bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bortezomib induces apoptosis and autophagy in osteosarcoma cells through mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in vitro
Authors: Lou Zhiyuan , Ren Tingting , Peng Xianbo , Sun Yifeng , Jiao Guangjun , Lu Qunshan , Zhang Shuai , Lu Xinchang , Guo Wei
Published: August 2013

Objective

To investigate the effects of bortezomib on human osteosarcoma cells from the HOS cell line, and the underlying associated mechanisms.

Methods

Viability of HOS cells treated with bortezomib (5–20 nM) for different time periods was measured and changes in the cell cycle were assessed. Apoptosis and autophagy in HOS cells treated with bortezomib were analysed using annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate assay, transmission electron microscopy and Western blotting. Surges in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways including MAPK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase (MEK1/2), ERK1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK were analysed using Western blotting.

Results

Bortezomib induced growth inhibition in a time- and dose-dependent manner, and autophagy and apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, in HOS cells. HOS cell autophagy and apoptosis in response to bortezomib, corresponded with changing levels of intracellular MAPK signalling molecules.

Conclusions

This study provided new insights into the mechanisms underlying bortezomib-induced apoptosis in human osteosarcoma HOS cells, and suggests that bortezomib could be a potent chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of osteosarcoma.
Pharmacist-led medication education in cancer pain control: A multicentre randomized controlled study in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Wang Yan , Huang Hongbing , Zeng Yingtong , Wu Junyan , Wang Ruolun , Ren Bin , Xu Feng
Published: August 2013

Objective

To evaluate clinical pharmacist-led pain-medication education in patients with cancer.

Methods

A controlled study was conducted prospectively at six tertiary hospitals in China. In-patients with cancer were randomized to receive conventional treatment plus medication education or no education (controls). Education consisted of access to information booklets and eight 30-min face-to-face counselling sessions given by clinical pharmacists over 4 weeks. Patients completed pain- and analgesic-knowledge assessments and a Brief Pain Inventory, pre- and post-study.

Results

A total of 123 and 114 patients in the education and control groups, respectively, completed follow-up. At the end of the study, patient knowledge regarding cancer pain and pain control was significantly increased in both groups; pain and analgesic knowledge scores were significantly higher in the education group compared with controls. In the control group, the increase in total pain-related knowledge was significantly greater in analgesic-naïve patients compared with those who were using/had used analgesics. Pain intensity scores and pain interference of daily activities were significantly reduced in the education group compared with controls.

Conclusions

Clinical pharmacist-led medication education resulted in improved pain control in patients with cancer.
Self-regulation and working memory in musical performers
Authors: Killough Cynthia M. , Thompson Laura A. , Morgan Gin
Published: August 2013

Performing music in front of others can be stressful, even for experienced performers. The physiological effects of stress, namely, increases in cortisol and sympathetic nervous system activity, have been shown to have detrimental effects on cognition, particularly working memory. This study used an audition-like performance scenario to elicit a stress response in performers who differed in their degree of musical experience. We expected that participants with more musical experience would be better able to regulate their stress response, would report lower levels of anxiety, insecurity, and nervousness, and would show better working memory following the stressor, compared to participants with less musical experience. Although we did not find differences between more and less experienced performers in their sympathetic nervous system activity or their self-reported feelings of anxiety and nervousness, we did find some important differences: following the stressor, more experienced performers were less insecure, they showed better regulation of their cortisol response, and they demonstrated better working memory.
A comparison of the effect of riveting and cold expansion on the strain distribution and fatigue performance of fiber metal laminates
Authors: Backman David , Patterson Eann A
Published: August 2013

Fatigue tests carried out on three configurations (unexpanded, cold expanded and riveted) of fiber metal laminate material clearly demonstrated the beneficial effect of riveting compared to cold expansion in zero load transfer joints, for an approximately equivalent level of interference. Digital image correlation was used to measure the in-plane surface strain on cold expanded and riveted coupons during fatigue loading, and for the first time, digital image correlation was combined with pressure sensitive films to measure the strains resulting from the application of the rivet, including those under the rivet head. A comparison of the resultant strain field showed that the application of a rivet significantly reduces the stress concentration at the central hole and is effective in extending fatigue life. Some rivet heads were removed by milling, and the results from subsequent fatigue tests were used together with closed-form calculations to explain the findings of this study. It was concluded that the beneficial effect of riveting was less as a result of interference hole filling on the part of the rivet shank, but more a combination of the effect of interference and compression through the joint thickness.
Strain measurement by ultrasonic speckle technique based on adaptive genetic algorithm
Authors: Luo Zhihua , Zhu Hongmao , Chu Jun , Shen Lei , Hu Lili
Published: August 2013

By comparing the unloaded and loaded ultrasonic speckle fields with cross-correlation, ultrasonic speckle technique can be applied to measure displacements and strains on the surface which is perpendicular to the propagation direction of ultrasound. Based on the adaptive genetic algorithm, the ultrasonic speckle measurement technique has higher efficiency and less measurement errors than the existing ultrasonic speckle correlation method. By adjusting genetic parameters through the adaptive mechanism, the adaptive genetic algorithm searches for the maximum value among the whole distribution of correlation coefficients efficiently. In this study on displacement measurements of an inner surface of an underwater object, the results obtained with different algorithms, including the adaptive genetic, coarse-fine interpolation and hill-climbing searching algorithms, were compared with each other. It was clear that the adaptive genetic algorithm outperformed other methods in computational time and accuracy. Considering above findings and the penetration of ultrasound, one can measure the strain of an inner surface of an underwater object using the ultrasonic speckle measurement technique based on adaptive genetic algorithm. This idea was proved by the good agreement of the measured strain with the corresponding simulation results from finite element analysis.
Intramuscular Pressure Before and After Botulinum Toxin in Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome of the Leg
Authors: Isner-Horobeti Marie-Eve , Dufour Stéphane Pascal , Blaes Cyril , Lecocq Jehan
Published: August 2013

Background:

Botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) is used in the treatment of muscle hypertrophy but has never been used in chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS). The objective diagnostic criterion in this condition is an abnormally elevated intramuscular pressure (IMP) in the compartment. In this study, the IMP was measured 1 minute (P1) and 5 minutes (P5) after the exercise was stopped before and after BoNT-A injection.

Hypothesis:

Botulinum toxin A reduces the IMP (P1 and P5) and eliminates the pain associated with CECS.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Botulinum toxin A was injected into the muscles of moderately trained patients with an anterior or anterolateral exertional compartment syndrome of the leg. The BoNT-A dose (mean ± SD) ranged from 76 ± 7 to 108 ± 10 U per muscle, depending on which of the 5 muscles in the 2 compartments were injected. The primary end point was IMP (P1, P5). Secondary end points were exertional pain, muscle strength, and safety. Follow-up was conducted up to 9 months.

Results:

A total of 25 anterior compartments and 17 lateral compartments were injected in 16 patients. The time interval (mean ± SD) between the BoNT-A injection and after BoNT-A injection IMP measurement was 4.4 ± 1.6 months (range, 3-9 months). In the anterior compartment, P1 and P5 fell by 63% ± 17% ( P < .00001) and 59% ± 24% ( P < .0001), respectively; in the lateral compartment, P1 and P5 fell by 68% ± 21% ( P < .001) and 63% ± 21% ( P < .01), respectively. Exertional pain and muscle strength were monitored, based on the Medical Research Council score. The exertional pain was completely eliminated in 15 patients (94%). In 5 patients (31%), the strength of the injected muscles remained normal. In 11 patients (69%), strength decreased from 4.5 (out of 5) to 3.5 ( P < .01), although without functional consequences. In the conditions of this study, BoNT-A showed a good safety profile in patients with CECS.

Conclusion:

In this case series, BoNT-A reduced the IMP and eliminated exertional pain in anterior or anterolateral CECS of the leg for up to 9 months after the intervention. The mode of action of BoNT-A is still unclear. A randomized controlled study should be carried out to determine whether BoNT-A can be used as a medical alternative to surgical treatment.
Effect of nanoclay content on nanoclay dispersion mechanism: Diffusion-controlled mechanism versus shear-controlled mechanism
Authors: Moghri Mehdi , Shahabadi Seyed Ismail Seyed , Garmabi Hamid
Published: August 2013

The effect of nanoclay content on the mechanism governing nanoclay dispersion was investigated through studying the interaction between nanoclay content and other factors. We hypothesized that at low nanoclay content, the dispersion was diffusion controlled; thus, increasing thermal diffusion and residence time, even when the shear intensity was compromised, were beneficial to nanoclay dispersion. At high nanoclay content, however, at which the process was found to be shear controlled, increasing shear intensity was essential to better dispersion, even when the thermal diffusion and residence time were sacrificed.
Mechanical and water absorption behaviors of carbon nanotube reinforced epoxy/glass fiber laminates
Authors: Zulfli NH Mohd , Bakar A Abu , Chow WS
Published: August 2013

Epoxy laminates were prepared by using hybridization of glass fibers and multiwalled carbon nanotubes. Mechanical behaviors of the epoxy hybrid composites were characterized by using flexural, impact, and fracture toughness tests. Morphological properties of the epoxy hybrid composites were investigated by using field emission scanning electron microscopy. Water absorption tests were performed at three different immersion temperatures, i.e. 30, 60, and 90℃. The flexural properties, impact strength and fracture toughness of the epoxy/glass fiber composites increased significantly by the incorporation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes. The kinetics of water absorption for the epoxy hybrid composites conformed to Fickian law behavior. Adding multiwalled carbon nanotubes increases the equilibrium moisture content ( Mm) and diffusion coefficient ( D), but lowers the activation energy of water diffusion ( Ea) for epoxy/glass fiber composites.
Which Identities Matter? A Mixed-Method Study of Group, Organizational, and Professional Identities and Their Relationship to Burnout
Authors: Lammers John C. , Atouba Yannick L. , Carlson Elizabeth J.
Published: August 2013

Considerable research views group, organizational, and professional identities as theoretically and methodologically similar. This study suggests that these identities are generically different. An explanatory sequential mixed data analysis of survey and interview data collected at an information technology organization ( N = 111 workers) was used to examine the relationships between identities and the experience of burnout and to understand the communicative behaviors associated with types of identity and burnout. Survey data revealed that controlling for communication activity, work group identification was associated with lower depersonalization while professional identification was associated with increased personal accomplishment. No relationship was found between organizational identification and burnout. Semistructured interviews revealed three themes related to identification: (a) Being Yourself in the Work Group, (b) Valuing the Role of the IT Professional, and (c) Othering the Organization. Implications for organizational communication with respect to theorizing and measuring organizational identity are discussed.
A Meta-Analysis of State-of-the-Art Electoral Prediction From Twitter Data
Authors: Gayo-Avello Daniel
Published: August 2013

Electoral prediction from Twitter data is an appealing research topic. It seems relatively straightforward and the prevailing view is overly optimistic. This is problematic because while simple approaches are assumed to be good enough, core problems are not addressed. Thus, this article aims to (1) provide a balanced and critical review of the state of the art; (2) cast light on the presume predictive power of Twitter data; and (3) propose some considerations to push forward the field. Hence, a scheme to characterize Twitter prediction methods is proposed. It covers every aspect from data collection to performance evaluation, through data processing and vote inference. Using that scheme, prior research is analyzed and organized to explain the main approaches taken up to date but also their weaknesses. This is the first meta-analysis of the whole body of research regarding electoral prediction from Twitter data. It reveals that its presumed predictive power regarding electoral prediction has been somewhat exaggerated: Social media may provide a glimpse on electoral outcomes but, up to now, research has not provided strong evidence to support it can currently replace traditional polls. Nevertheless, there are some reasons for optimism and, hence, further work on this topic is required, along with tighter integration with traditional electoral forecasting research.
Influence of machining parameters on the surface integrity in small-hole electrical discharge machining
Authors: Eyercioglu Omer , Cakir Mehmet V , Gov Kursad
Published: August 2013

This study investigates the effects of electro-discharge parameters on the surface integrity in small-hole drilling. Discharge current, pulse on-time and pulse off-time were chosen as variable parameters. The gap voltage, dielectric flushing pressure, electrode rotation, electrode polarity and capacitance were taken as constant. Material removal rate, surface roughness, average white layer thickness, overcut and taper were taken as outputs for this study. Experiments were performed on DIN 1.2080 (X210Cr12) cold working tool steel, and ∅2 mm single-hole brass electrodes were used. The experimental results indicate that a compromise solution is required in selection of the electrical discharge machining parameters (i.e. discharge current, pulse on-time and pulse off-time) to maintain machining stability (melting–evaporation and removal of debris). As the stability is maintained during the process, dimensional accuracy increases and a better finish can be obtained with a reasonable machining time.
Requirement elicitation in product emotional design using fuzzy clustering and fuzzy cognitive model
Authors: Dong Yuanfa , Guo Gang , Liu Wenrong
Published: August 2013

Customer’s emotional requirements get more and more attention in the product development. While this has been addressed by technologies, like kansei engineering, the difficulty remains in handling the differences of an individual kansei. This cognitive dissonance commonly occurs in interactions between design domain and consumer domain. Correct understanding of customer feelings and subsequently relating them to product design elements is helpful for improving design quality. This article proposes a fuzzy cognitive model to establish synesthesia between customer and designer. The novel model can improve the accuracy of requirement transmission and assist design activities. The feasibility of this method is verified by an example of mobile phone. It will find application in product conceptual design and evaluation.
Optimal control of the transient emissions and the fuel efficiency of a diesel hybrid electric vehicle
Authors: Wang Yu , Zhang Hu , Sun Zongxuan
Published: August 2013

As an important technical innovation which has emerged in the automotive industry, powertrain hybridization has been considered as one of the most effective ways for addressing transportation energy consumption and environmental concerns. However, owing to the complex physical and chemical nature of the engine combustion process, and the dynamic interactions between the engine and the alternative power source, it is difficult to optimize simultaneously and precisely both the engine fuel consumption and the emissions, especially during transient operations. Targeted at achieving both global energy optimization and reduction in the transient emissions, a control-oriented diesel engine emission model is first investigated and identified using a large number of experimental data. On this basis, a two-mode hybrid energy management strategy is proposed. In the ‘fuel-efficiency-improving’ mode, a dynamic programming algorithm is used to seek global optimization of the fuel economy and to ensure sustainability of the battery’s state of charge over any given driving cycle while, in the ‘emission-reducing’ mode, the management strategy utilizes a linear quadratic regulator to optimize locally the surging emissions due to undesired engine torque transients. At the end of each emission-reducing mode, the locally optimized engine operation is driven back to match the globally optimized trajectory, i.e. the initial states of the next fuel-efficiency-improving mode. This seamless integration of the two modes will realize a reduction in the local transient emissions without losing optimality of the global fuel efficiency and sustainability of the battery’s state of charge. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed modeling and control strategy can considerably reduce the local soot emissions of a power-split diesel hybrid electric vehicle but can still maintain a high fuel efficiency and a high state of charge of the battery.
Herpes simplex virus type 1 encephalitis and unusual retinitis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Zhang L , Liu JJ , Li MT
Published: August 2013

In this report we discuss a case of a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus who developed herpes simplex virus type 1(HSV-1) infection presenting with encephalitis as well as necrotic and non-necrotic retinitis. The patient presented with typical clinical symptoms and radiologic abnormalities consistent with HSV-1 encephalitis and HSV-1 retinitis in patients with HIV infection, but lacked cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis and had bilateral retinitis with poor visual acuity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such case reported in the literature.
Investor Sentiment and Stock Return: Do Industries Matter?
Authors: Dash Saumya Ranjan , Mahakud Jitendra
Published: August 2013

The basic objective of this article is to evaluate the pricing implications of market-wide investor sentiment risk for cross-sectional return variations of Indian listed companies across industry groups. A multivariate time-series regression approach has been used to examine the impact of sentiment risk on stock return behaviour in the presence of other market-wide systematic risk factors. Our results suggest that the role of sentiment risk in the determination of a cross-section of stock returns is not uniform across the test asset portfolios formed on the basis of size, book-to-market equity, liquidity and momentum characteristics. For all portfolios, the impact of sentiment risk on the cross-section of stock returns behaviour has been disproportionately negative. The effect holds even after controlling for systematic market-wide risk factors. Although the impact of sentiment risk on industry-shorted portfolio returns persists in accordance with the theoretical argument, the cross-sectional variation with respect to different industries has been heavily dependent on the availability of stocks in that particular industry. The commonality of the sentiment effect across industry is not similar, as it is for the aggregate market. The results suggest that generalisation of the hard-to-value and difficult-to-arbitrage argument must be judged with caution, keeping the industry effects in mind.

JEL Classification: GI,G12,G14
Cross-Price Effects and US Trade Elasticities
Authors: Bhandari Bornali
Published: August 2013

This article examines the interactions of the import and export markets through cross-prices. The idea is that import demand is affected by export prices, because imports and exports are likely substitutes in consumption. Additionally, import supply is also affected by export prices as exports may be intermediate inputs in the production of imports. The traditional partial equilibrium model of trade is extended to include these cross-price effects in demand and supply. Theoretically, it is shown that these cross-price effects can impede trade balance adjustment in the presence of exchange rate and income shocks. Using quarterly US and rest-of-the-world data from 1975 to 2002, a fully modified general method of moments estimation of the structural equations demonstrates significance of cross-price effects in both the demand and supply of non-petroleum merchandise imports.

JEL Classification: F1
Treatment Effects of a Relationship-Strengthening Intervention for Economically Disadvantaged New Parents
Authors: Charles Pajarita , Jones Anne , Guo Shenyang
Published: August 2013

Objective:

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the treatment effects of a relationship skills and family strengthening intervention for n = 726 high-risk, disadvantaged new parents.

Method:

Hierarchical linear modeling and regression models were used to assess intervention treatment effects. These findings were subsequently verified through two sensitivity analyses using propensity score analysis and growth curve modeling.

Results:

Analyses indicated 6 of 10 beneficial treatment effects were statistically significant, including relationship satisfaction, relationship quality, communication, conflict resolution, arguing, and emotional abuse. Most of these effects were verified in the more rigorous sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion:

Study findings suggest that this intervention is effective in helping disadvantaged couples improve relationship skills and strengthen family bonds.
Attitudes About Palliative Care
Authors: Atwood Melissa A. , Hoffmann Raymond G. , Yan Ke , Lee K. Jane
Published: August 2013

Introduction:

Pediatric critical care and oncology providers care for patients who have life-threatening or serious illness, yet they receive little palliative care education.

Objective:

Compare oncology and critical care providers’ attitudes regarding palliative care.

Methods:

An electronic survey assessed respondents’ opinions of whether, when, and why palliative care should be utilized.

Results:

Response rate was 49%. Critical care physicians were more likely to incorporate palliative care for psychosocial support; oncologists for symptom control. Those with palliative care education were more likely to involve in palliative care, did so earlier and for reasons other than end-of-life planning.

Conclusions:

Oncology and critical care providers utilized palliative care for different reasons.
Identifying Predictors of Hospice Eligibility in Patients With Parkinson Disease
Authors: Goy Elizabeth R. , Bohlig Amanda , Carter Julie , Ganzini Linda
Published: August 2013

This study aims to improve recognition of hospice eligibility for patients with Parkinson disease (PD) by ascertaining which variables have a higher probability of occurring uniquely in 6 to 12 months before death when compared to 18 to 24 months before death. Participants were 339 patients who died who were diagnosed with PD or Parkinsonism and treated with dopaminergic prescriptions for at least 3 years in northwestern US Veterans Affairs medical centers. A range of indicators were compared across 3 time periods (30-36 months, 24-18 months, and 12-6 months before death) using within-subjects repeated measures design. Results indicate that body mass index less than 18, alone or combined with a shift in prescribing (when benefits of dopaminergic medications no longer outweigh their risk of side effects), may signal appropriate timing for hospice referral.
Swarm intelligence to wireless ad hoc networks: adaptive honeybee foraging during communication sessions
Authors: Giagkos Alexandros , Wilson Myra S
Published: August 2013

With no fixed infrastructure, discovering new ways of managing high mobility and limited resources to produce optimized routing in wireless ad hoc networks is the key objective of active research. Adaptive foraging principles found in insects have attracted the research community to develop new approaches that benefit from the simplicity and collaborative behaviours of these natural multi-agent systems. This paper discusses both traditional and swarm-intelligence-based routing and investigates the extent to which a new bee-inspired approach, termed BeeIP, results in adaptive, robust and optimized routing in networks of high mobility. BeeIP is directly and quantitatively compared with the state-of-the-art protocols using a variety of performance metrics. The results show that it outperforms the others by keeping low and balanced end-to-end packet delay under stressful network conditions, such as high traffic and mobility rates. In addition, BeeIP is indirectly and qualitatively compared with the first bee-inspired routing protocol, BeeAdHoc. The resulting discussion indicates that the proposed design can offer better packet delivery ratio and use smaller control packets, thus less overhead, by utilizing an enhanced adaptive path monitoring mechanism inspired by honeybee foraging.
Preliminary Psychometric Properties of the BEST in CLASS Adherence and Competence Scale
Authors: Sutherland Kevin S. , McLeod Bryce D. , Conroy Maureen A. , Abrams Lisa M. , Smith Meghan M.
Published: August 2013

The measurement of treatment integrity is critical to evaluate the efficacy and effectiveness of evidence-based programs (EBPs) designed to improve the developmental outcomes of young children at risk of emotional/behavioral disorders. Unfortunately, the science of treatment integrity measurement lags behind the development and evaluation of EBP for young, high-risk children. This article describes the development and preliminary psychometric properties of the BEST in CLASS Adherence and Competence Scale (BiCACS), designed to measure the adherence and competence of delivery of the BEST in CLASS prevention program. Independent observers coded videotaped ( n = 116) and live ( n = 289) observations of teachers delivering the BEST in CLASS program. The BiCACS showed good interrater reliability and analyses provided some support for the validity of the measure. Implications for future research and integrity measurement work are discussed.
Occupational exposure to anti-cancer drugs: A review of effects of new technology
Authors: Vyas Nitin , Yiannakis Dennis , Turner Andrew , Sewell Graham J
Published: August 2013

Because anti-cancer drugs are non-selective, they affect both cancerous and non-cancerous cells. Being carcinogenic and mutagenic, many anticancer drugs therefore present a major health risk to healthcare staff working with them. This paper reviews the means by which exposure to anti-cancer drugs in the workplace may be monitored, assessed and reduced. Both biological monitoring, using non-selective methods or compound-selective methods, and environmental monitoring have provided information on the nature and degree of exposure in the workplace. Pharmaceutical isolators, used for the compounding of cytotoxic IV infusions and the preparation of injectable drugs, provide a physical barrier between pharmacists and cytotoxic drugs and reduce direct exposure. However, the interior of isolators and the contents thereof (e.g. infusion bags and syringes) are readily contaminated by aerosols and spillages and afford a secondary source of exposure to pharmacists, nurses and cleaning staff. Closed system transfer devices (CSTDs), designed to prohibit the transfer of contaminants into the working environment during drug transfer between the vial and syringe, have been successful in further reducing, but not eliminating surface contamination. Given that the number of patients requiring treatment with chemotherapeutic agents is predicted to increase, further efforts to reduce occupational exposure to anti-cancer drugs, including the refinement and wider use of CTSDs, are recommended.
Cost savings realized by use of the PhaSeal® closed-system transfer device for preparation of antineoplastic agents
Authors: Edwards Michael S , Solimando Dominic A , Grollman Franklin R , Pang Janet L , Chasick Ashley H , Hightman Charlene M , Johnson Anthony D , Mickens Maxine G , Preston Lorenzo M
Published: August 2013

Purpose

Medication cost is a major factor associated with increasing health care costs in the United States. Expenditures for prescription drugs in 2013 are estimated to be $283.7 billion. Closed system transfer devices are widely used for preparation of hazardous drugs. Reports indicate the Phaseal® closed system transfer device maintains sterility in vials for 7 days, suggesting the unused portion of single-use vials could be salvaged. This study was done to determine whether using a closed system transfer device to extend the beyond-use date of single-use vials of antineoplastic medications would result in a measurable cost saving.

Methods

A list of 25 drugs available in single-use vials, with a chemical stability of at least 48 hours, was compiled. Use of these agents was recorded during a 50-day period in April through June 2012. Use from a total of 296 vials of 21 antineoplastic agents was recorded. After allowing for the initial use of each vial, the mean potential percentage of drug waste was calculated to be 57.03%.

Results

Actual savings during the study period was $96,348.70. The pharmacy avoided nearly half of the potential waste and saved a mean of 29% of each vial. The cost-saving during the study period represents a $703,047.67 annual saving; which more than offsets the $106,556.55 the pharmacy spent for the Phaseal® system in 2012.

Conclusion

In addition to being a protective measure to reduce exposure to hazardous agents, use of the Phaseal® system results in a reduction in drug waste, and a noticeable cost saving for antineoplastic agents.
Moving through Illness with Strong Backs and Soft Fronts
Authors: Wenger Lisa M.
Published: August 2013

As researchers consider the “problem” of men’s health-related help-seeking, more limited attention has been devoted to gender dynamics in how men with cancer work with lay and professional supports during illness. This article helps address that gap by presenting a substantive theory of men’s help-seeking in the context of cancer. Developed using a grounded theory methodology engaging thirty men, results indicate that as men experienced cancer as a “biographical disruption” they used help-seeking to both resist and adapt to illness-related identity threats. “Help-seeking with a strong back” allowed men to build resources important to resisting shifts. In contrast, “help-seeking with a soft front” enabled men to obtain help to acknowledge and adapt to disruptions. Although both forms of help-seeking had value, most men experienced help-seeking with a strong back as unproblematic and consistent with masculine ideals, while help-seeking with a soft front was less anticipated, less welcomed, and less comfortable amid gendered norms discouraging expressions of vulnerability.
Accruing Masculinity Capital
Authors: Cunningham Sheryl , Domke David , Coe Kevin , Fahey Anna , Leuven Nancy Van
Published: August 2013

Scholarship in political communication and gender studies notes that concepts of presidential leadership and masculinity are deeply entwined in one another. Work is needed, though, on how performances of masculinity allow for the accrual of what we call masculinity capital, a linguistic form of masculinity that seems to become particularly significant and useful during times of threat and crisis in the United States. With this in mind, we undertook a content analysis to examine speeches from the 2004 presidential conventions of the Republican and Democratic parties in order to see how masculinity was discursively constructed as well as strategically employed. Our analysis indicates that public constructions of dominant masculinity were used by both political parties in order to shape party identity, and that a construction of hegemonic masculinity, which emasculated opponents by connecting them to femininity, was used by the Republican Party.
Lubrication of a flexible piston skirt conjunction subjected to thermo-elastic deformation: A combined numerical and experimental investigation
Authors: Littlefair B , Cruz M De La , Mills R , Theodossiades S , Rahnejat H , Dwyer-Joyce R , Howell-Smith S
Published: August 2013

The piston–cylinder conjunction accounts for nearly 50% of all the parasitic frictional losses in an IC engine of which the piston skirt accounts for nearly half of these losses. Consequently, part-circumferential short skirted compliant pistons have become a development trend, particularly for high-performance engines. Another trend has been the use of light weight moving parts to reduce inertial imbalance. This has led to the use of shorter lighter pistons constructed from lower density materials, such as aluminium. These higher power density pistons typically operate at elevated temperatures and undergo significant mechanical and thermal distortions due to the relatively high thermal expansion coefficients. As a result thermo-mechanical distortion of the skirt plays an important role in controlling the clearance gap between the skirt and the liner and makes the analysis, particularly skirt deformation, a computationally intensive procedure. This paper presents a semi-automatic methodology for the prediction of piston skirt thermo-mechanical deflection, which incorporates skirt deformation as well as piston crown compliant contribution to the skirt–liner clearance. This procedure is based on the creation of a compliance matrix and its intricate manipulation, significantly reducing the simulation run times. Integration of this approach with the numerical solution of Reynolds equation leads to an accurate prediction of film thickness. In addition, an array of ultrasonic sensors is used to directly measure the conjunctional lubricant film thickness in a non-invasive manner. The predictions and measurements show good conformance, an approach not hitherto reported in literature.
Children’s knowledge and beliefs about medicines
Authors: Dawood Omar Thanoon , Mohamed Ibrahim Mohamed Izham , Abdullah Anna Christina
Published: August 2013

Minor illnesses in children are often cured at home with over the counter medicines. Even though there is a wide use of medicines among children, they rarely receive medical advice about their medications from doctors or pharmacists. The aim of this study is to evaluate children’s beliefs about medicines as well as to explain what children know about medicines. A cross-sectional survey was used to collect data from four primary schools in Penang Island, Malaysia. The target population of this research was schoolchildren of 11 and 12 years old regardless of their gender and social status. A self-administration questionnaire was used to obtain the data from schoolchildren and their parents. After including all schoolchildren in grades five and six, the total sample size was 1000 children in addition to 1000 parents. This study found that most children have inadequate knowledge and false beliefs about the efficacy of medicines. Children’s beliefs about the efficacy of medicines were affected by their age group, gender and race ( p < .05). Females, older children and Chinese were more knowledgeable about the efficacy of medicines. Furthermore, the socio-economic status, parents’ education level and parents’ occupation influenced children’s beliefs about medicines ( p < .001). This study showed that children have misconception about medicines. The need for medicine education should be implemented to get more knowledgeable users of medicines in future. However, the role of health-care professional should be increased in terms of medicine education.
Measurement of indoor radon concentration and assessment of doses in different districts of Northern Rajasthan, India
Authors: Duggal Vikas , Rani Asha , Mehra Rohit
Published: August 2013

Radon (222Rn), the immediate decay product of radium, is a causative agent of lung cancer. The seasonal indoor radon concentration in houses with different floorings, walls and roofs has been measured in Northern Rajasthan, India. The measurements were made in 100 houses using LR-115-type II plastic track detectors over four successive three-month periods (winter, spring, summer and autumn). The mean values of indoor radon concentrations in winter, spring, summer and autumn were determined to be: 176 Bq m−3, 131 Bq m−3, 120 Bq m−3 and 151 Bq m−3, respectively. The annual average indoor radon concentrations in the dwellings were found to vary from 117 to 215 Bq m−3 with an average of 144 Bq m−3. In ∼10% of the dwellings the indoor radon activity concentration values lies in the range of action level (200–300 Bq m−3) recommended by International Commission on Radiological Protection. The annual effective dose received by the residents of the study area varied from 2.0 to 3.67 mSv with an average of 2.46 mSv. The seasonal variation in indoor radon reveals the maximum value in winter and minimum in summer. The influences of the factors linked to building characteristics in relation to radon measurements were examined.
Going back to re-study communities: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Crow Graham
Published: August 2013

Community re-studies can inform our understanding of what members of communities want from research and the extent to which they feel that they get it. The history of community research suggests that what is expected of researchers by community members can differ from what it is felt that they actually deliver, especially if the published reports have a critical edge. Challenges relating to this legacy of previous studies can be encountered by researchers returning to fieldwork locations. Re-studies also provide opportunities to rectify matters, but these may be beyond the control of researchers who go back to communities studied previously.
Pluralist discourses of bilingualism and translanguaging talk in classrooms
Authors: Durán Leah , Palmer Deborah
Published: August 2013

This paper examines student and teacher talk in a first grade classroom in a two-way immersion school in Central Texas. Drawing on audio and video data from a year-long study in a first grade two-way classroom and using a methodology that fuses ethnography and discourse analysis, the authors explore how pluralist discourses are constructed and lived in by bilingual students and teachers. These findings have implications for understanding the ways in which teachers and students are influenced by language policy, as well as how they might either support or undermine that policy.
Slam occurrences and loads of a high-speed wave piercer catamaran in irregular seas
Authors: French Benjamin J , Thomas Giles A , Davis Michael R
Published: August 2013

In order to optimise the structural design of large lightweight high-speed catamarans, a thorough understanding of the structural loads is required. Not only is slam severity an important factor in the structural design, but also the occurrence rates of such events in realistic sea conditions is vital for long-term load estimations. The slamming behaviour of a 2.5-m hydroelastic segmented model representative of an Incat wave piercer catamaran was investigated over a range of realistic irregular sea conditions. The model was instrumented with strain gauges to record centrebow slam loads, pressure transducers, wave probes and linear variable displacement transducers. More than 2000 slam events were identified over 22 test conditions, providing an extensive database of slam events. Slam events were identified from the pressure transducer measurements and two important slam parameters investigated: occurrence rates and slam severity. The slam magnitudes were found to be scattered; numerous outliers were detected with magnitudes up to 4 times the median observed in every tested condition. Slam occurrence rates and severity are generally greater in conditions where motions are large. A slam occurrence threshold was identified by extrapolating the experimentally measured occurrence rates. For a 112-m vessel with speeds between 20 and 38 knots and with a modal wave period of 8.5 s, slams are shown not to occur at significant wave heights less than 1.5 m. The slam loads and occurrence data obtained through scale model testing can be used by high-speed catamaran ferry designers to assist the development of structural load cases and operation limits for future designs.
Assessment of endothelial dysfunction in patients with impaired glucose tolerance during a cold pressor test
Authors: Smirnova Elena , Podtaev Sergey , Mizeva Irina , Loran Evgenia
Published: August 2013

The objective of this study is to explore changes in microvascular tone during a contralateral cold pressor test and to compare the results obtained in healthy subjects and in patients with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and type 2 diabetes. Low-amplitude fluctuations of skin temperature in the appropriate frequency ranges were used as a characteristic for the mechanism for vascular tone regulation. In total, 13 adults with type 2 diabetes aged 40–67 years and 18 adults with IGT aged 31–60 years participated in this pilot study. The control group included 12 healthy men and women aged 39–60 years. The response to the cold pressor test in patients with type 2 diabetes and with IGT differs essentially from that of healthy subjects in the endothelial frequency range. Endothelial dysfunction occurs in the preclinical stage of diabetes and manifests, in particular, as a disturbance of the endothelial part of vascular tone regulation.
Improvement in albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding
Authors: Stephenson Dylan T , Jandeleit-Dahm Karin , Balkau Beverley , Cohen Neale
Published: August 2013

Purpose:

To determine the effects of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) on albuminuria in patients with obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and established diabetic nephropathy.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of clinical records from a tertiary diabetes service identified obese patients with T2DM who had micro- or macroalbuminuria prior to LAGB surgery. Clinical data from follow-up appointments including albuminuria were analysed.

Results:

A total of 23 T2DM patients were included in the final study. Of 7 patients with macroalbuminuria at baseline, 2 reverted to normoalbuminuria, 2 reverted to microalbuminuria and 3 remained with macroalbuminuria on their final recording in the 36-month period of follow-up. Of 16 patients with microalbuminuria, 9 reverted to normoalbuminuria, while 6 remained with microalbuminuria.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates significant improvements in albuminuria in patients with established diabetic nephropathy following LAGB. These results suggest the potential for LAGB to improve or reverse renal damage in patients with T2DM.
Engaging Students in Community Health
Authors: Curran Nell , Ned Judith , Winkleby Marilyn
Published: August 2013

Individual risk assessment and behavior change dominate the content of high school health education instruction whereas broader social, political, and economic factors that influence health—known as upstream causes—are less commonly considered. With input from instructors and students, we developed a 10-lesson experiential Public Health Advocacy Curriculum that uses classroom-based activities to teach high school students about the upstream causes of health and engages them in community-based health advocacy. The Curriculum, most suitable for health- or advocacy-related elective classes or after-school programs, may be taught in its entirety or as single lessons integrated into existing coursework. Although students at many schools are using the Curriculum, it has been formally evaluated with 110 predominantly Latino students at one urban and one semirural public high school in Northern California (six classes). In pre–post surveys, students showed highly significant and positive changes in the nine questions that covered the three main Curriculum domains (Upstream Causes, Community Exploration, and Public Health Advocacy), p values .02 to <.001. The Curriculum is being widely disseminated without charge to local, national, and international audiences, with the objective of grooming a generation of youth who are committed to the public health perspective to health.
The “Daily Grind”
Authors: Newman Benjamin J. , Johnson Joshua , Lown Patrick L.
Published: August 2013

Past research demonstrates that free time is an important resource for political participation. We investigate whether two central drains on citizens’ daily time—working and commuting—impact their level of political participation. The prevailing “resources” model offers a quantity-focused view where additional time spent working or commuting reduces free time and should each separately decrease participation. We contrast this view to a “commuter’s strain” hypothesis, which emphasizes time spent in transit as a psychologically onerous burden over and above the workday. Using national survey data, we find that time spent working has no effect on participation, while commuting significantly decreases participation. We incorporate this finding into a comprehensive model of the “daily grind,” which factors in both socioeconomic status and political interest. Our analysis demonstrates that commuting leads to the greatest loss in political interest for low-income Americans, and that this loss serves as a main mechanism through which commuting erodes political participation.
Formulating Voting Rights Act Remedies to Address Current Conditions
Authors: Edwards Barry C.
Published: August 2013

The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision to strike down a key component of the 1965 Voting Rights Act (VRA) closes one of the most successful chapters in the history of civil rights enforcement. Our country has changed since 1965 and it is an opportune time to examine current political conditions for minority voters. Based on analysis of congressional elections from 1960 to 2010, I assess the central holding of Shelby County, Alabama v. Holder, and other controversial areas of VRA enforcement. My results support the Court’s finding that the Act’s historic coverage formula does not accurately reflect current political conditions. However, my results challenge prevailing views on two points. I conclude that uniform standards are problematic because redistricting guidelines that improve opportunities for African American voters are likely to diminish opportunities for Latino voters (and vice versa). In addition, requiring majority African American districts appears to diminish aggregate African American voting opportunities relative to targeting 45% to 50% African American districts.