bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arithmetic-Like Reasoning in Wild Vervet Monkeys: A Demonstration of Cost-Benefit Calculation in Foraging
Authors: Tsutsumi Sayaka , Ushitani Tomokazu , Fujita Kazuo
Published: August 2011

Arithmetic-like reasoning has been demonstrated in various animals in captive and seminatural environments, but it is unclear whether such competence is practiced in the wild. Using a hypothetical foraging paradigm, we demonstrate that wild vervet monkeys spontaneously adjust their “foraging behavior” deploying arithmetic-like reasoning. Presented with arithmetic-like problems in artificially controlled feeding conditions, all the monkeys tested attempted to retrieve “artificial prey” according to the quantity of the remainder when the task involved one subtraction only (i.e., “2−1”), while one monkey out of four did so when it was sequentially subtracted twice (i.e., “2−1−1”). This monkey also adjusted his “foraging behavior” according to the quantity of the reminder for a task requiring stepwise mental manipulation (i.e., “(2−1)−1”), though the results became less evident. This suggests that vervet monkeys are capable of spontaneously deploying mental manipulations of numerosity for cost-benefit calculation of foraging but that the extent of such capacity varies among individuals. Different foraging strategies might be deployed according to different levels of mental manipulation capacity in each individual in a given population. In addition to providing empirical data, the current study provides an easily adaptable field technique that would allow comparison across taxa and habitat using a uniform method.
Nano in Cancer: Linking Chemistry, Biology, and Clinical Applications In Vivo
Authors: Dothager Robin S , Piwnica-Worms David
Published: August 2011

Development of nanoparticle agents for cancer therapeutics and diagnostics is steadily progressing and was the subject of the inaugural conference entitled, “Nano in Cancer,” held during January 12–15, 2011, in Miami, FL. The meeting program was developed by co-chairs David Piwnica-Worms (Washington University in St. Louis), Jan Schnitzer (Proteogenomics Research Institute for Systems Medicine, San Diego), and Karen Wooley (Texas A&M University). Topics discussed for nanoparticle platforms under development included: nanotechnologies for cancer diagnostics and imaging, overcoming in vivo barriers, therapeutic nanoparticles and clinical prospects, and safety issues for nanotechnologies. Two important concepts emerged from this meeting. The first was the urgent need for uniform standards and protocols for nanoparticle characterization in vitro and in vivo, and the second was the continued need for discovery of definitive targets for tumor-directed nanoparticles across various cancers. Cancer Res; 71(17); 5611–5. ©2011 AACR.
Cigarette Smoking, Obesity, Physical Activity, and Alcohol Use As Predictors of Chemoprevention Adherence in the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project P-1 Breast Cancer Prevention Trial
Authors: Land Stephanie R. , Cronin Walter M. , Wickerham D. Lawrence , Costantino Joseph P. , Christian Nicholas J. , Klein William M.P. , Ganz Patricia A.
Published: August 2011

The double-blind, prospective, National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) Breast Cancer Prevention Trial (BCPT) showed a 50% reduction in the risk of breast cancer for tamoxifen versus placebo, yet many women at risk of breast cancer do not adhere to the 5-year course. This first report of the rich BCPT drug adherence data examines predictors of adherence. Between June, 1992 and September, 1997 13,338 women at high risk of breast cancer were randomly assigned to 20 mg/d tamoxifen versus placebo; we analyzed the 11,064 enrolled more than 3 years before trial unblinding. Primary endpoint was full drug adherence (100% of assigned pills per staff report, excluding protocol-required discontinuation) at 1 and 36 months; secondary was adequate adherence (76%–100%). Protocol-specified multivariable logistic regression tested lifestyle factors, controlling for demographic and medical predictors. About 13% were current smokers; 60% were overweight/obese; 46% had moderate/heavy physical activity; 21%, 66%, 13% drank 0, 0–1, 1+ drinks per day, respectively; 91% were adequately adherent at 1 month; and 79% were at 3 years. Alcohol use was associated with reduced full adherence at 1 month (P = 0.016; OR = 0.79 1+ vs. 0), as was college education (P <0.001; OR = 0.78 vs. high school); age (P < 0.001; OR = 1.4 age 60+) and per capita household annual income (P < 0.001; OR = 1.2 per $30,000) with increased adherence. Current smoking (P = 0.003; OR = 0.75), age (P = 0.024, OR = 1.1), college education (P = 0.037; OR = 1.4), tamoxifen assignment (P = 0.031; OR = 0.84), and breast cancer risk (P <.001; OR = 1.5 high vs. low) predicted adequate adherence at 36 months. There were no significant associations with obesity or physical activity. Alcohol use and smoking might indicate a need for greater adherence support. Cancer Prev Res; 4(9); 1393–400. ©2011 AACR.
Effects of High Blood Flow and High Pre-Dilution Replacement Fluid Rates on Small Solute Clearances in Hemofiltration
Authors: Gashti Casey N. , Rodby Roger A. , Huang Zhongping , Gao Dayong , Zhang Weiming
Published: August 2011

Background/Aims: In pre-dilution hemofiltration (HF), solute clearance is less than the HF rate. While the amount of this loss is predictable, it has not been validated in high-volume HF associated with high blood flow rates. Methods: Using isovolemic pre-dilution HF, we studied small solute clearances using combinations of blood flow (QB; 150, 250, 350, 450 ml/min) and replacement fluid (RF) flow (QRF; 2, 4, 6 l/h) to determine clearance losses we entitled ‘measured efficiency’ (EM). EM was compared to predicted efficiency (EP) = (QB/QB + QRF). Results: Pre-dilution produced EM values of 61–93%. Increases in QB for any QRF and decreases in QRF for any QB increased EM over a wide range of QB and QRF. EP was equivalent to EM. Conclusion: In high-volume pre-dilution HF, EP can be used to determine EM across a broad range of QB and QRF values. Higher QRF requires higher QB to minimize the attenuating effects of pre-dilution on clearance.
Quality of Care and Outcomes in Women Hospitalized for Heart Failure
Authors: Klein Liviu , Grau-Sepulveda Maria V. , Bonow Robert O. , Hernandez Adrian F. , Williams Mark V. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Fonarow Gregg C.
Published: August 2011

Background—

Although women account for a significant proportion of heart failure (HF) hospitalizations, data on the quality of care and in-hospital outcomes in women are limited.

Methods and Results—

We examined The Joint Commission performance measures, other quality metrics, length of stay, and in-hospital mortality in women using 99 841 HF admissions (January 2005 to June 2009) at 248 hospitals participating in the American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines-Heart Failure registry. Women accounted for 50% of the HF admissions and were older (mean age, 74±14 versus 69±14 years), more likely to have hypertension (77% versus 72%), and less likely to have coronary disease (44% versus 53%) or renal insufficiency (18% versus 23%) than men (all
P
<0.001). The presenting symptoms were similar to men, but women had higher admission systolic blood pressure (mean, 144±31 versus 137±30 mm Hg;
P
<0.001) and ejection fraction (mean, 0.44±0.17% versus 0.34±0.16%;
P
<0.001). After adjustment for baseline differences, eligible women were less likely than men to have measurement of left ventricular function (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.81; 95% CI, 0.76 to 0.86) and to receive anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation (adjusted OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.86 to 0.96) or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (adjusted OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.65 to 0.75) but were as likely to receive discharge instructions, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, β-blockers, and smoking cessation counseling at discharge. Although the median length of stay was 4 days, women were more likely than men to be hospitalized >4 days (adjusted OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.16) and >7 days (adjusted OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.11). Women had comparable in-hospital mortality to men (adjusted OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.96 to 1.14).

Conclusions—

Compared to men, women hospitalized for HF differ in many clinical characteristics and length of stay but have similar clinical presentations, receive similar quality of care for most but not all measures, and experience similar in-hospital mortality.
Passive Haptic Interface with MR-Brakes for Dental Implant Surgery
Authors: Senkal Doruk , Konukseven E. Ilhan
Published: August 2011

In this research a passive haptic interface is explored as a surgical aid for dental implant surgery. The placement of a dental implant is critical since positioning mistakes can lead to permanent damage in the nerves controlling the lips, long lasting numbness, and failure of the implant and the crown on it. Haptic feedback to the surgeon in real time can decrease dependence on the surgeon's skill and experience for accurate implant positioning and increase the overall safety of the procedure. The developed device is a lightweight mechanism with weight compensation. Rotary magnetorheological (MR) brakes were custom designed for this application using the serpentine flux path concept. The resulting MR-brakes are 33% smaller in diameter than the only commercially available such brakes, yet produce 2.7 times more torque at 10.9 Nm. Another contribution of this research was a ferro-fluidic sealing technique which decreased the off-state torque. The control system implemented the passive force manipulability ellipsoid algorithm for force rendering of rigid wall-following tasks. Usability experiments were conducted to drill holes with haptic feedback. The maximum average positioning error was 2.88 mm along the x axis. The errors along the y and z axes were 1.9 mm and 1.16 mm, respectively. The results are on the same order of magnitude as other dental robotic systems. The innovative new MR-brake actuators, inherent safety of the system, and simplicity of control make this passive haptic interface a viable option for further exploration.
Affective States Influence Spatial Cue Utilization during Navigation
Authors: Gardony Aaron , Taylor Holly A.
Published: August 2011

Humans navigate complex environments effectively by identifying and monitoring environmental spatial cues (i.e., landmarks). Previous research has shown that affective states modulate cue utilization, attentional focus, and memory. Like other human behaviors, navigation is performed within an affective context and thus may fall under its influence. The present study examines the influence of affective state on cue utilization in novel virtual environments. Employing a within-participants factorial design, we manipulated participants' affect, crossing valence (happy, sad) and arousal (high, low), with available cue type (global cues: present, absent; and local cues: present, absent) within a desktop virtual environment. Results indicated that low relative to high arousal states promote global cue utilization during navigation through novel environments; there were no effects of affective valence. Arousal effects decreased with environmental familiarity, indicating its influence on cue utilization during the initial learning of novel environments. The results are discussed with regard to theories of affect, spatial cognition, and navigation.
Effects of Initial and Boundary Conditions of Mesoscale Models on Simulated Atmospheric Refractivity
Authors: Wang Changgui , Wilson Damian , Haack Tracy , Clark Peter , Lean Humphrey , Marshall Robert
Published: August 2011

Radar ducting is caused by sharp vertical changes in temperature and, especially, water vapor at the top of the atmospheric boundary layer, both of which are sensitive to variations in the underlying surface conditions, local mesoscale weather, and synoptic weather patterns. High-resolution numerical weather prediction (NWP) models offer an alternative to observation to determine boundary layer (BL) structure and to assess the spatial variability of radar ducts. The benefit of using NWP models for simulating ducting conditions very much depends on the initial state of sea surface temperature (SST) and the model spinup time, both of which have a great impact on BL structure. This study investigates the effects of variation of NWP-model initial conditions and simulation length on the accuracy of simulating the atmosphere’s refractive index over the Wallops Island, Virginia, region, which has pronounced SST variability and complex BL structure. The Met Office Unified Model (MetUM) with horizontal resolution of 4 km (4-km model) was used to simulate the atmospheric environment when observations were made during the Wallops-2000 experiment. Sensitivity tests were conducted in terms of the variability of SST and model spinup time. The evaluation of the model results was focused on low-level moisture, temperature, and surface ducting characteristics including the frequency, strength, and the height of the ducting layer. When provided with more accurate SST and adequate simulation length, the MetUM 4-km model demonstrated an improved ability to predict the observed ducting.
The Relationship between Tropical Warm Pool Precipitation, Sea Surface Temperature, and Large-Scale Vertical Motion in IPCC AR4 Models
Authors: Martin Elinor R. , Schumacher Courtney
Published: August 2011

A regime sorting analysis is used to identify Caribbean and western Pacific precipitation, sea surface temperature, and large-scale vertical circulation relationships and biases within coupled and uncoupled Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report (IPCC AR4) general circulation models. This analysis shows that an oversensitivity of precipitation to both SST and vertical circulation (as represented by ω500) is inherent in the atmospheric models in both regions, with models using a spectral-type convective parameterization performing best in the Caribbean, but less separation between convective parameterization groups is seen in the western Pacific. The error in magnitude of precipitation for a given SST and vertical circulation causes uncoupled models to overestimate Caribbean and western Pacific mean precipitation. In coupled models, however, errors in the frequency of occurrence of SSTs (the distribution is cold biased in both regions) and deep convective vertical circulations (reduced frequency) lead to an underestimation of Caribbean and western Pacific mean precipitation. In the western Pacific, increased frequency of subsidence regimes in coupled models leads to an overestimation of precipitation at ω500 values above 0 hPa day−1. The varied ability of convective parameterization groups in the two warm pool regions suggests that deficiencies in parameterization groups differ between the two regions, with improvements needed particularly in the deep convective regime in the Caribbean and subsidence regimes in the western Pacific.
Observed Decadal North Atlantic Tripole SST Variability. Part I: Weather Noise Forcing and Coupled Response
Authors: Fan Meizhu , Schneider Edwin K.
Published: August 2011

The mechanisms responsible for the decadal variability of the tripole mode of North Atlantic SST during the latter half of the twentieth century are diagnosed using a new technique. The SST and associated ocean variability are reconstructed by forcing an interactive ensemble coupled GCM by the surface fluxes resulting from weather noise. The weather noise surface fluxes are obtained from the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis by removing the simulated atmospheric feedback to the observed SST evolution. Simulations are performed to reconstruct and estimate the contributions of the local weather noise heat flux and wind stress to the observed evolution of the tripole pattern. The results indicate that the North Atlantic tripole pattern is forced primarily by the local weather noise surface heat flux. The roles of several types of ocean circulation variability, including gyres forced by the wind stress weather noise, the wind stress feedback to the SST, and the meridional overturning circulation, are also examined. Conclusions from this approach are expected to be model dependent. Further analysis, in the context of a simple model, of the mechanisms producing the tripole variability is presented in Part II.
Surface Air Temperature and Humidity from Intersatellite-Calibrated HIRS Measurements in High Latitudes
Authors: Shi Lei , Peng Ge , Bates John J.
Published: August 2011

High-latitude ocean surface air temperature and humidity derived from intersatellite-calibrated High-Resolution Infrared Radiation Sounder (HIRS) measurements are examined. A neural network approach is used to develop retrieval algorithms. HIRS simultaneous nadir overpass observations from high latitudes are used to intercalibrate observations from different satellites. Investigation shows that if HIRS observations were not intercalibrated, then it could lead to intersatellite biases of 1°C in the air temperature and 1–2 g kg−1 in the specific humidity for high-latitude ocean surface retrievals. Using a full year of measurements from a high-latitude moored buoy site as ground truth, the instantaneous (matched within a half-hour) root-mean-square (RMS) errors of HIRS retrievals are 1.50°C for air temperature and 0.86 g kg−1 for specific humidity. Compared to a large set of operational moored and drifting buoys in both northern and southern oceans greater than 50° latitude, the retrieval instantaneous RMS errors are within 2.6°C for air temperature and 1.4 g kg−1 for specific humidity. Compared to 5 yr of International Maritime Meteorological Archive in situ data, the HIRS specific humidity retrievals show less than 0.5 g kg−1 of differences over the majority of northern high-latitude open oceans.
A General Filter for Stretched-Grid Models: Application in Two-Dimension Polar Geometry
Authors: Surcel Dorina , Laprise René
Published: August 2011

Variable-resolution grids are used in global atmospheric models to improve the representation of regional scales over an area of interest: they have reduced computational cost compared to uniform high-resolution grids, and avoid the nesting issues of limited-area models. To address some concerns associated with the stretching and anisotropy of the variable-resolution computational grid, a general convolution filter operator was developed.

The convolution filter that was initially applied in Cartesian geometry in a companion paper is here adapted to cylindrical polar coordinates as an intermediate step toward spherical polar latitude–longitude grids. Both polar grids face the so-called “pole problem” because of the convergence of meridians at the poles.

In this work the authors will present some details related to the adaptation of the filter to cylindrical polar coordinates for both uniform as well as stretched grids. The results show that the developed operator is skillful in removing the extraneous fine scales around the pole, with a computational cost smaller than that of common polar filters. The results on a stretched grid for vector and scalar test functions are satisfactory and the filter’s response can be optimized for different types of test function and noise one wishes to remove.
Value from Ambiguity in Ensemble Forecasts
Authors: Allen Mark S. , Eckel F. Anthony
Published: August 2011

This study explores the objective application of ambiguity information, that is, the uncertainty in forecast probability derived from an ensemble. One application approach, called uncertainty folding, merges ambiguity with forecast uncertainty information for subsequent use in standard risk-analysis decision making. Uncertainty folding is found to be of no practical benefit when tested in a low-order, weather forecast simulation. A second approach, called ulterior motives, attempts to use ambiguity information to aid secondary decision factors not considered in the standard risk analysis, while simultaneously maintaining the primary value associated with the probabilistic forecasts. Following ulterior motives, the practical utility of ambiguity information is demonstrated on real-world ensemble forecasts used to support decisions concerning the preparation for freezing temperatures paired with a secondary desire for the reduction in repeat false alarms. Sample products for communicating ambiguity to the user are also presented.
Civil War, Reintegration, and Gender in Northern Uganda
Authors: Annan Jeannie , Blattman Christopher , Mazurana Dyan , Carlson Khristopher
Published: August 2011

What are the impacts of war on the participants, and do they vary by gender? Are ex-combatants damaged pariahs who threaten social stability, as some fear? Existing theory and evidence are both inconclusive and focused on males. New data and a tragic natural quasi-experiment in Uganda allow us to estimate the impacts of war on both genders, and assess how war experiences affect reintegration success. As expected, violence drives social and psychological problems, especially among females. Unexpectedly, however, most women returning from armed groups reintegrate socially and are resilient. Partly for this reason, postconflict hostility is low. Theories that war conditions youth into violence find little support. Finally, the findings confirm a human capital view of recruitment: economic gaps are driven by time away from civilian education and labor markets. Unlike males, however, females have few civilian opportunities and so they see little adverse economic impact of recruitment.
Digital Literacy and Privacy Behavior Online
Authors: Park Yong Jin
Published: August 2011

This study examined the impact of three dimensions of digital literacy on privacy-related online behaviors: (a) familiarity with technical aspects of the Internet, (b) awareness of common institutional practices, and (c) understanding of current privacy policy. Hierarchical regression models analyzed data from a national sample of 419 adult Internet users. The analyses showed strong predictive powers of user knowledge, as indicated by the three discrete dimensions, on privacy control behavior. However, the findings were mixed when accounting for the interaction between knowledge and Internet experiences. There were limitations on the extents of knowledge and action related to personalized information. Furthermore, those limitations divided with sociodemographic characteristics such as age, gender, income, and education. Ramifications for the current status of the FTC policy are discussed.
What Is a Media Dispositif? Compositions With Bifo
Authors: Coté Mark
Published: August 2011

This article is a dialogue with the Italian autonomist media theorist Franco Berardi, also known as Bifo. The discussion turns on how to conceptually frame Italian experiments in media activism—from the pirate broadcaster Radio Alice to the networked microemissions of Teletreet. Throughout, special emphasis is put on the importance of Foucault, and Deleuze and Guattari to the creative wing of Italian autonomist thought which focused on media, communication, and culture. Thus “the Italian Foucault” is presented as an apposite conceptual persona. Finally, both the Foucault-inspired dispositif and the more autonomist composizione (elsewhere presented as either composition or recombination) are suggestions for better theorizing new networked organizational forms. Thus, media is presented as constitutive of the social body; that is, media is not understood as an additive with “effects” but as comprising and calibrating those constitutive elements, their affective, communicative, and signifying capacities.
Contextualizing Petro-Sexual Politics
Authors: Turcotte Heather M.
Published: August 2011

Petro-violence is a feminist issue. Through the examination of U.S. mainstream narratives of gender violence and petroleum violence within Nigeria, the author reveals how gender and sexuality are central to representations of terrorism and ethnic-gang conflict within petroleum politics. Through a framework of petro-sexual politics, which links histories of gender and petroleum violence together, the author considers how petro-violence materializes in multiple forms that have always been gendered and systemically violent. By demonstrating that gender violence is not merely an effect of petro-violence, the author argues it is the necessary condition for such violence to even take place. Understanding petro-politics means recognizing that gender violence is part of a larger political economy of violence that creates the conditions fostering and facilitating petro-politics in the first place.
The Impulsive Lifestyle Counseling Program for Antisocial Behavior in Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment
Authors: Thylstrup Birgitte , Hesse Morten
Published: August 2011

Antisocial behavior is associated with low quality of life for the patient and with adverse effects on society and those close to the antisocial patient. However, most patients with antisocial behavior are not seen in treatment settings that focus on their personality but rather in criminal justice settings, substance-abuse treatment, and social welfare settings. This article describes the adaptation and implementation of a highly structured manualized treatment, Impulsive Lifestyle Counseling (ILC), based on the Lifestyle Issues program, a 10-week psychoeducation program studied in prison settings. ILC consists of four sessions over 4 weeks and a booster session 8 weeks later. The goal of treatment is described to patients as “to help people identify their impulsive thoughts and lifestyle leading to problems with drug use, other people, and the police.” Two clinical examples and reflections on our experiences with the training and implementation of the ILC program are presented.
Lifetime Criminal History of Sex Offenders Seen for Psychological Assessment in Five Decades
Authors: Langevin Ron , Curnoe Suzanne
Published: August 2011

A sample of 2,190 sex offenders seen between 1966 and 2009 was compared on lifetime sexual and all offending, using charges, convictions, court appearances, and self-report as criteria. Of these various criteria, between 47.4% and 81.1% reoffended. Canadian child abuse reporting laws, which came into effect in the 1980s, were associated with increased charges and convictions for offenders, who victimized children, and with a reduction in their longer term reoffense rates. Immigration and population mobility, use of aliases, study follow-up time, and self-reported undetected sex crimes influenced reoffense rates. Results indicate that sex offenders continued to have short prison sentences and/or spend little or no time incarcerated during the latter part of the 20th century.
Community Solutions for the Community’s Problem
Authors: Lambie Ian , Stewart Malcolm W.
Published: August 2011

The recidivism rate of 203 people mandated by the courts to attend three community-based child sexual offender treatment programs (175 treatment cases and 28 assessment-only cases) was assessed and compared with a probation comparison group. The recidivism rate was 8.1% for all participants treated in the community-based programs and 5.2% for participants who completed treatment. The recidivism rate for program attendees was approximately half that of those in the probation comparison group. The drop-out rate for treatment appears to be relatively high (45%) and noncompletion was associated with higher recidivism. These results indicate significantly better outcomes for offenders receiving specialized treatment and are consistent with, and toward the lower end of, recidivism rates reported in local and international evaluation studies.
Elder Abuse in Assisted Living
Authors: Castle Nicholas , Beach Scott
Published: August 2011

Assisted Living (AL) currently represents one of the most numerous institutional care settings for elders. Very little information exists on abuse in AL. Descriptive information on elder abuse reported by nurse aides working in AL is presented from a survey sent to nurse aides. The questionnaire had items addressing verbal, physical, psychological, caregiving, medication, material, and sexual abuse. The responses to the questions included in the verbal abuse, physical abuse, psychological abuse, caregiving abuse, medication abuse, and material exploitation abuse sections (28 questions) show that suspected abuse is not uncommon. We could not objectively verify the cases of abuse described in the survey, still, they give a first indication that staff abuse may occur in AL. This may be significant given the large number of ALs in the United States and may influence the health, quality of life, and safety of many residents.
Two Children With Both Arm Ischemia and Arterial Ischemic Stroke During the Perinatal Period
Authors: McKasson Marilyn J. , Golomb Meredith R.
Published: August 2011

It is rare for both limb ischemia and arterial ischemic stroke to occur in the same child during the perinatal period. Two children who appear to have had perinatal emboli to both an arm and a middle cerebral artery territory are presented here. One child required amputation of the ischemic limb below the shoulder, and the other required skin grafts to the distal ischemic fingers. Each of these children later received cerebral magnetic resonance imaging for evaluation of developmental delay and was found to have what appeared to be old perinatal arterial ischemic stroke. Both children were homozygous for the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T gene variant. Eight other children with perinatal limb ischemia and stroke were found on literature review; several also had delayed diagnosis of perinatal stroke. This report examines the approach to diagnosis and treatment in each of these and makes suggestions for the similar cases in the future.
BRAF Gene Deletion Broadens the Clinical Spectrum Neuro-Cardio-Facial-Cutaneous Syndromes
Authors: Yu Shihui , Graf William D.
Published: August 2011

Point mutations in the human BRAF gene are associated with a group of heterogeneous autosomal dominant neuro-cardio-facial-cutaneous syndromes. We identified a novel 93 kb intragenic deletion of the BRAF gene in a boy with severe developmental encephalopathy using microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization. The unique genotype and phenotype in this patient expands the spectrum of BRAF-related neurodevelopmental disorders. We propose a BRAF gene loss-of-function mechanism to best explain the biological basis of this severe developmental encephalopathy with postnatal growth deficiency.
Effects of dexamethasone-loaded PLGA microspheres on human fetal osteoblasts
Authors: Dawes GJS , Fratila-Apachitei LE , Necula BS , Apachitei I , van Leeuwen JPTM , Duszczyk J , Eijken M
Published: August 2011

Integration of a drug delivery function into implantable medical devices enables local release of specific bioactives to control cells–surface interactions. One alternative to achieve this biofunctionality for bone implants is to incorporate particulate drug delivery systems (DDSs) into the rough or porous implant surfaces. The scope of this study was to assess the effects of a model DDS consisting of poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres loaded with an anti-inflammatory drug, dexamethasone (DXM), on the response of Simian Virus-immortalized Human Fetal Osteoblast (SV-HFO) cells. The microspheres were prepared by the oil-in-water emulsion/solvent evaporation method, whereas cells response was investigated by Alamar Blue test for viability, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity for differentiation, and Alizarin Red staining for matrix mineralization. Cell viability was not affected by the presence of increased concentrations of polymeric microspheres in the culture media. Furthermore, in the cultures with DXM-loaded microspheres, ALP activity was expressed at levels similar with those obtained under osteogenic conditions, indicating that DXM released from the microsphere-stimulated cell differentiation. Matrix mineralization occurred preferentially around the DXM-loaded microspheres confirming that the released DXM could act as osteogenic supplement for the cells. These in vitro findings suggest that a particulate PLGA-DXM DDS may actually provide dual, anti-inflammatory and osteogenic functions when incorporated on the surface of bone implants.
Mechanisms by Which Social Support Networks Influence Healthy Aging Among Thai Community-Dwelling Elderly
Authors: Thanakwang Kattika , Soonthorndhada Kusol
Published: August 2011

Objective: To examine the relationships among family, friendship networks and supports, health-promoting behaviors, and healthy aging. Method: A sample of 469 Thai elderly persons was recruited using multistage random sampling. A structural equation model based on Berkman’s conceptual model was performed. Results: Family networks did not directly influence health-promoting behaviors but rather had an indirect effect through family support. Friendship networks had both a significant direct effect on the elderly health-promoting behaviors and an indirect effect via friendship support. Interestingly, friendships had both direct and indirect influences on family support to the elderly. Health-promoting behaviors had a powerful influence on healthy aging and play a significant role in mediating the relationship between family and friendship supports and healthy aging. Discussion: Findings demonstrate the importance of family and friendship roles on health-promoting behaviors and healthy aging. Intervention programs should be designed to include a collaborative approach involving family members and friends.
Between structure and agency: assassination, social forces, and the production of the criminal subject
Authors: Federman Cary
Published: August 2011

Assassins are often regarded as ahistorical figures of evil. In this article, I contest this view by analysing the assassination of President William McKinley by Leon Czolgosz in 1901. There are two purposes to this article. The first is to situate McKinley’s assassination within the history and development of the social sciences, principally sociology, rather than assume that the assassin is a trans-historical representation of willful irresponsibility. The second is to describe and critique the discourse that made Czolgosz into a rational agent once he entered history as an assassin.
Buckling and post-buckling behaviour of semicircular functionally graded material arches: a theoretical study
Authors: Atai A A , Nikranjbar A , Kasiri R
Published: August 2011

In this study, behaviour of a thin semicircular arch made of functionally graded material subjected to radial and tangential follower forces, as well as thermal loading, based on the theory of large deformation of the arches and critical buckling load and post-buckling of structures is investigated. Assuming thin arch, governing equations of the arch behaviour are derived using kinematics and static equilibrium. Resulting equations including different support conditions form a set of highly coupled and non-linear boundary value differential equations. To solve the problem, the well-known numerical boundary value problems of shooting method are employed. By gradual increase of loading, the buckling and post-buckling behaviour is closely monitored. Several examples corresponding to different combinations of support conditions/loadings/non-homogeneity/slenderness ratio to illustrate the performance of the proposed algorithm are presented.
Application of fuzzy fault tree analysis for evaluation of railway safety risks: an evaluation of root causes for passenger train derailment
Authors: Jafarian E , Rezvani M A
Published: August 2011

The fault tree analysis (FTA) is a well-structured, precise, and powerful tool that can be used to assist the analyst in identification, evaluation, and analysis of all basic causes and paths ending up to the occurrence of a certain event. In the conventional approach, the probability of the basic events is considered either as a precise point value or as a random time-dependent variable. However, due to the inherent imprecision and uncertainty of the available data, it is often impossible to obtain an exact estimation of an event occurrence rate or its distribution function. In such cases, the fuzzy approach is among the best choices for analysing the system. This article presents a comprehensive and transparent study on the evaluation of therailway safety risks using the fuzzy FTA. For this purpose, a method for quantification and evaluation of the fault tree in the fuzzy environment is proposed. The method that is presented in this article is based on modifying the weighted averaging according to the levels defuzzification method. Therefore, it proposes a new importance distribution function for the level sets during the defuzzification process. Furthermore, it extends the minimal cut-set and the Fussell–Vesely importance measures of the conventional approach into the fuzzy environment. These importance measures can be effectively used for the ranking of the minimal cut-sets and the basic events according to their contribution to the top event probability. Also, a practical case study regarding a passenger train derailment is used to describe the proposed concepts. The planned methodology is relevant in several engineering applications.
A field test study of airborne wear particles from a running regional train
Authors: Abbasi S , Olander L , Larsson C , Olofsson U , Jansson A , Sellgren U
Published: August 2011

Inhalable airborne particles have inverse health effects. In railways, mechanical brakes, the wheel–rail contact, current collectors, ballast, sleepers, and masonry structures yield particulate matter. Field tests examined a Swedish track using a train instrumented with particle measurement devices, brake pad temperature sensors, and speed and brake sensors. The main objective of this field test was to study the characteristics of particles generated from disc brakes on a running train with an on-board measuring set-up. Two airborne particle sampling points were designated, one near a pad–rotor disc brake contact and a second under the frame, not near a mechanical brake or the wheel–rail contact; the numbers and size distributions of the particles detected were registered and evaluated under various conditions (e.g. activating/deactivating electrical brakes or negotiating curves). During braking, three speed/temperature-dependent particle peaks were identified in the fine region, representing particles 280, 350, and 600 nm in diameter. In the coarse region, a peak was discerned for particles 3–6 µm in diameter. Effects of brake pad temperature on particle size distribution were also investigated. Results indicate that the 280-nm peak increased with increasing temperature, and that electrical braking significantly reduced airborne particle numbers. Field emission scanning electron microscope images captured particles sizing down to 50 nm. The inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry results indicated that Fe, Cu, Zn, Al, Ca, and Mg were the main elements constituting the particles.
Nanoscience, nanotechnology, or nanotechnoscience: Perceptions of Indian nanoresearchers
Authors: Patra Debasmita
Published: August 2011

What is nanotechnoscience? What are the characteristic features of nanotechnoscience? How do the practicing scientists and engineers, that is, practitioners label their work? How do they see the relationship between science and technology given the fast emerging research area of nanoscience and nanotechnology? Do they still celebrate the differences between these two? Is the relationship between them undergoing a change? Although there are a few scholarly articles available on understanding the concept of “nanotechnoscience,” there is almost no empirical study conducted so far to understand the perspectives of the practitioners. This paper, therefore, focuses on understanding the concept and characteristic features of nanotechnoscience deriving from an in-depth interview-based empirical study among 58 practitioners. The study found about 10 characteristic features of technoscience that were reflected in the research work and perspectives of the practitioners. The technoscientific features drawn from this study could be applied to other emerging technoscience areas.
The Development and Initial Validation of the Empathy Scale for Social Workers
Authors: King Steve , Holosko Michael J.
Published: August 2011

Empathy is a core principle essential to social work. Despite this emphasis, minimal empirical research of empathy has been undertaken by social work researchers. The purpose of this study was to develop and initially validate the Empathy Scale for Social Workers (ESSW). The ESSW is a 41-item self-report inventory designed to assess empathy in social work practitioners. The sample ( N = 271) consisted of social workers who had attained the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. Findings revealed promising psychometric properties for the ESSW, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) demonstrated content, construct, and factorial validity. Results were encouraging and they lay the ground work for the continued development of the ESSW. This scale addresses a gap in social work knowledge regarding the empirical evaluation of empathy. Results have implications for social work as the scale may be used to assess student training needs and/or as a screening tool for social work supervisors and practitioners.
Brief Symptom Inventory Factor Structure in Antisocial Adolescents: Implications for Juvenile Justice
Authors: Whitt Ahmed , Howard Matthew O.
Published: August 2011

Objectives: The Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) is widely used in juvenile justice settings; however, little is known regarding its factor structure in antisocial youth. The authors evaluated the BSI factor structure in a state residential treatment population. Methods: 707 adolescents completed the BSI. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to assess factor structure. Intergroup variability was examined using multiple-group structural equation modeling. Results: Findings supported a 6-factor, 25-item model explaining 49.5%of sample variance. The derived structure differed from prior findings with adult psychiatric patients by including a suicidal ideation latent variable and excluding several developmentally inappropriate factors. Conclusion: There may be problems associated with indiscriminant application of the original BSI factor model to juvenile justice populations.
Randomized Clinical Trials of Self-Management With Asian/Pacific Islanders
Authors: Inouye Jillian , Braginsky Nafanua , Kataoka-Yahiro Merle
Published: August 2011

Little has been reported in the literature about self-management strategies of chronic conditions in Asian and Pacific Islanders (APIs). The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of self-management strategies of chronic conditions in APIs. Twenty-one studies were included in the final review, published between 1997 and 2010. Initially, the Jadad Scoring of Quality of Reports of Randomized Clinical Trials (JSQRRC) was used to determine the quality of RCT studies. The researchers then did a systematic review of each of the RCTs based on the JSQRRC criteria. JSQRRC scores ranged from 8 to 12, M = 9.6. Descriptive analysis indicated cognitive behavioral interventions as an effective treatment methodology for APIs. The results underscore the importance of clarifying the methodological components and reporting of RCTs. Interventions appropriate for APIs using disaggregated ethnic groups are essential to determine specific cultural responses to treatments and outcomes.
Development and implementation of a method for characterizing clinical pharmacy interventions and medication use in a cancer center
Authors: Tuffaha Haitham W , Koopmans Sara M
Published: August 2011

Purpose: Develop and implement a method to characterize clinical pharmacy activities and the associated medication use in a comprehensive cancer center. A standard characterization of clinical pharmacy services facilitates benchmarking and informs continuous development.

Methods: A set of quantifiable parameters to describe clinical pharmacy activities and the associated medication use was proposed and validated by peer review. For implementation, clinical pharmacy interventions for six clinical pharmacy services at the King Hussein Cancer Center in 2008 were prospectively documented and the numbers of patients and medications dispensed for the same period were obtained from the admission office and pharmacy database respectively.

Results: The method comprised four main aspects: (1) number of interventions, (2) type of interventions, (3) number of doses dispensed, and (4) the NNI which is the number of doses dispensed for one intervention to occur. A total of 8552 interventions were recorded for 37,784 patient days. Interventions were highest in the pediatric oncology and ICU with 2612 (31%) and 1867 (22%) respectively, followed by medical oncology 1563 (18%), BMT 998 (12%), palliative care 792 (9%), and surgery 720 (8%). Interventions per 1000 patient days were: ICU 555, pediatric oncology 326, BMT 319, palliative care 244, medical oncology 137, and surgery 83. Main intervention categories for all services: therapeutic 3055 (36%), safety 2195 (26%), quality assurance 2376 (28%), and education-information 925 (10%). The number of doses dispensed per 1000 patient days was: BMT 19,404, palliative care 17,272, ICU 12,290, medical oncology 13,182, pediatric oncology 12,093, and surgery 8976. Finally, NNI was as follows: ICU 22, pediatric oncology 39, BMT 60, palliative care 71, medical oncology 96, and surgery 109.

Conclusion: A method for characterizing clinical pharmacy interventions and medication use was developed and used to compare different oncology clinical pharmacy services. Further work is warranted to refine and validate the parameters proposed.
The Impact of Inattention and Emotional Problems on Cognitive Control in Primary School Children
Authors: Sørensen Lin , Plessen Kerstin J. , Lundervold Astri J.
Published: August 2011

Objective: The present study investigated the predictive value of parent/teacher reports of inattention and emotional problems on cognitive control function in 241 children in primary school. Method: Cognitive control was measured by functions of set-shifting and working memory as assessed by the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) and performance-based tests (i.e., Color Trail Test and Digit Span Test). Symptoms of inattention and emotional problems were measured with parent and teacher reports on Swanson Nolan and Pelham-IV questionnaire and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, respectively. Results: Clinical symptoms of inattention and emotional problems explained the children’s performance on test measures. However, symptoms of inattention made a significant contribution on all the selected measures of cognitive control, whereas reports concerning emotional problems uniquely explained the variance on the Shift scale from the BRIEF. Conclusion: Valid information on cognitive control function in primary school children should thus include simultaneous information concerning problems of inattention and emotion.
Locating norm diplomacy: Venue change in international norm negotiations
Authors: Coleman Katharina P.
Published: August 2011

Venue — the institutional setting in which actors interact — is a critical but neglected factor in international norm creation. This article brings together constructivist and rationalist insights to explain both why and how venue affects norm creation and how norm leaders choose among different venues. First, it highlights the importance of negotiation alongside persuasion in norm emergence — the first stage of Finnemore and Sikkink’s (1998) norm life cycle — thus opening space for a full consideration of venues within the constructivist paradigm. Second, it details how venue membership, mandate, output status, rules of procedure/operating procedures and legitimacy affect both the content and the level of international support of an emerging norm. Third, it offers a conceptual framework for understanding how norm leaders choose venues. Finally, it illustrates the impact of venue on norm creation and the dynamics of strategic venue choice by examining venue changes during the movement to ban anti-personnel landmines and the effort to promote international consensus on humanitarian intervention.