bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association between positive–negative reactions of informal caregivers of people with dementia and health outcomes in eight European countries: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Alvira M. Carme , Risco Ester , Cabrera Esther , Farré Marta , Rahm Hallberg Ingalill , Bleijlevens Michel H.C. , Meyer Gabriele , Koskenniemi Jaana , Soto Maria E. , Zabalegui Adelaida ,   The RightTimePlaceCare Consortium
Published: September 2014

Aim

To describe the associations between positive and negative reactions of informal caregivers of people with dementia and health outcomes across eight European Countries.

Background

Caring for someone with dementia may have implications for the caregiver's own health and for the care recipient. These consequences could be associated with caregivers' reactions to the process of care.

Design

Association study based on cross‐sectional data.

Methods

Participants were people with dementia and their informal caregivers living at home or in long‐term care institutions. Data were collected between November 2010–April 2012 using the Caregiver Reaction Assessment (with dimensions of self‐esteem, lack of family support, financial problems, disrupted schedule and health problems) and associations were sought with informal caregiver burden, quality of life and psychological well‐being and with dementia sufferers' neuropsychiatric symptoms, comorbidity and dependency in activities of daily living using correlation coefficients.

Results

Data from 2014 participants were used. Variability across countries was noted, as well as differences between care at home and in long‐term care institutions. In general, self‐esteem and lack of family support correlated with caregiver burden and psychological well‐being. Associations were also found between disrupted schedule and caregiver burden, psychological well‐being and quality of life. Health problems were clearly associated with caregiver burden, psychological well‐being and quality of life.

Conclusion

Study results support links between the reactions of informal caregivers of people with dementia and health outcomes. These may have implications in terms of how services are addressed.
The use of electronic devices for communication with colleagues and other healthcare professionals – nursing professionals’ perspectives
Authors: Koivunen Marita , Niemi Anne , Hupli Maija
Published: September 2014

Aim

The aim of the study is to describe nursing professionals’ experiences of the use of electronic devices for communication with colleagues and other healthcare professionals.

Background

Information and communication technology applications in health care are rapidly expanding, thanks to the fast‐growing penetration of the Internet and mobile technology. Communication between professionals in health care is essential for patient safety and quality of care. Implementing new methods for communication among healthcare professionals is important.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey was used in the study.

Methods

The data were collected in spring 2012 using an electronic questionnaire with structured and open‐ended questions. The target group comprised the nursing professionals (N = 567, n = 123) in one healthcare district who worked in outpatient clinics in publically funded health care in Finland.

Findings

Nursing professionals use different electronic devices for communication with each other. The most often used method was email, while the least used methods were question–answer programmes and synchronous communication channels on the Internet. Communication using electronic devices was used for practical nursing, improving personnel competences, organizing daily operations and administrative tasks. Electronic devices may speed up the management of patient data, improve staff cooperation and competence and make more effective use of working time. The obstacles were concern about information security, lack of technical skills, unworkable technology and decreasing social interaction.

Conclusion

According to our findings, despite the obstacles related to use of information technology, the use of electronic devices to support communication among healthcare professionals appears to be useful.
Endothelial and cancer cells interact with mesenchymal stem cells via both microparticles and secreted factors
Authors: Lozito Thomas P. , Tuan Rocky S.
Published: September 2014

Tightly associated with blood vessels in their perivascular niche, human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) closely interact with endothelial cells (ECs). MSCs also home to tumours and interact with cancer cells (CCs). Microparticles (MPs) are cell‐derived vesicles released into the extracellular environment along with secreted factors. MPs are capable of intercellular signalling and, as biomolecular shuttles, transfer proteins and RNA from one cell to another. Here, we characterize interactions among ECs, CCs and MSCs via MPs and secreted factors in vitro. MPs and non‐MP secreted factors (Sup) were isolated from serum‐free medium conditioned by human microvascular ECs (HMEC‐1) or by the CC line HT1080. Fluorescently labelled MPs were prepared from cells treated with membrane dyes, and cytosolic GFP‐containing MPs were isolated from cells transduced with CMV‐GFP lentivirus. MSCs were treated with MPs, Sup, or vehicle controls, and analysed for MP uptake, proliferation, migration, activation of intracellular signalling pathways and cytokine release. Fluorescently labelled MPs fused with MSCs, transferring the fluorescent dyes to the MSC surface. GFP was transferred to and retained in MSCs incubated with GFP‐MPs, but not free GFP. Thus, only MP‐associated cellular proteins were taken up and retained by MSCs, suggesting that MP biomolecules, but not secreted factors, are shuttled to MSCs. MP and Sup treatment significantly increased MSC proliferation, migration, and MMP‐1, MMP‐3, CCL‐2/MCP‐1 and IL‐6 secretion compared with vehicle controls. MSCs treated with Sup and MPs also exhibited activated NF‐κB signalling. Taken together, these results suggest that MPs act to regulate MSC functions through several mechanisms.
Effect of low‐dose proton pump inhibitor on preventing upper gastrointestinal bleeding in chronic kidney disease patients receiving aspirin
Authors: Lim Hyun , Kim Jong Hyeok , Baik Gwang Ho , Park Ji Won , Kang Ho Suk , Moon Sung Hoon , Park Choong Kee
Published: September 2014

Background and Aim

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) leads to significant morbidity and mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. This study determined the efficacy of using a low‐dose proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to reduce the risk of non‐variceal UGIB in CKD patients receiving aspirin.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 500 CKD patients who received aspirin between January 2008 and March 2013. Cumulative incidence analysis using the Kaplan–Meier method was performed to analyze the rate of non‐variceal UGIB and association with the administration of low‐dose PPI.

Results

Of the 500 patients, 191 received low‐dose PPI. Over the follow‐up period, which lasted 1067 person‐years, three patients in the low‐dose PPI group (8.9 per 1000 person‐years) and 19 patients in the non‐PPI group (25.9 per 1000 person‐years) developed non‐variceal UGIB, respectively (P = 0.113). Low‐dose PPI use did not decrease the risk of UGIB in CKD patients, including patients who did not receive dialysis (P = 0.127). However, according to the subgroup analysis of 230 patients who received dialysis, the low‐dose PPI group (14.4 per 1000 person‐years) demonstrated significantly reduced incidence and risk of non‐variceal UGIB in comparison with the non‐PPI group (53.8 per 1000 person‐years) (P = 0.032).

Conclusion

Prophylactic low‐dose PPI can reduce the risk of non‐variceal UGIB in dialysis patients receiving aspirin.
Increased regulatory T cells in patients with liver cirrhosis correlated with hyperbilirubinemia and predict bacterial complications
Authors: Huang Chien‐Hao , Jeng Wen‐Juei , Ho Yu‐Pin , Teng Wei , Chen Wei‐Ting , Chen Yi‐Cheng , Lin Shi‐Ming , Chiu Cheng‐Tang , Sheen I‐Shyan , Lin Chun‐Yen
Published: September 2014

Background and Aim

Patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) were regarded as immunocompromised status with high incidence of bacterial infection. Regulatory T cell (Treg cell) is known as an immune suppressor and also plays an important role in patients with sepsis. This paper aims to study the role of Treg cells in patients with liver cirrhosis and their correlations to bacterial complications.

Methods

Thirty‐three normal controls (NC) and 82 cirrhotic patients were enrolled for the case‐control study. The Treg cells, defined as CD4+CD25+Foxp3+T cells, in peripheral blood of these patients were evaluated.

Results

The percentage of Treg cells increased significantly in patients with liver cirrhosis when compared with normal volunteers. Furthermore, this increase of Treg cells was mainly memory phenotype defined as CD45RO+Treg cells and was significantly correlated with serum bilirubin levels as evaluated by multiple linear regression analysis. In addition, the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α receptor II (TNFRII) expression also significantly increased on Treg cells in these patients. Interestingly, these membranous TNFRII would be shed and released into supernatant. Lastly, this increased percentage of Treg cells in cirrhotic patients correlate well with and predict subsequent bacterial complications.

Conclusion

The Treg cells, mainly with memory phenotype and with high TNFRII expression, increased significantly in patients with liver cirrhosis and significantly correlated with the serum bilirubin levels. Furthermore, this increased Treg cells correlate with and predict subsequent bacterial complications in cirrhotic patients.
Increased delayed mortality in patients with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure who have prior decompensation
Authors: Shi Yu , Zheng Ming‐hua , Yang Ying , Wei Wu , Yang Qiao , Hu Airong , Hu Yaoren , Wu Yihua , Yan Huadong
Published: September 2014

Background and Aim

Patients with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) represent a complex population with differential prognosis. The aim of the study was to categorize ACLF according to the severity of underlying chronic liver diseases.

Methods

A total of 540 ACLF patients were recruited, including 127 with prior decompensated cirrhosis and 413 without prior decompensation (PD) including 193 with underlying chronic hepatitis and 220 with prior compensated cirrhosis. The clinical characteristics and prognosis of subgroups were compared. Cox proportional hazard model and multinominal logistic regression analysis were performed to identify significant prognostic parameters.

Results

The 28‐day, 3‐month and 1‐year survival of ACLF patients with or without PD were 58.9% versus 61.4%, 36.2 versus 52.5%, and 29.1% versus 49.6%, respectively. On multinominal logistic regression analysis or time‐to‐death analysis by Cox proportional hazard model, PD was significantly associated with post‐28‐day mortality but not within‐28‐day mortality. On multivariate time‐to‐death analysis, older age, high international normalized ratio (INR) and serum bilirubin, low levels of serum sodium and platelet count, and presence of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and respiratory or circulation dysfunction were predictors of within‐28‐day mortality in patients without PD, whereas the risk factors in patients with PD were high INR, creatinine, presence of HE, and respiratory or circulation dysfunction.

Conclusion

ACLF patients with or without PD had comparable short‐term prognosis but differential 1‐year mortality. ACLF patients with PD were distinct from those without PD in age, types of acute insults, severity of hepatic damage, and distribution of complications, and the former group was characterized by increased delayed mortality.
Chlorhexidine gel and less difficult surgeries might reduce post‐operative pain, controlling for dry socket, infection and analgesic consumption: a split‐mouth controlled randomised clinical trial
Authors: Haraji A. , Rakhshan V.
Published: September 2014

Reports on post‐surgical pain are a few, controversial and flawed (by statistics and analgesic consumption). Besides, it is not known if chlorhexidine can reduce post‐extraction pain adjusting for its effect on prevention of infection and dry socket (DS). We assessed these. A total of 90 impacted mandibular third molars of 45 patients were extracted. Intra‐alveolar 0·2% chlorhexidine gel was applied in a split‐mouth randomised design to one‐half of the sockets. None of the included patients took antibiotics or analgesics afterwards. In the first and third post‐operative days, DS formation and pain levels were recorded. Predictive roles of the risk factors were analysed using fixed‐effects (classic) and multilevel (mixed‐model) multiple linear regressions (α = 0·05, β≤0·1). In the first day, pain levels were 5·56 ± 1·53 and 4·78 ± 1·43 (out of 10), respectively. These reduced to 3·22 ± 1·41 and 2·16 ± 1·40. Pain was more intense on the control sides [both P values = 0·000 (paired t‐test)]. Chlorhexidine had a significant pain‐alleviating effect (P = 0·0001), excluding its effect on DS and infection. More difficult surgeries (P = 0·0201) and dry sockets were more painful (P = 0·0000). Age had a marginally significant negative role (P = 0·0994). Gender and smoking had no significant impact [P ≥ 0·7 (regression)]. The pattern of pain reduction differed between dry sockets and healthy sockets [P = 0·0102 (anova)]. Chlorhexidine can reduce pain, regardless of its infection‐/DS‐preventive effects. Simpler surgeries and sockets not affected by alveolar osteitis are less painful. Smoking and gender less likely affect pain. The role of age was not conclusive and needs future studies.
Effect of dynamic three‐dimensional culture on osteogenic potential of human periodontal ligament‐derived mesenchymal stem cells entrapped in alginate microbeads
Authors: Vecchiatini R. , Penolazzi L. , Lambertini E. , Angelozzi M. , Morganti C. , Mazzitelli S. , Trombelli L. , Nastruzzi C. , Piva R.
Published: September 2014

Background and Objective

Bioreactors are devices that efficiently create an environment that enables cell cultures to grow in a three‐dimensional (3D) context mimicking in vivo conditions. In this study, we investigate the effect of dynamic fluid flow on the osteogenic potential of human mesenchymal stem cells obtained from periodontal ligament and entrapped in alginate microbeads.

Material and Methods

After proper immunophenotyping, cells were encapsulated in barium alginate, cultured in 3D static or 3D dynamic conditions represented by a bioreactor system. Calcein‐AM/propidium iodide staining was used to assess cellular viability. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze the expression of osteogenic markers (Runx2 and COL1). Alizarin Red S staining and the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to assess mineral matrix deposition.

Results

Optimal encapsulation procedure, in terms of polymer pumping rate, distance from droplet generator to the gelling bath and atomizing airflow was assessed. Cell viability was not affected by encapsulation in alginate microbeads. Bioreactor cell exposure was effective in anticipating osteogenic differentiation and improving mineral matrix deposition.

Conclusion

For the first time human mesenchymal stem cells obtained from periodontal ligaments encapsulated in alginate microbeads were cultured in a bioreactor system. This combination could represent a promising strategy to create a cell‐based smart system with enhanced osteogenic potential useful for many different dental applications.
Gingival condition and tooth‐brushing behavior after alcohol consumption
Authors: Mizutani S. , Ekuni D. , Tomofuji T. , Yamane M. , Azuma T. , Iwasaki Y. , Morita M.
Published: September 2014

Background and Objective

Various studies have reported the relationship between alcohol consumption and gingival condition. However, they focus on the direct effects of alcohol consumption or alcohol sensitivity on gingival condition, and it is unclear how oral health behaviors relate these relationships. The aims of this study were to assess the inter‐relationships between gingival condition, tooth‐brushing behavior after drinking alcohol and alcohol sensitivity in university students who drink more than once per week on average.

Material and Methods

A total of 808 students (541 males, 267 females) that habitually consume alcohol were analyzed. The disease activity of gingival condition was assessed as the percentage of bleeding on probing (%BOP). Additional information regarding alcohol sensitivity and oral health behaviors, including tooth‐brushing behavior after drinking, were also collected.

Results

Thirteen percent of the current participants reported neglecting tooth‐brushing after drinking, and their alcohol consumption was higher than those who did not neglect tooth‐brushing. Logistic regression analysis showed that high %BOP (%BOP ≥ 20) was associated with male (OR = 1.53; 95% CI, 1.01–2.33), neglect of tooth‐brushing after drinking (OR = 2.60; 95% CI, 1.20–5.61) and debris index (OR = 8.38; 95% CI, 4.24–16.60) in participants with low alcohol sensitivity. In participants with high alcohol sensitivity, high %BOP was associated with debris index (OR = 7.60; 95% CI, 3.12–18.51), but not with any oral health behaviors.

Conclusions

The study revealed that alcohol consumption was indirectly related to gingival disease activity through the neglect of tooth‐brushing after drinking alcohol in university students with low alcohol sensitivity.
Sustained virological response with intravenous silibinin: individualized IFN‐free therapy via real‐time modelling of HCV kinetics
Authors: Dahari Harel , Shteingart Shimon , Gafanovich Inna , Cotler Scott J. , D'Amato Massimo , Pohl Ralf T. , Weiss Gali , Ashkenazi Yaakov J. , Tichler Thomas , Goldin Eran , Lurie Yoav
Published: September 2014

Background & Aims

Intravenous silibinin (SIL) is a potent antiviral agent against hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype‐1. In this proof of concept case‐study we tested: (i) whether interferon‐alfa (IFN)‐free treatment with SIL plus ribavirin (RBV) can achieve sustained virological response (SVR); (ii) whether SIL is safe and feasible for prolonged duration of treatment and (iii) whether mathematical modelling of early on‐treatment HCV kinetics can guide duration of therapy to achieve SVR.

Methods

A 44 year‐old female HCV‐(genotype‐1)‐infected patient who developed severe psychiatric adverse events to a previous course of pegIFN+RBV, initiated combination treatment with 1200 mg/day of SIL, 1200 mg/day of RBV and 6000 u/day vitamin D. Blood samples were collected frequently till week 4, thereafter every 1–12 weeks until the end of therapy. The standard biphasic mathematical model with time‐varying SIL effectiveness was used to predict the duration of therapy to achieve SVR.

Results

Based on modelling the observed viral kinetics during the first 3 weeks of treatment, SVR was predicted to be achieved within 34 weeks of therapy. Provided with this information, the patient agreed to complete 34 weeks of treatment. IFN‐free treatment with SIL+RBV was feasible, safe and achieved SVR (week‐33).

Conclusions

We report, for the first time, the use of real‐time mathematical modelling of HCV kinetics to individualize duration of IFN‐free therapy and to empower a patient to participate in shared decision making regarding length of treatment. SIL‐based individualized therapy provides a treatment option for patients who do not respond to or cannot receive other HCV agents and should be further validated.
The genetics of divergence and reproductive isolation between ecotypes ofPanicum hallii
Authors: Lowry David B. , Hernandez Kyle , Taylor Samuel H. , Meyer Eli , Logan Tierney L. , Barry Kerrie W. , Chapman Jarrod A. , Rokhsar Daniel S. , Schmutz Jeremy , Juenger Thomas E.
Published: September 2014

The process of plant speciation often involves the evolution of divergent ecotypes in response to differences in soil water availability between habitats. While the same set of traits is frequently associated with xeric/mesic ecotype divergence, it is unknown whether those traits evolve independently or if they evolve in tandem as a result of genetic colocalization either by pleiotropy or genetic linkage.

The self‐fertilizing C4grass speciesPanicum halliiincludes two major ecotypes found in xeric (var.hallii) or mesic (var.filipes) habitats. We constructed the first linkage map forP. halliiby genotyping a reduced representation genomic library of an F2population derived from an intercross of var.halliiandfilipes. We then evaluated the genetic architecture of divergence between these ecotypes through quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping.

Overall, we mapped QTLs for nine morphological traits that are involved in the divergence between the ecotypes. QTLs for five key ecotype‐differentiating traits all colocalized to the same region of linkage group five. Leaf physiological traits were less divergent between ecotypes, but we still mapped five physiological QTLs. We also discovered a two‐locus Dobzhansky–Muller hybrid incompatibility.

Our study suggests that ecotype‐differentiating traits may evolve in tandem as a result of genetic colocalization.
A wheat 1‐FEH w3 variant underlies enzyme activity for stem WSC remobilization to grain under drought
Authors: Zhang Jingjuan , Xu Yunji , Chen Wei , Dell Bernard , Vergauwen Rudy , Biddulph Ben , Khan Nusrat , Luo Hao , Appels Rudi , Van den Ende Wim
Published: September 2014

In wheat stems, the levels of fructan‐dominated water‐soluble carbohydrates (WSC) do not always correlate well with grain yield.

Field drought experiments were carried out to further explain this lack of correlation. Wheat (Triticum aestivum) varieties, Westonia, Kauz and c. 20 genetically diverse double haploid (DH) lines derived from them were investigated.

Substantial genotypic differences in fructan remobilization were found and the 1‐FEH w3 gene was shown to be the major contributor in the stem fructan remobilization process based on enzyme activity and gene expression results. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was detected in an auxin response element in the 1‐FEH w3 promoter region, therefore we speculated that the mutated Westonia allele might affect gene expression and enzyme activity levels. A cleaved amplified polymorphic (CAP) marker was generated from the SNP. The harvested results showed that the mutated Westonia 1‐FEH w3 allele was associated with a higher thousand grain weight (TGW) under drought conditions in 2011 and 2012.

These results indicated that higher gene expression of 1‐FEH w3 and 1‐FEH w3 mediated enzyme activities that favoured stem WSC remobilization to the grains. The CAP marker residing in the 1‐FEH w3 promoter region may facilitate wheat breeding by selecting lines with high stem fructan remobilization capacity under terminal drought.
HOW TO UNDERSTAND THE EXTENDED MIND
Authors: Bernecker Sven
Published: September 2014

Given how epistemologists conceive of understanding, to what degree do we understand the hypothesis of extended mind? If the extended mind debate is a substantive dispute, then we have only superficial understanding of the extended mind hypothesis. And if we have deep understanding of the extended mind hypothesis, then the debate over this hypothesis is nothing but a verbal dispute.
ALL THE (MANY, MANY) THINGS WE KNOW: EXTENDED KNOWLEDGE*
Authors: Bjerring Jens Christian , Pedersen Nikolaj Jang Lee Linding
Published: September 2014

In this paper we explore the potential bearing of the extended mind thesis—the thesis that the mind extends into the world—on epistemology. We do three things. First, we argue that the combination of the extended mind thesis and reliabilism about knowledge entails that ordinary subjects can easily come to enjoy various forms of restricted omniscience. Second, we discuss the conceptual foundations of the extended mind and knowledge debate. We suggest that the theses of extended mind and extended knowledge lead to a bifurcation with respect to the concepts of belief and knowledge. We suggest that this conceptual bifurcation supports a form of pluralism about these concepts. Third, we discuss whether something similar can be said at the metaphysical level.
VARIETIES OF EXTERNALISM
Authors: Carter J. Adam , Kallestrup Jesper , Palermos S. Orestis , Pritchard Duncan
Published: September 2014

Our aim is to provide a topography of the relevant philosophical terrain with regard to the possible ways in which knowledge can be conceived of as extended. We begin by charting the different types of internalist and externalist proposals within epistemology, and we critically examine the different formulations of the epistemic internalism/externalism debate they lead to. Next, we turn to the internalism/externalism distinction within philosophy of mind and cognitive science. In light of the above dividing lines, we then examine first the extent to which content externalism is compatible with epistemic externalism; second, whether active externalism entails epistemic externalism; and third whether there are varieties of epistemic externalism that are better suited to accommodate active externalism. Finally, we examine whether the combination of epistemic and cognitive externalism is necessary for epistemology and we comment on the potential ramifications of this move for social epistemology and philosophy of science.
OUTSOURCED COGNITION
Authors: Gerken Mikkel
Published: September 2014

Recent developments in technologically enabled social cognition call for a rethinking of many aspects of human cognition. According to the hypothesis of extended cognition, we must revise our psychological categories by eliminating allegedly superficial distinctions between internal cognition and external processes. As an alternative to this proposal, I outline a hypothesis of outsourced cognition which seeks to respect distinctions that are operative in both folk psychology and the social and cognitive sciences. According to this hypothesis, the cognitive states and processes of the individual are substantially and explanatorily distinct from the relevant external states and processes. In consequence, the individual remains a cognitive unit that is both central and indispensable in the explanations of cognitive science. As a case study, I consider the epistemology of testimony. I will argue that important epistemological categories may be preserved by adopting the hypothesis of outsourced cognition over the hypothesis of extended cognition. Moreover, I will argue that the outsourced cognition hypothesis deepens the problems that beset an extended epistemology of testimony.
EVALUATING THE EXTENDED MIND
Authors: Jarvis Benjamin
Published: September 2014

According to proponents of radically extended cognition, some cognition is located outside the boundaries of biological organisms. In this paper, I offer a new argument for a modest version of this view according to which some cognitiveprocessesare radically extended. I do so by showing that features of a subject's environment—in particular, the pen and paper that a subject uses to solve complex mathematical problems—can haveepistemicroles that are indicative ofcognitiveroles. I end the paper by discussing how epistemology might play a significant role in diagnosing alleged cases of radically extended cognition.
EPISTEMOLOGY EXTENDED
Authors: Kelp Christoph
Published: September 2014

A common presupposition in epistemology is that the processes contributing to the generation of knowledge do not extend beyond the knower's skin. This paper challenges this presupposition. I adduce a novel kind case that causes trouble for a number of even the most promising accounts of knowledge in current literature (virtue epistemological and modal accounts), at least so long as the presupposition is in place. I then look at a couple of recent accounts of knowledge that drop the presupposition and expressly allow the relevant processes to extended beyond the knower's skin. While these accounts can handle the problem case, they encounter difficulties elsewhere: extension occurs too easily and so the accounts predict knowledge where they ought not. Finally, I offer a novel way of extending epistemology and argue that it can steer clear of the problems on both sides.
Interleukin‐17 Mediated Inflammatory Responses Are Required for Ultraviolet Radiation‐Induced Immune Suppression
Authors: Li Hui , Prasad Ram , Katiyar Santosh K. , Yusuf Nabiha , Elmets Craig A. , Xu Hui
Published: September 2014

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) induces immunosuppression and is a major factor for development of skin cancer. Numerous efforts have been made to determine mechanisms for UVR‐induced immunosuppression and to develop strategies for prevention and treatment of UVR‐induced cancers. In the current study, we use IL‐17 receptor (IL‐17R) deficient mice to examine whether IL‐17 mediated responses have a role in UVB (290–320)‐induced immunosuppression of contact hypersensitivity responses. Results demonstrate that IL‐17 mediated responses are required for UVB‐induced immunosuppression of contact hypersensitivity responses. The systemic immune suppression and development of regulatory T cells are inhibited in UVB‐treated IL‐17R deficient mice compared to wild‐type animals. The deficiency in IL‐17R inhibits the infiltration and development of a tolerogenic myeloid cell population in UVB‐treated skin, which expresses CD11b and Gr‐1 and produces reactive oxygen species. We speculate that the development of the tolerogenic myeloid cells is dependent on IL‐17‐induced chemokines and inflammatory mediators in UVB‐treated skin. The inhibition of the tolerogenic myeloid cells may be attributed to the suppression of regulatory T cells in UVR‐treated IL‐17R−/− mice. The findings may be exploited to new strategies for prevention and treatment of UVR‐induced skin diseases and cancers.
Effects of grip force on skin conductance measured from a handheld device
Authors: Tartz Robert , Vartak Aniket , King Jay , Fowles Don
Published: September 2014

Skin conductance (SC) reflects stimulus significance and can be measured by integrating electrodes directly onto a smartphone housing such that they are naturally contacted when gripped. However, grip artifacts naturally arise during operation since grip forces can vary. We explored the effects of grip force on SC to determine feasibility and to draw guidelines on artifact mitigation. For this purpose, a prototype was built with integrated SC electrodes with colocated force sensors, and data was collected from 24 participants gripping the prototype across different grip force conditions. Our analysis showed that static forces greater than 2.0 N were associated with significant SC distortion, and artifacts induced from dynamic grip forces were buffered if the SC level was at least 1.1 microsiemens. Our findings are relevant for future applications of SC sensing on smartphones, which may enable interesting and highly contextual user experiences.
The Public–Private Distinction: Insights for Public Administration from the State Action Doctrine
Authors: Malatesta Deanna , Carboni Julia L.
Published: September 2014

Public administration scholars continue to grapple with how and why public organizations differ from private organizations. The judiciary deals with similar questions in ruling on constitutional claims that apply exclusively to state actors. The authors consider similarities and differences between scholarly and judicial approaches, adding to the body of research attempting to capture the complexities of the public–private distinction. The application in this article includes the coding of seminal court decisions and qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) to find combinations of causal conditions that lead to state action rulings. The specifics revealed throughQCAprovide valuable lessons for extending public norms and preserving constitutional protections when outsourcing public services.
What Have We Learned since September 11, 2001? A Network Study of the Boston Marathon Bombings Response
Authors: Hu Qian , Knox Claire Connolly , Kapucu Naim
Published: September 2014

In light of recent disasters, it is evident that more research is needed to understand how organizations can effectively coordinate disaster preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery efforts. This research assesses the effectiveness of interorganizational coordination and collaboration in response to the Boston Marathon bombings. After reviewing the major changes in federal emergency management policies and frameworks since September 11, 2001, this article applies a social network analysis to compare the disaster response networks embodied in formal disaster preparedness plans with the actual response networks. Data come from content analyses of the Boston Emergency Operations Plan, national and local newspaper articles, after‐action reports, and situation reports. The timely response to the bombings is attributable to long‐term institutionalized planning efforts; multiple platforms established for frequent interorganizational interactions through formal plans, training, and exercises prior to disasters; and an integrated communication system.
Prepubertal and Pubertal Canine Reproductive Studies: Conflicting Aspects
Authors: Gobello C
Published: September 2014

Contents

Insufficient knowledge has been acquired regarding the prepubertal and pubertal periods of domestic canids. Until further information becomes available, a better standardization of the definitions, a careful and complete description of experimental variables and end points is necessary to diminish experimental bias in published trials. The aim of this report is therefore to discuss the definition of puberty and some of the most conflicting conditions influencing the pubertal transition (e.g. age and body weight and condition score among others) that, in turn, will be useful for the future design of reproductive studies on the domestic dog. Only trials that could be easily processed by a meta‐analysis will contribute to an improvement of our general knowledge on the reproductive physiology of this particular species.
Stochastic Ordering Under Conditional Modelling of Extreme Values: Drug-Induced Liver Injury
Authors: Papastathopoulos Ioannis , Tawn Jonathan A.
Published: September 2014

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a major public health issue and of serious concern for the pharmaceutical industry. Early detection of signs of a drug's potential for DILI is vital for pharmaceutical companies’ evaluation of new drugs. A combination of extreme values of liver-specific variables indicate potential DILI (Hy's law). We estimate the probability of joint extreme elevations of laboratory variables by using the conditional approach to multivariate extremes which concerns the distribution of a random vector given an extreme component. We extend the current model to include the assumption of stochastically ordered survival curves and construct a hypothesis test for ordered tail dependence between doses, which is a pattern that is potentially triggered by DILI. The model proposed is applied to safety data from a phase 3 clinical trial of a drug that has been linked to liver toxicity.
Flexible Distributed Lags for Modelling Earthquake Data
Authors: Obermeier Viola , Scheipl Fabian , Heumann Christian , Wassermann Joachim , Küchenhoff Helmut
Published: September 2014

Heavy long-lasting rainfall can trigger earthquake swarms. We are interested in the specific shape of lagged rain influence on the occurrence of earthquakes at different depths at Mount Hochstaufen, Bavaria. We present a novel penalty structure for interpretable and flexible estimates of lag coefficients based on spline representations. We provide an easy-to-use implementation of our flexible distributed lag approach that can be used directly in the established R package mgcv for estimation of generalized additive models. This allows our approach to be immediately included in complex additive models for generalized responses even in hierarchical or longitudinal data settings, making use of established stable and well-tested inference algorithms. The benefit of flexible distributed lag modelling is shown in a detailed simulation study.
A recipe for mealtime resilience for families living with dementia
Authors: Wong Fiona , Keller Heather H. , Schindel Martin Lori , Sutherland Olga
Published: September 2014

To date, research delving into the narratives of persons living with dementia is limited. Taking part in usual mealtime activities such as preparing food can sustain the identity of persons living with dementia. Yet if capacity for mealtime activities changes, this can put a strain or demand on the family, which must adjust and adapt to these changes. The aim of this study was to develop an in‐depth story of resilience in one family living with dementia that was experiencing mealtime changes. Thematic narrative analysis following the elements of Clandinin and Connelly's (2000) 3D narrative inquiry space was used. One family's dementia journey was highlighted using the metaphor of a baking recipe to reflect their story of resilience. Developing positive strategies and continuing to learn and adapt were the two approaches used by this resilient family. Reminiscing, incorporating humour, having hope and optimism, and establishing social support were specific strategies. This family continued to learn and adapt by focusing on their positive gains and personal growth, accumulating life experiences, and balancing past pleasures while adapting to the new normal. Future work needs to further conceptualise resilience and how it can be supported in families living with dementia.
Humanitarian Crisis as Everyday Life
Authors: Holzer Elizabeth
Published: September 2014

Contemporary scholarship understates the resilience of everyday life in humanitarian crisis. Disaster may seem like a fleeting moment—colloquially, we say “the world stood still” or “everything changed in a blink”—but in the Buduburam Refugee Camp, a predominately Liberian refugee camp in Ghana, people experienced calamitous tragedy accumulated over years of daily activities. Though they remained politically and economically “out of place,” residents constructed buildings and other ordinary material objects to forge a new lived environment. As residents engaged with this new lived environment—from building homes to managing rainwater—they regularly participated in moral boundary work that helped establish how “good” people ought to act in inhumane circumstances. Moral boundary work did not obviate inequality or conflict, but it did help mediate between immediate bodily needs and the wider social order. More broadly, the study documents the crucial role that seemingly mundane material objects play in moral boundary work. Material objects like signs, garbage cans, and homes can operate like sociospatial props in the stories that people tell about their daily lives. These stories reinforce the moral boundaries that divide “good” and “bad” people and ultimately help make a shared moral order possible.
pRPL 2.0: Improving the Parallel Raster Processing Library
Authors: Guan Qingfeng , Zeng Wen , Gong Junfang , Yun Shuo
Published: September 2014

This article presents an improved parallel Raster Processing Library – pRPL version 2.0. Since the release of version 1.0, a series of modifications has been made in pRPL to improve its usability, flexibility, and performance. While retaining some of the key features of pRPL, the new version has gained several new features: (1) a new DataManager class has been added for integrated data management, and to facilitate data decomposition, assignment mapping, data distribution, Transition execution, and load‐balancing; (2) a GDAL‐based raster data I/O mechanism has been added to support various geospatial raster data formats, and provide centralized and pseudo parallel I/O modes; and (3) a static load‐balancing mode and a dynamic load‐balancing mode using the task‐farming technique are provided. A parallel zonal statistics tool and a parallel Cellular Automata model were developed to demonstrate the usability and performance of pRPL 2.0. The experiments using the California datasets showed that the performance altered when different pRPL options (i.e. load‐balancing mode, I/O mode and writer mode) were used for different algorithms, datasets, and varying numbers of processes.
Morphing Linear Features Based on Their Entire Structures
Authors: Deng Min , Peng Dongliang
Published: September 2014

In this article, a new morphing method is proposed for two linear features at different scales, based on their entire structures (MLBES in abbreviation). First, the bend structures of the linear features are identified by using a constrained Delaunay triangulation (CDT in abbreviation) model and represented by binary bend‐structure trees. By matching the independent bends represented by the bend‐structure trees, corresponding independent bends are obtained. These corresponding independent bends are further used to match their child bends based on hierarchical bend structures so that corresponding bends are obtained. On this basis, the two linear features are split into pairs of corresponding subpolylines by the start and end points of the corresponding bends. Second, structures of the corresponding subpolylines are identified by the Douglas‐Peucker algorithm and represented by binary line generalization trees (BLG‐trees in abbreviation). The corresponding subpolylines are split into smaller corresponding subpolylines by matching the nodes of the BLG‐trees. Third, the corresponding points are identified by using the linear interpolation algorithm for every pair of corresponding subpolylines. Finally, straight‐line trajectories are employed to generate a family of intermediate‐scale linear features. By comparison with other methods, it is found that MLBES is accurate and efficient.
Gelfand–Kirillov dimension of differential difference algebras
Authors: Zhang Yang , Zhao Xiangui
Published: September 2014

Differential difference algebras, introduced by Mansfield and Szanto, arose naturally from differential difference equations. In this paper, we investigate the Gelfand–Kirillov dimension of differential difference algebras. We give a lower bound of the Gelfand–Kirillov dimension of a differential difference algebra and a sufficient condition under which the lower bound is reached; we also find an upper bound of this Gelfand–Kirillov dimension under some specific conditions and construct an example to show that this upper bound cannot be sharpened any further.
A Damage Mechanics Approach to Simulate Butterfly Wing Formation Around Nonmetallic Inclusions
Authors: Mobasher Moghaddam Sina , Sadeghi Farshid , Weinzapfel Nick , Liebel Alexander
Published: September 2014

Nonmetallic inclusions such as sulfides and oxides are byproducts of the steel manufacturing process. For more than half a century, researchers have observed microstructural alterations around the inclusions commonly referred to as “butterfly wings.” This paper proposes a model to describe butterfly wing formation around nonmetallic inclusions. A 2D finite element model is developed to obtain the stress distribution in a domain subject to Hertzian loading with an embedded nonmetallic inclusion. It was found that mean stress due to surface traction has a significant effect on butterfly formation. Continuum damage mechanics (CDM) was used to investigate fatigue damage and replicate the observed butterfly wing formations. It is postulated that cyclic damage accumulation can be the reason for the microstructural changes in butterflies. A new damage evolution equation, which accounts for the effect of mean stresses, was introduced to capture the microstructural changes in the material. The proposed damage evolution law matches experimentally observed butterfly orientation, shape, and size successfully. The model is used to obtain S-N results for butterfly formation at different Hertzian load levels. The results corroborate well with the experimental data available in the open literature. The model is used to predict debonding at the inclusion/matrix interface and the most vulnerable regions for crack initiation on butterfly sides. The proposed model is capable of predicting the regions of interest in corroboration with experimental observations.
Overview and Outlook of Three-Dimensional Integrated Circuit Packaging, Three-Dimensional Si Integration, and Three-Dimensional Integrated Circuit Integration
Authors: Lau John H.
Published: September 2014

3D integration consists of 3D integrated circuit (IC) packaging, 3D Si integration, and 3D IC integration. They are different and in general the through-silicon via (TSV) separates 3D IC packaging from 3D Si/IC integrations since the latter two use TSV but 3D IC packaging does not. 3D Si integration and 3D IC integration are different. 3D IC integration stacks up the thin chips with TSV and microbump, while 3D Si integration stacks up thin wafers with TSV alone (i.e., bumpless). TSV is the heart of 3D Si/IC integrations and is the focus of this investigation. Also, the state-of-the-art, challenge, and trend of 3D integration will be presented and examined. Furthermore, supply chain readiness for high volume manufacturing (HVM) of TSVs is discussed.
Galerkin Approximations for Stability of Delay Differential Equations With Time Periodic Delays
Authors: Sadath Anwar , Vyasarayani C. P.
Published: September 2014

In this paper, we develop Galerkin approximations for determining the stability of delay differential equations (DDEs) with time periodic coefficients and time periodic delays. Using a transformation, we convert the DDE into a partial differential equation (PDE) along with a boundary condition (BC). The PDE and BC we obtain have time periodic coefficients. The PDE is discretized into a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) using the Galerkin method with Legendre polynomials as the basis functions. The BC is imposed using the tau method. The resulting ODEs are time periodic in nature; thus, we resort to Floquet theory to determine the stability of the ODEs. We show through several numerical examples that the stability charts obtained from the Galerkin method agree closely with those obtained from direct numerical simulations.
Synthesis of RCCC Linkages to Visit Four Given Poses
Authors: Bai Shaoping , Angeles Jorge
Published: September 2014

This paper focuses on the problem of synthesis of spatial four-bar linkages of the RCCC type for rigid-body guidance with four given poses, R denoting a revolute, C a cylindrical kinematic pair. While synthesis equations for CC and RC dyads are available in the literature, the synthesis of spatial RCCC four-bar linkages requires special attention, due to its asymmetric topology. We revisit the problem to cope robustly with the asymmetry, namely, the approximate nature of the RC dyad and the infinity of exact solutions of the CC dyad for the number of given poses. Our approach includes a robust formulation of the synthesis of CC dyads, for the determination of axis-congruences. Moreover, we formulate a uniform synthesis equation, which enables us to treat both RC and CC dyads, with properly selected constraints for both cases. Two design examples are included.