bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review on the simulation and modeling of magnetorheological fluids
Authors: Ghaffari Ali , Hashemabadi Seyed Hassan , Ashtiani Mahshid
Published: August 2014

The magnetorheological fluids are classified as smart materials with controllable rheological properties. The fast growing application of magnetorheological fluids in recent years has increased the demand for simulation and modeling of these fluids. From the invention of magnetorheological fluids up to now, many experimental and also theoretical investigations have been carried out to study these types of smart materials; also many attempts have been made to formulate and simulate their behavior. The aim of this investigation is to present a review on the different models and simulation methods that were applied in the studying of magnetorheological fluids. In this study, the different simulation methods of magnetorheological fluid have been categorized into two general approaches: continuum and discrete phase approaches. The different rheological and structural models of magnetorheological fluids in continuum approach have been summarized in this study. The computational framework of discrete approach and the basic models for magnetorheological fluid in this approach are also discussed.
A full 3D thermodynamic-based model for magnetic shape memory alloys
Authors: LaMaster Douglas H , Feigenbaum Heidi P , Ciocanel Constantin , Nelson Isaac D
Published: August 2014

Magnetic shape memory alloys (MSMAs) are interesting materials because they exhibit large recoverable strain (up to 10%) and fast response time (higher than 1 kHz). MSMAs are composed of martensitic variants with tetragonal unit cells and a magnetization vector that is approximately aligned with the short side of the unit cell in the absence of an external applied magnetic field. These variants reorient either to align the magnetization vector with an applied magnetic field or to align the short side of the unit cell with an applied compressive stress. This reorientation leads to a mechanical strain and an overall change in the material’s magnetization, allowing MSMAs to be used as actuators, sensors, and power harvesters. This paper builds upon the work of Kiefer and Lagoudas as well as improvements proposed by LaMaster et al. to present a thermodynamic-based continuum model able to predict the response of an MSMA to any three-dimensional (3D) magneto-mechanical loading. The 3D nature of the model requires that the three variants, associated with the three axes of an MSMA single crystal, should all be allowed to evolve. In addition, this model includes evolution rules for the three magnetic domain volume fractions and the rotation of the direction of the magnetization vectors in each variant based on thermodynamic requirements.
Wireless piezoelectric strain sensing measurement using a frequency modulation technique
Authors: Yoon Hwan-Sik , Kim Se-hun , Kim Min-Hyuck , Jung Dongsoo , Kim Joo-Hyung , Kim Hyeon-Ju , Lee Ho-Saeng
Published: August 2014

A simple wireless strain sensor using a frequency modulation technique is presented. The sensor employs a piezoelectric transducer that produces electric voltage as it is mechanically strained. When the piezoelectric sensor is connected to a single-transistor frequency modulation circuit, the sensor output voltage causes the modulation circuit frequency to shift. This modulated signal is then wirelessly transmitted to a remote station, where a demodulation circuit retrieves the buried strain measurement data in real time. Using this technique, a dynamic strain measurement is possible without any wire connection between the sensing point and the monitoring station. In order to demonstrate the performance of the wireless strain sensor and the measurement system, a wireless measurement of a vibrating cantilevered beam is experimentally conducted. This type of sensor has numerous applications in the strain or vibration measurement of moving or rotating structures such as turbo machinery.
Daughters Providing Poststroke Care
Authors: Bastawrous Marina , Gignac Monique A. , Kapral Moira K. , Cameron Jill I.
Published: August 2014

Stroke is a leading cause of disability and dependence on the family, specifically daughter caregivers. The quality of the parent–child relationship can influence the experiences and well-being of daughters. Little is known about this in the context of stroke caregiving. We aimed to explore daughters’ perceptions of changes in the relationship with their parent and how these changes contribute to their well-being. We used a qualitative descriptive design. Twenty-three daughters completed one in-depth interview that was transcribed, reviewed, coded, and categorized to generate themes. The parent–child relationship was central to each of the three themes: It (a) led daughters to take on the caregiving role, (b) changed as a result of caregiving, and (c) contributed to daughters’ physical and emotional health. Targeted counseling that addresses changes in the parent–child relationship can help mitigate losses in communication and intimacy between daughters and parents. Insight into temporal relationship changes is needed.
Assessing Work as a Calling
Authors: Duffy Ryan D. , Autin Kelsey L. , Allan Blake A. , Douglass Richard P.
Published: August 2014

This study examined the utility of five popular assessments of work as a calling. A large and diverse group of working adults completed the Calling Paragraph, Brief Calling Scale (BCS), Calling and Vocation Questionnaire (CVQ), Calling Scale (CS), and Multidimensional Calling Measure (MCM) at two time points, along with a face valid measure of having a calling (yes or no) and three work-related outcomes. All measures were found to be reliable; have strong test–retest reliability; and moderately to strongly correlate with work meaning, career commitment, and job satisfaction at Time 1 and Time 2. Confirmatory factor analyses revealed mixed evidence concerning the ability of all instruments to load onto one factor. The BCS and CVQ were the best predictors of having a calling, whereas the CS and MCM were the best predictors of work outcomes. The discussion highlights the complexities of each of these instruments in accurately assessing a calling versus a more global, positive work outlook. Recommendations are offered for researchers seeking to study work as a calling.
Reading the Challenges of a Global Community and the Sociological Imagination
Authors: Denzin Norman K.
Published: August 2014

The global qualitative research community faces a number of challenges that can be addressed by deploying a critical framework modeled after the work of C. W. Mills and Paulo Freire.
The Social Structure of Homicide-Suicide
Authors: Manning Jason
Published: August 2014

This article focuses on intimate partner killings to address the question of why some killers subsequently commit suicide whereas others do not. Utilizing Blackian theories of conflict management and Manning’s theory of suicide, it advances hypotheses about when intimate partner conflict will result in homicide-suicide rather than homicide alone. These hypotheses propose that differing amounts of status superiority and relational distance predict and explain different patterns of lethal violence. The hypotheses are illustrated and supported with data taken from a study of intimate partner homicides in the state of West Virginia. The article concludes by arguing for a micro-structural model that addresses suicide, homicide, and homicide-suicide.
Taking Steps Together
Authors: Anderson John D. , Newby Rachel , Kehm Rebecca , Barland Patricia , Hearst Mary O.
Published: August 2014

Objectives. Successful childhood obesity intervention models that build sustainable behavioral change are needed, particularly in low-income, ethnic minority communities disparately affected by this problem. Method. Families were referred to Taking Steps Together (TST) by their primary care provider if at least one child had a body mass index ≥85%. The TST intervention comprised 16 weekly 2-hour classes including educational activities, group cooking/eating, and physical activities for parents and children. TST’s approach emphasized building self-efficacy, targeting both children and parents for healthy change, and fostering intrinsic motivation for healthier living. Pre–post intervention data were collected on health-related behaviors using a survey, and trained staff measured weight and height. Results. Adults ( n = 33) and children ( n = 62) were largely Hispanic/Latino and low-income. Adults and children significantly increased their fruit and vegetable consumption and weekly physical activity, and adults significantly decreased sugared beverage consumption and screen time. No change in body mass index was observed for adults or children. Conclusions. This family-focused childhood obesity intervention integrated evidence-based principles with a nonprescriptive approach and produced significant improvements in key healthy behaviors for both adults and children.
A Framework for Assessing the Performance of Nonprofit Organizations
Authors: Lee Chongmyoung , Nowell Branda
Published: August 2014

Performance measurement has gained increased importance in the nonprofit sector, and contemporary literature is populated with numerous performance measurement frameworks. In this article, we seek to accomplish two goals. First, we review contemporary models of nonprofit performance measurement to develop an integrated framework in order to identify directions for advancing the study of performance measurement. Our analysis of this literature illuminates seven focal perspectives on nonprofit performance, each associated with a different tradition in performance measurement. Second, we demonstrate the utility of this integrated framework for advancing theory and scholarship by leveraging these seven perspectives to develop testable propositions aimed at explaining variation across nonprofits in the adoption of different measurement approaches. By better understanding how performance measurement is conceptualized within sector, the field will be better positioned to both critique and expand upon normative approaches advanced in the literature as well as advance theory for predicting performance measurement decisions.
Embedding the shapes of regions of interest into a Clinical Document Architecture document
Authors: Minh Nguyen Hai , Yi Byoung-Kee , Kim Il Kon , Song Joon Hyun , Binh Pham Viet
Published: August 2014

Sharing a medical image visually annotated by a region of interest with a remotely located specialist for consultation is a good practice. It may, however, require a special-purpose (and most likely expensive) system to send and view them, which is an unfeasible solution in developing countries such as Vietnam. In this study, we design and implement interoperable methods based on the HL7 Clinical Document Architecture and the eXtensible Markup Language Stylesheet Language for Transformation standards to seamlessly exchange and visually present the shapes of regions of interest using web browsers. We also propose a new integration architecture for a Clinical Document Architecture generator that enables embedding of regions of interest and simultaneous auto-generation of corresponding style sheets. Using the Clinical Document Architecture document and style sheet, a sender can transmit clinical documents and medical images together with coordinate values of regions of interest to recipients. Recipients can easily view the documents and display embedded regions of interest by rendering them in their web browser of choice.
Objects of journalism and the news
Authors: Anderson CW , De Maeyer Juliette
Published: August 2014

This article provides an overview of what an “object-oriented” approach to journalism studies might look like, based on a survey of articles collected for this special issue on journalism and materiality. We argue that focusing on the objects of journalism, rather than limiting or trivial, can provide scholars with insights into the social, material, and cultural context that suffuses our technologically obsessed world. The article pushes back against a dominant perspective in the Actor-Network Theory literature that sees the major value of that theory in studying technological innovation, calling instead for a theoretical approach open to questions of historical change, power, and symbolic practices.
What sorts of things are thingy? And what sorts of thinginess are there? Notes on stuff and social construction
Authors: Schudson Michael
Published: August 2014

Actor-network theory may help sociological studies of communication to see some things that would have been harder to see without it. It is useful and important in calling attention to the ways that “things” and not only persons can be actors (or “actants”) in the human social world. Still, it may be the peculiar hubris of the scientific laboratory that led to the presumption that things do not act in human affairs. In social criticism and in common sense, we have long known that they do. And we know also that some “things” are more “thingy” than others – obdurate, with a kind of independent agency. Hardware is more thingy than software but both are “things.” Actor–network theory (ANT) raises important questions about the place of things in social life – it does not in itself provide answers.
The material turn in the study of journalism: Some hopeful and cautionary remarks from an early explorer
Authors: Boczkowski Pablo J
Published: August 2014

This brief article presents some remarks about the material turn in journalism studies. It argues that this turn might push these studies in a more cosmopolitan theoretical direction by inviting analysts to engage with a wide array of fields of inquiry. It also contends that this turn might unsettle two major common methodological practices in studies of newswork: a focus on journalists and on newsrooms as the critical actors and locales. Looking at the objects of newsmaking might reveal the broad spectrum of actors implicated in this process—not just journalists—and the spatially distributed network of connections—that include the newsroom as one key locale, but not the only one—from which the news emerges.
The late great International Herald Tribune and The New York Times: Global media, space, time, print, and online coordination in a 24/7 networked world
Authors: Usher Nikki
Published: August 2014

This article provides an empirical, field-based study of the production processes of transnational media outlet, the International Herald Tribune, as it negotiates and coordinates workflow and content with The New York Times. Using Manuel Castells’ concept of the space of flows, the article provides additional nuance to understand the relationship between material constructs and networked information. Time zones and geolocation remain important; the biggest node in the network does direct information; and the coordinated capacity for 24/7 content is more difficult that perhaps imagined by networked scholars. Both people and product are considered here in an effort to bring added nuance to the tension between materiality and networks in the production of information. While the International Herald Tribune has now been rebranded as the International New York Times, the same considerations and questions remain.
Modelling and coherent forecasting of zero-inflated count time series
Authors: Maiti Raju , Biswas Atanu , Guha Apratim , Ong Seng Huat
Published: August 2014

In this article, a new kind of stationary zero-inflated Pegram’s operator based integer-valued time series process of order p with Poisson marginal or ZIPPAR( p) process is constructed for modelling count time series consisting a large number of zeros compared to standard Poisson time series processes. Several properties like stationarity, ergodicity are examined. Estimates of the model parameters are studied using three methods of estimation, namely Yule–Walker, conditional least squares and maximum likelihood estimation. Also h-step ahead coherent forecasting distributions of the proposed process for p = 1, 2 are derived. Real data set is used to examine and illustrate the proposed process with some simulation studies.
Perceptual responses to LED illumination with colour rendering indices of 85 and 97
Authors: Wei M , Houser KW , David A , Krames MR
Published: August 2014

A light source’s ability to render colours and whites is one aspect of lighting quality. Since better colour rendition generally comes with a penalty in luminous efficacy, it is reasonable to consider the balance: Should colour and whiteness rendition be sacrificed to achieve higher efficacy? Here, we investigate perceptual responses under illumination from two sources, a blue-pumped LED with a colour rendering index of 85 (BLED85), and a violet-pumped LED with a colour rendering index of 97 (VLED97). Forty-eight participants completed three experiments. Neutral, red, and pink were preferred under VLED97. Skin rendition was preferred by Caucasians under VLED97; Asians had no preference. Teeth and a white shirt were whiter and more preferred under VLED97. We conclude that the colour and whiteness rendition must be considered on a par with luminous efficacy.
Smoking addiction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Klinke Marianne E , Jónsdóttir Helga
Published: August 2014

The aim of this review is to extend professional understanding of the various mechanisms that make smoking cessation difficult for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Smoking in people with COPD is a major challenge for health care today. In spite of significant advances in knowledge about the processes of nicotine addiction, current interventions to support smoking cessation in patients with COPD are less successful than hoped for. A wealth of literature has confirmed that nicotine addiction is a powerful force and that smoking is not simply an unhealthy lifestyle or destructive behavior. However, research based on this realization is still in its infancy. To increase understanding and to develop ways of enhancing smoking cessation in patients with COPD, we review and synthesize knowledge found in neurobiology and phenomenology. We use neurobiology to explain the neurochemical changes that take place in addiction in order to substantiate phenomenological perspectives of smoking in patients with COPD. We relate the smoking experience to the concept of “affordances”—in this context “smoking affordances”—to analyze how smoking affects action possibilities in individuals with COPD. Combining these perspectives helps to illuminate the manifold and unique issues related to smoking addiction in patients with COPD.
Superstar Salaries and Soccer Success
Authors: Coates Dennis , Frick Bernd , Jewell Todd
Published: August 2014

This study estimates the relationship between production and salary structure in Major League Soccer (MLS), the highest level of professional soccer (association football) in North America. Soccer production, measured as league points per game, is modeled as a function of a team’s total wage bill, the distribution of the team’s wage bill, and goals per game. Both the Gini coefficient and the coefficient of variation are utilized to measure salary inequality. The results indicate that production in MLS is negatively responsive to increases in the salary inequality; the estimation model with the best fit uses the coefficient of variation to measure dispersion. Furthermore, MLS teams appear to be constrained in their choices of salary inequality by the salary cap and other regulations.
Total Alkaloids of Rubus alceifolius Poir Shows Anti-Angiogenic Activity In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Zhao Jinyan , Lin Wei , Zhuang Qunchuan , Zhong Xiaoyong , Cao Zhiyun , Hong Zhenfeng , Peng Jun
Published: August 2014

Total alkaloids is an active ingredient of the natural plant Rubus alceifolius Poir, commonly used for the treatment of various cancers. Antitumor effects may be mediated through anti-angiogenic mechanisms. As such, the goal of the present study was to investigate and evaluate the effect of total alkaloids in Rubus alceifolius Poir (TARAP) on tumor angiogenesis and investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms of TARAP action in vivo and in vitro. A chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay was used to assess angiogenesis in vivo. An MTT assay was performed to determine the viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with and without treatment. Cell cycle progression of HUVECs was examined by FACS analysis with propidium iodide staining. HUVEC migration was determined using a scratch wound method. Tube formation of HUVECs was assessed with an ECMatrix gel system, and mRNA and protein expression of VEGF-A in both HUVECs and HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells were examined by RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. Our results showed that TARAP inhibited angiogenesis in the CAM model in vivo and inhibited HUVEC proliferation via blocking cell cycle G1 to S progression in a dose- and time-dependent manners in vitro. Moreover, TARAP inhibited HUVEC migration and tube formation and downregulated mRNA and protein expression of VEGF-A in both HepG2 cells and HUVECs. Our findings suggest that the anti-angiogenic activity of TARAP may partly contribute to its antitumor properties and may be valuable for the treatment of diseases involving pathologic angiogenesis such as cancer.
Date Palm Pollen as a Preventative Intervention in Radiation- and Chemotherapy-Induced Oral Mucositis
Authors: Elkerm Yasser , Tawashi Rashad
Published: August 2014

Objective. The objective of this study was to explore the effectiveness of date palm pollen (DPP) in the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis induced by radiation and chemotherapy. Methods. Twenty subjects with varying head and neck cancers were enrolled. Ten subjects were treated with DPP administered orally (2 g daily for 42 days) as a swish and swallow suspension, and 10 control subjects received the facility standard of care. Objective oral assessments using the Oral Mucositis Assessment Scale (OMAS) were conducted at baseline and while the subjects were on treatment. Study subjects also evaluated the treatment impact by visual analog scales for severity of mouth pain and ability to swallow. Results. The results obtained demonstrate a statistically significant difference between the mean OMAS score in the DPP treatment group and the control group. Symptoms such as impairment of solid food intake observed with the control group were not observed in the DPP-treated group following the treatment. Reduction of mucositis severity of pain and ability to swallow were statistically significant in the DPP-treated group. Conclusion. DPP treatment reduced the incidence of mouth pain and oral ulcers that often require modifications to soft/liquid diet. The complex mixture of bioactive constituents contained in DPP may have protected the oral mucosa by blocking oxidative free radicals, preventing DNA damage, and neutralizing inflammatory reactions. Further randomized controlled studies are needed to validate DPP efficacy in the broader management of chemotherapy- and radiation-induced mucositis.
Oakland City Center
Authors: Schwarzer Mitchell
Published: August 2014

This article examines the Oakland Redevelopment Agency's efforts (from the late 1950s through early 1980s) to revitalize the downtown core - the City Center project that leveled more than a score of older blocks and buildings, constructed a hotel and close to a dozen office buildings, yet failed to realize a regional shopping mall. City Center was premised on the idea that urban renewal, combined with Oakland's emerging centrality within the Bay Area's freeway and mass transit networks, would enable downtown to compete successfully with both San Francisco and the burgeoning suburbs. Yet unlike contemporaneous mega-projects that seemingly established Oakland as a key regional commercial attractor (e.g., the new container port and major-league sports complex), head-on competition with San Francisco (and the suburbs) for office, retail and hotel development proved a more difficult endeavor.
School Climate and Violence
Authors: DiPietro Stephanie M. , Slocum Lee Ann , Esbensen Finn-Aage
Published: August 2014

A growing literature shows that school context is an important predictor of student behavior, above and beyond individual and family characteristics. Limited attention, however, has been given to potential contingencies in this relationship. The aim of this research is to extend previous school-based studies by examining whether and to what extent school context is differentially predictive of violent delinquency for immigrant and nonimmigrant youth. Using two waves of data from two multicity program evaluations, Teens, Crime, and the Community/Community Works (T.C.C./C.W.) and the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program, we assess the impact of four measures of school climate on violent delinquency. Results highlight important contingencies in the relationship between immigrant status and violence.
Economic Opportunities and Immigrant Youth Violence
Authors: Bui Hoan N.
Published: August 2014

This study examines self-reported delinquency among immigrant youth to determine the effects of both legitimate and illegitimate opportunities on youth violence. Data from the study show that parental employment reduces, but youth’s intensive work during the school year and involvement in property crime increase, the risk of youth violence. Although findings from the study indicate the importance of parental employment in preventing immigrant youth’s violence, the study suggests that the relationship between employment and violence can change over the life course, and youth’s intensive work while attending school may not be beneficial for preventing youth violence. The effect of economic opportunities on the risk of youth violence is also implied in the relationship between negative neighborhood characteristics and youth violence and helps explain higher level of violence among Latino immigrant youths.
A Generic Architecture and Validation Considerations for Tactical Combat Casualty Care Serious Games
Authors: Feron Hwa , Lehmann Axel , Josse Florent
Published: August 2014

Enthusiasm for high-tech, simulation-based training should never obscure the fact that trainees must be validly and dependably trained to perform tasks to given standard metrics. The educational performance and effectiveness of any such training method, simulation model and training scenario must therefore be rigorously verified and validated. Stringent quantitative acceptance criteria should be applied to allow fair and detailed skill-training effectiveness comparisons with traditional training methods. The challenges of verifying and validating a proposed generic architecture for serious games for effective virtual Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) are explored with regard to established tactical, medical and educational validation practices. As the fitness of such games for their educational purposes can make the difference between life and death of both the trainee and the casualty on the battlefield, their development and validation processes cannot be left to chance. Yet conflicting validation practices of medical, educational and military authorities may obscure design constraints for serious games combining medical and tactical purposes. Despite this uncertainty, our perception of best practice for establishing acceptance criteria for such games is outlined. Based on a minimum core validation procedure and official TCCC performance metrics, it emphasizes designing physiologically valid casualty models of deliberately limited complexity for TCCC training purposes, interacting with highly realistic serious game tactical training scenarios.
Three-Dimensional Electroencephalographic Changes on Low-Resolution Brain Electromagnetic Tomography (LORETA) During the Sleep Onset Period
Authors: Park Doo-Heum , Ha Jee Hyun , Ryu Seung-Ho , Yu Jaehak , Shin Chul-Jin
Published: August 2014

Electroencephalographic (EEG) patterns during sleep are markedly different from those measured during the waking state, but the process of falling asleep is not fully understood in terms of biochemical and neurophysiological aspects. We sought to investigate EEG changes that occur during the transitional period from wakefulness to sleep in a 3-dimensional manner to gain a better understanding of the physiological meaning of sleep for the brain. We examined EEG 3-dimensionally using LORETA (low-resolution electromagnetic tomography), to localize the brain region associated with changes that occur during the sleep onset period (SOP). Thirty-channel EEG was recorded in 61 healthy subjects. EEG power spectra and intracortical standardized LORETA were compared between 4 types of 30-second states, including the wakeful stage, transition stage, early sleep stage 1, and late sleep stage 1. Sleep onset began with increased delta and theta power and decreased alpha-1 power in the occipital lobe, and increased theta power in the parietal lobe. Thereafter, global reductions of alpha-1 and alpha-2 powers and greater increases of theta power in the occipito-parietal lobe occurred. As sleep became deeper in sleep stage 1, beta-2 and beta-3, powers decreased mainly in the frontal lobe and some regions of the parieto-temporo-limbic area. These findings suggest that sleep onset includes at least 3 steps in a sequential manner, which include an increase in theta waves in the posterior region of the brain, a global decrease in alpha waves, and a decrease in beta waves in the fronto-central area.
Implementation of a Stock Epinephrine Protocol
Authors: Vokits Kathleen , Pumphrey Irma , Baker DeAnn , Krametbauer Karen
Published: August 2014

The Nevada State Legislature recently mandated that all schools in Nevada have stock epinephrine available. Clark County School District is the fifth largest school district in the nation. This article describes the process utilized by a school nurse task force to implement a mandated stock epinephrine program in the Clark County School District during the 2013-2014 school year.
Differences in Outcomes of Caregiver Support Services for Male and Female Caregivers
Authors: Chen Ya-Mei
Published: August 2014

The objective of this study is to determine whether different types of caregiver support services are associated with different outcomes for male and female caregivers. Information was obtained on 148 caregivers’ use of three types of support services provided by government-contracted agencies: counseling and education services, respite and supplemental services, and financial services. Five caregiver outcomes were included. Use of counseling and education services and financial services was associated with better caregiver outcomes in female caregivers, but not male caregivers. Among caregivers using respite and supplemental types of services, male caregivers showed better outcomes than did female caregivers. Female caregivers who used respite and supplemental services showed worse outcomes in caregiver mastery and caregiver satisfaction than those who did not use the services. Male and female caregivers responded differently to the caregiver support service. Providing female caregivers with counseling services along with respite services may result in added benefits for female caregivers.
Essential Ingredients of a Good Research Proposal for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students in the Social Sciences
Authors: Abdulai Raymond Talinbe , Owusu-Ansah Anthony
Published: August 2014

As part of the requirements for the award of degrees in higher education institutions, students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels normally carry out research, which they report in the form of dissertations or theses. The research journey commences with the selection of a research topic and the preparation of a proposal on the selected topic. Experience has shown that students tend to encounter difficulties in writing research proposals for their supervisors because they do not fully comprehend what constitutes a research proposal. The purpose of this article is to take students through a step-by-step process of writing good research proposals by discussing the essential ingredients of a good research proposal. Thus, it is not a didactic piece—the aim is to guide students in research proposal writing. In discussing these ingredients, relevant examples are provided where necessary for ease of understanding. It is expected that on reading this article, students should be able to: (a) demonstrate knowledge and understanding of what research is all about and its challenging nature; (b) display an enlarged comprehension of research gap(s), problem or question(s), aim, objectives, and hypotheses as well as their distinguishing characteristics; (c) demonstrate a good understanding of the relevant elements to be considered in the constituent sections of a good research proposal; and (d) comprehend the elements of a research proposal that should feature in the final written dissertation or thesis.
Performance of the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Interferon Gamma Release Assay among HIV-Infected Children in Botswana
Authors: Cruz Andrea T. , Marape Marape , Graviss Edward A. , Starke Jeffrey R.
Published: August 2014

Interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs) are poorly studied in HIV-infected children. The authors prospectively evaluated QuantiFERON-TB Gold results and family-described tuberculosis (TB) risk factors in 100 HIV-infected children in Botswana. Median age was 10.2 years; 58 were girls, 92 had received the Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine, 98 were receiving antiretroviral therapy, and the median body mass index was 15.8 kg/m2. Eighty-nine children had undetectable viral loads and the median CD4 count was 962 cells/mm3. Eighteen children had been treated for TB in the last 3 years. In the last 3 years, 36 (including 9 with TB) had contact with persons with TB (26 within/15 outside the home and 5 had >1 contact). In all, 96 children had negative IGRAs, 3 were indeterminate, and 1 was positive. The positive IGRA was reported in a child treated for TB prior to 3 years. Interferon γ release assay positivity was rare in this pediatric cohort living in an area with a high prevalence of TB.
Binding of anti–platelet factor 4/heparin antibodies depends on the thermodynamics of conformational changes in platelet factor 4
Authors: Kreimann Martin , Brandt Sven , Krauel Krystin , Block Stephan , Helm Christiane A. , Weitschies Werner , Greinacher Andreas , Delcea Mihaela
Published: August 2014

Key Points

Besides clustering, platelet factor 4/polyanion complexes require input of energy to become immunogenic. Minute differences in chain length determine the induction of antigenicity of PF4.
Recurrent RAS and PIK3CA mutations in Erdheim-Chester disease
Authors: Emile Jean-François , Diamond Eli L. , Hélias-Rodzewicz Zofia , Cohen-Aubart Fleur , Charlotte Frédéric , Hyman David M. , Kim Eunhee , Rampal Raajit , Patel Minal , Ganzel Chezi , Aumann Shlomzion , Faucher Gladwys , Le Gall Catherine , Leroy Karen , Colombat Magali , Kahn Jean-Emmanuel , Trad Salim , Nizard Philippe , Donadieu Jean , Taly Valérie , Amoura Zahir , Abdel-Wahab Omar , Haroche Julien
Published: August 2014

Key Points

PIK3CA and NRAS mutations are recurrent in BRAFV600E wild-type ECD patients. 57.5% (46/80) of ECD patients have a BRAFV600E mutation, and an additional 10.9% and 3.7% have PIK3CA and NRAS mutations, respectively.
P2X1 expressed on polymorphonuclear neutrophils and platelets is required for thrombosis in mice
Authors: Darbousset Roxane , Delierneux Céline , Mezouar Soraya , Hego Alexandre , Lecut Christelle , Guillaumat Isabelle , Riederer Markus A. , Evans Richard J. , Dignat-George Françoise , Panicot-Dubois Laurence , Oury Cécile , Dubois Christophe
Published: August 2014

Key Points

Activation of PMNs at the site of injury is required for thrombin generation. P2X1 receptor expressed on both PMNs and platelets is crucial to initiate thrombosis.
CLEC-2 expression is maintained on activated platelets and on platelet microparticles
Authors: Gitz Eelo , Pollitt Alice Y. , Gitz-Francois Jerney J. , Alshehri Osama , Mori Jun , Montague Samantha , Nash Gerard B. , Douglas Michael R. , Gardiner Elizabeth E. , Andrews Robert K. , Buckley Christopher D. , Harrison Paul , Watson Steve P.
Published: August 2014

Key Points

CLEC-2 activation induces proteolytic cleavage of GPVI and FcγRIIa but not itself. CLEC-2 but not GPVI is detected on platelet-derived microparticles.
Rapid NK cell differentiation in a population with near-universal human cytomegalovirus infection is attenuated by NKG2C deletions
Authors: Goodier Martin R. , White Matthew J. , Darboe Alansana , Nielsen Carolyn M. , Goncalves Adriana , Bottomley Christian , Moore Sophie E. , Riley Eleanor M.
Published: August 2014

Key Points

HCMV infection in early life is associated with rapid phenotypic and functional differentiation of NK cells. Emergence of CD57+ NK cells is attenuated in children lacking NKG2C.
The impact of bleeding complications in patients receiving target-specific oral anticoagulants: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chai-Adisaksopha Chatree , Crowther Mark , Isayama Tetsuya , Lim Wendy
Published: August 2014

Key Points

TSOACs are associated with less major bleeding, fatal bleeding, clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding, and total bleeding. The meta-analysis does not show increased risk of major gastrointestinal bleeding in patients who received TSOACs compared with warfarin.
Characterization of Newcastle Disease Virus and poultry-handling practices in live poultry markets, Ethiopia
Authors: Mulisa Delesa Damena , W/Kiros Menbere Kidane , Alemu Redeat Belaineh , Keno Melaku Sombo , Furaso Alice , Heidari Alireza , Chibsa Tesfaye Rufael , Chunde Hassen Chaka
Published: August 2014

Newcastle disease represents the most severe poultry disease responsible for marked economic losses in Ethiopia. To provide a molecular characterization of Newcastle disease viruses circulating in this country, a cross sectional survey was conducted at five selected live poultry market sites in Addis Ababa. In addition, baseline data on the live poultry market system were acquired through a detailed questionnaire submitted to poultry traders. We identified 44/146 positive samples, 29 of which were virulent strains belonging to sub-genotype VIf. The very poor biosecurity practices, which have resulted from responses of the participants, suggest that they might have had a heavy impact in the spread of the disease. This study provides important information on epidemiology and control of NDV in Ethiopia and highlights the importance of implementing surveillances and biosecurity practices in live poultry markets.
Energy expended during horizontal jumping: investigating the effects of surface compliance
Authors: Coward Samuel R. L. , Halsey Lewis G.
Published: August 2014

We present the first data on the metabolic costs of horizontal jumping in humans, using this tractable model to explore variations in energy expenditure with substrate properties, and consider these findings in light of kinematic data. Twenty-four participants jumped consistently at the rate of 1 jump per 5 s between opposing springboards separated by either a short (1.2 m) or long (1.8 m) gap. Springboards were either ‘firm’ or ‘compliant’. Respiratory gas exchange was measured using a back-mounted portable respiratory gas analyser to represent rate of energy expenditure, which was converted to energy expenditure per metre jumped. Video data were recorded to interpret kinematic information. Horizontal jumping was found to be between around 10 and 20 times the energy cost of cursorial locomotion per unit distance moved. There is considerable evidence from the data that jumping 1.8 m from a compliant springboard (134.9 mL O2 m−1) is less costly energetically than jumping that distance from a firm springboard (141.6 mL O2 m−1), albeit the effect size is quite small within the range of compliances tested in this study. However, there was no evidence of an effect of springboard type for jumps of 1.2 m. The kinematic analyses indicate possible explanations for these findings. Firstly, the calf muscle is likely used more, and the thigh muscles less, to take-off from a firm springboard during 1.8 m jumps, which may result in the power required to take-off being produced less efficiently. Secondly, the angle of take-off from the compliant surface during 1.8 m jumps is closer to the optimal for energetic efficiency (45°), possible due to the impulse provided by the surface as it returns stored energy during the final stages of the take-off. The theoretical effect on energy costs due to a different take-off angle for jumps of only 1.2 m is close to negligible.
Natural variation in cold tolerance in the nematodePristionchus pacificus: the role of genotype and environment
Authors: McGaughran Angela , Sommer Ralf J.
Published: August 2014

Low temperature is a primary determinant of growth and survival among organisms and almost all animals need to withstand temperature fluctuations in their surroundings. We used the hermaphroditic nematode Pristionchus pacificus to examine variation in cold tolerance in samples collected from 18 widespread locations. Samples were challenged by exposure to both direct and gradual low temperature after culture in the laboratory at 20°C. A short-term acclimation treatment was also applied to assess cold tolerance following a pre-exposure cold treatment. Finally, genotype-by-environment (G × E) analysis was performed on a subset of samples cultured at two additional temperatures (15°C and 25°C). P. pacificus displayed a high degree of natural variation in cold tolerance, corresponding to the presence of three distinct phenotypic classes among samples: cold tolerant, non-cold tolerant, cold tolerant plastic. Survival of gradual cold exposure was significantly higher than survival of direct exposure to low temperature and a cold exposure pre-treatment significantly enhanced cold tolerance in some samples. By focusing on a sub-set of well-sampled locations from tropical La Réunion Island, we found evidence of significant effects of genotype and environment on cold tolerance, and we also showed that, within the different Réunion locations sampled, all three phenotypic classes are generally well represented. Taken together, our results show that P. pacificus exhibits a highly plastic tolerance to cold exposure that may be partly driven by differential trait sensitivity in diverse environments.
Nephrocystin-4 controls ciliary trafficking of membrane and large soluble proteins at the transition zone
Authors: Awata Junya , Takada Saeko , Standley Clive , Lechtreck Karl F. , Bellvé Karl D. , Pazour Gregory J. , Fogarty Kevin E. , Witman George B.
Published: August 2014

The protein nephrocystin-4 (NPHP4) is widespread in ciliated organisms, and defects in NPHP4 cause nephronophthisis and blindness in humans. To learn more about NPHP4's function, we have studied it in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. NPHP4 is stably incorporated into the distal part of the flagellar transition zone, close to the membrane and distal to CEP290, another transition zone protein. Therefore, these two proteins, which are incorporated into the transition zone independently of each other, define different domains of the transition zone. A nphp4 null mutant forms flagella with nearly normal length, ultrastructure, and intraflagellar transport. When fractions from isolated wild-type and nphp4 flagella were compared, few differences were observed between the axonemes, but a subset of membrane proteins was greatly reduced in the mutant flagella, and cellular housekeeping proteins >50 kDa were no longer excluded from mutant flagella. Therefore, NPHP4 functions at the transition zone as an essential part of a barrier that regulates both membrane and soluble protein composition of flagella. The phenotypic consequences of NPHP4 mutations in humans likely follow from protein mislocalization due to defects in the TZ barrier.
Triazole-containing monophosphate mRNA cap analogs as effective translation inhibitors
Authors: Piecyk Karolina , Lukaszewicz Maciej , Darzynkiewicz Edward , Jankowska-Anyszka Marzena
Published: August 2014

Synthetic analogs of the 5′ end of mRNA (cap structure) are widely used in molecular studies on mechanisms of cellular processes such as translation, intracellular transport, splicing, and turnover. The best-characterized cap binding protein is translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E). Recognition of the mRNA cap by eIF4E is a critical, rate-limiting step for efficient translation initiation and is considered a major target for anticancer therapy. Here, we report a facile methodology for the preparation of N2-triazole-containing monophosphate cap analogs and present their biological evaluation as inhibitors of protein synthesis. Five analogs possessing this unique hetero-cyclic ring spaced from the m7-guanine of the cap structure at a distance of one or three carbon atoms and/or additionally substituted by various groups containing the benzene ring were synthesized. All obtained compounds turned out to be effective translation inhibitors with IC50 similar to dinucleotide triphosphate m7GpppG. As these compounds possess a reduced number of phosphate groups and, thereby, a negative charge, which may support their cell penetration, this type of cap analog might be promising in terms of designing new potential therapeutic molecules. In addition, an exemplary dinucleotide from a corresponding mononucleotide containing benzyl substituted 1,2,3-triazole was prepared and examined. The superior inhibitory properties of this analog (10-fold vs. m7GpppG) suggest the usefulness of such compounds for the preparation of mRNA transcripts with high translational activity.
The funding of orphan medicines in the UK
Authors: Bojakowski Steve , Spoors John
Published: August 2014

The increasing number of patients suffering from rare diseases is creating greater demand for treatments. This, combined with an incentivised regulatory framework, is resulting in a significant number of novel but expensive treatments coming to market. Payers are becoming concerned by the cumulative impact of these treatments and are starting to question the clinical value and justification for their high price. One of the key issues driving this is the widening gap between regulatory data requirements and the information required by payers to determine whether or not the new treatment offers value for money for the healthcare system. This paper seeks to explore the funding challenges for UK payers and highlights that the eculizumab (Soliris, Alexion) review by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) will provide a strong indication of how these drugs will be reviewed and funded in the future.
Choose Well: Reducing ‘inappropriate’ emergency department attendances
Authors: Atenstaedt Robert , Humphreys Sioned , Jones Hilary , Newman Jill
Published: August 2014

This study's aim was to design and implement a targeted Choose Well campaign to address educational needs in inappropriate attenders at emergency departments (ED) in North Wales; particularly those living in specific postcodes and those aged 15–29 years. The campaign's effectiveness in reducing the proportion of this type of attendance was evaluated using a before-and-after study design. The proportion of inappropriate attendances out of total ED attendances in North Wales was statistically significantly reduced (P < 0.005) by 11%. The study was also able to highlight a statistically significantly reduction in the proportion of inappropriate presentations by young people aged 15–29 (of total ED attendances by this group) by 13% (P = 0.0051). However, statistical analysis found that the proportion of inappropriate attendances from the ‘top 20’ postcodes was not significantly reduced (P = 0.4163). In summary, there is strong evidence that a targeted Choose Well campaign produced a reduction in the overall proportion of inappropriate attendances, as well as those in a specified target group.