bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Empirical model for plasticity‐induced crack closure based on Kmax and ΔK
Authors: Antunes F. V. , Chegini A. G. , Camas D. , Correia L 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe mean stress has a significant effect on crack propagation life and must be included in prediction models. However, there is no consensus in the fatigue community regarding the dominant mechanism explaining the mean stress effect. The concept of crack closure has been widely used and several empirical models can be found in literature. The stress ratio, R, is usually the main parameter of these models, but present numerical results showed a significant influence of Kmax. A new empirical model is therefore proposed here, dependent on Kmax and ΔK, with four empirical constants. The model also includes the effect of material's yield stress, and two additional parameters were defined to account for stress state and crack closure parameter. A comparison was made with Kujawski's and Glinka's parameters, for a wide range of loading conditions. ΔKeff lies between Kujawski's and Glinka's parameters, and some agreement is evident, although the concepts are quite different. The crack opening model was applied to literature results and was able to collapse da/dN–ΔK curves for different stress ratios to a single master curve.
Changes in von Willebrand factor level and von Willebrand activity with age in type 1 von Willebrand disease
Authors: Rydz N. , Grabell J. , Lillicrap D. , James P. D. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryIn a normal population, VWF plasma levels (VWF:Ag) and VWF activity (VWF:RCo) increase by approximately 0.17 and 0.15 IU mL−1 per decade, but the influence of age is unknown in patients with type 1 von Willebrand disease (VWD). In a retrospective cohort study, the medical records of 31 type 1 VWD patients over the age of 30, who had been followed for ≥5 years, were reviewed for baseline clinical data and previously performed VWF:Ag, VWF:RCo and factor VIII levels (FVIII:C). VWF multimer analysis was normal in 28/31 cases performed. Mean age at diagnosis was 33 (range 16–60 years), and duration of follow‐up ranged from 5 to 26 years (mean 11 years). Patients had 2–10 time points of VWD testing (mean of 5.2). The mean VWF:Ag, VWF:RCo and FVIII:C at time of diagnosis were 0.44 IU mL−1 0.34 IU mL−1 and 0.75 IU mL−1. At last follow‐up, the mean VWF:Ag, VWF:RCo and FVIII:C were significantly increased to 0.71 IU L−1, 0.56 IU mL−1 and 0.90 IU mL−1 (P ≤ 0.001, <0.001, and 0.0081 respectively). Here 18/31 patients had VWF:Ag, VWF:RCo and FVIII: C levels that increased into the normal range. The rate of change in VWF:Ag, VWF:RCo and FVIII was 0.30 IU mL−1 (0.21–0.39, CI 95%, P < 0.0001), 0.20 IU mL−1 per decade (0.13–0.27, CI 95%, P = 0.0001) and 0.20 IU mL−1 (0.11–0.29, CI 95%, P = 0.0011). Patients with type 1 VWD experience age‐related increases to VWF:Ag and VWF:RCo which can result in normalization of VWF levels. Further studies are required to determine if the bleeding phenotype resolves with the increases in VWF:Ag and VWF:RCo levels.
Strengthened to forgive workplace transgressions: priming new money increases interpersonal forgiveness
Authors: Mok Aurelia , De Cremer David 
Published: March 2015

AbstractWe propose that a focus on new money increases forgiveness of others. Three studies provided consistent support for our hypothesis. Working adults recalled an interpersonal offense by a colleague and were subsequently induced to think of either new or used banknotes. Thinking of new (vs. used) banknotes led to weaker destructive tendencies toward the offender (Study 1), more pro‐relationship thinking (Study 2), and higher forgiveness (Study 3). This effect was mediated by feelings of vitality (Study 3), indicating a strength‐based mechanism. We discuss implications for research on money, forgiveness, self‐regulation, and organizational behavior.
The effects of low levels of fatigue on face recognition among individuals and team members
Authors: Frings Daniel 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe ability to identify particular faces among a crowd or line up is important in various contexts. However, little is known about how fatigue due to sleep deficit affects performance nor about the moderating role of team membership. UK Army Reservists (n = 182) indicated whether line ups of four faces included either of two target faces. They did this while either alone or in a team and while fatigued or alert. Among individuals, fatigue led to a greater bias toward identifying targets as absent. Fatigued team members experienced bias toward absent responses but to a lesser extent than did fatigued individuals. This did not translate into improved performance; fatigued teams had an equal proportion of hits but more false alarms than fatigued individuals.
Improving the implementation of NICE public health workplace guidance: an evaluation of the effectiveness of action‐planning workshops in NHS trusts in England
Authors: Jones Sarah , Sloan David , Evans Hannah E. R. , Williams Sian 
Published: March 2015

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesThere is evidence that health and well‐being of the National Health Service (NHS) workforce affects organizational and patient outcomes. A Cochrane review of the effectiveness of clinical audit to improve quality of care has shown great variation between studies, depending on the design and intensity of support offered. This study evaluates the effectiveness of an organizational audit methodology with (1) action‐planning workshops and follow‐up and (2) audit feedback alone, to support the implementation of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) workplace guidance.MethodsTwo rounds of audit using a self‐administered online questionnaire were conducted. An overall implementation score was devised for each trust. Following round 1, interviews were conducted with a cohort of trusts with high scores. The interviews used a theory‐based framework to identify predictors of and barriers to successful implementation. From this, the content for action‐planning workshops was devised and workshops held with lower scoring trusts. The remaining trusts received only written feedback on their audit results. Changes in the implementation score between rounds 1 and 2 were compared within and between cohorts.ResultsThe median improvement in scores between rounds 1 and 2 was statistically significant except where baseline score was high. The improvement for trusts who received workshops was very much better than those who did not (P < 0.001). This difference remained after adjustment using stratification by baseline score (P = 0.001).ConclusionsAudit, combined with action‐planning workshops and follow‐up, appears to be more effective in improving implementation of NICE workplace health and well‐being guidance than audit with feedback alone.
Rethinking primary care visits: how much can be eliminated, delegated or performed outside of the face‐to‐face visit?
Authors: Pelak Mary , Pettit Amy R. , Terwiesch Christian , Gutierrez Jennifer C. , Marcus Steven C. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesOffice visits represent the core component of primary care practice, but little is known about what percentage of primary care provider (PCP) visit time could be suitable for reassignment to another medical home team member or to a non‐face‐to‐face modality (e.g. secure messaging) in order to optimize face‐to‐face PCP visit time.MethodWe videotaped 121 PCP office visits at four Veterans Health Administration Medical Centers and divided visits into discrete activity segments. Two physicians reviewed each visit recording and provided independent clinical judgments regarding which segments might be suitable for reassignment. We examined the activity category distribution of visit time rated as needing face‐to‐face time with a PCP.ResultsReviewers judged 53% of the 5398 minutes of rated visit time as suitable for reassignment to another team member or modality. The percentage of time rated as needing face‐to‐face PCP care varied greatly by activity category, from a high of 73.9% (for examining patients) to a low of 16.2% (for medication review). Rater agreement regarding tasks' suitability for reassignment varied across activity categories.ConclusionsThese data offer an example of how face‐to‐face PCP visit time might be optimized as practices seek to shift components of patient care to other team members and other modalities. Given variations in provider preferences and judgments, successful redesign efforts will need to involve stakeholders in decisions about how to best utilize medical home resources.
Weight loss experiences of obese perimenopausal women with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Su Mei‐Chen , Lin Hung‐Ru , Chu Nain‐Feng , Huang Chih‐Hsung , Tsao Lee‐Ing 
Published: March 2015

Aims and objectivesTo develop a descriptive theory for the weight loss experiences of obese perimenopausal women with metabolic syndrome.BackgroundObesity and metabolic syndrome both pose a threat to the health of perimenopausal women; therefore, understanding perimenopausal women's subjective feelings and experiences is beneficial to establishing effective prevention strategies. However, studies have rarely explored these relevant experiences.DesignA qualitative study using the grounded theory method to establish a descriptive theory.MethodsEighteen obese perimenopausal women with metabolic syndrome aged 45–60 years participated in comprehensive interviews.Results‘Crossing the gaps to making life modifications’ was the core category, and ‘the awareness of weight gain and health alarm’ was the antecedent condition. In the weight loss experience, the following three interaction categories were identified: (1) ‘experiencing bad feelings,’ (2) ‘encountering obstacles’ and (3) ‘making efforts to transition to a new life.’ Some women adhered to new life habits through perceiving social support and by using self‐incentives. Finally, women enjoyed and mastered self‐monitoring of their health in their new life, and practiced new changes as part of their life. However, some participants felt that making changes to their life was too time‐consuming. Therefore, these women chose to live with their abnormal health without making changes.ConclusionsObese perimenopausal women with metabolic syndrome experienced various gaps in their weight loss process. Although they struggled with many obstacles, these women were able to learn from their experiences and face their health challenges.Relevance to clinical practiceThese findings can guide healthcare professionals to provide appropriate interventions to understand the hidden health problems of this particular group of women. Healthcare professionals should develop a set of plans by which women receive a complete weight loss program and support from professionals and family.
Choosing the right drug to fit the patient when selecting oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Shields A. M. , Lip G. Y. H. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAtrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia worldwide and is a growing health problem that is associated with a significantly increased risk of stroke and thromboembolism. Oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy reduces the risk of stroke and all‐cause mortality in patients with AF. OAC therapy is commonly given as a well‐controlled vitamin K antagonist (VKA; e.g. warfarin) and can reduce the risk of stroke in AF patients by almost two‐thirds. However, the widespread use of VKAs has been hampered by the unpredictable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the drugs and justifiable concerns about the consequent risk of haemorrhage. The non‐VKA OACs (NOACs) have revolutionized thromboprophylaxis in AF by providing therapeutic options with predictable pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties that are as efficacious as warfarin in the prevention of stroke and thromboembolism but are more convenient to use. In this review, we provide a patient‐centred framework to assist clinicians in recommending the right OAC therapy to fit the individual patient with AF, including methods for stratifying the risk of stroke and haemorrhage and the chances of achieving tight control of VKA anticoagulation, and we discuss the properties of the NOACs that favour their use in particular patient cohorts.
How to predict and treat increased fracture risk in chronic kidney disease
Authors: West S. L. , Patel P. , Jamal S. A. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractMen and women with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at an increased risk of fracture, and this risk increases as kidney function deteriorates. Fractures are associated with morbidity, mortality and economic costs. Despite this, there is a paucity of data regarding how to evaluate risk for fractures in CKD and how to treat high‐risk patients. Evidence suggests that bone mineral density (BMD) as assessed by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) is associated with fractures and can also predict future fractures in predialysis (stages 1–3) patients with CKD. In the absence of considerable abnormalities in markers of mineral metabolism, treatment with antiresorptive agents in men and women with early CKD at high fracture risk may be appropriate. Of note, recent data suggest that low BMD as measured by DXA can also predict fractures in patients with more advanced CKD (stages 4, 5 and 5D). However, treatment in patients with advanced CKD requires bone biopsy, the gold standard to assess bone turnover, prior to treatment. Further research, focusing on noninvasive methods to assess fracture risk and bone turnover, together with randomized controlled trials of treatments to reduce fractures in patients at all stages of CKD, is required.
Association of GDF5, SMAD3 and RUNX2 polymorphisms with temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis in female Han Chinese
Authors: Xiao J.‐L. , Meng J.‐H. , Gan Y.‐H. , Zhou C.‐Y. , Ma X.‐C. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryTemporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) is a complex disease and has a strong genetic component in its pathogenesis. Experimental evidence suggests the involvement of biological pathway in the disease. This case–control study was designed to investigate whether five common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in GDF5, SMAD3, RUNX2, TGFβ1 and CHST11, respectively, are associated with TMJOA in female Han Chinese patients. A total of 240 participants were evaluated comprising 114 female patients diagnosed with TMJOA based on Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders and 126 healthy female controls. The SNPs of the five genes in the genomic DNA were examined by sequencing, and their allelic, genotypic and carriage rate frequency distributions, as well as the triple combination of the risk genotypes, were analysed using the logistic regression model. The SNP in GDF5 or SMAD3 showed significant association with TMJOA, a relatively weak association was observed in RUNX2. In the triple combinational analysis, the risk of TMJOA grew 5·09 times in the patients with five or six risk alleles (P < 0·01). This is the first study to evaluate the association of GDF5, SMAD3, RUNX2, TGFβ1 and CHST11 with TMJOA in female Han Chinese. Our study suggests that the SNPs of genes related to TGFβ family might contribute to the risk of TMJOA.
Estimation of the rate of tooth wear in permanent incisors: a cross‐sectional digital radiographic study
Authors: Ray D. S. , Wiemann A. H. , Patel P. B. , Ding X. , Kryscio R. J. , Miller C. S. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryThis study used conventional digital radiography to estimate the rate of tooth wear (TW) of maxillary and mandibular central incisors based on a cross‐sectional study design. The crown length of 1239 permanent maxillary and mandibular central incisors from 346 persons (age groups: 10, 25, 40, 55 and 70 years ±3) were measured by three calibrated dentists. Study teeth were intact incisally, had clearly visible incisal edges and cementoenamel junctions and had natural tooth antagonists. Measures were based on digital radiographic images (N = 666) archived in MiPACS within the electronic health record (axiUm®) from the College of Dentistry patient database. Incisor crown length decreased at a linear rate in both arches over the 60 years represented by the age groups. The average crown length for maxillary incisors in the youngest age group was 11·94 mm, which decreased by an average of 1·01 mm by median age 70. For mandibular incisors, the average crown length in the youngest age group was 9·58 mm, which decreased by an average of 1·46 mm in the oldest age group. Males and females showed similar rates of TW. Regardless of age, females demonstrated smaller mean crown height for maxillary incisors than males (P < 0·0001). Measures by the examiners demonstrated good agreement, with an interclass correlation coefficient of 0·869 and an average intra‐examiner correlation of 99·5%, based on repeated measurements (n = 100). TW was estimated to average 1·01 mm for maxillary central incisors and 1·46 mm for mandibular central incisors by age 70 years.
Family acceptability of school‐based echocardiographic screening for rheumatic heart disease in a high‐risk population in New Zealand
Authors: Perelini Fiona , Blair Nikki , Wilson Nigel , Farrell Alan , Aitken Andrew 
Published: March 2015

AimEchocardiographic screening for rheumatic heart disease has been piloted in high‐risk areas in New Zealand and internationally, and fulfils most of the criteria for a targeted screening programme. The question of acceptability of rheumatic heart disease screening has not been assessed, and the aim of our study was to assess parental acceptability of a school‐based echocardiographic screening programme in a high‐risk population in New Zealand.MethodsA post‐screening questionnaire was developed to survey parents of children who underwent echocardiographic screening. The families of 34 children with abnormal scan results and a sample of 80 children with normal scan results were surveyed by phone within 4 months of screening.ResultsPositive results were seen in all survey questions in both normal and abnormal scan groups. All families were supportive of an ongoing screening programme. Of children with abnormal results, 62% of their parents reported that they would treat their child differently; however, all responses were positive health‐promoting outcomes.ConclusionThe study showed strong positive support for school‐based echocardiographic screening by a community with high acute rheumatic fever incidence. The study did not detect any short‐term negative effects in those with abnormal results. The survey result shows family and community support for the establishment of echocardiographic screening programmes in high acute rheumatic fever areas provided there is adequate infrastructural support.
Retinopathy of prematurity: New developments bring concern and hope
Authors: Darlow Brian A 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBlindness from retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in Australian and New Zealand is an uncommon event although 3% of <31 weeks gestation infants receive treatment for the disease. New world‐wide estimates of the incidence of blindness from ROP are much higher than previously at 20 000 children annually. The impact of severe ROP can be reduced through good evidence‐based care of very preterm infants and careful organisation of eye examinations and follow‐up services. Recent oxygen saturation targeting trial results might mean the adoption of higher targets than formerly in very preterm infants and will require vigilance to ensure all eligible infants are examined appropriately. A true screening examination for acute ROP might involve non‐opthalmologists obtaining photographic retinal images and remote reading of these. Although treatment with laser gives good outcomes, there is interest in intravitreal anti‐vascular endothelial factor agents, but issues concerning the systemic safety and retinal results of such treatment are unresolved.
In vitro susceptibility testing of amphotericin B for Cryptococcus neoformans variety grubii AFLP1/VNI and Cryptococcus gattii AFLP6/VGII by CLSI and flow cytometry
Authors: Morales Bernardina Penarrieta , Trilles Luciana , Bertho Álvaro Luiz , Junior Ivan Neves , de Oliveira Raquel de Vasconcellos Carvalhaes , Wanke Bodo , Lazéra Márcia dos Santos 
Published: March 2015

SummaryCryptococcus neoformans var. grubii AFLP1/VNI is the main causative agent of cryptococcosis associated with AIDS in the world. Cryptococcus gattii AFLP6/VGII causes mainly endemic primary infection in immunocompetent hosts. To determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of C. neoformans var. grubii AFLP1/VNI and C. gattii AFLP6/VGII against amphotericin B (AMB) in a short period of time, flow cytometry (FCM) with FUN‐1 fluorochrome was used to compare with broth microdilution method (CLSI M27‐A3). The minimum incubation period was evaluated by minimum fungicidal concentration procedure. Seventeen clinical isolates of C. neoformans var. grubii AFLP1/VNI and 18 of C. gattii AFLP6/VGII were analysed. The time for the determination of MICs by FCM was 2 h against 72 h by CLSI M27‐A3 and the comparison of MIC showed a positive significant correlation (P = 0.048). It is important to highlight the role of the FCM as an alternative method to determine the MICs for AMB in within a day, with positive cost‐benefit.
Functional analysis of the Fusarium graminearum phosphatome
Authors: Yun Yingzi , Liu Zunyong , Yin Yanni , Jiang Jinhua , Chen Yun , Xu Jin‐Rong , Ma Zhonghua 
Published: March 2015

Summary

Phosphatases are known to play important roles in the regulation of various cellular processes in eukaryotes. However, systematic characterization of the phosphatome has not been reported in phytopathogenic fungi.

The wheat scab fungus Fusarium graminearum contains 82 putative phosphatases. The biological functions of each phosphatase were investigated in this study.

Although 11 phosphatase genes appeared to be essential, deletion mutants of the other 71 phosphatase genes were obtained and characterized for changes in 15 phenotypes, including vegetative growth, nutrient response and virulence. Overall, the deletion of 63 phosphatase genes resulted in changes in at least one of the phenotypes assayed. Interestingly, the deletion of four genes (Fg06297, Fg03333, Fg03826 and Fg07932) did not dramatically affect hyphal growth, but led to strongly reduced virulence. Western blot analyses showed that three phosphatases (Fg10516, Fg03333 and Fg12867) functioned as negative regulators of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathways. In addition, we found, for the first time, that FgCdc14 is dispensable for growth, but plays an important role in ribosome biogenesis.

Overall, in this first functional characterization of the fungal phosphatome, phosphatases important for various aspects of hyphal growth, development, plant infection and secondary metabolism were identified in the phytopathogenic fungus F. graminearum.