bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychometric Evaluation of the Spanish and English Versions of the Spiritual Coping Strategies Scale
Authors: Hawthorne Dawn , Youngblut JoAnne M. , Brooten Dorothy
Published: April 2011

The Spiritual Coping Strategies (SCS) Scale measures how frequently religious and nonreligious (spiritual) coping strategies are used to cope with a stressful experience. This study’s purpose is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the newly translated Spanish version of the SCS. A total of 51 bilingual adults completed the SCS in Spanish and English, with 25 completing them again 2–3 weeks later. Internal consistency reliability for the Spanish (r = 0.83) and English (r = 0.82) versions of the SCS in the total sample were good. Test–retest reliability was .84 for the Spanish and .80 for the English version. Spanish and English responses to the SCS items and the resulting score for the subscales and the total scale were not significantly different. Scores on the English and Spanish versions were correlated as expected with time since the stressful event and happiness with family and with spouse or partner, supporting the validity of the Spanish SCS. Study findings support the reliability and validity of the newly translated Spanish SCS.
Agreement and Repeatability of an Infrared Thermometer
Authors: Kelechi Teresa J. , Good Angela , Mueller Martina
Published: April 2011

Recently, manufacturers have devised thermometers for home use by patients, such as the TempTouch Infrared Thermometer (TTIR; Diabetica Solutions, San Antonio, TX), which is designed with a long handle that can be used for self-monitoring localized skin temperature of the feet and legs. This study assessed the level of agreement and repeatability of the TTIR compared to a thermistor-type thermometer (TT; PeriFlux, 5020 Temperature Unit, Perimed, Stockholm, Sweden), the reference standard. In 17 healthy subjects, localized skin temperature was measured 8 cm above the right medial malleolus at baseline (Time 1), after a 10-minute rest period (Time 2), and after 10 minutes of cold provocation (Time 3) with a cryotherapy gel wrap placed around the lower legs using the TTIR and TT for temperature measurement. Scatter plots and correlation coefficients showed strong positive relationships between the two measurement methods at all three time points (Time 1: r = 0.95; Time 2: r = 0.97; and, Time 3: r = 0.87). Results showed a reasonable level of agreement between the two methods at Times 1 and 2 but not after cold provocation. Agreement between the methods appears to be better than repeatability within each method. Results for repeatability from both the TT and TTIR were very similar suggesting that there was a systematic bias with increasing temperatures between Time 1 and Time 2.
The effect of stocking density on individual broiler welfare parameters: 2. Different broiler stocking densities
Authors: Skrbic Z. , Pavlovski Z. , Lukic M. , Petricevic V. , Djukic-Stojcic M. , Zikic D.
Published: April 2011

Stocking density is considered one of the most important factors for the
welfare of broilers. This paper is continuation of the study in order to
obtain full evaluation of the impact of different broiler stocking densities
on production performance, condition of the broiler legs and body feathering,
as welfare indicators but also indicators of the productivity and quality of
produced chickens. The effect of three stocking densities (20, 15 and 10
birds/m2) was investigated in 4 repetitions on broilers of genotype Hubbard
at the age of 3 and 6 weeks. At the age of 6 weeks stocking density of 20
birds/m2 resulted in significantly lower growth of broilers, higher mortality
and higher incidence of leg lesions and problems with body feathering,
compared to stocking densities of 15 and 10 birds/m2.
Influence of the prebiotic Salgard and a herb mixture on pekin ducklings in organic poultry production: I. Growth performance and blood biochemical parameters
Authors: Gerzilov V. , Bozakova N. , Bochukov A. , Penchev G. , Lyutskanov M. , Popova-Ralcheva S. , Sredkova V.
Published: April 2011

The purpose of this study was to follow out the influence of the prebiotic
Salgard and of an herb mixture (rosemary, thyme, basil, oregano and cinnamon)
on the growth performance and blood biochemical parameters of Pekin ducklings
in an organic production system. In this study, 72 one-day-old Pekin
ducklings reared up to the age of 63 days were used. They were divided into 3
groups of 24 birds each and sexed (12 ?and 12 ?) as followed: group I
(control) fed a standard feed; group II - fed the same feed supplemented with
the prebiotic Salgard at a concentration of 0.15 %, and group III - fed the
same feed supplemented with 0.15 % of a herb mixture in an equal proportion
(0.03% of each herb - rosemary, thyme, basil, oregano and cinnamon) from the
first day of age to the end of the experiment. The individual live weight of
the birds and the feed conversion ratio were controlled throughout the
experiment at 1, 28 and 63 days of age. By the end of the study, blood serum
ASAT, ALAT, GGT, triglycerides (TG), total and HDL cholesterol, and
creatinine were assayed. The addition of Salgard to the feed of Pekin
ducklings increased live weight with 4.94 % in males and with 4.67 % in
females. The addition of the herbal mixture of rosemary, thyme, basil,
oregano, cinnamon to the feed had a positive effect on the live weight. It is
increased with 3.75 % in males and insignificantly in females. A significant
reduction in the blood serum concentrations of triglycerides (?<0.01) and
total cholesterol (?<0.01) was established, which could be related with the
anti stress effect of the herbal mixture on Pekin ducklings.
Fungi on feathers of common clinically healthy birds in Belgrade
Authors: Miljkovic B. , Pavlovski Z. , Jovicic D. , Radanovic O. , Kureljusic B.
Published: April 2011

In the quarantines of the epyzootiological territory of Belgrade, feathers
deriving from live and dead dehydrated exotic birds were samples. Birds were
housed in closed disinfected bird shelter facilities with cages. Study was
carried out in 4 quarantines of total 22, during 2010, and it included only 5
bird species, 3 birds of each species (Coracias cyanogaste, Acridothere
tristis, S. canaria, Pycnonotus cafer and Tockus fasciatus). A total of 15
samples of feathers were analyzed. Samples were placed in the antibiotics
solution, for 24 hours at room temperature, and subsequently cultivated on
Sabouraud dextrose agar and Potato dextrose agar, in aerobic conditions in
the darkness at the temperature of in 37?C duration of 5 days, and 3-4 weeks
at 20?2?C (Scopulariopsis spp.), and in aerobic conditions at room
temperature of 20?2?C for 5 days (Aspergillus spp., Penicillum spp. and
Fusarium spp.) The presence of Scopulariopsis spp., Aspergillus spp.,
Penicillum spp. and Fusarium spp. was identified. The study showed that
commonly healthy birds, as well as dead birds, which died mainly due to
exhaustion and dehydration during transportation, can carry various
fungi/moulds which contaminate the air, soil and water surrounding their
habitats. Most of these birds are sold as closed domesticated pets which are
clinically healthy birds, however, they can be important source of
potentially pathogen causers which they carry on their body. This finding of
fungal species on the body/feathers of birds are naturally suitable place for
their transmission, and this also contributes to better understanding of the
nature and occurrence of many wide spread diseases in transmiting mycoses.
Participation of main parts and internal organs in rabbit meat
Authors: Kuzelov A. , Atanasova E.
Published: April 2011

This study shows the results of examination of main rabbit carcass parts and
internal organs. A total of 22 rabbits of mixed breed (Californian and New
Zealand rabbits) were examined. The average live mass of the rabbits was
2.467 g varying from 2.000 g to 2.800 g, while the hide participated with 428
g varying from 385 g to 480 g. The head participated with 5.93%, the forelegs
and hinde legs participated with 0.8% and 1.94%, and the internal organs
participated with 0.51% (lungs) and 17.61% (bowels).
Influence of age and weight of Landrace gilts at fertile insemination on litter size and longevity
Authors: Vidovic V. , Strbac Lj. , Lukac D. , Stupar M.
Published: April 2011

The relationship between age and weight of Landrace gilts both litter size
and longevity then culling has been analyzed. The data structure included
1.615 gilts which have been divided in three groups of age at fertile
insemination (180-210 days; 211-230 days and 231-260days) and three groups of
weights at the same time (90-114 kg; 115-130 kg and 131-170 kg). Management
and the nutrition of gilts and sows have been treated at common level of
production. Analysis included data from 4 farms and the period of two years
production (2009 and 2010). MME - mixed model has been installed to use FYS
(Farm, Year and Seasons) and litter as fixed effect and sire influence as
random. Significant influence of age and weight on litter size has been
recognized. Also those two factors had significant effect on longevity and
production of sows. The best results were determined in gilts introduced at
the age of 231-260 days and weight class of 131-170 kg. Those factors had
significant influence on longevity and life production. Genetic and
phenotypic correlations showed high and significant value. All results have
been interpreted in 8 tables and 4 graphs.
Mycobiota in feed for farmed sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)
Authors: Almeida I. , Martins H.M. , Santos S. , Freitas S.G. , Bernardo F.
Published: April 2011

Aquaculture producers, feed manufactures, farmers and distributors and their
feed quality-control are, nowadays, placed in the centre of feed safety
issues due to possible repercussions of residues in food. The aim of this
preliminary study was to evaluate fungi contamination in 87 samples finished
fish feed samples for sea bass (52 extruded feed and 35 pellet), were
randomly collected from different factories in Portugal. All extruded samples
revealed to be negative for fungi contamination. Concerning to 35 pelleted
samples, mould counts were around 1.0 ?10 to 6.5 ?102 cfu.g-1. Six moulds
genera were recovered. Aspergillus flavus had the highest incidence appearing
in 35 samples (100 %), with a range of 1.0 ?10 2 - 1.5 ?103 and a mean value
of 5.3 ?10 2. In the second order were the moulds from the specie Aspergillus
niger in 34 samples (97 %) with a range of 1.0 ?10 - 4.5 ?10 2 and a mean
value of 1.6?10 2. Aspergillus glaucus had a percentage of 74 % with a levels
ranging between 1.0 ?10 to 2.5 ?102. Penicillium and Cladosporium both
recovered from 25 samples (71.4 %) with a range of 1.0 ?102 - 6.5 ?102 and
1.2 ?102 - 2.0 ?103 and a mean of 1.2 ?10 2 and 9.8 ?10 1 , respectively. To
the fifth order was mould from the genera Fusarium contamination from 22
samples (62.8 %) with a range of 1.0 ?10 - 1.9 ?102 and a mean of 7.1 ?101.
Impact of animal health management on organic pig farming in Greece
Authors: Papatsiros V.G.
Published: April 2011

In Greece, organic pig farming started in 2002 and since then made
significant steps forward due to the extended interesting of Greek consumer
for organic products during last decade. This report aims at updating
information about organic pig farming in Greece, relating production system
and most health risk factors. Furthermore, in present study a animal health
management program is proposed. The most common health problems that occur in
the Greek organic pig farming are respiratory problems, gastrointestinal
problems, claw and skin problems, parasitic infections and piglet mortality.
A veterinary health management program in organic pi farms, including use of
alternatives to antibiotics (prebiotics, probiotics and phytogenics),
antiparasitics, appropriate vaccinations (e.g. against E. coli, M. hyo,
PRRSV) and the appropriate disinfection program (e.g. rodent management with
rodenticides) could be an useful tool for prevention and control diseases as
well as for improvement of growth performance. In conclusion, the
productivity growth in Greek organic pig farms can be increased by improving
the living conditions of animals and the implementation of preventive
measures (e.g. vaccination programs, treatments with phototherapeutics) that
reduce mortality rates (especially during the winter months). For this reason
the application of a herd health management program is necessary in organic
pig farms.
Consumer ethnocentrism of Serbian citizens
Authors: Marinkovic Veljko , Stanisic Nenad , Kostic Milan
Published: April 2011

Consumer ethnocentrism implies the consumers? orientation to the purchasing
of domestic goods, disapproval of purchasing of foreign goods, and the
attitude that the buyers of foreign goods are responsible for domestic
economic problems and unemployment. This paper presents the results of
measurement of consumer ethnocentrism in Central Serbia, five administrative
districts precisely (Sumadijski, Pomoravski, Rasinski, Moravicki, and Raski).
Results show the moderate level of consumer ethnocentrism, which is now
higher than before economic crisis, but still at the same level as the
ethnocentrism in other counties of the region (B&H, Croatia, and Montenegro).
At the segment level, consumer ethnocentrism is higher among rural, older and
male population. Results also display the high and statistically significant
correlation between level of consumer ethnocentrism, on one side, and
consumer?s preferences and behavior, on the other.
An example of cross-pollination in social sciences: A comparative case study on capability development in contemporary Serbia
Authors: Kaurin Dragoljub
Published: April 2011

This article provides short introduction to the anthropological notion of
culture. The concepts of Lifelong Education (LLE) and Lifelong Learning (LLL)
as fields of practice are also under scrutiny. I argue that the latter may be
seen as a cross-pollination of fields within the Humanities and Social
Sciences, but have a fundamental difference from anthropology in that they
are more heavily geared to introduce changes. However, one of my main points
is that anthropological notion of culture has had a profound influence on the
formation of these fields of practice and continues to be a fruitful source
for contemporary practitioners in Education in general and in Lifelong
Education in particular. Drawing on long anthropological tradition that
anthropology uses case studies to shed light on its specific field of
interest, I will provide one case study: ?Basic Adult Literacy Programmes in
Belgrade as a means of adaptation to neo-liberalism?. This will be useful
primarily in showing the practical relevance of anthropological notion of
culture to the educational sciences, broadly conceived. This might be placed
within the context of value shift in contemporary Serbia.
Overweight and Obesity in Childhood and Risk of Mental Disorder: a 20-Year Cohort Study
Authors: Sanderson Kristy , Patton George C. , McKercher Charlotte , Dwyer Terence , Venn Alison J.
Published: April 2011

Objective: Very little is known about whether overweight and obese children have long-term risk for mental health problems. This study examined the association between overweight and obesity in childhood and DSM-IV mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders in young adulthood.

Method: Participants in a national Australian school survey when aged 7–15 years in 1985 were re-interviewed 20 years later as young adults aged 26–36 years (1135 women, 1108 men). Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from measured height and weight in childhood and adulthood. Children were classified as overweight or obese based on a BMI ≥85th centile for age and sex-specific height and weight. Obesity in adulthood was defined as BMI of ≥30. Twelve-month DSM-IV diagnoses of mood, anxiety and substance use disorders were obtained from the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. The relative risk (RR) for each class of mental disorder was estimated for childhood overweight/obesity versus non-overweight, and for four weight trajectories: non-overweight in childhood and non-obese in adulthood; overweight in childhood and non-obese in adulthood; non-overweight in childhood and obese in adulthood; and overweight in childhood and obese in adulthood.

Results: Childhood overweight and obesity was associated with an increased risk of mood disorder in adulthood (RR = 1.54, 95%CI 1.06–2.23, p = 0.03), with a similar risk observed among girls and boys. When weight in adulthood was taken into consideration, increased risk of mood disorder was observed only among overweight girls who were obese in adulthood (adjusted RR = 2.03, 95%CI 1.22–3.66, p = 0.006), with childhood overweight or obesity in non-obese adults not associated with any mental disorder.

Conclusions: Childhood overweight may increase risk for mood disorder in adulthood, especially among overweight girls who become obese women. These results suggest that prevention of childhood overweight is equally important in both sexes for reducing risk of diagnosed mood disorder in adulthood.
A Topographical Map of the Causal Network of Mechanisms Underlying the Relationship Between Major Depressive Disorder and Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Stapelberg Nicolas J. C. , Neumann David L. , Shum David H. K. , McConnell Harry , Hamilton-Craig Ian
Published: April 2011

Objective: Major depressive disorder (MDD) and coronary heart disease (CHD) are both clinically important public health problems. Depression is linked with a higher incidence of ischaemic cardiac events and MDD is more prevalent in patients with CHD. No single comprehensive model has yet described the causal mechanisms linking MDD to CHD. Several key mechanisms have been put forward, comprising behavioural mechanisms, genetic mechanisms, dysregulation of immune mechanisms, coagulation abnormalities and vascular endothelial dysfunction, polyunsaturated omega-3 free fatty acid deficiency, and autonomic mechanisms. It has been suggested that these mechanisms form a network, which links MDD and CHD.

The aim of this review is to examine the causal mechanisms underlying the relationship between MDD and CHD, with the aim of constructing a topological map of the causal network which describes the relationship between MDD and CHD.

Methods: The search term ‘depression and heart disease’ was entered into an electronic multiple database search engine. Abstracts were screened for relevance and individually selected articles were collated.

Results: This review introduces the first topological map of the causal network which describes the relationship between MDD and CHD.

Conclusions: Viewing the causal pathways as an interdependent network presents a new paradigm in this field and provides fertile ground for further research. The causal network can be studied using the methodology of systems biology, which is briefly introduced. Future research should focus on the creation of a more comprehensive topological map of the causal network and the quantification of the activity between each node of the causal network.
The Effects of Systemic Administration of Amylin on the Pancreas of Laying Hens
Authors: Özgüden-Akkoç Cansel Güzin , Erdost Hatice , İlhan Tuncay , Güneş Nazmiye
Published: April 2011

The aim of present study was to investigate the effects of systemic administration of amylin in laying hens and also to examine the localisation of amylin in the pancreas of laying hens at three different ages. It involved a variety of histological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical techniques. Thirty Super Nick laying hens of 10 weeks of age were used. The control group had no treatment. On alternate days the experimental group was injected subcutaneously in the loose skin at the nape of neck with recombinant rat amylin prepared in water at a dose of 75 μg kg−1. The morphology of pancreas was studied at 14, 16, and 18 weeks of age. Our immunohistochemical results conclusively showed that amylin was expressed in beta cells and yet to our knowledge, this is the first study to report the expression of amylin in serous acini of 14 and 16 weeks of age. It can be concluded that systemically administered amylin increased the stimulation of amylin synthesis from pancreas and also increased plasma amylin levels especially at 16 weeks of age.
Effects of Hypoxia and Hyperosmosis on the Expression of Matrix MetalloProteinases in Broiler Lung Fibroblasts
Authors: Akkoc Ahmet , Kahraman M. Mufit , Cansev Mehmet , Ozyigit M. Ozgur
Published: April 2011

This study investigated the effects of hypoxic and hyperosmotic stresses on the matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP-2, MMP-9) and their tissue inhibitors 2 and 1 (TIMP-2, TIMP-1) respectively in cultured lung fibroblasts from broiler chickens. Isolated and sub-cultured primary lung fibroblasts from 1-day-old broilers were exposed to hypoxia and hyperosmosis. The presence of the enzymes and the effects of hypoxia and hyperosmosis on the enzymes in cultured lung fibroblasts, and in the culture media, were evaluated with the streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase method and western blotting using commercially available primary monoclonal antibodies. Short (6 hours) and long term (12 hours) hypoxia, hypoxia + hyperosmosis (6 hours) and hyperosmosis (6 hours) triggered the release of both MMP-2 and TIMP-1 in experimental groups when compared with their controls. Neither MMP-9 nor TIMP-2 antibodies stained the fibroblast cells kept in normoxic, hypoxic or hyperosmotic conditions.
The crossover stress, anisotropy and the ice flow law at Siple Dome, West Antarctica
Authors: Pettit Erin C. , Waddington Edwin D. , Harrison William D. , Thorsteinsson Throstur , Elsberg Daniel , Morack John , Zumberge Mark A.
Published: April 2011

We used observations and modeling of Siple Dome, West Antarctica, a ridge ice divide, to infer the importance of linear deformation mechanisms in ice-sheet flow. We determined the crossover stress (a threshold value of the effective deviatoric stress below which linear flow mechanisms dominate over nonlinear flow mechanisms) by combining measurements of ice properties with in situ deformation rate measurements and a finite-element ice flow model that accounts for the effects of viscous anisotropy induced by preferred crystal-orientation fabric. We found that a crossover stress of 0.18 bar produces the best match between predicted and observed deformation rates. For Siple Dome, this means that including a linear term in the flow law is necessary, but generally the flow is still dominated by the nonlinear (Glen; n = 3) term. The pattern of flow near the divide at Siple Dome is also strongly affected by crystal fabric. Measurements of sonic velocity, which is a proxy for vertically oriented crystal fabric, suggest that a bed-parallel shear band exists several hundred meters above the bed within the Ice Age ice.
Measurement of vertical profiles of snow specific surface area with a 1 cm resolution using infrared reflectance: instrument description and validation
Authors: Arnaud L. , Picard G. , Champollion N. , Domine F. , Gallet J.C. , Lefebvre E. , Fily M. , Barnola J.M.
Published: April 2011

The specific surface area (SSA), defined as the surface area of ice per unit mass, is an important variable characterizing the complex microstructure of snow. Its application range covers the physical evolution of snow (metamorphism), photochemistry and optical and microwave remote sensing. This paper presents a new device, POSSSUM (Profiler Of Snow Specific Surface area Using SWIR reflectance Measurement), designed to allow the rapid acquisition of SSA profiles down to ∼20 m depth and with an effective vertical resolution of 10–20 mm. POSSSUM is based on the infrared (IR) reflectance technique: A laser diode operating at 1310 nm illuminates the snow at nadir incidence angle along the face of a drilled hole. The reflected radiance is measured at three zenith angles (20°, 40° and 60°) each for two azimuth angles (0° and 180°). A second laser operating at a shorter wavelength (635 nm), which is almost insensitive to SSA, allows the distance to the snow face to be estimated. The reflected IR radiance and the distance are combined to estimate bidirectional reflectances. These reflectances are converted into hemispherical reflectances and in turn into SSA using a theoretical formulation based on an asymptotic solution of the radiative transfer equation. The evaluation and validation of POSSSUM’s SSA measurements took place in spring 2009 in the French Alps. The new method was compared with the methane adsorption technique and DUFISSS, another well-validated instrument based on the IR technique. The overall measurement error is in the range 10–15%.
Short-term surface ice motion variations measured with a ground-based portable real aperture radar interferometer
Authors: Riesen Patrick , Strozzi Tazio , Bauder Andreas , Wiesmann Andreas , Funk Martin
Published: April 2011

We report measurements using a portable real aperture radar (Gamma Portable Radar Interferometer (GPRI)) for interferometric imaging of the surface ice motion on Gornergletscher, Switzerland, during the drainage of the adjacent ice-marginal lake Gornersee. The GPRI tracked the surface ice motion in line of sight over an area of ∼3 km2 down-glacier of Gornersee almost continuously during the drainage event. The displacement maps derived from the acquired interferograms capture the spatial distribution of the surface ice motion. Due to fast acquisition times of the microwave images, the GPRI was able to record sub-daily variations of the ice displacements, most likely caused by the impact of the Gornersee drainage on the ice motion of Gornergletscher. In situ point measurements of the ice displacement agree reasonably well with the results obtained by the GPRI and highlight the use of the GPRI for high-resolution measurements of glacier surface ice motion.
Snow isotope diffusion rates measured in a laboratory experiment
Authors: van der Wel L.G. , Gkinis V. , Pohjola V.A. , Meijer H.A.J.
Published: April 2011

The diffusion of stable water isotopes in snow was measured in two controlled laboratory experiments. Two batches of snow of different isotopic composition were stacked alternately with varying layer thicknesses. The stack was stored in a freezer room at constant temperature for several months, and sampled at regular intervals to analyse the diffusion. Measured isotope profiles were fitted to a theoretical model with diffusion length as the fit parameter. In the first experiment, we observed a difference in diffusion rates between layers of different thicknesses, which is likely caused by layers of snow not being in proper contact with each other. In the second experiment we found very good agreement between measurements and model results. The measured diffusivity is compared with theory, in which we mainly focus on the temperature dependence of the ice–vapour fractionation factors. This temperature dependence is slightly different for the different isotopes of water, which leads to a difference in diffusion rates. We illustrate how our set-up can be used to measure the ratio between ice–vapour fractionation factors of oxygen-18 and deuterium, which determine the relation between the difference in diffusion and the firn temperature.
The statistical physics of iceberg calving and the emergence of universal calving laws
Authors: Bassis J.N.
Published: April 2011

Determining a calving law valid for all glaciological and environmental regimes has proven to be a difficult problem in glaciology. For this reason, most models of the calving process are semi-empirical, with little connection to the underlying fracture processes. In this study, I introduce methods rooted in statistical physics to show how calving laws, valid for any glaciological domain, can emerge naturally as a large-spatial-scale/long-temporal-scale limit of an underlying continuous or discrete fracture process. An important element of the method developed here is that iceberg calving is treated as a stochastic process and that the probability an iceberg will detach in a given interval of time can be described by a probability distribution function. Using limiting assumptions about the underlying probability distribution, the theory is shown to be able to simulate a range of calving styles, including the sporadic detachment of large, tabular icebergs from ice tongues and ice shelves and the more steady detachment of smaller-sized bergs from tidewater/outlet glaciers. The method developed has the potential to provide a physical basis to include iceberg calving into numerical ice-sheet models that can be used to produce more realistic estimates of the glaciological contribution to sea-level rise.
Complete determination of ice crystal orientation using Laue X-ray diffraction method
Authors: Miyamoto Atsushi , Weikusat Ilka , Hondoh Takeo
Published: April 2011

Ice crystal orientation fabric data from ice cores contain important information concerning the internal structure and the flow behaviour of ice sheets. When ice cores are recovered from the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets, crystal orientation measurements are performed immediately to obtain fundamental physical property information. In the past, we have measured thec-axis orientation of ice crystals by a manual optical method using a universal stage. This method is very time-consuming, involving tedious work in a cold laboratory. Recently, automated systems have been developed that enable measurement ofc-axis orientation, grain size and other microstructures. However, in order to detect the full crystal orientation of an ice crystal, we also need information on itsa-axis orientation. A variety of other crystal orientation measurement methods have previously been discussed, but some shortcomings for ice-core studies cannot be neglected. We have developed a crystal-orientation analysing device using the Laue X-ray diffraction method. As this device can measure the orientations of all crystal axes with high accuracy, it is possible to obtain new microstructure information on natural ice crystals. For the first time, we are able to quantify very low subgrain misorientation angles in polar ice-core samples, allowing us to investigate micro-deformation features of individual crystals. Here we discuss the analysis process, which is customized to measure standard ice thin sections, and show preliminary results.
Not just petrol heads
Authors: Golding Barry
Published: April 2011

This paper examines the learning experienced through participation by men in two quite different two motor sports organisations in Western Australia. It relies on interview data from volunteers about what they do and what they learn as a consequence of their participation in staging complex but safe, competitive, public events. The paper provides evidence of a deep well of learning and wide range of skills produced as a consequence of participation. This learning would rarely be recognised as education or training, illustrating the need for caution when concluding that adult education is not taking place and learning outcomes are not being achieved other than through courses where teaching occurs, or in contexts that are regarded as literary. What men skills men learnt, though significant as outcomes, were not the object of the motor sport activity, supporting Biesta's (2006) view that the amassing of knowledge and skills can be achieved in other valuable ways aside from through education.
MAPC Transplantation Confers a more Durable Benefit than AC133+Cell Transplantation in Severe Hind Limb Ischemia
Authors: Aranguren Xabier L. , Pelacho Beatriz , Peñuelas Ivan , Abizanda Gloria , Uriz Maialen , Ecay Margarita , Collantaes María , Araña Miriam , Beerens Manu , Coppiello Giulia , Prieto Inés , Perez-Ilzarbe Maitane , Andreu Enrique J. , Luttun Aernout , Prósper Felipe
Published: April 2011

There is a need for comparative studies to determine which cell types are better candidates to remedy ischemia. Here, we compared human AC133+cells and multipotent adult progenitor cells (hMAPC) in a mouse model reminiscent of critical limb ischemia. hMAPC or hAC133+cell transplantation induced a significant improvement in tissue perfusion (measured by microPET) 15 days posttransplantation compared to controls. This improvement persisted for 30 days in hMAPC-treated but not in hAC133+-injected animals. While transplantation of hAC133+cells promoted capillary growth, hMAPC transplantation also induced collateral expansion, decreased muscle necrosis/fibrosis, and improved muscle regeneration. Incorporation of differentiated hAC133+or hMAPC progeny into new vessels was limited; however, a paracrine angio/arteriogenic effect was demonstrated in animals treated with hMAPC. Accordingly, hMAPC-conditioned, but not hAC133+-conditioned, media stimulated vascular cell proliferation and prevented myoblast, endothelial, and smooth muscle cell apoptosis in vitro. Our study suggests that although hAC133+cell and hMAPC transplantation both contribute to vascular regeneration in ischemic limbs, hMAPC exert a more robust effect through trophic mechanisms, which translated into collateral and muscle fiber regeneration. This, in turn, conferred tissue protection and regeneration with longer term functional improvement.
Alternatively Expressed Genes Identified in the CD4+ T Cells of Allograft Rejection Mice
Authors: Xu Jia , Wang Dan , Zhang Chao , Song Jing , Liang Ting , Jin Weirong , Kim Yeong C. , Wang San Ming , Hou Guihua
Published: April 2011

Allograft rejection is a leading cause for the failure of allotransplantation. CD4+ T cells play critical roles in this process. The identification of genes that alternatively expressed in CD4+ T cells during allograft rejection will provide critical information for studying the mechanism of allograft rejection, finding specific gene markers for monitoring, predicting allograft rejection, and opening new ways to regulate and prevent allograft rejection. Here, we established allograft and isograft transplantation models by adoptively transferring wild-type BALB/c mouse CD4+ T cells into severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice with a C57BL/6 or BALB/c mouse skin graft. Using the whole transcriptome sequencing-based serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) technology, we identified 97 increasingly and 88 decreasingly expressed genes that may play important roles in allograft rejection and tolerance. Functional classification of these genes shows that apoptosis, transcription regulation, cell growth and maintenance, and signal transduction are among the frequently changed functional groups. This study provides a genome-wide view for the candidate genes of CD4+ T cells related to allotransplantation, and this report is a good resource for further microarray studies and for identifying the specific markers that are associated with clinical organ transplantations.
Faculty Development: Doing More With Less
Authors: Barksdale Debra J. , Woodley Lisa , Page Julianne B. , Bernhardt Janice , Kowlowitz Vicki , Oermann Marilyn H.
Published: April 2011

Faculty development is essential to prepare novice nurse educators for their teaching role and to keep experienced faculty up to date with new educational approaches. This article describes a comprehensive and cost-effective program for faculty development that builds on the expertise of current faculty to educate, guide, and support colleagues, and foster their career development. The faculty development program includes an annual clinical faculty workshop; monthly face-to-face and online educational programs; a formal mentoring program for novice teachers and faculty members new to the school; programs for professional and career development; and a website for faculty orientation and continued learning.
Emotional Connection and Integration: Dominant Themes Among Undergraduate Nursing Students Using a Virtual Community
Authors: Shuster George , Giddens Jean Foret , Roehrig Nicole
Published: April 2011

The use of virtual communities is an emerging pedagogical application that enhances student learning in nursing education. This study involved a sample of 40 undergraduate students enrolled in a baccalaureate nursing program using
The Neighborhood
as a teaching application across the curriculum. The students were followed over three successive semesters. Using the qualitative method of content analysis, student responses generated by open-ended questions were grouped and analyzed to identify major themes. Analysis of the data revealed two primary themes: (1) an emotional connection to specific characters or families, and (2) integration of characters and events into learning activities. Student feedback indicated that virtual communities provide a viable strategy for teaching nursing concepts and their application.
Nursing Students’ Experiences with Incivility in Clinical Education
Authors: Anthony Maureen , Yastik Joanne
Published: April 2011

This qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences of nursing students as targets of incivility in clinical settings, to describe their perceptions of specific uncivil and favorable behaviors by nurses, and to examine how nursing students think schools of nursing should address incivility in clinical settings. Four focus groups were conducted comprising 21 prelicensure nursing students. Data were collected with semi-structured interviews. Uncivil behaviors fell into three themes: exclusionary, hostile or rude, and dismissive. Positive experiences occurred when students felt included by the staff nurses in patient care. Schools of nursing should prepare students through discussion. Our research suggests that incivility occurs in clinical education. Further research on a larger scale is needed to provide qualitative and generalizable findings. All health care team members, including students, should be educated about the organization’s code of conduct.
Nursing Students’ Anxiety and Clinical Performance
Authors: Cheung Ryan Yat-Ming , Au Terry Kit-Fong
Published: April 2011

This study examined how mood states affect nursing students’ performance on a treatment procedure consisting of a novel combination of familiar clinical steps. Thirty third-year and fourth-year nursing students were first taught the procedure and then given both an anxious-mood and a calm-mood induction in a randomly assigned counterbalanced order. Anxiety was induced by showing a video of interviews with frontline nurses and doctors during the severe acute respiratory syndrome epidemic in Hong Kong, China; calmness was induced by a video of a nursing student’s pleasant orientation to a clinical placement site. Nursing students were significantly less proficient in performing the newly acquired procedure after an anxious-mood induction (focused on occupational risks) than after a calm-mood induction. Therefore, managing clinical training site anxiety among nursing students may help to optimize learning and clinical performance.
Diffuse Anterior Retinoblastoma with Undetectable Retinal Involvement
Authors: Khetan Vikas , Sudrik Sudhir , Singh Shalini , Gopal Lingam , Krishnakumar Subramanian
Published: April 2011

The authors report a case of diffuse anterior retinoblastoma with ciliary body origin and no retinal involvement. This again raises a question of the cell origin of retinoblastoma. The child was treated with enucleation of the presenting eye.
The Experiences of Youth Serving as Caregivers for Mentally Ill Parents
Authors: Mechling Brandy M.
Published: April 2011

Young caregivers of mentally ill parents are a vulnerable population. These vulnerabilities include risks for developmental issues, poor socialization, and poor school performance. The purpose of this background review of the literature is to explore the experiences of young caregivers of mentally ill parents and detect the gaps in the literature. The guiding research questions were: What is the experience of young caregivers of mentally ill parents? and What is the experience for those who witness or must assist their parent during a crisis? The majority of research has been conducted outside the United States, primarily in the United Kingdom, and studies have focused mostly on young caregivers of parents with physical rather than mental illness. No studies focused on young caregivers who witnessed or assisted their mentally ill parent in crisis. Information gained through this review will add to the body of knowledge for child mental health and build a case for additional research.
Neuropsychiatric Complications of Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Reeves Roy R. , Panguluri Rajeev L.
Published: April 2011

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) may be defined as any extracranial mechanical force to the brain that results in any period of loss of consciousness, any loss of memory for events immediately before or after the event, or any alteration in mental status at the time of the event. The major causes are automobile accidents, falls, sporting injuries, and assaults. Many soldiers returning from combat in Afghanistan and Iraq have also experienced TBI. This article provides an overview of the neuropsychiatric complications of TBI, including impairment of consciousness, posttraumatic amnesia, cognitive disorders and dementia, posttraumatic epilepsy, aphasia, depression, mania, psychosis, anxiety disorders, personality changes, aggression, behavioral dyscontrol, fatigue/apathy, and increased risk of suicide. Discussion will focus primarily on issues affecting mental health clinicians. Because mental health providers are more involved in care of chronic issues related to TBI, these issues will be discussed in more detail, although acute neuropsychiatric complications of TBI will be briefly explained.
Vilazodone
Authors: Howland Robert H.
Published: April 2011

This article reviews the novel atypical antidepressant drug vilazodone (Viibryd
™
), which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in January 2011 for the treatment of major depression. Vilazodone is a dual-acting antidepressant drug, with a primary mechanism of action of blocking the serotonin reuptake transporter together with acting as a 5-HT1A receptor partial agonist. The antidepressant efficacy of vilazodone was established in two 8-week placebo-controlled studies. One long-term (52-week) open-label study has been conducted. The most common side effects are diarrhea, nausea, and headache. The drug has not been studied in pediatric patients or well studied in patients older than 65. Vilazodone is efficacious, safe, and well tolerated, but does not appear to have major efficacy advantages compared with other antidepressant drugs. However, because of its unique pharmacology and relatively benign tolerability profile, it may be a more effective alternative for patients who do not respond to or cannot tolerate currently available antidepressant drugs.
Combined Kerarings and Artisan/Artiflex IOLs in Keratectasia
Authors: Cakir Hanefi , Utine Canan Asli
Published: April 2011

Purpose:

To evaluate the results of combined intracorneal ring (Keraring, Mediphacos Ltd) and anterior chamber, iris-fixated, phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) (Artisan and Artiflex, Ophtec BV) implantation in patients with ectatic corneal conditions and secondary high myopic and astigmatic refractive error.

Methods:

Ten eyes of eight consecutive patients with different ectatic corneal diseases underwent sequential intracorneal Keraring and iris-fixated pIOL implantation. Two eyes with keratoconus, one eye with pellucid marginal degeneration, and one eye with iatrogenic corneal ectasia were implanted with the Artisan pIOL; six eyes with keratoconus were implanted with the Artiflex pIOL. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE), topographic findings, and complications were recorded.

Results:

Mean UDVA improved from 0.02±0.10 preoperatively to 0.11±0.06 after Keraring implantation and to 0.54±0.18 after pIOL implantation (
P
<.001 for all). Mean CDVA improved from 0.18±0.12 preoperatively to 0.39±0.13 after Keraring implantation and to 0.66±0.18 after pIOL implantation (
P
<.001 for all). Mean MRSE reduced from −12.50±6.31 D preoperatively to −12.08±5.17 D after Keraring implantation (
P
=.10) and to −0.10±0.84 D after pIOL implantation (
P
<.001). No intra- or postoperative complications were observed.

Conclusions:

Sequential intracorneal Keraring segments and Artisan/Artiflex pIOL implantation resulted in visual and refractive improvements in patients with different corneal ectatic conditions with high myopic refractive errors.
Use of a Six-dimensional Eye-tracker in Corneal Laser Refractive Surgery With the SCHWIND AMARIS TotalTech Laser
Authors: Arba Mosquera Samuel , Arbelaez Maria C.
Published: April 2011

PURPOSE:

To evaluate intraoperative six-dimensional (6D) eye movements and postoperative outcomes among aberrated eyes that underwent LASIK treatments with 6D eye-tracking using the SCHWIND AMARIS platform (SCHWIND eye-tech-solutions).

METHODS:

Thirty-four patients (58 eyes) were enrolled in the study. Standard examinations and pre-and postoperative wavefront analyses with the Ocular Wavefront Analyzer (SCHWIND eye-tech-solutions) were performed. Treatments were planned using the Custom Ablation Manager and ablations (aspheric ablation [35 eyes] and ocular wavefront [23 eyes]) were performed using the SCHWIND AMARIS TotalTech laser. Laser in situ keratomileusis flaps were cut using the LDV femtosecond laser (Ziemer Group) in all cases. Eye movements were evaluated in terms of cyclotorsion, rolling, and axial movements. Clinical outcomes were evaluated in terms of predictability, refractive outcome, safety, wavefront aberration, and contrast sensitivity.

RESULTS:

Registration rate was 100% for cyclotorsion, and 90% for rolling and axial movements. Static cyclotorsion was within ±4° in 69% of eyes. Dynamic cyclotorsion was within ±2° in 72% of eyes. Z-movement was within ±0.5 mm in 69% of eyes. At 3-month follow-up, 70% of eyes were within ±0.25 diopters (D) of emmetropia. Mean defocus was −0.12±0.17 D and astigmatism was 0.15±0.25 D. Corrected distance visual acuity improved in 19% of eyes.

CONCLUSIONS:

Laser in situ keratomileusis with active compensation of 6D eye-movements with a 6D eye-tracker using the SCHWIND AMARIS is safe, predictable, and yields excellent outcomes. Refraction and higher order aberrations were reduced to subclinical values postoperatively without applying additional nomograms.
Comparison of Immersion Ultrasound, Partial Coherence Interferometry, and Low Coherence Reflectometry for Ocular Biometry in Cataract Patients
Authors: Montés-Micó Robert , Carones Francesco , Buttacchio Antonietta , Ferrer-Blasco Teresa , Madrid-Costa David
Published: April 2011

PURPOSE:

To compare ocular biometry parameters measured with immersion ultrasound, partial coherence interferometry, and low coherence reflectometry in cataract patients.

METHODS:

Measurements of axial length and anterior chamber depth were analyzed and compared using immersion ultrasound, partial coherence interferometry, and low coherence reflectometry. Keratometry (K), flattest axis, and white-to-white measurements were compared between partial coherence interferometry and low coherence reflectometry. Seventy-eight cataract (LOCS II range: 1 to 3) eyes of 45 patients aged between 42 and 90 years were evaluated. A subanalysis as a function of cataract degree was done for axial length and anterior chamber depth between techniques.

RESULTS:

No statistically significant differences were noted for the study cohort or within each cataract degree among the three techniques for axial length and anterior chamber depth (
P
>.05, ANOVA test). Measurements between techniques were highly correlated for axial length (R=0.99) and anterior chamber depth (R=0.90 to 0.96) for all methods. Keratometry, flattest axis, and white-to-white measurements were comparable (paired
t
test,
P
>.1) and correlated well between partial coherence interferometry and low coherence reflectometry (K1 [R=0.95), K2 [R=0.97], flattest axis [R=0.95], and white-to-white [R=0.92]).

CONCLUSIONS:

Immersion ultrasound, partial coherence interferometry, and low coherence reflectometry provided comparable ocular biometry measurements in cataractous eyes.