bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Groundnut variety introductions and breeding objectives in the sandy rainlands of the Sudan
Authors: Tsangarakis C. Z. , Gerakis P. A.
Published: July 2014

Thirteen introduced and one local varieties of groundnuts (Arachis hypo- gaea) were evaluated comparatively and individually in the Sand Sheet and Pediplain soils in 1963-1965. The effect of added N and P fertilizer on each variety was also studied. All varieties did better on the Pediplain than on the Sand Sheet soils due to the better moisture retention properties of the former. The amount of seasonal rainfall affected greatly the yields and the magnitude of the response to fertilizers. The very low yields at Umm Higlig in 1965 suggested that fertilizer application could hardly be economical in seasons of poorly distributed rainfall. Although fertilizers increased markedly vegetative growth this was not always reflected in the yield of pods due probably to the lack of sufficient soil moisture at the reproductive stage. The upright bunch varieties seemed more adaptable to the area's short rainy season than the spreading bunch and runner varieties due to the earliness of the former. The runner varieties showed a greater resistance, long period of seed dormancy and high oil content appeared very important objectives for future breeding in the area under study.
Jendrassik Maneuver Facilitates cVEMP Amplitude: Some Preliminary Observations
Authors: Roberts Lauren , Cacace Anthony T.
Published: July 2014

Background:The cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) is an acoustically driven electrophysiological measure of saccular and inferior nerve function that requires tonic sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) activity in order to be elicited. The cVEMP is gaining increased
interest in the clinical and research communities based on the anatomical specificity it adds to vestibular test batteries, because it is noninvasive, and since it can be performed with instrumentation commonly found in audiology clinics worldwide.Purpose:Because maintaining a constant
level of tonic background electromyography (EMG) over the entire course of the recording epoch is a requirement for response elicitation, active participation for some individuals including the elderly and those with cervical problems can be difficult. As a way to facilitate the response for
some clinical populations, this study addressed whether cVEMPs could be modulated by remote or local changes in EMG related neural activity by applying various maneuvers during the course of the recording epoch.Research Design:Keeping acoustic stimulation and recording parameters constant,
three separate experimental conditions, Jendrassik maneuver, jaw (teeth) clenching, and forced-eye closure, were used to determine whether cVEMP amplitudes could be enhanced from the control condition.Study Sample:Nine adults (2 males; 7 females) ranging in age from 24 to 42 yr with
normal pure-tone hearing sensitivity and a negative history of otological disease, neurological disease, and head trauma.Data Collection and Analysis:Cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials were recorded from the SCM using surface electrodes in response to suprathreshold 500
Hz Blackman windowed tone bursts under a control and three experimental conditions. Three separate one-way repeated measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were used to evaluate the effects of these maneuvers on P1/N1 peak-to-peak amplitudes and P1 and N1 peak latencies.Results:A significant
main effect of experimental condition was shown to increase P1/N1 peak-to-peak cVEMP amplitude. Post hoc analysis found that Jendrassik maneuver versus control was the only the condition that produced significantly increased response amplitudes in comparison to all other post hoc contrasts.
P1 and N1 peak latencies were unchanged across the various experimental conditions.Conclusions:In adults with normal hearing sensitivity and a negative history of otological disease, neurological disease, and head trauma, Jendrassik maneuver increased cVEMP amplitude by over 39% in
comparison to the control condition. Such a simple modulation effect warrants further investigation for application in clinical studies.
Genetics of Peripheral Vestibular Dysfunction: Lessons from Mutant Mouse Strains
Authors: Jones Sherri M. , Jones Timothy A.
Published: July 2014

Background:A considerable amount of research has been published about genetic hearing impairment. Fifty to sixty percent of hearing loss is thought to have a genetic cause. Genes may also play a significant role in acquired hearing loss due to aging, noise exposure, or ototoxic
medications. Between 1995 and 2012, over 100 causative genes have been identified for syndromic and nonsyndromic forms of hereditary hearing loss. Mouse models have been extremely valuable in facilitating the discovery of hearing loss genes and in understanding inner ear pathology due to genetic
mutations or elucidating fundamental mechanisms of inner ear development.Purpose:Whereas much is being learned about hereditary hearing loss and the genetics of cochlear disorders, relatively little is known about the role genes may play in peripheral vestibular impairment. Here we
review the literature with regard to genetics of vestibular dysfunction and discuss what we have learned from studies using mutant mouse models and direct measures of peripheral vestibular neural function.Results:Several genes are considered that when mutated lead to varying degrees
of inner ear vestibular dysfunction due to deficits in otoconia, stereocilia, hair cells, or neurons. Behavior often does not reveal the inner ear deficit. Many of the examples presented are also known to cause human disorders.Conclusions:Knowledge regarding the roles of particular
genes in the operation of the vestibular sensory apparatus is growing, and it is clear that gene products co-expressed in the cochlea and vestibule may play different roles in the respective end organs. The discovery of new genes mediating critical inner ear vestibular function carries the
promise of new strategies in diagnosing, treating, and managing patients as well as predicting the course and level of morbidity in human vestibular disease.
Longterm Retention Rate and Risk Factor for Discontinuation Due to Insufficient Efficacy and Adverse Events in Japanese Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Receiving Etanercept Therapy
Authors: Matsubara Hiroyuki , Kojima Toshihisa , Kaneko Atsushi , Hirano Yuji , Ishikawa Hisato , Hattori Yousuke , Miyake Hiroyuki , Oguchi Takeshi , Takagi Hideki , Yabe Yuichiro , Kato Takefumi , Ito Takayasu , Fukaya Naoki , Kanayama Yasuhide , Shioura Tomone , Hayashi Masatoshi , Fujibayashi Takayoshi , Takahashi Nobunori , Funahashi Koji , Kato Daizo , Hanabayashi Masahiro , Terabe Kenya , Ishiguro Naoki
Published: July 2014

Objective.

Assessing retention rate and risk factor for drug discontinuation is important for drug evaluation. We examined a 3-year retention rate and the risk factor for discontinuation due to insufficient efficacy (IE) and adverse events (AE) in Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who are receiving etanercept (ETN).

Methods.

Data were collected from 588 patients treated with ETN as a first biologic from the Tsurumai Biologics Communication Registry. Baseline characteristics for the incidence of both IE and AE were analyzed using the Cox proportional-hazards regression model. Patients were divided into groups based on age and concomitant methotrexate (MTX). Drug retention rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared among groups using the log-rank test.

Results.

ETN monotherapy without concomitant MTX [MTX(–)] was significantly related to a higher incidence of discontinuation due to IE [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.226, 95% CI 1.363–3.634]. Older age and MTX(–) were significantly related to a higher incidence of discontinuation due to AE [HR = 1.040, 1.746, 95% CI 1.020–1.060, 1.103–2.763, respectively]. The MTX(–)/≥ 65 years group had the lowest retention rate (p < 0.001). The discontinuation rate due to IE was lower in the MTX(+)/< 65 years group compared to < 65 years/MTX(–), ≥ 65 years/MTX(–) group (p = 0.006, p < 0.001, respectively). The discontinuation rate due to AE was highest in the MTX(–)/≥ 65 years group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion.

Our findings suggest that the risk of discontinuation due to IE was high in the patients who did not use concomitant MTX and that the risk of discontinuation due to AE was high in elderly patients who did not use concomitant MTX.
Increased Interleukin 21 and Follicular Helper T-like Cells and Reduced Interleukin 10+ B cells in Patients with New-onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Wang Li , Zhao Pingwei , Ma Liang , Shan Yuxing , Jiang Zhenyu , Wang Juan , Jiang Yanfang
Published: July 2014

Objective.

To elucidate the potential role of follicular helper T cells (TFH) and interleukin 10 (IL-10)+ B cells in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods.

The numbers of peripheral blood CD27+, CD38+, CD86+, CD95+, IL-10+ B cells, and inducible T cell costimulator (ICOS)+, programmed death-1 (PD-1)+, IL-21+, CXCR5+CD4+ TFH-like cells were examined in 23 patients with new onset SLE and 20 healthy controls (HC).

Results

In comparison with HC, significantly reduced numbers of CD19+ and IL-10+ B cells, but increased numbers of CD27high, CD86+, CD95+ B cells, CXCR5+CD4+, ICOS+, PD-1+, and IL-21+ TFH-like cells were detected, which were accompanied by higher levels of serum IL-21, but lower levels of IL-10 in the patients. Treatment with anti-SLE therapy modulated the imbalance of different subsets of B and TFH-like cells. The levels of serum IL-21 and IL-10 were positively correlated with the numbers of CD4+CXCR5+ TFH-like and CD19+CD5+CD1d+ B cells in the patients, respectively. The numbers of CD27highB cells were correlated positively with IL-21+ TFH-like cells, but negatively with IL-10+ B cells. The values of SLE Disease Activity Index, C3, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were correlated positively with serum IL-21, but negatively with IL-10 in those patients.

Conclusion.

Our data indicate that the imbalance of IL-21+ TFH-like, CD27high, and IL-10+ B cells may be associated with the pathogenesis of SLE, and levels of serum IL-21 and IL-10 may be valuable for evaluating disease activity in SLE.
Is There Subclinical Synovitis in Patients with Palindromic Rheumatism in the Intercritical Period? A Clinical and Ultrasonographic Study According to Anticitrullinated Protein Antibody Status
Authors: Cabrera-Villalba Sonia , Ramirez Julio , Salvador Georgina , Ruiz-Esquide Virginia , Hernández M. Victoria , Inciarte-Mundo José , Gómez-Puerta José A. , Cañete Juan D. , Sanmarti Raimon
Published: July 2014

Objective.

To investigate the presence of subclinical synovitis by ultrasound (US) and the clinical phenotype in patients with palindromic rheumatism (PR) according to anticitrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) status.

Methods.

Fifty-four patients with PR were studied. Clinical, demographic, serological, and therapeutic characteristics were compared in ACPA-positive and ACPA-negative patients. US searching for synovial hypertrophy (SH) and power Doppler signal (PDUS) in 22 joints of the hands was performed in the intercritical period. The results were compared according to ACPA status and with a healthy control group (n = 30). In 10 patients, US was performed during the joint attack.

Results.

Most patients were female (63%) with a mean disease duration of 11.6 ± 10.7 years. Thirty-six patients (66.7%) were ACPA-positive. ACPA-positive patients had a shorter duration of attacks, a younger age, and less knee involvement at disease onset. US examination showed SH grade ≥ 1 in 79.6% of patients with PR and 50% of controls. Significant US results (SH ≥ 2 or PDUS) were observed in 2.7% and 1.4% of joints assessed and in 33% and 25.9% of patients with PR, respectively. Only 4 patients (7.4%) had US active synovitis (SH ≥ 2 plus PDUS) in at least 1 joint. US assessment showed no significant differences between ACPA-positive and ACPA-negative patients. PDUS was observed in 7 out of 10 patients during attacks.

Conclusion.

Some differences emerged in the clinical phenotype of PR according to ACPA status. Most patients with PR do not have US subclinical synovitis in the intercritical period, even those who are ACPA-positive.
L'Amérique à l'heure du MacCarthisme technologique
Authors: Rivaton Robin
Published: July 2014

Avec un taux de chômage élevé et une croissance faible du marché du travail, le néo-luddisme a prospéré aux États-Unis. Les gains de productivité engendrés par l’automatisation croissante est la cause des problèmes d’emploi et de la montée des inégalités. L’accélération du progrès technologique ne fera que renforcer ces tendances négatives.
La nouvelle ère industrielle : une opportunité pour la France
Authors: Blanchet Max
Published: July 2014

Pour sortir de la crise, la France a soudainement découvert ne pouvoir plus compter sur son industrie. Une industrie que nos voisins - dont l’Allemagne - ont conservé. Une industrie qui seule permettra à notre économie d’exporter, de créer des emplois qualifiés, de réduire les déficits et de rétablir la croissance, et de sortir enfin de la spirale de déclin qui menace notre pays. Serait-ce déjà trop tard ? Non, il est permis d’être optimiste : au-delà des forces bien connues de la France, certains signaux faibles se font jour, parmi lesquels une prise de conscience partagée du besoin de faire quelque chose pour l’industrie française. L’ambition de ce propos est d’ouvrir la voie à une nouvelle conquête industrielle, sans chercher à importer un “modèle” idéal.
Pour une géoéconomie de l'information
Authors: Junghans Pascal
Published: July 2014

Internet devient un sixième continent où le seul bien produit est l’information. Les données que chacun produit - quelques 35 000 exabytes en 2020, soit l’équivalent de 9 000 milliards de DVD - en visitant des sites se transforment en une ressource de première importance. Elle est susceptible d’une analyse géoéconomique reposant sur trois piliers. D’abord, l’analyse des pouvoirs. Ils basculent peu à peu vers un monde multipolaire. Ensuite, la mise en évidence d’une nouvelle économie qui, à partir de l’analyse des données, permet de mieux cibler ses clients, de mieux investir, de mieux enseigner. Enfin, le temps long. Il permet de tracer l’histoire de cette nouvelle économie qui repose sur des structures anciennes notamment psychologiques. C’est dans ces fondamentaux qu’il faut chercher le devenir de l’économie de l’information.
Inégalités géographiques de santé en France
Authors: Rican Stéphane , Vaillant Zoé , Bochaton Audrey , Salem Gérard
Published: July 2014

Cet article se propose d’affirmer la pertinence d’une approche des déterminants de la santé par les inégalités de santé. Les comparaisons sanitaires entre populations et entre lieux, ainsi que leurs évolutions, débouchent en effet sur l’identification des facteurs explicatifs de situations et de dynamiques contrastées.
Political Information, Political Power, and People Power
Authors: Alahmed Anas
Published: July 2014

This chapter explores the concept of new media in the Arab world and how politics in the information age has changed Arab politics and moved citizens to the streets. However, the evolution of new media social networks and the cause of political information in particular during the revolution is not studied alone. In fact, the evolution of the Arab Spring and the effects of new media social networks are taken into account by exploring how politics in the information age has influenced Arab citizens and allowed them to use information for the greater good and established such a new social movement. This chapter takes the Arab Spring as a case study and an empirical example to understand the transnational protests and global movements, the concept of global media and global politics in the case of the Arab Spring, new media and new politics regarding the Arab Spring, and city and street and public sphere as people power in the information age. Finally, the chapter distinguishes between the new social movements through social networks and the roles of ICTs to aim revolution and whether such a revolution will erupt without new media social networks.
Identifying Hyperlink Strategies as a Tool to Discover the Connections between Offline and Online Politics
Authors: Sereno Keren
Published: July 2014

This chapter sheds light onto theoretical and empirical debates regarding the nature hyperlink as a political tool: whether the hyperlink is part of the “offline world” or should be considered as a new and separate form of practice, mainly due to its low cost and easy construction. The chapter contributes to the present literature in two innovative ways: First, based on link analysis between 90 Websites of protest Israeli NGO, a classification of link strategies was made, and 4 different linking strategies were found: Isolation, Introversion, Neighborliness, and Generalization. Furthermore, this chapter analyzes 15 protest issues and is not focused only on a single issue network. Second, 29 in-depth interviews were conduct and enable a sketch of the “offline link analysis map” and a comparison of the online policies with the offline policies. In order to understand the choice of the organization linking strategy over the others, and the decision to which exactly other organizations/Websites link to, one must remember that the Web is only one arena where the political actors operate. Therefore, the in-depth interviews not only reveal the causes affecting the hyperlinks selection and strategy in each organization but also reveal similarities between the organizations with overlap linking strategy.
Cleavages and Links
Authors: Sereno Keren , Lev-On Azi
Published: July 2014

In the past decade, the Internet has extensively penetrated the political landscape in Israel. A variety of actors, including parties, Knesset members, NGOs, and more, have realized the significance of using the Internet to promote their goals and have established an online presence via a variety of platforms. Consequently, the Internet is becoming a fertile ground to study Israeli society with its multiple cleavages. This chapter analyses how the ideological cleavage in the Israeli society is manifest online, through the linking patterns between political Websites. Link analysis is used to study political visibility and centrality online, to map the channels of information flow between the various political actors, and to identify recognition and discourse networks between the various political actors. From the link analysis of the sites of some 200 political parties, MPs, and NGOs, we found no links between right-wing and left-wing political sites; each side in the political spectrum conducts a different linking strategy. Most of the sites of political parties and MPs received no in-bound links from the other political sites. On the other hand, NGOs have a central role in the online political networks in Israel and maintain a relatively dense linking network.
Memory, National Identity, and Freedom of Expression in the Information Age
Authors: Mpofu Shepherd
Published: July 2014

New Media and Information Technologies (NICTs) are increasingly becoming central in facilitating freedom of expression especially in repressive countries. In addition, the burgeoning diaspora community coupled with these NICTs have offered populations in these communities alternative public spheres where they can debate issues without government control. The chapter argues that through the Website, www.newzimbabwe.com, Zimbabweans have found for themselves a platform where they debate otherwise taboo issues that are not easily discussed in Zimbabwe: ethnicity and the heroes' acre debates. The conclusion of this the chapter is that the Internet has revolutionised the way Zimbabweans know freedom of expression.
Politics 2.0 with Facebook
Authors: Shah Chirag
Published: July 2014

Analyzing publicly available content on various social media sites such as YouTube and Twitter, as well as social network sites such as Facebook, has become an increasingly popular method for studying socio-political issues. Such public-contributed content, primarily available as comments, let people express their opinions and sentiments on a given topic, news story, or post, while allowing social and political scientists to extend their analysis of a political discourse to the social sphere. This new age political process, which involves political agents reaching out to their audiences through social media and common folks using social media to express their opinions and sentiments, are here referred to as “Politics 2.0.” Recognizing the importance of Facebook in studying Politics 2.0, the chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the research work in social and political science domains that use Facebook as a tool for analyzing various socio-political issues. Several popular approaches for collecting and analyzing data from Facebook are provided, and their applications to understanding public opinion and sentiment around various issues of interest are discussed. The chapter also introduces a couple of handy tools that could help the researchers and practitioners gather and analyze a large amount of Facebook data easily and effectively. The chapter concludes with a discussion on opportunities and challenges for understanding Politics 2.0 with Facebook.
Conceptualizing Network Politics following the Arab Spring
Authors: Solo Ashu M. G. , Bishop Jonathan
Published: July 2014

This chapter defines a new field called network politics. Network politics refers to politics and networks. These networks include the Internet, private networks, cellular networks, telephone networks, radio networks, television networks, etc. Network politics includes the applications of networks to enable one or more individuals or organizations to engage in political communication. Furthermore, network politics includes government regulation of networks. Finally, network politics includes the accompanying issues that arise when networks are used for political communication or when there is government regulation of networks. The domain of network politics includes, but is not limited to, e-politics (social networking for driving revolutions and organizing protests, online petitions, political blogs and vlogs, whistleblower Websites, online campaigning, e-participation, virtual town halls, e-voting, Internet freedom, access to information, net neutrality, etc.) and applications of other networks in politics (robocalling, text messaging, TV broadcasting, etc.). The definition of this field should significantly increase the pace of research and development in this important field.
Protesting in a Cultural Frame
Authors: Rosas António
Published: July 2014

ICTs and particularly the Internet are changing national and international politics. International organizations, activists, and even national governments are now extending their organizational resources and apparatuses to the digital virtual worlds, thus expanding the horizons of politics to new levels and challenges. In this chapter, the author concentrates on a surprising and unprecedented initiative that took place in Portugal in March 12th, 2011, the “Geração à Rasca” protests, as well as on the March 12th Movement (M12M), the social movement that followed it. More precisely, the chapter examines how Internet-enabled technologies, like social media, were used as tactics for political organization and mobilization, and how several political cultures were activated. In a country where non-conventional politics was limited to unions and to well-demarcated interests, those two initiatives inaugurated a new era of political participation and democratic opposition. For the first time, 4 young graduates, who never participated in politics before, were able to mobilize more than 500,000 people in several cities of the country, while adapting their messages to the particular political cultures of their “natural” constituencies, the young unemployed or underpaid seasonable workers, to the overall population, dissatisfied with the economic performance of successive governments, and to the more radical groups still committed to the political cultures of the 1974 Carnations Revolution. Besides those tactical and discursive uses, political and economic contexts, contingent events, and the support of symbolic elites were also important factors in both initiatives.
Interaction of Incivility and News Frames in the Political Blogosphere
Authors: Borah Porismita
Published: July 2014

The political blogosphere is replete with uncivil discussions and is apt to examine the influence of incivility on news frames. This chapter brings in literature from incivility and framing effects to examine the influence of incivility on news frames for several outcomes such as willingness to participate, online participation, attitude certainty, news credibility, and political trust. The chapter is an extension of the first two studies, which indicate the detrimental effects of incivility causing more attitude certainty and less political trust and open mindedness. At the same time, incivility caused more willingness to participate, online participation, and higher news credibility. However, the initial studies were unable to explain why the detrimental effects of incivility were observed. A third experiment examined the psychological mechanisms involved in these incivility effects.
How [Not] to Caffeinate a Political Group
Authors: Novak Alison N. , Mascaro Christopher , Goggins Sean P. , Koku Emmanuel
Published: July 2014

The attempted assassination of Representative Gabrielle Giffords in Arizona on January 8, 2011 spurred a surge of media reflection and criticism of the Tea Party Patriots and their violent rhetoric. The Coffee Party, created in 2010 as an oppositional force to the Tea Party, spent the days following the shooting discussing the various social, political, and moral aspects of the violence on their Facebook page. This chapter is part of an ongoing investigation of language in politically oriented online forums. Here, the 24 parent posts and following Facebook conversations are studied to investigate a connection between post sentiment and network structure. Using communication accommodation theory, Linguistic Inquiry Word Count (LIWC), and network analysis, a relationship is located between social, affective, cognitive, perceptual, and biological constructs and network measures of betweeness and core/periphery size. This chapter has implications regarding online network structures, new methods in Internet research, and online political activity research.
An Introduction to Economic Evaluation in Occupational Therapy: Cost-Effectiveness of Pre-Discharge Home Visits after Stroke (HOVIS)
Authors: Sampson Christopher , James Marilyn , Whitehead Phillip , Drummond Avril
Published: July 2014

Introduction:

Occupational therapy interventions, such as home visits, have been identified as being resource-intensive, but cost-effectiveness analyses are rarely, if ever, carried out. We sought to estimate the cost-effectiveness of occupational therapy home visits after stroke, as part of a feasibility study, and to demonstrate the value and methods of economic evaluation.

Method:

We completed a cost-effectiveness analysis of pre-discharge occupational therapy home visits after stroke compared with a hospital-based interview, carried out alongside a feasibility randomized controlled trial. Our primary outcome was quality-adjusted life years. Full cost and outcome data were available for 65 trial participants.

Findings:

We found that the mean total cost of a home visit was £183, compared with £75 for a hospital interview. Home visits are shown to be slightly more effective, resulting in a cost per quality-adjusted life year of just over £20,000.

Conclusion:

Our analysis is the only economic evaluation of this intervention to date. Home visits are shown to be more expensive and more effective than a hospital-based interview, but our results are subject to a high level of uncertainty and should be treated as such. Further economic evaluations in this field are encouraged.
A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Behavioural Interventions for Improving Driving Outcomes in Novice Drivers with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Authors: Bruce Chris , Unsworth Carolyn , Tay Richard
Published: July 2014

Introduction:

The efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions for improving driving outcomes in young drivers with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has not been established. Such interventions are of interest to occupational therapists who work with this population to attain driving independence. This research article had two aims: (1) to systematically review the effectiveness of behavioural interventions to improve driving outcomes for this population, and (2) to identify studies detailing behavioural interventions that could be used to improve driving skills.

Method:

Nineteen databases were searched and 13 studies were appraised using the PEDro scale (the Physiotherapy Evidence Database), where appropriate.

Findings:

For the first aim, while two studies reported training led to significant improvements in driver skills, methodological problems limited the validity of one study. Eleven studies were reviewed in relation to the second aim, describing nine interventions. Of these, situation awareness training, such as commentary driving, show particular promise.

Conclusion:

Several interventions have the potential to improve the driving skills of this population. These interventions warrant further research and in the interim could be used clinically by occupational therapy driver assessors. Further research is required to determine if non-pharmacological interventions are of benefit for young drivers with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Situation awareness training may be beneficial for improving driving skills.
Fatigue in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Impact on Occupational Participation and Reported Management Strategies
Authors: Connolly Deirdre , McNally Aine , Moran Deirdre , Ryan Margaret
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

Fatigue is reported by approximately 81 per cent of people with systemic lupus erythematosus, with subsequent lower quality of life. Although standardized measures have been used to examine the prevalence of fatigue, qualitative research is needed to explore how people describe and cope with fatigue in their daily lives.

Method:

Twelve people completed the Fatigue Impact Scale and were then interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative descriptive guidelines.

Findings:

Participants were aged 22–62 years with a mean of 14.3 years (SD 10) since diagnosis. Individual interviews identified an unpredictable pattern of fatigue for the study participants and an impact on participation in occupations of productivity and leisure, which resulted in loss of important life roles. Fatigue management strategies were self-developed, with participants reporting no input from health professionals.

Conclusion:

The unpredictable nature of fatigue makes it difficult to manage. It appears that development of both cognitive and practical strategies is required to reduce the impact of fatigue on valued occupations. Early fatigue management interventions could be beneficial for people with systemic lupus erythematosus in order to manage this symptom. However, a larger study is required to confirm the transferability of these findings.
A Case Report in Health Information Exchange for Inter-organizational Patient Transfers
Authors: Malhotra S. , Kaushal R. , Richardson J.E. ,   with the HITEC Investigators
Published: July 2014

Objective: To provide a case report of barriers and promoters to implementing a health information exchange (HIE) tool that supports patient transfers between hospitals and skilled nursing facilities.

Methods: A multi-disciplinary team conducted semi-structured telephone and in-person interviews in a purposive sample of HIE organizational informants and providers in New York City who implemented HIE to share patient transfer information. The researchers conducted grounded theory analysis to identify themes of barriers and promoters and took steps to improve the trustworthiness of the results including vetting from a knowledgeable study participant.

Results: Between May and October 2011, researchers recruited 18 participants: informaticians, healthcare administrators, software engineers, and providers from a skilled nursing facility. Subjects perceived the HIE tool’s development a success in that it brought together stakeholders who had traditionally not partnered for informatics work, and that they could successfully share patient transfer information between a hospital and a skilled nursing facility. Perceived barriers included lack of hospital stakeholder buy-in and misalignment with clinical workflows that inhibited use of HIE-based patient transfer data. Participants described barriers and promoters in themes related to organizational, technical, and user-oriented issues.

The investigation revealed that stakeholders could develop and implement health information technology that technically enables clinicians in both hospitals and skilled nursing facilities to exchange real-time information in support of patient transfers. User level barriers, particularly in the emergency department, should give pause to developers and implementers who plan to use HIE in support of patient transfers.

Conclusions: Participants’ experiences demonstrate how stakeholders may succeed in developing and piloting an electronic transfer form that relies on HIE to aggregate, communicate, and display relevant patient transfer data across health care organizations. Their experiences also provide insights for others seeking to develop HIE applications to improve patient transfers between emergency departments and skilled nursing facilities.

Citation: Richardson JE, Malhotra S, Kaushal R. A case report in health information exchange for inter-organizational patient transfers. Appl Clin Inf 2014; 5: 642–650

http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2014-02-CR-0016
Long-term aerosol-mediated changes in cloud radiative forcing of deep clouds at the top and bottom of the atmosphere over the Southern Great Plains
Authors: Yan Hongru , Li Zhanqing , Huang Jianping , Cribb Maureen , Liu Jianjun
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Aerosols can alter the macro- and micro-physical properties of deep convective clouds (DCCs) and their radiative forcing (CRF). This study presents what is arguably the first long-term estimate of the aerosol-mediated changes in CRF (AMCRF) for deep cloud systems derived from decade-long continuous ground-based and satellite observations, model simulations, and reanalysis data. Measurements were made at the US Department of Energy's Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program's Southern Great Plains (SGP) site. Satellite retrievals are from the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite. Increases in aerosol loading were accompanied by the thickening of DCC cores and the expansion and thinning of anvils, due presumably to the aerosol invigoration effect (AIV) and the aerosol microphysical effect. Meteorological variables dictating these cloud processes were investigated. Consistent with previous findings, the AIV is most significant when the atmosphere is moist and unstable with weak wind shear. Such aerosol-mediated systematic changes in DCC core thickness and anvil size alter CRF at the top of atmosphere (TOA) and at the surface. Using extensive observations, ~300 DCC systems were identified over a 10 years period at the SGP site (2000–2011) and analyzed. Daily mean AMCRF at the TOA and at the surface are 29.3 W m−2 and 22.2 W m−2, respectively. This net warming effect due to changes in DCC microphysics offsets the cooling resulting from the first aerosol indirect effect.
Impact of optimized mixing heights on simulated regional atmospheric transport of CO2
Authors: Kretschmer R. , Gerbig C. , Karstens U. , Biavati G. , Vermeulen A. , Vogel F. , Hammer S. , Totsche K. U.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. The mixing height (MH) is a crucial parameter in commonly used transport models that proportionally affects air concentrations of trace gases with sources/sinks near the ground and on diurnal scales. Past synthetic data experiments indicated the possibility to improve tracer transport by minimizing errors of simulated MHs. In this paper we evaluate a method to constrain the Lagrangian particle dispersion model STILT (Stochastic Time-Inverted Lagrangian Transport) with MH diagnosed from radiosonde profiles using a bulk Richardson method. The same method was used to obtain hourly MHs for the period September/October 2009 from the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, which covers the European continent at 10 km horizontal resolution. Kriging with external drift (KED) was applied to estimate optimized MHs from observed and modelled MHs, which were used as input for STILT to assess the impact on CO2 transport. Special care has been taken to account for uncertainty in MH retrieval in this estimation process. MHs and CO2 concentrations were compared to vertical profiles from aircraft in situ data. We put an emphasis on testing the consistency of estimated MHs to observed vertical mixing of CO2. Modelled CO2 was also compared with continuous measurements made at Cabauw and Heidelberg stations. WRF MHs were significantly biased by ~10–20% during day and ~40–60% during night. Optimized MHs reduced this bias to ~5% with additional slight improvements in random errors. The KED MHs were generally more consistent with observed CO2 mixing. The use of optimized MHs had in general a favourable impact on CO2 transport, with bias reductions of 5–45% (day) and 60–90% (night). This indicates that a large part of the found CO2 model–data mismatch was indeed due to MH errors. Other causes for CO2 mismatch are discussed. Applicability of our method is discussed in the context of CO2 inversions at regional scales.
Elucidating multipollutant exposure across a complex metropolitan area by systematic deployment of a mobile laboratory
Authors: Levy I. , Mihele C. , Lu G. , Narayan J. , Hilker N. , Brook J. R.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. This study evaluates a deployment strategy of a heavily instrumented mobile lab for characterizing multipollutant spatial patterns based upon a limited number of measurement days spread over different seasons. The measurements obtained through this deployment strategy are used to gain insight into average pollutant levels between routine monitoring sites and in relation to emission sources in the region, as well as to assess correlations between pollutant patterns to better understand the nature of urban air pollutant mixtures. A wide range of locations were part of the deployment in order to characterize the distribution of chronic exposures potentially allowing development of exposure models. Comparison of the mobile lab averages to the available adjacent air quality monitoring network stations to evaluate their representativeness showed that they were in reasonable agreement with the annual averages at the monitoring sites, thus providing some evidence that, through the deployment approach, the mobile lab is able to capture the main features of the average spatial patterns. The differences between mobile lab and network averages varied by pollutant with the best agreement for NO2 with a percentage difference of 20%. Sharp differences in the average spatial distribution were found to exist between different pollutants on multiple scales, particularly on the sub-urban scale, i.e., the neighborhood to street scales. For example, NO2 was observed to be 210–265% higher by the main highway in the study region compared to the nearby urban background monitoring site, while black carbon was higher by 180–200% and particle number concentration was 300% higher. The repeated measurements of near-roadway gradients showed that the rate of change differed by pollutant with elevated concentrations detected up to 600–700 m away for some pollutants. These results demonstrate that through systematic deployment mobile laboratory measurements can be used to characterize average or typical concentration patterns, thus providing data to assess monitoring site representativeness, spatial relationships between pollutants, and chronic multipollutant exposure patterns useful for evaluating and developing exposure models for outdoor concentrations in an urban environment.
Regression models tolerant to massively missing data: a case study in solar radiation nowcasting
Authors: Žliobaitė I. , Hollmén J. , Junninen H.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Statistical models for environmental monitoring strongly rely on automatic data acquisition systems, using various physical sensors. Often, sensor readings are missing for extended periods of time while model outputs need to be continuously available in real time. With a case study in solar radiation nowcasting, we investigate how to deal with massively missing data (around 50% of the time some data are unavailable) in such situations. Our goal is to analyze the characteristics of missing data and recommend a strategy for deploying regression models, which would be robust to missing data in situations, where data are massively missing. We are after one model that performs well at all times, with and without data gaps. Due to the need to provide instantaneous outputs with minimum energy consumption for computing in the data streaming setting, we dismiss computationally demanding data imputation methods, and resort to a simple mean replacement. We use an established strategy for comparing different regression models, with the possibility of determining how many missing sensor readings can be tolerated before model outputs become obsolete. We experimentally analyze accuracies and robustness to missing data of seven linear regression models and recommend using regularized PCA regression. We recommend using our established guideline in training regression models, which themselves are robust to missing data.
Applying SWAT to predict ortho-phosphate loads and trophic status in four reservoirs in the upper Olifants catchment, South Africa
Authors: Dabrowski J. M.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Excessive phosphate loading in the upper Olifants River, South Africa has resulted in widespread eutrophication and associated ecosystem health impacts. The majority of sewage treatment works (STWs) are operating poorly and are likely an important source of bioavailable ortho-phosphate (OP) in the catchment. The Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was used to identify important sources of OP loading in the catchment and to predict changes in the trophic status of four reservoirs associated with three STW effluent OP standards (the current average of 4 mg L−1 and standards of 1 and 0.1 mg L−1). Nash–Sutcliffe and PBIAS statistics showed good model performance for simulations of flow and OP loading using a multi-site calibration and validation approach. Key sub-catchments responsible for high OP loading were identified. Three of the four reservoirs are heavily impacted by OP loading originating from STWs. Two reservoirs show mean annual OP concentrations indicative of eutrophic conditions and a 1 mg L−1 effluent standard would reduce concentrations to well within the mesotrophic range. There was little difference in OP loads and concentrations associated with the 1 and 0.1 mg L−1 effluent standards, indicating that attention to nonpoint sources would be required to realise any benefit associated with the strictest effluent standard. Regression analyses and associated 95% prediction limits between simulated OP loads and concentrations for all effluent treatment scenarios from 2002 to 2010 allowed for the quantification of OP loading that would ensure a specific trophic status in each reservoir. This study is one of the first to apply SWAT in simulating OP loading and concentrations in large reservoirs, and its application in South Africa provides further support for its utility throughout a wide geographical area.
CARBON NANOFIBER COMPOSITE WITH EPDM AND POLYIMIDE FOR HIGH-TEMPERATURE INSULATION
Authors: Singh Sangita , Guchhait P. K. , Singha N. K. , Chaki T. K.
Published: July 2014

Elastomers and their composites are extensively used as a thermal insulation system in heat treatment, power generation, fire protection, and aerospace. Among different elastomers, low-density ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) has interesting properties, such as excellent resistance to aging and oxidative degradation due to its saturated back bone. Furthermore, introduction of polyimide (PI) to the base elastomer increases its thermal stability. On the other hand, carbon nanofiber (CNF) reinforces the matrix to enhance the mechanical properties with an additional advantage of better char yield. To achieve better rubber-filler compatibilization, modification of EPDM was carried out by grafting with maleic anhydride (MAH). Morphological studies by scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy exhibited uniform dispersion of nanofillers throughout MAH grafted EPDM matrix. Thermal properties of the EPDM/PI nanocomposites were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Besides these, thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and specific heat were also measured. PI- and CNF-filled maleated EPDM composites showed very good physical and thermomechanical properties for high-temperature insulation compound.
Nursing Support Strategies in the Care of Cancer Patients: Expectations Found among the Residents of a Brazilian Community
Authors: Chagas-Moreira Marléa , Leite Joséte Luzia , Miranda da Silva Marcelle , Vincler da Silva Marceli , Gomes-Drunond Frederico , Félix da Silva Marcos André ,   Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro
Published: July 2014

Objetivos: describir las prioridades establecidas por los moradores de una comunidad de Río de Janeiro (Brasil), acerca de las estrategias de apoyo a las personas con cáncer, y analizar los indicativos para la planificación de las acciones de enfermería a partir de las expectativas referidas. Método: el marco de referencia se basa en el Modelo de Cuidados Innovadores en Situaciones Crónicas de Salud (Organización Mundial de la Salud) y en las directrices sistémicas de la salud. Investigación cualitativa y descriptiva que utiliza como técnica de recolección de datos la entrevista semiestructurada. Resultados: la mayoría de los encuestados declaró como expectativa para apoyar a las personas con cáncer la información sobre el cambio de estilo de vida; por ejemplo, el autocuidado y reducir el estigma de la enfermedad. Además, los encuestados que declaran conocer a alguien con cáncer declararon la necesidad de apoyo emocional, ayuda para no dejar el tratamiento y creación de un espacio para los pacientes y sus familias para compartir experiencias. Conclusiones: los resultados indican la importancia de establecer un plan de acción de enfermería en la comunidad que alienta su participación en la formulación de estrategias y contribuir a la sensibilización y la motivación de los pacientes con cáncer a manejar el autocuidado y la promoción de la calidad de vida.