bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activated NOTCH2 is Overexpressed in Hepatoblastomas: An Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Litten Jason B. , Chen Tina T.-L. , Schultz Roger , Herman Karl , Comstock Jessica , Schiffman Joshua , Tomlinson Gail E. , Rakheja Dinesh
Published: June 2011

Hepatoblastoma is a pediatric malignancy characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of immature hepatocytes (hepatoblasts). This disease is diagnosed primarily in children younger than 5 years and is disproportionately observed in former premature infants. Cytogenetically, hepatoblastoma is characterized by numerical aberrations, as well as unbalanced translocations involving the proximal region of chromosome 1q. The NOTCH2 gene has been mapped to this locus, and it is well established that the NOTCH gene family is an important regulator of several developmental pathways. Specifically, the NOTCH2 protein is known to delay hepatoblast maturation during early hepatic organogenesis, and the reduction of NOTCH2 expression correlates with the differentiation of hepatoblasts into hepatocytes and biliary cells in the developing liver. We hypothesized that NOTCH2 is involved in the pathogenesis of hepatoblastoma by maintaining a population of undifferentiated hepatoblasts. We studied the immunohistochemical expression of NOTCH2 and its isoforms NOTCH1, NOTCH3, and NOTCH4 and the NOTCH2 primary ligand JAGGED1 in hepatoblastomas. Compared with the normal liver, an increasedlevelofNOTCH2expressionwasseenin22of 24 (92%) hepatoblastomas. There was no significant staining for other NOTCH isoforms and JAGGED1 in hepatoblastomas. Therefore, we suggest that NOTCH2 expression and activation, independent of JAGGED1 expression, may contribute to the pathogenesis of hepatoblastoma. In the hepatoblastoma sinusoidal vasculature, we saw NOTCH3 and NOTCH1 expression. These observations have potential implications with regard to therapeutic targeting of the NOTCH signaling pathway in hepatoblastomas.
Spectral study of coumarin-3-carboxylic acid interaction with human and bovine serum albumins
Authors: Varlan Aurica , Hillebrand Mihaela
Published: June 2011

Fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy were used to investigate the interaction of coumarin-3-carboxylic acid with human serum albumin (HSA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) under physiological conditions in a buffer solution of pH 7.4.

Quenching constants were determined using the Lineweaver-Burk equation to provide a measure of the binding affinity of coumarin-3-carboxylic acid to HSA/BSA. Binding studies concerning the number of binding sites, n, and apparent binding constant, K, were performed by a fluorescence quenching method at different temperatures (298, 303 and 310 K). The thermodynamic parameters, enthalpy change (ΔH0) and entropy change (ΔS0) as calculated according to the van’t Hoff equation, indicated that hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces play a major role in coumarin-3-carboxylic acid-HSA association whereas electrostatic interactions dominate in coumarin-3-carboxylic acid-BSA association. The distance, r, between the donor (HSA/BSA) and acceptor (coumarin-3-carboxylic acid) has been estimated using Förster’s equation, on the basis of resonance energy transfer. Furthermore, CD spectra were used to investigate the α-helix changes of the HSA and BSA molecules upon addition of coumarin-3-carboxylic acid.
An analysis of SCF and geometry convergence for diatomic molecules
Authors: Pye Cory
Published: June 2011

A geometry and SCF convergence study of Hartree-Fock calculations using the 6-31G* basis set is carried out on the set of all possible diatomic molecules formed from atoms with Z≤36. The utility of Hartree-Fock calculations using the smaller STO-3G basis set to improve the convergence behavior is demonstrated.
Green, purple, blue — [Cu(N-Methylimidazole)n (OOCCH3)2]m, what is in a colour
Authors: Kühl Olaf , Millinghaus Stephan , Palm Gottfried
Published: June 2011

Starting from the paddlewheel complex copper(II)acetate, the green N-methylimidazole adduct of copper(II)acetate is formed and transformed into the monomeric and dimeric N-methylimidazole adducts of copper(II)acetate [Cu(C4H6N2)2(CH3COO)2]n·xH2O (n = 1,2; x = 0, 6). The formation of the blue dimer or the purple monomer depends on the solvent and the presence or absence of water.
Synthesis, spectroscopic and configurational study, and ab initio calculations of new diazaphospholanes
Authors: Gholivand Khodayar , Ghaziani Fatemeh
Published: June 2011

New 2-substituted diazaphospholane-2-oxides (I-III, V-VIII) and diazaphosphorinane-2-oxide (IV) were synthesised and characterised by 1H, 13C, and 31P NMR, IR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The presence of chiral diamino groups in compounds II and V–VIII gives rise to various diastereomers so that the 31P{1H} NMR spectra demonstrated three and two peaks with different ratios, respectively. Also, the 1H and 13C{1H} NMR spectra of compounds II and V–VIII revealed three and two sets of signals for the related conformers (diastereomers). Interestingly, the 31P NMR spectrum of V in D2O indicated a great upfield shift (Δδ = 19.0) for 31P relative to the value obtained in DMSO-d6 (solvent effect). The two signals in V split further to three signals in the presence of β-cyclodextrin. Moreover, conformational analysis of diazaphospholane V was studied by ab initio calculations at the HF and B3LYP levels of theory using the Gaussian 98 program. Results indicated that among four suggested diastereomers (C1–C4) of V, C1 and C3 containing methyl group in the equatorial position are the most stable forms.
The influence of thickness of CrN coating on the durability of hot forging dies
Authors: Smolik Jerzy
Published: June 2011

This article presents results which enabled the determination of the role of CrN coating and the influence of its thickness on the effectiveness of hybrid layer “nitrided layer / CrN coating” in the process of increasing the durability of forging dies. Dies coated with hybrid layers “nitrided layer / CrN coating” with various CrN coating thickness were — after different maintenance periods — subjected to metallographic testing, 3D shape testing and SEM analysis. Hardness distribution was also determined. The obtained results revealed that for all tested dies, independently from CrN coating thickness, the main mechanisms of their destruction was mechanical and thermal fatigue, and plastic deformation. It has been shown that the main role of CrN coating in the hybrid layer ”nitrided layer / PVD coating” is to counteract a high temperature influence the source of which is forging on die material. In order to do so the CrN coating should be characterized by a considerably lower thermal conductivity coefficient to steel and low hardness so that it can efficiently resist fatigue processes in the forging process. Based on testing conducted by means of the sin
2
φ method, it was revealed that internal stresses are vitally important for CrN coating for fatigue resistance of hybrid layer ”nitrided layer / CrN coating” during the forging process.
Sampling Variability and Axioms of Classical Test Theory
Authors: Zimmerman Donald W.
Published: June 2011

Many well-known equations in classical test theory are mathematical identities in populations of individuals but not in random samples from those populations. First, test scores are subject to the same sampling error that is familiar in statistical estimation and hypothesis testing. Second, the assumptions made in derivation of formulas in test theory are not necessarily satisfied in small samples. The present study derived modified equations relating test scores and components of scores that are identities in samples of any size and that reduce to the more familiar equations when various correlations are zero. Simulations determined the accuracy of both the familiar and the modified equations when applied to samples of various sizes from populations with known reliability coefficients. The programs also determined the variability of the sample values for different parameters in the equations and for different sample sizes, as well as the means and variances of discrepancies between population and sample values.
Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging and early prognosis for vision after transsphenoidal surgery for sellar lesions
Authors: Berkmann Sven , Fandino Javier , Zosso Sascha , Killer Hanspeter E. , Remonda Luca , Landolt Hans
Published: June 2011

Object

Sellar lesions with suprasellar extension may cause loss of visual acuity and visual field damage due to compression of the optic chiasm. Using intraoperative MR (iMR) imaging to detect symptomatic lesion remnants adjacent to the optic chiasm (that may be resected in the same procedure) may positively affect the functional outcome of patients with these lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between visual improvement and optic nerve decompression detected by iMR imaging in patients undergoing transsphenoidal resection of pituitary lesions.

Methods

A total of 32 patients (23 men and 9 women) who underwent transsphenoidal resection of sellar lesions causing visual impairment were included in this study. Tumor volume ranged from 0.9 cm3 to 55.7 cm3 (mean 9.8 ± 11.7 cm3). Preoperative assessment showed visual field damage in 31 patients (97%) and loss of visual acuity in 28 patients (88%). The latency period between the appearance of symptoms and transsphenoidal decompression was 14.9 ± 19.5 weeks.

Results

Intraoperative MR imaging was performed after the resection was believed to be complete, or if further tumor removal was not safely possible due to changed conditions in the surgical field. Complete resection was detected on these initial scans in 17 patients (53%). Partial resection was achieved in 9 patients (28%) and tumor debulking in 6 (19%). Additional resection was possible in 8 (53%) of these 15 patients. Four (50%) of these 8 cases had suprasellar remnants and the optic chiasm was subsequently decompressed. In 5 cases optimal decompression of the optic chiasm was not possible. On early follow-up within 1 month after surgery, overall improvement of visual field damage was observed in 27 patients (87%). In 23 patients (74%), the Goldmann perimetry demonstrated complete recovery. Improvement of visual acuity was noted in 24 patients (86%). Eighteen patients (64%) regained full visual acuity. Identification of a decompressed optic chiasm on iMR imaging was significantly correlated with visual field improvement (p = 0.0007; positive predictive value 0.96, 95% CI 0.81–0.99) and relief of visual acuity deficits (p = 0.0002; positive predictive value 0.96, 95% CI 0.79–0.99). Two patients needed transcranial procedures for symptomatic tumor remnants detected on iMR imaging.

Conclusions

Intraoperative MR imaging findings correlate with prognosis of visual deficits after transsphenoidal decompression of the anterior optic pathways. The use of iMR imaging may prevent revision surgery for unexpected symptomatic remnants.
Familial nontraumatic, nonaneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a report on three first-degree siblings
Authors: Lazaridis Christos , Bodle Jeffrey , Chaudry Imran , Hays Angela , Chalela Julio
Published: June 2011

Family history is a recognized risk factor in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The genetic and environmental contributions are actively researched. The authors of this report present a case series of 3 first-degree siblings affected by nontraumatic, angiographically negative SAH. Data in this study suggest that familial predisposition may also apply to spontaneous, nonaneurysmal SAH and that family history should be actively investigated in all such patients. The identification of families with multiple affected members could lead to an improved understanding of the genetic and environmental factors associated with this condition.
A Philosophical Treatise of Universal Induction
Authors: Rathmanner Samuel , Hutter Marcus
Published: June 2011

Understanding inductive reasoning is a problem that has engaged mankind for thousands of years. This problem is relevant to a wide range of fields and is integral to the philosophy of science. It has been tackled by many great minds ranging from philosophers to scientists to mathematicians, and more recently computer scientists. In this article we argue the case for Solomonoff Induction, a formal inductive framework which combines algorithmic information theory with the Bayesian framework. Although it achieves excellent theoretical results and is based on solid philosophical foundations, the requisite technical knowledge necessary for understanding this framework has caused it to remain largely unknown and unappreciated in the wider scientific community. The main contribution of this article is to convey Solomonoff induction and its related concepts in a generally accessible form with the aim of bridging this current technical gap. In the process we examine the major historical contributions that have led to the formulation of Solomonoff Induction as well as criticisms of Solomonoff and induction in general. In particular we examine how Solomonoff induction addresses many issues that have plagued other inductive systems, such as the black ravens paradox and the confirmation problem, and compare this approach with other recent approaches.
Multi-Beam Interference Advances and Applications: Nano-Electronics, Photonic Crystals, Metamaterials, Subwavelength Structures, Optical Trapping, and Biomedical Structures
Authors: Burrow Guy M. , Gaylord Thomas K.
Published: June 2011

Research in recent years has greatly advanced the understanding and capabilities of multi-beam interference (MBI). With this technology it is now possible to generate a wide range of one-, two-, and three-dimensional periodic optical-intensity distributions at the micro- and nano-scale over a large length/area/volume. These patterns may be used directly or recorded in photo-sensitive materials using multi-beam interference lithography (MBIL) to accomplish subwavelength patterning. Advances in MBI and MBIL and a very wide range of applications areas including nano-electronics, photonic crystals, metamaterials, subwavelength structures, optical trapping, and biomedical structures are reviewed and put into a unified perspective.
Recent Progress in Piezoelectric Conversion and Energy Harvesting Using Nonlinear Electronic Interfaces and Issues in Small Scale Implementation
Authors: Guyomar Daniel , Lallart Mickaël
Published: June 2011

This paper aims at providing an up-to-date review of nonlinear electronic interfaces for energy harvesting from mechanical vibrations using piezoelectric coupling. The basic principles and the direct application to energy harvesting of nonlinear treatment of the output voltage of the transducers for conversion enhancement will be recalled, and extensions of this approach presented. Latest advances in this field will be exposed, such as the use of intermediate energy tanks for decoupling or initial energy injection for conversion magnification. A comparative analysis of each of these techniques will be performed, highlighting the advantages and drawbacks of the methods, in terms of efficiency, performance under several excitation conditions, complexity of implementation and so on. Finally, a special focus of their implementation in the case of low voltage output transducers (as in the case of microsystems) will be presented.
Altholactone Displays Promising Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Al Momani Fouad , Alkofahi Ahmad S. , Mhaidat Nizar M.
Published: June 2011

The antimicrobial activity of altholactone, a naturally extracted styryllactone isolated from Goniothalamus malayanus, was determined against Gram positive (S. aureus ATTC 25923, S. aureus ATTC 25392, and E. faecalis ATTC 29212) and Gram negative (E. coli ATTC 35218, S. typhi ATTC 14023 and P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853) reference bacteria and against the fungus C. albicans ATTC 10231. Different concentrations of altholactone (0, 12, 25, and 50 μg/mL) were used. Results revealed that altholactone inhibited the growth of all tested microbes except P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 in a dose-dependant manner, with the highest cytotoxic effects occuring at 50 μg/mL. The average of the inhibition zones of the different concentrations was between 0–30 mm. Furthermore, altholactone-induced antimicrobial activity against the more sensitive microbes was assessed by measuring the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Results indicated that Gram positive (S. aureus ATTC 25923, S. aureus ATTC 25392, and E. faecalis ATTC 29212) cells were more sensitive to altholactone than Gram negative ones (E. coli ATTC 35218, S. typhi ATTC 14023). C. albicans showed moderate sensitivity. These results indicate that altholactone might be a potential antimicrobial agent, particularly in ciprofloxacin-refractory S. aureus and E. faecalis infections. Further investigations are required to illustrate the mechanism(s) by which altholactone produces its antimicrobial effects.
On the π Coordination of Organometallic Fullerene Complexes
Authors: Molina Bertha , Pérez-Manriquez Liliana , Salcedo Roberto
Published: June 2011

Novel organometallic complexes of fullerene C80 and aryl ligands were simulated. The nature and characteristics of this family of complexes involving π coordination between the fullerene and a metal centre have been studied from a theoretical point of view. We are particularly interested in complexes where η6 coordination is present, this being the strangest manifestation of known coordinations, and thus we have studied several known and simulated compounds of this kind in order to understand the lack of examples. The presence of other η6 or η5 ligands on the opposite side seems to be an important element aiding the stabilization of these complexes, also inducing the conductive and semiconductive behaviour of the studied species.
Strategies for Incorporating High-Resolution Google Earth Databases to Guide and Validate Classifications: Understanding Deforestation in Borneo
Authors: Dorais Alexis , Cardille Jeffrey
Published: June 2011

International climate change mitigation initiatives such as REDD-plus have fuelled the need for forest monitoring efforts that focus especially on the carbon rich natural ecosystems that are found in the humid tropics. Such monitoring efforts must tackle challenges intrinsic to these regions, such as high atmospheric contamination from particulates and persistent cloud cover. The emergence of new high-resolution platforms like Google Earth offers new potential scientific uses that can help meet these challenges. Using data from MODIS and detailed observation of Google Earth images, we have produced a yearly time series of deforestation hotspots for the island of Borneo for the 2000 to 2009 period. Our workflow and results demonstrate how multiple free data sources can be combined to greatly enhance the individual capacities of each. The methodology employed to produce this time series demonstrates simple, low-expense techniques that can be used to circumvent the obstacles that typically hinder systematic remote sensing in Borneo and other heavily clouded areas.
Digital Image Sensor-Based Assessment of the Status of Oat (Avena sativa L.) Crops after Frost Damage
Authors: Macedo-Cruz Antonia , Pajares Gonzalo , Santos Matilde , Villegas-Romero Isidro
Published: June 2011

The aim of this paper is to classify the land covered with oat crops, and the quantification of frost damage on oats, while plants are still in the flowering stage. The images are taken by a digital colour camera CCD-based sensor. Unsupervised classification methods are applied because the plants present different spectral signatures, depending on two main factors: illumination and the affected state. The colour space used in this application is CIELab, based on the decomposition of the colour in three channels, because it is the closest to human colour perception. The histogram of each channel is successively split into regions by thresholding. The best threshold to be applied is automatically obtained as a combination of three thresholding strategies: (a) Otsu’s method, (b) Isodata algorithm, and (c) Fuzzy thresholding. The fusion of these automatic thresholding techniques and the design of the classification strategy are some of the main findings of the paper, which allows an estimation of the damages and a prediction of the oat production.
Is Network Clustering Detectable in Transmission Trees?
Authors: Welch David
Published: June 2011

Networks are often used to model the contact processes that allow pathogens to spread between hosts but it remains unclear which models best describe these networks. One question is whether clustering in networks, roughly defined as the propensity for triangles to form, affects the dynamics of disease spread. We perform a simulation study to see if there is a signal in epidemic transmission trees of clustering. We simulate susceptible-exposed-infectious-removed (SEIR) epidemics (with no re-infection) over networks with fixed degree sequences but different levels of clustering and compare trees from networks with the same degree sequence and different clustering levels. We find that the variation of such trees simulated on networks with different levels of clustering is barely greater than those simulated on networks with the same level of clustering, suggesting that clustering can not be detected in transmission data when re-infection does not occur.
Single-Centre Experience with Oral Ribavirin in Lung Transplant Recipients with Paramyxovirus Infections
Authors: Fuehner Thomas , Dierich Martin , Duesberg Christoph , DeWall Claudia , Welte Tobias , Haverich Axel , Warnecke Gregor , Simon Andre R , Gottlieb Jens
Published: June 2011

Background

Paramyxovirus (PV) infections are increasingly recognized in lung transplant recipients and have been linked to subsequent graft failure and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). Ribavirin represents a possible treatment option although the outcome on graft function and BOS incidence is unknown.

Methods

We analysed outcomes of all PV infections in lung/heart–lung recipients between September 2006 and April 2009 in a single centre. PV-infected recipients treated with oral ribavirin were compared with those unable to receive ribavirin due to contraindications. Recovery of graft function, time to recovery and new development of BOS were compared.

Results

A total of 38 patients (ribavirin group) were treated with ribavirin for a median of 9 days (IQR 8–12), whilst 29 patients (non-ribavirin group) received best supportive care including corticosteroids. The median forced expiratory volume in 1 s dropped 20% (IQR 15–32) from baseline in the ribavirin group versus 18% (IQR 13–30) in the non-ribavirin group during infection. In 84% of patients treated with ribavirin and 59% of the non-ribavirin group, graft function recovered within 30 days ( P=0.02). New onset of BOS developed within 6 months in 5% of the ribavirin group versus 24% of the non-ribavirin group ( P=0.02).

Conclusions

Treatment of PV after lung/heart–lung transplantation with oral ribavirin seems to be associated with earlier recovery of graft function and to prevent BOS.
Antiviral Therapy for Hepatitis B Infection during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Authors: Giles Michelle , Visvanathan Kumar , Sasadeusz Joe
Published: June 2011

It is estimated there are 350–400 million people worldwide chronically infected with HBV. Many of these are women and of reproductive age. As such, they may face therapeutic decisions regarding antiviral therapy and the implication this may have on future or current pregnancies. This article reviews the data of all antivirals licensed for use against hepatitis B infection regarding teratogenicity, carcinogenicity, clinical experience during pregnancy, placental transfer and excretion in breast milk.
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Prevents Sudden Cardiac Death in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: BERNARDO PASQUALE , CONFORTI MARIA LETIZIA , BELLANDO-RANDONE SILVIA , PIERAGNOLI PAOLO , BLAGOJEVIC JELENA , KALOUDI OLGA , GUIDUCCI SERENA , PORTA FRANCESCO , PADELETTI LUIGI , GENSINI GIAN FRANCO , MATUCCI-CERINIC MARCO
Published: June 2011

Objective.

Cardiac involvement means a poor prognosis in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Conduction defects and arrhythmias are frequent in patients with SSc, and may result in sudden cardiac death. We tested whether electrophysiologic studies and implantation of cardioverter defibrillators are recommended when ventricular arrhythmias are present.

Method.

A cardioverter defibrillator was implanted in 10 patients with SSc who had heart involvement.

Result.

After 36 months, analysis of the device showed several episodes of ventricular tachycardia in 3 patients, which were promptly reverted by electrical shock delivery.

Conclusion.

In patients with SSc who are affected by ventricular arrhythmias, the implantation of a cardioverter defibrillator may prevent sudden cardiac death.
Pain Mechanisms in Osteoarthritis: Understanding the Role of Central Pain and Current Approaches to Its Treatment: Figure 1.
Authors: MEASE PHILIP J. , HANNA SYLVIA , FRAKES ELIJAH P. , ALTMAN ROY D.
Published: June 2011

In this literature review, the mechanisms underlying pain associated with osteoarthritis (OA) are discussed, along with evidence for the efficacy of medications thought to act centrally to relieve OA pain. We survey the cascade of events from inflammation to activation of nociceptive and neuropathic pathways, to the development and maintenance of central and peripheral sensitization. Preclinical and clinical evidence for the sensitization hypothesis is discussed, along with recently identified genetic variations that may increase sensitivity to pain in patients with OA. Evidence is presented for the efficacy of centrally acting analgesics for OA pain (opioids, antiepileptics, tricyclic antidepressants, and serotonin/norepinephrine receptor inhibitors).
Coronary Flow Reserve and Asymmetric Dimethylarginine Levels: New Measurements for Identifying Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: ATZENI FABIOLA , SARZI-PUTTINI PIERCARLO , SITIA SIMONA , TOMASONI LIVIO , GIANTURCO LUIGI , BATTELLINO MICHELE , BOCCASSINI LAURA , DE GENNARO COLONNA VITO , MARCHESONI ANTONIO , TURIEL MAURIZIO
Published: June 2011

Objective.

To identify the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and healthy controls using intima-media thickness (IMT), coronary flow reserve (CFR), and the plasma concentration of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), to evaluate the correlations among ADMA, IMT, and CFR.

Methods.

The study involved 22 patients who fulfilled the ClASsification of Psoriatic ARthritis study group criteria for PsA and a cohort of 35 healthy controls with no history or current signs of coronary artery disease (CAD). Common carotid IMT was measured using high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography. Dipyridamole transthoracic stress echocardiography was used to evaluate CFR. Blood samples were obtained to assess ADMA levels. The clinical manifestations were recorded. All patients were treated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drug, but none had received any biological or steroid therapy.

Results.

Plasma ADMA levels were significantly higher in the patients with PsA (0.71 ± 0.07 μmol/l vs 0.48 ± 0.07 μmol/l; p = 0.00) and CFR was significantly reduced in that group (2.86 ± 0.70 vs 3.3 ± 0.43; p < 0.01) compared to controls. Common carotid IMT was greater in the patients with PsA, but the difference was not significant (0.64 ± 0.26 mm vs 0.62 ± 0.5 mm; p = 0.65). There was a significant correlation between CFR and plasma ADMA levels in the PsA group (R = 0.28; p < 0.01), but no correlation between plasma ADMA levels and IMT (R = 0.02; p = 0.32), Disease Activity Score 28 (p = 0.52), or Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (p = 0.98).

Conclusion.

Our patients with PsA showed a profile of subclinical atherosclerosis. ADMA may be a useful marker of endothelial dysfunction in PsA.
Clinical Correlates of Urolithiasis in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: LUI NAI LEE , CARTY ADELE , HAROON NIGIL , SHEN HUA , COOK RICHARD J. , INMAN ROBERT D.
Published: June 2011

Objective.

To determine the association between urolithiasis and syndesmophyte formation and the effect of urolithiasis on ankylosing spondylitis (AS) disease activity.

Methods.

In a longitudinal cohort of 504 patients with AS, we conducted an analysis of all patients with AS who have a history of urolithiasis. All patients met the modified New York criteria for AS. Demographics, clinical characteristics, extraarticular features, and comorbidities are systematically recorded in the database. We compared disease activity, functional indices, medical therapy and radiographic damage between AS patients with (Uro+) and without urolithiasis (Uro–) using the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score (mSASSS).

Results.

Thirty-eight patients with AS (7.5%) had a history of urolithiasis in our cohort. Seventy-six patients with AS who did not have urolithiasis, matched for age, sex, and ethnicity, were selected as controls. Patients who were Uro+ were more likely to have more functional disability, based on the Bath AS Functional Index (BASFI; mean 5.3 vs 3.6 in control group, p = 0.003). Trends were noted in the Uro+ group toward higher Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI; mean 4.9 vs 4.0, p = 0.09), more peripheral joint involvement (p = 0.075), and higher frequency of biologic therapy (p = 0.09). No significant difference was detected in mSASSS or the Bath AS Metrology Index (BASMI). Significant association with diabetes mellitus (DM; p = 0.016) and Crohn’s disease (p = 0.006) was noted in the Uro+ group.

Conclusion.

Although there is no acceleration of syndesmophyte formation or spinal mobility restriction, more functional disability was detected in the urolithiasis group. The higher risk with concomitant DM or Crohn’s disease should alert clinicians to these comorbidities in Uro+ patients with AS.
Stakeholder Opinions on a Transformational Model of Pain Management in Long-term Care
Authors: Hadjistavropoulos Thomas , Janzen Claude Jennifer A. , Hadjistavropoulos Heather , Marchildon Gregory P. , Kaasalainen Sharon , Gallagher Romayne , Beattie B. Lynn
Published: June 2011

Pain in older adults with dementia who reside in long-term care (LTC) facilities tends to be undertreated, despite important guidelines designed to ameliorate this problem. A group of public policy and geriatric pain experts recently concluded that existing guidelines are not being implemented because they fail to take into account policy and resource realities. The group published a set of more feasible guidelines that confront these realities (e.g., a recommendation for very brief pain assessments that can be conducted by nursing staff at least weekly). We asked stakeholders to provide opinions on the possibility of implementation of these guidelines within their LTC facilities. Our results support the feasibility of, interest in, and desirability of implementation. They also support an increased role for nurse leadership in LTC pain management. These results could be used to strengthen advocacy efforts for improvement in pain management.
Implementation and Evaluation of LVN LEAD
Authors: Harahan Mary F. , Sanders Alisha , Stone Robyn I. , Bowers Barbara J. , Nolet Kimberly A. , Krause Melanie R. , Gilmore Andrea L.
Published: June 2011

Licensed practical/vocational nurses (LVNs) play an important role in U.S. nursing homes, with primary responsibility for supervising unlicensed nursing home staff. Research has shown that the relationship between charge nurses and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) has a significant impact on CNA job satisfaction and turnover as well as quality of care, yet nurses rarely receive supervisory training. The purpose of this project was to develop, pilot, and evaluate a leadership/supervisory training program for LVNs. Upon completion of the training program, many LVNs expressed and demonstrated a new understanding of their supervisory leadership and supervisory responsibilities. Directors of staff development are a potential vehicle for supporting LVNs’ development as supervisors.
Disaster Strikes! Long-Term Care Resident Outcomes Following a Natural Disaster
Authors: Cacchione Pamela Z. , Willoughby Lisa M. , Langan Joanne C. , Culp Kennith
Published: June 2011

This report describes the outcomes of 17 long-term care residents who were participating in a nursing intervention study. The residents were evacuated for 5 days due to a severe summer storm that caused widespread power outages. These residents were seen the day of the storm and three times per week for 2 weeks following their return to the nursing home. More than half of the participants had significant changes in their NEECHAM Confusion Scale scores (
n
= 11) and modified Confusion Assessment Method scores (
n
= 9) scores, suggesting the onset of delirium. Two participants were hospitalized within the 2 weeks of the evacuation. One participant died unexpectedly. This report provides a rare look into the negative effects of a short-term evacuation due to a natural disaster.
Preparing NPs for Primary Care: Unraveling Complexity with Unfolding Cases
Authors: Bennett Carole , Kennedy Sally , Donato Annemarie Sipkes
Published: June 2011

Patients with comorbid mental and physical illnesses often present in the primary care setting. To explore the complexities of caring for these patients, a Behavioral Health Therapeutics course was developed and taught in the first semester of a Doctor of Nursing Practice program. This article describes the research, theories, and curricular innovations used in the online learning environment, which provide the foundation for the course and reflect the essential changes called for in the 2010 Carnegie report. Highlighted in this article is the unfolding case study method using Backward Design by Wiggins and McTighe in the planning phase, Zull’s model for engaging the brain in the Implementation phase, and grading criteria created from Tanner’s “Case for Cases: A Pedagogy for Developing Habits of Thought” in the evaluation phase.
How Nurse Managers Rate the Clinical Competencies of Accelerated (Second-Degree) Nursing Graduates
Authors: Rafferty Margaret , Lindell Deborah
Published: June 2011

College graduates are entering specially designed accelerated (second-degree) prelicensure nursing programs in record numbers, but research regarding program outcomes is scarce. Nurse managers attending a national nursing conference participated in research comparing the clinical competencies of 93 accelerated graduates with those of 107 traditional baccalaureate nursing degree (BSN) graduates using an adapted version of Dr. Patricia Schwirian’s Six-Dimension Scale of Nursing Performance. Two-tailed
t
tests for independent groups were used to test for differences between the accelerated and traditional groups. The results showed that these two groups were not significantly different. The results of this study provide evidence that accelerated programs produce graduates who are comparable to their traditional BSN peers in clinical competencies.
Interprofessional Education: An Essential Strategy to Accomplish the Future of Nursing Goals
Authors: Thibault George E.
Published: June 2011

The Institue of Medicine’s
Future of Nursing
report has called for broad changes in the nursing profession for the benefit of society. Interprofessional education is one strategy to improve nursing education and enhance the role of nurses as collaborative leaders in the health care system. These are important lessons that have been learned from recent interprofessional educational initiatives and some encouraging examples of successful initiatives that are breaking down barriers across professional schools. The ultimate beneficiary of these changes will be our patients, who will receive better care.
Complete Regression of Retinoblastoma Following Intra-Arterial Chemotherapy
Authors: Ni Nina , Shields Carol L. , Bianciotto Carlos G. , Jabbour Pascal M. , Rosenwasser Robert H. , Shields Jerry A.
Published: June 2011

A 22-month-old girl with Group C unilateral retinoblastoma demonstrated dramatic tumor regression after two infusions of 5 mg of intra-arterial melphalan as primary therapy. Complete tumor control without recurrence was noted at 1 year. Retinal and choroidal perfusion was intact and the electroretinogram improved following therapy.
Meninos e meninas negras na literatura infantil brasileira: (des)velando preconceitos
Authors: Debus Eliane
Published: June 2011

O foco de re! exão deste texto recai sobre a leitura de livros de literatura de recepção infantil e sobre como eles tematizam as questões étnico-raciais, a partir da caracterização das personagens, neste caso meninas e meninos. Os livros escolhidos para análise são Menina bonita do laço de fita, de Ana Maria Machado; Conceição de Vila Rica, de Joaquim Borges; Rufina, de Marciano Vasques; Minha família é colorida, de Georgina Martins; e Minhas contas, de Luiz Antonio. Além de trazerem crianças negras como personagens, as narrativas escolhidas se interligam pelo fato de essas mesmas personagens se encontrarem em espaços contemporâneos, representadas em suas atividades cotidianas. Com esta re! exão, busca-se apontar as escorregadelas dos títulos, que, mesmo bem intencionados, apresentam um viés preconceituoso – (re)velando preconceitos, seja nas ilustrações, seja na caracterização das personagens; bem como em títulos que alcançam a alteridade – desvelando preconceitos.
Negando igualdade de oportunidades educacionais: foco no monitoramento de habilidades na Educação Especial
Authors: Hope Warren C.
Published: June 2011

Nos Estados Unidos, os afroamericanos viveram com a desigualdade deoportunidades educacionais desde que se tornaram cidadãos. O acesso à educação de qualidade foi negado pela segregação, e eles perseveraram até que houvesse um recurso legal. Hoje em dia, contudo, certas práticas educacionais enfraquecem o acesso das crianças afroamericanas à igualdade de oportunidades educacionais, adquirida no caso Brown versus the Board of Education. O monitoramento de habilidades, uma prática há muito tempo presente nas escolas públicas estadunidenses, e a Educação Especial, um produto da legislação federal, estão se mostrando adversárias da igualdade de oportunidades educacionais. Ambas são grandes redes arrastando um enorme número de crianças afroamericanas e diminuindo suas oportunidades de resultados educacionais iguais. As experiências educacionais de estudantes afroamericanos disponíveis através destas práticas levantam as seguintes questões: primeiramente, se a discriminação retornou à educação; e se as crianças afroamericanas estão recebendo uma educação de menor qualidade em comparação com seus colegas brancos. O monitoramento de habilidades e a Educação Especial promovem a rotulagem e proporcionam um aprendizado menos rigoroso; consequentemente, as oportunidades futuras dos estudantes afroamericanos estão ameaçadas em função de seu encarceramento nestas experiências escolares.
Incorporating the Principles of Critical Pedagogy into a Teacher Efficacy Measure
Authors: Izadinia Mahsa
Published: June 2011

Although critical pedagogy has defined new roles for teachers through which they can step beyond classroom concerns, there seems to be little attention to these roles in the conceptualization and measures of teacher efficacy. This study was an attempt to review the available literature and measures of teacher efficacy to find out whether the principles of critical pedagogy have been incorporated into operational and theoretical aspects of teacher efficacy. The absence of these principles called for including such items in one of the most recent and valid teacher efficacy measures and construct validating the new scale.
Cultural Transfer as an Obstacle for Writing Well in English: The Case of Arabic Speakers Writing in English
Authors: Rass Ruwaida Abu
Published: June 2011

This paper reviews and strengthens the data on cultural transfer by Arab Muslim students writing in English and adds the significant element of the cultural impact of Islam on such writing. This qualitative study examines the writing of 18 teacher trainees at an Arab language teacher training college in Israel. Results point to a strong cultural influence appearing in the students' writing. It is suggested that greater consideration should be given to the first and the target culture when designing the curricula for writing classes for Arab L1 students in English writing instruction.
On the Factor Structure of a Reading Comprehension Test
Authors: Salehi Mohammad
Published: June 2011

To investigate the construct validly of a section of a high stakes test, an exploratory factor analysis using principal components analysis was employed. The rotation used was varimax with the suppression level of .30. Eleven factors were extracted out of 35 reading comprehension items. The fact that these factors emerged speak to the construct validity of the test. However the problem of over-factoring was obvious. This may be attributable to different paradigms of testing on which the items were based. In other words, the test constructer opted for passages from TOEFL, FCE and IELTS books with much alteration.
Effective Foreign Language Teaching: a Matter of Iranian Students’ and Teachers’ Beliefs
Authors: Ganjabi Mahyar
Published: June 2011

This paper reports on a study that investigated the beliefs about language learning of 120 Iranian EFL students and 16 EFL teachers. The primary aim of the study was to reveal whether there was any difference between the beliefs of Iranian students and teachers regarding different aspects of language learning such as grammar teaching, error correction, culture, target language use, computer-based technology, communicative language teaching strategies and assessment. Data were collected using a 24-item questionnaire. It was concluded that there were some differences between the Iranian students’ and teachers’ beliefs regarding what procedures were most effective in bringing about language learning. Discussion of the findings and implications for further research are also articulated.
Resolution of Quadruplex Polymorphism by Size‐Exclusion Chromatography
Authors: Miller M. Clarke , Trent John O.
Published: June 2011

This unit describes a method for separation of quadruplex species formed from the same sequence via size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC). Polymorphism is inherent to quadruplex formation, and even relatively simple quadruplex‐forming sequences, such as the human telomere sequence d(GGG(TTAGGG)3), can form a myriad of possible configurations. HPLC, especially using reversed‐phase and anion‐exchange methods, has been a mainstay of nucleic acids research and purification for many decades. These methods have been applied for separation of individual quadruplex species formed in a mixture from the same parent sequence. Curr. Protoc. Nucleic Acid Chem. 45:17.3.1‐17.3.18. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Analysis of Multidimensional G‐Quadruplex Melting Curves
Authors: Gray Robert D. , Chaires Jonathan B.
Published: June 2011

Multidimensional “3D” melting curves for G‐quadruplexes are obtained by recording whole spectra (absorbance, CD, fluorescence) as a function of temperature, rather than the common approach of recording the spectral response to temperature at a single wavelength. 3D melting curves are richer in information, and can be used to enumerate the number of significant species and intermediate states required to properly analyze the thermal denaturation reaction to obtain thermodynamic information. This unit describes the application of the method of singular value decomposition to the analysis of 3D melting data obtained for G‐quadruplex structures, and how the results of such an analysis can be used to provide a more complete characterization of the mechanism of quadruplex unfolding. Curr. Protoc. Nucleic Acid Chem. 45:17.4.1‐17.4.16. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Spontaneous Formation of Liquid Crystals in Ultralarge Graphene Oxide Dispersions
Authors: Aboutalebi Seyed Hamed , Gudarzi Mohsen Moazzami , Zheng Qing Bin , Kim Jang‐Kyo
Published: June 2011

A novel process is developed to synthesize graphene oxide sheets with an ultralarge size based on a solution‐phase method involving pre‐exfoliation of graphite flakes. Spontaneous formation of lyotropic nematic liquid crystals is identified upon the addition of the ultralarge graphene oxide sheets in water above a critical concentration of about 0.1 wt%. It is the lowest filler content ever reported for the formation of liquid crystals from any colloid, arising mainly from the ultrahigh aspect ratio of the graphene oxide sheets of over 30 000. It is proposed that the self‐assembled brick‐like graphene oxide nanostructure can be applied in many areas, such as energy‐storage devices and nanocomposites with a high degree of orientation.
A Nanoimprint Lithography Hybrid Photoresist Based on the Thiol–Ene System
Authors: Lin Hong , Wan Xia , Jiang Xuesong , Wang Qingkang , Yin Jie
Published: June 2011

A novel hybrid resist for UV nanoimprint lithography (UV‐NIL) based on the thiol–ene photopolymerization is presented. Our system comprises mercaptopropyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane and benzyl methacrylate, with trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate as the crosslinker. The obtained hybrid resists possess a variety of characteristics desirable for UV‐NIL, such as low viscosity (6.1–25 cP), low bulk‐volumetric shrinkage (5.3%), high Young's modulus (0.9–5.2 GPa), high thermal stability, and excellent dry‐etch resistance. Based on these performances, the optimized components are evaluated as UV‐NIL resists. The result is a high‐resolution pattern with feature sizes in the range of 100 nm to several microns. The double‐layer resist approach is used for pattern transfer into silicon substrates. The excellent oxygen‐etch resistance of the barrier material enables a final transfer pattern that is about three times higher than that of the original NIL mold.
Modeling and parametric analysis of hollow fiber membrane system for carbon capture from multicomponent flue gas
Authors: Khalilpour Rajab , Abbas Ali , Lai Zhiping , Pinnau Ingo
Published: June 2011

The modeling and optimal design/operation of gas membranes for postcombustion carbon capture (PCC) is presented. A systematic methodology is presented for analysis of membrane systems considering multicomponent flue gas with CO2 as target component. Simplifying assumptions is avoided by namely multicomponent flue gas represented by CO2/N2 binary mixture or considering the co/countercurrent flow pattern of hollow‐fiber membrane system as mixed flow. Optimal regions of flue gas pressures and membrane area were found within which a technoeconomical process system design could be carried out. High selectivity was found to not necessarily have notable impact on PCC membrane performance, rather, a medium selectivity combined with medium or high permeance could be more advantageous. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012