bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Posthumanity of “the Son of Man”: Heroes as Postmodern Apocalypse
Authors: Aichele George
Published: November 2011

Abstract:

As a serial narrative, the TV series Heroes cannot end and yet its story is impossible without the continual threat of an end of the world. However, this inability to end also connects these narratives with biblical narratives of the end, which are always “apocalypse without apocalypse” (Derrida). Even in its ancient forms, this revelation that does not reveal is a postmodern phenomenon, as that which “puts forward the unpresentable in presentation itself” (Lyotard). Although the show rarely cites the Bible, in juxtaposition to the biblical texts' “son of man” language, Heroes opens up an intertextual context through which the “sons of man” of Daniel 7 and elsewhere in the Bible acquire meaning as posthuman beings, even as the mysterious forces producing the TV show's varied characters are interrogated.
The Great Mice at Cordoba: De-Mythologizing and Re-Mythologizing Religious Imagery in David Petersen's Mouse Guard
Authors: Christie Niall
Published: November 2011

Abstract:

This article explores the use of religious images and ideas in David Petersen's comic book series, Mouse Guard. Through a discussion of both the text and the artwork presented in the series, we consider the ways in which these are adapted to the needs of the narrative and the world that Petersen has created. In the process we demonstrate that Petersen mostly removes the religious values traditionally associated with the images and concepts in question, replacing them with a different morality and theology that reflects the values and concerns of his diminutive heroes and their enemies while avoiding explicit expressions of belief in higher deities.
A Latter Day Eve: Reading Twilight through Paradise Lost
Authors: Lampert-Weissig Lisa
Published: November 2011

Abstract:

Critics have demonstrated how Stephenie Meyer's Twilight saga reinforces the notion that the appropriate roles for women are those of wife and mother. Viewed from a literary historical perspective, however, the Twilight saga can also be seen as reinterpretation of the Genesis story, told from a female point of view as a vampire narrative. Meyer's “New Eve” is part of a literary tradition that springs from Paradise Lost. Meyer's portrayal of the concept of free will and her connected depiction of the redemptive power of motherhood emphasizes elements in the Latter Day Saints tradition that present a more positive view of Eve, and by extension of “Woman,” than is common in traditional portrayals of Genesis.
Mortality Plays: Pain, Penance, and Admonition in Se7en and Saw
Authors: Wills Deborah , Wilson Andrew
Published: November 2011

Abstract:

The 1990s noir-horror film Se7en and the ongoing Saw franchise both preach a pedagogy of pain whereby victims are either fatally punished for their sins or reformed through macabre penitential ordeals. These films challenge the values of the modern, post-enlightenment world, recalling an idealized medieval world as an alternative. This paper explores the way these films articulate this conflict and draw on conflicting elements of the Christian tradition and the conventions of the horror genre. Investigating the films' tropes of vision and spectacle and their provocative practice of homiletics, this paper ultimately considers the solution proffered a fallen world and whether this solution might offer more hope than despair.
"Mandela, the Terrorist"
Authors: Hues Henning
Published: November 2011

This article focuses on how some aspects of the South African history curriculum are interpreted and "lived out" in two South African high schools. The article introduces the history curriculum reconstruction process and its surrounding developments from 1994 until the release of the National Curriculum Statement in 2003. It then focuses on the curricular intentions, which reflect the reorganization of history teaching and serve as a benchmark for teachers. Using empirical data gathered in Afrikaans schools, I describe how classroom practices represent the history curriculum. The data indicates that schools provide space for curriculum modification and the creation of a "hidden curriculum."
Educating Educators of Memory
Authors: Sayner Joanne
Published: November 2011

This article reports on a continuing professional development program run by the Imperial War Museum in London for educators involved in teaching about European memories. On the basis of two sites visited in Hungary which were elements of the educational program, the Memorial Shoes on the Danube Promenade and the Memento Statue Park, this article suggests that Alison Landsberg's concept of prosthetic memory can be applied to these sculptural monuments. It explores the political potential of empathy in transmitting diverse European pasts and of mapping individual performative responses to less familiar cultural contexts.
Formulation and Evaluation of Gastroretentive Dosage Form of Ofloxacin
Authors: Veerareddy Prabhakar Reddy , Bajjuri Spandana , Sanka Krishna , Jukanti Raju , Bandari Suresh , Ajmeru RK , Potu Appa Rao
Published: November 2011

The aim of the present investigation was to develop and evaluate gastroretentive drug delivery tablets (GRDDTs) of ofloxacin using different polymers such as HPMC K4M, HPMC K15M, Polyethylene oxide WSR 303, Carbopol 971P, Xanthan Gum in different ratios for local action in gastric region to eradicate Helicobacter pylori infection. The GRDDTs were prepared by wet granulation method and evaluated for physical characteristics such as hardness, thickness, friability, drug content and floating properties. The optimized formula F4 showed better sustained drug release and which also had good floating properties and fitted best to be Korsmeyer-Peppas model with R2 value of 0.9848. As the n value for the Korsmeyer- Peppas model was found be less than 0.45 it follows Fickian diffusion mechanism. FT-IR result showed that there is no drug excipient interaction. In vivo radiographic studies were conducted with BaSO4 loaded tablets to examine the increased gastric residence time of the prepared tablets. The study revealed that the tablet remained in the stomach for 300±10min which indicates the increase in the gastric residence time for the effective localized action of the ofloxacin in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori caused peptic ulcer.   Key words: Ofloxacin; Helicobacter pylori; gastric residence time; gastroretentive drug delivery system.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjps.v4i1.8861SJPS 2011; 4(1): 9-18
Detection of Formalin in Fish Samples Collected from Dhaka City, Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin Riaz , Wahid Moin Ibna , Jasmeen Tasbira , Huda Naz Hasan , Sutradhar Kumar Bishwajit
Published: November 2011

Fish is an important food stuff and source of protein all over the world. In Bangladesh fisheries sector contributes a lot in case of earning foreign currency and meeting domestic need of animal protein. To meet the domestic need Bangladesh imports fish and fish products from neighboring countries. But it is evident from several studies that fish items in Bangladesh contain formalin which is a highly hazardous and carcinogenic chemical. An attempt was taken to detect the extent of formalin use in fish available in Dhaka city. From five different local markets five species of fishes were collected and presence of formalin was detected using the “formalin detection kit in fish” developed by Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR). The study indicates that 70% Rui fish is formalin contaminated and almost 50% of fish samples contain formalin.   Key words: Formaldehyde; BCSIR; Formalin detection kit; Carcinogen; Fisheries; Livestock. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjps.v4i1.8866 SJPS 2011; 4(1): 49-52
Evaluation of Antioxidant and Antinociceptive Properties of Methanolic Extract of Clerodendrum viscosum Vent.
Authors: Rahman Md Mostafizur , Rumzhum Nowshin N , Zinna Kudrat-E-Khuda
Published: November 2011

The PDF for this article was updated on 18/11/2011.NN Rumzhum and K Zinna were added as authors on 18/11/2011.The methanolic extract of Clerodendrum viscosum vent. (Verbenaceae) was evaluated for in vitro antioxidant activity by determination of total antioxidant capacity, assay of nitric oxide scavenging activity and reducing power test and in vivo antinociceptive effect in acetic acid induced writhing model in swiss albino mice. The results revealed the presence of pronounced antioxidant property as compared with ascorbic acid used as standard and a dose-dependent (250 and 500 mg/kg) analgesic effect in Clerodendrum viscosum vent. The antioxidant and antinociceptive activities obtained seem to be in good accordance with the traditional uses of Clerodendrum viscosum.   Key words: Clerodendrum viscosum; Verbenaceae; Antioxidant; Ascorbic acid; Antinociceptive; Swiss albino mice DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjps.v4i1.8873 SJPS 2011; 4(1): 74-78
Orodispersible Tablets: A Short Review
Authors: Jesmeen Tasbira , Uddin Riaz
Published: November 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjps.v4i1.8881SJPS 2011; 4(1): 96-99
SERFing in the Scottish heartlands: artefacts and the research strategy
Authors: Driscoll Stephen T.
Published: November 2011

This paper describes the first phase (2006–11) of the SERF (Strathearn Environs & Royal Forteviot) project and outlines the research strategy developed by a team of prehistorians and medievalists. Particular attention is given to our approaches to material culture and its role in providing a context for field monuments. Previously known archaeological and historical evidence has been utilised to frame the research programme, which has engaged university archaeologists from Glasgow and Aberdeen, public sector archaeologists from Historic Scotland, the RCAHMS and Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust. The fieldwork was undertaken as part of a field school which provides training to university students and volunteers.
Mapping material culture: exploring the interface between museum artefacts and their geographical context
Authors: Cowie Trevor , McKeague Peter
Published: November 2011

This paper describes the results of an exploratory project undertaken by National Museums Scotland and the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland to enhance their respective databases through sharing information relating to their respective areas of expertise. The resulting MAGI (Museum Artefact Geographical Interface) project highlighted the huge potential for creating an online resource to re-connect objects in museum collections with the locations of their discovery.
Predicting the Psychological Response of the American People to Oil Depletion and Declining Energy Return on Investment (EROI)
Authors: Lambert Jessica G. , Lambert Gail P.
Published: November 2011

Oil has played a crucial role in the United States’ continued but increasingly tenuous economic prosperity. The continued availability of cheap, high energy return on investment (EROI) oil, however, is increasingly in doubt. If cheap oil is increasingly constrained, how might that impact the American psychological sense of personal and national well-being? We employ general systems theory and certain key paradigms from psychology and sociology to predict the possible societal response to global peak oil and the declining EROI of whatever oil is produced. Based on these frameworks, the following three defense mechanisms seem likely to be employed by individuals and groups within society if and when confronted with stresses associated with declining oil availability. These are: denial of one’s passive helpless state, desire to establish a scapegoat, and arousal of affiliative needs and increased subgrouping. A group’s “survival” is a function of its unified sense of direction and the stability of necessary interdependencies and linkages. We suggest that the ability of the U.S. society, taken as a whole, to adapt to the stresses derived from the declining EROI of oil will increase during periods of moderate stress, and then decline after reaching its maximum ability to cope with stress. The integrity of interdependencies and linkages—power, communication, affect, and goals—must be preserved for continued social unity. Americans will need to acknowledge the reality of biophysical constraints if they are to adapt to the coming energy crisis.
Genomics of Compositae weeds: EST libraries, microarrays, and evidence of introgression
Authors: Lai Zhao , Kane Nolan C. , Kozik Alex , Hodgins Kathryn A. , Dlugosch Katrina M. , Barker Michael S. , Matvienko Marta , Yu Qian , Turner Kathryn G. , Pearl Stephanie Anne , Bell Graeme D. M. , Zou Yi , Grassa Chris , Guggisberg Alessia , Adams Keith L. , Anderson James V. , Horvath David P. , Kesseli Richard V. , Burke John M. , Michelmore Richard W. , Rieseberg Loren H.
Published: November 2011

• Premise of study: Weeds cause considerable environmental and economic damage. However, genomic characterization of weeds has lagged behind that of model plants and crop species. Here we describe the development of genomic tools and resources for 11 weeds from the Compositae family that will serve as a basis for subsequent population and comparative genomic analyses. Because hybridization has been suggested as a stimulus for the evolution of invasiveness, we also analyze these genomic data for evidence of hybridization.

• Methods: We generated 22 expressed sequence tag (EST) libraries for the 11 targeted weeds using Sanger, 454, and Illumina sequencing, compared the coverage and quality of sequence assemblies, and developed NimbleGen microarrays for expression analyses in five taxa. When possible, we also compared the distributions of Ks values between orthologs of congeneric taxa to detect and quantify hybridization and introgression.

• Results: Gene discovery was enhanced by sequencing from multiple tissues, normalization of cDNA libraries, and especially greater sequencing depth. However, assemblies from short sequence reads sometimes failed to resolve close paralogs. Substantial introgression was detected in Centaurea and Helianthus, but not in Ambrosia and Lactuca.

• Conclusions: Transcriptome sequencing using next‐generation platforms has greatly reduced the cost of genomic studies of nonmodel organisms, and the ESTs and microarrays reported here will accelerate evolutionary and molecular investigations of Compositae weeds. Our study also shows how ortholog comparisons can be used to approximately estimate the genome‐wide extent of introgression and to identify genes that have been exchanged between hybridizing taxa.
Intégration régionale et politique de la concurrence dans l'espace CEDEAO
Authors: NGOM Mbissane
Published: November 2011

Organisation sous-régionale dont la vocation est l’intégration de ses États membres pour assurer leur développement économique, la CEDEAO n’a commencé à s’intéresser à l’encadrement de la compétition économique qu’au début du XXI e siècle. Ce n’est qu’en 2008 qu’elle s’est dotée d’un cadre de promotion et d’encadrement de la concurrence dans ses États membres, enfaisant de la politique de la concurrence un élément central de son dispositif de création d’un marché communautaire ouest-africain. Mais l’analyse du droit matériel de la concurrence de la CEDEAO montre que celui-ci répond peu aux besoins des populations et des entreprises de cette zone. Il semble plus orienté vers la promotion des investisseurs que vers la réponse à un réel besoin d’encadrement de la concurrence. En effet, la politique de la concurrence de la CEDEAO promeut peu la compétitivité des entreprises locales et ne les protège pas contre les multinationales. On peut donc douter de l’efficacité de ce droit de la concurrence dans la perspective du développement économique. Par ailleurs, ce droit est concurrencé dans sa zone d’influence par le droit de l’UEMOA, plus ancien, ainsi que par ses instances de mise en œuvre. Il s’ensuit une concurrence normative qui brouille les repères de l’application du droit de la concurrence et ne favorise guère son appropriation par les acteurs économiques locaux. Il reste cependant que les instances nationales et communautaires de la concurrence utilisent les outils modernes de l’analyse économique et de la régulation pour préserver le caractère concurrentiel des différents marchés auxquels elles s’intéressent.
Les filles dans les écoles supérieures de commerce en France pendant l'entre-deux-guerres
Authors: Thivend Marianne
Published: November 2011

Résumé Neuf Écoles supérieures de commerce ( esc ) de province s’ouvrent aux filles à partir de 1915 et jusqu’aux années 1950, ces dernières forment environ le quart des effectifs des esc mixtes. Cet article cherche à comprendre comment elles furent accueillies dans ces écoles. Quels furent leurs parcours scolaires dans le cadre d’une mixité « bricolée », qui tente d’instaurer des parcours spécifiques pour les femmes (secrétariat de direction) dans le cadre de la formation générale des futurs chefs de service et directeurs d’entreprises. Pour autant, toutes et tous sortent des écoles avec un seul diplôme et les filles, issues en majorité des classes moyennes, provenant des filières post-primaire et du lycée, obtiennent de meilleurs résultats que les garçons. L’usage professionnel qu’elles font de leur diplôme est en revanche plus difficile à définir. D’après les annuaires d’anciens, l’éventail de métiers est moins large pour les femmes que pour les hommes, mais la seule présence de patronnes, de chefs de service et de cadres parmi les anciennes élèves montre que ces parcours sont désormais possibles pour une partie des diplômées.
Femmes et richesse : au-delà du PIB
Authors: Jany-Catrice Florence , Méda Dominique
Published: November 2011

Résumé La mesure actuellement la plus utilisée pour recenser la richesse d’un pays est le Produit intérieur brut, qui représente la valeur monétaire des biens et services fabriqués une année donnée. Cet indicateur a été inventé au sortir de la Seconde Guerre mondiale. Comme tous les indicateurs il est issu de « conventions », parmi lesquelles celle de ne pas considérer comme faisant partie de la richesse nationale les activités réalisées au sein du foyer, qui ont très longtemps été prises en charge par les seules femmes et dont la répartition reste encore aujourd’hui très déséquilibrée entre les femmes et les hommes. L’article vise dans un premier temps à revenir sur les raisons – implicites ou explicites – de cette exclusion. Il présente ensuite une des manières de faire justice à un certain nombre de revendications féministes qui considèrent légitime de prendre au moins la mesure de la contribution de la production domestique à la richesse nationale en réalisant une estimation monétaire de celle-ci. Après avoir envisagé les différentes méthodes d’estimation, jusqu’à la plus récente, proposée par la Commission Stiglitz et l’ ocde , ainsi que les avantages et inconvénients de celles-ci, nous analysons dans une dernière partie une autre manière de dépasser les limites intrinsèques au pib  : le développement de nouveaux indicateurs plus axés sur la santé sociale, en envisageant, de manière exploratoire, les modalités d’une meilleure prise en compte des inégalités entre femmes et hommes.
Pathogenic and Protective Functions of TNF in Neuroinflammation Are Defined by Its Expression in T Lymphocytes and Myeloid Cells
Authors: Kruglov Andrey A. , Lampropoulou Vicky , Fillatreau Simon , Nedospasov Sergei A.
Published: November 2011

TNF displays pathogenic activities in many autoimmune disorders. However, anti-TNF therapy in multiple sclerosis patients failed because of poorly understood reasons. We used a panel of gene-targeted mice that allowed cell-type specific ablation of TNF to uncover pathogenic and protective contributions of this cytokine during autoimmune disease of the CNS. T cells and myeloid cells were found to be critical cellular sources of TNF during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). TNF produced by myeloid cells accelerated the onset of disease by regulation of chemokine expression in the CNS, driving the recruitment of inflammatory cells into the target organ. TNF produced by T cells exacerbated the damage to the CNS during EAE by regulating infiltration of inflammatory myeloid cells into the CNS. In secondary lymphoid organs, TNF expressed by myeloid cells and T cells acted in synergy to dampen IL-12p40 and IL-6 production by APCs, subsequently inhibiting the development of encephalitogenic T cell responses of Th1 and Th17 types. This dual role of TNF during EAE (protective in lymphoid organs and pathogenic in CNS) suggests that global TNF blockade might be inefficient in multiple sclerosis patients because augmented autoreactive T cell development in lymphoid tissues might overwhelm the beneficial effects resulting from TNF inhibition in the CNS.
Inflammasome Activation of IL-18 Results in Endothelial Progenitor Cell Dysfunction in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Kahlenberg J. Michelle , Thacker Seth G. , Berthier Celine C. , Cohen Clemens D. , Kretzler Matthias , Kaplan Mariana J.
Published: November 2011

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with heterogeneous manifestations including severe organ damage and vascular dysfunction leading to premature atherosclerosis. IFN-α has been proposed to have an important role in the development of lupus and lupus-related cardiovascular disease, partly by repression of IL-1 pathways leading to impairments in vascular repair induced by endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and circulating angiogenic cells (CACs). Counterintuitively, SLE patients also display transcriptional upregulation of the IL-1β/IL-18 processing machinery, the inflammasome. To understand this dichotomy and its impact on SLE-related cardiovascular disease, we examined cultures of human and murine control or lupus EPC/CACs to determine the role of the inflammasome in endothelial differentiation. We show that caspase-1 inhibition improves dysfunctional SLE EPC/CAC differentiation into mature endothelial cells and blocks IFN-α–mediated repression of this differentiation, implicating inflammasome activation as a crucial downstream pathway leading to aberrant vasculogenesis. Furthermore, serum IL-18 levels are elevated in SLE and correlate with EPC/CAC dysfunction. Exogenous IL-18 inhibits endothelial differentiation in control EPC/CACs and neutralization of IL-18 in SLE EPC/CAC cultures restores their capacity to differentiate into mature endothelial cells, supporting a deleterious effect of IL-18 on vascular repair in vivo. Upregulation of the inflammasome machinery was operational in vivo, as evidenced by gene array analysis of lupus nephritis biopsies. Thus, the effects of IFN-α are complex and contribute to an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease by suppression of IL-1β pathways and by upregulation of the inflammasome machinery and potentiation of IL-18 activation.
The function of the Easter moment in the observance of the Eucharist amongst Christian communities framed by traditional African and current Western time-concepts
Authors: Let�osa Rantoa S. , De Wet Fritz W. , De Klerk Ben J.
Published: November 2011

Problematic elements in both the traditional African and current Western time-concepts seem to manifest in a manner that � in some or other way � causes humanity to become disconnected with the fulfilment of life in a future destiny that breaks through the entrapment of the perpetual present and cyclical past. In their research, the authors asked in what sense and to what extent time concepts can hinder the Christian worshipper in anchoring his or her life in the consummating, witness-energising power of communion with the living, timetransforming Christ and faith in the imminence of his return. In addressing this research problem, key elements in traditional African and current Western time conceptualisation were described, as well as the role of the Easter moment (as it manifests in the observance of the Eucharist) in transforming problematic elements in these particular manifestations of time conceptualisation. In conclusion, preliminary theoretical anchors were formulated for the function of the observance of the Eucharist and its role in transforming various enslaving and disconnecting aspects of cultural time conceptualisation.
Current and Evolving Clinical Options for HIV-Infected Patients with Chronic Diarrhoea
Authors: Wingfield Tom , Pennell Ashley , Blanchard Tom J.
Published: November 2011

Diarrhoeal diseases continue to play a major role in the lives of HIV-positive people, impacting negatively on quality of life and causing significant morbidity and mortality. Within the global HIV pandemic, there are distinct geographical variations in the aetiology of chronic diarrhoea and the strategies towards its diagnosis and management. This article aims to highlight the contemporary approach to chronic diarrhoea in HIV-positive people, expand upon the myriad agents responsible for this presentation, and explore present and future therapeutic and management options.
Availability of Lactation Counseling Services Influences Breastfeeding among Infants Admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Units
Authors: Castrucci Brian C. , Hoover Kathleen L. , Lim Suet , Maus Katherine C.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To assess the association between the presence of international board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) services at a delivery hospital and the breastfeeding practices of women whose infants required neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission.

Design.

Cross-sectional study using population-level data.

Setting.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Subjects.

2132 infants admitted to the NICU.

Measures.

Breastfeeding at hospital discharge was measured with the question, “Is the infant being breastfed?” Delivery hospitals were dichotomized as to the presence or absence of an IBCLC on staff.

Analysis.

Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between breastfeeding at discharge and the presence of an IBCLC at the delivery facility while adjusting for maternal characteristics and birth outcomes.

Results.

Among mothers of infants admitted to the NICU, breastfeeding rates among mothers who delivered at hospitals with an IBCLC were nearly 50% compared with 36.9% among mothers who delivered at hospitals without an IBCLC. The adjusted odds of breastfeeding initiation prior to hospital discharge were 1.34 (95% confidence interval = 1.03, 1.76) times higher for women who delivered at a facility with an IBCLC.

Conclusions.

To increase breastfeeding rates among the NICU population, these findings support the need for universal availability of IBCLCs at delivery facilities that have NICUs.
Use of Medicare Summary Notice Inserts to Generate Interest in the Medicare Stop Smoking Program
Authors: Maglione Margaret , Larson Carrie , Giannotti Tierney , Lapin Pauline
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

Evaluations of outreach strategies that effectively and efficiently reach the senior population often go unreported. The Medicare Stop Smoking Program (MSSP) was a seven-state demonstration project funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The 1-year recruitment plan for MSSP included a multifaceted paid media campaign; however, enrollment was slower than anticipated. The purpose of this substudy was to test the effects of including envelope-sized advertisement inserts with Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) as a supplemental recruitment strategy.

Methods.

Information obtained from enrollees on where they had learned about the program as well as overall enrollment rates were analyzed and compared with the time periods during which the inserts were included in MSN mailings.

Results.

Average call volume to the enrollment center increased by 65.7% in Alabama, the pilot state, and by more than 200% in the subsequent demonstration states. Despite the introduction of the MSN inserts late in the recruitment period, 32.2% of the 7354 total enrollees stated that they learned about the project through the inserts.

Conclusions.

This recruitment method is highly recommended as a cost-effective way to reach the senior population.
Attributes of Environments Supporting Walking
Authors: Moudon Anne Vernez , Lee Chanam , Cheadle Allen D. , Garvin Cheza , Johnson Donna B. , Schmid Thomas L. , Weathers Robert D.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

This study established a framework to audit environments supporting walking in neighborhoods.

Design.

Cross-sectional analysis using a telephone survey and 200 objective environmental variables.

Setting.

Urbanized King County, WA.

Subjects.

608 randomly sampled adults.

Measures.

Walking measures constructed from survey questions; objective environmental measures taken from parcel-level databases in Geographic Information Systems.

Analysis.

Multinomial models estimated the odds of people engaging in moderate walking (< 149 min/wk) and in walking sufficiently to meet recommendations for health (150+min/wk), relative to not walking; and in walking sufficiently, relative to walking moderately. A base model consisted of survey variables, and final models incorporated both survey and environmental variables.

Results.

Survey variables strongly associated with walking sufficiently to enhance health included household income, not having difficulty walking, using transit, perceiving social support for walking, walking outside of the neighborhood, and having a dog (p < .01). The models isolated 14 environmental variables associated with walking sufficiently (pseudo R2 up to 0.46). Measures of distance to neighborhood destinations dominated the results: shorter distances to grocery stores/markets, restaurants, and retail stores, but longer distances to offices or mixed-use buildings (p < .01 or .05). The density of the respondent's parcel was also strongly associated with walking sufficiently (p < .01).

Conclusions.

The study offered valid environmental measures of neighborhood walkability.
The Health Benefits of Moderate Drinking Revisited: Alcohol Use and Self-Reported Health Status
Authors: French Michael T. , Zavala Silvana K.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To examine the association between alcohol use and self-reported health status. In particular, we sought to determine whether moderate drinkers are more likely to self-report above-average health status compared with other current drinkers, former drinkers, and lifetime abstainers.

Design.

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting.

Continental United States.

Subjects.

The sample adult component of the 2002 U.S. National Health Interview Survey (n = 31,044), representative of the U.S. noninstitutionalized civilian household population.

Measures.

Dichotomous measure of above-average self-reported health status relative to all other health states. Several measures characterized alcohol use patterns (i.e., continuous and categorical measure of alcohol use, a proxy measure of problem drinking, former drinking, lifetime abstaining). Chronic health conditions and various demographic and lifestyle factors were included as covariates in all regression models.

Results.

For both men and women, current moderate drinkers had the highest odds (OR = 1.27 for men, p < .01; OR = 2.03 for women, p < .01) of reporting above-average health status compared with other current drinkers, former drinkers, and lifetime abstainers. The odds dropped to 1.12 and 1.34, respectively, when all past-year drinkers were collapsed into a single group.

Conclusion.

Moderate alcohol consumption was associated with the highest odds of reporting above-average health status, even after controlling for chronic health conditions and demographic and lifestyle factors associated with health.
Relationship of Stages of Change to Attendance in a Diabetes Prevention Program
Authors: Helitzer Deborah L. , Peterson Arlana Bobo , Sanders Margaret , Thompson Janice
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To determine whether preintervention stage-of-change measures are indicative of subsequent attendance at diabetes prevention intervention sessions.

Design.

Cross-sectional.

Setting.

Local community.

Subjects.

Seventy-five adult American Indian women participated.

Measures.

Attendance, stage-of-change questions for seven diabetes prevention behaviors, and mean stage-of-change score to reflect the combined stages of change for all behaviors.

Analysis.

Univariate analyses for stage-of-change distribution and Fisher's exact test and prevalence ratios for the association between attendance and stage of change.

Results.

Participants' readiness for change at baseline was distributed across all stages of change. The most common stage was preparation. There was a significant relationship between the mean stage-of-change scores and attendance. Participants with lower mean stage-of-change scores (mean ± SE, 3.03 ± 0.13) were less likely to attend all 5 sessions than those with higher mean stage-of-change scores (mean ± SE, 3.38 ± 0.10) (p = .04). Participants in the action category (preparation, action, and maintenance stages) before the intervention were 6.7 (95% confidence interval, 1.0– 44.1; p < .01) times more likely to be high attenders than those in the preaction category (precontemplation and contemplation stages) before the intervention.

Conclusions.

Findings from this study suggest that stage of change may be a good predictor of attendance at diabetes prevention intervention sessions and have implications for intervention design and assessment. The mean stage-of-change score may be a more stable estimate of stage of change.
Manager Beliefs regarding Worksite Health Promotion: Findings from the Working Healthy Project 2
Authors: Linnan Laura , Weiner Bryan , Graham Amanda , Emmons Karen
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To explore differences in manager beliefs about worksite health promotion programs (HPPs).

Design.

Cross-sectional written survey.

Setting.

Twenty-four manufacturing worksites, with 11,811 employees and 1719 eligible managers.

Subjects.

Sixty-six percent (1133/1719) of managers completed the survey; 1047 managers were categorized by level (169 senior, 567 middle, and 311 line supervisors).

Analysis.

Results are reported on overall manager beliefs (and by manager level) about importance, efficacy, barriers, and benefits of HPPs. Multilevel analysis modeled the influence of manager level, age, and experience with HPPs on beliefs about HPPs, while accounting for worksite-level effects.

Results.

Seventy-five percent of managers believed that offering HPPs is highly important. Eighty percent believed that HPPs improved employee health, 68% believed that they reduced health care costs, and 67% believed that they improved employee morale. Few significant differences by manager level were observed on the perceived importance of health promotion, employer responsibilities for health promotion and protection, and efficacy of health promotion strategies or perceived benefits. Senior managers (vs. line supervisors) were significantly less likely to believe that space or cost was a barrier to offering HPPs and were less likely than middle managers or line supervisors to believe that production conflicts were barriers to offering HPPs.

Conclusion.

Targeted interventions to address manager beliefs, including differences by age, experience, and manager level, are worth consideration when planning worksite HPPs.
Active Neighborhood Checklist: A User-Friendly and Reliable Tool for Assessing Activity Friendliness
Authors: Hoehner Christine M. , Ivy Andrae , Ramirez Laura K. Brennan , Handy Susan , Brownson Ross C.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To test the reliability of the Active Neighborhood Checklist (the Checklist), a user-friendly audit tool for assessing neighborhood environmental supports for physical activity.

Methods.

Sixty-four street segments in St. Louis and southeastern Missouri were selected among diverse areas that varied with respect to socioeconomic levels, urbanization, and land use. Fifteen public health researchers and seven community stakeholders conducted audits in April 2005 following a two-hour training session. Interrater reliability was measured for the items in each section of the Checklist (land use characteristics, sidewalks, shoulders and bike lanes, street characteristics, and quality of the environment for a pedestrian) using observed agreement and the k statistic.

Results.

The mean observed agreement for 57 evaluated items was 0.87 (range, 0.61–1.00). The mean k statistic was 0.68 (range, 0.21–1.00).

Discussion.

With minimal training of the auditors, the Checklist demonstrated strong reliability. Future studies are needed to provide information about its usability for various stakeholders and across different settings.
Predicting the relative humidities of liquid-liquid phase separation, efflorescence, and deliquescence of mixed particles of ammonium sulfate, organic material, and water using the organic-to-sulfate mass ratio of the particle and the oxygen-to-carbon elemental ratio of the organic component
Authors: Bertram A. K. , Martin S. T. , Hanna S. J. , Smith M. L. , Bodsworth A. , Chen Q. , Kuwata M. , Liu A. , You Y. , Zorn S. R.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. Individual particles that on a mass basis consist dominantly of the components ammonium sulfate, oxygenated organic material, and water are a common class of submicron particles found in today's atmosphere. Here we use (1) the organic-to-sulfate (org:sulf) mass ratio of the overall particle and (2) the oxygen-to-carbon (O:C) elemental ratio of the organic component as input variables in parameterisations that predict the critical relative humidity of several different types of particle phase transitions. Specifically these variables were used to predict the critical relative humidity of liquid-liquid phase separation (SRH), efflorescence (ERH), and deliquescence (DRH). Experiments were conducted by optical microscopy for 11 different oxygenated organic-ammonium sulfate systems covering the range 0.1< org:sulf <12.8 and 0.29 < O:C < 1.33. These new data, in conjunction with other data already available in the literature, were used to develop the parameterisations SRH(org:sulf, O:C), ERH(org:sulf, O:C), and DRH(org:sulf, O:C). The parameterisations correctly predicted SRH within 15% RH for 88% of the measurements, ERH within 5% for 84% of the measurements, and DRH within 5% for 94% of the measurements. The applicability of the derived parameterisations beyond the training data set was tested against observations for organic-sulfate particles produced in an environmental chamber. The organic component consisted of secondary organic material produced by the oxidation of isoprene, α-pinene, and β-caryophyllene. The predictions of the parameterisations were also tested against data from the Southern Great Plains, Oklahoma, USA. The observed ERH and DRH values for both the chamber and field data agreed within 5% RH with the values predicted by the parameterisations using the measured org:sulf and O:C ratios as the input variables.
Performance of Imaging Devices versus Optic Disc and Fiber Layer Photography in a Clinical Practice Guideline for Glaucoma Diagnosis
Authors: Güerri Noemi , Polo Vicente , Larrosa Jose M. , Ferreras Antonio , Fuertes Isabel , Pablo Luis E.
Published: November 2011

Purpose

To compare the performance of Moorfields Regression Analysis (MRA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) with that of photographic evaluation of the optic nerve head and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in the application of the Finnish Evidence-Based Guideline for Open-Angle Glaucoma (FEBG-OAG).

Methods

Patients referred for glaucoma evaluation (n=312) and subjects selected from the general population (n=41) were included in the study. All subjects underwent ophthalmic evaluation, optic nerve head stereophotography, monochromatic RNFL photography, Heidelberg retina tomography, OCT, and laser polarimetry evaluation. The subjects were classified based on stereophotographic or MRA and OCT results by applying the FEBG-OAG.

Results

The specificity of the FEBG-OAG for detecting normal patients (stereophotography and imaging devices) was 78% (strict criteria) and 100% (liberal criteria). Agreement between the stereophotographic evaluation and evaluation based on MRA and OCT was 70.2%. Classification of subjects with similar management advice based on these evaluations had 70.5% agreement. Central corneal thickness was a confounding factor in glaucoma diagnosis. Large optic disc sizes played a major role in misleading the diagnosis compared to small discs.

Conclusions

Central corneal thickness and large optic disc size are confounding factors in glaucoma diagnosis. Moorfields Regression Analysis and OCT allow for objective implementation of the FEBG-OAG compared to conventional stereophotographic evaluation of the neuroretinal structures.
Analytic Solution of Fractional-Order Heat- and Wave-Like Equations Using Generalized n-dimensional Differential Transform Method
Authors: Baranwal Vipul K. , Pandey Ram K. , Tripathi Manoj P. , Singh Om P.
Published: November 2011

In this paper, we have introduced a generalized n-dimensional differential transform method to propose a user friendly algorithm to obtain the closed form analytic solution for n-dimensional fractional heat- and wave-like equations. Three examples are given to establish the simplicity of the algorithm. In Example 5.3, we show that ten terms of the series representing the solution, even in fractional order, give a very accurate solution.
Thermal Radiation Effects on the Mixed Convection Stagnation-Point Flow in a Jeffery Fluid
Authors: Hayat Tasawar , Shehzad Sabir Ali , Qasim Muhammad , Obaidat Saleem
Published: November 2011

This study describes the mixed convection stagnation point flow and heat transfer of a Jeffery fluid towards a stretching surface. Mathematical formulation is given in the presence of thermal radiation. The Rosseland approximation is used to describe the radiative heat flux. Similarity transformations are employed to reduce the partial differential equations into the ordinary differential equations which are then solved by a homotopy analysis method (HAM). A comparative study is made with the known numerical solutions in a limiting sense and an excellent agreement is noted. The characteristics of involved parameters on the dimensionless velocity and temperature are also examined. It is noticed that the velocity increases with an increase in Deborah number. Further, the temperature is a decreasing function of mixed convection parameter. We further found that for fixed values of other parameters, the local Nusselt number increases by increasing suction parameter and Deborah number.
Molecularly‐Engineered Lubricants: Synthesis, Activation, and Tribological Characterization of Silver Complexes as Lubricant Additives
Authors: Twist Christina P. , Seyam Afif M. , Chen Changle , Kim Myung‐Gil , Weberski Michael P. , Ren Ning , Marks Tobin J. , Chung Yip‐Wah , Wang Q. Jane
Published: November 2011

Many machines operate in harsh environments where elevated temperatures require careful consideration of the lubricant for optimal performance. Lubricant additives can be designed to improve properties of base oil at specific temperature ranges. In the present work, two [tris(phosphino)borate]AgL (L = PEt3; NHC) complexes are synthesized and added to engine oil at various concentrations. The complexes thermolyze between 200 and 300 °C, yielding metallic Ag. A mixture of engine oil and the silver‐based nanoparticles provides fully flooded lubrication for pin‐on‐disk friction tests. A thermo‐elastohydrodynamic model for point contact is utilized to predict the pin loads at which flash temperatures between 200 and 300 °C occur, thus inducing thermal decomposition of the complexes. Results of the friction tests and wear measurements indicate a significant reduction in wear at 0.5–1.0% Ag complex weight concentrations and little change in friction. The improved wear performance is attributed to the thermolysis and deposition of the silver‐based complexes in the wear scar, as confirmed by energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis.
Diastereo‐ and Enantioselective Synthesis of a Novel Tetracyclic Ring System via an Organocatalytic One‐Pot Reaction
Authors: Yu De‐Feng , Wang Yao , Xu Peng‐Fei
Published: November 2011

An efficient , asymmetric, one‐pot synthesis of a novel tetracyclic ring system incorporating both chroman and bicyclo[2.2.2]octane structural units was established through sequential reaction of nitroolefin enoates and α,β‐unsaturated ketones. Six stereogenic centers including two quaternary stereocenters were formed with excellent diastereo‐ and enantioselectivity.
Iron‐Catalyzed CH Fuctionalization of Indoles
Authors: Cai Yan , Zhu Shou‐Fei , Wang Guo‐Peng , Zhou Qi‐Lin
Published: November 2011

An easily available iron catalyst was developed to accomplish the CH functionalization of indoles with α‐aryl‐α‐diazoesters in high yields under mild conditions. The asymmetric CH functionalization of indoles was also realized by using iron complexes of chiral spiro bisoxazolines with up to 78% ee.
Reusable and Sustainable Nanostructured Skeleton Catalyst: Heck Reaction with Nanoporous Metallic Glass Pd (PdNPore) as a Support, Stabilizer and Ligand‐Free Catalyst
Authors: Kaneko Tetsuro , Tanaka Shinya , Asao Naoki , Yamamoto Yoshinori , Chen Mingwei , Zhang Wei , Inoue Akihisa
Published: November 2011

Nanoporous metallic glass palladium (PdNPore), which was fabricated by de‐alloying of a glassy metallic alloy Pd30Ni50P20, exhibited a remarkable catalytic activity for the Heck reaction of versatile aryl iodides and aryl bromides. Moreover, the PdNPore can be reused several times without a significant loss of catalytic activity, and the PdNPore has ahigher resistance to leaching than palladium black and palladium on carbon.
Two large‐scale surveys on community attitudes toward an opt‐out biobank
Authors: Brothers Kyle B. , Morrison Daniel R. , Clayton Ellen W.
Published: November 2011

Although US research regulations allow for de‐identified biorepositories to be developed without formal informed consent from the patients whose samples are included, it is unknown whether this model will be well‐received by community members. Based on early evidence that such a biobank could be successful if patients who object have the opportunity to opt‐out, Vanderbilt University developed a biorepository named BioVU that follows this model. This study reports the findings from two large‐scale surveys among communities important to this biorepository. In the first, a population‐based phone survey of Nashville residents, we found that approval for BioVU is high (93.9%) and that this approval is similar among all population groups. A hypothetical biobank that does not obtain some form of written permission is much less well received. In the second, an online survey of Vanderbilt University faculty and staff, we found a higher level of support for BioVU (94.5%) among faculty and staff working throughout the university. In this survey, employees least likely to approve of BioVU are those employees who prefer not to receive medical care at Vanderbilt University. These surveys demonstrate the highest level of approval for a genomic biobank ever reported in the literature, even among groups traditionally cautious about such research. This high level of approval may reflect increasing comfort with genomic research over time combined with the effect that trust in a specific institution can have on approval for an operating biobank compared with approval of a hypothetical biobank. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.