bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pilot-based assessment of the economics of recycling construction demolition waste
Authors: Srour Issam M , Chehab Ghassan R , El-Fadel Mutasem , Tamraz Sandy
Published: March 2013

The significant amount of waste generated from construction demolition has become a chronic problem in many developing countries. Using data obtained from demolition contractors and various other sources, this paper proposes a framework for proper handling of construction demolition waste (CDW) to serve as a decision support tool in countries suffering from the lack of national CDW management guidelines. The framework is then demonstrated through a case study in the city of Beirut, Lebanon, and a sensitivity analysis is carried out to examine the economic feasibility of developing a recycling facility. The analysis showed that in order for a facility to be feasible, a gate fee should be charged in the presence of a market for recycled aggregates. The results confirm the significance of instigating and implementing legislation to control illegal dumping, constructing, and managing engineered landfills, and establishing markets for recycled CDW.
Resource recovery of scrap silicon solar battery cell
Authors: Lee Ching-Hwa , Hung Chi-En , Tsai Shang-Lin , Popuri Srinivasa R , Liao Ching-Hua
Published: March 2013

In order to minimize pollution problems and to conserve limited natural resources, a hydrometallurgical procedure was developed in this study to recover the valuable resources of silicon (Si), silver (Ag) and aluminum (Al) from scrap silicon solar battery cells. In this study, several methods of leaching, crystallization, precipitation, electrolysis and replacement were employed to investigate the recovery efficiency of Ag and Al from defective monocrystalline silicon solar battery cells. The defective solar battery cells were ground into powder followed by composition analysis with inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry. The target metals Ag and Al weight percentage were found to be 1.67 and 7.68 respectively. A leaching process was adopted with nitric acid (HNO3), hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and sodium hydroxide as leaching reagent to recover Ag and Al from a ground solar battery cell. Aluminum was leached 100% with 18N H2SO4 at 70°C and Ag was leached 100% with 6N HNO3. Pure Si of 100% was achieved from the leaching solution after the recovery of Ag and Al, and was analyzed by scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive spectroscopy. Aluminum was recovered by crystallization process and silver was recovered by precipitation, electrolysis and replacement processes. These processes were applied successfully in the recovery of valuable metal Ag of 98–100%.
Recapturing the Art of Therapeutic Breast Massage during Breastfeeding
Authors: Bolman Maya , Saju Linda , Oganesyan Karine , Kondrashova Tatiana , Witt Ann M.
Published: March 2013

Milk expression is a normal part of breastfeeding, but in developed countries in particular, the focus tends to center on mechanical expression. In Russia, there is a long tradition of hands-on techniques that continues in the present day and includes mothers turning to providers trained in hand expression and breast massage techniques to resolve breastfeeding complications including engorgement, plugged ducts, and mastitis. As observed over the course of several trips to Russia, Russian clinicians routinely combine hand expression with breast massage for the treatment of milk stasis, engorgement, and plugged ducts. A better understanding of these hands-on techniques to assist in resolution of complications may provide additional treatment options for the lactation community.
Maternal Vitamin D Supplementation to Meet the Needs of the Breastfed Infant
Authors: Thiele Doria K. , Senti Jeanine L. , Anderson Cindy M.
Published: March 2013

Maternal vitamin D insufficiency during lactation, related to lack of sun exposure and minimal intake of vitamin D from the diet, contributes to low breast milk vitamin D content and, therefore, infant vitamin D deficiency. The objective of this review was to examine the literature regarding evidence for achieving maternal vitamin D status that promotes sufficient vitamin D transfer from mother to infant exclusively from breast milk. PubMed and CINAHL databases were searched using the terms lactation or breastfeeding or milk, human and vitamin D. The resulting articles were further limited to those written in English, published within the last 10 years, and involving clinical or randomized controlled trials of humans. The search yielded 13 studies, 3 of which provide evidence for maternal intake of vitamin D and the correlation with exclusively breastfed infants’ serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level. A strong positive correlation exists between maternal vitamin D intake during exclusive breastfeeding and infant serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. There is support to conclude that when maternal vitamin D intake is sufficient, vitamin D transfer via breast milk is adequate to meet infant needs. In the reviewed studies, doses up to 10 times the current recommended daily intake of vitamin D were needed to produce sufficient transfer from mother to breastfed infant. Further research is needed to refine the dose and gestational timing of maternal vitamin D supplementation. Due to the high rates of vitamin D deficiency during lactation and the correlations between vitamin D deficiency and multiple diseases, providers should consider monitoring lactating mothers’ vitamin D status.
Erich Fromm and North Korea: Social Psychology and the Political Regime
Authors: David-West Alzo
Published: March 2013

This paper addresses the problem of social psychology and the political regime in North Korea through the sociopsychological theory of humanist psychoanalyst Erich Fromm. Since humanist psychoanalysis has not been systematically applied in academic discussion on North Korean politics and society, the author outlines Fromm’s neo-Marxist/neo-Freudian perspective in conjunction with observations on eroding totalitarianism and patricentrism, group narcissism and anxiety, official ideology, internalized authority and women, the revolutionary façade, and dream analysis as a relevant component of a social psychology of North Korea.
Guidance for the Discontinuation or Switching of Antidepressant Therapies in Adults
Authors: Ogle Nikki R. , Akkerman Shawn R.
Published: March 2013

Antidepressants (ADs) are commonly used for the treatment of various psychological and other medical disorders. Patient response and regimen duration with individual agents varies, necessitating discontinuation (DC) and/or switching between ADs. However, withdrawal symptoms may occur upon DC of the AD, and clinical symptom control may be compromised if the change to a new AD agent is not initiated appropriately. The purpose of this evaluation was to review the available literature and resources to compile documented methods for discontinuing or changing AD regimens in the clinical setting into a single guidance document. The results of this evaluation have yielded both detailed and general recommendations for practitioners to use and consider in discontinuing an AD and making changes between AD agents. The information provided herein is intended to provide useful guidance for clinicians and other health care professionals in their management of patients discontinuing or switching between selected AD agents.
Primer on Clinical Practice Guidelines
Authors: Pyon Eunice Y.
Published: March 2013

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are valuable tools for health care providers and support evidence-based medicine (EBM). Many organizations, including medical associations and government-affiliated agencies, develop and publish guidelines using varying methods. Unfortunately, many guidelines are not appropriately developed and certain recommendations are not based on the best available evidence. Recent efforts by EBM advocates are contributing to the improved quality of CPGs and more tools are becoming available to promote high-quality guideline development and use. This article describes the guideline development process and associated concerns and the advances in the field of CPGs. Tools to access and evaluate guidelines are also provided. Health care professionals equipped with an understanding of the process of guideline creation and tools for evaluation can appropriately utilize guidelines to improve patient care.
Not Like Me = Bad
Authors: Hamlin J. Kiley , Mahajan Neha , Liberman Zoe , Wynn Karen
Published: March 2013

Adults tend to like individuals who are similar to themselves, and a growing body of recent research suggests that even infants and young children prefer individuals who share their attributes or personal tastes over those who do not. In this study, we examined the nature and development of attitudes toward similar and dissimilar others in human infancy. Across two experiments with combined samples of more than 200 infant participants, we found that 9- and 14-month-old infants prefer individuals who treat similar others well and treat dissimilar others poorly. A developmental trend was observed, such that 14-month-olds’ responses were more robust than were 9-month-olds’. These findings suggest that the identification of common and contrasting personal attributes influences social attitudes and judgments in powerful ways, even very early in life.
Students With Autism, Service Dogs, and Public Schools
Authors: Hill David R. , King Seth A. , Mrachko Alicia A.
Published: March 2013

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) increasingly receive assistance from service dogs. Nonetheless, confusion surrounding service dogs for students with ASD has precipitated litigation between parents and schools. The purpose of this review was to examine state laws pertaining to the use of service dogs among children with ASD. Statutes were evaluated to identify all disability classifications eligible to use a service dog, regulations related to the authorized training of service animals, and school access for service animals. Results suggest that current state laws do not facilitate the use of service dogs by children with ASD or provide sufficient guidance for parents and schools. Recommendations for policy follow a discussion of the results.
Factors Influencing Worker Morale
Authors: Patterson-Silver Wolf David A. , Dulmus Catherine N. , Maguin Eugene , Cristalli Maria
Published: March 2013

Objectives:

Mental health organizations are strongly encouraged to implement empirically supported treatments (ESTs); however, little is known about their working environments. The present study investigated how provider demographics, workplace environment, and whether ESTs were used affected the worker morale.

Method:

Frontline workers ( N = 1,273) from 55 different programs in a single, large organization completed a measure of organizational culture and climate (OCC) and worker morale. A multilevel regression analysis used worker demographics to predict worker morale at Level 1 and EST use and OCC scales to predict program-level worker morale.

Results:

Worker morale was significantly negatively correlated with EST use and significantly correlated with OCC dimensions. Regression results showed that culture and climate but not EST use predicted morale.

Conclusions:

Although EST use by programs in this agency had negative effects on both morale and OCC, separately, the effect on morale was subsumed by the effect on OCC.
“You Just Have to Live With It”
Authors: Anderson Moji , Asnani Monika
Published: March 2013

Research has shown that living with sickle cell disease (SCD) can be a considerable challenge. Unfortunately, although it is Jamaica’s most common genetic disorder, to date, no qualitative research has been conducted on Jamaicans’ experiences of SCD. We conducted thematic analysis on transcripts of in-depth semistructured interviews with 30 patients and found two interlinked themes bound up in life with SCD: loss and control. Faced with important losses, respondents used cognitive and behavioral coping strategies to reestablish control over their response to SCD, others’ responses to SCD, and SCD’s physical manifestations. Although the adaptive nature of some of these strategies is debatable, many facilitate management of the illness. Health care practitioners should encourage positive coping strategies and have nonjudgmental discussions with patients about (potentially) negative ones. They should also share information with nonspecialist doctors and nurses to reduce stigmatization around the illness. More exploration of this underresearched topic is needed.
Workplace Engagement and Generational Differences in Values
Authors: Schullery Nancy M.
Published: March 2013

This article summarizes literature on workplace engagement, an issue that affects organizations’ financial results and individuals’ personal lives. The newest of the four generations in the workplace, Millennials, were recently shown to have different values than the other two prevalent generations. Surveys taken by 16,000 high school seniors of three generations on intrinsic, extrinsic, social, leisure, and altruistic values at work show only the altruistic value is not statistically different. When aggregated, these generational differences have noticeable practical impact. In the classroom, engagement is essential to learning. Examples of engaging activities that address the Millennials’ values are provided.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Teacher-Implemented Video Prompting on an iPod Touch to Teach Food-Preparation Skills to High School Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Johnson Jesse W. , Blood Erika , Freeman Amy , Simmons Karen
Published: March 2013

A multiple-probe-across-behaviors design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of video prompts delivered on an iPod Touch to teach food-preparation skills to two high school students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and intellectual disability. The special education teacher implemented the procedure in the high school classroom. Student data are interpreted to conclude that video prompting on an iPod Touch was effective in increasing independent performance of both students. The special education teacher was able to implement the procedure with a high degree of fidelity without disrupting the ongoing instructional activities of the classroom. Teacher ratings of the acceptability and perceived effectiveness of the procedures suggested that teacher viewed video prompting on an iPod Touch as a practical, effective, and efficient strategy for teaching food-preparation skills to students with ASD and intellectual disability.
Effects of Vocabulary Instruction Using Constant Time Delay on Expository Reading of Young Adults With Intellectual Disability
Authors: Hua Youjia , Woods-Groves Suzanne , Kaldenberg Erica R. , Scheidecker Bethany J.
Published: March 2013

We investigated the effectiveness of using constant time delay (CTD) with young adults with intellectual disability on their vocabulary acquisition and retention, as well as expository reading comprehension. Four learners, ages 19 to 21 years, from a postsecondary education program for individuals with disabilities participated in the study. During the intervention, instructors used CTD to teach unknown vocabulary embedded in expository texts. In the context of an alternating treatments design, we found that CTD resulted in greater acquisition and retention of the vocabulary knowledge than the control condition. However, the effects of the vocabulary instruction on comprehension of the expository texts were less clear. Implications for practice are provided.
On boundaries and difference: Communities of practice and power relations in creative work
Authors: Contu Alessia
Published: March 2013

Tensions and struggles are a usual occurrence when knowledge ‘to get the job done’ needs to be produced at the boundaries of different disciplines and skills. Yet, power struggles have been often overlooked, and a deeper understanding of power dynamics in, and between, communities of practice is needed. An ethnographic study of the work practices of a digital media agency is utilised as a basis for the conceptual work of addressing tensions and struggles evident in creative design work. The approach developed here reactivates the critical and relational perspectives of communities of practice theory rearticulating it with the insights of Laclau and Mouffe’s site ontology. This study offers a transformative redefinition of communities of practice’s existing theoretical kit. It also shows how creative abrasions are situated in the broader politics of management and organisation of creative design work.
Alemtuzumab improves contrast sensitivity in patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Graves Jennifer , Galetta Steven L , Palmer Jeffrey , Margolin David H , Rizzo Marco , Bilbruck John , Balcer Laura J
Published: March 2013

Background:

Alemtuzumab is a monoclonal antibody directed against CD52 that depletes T and B lymphocytes.

Objective:

To evaluate the treatment effect of alemtuzumab on low-contrast vision in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients.

Methods:

This was a pre-defined exploratory analysis within a randomized, rater-blinded trial (CAMMS223) that was run at 49 academic medical centers in the US and in Europe. Patients with untreated, early, RRMS (McDonald, n = 334) were randomized 1:1:1 to subcutaneous interferon beta-1a (IFNB-1a), or alemtuzumab 12 mg or 24 mg. Visual contrast sensitivity was measured for each eye at baseline and quarterly, with Pelli-Robson charts.

Results:

The eyes of patients in the pooled alemtuzumab group (versus IFNB-1a) had a greater than 2-fold higher rate of both 3-month and 6-month sustained visual improvement, of at least 0.3 log units (2 triplets, 6 letters) (At 3 months the hazard ratio (HR) = 2.26; CI = 1.19 to 4.31; P = 0.013; and at 6 months the HR = 2.44; CI =1.16 to 5.15; P = 0.019), and they had a lower risk of 3- and 6-month sustained worsening of at least 0.15 log units (1 triplet, 3 letters) (At 3 months the HR = 0.58; CI = 0.38 to 0.89; P = 0.012; and at 6 months HR = 0.55; CI=0.35 to 0.87; P = 0.010). Over the 36-month study period, the eyes of patients in the pooled alemtuzumab group improved in mean contrast sensitivity to a greater extent than those in the IFNB-1a group (0.080 log units versus 0.038 log units; P = 0.0102).

Conclusions:

Alemtuzumab was associated with a greater chance of improved contrast sensitivity in patients with RRMS and may delay the worsening of visual function. Contrast sensitivity testing was sensitive to treatment effects, even within an active comparator study design. These results support the validity of low-contrast vision testing as a clinical outcome in MS trials.
Clinical significance of atrophy and white matter mean diffusivity within the thalamus of multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Benedict Ralph HB , Hulst Hanneke E , Bergsland Niels , Schoonheim Menno M , Dwyer Michael G , Weinstock-Guttman Bianca , Geurts Jeroen JG , Zivadinov Robert
Published: March 2013

Background:

Gray-matter (GM) atrophy is strongly predictive of cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The thalamus is the region where the atrophy/cognition correlation is most robust. However, few studies have assessed diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics within the thalamus.

Objective:

This study was designed to determine if thalamus white matter DTI predicts cognitive impairment after accounting for the effects of volume loss.

Methods:

We enrolled 75 MS patients and 18 healthy controls undergoing 3T brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thalamus volumes were calculated on 3D T1 images. Voxelwise analyses of DTI metrics were performed within the thalamic white matter tracts. Neuropsychological (NP) testing, acquired using consensus standard methods, contributed measures of memory, cognitive processing speed and executive function.

Results:

All cognitive tests were significantly predicted ( R2 =0.31, p<0.001) by thalamus volume after accounting for influence of demographics. Mean diffusivity was retained in regression models predicting all cognitive tests, adding from 7–13% of additional explained variance ( p<0.02) after accounting for thalamus volume.

Conclusions:

We confirm the significant role of thalamus atrophy in MS-associated cognitive disorder, and further report that subtle thalamus pathology as detected by DTI adds incremental explained variance in predicting cognitive impairment.
Personalisation, family relationships and autism: Conceptualising the role of adult siblings
Authors: Atkin Karl , Tozer Rosemary
Published: March 2013

Current policy discourses demonstrate a weak connection to broader theoretical debates about family obligation and in particular how family responsibilities become negotiated over time and across the life course. How policy imagines family care can, therefore, be different to the actual experiences of families. This qualitative paper, using semi-structured interviews, explores the experience of a particularly neglected group, adult siblings, who have a brother or sister with autism (plus learning disability). We spoke to 21 adult siblings, met with 12 of their siblings with autism and talked to 12 health and social care professionals.

Findings

Our analysis suggests that connectedness and commitment, which remained subject to continuous redefinition by all family members, informed sibling relationships Practitioners, however, struggle to engage with this complexity, thereby undermining the extent siblings’ relationships can be realised.

Application

The paper concludes that policy initiatives are at risk of becoming an uneasy compromise, in which the need to offer choice occurs alongside the ‘problem’ of managing family care. Sibling relationships are more than simply ‘being of’ or ‘belonging to’ a family. They are dynamic, subject to contingency and negotiation. Interventions should be formulated to work with these assumptions, without presupposing a definite experience fixed in time and space. This would not only maximise the disabled siblings’ quality of life, but also ensure a more productive and fulfilling context for family relationships.
Religious and non-religious components in substance abuse treatment: A comparative analysis of faith-based and secular interventions
Authors: Davis Margot Trotter
Published: March 2013

Recently, faith-based organizations have become increasingly welcomed as government partners in providing services for chronic social problems. In many countries including the United States policies permit social service and healthcare providers that utilize religious practices to be eligible for public funding. The government’s support of faith-based programs has provided increased capacity and gives clients more choice in providers. However, providers and policy makers have limited knowledge about the nature and treatment regimen of faith-based interventions. This qualitative study examined 28 faith-based and 27 secular substance abuse treatment programs in the United States using grounded theory methods to develop models of religious influences.

Findings

The comparison yielded major differences. Secular programs allow religious practices but consider them voluntary components. Faith-based programs adopt one of the two strategies. Some selectively introduce religious practices but separate them from other treatment activities. Others regard religious practices as essential to recovery and require participation in religious observance.

Application

This article describes the conceptual dimensions of religious practices in substance abuse treatment programs and will inform policy makers and practitioners about the role of religion in faith-based and secular programs.
The understandings of social pedagogy from northern European perspectives
Authors: Eriksson Lisbeth
Published: March 2013

This study examines understandings of social pedagogy. Interviews were conducted with nine social pedagogical researchers from Northern Europe. The interviewees were selected as representatives of their cultural and professional context and provided insight into their countries’ social pedagogical discourses. The interviewees were asked to talk about their understandings of social pedagogy from both theoretical and practical perspectives.

Findings

The empirical data were divided into two discourses; the universalistic and the particularistic. In the interview statements it was evident that interviewees leaned towards one of the two discourses as a starting point for their understanding of social pedagogy. However, the way the two discourses were combined varied among the interviewees. In further analysis, three models were constructed, which can be regarded as ideal types. These models shows that social pedagogical way of thinking extend from an individualistic, adaptive, starting point through a democratic approach to a mobilising collective approach.

Application

These models can be seen as an important contribution to understanding of social pedagogy that illustrate three different ways of understanding social pedagogy from northern European perspectives. The models elucidate the complexity embedded in the concept, but can also be used to facilitate analyses and interpretations of various social pedagogical activities. This findings has implications for how education in the field is constructed and implemented. Social pedagogy may not be definable in a simple way, but it can nevertheless be understood and described by the models constructed in this study.
Diabetic foot disease and oedema
Authors: Ho Teik K , Leigh Richard D , Tsui Janice
Published: March 2013

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are common and disabling, giving rise to significant morbidity and mortality as well as worldwide socioeconomic problems. Despite treatment, DFUs readily become chronic wounds and may lead to major lower limb amputations. The pathogenesis of DFUs is complex and the main aetiologies are peripheral neuropathy, ischaemia from peripheral arterial disease and biomechanical abnormalities. Microvascular disease is also a significant problem for people with diabetes and contributes to foot ulceration. Successful management of DFUs consists of debridement, infection control, the use of offloading appliances and revascularisation where necessary. Foot ulcers are usually associated with infection and inflammation which lead to surrounding oedema of the foot. Standard offloading devices such as total contact casts and removable cast walkers do not actively reduce foot oedema. There is promising evidence that active oedema reduction by intermittent pneumatic compression in the diabetic foot improves ulcer healing. The objective of this article is to review the association of foot oedema and DFUs, including the role of appliances which reduce oedema. The information presented is vital to those involved in the management of DFUs.
Identifying women with persistent abnormal glucose metabolism following gestational diabetes mellitus: changing times, changing populations and changing needs
Authors: Joseph Frank , Photiou Victoria , Verma Arpana , Goenka Niru , Davies Joanne , Clement-Jones Mark , Casson Ian
Published: March 2013

Introduction:

An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) six weeks after delivery is considered the gold standard test to identify persistently abnormal glucose metabolism in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) but the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends fasting plasma glucose (FPG) alone. This however, cannot be used to diagnose those with persisting impaired glucose tolerance and will also fail to identify some women with persisting diabetes mellitus (DM). This study aims to identify the percentage of women with DM and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) that would be missed using this strategy.

Methods:

Data from 147 women from two sites were analysed. Fishers’ exact test was used to demonstrate differences between OGTT and FPG and a receiver operating characteristic curve was used to try and identify a FPG concentration that would predict a post-glucose load abnormality.

Results:

Fifty-two of the 147 women had a persistent abnormality in glucose metabolism. Twenty-three had impaired fasting glycaemia (IFG), 21 had IGT and eight women had DM. Only seven of the eight women with DM had a FPG ≥ 7.0 mmol/L and hence one out of eight women with DM (12.5%) and all 21 women with IGT would have been missed if FPG alone were used (p<0.001).

Conclusion:

Postnatal FPG alone is inadequate to identify all women with DM and would miss a significant number of women with IGT. An OGTT in all women with diagnosed GDM remains the gold standard test to identify persistent abnormal glucose metabolism in these women.
‘Digital Diabetes’- Looking to the Future
Authors: Wake Deborah J , Cunningham Scott G
Published: March 2013

In the UK, 85% of adults use the internet, yet digital technology and web based applications have been slow to realise their potential within health care. Diabetes, a chronic disease requiring extensive self-management, could particularly benefit from an e-health approach. Whilst there are a number of independent on-line diabetes communities, mobile apps, websites and networking opportunities, these operate in silos rather than integrating with mainstream health care. This review will explore the political drivers and barriers to eHealth, and review current digital opportunities for patients and health care professionals within diabetes care.
An Organizational Capacity-Building Program to Enhance Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health
Authors: Colarossi Lisa , Betancourt Gabriela S. , Perez Amanda , Weidl Meghan , Morales Haydee
Published: March 2013

Objectives. To present a new practice for promoting sexual health among youth, and a pilot evaluation. The Afterschool Health and Sexuality Education Project is a capacity-building program that provides staff training, technical assistance, resource materials, and policy recommendations to create organizational change that facilitates staff members’ abilities to promote sexual and reproductive health for adolescents. Method. The evaluation included assessment of (a) sexual health educational materials, resources, and referral lists; (b) organizational policies that guide provision of sexual information and referrals; and (c) communication about sexual health. Data were collected prior to intervention, 7 months later, and 1 year later using anonymous surveys of staff and adolescents, and researcher observations. Results. Results indicate that organizational support for addressing youth sexual health increased as did communication between staff and youth, with decreased barriers. Most, but not all, improvements were maintained at the 1-year follow-up. Organizational policies that support youth sexual health and the availability of educational materials, resources such as condoms, and referral lists also increased and were maintained at follow-up. Conclusions. Organizational systems change may create a broader, more sustainable environment for increasing communication between youth and adults and increasing resources to promote sexual health.
Predicting End-of-Year Achievement Test Performance
Authors: Kettler Ryan J. , Elliott Stephen N. , Kurz Alexander , Zigmond Naomi , Lemons Christopher J. , Kloo Amanda , Shrago Jacqueline , Beddow Peter A. , Williams Leila , Bruen Charles , Lupp Lynda , Farmer Jeanie , Mosiman Melanie
Published: March 2013

Motivated by the multiple-measures clause of recent federal policy regarding student eligibility for alternate assessments based on modified academic achievement standards (AA-MASs), this study examined how scores or combinations of scores from a diverse set of assessments predicted students’ end-of-year proficiency status on statewide achievement tests. Scores from 388 eighth-grade students, both with and without disabilities, from 3 states were compared for the predictive validity of test inferences from a set of brief online screening tests, teachers’ ratings of performance, and students’ previous year’s achievement tests. The research team developed screening tests in reading and mathematics that were found to be internally consistent and added predictive value to the identification of students who would perform at a level below proficient on state achievement tests of reading and mathematics. Although achievement results from the previous year were more predictive of future achievement results, scores from the online screening tests and from Performance Screening Guides could be used as supplements to typical achievement tests. Implications of these findings for educators in the 17 states currently using AA-MAS tests for students with disabilities are discussed, and needed future research is identified.
The Influence of Family Ties on Men’s Prostate Cancer Screening, Biopsy, and Treatment Decisions
Authors: Shaw Eric K. , Scott John G. , Ferrante Jeanne M.
Published: March 2013

Extensive research has focused on understanding family dynamics of men with prostate cancer. However, little qualitative work has examined the role of family ties on men’s prostate cancer decisions across the spectrum of screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Using data from a larger study, we qualitatively explored the influence of family ties on men’s prostate cancer decisions. Semistructured interviews were conducted with men ages ≥50 ( N = 64), and data were analyzed using a grounded theory approach and a series of immersion/crystallization cycles. Three major themes of spousal/family member influence were identified: (a) spousal/family member alliance marked by open communication and shared decision making, (b) men who actively opposed spouse/family member pressure and made final decisions themselves, and (c) men who yielded to spouse/family member pressure. Our findings provide insights into men’s relational dynamics that are important to consider for the shared decision-making process across the prostate cancer spectrum.
The Effects of Group Conflict and Work Stress on Employee Performance
Authors: Hon Alice H. Y. , Chan Wilco W.
Published: March 2013

This study investigates the positive and negative effects of group conflict and work stress. It uses a multilevel analysis to examine the effects of task-related conflict and relationship conflict on two different types of work stress, namely, challenge-related stress and hindrance-related stress. Furthermore, the study analyzes the effects these types of stress have on hotel employees’ job performance and job satisfaction. The results of hierarchical linear modeling from a survey of 265 employees and their managers in fifty Chinese hotels reveal that (1) team task conflict was positively associated with challenge-related stress, which in turn, was positively associated with job performance and satisfaction; and (2) team relationship conflict was positively associated with hindrance-related stress, which in turn, was negatively associated with job performance and satisfaction. We also found that work stress mediates the cross-level relationship between group conflict and the individual outcomes relating to performance and satisfaction. The key implication of the findings is that work-related conflict and stress are not always necessarily bad for organizational outcomes. Instead, task-related conflict and the resulting stress may improve employees’ sense of accomplishment when the task is complete. By the same token, relationship-based conflict and stress generally lead to negative outcomes for the employee and organization.
Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia in an Ultra-Endurance Mountain Biker
Authors: Khodaee Morteza , Luyten Dylan , Hew-Butler Tamara
Published: March 2013

Symptomatic exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH), which is relatively common among marathon runners, is an uncommon event among ultra-endurance athletes. A 44-year-old man presented to the emergency department with increased thirst after successfully completing a 100-mile mountain bike race in Leadville, Colorado. Initial laboratory tests revealed a blood sodium level of 116 mEq/L. The primary etiologic factor in EAH is fluid consumption in excess of fluid losses in prolonged exertion. Early diagnosis and management is crucial to prevent cerebral and pulmonary edema.
Life-threatening haematemesis associated with clozapine: a case report and literature review
Authors: Adebayo Kazeem Olaide , Ibrahim Nurudeen , Mosanya Temilola , Eegunranti Benjamin , Suleiman Babatunde , Ayankunle Akeem
Published: March 2013

Clozapine is regarded as a second-line and in some cases last-line antipsychotic known for its common life-threatening side effects, such as agranulocytosis, constipation and cardiomyopathies, but rarely haematemesis. We report a case of severe haemetemesis in a chronic schizophrenic patient managed with clozapine. The patient was a 46-year-old male being managed for chronic schizophrenia with treatment resistance who developed sudden severe haematemesis following commencement of clozapine for 6 weeks. The patient had 1.1 l of blood transfusion. The relevant literature is reviewed. Clozapine can be associated with a life-threatening haematemesis. Psychiatrists and other medical specialists need to be alert to the fatality of clozapine-induced haematemesis in the treatment of psychiatric disorders.
Placental Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Mediates the Association Between Prenatal Social Support and Postpartum Depression
Authors: Hahn-Holbrook Jennifer , Dunkel Schetter Christine , Arora Chander , Hobel Calvin J.
Published: March 2013

Three decades of research point to both biological and psychological risk factors for postpartum depression, but very little research integrates the two. This study bridged this gap by testing whether prenatal social support predicted depressive symptoms at 8 weeks postpartum in a multiethnic sample of 210 women and whether the stress hormone placental corticotropin-releasing hormone (pCRH), measured at 19, 29, and 37 weeks’ gestation, mediated this relationship. We found that prenatal family support predicted significantly fewer depressive symptoms postpartum and more gradual increases in pCRH from 29 to 37 weeks’ gestation. Furthermore, steeper increases in pCRH during this same period predicted more depressive symptoms postpartum. Finally, these changes in pCRH in late pregnancy mediated the relationship between prenatal family support and postpartum depressive symptoms. These results suggest that social and biological risk factors for postpartum depressive symptoms are intertwined and move us closer to an integrated biopsychosocial understanding of postpartum depression.
Well-Being From the Knife? Psychological Effects of Aesthetic Surgery
Authors: Margraf Jürgen , Meyer Andrea H. , Lavallee Kristen L.
Published: March 2013

Many people surgically alter their physical appearance with the intent of boosting their social and psychological well-being; however, the long-term effectiveness of aesthetic surgery on improving well-being is unconfirmed. The present comparison-controlled study examines outcomes in a sample of 544 patients who underwent aesthetic surgery (surgery group) and 264 participants who were interested in aesthetic surgery but did not undergo it (comparison group). Participants were followed 3, 6, and 12 months after aesthetic surgery or after contacting the clinic (comparisons). Overall, the results reveal positive outcomes of receiving aesthetic surgery across areas, including anxiety, social phobia, depression, body dysmorphia, goal attainment, quality of life, life satisfaction, attractiveness, mental and physical health, well-being, self-efficacy and self-esteem. Among those dissatisfied with a particular physical feature and considering aesthetic surgery, undergoing surgery appears to result in positive self-reported psychological changes.
The multiplicative Zagreb indices of graph operations
Authors: Das Kinkar C , Yurttas Aysun , Togan Muge , Cevik Ahmet Sinan , Cangul Ismail Naci
Published: March 2013

Recently, Todeschini et al. (Novel Molecular Structure Descriptors - Theory and Applications I, pp. 73-100, 2010), Todeschini and Consonni (MATCH Commun. Math. Comput. Chem. 64:359-372, 2010) have proposed the multiplicative variants of ordinary Zagreb indices, which are defined as follows:

∏
1

=

∏
1

(
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=

∏

v
∈
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(
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d
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2

,

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u
v
∈
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G

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.

These two graph invariants are called multiplicative Zagreb indices by Gutman (Bull. Soc. Math. Banja Luka 18:17-23, 2011). In this paper the upper bounds on the multiplicative Zagreb indices of the join, Cartesian product, corona product, composition and disjunction of graphs are derived and the indices are evaluated for some well-known graphs.

MSC:05C05, 05C90, 05C07.
A recombinant scFv-FasLext as a targeting cytotoxic agent against human Jurkat-Ras cancer
Authors: Chan Derek V , Sharma Rahul , Ju Chiao-Ying A , Roffler Steve R , Ju Shyr-Te
Published: March 2013

Background

Targeted therapy of human cancers is an attractive approach and has been investigated with limited success. We have developed novel cytotoxic agents for targeted therapy of human cancers based on the extracellular cytotoxicity domain of CD178 (FasL) and the specificity offered by single chain antibodies (scFv) against dominant human tumor Ag TAG-72 (cc49scFv) and TAL6 (L6scFv).

Results

The cc49scFv-FasLextis highly effective inin vitrokilling of human TAG-72+Jurkat-Ras tumor cells with a 30,000 fold greater cytotoxicity as compared to soluble FasL (sFasL). On the other hand, L6scFv-FasLextonly increased cytotoxicity 500-fold as compared with sFasL against TAL6+HeLa cells inin vitroassays. The high specificity and strong cytotoxicity of cc49scFv-FasLextmade it feasible to cure IP-implanted Jurkat-Ras tumors in SCID mice.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that scFv-FasLextwith a strong cytotoxicity against sensitive human tumor targets may be useful as effective chemotherapeutic agents.
Target renal damage: the microvascular associations of increased aortic stiffness in patients with COPD
Authors: John Michelle , Hussain Samia , Prayle Andrew , Simms Rebecca , Cockcroft John R , Bolton Charlotte E
Published: March 2013

Background

Although renal impairment has been described in COPD, there is opportunity to evaluate further to determine nature and consider optimal management. Increased aortic stiffness, as seen in COPD, leads to reduced buffering of pulsatile flow. We hypothesised that urinary albumin creatinine ratio (UACR) would reflect glomerular damage related to aortic stiffness.

Methods

Patients with COPD and controls underwent spirometry, blood pressure, arterial stiffness - aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) and provided a spot urine sample for UACR, with other renal biomarkers measured.

Results

The UACR was increased in patients (n = 52): 0.80 mg/mmol compared to controls (n = 34): 0.46 mg/mmol, p < 0.05. Aortic PWV was related to log10 UACR in all subjects (r = 0.426, p < 0.001) and COPD patients alone. Aortic PWV was a significant variable for UACR with oxygen saturations, after accounting for potential confounders. Eight subjects (7 patients) reached a defined clinical microalbuminuria threshold, with aortic PWV greater in these patients compared to those patients without, although albuminuria is a continuum. Proximal tubular damage biomarkers, unlike the glomerular marker, were not different between patients and controls.

Conclusions

There is glomerular damage in patients with COPD evidenced by increased UACR, related to increased aortic stiffness. Besides the macrovascular prognostic implications of increased aortic stiffness, the microvascular state in COPD management should be considered.
AUREA: an open-source software system for accurate and user-friendly identification of relative expression molecular signatures
Authors: Earls John C , Eddy James A , Funk Cory C , Ko Younhee , Magis Andrew T , Price Nathan D
Published: March 2013

Background

Public databases such as the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus contain extensive and exponentially increasing amounts of high-throughput data that can be applied to molecular phenotype characterization. Collectively, these data can be analyzed for such purposes as disease diagnosis or phenotype classification. One family of algorithms that has proven useful for disease classification is based on relative expression analysis and includes the Top-Scoring Pair (TSP), k-Top-Scoring Pairs (k-TSP), Top-Scoring Triplet (TST) and Differential Rank Conservation (DIRAC) algorithms. These relative expression analysis algorithms hold significant advantages for identifying interpretable molecular signatures for disease classification, and have been implemented previously on a variety of computational platforms with varying degrees of usability. To increase the user-base and maximize the utility of these methods, we developed the program AUREA (Adaptive Unified Relative Expression Analyzer)—a cross-platform tool that has a consistent application programming interface (API), an easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI), fast running times and automated parameter discovery.

Results

Herein, we describe AUREA, an efficient, cohesive, and user-friendly open-source software system that comprises a suite of methods for relative expression analysis. AUREA incorporates existing methods, while extending their capabilities and bringing uniformity to their interfaces. We demonstrate that combining these algorithms and adaptively tuning parameters on the training sets makes these algorithms more consistent in their performance and demonstrate the effectiveness of our adaptive parameter tuner by comparing accuracy across diverse datasets.

Conclusions

We have integrated several relative expression analysis algorithms and provided a unified interface for their implementation while making data acquisition, parameter fixing, data merging, and results analysis ‘point-and-click’ simple. The unified interface and the adaptive parameter tuning of AUREA provide an effective framework in which to investigate the massive amounts of publically available data by both ‘in silico’ and ‘bench’ scientists. AUREA can be found at http://price.systemsbiology.net/AUREA/.
Tandem repeats derived from centromeric retrotransposons
Authors: Sharma Anupma , Wolfgruber Thomas K , Presting Gernot G
Published: March 2013

Background

Tandem repeats are ubiquitous and abundant in higher eukaryotic genomes and constitute, along with transposable elements, much of DNA underlying centromeres and other heterochromatic domains. In maize, centromeric satellite repeat (CentC) and centromeric retrotransposons (CR), a class of Ty3/gypsy retrotransposons, are enriched at centromeres. Some satellite repeats have homology to retrotransposons and several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the expansion, contraction as well as homogenization of tandem repeats. However, the origin and evolution of tandem repeat loci remain largely unknown.

Results

CRM1TR and CRM4TR are novel tandem repeats that we show to be entirely derived from CR elements belonging to two different subfamilies, CRM1 and CRM4. Although these tandem repeats clearly originated in at least two separate events, they are derived from similar regions of their respective parent element, namely the long terminal repeat (LTR) and untranslated region (UTR). The 5’ ends of the monomer repeat units of CRM1TR and CRM4TR map to different locations within their respective LTRs, while their 3’ ends map to the same relative position within a conserved region of their UTRs. Based on the insertion times of heterologous retrotransposons that have inserted into these tandem repeats, amplification of the repeats is estimated to have begun at least ~4 (CRM1TR) and ~1 (CRM4TR) million years ago. Distinct CRM1TR sequence variants occupy the two CRM1TR loci, indicating that there is little or no movement of repeats between loci, even though they are separated by only ~1.4 Mb.

Conclusions

The discovery of two novel retrotransposon derived tandem repeats supports the conclusions from earlier studies that retrotransposons can give rise to tandem repeats in eukaryotic genomes. Analysis of monomers from two different CRM1TR loci shows that gene conversion is the major cause of sequence variation. We propose that successive intrastrand deletions generated the initial repeat structure, and gene conversions increased the size of each tandem repeat locus.