bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Affecting Life Expectancy
Authors: Chan Moon Fai , Kamala Devi M.
Published: August 2012

The authors aim to examine the impact of demographic changes, socioeconomic inequality, and the availability of health care resources on life expectancy in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. This is a cross-country study collecting annual data from 3 Southeast Asian countries from 1980 to 2008. Life expectancy is the dependent variable with demographics, socioeconomic status, and health care resources as the 3 main determinants. A structural equation model is used, and results show that the availability of more health care resources and higher levels of socioeconomic advantages are more likely to increase life expectancy. In contrast, demographic changes are more likely to increase life expectancy by way of health care resources. The authors suggest that more effort should be taken to expand and improve the coverage of health care programs to alleviate regional differences in health care use and improve the overall health status of people in these 3 Southeast Asian countries.
Adult Tobacco Cessation in Cambodia
Authors: Tonstad Serena , Job Jayakaran S. , Batech Michael , Yel Daravuth , Kheam They , Singh Pramil N.
Published: August 2012

Identifying determinants of intent to quit may aid the design of antitobacco programs and promote effective tobacco control policies. In a nationwide survey in Cambodia, two thirds of tobacco smokers and 45% of female smokeless tobacco users planned to stop in the future. Multivariate determinants of intent in 2279 male smokers were age <37 years, age at initiation ≥18 years, Cham versus Khmer ethnicity (odds ratio [OR] = 6.93; 95% confidence interval[CI] = 1.38-34.89), longer education, and professional occupation. In 1188 female smokeless tobacco users, age <25 years, age at initiation ≥18 years, and tuberculosis (OR = 3.26; 95% CI = 1.61-6.61) were associated with intent. In female smokers (n = 321), age 18 to 25 years at initiation was associated with intent. In male smokers and female smokeless tobacco users, perceived physical advantages of tobacco were inversely associated with intent. These findings underscore the importance of policies and interventions to delay initiation and promote cessation in young people and counteract perceived physical benefits.
The Influence of the Internalization of Emotional Regulation on Mental Health Among the Taiwanese People
Authors: Chu Li-Chuan
Published: August 2012

This study used a 2-stage questionnaire survey to explore whether self-regulation by withholding negative emotions (SRWNE) affects mental health and examines further whether cultural fit can moderate the relationship between SRWNE and mental health. The 2-stage studies used data collected from 405 (time 1) and 313 (time 2) full-time staff employed by private and public enterprises in Taiwan. The author tested hypotheses through the use of hierarchical multiple regression. The results showed that controlled SRWNE through external regulation and introjected regulation is significantly associated positively with somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, social dysfunction, and severe depression, whereas autonomous SRWNE through identified regulation is significantly associated negatively with anxiety and insomnia, and social dysfunction. In addition, this study also found that cultural fit may moderate the relationship between SRWNE or introjected regulation and identified regulation and the mental health indicators.
Cultural Validation of the “Use of Intuition by Nursing Students Scale - Turkish version”
Authors: Demir Yurdanur , Denat Yıldız , Khorshid Leyla , Eser Ismet
Published: August 2012

Purpose: It is well known that intuition ability directly affects patient care quality and outcomes in nursing practice and is therefore an important aspect of nursing education. This study tests the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Scale of Use of Intuition by Nursing Students. Design and Methods: The sample for this methodological study was composed of 250 nursing students. Each item of the scale was translated into Turkish by the researchers and validated for Turkish use. Results: The item–total correlation was between .30 and .56 and its Cronbach α coefficient was .86. There was a statistically significant positive relationship between the level of clinical experience and the total points scored on the physical awareness, emotional awareness, and physical sensations subscales and from the total scale. Conclusions: Based on these results, the Turkish version of the Scale of Use of Intuition by Nursing Students is valid and reliable.
The homogenized energy model for characterizing polarization and strains in hysteretic ferroelectric materials: Implementation algorithms and data-driven parameter estimation techniques
Authors: Hu Zhengzheng , Smith Ralph C , Ernstberger Jon
Published: August 2012

Ferroelectric materials, such as lead zirconate titanate, lanthanum-doped lead zirconate titanate, lead manganese niobate, and BaTiO3, provide unique actuator and sensor capabilities for applications including nanopositioning, high-speed valves and fuel injectors, camera focusing and shutter mechanisms, ultrasonic devices for biomedical imaging and treatment, and energy harvesting devices. However, to achieve the full potential of the materials, it is necessary to develop and employ models that quantify the creep, rate-dependent hysteresis, and constitutive nonlinearities that are intrinsic to the materials due to their domain structure. The success of models requires that they be highly efficient to implement since real-time applications can require kilo hertz to mega hertz rates. The calibration of models for specific materials, devices, and applications requires efficient and robust parameter estimation algorithms. Finally, control designs can be facilitated by models that admit efficient and robust approximate inversion. The homogenized energy model is a multiscale, micromechanical framework that quantifies a range of hysteretic phenomena intrinsic to ferroelectric, ferromagnetic, and ferroelastic materials. In this article, we present highly efficient implementation and parameter estimation algorithms for the ferroelectric model. This includes techniques to construct analytic Jacobians and data-driven algorithms to determine initial parameter estimates to facilitate subsequent optimization. The efficiency of these algorithms facilitates material and device characterization and provides the basis for constructing efficient and robust inverse algorithms for model-based control design. The model implementation, calibration, and validation are illustrated using rate-dependent lead zirconate titanate data and single-crystal BaTiO3 data.
Tunable thermoresponsive TiO2/SiO2 Bragg stacks based on sol–gel fabrication methods
Authors: Pavlichenko Ida , Exner Armin T , Lugli Paolo , Scarpa Giuseppe , Lotsch Bettina V
Published: August 2012

Thermoresponsive TiO2/SiO2 one-dimensional photonic crystals (Bragg stacks) fabricated via sol–gel processing methods represent a promising class of environmentally responsive nanostructures featuring optically encoded temperature and humidity detection. The thermo-optic response of the layer materials is amplified by their inherent porosity owing to adsorption/desorption of ambient humidity into the mesoporous multilayer structure. Based on a comprehensive analysis of the impact of layer thickness, refractive index and thermo-optic coefficient on the stop band position, and width of various Bragg stack architectures, design criteria for thermoresponsive Bragg stacks operating in the visible range of the optical spectrum are put forward. A large and well-defined thermo-optic signature is expected for material combinations featuring individually high thermo-optic coefficients with the same sign or allowing for large changes in the effective refractive indices due to water adsorption in the porous layers reinforcing the thermo-optic response, as observed in the TiO2/SiO2 couple. Important practical aspects of the performance of thermoresponsive Bragg stacks are addressed, including the hysteresis properties of TiO2/SiO2 Bragg stacks during multiple heating/cooling cycles, as well as response and recovery times (~2–4 s) of the multilayer system during external changes in ambient humidity.
Exploring Music Dynamics Through Children’s Literature
Authors: Cardany Audrey Berger
Published: August 2012

Language sometimes creates confusion when teaching music concepts to children. Incorporating children’s literature may further enhance children’s comprehension of music vocabulary when preceded by listening and moving experiences, as well as singing and playing instruments. The Quiet Book, and its companion, The Loud Book! both authored by Deborah Underwood and illustrated by Renata Liwska provide reading experiences for exploring the basic dual nature of dynamics. Reading these books provides children with practice of music-specific vocabulary that aids in laying a foundation for later, and more complex, verbal music descriptions.
Emotions, Campaigns, and Political Participation
Authors: Weber Christopher
Published: August 2012

There has been a scarcity of work examining the political consequences of discrete emotions. This article examines the political effects of several emotions—anger, sadness, fear, and enthusiasm. Emotional ads should influence whether voters become politically active. To test this, two experiments were administered. The first examines emotional responses to campaign messages; the second tests whether emotions influence political participation. The results indicate anger is mobilizing, by increasing participatory intentions and factors related to participate. This result is then replicated using ad-tracking data. The findings indicate that emotions are an important factor in studying campaign effects.
Reconsidering the Jefferson–Hemings Relationship
Authors: Lee Fred
Published: August 2012

This essay examines how two Jefferson biographies represented the Thomas Jefferson–Sally Hemings relationship in the post–civil rights movement era: Fawn Brodie’s Thomas Jefferson (1974), a controversial publication that claimed that Hemings and Jefferson loved each other, and Joseph Ellis’s American Sphinx (1996), one of the last mainstream biographies to deny that they had any children together. The story in both cases serves as an allegory of founding authority and national membership. The author finds that Ellis and Brodie characterize Jefferson as a fallible founder to affirm that founding ideals can accommodate and overcome racial differences and injustices.
Progressive Increase of Inflammatory Biomarkers in Chronic Kidney Disease and End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Sharain Korosh , Hoppensteadt Debra , Bansal Vinod , Singh Ajay , Fareed Jawed
Published: August 2012

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has reached epidemic levels. It is a multisystem disease associated with elevated systemic inflammatory and hypercoagulable states. Most concerning are the cardiovascular risks associated with all stages of kidney disease. It is difficult to assess kidney disease stage progression and cardiovascular risk with current indicators such as estimated glomerular filtration rate and conventional cardiovascular risk factors. However, the use of biomarkers to assess the underlying pathological disease state may bridge the gap. This study evaluated biomarkers of inflammation including C-reactive protein, d-dimer, neuron-specific enolase, neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin, tumor necrosis factor receptor I, and thrombomodulin in 3 groups of patients: CKD stages 2-4, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and age-matched controls. The study demonstrated a statistically significant progressive upregulation in mean concentration of all markers when comparing controls to CKD and ESRD. Therefore, biomarkers may be able to evaluate the inflammatory state in kidney disease and potentially predict the cardiovascular risk.
The control application and simulation – particle swarm optimization exploration of control application for user intention toward mobile Mandarin learning system
Authors: Shih Bih-Yaw , Chen Chen-Yuan , Shih Chia-Hung , Su Wei-Lun
Published: August 2012

This study introduces the use of fuzzy neural networks with intent to clearly visualize the advantages of the approach. Particle swarm optimization as the underlying optimization tool is discussed. Different models of fuzzy neural networks can be envisioned. It is worth stressing that the underlying concept is general enough and any other formalism of information granules could be considered as well. Over the past decades, the Chinese market has developed rapidly, especially on intelligent robot interaction and even tension leg platform. Consequently, Chinese learning has increased. E-learning has also become another learning mechanism and is already quite popular. In the study, optical character recognition software is developed in the android phone system. A questionnaire is designed as a base technology acceptance model, and, according to the dimensions, to make assumptions. Using a structural equation model analysis framework to analyze the recovery over the questionnaire, the conclusion of this study and the possible direction of future research are finally arrived at.
Intimate Partner Violence Prevention Program in an Asian Immigrant Community
Authors: Yoshihama Mieko , Ramakrishnan Aparna , Hammock Amy C. , Khaliq Mahmooda
Published: August 2012

To fill an existing gap in research and practice on intimate partner violence (IPV) in immigrant communities, the authors developed an IPV prevention program, called the Shanti Project, in an Asian Indian community in the Midwest. Building on the notion of shanti (harmony/peace), a cherished value and strength of the community, we created a communications campaign that combined social marketing and community-based participatory approaches. Recognizing the interactive influences of multiple levels of social ecology, campaign activities were designed to bring about changes at the individual, relationship/family, organization, and community levels. This article presents the development of this theoretically, empirically, and community-based IPV prevention program.
A micro-mechanical model for statistically unidirectional and randomly distributed fibre-reinforced solids
Authors: Brighenti Roberto , Scorza Daniela
Published: August 2012

The use of reinforcing fibres in structural materials has been known since ancient time as an effective, simple and economic way to enhance their mechanical characteristics. Among the main mechanical properties that can be improved by such reinforcing techniques the tensile strength, the fracture and fatigue resistance, the wear resistance, the durability etc, can be referred. For the above-mentioned reasons, a tremendous effort in theoretical and experimental research on fibre-reinforced composite (FRC) materials has been made in order to develop suitable models capable of accurately describing the mechanical behaviour of such class of materials, at least at a macroscopic level.

In the present paper, an energy-based homogenisation approach to model the mechanical behaviour of fibre-reinforced materials is developed by considering the possibility of fibre debonding and breaking, in order to obtain the macro constitutive equations. Furthermore, the effective spatial distribution of the fibres is accounted for by using its description in terms of probabilistic concepts; the case of randomly spatial-oriented fibres is also considered as a particular case by introducing a uniform probability distribution function.

Some peculiarities of the model are outlined by discussing some simple examples in which the effects of different values of the involved parameters are considered.
A Summary of the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trials With a Focus on the Role of Vitamin E
Authors: Abu-Shahin Fadi , Stone William , Ramsauer Victoria , Krishnan Koyamangalath
Published: August 2012

Prostate cancer is the most common noncutaneous malignancy in men. It is an excellent target for primary prevention. Vitamin E trials conducted for prevention of prostate cancer have had conflicting results with a lower incidence of prostate cancer in the ATBC trial and a higher incidence in the vitamin E arm of the SELECT trial. Most of the clinical trials with vitamin E have been limited to the alpha-tocopherol isoform alone. An increasing body of evidence suggests, however, that the gamma- and delta-isoforms of tocopherol and tocotrienols are more promising with regard to cancer prevention. This review tries to justify our assertion that the gamma- and delta-isoforms of tocopherol and tocotrienol might be superior as prostate cancer preventers.
Characteristics of Children With ADHD and Comorbid Anxiety
Authors: Jarrett Matthew A. , Wolff Jennifer C. , Davis Thompson E. , Cowart Maria J. , Ollendick Thomas H.
Published: August 2012

Objective: The following comorbid subgroups of ADHD have been proposed: ADHD Only, ADHD + anxiety disorders (ANX), ADHD + oppositional defiant disorder/conduct disorder (ODD/CD), and ADHD + ODD/CD + ANX. The current study examined a subset of these groups. Method: A total of 134 children and adolescents ( M age = 9.92; range = 6-17) from a clinic-referred sample ( n = 407) were grouped based on a semistructured diagnostic interview: ADHD only ( n = 41), ADHD + ANX ( n = 31), and ANX Only ( n = 62). Results: Findings supported greater parent-reported anxiety symptoms in anxiety groups, and greater parent- and teacher-reported attention problems in ADHD groups. ADHD groups performed worse on a continuous performance test, whereas ADHD + ANX performed worse on working memory than ADHD Only. ADHD + ANX reported more physical anxiety symptoms than ADHD Only. Conclusion: Comorbid anxiety should be considered in ADHD assessment and treatment.
Exercise
Authors: Wigal Sharon B. , Emmerson Natasha , Gehricke Jean-G. , Galassetti Pietro
Published: August 2012

ADHD is the most common neurobehavioral disorder of childhood, presenting with pervasive and impairing symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, or a combination. The leading hypothesis of the underlying physiology of this disorder of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity is based on catecholamine dysfunction. Pharmacotherapy research indicates that psychostimulants, which are catecholamine agonists, show the greatest efficacy for treating the core symptoms of ADHD. Exercise affects the same dopaminergic and noradrenergic systems that stimulant medications target and is a stressor, which elicits measurable physiological changes. The magnitude of these peripheral alterations is posited as a potential biomarker of ADHD. The hypothesis that exercise training alters the underlying physiology present in ADHD and other medical conditions as well as conceptual issues behind its potential clinical utility is reviewed.
Impaired regulatory function and enhanced intrathecal activation of B cells in neuromyelitis optica: distinct from multiple sclerosis
Authors: Quan Chao , Yu Hai , Qiao Jian , Xiao Baoguo , Zhao Guixian , Wu Zhiying , Li Zhenxin , Lu Chuanzhen
Published: August 2012

Background:

The effective treatment of neuromyelitis optica (NMO) with rituximab has suggested an important role for B cells in NMO pathogenesis.

Objective:

To explore the antibody-independent function of B cells in NMO and relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

Methods:

Fifty-one NMO patients and 42 RRMS patients in an acute relapse phase and 37 healthy controls (HC) were enrolled in the study. The B cell expression of B cell activating factor receptor (BAFF-R), CXCR5 and very late antigen-4 (VLA-4), the B cell production of interleukin (IL)-10 and interferon (IFN)-γ and the proportion of circulating memory and CD19+CD24highCD38high regulatory B cells were evaluated by flow cytometry. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of BAFF and CXCL13 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results:

The CD19+CD24highCD38high regulatory B cell levels and the B cell expression of IL-10 were significantly lower in NMO patients than in RRMS patients and the HC. In aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4-ab)-positive NMO patients, the B cell IL-10 production and CD19+CD24highCD38high regulatory B cell levels were even lower than in AQP4-ab-negative NMO patients. The CSF BAFF and CXCL13 levels were significantly higher in NMO patients than in patients with RRMS and other non-inflammatory neurologic diseases (ONDs).

Conclusions:

The immuno-regulatory properties of B cells are significantly impaired in NMO patients and particularly in AQP4-ab-positive NMO patients. The elevated CSF levels of BAFF and CXCL13 in NMO suggest an enhanced intrathecal B cell recruitment and activation. Our results further define the distinct immunological nature of NMO and RRMS from the B cell perspective.
Lack of independent relationship between the MMP-12 gene polymorphism and carotid plaque susceptibility in the Chinese Han population
Authors: Li Weiling , Jin Xiaoping , Zhou Yuanlin , Zhu Min , Lin XianFang , Hu Xiaofei , Wang Wanfen , Wang Feng , Jin Guofei
Published: August 2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a polymorphism in the matrix metalloproteinase-12 gene ( MMP-12 −82A/G) is correlated with serum protein levels or with the susceptibility for carotid plaques in the Chinese Han population. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was performed on the −82A/G polymorphism in the MMP-12 gene for 1314 patients with acute cerebral infarctions; 710 of these cases were diagnosed with stable plaques, 340 cases were diagnosed with vulnerable plaques and 264 cases had no plaques. At the same time, serum MMP-12 levels were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Compared to the AA genotype, the frequency of the AG+GG genotypes was not significantly different between the three groups (χ2 = 1.242, p = 0.537), and the frequency of the G allele of the MMP-12 gene was not different within the three subgroups (χ2 = 1.218, p = 0.544). There were no significant differences in MMP-12 protein levels among the three groups (F = 0.675, p = 0.510); similarly, there was no difference in MMP-12 protein levels between the stable plaque group and the vulnerable plaque group ( p = 0.755). There was also no difference between the vulnerable plaque group and the no plaque group ( p = 0.420). The current data suggest that the inter-individual variability in the MMP-12 gene variation may not be a risk factor for vulnerable plaques in the Chinese Han population.
‘Benign invigilation’: Using appreciative inquiry to reposition clinical risk in multi-disciplinary CAMH teams
Authors: Aggett Percy , Messent Philip , Staines John
Published: August 2012

In response to a spate of serious untoward incident enquiries, CAMHS team leaders in East London, UK, embarked on a series of clinical risk workshops with staff teams. Complementary to what might be called retrospective organisational responses to high risk events, these prospective workshops were predicated on the idea that risk reduction is increased when individuals in teams are responsive to one another, when teams are positively risk-aware and when risk awareness is seen as having the capacity to predict what may go wrong in the future.
The congruence of vocational interests and the workplace environment: Reducing the language teacher shortage
Authors: Swanson Peter B.
Published: August 2012

There is a shortage of second/foreign language (S/FL) teachers in many parts of the world, and the rates of attrition are cause for alarm in North America. Canadian and US teachers’ ( N = 323) were administered the Self-Directed Search vocational interest inventory and the Coping in Stressful Situations scale. Results from this quantitative study confirmed the vocational profile of an efficacious second/foreign language teacher and revealed significant differences in coping styles between those teachers with and without the vocational profile. Additionally, data analysis indicated that the Social, Artistic, and Enterprising profile is directly related to teacher longevity in the profession. The research has implications for the recruitment and retention of S/FL teachers at a time of critical need.
Transcending hunter gatherer pursuits while balancing customary cultural ideals with market forces of advanced western societies: Extending the traditional boundaries of Indigenous Yolngu people of the Northern Territory of Australia
Authors: Pearson Cecil AL , Daff Sandra
Published: August 2012

As large multinationals move their operations into remote regions of the world, imperatives of social responsibility and sound business pragmatism compel engagement of the marginalized local Indigenous people. This notion is particularly relevant for the mining industry in Australia, which is undertaken in remote regions, where the local Indigenous communities are significantly socio-economically disadvantaged compared to other Australians. This article reports the job-related outcomes of Indigenous Yolngu people of East Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory of Australia who were participants in a unique vocational-educational programme set up by the multinational mining company Rio Tinto Alcan. These mainline job-related outcomes are in two main areas: (1) employment in mainline work at the Nhulunbuy refinery or the mine site and (2) entrepreneurial timber-related business (milling timber, house construction, furniture manufacture). Both streams are inaugural achievements for these Indigenous Australians. The concluding sections present challenges for multinational corporations when anchoring institutional processes, structures and the contemporary technologies of the workplace with the contextuality of rural Australian communities.
‘Smart’ technologies in early years literacy education: A meta-narrative of paradigmatic tensions in iPad use in an Australian preparatory classroom
Authors: Lynch Julianne , Redpath Terri
Published: August 2012

With the revolution that has taken place in the functionality and uptake of portable networked ‘smart’ technologies, educators are looking to see what potential applications such technologies might have for school education. This article reports on a study on the use of portable personal computing devices in the early years of schooling. Specifically, it focuses on emerging patterns of use of Apple iPads in an Australian Preparatory (first year of compulsory schooling) classroom during the first year of implementation of these devices. We draw on student and teacher interviews and classroom observation data to provide a research meta-narrative of the intentions, practices and reflections of a ‘first year out’ teacher, and to discuss points of tension found in the contested space of early years literacy education, which are highlighted when potentially transformative technologies meet institutionalized literacy education practices. Our findings suggest that the broader policy and curriculum context of early years literacy education, and institutionalized practices found in this space, is potentially at odds with teacher-held intentions to transform learning through technology use, particularly with respect to tensions between print-based traditions and new digital literacies, and those between standards-based classroom curricula and more emancipatory agendas.
Understanding the dementia diagnosis: The impact on the caregiving experience
Authors: Stokes Laura A , Combes Helen , Stokes Graham
Published: August 2012

Objectives:

There is a paucity of research surrounding disclosure from the perspective of caring partners, therefore this research explores how caring partners understand and make sense of diagnostic information.

Method:

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 spouses of people with dementia. Interviews aimed to elicit participants’ understanding of dementia and the way that information was used to make sense of dementia. Interviewee accounts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Results:

Four main themes emerged: lack of information; personal understanding and implications for adjustment; societal understanding and persistent stigma; and lack of partnership working.

Conclusions:

The analysis indicated a lack of information and continued support following a diagnosis. In the absence of information and support, caring partners described difficulty understanding and adjusting to behavioural, physical and psychological changes in their partner. A greater understanding of the condition was beneficial in terms of adjustment and emotional responses to a partner.
Journeys in ink: re-presenting the spaces of inclusive arts practice
Authors: Macpherson Hannah , Bleasdale Mary
Published: August 2012

This article documents some of the imaginative and physical journeys taken by a group of performance makers during a two-week course at Northbrook College, West Sussex in July 2011. Text, photographs and artworks are used to re-present some of the journeys we have taken together as a group and the modes of marking, map making and documentation used. MB: is an inclusive arts practitioner who works with artists with learning disabilities. Mary was coordinating the course and HM: was participating as an interested Cultural Geographer. The article is written as a dialogue and is likely to be of interest to readers interested in the geographies of performance, disability, non-representational research, innovative non-verbal methods or inclusive arts practice.
Nontraumatic Amputation
Authors: Jindeel Ayad , Narahara Kenneth A.
Published: August 2012

Lower extremity amputation (LEA) is devastating for those affected and a significant factor in health care costs. Although the overall incidence of amputation has been declining, the decline is not universal. The objectives of this study were to identify patients with nontraumatic amputation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center (HUMC) from January 2000 to January 2007, to calculate their 1-year and 5-year mortality rates after amputation and to estimate the financial cost of those amputations. The authors searched the HUMC electronic database by ICD codes (84.10-84.18) to identify patients with LEA and subsequently searched the National Death Index database for deaths in study subjects to calculate mortality rates. HUMC is a Los Angeles County tertiary teaching medical center that provides medical care to a large percentage of the Los Angeles County population, especially those without health insurance. There were 1169 admissions in 847 patients with nontraumatic LEA with a 1-year mortality rate of 9.1% and 5-year mortality rate of 25.6%. Only major amputation and increasing age were independent risk factors for 1-year mortality rate. At 1 year, the re-amputation rate for nontraumatic LEA was 26.7%. African American and Hispanic females had a significantly higher percentage of major amputations than corresponding males and white females. The average length of hospital stay was more than double for patients with nontraumatic amputation than for all other admissions (12.7 vs 5.3 days). There were 14 846 hospital days for 1169 nontraumatic amputation admissions with an estimated cost of $47 033 767. Amputation remains common at HUMC and the associated mortality rates and economic costs are high. In the authors’ opinion, a coordinated and serious campaign by all involved in the health care system is urgently needed to implement proven and effective measures such as establishing multidisciplinary foot care clinics to reduce amputation.
The boundary layer flow and heat transfer of a nanofluid over a vertical, slender cylinder
Authors: Nadeem S , Rehman Abdul , Ali Mohamed E
Published: August 2012

In this paper a study of the boundary layer flow and heat transfer of a nanofluid over a vertical slender cylinder is presented. The governing equations of motion, energy and nanoparticles are simplified by applying appropriate boundary layer approximations and then the system is converted to a nondimensional one by using suitable similarity transformations. The resulting system of three nondimensional coupled ordinary differential equations is solved by using the homotopy analysis method. At the end the physical behavior of the different parameters involved in these equations are discussed and presented graphically.
Some thoughts on sample size: A Bayesian-frequentist hybrid approach
Authors: Lan KK Gordan , Wittes Janet T
Published: August 2012

Background

Traditional calculations of sample size do not formally incorporate uncertainty about the likely effect size. Use of a normal prior to express that uncertainty, as recently recommended, can lead to power that does not approach 1 as the sample size approaches infinity.

Purpose

To provide approaches for calculating sample size and power that formally incorporate uncertainty about effect size. The relevant formulas should ensure that power approaches one as sample size increases indefinitely and should be easy to calculate.

Methods

We examine normal, truncated normal, and gamma priors for effect size computationally and demonstrate analytically an approach to approximating the power for a truncated normal prior. We also propose a simple compromise method that requires a moderately larger sample size than the one derived from the fixed effect method.

Results

Use of a realistic prior distribution instead of a fixed treatment effect is likely to increase the sample size required for a Phase 3 trial. The standard fixed effect method for moving from estimates of effect size obtained in a Phase 2 trial to the sample size of a Phase 3 trial ignores the variability inherent in the estimate from Phase 2. Truncated normal priors appear to require unrealistically large sample sizes while gamma priors appear to place too much probability on large effect sizes and therefore produce unrealistically high power.

Limitations

The article deals with a few examples and a limited range of parameters. It does not deal explicitly with binary or time-to-failure data.

Conclusions

Use of the standard fixed approach to sample size calculation often yields a sample size leading to lower power than desired. Other natural parametric priors lead either to unacceptably large sample sizes or to unrealistically high power. We recommend an approach that is a compromise between assuming a fixed effect size and assigning a normal prior to the effect size.
Sorption and capillary condensation in wood and the moisture content of red pine
Authors: Wang Jieying , Mukhopadhyaya Phalguni , Morris Paul I
Published: August 2012

The major purpose of this study is to improve hygrothermal simulation of wood responses to environmental vapor and moisture conditions under high relative humidity conditions. The article first reviews moisture property–related wood microstructures, sorption behavior, the concept of fiber saturation point, the potential for vapor to condense in wood under high relative humidity conditions, the measurement of equilibrium moisture content using traditional sorption methods, and the use of pressure plate test method at relative humidities above 95%. It then summarizes the results of equilibrium moisture content measurements for red pine sapwood at high relative humidity conditions using both sorption and pressure plate methods, with capillary saturation as maximum moisture content. It also discusses a number of wood microstructure and end-use-related factors that could influence the moisture content in service and the measurement of equilibrium moisture content in laboratory. Inconsistencies were found with other equilibrium moisture content data using the pressure plate test method.
Vacuum insulation panels in wood frame wall constructions with different stud profiles
Authors: Haavi Thomas , Jelle Bjørn Petter , Gustavsen Arild
Published: August 2012

In this work, the thermal performance of three different wall configurations was examined by hot box measurements and numerical simulations. Vacuum insulation panels were sandwiched between traditional insulation in walls where the load-bearing elements were standard 36-mm-thick wooden studs, I-profiled studs and U-profiled studs. The measured mean values of the thermal transmittance ( U-value) were 0.09 W/m2·K with 36-mm-thick wooden studs, 0.10 W/m2·K with U-profiled studs and 0.11 W/m2·K with I-profiled studs. The comparison of the three wall structures has shown that with such low U-values, the numerical simulations are more sensitive to the accuracy of the dimensions and thermal conductivities used as input. This required measurements of the thermal resistance of the fibreboard in two directions, the thickness and thermal resistance of the vacuum insulation panels and the thermal resistance of the 36-mm-thick wooden studs and the mineral wool.
The relationship between adolescents’ civic knowledge, civic attitude, and civic behavior and their self-reported future likelihood of voting
Authors: Cohen Alison K. , Chaffee Benjamin W.
Published: August 2012

A long-standing objective of American public education is fostering civically engaged youth. Identifying characteristics associated with likelihood of future voting, a measure of democratic participation that predicts future voting behavior, might yield targets for education programs to increase civic participation. Survey data from urban adolescents were analyzed to elucidate how civic knowledge, civic attitudes and civic behaviors are associated with self-reported likelihood of future voting. In a multivariable ordered logistic regression model with latent constructs for civic knowledge, attitudes and behavior, two civic knowledge constructs and two civic attitude constructs maintained a positive, statistically significant independent association with future voting likelihood after adjusting for race/ethnicity and advanced coursework: knowledge of American governance, current events knowledge, general self-efficacy and skill-specific self-efficacy. Further research is necessary to determine whether education programs can intervene upon these civic knowledge and civic attitude factors to increase voting participation later in life.
Evaluation of Hotel Information Technologies and EDI Adoption
Authors: Leung Rosanna , Law Rob
Published: August 2012

This study examines information technology (IT) applications, the adoption of electronic data interchange (EDI) among hotel systems, and management support for IT departments in a sample of Hong Kong hotels. The empirical results indicate that most hotels have not installed decision support or strategic management tools. In addition, the ratio of EDI implementation between hotel systems and web applications is relatively low. The rate of adoption of automated credit card authorization, which can enhance the security of customer data, is only 6 percent for the property management system (PMS) and 17 percent for point of sale (POS) applications. In keeping with the increased importance of hotel IT systems, the background of hotel IT managers has changed dramatically in the past decade. Many more have IT-related qualifications, with almost 70 percent holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Because of the low adoption of EDI, the authors propose a revised EDI adoption model. The original model includes perceived benefits, external pressure, and organizational readiness. Within organizational readiness are financial resources and IT competence, and to those two factors the new model adds IT managers’ attitude toward and awareness of EDI.
Isometric Shoulder Strength Reference Values for Physically Active Collegiate Males and Females
Authors: Westrick Richard B. , Duffey Michele L. , Cameron Kenneth L. , Gerber J. Parry , Owens Brett D.
Published: August 2012

Background:

It is common clinical practice to assess muscle strength during examination of patients following shoulder injury or surgery. Strength comparisons are often made between the patient’s injured and uninjured shoulders, with the uninjured side used as a reference without regard to upper extremity dominance. Despite the importance of strength measurements, little is known about expected normal baselines of the uninjured shoulder. The purpose of this study was to report normative values for isometric shoulder strength for physically active college-age men and women without history of shoulder injury.

Methods:

University students—546 males (18.8 ± 1.0 years, 75.3 ± 12.2 kg) and 73 females (18.7 ± 0.9 years, 62.6 ± 7.0 kg)—underwent thorough shoulder evaluations by an orthopaedic surgeon and completed bilateral isometric strength measurements with a handheld dynamometer. Variables measured included internal rotation, external rotation, abduction, supine internal rotation and external rotation at 45°, and lower trapezius in prone flexion.

Results:

Significant differences were found between the dominant and nondominant shoulder for internal rotation, internal rotation at 45°, abduction, and prone flexion in males and in internal rotation at 45° and prone flexion for females ( P ≤ 0.01).
Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteoporosis in High-Risk Patients Prior to Hip Fracture
Authors: Gleason Lauren J. , Menzies Isaura B. , Mendelson Daniel A. , Kates Stephen L. , Friedman Susan M.
Published: August 2012

Purpose:

Hip fractures in older adults are common and serious events. Patients who sustain fragility hip fractures are defined as having osteoporosis. Patients with dementia or a history of a prior fragility fracture are at increased risk of a future fracture. This study assesses prefracture osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment in high-risk groups.

Methods:

A case–control analysis of a database of all patients age ≥60 years admitted for surgical repair of nonpathological, low-impact femur fracture between May 2005 and October 2010 was performed.

Results:

Of 1070 patients, 511 (47.8%) had dementia and 435 (40.7%) had been diagnosed with osteoporosis prior to admission. Patients with dementia were more likely to have a diagnosis of osteoporosis prior to their fracture than those without dementia (43.8% vs 37.7%, P < .05). Twenty-five percent of the total study population had been treated with calcium and vitamin D (Cal+D) prior to admission, and 12% with other osteoporosis medications. There was a trend toward patients with dementia being more likely to have been on Cal+D prior to admission (27.6% vs 22.5%, P = .06), but no difference in treatment with other agents (10.8% vs 13.1%, P = .25). Patients with prior fragility fractures were more likely to be on Cal+D (32.3% vs 25.0%, P < .02); however, there was no difference in the use of other osteoporosis medications (12.3% vs 12%, P = .90).

Conclusion:

Fewer than half of patients that presented with hip fractures were diagnosed with osteoporosis prior to fracture and primary preventative treatment rates were low. Although patients with dementia are more likely to be diagnosed with osteoporosis, they were not more likely to be treated, despite having a greater risk. Additionally, those with prior fragility fractures are often not on preventative treatment. This may represent a missed opportunity for prevention and room for improvement in order to reduce osteoporotic hip fractures.
Comparative evaluation of treatment with low-dose aspirin plus dipyridamole versus aspirin only in patients with acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Arnarsdottir Lola , Hjalmarsson Clara , Bokemark Lena , Andersson Björn
Published: August 2012

Background

Previous studies have suggested that pre-stroke treatment with low-dose aspirin (A) could reduce the severity of acute ischaemic stroke, but less is known on the effect of pre-stroke treatment with a combination of aspirin and dipyridamole (A + D) and post-stroke effects of these drugs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of this drug combination on acute and long-term prognosis of ischaemic stroke.

Methods

Patients without atrial fibrillation admitted to the stroke unit with acute ischaemic stroke (n = 554) or TIA (n = 108) were studied during acute hospital care and up to 12 months after discharge from hospital.

Results

Prior to acute stroke 62 patients were treated with A + D while 247 patients were treated with A only. No beneficial effects of the combination A + D compared to A only were noted on stroke severity and/or acute in-hospital mortality. However, survival analysis by Cox-proportional hazard model demonstrated lower 12-months all-cause mortality in patients discharged with A + D (n = 275) compared with patients on A only (HR, 0.52; CI, 0.32-0.86; p = 0.011; n = 262) after adjusting for age, baseline NIHSS, previous stroke, previous myocardial infarction and type 2 diabetes. We also noted a tendency towards lower all-cause mortality at 3 months with use of A + D, but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.12).

Conclusions

Pre-stroke treatment with a combination of low-dose A + D does not reduce the severity of acute stroke, nor does it reduce the acute in-hospital mortality. However, treatment with A + D at discharge from hospital is seemingly associated with lower long-term mortality compared with A only, contrary to the results from previous randomised studies. However, our results must be interpreted with extreme caution considering the non-randomised study design.
Burkitts’s lymphoma – an atypical presentation
Authors: Ziade Farah , von der Weid Nicolas , Beck-Popovic Maja , Nydegger Andreas
Published: August 2012

Background

In female adolescents and young adults, malignancies of the genital tract are the most frequent type of cancer, closely followed by Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas.

Case Presentation

We report an unusual case of sporadic Burkitt’s lymphoma (BL) presenting with massive bilateral ovarian infiltration, peritoneal carcinomatosis and diffuse nodular lesions of the stomach and the intestine mimicking Krukenberg tumor. Diagnostic biopsies were obtained by endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract. With intensive chemotherapy, complete remission was rapidly achieved, without life-threatening tumor lysis syndrome.

Conclusion

Besides metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma, BL is an important differential diagnosis in adolescents presenting with Krukenberg tumor.
The impact of immigration and vaccination in reducing the incidence of hepatitis B in Catalonia (Spain)
Authors: Oviedo Manuel , Muñoz M Pilar , Carmona Gloria , Borrás Eva , Batalla Joan , Soldevila Nuria , Domínguez Angela
Published: August 2012

Background

The Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major cause of liver disease and liver cancer worldwide according to the World Health Organization. Following acute HBV infection, 1-5% of infected healthy adults and up to 90% of infected infants become chronic carriers and have an increased risk of cirrhosis and primary hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the reduction in acute hepatitis B incidence and the universal vaccination programme in preadolescents in Catalonia (Spain), taking population changes into account, and to construct a model to forecast the future incidence of cases that permits the best preventive strategy to be adopted.

Methods

Reported acute hepatitis B incidence in Catalonia according to age, gender, vaccination coverage, percentage of immigrants and the year of report of cases was analysed. A statistical analysis was made using three models: generalized linear models (GLM) with Poisson or negative binomial distribution and a generalized additive model (GAM).

Results

The higher the vaccination coverage, the lower the reported incidence of hepatitis B (p <0.01). In groups with vaccination coverage > 70%, the reduction in incidence was 2-fold higher than in groups with a coverage <70% (p <0.01). The increase in incidence was significantly-higher in groups with a high percentage of immigrants and more than 15% (p <0.01) in immigrant males of working age (19-49 years).

Conclusions

The results of the adjusted models in this study confirm that the global incidence of hepatitis B has declined in Catalonia after the introduction of the universal preadolescent vaccination programme, but the incidence increased in male immigrants of working age. Given the potential severity of hepatitis B for the health of individuals and for the community, universal vaccination programmes should continue and programmes in risk groups, especially immigrants, should be strengthened.