bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nurses’ Clinical Reasoning
Authors: Dickson Geri L. , Flynn Linda
Published: August 2011

In this article, we describe the depth of knowledge and skill nurses used in making decisions regarding the safe processes and practices of medication administration. Using grounded theory, we identified the essence of medication safety by nurses as the theme of clinical reasoning. Nurses used two medication safety processes within the clinical reasoning theme—maintaining medication safety and managing the environment—together with six categories of patient-focused medication safety practices in the first process and four categories of environmental-focused safety practices within the second process. These processes and practices present an emerging model of safe medication administration developed from the narratives of 50 medical-surgical nurses. This model provides researchers with the basis for the development of systemic policies for safer medication administration for patients. Health care professional educators might also find the results useful in developing curricula focused on patient safety as the foundation of quality care.
Feeling Their Stories
Authors: Gair Susan
Published: August 2011

Empathy is a very familiar term in the helping and caring literature. What appears to link empathy in the helping literature to the aims and goals of qualitative research and, in particular, to the argument underpinning insider/outsider debates, is a discernible common quest. That quest is to be able to hear, feel, understand, and value the stories of others and to convey that felt empathy and understanding back to the client/storyteller/participant. When relevant, the quest also includes conveying that felt understanding to a broader audience. In this article, I highlight commonalities between empathy in professional practice and empathy in qualitative research processes, including the shared experiences and understanding informing research relationships that are discussed as “insider/outsider” status. I review, discuss, and critique relevant literature, and I conclude by suggesting that cultivating empathy in qualitative research training could contribute to facilitating more enriched, insightful research encounters.
Living With a Mentally Ill Parent
Authors: Trondsen Marianne V.
Published: August 2011

Although a considerable body of research has described the implications of parental mental illness, the perspectives of children and adolescents have rarely been addressed. In this article, I explore adolescents’ experiences in everyday life, based on an action-oriented study of a Norwegian online self-help group for adolescents (aged 15 to 18) with mentally ill parents. The analysis was conducted through participant observation of the group for 2 years. The adolescents experienced a variety of difficult challenges related to their parent’s mental illness: lack of information and openness; unpredictability and instability; fear; loneliness; and loss and sorrow. However, they also discussed strategies for active management of the challenges arising from the family situation. I argue that these adolescents can be understood as vulnerable as well as active participants in managing their everyday lives. I emphasize the importance of including perspectives of children and adolescents in further research so as to improve health care for families with parental mental illness.
Personality, Nations, and Innovation
Authors: Steel G. Daniel , Rinne Tiffany , Fairweather John
Published: August 2011

Research has shown relationships between personality factors and innovation at the level of the individual person. Recently, data have become available that would allow testing of these relationships at the nation-state level. Based on theoretical aspects of the Big Five factors of personality, and on empirical work conducted using individuals as the unit of analysis, the authors hypothesize that mean national scores of Openness to Experience, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness would be related to national innovation scores. Multinational data on mean national scores of the Big Five Inventory and the NEO-PI–R are compared to national-level innovation input and output scores from the International Innovation Index and the Global Innovation Index. On both indices, the results of the analyses using the NEO-PI-R show strong, positive relationships between Openness to Experience and both aspects of innovation, a strong positive relationship between Agreeableness and innovation inputs and no relationships between Conscientiousness and either innovation inputs or outputs. The analyses using the Big Five Inventory data shows no reliable relationship between national-level personality and national innovation scores. These results are discussed in terms of their implications for what one can learn from national-level studies of personality and innovation. Suggestions are offered to those governments and financial institutions interested in encouraging economic growth via innovation.
Inherited Prothrombotic Risk Factors in Turkish Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Torun Yasem’n Altuner , Patıroglu Turkan , Ozdemir Mehmet Akif , Ozkul Yusuf , Ekici Arzu , Karakukcu Musa
Published: August 2011

Our study was designed to prospectively evaluate the role of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) TT677 genotype, the prothrombin (PT) 620210A mutation, the factor V G1691A mutation in leukemic Turkish children treated according to modified BFM 95 study protocols with respect to the onset at thromboembolic events. Eighty-two consecutive leukemic children investigated had are established inherited prothrombotic risk factor: 29 children showed the MTHFR genotype (heterozygous, n = 22; homozygous, n = 7); 3 showed the heterozygous PT G20210A variant; 16 were carriers of the factor V mutation (heterozygous). In addition, combined prothrombotic defects were found in a further 11 patients the MTHFR mutation was combined with the F V mutation (n = 7), the PT G20210A variant (n = 2). In 7 (8.5%) of these 82 patients, venous thromboembolism occurred. In conclusion, the presence of inherited thrombophilia with Turkish children treated acute lymphoblastic leukemia may be useful for designing targeted primary prevention strategies.
Ancillary Findings on CT Pulmonary Angiograms and Abnormalities on Chest Radiographs in Patients in Whom Pulmonary Embolism was Excluded
Authors: Stein Paul D. , Matta Fadi , Sedrick Jacob A. , Saleh Tarek , Badshah Aaref , Denier James E.
Published: August 2011

Users of CT pulmonary angiography recognized that ancillary findings on CT pulmonary angiograms of patients in whom PE was excluded often provided useful information. 1 – 5 Some ancillary findings on the CT angiogram, such as peripheral wedge-shaped densities, may suggest the need for further studies of PE because they suggest peripheral PE in the absence of direct visualization of an intraluminal thrombus. 4 , 6 The extent to which such ancillary findings shown on CT angiograms are also shown on the plain chest radiograph, and whether the chest radiograph would contribute additional information or should be entirely supplanted by CT angiography is not known. Medicare claims of 220 961 patients with suspected acute PE in 2005 showed that 71.5% had a chest radiograph obtained on the same day as PE was diagnosed or evaluated. 7 It is not known whether plain chest radiographs of patients in whom PE is excluded show parenchymal or pleural abnormalities not shown as ancillary findings on the CT pulmonary angiogram. The purpose of this investigation is to test the hypothesis that plain chest radiographs may identify some abnormalities not shown as ancillary findings on CT pulmonary angiograms of patients in whom PE was excluded.
Service Process Modularization
Authors: Tuunanen Tuure , Cassab Harold
Published: August 2011

In this study, the authors integrate software engineering insights with research on service process design and product extensions to propose the concept of service process modularization and examine its influence on customer trial of service innovations. The authors conduct two experimental studies to investigate customer response to modular reuse and modular variation of service encounter processes in new offerings. Results of the studies show that modularization increases both the perceived utility of an enhanced offering and the likelihood of trial for service extensions. The effect of modular reuse versus variation, however, is contingent on the task complexity of the base service. Furthermore, expert customers prefer combined offerings that reuse familiar service processes, suggesting that practical considerations rather than variety are the main drivers of service utility and likelihood of trial. An important implication for managers and designers is the strategic use of service process modularization to initiate new service development and manage customer fit in new service extensions.
Four Positive Effects of a Salesperson’s Regional Dialect in Services Selling
Authors: Mai Robert , Hoffmann Stefan
Published: August 2011

This research analyzes how a salesperson’s regional dialect influences the efficacy of services selling. Four dialect effects are derived from theories of information processing, accent prestige theory, and social identity theory. In the first study, 92 industrial buyers, and in the second study, 126 customers evaluated salespersons after actual sales conversations. In contrast to conventional wisdom, both studies show that buyers do not generally devalue salespersons with a dialect. If speech is of high quality, a regional dialect improves satisfaction with the salesperson, rather than reducing it. Favorable sound qualities and prestigious stereotypical associations with the dialect also raise satisfaction with the salesperson. Moreover, the fit between salesperson and buyer dialects enhances satisfaction with the company and fosters purchase intention. In order to increase their persuasiveness, salespersons should be aware of the four dialect effects. Companies would also benefit from training salespersons to improve their speech quality, rather than concealing their dialect. If possible, salespersons should deliberately modify their way of speaking in all phases of the service-selling process.
Exploring the relationship between listening development and strategy use
Authors: Graham Suzanne , Santos Denise , Vanderplank Robert
Published: August 2011

This article reports on an investigation into the development of the listening proficiency and strategic behaviour of 15 lower-intermediate learners of French in England. We consider whether listeners remain in the same listening proficiency group after six months, and whether changes in strategy use are related to movement or non-movement between listening proficiency groups. We also examine whether learners’ strategic behaviour reflects their teachers’ approaches to listening. Data were gathered at two time points from a recall protocol which learners completed after listening to short passages and from verbal reports made by learners while they completed a multiple choice listening task. Teacher interviews provided information on how listening had been presented in learners’ classrooms. We detected little movement by students across the listening proficiency groups between the two time points. In spite of some changes in frequency of strategy use, we also observed stability in manner of use by some learners. Differences in strategy use were more evident between groups (non-movers, improvers and decliners) than between uses from Time 1 to Time 2. We conclude by discussing the pedagogical implications of these findings.
Effects of communication mode and salience on recasts: A first exposure study
Authors: Yilmaz Yucel , Yuksel Dogan
Published: August 2011

This article reports on a study that investigated whether the extent to which learners benefit from recasts on two Turkish morphemes differ depending on communication mode — i.e. Face-to-Face Communication (F2FC) and text-based Synchronous Computer-Mediated Communication (SCMC) — and/or the salience of the target structure (i.e. salient and non-salient). In this first exposure study, 24 native speakers of English with no Turkish background studied 51 Turkish words by completing a series of vocabulary learning tasks. Participants who scored at or above a criterion level of 60% on a screening test met with the researcher and carried out two communicative tasks. In each task, learners received recasts on one of the target structures through one of the communication modes. The order of the tasks was counterbalanced across four subgroups of learners. Two oral production tasks were used as a posttest in order to measure learners’ performance on the two target structures. Results revealed that learners scored statistically significantly higher on receiving recasts through text-based SCMC than recasts through F2FC. However, results showed no difference between the salient and the non-salient morpheme in benefiting from recasts.
Core self-evaluations, exhaustion, and job outcomes: A study of frontline hotel employees in Iran
Authors: Karatepe Osman M.
Published: August 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate core self-evaluations (CSE) as a moderator of the effect of exhaustion on in-role performance and job satisfaction. This study also examined the effect of exhaustion on the aforementioned job outcomes. Full-time frontline employees, such as front desk agents, reservations agents, guest relations representatives, and food servers in several four- and five-star hotels of Kish Island and Tehran in Iran served as the study setting. The study relationships were tested using LISREL 8.30 via path analysis. The results indicated that exhaustion influenced in-role performance and job satisfaction deleteriously. However, CSE reduced these detrimental effects. Implications of the findings are discussed, and directions for future research are offered.
A Community-Based Participatory Planning Process and Multilevel Intervention Design
Authors: Schulz Amy J. , Israel Barbara A. , Coombe Chris M. , Gaines Causandra , Reyes Angela G. , Rowe Zachary , Sand Sharon L. , Strong Larkin L. , Weir Sheryl
Published: August 2011

The elimination of persistent health inequities requires the engagement of multiple perspectives, resources, and skills. Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is one approach to developing action strategies that promote health equity by addressing contextual as well as individual-level factors, and that can contribute to addressing more fundamental factors linked to health inequity. Yet many questions remain about how to implement participatory processes that engage local insights and expertise, are informed by the existing public health knowledge base, and build support across multiple sectors to implement solutions. This article describes a CBPR approach used to conduct a community assessment and action planning process, culminating in development of a multilevel intervention to address inequalities in cardiovascular disease in Detroit, Michigan. The authors consider implications for future efforts to engage communities in developing strategies toward eliminating health inequities.
The Use of Cognitive Interviewing to Explore the Effectiveness of Advance Supplemental Materials among Five Language Groups
Authors: Chan Anna Y. , Pan Yuling
Published: August 2011

Prior research has shown that the use of a prenotification letter is effective in improving mail survey response rate. However, little is known about whether an advance supplemental brochure will have a similar effect. The research documented in this article serves two purposes: First, this exploratory study uses qualitative data from cognitive interviews conducted with five language groups to understand why a multilingual brochure inserted with an English advance letter might or might not enhance survey participation among non-English-speaking respondents. Second, this research highlights the issues in analyzing secondary data collected using cross-cultural cognitive interview methods in which the interviews have been conducted, translated, interpreted, and summarized by language experts into English summaries.
Comparing Cognitive Interviewing and Psychometric Methods to Evaluate a Racial/Ethnic Discrimination Scale
Authors: Reeve Bryce B. , Willis Gordon , Shariff-Marco Salma N. , Breen Nancy , Williams David R. , Gee Gilbert C. , Alegría Margarita , Takeuchi David T. , Stapleton Martha , Levin Kerry Y.
Published: August 2011

Proponents of survey evaluation have long advocated the integration of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, but this recommendation has rarely been practiced. The authors used both methods to evaluate the “Everyday Discrimination” scale (EDS), which measures frequency of various types of discrimination, in a multiethnic population. Cognitive testing included 30 participants of various race/ethnic backgrounds and identified items that were redundant, unclear, or inconsistent (e.g., cognitive challenges in quantifying acts of discrimination). Psychometric analysis included secondary data from two national studies, including 570 Asian Americans, 366 Latinos, and 2,884 African Americans, and identified redundant items as well as those exhibiting differential item functioning (DIF) by race/ethnicity. Overall, qualitative and quantitative techniques complemented one another, as cognitive interviewing findings provided context and explanation for quantitative results. Researchers should consider further how to integrate these methods into instrument pretesting as a way to minimize response bias for ethnic and racial respondents in population-based surveys.
Comment on “Investigating Allegations of Point-shaving in NCAA Basketball Using Actual Sportsbook Betting Percentages”
Authors: Diemer George
Published: August 2011

A recent article by Paul and Weinbach has two objectives. The first is to reject the conventional wisdom that sports books operate by balancing the action on the games. The second objective of Paul and Weinbach is to investigate point-shaving. This second section of the article falls short in recognizing the incentive to decrease detection, incomplete treatment of previous literature, logistics, and methodology.
Mega Events in Sports and Crime
Authors: Campaniello Nadia
Published: August 2011

Despite an increasing desire to host major sport events there is almost no research that tries to identify and measure the possible negative spillovers they generate. In particular, there is limited understanding about crime responses. This article investigates the causal relation between hosting the 1990 Football World Cup and crime rates at the province level. Using a fixed effect estimator to control for province-level differences in crime, we find that hosting the Football World Cup leads to a significant increase in most property crimes (bag-snatching, pick-pocketing, shoplifting, and burglary) but only in one violent crime (intentional personal injuries).
Current issues on safety of prokinetics in critically ill patients with feed intolerance
Authors: Nguyen Nam Q. , Yi Mei Swee Lin Chen
Published: August 2011

Feed intolerance in the setting of critical illness should be treated promptly given its adverse impact on morbidity and mortality. The technical difficulty of postpyloric feeding tube placement and the morbidities associated with parenteral nutrition prevent these approaches being considered as first-line nutrition. Prokinetic agents are currently the mainstay of therapy for feed intolerance in the critically ill. Current information is limited but suggests that erythromycin or metoclopramide (alone or in combination) are effective in the management of feed intolerance in the critically ill and not associated with significant cardiac, haemodynamic or neurological adverse effects. However, diarrhoea is a very common gastrointestinal side effect, and can occur in up to 49% of patients who receive both erythromycin and metoclopramide. Fortunately, the diarrhoea associated with prokinetic treatments has not been linked to Clostridium difficile infection and settles soon after the drugs are ceased. Therefore, prolonged or prophylactic use of prokinetics should be avoided. If diarrhoea occurs, the drugs should be stopped immediately. To minimize avoidable adverse effects the ongoing need for prokinetic drugs in these patient should be reviewed daily.
Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy in a Patient With Presumptive Autoimmune Polyendocrine Syndrome II
Authors: Yehya Amin , Sperling Laurence , Jacobs Sol , Mashman Walter
Published: August 2011

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is an increasingly described form of transient cardiomyopathy in which patients develop a distinct left ventricular apical ballooning typically following a significant emotional or physical stress. The etiology of this syndrome is not clear, but it is likely that direct catecholamine toxicity to the susceptible myocardium plays a role. The syndrome is most common in women and has been described in association with a variety of forms of physiologic or emotional stress. In general, the prognosis is favorable and complete recovery is common. The authors report the case of a young woman with presumed autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome II (APS II) who developed TCM after presenting with adrenal insufficiency. APS II is an endocrine disorder in which Addison’s disease can occur with autoimmune thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes mellitus, premature ovarian failure, vitamin B12 deficiency, vitiligo, and other manifestations. Hormonal preconditioning and psychological stress may trigger TCM.
Pharmacologic Reversal of Warfarin-Associated Coagulopathy in Geriatric Patients With Hip Fractures
Authors: Vitale Mark A. , VanBeek Corinne , Spivack John H. , Cheng Bin , Geller Jeffrey A.
Published: August 2011

Purpose: Patients with acute hip fractures who are on maintenance warfarin for anticoagulation present a significant challenge and their management remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to assess thromboembolic and systemic complications associated with pharmacological reversal of warfarin-associated coagulopathy in a population of geriatric patients with hip fractures. Methods: This retrospective cohort study identified patients with operative hip fractures on oral warfarin therapy who had an international normalized ratio (INR) >1.50 on admission (N = 93) approximately over a 13-year span. The control group consisted of patients whose warfarin was held upon admission without further intervention preoperatively (n = 23). The treatment group consisted of patients who underwent pharmacologic reversal of elevated INR with vitamin K and/or fresh frozen plasma (FFP) in addition to holding warfarin (n = 70). Primary outcomes included thromboembolic and other complications as well as mortality within 3 months of presentation. Time to surgery was a secondary outcome. Results: The 3-month mortality rate was 4% in the pharmacological intervention group and 17% in the watch-and-wait group; this difference trended toward statistical significance ( P = .06). There were no significant differences in the likelihoods of other thromboembolic or nonthromboembolic complications between groups. While the difference in mean time to surgery was not significantly different overall between groups, this difference was significant in a subgroup of patients with higher baseline INRs (n = 46, INR >2.17), with a mean difference of 4.0 fewer days until surgery in the pharmacological intervention group ( P < .01). Conclusions: Pharmacological reversal of warfarin-associated coagulopathy with a combination of vitamin K and FFP appears to be a safe way to optimize patients for operative fixation of hip fractures and is associated with a shorter delay to surgery in patients with more elevated INRs preoperatively. Level of evidence: retrospective cohort study (level III).
The Effect of Listening to Specific Musical Genre Selections on Measures of Heart Rate Variability
Authors: Orman Evelyn K.
Published: August 2011

University students ( N = 30) individually listened to the Billboard 100 top-ranked musical selection for their most and least liked musical genre. Two minutes of silence preceded each musical listening condition, and heart rate variability (HRV) was recorded throughout. All HRV measures decreased during music listening as compared with silence. Dependent t-tests found significant decreases for beats per minute ( p < .01, like; p < .001, dislike) and low frequency ( p < .01, like; p < .05, dislike). A significant decrease in low-frequency/high-frequency ratio ( p < .05) was found for the dislike–music listening condition. A sign test showed no significant difference in the number of mean readings that increased or decreased for either music listening condition. Findings may support previous research that HRV decreases during mentally engaging tasks but may not support previous research that HRV readings could be a measure of emotional responding.
Effect of Pullout Lessons on the Academic Achievement of Eighth-Grade Band Students
Authors: Hash Phillip M.
Published: August 2011

This study examined the effect of pullout instrumental lessons on the academic achievement of eighth-grade band students. Participants ( N = 353) included 292 nonband students and 61 band students pulled once per week for music lessons in a single suburban K–8 school district in Midwestern United States. Data indicated that eighth-grade band students achieved significantly higher mean scores on the ACT Explore test than students who dropped band prior to eighth grade ( n = 58) or never enrolled in the program ( n = 234). In addition, no significant differences existed between all band students and the highest achieving nonband students, or between students who discontinued band after at least 1 year and those who never enrolled. Although band students in this study tended to be more academically successful than nonband students at the outset, these results support the assertion that pullout lessons had no negative effect on academic achievement, regardless of the number of years students participated in the program.
Adolescent Male Attitudes About Singing in Choir
Authors: Lucas Mark
Published: August 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that influence adolescent males to enroll in school choir as an elective class and to assess their attitudes about singing in general, self-concept of their own voices, and perception of others’ view of adolescent males’ participation in choir. Data were obtained from 101 adolescent males who were enrolled in choir at one of six participating schools, and were in Grade 7 or Grade 8. Data analysis showed that most participants enrolled in choir because they thought it was fun and/or they were good singers. Results also indicated that peer pressure factored less than the enjoyment of singing in influencing their decision to enroll in choir. Other results suggested that the participants perceived support from their families, principals, and nonmusic teachers in their decision to take choir and that they perceived slightly less support from coaches at their school. The study indicates a need for future research of adolescent males who have chosen not to participate in choir and their attitudes about choir participation. Future research studying the attitudes of adolescent males from other regions and their attitudes about choir participation is also recommended.
An Analysis of Vocal Jazz Repertoire by Three Selected Publishing Companies
Authors: Baker Wilbur R.
Published: August 2011

The purpose of this study was to analyze SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) vocal jazz octavos ( N = 150) from three publishers in an effort to (a) identify the most prolific arrangers/composers, (b) cite improvisation opportunities, (c) document publisher improvisation markings, (d) indicate repeated titles, (e) identify most popular styles, and (f) investigate instrumental accompaniment combinations. Results revealed that the most prolific composers were Kirby Shaw, Steve Zegree, and Darmon Meader. Less than one fourth (22.6%) of the charts included improvisation opportunities for singers with transcribed notation ( n = 18) or instructions ( n = 16). Swing and Ballad styles were more prevalent than Latin and Contemporary. Categories for instrumental accompaniments included none/a cappella ( n = 31), bass ( n = 1), piano ( n = 39), combo ( n = 48), and augmented combo ( n = 32). Further results and discussion are included.
Mechanical properties of multilayer TiAlN/CrN coatings deposited by cathodic arc evaporation
Authors: Warcholinski B , Gilewicz A
Published: August 2011

The results of the investigations of multilayer TiAlN/CrN coatings deposited using cathodic arc evaporation applying TiAl (50∶50 at-%) and elemental Cr cathodes are presented. The bilayer TiAlN+CrN thickness was ∼250 nm with the thickness ratio of TiAlN/CrN layers of approximately 1∶1. The atomic ratio of Ti/(Al+Ti) in the coating was 0·60. As the reference, the monolayer TiAlN and multilayer TiAlN/TiN coatings were selected. All the coatings were deposited on CrN sublayer to reduce their stress and improve their adhesion. The investigated coatings show good adhesion in the range 80–90 N. The TiAlN/CrN coating shows a lower friction coefficient and a significantly lower wear rate than those of reference coatings (more than 10 times).
Comparative study on corrosion behaviour of plasma sprayed Ni–3Ti and Ni–3Al coatings
Authors: Verdian M M
Published: August 2011

Ni–3Al and Ni–3Ti alloys were deposited on AISI 1045 steel substrate using air plasma spraying process. In this regard, mechanically alloyed feedstock powders were used. Open circuit potential EOCP measurements and Tafel polarisation tests were carried out to study corrosion behaviour of the coatings in 3·5%NaCl solution. These tests indicated that the corrosion performance of the Ni–3Ti coating is better than that of the Ni–3Al coating. The corrosion current densities were three times lower in the Ni–3Ti coating than in Ni–3Al coating. In addition, Ni–3Ti coating showed better passive behaviour than Ni–3Al coating. After 10 h of immersion, the surface of Ni–3Al coating became pitted, and rust spots appeared on the surface. In contrast, there was no rusting and pitting on the surface of Ni–3Ti coating even after 10 h of immersion.
Microstructure and wear behaviour of pulse electrodeposited Ni–CNT composite coatings
Authors: Borkar T , Harimkar S
Published: August 2011

Owing to excellent mechanical properties, such as high strength, high elastic modulus and large elastic as well as fracture strain, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are attracting significant interests as reinforcements in metallic coatings. In the present investigation, CNT reinforced nickel composite coatings were deposited on a stainless steel substrate using pulse electrodeposition process employing a nickel Watts bath. The presence of CNTs in the composite coating prohibited the columnar growth of the nickel grains resulting in random/weak texture and smaller thickness of the composite coatings. The Ni–CNT composite coatings exhibited significantly improved microhardness (580±15 HV) compared to pure nickel coatings (320±15 HV). The ball-on-disc wear testing data indicated that the reinforcement of CNTs significantly improved wear resistance of the composite coatings compared to pure nickel coatings.
Investigation of corrosion behaviour of carbon steel coated by pulsed plasma electrolytic boronising technique in 3·5 wt-%NaCl aqueous solution
Authors: Alavi S H , Dehghanian C , Taheri P
Published: August 2011

Boride coatings were synthesised on AISI H13 steel using pulsed plasma electrolytic boronising technique in a modified aqueous solution of borax. Hard and strongly adherent coatings with various desirable properties were obtained by applying different frequencies and duty cycles during the treatment. The analytical characteristics of the coating were assessed using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The thickness of boride layers was increased by increasing frequencies. The corrosion performances of these coatings were investigated by a potentiodynamic polarisation test and ac impedance spectroscopy. Equivalent circuits have been proposed to represent the boride phases, oxide film and electrolyte systems examined. The general corrosion resistance of the produced coatings has been found to increase with the frequency.
Effects of five additives on electrochemical corrosion behaviours of AZ91D magnesium alloy in sodium chloride solution
Authors: Dai Y , Li Q , Gao H , Li L Q , Chen F N , Luo F , Zhang S Y
Published: August 2011

Additives usually affect the electrochemical corrosion behaviours of metals which are immersed in the electrolyte. In this study, five additives including thiourea (TU), thiosinamine (ATU), thiosemicarbazide (TSC), sodium benzoate (Bz) and sodium citrate (SC) were added into the electrolyte respectively to investigate the electrochemical corrosion behaviours of AZ91D magnesium alloy immersed in neutral 0·05 wt-%NaCl solution. Open circuit potential (OCP), potentiodynamic polarisation and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements were employed in the electrochemical tests. The results revealed that TSC showed a good inhibiting effect, and TU as well as ATU slightly improved the corrosion resistance of AZ91D magnesium alloy in the studied solutions. A negative inhibiting effect with the addition of Bz or SC was also observed. Moreover, the electrochemical results were analysed by computational chemistry method and ultraviolet absorption spectra, and the possible inhibiting mechanism was also discussed in detail.
Residual stress and nanomechanical properties of sonoelectrodeposited Cu films
Authors: Mallik A , Ray B C
Published: August 2011

Knowledge of internal stresses in thin copper film structures is essential in understanding the film properties, such as stress migration, adhesion, hardness and elasticity. Internal stresses and nanomechanical properties in thin copper films were investigated by the curvature method, nanoindentation and atomic force microscope. Variations in the abovementioned parameters were studied with decreasing deposition temperature for the films. Irrespective of deposition temperature, the stress was observed to be compressive and increased at low electrolyte temperatures. Hardness and elasticity of the films were found to be increased with reduced deposition temperature. With increasing compressive stress, the hardness of the films increased. The surface adhesion of the film deposited at 5°C was minimum, indicating increased cleanliness and chemical stability with low deposition temperatures.
Coordinate loss of a microRNA and protein-coding gene cooperate in the pathogenesis of 5q− syndrome
Authors: Kumar Madhu S. , Narla Anupama , Nonami Atsushi , Mullally Ann , Dimitrova Nadya , Ball Brian , McAuley J. Randall , Poveromo Luke , Kutok Jeffrey L. , Galili Naomi , Raza Azra , Attar Eyal , Gilliland D. Gary , Jacks Tyler , Ebert Benjamin L.
Published: August 2011

Large chromosomal deletions are among the most common molecular abnormalities in cancer, yet the identification of relevant genes has proven difficult. The 5q− syndrome, a subtype of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), is a chromosomal deletion syndrome characterized by anemia and thrombocytosis. Although we have previously shown that hemizygous loss of RPS14 recapitulates the failed erythroid differentiation seen in 5q− syndrome, it does not affect thrombocytosis. Here we show that a microRNA located in the common deletion region of 5q− syndrome, miR-145, affects megakaryocyte and erythroid differentiation. We find that miR-145 functions through repression of Fli-1, a megakaryocyte and erythroid regulatory transcription factor. Patients with del(5q) MDS have decreased expression of miR-145 and increased expression of Fli-1. Overexpression of miR-145 or inhibition of Fli-1 decreases the production of megakaryocytic cells relative to erythroid cells, whereas inhibition of miR-145 or overexpression of Fli-1 has a reciprocal effect. Moreover, combined loss of miR-145 and RPS14 cooperates to alter erythroid-megakaryocytic differentiation in a manner similar to the 5q− syndrome. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that coordinate deletion of a miRNA and a protein-coding gene contributes to the phenotype of a human malignancy, the 5q− syndrome.
Fine-tuning nucleophosmin in macrophage differentiation and activation
Authors: Guery Leslie , Benikhlef Naïma , Gautier Thomas , Paul Catherine , Jego Gaetan , Dufour Erick , Jacquel Arnaud , Cally Radj , Manoury Bénédicte , Vanden Berghe Tom , Vandenabeele Peter , Droin Nathalie , Solary Eric
Published: August 2011

M-CSF–driven differentiation of peripheral blood monocytes is one of the sources of tissue macrophages. In humans and mice, the differentiation process involves the activation of caspases that cleave a limited number of proteins. One of these proteins is nucleophosmin (NPM1), a multifunctional and ubiquitous protein. Here, we show that caspases activated in monocytes exposed to M-CSF cleave NPM1 at D213 to generate a 30-kDa N-terminal fragment. The protein is further cleaved into a 20-kDa fragment, which involves cathepsin B. NPM1 fragments contribute to the limited motility, migration, and phagocytosis capabilities of resting macrophages. Their activation with lipopolysaccharides inhibits proteolytic processes and restores expression of the full-length protein that negatively regulates the transcription of genes encoding inflammatory cytokines (eg, NPM1 is recruited with NF-κB on the MCP1 gene promoter to decrease its transcription). In mice with heterozygous npm gene deletion, cytokine production in response to lipopolysaccharides, including CXCL1 (KC), MCP1, and MIP2, is dramatically enhanced. These results indicate a dual function of NPM1 in M-CSF–differentiated macrophages. Proteolysis of the protein participates in the establishment of a mature macrophage phenotype. In response to inflammatory stimuli, the full-length protein negatively regulates inflammatory cytokine production.
Addition of rituximab to chemotherapy alone as first-line therapy improves overall survival in elderly patients with mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Griffiths Robert , Mikhael Joseph , Gleeson Michelle , Danese Mark , Dreyling Martin
Published: August 2011

Clinical trials have demonstrated that rituximab improves overall survival in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), except in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). We used Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)–Medicare data to compare survival in older MCL patients who began chemotherapy with or without rituximab within 180 days of diagnosis. Patients were followed from diagnosis (January 1999 to December 2005) until death or the end of observation (December 2007). Medicare administrative and claims data were used to identify the date and cause of death and the immunochemotherapy regimen. Of 638 patients, the mean age at diagnosis was 75 years, 75% had stage III/IV disease, 67% had extranodal involvement, and 64% received rituximab. The average length of first-line treatment was 21 weeks, with no difference between the 2 groups (P = .76). Median survival was 27 months for chemotherapy alone, compared with 37 months for chemotherapy plus rituximab (P < .001). In multivariate analysis of 2-year survival, rituximab plus chemotherapy was associated with lower all-cause (hazard ratio [HR] 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.41-0.82; P < .01), and cancer-specific (HR 0.56; 95% CI 0.37-0.84; P < .01) mortality. Results were similar when using the entire observation period, propensity score analysis, and limiting chemotherapy to CHOP/CHOP-like. We conclude that first-line chemotherapy including rituximab is associated with significantly improved survival in older patients diagnosed with MCL.
Prognostic implications of the IDH1 synonymous SNP rs11554137 in pediatric and adult AML: a report from the Children's Oncology Group and SWOG
Authors: Ho Phoenix A. , Kopecky Kenneth J. , Alonzo Todd A. , Gerbing Robert B. , Miller Kristen L. , Kuhn Julia , Zeng Rong , Ries Rhonda E. , Raimondi Susana C. , Hirsch Betsy A. , Oehler Vivian , Hurwitz Craig A. , Franklin Janet L. , Gamis Alan S. , Petersdorf Stephen H. , Anderson Jeanne E. , Godwin John E. , Reaman Gregory H. , Willman Cheryl L. , Bernstein Irwin D. , Radich Jerald P. , Appelbaum Frederick R. , Stirewalt Derek L. , Meshinchi Soheil
Published: August 2011

IDH1 SNP rs11554137 was recently reported in association with poor prognosis in normal karyotype adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We aimed to determine the prevalence, clinical associations, and prognostic significance of SNP rs11554137 in unselected pediatric and adult AML patients. Diagnostic marrow specimens from 527 AML patients treated on the pediatric trial Children's Oncology Group-AAML03P1 (N = 253) or adult SWOG trials (N = 274) were analyzed for the presence of the SNP. SNP rs11554137 was present in 11% of all patients. SNP status had no prognostic impact on survival in pediatric patients. In adult AML, overall survival for SNP-positive patients was 10% versus 18% for SNP-negative patients (P = .44). Among the 142 adults who achieved complete remission, 5-year relapse-free survival was significantly worse for SNP-positive patients (0% vs 25%, P = .0014). However, among adults with normal cytogenetics, FLT3/ITD was present in 90% of SNP-positive patients versus 59% of SNP-negative patients (P = .0053). In multivariate analysis, adjusting for the effects of age, cytogenetics, and FLT3/ITD, the independent prognostic effect of SNP positivity was not statistically significant (hazard ratio = 1.72, P = .18). The clinical profile of SNP-positive patients suggests that SNP rs11554137 may have biologic effects that bear further investigation. The clinical trials in this study are registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT000707174 and #NCT00899171.
De novo deletion in MECP2 in a monozygotic twin pair: a case report
Authors: Mittal Kirti , Kabra Madhulika , Juyal Ramesh , BK Thelma
Published: August 2011

Background

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe, progressive, neurodevelopmental disorder predominantly observed in females that leads to intellectual disability. Mutations and gross rearrangements inMECP2account for a large proportion of cases with RTT. A limited number of twin pairs with RTT have also been reported in literature.

Case Presentation

We investigated 13 year old, monozygotic twin females with RTT and some noticeable differences in development using a combinatorial approach of sequencing and Taqman assay. Monozygosity status of the twins was confirmed by informative microsatellite markers.

Conclusions

The twins shared ade novodeletion in exon 3 in the MBD domain ofMECP2. To the best of our knowledge, this is only the second report of genetic analysis of a monozygotic twin pair.
Resveratrol Inhibits Cdk5 Activity through Regulation of p35 Expression
Authors: Utreras Elias , Terse Anita , Keller Jason , ladarola Michael J , Kulkarni Ashok B
Published: August 2011

Background:

We have previously reported that cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) participates in the regulation of nociceptive signaling. Through activation of the ERK1/2 pathway, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) induces expression of Egr-1. This results in the sustained and robust expression of p35, a coactivator of Cdk5, in PC12 cells, thereby increasing Cdk5 kinase activity. The aim of our present study was to test whether resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound with known analgesic activity, can regulate Cdk5/p35 activity.

Results:

Here we used a cell-based assay in which a p35 promoter-luciferase construct was stably transfected in PC12 cells. Our studies demonstrate that resveratrol inhibits p35 promoter activity and also blocks the TNF-α mediated increase in Cdk5 activity in PC12 cells. Resveratrol also inhibits p35 expression and blocks the TNF-α mediated increase in Cdk5 activity in DRG neurons. In the presence of resveratrol, the MEK inhibitor decreased p35 promoter activity, whereas the inhibitors of p38 MAPK, JNK and NF- κB increased p35 promoter activity, indicating that these pathways regulate p35 expression differently. The TNF-α-mediated increase in Egr-1 expression was decreased by resveratrol treatment with a concomitant reduction in p35 expression and protein levels, resulting in reduced Cdk5 kinase activity.

Conclusions:

We demonstrate here that resveratrol regulates p35 promoter activity in PC12 cells and DRG neurons. Most importantly, resveratrol blocks the TNF-α-mediated increase in p35 promoter activity, thereby reducing p35 expression and subsequent Cdk5 kinase activity. This new molecular mechanism adds to the known analgesic effects of resveratrol and confirms the need for identifying new analgesics based on their ability to inhibit Cdk5 activity for effective treatment of pain.
Impact of education and training on type of care provided by community-based breastfeeding counselors: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sullivan Elizabeth M , Bignell Whitney E , Andrianos Anne , Anderson Alex K
Published: August 2011

Background

Studies using community-based breastfeeding counselors (CBBCs) have repeatedly shown positive impact on breastfeeding initiation, exclusivity and duration, particularly among low-income mothers. To date, there has not been a comprehensive study to determine the impact of CBBC attributes such as educational background and training, on the type of care that CBBCs provide.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of a convenience sample of CBBCs to ascertain the influence of counselor education and type of training on type of support and proficiency of CBBCs in communities across the United States. Invitations to participate in this online survey of CBBCs were e-mailed to program coordinators of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), La Leche League, and other community-based health organizations, who in turn invited and encouraged their CBBCs to participate. Descriptive analysis was used to describe participants (N = 847), while bivariate analysis using χ2 test was used to examine the differences between CBBC education, training received and breastfeeding support skills used. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the independent determinants of specific breastfeeding support skills.

Results

The major findings from the research indicate that overall, educational attainment of CBBCs is not a significant predictor for the curriculum used in their training and type of support skills used during counseling sessions, but initial training duration was positively associated with the use of many breastfeeding support skills. Another major influence of counselor support to clients is the type of continuing education they receive after their initial training, with higher likelihood of use of desirable support skills associated with counselors continuing their breastfeeding education at conferences or trainings away from their job sites.

Conclusions

Our results show that different programs use different training curricula to train their CBBCs varying in duration and content. Counselor education is not a significant predictor of the type of training they receive. Continuing breastfeeding education is a significant determinant of type of counseling techniques used with clients. Further research is therefore needed to critically examine the content of the various training curricula of CBBC programs. This may show a need for a standardized training curriculum for all CBBC programs worldwide to make CBBCs more proficient and efficient, ensuring successful and optimum breastfeeding experiences for mothers and their newborns.