bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Muslim Immigrants in Europe: The Changing Realities
Authors: Ahmed Ishtiaq
Published: August 2013

Immigration to Europe from Asia and Africa started soon after Second World War. The Muslims were the largest group among them. Those who arrived were looking for work and most were unskilled workers who were absorbed by the economy seriously short of manpower. The cultural and ethnic differences between the immigrants and mainstream society resulted in the anti-immigration forces expressing concern over such immigration. Till about the late 1970s, such concerns were expressed in racial/ethnic terms, but thereafter the emphasis shifted on the Muslims who were perceived to be asserting their communal identity as a separate group. In the 1980s and thenceforth more Muslims headed towards Europe seeking refuge on political and humanitarian grounds. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks and similar attacks in some European countries by Muslim extremists, the Muslim presence in Europe has been seen as subversive by some while others have described it as overreaction condemning a whole community for the crimes of a few. Security, human rights and minority rights arguments have been advanced for and against the Muslim presence. This study analyses such concerns in terms of notions of ‘ethnic affinity’ as a social construct.
Book Review: Pax Indica: India and the World of the 21st Century
Authors: Mehta Simi , Hazarika Obja Borah
Published: August 2013

Tharoor, Shashi, Pax Indica: India and the World of the 21st Century (New Delhi: Penguin Books India, 2012). Pp. 456, Price ₹799.
How Bad Is a Near-Miss in Driving? A Proposed Metric Based on Reenactment Variability
Authors: Sheridan Thomas B.
Published: August 2013

How bad is a near miss? After the fact, the collision probability is zero. The real concern is what might have happened under slightly different conditions. In this article, I propose a safety measure commensurate with probability of collision for an event reenactment that depends on estimating the variability of closest proximity between vehicles. Example calculations are provided for several combinations of vehicles passing, stopping, or converging. Until recently, this radically different approach has been impractical, but new technology to measure and store proximity data changes that outlook. Various means are suggested by which the metric can be used to enhance driver safety.
A Low-Cost, Flexible, Lightweight Video Recording System for Task Analysis
Authors: Coles Timothy R. , Dumas Cedric
Published: August 2013

The authors report their experience from various task analysis projects in which users have been observed in situ. Solutions for simultaneous video recording, often needed to adequately observe and analyze a workspace, are discussed. Of the various analog- and digital-based solutions, the authors deem a low-cost solution using entry-level computer hardware to produce sufficiently high-fidelity feedback for most task analysis purposes. Such systems can be acquired and set up by novice computer users for a fraction of the cost of broadcast video systems. A case study demonstrates the application of one such inexpensive solution.
Variable short-time Fourier transform for vibration signals with transients
Authors: Lee June-Yule
Published: August 2013

This paper presents a fast adaptive time-frequency method for analyzing stationary and nonstationary vibration signals with transients. The method is developed based on instantaneous frequency (IF) – variations in the time domain. The variable window length is determined by estimating the local IF in every window slice over time. The proposed method is tested using simulation signals and experimental vibration data. The results show that the proposed method can successfully retrieve transient signals at a 3 dB signal-to-noise ratio, and improve stationary and nonstationary signal resolution in time and frequency domains. The proposed scheme offers better resolution compared to the standard short-time Fourier transform (STFT), and the computing cost is only slightly greater than STFT scheme.
Divergence of NHS choice policy in the UK: what difference has patient choice policy in England made?
Authors: Sanderson Marie , Allen Pauline , Peckham Stephen , Hughes David , Brown Menna , Kelly Grace , Baldie Debbie , Mays Nicholas , Linyard Alison , Duguid Anne
Published: August 2013

Objectives

To examine the types of choices available to patients in the English NHS when being referred for acute hospital care in the light of the divergence of patient choice policy in the four countries of the UK.

Methods

Case studies of eight local health economies in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales (two in each country); 125 semi-structured interviews with staff in acute services providers, purchasers and general practitioners (GPs).

Results

GPs and providers in England both had a clear understanding of the choice of provider policy and the right of patients to choose a provider. Other referral choices potentially available to patients in all four countries were date and time of appointment, site and specialist. In practice, the availability of these choices differed between and within countries and was shaped by factors beyond choice policy, such as the number of providers in an area. There were similarities between the four countries in the way choices were offered to patients, namely lack of clarity about the options available, limited discussion of choices between referrers and patients, and tension between offering choice and managing waiting lists.

Conclusions

There are challenges in implementing pro-choice policy in health care systems where it has not traditionally existed. Differences between England and the other countries of the UK were limited in the way choice was offered to patients. A cultural shift is needed to ensure that patients are fully informed by GPs of the choices available to them.
Drawing helps children to talk about their presenting problems during a mental health assessment
Authors: Woolford Junie , Patterson Tess , Macleod Emily , Hobbs Linda , Hayne Harlene
Published: August 2013

When children require mental health services, clinicians need to conduct assessments that are developmentally sensitive and that include the child’s point of view. Drawing is a popular tool that is commonly used in clinical settings. Research on drawing in experimental settings has confirmed that the opportunity to draw while talking increases the amount of verbal information that children report during an interview. The present research examined whether drawing also facilitates children’s self reports during a mental health assessment. A total of 33 5–12-year-old children were asked either to draw and tell about their presenting problem or to tell only. Children who drew and told provided twice as much verbal information as children who told only. Further, interviewers in the draw and tell condition used a greater number of minimal responses than did interviewers in the tell only condition. These data have important implications for clinical practice.
Undoing urban modernity: Contemporary art’s confrontation with waste
Authors: Brown Kathryn
Published: August 2013

This article analyses the image of the waste picker in contemporary visual art in order to test the extent to which urban modernity can be viewed as a unified critical concept. Focusing on works by Surasi Kusolwong and Santiago Sierra, it examines confrontations between ‘modern’ and ‘non-modern’ sociological, economic and artistic practices within the urban environment. The analysis is located in the context of Bernard Yack’s The Fetishism of Modernities, in which the author teases apart different sociological, political, philosophical and aesthetic developments that are typically homogenised to support a globally coherent vision of modernity. Linking depictions of waste pickers to representations of the chiffonnier in 19th-century painting and literature, the article shows how Kusolwong and Sierra prompt reflection on the relationships between urban dwelling, cleanliness and global economic justice, while undermining a critical tradition that posits the 19th-century western metropolis as the embodiment of a unified concept of modernity.
“I'll do it my own way!”: A young child's appropriation and recontextualization of school literacy practices in out-of-school spaces
Authors: McTavish Marianne
Published: August 2013

What do young children do with the literacies they have learned at school? This article reexamines traditional notions of literacy by documenting a second grade child's literacy practices in school and out-of-school contexts. Data collected included field notes, interviews, observations of school and out-of-school literacy practices, and artefacts (such as worksheets, constructions and computer screenshots) from the school, home and community contexts. In analysis, literacy practices were traced to show how meanings travelled across contexts and switched modes. Findings show that the focal child recontextualized school literacies in out-of-school spaces and changed them in flexible, playful and technologically contemporary ways. The study offers new knowledge of how school literacy may impact on some children's out-of-school literacies and recognizes that these out-of-school spaces may serve to prepare children more appropriately for the future.
Innovative geometrical pre-mesh modelling strategy for 3D fibre preform manufacturing
Authors: Risicato Jean-Vincent , Legrand Xavier , Soulat Damien , Koncars Vladan
Published: August 2013

A novel braiding–weaving system (BWS) is developed offering broad design and manufacturing possibilities based on hybridisation of weaving and braiding. In order to understand and optimize this machine and to be able to explore all the possibilities regarding complex 3-dimensional (3D) structures design, a new modelling strategy has been developed to generate geometrical skeleton of those structures. This strategy is based on the collision detection and kinematic aspects of the machine itself. Hypothesis given by kinematics allows to simply change the structure type (i.e. braiding or weaving) by changing the yarns paths. Those hypotheses are introduced in the article followed by the model that has been used and the collision detection method. Modelled 3D textile preforms are compared with manufactured samples in order to evaluate the accuracy of the modelling and simulation approaches.
Numerical evaluation of a phase change material–shutter using solar energy for winter nighttime indoor heating
Authors: Soares Nelson , Costa José J , Samagaio António , Vicente Romeu
Published: August 2013

The incorporation of phase change materials in movable structural cells of shading elements associated with southward-facade windows is evaluated in this article. The proposed phase change material–shutter is a thermal energy storage system designed to take advantage of solar energy for winter nighttime indoor heating. A two-dimensional phase-change heat diffusion model based on the enthalpy formulation was considered. The numerical model follows the finite-volume method with a fully implicit formulation and allows the alternating melting and solidification of a phase change material submitted to cyclical thermal boundary conditions. Parametric investigations were carried out about the effects of thermophysical properties of the phase change material and temperature and convection heat transfer boundary conditions on the charge/discharge rates of energy. Due to the low thermal diffusivity of the phase change material, an aluminum fin arrangement was considered as a heat transfer enhancement technique. The distance between fins is directly proportional to the daily energy storage/release capacity of the system. The solar radiation flux has a strong effect on the charging/melting processes during the day. The indoor temperature and the interior convection heat transfer coefficient have a major influence on the discharging/freezing processes during the night. The design of the phase change material–shutter depends strongly on the thermophysical properties of the phase change material and on the interior and exterior boundary conditions considered.
Computerized Physician Order Entry
Authors: Khanna Raman , Yen Tony
Published: August 2013

Computerized physician order entry (CPOE) has been promoted as an important component of patient safety, quality improvement, and modernization of medical practice. In practice, however, CPOE affects health care delivery in complex ways, with benefits as well as risks. Every implementation of CPOE is associated with both generally recognized and unique local factors that can facilitate or confound its rollout, and neurohospitalists will often be at the forefront of such rollouts. In this article, we review the literature on CPOE, beginning with definitions and proceeding to comparisons to the standard of care. We then proceed to discuss clinical decision support systems, negative aspects of CPOE, and cultural context of CPOE implementation. Before concluding, we follow the experiences of a Chief Medical Information Officer and neurohospitalist who rolled out a CPOE system at his own health care organization and managed the resulting workflow changes and setbacks.
Strategies for preventing type 2 diabetes: an update for clinicians
Authors: Khavandi Kaivan , Amer Halima , Ibrahim Bashar , Brownrigg Jack
Published: August 2013

Diabetes is a major and growing public health challenge which threatens to overwhelm medical services in the future. Type 2 diabetes confers significant morbidity and mortality, most notably with target organ damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart. The magnitude of cardiovascular risk associated with diabetes is best illustrated by its position as a coronary heart disease risk equivalent. Complications related to neuropathy are also vast, often working in concert with vascular abnormalities and resulting in serious clinical consequences such as foot ulceration. Increased understanding of the natural history of this disorder has generated the potential to intervene and halt pathological progression before overt disease ensues, after which point management becomes increasingly challenging. The concept of prediabetes as a formal diagnosis has begun to be translated from the research setting to clinical practice, but with continually updated guidelines, varied nomenclature, emerging pharmacotherapies and an ever-changing evidence base, clinicians may be left uncertain of best practice in identifying and managing patients at the prediabetic stage. This review aims to summarize the epidemiological data, new concepts in disease pathogenesis and guideline recommendations in addition to lifestyle, pharmacological and surgical therapies targeted at stopping progression of prediabetes to diabetes. While antidiabetic medications, with newer anti-obesity medications and interventional bariatric procedures have shown some promising benefits, diet and therapeutic lifestyle change remains the mainstay of management to improve the metabolic profile of individuals with glucose dysregulation. New risk stratification tools to identify at-risk individuals, coupled with unselected population level intervention hold promise in future practice.
Khat (Catha edulis): A systematic review of evidence and literature pertaining to its harms to UK users and society
Authors: Thomas Sophie , Williams Tim
Published: August 2013

The use of khat ( Catha edulis) has been associated with a large number of physiological and societal harms, leading to calls for it to be controlled in the UK. The evidence of these harms is often equivocal, limited by confounding factors, or entirely anecdotal: high-powered, quality-controlled studies are lacking. Regardless, the body of relevant literature indicates that the once socially-regulated use of khat has been eroded. Some individuals have developed excessive consumption patterns, either using khat daily or in binge-sessions, though daily consumption is not necessarily problematic per se. The majority of users seem to use khat in moderation, where the associated harms appear low. For excessive users, harms associated with khat are greater, particularly relating to mental health. Social harms also seem to be largely related to excessive khat use rather than khat use itself. Even in cases of excessive khat use, however, causal relationships between chewing and harms have not been described. More research is required to establish the role of khat in liver disease, coronary problems, cancers of the digestive tract and incidents of domestic violence. Studies should consider the likeliness that certain users are more vulnerable to developing patterns of excessive khat use due to an interwoven set of factors such as social health determinants and pre- and post-migration experiences.
Adversity in Early and Midadolescence Is Associated With Elevated Startle Responses to Safety Cues in Late Adolescence
Authors: Wolitzky-Taylor Kate , Vrshek-Schallhorn Suzanne , Waters Allison M. , Mineka Susan , Zinbarg Richard E. , Ornitz Edward M. , Naliboff Bruce , Craske Michelle G.
Published: August 2013

Elevated responding to safety cues in the context of threat is associated with anxiety disorder onset, but pathways underlying such responding remain unclear. In this study, we examined whether childhood/adolescent adversity was associated with larger startle reflexes during safe phases of a fear-potentiation startle paradigm (following delivery of an aversive stimulus) that predict anxiety disorders. Participants ( N = 104) came from the Youth Emotion Project, a longitudinal study of risk factors for emotional disorders. Participants with no baseline psychopathology underwent a startle-modulation protocol and assessment for childhood and adolescent adversities using a validated interview. Adolescent adversity was associated with larger startle reflexes during the safe phases following an aversive stimulus. Neither child adversities nor adolescent adversities were associated with responding during any other phase of the protocol. These findings suggest a pathway between adolescent adversity and a risk factor for anxiety disorders in which adolescent adversity contributes to impaired responding to safety cues.
On the Dynamics of Competition between Commercial and Free Software
Authors: Christiaans Thomas
Published: August 2013

This article introduces dynamic network externalities into a Hotelling-like model of competition between commercial and free software. The assumption of linear network effects enables a full-fledged dynamic analysis taking boundary solutions into account. The extent of network effects related to the separation rate and consumers’ learning costs determines whether both types of software can coexist in the long run and whether a lock-in region emerges. Governmental promotion of free software increases welfare if network externalities are sufficiently large.
Approach to recovery of fatigue damage for copper film by pulsed laser irradiation
Authors: Shang D-G , Ren C-G , Liu H , Wang L
Published: August 2013

Based on pulsed laser irradiation processing, an approach to the recovery of fatigue damage was investigated by an excimer laser for copper film with thickness of 25 μm. First, optimal parameters of laser irradiation were identified by the obtained fatigue life results under different laser treatment conditions. Then, the specimens with different amounts of fatigue damage were treated by the obtained optimal laser parameters. The results showed that the copper film can show a good degree of hardening and a smooth surface feature after the specimen surface was slightly melted by the laser irradiation, which makes the residual fatigue life be extended. When fatigue damage is less than 70%, the damage can be recovered by pulsed laser irradiation treatment. The obtained residual fatigue life of specimens is about 6 times that of no laser treatment.
Investigation of adhesion of PVD coatings using various approaches
Authors: Khlifi K , Ben Cheikh Larbi A
Published: August 2013

Three different coatings (TiN, CrN and AlCrN layers) were deposited on an AISI 52000 steel substrate with the physical vapour deposition technique. Adhesion of the coatings was investigated by microindentation, scratch testing and cyclic impact testing. In the microindentation tests, circumferential cracks were observed around the indentations on each coating. The scratch tests revealed the critical forces that accompanied the various types of degradation imposed by scratching. The TiN coating demonstrated the lowest critical force of adhesion, whereas the CrN coating had the highest and AlCrN had an intermediate critical force of adhesion. According to the results from impact testing, all coatings displayed circumferential and radial cracks that degenerated in varying manners during the cycles. Indeed, the cyclic impact introduced crazing on the TiN coating as a broad halo around the imprint, while for AlCrN, an intensive delamination was observed. The CrN coating was found to crack, but did not delaminate.
Surface engineering characteristics of ultrasound assisted hypophosphite electroless plating baths
Authors: Bulasara V K , Uppaluri R , Purkait M K
Published: August 2013

This article addresses the characteristics of metallic skin layer and the performance of hypophosphite based ultrasonic electroless plating baths during the fabrication of nickel/ceramic microfiltration membranes. The process performance was evaluated in terms of overall conversion and metal plating efficiency, and the metal film was characterised in terms of average film pore size, average effective porosity, film thickness and per cent pore densification. Parametric investigations were carried out for a wide range of initial nickel solution concentrations (0·04–0·16 mol L−1) at two different loading ratios (196 and 393 cm2 L−1) for sonication coupled electroless plating. A simple mass transfer model was developed to provide insights with respect to the pertinent mass transfer limitations. Sonication resulted in faster deposition rate, better efficiency and improved surface morphology. In comparison with conventional and agitated electroless plating baths, ultrasound assisted electroless plating provided the best combination of process as well as performance characteristics.
Effects of carbon nanotubes on hardness and internal stress in Ni–P coatings
Authors: Liu B , Liu L R , Liu X J
Published: August 2013

Nickel–phosphorus carbon nanotube (CNT) composite coatings were prepared via brush electroplating. The CNTs were added in amounts of 0, 0·5, 1·0 and 2·0 g L−1. Half samples of these coatings were heated at 400°C for 1 h to obtain crystalline Ni–P CNT composite coatings. The hardness and internal stress of two kinds of composite coatings were studied. The results showed that the addition of CNTs improves the microhardness of crystalline Ni–P coatings; the higher the added CNT, the greater increase in microhardness. However, the effects are completely different for amorphous coatings. Heat treatment greatly increased the microhardness of amorphous Ni–P platings, but the microhardness of Ni–P based CNT composite coatings only slightly increased. The microhardness of the crystalline Ni–P based CNT composite coatings was lower than that of the crystalline Ni–P platings and was not insensitive to the changes in the added amounts of CNTs. The addition of CNTs significantly reduced the microscopic internal pressure stress of crystalline coatings; the higher the added CNT, the lower the microscopic internal pressure stress.
Electrodeposition and characterisation of Cu–CeO2 nanocomposite coatings
Authors: Ramalingam S , Muralidharan V S , Subramania A
Published: August 2013

The Cu–CeO2 nanocomposite coatings were prepared by electrodeposition method from an acid copper plating bath containing CeO2 nanoparticles. The crystallite size, structure and texture were characterised by X-ray diffraction. The average crystallite size was ∼32 nm for electrodeposited pure copper coating and ∼30 nm for Cu–CeO2 nanocomposite coating. The measured texture was (220) for both the pure copper coating and Cu–CeO2 nanocomposite coating. Scanning electron microscopy with EDX confirmed the structure morphology composition of Cu–CeO2 nanocomposite. Cu–CeO2 nanocomposite coating exhibited increased microhardness and wear resistance than the pure copper coating. The corrosion resistance properties of electrodeposited pure copper and Cu–CeO2 nanocomposite coatings were evaluated by electrochemical AC impedance and Tafel polarisation studies. Cu–CeO2 nanocomposite coating had more corrosion resistance than the pure copper coating in 3·5%NaCl solution.
Iron(II) acetylacetonate containing brightener and sulphur containing carrier in nickel plating
Authors: Gezerman A O , Çorbacıoglu B D
Published: August 2013

The effects of an iron(II) acetylacetonate containing brightening agent and a carrier on colour and mechanical properties of nickel plating were investigated to determine optimal electroplating process parameters. The brightening agent contained metasulphobenzaldehyde, pyridine-3-sulphonic acid, p-vinylbenzenesulfonic acid, o-benzoylsulphonamide, sodium saccharine and iron(II) acetylacetonate. The carrier comprised sodium saccharine and sodium allyl sulphonate in water. Plating colour was analysed by visible region spectrophotometry at 350 nm under 6500 K illumination (CIE Standard Illuminant D65). Electron microscopy confirmed that carrier facilitated nickel deposition onto the surface and increased cohesion, thus allowing complete coverage. Moreover, brightening agent increased the bath pH, while carrier did not. In bending experiments on a coated plate, brightening agent increased hydrogen embrittlement, although desired decorative appearance was obtained. Finally, the optimum concentrations of carrier and brightening agent were found to be 12 and 0·4 g L−1 respectively.
Method to design stoichiometric deposition reactive sputtering without hysteresis
Authors: Faddeeva S , Oseguera J
Published: August 2013

A method to design a reactive sputtering process with stoichiometric deposition and no hysteresis is developed. This method is a further development of the model based on mass, energy and entropy balances. The results of numerical simulation are compared to experimental data available in the literature for the Ti reactive sputtering process in the presence of N2 in an Ar atmosphere.
Electrophoretic deposition of linear polyethylenimine and composite films
Authors: Sun Y , Ata M S , Zhitomirsky I
Published: August 2013

Electrophoretic deposition method has been developed for the electrodeposition of linear polyethylenimine (LPEI) films. The deposition mechanism is based on the electrophoresis of protonated LPEI-H+, base generation at the cathode surface, charge neutralisation and formation of insoluble LPEI films. Quartz crystal microbalance data, coupled with the results of electron microscopy, showed that deposition rate and film thickness can be varied and controlled by the variation of deposition time and voltage. LPEI films provided corrosion protection of stainless steel substrates. LPEI was used for the dispersion, charging and electrophoretic deposition of TiO2, hydrotalcite and MnO2 particles and fabrication of composite films. Scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis showed the formation of composite films, containing 45·4%TiO2, 53·1% hydrotalcite and 33·3%MnO2 in the LPEI matrix. The film thickness was varied in the range of 0·1–4 μm by variation of the deposition time at a constant deposition voltage. The proposed approach paves the way for the fabrication of organic–inorganic composite films combining functional properties of LPEI and inorganic materials.
Association of IL-18 polymorphisms with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus in Asian populations: a meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Shuilian , Jiang Feng , Ren Jiangping , Liu Jiajing , Meng Wei
Published: August 2013

Background

Interleukin (IL)-18, an important proinflammatory cytokine, plays a potential pathological role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Studies on the relationship of IL-18 gene promoter rs1946518 (−607A/C) polymorphism, rs187238 (−137G/C) polymorphism with RA and SLE are inconclusive. The aim of this study was to get a more precise estimation of the relationship in Asian populations.

Methods

Meta-analysis was conducted on the associations between the IL-18 (−607A/C and -137G/C) polymorphisms and RA and SLE, using; (1) allele contrast, (2) dominant, and (3) recessive models. A total of 11 studies were included in this study.

Results

For the relationship of IL-18 rs1946518 polymorphism with RA (additive model: OR=0.752, 95%CI=0.562-1.006; dominant model: OR=0.730, 95%CI =0.479-1.113; recessive model: OR=0.537, 95%CI=0.271-1.064) and SLE (additive model: OR=0.684, 95%CI=0.455-1.028; dominant model: OR=0.645, 95%CI=0.368-1.130; recessive model: OR=0.672, 95%CI =0.447-1.010), no significant association with RA and SLE risk can be found under all genetic models in Asian populations. However, significant associations were observed in Chinese population for both RA ((OR=0.688, 95%CI =0.532-0.889) and SLE (OR=0.606, 95%CI =0.396-0.930) under additive model. For the relationship between IL-18 rs187238 polymorphism and RA or SLE, there was no significant association detected in all genetic models, even in Chinese population.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis indicates that the IL-18-607A/C polymorphism may confer susceptibility to RA and SLE in Chinese population, but not all Asians.
Is MRI better than CT for detecting a vascular component to dementia? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Beynon Rebecca , Sterne Jonathan A C , Wilcock Gordon , Likeman Marcus , Harbord Roger M , Astin Margaret , Burke Margaret , Bessell Alysson , Ben-Shlomo Yoav , Hawkins James , Hollingworth William , Whiting Penny
Published: August 2013

Background

Identification of causes of dementia soon after symptom onset is important, because appropriate treatment of some causes of dementia can slow or halt its progression or enable symptomatic treatment where appropriate. The accuracy of MRI and CT, and whether MRI is superior to CT, in detecting a vascular component to dementia in autopsy confirmed and clinical cohorts of patients with VaD, combined AD and VaD (“mixed dementia”), and AD remain unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate this question.

Methods

We searched eight databases and screened reference lists to identify studies addressing the review question. We assessed study quality using QUADAS. We estimated summary diagnostic accuracy according to imaging finding, and ratios of diagnostic odds ratios (RDORs) for MRI versus CT and high versus low risk of bias.

Results

We included 7 autopsy and 31 non-autopsy studies. There was little evidence that selective patient enrolment and risk of incorporation bias impacted on diagnostic accuracy (p = 0.12 to 0.95). The most widely reported imaging finding was white matter hyperintensities. For CT (11 studies) summary sensitivity and specificity were 71% (95% CI 53%-85%) and 55% (44%-66%). Corresponding figures for MRI (6 studies) were 95% (87%-98%) and 26% (12%-50%). General infarcts was the most specific imaging finding on MRI (96%; 95% CI 94%-97%) and CT (96%; 93%-98%). However, sensitivity was low for both MRI (53%; 36%-70%) and CT (52%; 22% to 80%). No imaging finding had consistently high sensitivity. Based on non-autopsy studies, MRI was more accurate than CT for six of seven imaging findings, but confidence intervals were wide.

Conclusion

There is insufficient evidence to suggest that MRI is superior to CT with respect to identifying cerebrovascular changes in autopsy-confirmed and clinical cohorts of VaD, AD, and ‘mixed dementia’.
HPV and cervical cancer related knowledge, awareness and testing behaviors in a community sample of female sex workers in China
Authors: Hong Yan , Zhang Chen , Li Xiaoming , Lin Danhua , Liu Yingjie
Published: August 2013

Background

Limited data suggested that the prevalence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) among female sex workers (FSW) is much higher than in the general female population. The current study aimed to examine the HPV and cervical cancer related awareness, knowledge, and behaviors among FSW in China.

Methods

A total of 360 FSW recruited from entertainment establishments in Beijing completed a self-administered survey including demographics, HPV related knowledge, and health-seeking and cervical cancer preventive behaviors.

Results

Approximately 70.8% of the participants ever heard of cervical cancer, and as few as 22.1% and 13.3% ever heard of HPV and HPV vaccine, respectively. The mean score on a 7-item knowledge scale was 2.2 (SD = 2.4). Less than 10% of FSW perceived any risk of cervical cancer, and only 15.3% ever had a Pap smear. About 40.8% of FSW would accept HPV vaccine if it is free, and 21.8% would accept it even with a charge. Multivariate regression suggested that women with better knowledge of cervical cancer were more likely to have a Pap smear (aOR = 1.35); women who had tested for HIV were 11 times more likely to have a Pap smear, and women who had worked longer in commercial sex (aOR = 1.01) and had regular health check-ups (aOR = 1.95) were more likely to accept HPV vaccine.

Conclusions

Our study underscores the needs for effective cervical cancer prevention programs for FSW in China and other resource-limited countries. We specifically call for cervical cancer and HPV knowledge and awareness programs and regular screening as well as HPV risk-reduction programs for these vulnerable women.
Effects of curcumin on glucose metabolism in the brains of rats subjected to chronic unpredictable stress: a 18 F-FDG micro-PET study
Authors: Lin Zheng , Shi Ligen , Lu Jing , Li Jinhui , Hu Hua , Zuo Chuantao , Tang Weijun , Lu Yunrong , Bao Aimin , Xu Lei
Published: August 2013

Background

Chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) can cause behavioral and physiological abnormalities that are important to the prediction of symptoms of depression that may be associated with cerebral glucose metabolic abnormalities. Curcumin showed potential antidepressant effects, but whether or not it can reverse cerebral functional abnormalities and so ameliorate depression remains unknown.

Methods

To investigate the effects of curcumin on brain activity in CUS rats, rats were subjected to 3 weeks of CUS and then treated with curcumin orally at a dose of 40 mg/kg/day for one month. 18 F fluorodeoxyglucose (18 F-FDG)-micro positron emission tomography (micro-PET) neuroimaging was used to detect changes in cerebral metabolism. Body weight, sucrose preference, and open field tests were used to record depressive behaviors during CUS and after curcumin treatment.

Results

Three weeks of CUS significantly decreased body weight, sucrose preference, sucrose consumption, total distance travelling, and the number of rearing events. It also induced metabolic alterations in several parts of the brain, showing increased glucose metabolism in the right hemisphere. After curcumin treatment for one month, sucrose preference, sucrose consumption, total distance travelling, and the number of rearing events returned to normal levels. Curcumin treatment also induced strong deactivation of the left primary auditory cortex and activation of amygdalohippocampal cortex.

Conclusion

Curcumin was found to ameliorate the abnormalities in the behavior and brain glucose metabolism caused by CUS, which may account for its antidepressive effects.
Health-related quality of life and survival in Chinese patients with chronic liver disease
Authors: Gao Feng , Gao Ru , Li Guang , Shang Zhan Min , Hao Jian Yu
Published: August 2013

Background

To investigate the relationship between health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and survival in Chinese patients with chronic liver disease (CLD).

Methods

HRQOL was measured with the Chinese version of Short Form 36 (SF-36). SF-36 scores, demographic and clinical data were collected at baseline and after 18 months follow-up. Kaplan-Meier and Cox Proportional Hazard Regression survival analyses were used for interpretation of data. Surviving patients were censored in the analyses.

Results

A total of 415 Chinese patients with CLD and 86 healthy controls were enrolled. During the follow-up period 50 patients died. SF-36 scores in healthy controls and surviving patients were higher compared with those in deceased patients. Scores of physical component summary (PCS) in healthy controls, surviving and deceased patients were 54.1 ± 5.2, 48.9 ± 7.7 and 33.5 ± 8.2 respectively (p < 0.001). Scores of mental component summary (MCS) in healthy controls, surviving and deceased patients were 56.6 ± 8.2, 53.0 ± 5.6 and 37.1 ± 12.1 (p < 0.001) respectively. Survival was significantly associated with PCS and MCS scores, and the presence of ascites.

Conclusions

HRQOL was associated with survival in patients with CLD. PCS and MCS scores were predictors of survival.
The cytohesin paralog Sec7 of Dictyostelium discoideum is required for phagocytosis and cell motility
Authors: Müller Rolf , Herr Claudia , Sukumaran Salil K , Omosigho Napoleon Nosa , Plomann Markus , Riyahi Tanja Y , Stumpf Maria , Swaminathan Karthic , Tsangarides Marios , Yiannakou Kyriacos , Blau-Wasser Rosemarie , Gallinger Christoph , Schleicher Michael , Kolanus Waldemar , Noegel Angelika A
Published: August 2013

Background

Dictyostelium harbors several paralogous Sec7 genes that encode members of three subfamilies of the Sec7 superfamily of guanine nucleotide exchange factors. One of them is the cytohesin family represented by three members in D. discoideum, SecG, Sec7 and a further protein distinguished by several transmembrane domains. Cytohesins are characterized by a Sec7-PH tandem domain and have roles in cell adhesion and migration.

Results

We study here Sec7. In vitro its PH domain bound preferentially to phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate (PI(3,4)P2), phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PI(3,4,5)P3). When following the distribution of GFP-Sec7 in vivo we observed the protein in the cytosol and at the plasma membrane. Strikingly, when cells formed pseudopods, macropinosomes or phagosomes, GFP-Sec7 was conspicuously absent from areas of the plasma membrane which were involved in these processes. Mutant cells lacking Sec7 exhibited an impaired phagocytosis and showed significantly reduced speed and less persistence during migration. Cellular properties associated with mammalian cytohesins like cell-cell and cell-substratum adhesion were not altered. Proteins with roles in membrane trafficking and signal transduction have been identified as putative interaction partners consistent with the data obtained from mutant analysis.

Conclusions

Sec7 is a cytosolic component and is associated with the plasma membrane in a pattern distinctly different from the accumulation of PI(3,4,5)P3. Mutant analysis reveals that loss of the protein affects cellular processes that involve membrane flow and the actin cytoskeleton.
A qualitative study of psychological, social and behavioral barriers to appropriate food portion size control
Authors: Spence Michelle , Livingstone M Barbara E , Hollywood Lynsey E , Gibney Eileen R , O’Brien Sinéad A , Pourshahidi L Kirsty , Dean Moira
Published: August 2013

Background

Given the worldwide prevalence of overweight and obesity, there is a clear need for meaningful practical healthy eating advice - not only in relation to food choice, but also on appropriate food portion sizes. As the majority of portion size research to date has been overwhelmingly quantitative in design, there is a clear need to qualitatively explore consumers’ views in order to fully understand how food portion size decisions are made. Using qualitative methodology this present study aimed to explore consumers’ views about factors influencing their portion size selection and consumption and to identify barriers to appropriate portion size control.

Methods

Ten focus groups with four to nine participants in each were formed with a total of 66 persons (aged 19–64 years) living on the island of Ireland. The semi-structured discussions elicited participants’ perceptions of suggested serving size guidance and explored the influence of personal, social and environmental factors on their food portion size consumption. Audiotapes of the discussions were professionally transcribed verbatim, loaded into NVivo 9, and analysed using an inductive thematic analysis procedure.

Results

The rich descriptive data derived from participants highlight that unhealthy portion size behaviors emanate from various psychological, social and behavioral factors. These bypass reflective and deliberative control, and converge to constitute significant barriers to healthy portion size control. Seven significant barriers to healthy portion size control were apparent: (1) lack of clarity and irrelevance of suggested serving size guidance; (2) guiltless eating; (3) lack of self-control over food cues; (4) distracted eating; (5) social pressures; (6) emotional eating rewards; and (7) quantification habits ingrained from childhood.

Conclusions

Portion size control strategies should empower consumers to overcome these effects so that the consumption of appropriate food portion sizes becomes automatic and habitual.
Template-assisted nanostructure fabrication by glancing angle deposition: a molecular dynamics study
Authors: Zhang Junjie , Cao Yongzhi , Gao Qiang , Wu Chao , Yu Fuli , Liang Yingchun
Published: August 2013

In the present work, we investigate the pre-existing template-assisted glancing angle deposition of Al columnar structures on Cu substrate by means of molecular dynamics simulations, with a focus on examining the effect of deposition-induced template deformation on the morphologies of the fabricated structures. Our simulations demonstrate that the pre-existing templates significantly intensify the shadowing effect, which thus facilitates the formation of columnar structures under small deposition flux. The underlying deformation modes of the templates under different deposition configurations are analyzed and are correlated to the geometrical characteristics of the columnar structures. It is found that the template height-dependent deformation behavior of the templates strongly influences the morphologies of the fabricated columnar structures. Our findings provide design and fabrication guidelines for the fabrication of one-dimensional nanostructures by the template-assisted deposition technique.
An evaluation of the 30-s chair stand test in older adults: frailty detection based on kinematic parameters from a single inertial unit
Authors: Millor Nora , Lecumberri Pablo , Gómez Marisol , Martínez-Ramírez Alicia , Izquierdo Mikel
Published: August 2013

Background

A growing interest in frailty syndrome exists because it is regarded as a major predictor of co-morbidities and mortality in older populations. Nevertheless, frailty assessment has been controversial, particularly when identifying this syndrome in a community setting. Performance tests such as the 30-second chair stand test (30-s CST) are a cornerstone for detecting early declines in functional independence. Additionally, recent advances in body-fixed sensors have enhanced the sensors’ ability to automatically and accurately evaluate kinematic parameters related to a specific movement performance. The purpose of this study is to use this new technology to obtain kinematic parameters that can identify frailty in an aged population through the performance the 30-s CST.

Methods

Eighteen adults with a mean age of 54 years, as well as sixteen pre-frail and thirteen frail patients with mean ages of 78 and 85 years, respectively, performed the 30-s CST while threir trunk movements were measured by a sensor-unit at vertebra L3. Sit-stand-sit cycles were determined using both acceleration and orientation information to detect failed attempts. Movement-related phases (i.e. impulse, stand-up, and sit-down) were differentiated based on seat off and seat on events. Finally, the kinematic parameters of the impulse, stand-up and sit-down phases were obtained to identify potential differences across the three frailty groups.

Results

For the stand-up and sit-down phases, velocity peaks and “modified impulse” parameters clearly differentiated subjects with different frailty levels (p < 0.001). The trunk orientation range during the impulse phase was also able to classify a subject according to his frail syndrome (p < 0.001). Furthermore, these parameters derived from the inertial units (IUs) are sensitive enough to detect frailty differences not registered by the number of completed cycles which is the standard test outcome.

Conclusions

This study shows that IUs can enhance the information gained from tests currently used in clinical practice, such as the 30-s CST. Parameters such as velocity peaks, impulse, and orientation range are able to differentiate between adults and older populations with different frailty levels. This study indicates that early frailty detection could be possible in clinical environments, and the subsequent interventions to correct these disabilities could be prescribed before further degradation occurs.
Multi-walled carbon nanotubes induce human microvascular endothelial cellular effects in an alveolar-capillary co-culture with small airway epithelial cells
Authors: Snyder-Talkington Brandi N , Schwegler-Berry Diane , Castranova Vincent , Qian Yong , Guo Nancy L
Published: August 2013

Background

Nanotechnology, particularly the use of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), is a rapidly growing discipline with implications for advancement in a variety of fields. A major route of exposure to MWCNT during both occupational and environmental contact is inhalation. While many studies showed adverse effects to the vascular endothelium upon MWCNT exposure, in vitro results often do not correlate with in vivo effects. This study aimed to determine if an alveolar-capillary co-culture model could determine changes in the vascular endothelium after epithelial exposure to MWCNT.

Methods

A co-culture system in which both human small airway epithelial cells and human microvascular endothelial cells were separated by a Transwell membrane so as to resemble an alveolar-capillary interaction was used. Following exposure of the epithelial layer to MWCNT, the effects to the endothelial barrier were determined.

Results

Exposure of the epithelial layer to MWCNT induced multiple changes in the endothelial cell barrier, including an increase in reactive oxygen species, actin rearrangement, loss of VE-cadherin at the cell surface, and an increase in endothelial angiogenic ability. Overall increases in secreted VEGFA, sICAM-1, and sVCAM-1 protein levels, as well as increases in intracellular phospho-NF-κB, phospho-Stat3, and phospho-p38 MAPK, were also noted in HMVEC after epithelial exposure.

Conclusion

The co-culture system identified that alveolar-capillary exposure to MWCNT induced multiple changes to the underlying endothelium, potentially through cell signaling mediators derived from MWCNT-exposed epithelial cells. Therefore, the co-culture system appears to be a relevant in vitro method to study the pulmonary toxicity of MWCNT.