bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Resource Management in Health and Performance of Work Process in the Primary Health Care—An Efficiency Analysis in a Brazilian Municipality
Authors: Rocha Thiago Augusto Hernandes , Silva Núbia Cristina da , Barbosa Allan Claudius Queiroz , Rodrigues Júnia Marçal
Published: October 2014

The objective of this study was to analyze how management practices of human resources (HR) in health can be associated with efficiency in fulfilling the work process of family health teams in primary health care (PHC) strategy adopted in a Brazilian municipality. To do so, were analyzed indicators of HR vis-à-vis an efficiency score obtained from data envelopment analysis (DEA). The analysis model used was based on the dimensions of structure, process as sources of information about the quality of care delivery actions, considering Donabedian’s model of evaluation of health services. The results indicate that investment in training of professionals and fixation of doctors can contribute significantly to improve the efficiency indices obtained by the teams of the city. Despite the advances made in terms of human resource management (HRM) in health, still weigh several challenges for this strategy to be consolidated as a tool to make the Family Health Strategy (FHS) more effectively.
Exploring Vulnerability of Undernutrition among Wives
Authors: Ghosh Saswata
Published: October 2014

Generally, at household level, cultural norms and practices regarding intra-household food allocation and distribution, and other demographic and socio-economic factors determine the extent of nutritional status among women. Arguably, husbands’ background attributes such as educational attainment, employment, nutritional status and health habits such as smoking and drinking could also contribute in determining their wives’ nutritional status. It was hypothesized that risk of undernourishment is higher among wives whose husbands are less educated, engaged in low-paid jobs, undernourished and possessing unhealthy lifestyle. Using data from the third round of National Family Health Survey, 2005–06, a nationally representative cross-sectional survey that provided information on BMI level of 34,062 couples, the present study found that the prevalence of undernutrition among wives was high cutting across husbands’ differential attributes as well as other social, economic and cultural covariates. Protective factors include husbands’ tertiary employment, husbands’ well nourishment and healthy lifestyle, high social and economic status and living in urban areas. Programmes and policies should focus on the issues related to household nutritional status instead of focusing only women and children of a household.
Shaping the GAP: Ideas for the UNESCO Post-2014 ESD Agenda
Authors: Taylor Jim
Published: October 2014

This paper explores how ESD activities may be viewed on a continuum from ‘causal’ approaches, seeking to cause change in others, to ‘enabling’ orientations where efforts are made to enable people to implement the principles of ESD and respond to the environmental challenges they face from their own context. An enabling orientation seeks to both ‘mobilise’ participant’s perspectives and engage with them in a systems-wide or holistic space. They tend to make more meaning for learners by making useful connections between theory and context-relevant practice, thus enabling application to new contexts.

The paper develops the notion of capabilities and the importance of reflexivity through which one learns to respond in different ways in different circumstances. Finally the paper explores some outcomes of the DESD and develops pointers for enabling education processes in the next decade and forthcoming Global Action Programme (GAP).
Dialogue as a Basis for the Design of Environmental Pedagogies
Authors: De Andrade Daniel Fonseca , Sorrentino Marcos
Published: October 2014

Colonizing processes take many forms. Although they are generally related to the use of force, they may also happen through subtler means such as education, and subconsciously, whenever educational proposals are designed to suit a wide variety of contexts. This essay suggests that environmental pedagogies should be based on a dialogical mindset and methods, where all participants are seen as subjects and there is no desire to coerce, seduce, correct, convert or persuade others. Based on the bibliographical review, the article unveils the concept of dialogue and recommends four important skills for the creation of dialogical spaces. In times when cultural standardization leads to environmental degradation, dialogical pedagogies foster a better comprehension of individuals’ and collectives’ identities and, by doing so, collaborate with the maintenance of socio-diversity.
The Parts and the Whole: A Holistic Approach to Environmental and Sustainability Education
Authors: Geesteranus Chris Maas
Published: October 2014

S. Brunner and S. Urenje, Swedish International Centre of Education for Sustainable Development, Visby, 2012, 138 pages. ISBN: 978-91-637-1218-0

Material can also be downloaded at: www.swedesd.se/publications/downloads/viewcategory/1-the-parts-and-the-whole-a-holistic-approach-to-environmental-and-sustainability-education
Toward the post-Westernization of baseball? The national-regional-global nexus of Korean Major League Baseball fans during the 2006 World Baseball Classic
Authors: Cho Younghan
Published: October 2014

This study investigates the multiplicity of South Korean Major League Baseball fans, with a focus on the tensions that they experience under the nationalistic aura surrounding MLB fandom while pursuing their individual hobby. For this purpose, it employs the idea of “post-Westernization” to interpret baseball as a global sport and examine its recent popularity in South Korea. By exploring the activities and voices of an online community among Korean fans, it demonstrates how national desires were complicated when they collided with a global strategy during the first World Baseball Classic in 2006. Analysis of Korean MLB fans during the WBC indicates both the possibilities and the limits of global baseball as a case of post-Westernization. The study shows that becoming an MLB fan in South Korea is at the intersection of national identity (nationalist fervor for MLB), regional rivalry (against Japan, the former colonizer) and global sensibilities (American sport fandom). Korean fans’ responses can be summarized as the national-regional-global nexus in which they perceive the existence of regional and global hierarchies, but they also routinely contest their own and each others’ perceptions. Finally, it suggests that fans’ articulation of the national, regional, and global are far from being fixed or unidirectional: they are constantly under construction.
From Jesus to Christianity: The economics of sacrifice
Authors: Ferrero Mario
Published: October 2014

This article models the birth of a new religion from the ashes of apocalyptic prophecy. Christianity started around the imminent expectation of God’s Kingdom. Followers forsook worldly opportunities to prepare for the event. As the Kingdom’s arrival tarried, they found themselves “trapped” because those sacrifices—like transaction-specific investments—were wasted if they dropped out. This provided incentives to stay and transform the faith. Such effort, enhanced by reaction to the cognitive dissonance caused by prophecy failure, turned an apocalyptic movement into an established church. A survey of other apocalyptic groups confirms that dropout costs are critical to explaining outcomes.
Psychometric Properties of the Korean Versions of Three Sleep Evaluation Questionnaires
Authors: Choi Heejung , Kim Sungjae , Kim Beomjong , Kim Inja
Published: October 2014

Psychometric properties of the Korean versions of three sleep evaluation questionnaires were described to provide tools for practitioners and researchers interested in transcultural studies in Korea. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the General Sleep Disturbance Scale (GSDS), and the Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire (LSEQ) were analyzed using data from 959 community-dwelling adults in Korea. Furthermore, cut-off points and prevalence of sleep disturbance were identified. Reliability and concurrent validity for all measures were acceptable. Optimal cut-off points of PSQI, GSDS, and LSEQ with highest Youden’s index were 5, 33, and 66, and prevalence of sleep disturbance was 22.1%, 26.3%, and 25.8%, respectively. The Korean PSQI, GSDS, and LSEQ are all valid and reliable tools for detecting sleep disturbance. We provide suggestions for selecting the right tools according to the purpose, setting, and participants of transcultural studies
Achievement of Therapeutic Anti-Xa Levels in a Proven Heparin-Resistant Patient Through the Use of Nontraditional High-Dose Enoxaparin
Authors: Krajewski Kristin C. , Smith Kelly , Conwall Katherine , Krajewski Michael P.
Published: October 2014

Objective: To describe the successful use of high-dose enoxaparin therapy (1.5 mg/kg subcutaneously twice daily) to attain a therapeutic anti–factor Xa (anti-Xa) level in a cancer patient with heparin resistance. Case Summary: A proven heparin-resistant patient with venous thromboembolism (VTE) and lung cancer who required approximately 66 000 units of unfractionated heparin daily was successfully transitioned to an off-label high-dose enoxaparin (OLHDE) 1.5 mg/kg subcutaneously twice daily. The patient was maintained on this same dose, and therapeutic levels were confirmed via use of the anti-Xa monitoring test. The patient was able to be discharged from the medical floor on this same dose with no further complications of VTE noted. No adverse events from this dosing were observed during the duration of therapy. Discussion: Options for overcoming heparin resistance are limited to case reports and small studies. The best course of treatment in the cancer patient is unclear. OLHDE allowed for the transition from intravenous to subcutaneous medication and transition off the medical floor. This case supports the use of OLHDE as a therapeutic option in heparin-resistant patients with cancer. Further study is needed to confirm the efficacy of OLHDE in this patient population. Conclusion: High-dose enoxaparin may be an option to treat cancer patients with confirmed heparin resistance and venous thromboembolism.
Dorsal Wedge Phalangeal Osteotomy for Grade II-III Hallux Rigidus in Active Adult Patients
Authors: Perez-Aznar Adolfo , Lizaur-Utrilla Alejandro , Lopez-Prats Fernando A. , Gil-Guillen Vicente
Published: October 2014

Background:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate prospectively the results of the dorsal wedge phalangeal osteotomy for treating moderate hallux rigidus.

Methods:

The prospective study included 42 consecutive feet in 40 active patients, with an average age of 55.1 (range, 41-65) years. Clinical evaluation included American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, pain visual analog scale, range of motion, and subjective patient satisfaction. Radiographic evaluation was performed, including linear and angular measurements. The average follow-up was 2.7 (range, 2-3.8) years.

Results:

The preoperative and postoperative mean AOFAS scores were 51.7 and 88.8, respectively ( P = .001), and for pain VAS were 7.6 and 1.9, respectively ( P = .001). Good and excellent results at final follow-up were seen in 34 feet. All patients returned to their previous activities. Satisfaction with surgery was good or excellent in 39 patients. The average passive metatarsophalangeal (MTP) dorsiflexion improved from 20.3 to 55.7 degrees ( P = .001). The average MTP joint space improved from 2.2 to 2.3 degrees ( P = .001). The radiographic measurements were unchanged, except anatomic angles related to phalangeal dorsiflexion. The average width of the bone wedge was 3.5 (range, 2.2-5.0) mm, and significant correlation was found with final AOFAS score ( P = .006) and pain VAS ( P = .001). There were 2 revisions for screw irritation.

Conclusion:

Phalangeal osteotomy was a reliable and reproducible treatment for moderate hallux rigidus in active patients, with substantial improvement in AOFAS score and MTP dorsiflexion and decreased pain.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, prospective case series.
A Brief Retrospective Method for Identifying Longitudinal Trajectories of Adjustment Following Acute Stress
Authors: Mancini Anthony D. , Bonanno George A. , Sinan Beyza
Published: October 2014

Research increasingly indicates that prototypical trajectories of resilience, recovery, delayed, and chronic distress characterize reactions to acute adversity. However, trajectory research has been limited by the practical and methodological difficulties of obtaining pre-event and longitudinal data. In two studies, we employed a novel method in which trained interviewers provided a graphical depiction of prototypical stress trajectories to participants and asked them to select the one that best described their experience. In Study 1, self-identified trajectories from 21 high-exposure survivors of the September 11th World Trade Center attacks distinguished variation in posttraumatic stress disorder and depression symptoms at 7 and 18 months, and were consistent with trajectories based on longitudinal outcomes and friend/relative ratings. In Study 2, we examined self-identified trajectories from 115 bereaved spouses at 1.5 to 3 years. Persons who identified a resilient trajectory, compared with recovery and chronic distress trajectories, had fewer interviewer-rated symptoms of grief, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder were rated as functioning more effectively by friends, reported higher life satisfaction, and had fewer somatic complaints. The present results provide initial evidence for the construct validity of a cross-sectional and less demanding method for identifying acute stress trajectories.
Quasistatic bilateral contact problem with time delay for viscoelastic materials
Authors: Ogorzały Justyna
Published: October 2014

In this paper we study the mathematical model which describes quasistatic frictional contact problems between a deformable body and a rigid foundation. In this model the contact is bilateral and the behaviour of the material is described by a viscoelastic constitutive law with time delay. The variational formulation of the mathematical model is given as a hemivariational inequality of elliptic type. Based on some recent results for the elliptic hemivariational inequality and Banach’s fixed point theorem we prove existence and uniqueness of the solution for the obtained hemivariational inequality.
Revisiting the Importance of Knowledge
Authors: Chung Adrienne H. , Rimal Rajiv N.
Published: October 2014

Reducing stigma against people living with HIV is key to encouraging HIV testing, which in turn is an important component in the treatment-as-prevention approach. We analyzed nationally representative survey data of participants aged 15 years and older in Namibia ( N = 4,300) to determine whether knowledge about HIV and self-efficacy to protect against sexually transmitted HIV would be independently and jointly associated with stigma against people living with HIV, after controlling for demographics. Findings indicated that having less knowledge and feeling less self-efficacy were associated with greater stigma. Our key interaction hypothesis was also supported: stigma among those with lower self-efficacy to reduce risk of sexually transmitted HIV infection was particularly sensitive to the effects of increased knowledge about HIV. Results highlight the importance of enriching knowledge about HIV transmission modes, prevention strategies, and support services among those with low self-efficacy in order to reduce stigma against people living with HIV, and has useful implications for designing anti-stigma campaigns.
Epigenome Variation in Severe Asthma
Authors: Wysocki Kenneth , Conley Yvette , Wenzel Sally
Published: October 2014

Background:

Asthma is a complex heterogeneous disease process with mild, moderate, and severe classifications. Although the science of genomics has opened our understanding of the molecular underpinnings of asthma, epigenetics is emerging as a mechanism whereby the expression of disease-risk genes may be influenced by environmental exposure.

Objectives:

The purpose of this article is to discuss the methodology of data collection and evaluation involved in genome-wide methylation profiling (epigenomic) through presentation of data generated for a population presenting with severe asthma.

Method:

Over 14,000 gene promoter sites were analyzed for methylation status among six subjects with severe asthma and four normal controls in this pilot study. Two duplicate samples were used as technical replicates. Nonsmoking case/control subjects were chosen based on similar gender and age. Blood samples were used for DNA extraction, and methylation data were collected utilizing the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation27BeadChip platform.

Results:

Technical replicates were highly concordant, and statistically significant differences were found in methylation profiles between subjects with severe asthma and normal controls ( p < 10−8), some previously reported with pulmonary function and others never before reported. After correction for multiple testing, three gene promoter regions remained statistically different: FAM181A, ZNF718, and MRI1.

Discussion:

This research supports the internal validity of the Illumina platform in methylation analysis of DNA from stored blood samples. Although significant differences in methylation were noted between subjects with severe asthma and controls, the small sample size warrants further investigation into these results.
Dynamics of European integration: Public opinion in the core and periphery
Authors: Bølstad Jørgen
Published: October 2014

The relationship between public opinion and public policy provides a potential criterion for assessing the democratic quality of the European Union. The few existing time series analyses in this area assume that there exists a European-wide public mood towards integration. Analyzing West-European series of public opinion from 1974 to 2011, this article finds considerable support for this assumption. However, the analysis also points towards a ‘periphery-trend’, driven by the UK, Ireland and Denmark, in contrast to a ‘core-trend’, driven by the founders of the European Economic Community (EEC). The analysis further shows that both opinion trends are cointegrated with public policy in this area: European integration appears to be significantly influenced, or constrained, by public opinion both in the core and periphery.
Dogs, Physical Activity, and Walking (Dogs PAW)
Authors: Richards Elizabeth A. , Ogata Niwako , Ting Jeffrey
Published: October 2014

Background. The aims of this study were to describe the development of and investigate the feasibility and acceptability of a pilot randomized controlled physical activity intervention based on social cognitive theory that used a dog walking strategy. Method. Participants ( n = 49) were randomized into an intervention or control group. Overall, participants were middle-aged ( M = 45.7 ± 13.4 years), Caucasian, and on average considered obese with a mean body mass index of 30.0 ± 5.5. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics and analyze the feasibility and acceptability data. Regression models were used to (a) examine significant differences between intervention and control groups across time (baseline to post-intervention) and (b) examine if changes in theoretical constructs from baseline to post-intervention resulted in changes in dog walking in both the intervention and control group. Results. Participants agreed that the intervention e-mails were easy to read and understand ( M = 4.3 ± 0.7). Participants reported that the frequency of e-mails was adequate ( M = 4.3 ± 0.8), but there was lower agreement that the e-mails encouraged an increase in dog walking ( M = 3.6 ± 1.2). Post-intervention, the control group increased weekly dog walking to 19.4 ± 4.9 minutes, whereas the intervention group increased it to 79.3 ± 11.2 minutes. Conclusions. Preliminary results suggest that this pilot intervention is an acceptable and feasible strategy for promoting dog walking among dog owners.
Evaluating Procedures for Reducing Measurement Error in Math Curriculum-Based Measurement Probes
Authors: Methe Scott A. , Briesch Amy M. , Hulac David
Published: October 2014

At present, it is unclear whether math curriculum-based measurement (M-CBM) procedures provide a dependable measure of student progress in math computation because support for its technical properties is based largely upon a body of correlational research. Recent investigations into the dependability of M-CBM scores have found that evaluating probe design procedures is necessary to estimate the contribution of probe-related factors to variance in M-CBM scores. To extend this research, the present study compared a set of commercially available probes (i.e., AIMSweb) with an experimental set that was constructed to enhance consistency in item content across alternative forms. Two probes were randomly selected from each set and administered to 43 students in fifth grade. Generalizability analyses indicated that the experimental probes generated scores with less error variance than those of the AIMSweb probes. Follow-up analyses indicated that fewer administrations of the experimental probes were necessary to attain adequate reliability for relative decisions (i.e., >.80) and high reliability for absolute decisions (i.e., >.90). Results support prior studies and suggest that error variance is associated with M-CBM probe content and development procedures.
Reduced Dual-Task Performance in MS Patients Is Further Decreased by Muscle Fatigue
Authors: Wolkorte Ria , Heersema Dorothea J. , Zijdewind Inge
Published: October 2014

Background. Multiple sclerosis (MS) can be accompanied by motor, cognitive, and sensory impairments. Additionally, MS patients often report fatigue as one of their most debilitating symptoms. It is, therefore, expected that MS patients will have difficulties in performing cognitive-motor dual tasks (DTs), especially in a fatiguing condition. Objective. To determine whether MS patients are more challenged by a DT than controls in a fatiguing and less-fatiguing condition and whether DT performance is associated with perceived fatigue. Methods. A group of 19 MS patients and 19 age-, sex-, and education-matched controls performed a cognitive task (2-choice reaction time task) separately or concurrent with a low-force or a high-force motor task (index finger abduction at 10% or 30% maximal voluntary contraction). Results. MS patients performed less well on a cognitive task than controls. Cognitive task performance under DT conditions decreased more for MS patients. Moreover, under high-force DT conditions, cognitive performance declined in both groups but to a larger degree for MS patients. Besides a decline in cognitive task performance, MS patients also showed a stronger decrease in motor performance under high-force DT conditions. DT costs were positively related to perceived fatigue as measured by questionnaires. Conclusions. Compared with controls, MS patients performed less well on DTs as demonstrated by a reduction in both cognitive and motor performances. This performance decrease was stronger under fatiguing conditions and was related to the sense of fatigue of MS patients. These data illustrate problems that MS patients may encounter in daily life because of their fatigue.
Whose Fallacies?
Authors: Klein Gary
Published: October 2014

The purpose of this response is to clarify several of the claims made by Endsley in her focus paper. Endsley criticizes the Data/Frame model of sensemaking for misrepresenting her views on situation awareness and for failing to provide as complete an explanation as her theory. However, she has contributed to confusion about her theory of situation awareness by shifting her views over the years without making these changes explicit. Furthermore, her critique of the Data/Frame model misrepresents that model and its goals.
Swift and sure justice? Mode of trial for causing death by driving offences
Authors: Cammiss Steven , Kyd Cunningham Sally
Published: October 2014

In this article we present empirical evidence on the allocation of causing death by driving offences to explore the inter-relationship between different criminal justice policy goals. Specifically, we look at the decision-making of the various parties involved in such cases: the prosecution in recommending the venue for trials; the defence in deciding whether to plead guilty or to elect trial in the Crown Court; and magistrates in deciding whether to accept jurisdiction or commit to the Crown Court. These decisions are then set within the context of the Government’s desire to achieve ‘swift and sure justice’, promote correct allocation decisions for either-way offences and reduce the number of ‘cracked trials’. The data show that many of these cases are committed to the Crown Court, only to receive a sentence within the powers of magistrates, and that the proportion of cases where this happens is higher than for mainstream offences. Our contention is that although there is something special about the offences under discussion, in that the fact that a death is involved raises issues as to how justice is seen to be done, undue focus is placed upon ‘swift justice’ which generates problems later in the process.
The impact of a multiple intelligences teaching approach drug education programme on drug refusal skills of Nigerian pupils
Authors: Nwagu Evelyn N. , Ezedum Chuks E. , Nwagu Eric K. N.
Published: October 2014

The rising incidence of drug abuse among youths in Nigeria is a source of concern for health educators. This study was carried out on primary six pupils to determine the effect of a Multiple Intelligences Teaching Approach Drug Education Programme (MITA-DEP) on pupils’ acquisition of drug refusal skills. A programme of drug education based on the Multiple Intelligences Teaching Approach (MITA) was developed. An experimental group was taught using this programme while a control group was taught using the same programme but developed based on the Traditional Teaching Approach. Pupils taught with the MITA acquired more drug refusal skills than those taught with the Traditional Teaching Approach. Urban pupils taught with the MITA acquired more skills than rural pupils. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean refusal skills of male and female pupils taught with the MITA.
The efficacy of betulinic acid in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Weber Daniel , Zhang Mixia , Zhuang Pengwei , Zhang Yanjun , Wheat Janelle , Currie Geoffrey , Al-Eisawi Zaynab
Published: October 2014

Purpose:

The treatment of triple-negative breast cancer remains a daunting challenge with the standard-of-care treatments eventually failing due to acquired drug resistance, toxic side effects and the presence of a deregulated immune response. New treatments for overcoming these drawbacks include the use of plant extracts.

Study design:

In this study, the efficacy of betulinic acid, a naturally abundant phytochemical exhibiting anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activity, has been evaluated for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cell lines. Furthermore, the ability of betulinic acid to inhibit angiogenesis was also determined.

Results:

Here, we report that betulinic acid was able to inhibit the inflammatory response, inhibit angiogenesis and cause cell cycle arrest ultimately causing apoptosis in triple-negative breast cancer cells. Our findings support that the identification of naturally occurring anti-tumour compounds may provide a chemotherapeutic approach for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer.

Conclusion:

Overall, our results provide a molecular basis for the ability of betulinic acid to mediate apoptosis, suppress inflammation and inhibit angiogenesis in triple-negative breast cancer cell lines.
Examination of the potential association of stress with morbidity and mortality outcomes in patient with heart failure
Authors: Alhurani Abdullah S , Dekker Rebecca , Tovar Elizabeth , Bailey Alison , Lennie Terry A , Randall David C , Moser Debra K
Published: October 2014

Objectives:

The high mortality and morbidity rates associated with heart failure are still not well explained. A few psychosocial factors have been studied and explain some of this risk, but other factors, like stress, remain largely unexplored in heart failure. This study aimed to (1) examine the association of stress with 6-month cardiac event-free survival, (2) examine the relationship of stress with salivary cortisol, and (3) examine the association of salivary cortisol level with 6-month cardiac event-free survival.

Method:

A total of 81 heart failure patients participated. Stress was measured using the brief Perceived Stress Scale. Cortisol was measured from unstimulated whole expectorated saliva. Cox regression analyses were used to determine whether stress predicted event-free survival, and if salivary cortisol predicted event-free survival. Linear and multiple regressions were used to determine the association of stress with salivary cortisol.

Results:

Stress was not a significant predictor of event-free survival in heart failure (heart rate = 1.06; 95% confidence interval = 0.95–1.81; p = 0.32). Salivary cortisol was a significant predictor of event-free survival in the unadjusted model (heart rate = 2.30; 95% confidence interval = 0.99–5.927; p = 0.05), but not in the adjusted model. Stress (β 1.06; 95% confidence interval = 0.95–1.18; p = 0.32) was not a significant predictor of salivary cortisol level.

Conclusion:

Stress is a complex phenomenon, and our measure of stress may not have captured it well. Alternatively, the physical stressors acting in heart failure produce levels of neurohormonal activation that mask the effects of psychosocial stressors or an indirect association of stress with outcomes that is mediated through another construct. Future studies are needed to investigate stress in patients with heart failure to provide definitive answers.
Experimental investigation of pulse current on mechanical behaviour of AZ31 alloy
Authors: Lin S. X. , Chu X. R. , Bao W. K. , Gao J. , Ruan L. Q.
Published: October 2014

The effect of pulse current on the mechanical properties of AZ31 alloy is investigated through uniaxial tensile test at different temperatures. The electroplastic effect is evaluated by the change of ultimate strength. During tensile test, both microstructure evolution and fracture behaviour are sensitive to the applied deformation conditions. In this work, the influence of pulse current is discussed from the point of view of microstructure evolution and fracture characteristics. The experimental results show that the dynamic recrystallisation temperature of AZ31 is reduced by the pulse current and continuous dynamic recrystallisation is found at 100°C for tensile test with current. The data also indicate that the pulse current accelerates the precipitation and dissolved of the second phase particles in AZ31 alloy.
The structure and properties of PEDOT synthesized by template-free solution method
Authors: Zhao Qin , Jamal Ruxangul , Zhang Li , Wang Minchao , Abdiryim Tursun
Published: October 2014

In this study, a simple one-step template-free solution method was developed for the preparation of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOTs) with different morphologies by adjusting various ratios of oxidant (FeCl3·6H2O) to monomer (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT)). The results from structural analysis showed that the structure of PEDOT was strongly affected by the oxidant/monomer ratio, and the polymerization degree, conjugation length, doping level, and crystallinity of PEDOT decreased with increasing of the oxidant/monomer ratio. The morphological analysis showed that PEDOT prepared from an oxidant/monomer ratio of 3:1 displayed a special coral-like morphology, and the branches of ‘coral’ would adjoin or grow together with increasing content of oxidant in the reaction medium; consequently, the morphology of PEDOT changed from coral to sheets (at an oxidant/monomer ratio of 9:1). The electrochemical analysis proved that the PEDOT prepared from an oxidant/monomer ratio of 3:1 had the lowest resistance and the highest specific capacitances (174 F/g) at a current density of 1 A/g with a capacity retention rate of 74% over 1,500 cycles, which indicated that the PEDOT with a coral-like morphology could be applied as a promising electrode material for supercapacitors.
Screening and characterization of extracellular polysaccharides produced by Leuconostoc kimchii isolated from traditional fermented pulque beverage
Authors: Torres-Rodríguez Ingrid , Rodríguez-Alegría María Elena , Miranda-Molina Alfonso , Giles-Gómez Martha , Conca Morales Rodrigo , López-Munguía Agustín , Bolívar Francisco , Escalante Adelfo
Published: October 2014

We report the screening and characterization of EPS produced by LAB identified as Leuconostoc kimchii isolated from pulque, a traditional Mexican fermented, non-distilled alcoholic beverage produced by the fermentation of the sap extracted from several (Agave) maguey species. EPS-producing LAB constitutes an abundant bacterial group relative to total LAB present in sap and during fermentation, however, only two EPS-producing colony phenotypes (EPSA and EPSB, respectively) were detected and isolated concluding that despite the high number of polymer-producing LAB their phenotypic diversity is low. Scanning electron microcopy analysis during EPS-producing conditions revealed that both types of EPS form a uniform porous structure surrounding the bacterial cells. The structural characterization of the soluble and cell-associated EPS fractions of each polymer by enzymatic and acid hydrolysis, as by 1D- and 2D-NMR, showed that polymers produced by the soluble and cell-associated fractions of EPSA strain are dextrans consisting of a linear backbone of linked α-(1→6) Glcp in the main chain with α-(1→2) and α-(1→3)-linked branches. The polymer produced by the soluble fraction of EPSB strain was identified as a class 1 dextran with a linear backbone containing consecutive α-(1→6)-linked D-glucopyranosyl units with few α-(1→3)-linked branches, whereas the cell-associated EPS is a polymer mixture consisting of a levan composed of linear chains of (2→6)-linked β-D-fructofuranosyl residues with β-(2→6) connections, and a class 1 dextran. According to our knowledge this is the first report of dextrans and a levan including their structural characterization produced by L. kimchii isolated from a traditional fermented source.
Age at immigration and high school dropouts
Authors: Cohen Goldner Sarit , Epstein Gil S
Published: October 2014

We focus on high school dropout rates among male and female immigrant children. We consider the relationship between the dropout rate and age at arrival of the immigrants. Using repeated cross sectional data from the Israeli Labor Force Surveys of 1996-2011 we show that the share of high school dropouts among immigrant children who arrived from the Former Soviet Union during 1989-1994 is at least double that of natives in the same age group. Further, we show that among immigrant youth there is a negative relation between age at arrival and the share of high school dropouts. To understand our results we present a theoretical framework that links between age at arrival in the host country, language proficiency, quality of education and wages.

Keywords: Immigrants, Age at arrival, High-school dropouts.
Biomolecular assembly strategies to develop potential artificial cellulosomes
Authors: Gonçalves Geisa AL , Mori Yutaro , Kamiya Noriho
Published: October 2014

Cellulosic biomass is a sustainable source for fuels and value-added chemicals, and is available in large quantities. One of the key challenges in biomass processing is associated with the establishment of an efficient enzymatic degradation of plant cell wall. A multi-enzymatic complex, cellulosome, was identified as a highly efficient biocatalyst for the hydrolysis of cellulosic biomass in nature. Significant progress has been achieved on cellulosome production and application since its discovery, but there is still a gap for industrial use. Artificial systems are being developed by employing various pairs of proteins and scaffolds with the objective of reconstructing this natural multi-enzymatic complex for sustainable biotechnology application.
Introduction to this special section: Hydrofracturing — Modern and novel methods
Authors: Olson Jon E. , Laubach Stephen E.
Published: October 2014

The rate of success in shale plays for oil and gas depends strongly on finding the sweet spots, particularly with regard to total organic carbon (TOC) and maturation. However, just as important is determining where the wellbore and the hydraulic fractures are placed during drilling and completion. The articles in this special section treat the topic of detecting (or diagnosing) wellbore and fracture placement, using novel hydraulic fracture characterization techniques related to passive or active monitoring during completions (Tan et al. and Warpinski) or reservoir performance diagnostics once the well is put on production (Clarkson et al.).
High-tech tools for SEG Denver 2014
Authors: Swiney Mick
Published: October 2014

Over the past few years, the SEG International Exposition and Annual Meeting has grown increasingly sophisticated as new technologies take a larger role in allowing attendees to get the most out of their experience.
End-of-Life Care for Older Patients With Ovarian Cancer Is Intensive Despite High Rates of Hospice Use
Authors: Wright Alexi A. , Hatfield Laura A. , Earle Craig C. , Keating Nancy L.
Published: October 2014

Purpose

To date, few studies have examined end-of-life care for patients with ovarian cancer. One study documented increased hospice use among older patients with ovarian cancer from 2000 to 2005. We sought to determine whether increased hospice use was associated with less-intensive end-of-life medical care.

Patients and Methods

We identified 6,956 individuals age ≥ 66 years living in SEER areas who were enrolled in fee-for-service Medicare, diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer between 1997 and 2007, and died as a result of ovarian cancer by December 2007. We examined changes in medical care during patients' last month of life over time.

Results

Between 1997 and 2007, hospice use increased significantly, and terminal hospitalizations decreased (both P < .001). However, during this time, we also observed statistically significant increases in intensive care unit admissions, hospitalizations, repeated emergency department visits, and health care transitions (all P ≤ .01). In addition, the proportion of patients referred to hospice from inpatient settings rose over time (P = .001). Inpatients referred to hospice were more likely to enroll in hospice within 3 days of death than outpatients (adjusted odds ratio, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.66).

Conclusion

Older women with ovarian cancer were more likely to receive hospice services near death and less likely to die in a hospital in 2007 compared with earlier years. Despite this, use of hospital-based services increased over time, and patients underwent more transitions among health care settings near death, suggesting that the increasing use of hospice did not offset intensive end-of-life care.
Four-Week Prevalence of Mental Disorders in Patients With Cancer Across Major Tumor Entities
Authors: Mehnert Anja , Brähler Elmar , Faller Hermann , Härter Martin , Keller Monika , Schulz Holger , Wegscheider Karl , Weis Joachim , Boehncke Anna , Hund Bianca , Reuter Katrin , Richard Matthias , Sehner Susanne , Sommerfeldt Sabine , Szalai Carina , Wittchen Hans-Ulrich , Koch Uwe
Published: October 2014

Purpose

To provide the 4-week prevalence estimates of mental disorders in cancer populations.

Patients and Methods

We enrolled adult patients with cancer from in- and outpatient care facilities, using a proportional stratified random sample based on the nationwide cancer incidence in Germany. Patients who scored 9 or above on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were administered to the standardized computer-assisted Composite International Diagnostic Interview for mental disorders adapted for cancer patients (CIDI-O). A random sample of those with a PHQ-9 score that was less than 9 were selected for a CIDI-O.

Results

A total of 5,889 patients were identified, which led to 4,020 participants (a 68.3% response rate); of those, 2,141 patients were interviewed. The 4-week total prevalence for any mental disorder was 31.8% (95% CI, 29.8% to 33.8%); this included any anxiety disorder (11.5%; 95% CI, 10.2% to 12.9%), any adjustment disorder (11.1%; 95% CI, 9.7% to 12.4%), any mood disorder (6.5%; 95% CI, 5.5% to 7.5%), any somatoform/conversion disorder (5.3%; 95% CI, 4.3% to 6.2%), nicotine dependence (4.5%; 95% CI, 3.6% to 5.4%), alcohol abuse/dependence (0.3%; 95% CI, 0.1% to 0.6%), any mental disorder resulting from general medical condition (2.3%; 95% CI, 1.7% to 2.9%), and any eating disorder (0%). The highest prevalence for any mental disorder was found in patients with breast cancer (41.6%; 95% CI, 36.8% to 46.4%), followed by patients with head and neck cancer (40.8%; 95% CI, 28.5% to 53.0%). The lowest prevalence was found in patients with pancreatic cancer (20.3%; 95% CI, 8.9% to 31.6%) and stomach/esophagus cancers (21.2%; 95% CI, 12.8% to 29.6%).

Conclusion

Our findings provide evidence for the strong need for psycho-oncological interventions.
Postinduction Minimal Residual Disease Monitoring by Polymerase Chain Reaction in Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Paganin Maddalena , Fabbri Giulia , Conter Valentino , Barisone Elena , Polato Katia , Cazzaniga Giovanni , Giraldi Eugenia , Fagioli Franca , Aricò Maurizio , Valsecchi Maria Grazia , Basso Giuseppe
Published: October 2014

Purpose

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common pediatric cancer. Monitoring minimal residual disease (MRD) by using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR) provides information for patient stratification and individual risk-directed treatment. Cooperative studies have documented that measurement of blast clearance from the bone marrow during and after induction therapy identifies patient populations with different risk of relapse. We explored the possible contribution of measurements of MRD during the course of treatment.

Patients and Methods

We used RQ-PCR to detect MRD in 110 unselected patients treated in Italy in the International Collaborative Treatment Protocol for Children and Adolescents With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (AIEOP-BFM ALL 2000). The trial took place in AIEOP centers during postinduction chemotherapy. Results were categorized as negative, low positive (below the quantitative range [< 5 × 10−4]), or high positive (≥ 5 × 10−4). Patients with at least one low-positive or high-positive result were assigned to the corresponding subgroup.

Results

Patients who tested high positive, low positive, or negative had significantly different cumulative incidences of leukemia relapse: 83.3%, 34.8%, and 8.6%, respectively (P < .001). Two thirds of positive cases were identified within 4 months after induction-consolidation therapy, suggesting that this time frame may be most suitable for cost-effective MRD monitoring, particularly in patients who did not clear their disease at the end of consolidation.

Conclusion

These findings provide further insights into the dynamic of MRD and the ongoing effort to define molecular relapse in childhood ALL.
Individual Prediction of Heart Failure Among Childhood Cancer Survivors
Authors: Chow Eric J. , Chen Yan , Kremer Leontien C. , Breslow Norman E. , Hudson Melissa M. , Armstrong Gregory T. , Border William L. , Feijen Elizabeth A.M. , Green Daniel M. , Meacham Lillian R. , Meeske Kathleen A. , Mulrooney Daniel A. , Ness Kirsten K. , Oeffinger Kevin C. , Sklar Charles A. , Stovall Marilyn , van der Pal Helena J. , Weathers Rita E. , Robison Leslie L. , Yasui Yutaka
Published: October 2014

Purpose

To create clinically useful models that incorporate readily available demographic and cancer treatment characteristics to predict individual risk of heart failure among 5-year survivors of childhood cancer.

Patients and Methods

Survivors in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS) free of significant cardiovascular disease 5 years after cancer diagnosis (n = 13,060) were observed through age 40 years for the development of heart failure (ie, requiring medications or heart transplantation or leading to death). Siblings (n = 4,023) established the baseline population risk. An additional 3,421 survivors from Emma Children's Hospital (Amsterdam, the Netherlands), the National Wilms Tumor Study, and the St Jude Lifetime Cohort Study were used to validate the CCSS prediction models.

Results

Heart failure occurred in 285 CCSS participants. Risk scores based on selected exposures (sex, age at cancer diagnosis, and anthracycline and chest radiotherapy doses) achieved an area under the curve of 0.74 and concordance statistic of 0.76 at or through age 40 years. Validation cohort estimates ranged from 0.68 to 0.82. Risk scores were collapsed to form statistically distinct low-, moderate-, and high-risk groups, corresponding to cumulative incidences of heart failure at age 40 years of 0.5% (95% CI, 0.2% to 0.8%), 2.4% (95% CI, 1.8% to 3.0%), and 11.7% (95% CI, 8.8% to 14.5%), respectively. In comparison, siblings had a cumulative incidence of 0.3% (95% CI, 0.1% to 0.5%).

Conclusion

Using information available to clinicians soon after completion of childhood cancer therapy, individual risk for subsequent heart failure can be predicted with reasonable accuracy and discrimination. These validated models provide a framework on which to base future screening strategies and interventions.
Musielak–Orlicz Hardy Spaces Associated with Divergence Form Elliptic Operators Without Weight Assumptions
Authors: Tran Tri Dung
Published: October 2014

Let L be a divergence form elliptic operator with complex bounded measurable coefficients, let ω be a positive Musielak-Orlicz function on (0, ∞) of uniformly strictly critical lower-type pω ∈ (0, 1], and let ρ(x,t) = t−1/ω−1 (x,t−1) for x ∈ ℝn, t ∊ (0, ∞). In this paper, we study the Musielak-Orlicz Hardy space Hω,L(ℝn) and its dual space BMOρ,L* (ℝ n), where L* denotes the adjoint operator of L in L2 (ℝ n). The ρ-Carleson measure characterization and the John-Nirenberg inequality for the space BMOρ,L (ℝn) are also established. Finally, as applications, we show that the Riesz transform ∇L−1/2 and the Littlewood–Paley g-function gL map Hω,L(ℝn) continuously into L(ω).