bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Validation of a Method for the Quantification of an Alkaloid Fraction of Himatanthus lancifolius (Muell. Arg.)Woodson by Ultraviolet Spectroscopy
Authors: Barros Patrícia M. S. S. , de Couto Nádia M. G. , Silva Andressa S. B. , Barbosa Wagner L. R.
Published: November 2013

For the registration of phytomedicines and their availability to the population, National Agency of Sanitary Surveillance (ANVISA) establishes quality, security, and efficacy parameters, stipulating control requirements similar to those applied to synthetic medicines. This work reports the investigation of the bark of Himatanthus lancifolius and its extracts aiming to contribute to the standardization of derivatives of this plant species. The developed quantification method shows high selectivity at 281nm, which confers confidence to the detection of the alkaloids. The method is robust, according to the current regulation, and shows linearity, precision, and accuracy, beside accessibility and simplicity in execute. The pH 10 alkaloid fraction obtained from the aqueous extract of the analyzed sample represents 0.219% in the dried extract. These results contribute for reducing the lack of methods for the quality control of phytomedicines prepared from H. lancifolius.
Sinus of Valsalva Fistula to the Right Ventricle along with Coronary Artery Fistula to the Pulmonary Artery in a Young Native American Female
Authors: Desai Sarika , Flores Erica , Loli Akil , Maki Peter
Published: November 2013

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is a rare condition and associated with a high rate of mortality if rupture occurs. The aneurysms are rarely diagnosed until rupture occurs. This case describes a young Native American female whose only symptom was intermittent chest pain prior to the detection of the aneurysm along with a small ventricular septal defect. The patient was also found to have a coexisting coronary artery fistula, and it is rare phenomenon to have these coexisting anomalies. The anomalies were demonstrated on both cardiac computed tomography and coronary angiography. The patient underwent surgical closure of both anomalies, which is the recommended treatment to avoid future complications.
Impaired Lymphocyte Profile in Schistosomiasis Patients with Periportal Fibrosis
Authors: Cardoso Luciana Santos , Barreto Andréia de Souza Rocha , Fernandes Jamille Souza , Oliveira Ricardo Riccio , Souza Robson da Paixão de , Carvalho Edgar M. , Araujo Maria Ilma
Published: November 2013

The Th2 immune response in chronic schistosomiasis is associated with the development of periportal fibrosis. However, little is known about the phenotype and activation status of T cells in the process.Objective. To evaluate the profile of T cells in schistosomiasis patients with periportal fibrosis.Methods. It was a cross-sectional study, conducted in the village of Agua Preta, Bahia, Brazil, which included 37 subjects with periportal fibrosis determined by ultrasound. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained by the Ficcol-hypaque gradient and the frequency of T cells expressing the surface markers CD28, CD69, CD25, and CTLA-4 was determined by flow cytometry.Results. The frequency of CD4+CD28+T lymphocytes was higher in individuals with moderate to severe fibrosis compared to patients with incipient fibrosis. We did not observe any significant difference in the frequency of CD4+T cells expressing CD69 among groups of individuals. There was also no significant difference in the frequency of CD8+T cells expressing CD28 or CD69 among the studied groups. Individuals with moderate to severe fibrosis presented a lower frequency of CD8+T cells, CD4+CD25highT cells, and CD4+CTLA-4+T cells when compared to patients without fibrosis or incipient fibrosis. The frequency of CD4+CD25lowcells did not differ between groups.Conclusion. The high frequency of activated T cells coinciding with a low frequency of putative Treg cells may account for the development of periportal fibrosis in human schistosomiasis.
Adaptive Control of MEMS Gyroscope Based on Global Terminal Sliding Mode Controller
Authors: Yan Weifeng , Fei Juntao
Published: November 2013

An adaptive global fast terminal sliding mode control (GFTSM) is proposed for tracking control of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) vibratory gyroscopes under unknown model uncertainties and external disturbances. To improve the convergence rate of reaching the sliding surface, a global fast terminal sliding surface is employed which can integrate the advantages of traditional sliding mode control and terminal sliding mode control. It can be guaranteed that sliding surface and equilibrium point can be reached in a shorter finite time from any initial state. In the presence of unknown upper bound of system nonlinearities, an adaptive global fast terminal sliding mode controller is derived to estimate this unknown upper bound. Simulation results demonstrate that the tracking error can be attenuated efficiently and robustness of the control system can be improved with the proposed adaptive global fast terminal sliding mode control.
Symmetric Negative Differential Resistance in a Molecular Nanosilver Chain
Authors: Kim Tae Kyung , Moon Hoi Ri , Kim Byung Hoon
Published: November 2013

The electrical transport properties of the molecular nanosilver chain have been investigated. We observed the symmetric negative differential resistance (NDR) in the current‐voltage characteristics. The peak voltage (VP) increased but the peak current (IP) decreased upon cooling. The self‐capacitance effect of the silver chain crystal is suggested to explain this unconventional NDR phenomenon.
Modeling the Influence of Forest Structure on Microsite Habitat Use by Snowshoe Hares
Authors: Fuller Angela K. , Harrison Daniel J.
Published: November 2013

Snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) is an important prey species for many Carnivora and has strong influences on community structure and function in northern forests. An understanding of within-stand (microsite) forest structural characteristics that promote high use by hares is important to provide forest management guidelines. We measured forest structural characteristics at the microsite-scale in north-central Maine and used an information-theoretic modeling approach to infer which characteristics were most strongly associated with use by hares during winter. We measured overwinter hare pellet density to model relationships among microsite-scale vegetation structure and hare use. Overwinter pellet density was positively associated with live stem cover (3 × coniferous saplings + deciduous saplings) and negatively associated with overstory canopy closure; the two variables explained 71% of the variation in microsite use by hares. The highest pellet densities were in grids with canopy closure <72% and stem cover units >22,000 stems/ha. Silvicultural practices that create dense areas of conifer and deciduous saplings should receive high within-stand use by hares in winter. These conditions can be achieved by promoting the release of advanced regeneration and reducing overstory cover to encourage establishment of shade-intolerant species; clearcutting is one such silvicultural prescription to achieve these conditions.
Transabdominal Ultrasonography of the Small Bowel
Authors: Kralik Rudolf , Trnovsky Peter , Kopáčová Marcela
Published: November 2013

In the era of double balloon enteroscopy, capsule endoscopy, CT, and MRI enterography is transabdominal ultrasonography (TUS) underestimated method for evaluation of small bowel pathology. As often initial imagine method in abdominal complaints, nowadays has TUS much better diagnostic potential than two decades ago. High-resolution ultrasound probes with harmonic imaging significantly improve resolution of bowel wall in real time, with possibility to asses bowel peristalsis. Color flow doppler enables evaluation of intramural bowel vascularisation, pulse wave doppler helps to quantificate flow in coeliac and superior mesenteric arteries. Small intestine contrast ultrasonography with oral contrast fluid, as well as contrast enhanced ultrasonography with intravenous microbubble contrast also improves small bowel imaging. We present a review of small intestine pathology that should be detected during ultrasound examinations, discuss technical requirements, advantages and limitations of TUS, typical ultrasound signs of Crohn's disease, ileus, celiac disease, intussusception, infectious enteritis, tumours, ischemic and haemorrhagic conditions of small bowel. In the hands of experienced investigator, despite some significant limitations(obesity, meteorism), is transabdominal ultrasonography reliable, noninvasive and inexpensive alternative method to computerised tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in small bowel examination.
Design and Evaluation of a Framework for Cooperative and Adaptive QoS Control of DSRC Network for Road Safety Applications
Authors: Guan Wenyang , He Jianhua , Tang Zuoyin , Chen Thomas M.
Published: November 2013

Dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) are a promising vehicle communication technique for collaborative road safety applications (CSA). However, road safety applications require highly reliable and timely wireless communications, which present big challenges to DSRC based vehicle networks on effective and robust quality of services (QoS) provisioning due to the random channel access method applied in the DSRC technique. In this paper we examine the QoS control problem for CSA in the DSRC based vehicle networks and presented an overview of the research work towards the QoS control problem. After an analysis of the system application requirements and the DSRC vehicle network features, we propose a framework for cooperative and adaptive QoS control, which is believed to be a key for the success of DSRC on supporting effective collaborative road safety applications. A core design in the proposed QoS control framework is that network feedback and cross-layer design are employed to collaboratively achieve targeted QoS. A design example of cooperative and adaptive rate control scheme is implemented and evaluated, with objective of illustrating the key ideas in the framework. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed rate control schemes in providing highly available and reliable channel for emergency safety messages.
Cardiac Structure and Function in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Shah Amil M. , Shah Sanjiv J. , Anand Inder S. , Sweitzer Nancy K. , O’Meara Eileen , Heitner John F. , Sopko George , Li Guichu , Assmann Susan F. , McKinlay Sonja M. , Pitt Bertram , Pfeffer Marc A. , Solomon Scott D.
Published: November 2013

Background—

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Existing data on cardiac structure and function in HFpEF suggest significant heterogeneity in this population.

Methods and Results—

Echocardiograms were obtained from 935 patients with HFpEF (left ventricular ejection fraction ≥45%) enrolled in the Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure with an Aldosterone Antagonist (TOPCAT) trial before initiation of randomized therapy. Average age was 70±10 years, 49% were women, 14% were of African descent, and comorbidities were highly prevalent. Centralized quantitative analysis in a blinded core laboratory demonstrated a mean left ventricular ejection fraction of 59.3±7.9%, with prevalent concentric left ventricular remodeling (34%) and hypertrophy (43%), and left atrial enlargement (53%). Diastolic dysfunction was present in 66% of gradable participants and was significantly associated with greater left ventricular hypertrophy and a higher prevalence of left atrial enlargement. Doppler evidence of pulmonary hypertension was present in 36%. At least 1 measure of structural heart disease was present in 93% of patients.

Conclusions—

Patients enrolled in TOPCAT demonstrated heterogeneous patterns of ventricular remodeling, with high prevalence of structural heart disease, including left ventricular hypertrophy and left atrial enlargement, in addition to pulmonary hypertension, each of which has been associated with adverse outcomes in HFpEF. Diastolic function was normal in approximately one third of gradable participants, highlighting the heterogeneity of the cardiac phenotype in this syndrome. These findings deepen our understanding of the TOPCAT trial population and expand our knowledge of the diversity of the cardiac phenotype in HFpEF.

Clinical Trial Registration—URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00094302.
High-Density Lipoprotein Particle Subclass Heterogeneity and Incident Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Akinkuolie Akintunde O. , Paynter Nina P. , Padmanabhan Latha , Mora Samia
Published: November 2013

Background—

Raising the cholesterol of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles is targeted as a cardiovascular disease prevention strategy. However, HDL particles are heterogeneous in composition and structure, which may relate to differences in antiatherogenic potential. We prospectively evaluated the association of HDL subclasses, defined by a recently proposed nomenclature, with incident coronary heart disease (CHD).

Methods and Results—

Baseline HDL particle concentrations were measured by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and categorized into 5 subclasses (very large, large, medium, small, and very small) among 26 332 initially healthy women. During a median follow-up of 17 years, 969 cases of incident CHD (myocardial infarction, revascularization, and CHD death) were ascertained. In Cox models that adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, blood pressure, smoking, postmenopausal status, and hormone therapy, associations with incident CHD were inverse (
P
trend<0.0001) for concentrations of very large (hazard ratio for top versus bottom quartile, 0.49; 95% confidence interval, 0.41–0.60), large (0.54; 0.45–0.64), and medium (0.69; 0.58–0.83) HDL subclasses. Conversely, hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for small and very small HDL were 1.22 (1.01–1.46;
P
trend=0.08) and 1.67 (1.39–2.02;
P
trend<0.0001), respectively. However, after additionally adjusting for metabolic and lipoprotein variables, associations for the spectrum of large, medium, and small HDL subclasses were inverse (
P
trend<0.05 for large and small and 0.07 for medium), whereas subclasses at either end of the spectrum were not associated with CHD (
P
trend=0.97 for very large and 0.21 for very small HDL).

Conclusions—

In this prospective study, associations with incident CHD differed by HDL particle subclass, which may be relevant for developing HDL-modulating therapies.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00000479.
Patterns of throat colour variation in Quedenfeldtia trachyblepharus, a high-altitude gecko endemic to the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco
Authors: Blouin-Demers Gabriel , Lourdais Olivier , Bouazza Abdellah , Verreault Catherine , El Mouden Hassan , Slimani Tahar
Published: November 2013

The persistence of marked phenotypic variation within species is evolutionarily puzzling. We uncovered remarkable variation in throat colouration in a high-altitude gecko (Atlas Day Gecko, Quedenfeldtia trachyblepharus) endemic to the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Orange, yellow, and white variants were found in approximately equal proportions in both sexes, and in juveniles and adults. The colour variants did not differ in body size or in body condition, but there was some indication that orange males have relatively longer jaws than white or yellow males. The number of mites harboured by an individual was not a function of its sex or of its throat colouration, but larger lizards did harbour more mites. Our data do not support the hypotheses that throat colour variation is due to selection pressures differing between the sexes or through ontogeny, or signals immunocompetence, but offer some support for the hypothesis that throat colour variation signals dominance. Future investigations on the evolution of throat colour variation in this species should use spectrophotometry to obtain finer colour classification and incorporate measures of fitness.
Intra-specific variation in advertisement call of Odontophrynus cordobae (Anura, Cycloramphidae): a multilevel and multifactor analysis
Authors: Grenat Pablo R. , Valetti Julián A. , Martino Adolfo L.
Published: November 2013

Advertisement call is a complex signal that can vary at different scales and the characterization of this variation is crucial to understand its adaptive function. In our study, we examined different factors that could influence intra and inter-population call variation in Odontophrynus cordobae. We analyzed calls of individuals from different breeding sites across the species distribution, including a syntopic site with their related species O. americanus. Dominant frequency, pulse rate, call duration and pulses/call were the acoustic parameters that showed the lowest intra-individual variation (CV ≤ 3%). The discriminant function analysis (DFA) assigned 92% of calls to the correct individual, indicating that the advertisement calls of O. cordobae are individually distinctive. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis showed a significant contribution of pulse rate in differentiation of populations. Interpulse interval and pulse rate showed a moderate clinal variation, even when syntopic populations were excluded from the analysis. We found no association between acoustic and linear geographical or altitudinal distances and observed an evident divergence between the syntopic population and the other populations analyzed. This result is reinforced by DFA, which showed a differentiation among syntopic and allopatric populations of O. cordobae. We discuss our results from the hypothesis of a possible character displacement influencing call properties in this species in syntopy with their related species O. americanus. However, new syntopic areas and tests of female preferences would be needed to strengthen our results.
Parental Incarceration, Child Homelessness, and the Invisible Consequences of Mass Imprisonment
Authors: Wildeman Christopher
Published: November 2013

This article presents research on the consequences of mass imprisonment for childhood inequality. I investigate average and race-specific effects of paternal and maternal incarceration on the risk of child homelessness, using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study. The results suggest that (1) recent paternal but not maternal incarceration substantially increases the risk of child homelessness, (2) effects are concentrated among African American children, and (3) increases in familial economic hardship and decreases in access to institutional support explain some of the relationship. Taken together, the findings indicate the prison boom was likely a key driver of the growing racial disparities in child homelessness, increasing black-white inequality in this risk by 65 percent since the 1970s. When coupled with the other effects of mass imprisonment on childhood inequality, these results suggest that the prison boom will likely lead to far greater black-white inequality in civic and political participation, as the children of the prison boom come of age.
The Psychological Dimensions and the Social Consequences of Incarceration
Authors: Schnittker Jason
Published: November 2013

This article explores the psychological costs of incarceration, with a particular focus on how psychological factors are related to the social and economic difficulties of reentry. Using descriptive information from a nationally representative survey, this study reveals considerable anxiety, fear, and uncertainty among former inmates. The evidence also reveals that psychiatric disorders are, in some cases, even more disabling among former inmates than among others. The article situates this evidence within the larger debate on the social consequences of incarceration and discusses its implications. Psychological factors are certainly not the only barriers former inmates will face, but they are neglected in the literature and play an important role in how former inmates respond to other difficulties. They are also at the center of a persistent dilemma: former inmates must establish social connections upon release, but they must do so while harboring the stigma of a criminal record. Furthermore, former inmates who have a psychiatric disorder may be particularly disadvantaged because they experience two stigmas simultaneously.
Locked In? Conservative Reform and the Future of Mass Incarceration
Authors: Dagan David , Teles Steven M.
Published: November 2013

The dominant implication of the carceral state literature is that path-breaking change is impossible through ordinary politics, reducing the options to either acquiescence or a level of mass mobilization not seen in decades. Over the last decade, however, activists have generated a surge of agitation for carceral reform, especially at the state level. In a twist the scholarly literature did not anticipate, much of that energy is coming from the Right. The theoretical flaw underlying the scholarly pessimism is a focus on the way policies entrench themselves through positive feedback, without commensurate attention to negative feedback. We argue the balance of feedback is shifting to the negative side in the case of mass incarceration. To seriously shrink the prison population, however, conservatives will have to accept the construction of alternative government structures; liberals will have to accept that these will remain more paternalistic than they might like.
Merging into a Private University: Law Regulating the Transfer of Academic Employees in Swaziland
Authors: Coetzee SA , Mbanze CV
Published: November 2013

In this article the focus is on law that governs the transfer of academic employees in Swaziland. A literature study of relevant law sources brought a lack of higher education law that regulates the transfer of academic employees during a merger to light. It is this problem that the authors aimed to address in this article. The authors, in an attempt to provide a legal framework for the transfer of academic employees, considered general labour law and case law. The transfer of academics during the merger of three colleges into a private university in 2010 was studied as a practical example. The contribution of this article is that it provides information to higher education institutions in Swaziland who are contemplating merging, the legislature and policymakers who have to adopt law and policy exclusively regulating the transfer of employees in the higher education sphere and academic employees who may become transferees during future mergers.
Interfaces within flax fibre bundle: Experimental characterization and numerical modelling
Authors: Charlet Karine , Beakou Alexis
Published: November 2013

In natural fibre based-composites, the interfaces within the fibre bundles are not as well described as those between fibres and classical polymer matrices. To compensate for this lack of information, which is however of great importance when trying to model the composite behaviour, morphological and mechanical characterization of the middle lamella present between flax fibres has been carried out. The interfacial strength of the pectic cement was found to be very low compared with that of the fibre/matrix interface. Assuming this fibre/fibre interface to be a cohesive zone material and using the experimental results obtained on pairs of fibres, a model has been developed at the scale of the fibre and applied to study numerically the tensile properties of bundles. The results of the simulations were in agreement with the experimental data obtained on bundles, both leading to a mean bundle strength of 500 MPa.
Bullying and victimization experiences in elementary school students nominated by their teachers for Specific Learning Disabilities
Authors: Kokkinos Constantinos M. , Antoniadou Nafsika
Published: November 2013

This study sought to investigate self-reported bullying and victimization experiences among students nominated by their teachers as meeting the criteria for Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD). A total of 346 students attending the upper three grade-levels of Greek primary schools participated in the study. Fifty of them were identified by their teachers as meeting the SLD criteria. All participants completed self-report measures of bullying and victimization and also provided their demographic data. Results showed that SLD students were more likely to act as bully/victims in bullying episodes, by using more direct verbal aggression; whereas the frequency of exhibiting aggressive behaviours, either as passive victims or aggressive bullies, did not differ from that of their non-SLD counterparts. These findings contradict existing research indicating that SLD students are subject to victimization more frequently than their regular peers.
A Family-Based Diabetes Intervention for Hispanic Adults and Their Family Members
Authors: Hu Jie , Wallace Debra C. , McCoy Thomas P. , Amirehsani Karen A.
Published: November 2013

Aims

The purpose of this quasi-experimental, 1-group longitudinal study is to examine the effects of a family-based intervention program on diabetes self-management behaviors, A1C, other biomarkers, psychosocial factors, and health-related quality of life in Hispanics with diabetes.

Methods

Adult patients with diabetes (n = 36) and family members (n = 37) were recruited from a community clinic in rural central North Carolina. Patients and family members attended an 8-week culturally tailored diabetes educational program taught in Spanish. Data were collected pre- and post-intervention for both patients and family members, with an additional data collection for patients 1 month post-intervention.

Results

Most patients and family members were female, and almost all were immigrants. A1C decreased by 4.9% on average among patients from pre-intervention to 1 month post-intervention. Patients showed significant improvements in systolic blood pressure, diabetes self-efficacy, diabetes knowledge, and physical and mental components of health-related quality of life. Higher levels of intake of healthy foods and performance of blood glucose tests and foot inspections were reported. Family members significantly lowered body mass index and improved diabetes knowledge from pre-intervention to immediately post-intervention. No significant changes in levels of physical activity were found among patients with diabetes or family members.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that including family members in educational interventions may provide emotional and psychological support to patients with diabetes, help to develop healthy family behaviors, and promote diabetes self-management.
(Re)categorizing Intergroup Relations and Social Identities Through News Discourse
Authors: Chan Michael
Published: November 2013

Drawing from social psychology perspectives of intergroup relations, including the common in-group identity model, mutual intergroup differentiation model, and optimal distinctiveness theory, this study proposes a theoretical framework of news analysis that accounts for the socially structured and hierarchical nature of international relations. The coverage of the territorially disputed Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands by the China Daily from 2002 to 2011 serves as the context for the framework. Integrated content, discourse, and concordance analyses showed that despite the local nature of the dispute that invokes clear in-group/out-group categorizations, the majority of the articles in the newspaper discursively recategorize intergroup relations, including the assimilation of Japan under a superordinate “Asian” identity and the categorization of the United States as the “outsider” purposefully interfering in China–Japan relations. The findings provide important ideological insights of the ruling party state and its attempts to influence intergroup comparisons by reconfiguring the basis of intergroup evaluation and differentiation.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Self-efficacy as Predictors of Preparedness for Oncology Clinical Trials
Authors: Manne Sharon , Kashy Deborah , Albrecht Terrance , Wong Yu-Ning , Flamm Anne Lederman , Benson Al B. , Miller Suzanne M. , Fleisher Linda , Buzaglo Joanne , Roach Nancy , Katz Michael , Ross Eric , Collins Michael , Poole David , Raivitch Stephanie , Miller Dawn M. , Kinzy Tyler G. , Liu Tasnuva , Meropol Neal J.
Published: November 2013

Objective. This study used the Ottawa Decision Support Framework to evaluate a model examining associations between clinical trial knowledge, attitudinal barriers to participating in clinical trials, clinical trial self-efficacy, and clinical trial preparedness among 1256 cancer patients seen for their first outpatient consultation at a cancer center. As an exploratory aim, moderator effects for gender, race/ethnicity, education, and metastatic status on associations in the model were evaluated. Methods. Patients completed measures of cancer clinical trial knowledge, attitudinal barriers, self-efficacy, and preparedness. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted to evaluate whether self-efficacy mediated the association between knowledge and barriers with preparedness. Results. The SEM explained 26% of the variance in cancer clinical trial preparedness. Self-efficacy mediated the associations between attitudinal barriers and preparedness, but self-efficacy did not mediate the knowledge-preparedness relationship. Conclusions. Findings partially support the Ottawa Decision Support Framework and suggest that assessing patients’ level of self-efficacy may be just as important as evaluating their knowledge and attitudes about cancer clinical trials.
The Financialization of Water
Authors: Bayliss Kate
Published: November 2013

This paper aims to locate developments in water delivery within broader financialization trends by considering three aspects of water management. First, despite clear failings of privatization over the past twenty years, state support for the private sector continues. Second, innovations have emerged so that water consumption generates wealth for private investment finance. Finally, private enterprises have gained increasing influence in sector policy. The paper demonstrates that financialization is incompatible with social objectives in water delivery.
Hospice Care in a Commercial Preferred Provider Organization Population in Tennessee
Authors: Coulter Steven L. , Melvin Terry , Carden J. Payne , Mathis Rick S.
Published: November 2013

This study was undertaken to examine two aspects of care at the end of life. First, we wanted to see whether the cost savings demonstrated repeatedly in the US Medicare hospice population would also be observed in a commercial population in Tennessee. They were. The second primary interest we had was whether there were certain medical services that seemed to presage death. We found four categories of services that profoundly increase in number as the end of life is approached: primary care, hospital-based specialist, non-hospital based specialist, and oncologist services. It is hoped that these findings could lead to a simple predictive model based on readily available claims data to help identify candidates for Hospice Care earlier.
Do sensorimotor dynamics extend the conscious mind?
Authors: Pepper Ken
Published: November 2013

According to the extended conscious mind thesis (ECM), the physical basis of consciousness is not confined exclusively to the brain, but extends beyond it via sensorimotor dynamics. ECM is enjoying growing support among philosophers inspired by developments in enactive and embodied cognitive science. ECM has obvious parallels with the extended mind thesis (EM), according to which the physical basis of cognition is likewise not confined to the brain. However, EM’s originator and most prominent defender, Andy Clark, argues that EM theorists can and should reject ECM, and offers an alternative internalist account, which admits a causal but non-constitutive role for sensorimotor dynamics. In this paper, I examine how well this claim fits with some of the key commitments of EM, and the implications for the EM theorist who wishes to deny ECM. I argue that Clark’s position – ECM-rejecting EM – is untenable, and defend the ECM interpretation of sensorimotor dynamics.
Informal Institutions, Institutional Change, and Gender Equality
Authors: Waylen Georgina
Published: November 2013

This paper makes two claims: insights from gender research improve understandings of informal institutions and institutional change, and studying informal institutions helps scholars understand the gap between formal institutional change and outcomes. Informed by institutional analysis and feminist institutionalist scholarship, it explores the relationship between informal institutions, institutional change, and gender equality, using gender equality to scrutinize issues central to institutional change, demonstrating that institutional analyses improve when gender dynamics are incorporated. Showing the gendering of power relations highlights power in institutional change in new ways, improving understandings of why institutional change rarely happens as intended by institutional designers.
Integrated Conservation and Development: Impacts on Households in a Philippine Park
Authors: Cagalanan Dominique
Published: November 2013

Protected area strategies increasingly incorporate local forest inhabitants and aim to alleviate poverty. Common approaches include top-down integrated conservation and development projects, and alternative approaches characterized by decentralization, local participation, and community-based forest management. In the Philippines, these three characteristics are cornerstones of the state’s conservation agenda. This research examines state-led conservation initiatives in the Northern Negros Natural Park, Philippines. By identifying key distinctions among households living inside the Park and linking these to program outcomes, this article identifies major design and implementation challenges for efforts seeking to link conservation and development. Results indicate that current approaches achieve an economic win for a select few larger landholding households near to roads, but environmental requirements are not met and stakeholder participation in management is not realized. Expanding current approaches to include all households would likely result in increased deforestation or reduce areas of potential regeneration. As such, alternative strategies require exploration.
On non-monotonicity of linear viscoelastic functions
Authors: Chen Dao-Long , Yang Ping-Feng , Lai Yi-Shao , Wong Ee-Hua , Chen Tei-Chen
Published: November 2013

The monotonicity of the linear viscoelastic functions, namely, the shear creep compliance, the Young’s relaxation modulus, the stretch creep compliance, the P-wave relaxation modulus, the Lamé’s first function, and the time-dependent Poisson’s ratio, were examined analytically and numerically. It was shown that both the Lamé’s first function and time-dependent Poisson’s ratio can be non-monotonic. Furthermore, in contrast to the reports by other researchers, the values of the time-dependent Poisson’s ratio were found to be bounded by the limits between −1 and 0.5 after the physical constraints of the bulk and shear relaxation moduli are taken into account.
The energy-absorbing characteristics of polymer foams reinforced with bamboo tubes
Authors: Umer R , Balawi S , Raja P , Cantwell WJ
Published: November 2013

This paper investigates for the first time, the energy-absorbing characteristics of a range of lightweight bamboo-reinforced foam structures. Initial attention focuses on characterizing the energy-absorbing characteristics of the individual bamboo tubes and assessing the influence of tube geometry on energy absorption. Here, it has been shown that the specific energy absorption of the bamboo tubes decreases with increasing tube length as a result of axial splitting associated with barreling of the samples under compressive loading. The influence of the tube inner diameter/thickness (D/t) ratio was also investigated using a number of tube sizes, where it was shown that there is a small increase in specific energy absorption with decreasing D/t. The tubes were then embedded in crosslinked PVC foams in order to investigate the influence of varying degree of external support applied to the reinforcement on the failure modes in the tubes as well as the measured specific energy absorption values.

Finally, alternative techniques for enhancing the energy-absorbing capacity of the tubes were investigated. Here, tubes of different length were wrapped circumferentially in epoxy-impregnated kenaf fibers to enhance their resistance to axial spitting. It was shown that reinforcing the tubes in this manner can significantly enhance the ability of the tubes to absorb energy under conditions of axial quasi-static crushing.
General practitioners’ attitudes towards decision-supported prescribing: An analysis of the Dutch primary care sector
Authors: Meulendijk Michiel , Spruit Marco , Drenth-van Maanen Clara , Numans Mattijs , Brinkkemper Sjaak , Jansen Paul
Published: November 2013

The use of multiple drugs by patients increases the risk of medical problems. Clinical decision support could assist general practitioners with prescribing but is underused. This article aims to investigate the attitudes of general practitioners towards using decision support systems. A survey was distributed among 500 Dutch general practitioners. Virtually all 184 respondents indicated having a clinical information system, while only 21 percent indicated having a decision support plug-in; this correlated with their use of medical formularies. Only use of one of the medical formularies correlated with the number of recognized underprescription problems. General practitioners’ attitudes toward a newly proposed system aiding them with polypharmacy prescribing were mainly positive (57%); the perceived usefulness correlated with output quality (p = .000), time investment (p = .000), and financial stimuli (payability: p = .000 and reimbursement: p = .015) but not with job relevance. Dutch general practitioners are thus likely to adopt the proposed system under the conditions that it improves prescription quality and does not require extensive investments of time or money.
Online anonymous discussion between service users and health professionals to ascertain stakeholder concerns in using e-health services in mental health
Authors: Jones Ray B , Ashurst Emily J
Published: November 2013

Implementation of e-health in mental health services requires that we are aware of stakeholders’ concerns. We ascertained the views of mental health professionals and mental health service users through the (1) development of 12 topics based on the research literature, (2) presentation to 31 participants (19 mental health professionals and 12 mental health service users) and discussion in three 1-week programmes, (3) thematic analysis of transcripts, and (4) comparison with the literature to identify areas requiring attention in e-health implementation. This method of engaging mental health service users and mental health professionals was effective. We identified areas that (1) should be the first to implement (e.g. discussion forums, email, and Skype), (2) where further education and engagement are necessary before e-health methods could be used (e.g. unsupported computerised cognitive behavioural therapy, computer–patient interviewing, and patient access to online medical records), and (3) for further research (e.g. the impact of bad online experiences).
Losing my profession: Age, experience and expertise in the changing newsrooms
Authors: Nikunen Kaarina
Published: November 2013

The article examines how the crisis in journalism was experienced in the Finnish newsrooms in the spring of 2010. Based on interviews conducted in six newsrooms, this article highlights changes in journalistic practices, and the ways in which these changes have affected professional identity and journalistic expertise, in particular, in terms of age. The change does not affect everyone in a similar way. Its implications are experienced differently according to the position and work history of individual journalists. The article points out two particular factors that had a specific impact on shaping the boundaries of the journalistic profession, and notions of journalistic identity, skills and values. These are the concurrent processes of the move towards convergent newsrooms and the implementation of pension packages to downsize the newsrooms. With the implementation of pension packages as a solution to downsize newsrooms, age became the defining factor for professional identity, capacities and skills in the Finnish newsrooms. This particular time of change was also characterized by the implementation of new technology in the newsrooms. Thus, the measures taken in newsrooms emphasized speed, technological skills and youth as characteristics that were needed to compete in the changing and increasingly convergent media markets.

It is argued that journalistic identity is tightly bound to its practice. Changes in practice are reflected in professional identity and the qualities that are valued within the profession. During this time of transition, the older journalists, particularly, struggled to hold on to their professional values and notions of expertise when, in practice, they had difficulties in bringing their expertise into use in the new technology-centered newsroom structure. Research highlights the multiplicity and complexity of change, where taken-for-granted positions are challenged and put into circulation. It provides insight into changes in the professional imagination and shared journalistic values.
Noninvasive Evaluation of Endothelial Activity in Healthy and Diseased Individuals
Authors: Fronek Arnost , Allison Matthew
Published: November 2013

Background:

Diminished endothelial activity (EA) has been associated with an increased risk of incident cardiovascular disease (CAD) events.

Methods:

Vasodilatory responses (EA and relative distensibility [RD]) were evaluated noninvasively using iontophoresis of acetylcholine (ACH) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and recorded by laser Doppler fluxmetry (LDF) and photoplethysmography (PPG) among 324 patients.

Results:

The EA after ACH iontophoresis measured by LDF was significantly higher in the younger (<50 years) group than in the older (>50 years) group, 125.4 versus 103.3 integrated arbitrary unit ( P < .005). Compared to the older patients, the EA values recorded by LDF were significantly lower in patients with diabetes mellitus (64.9), hypercholesterolemia (83.3), hypertension (88.7), CAD (61.0), and peripheral artery disease (67.4). The findings of RD were similar.

Conclusions:

The results indicate that measuring EA using the iontophoresis of ACH or SNP and combined with either LDF or PPG is a viable approach that can discriminate between different clinical groups.
Thrombectomy in Patients With Large Cerebral Artery Occlusion
Authors: Broussalis Erasmia , Trinka Eugen , Wallner Anna , Hitzl Wolfgang , Killer Monika
Published: November 2013

Introduction:

The Trevo device, a new stent retriever, may be utilized in patients with large cerebral artery occlusion.

Methods:

Fifty patients with large cerebral artery occlusion and treated with the Trevo device were analyzed. Patients may have received intravenous thrombolysis as a bridging concept in addition to thrombectomy. Outcome and recanalization parameters were documented using the National Institutes of Health Scale, the modified Ranking Scale (mRS) and Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) score.

Results:

In all, 82% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 69%-91%) were documented with TICI 2b and 3. Good clinical outcome after 90 days (mRS ≤ 2) was assessed in 61% (95% CI: 46%-75%). Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage occurred in 6 patients (12%, 95% CI: 1%-17%). The overall mortality rate was 14% (95% CI: 6%-27%).

Conclusion:

Thrombectomy with the new stent retriever device is feasible and effective and has an acceptable risk of intra-cerebral hemorrhage even in combination with pharmacological revascularization techniques.
Examining school culture in Flemish and Chinese primary schools
Authors: Zhu Chang , Devos Geert , Tondeur Jo
Published: November 2013

The aim of this research is to gain understanding about school culture characteristics of primary schools in the Flemish and Chinese context. The study was carried out in Flanders (Belgium) and China, involving a total of 44 Flemish schools and 40 Chinese schools. The School Culture Scales were used to measure five school culture dimensions with regard to goal orientation, leadership, innovation orientation, participative decision making and formal relationships. The School Culture Scales were validated in both contexts, and within-group agreement indexes were calculated. The results show that on average, the Flemish schools scored higher than the Chinese schools in four dimensions of the school culture features. Within-group differences were also found. The differences between and among the Chinese and Flemish schools are discussed.
Master teachers as professional developers
Authors: Montecinos Carmen , Pino Mauricio , Campos-Martinez Javier , Domínguez Rosario , Carreño Claudia
Published: November 2013

As education’s main workforce, teachers have been the target of policies designed to shape and affirm new versions of professionalism. This paper examines this issue as it is exemplified by the Teachers of Teachers Network (TTN), a program developed by Chile’s Ministry of Education. As a program designed to identify and reward high quality teachers, it draws from New Public Management’s version of professionalism, which promotes managerial cultures based on individual, test-based incentives. TTN members are granted the opportunity to become entrepreneurs, offering professional development (PD) services to other teachers. As a program designed to develop high quality teachers, it draws from a sociocultural version of teacher professionalism based on the development of interpersonal relations that enhance the collective capacity to solve problems. The results of the current study highlight limitations of implementing teacher quality policies that simultaneously draw from contrasting ideas of professionalism. The five TTN teachers participating in the current study resolved these contradictions by concealing their TTN status and (re)presenting themselves as members of the regular teaching force (peers). Through these discursive moves they subverted the possibility of trust, a key nutrient for collegial learning. These findings are interpreted through Hargreaves’ capital theory of school effectiveness and improvement.
The outcome competency framework for practitioners in infection prevention and control: use of the outcome logic model for evaluation
Authors: Burnett E , Curran E , Loveday HP , Kiernan MA , Tannahill M
Published: November 2013

Healthcare is delivered in a dynamic environment with frequent changes in populations, methods, equipment and settings. Infection prevention and control practitioners (IPCPs) must ensure that they are competent in addressing the challenges they face and are equipped to develop infection prevention and control (IPC) services in line with a changing world of healthcare provision. A multifaceted Framework was developed to assist IPCPs to enhance competence at an individual, team and organisational level to enable quality performance and improved quality of care. However, if these aspirations are to be met, it is vital that competency frameworks are fit for purpose or they risk being ignored. The aim of this unique study was to evaluate short and medium term outcomes as set out in the Outcome Logic Model to assist with the evaluation of the impact and success of the Framework. This study found that while the Framework is being used effectively in some areas, it is not being used as much or in the ways that were anticipated. The findings will enable future work on revision, communication and dissemination, and will provide intelligence to those initiating education and training in the utilisation of the competences.