bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dimensional metrology of lab‐on‐a‐chip internal structures: a comparison of optical coherence tomography with confocal fluorescence microscopy
Authors: REYES D.R. , HALTER M. , HWANG J. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThe characterization of internal structures in a polymeric microfluidic device, especially of a final product, will require a different set of optical metrology tools than those traditionally used for microelectronic devices. We demonstrate that optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging is a promising technique to characterize the internal structures of poly(methyl methacrylate) devices where the subsurface structures often cannot be imaged by conventional wide field optical microscopy. The structural details of channels in the devices were imaged with OCT and analyzed with an in‐house written ImageJ macro in an effort to identify the structural details of the channel. The dimensional values obtained with OCT were compared with laser‐scanning confocal microscopy images of channels filled with a fluorophore solution. Attempts were also made using confocal reflectance and interferometry microscopy to measure the channel dimensions, but artefacts present in the images precluded quantitative analysis. OCT provided the most accurate estimates for the channel height based on an analysis of optical micrographs obtained after destructively slicing the channel with a microtome. OCT may be a promising technique for the future of three‐dimensional metrology of critical internal structures in lab‐on‐a‐chip devices because scans can be performed rapidly and noninvasively prior to their use.
Transitions in the communication experiences of tracheostomised patients in intensive care: a qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Flinterud Stine Irene , Andershed Birgitta 
Published: April 2015

Aims and objectivesTo describe how tracheostomised patients in intensive care experience acts of communication and to better understand their experiences in the context of the transitions theory.BackgroundWaking up in an intensive care unit unable to speak because of mechanical ventilation can be challenging. Communication aids are available, but patients still report difficulties communicating. Investigating how mechanically ventilated patients experience communication in the context of the transitions theory might elucidate new ways of supporting them during their transitions while being ventilated.DesignA qualitative, descriptive design.MethodsEleven patients who had previously been tracheostomised in an intensive care unit were included in this quality improvement project conducted in a university hospital in Norway. Participants were tracheostomised from 3–27 days. Semistructured interviews were conducted from June 2013–August 2013, 3–18 months after hospital discharge. Transcripts were analysed using inductive content analysis.ResultsParticipants reported a great diversity of emotions and experiences attempting to communicate while being tracheostomised. One overarching theme emerging from the analysis was the ‘Experience of caring and understanding despite having uncomfortable feelings due to troublesome communication.’ The theme consists of three categories. The category ‘Emotionally challenging’ shows that patients struggled initially. With time, their coping improved, as revealed in the category ‘The experience changes with time.’ Despite difficulties, participants described positive experiences, as shown in the category ‘Successful communication.’ConclusionThe importance of patients experiencing caring and understanding despite their difficult situation constitutes the core finding. The findings suggest that participants went through different transitions. Some reached the end of their transition, experiencing increased stability.Relevance to clinical practiceDespite challenges with communication, participants reported that caring and safety provided by health care professionals were significant experiences. They viewed nonverbal communication as being very important.
Factors affecting maternal serum magnesium levels during long‐term magnesium sulfate tocolysis in singleton and twin pregnancy
Authors: Nakazawa Hiroshi , Uchida Akiko , Minamitani Tomoyuki , Makishi Aya , Takamatsu Yukou , Kiyoshi Kenji , Samoto Takashi , Funakoshi Toru 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimOur aim was to determine factors that affect maternal serum magnesium (Mg) levels, to help ensure the safety and efficacy of long‐term magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) therapy for threatened preterm labor in singleton and twin pregnancies.Material and MethodsWe retrospectively and arbitrarily studied 100 patients (singleton pregnancy, n = 65; twin pregnancy, n = 35) who received i.v. MgSO4 for >48 h for tocolysis of threatened preterm labor. We used multiple regression analysis to investigate the functional relations between the candidate factors and maternal serum Mg levels.ResultsMgSO4 was administered as a loading dose of 3 g for 1 h followed by a maintenance dose of 1.0–2.0 g/h. There were no maternal severe adverse events related to the elevated Mg levels in any of the subjects. The results of multiple regression analysis revealed that total dose of MgSO4 for 24 h before blood collection (g/day), total serum protein level (g/dL), serum total calcium level (mg/dL), serum creatinine level (mg/dL) and maternal bodyweight (kg) significantly affected maternal serum Mg levels in both singleton and twin pregnancies (all P‐values were < 0.001). Gestational age (weeks) and period of MgSO4 administration (days) at blood collection had no significant effect in singleton or twin pregnancies.ConclusionOur study statistically shows that dose of MgSO4, total serum protein level, serum total calcium level, serum creatinine level and maternal bodyweight are key factors to achieving safe and effective long‐term tocolysis with MgSO4 in not only singleton but also twin pregnancies.
Factors influencing breastfeeding exclusivity during the first 6 months of life in developing countries: a quantitative and qualitative systematic review
Authors: Balogun Olukunmi Omobolanle , Dagvadorj Amarjagal , Anigo Kola Mathew , Ota Erika , Sasaki Satoshi 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBreastfeeding is the most advantageous feeding option for infants, and epidemiological studies provide evidence for its promotion. The objective of this review was to comprehensively delineate the barriers and facilitators of exclusive breastfeeding of infants aged 0–6 months old by mothers in developing countries. A search of CINAHL, MEDLINE and PsycINFO was carried out to retrieve studies from January 2001 to January 2014. Using our inclusion criteria, we selected studies that described barriers and facilitators of exclusive breastfeeding. Qualitative and quantitative studies were considered. Twenty‐five studies involving 11 025 participants from 19 countries were included. Barriers and facilitators of exclusive/full breastfeeding were identified, analysed tabulated and summarised in this review. Maternal employment was the most frequently cited barrier to exclusive breastfeeding. Maternal perceptions of insufficient breast milk supply was pervasive among studies while medical barriers related to illness of mothers and/or infants as well as breast problems, rather than health care providers. Socio‐cultural factors such as maternal and significant other's beliefs about infant nutrition also often constitute strong barriers to exclusive breastfeeding. Despite these barriers, mothers in developing countries often possess certain personal characteristics and develop strategic plans to enhance their success at breastfeeding. Health care providers should be informed about the determinants of exclusive breastfeeding and provide practical anticipatory guidance targeted at overcoming these barriers. In so doing, health care providers in developing countries can contribute to improving maternal and child health outcomes.
Relationship between maternal pre‐pregnancy body mass index, gestational weight gain and childhood fatness at 6–7 years by air displacement plethysmography
Authors: Castillo Helen , Santos Iná S. , Matijasevich Alicia 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThis study aims to investigate the effect of maternal pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) on offspring body composition. In this prospective cohort study, offspring body composition at 6 years of age was obtained through air displacement plethysmography. Linear regression was used to obtain crude and adjusted coefficients. Information regarding offspring body composition and maternal pre‐pregnancy BMI was available for 3156 children and on offspring body composition and GWG for 3129 children. There was a direct association of maternal pre‐pregnancy BMI and GWG with offspring's fat mass (FM), fat‐free mass (FFM), fat mass index (FMI), fat‐free mass index (FFMI) and body fat percent (BF%) in crude and adjusted analyses. After adjustment for co‐variables, for each kg m−2 of maternal pre‐pregnancy BMI increase, there was a mean increment of 0.13 kg in the offspring FFM, 0.06 kg m−2 in FFMI, 0.11 kg in FM, 0.07 kg m−2 in FMI and 0.18% in BF%. For each kilogram of maternal GWG increase, there was a mean increment of 0.08 kg in offspring's FM, 0.05 kg m−2 in FMI, 0.04 kg in FFM, 0.01 kg m−2 in FFMI and 0.18 % in BF%. Mothers with a higher pre‐pregnancy BMI or GWG tend to have children with greater adiposity at age 6 years. Fetal overnutrition is more likely among mothers with greater BMI during pregnancy; as a consequence, it can accelerate the childhood obesity epidemic.
Effects of early vitamin D deficiency rickets on bone and dental health, growth and immunity
Authors: Zerofsky Melissa , Ryder Mark , Bhatia Suruchi , Stephensen Charles B. , King Janet , Fung Ellen B. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractVitamin D deficiency is associated with adverse health outcomes, including impaired bone growth, gingival inflammation and increased risk for autoimmune disease, but the relationship between vitamin D deficiency rickets in childhood and long‐term health has not been studied. In this study, we assessed the effect of early vitamin D deficiency on growth, bone density, dental health and immune function in later childhood to determine if children previously diagnosed with rickets were at greater risk of adverse health outcomes compared with healthy children. We measured serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, calcium, parathyroid hormone, bone mineral density, anthropometric measures, dietary habits, dental health, general health history, and markers of inflammation in 14 previously diagnosed rickets case children at Children's Hospital Oakland Research Center. We compared the findings in the rickets cases with 11 healthy children selected from the population of CHO staff families. Fourteen mothers of the rickets cases, five siblings of the rickets cases, and seven mothers of healthy children also participated. Children diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency rickets had a greater risk of fracture, greater prevalence of asthma, and more dental enamel defects compared with healthy children. Given the widespread actions of vitamin D, it is likely that early‐life vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of disease later in childhood. Further assessment of the long‐term health effects of early deficiency is necessary to make appropriate dietary recommendations for infants at risk of deficiency.
Defending the Content Approach to Aesthetic Experience
Authors: Carroll Noël 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThis article defends the content approach to aesthetic experience. It begins by sketching this approach to aesthetic experience. It then rehearses certain recent criticisms of the view by Alan Goldman and attempts to rebut them. One of those criticisms raises a long‐standing concern about the author's account that has recently been called the “qua” problem. The article concludes by putting this issue to rest.
Collard landraces are novel sources of glucoraphanin and other aliphatic glucosinolates
Authors: Stansell Zachary , Cory Wendy , Couillard David , Farnham Mark 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe glucosinolate make‐up of the edible parts of some Brassica oleracea L. crops has been investigated previously, but the leafy‐green collard (B. oleracea var. viridis) remains relatively unstudied on this topic. Due to this lack of information, a collection of US landraces was examined for glucosinolate content of leaves. The specific objectives of this examination were to compare levels of certain glucosinolates among the conserved collard landraces, identify any individuals with a distinct glucosinolate profile and determine the potential of collard as a target for chemoprotective‐based plant breeding. During winter 2010/2011, 81 collard landraces, four other viridis and four collard cultivars were evaluated in the field and harvested leaves were assayed for glucosinolates. In a subsequent study, 19 selected landraces plus the cultivars were included in a repeat trial in 2012/2013. Eighteen collard landraces contained relatively high levels of glucoraphanin in leaves in both years, and three (designated G 32575, G 32580, G 32586 in the US National Plant Germplasm System) were found to contain glucoraphanin in excess of 9.5 μmol/g DM. The examined landraces are rich sources of important aliphatic glucosinolates, previously thought to be most abundant in other B. oleracea vegetables.
Laccaria bicolor aquaporin LbAQP1 is required for Hartig net development in trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides)
Authors: Navarro‐RóDenas Alfonso , Xu Hao , Kemppainen Minna , Pardo Alejandro G. , Zwiazek Janusz J. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe development of ectomycorrhizal associations is crucial for growth of many forest trees. However, the signals that are exchanged between the fungus and the host plant during the colonization process are still poorly understood. In this study, we have identified the relationship between expression patterns of Laccaria bicolor aquaporin LbAQP1 and the development of ectomycorrhizal structures in trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) seedlings. The peak expression of LbAQP1 was 700‐fold higher in the hyphae within the root than in the free‐living mycelium after 24 h of direct interaction with the roots. Moreover, in LbAQP1 knock‐down strains, a non‐mycorrhizal phenotype was developed without the Hartig net and the expression of the mycorrhizal effector protein MiSSP7 quickly declined after an initial peak on day 5 of interaction of the fungal hyphae with the roots. The increase in the expression of LbAQP1 required a direct contact of the fungus with the root and it modulated the expression of MiSSP7. We have also determined that LbAQP1 facilitated NO, H2O2 and CO2 transport when heterologously expressed in yeast. The report demonstrates that the L. bicolor aquaporin LbAQP1 acts as a molecular signalling channel, which is fundamental for the development of Hartig net in root tips of P. tremuloides.
Rice PCR1 influences grain weight and Zn accumulation in grains
Authors: Song Won‐Yong , Lee Hyun‐Sook , Jin Sang‐Rak , Ko Donghwi , Martinoia Enrico , Lee Youngsook , An Gynheung , Ahn Sang‐Nag 
Published: April 2015

AbstractProteins containing a placenta‐specific 8 domain (PLAC8) function as major organ size regulators in Solanum lycopersicum and Zea may, and putative metal ion transporters in Arabidopsis thaliana, Oryza sativa and Brassica juncea. However, it is unknown how PLAC8 domain‐containing proteins fulfill such diverse roles. Here, we found that plant cadmium resistance 1 (PCR1) influences both zinc (Zn) accumulation and grain weight in rice. OsPCR1 knockout and knockdown lines produced lighter grains than the wild type, while OsPCR1 overexpression lines produced heavier grains. Furthermore, the grains of OsPCR1 knockdown lines exhibited substantially higher Zn and lower cadmium (Cd) concentrations than the control, as did yeast heterologously expressing OsPCR1. Through sequence analysis, we showed that the amino acid sequence of japonica‐type PCR1 was distinct from that of indica‐type and wild rice accessions. This difference was correlated with distinct Zn‐related phenotypes. Japonica‐type PCR1 had a shorter N‐terminus than did PCR1 in the other rice types, and yeast heterologously expressing japonica‐type PCR1 was more sensitive to Zn than was yeast expressing indica‐type PCR1. Furthermore, japonica‐type grains accumulated less Zn than did indica‐type grains. Our study suggests that rice PCR1 maintains metal ion homeostasis and grain weight and might have been selected for during domestication.
One Shield, Two Responses: Anti‐U.S. Missile Defense Shield Protests in the Czech Republic and Poland
Authors: Biberman Yelena , Ocakli Feryaz 
Published: April 2015

What is the role of civil society in geopolitical conflict? The crisis in Ukraine has, once again, raised questions over security in the post‐communist world. This article examines the puzzling variation in the antimissile defense shield protests in the Czech Republic and Poland (2007‐09) to elucidate the conditions under which civil society emerges as a significant actor in international politics. Activists in the Czech Republic staged seven times as many antishield protests as their Polish counterparts despite the two countries' similar levels of popular opposition to the project. The variation in the responses of the Polish and Czech activists resulted from the different material and legacy‐driven ideological constraints faced by the civil society organizations. The findings suggest that the scholarship on contentious civic activism should take organization‐level opportunities and constraints seriously when analyzing the impact of civil society on political processes.Related Articles

Stegmaier, Mary, and
Klara Vlachova. 2009. “.” Politics & Policy 37 (): 799–820. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2009.00199.x/abstract

Smyth, Regina. 2014. “.” Politics & Policy 42 (): 567–592. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12080/abstract

Ishiyama, John. 2006. “.” Politics & Policy 34 (): 3–29. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2006.00002.x/abstract
Related Media
. 2013. “.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LPdmxnBkIU

. 2008. “.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCGYT6fGesM

Biberman, Yelena. 2009. “.” http://russiaprofile.org/international/a1248803550/print_edition
USA300 and USA500 Clonal Lineages of Staphylococcus aureus Do Not Produce a Capsular Polysaccharide Due to Conserved Mutations in the
cap5
Locus
Authors: Boyle-Vavra Susan , Li Xue , Alam Md Tauqeer , Read Timothy D. , Sieth Julia , Cywes-Bentley Colette , Dobbins Ginette , David Michael Z. , Kumar Neha , Eells Samantha J. , Miller Loren G. , Boxrud David J. , Chambers Henry F. , Lynfield Ruth , Lee Jean C. , Daum Robert S. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACT

The surface capsular polysaccharide (CP) is a virulence factor that has been used as an antigen in several successful vaccines against bacterial pathogens. A vaccine has not yet been licensed against
Staphylococcus aureus
, although two multicomponent vaccines that contain CP antigens are in clinical trials. In this study, we evaluated CP production in USA300 methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA) isolates that have become the predominant community-associated MRSA clones in the United States. We found that all 167 USA300 MRSA and 50 USA300 methicillin-susceptible
S. aureus
(MSSA) isolates were CP negative (CP
−
). Moreover, all 16 USA500 isolates, which have been postulated to be the progenitor lineage of USA300, were also CP
−
. Whole-genome sequence analysis of 146 CP
−
USA300 MRSA isolates revealed they all carry a
cap5
locus with 4 conserved mutations compared with strain Newman. Genetic complementation experiments revealed that three of these mutations (in the
cap5
promoter,
cap5D
nucleotide 994, and
cap5E
nucleotide 223) ablated CP production in USA300 and that Cap5E75 Asp, located in the coenzyme-binding domain, is essential for capsule production. All but three USA300 MSSA isolates had the same four
cap5
mutations found in USA300 MRSA isolates. Most isolates with a USA500 pulsotype carried three of these four USA300-specific mutations, suggesting the fourth mutation occurred in the USA300 lineage. Phylogenetic analysis of the
cap
loci of our USA300 isolates as well as publicly available genomes from 41 other sequence types revealed that the USA300-specific
cap5
mutations arose sequentially in
S. aureus
in a common ancestor of USA300 and USA500 isolates.

IMPORTANCE
The USA300 MRSA clone emerged as a community-associated pathogen in the United States nearly 20 years ago. Since then, it has rapidly disseminated and now causes health care-associated infections. This study shows that the CP-negative (CP
−
) phenotype has persisted among USA300 isolates and is a universal and characteristic trait of this highly successful MRSA lineage. It is important to note that a vaccine consisting solely of CP antigens would not likely demonstrate high efficacy in the U.S. population, where about half of MRSA isolates comprise USA300. Moreover, conversion of a USA300 strain to a CP-positive (CP
+
) phenotype is unlikely
in vivo
or
in vitro
since it would require the reversion of 3 mutations. We have also established that USA300 MSSA isolates and USA500 isolates are CP
−
and provide new insight into the evolution of the USA300 and USA500 lineages.
Quality improvement project using a care bundle approach on the management of the immediate discharge document (IDD) within a single general practice
Authors: Anderson Caroline , McNab Duncan 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe Scottish Patient Safety Programme in Primary Care (SPSP-PC) aims to improve the medicines reconciliation process in primary care to help reduce the number of adverse events causing avoidable harm. [1] The aim of this project is to improve the process for handling Immediate Discharge Documents (IDDs) in a single practice and develop a protocol using the care bundle approach. The care bundle consisted of:1. Medicines reconciled and repeat prescription updated2. Follow up documented3. Diagnosis coded4. Were all actions completed?A baseline audit was performed followed by three PDSA cycles. Interventions included: education at each cycle, decision that all Doctors would use the Medicines Reconciliation Polypharmacy LES template and constructing an electronic checklist for the care bundle. Compliance with the care bundle rose from 20% in the baseline measurement to 100% in PDSA cycles two and three.In conclusion, a protocol was developed for the processing of IDDs utilizing the care bundle approach with an electronic checklist, resulting in an improvement in the practice management of IDDs.