bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of residual strength in notched APC-2 cross-ply composite laminates at elevated temperature
Authors: Jen Ming-Hwa R , Sung Yi-Chun
Published: October 2011

The residual strength of notched AS-4/polyetheretherketone (PEEK) composite (APC-2) laminates with a central hole at elevated temperature was systematically investigated by both analytical and empirical methods. First, APC-2 cross-ply [0/90]4s panels were fabricated and cut into samples. A circular hole with one of five diameters was drilled in the center of each sample. The samples were subjected to quasi-static tensile tests at elevated temperatures to measure their mechanical properties – strength and longitudinal stiffness. Stress concentration and high temperature were found to remarkably affect the residual strength of composite. Point stress criterion (PSC) above was found to be unsatisfactory in predicting the residual strength. A modified PSC combined with the equation of thermal degradation was able to predict the characteristic length at elevated temperature. The residual strengths predicted by the extended modified PSC model were in very close agreement with the empirical data.
COMM Toolbox: A MATLAB toolbox for micromechanical analysis of composite materials
Authors: McCarthy CT , Vaughan TJ
Published: October 2011

The COmposite MicroMechanics (COMM) Toolbox is a design tool, developed in MATLAB, which provides efficient pre- and post-processing capabilities for micromechanical analyses of composite materials with finite element analysis. The COMM Toolbox has automated all manual tasks associated with micromechanical analyses of composite materials, providing a simple, convenient environment for creating, submitting, monitoring, and evaluating results from micromechanical analyses. The interactive pre-processing capability currently enables a variety of fiber distributions to be generated, allowing either nonuniform or regular fiber arrangements for both low and high fiber volume fractions to be analyzed under mechanical and/or thermal loading. The functionality of the above features has been demonstrated by carrying out a case study examining the effect of fiber volume fraction on material behavior. Importantly, the COMM Toolbox means that advanced multiscale modeling concepts, which determine material behavior based on the physical interactions of the constituent phases, are likely to gain more widespread exposure from potential academic or industry-based interests. The COMM Toolbox is freely available to the community and can be obtained by contacting the corresponding author.
Improved Dental Adhesive Formulations Based on Reactive Nanogel Additives
Authors: Morães R.R. , Garcia J.W. , Wilson N.D. , Lewis S.H. , Barros M.D. , Yang B. , Pfeifer C.S. , Stansbury J.W.
Published: October 2011

Current challenges in adhesive dentistry include over-hydrophilic bonding formulations, which facilitate water percolation through the hybrid layer and result in unreliable bonded interfaces. This study introduces nanogel-modified adhesives as a way to control the material’s hydrophobic character without changing the basic monomer formulation (keeping water-chasing capacity and operatory techniques unaltered). Nanogel additives of varied hydrophobicity were synthesized in solution, rendering 10- to 100-nm-sized particles. A model BisGMA/HEMA solvated adhesive was prepared (control), to which reactive nanogels were added. The increase in adhesive viscosity did not impair solvent removal by air-thinning. The degree of conversion in the adhesive was similar between control and nanogel-modified materials, while the bulk dry and, particularly, the wet mechanical properties were significantly improved through nanogel-based network reinforcement and reduced water solubility. As preliminary validation of this approach, short-term micro-tensile bond strengths to acid-etched and primed dentin were significantly enhanced by nanogel inclusion in the adhesive resins.
Racial Differences in Depression Trajectories among Older Women
Authors: Spence Naomi J. , Adkins Daniel E. , Dupre Matthew E.
Published: October 2011

Despite recent increases in life course research on mental illness, important questions remain about the social patterning of, and explanations for, depression trajectories among women in later life. The authors investigate competing theoretical frameworks for the age patterning of depressive symptoms and the physical health, socioeconomic, and family mechanisms differentiating black and white women. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Mature Women, the authors use linear mixed (growth curve) models to estimate trajectories of distress for women aged 52 to 81 years ( N = 3,182). The results demonstrate that: (1) there are persistently higher levels of depressive symptoms among black women relative to white women throughout later life; (2) physical health and socioeconomic status account for much of the racial gap in depressive symptoms; and (3) marital status moderates race differences in distress. The findings highlight the importance of physical health, family, and socioeconomic status in racial disparities in mental health.
Social Capital and Psychological Distress
Authors: Song Lijun
Published: October 2011

The author proposes a conceptual model to explain the diverse roles of social capital—resources embedded in social networks—in the social production of health. Using a unique national U.S. sample, the author estimated a path analysis model to examine the direct and indirect effects of social capital on psychological distress and its intervening effects on the relationships between other structural antecedents and psychological distress. The results show that social capital is inversely associated with psychological distress, and part of that effect is indirect through subjective social status. Social capital also acts as an intervening mechanism to link seven social factors (age, gender, race-ethnicity, education, occupational prestige, annual family income, and voluntary participation) with psychological distress. This study develops the theory of social capital as network resources and demonstrates the complex functions of social capital as a distinct social determinant of health.
Adherence to Available Clinical Practice Guidelines for Initiation of Antihypertensive Medication in Patients With or Without Diabetes Mellitus and Other Comorbidities in Taiwan
Authors: Chou Chih‐Chieh , Lin Wei‐Shiang , Kao Tung‐Wei , Chang Yaw‐Wen , Chen Wei‐Liang
Published: October 2011

The aim of the study is to explore the prescribing trends for antihypertensive medications in newly diagnosed hypertensive subjects with different comorbidities with or without diabetes in Taiwan. Factors for prescribing angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are also investigated. The study design is a secondary data analysis of Taiwanese population from the National Health Insurance, from 1997, to 2004. A total of 3218187 patients were included in the statistical analysis; there were 2963861 cases without diabetes and 254326 with diabetes. From 1998 to 2004, in both arms, there were significant trends for increasing ARB use (ρ = 0.964, P < .001). Patients with preexisting diabetes were more likely to be prescribed ARBs than those without preexisting diabetes (OR = 1.68; 95% CI, 1.65–1.70). A similar situation was noted for patients with the comorbidities of cerebrovascular accident (OR = 1.61), congestive heart failure (OR = 2.20), coronary artery disease (OR = 1.63), and chronic kidney disease (OR = 2.23). Although diuretics were not the most commonly prescribed antihypertensive for nondiabetics during the study period, physicians' prescribing practices were within the range of published clinical practice guidelines for hypertension management. Further comprehensive studies are needed to explore the impact of prescription patterns, especially ARBs, on the allocation of health care resources and therapeutic efficacy in Taiwan.
Constructive Conflict, Participation, and Shared Governance
Authors: Elías María Verónica , Alkadry Mohamad G.
Published: October 2011

This article discusses citizen participation in the governance process in light of two theoretical approaches: hooks’s talking back as a way to empower citizens and Mary Parker Follett’s constructive conflict as a form of participation founded in political dialogue. The authors argue that constructive conflict not only allows citizens and government to jointly define and redefine the governance process in truly collaborative ways but also permits the joint construction and delivery of effective public programs. The point of contact between citizens and administrators presents an ideal opportunity where citizens are most willing, by virtue of their physical presence in the routine interaction between citizens and administrators, and most able, by knowing something about their situation and the program/policy that affects them directly, to participate.
Early production of the passive in two Eastern Bantu languages
Authors: Alcock Katherine J , Rimba Kenneth , Newton Charles RJC
Published: October 2011

The passive construction is acquired relatively late by children learning to speak many languages, with verbal passives not fully acquired until age 6 in English. In other languages it appears earlier, around age 3 or before. Use of passive construction in young children was examined in two Eastern Bantu languages spoken in Kenya (Kiswahili and Kigiriama), both with frequent use of passive. The passive was used productively very early (2;1) in these languages, regardless of the method used to measure productivity. In addition, non-actional passives, particularly rare in English and some other European languages, were seen at these early ages. The proportion of verbs that were passive varied between individuals, both in children’s speech and in the input to children. Pragmatic and grammatical features of the passive in some languages have previously been suggested to drive early passive acquisition, but these features are not found consistently in the two languages studied here. Findings suggest that the relatively high frequency of input found in these languages is the most plausible reason for early productive use of the passive.
Children’s acquisition of word order depends on syntactic/semantic role: Evidence from adjective-noun order
Authors: Nicoladis Elena , Rhemtulla Mijke
Published: October 2011

Based on research on children’s verb production, Usage-Based theorists have argued that children learn grammatical abstractions in the preschool years. The fact that, in English verb clauses, word order determines semantic/syntactic roles leaves open the possibility that children are learning not just syntactic frames, but the relationship between order and semantic/syntactic roles. To clarify the nature of children’s abstract knowledge, we taught novel adjectives to English-speaking children (2 to 4 years), both prenominally and postnominally. Unlike verbs, adjective position in a sentence does not change the semantic/syntactic role of the adjective. Children showed sensitivity to the canonical order, but even four-year-olds frequently used novel adjectives postnominally. We argue that a strong motivation for ordering words grammatically is when order determines semantic/syntactic roles.
A case study on the application of air- and water-cooled oil-free chillers to hospitals in Hong Kong
Authors: Yik Francis WH , Lai Joseph HK , Fong NK , Leung Polly HM , Yuen PL
Published: October 2011

A comparison study on using air-cooled and water-cooled conventional and oil-free chillers in hospitals in Hong Kong is reported. The study commenced with a comprehensive literature review to reaffirm the effectiveness of recommended precaution measures for containing the risk of Legionnaires’ disease (LD) associated with using cooling towers. Numerical performance models for oil-free chillers established for use in the study are presented. Based on recorded cooling demands of two existing hospitals, the life-cycle energy consumption and cost of system options involving different combinations of heat rejection method and chiller type were evaluated, compared and discussed. The results show that water-cooled air-conditioning systems with conventional chillers and cooling towers are still more energy efficient than air-cooled systems with oil-free chillers. Water-cooled oil-free chillers may become an economically viable choice when their price is lowered in future. Pilot installation is recommendable, as it would allow the reliability and maintainability of the new oil-free chillers to be ascertained.

Practical applications: Findings of the literature review reaffirmed the effectiveness of measures recommended in contemporary guidelines for LD prevention, which would ease the mind of owners, designers and operation and maintenance personnel in regard of using cooling towers in hospitals. The numerical models for oil-free chillers presented in the paper are useful for evaluation of the energy consumption of this new type of chiller and for comparison with other types of chillers. The study approach described in the paper, including the energy consumption prediction and life-cycle cost evaluation methods, provides a useful framework for similar studies.
Developments in mathematical simulation of fluid flow in building drainage systems
Authors: Campbell DP
Published: October 2011

A mathematical model utilising the Method of Characteristics to solve the equations of continuity and momentum in a finite difference scheme forms a computer based simulation package - AIRNET. It can simulate conditions in building drainage, waste and vent systems. Recent work extended AIRNET by including the effects of detergents and temperature. Other work examined the motive force of the water, extending it to include a proportion of the discharge appearing as droplets falling in the central air core as opposed to assuming it was due entirely to an annular film. This article includes these additions and links to previous work on non-dimensional analysis, to yield a more refined AIRNET model which includes the effects of detergents, temperature and droplet fraction. Significant refinement of the AIRNET model is described in this article.

Practical Applications: Accurate simulation of detergent dosed waste as described here extends the scope over which accurate simulations and code guideline comparisons can be made, to include ‘live’ domestic and industrial media from modern appliances and practices. This will have a significant impact on code generation and drainage system design practices, allowing optimisation for reliability, effectiveness and cost. This article improves the current level of understanding of the hydraulic basis for the design requirements imposed on sanitation engineers and code bodies, and improved an existing computer simulation model in its capacity as a design tool.
The use of Monte Carlo simulation in evaluating the elevator round trip time under up-peak traffic conditions and conventional group control
Authors: Al-Sharif Lutfi , Aldahiyat Husam M , Alkurdi Laith M
Published: October 2011

The design of vertical transportation systems still relies on the evaluation of the round trip of the elevators during the up-peak (incoming) traffic conditions in a building. The evaluation of the round trip time for anything other than the most straightforward case becomes very complicated and requires the use of advanced special condition formulae. These formulae become even more complicated when a combination of the special conditions exist within the building being designed. The most four prominent examples of these special conditions are the case of multiple entrances to the building (rather than a single entrance), the case where the top speed is not attained within one floor jump (or even two or three floor jumps), unequal floor heights and unequal floor population. Moreover, no analytical formulae exist for some combinations of these special conditions.

The use of the Monte Carlo simulation is presented in this paper as a simple and practical means to calculate the round trip time for an elevator during the up-peak (incoming) traffic conditions, under a combination of any or all of the special conditions such as multiple entrances, top speed not attained within one or more floor journeys, unequal floor heights and unequal floor populations.

Analytical methods are used to show that the Monte Carlo simulation produces the same results for real-life cases of multiple entrances and where the top speed is not attained in a one floor jump. The same can be applied to the other two special conditions or any combination of the four special conditions. The structure and architecture of the Monte Carlo simulation tool used is discussed in detail. The practical details that are used to ensure the speed of the tool in producing an answer are also discussed.

The method developed here only applies to up-peak traffic conditions under a conventional group control system.

Practical Application: Evaluating the elevator round trip time under up-peak traffic conditions is possible using analytical methods by applying well-established formulae. The round trip time is necessary to decide on the number of elevators required for a building. Where special conditions exist in the building, the use of the analytical method becomes very complicated, and is not possible under the combinations of all special conditions. The only alternatives available are discrete time-slice simulation packages.

This piece of work provides the designer with a basis to use the Monte Carlo simulation as a software tool to calculate the round trip time, regardless of the special cases that exist in the building. It also offers a reference to allow the benchmarking and verification of calculation and simulation packages in research environments.
Comparison study of air mixing modes in liquid desiccant based all-air air conditioning systems
Authors: Xiao Fu , Niu XiaoFeng
Published: October 2011

Liquid desiccant is an energy-saving, environmentally friendly and healthy means of air dehumidification. A liquid desiccant-based all-air air conditioning system is studied by simulation. Two different modes of air mixing between the return air and the fresh air are compared, that is mixing before and mixing after the liquid desiccant dehumidifier, respectively. System performance and total energy consumption of the two modes under different operation conditions are obtained. The results show that mixing air after dehumidification consumes less energy than mixing air before dehumidification. Coefficient of performance (COP) of the all-air system with air mixing after dehumidification is higher. The differences of COP and energy consumption between the two air mixing modes increase when the outdoor air temperature and relative humidity increase.

Practical application: Liquid desiccant based all-air system is quite suitable for museums, libraries and computer centres where water is not allowed to enter the space for property safety and strict thermal-hygrometric control is necessary. The results of this paper provide guidelines on the selection of air mixing modes in liquid desiccant-based all-air systems, considering energy consumption and system COP.
Psychosocial Experiences and Adjustment Among Adult Swedes With Superior General Mental Ability
Authors: Stålnacke Jannica , Smedler Ann-Charlotte
Published: October 2011

In Sweden, special needs of high-ability individuals have received little attention. For this purpose, adult Swedes with superior general mental ability (GMA; N = 302), defined by an IQ score > 130 on tests of abstract reasoning, answered a questionnaire regarding their views of themselves and their giftedness. The participants also rated their self-theory of intelligence and completed the Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-13). At large, the participants experienced being different but felt little need to downplay their giftedness to gain social acceptance. Most participants encompassed an entity self-theory of intelligence, while also recognizing that it takes effort to develop one’s ability. The group scored lower ( p < .001) than Swedes in general on the SOC, which may be a reflection of social difficulties associated with being gifted in an egalitarian society. However, it may also indicate that the SOC carries a different meaning for those with superior GMA.
Self-Injurious Behavior in Gifted and Talented Youth
Authors: Wood Susannah M. , Craigen Laurie M.
Published: October 2011

Self-injurious behaviors (SIBs) are increasing in the general adolescent population, giving rise to concerns about the impact these behaviors have on gifted and talented youth. Educators of the gifted may not have adequate understanding of these behaviors, limiting their effectiveness in supporting gifted students engaging in SIB. This article provides an overview of definitions, demographics, and influencing factors, which may enlighten teachers of gifted students about how best to work with those who are struggling with this behavior. The article concludes with a set of suggested best practices for educators of the gifted that can be implemented in schools and classrooms to support students who are self-injuring and to potentially prevent other gifted students from engaging in SIB.
Spousal Disagreement in the Reporting of Physical Violence Against Wives in Southern Egypt
Authors: Yount Kathryn M. , Li Li
Published: October 2011

Using data from a probability sample of 943 married women and men in Assiut and Souhag, Egypt, we explored spousal reports of lifetime physical intimate partner violence (IPV) against wives and the determinants of spousal disagreement overall and by type. More than one third of wives and about one third of husbands reported wife beating since marriage. More than one quarter of couples disagreed about its occurrence, usually because wives reported wife beating when their husbands did not. Wife- yes-husband- no and wife- no-husband- yes disagreements were more common among couples who were married for more than 7 years, suggesting poor recall by either spouse of distant events, an unwillingness of husbands and wives to disclose a distant event, or variable within-couple definitions of what constitutes wife beating. Wife- yes-husband- yes and wife- yes-husband- no responses were more common among wives with little or no schooling, suggesting that these women were more likely to experience physical IPV and to have husbands who denied its occurrence.
What Helps Couples Rebuild Their Relationship After Infidelity?
Authors: Abrahamson Iona , Hussain Rafat , Khan Adeel , Schofield Margot J.
Published: October 2011

Despite infidelity being a highly traumatic experience, not all couples end their relationship after discovery of the affair. The present study provides insights into the experience of couples who remained together after having experienced infidelity by one partner. Narrative inquiry methods were used to undertake and analyze in-depth interviews with eligible participants from eastern Australia who responded to advertisements. The key themes acknowledged by participants as reasons for maintaining the relationship were motivation to stay together, treasuring acts of kindness, meaning making, and social support. However, the reconciliation process was tortuous and involved forgiveness, seeking counseling, managing memories, vicarious learning, and changing couple dynamics. In rebuilding the relationship, a modification often took place, resulting in a shift in the power dynamic. The article outlines professional considerations for counselors and other therapists in relation to professional practice.
Nonstandard Work Schedules, Couple Desynchronization, and Parent–Child Interaction
Authors: Täht Kadri , Mills Melinda
Published: October 2011

Many children live in households where either one or both parents work nonstandard schedules in the evening, night, or weekend. This study tests two competing hypotheses of whether nonstandard schedules result in lower levels of parent–child interaction or in more time with children. Using the first wave of the Netherlands Kinship Panel Study of 1,266 couples with young children and data from semistructured individual ( N = 27) qualitative interviews of respondents with children, the authors engage in a series of ordered logit regression models and qualitative correspondence and narrative analysis. The central finding is that nonstandard schedules are significantly related to an increase in joint activities of parents and children and caregiving for fathers. Qualitative interviews reveal strategies families develop to maintain alternative times and types of contact. Couples use nonstandard schedules to desynchronize schedules to avoid formalized child care and engage in “tag-team parenting” to ensure that one parent is always present.
Balancing Caregiving and Work
Authors: Gordon Judith R. , Pruchno Rachel A. , Wilson-Genderson Maureen , Murphy Wendy Marcinkus , Rose Miriam
Published: October 2011

Positing role conflict as a bidirectional construct in which work interferes with caregiving (WIC) and caregiving interferes with work (CIW), this study investigated its antecedents (demands and support of caregiving and work) and consequences (role strain). A national sample of 583 women between the ages of 50 and 64 years identified using random-digit-dial procedures completed a telephone survey. Structural equation modeling revealed that caregiving demands were positively associated with CIW and caregiving burden; instrumental caregiving support reduced CIW and caregiving burden. Work demands were positively associated with WIC, CIW, caregiving burden, and work burden. Emotional workplace support reduced WIC, CIW, and work burden. CIW and WIC were positively associated with caregiving burden; only WIC was positively associated with work burden. Findings suggest that demands and supports related to the caregiving role do not influence work-related role strain; work demands and supports influence role strain experienced from both caregiving and work domains.
The Separate Spheres of Online Health
Authors: Stern Michael J. , Cotten Shelia R. , Drentea Patricia
Published: October 2011

The objective of this article is to explore how parental status, gender, and their interaction influence a variety of aspects of searching for online health information. Drawing on nationally representative survey data, the results show that in a number of ways parenting and gender have separate but significant influences on the following: online searching behavior, whether the information is used, and feelings about the information obtained. The authors found that although female parents are more likely than male parents to put the health information they have found online into use, parenting and sex have more independent than combined effects. This is particularly the case regarding whether respondents search for information for themselves or others, their feelings about the information found, and the process of finding online health information.
Toxico-Pathological Effects of In Ovo Inoculation of Ochratoxin A (OTA) in Chick Embryos and Subsequently in Hatched Chicks
Authors: Zahoor-ul-Hassan  , Khan Muhammad Zargham , Saleemi Muhammad Kashif , Khan Ahrar , Javed Ijaz , Bhatti Sheraz Ahmed
Published: October 2011

This study was designed to investigate the toxico-pathological effects of in ovo inoculation of ochratoxin A (OTA) in chicken embryos and subsequently in the hatching chicks. Nine hundred fertile white leghorn (WL) layer breeder eggs were divided into eight groups (A–H). Group A was maintained as untreated control, whereas group B was kept as sham control (10 µL of 0.1 M NaHCO3 solution). Before incubation, groups C, D, E, F, G, and H were injected with 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.10, 0.50, and 1.00 µg OTA/egg, respectively. At 53 hrs of incubation, crown to rump length, optic cups, and eye lens diameters were significantly ( p ≤ .05) lower, whereas neural tube closure defects were higher in the OTA-treated embryos. Teratogenic defects (studied at day 9 of incubation) and embryonic mortalities were higher in the groups administered high doses of OTA. A significant increase was noted in the serum concentration of ALT, urea, and creatinine, along with higher weights of liver and kidney, in chicks hatched from OTA-contaminated eggs. These findings suggested that there are teratogenic and substantive toxicological risks in the developing chicken embryos and hatched chicks that could be exposed to OTA in ovo.
Effect of Bark Extract of Bathysa cuspidata on Hepatic Oxidative Damage and Blood Glucose Kinetics in Rats Exposed to Paraquat
Authors: Novaes Rômulo Dias , Gonçalves Reggiani Vilela , Marques Daiane Cristina Santos , Cupertino Marli do Carmo , Peluzio Maria do Carmo Gouveia , Leite João Paulo Viana , Maldonado Izabel Regina dos Santos Costa
Published: October 2011

This study investigated the effect of bark extract of Bathysa cuspidata on hepatic oxidative damage and blood glucose kinetics in rats exposed to paraquat. Wistar rats were exposed to a single dose of paraquat (30 mg/kg, i.p.) and treated with an ethanolic extract of Bathysa cuspidata (200 and 400 mg/kg). Analyses were conducted of liver edema, blood glucose, serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, collagen, malondialdehyde, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and histomorphometry. In the animals intoxicated with paraquat and treated with 400 mg/kg of extract, edema, hypertrophy of the nucleus of hepatocytes, serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, and malondialdehyde levels decreased significantly ( p < .05). Catalase and superoxide dismutase activity, the number of hepatocytes per unit volume, and the glycogen proportion were maintained. The increase followed by progressive reduction of blood glucose observed in paraquat-exposed groups was significantly attenuated in the group treated with 400 mg/kg of extract ( p < .05). Phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and phenolic compounds. The bark extract of Bathysa cuspidata was able to inhibit large variations in blood glucose and reduce hepatic damage in rats exposed to paraquat. This finding suggests a contribution of the extract in reducing lipid peroxidation and the morphofunctional damage to the liver parenchyma.
A Review of the Existing Grading Schemes and a Proposal for a Modified Grading Scheme for Prostatic Lesions in TRAMP Mice
Authors: Berman-Booty Lisa D. , Sargeant Aaron M. , Rosol Thomas J. , Rengel Robert C. , Clinton Steven K. , Chen Ching-Shih , Kulp Samuel K.
Published: October 2011

The transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) model is well established and offers several advantages for the study of chemopreventive agents, including its well-defined course of disease progression and high incidence of poorly differentiated carcinomas within a relatively short length of time. However, there is no consensus on the grading of prostatic lesions in these mice. In particular, agreement is lacking on the criteria for differentiating prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) from well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, specifically as it relates to evidence of invasion. This differentiation is critical for evaluating the effects of putative chemopreventive agents on progression to neoplasia. Moreover, only one of the published grading schemes assigns numerical grades to prostatic lesions, which facilitate statistical analysis. Here, we review five currently available grading schemes and propose a refined scheme that provides a useful definition of invasion for the differentiation of PIN from well-differentiated adenocarcinoma and includes a numerical scoring system that accounts for both the most severe and most common histopathological lesions in each of the lobes of the prostate and their distributions. We expect that researchers will find this refined grading scheme to be useful for chemoprevention studies in TRAMP mice.
Age and Gender Differences in Social-Cognitive Factors and Exercise Behavior Among Thais
Authors: Poomsrikaew Ornwanya , Berger Barbara E. , Kim Mi Ja , Zerwic Julie J.
Published: October 2011

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of perceived risk, outcome expectancies, and perceived self-efficacy to intention and in turn exercise behavior. A convenience sample of people 18 years or older ( N = 645) was recruited from public locations in Thailand. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used with self-administered questionnaires. Path models were estimated using Amos 18. Outcome expectancies and perceived self-efficacy indirectly influenced exercise behavior via intention. Unexpectedly, perceived risk of heart disease did not contribute to the model. Differences were found across age and gender groups. The final models showed a better fit in the middle-aged group, χ2(1) = 0.374, p = .541, and in women, χ2(1) = 0.197, p = .657, than in younger individuals and men. Interventions that enhance intention to exercise through outcome expectancies and perceived self-efficacy may be effective. Interventions may be more effective if they target particular age and gender groups.
Effects of Acupuncture and Moxibustion in a Mouse Model of Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Jung Dallim , Lee Seungdeok , Hong Seungug
Published: October 2011

Objective

In this study, the authors examined the effects of acupuncture and moxibustion on the expression of various inflammatory cells and mediators in the nasal mucosa of an allergic rhinitis (AR) animal model.

Study Design

Randomized controlled animal study.

Setting

Animal laboratory in a Dongguk University.

Subjects and Methods

Twenty‐eight BALB/c mice were divided into 4 groups: control, levocetirizine (Lcz), moxibustion (Mox), and acupuncture (Acu). To induce AR, mice were intraperitoneally sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA) and challenged with intranasal OVA. At 7 days following the final sensitization and every day for a further 7 days, the Lcz group was orally administered levocetirizine (50 mg/kg), the Mox group was subjected to 5 seconds of moxibustion stimulation at the juncture of the medial canthus and nostril, and the Acu group was subjected to 30 seconds of acupuncture stimuli at the same point. The authors measured the degree of positive reaction to substance P, STAT6, nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), and iNOS via immunohistochemical staining of the nasal mucosa.

Results

The degree of positive reaction to substance P, STAT6, NFκB, and iNOS was markedly decreased in the treatment groups compared to that in the control group. Notably, the above indices were most significantly decreased in the Acu group, followed by the Mox group and then the Lcz group (P =. 000).

Conclusion

In an allergic rhinitis animal model, acupuncture and moxibustion are shown to exhibit an antiallergic effect and exert their effects by reducing the expression of substance P, STAT6, NFκB, and iNOS.
Comparison of Bone‐Conducted Vibration for Eliciting Ocular Vestibular‐Evoked Myogenic Potentials
Authors: Tseng Chia‐Chen , Wang Shou‐Jen , Young Yi‐Ho
Published: October 2011

Objective

This study compared bone‐conducted vibration (BCV) stimuli at forehead (Fz) and mastoid sites for eliciting ocular vestibular‐evoked myogenic potentials (oVEMPs).

Study Design

Prospective study.

Setting

University hospital.

Methods

Twenty healthy subjects underwent oVEMP testing via BCV stimuli at Fz and mastoid sites. Another 50 patients with unilateral Meniere’s disease also underwent oVEMP testing.

Results

All healthy subjects showed clear oVEMPs via BCV stimulation regardless of the tapping sites. The right oVEMPs stimulated by tapping at the right mastoid had earlier nI and pI latencies and a larger nI‐pI amplitude compared with those stimulated by tapping at the Fz and left mastoid. Similar trends were also observed in left oVEMPs. However, the asymmetry ratio did not differ significantly between the ipsilateral mastoid and Fz sites. Clinically, tapping at the Fz revealed absent oVEMPs in 28% of Meniere’s ears, which decreased to 16% when tapping at the ipsilesional (hydropic) mastoid site, exhibiting a significant difference.

Conclusion

Tapping at the ipsilateral mastoid site elicits earlier oVEMP latencies and larger oVEMP amplitudes when compared with tapping at the Fz site. Thus, tapping at the Fz site is suggested to screen for the otolithic function, whereas tapping at the ipsilesional mastoid site is suitable for evaluating residual otolithic function.
Long‐term Stent Use Can Prevent Postoperative Canal Stenosis in Patients with Congenital Aural Atresia
Authors: Moon Il Joon , Cho Yang‐Sun , Park Juyeon , Chung Won‐Ho , Hong Sung Hwa , Chang Sun O
Published: October 2011

Objective

Postoperative external auditory canal (EAC) stenosis is the most common complication after congenital aural atresia (CAA) surgery. The authors applied an ear mold or hearing aid as an EAC stent following surgery and analyzed the impact on postoperative EAC stenosis.

Study Design

Historical cohort study.

Setting

A tertiary hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Ninety‐six patients who underwent canaloplasty between 1996 and 2010 were included in this study. To discover factors contributing to postoperative EAC stenosis, clinical parameters, including age, sex, Marx grading, Schuknecht classification, Jahrsdoerfer score, surgical approach, triamcinolone injection, and use of stenting with an ear mold or hearing aid, were reviewed and analyzed. Each stent was used for at least 6 months postoperatively. Pure‐tone audiometry was performed preoperatively and 3, 6, and 12 months after canaloplasty.

Results

Postoperative EAC stenosis was the most common postoperative complication, occurring in 8 (8.2%) cases with a mean time interval of 4.1 months. For patients who did not use an ear mold or a hearing aid during the postoperative follow‐up period, the relative risk for the development of postoperative EAC stenosis was 5.125 (95% confidence interval, 1.428‐18.400; P =. 023). Other factors did not show an association with postoperative stenosis. Preoperative air‐bone gap (ABG) was 49.00 dB, and closure of the ABG within 30 dB was obtained in 56.9%, 58.1%, and 48.7% of patients at the 3‐, 6‐, and 12‐month follow‐up, respectively.

Conclusion

Stenting with an ear mold or hearing aid might be a useful method for preventing postoperative EAC stenosis in CAA patients.
A systematic evaluation of the core communication skills expected of a perfusionist
Authors: Melchior RW , Rosenthal T , Schiavo K , Frey T , Rogers D , Patel J , Holt DW
Published: October 2011

Background: The objective of this systematic evaluation was to identify the sentinel standards necessary to obtain a core level of communication required of a clinical perfusionist during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Once these sentinel standards were identified and a core level of communication was established (via four simulated case scenarios), a team of cardiac healthcare professionals was assembled to interpret both the accuracy of response and the speed of response encountered in each case scenario.

Methods: Four simulated case scenarios were utilized in order to replicate the typical patterns of verbal exchange that occur during surgeries using extracorporeal technology. The simulated case scenarios included CPB interactions associated with preparation, initiation, maintenance, termination and post CPB. For all CPB interactions, two variables were measured: accuracy of the perfusionist’s response and speed of the perfusionist’s response. The cases took place in a controlled setting within an empty operating room at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Four clinical perfusionists each represented the role of the “perfusionist” in all simulated case scenarios.

Results: When analyzing the accuracy and speed of the responses, each clinical perfusionist recorded an average score of 96.3% or higher with all case scenarios. Since the clinical perfusionists who participated in the scenarios were primarily pediatric perfusionists, the scores were best during the pediatric case scenario, 99.3% (Case Scenario #4). The lowest scores were captured during Case Scenario #3 (96.3%) which involved a more intense adult patient scenario.

Conclusion: The systematic evaluation of both response accuracy and response time (presented in various adult and pediatric patient case scenarios) can be beneficial within the realm of perfusion education. Students will be introduced to core communication concepts within the clinical realm. This study supports the idea that simulation and evaluation may ease the transition for students from the didactic to clinical realm in terms of communication. Further studies need to be developed in order to define “standard” CPB communication guidelines for perfusion students.
Worries About Middle School Transition and Subsequent Adjustment
Authors: Duchesne Stéphane , Ratelle Catherine F. , Roy Amélie
Published: October 2011

This longitudinal study had three objectives: (a) to identify different profiles of second-year middle school students (Grade 8) in terms of academic, emotional, and social adjustment; (b) to test the contribution of worries at the end of Grade 6 to distinguish these profiles; and (c) to examine the moderating effect of mastery (MG) and performance goal (PG) structures in language arts class (Grade 7). A total of 342 mother-adolescent dyads participated in the study. Cluster analyses revealed three adjustment profiles: a well-adjusted group (WA), a socioemotionally adjusted group (SEA), and a socially adjusted group (SA). Hierarchical multinomial regression analyses showed that students who expressed worries had a lower probability of being in the WA. However, students who had a teacher who emphasized MG had a greater probability of being in the WA. Finally, worries about peers and teachers lowered the probability of being in the WA for students exposed to PG. Results are discussed in light of their implications for the literature on student adjustment, the elementary-to-middle school transition, and classroom goal structure.
Global estimation in constrained environments
Authors: Kobilarov Marin , Marsden Jerrold E , Sukhatme Gaurav S
Published: October 2011

This article considers the optimal estimation of the state of a dynamic observable using a mobile sensor. The main goal is to compute a sensor trajectory that minimizes the estimation error over a given time horizon taking into account uncertainties in the observable dynamics and sensing, and respecting the constraints of the workspace. The main contribution is a methodology for handling arbitrary dynamics, noise models, and environment constraints in a global optimization framework. It is based on sequential Monte Carlo methods and sampling-based motion planning. Three variance reduction techniques–utility sampling, shuffling, and pruning–based on importance sampling, are proposed to speed up convergence. The developed framework is applied to two typical scenarios: a simple vehicle operating in a planar polygonal obstacle environment and a simulated helicopter searching for a moving target in a 3-D terrain.
Acupuncture versus topiramate in chronic migraine prophylaxis: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Yang C-P , Chang M-H , Liu P-E , Li T-C , Hsieh C-L , Hwang K-L , Chang H-H
Published: October 2011

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of acupuncture compared with topiramate treatment in chronic migraine (CM) prophylaxis. Methods: A total of 66 consecutive and prospective CM patients were randomly divided into two treatment arms: 1) acupuncture group: acupuncture administered in 24 sessions over 12 weeks (n = 33); and 2) topiramate group: a 4-week titration, initiated at 25 mg/day and increased by 25 mg/day weekly to a maximum of 100 mg/day followed by an 8-week maintenance period (n = 33).

Results: A significantly larger decrease in the mean monthly number of moderate/severe headache days (primary end point) from 20.2 ± 1.5 days to 9.8 ± 2.8 days was observed in the acupuncture group compared with 19.8 ± 1.7 days to 12.0 ± 4.1 days in the topiramate group (p < .01) Significant differences favoring acupuncture were also observed for all secondary efficacy variables. These significant differences still existed when we focused on those patients who were overusing acute medication. Adverse events occurred in 6% of acupuncture group and 66% of topiramate group.

Conclusion: We suggest that acupuncture could be considered a treatment option for CM patients willing to undergo this prophylactic treatment, even for those patients with medication overuse.
A basic diagnostic headache diary (BDHD) is well accepted and useful in the diagnosis of headache. A multicentre European and Latin American study
Authors: Jensen R , Tassorelli C , Rossi P , Allena M , Osipova V , Steiner TJ , Sandrini G , Olesen J , Nappi G ,   the Basic Diagnostic Headache Diary Study Group, Barrientos N , Mulleners WM , Dzagnidze A , Figuerola ML , Filatova EG , Katsarava Z , Koreshkina M , Milanov I , Pereira-Monteiro J , Perrotta A , Ratchin A , Radojicic A , Rezzani C , Sances G , Sretenovic S , Torelli P
Published: October 2011

Aims: We tested the usability and usefulness of the basic diagnostic headache diary (BDHD) for the diagnosis of migraine, tension-type headache and medication-overuse headache in European and Latin American countries.

Methods: Patients were subdivided into two groups according to a 1:1 randomization list. Those in group 1 were sent the BDHD before their first visit to the headache centre and asked to complete it for at least 1 month. Those in group 2 made their first visit to the headache centre without receiving the BDHD.

Results: A total of 626 patients from nine countries and 16 centres completed the study. The BDHD entries were complete in 97.5% of cases. BDHD information and clinical interview were, when taken together, considered complete for diagnosis in 97.7% of cases in group 1 whereas the information obtained by clinical interview alone in group 2 was considered complete in only 86.8% of cases ( p < 0.001). The median number of diagnoses per patient in group 1 was significantly higher than in group 2 ( p = 0.04). The BDHD was very well accepted by both patients and doctors.

Conclusions: It is concluded that the BDHD is a useful tool in the diagnostic assessment of the most frequent and disabling forms of primary headache and in headache management.