bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute Effects of Bright Light Exposure on Cortisol Levels
Authors: Jung Christopher M. , Khalsa Sat Bir S. , Scheer Frank A. J. L. , Cajochen Christian , Lockley Steven W. , Czeisler Charles A. , Wright Kenneth P.
Published: May 2010

Multisynaptic neural and endocrine pathways from the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus have been hypothesized to communicate circadian and photic information to the adrenal glands. In humans, light exposure has been reported to have no effect, increase, or decrease cortisol levels. These inconsistent findings in humans may be related to differences among studies including the intensity (~500 to 5500 lux), duration (15 min to 4 h), and circadian phase of light exposure. The authors assessed the influence of exposure to bright light on cortisol levels in humans during the rising and descending phases of the circadian rhythm of cortisol, that is, when cortisol levels are high. Twenty healthy men and women were studied using a within-subject research design. Subjects were studied in an environment free of time cues for 9 to 10 days. Subjects received a 6.7-h exposure of bright light (~10,000 lux; equivalent to ambient light intensity just after sunrise or just before sunset) or dim light (~3 lux; equivalent to candlelight) during the biological night and morning. Bright light exposure significantly reduced plasma cortisol levels at both circadian phases studied, whereas dim light exposure had little effect on cortisol levels. The finding of an acute suppressive effect of bright light exposure on cortisol levels supports the existence of a mechanism by which photic information can acutely influence the human adrenal glands.
Is the Torpor-Arousal Cycle of Hibernation Controlled by a Non-Temperature-Compensated Circadian Clock?
Authors: Malan André
Published: May 2010

During the hibernation season, mammalian hibernators alternate between prolonged bouts of torpor with a reduced body temperature (Tb) and short arousals with a return to euthermy. Evidence is presented here to show that this metabolic—and also physiological and neuroanatomical—rhythm is controlled by a clock, the torpor-arousal (TA) clock. The temperature dependence of torpor bout duration in 3 species of Spermophilus (published data) may be described by assuming that the TA clock is a circadian clock (probably not the suprachiasmatic clock) that has lost its temperature compensation. This loss might result either from a permanent deletion, or more likely from a seasonal epigenetic control at the level of the clock gene machinery. This hypothesis was verified over the full Tb range on published data from 5 other species (a monotreme, a marsupial, and 3 placental mammals). In a hibernation season, instantaneous subjective time of the putative TA clock was summated over each torpor bout. For each animal, torpor bout length (TBL) was accurately predicted as a constant fraction of a subjective day, for actual durations in astronomical time varying between 4 and 13 to 20 days. The resulting temperature dependence of the interval between arousals predicts that energy expenditure over the hibernation season will be minimal when Tb is as low as possible without eliciting cold thermogenesis.
Probing the Mechanisms of Chronotype Using Quantitative Modeling
Authors: Phillips A. J. K. , Chen P. Y. , Robinson P. A.
Published: May 2010

The physiological mechanisms underlying interindividual differences in chronotype have yet to be established, although evidence suggests both circadian and homeostatic processes are involved. A physiologically based model is developed by combining models of the sleep-wake switch and circadian pacemaker, providing a means of examining how interactions between these systems affect chronotype. Specifically, chronotype is shown to depend on the relative influences of homeostatic and circadian drives, with a stronger homeostatic drive causing morningness. Changes to intrinsic circadian and homeostatic properties, including homeostatic clearance and production rates, and circadian period and amplitude, are also shown to affect chronotype. These results provide a framework for explaining several experimentally observed phenomena, including age-related morningness, adolescent eveningness, and familial advanced and delayed sleep-phase disorders. Additionally, experimental studies have shown that healthy adults on the extremes of the morningness-eveningness spectrum fall into two subtypes: those whose circadian phase markers are unaffected by chronotype, and those whose circadian phase markers track their chronotype. The model demonstrates that this spectrum likely results from interindividual differences in homeostatic kinetics in the first group, and differences in circadian period in the second group. Physiologically based modeling can thus guide diagnosis of sleep pathologies.
Two Components of Nocturnal Locomotor Suppression by Light
Authors: Morin Lawrence P. , Lituma Pablo J. , Studholme Keith M.
Published: May 2010

In nocturnal rodents, millisecond light (“flash”) stimuli can induce both a large circadian rhythm phase shift and an associated state change from highly active to quiescence followed by behavioral sleep. Suppression of locomotion (“negative masking”) is an easily measured correlate of the state change. The present mouse studies used both flashes and longer light stimuli (“pulses”) to distinguish initiation from maintenance effects of light on locomotor suppression and to determine whether the locomotor suppression exhibits temporal integration as is thought to be characteristic of phase shift responses to pulse, but not flash, stimuli. In experiment 1, locomotor suppression increased with irradiance (0.01-100 µW/cm 2), in accordance with previous reports. It also increased with stimulus duration (3-3000 sec), but interpretation of this result is complicated by the ability of light to both initiate and maintain locomotor suppression. In experiment 2, an irradiance response curve was determined using a stimulus series of 10 flashes, 2 msec each, with total flash energy varying from 0.0025 to 110.0 J/m2. This included a test for temporal integration in which the effects of two equal energy series of flashes that differed in the number of flashes per series (10 vs 100), were compared. The 10 flash series more effectively elicited locomotor suppression than the 100 flash series, a result consistent with prior observations involving flash-induced phase shifts. In experiment 3, exposure of mice to an 11-h light stimulus yielded irradiance-dependent locomotor suppression that was maintained for the entire stimulus duration by a 100-µW/cm2 stimulus. Light has the ability to initiate a time-limited (30-40 min) interval of locomotor suppression (initiation effect) that can be extended by additional light (maintenance effect). Temporal integration resembling that seen in phase-shifting responses to light does not exist for either phase shift or locomotor suppression responses to flashes or for locomotor suppression responses to light pulses. The authors present an alternative interpretation of data thought to demonstrate temporal integration in the regulation of phase shift responses to light pulses.
Visualizing Situational Data: Applying Information Fusion for Detecting Social-Ecological Events
Authors: Altaweel Mark R. , Alessa Lillian N. , Kliskey Andrew D.
Published: May 2010

As anthropogenic and environmental behaviors rapidly evolve many ecosystems and communities, managers of natural resources, scientists, and other stakeholders increasingly need tools that can rapidly alert them to emerging events that can affect social well-being. Data detailing such behaviors may derive from textual sources with varying content, requiring an approach to merge multiple media sources and create linked relationships between relevant event terms. In addition, applied methods need to provide both quantitative capacity and qualitative functionality, which can rapidly display emerging trends and potentially significant individual events. This article presents an information fusion approach for conducting text searches on web-based sources to provide managers and scientists with rapid search capabilities identifying potentially significant social—ecological events. Along with general analytical utility, a network approach that links associated terms is used to show semantic relationships between social—ecological terms at different timescales.
What is Social Science Microsimulation?
Authors: Spielauer Martin
Published: May 2010

This article introduces microsimulation by presenting its main underlying ideas as well as its main strengths and drawbacks. Microsimulation is currently experiencing a boom, which is driven by three main forces. The first is the increased demand of policy makers for detailed projections and models able to assess distributional and long-term sustainability issues of social security systems. The second is the emergence of new research paradigms with an increased emphasis on individuals within their context, studied from a longitudinal, multilevel perspective. The third concerns technological advances, providing not only the necessary computer power but also the programming tools for model development, accessible to scientists without specialized programming skills. Although static microsimulation models are established tools for policy analysis, dynamic microsimulation has yet to find its way into the methodological toolbox of mainstream social scientists—but the prospects are promising.
Primary Care in an Aging Society: Building and Testing a Microsimulation Model for Policy Purposes
Authors: Pearson Janet , Lay-Yee Roy , Davis Peter , O'Sullivan David , von Randow Martin , Kerse Ngaire , Pradhan Sanat
Published: May 2010

The authors describe the development of a microsimulation model of primary medical care in New Zealand for 2002 and demonstrate its ability to test the impact of demographic ageing, community support, and practitioner repertoire. Micro-level data were drawn from four sources: two iterations of the New Zealand Health Survey (NZHS 1996/1997 and 2002/2003); a national survey of ambulatory care in New Zealand (New Zealand National Primary Medical Care Survey [NPMCS] 2001/ 2002); and the Australian National Health Survey (ANHS). Data from the New Zealand surveys were statistically matched to create a representative synthetic base file of over 13,000 individuals. Probabilities of health experiences and general practitioner (GP) use derived from the ANHS, and of GP activity derived from the NPMCS were applied via a Monte Carlo process to create health histories for the individuals in the base file. Final health care outcomes simulated—the number of visits in a year, the distribution of health conditions, and GP activity levels—were validated against external benchmarks. Policy-relevant scenarios were demonstrated by a forward projection to 2021 and by implementing counterfactuals on key attributes of the synthetic population. The results showed little change in model-predicted health care outcomes. There is potential for this approach to address policy purposes.
Microsimulations for Poverty and Inequality in Mexico Using Parameters From a CGE Model
Authors: Ortega Díaz Araceli
Published: May 2010

In the current article, the author uses microsimulations to analyze poverty and inequality through the accumulative impact on wages of sequential changes in the labor market unemployment rate (U), employment structure (S), wages by economic sector (W1), average labor income (W2), and employment structure by skill level (M). These effects are based on the parameters obtained from a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model, with parameters allowing for simulations from 2003 to 2015. The results show that a yearly increment in the real wages will reduce extreme poverty by half. The changes in the employment structure and wages by economic sector reduce poverty in this model because workers move from the agricultural sector to the service sector, implicitly allowing workers to move from sectors with lower wages to higher wages sectors. Nevertheless, an increase in wage inequality is related to changes in the employment structure by skill level as more skilled workers obtain better wages than unskilled employees.
Measuring the Size and Impact of Public Cash Support for Children in Cross-National Perspective
Authors: Figari Francesco , Paulus Alari , Sutherland Holly
Published: May 2010

The authors suggest a new comprehensive measure of support given through tax benefit systems to families with children. Using microsimulation techniques, this accounts for all provisions contingent on the presence of children, while usually only gross child/family benefits are considered. The authors use EUROMOD, the European Union tax-benefit microsimulation model, to quantify the support for children and analyze its impact on household incomes and child poverty for 19 countries. The authors find that the conventional approach underestimates on average the total amount of support for children by about one fifth. Furthermore, the differences between two measures vary considerably across countries and are, therefore, critical for cross-national comparisons.
A Dynamic MSM With Agent Elements for Spatial Demographic Forecasting
Authors: Wu Belinda M. , Birkin Mark H. , Rees Philip H.
Published: May 2010

Individual-based models such as microsimulation models (MSMs) provide an alternative to macroscopic models in social simulation and modeling. In contrast to the traditional models where individual characteristics are often blurred or even disregarded, MSM provides the realistic disaggregated information that is often vital for modern policy problems. MSM has been extensively applied and well tested in social modeling. However, it has been criticized for being less strong in modeling interactions between individuals and individual behaviors. MSM also struggles where realistic micro data are not available. Agent-based models (ABMs) can model the demographic process through interactions between the agents and with the environment that they live in. The combination of MSM and ABM provides a new approach to enhance complex social modeling. In our study, we attempt to provide better groundwork to facilitate policy and decision making for the U.K. population through a hybrid model that combines the strength of the two complementary techniques.
Criminal Trajectories of Adult Sex Offenders and the Age Effect: Examining the Dynamic Aspect of Offending in Adulthood
Authors: Lussier Patrick , Tzoumakis Stacy , Cale Jesse , Amirault Joanna
Published: May 2010

Several policies have been implemented to manage the risk of sex offenders in the community. These policies, however, tend to target older repeat sex offenders. This is the first study to examine and describe the offending trajectories of adult sex offenders from early adolescence to adulthood. The current study is based on a quasipopulation of convicted adult sex offenders in the province of Quebec, Canada. The number of convictions was examined from the period of adolescence up to age 35 using a group-based modeling technique. The study uncovered four offending trajectories: (a) very low-rate group (56%); (b) late-bloomers (12%); (c) low-rate desistors (25%); and (d) high-rate chronics (8%). These trajectories differed on several key criminal career dimensions such as age of onset, frequency, diversity, and specialization in different offence types. The study findings challenge the conception of sex offenders’ risk as high, stable, and linear. The implications for the risk assessment and the risk prediction of recidivism are discussed.
A Lifecycle-Cost Model for Set-based Concept Testing
Authors: Takai Shun
Published: May 2010

This article presents a lifecycle-cost model for set-based concept testing. The proposed model calculates the optimum number of concepts to be prototyped before committing to a single concept and developing detail design. In the proposed model, a product lifecycle is divided into four stages (marketing, concept generation, concept testing, and design and manufacturing) and a product lifecycle cost is expressed as a sum of costs of these stages. Based on modeling assumptions in this article, the expected lifecycle cost is described by the number of concepts to be prototyped, costs of lifecycle stages, and engineers’ experiences. The optimum number of prototypes to be prototyped, which is a function of parameters describing the costs of lifecycle stages and engineers’ experiences, is obtained by minimizing the expected lifecycle cost.
Are Pathologists Accurately Diagnosing Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Children? A 9-Year Single Academic Institutional Experience With Interobserver Observations
Authors: Patel Nilesh P. , Bussler J. Forrest , Geisinger Kim R. , Geisinger Kurt F. , Hill Ivor D.
Published: May 2010

Our aims were to evaluate (a) whether the incidence of eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) in children has increased, (b) whether the histologic diagnosis of EE has been accurate, and (c) potential interobserver variability in the counting of intraepithelial eosinophils in esophageal biopsies. A total of 1215 pediatric endoscopic esophageal biopsies were performed. In total, 289 biopsies were reviewed by one pathologist based on one of the following original histologic diagnoses: EE, reflux esophagitis (RE), or acute/chronic inflammation. EE was diagnosed when at least one high-power field (HPF) contained > or = 20 intraepithelial eosinophils. According to the first pathologist, 104 biopsies had a histologic diagnosis of EE; the prevalence remained relatively stable, ranging from 5.5 to 11 per 100 biopsies annually. In 36 cases, the reporting pathologist correctly diagnosed EE, and in another 34, EE was included in the differential diagnosis. From January 1997 to December 1998, the pathologist either correctly diagnosed EE or included it in the differential diagnosis in 6/13 cases. In contrast, from January 2004 to December 2005, 32/37 cases were included. In 34/104 cases, EE was misdiagnosed as RE. No case of RE was misdiagnosed as EE.A total of 58 cases had pathology reports that quantified the densest number of eosinophils per HPF. The agreement rate was 94.8%, with a kappa value of 0.888. The incidence of EE in children has been stable from January 1997 to December 2005. Overall, pathologists recognized EE in two thirds of cases. The increased diagnostic accuracy over time suggests pathologists are more aware of EE.
Regime Management at the Bottom of the Food Web
Authors: Gjelsvik Tiller Rachel
Published: May 2010

Fishing down the food chain is a controversial issue that demands further exploration. Redfeed is a marine species located on the second to last level on the food web. It is also one of the potential saviors of the aquaculture industry. The role of effective management of this species is of utmost importance to avoid the potential catastrophe associated with its overharvesting. Using a calculation of behavioral effectiveness, a blueprint redfeed regime is compared with the Convention for the Conservation of the Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), an ecosystem-based management regime with the now famous krill as its key species. Though the regimes are similar in nature, their geopolitical differences suggest that a future redfeed regime will be effective even though CCAMLR has not been. Ensuring that the redfeed is not merely incorporated into existing regimes, but is treated separately in an ecosystem-based regime, will alleviate the interplay this future redfeed regime otherwise would encounter.
Imipramine-Induced Cardiac Depression Is Responsible for the Increase in Intracellular Magnesium and the Activation of ERK 1/2 in Rats
Authors: Lee Mun-Young , Kim Shang-Jin , Kim Jin-Shang , Kang Hyung-Sub
Published: May 2010

Imipramine, an antidepressant drug, can cause potentially lethal cardiotoxic side effects including hypotension, ventricular tachycardia, and decreased cardiac output. This study investigated the mechanism responsible for imipramine-induced cardiac depression in rats. The left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), velocity of the change in pressure (dP/dt), and heart rate (HR) accompanied with the total magnesium efflux ([Mg]e) were measured in Langendorff-perfused intact rats hearts. Intracellular ionized magnesium concentrations ([Mg2+]i) were measured using Mag-fura 2 AM in a single H9c2 cell. The activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK 1/2) was analyzed by Western blot. Imipramine induced reversible decreases in LVDP, dP/dt, and HR, which were accompanied by increases in [Mg]e. Imipramine also induced activation of ERK 1/2 and increase in the [Mg2+]i, which was inhibited PD98059, ERK 1/2 inhibitor. These results suggest that imipramine-induced cardiac depression may be partly due to increases of [Mg2+]ithat are accompanied by the activation of ERK 1/2 in rats.
Competition of Noise Sources in Systems with Delay: The Role of Multiple Time Scales
Authors: Kuske R.
Published: May 2010

We study the combined effect of different noise sources on systems with delay. In a model for machine tool vibrations, specifically regenerative chatter, variation of material parameters or external (additive) noise can amplify vibrations via coherence resonance, while random variation of delay can suppress these vibrations. A key feature is the interplay of the noise with several different inherent time scales in the system: the short period of the intrinsic oscillations, the long time scale of their envelope, and the intermediate time interval for the variation of the delay. Optimizing the suppression of vibrations relies on understanding how these time scales and the bifurcation structure influence the combined effect of the noise sources. Furthermore, this multiple-scales viewpoint provides predictions for related types of stochastic dynamics in other systems with delay.
Period Doubling Bifurcation and Center Manifold Reduction in a Time-periodic and Time-delayed Model of Machining
Authors: Szalai Róbert , Stépán Gábor
Published: May 2010

A closed-form calculation is presented for the analysis of the period-doubling bifurcation in the time-periodic delay-differential equation model of interrupted machining processes such as milling where the nonlinearity is essentially nonsymmetric. We prove the subcritical sense of this period-doubling bifurcation and approximate the emerging period-two oscillations by the Lyapunov—Perron method for computing the center manifold and by calculating the Poincaré—Lyapunov constant of the bifurcation analytically at certain characteristic parameter values. The existence of the unstable period-two oscillations around the stable stationary cutting is confirmed using a numerical continuation algorithm developed for time-periodic delay-differential equations.
High-dimensional Harmonic Balance Analysis for Second-order Delay-differential Equations
Authors: Liping Liu  , Kalmár-Nagy Tamás
Published: May 2010

This paper demonstrates the utility of the high-dimensional harmonic balance (HDHB) method for locating limit cycles of second-order delay-differential equations (DDEs). A matrix version of the HDHB method for systems of DDEs is described in detail. The method has been successfully applied to capture the stable and/or unstable limit cycles in three different models: a machine tool vibration model, the sunflower equation and a circadian rhythm model. The results show excellent agreement with collocation and continuation-based solutions from DDE-BIFTOOL. The advantages of HDHB over the classical harmonic balance method are highlighted and discussed.
Control of Oscillations in Flow Problems Under Frequency Limitations
Authors: Kasnakoğlu Coşku
Published: May 2010

In this paper we investigate the control of flow problems where the control objective is to reduce the oscillation amplitude while keeping the frequency of oscillation between predefined limits at all times. The governing equations are simplified to obtain the oscillatory mode dynamics, after which the conditions that the control parameters must satisfy in order to achieve the desired objective are derived in detail. The results obtained are illustrated on a physical application example, namely cavity flow control, where it is seen that the controller is successful in achieving the control goal.
The Effect of a Diabetes Education, Coping Skills Training, and Care Intervention on Physiological and Psychosocial Outcomes in Black Women With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: D'Eramo Melkus Gail , Chyun Deborah , Vorderstrasse Allison , Newlin Kelley , Jefferson Vanessa , Langerman Susan
Published: May 2010

An 11-week culturally relevant group diabetes self-management training (DSMT), coping skills training (CST), and diabetes care intervention was compared to a 10-week usual diabetes education and diabetes care intervention on physiological and psychosocial outcomes in 109 Black women (aged 48 ± 10 years) with type 2 diabetes in primary care (PC). Strong time effects for hemoglobin A1c improvement were seen in both groups from baseline to 3 months and remained similar at 12 and 24 months (p < .0001). Systolic blood pressure (p =.01) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (p = .05) improved in both groups from baseline to 24 months. Baseline quality of life ([QOL]; Medical Outcome Study Short Form-36) was low. Social function, role-emotional, and mental health domains increased initially in both groups then declined slightly, with less decline for the experimental group at 12 months. At 24 months, experimental group scores increased. General health (p = .002), vitality (p = .01), role-physical, and bodily pain (p = .02) domains increased in both groups over time. Perceived provider support for diet (p = .0001) and exercise (p = .0001) increased in both groups over time. Diabetes-related emotional distress decreased in the experimental compared to the control group (group x time, p = .01). Findings suggest that both methods of diabetes education combined with care can improve metabolic control, QOL, and perceptions of provider care. CST may further assist in long-term improvements in health outcomes. Behavioral interventions are needed in addition to routine diabetes care, particularly in PC.
Modifiable factors influencing relapses and disability in multiple sclerosis
Authors: D'hooghe MB , Nagels G. , Bissay V. , De Keyser J.
Published: May 2010

A growing body of literature indicates that the natural course of multiple sclerosis can be influenced by a number of factors. Strong evidence suggests that relapses can be triggered by infections, the postpartum period and stressful life events. Vaccinations against influenza, hepatitis B and tetanus appear to be safe. Surgery, general and epidural anaesthesia, and physical trauma are not associated with an increased risk of relapses. Factors that have been associated with a reduced relapse rate are pregnancy, exclusive breastfeeding, sunlight exposure and higher vitamin D levels. A number of medications, including hormonal fertility treatment, seem to be able to trigger relapses. Factors that may worsen progression of disability include stressful life events, radiotherapy to the head, low levels of physical activity and low vitamin D levels. Strong evidence suggests that smoking promotes disease progression, both clinically and on brain magnetic resonance imaging. There is no evidence for an increased progression of disability following childbirth in women with multiple sclerosis. Moderate alcohol intake and exercise might have a neuroprotective effect, but this needs to be confirmed.
Social consequences of multiple sclerosis. Part 2. Divorce and separation: a historical prospective cohort study
Authors: Pfleger CCH , Flachs EM , Koch-Henriksen Nils
Published: May 2010

Background: There is a need for follow-up studies of the familial situation of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.

Objectives: To evaluate the probability of MS patients to remain in marriage or relationship with the same partner after onset of MS in comparison with the population.

Patients and methods: All 2538 Danes with onset of MS 1980—1989, retrieved from the Danish MS-Registry, and 50,760 matched and randomly drawn control persons were included. Information on family status was retrieved from Statistics Denmark. Cox analyses were used with onset as starting point.

Results: Five years after onset, the cumulative probability of remaining in the same relationship was 86% in patients vs. 89% in controls. The probabilities continued to deviate, and at 24 years, the probability was 33% in patients vs. 53% in the control persons ( p < 0.001). Among patients with young onset (< 36 years of age), those with no children had a higher risk of divorce than those having children less than 7 years (Hazard Ratio 1.51; p < 0.0001), and men had a higher risk of divorce than women (Hazard Ratio 1.33; p < 0.01).

Conclusion: MS significantly affects the probability of remaining in the same relationship compared with the background population.
Sense of presence and atypical social judgments in immersive virtual environments
Authors: Wallace Simon , Parsons Sarah , Westbury Alice , White Katie , White Kathy , Bailey Anthony
Published: May 2010

Immersive virtual environments (IVEs) are potentially powerful educational resources but their application for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is under researched. This study aimed to answer two research questions: (1) Do children with ASD experience IVEs in different ways to typically developing children given their cognitive, perceptual and sensory differences? and (2) Can an IVE accurately simulate ecologically valid social situations? Ten children with ASD and 14 typically developing (TD) adolescents all aged 12—16 years experienced three different IVEs. They completed self-report questionnaires on their sense of ‘presence’ in the IVEs and rated ‘social attractiveness’ of a virtual character in socially desirable and undesirable scenarios. The children with ASD reported similar levels of presence to their TD peers and no negative sensory experiences. Although TD adolescents rated the socially desirable character as more socially attractive than the undesirable character, adolescents with ASD rated the two characters as equally socially attractive. These findings suggest that children with ASD do not experience IVEs in different ways to their TD counterparts and that the IVEs are realistic enough to simulate authentic social situations. This study paints a very encouraging picture for the potential uses of IVEs in assessing and educating individuals with ASD.
Enacting virtual connections between work and home
Authors: Wajcman Judy , Rose Emily , Brown Judith E. , Bittman Michael
Published: May 2010

The potential for information and communication technologies to reorganize time and space has emerged as a key theme in social theory. Affordances of the Internet mean that it has the capacity to affect temporal and spatial boundaries dividing work and home. Some theorists express concern that this may extend work into times normally reserved for family life, while others argue the Internet can encourage flexible work practices and result in better work—life balance. Focusing on a nationally representative sample of Australian employees, we examine the purpose and timing of Internet use and its role in the interaction between these domains. We demonstrate that the Internet is being used for personal purposes during work time to a greater extent than for work purposes during non-work time. Furthermore, we show that use of the Internet for work purposes outside work hours can assist work—family balance.
The distribution of power within the community: Classes, Stände, Parties by Max Weber
Authors:   Translated by Dagmar Waters, Tony Waters, Elisabeth Hahnke, Maren Lippke, Eva Ludwig-Glück, Daniel Mai, Nina Ritzi-Messner, Christina Veldhoen and Lucas Fassnacht
Published: May 2010

This is a translation from German of Max Weber’s chapter “Class, Status, Party” from his masterwork Economy and Society (Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft). This chapter was probably written before World War I. Two German versions of Economy and Society have been published. In 1921, the chapter was published as part of a compilation edited by Marianne Weber. A second compilation of Economy and Society was first published in German by Johannes Winckelmann beginning in 1956. For more details see Waters and Waters 2010.
Max Weber’s notion of asceticism
Authors: Adair-Toteff Christopher
Published: May 2010

The notion of asceticism plays a large and important role in Max Weber’s writings; however, it has remained relatively unexamined. Weber did not offer a definition of asceticism, but he did provide a contrast between the ‘polar concepts’ of the ascetic and the mystic. In this paper I discuss this contrast and place it within the historical context of the early and medieval monks. Then, I examine Weber’s discussions of the four major monastic reform movements. I conclude with a discussion concerning Weber’s political preferences for the strict, rational conduct of the ascetic, and especially his own personal inclinations towards asceticism.
The Lived Experience of Doing Phenomenology
Authors: Pascal Jan , Johnson Nicole , Dore Carol , Trainor Robyn
Published: May 2010

This article provides a reflective account of the lived experience of undertaking phenomenological research. Three postgraduate health science researchers and their supervisor share their experiences of understanding phenomenological theory, study design and application of phenomenological principles to a range of research topics including: first time motherhood, community singing and familial breast cancer. The article commences with the theoretical context; however, the main intention is to reveal the development of the students’ thinking and experience of doing phenomenological research. Such revelations are intended to encourage future social work and health science postgraduate researchers to consider phenomenology as having direct practical application for real life experience.
Young People’s Involvement in Research
Authors: Fleming Jennie
Published: May 2010

Working with young people on research projects means we need to consider many elements of research methodology and approach. This article draws on the experience of the author and other writers to consider how young people’s involvement in research challenges current practice and influences research and researchers. It explores critically why so little has actually changed and seeks to identify future changes that need to happen, raising some important questions about the nature of research — its purpose and ideology. It concludes that in order for young people’s active involvement in research to develop, we need to explore some crucial questions through a mutual interchange and dialogue between all researchers committed to participative research and youth participation advocates to ensure that both the inner and outer science dimensions of young people’s research are given due attention.
After School Special Education: Rehabilitative Television, Teen Citizenship, and Compulsory Able-Bodiedness
Authors: Passanante Elman Julie
Published: May 2010

This article argues that ABC’s After School Specials (1972—95) employed a “rehabilitative approach” in representing teen problems and addressing teen viewers. The Specials represented coming of age by consistently linking heterosexuality with able-bodiedness and metaphorically representing adolescence as a process of “overcoming disability.” This rehabilitative approach united television’s “turn toward relevance” with educational and sexually themed programming strategies from the era to create hybridized television content and a narrative structure that addressed teen viewers and teen sexuality proactively rather than protectively. Articulating insights from disability studies to television studies, this article suggests that this strategy also rehabilitated television’s image: the Specials’ disability narratives redefined both teen television viewing and teen sexuality as productive rather than damaging. This article also historicizes the constitution of the “teen viewer” as a self-regulating proto-citizen while it examines how this series negotiated the complex terrain of teen sexuality, representations of disability, and an assertion of commercial television’s educational value.
Integrative Literature Review: Organizational Commitment and Workplace Outcomes: A Conceptual Model for Truckload Transportation Carriers
Authors: Graham Carroll M. , Muyia Nafukho Fredrick
Published: May 2010

A selective literature review resulted in the conceptualization of a model illustrating the expected relationships of antecedents, processes, practices, and consequences of truckload carriers in the transportation industry. Thus, collection of data and analysis is recommended if the model and applicable theory are to be developed to the fullest extent possible. Accordingly, the authors provide a working model that illustrates the basis for investigating the conceptualized relationship among work climate relationships, job satisfaction, organizational commitment, turnover intentions and/or retention, crash rates, and residual costs. Limited empirical evidence exists that correlates a combination of these factors. In addition, a diminished level of organizational commitment may affect truckload drivers’ attitude and/or focus while operating these very large trucks and as a result lead to an increase in crashes. Injuries, fatalities, and accident costs are reviewed as evidence of the magnitude and consequences of truckload crashes. The conceptual model advanced in this study emphasizes the essential need for a fully developed and empirically proven model and includes propositions to examine the strength and direction of relationships among important constructs, processes, practices, demographic, and environmental variables. Suggestions for further research based on the literature reviewed are discussed.
Endovascular Reconstruction of Giant Gastroduodenal Artery Aneurysm With Stent Graft: Case Report
Authors: Marjanovic Ivan Radomir , Jevtic Miodrag , Misovic Sidor , Rusovic Sinisa , Zoranovic Uros , Sarac Momir
Published: May 2010

Introduction: Gastroduodenal artery (GDA) aneurysms are rare and mainly asymptomatic vascular diseases. Endovascular intervention can provide an alternative method of treatment for GDA aneurysms. Report: We present a case of endovascular repair of giant GDA aneurysm, with stent graft. A 56-year-old man, smoker, presented with nausea, acute worsening of chronic abdominal pain, and a large, tender, pulsating mass in his right upper abdomen with no previous medical history. Computed tomographic (CT) angiography was performed, and there was GDA aneurysm. Through the left brachial approach, we did the endovascular repair of GDA with Viabahn stent graft. Discussion: Endovascular gastroduodenal aneurysm artery reconstruction with stent graft is a reasonable alternative to open surgical repair and it is safety option in carefully selected patients.
Successful Endovascular Treatment of an Infrarenal Aortic Aneurysm With Leak Within the Wall in a HIV-Positive Patient
Authors: Papasideris Christos P. , Dalainas Ilias , Papapetrou Anastasios , Giannakopoulos Triantafilos G. , Kabatha Dimitra , Liapis Christos
Published: May 2010

We report on a successful endovascular treatment of an infrarenal aortic aneurysm, with leak within the wall, in a HIV-positive patient with CD4 count 130/µL, who presented at the emergency department with abdominal pain.
Successful Reduction of Surgeries Secondary to Arterial Access Site Complications: A Retrospective Review at a Single Center with an Extravascular Closure Device
Authors: Noor Sonya , Meyers Susan , Curl Richard
Published: May 2010

Background: Access site complications requiring emergent surgery following femoral catheterization expose patients to additional morbidities and mortality. We observed a significant decrease in such surgeries after the Mynx device was introduced. Methods: A retrospective review of surgeries performed as a complication of 6F & 7F femoral cardiac and peripheral catheterization was done. Rates of surgeries among 3 closure methods were compared during the study period July 2006 to July 2008 (Mynx, AngioSeal, and manual/mechanical compression). Results: Of 11 006 6F &7F transfemoral catheterization procedures, 26 (0.24%) surgeries secondary to access complications resulted. Surgeries were done in 14 (0.61%) AngioSeal patients, 10 (0.19%) manual/mechanical compression, and 2 (0.06%) Mynx patients (P < .0001 vs AngioSeal, P = .14 vs compression). Conclusions: Significant reduction in surgeries was seen in the Mynx vs Angioseal patients, no difference was noted in compression subset. Further analysis is warranted to prospectively evaluate these findings.
A Tapered Contralateral Endurant Stent Graft Limb, Deployed ‘‘Up-And-Over’’ to Treat a Symptomatic Internal Iliac Aneurysm
Authors: Cheong Steven Kum Wei , Varcoe Ramon L.
Published: May 2010

Internal iliac artery aneurysms are a rare variant of aorto-iliac aneurysm disease. They are associated with high mortality if managed conservatively. Open surgery is associated with significant morbidity and mortality especially when performed for rupture. Endovascular stent coverage after feeding vessel embolization has been proven a safe and effective treatment for this condition. Custom-tapered grafts which accommodate size discrepancies between common and external iliac arteries are either unavailable or not feasible in an emergent setting. We describe the use of an off-the-shelf, tapered, contralateral limb extension from an Endurant stent graft deployed through an ‘‘up-and-over’’ approach. This approach uses and demonstrates the improved flexibility and conformability of this device which facilitate a novel contralateral delivery path.
Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome After Blunt Abdominal Trauma: A Case Report
Authors: Falcone John L. , Garrett Kevin O.
Published: May 2010

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare cause of bowel obstruction. It is characterized anatomically by a narrowed aortomesenteric angle, causing a mechanical obstruction at the third portion of the duodenum. Patients usually present after prolonged confinement in the supine position, significant acute weight loss, application of body casts, and severe burns with symptoms of a small bowel obstruction. We present the case of a healthy 22-year-old male athlete with SMA syndrome that occurred after blunt abdominal injury in the setting of mild chronic weight loss; he was treated nonoperatively.
Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysms in a Patient With Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: Onkendi Edwin , Bidgoli Moghaddam Mahsa , Oderich Gustavo S.
Published: May 2010

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by café au lait macules, neurofibromas, and iris hamartomas. Internal carotid artery aneurysms rarely affect patients with NF-1 but may be associated with rupture or neurologic complications. We report a 42-year-old female patient with NF-1 and a bilobed right internal carotid artery aneurysm extending to C2. The aneurysm was excised with high exposure of the carotid artery and reconstruction was performed using saphenous vein graft. We review the literature relevant to internal carotid aneurysms associated with NF-1.
Remote Ischemic Preconditioning for Cerebral and Cardiac Protection During Carotid Endarterectomy: Results From a Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Walsh Stewart R. , Nouraei S.A. , Tang Tjun Y. , Sadat Umar , Carpenter Roger H. , Gaunt Michael E.
Published: May 2010

Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) is a physiological mechanism whereby brief ischemia—reperfusion episodes attenuate damage by subsequent prolonged ischemic insults. It reduces myocardial injury following cardiac and aortic aneurysm surgery. We aimed to determine whether RIPC affects neurological or cardiac injury following carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Patients were preconditioned using 10 minutes of lower limb ischemia—reperfusion. The primary neurological outcome was saccadic latency deterioration. The primary cardiac outcome measure was increased in serum troponin I >0.15 mg/dL. In all, 70 patients were randomized, of whom 55 completed the neurological surveillance protocol. Although there were fewer saccadic latency deteriorations in the RIPC arm, this did not reach statistical significance (32% versus 53%; P = .11). The primary cardiac outcome occurred in 1 patient in each arm (P = .97). There were no adverse events related to the preconditioning protocol. Remote ischemic preconditioning appears safe in patients with CEA. Large-scale trials are required to determine whether RIPC confers clinical benefits.
Stavudine-Induced Hyperlactatemia/Lactic Acidosis at a Tertiary Communicable Diseases Clinic in South Africa
Authors: Hernández Pérez Ernesto , Dawood Halima
Published: May 2010

Objectives: To determine the incidence, presentation, and outcome of hyperlactatemia and lactic acidosis. Design and Methods Setting: Grey’s Hospital, a tertiary level referral institution. Study Population: A chart review of 1719 patients commenced on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) between August 1, 2004, and July 31, 2006. A total of 1000 patients (615 females) received stavudine (d4T)/lamivudine (3TC)/efavirenz (EFV), 719 patients (598 females) received d4T/ 3TC/nevirapine (NVP). Results: Of the 1719 patients, 152 (8.84%) had an elevated plasma venous lactate (>2.2 mmol/L), 45 patients required admission for lactic acidosis. The overall incidence rate was 13.5 cases per 1000 patient years. The most common presenting symptoms were loss of weight (95%), abdominal pain (78.9%), loss of appetite, and paresthesias (63.8%). The median body mass index (BMI) at commencement of HAART and at onset of symptoms was 24.5 and 26, respectively. A median serum lactate level of 6.08 mmol/L (range 2.3-19.7 mmol/L) was observed at the onset of symptoms. Conclusions: High BMI at treatment initiation did not always predict hyperlactatemia. All patients who died had a baseline CD4 count <10 cells/mm3 at HAART initiation.
Human Cytomegalovirus Infection Among Patients Living With AIDS in a Tertiary Level Hospital in India
Authors: Chakravarti Anita , Tewari Sayani , Bhalla Preena
Published: May 2010

Objective: Detecting the prevalence of human cytomegalovirus (CMV) coinfection in HIV-infected individuals attending a tertiary care hospital in Delhi by using 3 laboratory tests namely pp65 antigenemia assay, CMV DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and immunoglobulin M (IgM) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for anti-CMV antibody. Design: HIV seropositive patients with CD4 count ≤100 cells/mm3 were included as cases and HIV-negative healthy individuals as controls. Blood samples were collected from all participants and 3 tests were performed. Methods: pp65 antigenemia assay and IgM ELISA were performed by commercially available kits; PCR was performed by an in-house nested PCR method. Results: In all, 7.1%, 5.7%, and 2.9% were positive for pp65 antigenemia, CMV DNA, and IgM antibody against CMV, respectively. On the basis of pp65 and/or PCR positivity, it can be said that active CMV coinfection was present in 8.57% of the cases. Conclusion: In the post-antiretroviral therapy (ART) era, CMV coinfection in HIV-infected patients has significantly declined.
Eight Indicators of Unilateral Pregnancy
Authors: Melchionne Kevin
Published: May 2010

Unintended pregnancy often leads to undesirable outcomes for both mothers and children. However, the definition of unintended pregnancy in the sociology of family formation has been restricted to the intentions of mothers. The intentions of fathers—and, with them, the possible role of disagreement about pregnancy intention—remain outside most conceptual frameworks and research programs. This article draws together a number of indicators of unilateral pregnancy in research on contemporary family formation in the United States. Studies of pregnancy intendedness and contraceptive use consistently provide evidence suggesting a significant role for unilateral pregnancy in family formation. Working on the assumption that unilateral pregnancy presents great potential for social dislocation, this article argues for the integration of the concept of unilateral pregnancy into the theoretical framework informing research on family formation.