bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 mediates increased expression of NADPH oxidase‐2 in response to intermittent hypoxia
Authors: Yuan Guoxiang , Khan Shakil A. , Luo Weibo , Nanduri Jayasri , Semenza Gregg L. , Prabhakar Nanduri R.
Published: February 2011

Sleep‐disordered breathing with recurrent apnea is associated with intermittent hypoxia (IH). Cardiovascular morbidities caused by IH are triggered by increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by pro‐oxidant enzymes, especially NADPH oxidase‐2 (Nox2). Previous studies showed that (i) IH activates hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 (HIF‐1) in a ROS‐dependent manner and (ii) HIF‐1 is required for IH‐induced ROS generation, indicating the existence of a feed‐forward mechanism. In the present study, using multiple pharmacological and genetic approaches, we investigated whether IH‐induced expression of Nox2 is mediated by HIF‐1 in the central and peripheral nervous system of mice as well as in cultured cells. IH increased Nox2 mRNA, protein, and enzyme activity in PC12 pheochromocytoma cells as well as in wild‐type mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). This effect was abolished or attenuated by blocking HIF‐1 activity through RNA interference or pharmacologic inhibition (digoxin or YC‐1) or by genetic knockout of HIF‐1α in MEFs. Increasing HIF‐1α expression by treating PC 12 cells with the iron chelator deferoxamine for 20 h or by transfecting them with HIF‐1alpha expression vector increased Nox2 expression and enzyme activity. Exposure of wild‐type mice to IH (8 h/day for 10 days) up‐regulated Nox2 mRNA expression in brain cortex, brain stem, and carotid body but not in cerebellum. IH did not induce Nox2 expression in cortex, brainstem, carotid body, or cerebellum of Hif1a+/− mice, which do not manifest increased ROS or cardiovascular morbidities in response to IH. These results establish a pathogenic mechanism linking HIF‐1, ROS generation, and cardiovascular pathology in response to IH. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 2925–2933, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Therapeutic resistance resulting from mutations in Raf/MEK/ERK and PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways
Authors: McCubrey James A. , Steelman Linda S. , Kempf C. Ruth , Chappell William H. , Abrams Stephen L. , Stivala Franca , Malaponte Graziella , Nicoletti Ferdinando , Libra Massimo , Bäsecke Jörg , Maksimovic‐Ivanic Danijela , Mijatovic Sanja , Montalto Giuseppe , Cervello Melchiorre , Cocco Lucio , Martelli Alberto M.
Published: February 2011

Chemotherapy remains a commonly used therapeutic approach for many cancers. Indeed chemotherapy is relatively effective for treatment of certain cancers and it may be the only therapy (besides radiotherapy) that is appropriate for certain cancers. However, a common problem with chemotherapy is the development of drug resistance. Many studies on the mechanisms of drug resistance concentrated on the expression of membrane transporters and how they could be aberrantly regulated in drug resistant cells. Attempts were made to isolate specific inhibitors which could be used to treat drug resistant patients. Unfortunately most of these drug transporter inhibitors have not proven effective for therapy. Recently the possibilities of more specific, targeted therapies have sparked the interest of clinical and basic researchers as approaches to kill cancer cells. However, there are also problems associated with these targeted therapies. Two key signaling pathways involved in the regulation of cell growth are the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK and PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTOR pathways. Dysregulated signaling through these pathways is often the result of genetic alterations in critical components in these pathways as well as mutations in upstream growth factor receptors. Furthermore, these pathways may be activated by chemotherapeutic drugs and ionizing radiation. This review documents how their abnormal expression can contribute to drug resistance as well as resistance to targeted therapy. This review will discuss in detail PTEN regulation as this is a critical tumor suppressor gene frequently dysregulated in human cancer which contributes to therapy resistance. Controlling the expression of these pathways could improve cancer therapy and ameliorate human health. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 2762–2781, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stabilization of brain microvascular endothelial barrier function by shear stress involves VE‐cadherin signaling leading to modulation of pTyr‐occludin levels
Authors: Walsh Tony G. , Murphy Ronan P. , Fitzpatrick Paul , Rochfort Keith D. , Guinan Anthony F. , Murphy Andrew , Cummins Philip M.
Published: February 2011

Blood–brain barrier (BBB) regulation involves the coordinated interaction of intercellular adherens and tight junctions in response to stimuli. One such stimulus, shear stress, has been shown to upregulate brain microvascular endothelial cell (BMvEC) barrier function, although our knowledge of the signaling mechanisms involved is limited. In this article, we examined the hypothesis that VE‐cadherin can transmit shear signals to tight junction occludin with consequences for pTyr‐occludin and barrier function. In initial studies, chronic shear enhanced membrane localization of ZO‐1 and claudin‐5, decreased pTyr‐occludin (in part via a dephostatin‐sensitive mechanism), and reduced BMvEC permeability, with flow reduction in pre‐sheared BMvECs having converse effects. In further studies, VE‐cadherin inhibition (VE‐cad ΔEXD) blocked shear‐induced Rac1 activation, pTyr‐occludin reduction, and barrier upregulation, consistent with an upstream role for VE‐cadherin in transmitting shear signals to tight junctions through Rac1. As VE‐cadherin is known to mediate Rac1 activation via Tiam1 recruitment, we subsequently confirmed that Tiam1 inhibition (Tiam1‐C580) could elicit effects similar to VE‐cad ΔEXD. Finally, the observed attenuation of shear‐induced changes in pTyr‐occludin level and barrier phenotype following Rac1 inhibition (NSC23766, T17N) establishes a downstream role for Rac1 in this pathway. In summary, we describe for the first time in BMvECs a role for VE‐cadherin in the transmission of physiological shear signals to tight junction occludin through engagement of Tiam1/Rac1 leading to barrier stabilization. A downstream role is also strongly indicated for a protein tyrosine phosphatase in pTyr‐occludin modulation. Importantly, these findings suggest an important route of inter‐junctional signaling cross‐talk during BBB response to flow. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 3053–3063, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Local burn versus local cold induced acute effects on in vivo microcirculation and histomorphology of the human skin
Authors: Altintas Ahmet Ali , Guggenheim Merlin , Oezcelik Arzu , Gehl Benjamin , Aust Matthias C. , Altintas Mehmet Ali
Published: February 2011

Background: The impact of burns and colds on human skin microcirculation and histomorphology has not been compared as yet. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) enables in vivo insight in human skin on cellular and subcellular levels. We evaluated analogies and differences of thermal injuries on microcirculation and histomorphology in vivo using RCM. Methods: Local superficial burn (6 female, 4 male; aged 28.4 ± 2.9 years, burn group) versus superficial cold (4 female, 6 male; aged 30.4 ± 5.2 years, cold group) was induced on the dorsum of the hand in an experimental immersion hand model. In vivo RCM was performed prior (control), immediately (t1) and 15 minutes (t2) following thermal injury to evaluate: Individual blood cell flow (IBCF), functional capillary density (FCD), epidermal thickness (ET), and granular cell size (GCS). Results: In the burn group, IBCF was increased at t1 (78.02 ± 2.60/min) and remained elevated at t2 (84.16 ± 3.04/min). In the cold group, IBCF decreased at t1 (12.62 ± 2.12 min) and increased at t2 (74.24 ± 3.14/min, P < 0.05) compared to the controls (58.23 ± 3.21/min). FCD was 6.74 ± 0.52/mm2 in controls and increased at both t1 (7.82 ± 0.72/mm2) and t2 (8.02 ± 0.81/mm2) in the burn group. In the cold group, FCD decreased at t1 (2.60 ± 0.42/mm2) and increased at t2 (7.92 ± 0.44/mm2, P < 0.05). ET increased at both t1 (43.12 ± 4.08 μm, P > 0.05) and t2 (47.26 ± 4.72 μm, P < 0.05) in the burn group. In the cold group, ET decreased at t1 (39.92 ± 3.14 μm, P > 0.05) and increased at t2 (44.72 ± 4.06 μm, P < 0.05) compared to the controls (41.26 ± 3.82 μm). Control GCS was 726.9 ± 59.4 μm2 and increased at both t1 (739.8 ± 69.8 μm2, P > 0.05) and t2 (762.6 ± 71.4 μm2, P < 0.05) in the burn group. In the cold group, GCS decreased at t1 (712.4 ± 53.8 μm2, P > 0.05) and increased at t2 (742.6 ± 64.8 μm2, P < 0.05). Conclusions: Superficial burn induces more cellular destruction and cold leads to huge fluctuation in tissue perfusion, however, with moderate impact on histomorphology. The effect on dermal capillaries suggests a selective neural control and cold injuries might down‐regulate this system, much more than burns can activate it. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Domination number of cubic graphs with large girth
Authors: Král' Daniel , Škoda Petr , Volec Jan
Published: February 2011

We show that every n‐vertex cubic graph with girth at least g have domination number at most 0.299871n+ O(n/g)<3n/10 + O(n/g) which improves a previous bound of 0.321216n+ O(n/g) by Rautenbach and Reed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 69:131‐142, 2012
On characterizing Vizing's edge colouring bound
Authors: Haxell Penny , McDonald Jessica
Published: February 2011

We consider multigraphs G for which equality holds in Vizing's classical edge colouring bound χ′(G)≤Δ + µ, where Δ denotes the maximum degree and µ denotes the maximum edge multiplicity of G. We show that if µ is bounded below by a logarithmic function of Δ, then G attains Vizing's bound if and only if there exists an odd subset S⊆V(G) with |S|≥3, such that |E[S]|>((|S| − 1)/2)(Δ + µ − 1). The famous Goldberg–Seymour conjecture states that this should hold for all µ≥2. We also prove a similar result concerning the edge colouring bound χ′(G)≤Δ + ⌈µ/⌊g/2⌋⌉, due to Steffen (here g denotes the girth of the underlying graph). Finally we give a general approximation towards the Goldberg‐Seymour conjecture in terms of Δ and µ. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 69:160‐168, 2012
Locally s‐distance transitive graphs
Authors: Devillers Alice , Giudici Michael , Li Cai Heng , Praeger Cheryl E.
Published: February 2011

We give a unified approach to analyzing, for each positive integer s, a class of finite connected graphs that contains all the distance transitive graphs as well as the locally s‐arc transitive graphs of diameter at least s. A graph is in the class if it is connected and if, for each vertex v, the subgroup of automorphisms fixing v acts transitively on the set of vertices at distance i from v, for each i from 1 to s. We prove that this class is closed under forming normal quotients. Several graphs in the class are designated as degenerate, and a nondegenerate graph in the class is called basic if all its nontrivial normal quotients are degenerate. We prove that, for s≥2, a nondegenerate, nonbasic graph in the class is either a complete multipartite graph or a normal cover of a basic graph. We prove further that, apart from the complete bipartite graphs, each basic graph admits a faithful quasiprimitive action on each of its (1 or 2) vertex‐orbits or a biquasiprimitive action. These results invite detailed additional analysis of the basic graphs using the theory of quasiprimitive permutation groups. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 69:176‐197, 2012
The chromatic Ramsey number of odd wheels
Authors: Paul Nathalie , Tardif Claude
Published: February 2011

We prove that the chromatic Ramsey number of every odd wheel W2k+ 1, k⩾2 is 14. That is, for every odd wheel W2k+ 1, there exists a 14‐chromatic graph F such that when the edges of F are two‐coloured, there is a monochromatic copy of W2k+ 1 in F, and no graph F with chromatic number 13 has the same property. We ask whether a natural extension of odd wheels to the family of generalized Mycielski graphs could help to prove the Burr–Erdős–Lovász conjecture on the minimum possible chromatic Ramsey number of an n‐chromatic graph. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 69:198‐205, 2012
Connectivity keeping trees in k‐connected graphs
Authors: Mader W.
Published: February 2011

We show that one can choose the minimum degree of a k‐connected graph G large enough (independent of the vertex number of G) such that G contains a copy T of a prescribed tree with the property that G − V(T) remains k‐connected. This was conjectured in [W. Mader, J Graph Theory 65 (2010), 61–69]. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 69: 324–329, 2012
Design and application of a four‐channel transmit/receive surface coil for functional cardiac imaging at 7T
Authors: Dieringer Matthias A. , Renz Wolfgang , Lindel Tomasz , Seifert Frank , Frauenrath Tobias , von Knobelsdorff‐Brenkenhoff Florian , Waiczies Helmar , Hoffmann Werner , Rieger Jan , Pfeiffer Harald , Ittermann Bernd , Schulz‐Menger Jeanette , Niendorf Thoralf
Published: February 2011

Purpose

To design and evaluate a four‐channel cardiac transceiver coil array for functional cardiac imaging at 7T.

Materials and Methods

A four‐element cardiac transceiver surface coil array was developed with two rectangular loops mounted on an anterior former and two rectangular loops on a posterior former. specific absorption rate (SAR) simulations were performed and a B calibration method was applied prior to obtain 2D FLASH CINE (mSENSE, R = 2) images from nine healthy volunteers with a spatial resolution of up to 1 × 1 × 2.5 mm3.

Results

Tuning and matching was found to be better than 10 dB for all subjects. The decoupling (S21) was measured to be >18 dB between neighboring loops, >20 dB for opposite loops, and >30 dB for other loop combinations. SAR values were well within the limits provided by the IEC. Imaging provided clinically acceptable signal homogeneity with an excellent blood‐myocardium contrast applying the B calibration approach.

Conclusion

A four‐channel cardiac transceiver coil array for 7T was built, allowing for cardiac imaging with clinically acceptable signal homogeneity and an excellent blood‐myocardium contrast. Minor anatomic structures, such as pericardium, mitral, and tricuspid valves and their apparatus, as well as trabeculae, were accurately delineated. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modulation of subthalamic alpha activity to emotional stimuli correlates with depressive symptoms in Parkinson's disease1
Authors: Huebl Julius , Schoenecker Thomas , Siegert Sandy , Brücke Christof , Schneider Gerd‐Helge , Kupsch Andreas , Yarrow Kielan , Kühn Andrea A.
Published: February 2011

Background: Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus is an effective treatment for patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. However, affective side effects following subthalamic deep brain stimulation have been reported. Here, we aim to elucidate the influence of affective state on emotional processing as indexed by local field potential activity and to identify neurophysiological markers in patients at risk of developing depressive symptoms during subthalamic deep brain stimulation.

Methods: Subthalamic local field potentials were directly recorded via electrodes implanted for deep brain stimulation in 12 Parkinson's disease patients while viewing emotionally salient and neutral pictures. Parkinson's disease patients were assessed for depressive symptoms using the Beck depression inventory at the time of operation and 3 months after continuous subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation.

Results: We found a significant event‐related desynchronization in the local alpha frequency band (8–12 Hz) for emotionally arousing but not neutral pictures. The the event‐related desynchronization (ERD) in the alpha frequency band was reduced for pleasant stimuli in patients with mild to moderate depressive symptoms compared with patients without depression. The alpha‐ERD to unpleasant stimuli showed the opposite pattern. Consistently, the index of event‐related alpha desynchronization (alpha ERD for pleasant stimuli minus alpha ERD for unpleasant stimuli) correlated with the Beck depression inventory at the time of the recordings and at 3 months after continuous deep brain stimulation. The alpha ERD to unpleasant pictures correlated significantly with the Beck depression inventory score at 3 months after chronic deep brain stimulation.

Discusion: In conclusion, we found mood‐congruent stimulus processing in the subthalamic nucleus of Parkinson's disease patients. Electrophysiological markers such as event‐related desynchronization of subthalamic alpha activity reflect state‐dependent emotional processing and may potentially be used to predict depressive mood disturbances in Parkinson's disease patients with chronic subthalamic deep brain stimulation at an early stage. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Quantitative assessment of the evolution of cerebellar signs in spinocerebellar ataxias
Authors: Chan Ellis , Charles Perrine , Ribai Pascale , Goizet Cyril , Marelli Cecilia , Vincitorio Carlo‐Maria , Bayon Alice Le , Guyant‐Maréchal Lucie , Vandenberghe Nadia , Anheim Mathieu , Devos David , Freeman Leorah , Ber Isabelle Le , N'Guyen Karine , Tchikviladzé Maya , Labauge Pierre , Hannequin Didier , Brice Alexis , Durr Alexandra , du Montcel Sophie Tezenas
Published: February 2011

Background:

Responsive ataxia rating scales are essential for determining outcome measures in clinical trials.

Methods:

We evaluated the responsiveness over time of the composite cerebellar functional severity score, a quantitative score measuring cerebellar ataxia in 133 patients with autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxias (ADCA), which were prospectively evaluated at inclusion and after one‐year of follow‐up. A more responsive tool was developed, the Cerebellar Functional Severity score writing, incorporating the writing test at dominant hand to the Cerebellar Functional Severity score.

Results:

Within the one‐year follow‐up period, the Cerebellar Functional Severity score and its writing version increased significantly and the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia decreased significantly reflecting increased severity of the cerebellar symptoms. The Cerebellar Functional Severity score writing responsiveness was best in genotypes SCA1, 2, and 3 compared with the other genotypes (effect size = 0.196, standardized response mean (SRM) = 0.624 versus effect size = −0.051, SRM = −0.150). The Cerebellar Functional Severity score writing used as an outcome measure would require only 163 SCA1, 2, or 3 patients per group in a two‐arm interventional trial for a 50% reduction in progression and 80% of power.

Discussion:

Our study demonstrates that the Cerebellar Functional Severity score and Cerebellar Functional Severity score writing are responsive quantitative scores for evaluating sensitivity to change in ADCA patients and can be used as outcome measures in clinical trials, especially when targeting genotypes SCA1, 2 and 3. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
An intragenic duplication in guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase‐1 gene in a dopa‐responsive dystonia family
Authors: Ling Helen , Polke James M. , Sweeney Mary G. , Haworth Andrea , Sandford Catherine A. , Heales Simon J.R. , Wood Nicholas W. , Davis Mary B. , Lees Andrew J.
Published: February 2011

Background:

Autosomal dominant dopa‐responsive dystonia is commonly caused by mutations in the guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase‐1 gene.

Methods:

We report a British family that has been followed for more than 20 years in which no mutations were previously identified.

Results:

Reanalysis of this pedigree detected a duplication of guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase‐1 exon 2 in affected family members. mRNA analysis showed a mutant transcript with a tandem exon 2 duplication. Four family members developed dopa‐responsive dystonia, with onset in their late teens, and subsequently developed restless leg syndrome and migraine.

Conclusions:

This is the first report of an intragenic guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase‐1 duplication in a dopa‐responsive dystonia family. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Excite and receive solenoid radiofrequency coil for MRI‐guided breast interventions
Authors: Smith M. R. , Zhai X. , Kurpad K. N. , Harter R. D. , Fain S. B.
Published: February 2011

A radiofrequency coil based on a solenoid design was developed and integrated with a novel device for MR‐guided breast interventions using a circumferential approach. The transmit/receive tapered solenoid design conforms to the shape of the pendent breast, and provides open circumferential needle access to breast tissue under rotational symmetry. Phantom and in vivo studies using a healthy volunteer demonstrated a superior uniformity using the tapered solenoid coil compared with a commercial 8‐channel diagnostic imaging coil. The solenoid coil design has important advantages due to localized transmit/receive such as B1‐homogeneity and reduced specific absorption ratio (SAR) especially at high‐field strengths. Because it provides open access and a rotationally symmetric local field, the tapered solenoid design can easily be adapted for bilateral imaging and 3D MR‐guided breast interventions. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Axonal hyperpolarization in inclusion‐body myopathy, paget disease of the bone, and frontotemporal dementia (IBMPFD)
Authors: Kumar Kishore R. , Liang Christina , Needham Merilee , Burke David , Sue Carolyn M. , Ng Karl
Published: February 2011

Introduction:

Inclusion‐body myopathy, Paget disease of the bone, and frontotemporal dementia (IBMPFD) is an autosomal dominant disorder due to mutations in the valosin‐containing protein (VCP) gene. Patients with this disorder may have neuropathic or myopathic features.

Methods:

Peripheral nerve function and axonal excitability were studied in three members from two families with VCP mutations (p.Arg155Leu and p.Leu198Trp).

Results:

Patients from the first family had neurogenic patterns on needle electromyography (EMG), whereas those in the second family had myopathic EMG changes. In threshold electrotonus for motor axons, the changes to depolarizing and hyperpolarizing conditioning currents were at or outside control limits in all three patients. Superexcitability was increased, and the relative refractory period was reduced. The strength–duration time constant was normal. In sensory axons of all three patients, there were similar changes in threshold electrotonus, but not in superexcitability.

Discussion:

These features are best explained by axonal hyperpolarization. The findings provide insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms in these genotypes and, possibly, into all patients with IBMPFD. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Anterior interosseous nerve syndrome following peripheral catheterization: Magnetic resonance imaging and electromyography correlation
Authors: Brennan Thomas D. , Cupler Edward J.
Published: February 2011

Anterior interosseous nerve syndrome (AINS) has not been widely recognized as a possible complication following peripheral catheterization. Herein we present a retrospective review of patients with AINS over the last 5 years. Six cases were identified, 4 associated with catheterization. AINS may be a rare complication of catheterization. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may serve as an adjunct diagnostic modality to conventional electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies, especially in patients who are intolerant of pain. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Prior heat stress effects fatigue recovery of the elbow flexor muscles
Authors: Iguchi Masaki , Shields Richard K.
Published: February 2011

Introduction: Long‐lasting alterations in hormones, neurotransmitters, and stress proteins after hyperthermia may be responsible for the impairment in motor performance during muscle fatigue. Methods: Subjects (n = 25) performed a maximal intermittent fatigue task of elbow flexion after sitting in either 73° or 26°C to examine the effects of prior heat stress on fatigue mechanisms. Results: The heat stress increased the tympanic and rectal temperatures by 2.3° and 0.82°C, respectively, but there was full recovery prior to the fatigue task. Although prior heat stress had no effects on fatigue‐related changes in volitional torque, electromyographic (EMG) activity, torque relaxation rate, motor evoked potential (MEP) size, and silent period (SP) duration, prior heat stress acutely increased the pre‐fatigue relaxation rate and chronically prevented long‐duration fatigue (P < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings indicate that prior passive heat stress alone does not alter voluntary activation during fatigue, but prior heat stress and exercise produce longer‐term protection against long‐duration fatigue. Muscle Nerve 44: 115–125, 2011
Electrical conduction block in large nerves: High‐frequency current delivery in the nonhuman primate
Authors: Ackermann D. Michael , Ethier Christian , Foldes Emily L. , Oby Emily R. , Tyler Dustin , Bauman Matt , Bhadra Niloy , Miller Lee , Kilgore Kevin L.
Published: February 2011

Recent studies have made significant progress toward the clinical implementation of high‐frequency conduction block (HFB) of peripheral nerves. However, these studies were performed in small nerves, and questions remain regarding the nature of HFB in large‐diameter nerves. This study in nonhuman primates shows reliable conduction block in large‐diameter nerves (up to 4.1 mm) with relatively low‐threshold current amplitude and only moderate nerve discharge prior to the onset of block. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Error bounds for the reliability index in finite element reliability analysis
Authors: Gallimard L.
Published: February 2011

This work presents an extension of the goal‐oriented error estimation techniques to the reliability analysis of a linear elastic structure. We use a first‐order reliability method in conjunction with a finite element analysis (FEA) to compute the failure probability of the structure. In such a situation the output of interest that is computed from the FEA is the reliability index β. The accuracy of this output, and thus of the reliability analysis, depends, in particular, on the accuracy of the FEA. In this paper, upper and lower bounds of the reliability index are proposed, as well as simple bounds of the failure probability. An application to linear fracture mechanics is presented. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of discourse on collaboration among nurses, physicians, and consumers
Authors: Weiss Sandra J.
Published: February 2011

The aim of this study was to determine whether ongoing discussion among nurses, physicians, and consumers influenced their collaborative beliefs and behavior. A stratified experimental sample of 72 professionals and consumers met in small, multidisciplinary groups on a monthly basis for 2 years to discuss health care relationships. Prior to the onset of these groups, and after their conclusion, the experimental sample, a randomly selected control group of 72 persons, and a matched control group of 72 persons all completed the Management of Differences Exercise, the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scales, and the Health Role Expectations Index. Contrary to predictions, the experimental group (M = −6.85) declined more than controls (M = −4.63, p < .05) in their beliefs regarding the value of shared versus physician‐dominated responsibility for health care and increased more (M = 1.58 versus M = ‐.53, p < .007) in their beliefs that powerful individuals such as physicians influence the consumer's health status. Results indicate that ongoing discourse may have enhanced traditional, status quo beliefs regarding the authority and power of the physician rather than fostering collaborative values.
Accuracy of indirect measures of medication compliance in hypertension
Authors: Craig Heather M.
Published: February 2011

The purpose of this study was to identify the most accurate indirect measure of medication compliance in primary hypertension through comparison with a recently developed direct measure of the antihypertensive agent, hydrochlorothiazide. A convenience sample of 40 subjects was seen by the investigator twice in an office setting and once in their homes. Data were collected by an interview schedule, blood pressure measurement, pill counts, urine analysis, and hospital record review. Patient interview was the most sensitive and accurate measure of compliance; this measure correctly classified 85% of patients as to compliant or noncompliant.
Child‐rearing, marital, recreational and work role integration and climacteric symptoms in midlife women
Authors: Uphold Constance R. , Susman Elizabeth J.
Published: February 2011

This study investigated relationships between the roles women enact during midlife and the frequency and severity of symptoms they report at the climacteric. A sample of 185 healthy, middle‐aged women completed measures assessing climacteric symptoms, adjustment to the marital role, and degree of participation in child‐rearing, recreational, and work roles. Findings indicated that the more roles women enact, the less likely they are to experience climacteric symptoms. Adjustment to the marital role and an active recreational role were the best predictors of infrequent and mild climacteric symptoms. The number of hours worked was negatively related to recreational involvement and marital role adjustment but did not relate to climacteric symptoms. The child‐rearing role was not related to symptoms. These findings indicate that successful marital adaptation and active role participation may be significantly related to diminished climacteric symptoms formation of midlife women.
A life table analysis of the labor force participation of U.S. nurses, 1949 to 1980
Authors: Schoen Delores C. , Schoen Robert
Published: February 2011

Data from seven inventories of registered nurses by the American Nurses' Association and the 1980 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses are analyzed in a life table format to examine changes in nurse labor force participation. The results show a substantial increase in the labor force participation of nurses, as a nurse aged 20 could be expected to spend 28.5 years in the labor force in 1949 and 34.1 years in the labor force in 1980. Much of that rise seems attributable to increasing full‐time employment. There is a positive relationship between participation in the nursing labor force and a nurse's highest level of educational preparation, but that relationship is not a simple one. Nurses with a master's or higher degree are very active in the labor force, while diploma nurses are much less likely to be employed. At the same time, nurses with baccalaureate degrees have relatively low rates of labor force participation, but associate degree nurses have rates rivaling the most highly educated.
Comprehension of information for informed consent by spouses of surgical patients
Authors: Silva Mary Cipriano
Published: February 2011

The adequacy of comprehension of the information needed for informed consent to participate in research on spouse responses to a husband's or wife's general surgery was assessed. Comprehension of information about the research study by 75 spouses was measured by the Informed Consent Questionnaire containing questions on study purpose, time involvement, nature of participation, risks, benefits, voluntariness, confidentiality, and anonymity. The result showed that 72 of the 75 spouses had adequate comprehension of the information for informed consent. Because adequate comprehension is atypical of most studies, possible reasons for this unexpected result are discussed and then explained within a self‐determination theory of informed consent.
The effects of hygiene interventions on the cerebrovascular status of severe closed head injured persons
Authors: Parsons L. Claire , Peard Amy L. Smith , Page M. Carol
Published: February 2011

The cerebrovascular status of 19 severe closed head injured patients was assessed during oral, body, and indwelling catheter care. Heart rates, mean arterial blood pressures, mean intracranial pressures, and cerebral perfusion pressures were recorded at baseline, peak nursing intervention, and 1‐minute recovery times. Significant increases (p ⩽.05) in the dependent variables were noted at peak intervention; by recovery time these elevated values had returned to baseline levels. Physiologic responses that did not prove clinically significant are discussed to account for the observed changes. Since cerebral perfusion pressures never fell below 50 mm Hg, the three hygiene interventions are procedures considered safe and beneficial to the patient with closed head injury.
Hypertension, perceived clinician empathy, and patient self‐disclosure
Authors: Dawson Carolyn
Published: February 2011

The purpose of this study was to compare groups of outpatient hypertensive and diabetic patients to a control group (no known chronic illnesses) on their perceptions of clinician empathy and the importance and difficulty of disclosing information about themselves to health care providers. It was hypothesized that hypertensives would differ from the other groups in perceiving less clinician empathy and in attributing less importance, but greater difficulty, to self‐disclosing. The sample was 54 hypertensives, 47 diabetics, and 115 nonchronically ill patients. Each subject completed the Empathy scale of the Barrett‐Lennard Relationship Inventory and a patient self‐disclosure questionnaire. The empathy hypothesis was supported but the self‐disclosure hypotheses were not. Hypertensive patients differed from other patients in perceiving the least clinician empathy and in attributing the greatest importance to discussing their responses to health care.
Values of entering nursing students: Changes over 10 years
Authors: Garvin Bonnie J. , Boyle Kathleen Kluznik
Published: February 2011

Values of students entering nursing in 1982 were compared with values of those entering in 1972. The Allport‐Vernon‐Lindzey Study of Values and an Entering Resources Inventory were completed by 309 students in 1972 and 161 students in 1982. The 1982 sample scored higher on economic values (p < .01), but did not differ on the other values. Both groups scored highest on social values with religious values ranking second in 1982 and third in 1972. These findings contrast to studies in the 1960′s which found religious values rated highest and economic values rated lowest.
Attitudes toward social issues in health care: A cohort analysis
Authors: Mendelson Marilyn A. , Skinner Richard A. , Proctor Maymie B.
Published: February 2011

Attitudinal change toward psychosocial issues in health care was tested through a cohort analysis of 190 nursing students at four successive undergraduate levels. The topics examined were: (a) consistency and variability of attitudes toward social issues in health care and (b) relationship between scale performance and age. Attitudinal change among nursing students at four successive undergraduate levels was tested in the present study using a modification of the Attitudes Towards Social Issues in Medicine (ATSIM) Inventory, an instrument composed of seven subscales dealing with various aspects of health care. Techniques used included analysis of variance and Leveneapos;s test of the equality of variances. The findings confirmed a process of professional socialization in nursing education with respect to the attitudes of nursing students toward health care issues.
Stress, coping behaviors, and recommendations for intensive care and medical surgical ward registered nurses
Authors: Kelly John G. , Cross Darryl G.
Published: February 2011

Forty one intensive care unit and 61 medical surgical ward registered nurses from two large urban teaching hospitals completed a stress questionnaire to examine stress factors, coping behaviors, and recommendations for alleviating stress within the work environment. Stress variables were grouped into five clusters: (a) patient‐related, (b) environmental, (c) management‐related, (d) interpersonal, and (e) knowledge and skills. Multivariate analysis of variance demonstrated a significant main effect, with the ward nurses perceiving environmental factors as more stressful. Stress factors tend to be related to the overall hospital environment, especially in relation to specific work areas within the institutions.
Mothers' health beliefs and use of well‐baby services among a high‐risk population
Authors: Kviz Frederick J. , Dawkins Cecilia E. , Ervin Naomi E.
Published: February 2011

The relationship between mothers' health beliefs and use of well‐baby services among a poor, minority, high‐risk population is reported. Data were collected from 61 black mothers attending a maternal‐child clinic by interviews at the first and sixth months after the birth of their infants. The analysis focused on four health beliefs (susceptibility, severity, benefits, and efficacy) and two health behaviors (clinic visits and immunizations during the first 6 months). Although mothers' health beliefs were not predictive of clinic visits, health beliefs at the sixth month accounted for 30% of the variance in the number of immunizations. This relationship was dominated by perceived efficacy of immunizations and perceived benefits of well‐baby services. The findings indicate a need to consider the nature and extent of possible changes in relationships between health beliefs and health behaviors over time.
Differences in womenapos;s and menapos;s thinking about parent‐child interactions
Authors: McBride Angela Barron
Published: February 2011

To determine if young women and men think differently about parenting when presented with the same information, a factorial between‐subjects experiment was conducted. Two case studies (one successful, one unsuccessful) were evaluated; they varied only in terms of parent sex and child sex. Respondents explained parenting performance and rated both the parent and the child on the same personality items. The 136 women in the study were especially sensitive to the possibility of a child being troubled. Compared with the 136 men, they were less inclined to explain failure as the childapos;s fault and to describe a child as mean.
Preventing coronary heart disease in high‐risk families
Authors: McCance Kathryn L. , Eutropius Louise , Jacobs Maeona K. , Williams Roger R.
Published: February 2011

A preventive nursing intervention to reduce coronary heart disease (CHD) risk was tested. The sample was 19 families composed of 58 first‐degreed relatives of young (age 30–55 years) victims of sudden cardiac death. Families were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups. The intervention at 3–5 months postdeath focused on assessment of health history, health behaviors, health beliefs, informing and educating about CHD risk factors, and methods for detecting and reducing these factors. The control group received mailed questionnaires and no intervention. The subjectapos;s reduction of CHD risk was measured at 7 months by changes in high risk CHD behaviors, changes in health beliefs, and adherence to screening for serum cholesterol and blood pressure determination. Analysis of covariance (covarying age and pretest scores) demonstrated no differences between groups for health beliefs; however, significant differences for health beliefs existed between the sibling subgroups. The intervention was correlated with a significant reduction in alcohol intake. Reductions in high fat meat consumption were in the desired direction. Greater percentages of subjects in the intervention group obtained blood pressure and cholesterol screening.
High strength electrospun fibers
Authors: Chen Shuiliang , Han Donghua , Hou Haoqing
Published: February 2011

Electrospinning provides a simple method to process solutions or melts, mainly of polymers, into continuous ultrathin fibers. However, the mechanical properties of electrospun fibers are low due to non‐optimized macromolecular orientation in the fibers. The methods of CNT reinforcement and heat‐induced orientation of rigid macromolecular chains are used to prepare high strength electrospun fibers. This paper presents an overview of these high strength electrospun fibers, with focus on the progress achieved in last 10 years and some theories for the formation of high strength electrospun fibers. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Poly (vinyl chloride)/poly (α‐methylstyrene–acrylonitrile)/acrylic resin ternary blends with enhanced toughness and heat resistance
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Li Bo , Chen Shuangjun , Zhang Jun , Jin Xiaopeng
Published: February 2011

In this study, tough and high heat‐resistant poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC)/poly (α‐methylstyrene–acrylonitrile) (α‐MSAN) blends (70/30) containing acrylic resin (ACR) as a toughening modifier was prepared. With the addition of ACR, heat distortion temperature increased slightly, which corresponded with the increase in glass transition temperature measured by differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that addition of ACR improved the thermal stability. With regard to mechanical properties, tough behavior was observed combined with the decrease in tensile strength and flexural strength. A brittle‐ductile transition (BDT) in impact strength was found when ACR content increased from 8 to 10 phr. The impact strength was increased by 34.8 times with the addition of 15 phr ACR. The morphology correlated well with BDT in impact strength. It was also suggested from the morphology that microvoids and shear yielding were the major toughening mechanisms for the ternary blends. Our present study offers insight on the modification of PVC, since combination of α‐MSAN and ACR improves the toughness and heat resistance of pure PVC simultaneously. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of a microsphere‐based coating for textiles with potential as an in situ bioactive delivery system
Authors: Gouveia Isabel C.
Published: February 2011

Proteinaceous microspheres have a wide range of biomedical applications, including their use as drug delivery systems. On the other hand, bioactive and antimicrobial textiles are promising substrates for medical care, in particular, as wound‐dressings. This work relates the development of a new process for the functionalization of textiles through the simultaneous formation and linkage of protein‐based microspheres onto textile fibers by sonochemical techniques. The microspheres developed by this process possess antimicrobial properties by themselves, but other may be incorporated by the encapsulation of various pharmaceutical formulations. This new type of microspheres and particularly their fixation onto textile materials encourage the development of textiles that can be used as delivery systems in a simple, fast, and non‐toxic process. Here it is reported the production of microspheres with a combination of bovine serum albumin (BSA), L‐Cysteine (L‐Cys), and n‐dodecane, using the ultrasound technology. The size distribution and morphology of the microspheres was determined as a function of several parameters such as irradiation time and BSA and L‐Cys concentrations. The produced microspheres were analyzed using a laser light scattering size analyzer, an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope. The new coating of BSA + L‐Cys microspheres revealed a high stability and excellent antibacterial properties being a promising alternative to design textile‐based bioactive delivery systems with potential application in the development of textile‐based wound‐dressings. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
UV‐cured polyester‐acrylate nanocomposite films with silane‐grafted silica nanoparticles
Authors: Lee Sun Hee , Kim Dae Su
Published: February 2011

UV‐curing technique was employed in this study to prepare polyester‐acrylate nanocomposite films with silane‐grafted silica nanoparticles. Methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane was grafted to the surfaces of silica nanoparticles to improve dispersion of silica nanoparticles as well as interfacial adhesion between the resin matrix and silica nanoparticles. The silane‐grafting was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopy. The effects of the silane‐grafting on the mechanical and optical properties as well as UV‐curing behavior of the nanocomposite films were investigated. The tensile strength, transmittance, UV‐curing rate, and final chemical conversion of the nanocomposite films were increased by use of the grafted silica nanoparticles as compared to the use of neat silica nanoparticles. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Garnet photonics toward developing laser diode integrated with optical isolator with Si guiding layer
Authors: Yokoi Hideki , Igarashi Shun , Uchiumi Yuki , Tani Kazuya
Published: February 2011

A nonreciprocal phase shift occurs in TM modes that travel in magneto‐optic waveguides in which magnetization is aligned transverse to the light propagation direction in the film plane. The large nonreciprocal phase shift is obtained when a magneto‐optic waveguide comprises a guiding layer with a high‐refractive‐index material. A magneto‐optic waveguide with a Si guiding layer is obtained by depositing the Si layer on a magnetic garnet layer. An optical isolator employing a nonreciprocal phase shift is described which has the magneto‐optic waveguide with the Si guiding layer. A laser diode integrated with the optical isolator can be developed by connecting the laser diode on the Si layer in the magneto‐optic waveguide, which is a concept of garnet photonics (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Theory of nonradiative transitions of hot carriers in Si/SiO2 nanocrystals
Authors: Poddubny A. N. , Moskalenko A. S. , Prokofiev A. A. , Goupalov S. V. , Yassievich I. N.
Published: February 2011

Energy relaxation of hot electrons and holes confined in silicon nanocrystals embedded in SiO2 matrix is studied theoretically. Phonon‐assisted transitions rates strongly depend on nanocrystal diameter ranging from 108 s–1 to 10–12 s–1.

The Auger‐like transitions are found to be considerably faster and lead to rapid energy exchange within electron‐hole pair (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Comparative study of the nonlinear optical properties of Si nanocrystals fabricated by e‐beam evaporation, PECVD or LPCVD
Authors: Martinez A. , Hernändez S. , Pellegrino P. , Jambois O. , Miska P. , Grün M. , Rinnert H. , Vergnat M. , Izquierdo‐Roca V. , Fedeli J. M. , Garrido B.
Published: February 2011

The nonlinear optical properties of silicon nanocrystals (Si‐nc) embedded in oxide matrices have been studied in samples obtained by three different technological process: e‐beam evaporation, plasma enhanced or low pressure chemical vapor deposition (PECVD and LPCVD, respectively). Z ‐scan measurements were performed in all the samples at 1064 nm by using ns‐pulses of a Nd:YAG laser. Similar nonlinear refractive index was found in the three systems, while differences in the nonlinear absorption were found as a function of the deposition method.

The nonlinear results have been evaluated in terms of the crystalline and amorphous fractions from Raman scattering and photoluminescence (PL) measurements. While PL measurements show a emission spectrum similar for all the samples, Raman spectra reveal a sizeably different Si crystalline/amorphous ratio, depending on the deposition method. Therefore, the interface between the SiO2 matrix and Si‐nc plays a crucial role in determining the nonlinear optical response of the Si‐nc rich layers. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)