bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recognizing products of palaeoclimate fluctuation in the fluvial stratigraphic record: An example from the Pennsylvanian to Lower Permian of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
Authors: Allen Jonathan P. , Fielding Christopher R. , Gibling Martin R. , Rygel Michael C. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractTectonics and climate are the major extrinsic upstream controls on both the external and internal architectures of fluvial channels. While the role of tectonics has been well‐documented, the role of climate has received less attention. Because both tectonics and climate can produce similar stratigraphic architectures, the ability to recognize and differentiate these has major ramifications for the interpretation of fluvial stratigraphy. The Pennsylvanian to Permian succession of the Maritimes Basin complex on Cape Breton Island is ca 5 km thick, and is composed of predominantly non‐marine strata deposited within a series of depocentres characterized by different subsidence regimes. Basins in the west are transtensional depocentres characterized by episodic fault movement. In contrast, basins in the east were formed during prolonged periods of passive thermal subsidence. The stratigraphy is composed of four second‐order sequences (A to D), each 5 to 10 Myr in duration. These sequences are composed of amalgamated fluvial channel deposits that fine upwards into extensive mud‐dominated floodplain deposits with isolated fluvial channel bodies. A spectrum of fluvial styles is recorded within the study area including perennial, perennial/intermittent and ephemeral. Four stratigraphic intervals (E1 to E4) are recognized in which the deposits of strongly seasonal perennial/intermittent fluvial deposits are predominant. These intervals, 2 to 6 Myr in duration, are correlated across the study area between basins with differing tectonic regimes and do not correlate with a particular position in second‐order sequences. This suggests that climate exerted the dominant influence on the formation of these intervals and can be differentiated from tectonic imprints. While the tectonic regime of a particular basin exerted a fundamental control on the external architecture, a coherent record of climate change is recognized in the internal architecture of fluvial units. This study demonstrates that tectonic and climatic controls can be recognized and differentiated in vertical successions by evaluating the changes in fluvial architecture.
Direct physical evidence of dolomite recrystallization
Authors: Kaczmarek Stephen E. , Sibley Duncan F. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe possibility of recrystallization is a long‐standing barrier to deciphering the genetic origin of dolomites. There is often uncertainty regarding whether or not characteristics of ancient dolomites are primary or the consequence of later recrystallization unrelated to the original dolomitization event. Results from 65 new high‐temperature dolomite synthesis experiments (1 m, 1·0 Mg/Ca ratio solutions at 218°C) demonstrate dolomite recrystallization affecting stoichiometry, cation ordering and nanometre‐scale surface texture. The data support a model of dolomitization that proceeds by a series of four unique phases of replacement and recrystallization, which occur by various dissolution–precipitation reactions. During the first phase (induction period), no dolomite forms despite favourable conditions. The second phase (replacement period) occurs when Ca‐rich dolomite products, with a low degree of cation ordering, rapidly replace calcite reactants. During the replacement period, dolomite stoichiometry and the degree of cation ordering remain constant, and all dolomite crystal surfaces are covered by nanometre‐scale growth mounds. The third phase (primary recrystallization period), which occurs in the experiments between 97% and 100% dolomite, is characterized by a reduced replacement rate but concurrent increases in dolomite stoichiometry and cation ordering. The end of the primary recrystallization period is marked by dolomite crystal growth surfaces that are covered by flat, laterally extensive layers. The fourth phase of the reaction (secondary recrystallization period) occurs when all calcite is consumed and is characterized by stoichiometric dolomite with layers as well as a continued increase in the degree of cation ordering with time. Inferences of recrystallization, in natural dolomite, based on cation order or stoichiometry of dolomite, usually depend on assumptions about the precursor dolomite subjected to recrystallization. If it is assumed that the experimental evidence presented here is applicable to natural, low‐temperature dolomites, then the presence of mounds is direct evidence of a lack of recrystallization and the presence of layers is direct evidence of recrystallization.
Informed consent comprehension in African research settings
Authors: Afolabi Muhammed O. , Okebe Joseph U. , McGrath Nuala , Larson Heidi J. , Bojang Kalifa , Chandramohan Daniel 
Published: March 2014

AbstractObjectivePrevious reviews on participants' comprehension of informed consent information have focused on developed countries. Experience has shown that ethical standards developed on Western values may not be appropriate for African settings where research concepts are unfamiliar. We undertook this review to describe how informed consent comprehension is defined and measured in African research settings.MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive search involving five electronic databases: Medline, Embase, Global Health, EthxWeb and Bioethics Literature Database (BELIT). We also examined African Index Medicus and Google Scholar for relevant publications on informed consent comprehension in clinical studies conducted in sub‐Saharan Africa. 29 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria; meta‐analysis was possible in 21 studies. We further conducted a direct comparison of participants' comprehension on domains of informed consent in all eligible studies.ResultsComprehension of key concepts of informed consent varies considerably from country to country and depends on the nature and complexity of the study. Meta‐analysis showed that 47% of a total of 1633 participants across four studies demonstrated comprehension about randomisation (95% CI 13.9–80.9%). Similarly, 48% of 3946 participants in six studies had understanding about placebo (95% CI 19.0–77.5%), while only 30% of 753 participants in five studies understood the concept of therapeutic misconception (95% CI 4.6–66.7%). Measurement tools for informed consent comprehension were developed with little or no validation. Assessment of comprehension was carried out at variable times after disclosure of study information. No uniform definition of informed consent comprehension exists to form the basis for development of an appropriate tool to measure comprehension in African participants.ConclusionsComprehension of key concepts of informed consent is poor among study participants across Africa. There is a vital need to develop a uniform definition for informed consent comprehension in low literacy research settings in Africa. This will be an essential step towards developing appropriate tools that can adequately measure informed consent comprehension. This may consequently suggest adequate measures to improve the informed consent procedure.
Wound duration and healing rates: Cause or effect?
Authors: Bosanquet David C. , Harding Keith G. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractMultiple factors affect the likelihood of a wound healing. One of these factors, wound duration, is well known to be related to healing rates, with numerous publications showing that older wounds are less likely to heal. However, disentangling the effect of this factor on wound healing rates is complex. Is this simply an observation of the obvious; wounds of longer duration will by definition be harder to heal? Or does time represent an independent factor, implying that should treatments be given earlier in the disease process, better outcomes may result? This review summarizes the available evidence of the effects of wound duration on healing rates and examines potential biological aberrations identified in chronic wounds, which may be significant in making chronic wounds difficult to heal. Wounds of longer duration are associated with excessive inflammation, fibroblast senescence, and alterations in wound bed flora, which appears to have a temporal relationship. Early and aggressive treatment of ulcers that fail to respond to standard care may well aid in reducing the burden of wounds that become chronic.
Comparative effectiveness of advanced wound dressings for patients with chronic venous leg ulcers: A systematic review
Authors: Valle M. Frances , Maruthur Nisa M. , Wilson Lisa M. , Malas Mahmoud , Qazi Umair , Haberl Elisabeth , Bass Eric B. , Zenilman Jonathan , Lazarus Gerald 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature on the benefits and harms of advanced wound dressings on wound healing, mortality, quality of life, pain, condition of the wound bed, and adverse events for patients with chronic venous leg ulcers as compared with treatment with compression alone. We searched for primary studies in the databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature® from January 1980 through July 2012. Each study title, abstract, and full article was evaluated by two independent reviewers. Thirty‐seven studies met our specific search criteria, although most evidence was of low or insufficient quality. Cellular dressings, collagen, and some antimicrobial dressings may improve healing rates of chronic venous leg ulcers vs. compression alone or other dressings. Limited data were available on other outcomes. The poor quality of the literature limits conclusions and necessitates future, well‐conducted studies to evaluate the effectiveness of advanced wound dressings on chronic venous ulcers.
The importance of both fibroblasts and keratinocytes in a bilayered living cellular construct used in wound healing
Authors: Wojtowicz Abigail M. , Oliveira Steve , Carlson Mark W. , Zawadzka Agatha , Rousseau Cecile F. , Baksh Dolores 
Published: March 2014

AbstractCross talk between fibroblasts and keratinocytes, which maintains skin homeostasis, is disrupted in chronic wounds. For venous leg ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers, a bilayered living cellular construct (BLCC), containing both fibroblasts and keratinocytes that participate in cross talk, is a safe and effective product in healing chronic wounds. To show the importance of both cell types in BLCC, constructs were generated containing only fibroblasts or only keratinocytes and compared directly to BLCC via histology, mechanical testing, gene/protein analysis, and angiogenesis assays. BLCC contained a fully differentiated epithelium and showed greater tensile strength compared with one‐cell‐type constructs, most likely due to formation of intact basement membrane and well‐established stratum corneum in BLCC. Furthermore, expression of important wound healing genes, cytokines, and growth factors was modulated by the cells in BLCC compared with constructs containing only one cell type. Finally, conditioned medium from BLCC promoted greater endothelial network formation compared with media from one‐cell‐type constructs. Overall, this study characterized a commercially available wound healing product and showed that the presence of both fibroblasts and keratinocytes in BLCC contributed to epithelial stratification, greater tensile strength, modulation of cytokine and growth factor expression, and increased angiogenic properties compared with constructs containing fibroblasts or keratinocytes alone.
Variable Kinematic One-Dimensional Finite Elements for the Analysis
of Rotors Made of Composite Materials
Authors: Carrera E. , Filippi M. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
This paper deals with the dynamic response of rotors made of anisotropic, laminated composite materials. It is a sequel to the authors’ previous work, which was devoted to the rotordynamics of metallic structures. The used variable kinematic one-dimensional models describe any cross-sectional deformation of the rotor and go beyond the plane strain assumptions of classical Euler–Bernoulli and Timoskenko beam theories. Refined theories are obtained by applying the Carrera unified formulation, which is extended here to the rotordynamics of multilayered composites. The displacement variables over the rotor cross section x-z plane are approximated by x,z polynomials of any order N. Thin-walled cylindrical shafts and boxes are analyzed. These structures are made of unidirectional layers, whose fiber orientation can vary with respect to the rotor–axis as well as in the x-z plane. Several analyses have been carried out to determine the vibrational response as a function of the rotating speed. Classical beam theories are obtained as particular cases and results available in the literature, including shell results, are used to assess the presented theory. The proposed refined models are very effective in investigating the dynamic behavior of laminated composite rotors.
OPENING THE “BLACK BOX” OF PLAN-DO-STUDY-ACT CYCLES: ACHIEVING A SCIENTIFIC YET PRAGMATIC APPROACH TO IMPROVING PATIENT CARE
Authors: McNicholas Chris , Bell Derek , Reed Julie 
Published: March 2014

IntroductionThe Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle method is a common approach taken in improvement initiatives to test changes in a pragmatic and scientific fashion. The effectiveness and application of the method, however, is varied with a recent systematic review outlining a lack of adherence to key functions of the methods approach. To understand how to achieve good quality use of the method it is necessary to assess the attainment of these key functions of its use in frontline improvement initiatives, opening the method's “black box”. This research aims to further develop and apply a theoretical framework to assess the conduct of improvement initiatives: understanding both the conduct of the PDSA method and the improvement context of an organization that supports its use.MethodsA qualitative study of three separate healthcare organizations is underway to assess the PDSA cycle conduct of improvement initiatives, including iterative development, prediction-based tests of change, use of regular data over time, starting on a small scale and collaborative working. Semi-structured interviews with improvement initiative members and senior organizations leaders are being conducted and complemented with participant observation and document analysis of initiatives' day-today work to gain an in-depth understanding of how PDSA methods are applied and perceived by healthcare professionals and to gain an understanding of broader organizational context for improvement work.ResultsThe study is due for complete in early 2014, however, initial findings can be highlighted.Whilst the recognition of the functions of PDSA is widespread in the improvement initiatives observed, be it implicitly or explicitly, the achievement of these is varied. The utilization of regular data over time to influence progression of PDSA cycles is a key challenge when using the PDSA cycle approach, both in collecting the data and collaboratively critiquing it to iterate a change. This leaves teams stuck in the Plan-Do stages of the cycle and prevents effective cycle completion. Whilst the concept of testing change is supported by most individuals involved directly in improvement initiatives not all participants are necessarily aware or engaged with the PDSA cycle approach and tests of change of occur without using the 4 stages or are retrospectively documented as PDSA cycles.DiscussionThis work presents a framework to assess the effective application and supporting context for improvement initiatives using the PDSA cycle approach. Whilst the benefit of testing change in a scientific and pragmatic manner is evident in the views of healthcare staff the improvement of organizational learning mechanisms to support this is necessary. Both internal and external support to an organization can benefit from reflecting on the framework and address data and staff training needs to ensure patient care is improved in an effective and efficient manner.Declaration of competing interestsNone.
WHAT FACTORS AFFECT BUNDLE ADOPTION IN A VOLUNTARY QUALITY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN?: AN ASSESSMENT OF PROJECT JOINTS
Authors: Khodyakov Dmitry , Susan Ridgely M , Huang Christina , Sorbero Melony E , Schneider Eric C 
Published: March 2014

IntroductionWhile innovative strategies have been used to accelerate the spread of complex, evidence-based practices, few have been rigorously evaluated. Project JOINTS is a national QI campaign in the U.S. undertaken by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement to spread evidence-based practices to prevent surgical site infection (SSI) after hip and knee arthroplasty. Building on social network theory, Project JOINTS was designed to activate a “rapid spread network” (RSN) of state-level organizations (“nodes”) to help disseminate an enhanced SSI prevention bundle. An evaluation by the RAND Corporation aimed to (a) describe the RSN and the role of nodes, and (b) determine whether campaign engagement affects the uptake of a bundle of evidence-based practices.MethodsAfter the 6–month intervention period, RAND conducted telephone interviews to measure node and hospital engagement with Project JOINTS, hospital adherence to QI methods, and hospital bundle uptake. We interviewed representatives of node organizations in nine out of ten states participating in Project JOINTS. We also interviewed representatives of 73 of the 109 participating Project JOINTS hospitals (67% participation rate) in five of the states. Thematic analysis was used to describe the RSN; logistic and OLS regression models were used to evaluate the impact of hospital engagement and adherence to QI methods on bundle uptake.ResultsQualitative results show that nodes helped recruit hospitals and disseminate campaign information. Quantitative findings suggest that complete bundle uptake was positively associated with both adherence to the QI methods and hospital engagement. Initiation of and improved adherence to individual bundle components was positively associated only with hospital engagement, and especially with the use of project materials and tools.DiscussionOur qualitative results illustrate the important role nodes play in helping IHI recruit hospitals and disseminating campaign information, thereby serving as trust brokers. While nodes may be a necessary component of a successful QI campaign, campaign organizers may also need to reach out to hospitals directly, or ask their nodes to more actively encourage hospitals to use campaign resources and participate in campaign activities, to facilitate intervention uptake. Our quantitative results further support QI campaigns as a means of increasing adoption of evidence-based patient safety bundles in orthopedic practice and stress the importance of relying on QI methods and actively engaging hospitals.Declaration of competing interestsThis study was funded by a demonstration and evaluation grant (1 R18 AE000051) awarded to the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and the RAND Corporation by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. All authors report no competing interests.
「建構有效家庭服務： 綜合家庭服務中心模式實施情況檢討」的評論和反思
Authors: 游 達裕 , 張 超雄 , 朱 志強 
Published: March 2014

2008年，香港大學顧問團受社會福利署的委託而進行綜合家庭服務中心服務檢討，於2010年完成研究並發表「綜合家庭服務中心服務模式實施情況檢討」報告書。 本文深入分析港大研究報告書後，發現該報告書欠缺分析過往相關文獻的討論；重複過往研究的結果，結論卻沒有進一步分析和探究；概念含混，沒有清晰的標準作評估準則；只引用社工的意見而沒有進一步分析或評論，尤其在一些重要的議題上，前後不一致；推論不合邏輯。 從這研究的資料所見，綜合家務服務中心的角色和功能不斷受到社會基層和相關持份者所修正和界定，因此我們亦應反思社會工作的政治實踐。 我們相信港大顧問團眾多學者都具備足夠能力去進行具學術水平的研究，正因為這緣故，它令我們對學者的角色和研究報告所帶來的倫理責任進行反思。
Fetal Growth, Gestation Length And Phosphoglucomutase‐1 Phenotype
Authors: Johnstone Frank D. , Westt John D. , Prescott Robin J. , Steel Judith M. , Flockhartt Jean A. , Greert Ian A. , Drago Guido A. , Whitehouse David B. 
Published: March 2014

This study investigates reports that phosphoglucomutase‐1 (PGM1) phenotype is associated with fetal growth and gestation length. A total of 350 women were studied, 234 having uncomplicated pregnancies and 114 with a baby weighing greater than 90th centile, corrected for parity, gestation and fetal sex. All women had gestation confirmed by early ultrasound. Conventional cellulose acetate electrophoresis was used to distinguish the three common PGM1 phenotypes and polyacrylamide gel isoelectric focusing to distinguish the ten PGM1 SUbtypes. Neither PGM I phenotype nor SUbtype were found to be associated with gestation length or standardised birth weight. Logistic regression, where maternal age, parity, fetal sex, maternal weight, gestation and smoking were introduced as explanatory variables in addition to PGM1 phenotype testing against the dependent variables birth weight, standardised birth weight and gestation length, did not show differences related to PGM1 phenotype.Two possible reasons for the discrepancy with previously published data are discussed. We conclude that the study provides no support for the belief that PGM1 phenotype is related to fetal growth or gestation length and that the original observations could have arisen as a result of statistical artefact due to multiple testing.
P2X1-initiated p38 signalling enhances thromboxane A2-induced platelet secretion and aggregation
Authors: Huang Zhangsen , Liu Pu , Zhu Linjing , Li Nailin , Hu Hu 
Published: March 2014

SummaryATP released by activated platelets can serve as a positive feedback machinery to amplify platelet responses by activating P2X1 receptors. It has, however, not been defined how P2X1 activities influence thromboxane A2 (TXA2)-stimulated platelet functional responses. Our aim was to elaborate the molecular mechanisms of P2X1 engagements in TXA2-induced platelet secretion and aggregation. P2X1 inhibition by 1 µM NF449 inhibited platelet P-selectin expression induced by a low concentration of the TXA2 analogue U46619 (0.3 µM) (32.0 ± 2.0% vs 43.4 ± 3.0%; n=5; p<0.05). p38 inhibition by SB203580, but not ERK inhibition by U0126, elicited a similar inhibition by NF499. The combination of NF449 and SB203580 provided, however, no additive effects. U46619-induced platelet aggregation was similarly decreased by NF449 and SB203580 alone or incombination, and by P2×1 pre-desensitisation with α,β-Me-ATP. U46619 caused rapid and reversible P2×1-dependent p38 phosphorylation. However, the P2X1-p38 pathway mainly enhanced mild platelet activation by U46619, because α,β-Me-ATP supplementation or p38 blockade had no effect on intense platelet activation induced by a higher concentration of U46619 (3 µM). In conclusion, P2×1 activation, via p38 signalling, potentiates platelet activation initiated by low doses of U46619. Hence, the P2X1-induced p38 signalling promotes more robust platelet activation in response to mild platelet stimuli.