bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic Syndrome and Central Fat Distribution Are Related to Lower Serum Osteocalcin Concentrations
Authors: Bezerra dos Santos Magalhães Karina , Moreira Magalhães Marcelo , Trovão Diniz Erik , Salgado Lucena Cynthia , Griz Luiz , Bandeira Francisco
Published: March 2013

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of serum osteocalcin with the metabolic syndrome (MS) in men and premenopausal women. Methods: 14 middle-aged men and 44 premenopausal women were evaluated. MS was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Anthropometric data were collected and serum osteocalcin, serum C-telopeptide (CTX), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and lipid profile measured. Results: The mean age was 41.07 ± 8.4 years and did not differ between patients with and without MS. Mean osteocalcin was significantly lower in patients with MS (11.18 ± 4.62 vs. 15.09 ± 5.05, p = 0.003) and decreased significantly with the rise in the number of criteria for diagnosis of MS. There were no significant differences in serum CTX between the two groups. Serum osteocalcin was lower in patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥25 (p = 0.038) and FPG ≥100 mg/dl (p = 0.024), and in hypertensive (p = 0.013) and diabetic patients (p = 0.036), and was inversely associated with BMI (p = 0.024), waist circumference (WC) (p = 0.024), FPG (p = 0.007) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p = 0.037). Conclusion: This study showed that lower serum osteocalcin is associated with the presence of MS and that osteocalcin is inversely associated with BMI, WC, FPG and SBP, suggesting that osteocalcin plays a part in the development of MS.
Nutritional and Pubertal Status Influences Accuracy of Self-Reported Weight and Height in Adolescents: The HELENA Study
Authors: Béghin Laurent , Huybrechts Inge , Ortega Franscico B. , Coopman Stéphanie , Manios Yannis , Wijnhoven Trudy M.A. , Duhamel Alain , Ciarapica Donatella , Gilbert Chantal C. , Kafatos Anthony , Widhalm Kurt , Molnar Denes , Moreno Luis A. , Gottrand Frédéric ,   and the HELENA study group
Published: March 2013

Background and Aims: The aim of this study was to assess factors that have an effect on the accuracy of self-reported weight and height in adolescents. Methods: Weight and height of 3,865 European adolescents aged 12.5 to 17.5 years were self-reported via specific questionnaire. Then real weight and height were measured using accurate equipment and standardized protocols. Differences (D) between self-reported and measured weight and height were calculated, and factors that could have influenced the accuracy of self-reported weight and height were assessed. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, Student's t test and multivariate regression. Results: Adolescents underestimated their weight (D = -0.81 kg; n = 2,968) and overestimated their height (D = +0.74 cm; n = 3,308). Obese girls underestimated their weight (D = -4.70 kg) and overestimated their height (D = +0.22 cm) to a greater extent (p < 0.05) than obese boys (D = -3.13 kg and +0.14 cm for weight and height, respectively). Underestimation of weight (D = -1.25 kg) and overestimation of height (D = +0.15 cm) were only significant for girls who had finished puberty (Tanner stage 5). Socioeconomic status, nutritional knowledge, physical fitness, physical activity level, food choice and preference, and healthy eating behaviour had no significant influence on the accuracy of self-reported weight and height. Conclusion: Our data confirms that self-reports of weight and height made by adolescents are inaccurate and demonstrate that inaccuracy is strongly influenced by nutritional status, pubertal status and gender.
Lactulose Is Highly Potential in Prophylaxis of Hepatic Encephalopathy in Patients with Cirrhosis and Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Results of a Controlled Randomized Trial
Authors: Wen Jing , Liu Qingsen , Song Jie , Tong Muhong , Peng Lihua , Liang Hao
Published: March 2013

Background and Aims: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGB) is an important precipitating factor for the development of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in cirrhotic patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of lactulose in a controlled randomized trial for prophylaxis of HE after UGB. Patients and Methods: 128 cirrhotic patients with UGB were consecutively classified according to Child-Pugh criteria and randomized to receive lactulose (group A, n = 63) or no lactulose (group B, n = 65) treatment after the symptoms of active bleeding disappeared. Curative effects were observed for 6 days. Results: Two patients in group A and 11 in group B had developed HE; the incidence rates were 3.2 and 16.9% (χ2 5.2061, p < 0.05). After treatment, a significant increase in ammonia level and higher number connection test (NCT) in the non-lactulose group, median blood ammonia levels (60.0 vs. 52.0), p < 0.05, and median NCT (43 vs. 38), p < 0.05, were observed. Patients who had developed HE had a significantly higher baseline Child-Turcotte-Pugh score (10.15 ±1.82 vs. 6.35 ± 1.60, p < 0.05), alanine aminotransferase (111.25 ± 91.62 vs. 48.32 ± 47.45, p < 0.05), aspartate aminotransferase (171.42 ± 142.68 vs. 46.33 ± 42.68, p < 0.05), total bilirubin (73.44 ± 47.20 vs. 29.75 ± 22.08, p < 0.05), serum albumin (24.65 ± 5.04 vs. 33.43 ± 6.49, p < 0.05), plasma prothrombin time (22.18 ± 4.60 vs. 17.12 ± 4.62, p < 0.05), and lower hemoglobin level (72.31 ± 15.15 vs. 87.45 ± 19.79, p < 0.05) as compared to patients who did not develop HE. On unconditional logistic regression analysis, patients who had developed HE were significantly associated with a higher baseline Child-Turcotte-Pugh score (OR 9.92, 95% CI 1.94-50.63, p < 0.05) and lactulose therapy (OR 0.02, 95% CI 0-0.74, p < 0.05) but were not associated with other parameters. Conclusions: Lactulose is an effective prophylaxis agent of HE for cirrhotic patients who had developed UGB.
Outcome of Lumbar Intervertebral Foraminal Stenosis Surgery and Depression
Authors: Parlato C. , Iavarone A. , Gentile M. , Albanese R. , Moraci A.
Published: March 2013

A total of 58 patients consecutively underwent surgical treatment for lumbar intervertebral foraminal stenosis. We performed a microsurgical combined transarticular lateral and medial procedure with partial facetectomy in all patients to decompress the affected nerve root. All patients underwent assessment of depressive symptoms by means of the Zung Self Depression Scale (SDS). Subjective pain was self-evaluated by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Both the tools were administered preoperatively, at 3 and 12 months' follow-up 0. The difference between the three SDS scores was significant (Friedman ANOVA, χ2 = 53.171, p < 0.00001). The Wilcoxon rank test showed significant difference between preoperative SDS scores as compared with three months follow-up (Z = -6.393, p < 0.0001) and the last, in turn, as compared with twelve months follow- up (Z = -3.720, p = 0.0002). The comparison between preoperative and 12 months' follow-up also reached significance (Z = -3.285, p = 0.001). About VAS, the difference between the three VAS scores was significant (Friedman ANOVA, χ2 = 69.932, p < 0.00001). The Wilcoxon rank test showed significant difference between preoperative VAS scores as compared with 3 months' follow-up (Z = -6.567, p < 0.0001) and the last, in turn, as compared with 12 months' follow-up (Z = -3.153, p < 0.002). The comparison between preoperative and 12 months' follow-up was also significance (Z = -5.520, p < 0.0001). Our results would alert clinicians to accurately consider the real need to treat and to include a careful psychiatric and psychological evaluation of these patients in the diagnosis and follow-up 0.
Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Recruitment to Phagosomes in Neutrophils
Authors: Zhou Yun , Song Kejing , Painter Richard G. , Aiken Martha , Reiser Jakob , Stanton Bruce A. , Nauseef William M. , Wang Guoshun
Published: March 2013

Optimal microbicidal activity of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) relies on the generation of toxic agents such as hypochlorous acid (HOCl) in phagosomes. HOCl formation requires H2O2 produced by the NADPH oxidase, myeloperoxidase derived from azurophilic granules, and chloride ion. Chloride transport from cytoplasm into phagosomes requires chloride channels which include cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a cAMP-activated chloride channel. However, the phagosomal targeting of CFTR in PMN has not been defined. Using human peripheral blood PMN, we determined that 95-99% of lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP-1)-positive mature phagosomes were CFTR positive, as judged by immunostaining and flow cytometric analysis. To establish a model cell system to evaluate CFTR phagosomal recruitment, we stably expressed enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) alone, EGFP-wt-CFTR and EGFP-DF508-CFTR fusion proteins in promyelocytic PLB-985 cells, respectively. After differentiation into neutrophil-like cells, CFTR presentation to phagosomes was examined. EGFP-wt-CFTR was observed to associate with phagosomes and colocalize with LAMP-1. Flow cytometric analysis of the isolated phagosomes indicated that such a phagosomal targeting was determined by the CFTR portion of the fusion protein. In contrast, significantly less EGFP-DF508-CFTR was found in phagosomes, indicating a defective targeting of the molecule to the organelle. Importantly, the CFTR corrector compound VRT-325 facilitated the recruitment of DF508-CFTR to phagosomes. These data demonstrate the possibility of pharmacologic correction of impaired recruitment of mutant CFTR, thereby providing a potential means to augment chloride supply to the phagosomes of PMN in patients with cystic fibrosis to enhance their microbicidal function.
Endometrial Thickness in 1,500 Asymptomatic Postmenopausal Women Not on Hormone Replacement Therapy
Authors: Hartman Alex , Wolfman Wendy , Nayot Dan , Hartman Michael
Published: March 2013

Objective: To determine the normal endometrial thickness (ET) on transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) of asymptomatic postmenopausal women not on hormone replacement therapy. A subgroup that was determined to be suspicious for having an endometrial polyp was compared with the remainder. Methods: This prospective study selected 1,500 consecutive asymptomatic postmenopausal women receiving TVUS assessment from January to August 2010. ET was recorded. Results were divided into those with a normal-appearing lining (n = 1,399) and those suspicious for polyp (n = 101). Results for the entire sample were obtained and the groups were compared using independent samples t tests. Results: Of 1,500 women aged 45-95 years, 77.1% had an ET of ≤4 mm and 92% were ≤5 mm. Independent samples t tests were performed to compare the mean age and mean ET based on polyp status (i.e. with or without a possible polyp). There was a significant difference in mean age, 67.71 vs. 62.36 years (p < 0.01) and mean ET 8.02 vs. 3.40 mm (p < 0.01) between groups. Conclusions: 92% of asymptomatic postmenopausal women not on hormone replacement therapy had an ET of ≤5 mm. The mean ET was 3.71 ± 1.9 mm. However, a significant group, 6.7%, had an endometrial lining suspicious for polyp. These women had a significant increase in mean age and ET.
Identification of GPR39 Receptor and Ghrelin Receptor in Thyroid Tissues in Paediatric Patients with Immune and Non-Immune Thyroid Diseases
Authors: Bossowski Artur , Czarnocka Barbara , Harasymczuk Jerzy , Moniuszko Anna , Bardadin Krzysztof , Łyczkowska Anna , Hanusek Karolina , Bossowska Anna
Published: March 2013

The preproghrelin gene is responsible for generating ghrelin and obestatin, two gastric peptides with opposite effects on food intake. Obestatin suppresses food intake and digestive motility through interaction with GPR39 (GPCR). Ghrelin is supposed to be a link connecting metabolism and energy homeostasis with growth as the result of activation of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR).The aim of the current study was to assess the expression of preproghrelin, GPR39 and GHSR in thyroid tissues from patients with Graves' disease (GD; n = 15), non-toxic nodular goiter (NTNG; n = 10) and toxic nodular goiter (TNG; n = 10). GPR39 and GHSR in thyroid tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot, revealing higher expression of both proteins in GD patients (+++; ++) in comparison with NTNG (+; +) and TNG (++; +) patients. GPR39 was present in thyroid autoimmune disease, NTNG and TNG at band p51 (kDa). The ghrelin receptor was identified in all study groups at p70. mRNA expression for preproghrelin was found in thyroid tissues from patients with immune and non-immune thyroid diseases. We conclude that the expression of the ghrelin receptor family in thyroid tissues may suggest a role of gastric peptides in thyroid functions. mRNA of preproghrelin expression is a proof of ghrelin gene-derived peptide presence in thyroid tissues.
Prediction of Recanalization Trumps Prediction of Tissue Fate
Authors: Zhu Guangming , Michel Patrik , Aghaebrahim Amin , Patrie James T. , Xin Wenjun , Eskandari Ashraf , Zhang Weiwei , Wintermark Max
Published: March 2013

Background and Purpose—

To determine whether infarct core or penumbra is the more significant predictor of outcome in acute ischemic stroke, and whether the results are affected by the statistical method used.

Methods—

Clinical and imaging data were collected in 165 patients with acute ischemic stroke. We reviewed the noncontrast head computed tomography (CT) to determine the Alberta Score Program Early CT score and assess for hyperdense middle cerebral artery. We reviewed CT-angiogram for site of occlusion and collateral flow score. From perfusion-CT, we calculated the volumes of infarct core and ischemic penumbra. Recanalization status was assessed on early follow-up imaging. Clinical data included age, several time points, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale at admission, treatment type, and modified Rankin score at 90 days. Two multivariate regression analyses were conducted to determine which variables predicted outcome best. In the first analysis, we did not include recanalization status among the potential predicting variables. In the second, we included recanalization status and its interaction between perfusion-CT variables.

Results—

Among the 165 study patients, 76 had a good outcome (modified Rankin score ≤2) and 89 had a poor outcome (modified Rankin score >2). In our first analysis, the most important predictors were age (
P
<0.001) and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale at admission (
P
=0.001). The imaging variables were not important predictors of outcome (
P
>0.05). In the second analysis, when the recanalization status and its interaction with perfusion-CT variables were included, recanalization status and perfusion-CT penumbra volume became the significant predictors (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

Imaging prediction of tissue fate, more specifically imaging of the ischemic penumbra, matters only if recanalization can also be predicted.
La rhétorique au cœur de l’examen réfutatif socratique : le jeu des émotions dans le Gorgias
Authors: Collobert Catherine
Published: March 2013

Abstract

This paper attempts to demonstrate that the Socratic critique of Gorgias’ rhetoric is not merely destructive, but actually constructive and leads to the consideration of an important rhetorical component in Socratic cross-examination, as practised in the Gorgias. I argue that the Socratic critique of rhetoric is based on the moral neutrality of Sophistic rhetoric, defining it first as a tool, then as an art of manipulation, which might lead to immoralism, as embodied by Callicles. Yet there is a positive manipulation that is practised by Socrates. Having as its devices irony and parrhêsia, it aims at a psychological destabilisation of the interlocutor through the emotion of shame. In fact, shame appears to be a powerful means of refutation. Yet the destabilisation does not cause the interlocutor to adhere to a new belief and to arouse in him pleasure, as in the case of Gorgias’ rhetoric, but rather it seeks to provoke the desire to philosophise.
The Cholevinae of Romania (exclusive of Leptodirini) (Coleoptera, Leiodidae) with special reference to the hypogeal records
Authors: NITZU EUGEN
Published: March 2013

The first catalogue of the Romanian Cholevinae (excluding Leptodirini) is presented, based on revised and new records. The overall distribution and distribution in Romania are documented for every species, with particular reference to subterranean environment (caves and subterranean superficial environment). Epigeal and hypogeal records are listed separately. Thirty two of forty nine species group taxa recorded in the Romanian fauna occur both in the epigeal and subterranean environment, 14 of them frequently recorded in the latter. Many species, dependant on the subterranean environment during certain stages of their life cycle, are considered troglophilic or subtroglophilic: Choleva cisteloides dacica Jeannel 1922, Ch. glauca Britten, 1918, Catops picipes Fabricius, 1792, C. longulus Kellner, 1846 and C. tristis Panzer, 1874. The Romanian fauna of Cholevinae is more similar to that of the Central Europe than the Balkan Peninsula.
A new synonym of Sericothrips from China and Japan (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)
Authors: MIRAB-BALOU MAJID , MINOURA KAZUSHIGE , TONG XIAO-LI
Published: March 2013

Nine species are listed in the genus Sericothrips (Thripidae: Sericothripinae) (Mound 2013), and all of these species have the abdominal tergites completely covered with microtrichia medially (Mound & Tree 2009). S. marginalis Kudô was described from Japan on a large number of specimens, including a micropterous holotype and macropterous females and micropterous males. These specimens were collected from plants in the families Poaceae and Fabaceae (Kudô 1991). Specimens from Japan were examined by the first author (including one paratype in SCAU), and three paratypes were also checked by the second author and compared with Chinese specimens of S. houji (Chou & Feng 1990). We were not able to find any character differences between these two species, and therefore place S. marginalis in synonymy with S. houji.
The Low-Frequency Variability of the Southern Ocean Circulation
Authors: Giarolla Emanuel , Matano Ricardo P.
Published: March 2013

Long time series of sea surface height (SSH), sea surface temperature, and wind stress curl are used to determine the main modes of low-frequency variability of the Southern Ocean (SO) circulation. The dominant mode is a trend of increasing SSH at an average rate of 3.3 mm yr−1. Similar trends have been reported in previous studies and the analysis indicates that the tendency of sea level increase over the SO has become more spatially homogeneous during the last decade, with changes in the increasing rate in 2000 and 2006. The other modes consist of stationary, basin-type modes, and an eastward-propagating wave. The stationary modes are particularly dominant in the Indian and Atlantic Ocean basins, where their spatial structure appears to be shaped by the basin geometry and the bottom topography. The wavelike patterns travel eastward with a period of approximately 10 years. Two waves were identified in the analysis: a complete cycle between 1997 and 2007 and a second cycle starting in 2000. Such waves have rarely been mentioned or identified in studies using recent satellite-derived SSH products.
Ocean Warming Effect on Surface Gravity Wave Climate Change for the End of the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Fan Yalin , Held Isaac M. , Lin Shian-Jiann , Wang Xiaolan L.
Published: March 2013

Surface wind (U10) and significant wave height (Hs) response to global warming are investigated using a coupled atmosphere–wave model by perturbing the sea surface temperatures (SSTs) with anomalies generated by the Working Group on Coupled Modeling (WGCM) phase 3 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP3) coupled models that use the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report (IPCC AR4)/Special Report on Emissions Scenarios A1B (SRES A1B) scenario late in the twenty-first century.

Several consistent changes were observed across all four realizations for the seasonal means: robust increase of U10 and Hs in the Southern Ocean for both the austral summer and winter due to the poleward shift of the jet stream; a dipole pattern of the U10 and Hs with increases in the northeast sector and decreases at the midlatitude during boreal winter in the North Atlantic due to the more frequent occurrence of the positive phases of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO); and strong decrease of U10 and Hs in the tropical western Pacific Ocean during austral summer, which might be caused by the joint effect of the weakening of the Walker circulation and the large hurricane frequency decrease in the South Pacific.

Changes of the 99th percentile U10 and Hs are twice as strong as changes in the seasonal means, and the maximum changes are mainly dominated by the changes in hurricanes. Robust strong decreases of U10 and Hs in the South Pacific are obtained because of the large hurricane frequency decrease, while the results in the Northern Hemisphere basins differ among the models. An additional sensitivity experiment suggests that the qualitative response of U10 and Hs is not affected by using SST anomalies only and maintaining the radiative forcing unchanged (using 1980 values), as in this study.
Regional, Very Heavy Daily Precipitation in NARCCAP Simulations
Authors: Kawazoe Sho , Gutowski William J.
Published: March 2013

The authors analyze the ability of the North American Regional Climate Change Assessment Program's ensemble of climate models to simulate very heavy daily precipitation and its supporting processes, comparing simulations that used observation-based boundary conditions with observations. The analysis includes regional climate models and a time-slice global climate model that all used approximately half-degree resolution. Analysis focuses on an upper Mississippi River region for winter (December–February), when it is assumed that resolved synoptic circulation governs precipitation. All models generally reproduce the precipitation-versus-intensity spectrum seen in observations well, with a small tendency toward producing overly strong precipitation at high-intensity thresholds, such as the 95th, 99th, and 99.5th percentiles. Further analysis focuses on precipitation events exceeding the 99.5th percentile that occur simultaneously at several points in the region, yielding so-called “widespread events.” Examination of additional fields shows that the models produce very heavy precipitation events for the same physical conditions seen in the observations.
A New Expression for the Form Stress Term in the Vertically Lagrangian Mean Framework for the Effect of Surface Waves on the Upper-Ocean Circulation
Authors: Aiki Hidenori , Greatbatch Richard J.
Published: March 2013

There is an ongoing discussion in the community concerning the wave-averaged momentum equations in the hybrid vertically Lagrangian and horizontally Eulerian (VL) framework and, in particular, the form stress term (representing the residual effect of pressure perturbations) that is thought to restrict the handling of higher-order waves in terms of a perturbation expansion. The present study shows that the traditional pressure-based form stress term can be transformed into a set of terms that do not contain any pressure quantities but do contain the time derivative of a wave-induced velocity. This wave-induced velocity is referred to as the pseudomomentum in the VL framework, as it is analogous to the generalized pseudomomentum in Andrews and McIntyre. This enables the second expression for the wave-averaged momentum equations in the VL framework (this time for the development of the total transport velocity minus the VL pseudomomentum) to be derived together with the vortex force. The velocity-based expression of the form stress term also contains the residual effect of the turbulent viscosity, which is useful for understanding the dissipation of wave energy leading to a transfer of momentum from waves to circulation. It is found that the concept of the virtual wave stress of Longuet-Higgins is applicable to quite general situations: it does not matter whether there is wind forcing or not, the waves can have slow variations, and the viscosity coefficient can vary in the vertical. These results provide a basis for revisiting the surface boundary condition used in numerical circulation models.
Nkrabea and Yuan in Akan and Chinese
Authors: Asante Molefi Kete , Chai Rosemary
Published: March 2013

There are two central propositions in our epistemological essay on culture and communication in human communities. The first is that Western scholars tend to study African and Asian cultures in relationship only to Western culture. Therefore, one may see comparative studies of American and Japanese responses to communication or British and Nigerian systems of values and respect. What is rare is to see how Japanese and Nigerian cultures interact, compare, or contrast. The second proposition is that most research work done in the social sciences and communication carries forth concepts and ideas grounded in Western epistemology. Ideas that originate in ancient Asian and African cultures are slighted for those that have emerged out of the Greek-Roman cultural matrix. By exploring the concept of destiny, we seek to demonstrate how African and Asian concepts can provide important information about the way humans communicate. Thus, nkrabea and yuan from the Akan and Chinese cultures are examined for communication implications.
How Composers Approach Teaching Composition
Authors: Randles Clint , Sullivan Mark
Published: March 2013

Composition pedagogy is explored from the perspective of a composer and a music teacher educator in this article. The primary goal is to help practicing music teachers develop strategies that will encourage students to create original music. The authors provide reflection about the process of helping students compose on the basis of personal experience composing and teaching young composers, via the work of leading scholars in music education and by using narrative excerpts and musical examples. Key strategies are identified that contribute to the successful teaching of composition, particularly at the beginning, middle, and the end of musical compositions. Contributing most notably to this discussion is the use of terminology in teacher feedback.
Model resolution in complex systems simulation: Agent preferences, behavior, dynamics and n-tiered networks
Authors: Ch’ng Eugene
Published: March 2013

Agent-based modeling is a process of representing and simulating the intentions, behaviors and actions of complex systems with the goal of understanding specific phenomena related to the communications within complex systems that produce emergent behavior and self-organization, or for predicting spatial or behavioral patterns of individuals or groups of interacting entities. Agent-based modeling, also termed multi-agent systems, or in ecological simulation, individual-based models, spans simple to highly complex systems; their interactions can be difficult to implement and optimize programmatically, particularly when there could be hundreds of thousands of agents within a community that have multiple levels of communication. The resolution and the scale of simulation is an especially important component that could determine the accuracy of the models. This article focuses on the model resolution of complex systems, facilitated by an object-oriented communications framework, a foundation for the simulation of the fine resolution of the dynamics, behavior, preferences, interaction and n-tiered trophic networks, including the simulated environments they inhabit. It dissects individual agents with a view to modeling and simulating fine behaviors amongst a population of agent types in n-tiered networks, scalable to hundreds of thousands of species using mathematically defined behavior, efficient algorithms and adaptive data structures as support for the simulations.
Finding Sustainability in Conservative Contexts: Topics for Conversation between American Conservative Élites, Planners and the Conservative Base
Authors: Whittemore Andrew
Published: March 2013

Sustainability’s reception is dependent upon its presentation. While academics may be reaching the consensus that pursuing sustainability requires at least a triple-bottom-line approach, in practice, planners, legislators and other leaders often choose an approach that best suits their needs. In north central Texas, this has in recent years meant an approach with a focus on fiscal matters. Whatever the pro-market flavour of sustainability practice in north central Texas, elements of the conservative base have resented its pursuit. Because planners and legislators in north central Texas have muddled their concept of sustainability with jargon, conflated it with other causes and failed clearly to justify its pursuit, elements of the conservative base have interpreted sustainability as an externally motivated, threatening agenda. This paper presents eight points for planners and other leaders to consider when framing sustainability in conservative contexts for the purpose of finding for positive dialogue and outcomes.
Who Lives in Higher Density Housing? A Study of Spatially Discontinuous Housing Sub-markets in Sydney and Melbourne
Authors: Randolph Bill , Tice Andrew
Published: March 2013

Compact city urban policies are promoting higher density housing outcomes across many metropolitan areas. Consequently, the development of higher density housing in the form of apartments is becoming a major feature of the contemporary urban housing market. Understanding the demand driving this market has therefore become a critical issue for planners. However, traditional housing market analyses offer limited insight into what is essentially a three-dimensional housing market operating in a spatially fragmented manner. This paper uses the concept of spatially discontinuous housing markets to unpack the structure of the current demand for apartments in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia’s largest cities. It therefore offers a new analytical tool to improve understanding of high density housing markets as well as providing new insights into how such markets are structured at a time when planning policies and markets are delivering significantly greater quantities of this form of housing in many comparable urban areas.
A novel robust proportional navigation guidance law design for missile considering autopilot dynamic
Authors: Moosapour Seyyed Sajjad , Alizadeh Ghasem , Khanmohammadi Sohrab , Moosapour Hamzeh
Published: March 2013

In this paper, a novel robust proportional navigation guidance (RPNG) law is derived for missiles by integrating sliding mode control theory and proportional navigation guidance law in order to achieve robustness against target accelerations. A first-order autopilot dynamic is taken into account in the state space equations of the nonlinear missile-target engagement dynamic. The robustness of the designed guidance law against external disturbances is proved by the second method of Lyapunov. Some coefficients that appear in the proposed RPNG law are obtained using the genetic algorithm. Performance of the new designed guidance law is compared with the well known augmented proportional navigation guidance (APNG) law. Considering different types of target accelerations and several scenarios, numerical simulations are presented. Simulation results show that the proposed guidance law has much better robustness in comparison with the APNG law. Moreover, it is simple and easy to implement from the point of view of practical applications.
Ho:Yag Laser for Sialolithiasis of Wharton's Duct
Authors: Martellucci Salvatore , Pagliuca Giulio , de Vincentiis Marco , Greco Antonio , Fusconi Massimo , De Virgilio Armando , Gallipoli Camilla , Gallo Andrea
Published: March 2013

Objective

To assess the feasibility of intracorporeal lithotripsy with holmium YAG laser under sialoendoscopic guidance for sialolithiasis of Wharton's duct.

Study Design

Case series with planned data collection.

Setting

Tertiary referral university hospital.

Methods

This study was conducted on 16 patients with sialolithiasis of Wharton's duct. Diagnosis was confirmed at ultrasound examination. Patients with stones ranging from 5 to 8 mm in diameter were enrolled in the study. The selected patients underwent intracorporeal lithotripsy with holmium Yag laser under endoscopic control. Debris was removed using sialoendoscopic forceps or a wire basket during the same procedure. After a 3‐month follow‐up, radiological tests were rerun.

Results

Stone fragmentation was possible in all cases. All patients experienced a regular postoperative course. Postoperative ultrasound examinations revealed residual stones in 3 patients, 1 of whom was asymptomatic. Three patients complained of residual symptoms after 3 months of follow‐up. These patients were treated successfully during a second sialoendoscopic procedure.

Conclusions

In our experience, endoscopic laser lithotripsy was proved to be a feasible technique for Wharton's duct lithiasis in clinical practice.
Advance care planning education in pulmonary rehabilitation: A qualitative study exploring participant perspectives
Authors: Burge Angela T , Lee Annemarie , Nicholes Mandy , Purcell Stephanie , Miller Belinda , Norris Naomi , McArdle Sarah , Sandilands Sean , Holland Anne E
Published: March 2013

Background:

Advance care planning is considered to have an important role in the management of people with chronic lung disease; however, uptake in clinical practice remains limited. Participant acceptance of the inclusion of an advance care planning information session in pulmonary rehabilitation and maintenance programmes could support a practical solution.

Aim:

To evaluate the introduction of a structured group advance care planning information session from the perspective of participants in pulmonary rehabilitation and maintenance programmes.

Design:

Prospective qualitative study with semi-structured interview transcripts analysed using iterative thematic analysis.

Setting/participants:

Participants in pulmonary rehabilitation and maintenance programmes at a tertiary metropolitan hospital and two affiliated community sites.

Results:

Sixty-seven participants with a range of chronic lung diseases were interviewed with ages ranging from 39 to 88 years, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) ranging from 18% to 130% predicted and 6-min walk distance ranging from 105 to 619 m. Sixteen participants (24%) had previously heard of advance care planning. Major themes were that participants valued the advance care planning information and thought pulmonary rehabilitation was an appropriate setting. The group education format was well accepted and perceived to have advantages over individual sessions. Participants were happy to receive the information from a non-medical facilitator. Non-attendees had usually missed the session for reasons unrelated to content. A small number of participants felt advance care planning was not appropriate for them, but all recognised its value for other participants.

Conclusions:

Participants in our pulmonary rehabilitation and maintenance programmes value the opportunity to participate in a structured, group-based advance care planning session. Consideration should be given to broader inclusion of advance care planning education into existing pulmonary rehabilitation and maintenance programmes for people with chronic respiratory disease.
The active layer: A conceptual review of monitoring, modelling techniques and changes in a warming climate
Authors: Bonnaventure Philip P. , Lamoureux Scott F.
Published: March 2013

This paper provides a review of research and techniques that focus on the seasonally thawed portion of the Earth above permafrost terrain known as the active layer. The paper examines various different conceptual active layer systems, identifying five active layer types: bedrock (Type I), rock glacier or debris covered (Type II), mineral soil (Type III), organic mat or soil (Type IV) and submerged (Type V) active layer systems. These systems can be independent or mixed (frequently) in a permafrost environment, but all respond differently to climatic change or disturbance based on the thermal properties of the material and ice/water content. The review also highlights various active layer monitoring techniques including: probing, the Circumpolar Active Layer Monitoring Program (CALM) and frost tubes. Active layer modelling techniques are also reviewed, including the Stefan and the Kudryavtsev equations. In addition, the study highlights the active layer in a changing climate, examining the sensitivities of this layer to changes in temperature, precipitation and surface changes. Although the active layer has been well studied, knowledge gaps still exist including conflicting definitions between the thermal definition (0°C) and the physical definition (frozen water), which can become significant in areas with pore water that contains high levels of dissolved solids.
Experimental determination of atmospheric pressure effects on flames from small-scale pool fires
Authors: Tao Changfa , Cai Xin , Wang Xishi
Published: March 2013

A small steel box, whose size was 1.0 m × 1.0 m ×1.0 m, was built for studying the flame characteristics of small pool fires. The pressure inside this box could be altered by a vacuum pump as a laboratory test rig. The fuels including gasoline and n-heptane were tested. The flame height and the flame pulsation frequency of the small-scale pool fires were experimentally determined. The results show that the flame height is proportional to the ambient pressure, and it will decrease with reducing ambient pressure. The flame pulsation frequency also decreased with reducing ambient pressure, and the laminar flame occurs when the ambient pressure is low enough. Some theory models were developed to explain this phenomenon in experiments.
Vitamin A Status After Prophylactic Intramuscular Vitamin A Supplementation in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Chabra Shilpi , Mayock Dennis E. , Zerzan Joan , Bittner Rachel , Neufeld Michael D. , Gleason Christine A.
Published: March 2013

Background: Vitamin A supplementation (VAS) is recommended to prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Our objective was to evaluate the effect of VAS on vitamin A (VA) status. We hypothesized that VAS would improve VA status in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. Materials and Methods: Retrospective chart review of infants 1 year before and after initiation of VAS (5000 IU 3 times a week intramuscularly [IM]; total 12 doses). Linear regression was used to model impact of VAS on VA status (retinol level and retinol/retinol binding protein [RBP] ratio). Models were adjusted for time and generalized estimating equations were used to account for intraindividual correlation. Results: Sixty‐seven infants (mean gestational age 26 ± 2 weeks; mean body weight 803 ± 142 g) were included; 35 received VAS and 32 did not (no‐VAS). Both groups had similar baseline characteristics. Infants who received VAS had mean retinol levels that were 9.0 mcg/dL (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.9–13.2; P < .001) higher and mean retinol/RBP ratios that were 0.21 (95% CI, 0.07–0.36; P = .005) higher than the no‐VAS group. Retinol and retinol/RBP ratio increased with time (P < .001). Fewer infants in the VAS group had VA deficiency (retinol/RBP ratios <0.7) compared with the no‐VAS group. Culture‐positive sepsis was more common in the VAS group (48% vs 12%; P = .002). Conclusions: VA status in ELBW infants was improved and maintained over the first month of life with IM VAS. Because of concerns for potential risks of repeated injections, further studies are indicated to evaluate the optimal mode of VA delivery in preterm infants.
Evaluation of the New York Posture Rating Chart for Assessing Changes in Postural Alignment in a Garment Study
Authors: McRoberts Lisa Barona , Cloud Rinn M. , Black Catherine M.
Published: March 2013

The New York Posture Rating (NYPR) was evaluated for assessing postural alignment changes in a garment study as captured in photographs and body scans. The posture of 15 pre-menopausal females aged 40 to 55 were assessed while wearing a control and a posture support garment. The scale was successfully applied with good rater reliability for photographs (0.77) and body scans (0.91). Overall photographic posture assessments were not significant, however, two body segments showed improvement. Overall body scan posture assessments revealed significant improvement for the posture support garment, and improvement in one body segment (neck). Paired t –test comparison of NYPR from photographs and body scans were not significantly different in the posture support garment and significantly different for the control. Possible solutions are discussed. Overall results, support the potential use of the NYPR in studies of garment effects on posture and the body scans as an assessment tool.
Computational fluid dynamics investigation of thermal–hydraulic characteristics for a steam generator with and without tube support plates
Authors: Yang Yuanlong , Sun Baozhi , Li Yanjun , Yang Liu , Zheng Lusong
Published: March 2013

A three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics model with the thermal phase change model is used to investigate the thermal–hydraulic characteristics of a steam generator with and without quatrefoil tube support plates. The two types of modeled designs are a unit pipe with and one without tube support plates. The computational fluid dynamics simulations capture the boiling phenomena, vortex and recirculation distributions, and the periodic characteristics of the circumferential wall temperature in the regions surrounding the tube support plates. The cross-flow energy responsible for flow-induced vibration damage in the region of the U-bend tubes is obtained with the aid of these localized thermal–hydraulic distributions. A comparison between the key parameters of the unit pipe models with and without tube support plates clearly reveals the influence of tube support plates in guiding flow behavior and alleviating flow-induced vibration damage for a steam generator’s U-bend tube bundle. Therefore, this computational fluid dynamics model can provide technical support for optimizing tube support plate design and improving the thermal–hydraulic characteristics of steam generator.
Perceptions of a small farming community on land use change and a changing countryside: A case-study from Flanders
Authors: Rogge Elke , Dessein Joost
Published: March 2013

In Flanders (Belgium), as throughout other parts of Europe, a decrease in the total number of full-time farms and a concentration of production in fewer and larger full-time farms can be recorded. Meanwhile, developments in other sectors in the economy, such as higher incomes, more free time and greater mobility, have increased demand for wildlife, landscape, leisure and outdoor recreation as an integral part of the countryside. These trends have major impacts on the countryside in general. These profound changes within both the agricultural sector and society are not simple and distinct processes, but are often complex and reciprocal. In this research we try to unravel this complex and reciprocal relationship by focussing on the production factor land and the bond that the individual farmer as well as the farming community has with it. More specifically, we want to provide insight in the way changes in land use and transformations of the countryside are acknowledged and evaluated among the farming community. In order to do this we propose a methodology which combines in-depth interviews with focus group discussions centred around visualized spatial data. This method allows us to get a better understanding of the perception farmers have of land and the value they attach to it. It also provides us with a better insight into the less visible changes in the social fabric of the countryside (such as the apparent tensions between retired and active farmers, tensions between part-time and fulltime farmers and the suspicion of traditional farmers towards multifunctional farmers).
Human Resource Development Climate in India: Examining the Psychometric Properties of HRD Climate Survey Instrument
Authors: Chaudhary Richa , Rangnekar Santosh , Barua Mukesh
Published: March 2013

The purpose of the present study was to examine the psychometric properties of scores from human resource development (HRD) climate survey instrument by Rao and Abraham (1986). Data were obtained from 403 Indian business executives working in both public and private sector business organizations. Six interpretable factors were extracted as a result of exploratory factor analysis instead of three dimensional structure proposed by the authors of the scale. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) results provided support for the superiority of six factor model over alternative models. All the six factors were found to be internally consistent. Results indicated that Rao and Abraham’s scale with sound psychometric properties showed promise for HRD research. Establishing the psychometric properties of the instrument will further accelerate the HRD research in India. Importantly, the study has made an attempt to address the lack of research and practice on organizational climate, which is a matter of concern as expressed by several researchers, and revive the interest in climate studies to some extent.
Economic and Business Environment
Authors: Pandey Asheesh
Published: March 2013

Ruchir Sharma, Break Out Nations: In Pursuit of the Next Economic Miracles. New Delhi: Allen Lane, 2012, 291 pp., ₹ 530 (Hardback). ISBN: 978-1-846-14556-8
General Management
Authors: Jacob Wallace
Published: March 2013

Leonard A. Schlesinger, Charles F. Kiefer and Paul B. Brown, Just Start: Take Action Embrace Uncertainty Create the Future. Massachusetts: Harvard Business Review Press, 2012, xxiv + 197 pp., $27.00 (Hardback). ISBN: 9781422143612
The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same
Authors: Gatenby Bev , Humphries Maria
Published: March 2013

Recent feminist theorising suggests that we view gender as a “stylised repetition of acts” (Butler, 1990, p. 140) and challenges. In an ongoing research project, we have been following and participating in the career development of a group of women graduates for nine years. In this paper we look at the shifting discourses around the notion of career and women's aspirations and the way in which those discourses reconstitute gender in everyday talk. In particular we examine the ways in which the women create and enact meaning for terms such as “career”, “balance”, “success” and “flexibility”. We take a critical look at changing interpretations in the light of current opportunities for women in Aotearoa/ New Zealand.
The Place of Learning and Training in the Transition from School to Full-Time Work
Authors: Smith Erica
Published: March 2013

This paper reports a qualitative study of young people in their first year of full-time work. Interviews with the young people, their TAFE teachers (where appropriate), their parents and their employers gave a rich picture of the young people's experiences. The focus of the study was on what the young people learned and how they learned it and this paper emphasises in particular the importance of learning opportunities in career choices and in subsequent job satisfaction. The importance of the existence of a contract of training is emphasised.
Interview with Paul Stevens
Authors: Athanasou James A.
Published: March 2013

In this section the Australian Journal of Career Development will present a series of interviews with key career professionals in Australia. Paul Stevens is Director of The Centre for Worklife Counselling and recognised both nationally and internationally for his continuing contributions to the careers field. He wrote his first published contribution to adult career development in 1981, Win That Jobl He is Fellow and Life Member of the Australian Association of Career Counsellors, and a recipient of its Career Counselling Excellence Award. Paul has links with the International Board for Career Management Certification and the International Career Planning and Adult Development Network.