bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trench‐parallel flow in the southern Ryukyu subduction system: Effects of progressive rifting of the overriding plate
Authors: Lin Shu‐Chuan , Kuo Ban‐Yuan 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe Okinawa trough in the Ryukyu subduction system is one of a few actively extending back arc basins within the continental lithosphere. Recent shear‐wave splitting measurements show variable fast directions along the trough suggesting a complex three‐dimensional mantle flow field. In this study we use numerical subduction models to demonstrate that the thickness variations of the continental lithosphere bounding the edge of a subduction zone can result in complicated mantle circulation and regional dynamics. The model results for the southern Ryukyu show a combination of two effects: Along the Okinawa trough, the increasing thickness of the overriding Eurasian plate toward Taiwan due to a gradually diminishing rifting induces pressure gradients that drive trench‐parallel flow to the edge in the shallow portion of the mantle wedge, and the thick Eurasian lithosphere to the west effectively blocks and diverts this along‐arc flow and limits the toroidal flow around the slab edge below it. The toroidal flow thus enters the mantle wedge at depths of more than about 100 km, opposite in direction with and largely below the along‐arc flow. These combined geometry effects of the Eurasian lithosphere create an intricate three‐dimensional flow structure at the southern edge of the Ryukyu subduction zone. Model predictions for lattice preferred orientations of olivine aggregates show rotation patterns that agree with the observed shear‐wave splitting patterns. This three‐dimensional scenario echoes the geochemical and seismological evidence worldwide that indicates complex, depth‐varying mantle circulations in subduction systems.
Interaction of amphiphysins with AP-1 clathrin adaptors at the membrane
Authors: Huser Sonja , Suri Gregor , Crottet Pascal , Spiess Martin 
Published: December 2012

The assembly of clathrin/AP (adaptor protein)-1-coated vesicles on the trans-Golgi network and endosomes is much less studied than that of clathrin/AP-2 vesicles at the plasma membrane for endocytosis. In vitro, the association of AP-1 with protein-free liposomes had been shown to require phosphoinositides, Arf1 (ADP-ribosylation factor 1)–GTP and additional cytosolic factor(s). We have purified an active fraction from brain cytosol and found it to contain amphiphysin 1 and 2 and endophilin A1, three proteins known to be involved in the formation of AP-2/clathrin coats at the plasma membrane. Assays with bacterially expressed and purified proteins showed that AP-1 stabilization on liposomes depends on amphiphysin 2 or the amphiphysin 1/2 heterodimer. Activity is independent of the SH3 (Src homology 3) domain, but requires interaction of the WDLW motif with γ-adaptin. Endogenous amphiphysin in neurons and transfected protein in cell lines co-localize perinuclearly with AP-1 at the trans-Golgi network. This localization depends on interaction of clathrin and the adaptor sequence in the amphiphysins and is sensitive to brefeldin A, which inhibits Arf1-dependent AP-1 recruitment. Interaction between AP-1 and amphiphysin 1/2 in vivo was demonstrated by co-immunoprecipitation after cross-linking. These results suggest an involvement of amphiphysins not only with AP-2 at the plasma membrane, but also in AP-1/clathrin coat formation at the trans-Golgi network.
Introduction of an N‐acetylcysteine weight‐based dosing chart reduces prescription errors in the treatment of paracetamol poisoning
Authors: McIntyre Shona , McD Taylor David , Greene Shaun 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjectiveUnder‐ or overdosing of N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), when used to treat paracetamol toxicity, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study evaluated the effect of a weight‐based dosing chart (WBDC) introduced to decrease NAC prescription errors.MethodsWe undertook a pre‐ and post‐intervention trial in a single ED. The intervention (the NAC WBDC) was introduced in January 2011 and publicised by posters and presentations at medical handovers and education sessions. ED staff were not aware that use of the WBDC was to be evaluated. Data were collected using a retrospective explicit medical record review by a single investigator. The study end‐point was the proportion of NAC prescriptions with errors.ResultsThe 81 and 42 patients enrolled in the pre‐ and post‐intervention periods, respectively, did not differ in age, sex or weight (P > 0.05). Post‐intervention, there were significant reductions in prescription errors of fluid type/volume (50.6% vs 4.8%, P < 0.001), NAC dosage (13.6% vs 0.0%, P = 0.01) and infusion rate (11.1% vs 0.0%, P = 0.03). The proportion of prescriptions with any errors also decreased (56.8% vs 14.3%, P < 0.001). However, there were no improvements in the documentation of patient weight (65.4% vs 64.3%, respectively, P = 0.90) or the proportion of incomplete prescriptions (4.9% vs 11.9%, P = 0.16).ConclusionThe introduction of a WBDC did not produce a clinically significant reduction in major NAC prescription error rates (as pre‐defined in this study); however, there was a clear trend towards a reduction. The WBDC significantly reduced total and minor NAC prescription error rates.
Factors affecting length of stay for women presenting with early pregnancy complications to a public hospital emergency department
Authors: Wattimena Jeany , Pelosi Marilena , Cheney Kate , Green Timothy , Black Kirsten I 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to determine factors associated with length of stay (LOS) for women presenting with early pregnancy complications to a public hospital ED. In particular, we sought to investigate the impact the involvement of the Clinical Midwife Consultant (CMC), specialising in early pregnancy care, had on the ED LOS.MethodsWe undertook a retrospective cohort study of women less than 20 weeks pregnant who presented between August 2008 and December 2010 with early pregnancy complications to the ED of the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, Australia and who were then discharged. The main outcome measured was LOS. We performed logistic regression analysis to identify factors significantly associated with this outcome.ResultsData were available for 1739 women. Involvement of the CMC reduced LOS and patients were significantly more likely to be discharged within 4 h or less (OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.37–0.60). The factors that increased LOS to over 4 h were arrival after hours (OR = 2.09, 95% CI = 1.66–2.63), being triaged as category 1 to 3 (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.11–1.67) and requiring an ultrasound assessment (OR = 2.44, 95% CI = 1.81–3.28).ConclusionsThis study was able to show factors significantly associated with ED LOS, many of which are not modifiable. The involvement of the CMC reduced LOS, whereas requiring an ultrasound assessment increased LOS. Thus, improvement could be achieved by greater access to a CMC and more rapid access to ultrasound services.
Impact of gadoxetic acid (Gd‐EOB‐DTPA)‐enhanced magnetic resonance on the non‐invasive diagnosis of small hepatocellular carcinoma: a prospective study
Authors: Granito A. , Galassi M. , Piscaglia F. , Romanini L. , Lucidi V. , Renzulli M. , Borghi A. , Grazioli L. , Golfieri R. , Bolondi L. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryBackgroundGadoxetic acid (Gd‐EOB‐DTPA) is a ‘hepatocyte‐specific’ contrast agent for magnetic resonance (MR) in both the vascular and the hepatobiliary phases.AimTo evaluate the contribution of the hepatobiliary phase of Gd‐EOB‐DTPA MR in the diagnosis of small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhotic patients under surveillance.MethodsBetween 2008 and 2011, 48 consecutive small (10–30 mm) liver nodules were detected in 33 patients, who prospectively underwent contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced MR and helical‐computed tomography (CT) in a blind study. The diagnosis of HCC was established according to AASLD 2005 criteria.ResultsOf the 48 nodules, 38 (79%) were diagnosed as HCC, 24 (63%) of them based on AASLD non‐invasive criteria, 11 diagnosed at histology and 3 during follow‐up. The typical vascular pattern (arterial hypervascularisation and venous/late washout) was detected in 30 (79%) HCC nodules by MR, in 22 (58%) by CT and in 17 (45%) by CEUS. Hypointensity during the MR hepatobiliary phase was observed in all HCC nodules and in 3 nonmalignant nodules (sensitivity 100%, specificity 70%, positive predictive value 93%, negative predictive value 100%, positive likelihood ratio 3.33, negative likelihood ratio 0). Eight (21%) of the 38 HCC nodules, 7 of which lacked the typical vascular features at any of the imaging modalities, showed washout in the portal/venous phase and hypointensity in the hepatobiliary phase at MRI, while this pattern was not detected in any nonmalignant lesion.ConclusionsGadoxetic acid magnetic resonance may enhance the sensitivity of the non‐invasive diagnosis of small hepatocellular carcinoma nodules in cirrhotic patients under surveillance. Double hypointensity in the portal/venous and hepatobiliary phases could be considered a new magnetic resonance pattern, highly suggestive of hypovascular hepatocellular carcinoma.
Effects of acidic phospholipids on antiganglioside antibodies in Guillain–Barré syndrome: Role of the disialosyl residue
Authors: Yamada Minako H. , Ueda Masami , Tsuji Shoji , Kusunoki Susumu 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjectivesThe activities of anti‐GM1 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) are increased when a mixture of acidic phospholipids, such as phosphatidic acid (PA) and the ganglioside GM1, is used as an antigen in an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In contrast, no obvious enhancing effect is seen on the activities of anti‐GQ1b antibodies in Fisher syndrome. The cause of these different results remains to be determined. We investigated whether it is caused by the difference in the pathogens of the preceding infections or by that in the physicochemical properties of GM1 and GQ1b.MethodsThe effects of the phospholipid on the antibody activities in ELISA were compared between the cases preceded by respiratory infections and those by gastrointestinal infections. We examined the effects of the phospholipids on anti‐GD1b IgG antibodies and compared the effects on GD1b‐specific antibodies and those on Gal‐GalNAc epitope‐specific antibodies.ResultsThe effects of the phospholipids on the average of the antibody activities, either anti‐GM1 or anti‐GQ1b antibody, did not differ between patients with antecedent gastrointestinal infections and those with respiratory infections. The anti‐GD1b IgG activity in GBS patients with anti‐Gal‐GalNAc specificity increased when a mixture of GD1b and a phospholipid, such as PA, was an antigen; whereas the activity of monospecific anti‐GD1b IgG did not increase.ConclusionsThe enhancing effect of such a phospholipid as PA appears not to be a result of the presence of a particular phospholipid within the pathogen for the antecedent infection. It might depend on the presence of a negatively charged disialosyl residue in the ganglioside antigen.
Visceral adiposity index is highly associated with adiponectin values and glycaemic disturbances
Authors: Al‐Daghri Nasser M. , Al‐Attas Omar S. , Alokail Majed S. , Alkharfy Khalid M. , Charalampidis Paris , Livadas Sarantis , Kollias Anastasios , Sabico Shaun Louie , Chrousos George P. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundVisceral Adiposity Index (VAI) is a gender‐specific mathematical index estimated with the use of simple anthropometric (body mass index and waist circumference) and biochemical (triglycerides and high density lipoprotein cholesterol) parameters. Recent studies have shown that VAI reflects accurately the degree of visceral adiposity and insulin resistance. However, up to now, VAI has not been evaluated if it correlates with carbohydrate metabolism disorders, as well as with adipokine secretion from the fat mass.MethodsIn a cohort of 308 out of 414 adult Saudi subjects screened for the study, detailed personal medical history, anthropometrics and metabolic/hormonal profiles were obtained. Additionally, the circulating concentrations of several circulating adipokines, namely adiponectin, leptin, tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and resistin, were measured.ResultsStepwise multivariate analysis showed that VAI was the sole determinant of adiponectin levels (R2 = 0·07, beta ± SE: −0·25 ± 0·05), while BMI and female gender predicted leptin levels (R2 = 0·26, 0·10 ± 0·01 and 0·61 ± 0·15, respectively). Furthermore, the presence of impaired fasting glucose (IFG)/diabetes was predicted only by age and VAI.ConclusionsWe report for the first time the direct relations of VAI with adipose tissue secretion, as well as with functional glycaemic disorders. Because VAI is estimated easily with data obtained in everyday practice, it could be used as an indirect index of adiponectin levels and the risk of impaired glucose metabolism.
Alchemy and Christianity in the Middle Ages
Authors: Matus Zachary A. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThis essay discusses recent research in the study of medieval alchemy that bears upon its relationship to Christianity in the Latin West. Much of this scholarship has emerged from a renewed understanding of alchemy’s proto‐scientific character and its significant ties to the modern science of chemistry. The insistence that medieval alchemy’s primary aim was the study and manipulation of physical substances has encouraged a reappraisal of its religious aspects. This reappraisal surely begins with the admission that many medieval alchemical texts contain no religious elements at all. And for those that do, religiosity must be considered an outgrowth of both the preoccupation of alchemy with the material world as well as the religious cultures in which alchemical texts emerged.
Effect of grape variety on the evolution of sugars, hydroxymethylfurfural, polyphenols and antioxidant activity during grape must cooking
Authors: Tagliazucchi Davide , Verzelloni Elena , Helal Ahmed , Conte Angela 
Published: December 2012

SummaryGrape must cooking is a traditional practice used for the production of foodstuff worldwide such as traditional balsamic vinegar. The aim of this work was to reveal the effect of grape variety on the evolution of the main chemical components in grape must during cooking. To this end, two grape must varieties (red Lambrusco and white Trebbiano grapes) were cooked and analysed. The monosaccharide concentration decreased because cooking resulting in the formation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural. At the end of cooking, the antioxidant activity and polyphenol concentration were higher and the 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural was lower in Lambrusco than in Trebbiano must. Additional changes involved degradation of monomeric anthocyanins resulting in the formation of the corresponding phenolic acids. From a health point of view, the high antioxidant activity and polyphenol concentration and the low 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural concentration make cooked red Lambrusco must a safer raw starting material for making traditional balsamic vinegar.
Physico‐mechanical evaluation of the aptitude of berries of red wine grape varieties to resist the compression in carbonic maceration vinification
Authors: Giacosa Simone , Torchio Fabrizio , Segade Susana Río , Gaiotti Federica , Tomasi Diego , Lovat Lorenzo , Vincenzi Simone , Rolle Luca 
Published: December 2012

SummaryBy texture analysis tests, the ability of berries to resist rupture under compression load during intracellular fermentation was studied for twenty‐three red wine grape varieties. The softest berries were associated with Ancellotta (1.72 N), Dolcetto (1.79 N), Gamay (2.26 N) and Schiava gentile (2.29 N) cultivars. The hardest berries corresponded to Franconia and Bonarda cultivars (4.02–4.03 N). High resistance to splitting was also detected for Grenache, Raboso, Marzemino, Negramaro, Montepulciano and Croatina cultivars (3.50–3.95 N). The differentiating power of the mechanical variables of the whole berry and skin was assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis. Relationships among the instrumental berry hardness and other physical and mechanical properties were also investigated. The results obtained suggest that the manufacture of carbonic macerated wines should be planned considering the berry hardness, and it represents a new variable that should be considered in selecting the most appropriate wine grape variety to elaborate these wines.
The imbalance of T helper 17/regulatory T cells and memory B cells during the early post‐transplantation period in peripheral blood of living donor liver transplantation recipients under calcineurin inhibitor‐based immunosuppression
Authors: Kim Hee Yeon , Cho Mi‐La , Jhun Joo Yeon , Byun Jae Kyeong , Kim Eun‐Kyung , Yim Ye Been , Chung Byung Ha , Yoon Seung Kew , Bae Si Hyun , Kim Dong Goo , Yang Chul Woo , Choi Jong Young 
Published: December 2012

SummaryThere is limited clinical research regarding the changes in peripheral lymphocyte subsets during the early post‐operative period of liver transplantation. Serial changes of T cells and B cells in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) recipients during the early post‐transplantion period were prospectively investigated. From June 2010 to February 2011, 27 consecutive LDLT recipients were enrolled. Percentages of T helper type 1 (Th1; interferon‐γ‐producing), Th2 (interleukin‐4‐producing), Th17 (interleukin‐17‐producing), regulatory T (Treg; CD4+ CD25+ FoxP3+), memory B (CD19+ CD24hi CD38−) and mature B (CD19+ CD24int CD38int) cells were measured using fluorescence‐activated cell sorting. Patients were followed up for a median of 9·9 months (range 6·8−15·5 months) after transplantation. Serial monitoring of immunological profiles showed no significant suppression of Th1, Th2, Th17, mature B or memory B cells, whereas frequencies of Treg cells significantly decreased. Interleukin‐17 production by central and effector memory cells was not suppressed during the early post‐operative period. The continuous production of interleukin‐17 by the memory T cells may contribute to the persistence of Th17 cells. This prospective study demonstrated that current immunosuppression maintained the effector T or memory B cells during the early post‐transplantation period but significantly suppressed Treg cells. Serial immune monitoring may suggest clues for optimal or individualized immunosuppression during the early post‐operative period in clinical practice.
A framework for monitoring instructional environments in a virtual world
Authors: Chodos David , Stroulia Eleni , King Sharla , Carbonaro Mike 
Published: December 2012

AbstractVirtual worlds are gaining momentum as a platform for delivering simulation‐based educational experiences to students. However, a key aspect of virtual world‐based education that has received little attention is recording and analyzing students' in‐world actions. This capability is essential for assessing what students have learned through their simulation experience, and engaging the students in post‐simulation reflective learning.In this research, we present a framework for recording and analyzing students' actions in a virtual world. This framework is based upon pedagogical theories of exploratory and experiential learning, and is defined in a virtual‐world agnostic manner. The framework consists of two parts: (1) the Avatar Capabilities Model, which defines the educationally relevant actions that a student can take within a virtual world and (2) the Simulation Capture and Analysis toolkit that records and analyzes these actions, from an educational perspective. These analyses provide instructors with systematically collected evidence of the students' actions during their virtual world experience. This alleviates the need for instructors to directly observe students, thereby allowing for the scaling‐up of virtual worlds use in education. We have demonstrated the usefulness of the tool via a pilot study, with two students, in an emergency medical education context.
Loïc Wacquant's ‘Ghetto’ and Ethnic Minority Segregation in the UK: The Neglected Case of Gypsy‐Travellers
Authors: Powell Ryan 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThis article utilizes Loïc Wacquant's concept of the ghetto as an analytical tool in understanding the marginal and ambivalent position of Gypsy‐Traveller populations resident on sites (or camps) in Britain. The article argues that the fruitful work of quantitative urban scholars on ethnic segregation in the UK has neglected Gypsy‐Travellers. It suggests that the theoretical concept of the ghetto can elucidate the ways in which the spatial marginality of sites serves as a weapon of ‘confinement and control’ for the dominant, and an ‘integrative and protective device’ for the stigmatized Gypsy‐Traveller population. Drawing on qualitative empirical data, key characteristics in Wacquant's definition of the ghetto are shown to hold true for Gypsy‐Traveller sites; these include ethnic homogeneity, spatial confinement, shared cultural identity, mutual distancing and a retreat into the private sphere of the family. This comparison also reveals key differences in terms of economic function, parallel institutionalism and the relationship with the state. The article points to the potential offered by Wacquant's theory and suggests that the dismissal of the ghetto concept within the UK ignores its power as a tool of comparison. The article suggests that qualitative and theoretical approaches should seek to complement the work of quantitative social scientists through focusing on everyday social relations and encounters between ethnic minority groups and ‘host’ populations — both within and outwith residential boundaries. It also questions the urban‐centred focus of debates on ethnic segregation.
Survey of Nursing Integration of Genomics Into Nursing Practice
Authors: Calzone Kathleen A. , Jenkins Jean , Yates Jan , Cusack Georgie , Wallen Gwenyth R. , Liewehr David J. , Steinberg Seth M. , McBride Colleen 
Published: December 2012

AbstractPurpose: Translating clinically valid genomic discoveries into practice is hinged not only on technologic advances, but also on nurses—the largest global contingent of health providers—acquiring requisite competencies to apply these discoveries in clinical care. The study aim was to assess practicing nurse attitudes, practices, receptivity, confidence, and competency of integrating genomics into nursing practice.Design: A convenience sample of practicing nurses was recruited to complete an online survey that assessed domains from Roger's Diffusion of Innovations Theory and used family history utilization as the basis for competency assessment.Methods: Results were tabulated and analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques.Findings: Two‐hundred‐thirty‐nine licensed registered nurses, 22 to 72 years of age, with a median of 20 years in practice, responded, for an overall response rate of 28%. Most were White (83%), female (92%), and held baccalaureate degrees (56%). Seventy‐one percent considered genetics to be very important to nursing practice; however, 81% rated their understanding of the genetics of common diseases as poor or fair. Per‐question response rates varied widely. Instrument assessment indicated that modifications were necessary to decrease respondent burden.Conclusions: Respondents’ perceived genomic competency was inadequate, family history was not routinely utilized in care delivery, and the extent of family history varied widely. However, most nurses indicated interest in pursuing continuing genomic education.Clinical Relevance: Findings from this study can lead to the development of targeted education that will facilitate optimal workforce preparation for the ongoing influx of genetics and genomics information, technologies, and targeted therapies into the healthcare arena. This pilot study provides a foundation on which to build the next step, which includes a national nursing workforce study.