bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A first look: determinants of dental care for children in foster care
Authors: Melbye M. , Huebner C.E. , Chi D.L. , Hinderberger H. , Milgrom P.
Published: November 2012

Purpose

This hypothesis‐generating study sought to identify potential determinants of dental care use and oral health among children living in foster care.

Method

Using a grounded theory approach, fourteen key informant interviews were conducted among health and social services professionals experienced with children in foster care and families in western Washington State.

Results

The identified potential determinants of oral health and dental use among children living in foster care included: (1) linguistic and cultural barriers; (2) lack of dentists willing to accept children's Medicaid dental insurance; (3) lack of resources available to case workers (i.e., large caseload burden) (4) lack of federal funding for specialized dental care; (5) lack of systematic health record‐keeping; (6) child transience, leading to the lack of a dental home; (8) foster parents' competing needs; (7) child behavior problems; and (9) lack of dental “buy in” from adolescents.

Conclusion

Additional studies are needed to determine whether children living in foster care achieve oral health, and the extent of their unmet dental need.
Estimating density dependence and latent population trajectories with unknown observation error
Authors: Hosack Geoffrey R. , Peters Gareth W. , Hayes Keith R.
Published: November 2012

1. Observation error is the uncertainty in population size that results from not only sampling error but also migration, population heterogeneity, observer error, population interactions with weather and habitat, analysis of observational data, and other sources of error that may introduce Gaussian or non‐Gaussian noise between the observed population and its modelled dynamics.

2. We investigate the use of the normal inverse Gaussian (NIG) distribution as a model of observation error that flexibly captures processes such as undercounting, overcounting and outlying observations. The NIG distribution captures asymmetry and heavy‐tailedness in an interpretable parametric model that includes the popular Gaussian observation model as a limiting case.

3. The implications of using the NIG model are explored by fitting nonlinear density‐dependent population models with environmental stochasticity to animal census data. We pay particular attention to the estimated per capita growth rate, estimates of future population size and quasi‐extinction risk.

4. We use Bayes factors to evaluate the support for hypotheses for non‐Gaussian observation error model, including priors that represent alternative hypotheses of asymmetry in the observation model. Support for these flexible observation models are contrasted with the special case of a Gaussian observation model.

5. Flexible observation error may affect estimates of population per capita growth rates and predictions of extinction risk. The dependence of estimates, and predictions, on the choice of observation model may occur even if the data provide comparable support for both Gaussian and non‐Gaussian observation errors. Thus, for some populations with census data, the relative degree of prior belief in alternative hypotheses of process and observation model structure will significantly affect ecological predictions with management implications, such as quasi‐extinction risk.
Assessing Light Competition for Cereal Production in Temperate Agroforestry Systems using Experimentation and Crop Modelling
Authors: Dufour L. , Metay A. , Talbot G. , Dupraz C.
Published: November 2012

In every agroforestry system, the tree canopy reduces the incident radiation for the crop. However, cereal varieties were selected, and most crop growth models were designed for unshaded conditions, so both may be unsuited to agroforestry conditions and performance. In southern France, durum wheat productivity was monitored over 2 years in an agroforestry system including walnut trees and under artificial shade conditions. Yield components were measured in both full and reduced light conditions. The cereal yield was always decreased by shade; by almost 50% for the heaviest shade conditions (31% of light reduction). The main effect of the shade was the reduction in the number of grains per spike (35% at the most) and in the weight of grains (16% at the most). The mean grain weight was moderately affected, while the protein content was increased in shaded conditions (by up to 38% for artificial shade). Consequently, the protein yield per hectare was less reduced by the shade than the dry matter grain yield. A crop model (STICS) was also used to simulate the crop productivity in full light and shaded conditions, but the crop LAI and the yield components were not correctly simulated in the shade. The simulations emphasized the sensitivity of the wheat grain filling to shade during the critical period, 30 days before flowering, for yield elaboration. Further experimental and modelling studies should take into account the heterogeneity of shade intensity due to the shape of the tree crown, the width of the crop alley and the orientation of the tree rows and the modification of carbon allocation inside the plant.
Domain Structure Evolution and Polarization Degradation of [101]‐Oriented 0.74Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐0.26PbTiO3 Single Crystal underCyclic Electric Loadings
Authors: Fang Fei , Luo Xu , Yang Wei
Published: November 2012

The polarization degradation of ferroelectrics, reflected in the hysteresis loop as a decrease of remnant polarization, is a serious concern in applications. In situ observation of the polarization and domain structure evolution are carried out for [101]‐Oriented 0.74Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐0.26PbTiO3 (PMN‐26PT) single crystal under cyclic electric field. Measurements of the polarization hysteresis loops are conducted under a polarized light microscope (PLM), which is effective in detecting the domain structure of the single crystal. Prior to the polarization measurements, the crystal was poled. Upon cyclic electric field, reversal of monoclinic (MB) takes place, and the phase transition from MB to orthorhombic (O) phase occurs under positive field, but not under negative field of an electric cycle at a field magnitude up to 840 V/mm. The polarization loop is asymmetrical with the positive coercive field (+Ec) much less than the negative one (−Ec). As the field cycles, micro‐cracking occurs preferably in [101] direction, and a sudden drop appears in the curves of polarization versus number of cycles. Upon electric cycling at a field magnitude of 840 V/mm, the negative polarization increases slightly with the cycle number, indicating the rotation of a MB phase toward the applied field direction.
High‐Temperature Creep Behavior of Dense SiOC‐Based Ceramic Nanocomposites: Microstructural and Phase Composition Effects
Authors: Papendorf Benjamin , Ionescu Emanuel , Kleebe Hans‐Joachim , Linck Christoph , Guillon Olivier , Nonnenmacher Katharina , Riedel Ralf
Published: November 2012

In this work, dense monolithic polymer‐derived ceramic nanocomposites (SiOC, SiZrOC, and SiHfOC) were synthesized via hot‐pressing techniques and were evaluated with respect to their compression creep behavior at temperatures beyond 1000°C. The creep rates, stress exponents as well as activation energies were determined. The high‐temperature creep in all materials has been shown to rely on viscous flow. In the quaternary materials (i.e., SiZrOC and SiHfOC), higher creep rates and activation energies were determined as compared to those of monolithic SiOC. The increase in the creep rates upon modification of SiOC with Zr/Hf relies on the significant decrease in the volume fraction of segregated carbon; whereas the increase of the activation energies corresponds to an increase of the size of the silica nanodomains upon Zr/Hf modification. Within this context, a model is proposed, which correlates the phase composition as well as network architecture of the investigated samples with their creep behavior and agrees well with the experimentally determined data.
Pitch the niche – taking responsibility for the concepts we use in ecology and species distribution modelling
Authors: McInerny Greg J. , Etienne Rampal S.
Published: November 2012

In a discussion it is often easier to staunchly reject or offer resolute support for an idea. This third paper on the niche concept aims to develop a balanced argument by exploring general principles for determining an appropriate level for pitching the niche concept that will guide better use and less abuse of niche concepts. To do this we first have to accept that niche concepts are not necessarily essential for ecology. Rather than to improve niche concepts, our aim should then be to pitch the niche in terms of ecology. This aim helps us develop an ‘ultimate goal of the niche’ by which we can evaluate the concepts we use. For species distribution modelling, there has been a focus on the niche as an equilibrium outcome that perhaps has less relevance for disequilibrium situations (e.g. climate change projections). As is the case for much of ecology, more causal explanations of species' distributions use alternative terminologies and less frequently use the word ‘niche’. We suggest that niche concepts that are better aligned with the rest of ecology could arise from taking more responsibility for our own implementations, and by explaining our models with terms other than niche. A general, holistic niche concept promotes this view and promotes practical thinking about what we are modelling and how we interpret those models, which in turn should help inspire and support innovative modelling approaches in species distribution modelling.
Stitch the niche – a practical philosophy and visual schematic for the niche concept
Authors: McInerny Greg J. , Etienne Rampal S.
Published: November 2012

By over‐focusing on precise definitions, ecology has produced a confused idea of the niche concept. This, our second paper, develops a practical philosophy for the niche that approaches the concept at the correct level of abstraction. We deconstruct the niche into effect and response components and then reconstruct those parts into a general, visual schematic of the niche and ecology. Using this schematic we examine the relationship of particular niche ideas to ecology, and examine the relationship between niche and ecological sub‐disciplines, particularly species distribution modelling (SDM). This general description clarifies the duality of the niche concept, as both a facet of species and a facet of environments. Unclear use of these dual concepts can confuse the scientific approach, and our ideas about uncertainty and error. By misclassifying models as concepts, ecology has confused the niche. Our practical philosophy uses the current wealth of ecological and niche ideas as a panoramic view of a general niche concept. We argue that stitching the niche produces a concept that underpins straightforward ecological thinking.
Combination therapy with an angiotensin‐converting‐enzyme inhibitor and an angiotensin II receptor antagonist ameliorates microinflammation and oxidative stress in patients with diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Nakamura Akihiko , Shikata Kenichi , Nakatou Tatsuaki , Kitamura Takuya , Kajitani Nobuo , Ogawa Daisuke , Makino Hirofumi
Published: November 2012

Aims/Introduction

Recent studies have pointed to the effectiveness of combination therapy with an angiotensin‐converting‐enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) and an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) for diabetic nephropathy. However, some controversy over this combination treatment remains and the mechanisms underlying its renoprotective effects have not been fully clarified. Therefore, we compared the renoprotective effects of imidapril (ACEI) and losartan (ARB) combination therapy with losartan monotherapy in patients with diabetic nephropathy. We also compared the anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidative stress effects of these two treatments.

Materials and Methods

A total of 32 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes and nephropathy were enrolled. Patients were randomized to either 100 mg/day losartan (n = 16) or 50 mg/day losartan plus 5 mg/day imidapril (n = 16). We evaluated clinical parameters, serum concentrations of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (sICAM‐1), interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) and monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 (MCP‐1), and the urinary concentrations of IL‐18, MCP‐1 and 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) at 24 and 48 weeks after starting treatment.

Results

Blood pressure was not significantly different between the two groups. The serum levels of hs‐CRP, sICAM‐1 and IL‐18, as well as urinary excretion of albumin, IL‐18 and 8‐OHdG decreased significantly in the combination therapy group at 48 weeks. The percent decreases in serum IL‐18 concentrations and urinary IL‐18 and 8‐OHdG were significantly greater in the combination therapy group than in the monotherapy group.

Conclusions

Combination therapy with an ACEI and an ARB could be beneficial for treating diabetic nephropathy through its anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidative stress effects.
Changes of blood glucose and gastrointestinal hormones 4 months after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass surgery in Chinese obese type 2 diabetes patients with lower body mass index
Authors: Wu Qianlin , Xiao Zhu , Cheng Zhong , Tian Haoming
Published: November 2012

Aims/Introduction

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on hyperglycemia and gastrointestinal hormones in Chinese obese type 2 diabetic patients with body mass index (BMI) between 28 and 35 kg/m2.

Materials and Methods

A total of eight obese type 2 diabetes patients with BMI 28–35 kg/m2 who underwent RYGB and 10 obese normal glucose tolerance (NGT) patients with no surgery were identified. BMI and blood glucose on baseline, and 2–4 months postoperative, changes of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1), glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), peptide YY (PYY), and oxyntomodulin (OXM) were recorded. Efficacy of RYGB was defined by the percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) and amelioration of type 2 diabetes.

Results

The %EWL was 53.00 ± 26.25% in 2 month and 63.65 ± 33.71% in 4 month. Glycated hemoglobin changed from 7.2 ± 1.0% preoperative to 6.2 ± 0.9% in 2 month and 6.3 ± 1.2% in 4 month postoperative. The improvement rate of type 2 diabetes 4 months after RYGB was 83.3%. After surgery, area under the curve (AUC) GLP‐1 120 increased with no significance. AUC PYY 120 changed from 10.37 ± 5.45 pmol/L/min preoperative to 22.19 ± 10.61 pmol/L/min in 2 month and 22.04 ± 7.73 pmol/L/min in 4 month postoperative. Postoperative AUC OXM 120 was also higher than that of the preoperative level. AUC GIP 120 decreased from 13.06 ± 8.45 pg/mL/min preoperative to 8.71 ± 3.28 pg/ml/min in 2 month and 6.88 ± 2.33 pg/mL/min in 4 month postoperative.

Conclusions

Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass has a beneficial effect on weight loss and glucose metabolism in obese type 2 diabetes patients with lower BMI. Postoperative concentrations of GLP‐1, PYY and OXM increased, whereas GIP decreased.
No effect of host–parasite co‐evolution on host range expansion
Authors: Scanlan P. D. , Hall A. R. , Burlinson P. , Preston G. , Buckling A.
Published: November 2012

Antagonistic co‐evolution between hosts and parasites (reciprocal selection for resistance and infectivity) is hypothesized to play an important role in host range expansion by selecting for novel infectivity alleles, but tests are lacking. Here, we determine whether experimental co‐evolution between a bacterium (Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25) and a phage (SBW25Φ2) affects interstrain host range: the ability to infect different strains of P. fluorescens other than SBW25. We identified and tested a genetically and phenotypically diverse suite of co‐evolved phage variants of SBW25Φ2 against both sympatric and allopatric co‐evolving hosts (P. fluorescens SBW25) and a large set of other P. fluorescens strains. Although all co‐evolved phage had a greater host range than the ancestral phage and could differentially infect co‐evolved variants of P. fluorescens SBW25, none could infect any of the alternative P. fluorescens strains. Thus, parasite generalism at one genetic scale does not appear to affect generalism at other scales, suggesting fundamental genetic constraints on parasite adaptation for this virus.
The No Conclusion Intervention For Couples In Conflict
Authors: Migerode Lieven
Published: November 2012

Dealing with difference is central to all couple therapy. This article presents an intervention designed to assist couples in handling conflict. Central to this approach is the acceptance that most conflicts cannot be solved. Couples are in need of a different understanding of couples conflict. This understanding is found in the analysis of love in context and in relational dialectics. Couples are guided through different steps: deciding on the valence of the issue as individuals, helping them decide which differences can be resolved and which issues demand new ways of living with the inevitable, and the introduction in the suggested no conclusion dialogue. This article briefly describes the five day intensive couple therapy program, in which the no intervention is embedded. The theoretical foundation of the intervention, followed by the step by step description of the intervention forms the major part of the article. A case vignette illustrates this approach.
Copper and Manganese Increase Resistance of Clusterbean to Root Rot Caused by Rhizoctonia
Authors: Wadhwa Neha , Joshi Udai Narayan , Gandhi Sudarshan Kumar
Published: November 2012

Clusterbean seedlings growing in soil inoculated with Rhizoctonia were treated with either 5 or 10 ppm Cu2+ and Mn2+. Soil was inoculated by pretreatment with 250 mg (wet weight) of Rhizoctonia inoculum. A similar set of plants was maintained in uninoculated soil. Root rot incidence of plants treated with Cu2+ 5 ppm, Cu2+ 10 ppm, Mn2+ 5 ppm and Mn2+ 10 ppm was 26.6, 30.5, 11.8 and 29.2% less than the inoculated control, respectively. Inoculation with Rhizoctonia reduced chlorophyll, non‐structural carbohydrate and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) content compared with uninoculated ones. Oxidative enzymes activities (polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase and tyrosine ammonia lyase), crude protein, phenolic content, structural components (acid detergent fibre, cellulose and lignin), silica, macronutrients and micronutrients increased in inoculated seedlings and this increase was further heightened by the Cu2+ 10 ppm treatment compared with the Cu2+ 5 ppm, Mn2+ 5 ppm and Mn2+ 10 ppm treatments in response to fungal invasion. It was concluded that the Cu2+ 10 ppm treatment may be an effective soil nutrient to provide enhanced resistance of clusterbean plants to root rot (fungal) diseases.
Implication of eIF2α kinase GCN2 in induction of apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress-responsive genes by sodium salicylate
Authors: Gentz Solange H L , Bertollo Caryne M , Souza-Fagundes Elaine M , da Silva Aristóbolo Mendes
Published: November 2012

Objectives

Sodium salicylate (NaSal) can disturb cell viability by affecting the activity of multiple cellular molecules. In this work, we investigated the involvement of stress-responsive kinase GCN2 in regulating cell death and expression of stress genes in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) upon exposure to NaSal.

Methods

Cell viability was assayed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method, and apoptosis was evaluated by annexin V and propidium iodide staining. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array approach was used to analyse differential expression of a panel of 84 endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-associated genes. Gene reporter assays were carried out to determine activity of ER stress element (ERSE), and the protein levels of activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) were determined by western blot.

Key findings

NaSal treatment resulted in reduction of cellular viability and induction of apoptosis in wild-type but not Gcn2−/− cells. Many genes with important functions in protein synthesis/degradation, transcriptional regulation and apoptosis were induced by NaSal and most of these were dependent on GCN2. The activation of ERSE within Ddit3 and the production of CHOP and ATF6 induced by NaSal required GCN2.

Conclusions

Our data provide evidence for the involvement of GCN2 in apoptosis and gene expression triggered by NaSal, and contributes to the understanding of molecular events occurring in NaSal-treated cells.
The pharmacokinetics of maropitant citrate dosed orally to dogs at 2 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg once daily for 14 days consecutive days
Authors: Lesman S. P. , Boucher J. F. , Grover G. S. , Cox S. R. , Bidgood T. L.
Published: November 2012

The pharmacokinetics of maropitant were evaluated in beagle dogs dosed orally with Cerenia® tablets (Pfizer Animal Health) once daily for 14 consecutive days at either 2 mg/kg or 8 mg/kg bodyweight. Noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis was performed on the plasma concentration data to measure the AUC0–24 (after first and last doses), Ct (trough concentration—measured 24 h after each dose), Cmax (after first and last doses), tmax (after first and last doses), λz (terminal disposition rate constant; after last dose), t1/2 (after last dose), and CL/F (oral clearance; after last dose). Maropitant accumulation in plasma was substantially greater after fourteen daily 8 mg/kg doses than after fourteen daily 2 mg/kg doses as reflected in the AUC0–24 accumulation ratio of 4.81 at 8 mg/kg and 2.46 at 2 mg/kg. This is most likely due to previously identified nonlinear pharmacokinetics of maropitant in which high doses (8 mg/kg) saturate the metabolic clearance mechanisms and delay drug elimination. To determine the time to reach steady‐state maropitant plasma levels, a nonlinear model was fit to the least squares (LS) means maropitant Ct values for each treatment group. Based on this model, 90% of steady‐state was determined to occur at approximately four doses for daily 2 mg/kg oral dosing and eight doses for daily 8 mg/kg oral dosing.
Breastfeeding and early brain development: the Generation R study
Authors: Herba Catherine M. , Roza Sabine , Govaert Paul , Hofman Albert , Jaddoe Vincent , Verhulst Frank C. , Tiemeier Henning
Published: November 2012

Breastfeeding during infancy is associated with a range of short‐ and long‐term health benefits. We examine whether breastfeeding in the first 2 months of life is associated with structural markers of brain development in infants from the general population. This study was embedded within the Generation R study. Cranial ultrasounds were obtained at approximately 7 weeks post‐natal age. The diameter of the gangliothalamic ovoid, corpus callosum length, ventricular volume and head circumference were measured. Maternal reports of breastfeeding were obtained at 2 months of age. We examined associations in relation to current breastfeeding practices (exclusively breastfed, n = 318, breast‐ and bottle‐fed, n = 119, and bottle‐fed, n = 243). Analyses were adjusted for head size and relevant covariates. Secondary analyses were conducted for breastfeeding history (exclusively breastfed, n = 318, breast‐ and bottle‐fed, n = 281, and never breastfed, n = 81). Exclusive breastfeeding was associated with more optimal brain development compared with babies who were bottle‐fed or never breastfed. Results were most consistent for gangliothalamic ovoid diameter. Larger gangliothalamic ovoid diameters were evident in babies who were exclusively breastfed compared with bottle‐fed babies [difference between means (95% confidence interval) = 0.21(0.02, 0.39), P = 0.02]. Smaller ventricular volume and larger head circumference were also found for exclusively breastfed babies. Breastfeeding was not significantly associated with corpus callosum length. Maternal reports of breastfeeding are associated with more mature brain development within the first 2 months of life. Results are most consistent for gangliothalamic ovoid diameter, a subcortical structure rich in docosahexaenoic acid. Findings also pointed to non‐specific neural developmental advantage for exclusively breastfed babies.
The effects of whey protein on cardiometabolic risk factors
Authors: Pal Sebely , Radavelli‐Bagatini Simone
Published: November 2012

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions worldwide. The health consequences of obesity are more dangerous when associated with the metabolic syndrome and its components. Studies show that whey protein and its bioactive components can promote greater benefits compared to other protein sources such as egg and casein. The aim of this paper is to review the effects of whey protein on cardiometabolic risk factors. Using PubMed as the database, a review was conducted to identify current scientific literature on whey protein and the components of the metabolic syndrome published between 1970 and 2012. Consumption of whey protein seems to play an anti‐obesity and muscle‐protective role during dieting by increasing thermogenesis and maintaining lean mass. In addition, whey protein has been shown to improve glucose levels and insulin response, promote a reduction in blood pressure and arterial stiffness, and improve lipid profile. The collective view of current scientific literature indicates that the consumption of whey protein may have beneficial effects on some symptoms of the metabolic syndrome as well as a reduction in cardiovascular risk factors.
Supporting and promoting personhood in long term care settings: contextual factors
Authors: O. Siegel Elena , A. Anderson Ruth , Calkin Joy , H. Chu Charlene , N. Corazzini Kirsten , Dellefield Mary E. , Goodman Claire
Published: November 2012

The need for personhood‐focused long‐term care (LTC) is well‐documented. A myriad of sociocultural, political, nursing/professional and organisational contexts facilitate or hinder registered nurses (RNs)’ capacity to ensure personhood‐focused LTC. Complexities derive from the countless interrelated aspects of these contexts, blurring clear distinctions of causality, responsibility and accountability. Context‐related complexities were highlighted at a recent international conference attended by invited experts in LTC leadership from six countries (Canada, USA, England, Northern Ireland, New Zealand and Sweden). The group was convened to explore the value and contributions of RNs in LTC (McGilton, , International Journal of Older People Nursing 7, 282). The purpose of this paper is to expand the discussion of personhood‐focused care beyond RNs, to contexts that influence the RN's capacity to ensure personhood‐focused practices are embedded in LTC settings. Consistent with key topics covered at the international conference, we selected four major contexts for discussion in this paper: (i) sociocultural, (ii) public policy/financing/regulation, (iii) nursing/professional and (iv) organisational. For each context, we provide a brief description, literature and examples from a few countries attending the conference, potential impact on personhood‐focused practices and RN strategies to facilitate personhood‐focused care. The knowledge gained from attending to the influence of contextual factors on the RN's role in facilitating personhood‐focused practices provides critical insights and directions for interventions aimed to maximise RN role effectiveness in LTC. In practice, understanding linkages between the various contexts offers indispensable insight for LTC nurse leaders charged with managing day‐to‐day operations and leading quality improvement initiatives that promote personhood‐focused practices.
Moving the agenda forward: a person‐centred framework in long‐term care
Authors: McGilton Katherine S. , Heath Hazel , Chu Charlene H. , Boström Anne‐Marie , Mueller Christine , M. Boscart Veronique , McKenzie‐Green Barbara , Moghabghab Rola , Bowers Barbara
Published: November 2012

Background

Internationally, the role of the registered nurse (RN) in long‐term care (LTC) settings has evolved in response to the demands of governmental and organisational priorities. In stark contrast to the regulatory mandates, a person‐centred care approach in LTC settings would require different outcomes, processes and competencies of the RN.

Aims

This article explores the implications of defining the RN's role in delivering person‐centred care in LTC homes.

Methods

Based on a review of the literature, we present a framework that can be used to gather evidence on the outcomes, processes of care and competencies required of RNs to lead their teams to person‐centred LTC homes.

Results

The development of the framework highlighted several issues: (i) current measures of quality in LTC settings focus on health outcomes and avoiding adverse events rather than on resident quality of life and well‐being, which influences the RN's practice; (ii) person‐centred care has emerged as a focus of care, yet measures currently developed are limited, and thus, new outcomes are proposed; (iii) to practice in a person‐centred way, RNs must work through others on their team to ensure that staff truly relate to their residents, tailor approaches based on the remaining abilities of the residents and manipulate environments to match the competence of the individual, while focusing on residents’ personhood and (iv) competencies of RNs to deliver person‐centred care include leadership, facilitation, clinical excellence and critical thinking skills.

Conclusions

RNs need to be supported, allowed and encouraged in redesigning their role, to work to their full capacity if they are truly to support person‐centred care in LTC settings.
Does take‐home analgesia improve postoperative pain after elective day case surgery? A comparison of hospital vs parent‐supplied analgesia
Authors: Hegarty Mary , Calder Alyson , Davies Kylie , Shave Margaret , Christiansen Elaine , Meyer Tessa , von Ungern‐Sternberg Britta S.
Published: November 2012

Background

More children are undergoing same‐day surgery. While advances have been made in pediatric pain management, there have been few studies addressing pain management in the home (Br J Anaesth, 82, 1999 and 319). We wished to investigate whether issuing parents with take‐home analgesia would improve postoperative pain scores and/or parental satisfaction following hospital discharge.

Methods

Two hundred children, and their parents, attending for day case surgery at our institution were randomized into two groups. One group received advice regarding the management of postoperative pain and were given a pack containing discharge medications: group ‘dispensed’. The other group received the same advice, but did not receive any medication: group ‘advised’. Telephone interviews were conducted to assess pain scores, PONV, functional activity, analgesia requirements, and satisfaction rates.

Results

Data were available for 181 patients (median age, 4 years; range, 0–12 years): 89 children in group ‘dispensed’ and 92 children in group ‘advised’. Postoperative instructions were followed by 86% in group ‘advised’ and 89% in group ‘dispensed’ (P = 0.68). Although all parents received analgesia advice, only 85/181 (48%) recalled the information. Rates for no/mild pain and moderate/severe pain were similar between the two groups: 59% (group ‘advised’) vs 62% (group ‘dispensed’) and 41% (group ‘advised’) vs 38% (group ‘dispensed’) (P = 0.78).

Discussion

Our study did not show any differences in the incidence of pain/parental satisfaction between the two groups. Analgesia advice given to parents was poorly retained, suggesting that other methods for disseminating information should be considered.
Eradication of Gram‐Positive and Gram‐Negative Bacteria by Photosensitizers Immobilized in Polystyrene
Authors: Nakonechny Faina , Pinkus Anna , Hai Smadar , Yehosha Ortal , Nitzan Yeshayahu , Nisnevitch Marina
Published: November 2012

Immobilization of photosensitizers in polymers opens prospects for their continuous and reusable application. Methylene blue (MB) and Rose Bengal were immobilized in polystyrene by mixing solutions of the photosensitizers in chloroform with a polymer solution, followed by air evaporation of the solvent. This procedure yielded 15–140 μm polymer films with a porous surface structure. The method chosen for immobilization ensured 99% enclosure of the photosensitizer in the polymer. The antimicrobial activity of the immobilized photosensitizers was tested against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. It was found that both immobilized photosensitizers exhibited high antimicrobial properties, and caused by a 1.5–3 log10 reduction in the bacterial concentrations to their total eradication. The bactericidal effect of the immobilized photosensitizers depended on the cell concentration and on the illumination conditions. Scanning electron microscopy was used to prove that immobilized photosensitizers excited by white light caused irreversible damage to microbial cells. Photosensitizers immobilized on a solid phase can be applied for continuous disinfection of wastewater bacteria.
Social Policy from Olson to Ostrom: A Case Study of Dutch Disability Insurance
Authors: Bannink Duco
Published: November 2012

Social policy development and reform in corporatist welfare states often follows a pattern of subsequent collectivization and de‐collectivization. This has to do, the article argues, with the social problems these phases address. Early social policy development forms a response to Olson‐type collective action problems that organized actors (labour and employers' organizations) in the field experience: state‐obliged benefits solve free rider problems, while bipartite administration allows labour and employers' organizations to organize their constituencies. This solution to Olson‐type collective action problems, however, also constitutes an Ostrom‐type collective action problem. Such a system functions as a common pool resource. Individual benefit take‐up is experienced as free and the costs of benefit take‐up are collectivized in the common pool. The article illustrates this pattern with reference to Dutch disability insurance.
Mammalian target of rapamycin signalling modulates amino acid uptake by regulating transporter cell surface abundance in primary human trophoblast cells
Authors: Rosario Fredrick J. , Kanai Yoshikatsu , Powell Theresa L. , Jansson Thomas
Published: November 2012

Key points

Inadequate nutrient supply during fetal life results in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), which may lead to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease later in life.

A decreased placental amino acid transporter activity has been implicated in the pathophysiology of IUGR; however, the mechanisms regulating placental amino acid transporters in the human are largely unknown.

We show that inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 or 2 markedly decreases the activity of key placental amino acid transporters in cultured primary human placental cells, mediated by modulating the movement of specific transporter isoforms between the cell interior and the plasma membrane.

Because mTOR signalling is inhibited in the IUGR placenta, these findings identify one possible mechanism by which fetal nutrient supply is reduced in this pregnancy complication.

Our data may help us better understand the regulation of amino acid transporters and the molecular mechanisms underlying IUGR.

Abstract  Abnormal fetal growth increases the risk for perinatal complications and predisposes for the development of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease later in life. Emerging evidence suggests that changes in placental amino acid transport directly contribute to altered fetal growth. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating placental amino acid transport are largely unknown. Here we combined small interfering (si) RNA‐mediated silencing approaches with protein expression/localization and functional studies in cultured primary human trophoblast cells to test the hypothesis that mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and 2 (mTORC2) regulate amino acid transporters by post‐translational mechanisms. Silencing raptor (inhibits mTORC1) or rictor (inhibits mTORC2) markedly decreased basal System A and System L amino acid transport activity but had no effect on growth factor‐stimulated amino acid uptake. Simultaneous inhibition of mTORC1 and 2 completely inhibited both basal and growth factor‐stimulated amino acid transport activity. In contrast, mTOR inhibition had no effect on serotonin transport. mTORC1 or mTORC2 silencing markedly decreased the plasma membrane expression of specific System A (SNAT2, SLC38A2) and System L (LAT1, SLC7A5) transporter isoforms without affecting global protein expression. In conclusion, mTORC1 and mTORC2 regulate human trophoblast amino acid transporters by modulating the cell surface abundance of specific transporter isoforms. This is the first report showing regulation of amino acid transport by mTORC2. Because placental mTOR activity and amino acid transport are decreased in human intrauterine growth restriction our data are consistent with the possibility that dysregulation of placental mTOR plays an important role in the development of abnormal fetal growth.
CLC‐3 chloride channels moderate long‐term potentiation at Schaffer collateral–CA1 synapses
Authors: Farmer Laurel M. , Le Brandy N. , Nelson Deborah J.
Published: November 2012

Key points

The CLC‐3 chloride channel is expressed on postsynaptic membranes, where it is spatially and functionally linked to the NMDA receptor.

CLC‐3 is phosphorylated by Ca2+/calmodulin kinase II.

Loss of CLC‐3 expression or prevention of CLC‐3 phosphorylation/gating results in excessive induction of long‐term potentiation.

Given that knockout of CLC‐3 results in hippocampal neurodegeneration, our results suggest that CLC‐3 gating may provide a protective limit on plasticity and Ca2+ influx.

Abstract  The chloride channel CLC‐3 is expressed in the brain on synaptic vesicles and postsynaptic membranes. Although CLC‐3 is broadly expressed throughout the brain, the CLC‐3 knockout mouse shows complete, selective postnatal neurodegeneration of the hippocampus, suggesting a crucial role for the channel in maintaining normal brain function. CLC‐3 channels are functionally linked to NMDA receptors in the hippocampus; NMDA receptor‐dependent Ca2+ entry, activation of Ca2+/calmodulin kinase II and subsequent gating of CLC‐3 link the channels via a Ca2+‐mediated feedback loop. We demonstrate that loss of CLC‐3 at mature synapses increases long‐term potentiation from 135 ± 4% in the wild‐type slice preparation to 154 ± 7% above baseline (P < 0.001) in the knockout; therefore, the contribution of CLC‐3 is to reduce synaptic potentiation by ∼40%. Using a decoy peptide representing the Ca2+/calmodulin kinase II phosphorylation site on CLC‐3, we show that phosphorylation of CLC‐3 is required for its regulatory function in long‐term potentiation. CLC‐3 is also expressed on synaptic vesicles; however, our data suggest functionally separable pre‐ and postsynaptic roles. Thus, CLC‐3 confers Cl− sensitivity to excitatory synapses, controls the magnitude of long‐term potentiation and may provide a protective limit on Ca2+ influx.
Reliability Assessment of Preloaded Solder Joint Under Thermal Cycling
Authors: Yu Da , Lee Hohyung , Park Seungbae
Published: November 2012

The ever increasing power density in modern semiconductor devices requires heat dissipation solution such as heat sink to remove heat away from the device. A compressive loading is usually applied to reduce the interfacial thermal resistance between package and heat sink. In this paper, both experimental approaches and numerical modeling were employed to study the effect of compressive loading on the interconnect reliability under thermal cycling conditions. A special loading fixture which simulated the heat sink was designed to apply compressive loading to the package. The JEDEC standard thermal cycle tests were performed and the resistance of daisy chained circuits was in situ measured. The time to crack initiation and time to permanent failure were identified separately based on in situ resistance measurement results. Failure analysis has been performed to identify the failure modes of solder joint with and without the presence of compressive loading. A finite element based thermal-fatigue life prediction model for SAC305 solder joint under compressive loading was also developed to understand the thermal-fatigue crack behaviors of solder joint and successfully validated with the experimental results.
Comparison of Polynomial Cam Profiles and Input Shaping for Driving Flexible Systems
Authors: Pridgen Brice , Singhose William
Published: November 2012

Polynomial profiles can be used as reference commands to limit induced vibration in flexible systems. Due to their ease of design and low-pass filtering effects, polynomial profiles are often found in cam-follower systems. Polynomial profiles have also been used as smooth reference commands for automated machines. However, despite extensive work to develop and improve such profiles, inherent tradeoffs still exist between induced vibration, rise time, and ease of design. Input shaping is an alternative method for generating motion commands that reduce residual vibration. This paper compares polynomial profiles to input-shaped commands for the application of reducing vibration in flexible systems. Analyses using Laplace transforms reveal that input shapers suppress vibration at regularly spaced frequencies. However, polynomial profiles do not share this property. Simulations and experimental results show that input shaping improves rise time and reduces residual vibration in comparison to polynomial profiles.
Influence of Blade Number on the Performance and Pressure Pulsations in a Pump Used as a Turbine
Authors: Yang Sun-Sheng , Kong Fan-Yu , Qu Xiao-Yun , Jiang Wan-Ming
Published: November 2012

The rotor-stator interaction of a rotating impeller and a stationary volute could cause strong pressure pulsations and generate flow induced noise and vibration in a pump used as a turbine (PAT). Blade number is one of the main geometric parameters of the impeller. In this paper, a numerical investigation of the PAT’s unsteady pressure field with different blade numbers was performed. The accuracy of global performance prediction by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was first verified through comparison between numerical and experimental results. Unsteady pressure fields of the PAT with different blade numbers were simulated, and the pulsations were extracted at various locations covering the PAT’s three main hydraulic parts. A detailed analysis of the unsteady pressure field distributions within the PAT’s control volume and comparison of unsteady pressure difference caused by the increase of blade number were performed. The transient flow results provided the unsteady pressure distribution within PAT and showed that increasing the blade number could effectively reduce the amplitude of pressure pulsations. Finally, unsteady pressure field tests were performed and some unsteady results obtained by unsteady field analysis were validated.
A Study of Student Design Team Behaviors in Complex System Design
Authors: Austin-Breneman Jesse , Honda Tomonori , Yang Maria C.
Published: November 2012

Large-scale engineering systems require design teams to balance complex sets of considerations using a wide range of design and decision-making skills. Formal, computational approaches for optimizing complex systems offer strategies for arriving at optimal solutions in situations where system integration and design optimization are well-formulated. However, observation of design practice suggests engineers may be poorly prepared for this type of design. Four graduate student teams completed a distributed, complex system design task. Analysis of the teams' design histories suggests three categories of suboptimal approaches: global rather than local searches, optimizing individual design parameters separately, and sequential rather than concurrent optimization strategies. Teams focused strongly on individual subsystems rather than system-level optimization, and did not use the provided system gradient indicator to understand how changes in individual subsystems impacted the overall system. This suggests the need for curriculum to teach engineering students how to appropriately integrate systems as a whole.
Elastic Properties of Plasticine, Silly Putty, and Tennis Strings
Authors: Cross Rod
Published: November 2012

How would a physicist describe the elastic properties of an apple or a banana? Physics students and teachers are familiar with the elastic properties of metal springs, but are likely to be less familiar with the elastic properties of other common materials. The behavior of a metal spring is commonly examined in the laboratory by adding masses to measure the change in the extension or compression. A banana or an apple or any other relatively soft material could just as easily be examined in the same way, as an additional and entertaining exercise. Even if an apparatus is not readily available to undertake such an experiment, it can easily be constructed.1,2 In this article I compare the elastic properties of Plasticine (a brand of modeling clay), Silly Putty, and tennis strings. All three materials behave in the same qualitative manner when stretched or compressed slowly, despite the fact that they are quite different when stretched or compressed rapidly and despite the fact that Plasticine and Silly Putty are both much softer than a tennis string. Typical results for a slow deformation are shown in Fig. 1.
Neutrons as Party Animals: An Analogy for Understanding Heavy-Element Fissility
Authors: Reed B. Cameron
Published: November 2012

I teach a general education class on the history of nuclear physics and the Manhattan Project. About halfway through the course we come to the discovery of fission and Niels Bohr's insight that it is the rare isotope of uranium, U-235, which fissions under slow-neutron bombardment as opposed to the much more common U-238 isotope. As an “explanation” of the differing responses of the two isotopes to bombarding neutrons, I use the known (measured) masses of the various isotopes involved to compute the energies released upon neutron capture and then compare them to the fission barriers of the “compound” nuclei so formed (U-236 and U-239). The energy released in the (neutron + U-235) reaction exceeds the fission barrier by about one million electron-volts (1 MeV), while that for the (neutron + U-238) case falls about 1.6 MeV short. (The fission barriers are respectively about 5.7 and 6.5 MeV.)