bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An integral‐imaging three‐dimensional display with wide viewing angle
Authors: Deng Huan , Wang Qiong‐Hua , Li Lei , Li Da‐Hai
Published: September 2011

Abstract— The viewing angle and flipping areas of a conventional integral‐imaging three‐dimensional (3‐D) display were analyzed. The pitches of the elemental image and micro‐lens are identical. The more micro‐lenses used, the smaller the viewing angle becomes and the wider the flipping areas become. In this paper, an improved integral‐imaging 3‐D display is presented. The pitch of the elemental image is larger than that of the micro‐lens. The single‐viewing angles of all micro‐lenses converge and there are no flipping areas at the optimal viewing distance. Computational reconstructions of improved and conventional integral imaging were carried out, and experimental results demonstrate that improved integral‐imaging 3‐D displays have a wider viewing angle than the conventional ones and do not have flipping areas at the optimal viewing distance.
September 11, 2001: Ten Years Later
Authors: McCann David GC , Cordi Heidi P.
Published: September 2011

World perceptions of security and health threats have changed in the last decade. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 ushered communities into a new paradigm of social construct and behavior. In the United States (U.S.) the heightened security measures, surveillance, and medical preparedness of the Patriot Act have had far reaching effects on various sectors of our society. Fortunately, there has not been a successful attack on U.S. soil since 9‐11, but our allies in the “war on terror” have not been so fortunate (e.g. London, Madrid, Mumbai and Oslo bombings). Changes in the scope of civilian and military involvement and an expanding medical role are discussed.
A Physician's Remembrance of 9‐11: Where We Were and Where We Are
Authors: Cordi Heidi P.
Published: September 2011

Disaster preparedness has become more evident in our daily lives within the last decade. September 11, 2001 has put the fear of terrorism and even bioterrorism into our lives. We have become more cautious. Thanks to federal regulations and policies, and national media and other venues, we are not only more keenly aware of potential threats, we are also more prepared.
Belatacept-versus Cyclosporine-Based Immunosuppression in Renal Transplant Recipients with Pre-existing Diabetes
Authors: Rostaing Lionel , Neumayer Hans H. , Reyes-Acevedo Rafael , Bresnahan Barbara , Florman Sander , Vitko Stefan , Heifets Michael , Xing Jun , Thomas Dolca , Vincenti Flavio
Published: September 2011

Background and objectives

Renal transplant recipients with pre-existing diabetes (PD) have reduced graft survival and increased risk of mortality and ischemic heart disease compared with nondiabetic transplant recipients. To assess the effect of belatacept in this high-risk group, we evaluated outcomes of the subpopulation with PD from previously published BENEFIT and BENEFIT-EXT trials.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

A post hoc analysis evaluated pooled data from BENEFIT (living donors or standard criteria donors) and BENEFIT-EXT (extended criteria donors). Patients were randomized to receive cyclosporine or a more intensive (MI) or less intensive (LI) belatacept regimen.

Results

Of 1209 intent-to-treat patients, 336 had PD. At 12 months, the belatacept LI arm demonstrated a numerically higher rate of patients surviving with a functioning graft (90.4% MI [103 of 114], 92.8% LI [90 of 97], and 80.8% cyclosporine [101 of 125]), and fewer serious adverse events than cyclosporine or MI patients. Three cases of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder were reported in LI patients, one involving the central nervous system. Higher rates (% [95% confidence interval]: 22.8% MI [15.1 to 30.5]; 20.6% LI [12.6 to 28.7]; 14.4% cyclosporine (8.2 to 20.6]) and grades of acute rejection were observed with belatacept. Measured GFR (ml/min per 1.73 m2, 59.8 MI; 62.5 LI; 45.4 cyclosporine), and cardiovascular risk profile were better for belatacept versus cyclosporine.

Conclusions

In post hoc analysis of patients with PD, patient/graft survival and renal function at 12 months were numerically higher with belatacept versus cyclosporine, but not statistically significant. Further study is necessary to confirm the benefits belatacept may provide in these patients.
Relationship between Blood Pressure and Incident Chronic Kidney Disease in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Hanratty Rebecca , Chonchol Michel , Havranek Edward P. , Powers J. David , Dickinson L. Miriam , Ho P. Michael , Magid David J. , Steiner John F.
Published: September 2011

Background and objectives

Hypertension is an important cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Identifying risk factors for progression to CKD in patients with normal kidney function and hypertension may help target therapies to slow or prevent decline of kidney function. Our objective was to identify risk factors for development of incident CKD and decline in estimated GFR (eGFR) in hypertensive patients.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the relationship between incident CKD (defined as eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2) and potential risk factors for CKD from a registry of hypertensive patients.

Results

Of 43,305 patients meeting the inclusion criteria, 12.1% (5236 patients) developed incident CKD. Diabetes was the strongest predictor of incident CKD (hazard ratio, 1.96; 95% confidence interval, 1.84 to 2.09) and was associated with the greatest rate of decline in eGFR (−2.2 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year). Time-varying systolic BP was associated with incident CKD with risk increasing above 120 mmHg; each 10-mmHg increase in baseline and time-varying systolic BP was associated with a 6% increase in the risk of developing CKD (hazard ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval, 1.04 to 1.08 for both). Time-weighted systolic BP was associated with a more rapid decline in eGFR of an additional 0.2 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year decline for every 10-mmHg increase in systolic BP.

Conclusions

We found that time-varying systolic BP was associated with incident CKD, with an increase in risk above a systolic BP of 120 mmHg among individuals with hypertension.
The Role of Antimicrobial Peptides in Preventing Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Infections and Biofilm Formation
Authors: Park Seong-Cheol , Park Yoonkyung , Hahm Kyung-Soo
Published: September 2011

Over the last decade, decreasing effectiveness of conventional antimicrobial-drugs has caused serious problems due to the rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens. Furthermore, biofilms, which are microbial communities that cause serious chronic infections and dental plaque, form environments that enhance antimicrobial resistance. As a result, there is a continuous search to overcome or control such problems, which has resulted in antimicrobial peptides being considered as an alternative to conventional drugs. Antimicrobial peptides are ancient host defense effector molecules in living organisms. These peptides have been identified in diverse organisms and synthetically developed by using peptidomimic techniques. This review was conducted to demonstrate the mode of action by which antimicrobial peptides combat multidrug-resistant bacteria and prevent biofilm formation and to introduce clinical uses of these compounds for chronic disease, medical devices, and oral health. In addition, combinations of antimicrobial peptides and conventional drugs were considered due to their synergetic effects and low cost for therapeutic treatment.
A Novel Design of an Automatic Lighting Control System for a Wireless Sensor Network with Increased Sensor Lifetime and Reduced Sensor Numbers
Authors: Mohamaddoust Reza , Haghighat Abolfazl Toroghi , Motahari Sharif Mohamad Javad , Capanni Niccolo
Published: September 2011

Wireless sensor networks (WSN) are currently being applied to energy conservation applications such as light control. We propose a design for such a system called a Lighting Automatic Control System (LACS). The LACS system contains a centralized or distributed architecture determined by application requirements and space usage. The system optimizes the calculations and communications for lighting intensity, incorporates user illumination requirements according to their activities and performs adjustments based on external lighting effects in external sensor and external sensor-less architectures. Methods are proposed for reducing the number of sensors required and increasing the lifetime of those used, for considerably reduced energy consumption. Additionally we suggest methods for improving uniformity of illuminance distribution on a workplane’s surface, which improves user satisfaction. Finally simulation results are presented to verify the effectiveness of our design.
Avoir 30 ans et être encore célibataire : une catégorie émergente en Algérie
Authors: Ouadah-Bedidi Zahia
Published: September 2011

Résumé Dans la société algérienne, le mariage est traditionnellement considéré comme une étape incontournable de la vie d’un individu. Il y a seulement une trentaine d’années, les femmes se mariaient en moyenne à 18 ans et les hommes à 23 ans. Aujourd’hui, le mariage précoce reste exceptionnel et le mariage très tardif devient presque la norme. En 2002, les femmes et les hommes se marient en moyenne après 30 ans ; une femme sur trois et un homme sur deux sont encore célibataires à 30-34 ans. C’est un phénomène qui touche aussi bien les grandes villes que les campagnes sur l’ensemble du territoire. Cette montée spectaculaire du célibat est associée d’une part à des facteurs de modernisation, comme l’instruction, et à des facteurs de crise et de pauvreté comme le chômage et la pénurie de logement, et d’autre part, à l’évolution des mentalités et à la perception même du mariage et de la place des individus et de la femme dans le couple, la famille et la société.
Socialisation familiale et investissement des filles et des garçons dans les pratiques culturelles et sportives associatives
Authors: Mennesson Christine
Published: September 2011

Résumé Cet article analyse les activités culturelles et sportives associatives des enfants, souvent plus stables et plus sensibles aux influences parentales que les cultures enfantines. Centré sur l’étude des modes de transmissions des normes de genre et des pratiques associées, ce travail témoigne de l’importance de la division sexuée des investissements sportifs enfantins, corrélative d’une division sexuée du travail éducatif. Il met également en évidence la complexité des processus de transmission, les influences médiatiques et celles des pairs contredisant parfois les positions parentales. Enfin, l’article aborde la question du changement social, en analysant les caractéristiques des familles plus favorables au questionnement des normes de genre.
Long-Term Care Nurse Role Models in Clinical Nursing Education: The ECLEPs Experience
Authors: White Diana L. , Cartwright Juliana , Lottes Jost
Published: September 2011

This article describes the partnership formed between long-term care (LTC) staff nurses and clinical nursing faculty to provide students with excellent clinical experiences in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The nurses, called Clinical Education Liaisons, contributed to faculty understanding about LTC and served as resources for students. Faculty provided ongoing mentorship about current trends in clinical education. An in-person interactive training program prepared the nurses and faculty for their new partnership roles. Evaluation results indicate the Enriching Clinical Learning Environments through Partnerships program was successful, with all LTC nurses indicating they would participate in the program again. They also reported that the students had contributed to their organizations and were being well prepared for future practice.
Anticoagulation Therapy in Older Adults Newly Diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Walling Judy , Spain Margaret , Edlund Barbara J.
Published: September 2011

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common chronic arrhythmia and the most serious heart rhythm irregularity in individuals older than 70. It is usually not life threatening in and of itself, but it can lead to serious medical problems, including stroke, additional heart rhythm problems, and heart failure. Symptoms of AF vary considerably. Some patients are asymptomatic and have a self-limiting arrhythmia of short duration that converts to normal sinus without any intervention. Symptomatic patients may experience minor palpitations, severe palpitations, or even more vague symptoms such as lightheadedness, shortness of breath, or fatigue. More serious symptoms, such as syncope, new or worsening heart failure, or a cerebral vascular accident, may occur. The initial goals of treatment include controlling ventricular rate and addressing anticoagulation status. New guidelines help clinicians effectively manage anticoagulant therapy for older adults newly diagnosed with AF.
The Boston Type I Keratoprosthesis: An Assessment of Its Efficacy and Safety
Authors: Verdejo-Gómez Lucía , Peláez Natalia , Gris Oscar , Güell José Luis
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Boston Type I keratoprosthesis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Twelve patients who underwent surgery with implantation of the Boston Type I keratoprosthesis were monitored. The following parameters were considered: diagnosis, comorbidity, previous surgery, preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, complications, and keratoprosthetic retention.

RESULTS:

The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 42 months (mean: 23 months). The mean number of previous keratoplasties was 2.0. The percentage of patients whose best-corrected visual acuity improved was 83.3%, and 16.7% maintained their previous vision. No patient had preoperative visual acuity better than 0.05. Patients with glaucoma comorbidity had the most limited final postoperative vision. Four eyes presented limited corneal melt. In another two eyes, corneal stromal bleeding led to a vitreous hemorrhage that was completely resolved after some weeks. No endophthalmitis or extrusion of the device occurred.

CONCLUSION:

The Boston Type I keratoprosthesis has a visual rehabilitation potential in cases of complicated corneal blindness, where the prognosis of a conventional keratoplasty is considered poor. Anatomical retention may be favorable in the medium term.
Myxedema Coma: A New Look into an Old Crisis
Authors: Mathew Vivek , Misgar Raiz Ahmad , Ghosh Sujoy , Mukhopadhyay Pradip , Roychowdhury Pradip , Pandit Kaushik , Mukhopadhyay Satinath , Chowdhury Subhankar
Published: September 2011

Myxedema crisis is a severe life threatening form of decompensated hypothyroidism which is associated with a high mortality rate. Infections and discontinuation of thyroid supplements are the major precipitating factors while hypothermia may not play a major role in tropical countries. Low intracellular T3 leads to cardiogenic shock, respiratory depression, hypothermia and coma. Patients are identified on the basis of a low index of suspicion with a careful history and examination focused on features of hypothyroidism and precipitating factors. Arrythmias and coagulation disorders are increasingly being identified in myxedema crisis. Thyroid replacement should be initiated as early as possible with careful attention to hypotension, fluid replacement and steroid replacement in an intensive care facility. Studies have shown that replacement of thyroid hormone through ryles tube with a loading dose and maintenance therapy is as efficacious as intravenous therapy. In many countries T3 is not available and oral therapy with T4 can be used effectively without major significant difference in outcomes. Hypotension, bradycardia at presentation, need for mechanical ventilation, hypothermia unresponsive to treatment, sepsis, intake of sedative drugs, lower GCS and high APACHE II scores and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores more than 6 are significant predictors of mortality in myxedema crisis. Early intervention in hypothyroid patients developing sepsis and other precipitating factors and ensuring continued intake of thyroid supplements may prevent mortality and morbidity associated with myxedema crisis.
Neanderthals versus Modern Humans: Evidence for Resource
Competition from Isotopic Modelling
Authors: Fabre Virginie , Condemi Silvana , Degioanni Anna , Herrscher Estelle
Published: September 2011

During later MOIS3, in Europe two populations were present, autochthonous Neanderthals and modern humans. Ecological competition between these two populations has often been evoked but never demonstrated. Our aim is to establish whether resource competition occurred. In this paper, in order to examine the possibility of ecological competition between these two populations, 599 isotopic data were subjected to rigorous statistical treatment and analysis through mixing models. The aim of this paper was to compare dietary strategies of Neanderthals and modern humans over time. Our conclusions suggest that Neanderthals and modern humans shared dietary habits in the particular environmental context of MOIS3 characterised in Europe by climatic deterioration. In this environmental context, the resource competition between Neanderthals and modern humans may have accelerated the disappearance of the Neanderthal population.
Evidence for an important tectonostratigraphic seismic marker across Canada Basin and southern Alpha Ridge of the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Shimeld J W , Chian D , Jackson H R , Hutchinson D , Mosher D C , Wade J
A , Chapman C B
Published: September 2011

An extensive modern dataset of short-offset seismic reflection profiles coupled with wide-angle reflection and refraction sonobuoy records enable new insights into the crustal types, rifting processes, subsidence history, and sedimentary sequences of Canada
Basin, Northwind Ridge, and southern Alpha Ridge. Exceeding 6.5 km in thickness across southern Canada Basin and thinning northward to Alpha Ridge, the sedimentary succession is divided into more than a dozen regional seismostratigraphic units, the oldest of which is informally named the bisque
unit. Characterized by anomalously high-amplitude reflections, this unit is of interest since it immediately overlies acoustic basement and may indicate something about the nature of basement and its tectonic history. Along southern Alpha Ridge, including Nautilus Spur, the base of the bisque unit
is marked by a prominent angular unconformity that can be traced southward into Canada Basin before becoming obscured by deep burial. The bisque unit appears to be concordant with basement topography and it is clearly offset by faults created during the most recent significant extension of the
basin. Distinct onlap of overlying units indicates that extension was accompanied by apparently rapid subsidence and then quiescence. Large basement structures interpreted to be volcanic edifices are immediately overlain and at least partially covered by the bisque unit which might indicate a
genetic linkage. On sonobuoy records, two distinct phenomena are observed for the bisque layer: 1) wide-angle reflections and refractions on records distributed widely across the study area; and 2) high amplitude phases of anomalously low apparent velocity across northern Canada Basin and Nautilus
Spur. The latter are modelled as converted waves with down-going P-to-S and up-going S-to-P conversions occurring at the bisque layer. This is an important phenomenon since it presents the possibility of estimating Poisson's ratio for crustal layers beneath bisque which would be a valuable
constraint in determining crustal types. Though not yet sampled, the bisque unit is interpreted to consist of highvelocity siliceous oozes interbedded with hemipelagic and pelagic sedimentation. In Canada Basin, it may correlate with mid-to-upper Cretaceous tuffs of the Christopher and Kanguk
formations found on Banks and Prince Patrick islands. The unit may become increasingly younger northward over Alpha Ridge.
Development of affective modelling competencies in primary school learners
Authors: Biccard Piera , Wessels Dirk
Published: September 2011

Learner affect and beliefs about mathematics are complex and multifaceted aspects of mathematical learning. Traditional teaching and learning approaches in mathematics education often result in problematic beliefs about mathematics. Since beliefs influence what learners learn and how they deal with learning mathematics, it is essential that the roles of beliefs and affect in mathematics classrooms are carefully examined. In solving modelling problems, learners and teachers take on new roles in the classroom: learners are placed in an active, self-directing situation in which they solve real-world problems. When learners engage in modelling tasks, they display and integrate cognitive, meta-cognitive and affective competencies. A modelling approach therefore allows one to detect learner beliefs in an authentic learning environment. Will this environment lead to students having more positive and productive dispositions towards mathematics? This article presents partial results of a study documenting the development of modelling competencies in learners working in groups over a period of 12 weeks. Through a design research approach, 12 learners working in groups solved three modelling problems, and transcriptions of learner interactions, questionnaires and informal interviews revealed that learner beliefs improved over this short period when exposed to modelling tasks. The results are encouraging, and may provide mathematics education with an avenue to develop more positive learner beliefs in mathematics.
Attractors with vanishing rotation number
Authors: Ortega Rafael , Ruiz del Portal Francisco R.
Published: September 2011

Given an orientation-preserving homeomorphism of the plane, a rotation number can be associated with each locally attracting fixed point. Assuming that the homeomorphism is dissipative and the rotation number vanishes we prove the existence of a second fixed point. The main tools in the proof are Carathéodory prime ends and fixed point index. The result is applicable to some concrete problems in the theory of periodic differential equations.
Variations of mixed Hodge structure attached to the deformation theory of a complex variation of Hodge structures
Authors: Eyssidieux Philippe , Simpson Carlos
Published: September 2011

Let

X

be a compact Kähler manifold,

x\in X

be a base point and

\rho: \pi_1(X,x) \to GL_N(\mathbb C)

be the monodromy representation of a

\mathbb C

-VHS. Building on Goldman–Millson’s classical work, we construct a mixed Hodge structure on the complete local ring of the representation variety at

\rho

and a variation of mixed Hodge structures whose monodromy is the universal deformation of

\rho

.
Effectiveness of Interventions Designed to Modify and Maintain Perceptual Abilities in People With Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
Authors: Letts Lori , Minezes Jacqueline , Edwards Mary , Berenyi Julie , Moros Kathy , O’Neill Colleen , O’Toole Colleen
Published: September 2011

An evidence-based review was undertaken to answer the question, “What is the evidence for the effect of interventions designed to modify and maintain perceptual abilities on the occupational performance of people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias?” A systematic search of electronic databases and application of inclusion and exclusion criteria guided the selection of 31 articles. Each article was critically appraised, and the evidence was synthesized. Some interventions use remaining perceptual abilities to enable people to find their way in a facility and decrease attempts at exiting. Preliminary evidence has supported use of visual stimulation and barriers. We found some evidence for the use of auditory stimuli and group therapy that aim to change perceptual abilities. Research with high-level evidence is required to validate these findings. Evidence on the benefits of Snoezelen® is not conclusive for occupational performance outcomes; further research to justify its use as an occupational therapy intervention may be warranted.
Effectiveness of Interventions Designed to Modify the Activity Demands of the Occupations of Self-Care and Leisure for People With Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
Authors: Padilla René
Published: September 2011

A systematic review of evidence for the effectiveness of modification of activity demands in the care of people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) was conducted as part of the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Evidence-Based Literature Review Project. The review included 10 articles addressing occupations of self-care and leisure. No reports related to work and social participation were located. Results suggest that evidence for this intervention’s effectiveness is strong. Four practice principles were derived from this appraisal: (1) Occupational therapy programs should be individualized to elicit the person’s highest level of retained skill and interest, (2) cues used while assisting people with AD to complete tasks should be short and provide clear direction, (3) compensatory strategies in the form of environmental modifications and simple adaptive equipment should be specifically implemented on the basis of the unique needs of the person, and (4) caregiver training and involvement are essential in implementing individualized programs.
Effectiveness of Interventions to Prevent Falls in People With Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
Authors: Jensen Lou E. , Padilla René
Published: September 2011

A systematic review was conducted to determine the effectiveness of interventions to prevent falls in people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related dementias. Twelve research reports met inclusion criteria. Studies reported on three types of intervention: (1) exercise- and motor-based interventions, (2) nursing staff–directed interventions, and (3) multidisciplinary interventions. Strategies were offered as single or multifaceted intervention programs. All types of intervention resulted in benefit, although the evidence for effectiveness is tentative because of the studies’ limitations. More research is needed to better understand appropriate dosages of intervention. No evidence was found for the effectiveness of prevention programs accessed as part of occasional respite care. Occupational therapy was seldom involved in the interventions researched. Because effective fall prevention programs are embedded in people’s daily routines and encouraged participation in occupation, the contribution occupational therapy practitioners can make to the care of people with AD has yet to be fully realized.
Re-analysis of tropospheric sulfate aerosol and ozone for the period 1980–2005 using the aerosol-chemistry-climate model ECHAM5-HAMMOZ
Authors: Pozzoli L. , Janssens-Maenhout G. , Diehl T. , Bey I. , Schultz M. G. , Feichter J. , Vignati E. , Dentener F.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. Understanding historical trends of trace gas and aerosol distributions in the troposphere is essential to evaluate the efficiency of existing strategies to reduce air pollution and to design more efficient future air quality and climate policies. We performed coupled photochemistry and aerosol microphysics simulations for the period 1980–2005 using the aerosol-chemistry-climate model ECHAM5-HAMMOZ, to assess our understanding of long-term changes and inter-annual variability of the chemical composition of the troposphere, and in particular of ozone and sulfate concentrations, for which long-term surface observations are available. In order to separate the impact of the anthropogenic emissions and natural variability on atmospheric chemistry, we compare two model experiments, driven by the same ECMWF re-analysis data, but with varying and constant anthropogenic emissions, respectively. Our model analysis indicates an increase of ca. 1 ppbv (0.055 ± 0.002 ppbv yr−1) in global average surface O3 concentrations due to anthropogenic emissions, but this trend is largely masked by the larger O3 anomalies due to the variability of meteorology and natural emissions. The changes in meteorology (not including stratospheric variations) and natural emissions account for the 75 % of the total variability of global average surface O3 concentrations. Regionally, annual mean surface O3 concentrations increased by 1.3 and 1.6 ppbv over Europe and North America, respectively, despite the large anthropogenic emission reductions between 1980 and 2005. A comparison of winter and summer O3 trends with measurements shows a qualitative agreement, except in North America, where our model erroneously computed a positive trend. Simulated O3 increases of more than 4 ppbv in East Asia and 5 ppbv in South Asia can not be corroborated with long-term observations. Global average sulfate surface concentrations are largely controlled by anthropogenic emissions. Globally natural emissions are an important driver determining AOD variations. Regionally, AOD decreased by 28 % over Europe, while it increased by 19 % and 26 % in East and South Asia. The global radiative perturbation calculated in our model for the period 1980–2005 was rather small (0.05 W m−2 for O3 and 0.02 W m−2 for total aerosol direct effect), but larger perturbations ranging from −0.54 to 1.26 W m−2 are estimated in those regions where anthropogenic emissions largely varied.
Rigid Iris-Fixated Phakic Lens Implantation for High Myopia: Novel Trapezoidal Corneal versus Scleral Incisions
Authors: Wang Kai Jie , Wang Ning Li , Zhang Feng Ju , Zhu Si Quan
Published: September 2011

Purpose

To compare refractive performance of implantation of an iris-fixated phakic intraocular lens (PIOL) through a novel trapezoidal corneal and a scleral tunnel incision.

Methods

Sixty-nine eyes selected to undergo PIOL implantation were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: 5.2-mm trapezoidal corneal incision (TCI), 34 eyes; 5.2-mm scleral tunnel incision (STI), 35 eyes. Visual acuity, refraction, corneal astigmatism, tonometry, and endothelial cell density were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively. Surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) was calculated using vector analysis.

Results

No intraoperative complications were noted. One day after surgery, the quantity of cells in the anterior chamber was significantly lower in TCI group than in STI group (p=0.019). The percentage of eyes with uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) of ≥20/25 was 41.2% for TCI and 17.1% for STI; the difference was statistically significant (p=0.03), but not thereafter. The mean corneal astigmatism was significantly lower in the TCI group than in the STI group (p=0.01) 3 months postoperatively and subsequently. No significant between-group difference in SIA was found during the follow-up. There was no significant difference in best-corrected visual acuity and endothelial cell loss between groups, postoperatively.

Conclusions

The TCI and STI techniques are comparable in terms of safety and induction of astigmatism for the rigid iris-fixated PIOL implantation. However, the TCI is easy to perform and provides a faster visual recovery and lower postoperative corneal astigmatism compared with the STI.
Identifying Mothers with Postpartum Depression Early: Integrating Perinatal Mental Health Care into the Obstetric Setting
Authors: Chen Helen , Wang Jemie , Ch'ng Ying Chia , Mingoo Roshayati , Lee Theresa , Ong Julia
Published: September 2011

With prevalence rates of postnatal depression (PND) as high as at least 7%, there was a need for early detection and intervention of postpartum mental illness amongst Singaporean mothers. This is a report on the first year results of our country's first PND Intervention Programme. The programme consists of two phases: (1) postpartum women were screened with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and provided appropriate care plans; (2) individualized clinical intervention using a case management multidisciplinary team model. Screening for PND was generally acceptable, as 64% eligible women participated voluntarily. Nine percent (126) were identified as probable cases from 1369 women. Forty-one women accepted intervention and achieved 78% reduction in the EPDS symptom scores to below the cutoff of 13, 76% had improvement in GAF functioning scores, and 68% had improved health quality scores. Preliminary results are promising, and this intervention model can be replicated.
Influence of Mass and Heat Transfer on Morphologies of Metal Oxide Nanochannel Arrays Prepared by Anodization Method
Authors: Wang Xixin , Zhao Jianling , Wang Xiaohui , Zhou Ji
Published: September 2011

We discuss the influence of mass and heat transfer on the morphologies of Al, Ti, and Zr nanochannel arrays during anodization process. When these metals are anodized, the nanopores are firstly formed at the metal surface, and the nonuniform distribution of mass transfer in the pores results in the increase of pore depth. The nonuniform temperature distribution and the downward movement of reaction interface lead to the temperature changes and the generation of microcracks inside the pore wall, which results in the conversion of nanopores into nanotubes. The low-valency oxides also make the middle of the pore wall crack easily. The morphologies during metal anodization depend greatly on the temperature at the reaction interface. At low interface temperature, it appears to form the nanopores more easily, and, at high interface temperature, it is more propitious to form the nanotube structure. Many factors including resistivity, thermal conductivity, oxidizing reaction heat, and electric field strength (or current density) affect the reaction interface temperature.
Advances in Free Radical Reactions of Organoselenium and Organotellurium Compounds
Authors: David J. Press Thomas G. Back
Published: September 2011

Free radical reactions of organoselenium and tellurium compounds have been widely studied and exploited since the first two volumes of this series appeared. Alkyl aryl selenides and tellurides undergo alkyl C‐Se or C‐Te cleavage with stannanes or silanes to generate alkyl radicals that can be employed in reductions, allylations and both intermolecular and intramolecular additions to a large variety of unsaturated substrates, terminated by either hydrogen or arylchalcogen transfer. Selenoesters, telluroesters and related species generate acyl radicals that are useful in overall decarboxylations of carboxylic acids, and in addition and radical cyclization processes, including cascade reactions of polyenes to afford polycyclic products. Homolytic cleavage of diselenides and ditellurides produces selenyl and telluryl radicals that can be employed in additions to unsaturated acceptors, while the dichalcogenides themselves function as effective trapping agents for radicals produced in a variety of other ways, as from Barton thiohydroxamates. Selenols are efficient hydrogen donors that are of importance in kinetic studies of radical processes. When selenium and tellurium are joined to other heteroatoms, the resulting reagents effect radical 1,2‐additions to unsaturated substrates, as in the case of selenosulfonation and azidoselenenylation reactions. Other radical processes include oxidations, SH2 substitutions, single electron transfers, extrusions and fragmentations, and reactions performed on solid supports. The synthetic utility of these processes, as well as mechanistic considerations are covered in this chapter.
Discontinuous Fiber Thermoplastic Composites: Void Formation During Melt Processing
Authors: Vaxman Anita , Narkis Moshe , Segmann Arnon , Kenig Samuel
Published: September 2011

Voids in polymer composites may arise from various sources such as entrapped air within compounded pelletized material, moisture, volatiles evolved during cure, or residual solvents. Voids, or bubbles, are formed in short‐fiber thermoplastic composites because of entrapment of air in the compounding and melt flow processing steps and as a result of uneven shrinkage due to temperature gradients involved in the solidification step by cooling.

This article reviews theoretical and experimental studies dealing with void formation during melt flow compounding and processing of fiber‐reinforced thermoplastic composites. The mechanism of void formation during processing under various flow conditions and the methods used for the determination of void content in composites were reviewed. The mechanism of bubble formation in molten polymer is that of nucleation and growth by expansion in a viscous medium. Voids nucleate at fiber ends, and their content depends on the processing method and processing conditions, on fiber concentration, and on fiber length.
Wisdom, the body, and adult learning: Insights from neuroscience
Authors: Swartz Ann L.
Published: September 2011

This chapter looks to neuroscience and an evolutionary perspective on sacred knowing to explore the connection between embodied learning and wisdom.
Understanding and teaching practical wisdom
Authors: Bassett Caroline L.
Published: September 2011

This chapter offers an overview of research on wisdom and strategies that educators can employ to foster the development of wisdom in themselves and in their students; it presents the view that it is practical wisdom that helps us get through difficult situations in ways that enhance our common humanity.
East meets West: Cross‐cultural perspectives on wisdom and adult education
Authors: Yang Shih‐ying
Published: September 2011

This chapter discusses cross‐cultural perspectives on wisdom as a process necessary to strive for a “good life” in a particular culture and what it means to educate adults in cross‐cultural settings.
Does food intolerance play a role in recurrent respiratory papillomatosis?
Authors: Patel Nalin J. , Jenzarli Ali
Published: September 2011

Background:

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential role of food intolerances in the management of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP).

Methods:

This is a retrospective case review of 4 pediatric patients with RRP. All of the patients, cared for by the primary author between 2005 and 2010, were managed using microdebrider resection, intralesional injection of cidofovir, and required multiple surgeries. Skin prick test (SPT) and/or radioallergosorbent test (RAST) were obtained for 2 patients. Oral food challenge was utilized in all 4 patients.

Results:

Standard SPT and RAST did not identify any immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐based allergens. A detailed medical history followed by an oral food challenge was successful at identifying food intolerances in all 4 patients. When specific food elimination was implemented in these patients' treatments in addition to microdebrider resection and cidofovir injection, statistically significant long‐term remissions were achieved.

Conclusion:

Food intolerance and its impact on RRP and immune dysfunction deserve further investigation and may benefit some patients with RRP. © 2011 ARS‐AAOA, LLC.
Functional Mixed Metal–Organic Frameworks with Metalloligands
Authors: Das Madhab C. , Xiang Shengchang , Zhang Zhangjing , Chen Banglin
Published: September 2011

Immobilization of functional sites within metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is very important for their ability to recognize small molecules and thus for their functional properties. The metalloligand approach has enabled us to rationally immobilize a variety of different functional sites such as open metal sites, catalytic active metal sites, photoactive metal sites, chiral pore environments, and pores of tunable sizes and curvatures into mixed metal–organic frameworks (M′MOFs). In this Minireview, we highlight some important functional M′MOFs with metalloligands for gas storage and separation, enantioselective separation, heterogeneous asymmetric catalysis, sensing, and as photoactive and nanoscale drug delivery and biomedical imaging materials.
Optimized flurbiprofen cationic liposomes in situ gelling system of thermosensitive polymers for ocular delivery
Authors: He Ling , Xu Hongtao , Nie Shufang , Yang Xinggang , Yin Jian , Pan Weisan
Published: September 2011

A Flurbiprofen (FP) cationic liposomes in situ gelling system (CLIGS) of thermosensitive polymers was proposed; we investigated its in vitro and in vivo properties, and its potential use in ocular drug delivery was evaluated. This system, optimized via center composite design, was conceived from a combination of polymer‐ and lipid‐based delivery systems. Therefore, the system could integrate the advantages of both cationic liposomes and in situ gels and further improve the poor stability of cationic liposomes. Cationic liposomes were characterized for their particle size, shape, entrapment efficiency, ζ potential, and photograph of transmission electron microscopy. The in vitro penetration capability and precorneal retention time of the FP CLIGS were evaluated by a vertical Franz‐type cell method and γ scintigaraphy, respectively. The FP CLIGS showed an improved stability during a 30‐day storage period over than of FP cationic liposomes. In conclusion, CLIGS serves as a means to overcome a major limitation of cationic liposomes with a prolonged precorneal retention time, enhanced stability, and convenient administration due to the modified gelatinization temperature; this justifies their use as a carrier adjuvant for ocular delivery behaviors. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
[Dye molecules/copper(II)/macroporous glutaraldehyde‐chitosan] microspheres complex: Surface characterization, kinetic, and thermodynamic investigations
Authors: Jabli Mahjoub , Baouab M. H. V. , Sintes‐Zydowicz N. , Hassine Bechir Ben
Published: September 2011

Chitosan microspheres loaded Cu(II) were prepared using a precipitation method and heterogeneously crosslinked with glutaraldehyde. The abilities of the binary [Cu(II)/Glut‐chitosan] system for binding two acid dyes, that is, Acid blue 25 (AB25) and Calmagite (Calma) were investigated. Sorption experiments were performed using a batch process at 25°C and indicate pH dependence. Evidence for the modification of the raw chitosan polymer was provided by Fourier transform infra red spectral study, thermogravimetry, differential thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy analysis. Data gleaned from the thermal analyses, showed that the modification of the polymer decreases the thermal stability of the prepared materials with respect to that of the native one. The effecting factors during dye adsorption have been also studied. Thermodynamic and kinetic experiments were undertaken to assess the capacity and the rate of dyes removal on the surface of [Cu(II)/Glut‐chitosan]. Experimental data were mathematically described using various kinetic models. The pseudo second‐order equation was shown to fit the adsorption kinetics. The interpretation of the equilibrium sorption data complies well with the Freundlich adsorption model. Thermodynamic results indicate that the adsorption follows an exothermic process. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
A new generation of sodium chloride porogen for tissue engineering
Authors: Tran Richard T. , Naseri Elhum , Kolasnikov Aleksey , Bai Xiaochun , Yang Jian
Published: September 2011

Porogen leaching is a widely used and simple technique for the creation of porous scaffolds in tissue engineering. Sodium chloride (NaCl) is the most commonly used porogen, but the current grinding and sieving methods generate salt particles with huge size variations and cannot generate porogens in the submicron size range. We have developed a facile method based on the principles of crystallization to precisely control salt crystal sizes down to a few microns within a narrow size distribution. The resulting NaCl crystal size could be controlled through the solution concentration, crystallization temperature, and crystallization time. A reduction in solution temperature, longer crystallization times, and an increase in salt concentration resulted in an increase in NaCl crystal sizes due to the lowered solubility of the salt solution. The nucleation and crystallization technique provides superior control over the resulting NaCl size distribution (13.78 ± 1.18 μm), whereas the traditional grinding and sieving methods produced NaCl porogens 13.89 ± 12.49 μm in size. The resulting NaCl porogens were used to fabricate scaffolds with increased interconnectivity, porous microchanneled scaffolds, and multiphasic vascular grafts. This new generation of salt porogen provides great freedom in designing versatile scaffolds for various tissue‐engineering applications.
Revisions and Regret: The Cost of Changing your Mind
Authors: Kirkebøen Geir , Vasaasen Erik , Halvor Teigen Karl
Published: September 2011

Decision reversals often imply improved decisions. Yet, people show a strong resistance against changing their minds. These are well‐established findings, which suggest that changed decisions carry a subjective cost, perhaps by being more strongly regretted. Three studies were conducted to explore participants' regret when making reversible decisions and to test the hypothesis that changing one's mind will increase post‐outcome regret. The first two studies employed the Ultimatum game and the Trust game. The third study used a variant of the Monty Hall problem. All games were conducted by individual participants playing interactively against a computer. The outcomes were designed to capture a common characteristic of real‐life decisions: they varied from rather negative to fairly positive, and for every outcome, it was possible to imagine both more and less profitable outcomes. In all experiments, those who changed their minds reported much stronger post‐outcome regret than those who did not change, even if the final outcomes were equally good (Experiments 2 and 3) or better (Experiment 1).This finding was not because of individual differences with respect to gender, tendency to regret, or tendency to maximize. Previous studies have found that those who change from a correct to wrong option regret more than those who select a wrong option directly. This study indicates that this finding is a special case of a more general phenomenon: changing one's mind seems to come with a cost, even when one ends up with favorable outcomes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel bulking agent for faecal incontinence
Authors: Ratto C , Parello A , Donisi L , Litta F , De Simone V , Spazzafumo L , Giordano P
Published: September 2011

Background

Various injectable bulking agents have been used for the treatment of faecal incontinence (FI). However, encouraging early results are not maintained over time. This study aimed to assess short- and medium-term results of a new bulking agent for the treatment of FI.

Methods

The Gatekeeper™ prosthesis comprises a thin solid polyacrylonitrile cylinder that becomes thicker, shorter and softer within 24 h after implantation. Fourteen patients with FI underwent treatment with Gatekeeper™ under local anaesthesia. Four prostheses were implanted in the intersphincteric space in each patient, under endoanal ultrasound guidance. Number of episodes of major FI, Cleveland Clinic FI score (CCFIS), Vaizey score, anorectal manometry, endoanal ultrasonography (EUS), health status and quality of life (Short Form 36 and Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life questionnaires) were assessed before and after treatment.

Results

Mean(s.d.) follow-up was 33·5(12·4) months. There were no complications. There was a significant decrease in major FI episodes from 7·1(7·4) per week at baseline to 1·4(4·0), 1·0(3·2) and 0·4(0·6) per week respectively at 1-month, 3-month and last follow-up (P = 0·002). CCFIS improved significantly from 12·7(3·3) to 4·1(3·0), 3·9(2·6) and 5·1(3·0) respectively (P < 0·001), and Vaizey score from 15·4(3·3) to 7·1(3·9), 4·7(3·0) and 6·9(5·0) respectively (P = 0·010). Soiling and ability to postpone defaecation improved significantly, and patients reported significant improvement in health status and quality of life. At follow-up, manometric parameters had not changed and EUS did not demonstrate any prosthesis dislocation.

Conclusion

The Gatekeeper™ anal implant seemed safe, reliable and effective. Initial clinical improvement was maintained over time, and follow-up data were encouraging.