bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cleavage of Interferon Regulatory Factor 7 by Enterovirus 71 3C Suppresses Cellular Responses
Authors: Lei Xiaobo , Xiao Xia , Xue Qinghua , Jin Qi , He Bin , Wang Jianwei
Published: November 2012

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is a positive-stranded RNA virus which is capable of inhibiting innate immunity. Among virus-encoded proteins, the 3C protein compromises the type I interferon (IFN-I) response mediated by retinoid acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I) or Toll-like receptor 3 that activates interferon regulatory 3 (IRF3) and IRF7. In the present study, we report that enterovirus 71 downregulates IRF7 through the 3C protein, which inhibits the function of IRF7. When expressed in mammalian cells, the 3C protein mediates cleavage of IRF7 rather than that of IRF3. This process is insensitive to inhibitors of caspase, proteasome, lysosome, and autophagy. H40D substitution in the 3C active site abolishes its activity, whereas R84Q or V154S substitution in the RNA binding motif has no effect. Furthermore, 3C-mediated cleavage occurs at the Q189-S190 junction within the constitutive activation domain of IRF7, resulting in two cleaved IRF7 fragments that are incapable of activating IFN expression. Ectopic expression of wild-type IRF7 limits EV71 replication. On the other hand, expression of the amino-terminal domain of IRF7 enhances EV71 infection, which correlates with its ability to interact with and inhibit IRF3. These results suggest that control of IRF7 by the 3C protein may represent a viral mechanism to escape cellular responses.
An analysis of the content and clinical implications of online advertisements for female genital cosmetic surgery
Authors: Liao Lih-Mei , Taghinejadi Neda , Creighton Sarah M
Published: November 2012

Objectives

Women who are contemplating any form of female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS) are likely to seek information from provider websites. The aim of this study is to examine the breadth, depth and quality of clinical information communicated to women on 10 popular sites and to discuss the implications of the results.

Methods

The content of online advertisement from 10 private providers that offer FGCS procedures was examined according to 16 information categories relating to indications for surgery, types of procedure, risks and benefits.

Results

FGCS procedures were presented on all of the provider websites as an effective treatment for genital appearance concerns. No explanation for presenting clinical complaints was found. There was scanty reference to appearance diversity. Only minimal scientific information on outcomes or risks could be identified. There was no mention of potential alternative ways for managing appearance concerns or body dissatisfaction.

Conclusions

The quality and quantity of clinical information in FGCS provider sites is poor, with erroneous information in some instances. Impeccable professionalism and ethical integrity is crucial for this controversial practice. Clear and detailed guidelines on how to raise the standard of information to women on all aspects of FGCS are urgently needed.
Approximate Analytic and Numerical Solutions to Lane‐Emden Equation via Fuzzy Modeling Method
Authors: Wang De-Gang , Song Wen-Yan , Shi Peng , Karimi Hamid Reza
Published: November 2012

A novel algorithm, called variable weight fuzzy marginal linearization (VWFML) method, is proposed. This method can supply approximate analytic and numerical solutions to Lane‐Emden equations. And it is easy to be implemented and extended for solving other nonlinear differential equations. Numerical examples are included to demonstrate the validity and applicability of the developed technique.
Airborne Infrared and Visible Image Fusion for Target Perception Based on Target Region Segmentation and Discrete Wavelet Transform
Authors: Niu Yifeng , Xu Shengtao , Wu Lizhen , Hu Weidong
Published: November 2012

Infrared and visible image fusion is an important precondition of realizing target perception for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), then UAV can perform various given missions. Information of texture and color in visible images are abundant, while target information in infrared images is more outstanding. The conventional fusion methods are mostly based on region segmentation; as a result, the fused image for target recognition could not be actually acquired. In this paper, a novel fusion method of airborne infrared and visible image based on target region segmentation and discrete wavelet transform (DWT) is proposed, which can gain more target information and preserve more background information. The fusion experiments are done on condition that the target is unmoving and observable both in visible and infrared images, targets are moving and observable both in visible and infrared images, and the target is observable only in an infrared image. Experimental results show that the proposed method can generate better fused image for airborne target perception.
Optimum Design of Gravity Retaining Walls Using Charged System Search Algorithm
Authors: Talatahari S. , Sheikholeslami R. , Shadfaran M. , Pourbaba M.
Published: November 2012

This study focuses on the optimum design retaining walls, as one of the familiar types of the retaining walls which may be constructed of stone masonry, unreinforced concrete, or reinforced concrete. The material cost is one of the major factors in the construction of gravity retaining walls therefore, minimizing the weight or volume of these systems can reduce the cost. To obtain an optimal seismic design of such structures, this paper proposes a method based on a novel meta‐heuristic algorithm. The algorithm is inspired by the Coulomb′s and Gauss’s laws of electrostatics in physics, and it is called charged system search (CSS). In order to evaluate the efficiency of this algorithm, an example is utilized. Comparing the results of the retaining wall designs obtained by the other methods illustrates a good performance of the CSS. In this paper, we used the Mononobe‐Okabe method which is one of the pseudostatic approaches to determine the dynamic earth pressure.
Analysis on the Synergy Evolutionary Development of the Collecting, Distributing, and Transporting System of Railway Heavy Haul Transportation
Authors: Feng Fenling , Lan Dan , Yang Liuwen
Published: November 2012

A synergy evolutionary model of the collecting, distributing, and transporting system of railway heavy haul transportation is built by introducing synergy‐related concepts and applying synergy evolutionary theory. Then spline interpolation method, numerical differential five‐point formula, and method of least squares are used to solve synergistic coefficient, while fourth‐order Rugge‐kutta method and fourth‐order Adams linear implicit formula method are used to solve coevolutionary curve of the system. Finally, the heavy load transportation of Daqin Railway is an example of the empirical analysis. The research result shows that the degree of order of the system and its three subsystems—collecting, transporting, and distributing—increases as the synergetic coefficient of the subsystems increases; otherwise, the degree of the order will decrease. It also shows that this model can better analyze the coevolutionary process of the heavy load collecting, distributing, and transporting system of Daqin Railway, with its rationality and applicability verified.
On a System of Nonlinear Variational Inclusions with Hh,η‐Monotone Operators
Authors: Liu Zeqing , Ume Jeong Sheok , Kang Shin Min
Published: November 2012

This paper is concerned mainly with the existence and iterative approximation of solutions for a system of nonlinear variational inclusions involving the strongly Hh,η‐monotone operators in Hilbert spaces. The results presented in this paper extend, improve, and unify many known results in the literature.
A ±6 ms‐Accuracy, 0.68 mm2, and 2.21 μW QRS Detection ASIC
Authors: Huang Sheng-Chieh , Wang Hui-Min , Chen Wei-Yu
Published: November 2012

Healthcare issues arose from population aging. Meanwhile, electrocardiogram (ECG) is a powerful measurement tool. The first step of ECG is to detect QRS complexes. A state‐of‐the‐art QRS detection algorithm was modified and implemented to an application‐specific integrated circuit (ASIC). By the dedicated architecture design, the novel ASIC is proposed with 0.68 mm2 core area and 2.21 μW power consumption. It is the smallest QRS detection ASIC based on 0.18 μm technology. In addition, the sensitivity is 95.65% and the positive prediction of the ASIC is 99.36% based on the MIT/BIH arrhythmia database certification.
SNP Discovery through Next-Generation Sequencing and Its Applications
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Banks Travis W. , Cloutier Sylvie
Published: November 2012

The decreasing cost along with rapid progress in next-generation sequencing and related bioinformatics computing resources has facilitated large-scale discovery of SNPs in various model and nonmodel plant species. Large numbers and genome-wide availability of SNPs make them the marker of choice in partially or completely sequenced genomes. Although excellent reviews have been published on next-generation sequencing, its associated bioinformatics challenges, and the applications of SNPs in genetic studies, a comprehensive review connecting these three intertwined research areas is needed. This paper touches upon various aspects of SNP discovery, highlighting key points in availability and selection of appropriate sequencing platforms, bioinformatics pipelines, SNP filtering criteria, and applications of SNPs in genetic analyses. The use of next-generation sequencing methodologies in many non-model crops leading to discovery and implementation of SNPs in various genetic studies is discussed. Development and improvement of bioinformatics software that are open source and freely available have accelerated the SNP discovery while reducing the associated cost. Key considerations for SNP filtering and associated pipelines are discussed in specific topics. A list of commonly used software and their sources is compiled for easy access and reference.
Archaeol: An Indicator of Methanogenesis in Water-Saturated Soils
Authors: Lim Katie L. H. , Pancost Richard D. , Hornibrook Edward R. C. , Maxfield Peter J. , Evershed Richard P.
Published: November 2012

Oxic soils typically are a sink for methane due to the presence of high-affinity methanotrophicBacteriacapable of oxidising methane. However, soils experiencing water saturation are able to host significant methanogenic archaeal communities, potentially affecting the capacity of the soil to act as a methane sink. In order to provide insight into methanogenic populations in such soils, the distribution of archaeol in free and conjugated forms was investigated as an indicator of fossilised and living methanogenic biomass using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with selected ion monitoring. Of three soils studied, only one organic matter-rich site contained archaeol in quantifiable amounts. Assessment of the subsurface profile revealed a dominance of archaeol bound by glycosidic headgroups over phospholipids implying derivation from fossilised biomass. Moisture content, through control of organic carbon and anoxia, seemed to govern trends in methanogen biomass. Archaeol and crenarchaeol profiles differed, implying the former was not of thaumarcheotal origin. Based on these results, we propose the use of intact archaeol as a useful biomarker for methanogen biomass in soil and to track changes in moisture status and aeration related to climate change.
Simultaneous Spectrophotometric Estimation of Artesunate and Mefloquine
Authors: Kalyankar T. M. , Kakade R. B. , Attar M. S. , Kamble A. R.
Published: November 2012

A simple, rapid, precise, and accurate UV‐visible spectrophotometric method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of Artesunate in combination with Mefloquine. For developing the method, methanol was used as a solvent. Artesunate and Mefloquine showed λmax     at  240 nm and 222 nm, respectively. The proposed method was validated as per ICH guideline. The linearity range of Artesunate and Mefloquine were 10–60 and 20–120 μg/mL, respectively. 99.91  ±  0.2740 and 99.56 ± 0.2067  these value represent the percent recovery of Artesunate and Mefloquine respectively The correlation coefficients of Artesunate and Mefloquine were 0.999, and 0.999, respectively. The relative standard deviation for six replicates was always less than 2%. The statistical analysis proves that the method is suitable for the analysis of Artesunate and Mefloquine as the bulk drugs and in pharmaceutical formulation without any interference from the excipients.
The measurement of burden of care in serious mental illness: A qualitative review
Authors: Vella Shae-Leigh , Pai Nagesh
Published: November 2012

Objective:

Caring for someone with serious mental illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder can result in considerable consequences for the caregiver. Carers often experience a range of negative emotions, impacts upon their physical and mental health, as well as financial strain. Resultant from these impacts, carers utilise medical services at a higher rate than their non-caregiving counterparts. Further, these consequences of caregiving can also impact upon the patient, resulting in an increase in psychopathology and relapse. Although the notion of burden has been studied for approximately 60 years, many flaws and inadequacies remain; most notably, a lack of agreement on the definition of the construct along with the poor psychometric properties of the burden assessment instruments.

Method:

This article reviews and evaluates the measures of burden of care that have been utilised with carers of people with a serious mental illness. A systematic search was conducted and all articles that had measured burden of care in schizophrenia or bipolar disorder in the database PUBMED were reviewed to ascertain the measure utilised.

Results:

Ten different measures were subsequently identified and eight were reviewed; two were excluded on the basis that they had only been utilised once.

Conclusions:

It was apparent that many of the measures lacked a strong theoretical basis and sound psychometric properties. Further, some of the measures lacked utility, feasibility and specificity. The article concludes with recommendations for future research.
Beneath rational choice: Elements of ‘irrational choice theory’
Authors: Zafirovski Milan
Published: November 2012

This article re-examines the prevalent view that classical/neoclassical economics contains only bases or ingredients of rational choice theory, i.e., the economic model of human action and society. Instead, it proposes that elements or implications of alternative ‘irrational choice theory’ also coexist with those of ‘rational choice’ and are relatively important in much of classical and neoclassical economics. The article identifies and considers certain elements and implications of irrational choice theory in classical and neoclassical economics. These consist of the reality, possibility, and realm –i.e., conception and observation – of irrational choices in the economy. The article contributes to understanding better how traditional economics relates to contemporary economic-sociological rational choice theory and its alternative.
Structures of globalization: Evidence from the worldwide network of bilateral investment treaties (1959–2009)
Authors: Bandelj Nina , Mahutga Matthew C
Published: November 2012

Existing sociological theories of international relations yield contrasting predictions for their structure that range from an increasingly dense and universally tied network to networks in which ties tend to concentrate within or between certain types of economically, politically or culturally defined blocs. We contribute to this growing body of empirical research by analyzing original data on the complete worldwide network of bilateral investment treaties (BITs) as it has evolved over the course of 50 years since its inception in 1959. We find that the number of BITs increases almost exponentially over time to include nearly all of the world’s countries. However, the density of ties between advanced capitalist and others is stronger than for any other dyadic types. We also find patterns of regional homophily, but only in Asia, East Asia, Postsocialist Europe and Eurasia, and North Africa/Middle East. These findings suggest that existing explanations of globalization are more complementary than contending. Theorizing about any particular global outcome thus requires attention to the simultaneity of material and cultural forces and the interplay of transnational and local socio-historical developments. Our analysis of the structure of the BIT network also helps explain the weak link between foreign direct investment and BITs discovered in previous research.
The effects of trust on victimization in Colombia
Authors: Cuesta José , Alda Erik
Published: November 2012

The allegedly complex relationship between trust and victimization has rarely been modeled and, when done, the effect of trust on victimization has been found not statistically significant. This study finds otherwise, estimating an instrumental model with community data from Cali, Colombia. Cali’s dismal levels of victimization were only second to Medellin, the most violent city of the world in the 1990s. But Cali also pioneered a strategy of social capital formation as the backbone of a deliberate public policy to crack down on high levels of crime. This article first develops a model of victimization that includes interpersonal trust as determinant and then instruments interpersonal trust with district-level average trust. We argue that an individual-specific level of trust in his or her community members does not affect the community level of interpersonal trust in the margin. However, the levels – or perceived levels – of interpersonal trust in the community may affect the specific level of trust of an individual in other members of that community, along with personal characteristics and experience. Using GMM estimates, this study finds evidence of a relationship between interpersonal trust and victimization, statistically significant and negative in sign. The result is robust across specifications of trust, victimization, and estimating techniques. We conclude that increasing trust in trusting communities contributes to reducing victimization in its own right, although the effect is modest. Consequently, strengthening interpersonal trust is another bullet to combat victimization but it is not a silver bullet.
Ethnicity and strategy in the Bosnian civil war
Authors: Costalli Stefano , Moro Francesco Niccolò
Published: November 2012

The impact of ethnicity for the onset of conflicts has often been dismissed in the cross-country empirical literature on civil wars. Recently, however, several studies using disaggregated data have reached different conclusions and highlight the importance of the configuration of ethno-national groups. This article follows the latter approach and investigates a different phenomenon: the impact of ethnic heterogeneity on the severity of violence. Using disaggregated data at municipality level in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we perform a quantitative analysis to assess the impact of various indices of heterogeneity on the number of casualties that occurred in the 1992–95 war in the 109 municipalities composing the country. We argue that in a context where ethnicity plays a key role in shaping rivalry among groups, ethnic polarization, in particular, creates strategic incentives for severe violence as armed groups try to create ethnically homogenous territories in the first phase of the war. By also including the temporal dimension in the analysis, we show that ethnic polarization loses its impact as the war evolves over time; therefore, the geographic location of the municipalities becomes the best predictor of severe clashes because as the war goes on, ethnic groups shift their objective from creating internally homogenous municipalities to consolidating wider areas. As such, municipalities located on politically and militarily relevant frontlines experience the highest levels of violence.
A “Buffer” or “Boomerang?”— The Role of Corporate Reputation in Bad Times
Authors: Sohn YJ , Lariscy Ruthann Weaver
Published: November 2012

Is a favorable prior reputation antibiotics or a hemlock cup in times of organizational crisis? To answer this question, the current study casts light on the contextual cues of crises by applying Brown and Dacin’s (1997) concepts of CA (corporate ability) and CSR (corporate social responsibility) and examines how the cues work in different crisis situations and affect the valence of reputation effects. Drawing on the expectancy violations (EV) theory and the cognitive dissonance perspectives, this study opens the door to reconciling contradicting research findings in literature and provides clues to why and when a good reputation yields buffering or boomerang effects in bad times.
Influence of management attitudes on the implementation of employee participation
Authors: Franca Valentina , Pahor Marko
Published: November 2012

This article examines the role of management in the system of employee participation. It builds on the premise that management can have a sizeable impact on how employee participation is put into practice. The authors develop a comprehensive index of employee participation implementation and test the relation between management’s attitudes towards employee participation and the implementation of employee participation in a cross-sectional survey among 225 managers in Slovenia, using a mail-solicited web-based questionnaire. The results indicate a positive link between managers’ support for participation and its actual implementation. If managers perceive a positive link between employee participation and corporate performance they will tend to put such participation into practice to a greater extent.
Who Is the Prophet, and Who the Ass? Role-Reversing Interludes and the Unity of the Balaam Narrative (Numbers 22–24)
Authors: Moyer Clinton J.
Published: November 2012

This article departs from the traditional view that the episode involving Balaam and his donkey (Num. 22.21–35) is an independent insertion that disrupts the Balaam narrative (Num. 22–24). Instead, the focus here is on the manner in which, within this episode, Balaam displays certain characteristics that are associated elsewhere in these three chapters with the Moabite king Balak. Comparison with two other texts, Genesis 38 and 1 Samuel 25, reveals that the presence of such a role-reversal in the donkey episode renders it an indispensable component of the larger narrative. Each of these three texts thus instantiates a trope in which a role-reversing interlude interacts closely with its surrounding context to highlight the rich human complexity of a central figure.
Aging in Community
Authors: Black Kathy , Dobbs Debra , Young Tiffany L.
Published: November 2012

Dignity and independence are widely considered as core concepts to aging well, yet little research has explored how older adults perceive these issues in the context of community life. Moreover, little is known regarding the ways in which the broader public views and enhances aging with dignity and independence with their older residents. Using participatory action research, multiple methods of qualitative inquiry, and tenets of appreciative inquiry, this article reports on a community-based initiative aimed to better understand the positive aspects of aging with dignity and independence. Synthesized findings yielded 6 “actionable themes”: (1) meaningful involvement, (2) aging in place, (3) respect and inclusion, (4) communication and information, (5) transportation and mobility, and (6) health and well-being. The findings invoke a new paradigm for community aging that highlights the unique contributions of older adults as a core social resource. Implications for mobilizing community action to promote aging with dignity and independence are discussed.
Studies on the biocompatibility of bacterial cellulose
Authors: Andrade Fábia K , Alexandre Nuno , Amorim Irina , Gartner Fátima , Maurício Ana Colette , Luís Ana Lúcia , Gama Miguel
Published: November 2012

Bacterial cellulose was functionalized with a chimeric protein containing a cellulose-binding module and the adhesion peptide Arg-Gly-Asp. Small-diameter bacterial cellulose membranes were produced and subcutaneously implanted in sheep for 1–32 weeks. The implants triggered a biological response similar to other high surface-to-volume implants. There were no significant differences in the inflammation degree between the bacterial cellulose coated with the recombinant protein Arg-Gly-Asp–cellulose-binding module and the native bacterial cellulose. The implants were considered to be mildly irritating to the tissue compared to the negative control sample (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene). The analysis of the fluorescence microscopy revealed that, apart from increasing cell adhesion, the presence of Arg-Gly-Asp stimulated an even cell distribution, while the cells on the untreated bacterial cellulose seemed to form aggregates. Furthermore, the cells on the Arg-Gly-Asp–treated bacterial cellulose presented a more elongated morphology. Mechanical tests indicated that the small-diameter bacterial cellulose tubes were more elastic than the human arteries and veins.
More Than Just a Soundtrack
Authors: Hancock Black Hawk , Lorr Michael J.
Published: November 2012

We study the musical genre of punk to discuss how the embodiment of music and musical practices operate as a “technology of the collective.” This furthers our understanding how music, as a cultural form, becomes a tangible resource used in the constitution of collective identity. By utilizing the subculture of hardcore punk as a vehicle for exploration, this approach helps us understand how musical practices operate at the analytical level of embodied practices. We explore how aspects of embodiment illuminate displays of involvement and group membership, as well as solidarity and community. Music becomes the conduit between identity, conventionalized expressions, and the ways people form investments to configure their social worlds.
Caregiver Burden in Parkinson Disease With Dementia Compared to Alzheimer Disease in Korea
Authors: Shin Hyeeun , Youn Jinyoung , Kim Ji Sun , Lee Jun-Young , Cho Jin Whan
Published: November 2012

We compared caregiver burden in Parkinson disease with dementia (PDD) to that in Alzheimer disease (AD) and examined the factors contributing to the burden in PDD. Totally, 42 patients with PDD and 109 patients with AD and their caregivers participated in this study. The caregiver burden was measured using the Burden Interview (BI). Scores of Barthel activities of daily living (BADLs), Mini-Mental State Examination, Clinical Dementia Rating of patients, and score of Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale, and Euro-quality of life of the caregivers were examined. The Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and Hoehn and Yahr stage of the patients were administered to assess burden relating to parkinsonism on PDD. We used multiple linear regression to assess the predictors. The BI of caregivers was higher in PDD (47.9, Standard deviation [SD]: 3.8) than in AD (36.3, SD:2.1). In the AD group, the BI was predicted by cognitive function ((β ± SE: −0.8 ± 0.4, P value =.04) and basic ADL status of patients (β ± SE: −1.3 ± 0.1, P < .001), depressive symptoms (β ± SE: 1.1 ± 0.1, P < .001), and poor quality of life (β ± SE: −0.2 ± 0.1, P = .017) in caregivers. In PDD group, BI was predicted only by scores of Part 1 on the UPDRS (β ± SE: 2.9 ± 1.3, P = .03) of patients and depressive symptoms (β ± SE: 1.1 ± 0.2, P < .001) of the caregivers. We concluded the caregiver burden is higher in PDD than in AD and factors predicting burden are different in AD and PDD. In patients with PDD, the neuropsychiatric problems are the major contributor to caregiver burden.
Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson Disease
Authors: Leroi Iracema , McDonald Kathryn , Pantula Hiranmayi , Harbishettar Vijay
Published: November 2012

Aim:

To compare quality of life, level of disability, and caregiver burden in 3 groups of people with Parkinson disease (PD): those with mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI), those with dementia (PDD), and those with no cognitive impairment (PD-NC).

Background:

Although the cognitive profile of those with PD-MCI and PDD has been well described, little is known about the personal and clinical impact of cognitive impairment and its impact on caregivers.

Method:

Quality of life and disability were measured in 3 groups of participants with PD (PD-NC, n = 54; PD-MCI, n = 48; and PDD, n = 25). The PD-MCI group was classified using Movement Disorder Society Task Force consensus criteria. Caregivers (n = 102) in the 3 groups were assessed using the Zarit Burden Inventory.

Results:

Both quality of life and caregiver burden were similar in the 2 groups without dementia but were significantly different in those with PDD. In contrast, global disability was progressively greater as cognition declined across the 3 PD groups: PD-NC < PD-MCI < PDD and on the Activities of Daily Living scale a step up in impairment was seen with the presence of any cognitive impairment.

Conclusions:

The presence of dementia significantly increases caregiver burden and decreases quality of life. However, even mild levels of cognitive impairment increase disability and overall functional impairment progresses in tandem with cognitive decline.
Governance As a Catalyst for Policy Change
Authors: Kezar Adrianna , Sam Cecile
Published: November 2012

Policymakers and leaders have been calling for changes in the Academy for nontenure-track faculty. This study focuses on the role of governance in creating that policy change, and the practices facilitating their role in changing the institution through governance. Findings include: governance facilitating day-to-day changes, establishing nontenure-track credibility, and dismantling stereotypes; and policies that define faculty roles and enable participation.
From individual to relational strategies: Transforming a manual-based psycho-educational course at school
Authors: Wickström Anette
Published: November 2012

The present article focuses on 13-year-old girls’ meaning-making processes during participation in a manual-based psycho-educational course at school. Drawing on childhood studies and ethnographic investigations of subjectivity, the author explores how the course is realized in practice. The analysis, based on video-recordings of 13 classes, shows that the girls and the teachers, through collective transformation, move the focus from individual potential problems to relational issues. The results demonstrate the weakness of using manual-based educational courses, and indicate that cognitive methods for dealing with negative thoughts could be replaced by exercises designed to deal with interaction and strengthening the individual.
Whitehall wiring: The Communications-Electronics Security Group and the struggle for secure speech
Authors: Aldrich Richard J
Published: November 2012

Britain's Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) enjoys two main roles, signals intelligence and communications security. We know a great deal about signals intelligence but far less about the defensive security side of its activities. This article traces the development and growth of Britain’s communications security establishment as an unknown fourth British secret service during the 1950s and 1960s. This body was the antecedent of the Communications-Electronics Security Group (CESG), the UK's current National Technical Authority. This article focuses on one of the key communications security challenges faced by Whitehall over the last half century, the struggle to achieve secure speech. The lessons to be drawn are that ambitious “big bang” technical projects with requirements specified years ahead are a recipe for failure. Incremental enhancements that draw on commercial solutions are more sustainable and permit adaptation.
Computational studies on fragmentation of brittle materials
Authors: Ghosh A , Kumar V
Published: November 2012

We study dynamic fragmentation of metallic structures using the cracking particles method with obscuration zone. The cracking particles method is an efficient meshfree method for modeling dynamic fracture. Fracture is modeled by a set of crack segments. The cracking particles method does not require the representation of the crack topology. To avoid numerical fracture observed in discrete approaches, we employ obscuration zones proposed by Mott in his analytical work of fragmentation theory. We also study the influence of initial imperfections with different stochastic input parameters on the results.
Fault prognosis of complex mechanical systems based on multi-sensor mixtured hidden semi-Markov models
Authors: Chen Zhongsheng , Yang Yongmin , Hu Zheng , Zeng Qinghu
Published: November 2012

Accurate fault prognosis is of vital importance for condition-based maintenance. As to complex mechanical systems, multiple sensors are often used to collect condition signals and the observation process may rather be non-Gaussian and non-stationary. Traditional hidden semi-Markov models cannot provide adequate representation for multivariate non-Gaussian and non-stationary time series. The innovation of this article is to extend classical hidden semi-Markov models by modeling the observation as a linear mixture of non-Gaussian multi-sensor signals. The proposed model is called as a multi-sensor mixtured hidden semi-Markov model. Under this new framework, modified parameter re-estimation algorithms are derived in detail based on the complete-data expectation maximization algorithm. In the end the proposed prognostic methodology is validated on a practical bearing application. The experimental results show that the proposed method is indeed promising to obtain better prognostic performance than classical hidden semi-Markov models.
Rural perspectives of climate change: A study from Saurastra and Kutch of Western India
Authors: Moghariya Dineshkumar P. , Smardon Richard C.
Published: November 2012

This research reports on rural people’s beliefs and understandings of climate change in the Saurastra/Kutch region of Western India. Results suggest that although most rural respondents have not heard about the scientific concept of climate change, they have detected changes in the climate. They appear to hold divergent understandings about climate change and have different priorities for causes and solutions. Many respondents appear to base their understandings of climate change upon a mix of ideas drawn from various sources and rely on different kinds of reasoning in relation to both causes of and solutions to climate change to those used by scientists. Environmental conditions were found to influence individuals’ understanding of climate change, while demographic factors were not. The results suggest a need to learn more about people’s conceptual models and understandings of climate change and a need to include local climate research in communication efforts.
Health Risk Behaviors Associated With Agrochemical Exposure Among Rice Farmers in a Rural Community, Thailand
Authors: Raksanam Buppha , Taneepanichskul Surasak , Robson Mark G. , Siriwong Wattasit
Published: November 2012

The study objective was to evaluate health beliefs and behaviors associated with agrochemical exposure among rice farmers. We applied the Health Belief Model, community-based ethnography, and public health risk assessment for this study. Data were collected from 101 rice farmers in Khlong Seven community between January and June 2010. Data comprised observations, unstructured and semistructured interviews, and focus group discussions. We showed that farmers had moderate levels of perceived susceptibility to, severity of, benefits of, and barriers to using agrochemicals safely. The major risk factors related to agrochemical exposure resulted from the misuse of pesticides, including erroneous beliefs of farmers regarding pesticide toxicity, the use of faulty spraying equipment, the lack of proper maintenance of spraying equipment, or the lack of protective gear and appropriate clothing. An intervention program is necessary to improve safety with regard to agrochemicals in the rice Khlong Seven community.
Do religious cognitions promote prosociality?
Authors: Harrell Ashley
Published: November 2012

Researchers have long argued that religion increases prosocial behavior, but results are equivocal. Recent findings on priming religious concepts seem to show that religion drives other-regarding behaviors. However, here I suggest that some religious concepts may not only be priming religion, but also anticipated rewards. I present the results of a new experiment that primes reward-related and reward-unrelated religious or secular concepts. Results show that priming reward-related concepts positively impacts prosocial behavior (specifically, generosity), regardless of their religious content. Religious cognitions alone are not sufficient to elicit generosity: reward cognitions must be present as well.
The state counts: State efficacy and the development of trust
Authors: Herreros Francisco
Published: November 2012

Most analyses of the relationship between state institutions and interpersonal trust claim either that the state crowds out trust or that it helps to create trust, acting as a third-party enforcer of agreements. Actually, the relationship between the state and trust is much more complex. This article presents a theoretical model that predicts how trust will evolve in highly efficacious and low-efficacious states. Based on priors about other people’s trustworthiness determined by educational level, the model claims that in low-efficacious states, trust will tend to collapse and education will not have an effect on trust levels. However, as state efficacy grows, education level will explain variations in trust levels. The theoretical predictions are to a great extent confirmed by a multilevel analysis of 47 countries.
Inadvertent Ophthalmic Administration of Atropine Drops in a Hospice Patient
Authors: Bascom Paul B.
Published: November 2012

This case report describes a patient who had atropine ophthalmic drops prescribed and dispensed by hospice to be administered sublingually as needed for control of secretions at the end of life. However, even as she stabilized and discharged from hospice, these remained on her medication list. At a subsequent hospitalization, this order was misinterpreted and the drops were ordered to be administered in both the eyes 3 times a day while in the hospital and were included in her discharge medication list. The patient experienced severe blurring of vision until the error was corrected. This case highlights the potential risks of the common practice in hospice of using alternate routes of administration for medications designed for another purpose.
Race and Ethnicity Data Quality and Imputation Using U.S. Census Data in an Integrated Health System
Authors: Derose Stephen F. , Contreras Richard , Coleman Karen J. , Koebnick Corinna , Jacobsen Steven J.
Published: November 2012

Research on racial and ethnic disparities using health system databases can shed light on the usual health care and outcomes of large numbers of individuals so that health inequities can be better understood and addressed. Such research often suffers from limitations in race/ethnicity data quality. We examined the quality of race/ethnicity data in a large, diverse, integrated health system that repeatedly collects these data on utilization of services. We tested the accuracy of Bayesian Improved Surname Geocoding for imputation of race/ethnicity data. Administrative race/ethnicity data were accurate as judged by comparison with self-report in adults. The Bayesian Improved Surname Geocoding method produced imputation results far better than chance assignment for the four most common race/ethnicity groups in the health system: Whites, Hispanics, Blacks, and Asians. These results support renewed efforts to conduct studies of racial and ethnic disparities in large health systems.
Comparing clinicians’ use of an anticoagulation management service and usual care in ambulatory oncology
Authors: Weingart Saul N , Cleary Angela , Scullion Bridget , Morway Laurinda , Phantumvanit Victor , Stuver Sherri O , Shulman Lawrence N , Connors Jean M
Published: November 2012

Purpose:

There is no consensus in the oncology community about the optimal model for anticoagulation management of ambulatory cancer patients. To understand oncologists’ preferences regarding anticoagulation management, we compared the characteristics of patients referred to an oncology-oriented anticoagulation management service with “usual care” patients managed by the patient’s primary oncologist.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective medical record review of ambulatory oncology patients’ anticoagulation care at a comprehensive cancer center. We examined the characteristics of 33 patients anticoagulated before implementation of a dedicated oncology anticoagulation management service. We compared this group with 33 patients managed by the anticoagulation management service and with 39 usual care patients managed by the primary oncologist after the anticoagulation management service was created. We also examined differences in laboratory test utilization, time in the therapeutic range (for patients anticoagulated with warfarin), and anticoagulation-related adverse events during a 3-month assessment period.

Results:

Anticoagulation management service patients were more likely to be treated for hematologic malignancies, use erythropoietin stimulating agents, and require warfarin management for previous venous thromboembolic disease compared to usual care patients. In contrast, oncologists were more likely to manage anticoagulation care of patients with advanced solid tumors undergoing active chemotherapy. Anticoagulation management service and usual care patients on warfarin therapy had comparable time in the therapeutic range and complication rates.

Conclusion:

Oncologists selectively referred patients to the anticoagulation management service. Anticoagulation management service patients’ warfarin control and complication rates were comparable to care provided by the primary oncologist, suggesting that an oncology-specific anticoagulation management service may be a feasible and effective option for anticoagulation management of ambulatory oncology patients.
Anesthesia for Tracheobronchial Surgery
Authors: Wilkey Barbara J. , Alfille Paul , Weitzel Nathaen S. , Puskas Ferenc
Published: November 2012

The airway is a crucial dynamic structure that spans different anatomical zones, including the intrathoracic, extrathoracic, tracheal, bronchial, and alveolar zones. Because of its vital role as the sole oxygen-conducting pathway to the alveoli, and hence to the human body, surgery involving any portion requires careful and specific planning by both the surgeon and the anesthesiologist. The review covers essential management points for proximal and distal tracheal procedures, including a discussion of tracheal stenting and tracheoplasty.
Pragmatic optimizations for better scientific utilization of large supercomputers
Authors: Dubey Anshu , Calder Alan C. , Daley Christopher , Fisher Robert T. , Graziani C. , Jordan George C. , Lamb Donald Q. , Reid Lynn B. , Townsley Dean M. , Weide Klaus
Published: November 2012

Advances in modeling and algorithms, combined with growth in computing resources, have enabled simulations of multiphysics–multiscale phenomena that can greatly enhance our scientific understanding. However, on currently available high-performance computing (HPC) resources, maximizing the scientific outcome of simulations requires many trade-offs. In this paper we describe our experiences in running simulations of the explosion phase of Type Ia supernovae on the largest available platforms. The simulations use FLASH, a modular, adaptive mesh, parallel simulation code with a wide user base. The simulations use multiple physics components: hydrodynamics, gravity, a sub-grid flame model, a three-stage burning model, and a degenerate equation of state. They also use Lagrangian tracer particles, which are then post-processed to determine the nucleosynthetic yields. We describe the simulation planning process, and the algorithmic optimizations and trade-offs that were found to be necessary. Several of the optimizations and trade-offs were made during the course of the simulations as our understanding of the challenges evolved, or when simulations went into previously unexplored physical regimes. We also briefly outline the anticipated challenges of, and our preparations for, the next-generation computing platforms.
TPH Gene Polymorphisms Are Associated With Disease Perception and Quality of Life in Women With Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Jun Sang-Eun , Kohen Ruth , Cain Kevin C. , Jarrett Monica E. , Heitkemper Margaret M.
Published: November 2012

The aims of this exploratory study were to examine whether tryptophan hydroxylase ( TPH) gene polymorphisms are associated with psychosocial factors in women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). TPH is the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of serotonin and has two isoforms, TPH1 and TPH2. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TPH1 gene and one SNP in the TPH2 gene were selected based on previous studies investigating associations between these SNPs and psychiatric or behavioral disorders. One hundred ninety-nine Caucasian women with IBS were included. Results of univariate analysis showed no association between TPH1and TPH2 gene SNPs and current level of psychological distress or psychiatric illness. However, TPH1 gene SNPs were associated with IBS-related cognitions (rs4537731 and rs21105) and quality of life (rs684302 and rs1800532), in particular the mental health and energy subscales. These associations were independent of the subjects’ levels of gastrointestinal symptoms. These results suggest that patients’ perception of their illness, and of the impact it has on their lives, may be subject to genetic influences, in this case sequence variants in TPH1. However, caution should be used in interpreting these results given the large number of hypothesis tests performed in this exploratory hypothesis-generating study, and the results should be considered tentative until confirmed in an independent sample.
‘A tale of two cases:’ The health, illness, and physical activity stories of two children living with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Moola Fiona J , Faulkner Guy EJ
Published: November 2012

Storytelling is perennial, and central to the human condition. Although illness may shatter identity and one’s role and place in the broader social world, narrative may aid in the process of self-reparation. Despite the merits of the narrative approach, it has been underutilized with children who are living with cystic fibrosis (CF). The role that illness narratives may play in influencing CF youths’ physical activity also remains poorly investigated. This article drew on the qualitative case study methodological tradition to narrate the stories of two children living with CF at a children’s hospital in Canada. The findings beg researchers to consider (a) how children with life-limiting diseases borrow multiple illness narrative types, (b) the role of development in influencing the kinds of stories that children can tell, and (c) the impact of illness narratives on physical activity. By rendering the tales of two CF youth in this study, we respond to Aurthur Frank’s call; taking a multiple narrative turn, we listen to stories of a different kind of suffering.