bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Echocardiography Screening for Rheumatic Heart Disease in Ugandan Schoolchildren
Authors: Beaton Andrea , Okello Emmy , Lwabi Peter , Mondo Charles , McCarter Robert , Sable Craig
Published: May 2012

Background—

Historically, sub-Saharan Africa has had the highest prevalence rates of clinically detected rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Echocardiography-based screening improves detection of RHD in endemic regions. The newest screening guidelines (2006 World Health Organization/National Institutes of Health) have been tested across India and the Pacific Islands, but application in sub-Saharan Africa has, thus far, been limited to Mozambique. We used these guidelines to determine RHD prevalence in a large cohort of Ugandan school children, to identify risk factors for occult disease, and to assess the value of laboratory testing.

Methods and Results—

Auscultation and portable echocardiography were used to screen randomly selected schoolchildren, 5 to 16 years of age, in Kampala, Uganda. Disease likelihood was defined as definite, probable, or possible in accordance with the 2006 National Institutes of Health/World Health Organization guidelines. Ninety-seven percent of eligible students received screening (4869 of 5006). Among them, 130 children (2.7%) had abnormal screening echocardiograms. Of those 130, secondary evaluation showed 72 (55.4%) with possible, probable, or definite RHD; 18 (13.8%) with congenital heart disease; and 40 (30.8%) with no disease. Echocardiography detected 3 times as many cases of RHD as auscultation: 72 (1.5%) versus 23 (0.5%;
P
<0.001). Children with RHD were older (10.1 versus 9.3 years;
P
=0.002). Most cases (98%) involved only the mitral valve. Lower socioeconomic groups had more RHD (2.7% versus 1.4%;
P
=0.036) and more advanced disease (64% versus 26%;
P
<0.001). Antistreptolysin O titers were elevated in children with definite RHD.

Conclusions—

This is one of the largest single-country childhood RHD prevalence studies and the first to be conducted in sub-Saharan Africa. Our data support inclusion of echocardiography in screening protocols, even in the most resource-constrained settings, and identify lower socioeconomic groups as most vulnerable. Longitudinal follow-up of children with echocardiographically diagnosed subclinical RHD is needed.
Implementation process and acceptance of a setting based prevention programme to promote healthy lifestyle in preschool children
Authors: Herbert Birgit , Strauß Angelika , Mayer Andrea , Duvinage Kristin , Mitschek Christine , Koletzko Berthold
Published: May 2012

Objective:

Evaluation of the implementation process of a kindergarten-based intervention (‘TigerKids’) to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Design:

Questionnaire survey among kindergarten teachers about programme implementation and acceptance.

Setting:

Kindergartens in Bavaria, Germany.

Methods:

Two hundred and fifteen kindergartens were included; 96.3 % returned informative questionnaires. ‘TigerKids’ is a multi-approach behavioural intervention programme to increase physical activity level and to promote healthy eating in preschool children. Project elements and materials are designed for kindergarten teachers, children, and their parents. The main outcome measures of the study are implementation, acceptance, and estimated effectiveness of the intervention programme.

Results:

The elements for promoting healthy lifestyle were implemented regularly in the participating kindergartens: 94.2 % used the drinking station daily, 75.8 % prepared the magic fruit plate daily, and 63.3 % carried out the activity programme at least two times per week. The educators reported that the children ate more fruits and vegetables, drank more non-sugared beverages, and were more active. The designed materials and elements for the children, the educators, and the parents were also evaluated positively by the kindergarten teachers.

Conclusion:

The ‘TigerKids’ programme is a suitable instrument for health promotion in the kindergarten setting.
Stroke-related knowledge, lifestyle behaviours and health beliefs in Singaporean Chinese: Implications for health education
Authors: Wong Wai Pong , Yeung Meredith , Loh Susan , Lee Mina , Ghazali F , Chan CJ , Feng S , Liew YV , Seah PF , Wee J , Wang J , Huang X , Dean Elizabeth
Published: May 2012

Objective:

The objective of the present study was to describe stroke-related knowledge (risk factors, warning signs and emergency response), lifestyle behaviours and health beliefs among Singaporean Chinese, and to identify any factors associated with such knowledge, behaviours and beliefs.

Design:

This was a cross-sectional study design employing a non-probability sampling method.

Setting:

Participants were recruited from the community.

Method:

Singaporean Chinese aged 40–74 years completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire seeking demographic information, knowledge of stroke risk factors, warning signs and emergency response, lifestyle behaviours such as physical activity participation and dietary habits, and health beliefs.

Results:

A total of 411 questionnaires (42% men, average age 52.4 years ± 7.3) were analyzed. Most respondents were able to identify at least one correct risk factor and warning sign (88% and 78% respectively). But only 38% stated the correct emergency response. Mass media was the main source of their knowledge. Most respondents reported healthy lifestyle and have positive health beliefs, many of which were associated with age, gender, education, income, religion and whether having relatives suffering from a chronic illness.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this survey identified areas for health education programmes to improve stroke-related knowledge and lifestyle behaviour change in different target groups.
Volunteer decisions (not) to leave: Reasons to quit versus functional motives to stay
Authors: Willems Jurgen , Huybrechts Gert , Jegers Marc , Vantilborgh Tim , Bidee Jemima , Pepermans Roland
Published: May 2012

In this article we test whether reasons to quit volunteering can be structured as the commonly used six functional motives to volunteer of Clary et al. (1998). We conjecture that owing to volunteer involvement in an organization, additional contextual factors influence the choice to stop volunteering for that organization. Based on a literature review and a qualitative exploratory analysis, we present items respectively measuring motives to volunteer among active volunteers and reasons to quit among former volunteers in the context of the Scouts and Guides Organization in Flanders (Belgium). We test content-wise symmetry based on expert-rater agreement, while structural symmetry is tested based on factor analyses. Results show that no symmetry can be found. However, additional contextual factors clearly determine the decision to leave an organization. We theorize on how these individual, interpersonal and organizational factors are continuously traded off by volunteers during their involvement in a particular organization.
Effect of Organizational Politics on Nondominant Firms
Authors: Cheng Hsiang-Lin
Published: May 2012

This study investigates five successful cases of nondominant firms’ learning with their powerful alliance partners and offers a unique perspective for elucidating how organizational politics affects nondominant firms. Based on a qualitative study, this study proposes a four-stage process model that indicates nondominant firms’ progressing from one stage to the next one, moving them from interorganizational learning to intraorganizational learning. To promote or resist either exploitation or exploration in nondominant firms, key interest groups exercise their power bases on one another in two ways: competing against a disapproved interest group or collaborating with an approved interest group. By enquiring about the interplay between politics and learning, the study reveals the effect of organizational politics on the strategic change of nondominant firms and offers valuable implications to both scholars and managers.
Multivariate Exponential Smoothing for Forecasting Tourist Arrivals
Authors: Athanasopoulos George , de Silva Ashton
Published: May 2012

In this article, we propose a new set of multivariate stochastic models that capture time-varying seasonality within the vector innovations structural time-series (VISTS) framework. These models encapsulate exponential smoothing methods in a multivariate setting. The models considered are the local level, local trend, and damped trend VISTS models with an additive multivariate seasonal component. We evaluate the forecasting accuracy of these models against the forecasting accuracy of univariate alternatives using international tourist arrivals from 11 source countries to Australia and New Zealand. In general, the newly proposed multivariate models improve on forecast accuracy over the univariate alternatives.
The Impact of Fear of Flying on Travelers’ Flight Choice
Authors: Fleischer Aliza , Tchetchik Anat , Toledo Tomer
Published: May 2012

Flying is an important part of the tourist experience and a substantial component of its cost. While travelers’ decision making regarding air travel has been studied, the role of fear of flying (FOF), a very common phenomenon among air passengers, in the process has not been explicitly addressed. Since airline safety levels are difficult to assess, passengers who have FOF employ other attributes of the itinerary as a means of alleviating their fear. Based on a stated preference experiment and accounting specifically for FOF as a latent variable, we established that the individuals’ level of FOF affects the value they place on attributes of flight itineraries. We show that home carriers, scheduled carriers, and nonstop flights are fear-alleviating attributes. We also show that the price elasticities of demand for flights are smaller in absolute terms among people with a high level of FOF compared to their counterparts with low FOF.
Race and Drug Formulation Influence on Mycophenolic Acid Pharmacokinetics in Stable Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Tornatore Kathleen M. , Sudchada Patcharaporn , Attwood Kris , Wilding Gregory E. , Gundroo Aijaz C. , DiFrancesco Robin , Gray Vanessa , Venuto Rocco C.
Published: May 2012

Background

Limited mycophenolic acid (MPA) data are available comparing racial influence on mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and enteric‐coated mycophenolate sodium (EC‐MPS) pharmacokinetics.

Methods

Intrapatient MPA pharmacokinetics of MMF versus EC‐MPS were compared in 13 male African American (AA) and 14 Caucasian (C) renal transplant recipients (RTRs). RTRs were switched to equivalent doses of the alternate formulation for at least 10 days prior to the second study. Mycophenolic acid clearance and dose‐normalized area under the concentration‐time curve0‐12 (AUC*) were determined. Mixed model statistics evaluated the main effects of race, drug formulation, and interaction of race and drug formulation (R × D) with albumin, cyclosporine trough, renal function, and diabetes and enterhepatic recirculation.

Results

Significant R × D was identified for MPA AUC* for EC‐MPS (AA, 0.056 ± 0.029 [mg·h/L]/mg; C, 0.080 ± 0.044 [mg·h/L]/mg) compared with MMF (AA, 0.053 ± 0.019 [mg·h/L]/mg; C, 0.060 ± 0.025 [mg·h/L]/mg), P = .022. Significant R × D was identified with albumin in the model for MPA clearance for MMF (AA, 21.7 ± 8.9 L/h; C, 20.5 ± 10.8 L/h) compared with EC‐MPS (AA, 22.2 ± 10.1 L/h; C, 16.2 ± 9.1 L/h), P = .032.

Conclusions

Race influences MPA exposure between MMF and EC‐MPS and may warrant therapeutic monitoring during formulation conversion.
Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of a Nevirapine‐Based HIV‐1 Prevention of Mother‐to‐Child Transmission Program in Uganda to Assess the Impact of Different Dosing Regimens for Newborns
Authors: Frank Monika , Harms Gundel , Kunz Andrea , Kloft Charlotte
Published: May 2012

Single‐dose nevirapine for mothers and newborns at delivery is the simplest prevention strategy for vertical HIV‐1 transmission and hence widely used in resource‐constrained settings. HIV‐1‐positive mothers and newborns received single‐dose nevirapine in a prevention of mother‐to‐child HIV‐1 transmission (PMTCT) program in Uganda. In a pharmacokinetic investigation, breast milk and plasma samples of mothers and newborns were collected. The nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling approach was suitable for analysis (average: 1.8 samples/matrix/individual). For describing the nevirapine pharmacokinetics in mothers and newborns, a 1‐compartment model was demonstrated to be sufficient. The plasma‐placenta transfer could be quantified, revealing a transfer fraction of 11% to 25% (with a significant influence of time span between maternal nevirapine intake and birth) and a high transfer rate constant from maternal drug administration. Interindividual variability was moderate between mothers and high between newborns. Simulations revealed that newborns born early (<1 hour) after maternal nevirapine intake would benefit from a 3‐fold higher nevirapine dosage (6 mg/kg) after birth for analogous protective plasma concentrations over the first 2 weeks. In contrast, postnatal nevirapine dosage seemed to be dispensable for newborns born late (>24 hours) after maternal nevirapine intake. These dosing recommendations should be evaluated in prospective studies, including additional antiretroviral drugs in accordance with current PMTCT guidelines.
Optimal Duration of Dual‐Antiplatelet Therapy Following Drug‐Eluting Stent Implantation: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Zhang Tuo , Shen Linghong , Hu Liuhua , He Ben
Published: May 2012

Optimal duration of dual‐antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) following drug‐eluting stent (DES) implantation remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to perform a meta‐analysis of trials evaluating the effect of DAPT duration on long‐term clinical outcomes after DES implantation. The authors searched OvidMEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for both randomized controlled trials and nonrandomized studies that evaluated DAPT duration on long‐term clinical outcomes after DES implantation. The end point was the cumulative incidence of the composite of all‐cause death and nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) at maximum follow‐up. Quantitative analysis was performed to estimate the pooled hazard ratios (HRs) for the effect of DAPT duration. The pooled effect of DAPT discontinuation before 6 months significantly increased risk of death and nonfatal MI (HR, 1.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.18‐1.80), but DAPT beyond 12 months did not reduce the incidence of the composite end point compared with drug discontinuation at 12 months (HR, 0.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.75‐1.10). In conclusion, the current evidence suggests that 6 to 12 months of DAPT may be optimal after DES implantation.
Model and control for four-powered-caster vehicle: a probability-based approach
Authors: Liu Yong , Jia Yunyi , Xi Ning
Published: May 2012

A vehicle with four powered caster wheels can provide much more motion flexibility in a constrained environment. However, the dynamic modelling and control of such system is challenging due to its high redundancy. This paper investigates the dynamic model and tracking control for a four-powered-caster vehicle (4-PCV) on complex terrain without any additional sensor. The torques applied to the wheels are dynamically redistributed based on the real-time conditions of the whole wheel–ground interactions so that the vehicle can track the desired trajectory when moving on different terrains. A dynamic model considering the wheel–ground interaction is first derived. Then a novel approach based on a probability scheme is proposed to identify the status of the vehicle and the wheel slip ratio by only observing the velocity feedback from motors encoders. Based on this real-time perception information, a tracking controller and a torque distribution scheme are applied to make sure that each wheel can be self-adapted to meet a complex wheel–ground condition to eliminate or reduce the probability of slippage. The effectiveness of the proposed estimation approach and the performance of the torque distribution schemes are verified by simulation.
A Tutorial on Fatty Acid Biology
Authors: Kalish Brian T. , Fallon Erica M. , Puder Mark
Published: May 2012

Fatty acids are an extraordinarily diverse set of molecules that serve as sources of fuel, key components of cell structure, and parent molecules for bioactive second messengers. The metabolism of fatty acids is part of a delicate homeostasis that is fundamental to normal functioning and the response to pathophysiologic insult. The growing body of evidence on nutrition demonstrates that we truly “are what we eat,” and the fatty acid content of our diets has far‐reaching physiologic implications, many of which we are only beginning to understand. As the gap between basic science and patient care becomes increasingly narrow, clinicians should have a working knowledge of fatty acid biology. This tutorial provides an overview of fatty acid biology with the goal of increasing comfort in discussing how these heterogeneous molecules are classified and metabolized, in addition to how fatty acid content influences basic cellular processes.
The alchemy of austerity
Authors: Clarke John , Newman Janet
Published: May 2012

The return of austerity has provoked social conflict, political controversy and academic disputes. In this article we explore some of these through the metaphor of an ‘alchemy of austerity’ that forms the foundation for strategies of state retrenchment through which the consent of populations is sought. We begin, in ‘Magical thinking’, by tracing some of the discursive repertoires that circulate in analyses of austerity, showing something of its significance as a key term being mobilized in different international and national political discourses. We then go on to explore political strategies, with a particular focus on the UK in ‘Sharing the pain’. However, we suggest that such a focus offers a limited conception of politics that fails to illuminate the contradictory field of political forces put into motion by austerity strategies. This field of forces, we go on to argue, crystallizes around the problem of securing consent. In ‘Austerity and the problem of consent’ we examine this further, pointing to the proliferation of different forms of dissent and their relationship to austerity measures. We end by tracing shifting articulations of the moral and the economic by revisiting E.P. Thompson’s concept of ‘moral economy’.
Pre-filling of the extracorporeal circuit with autologous blood is safe, but not effective in optimizing biocompatibility in high-risk patients
Authors: Kiessling A-H , Wedde S , Keller H , Reyher C , Stock U , Beiras-Fernandez A , Moritz A
Published: May 2012

Objectives:

Haemodilution resulting from crystalloid priming of the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit represents a major risk factor for blood transfusions in high-risk cardiac surgery patients. We designed this study to evaluate the effects of antegrade autologous priming (AAP) on reducing perioperative blood transfusion and markers of the inflammatory response in older patients (>75 years).

Methods:

Seventy-two patients undergoing first-time coronary bypass and/or aortic valve replacement were prospectively randomised to a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with or without AAP. AAP was performed by adding the patient’s own blood to the prime solution (mean 280ml). Perfusion and anaesthetic techniques were as usual. The haematocrit was maintained at a minimum of 21% during CPB. Patients were well matched for all preoperative variables, including established transfusion risk factors. The primary endpoint was the requirement of red cell transfusion. The surrogate endpoints were renal function, inflammatory response and ischaemic parameters. Blood samples were drawn pre- and intraoperatively and at intervals of 6 hours till POD 6.

Results:

Current analysis shows no differences in patients receiving homologous packed red cell transfusions. Also, markers of the inflammatory response (IL6, IL8), renal function (cystatin C, creatinine) and myocardial ischaemia (troponin T, CK-MB) were comparable in both groups (p>0.05). Clinical outcomes were similar with respect to pulmonary, renal and hepatic function, length of ICU stay and hospital stay.

Conclusion:

These data suggest that antegrade autologous priming is a safe procedure, but an ineffective way for improving biocompatibility and reducing the need for blood transfusion in older patients.
The Numeracy Understanding in Medicine Instrument
Authors: Schapira Marilyn M. , Walker Cindy M. , Cappaert Kevin J. , Ganschow Pamela S. , Fletcher Kathlyn E. , McGinley Emily L. , Del Pozo Sam , Schauer Carrie , Tarima Sergey , Jacobs Elizabeth A.
Published: May 2012

Background: Health numeracy can be defined as the ability to understand and apply information conveyed with numbers, tables and graphs, probabilities, and statistics to effectively communicate with health care providers, take care of one’s health, and participate in medical decisions. Objective: To develop the Numeracy Understanding in Medicine Instrument (NUMi) using item response theory scaling methods. Design: A 20-item test was formed drawing from an item bank of numeracy questions. Items were calibrated using responses from 1000 participants and a 2-parameter item response theory model. Construct validity was assessed by comparing scores on the NUMi to established measures of print and numeric health literacy, mathematic achievement, and cognitive aptitude. Participants: Community and clinical populations in the Milwaukee and Chicago metropolitan areas. Results: Twenty-nine percent of the 1000 respondents were Hispanic, 24% were non-Hispanic white, and 42% were non-Hispanic black. Forty-one percent had no more than a high school education. The mean score on the NUMi was 13.2 ( s = 4.6) with a Cronbach α of 0.86. Difficulty and discrimination item response theory parameters of the 20 items ranged from −1.70 to 1.45 and 0.39 to 1.98, respectively. Performance on the NUMi was strongly correlated with the Wide Range Achievement Test–Arithmetic (0.73, P < 0.001), the Lipkus Expanded Numeracy Scale (0.69, P < 0.001), the Medical Data Interpretation Test (0.75, P < 0.001), and the Wonderlic Cognitive Ability Test (0.82, P < 0.001). Performance was moderately correlated to the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy (0.43, P < 0.001). Limitations: The NUMi was found to be most discriminating among respondents with a lower-than-average level of health numeracy. Conclusions: The NUMi can be applied in research and clinical settings as a robust measure of the health numeracy construct.
The validation of a new comprehensive headache-specific quality of life questionnaire
Authors: Manhalter Nóra , Bozsik György , Palásti Ágnes , Csépány Éva , Ertsey Csaba
Published: May 2012

Background: Measuring quality of life (QOL) is an important means of assessing the impact of headache. The currently used QOL questionnaires are usually geared toward migraine and focus on a limited number of factors, thus they are not necessarily informative in other headache types. We report the psychometric properties of a new questionnaire, the Comprehensive Headache-related Quality of life Questionnaire (CHQQ) that may be more sensitive to the burden of headache.

Patients and methods: A total of 202 patients suffering from migraine ( n = 168) or tension-type headache (TTH) ( n = 34) completed the CHQQ and SF-36, a generic QOL questionnaire. We assessed the reliability and validity of the CHQQ and its physical, mental and social dimensions.

Results: The questionnaire was easy to administer. Reliability was excellent with Cronbach’s alpha being 0.913 for the whole instrument (0.814–0.832 for its dimensions). The dimensions and total score showed significant correlations with the patients’ headache characteristics (criterion validity), and were also significantly correlated with the SF-36 domains (convergent validity). The total score and dimensions were significantly ( p < 0.005) lower in the migraine group than in the TTH group (discriminative validity).

Conclusion: In this study the new headache-specific QOL instrument showed adequate psychometric properties.
Greater Axial Trough Obliquity Increases the Risk of Graft Extrusion in Lateral Meniscus Allograft Transplantation
Authors: Lee Dae-Hee , Kim Jong-Min , Lee Bum-Sik , Kim Kyung-Ah , Bin Seong-Il
Published: May 2012

Background:

In lateral meniscus allograft transplantation (MAT) using the keyhole method, precise trough drilling is critical for ensuring the graft is placed at the correct anatomic position to minimize the risk of extrusion. However, no study has focused on the effect of bony trough axial obliquity on graft extrusion. Our purpose was to investigate whether bony trough axial obliquity and bony trough position correlate with graft extrusion in lateral MAT using the keyhole method.

Hypothesis:

We hypothesized that drilling the tibial bony trough at a greater axial angle would increase the risk of graft extrusion.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

The study involved 49 patients who underwent lateral MAT between 2009 and 2010 following total or subtotal meniscectomy. The mean patient age at the time of surgery was 34 years (range, 19-52 years). Graft extrusion and bony trough parameters (absolute and relative distance at the anterior, center, and posterior cuttings of the bony trough, and axial trough angle [ATA]) were assessed using conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed on postoperative day 2. The correlation between graft extrusion and MRI trough parameters was analyzed, and multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of graft extrusion.

Results:

Of the 7 MRI measurement parameters, the ATA ( r = .355, P = .012), absolute anterior distance ( r = .301, P = .031), and relative anterior distance ( r = .307, P = .032) were found to positively correlate with absolute extrusion. The ATA ( r = .296, P = .037) and relative anterior distance ( r = .296, P = .039) were also found to correlate with relative extrusion. The ATA was found to be a predictor of absolute extrusion (β = .36, P = .012) and relative extrusion (β = .33, P = .019).

Conclusion:

The risk of graft extrusion increases as the axial plane trough angle increases. The angle can be reduced by ensuring that the bony trough starting point is not created in too lateral a position.
Aflatoxin M1 determination in yoghurt produced in Guilan province of Iran using immunoaffinity column and high-performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Tabari Mahsa , Tabari Khashayar , Tabari Orod
Published: May 2012

The present study was aimed to determine the presence and levels of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in 120 natural yoghurt samples consisting of 80 samples of commercial and 40 samples of traditional yoghurt in Guilan province in the north of Iran. The occurrence and concentration range of AFM1 in samples were determined by immunoaffinity column extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography. Analysis of yoghurts showed that all the samples were contaminated with AFM1 in concentration levels ranging from 4.2 to 78.9 ng/kg. In general, 16 samples (13.33%) had higher AFM1 level than the maximum tolerance limit (50 ng/kg) accepted by European Union, but the contamination level was lower than 500 ng/kg in all the samples, which is accepted by Codex Alimentarius and National Standard. The concentration of AFM1 in 26 samples (21.66) was lower than 10 ng/kg. The range of contamination of AFM1 was comparatively higher in traditional yoghurt (average concentration of 32.9 ng/kg) than that in commercial yoghurt (average concentration of 21.6 ng/kg; p < 0.01). Because yoghurt is the most popular dairy product consumed in Iran, the AFM1 contamination is a serious problem for public health. This study reports the data of a first survey on the presence of AFM1 in yoghurt in Guilan, Iran.
A Novel Mutation in the Mitochondrial DNA Cytochrome b Gene (MTCYB) in a Patient With Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Strokelike Episodes Syndrome
Authors: Emmanuele Valentina , Sotiriou Evangelia , Rios Purificación Gutierrez , Ganesh Jaya , Ichord Rebecca , Foley A. Reghan , Akman H. Orhan , DiMauro Salvatore
Published: May 2012

Mutations in the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b gene ( MTCYB) have been commonly associated with isolated mitochondrial myopathy and exercise intolerance, rarely with multisystem disorders, and only once with a parkinsonism/mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and strokelike episodes (MELAS) overlap syndrome. Here, we describe a novel mutation (m.14864 T>C) in MTCYB in a 15-year-old girl with a clinical history of migraines, epilepsy, sensorimotor neuropathy, and strokelike episodes, a clinical picture reminiscent of MELAS.  The mutation, which changes a highly conserved cysteine to arginine at amino acid position 40 of cytochrome b, was heteroplasmic in muscle, blood, fibroblasts, and urinary sediment from the patient but absent in accessible tissues from her asymptomatic mother. This case demonstrates that MTCYB must be included in the already long list of mitochondrial DNA genes that have been associated with the MELAS phenotype.
Idiopathic Harlequin Syndrome
Authors: Jain Puneet , Arya Ravindra , Jaryal Ashok , Gulati Sheffali
Published: May 2012

Harlequin syndrome, Harlequin sign, Holmes-Adie syndrome, and Ross syndrome lie on a spectrum of partial dysautonomias affecting facial sudomotor, vasomotor, and pupillary responses. These syndromes have imprecise clinical boundaries and overlap syndromes are known. We report a 9-year-old girl who presented with anhidrosis over the right half of her face and the left side of her body, with compensatory hyperhidrosis on the contralateral side. She was noted to have bilateral tonic pupils and normal muscle stretch reflexes with other features suggestive of autonomic dysfunction. Investigations to rule out secondary causes were noncontributory. Her clinical presentation can be categorized as partial overlap between Harlequin syndrome and Holmes-Adie syndrome.
Community and School Practices to Reduce Delinquent Behavior
Authors: Shippen Margaret E. , Patterson DaShaunda , Green Kemeche L. , Smitherman Tracy
Published: May 2012

Youth at risk for school failure need community and school supports to reduce the likelihood of developing delinquent behavior. This article provides an overview of community and school approaches aimed at intervening on the school-to-prison pipeline. Community and school efforts are emerging that take into account empirical evidence demonstrating cooperation and collaboration in preventive service provision. The authors provide links to professional development for community and school stakeholders.
Removal of Industry-Sponsored Formula Sample Packs from the Hospital
Authors: Feldman-Winter Lori , Grossman Xena , Palaniappan Amudha , Kadokura Elyse , Hunter Krystal , Milcarek Barry , Merewood Anne
Published: May 2012

Background:

Most US hospitals distribute industry-sponsored formula sample packs. No research has examined outcomes associated with sample pack removal as part of a hospital intervention to eliminate sample distribution postpartum.

Objective:

To examine prospectively hospital-based and breastfeeding outcomes associated with removal of industry-sponsored formula sample packs from the hospital.

Methods:

We enrolled mothers postpartum at Cooper University Hospital, an urban New Jersey hospital, in 2009-2010. For the first 6 months, all women received industry-sponsored formula samples packs (control group); for the next 6 months, all postpartum women received hospital-sponsored bags with no formula at source (intervention group). Research assistants blinded to the design called subjects weekly for 10 weeks to determine feeding practices.

Results:

We enrolled 527 breastfeeding women (284 control; 243 intervention). At 10 weeks postpartum, 82% of control and 36% of intervention women ( P < .001) reported receiving formula in the “diaper discharge bag.” Kaplan-Meyer curves for any breastfeeding showed the intervention was associated with increased breastfeeding ( P = .03); however, exclusive breastfeeding was not significantly different between intervention and controls ( P = .46). In post hoc analysis, receiving no take-home formula in bottles from the hospital was associated with increased exclusive breastfeeding in control ( P = .02) and intervention ( P = .03) groups at 10 weeks.

Conclusion:

Although the hospital-branded replacement contained no formula at source, many women reported receiving bottles of formula from the hospital. Change in practice to remove industry-sponsored formula sample packs was associated with increased breastfeeding over 10 weeks, but the intervention may have had a greater impact had it not been contaminated.
Investigation and analysis into the impact of rapeseed methyl ester biodiesel on the diesel oxidation catalyst performance
Authors: Bannister Christopher D , Ali Hasan M , Hawley J Gary
Published: May 2012

The term ‘biodiesel’ refers, in this paper, to the fatty acid alkyl esters derived from vegetable, animal or waste oil feedstocks. Numerous economic and environmental drivers, such as the need for fuel security, the requirement to reduce global carbon dioxide emissions and the volatile price of crude oil, are leading to the production of alternative transport fuels such as biodiesel, and their consumption, in increasing quantities. Most published research has focused on the impact of biodiesel on the engine performance and the emissions and, to a lesser degree, on the intention of understanding the impact on after-treatment systems. Where the after-treatment systems have been considered, studies have mainly concentrated on diesel particulate filters and nitrogen oxide reduction systems. To date, no detailed studies in the open literature have addressed the performance of the diesel oxidation catalyst and, subsequently, this work presents the first thorough examination in this area. This study investigated the relative impacts of thermal and chemical factors, when using rapeseed-based biodiesel, on the performance of a diesel oxidation catalyst. The oxidation reaction intensity inside the catalyst brick was examined and used to identify any possible effects caused by different hydrocarbon speciation when using biodiesel compared with that when using baseline diesel fuel. It was found that the carbon monoxide catalyst conversion efficiency over a legislative driving cycle decreased as the biodiesel percentage increased, with conversion reduced by 10% and 16% for 25% biodiesel fuel blend and 50% biodiesel fuel blend respectively compared with baseline diesel. The reduction in the spatial and temporal average catalyst brick temperature between baseline diesel and 50% biodiesel fuel blend over the New European Drive Cycle was found to be up to 15.5 °C. Catalyst light-off curves showed very similar responses when the engine-out emissions of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons were closely matched to those of baseline diesel fuel. No statistically significant difference between the light-off temperatures of 50% biodiesel fuel blend and baseline diesel was found, indicating that exhaust gas hydrocarbon speciation did not have a significant impact on the catalyst performance. The results show that the exhaust gas temperature and the energy released during the exothermic reactions within the catalyst are the most significant causes of the variations in the catalyst performance when using biodiesel blends. These findings indicate that the increased use of biodiesel could require after-treatment design and control optimisation to negate an adverse impact on the catalyst light-off time and the catalyst performance.
Vehicle-level control analysis of 2010 Toyota Prius based on test data
Authors: Kim Namwook , Rousseau Aymeric , Rask Eric
Published: May 2012

The Prius, a power-split hybrid electric vehicle developed by Toyota, has been the top-selling vehicle in the United States hybrid electric vehicle market for the last decade. The transmission system of the vehicle is a frequent theme of study for hybrid electric vehicles. However, the control concept of the vehicle is not well known, since analyzing control behaviors requires well-designed facilities to obtain testing results and well-defined processes to analyze the obtained results. Argonne National Laboratory has these resources and capabilities. In addition, Argonne has produced a reliable simulation tool, Autonomie, by which a vehicle model for the 2010 Prius is developed on the basis of the analyzed results, and it is validated with the results of testing. The developed model demonstrates that results of vehicle performance from simulation are close to those of from real-world tests—within 5%. The main focus of this study is to provide information about the supervisory control for the 2010 Prius, so that researchers can reproduce the real-world behavior of the vehicle through simulations. The analyzed control ideas based on the testing results will be very helpful in terms of understanding the control behavior of the vehicle, and the information resulting from this study is useful to develop the controller for the vehicle at a simulation level.
The control strategy of optimal brake energy recovery for a parallel hydraulic hybrid vehicle
Authors: Zhang Zhongliang , Chen Jie , Wu Bofu
Published: May 2012

The purpose of this paper is to develop a control strategy of optimal brake energy recovery for a parallel hydraulic hybrid vehicle, in which the shifting schedule of the torque coupler and the distribution of the braking force are the most important impact factors based on a detailed study of braking characteristics. The two implementable schemes are compared to achieve a better shifting schedule for the torque coupler. An optimal distributive curve and the corresponding models of braking forces are also established, which not only avoids the situation of rear wheels locking earlier than front wheels but also determines the distributive ratio of the braking forces in each case. The simulation models of the vehicle are developed on the basis of the software, Advisor 2002, which is validated by the road tests. The simulation results indicate that 42.7% of the brake energy can be recaptured in the hydraulic hybrid vehicle, whereas 41.6% of the traction energy is wasted in the braking of a conventional vehicle. Therefore, the control strategy of optimal energy recovery is very effective in improving the efficiency of brake energy recovery in the hydraulic hybrid vehicle.
Development of supervisory control strategy for optimized fuel consumption of the compound hybrid excavator
Authors: Kim Hakgu , Choi Jaewoong , Yi Kyongsu
Published: May 2012

This paper describes a hybrid supervisory control strategy for fuel optimization of a compound hybrid excavator that incorporates an engine-assist motor, an electric swing motor and a super capacitor in the original drive train. The main features of the compound hybrid excavator are that the electrically-propelled swing motor increases the number of energy paths and also incurs many constraints related to the power balance of the hybrid drive train. The dynamic programming technique has been applied to the constrained nonlinear fuel optimization problem over representative excavation cycles. Then, by imitating the behaviour of the dynamic programming optimization scheme, a rule-based controller has been designed. The rule-based controller determines the diesel engine set speed and the engine-assist motor power to operate the engine in an efficient region and to minimize the energy loss in the hybrid drive train. The performance of the rule-based controller has been compared to that of the thermostat controller, which determines the energy distribution, only based on the state of charge of the applied super capacitor. Simulation results indicate that the compound hybrid excavator can improve overall fuel efficiency by about 20% compared to the conventional excavator for representative excavation cycles, and the proposed rule-based controller further enhances the fuel economy by about 2–3% compared to the simple thermostat controller.
Liberating Reason From the Passions
Authors: Feinberg Matthew , Willer Robb , Antonenko Olga , John Oliver P.
Published: May 2012

A classic problem in moral psychology concerns whether and when moral judgments are driven by intuition versus deliberate reasoning. In this investigation, we explored the role of reappraisal, an emotion-regulation strategy that involves construing an emotion-eliciting situation in a way that diminishes the intensity of the emotional experience. We hypothesized that although emotional reactions evoke initial moral intuitions, reappraisal weakens the influence of these intuitions, leading to more deliberative moral judgments. Three studies of moral judgments in emotionally evocative, disgust-eliciting moral dilemmas supported our hypothesis. A greater tendency to reappraise was related to fewer intuition-based judgments (Study 1). Content analysis of open-ended descriptions of moral-reasoning processes revealed that reappraisal was associated with longer time spent in deliberation and with fewer intuitionist moral judgments (Study 2). Finally, in comparison with participants who simply watched an emotion-inducing film, participants who had been instructed to reappraise their reactions while watching the film subsequently reported less intense emotional reactions to moral dilemmas, and these dampened reactions led, in turn, to fewer intuitionist moral judgments (Study 3).
Association study of IRAK-M and SIGIRR genes with SLE in a large European-descent population
Authors: Sánchez E , García-Bermúdez M , Jiménez-Alonso J , Ramón E de , Sánchez-Román J , Ortego-Centeno N , Witte T , D’Alfonso S , Pons-Estel B , Anders H-J , Alarcón-Riquelme ME , Martín J
Published: May 2012

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relevance of genetic variants of interleukin receptor-associated kinase-M ( IRAK-M) (rs11465955, rs1624395, rs1152888 and rs1370128) and single immunoglobulin IL1-1R-related molecule (SIGIRR) (rs3210908) genes in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in four independent European-descent populations. Methods: Our study population consisted of a total of 2033 SLE patients and 2357 healthy controls from Spain, Germany, Italy and Argentina. The genotyping was performed using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system with pre-developed TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. Genetic association between the genotyped markers was determined by PLINK v1.07. Results: After a meta-analysis including these four populations, a trend of association between rs11465955 ( Pmeta-analysis = 0.06), rs1370128 ( Pmeta-analysis = 0.07) and rs1624395 ( Pmeta-analysis = 0.06) polymorphisms was found. However, these differences did not reach statistical significance. In addition, we did not find any association between SLE and the rs1152888 IRAK-M ( Pmeta-analysis = 0.13) and the rs3210908 SIGIRR ( Pmeta-analysis = 0.40) polymorphisms after the meta-analysis. No evidence of association with IRAK-M haplotypes was found. Conclusion: These results suggest that the tested variations of IRAK-M and SIGIRR genes do not confer a relevant role in the susceptibility to SLE in European-descent populations.
Longitudinal data analysis with non-ignorable missing data
Authors: Tseng Chi-hong , Elashoff Robert , Li Ning , Li Gang
Published: May 2012

A common problem in the longitudinal data analysis is the missing data problem. Two types of missing patterns are generally considered in statistical literature: monotone and non-monotone missing data. Nonmonotone missing data occur when study participants intermittently miss scheduled visits, while monotone missing data can be from discontinued participation, loss to follow-up, and mortality. Although many novel statistical approaches have been developed to handle missing data in recent years, few methods are available to provide inferences to handle both types of missing data simultaneously. In this article, a latent random effects model is proposed to analyze longitudinal outcomes with both monotone and non-monotone missingness in the context of missing not at random. Another significant contribution of this article is to propose a new computational algorithm for latent random effects models. To reduce the computational burden of high-dimensional integration problem in latent random effects models, we develop a new computational algorithm that uses a new adaptive quadrature approach in conjunction with the Taylor series approximation for the likelihood function to simplify the E-step computation in the expectation–maximization algorithm. Simulation study is performed and the data from the scleroderma lung study are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of this method.
Technological architecture evolutions of information systems: Trade-off and optimization
Authors: Giakoumakis Vassilis , Krob Daniel , Liberti Leo , Roda Fabio
Published: May 2012

In the normal life span of large enterprises, the strategic management of IT often evolves. Existing services must be replaced with new services without impairing operations. The problem of scheduling such replacement is of critical importance for the success of the operation. We analyze this problem from a quantitative point of view, underlining the trade-off nature of its solutions. We formalize this multiobjective optimization problem as a mathematical programming formulation. We discuss its theoretical properties and show that real-world instances can be solved by standard off-the-shelf tools.
Adherence to hepatitis B screening and prophylactic lamivudine for prevention of rituximab-associated hepatitis B reactivation
Authors: Liu Chin Y , Chandrasekar Pranatharthi H , Masood Ashiq , Schiffer Charles A
Published: May 2012

Purpose: Treatment with rituximab can be associated with hepatitis B reactivation leading to fulminant hepatitis and sometimes fatal hepatitis. The manufacturer has recommended screening the high-risk patients and monitoring hepatitis B virus carriers during and several months after the therapy. Prophylaxis with lamivudine has been recommended to prevent reactivation in hepatitis B virus carriers receiving rituximab. An institutional guideline was developed and implemented. This study evaluated the adherence to these clinical guidelines of hepatitis B screening in patients receiving rituximab-based treatment, the use of lamivudine prophylaxis, and the prevalence of positive hepatitis B virus surface antigen in this patient population in southeast Michigan.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients begun on rituximab therapy from January 2009 through June 2010 was conducted.

Results: Two hundred and eighty patients who received rituximab were identified. Approximately 70% of patients had hepatitis B virus surface antigen screening test prior to rituximab therapy. Antibody to hepatitis B virus core antigen was detected in 11.1% of patients, although the hepatitis B virus surface antigen positive rate was only 0.6%. One patient had hepatitis B virus reactivation despite lamivudine prophylaxis, but fully recovered after antiviral therapy was changed to tenofovir.

Conclusion: The prevalence of hepatitis B virus surface antigen positivity is low in this study; however, antibody to hepatitis B virus core antigen positivity is high. Education to clinicians is warranted to increase awareness and further improve adherence to the clinical guidelines.