bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Curcumin Inhibits Growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae through Iron Chelation
Authors: Minear Steven , O'Donnell Allyson F. , Ballew Anna , Giaever Guri , Nislow Corey , Stearns Tim , Cyert Martha S.
Published: September 2011

Curcumin, a polyphenol derived from turmeric, is an ancient therapeutic used in India for centuries to treat a wide array of ailments. Interest in curcumin has increased recently, with ongoing clinical trials exploring curcumin as an anticancer therapy and as a protectant against neurodegenerative diseases.
In vitro
, curcumin chelates metal ions. However, although diverse physiological effects have been documented for this compound, curcumin's mechanism of action on mammalian cells remains unclear. This study uses yeast as a model eukaryotic system to dissect the biological activity of curcumin. We found that yeast mutants lacking genes required for iron and copper homeostasis are hypersensitive to curcumin and that iron supplementation rescues this sensitivity. Curcumin penetrates yeast cells, concentrates in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes, and reduces the intracellular iron pool. Curcumin-treated, iron-starved cultures are enriched in unbudded cells, suggesting that the G
1
phase of the cell cycle is lengthened. A delay in cell cycle progression could, in part, explain the antitumorigenic properties associated with curcumin. We also demonstrate that curcumin causes a growth lag in cultured human cells that is remediated by the addition of exogenous iron. These findings suggest that curcumin-induced iron starvation is conserved from yeast to humans and underlies curcumin's medicinal properties.
MdoR Is a Novel Positive Transcriptional Regulator for the Oxidation of Methanol in Mycobacterium sp. Strain JC1
Authors: Park Hyuk , Ro Young T. , Kim Young M.
Published: September 2011

Mycobacteriumsp. strain JC1 is able to grow on methanol as a sole source of carbon and energy using methanol:N,N′-dimethyl-4-nitrosoaniline oxidoreductase (MDO) as a key enzyme for methanol oxidation. The second open reading frame (mdoR) upstream of, and running divergently from, themdogene was identified as a gene for a TetR family transcriptional regulator. The N-terminal region of MdoR contained a helix-turn-helix DNA-binding motif. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) indicated that MdoR could bind to amdopromoter region containing an inverted repeat. ThemdoRdeletion mutant did not grow on methanol, but growth on methanol was restored by a plasmid containing an intactmdoRgene. In DNase I footprinting and EMSA experiments, MdoR bound to two inverted repeats in the putativemdoRpromoter region. Reverse transcription-PCR indicated that themdoRgene was transcribed only in cells growing on methanol, whereas β-galactosidase assays showed that themdoRpromoter was activated in the presence of methanol. These results indicate that MdoR serves as a transcriptional activator for the expression ofmdoand its own gene. Also, MdoR is the first discovered member of the TetR family of transcriptional regulators to be involved in the regulation of the methanol oxidation, as well as to function as a positive autoregulator.
Transcriptional Profiling Analysis of the Global Regulator NorG, a GntR-Like Protein of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Truong-Bolduc Q. C. , Dunman P. M. , Eidem T. , Hooper D. C.
Published: September 2011

The GntR-like protein NorG has been shown to affect
Staphylococcus aureus
genes involved in resistance to quinolones and β-lactams, such as those encoding the NorB and AbcA transporters. To identify the target genes regulated by NorG, we carried out transcriptional-profiling assays using
S. aureus
RN6390 and its isogenic
norG
::
cat
mutant. Our data showed that NorG positively affected the transcription of global regulators
mgrA
,
arlS
, and
sarZ
. The three putative drug efflux pump genes most positively affected by NorG were the NorB efflux pump (5.1-fold), the MmpL-like protein SACOL2566 (5.2-fold), and the BcrA-like drug transporter SACOL2525 (5.7-fold) genes. The
S. aureus
predicted MmpL protein showed 53% homology with the MmpL lipid transporter of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, and the putative SACOL2525 protein showed 87% homology with the bacitracin drug transporter BcrA of
Staphylococcus hominis
. Two pump genes most negatively affected by NorG were the NorC (4-fold) and AbcA (6-fold) genes. Other categories of genes, such as those participating in amino acid, inorganic ion, or nucleotide transporters and metabolism, were also affected by NorG. Real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR assays for
mgrA
,
arlS
,
sarZ
,
norB
,
norC
,
abcA
,
mmpL
, and
bcrA
-like were carried out to verify microarray data and showed the same level of up- or downregulation by NorG. The
norG
mutant showed a 2-fold increase in resistance to norfloxacin and rhodamine, both substrates of the NorC transporter, which is consistent with the resistance phenotype conferred by overexpression of
norC
on a plasmid. These data indicate that NorG has broad regulatory function in
S. aureus
.
The sensory modality used for learning affects grades
Authors: Ramirez Beatriz U.
Published: September 2011

Second-year undergraduated students from 2008, 2009, and 2010 cohorts were asked to respond a questionnaire to determine their learning style preferences, the VARK questionnaire (where V is visual, A is aural, R is reading-writing, and K is kinesthetic), which was translated into Spanish by the author. The translated questionnaire was tested for wording comprehension before its application in the actual study. Using the results of the VARK questionnaire, students were classified as unimodal or multimodal and according to the first preferred sensory modality used for learning as V, A, R, or K learners. Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and problems that required simple arithmetic calculations (arithmetic-type questions) were applied to the students. The relation between the main sensory modality used for learning and the grades obtained in each question type was analyzed both in unimodal and multimodal students. It was found that R unimodal students performed significantly better in arithmetic questions than A and K unimodal students ( P < 0.001 by a Bonferroni multiple-comparison test after ANOVA). R unimodal students also performed better than R multimodal students in arithmetic questions ( P = 0.02 by a Mann-Whitney U-test). However, no differences were observed after MCQs in either unimodal or multimodal students with different first sensory modalities used for learning. When MCQ scores between unimodal and multimodal students were compared, no differences were detected. It was concluded that the sensory learning style used for learning affects student outcome when students receive arithmetic questions but not when MCQs are applied.
The Healthy Heart Race: a short-duration, hands-on activity in cardiovascular physiology for museums and science festivals
Authors: Pressley Thomas A. , Limson Melvin , Byse Miranda , Matyas Marsha Lakes
Published: September 2011

The “Healthy Heart Race” activity provides a hands-on demonstration of cardiovascular function suitable for lay audiences. It was field tested during the United States of America Science and Engineering Festival held in Washington, DC, in October 2010. The basic equipment for the activity consisted of lengths of plastic tubing, a hand pump, collection containers, clamps, and simulated blood prepared by tinting water with red food coloring. Student participants were first asked to experience the effort required to pump through an unaltered tube. A presenter then applied a strong clamp that pinched each tube downstream from the pump, and students were asked to pump against the increased resistance. The students' observations were then used as the basis for discussions of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease with the presenters. Distribution of informative postcards during the 2 days of the festival indicated that at least 2,500 students completed the Healthy Heart Race activity. Our experiences to date suggest that the Healthy Heart Race activity can be accomplished effectively in the high-volume, high-distraction environment of a science fair or museum.
An albumin-associated PLA2-like activity inactivates surfactant phosphatidylcholine secreted from fetal type II pneumocytes
Authors: Damas Jolanta E. , Cake Max H.
Published: September 2011

Type II pneumocytes are responsible for the synthesis and secretion of pulmonary surfactant, which reduces surface tension in lung alveoli, thus decreasing their tendency to collapse during expiration. For this effect to be sustained, the integrity of the surface-active components of surfactant must be maintained. This study has shown that, when cultured type II pneumocytes are exposed to lipoprotein-free serum (LFS), the level of lyso-phosphatidylcholine (lyso-PC) in the secreted surfactant phospholipids is markedly elevated with a concomitant decline in the level of phosphatidylcholine (PC). This effect is the result of hydrolysis of surfactant PC by a phospholipase A2(PLA2)-like activity present within serum. Anion-exchange chromatography, gel filtration chromatography and preparative electrophoresis of human LFS have shown that this PLA2-like activity coelutes with albumin and is biochemically distinct from the secretory form of PLA2. Furthermore, specific inhibitors of PLA2such as p-bromophenacyl bromide, aristolochic acid, and palmitoyl trifluoromethyl ketone do not inhibit this activity of serum. Commercially purified human serum albumin fraction V and recombinant human serum albumin (rHSA) are almost as effective as LFS in enhancing the level of lyso-PC in the media. The latter finding implies that rHSA directly generates lyso-PC from secreted PC and suggests that this PLA2-like activity may be an intrinsic attribute of albumin.
High XRCC1 Protein Expression Is Associated with Poorer Survival in Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ang Mei-Kim , Patel Mihir R. , Yin Xiao-Ying , Sundaram Sneha , Fritchie Karen , Zhao Ni , Liu Yufeng , Freemerman Alex J. , Wilkerson Matthew D. , Walter Vonn , Weissler Mark C. , Shockley William W. , Couch Marion E. , Zanation Adam M. , Hackman Trevor , Chera Bhishamjit S. , Harris Stephen L. , Miller C. Ryan , Thorne Leigh B. , Hayward Michele C. , Funkhouser William K. , Olshan Andrew F. , Shores Carol G. , Makowski Liza , Hayes D. Neil
Published: September 2011

Purpose: We evaluated X-ray repair complementing defective repair in Chinese hamster cells 1 (XRCC1) protein in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients in association with outcome.

Experimental Design: XRCC1 protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of pretreatment tissue samples in 138 consecutive HNSCC patients treated with surgery (n = 31), radiation (15), surgery and radiation (23), surgery and adjuvant chemoradiation (17), primary chemoradiation (51), and palliative measures (1).

Results: Patients with high XRCC1 expression by IHC (n = 77) compared with patients with low XRCC1 expression (n = 60) had poorer median overall survival (OS; 41.0 months vs. OS not reached, P = 0.009) and poorer progression-free survival (28.0 months vs. 73.0 months, P = 0.031). This association was primarily due to patients who received chemoradiation (median OS of high- and low-XRCC1 expression patients, 35.5 months and not reached respectively, HR 3.48; 95% CI: 1.44–8.38; P = 0.006). In patients treated with nonchemoradiation modalities, there was no survival difference by XRCC1 expression. In multivariable analysis, high XRCC1 expression and p16INK4a-positive status were independently associated with survival in the overall study population (HR = 2.62; 95% CI: 1.52–4.52; P < 0.001 and HR = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.06–0.71; P = 0.012, respectively) and among chemoradiation patients (HR = 6.02; 95% CI: 2.36–15.37; P < 0.001 and HR = 0.26; 95% CI: 0.08–0.92, respectively; P = 0.037).

Conclusions: In HNSCC, high XRCC1 protein expression is associated with poorer survival, particularly in patients receiving chemoradiation. Future validation of these findings may enable identification of HNSCC expressing patients who benefit from chemoradiation treatment. Clin Cancer Res; 17(20); 6542–52. ©2011 AACR.
DNA Repair: From Genome Maintenance to Biomarker and Therapeutic Target
Authors: Jalal Shadia , Earley Jennifer N. , Turchi John J.
Published: September 2011

A critical link exists between an individual's ability to repair cellular DNA damage and cancer development, progression, and response to therapy. Knowledge gained about the proteins involved and types of damage repaired by the individual DNA repair pathways has led to the development of a variety of assays aimed at determining an individual's DNA repair capacity. These assays and their use in the analysis of clinical samples have yielded useful though somewhat conflicting data. In this review article, we discuss the major DNA repair pathways, the proteins and genes required for each, assays used to analyze activity, and the relevant clinical studies to date. With the recent results from clinical trials targeting specific DNA repair proteins for the treatment of cancer, accurate, reproducible, and relevant analysis of DNA repair takes on an even greater significance. We highlight the strengths and limitations of these DNA repair studies and assays, with respect to the clinical assessment of DNA repair capacity to determine cancer development and response to therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 17(22); 6973–84. ©2011 AACR.
Improving T-cell Therapy for Relapsed EBV-Negative Hodgkin Lymphoma by Targeting Upregulated MAGE-A4
Authors: Cruz Conrad R. , Gerdemann Ulrike , Leen Ann M. , Shafer Jessica A. , Ku Stephanie , Tzou Benjamin , Horton Terzah M. , Sheehan Andrea , Copeland Amanda , Younes Anas , Rooney Cliona M. , Heslop Helen E. , Bollard Catherine M.
Published: September 2011

Purpose: Patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) relapsing after hematopoietic stem cell transplant have limited options for long-term cure. We have shown that infused cytotoxic T cells (CTL) targeting Epstein Barr virus (EBV)–derived proteins induced complete remissions in EBV+ HL patients. A limitation of this approach is that up to 70% of relapsed HL tumors are EBV-negative. For these patients, an alternative is to target the cancer/testis antigen MAGE-A4 present in EBV antigen-negative HL tumors. Furthermore, epigenetic modification by clinically available demethylating agents can enhance MAGE-A4 expression in previously MAGE-negative tumors.

Experimental Design: We explored the feasibility of combining adoptive T cell therapy with epigenetic modification of tumor antigen expression. We further characterized MAGE-A4–specific T-cell phenotype and function, and examined the effects of the epigenetic modifying drug decitabine on these T cells.

Results: Cytotoxic T cells were generated specifically recognizing MAGE-A4 expressed by autologous HL targets and tumor cell lines. Decitabine—previously shown to increase tumor antigen expression in HL—did not compromise MAGE-A4–specific T-cell phenotype and function. In patients treated with decitabine, expanded MAGE-A4–specific T cells had a broader antitumor T cell repertoire, consistent with increased antigen stimulation in vivo.

Conclusions: Adoptive transfer of MAGE-A4–specific T cells, combined with epigenetic modifying drugs to increase expression of the protein, may improve treatment of relapsed HL. Clin Cancer Res; 17(22); 7058–66. ©2011 AACR.
An analytical closed-form model to evaluate the peel and shear stresses in middle plane for adhesively bonded composite single-lap joints
Authors: Langella A. , Carbone R. , Nele L. , Rosolia M.
Published: September 2011

This article deals with the peel and shear stress distributions in a composite adhesively bonded single-lap joint. The proposed analytical model was obtained by extending a known model, for isotropic materials, to composite adherents using the laminated anisotropic plate theory. A pre-existent analytical model for orthotropic materials, for which some terms have been rewritten here in their correct form, is described below. The main difference between the proposed model and the pre-existent one is that the first allows us to consider the effect of varying the length of the outer adherents on the stress distributions. Numerical models were considered simply to make a comparison with the stress results of the proposed analytical model in several cases. The numerical model developed is a two-dimensional space model solved using FEM methodology. Finally, in order to evaluate the stress distribution, both models, analytical and numerical, were applied to single-lap joint with various overlapping and outer adherent lengths and different materials for the adherents.
Two-layered electromagnetic wave-absorbing E-glass/epoxy plain weave composites containing carbon nanofibers and NiFe particles
Authors: Park Ki-Yeon , Han Jae-Hung , Kim Jin-Bong , Lee Sang-Kwan
Published: September 2011

Two-layered radar-absorbing structures (RASs) were investigated for the broadband absorbing characteristics for the X-band (8.2–12.4 GHz) and Ku-band (12.0–18.0 GHz). E-glass/epoxy plain weave composites containing carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and submicron NiFe particles were fabricated and their complex permittivities and permeabilities measured in the range 2–18 GHz. The surface and absorbing layers of two-layered RASs consisted of the low and high lossy materials, respectively. Six kinds of two-layered RASs were designed through the parametric studies. The three kinds of specimens with wide absorption characteristics were selected for the experimental performance evaluations, and their results showed very broad 10 dB absorbing bandwidths of 8.9–9.7 GHz with thicknesses 3.15–3.43 mm.
Strength behavior and crack-formation mechanisms of E-glass fiber exposed to sulfuric acid environment
Authors: Shokrieh MM , Nasir V , Karimipour H
Published: September 2011

In this study, strength behavior and crack-formation mechanism of E-glass fiber exposed to sulfuric acid environment for different immersion times were investigated. In order to study the strength degradation, E-glass fibers were immersed in sulfuric acid. Strength reduction, stiffness, and fracture strain of fibers vs. immersion times were studied. The corrosion mechanism of E-glass fiber exposed to acid, were examined by quantitative X-ray fluorescence method. The results showed that corrosion of E-glass fiber was accompanied by removal of Al, Ca, and Fe ions from the fibers. Moreover, intact and degraded fibers were examined by scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalysis methods to show the relation between the reaction of E-glass fiber elements and acid environment. The ion-depletion-depth model was used to study the fracture process. The results showed that by increasing the immersion time in acid, spiral stress induced due to the shrinkage of E-glass fiber surface caused axial cracks in fibers. Different points of fibers, in which cracks were generated, were examined by EDX method. The results were used to explain the role of Al, Ca, and Fe ions in creation of surface cracks on E-glass fibers subjected to sulfuric acid for different immersion times.
Evaluation of macro finite elements for use in global/local analysis of textile composites
Authors: Maxwell Kevin S , Whitcomb John D
Published: September 2011

Textile composites are ideal candidates for global/local finite element analysis because the global response of composites is so dependent on the complex microstructure of the weave. However, most global/local methods use homogenization to approximate the global material properties, which results in loss of information about material architecture. In this work, single field and multi-field macro-elements were used to account for material inhomogeneity within each element in the global region. The effectiveness of these macro-elements vs. using homogenized properties was evaluated for several configurations. It was found that using macro-elements in the global region of a model generally yields greater accuracy than using homogenized properties.
Behavior of fiber-reinforced composite beams with mechanical joints
Authors: Manalo Allan , Mutsuyoshi Hiroshi
Published: September 2011

The fundamental behavior of the fiber-reinforced composite beams with mechanical joints was examined using coupon and full-scale specimens. The effect of applied bolt torque, the contribution of adhesive bonding, and the number and configuration of bolts on the load capacity and failure mode of the double-lap bolted joints were investigated. The results showed that at different levels of applied bolt torque (10, 15, 20 and 25 N-m), little friction resistance developed. A slight increase on the load capacity was however observed with increasing tightening torque. On the other hand, the mechanical joints using bolts accompanied by adhesive bonding provided resistance against slipping. The flexural behavior of full-scale fiber composite beams with joints at midspan connected with bolts alone and a combination of bolts and epoxy was further examined. The beams connected using bolts and epoxy exhibited the same strength and stiffness as the beams without joints while using bolts alone resulted to a beam with only 65% of the stiffness of those without joints. This showed that the combination of bolts and epoxy adhesives could provide a reliable connection method for fiber-reinforced composite beams.
Thermal properties of montmorillonite–polyaniline nanocomposites
Authors: Wijeratne WMKT , Rajapakse RMG , Wijeratne S , Velauthamurty K
Published: September 2011

Various polymer materials incorporated into the interlayer spaces of montmorillonite (MMT) has received a great dealofattention in the research field of clay-polymer nanocomposites. This is due to the dramatic enhancements in physical properties, such as thermal and mechanical properties, of such nanocomposites compared to their parent materials. Inthis paper, the thermal behavior of montmorillonite-polyaniline nanocomposites is analyzed in a wide range of temperatures (30–1000°C) by the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Inair, the thermal degradation of polyaniline (PANI) (chemically polymerized) starts at 255°C, whereas that in Na+-intercalated MMT-polyaniline and in Ce(IV)-intercalated MMT-polyaniline nanocomposites start at 290 and 330°C, respectively. This improvement in the thermal stability of PANI in the nanocomposites is attributed to the presence of polyaniline in the nano-scaled MMT interlayer spaces in a high aspect ratio where the MMT layers are acting as barriers protecting PANI from degradation. XRD, SEM, and FT-IR data support this conclusion. Better stability of polyaniline in Ce(IV)-intercalated MMT may be due the formation of ordered well-aligned polymer only within the inter-galleries of MMT with a high aspect ratio. In the case of Na+-MMT-polyaniline nanocomposites the polymer is present within the interlayer spaces as well as in the exfoliate form and hence lower thermal stability of polyaniline when compared to that in Ce(IV)-intercalated nanocomposites.
Processing and characterization of composites of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) and lignin from sugar cane bagasse
Authors: Camargo Francisco A. , Innocentini-Mei Lucia H. , Lemes Ana Paula , Moraes Sandra G. , Durán Nelson
Published: September 2011

A biodegradable polymer composite containing lignin from sugarcane bagasse and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) was produced and characterized in terms of its thermal, morphological, and mechanical properties. For comparison with the properties of the composites, the properties of the isolated composite components (lignin and PHBV) were also determined. The characterizations were carried out by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mechanical properties. In the micrograph images, no physical contact between filler and matrix was verified. The thermal decomposition profiles of composites depend on the lignin/PHBV proportions, and their residual mass increased as a function of lignin amount. Higher temperatures were necessary to promote PHBV crystallization in the presence of lignin. However, the crystalline degree of composites was not affected by the lignin. The results obtained in the mechanical tests showed that the lignin addition caused a decrease of mechanical properties.
Age hardening response of an Al/TiC hot pressed multi-layered composite: Influence on corrosion
Authors: Dikici Burak
Published: September 2011

In this study, Al–Cu-based three-layered metal matrix composites reinforced with TiC particles were produced successfully by a conventional hot pressing method under argon (Ar) atmosphere. To evaluate the effect of heat treatment, the composites were treated for 24 h at 530°C and then aged in an oil bath at 180°C for various aging periods. The multi-layered composite was characterized by SEM, EDS, XRD, and the Vickers microhardness test. It was concluded that the peak hardness for the multi-layered composite was observed, when the aging period was extended up to approximately 12 h. The hardness of the middle layer increased from approximately 140 to 291 HV within 12 h. The corrosion resistance of the composites decreased with increasing aging time and some preferential corrosion attack was detected in the composite layers. In addition, it was found that the pitting susceptibility of unaged composites was also higher than that of all the aged specimens.
Intergenerational Relations in the West of Ireland and Sociocultural Approaches to Wisdom
Authors: Edmondson Ricca
Published: September 2011

Discussion of intergenerational relationships has perennially questioned how life experience can be transmitted effectively. This article revisits that debate, focusing on the intergenerational role of wisdom in the West of Ireland. Ethnographic reconstructions of wise interaction within families and communities, especially in regions of Irish society that still bear traces of semitraditional social practices, suggest that certain types of wisdom may promote well-being, even resilience. Shared cultural resources involving wisdom may help younger generations negotiate everyday predicaments in an independent manner. This article explores details of how these interactions take place, suggesting that the processes involved bear similarities with a number of therapeutic approaches.
Interdisciplinary Development and Implementation of Communication Checklist for Postoperative Management of Pediatric Airway Patients
Authors: Kim Sang W. , Maturo Stephen , Dwyer Danielle , Monash Bradley , Yager Phoebe H. , Zanger Kerstin , Hartnick Christopher J.
Published: September 2011

Objective

The authors describe their multidisciplinary experience in applying the Institute of Health Improvement methodology to develop a protocol and checklist to reduce communication error during transfer of care for postoperative pediatric surgical airway patients. Preliminary outcome data following implementation of the protocol and checklist are also presented.

Study Design

Prospective study from July 1, 2009, to February 1, 2011.

Setting

Tertiary care center.

Subjects

One hundred twenty‐six pediatric airway patients who required coordinated care between Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and Massachusetts General Hospital.

Methods

Two sentinel events involving airway emergencies demonstrated a critical need for a standardized, comprehensive instrument that would ensure safe transfer of care. After development and implementation of the protocol and checklist, an initial pilot period on the first set of 9 pediatric airway patients was reassessed. Subsequent prospective 11‐month follow‐up data of 93 pediatric airway patients were collected and analyzed.

Results

A multidisciplinary pediatric team developed and implemented a formalized, postoperative checklist and transfer protocol. After implementation of the checklist and transfer protocol, prospective analysis showed no adverse events from miscommunication during transfer of care over the subsequent 11‐month period involving 93 pediatric airway patients.

Conclusion

There has been very little written in the quality and safety patient literature about coordinating effective transfer of care between the pediatric surgical and medical subspecialty realms. After design and implementation of a simple, electronically based transfer‐of‐care checklist and protocol, the number of postsurgical pediatric airway information transfer and communication errors decreased significantly.
Beyond the body image: a qualitative study on how adults experience lower limb amputation
Authors: Senra Hugo , Oliveira Rui Aragão , Leal Isabel , Vieira Cristina
Published: September 2011

Objective: To explore adults’ experiences of lower limb amputation, focusing on the changes in self-identity related to the impairment.

Design: A cross-sectional and qualitative study, using semi-structured interviews. Interviews were transcribed, coded and analysed by two independent researchers.

Setting: A rehabilitation medicine service from a general public hospital.

Participants: A convenience sample of 42 patients with lower limb amputation performed after the age of 18 and followed up in the physical medicine and rehabilitation department of a general hospital.

Main outcome measures: A semi-structured interview, addressing three core areas: the emotional impact of amputation; the adjustment process; and the relation with the external resources.

Results: Eight themes emerged from interviews: reactions and feelings about becoming amputee; changes in own life; problems in well-being; relation with the prosthesis; self-perceptions; aims related to the rehabilitation and future plans; relation with the rehabilitation; and perceived social support. These results supported a theoretical model for the self-identity changes related to limb loss.

Conclusions: The self-identity changes after a lower limb amputation appear beyond the patient’s body image and functioning, affecting the patient’s awareness of the impairment, biographical self and any future projections.
Making decisions about delirium: A qualitative comparison of decision making between nurses working in palliative care, aged care, aged care psychiatry, and oncology
Authors: Agar M , Draper B , Phillips PA , Phillips J , Collier A , Harlum J , Currow D
Published: September 2011

Background:

Delirium has a significant impact on nursing practice from diagnosis and management, with under-detection and variable management of delirium being international problems. This study aimed to explore nurses’ assessment and management of delirium when caring for people with cancer, the elderly or older people requiring psychiatric care in the inpatient setting.

Methods:

Participants in this qualitative study were nurses working in Australian public hospital inpatient dedicated units in palliative care, aged care (geriatrics), aged care (geriatric) psychiatry and oncology. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore nurses’ views about specific areas of delirium assessment and management. Purposive sampling was used and interviews conducted until thematic saturation reached. A thematic content analysis was performed from a grounded theory perspective.

Results:

A total of 40 participants were included in the study. The analysis revealed four broad analytical themes: (1) superficial recognition and understanding of the operational definition of delirium or recognition of delirium as a syndrome; (2) nursing assessment: investigative versus a problem solving approach; (3) management: maintaining dignity and minimizing chaos; and (4) distress and the effect on others.

Discussion:

Nurses have limited knowledge of the features of delirium regardless of their specialty discipline. Delirium was uniformly identified as a highly distressing experience for patients, families and staff alike. The majority of nurses had a superficial understanding of delirium management, and adopted a task-orientated approach aimed at addressing the more noticeable problems. These findings have implications for both education and knowledge translation. Innovative approaches are needed to align health professional behaviours with best evidence delirium care.
Adaptation and psychometric evaluation of the Preparedness for Caregiving Scale, Caregiver Competence Scale and Rewards of Caregiving Scale in a sample of Swedish family members of patients with life-threatening illness
Authors: Henriksson Annette , Andershed Birgitta , Benzein Eva , Årestedt Kristofer
Published: September 2011

Background:

Family members often take on many caring responsibilities, with complex issues and challenges to consider. Feelings of preparedness, competence and reward are identified as concepts that may protect caregiver wellbeing and decrease negative outcomes related to caregiving.

Aim:

This study aimed to translate, adapt and psychometrically evaluate the Preparedness for Caregiving Scale, Caregiver Competence Scale and Rewards of Caregiving Scale in Swedish family members of patients with life threatening illness.

Design:

Correlational.

Setting/participants:

The study took place in four settings including advanced palliative care. The scales were tested in a sample of 125 family members of persons with life-threatening illness. All three scales were tested in relation to distribution of item and scale scores, missing data patterns, dimensionality, convergent validity and reliability.

Results:

The results in this study indicate that the Swedish versions of The Preparedness for Caregiving Scale, Caregiver Competence Scale and Rewards of Caregiving Scale are valid, reliable and user-friendly scales. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the scales were unidimensional and all demonstrated Cronbach’s alpha values of ≥0.9.

Conclusions:

As a result of this study it is anticipated that the Preparedness for Caregiving Scale, Caregiver Competence Scale and Rewards of Caregiving Scale could provide a basis for collaborative research between different countries and make international studies more comparable and generalizable despite differences in language and culture.
A cohort study of children and young people with progressive neuromuscular disorders: Clinical and demographic profiles and changing patterns of referral for palliative care
Authors: Fraser Lorna K , Childs Anne-Marie , Miller Michael , Aldridge Jan , Manning Sue , McKinney Patricia A , Parslow Roger C
Published: September 2011

Background:

Progressive neuromuscular disease in children is life limiting and these children and young people would benefit from palliative care services, but data are limited on the number and demography of these children.

Aim:

To describe the clinical and demographic profile of children referred to a Children’s hospice in the UK with progressive neuromuscular disease.

Setting/participants:

All children and young people with progressive neuromuscular disorders referred to Martin House Children’s Hospice between 1987 and 2010.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study

Results:

300 children with progressive neuromuscular disease were referred to the hospice. Seventy percent (210) of these children had Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, 22% (67) had Spinal Muscular Atrophy (34 with Type I) and 8% had other neuromuscular diseases. Numbers of referrals have not significantly increased over the last 15 years, although an increasing number come from a South Asian background (from 4% to 32%) and a higher number of children have conditions other than Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. A total of 55.3% (166) of all referrals came from areas of the highest deprivation. Survival patterns varied by diagnostic group, but ethnicity and deprivation were not associated with survival in these children.

Conclusions:

The profile of children with progressive neuromuscular conditions who were referred for palliative care has changed over the last 20 years, with a different spectrum of underlying diagnoses and a greater number from a South Asian background. The higher than expected proportion of children living in areas of high deprivation has been consistent over time.
Obstacles to corneal donation amongst hospice inpatients: A questionnaire survey of multi-disciplinary team member’s attitudes, knowledge, practice and experience
Authors: Gillon Suzie , Hurlow Adam , Rayment Clare , Zacharias Hannah , Lennard Rosemary
Published: September 2011

Background:

Corneal donation is a sight restoring procedure. Internationally demand exceeds supply. It is a tissue that palliative care patients may be able to donate, yet donation rates from this group are low.

Aim:

To explore the attitudes, knowledge, practice, and experience of corneal donation from hospice staff with direct clinical contact with patients.

Design:

Anonymous paper questionnaire with fixed response and free text components.

Setting/participants:

Questionnaires were delivered to 704 clinical multi-disciplinary team members in 12 hospices within the Yorkshire Palliative Medicine Regional Learning Group, UK.

Results:

434 completed questionnaires were received. Most respondents believed that corneal donation is a rewarding opportunity of which patients and families should be aware, but over 90% of respondents rarely or never raised the topic, and only 33% felt that it was part of their role. Key reasons for not engaging in discussions were: concerns about the impact of the discussion on patients and families, a belief held by hospice staff that they lacked essential knowledge, negative experiences of corneal donation, concern about enucleation, a perception that donation is not part of hospice culture, low levels of training and the personal significance of eyes.

Conclusions:

Despite positive staff attitudes towards corneal donation, many barriers to discussing donation were identified, which may reduce donation rates. This could be improved by local policies encompassing further education, prompts in documentation and availability of leaflets.
Combined thermoelastic stress analysis and digital image correlation with a single infrared camera
Authors: Silva M L , Ravichandran G
Published: September 2011

A novel methodology simultaneously combining thermoelastic stress analysis (TSA) and digital image correlation (DIC) with a single infrared camera is presented. DIC is an optical method to determine deformation by image tracking with strains determined via differentiation. TSA is a non-contact measurement technique that provides the full-field stress directly using measured temperature changes. The combination of the two techniques improves the resolution and accuracy of TSA results by correcting for sample motion and distortion during loading. Illustrative examples, including an aluminium alloy plate with an edge crack and a nylon plate with a hole under tension, demonstrate the combined method which simultaneously measures stress and displacement.
The efficacy and tolerability of a fixed combination of acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol, and caffeine in patients with severe headache: A post-hoc subgroup analysis from a multicentre, randomized, double-blind, single-dose, placebo-controlled parallel group study
Authors: Diener HC , Peil H , Aicher B
Published: September 2011

Background: We investigated efficacy and tolerability of two tablets of the fixed combination of 250 mg acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) + 200 mg paracetamol + 50 mg caffeine (Thomapyrin) in comparison to two tablets of placebo in a post-hoc analysis of a subgroup of patients with severe headache.

Methods: Patients where included if they were used to treating their episodic tension-type headache or migraine attacks with non-prescription analgesics and reported a history of headache attacks characterized by at least severe pain and greatly impaired usual daily activities and treated headaches with pain intensity of at least 48 mm assessed on a 100-mm visual analogue scale and associated with greatly impaired usual daily activities.

Results: For the primary endpoint ‘time to 50% pain relief’ in this intention-to-treat subset ( n = 179 patients), the fixed combination of ASA, paracetamol, and caffeine was statistically significantly superior to placebo ( p = 0.0008). The superior efficacy of the triple combination could also be shown for all secondary endpoints such as time until reduction of pain intensity to 10 mm, weighted sum of pain intensity difference (%SPIDweighted), extent of impairment of daily activities, and global assessment of efficacy. Both treatments were well tolerated. The incidence of adverse events observed was low. The results for this subgroup analysis are consistent with respect to all endpoints and to the patients with non-severe headache and the overall patient population. As with all post-hoc subgroup analyses, the findings are hypothesis generating only and must be interpreted with caution.

Discussion: The results of this subgroup analysis confirm that the fixed combination of ASA (250 mg), paracetamol (200 mg), and caffeine (50 mg) is effective and well tolerated in a broad spectrum from mild to severe migraine and tension-type headache severity independently of the headache diagnosis.
Five-Year Outcome of Characterized Chondrocyte Implantation Versus Microfracture for Symptomatic Cartilage Defects of the Knee
Authors: Vanlauwe Johan , Saris Daniel B.F. , Victor Jan , Almqvist Karl Fredrik , Bellemans Johan , Luyten Frank P. ,   TIG/ACT/01/2000&EXT Study Group, Bohnsack Michael , Claes Toon , Fortems Yves , Handelberg Frank , Haspl Miroslav , Jelic Mislav , Lagae Koen , Vandekerckhove Bruno , Vandenneucker Hilde , van der Bauwhede Jan , Verdonk Rene
Published: September 2011

Background: Characterized chondrocyte implantation (CCI) results in significantly better early structural tissue regeneration than microfracture (MF), and CCI has a midterm clinical benefit over microfracture.

Purpose: This study was undertaken to evaluate the 5-year clinical outcome of CCI in a randomized comparison with MF for the treatment of symptomatic cartilage defects of the femoral condyles of the knee.

Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods: Participants aged 18 to 50 years with a symptomatic isolated International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grade III or IV cartilage lesion of the femoral condyles between 1 and 5 cm2 were randomized to either CCI or MF. Clinical outcomes were measured up to 60 months after surgery using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). The main outcome parameter was change from baseline in overall KOOS (oKOOS). Adverse events were monitored.

Results: Fifty-one participants were treated with CCI and 61 with MF. On average, clinical benefit was maintained through the 60-month follow-up period. The average change from baseline in oKOOS was not different between both groups (least squares [LS] mean ± standard error [SE] 18.84 ± 3.58 for CCI vs 13.21 ± 5.63 for MF; P = .116). Treatment failures were comparable (n = 7 in CCI vs n = 10 in MF), although MF failures tended to occur earlier. Subgroup analysis revealed that CCI resulted in better outcome in participants with time since symptom onset of less than 3 years, which was statistically significant and clinically relevant (change in oKOOS <3 years mean ± SE 25.96 ± 3.45 for CCI vs 15.28 ± 3.17 for MF; P = .026 vs oKOOS >3 years mean ± SE 13.09 ± 4.78 for CCI vs 17.02 ± 4.50 for MF, P = .554). Other subgroup analyses such as age (cutoff 35 years) did not show a difference. Female patients showed more failures irrespective of treatment.

Conclusion: At 5 years after treatment, clinical outcomes for CCI and MF were comparable. In the early treatment group, CCI obtained statistically significant and clinically relevant better results than MF. Delayed treatment resulted in less predictable outcomes for CCI. These results provide strong evidence that time since onset of symptoms is an essential variable that should be taken into account in future treatment algorithms for cartilage repair of the knee.
Experimental and numerical results of active flow control on a highly loaded stator cascade
Authors: Hecklau M , Gmelin C , Nitsche W , Thiele F , Huppertz A , Swoboda M
Published: September 2011

This article presents experimental and numerical results for a compressor cascade with active flow control. Steady and pulsed blowing has been used to control the secondary flow and separation characteristics of a highly loaded controlled diffusion airfoil. Investigations were performed at the design incidence for blowing ratios from approximately 0.7 to 3.0 (jet-to-inlet velocity) and a Reynolds number of 840 000 (based on axial chord and inlet velocity). Detailed flow field data were collected using a five-hole pressure probe, pressure taps on the blade surfaces, and time-resolved Particle Image Velocimetry. Unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes simulations were performed for a wide range of flow control parameters. The experimental and numerical results are used to understand the interaction between the jet and the passage flow. The benefit of the flow control on the cascade performance is weighted against the costs of the actuation by introducing an efficiency which takes the presence of the jets into account.
Bond graph-based filtered inversion of multivariable physical systems
Authors: Ngwompo R F
Published: September 2011

In a variety of fields, system inversion is often required in order to determine inputs from measured or for desired outputs. However, inverse systems are often non-proper in the sense that they require differentiators in their realization. This leads to numerical difficulties associated with the computer implementation of their mathematical models. To overcome these problems, approximate inversion (also referred to as filtered inversion) is proposed for systems modelled by bond graphs. Generic configurations of right and left filtered inverse bond graph models are proposed with dynamic structural conditions on the filters so that the resulting composite bond graph represents a proper system suitable for effective numerical implementation.
A new frequency domain system identification method
Authors: Stotsky A A
Published: September 2011

A new frequency domain system identification method based on a multi-frequency input signal is proposed. Frequency contents of the oscillating signal are estimated using a modified Kaczmarz algorithm proposed in this paper. Lyapunov stability analysis is performed for this new Kaczmarz algorithm and transient bounds for estimation error are established. Moreover, a new method for estimation of the variance of the measurement noise in Kaczmarz algorithms is also described. A comparison of a transient performance of modified Kaczmarz algorithm and a recursive least-squares algorithm is presented. The results are applied to a frequency domain identification of a DC motor.
Design and control of electronic control suspension using a magneto-rheological shock absorber
Authors: Sung K-G , Park M-K , Park M-K
Published: September 2011

This paper investigates the design and control of electronic control suspension (ECS) equipped with a controllable magneto-rheological (MR) shock absorber and appropriate control strategy. In order to achieve this goal, a cylindrical-type MR fluid shock absorber which satisfies the design specification for Macpherson strut-type suspension for a middle-sized commercial passenger vehicle is designed using an optimization methodology. After experimentally evaluating the field-dependent characteristics of the manufactured MR shock absorber, a quarter-vehicle MR ECS system, consisting of sprung mass, spring, tyre, controller, and the MR shock absorber, is established in order to investigate the ride comfort and driving stability performance. On the basis of the governing equation of motion of the suspension system, five control strategies (soft, hard, comfort, sport, and optimal mode) are formulated. The proposed control strategies are then experimentally realized with the quarter-vehicle MR ECS system. Control performances such as vertical acceleration of the car body and tyre deflection are evaluated in both time and frequency domains under various road conditions. In addition, a comparative study of vehicle motion with a full-vehicle MR ECS system is undertaken to investigate inherent control characteristics, using computer simulation.