bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chemicals eluting from disposable plastic syringes and syringe filters alter neurite growth, axogenesis and the microtubule cytoskeleton in cultured hippocampal neurons
Authors: Lee Tet Woo , Tumanov Sergey , Villas‐Bôas Silas G , Montgomery Johanna M , Birch Nigel P 
Published: December 2014

AbstractCultures of dissociated hippocampal neurons are often used to study neuronal cell biology. We report that the development of these neurons is strongly affected by chemicals leaching from commonly used disposable medical‐grade syringes and syringe filters. Contamination of culture medium by bioactive substance(s) from syringes and filters occurred with multiple manufacturing lots and filter types under normal use conditions and resulted in changes to neurite growth, axon formation and the neuronal microtubule cytoskeleton. The effects on neuronal morphology were concentration‐dependent and significant effects were detected even after substantial dilution of the contaminated medium. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analyses revealed many chemicals eluting from the syringes and filters. Three of these chemicals (stearic acid, palmitic acid and 1,2‐ethanediol monoacetate) were tested but showed no effects on neurite growth. Similar changes in neuronal morphology were seen with high concentrations of bisphenol A and dibutyl phthalate, two hormonally active plasticisers. Although no such compounds were detected by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, unknown plasticisers in leachates may affect neurites. This is the first study to show that leachates from laboratory consumables can alter the growth of cultured hippocampal neurons. We highlight important considerations to ensure leachate contamination does not compromise cell biology experiments.
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Cultures of dissociated hippocampal neurons are used to study many aspects of neuronal cell biology. We report that leachates from medical grade syringes and sterile syringe filters may alter neurite growth in these cultures. These consumables are commonly used in the laboratory. Our results serve as a reminder to other researchers to ensure that leachate contamination does not compromise experimental results, and that specifying details about which materials were used is crucial. The merged image shows the differences between dissociated hippocampal neurons that were cultured for 2 days in control medium (left half of image) compared to those cultured in syringe‐filtered medium (right half of image), which have a greater number of long thin neurites. Neurons were immunolabelled for Tau (green) and MAP2 (red) and nuclei labelled with DAPI (blue).
A mixed methods study of the work patterns of full‐time nurse practitioners in nursing homes
Authors: Martin‐Misener Ruth , Donald Faith , Wickson‐Griffiths Abigail , Akhtar‐Danesh Noori , Ploeg Jenny , Brazil Kevin , Kaasalainen Sharon , McAiney Carrie , Carter Nancy , Schindel Martin Lori , Sangster‐Gormley Esther , Taniguchi Alan 
Published: December 2014

Aims and objectivesThe aim of this study was to explore the integration of the nurse practitioner role in Canadian nursing homes to enable its full potential to be realised for resident and family care. The objective was to determine nurse practitioners' patterns of work activities.BackgroundNurse practitioners were introduced in Canadian nursing homes a decade ago on a pilot basis. In recent years, government and nursing home sector interest in the role has grown along with the need for data to inform planning efforts.DesignThe study used a sequential mixed methods design using a national survey followed by case studies.MethodsA national survey of nurse practitioners included demographic items and the EverCare Nurse Practitioner Role and Activity Scale. Following the survey, case studies were conducted in four nursing homes. Data were collected using individual and focus group interviews, document reviews and field notes.ResultsTwenty‐three of a target population of 26 nurse practitioners responded to the survey, two‐thirds of whom provided services in nursing homes with one site and the remainder in nursing homes with as many as four sites. On average, nurse practitioners performed activities in communicator, clinician, care manager/coordinator and coach/educator subscales at least three to four times per week and activities in the collaborator subscale once a week. Of the 43 activities, nurse practitioners performed daily, most were in the clinician and communicator subscales. Case study interviews involved 150 participants. Findings complemented those of the survey and identified additional leadership activities.ConclusionNurse practitioners undertake a range of primary health care and advanced practice activities which they adapt to meet the unique needs of nursing homes.Relevance to clinical practiceKnowledge of work patterns enables nursing homes to implement the full range of nurse practitioner roles and activities to enhance resident and family care.
Women's self‐management of chronic illnesses in the context of caregiving: a grounded theory study
Authors: Martinez‐Marcos Mercedes , De la Cuesta‐Benjumea Carmen 
Published: December 2014

Aims and objectivesUncover how women self‐manage their own chronic illness while taking care of a dependent relative.BackgroundInternational policies place special emphasis in promoting interventions addressed to control, prevent and care for people with chronic health conditions. Self‐management is a crucial part of this care. Caregivers are more prone to have chronic illness than non‐caregivers. They are confronted with dilemmas about taking care of themselves while taking care of their dependent relative and the rest of their families. Caregivers articulate strategies to enable them to focus their energy on caring.DesignQualitative study using constructivist grounded theory.MethodsThirty‐nine women caregivers with a chronic illness participated in the study. Twenty‐three semi‐structured interviews and two focus groups were carried out between April 2010–December 2011. Data were analysed using grounded theory procedures.FindingsSelf‐management helps women caregivers with a chronic illness to balance the demands of their own illness and those of the dependent relative. They self‐manage their illness by self‐regulating the treatment, by regulating their strength and by controlling their emotions.ConclusionsWomen caregivers integrate effectively and creatively the management of their chronic illnesses within the complexities of family care. This renders their health needs invisible and reaffirms them as capable caregivers.Relevance to clinical practiceIdentifying self‐management strategies of women caregivers allow health professionals to acknowledge and reinforce effective self‐care measures and to deter those that are ineffective and lessen their quality of life.
Why older nurses leave the workforce and the implications of them staying
Authors: Duffield Christine , Graham Elizabeth , Donoghue Judith , Griffiths Rhonda , Bichel‐Findlay Jen , Dimitrelis Sofia 
Published: December 2014

Aims and objectivesTo identify factors that motivate older nurses to leave the workforce.BackgroundAs many older nurses are now reaching retirement age and will be eligible for government‐funded pensions, governments are concerned about the impending financial burden. To prepare for this scenario, many are looking at increasing the age of retirement to 67 or 70 years. Little is known about how this will affect the continuing employment of older nurses and the consequences for employers and the nurses themselves if they remain longer in the workforce.DesignProspective randomised quantitative survey study.MethodsThe Mature Age Workers Questionnaire, Job Descriptive Index and Job in General Scale were used to measure job satisfaction, intention to retire and factors encouraging retirement in registered nurses aged 45 years and over (n = 352) in Australia (July–August 2007).ResultsThere were 319 respondents. The mean age proposed for leaving the workforce was 61·7 years. Key motivators were: financial considerations (40·1%), primarily financial security; nurse health (17·4%) and retirement age of partner (13·3%).ConclusionsOlder nurses are leaving the workforce prior to retirement or pension age, primarily for financial, social and health reasons, taking with them significant experience and knowledge. As financial considerations are important in older nurses decisions to continue to work, increasing the age of retirement may retain them. However, consideration will need to be given to ensure that they continue to experience job satisfaction and are physically and mentally able to undertake demanding work.Relevance to clinical practiceIncreasing retirement age may retain older nurses in the workforce, however, the impact on the health of older nurses is not known, nor is the impact for employers of older nurses continuing to work known. Employers must facilitate workplace changes to accommodate older nurses.
“An Army of Civil Servants”:MaxWeber andÉmileDurkheim on Socialism
Authors: Dawson Matt 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis paper is a comparison of the views ofMaxWeber andÉmileDurkheim on socialism; these two have yet to be compared on this topic. They offered shared critiques of socialism, but differed in assessment of its overall worth, withDurkheim being more welcoming. After considering possible explanations for this divergenceIargue it reflects the contrasting methodologies adopted by both. WhilstWeber places questions of the “value” of socialism solely in the conscious of the individual, and therefore beyond sociology,Durkheim sees this as a social question and therefore part of the practical concerns of sociologists.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Radiation‐Induced Myelopathy
Authors: Keřkovský Miloš , Zitterbartová Jana , Pour Luděk , Šprláková‐Puková Andrea , Mechl Marek 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTRadiation myelopathy (RM) is a rare complication of spinal cord irradiation. Diagnosis is based on the history of radiotherapy, laboratory tests, and magnetic resonance imaging of the spinal cord. The MRI findings may nevertheless be quite unspecific. In this paper, we describe the findings of diffusion tensor imaging in a case of the delayed form of RM. We observed areas of restricted diffusion within the spinal cord which probably corresponded to the ischemic changes. This would concur with the currently accepted pathogenetic theory concerning RM.
Origin and history of ureilitic material in the solar system: The view from asteroid 2008 TC3 and the Almahata Sitta meteorite
Authors: Goodrich Cyrena Anne , Hartmann William K. , O'Brien David P. , Weidenschilling Stuart J. , Wilson Lionel , Michel Patrick , Jutzi Martin 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAsteroid 2008 TC3 (approximately 4 m diameter) was tracked and studied in space for approximately 19 h before it impacted Earth's atmosphere, shattering at 44–36 km altitude. The recovered samples (>680 individual rocks) comprise the meteorite Almahata Sitta (AhS). Approximately 50–70% of these are ureilites (ultramafic achondrites). The rest are chondrites, mainly enstatite, ordinary, and Rumuruti types. The goal of this work is to understand how fragments of so many different types of parent bodies became mixed in the same asteroid. Almahata Sitta has been classified as a polymict ureilite with an anomalously high component of foreign clasts. However, we calculate that the mass of fallen material was ≤0.1% of the pre‐atmospheric mass of the asteroid. Based on published data for the reflectance spectrum of the asteroid and laboratory spectra of the samples, we infer that the lost material was mostly ureilitic. Therefore, 2008 TC3 probably contained only a few percent nonureilitic materials, similar to other polymict ureilites except less well consolidated. From available data for the AhS meteorite fragments, we conclude that 2008 TC3 samples essentially the same range of types of ureilitic and nonureilitic materials as other polymict ureilites. We therefore suggest that the immediate parent of 2008 TC3 was the immediate parent of all ureilitic material sampled on Earth. We trace critical stages in the evolution of that material through solar system history. Based on various types of new modeling and re‐evaluation of published data, we propose the following scenario. (1) The ureilite parent body (UPB) accreted 0.5–0.6 Ma after formation of calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions (CAI), beyond the ice line (outer asteroid belt). Differentiation began approximately 1 Ma after CAI. (2) The UPB was catastrophically disrupted by a major impact approximately 5 Ma after CAI, with selective subsets of the fragments reassembling into daughter bodies. (3) Either the UPB (before breakup), or one of its daughters (after breakup), migrated to the inner belt due to scattering by massive embryos. (4) One daughter (after forming in or migrating to the inner belt) became the parent of 2008 TC3. It developed a regolith, mostly ≥3.8 Ga ago. Clasts of enstatite, ordinary, and Rumuruti‐type chondrites were implanted by low‐velocity collisions. (5) Recently, the daughter was disrupted. Fragments were injected or drifted into Earth‐crossing orbits. 2008 TC3 comes from outer layers of regolith, other polymict ureilites from deeper regolith, and main group ureilites from the interior of this body. In contrast to other models that have been proposed, this model invokes a stochastic history to explain the unique diversity of foreign materials in 2008 TC3 and other polymict ureilites.
A Carnian40Ar/39Ar age for the Paasselkä impact structure (SEFinland)—An update
Authors: Schwarz Winfried H. , Schmieder Martin , Buchner Elmar , Trieloff Mario , Moilanen Jarmo , Öhman Teemu 
Published: December 2014

AbstractA recrystallized band of pale feldspathic impact melt in a gneissic impact breccia from the approximately 10 km Paasselkä impact structure in southeast Finland was dated via40Ar/39Ar step‐heating. The newly obtained plateau age of 228.7 ± 1.8 (2.2) Ma (2σ) (MSWD = 0.32;p = 0.93) is equal to the previously published pseudoplateau age of 228.7 ± 3.0 (3.4) (2σ) for the impact event. According to the current international chronostratigraphic chart and using the most recent published suggestions for the K decay constants, a Carnian (Late Triassic) age for the Paasselkä impact structure of 231.0 ± 1.8 (2.2) Ma (2σ) is calculated and considered the most precise and accurate age for this impact structure. The new plateau age for Paasselkä confirms the previous dating result but is, based on its internal statistics, much more compelling.
“And They Shall Make War No More”: Lessons about Peace-Making and Overcoming Conflict from Colombia
Authors: Henao Gaviria Hector Fabio 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis paper describes the background to the last fifty years of violence in Columbia and identifies its causes in inequality, poverty and displacement. It then explores the ways in which the Catholic Church has been prominent in developing processes of peace-building that include “accompaniment” of the victims to include them in structures of citizen participation. It ends with theological and pastoral reflections on how this can be enabled practically in the Columbian context.
In Defence of War
Authors: Biggar Nigel 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis essay falls into two parts. In the first I offer a panorama of my book, In Defence of War (Oxford University Press, 2013), highlighting its main features. These comprise: its rhetorical position; its opposition to the “the virus of wishful thinking”, pacifism, legal positivism, and liberal individualism; and its promotion of the early Christian tradition of just war reasoning and of three kinds of realism – moral-ontological, Augustinian-anthropological, and practical. Then in the second part, I consider four controversial issues that the book raises: love, proportionality, Britain's entry into the First World War, and the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
Association of a polymorphism of the interleukin 6 receptor gene with chronic kidney disease in Japanese individuals
Authors: Horibe Hideki , Fujimaki Tetsuo , Oguri Mitsutoshi , Kato Kimihiko , Matsuoka Reiko , Abe Shintaro , Tokoro Fumitaka , Arai Masazumi , Noda Toshiyuki , Watanabe Sachiro , Yamada Yoshiji 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimVarious loci and genes that confer susceptibility to coronary artery disease (CAD) have been identified in Caucasian populations by genome‐wide association studies (GWASs). The aim of the present study was to examine a possible association of chronic kidney disease (CKD) with 29 polymorphisms previously identified as susceptibility loci for CAD by meta‐analyses of GWASs.MethodsThe study population comprised 2247 Japanese individuals, including 1588 subjects with CKD [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of <60 mL min−1 1.73 m−2] and 659 controls (eGFR of ≥90 mL min−1 1.73 m−2). The genotypes for 29 polymorphisms of 28 candidate genes were determined.ResultsThe χ2 test revealed that rs4845625 (T→C) of IL6R, rs4773144 (A→G) of COL4A1, rs9319428 (G→A) of FLT1, and rs46522 (T→C) of UBE2Z were significantly (P < 0.05) related to CKD. Multivariable logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, and the prevalence of smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidaemia revealed that rs4845625 of IL6R (P = 0.0008; dominant model; odds ratio, 1.49), rs4773144 of COL4A1 (P = 0.0252; dominant model; odds ratio, 1.28), and rs9319428 of FLT1 (P = 0.0260: additive model; odds ratio, 0.77) were significantly associated with CKD. The serum concentration of creatinine was significantly (P = 0.0065) greater and eGFR was significantly (P = 0.0009) lower in individuals with the TC or CC genotype of IL6R than in those with the TT genotype.ConclusionThe rs4845625 of IL6R may be a susceptibility locus for CKD in Japanese individuals.
Cardiac patients' perception of patient‐centred care: a qualitative study
Authors: Esmaeili Maryam , Cheraghi Mohammad A. , Salsali Mahvash 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTAimThe aim of this study was to explore cardiac patients' perception of patient‐centred care.BackgroundDespite patient's importance in the process of care, less attention has been paid to experiences and expectations of patients in definitions of patient‐centred care. As patients are an important element in process of patient‐centred care, organizing care programs according to their perceptions and expectations will lead to enhanced quality of care and greater patient satisfaction.DesignThis study is a descriptive qualitative study.MethodsContent analysis approach was performed for data analysis. Participants were 18 cardiac patients (10 women and 8 men) hospitalized in coronary care units of teaching hospitals affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences. We collected the study data through conducting personal face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews.FindingsThe participants' perceptions of patient‐centred care fell into three main themes including managing patients uncertainty, providing care with more flexibility and establishing a therapeutic communication. The second theme consisted of two sub‐themes: empathizing with patients and having the right to make independent decisions.ConclusionsReceiving patient‐centred care is essential for cardiac patients. Attention to priorities and preferences of cardiac patients and making decisions accordingly is among effective strategies for achieving patient‐centred care.Implications for practiceCardiac care unit nurses ought to be aware that in spite of technological developments and advances, it is still important to pay attention to patients' needs and expectations in order to achieve patient satisfaction. In planning care programs, they should consider accountability towards patients' needs, flexibility in process of care and establishing medical interactions as an effective strategy for improving quality of care.
Evaluating effect of symptoms heterogeneity on decision‐making ability in obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Martoni Riccardo Maria , Brombin Chiara , Nonis Alessandro , Salgari Giulia Carlotta , Buongiorno Angela , Cavallini Maria Cristina , Galimberti Elisa , Bellodi Laura 
Published: December 2014

AimsDespite having a univocal definition, obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) shows a remarkably phenotypic heterogeneity. The published reports show impaired decision‐making in OCD patients, using tasks such as the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). We wanted to verify the hypothesis of an IGT worse performance in a large sample of OCD patients and healthy control (HC) subjects and to examine the relation between neuropsychological performance in IGT and the OCD symptoms heterogeneity.MethodsBinary data from the Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale collected on a large sample of OCD patients were analyzed using a multidimensional item response theory model to explore the underlying structure of data, thus revealing latent factors. Factor scores were categorized into quartiles. Then, for each factor, we identified patients respectively with the highest versus lowest score. We evaluated whether symptom dimensions affect the probability of a correct answer over time generalized, during IGT performance, fitting a generalized linear mixed model.ResultsWe found a general deficit in ambiguous decision‐making in OCD compared to HC. Moreover, our findings suggested that OCD symptoms heterogeneity affects decision‐making learning abilities during IGT. In fact, while ‘Symmetry’ and ‘Washing’ patients showed a learning curve during the task, other subgroups did not.ConclusionsOur study confirmed previous findings suggesting that OCD is characterized by a deficit in decision‐making under uncertainty. Moreover, our study gave evidence about biological specificity for each symptom dimension in OCD. Data were discussed in the context of the somatic marker hypothesis, which was hypothesized to be reduced in OCD patients.
Eccentricity in images of circular and spherical targets and its impact on spatial intersection
Authors: Luhmann Thomas 
Published: December 2014

AbstractA behaviour of perspective projection which causes eccentricity in the image measurement of circular and spherical targets is discussed. While it is commonly known that flat circular targets can have a significant displacement of the elliptical image centre with respect to the true circle centre, it can also be shown that a similar effect also exists for spherical targets. Both types of target images exhibit elliptical characteristics. If measurement methods such as best‐fitting ellipses are used to detect the target, the calculated ellipse centre does not correspond to the desired target centre in 3D space. This paper firstly discusses the use and measurement of circular and spherical targets. It then describes the geometrical projection model in order to demonstrate the eccentricity in image space which, based on numerical simulations, is further quantified and investigated. Finally, the resulting effect in 3D space is estimated for stereo‐ and multi‐image intersections. It is shown that the eccentricity is larger than usually assumed, and must be compensated for in high‐accuracy applications. Furthermore, spherical targets do not display better results than circular targets.