bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Driving support: workers, PACs, and congressional support of the auto industry
Authors: Moore Ryan T. , Powell Eleanor Neff , Reeves Andrew
Published: June 2013

In 2008 and 2009, the House of Representatives directed billions of dollars to the auto industry by passing a bailout and the “cash for clunkers” program. Moving beyond corporate influence via campaign contributions, we demonstrate that the presence of auto workers in a district strongly predicts legislative support for both bills. In addition to this critical legislation, we also analyze over 250 bills on which the auto industry either lobbied or took a public position. We find no patterns relating a district's workers or corporate campaign contributions to these votes on broader legislation where other groups, such as environmental advocates or labor unions, are at the table. Instead, the auto industry garners consistent support only on quasi-private, particularistic legislation. Thus, we contend that on particularistic legislation the presence of workers (not just campaign contributions) drives legislative support; however, when legislators expand the scope of conflict, the influence of a single industry is attentuated by other interests.
Effect of Fly Ash on the Shear Strength of Concrete Beams Without Shear Reinforcement
Authors: Arezoumandi Mahdi , Volz Jeffery S. , Ortega Carlos A.
Published: June 2013

The following paper presents the results of an experimental investigation of the shear strength of full-scale reinforced concrete beams constructed with both high-volume fly ash concrete (HVFAC)—concrete with at least 50 % of the cement replaced with fly ash—and conventional concrete (CC). This study includes two HVFAC mixes and one CC mix. The two HVFAC mixes are identical except for the amount of Class C fly ash replacement of cement, with one mix replacing 50 % of the cement with fly ash and the other replacing 70 %. The test matrix included 18 beams—six for each concrete type—with three different longitudinal reinforcement ratios. The test results were compared to the shear provisions of both U.S. and international design codes, including the design provisions from Australia, Canada, Europe, and Japan. Furthermore, the shear strengths of the beams were evaluated based on fracture mechanics approaches, modified compression field theory (MCFT), and a shear database of CC specimens. Results of this study show that the HVFAC mixes possess comparable shear strength with the CC.
Childhood Obesity: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of European Pediatric Care Providers
Authors: Mazur Artur , Matusik Paweł , Revert Krista , Nyankovskyy Sergey , Socha Piotr , Binkowska-Bury Monika , Grzegorczyk Joanna , Caroli Margherita , Hassink Sandra , Telega Grzegorz , Malecka-Tendera Ewa
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE:

To determine and compare attitudes, skills, and practices in childhood obesity management in 4 European countries with different obesity prevalence, health care systems, and economic situations.

METHODS:

A cross-sectional survey was distributed to primary health care providers from France, Italy, Poland, and Ukraine. The questionnaire was returned by 1119 participants with a response rate of 32.4%.

RESULTS:

The study revealed that most of the primary health care providers were convinced of their critical role in obesity management but did not feel sufficiently competent to perform effectively. The adherence to recommended practices such as routine weight and height measurements, BMI calculation, and plotting growth parameters on recommended growth charts was poor. Most primary health care providers recognized the need for continuing professional education in obesity management, stressing the importance of appropriate dietary counseling.

CONCLUSIONS:

The study underlines insufficient implementation of national guidelines for management of obesity regardless of the country and its health system. It also makes clear that the critical problem is not elaboration of guidelines but rather creating support systems for implementation of the medical standards among the primary care practitioners.
Association of Fitness With Vascular Intima-Media Thickness and Elasticity in Adolescence
Authors: Pahkala Katja , Laitinen Tomi T. , Heinonen Olli J. , Viikari Jorma S.A. , Rönnemaa Tapani , Niinikoski Harri , Helajärvi Harri , Juonala Markus , Simell Olli , Raitakari Olli T.
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVES:

Vascular intima-media thickness (IMT) and elasticity are surrogate markers of atherosclerosis. Data on the effect of cardiorespiratory fitness on these measures of vascular health in adolescence are scarce. The aim was to examine the association of fitness with aortic and carotid artery IMT and elasticity in adolescents.

METHODS:

Aortic (n = 449) and carotid (n = 467) IMT and elasticity were measured ultrasonographically in 17-year-old adolescents participating in a prospective, longitudinal atherosclerosis prevention study (Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project). Distensibility and Young's elastic modulus (YEM) were used as measures of arterial elasticity. Cardiorespiratory fitness (maximum oxygen uptake, mL/kg/min) was measured with a maximal cycle ergometer test. Data on fitness were available for 341 of adolescents with aortic and 355 with carotid ultrasound measures.

RESULTS:

Fitness was inversely associated with aortic IMT (β[SE] = –0.0029[0.0013]; P = .031) and YEM (β[SE] = –0.012[0.0053]; P = .025) after adjusting for gender, physical activity, high-density lipoprotein/total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, homeostasis model of assessment–insulin resistance, BMI, systolic blood pressure, and smoking. Risk of having low aortic distensibility (≤10th percentile) decreased with increasing fitness (odds ratio = 0.89, 95% confidence interval 0.82–0.98); P = .014). The increase in aortic IMT and YEM between ages 11 and 17 years was smaller in adolescents who were fit at age 17 compared with adolescents who had the lowest fitness level (P for IMT = .015, P for YEM = .0072). Fitness was not associated with carotid IMT or elasticity. Lifestyle counseling given in the Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project was not associated with fitness.

CONCLUSIONS:

Fitness was favorably associated with aortic IMT and elasticity in adolescents. No association of fitness with the respective carotid indices was found. These data suggest that fitness in part enhances vascular health in healthy adolescents.
Access to Digital Technology Among Families Coming to Urban Pediatric Primary Care Clinics
Authors: DeMartini Tori L. , Beck Andrew F. , Klein Melissa D. , Kahn Robert S.
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE:

Digital technologies offer new platforms for health promotion and disease management. Few studies have evaluated the use of digital technology among families receiving care in an urban pediatric primary care setting.

METHODS:

A self-administered survey was given to a convenience sample of caregivers bringing their children to 2 urban pediatric primary care centers in spring 2012. The survey assessed access to home Internet, e-mail, smartphone, and social media (Facebook and Twitter). A “digital technology” scale (0–4) quantified the number of available digital technologies and connections. Frequency of daily use and interest in receiving medical information digitally were also assessed.

RESULTS:

The survey was completed by 257 caregivers. The sample was drawn from a clinical population that was 73% African American and 92% Medicaid insured with a median patient age of 2.9 years (interquartile range 0.8–7.4). Eighty percent of respondents reported having Internet at home, and 71% had a smartphone. Ninety-one percent reported using e-mail, 78% Facebook, and 27% Twitter. Ninety-seven percent scored ≥1 on the digital technology scale; 49% had a digital technology score of 4. The digital technology score was associated with daily use of digital media in a graded fashion (P < .0001). More than 70% of respondents reported that they would use health care information supplied digitally if approved by their child’s medical provider.

CONCLUSIONS:

Caregivers in an urban pediatric primary care setting have access to and frequently use digital technologies. Digital connections may help reach a traditionally hard-to-reach population.
Design of brick-faced retaining walls reinforced with geotextiles
Authors: Correia A. A. S. , Pinto M. I. M. , Lopes M. L.
Published: June 2013

Since the 1960s, retaining structures with reinforced backfill have undergone a remarkable development. Although important progress has been made regarding understanding of their behaviour, much remains to be done, especially on their design. The work described herein aims to contribute to the development of a design method for brick-faced reinforced retaining walls that should be very simple to use. A study was carried out by using some known methods of analysis, and by comparing the results obtained with the behaviour already known for this type of wall from previous laboratory and numerical studies. Both Rankine's and Coulomb's modified approach were used, and also three other methods allowing potential failure surfaces that were planar, circular and bilinear in shape. The comparative studies performed showed good predictions when a circular or a bilinear failure surface was considered, although the latter method allows a more versatile definition of the potential failure surface.
Potential of Combining Propane (LPG) Hydraulic Fracturing and Chemical Flooding in Thin Heavy-Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Morsy Samiha , Sheng James J. , Soliman Mohamed Y. , Shahri Mehdi
Published: June 2013

Waterflooding in a viscous heavy-oil reservoir results in a very poor sweep efficiency because of an unfavorable mobility ratio. However, thickened waterflooding by polymer or gel might not be economic because of high concentrations of chemicals that must be added to achieve a favorable mobility ratio. Moreover, it is understood that thermal recovery cannot be used in thin heavy-oil reservoirs because of major heat loss to overburdened and underburned formations. In cases where an oil reservoir is under permafrost, thermal recovery methods might not be applicable because the injected heat could possibly cause permafrost to thaw. In this paper, it is proposed to inject chemicals (alkaline/surfactant) into a producer immediately after hydraulic fracturing with liquefied propane gas (LPG). The injected chemicals form an oil/water (O/W) microemulsion whose viscosity is much lower than that of the reservoir oil viscosity. When the producer is in production mode, oil is produced in the form of an O/W microemulsion. The interfacial tension between the microemulsion phase and excess oil phase will be very low. Thus, the residual oil saturation will be reduced owing to the increased capillary number. The created hydraulic fractures can provide better access to the reservoir, reduce the loss of the injected chemicals, increase the area of contact between the chemicals and reservoir oil, and improve sweep efficiency of the injected chemicals. The LPG will also work as a solvent during the fracturing phase, speeds up the chemical diffusion and reduce the heavy-oil viscosity around the fracture faces, which will accelerate chemical diffusion when injected after hydraulic fracturing. The chemicals are injected using a huff-and-puff process. Both horizontal and vertical wells can be treated using this process. Simulation results show that the production from such thin heavy-oil reservoirs is significantly accelerated, and the oil recovery factor can be improved up to 200%.
Modifications to Butler Theory for Geomechanical Effects at the Edge of SAGD Steam Chamber. Part I: Drained Condition
Authors: Irani Mazda , Gates Ian
Published: June 2013

Steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) has been demonstrated to be a successful thermal recovery technique for recovering bitumen from oil sand reservoirs where the viscosity of the bitumen is typically hundreds of thousands to millions of centipoise. High pressure and high temperature steam injection cause significant stress changes at the edge of the steam chamber including shear dilation which, in turn, can enhance the absolute permeability. The importance of considering geomechanical effects in SAGD process has been extensively discussed in the literature but geomechanical effects have been neglected in the classic SAGD analytical models. All analytical models are typically incapable of fully predicting actuall SAGD production rates without using a correction factor; this can be a result of neglecting geomechanical effects. In the research documented here, we examine geomechanical enhancement at the edge of steam chamber where the oil sand has been sheared under thermal stimulation. We describe a mechanism and evaluate the oil drainage parallel to the interface of steam chamber caused by permeability enhancement from thermal stresses. Finally, we present a modified Butler's Theory that includes geomechanical effects. The results are directly applicable to understanding the geomechanical effects on oil drainage flow at the edge of SAGD chamber.
A novel optical panel photobioreactor for cultivation of microalgae
Authors: Choi Hee-Jeong , Lee Jae-Min , Lee Seung-Mok
Published: June 2013

In this study, a novel optical panel photobioreactor (OPPBR) equipped with a V-cut/or flat optical panel (OP) and a light source, i.e., light-emitting diodes (LEDs) was developed. The performance of this OPPBR was assessed using cultures of Chlorella vulgaris. Growth rates of biomass were compared in bioreactors operated separately using a V-cut OP, or a flat-plate OP both equipped with LEDs or a fluorescent light source without any OP. The experiments were conducted at neutral pH (7.2 ± 0.3) with an initial cell concentration of 0.15 ± 0.05 g L−1, at 23 ± 1 °C under dark and light cycles of 8 and 16 h, respectively, using LEDs and fluorescent lamps for 11 days. The results demonstrated that the amount of biomass produced using the V-cut OP was three times higher than the flat-plate OP and five times higher than without the OP. Parametric studies demonstrated that a distance of 3 mm between the OP and the LEDs produced the highest illumination uniformity, i.e., 65.7% for the flat-plate OP and 87.6% for the V-cut OP. The OPPBR system can be scaled up and could be used to enhance biomass production using an LED and OP combination.
Investigation of UV-assisted chlorophenol congeners’ degradation by organic oxidant p-nitrobenzoic acid in basic media
Authors: Sharma Swati , Mukhopadhyay Mausumi , Murthy Zagabathuni Venkata Panchakshari
Published: June 2013

This research specifically addressed the photodegradation of selected model chlorophenol (CP) congeners, 4-chlorophenol (4-CP), 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) and pentachlorophenol (PCP), by an organic oxidant, p-nitrobenzoic acid (PNBA), in basic media. The reactions were followed by high-pressure liquid chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy analysis for residual concentration and the identification of photodegraded products respectively. Initial degradation was confirmed by the formation of ring cleavage compounds, and subsequent mineralization was evidently marked by an increase in release of chloride ions in the time course profile. The presence of fewer/no chlorine atoms in the degraded compounds corroborated the mineralization by UV/PNBA action. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) was also observed to fall appreciably to the extent of 73% during all CP congeners’ degradation. The maximum COD decrease was observed in PNBA-assisted 4-CP degradation. The overall degradation kinetics conforming to second-order reaction is observed to follow the order 4-CP > 2,4,6-TCP ∼ PCP ∼ 2,4-DCP. The findings of this investigation elucidated the fact that PNBA was capable of successfully degrading/mineralizing the selected CP congeners.
Challenges for bathing in rivers in terms of compliance with coliform standards. Case study in a large urbanized basin (das Velhas River, Brazil)
Authors: von Sperling Marcos , von Sperling Eduardo
Published: June 2013

This paper presents a case study on the prospects of bathing in a large water course (das Velhas River, Brazil), which crosses the important metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte (25 municipalities), receiving several point and diffuse discharges. The studies were carried out based on a mathematical simulation of thermotolerant coliforms over 227 km of the river, using an adaptation of the Qual2E model (model Qual-UFMG). Simulations of intervention scenarios were made for the current conditions, with three reference flows for the das Velhas River, tributaries and direct contribution: Q7,10 (representative of low-flow conditions), Q50 (average conditions) and Q10 (rainy season). The intervention scenarios simulated were: (a) current conditions without intervention; (b) scenario with effluent disinfection in the two largest wastewater treatment plants in the basin (around 2.4 million inhabitants); (c) scenario with 95% sewage collection and treatment, with disinfection in all municipalities of the study area; (d) scenario with the calculation of values required for the coverage of sewage treatment and coliform removal efficiencies based on a mathematical optimization process. The monitoring data and results of all simulations indicated improvement in coliform concentration as the river flows downstream. However, results suggested that disinfection per se is not enough. Even under hypothetical conditions of excellent sanitary infrastructure for a developing country, coverage of collection and treatment of 95% of the generated sewage, and treatment with disinfection at all wastewater treatment plants, concentrations of thermotolerant coliforms in das Velhas River are likely to be above the maximum allowable of 1,000 MPN/100 mL for bathing purposes. The mathematical optimization indicated the need for very high percentages of sewage treatment coverage (near 100%, i.e. universality of collection and treatment) and implementation of disinfection in most treatment plants in the basin, and highlighted the fact that both items play equally important roles.
Environmental implications and applications of carbon nanomaterials in water treatment
Authors: Chae S. R. , Hotze E. M. , Badireddy A. R. , Lin S. , Kim J. O. , Wiesner M. R.
Published: June 2013

Carbon nanomaterials have been proposed as a basis for developing new technologies for photocatalytic oxidation and disinfection, improved membrane processes, adsorbents, and biofilm-resistant surfaces. This study details recent progress towards the development of these proposed applications. We explored the use of carbon nanomaterials such as fullerene C60, single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for a range of new technologies including, degradation of a probe organic compound by in situ generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), new strategies for microbial disinfection, and the inhibition of biofilm development on membrane surfaces. The results show that the degradation of 2-chlorophenol by ROS produced microbial inactivation, and the mobility of the nanoparticle aggregates of the carbon nanomaterials all increased as suspensions were fractionated to enrich with smaller aggregates with sonication followed by successive membrane filtration.
Prenatal, perinatal and neonatal risk factors for autism - study in Poland
Authors: Mrozek-Budzyn Dorota , Majewska Renata , Kieltyka Agnieszka
Published: June 2013

The results of conducted research studies suggest that heredity and early fetal and neonatal development play a causal role in autism. The objective was to determine a relationship between pre-, peri-, and neonatal factors and autism. The relationship between genders and individual risk factors for autism was also examined. A case-control study was conducted among 288 children (96 cases with childhood or atypical autism and 192 controls individually matched to cases by the year of birth, sex, and general practitioners). Data on autism diagnosis and other medical conditions were acquired from physicians. All other information on potential autism risk factors were collected from mothers. Autism risk was significantly higher when mothers were taking medications (OR=2.72, 95%CI: 1.47-5.04) and smoked during pregnancy (OR=3.32, 95%CI: 1.12-9.82). It was also significantly associated with neonatal dyspnea (OR=3.20, 95%CI: 1.29-8.01) and congenital anomalies (OR=7.17, 95%CI: 2.23-23.1). In gender analysis only congenital anomalies were significantly associated with autism for girls but all of mentioned factors stayed independent risk factors for boys.
Younger Patients Report Greater Improvement in Self-Reported Function After Knee Joint Replacement
Authors: Street Brian D. , Wong Wesley , Rotondi Michael , Gage William
Published: June 2013

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Objectives

To evaluate and compare the relationship between patients' age and the change in Oxford Knee Score from preoperative to postoperative assessments, and to investigate whether there is a relationship between preoperative Oxford Knee Score results and the indication for total knee replacement surgery, and if age affects this relationship.

Background

An increasing number of younger patients receive knee joint replacements, yet it is unknown how this cohort functions after surgery. This warrants investigation into the potential age-related differences in joint function following surgery. The Oxford Knee Score has been validated as a clinical tool but has yet to be accepted in the decision-making process regarding the need for, or appropriateness of, total knee replacement.

Methods

In a retrospective chart review, 240 patients completed the Oxford Knee Score questionnaire to evaluate chronic pain and/or dysfunction associated with the knee.

Results

The largest improvement with joint replacement was observed to occur in the youngest patient group (50–59 years old). Moreover, the Oxford Knee Score was shown to be the strongest predictor (odds ratio = 0.61) for the indicated intervention when compared to other predictors. The youngest patient group reported a significantly (P<.03) higher Oxford Knee Score result when indicated for surgery, compared to the oldest patient group (80–89 years old).

Conclusion

The results provide insight into how age influences self-perceived joint function before and after joint replacement surgery, and into the clinical decision to provide the surgical option to younger patients. Moreover, the observed relationship between the Oxford Knee Score and the indicated treatment supports the use of the questionnaire as a preoperative tool in considering treatment options for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Level of Evidence

Prognosis, level 2b. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2013;43(9):666–672. Epub 11 June 2013. doi:10.2519/jospt.2013.4540
Introduction: Feminist Cultural Studies
Authors: Ambjörnsson Fanny , Ganetz Hillevi
Published: June 2013

No abstract available.
Cultural Studies, History and Cosmopolitanism in UK
Authors: Nava Mica
Published: June 2013

This article reviews aspects of the historical relationship between cultural studies and history in the UK university context and illustrates the specificity of cultural history approaches by drawing on the author’s own work on cosmopolitanism.
Gendering Cultural Memory: Balzac’s Adieu
Authors: Fjelkestam Kristina
Published: June 2013

In this essay I examine the en-gendering of cultural memory in Honoré de Balzac´s story Adieu (1830), which proceeds from a repressed trauma originating in historical events. Balzac wrote the story in the spring of 1830, i. e. at a time when the French discontent with the Restoration regime was soon to explode in the July Revolution. The story is considered to claim that the Restoration regime’s repression of revolutionary history will recieve serious consequences in the present. But the question is how the now of the Restoration can best be linked to the then of the Revolution and the Empire? How can history be represented in a productive way, without silencing traumatic memories? My suggestion is that the abyss be-tween now and then has to be met with an ethically informed respect for difference. Stéphanie, the protagonist, dies when Philippe creates an exact replica of the traumatic situation in which they were separated many years ago. She then became a sex slave to the retiring French army, dehumanized during the hard Russian campaign, an experience that also dehumanized her. This Philippe refuses to acknowledge, since he wants to retrieve the woman he knew. That can of course never happen, but in insisting on it, I would claim that he actually renders Stéphanies life after the trauma impossible. Instead of emphasizing the distinction between past and present, Philippe overlooks it, with the severe consequence of Sté-phanie’s death. In my analysis I relate to pertinent discussions in the interdisciplinary field of cultural memory studies (an expanding field of research within the wider frame of cultural studies), but since it rarely discusses gender aspects I find it essential to relate also to feminist scholars who continually have scrutinized issues concerning memory and history writing.
Reproduction, Politics, and John Irving’s The Cider House Rules: Women’s Rights or "Fetal Rights"?
Authors: Wahlström Helena
Published: June 2013

While hotly debated in political contexts, abortion has seldom figured in explicit terms in either literature or film in the United States. An exception is John Irving’s 1985 novel The Cider House Rules, which treats abortion insistently and explicitly. Although soon thirty years old, The Cider House Rules still functions as an important voice in the ongoing discussion about reproductive rights, responsibilities, and politics. Irving represents abortion as primarily a women’s health issue and a political issue, but also stresses the power and responsibility of men in abortion policy and debate. The novel rejects a “prolife” stance in favor of a women’s rights perspective, and clearly illustrates that abortion does not preclude or negate motherhood. This article discusses Irving’s novel in order to address abortion as a political issue, the gender politics of fictional representations of abortion, and the uses of such representations in critical practice. A brief introduction to the abortion issue in American cultural representation and in recent US history offers context to the abortion issue in Irving’s novel. The analysis focuses on abortion as it figures in the novel, and on how abortion figures in the criticism of the novel that explicitly focuses on this issue. The article argues that twentyfirst century criticism of Irving’s text, by feminist scholars as well as explicitly anti-feminist pro-life advocates, demonstrate the pervasive influence of antiabortion discourses illustrates, since these readings of Irving’s novel include, or reactively respond to, the fetal rights discourse and the “awfulization of abortion.” The article further proposes that the novel’s representations of reproductive rights issues – especially abortion – are still relevant today, and that critical readings of fictional and nonfictional representations of reproductive rights issues are central to feminist poli-tics.
Cultural Studies and Sociology of Culture in Germany: Relations and Interrelations
Authors: Göttlich Udo
Published: June 2013

Over the last three decades, attitudes towards cultural studies in Germany have developed within contexts of contact and conflict with a variety of disciplines, e.g. ethnology, anthropology, sociology, as well as the sociology of culture, liter-ary studies and Kulturwissenschaft(en). On the one hand there is a strong academic interest in how cultural studies perceives and analyzes media culture, popular culture and everyday life. On the other hand boundaries with humanities and social science remain, which leads to criticism and conflicts with cultural studies and its achievements.

I will discuss some of the problems concerning the perception and reception of cultural studies among representatives of Kulturwissenschaft(en) and sociology of culture. Furthermore I will draw on the role of cultural studies in thematizing cultural change and conflicts, and its ability to do so in a way that shows the importance of culture and politics.
Hybrid governance: sketching discrete alternatives
Authors: Sauvée L.
Published: June 2013

Complex organisational forms are built through - at least to some extent - interorganisational strategies. To analyse the institutional logic of these forms, the concept of hybrid governance is proposed. This concept is a way to link their structural characteristics with their strategic content. To do so, the suggestion is to consider hybrid governance as an institutional combination of an authority structure and of a coordination architecture in presence of pooled strategic assets. The role of hybrid governance will then be to maximise joint value and minimise organisation costs. Such a perspective helps in the understanding of the very nature of complex organisational forms, of their diversity and of their uniqueness, which can be seen as an optimisation of strategy/structure interplay. From this, it is suggested that the research on hybrid governance is a major theoretical contribution to the chain and network science.
The Bereavement Exclusion: the Truth between Pathology and Politics
Authors: Iglewicz Alana , Seay Kathryn , Vigeant Stefani , Jouhal Sandeep Kaur , Zisook Sidney
Published: June 2013

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Describe the clinical context of the bereavement exclusion debate.

2.

List four arguments supporting the removal of the bereavement exclusion from the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
.

3.

Distinguish between symptoms of grief and symptoms of a major depressive episode.

Mr. D, 61 years old, has felt despondent over the past 4 weeks. He no longer experiences pleasure in his customary activities, has little appetite with a respective 7-pound weight loss in the past month, consistently awakens around 4 a.m., and has minimal energy, explaining “my tank is empty.” He also reports that he feels restless, “on-edge,” “can’t think straight,” and lacks motivation. He denies suicidal ideation and has no perceptual disturbances. He is able to work and care for himself, but not as effectively as usual.
The Bereavement Exclusion: Findings from a Field Study
Authors: Karam Elie G. , Tabet Caroline C. , Itani Lynn A.
Published: June 2013

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Know the relative frequencies of the conditional criteria (psychomotor retardation, feelings of worthlessness, suicidal ideation and impairment) in bereavement-excluded (BE) and nonbereavement-excluded (NBE) major depressive episodes.

2.

Understand the frequency of the conditional criteria between BE and NBE episodes in four subtypes relevant to the bereavement exclusion (all episodes, short duration episodes, episodes without any conditional symptoms andDSM-IVbereavement-excluded episodes).

3.

Recognize treatment-seeking behavior among BE and NBE episodes.

Both theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,third edition (DSM-III) and fourth edition (DSM-IV) demand extra criteria (bereavement criteria) for an episode of depression which satisfies the criteria of major depression if that episode follows the death of a loved one. This is of paramount importance because bereavement is a victim-independent stressor with universal prevalence.
Study Results and the Discriminant Validity of
DSM-IV
Bereavement Exclusion
Authors: Corruble Emmanuelle
Published: June 2013

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Be aware of the possibility and clinical implications of recent bereavement in patients with major depressive episodes.

2.

Learn to diagnose a major depressive episode within 2 months of a loves one’s death if the required criteria are present.

3.

Understand how to treat a major depressive episode within 2 months of a loved one’s death using psychotherapy and/or drug treatments.

The
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
, fourth edition’s (
DSM-IV
) diagnosis of major depressive episodes (MDE) is based on five criteria (see Table
1
, page 273). The “A” criteria cover symptoms; the “C” criteria cover distress and low-functioning; the other three criteria are based on “exclusions.” It is in the last criteria where the bereavement exclusion was included, stipulating that “The symptoms are not better accounted for by bereavement, ie, after the loss of a loved one, the symptoms persist for longer than 2 months or are characterized by marked functional impairment, morbid preoccupation with worthlessness, suicidal ideation, psychotic symptoms, or psychomotor retardation.”
1
Improving Care at End of Life in the ICU: A Proposal for Early Discussion of Goals of Care
Authors: Seaman Jennifer B.
Published: June 2013

Improving care at end of life (EOL) in the intensive care unit (ICU) remains a challenge, especially for older adults, who face a high likelihood of mortality or profound functional impairment with admission to the ICU and use of life-sustaining treatment (LST) such as mechanical ventilation. Multiple factors pose a barrier to high-quality EOL care that is consistent with patient preferences and values. This article outlines key contributory factors to this problem and offers, as a solution, a proposal for earlier engagement with decisional surrogates to clearly define the surrogate role; outline the risks, benefits, and alternatives to LSTs in use; and clarify patient-specific goals of care. Nurses should play a pivotal role in the development of programs to implement early discussion of goals of care, and they are instrumental in identifying patients at risk and facilitating early engagement with surrogates in facilities where such programs exist. Research that systematically evaluates outcomes of such protocols is needed to guide policy for patient-centered EOL care in the ICU. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 39
(8), 52–58.]
Becoming Part of the Plan to Help Conquer Alzheimer’s Disease: The National Alzheimer’s Project Act
Authors: Bonnel Wanda
Published: June 2013

Alzheimer’s disease presents one of the largest challenges facing the aging population. The National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) led to a national plan to engage health care team members in addressing this challenge. As nurse clinicians, educators, and researchers review the NAPA and resultant national plan, they can gain further direction in enhancing or expanding their roles to help stem the devastation of Alzheimer’s disease. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 39
(8), 9–11.]
Improving Lives Using Multidisciplinary Education: Partnering to Benefit Community, Innovation, Health, and Technology
Authors: McClelland Molly , Kleinke Darrell
Published: June 2013

University students are trained in specific disciplines, which can benefit disabled individuals in a variety of ways, including education, health promotion, assistive technologies, logistics, or design improvement. However, collaboration with other disciplines can have a greater impact on improving the health of disabled individuals than can training in one discipline alone. The University of Detroit Mercy Colleges of Engineering and Nursing have partnered to develop and provide assistive devices to disabled individuals while teaching innovation, technology, and collaboration to students. After 4 years of developing and implementing our multidisciplinary program, numerous unique and helpful assistive devices have been designed, created, and delivered to individuals in our community. More nursing schools should initiate multidisciplinary programs to train and prepare students for workplaces where such innovative, collaborative skills are increasingly sought. Nurses need to be at the forefront of such collaborative work. [
J Nurs Educ.
2013;52(7):405–409.]
Descriptions and Correlates of Salivary Cotinine in Individuals with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Beebe Lora Humphrey , Parker Carla Renee
Published: June 2013

The purpose of this study was to describe the procedure and results of salivary cotinine testing and to examine correlations between cotinine levels, self-reported smoking behavior, and other demographic variables in outpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs). Twenty-one participants completed salivary cotinine measures. Sixteen reported smoking cigarettes (mean = 1.2 packs per day;
SD
= 0.8; range = 0.25 to 3.0) for a mean of 27.4 years (
SD
= 16.3 years, range = 1 to 46 years). Age was significantly positively correlated with self-report of packs smoked per day (
r
= 0.52;
p
= 0.04) and years smoked (
r
= 0.63;
p
= 0.02). There was no clear pattern of relationship between salivary cotinine level and self-reported smoking behavior. This pilot study adds to a small body of literature describing salivary cotinine measures in individuals with SSDs, yet further investigation is warranted to definitively determine the utility of this objective measure of nicotine use. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 51
(8), 33–38.]
Consumers’ Perceptions of Transitions from Assertive Community Treatment to Less Intensive Services
Authors: Cuddeback Gary S. , Shattell Mona M. , Bartlett Robin , Yoselle Julie , Brown Donna
Published: June 2013

When first conceptualized, it was thought that individuals with severe mental illness who needed assertive community treatment (ACT) would need ACT for life. Today, ACT-for-life is contrary to recovery-based principles, and teams routinely transition consumers to less intensive services. However, there is little qualitative information about the experiences of consumers who transition from ACT. To address this gap in our knowledge, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 11 consumers who had transitioned from ACT to case management services. Consumers expressed feelings of loss and frustration about transitioning from ACT to case management services. Findings underscore the importance of facilitating open dialogue about transitions with consumers, managing consumers’ expectations of post-transition services, and facilitating consumer independence prior to transition. ACT teams should be deliberate about preparing consumers for transitions from ACT. More research is needed about facilitating successful transitions from ACT. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 51
(8), 39–45.]
Improvement Quality of LMS Through Application of Social Networking Sites.
Authors: Muhammad Abdul Hafeez , Musbah Khader Titi
Published: June 2013

The rapid development of information technology (IT), especially in education, influences all educational institutions to adopt eLearning. E-learning as a primary means of instruction is expanding significantly at the college and university level. However, most of these colleges and universities tend to emphasize on its benefits only. This does not mean that eLearning is without deficiencies. Studentsâ?? interactions, attention and communications are relatively low in the current Learning Management Systems (LMS). LMS is missing the direct relation between learning content and studentsâ?? collaboration and in an inappropriate educators approach towards eLearning. Additionally, collaboration among learners themselves in real time is not supported by LMS. Simultaneously, the growth of social networking sites (SNS) including Facebook, twitter and others are also rising among todayâ??s college students. The main aim of this research is to propose a comprehensive model for eLearning, which might be a roadmap for educational institutions over the whole world to adopt. The focus of this new model will be on incorporation and integration of social networking platform (SNP) with LMS to overcome some of the limitations of LMS in order to improve the quality of educational process to make it much better, attractive and more cooperative.
Application of Interactive Multimedia-Internet-Based Teaching System in College English Teaching
Authors: Wenming Zhang , Erwen Zhang
Published: June 2013

this paper aims to advocate the application of interactive multimedia-internet-based teaching system (IMITS) in college English teaching in Chinese colleges and universities. Based on a general analysis of the status quo of college English teaching in China nowadays, the theoretical base and construction principles of IMITS teaching are introduced, which is followed by a detailed elaboration on the actual utilization of IMITS in college English teaching and its advantages. At the end of this paper, some existing problems of IMITS teaching are exposed and the corresponding strategies are proposed to perfect the effects of IMITS in college English teaching.
Communities’ views, attitudes and recommendations on community-based education of undergraduate Health Sciences students in South Africa: A qualitative study
Authors: Mabuza Langalibalele H. , Diab Paula , Reid Stephen J. , Ntuli Busisiwe E. , Flack Penelope S. , Mpofu Ratie , Daniels Priscilla S. , Adonis Tracy-Ann , Cakwe Mandisa , Karuguti Mugambi W. , Molefe Ngkatiseng
Published: June 2013

Background: Medical and Health Sciences students in South Africa undertake community-based education (CBE). Health professionals based at host sites are jointly responsible for training of these students in conjunction with university staff. This study explored the communities’ views, attitudes and recommendations regarding CBE undertaken by these students, in order to improve the qualityof community support for these programmes.Method: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted at CBE placement sites of students from the Faculties of Health Sciences of the University of Limpopo (UL), University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and University of the Western Cape (UWC) during 2010 and 2011. Focus group discussions were held with site facilitators, community leaders and patients, and interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and translated into English where necessary. Data were analysed using NVivo (version 9).Findings: CBE was seen to benefit communities, students and host institutions as there was perceived improvement of service delivery, better referral to hospitals and reduction of workloads on site staff.CBE was also seen as having potential for recruiting professionals who have better orientation tothe area, and for motivating school pupils for a career in health sciences. Students acquired practicalskills and gained confidence and experience. Challenges included poor communication between universities and host sites, burden of student teaching on site facilitators, cultural and religious sensitivity of students and language barriers.Conclusion: The study revealed that communities have an important role to play in the CBE offuture health care professionals. CBE activities could be better organised and managed through formalised partnerships.
Dietary Lipid during Late-Pregnancy and Early-Lactation to Manipulate Metabolic and Inflammatory Gene Network Expression in Dairy Cattle Liver with a Focus on PPARs
Authors: Akbar Haji , Schmitt Eduardo , Ballou Michael A. , Corrêa Marcio N. , DePeters Edward J. , Loor Juan J.
Published: June 2013

Polyunsaturated (PUFA) long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) are more potent in eliciting molecular and tissue functional changes in monogastrics than saturated LCFA. From –21 through 10 days relative to parturition dairy cows were fed no supplemental LCFA (control), saturated LCFA (SFAT; mainly 16:0 and 18:0), or fish oil (FISH; high-PUFA). Twenty-seven genes were measured via quantitative RT-PCR in liver tissue on day –14 and day 10. Expression of nuclear receptor co-activators (CARM1, MED1), LCFA metabolism (ACSL1, SCD, ACOX1), and inflammation (IL6, TBK1, IKBKE) genes was lower with SFAT than control on day –14. Expression of SCD, however, was markedly lower with FISH than control or SFAT on both –14 and 10 days. FISH led to further decreases in expression on day 10 of LCFA metabolism (CD36, PLIN2, ACSL1, ACOX1), intracellular energy (UCP2, STK11, PRKAA1), de novo cholesterol synthesis (SREBF2), inflammation (IL6, TBK1, IKBKE), and nuclear receptor signaling genes (PPARD, MED1, NRIP1). No change in expression was observed for PPARA and RXRA. The increase of DGAT2, PLIN2, ACSL1, and ACOX1 on day 10 versus –14 in cows fed SFAT suggested upregulation of both beta-oxidation and lipid droplet (LD) formation. However, liver triacylglycerol concentration was similar among treatments. The hepatokine FGF21 and the gluconeogenic genes PC and PCK1 increased markedly on day 10 versus –14 only in controls. At the levels supplemented, the change in the profile of metabolic genes after parturition in cows fed saturated fat suggested a greater capacity for uptake of fatty acids and intracellular handling without excessive storage of LD.
Undisturbed and disturbed above canopy ponderosa pine emissions: PTR-TOF-MS measurements and MEGAN 2.1 model results
Authors: Kaser L. , Karl T. , Guenther A. , Graus M. , Schnitzhofer R. , Turnipseed A. , Fischer L. , Harley P. , Madronich M. , Gochis D. , Keutsch F. N. , Hansel A.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. We present the first eddy covariance flux measurements of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using a proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass-spectrometer (PTR-TOF-MS) above a ponderosa pine forest in Colorado, USA. The high mass resolution of the PTR-TOF-MS enabled the identification of chemical sum formulas. During a 30 day measurement period in August and September 2010, 649 different ion mass peaks were detected in the ambient air mass spectrum (including primary ions and mass calibration compounds). Eddy covariance with the vertical wind speed was calculated for all ion mass peaks. On a typical day, 17 ion mass peaks including protonated parent compounds, their fragments and isotopes as well as VOC-H+-water clusters showed a significant flux with daytime average emissions above a reliable flux threshold of 0.1 mg compound m−2 h−1. These ion mass peaks could be assigned to seven compound classes. The main flux contributions during daytime (10:00–18:00 LT) are attributed to the sum of 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol (MBO) and isoprene (50%), methanol (12%), the sum of acetic acid and glycolaldehyde (10%) and the sum of monoterpenes (10%). The total MBO + isoprene flux was composed of 10% isoprene and 90% MBO. There was good agreement between the light and temperature dependency of the sum of MBO and isoprene observed for this work and those of earlier studies. The above canopy flux measurements of the sum of MBO and isoprene and the sum of monoterpenes were compared to emissions calculated using the Model of Emissions of Gases and Aerosols from Nature (MEGAN 2.1). The best agreement between MEGAN 2.1 and measurements was reached using emission factors determined from site specific leaf cuvette measurements. While the modelled and measured MBO + isoprene fluxes agree well the emissions of the sum of monoterpenes is underestimated by MEGAN 2.1. This is expected as some factors impacting monoterpene emissions, such as physical damage of needles and branches due to storms, are not included in MEGAN 2.1. After a severe hailstorm event, 22 ion mass peaks (attributed to six compound classes plus some unknown compounds) showed an elevated flux for the two following days. The sum of monoterpene emissions was 4–23 times higher compared to emissions prior to the hailstorm while MBO emissions remained unchanged. If one heavy storm occurs at this site every month we calculate that the monthly monoterpene emissions (in mg compound m−2) would be underestimated by 40% if this disturbance source is not considered.