bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depression as a Predictor of Length of Stay in Patients Admitted to the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at a University Medical Center
Authors: Rude Jennifer , Azimova Komola , Dominguez Cristina , Sarosiek Jerzy , Edlavitch Stanley , Mukherjee Debabrata
Published: July 2013

Depression is a predictor of length of stay (LOS) and adverse outcomes in patients with cardiac disease. Our objective was to assess the impact of depression on LOS in a Hispanic population admitted to a cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU). This was a prospective study of 151 consecutive patients admitted to the CVICU. Patients were administered the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale survey within 24 hours of admission. Patients were followed until discharge to determine LOS and adverse outcomes. Depression was more prevalent in Hispanic patients than in nonHispanic patients based on the CES-D scores (41% vs 14%). Using multivariate analysis, the presence of depression was a significant predictor of increased LOS ( P = .001). Depression has a significant impact on LOS in a Hispanic population. Appropriate treatment of depression may decrease LOS and has the potential to be cost effective in the current health care environment.
Evaluation of haemoglobin A1c measurement by an enzymatic method using an automated analyser that has an on-board haemolysis system
Authors: Matsumoto Hiroaki , Uchino Michiyo , Kato Masahiko
Published: July 2013

Background

Enzymatic assays, which can be run on a general automated clinical analyser, have been developed for haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) measurement. The performance of the BM Test HbA1c which is an enzymatic HbA1c assay was evaluated using the Bio Majesty (BM)6010/C, which has an on-board haemolysis system.

Methods

We evaluated whether the difference in sampling position from the centrifuged erythrocyte layer caused a difference in HbA1c values obtained by the BM6010/C and the Tosoh G7. The performance of the BM Test HbA1c was evaluated.

Results

The results of the paired t-test showed no significant difference between the values of HbA1c when the tip positions of the sample probe were at 1 mm, 3 mm or 5 mm and the values given by the Tosoh G7. The coefficient of variation (CV) of intra-assay and inter-assay precision were both approximately 1.0%. The correlation coefficient obtained from an analysis of 351 routine laboratory samples with the BM Test HbA1c and the Tosoh G7 was 0.994. The upper limit of linearity was verified up to 17.0 (NGSP%). No interference was observed from chemically modified derivatives of haemoglobin. The presence of haemoglobin variants produced no statistically significant differences in the results between the BM Test HbA1c and the Primus high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Accuracy evaluation using an International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) HbA1C control was within 3.4% relative error (%) of the assigned value.

Conclusions

The above outcomes prove that the measurement system, the BM Test HbA1c analysed on the BM6010/C, which has an on-board haemolysis system, is effective in laboratory routine tests.
Albumin concentration determined by the modified bromocresol purple method is superior to that by the bromocresol green method for assessing nutritional status in malnourished patients with inflammation
Authors: Ueno Tsuyoshi , Hirayama Satoshi , Ito Masayuki , Nishioka Emiko , Fukushima Yoshifumi , Satoh Tomoaki , Idei Mayumi , Horiuchi Yuki , Shoji Hiromichi , Ohmura Hirotoshi , Shimizu Toshiaki , Miida Takashi
Published: July 2013

Background

The controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score (CS), a simple score for assessing nutritional status, is calculated using laboratory data, including serum albumin concentration. Although dye-binding assays such as the bromocresol green (BCG) and modified bromocresol purple (mBCP) methods are widely used for albumin measurement, acute-phase proteins interfere with the BCG method.

Objective

We aimed to determine whether the choice of albumin assay affects assessment of nutritional status using CONUT scores (CSs).

Design

We measured serum albumin concentrations by the BCG (ALBBCG) and mBCP (ALBmBCP) methods in 44 malnourished inpatients, 27 of whom underwent nutritional intervention, and compared them to 30 age-matched healthy volunteers. In treated patients, CSs were calculated by ALBBCG (CS-BCG) and ALBmBCP (CS-mBCP).

Results

C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were positively correlated with the difference between ALBBCG and ALBmBCP in malnourished inpatients ( r = 0.59, p < 0.001). CS-BCG was always lower than CS-mBCP (lower CS indicates superior nutritional status) in treated patients with persistently high CRP levels. However, in patients whose CRP decreased gradually, this difference diminished over the clinical course. CS-BCG and CS-mBCP were similar throughout their courses in patients with normal CRP concentrations. Adding haptoglobin to the human albumin solutions increased ALBBCG in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusions

The choice of albumin assay affected the assessment of nutritional status using CSs in patients with inflammation. We recommend that the modified BCP assay be used to assess nutritional status, particularly in patients with inflammation.
Plasma adiponectin is a more specific marker of fatty liver than a marker of metabolic syndrome in Japanese men
Authors: Yatsuzuka Shin-ichi , Shimomura Younosuke , Akuzawa Masako , Ando Yoshitaka , Kobayashi Isao , Nakano Takamitsu , Tokita Yoshiharu , Nagamine Takeaki , Ono Hiromi , Tanaka Akira , Schaefer Ernst , Nakajima Katsuyuki
Published: July 2013

Background

The association of plasma cardiovascular risk markers and metabolic syndrome (MetS) with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has not been well defined.

Methods

Japanese men ( n = 809) had standard anthropometric measurements done, and had their liver fat quantitated by ultrasound. Three groups were identified: (1) normal controls without significant disease, (2) preliminary-metabolic syndrome (pre-MetS) cases and (3) MetS cases. Plasma adiponectin, high sensitivity-C reactive protein (hs-CRP), HOMA-IR, lipids, lipoproteins and liver enzymes were evaluated among the three groups.

Results

The prevalence of fatty liver was 13% in controls, 39% in pre-MetS and 62% in MetS. Plasma adiponectin and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were significantly decreased, and HOMA-IR, hs-CRP, TG, remnant lipoproteins (RLPs) and small dense-LDL-C (sd LDL-C) were significantly increased in subjects with fatty liver compared to those without fatty liver. Multivariate analyses of serum parameters associated with fatty liver revealed that adiponectin and hs-CRP were more strongly associated with the presence of fatty liver than waist circumference. However, HOMA-IR, HDL-C, TG, RLP-C, RLP-TG and sd LDL-C were more strongly associated with waist circumference than with fatty liver. Factor analysis revealed that adiponectin and HDL-C were linked to liver enzymes, lipoproteins and HOMA-IR associated with fatty liver, but not with waist circumference.

Conclusions

Adiponectin was found to be a more specific diagnostic marker for the presence of fatty liver regardless of MetS status, and was inversely correlated with liver enzyme concentrations. However, RLPs were found to be more specifically associated with the presence of MetS.
Studies on the use of BD Vacutainer® SST II™ and RST™ in general practice: investigation of artefactual hyperkalaemia
Authors: Huyghe Tine , Buntinx Frank , Bruyninckx Rudi , Besard Veerle , Vunckx Jos , Church Stephen , Byron Karen , Rosa Renee , Blanckaert Norbert
Published: July 2013

Background

Current sampling and transport conditions of samples in general practice can result in pseudohyperkalaemia. This study was undertaken to determine, in a general practice setting, whether there is any difference in haemolysis obtained when using BD Vacutainer® Rapid Serum Tubes (BD RST) compared with using BD Vacutainer® SST™ II Advance Blood Collection Tubes (BD SSTII).

Methods

Blood was collected from 353 patients requiring blood sampling who were attending 31 general practitioner practices in Belgium. For each patient, two BD SSTII tubes and two BD RST tubes were drawn in a randomized order. One of each pair of tubes was inverted five times, the other was not. Serum potassium concentration, serum LDH activity and haemolysis index were measured in each sample.

Results

There was no significant difference in measured potassium concentration according to tube type ( P = 0.16). Measured LDH activities were 1.7% higher in serum collected into BD SSTII tubes compared to BD RST tubes ( P = 0.02). When comparing serum from unmixed BD RST with BD SSTII tubes, there was a slight reduction in the haemolysis index but no significant difference in measured potassium concentration or LDH activity. Risk of hyperkalaemia was 4.8 times higher in serum from tubes that were incompletely filled compared to those that were filled with the correct amount of blood.

Conclusion

Both types of blood tubes are suitable for the measurement of serum potassium and LDH in patients from general practice. Tube inversion does not improve the accuracy of either serum potassium or LDH measurement. Blood tubes should be filled to the level recommended by the manufacturer to avoid artefactual increases in measured serum potassium concentration and LDH activity.
Extreme elevation of serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity: always consider familial ACE hyperactivity
Authors: Stouten Karlijn , Werken Marjan van de , Tchetverikov Ilja , Saboerali Mohammed , Vermeer Henricus Jan , Castel Rob , Verheijen François Martijn
Published: July 2013

Measurement of serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity can be helpful in the diagnosis and disease monitoring of sarcoidosis. Elevated serum ACE activity is found in 60–70% of sarcoidosis patients. Usually, the ACE activity is mildly increased (<3-fold the upper limit of the reference range) in sarcoidosis patients. Extremely elevated ACE activity is suggestive of the benign condition known as ‘familial hyperactivity of ACE’. Familial hyperactivity of ACE is a relatively rare condition and can be confirmed by genetic testing. Considering a genetic cause of strongly elevated serum ACE activity is important to prevent possible overdiagnostics. Here, we highlight the factors that may complicate the interpretation of serum ACE activity measurements, and we present two cases that illustrate the importance of interdisciplinary consultation when extremely elevated serum ACE activity is measured.
Immigrant transnationalism
Authors: Waldinger Roger
Published: July 2013

To say international migration is to say cross-border connections: the ties linking sending and receiving countries are a salient aspect of the migration experience, appearing during present as well as past eras of migration. This article reviews the sociology of these cross-state ties and spillovers, typically associated with the literature on transnationalism. The article discusses the intellectual history of the transnational perspective on migration, offers a critical evaluation and then presents a different approach, designed to identify the mechanisms generating and attenuating cross-border connections across a range of activities. Focusing on the experience in the Americas, the article then turns to the empirical literature, synthesizing the results of research on cross-border social ties, homeland politics, and homeland spillovers. The last section suggests new avenues for future research.
Social conflict
Authors: Wieviorka Michel
Published: July 2013

Numerous approaches in the social sciences either refuse to consider or minimize the importance of conflict in community or else replace it with a Spencerian vision of the social struggle. Between these two extremes there is considerable space for us to consider conflict as a relationship; this is what differentiates it from modes of behaviour involving war and rupture. Sociology suggests different ways of differentiating various modes of social conflict. The question is not only theoretical. It is also empirical and historical: have we not moved, in a certain number of countries at least, from the industrial era dominated by a structural social conflict in which the working-class movement confronted the masters of labour, to a new era dominated by other types of conflict with distinctly more cultural orientations? Whatever the type of analysis, the very concept of conflict must be clearly distinguished from that of crisis, even if materially the two coexist in social reality.
Sliding wear of LM25 aluminium alloy with 7.5% SiC+2.5% TiO2 and 2.5% SiC+7.5% TiO2 hybrid composites
Authors: Elango G , Raghunath BK , Palanikumar K , Thamizhmaran K
Published: July 2013

An experimental investigation on the wear behavior of aluminium alloy LM 25 and its composites reinforced with 7.5% SiC + 2.5% TiO2 and 2.5% SiC + 7.5% TiO2 is carried out to ascertain which constituent is having more influence on the metal matrix composites. The hybrid composite material is prepared by stir casting process. The wear and frictional properties of hybrid metal matrix composite are studied by performing dry sliding wear test using a pin on disc wear tester. The experiments are conducted at a constant sliding velocity of 1.04 m/s and a sliding distance of 628 m over various loads of 3, 4 and 5 kg. The result shows that, the reinforcement SiC and TiO2 has improved the wear resisting property of LM 25 alloy composite. The results also indicate that the three-fourth volume fraction of the TiO2 in a 10% volume fraction of reinforcement has better wear and frictional property than the three-fourth volume fraction of SiC. The coefficient of friction decreases with the increasing load and particle reinforcement. The microstructure analysis reveals that SiC and TiO2 particulate are uniformly distributed in the matrix. The wear surfaces are examined by scanning electron microscope which indicates an abrasive wear mechanism due to hard ceramic particles exposed on the worn surface.
The Influence of ginger spent loading on mechanical, thermal and microstructural behaviours of polyurethane green composites
Authors: Chethana Mahadevaiah , Madhukar Beejaganahalli Sangameshwara , Somashekar Rudrappa , Hanta Siddaramaiah
Published: July 2013

Polyurethane green composites with varying amounts viz., 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 wt% of finely powdered ginger spent have been fabricated. The fabricated polyurethane/ginger spent green composites have been performed for mechanical properties such as surface hardness and tensile behaviours. The swelling behavior of the composites has been studied in different organic solvents. Improvement in tensile behaviors of the polyurethane/ginger spent composites were noticed up to 7.5 wt% of ginger spent content. Thermogravimetric analysis of the green composites has been carried out in order to determine the thermal stability and their mode of thermal degradation behaviour. The thermogravimetric analysis curves of polyurethane/ginger spent composites indicated three-step thermal degradation processes, suffers no weight loss up to 193℃ and completely degrades at around 540℃. Thermal degradation kinetic parameters such as energy of activation (Ea) have been calculated for the green composites using two mathematical models namely Coats–Redfern and Broido’s models. The microcrystalline parameters such as crystal size () and lattice strain have been computed using wide-angle X-ray scattering data. The structure-property relationship of the polyurethane/ginger spent composites has been established on the basis of these parameters.
Water effect on interfacial adhesion of an optical fiber embedded in a composite material
Authors: Chean Vichith , Abdi Rochdi El , Sanglebœuf Jean-Christophe
Published: July 2013

The present paper reports on the study of the interfacial adhesion of an optical fiber embedded in a composite material aged in distilled water. Samples composed of optical fibers embedded in an epoxy vinylester resin or in resin/glass fibers systems were submitted to different aging duration in distilled water. Pull-out tests on optical fibers were carried out to measure the effect of water diffusion and glass concentration on fiber bonding. For resin/optical fiber samples, water diffusion leads to damage of the polymer/matrix interface from an aging duration of 15 days, and the interfacial stress values present a low decrease up to an aging duration of 60 days. For the case of composite/optical fiber samples, the greater the glass fiber content, the less is the water damage at the polymer interface. On the other hand, a linear development of interfacial debonding stress with increasing glass fiber concentration is reported.
The Impact of Housing Vouchers on Crime in US Cities and Suburbs
Authors: Lens Michael C.
Published: July 2013

This paper tests the common belief that subsidised housing contributes to higher crime rates. To do this, panel data on over 200 US cities are used and fixed effects models are estimated to control for unobserved differences between cities that may affect both voucher use and crime. Additionally, models are estimated that focus on the suburbs, to see if the steady increase in vouchers there has had any effect on crime. In cities, it is found that vouchers have a weak, negative relationship with violent crime rates, although these estimates are not particularly robust. In suburban areas, there is no observed relationship between vouchers and crime, suggesting that controversies in those communities blaming voucher households for elevated crime rates are misguided.
Required Sample Sizes for Data-Driven Market Segmentation Analyses in Tourism
Authors: Dolnicar Sara , Grün Bettina , Leisch Friedrich , Schmidt Kathrin
Published: July 2013

Data analysts in industry and academia make heavy use of market segmentation analysis to develop tourism knowledge and select commercially attractive target segments. Within academic research alone, approximately 5% of published articles use market segmentation. However, the validity of data-driven market segmentation analyses depends on having available a sample of adequate size. Moreover, no guidance exists for determining what an adequate sample size is. In the present simulation study using artificial data of known structure, the impact of the difficulty of the segmentation task on the required sample size is analyzed in dependence of the number of variables in the segmentation base. Under all simulated data circumstances, a sample size of 70 times the number of variables proves to be adequate. This finding is of substantial practical importance because it will provide guidance to data analysts in academia and industry who wish to conduct reliable and valid segmentation studies.
Estimating the Impact of Mental Illness on Costs of Crimes
Authors: Ostermann Michael , Matejkowski Jason
Published: July 2013

This study uses a propensity scoring and matching approach to compare the costs of crimes committed by former inmates with mental illness (MI) and without MI. Our findings indicate that the recidivism costs of those with MI over the course of 3 years of follow-up are nearly 3 times as large as similar reintegrating former inmates without MI. However, prior to matching on mental health indicators, the costs of the reoffense patterns of the average reintegrating individual with MI are less than half those of the average former prisoner without MI. Our discussion centers on the identification of relevant groups that corrections officials should focus their rehabilitative resources on and whether those with MI should be a group they focus on during this process.
Developing a Risk and Needs Assessment Instrument for Prison Inmates
Authors: Makarios Matthew , Latessa Edward J.
Published: July 2013

The assessment of inmate risk and need in prison poses a unique challenge to correctional policy makers because it is used for two purposes: classification and case management. Classification and case management require assessment instruments that are designed to predict two separate outcomes: institutional misconduct and community recidivism. The current research examines differences between a prison classification instrument developed to predict misconduct and a case management instrument developed to predict community recidivism using a sample of 414 inmates in Ohio. The results indicated substantial differences between assessment instruments and that separate risk and needs assessments should be conducted. A hybrid assessment system is suggested that seeks to maximize accuracy and efficiency by including select factors from each instrument.
Cournot equilibrium model for electricity markets with interruptible load program and wind power
Authors: An Xuena , Zhang Shaohua , Li Xue
Published: July 2013

High wind power penetration presents many challenges to the flexibility and reliability of power system operation. In this environment, various demand response (DR) programs have received much attention. As an effective measure of DR programs, interruptible load (IL) programs have been widely used around the world. This paper addresses the concern of how the IL program impacts the equilibrium outcomes of electricity markets with wind power. First, a market demand model is developed to take consideration of the IL program. Next, a Cournot equilibrium model for electricity markets with an IL program and wind power is presented. The introduction of the IL program leads to a non-smooth equilibrium problem. To solve this equilibrium problem, a novel solution method is proposed. Finally, considering that wind power penetration will increase the risks faced by the conventional generators, the conditional value at risk is employed to measure the risk, so that the impact of the IL program on the generators’ risk can also be examined. Numerical examples are presented to verify the effectiveness of the method. It is shown that the IL program can lower market price and its volatility significantly. In addition, the IL program can help generators reduce their risks in the market, especially when the uncertainty in wind power output is relatively large.
Low-frequency power system oscillation damping using HBA-based coordinated design of IPFC and PSS output feedback controllers
Authors: Farhang Peyman , Mazlumi Kazem
Published: July 2013

In this paper, a robust method for the simultaneous coordinated design of the interline power flow controller (IPFC) and power system stabilizer (PSS) based on output feedback controllers in a single-machine infinite-bus power system for the enhancement of power systems low-frequency oscillations damping is presented. The Honey Bee Algorithm, which has a strong ability to find the most optimistic results, is employed to search for optimal IPFC and PSS output feedback controller parameters. A singular value decomposition method is utilized to select the most effective damping control signal of the IPFC output feedback controller. To assess the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method, simulation studies are carried out for three operating conditions. Analysis of the results shows that the combined design has an excellent capability for damping a power system’s low-frequency oscillations. Moreover, system performance analysis under different operating conditions and performance indices shows the effectiveness of the proposed method even when a severe fault is applied.
Containment control of multi-agent systems with time delay
Authors: Yan Fang , Xie Dongmei
Published: July 2013

This paper studies the containment control issue of multi-agent systems with time delay. By adopting continuous-time and sampled-data-based control protocols, we establish some necessary and sufficient containment control criteria for multi-agent systems with time delay. For the continuous-time case, our results show that both topology structure and time delay play an important role in the containment control of multi-agent systems, no matter whether the leaders are stationary (first-order system) or dynamic with constant velocity and time-varying position (second-order system). Furthermore, the maximum value of time delay to guarantee the achievement of containment control is given by the Hopf bifurcation theory. Moreover, we extend the results to the sampled-data case. Finally, numerical simulations are given to illustrate our main results.
Smart piezoelectric patch in non-linear beam: design, vibration control and optimal location
Authors: Moradi Abbas , Shirazi Kourosh H , Keshavarz Masoud , Falehi Ali D , Moradi Mosayeb
Published: July 2013

In this paper, the concept of smart materials has been engaged in order to control and abate the vibrations of non-linear beams. In the meantime, flexural vibration of viscoelastic has been taken into account aimed at reinforcing the carbon nanotube beams. This theory has applied the viscoelastic model to draw out the classical viscoelastic Kelvin–Voigt model. Likewise, the Hamilton’s principle has been employed to derive the non-linear differential equations of beam’s motion as for the piezoelectric patches and also the multiple scales method has been engaged in order to solve the non-linear equation of system motion. A fuzzy controller has been desirably arranged in the piezoelectric actuator/sensor loop to reduce the forced vibrations for any arbitrary stimulation. Due to majestic efficiency of the Bees Algorithm (BA) in the solution of many different engineering problems, it has been engaged for this work. To ensure and confirm the robustness of the proposed approach, three different conditions of forced stimulation have been taken into account for the studied system. In all, the non-linear simulation results unveil the robust performance of the proposed approach based on the BA technique in the damping of the system’s vibrations.
Missing the Mark With Latina Women With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Sawyer Mirna Troncoso , Deines Carin K.
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore nutritional behaviors and attitudes among Latino women with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Women over 18 years old and previously diagnosed with type 2 diabetes were recruited to participate in semi-structured qualitative interviews in their homes in Los Angeles, California, and Las Vegas, Nevada. Recruitment was conducted through flyers posted in local businesses. Interviews were conducted in Spanish or English. Data were transcribed and analyzed using an iterative process that involves reading interview transcripts and designating themes that arise from the data.

Results

Acquisition of nutritional knowledge and behavioral capability were positively associated with observational learning, formal nutritional education, and culturally competent meal planners. The use of traditional remedies and the consultation of naturistas reveal a tendency toward medical pluralism. In the home environment, husbands had the greatest influence on Latina women’s attitudes and perceived choices.

Conclusions

The social environment, including support and reinforcement, is critical for Latinas’ nutritional success. Observational learning is critical for Latinas’ behavioral capability.
An Analytical and Empirical Measure of the Degree of Conditional Conservatism
Authors: Callen Jeffrey L. , Segal Dan
Published: July 2013

There is a profound gap between models of accounting conservatism and the proxies for conditional conservatism currently used by the empirical literature. Not one of the proxies employed by the empirical literature to date obtains from a rigorous definition of conditional conservatism. In contrast, this study defines conditional conservatism in terms of truncated distributions and derives analytically a nonlinear relation between revisions to returns and earnings news for the conservative firm. This nonlinear relation is shown to be mathematically equivalent to two linear relations conditioned on the firm’s degree of conservatism (DCON). From these relations, we derive a model-based proxy of the DCON at the firm-year level, which is a function of the determinants of conditional conservatism. To account for the endogeneity of the firm’s DCON and mitigate sample selection bias, the model is implemented empirically using a switching regression approach in which the switch point, namely, the DCON, is unobservable and endogenously determined. Consistent estimates of the parameters of the switching regression, including the endogenous determinants of conservatism posited by Watts (2003a, 2003b), are obtained by simultaneous maximum likelihood estimation. The results indicate that the DCON is a positive function of contractual information asymmetry and litigation risk but a negative function of taxes.
Modeling Competition Between Mobile and Desktop Personal Computer LCD Panels Based on Segment Reporting Sales Information
Authors: Tsai Bi-Huei , Hsu Chih-Sheng , Balachandran Bala K. R.
Published: July 2013

This investigation employs the Lotka–Volterra model to explore the market competitions between the mobile and desktop personal computer (PC) liquid crystal display (LCD) panels. The sales volumes of desktop and mobile PC LCD panels from each LCD company’s segment reporting income statements are summarized into the global sale volumes of the two specific products. Equilibrium analysis is conducted to analyze whether the quarterly sales volume of mobile and desktop PC panels reach the stable equilibrium by the Lyapunov function. This work examines the forecast accuracy of the Lotka–Volterra model. The parameter estimation results of the Lotka–Volterra model show the commensalism relationship between the mobile and the desktop PC LCD panels. The analyses indicate that when making a purchasing decision, a mobile PC is the first choice for consumers who care more about product innovation, quality, and mobility. After purchasing a mobile PC and becoming familiar with its operation, consumers may find that the computing ability and screen size of a mobile PC are too limited; therefore, consumers would purchase a desktop PC. The results of this study will provide the LCD industries insights concerning appropriate investment strategies to maintain competitive advantages. Equilibrium analysis results demonstrate that the quarterly sales volume of the mobile and desktop PC panels will reach stable equilibrium around 2020, maintaining the quarterly sale amount stabilized at 59,269 and 79,503 thousand pieces for desktop and mobile PC LCD panels, respectively. Finally, the analysis results show that Lotka–Volterra equations predict the global sales volumes of mobile PC and desktop PC panels accurately.
A Three Dimensional Assessment of U.S. County e-Government
Authors: Manoharan Aroon
Published: July 2013

The research determines the status of counties’ e-government in three dimensions and the factors influencing their success, based on a combination of a county e-government survey and a content analysis of their websites. Despite the technological growth among county governments, the existing studies have little information dealing specifically with local county governments’ use of e-government technology. This research synthesizes the various existing models of e-government to develop a conceptual framework of three distinct e-government dimensions—e-information, e-transaction, and e-participation. The dimension of e-information refers to the provision of relevant and sufficient information through effective communication, thus leading to an informed citizenry; e-transaction involves efficient and effective transactions that result from an integrated citizenry; and e-participation refers to the promotion of an electronic democracy that involves a participatory citizenry. The study produces some significant findings and provides directions for future research in county e-government.
Can home health aids using the clinical algorithm Algo choose the right bath seat for clients having a straightforward problem?
Authors: Guay Manon , Dubois Marie-France , Desrosiers Johanne
Published: July 2013

Objective:

To determine if Algo, a clinical algorithm to select bathing equipment for ‘straightforward’ cases, guides home health aides in selecting the appropriate bath seat.

Design:

Criterion validity study.

Setting:

Community home care.

Subjects:

Eight home health aides used Algo with community-dwelling older adults having a straightforward problem.

Main measures:

Their bath-seat recommendations were compared with those proposed by an occupational therapist (OT), which were considered as the gold standard. In order to determine a clinically acceptable threshold of agreement between the recommendations, a subgroup of community-dwelling elderly people was assessed a third time by another OT.

Results:

Half of the clients (74/143) for whom bathroom assessments were requested qualified as potentially straightforward cases after triage and were visited at home by a home health aide using Algo. In 84% of cases (95% confidence interval (CI) = [75, 93]), the non-OTs using Algo identified a seat that would enable these older adults to bathe according to their preferences, abilities and environment, as confirmed by the gold standard OT. Moreover, this appropriateness rate did not statistically differ from that obtained when comparing another OT to the gold standard.

Conclusion:

Algo guides non-OTs toward a bath seat that meets the needs of community-dwelling older adults in the majority of cases.
The effect of feedback respiratory training on pulmonary function of children with cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled preliminary report
Authors: Lee Hye Young , Cha Yong Jun , Kim Kyoung
Published: July 2013

Objective:

To investigate the effect of feedback respiratory training on pulmonary function of children with cerebral palsy.

Design:

Randomized controlled experimental study.

Setting:

Outpatient rehabilitation hospital.

Subjects:

Twenty-two children with cerebral palsy were randomly assigned to two groups: the experimental group (feedback respiratory training) and the control group.

Interventions:

Feedback respiratory training and comprehensive rehabilitation therapy were performed by children in the experimental group. Comprehensive rehabilitation therapy was performed by children in the control group. Children in both groups received training three times per week for a period of four weeks.

Outcome measures:

Forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume at one second, peak expiratory flow, vital capacity, tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume and expiratory reserve volume were assessed before and after four weeks training period.

Results:

Significant improvements in pulmonary function were observed after training in the experimental group ( P < 0.05). Greater gains were observed in the experimental group than in the control group ( P < 0.05). Values of forced vital capacity increased by 50%, forced expiratory volume at one second increased by 40% as a result of training in the experimental group. The control group showed no significant changes in pulmonary function after training ( P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Participation in feedback respiratory training resulted in improvement of pulmonary function of children with cerebral palsy.
Participation in Cancer Clinical Trials
Authors: Byrne Margaret M. , Tannenbaum Stacey L. , Glück Stefan , Hurley Judith , Antoni Michael
Published: July 2013

Background. Participation in cancer clinical trials is low, particularly in racial and ethnic minorities in some cases, which has negative consequences for the generalizability for study findings. The objective of this study was to determine what factors are associated with patients’ participation or willingness to participate and whether these factors vary by race/ethnicity. Design or Methods. White, Hispanic, and black participants were obtained through the Florida cancer registry and who were diagnosed with breast, lung, colorectal, or prostate cancer (N = 1100). Participants were surveyed via telephone to obtain demographic information, past participation, and willingness to participate in clinical trials, as well as barriers and facilitators to participation. Logistic and Poisson regressions were performed. Results. Respondents were on average 67.4 years old, 42.7% were male, and 50.1% were married. In this population, 7.7% of respondents had participated in a clinical trial, and 36.5% stated that they would be willing to participate. In multivariate models, blacks and Hispanics were equally likely as whites to be willing to participate in cancer trials, but Hispanics were less likely to have participated, and this was especially more likely in non–English-speaking Hispanics compared with English-speaking Hispanics. Notable barriers across race/ethnicity were mistrust and lack of knowledge of clinical trials. Limitations. Cross-sectional design limits cause-and-effect conclusions. Conclusions. There are racial differences in participation rates but not in willingness to participate. We hypothesize that willingness to participate is not very high because people are uninformed about participating, particularly in non–English-speaking Hispanics. Barriers and facilitators to participation vary by race. Improved understanding of cultural differences that can be addressed by physicians may restore faith, comprehension, and acceptability of clinical trials by all patients.
Planning for provably reliable navigation using an unreliable, nearly sensorless robot
Authors: Lewis Jeremy S. , O’Kane Jason M.
Published: July 2013

This paper addresses a navigation problem for a certain type of simple mobile robot modeled as a point moving in the plane. The only requirement on the robot is that it must be able to translate in a desired direction, with bounded angular error (measured in a global reference frame), until it reaches the nearest obstacle in its motion direction. One straightforward realization of this capability might use a noisy compass and a contact sensor. We present a planning algorithm that enables such a robot to navigate reliably through its environment. The algorithm constructs a directed graph in which each node is labeled with a subset of the environment boundary. Each edge of the graph is labeled with a sequence of actions that can move the robot from any location in one such set to some location in the other set. We use a variety of local planners to generate the edges, including a “corner-finding” technique that allows the robot to travel to and localize itself at a convex vertex of the environment boundary. The algorithm forms complete plans by searching the resulting graph. We have implemented this algorithm and present results from both simulation and a proof-of-concept physical realization.
Hybrid iterative reconstruction algorithm in brain CT: a radiation dose reduction and image quality assessment study
Authors: Löve Askell , Siemund Roger , Höglund Peter , Van Westen Danielle , Stenberg Lars , Petersen Cecilia , Björkman-Burtscher Isabella M
Published: July 2013

Background

Iterative reconstruction (IR) algorithms improve image quality and allow for radiation dose reduction in CT. Dose reduction is particularly challenging in brain CT where good low-contrast resolution is essential. Ideally, evaluation of image quality combines objective measurements and subjective assessment of clinically relevant quality criteria. Subjective assessment is associated with various pitfalls and biases.

Purpose

To evaluate the potential of the hybrid IR algorithm iDOSE4 to preserve image quality in phantom and clinical brain CT acquired with 30% reduced radiation dose, and to discuss the image quality assessment methods.

Material and Methods

Forty patients underwent two consecutive brain CTs with normal radiation dose (ND) and 30% reduced dose (RD). Both ND and RD were reconstructed with FBP. In addition the reduced dose CTs were reconstructed with two levels of IR (ID2, ID4). Three image quality criteria (grey-white-matter discrimination, basal ganglia delineation, general image quality) were graded and ranked by six neuroradiologists. Noise levels and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) were measured in clinical data. Noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), spatial resolution, and noise-power spectrum (NPS) were also assessed in a phantom.

Results

Subjective image quality was considered adequate for clinical use for all reconstructions, graded good or excellent in 93% of cases for ND, 83% for ID4, 79% for ID2, and 67% for RD. For all quality parameters, ID4 and ID2 were graded better than RD ( P < 0.0055 and P < 0.035), but worse than ND ( P < 0.001). In clinical images, objective measurements showed lower noise and significantly higher CNR in ID4 compared with ND and RD ( P < 0.001). CNR was similar for ID2 and ND. In the phantom, IR reduced noise while maintaining spatial resolution and NPS. Conclusion: The IR algorithm improves image quality of reduced dose CTs and consistently delivers sufficient image quality for clinical purposes. Pitfalls related to subjective assessment can be addressed with careful study design.
Low-dose multidetector computed tomography of the cervical spine: optimization of iterative reconstruction strength levels
Authors: Omoumi Patrick , Verdun Francis R , Salah Yosr Ben , Berg Bruno C Vande , Lecouvet Frederic E , Malghem Jacques , Ott Julien G , Meuli Reto , Becce Fabio
Published: July 2013

Background

Iterative reconstruction (IR) techniques reduce image noise in multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) imaging. They can therefore be used to reduce radiation dose while maintaining diagnostic image quality nearly constant. However, CT manufacturers offer several strength levels of IR to choose from.

Purpose

To determine the optimal strength level of IR in low-dose MDCT of the cervical spine.

Material and Methods

Thirty consecutive patients investigated by low-dose cervical spine MDCT were prospectively studied. Raw data were reconstructed using filtered back-projection and sinogram-affirmed IR (SAFIRE, strength levels 1 to 5) techniques. Image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were measured at C3–C4 and C6–C7 levels. Two radiologists independently and blindly evaluated various anatomical structures (both dense and soft tissues) using a 4-point scale. They also rated the overall diagnostic image quality using a 10-point scale.

Results

As IR strength levels increased, image noise decreased linearly, while SNR and CNR both increased linearly at C3–C4 and C6–C7 levels ( P < 0.001). For the intervertebral discs, the content of neural foramina and dural sac, and for the ligaments, subjective image quality scores increased linearly with increasing IR strength level ( P ≤ 0.03). Conversely, for the soft tissues and trabecular bone, the scores decreased linearly with increasing IR strength level ( P < 0.001). Finally, the overall diagnostic image quality scores increased linearly with increasing IR strength level ( P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The optimal strength level of IR in low-dose cervical spine MDCT depends on the anatomical structure to be analyzed. For the intervertebral discs and the content of neural foramina, high strength levels of IR are recommended.
Indigenous body parts, mutating temporalities, and the half-lives of postcolonial technoscience
Authors: Kowal Emma , Radin Joanna , Reardon Jenny
Published: July 2013

Biological samples collected from indigenous communities from the mid-20th century for scientific study and preserved in freezers of the Global North have been at the center of a number of controversies. This essay explores why the problem of indigenous biospecimens has returned to critical attention frequently over the past two decades, and why and how Science and Technology Studies should attend to this problem. We propose that mutation – the variously advantageous, deleterious, or neutral mechanism of biological change – can provide a conceptual and analogical resource for reckoning with unexpected problems created by the persistence of frozen indigenous biospecimens. Mutations transcend dichotomies of premodern/modern, pro-science/anti-science, and north/south, inviting us to focus on entanglements and interdependencies. Freezing biospecimens induces mutations in indigenous populations, in the scientists who collected and stored such specimens, and in the specimens themselves. The jumbling of timescales introduced by practices of freezing generates new ethical problems: problems that become ever more acute as the supposed immortality of frozen samples meets the mortality of the scientists who maintain them. More broadly, we propose that an ‘abductive’ approach to Science and Technology Studies theories of co-production can direct attention to the work of temporality in the ongoing alignment of social and technical orders. Attending to the unfolding and mutating vital legacies of indigenous body parts, collected in one time and place and reused in others, reveals the enduring colonial dimensions of scientific practice in our global age and demonstrates new openings for ethical action. Finally, we outline the articles in this special issue and their respective ‘mutations’ to postcolonial Science and Technology Studies, a field that, like genome science, is racked with ethical and temporal dilemmas of reckoning for the past in the present.
Relationship of Intimate Partner Violence to Health Status, Chronic Disease, and Screening Behaviors
Authors: Mathew Anitha , Smith L. Shakiyla , Marsh Brittany , Houry Debra
Published: July 2013

While victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) have increased risk of chronic disease, little is known about their preventive screening behaviors. The objective of this study was to relate IPV to health status, chronic disease, and preventive screening behaviors. We hypothesized that women who reported poorer health statuses, higher rates of HIV, no primary care, and less-frequent HIV testing, breast exams, and Pap smears would be more likely to experience IPV. Adult females who presented to three Emergency Departments (EDs) on weekdays from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. over a 14-month period were asked to participate in a computerized survey. Women were excluded if they were critically ill, did not speak English, intoxicated, or psychotic. Validated measures were used, including the Universal Violence Prevention Screen and the Short Form–12. Patients were asked about their health statuses, HIV statuses, and testing, if they had a regular doctor, and how often they had received pap smears and breast exams. Logistic regression modeling was used to test associations between IPV and the predictor variables, adjusting for age, employment, and education. Out of 3,381 approached, 1,474 women (43.6%) agreed to be surveyed. Age averaged 39 years ± 12.3 (range = 18-65), and most participants were Black ( n = 722, 86.8%). One hundred and fifty-three out of 832 women (18.4%) who had been in a relationship the previous year had experienced IPV. Compared with HIV-negative women, those with HIV were 5 times more likely to suffer IPV (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 5.113, p = .001), and women who were not sure of their HIV status were 9 times more likely to experience IPV (AOR = 8.818, p < .001). Women who performed monthly self-breast exams were 53% less likely to experience IPV as those who rarely examined themselves (AOR = 0.470, p = .010). Women who have HIV or are unsure of their status and those who rarely perform self-breast exams are at increased risk of IPV.
Purposeful Preparation
Authors: McHatton Patricia Alvarez , Parker Audra
Published: July 2013

General and special education teachers are increasingly challenged by the prospect of collaborating in inclusive classrooms to meet the needs of all students. Unfortunately, few are prepared for such experiences. This study longitudinally explored elementary and special education pre-service teachers’ perceptions of inclusion as they partnered for a classroom management course and a field placement in K-5 classrooms. Statistical analyses of responses to the Attitudes toward Inclusion survey indicate statistically significant changes in the elementary pre-service teachers, but no change in the special education pre-service teachers. Implications for teacher educators are provided.