diazol‐4‐yl)amino)‐2‐deoxyglucose (6‐NBDG) mediated by glucose transporter 1 isoform (GLUT1): theory and simulations using the symmetric four‐state carrier model
Authors: DiNuzzo Mauro , Giove Federico , Maraviglia Bruno , Mangia Silvia
Published: January 2013

The non‐metabolizable fluorescent glucose analogue 6‐(N‐(7‐nitrobenz‐2‐oxa‐1,3‐diazol‐4‐yl)amino)‐2‐deoxyglucose (6‐NBDG) is increasingly used to study cellular transport of glucose. Intracellular accumulation of exogenously applied 6‐NBDG is assumed to reflect concurrent gradient‐driven glucose uptake by glucose transporters (GLUTs). Here, theoretical considerations are provided that put this assumption into question. In particular, depending on the microscopic parameters of the carrier proteins, theory proves that changes in glucose transport can be accompanied by opposite changes in flow of 6‐NBDG. Simulations were carried out applying the symmetric four‐state carrier model on the GLUT1 isoform, which is the only isoform whose kinetic parameters are presently available. Results show that cellular 6‐NBDG uptake decreases with increasing rate of glucose utilization under core‐model conditions, supported by literature, namely where the transporter is assumed to work in regime of slow reorientation of the free‐carrier compared with the ligand–carrier complex. To observe an increase of 6‐NBDG uptake with increasing rate of glucose utilization, and thus interpret 6‐NBDG increase as surrogate of glucose uptake, the transporter must be assumed to operate in regime of slow ligand–carrier binding, a condition that is currently not supported by literature. Our findings suggest that the interpretation of data obtained with NBDG derivatives is presently ambiguous and should be cautious because the underlying transport kinetics are not adequately established.
‘Targeting’ sedation: the lived experience of the intensive care nurse
Authors: Everingham Kirsty , Fawcett Tonks , Walsh Tim
Published: January 2013

Aims and objectives

To discuss the findings from a phenomenological study that provides insights into the intensive care nurses' ‘world’ following changes in the sedation management of patients in an intensive care unit.

Background

Intensive care sedation practices have undergone significant changes. Patients, where possible, are now managed on lighter levels of sedation, often achieved through the performance of sedation holds (SHs). The performance of SHs is normally carried out by the bedside nurse but compliance is reported to be poor. There has been little exploration of the nurses' experiences of these changes and the implications of SHs and subsequent wakefulness on their delivery of care.

Design

Following ethical approval, 16 intensive care nurses, experienced and inexperienced, from within a general intensive care unit.

Methods

A Heideggerian phenomenological approach was used. Data collection consisted of interviews guided by an aide memoir and a framework adapted from Van Manen informed the analysis.

Results

The findings reveal new insights into the world of the intensive care nurse in the light of the changes to sedation management. They demonstrate that there have been unforeseen outcomes from well‐intentioned initiatives to improve the quality of patients' care. There were implications from the changes introduced for the nurses care delivery. The main themes that emerged were ‘working priorities’ and ‘unintended consequences’, in turn revealing embedded tensions between evidence‐based targets and holistic care.

Conclusions

Intensive care nurses find that the current approach to the changes in sedation management can threaten their professional obligation and personal desire to provide holistic care. The ‘targeted’ approach by healthcare organisations is perceived to militate against the patient‐centred care they want to deliver.

Relevance to clinical practice

Sedation management is complex and needs further consideration particularly the potential constraints ‘target‐led’ care has on nursing practice.
Clinical credibility and trustworthiness are key characteristics used to identify colleagues from whom to seek information
Authors: Marshall Andrea P , West Sandra H , Aitken Leanne M
Published: January 2013

Aims and objectives

To explore the use of information by nurses making decisions in clinically uncertain situations in one aspect of critical care nursing practice (enteral feeding). In this paper, we report the characteristics, which participants identified as important, of the people from whom they sought information for the purpose of making clinical decisions.

Background

Registered nurses have a plethora of information sources available to assist them in making clinical decisions. Identifying and selecting the best information to support these decisions can be difficult and is influenced by factors such as accessibility, usefulness and variations in quality of the information.

Design

An instrumental case study design using multiple case study analysis.

Method

Twenty‐two critical care nurses from two intensive care units contributed to the data through multiple methods of data collection including concurrent verbal protocols (think aloud), retrospective probing and focus group interviews.

Results

Nurses preferentially used colleagues as a source of information when faced with uncertainty about their clinical practice. Most participants placed greater emphasis on evaluating the individual providing the information rather than on evaluating the information itself. Key features used for identifying an individual as a source of information included experience, clinical role, trust and approachability.

Conclusion

Establishing clearly what clinical credibility means, and to what extent trustworthiness and expertise play a role in the establishment of credibility, is an important debate for nursing. We need to carefully consider what defines the construct of clinical credibility and how this aligns with the concept of clinical currency, to allow clinicians to determine in others the characteristics associated with clinical credibility to access quality information through social interaction.

Relevance to clinical practice

Processes to focus on determining the quality of information obtained from colleagues should be emphasised. What these processes are and how they could be implemented into clinical practice remains unknown and is highlighted as an area for future research.
The effect of height, weight and head circumference on gross motor development in achondroplasia
Authors: Ireland Penelope Jane , Ware Robert S , Donaghey Samantha , McGill James , Zankl Andreas , Pacey Verity , Ault Jenny , Savarirayan Ravi , Sillence David , Thompson Elizabeth , Townshend Sharron , Johnston Leanne M
Published: January 2013

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate whether height, weight, head circumference and/or relationships between these factors are associated with gross motor milestone acquisition in children with achondroplasia.

Method

Population‐based data regarding timing of major gross motor milestones up to 5 years were correlated with height, weight and head circumference at birth and 12 months in 48 children with achondroplasia born in Australia and New Zealand between 2000 and 2009.

Results

Although as a group children with achondroplasia showed delayed gross motor skill acquisition, within group differences in height, weight or head circumference did not appear to influence timing of gross motor skills before 5 years. The exception was lie to sit transitioning, which appears likely to occur earlier if the child is taller and heavier at 12 months, and later if the child has significant head‐to‐body disproportion.

Conclusions

This is the first study to investigate the relationship between common musculoskeletal impairments associated with achondroplasia and timing of gross motor achievement. Identification of the musculoskeletal factors that exacerbate delays in transitioning from lying to sitting will assist clinicians to provide more proactive assessment, advice and intervention regarding motor skill acquisition for this population.
The essential oil of Citrus bergamia Risso induces vasorelaxation of the mouse aorta by activating K+ channels and inhibiting Ca2+ influx
Authors: Kang Purum , Suh Suk Hyo , Min Sun Seek , Seol Geun Hee
Published: January 2013

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore the effect of the essential oil of Citrus bergamia Risso (bergamot) on mouse blood vessels and to analyse the mechanism of this effect from a pharmacological perspective.

Methods

We investigated the effect of bergamot essential oil (BEO) on vascular tonus during contraction of mouse aorta induced by prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) or noradrenaline (norepinephrine).

Key findings

In mouse aortic rings, BEO (0.01, 0.1 and 0.2% v/v) reduced contraction in a dose-dependent manner, and relaxed the vascular tonus induced by PGF2α. No significant difference in the extent of vasorelaxation induced by 0.1% (v/v) BEO was evident when rings with intact endothelium and endothelium-denuded rings were compared. When aortic rings were suspended in a medium that was Ca2+-free but contained 80 mm KCl, addition of CaCl2 (1, 2.5 or 5 mm) induced contraction in a dose-dependent manner. However, addition of Ca2+ after incubation of the rings with BEO strongly suppressed CaCl2-induced contraction. Further, the K+-channel blocker tetraethylammonium chloride partially blocked BEO-induced vasorelaxation.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that BEO may induce endothelium-independent vasorelaxation by regulating the vascular tone of smooth muscle. Activation of K+ channels and inhibition of Ca2+ influx may be involved in vasorelaxation of mouse aorta elicited by BEO.
Factor‐Market Rivalry and Competition for Supply Chain Resources
Authors: Ellram Lisa M. , Tate Wendy L. , Feitzinger Edward G.
Published: January 2013

Organizations monitor factor‐markets for strategic inputs that directly contribute to the firms' unique advantage. Thus, managers may be unaware of essential supporting inputs that bundle with strategic inputs to sustain the organization's success. Increasingly, supply chain resources are part of that strategic bundle of resources essential for achieving the firm's competitive advantage. This research employs a conceptual theory‐building approach to examine competition among diverse industries in factor‐markets using the example of supply chain services and the relatively new lens of factor‐market rivalry theory. Data relative to air cargo capacity in China, port capacity in South Vietnam and the U.S. port and rail system provide the context for theoretical and practical insights into the implications of factor‐market rivalry on firm performance.
Reducing Behavioral Constraints to Supplier Integration: A Socio‐Technical Systems Perspective
Authors: Kull Thomas J. , Ellis Scott C. , Narasimhan Ram
Published: January 2013

Despite the benefits of supplier integration (SI), research suggests such collaborative initiatives are inhibited by behavioral constraints. While studies tend to advance technical reasons that hinder SI, we draw from socio‐technical system (STS) theory to suggest that the interaction among social, technical, and environmental features can give rise to behaviors that constrain SI. We conceptualize buying and supplying firms as two distinct social‐technical systems and SI as a merging of technical systems across firms. We posit that behavioral constraints, which limit the realization of SI goals, arise when technical integration commences without appropriate a priori consideration for the social or environmental implications of technical changes. Our conceptual development not only proposes specific social processes that increase the likelihood of behavioral constraints during SI, but also suggests technical approaches to prevent them. Further, we identify salient environmental contingencies affecting the emergence of behavioral constraints. By extending STS theory to the interorganizational context, we contribute to SI research by offering a holistic view of SI and proposing ways managers can address the challenges that exist.
An assessment of sediment reuse for sediment management of Gallito Ciego Reservoir, Peru
Authors: Walter Katja , Gunkel Günter , Gamboa Nadia
Published: January 2013

Gallito Ciego Reservoir, with a surface area of 14.2 km2 and mean depth of 40.3 m, is located in the Jequetepeque River basin in north‐western Peru. It is rapidly filling with sediments, endangering its main purpose of supplying agricultural irrigation water. A sediment volume corresponding to 70% of the dead water volume has accumulated in the reservoir up to 2007, with reservoir bottom outlet becoming blocked. Below the dam, 35 000 ha of irrigated cropland, supporting 115 000 habitants, are endangered. This study was conducted to evaluate the possibilities of sediment management, especially the use of the sediment for agricultural purposes in the Jequetepeque River basin. Sediment samples were collected from littoral and profound sites in the reservoir. Suspended sediments also were collected. Physical parameters were investigated, and the nutrient and heavy metal concentrations were determined. By comparing grain‐size distribution and nutrient content, as well as pollutant concentration of the sediments, to those of terrestrial soils near the reservoir, an assessment of the potential for applying the sediments on the cropland was undertaken. Texture investigations of profound sediments revealed a strong grain‐size classification within the reservoir. Because the heavy metal concentrations in the sediments were below toxic thresholds, and the concentrations of nutrients also were low, using the sediments for agricultural purposes would not constitute risks, although they cannot replace fertilizer. As a soil amendment and building material, the sediments do have an economical value. Its dredging and use, however, must be seen as only one component of more holistic sediment management of the Jequetepeque Watershed.
Urban lakes in a developing nation: Drivers, states and impacts of water quality and quantity in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md. Nazrul , Kitazawa Daisuke , Runfola Daniel M. , Giner Nicholas M.
Published: January 2013

This study examined pollution and shrinkage of urban lakes in the rapidly urbanizing city of Dhaka, Bangladesh. A mixed‐method approach was employed, nested within the European Environmental Agency Drivers, Pressure, States, Impacts, Responses Framework and Environmental Systems Analysis tools (as stakeholder and functions analysis methodologies). A variety of stakeholders and policymakers were first interviewed, being asked to participate in an exercise identifying their perceptions of the greatest challenges facing urban lakes in Dhaka. The current quantity and quality of lakes in Dhaka was subsequently assessed through a combination of field work, government reports and satellite imagery analysis. The results indicated that past management strategies have failed to prevent the infill and pollution of lakes and wetlands. Many key indicators of poor water quality have exhibited sharp increases over the past decade. Urban encroachment into lakes has been curtailed in only four of Dhaka’s 14 districts, with ten districts losing water land cover over the past 66 years. Policymaker and stakeholder opinions on the drivers of lake pollution were highly variable in this study, creating additional roadblocks in implementing and enforcing effective management strategies. It is concluded that the regulatory policies must be implemented to prevent furthermore environmental degradation, while also observing that such policies will be very difficult to enforce under current conditions.
Interplay between predicted inner‐rod and gatekeeper in controlling substrate specificity of the type III secretion system
Authors: Cherradi Youness , Schiavolin Lionel , Moussa Simon , Meghraoui Alaeddine , Meksem Ahmed , Biskri Latéfa , Azarkan Mohamed , Allaoui Abdelmounaaïm , Botteaux Anne
Published: January 2013

The type III secretion apparatus (T3SA) is a multi‐protein complex central to the virulence of many Gram‐negative pathogens. Currently, the mechanisms controlling the hierarchical addressing of needle subunits, translocators and effectors to the T3SA are still poorly understood. In Shigella, MxiC is known to sequester effectors within the cytoplasm prior to receiving the activation signal from the needle. However, molecules involved in linking the needle and MxiC are unknown. Here, we demonstrate a molecular interaction between MxiC and the predicted inner‐rod component MxiI suggesting that this complex plugs the T3SA entry gate. Our results suggest that MxiI–MxiC complex dissociation facilitates the switch in secretion from translocators to effectors. We identified MxiCF206S variant, unable to interact with MxiI, which exhibits a constitutive secretion phenotype although it remains responsive to induction. Moreover, we identified the mxiIQ67A mutant that only secretes translocators, a phenotype that was suppressed by coexpression of the MxiCF206S variant. We demonstrated the interaction between MxiI and MxiC homologues in Yersinia and Salmonella. Lastly, we identified an interaction between MxiC and chaperone IpgC which contributes to understanding how translocators secretion is regulated. In summary, this study suggests the existence of a widely conserved T3S mechanism that regulates effectors secretion.