bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ancrod and Fibrin Formation
Authors: Liu Shuo , Marder Victor J. , Levy David E. , Wang Shur-Jen , Yang Fan , Paganini-Hill Annlia , Fisher Mark J.
Published: August 2011

Background and Purpose—

Ancrod, derived from Malayan pit viper venom, has been tested as ischemic stroke treatment in clinical trials with inconsistent results. We studied the actions of ancrod on fibrinolysis pathways in patient plasma samples and endothelial cell culture systems.

Methods—

We analyzed fibrinogen levels during the first 6 hours of ancrod infusion in patients entered in the Stroke Treatment with Ancrod Trial. For the in vitro study, human brain microvascular endothelial cells incubated with plasminogen or with human brain microvascular endothelial cell-conditioned medium were co-incubated with ancrod and fibrinogen under normal or oxygen-glucose deprivation conditions over 6 hours.

Results—

Fibrinogen levels decreased both in vivo and in vitro. Ancrod generated fibrinopeptide A, caused visible clot formation, and reduced levels of tissue-type plasminogen activator antigen in the human brain microvascular endothelial cell system and in a cell-free system with conditioned media.

Conclusions—

The in vitro results indicate that ancrod causes local fibrin formation and secondary depletion of tissue-type plasminogen activator by binding to fibrin clot. Ancrod-induced fibrin formation could result in cerebral microvascular occlusion and may explain the suboptimal clinical effects of ancrod in human stroke trials.
Clinical and MRI Predictors of No Early Recanalization Within 1 Hour After Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator Administration
Authors: Kimura Kazumi , Sakamoto Yuki , Aoki Junya , Iguchi Yasuyuki , Shibazaki Kensaku , Inoue Takashi
Published: August 2011

Background and Purpose—

The aim of the present study was to investigate independent clinical and MRI factors associated with no early recanalization within 1 hour after tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) administration.

Methods—

Patients with acute stroke within 3 hours of onset who were treated with tPA were studied prospectively. Patients with internal carotid artery, M1, and M2 occlusion were enrolled, and independent clinical and MRI factors associated with no early recanalization within 1 hour after tPA administration were examined using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results—

One hundred thirty-two patients (63 men; mean age, 76.4±10.2 years; internal carotid artery occlusion in 37 patients, M1 occlusion in 58, and M2 occlusion in 37) were enrolled. Follow-up MR angiography within 60 minutes after tPA infusion revealed early recanalization in 49 (37.1%) patients (complete in 16 patients, partial in 33) and no recanalization in 83 (62.9%). Using 8 variables (atrial fibrillation, time from stroke onset to treatment ≥140 minutes, use of warfarin, glucose ≥135 mg/dL, large artery diseases, internal carotid artery occlusion, M1 occlusion, and M1 susceptibility vessel sign on T2*) identified on univariate analysis at
P
<0.2, multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that M1 susceptibility vessel sign was the only independent factor associated with no early recanalization (OR, 7.157; 95% CI, 1.756 to 29.172;
P
=0.006). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of M1 susceptibility vessel sign for predicting no early recanalization were 31.3%, 93.9%, 89.7%, and 44.7%, respectively.

Conclusions—

Of clinical and MRI factors before tPA infusion, M1 susceptibility vessel sign on T* is the only independent factor associated with no early recanalization within 1 hour after tPA administration.
The Ventilated Ocean
Authors: Haertel Patrick , Fedorov Alexey
Published: August 2011

Adiabatic theories of ocean circulation and density structure have a long tradition, from the concept of the ventilated thermocline to the notion that deep ocean ventilation is controlled by westerly winds over the Southern Ocean. This study explores these ideas using a recently developed Lagrangian ocean model (LOM), which simulates ocean motions by computing trajectories of water parcels. A unique feature of the LOM is its capacity to model ocean circulations in the adiabatic limit, in which water parcels exactly conserve their densities when they are not in contact with the ocean surface. The authors take advantage of this property of the LOM and consider the circulation and stratification that develop in an ocean with a fully adiabatic interior (with both isopycnal and diapycnal diffusivities set to zero). The ocean basin in the study mimics that of the Atlantic Ocean and includes a circumpolar channel. The model is forced by zonal wind stress and a density restoring at the surface.

Despite the idealized geometry, the relatively coarse model resolution, and the lack of atmospheric coupling, the nondiffusive ocean maintains a density structure and meridional overturning that are broadly in line with those observed in the Atlantic Ocean. These are generated by just a handful of key water pathways, including shallow tropical cells described by ventilated thermocline theory; a deep overturning cell in which sinking North Atlantic Deep Water eventually upwells in the Southern Ocean before returning northward as Antarctic Intermediate Water; a Deacon cell that results from a topographically steered and corkscrewing circumpolar current; and weakly overturning Antarctic Bottom Water, which is effectively ventilated only in the Southern Hemisphere.

The main conclusion of this study is that the adiabatic limit for the ocean interior provides the leading-order solution for ocean overturning and density structure, with tracer diffusion contributing first-order perturbations. Comparing nondiffusive and diffusive experiments helps to quantify the changes in stratification and circulation that result from adding a moderate amount of tracer diffusion in the ocean model, and these include an increase in the amplitude of the deep meridional overturning cell of several Sverdrups, a 10%–20% increase in Northern Hemispheric northward heat transport, a stronger stratification just below the main thermocline, and a more realistic bottom overturning cell.
Contrasts between Urban and Rural Climate in CCSM4 CMIP5 Climate Change Scenarios
Authors: Oleson Keith
Published: August 2011

A new parameterization of urban areas in the Community Climate System Model version 4 (CCSM4) allows for simulation of temperature in cities where most of the global population lives. CCSM4 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5) simulations [Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 2.6, 4.5, and 8.5] are analyzed to examine how urban and rural areas might respond differently to changes in climate. The urban heat island (UHI), defined as the urban minus rural air temperature, is used as a metric. The average UHI at the end of the twenty-first century is similar to present day in RCP2.6 and RCP4.5, but decreases in RCP8.5. Both the daytime and nocturnal UHIs decrease in RCP8.5, but the decrease in the daytime UHI is larger and more uniform across regions and seasons than in the nocturnal UHI. This is caused by changes in evaporation that warm the rural surface more than the urban. There is significant spatial and seasonal variability in the response of the nocturnal UHI caused mainly by changes in the rural surface. In Europe, the response to climate change of rural leaf–stem area in summer and clouds and rural soil moisture in winter explains the majority of this variability. Climate change increases the number of warm nights in urban areas substantially more than in rural areas. These results provide evidence that urban and rural areas respond differently to climate change. Thus, the unique aspects of the urban environment should be considered when making climate change projections, particularly since the global population is becoming increasingly urbanized.
The Philippines–Taiwan Oscillation: Monsoonlike Interannual Oscillation of the Subtropical–Tropical Western North Pacific Wind System and Its Impact on the Ocean
Authors: Chang Y.-L. , Oey L.-Y.
Published: August 2011

Tide gauge and satellite data reveal an interannual oscillation of the ocean’s thermoclines east of the Philippines and Taiwan, forced by a corresponding oscillation in the wind stress curl. This so-called Philippines–Taiwan Oscillation (PTO) is shown to control the interannual variability of the circulation of the subtropical and tropical western North Pacific. The PTO shares some characteristics of known Pacific indices, for example, Niño-3.4. However, unlike PTO, these other indices explain only portions of the western North Pacific circulation. The reason is because of the nonlinear nature of the forcing in which mesoscale (ocean) eddies play a crucial role. In years of positive PTO, the thermocline east of the Philippines rises while east of Taiwan it deepens. This results in a northward shift of the North Equatorial Current (NEC), increased vertical shear of the Subtropical Countercurrent (STCC)/NEC system, increased eddy activity dominated by warm eddies in the STCC, increased Kuroshio transport off the northeastern coast of Taiwan into the East China Sea, increased westward inflow through Luzon Strait into the South China Sea, and cyclonic circulation and low sea surface height anomalies in the South China Sea. The reverse applies in years of negative PTO.
Economic and Radiation Costs of Initial Imaging Approaches After a Child’s First Febrile Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Routh Jonathan C. , Grant Frederick D. , Kokorowski Paul J. , Nelson Caleb P. , Fahey Frederic H. , Treves S. Ted , Lee Richard S.
Published: August 2011

Background. The traditional initial imaging approach following pediatric urinary tract infection is the “bottom-up” approach (cystogram and renal ultrasound). Recently, the “top-down” approach (nuclear renal scan followed by cystogram for abnormal scans only) has gained increasing attention. The relative cost and radiation doses of these are unknown Methods. The authors used a decision model to evaluate these imaging approaches. Cost and effective radiation dose estimates, including sensitivity analyses, were based on one-time imaging only. Results. Comparing hypothetical cohorts of 100 000 children, the top-down imaging approach cost $82.9 million versus $59.2 million for the bottom-up approach. Per-capita effective radiation dose was 0.72 mSv for top-down compared with 0.06 mSv for bottom-up. Conclusions. Routine use of nuclear renal scans in children following initial urinary tract infection diagnosis would result in increased imaging costs and radiation doses as compared to initial cystogram and ultrasound. Further data are required to clarify the long-term clinical implications of this increase.
The Role of the ACCUPLACER Mathematics Placement Test on a Student’s First College Mathematics Course
Authors: Medhanie Amanuel G. , Dupuis Danielle N. , LeBeau Brandon , Harwell Michael R. , Post Thomas R.
Published: August 2011

The first college mathematics course a student enrolls in is often affected by performance on a college mathematics placement test. Yet validity evidence of mathematics placement tests remains limited, even for nationally standardized placement tests, and when it is available usually consists of examining a student’s subsequent performance in mathematics courses. This study expands on existing literature by considering whether a nationally standardized college mathematics placement test (ACCUPLACER) contributes to the prediction of enrollment and success in developmental and nondevelopmental mathematics courses above and beyond prediction associated with the ACT mathematics test. Results for a sample of more than 1,300 students from 20 postsecondary institutions suggest that ACCUPLACER does not contribute to either the prediction of enrollment or subsequent success in such courses, and that comparable information is provided by using the ACT mathematics score alone. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Landscape Assessment and Evaluation of Young People
Authors: Lückmann Katrin , Lagemann Verena , Menzel Susanne
Published: August 2011

The design of landscapes in botanical gardens varies between more structured habitats (engineered habitats [EHs]) and nature-orientated habitats (NOHs). Little is known so far about young people’s perception of NOH and EH landscapes in botanical gardens. To address this question, the authors took 28 adolescents to two differently designed settings in an exemplary botanical garden. The authors assessed landscape preferences through marks that the test persons placed on the landscapes photographs, scenic beauty estimates, and accompanying interviews. As a result, the authors found a general preference for more structured landscapes among young people. Implications for biodiversity education in botanical gardens will be discussed.
Assessment of the Effects of Renal Impairment on the Pharmacokinetics of the Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Activator Cinaciguat After a Single Intravenous Dose
Authors: Lettieri John T. , Scheerans Christian , Blunck Martin , Mazzu Arthur L. , Frey Reiner , Mück Wolfgang , Sundaresan Pavur R.
Published: August 2011

This open‐label, parallel‐group, single‐dose study assessed the safety and pharmacokinetics of cinaciguat, a novel soluble guanylate cyclase activator in clinical development for the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure, in individuals with mild, moderate, or severe renal impairment compared with individuals with normal renal function. Cinaciguat was administered as a 100 μg/h continuous infusion over 4 hours. Plasma concentrations were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Renal function had only minor effects on the pharmacokinetics of cinaciguat. The apparent volume of distribution at steady state was slightly increased in individuals with renal impairment. The total body clearance from plasma showed a slight tendency to increase with progression of renal impairment, which can be explained by an increased hematocrit in individuals with renal impairment. No relevant influence was found on the terminal half‐life. The fraction of cinaciguat unbound in plasma was very low (<1%) in all groups. Pharmacokinetic variability tended to be somewhat increased in individuals with renal impairment. Adverse events were mostly mild, and their incidence was similar in all groups. In conclusion, cinaciguat, a promising drug candidate for the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure, will not require dose adjustment based on renal function.
China earthquake relief: Participatory action work with children
Authors: Zeng Emily Jie , Bordeaux Silverstein Louise
Published: August 2011

This article presents a community-focused participatory action project designed to promote children’s resilience in the early aftermath of the cataclysmic May 2008 Earthquake in Beichuan, China. Thirty children aged 7- to 15-years-old participated in the project. The project encompassed four phases that evolved from adult-directed/ initiated activities to activities that maximized children’s participation. The children were allowed to set their own pace in dealing with their feelings of trauma and loss. Initially, their activities focused on school, family, pets, nature and, finally, the earthquake. Ultimately, the children’s activities evolved into helping to rebuild their school and community. The project ended on the three-month anniversary of the earthquake with a memorial march initiated by the children to honor their deceased family members and friends. This article links participatory action projects to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ models of psychosocial disaster recovery efforts, and argues that participatory projects provide qualitative data to evaluate their efficacy. The article proposes that school psychologists, because of their diverse training in mental health services, consultation, and research, are especially suited to using these kinds of projects to train community members, e.g. teachers and community elders, to implement them. The American Psychological Association and other humanitarian relief organizations have articulated this goal of increasing capacity in the communities of developing countries as an essential component of international disaster recovery efforts.
School-based mental health services in post-disaster contexts: A public health framework
Authors: Nastasi Bonnie K. , Overstreet Stacy , Summerville Meredith
Published: August 2011

Large scale natural disasters pose serious risks to mental health and simultaneously wreak havoc on the very systems called upon to ameliorate those risks. School-based mental health services have been identified as a potential mechanism through which gaps in service delivery systems can be addressed in post-disaster environments. We believe that a public health framework provides a useful guide for school psychologists who may be called upon to develop school-based systems of care following a disaster. In this article we discuss considerations and challenges in the application of this model in the context of our experience developing school-based mental health services in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, following Hurricane Katrina.
Influence of Lipid Type on Bis (2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) Leaching From Infusion Line Sets in Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Bagel Sandrine , Dessaigne Bérangère , Bourdeaux Daniel , Boyer Anne , Bouteloup Corinne , Bazin Jean‐Etienne , Chopineau Jean , Sautou Valérie
Published: August 2011

Background: Bis(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate (or DEHP) is widely used in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubings for its good plasticizing properties. Because it is not covalently bound to the plastic matrix, it is able to escape from PVC during the infusion of the lipid emulsions used in parenteral nutrition (PN). This creates a vector through which it can enter into contact with the patient via the nutrition admixtures infused. This study was designed to assess the potential role of the type of lipids used in PN admixtures on the quantity of DEHP leached out from PVC‐based tubings. Methods: PVC‐based infusion lines, 6 commercially available lipid emulsions, and their oil base components were left in direct contact, and the amount of DEHP leached was measured by liquid chromatography. Results: After a 24‐hour exposure period, DEHP migration varied significantly (P = .0000152) according to lipid type. The olive oil–based emulsion Clinoleic leached the most DEHP (65.8 µg/mL intravenous fat emulsion), followed by the fish oil–based emulsion Omegaven (37.8 µg/mL). The soybean oil–based emulsions Intralipid, Medialipide, Lipidem, and Structolipid showed comparable performances, with DEHP leaching rates into the emulsion measured at 27.3, 27.8, 23.6, and 19.6 µg/mL, respectively. Results from the same experiments run on pure‐form oils (soybean oil, olive oil, coconut oil, and cod liver oil) confirmed the influence of lipid type on DEHP leaching. Conclusion: The major DEHP leaching caused by olive oil–based emulsions raises cause for concern because DEHP presents distinctive toxic effects, including an increased risk of cholestasis.
Osteochondral Transplantation in the Elbow Leads to Good Clinical and Radiologic Long-term Results
Authors: Vogt Stephan , Siebenlist Sebastian , Hensler Daniel , Weigelt Lizzy , Ansah Patrick , Woertler Klaus , Imhoff Andreas B.
Published: August 2011

Background: In the long-term follow-up after debridement, microfracture, or drilling of osteochondral lesions in the elbow, subsequent osteoarthritis is a problem. Osteochondral transplantation for these defects has become a more common procedure. However, long-term results are unknown.

Purpose: This study was undertaken to evaluate long-term clinical and radiologic outcomes of advanced osteochondral lesions in the elbow treated with osteochondral transplantation.

Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods: The study included 8 patients with osteochondral lesions in the elbow who were treated by autologous osteochondral transplantation between 1996 and 2002. Patients (average age, 17 years) were evaluated pre- and postoperatively by Broberg-Morrey score to assess elbow function and by American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score for pain analysis. In addition, radiographs (at the first postoperative day, and at 5-year and 10-year follow-up) and magnetic resonance images (8 to 12 weeks postoperatively, and at 5-year and 10-year follow-up) were made to evaluate the joint status. At last follow-up (range, 8-14 years postoperatively), 7 of 8 patients were seen for clinical examination and radiologic analysis.

Results: The Broberg-Morrey score increased from an average of 75.9 ± 13.1 to 96.4 ± 2.4 and ASES score significantly improved as follows: worst pain, 7.9 ± 1.1 to 1.6 ± 1.9; rest pain, 3.14 ± 2.7 to 0.6 ± 1.5; weight-lifting pain, 7.6 ± 0.8 to 3.1 ± 1.6; and repetitive movement pain, 5.3 ± 2.4 to 1.6 ± 1.5. Compared with the contralateral side, there was a mean preoperative flexion lag of 12.5° ± 11.6°. At the final follow-up, flexion was free. The mean extension lag was reduced from average 5.4° ± 5.7° to 0°. Radiographs of 2 patients made at final follow-up showed mild signs of osteoarthritis (Kellgren and Lawrence grade I). Postoperative magnetic resonance images showed graft viability in all and a congruent chondral surface in 6 of 7 patients.

Conclusion: Clinical long-term results after osteochondral transplantation in the elbow are good to excellent and comparable with midterm results in the literature. Therefore, this technique is a reliable option for satisfactory long-term results regarding treatment of advanced osteochondral lesions in the elbow.
“Gender Trouble”
Authors: Miller Genna R.
Published: August 2011

This paper explores the relationship between gender equality and economic democracy in worker cooperatives in the United States. A specific method for analyzing women’s status in worker cooperatives is proposed. Preliminary findings from a small-scale survey of U.S. worker cooperatives in 2001 are presented, showing that despite the egalitarian nature of cooperatives several gender inequalities persist.

JEL classification: J54, B54, P13
Testing of Applicability of Mutuality Scale With Mexican American Caregivers of Older Adults
Authors: Kao Hsueh-Fen S. , Lynn Mary R. , Crist Janice D.
Published: August 2011

By 2050, Mexican Americans (MAs) will become the largest aged minority subgroup in the United States. Although older MAs often depend on family for care, no standard instrument is available to scale the motive for filial obligation. Building on previous work, the purpose of this study is to establish psychometric properties of the bilingual Mutuality Scale (MS) for use with MA family caregivers of older adults. A methodological design with a convenience sample is used. Through Principal Axis Factoring with Oblimin© rotation, a two-factor structure emerge—interaction between the caregiving dyad and reaction from the care recipient—which accounted for 63% of the variance in MS scores. Cronbach’s alphas are .87 in both cases and test–retest estimates across three weeks are r = .93 and .94, respectively. Despite needing further refinement, the MS shows potential to measure the motive involved in older adult care, which may be useful in designing culturally relevant interventions for the MA population.
Understanding Dissemination and Implementation of a New Intervention in Assisted Living Settings
Authors: Resnick Barbara , Galik Elizabeth , Gruber-Baldini Ann , Zimmerman Sheryl
Published: August 2011

Function-focused care (FFC) was developed to change the philosophy of care in assisted living (AL) to one in which nurses, direct care workers (DCWs) and other members of the health care team work with residents to optimize function and time spent in physical activities. The purpose of this article is to describe dissemination and implementation of FFC within the two assisted living communities in Maryland that were randomized to our FFC for assisted living intervention (FFC-AL). The reach, efficacy/effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance (RE-AIM) model was used to evaluate dissemination and implementation of FFC in these communities. A total of 171 residents and 96 DCWs consented to participate in the study and outcomes based on data collected from the participants as well as evidence for dissemination and implementation at the site level are provided. Findings can be used to guide others in dissemination and implementation of similar interventions in AL communities.
Changing Compensation and Benefits Design in an Indian Tire Manufacturing Company
Authors: Tomar Avantika
Published: August 2011

This study documents the human resources, compensation and benefit practices and policies adopted in a typical family-owned tire manufacturing company in India. This article is a case study of a company where the lack of proper policies resulted in several costly lockouts. Thus, this study highlights the importance of well-structured human resources policies. The study presents detailed data on the compensation and benefits policies from 1990 to early 2011. It attempts to trace the progression of the firm’s policies, which are still not mature with respect to industry standards among multinational tire manufacturers. Much of the information in this article is based on detailed interviews with top managers at the firm. The interview material offers a rare look at the inner workings of the family-owned business that was eventually acquired by a large German corporation.
Efficient aerodynamic optimization of a very light jet aircraft using evolutionary algorithms and Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes flow models
Authors: Iuliano E , Quagliarella D
Published: August 2011

The challenging problem of wing design for small business aircraft configurations is here explored using evolutionary computing. The activity focuses on the aerodynamic analysis and optimization of a laminar wing in cruise and high lift conditions. The main feature of thisstudy is the application of natural laminar flow technology which in turn implies pressure-gradient optimization. The optimization study is performed using chained computational fluid dynamics-based aerodynamic numerical methods in an evolutionary optimization framework. A major issue is the simulation of the rear-mounted engine mass flow inlet in cruise conditions, which introduces a remarkable geometry complication and computational time increase into the optimization process. The first section gives some details about the design and analysis system. The reference configuration is analysed to show the starting point of the aerodynamic design. Then, the optimization problem definition and the adopted strategy are discussed. The final section is devoted to the aerodynamic analysis of the obtained optimal configuration.
Impacts of the Global Economic Crisis on the Consumption of Psychiatric Nursing Services in Nigeria
Authors: Esu Bassey B. , Inyang Benjamin J.
Published: August 2011

Psychiatric doctors and nurses are two groups of professionals whose responsibility is to offer mental health services: advice on issues related to mental health, treatment of cases of mental disorders and rehabilitation of individuals with mental health problems in the community. The demand and supply of these services are influenced extensively by the prevailing business environment, specially, the economic factors. The current global economic meltdown is an uncontrollable variable facing all economies of the world. Nigeria is no exception. What differentiates one economy from the other is the degree of impacts on the well-being of the citizenry. In this article, the authors X-ray the challenges of psychiatric nursing services in Nigeria and the impacts of the current global economic meltdown on consumption. The elementary laws of demand and supply were significant in this analysis. Suggestions that would help cushion the effect of the global economic crisis on the con-sumption of psychiatric nursing services were considered in the article.
User Satisfaction among Inpatients in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Kuttichira Praveenlal , Rejani P.P.
Published: August 2011

User satisfaction is an important factor which should guide the running of any establishment. In the field of healthcare delivery, taking feedback is rare at least in the state of Kerala. Due to paucity of reports in scientific journals, a survey was conducted at a Government Medical College to assess the level of user satisfaction.

Using a pre-designed proforma, trained social workers gathered information from the discharged patients during a period of two weeks. The coverage was 31.6 per cent of all discharged patients. About two-thirds of the respondents gave positive results on registration for-malities, accommodation facilities, water supply and lighting facilities, general cleanliness, bathrooms and toilets, availability of medicines, service of doctors, services of different wings of the hospitals and fee structure. There were reports about corruption among staff. However the majority of patients preferred to suggest this hospital to friends and relatives and for future consultations.
Effect of embedded sensors on interlaminar damage in composite structures
Authors: Butler Shaoluo , Gurvich Mark , Ghoshal Anindya , Welsh Gregory , Attridge Paul , Winston Howard , Urban Michael , Bordick Nathaniel
Published: August 2011

This research focuses on developing an embedded sensor system to monitor the health of a composite rotor component. To support this objective, simulations were developed to investigate the impact of sensor insertions on local structural micro-mechanics and sensor responses. In particular, the potential side-effects (e.g., delamination onset and growth) of imbedding lead zirconate titanate (PZT) piezoelectric sensors in composite structures were studied. A modeling approach for evaluating interlaminar damage under the influence of embedded PZT sensors is proposed. The approach uses finite element cohesive zone models to describe interlaminar damage between plies or at ply ends. In addition, an embedded multi-ply PZT model was developed and integrated with the damage models. The approach presented in this paper analyzes the propagation of interlaminar damage in the vicinity of sensors and quantifies the effect of sensor presence on damage growth. A parametric study was performed to understand how damage zones, the size and geometry of resin pockets, and the locations and properties of PZT sensors affected interfacial strength. Damage behavior, under the influence of an embedded PZT sensor, was examined in specimens having a configuration similar to that of a selected rotating rotorcraft component. Finally, optimal locations of embedded PZT transducers were determined for the specimen under consideration.
Development and Psychometric Evaluation of a New Instrument for Measuring Sleep Length and Television and Computer Habits of Swedish School-Age Children
Authors: Garmy Pernilla , Jakobsson Ulf , Nyberg Per
Published: August 2011

The aim was to develop a new instrument for measuring length of sleep as well as television and computer habits in school-age children. A questionnaire was constructed for use when children visit the school health care unit. Three aspects of the validity of the questionnaire were examined: its face validity, content validity, and construct validity. Test–retest reliability was assessed by giving the questionnaire twice, 2 weeks apart, to the respondents. The questionnaire was assessed as being reasonably valid, the test–retest results ( n = 138) showing 90.4% of the estimates regarding bedtime on weeknights on the two survey occasions to lie within ± 30 min of each other, the test–retest agreement also being rather close (κ > .600) regarding both sleep and media habits. The instrument can be a valuable tool in a clinical setting, both for measuring sleep habits in a class and for discussing sleep with individual school children and their families.
Model reference adaptive control for a hydraulic underwater manipulator
Authors: Yao Jianjun , Wang Chengjun
Published: August 2011

This work is focused on an underwater manipulator. To solve its nonlinear dynamics and hydrodynamics when it operates underwater, model reference adaptive control (MRAC) is applied. The output of the reference model represents the expected transient response. Adaptive controller parameters are adjusted on-line in real time according to the error between the reference model output and the system output and the outputs of the state filters, using an adaptive parameter regulator. The system control input is thus achieved such that the system output can track the reference model output. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed control scheme has accurate tracking ability and can greatly improve the dynamic and static properties of the system. The MRAC for the underwater manipulator is also fairly robust to load disturbance and system parameter variation.
Taking Stock of Self-Control
Authors: de Ridder Denise T. D. , Lensvelt-Mulders Gerty , Finkenauer Catrin , Stok F. Marijn , Baumeister Roy F.
Published: August 2011

Given assertions of the theoretical, empirical, and practical importance of self-control, this meta-analytic study sought to review evidence concerning the relationship between dispositional self-control and behavior. The authors provide a brief overview over prominent theories of self-control, identifying implicit assumptions surrounding the effects of self-control that warrant empirical testing. They report the results of a meta-analysis of 102 studies (total N = 32,648) investigating the behavioral effects of self-control using the Self-Control Scale, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, and the Low Self-Control Scale. A small to medium positive effect of self-control on behavior was found for the three scales. Only the Self-Control Scale allowed for a fine-grained analysis of conceptual moderators of the self-control behavior relation. Specifically, self-control (measured by the Self-Control Scale) related similarly to the performance of desired behaviors and the inhibition of undesired behaviors, but its effects varied dramatically across life domains (e.g., achievement, adjustment). In addition, the associations between self-control and behavior were significantly stronger for automatic (as compared to controlled) behavior and for imagined (as compared to actual) behavior.
Perception and Motivation in Face Recognition
Authors: Young Steven G. , Hugenberg Kurt , Bernstein Michael J. , Sacco Donald F.
Published: August 2011

Although humans possess well-developed face processing expertise, face processing is nevertheless subject to a variety of biases. Perhaps the best known of these biases is the Cross-Race Effect—the tendency to have more accurate recognition for same-race than cross-race faces. The current work reviews the evidence for and provides a critical review of theories of the Cross-Race Effect, including perceptual expertise and social cognitive accounts of the bias. The authors conclude that recent hybrid models of the Cross-Race Effect, which combine elements of both perceptual expertise and social cognitive frameworks, provide an opportunity for theoretical synthesis and advancement not afforded by independent expertise or social cognitive models. Finally, the authors suggest future research directions intended to further develop a comprehensive and integrative understanding of biases in face recognition.
Focusing, Situating, and Grounding Micro–Level Evaluation Field Experiences
Authors: Skolits Gary J. , Woodard Thelma , Morrow Jennifer Ann , Kaesbauer Susanne
Published: August 2011

Evaluator training field experiences seek to reinforce applicable content knowledge and promote applied skills. For students, even a small-scale field experience focusing on limited components of a larger evaluation process can seem particularly challenging. Students often do not recognize the relevance of established evaluation resources capable of focusing, situating, and guiding their early professional practice efforts. For example, anticipating relevant evaluation standards and ethical principles and understanding the potential guidance they offer—in the context of student’s field experiences—requires more than their cursory acknowledgment. This article identifies the challenges that students encountered with course-embedded, small-scale field experiences and introduces the development and application of an instructional tool to help them: (a) more strategically focus evaluation field experiences; (b) situate experiences in terms of the larger evaluation to which it is contributing; as well as (c) ground experiences in terms of relevant evaluation standards, ethical principles, and evaluator competencies.
Multiple sclerosis prevalence in Malaga, Southern Spain estimated by the capture–recapture method
Authors: Fernández O , Fernández V , Guerrero M , León A , López-Madrona JC , Alonso A , Bustamante R , Tamayo JA , Romero F , Bravo M , Luque G , García L , Sanchís G , Roman C San , Romero M , Papais-Alvarenga M , de Ramon E
Published: August 2011

Background: Although not definitively proven, there is commonly accepted to be a latitudinal gradient in the distribution of multiple sclerosis (MS), which is more frequent in temperate zones. The European Mediterranean countries are situated in a zone of median frequency, although ever increasing figures have been noted in the last decades.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the current prevalence rate of MS in the province of Malaga, Southern Spain.

Methods: The capture–recapture method (CRM) uses independent sources of data and permits the number of non-registered cases of a given disease to be estimated, and by doing so, to avoid ascertainment bias.

Results: Use of this method showed the estimated prevalence rate of MS in the province of Malaga, Southern Spain, to be 125/105 (95% confidence interval: 102/105–169/105), higher than the figures published previously.

Conclusions: Although we recognize that these data need to be confirmed in further studies and in other areas of the country using a similar method, we believe this study is the first to find such high figure of prevalence, being very similar to the figures reported in recent years in other southern European countries.
The European Parliament: In need of a theory
Authors: Yordanova Nikoleta
Published: August 2011

The legislative organization of the European Parliament (EP) has far-reaching implications for its ability to solve the democratic deficit problem of the European Union (EU). Recognizing that, this article reviews the literature on the EP organization with a view to consolidating existing knowledge and identifying outstanding research gaps. It calls for a new generation of research to go beyond the congressional theoretical literature and develop theoretical accounts of the EP's internal organizational adaptation in response to its rising legislative powers and the development of true EU bicameralism. Generalizing such accounts can add to broader theories of legislative organization, which have hitherto failed to explicitly incorporate the effect of external (institutional) developments in their predictions.
The dialogue of civilizations: An Eisenstadt legacy
Authors: Levine Donald N.
Published: August 2011

The thesis of a ‘clash of civilizations,’ famously voiced by Samuel Huntington in 1993, draws support from selected social science generalizations and the fact that all historical civilizations organized around core beliefs and values condemned outsiders. This thesis can be challenged by showing that civilizations are internally complex, including elements that also develop nonexclusionary themes; and by specifying a human need for ‘dialogue’ driven by compresent needs for attachment and differentiation. The historic emergence of those inclusionary sub-traditions can be documented by looking at the cases of Gandhi in India, Ueshiba in Japan, and a number of historic and contemporary figures in the Abrahamic civilizations of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Single-Incision Laparoscopic Reversal of Hartmann Procedure via the Colostomy Site Only
Authors: Smith Brian M. , Bettinger David A.
Published: August 2011

Background: Transumbilical single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) provides an alternative to traditional multiport laparoscopic surgery. The technique may also avoid some of the difficulties surrounding laparoscopic Hartmann reversal. This case represents the first SILS Hartmann reversal via the colostomy site. Methods: SILS Hartmann reversal was performed in a 56-year-old man with a history of resection for perforated diverticulitis. The procedure was performed via a single port placed into the former colostomy site. A combination of flexible and straight instruments was used. Results: The procedure was completed successfully with an operative time of 104 minutes. Recovery was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 5, with no complaints at follow-up. Conclusion: SILS Hartmann procedure reversal via the colostomy site is safe. The approach avoids additional incisions and allows avoidance of dense adhesions to the previous midline incision—a new benefit of SILS, apart from cosmesis.
Preventing bowel cancer: an insight for clinicians
Authors: Hart Andrew R. , Kennedy Hugh J.
Published: August 2011

Worldwide, colorectal cancer causes 610,000 deaths annually with 38,000 new cases diagnosed in the UK and 16,000 deaths each year. The prognosis is directly related to the staging of the cancer at diagnosis, with an overall 5-year survival rate of approximately 50%. However, for localized disease the figure is much higher at 90%, although unfortunately many cancers present at an advanced stage. Importantly, there is the potential to reduce the incidence because most tumours arise from premalignant adenomatous polyps, which if detected and removed interrupts the adenoma–adenocarcinoma sequence. In addition, identifying colorectal cancer at an early stage can impact on the mortality rates for this neoplasm. The current screening options for bowel cancer include analysis of stool for occult blood and endoscopic assessments of the colorectum, including flexible sigmoidoscopy and full colonoscopy. The aim of this review is to present information on the natural history of colorectal cancer, the evaluation of the different screening modalities and the current faecal occult blood screening program within the UK National Health Service, and to discuss how dietary factors and aspirin may affect aetiology.
Elevated plasma glucosylsphingosine in Gaucher disease: relation to phenotype, storage cell markers, and therapeutic response
Authors: Dekker Nick , van Dussen Laura , Hollak Carla E. M. , Overkleeft Herman , Scheij Saskia , Ghauharali Karen , van Breemen Mariëlle J. , Ferraz Maria J. , Groener Johanna E. M. , Maas Mario , Wijburg Frits A. , Speijer Dave , Tylki-Szymanska Anna , Mistry Pramod K. , Boot Rolf G. , Aerts Johannes M.
Published: August 2011

Gaucher disease, caused by a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase, leads to prominent glucosylceramide accumulation in lysosomes of tissue macrophages (Gaucher cells). Here we show glucosylsphingosine, the deacylated form of glucosylceramide, to be markedly increased in plasma of symptomatic nonneuronopathic (type 1) Gaucher patients (n = 64, median = 230.7nM, range 15.6-1035.2nM; normal (n = 28): median 1.3nM, range 0.8-2.7nM). The method developed for mass spectrometric quantification of plasma glucosylsphingosine is sensitive and robust. Plasma glucosylsphingosine levels correlate with established plasma markers of Gaucher cells, chitotriosidase (ρ = 0.66) and CCL18 (ρ = 0.40). Treatment of Gaucher disease patients by supplementing macrophages with mannose-receptor targeted recombinant glucocerebrosidase results in glucosylsphingosine reduction, similar to protein markers of Gaucher cells. Since macrophages prominently accumulate the lysoglycosphingolipid on glucocerebrosidase inactivation, Gaucher cells seem a major source of the elevated plasma glucosylsphingosine. Our findings show that plasma glucosylsphingosine can qualify as a biomarker for type 1 Gaucher disease, but that further investigations are warranted regarding its relationship with clinical manifestations of Gaucher disease.
Novel protein ADTRP regulates TFPI expression and function in human endothelial cells in normal conditions and in response to androgen
Authors: Lupu Cristina , Zhu Hua , Popescu Narcis I. , Wren Jonathan D. , Lupu Florea
Published: August 2011

Thrombosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) represent major causes of morbidity and mortality. Low androgen correlates with higher incidence of CVD/thrombosis. Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor (TFPI) is the major inhibitor of tissue factor-factor VIIa (TF-FVIIa)–dependent FXa generation. Because endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction leading to vascular disease correlates with low EC-associated TFPI, we sought to identify mechanisms that regulate the natural expression of TFPI. Data mining of NCBI's GEO microarrays revealed strong coexpression between TFPI and the uncharacterized protein encoded by C6ORF105, which is predicted to be multispan, palmitoylated and androgen-responsive. We demonstrate that this protein regulates both the native and androgen-enhanced TFPI expression and activity in cultured ECs, and we named it androgen-dependent TFPI-regulating protein (ADTRP). We confirm ADTRP expression and colocalization with TFPI and caveolin-1 in ECs. ADTRP-shRNA reduces, while over-expression of ADTRP enhances, TFPI mRNA and activity and the colocalization of TF-FVIIa–FXa-TFPI with caveolin-1. Imaging and Triton X-114–extraction confirm TFPI and ADTRP association with lipid rafts/caveolae. Dihydrotestosterone up-regulates TFPI and ADTRP expression, and increases FXa inhibition by TFPI in an ADTRP- and caveolin-1-dependent manner. We conclude that the ADTRP-dependent up-regulation of TFPI expression and activity by androgen represents a novel mechanism of increasing the anticoagulant protection of the endothelium.
Is heparin a placental anticoagulant in high-risk pregnancies?
Authors: Kingdom John C. P. , Drewlo Sascha
Published: August 2011

Randomized control trials show beneficial effects of heparin in high-risk pregnancies to prevent preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. However, the lack of placental pathology data in these trials challenges the assumption that heparin is a placental anticoagulant. Recent data show that placental infarction is probably associated with abnormalities in development of the placenta, characterized by poor maternal perfusion and an abnormal villous trophoblast compartment in contact with maternal blood, than with maternal thrombophilia. At-risk pregnancies may therefore be predicted by noninvasive prenatal testing of placental function in mid-pregnancy. Heparin has diverse cellular functions that include direct actions on the trophoblast. Dissecting the non–anticoagulant actions of heparin may indicate novel and safer therapeutic targets to prevent the major placental complications of pregnancy.