bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a multisite educational intervention to improve mobilization of older patients in hospital: protocol for mobilization of vulnerable elders in Ontario (MOVE ON)
Authors: Liu Barbara , Almaawiy Ummukulthum , Moore Julia E , Chan Wai-Hin , Straus Sharon E ,   the MOVE ON Team
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Functional decline is a common adverse outcome of hospitalization in older people. Often, this decline is not related to the illness that precipitated admission, but to the process of care delivered in hospital. The association between immobility and adverse consequences is well established, yet older inpatients spend significant amounts of time supine in bed. We aim to implement and evaluate the impact of an evidence-based strategy to promote early mobilization and prevent functional decline in older patients admitted to university-affiliated acute care hospitals in Ontario, Canada. We will implement a multi-component educational intervention to support a change in practice to enhance mobilization of older patients.

Methods/design
Implementation of our early mobilization strategy is guided by the Knowledge to Action Cycle. Through focus groups with frontline staff, we will identify barriers and facilitators to early mobilization. We will tailor the intervention at each site to the identified barriers and facilitators, focusing on the following key messages: to complete a mobility assessment and care plan within 24 hours of the decision to admit patients aged 65 years and older; to achieve mobilization at least 3 times per day; and, to ensure that mobilization is scaled and progressive. The primary outcome, number of patients observed out of bed, will be documented three times per day (in the morning, at lunch and in the afternoon), two days each week. This data collection will occur over 3 phases: pre-implementation (10 weeks), implementation (8 weeks), and post-implementation (20 weeks).

Discussion
This is the first large, multisite study to evaluate the impact of a multi-component knowledge translation strategy on rates of mobilization of older patients in hospital. Our implementation is framed by the Knowledge to Action Cycle, and the intervention is being adapted to the local context. These unique features render our intervention approach more generalizable to multiple practice settings. Contextualization of the intervention has also facilitated engagement of participants from multiple hospitals. Upon completion of this study, we will better understand the barriers and facilitators to implementing an early mobilization strategy across a spectrum of hospitals, as well as the impact of a mobilization strategy.
Reirradiation in progressive high-grade gliomas: outcome, role of concurrent chemotherapy, prognostic factors and validation of a new prognostic score with an independent patient cohort
Authors: Scholtyssek Felix , Zwiener Isabella , Schlamann Annika , Seidel Clemens , Meixensberger Jürgen , Bauer Manfred , Hoffmann Karl-Titus , Combs Stephanie E , von Bueren André O , Kortmann Rolf-Dieter , Müller Klaus 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Purposes
First, to evaluate outcome, the benefit of concurrent chemotherapy and prognostic factors in a cohort of sixty-four high-grade glioma patients who underwent a second course of radiation therapy at progression. Second, to validate a new prognostic score for overall survival after reirradiation of progressive gliomas with an independent patient cohort.

Patients and methods
All patients underwent fractionated reirradiation with a median physical dose of 36 Gy. Median planned target volume was 110.4 ml. Thirty-six patients received concurrent chemotherapy consisting in 24/36 cases (67%) of carboplatin and etoposide and in 12/36 cases (33%) of temozolomide. We used the Kaplan Meier method, log rank test and proportional hazards regression analysis for statistical assessment.

Results
Median overall survival from the start of reirradiation was 7.7 ± 0.7 months. Overall survival rates at 6 and 12 months were 60 ± 6% and 24 ± 6%, respectively. Despite relatively large target volumes we did not observe any major acute toxicity. Concurrent chemotherapy did not appear to improve outcome. In contrast, female gender, young age, WHO grade III histology, favorable Karnofsky performance score and complete resection of the tumor prior to reirradiation were identified as positive prognostic factors for overall survival. We finally validated a recent suggestion for a prognostic score with our independent but small patient cohort. Our preliminary findings suggest that its ability to discriminate between different prognostic groups is limited.

Conclusions
Outcome of our patients was comparable to previous studies. Even in case of large target volumes reirradiation seems to be feasible without observing major toxicity. The benefit of concurrent chemotherapy is still elusive. A reassessment of the prognostic score, tested in this study, using a larger patient cohort is needed.
Addition of a carbohydrate-binding module enhances cellulase penetration into cellulose substrates
Authors: Reyes-Ortiz Vimalier , Heins Richard A , Cheng Gang , Kim Edward Y , Vernon Briana C , Elandt Ryan B , Adams Paul D , Sale Kenneth L , Hadi Masood Z , Simmons Blake A , Kent Michael S , Tullman-Ercek Danielle 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Cellulases are of great interest for application in biomass degradation, yet the molecular details of the mode of action of glycoside hydrolases during degradation of insoluble cellulose remain elusive. To further improve these enzymes for application at industrial conditions, it is critical to gain a better understanding of not only the details of the degradation process, but also the function of accessory modules.

Method
We fused a carbohydrate-binding module (CBM) from family 2a to two thermophilic endoglucanases. We then applied neutron reflectometry to determine the mechanism of the resulting enhancements.

Results
Catalytic activity of the chimeric enzymes was enhanced up to three fold on insoluble cellulose substrates as compared to wild type. Importantly, we demonstrate that the wild type enzymes affect primarily the surface properties of an amorphous cellulose film, while the chimeras containing a CBM alter the bulk properties of the amorphous film.

Conclusion
Our findings suggest that the CBM improves the efficiency of these cellulases by enabling digestion within the bulk of the film.
Distinct mechanism of formation of the 48, XXYY karyotype
Authors: Balsera Aránzazu Margallo , Estévez Manuela Núñez , Beltrán Emilia Balboa , Sánchez-Giralt Plácida , García Luz González , Moreno Trinidad Herrera , García de Cáceres Mayte , Carbonell Pérez José M , Gómez Enrique Galán , Rodríguez-López Raquel 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundTo expose the unusual nature of a coincident sex chromosomal aneuploidy in a patient and his father. Molecular mechanisms involved probably are based on the sperm chromosome of paternal origin, which determine the mode of formation. Conventional cytogenetics techniques and multiple Quantitative Fluorescent PCR of STR markers in sexual chromosomes in the patient and his parents.Results48,XXYY and 47,XYY aneuploidies in the patient and his father, respectively, were identified. The additional X and Y chromosomes showed parental origin.ConclusionsAn infrequent origin of the 48,XXYY syndrome was demonstrated. Mostly, it is thought to result from an aneuploid sperm produced through two consecutive non disjunction events in both meiosis I and II in a chromosomally normal father, but in our father’s patient a 47,XYY was discovered. It is suggested that a higher incidence of 24,XY and 24,YY sperm may be possible in 47,XYY individuals andan increased risk for aneuploidy pregnancies may exist. Although 48,XXYY patients and Klinefelter syndrome are often compared, recently they are regarded as a distinct genetic and clinical entity.
Earnings growth of Mexican immigrants: new versus traditional destinations
Authors: Kaushal Neeraj , Shang Ce 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
We study the earnings of Mexican immigrants in their traditional and newer destinations in the US. Analysis based on longitudinal data suggests that during 2001-2009, the real wage of Mexican immigrants increased 1-2% a year at the traditional destinations, but remained mostly statistically insignificant at the newer destinations. Mexicans at the traditional destinations exhibited greater residential stability: internal migration, non-follow up in the longitudinal data, and predicted return migration were higher among immigrants at the newer destinations than among immigrants at the traditional destinations. Predicted return migration was found to be selective on past earnings among men, but not among women. For men, a 10 percentage point increase in predicted probability of return migration was associated with a 0.3-0.5% lower wage in the year prior to return.
Thermal, mechanical, and moisture absorption properties of egg white protein bioplastics with natural rubber and glycerol
Authors: Jones Alexander , Zeller Mark Ashton , Sharma Suraj 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Petroleum-based plastics have many drawbacks: the large amount of energy required to produce the plastic, the waste generated as a result of plastic production, and the accumulation of waste due to slow degradation rate. It is because of these negative attributes of conventional plastic use that attention is being focused on environmentally friendly plastics from alternative sources. Albumin protein provides one possible source of raw material, with inherent antimicrobial properties that may make it suitable for medical applications. We conducted this study to investigate the various bioplastic properties of the albumin with the use of three plasticizers - water, glycerol, and natural rubber latex. Based on results, 75:25 albumin-water, 75:25 albumin-glycerol, and 80:20 albumin-natural rubber were the best blending ratios for each plasticizer for a subsequent time study to determine water stability, with the 80:20 albumin-natural rubber blend ratio having possessed the best thermal, tensile, and viscoelastic properties overall.
Analysis of polymorphisms in the circadian-related genes and breast cancer risk in Norwegian nurses working night shifts
Authors: Zienolddiny Shanbeh , Haugen Aage , Lie Jenny-Anne Sigstad , Kjuus Helge , Anmarkrud Kristine Haugen , Kjærheim Kristina 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Some studies have suggested that night work may be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in nurses. We aimed to explore the role of circadian gene polymorphisms in the susceptibility to night work-related breast cancer risk.

Methods
We conducted a nested case-control study of Norwegian nurses comprising 563 breast cancer cases and 619 controls within a cohort of 49,402 Norwegian nurses ages 35 to 74 years. We studied 60 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 17 genes involved in the regulation of the circadian rhythm in cases and controls. The data were analyzed in relation to the two exposure variables "maximum number of consecutive night shifts ever worked" and "maximum number of consecutive night shifts worked for at least 5 years." The odds of breast cancer associated with each SNP was calculated in the main effects analysis and in relation to night shift work. The statistically significant odds ratios were tested for noteworthiness using two Bayesian tests: false positive report probability (FPRP) and Bayesian false discovery probability (BFDP).

Results
In the main effects analysis, CC carriers of rs4238989 and GG carriers of rs3760138 in the AANAT gene had increased risk of breast cancer, whereas TT carriers of BMAL1 rs2278749 and TT carriers of CLOCK rs3749474 had reduced risk. The associations were found to be noteworthy using both the FPRP and BFDP tests. With regard to the effect of polymorphisms and night work, several significant associations were observed. After applying FPRP and BFDP in women with at least four night shifts, an increased risk of breast cancer was associated with variant alleles of SNPs in the genes AANAT (rs3760138, rs4238989), BMAL1 (rs2290035, rs2278749, rs969485) and ROR-b (rs3750420). In women with three consecutive night shifts, a reduced risk of breast cancer was associated with carriage of variant alleles of SNPs in CLOCK (rs3749474), BMAL1 (rs2278749), BMAL2 (rs2306074), CSNK1E (rs5757037), NPAS2 (rs17024926), ROR-b (rs3903529, rs3750420), MTNR1A (rs131113549) and PER3 (rs1012477).

Conclusions
Significant and noteworthy associations between several polymorphisms in circadian genes, night work and breast cancer risk were found among nurses who had worked at least three consecutive night shifts.
Noise Abatement in a Reverberant Sound Field Using the Particle Swarm Method
Authors: Chiu Min-Chie 
Published: July 2013

Noise control is essential in an enclosed machine room where the noise level is regulated by the occupational safety and health act. In order to overcome noise hybridized by a direct and reverberant sound wave, a sound absorber in conjunction with an acoustical enclosure has been used. However, the traditional method for designing a sound absorber and an acoustical enclosure has proven to be time-consuming. In order to efficiently control the noise level specified by the Environmental Protection Agency, interest in shape optimization of a sound absorber as well as acoustical enclosure is coming to the forefront. In this paper, the numerical technique of particle swarm optimization ( PSO) in conjunction with the theoretical sound propagation model and the method of minimized variation square are applied in the following numerical optimizations. Before noise abatement is carried out, the accuracy of the mathematical model in a single-noise enclosed system will be checked by SoundPlan (a professional simulation package). Moreover, the noise abatement of five kinds of multi-equipment machine rooms using the PSO method has been exemplified and fully explored. The results reveal that both the acoustical panel and the acoustical enclosure can be precisely designed. Consequently, this paper may provide an efficient and rapid way of depressing both the direct and reflected sound wave by using a well-designed acoustical panel and acoustical enclosure in a complicated sound field.
Elastic Layers to Reduce Sound Transmission in Lightweight Buildings
Authors: Ljunggren Fredrik , Ågren Anders 
Published: July 2013

To obtain satisfactory sound insulation is a challenging task when designing lightweight buildings. Poor performance at low frequencies as well as severe flanking transmission has traditionally often been more pronounced compared to heavier constructions. In the present casestudy based paper, various aspects of using elastic layers to improve sound insulation in lightweight buildings are considered. The effect on impact and airborne sound insulation by using two different kinds of vibration insulators between floor plans was examined together with the effect of using glues of various degree of elasticity in the construction. In situ measurements were performed inside a four-storey wooden frame based residential building and statistically significant variations in sound insulation were found. The efficiency of the two vibration insulators was further evaluated by vibration reduction measurements over the junctions. The difference in vibration reduction was found to be nearly constant in the frequency range 50–1000 Hz while the improvement of impact sound insulation increased by frequency. A long term test of elastic glues was also conducted, during three years, for stability over time. The best glues preserved a significantly higher damping ratio over time compared to the main part of the glues.
Buckling Strength of Single Angle Struts Part 2: Angles Connected by One Leg at Both Ends
Authors: Chen Shaofan , Wang Xiantie 
Published: July 2013

A single angle strut connected at both ends by one leg is simple in execution, but complex in behavior. As a monosymmetric section, the angle is subjected simultaneously to compression, biaxial bending and torsion. Furthermore, there exist at the two ends rotational restraints whose rigidity depends on the member arrangement and joint detailing of the truss. So, a rigorous solution of the bearing capacity of such angle is very difficult to establish. The common practice in design work is to transform this complex problem into the buckling of an axially compressed strut, hinged at both ends, by taking an equivalent slenderness ratio. In this study, new formulas for this equivalent slenderness are suggested, where a concept of partial adjustment is introduced so that they apply to angles of high strength steel as well as to those of low carbon steel. The detrimental effect of torsion on the strut capacity is not negligible when the angle has slender leg, especially for high strength steel. Formulas of reduction factor to the member yield strength are proposed in this regard and are given as a function of the flat width-thickness ratio instead of the overall width-thickness ratio of the leg. These formulas, in conjunction with those for equivalent slenderness, correlate well with the test program of angle struts, steel grade 460 MPa. Lastly, limitations to the formulas of equivalent slenderness are discussed.
Learning, Words and Actions: Experimental Evidence on Coordination-Improving Information
Authors: Jacquemet Nicolas , Zylbersztejn Adam 
Published: July 2013

AbstractWe experimentally study an asymmetric coordination game with two Nash equilibria: one is Pareto-efficient, the other is Pareto-inefficient and involves a weakly dominated strategy. We assess whether information about the interaction partner helps eliminate the imperfect equilibrium. Our treatments involve three information-enhancing mechanisms: repetition and two kinds of individual signals: messages from partner or observation of his past choices. Repetition-based learning increases the frequencies of the most efficient outcome and the most costly strategic mismatch. Moreover, it is superseded by individual signals. Like previous empirical studies, we find that signals provide a screening of partners’ intentions that reduces the frequency of coordination failures. Unlike these studies, we find that the transmission of information between partners, either via messages or observation, does not suffice to significantly increase the overall efficiency of outcomes. This happens mostly because information does not restrain the choice of the dominated action by senders.
Oxidative in vitro folding of a cysteine deficient variant of the G protein-coupled neuropeptide Y receptor type 2 improves stability at high concentration
Authors: Witte Kristina , Kaiser Anette , Schmidt Peter , Splith Victoria , Thomas Lars , Berndt Sandra , Huster Daniel , Beck-Sickinger Annette G. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

In vitro folding of G protein-coupled receptors into a detergent environment represents a promising strategy for obtaining sufficient amounts of functional receptor molecules for structural studies. Typically, these preparations exhibit a poor long-term stability especially at the required high protein concentration. Here, we report a protocol for the stabilization of the Escherichia coli-expressed and subsequently folded neuropeptide Y receptor type 2. We identified the free cysteines in the receptor as one major reason for intermolecular protein aggregation. Therefore, six out of the eight cysteine residues were mutated to alanine or serine without any significant loss of functionality of the receptor as demonstrated in cell culture models. Furthermore, the disulfide bond between the remaining two cysteines was irreversibly formed by applying oxidative in vitro folding. Applying this strategy, the stability of the functionally folded Y2 receptor could be increased to 20 days at a concentration of 15 μm in a micelle environment consisting of 1,2-diheptanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and n-dodecyl-ß-D-maltoside.
Power-Quality Improvement in PFC Bridgeless SEPIC-Fed BLDC Motor Drive
Authors: Singh Bhim , Bist Vashist 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
This article presents a design of a power factor correction (PFC)-based brushless DC (BLDC) motor drive. The speed control of BLDC motor is achieved by controlling the DC link voltage of the voltage source inverter (VSI) feeding BLDC motor using a single voltage sensor. A front-end bridgeless single-ended primary inductance converter (SEPIC) is used for DC link voltage control and PFC operation. A bridgeless SEPIC is designed to operate in discontinuous inductor current mode (DICM) thus utilizing a simple control scheme of voltage follower. An electronic commutation of BLDC motor is used for VSI to operate in a low-frequency operation for reduced switching losses in the VSI. Moreover, a bridgeless topology offers less conduction losses due to absence of diode bridge rectifier for further increasing the efficiency. The proposed BLDC motor drive is designed to operate over a wide range of speed control with an improved power-quality at the AC mains under the recommended international power-quality standards such as IEC 61000–3-2.
Using a standardized Viniyoga protocol for lung cancer survivors: a pilot study examining effects on breathing ease
Authors: M. Fouladbakhsh Judith , E. Davis Jean , N. Yarandi Hossein 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Although lung cancer is perceived as a dire diagnosis, increases in the 5-year survival rate of individuals with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have been reported. Survivors, however, continue to be excessively burdened with symptoms such as respiratory distress which interfere with functioning and quality of life. While exercise and physical activity are strongly recommended, NSCLC survivors may be reluctant to participate due to actual or anticipated shortness of breath exacerbated with movement.
This quasi-experimental, intervention-only pilot study aimed to determine the effects of an 8-week standardized yoga protocol for Stage I–IIIa NSCLC survivors (n=9). The protocol was developed within the Viniyoga (Hatha) tradition with respiratory experts. Breathing ease, dyspnea, oxygen saturation, and respiratory function were explored in relationship to yoga practice (45-minute sessions once per week and home practice) using repeated-measures analysis. Number of participants reporting dyspnea ranged from 25 to 50% prior to practice with no significant increase during sessions, and moderate decreases noted at times. Oxygen saturation remained high and vital signs stable; forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) values increased significantly over the 14-week study period (p<0.0001). Yoga, with an emphasis on postures coordinated with breathing and meditation practices, offers a potentially feasible and beneficial option that requires further study in this population.
Cloning and Characterization of a Critical Regulator for Preharvest Sprouting in Wheat
Authors: Liu Shubing , Sehgal Sunish K , Li Jiarui , Lin Meng , Trick Harold N , Yu Jianming , Gill Bikram S , Bai Guihua 
Published: July 2013

AbstractSprouting of grains in mature spikes before harvest is a major problem in wheat (Triticum aestivum) production worldwide. We cloned and characterized a gene underlying a wheat quantitative trait locus (QTL) on the short arm of chromosome 3A for preharvest sprouting (PHS) resistance in white wheat using comparative mapping and map-based cloning. This gene, designated TaPHS1, is a wheat homolog of a MOTHER OF FLOWERING TIME (TaMFT)-like gene. RNA interference-mediated knockdown of the gene confirmed that TaPHS1 positively regulates PHS resistance. We discovered two causal mutations in TaPHS1 that jointly altered PHS resistance in wheat. One GT-to-AT mutation generates a mis-splicing site, and the other A-to-T mutation creates a premature stop codon that results in a truncated nonfunctional transcript. Association analysis of a set of wheat cultivars validated the role of the two mutations on PHS resistance. The molecular characterization of TaPHS1 is significant for expediting breeding for PHS resistance to protect grain yield and quality in wheat production.