bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proxy Indicators for Identifying Iron Deficiency among Anemic Vegetarians in an Area Prevalent for Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathies
Authors: Wongprachum Kasama , Sanchaisuriya Kanokwan , Sanchaisuriya Pattara , Siridamrongvattana Sirivara , Manpeun Suwanna , Schlep Frank P.
Published: May 2012

Background and Aims: The study aimed to determine the proportion of iron deficiency (ID) anemia (IDA) among vegans in northeast Thailand and to explore whether mathematical formulas derived from red blood cell (RBC) indices are applicable for IDA screening in the study population. Methods: Blood samples from 234 individuals (age 6–45 years) living in a vegan community were taken. Complete blood cell count, serum ferritin, hemoglobin profiles and DNA analysis for α-thalassemia were determined. Anemia was defined using the WHO criteria adjusted for age and sex. Serum ferritin <15 ng/ml was considered as ID. A number of mathematical formulas derived from RBC indices were applied to screen ID among anemic individuals. Results: Anemia was found in 41.5% (95% CI = 35.1–48.1%) of the study participants. The overall proportion of thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies was 56.4% (95% CI = 49.8–62.9%). Of the anemic participants, 45.4% had ID. Based on the receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis, 4 formulas were applicable for predicting ID among anemic individuals (highest sensitivity of 86.4%). Conclusions: The proposed formulas might be used as proxy indicators for the identification of ID among anemic children and adult vegans if more sophisticated laboratory determinations are not available due to limited financial resources.
Validation of the English Version of the Health-Related Quality of Life for Drug Abusers (HRQoLDA) Test
Authors: Zubaran Carlos , Sud Rishi , Emerson Jonathan , Zolfaghari Elham , Foresti Katia , Lozano Oscar
Published: May 2012

Background: The Health-Related Quality of Life for Drug Abusers (HRQoLDA) test was designed to specifically evaluate quality of life among substance users. In this study, the validity and reliability of the English version of the HRQoLDA test are reported for the first time. Methods: A sample of 121 participants from inpatient and outpatient treatment facilities completed the HRQoLDA test. Results: The mean HRQoLDA score was 45.9 (SD = 16.9), while the overall Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.905. The factorial analysis of the HRQoLDA test revealed a unidimensional structure. Convergent validity analyses demonstrated significant correlations between the HRQoLDA test scores and the scores of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment-Bref Questionnaire in different dimensions. Conclusion: The results revealed that the HRQoLDA was successfully adapted to English. The HRQoLDA is a reliable research instrument for evaluating quality of life of substance users.
Speed of Ascent During Stair Climbing Identifies Operable Lung Resection Candidates
Authors: Bernasconi Maurizio , Koegelenberg Coenraad F.N. , von Groote-Bidlingmaier Florian , Maree David , Barnard Barend J. , Diacon Andreas H. , Bolliger Chris T.
Published: May 2012

Background: Preoperative evaluation of lung resection candidates with impaired pulmonary reserves includes measurement of aerobic capacity. Stair climbing is an attractive low-cost alternative to treadmill exercise testing but it lacks standardisation. Objectives: To directly compare stair climbing and treadmill exercise testing with respect to an established cut-off value for lung resection. Methods: We subjected 56 lung resection candidates to both symptom-limited treadmill exercise testing and stair climbing to a maximum of 20 m. Both exercise tests were monitored with the same portable spiroergometer. Subjects were on average 46.6 years old, 61% were male and 54% had FEV1/FVC < 70%. Mean FEV1 and DLCOc were 51.6 and 57.1%, respectively. Results: Mean altitude reached, exercise time, speed of ascent and peak VO2 were 16.9 m, 74 s, 14.7 m/min and 22.4 ml/min/kg, respectively, in 54 subjects completing stair climbing. Thirty-one subjects (58%) reached 20 m without stopping. Treadmill tests were completed by 51 subjects and lasted longer (432 s; p < 0.001), but VO2max was not different compared to stair climbing (22.7 ml/min/kg; p = 0.673). Speed of ascent was significantly correlated to both stair climbing peak VO2 (r = 0.63) and treadmill VO2max (r = 0.67). All 19 subjects (34%) who reached 20 m in 80 s or less (≥15 m/min) had a VO2max of ≥20 ml/min/kg. Conclusions: We found a clinically useful correlation between speed of ascent during stair climbing and VO2max during treadmill exercise testing. Climbing to 20 m with an average speed of ascent of ≥15 m/min accurately identified subjects qualifying for pneumonectomy according to established criteria.
Ethnic Differences in Skin Physiology, Hair Follicle Morphology and Follicular Penetration
Authors: Luther N. , Darvin M.E. , Sterry W. , Lademann J. , Patzelt A.
Published: May 2012

Background/Aims: Inconsistent evidence is available that different ethnic groups exhibit differences in skin physiological parameters. Recently, variations in hair follicle morphology have been described, although the influence of such variations on the follicular penetration process has not been investigated until now. Methods: The aim of the present study was thus to investigate skin physiological parameters, follicle morphology and the penetration process in different ethnic groups. Results and Conclusion: Whereas no significant differences with regard to skin physiological parameters could be observed, morphological analysis of the hair follicles revealed, inter alia, that Caucasians had significantly larger terminal hair follicles than Asians and Africans. The surface of the hair follicle infundibulum was shown to be 3% in Caucasians, 2.6% in Africans and 2.4% in Asians. The investigations into penetration revealed no significant differences after a 30-min penetration time, whereas after 24 h, the Asian volunteers presented significantly larger amounts of sodium fluorescein in the hair follicles and the stratum corneum, which may be explained by cultural habits.
The Buzz about Anabolic Androgenic Steroids: Electrophysiological Effects in Excitable Tissues
Authors: Oberlander Joseph G. , Penatti Carlos A.A. , Porter Donna M. , Henderson Leslie P.
Published: May 2012

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) comprise a large and growing class of synthetic androgens used clinically to promote tissue-building in individuals suffering from genetic disorders, injuries, and diseases. Despite these beneficial therapeutic applications, the predominant use of AAS is illicit: these steroids are self-administered to promote athletic performance and body image. Hand in hand with the desired anabolic actions of the AAS are untoward effects on the brain and behavior. While the signaling routes by which the AAS impose both beneficial and harmful actions may be quite diverse, key endpoints are likely to include ligand-gated and voltage-dependent ion channels that govern the activity of electrically excitable tissues. Here, we review the known effects of AAS on molecular targets that play critical roles in controlling electrical activity, with a specific focus on the effects of AAS on neurotransmission mediated by GABAA receptors in the central nervous system.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Protects Against Cardiac Dysfunction After Myocardial Infarction via a Central Nervous System–Mediated Pathway
Authors: Okada Sho , Yokoyama Masataka , Toko Haruhiro , Tateno Kaoru , Moriya Junji , Shimizu Ippei , Nojima Aika , Ito Takashi , Yoshida Yohko , Kobayashi Yoshio , Katagiri Hideki , Minamino Tohru , Komuro Issei
Published: May 2012

Objective—

The central nervous system is thought to influence the regulation of the cardiovascular system in response to humoral and neural signals from peripheral tissues, but our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved is still quite limited.

Methods and Results—

Here, we demonstrate a central nervous system–mediated mechanism by which brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has a protective effect against cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI). We generated conditional BDNF knockout mice, in which expression of BDNF was systemically reduced, by using the inducible Cre-loxP system. Two weeks after MI was induced surgically in these mice, systolic function was significantly impaired and cardiac size was markedly increased in conditional BDNF knockout mice compared with controls. Cardiomyocyte death was increased in these mice, along with decreased expression of survival molecules. Deletion of the BDNF receptor (tropomyosin-related kinase B) from the heart also led to the exacerbation of cardiac dysfunction after MI. The plasma levels of BDNF were markedly increased after MI, and this increase was associated with the upregulation of BDNF expression in the brain, but not in the heart. Ablation of afferent nerves from the heart or genetic disruption of neuronal BDNF expression inhibited the increase of plasma BDNF after MI and led to the exacerbation of cardiac dysfunction. Peripheral administration of BDNF significantly restored the cardiac phenotype of neuronal BDNF-deficient mice.

Conclusion—

These results suggest that BDNF expression is upregulated by neural signals from the heart after MI and then protects the myocardium against ischemic injury.
Lifetime Analysis of Hospitalizations and Survival of Patients Newly Admitted With Heart Failure
Authors: Chun Soohun , Tu Jack V. , Wijeysundera Harindra C. , Austin Peter C. , Wang Xuesong , Levy Daniel , Lee Douglas S.
Published: May 2012

Background—

Hospital readmissions for heart failure (HF) contribute to increased morbidity and resource burden. Predictors of hospitalization and patterns of cardiovascular events over the lifetime of patients with HF have not been elucidated.

Methods and Results—

We examined recurrent hospitalizations, cardiovascular events, and survival among newly discharged (April 1999–March 2001) patients with HF in the Enhanced Feedback For Effective Cardiac Treatment phase 1 study. During 10-year follow-up, we examined all new cardiovascular hospitalizations and selected predictors of readmission. Among 8543 patients (mean age, 77.4±10.5 years; 51.6% women) followed for 22 567 person-years, 60.7% had ischemic etiology, and 67.3% had HF with reduced ejection fraction (left ventricular ejection fraction ≤45% versus >45% [HF with preserved ejection fraction]). Overall, 10-year mortality was 98.8%, with 35 966 hospital readmissions occurring over the lifetime of the cohort. Adjusted hazards ratios (HRs) for first cardiovascular hospitalization were 1.36 for ischemic HF (95% CI, 1.28–1.44;
P
<0.001), 1.10 for HF with reduced ejection fraction (95% CI; 1.00–1.20;
P
=0.045), and 1.00 for men (95% CI, 0.94–1.06;
P
=0.979). On repeated-events time-to-event analysis, ischemic HF was a predictor of cardiovascular (HR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.18–1.29), HF (HR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.13–1.27), and coronary heart disease (HR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.81–2.24) hospitalizations (all
P
<0.001). Of all recurrent HF hospitalizations, 26.8% occurred in the first and 39.8% in the last deciles of cohort survival duration. Similarly, 29.7% and 52.3% of all cardiovascular readmissions occurred in the first and last deciles of the cohort survival duration, respectively.

Conclusions—

Among newly discharged patients with HF, cardiovascular events were clustered at early postdischarge and prefatal time periods, and were increased among those with ischemic etiology.
Guidelines for the Management of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Connolly E. Sander , Rabinstein Alejandro A. , Carhuapoma J. Ricardo , Derdeyn Colin P. , Dion Jacques , Higashida Randall T. , Hoh Brian L. , Kirkness Catherine J. , Naidech Andrew M. , Ogilvy Christopher S. , Patel Aman B. , Thompson B. Gregory , Vespa Paul
Published: May 2012

Purpose—

The aim of this guideline is to present current and comprehensive recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).

Methods—

A formal literature search of MEDLINE (November 1, 2006, through May 1, 2010) was performed. Data were synthesized with the use of evidence tables. Writing group members met by teleconference to discuss data-derived recommendations. The American Heart Association Stroke Council's Levels of Evidence grading algorithm was used to grade each recommendation. The guideline draft was reviewed by 7 expert peer reviewers and by the members of the Stroke Council Leadership and Manuscript Oversight Committees. It is intended that this guideline be fully updated every 3 years.

Results—

Evidence-based guidelines are presented for the care of patients presenting with aSAH. The focus of the guideline was subdivided into incidence, risk factors, prevention, natural history and outcome, diagnosis, prevention of rebleeding, surgical and endovascular repair of ruptured aneurysms, systems of care, anesthetic management during repair, management of vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia, management of hydrocephalus, management of seizures, and management of medical complications.

Conclusions—

aSAH is a serious medical condition in which outcome can be dramatically impacted by early, aggressive, expert care. The guidelines offer a framework for goal-directed treatment of the patient with aSAH.
Value Creation Through Social Strategy
Authors: Husted Bryan W. , Allen David Bruce , Kock Ned
Published: May 2012

Literature on corporate social responsibility (CSR) has tended to treat economic benefits to the firm as unintentional spillovers that result from laudable CSR behavior. Empirical studies of the relationship between CSR and corporate financial performance (CFP) have reported mixed findings. This article shifts the conceptual and empirical focus to investigate the conditions under which intentional profit-seeking through corporate social action projects can create economic value for the firm. The article uses resource-dependency theory and the resource-based view to define the firm’s external and internal environments respectively. From that perspective, the article looks at how corporate social action creates economic value through strategic social planning and strategic social positioning. A survey instrument was developed and applied to 110 large Spanish firms. In that sample, munificence and continuous innovation positively affect social positioning, while nongovernmental organization salience and social responsibility orientation positively affect social planning. Both social positioning and social planning in turn contribute to corporate ability to create value. The article concludes with a discussion of the research and managerial implications of these findings.
Afro-Continentalism: Pan-Africanism in Post-Settlement South Africa’s Foreign Policy
Authors: Landsberg Chris
Published: May 2012

In his book In the Twilight of the Revolution (2009), which is also the subject of this review article, Kwandiwe Kondlo argues inter alia that: ‘. . . the Africanist orientation of the PAC [Pan-Africanist Congress] was appropriated in the policies of [South Africa’s] . . . new democratic government(s), especially during the period of former President Thabo Mbeki’ (2009: 282). This author critically examines Kondlo’s assertion in the context of South Africa’s post-apartheid period and argues that successive South African governments played pivotal roles in helping to shape Africa’s evolving inter-state system through diplomacy and the politics of partnership. In that regard, he argues that South Africa’s aim is to promote Continentalism (agreements or policies that favour regionalization or regional co-operation between states, or deep and regulated forms of regional co-operation between nations within a continent), a new post-Cold War foreign policy paradigm on the continent, which will assist in the consolidation of the idea of a union of African states that dawned with the birth of the African Union (AU), created to replace the Organization of Africa Unity (OAU). He insists that, in the context of Kondlo’s assertion, African Continentalism, as opposed to Pan-Africanism, which advocates the amalgamation of existing independent African states into a bloc, represents a process that encourages African states to band together to create new norms, principles, institutions, and political structures, and agree to live by such structures and in harmony with each other. To buttress his argument, the author examines Thabo Mbeki’s African Renaissance project as the corollary of African Continentalism on which South Africa’s Africa policy was anchored during and after his presidency.
Evaluating the shear component of reinforcement compaction stress during liquid composite moulding processes
Authors: Walbran WA , Bickerton S , Kelly PA
Published: May 2012

During the compression of fibrous preforms for complex part geometries, a shear component of the reinforcement compaction stress is present in addition to the normal component. Consideration of the shear stress is required when modelling the forces experienced by mould tools used for liquid composite moulding processes, as they contribute significantly to the total clamping force required during reinforcement compression for high draw angle geometries. The friction coefficient between glass-fibre reinforcements and various mould surfaces has been evaluated. Processing parameters, such as mould closing speed, fibre volume fraction and number of layers of reinforcement, have little influence on the magnitude of the friction coefficient. The presented results validate the use of a simple friction model within liquid composite moulding process simulations.
Erosion yield of epoxy–silica nanocomposites at the lower earth orbit environment of the International Space Station
Authors: Yagnamurthy S , Chen Q , Chen Chenggang , Chasiotis I
Published: May 2012

The erosive effect of ultraviolet radiation and atomic oxygen at the lower earth orbit space environment of the International Space Station on Epon 862 based epoxy composites with 12 and 100 nm silica particles was investigated. Although exposure to ultraviolet radiation had a small effect on surface erosion, restricted to 2 µm of the top surface, concurrent exposure to ultraviolet radiation and atomic oxygen resulted in significant erosion. Atomic oxygen erosion of nanocomposites with 1–5 wt% silica particles resulted in a carpet-like residual surface layer whose thickness and morphology were dependent on the size and concentration of the embedded silica particles. The eroded surface of the control epoxy had high surface roughness in the form of 10–40 µm long conical protrusions. With the addition of silica particles, the residual surface layer became fibrous and rich in silica particles, and its density increased with the weight fraction and size of the silica particles. The large and uneven erosion depth of samples exposed to atomic oxygen and ultraviolet radiation resulted in a surface damage layer with average thickness between 5 and 100 µm with significantly reduced mechanical properties compared to the surface of the as-fabricated nanocomposites. The erosion yield of the control epoxy due to atomic oxygen was 4.36 × 10−24 cm3/atom and the addition of silica nanoparticles reduced it significantly to 1.78 × 10−25 cm3/atom. In particular, silica nanoparticles of diameter 12 and 100 nm and weight fraction 5% reduced the erosion yield of the control epoxy by 90% and 96%, respectively.
Fabrication of copper matrix composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes using a combination of molecular-level-mixing and high energy ball milling
Authors: Singhal Sunil Kumar , Lal Maneet , Sharma Indu , Mathur Rakesh Behari
Published: May 2012

We report a two-step process for the fabrication of copper (Cu) matrix composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs). In the first step, a homogeneous mixture of copper nanoparticles and CNTs was prepared using the molecular-level-mixing followed by ball milling the mixture using a high energy ball mill. CNTs/Cu composites were fabricated in the second step using the powder metallurgy process in which the composite powders were first cold pressed at 550 MPa and then sintered in the range of 550–900°C for 2 h under a vacuum of 10-2 Torr. Composites fabricated via this method showed significant improvement in mechanical properties over CNTs/Cu composites produced earlier either using only ball milling or molecular-level-mixing. Further, a high dispersion of CNTs in Cu matrix was observed in the present system as revealed by the microstructural analysis of CNTs/Cu composite powder using scanning electron microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy.
Effect of number of grindings of attapulgite on enhanced swelling properties of the superabsorbent nanocomposites
Authors: Liu Yi , Chen Hong , Zhang Junping , Wang Aiqin
Published: May 2012

The incorporation of clay has become a preferred method for superabsorbent composite preparation because of its great influence on the swelling properties. The mechanical chemistry shows that grinding treatment could change the physical and chemical properties of clay. Therefore, in this article, the grinding treated attapulgite were used for preparation of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose- g-poly(acrylic acid)/attapulgite superabsorbent nanocomposites by the solution polymerization using ammonium persulfate as an initiator and N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide as a crosslinker. The effects of number of grindings on the specific surface area and other characteristics of attapulgite, and the swelling ability, swelling kinetics, saline and pH sensitivity of the superabsorbent nanocomposites were systematically investigated. The results indicated that the increase in number of grindings could decrease the length of single crystals and dissociate part of crystal aggregates of attapulgite, which affected the dispersion of attapulgite in the polymeric matrix, thus leading to change in swelling behaviors of the superabsorbent nanocomposites. The swelling tests showed that the superabsorbent nanocomposites with attapulgite grinded for 6 times were the best in the reswelling abilities, initial swelling rate, saline and pH sensitivity.
Mechanical properties and water absorption behavior of hybridized kenaf/pineapple leaf fibre-reinforced high-density polyethylene composite
Authors: Aji IS , Zainudin ES , Abdan K , Sapuan SM , Khairul MD
Published: May 2012

This work provides variation in mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural and impact strength of hybridized kenaf and pineapple leaf fibre-reinforced high-density polyethylene composite. Two or more natural fibres are hybridized to provide an effective means of designing materials for various service requirements. The composite of kenaf/pineapple leaf fibre high-density polyethylene-based hybrid composite with different weight proportion of fibres were prepared. Total overall fibre loading in the composite was kept at 40%. The hybrid composites prepared were subjected to water immersion for 14 days to see how this concept can affect water uptake. At equal percentage ratio of the fibres, hybridization effect was optimized for tensile and flexural test; however, K6P4 gave the optimum impact strength while K3P7 resulted in the least overall water uptake. Strength and modulus values increased with increase in percentage of pineapple leaf fibre in the composite and the higher aspect ratio of kenaf helped in the dispersion of matrix in the composite. Favorable balance between the inherent advantages and disadvantages of these two fibres complemented each other. While pineapple leaf fibre helped the composite in tensile and flexural properties, kenaf provided impact strength and in reduction of water uptake. Dependence of modulus on the percentage of cellulose in natural fibres was clear. Kenaf and pineapple leaf fibre offered tremendous potential for hybridization. SEM was used to describe this interesting phenomenon.
Confirmation of the performance of exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets for pollutant reduction rate on wood panel
Authors: Kim Junhyun , Lee Jeong-Hun , Choi Yoon-Ki , Kim Sumin , Moon Hyeun Jun , Yoon Dong-Won
Published: May 2012

Exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets have been used as an additive for the improvement of a variety of properties. Nowadays, it is used as an adsorbent for pollutants, especially volatile organic compounds and formaldehyde. Additionally, exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets have been used as an additive in wood composites, because wood composites have a higher thermal conductivity than timber or typical wood-based panels. Therefore, exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets have been applied to high-density fiberboard which is a core material of wood flooring for the emission rate reduction of volatile organic compounds and formaldehyde and for increasing the thermal conductivity of wood flooring in radiant floor heating systems. Volatile organic compound emissions have been reduced significantly in wood composite boards according to the addition of exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets. The properties of formaldehyde emission and thermal conductivity decreased when 2% exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets are added to high-density fiberboard. However, these properties increased with the increase in the addition of exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets from 2% to 4%.
The Role of Culture and Self-Construal in the Link Between Expressive Suppression and Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Su Jenny C. , Lee Richard M. , Oishi Shigehiro
Published: May 2012

The majority of research on expressive suppression and health outcomes has been conducted in the United States, but little is known about how expressive suppression relates to the functioning of individuals living in other parts of the world. To address this gap, we conducted a cross-cultural study of Chinese Singaporean and European American college students, focusing on the relation between frequency of expressive suppression and self-reported depressive symptoms. Consistent with self-construal theory, the suppression-depression link depends on cultural background and the type of emotion involved. Expressive suppression involving positive socially disengaging emotions (e.g., pride) was associated with higher depressive symptoms for European Americans but not for Chinese Singaporeans. This cultural difference was mediated by independent self-construal. No cultural differences were found in the suppression-depression link when positive socially engaging emotions (e.g., respect) were involved. These findings underscore the importance of developing a more nuanced understanding of the relation between expressive suppression and psychological functioning to better inform theory and practice.
Consanguinity as a Major Predictor of Levels of Democracy
Authors: Woodley Michael A. , Bell Edward
Published: May 2012

This article examines the hypothesis that although the level of democracy in a society is a complex phenomenon involving many antecedents, consanguinity (marriage and subsequent mating between second cousins or closer relatives) is an important though often overlooked predictor of it. Measures of the two variables correlate substantially in a sample of 70 nations ( r = −0.632, p < 0.001), and consanguinity remains a significant predictor of democracy in multiple regression and path analyses involving several additional independent variables. The data suggest that where consanguineous kinship networks are numerically predominant and have been made to share a common statehood, democracy is unlikely to develop. Possible explanations for these findings include the idea that restricted gene flow arising from consanguineous marriage facilitates a rigid collectivism that is inimical to individualism and the recognition of individual rights, which are key elements of the democratic ethos. Furthermore, high levels of within-group genetic similarity may discourage cooperation between different large-scale kin groupings sharing the same nation, inhibiting democracy. Finally, genetic similarity stemming from consanguinity may encourage resource predation by members of socially elite kinship networks as an inclusive fitness enhancing behavior.
Understanding Urban Tourism Attractiveness
Authors: Brida Juan Gabriel , Meleddu Marta , Pulina Manuela
Published: May 2012

The purpose of this investigation is to analyze to what extent a museum may be regarded as a potential driver for urban tourism. Via a travel cost model, the likelihood to revisit South Tyrol’s Museum of Archaeology (the Ötzi museum), in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano (Italy), is estimated and the factors that influence visitors’ experience, motivations, and their intention to revisit the museum are analyzed. To this aim, the number of actual visits to the museum is used as an economic indicator of museum attractiveness. The findings show that the museum has an important educative role in addition to being an economic earner for the city. Nevertheless, entrance fees discourage repeat visit, particularly for those on a low income. The findings also provide a tool to manage urban heritage resources and plan future urban developments around the Ötzi museum.
Growing Old as a Gay Man
Authors: Lyons Anthony , Pitts Marian , Grierson Jeffrey
Published: May 2012

Little is known about what it is like to age as a gay man. This study explores the psychosocial well-being of older gay men, including associations between present life experiences and self-esteem and subjective well-being. A nationwide community-based online survey was conducted involving 840 Australian gay men. Results showed men aged 60 and over were poorer and more likely to live alone than those in their 40s and 50s but drew greater support from friendships and community organizations. Although less optimistic about their future, they had higher self-esteem and rated their subjective well-being no lower than their middle-aged counterparts. Good physical health, a satisfying sex life, feeling supported, and fewer experiences of discrimination were key factors in self-esteem and subjective well-being. These and other findings offer important insights into the psychosocial well-being of older gay men that health and social support services ought to consider when working with this population.
Ultrasound‐Guided Fine‐Needle Aspiration of the Tongue Base
Authors: Meacham Ryan K. , Boughter John D. , Sebelik Merry E.
Published: May 2012

Objective

The authors hypothesize that floor‐of‐mouth and tongue base anatomy can be visualized with ultrasound and that ultrasound can be used to accurately guide needle placement and dye injection into the tongue base, serving as a surrogate for fine‐needle aspiration.

Study Design

Observation of experimental intervention.

Setting

Medical school cadaver anatomy laboratory.

Subjects and Methods

Ultrasound imaging was performed on human cadaveric specimens to visualize the anatomy of the floor of mouth and base of tongue in a midline transcervical approach. Methylene blue dye was injected under ultrasound guidance into the base of tongue. Specimens were dissected, and results were counted and analyzed.

Results

Twenty‐five of 32 (78%) cadaver specimens were found to have correct placement of dye within the posterior genioglossus and intrinsic tongue musculature. Seven cadavers did not have correct placement of dye. Of these, 3 had dye staining the walls of the oropharynx and epiglottis. Two specimens had dye injected erroneously into the geniohyoid muscles. One patient was found to have had a partial glossectomy. Difference in neck circumference was not significant between those with correct (mean, 37.9 cm) and incorrect (mean, 37.4 cm) dye placement (P=. 75).

Conclusion

Anatomy of the floor of mouth and tongue base can be readily depicted with ultrasonography. After reasonable success of injecting dye into cadaver tongue bases, the authors conclude that there appears to be a future clinical role for ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration of the tongue base for tongue base lesions.
Pediatric Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy
Authors: de Souza Chris E. , Nisar Jayesh , de Souza Rosemarie A.
Published: May 2012

This is a case series with chart review from 1997 to 2010 to determine results of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in children. Thirty‐seven children underwent removal of the medial wall (RMW) of the lacrimal sac (LS) and 2 had lacrimal stents inserted because they had external fistulae and small cicatrized LS. Parameters of success were (1) resolution of epiphora, (2) no further attacks of dacryocystitis, and (3) patency of neofistula. Of the 37 (95%) children who had RMW of the LS, 34 (92%) were patent after 12 weeks and were considered successful. Three (8%) neofistulae obstructed within 2 weeks and needed revision, and 2 (5%) patients had small cicatrized LS along with fistula and were stented. The fistulae closed down in 4 weeks. However, when the stents were removed 6 weeks later, epiphora returned. The authors’ experience reveals that removal of the medial wall of the LS is effective in stopping chronic epiphora.
Epoxidized natural rubber–toughened polypropylene/organically modified montmorillonite nanocomposites
Authors: Balakrishnan Harintharavimal , Attaran Seyed Ahmad , Imran Muhammad , Hassan Azman , Wahit Mat Uzir
Published: May 2012

The objective of this study is to toughen organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT)-filled polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites with epoxidized natural rubber (ENR). PP, ENR (10–20 wt%), OMMT (6 wt%) and maleated PP (PP-g-MA; 10 wt%) were melt blended using counterrotating twin extruder, followed by injection molding to prepare test samples. X-ray diffraction results revealed that the OMMT platelets in PP/OMMT nanocomposites were intercalated and the incorporation of ENR into the nanocomposites further increased the d-spacing of OMMT layers. The Fourier transform infrared spectra showed that the maleic anhydride group in PP-g-MA reacted in situ with the epoxy groups of ENR, which demonstrates the occurrence of grafting reaction. With slight decrease in stiffness and strength, the addition of 20 wt% ENR increased the impact strength of PP/ENR/OMMT nanocomposites by 521% compared to PP/OMMT nanocomposites. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed that the ENR particle size increased with increasing ENR contents in PP/ENR/OMMT nanocomposites. Differential scanning calorimetry results revealed that the presence of ENR and OMMT had slightly increased the crystallization temperature as well as the degree of crystallinity of PP. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the blending of ENR decreased the thermal stability of PP/OMMT nanocomposites.
A New Classification of Function and Disability in China
Authors: Purser Jama L. , Feng Qiushi , Yi Zeng , Hoenig Helen
Published: May 2012

Objectives:

To develop a new classification method to describe incidence and prevalence of function and disability and their predictors in Chinese older adults.

Methods:

Data were obtained from 16,020 older adults in the 2002 wave of Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). The subtypes of function and disability were defined by combining physical performance (PP) tests and self-reported assessments of activities of daily living (ADL).

Results:

The most prevalent subtype involved PP limitations without ADL dependency. Rural living made it more likely that an individual with physical performance limitations would be independent in ADL, whereas city residence made dependence in ADL more likely, regardless of whether performance limitations were present.

Discussion:

Self-reported and performance-based tools can be used in combination to estimate conceptually different subtypes of function and disability, with different epidemiological rates of incidence and different social, medical, and environmental predictors.
Spooks and spoofs
Authors: Valentine Elizabeth R.
Published: May 2012

This article describes the relations between academic psychology and psychical research in Britain during the inter-war period, in the context of the fluid boundaries between mainstream psychology and both psychical research and popular psychology. Specifically, the involvement with Harry Price of six senior academic psychologists: William McDougall, William Brown, J. C. Flugel, Cyril Burt, C. Alec Mace and Francis Aveling, is described. Personal, metaphysical and socio-historical factors in their collaboration are discussed. It is suggested that the main reason for their mutual attraction was their common engagement in a delicate balancing act between courting popular appeal on the one hand and the assertion of scientific expertise and authority on the other. Their interaction is typical of the boundary work performed at this transitional stage in the development of psychology as a discipline.
Psychical research and parapsychology interpreted
Authors: Kloosterman Ingrid
Published: May 2012

One of the reasons the history of parapsychology and its ancestor psychical research is intriguing is because it addresses a central issue: the boundaries of science. This article provides an overview of the historiography of parapsychology and presents an approach to investigate the Dutch history of parapsychology contributing to the understanding of this central theme. In the first section the historical accounts provided by psychical researchers and parapsychologists themselves are discussed; next those studies of sociologists and historians understanding parapsychology as deviant and even potentially revolutionary are dealt with; third, more contemporary studies are examined whereby enterprises such as parapsychology are understood as central to the culture in which they arose. On the basis of this analysis a new direction in the historiography of the subject is suggested in the fourth section, centred upon the relation between parapsychology and psychology in the Netherlands throughout the 20th century. In the Netherlands not only were pioneering psychologists such as Gerard Heymans (1857–1930) actively involved in experiments into telepathy, the first professor in parapsychology in the world – Wilhelm Tenhaeff (1894–1981) – was appointed in 1953 at Utrecht University and in the 1970s and 1980s parapsychology had its own research laboratory at Utrecht University in the division of psychology. This unique situation in the Netherlands deserves scholarly attention and makes an interesting case to investigate the much-neglected connections between the fields of psychology and parapsychology in the 20th century. The connections between psychology and parapsychology might help us to understand why parapsychology came to be regarded as a pseudoscience.
The Fukurai affair
Authors: Takasuna Miki
Published: May 2012

The history of psychology in Japan from the late 19th century until the first half of the 20th century did not follow a smooth course. After the first psychological laboratory was established at Tokyo Imperial University in 1903, psychology in Japan developed as individual specialties until the Japanese Psychological Association was established in 1927. During that time, Tomokichi Fukurai, an associate professor at Tokyo Imperial University, became involved with psychical research until he was forced out in 1913. The Fukurai affair, as it is sometimes called, was not documented in textbooks on the history of Japanese psychology prior to the late 1990s. Among earlier generations of Japanese psychologists, it has even been taboo for discussion. Today, the affair and its after-effects are considered to have been a major deterrent in the advancement of clinical psychology in Japan during the first half of the 20th century.
Psychology and psychical research in France around the end of the 19th century
Authors: Plas Régine
Published: May 2012

During the last third of the 19th century, the ‘new’ French psychology developed within ‘the hypnotic context’ opened up by Charcot. In spite of their claims to the scientific nature of their hypnotic experiments, Charcot and his followers were unable to avoid the miracles that had accompanied mesmerism, the forerunner of hypnosis. The hysterics hypnotized in the Salpêtrière Hospital were expected to have supernormal faculties and these experiments opened the door to psychical research. In 1885 the first French psychology society was founded. The research carried out by this society may seem surprising: its members – Charles Richet in particular – were interested in strange phenomena, like magnetic lucidity, ‘mental suggestion’, thought-reading, etc. Very quickly, psychologists applied themselves to finding rational explanations for these supposedly miraculous gifts. Generally, they ascribed them to unconscious or subconscious perceptual mechanisms. Finally, after a few years, studies of psychical phenomena were excluded from the field of psychology. However, during the 4th International Congress of Psychology, which took place in Paris in 1900, the foundation of an institute devoted to the study of psychical phenomena was announced, but Pierre Janet and Georges Dumas founded within it the Société Française de Psychologie, from which psychical research was excluded. As for Charles Richet, disappointed by the psychologists, he devoted himself to the development of a new ‘science’ which he called ‘Métapsychique’. Several hypotheses have been put forward to account for this early research undertaken by the French psychologists, pertaining as much to parapsychology as to scientific psychology.
Psychical research and the origins of American psychology
Authors: Sommer Andreas
Published: May 2012

Largely unacknowledged by historians of the human sciences, late-19th-century psychical researchers were actively involved in the making of fledgling academic psychology. Moreover, with few exceptions historians have failed to discuss the wider implications of the fact that the founder of academic psychology in America, William James, considered himself a psychical researcher and sought to integrate the scientific study of mediumship, telepathy and other controversial topics into the nascent discipline. Analysing the celebrated exposure of the medium Eusapia Palladino by German-born Harvard psychologist Hugo Münsterberg as a representative example, this article discusses strategies employed by psychologists in the United States to expel psychical research from the agenda of scientific psychology. It is argued that the traditional historiography of psychical research, dominated by accounts deeply averse to its very subject matter, has been part of an ongoing form of ‘boundary-work’ to bolster the scientific status of psychology.
AFM study of the mechanical wear phenomena of the polyazomethine with thiophene rings: Tapping mode, phase imaging mode and force spectroscopy
Authors: Sikora Andrzej , Iwan Agnieszka
Published: May 2012

Self-assembling molecules, which include polymers, copolymers, dendrimers, and hydrogen bonded complexes are widely studied for their great potential as advanced functional materials. This article presents an atomic force microscopy (AFM) study of polyazomethine with thiophene rings and ester groups (PAZ-Th). The specific morphological and mechanical properties of the polymer, such as ordered structures, as well as energy dissipation in scanning the tip-surface system related to those structures were found by using various AFM measurement techniques such as tapping mode, phase imaging mode and force spectroscopy. Moreover, changes in the long-range and short-range tip-sample interactions were observed by utilizing force spectroscopy mode. In addition, for the investigated polymer self-organized fiber-like structures showing mechanical wear properties were observed.
Preparation and properties of novel fluorinated cross-linked polyphosphazene micro-nano spheres
Authors: Wang Yan , Mu Jianxin , Li Long , Shi Leilei , Zhang Weihai , Jiang Zhenhua
Published: May 2012

Novel fluorinated cross-linked polyphosphazene micro-nano spheres with controllable particle size ranging from 0.57 to 4.33 µm were prepared by precipitation polymerization of hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (HCCP) monomer. The formation of the non-porous micro-nano spheres was found to obey an oligomeric species-absorbing mechanism. The micro-nano spheres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and X-ray diffraction. No glass-transition temperature of the spheres was observed and the onset of the thermal-degradation temperature was found to be 366 °C. It was found that a silicon wafer dip-coated with thus prepared micro-nano spheres had a water contact angle as high as 137 ± 1.5°. By changing such experimental conditions, as concentration of HCCP, temperature and ultrasonic power, the particle size of the polymeric micro-nano spheres can be controlled.
Prior choice in discrete latent modeling of spatially referenced cancer survival
Authors: Lawson Andrew B , Choi Jungsoon , Zhang Jiajia
Published: May 2012

In this article, we examine the development and use of covariate models where the relation with explanantory covariates is spatially adaptive. In this way space is regarded as an effect modifier. We examine the possibility of discrete groupings of coefficients (clustering of coefficients). Our application is to prostate cancer survival based on the SEER cancer registry for the state of Louisiana, USA. This registry holds individual records linked to vital outcomes and is geo-coded at county level. We examine a range of potential prior distributions for groupings of regression coefficients in application to these data.
Why Do Cancer Patients Die in the Emergency Department?
Authors: Leak Ashley , Mayer Deborah K. , Wyss Annah , Travers Debbie , Waller Anna
Published: May 2012

Emergency department (ED) visits are made by cancer patients for symptom management, treatment effects, oncologic emergencies, or end of life care. While most patients prefer to die at home, many die in health care institutions. The purpose of this study is to describe visit characteristics of cancer patients who died in the ED and their most common chief complaints using 2008 ED visit data from the North Carolina Disease Event Tracking and Epidemiologic Collection Tool (NC DETECT). Of the 37,760 cancer-related ED visits, 283 resulted in death. For lung cancer patients, 104 died in the ED with 70.9% dying on their first ED visit. Research on factors precipitating ED visits by cancer patients is needed to address end of life care needs.
On Sinking and Swimming
Authors: Sachs Emily , Kolva Elissa , Pessin Hayley , Rosenfeld Barry , Breitbart William
Published: May 2012

For terminally ill cancer patients, hope and hopelessness are constructs that significantly impact quality of life. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between hope and hopelessness in advanced cancer and to identify factors that maintain hope and increase vulnerability to hopelessness. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 22 terminally ill cancer patients. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic content analysis to identify patient definitions of these terms and associated cognitions and emotions. Hope and hopelessness were identified as distinct, often co-occurring, and dialectically interacting constructs. The relationship between hope and hopelessness often balanced on acceptance, perceived as diametrically opposed to hopelessness, and conducive to redirecting hope toward new goals. Positive interpersonal relationships enhanced hope, and uncontrolled physical pain increased vulnerability to hopelessness.