bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment targets in emergency departments: nurses’ views of how they affect clinical practice
Authors: Hoyle Louise , Grant Aimee 
Published: April 2015

Aims and objectivesTo understand nurses' views and experiences of four‐hour treatment targets in the emergency department and how this impacts clinical decision‐making throughout acute secondary care hospitals.BackgroundIn many countries, national treatment targets in the emergency department have been introduced. However, research and a recent enquiry into poor clinical care in one hospital in the UK have highlighted that patient care may be compromised by the need to meet these targets.DesignQualitative descriptive study as part of a case study approach.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with 31 nurses working in UK secondary care hospitals which had an emergency department. Nurses were purposively sampled from three specialties: emergency arenas (emergency department, n = 5; medical assessment n = 4 surgical receiving n = 2) (n = 11), surgical wards (n = 11) and medical wards (n = 9).ResultsNurses in emergency arenas reported considerable burden, in terms of a very high workload and pressure from senior staff to meet the target. Respondents reported that negative impact on patient care for the majority of patients, excluding the most sick, for whom emergency arena nurses reported that they ensured received appropriate treatment, regardless of breaching treatment targets. Around half of the nurses working outside emergency arenas felt pressure and amended their work practices to enable colleagues in emergency arenas to meet treatment targets.ConclusionsFour‐hour targets were not viewed as clinically helpful by the majority of nurses, some of whom questioned their appropriateness for patient care.Relevance to clinical practicePolicy makers and senior managers should consider the suitability of treatment targets in the emergency department, particularly in relation to working conditions for nurses and other health professionals and its potential for negative impacts on patient care. While targets remain in place, senior nurses and managers should support nurses who breach the target to provide optimum clinical care.
Development and optimisation of 3-Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid loaded poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid-nanoparticles with enhanced oral bioavailability and in-vivo anti-inflammatory activity in rats
Authors: Bairwa Khemraj , Jachak Sanjay Madhukar 
Published: April 2015

Abstract

Objectives
3-Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) is a potent anti-inflammatory compound of Boswellia serrata. However, anti-inflammatory activity of AKBA is impeded by poor oral bioavailability due to its poor aqueous solubility. In this context, we aimed to develop poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)-based nanoparticle formulation of AKBA (AKBA-NPs) in order to improve its oral bioavailability and in-vivo anti-inflammatory activity in rats.

Methods
AKBA-NPs were prepared and characterised by analysing particle size and zeta potential using zeta sizer, surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, and physical property using differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction techniques. The optimised nanoparticles were evaluated for in-vitro drug release and oral bioavailability studies, and in-vivo anti-inflammatory activity by carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema method.

Key findings
The optimised AKBA-NPs showed the particle size of 179.6 nm with 0.276 polydispersity index and entrapment efficiency of 82.5%. AKBA-NPs showed increased in-vivo anti-inflammatory activity as compared with AKBA. Bioavailability study revealed about six times higher peak plasma concentration of AKBA in AKBA-NPs. Moreover, t1/2 and total area under the curve of AKBA were also enhanced by two and ninefold, respectively, in AKBA-NPs as compared with corresponding AKBA.

Conclusions
The promising results of improved oral bioavailability and in-vivo anti-inflammatory activity of AKBA suggested the successful nanoparticle formulation of AKBA.
Repeatability, ephemerality and inconvenient truths in the speciation process
Authors: Cutter Asher D. 
Published: April 2015

Everyone appreciates the happy fiction that species conform to the simple theoretical convenience of a single panmictic population. In speciation genetics, a further standard simplification is that it is only those genetic differences that are fixed between diverging populations that need concern us in order to understand the accumulation of intrinsic barriers to reproduction. To a first approximation, of course, both of these assumptions are appropriate and theory based on them provides compelling insights into diverse evolutionary phenomena (Orr & Turelli ). But what else can we learn about the begetting of biodiversity, speciation, by considering explicitly some less convenient realities of natural populations? Specifically, how does genetic variation at incompatibility loci within a species influence interspecies hybridization upon secondary contact? And, in nature, how repeatable among distinct bouts of secondary contact are the genomic outcomes of hybridization? Mandeville et al. () tackle exactly this question in their new study in Molecular Ecology on five species of suckers, fish of the genus Catostomus, that overlap sympatrically in different portions of their subdivided ranges that occupy different rivers. They document substantial genomic heterogeneity in realized hybridization in nature, both among species pairs and among the source populations for hybrids of a given species pair. This imperfect repeatability of episodes of hybridization implies greater permeability of species barriers in some parts of their range, with intriguing consequences for how the integrity of species as independently evolving units could be susceptible to collapse.
Experience and Life as Ever‐Present Constraints on Knowledge
Authors: Champagne Marc 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThis essay argues that acknowledging the existence of mind‐independent facts is a matter of vital importance, in that acquiescence before the layout of the world is something demanded of knowing agents from the most elementary empirical deliverance to the most abstract construct. Building on the idea that normativity requires the presence of more than one option to choose from, the essay shows how the cessation of one's life is the disjunctive alternative of any experiential episode. This much has been missed, it argues, because of a generalized failure to appreciate how even the simplest atomic contents embroil their subjects in acts of assent. Its account thus casts a new light on relativism and skepticism, revealing them to be provisional luxuries supported only by the cognitive labor of others.
The Plasmodium falciparum exportome contains non‐canonical PEXEL/HT proteins
Authors: Schulze Jana , Kwiatkowski Marcel , Borner Janus , Schlüter Hartmut , Bruchhaus Iris , Burmester Thorsten , Spielmann Tobias , Pick Christian 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThe pathogenicity of Plasmodium falciparum is partly due to parasite‐induced host cell modifications. These modifications are facilitated by exported P. falciparum proteins, collectively referred to as the exportome. Export of several hundred proteins is mediated by the PEXEL/HT, a protease cleavage site. The PEXEL/HT is usually comprised of five amino acids, of which R at position 1, L at position 3 and E, D or Q at position 5 are conserved and important for export. Non‐canonical PEXEL/HTs with K or H at position 1 and/or I at position 3 are presently considered non‐functional. Here, we show that non‐canonical PEXEL/HT proteins are overrepresented in P. falciparum and other Plasmodium species. Furthermore, we show that non‐canonical PEXEL/HTs can be cleaved and can promote export in both a REX3 and a GBP reporter, but not in a KAHRP reporter, indicating that non‐canonical PEXEL/HTs are functional in concert with a supportive sequence environment. We then selected P. falciparum proteins with a non‐canonical PEXEL/HT and show that some of these proteins are exported and that their export depends on non‐canonical PEXEL/HTs. We conclude that PEXEL/HT plasticity is higher than appreciated and that non‐canonical PEXEL/HT proteins cannot categorically be excluded from Plasmodium exportome predictions.
Light‐induced plasticity in leaf hydraulics, venation, anatomy, and gas exchange in ecologically diverse Hawaiian lobeliads
Authors: Scoffoni Christine , Kunkle Justin , Pasquet‐Kok Jessica , Vuong Christine , Patel Amish J. , Montgomery Rebecca A. , Givnish Thomas J. , Sack Lawren 
Published: April 2015

Summary

Leaf hydraulic conductance (Kleaf) quantifies the capacity of a leaf to transport liquid water and is a major constraint on light‐saturated stomatal conductance (gs) and photosynthetic rate (Amax). Few studies have tested the plasticity of Kleaf and anatomy across growth light environments. These provided conflicting results.

The Hawaiian lobeliads are an excellent system to examine plasticity, given the striking diversity in the light regimes they occupy, and their correspondingly wide range of Amax, allowing maximal carbon gain for success in given environments. We measured Kleaf, Amax, gs and leaf anatomical and structural traits, focusing on six species of lobeliads grown in a common garden under two irradiances (300/800 μmol photons m−2 s−1). We tested hypotheses for light‐induced plasticity in each trait based on expectations from optimality.

Kleaf, Amax, and gs differed strongly among species. Sun/shade plasticity was observed in Kleaf, Amax, and numerous traits relating to lamina and xylem anatomy, venation, and composition, but gs was not plastic with growth irradiance. Species native to higher irradiance showed greater hydraulic plasticity.

Our results demonstrate that a wide set of leaf hydraulic, stomatal, photosynthetic, anatomical, and structural traits tend to shift together during plasticity and adaptation to diverse light regimes, optimizing performance from low to high irradiance.
Recovery of Ventriculo‐Atrial Conduction after Adrenaline in Patients Implanted with Pacemakers
Authors: CISMARU GABRIEL , GUSETU GABRIEL , MURESAN LUCIAN , ROSU RADU , ANDRONACHE MARIUS , MATUZ ROXANA , PUIU MIHAI , MESTER PETRU , MICLAUS MARIA , POP DANA , MIRCEA PETRU ADRIAN , ZDRENGHEA DUMITRU 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundVentriculo‐atrial (VA) conduction can have negative consequences for patients with implanted pacemakers and defibrillators. There is concern whether impaired VA conduction could recover during stressful situations. Although the influence of isoproterenol and atropine are well established, the effect of adrenaline has not been studied systematically. The objective of this study was to determine if adrenaline can facilitate recovery of VA conduction in patients implanted with pacemakers.MethodsA prospective study was conducted on 61 consecutive patients during a 4‐month period (April–July 2014). The presence of VA conduction was assessed during the pacemaker implantation procedure. In case of an impaired VA conduction, adrenaline infusio was used as a stress surrogate to test conduction recovery.ResultsThe indications for pacemaker implantation were: sinus node dysfunction in 18 patients, atrioventricular (AV) block in 40 patients, binodal dysfunction (sinus node+ AV node) in two patients and other (carotid sinus syndrome) in one patient. In the basal state, 15/61 (24.6%) presented spontaneous VA conduction and 46/61 (75.4%) had no VA conduction. After administration of adrenaline, there was VA conduction recovery in 5/46 (10.9%) patients.ConclusionsAdrenaline infusion produced recovery of VA conduction in 10.9% of patients with absent VA conduction in a basal state. Recovery of VA conduction during physiological or pathological stresses could be responsible for the pacemaker syndrome, PMT episodes, or certain implantable cardiac defibrillator detection issues.
Concurrent Cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation during ICD Shock Testing
Authors: VISCHER ANNINA S. , MUTSCHELKNAUSS MARCUS , KÜHNE MICHAEL S. , OSSWALD STEFAN , STICHERLING CHRISTIAN , SCHAER BEAT A. 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundMany patients receiving an implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) also have atrial fibrillation (AF). Shock testing during ICD implantation carries a potential risk of cardioversion to sinus rhythm (SR) and thrombembolic events. We aimed to analyze the recurrence of AF after cardioversion to SR during ICD shock testing.MethodsA total of 555 consecutive patients referred to a tertiary hospital in Switzerland for ICD implantation or generator exchange between 02/2002 and 03/2010 were screened for AF. Fifty‐seven patients who were in AF at the time of ICD shock testing were included.ResultsForty‐four patients (77%) were successfully cardioverted from AF to SR. Type of AF (persistent, not permanent 64 vs 31% of cardioverted patients) was the only predictor. Thirty‐nine patients (89%) experienced a recurrence of AF/atrial flutter after a median of 54 days (interquartile range 35–251 days). The only predictor for recurrence of AF was previous AF declared as permanent. No ischemic stroke occurred during hospitalization for the procedure.ConclusionsFor patients in AF undergoing shock testing at the time of ICD implant, there is a high chance of cardioversion from AF to SR, but there is also a high risk of early recurrence. Decisions regarding long‐term anticoagulation should not be based on the heart rhythm immediately following shock testing.
Maternal obesity alters immune cell frequencies and responses in umbilical cord blood samples
Authors: Wilson Randall M. , Marshall Nicole E. , Jeske Daniel R. , Purnell Jonathan Q. , Thornburg Kent , Messaoudi Ilhem 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundMaternal obesity is one of the several key factors thought to modulate neonatal immune system development. Data from murine studies demonstrate worse outcomes in models of infection, autoimmunity, and allergic sensitization in offspring of obese dams. In humans, children born to obese mothers are at increased risk for asthma. These findings suggest a dysregulation of immune function in the children of obese mothers; however, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between maternal body weight and the human neonatal immune system.MethodsUmbilical cord blood samples were collected from infants born to lean, overweight, and obese mothers. Frequency and function of major innate and adaptive immune cell populations were quantified using flow cytometry and multiplex analysis of circulating factors.ResultsCompared to babies born to lean mothers, babies of obese mothers had fewer eosinophils and CD4 T helper cells, reduced monocyte and dendritic cell responses to Toll‐like receptor ligands, and increased plasma levels of IFN‐α2 and IL‐6 in cord blood.ConclusionThese results support the hypothesis that maternal obesity influences programming of the neonatal immune system, providing a potential link to increased incidence of chronic inflammatory diseases such as asthma and cardiovascular disease in the offspring.
Unconditional and conditional QTL underlying the genetic interrelationships between soybean seed isoflavone, and protein or oil contents
Authors: Han Yingpeng , Teng Weili , Wang Yan , Zhao Xue , Wu Lin , Li Dongmei , Li Wenbin 
Published: April 2015

AbstractSelection for soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) rich in isoflavones, protein and oil has been difficult due to negative genetic interrelationships. In this study, genetic interrelationships among seed isoflavones and protein and oil contents were evaluated using both unconditional and conditional QTL mapping. Daidzein (DZ), genistein (GT), glycitein (GC) and total isoflavone (TI) contents were analysed in F5:6, F5:7 and F5:8 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between ‘Zhongdou 27’(TI 3791 μg/g; protein content 42.84%; oil content 18.73%) and ‘Jiunong 20’ (TI 2061 μg/g; protein content 34.05%; oil content 21.42%). When DZ, GT, GC and TI were analysed for their genetic relationships with protein or oil contents, eight conditional QTL were detected, which included DZ|pro, GC|pro, GT|pro, TI|pro, DZ|oil, GC|oil, GT|oil and TI|oil. Seventeen QTL that had significant genetic associations between seed isoflavone, and seed protein or oil contents were found, including two for DZ conditioned on protein (qDZ|proK‐1, qDZ|proF‐2); one for GC conditioned on protein (qGC|proM‐1); three for GT conditioned on protein (qGT|proM‐1, qGT|proA2‐1, qGT|proL‐1); three for TI conditioned on protein (qTI|proM‐1, qTI|proA2‐1, qTI|proF‐2); one for DZ conditioned on oil (qDZ∣oil K_1); one for GC conditioned on oil (qGC∣oilI_1); four for GT conditioned on oil (qGT∣oil A2_1, qGT∣oil F_1, qGTF_2, qGT∣oilD2_1); three for TI conditioned on oil (qTI∣oilA2‐1, qTI∣oilE‐1, qTI∣oilL‐1). Few epistatic interactions among loci were detected. These loci may be valuable for improving seed isoflavone, protein and oil contents.
Wheat spike fertility: inheritance and relationship with spike yield components in early generations
Authors: Martino Diana L. , Abbate Pablo E. , Cendoya María G. , Gutheim Florencia , Mirabella Nadia E. , Pontaroli Ana C. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIn wheat, grain number is considered as the product of spike dry weight (SDW) and the number of grains per unit of SDW, that is an indicator of spike fertility (SF). The aim of this study was to determine the heritability of SF and the effect of early selection for high SF on its relationship with other spike yield components. Two field experiments were conducted in the south‐eastern Pampas (Argentina) with 400 F2 and F2:3 families obtained from two crosses between varieties with contrasting SF (PIG/SSN and B10/KCJ). Heritability estimates in PIG/SSN and B10/KCJ were, respectively, 0.60 and 0.51 by variance component analysis, 0.43 and 0.43 by F2 : F3 parent–offspring regression and 0.30 and 0.28 by realized heritability analysis. The existence of transgressive segregation (i.e. the occurrence of families with SF values that were more extreme than those of the parents) was observed. The top 25% F3 families with the highest SF had 12% more grains per spike, despite a 13% and 5% decrease in SDW per spike and weight per grain, respectively, than the remaining families. These results give support to the application of early selection for high SF.
Fine mapping of qSS‐9, a major and stable quantitative trait locus, for seed storability in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Lin Qiuyun , Jiang Yimei , Sun Ailing , Cao Penghui , Li Linfang , Liu Xi , Tian Yunlu , He Jun , Liu Shijia , Chen Liangming , Jiang Ling 
Published: April 2015

AbstractSeed storability in rice (Oryza sativa L.) is an important agronomic trait. We previously showed a quantitative trait locus of seed storability, qSS‐9, on chromosome 9 in a backcross population of ‘Koshihikari’ (japonica) / ‘Kasalath’ (indica) // ‘Koshihikari’. In this study, fine mapping of the chromosomal location of qSS‐9 was performed. Effect of ‘Kasalath’ allele of qSS‐9 was validated using a chromosome segment substitution line, SL36, which harboured the target quantitative trait loci (QTL) from ‘Kasalath’ in the genetic background of ‘Nipponbare’ under different ageing treatments in different environments. Subsequently, an F2 population from a cross between ‘Nipponbare’ and SL36 was used for fine mapping of qSS‐9. Simultaneously, four subnear isogenic lines (sub‐NILs) that represented different recombination breakpoints across the qSS‐9 region were developed from F3 progeny. Finally, the qSS‐9 locus was located between the Indel markers Y10 and Y13, which delimit a region of 147 kb in the ‘Nipponbare’ genome. These results provide a springboard for map‐based cloning of qSS‐9 and possibilities for breeding rice varieties with strong seed storability.
When Does the United States Intervene Militarily for Humanitarian Reasons?
Authors: Haar Roberta 
Published: April 2015

Although the end of the Cold War meant fewer constraints on humanitarian intervention, U.S. leaders continue to shy away from protecting innocents outside of the United States from harm. This is despite the fact that presidential candidates often campaign on restoring America's moral lead in the world and, in particular, on U.S. responsibilities to avert mass atrocities. Hagan's Logic of Political Explanation aids in understanding why, once in office, a president's initial response is to avoid the controversy of a risky involvement. When this strategy fails, he shifts to a strategy of legitimating a policy of intervention and/or to a strategy that insulates his foreign policy choice from domestic political pressures. Hagan's model facilitates in understanding the role of the domestic environment, especially regarding political opposition and the public's attitude toward a crisis, in shaping presidential decision making on humanitarian intervention.Related Articles

Dolan, Chris J. 2008. “.” Politics & Policy 36 (): 542–585. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2007.00121.x/abstract

Harris, Paul G. 2008. “.” Politics & Policy 36 (): 914–943. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2008.00145.x/abstract

Anda, Michael O. 1993. “.” Southeastern Political Review 21 (): 593–611. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.1993.tb00379.x/abstract
Related Media

Obama, Barak. 2007. “.” November 26. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEd583‐fA8M
Social Distrust and Immigrant Access to Welfare Programs in the American States
Authors: Butz Adam M. , Kehrberg Jason E. 
Published: April 2015

Social trust ameliorates collective action problems by allowing multicultural societies to adopt more inclusive and equitable public policies directed toward newly arriving immigrants. However, existing research warns that increasing ethnic diversity from immigrant populations can undermine levels of social trust, hindering mass support for redistributive policies that empower low‐income minority populations. This article examines the relationship between U.S. state‐level social trust and immigrant access to social welfare programs using multilevel regression with post‐stratification to estimate state‐level attitudes of distrust. Distrust is found to be associated with reduced immigrant access to redistributive social programs, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Security Income, and Medicaid. Interestingly, patterns of distrust and strict immigrant welfare exclusion are more pronounced among low immigrant Southern states, while high immigrant states exhibit relatively inclusive and accommodative policies.Related ArticlesTurner,Robert C., andWilliamSharry.2012. “.”Politics & Policy40():983–1018.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2012.00392.x/abstractByrne,Jennifer, andGregory C.Dixon.2013. “.”Politics & Policy41():83–116.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12002/abstractWagle,Udaya R.2013. “.”Politics & Policy41():947–984.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12053/abstractRelated Media.2015. “” January 15.http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/have‐the‐danes‐really‐found‐the‐secret‐formula‐to‐contentment‐9978699.htmlGelman,Andrew.2014. “.”Statistical Modeling, Causal Interference, and Social Science. November 11.http://andrewgelman.com/2014/11/11/history‐mrp‐highlights‐differences‐political‐science‐epidemiology/.2014. “.” November 18.http://www.nationaljournal.com/next‐america/population‐2043/how‐california‐is‐making‐life‐easier‐for‐undocumented‐immigrants‐20141118