bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Development of a Patient Care Center in a Supermarket Chain Pharmacy
Authors: Pattin Anthony , Szyskowski Jim
Published: July 2012

Purpose:

The objective of this manuscript is to describe the development and implementation of a patient care center in a grocery store supermarket chain pharmacy.

Methods:

A clinical pharmacist and shared faculty member between Wayne State University and Kroger Pharmacy developed a patient care center and rotation site for P4 PharmD advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs). The site was developed to provide advanced pharmacy services to patients and as a practice site for students to learn how to deliver care. Preliminary outcomes observed include the number and types of patients that utilized the patient care center and the educational experiences provided for student pharmacists practicing in this setting.

Results:

Since implementation, 160 patients visited the patient care center. The pharmacists involved in the clinic performed 30 biometric screenings and 47 comprehensive medication reviews.

Conclusions:

Establishing a patient care center in a supermarket pharmacy provides important care for patients and valuable learning experiences for student pharmacists. The collaborative efforts of both Wayne State University and Kroger Pharmacy demonstrate commitment to providing clinical care to patients and strong clinical community practice experiences for students. Future goals include creating more clinical services in the community and practice experiences for students.
Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia During Adjuvant Chemotherapy With Oxaliplatin, 5-Fluorouracil, and Leucovorin (FOLFOX) for Colon Cancer
Authors: Shogbon Angela O. , Hap Jenna , Dretler Robin , Dalvi Anant G.
Published: July 2012

Lung disease associated with FOLFOX (oxaliplatin/5-fluorouracil/leucovorin) chemotherapy is uncommon. We describe a case of cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP) occurring in a 78-year-old woman after receiving 2 cycles of modified FOLFOX6 as adjuvant chemotherapy for treatment of resected nonmetastatic colon cancer. This patient presented with respiratory symptoms including cough with scant clear sputum and wheezing on day 10 of the second cycle of mFOLFOX6. Despite therapy with systemic antibiotics and supplemental oxygen, she had a steady and relentless progression of her respiratory symptoms and status, with chest radiographs revealing progressive bilateral pulmonary infiltrates. Further chest radiograph evaluation demonstrated findings consistent with COP. Antibiotics were discontinued and methylprednisolone sodium succinate initiated as the mainstay of management for COP. The patient required a higher dose of methylprednisolone sodium succinate than typical for initial response with doses up to 3 mg/kg per d leading to prompt improvement in her respiratory symptoms and function and declining need for supplemental oxygen therapy. Chest radiographs also showed improvement. The Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale indicated a probable relationship (score of 5) between the patient’s COP and the FOLFOX chemotherapy. Clinicians should be aware of the potential for this uncommon, yet severe adverse reaction associated with the FOLFOX chemotherapy.
Graves’ Hyperthyroidism-Induced Psychosis Treated With Aripiprazole—A Case Report
Authors: Macedo Livia R. , Marino Jehan , Bradshaw Brady , Henry Joseph
Published: July 2012

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune syndrome with symptoms such as tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, and psychiatric symptoms. Limited evidence exists for the treatment of Graves’ hyperthyroidism-induced psychosis with atypical antipsychotics. A 47-year-old female with a psychiatric history of bipolar disorder presented for the first time to the psychiatric hospital. She was agitated and grossly psychotic with delusions. Electrocardiogram showed atrial fibrillation and tachycardia. Drug screen urinalysis was negative. Endocrine workup resulted in a diagnosis of Graves’ disease (thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH]: 0.005 μIU/mL, triiodothyronine [T3]: 537 ng/dL, thyroxine [T4]: 24 mcg/dL, free T4: 4.5 ng/dL, positive antithyroid peroxidase antibody, and antinuclear antibody). Aripiprazole 10 mg daily was initiated and titrated to 15 mg daily on day 4. On day 16, her suspicious behavior, judgment, and insight improved. Other medications given included aspirin 325 mg daily, metoprolol 25 mg twice daily, titrated to 12.5 mg twice daily, and methimazole 30 mg daily, titrated to 20 mg twice daily, and discontinued on day 29. The patient received radioiodine I-131 treatment 1 week later. We report the first known case on the use of aripriprazole to treat Graves’ hyperthyroidism-induced psychosis. Further studies examining the long-term effects and appropriate dose and duration of aripiprazole in this patient population are needed.
Tracking the composer’s cognition in the course of a creative process: Stefano Gervasoni and the beginning of Gramigna
Authors: Donin Nicolas , Féron François-Xavier
Published: July 2012

Studies of composers’ cognition are restricted by the methodological and epistemological problems with which they are associated. In order to capture the cognitive processes involved in the elaboration of an instrumental piece by Stefano Gervasoni entitled Gramigna (2009-), the authors developed different strategies for composition simulations, which were filmed in order to collect rich and structured data. These methods draw upon the precompositional documents established by the composer over the course of his creative activity, by requesting that he re-enact the operations that generated the documents and the final work. The article focuses on the first movement of Gramigna, composed in a single day, several months before this study began. During a “compositional situation simulation interview”, the composer sat before his manuscript in order to induce his recollection, simulation and verbalisation of the completed creative act. The study’s methodological and epistemological principles (including their advantages and limits) are presented first, followed by a detailed reconstruction of the composer’s action/cognition during the writing of the manuscript. This procedure highlights the sequence of Gervasoni’s significant compositional operations and allows us to categorise and formalise the most salient features of his compositional process. These include the creation of locally applicable construction rules, the placement of concurrent rules, the attention paid to irregularities in the formalistic systems employed and tactics that blur notions of referentiality.
A Built-In Advantage
Authors: Black Ryan C. , Owens Ryan J.
Published: July 2012

The Office of the Solicitor General wins the vast majority of Supreme Court cases in which it participates. Does it enjoy a built-in advantage, or does it win because it employs experienced litigators, enjoys resource advantages, or carries the executive’s sword? To answer these questions, we employ cutting edge matching methods. After matching OSG lawyers with nearly identical non-OSG lawyers in nearly identical cases, we find that OSG attorneys still are more likely to win their cases. We discuss possible reasons for this built-in advantage along with some practical implications of our findings.
War, Rivalry, and State Building in the Middle East
Authors: Lu Lingyu , Thies Cameron G.
Published: July 2012

We examine how war and rivalry affect state building in the Middle East. We argue that wars and rivalries promote state capacity, defined as the ability of a government to penetrate society for the purposes of resource extraction. Using cross-national time-series data for eighteen Middle Eastern countries from 1960 to 2003, we find that the structural pressure caused by the presence of international and domestic rivals augments extractive capacity. Conversely, both international and civil wars jeopardize state building in the Middle East. Furthermore, the negative effects of war upon state capacity are far greater than the constructive effects of rivalry.
Our State’s Never Had Better Friends
Authors: Parker David C. W. , Goodman Craig
Published: July 2012

We demonstrate that senators use office allowances to create positive constituent service and policy expert impressions among voters, but the effects depend on the representational expectations of constituents and the nature of dual representation. Whether a senator shares the same party and represents a densely populated state in part determines the effectiveness of constituent service activities and efforts to establish policy expertise. The representational challenge faced by senators is more complicated than those faced by House members and more nuanced than the existing literature suggests. We conclude by examining the different challenges senators and representatives face in building representational relationships.
Islamic Religiosity and Regime Preferences
Authors: Collins Kathleen , Owen Erica
Published: July 2012

Does religion or religiosity affect Muslims’ regime preferences? Developing constructivist and ideational approaches, we theorize why and how religiosity shapes regime preferences. We test our hypotheses on our novel survey data from Azerbaijan in the Caucasus and Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia. Our findings question civilizationist, rationalist, and modernizationist theories by showing that religiosity among Muslims strongly affects regime preferences for various types of democracy and political Islam. Religious affiliation, however, does not. Finally, we challenge standard measurements of democratic support among Muslims and argue for more nuanced definitions; our surveys generate significant improvements in data for studying these issues.
Optimization of the cushion properties of amphibious aircraft landing gear by simulation and drop test
Authors: Xue Caijun , Wang Yue , Sun Bin , Xu Fenjin
Published: July 2012

This paper proposes a method of optimizing the cushion properties for a certain amphibious aircraft landing gear, which is establishing an accurate simulation model in least mean square by adjusting parameters. First, carry out a drop test under initial parameters to get the friction between the tire and platform, and the elastic parameters of the wheel to simulate the interactions of components. Second, repeatedly modify the model by analyzing the results of comparisons between the drop test and simulation until an accurate model with optimal parameters is established. Finally, verify that the cushion properties of the landing gear with the optimal parameters meet the requirements of airworthiness rules and the properties are greatly improved. The study shows that an adjusting-parameter drop test for establishing a simulation model is an available and reliable way to optimize the cushion properties of an amphibious aircraft landing gear.
Participation, Deliberation, and Decision Making
Authors: Chaskin Robert , Khare Amy , Joseph Mark
Published: July 2012

This paper explores the mechanisms, processes, and dynamics of participation and deliberation in three newly created, mixed-income communities being built on the footprint of former public housing developments in Chicago. Our findings reflect enduring dilemmas about the challenge of democratic participation and representation for low-income citizens in the context of urban revitalization efforts. In the current case, a fundamental tension exists between two orientations to organizing participation, one (dominant) orientation that privileges “mainstreaming” public housing resident participation into collaborative governance structures and existing market and civil society mechanisms, and another that suggests the continuing need for dedicated mechanisms that maximize public housing representation. In this paper, we frame the theoretical debates over the potential for establishing effective mechanisms to promote deliberative democracy at a neighborhood-level. We then provide an overview of the participatory landscape in these communities, explore how key stakeholders view participation, and examine how the organization of opportunities for deliberation and emerging patterns of participation shape dynamics of inclusion and exclusion in these contexts. Based on these findings, we suggest implications for policy and practice.
Barriers to Implementation of Unconventional Intersection Designs
Authors: Shumaker Michelle L. , Hummer Joseph E. , Huntsinger Leta F.
Published: July 2012

Numerous unconventional intersection and interchange designs (UIIDs) exist with documented benefits, but implementation is slow. There are public, professional, and political barriers. Numerous papers explain the benefits of one design or compare designs, but few identify common barriers. This research surveyed transportation professionals to identify the barriers inhibiting the implementation of promising UIIDs and to identify solutions. Engineers believe that the public’s main concerns are driver confusion and fear of the unknown. Survey results highlight education as important, and that public opinion generally improves once an UIID is constructed. Professionals and politicians want proof that a design will work and are reluctant to try nonstandard designs. An important political consideration is cost, but the life cycle cost can be competitive. We need guidelines to assist designers, increased focus on alternatives analysis, and inclusion of UIIDs in planning. This will make the designs more familiar to the public and decrease opposition.
Achieving Service-Sales Ambidexterity
Authors: Yu Ting , Patterson Paul G. , de Ruyter Ko
Published: July 2012

Frontline employees in traditional customer service units are under increasing pressure to pursue the twin goals of providing quality service while achieving productivity gains by meeting increased sales targets—that is, being service-sales ambidextrous. Drawing from literature on organizational ambidexterity, this study explores forces that facilitate the conversion from a service-only environment to one that emphasizes both sales and service behavior. With a sample of more than 2,306 frontline employees in 267 bank branches, this study examines the impact of contextual variables on service-sales ambidexterity from a multilevel perspective. It then explores the consequences by analyzing objective financial data at the retail branch level, which reveal a significant relationship between ambidexterity and financial performance. Empowerment and transformational leadership are positively associated with service-sales ambidexterity at individual and branch levels; team support is associated with ambidexterity only at the individual employee level. Managers thus should let service workers exercise their own judgment when deciding when or what to up- or cross-sell. The delegation of authority works best for branch office veterans whose service excellence and selling both are recognized and rewarded.
Tribological behavior of Fe70Ni30 alloy with nanoscale twins under liquid paraffin lubrication
Authors: Kang Yonghai , Yang Jun , Fu Licai , Ma Jiqiang , Bi Qinling , Liu Weimin
Published: July 2012

Fe70Ni30 alloy with nanoscale twins was obtained by deep cryogenic treatment (DCT) of coarse grained Fe70Ni30 alloy (CG-Fe70Ni30) at liquid nitrogen temperature. The tribological behavior of DCT-Fe70Ni30 alloy was investigated under liquid paraffin oil lubrication compared with that of CG-Fe70Ni30 alloy. The experimental results showed that the wear resistance of DCT-Fe70Ni30 alloy was improved significantly after the introduction of nanoscale twins, and DCT-Fe70Ni30 alloy also showed a little lower friction coefficient relative to CG-Fe70Ni30 alloy. The results indicated that twins play a positive role in the material's friction-reduction and anti-wear properties, which is attributed to the better oil-adsorption ability and enhanced hardness of DCT-Fe70Ni30 alloy caused by structural refinement. Wear mechanisms were discussed.
The Plan for Donations or “Don’tations”
Authors: Olsen Mona Anita Kristiansen
Published: July 2012

This case was developed for use in a course on entrepreneurial education that focuses on leadership. Background from Blue Stone University, including information on its mission, organizational structure, metrics, entrepreneurial programs, and stakeholders, is presented. This case explores how a school within a university approached the creation of an entrepreneurship center as a result of a substantial alumni donation. Students must analyze the scenario from the viewpoint of various stakeholders, identify pros and cons of the evolution of the entrepreneurship programs within the school and the university, and brainstorm alternative approaches for future donation-based center creation at Blue Stone University.
To Share or Not to Share
Authors: O’Brien Jason L. , Smith Derrick W.
Published: July 2012

This case focuses on how an administrator at an Alabama high school interpreted the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. Specifically, the administrator had to determine whether a notebook should or should not be turned over to a student’s parents. The notebook, which was confiscated by a school resource officer, contained journal entries from five other students detailing drug use at school and off school property. The administrator had to make a difficult decision to either deny parents access to their child’s educational record or to risk possibly violating the privacy of other students involved.
Health Care Providers
Authors: Behan Eileen
Published: July 2012

Concerns about childhood obesity and chronic disease make most primary care providers willing to address diet. Lack of time and knowledge are cited as obstacles. This article reviews the evidence for selecting one simple message to share with patients. Substantial evidence indicates increasing fruit and vegetable intake can reverse the rising trend is diet-related disease. Eating shared family meals leads to better food choices and lower calories. Recommending family meals and including a fruit or vegetable with every meal and snack, is easy to understand and the health benefits can be significant.
Residential Mobility, Social Support Concerns, and Friendship Strategy
Authors: Lun Janetta , Roth Dana , Oishi Shigehiro , Kesebir Selin
Published: July 2012

The present research examined how residential mobility affects the extent to which people compartmentalize friendship activities (i.e., selecting different friends for different activities) and the role of social support concerns in the relationship between mobility and friendship compartmentalization. Studies 1 and 2 showed that people who had moved frequently while growing up or who were primed to think about moving compartmentalized their friendships more if they valued social support in friendship. Study 3 showed that this effect was driven by concerns over social support availability. The findings suggest that residential mobility changes friendship structure in ways that satisfy individuals’ expectations of friendship.
Drug-induced QT interval prolongation: mechanisms and clinical management
Authors: Nachimuthu Senthil , Assar Manish D. , Schussler Jeffrey M.
Published: July 2012

The prolonged QT interval is both widely seen and associated with the potentially deadly rhythm, Torsades de Pointes (TdP). While it can occur spontaneously in the congenital form, there is a wide array of drugs that have been implicated in the prolongation of the QT interval. Some of these drugs have either been restricted or withdrawn from the market due to the increased incidence of fatal polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. The list of drugs that cause QT prolongation continues to grow, and an updated list of specific drugs that prolong the QT interval can be found at www.qtdrugs.org . This review focuses on the mechanism of drug-induced QT prolongation, risk factors for TdP, culprit drugs, prevention and monitoring of prolonged drug-induced QT prolongation and treatment strategies.
Topiramate and cognitive impairment: evidence and clinical implications
Authors: Mula Marco
Published: July 2012

Topiramate is an antiepileptic drug (AED) with multiple mechanisms of action that has been shown to be effective in a number of neuropsychiatric disorders. However, cognitive dysfunction is frequently observed in such patients, often representing a relevant challenge in their management. Moreover, there is a long-held recognition that AEDs may profoundly affect cognitive functions. This paper reviews available data on cognitive adverse events in patients with neurological disorders treated with topiramate, discussing the role of different contributing factors such as the pharmacological properties of the drug, the specific features of the brain disorder, and other variables pertinent to the discussion. All studies agree that up to 10% of patients may complain of treatment-emergent adverse events on cognition. Such problems occur early during treatment (i.e. within 6 weeks) and emerge in a dose-dependent fashion, suggesting that such prevalence may be significantly reduced using the drug in monotherapy and adopting individualized doses and titration schedules. The magnitude of the problem is generally mild to moderate and the subjective perception of the patient needs to be taken into account. In fact, apart from language problems, data are not conclusive. Comparisons with new AEDs are limited to levetiracetam and lamotrigine, in both cases generally disfavoring topiramate, while data regarding first-generation AEDs show clear differences only for verbal fluency.
Tyrosine 201 is required for constitutive activation of JAK2V617F and efficient induction of myeloproliferative disease in mice
Authors: Yan Dongqing , Hutchison Robert E. , Mohi Golam
Published: July 2012

The JAK2V617F mutation has been detected in most cases of Ph-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). The JAK2V617F protein is a constitutively activated tyrosine kinase that leads to transformation of hematopoietic progenitors. Previous studies have shown that several tyrosine residues within JAK2 are phosphorylated on growth factor or cytokine stimulation. However, the role of these tyrosine residues in signaling and transformation mediated by JAK2V617F remains unclear. In this study, we sought to determine the role of tyrosine 201, which is a potential binding site for Src homology 2 domain-containing proteins, in JAK2V617F-induced hematopoietic transformation by introducing a tyrosine-to-phenylalanine point mutation (Y201F) at this site. We observed that the Y201F mutation significantly inhibited cytokine-independent cell growth and induced apoptosis in Ba/F3-EpoR cells expressing JAK2V617F. The Y201F mutation also resulted in significant inhibition of JAK2V617F-mediated transformation of hematopoietic cells. Biochemical analyzes revealed that the Y201F mutation almost completely inhibited constitutive phosphorylation/activation of JAK2V617F. We also show that the Y201 site of JAK2V617F promotes interaction with Stat5 and Shp2, and constitutive activation of downstream signaling pathways. Furthermore, using a BM transduction/transplantation approach, we found that tyrosine 201 plays an important role in the induction of MPNs mediated by JAK2V617F.
Mast cells play a protumorigenic role in primary cutaneous lymphoma
Authors: Rabenhorst Anja , Schlaak Max , Heukamp Lukas C. , Förster Anja , Theurich Sebastian , von Bergwelt-Baildon Michael , Büttner Reinhard , Kurschat Peter , Mauch Cornelia , Roers Axel , Hartmann Karin
Published: July 2012

Primary cutaneous lymphomas (PCLs) are clonal T- or B-cell neoplasms, which originate in the skin. In recent years, mast cells were described as regulators of the tumor microenvironment in different human malignancies. Here, we investigated the role of mast cells in the tumor microenvironment of PCL. We found significantly increased numbers of mast cells in skin biopsies from patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and cutaneous B-cell lymphoma (CBCL). Mast cell infiltration was particularly prominent in the periphery, at lymphoma rims. Interestingly, CTCL and CBCL patients with a progressive course showed higher mast cell counts than stable patients, and mast cell numbers in different stages of CTCL correlated positively with disease progression. In addition, mast cell numbers positively correlated with microvessel density. Incubating primary CTCL cells with mast cell supernatant, we observed enhanced proliferation and production of cytokines. In line with our in vitro experiments, in a mouse model of cutaneous lymphoma, tumor growth in mast cell–deficient transgenic mice was significantly decreased. Taken together, these experiments show that mast cells play a protumorigenic role in CTCL and CBCL. Our data provide a rationale for exploiting tumor-associated mast cells as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target in PCL.
Outcomes in females hospitalised with community-acquired pneumonia are worse than in males
Authors: Arnold Forest W. , Wiemken Timothy L. , Peyrani Paula , Mirsaeidi Mehdi , Ramirez Julio A.
Published: July 2012

There is little recent information on sex-specific outcomes of patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The objective of this study was to determine whether female sex is associated with better clinical outcomes in hospitalised patients with CAP.

A secondary analysis was conducted by the Community Acquired Pneumonia Organization regarding male and female patients with CAP from 80 hospitals in 17 countries from June 1, 2001 to August 2, 2011. Outcomes were time to clinical stability, length of stay and in-hospital and 28-day mortality. Propensity-adjusted, multivariate regression models were used to predict the probability of occurrence of each of the study outcomes.

There were 6718 patients in this study, of whom 40% were female. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for time to clinical stability was 0.91 (95% CI 0.85–0.97; p=0.005). The adjusted HR for length of stay was 0.94 (95% CI 0.88–1.01; p=0.089). The adjusted risk ratio for in-hospital mortality was 1.04 (95% CI 0.86–1.24; p=0.717), and for 28-day mortality was 1.15 (95% CI 1.02–1.30; p=0.018).

This study demonstrates that the epidemiology of CAP may be changing, and that females have worse outcomes for CAP than males. They are more likely to take longer to reach clinical stability, have longer hospital stays and are 15% more likely to have died after 28 days. Current pneumonia scoring systems may need to be revised regarding female mortality risk.
Correlation of radio- and histomorphological pattern of pulmonary adenocarcinoma
Authors: Lederlin Mathieu , Puderbach Michael , Muley Thomas , Schnabel Philipp A. , Stenzinger Albrecht , Kauczor Hans-Ulrich , Heussel Claus Peter , Herth Felix J. F. , Hoffmann Hans , Dienemann Hendrik , Weichert Wilko , Warth Arne
Published: July 2012

Recently, a novel classification system based on tumour architecture and with high prognostic impact has been proposed for pulmonary adenocarcinomas (ADCs). For imaging-based prediction of histological ADC subtypes and, thus, prognosis, it is of paramount importance to investigate the correlations of radio- and histomorphological parameters.

Associations between histomorphological ADC growth patterns (lepidic, acinar, papillary, micropapillary and solid) and data from pre-operative assessment by computed tomography (CT) imaging of 174 resected pulmonary ADCs were analysed.

Margin configuration as well as solidity/ground glass opacity of an ADC was associated with distinct histomorphological ADC growth patterns. Solid-predominant ADCs usually had smooth margins and were also solid in CT scans, while lepidic-predominant ADCs had no predominant margin pattern, were located in the periphery, showed a positive bronchogram and were frequently associated with solidity/ground glass opacity. In addition, nonspherical tumour growth was a negative predictor of overall and disease-specific patient survival.

We defined CT morphological parameters that were associated with histomorphological growth patterns of pulmonary ADCs. These data may form the basis for the development of future prognostic algorithms in the palliative setting, which include an integrated evaluation of biopsy histomorphology and CT scan morphology of nonresectable pulmonary ADC.
Thyroid hormone is highly permissive in angioproliferative pulmonary hypertension in rats
Authors: Al Husseini Aysar , Bagnato Gianluca , Farkas Laszlo , Gomez-Arroyo Jose , Farkas Daniela , Mizuno Shiro , Kraskauskas Donatas , Abbate Antonio , Van Tassel Benjamin , Voelkel Norbert F. , Bogaard Harm Jan
Published: July 2012

Epidemiological evidence links pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) with thyroid disease, but a mechanistic explanation for this association is lacking.

Because a central hallmark of vascular remodelling in pulmonary hypertension is lumen obliteration by endothelial cell growth and because thyroid hormones are known to be angiogenic, we hypothesised that thyroid hormones play a role in the control of endothelial cell proliferation in experimental PAH in rats.

Hypothyroidism was induced by subtotal thyroidectomy and treatment with propylthiouracil (PTU) in rats with experimental PAH after combined exposure to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibition and hypoxia (the Sugen-chronic hypoxia (SuHx) model). Subtotal thyroidectomy prevented and PTU treatment reversed the development of severe experimental PAH. Thyroxin repletion restored the PAH phenotype in thyroidectomised SuHx rats. The prevention of PAH by thyroidectomy was associated with a reduced rate of cell turnover, reduced extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 phosphorylation, and reduced expression of αvβ3integrin, fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 and FGF receptor. Thyroidectomy mitigated hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension, but this effect was not associated with a decreased pulmonary vascular resistance.

These data suggest that thyroid hormone permits endothelial cell proliferation in PAH. A causal link between thyroid diseases and the onset or progression of vascular remodelling in PAH patients remains to be determined.
Perception of evidence-based practice and the professional environment of Primary Health Care nurses in the Spanish context: a cross-sectional study
Authors: González-Torrente Susana , Pericas-Beltrán Jordi , Bennasar-Veny Miguel , Adrover-Barceló Rosa , Morales-Asencio José M , De Pedro-Gómez Joan
Published: July 2012

Background

The study of the factors that encourage evidence-based clinical practice, such as structure, environment and professional skills, has contributed to an improvement in quality of care. Nevertheless, most of this research has been carried out in a hospital context, neglecting the area of primary health care. The main aim of this work was to assess the factors that influence an evidence-based clinical practice among nursing professionals in Primary Health Care.

Methods

A multicentre cross-sectional study was designed, taking the 619 Primary Care staff nurses at the Balearic Islands’ Primary Health Care Service, as the study population. The methodology applied consisted on a self-administered survey using the instrumentsEvidence-Based Practice Questionnaire (EBPQ)andNursing Work Index (NWI).

Results

Three hundred and seventy seven surveys were received (60.9% response rate). Self-assessment of skills and knowledge, obtained 66.6% of the maximum score. TheKnowledge/Skillsfactor obtained the best scores among the staff with shorter professional experience. There was a significant difference in theAttitudefactor (p = 0.008) in favour of nurses with management functions, as opposed to clinical nurses.

Multivariate analysis showed a significant positive relationship between NWI and level of evidence-based practice (p < 0,0001).

Conclusions

Institutions ought to undertake serious reflection on the lack of skills of senior nurses about Evidence-Based Clinical Practice, even when they have more professional experience. Leadership emerge as a key role in the transferral of knowledge into clinical practice.
Role of galactomannan determinations in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples from critically ill patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis: a prospective study
Authors: He Hangyong , Ding Lin , Sun Bing , Li Fang , Zhan Qingyuan
Published: July 2012

Introduction

Critically ill chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients are at particular risk of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). Our aims were to determine whether bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) galactomannan (GM) has a higher sensitivity and specificity than serum GM or lower respiratory tract (LRT) sample culture. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate what the optimal cut-off value would be for BALF GM.

Methods

In this prospective single-center study, BALF and serum samples were collected from critically ill COPD patients on the first day of their intensive care unit admission.

Results

Of 50 critically ill COPD patients admitted, BALF and serum samples were collected in 34 patients. According to the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve, an optical density (OD) ratio of 0.8 was chosen as the cut-off value for GM in BALF. Compared to serum GM and LRT Aspergillus isolation, BALF GM yield a better sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 88.9%, 100%, 100% and 94.4%, respectively. Areas under the ROC curve were 0.912 (95%CI, 0.733 to 0.985) for BALF GM, and 0.879 (95%CI, 0.691 to 0.972) for serum GM results from the first day of ICU admission. Pairwise comparison of ROC curves showed P = 0.738. The OD ratio of BALF GM in IPA patients were significantly higher than those of non-IPA patients (2.88 ± 2.09 versus 0.49 ± 0.19, P = 0.009), and the OD ratio of BALF GM was significantly higher than serum GM in IPA patients (2.88 ± 2.09 versus 0.87 ± 0.47, P = 0.023). Positive BALF GM was seen earlier than LRT secretion culture (1 day versus 3.8 days).

Conclusions

Compared to serum GM and LRT Aspergillus isolation, BALF GM seems to have a better sensitivity in the diagnosis of IPA in critically ill COPD patients. The ROC curve suggests a possible cut-off value of 0.8 for GM from BALF specimens in critically ill COPD patients.
Role of current perceived needs in explaining the association
between past trauma exposure and distress in humanitarian settings in Jordan
and Nepal
Authors: Jordans Mark J. D. , Semrau Maya , Thornicroft Graham , van Ommeren Mark
Published: July 2012

Background

Attention is increasingly shifting towards the role of daily stressors in
explaining mental health outcomes in humanitarian emergencies.

Aims

To assess the role of current perceived needs in explaining the
association between past traumatic exposure and distress in humanitarian
settings.

Method

A series of mediator analyses were conducted, using data from Jordan
(displaced Iraqi people) and Nepal (Bhutanese refugees). The General
Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), the newly developed Humanitarian Emergency
Settings Perceived Needs Scale (HESPER) and the traumatic events list of
the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) were used as
measures of distress, current perceived needs and past traumatic events
respectively.

Results

Current perceived needs were found to mediate the association between
past traumatic exposure and distress in Jordan and, less strongly, in
Nepal.

Conclusions

An integrated approach that includes a focus on daily stressors should be
adopted to mitigate the impact of traumatic exposure in humanitarian
settings.
Interaction between the BDNF gene Val/66/Met
polymorphism and morning cortisol levels as a predictor of depression in
adult women
Authors: Herbert J. , Ban M. , Brown G. W. , Harris T. O. , Ogilvie A. , Uher R. , Craig T. K. J.
Published: July 2012

Background

Common genetic variants, such as the brain-derived neurotrophic factor
(BDNF) Val/66/Met polymorphism (rs6265), are known to interact with
environmental factors such as early adversity to increase the risk of
subsequent major depression. Much less is known about how they interact
with individual differences in cortisol, although these also represent a
risk for major depression.

Aims

To determine whether this BDNF variant moderated the risk represented by
higher levels of morning salivary cortisol in adult women.

Method

We recruited 279 premenopausal women who were at high risk of major
depressive disorder because of either negative self-evaluation,
unsupportive core relationship or chronic subclinical symptoms of
depression or anxiety. Morning salivary cortisol was measured daily for
up to 10 days at entry. Participants were followed up for about 12 months
by telephone calls at 3–4 monthly intervals. Major depression and severe
life events were assessed through interviews at baseline and follow-up;
DNA was obtained from the saliva.

Results

There were 53 onsets (19%) of depressive episodes during follow-up. There
was a significant U-shaped relationship between adjusted morning cortisol
levels at baseline and the probability of depression onset during
follow-up. In total, 51% experienced at least one severe life
event/difficulty, and this strongly predicted subsequent onsets of
depressive episodes. The BDNF Val/66/Met genotype was
not directly associated with onsets of depression or with cortisol
levels, but there was significant interaction between Val/66/Met and
cortisol: the association between baseline cortisol and depression was
limited to those with the Val/66/Val variant. There was no interaction
between life events and either this BDNF polymorphism or cortisol
levels.

Conclusions

Morning salivary cortisol interacts with the BDNF Val/66/Met polymorphism
in predicting new depressive episodes. This paper adds to the evidence
that single gene polymorphisms interact with endogenous factors to
predict depression.
Supramolecular Structures of Inclusion Complexes of Cyclic Porphyrin Dimers and [6,6]-Phenyl-C61-Butyric Acid Methyl Ester (PCBM)
Authors: Nobukuni Hirofumi , Kamimura Takuya , Uno Hidemitsu , Shimazaki Yuichi , Naruta Yoshinori , Tani Fumito
Published: July 2012

Cyclic nickel and free-base porphyrin dimers (Ni2-CPDPy and H4-CPDPy) include [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) both in solution and in the crystals. In the crystal packing of the inclusion complex of Ni2-CPDPy and PCBM, a nanotubular structure is constructed through the self-assembly of the porphyrin moiety. The PCBM molecules are linearly arranged in the inner channel of the nanotube to give a supramolecular peapod. On the other hand, in the crystal of the inclusion complex of H4-CPDPy and PCBM, a dimeric structure of the PCBM molecules is formed through π–π interaction between their phenyl groups.
Stable Vapor-phase Catalytic Conversion of Pinacolone into 2,3-Dimethyl-1,3-butadiene
Authors: Sato Satoshi , Sato Natsumi , Yamada Yasuhiro
Published: July 2012

In the vapor-phase synthesis of 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene from pinacolone over modified alumina catalysts, it was found that alumina modified with transition metals such as Co stabilized the conversion of pinacolone and produced 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene selectively under hydrogen flow conditions, whereas the catalytic activity of pure alumina was seriously deteriorated irrespective of its high initial activity.
A Comparative Study: Predictive Modeling of Wind Turbine Blades
Authors: Van Buren Kendra L. , Atamturktur Sez
Published: July 2012

The structural analysis of wind turbine blades is completed using vastly different computational modeling strategies with varying levels of model sophistication and detail. Typically, preference of one modeling strategy over the other is decided according to subjective judgment of the expert. The central question that arises is how to justify the chosen level of sophistication and detail through quantitative, objective and scientifically defendable metrics. This manuscript takes a step toward answering this question and investigates the necessary level of sophistication and detail needed while modeling the cross-section of wind turbine blades by: i) rigorously quantifying the model incompleteness resulting from simplifying assumptions and ii) comparing the predictive maturity index associated with alternative modeling strategies. The concept of predictive maturity is illustrated on a prototype blade. The incompleteness of five alternative models with varying sophistication in the cross section of the shell elements are assessed through model form error and predictive maturity index. While model form error is observed as constant for varying levels of sophistication, through the predictive maturity index, it is found that models with lesser sophistication may have predictive capabilities comparable to more sophisticated, computationally expensive models.
Nonlinear Spatial Characterization and Interpolation of Wind Data
Authors: Asa Eric
Published: July 2012

High fossil fuel (oil and gas) prices; concerns about the stability of the Arabian oil supply; and the adverse effects of externalities generated by fossil fuel production, distribution, and consumption are fueling the move towards sustainable energy sources like wind generated electricity. Wind energy is becoming one of the preferred substitutes to fossil fuels because of the widespread availability, sustainability, and renewability of wind resources. However, the economic viability of a wind energy generation project is strongly dependent on the accurate characterization and estimation of the wind resource (wind speed) and its associated uncertainty. Analyzing wind resources is a complicated process due to the spatial variability, uncertainty and the complexity of the meteorological processes underlying the formation and behavior of wind. The objective of this work is to employ the two most common nonlinear kriging algorithms (indicator kriging and probability kriging) and five variogram models (spherical, exponential, circular, Gaussian, and hole effect) to characterize and interpolate wind data (in both vector and raster format). The ten sets of variograms and nonlinear kriging algorithms were compared to discover which set is best suited for the characterization and interpolation of each type of wind data used in wind power generation projects. The kriged data was subjected to leave-one-out cross-validation and the resulting statistics were employed in the ranking and comparison of the ten sets of algortihms. The research used ten combinations of nonlinear interpolation methods and variograms and determined that the best nonlinear kriging algorithm for characterizing and interpolating the vector wind data was indicator kriging and exponential variogram. Using indicator kriging with either the spherical or the exponential variogram would result in the same estimates for the raster data.
Effects of Non-Traditional Forms on Masjids Acoustics
Authors: Elkhateeb Ahmed Ali
Published: July 2012

This work assesses effects of the modern pyramidal forms versus the traditional forms on the acoustical qualities inside the Masjids (Mosques). For this purpose; three rooms were acoustically compared utilizing ODEON ver. 4.2. They are: a pyramidal room (MRM), the reference room (RR) and a right rectangular prismatic room (CUB). Results showed that MRM exhibits the shortest T in comparison with CUB and RR. In case of MRM, if its internal space was left free from any obstruction (columns or slabs like mezzanine); it has the highest values for speech indicators among the others (D50 0.41 (SI 90 %) and STI 0.24). CUB has the next shortest T whereas RR has the longest T. Results also showed that CUB and RR together have very close values for speech indicators (D50 0.36, and 0.375, (SI 86 %) respectively, and STI 0.24 for both).
Impact Sound Insulation of Lightweight Concrete Floor with EVA Waste
Authors: Tutikian B. F. , Nunes M. F. O. , Leal L. C. , Marquetto L.
Published: July 2012

This study presents an evaluation of acoustic performance of lightweight concrete with EVA waste to reduce impact noise on floors. Three types of concrete with three different mix proportions were evaluated and were made relationships between impact noise levels and results of water absorption, voids and density of the samples. The experimental study of noise impact followed the procedures of ISO 140. The results indicate that the lightweight concrete with EVA recycled aggregate can reduce impact noise levels by up to 15 dB and the highest percentage of coarse aggregate EVA does not entail a higher acoustic performance.
Design Considerations for Enhancing Sound Insulation Characteristics of Window Glazing for Traffic Noise Abatement
Authors: Garg Naveen , Sharma Omkar , Maji Sagar
Published: July 2012

The work reviews the design aspects related to window glazing constructions for combating the low frequency noise radiated by vehicular traffic and assimilates them in a cause and effect diagram. An experimental investigation is conducted in Reverberation chambers on various window glazing configurations to ascertain the performance of various parameters viz., depth of air space and effect of lamination on sound insulation characteristics. A pronounced dip attributed to mass-air-mass resonance consistent with theoretical formulation is observed when air gap is less that 30 mm in double glazings. Significant increase in (Rw+Ctr) value is observed in a sandwich constructions with 85 mm air gap or in sandwich constructions with either one double glazing or both are double.
Integrative Studies on Autogenous and Drying Shrinkages of Concrete at Early-Age
Authors: Zhang Jun , Hou Dongwei , Gao Yuan
Published: July 2012

In order to study the relationship between shrinkage strain and interior humidity, experimental measurements on shrinkage and interior humidity of early-age concrete under both plastic sealing and drying conditions were carried out. The experimental results show that the development of shrinkage and the interior humidity are of high relativity. The drying process increases the shrinkage strain. Meanwhile, this process also leads a fast reduction on the interior humidity. Based on the experimental findings, a theoretical model for shrinkage prediction of concrete at early-age is developed. The model relies on the interior factors, chemical shrinkage and internal humidity, which may relate to the moisture loss in concrete directly. Therefore, the model can be used for shrinkage prediction of concrete, whatever the shrinkage is caused by self-desiccation or by dying. The model predictions are compared with experimental results and a reasonable agreement between them is found.
Wind-Induced Response and Equivalent Static Wind Loads of Long Span Roofs
Authors: Chen Bo , Yang Qingshan , Wu Yue
Published: July 2012

Long span space roofs are characterized as multimode wind-induced response. Participation factors on the basis of the structural strain energy are defined to select dominant eigenmodes in the background response and dominant vibration modes in the resonant response. These dominant eigenmodes and dominant vibration modes are chosen as fundamental vectors to evaluate the universal equivalent static wind loads (ESWL) that would simultaneously reproduce multiple largest load effects. A least-squares approximation method is employed to calculate the combination factors of these fundamental vectors. The proposed method is then employed to study wind-induced response and universal ESWL of the Beijing National Stadium. The results show that the background response is much higher than the mean response and the resonant response; low-order eigenmodes and vibration modes have the most important contribution to the wind-induced response; the structural response at selected nodes and selected supports under the universal ESWL agrees well with actual dynamic peak response.