bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation outcomes of a sex education strategy in high schools of Pavia (Italy)
Authors: Benni Emanuela , Sacco Sara , Bianchi Leonardo , Carrara Roberto , Zanini Chiara , Comelli Mario , Tenconi Maria Teresa ,   SISM educators group
Published: February 2015

Aim:

We aimed to provide process and effectiveness evaluations of a sex education intervention realized with interactive techniques in high schools of Pavia (Italy).

Methods:

Six public high schools, divided into ‘treated’ and ‘control’ units, voluntarily joined this mixed-methods study. Only second-year classes were enrolled: treated adolescents followed a sex education course, performed by trained ‘near-peer educators’ (undergraduate medical students) with interactive techniques. All adolescents compiled an anonymous effectiveness evaluation questionnaire at baseline (pre-test) and 3 months later (post-test). Sexual knowledge and reported behavioural changes were compared between the two groups through linear mixed-effects models. The process was assessed through a satisfaction questionnaire for treated students, monitoring cards for working group members and cards/diaries for educators.

Results:

The final sample consisted of 547 treated and 355 control adolescents (mean age = 15.28 ± 0.61 years). Highly significant changes ( p < 0.001) from pre-test to post-test, with strong improvements of treated adolescents, were evident for all knowledge items. No significant changes for behavioural items were reported. Process evaluation showed positive results in adolescents’ satisfaction, highlighting the need for more youth gathering places. Working group members and educators generally provided positive evaluations, although difficult communication was perceived.

Conclusions:

The intervention was effective in improving adolescents’ sexual knowledge. The present work highlighted that in Italy sex education in adolescence is still neglected: this could encourage misinformation and health-risk behaviour. Young people perceive the need for a serious health-promoting action in which they could play an active role, spreading educational messages with organized interactive methods.
Salud mental en desastres naturales: estrategias interventivas con adultos mayores en sectores rurales de Chile
Authors: Osorio-Parraguez Paulina , Espinoza Adriana
Published: February 2015

En el presente artículo se da a conocer una estrategia de intervención llevada a cabo con adultos mayores en la comuna de Paredones, sexta región de Chile, con posterioridad al terremoto y tsunami del 27 de febrero 2010 en Chile, en el contexto de una investigación sobre fortalezas y vulnerabilidades desplegadas por este grupo etario, con posterioridad a un desastre natural. Se presenta una descripción del desarrollo metodológico de la intervención y de los sustentos teóricos y conceptuales en los que se basa. Como resultado de este proceso, se propone una estrategia que trabaje a través de la identificación de las propias experiencias y fortalezas de los sujetos. De tal forma se minimizan los efectos negativos de los determinantes sociales de la salud (como la edad y el lugar de residencia) en contexto de crisis; permitiendo a los adultos mayores fortalecer sus recursos individuales y colectivos, en pro de su bienestar psicosocial.
Osteochondral Allograft MRI Scoring System (OCAMRISS) in the Knee
Authors: Meric Gokhan , Gracitelli Guilherme C. , McCauley Julie C. , Pulido Pamela A. , Chang Eric Y. , Chung Christine B. , Bugbee William D.
Published: February 2015

Introduction:

Osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation is a suitable treatment option for large osteochondral defects. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an objective, reproducible, noninvasive monitoring tool for postoperative assessment after cartilage surgery.

Objective:

To correlate Osteochondral Allograft MRI Scoring System (OCAMRISS) in patients undergoing OCA transplantation in the knee with clinical outcomes and determine interobserver agreement of this scoring system.

Methods:

Fifteen patients underwent OCA transplantation in the knee and received a postoperative MRI. Four examiners read each MRI and completed an OCAMRISS. Interobserver agreement and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were assessed. Clinical outcomes were evaluated. Correlation between the OCAMRISS and clinical outcomes was calculated using Spearman’s correlation coefficients.

Results:

Interobserver agreement on individual features of the OCAMRISS was superior (κ = 0.81-1.0) in 65% of comparisons, substantial (κ = 0.61-0.8) in 14%, moderate (κ = 0.41-0.6) in 18%, and fair (κ = 0.21-0.4) in 3%. Agreement among readers was very strong for the cartilage, bone, ancillary, and total scores with 96% of comparisons having an ICC >0.80. International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) function scores were correlated with OCAMRISS cartilage score (ρ = 0.53, P = 0.044) and total score (ρ = 0.67, P = 0.006). The Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) sports/recreation subscale was correlated with OCAMRISS ancillary score (ρ = 0.58, P = 0.049) and total score (ρ = 0.64, P = 0.024). No correlation was observed with subchondral bone features of OCAMRISS and any of the outcome scores.

Conclusions:

The recently described OCAMRISS is a reproducible grading system for in vivo evaluation after osteochondral allograft transplantation.
The Cold Heart
Authors: Reutner Leonie , Hansen Jochim , Greifeneder Rainer
Published: February 2015

Mere reminders of money have been shown to cause socially “cold” behavior. Recent research suggests that the metaphor of “social coldness” is bodily grounded and thus linked to actual sensations of physical coldness. We therefore hypothesized that reminding individuals of money causes them to feel physically colder. This hypothesis was put to test in two studies, drawing on predictions from psychophysiological thermal perception. In Study 1, individuals who had been reminded of money perceived the air in the room as colder compared to a control group (an assimilation effect). Contrarily, in Study 2, they perceived water (a medium that was only momentarily experienced) as warmer compared to individuals not reminded of money (a contrast effect). Together these findings demonstrate that reminders of money cause sensations of actual physical coldness and add to the literature of both the psychological effects of money and human thermal perception.
KLF1-null neonates display hydrops fetalis and a deranged erythroid transcriptome
Authors: Magor Graham W. , Tallack Michael R. , Gillinder Kevin R. , Bell Charles C. , McCallum Naomi , Williams Bronwyn , Perkins Andrew C.
Published: February 2015

Key Points

Complete loss of KLF1 function is compatible with life but results in severe nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia and kernicterus. Human KLF1 regulates most aspects of red cell biology.
Acute oral toxicity and biodistribution study of zinc-aluminium-levodopa nanocomposite
Authors: Kura Aminu Umar , Saifullah Bullo , Cheah Pike-See , Hussein Mohd Zobir , Azmi Norazrina , Fakurazi Sharida
Published: February 2015

Layered double hydroxide (LDH) is an inorganic–organic nano-layered material that harbours drug between its two-layered sheets, forming a sandwich-like structure. It is attracting a great deal of attention as an alternative drug delivery (nanodelivery) system in the field of pharmacology due to their relative low toxic potential. The production of these nanodelivery systems, aimed at improving human health through decrease toxicity, targeted delivery of the active compound to areas of interest with sustained release ability. In this study, we administered zinc-aluminium-LDH-levodopa nanocomposite (ZAL) and zinc-aluminium nanocomposite (ZA) to Sprague Dawley rats to evaluate for acute oral toxicity following OECD guidelines. The oral administration of ZAL and ZA at a limit dose of 2,000 mg/kg produced neither mortality nor acute toxic signs throughout 14 days of the observation. The percentage of body weight gain of the animals showed no significant difference between control and treatment groups. Animal from the two treated groups gained weight continuously over the study period, which was shown to be significantly higher than the weight at the beginning of the study (P < 0.05). Biochemical analysis of animal serum showed no significant difference between rats treated with ZAL, ZA and controls. There was no gross lesion or histopathological changes observed in vital organs of the rats. The results suggested that ZAL and ZA at 2,000 mg/kg body weight in rats do not induce acute toxicity in the animals. Elemental analysis of tissues of treated animals demonstrated the wider distribution of the nanocomposite including the brain. In summary, findings of acute toxicity tests in this study suggest that zinc-aluminium nanocomposite intercalated with and the un-intercalated were safe when administered orally in animal models for short periods of time. It also highlighted the potential distribution ability of Tween-80 coated nanocomposite after oral administration.
Nitrogen-doped, FeNi alloy nanoparticle-decorated graphene as an efficient and stable electrode for electrochemical supercapacitors in acid medium
Authors: El-Deen Ahmed G , El-Newehy Mohamed , Kim Cheol Sang , Barakat Nasser AM
Published: February 2015

Nitrogen-doped graphene decorated by iron-nickel alloy is introduced as a promising electrode material for supercapacitors. Compared to pristine and Ni-decorated graphene, in acid media, the introduced electrode revealed excellent specific capacitance as the corresponding specific capacitance was multiplied around ten times with capacity retention maintained at 94.9% for 1,000 cycles. Briefly, iron acetate, nickel acetate, urea, and graphene oxide were ultrasonicated and subjected to MW heating and then sintered with melanin in Ar. The introduced N-doped FeNi@Gr exhibits remarkable electrochemical behavior with long-term stability.
Evolution of morphology and microstructure of GaAs/GaSb nanowire heterostructures
Authors: Shi Suixing , Zhang Zhi , Lu Zhenyu , Shu Haibo , Chen Pingping , Li Ning , Zou Jin , Lu Wei
Published: February 2015

In this paper, we successfully grow GaAs/GaSb core-shell heterostructure nanowires (NWs) by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). The as-grown GaSb shell layer forms a wurtzite structure instead of the zinc blende structure that has been commonly reported. Meanwhile, a bulgy GaSb nanoplate also appears on top of GaAs/GaSb core-shell NWs and possesses a pure zinc blende phase. The growth mode for core-shell morphology and underlying mechanism for crystal phase selection of GaAs/GaSb nanowire heterostructures are discussed in detail.
Room-temperature electrically pumped near-infrared random lasing from high-quality m-plane ZnO-based metal-insulator-semiconductor devices
Authors: Chen Chao , Wang Ti , Wu Hao , Zheng He , Wang Jianbo , Xu Yang , Liu Chang
Published: February 2015

Epitaxial m-plane ZnO thin films have been deposited on m-plane sapphire substrates at a low temperature of 200°C by atomic layer deposition. A 90° in-plane rotation is observed between the m-plane ZnO thin films and the sapphire substrates. Moreover, the residual strain along the ZnO [−12-10] direction is released. To fabricate metal-insulator-semiconductor devices, a 50-nm Al2O3 thin film is deposited on the m-plane ZnO thin films. It is interesting to observe the near-infrared random lasing from the metal-insulator-semiconductor devices.
Au nanostructure arrays for plasmonic applications: annealed island films versus nanoimprint lithography
Authors: Lopatynskyi Andrii M , Lytvyn Vitalii K , Nazarenko Volodymyr I , Guo L Jay , Lucas Brandon D , Chegel Volodymyr I
Published: February 2015

This paper attempts to compare the main features of random and highly ordered gold nanostructure arrays (NSA) prepared by thermally annealed island film and nanoimprint lithography (NIL) techniques, respectively. Each substrate possesses different morphology in terms of plasmonic enhancement. Both methods allow such important features as spectral tuning of plasmon resonance position depending on size and shape of nanostructures; however, the time and cost is quite different. The respective comparison was performed experimentally and theoretically for a number of samples with different geometrical parameters. Spectral characteristics of fabricated NSA exhibited an expressed plasmon peak in the range from 576 to 809 nm for thermally annealed samples and from 606 to 783 nm for samples prepared by NIL. Modelling of the optical response for nanostructures with typical shapes associated with these techniques (parallelepiped for NIL and semi-ellipsoid for annealed island films) was performed using finite-difference time-domain calculations. Mathematical simulations have indicated the dependence of electric field enhancement on the shape and size of the nanoparticles. As an important point, the distribution of electric field at so-called ‘hot spots’ was considered. Parallelepiped-shaped nanoparticles were shown to yield maximal enhancement values by an order of magnitude greater than their semi-ellipsoid-shaped counterparts; however, both nanoparticle shapes have demonstrated comparable effective electrical field enhancement values. Optimized Au nanostructures with equivalent diameters ranging from 85 to 143 nm and height equal to 35 nm were obtained for both techniques, resulting in the largest electrical field enhancement. The application of island film thermal annealing method for nanochips fabrication can be considered as a possible cost-effective platform for various surface-enhanced spectroscopies; while the NIL-fabricated NSA looks like more effective for sensing of small-size objects.
The effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on proliferation and apoptosis of in ovo cultured glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells
Authors: Urbańska Kaja , Pająk Beata , Orzechowski Arkadiusz , Sokołowska Justyna , Grodzik Marta , Sawosz Ewa , Szmidt Maciej , Sysa Paweł
Published: February 2015

Recently, it has been shown that silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) provide a unique approach to the treatment of tumors, especially those of neuroepithelial origin. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of AgNPs on proliferation and activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells cultured in an in ovo model. Human GBM cells, line U-87, were placed on chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane. After 8 days, the tumors were divided into three groups: control (non-treated), treated with colloidal AgNPs (40 μg/ml), and placebo (tumors supplemented with vehicle only). At the end of the experiment, all tumors were isolated. Assessment of cell proliferation and cell apoptosis was estimated by histological, immunohistochemical, and Western blot analyses. The results show that AgNPs can influence GBM growth. AgNPs inhibit proliferation of GBM cells and seem to have proapoptotic properties. Although there were statistically significant differences between control and AgNP groups in the AI and the levels of active caspase 9 and active caspase 3, the level of these proteins in GBM cells treated with AgNPs seems to be on the border between the spontaneous apoptosis and the induced. Our results indicate that the antiproliferative properties of silver nanoparticles overwhelm proapoptotic ones. Further research focused on the cytotoxic effect of AgNPs on tumor and normal cells should be conducted.
Closed-loop assisted versus manual goal-directed fluid therapy during high-risk abdominal surgery: a case–control study with propensity matching
Authors: Rinehart Joseph , Lilot Marc , Lee Christine , Joosten Alexandre , Huynh Trish , Canales Cecilia , Imagawa David , Demirjian Aram , Cannesson Maxime
Published: February 2015

Introduction

Goal-directed fluid therapy strategies have been shown to benefit moderate- to high-risk surgery patients. Despite this, these strategies are often not implemented. The aim of this study was to assess a closed-loop fluid administration system in a surgical cohort and compare the results with those for matched patients who received manual management. Our hypothesis was that the patients receiving closed-loop assistance would spend more time in a preload-independent state, defined as percentage of case time with stroke volume variation less than or equal to 12%.

Methods

Patients eligible for the study were all those over 18 years of age scheduled for hepatobiliary, pancreatic or splenic surgery and expected to receive intravascular arterial blood pressure monitoring as part of their anesthetic care. The closed-loop resuscitation target was selected by the primary anesthesia team, and the system was responsible for implementation of goal-directed fluid therapy during surgery. Following completion of enrollment, each study patient was matched to a non–closed-loop assisted case performed during the same time period using a propensity match to reduce bias.

Results

A total of 40 patients were enrolled, 5 were ultimately excluded and 25 matched pairs were selected from among the remaining 35 patients within the predefined caliper distance. There was no significant difference in fluid administration between groups. The closed-loop group spent a significantly higher portion of case time in a preload-independent state (95 ± 6% of case time versus 87 ± 14%,P=0.008). There was no difference in case mean or final stroke volume index (45 ± 10 versus 43 ± 9 and 45 ± 11 versus 42 ± 11, respectively) or mean arterial pressure (79 ± 8 versus 83 ± 9). Case end heart rate was significantly lower in the closed-loop assisted group (77 ± 10 versus 88 ± 13,P=0.003).

Conclusion

In this case–control study with propensity matching, clinician use of closed-loop assistance resulted in a greater portion of case time spent in a preload-independent state throughout surgery compared with manual delivery of goal-directed fluid therapy.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT02020863. Registered 19 December 2013
Total testosterone and neuropsychiatric symptoms in elderly men with Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Hall James R , Wiechmann April R , Cunningham Rebecca L , Johnson Leigh A , Edwards Melissa , Barber Robert C , Singh Meharvan , Winter Scott , O’Bryant Sid E ,   for the Texas Alzheimer’s Research and Care Consortium
Published: March 2015

Introduction

There has been a significant increase in the use of testosterone in aging men, but little investigation into its impact on men with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The findings of the few studies that have been done are inconsistent. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between total testosterone (TT) and neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in a well-characterized sample of elderly men with mild to moderate AD.

Methods

The sample, which was drawn from the Texas Alzheimer’s Research Care Consortium Longitudinal Research Cohort, included 87 men who met the criteria for mild to moderate AD. The occurrence of NPS was gathered from caregivers and/or family members with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory. TT was analyzed, and the sample was divided into a low-testosterone group (TT ≤2.5 ng/ml; n = 44) and a borderline/normal group (TT ≥2.6 ng/ml; n = 43).

Results

TT was correlated with symptoms of hallucinations, delusions, agitation, irritability and motor activity. The borderline/normal group was significantly more likely to have hallucinations (odds ratio (OR) = 5.56), delusions (OR = 3.87), motor activity (OR = 3.13) and irritability (OR = 2.77) than the low-testosterone group. Health status and apolipoprotein E ε4 status were not significant factors.

Conclusions

The findings of the present study have implications for the use of testosterone replacement therapy in men with AD or the prodromal stage of the disease.
Enabling smartphone-based HD video chats by cooperative transmissions in CRNs
Authors: Jing Tao , Cui Xuewei , Cheng Wei , Zhu Shixiang , Huo Yan , Cheng Xiuzhen
Published: March 2015

Smartphones have been equipped with the cameras that can shoot HD videos, and the video chat apps such as Skype are becoming popular. We can, therefore, intuitively predict the trend that users are expecting to enjoy HD video chats via utilizing their smartphones. Most of the current Internet services, however, cannot support the live HD video transmissions because of their low uplink rate. In order to overcome this limit, we propose to offload the uplink transmissions to cooperative users via cognitive radio networks. Specifically, we first divide the video stream into several substreams according to the H.264/SVC standard and the cooperative users’ uplink rates. Then, the cooperative users are selected by employing our proposed optimal multiple stopping method. Finally, the substreams are assigned to the selected cooperative users by a 0-1 Knapsack-based allocation algorithm. The simulation results demonstrate that our proposed scheme can successfully support 720P HD video chats.
Unilateral isolated sphenoid sinusitis with contralateral abducens nerve palsy - A rare complication treated in a low-resource setting
Authors: Siu Jennifer , Sharma Sudhir , Sowerby Leigh
Published: February 2015

Background

Unilateral isolated sphenoid sinus disease (ISSD) is a rare diagnosis of the paranasal sinuses that can be associated with complications involving vascular, neurologic, and optic structures in close proximity.

Case presentation

A 62 year old female presented to a hospital in Georgetown, Guyana with right lateral rectus palsy, diplopia, and a severe progressively worsening headache. CT scan revealed an opaque left sphenoid sinus consistent with unilateral ISSD. A transnasal sphenoidotomy was performed without complication under local anesthetic in the absence of endoscopic guidance. The patient's headache resolved immediately after surgery while the diplopia and lateral rectus palsy resolved completely after 6 weeks.

Conclusion

We present a rare complication of ISSD and highlight challenges associated with diagnosis and management of ISSD in a resource-limited setting. This is the second reported case of unilateral ISSD with contralateral lateral rectus palsy in the literature.
Olfactory testing in children using objective tools: Comparison of Sniffin’ Sticks and University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT)
Authors: Hugh Sarah C , Siu Jennifer , Hummel Thomas , Forte Vito , Campisi Paolo , Papsin Blake C , Propst Evan J
Published: February 2015

Background

Detection of olfactory dysfunction is important for fire and food safety. Clinical tests of olfaction have been developed for adults but their use in children has been limited because they were felt to be unreliable in children under six years of age. We therefore administered two olfactory tests to children and compared results across tests.

Methods

Two olfactory tests (Sniffin’ Sticks and University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT)) were administered to 78 healthy children ages 3 to 12 years. Children were randomized to one of two groups: Group 1 performed the UPSIT first and Sniffin’ Sticks second, and Group 2 performed Sniffin’ Sticks first and UPSIT second.

Results

All children were able to complete both olfactory tests. Performance on both tests was similar for children 5 and 6 years of age. There was an age-dependent increase in score on both tests (p < .01). Children performed better on the Sniffin’ Sticks than the UPSIT (65.3% versus 59.7%, p < .01). There was no difference in performance due to order of test presentation.

Conclusions

The Sniffin’ Sticks and UPSIT olfactory tests can both be completed by children as young as 5 years of age. Performance on both tests increased with increasing age. Better performance on the Sniffin’ Sticks than the UPSIT may be due to a decreased number of test items, better ability to maintain attention, or decreased olfactory fatigue. The ability to reuse Sniffin’ Sticks on multiple children may make it more practical for clinical use.
Optimization of drying parameters for mango seed kernels using central composite design
Authors: Ekorong Franck Junior Anta Akouan , Zomegni Gaston , Desobgo Steve Carly Zangué , Ndjouenkeu Robert
Published: February 2015

Background

The combined effect of drying temperature and time was evaluated on residual water content, yield of oil extraction, total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of seed kernel from a Cameroonian local variety of mango (Local Ngaoundere). Response surface methodology (RSM) using central composite design (CCD) as tool, was used to develop, validate and optimize statistical models in order to establish the impact of the drying parameters (temperature and time) either alone or in combination.

Results

It was shown that drying temperature individually in its first order (X
1) contributed 30.81, 21.11, 41.28 and 33.24% while drying time individually in its first order (X
2) contributed 39.91, 15.12, 29.92 and 25.87% for residual water content, yield of oil extraction, total phenolic components and antioxidant activity respectively. The increase of drying temperature increased antioxidant activity while the other physicochemical characteristics such as water content, yield of oil extraction and total phenolic components decreased. Concerning drying time, only water content was reduced with an increase of that factor. The synergetic effect of drying temperature and time was effective only for antioxidant activity. A compromise for optimization were then fixed for water content ≤ 10% w/w; oil content ≥ 9% w/w; total polyphenols ≥ 1 mg/g and antioxidant activity ≥ 1000 mg AAE/100 g DM. A simulation for optimization gave, for 60 H and 60°C for drying time and temperature respectively permitted to obtain 4.10% w/w, 9.53% w/w, 1340.28 mg AAE/100 g DM and 1.16 mg/g for water content, oil content, antioxidant activity and total polyphenols respectively.

Conclusions

The physicochemical characteristics studied was globally influenced by the chosen factors (drying time and temperature).
Genomic analyses of early peri-implant bone healing in humans: a systematic review
Authors: Shanbhag Siddharth , Shanbhag Vivek , Stavropoulos Andreas
Published: February 2015

Objective

The objective of the study was to systematically review the literature for studies reporting gene expression analyses (GEA) of the biological processes involved in early human peri-implant bone healing.

Methods

Electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE) were searched in duplicate. Controlled and uncontrolled studies reporting GEA of human peri-implant tissues - including ≥5 patients and ≥2 time points - during the first 4 weeks of healing were eligible for inclusion. Methodological quality and risk of bias were also assessed.

Results

Four exploratory studies were included in reporting GEA of either tissues attached to SLA or SLActive implants after 4 to 14 days or cells attached to TiOBlast or Osseospeed implants after 3 to 7 days. A total of 111 implants from 43 patients were analyzed using validated array methods; however, considerable heterogeneity and risk of bias were detected. A consistent overall pattern of gene expression was observed; genes representing an immuno-inflammatory response were overexpressed at days 3 to 4, followed by genes representing osteogenic processes at day 7. Genes representing bone remodeling, angiogenesis, and neurogenesis were expressed concomitantly with osteogenesis. Several regulators of these processes, such as cytokines, growth factors, transcription factors, and signaling pathways, were identified. Implant surface properties seemed to influence the healing processes at various stages via differential gene expression.

Conclusion

Limited evidence from gene expression studies in humans indicates that osteogenic processes commence within the first post-operative week and they appear influenced at various stages by implant surface properties.
Editorial: Leukocyte-targeting toxins as therapeutics in allergic asthma
Authors: Sharma Namit , Craig Andrew W B
Published: March 2015

Discussion on leukotoxin A as a potential therapeutic target to halt the recruitment of inflammatory leukocytes in allergic asthma.
Minireview: Translocator Protein (TSPO) and Steroidogenesis: A Reappraisal
Authors: Selvaraj Vimal , Stocco Douglas M. , Tu Lan N.
Published: March 2015

The 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO), also known as the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor, is a transmembrane protein in the outer mitochondrial membrane. TSPO has long been described as being indispensable for mitochondrial cholesterol import that is essential for steroid hormone production. In contrast to this initial proposition, recent experiments reexamining TSPO function have demonstrated that it is not involved in steroidogenesis. This fundamental change has forced a reexamination of the functional interpretations made for TSPO that broadly impacts both basic and clinical research across multiple fields. In this minireview, we recapitulate the key studies from 25 years of TSPO research and concurrently examine their limitations that perhaps led towards the incorrect association of TSPO and steroid hormone production. Although this shift in understanding raises new questions regarding the molecular function of TSPO, these recent developments are poised to have a significant positive impact for research progress in steroid endocrinology.
Tbx6, Mesp-b and Ripply1 regulate the onset of skeletal myogenesis in zebrafish
Authors: Windner Stefanie E. , Doris Rosemarie A. , Ferguson Chantal M. , Nelson Andrew C. , Valentin Guillaume , Tan Haihan , Oates Andrew C. , Wardle Fiona C. , Devoto Stephen H.
Published: February 2015

During embryonic development, the paraxial mesoderm becomes segmented into somites, within which proliferative muscle progenitors and muscle fibers establish the skeletal musculature. Here, we demonstrate that a gene network previously implicated in somite boundary formation, involving the transcriptional regulators Tbx6, Mesp-b and Ripply1, also confers spatial and temporal regulation to skeletal myogenesis in zebrafish. We show that Tbx6 directly regulates mesp-b and ripply1 expression in vivo, and that the interactions within the regulatory network are largely conserved among vertebrates. Mesp-b is necessary and sufficient for the specification of a subpopulation of muscle progenitors, the central proportion of the Pax3+/Pax7+ dermomyotome. Conditional ubiquitous expression indicates that Mesp-b acts by inhibiting myogenic differentiation and by inducing the dermomyotome marker meox1. By contrast, Ripply1 induces a negative-feedback loop by promoting Tbx6 protein degradation. Persistent Tbx6 expression in Ripply1 knockdown embryos correlates with a deficit in dermomyotome and myotome marker gene expression, suggesting that Ripply1 promotes myogenesis by terminating Tbx6-dependent inhibition of myogenic maturation. Together, our data suggest that Mesp-b is an intrinsic upstream regulator of skeletal muscle progenitors and that, in zebrafish, the genes regulating somite boundary formation also regulate the development of the dermomyotome in the anterior somite compartment.
A qualitative study of televideo consultations for COPD patients
Authors: Mathar Helle , Fastholm Pernille , Sandholm Niels
Published: February 2015

This article presents results from a small qualitative study investigating the experiences of patients who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with televideo consultations at home, as a supplement to conventional control and treatment. The research question was: what are the experiences and preferences of COPD patients in relation to discharge from hospital with televideo consultations? The study shows that the patients' assessments of the effectiveness and value of the televideo consultations in their everyday lives are based on tough cost-benefit calculation of the extent to which the intervention makes their lives easier or more difficult. In public settings, the expectations are high that digital mediation between clients' everyday lives and the healthcare system can strengthen patients' abilities regarding their self-management. Nonetheless, the study shows that patients have a number of reservations concerning televideo consultations at home. The patients' assessments of the service must be understood in relation to the routines and strategies developed to handle the array of problems related to a life affected by chronic illness.
Professional culture and care: what is best for the patient?
Authors: Mendes Aysha
Published: February 2015

In this monthly column, Aysha Mendes discusses potential causes of ethical dilemmas and what actions can be taken to ensure health professions act in the best interests of their patients
Exploring the experiences of young people nursed on adult wards
Authors: Dean Linda , Black Sharon
Published: February 2015

This paper reports on a study of experiences of young people aged 14 to 18 years who were nursed on acute adult hospital wards in NHS hospitals in England. In spite of British government guidelines, young people from 14 years of age continue to be admitted to adult wards in the UK. Although much has been written about the transition of the young person to adult services, there is little research about the experiences of young people who are nursed on adult wards. Hermeneutic phenomenology was used to explore the lived experiences of eight young people who had been nursed on adult wards between 2004 and 2010. Data were collected in 2010. In-depth interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using Colaizzi's framework ( Colaizzi, 1978 ). Themes explored included expectations of what the experience may be like, young people's first impressions of the ward environment, the feelings of the young person while in hospital, the attitudes of people towards them including, both staff and other patients, and future admissions and how they would cope with readmissions. Better provision needs to be made for young people including appropriately trained staff, adolescent-friendly environments and areas in adult wards that are dedicated to adolescents.
Can the new NMC Code improve standards of care delivery?
Authors: Glasper Alan
Published: February 2015

Professor Alan Glasper from the University of Southampton discusses the recently published revised NMC Code
The modern day dental nurse: education and prevention (part 1)
Authors: Hughes Rachel
Published: February 2015

Rachel Hughes has successfully implemented a nurse-led clinic at her practice, based solely on using the extended Scope of Practice to the maximum. In the first of a two-part series, she discusses how nurses can take the lead in education and prevention in relation to children's oral health
Effective time management: tips for dental nurses
Authors: Talati Shilla
Published: February 2015

How well do you or your team manage your routine on a day-to-day basis to ensure that it runs as effectively as possible? How often do you review why things did not go to plan? This article provides some effective tips to help you to achieve better time management
ELECTROSTATIC ION THRUSTERS - TOWARDS PREDICTIVE MODELING
Authors: Duras Julia , Kalentev Oleksander , Schneider Ralf , Matyash Konstantin , Lüskow Karl Felix , Geiser Jürgen
Published: March 2015

For satellite missions, thrusters have to be qualified in large vacuum vessels to simulate space environment. One caveat of these experiments is the possible  modification of the beam properties due to the interaction of the energetic ions with the  vessel walls. Impinging ions can produce sputtered impurities or secondary  electrons from the wall. These can stream back into the acceleration channel of the  thruster and produce co-deposited layers. Over the long operation time of thousands  of hours, such layers can modify the optimized geometry and induce changes of the ion beam properties, e.g. broadening of the angular distribution and thrust reduction. To study such effects, a Monte Carlo code for the simulation of the interaction of ion thruster beams with vessel  walls was developed. Strategies to overcome sputter limitations by additional baffles are  studied with the help of this Monte-Carlo erosion code.
BIPERIODIC FIBONACCI WORD AND ITS FRACTAL CURVE
Authors: Ramírez José Luis , Rubiano Gustavo Nevardo
Published: March 2015

In this paper, we introduce a word-combinatorial interpretation of the biperiodic Fibonacci sequence. We study some properties of this new family of infinite words. Moreover,  we associate to this family of words a family of curves with interesting patterns.
DIFFUSE DBD IN ATMOSPHERIC AIR AT DIFFERENT APPLIED PULSE WIDTHS
Authors: Shershunova Ekaterina Alexandrovna , Malashin Maxim , Moshkunov Sergei , Khomich Vladislav
Published: March 2015

The paper deals with the realization and the diagnostics of the volume diffuse dielectric barrier discharge in 1-mm air gap when applying high voltage rectangular pulses to the electrodes. The effect of the applied pulse width on the discharge dissipated energy was studied in detail. It was found experimentally, the energy stayed nearly constant with the pulse elongation from 600 ns to 1 ms.
Am Rand der Körper
Authors: Foellmer Susanne
Published: March 2015

Seit Beginn der 1990er Jahre liegt ein Fokus im Tanz auf der Materialität des Körpers in Bewegung. Fern von repräsentativen Gesten wird er verformt und dekonstruiert. Zunehmend ergibt sich dabei ein enger Zusammenhang zwischen fluktuierenden Körperkonzepten und dem Befund einer Patternbildung solcher künstlerischen Produktionen. Das Buch geht diesem Widerspruch nach und stellt dabei die Frage nach wissenschaftlichen Kategoriebedürfnissen neu. In einem umfassenden Blick über zeitgenössischen Tanz, der auch Beispiele aus dem Ballett, den Grotesktänzen des 18. Jahrhunderts sowie den 1920er Jahren einbindet, wird das Unabgeschlossene als eine zentrale ästhetische Praxis herausgearbeitet, ohne sie jedoch systematisch zu fixieren. Besondere Aufmerksamkeit erhält der Topos des Grotesken als Grenz- und Analysefigur von Phänomenen des »unfinished«, die im Vergleich mit Künstlerinnen und Künstlern aus bildender Kunst und Performance Erkenntnisgewinne auch über die Tanzwissenschaft hinaus ermöglichen.
Moral Leaders
Authors: Krämer Felix
Published: March 2015

Im Jahr 1980 waren in den USA jene Stimmen nicht mehr zu überhören, die nach moralischer Führung verlangten. Doch aus welchem Stoff war die Forderung nach »Moral Leaders« gestrickt? Felix Krämer ordnet Botschaften und Medien für die Zeitgeschichte der USA neu und verortet eine entscheidende Triebfeder diskursiven Wandels in einer dynamischen Fernsehöffentlichkeit. Anhand der Abendnachrichten von ABC, CBS und NBC zeigt er die Kämpfe in einer intersektionalen Geschlechterordnung - von verschiedenen Emanzipationsbewegungen der späten 1960er Jahre über eine angebliche Krise der US-Männlichkeit bis zum wachsenden Einfluss einer weißen evangelikalen Bewegung. Seine Studie zeigt, wie Politiker zu Predigerfiguren wurden, während sich gleichzeitig kulturelle Verteilungskämpfe in den 1980er Jahren erheblich verschärften.
Die Natur der Sittlichkeit
Authors: Campello Filipe
Published: March 2015

Filipe Campello arbeitet in diesem Buch eine an Hegel anschließende Auffassung der menschlichen Natur für die Skizzierung einer Theorie der Institutionen heraus. Er betrachtet das Verhältnis zwischen Natur und Institutionen in doppelter Weise: Eine deskriptive Perspektive bezieht sich auf die Rolle der Gefühle und Affekte innerhalb sozialer Praktiken. Eine zweite, normative Perspektive untersucht den Beitrag dieser Verständnisweise zu einer Theorie der Institutionen, wenn sie sich nicht nur auf strikt vernünftige und kalkulierende Subjekte bezieht, sondern auch auf deren sozial vermittelte, »zweite Natur« - etwa auf Triebe, Neigungen und Leidenschaften. Es zeigt sich, dass Hegels Sittlichkeitstheorie nicht nur eine historische und immanente Sozialontologie darstellt, sondern auch ein Resultat seiner Kritik an verfälschten Formen sozial orientierter Gefühle ist.
Musik - Kolonialismus - Identität
Authors: Ruiz Vega Omar
Published: March 2015

Welche Rolle spielt der Geiger José Figueroa Sanabia für die Behauptung der nationalen Identität innerhalb des Kolonialkontextes Puerto Ricos? Omar Ruiz Vega geht auf diese Frage ein und beleuchtet wichtige Charakteristika des Amerikanisierungsprozesses, der während der ersten Hälfte des 20. Jahrhunderts durch die US-Regierung auf Puerto Rico eingeführt wurde. Zudem stellt er zentrale Aspekte der damaligen Kunstmusikkultur Puerto Ricos, Paris' und New Yorks dar und bietet eine Reflexion darüber, inwiefern historisch spezifische, sozio-politische und kulturelle Bedingungen das musikalische Urteil prägen können.
Freiheit und Wirtschaft
Authors: Ellmers Sven
Published: March 2015

Dass Hegels Theorie der bürgerlichen Gesellschaft nicht nur von antiquarischem Interesse ist, belegt ihre Vorbildfunktion für Axel Honneths normative Rekonstruktion des Marktes. Sven Ellmers zeigt, dass sich Hegels anspruchsvoller Versuch, die atomistische Marktgesellschaft in seine Theorie der Sittlichkeit zu integrieren, als einerseits zwar wenig überzeugend erweist, andererseits aber dennoch instruktiv ist. Unter analytischen Gesichtspunkten ist Hegels Theorie Marx' Kritik der politischen Ökonomie unterlegen, unter normativen Gesichtspunkten bereichert sie die Diskussion um zwei Grundfragen kritischer Theorie: Welche Gründe sprechen gegen den Kapitalismus, und welche Formen der Sozialität zeichnen die Wirtschaft eines freien Gemeinwesens aus?
Care Revolution
Authors: Winker Gabriele
Published: March 2015

Viele Menschen geraten beim Versuch, gut für sich und andere zu sorgen, an die Grenzen ihrer Kräfte. Was als individuelles Versagen gegenüber den alltäglichen Anforderungen erscheint, ist jedoch Folge einer neoliberalen Krisenbearbeitung. Notwendig ist daher ein grundlegender Perspektivenwechsel - nicht weniger als eine Care Revolution. Gabriele Winker entwickelt Schritte in eine solidarische Gesellschaft, die nicht mehr Profitmaximierung, sondern menschliche Bedürfnisse und insbesondere die Sorge umeinander ins Zentrum stellt. Ziel ist eine Welt, in der sich Menschen nicht mehr als Konkurrent_innen gegenüberstehen, sondern ihr je individuelles Leben gemeinschaftlich gestalten.
Using Client-Centered Psychotherapy Embedded Within A Pluralistic Integrative Approach to Help a Client With Executive Dysfunction: The Case of "Judith"
Authors: Ward Tony , Hogan Kevin
Published: March 2015

Executive dysfunction refers to a breakdown within a cluster of cognitive and behavioral  processes that regulate, control, and manage the achievement of particular goals. Executive dysfunction can thus encompass problems like disinhibition, poor planning, impulsiveness and unproductive repetition. Previous reports in the literature have suggested that psychotherapy with clients affected by the condition can be complicated. This report consists of a case study on the successful use psychotherapy for "Judith," a 48-year-old client experiencing emotional disruption and affected by long standing executive difficulties due to a head injury sustained at work 10 years earlier who was seen in therapy by the first author (TW). Emotional well-being was assessed before and after a period of psychotherapy, using an ABA design, and appropriate single-case statistical techniques.  The primary approach to the client’s issues was client-centered, but other problem-solving techniques were incorporated within a pluralistic framework and are described. The client’s reported well-being improved, and this improvement was statistically reliable and clinically significant. A previous report of therapy with a client with executive dysfunction suggested that the tendency to perseverate on particular negative thoughts can induce considerable distress in such clients. Judith's case study shows that while this might be a risk, it is possible to work successfully with at least some such clients, and to do so using a client-centered approach.
Brauer algebras of type B
Authors: Cohen Arjeh M. , Liu Shoumin
Published: March 2015

For each n ≥ 1, we define an algebra having many properties that one might
expect to hold for a Brauer algebra of type

B
n

${\rm B}_{n}$

. It is defined by
means of a presentation by generators and relations. We show that this
algebra is a subalgebra of the Brauer algebra of type

D

n
+
1

${\rm D}_{n+1}$

and point
out a cellular structure in it. This work is a natural sequel to the
introduction of Brauer algebras of type

C
n

${\rm C}_n$

, which are subalgebras of
classical Brauer algebras of type

A

2
n
-
1

${\rm A}_{2n-1}$

and differ from the current
ones for n > 2. A novel feature is the failure of admissible root sets to
describe the tops and bottoms of the diagrams corresponding to monomials in
the Brauer algebra of type

B
n

${\rm B}_{n}$

; instead of these sets we use extended admissible sets in order to find normal forms for monomials in the algebra.
Effect of Ultrasonic Treatment on the Solidification Microstructure of GCr15 Bearing Steel
Authors: Wang Jianjun , Shi Xiaofang , Chang Lizhong , Wang Haijun , Meng Lipeng
Published: March 2015

Ultrasonic treatment with various powers is introduced to liquid steel from the side wall of a mold during GCr15 steel solidification, and the effect of ultrasonic on the microstructure and properties of GCr15 steel is investigated. Results show that the columnar grains in the GCr15 steel are coarse and that the microstructure is inhomogeneous when ultrasonic is not applied on the liquid steel. A suitable power ultrasonic leads to the appearance of a large number of equiaxed grains and increases the uniformity of the microstructure. The segregation of alloy elements gradually decreases as the power increases from 0 W to 500 W. The maximum segregations of carbon and silicon decrease from 2.541 to 1.129 and 2.861 to 1.196, respectively. Given a power of 500 W, the statistical segregations of carbon and silicon decrease from 0.0964 to 0.0693 and 0.1152 to 0.1075, respectively. A further increase in ultrasonic power is not conducive for improving the element segregation. Ultrasonic treatment can remarkably refine the size of carbide and increase the uniformity of its distribution. When the powers are 0 W, 300 W, 500 W, 700 W, and 1,000 W, the average sizes of carbide are 14.63 μm, 2.96 μm, 3.05 μm, 3.72 μm, and 7.83 μm, respectively. The tensile strength, yield strength, and ductility and reduction of the area of the GCr15 bearing steel are correspondingly improved to varying degrees.
Flow and Heat Transfer of Powell–Eyring Fluid due to an Exponential Stretching Sheet with Heat Flux and Variable Thermal Conductivity
Authors: Megahed Ahmed M.
Published: March 2015

An analysis was carried out to describe the problem of flow and heat transfer of Powell–Eyring fluid in boundary layers on an exponentially stretching continuous permeable surface with an exponential temperature distribution in the presence of heat flux and variable thermal conductivity. The governing partial differential equations describing the problem were transformed into a set of coupled non-linear ordinary differential equations and then solved with a numerical technique using appropriate boundary conditions for various physical parameters. The numerical solution for the governing non-linear boundary value problem is based on applying the shooting method over the entire range of physical parameters. The effects of various parameters like the thermal conductivity parameter, suction parameter, dimensionless Powell–Eyring parameters and the Prandtl number on the flow and temperature profiles as well as on the local skin-friction coefficient and the local Nusselt number are presented and discussed. In this work, special attention was given to investigate the effect of the thermal conductivity parameter on the velocity and temperature fields above the sheet in the presence of heat flux. The numerical results were also validated with results from a previously published work on various special cases of the problem, and good agreements were seen.