bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
People, Processes and Politics in Quality Assurance: Changing Pathways of Quality Assurance
Authors: McConkey Kevin M.
Published: February 2014

Quality assurance is about getting people to think and behave in ways that may be different from what they are used to. In other words, quality assurance is about changing individuals and through them the institutions with which they are associated. Different countries and different higher education institutions approach the processes and the politics of effective quality assurance differently. I draw out major issues that help or hinder effective quality assurance. I point to information that needs to be provided about quality assurance, and also emphasise the need for evaluation of how quality assurance is undertaken. I emphasize the importance of recognizing the people and processes of quality assurance that lead to positive outcomes. I argue that whereas there is no single way to approach quality assurance, there are principles that need to be understood and applied in ways that are appropriate to the individuals, institutions and countries involved.
The Influence of Undergraduate Students’ Academic Involvement and Learning Environment on Learning Outcomes
Authors: Lu Genshu , Hu Wenjing , Peng Zhengxia , Kang Hui
Published: February 2014

This study explores the influence of learning environment factor and academic involvement factor on students’ learning outcomes. The sample includes 3,946 undergraduates in Xi’an Jiaotong University. The variables about learning environment, academic involvement and learning outcomes are constructed in terms of the questionnaire “Xi’an Jiaotong University Undergraduate Experience Survey”. The study results indicate that learning environment and academic involvement significantly influence students’ learning outcomes. Meanwhile, the practical and policy significance of this study results in promoting students’ learning and development is also discussed.
Wood and Bark Anatomy of Lauraceae. ii. Licaria Aublet
Authors: Georg Richter Hans
Published: February 2014

Qualitative features of the secondary xylem of Licaria present a rather uniform structural profile. Constant differences in primarily quantitative characters lead to the formation of speeies groups wh ich loosely correspond to infrageneric sections based on floral and vegetative morphology. This subdivision is strongly corroborated by the highly variable secondary phloem structurc revealing considerable diversity in type and distribution of sc1erenchymatic tissues. Inorganic inclusions in the secondary xylem, crystals and silica, constitute an important diagnostic tool for differentiating certain species and species groups, but are hardly of importance in the bark.
Wood Anatomy of Indian Albizias
Authors: Chauhan Laxmi , Dayal R.
Published: February 2014

Ten Indian species of Albizia can be distinguished on a num ber of characters such as seriation of rays, frequency of uniseriate and triseriate rays, presence of septa in fibres, presence or absence of a distinct S3 layer in fibre walls and specific gravity.
Automatic Measurement of Vessel Lumen Area and Diameter With Particular Reference to Pedunculate Oak and Common Beech
Authors: Gasson Peter
Published: February 2014

A method for measuring cell diameter and area in transverse seetions of wood with an automatie image analyser is described. The parameters measured were vessel lumen area, vcssel lumen diameter and percentage conductive area (PCA). The automatie image analyser was used to measure these parameters in root, trunk and branch wood of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.). The measurements were compared with those obtained with a digitiser from sampies of holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) and Turner's oak (Quercus × turneri Willd. = Quercus ilex × Q. rabur). Both techniques permit the rapid examination of transverse seetions of wood and the accumulation of a large data base. The automatie method is more rapid than the semi-automatic one using a digitiser, the measurements are more accurate and the method is less labour intensive. The data obtained permit the interpretation of variation in vessel size and distribution throughout the tree and relate this to the water carrying capacity .of the xylem. In Quercus robur, PCA and vessel diameter tend to increase [rom immature aerial, to mature aerial, to root xylem, whereas in Fagus sylvatica although vessel diameter tends to show the same trend, PCA does not. The conclusions reached for Quercus ilex and Q. × turneri were less definite.
The Annual Rhythm of Activity of the Lateral Meristems (Cambium and Phellogen) in Pistacia Lentiscus L.
Authors: Liphschitz Nili , Lev-Yadun S. , Waisel Y.
Published: February 2014

Cambial and phellogen activities in Pistacia lentiscus were followed by the radiological method. Under natural conditions xylem was produced in most cases during two separate seasons of the year, i.e. spring and autumn. The phloem was produced during two different periods that were shorter than those of the xylem production. The phellogen was active once a year in some branches, during the end of April and May. The cambium of irrigated plants was continuously active throughout the spring, summer and autumn. The cessation of activity of the lateral meristems during the winter and summer seems to represent rest periods. The pattern of activity of the lateral meristems in Pistacia lentiscus suggests that this species is weil adapted to the Mediterranean climatic rhythm.
Electron Microscopic Demonstration of a Suberised Layer in the Tylosis Wall of Beech and Oak
Authors: Parameswaran Narayan , Knigge Hartmut , Liese Walter
Published: February 2014

The tylosis wall consists of three layers in the discoloured heartwood of Fagus sylvatica and of two layers in non-traumatic heartwood of Quercus robur. The central zone of one of these layers reveals suberised lamellae, particularly after KMnO4/uranyl acetate staining. The presence of suberin may impede the penetration of gases or liquids.
Vegetative Remains of the Rosaceae from the Princeton Chert (Middle Eocene) of British Columbia
Authors: Cevallos-Ferriz Sergio R. S. , Stockey Ruth A.
Published: February 2014

Several anatomieally preserved twigs, a branehing speeimen and the wood of a large axis with affinities to Rosaeeae are deseribed from the Prineeton ehert (Middle Eoeene) of British Columbia, Canada. Speeimens are eharaeterised by a heteroeellular pith with a peri-medullary rone of thiek-walled oval eells and semi-ring-porous seeondary xylem with vertieal traumatie duets, fibres with eireular bordered pits, and mostly seanty paratracheal and oeeasionally apotracheal parenehyma. Ray to vessel pitting is similar to the alternate intervaseular pitting. Seeondary phloem is eomposed of tangentially oriented diseontinuous bands of alternating fibres and thinwalled eells. Seeondary eortical tissues are represented by a phelloderm eharaeterised by rectangular eells and phellern with rectangular eoneave eells. Anatomical variation between speeimens can be related to age of the woody axes. Juvenile and mature wood of this speeies differ in vessel arrangement and presenee of scanty paratracheal parenchyma in mature wood. Vessel elements are arranged in radial multiples, oeeasional clusters as well as solitary vessels. Tyloses and dark cellular contents are present mainly in mature wood. Some twigs have a heterocellular pith with a few scattered cells with dark contents or, occasionally, short irregular rows of these cells. In the branching specimen eells of this type also are organised in longer rows. Together, these anatomical features suggest that all specimens belong to the same taxon, Prunus allenbyensis Cevallos-Ferriz ' Stockey n. sp. Anatomy of this plant reinforces the interpretation of a subtropical to temperate climate during the time of deposition.
Polar Patierns of Periderm Onfogeny, Their Relationship to Leaves and Buds, and the Control of Cork Formation
Authors: Lev-Yadun Simcha , Aloni Roni
Published: February 2014

Patterns of periderm ontogeny were studied in vigorously growing branches and leaders of Calotropis procera (Ait.) Ait. f., Carissa grandiflora A. DC., Ficus elastica Roxb., Ficus religiosa L. and Melia azedarach L. In all of these five woody species the periderm develops in clear polar patterns, with inhibitory zones, in which periderm formation is delayed, just beneath leaf bases and around dormant buds. A high rate of periderm production is induced by high sun irradiation in Calotropis procera. The polar patterns of periderm formation with retardation regions around leaves and buds probably indicate auxin involvement in the control mechanism of periderm differentiation. The role of both auxin and ethylene in periderm formation is discussed, as weIl as a proposed mechanism for rhytidome initiation.
Qualitative Structural Changes during Bark Development in Quercus Robur, Ulmus Glabra, Populus Tremula and Betula Pendula
Authors: Trockenbrodt M.
Published: February 2014

The development of bark structure of Quercus robur L., Ulmus glabra Huds., Populus tremula L. and Betula pendula Roth is being described. Profound structural changes can be observed during the first years after secondary growth has started. In all four species the epidermis is replaced by a periderm, the cortex shows intensive dilatation growth, and the groups of primary bark fibres are pushed apart. The collapse of sieve tube members starts with the second year. With proceeding secondary growth, the specific formation of sclerenchymatic tissue, especially sclereids, and the dilatation growth are processes which strongly affect the bark structure of Quercus robur, Populus tremula and Betula pendula. In addition, wide, fused phloem rays develop in Quercus robur. The structure of Ulmus glabra bark is affected by the formation of phloem fibre-/sclereid-like cells and mucilage cells and by dilatation growth. The histological pattern of Ulmus glabra bark stabilises to a great extent after the first few years, the other barks investigated show further developmental processes over many years. In all species the formation of a rhytidome is the last distinct modification of bark structure.
The Anatomy of Unusual Tracheids in Tetracentron Wood
Authors: Suzuki Mitsuo , Joshi Lajmina , Fujii Tomoyuki , Noshiro Shuichi
Published: February 2014

Unusual cells are reported for mature wood and branchwood of Tetracentron. They are thin-walled tracheids, rectangular in cross section, much shorter and a little wider than normal tracheids, and arranged in conspicuous radial files. They have crowded, alternate, circular to elliptical bordered pits in the tangential walls. Their radial walls are devoid of pils, except in crossfield areas and very rarely in limited areas of the walls touching normal tracheids. In contrast, normal tracheids have scalariform and circular pits confined to the radial walls. In earlier reports the unusual tracheids have been observed in twigs and roots, but in our materials they are a regular feature of mature wood samples as well. Their possible functional and phylogenetic significance is discussed.
Adapting the Iawa List of Microscopic Features for Hardwood Identification to Delta
Authors: de Pernia Narcisana Espinoza , Miller Regis B.
Published: February 2014

The IAWA List of Microscopic Features for Hardwood Identification was adapted to DELTA (DEscription Language for TAxonomy), a package of computer programs for generating taxonomic descriptions and interactive species identification. The quality of our natural language descriptions generated by DELTA are suitable to prepare a first-draft manuscript. In specific taxon descriptions, minor changes to wording and syntax are more easily accomplished with a word processor, but all taxon changes to format, syntax, and wording are best accomplished with DELTA. As the user becomes more familiar with DELTA, the descriptions become more refined and fewer changes are necessary. The highly sophisticated interactive identification (INTKEY) program is flexible and versatile with many options to meet the needs of wood anatomists engaged in wood identification.
Calcium-Layers in Xylem Vessels
Authors: Bonsen Karel J. M. , Walter Martin
Published: February 2014

Additional layers on the inner vessel walls and on perforation plates in 'pathological' xylem parts were EDX-analysed. The layers contain high amounts of calcium. The origin of these layers in relation to bacterial activity is discussed.
Poorly and Non-Lignified Regions in the Middle Lamella Cell Corners of Birch (Betula Verrucosa) and Other Wood Species
Authors: Daniel G. , Nilsson T. , Pettersson B.
Published: February 2014

Middle lamella cell corners in birch wood frequently show a non-homogeneous structure and the existence of less dense (i. e electron- lucent) regions. Using a variety of cytochemical, immunological and mercurisation techniques in conjunction with electron microscopy, the distribution of lignin within these regions was studied. Results showed the regions to have a variable lignin content consistent with intermediate and incomplete stages of lignification. Observations on corner regions partially degraded by decay fungi further showed the electron-lucent regions to possess an elevated level of non-lignified components (presumably carbohydrates) with a fibrillar type structure. Examination of a range of other wood species (including hard- and softwoods) by TEM showed similar structural variations in middle lamella cell corner homogeneity suggesting a common feature. It is considered that this natural variation in cell corner density and lignification may lead to errors when lignin concentrations of cell corners are used in ratio estimates of lignin in secondary cell wall layers.
Development of Soft Rot Decay in the Bamboo Sinobambusa Tootsik
Authors: Murphy R.J. , Alvin K.L. , Tan Y·F.
Published: February 2014

The development of decay cavities caused by growth of the soft rot fungus Chaetomium globosum Kunze in the fibre cell walls of Sinobambusa tootsik (Makino) Makino ex Nakai was studied in culms of two different ages. Soft rot attack was found only in the cell walls of fibres; parenchyma and vessel elements remained unattacked. The extent of soft rot and cavity morphology were influenced by the position of the fibre bundles in the culm wall, culm age and the degree of lignification of individual fibres. Decay was greatest in the walls of those fibres which matured late in the course of culm development and in which the wall contained zones of low lignin content. It was least in the early maturing, uniformly lignified fibres and in very immature, thin-walled fibres. The results are discussed in relation to developmental anatomy and the reported ultrastructure of bamboo fibre walls.
Sapwood/Heartwood Width Relationships with Tree Age in Balsam Fir
Authors: Hazenberg G. , Yang K. C.
Published: February 2014

On the basis of five response variables, the sapwood/heartwood relationships with tree age were studied in balsam fir [Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.] trees. One hundred and one samples, from a wide range of stand densities, were collected from the university forest near Thunder Bay, Ontario. The age at breast height ranged from 4 to 85 years. The five response variables measured were the number of sapwood and heartwood rings, sapwood and heartwood width and sapwood basal area. First and second degree polynomials in tree age were fitted for the five response variables and the best fit for each, based on the significance of the regression coefficients, was selected. The number of heartwood rings expanded quite rapidly to 0.81 ring per year, at the cost of sapwood ring expansion which averaged 0.19 ring per year.
Development of Included Phloem and Organisation of the Phloem Network in the Stem of Strychnos Millepunctata (Loganiaceae)
Authors: van Veenendaal W. L. H. , Outer R. W. den
Published: February 2014

The development of the diffuse included phloem strands in Strychnos millepunctata Leeuwenberg is described and compared with that in some other Strychnos species.
Cocconeis tortilis: a new marine diatom (Bacillariophyta, Cocconeidaceae) from Japan
Authors: Suzuki Hidekazu , NAGUMO TAMOTSU , TANAKA JIRO
Published: February 2014

A new species of Cocconeis, C. tortilis, was found on some seaweed collected from the Izu and Okinawa Islands of Japan. Its morphology was examined using both light and electron microscopy; details are described herein. This small diatom is characterized by: 1) a concave raphid valve with a straight raphe inclined from the apical axis, central area forming stauros, and uniseriate striae consisting of circular areolae occluded by hymens: 2) a twisted convex araphid valve with a narrow lanceolate sternum inclined from the apical axis, and uniseriate striae consisting of several loculate areolae occluded by hymens: and 3) a cingulum consisting of three non fimbriated girdle bands including a valvocopula.
Description, DNA barcode and phylogeny of a new species, Macrobrachium abrahami (Decapoda: Palaemonidae) from Kerala, India
Authors: PILLAI P. M. , UNNIKRISHNAN V. , KUMAR U. SURESH
Published: February 2014

Macrobrachium abrahami, new species is described from Vamanapuram River, Kerala, South India. DNA bar-coding using Cytochrome B gene sequences has elucidated the taxonomic status of the new species and the ML tree reveals that M. abrahami sp. nov., is phylogenetically close to M. prabhakarani, but morphologically more similar to M. scabriculum. However, the species shares certain morphological characters with M. scabriculum, M. prabhakarani and M. lanatum, but differs remarkably from these three species in distinctive diagnostic characters: rostrum moderately long, convex, distal end directed upwards, rostral formula 12–15/2–3 with 5–6 postorbital teeth, and carapace glabrous. In larger second chelate leg, fingers stout, pubescence restricted to their base; proximal half of cutting edge with fifteen denticles. In smaller second chelate leg, cutting edge of both fingers carry six small denticles situated proximally, distal one comparatively larger. Delicate setae are seen throughout the palm. A row of dark chromatophores is present along the posterio-dorsal margin of uropodal exopods and endopods, close to the base of uropodal setae. The thickness of each band of the row is almost equal to the thickness of uropodal setae.
The first ibis fly in mid-Cretaceous amber of France (Diptera: Athericidae)
Authors: NEL ANDRÉ , DE PLOËG GAËL , PERRICHOT VINCENT
Published: February 2014

A new genus and species of ibis fly is described from an isolated wing in amber from the Late Albian–Early Cenomanian of Charentes, southwestern France. Galloatherix incompletus gen. et sp. n., is the first Athericidae fossilized in Cretaceous amber, and only the eighth Mesozoic species. It adds to the diverse aquatic and semiaquatic paleobiota already identified from Charentese amber.
A new genus for a Chilean species of Acanthosomatidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera)
Authors: FAÚNDEZ EDUARDO I.
Published: February 2014

Sinopla canaliculus Reed, 1898 is revalidated and illustrated for first time. Pseudosinopla n. gen. (Blaudusinae: Lanopini) is erected to place S. canaliculus Reed, 1898. A key to Chilean Lanopini genera is included.
Acute Cardiotoxic Effects of Adjuvant Trastuzumab Treatment and Its Relation to Oxidative Stress
Authors: Dirican Ahmet , Levent Fatih , Alacacioglu Ahmet , Kucukzeybek Yuksel , Varol Umut , Kocabas Ugur , Şenöz Oktay , Emren Sadık Volkan , Demir Lutfiye , Coban Eyup , Aksun Saliha , Sutcu Recep , Tarhan Mustafa Oktay
Published: February 2014

Our aim was to evaluate the acute cardiac toxicity of adjuvant trastuzumab treatment and its possible relation to changes in oxidative stress. Electrocardiographic and echocardiographic tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) parameters, activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase; SOD), and products of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde; MDA) were analyzed in 30 patients with early-stage breast cancer who had adjuvant trastuzumab treatment. There was a significant prolongation of QT interval after trastuzumab treatment. There was also a significant decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), TDI-derived S’ parameters, and SOD enzyme activity and increase in MDA levels after trastuzumab infusion. There was a positive correlation between changes in SOD activity and LVEF and a negative correlation between changes in MDA levels and LVEF. This study demonstrated a correlation between decreases in LVEF and increases in products of the oxidative stress in patients who had adjuvant trastuzumab treatment.
Adiponectin as an Independent Predictor of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Nondiabetic Patients With Hypertension
Authors: Peer Maya , Mashavi Margarita , Matas Zipora , Harpaz David , Shargorodsky Marina
Published: February 2014

We evaluated novel and traditional biomarkers as well as hemodynamic parameters associated with the development of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in nondiabetic patients with hypertension. Nondiabetic patients with hypertension (n = 86) were evaluated for lipids, glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), adiponectin, aldosterone, renin, matrix metalloproteinase 2, and endothelin. Arterial elasticity was evaluated using pulse wave contour. The LVH parameters were assessed echographically. Adiponectin was significantly and inversely associated with left ventricular mass (LVM; P = .032). The aldosterone–renin ratio (ARR) was significantly, positively associated with LVM ( P = .031). Fasting insulin as well as HOMA-IR was significantly, positively associated with LVM ( P = .036 and P = .025, respectively). In multiple linear regression analysis, adiponectin and ARR remained a significant predictor of LVM. The present study found that adiponectin and ARR are important independent determinants of LVH in nondiabetic patients with hypertension.
Cardiovascular Complications in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Regular Hemodialysis
Authors: Al-Thani Hassan , Shabana Adel , Hussein Ahmed , Sadek Ahmed , Sharaf Ahmed , Koshy Valsa , El-Menyar Ayman
Published: February 2014

We aimed to study the vascular outcomes in hemodialysis (HD) patients based on their diabetic status. A cohort observational study was conducted among patients undergoing regular HD with a 5-year follow-up. Of the 252 consecutive HD patients, 60% were diabetic. Compared with nondiabetics, diabetics were 11 years older, 4 years lesser on HD, and more likely to have prior cerebrovascular and coronary artery disease (CAD). Overall 5-year follow-up showed that diabetic patients had higher rates of HD vascular accesses (57% vs 41%, P = .01), CAD (64% vs 33%, P = .001), major amputations (8.6% vs 0%, P = .003), and mortality (66% vs 23%, P = .001). On multivariate analysis, independent predictors of mortality included number of vascular accesses in nondiabetics and HD duration, CAD, and peripheral artery disease in diabetic patients. Diabetes mellitus is associated with a significant vascular burden and mortality among HD patients. Moreover, our finding highlights the vascular impact of renal failure and HD.
Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy and Acute Infectious Diseases
Authors: De Giorgi Alfredo , Fabbian Fabio , Pala Marco , Parisi Claudia , Misurati Elisa , Molino Christian , Boccafogli Arrigo , Tiseo Ruana , Gamberini Susanna , Salmi Raffaella , Portaluppi Francesco , Manfredini Roberto
Published: February 2014

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC), also defined as “stress cardiomyopathy,” is characterized by a systolic dysfunction localized in the apical and medial left ventricles. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is more prevalent in females and it is usually related to an event triggered by physical or emotional stress. We systematically explored PubMed and Embase medical information source to identify case reports showing association between infection and TTC. For each kind of infection, we collected a set of data, including pathogen, site of infection, clinical outcome, patient age and sex, and author and year of publication. We found 26 articles dealing with 27 case reports (74% women). The mean age was 61.4 ± 13.7 years and bacterial infections were more frequent (n = 23, 85.2%). In 14 cases, there was a culture-based definition of the bacterial strain: gram+ in 8 cases (57.1%) and gram− in 6 cases (42.9%). Clinical outcome was always favorable.
FIFA 11 for Health programme: Implementation in five countries in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Fuller Colin W , Junge Astrid , Amaning Jacob , Kaijage Rogasian R , Kaputa John , Magwende George , Pambo Prince , Dvorak Jiri
Published: February 2014

Objective:

To assess the effectiveness of the FIFA 11 for Health programme in increasing children’s knowledge about communicable and non-communicable diseases in five countries of Sub-Saharan Africa.

Method:

A prospective five-cohort study was implemented in schools in Ghana (17), Malawi (12), Namibia (11), Tanzania (18) and Zambia (11). The programme consisted of eleven 90-minute sessions consisting of two 45-minute halves of Play Football (football skills) and Play Fair (health issues). Participants were boys and girls aged 10–14 years: Ghana (906), Malawi (1098), Namibia (439), Tanzania (720), Zambia (651). The main outcome measures recorded were children’s attendances at each session, their health knowledge (30-item questionnaire) before and after the interventions and the children’s evaluation of the programme itself by means of a six-item questionnaire.

Results:

Mean attendance by children during the programme ranged from 88% (Malawi) to 99% (Tanzania) of participants. Increases in the children’s overall level of health knowledge were recorded in all countries: range: 11% (Malawi) to 25% (Namibia). Children’s overall evaluation-rating of the programme was very positive in all countries, ranging from 93% (Zambia) to 98% (Namibia, Tanzania).

Conclusions:

The FIFA 11 for Health programme produced significant increases in children’s health knowledge and their awareness of disease prevention using an in-school, football-based health education programme. This success was most likely linked to the very high satisfaction rating given to the programme by the children involved. The success of the interventions also demonstrated the benefit of collaborating with the Ministries of Education in each country.
Early History of Shunt Diode Safety Barriers
Authors: Towle Chris
Published: February 2014

The history of the development of shunt diode safety barriers in the United Kingdom from 1961 to 1971 is used to illustrate the time taken and the many factors affecting the development of light current equipment for use in hazardous areas.
Refinement of tourniquet-induced peripheral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats: comparison of 2 h vs 24 h reperfusion
Authors: Duehrkop C , Rieben R
Published: February 2014

Prolonged ischemia of skeletal muscle tissue, followed by reperfusion, leads to ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI), which is a feared local and systemic inflammatory reaction. With respect to the 3Rs, we wanted to determine which parameters for assessment of IRI require a reperfusion time of 24 h and for which 2 h of reperfusion are sufficient. Rats were subjected to 3 h of hind limb ischemia and 2 h or 24 h of reperfusion. Human plasma derived C1 inhibitor was used as a drug to prevent reperfusion injury. For 2 h of reperfusion the rats stayed under anesthesia throughout (severity grade 1), whereas for 24 h they were awake under analgesia during reperfusion (grade 2). The femoral artery was clamped and a tourniquet was placed, under maintenance of venous return. C1 esterase inhibitor was systemically administered 5 min before the induction of ischemia. No differences in local muscle edema formation and depositions of immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M were observed between 2 h and 24 h ( P > 0.05), whereas lung edema was only observed after 24 h. Muscle viability was significantly lower after 24 h vs 2 h reperfusion ( P < 0.05). Increased plasma creatine kinase (CK)-MM and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-bb could be detected after 2 h, but not after 24 h of reperfusion. By contrast, depositions of C3b/c and fibrin in muscle were only detected after 24 h ( P < 0.001). In conclusion, for a first screening of drug candidates to reduce IRI, 2 h reperfusions are sufficient, and these reduce the severity of the animal experiment. Twenty-four-hour reperfusions are only needed for in-depth analysis of the mechanisms of IRI, including lung damage.
Antepartum uterine rupture in a twin gestation presenting as an advanced extrauterine pregnancy in a patient with a previous lower segment Caesarean section
Authors: Ngene Nnabuike C , Naidoo Thinagrin D , Titus Mokete , Moodley Jagidesa , Craib Shirley , Stutterheim James
Published: February 2014

We present a case of spontaneous antepartum uterine rupture through a previous lower segment Caesarean section (LSCS) scar with clinical features mimicking an advanced extrauterine pregnancy (AEUP) in a twin pregnancy at 28 weeks gestation. This report illustrates the need to consider a diagnosis of a ruptured uterus in any patient with a previous abdominal delivery who presents with mild abdominal tenderness and an ultrasonographic image suggestive of demised fetus in the intra-peritoneal cavity.
Measuring Antisocial Values and Attitudes in Justice-Involved Male Youth
Authors: Skilling Tracey A. , Sorge Geoff B.
Published: February 2014

The Risk–Need–Responsivity (RNR) framework for working with offenders has been well validated. Factors that contribute to reoffending within adult and youth forensic populations have been identified, including antisocial attitudes, but less is known about the measurement of this construct in youth. Thus, in the present study, the reliability and validity of criminal attitudes measures were examined in a sample of justice-involved male youth ( N = 291). Two measures widely used with adult offenders were included in the present study: the Pride in Delinquency Scale (PID) and the Criminal Sentiments Scale–Modified (CSS-M). Both measures were found to be reliable and valid, and of importance, useful in the prediction of reoffending behavior (area under the curve = .70 and .69 respectively). These findings further support the use of the RNR framework in general with youthful offenders, and more specifically, the use of criminal attitudes measures with youth.
Sports, Labor and the Media
Authors: Lewis Jonothan , Proffitt Jennifer M.
Published: February 2014

This paper examines media coverage of sports labor issues from a political economic perspective by analyzing New York Times coverage of the 2011 National Football League lockout. We find that sports labor issues are framed in a manner consistent with findings by scholars such as Martin (2004), Schmidt (1993), and McChesney (2008). In particular, the media cover labor from a consumer-based perspective, simplify the conflict between players and owners as being disagreements between “millionaires and billionaires,” and focus more on offers made by owners to players than on owner demands. Other expected findings, such as media denigration of player labor and a general focus on player finances rather than owner finances, were not evident.
Intervention Effects of Knowledge and Skills of the Public to Respond to Public Health Emergencies in Sichuan Province, China
Authors: Li LI , Yu-bo LI , Yan NING , Yan CHAI , jun TANG Da , Jun-feng HU
Published: February 2014

Background:

Public health emergencies have a significant impact on the health of citizens, the local economy, and society as a whole. Currently, in many parts of China, there is a widespread lack of the knowledge and skills required for emergency preparedness and self-rescue. By carrying out targeted health education and intervention activities, and by popularizing the knowledge and skills in health emergencies, the abilities of citizens to respond to public health emergencies and protect themselves, reduce property damage, and eliminate unnecessary panic may be greatly improved.

Objectives:

The knowledge and skills of the public to respond to public health emergencies after an intervention in Sichuan province were surveyed. The conditions before and after the intervention were compared, and the effect of the intervention was evaluated.

Methods:

Four counties in Sichuan province were selected for baseline survey by means of a multistage random sampling method. Among the districts and counties, one of each was selected for baseline survey as an intervention group and another of each were selected as controls. After 1 year of intervention, respondents were selected from the intervention group by means of the method used for the baseline survey for effect evaluation. Results: After statistical analysis, it was shown that, after the intervention, the total awareness rate of knowledge to respond to public health emergencies increased from 42.6% to 58.4% among men and from 42.9% to 55.8% among women, both significant differences ( p < .001). It was also shown that the total awareness rates of the 18–35, 36–45, 46–60, and 60+ age-groups, respectively, increased from 44.5%, 43.7%, 42.2%, and 37.8% to 62.1%, 56.0%, 56.8%, and 51.9%, which were also significant differences ( p < .001). Intervention, educational level, occupation, discussion with the families, and disaster experience were the main influential factors for the knowledge and skills of sudden public health events.

Conclusions:

The study results show that, after the intervention in Sichuan province, the knowledge and skills of the public to respond to public health emergencies were significantly improved. It is also shown that health education interventions must be developed in accordance with geographical features, the educational level of the population, age characteristics, and other factors.
State of the Science
Authors: Penckofer Sue , Doyle Todd , Byrn Mary , Lustman Patrick J.
Published: February 2014

Depression is a significant comorbid condition in diabetes. Individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are 2 times more likely to experience depression or elevated depressive symptoms compared to those without T2DM. The aims of this state of the science review were to summarize the putative links between diabetes and depression and review empirically supported treatments of depression in diabetes. Findings suggest that a bidirectional association between depression and T2DM exists and that several biological and psychosocial mediators underlie these conditions. Available data indicate that conventional treatments (antidepressant medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, and collaborative care) reduce depression and symptoms of depression; however more controlled studies and development of novel therapies are needed. Glycemic outcomes have most frequently been examined, but findings have been mixed. Self-care and adherence outcomes have been less well studied. Emerging evidence suggests that these outcomes may be important targets for future depression research in T2DM.
Electronic Measurement of Medication Adherence
Authors: Park Linda G. , Howie-Esquivel Jill , Dracup Kathleen
Published: February 2014

The measurement of medication adherence is important in both clinical practice and research settings to offer effective medical therapy, improve clinical outcomes, and determine the efficacy of therapy. The aims of this article are to (a) present an overview of current and developing electronic methods of medication measurement, (b) explore the advantages and disadvantages to each approach, and (c) discuss the implications of using electronic monitoring devices for clinical practice and research. A comprehensive review of electronic forms of medication measurement was performed. A description of each method is presented including oral medication monitors, personal electronic devices, electronic blisters, wirelessly observed therapy, inhaled medication monitors, mobile phones, video/photo-assisted observation, and electronic health records. Familiarity with using electronic devices and advances in technology will continue to develop and influence the measurement of medication adherence.
A Theoretical Model of Health-Related Outcomes of Resilience in Middle Adolescents
Authors: Scoloveno Robert
Published: February 2014

There is a dearth of knowledge about the health outcomes of resilience during adolescence, making the study of health-related outcomes of resilience important. The purpose of this study was to develop a theory-based just-identified model and to test the direct and indirect effects of resilience on hope, well-being, and health-promoting lifestyle in middle adolescents. The study used a correlational design. The final sample consisted of 311 middle adolescents, aged 15 to 17, who were recruited from a public high school. Participants responded to instrument packets in classroom settings. The structural equation model was tested with the LISREL 8.80 software program. All seven hypotheses were supported at a statistically significant level ( p < .001). The results supported the theoretical propositions and the previous empirical findings that were used to create the theoretical model of health-related outcomes of resilience. Alternate models of outcomes of resilience need to be tested on adolescents.
Comparison of Lesion Severity, Distribution, and Colonic Mucin Expression in Pigs With Acute Swine Dysentery Following Oral Inoculation With “Brachyspira hampsonii” or Brachyspira hyodysenteriae
Authors: Wilberts B. L. , Arruda P. H. , Kinyon J. M. , Madson D. M. , Frana T. S. , Burrough E. R.
Published: February 2014

Swine dysentery is classically associated with infection by Brachyspira hyodysenteriae, the only current officially recognized Brachyspira sp. that consistently imparts strong beta-hemolysis on blood agar. Recently, several strongly beta-hemolytic Brachyspira have been isolated from swine with clinical dysentery that are not identified as B. hyodysenteriae by PCR including the recently proposed species “ Brachyspira hampsonii.” In this study, 6-week-old pigs were inoculated with either a clinical isolate of “ B. hampsonii” (EB107; n = 10) clade II or a classic strain of B. hyodysenteriae (B204; n = 10) to compare gross and microscopic lesions and alterations in colonic mucin expression in pigs with clinical disease versus controls ( n = 6). Gross lesions were similar between infected groups. No histologic difference was observed between infected groups with regard to neutrophilic inflammation, colonic crypt depth, mucosal ulceration, or hemorrhage. Histochemical and immunohistochemical evaluation of the apex of the spiral colon revealed decreased expression of sulphated mucins, decreased expression of MUC4, and increased expression of MUC5AC in diseased pigs compared to controls. No difference was observed between diseased pigs in inoculated groups. This study reveals significant alterations in colonic mucin expression in pigs with acute swine dysentery and further reveals that these and other microscopic changes are similar following infection with “ B. hampsonii” clade II or B. hyodysenteriae.
Making waste management public (or falling back to sleep)
Authors: Hird Myra J , Lougheed Scott , Rowe R Kerry , Kuyvenhoven Cassandra
Published: February 2014

Human-produced waste is a major environmental concern, with communities considering various waste management practices, such as increased recycling, landfilling, incineration, and waste-to-energy technologies. This article is concerned with how and why publics assemble around waste management issues. In particular, we explore Noortje Marres and Bruno Latour’s theory that publics do not exist prior to issues but rather assemble around objects, and through these assemblages, objects become matters of concern that sometimes become political. The article addresses this theory of making things public through a study of a small city in Ontario, Canada, whose landfill is closed and waste diversion options are saturated, and that faces unsustainable costs in shipping its waste to the United States, China, and other regions. The city’s officials are undertaking a cost–benefit assessment to determine the efficacy of siting a new landfill or other waste management facility. We are interested in emphasizing the complexity of making (or not making) landfills public, by exploring an object in action, where members of the public may or may not assemble, waste may or may not be made into an issue, and waste is sufficiently routinized that it is not typically transformed from an object to an issue. We hope to demonstrate Latour’s third and fifth senses of politics best account for waste management’s trajectory as a persistent yet inconsistent matter of public concern.
A constitutive model for inelastic behavior of casting materials under thermo-mechanical loading
Authors: Längler Frank , Naumenko Konstantin , Altenbach Holm , Ievdokymov Mykola
Published: February 2014

High-temperature components, for example turbochargers, are often subject to complex thermal and mechanical loading paths. Non-uniform temperature distribution and constraints by neighboring components result in complex timely varying stress and strain states during operation. The aim of this paper is to analyze inelastic behavior of a casting material Ni-resist D-5S in a wide stress, strain rate and temperature ranges. The material model including a constitutive equation for the inelastic strain rate tensor and a non-linear kinematic hardening rule is discussed. To calibrate the model, experimental databases from creep and low cycle fatigue tests are generated. They include creep curves for temperatures within the range 600–800 °C and stress levels from 10 to 150 MPa. The low cycle fatigue data collect a family of hysteresis loops for the strain rate of 10−3 1/s, the strain amplitude from 0.4% to 2% and temperature levels within the range 200–800 °C. For the verification of the model, simulations of the material behavior under uniaxial thermo-mechanical fatigue loading conditions are performed. The results for the stress response are compared with experimental data.
Biomechanical Consequences of a Complete Radial Tear Adjacent to the Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Attachment Site
Authors: Padalecki Jeffrey R. , Jansson Kyle S. , Smith Sean D. , Dornan Grant J. , Pierce Casey M. , Wijdicks Coen A. , LaPrade Robert F.
Published: February 2014

Background:

Complete radial tears near the medial meniscus posterior root attachment site disrupt the circumferential integrity of the meniscus (similar to a posterior root avulsion). These tears can compromise the circumferential integrity, and they have been reported in biomechanical studies to be comparable with the meniscectomized state.

Purpose:

To quantify the tibiofemoral contact pressure and contact area changes that occur in cadaveric knees from complete posterior horn radial tears and subsequent repairs of the medial meniscus adjacent to the posterior root attachment site.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Six nonpaired fresh-frozen human cadaveric knees each underwent 45 different testing conditions: 9 medial meniscus conditions (intact, root avulsion, root repair, serial radial tear at 3, 6, and 9 mm from the root attachment site, and in situ repair at the same 3 distances from the root attachment site) at 5 flexion angles (0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°), under a 1000-N axial load. Tekscan sensors were used to measure contact area and pressure in the medial and lateral compartments.

Results:

The medial meniscus root avulsion and all radial tear conditions resulted in significantly decreased contact area and increased mean contact pressure compared with the intact state for knee flexion angles beyond 0° ( P < .05). The root repair and in situ repairs restored contact area and pressure to levels statistically indistinguishable from those of the intact meniscus and increased contact area and decreased contact pressure compared with the corresponding tear conditions.

Conclusion:

Posterior horn radial tears adjacent to the medial meniscus root that extend to the meniscocapsular junction can lead to derangement of the loading profiles of the medial compartment that are similar to a root avulsion. Repair of these radial tears with an in situ pull-out technique restored joint mechanics to the intact state.

Clinical Relevance:

Complete radial tears of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus, which occur relatively frequently, are biomechanically equivalent to root avulsions and could potentially lead to medial compartment arthrosis. An in situ repair offers an alternative treatment to meniscectomy and can reestablish the posterior anchor point, thus improving load distribution in the medial compartment. Future clinical studies of these repairs are recommended.
The Lawton Instrumental Activities Daily Living/Activities Daily Living Scales
Authors: Koskas Pierre , Henry-Feugeas Marie Cécile , Feugeas Jean Paul , Poissonnet Aurore , Pons-Peyneau Cécile , Wolmark Yves , Drunat Olivier
Published: February 2014

Objective:

To examine the diagnostic ability of the Lawton Instrumental Activities Daily Living (IADLs) scale and the Activities Daily Living (ADLs) scale as a sensitive tool to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in community-dwelling elderly people.

Design:

In an old age memory outpatient center, among patients with a clinical diagnosis of AD dementia or no dementia supported by at least 6 months of follow-up, we looked back at the baseline Lawton IADL scale (short version IADL-4 item), ADL scale, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) values.

Results:

There were 109 patients with AD and 53 nondemented individuals (81.4 ± 4.6 years). The sensitivity of ADL scale or IADL-4 item or the MMSE was low (52%-57%). The most efficient AD classification used both the IADLs-4 item and the MOCA with a threshold score of 20. Besides age and memory scores, the main correlates of IADLs scale or ADLs scale were executive, neuropsychiatric, vascular, and extrapyramidal scores.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that the Lawton IADLs-4 item scale and ADLs scale lack sensitivity to AD dementia in elderly people and support a better sensitivity of MOCA rather than MMSE and IADLs-4 item/ADLs at the expense of specificity.
Development and Validation of the Identification and Intervention for Dementia in Elderly Africans (IDEA) Study Dementia Screening Instrument
Authors: Gray William K. , Paddick Stella-Maria , Kisoli Aloyce , Dotchin Catherine L. , Longdon Anna R. , Chaote Paul , Samuel Maria , Jusabani Ahmed M. , Walker Richard W.
Published: February 2014

Aim:

The aim of this project was to develop a dementia screening instrument for use in the hospital or community in populations with low levels of formal education.

Methods:

A screening instrument was developed from retrospective data collected in a rural area of Tanzania in 2010. The community screening instrument for dementia was administered to over 95% of the population aged 70 years and older of 6 villages (n = 1198) in Hai district, Tanzania. Factor analysis, regression modeling, and Mokken scale analysis (MSA) were used to develop screening instruments from these data, which were then tested and refined during prospective fieldwork.

Results:

A 5-item screening instrument with an area under the receiver–operating characteristic (AUROC) curve of 0.871, sensitivity of 91.7%, and specificity of 61.7% was developed using a combination of factor analysis and logistic regression modeling and had a higher AUROC (0.786) than a 7-item screening instrument developed using MSA. During prospective testing and refinement (n = 60), the 5-item instrument performed well (AUROC 0.867) and took an average of less than 10 minutes to administer. Its performance was improved by including a matchstick design item added to measure praxis, AUROC 0.888.

Conclusions:

The 6-item brief dementia screening instrument has acceptable properties and will be further tested and validated during future fieldwork. Although developed for use in sub-Saharan Africa, it may be of use in other world regions where the use of other cognitive screening instruments may result in bias due to low levels of formal education.