bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toxic effects of some synthetic food colorants and/or flavor additives on male rats
Authors: El-Wahab Hanan Mohamed Fathy Abd , Moram Gehan Salah El-Deen
Published: February 2012

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the broadest toxic effect of some synthetic additives of colorants and/or flavors on different body organs and metabolic aspects in rats.A number of chemical food color and flavor additives are routinely added during processing to improve the aesthetic appearance of the dietary items. However, many of them are toxic after prolonged use. In this experiment, a total of 100 male albino rats of Spargue Dawley strain were divided into 10 groups: G1 was fed basal diet and served as control, G2: basal diet + Brilliant blue (blue dye, No. 2, 124 mg/kg diet), G3: basal diet + carmoisine (red dye, No. 3, 70 mg/kg diet), G4: basal diet + tartrazine (yellow dye, FD & C yellow No. 5, 75 mg/kg diet), G5: basal diet + trans-anethole (4.5 g/kg diet) G6: basal diet + propylene glycol (0.25 g/kg diet), G7: basal diet + vanillin(1.25 g/kg diet), G8: basal diet + Brilliant blue + propylene glycol, G9: basal diet + carmoisine + trans-anethole, G10: basal diet + tartrazine + vanillin for 42 successive days. All food colorants mixed with or without flavor additives induced a significant decrease in body weight, hemoglobin concentration and red blood cell count. Also there was a significant decrease in reduced glutathione content; glutathione- S-transferase and superoxide dismutase activities in both blood and liver compared to control group. On the other hand, a significant increase in serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase activities, bilirubin, urea, creatinine, total protein and albumin were observed in all test groups when compared to control group. Finally, it is advisable to limit the uses of these food colorants and/or food flavor additives especially those used by children.
Anti-genotoxic role of eicosapentaenoic acid against imazalil-induced DNA damage in vitro
Authors: Turkez Hasan , Aydın Elanur
Published: February 2012

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is a polyunsaturated n-3 fatty acid and is essential to the health of mammals. Recent data show that EPA can act as anti-mutagenic agent. On the other hand, pesticides comprise a new and important class of environmental pollutants nowadays. Imazalil (IMA), a commonly used fungicide in both agricultural and clinical domains is suspected to produce very serious toxic effects in vertebrates. The present study investigated the anti-genotoxic effect of EPA against the genotoxic damage induced by IMA on cultured human lymphocytes using chromosomal aberration (CA) and micronucleus (MN) tests as cytogenetic endpoints. Peripheral blood cells were treated in vitro with varying concentrations of EPA (2.5, 5, 10, 20 and 40 μg/ml), tested in combination with IMA (336 μg/ml). Our results revealed that the rates of CAs and MNs in lymphocytes were significantly ( p < 0.05) increased by IMA as compared to the controls. The results also showed that EPA alone was not genotoxic. Moreover, when combined with IMA treatment, EPA reduced the frequencies of CAs and MNs. A clear dose-dependent decrease in the genotoxic damage of IMA was observed, suggesting a genoprotective role of EPA. In conclusion, our data may have an important application for the protection of cultured human lymphocyte from the genetic damage and repercussions induced by agricultural and industrial chemicals hazardous in people.
Determination of protective role of selenium against aflatoxin B1-induced DNA damage
Authors: Agar Guleray , Alpsoy Lokman , Bozari Sedat , Erturk Filiz Aygun , Yildirim Nalan
Published: February 2012

Selenium is an essential mineral for a healthy life. Appropriate doses of it may undertake a protective role in the organism. In this study, the protective role of selenium (Se4+) against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced DNA damage was determined using random amplified polymorphic DNA on two plants including Vicia faba and Zea mays. It was observed that the concentrations of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 ppm of AFB1 have increased polymorphism value, total chlorophyll inhibition rate (IRc, %) and total protein IR (IRp, %). Unlike protein, chlorophyll contents and genomic template stability were decreased. With the addition of different concentrations (0.8 and 80 ppm) of Se4+ to the treated samples with AFB1, the values return to normal. An 800-ppm concentration of Se4+, on the contrary, could not inhibit the toxicity of AFB1 but caused an increase in toxicity level of AFB1/enhanced the toxicity level of AFB1. Results suggested that Se4+ has an antagonistic effect against AFB1 toxicity and that the degree of antagonistic effect of Se4+ against AFB1 was related to its concentration.
The Planners’ War against Spatial Mismatch
Authors: Fan Yingling
Published: February 2012

Most existing reviews on spatial mismatch have focused on its causes and consequences rather than the successes and failures of planning practices for addressing this problem. This review article contributes to the literature by classifying spatial mismatch mitigation strategies into four groups and evaluating the successes and failures of each strategy group. The evaluation finds that empirical evidence on most strategies is inconsistent and the effectiveness of those strategies remains unclear, yet research examining car ownership programs consistently shows positive effects. The article concludes by recommending planners to expand their support for car ownership programs, test the effectiveness of the more recent, coordinated policy programs, and pay attention to nonspatially related employment barriers such as discrimination, social support, and human capital factors.
Train induced ground vibrations: different amplitude-speed relations for two layered soils
Authors: Auersch Lutz
Published: February 2012

Ground vibrations created by running high-speed trains at speeds between 100 and 320 km/h are calculated in detail using transfer functions to model the effects of the moving loads. These transfer functions for layered soils are obtained by integration in the wavenumber domain. The train-induced vibrations in a soil that is considered to consist of single layers of two slightly different soils are analysed for different excitations: for their spectra, attenuation laws and amplitude–speed relations. An important mid-frequency component is shifted through the cut-on region of the layered soil with an increase in the train speed. The cut-on frequency divides the response of the layered soil into a low-frequency low-amplitude range and a high-frequency high-amplitude range. This leads to completely different train speed dependencies for the two soil layers with strongly increasing amplitudes around the cut-on frequency and almost constant amplitudes beyond this frequency. All calculated results closely agree with ground vibration measurements at two corresponding sites, especially if the mid-frequency component is calculated by axle impulses.
d-Limonene modulates inflammation, oxidative stress and Ras-ERK pathway to inhibit murine skin tumorigenesis
Authors: Chaudhary SC , Siddiqui MS , Athar M , Alam M Sarwar
Published: February 2012

d-Limonene, a common monoterepene has been shown to have antiproliferative, apoptosis-inducing and chemopreventive effects. In the present study, we have investigated the effects of d-limonene on the growth of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-initiated and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-promoted skin tumor development. We found that d-limonene (50 and 100 mg/kg body weight) treatments to the mouse skin significantly reduced the TPA-induced (a) edema and hyperplasia ( p < 0.001); (b) expression of cyclooxygenase-2; (c) ornithine decarboxylase activity ( p < 0.001); and (d) [3H] thymidine incorporation into DNA ( p < 0.001). In addition, treatment of d-limonene effectively restored the level of reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase, catalase and malondialdehyde production in TPA-treated mouse skin. In a two-stage skin tumorigenesis study, d-limonene significantly reduced the tumor burden ( p < 0.005) and tumor incidence as compared to DMBA/TPA-treated mice. d-Limonene treatment also extended the latency period of tumor development from 4 to 9 weeks. d-Limonene treatment decreased the expression level of Ras, Raf and phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 in DMBA/TPA-induced tumors. A decrease in the expression of Bcl-2 and an increase in Bax expression were also observed in tumor tissues of mice treated with d-limonene. Taken together, our findings suggest that d-limonene may exert its chemopreventive activity through the inhibition of inflammation, oxidative stress and Ras-signaling as well as the induction of pro-apoptotic state during TPA-mediated promotion of DMBA-induced skin cancer in mouse model.
The Spiritual Implications of Sexual Abuse: Not Just an Issue for Religious Women?
Authors: Crisp Beth R.
Published: February 2012

Although there is now some recognition that sexual abuse, particularly that which occurs in religious settings, has spiritual implications for women who have been abused, the spiritual implications of sexual abuse which occurs beyond the confines of specific religious practices and beliefs tend not to be acknowledged. Taking a stance that all people, irrespective of their involvement in a formal religion, are inherently spiritual, this paper identifies the key concepts associated with spirituality as meaning, identity, connectedness, transformation and transcendence. Examples as to how each of these may be issues following the experience of sexual abuse are provided. This approach challenges prevailing notions that sexual abuse only has spiritual implications for women who identify with a particular religious tradition. Instead it is argued that an experience of sexual abuse can be critical for the spiritual life of any woman who is subjected to abuse.
‘To Make, and Make Again’: Feminism, Craft and Spirituality
Authors: Fisk Anna
Published: February 2012

The spiritual significance of ‘craft’, particularly the everyday acts of making in the ‘feminine’ sphere, has been neglected in mainstream theology and romanticized in feminist discourse. Drawing on literature, feminist theory and personal experience, this article considers how traditionally female crafts, such as knitting and sewing, are a form of self-expression, and a ‘being at home in the world’ which is both spiritually and politically empowering.
All Flourishing? Student Experience and Gender in a Protestant Seminary
Authors: Lincoln Timothy D.
Published: February 2012

Existing research suggests that men and women have similar reasons for attending North American seminaries and are influenced strongly by faculty while in school. To increase understanding of the experiences of women and men in seminary, this study used interactive qualitative analysis to discover and compare the main themes of seminary experience for men and women at one Protestant seminary. Study results show men and women differed in their perception of how seminary influenced their sense of calling. One third of women interviewed reported experiences of resistance to their pursuit of ministry as a vocation. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms that continue to reproduce sexism. The author argues that seminaries need to increase the proportion of women faculty members to promote the flourishing of all students.
Rape and Spiritual Death
Authors: Messina-Dysert Gina
Published: February 2012

Rape is a form of violence that causes destructive consequences to both the physical and spiritual health of women. Due to its taboo nature as well as the societal response to the victim, rape is especially harmful and results in han, a Korean concept that signifies a compressed suffering. The continual torment caused by han damages the rape victim’s spiritual health and ultimately leads to spiritual death.

This article offers a definition of spiritual death and explores how the experience of the violent act of rape within a rape culture constructs han. Specifically, the victims’ inability to express pain as well as assumed qualities of shame, self blame, and invisibility are examined with a focus on the societal response’s ability to provoke these qualities, further contributing to the emotional and spiritual trauma which results in a spiritual death. The possibility for multiple spiritual resurrections through various practices including the application of the traditional practice of Han-Pu-Ri, a Korean shamanistic ritual that releases han is discussed.
Which Party Elites Choose to Lead the Nomination Process?
Authors: Anderson Christopher L.
Published: February 2012

Even though political parties maintain control of presidential nominations, little is known about what leads individual party members to participate in the process. Party elites have a collective incentive to nominate an electorally viable and ideologically unifying candidate, and they also have personal, strategic incentives that may foster or prevent their participation in the nominating process. Using endorsement data on a subset of party elites—members of the U.S. House of Representatives—this article finds that individual members of the extended party are strategic with their decision to participate in or abstain from the nomination process.
The Logic of Presidential Signing Statements
Authors: Ostrander Ian , Sievert Joel
Published: February 2012

Signing statements constitute a salient executive power that has recently captured scholarly and political attention. Prior literature suggests that presidents use signing statements to gain additional policy concessions from Congress. Evidence of policy motivations are, however, difficult to demonstrate and policy motives fail to explain a wide range of existing statements. The authors propose an additional incentive mechanism based on defending traditional presidential authority. Using original data on approximately 8,500 public laws and 1,250 signing statements, the authors investigate when and why signing statements occur. They find presidents are likely to issue constitutional signing statements on bills traditionally falling under the president’s purview.
Moderation of Religious Parties
Authors: Tepe Sultan
Published: February 2012

Whether religious parties’ inclusion in electoral competition moderates or polarizes their positions remains an enigma as deductive accounts yield contradictory results. This analysis questions the institution- and ideology-centered approaches to party change and shows that dichotomizing religious parties as moderate or extreme and moderation as a monolithic process obscures religious parties’ role in democracy. When scholars view moderation as consisting of behavioral and ideological dimensions and examine it through an inductive analysis of Israel and Turkey’s religious parties, several modes of moderation emerge with different democratic outcomes. While some bolster procedural democracy, others thwart the expansion of liberal democracy.
Noise reduction through elastically restrained sandwich polycarbonate window pane into rectangular cavity
Authors: Shen Min , Nagamura Kazuteru , Nakagawa Noritoshi , Okamura Masaharu
Published: February 2012

In the automobile industry, the use of the polycarbonate (PC) window pane is well developed. Unfortunately, the demand for greater mechanical performance will result in serious noise problems because of its high rate of stiffness to low weight. There is a need to design a PC window pane with a superior passive acoustical insulating property for automobile consumer comfort. This paper investigates the noise transmission characteristics of an elastically supported sandwich PC pane into a rectangular cavity using a modal analysis combination with compact matrix formulation. This approach made it easier to investigate the coupled structural-cavity systems. The numerical results reveal that an improvement in noise reduction can be realized by the appropriate selection of structural parameters such as the damping of core, density of viscoelastic core material and the thickness of the face plate.
Non-fragile H∞ control for half-vehicle active suspension systems with actuator uncertainties
Authors: Li Hongyi , Liu Honghai , Hilton Chris , Hand Steve
Published: February 2012

In this paper we investigate the problem of non-fragile H∞ controller design for active suspension systems with actuator uncertainty constraints. A half-vehicle model with active suspension system is considered in this paper, the vehicle dynamic system is established with a focus on handling the trade-off of constraints on the heave and pitch acceleration, suspension deflections and tyre strokes. Actuator uncertainties are formulated within the controller design process and the fact of the actuator uncertainties existing in the system is modelled as a continuous-time homogeneous Markov process. A state feedback controller is designed for the purpose of ensuring that the resulting active suspension system is asymptotically stable with a prescribed H∞ disturbance attenuation level while simultaneously satisfying the constraint performance. The designed non-fragile H∞ controller is constructed via convex optimization by guaranteeing its sufficient condition in terms of feasible linear matrix inequalities. A half-vehicle case study is intensively exploited to reveal the effectiveness of the proposed controller design method.
The random jumping of ship rolling in narrowband wave considering the static effect of liquid on board
Authors: Liu Liqin , Tang Yougang
Published: February 2012

The random jumping of ship rolling excited by the narrowband waves is studied by the joint probability density function and the time history of the roll response, and the static effects of liquid on board is considered in this paper. The improved righting arm model is established including the angle of loll due to the liquid on board and the angle of vanishing stability. The narrowband input of the relative wave excitation moment is produced by means of linear filter action on the white noise. The four-dimensional Ito stochastic differential equation is numerically solved by the path integral method and the evolution of the joint probability density functions in the time domain is obtained. It is found that the ship rolling has two attraction regions when considering the effect of liquid on board. For the lower sea state, the joint probability density function trends to one peak and the ship rolls within one attraction region. For the higher sea state, the joint probability density function trends to two peaks, ship rolling jumps randomly from one attraction region to another, and the jumping frequency increases with the increase of wave exciting intensity.
Working Memory and Response Inhibition as One Integral Phenotype of Adult ADHD? A Behavioral and Imaging Correlational Investigation
Authors: Schecklmann Martin , Ehlis Ann-Christine , Plichta Michael M. , Dresler Thomas , Heine Monika , Boreatti-Hümmer Andrea , Romanos Marcel , Jacob Christian , Pauli Paul , Fallgatter Andreas J.
Published: February 2012

Objective: It is an open question whether working memory (WM) and response inhibition (RI) constitute one integral phenotype in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Method: The authors investigated 45 adult ADHD patients and 41 controls comparable for age, gender, intelligence, and education during a letter n-back and a stop-signal task, and measured prefrontal oxygenation by means of functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Results: The authors replicated behavioral and cortical activation deficits in patients compared with controls for both tasks and also for performance in both control conditions. In the patient group, 2-back performance was correlated with stop-signal reaction time. This correlation did not seem to be specific for WM and RI as 1-back performance was correlated with go reaction time. No significant correlations of prefrontal oxygenation between WM and RI were found. Conclusion: The authors’ findings do not support the hypothesis of WM and RI representing one integral phenotype of ADHD mediated by the prefrontal cortex.
Concordance Among Physical Educators’, Teachers’, and Parents’ Perceptions of Attention Problems in Children
Authors: Efstratopoulou Maria , Simons Johan , Janssen Rianne
Published: February 2012

Objective: The study examined the concordance among rating sources on attention problems of elementary school–aged children. Method: A randomly selected sample ( N = 841) of children was rated by the physical educators, the teachers, and the parents, using the Attention Scales of the Motor Behavior Checklist (MBC), the Teacher Report Form, the Child Behavior Checklist, and the ADHD–Rating Scale–IV (ADHD-RS-IV ). Results: Convergent validity of the Lack of Attention Scale of the MBC with the corresponding subscales was supported. Correlations were higher between teachers’ ratings and between physical educators’ and teachers’ ratings than between physical educators’ and parents’ ratings or between teachers’ and parents’ ratings. Conclusion: Findings underscore the importance of taking the child’s settings and observer influences into account and suggest that MBC is a new promising instrument for screening attention problems in school settings.
The Earliest Reference to ADHD in the Medical Literature? Melchior Adam Weikard’s Description in 1775 of “Attention Deficit” (Mangel der Aufmerksamkeit, Attentio Volubilis)
Authors: Barkley Russell A. , Peters Helmut
Published: February 2012

Objective: The present article reports on the discovery and translation of a chapter in a 1775 medical textbook by the German physician, Melchior Adam Weikard, which describes attention disorders. This article is believed to be the earliest reference to the syndrome that today is known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. Method: The authors briefly discuss previous efforts to identify the earliest description of ADHD thought to be the lectures of George Still in 1902 and subsequently, the medical textbook by the physician, Alexander Crichton, in 1798. Background is provided on Weikard followed by the English translation of his short chapter on attention deficits and the rationale for why it should be viewed as relevant to the history of ADHD. Results and Conclusions: The authors argue that Weikard’s description in 1775 now deserves to be credited with providing the first description of attention disorders in the medical literature known to date.
Occupational therapy and sensory integration for children with autism: a feasibility, safety, acceptability and fidelity study
Authors: Schaaf Roseann C. , Benevides Teal W. , Kelly Donna , Mailloux-Maggio Zoe
Published: February 2012

Objective: To examine the feasibility, safety, and acceptability of a manualized protocol of occupational therapy using sensory integration principles for children with autism.

Methods: Ten children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder ages 4-8 years received intensive occupational therapy intervention using sensory integration principles following a manualized protocol. Measures of feasibility, acceptability and safety were collected from parents and interveners, and fidelity was measured using a valid and reliable fidelity instrument.

Results: The intervention is safe and feasible to implement, acceptable to parents and therapist, and therapists were able to implement protocol with adequate fidelity. These data provide support for implementation of a randomized control trial of this intervention and identify specific procedural enhancements to improve study implementation.
History, criminology and the ‘use’ of the past
Authors: Lawrence Paul
Published: February 2012

This article considers why, despite an apparent congruence of subject matter and methodologies, the disciplines of sociological criminology and criminal justice history are not more closely aligned. It contends that intellectual traffic between the two fields is not usually limited by institutional barriers, nor is it a legacy of the disciplinary antipathy which existed between history and sociology in Britain during the mid-twentieth century. Rather, it is due to the different ‘purposes’ with which sociological criminologists and criminal justice historians imbue their work and to the differing disciplinary perceptions of the relationship between the past, present and future which result from this. These different ‘purposes’ are traced via a consideration of the paths of development of the two disciplines from the 1940s. The article concludes by proposing an arena for future collaboration between criminal justice historians and sociological criminologists.
Danish heart patients’ participation in and experience with rehabilitation
Authors: Würgler M.W. , Sonne L.T. , Kilsmark J. , Voss H. , Søgaard J.
Published: February 2012

Aim: This study investigated the proportion of Danish patients in cardiac therapy for ischaemic heart disease who participated in cardiac rehabilitation. The study examined differences in patients’ participation in and experience and satisfaction with cardiac rehabilitation. Methods: Data were obtained from a postal questionnaire in a representative sample of patients in therapy for an ischaemic heart disease. Response data were tabulated and analysed by logistic regression. Results: 3% of the patients participated in a complete rehabilitation programme according to Danish standards, 47% of the patients participated in a partial rehabilitation programme, and additionally 32% of the patients participated in a very limited rehabilitation programme. The number of patients participating in a complete rehabilitation programme was low due to the fact that only few patients (and their relatives) received psychological support. The factors living alone and low education are associated with low participation and in particular with receiving psychological support. Elderly (≥50 years) and male patients showed higher satisfaction scores. Patients receiving psychosocial elements in their rehabilitation programme reported higher satisfaction with their rehabilitation. Conclusions: Few Danish patients with ischaemic heart disease participate in a complete rehabilitation programme mainly due to psychosocial elements not yet being an integral part of cardiac rehabilitation in Denmark. There is a need to differentiate and tailor cardiac rehabilitation to different patient segments, e.g. by gender and age.
An analysis of material consumption culture in the Muslim world
Authors: Jafari Aliakbar , Süerdem Ahmet
Published: February 2012

In this paper, we examine the notion of material consumption culture in Islamic societies. We differentiate between institutionalized religion and religion as culture. We contest the orientalist portrayal of Islam as a fanatic ideology opposed to western modernity’s features of secularism, individualism and pluralism. With reference to the Qur’anic text, we discuss that such qualities are embedded with Islam. We do not interpret the Qur’an from a theological perspective; rather, we seek to demonstrate the possibilities of its multiple interpretations. We argue that, in their everyday life consumption practices, Muslims (re)interpret religious guidelines in different ways, and refer to Islam as a transcendental set of guidelines to make better sense of their cultural practices in different ways. We summarize our discussion by highlighting the importance of analysing the culture of consumption from the lens of insiders and offer directions for future research.
Daylight utilisation in perimeter office rooms at high latitudes: Investigation by computer simulation
Authors: Dubois M-C , Flodberg K
Published: February 2012

A simulation study of daylight autonomy in perimeter office rooms at high latitudes is presented where the following variables are studied: Glazing-to-wall ratios (GWR), climate, orientation, inner surface reflectance, glazing visual transmittance, Venetian blind management and electric lighting dimming and switching systems. Based on daylight utilisation alone, the results indicate an optimal GWR ranging between 20% and 40%, with a North orientation requiring a larger GWR (40%), a South orientation a smaller GWR (20%) and an East/West orientation an intermediate GWR (30%). The reflectance of inner surfaces has a significant effect on daylight autonomy and the use of low transmittance glazing demands a larger GWR (60%) to achieve the same daylight autonomy as 20% GWR with high transmittance glazing. Also, the results indicate that the choice of electric lighting dimming and switching systems has a more significant impact on electricity use than the GWR, orientation and the other variables examined.
Multi-objective optimisation of lighting installations taking into account user preferences – a pilot study
Authors: Villa C , Labayrade R
Published: February 2012

A multi-objective methodology is proposed to optimise lighting solutions by taking into account not only energy objectives but also subjective ones such as visual preferences. The originality of this method lies in the integration of subjective data obtained from psycho-visual tests conducted with panels of observers potentially representative of end users, into a multi-objective optimisation framework. This method makes it possible to identify all the best tradeoffs and the direct correspondence between power demand and user visual preferences, to handle constraints, to handle inter-individual differences and to optimise preferences on various visual attributes at the same time. The methodology was developed through a pilot study of office lighting optimisation. The findings are consistent with previous work and provide additional application knowledge about the case study.
What do pedestrians look at at night?
Authors: Davoudian N , Raynham P
Published: February 2012

Despite its importance, very little is found in the literature on the visual tasks of pedestrians, particularly at night. This study was performed to identify and characterise the principal visual tasks of pedestrians at night and the key aspects of the visual environment that are important to pedestrians. In this study, an eye tracking method was employed. Wearing an eye tracker, subjects were asked to walk three different residential routes (5 subjects in day time and 15 subjects at night). In order to obtain further information about the experience of the subjects during the walk, a short interview was performed after completion of the task. The results show that whilst pedestrians may spend between 40% and 50% of their time looking at the footpath, not all of that time is spent on critical visual tasks. Looking at other people appears to be important to pedestrians but during this study the amount of time when subjects fixated on other people was limited. The apparent importance of the visual tasks away from the footpath compared to the tasks on it raises questions about how appropriate it is to specify the lighting on residential road using illuminance on the road and pavement.
Desafíos y Bendiciones
Authors: Gloria Alberta M. , Castellanos Jeanett
Published: February 2012

Taking a multiperspective approach, seven Latina students, two student services personnel, and one mental health service provider are interviewed to gain different stakeholder perspectives regarding Latina first-generation college educational and coping experiences. Familial involvement and connections with family, peers, and university personnel are critical to the educational coping of Latina first-generation college students. The students provide consejos for other Latina first-generation students to navigate college successfully. Practice implications and directives for future research are provided.
Beyond Getting In and Fitting In
Authors: Rios-Aguilar Cecilia , Deil-Amen Regina
Published: February 2012

Social network analyses, combined with qualitative analyses, are examined to understand key components of the college trajectories of 261 Latina/o students. Their social network ties reveal variation in extensity and the relevance. Most ties facilitate social capital relevant to getting into college, fewer engage social capital relevant to strategizing success in college, and even fewer provide social capital benefits useful for planning career/professional trajectories.
The Impact of the College Assistance Migrant Program on Migrant Student Academic Achievement in the California State University System
Authors: Ramirez Adrian D.
Published: February 2012

The 7-year longitudinal study examined the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) impact on migrant student achievement in the California State University system. Participants included migrant students, Latinos, and general student populations from 2002-2009. The analysis of variance and chi-square test of independence were used to explore statistical differences in persistence, 1st-year and cumulative grade point averages, and baccalaureate degree attainment. When compared with other groups, CAMP students were found to have higher academic achievement.
A Strategy for Involving Undergraduates in Research
Authors: Rogers Darrin L. , Kranz Peter L. , Ferguson Christopher J.
Published: February 2012

Increasingly, colleges and universities value undergraduate educational research experiences, though traditional apprenticeship models may be infeasible due to faculty time and resource limitations. The “embedded researcher” method can provide research experiences to large numbers of students within traditional courses while generating valuable data for faculty. Our implementation of this method at a Hispanic-serving university yielded both high student satisfaction and meaningful research data. Advantages with Hispanic undergraduates, limitations, potential modifications, and future directions are described.
Fulfilling Educational Aspirations
Authors: Martinez Sylvia , Cervera Yesenia Lucia
Published: February 2012

A nationally representative sample of high school students is used to examine where students go for college information and how those information sources affect the number of schools to which students apply. Results show that Latino/a students are least likely to access college sources and have applied to the fewest number of schools. Among Latino/a students college resources are also one of biggest predictors of number of schools to which Latino/a students have applied.
Promoting Reflective Teaching Through Simulation in a Study in México Program
Authors: Butvilofsky Sandra A. , Escamilla Kathy , Soltero-González Lucinda , Aragon Lorenso
Published: February 2012

Preparing teachers to meet the educational needs of bilingual Latino students in U.S. schools has been termed a demographic imperative. This study explored 57 U.S. teachers’ reactions and reflections to participation in a simulation experience held during a teaching/learning experience in México as part of their master’s program in bilingual/ESL education. Findings illustrate great promise in such experiences for teachers, as they encourage critical reflection about the challenges of learning and teaching a second language.
Latino Cultural Knowledge in the Social Studies Classroom
Authors: Ramirez Axel Donizetti
Published: February 2012

The study categorizes cultural background knowledge used by Latino students as they read history texts. The analysis revealed that participants made a large amount of connections attributed to their cultural experiential knowledge. The study also suggests reading ability does not limit the amount and quality of connections students make to their culture. The findings can help social studies teachers looking for additional ways to make social studies relevant and engaging for Latino students.
Veterans service organization engagement in ‘POWER,’ a peer-led hypertension intervention
Authors: Mosack Katie E , Wendorf Angela R , Brouwer Amanda M , Patterson Leslie , Ertl Kristyn , Whittle Jeff , Morzinski Jeff , Fletcher Kathlyn
Published: February 2012

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of program factors on participant engagement in POWER, a peer-led intervention designed to reduce hypertension, increase hypertension knowledge, and improve other relevant health behaviors, such as diet and exercise, among US veterans involved in veterans service organizations throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.

Methods: Two hundred and nineteen hypertensive members from 58 VSOs participated in a year-long peer-led intervention designed to improve hypertension knowledge, disease self-management behaviors, and health outcomes. This study represents a qualitative evaluation of post and participant engagement in this intervention. We triangulated data collected via three qualitative approaches (observations, focus groups, and in-depth interviews) from intervention posts to derive a model of engagement.

Results: Our findings indicate that discrete characteristics of the peer leaders, post members, posts, and the intervention itself contributed to intervention engagement.

Discussion: We make suggestions for future research studies, particularly as related to understanding how peer leader identities and cultural norms within VSOs might contribute to peer-led health intervention success.
Reducing the barriers to relationships and sexuality education for persons with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Lafferty Attracta , McConkey Roy , Simpson Audrey
Published: February 2012

Opportunities for persons with intellectual disabilities to participate in relationships and sexuality education (RSE) are often constrained by the attitudes and perceptions of family carers, frontline support workers and professional staff. In order to understand how the barriers might be reduced, a study was undertaken in Northern Ireland with samples drawn from these three stakeholder groups, involving nearly 100 persons and using group and individual interviews. Although there was agreement on the need for RSE, four barriers were commonly reported: the need to protect vulnerable persons; the lack of training; the scarcity of educational resources; and cultural prohibitions. The impact of these barriers could be lessened through partnership working across these groups involving the provision of training and information about RSE, the development of risk management procedures and the empowerment of people with intellectual disabilities.
Prevalence of Diabetic Neuropathy in Patients Undergoing Foot and Ankle Surgery
Authors: Suder Natalie C. , Wukich Dane K.
Published: February 2012

Introduction: The aim of this prospective study was to determine the prevalence of neuropathy in diabetic patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery. It was hypothesized that the prevalence of diabetic neuropathy is higher among patients who undergo foot and ankle surgery compared with historical rates of neuropathy in diabetic patients in general. Methods: During a consecutive 42-month period, patient data were prospectively entered for 1859 consecutive patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery. Among the subjects, 394 had been previously diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM), and the remaining 1465 did not have DM. Results: The prevalence of neuropathy in patients with and without DM was 77.2% (304 of 394 patients) and 11.7% (172 of 1465 patients), respectively. Patients with diabetic neuropathy were older, had poorer glycemic control, had higher serum creatinine levels, and reported more significant tobacco use than diabetic patients without neuropathy. Conclusion: Nearly 80% of diabetic patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery at a large academic medical center had diabetic neuropathy. Preoperative recognition of this morbid complication of DM is important to appropriately stratify those diabetic patients into a high-risk category.

Level of Evidence: Prognostic, Level IV
Arthroscopic Reduction and Fibula Nailing in High-Risk Diabetic Ankle Fractures
Authors: Thevendran Gowreeson , Younger Alastair
Published: February 2012

The management of diabetic ankle fractures is difficult given the associated wound and bone healing complications. Even with meticulous soft tissue handling and a stable construct, the fixation sometimes fails because of the poor biological environment. This study reports on 2 cases of Weber type B ankle fractures in patients with diabetes mellitus where the authors elected to treat with arthroscopy-assisted fracture reduction and percutaneous fibula nailing to reduce the risk of wound complications.

Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level V
A novel pre-authentication scheme based on fast channel switching in IEEE 802.11 WLANs
Authors: Baek JaeJong , Seo SungHoon , Shi Fei , Song JooSeok
Published: February 2012

In the case of a 3G-WLAN interworking architecture, handoff latency is mainly caused by the delays incurred when a mobile station (STA) transfers a current security context to the target access network or establishes connectivity to a new access point (AP). Existing handoff optimization schemes have mostly focused on reducing the scanning time which is to discover nearby access points. Even though the time taken by a mobile STA to authenticate the target APs contributes to the total handoff delay, the schemes to optimize the authentication time have not yet been fully investigated for providing seamless connectivity to mobile users performing handoff in WLANs. As a solution, pre-authentication, a technique performing the authentication of target APs before the completion of the handoff procedure, has attracted considerable attention to reduce the overall delay related with a handoff, which is performed within inter-subnet and/or inter-administrative domain levels. Therefore, in this article, we propose a novel pre-authentication scheme to minimize the handoff delay in 3G-WLAN interworking architecture. The proposed scheme pre-authenticates a new AP directly through a switched channel in a short period of time. Our evaluation shows that the proposed scheme outperforms the existing authentication schemes defined in the IEEE 802.11 standards in terms of authentication delay, signaling cost, and mobility rate. The proposed mechanism offers an additional advantage in that it is easy to implement and deploy by simply modifying the device driver modules of clients' WLAN interfaces.
Evaluation of heterogeneity dose distributions for Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRT): comparison of commercially available Monte Carlo dose calculation with other algorithms
Authors: Takahashi Wataru , Yamashita Hideomi , Saotome Naoya , Iwai Yoshio , Sakumi Akira , Haga Akihiro , Nakagawa Keiichi
Published: February 2012

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare dose distributions from three different algorithms with the x-ray Voxel Monte Carlo (XVMC) calculations, in actual computed tomography (CT) scans for use in stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) of small lung cancers.

Methods

Slow CT scan of 20 patients was performed and the internal target volume (ITV) was delineated on Pinnacle3. All plans were first calculated with a scatter homogeneous mode (SHM) which is compatible with Clarkson algorithm using Pinnacle3 treatment planning system (TPS). The planned dose was 48 Gy in 4 fractions. In a second step, the CT images, structures and beam data were exported to other treatment planning systems (TPSs). Collapsed cone convolution (CCC) from Pinnacle3, superposition (SP) from XiO, and XVMC from Monaco were used for recalculating. The dose distributions and the Dose Volume Histograms (DVHs) were compared with each other.

Results

The phantom test revealed that all algorithms could reproduce the measured data within 1% except for the SHM with inhomogeneous phantom. For the patient study, the SHM greatly overestimated the isocenter (IC) doses and the minimal dose received by 95% of the PTV (PTV95) compared to XVMC. The differences in mean doses were 2.96 Gy (6.17%) for IC and 5.02 Gy (11.18%) for PTV95. The DVH's and dose distributions with CCC and SP were in agreement with those obtained by XVMC. The average differences in IC doses between CCC and XVMC, and SP and XVMC were -1.14% (p = 0.17), and -2.67% (p = 0.0036), respectively.

Conclusions

Our work clearly confirms that the actual practice of relying solely on a Clarkson algorithm may be inappropriate for SRT planning. Meanwhile, CCC and SP were close to XVMC simulations and actual dose distributions obtained in lung SRT.
Functional, cognitive and psychological outcomes, and recurrent vascular events in Pakistani stroke survivors: a cross sectional study
Authors: Khan Maria , Ahmed Bilal , Ahmed Maryam , Najeeb Myda , Raza Emmon , Khan Farid , Moin Anoosh , Shujaat Dania , Arshad Ahmed , Kamal Ayeesha Kamran
Published: February 2012

Background

There is little direct data describing the outcomes and recurrent vascular morbidity and mortality of stroke survivors from low and middle income countries like Pakistan. This study describes functional, cognitive and vascular morbidity and mortality of Pakistani stroke survivors discharged from a dedicated stroke center within a nonprofit tertiary care hospital based in a multiethnic city with a population of more than 20 million.

Methods

Patients with stroke, aged > 18 years, discharged alive from a tertiary care centre were contacted via telephone and a cross sectional study was conducted. All the discharges were contacted. Patients or their legal surrogate were interviewed regarding functional, cognitive and psychological outcomes and recurrent vascular events using standardized, pretested and translated scales. A verbal autopsy was carried out for patients who had died after discharge. Stroke subtype and risk factors data was collected from the medical records. Subdural hemorrhages, traumatic ICH, subarachnoid hemorrhage, iatrogenic stroke within hospital and all other diagnoses that presented like stroke but were subsequently found not to have stroke were also excluded. Composites were created for functional outcome variable and depression. Data were analyzed using logistic regression.

Results

309 subjects were interviewed at a median of 5.5 months post discharge. 12.3% of the patients had died, mostly from recurrent vascular events or stroke complications. Poor functional outcome defined as Modified Rankin Score (mRS) of > 2 and a Barthel Index (BI) score of < 90 was seen in 51%. Older age (Adj-OR-2.1, p = 0.01), moderate to severe dementia (Adj-OR-19.1, p < 0.001), Diabetes (Adj-OR-2.1, p = 0.02) and multiple post stroke complications (Adj-OR-3.6, p = 0.02) were independent predictors of poor functional outcome. Cognitive outcomes were poor in 42% and predictors of moderate to severe dementia were depression (Adj-OR-6.86, p < 0.001), multiple post stroke complications (Adj-OR-4.58, p = 0.01), presence of bed sores (Adj-OR-17.13, p = 0.01) and history of atrial fibrillation (Adj-OR-5.12, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Pakistani stroke survivors have poor outcomes in the community, mostly from preventable complications. Despite advanced disability, the principal caretakers were family rarely supported by health care personnel, highlighting the need to develop robust home care support for caregivers in these challenging resource poor settings.