bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reflecting on Research: Sharpening Nurses’ Focus Through Engaged Learning
Authors: Wendler M. Cecilia , Samuelson Sheryl , Taft Lois , Eldridge Kimmy 
Published: April 2011

Background:
The Bedside Scientist Institute is a basic research course provided for nurses using an engaged, interactive learning environment. This qualitative study evaluated the course outcomes.

Methods:

A large Magnet
®
-designated teaching hospital provided the setting for both the education and the study. Coding categories and themes were identified from 16 interviews; a focus group confirmed the study findings.

Results:
Culture change was facilitated by enlarging the perceptual field, reflecting on research evidence and the practice-research interface, and focusing on a new vision for evidence-based practice. Half of the nurses who participated returned to formal education.

Conclusion:
Participating in the Bedside Scientist Institute was transformative. The course opened participants’ minds to question traditional practice, developing champions for research.
Optical Quality and Visual Discrimination Capacity After Myopic LASIK With a Standard and Aspheric Ablation Profile
Authors: Anera Rosario G. , Castro José J. , Jiménez José R. , Villa César , Alarcón Aixa 
Published: April 2011

PURPOSE:
To determine whether the eye’s optical quality is correlated to the visual discrimination capacity of patients treated with LASIK using two different ablation algorithms.

METHODS:
Visual discrimination was evaluated by the disturbance index under low illumination (Halo v1.0 software, Laboratory of Vision Sciences and Applications) in two groups of patients who underwent LASIK with two different ablation algorithms using the Allegretto Wave Eye-Q 400 Hz laser (WaveLight AG). In the first group (standard group; 30 eyes), corneal ablations were performed with the standard algorithm (preoperative spherical equivalent refraction −3.20±1.70 diopters [D]). In the second group (Q-optimized group; 38 eyes; spherical equivalent refraction −3.40±1.90 D), the ablations were made with the Q-optimized (F-CAT) algorithm. Optical quality of the eye was calculated by the Strehl ratio measured with a double-pass device (OQAS, Visiometrics SL).

RESULTS:
After LASIK, both the Strehl ratio as well as visual discrimination capacity diminished in both groups, although the changes were significantly greater in the standard group than in the Q-optimized group.

CONCLUSIONS:
A high correlation was found between the Strehl ratio and the disturbance index in patients who underwent LASIK, regardless of the ablation algorithm applied. Optical and visual deterioration were greater after standard ablation.
Influence of Mydriatic Eye Drops on Wavefront Sensing With the Zywave Aberrometer
Authors: Taneri Suphi , Oehler Saskia , Azar Dimitri T. 
Published: April 2011

PURPOSE:
To investigate a potential influence of mydriatic eye drops on wavefront sensing with the Zywave aberrometer (Technolas Perfect Vision) in terms of predicted phoropter refraction (PPR) and higher order aberrations (HOA).

METHODS:
In this prospective study, 200 myopic eyes were measured in miosis and pharmacologically induced mydriasis with an aberrometer and automated refraction. One hundred eyes were dilated with tropicamide 0.5%+phenylephrine 2.5% eye drops (tropicamide/phenylephrine group), and the remaining 100 eyes with tropicamide 0.5% (tropicamide only group). The PPR values for a pupil diameter of 3.5 mm in miosis and mydriasis, respectively, were compared and correlated to the corresponding values of automated refraction. Changes in HOAs up to the 4th order were recorded.

RESULTS:
Predicted phoropter refraction values obtained in mydriasis were less myopic than in miosis. The spherical equivalent refraction of PPR differed by an average of 0.36±0.36 diopters (D) in the tropicamide/phenylephrine group. In the tropicamide only group, the difference was 0.24±0.43 D. Sphere of PPR differed by an average of 0.33±0.36 D in the tropicamide/phenylephrine group and by an average of 0.24±0.35 D in the tropicamide only group. Patient age had no major influence on the level of difference. Automated refraction yielded a smaller difference in spherical equivalent refraction. Changes in HOA root-mean-square were statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS:
The cycloplegic effect of mydriatic eye drops should be taken into account when interpreting aberration measurements and planning a wavefront-guided ablation. Ideally, the use of mydriatic eye drops should be avoided to minimize refractive surprises.
Low Frequency Estimates for Long Range Perturbations in Divergence Form
Authors: Bouclet Jean-Marc 
Published: April 2011

Abstract We prove a uniformcontrol as z → 0 for the resolvent (P−z)−1 of long range perturbations P of the Euclidean Laplacian in divergence form by combining positive commutator estimates and properties of Riesz transforms. These estimates hold in dimension d ≥ 3 when P is defined on ℝd and in dimension d ≥ 2 when P is defined outside a compact obstacle with Dirichlet boundary conditions.
Decomposition of Splitting Invariants in Split Real Groups
Authors: Kaletha Tasho 
Published: April 2011

Abstract For a maximal torus in a quasi-split semi-simple simply-connected group over a local field of characteristic 0, Langlands and Shelstad constructed a cohomological invariant called the splitting invariant, which is an important component of their endoscopic transfer factors. We study this invari- ant in the case of a split real group and prove a decomposition theorem which expresses this invariant for a general torus as a product of the corresponding invariants for simple tori. We also show how this reduction formula allows for the comparison of splitting invariants between different tori in the given real group.
A Note on the Antipode for Algebraic Quantum Groups
Authors: Delvaux L. , Van Daele A. , Wang Shuanhong 
Published: April 2011

AbstractRecently, Beattie, Bulacu ,and Torrecillas proved Radford's formula for the fourth power of the antipode for a co-Frobenius Hopf algebra.In this note, we show that this formula can be proved for any regular multiplier Hopf algebra with integrals (algebraic quantum groups). This, of course, not only includes the case of a finite-dimensional Hopf algebra, but also that of any Hopf algebra with integrals (co-Frobenius Hopf algebras). Moreover, it turns out that the proof in this more general situation, in fact, follows in a few lines from well-known formulas obtained earlier in the theory of regular multiplier Hopf algebras with integrals.We discuss these formulas and their importance in this theory. We also mention their generalizations, in particular to the (in a certain sense) more general theory of locally compact quantum groups. Doing so, and also because the proof of the main result itself is very short, the present note becomes largely of an expository nature.
Intravenous autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells for ischemic stroke
Authors: Savitz Sean I. , Misra Vivek , Kasam Mallik , Juneja Harrinder , Cox Charles S. , Alderman Susan , Aisiku Imo , Kar Siddhartha , Gee Adrian , Grotta James C. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractObjective:Cellular therapy is an investigational approach for stroke. Mononuclear cells (MNCs) from the bone marrow reduce neurological deficits in animal stroke models. We determined if autologous MNC infusion was feasible and safe in patients with ischemic stroke.Methods:We conducted an open‐label prospective study of a bone marrow harvest followed by readministration of autologous MNCs in 10 patients, 18 to 80 years old, with acute middle cerebral artery ischemic stroke. Bone marrow was aspirated from the iliac crest, and MNCs were separated at a Good Manufacturing Practices facility and administered intravenously up to a maximum of 10 million cells/kg. The harvest and infusion had to occur between 24 and 72 hours after stroke. Patients were monitored for 6 months.Results:Bone marrow aspiration was successfully completed in all patients. Eight received 10 million cells/kg, and 2 received ≥7 million cells/kg. There were no significant adverse events related to harvest or infusion. Two patients had infarct expansion between enrollment and harvest and underwent hemicraniectomy after cell infusion. One patient died at 40 days due to a pulmonary embolism related to the stroke. There were no study‐related severe adverse events. Median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 13 before harvest, 8 at 7 days, and 3 at 6 months. At 6 months, all surviving patients had shifted down by at least 1 point on the modified Rankin Scale compared to day 7. Seven of 10 patients achieved a Barthel Index ≥90.Interpretation:This study suggests that a bone marrow harvest and reinfusion of autologous MNCs were safe and feasible in acute stroke patients. ANN NEUROL 2011;
Preparation and properties of poly(ether‐ester‐amide)/poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐butadiene‐co‐styrene) antistatic blends
Authors: Fu Yishu , Wang Jikui , Zhao Guang , Wang Yaoxian , Chen Shujun 
Published: April 2011

AbstractA novel antistatic agent poly(ether‐ester‐amide) (PEEA) based on caprolactam, polyethylene glycol, and 6‐aminocaproic acid was successfully synthesized by melting polycondensation. The structure, thermal properties, and antistatic ability of the copolymer were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analyses, and ZC36 megohmmeter. Test results show that PEEA is a block copolymer with a melting point of 217°C and a thermal decomposition temperature of 409°C, together with a surface resistivity of 108 Ω/sq. Antistatic poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐butadiene‐co‐styrene) (ABS) materials were prepared by blending different content of PEEA to ABS resin. The antistatic performances, morphology, and mechanical properties were investigated. It is indicated that the surface resistivity of PEEA/ABS blends decrease with the increasing PEEA content, and the excellent antistatic performance is obtained when the antistatic agent is up to 10–15%. The antistatic performance is hardly influenced by water‐washing and relative humidity, and a permanent antistatic performance is available. The antistatic mechanism is investigated. The compatibility of the blends was studied by scanning electron microscopy images. The ladder distribution of antistatic agent is formed, and a rich phase of antistatic agent can be found in the surface layer. The elongations at break of the blend are improved with the increasing antistatic agent; the tensile strength and the notched impact strength kept almost the same. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011.
Gentamicin‐loaded poly(acrylic acid)‐grafted cotton fibers, part 1: Synthesis, characterization, and preliminary drug release study
Authors: Bajpai Sunil K. , Das Pratima 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThis study describes preparation of poly (acrylic acid)‐grafted cotton fibers and release of antibiotic drug gentamicin sulfate from them under physiological conditions. Poly(acrylic acid) has been grafted onto cellulose backbone of cotton fibers via Ce(IV)‐initiated polymerization in aqueous medium. The conditions obtained for optimum grafting were as follows: initiation time 30 min; initiation temperature 37°C; monomer concentration 27.8 mM; grafting temperature 30°C; nitric acid (catalyst) concentration 0.1M. The grafted fibers were characterized by FTIR, TGA, and SEM analysis. The antibiotic drug gentamicin sulfate (GS) was loaded into the grafted fibers by equilibration method and release was studied under physiological conditions. The kinetic release data was interpreted by first‐order kinetic model. Finally, drug‐loaded fibers showed fair antibacterial action against Escherichia coli. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Effect of kind and content of organo‐modified clay on properties of PET nanocomposites
Authors: Scaffaro R. , Botta L. , Ceraulo M. , La Mantia F. P. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIn this work we report the properties of nanocomposite based on PET with two different samples of organically modified montmorillonites. In particular, we studied the effect of the filler concentration on morphology, rheology, and mechanical performance, focusing our attention on the effect of the degradation phenomena of the clay modifiers. The results indicate that at low clay level the morphology achieved is mainly intercalated. On increasing the filler level, coalescence and/or bad defragmentation phenomena induce a coarser morphology, as confirmed by XRD, SEM, and TEM observations. When a more polar organic modifier is used to modify the clay, the particle adhesion and distribution is slightly better. Conversely, at the processing temperatures adopted, this organic modifier induces a strong degradation of PET, as confirmed by melt rheology and intrinsic viscosity measurements. DSC indicates, in addition, a slight increase of crystallinity likely due to the decreased molecular weight. As regards the mechanical properties, Young's modulus is not significantly changed unless high amounts of clay (10%) are used while the elongation at break drops even at the lowest clay content. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Catalytic activity of immobilized metalloporphyrins prepared by synchronously synthesizing and immobilizing porphyrins on polymeric microspheres
Authors: Gao Baojiao , Zhao Jing , Li Yanbin 
Published: April 2011

AbstractA novel route to immobilize metalloporphyrins on polymeric supports was put forward, and it is the way to synchronously synthesize and immobilize porphyrins on polymeric microspheres, followed by metal salt coordination reaction. Copolymeric microspheres (GMA/MMA) of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) were prepared, and then via the ring‐opening reaction of the epoxy groups on GMA/MMA microspheres, parahydroxybenzaldehyde (HBA) was bond onto the microspheres, obtaining the modified microspheres HBA‐GMA/MMA. Subsequently, the Adler reaction between solid‐liquid phases was carried out with HBA‐GMA/MMA microspheres and pyrrole as well as benzaldehyde derivate in a solution as coreactants. As a result, it was successfully realized to synchronously synthesize and immobilize porphyrin on the surfaces of GMA/MMA microspheres, resulting in three porphyrin‐immobilized microspheres, PP‐GMA/MMA (PP: phenyl porphyrin), CPP‐GMA/MMA (CPP: 4‐chlorophenyl porphyrin) and NPP‐GMA/MMA (NPP: 4‐nitrophenyl porphyrin). Further, the coordination reaction of these immobilized porphyrins with cobalt salt was conducted, obtaining three supported cobalt porphyrin catalysts, CoPP‐GMA/MMA, CoCPP‐GMA/MMA and CoNPP‐GMA/MMA. The catalytic properties of these supported mettaloporphyrin catalysts were examined in the catalytic oxidation of ethylbenzene to acetophenone by dioxygen. The experimental results indicate: (1) the prepared three solid catalysts are effective in the catalytic oxidation of ethylbenzene to acetophenone by dioxygen; (2) for these polymer‐supported metalloporphyrin catalysts, some factors, such as the substitute species on phenyl ring in the macrocycle, the immobilization density of metalloporphyrin and the added amount of the catalyst in the reaction system, affect the catalytic activity greatly; (3) the prepared supported metalloporphyrin catalysts have fine recycle and reuse property. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Crystallization behavior and mechanical properties of polypropylene random copolymer/poly(ethylene‐octene) blends
Authors: Tang Weihua , Tang Jian , Yuan Huilin , Jin Riguang 
Published: April 2011

AbstractNew polymer blends of polypropylene random copolymer (PP‐R) and poly(ethylene‐octene) (POE) were prepared by melt‐blending process using a corotating twin‐screw extruder. The POE content was varied up to 35%. The toughening efficiency of POE for PP‐R was evaluated by the mechanical properties of the resulted PP‐R/POE blends. The crystallization behavior and morphology of the blends were also studied. Results show that POE acts as nucleation agent to induce the crystallization of PP‐R matrix at higher crystallization temperature. Super‐toughened PP‐R/POE blends (Izod impact strength more than 500 J/m) can be readily achieved with only 10 wt % of POE. The high toughness of PP‐R/POE is attributed to cavitation and shear yielding of matrix PP‐R, as revealed by the morphology studies. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Patterns of pharmacotherapy and health care utilization and costs prior to total hip or total knee replacement in patients with osteoarthritis
Authors: Berger Ariel , Bozic Kevin , Stacey Brett , Edelsberg John , Sadosky Alesia , Oster Gerry 
Published: April 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo examine patterns of pharmacotherapy and health care utilization and costs prior to total knee replacement (TKR) or total hip replacement (THR) in patients with osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsUsing a large US health insurance claims database, we identified all patients with OA who were ages ≥40 years and had undergone TKR or THR between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2007. Patients with <2 years of complete data prior to TKR or THR were excluded, as were those with evidence of other conditions for which TKR or THR may be performed (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis). We then examined patterns of health care utilization and costs over the 2‐year period preceding surgery.ResultsA total of 16,527 patients met all study entry criteria. Their mean ± SD age was 56.6 ± 6.1 years, and 56% of them were women. In the 2 years preceding surgery, 55% of patients received prescription nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, 58% received opioids, and 50% received injections of corticosteroids. The numbers of patients receiving these drugs increased steadily during the presurgery period. The mean ± SD total health care costs in the 2 years preceding surgery were $19,466 ± 29,869, of which outpatient care, inpatient care, and pharmacotherapy represented 45%, 20%, and 20%, respectively. Costs increased from $2,094 in the eighth calendar quarter prior to surgery to $3,100 in the final quarter.ConclusionPatients with OA who undergo THR or TKR have relatively high levels of use of pain‐related pharmacotherapy and high total health care costs in the 2‐year period preceding surgery. Levels of utilization and cost increase as the date of surgery approaches.
Tumor necrosis factor–interleukin‐17 interplay induces S100A8, interleukin‐1β, and matrix metalloproteinases, and drives irreversible cartilage destruction in murine arthritis: Rationale for combination treatment during arthritis
Authors: Koenders Marije I. , Marijnissen Renoud J. , Devesa Isabel , Lubberts Erik , Joosten Leo A. B. , Roth Johannes , van Lent Peter L. E. M. , van de Loo Fons A. , van den Berg Wim B. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo examine whether synovial interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) expression promotes tumor necrosis factor (TNF)–induced joint pathologic processes in vivo, and to analyze the surplus ameliorative value of neutralizing IL‐17 in addition to TNF during collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA).MethodsAdenoviral vectors were used to induce overexpression of IL‐17 and/or TNF in murine knee joints. In addition, mice with CIA were treated, at different stages of arthritis, with soluble IL‐17 receptor (sIL‐17R), TNF binding protein (TNFBP), or the combination.ResultsOverexpression of IL‐17 and TNF resulted in joint inflammation and bone erosion in murine knees. Interestingly, IL‐17 strikingly enhanced both the joint‐inflammatory and joint‐destructive capacity of TNF. Further analysis revealed a strongly enhanced up‐regulation of S100A8, IL‐1β, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) messenger RNA, only when both TNF and IL‐17 were present. Moreover, the increase in irreversible cartilage destruction was not merely the result of enhanced inflammation, but also was associated with a direct synergistic effect of these cytokines in the joint. S100A9 deficiency in mice protected against IL‐17/TNF–induced expression of cartilage NITEGE neoepitopes. During established arthritis, the combination of sIL‐17R and TNFBP was more effective than the anticytokine treatments alone, and significantly inhibited further joint inflammation and cartilage destruction.ConclusionLocal synovial IL‐17 expression enhances the role of TNF in joint destruction. Synergy between TNF and IL‐17 in vivo results in striking exaggeration of cartilage erosion, in parallel with a synergistic up‐regulation of S100A8, IL‐1β, and erosive MMPs. Moreover, neutralizing IL‐17 in addition to TNF further improves protection against joint damage and is still effective during late‐stage CIA. Therefore, compared with anti‐TNF alone, combination blocking of TNF and IL‐17 may have additional therapeutic value for the treatment of destructive arthritis.
In the name of democracy: Disobedience and value‐oriented citizenship
Authors: Passini Stefano , Morselli Davide 
Published: April 2011

AbstractRecently, some scholars have highlighted a paradoxical phenomenon existing in democratic systems: Those people who show the greatest support for democracy are also those most willing to protest against the authority and to question it. However, if we consider the tasks of contemporary democratic citizenship in a social‐psychological perspective, this apparent paradox becomes understandable. Obedience to authority may ensure the continuity of social and group life, but disobedience may be crucial in stopping the authority relationship from degenerating into an authoritarian one. Following Kelman and Hamilton's analysis of legitimacy dynamics, we consider how actions of disobedience may serve the defence of democracy. In particular, by considering the different ways in which people relate to the political system, the relevance of so‐called value‐oriented citizens in supporting democracy will be considered. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Healthcare professionals' representations of ‘patient and public involvement’ and creation of ‘public participant’ identities: Implications for the development of inclusive and bottom‐up community participation initiatives
Authors: Renedo Alicia , Marston Cicely 
Published: April 2011

AbstractCommunity participation is widely thought to be important in the improvement of healthcare delivery and in health equity. Yet there is little agreement about what ‘participation’ means in practice, or when it might be necessary. Drawing on the case of healthcare delivery in the UK, we examine key socio‐psychological elements at the heart of community engagement with participatory processes. We explore the link between public participant identities and social representations of patient and public involvement (PPI) among healthcare professionals, and examine the role they play in supporting or undermining inclusive and bottom‐up forms of PPI. The study is ethnographic, using in‐depth interviews with public participants and healthcare professionals involved in PPI, and observation of PPI activities in London. We show that it is crucial to take account of more than individual participants' capacities in order to understand and improve PPI. Professionals' talk about PPI contains contradictory discourses about participant identity. These contradictions are reflected in involvees' self‐understanding and experience as public participants, constraining their subjectivities and forms of knowledge, and crystallizing in their participatory practices. Involvees must negotiate professionals' negative discourses to develop self‐images that reflect their own interests and projects, and that empower them to produce an effect in the public sphere. These processes can hinder successful participation even where there is an institutional infrastructure to promote civic engagement with healthcare. Understanding how involvees construct their own identities through engagement with professional discourses will help develop processes that are positive and enabling rather than negative and limiting. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.