bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Death attitudes and positive coping in Spanish nursing undergraduates: a cross‐sectional and correlational study
Authors: Edo‐Gual Montserrat , Monforte‐Royo Cristina , Aradilla‐Herrero Amor , Tomás‐Sábado Joaquín
Published: May 2015

Aims and objectives

To analyse the relationship between death attitudes, emotional intelligence, resilience and self‐esteem in a sample of nursing undergraduates.

Background

The death attitudes held by nursing students may influence the care they offer to end‐of‐life patients and their families. Emotional intelligence, resilience and self‐esteem are important social and emotional competencies for coping positively with death and dying.

Design

Cross‐sectional and correlational study.

Methods

Participants were 760 nursing undergraduates from four nursing schools in Spain. Data were collected in 2013–2014. The students responded anonymously to a self‐report questionnaire that gathered socio‐demographic data and which assessed the following aspects: fear of death (Collett‐Lester Fear of Death Scale), death anxiety (Death Anxiety Inventory‐Revised), perceived emotional intelligence (Trait Meta‐Mood Scale, with its three dimensions: attention, clarity and repair), resilience (Brief Resilient Coping Scale) and self‐esteem (Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale). In addition to descriptive statistics, analyses of variance, mean differences, correlations and regression analyses were computed.

Results

Linear regression analysis indicated that attention to feelings, resilience and self‐esteem are the significant predictors of death anxiety.

Conclusions

The results show that death anxiety and fear of death are modulated by social and emotional competencies associated with positive coping.

Relevance to clinical practice

The training offered to future nurses should include not only scientific knowledge and technical skills but also strategies for developing social and emotional competencies. In this way, they will be better equipped to cope positively and constructively with the suffering and death they encounter at work, thus helping them to offer compassionate patient‐centred care and minimising the distress they experience in the process.
Generational differences in the sexual communication process ofAfricanAmerican grandparent and parent caregivers of adolescents
Authors: Cornelius Judith B. , Xiong Pa H.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

This study assessed generational differences in the sexual communication process between 40AfricanAmerican parent and 40 grandparent caregivers of adolescent children.

Design and Methods

The study reports findings from a secondary analysis of data from two databases. TheHIV RiskReductionSurvey was used to examine the sexual communication process.

Results

Grandparents wanted to talk about sex and had open sexual communications, while parents valued sexual abstinence and had limited communications.

Practice Implications

Based on the findings, healthcare providers and programs need to recognize that differences do exist between parents and grandparents with sexual communications.
Napping facilitates word learning in early lexical development
Authors: Horváth Klára , Myers Kyle , Foster Russell , Plunkett Kim
Published: May 2015

Little is known about the role that night‐time sleep and daytime naps play in early cognitive development. Our aim was to investigate how napping affects word learning in 16‐month‐olds. Thirty‐four typically developing infants were assigned randomly to nap and wake groups. After teaching two novel object–word pairs to infants, we tested their initial performance with an intermodal preferential looking task in which infants are expected to increase their target looking time compared to a distracter after hearing its auditory label. A second test session followed after approximately a 2‐h delay. The delay contained sleep for the nap group or no sleep for the wake group. Looking behaviour was measured with an automatic eye‐tracker. Vocabulary size was assessed using the Oxford Communicative Development Inventory. A significant interaction between group and session was found in preferential looking towards the target picture. The performance of the nap group increased after the nap, whereas that of the wake group did not change. The gain in performance correlated positively with the expressive vocabulary size in the nap group. These results indicate that daytime napping helps consolidate word learning in infancy.
Behavioral Abnormalities in Lagotto Romagnolo Dogs with a History of Benign Familial Juvenile Epilepsy: A Long‐Term Follow‐Up Study
Authors: Jokinen T.S. , Tiira K. , Metsähonkala L. , Seppälä E.H. , Hielm‐Björkman A. , Lohi H. , Laitinen‐Vapaavuori O.
Published: May 2015

Background

Lagotto Romagnolo (LR) dogs with benign juvenile epilepsy syndrome often experience spontaneous remission of seizures. The long‐term outcome in these dogs currently is unknown. In humans, behavioral and psychiatric comorbidities have been reported in pediatric and adult‐onset epilepsies.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The objectives of this study were to investigate possible neurobehavioral comorbidities in LR with a history of benign familial juvenile epilepsy (BFJE) and to assess the occurrence of seizures after the remission of seizures in puppyhood.

Animals

A total of 25 LR with a history of BFJE and 91 control dogs of the same breed.

Methods

Owners of the LR dogs in the BFJE and control groups completed an online questionnaire about each dog's activity, impulsivity, and inattention. Principal component analysis (PCA) served to extract behavioral factors from the data. We then compared the scores of these factors between the 2 groups in a retrospective case–control study. We also interviewed all dog owners in the BFJE group by telephone to inquire specifically about possible seizures or other neurological problems after remission of seizures as a puppy.

Results

Lagotto Romagnolo dogs with BFJE showed significantly higher scores on the factors Inattention and Excitability/Impulsivity than did the control group (P = .003; P = .021, respectively). Only 1 of the 25 BFJE LR exhibited seizures after remission of epilepsy in puppyhood.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Although the long‐term seizure outcome in BFJE LR seems to be good, the dogs exhibit behavioral abnormalities resembling attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in humans, thus suggesting neurobehavioral comorbidities with epilepsy.
Building Bridges Between Neuroscience, Cognition and Education With Predictive Modeling
Authors: Stringer Steve , Tommerdahl Jodi
Published: May 2015

As the field of Mind, Brain, and Education seeks new ways to credibly bridge the gap between neuroscience, the cognitive sciences, and education, various connections are being developed and tested. This article presents a framework and offers examples of one approach, predictive modeling within a virtual educational system that can include representations from the neural level to the policy level. Researchers could calibrate, test, and question the model, potentially providing quicker, more efficient, and more responsible ways of making advances in the developing educational field. Virtual investigations using models with this sort of capability can supplement the valuable information derived from carrying out policy and instructional experiments in real educational contexts.
What Can the Study of Genetics Offer to Educators?
Authors: Thomas Michael S. C. , Kovas Yulia , Meaburn Emma L. , Tolmie Andrew
Published: May 2015

This article explores the potential contribution of modern genetic methods and findings to education. It is familiar to hear that the “gene” for this or that behavior has been discovered, or that certain skills are “highly heritable.” Can this help educators? To explore this question, we describe the methods used to relate genetic variation to individual differences in high‐level behaviors such as academic skills and educational achievement. These methods include twin studies and genome‐wide association studies. We address the key question of what genetic data imply about the ability of educators to optimize educational outcomes for children across the range of abilities.
Moving Educational Psychology Into the Home: The Case of Reading
Authors: Willingham Daniel T.
Published: May 2015

Public policy meant to improve educational outcomes has focused on within‐school factors, even though it is known that factors within the home influence these outcomes more. This article suggests that some aspects of academic work are well enough understood that researchers can offer advice as to changes that parents might make in the home, so as to improve children's academic performance. Reading is taken as a sample case, and research is reviewed with an eye toward home‐based practices to improve decoding, comprehension, and motivation.
Analogical Reasoning in the Classroom: Insights From Cognitive Science
Authors: Vendetti Michael S. , Matlen Bryan J. , Richland Lindsey E. , Bunge Silvia A.
Published: May 2015

Applying knowledge from one context to another is a notoriously difficult problem, both for children and adults, but lies at the heart of educational endeavors. Analogical reasoning is a cognitive underpinning of the ability to notice and draw similarities across contexts. Reasoning by analogy is especially challenging for students, who must transfer in the context‐rich and often high‐pressure settings of classrooms. In this brief article, we explore how best to facilitate children's analogical reasoning, with the aim of providing practical suggestions for classroom instruction. We first discuss what is known about the development and neurological underpinnings of analogical reasoning, and then review research directly relevant to supporting analogical reasoning in classroom contexts. We conclude with concrete suggestions for educators that may foster their students' spontaneous analogical reasoning and thereby enhance scholastic achievement.
Effects of Citrus Flavonoids Against Microvascular Damage Induced by Hypoperfusion and Reperfusion in Rat Pial Circulation
Authors: Mastantuono Teresa , Battiloro Laura , Sabatino Lina , Chiurazzi Martina , Di Maro Martina , Muscariello Espedita , Colantuoni Antonio , Lapi Dominga
Published: May 2015

Objective

The aim of the present study was to investigate the in vivo protective effects of hesperidin or diosmin or apigenin on damage induced by transient BCCAO and reperfusion.

Methods

Rat pial microcirculation was observed through a closed cranial window, using fluorescence microscopy. Pial arterioles were classified in five orders according to the Strahler's method.

Results

After 30 BCCAO and 60 minutes reperfusion, rats showed decreased arteriolar diameter, microvascular leakage, leukocyte adhesion, and reduction in capillary perfusion. Hesperidin and diosmin abolished the reduction in arteriolar diameter, while higher dose apigenin induced dilation by 21.7 ± 2.0% in order three arterioles RE. Nitric oxide synthase inhibition attenuated significantly hesperidin or diosmin or apigenin's effects on arteriolar diameter. Moreover, all these substances reduced microvascular leakage as well as leukocyte adhesion in dose‐related manner, while capillary perfusion was protected. Furthermore, reduction in infarcted area and decrease in ROS production were observed.

Conclusions

Hesperidin, diosmin, and apigenin showed dose‐related protective effects on hypoperfusion–reperfusion injury, causing nitric oxide release and attenuating tissue edema and leukocyte adhesion.
ON “THE ROLE OF PARENTS IN THE ONTOGENY OF ACHIEVEMENT‐RELATED MOTIVATION AND BEHAVIORAL CHOICES”
Authors: Huston Aletha C.
Published: May 2015

This monograph offers a comprehensive test of an important theory of motivation. Because the theory is sufficiently precise to permit disconfirmation, the results that support and those that fail to support it are both informative. The finding that parents' influence appears primarily for peripheral subjects (sports and music), but not for reading and math raises many issues for further research. The study also informs our understanding of gender differences in motivation.
Turkish critical care nurses' views on end‐of‐life decision making and practices
Authors: Badır Aysel , Topçu İbrahim , Türkmen Emine , Göktepe Nilgün , Miral Mukaddes , Ersoy Nermin , Akın Esra
Published: May 2015

Background

Life‐sustaining treatments are increasingly used in intensive care units (ICUs) for EOL care, but the decision to use these may cause ethical issues.

Aims and objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the views and practices of critical care nurses in Turkey on the end‐of‐life (EOL) care.

Design

This was a cross‐sectional study.

Methods

The research was conducted in 32 second‐ and third‐level ICUs of 19 Ministry of Health research hospitals in Turkey. The Views of European Nurses in Intensive Care on EOL Care tool was used for data collection.

Results

The total sample size was 602. While half of the nurses stated that the withholding and withdrawal of life support were ethically different decisions, 40% felt both decisions were unethical. The expected quality of life as viewed by the patient, the medical team, the family and the nursing team (90·4%, 85·4%, and 83·4%, respectively) was an important factor in EOL decision making. The majority of the nurses (75·7%) were not directly involved in the EOL decision making and 78·4% of nurses were committed to family involvement in EOL decisions. When withdrawing treatment, 87·2% of ICU nurses agreed that the patient and family members should perform their final religious and spiritual duties. Further results showed that after withdrawing treatment, a majority of nurses (86%) agreed to continue pressure sore prevention, effective pain relief (85·5%), nutritional support (77·6%) and hydration (64·8%). Almost half (48·2%) indicated that keeping the patients in the ICU was unnecessary.

Conclusion

ICU nurses expressed a range of experiences and practices regarding EOL care. ICU nurses should be more involved in the decision‐making process about EOL care.

Relevance to clinical practice

Due to their unique relationship with patients, nurses should be involved in EOL care decision making; however, patients, families or nurses are not often involved in the decision‐making process in Turkey.
Astragalus trifoliastrum (Fabaceae), a revived species for the flora of Turkey
Authors: Bagheri Ali , Erkul Seher Karaman , Maassoumi Ali Asghar , Rahiminejad Mohammad Reza , Blattner Frank R.
Published: May 2015

As the result of surveying the relevant type specimens, together with macro‐ and micro‐morphological studies, chromosome counting and ITS sequencing, Astragalus trifoliastrum was found to be a species independent of A. laguriformis (with which it has peviously been synonymized). In contrast, A. wanensis, assumed to be a synonym of A. trifoliastrum, indeed appears to be identical with A. trifoliastrum. The diploid chromosome number of 2n = 16 is reported for the first time for A. trifoliastrum.
The macro‐ and microfossil record of the Cambrian priapulid Ottoia
Authors: Smith Martin R. , Harvey Thomas H. P. , Butterfield Nicholas J.
Published: May 2015

The stem‐group priapulid Ottoia Walcott, 1911, is the most abundant worm in the mid‐Cambrian Burgess Shale, but has not been unambiguously demonstrated elsewhere. High‐resolution electron and optical microscopy of macroscopic Burgess Shale specimens reveals the detailed anatomy of its robust hooks, spines and pharyngeal teeth, establishing the presence of two species: Ottoia prolifica Walcott, 1911, and Ottoia tricuspida sp. nov. Direct comparison of these sclerotized elements with a suite of shale‐hosted mid‐to‐late Cambrian microfossils extends the range of ottoiid priapulids throughout the middle to upper Cambrian strata of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin. Ottoiid priapulids represented an important component of Cambrian ecosystems: they occur in a range of lithologies and thrived in shallow water as well as in the deep‐water setting of the Burgess Shale. A wider survey of Burgess Shale macrofossils reveals specific characters that diagnose priapulid sclerites more generally, establishing the affinity of a wide range of Small Carbonaceous Fossils and demonstrating the prominent role of priapulids in Cambrian seas.
Intuitions, Meaning, and Normativity: Why Intuition Theory Supports a Non‐Descriptivist Metaethic
Authors: Bedke Matthew S.
Published: May 2015

Non‐descriptivists in metaethics should say more about intuitions. For one popular theory has it that case‐based intuitions are in the business of correctly categorizing or classifying (as not water, as not knowledge, as impermissible, etc.) merely by bringing to bear a semantic or conceptual competence. If so, then the fact that all normative predicates have case‐based intuitions involving them shows that they too are in the business of categorizing or classifying things. This favors a descriptivist position in metaethics—normative predicates have descriptive content—and disfavors a purely non‐descriptivist position, like pure expressivism. However, we can say more. We can distinguish two different sorts of intuitional state, A‐grade intuitions and B‐grade intuitions, based on a cluster of properties that are distinctive of each. While a hypothesis about categorization best explains the cluster of properties enjoyed by A‐grade intuitions, it does not best explain the cluster of properties enjoyed by B‐grade intuitions. Indeed, a non‐categorizational (and so non‐descriptive), attitude‐expressive hypothesis about the relevant meanings best explains B‐grade intuitions. And intuitions involving thin normative predicates are B‐grade. So intuition theory supports non‐descriptivism, not descriptivism, about thin normative predicates.
Standard essential patents to boost financial returns
Authors: Pohlmann Tim , Neuhäusler Peter , Blind Knut
Published: May 2015

Numerous innovative applications build upon standardized technologies. These technologies increasingly incorporate standard essential patents (SEPs). It is crucial to own SEPs in order to achieve and maintain significant market shares. We test the influence of owning SEPs on a firm's financial performance. In our analysis, we use a unique dataset of firms participating in international standard setting organizations (SSOs). Our results indicate a curvilinear (inverse U‐shaped) relationship of owning SEPs on a firm's return on assets. The curvilinear relationship suggests that firms should balance their patent portfolio by holding a share of patents, which are essential for standards, and by holding a share of patents on technologies that are not standardized. Our results further show that the effects of owning SEPs depend on the specific SSO as well as on the size of the patent portfolio. Our findings are a first step toward identifying and assessing the financial impact of patents essential to standards. Our empirical tests suggest that companies should pursue a common strategy for patenting and standardization to exploit patented inventions in technology fields where standards matter.
A Diagnostic on the West African Monetary Union
Authors: Quah Chee‐Heong
Published: May 2015

Deploying the classical optimum currency areas (OCA) theory and recent developments in the monetary literature, this paper evaluates the appropriateness of West African Monetary Union (WAEMU) as a monetary zone. Nine macroeconomic dimensions are investigated under which the first four items are quantified against a reference economy, namely the United States, the eurozone or China, while the rest are measured in absolute terms for time periods before and after the 2008‐2009 global financial crisis. Results could signify relative dominance of the three world's largest economies to the West African region. In addition to inherent asymmetries across the union, findings suggest the emerging Chinese yuan as an alternative to the euro as the monetary anchor.
A reliable preloaded cycling time trial for use in conditions of significant thermal stress
Authors: Che Jusoh M. R. , Morton R. H. , Stannard S. R. , Mündel T.
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability of a 15‐min time trial preloaded with 45 min of fixed‐intensity cycling under laboratory conditions of thermal stress. Eight trained cyclists/triathletes (41 ± 10 years, VO2peak: 69 ± 8 mL/kg/min, peak aerobic power: 391 ± 72 W) completed three trials (the first a familiarization) where they cycled at ∼ 55% VO2peak for 45 min followed by a 15‐min time trial (∼75% VO2peak) under conditions of significant thermal stress (WBGT: 26.7 ± 0.8 °C, frontal convective airflow: 20 km/h). Seven days separated the trials, which were conducted at the same time of day following 24 h of exercise and dietary control. Reliability increased when a familiarization trial was performed, with the resulting coefficient of variation and intraclass correlation coefficient of the work completed during the 15‐min time trial, 3.6% and 0.96, respectively. Therefore, these results demonstrate a high level of reliability for a 15‐min cycling time trial following a 45‐min preload when performed under laboratory conditions of significant thermal stress using trained cyclists/triathletes.
Acute acetaminophen ingestion does not alter core temperature or sweating during exercise in hot–humid conditions
Authors: Coombs G. B. , Cramer M. N. , Ravanelli N. M. , Morris N. B. , Jay O.
Published: May 2015

Acute acetaminophen (ACT) ingestion has been reported to reduce thermal strain during cycling in the heat. In this study, nine active participants ingested 20 mg of ACT per kg of total body mass (ACT) or a placebo (PLA), 60 min prior to cycling at a fixed rate of metabolic heat production (ACT: 8.3 ± 0.3 W/kg; PLA: 8.5 ± 0.5 W/kg), which was equivalent to 55 ± 6% VO2max, for 60 min at 34.5 ± 0.1 °C, 52 ± 1% relative humidity. Resting rectal temperature (Tre; ACT: 36.70 ± 0.17 °C; PLA: 36.80 ± 0.16 °C, P = 0.24), esophageal temperature (Tes; ACT: 36.54 ± 0.22 °C; PLA: 36.61 ± 0.17 °C, P = 0.50) and mean skin temperature (Tsk; ACT: 34.00 ± 0.14 °C; PLA: 33.96 ± 0.20 °C, P = 0.70) were all similar among conditions. At end‐exercise, no differences in ΔTre (ACT: 1.12 ± 0.15 °C; PLA: 1.11 ± 0.21 °C, P = 0.92), ΔTes (ACT: 0.90 ± 0.28 °C; PLA: 0.88 ± 0.23 °C, P = 0.84), ΔTsk (ACT: 0.80 ± 0.39 °C; PLA: 0.70 ± 0.46 °C, P = 0.63), mean local sweat rate (ACT: 1.02 ± 0.15 mg/cm2/min; PLA: 1.02 ± 0.13 mg/cm2/min, P = 0.98) and whole‐body sweat loss (ACT: 663 ± 83 g; PLA: 663 ± 77 g, P = 0.995) were evident. Furthermore, ratings of perceived exertion and thermal sensation and thermal comfort were not different between ACT and PLA conditions. In conclusion, ACT ingested 60 min prior to moderate intensity exercise in hot–humid conditions does not alter physiologic thermoregulatory control nor perceived strain.
Swimming in warm water is ineffective in heat acclimation and is non‐ergogenic for swimmers
Authors: Bradford C. D. , Lucas S. J. E. , Gerrard D. F. , Cotter J. D.
Published: May 2015

Heat acclimation (HA) in air confers adaptations that improve exercise capabilities in hot and possibly temperate air. Swimmers may benefit from HA, yet immersion may constrain adaptation. Therefore, we examined whether warm‐water swimming constitutes effective HA. In a randomized‐crossover study, eight male swimmers swam 60 min/day on 7 days in 33 °C (HA) or 28 °C (CON) water. They performed 20‐min distance trials before and after each regime: in 33 °C water (Warm); 28 °C water (Temperate); and cycling in 29 °C air (Terrestrial) following standardized exercise. Rectal temperature (Tre) rose ∼ 1 °C in HA sessions, and sweat loss averaged 1.4 L/h. After accounting for CON, HA did not confer any clear expansion of plasma volume [1.9% (95% CI: 7.7)], reduction in heart rate during standardized cycling exercise [1 b/min (9)], reduction in Tre during rest [+0.1 °C (0.1)] or exercise, or change in sudomotor function. Only perceived temperature and discomfort tended to improve. Performance was clearly not improved for Warm [+0.3% (1.8)] or Temperate [+0.3% (1.9)], was unclear for Terrestrial [+0.4% (17.7)], and was unrelated to changes in resting plasma volume (r < 0.3). In conclusion, short‐term HA using swimming in 33 °C water confers little adaptation and is not ergogenic for warm or temperate conditions.
Monitoring training to assess changes in fitness and fatigue: The effects of training in heat and hypoxia
Authors: Crowcroft S. , Duffield R. , McCleave E. , Slattery K. , Wallace L. K. , Coutts A. J.
Published: May 2015

This study examined the association between monitoring tools, training loads, and performance in concurrent heat and hypoxia (H + H) compared with temperate training environments. A randomized parallel matched‐group design involved 18 well‐trained male cyclists. Participants performed 12 interval sessions (3 weeks) in either H + H (32 ± 1 °C, 50% RH, 16.6% O2 normobaric hypoxia) or control (21 °C, 50% RH, 21% O2), followed by a seven‐session taper (3 weeks; 21 °C, 50% RH, 21% O2), while also maintaining external training (∼ 6–10 h/week). A 20‐km time trial (TT) was completed pre‐ and post‐training block (21 °C, 50% RH, 21% O2). Before each TT and once weekly, a 4‐min cycle warm‐up (70% 4‐min mean maximum power) was completed. Visual analog scale rating for pain, recovery, and fatigue was recorded before the warm‐up, with heart rate (HREx), heart rate recovery (HRR), and rating of perceived exertion (RPEWU) recorded following. Training load was quantified using the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) method throughout. Overall TT improved 35 ± 47 s with moderate correlations to HRR (r = 0.49) and recovery (r = −0.55). H + H group had a likely greater reduction in HREx [ES = −0.50 (90% CL) (−0.88; 0.12)] throughout and a greater sRPE (ES = 1.20 [0.41; 1.99]), and reduction in HRR [ES = −0.37 (−0.70;−0.04)] through the overload. RPEWU was associated with weekly training load (r = 0.37). These findings suggest that recovery and HRR in a temperate environment may be used as simple measures to identify an athlete's readiness to perform. Alternatively, the relationship of RPEWU and training load suggests that perception of effort following a standardized warm‐up may be a valid measure when monitoring an athlete's training response, irrespective of the training environment.
Influence of exercise training with thigh compression on heat‐loss responses
Authors: Amano T. , Inoue Y. , Koga S. , Nishiyasu T. , Kondo N.
Published: May 2015

We investigated the effect of thigh compression, which accelerates activation of central command and muscle metabo‐ and mechanoreceptors, on the adaptation of sweating and cutaneous vascular responses during exercise heat acclimation. Nine non‐heat‐acclimated male subjects were acclimated to heat (32 °C and 50% RH) while cycling [50% of maximum oxygen uptake ()] 60 min/day for 7 days (control group). The experimental group (n = 9) conducted the same training while the proximal thighs were compressed by a cuff at 60 mmHg. , acetylcholine‐induced forearm sweating rate (iontophoresis), and mean sweating and cutaneous vascular responses on the forehead, chest, and forearm (SRmean and CVCmean) during passive heating were evaluated before and after training. Training significantly increased while did not affect acetylcholine‐induced sweating rates in either group. Training significantly decreased Tb thresholds for SRmean and CVCmean during passive heating without the alternations of sensitivities in both groups. Although SRmean during passive heating at a given ΔTb was not improved in either group, CVCmean was significantly (P < 0.05) attenuated after exercise training only in experimental group. Our results indicate that thigh cuff compression during exercise heat acclimation does not influence adaptation of the sweating response but attenuate cutaneous vasodilation.
Exercise intensity prescription during heat stress: A brief review
Authors: Wingo J. E.
Published: May 2015

Exercise intensity can be prescribed using a variety of indices, such as rating of perceived exertion, heart rate, levels of absolute intensity (e.g., metabolic equivalents), and levels of relative intensity [e.g., percentage of maximal aerobic capacity (%) or percentage of oxygen uptake reserve (%)]. Heart rate has a linear relationship with oxygen uptake, is easy to measure, and requires relatively inexpensive monitoring equipment, so it is commonly used to monitor exercise intensity. During heat stress, however, cardiovascular adjustments – including a rise in heart rate that is disproportionate to absolute intensity – result in diminished aerobic capacity and performance. These adjustments include cardiovascular drift, the progressive rise in heart rate and fall in stroke volume over time during prolonged, constant‐rate exercise. A variety of factors have been shown to modulate the magnitude of cardiovascular drift, e.g., hyperthermia, dehydration, exercise intensity, and ambient temperature. Regardless of the mode of manipulation, decreases in stroke volume with cardiovascular drift are associated with proportionally similar decreases in , which affects the relationship between heart rate and relative metabolic intensity (% or %). This review summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding the influence of cardiovascular drift and reduced on exercise intensity prescription in hot conditions.
Low‐frequency electrical stimulation combined with a cooling vest improves recovery of elite kayakers following a simulated 1000‐m race in a hot environment
Authors: Borne R. , Hausswirth C. , Costello J. T. , Bieuzen F.
Published: May 2015

This study compared the effects of a low‐frequency electrical stimulation (LFES; Veinoplus® Sport, Ad Rem Technology, Paris, France), a low‐frequency electrical stimulation combined with a cooling vest (LFESCR) and an active recovery combined with a cooling vest (ACTCR) as recovery strategies on performance (racing time and pacing strategies), physiologic and perceptual responses between two sprint kayak simulated races, in a hot environment (∼32 wet‐bulb‐globe temperature). Eight elite male kayakers performed two successive 1000‐m kayak time trials (TT1 and TT2), separated by a short‐term recovery period, including a 30‐min of the respective recovery intervention protocol, in a randomized crossover design. Racing time, power output, and stroke rate were recorded for each time trial. Blood lactate concentration, pH, core, skin and body temperatures were measured before and after both TT1 and TT2 and at mid‐ and post‐recovery intervention. Perceptual ratings of thermal sensation were also collected. LFESCR was associated with a very likely effect in performance restoration compared with ACTCR (99/0/1%) and LFES conditions (98/0/2%). LFESCR induced a significant decrease in body temperature and thermal sensation at post‐recovery intervention, which is not observed in ACTCR condition. In conclusion, the combination of LFES and wearing a cooling vest (LFESCR) improves performance restoration between two 1000‐m kayak time trials achieved by elite athletes, in the heat.
Prestress Losses in NSM‐CFRP Flexurally Strengthened RC Beams
Authors: Costa I. , Barros J.
Published: May 2015

The use of prestressed near‐surface mounted fibre‐reinforced polymers (NSM‐FRP) has been long acknowledged to be a suitable approach to strengthen and retrofit existing reinforced concrete structures. The application of a certain amount of prestress to the FRP prior to its installation provides a number of benefits, mainly related to crack width and deflection requisites at serviceability limit state conditions. After transferring the prestress to a structural element, some of the existing cracks can be closed, decreasing the vulnerability of the element to corrosion, and a certain amount of deflection can be recovered due to the introduced negative curvature. However, these benefits can only be assured if the prestress is properly preserved over time. In this context, three series of reinforced concrete beams, in a total of 10 beams, were strengthened with a prestressed carbon FRP laminate (CFRP) and monitored for about 40 days. The data obtained from these tests is in this paper presented and analysed. The observed losses of strain in the CFRP laminate were found to be mainly located in the extremities of the bonded length, while in the central zone, most of the initial strain was well‐preserved over time. Additionally, the highest CFRP strain losses were observed in the first 6 to 12 days after prestress transfer, suggesting that the benefits of prestressed NSM‐FRP will not be considerably lost over time.
An open, prospective trial investigating the pharmacokinetics and safety, and the tolerability of escalating infusion rates of a 10% human normal immunoglobulin for intravenous infusion (IVIg), BT090, in patients with primary immunodeficiency disease
Authors: Kriván G. , Königs Ch. , Bernatowska E. , Salama A. , Wartenberg‐Demand A. , Sonnenburg C. , Linde R.
Published: May 2015

Background and Objectives

Pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability of escalating infusion rates of BT090, a 10% intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), were studied in patients with primary immunodeficiency disease.

Materials and Methods

In Part A, patients (n = 30) received 3 infusions of BT090 at their pretrial dose and dosing interval; the infusion rate of BT090 was increased from 0·3 to 1·4 to 2·0 ml/kg/h for each infusion in each patient initially at 30‐min intervals. Pharmacokinetics was evaluated at the 3rd infusion (n = 24). At the 4th infusion, infusion rates were to be gradually escalated from 0·3 to 1·4 to 4·0 to a maximum of 8·0 ml/kg/h initially at 30‐min intervals to establish the maximum tolerated infusion rate per patient.

Results

The pharmacokinetic characteristics and safety profile of BT090 were comparable with those of other IVIgs, including Intratect®. Escalation of infusion rates was well tolerated, allowing identification of individual patient's maximum tolerated infusion rate. At subsequent infusions, all patients tolerated their individually defined maximum infusion rate: 17 patients (68·0%) tolerated infusion rates of 6·0 or 8·0 ml/kg/h and four patients (16%) had maximum tolerated infusion rates of <4·0 ml/kg/h at subsequent infusions. Escalation of infusion rates shortened infusion time from a median of around 2·5 h to around 1·6 h. SAEs were reported in three patients, but none was related to BT090 treatment.

Conclusions

Shortening infusion time may reduce overall healthcare spending, for example nursing time needed, and also minimize disruption of patients’ daily routine, especially for those patients in work or school settings.
Stress and Displacement Fields Around Misfit Dislocation in Anisotropic Dissimilar Materials With Interface Stress and Interface Elasticity
Authors: Koguchi Hideo , Hirasawa Yuki
Published: May 2015

Interfaces frequently exist in polycrystalline and multiphase materials. In nanoscale joints, interface properties, such as interface stresses and interface elasticity, influence the stress and displacement field near the interface. Generally, a misfit dislocation exists in the interface due to the mismatch of lattice length in crystals composing the joints. In the present paper, a misfit dislocation is introduced to a coherent interface in order to calculate the stress and displacement distributions in an incoherent interface. A model with an interface zone transferring traction only in the zone from one region to the opposite region is proposed, because these regions slip against each other due to the misfit dislocation. The traction in the interface depends on the displacement and the interface properties. Stresses and displacements considering the interface properties are deduced using a three-dimensional Stroh’s formalism. Bulk stress and displacements around the misfit dislocation are shown to increase with increasing the values of the interface stress and the interface elastic moduli. The stresses and displacements obtained from the derived solutions are compared with those obtained through molecular dynamic (MD) analysis. It is shown that the proposed interface zone model can adequately express the displacement and stress near the misfit dislocation.
Numerical and Experimental Study for Unsteady Oil Film Thickness of the Rotating Cylinder Chamber Wall
Authors: Jingyu Zhao , Zhenxia Liu
Published: May 2015

The oil film thickness on the bearing chamber wall directly affects the wall heat transfer efficiency, so a fundamental study on the motion of oil film on the rotating cylinder has been conducted to this end. On the one hand, the rotating cylinder test rig was designed, and an ultrasonic measurement system was established to measure the dynamic oil film thickness. On the other hand, the unsteady oil film heat and mass transfer movement model was also established, and the numerical simulation to solve oil film motion by using computational fluid dynamic (CFD) commercial software was carried out. Meanwhile, on the basis of study on the oil film formation process and film thickness verification, the oil film distributions on the chamber wall with rotation speed and oil flow rate were analyzed and studied. Results show that the oil film on the rotating chamber wall experiences a development process from the oil film formation to basic stability, about 1.0 s in this paper. And comparison between the numerical and experimental data shows that the maximum error between experimental data and numerical simulation is 7.76%. Moreover, for the oil film distributions in the stable state, oil film thickness shows a trend of decreasing with the increasing of rotation speed, but increasing with the increasing of oil flow rate. The research here will provide the basis for subsequent study of the interaction between oil film motion and the wall heat transfer.
Effects of Tool Positions in Accumulated Double-Sided Incremental Forming on Part Geometry
Authors: Ren Huaqing , Moser Newell , Zhang Zixuan , Ndip-Agbor Ebot , Smith Jacob , Ehmann Kornel F. , Cao Jian
Published: May 2015

In accumulated double-sided incremental forming (ADSIF), two hemispherical tools impart the local deformation to the sheet via their programed in-plane spiral motion and the depth of the part is achieved via rigid body motion of the already formed part. Unlike single point incremental forming (SPIF) and double-sided incremental forming (DSIF), ADSIF does not impose forces on the already-formed part and, therefore, has the potential of achieving higher geometric accuracy. A systematic method is proposed in this work to study the influences of the relative tool positions on the local formed shape and the final geometry, which is essentially the accumulation of all previously formed local deformations. Meanwhile, the concepts of the stable angle and the peak angle are introduced to better describe the cross-sectional geometry of a formed part with a constant wall angle at that particular cross section. It is recommended that, while multiple combinations of the relative positions of two forming tools may achieve the same stable angle that the positioning parameters should be chosen such that the resultant forming force or the wall angle variation between the stable and peak angles is minimized.
Investigation on the friction coefficient between graphene-coated silicon and glass using barrel compression test
Authors: Zhou Jian , He Peng , Yu Jianfeng , Lee Ly James , Shen Lianguan , Yi Allen Y.
Published: May 2015

Graphene-coating on silicon wafer can prevent adhesion between silicon and glass in precision glass compression molding. The main goal of this research is to evaluate the graphene/glass interface friction coefficient, which dictates the flow behavior of glass and the durability of the silicon mold. In this research, barrel compression tests using BK7 glass were conducted at different molding temperatures. The purpose of the tests was to obtain the glass cylinder's axial displacement history and the final dimensions after pressing, both of which were decided by the friction coefficient. First, the friction coefficients were estimated by the empirical equations. Then, finite element analysis was implemented to simulate the friction behavior in the pressing stage. The roles of friction coefficient, molding temperature, and applied force were discussed separately. By comparing the experimental and numerical simulation results, both the axial displacement history plots and friction calibration curves show that the best matching friction coefficient is between 0.20 and 0.25 in the temperature range of 660–700 °C. Furthermore, the specific friction coefficient values in the same temperature range were calculated using linear interpolation of the friction calibration curves, and showed good agreement with the results from the empirical equation. This study also demonstrated that the friction in the graphene/glass interface has no direct correlation with test temperature. In summary, this study revealed graphene coating's extraordinary low and stable friction behavior at high molding temperatures.
Home Versus Away Competition: Effect on Psychophysiological Variables in Elite Rugby Union
Authors: Cunniffe Brian , Morgan Kevin A. , Baker Julien S. , Cardinale Marco , Davies Bruce
Published: May 2015

This study evaluated the effect of game venue and starting status on precompetitive psychophysiological measures in elite rugby union. Saliva samples were taken from players (starting XV, n = 15, and nonstarters, n = 9) on a control day and 90 min before 4 games played consecutively at home and away venues against local rivals and league leaders. Precompetition psychological states were assessed using the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory−2. The squad recorded 2 wins (home) and 2 losses (away) over the study period. Calculated effect sizes (ESs) showed higher pregame cortisol- (C) and testosterone- (T) difference values before all games than on a baseline control day (ES 0.7−1.5). Similar findings were observed for cognitive and somatic anxiety. Small between-venues C differences were observed in starting XV players (ES 0.2−0.25). Conversely, lower home T- (ES 0.95) and higher away C- (ES 0.6) difference values were observed in nonstarters. Lower T-difference values were apparent in nonstarters (vs starting XV) before home games, providing evidence of a between-groups effect (ES 0.92). Findings show an anticipatory rise in psychophysiological variables before competition. Knowledge of starting status appears a moderating factor in the magnitude of player endocrine response between home and away games.
Point-of-care quantification of blood-borne filarial parasites with a mobile phone microscope
Authors: D’Ambrosio Michael V. , Bakalar Matthew , Bennuru Sasisekhar , Reber Clay , Skandarajah Arunan , Nilsson Lina , Switz Neil , Kamgno Joseph , Pion Sébastien , Boussinesq Michel , Nutman Thomas B. , Fletcher Daniel A.
Published: May 2015

Loa loa
microfilariae load in blood can be automatically quantified at the point of care using a mobile phone video microscope.
How to handle an industry in disruption: Intervene or laissez-faire?
Authors: Munos Bernard
Published: May 2015

The best way to mitigate disruption of the pharmaceutical industry is to sponsor initiatives that keep scientists engaged.
Immunology of protection from Ebola virus infection
Authors: Krause Philip R. , Bryant Paula R. , Clark Thomas , Dempsey Walla , Henchal Erik , Michael Nelson L. , Regules Jason A. , Gruber Marion F.
Published: May 2015

Immunological data could be used to demonstrate Ebola vaccine efficacy.
Using Lecture Demonstrations to Visualize Biological Concepts
Authors: Polizzotto Kristin , Tamari Farshad
Published: May 2015

Teaching complex biology concepts successfully can be challenging. The use of visual demonstrations has been shown to aid in this process, so we describe here two lecture demonstrations that instructors can use in introductory biology and genetics classes, and that students can easily remember and repeat on their own. The demonstrations do not require expensive equipment and use either props, which the instructor can borrow from the students, or participation of volunteer students. These demonstrations facilitate learning by allowing the student to more actively engage in the process, as we have formally documented in a separate study. They are described in detail here with the hope that other instructors and their students will also find them helpful. Three other props demonstrations for DNA replication, protein structure and linkage can be found using the url:
https://sites.google.com/site/tamarif26
. The effectiveness of the five props demonstrations was assessed. The results from an IRB approved study, which complements the descriptions provided here, also appear in this issue.
Case Study Teaching Method Improves Student Performance and Perceptions of Learning Gains
Authors: Bonney Kevin M.
Published: May 2015

Following years of widespread use in business and medical education, the case study teaching method is becoming an increasingly common teaching strategy in science education. However, the current body of research provides limited evidence that the use of published case studies effectively promotes the fulfillment of specific learning objectives integral to many biology courses. This study tested the hypothesis that case studies are more effective than classroom discussions and textbook reading at promoting learning of key biological concepts, development of written and oral communication skills, and comprehension of the relevance of biological concepts to everyday life. This study also tested the hypothesis that case studies produced by the instructor of a course are more effective at promoting learning than those produced by unaffiliated instructors. Additionally, performance on quantitative learning assessments and student perceptions of learning gains were analyzed to determine whether reported perceptions of learning gains accurately reflect academic performance. The results reported here suggest that case studies, regardless of the source, are significantly more effective than other methods of content delivery at increasing performance on examination questions related to chemical bonds, osmosis and diffusion, mitosis and meiosis, and DNA structure and replication. This finding was positively correlated to increased student perceptions of learning gains associated with oral and written communication skills and the ability to recognize connections between biological concepts and other aspects of life. Based on these findings, case studies should be considered as a preferred method for teaching about a variety of concepts in science courses.