bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reasons for declining extended information visit on prenatal screening among pregnant women and their partners
Authors: Wätterbjörk Inger , Sahlberg‐Blom Eva , Nilsson Kerstin , Blomberg Karin 
Published: August 2015

AbstractObjectiveA two‐step model on information on prenatal screening consists of brief information at the first visit at the Maternal Health Care Centre and an offer of extended information at a separate visit. There is a lack of knowledge why some pregnant women and their partners refrain from the extended information visit. The aim of this study was to explore their reasons.MethodEight qualitative interviews were analyzed using Interpretive Description.ResultsIn the first theme ‘From an individual view’, the interviewees saw the invitation from their own points of view. They refrained because they did not want to receive any more information or had taken an individual position against chromosomal testing. In the theme, ‘From a societal view’, the interviewees perceived the offer as part of a societal view on prenatal screening that they could not support.ConclusionThe findings show that these interviewees' reasons of declining an extended information visit are multidimensional and influenced by different views, from both an individual perspective and a more societal one. Health care professionals should be aware that some persons could have a different view on health care services and could be reluctant to accept offered services. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patient Specific Factors Influencing Adherence to INR Monitoring
Authors: Kauffman Yardlee S. , Schroeder Allison E. , Witt Daniel M. 
Published: August 2015

ObjectiveThe specific reasons underlying nonadherence to monitoring the international normalized ratio (INR) from the patient's perspective have not been formally studied. Understanding why patients do or do not adhere has the potential to reveal useful targets for improving adherence to INR monitoring or alternative treatment strategies. The objective of this study was to gain further insight into INR monitoring nonadherence from the patient's perspective.MethodsThis qualitative study was conducted among members of Kaiser Permanente Colorado; patients were characterized as adherent or nonadherent and recruited from the Clinical Pharmacy Anticoagulation and Anemia Service to participate in an individual interview. Qualitative analysis was performed to identify emerging themes using an inductive approach. Demographic data were summarized using descriptive statistics.ResultsPatients were primarily white and employed with a mean age of 61.3 years. Perspectives and experiences were similar for all interviewed patients regardless of classification as adherent or nonadherent. The most common themes were the desire for INR monitoring to be inexpensive, convenient, and accessible; finding reassurance with INR monitoring; and a preference for interacting with the same group of prescribers, pharmacists, and phlebotomists.ConclusionsThe following strategies to improve adherence to INR testing are suggested: (i) assign anticoagulation providers to work with the same patients consistently; (ii) provide formal INR reminders; (iii) avoid harsh language or lecturing patients following missed INR tests; (iv) reinforce the clinical and psychological utility of INR results; and (v) facilitate access to INR testing. Adopting these strategies into clinical practice can support the patient–clinician relationship and empower patients to be more engaged in their health care.
Extracorporeal Elimination of Piperacillin/Tazobactam during Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System Therapy
Authors: Personett Heather A. , Larson Scott L. , Frazee Erin N. , Nyberg Scott L. , El‐Zoghby Ziad M. 
Published: August 2015

Use of the Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System (MARS) as a liver support device continues to grow worldwide. Various components of the MARS circuit remove both protein‐bound and water‐soluble molecules. Little is known about the extent of the enhanced clearance mechanisms used in MARS therapy on drug elimination. Of particular interest to acute care practitioners is the impact of MARS on antibiotic clearance, as suboptimal concentrations of such drugs can negatively impact patient outcomes. The properties of piperacillin/tazobactam suggest that elimination may be enhanced in the setting of MARS therapy. We describe two cases in which this was studied. Piperacillin concentrations were determined at various points within the MARS circuit, and patient serum concentrations were reported throughout the dosing interval while receiving MARS therapy. Piperacillin concentrations in both cases were in excess of the desired goal minimum inhibitory concentrations for treatment of gram‐negative infections. Use of an extended‐infusion strategy of piperacillin/tazobactam 3.375 or 4.5 g given every 8 hours maintained desired serum levels throughout the dosing interval. To our knowledge, this is the second published report on the use of piperacillin/tazobactam during MARS therapy. These case reports reveal successful dosing strategies for patients requiring piperacillin/tazobactam while receiving MARS therapy, as well as quantify the influence of individual MARS elements on drug extraction.
Characterization of BPN Pyrotechnic Composition Containing Micro‐ and Nanometer‐Sized Boron Particles
Authors: Koc Suzan , Ulas Abdullah , Yılmaz Nil Ezgi 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe effect of micro‐ and nanometer‐sized boron particles on boron‐potassium nitrate (BPN) ignition composition was investigated in this paper. As a starting point, thermochemical calculations were made to determine the most promising ignition compositions. Both stoichiometric and fuel‐rich formulations of BPN were produced to observe the performance variation due to boron content. Particle morphology of boron particles and the surface structure of the ignition compositions were investigated by SEM. The influence of micro‐ and nanometer‐sized boron particles on the calorific value, sensitivity properties, and pressure buildup of compositions were investigated. Sensitivity tests showed that all compositions were safe enough for handling. It was seen that although nanometer‐sized boron particles enhanced calorific value and pressurization rate, they did not have a contribution on the maximum pressure level. The maximum adiabatic flame temperature was attained by the stoichiometric composition, but in practice, the stoichiometric composition resulted in much lower performance than the fuel rich composition. Possible reasons for these behaviors of the compositions were discussed in the paper.
Plant Traits Relevant To Fluvial Geomorphology and Hydrological Interactions
Authors: O'Hare M. T. , Mountford J. O. , Maroto J. , Gunn I. D. M. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractPlants can slow water and trap sediment with their canopies and stabilise sediment with their roots. These influences are mediated by the characteristics or traits of the vegetation. Here, we review and investigate the flexibility, size, root form, clonal growth, perennation and Ellenberg F values of 459 European riverine species, considering their role in physical and ecological processes. We make use of existing plant trait datasets to create two typologies: one that identifies the role vegetation has in channel blockage (conveyance) and sediment accrual and a second typology, that indicates vegetation's ability to stabilize sediment. The two typologies are tools for interpreting botanical survey data collected using standard techniques across large numbers of sites as part of the European Union Water Framework Directive monitoring programmes. As such, they are designed to be used to indicate broad‐scale patterns across sites rather than detailed insights into site‐specific processes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prioritizing Parental Worry Associated with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Using Best‐Worst Scaling
Authors: Peay Holly Landrum , Hollin I. L. , Bridges J. F. P. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractDuchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive, fatal pediatric disorder with significant burden on parents. Assessing disease impact can inform clinical interventions. Best‐worst scaling (BWS) was used to elicit parental priorities among 16 short‐term, DMD‐related worries identified through community engagement. Respondents viewed 16 subsets of worries, identified using a balanced, incomplete block design, and identified the most and least worrying items. Priorities were assessed using best‐worst scores (spanning +1 to −1) representing the relative number of times items were endorsed as most and least worrying. Independent‐sample t‐tests compared prioritization of parents with ambulatory and non‐ambulatory children. Participants (n = 119) most prioritized worries about weakness progression (BW score = 0.64) and getting the right care over time (BW = 0.25). Compared to parents of non‐ambulatory children, parents of ambulatory children more highly prioritized missing treatments (BW = 0.31 vs. 0.13, p < 0.001) and being a good enough parent (BW = 0.06 vs. −0.08, p = 0.010), and less prioritized child feeling like a burden (BW = −0.24 vs. −0.07, p < 0.001). Regardless of child's disease stage, caregiver interventions should address the emotional impact of caring for a child with a progressive, fatal disease. We demonstrate an accessible, clinically‐relevant approach to prioritize disease impact using BWS, which offers an alternative to the use of traditional rating/ranking scales.
In-situ Crystallization and Thermal Migration in Karaj Dam Basement Sill (Northern Iran)
Authors: Esmaeily Dariush , Maghdour-Mashhour Reza 
Published: August 2015

Abstract:
The Karaj Dam basement sill (KDBS) shows layering between upper and lower chilled margins. Geochemically, the KDBS belongs to high-K calc-alkaline series and displays the geochemical characteristics related to an active continental margin environment. The rocks of the chilled margins are gabbroic in composition and porphyritic, becoming coarse-grained toward the center of the sill. The layers are dominated by gabbro, monzogabbro, and monzodiorite, formed from the lower to the upper chilled margin, with gradational transitions between rock types. The KDBS shows an S-shaped profile of MgO concentration from the base to the top of the sill. In situ crystallization is indicated by an approximately constant modal abundance of pyroxene and plagioclase, a narrow range of major element contents in the main lithologies and variable trace element concentrations. Calculated densities of successive cumulates and estimated Rayleigh number also confirm extraction of the residual liquid by compositional convection at the crystallization front and existence of turbulent flow in the main magma chamber. Disequilibrium crystallization, caused by saturation gradient thermal diffusion and to some extent Soret effect (Thermal migration) in the marginal series, is also indicated by an unexpected overall enrichment trend in MgO concentration and average Mg# of pyroxenes from the chilled margin (olivine-bearing gabbro) to marginal gabbro.
Sedimentary Core Analysis: Implications on the Evolution of Pulicat Lake, East Coast of India
Authors: Reddy B. C. Sundara Raja , Jayaraju N. , Reddy K. R. , Sreenivasulu G. , Reddy A. N. 
Published: August 2015

Abstract:
A shallow sedimentary core (PL-1) of 12.5m length was analyzed for lithological, paleontological and radiocarbon dating. The core shows fairly uniform lithological (sandy) composition and foraminifera. The marine molluskan shells at 12m depth provide 3660±80 yr BP age by 14C isotope dating. This age in correlation with timing of mid-late Holocene sea levels, facilitates to infer that the Pulicat lake has emerged during 2nd high stand sea level (4330±2500 cal years BP) in late Holocene.
Hydrochemical Characterization of Groundwater in Lower Kali Watershed, Western Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Khan Arina , Umar Rashid , Khan Haris Hasan 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A hydrogeochemical study was carried out to assess the groundwater quality in parts of Kali watershed in Bulandshahr and Aligarh district. 42 groundwater samples each were collected from hand pumps in pre-monsoon and post-monsoon period 2012 respectively and analysed for pH, EC, TDS, Total Hardness, silica, anions (Cl, HCO3, CO3, SO4, F & NO3) and cations (Ca, Mg, Na & K). On the basis of various diagrams and plots, groundwater has been assessed for its hydrochemical characteristics and suitability for irrigation and drinking purposes. Results show dominance of alkalis and bicarbonates. The dominant facies identified from piper diagram is Na-K-HCO3. Four chemical groups of water have been identified on L-L diagram and majority of the samples fall in alkali-bicarbonate type and mixed type groups. Possible aqueous species in the groundwater are Mg(HCO3)2, Ca(HCO3)2, NaHCO3, NaCl, CaSO4, K2SO4 and Na2SO4. The US salinity diagram and Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC) suggest that the water is suitable for irrigation purpose. Nitrates in groundwater are within permissible limits except in 3 different locations in each season, which show high values due to the contamination from a landfill site and application of fertilizers. High positive correlation was observed between TDS and Na+, Cl-, Mg++ and Total Hardness (TH). Sodium show good correlation with Cl. Correlation of silica with Cl and TDS was done to assess the geogenic or anthropogenic involvement in evolving groundwater quality. Anthropogenic contributions from agricultural and domestic sources and weathering of rock forming minerals control the hydrochemistry of the area.
Differential activation of ER stress pathways in myelinating cerebellar tracts
Authors: Naughton Michelle C. , McMahon Jill M. , FitzGerald Una 
Published: August 2015

AbstractMyelin production during brain development requires an increase in membrane protein and lipid production in oligodendrocytes and this primarily occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), an organelle which initiates the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) when under stress. We hypothesise that the UPR is activated in white matter tracts during myelination in order to expand the ER capacity of oligodendrocytes.Using early and late stage markers, critical myelination time points were identified by immunohistochemistry in developing rat cerebellum. These were correlated to peaks in ER stress signalling by staining for activated UPR transducers (pIRE1, ATF6 and pPERK) and associated downstream molecules (peIF2α, PDI, GRP78, GRP94, CHOP and calreticulin) in cerebellar tracts III and IV. Gene expression in developing cerebellum was assessed by qPCR.Actively myelinating tracts were shown to have differential expression of pIRE1, PERK and ATF6 as well as UPR targets GRP94, GRP78 and PDI. Activated pIRE1‐positive cells were widespread at P14 and P17 and at significantly higher numbers during myelination than at other stages. Nuclear‐localised ATF6 (indicative of the active transcription factor) peaked at P10, concurrent with the initial phase of myelination. The percentage of cells positive for pPERK was less than 1% at postnatal ages but increased significantly in adult tissue. The downstream targets GRP78, GRP94 and PDI were significantly up‐regulated at P17 compared to P7 and remained significantly elevated in adults. The majority of cells positive for these markers and ATF6 were oligodendrocytes as confirmed by dual‐labelling. Although gene expression in the cerebellum for GRP78, GRP94 and PDI did not change significantly over time, ATF6 and XBP1s both showed significant fold changes between early and late timepoints.This data helps promote understanding of events occurring during developmental myelination and may have implications for the development of reparative treatments in diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Clinical review of bone regenerative medicine and maxillomandibular reconstruction
Authors: Hibi Hideharu 
Published: August 2015

AbstractWe have studied bone regenerative medicine to employ autologous bone marrow stromal cells and platelet‐rich plasma as tissue‐engineered osteogenic materials. Although our studies have been successful to a certain degree, advancing to clinical applications, the strategy for practical use of this method has to be changed, because the environment surrounding bone regenerative medicine has evolved dramatically. Therefore, we have changed our focus from cells to cell‐conditioned media, and we found that the latter contains growth factors and matrices released from the cells and promotes regeneration of tissues by recruiting endogenous stem cells and precursor cells, and thereby started clinical research based on these findings. However, the amount of regeneration achieved is minimal (mm), and the centimeter‐scale reconstruction of segmental bone defects is still a challenge. We have focused our attention on distraction osteogenesis, which is an excellent model for in vivo tissue regeneration of segmental defects, and we have investigated and clarified its mechanisms at a cellular level, based on tissue regeneration processes. The strategy has been investigated to promote vascularization, as it should precede tissue regeneration. A potential approach for enabling tissue regeneration that mimics distraction osteogenesis without using a distraction device is discussed.
In the Endemic Setting, Clostridium difficile Ribotype 027 Is Virulent But Not Hypervirulent
Authors: Aitken Samuel L. , Alam M. Jahangir , Khaleduzzuman Mohammed , Walk Seth T. , Musick William L. , Pham Vy P. , Christensen Jennifer L. , Atmar Robert L. , Xie Yang , Garey Kevin W. 
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUNDConflicting reports have been published on the association between Clostridium difficile ribotypes and severe disease outcomes in patients with C. difficile infection (CDI); several so-called hypervirulent ribotypes have been described. We performed a multicenter study to assess severe disease presentation and severe outcomes among CDI patients infected with different ribotypes.METHODSStool samples that tested positive for C. difficile toxin were collected and cultured from patients who presented to any of 7 different hospitals in Houston, Texas (2011–2013). C. difficile was characterized using a fluorescent PCR ribotyping method. Medical records were reviewed to determine clinical characteristics and ribotype association with severe CDI presentation (ie, leukocytosis and/or hypoalbuminemia) and severe CDI outcomes (ie, ICU admission, ileus, toxic megacolon, colectomy, and/or in-hospital death).RESULTSOur study included 715 patients aged 61±18 years (female: 63%; median Charlson comorbidity index: 2.5±2.4; hospital-onset CDI: 45%; severe CDI: 36.7%; severe CDI outcomes: 12.3%). The most common ribotypes were 027, 014-020, FP311, 002, 078-126, and 001. Ribotype 027 was a significant independent predictor of severe disease (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.53–3.29; P<.001) and severe CDI outcomes (aOR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.02–2.85; P=.041) compared with all other ribotypes in aggregate. However, in an analysis using all common ribotypes as individual variables, ribotype 027 was not associated with severe CDI outcomes more often than other ribotypes.CONCLUSIONRibotype 027 showed virulence equal to that of other ribotypes identified in this endemic setting. Clinical severity markers of CDI may be more predictive of severe CDI outcomes than a particular ribotype.Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2015;36(11):1318–1323
The Flow of A Falling Ellipse: Numerical Method and Classification
Authors: Wu R.-J. , Lin S.-Y. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractA modified direct-forcing immersed-boundary (IB) pressure correction method is developed to simulate the flows of a falling ellipse. The pressure correct method is used to solve the solutions of the two dimensional Navier-Stokes equations and a direct-forcing IB method is used to handle the interaction between the flow and falling ellipse. For a fixed aspect ratio of an ellipse, the types of the behavior of the falling ellipse can be classified as three pure motions: Steady falling, fluttering, tumbling, and two transition motions: Chaos, transition between steady falling and fluttering. Based on two dimensionless parameters, Reynolds number and the dimensionless moment of inertia, a Reynolds number-inertia moment phase diagram is established. The behaviors and characters of five falling regimes are described in detailed.
Effect of urea fertilization on biomass yield, chemical composition,in vitrorumen digestibility and fermentation characteristics of straw of highland barley planted in Tibet
Authors: CUI J. H. , YANG H. J. , YU C. Q. , BAI S. , WU T. T. , SONG S. S. , SUN W. , SHAO X. M. , JIANG L. S. 
Published: August 2015

SUMMARYA completely randomized experiment for planting highland barley in 36 field plots of the Lhasa Agricultural Experiment Station was applied to investigate the effect of urea nitrogen (N) fertilization levels of 0 (control), 156, 258, 363, 465 and 570 kg/ha on nutrient accumulation,in vitrorumen gas production and fermentation characteristics of highland barley straw (HBS). Each urea application was divided into three portions of 0.4, 0.3 and 0.3 and sequentially fertilized at seeding (growth stage (GS) 0), stem elongation (GS 32) and heading (GS 49), respectively. The maturity stage lasted 5–13 days longer in response to the urea N fertilization compared with the control. After removing grains, HBS biomass was harvested at maturity. The biomass yields of leaf, stem, straw and grain were increased quadratically with increasing urea N fertilization, and HBS and grain yields peaked at the estimated urea N fertilization levels of 385 and 428 kg/ha, respectively. The increase of urea N fertilization increased the accumulation of crude protein, cellulose and lignin, and decreased the content of ash and hemicellulose in HBS, resulting in a decrease of the energy content available to be metabolized. After incubating HBS for 72 h with rumen fluids from lactating cows, the urea N fertilization decreasedin vitrodry matter disappearance and cumulative gas production, and slightly altered fermentation end-gas composition. Urea N fertilization decreased microbial volatile fatty acid production, but did not alter the ratio of lipogenic acetate and butyrate to glucogenic propionate. In a brief, the current urea N fertilization strategy promoted the growth of the highland barley and increased biomass yield, protein and cellulose accumulation of HBS. A urea N fertilization level ⩽385 kg/ha could be sufficient for growth of highland barley in Tibet without a consequent nutritive reduction in ruminal digestion.
A descriptive study of the prevalence of parasites and pathogens in Chinese black honeybees
Authors: PENG WENJUN , LI JILIAN , ZHAO YAZHOU , CHEN YANPING , ZENG ZHIJIANG 
Published: August 2015

SUMMARYThe Chinese black honey bee is a distinct honey bee subspecies distributed in the Xinjiang, Heilongjiang and Jilin Provinces of China. We conducted a study to investigate the genetic origin and the parasite/pathogen profile on Chinese black honeybees. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that Chinese black honeybees were two distinct groups: one group of bees formed a distinct clade that was most similar to Apis mellifera mellifera and the other group was a hybrid of the subspecies, Apis mellifera carnica, Apis mellifera anatolica and Apis mellifera caucasica. This suggests that the beekeeping practices might have promoted gene flow between different subspecies. Screening for pathogens and parasites showed that Varroa destructor and viruses were detected at low prevalence in Chinese black honeybees, compared with Italian bees. Further, a population of pure breeding black honeybees, A. m. mellifera, displayed a high degree of resistance to Varroa. No Varroa mites or Deformed wing virus could be detected in any examined bee colonies. This finding suggests that a population of pure breeding Chinese black honeybees possess some natural resistance to Varroa and indicated the need or importance for the conservation of the black honeybees in China.