bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Precipitation and Convective Characteristics of Summer Deep Convection over East Asia Observed by TRMM
Authors: Xu Weixin
Published: November 2012

This study examines precipitation and convective characteristics of summer deep convection for five distinct regions (plateau, foothill, lowland, south China, and ocean) in East Asia using 13 yr of Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM)-based precipitation features. Every region has its own unique features in terms of elevation, rainfall amount, and dynamic/thermodynamic environments. Results show that large, deep convective systems contribute the majority of precipitation totals over all regions except the plateau. Mixed-phase precipitation processes are more important in the south China and the lowland regions than in the foothill and ocean regions. The plateau region also shows substantial dependence upon mixed-phase processes, though the mixed-phase region has a smaller depth than the other regions. Most metrics indicate that the south China region has the most intense storms, followed by the lowland, plateau, foothill, and ocean regions. However, ice scattering signatures do show that the ocean region is more “intense” than the foothill and plateau regions. Deep convective systems over the plateau are the smallest and ocean systems the largest, while storms over the foothill, lowland, and south China regions are in between. Alternatively, convective intensity (storm size) in all regions strengthens (decreases) from early summer to midsummer. Both regional and intraseasonal variations in convective intensity and morphology are mainly modulated by changes in the meteorological environment, such as the convective available potential energy, height of neutral buoyancy, total water vapor, and vertical wind shear.
Responding to the Collective and Individual “Best Interests of Students”
Authors: Frick William C. , Faircloth Susan C. , Little Karen S.
Published: November 2012

Purpose: Given the increasing role of the principal in the administrative and supervision of special education programs and services, this research examines how elementary principals interpret their experience of leadership decision making as a moral activity in relation to the Ethic of the Profession and Model for Students’ Best Interests. Method: A phenomenological-like research method was used to capture administrators’ perspectives involving moral practice and ethical decision making as it relates to students with disabilities. The primary data collection strategy was participant interviews by means of purposeful sampling. Findings: Findings challenge the Ethic of the Profession’s injunction, “the best interests of the student,” as a central guiding moral principle in decision making. Evidence exists that the expression does hold some insight as a maxim to guide behavior, especially when principals decide for one student against all or most students within special education contexts. Theoretical Implications: Participants indicated a distinction and clear difference between the best interests of one student and the best interests of students as a group. Participants viewed the work of deciding and acting in the best interests of the student body as being qualitatively different than working and acting in the best interests of individual students. Practical Value: Dynamic ethical thinking expressed by most school leaders in this study involved a thick and rich combination of rule referencing; maximizing benefit and promoting nonmoral good; assessing one’s character, motivation, and disposition and responding with empathy and personal investment; being reflective; and maintaining an open posture. Classification: This is a work of empirical research.
From “Sick Man” to “Miracle”
Authors: Reisenbichler Alexander , Morgan Kimberly J.
Published: November 2012

What explains Germany’s exceptional labor market performance during the Great Recession of 2008-09? Contrary to accounts that emphasize employment protection legislation or government policy (i.e., short-time work), this article argues that actions by firms—embedded in ever-changing coordinative institutional structures—were crucial. Firms chose to keep rather than shed labor, a strategy induced by (i) a “toolkit” of flexible labor market instruments that had evolved incrementally over the past thirty years; (ii) wage restraint and successful internal restructuring of firms during the past decade, which fueled an export boom before the crisis. Firms thus had some margin for maneuver, using internal flexibility to protect their investment in skilled workers. These and other institutional changes driven by firms reflect a process of successful adaptation to external economic challenges, but did not fundamentally undermine Germany’s coordinated form of capitalism. The result is not a new German model that was purposefully designed; instead German firms slowly discovered new ways to cope with economic challenges.
Magris, symbolic spaces and European identity
Authors: Epstein Mark W.
Published: November 2012

This essay examines selected aspects of Claudio Magris’s life and work, his analysis of Mitteleuropean culture, his use of symbolic spaces and his reflection on borders, frontiers, territorialism and identity, as part of a broader set of relations between literature, values, identity, ethics, and the politics and policies of human interaction in more inclusive communities and networks.

Starting from his more local and regional northern Italian identity and Bildung, the essay traces some essential paths through his research into Mitteleuropean culture, centred especially around an examination of the ‘inner’ and individual dynamics of acculturation. It then proceeds to a comparison with the sense of intellectual, Italian and European identity of another famous Germanist, finally to arrive at some of his later works, both fictional and essayistic, placing them in the context of the current institutional dynamics shaping ‘European identity’, examining some the global/‘peripheral’ forces that are most responsible for this ‘shaping’.
On the threshold, always homeward bound: Claudio Magris’s European journey
Authors: Pireddu Nicoletta
Published: November 2012

This essay explores Magris’s extensive reflection on the nature of homeland, dwellings and borders in the construction of individual and European identity. Through an analysis of Magris’s major works, the essay claims that it is in the tension between dissolution and the comfort of temporary housing that Magris locates the new possibilities of a European project and of the self’s home.
Evaluating Relative Mode Effects in Mixed-Mode Surveys:
Authors: Vannieuwenhuyze Jorre T. A. , Loosveldt Geert
Published: November 2012

In order to investigate the advantage of mixed-mode (MM) surveys, selection effects between the modes should be evaluated. Selection effects refer to differences in respondent compositions on the target variables between the modes. However, estimation of selection effects is not an easy task because they may be completely confounded with measurement effects between the modes (differences in measurement error). Publications concerning the estimation of these mode effects are scarce. This article presents and compares three methods that allow measurement effects and selection effects to be evaluated separately. The first method starts from existing publications that avoid the confounding problem by introducing a set of mode-insensitive variables into the analysis model. However, this article will show that this method involves unrealistic assumptions in most practical research. The second and the third methods make use of an MM sample extended by comparable single-mode data. The assumptions, advantages, and disadvantages of all three methods are discussed. Each method will further be illustrated using a set of six variables relating to opinions about surveys among the Flemish population. The results show large differences between the methods.
Readiness for Living Independently Among Emerging Adults With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Hanna Kathleen M. , Weaver Michael T. , Stump Timothy E. , Slaven James E. , Fortenberry J. Dennis , DiMeglio Linda A.
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to examine the association of time (high school to post-high school), living situation (independent of parents or not), diabetes-specific self-efficacy, and worry about hypoglycemia and how diabetes-specific self-efficacy and worry about hypoglycemia are associated with diabetes management among emerging adults with type 1 diabetes.

Methods

Participants (N = 114) completed measures on diabetes management, diabetes-specific self-efficacy, and worry about hypoglycemia during the last 6 months in high school (T1) and diabetes management, diabetes-specific self-efficacy, and living situation post-high school (T2). General linear mixed model for the diabetes management outcome was used to test associations with diabetes-specific self-efficacy, worry about hypoglycemia, time, and living situation independent variables. Moderation by diabetes-specific self-efficacy and worry about hypoglycemia was also tested.

Results

Diabetes management increased from high school to post-high school but was not significantly associated with living situation (independent of parents or not). Diabetes management was better for youth with greater diabetes-specific self-efficacy. However, neither diabetes-specific self-efficacy nor worry about hypoglycemia moderated the relationship between diabetes management and time or between diabetes management and living situation.

Conclusions

Diabetes management improved over time for these emerging adults with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes-specific self-efficacy is important for diabetes management regardless of whether youth are in high school or post-high school and whether living with parents or not.
Transforming Community Members Into Diabetes Cultural Health Brokers
Authors: Cadzow Renee B. , Craig Mary , Rowe Jimmy , Kahn Linda S.
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a community-based diabetes education pilot project. The Neighborhood Health Talker project aimed to train and implement cultural health brokers primarily targeting communities of color to improve community members’ diabetes knowledge and diabetes self-management skills. A secondary aim was to establish diabetes resource libraries accessible to communities that normally experience barriers to these resources.

Methods

Recruited community members completed 1 week of formal training developed by a multidisciplinary team in Buffalo, NY. The effect of training was evaluated through the use of baseline surveys, a pretest/posttest covering all training content, and daily quizzes evaluating knowledge relevant to each of the five training modules. Trained NHTs then held at least five community conversations in various locations and administered anonymous postconversation surveys to participants. Descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis techniques were used to summarize test, quiz, and survey results.

Results

Twelve women and 1 man completed the training program. Working alone as well as in pairs, each held at least five community conversations reaching over 700 community members of all ages over 3 months and established 8 diabetes resource libraries in the community. All trainees increased their diabetes knowledge and confidence as well as their abilities to perform the tasks of a cultural health broker. Trainees also indicated that the goals they set at training initiation were met.

Conclusions

The training was successful in increasing trainee knowledge and confidence about diabetes prevention and self-management. Participants not only developed proficiency in discussing diabetes, they also made important lifestyle changes that demonstrated their commitment to the cause and the project. Low-cost initiatives like this are easily reproducible in other communities of color and could be modified to meet the needs of other communities as well.
Developing and Piloting the Journey to Native Youth Health Program in Northern Plains Indian Communities
Authors: Brown Blakely , Noonan Curtis , Harris Kari Jo , Parker Martin , Gaskill Steven , Ricci Christiana , Cobbs Georgia , Gress Shannon
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to develop a lifestyle change program for Native American youth by modifying the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and assess implementation indicators and short term behavioral and physiological outcomes of the intervention among a small pilot sample.

Methods

Community members and project staff modified the original DPP to be developmentally and culturally appropriate for youth targeting healthy weight maintenance, lowering fat intake, and increasing physical activity. Modifications included incorporating cultural aspects and delivering the program in small groups led by community members. Sixty-four Native American youth, aged 10-14 years old were recruited from 2 Montana Indian reservations to participate in the project, titled “Journey to Native Youth Health.” Participants were randomized to the Journey DPP or a health-oriented comparison condition. Pretest and posttest measures included body mass index (BMI), dietary intake, physical activity (PA), and nutrition knowledge, attitudes and beliefs (KAB).

Results

The target number of participants was recruited and 84% completed the program and final measures. Changes favoring the Journey DPP group were observed on measures of PA, KAB, and kilocalories from fat consumed. As expected given the short (3-month) duration of treatment, there was no overall effect on BMI at end of treatment. Among youth who were overweight or obese at baseline, however, the Journey DPP had lower BMI growth.

Conclusions

Results suggest the Journey DPP is feasible to implement and has the potential to impact behaviors and weight gain associated with risk for type-2 diabetes in Native American youth.
Latent-Variable Approaches to the Jamesian Model of Importance-Weighted Averages
Authors: Scalas L. Francesca , Marsh Herbert W. , Nagengast Benjamin , Morin Alexandre J. S.
Published: November 2012

The individually importance-weighted average (IIWA) model posits that the contribution of specific areas of self-concept to global self-esteem varies systematically with the individual importance placed on each specific component. Although intuitively appealing, this model has weak empirical support; thus, within the framework of a substantive-methodological synergy, we propose a multiple-item latent approach to the IIWA model as applied to a range of self-concept domains (physical, academic, spiritual self-concepts) and subdomains (appearance, math, verbal self-concepts) in young adolescents from two countries. Tests considering simultaneously the effects of self-concept domains on trait self-esteem did not support the IIWA model. On the contrary, support for a normative group importance model was found, in which importance varied as a function of domains but not individuals. Individuals differentially weight the various components of self-concept; however, the weights are largely determined by normative processes, so that little additional information is gained from individual weightings.
Social innovation: An exploration of the barriers faced by innovating organizations in the social economy
Authors: Chalmers Dominic
Published: November 2012

Social and community-based organizations are increasingly viewed as wellsprings of valuable social innovations. Government policies, most notably David Cameron’s Big Society initiative, have entrenched the concept of localism across the UK, and the move towards smaller government has placed the onus on communities to creatively tackle their own problems. While antecedent research on social innovation has largely concentrated on success stories, few have stopped to consider the profound nature of this shift and the operational obstacles it may pose for small resource-constrained organizations. This article seeks to contribute to current debates on social innovation by critically reviewing extant literature and proposing a model of ‘open’ social innovation. Furthermore, it serves as a tool to stimulate further discussion around the ‘opening up’ of the social innovation process and raises some timely questions about the efficacy of localism policy measures.
Regional disparities in Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Reddy A Amarender , Bantilan MCS
Published: November 2012

India is a federal union of 28 states. The states are further subdivided into districts. Andhra Pradesh is one of the largest states in India. This article examines how regional disparities in Andhra Pradesh have developed since its formation in 1956. A large urban centre (Hyderabad) which acts as a hub for economic activities, has attracted factors of production, and has stimulated income and employment opportunities in the surrounding local economy, but its impact on the peripheral districts is limited. There is a need for policy intervention in these peripheral districts in order to reduce regional disparities.
Intestinal Volvulus in Cetaceans
Authors: Begeman L. , Leger J. A. St. , Blyde D. J. , Jauniaux T. P. , Lair S. , Lovewell G. , Raverty S. , Seibel H. , Siebert U. , Staggs S. L. , Martelli P. , Keesler R. I.
Published: November 2012

Intestinal volvulus was recognized as the cause of death in 18 cetaceans, including 8 species of toothed whales (suborder Odontoceti). Cases originated from 11 institutions from around the world and included both captive ( n = 9) and free-ranging ( n = 9) animals. When the clinical history was available ( n = 9), animals consistently demonstrated acute dullness 1 to 5 days prior to death. In 3 of these animals (33%), there was a history of chronic gastrointestinal illness. The pathological findings were similar to those described in other animal species and humans, and consisted of intestinal volvulus and a well-demarcated segment of distended, congested, and edematous intestine with gas and bloody fluid contents. Associated lesions included congested and edematous mesentery and mesenteric lymph nodes, and often serofibrinous or hemorrhagic abdominal effusion. The volvulus involved the cranial part of the intestines in 85% (11 of 13). Potential predisposing causes were recognized in most cases (13 of 18, 72%) but were variable. Further studies investigating predisposing factors are necessary to help prevent occurrence and enhance early clinical diagnosis and management of the condition.
Effect of bond on compressive behaviour of flax fibre reinforced polymer tube–confined coir fibre reinforced concrete
Authors: Yan Libo , Duchez Anne , Chouw Nawawi
Published: November 2012

This study investigated the effect of flax fibre reinforced polymer and concrete bond on the compressive behaviour of flax fibre reinforced polymer–confined plain concrete and coir fibre reinforced concrete. Three types of bond were considered, i.e. concrete confined by (1) flax fibre reinforced polymer tube, (2) flax fibre reinforced polymer tube with internal flax fibre reinforced polymer rings and (3) flax fibre reinforced polymer wrapping. They were termed as naturally, mechanically and adhesively bonded, respectively. A total of 18 flax fibre reinforced polymer–confined plain concrete and coir fibre reinforced concrete cylinders were tested under axial compression. The test results indicated that all the three flax fibre reinforced polymer confinements increased the ultimate compressive strength and ductility of the concrete significantly compared to the unconfined concrete. It was found that the type of flax fibre reinforced polymer and concrete bond has a significant effect on the ultimate strength and axial strain of the confined cylinders. The composite cylinder with naturally bonded offered the largest ultimate strength and axial strain. In all cases of flax fibre reinforced polymer–confined coir fibre reinforced concrete, the coir fibre inclusion reduced the numbers and widths of the cracks in the concrete. Additionally, existing confinement stress and strain models were used to predict the experimental results of the confined plain concrete and coir fibre reinforced concrete cylinders.
Influence of halloysite nanotubes on physical and mechanical properties of cellulose fibres reinforced vinyl ester composites
Authors: Alhuthali AM , Low IM
Published: November 2012

Natural fibres are generally added to polymer matrix composites to produce materials with the desirable mechanical properties of higher specific strength and higher specific modulus while at the same time to maintain a low density and low cost. The physical and mechanical properties of polymer composites can be enhanced through the addition of nanofillers such as halloysite nanotubes. This article describes the fabrication of vinyl ester eco-composites and eco-nanocomposites and characterizes these samples in terms of water absorption, mechanical and thermal properties. Weight gain test and Fourier transform infrared analysis indicated that 5% halloysite nanotube addition gave favourable reduction in the water absorption and increased the fibre–matrix adhesion leading to improved strength properties in the eco-nanocomposites. However, halloysite nanotube addition resulted in reduced toughness but improved thermal stability.
The Financial Costs of Sadness
Authors: Lerner Jennifer S. , Li Ye , Weber Elke U.
Published: November 2012

We hypothesized a phenomenon that we term myopic misery. According to our hypothesis, sadness increases impatience and creates a myopic focus on obtaining money immediately instead of later. This focus, in turn, increases intertemporal discount rates and thereby produces substantial financial costs. In three experiments, we randomly assigned participants to sad- and neutral-state conditions, and then offered intertemporal choices. Disgust served as a comparison condition in Experiments 1 and 2. Sadness significantly increased impatience: Relative to median neutral-state participants, median sad-state participants accepted 13% to 34% less money immediately to avoid waiting 3 months for payment. In Experiment 2, impatient thoughts mediated the effects. Experiment 3 revealed that sadness made people more present biased (i.e., wanting something immediately), but not globally more impatient. Disgusted participants were not more impatient than neutral participants, and that lack of difference implies that the same financial effects do not arise from all negative emotions. These results show that myopic misery is a robust and potentially harmful phenomenon.
The Road to Language Learning Is Iconic
Authors: Thompson Robin L. , Vinson David P. , Woll Bencie , Vigliocco Gabriella
Published: November 2012

An arbitrary link between linguistic form and meaning is generally considered a universal feature of language. However, iconic (i.e., nonarbitrary) mappings between properties of meaning and features of linguistic form are also widely present across languages, especially signed languages. Although recent research has shown a role for sign iconicity in language processing, research on the role of iconicity in sign-language development has been mixed. In this article, we present clear evidence that iconicity plays a role in sign-language acquisition for both the comprehension and production of signs. Signed languages were taken as a starting point because they tend to encode a higher degree of iconic form-meaning mappings in their lexicons than spoken languages do, but our findings are more broadly applicable: Specifically, we hypothesize that iconicity is fundamental to all languages (signed and spoken) and that it serves to bridge the gap between linguistic form and human experience.
Relatives’ Experiences of Frontal-Variant Frontotemporal Dementia
Authors: Oyebode Jan R. , Bradley Paul , Allen Joanne L.
Published: November 2012

In this article we address how relatives of people with frontal-variant frontotemporal dementia (fvFTD) experience the illness and how it impacts their lives. We interviewed 6 participants and carried out interpretative phenomenological analysis. We report on 11 themes that reflect distinctive challenges. Five themes relate to witnessing bizarre and strange changes: changed appetites and drives, loss of planning ability, loss of inhibition leading to social embarrassment, risky behavior, and communication problems. Four relate to managing these changes and two to the impact on the person and his or her relationships. Relatives must live with unusual changes in the person with fvFTD and the stigma this carries in social settings. They learn to act assertively for their relatives and put effort into promoting quality of life, using strategies adapted for fvFTD. Relatives grieve the loss of the person with fvFTD and their mutual relationship, but nonetheless find sources of solace and hope.
Performance comparison of hysteresis pulse width modulation and space vector pulse width modulation techniques for torque ripple reduction in permanent magnet synchronous motor using iterative learning control
Authors: B Adhavan , V Jagannathan
Published: November 2012

Permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) are widely used in high performance applications demanding smooth torque, accurate speed and position control. However the existing PMSM drive produces high torque ripples. The major challenge is to develop new torque control schemes to minimize the torque ripples so as to suit the application requirements. This paper describes two instantaneous field oriented torque control techniques − 1) Iterative learning controller (ILC) in combination with hysteresis pulse width modulation and 2) Iterative learning controller in combination with space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) to reduce torque ripples in PMSM drive. These techniques are simulated for drive performance under different load conditions using the Simulink library in MATLAB Version 10.0 and the results obtained are presented and compared. The simulation results show that the ILC with SVPWM technique has less torque ripples.
How Parents Make Decisions to Use Medication to Treat Their Child’s ADHD
Authors: Cormier Eileen
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND: Despite evidence of efficacy, a substantial percentage of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) either do not begin medication prescribed for their core symptoms or fail to continue treatment. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to understand (a) how parents decide to use medication to treat their child’s ADHD and (b) the factors that influence their adherence to medication over time. DESIGN: Grounded theory guided data collection and analysis. Sixteen semistructured interviews with parents (13 mothers, 3 fathers) of children with ADHD were conducted. RESULTS: The substantive theory developed from the data demonstrates that in seeking to help their child and restore a sense of stability around family life, parents engage in a process of “doing what helps most” in deciding to use medication to treat their child’s ADHD. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions to support and guide parents throughout the decisional process are critical to meet the needs of families of children with ADHD.
Screening for severe physical inactivity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: DePew Zachary S. , Garofoli Adrian C. , Novotny Paul J. , Benzo Roberto P.
Published: November 2012

Objectively measured severe physical inactivity (SPI) has been reported as the strongest independent predictor of mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Activity monitoring is not feasible in routine clinical practice; therefore, we set out to determine the utility of simple clinical measures for predicting SPI in patients with COPD. A total of 165 patients with COPD wore an activity monitor for 5 days to define the presence or absence of SPI. Logistic models were generated including the modified Medical Research Council (MMRC) dyspnea grade, spirometry and the age–dyspnea–airflow obstruction (ADO) index. Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) and Stanford Brief Activity Scale (SBAS) were also tested for validity and reliability in a subgroup of 67 patients. The MMRC dyspnea grade, PASE score, ADO index and SBAS score were associated with SPI, but general self-efficacy and spirometry were not. An MMRC dyspnea grade ≥3 was the best independent predictor of SPI (AUC: 0.74; PPV: 0.83; NPV: 0.68) followed closely by a PASE score of <111. The combination of MMRC dyspnea grade and PASE score provided the most robust model (AUC: 0.83; Positive Predictive Value (PPV): 0.95; Negative Predictive Value (NPV): 0.63). The results were confirmed using 5000 bootstrapped models from the cohort of 165 patients. MMRC dyspnea grade ≥3 may be the best triage tool for SPI in patients with COPD. The combination of the MMRC and PASE score provided the most robust prediction. Our results may have significant practical applicability for clinicians caring for patients with COPD.
Inputs and outcomes
Authors: Disley Philip , Hatton Chris , Dagnan Dave
Published: November 2012

A number of studies involving staff working in services for people with intellectual disabilities have utilised equity theory as a theoretical framework. According to this theory, people evaluate social relationships through the comparison of inputs and outcomes, respectively, with what a person brings to and receives from a relationship. Little is known about what constitute inputs and outcomes for staff working in services for people with intellectual disabilities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 staff to find out what constitute inputs and outcomes for staff who work with people with intellectual disabilities. The interviews were conducted in the first half of 2008 in the United Kingdom. Data were analysed using template analysis. A wide range of inputs and outcomes was identified by staff, which were grouped under high-level themes relating to relationships with their employers, their co-workers and the service users. The utility of the findings, in terms of informing future research, is discussed.
NRE: a tool for exploring neutral loci in the human genome
Authors: Arbiza Leonardo , Zhong Elaine , Keinan Alon
Published: November 2012

Background

Analyzing regions of the genome where genetic variation is free from the confounding effects of natural selection is essential for many population genetic studies. Several recent studies in humans have stressed the large effect of natural selection at linked neutral sites and have shown that the choice of putatively neutral regions can have a marked effect on estimates of demographic history.

Results

NRE (Neutral Region Explorer) provides a mechanism for the easy extraction and analysis of nearly neutral regions from the human genome. It can combine many genomic filters, including filters for selection, recombination rate, genetic distance to the nearest gene, percent overlap with annotated regions, and user-provided loci. The program implements a two-step filtering process for greater versatility, allowing users to compile a basic set of neutrality criteria, explore their effect, and use this knowledge to refine filtering. Results can be instantly downloaded in standard formats, along with summary and ranking statistics, or exported to genome browsers such as those from the 1000 Genomes and UCSC. The applicability and value of NRE are demonstrated through an example in the estimation of the ratio of chromosome X-to-autosomal effective population size using different strategies for the selection of neutral regions.

Conclusions

The combined features of NRE make possible the sort of flexible, rigorous mining and analysis of neutral loci increasingly demanded by population genetic studies. NRE is available at http://nre.cb.bscb.cornell.edu.
Self-reported adherence with the use of a device in a clinical trial as validated by electronic monitors: the VIBES study
Authors: Jeffrey Brianne A , Hannan Marian T , Quinn Emily K , Zimmerman Sheryl , Barton Bruce A , Rubin Clinton T , Kiel Douglas P
Published: November 2012

Background

Adherences to treatments that require a behavioral action often rely on self-reported recall, yet it is vital to determine whether real time self reporting of adherence using a simple logbook accurately captures adherence. The purpose of this study was to determine whether real time self-reported adherence is an accurate measurement of device usage during a clinical trial by comparing it to electronic recording.

Methods

Using data collected from older adult men and women (N=135, mean age 82.3 yrs; range 66 to 98 yrs) participating in a clinical trial evaluating a vibrating platform for the treatment of osteoporosis, daily adherence to platform treatment was monitored using both self-reported written logs and electronically recorded radio-frequency identification card usage, enabling a direct comparison of the two methods over one year. Agreement between methods was also evaluated after stratification by age, gender, time in study, and cognition status.

Results

The two methods were in high agreement (overall intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.96). The agreement between the two methods did not differ between age groups, sex, time in study and cognitive function.

Conclusions

Using a log book to report adherence to a daily intervention requiring a behavioral action in older adults is an accurate and simple approach to use in clinical trials, as evidenced by the high degree of concordance with an electronic monitor.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00396994
Integrated working between residential care homes and primary care: a survey of care homes in England
Authors: Gage Heather , Dickinson Angela , Victor Christina , Williams Peter , Cheynel Jerome , Davies Sue L , Iliffe Steve , Froggatt Katherine , Martin Wendy , Goodman Claire
Published: November 2012

Background

Older people living in care homes in England have complex health needs due to a range of medical conditions, mental health needs and frailty. Despite an increasing policy expectation that professionals should operate in an integrated way across organisational boundaries, there is a lack of understanding between care homes and the National Health Service (NHS) about how the two sectors should work together, meaning that residents can experience a poor "fit" between their needs, and services they can access. This paper describes a survey to establish the current extent of integrated working that exists between care homes and primary and community health and social services.

Methods

A self-completion, online questionnaire was designed by the research team. Items on the different dimensions of integration (funding, administrative, organisational, service delivery, clinical care) were included. The survey was sent to a random sample of residential care homes with more than 25 beds (n = 621) in England in 2009. Responses were analysed using quantitative and qualitative methods.

Results

The survey achieved an overall response rate of 15.8%. Most care homes (78.7%) worked with more than one general practice. Respondents indicated that a mean of 14.1 professionals/ services (other than GPs) had visited the care homes in the last six months (SD 5.11, median 14); a mean of .39 (SD.163) professionals/services per bed. The most frequent services visiting were district nursing, chiropody and community psychiatric nurses. Many (60%) managers considered that they worked with the NHS in an integrated way, including sharing documents, engaging in integrated care planning and joint learning and training. However, some care home managers cited working practices dictated by NHS methods of service delivery and priorities for care, rather than those of the care home or residents, a lack of willingness by NHS professionals to share information, and low levels of respect for the experience and knowledge of care home staff.

Conclusions

Care homes are a hub for a wide range of NHS activity, but this is ad hoc with no recognised way to support working together. Integration between care homes and local health services is only really evident at the level of individual working relationships and reflects patterns of collaborative working rather than integration. More integrated working between care homes and primary health services has the potential to improve quality of care in a cost- effective manner, but strategic decisions to create more formal arrangements are required to bring this about. Commissioners of services for older people need to capitalise on good working relationships and address idiosyncratic patterns of provision to care homes.The low response rate is indicative of the difficulty of undertaking research in care homes.
Rapid and accurate detection of RMP- and INH- resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosisin spinal tuberculosis specimens by CapitalBio™ DNA microarray: A prospective validation study
Authors: Zhang Zehua , Li Litao , Luo Fei , Cheng Peng , Wu Feng , Wu Zheng , Hou Tianyong , Zhong Min , Xu Jianzhong
Published: November 2012

Background

DNA microarrays can detect tuberculosis and its multi-drug resistant form in M. tuberculosis isolates and sputum specimens with high sensitivity and specificity. However, no performance data currently exists for its use in spinal tuberculosis specimens. This study was aimed to assess the performance of the CapitalBio™ DNA microarray in the detection of isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RMP) resistance in spinal tuberculosis compared with the BACT/MGIT 960 system.

Methods

From March 2009 to December 2011, 153 consecutive patients from Southwest Hospital, Chongqing with clinically and pathologically diagnosed spinal tuberculosis were enrolled into this study. Specimens collected during surgery from the tuberculosis patients were subjected to M. tuberculosis species identification and drug-resistance detection by the CapitalBio™ DNA microarray, and results were compared with those obtained from the absolute concentration drug susceptibility testing.

Results

The CapitalBio™ DNA microarray achieved 93.55% sensitivity for the correct M. tuberculosis species identification of the 93 specimens that tested positive for spinal tuberculosis through culture. In addition, twenty-seven additional patients (45.0%) were detected by the DNA microarray to be positive for M. tuberculosis among sixty spinal tuberculosis patients who were culture negative. Moreover, the DNA microarray had a sensitivity of 88.9% and a specificity of 90.7% for RMP resistance, and the microarray had a sensitivity of 80.0% and a specificity of 91.0% for INH resistance. The mean turn-around time of M. tuberculosis species identification and drug resistance detection using the DNA microarray was 5.8 (range, 4–9) hours.

Conclusions

The CapitalBio™ DNA microarray is a feasible and accurate tool for the species identification of M. tuberculosis and for directly detecting RMP and INH resistance from spinal tuberculosis specimens in fewer than 9 hours.
MicroRNA-100 is a potential molecular marker of non-small cell lung cancer and functions as a tumor suppressor by targeting polo-like kinase 1
Authors: Liu Jing , Lu Kai-Hua , Liu Zhi-Li , Sun Ming , De Wei , Wang Zhao-Xia
Published: November 2012

Background

Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is highly expressed in many human cancers and regulates critical steps in mitotic progression. Previously, we have reported that PLK1 was overexpressed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well understood. By using microRNA (miR) target prediction algorithms, we identified miR-100 that might potentially bind the 3’-untranslated region of PLK1 transcripts. The purpose of this study was to investigate the roles of miR-100 and its association with PLK1 in NSCLC development.

Methods

Taqman real-time quantitative RT-PCR assay was performed to detect miR-100 expression 10 NSCLC tissues and corresponding nontumor tissues. Additionally, the expression of miR-100 in 110 NSCLC tissues and its correlation with clinicopathological factors or prognosis of patients was analyzed. Finally, the effects of miR-100 expression on growth, apoptosis and cell cycle of NSCLC cells by posttranscriptionally regulating PLK1 expression were determined.

Results

MiR-100 was significantly downregulated in NSCLC tissues, and low miR-100 expression was found to be closely correlated with higher clinical stage, advanced tumor classification and lymph node metastasis of patients. The overall survival of NSCLC patients with low miR-100 was significantly lower than that of those patients with high miR-100, and univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that low miR-100 expression might be a poor prognostic factor. Also, miR-100 mimics could lead to growth inhibition, G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis enhancement in NSCLC cells. Meanwhile, miR-100 mimics could significantly inhibit PLK1 mRNA and protein expression and reduce the luciferase activity of a PLK1 3’ untranslated region-based reporter construct in A549 cells. Furthermore, small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated PLK1 downregulation could mimic the effects of miR-100 mimics while PLK1 overexpression could partially rescue the phenotypical changes of NSCLC cells induced by miR-100 mimics.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that low miR-100 may be a poor prognostic factor for NSCLC patients and functions as a tumor suppressor by posttranscriptionally regulating PLK1 expression.
Overexpression of Snail is associated with lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Shin Na Ri , Jeong Eun Hui , Choi Chang In , Moon Hyun Jung , Kwon Chae Hwa , Chu In Sun , Kim Gwang Ha , Jeon Tae Yong , Kim Dae Hwan , Lee Jae Hyuk , Park Do Youn
Published: November 2012

Background

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a significant role in tumor progression and invasion. Snail is a known regulator of EMT in various malignant tumors. This study investigated the role of Snail in gastric cancer.

Methods

We examined the effects of silenced or overexpressed Snail using lenti-viral constructs in gastric cancer cells. Immunohistochemical analysis of tissue microarrays from 314 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma (GC) was used to determine Snail’s clinicopathological and prognostic significance. Differential gene expression in 45 GC specimens with Snail overexpression was investigated using cDNA microarray analysis.

Results

Silencing of Snail by shRNA decreased invasion and migration in GC cell lines. Conversely, Snail overexpression increased invasion and migration of gastric cancer cells, in line with increased VEGF and MMP11. Snail overexpression (≥75% positive nuclear staining) was also significantly associated with tumor progression (P < 0.001), lymph node metastases (P = 0.002), lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.002), and perineural invasion (P = 0.002) in the 314 GC patients, and with shorter survival (P = 0.023). cDNA microarray analysis revealed 213 differentially expressed genes in GC tissues with Snail overexpression, including genes related to metastasis and invasion.

Conclusion

Snail significantly affects invasiveness/migratory ability of GCs, and may also be used as a predictive biomarker for prognosis or aggressiveness of GCs.
National Essential Medicines List and policy practice: A case study of China’s health care reform
Authors: Tian Xin , Song Yaran , Zhang Xinping
Published: November 2012

Background

In 2009, China implemented the national essential medicines system by enacting the National Essential Medicines List 2009. According to the policy of this system, primary health care institutions can only stock and use essential medicines on the prescribed List. Meanwhile, each province can choose to make its own list of supplemented medicines. The goal of the study is to provide suggestions for emerging problems and identify future policy-making trends.

Methods

In this study, we statistically analyzed the National Essential Medicines List 2009 and lists of supplemented medicines of all 29 provinces. We also examined the rationality of such medicines based on the DELPHI method and literature review, after which we studied the provincial supplements in relation to the national essential medicines system.

Results

We demonstrated that the National Essential Medicines List 2009 provides a comprehensive coverage of diseases as well as reasonable varieties of drugs for their treatment. The average number of supplemented medicines in 29 provinces is 207, with each medicine included in 2.9 provincial lists on average. Only 2.6% supplemented medicines are included by more than half of the provinces (>15), indicating great regional variance. Among the 32 most frequently supplemented medicines, only 18 meet the selection principles, including two with strict usage restrictions.

Conclusion

The structure and selection of the National Essential Medicines List 2009 are relatively reasonable. The main problems, however, include the excessive and non-scientific selection of medicines on the supplemented medicines list. The function of the provincial lists of supplemented medicines has not been achieved, which has influenced the effectiveness of the national essential medicines system in China.
Enhancing solubility of deoxyxylulose phosphate pathway enzymes for microbial isoprenoid production
Authors: Zhou Kang , Zou Ruiyang , Stephanopoulos Gregory , Too Heng-Phon
Published: November 2012

Background

Recombinant proteins are routinely overexpressed in metabolic engineering. It is well known that some over-expressed heterologous recombinant enzymes are insoluble with little or no enzymatic activity. This study examined the solubility of over-expressed homologous enzymes of the deoxyxylulose phosphate pathway (DXP) and the impact of inclusion body formation on metabolic engineering of microbes.

Results

Four enzymes of this pathway (DXS, ISPG, ISPH and ISPA), but not all, were highly insoluble, regardless of the expression systems used. Insoluble dxs (the committed enzyme of DXP pathway) was found to be inactive. Expressions of fusion tags did not significantly improve the solubility of dxs. However, hypertonic media containing sorbitol, an osmolyte, successfully doubled the solubility of dxs, with the concomitant improvement in microbial production of the metabolite, DXP. Similarly, sorbitol significantly improved the production of soluble and functional ERG12, the committed enzyme in the mevalonate pathway.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the unanticipated findings that some over-expressed homologous enzymes of the DXP pathway were highly insoluble, forming inclusion bodies, which affected metabolite formation. Sorbitol was found to increase both the solubility and function of some of these over-expressed enzymes, a strategy to increase the production of secondary metabolites.
Cycloartane-3,24,25-triol inhibits MRCKα kinase and demonstrates promising anti prostate cancer activity in vitro
Authors: Lowe Henry I C , Watson Charah T , Badal Simone , Toyang Ngeh J , Bryant Joseph
Published: November 2012

Background

Given the high occurrence of prostate cancer worldwide and one of the major sources of the discovery of new lead molecules being medicinal plants, this research undertook to investigate the possible anti-cancer activity of two natural cycloartanes; cycloartane-3,24,25-diol (extracted in our lab from Tillandsia recurvata) and cycloartane-3,24,25-triol (purchased). The inhibition of MRCKα kinase has emerged as a potential solution to restoring the tight regulation of normal cellular growth, the loss of which leads to cancer cell formation.

Methods

Kinase inhibition was investigated using competition binding (to the ATP sites) assays which have been previously established and authenticated and cell proliferation was measured using the WST-1 assay.

Results

Cycloartane-3,24,25-triol demonstrated strong selectivity towards the MRCKα kinase with a Kd50 of 0.26 μM from a total of 451 kinases investigated. Cycloartane-3,24,25-triol reduced the viability of PC-3 and DU145 cell lines with IC50 values of 2.226 ± 0.28 μM and 1.67 ± 0.18 μM respectively.

Conclusions

These results will prove useful in drug discovery as Cycloartane-3,24,25-triol has shown potential for development as an anti-cancer agent against prostate cancer.