bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
African American Caregiving Grandmothers
Authors: Kelley Susan J. , Whitley Deborah M. , Campos Peter E.
Published: September 2012

The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of an intervention to improve the health of grandmothers raising grandchildren. A pre- and post-test design was employed with 504 African American grandmother participants. The intervention included monthly home-based visitation by registered nurses (RNs) and social workers, participation in support groups and parenting classes, referrals for legal services, and early intervention services for children with special needs. The Health Risk Appraisal was used to assess health indicators and health promotion behaviors. A comparison of pre- and post-test scores indicated significant ( p < .002) changes in the desired direction for a number of health indicators and health promotion behaviors, including blood pressure, annual routine cancer screenings, frequency of weekly exercise, and improved dietary intake, as well as participants’ perception of their health and life satisfaction. No improvements were observed in the proportion of participants who were obese or overweight.
Does Volunteering for Sex Offender Treatment Matter? Using Propensity Score Analysis to Understand the Effects of Volunteerism and Treatment on Recidivism
Authors: Grady Melissa D. , Edwards Daniel , Pettus-Davis Carrie , Abramson Jennifer
Published: September 2012

A common critique of program evaluations of prison-based sex offender treatment holds that the samples inherently show selection bias because the participants typically volunteer for treatment. To address this critique, we used propensity score analysis to assess the influence of volunteerism on treatment effects. We examined recidivism outcomes for a sample of participants who volunteered for treatment, of whom some participated in treatment ( n = 161) and some did not ( n = 282) and compared these outcomes to the recidivism rate of a matched sample of nonvolunteers for treatment ( n = 443). The primary finding is that offenders who volunteered for treatment did not demonstrate any differences in recidivism rates when matched with and compared to inmates who did not volunteer to participate in treatment. Furthermore, our results revealed that there were a number of significant differences between unmatched volunteers and unmatched nonvolunteers, perhaps most importantly in their risk for future recidivism as measured by the STATIC-99 risk assessment. We discuss study strengths and limitations and present the implications of the findings for policy, practice, and research.
Synthesis and characterisation of rapeseed oil bio-lubricant – its effect on wear and frictional behaviour of piston ring–cylinder liner combination
Authors: Arumugam S , Sriram G
Published: September 2012

The primary efforts of this study have been focused on formulating environmental-friendly lubricant with good oxidative stability and improved cold flow behaviour. Rapeseed oil was chemically modified via, epoxidation, hydroxylation followed by esterification process. The formation of epoxide and hydroxyl group was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis. The present work also addresses the issue of friction and wear characteristics of diesel engine cylinder liner–piston ring combination under diesel-contaminated chemically modified rapeseed oil bio-lubricant and diesel-contaminated commercial synthetic lubricant (SAE20W40) using a high frequency reciprocating tribometer test rig. In addition, the investigations were performed using scanning electron microscopy to interpret the possible mechanisms of wear with chemically modified bio-lubricant. The chemically modified rapeseed oil bio-lubricant exhibits good oxidative stability, improved cold flow property and better performance in terms of frictional force and co-efficient of friction.
On the squeeze film characteristics between a long cylinder and a flat plate: Rabinowitsch model
Authors: Singh Udaya P , Gupta Ram S , Kapur Vijay K
Published: September 2012

In practice, lubricants’ stability is improved by blending different additives (viscosity index improvers) such as polyisobutylene, ethylene–propylene, lithium hydroxy stearate and hydrophobic silica. Due to the additives, the lubricants exhibit non-Newtonian pseudoplastic and dilatant nature, which can be described by Rabinowitsch fluid model. In the present analysis, the squeezing characteristics between a long cylinder and a flat plate, lubricated with non-Newtonian pseudoplastic and dilatant lubricants, have been investigated. The modified Reynolds equation has been derived in the analysis and the close form solution for film pressure is obtained. The results for the pressure distribution, load-carrying capacity and time–height relationship under squeezing characteristics have been calculated numerically for various values of pseudoplastic parameter (i.e. different values of viscosity index improver). The effect of cavitation is also analyzed in the analysis. It is concluded that these characteristics show significant variation with the non-Newtonian pseudoplastic and dilatant behavior of the fluids.
Thermo-mechanical and sliding wear behaviour of vinyl ester–cement by-pass dust particulate-filled homogenous and their functionally graded composites
Authors: Gangil Brijesh , Patnaik Amar , Kumar Anoop , Biswas Sandhyarani
Published: September 2012

In this article, particulate-filled cement by-pass dust and short Kevlar fibre have been utilised to produce homogenous and functionally graded vinyl ester composites. In this study, cement by-pass dust varies from 4 to 12 wt% whereas the Kevlar fibre is kept fixed (i.e. 10 wt%). The physical and mechanical properties like void content and hardness are found to increase with increase in filler content in case of functionally graded materials, whereas tensile strength, impact energy and flexural strength are found to deteriorate for both functionally graded materials and homogeneous composites. Similarly, sliding wear tests are performed over a range of sliding velocities (1.5–4.5 m/s), normal loads (10–25 N), filler contents (4–16 wt%), sliding distance (1–4 km) and abrasive grit size (18–48 µm) using pin on disc test rig. Wear characteristics and their significant factor are successfully analysed using statistics-based Taguchi experimental design and analysis of variance, respectively. Dynamic mechanical analysis is carried out for homogenous and functionally graded materials composites in order to investigate the overall flexibility and interaction of the constituents. Finally, surface morphology of the worn surfaces was studied with the help of scanning electron microscope.
When reduced input leads to delayed acquisition: A study on the acquisition of clitic placement by Portuguese heritage speakers
Authors: Flores Cristina , Barbosa Pilar
Published: September 2012

This article examines the competence of heritage speakers of Portuguese living in Germany with respect to clitic placement in Portuguese by comparing their performance with that of monolingual speakers of the same age (7–15 years of age) in a test designed to elicit oral production data. The results of the study indicate that the heritage speakers go through stages in the acquisition of clitic placement that are similar to those of monolingual acquirers even though they take longer to attain the target grammar.
Examining the contribution of metasyntactic ability to reading comprehension among native and non-native speakers of French
Authors: Simard Daphnée , Foucambert Denis , Labelle Marie
Published: September 2012

The particular contribution of metasyntactic ability (i.e., the ability to consciously reflect about the syntactic aspects of language and intentionally to control grammatical rules) to second language reading skills is still not clear. While some studies concluded that metasyntactic ability contributes to reading among non-native speakers (NNS), others did not observe any particular contribution of that specific metalinguistic ability among NNS, despite showing a predictive value for their native speaker control group. Methodological aspects might explain these conflicting results, namely the target population, the measurement of metasyntactic ability, and the reading skill examined. The present study was set out to verify whether the particular contribution of metasyntactic ability to French reading comprehension would be the same among native and non-native upper-elementary children. A cross-sectional study was carried out in which 73 children (37 native and 36 non native speakers of French) were given syntactic, metasyntactic, receptive vocabulary, reading comprehension and phonological memory tasks. As in previous studies, results of the multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) first revealed that the NNSs of French participants obtained lower MSA results than the native speaker children. However, results from the multiple regressions showed that MSA accounted for a significant part of variation in L2 reading among the native as well as among the NNS children and that language group was not a significant factor. This indicates that the weight of each variable, including metasyntactic ability, did not vary according to language status.
Live research: Twittering an election debate
Authors: Elmer Greg
Published: September 2012

This paper questions how vertical tickers on leading social media platforms (blogs, Facebook, and in particular the Twitter micro-blogging platform) pose new challenges to research that focuses on political communications campaigns. Vertical looped tickers highlight the fleeting nature of contemporary networked and socially mediated communications, since they provide an intensely compressed space (interface) and time to have posts viewed by friends and followers. This article draws upon a research collaboration with the news division of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) to understand how Canadian political parties increasingly worked to strategically intervene, in real time on Twitter, during a broadcast political debate.
Imagined commodities? Analyzing local identity and place in American community newspaper website banners
Authors: Funk Marcus
Published: September 2012

American community newspapers, as well as larger daily publications, do little to articulate a sense of local identity or place in the banners of their websites, or their newspaper names atop the web page. Instead, newspapers routinely articulate a professional identity above a local one – often omitting the name of the community entirely, and only occasionally offering a major visual expression of the community. This complicates Benedict Anderson’s sense of ‘imagined communities’, which argues that local identity is constructed through clear articulation by print media; if newspaper websites ignore local identity in their banners, then community newspapers today are imaging commodity rather than community. This qualitative analysis of 40 American community newspapers and 80 daily American newspapers divides that local articulation into four categories ( absent identity, secondary identity, equal identity and visual identity) and explores implications for the academy and newspaper industry.
Diesel pressure departure ratio algorithm for combustion feedback and control
Authors: Asad Usman , Zheng Ming
Published: September 2012

The pursuit for higher efficiency and ultra-low exhaust emissions from diesel engines requires the combustion process to be precisely controlled so as to minimize departures from the intended engine operation. The combustion control system must be able to perform corrective actions on a cycle-by-cycle basis, with a robust feedback on the combustion process. The combustion phasing, commonly represented by the crank angle of 50% heat release and derived from the measured cylinder pressure data, shows a strong correlation to the efficiency and the engine-out nitrogen oxide emissions. To accurately estimate the combustion phasing from the derived heat-release rate, the authors previously introduced and experimentally validated a computationally efficient diesel pressure departure ratio algorithm, against selected cases of boost, engine load and exhaust gas recirculation. In this work, the formulation of the pressure departure ratio algorithm is presented in detail along with its implementation to enable combustion control during both transient and steady-state engine operations. Engine tests demonstrate that the algorithm was effective in stabilizing the combustion process on a cycle-by-cycle basis for a range of engine speeds, load and exhaust gas recirculation, which included conventional and low-temperature diesel combustion modes.
Exploring teaching and learning using an iTouch mobile device
Authors: Mayberry John , Hargis Jace , Boles Larry , Dugas Alex , O’Neill Daniel , Rivera Ajna , Meler Monika
Published: September 2012

Appropriate use of instructional technology can be an elusive quest for many faculty members. The iTouch is one of the latest technologies available to us, yet there is little literature on its use and effectiveness to support learners in their learning. Six new faculty members from various disciplines elected to integrate the device in their own classes, collect quantitative and qualitative data, and report their findings. The results show several innovative active learning strategies for incorporating the iTouch inside and outside of the classroom, along with perspectives on the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches, and recommendations for future use. The study serves as an exemplary model for other universities that wish to foster experiential learning among faculty.
Wave–current interaction on a vertical truncated cylinder floating in finite-depth waters
Authors: Mazarakos Thomas P , Mavrakos Spyridon A
Published: September 2012

A new method is developed for solving the diffraction problem around a fixed truncated circular cylinder which is exposed to the action of coexisting wave and current fields with a small but finite current velocity. Linear potential theory is applied and the solution is obtained by using a perturbation expansion for the diffraction potential with respect to the normalized current speed. Because of the axisymmetric geometrical configuration of the examined body, a semi-analytical formulation is used for the treatment of the inhomogeneous free-surface boundary condition involved in the hydrodynamic problem formulation for derivation of the associated perturbation potential. This method results in a Sturm–Liouville problem, which requires the construction of the appropriate Green’s function. The hydrodynamic forces are obtained after evaluation of the pressure field around the cylinder. The calculated results compare very well with numerical predictions of other investigators and existing experimental data. Finally, the mean second-order drift forces are calculated by superposing on to their zero-current values the corresponding current-dependent first-order corrections, the latter being evaluated using a ‘heuristic’ approach.
Reduced-order, nonlinear approximation of catenary riser dynamics using frequency domain identification
Authors: Kazangas Dimitris C , Xiros Nikolaos I , Chatjigeorgiou Ioannis K
Published: September 2012

This paper demonstrates an approximation to the numerical solution of the dynamic equilibrium of a catenary riser. The approximant is obtained in the frequency domain when the structure is excited by motions applied at the top. The dynamic equilibrium is formulated mathematically through six nonlinear partial differential equations which involve both geometric and hydrodynamic nonlinearities. The latter are represented by the Morison’s formula. The numerical solution of the six nonlinear differential equations is used to generate spatio-temporal data series for riser bending moments induced by sinusoidal heave motions of various amplitudes and frequencies. The data series are transformed to the frequency domain where a complex singular value decomposition scheme is applied in order to reconstruct the full nonlinear spectrum. The significant harmonics of the riser’s spectrum are then identified as the three lower odd harmonics. The method finally provides a set of orthogonal modes for all significant harmonics; that is, the fundamental, the third and the fifth harmonic of the bending moment in the 2D plane of reference. The nonlinear, frequency-domain modal decomposition proposed is also examined in a typical test case.
Promoting Cognitive Health
Authors: Laditka James N. , Laditka Sarah B. , Lowe Kathryn B.
Published: September 2012

Growing evidence suggests that healthy behaviors such as being physically active, having a heart healthy diet, and being socially involved may promote cognitive health. The United States has recently begun encouraging such behaviors for that purpose. To help evaluate the diffusion of this policy, we sought to measure a baseline of activity in this area. We examined Web sites of 156 large health care systems, the health departments of all 50 states and the 20 largest US cities, and 181 nationally accredited senior centers, to identify information, products, programs, or services recommended for cognitive health. Among health care systems, 40% promoted cognitive health: 24% recommended mental activity, 20% healthy diets, 20% physical activity, and 16% social involvement. Among health departments, 30% promoted cognitive health in the same ways. Among senior centers, 21% offered strategies, primarily mental activity. Results suggest emerging activity in this area and opportunities for continued development.
Responding to the Trauma of Sexual Violence in Asylum Seekers
Authors: Akinsulure-Smith Adeyinka M.
Published: September 2012

Civil and social unrest, human rights abuses, and various acts of violence around the world continue to force many to flee their homelands in search of safety. Such chaos often results in the disintegration of social order, generating widespread gender-based violence. During such struggles, women and girls suffer disproportionately and often are targeted for brutal acts of sexual violence. For forced migrants, their traumatic experiences are further compounded by the complex and often lengthy process of seeking asylum in a host country. Drawing on a clinical case study, this article presents the case of a female asylum seeker in the United States who is a victim of sexual violence. Using Brief Recovery Program for Trauma Survivors to facilitate healing and prevent chronic posttraumatic reactions, this case highlights considerations for promoting emotional well-being within this population. In addition, this case emphasizes the importance of an interdisciplinary treatment team and comprehensive services to address the multifaceted needs of traumatized forced migrants.
Inattention and Hyperactivity Behavioral Pattern of a Child With Williams Syndrome
Authors: Lima Solange de Freitas Branco , Carreiro Luiz Renato Rodrigues , Seraceni Mayra Fernanda Ferreira , Khoury Laís Pereira , Braga Ana Claudia , Araújo Marcos Vinícius de , Teixeira Maria Cristina Triguero Veloz
Published: September 2012

Children and adolescents with Williams syndrome (WS) frequently present inattention and hyperactivity. This study aims to compare the number of behaviors of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity in one child with WS in two school settings: a regular class setting and an experimental class setting with the introduction of strategies for behavioral management. A case study was conducted with a child with WS, his regular teacher at school, his mother, and a teacher of the experimental class setting. A protocol was used to observe behavioral patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Behavioral strategies of stimulus control and reinforcement were also used. Results indicated a significant improvement in the rates of inattention and hyperactivity responses for the experimental class condition. Behavioral strategies, if adapted to the needs of students with WS, may optimize an effective school inclusion and contribute to the child’s adaptation to classroom setting.
School-Based Intensive Exposure Therapy for School Refusal Behavior
Authors: Maeda Naoki , Hatada Soichiro , Sonoda Junichi , Takayama Iwao
Published: September 2012

Although previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of intensive exposure therapy for school refusal behavior, there have been few recent case studies on this subject. This article discusses the successful treatment of a 14-year-old student with school refusal behavior using intensive exposure therapy. In consultation sessions, the school counselor provided psychoeducation about the mechanism of school refusal behavior from a behavioral point of view, and developed the plan for intensive exposure therapy. The parents, school officials, and school counselor consecutively escorted the school refusal child from home to school. Through a series of treatments, the student was able to return to classes on a daily basis. This case study suggests that intensive exposure might be applied as an effective school-based approach for treating school refusal behavior.
Institutional Offense Patterns in Adolescent Offenders
Authors: McDougall Ainslie , Campbell Mary Ann , Santor Darcy A.
Published: September 2012

The current study compared the antisocial and mental health functioning of incarcerated adolescents with histories of serious and persistent institutional misconduct to those with histories of minor forms of institutional misconduct. Institutional offense histories of 192 incarcerated adolescent offenders (84.5% male) were reviewed and their mental health was assessed using the Youth Self-Report (YSR) to determine whether mental health factors were more prevalent in serious/persistent institutional offenders. Youths with a history of serious/prolific institutional offending were younger at first arrest, had more convictions, spent more time incarcerated, and scored higher on YSR aggression and delinquency subscales than those with low/moderate institutional offending. Although antisociality is likely a major contributor to serious and persistent forms of institutional misconduct, these youths, especially the females, had significantly higher YSR anxiety/depression symptoms than the low/moderate institutional offending group. Although traditional criminogenic factors may be more salient to the risk of institutional misconduct, mental health should remain an important area of case management given its comorbidity with higher levels of misconduct and its potential impact on youths' responsivity to interventions focusing on criminogenic needs.
Onset, Offending Trajectories, and Crime Specialization in Violence
Authors: Tzoumakis Stacy , Lussier Patrick , Blanc Marc Le , Davies Garth
Published: September 2012

Using data from the Montreal Longitudinal Study, the current study investigates whether age of onset is informative about the dynamic aspects of violent behaviors in males over time, in terms of violent offending frequency, crime trajectory, and, most importantly, crime specialization in violence. Self-reported data at three time points were used. Group-based modeling showed much heterogeneity in the shape of violent trajectories, which were associated with various crime specialization patterns over time. Most importantly, the number and shape of these trajectories were not accounted for by overall age of onset. Study findings show that while age of onset, especially the age of onset of violence, might be informative of the likelihood of committing a violent crime in middle adolescence, it is not informative about the dynamic process of violent offending. Of importance, violent adult offenders specializing in such crimes in adulthood were not necessarily early starters.
Setting up a mental health service user research group: a process paper
Authors: Fothergill Anne , Mitchell Brian , Lipp Allyson , Northway Ruth
Published: September 2012

It is claimed that the involvement of mental health service users in research remains fragmented, and expertise in involving service users is still developing. This paper explains how a group of mental health service users and carers formed a Research Development Group in Wales. This is a process paper which describes how the group was established and funded as part of the United Kingdom Clinical Research Networks. It explores the rationale for a Mental Health Service User and Carer Partnership Research Development Group and the challenges experienced in setting up the group, including activities such as a current research project. This project involves collaboration between group members and nurses from a local National Health Service Trust, which is helping to build research capacity. This project is used to illustrate the issues raised, and we provide critical reflections of this process. The power balances that posed challenges to a group of this type are explored and ways to overcome them are suggested. The research group is still in its infancy but has aspirations to move from being a user involvement group to a user-led group incorporating the differing viewpoints and promoting an equal contribution from its members.
Zinc signals in neutrophil granulocytes are required for the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps
Authors: Hasan Rafah , Rink Lothar , Haase Hajo
Published: September 2012

Zinc signals, i.e. changes in the free intracellular Zn2+concentration, are an integral component of signal transduction in several immune cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate if this is also the case in neutrophil granulocytes. One neutrophil function is NETosis, the release of a matrix composed of DNA, chromatin and granule proteins to capture extracellular bacteria within so-called neutrophil extracellular traps (NET). NETosis can be induced by the protein kinase C (PKC) activator 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). PMA treatment led to a zinc signal in neutrophil granulocytes. NETosis was inhibited when the zinc signal was sequestered by the membrane permeable high affinity chelator N, N, N′, N′,-tetrakis (2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN). PKC-mediated NET formation depends on the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by NADPH oxidase. Inhibition of NADPH oxidase with diphenyleneiodonium chloride blocked ROS formation and NETosis, as well as the zinc signal. TPEN, however, had no effect on PKC activity and ROS production, indicating that Zn2+ is not required for activation of PKC, but for signals downstream of ROS production. In conclusion, zinc signals are an essential component of the ROS-dependent signal transduction leading to NETosis.
Molecular basis for the increased polymyxin susceptibility of Klebsiella pneumoniae strains with under-acylated lipid A
Authors: Velkov Tony , Soon Rachel L , Chong Pei L , Huang Johnny X , Cooper Matthew A , Azad Mohammad AK , Baker Mark A , Thompson Philip E , Roberts Kade , Nation Roger L , Clements Abigail , Strugnell Richard A , Li Jian
Published: September 2012

The impact of under-acylation of lipid A on the interaction between Klebsiella pneumoniae LPS and polymyxins B and E was examined with fluorometric and calorimetric methods, and by 1H NMR, using a paired wild type (WT) and the Δ lpxM mutant strains B5055 and B5055Δ lpxM, which predominantly express LPS with hexa- and penta-acylated lipid A structures respectively. LPS from B5055Δ lpxM displayed a fourfold increased binding affinity for polymyxins B and E compared with the B5055 WT LPS. EC50 values were consistent with polymyxin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for each strain. Accordingly, polymyxin exposure considerably enhanced the permeability of the B5055Δ lpxM OM. Analysis of the melting profiles of isolated LPS aggregates suggested that bactericidal polymyxin activity may relate to the acyl chains’ phase of the outer membrane (OM). The enhanced polymyxin susceptibility of B5055Δ lpxM may be attributable to the favorable insertion of polymyxins into the more fluid OM compared with B5055. Molecular models of the polymyxin B–lipid A complex illuminate the key role of the lipid A acyl chains for complexation of polymyxin. The data provide important insight into the molecular basis for the increased polymyxin susceptibility of K. pneumoniae strains with under-acylated lipid A. Under-acylation appears to facilitate the integration of the N-terminal fatty-acyl chain of polymyxin into the OM resulting in an increased susceptibility to its antimicrobial activity/activities.
Efficacy and tolerability of nebivolol: does age matter? A retrospective analysis of three randomized, placebo-controlled trials in stage I–II hypertension
Authors: Germino F. Wilford , Lin Yuhua , Pejović Vojislav , Bowen Lynn
Published: September 2012

Objectives:

This retrospective analysis examined the efficacy and tolerability of nebivolol, a ß1-selective, vasodilatory β-blocker, in four different age groups of patients with hypertension.

Methods:

Data were pooled from three 12-week, randomized, placebo-controlled trials (placebo, n = 205; nebivolol [1.25–30/40 mg/day], n = 1811) and stratified into age quartiles (Group 1: 22–46 years; Group 2: 47–53 years; Group 3: 54–62 years; Group 4: 63–84 years). Only patients treated with placebo and the three commonly used nebivolol dosages (5, 10, and 20 mg/day) are presented. Baseline-to-endpoint changes in trough sitting diastolic blood pressure (DBP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and heart rate (HR) were analyzed for each age quartile using an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) model. Tolerability was assessed by means of adverse event (AE) rates.

Results:

The analysis comprised 205 placebo-treated patients and 1380 patients treated with nebivolol dosages of 5, 10, or 20 mg/day. Older age was associated with higher SBP values at baseline. In all age groups, each of the three most frequently used nebivolol dosages significantly reduced DBP, compared with placebo (–9.1 to −11.8 mmHg versus −3.4 to −5.9 mmHg; p ≤ 0.008 overall). For SBP, a statistically significant effect versus placebo was observed for all dosages and age groups except for 5 and 10 mg/day in Group 4. Within each group, treatment with nebivolol (all three dosages) and placebo resulted in similar AE rates (nebivolol: 26.1–36.6%; placebo: 36.2–42.6%) and AE-related discontinuation rates (1.8–3.8% versus 0–4.3%). In each age group, there were no significant nebivolol-placebo differences in the rates of patients who experienced clinically significant changes or abnormal endpoint levels of metabolic parameters.

Conclusions:

This retrospective analysis suggests that nebivolol monotherapy is efficacious and well tolerated across various age groups, with the efficacy in reducing SBP somewhat diminishing in patients over 62 years of age.
Safety and efficacy of fidaxomicin in the treatment of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea
Authors: Golan Yoav , Epstein Lauren
Published: September 2012

Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) is the most common cause of healthcare-associated diarrhea. The current recommended treatment regimens of metronidazole and vancomycin have not changed in nearly 25 years. Fidaxomicin, an exceedingly narrow spectrum macrolide antibiotic, was recently approved for the treatment of CDAD. In phase III clinical trials, fidaxomicin was noninferior to vancomycin in achieving clinical cure of CDAD. Furthermore, fidaxomicin was associated with fewer recurrences of CDAD compared with vancomycin in clinical trials. These results, combined with the ease of administration and a good safety profile, make fidaxomicin an attractive treatment option for treating CDAD.
Silent Partners
Authors: Kruse Nathan B.
Published: September 2012

The purpose of this study was to explore middle school and high school band students’ perceptions of two ongoing school–university partnerships. Interviews and focus group interviews were conducted with school students to capture their unique perspectives and to support the tenets of formative and action research designs. Findings indicated that the students’ overall assessment of the partnerships was positive, supportive, and enthusiastic, although students cited unclear expectations from preservice teachers as a concern. Recommended improvements for the preservice teachers included maintaining a proper teaching persona, varying rehearsal strategies, and selecting more difficult repertoire. Finally, the students firmly and altruistically viewed themselves as socializing agents for the preservice teachers and believed their role in the partnerships was essential. Consequently, the participants believed the rewards of working with the university students outweighed the challenges. Implications included creating space for student feedback, incorporating student repertoire selection, and modifying teaching persona.
Evaluation of residual stress distribution in Ni base alloy clad welds by numerical simulation and X-ray stress measurement
Authors: Mikami Y , Sogabe K , Hashimoto T , Nishikawa S , Mochizuki M
Published: September 2012

Dissimilar material components such as clad welds are important to achieve both performance, and economic and ecological efficiency. The evaluation of the residual stress distribution in such components is needed to assess and assure the integrity of structures components. In this study, the residual stress distribution in clad welds of Ni base alloy over low alloy steel was investigated. A clad welded mock-up was fabricated, and the residual stress distribution was evaluated by X-ray stress measurement method and finite element simulation. The residual stress was measured with high accuracy even in coarsened Ni base alloy clad weld metal by X-ray stress measurement method utilising a two-dimensional detector and multiaxial rocking technique. The residual stress distribution was well reproduced by the finite element simulation considering the redistribution due to cutting off of the specimen from the fabricated mock-up.
Genome-wide association study identifies germline polymorphisms associated with relapse of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Yang Jun J. , Cheng Cheng , Devidas Meenakshi , Cao Xueyuan , Campana Dario , Yang Wenjian , Fan Yiping , Neale Geoff , Cox Nancy , Scheet Paul , Borowitz Michael J. , Winick Naomi J. , Martin Paul L. , Bowman W. Paul , Camitta Bruce , Reaman Gregory H. , Carroll William L. , Willman Cheryl L. , Hunger Stephen P. , Evans William E. , Pui Ching-Hon , Loh Mignon , Relling Mary V.
Published: September 2012

With the use of risk-directed therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), outcome has improved dramatically in the past 40 years. However, a substantial portion of patients, many of whom have no known risk factors, experience relapse. Taking a genome-wide approach, in the present study, we evaluated the relationships between genotypes at 444 044 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with the risk of relapse in 2535 children with newly diagnosed ALL after adjusting for genetic ancestry and treatment regimen. We identified 134 SNPs that were reproducibly associated with ALL relapse. Of 134 relapse SNPs, 133 remained prognostic after adjusting for all known relapse risk factors, including minimal residual disease, and 111 were significant even among patients who were negative for minimal residual disease after remission induction therapy. The C allele at rs7142143 in the PYGL gene was associated with 3.6-fold higher risk of relapse than the T allele (P = 6.7 × 10−9). Fourteen of the 134 relapse SNPs, including variants in PDE4B and ABCB1, were also associated with antileukemic drug pharmacokinetics and/or pharmacodynamics. In the present study, we systematically identified host genetic variations related to treatment outcome of childhood ALL, most of which were prognostic independent of known risk factors for relapse, and some of which also influenced outcome by affecting host dis-position of antileukemic drugs. All trials are registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov or www.cancer.gov (COG P9904: NCT00005585; COG P9905: NCT00005596; COG P9906: NCT00005603; St Jude Total XIIIB: NCI-T93-0101D; and St Jude Total XV: NCT00137111).
Vitamin D supplementation during rehabilitation in COPD: a secondary analysis of a randomized trial
Authors: Hornikx Miek , Van Remoortel Hans , Lehouck An , Mathieu Chantal , Maes Karen , Gayan-Ramirez Ghislaine , Decramer Marc , Troosters Thierry , Janssens Wim
Published: September 2012

Rationale

Pulmonary rehabilitation is an important treatment for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, who are often vitamin D deficient. As vitamin D status is linked to skeletal muscle function, we aimed to explore if high dose vitamin D supplementation can improve the outcomes of rehabilitation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Material and methods

This study is a post-hoc subgroup analysis of a larger randomized trial comparing a monthly dose of 100.000 IU of vitamin D with placebo to reduce exacerbations. 50 Subjects who followed a rehabilitation program during the trial are included in this analysis. We report changes from baseline in muscle strength and exercise performance between both study arms after 3 months of rehabilitation.

Results

Vitamin D intervention resulted in significantly higher median vitamin D levels compared to placebo (51 [44-62] ng/ml vs 15 [13-30] ng/ml; p < 0.001). Patients receiving vitamin D had significantly larger improvements in inspiratory muscle strength (-11±12 cmH2O vs 0±14 cmH2O; p = 0.004) and maximal oxygen uptake (110±211 ml/min vs -20±187 ml/min; p = 0.029). Improvements in quadriceps strength (15±16 Nm) or six minutes walking distance (40±55 meter) were not significantly different from the effects in the placebo group (7±19 Nm and 11±74 meter; p>0.050).

Conclusion

High dose vitamin D supplementation during rehabilitation may have mild additional benefits to training.
Genetic structure of community acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus USA300
Authors: Tewhey Ryan , Cannavino Christopher R , Leake John AD , Bansal Vikas , Topol Eric J , Torkamani Ali , Bradley John S , Schork Nicholas J
Published: September 2012

Background

Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is a significant bacterial pathogen that poses considerable clinical and public health challenges. The majority of the CA-MRSA disease burden consists of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) not associated with significant morbidity; however, CA-MRSA also causes severe, invasive infections resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. The broad range of disease severity may be influenced by bacterial genetic variation.

Results

We sequenced the complete genomes of 36 CA-MRSA clinical isolates from the predominant North American community acquired clonal type USA300 (18 SSTI and 18 severe infection-associated isolates). While all 36 isolates shared remarkable genetic similarity, we found greater overall time-dependent sequence diversity among SSTI isolates. In addition, pathway analysis of non-synonymous variations revealed increased sequence diversity in the putative virulence genes of SSTI isolates.

Conclusions

Here we report the first whole genome survey of diverse clinical isolates of the USA300 lineage and describe the evolution of the pathogen over time within a defined geographic area. The results demonstrate the close relatedness of clinically independent CA-MRSA isolates, which carry implications for understanding CA-MRSA epidemiology and combating its spread.
Seed dimorphism, nutrients and salinity differentially affect seed traits of the desert halophyte Suaeda aralocaspicavia multiple maternal effects
Authors: Wang Lei , Baskin Jerry M , Baskin Carol C , Cornelissen J Hans C , Dong Ming , Huang Zhenying
Published: September 2012

Background

Maternal effects may influence a range of seed traits simultaneously and are likely to be context-dependent. Disentangling the interactions of plant phenotype and growth environment on various seed traits is important for understanding regeneration and establishment of species in natural environments. Here, we used the seed-dimorphic plant Suaeda aralocaspica to test the hypothesis that seed traits are regulated by multiple maternal effects.

Results

Plants grown from brown seeds had a higher brown:black seed ratio than plants from black seeds, and germination percentage of brown seeds was higher than that of black seeds under all conditions tested. However, the coefficient of variation (CV) for size of black seeds was higher than that of brown seeds. Seeds had the smallest CV at low nutrient and high salinity for plants from brown seeds and at low nutrient and low salinity for plants from black seeds. Low levels of nutrients increased size and germinability of black seeds but did not change the seed morph ratio or size and germinability of brown seeds. High levels of salinity decreased seed size but did not change the seed morph ratio. Seeds from high-salinity maternal plants had a higher germination percentage regardless of level of germination salinity.

Conclusions

Our study supports the multiple maternal effects hypothesis. Seed dimorphism, nutrient and salinity interacted in determining a range of seed traits of S. aralocaspica via bet-hedging and anticipatory maternal effects. This study highlights the importance of examining different maternal factors and various offspring traits in studies that estimate maternal effects on regeneration.
Investigating linkage rates among probabilistically linked birth and hospitalization records
Authors: Bentley Jason P , Ford Jane B , Taylor Lee K , Irvine Katie A , Roberts Christine L
Published: September 2012

Background

With the increasing use of probabilistically linked administrative data in health research, it is important to understand whether systematic differences occur between the populations with linked and unlinked records. While probabilistic linkage involves combining records for individuals, population perinatal health research requires a combination of information from both the mother and her infant(s). The aims of this study were to (i) describe probabilistic linkage for perinatal records in New South Wales (NSW) Australia, (ii) determine linkage proportions for these perinatal records, and (iii) assess records with linked mother and infant hospital-birth record, and unlinked records for systematic differences.

Methods

This is a population-based study of probabilistically linked statutory birth and hospital records from New South Wales, Australia, 2001-2008. Linkage groups were created where the birth record had complete linkage with hospital admission records for both the mother and infant(s), partial linkage (the mother only or the infant(s) only) or neither. Unlinked hospital records for mothers and infants were also examined. Rates of linkage as a percentage of birth records and descriptive statistics for maternal and infant characteristics by linkage groups were determined.

Results

Complete linkage (mother hospital record – birth record – infant hospital record) was available for 95.9% of birth records, partial linkage for 3.6%, and 0.5% with no linked hospital records (unlinked). Among live born singletons (complete linkage = 96.5%) the mothers without linked infant records (1.6%) had slightly higher proportions of young, non-Australian born, socially disadvantaged women with adverse pregnancy outcomes. The unlinked birth records (0.4%) had slightly higher proportions of nulliparous, older, Australian born women giving birth in private hospitals by caesarean section. Stillbirths had the highest rate of unlinked records (3-4%).

Conclusions

This study shows that probabilistic linkage of perinatal records can achieve high, representative levels of complete linkage. Records for mother’s that did not link to infant records and unlinked records had slightly different characteristics to fully linked records. However, these groups were small and unlikely to bias results and conclusions in a substantive way. Stillbirths present additional challenges to the linkage process due to lower rates of linkage for lower gestational ages, where most stillbirths occur.
Predictors of overweight and obesity in adult women in Nairobi Province, Kenya
Authors: Mbochi Regina W , Kuria Elizabeth , Kimiywe Judith , Ochola Sophie , Steyn Nelia P
Published: September 2012

Background

Since obesity in urban women is prevalent in Kenya the study aimed to determine predictors of overweight and obesity in urban Kenyan women.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was undertaken in Nairobi Province. The province was purposively selected because it has the highest prevalence of overweight and obesity in Kenya.

A total of 365 women aged 25–54 years old were randomly selected to participate in the study.

Results

Higher age, higher socio-economic (SE) group, increased parity, greater number of rooms in the house, and increased expenditure showed greater mean body mass index (BMI),% body fat and waist circumference (WC) at highly significant levels (p <0.001). Most of the variance in BMI was explained by age, total physical activity, percentage of fat consumed, parity and SE group in that order, together accounting for 18% of the variance in BMI. The results suggest that age was the most significant predictor of all the dependent variables appearing first in all the models, while parity was a significant predictor of BMI and WC. The upper two SE groups had significantly higher mean protein (p <0.05), cholesterol (p <0.05) and alcohol (p <0.001) intakes than the lower SE groups; while the lower SE groups had significantly higher mean fibre (p <0.001) and carbohydrate (p <0.05) intakes. A fat intake greater than 100% of the DRI dietary reference intake (DRI) had a significantly greater mean BMI (p <0.05) than a fat intake less than the DRI.

Conclusions

The predictors of overweight and obesity showed that urbanization and the nutrition transition were well established in the sample of women studied in the high SE groups. They exhibited a sedentary lifestyle and consumed a diet high in energy, protein, fat, cholesterol, and alcohol and lower in fibre and carbohydrate compared with those in the low SE groups.
Treatment patterns of childhood diarrhoea in rural Uganda: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Löfgren Jenny , Tao Wenjing , Larsson Elin , Kyakulaga Francis , Forsberg Birger C
Published: September 2012

Background

Diarrhoea is the second leading cause of death in children under five accounting for 1.8 million deaths yearly. Despite global efforts to reduce diarrhoea mortality through promotion of proper case management, there is still room for ample improvement. In order to seek options for such improvements this study explored the knowledge and practices of diarrhoea case management among health care providers at health centres and drug shops in Uganda.

Methods

Records were reviewed for case management and structured interviews concerning knowledge and practices were conducted with the staff at all health centres and at all identified drug shops in the rural district of Namutumba, Uganda.

Results

There was a significant gap between knowledge and documented practices among staff. Antibiotics, antimalarials and antipyretics were prescribed or recommended as frequently as Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS). In almost a third of the health facilities, ORS was out of stock. 81% of staff in health centres and 87% of staff in drug shops stated that they prescribed antibiotics for common diarrhoea. Zinc was not prescribed or recommended in any case.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that many children presenting with diarrhoea are inadequately treated. As a result they may not get the rehydration they need and are at risk of potential side effects from unjustified usage of antibiotics. Practices must be improved at health centres and drug shops in order to reduce childhood mortality due to diarrhoeal diseases.