bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social identity dynamics and emotional labour: The multiple roles of the tuina masseuse in the Shenzhen spa
Authors: Chan Michael
Published: October 2011

Drawing from Hochschild’s concept of ‘emotional labour’, this article explores the roles performed by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) masseuses in a large spa complex in a Chinese metropolis. Through an ethnographic study it was found that such roles were constantly shifting according to the dynamics of the service encounter and such shifts exhibited different forms of emotional labour that can actually accumulate exchange value in the form of psychological and economic benefits. Moreover, the masseuses had a very strong social identity as massage ‘experts’ that appeared to buttress the negative outcomes often associated with emotional labour. The findings suggest that emotional labour is not a stable and static process as previously thought and that future research needs to take more into account the agency of the worker.
Different shades of racial colorblindness: The role of prejudice
Authors: Mazzocco Philip J. , Cooper Lyndsee W. , Flint Mariagrace
Published: October 2011

Supporters of racial colorblindness are united by their opposition to racial categorization. However, we suggest that the nature of the relationship between racial colorblindness and racial policy attitudes among Whites varies based on individual differences in racial prejudice. Across two independent samples (Studies 1a and 1b), we demonstrated that colorblindness predicts opposition to affirmative action for low prejudice Whites. For high prejudice Whites, who presumably oppose affirmative action regardless of colorblind concerns, no significant relationship between colorblindness and affirmative action support was found. In Study 2, we examined the relationship between various rationales for supporting colorblindness and affirmative action attitudes, and again detected moderation by prejudice. Low prejudice Whites’ evaluations of affirmative action appeared to be based upon perceptions of declining discrimination as well as a concern for balancing the interests of both Whites and minorities. The affirmative action attitudes of high prejudice Whites, in contrast, appeared to be based primarily upon defending the interests of their racial ingroup. The implications of these findings for theoreticians and social justice advocates are discussed.
Seasonal and Spatial Variations of Bioaerosols in Indoor Urban Environments, Ankara, Turkey
Authors: Mentese Sibel , Rad Abbas Yousefi , Arısoy Münevver , Güllü Gülen
Published: October 2011

Seasonal and spatial variations of both levels and characteristics of airborne bacteria and fungi in various types of non-complaint indoor environments and their outdoors were investigated. Bioaerosol samples were collected by the single-stage Andersen sampler during the winter and summer seasons in Ankara, Turkey. Indoor and outdoor temperature, relative humidity (RH) and CO2 concentrations were also monitored online during the sampling. Bacteria levels in apartments were found to be considerably elevated when people were present. Significant relationships between bioaerosol levels and RH and CO2 concentrations ( p<0.05) were found. Bacteria levels exhibited a seasonal variation, while fungi levels did not, probably due to lower fungi concentrations occurrence as a result of lower RH values (median: 30%). Measured low levels of fungi in this study may be due to geographical conditions, climatic factors, and other environmental conditions. The indoor to outdoor (I/O) ratio for bacteria levels were found to be significantly higher than 1.0, while indoor and outdoor fungi levels were similar. Winter to summer (W/S) ratios in the sampling site groups varied on a large scale for both culturable fungi concentrations (0.24–19.59) and total bacteria count (0.16–6.59). The most prominent bacteria were Micrococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp. and Bacillus spp., while the most predominant fungi were Penicillium spp., Aspergillus spp. and Cladosporium spp.
Exploring how social media can enhance the teaching of action research
Authors: Carroll Fiona , Jenkins Alyson , Woodward Clare , Kop Rita , Jenkins Emrys
Published: October 2011

Action research has an extensive history of being used to improve teaching and learning in many different professional settings, for example, schools, colleges, universities health and social care services. Educational action research embodies a process that necessitates honesty and openness and which lends itself to the betterment of one’s practice; in the current e-learning climate, where education is rapidly changing and the role and practice of the educator is evolving yet uncertain, action research has never been more valuable. This article explores and presents how social media have been used to enhance the teaching of action research and also how students gained an understanding, appreciation and an evolving experience of action research. Exploring the intricate relationships between action research, new technologies and the learning that took place during an Understanding Action Research module, this article is written from the perspective that the module team was interested in ensuring that students acquired a fully rounded understanding of action research in order to utilize it in the improvement of their own practice.
Suicide Studies and the Need for Mixed Methods Research
Authors: Kral Michael J. , Links Paul S. , Bergmans Yvonne
Published: October 2011

The research method in suicide studies has been primarily quantitative, and suicide remains without an adequate or accepted general theory that incorporates multiple disciplines and perspectives. Dependence on quantitative research limits an understanding of the complexity of suicide. This article argues for the use of mixed methods for suicide research. Three key topics in suicide research are highlighted: risk factors for suicide, efficacy of suicide prevention, and cultural factors in suicide and suicide prevention. Mixed methods will expand knowledge of suicide by integrating theory-based variables and subjectivity as objects of inquiry. Mixed methods will allow for a broadening of research questions, more substantive understanding, and are necessary for a multidimensional and multidisciplinary suicidology.
Mean and diurnal indoor air humidity loads in residential buildings
Authors: Geving Stig , Holme Jonas
Published: October 2011

In this study, indoor air humidity and temperature levels have been measured in 117 houses in Trondheim, Norway. The houses were randomly selected for each of the following types: detached one-family houses, semidetached two-family houses, row houses, and apartment buildings. The temperature and relative humidity (RH) were measured at 15-min interval over a period of 1 week. The measurements were made in bedrooms, living rooms, bathrooms, and outdoors. The internal moisture excess, which is the difference between indoor and outdoor air water vapour content, was calculated. The dataset was analysed in regard to average values of internal moisture excess and its dependency of outdoor climate. The daily variations of indoor RH, temperature, and internal moisture excess for the various types of rooms were also analysed. The typical diurnal variations of RH, temperature, and internal moisture excess are presented together with the statistical variation. The effect of influencing factors such as occupancy (area per person), type of basic ventilation of the house, type of building, time of the year, and the level of average indoor air humidity was investigated.

To get a deeper understanding of some of the factors influencing the diurnal variations of the indoor air humidity observed in the field measurements, computer simulations of the indoor air humidity were also performed. The simulations were made using the numerical software WUFI Plus.
Nusselt number correlations for laminar convection in three-dimensional air-filled cavities
Authors: Gossard D. , Lartigue B. , Sambou V.
Published: October 2011

This article deals with laminar natural convection in three-dimensional air-filled enclosures. The cavities under investigation have two opposite isothermal vertical walls and four adiabatic walls. The vertical and horizontal aspect ratios are in the range 5–80 and 0.2–5, respectively. The Rayleigh numbers vary between 103 and 105. These values match cavities typically found in vertical hollow alveolar bricks. The effects of the geometry and the Rayleigh number on the convection are discussed. Comparisons between purely two-dimensional cases and the results obtained in 3D are presented and analyzed. Nusselt number correlations as a function of the two aspect ratios and Rayleigh number are proposed, offering an efficient tool for thermal engineers and scientists to evaluate convection heat transfer in real three-dimensional enclosures, which are common systems in building construction.
Antileukemic effects of AMPK activators on BCR-ABL–expressing cells
Authors: Vakana Eliza , Altman Jessica K. , Glaser Heather , Donato Nicholas J. , Platanias Leonidas C.
Published: October 2011

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway plays a critical role in growth and survival of BCR-ABL transformed cells. AMPK kinase is a metabolic sensor that exhibits suppressive effects on the mTOR pathway and negatively regulates mTOR activity. We report that AMPK activators, such as metformin and 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide, suppress activation of the mTOR pathway in BCR-ABL–expressing cells. Treatment with these inhibitors results in potent suppression of chronic myeloid leukemia leukemic precursors and Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells, including cells expressing the T315I-BCR-ABL mutation. Altogether, our data suggest that AMPK is an attractive target for the treatment of BCR-ABL–expressing malignancies and raise the potential for use of AMPK activators in the treatment of refractory chronic myeloid leukemia and Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Processing methods for signal suppression of FTMS data
Authors: Ma Xuepo , Cui Jian , Zhang Jianqiu
Published: October 2011

Background

Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometry coupled with Liquid Chromatography(LC-FTMS) has been widely used in proteomics. Past investigation has revealed that there exists an intensity dependent random suppression in peptide elution profiles in LC-FTMS data. The suppression is homogenous for the same peptide but non-homogenous for different peptides. The correction of suppressed profiles and an estimation on the range of suppression are necessary for accurate and reliable quantification using FTMS data.

Results

A software package, Gcorr, is presented. The software corrects peptide profiles that satisfy correction conditions, and it can predict fold change null distributions at different intensity levels. Subsequently, the significance P-values of measured fold changes can be estimated based on the predicted null distributions. We have used an 1:1 LC-FTMS label-free dataset pair collected based on the same sample to verify that our predicted null distributions conforms to that of the observed null distribution.

Conclusions

This software is able to provide suppression correction for peptide profiles, suppression distribution analysis and peptide differential expression analysis in terms of its fold change significance. The software is freely available at http://compgenomics.utsa.edu/Suppression_Study.html.
The integration of the treatment for common mental disorders in primary care: experiences of health care providers in the MANAS trial in Goa, India
Authors: Pereira Bernadette , Andrew Gracy , Pednekar Sulochana , Kirkwood Betty R , Patel Vikram
Published: October 2011

Background

The MANAS trial reported that a Lay Health Counsellor (LHC) led collaborative stepped care intervention (the "MANAS intervention") for Common Mental Disorders (CMD) was effective in public sector primary care clinics but private sector General Practitioners (GPs) did as well with or without the additional counsellor. This paper aims to describe the experiences of integrating the MANAS intervention in primary care.

Methods

Qualitative semi-structured interviews with key members (n = 119) of the primary health care teams upon completion of the trial and additional interviews with control arm GPs upon completion of the outcome analyses which revealed non-inferiority of this arm.

Results

Several components of the MANAS intervention were reported to have been critically important for facilitating integration, notably: screening and the categorization of the severity of CMD; provision of psychosocial treatments and adherence management; and the support of the visiting psychiatrist. Non-adherence was common, often because symptoms had been controlled or because of doubt that health care interventions could address one's 'life difficulties'. Interpersonal therapy was intended to be provided face to face by the LHC; however it could not be delivered for most eligible patients due to the cost implications related to travel to the clinic and the time lost from work. The LHCs had particular difficulty in working with patients with extreme social difficulties or alcohol related problems, and elderly patients, as the intervention seemed unable to address their specific needs. The control arm GPs adopted practices similar to the principles of the MANAS intervention; GPs routinely diagnosed CMD and provided psychoeducation, advice on life style changes and problem solving, prescribed antidepressants, and referred to specialists as appropriate.

Conclusion

The key factors which enhance the acceptability and integration of a LHC in primary care are training, systematic steps to build trust, the passage of time, the observable impacts on patient outcomes, and supervision by a visiting psychiatrist. Several practices by the control arm GPs approximated those of the LHC which may partly explain our findings that they were as effective as the MANAS intervention arm GPs in enabling recovery.
Case studies emphasising the difficulties in the diagnosis and management of alveolar echinococcosis in rural China
Authors: McManus Donald P , Li Zhengzhi , Yang Shukun , Gray Darren J , Yang Yu Rong
Published: October 2011

Background

Human alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is caused by the accidental ingestion of the eggs of the fox tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis. AE occurs frequently in rural western China due to the poor levels of hygiene, the close contact of people with dogs, and the lack of appropriate facilities for the correct and rapid diagnosis of the disease.

Findings

We describe a case of a patient with hepatic AE, and AE metastases of the brain. She was mistakenly diagnosed with suspected undifferentiated metastatic cancer of the liver and brain, and with a pulmonary bacterial infection, but was subsequently correctly diagnosed during a follow-up field survey for echinococcosis. The diagnosis of brain AE was confirmed by pathological examination of tissue biopsies removed during neurosurgery. We also briefly describe other symptomatic and asymptomatic AE cases, identified by chance, likely due to the inadequate facilities available in rural communities in China for AE diagnosis and management, since the rapid and accurate diagnosis of metastatic AE requires a high level of expertise in the appropriate diagnostic procedures.

Conclusions

This report highlights the necessity for an upgrade in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control of AE in rural China.
Pluripotency factor binding and Tsix expression act synergistically to repress Xist in undifferentiated embryonic stem cells
Authors: Nesterova Tatyana B , Senner Claire E , Schneider Janina , Alcayna-Stevens Tilly , Tattermusch Anna , Hemberger Myriam , Brockdorff Neil
Published: October 2011

Background

Expression of Xist, the master regulator of X chromosome inactivation, is extinguished in pluripotent cells, a process that has been linked to programmed X chromosome reactivation. The key pluripotency transcription factors Nanog, Oct4 and Sox2 are implicated in Xist gene extinction, at least in part through binding to an element located in Xist intron 1. Other pathways, notably repression by the antisense RNA Tsix, may also be involved.

Results

Here we employ a transgene strategy to test the role of the intron 1 element and Tsix in repressing Xist in ES cells. We find that deletion of the intron 1 element causes a small increase in Xist expression and that simultaneous deletion of the antisense regulator Tsix enhances this effect.

Conclusion

We conclude that Tsix and pluripotency factors act synergistically to repress Xist in undifferentiated embryonic stem cells. Double mutants do not exhibit maximal levels of Xist expression, indicating that other pathways also play a role.
Aggression and seclusion on acute psychiatric wards: effect of short-term risk assessment
Authors: van de Sande R. , Nijman H. L. I. , Noorthoorn E. O. , Wierdsma A. I. , Hellendoorn E. , van der Staak C. , Mulder C. L.
Published: October 2011

Background

Short-term structured risk assessment is presumed to reduce incidents of aggression and seclusion on acute psychiatric wards. Controlled studies of this approach are scarce.

Aims

To evaluate the effect of risk assessment on the number of aggression incidents and time in seclusion for patients admitted to acute psychiatric wards.

Method

A cluster randomised controlled trial was conducted in four wards over a 40-week period (n = 597 patients). Structured risk assessment scales were used on two experimental wards, and the numbers of incidents of aggression and seclusion were compared with two control wards where assessment was based purely on clinical judgement.

Results

The numbers of aggressive incidents (relative risk reduction −68%, P<0.001) and of patients engaging in aggression (relative risk reduction RRR =–50%, P<0.05) and the time spent in seclusion (RRR =–45%, P<0.05) were significantly lower in the experimental wards than in the control wards. Neither the number of seclusions nor the number of patients exposed to seclusion decreased.

Conclusions

Routine application of structured risk assessment measures might help reduce incidents of aggression and use of restraint and seclusion in psychiatric wards.
Overview of the 2010 Haiti Earthquake
Authors: DesRoches Reginald , Comerio Mary , Eberhard Marc , Mooney Walter , Rix Glenn J.
Published: October 2011

The 12 January 2010 Mw 7.0 earthquake in the Republic of Haiti caused an estimated 300,000 deaths, displaced more than a million people, and damaged nearly half of all structures in the epicentral area. We provide an overview of the historical, seismological, geotechnical, structural, lifeline-related, and socioeconomic factors that contributed to the catastrophe. We also describe some of the many challenges that must be overcome to enable Haiti to recover from this event. Detailed analyses of these issues are presented in other papers in this volume.
Haiti Building Failures and a Replicable Building Design for Improved Earthquake Safety
Authors: Holliday Lisa , Grant Hank
Published: October 2011

Christianville is a group of U.S. mission projects (education, medical, dental, and eye) located 8 km east of Léogâne and near the epicenter of the 12 January 2010 earthquake. The facility consists of a conglomeration of buildings built using Haitian construction methods over the past 40 years and serves as a microcosm of Haitian building techniques in the remainder of the country. There was significant variation in the performance of the buildings during the earthquake—some buildings completely collapsed, while others survived without a crack. Much can be learned from both the buildings that failed and the buildings that did not fail. This paper provides an analysis of the buildings on the site from various perspectives, including earthquake survivability, construction techniques, structural details, and changes that could be made to improve survivability in the future and the issues involved in a new adaptable building design.
Site Characterization and Site Response in Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Authors: Hough Susan E. , Yong Alan , Altidor Jean Robert , Anglade Dieuseul , Given Doug , Mildor Saint-Louis
Published: October 2011

Waveform analysis of aftershocks of the Mw7.0 Haiti earthquake of 12 January 2010 reveals amplification of ground motions at sites within the Cul de Sac valley in which Port-au-Prince is situated. Relative to ground motions recorded at a hard-rock reference site, peak acceleration values are amplified by a factor of approximately 1.8 at sites on low-lying Mio-Pliocene deposits in central Port-au-Prince and by a factor of approximately 2.5–3 on a steep foothill ridge in the southern Port-au-Prince metropolitan region. The observed amplitude, predominant periods, variability, and polarization of amplification are consistent with predicted topographic amplification by a steep, narrow ridge. A swath of unusually high damage in this region corresponds with the extent of the ridge where high weak-motion amplifications are observed. We use ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer) imagery to map local geomorphology, including characterization of both near-surface and of small-scale topographic structures that correspond to zones of inferred amplification.
Haemoglobin and ferritin concentrations of pregnant women at term
Authors: Adediran A , Gbadegesin A , Adeyemo T A , Akinbami A A , Akanmu A S , Osunkalu V , Ogbenna A A , Oremosu A
Published: October 2011

Background

Anaemia in pregnancy is defined as haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations of less than 11 g/dL while low ferritin is defined as serum ferritin (SR) levels of less than 10 µg/L. Hb and ferritin concentrations of pregnant women at term were determined to establish their mean values and to determine the prevalence of anaemia in our locality.

Methods

Haemoglobin and ferritin levels of 170 non-smoking and HIV-negative pregnant women were determined at term. The majority 143 of 170 (84.1%) of the pregnant women recruited for the study, booked at the beginning of the second trimester and received 200 mg elemental iron in three divided doses and 5 mg folic acid daily which were commenced at booking. Five millilitres of blood were collected from each patient at term into EDTA bottles for full blood count analysis and another 5 mL into plain bottles for SR assay.

Results

The mean Hb and ferritin values were 10.9 ± 1.9 and 47.84 ± 98.39 µg/L, respectively. The prevalence of anaemia at term was 46.4%. Only 11.2% (19 of 170) of pregnant women at term had low SR (iron stores). A statistically significant relationship was found between women's education and SR ( P = 0.032). Booking status also correlated directly with SR and haemoglobin concentrations, while increasing age and parity did not.

Conclusion

About half of the patients were anaemic. Iron deficiency is not the major cause of anaemia in pregnancy in this study because the majority of the pregnant women had normal iron stores. Education and booking status are possible factors that contribute to anaemia.
A Systematic Review of the Methodology Employed to Calculate Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Growth Rate
Authors: Bailey M A , Charnell A M , Griffin K J , Czoski-Murray C J , Sohrabi S , Rashid S T , Baxter P D , Scott D J A
Published: October 2011

Once detected, abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are surveyed with periodic ultrasound scans until they reach an intervention threshold, based on maximal AAA size. The rate of AAA growth varies greatly between patients. There has been significant research interest in pharmacological interventions to attenuate AAA growth and a lack of good-quality evidence for surveillance scan intervals. However, studies to date have used differing methods of growth rate estimation which have been analysed together in meta-analyses. We questioned the validity of this approach and systematically reviewed the methods currently used for AAA growth estimation in the literature and considered their relative merits and limitations. We reviewed 23 studies that met our inclusion criteria, containing a total of 9769 patients and identified three methods of growth rate estimation in use: (i) a simple distance/time calculation, (ii) linear regression modelling and (iii) linear multilevel modelling. Multilevel modelling had significant advantages over the other two methods as it allowed a linear model to reflect individualized growth rates of each patient. However, all methods in use presumed AAA growth to be linear and this is not necessarily the case. Further work using models which allow for nonlinear (e.g. quadratic) growth patterns is required. Consensus on a standardized model would allow valid pooling of data between centres. The UK National AAA Screening Programme will provide an important data source for ongoing work in this area.
The Effect of Oncotype DX Recurrence Score on Treatment Recommendations for Patients with Estrogen Receptor–Positive Early Stage Breast Cancer and Correlation with Estimation of Recurrence Risk by Breast Cancer Specialists
Authors: Joh Jennifer E. , Esposito Nicole N. , Kiluk John V. , Laronga Christine , Lee M. Catherine , Loftus Loretta , Soliman Hatem , Boughey Judy C. , Reynolds Carol , Lawton Thomas J. , Acs Peter I. , Gordan Lucio , Acs Geza
Published: October 2011

Purpose.

The Oncotype DX assay predicts likelihood of distant recurrence and improves patient selection for adjuvant chemotherapy in estrogen receptor–positive (ER-positive) early stage breast cancer. This study has two primary endpoints: to evaluate the impact of Oncotype DX recurrence scores (RS) on chemotherapy recommendations and to compare the estimated recurrence risk predicted by breast oncology specialists to RS.

Methods.

One hundred fifty-four patients with ER-positive early stage breast cancer and available RS results were selected. Clinicopathologic data were provided to four surgeons, four medical oncologists, and four pathologists. Participants were asked to estimate recurrence risk category and offer their chemotherapy recommendations initially without and later with knowledge of RS results. The three most important clinicopathologic features guiding their recommendations were requested.

Results.

Ninety-five (61.7%), 45 (29.2%), and 14 (9.1%) tumors were low, intermediate, and high risk by RS, respectively. RS significantly correlated with tumor grade, mitotic activity, lymphovascular invasion, hormone receptor, and HER2/neu status. Estimated recurrence risk by participants agreed with RS in 54.2% ± 2.3% of cases. Without and with knowledge of RS, 82.3% ± 1.3% and 69.0% ± 6.9% of patients may be overtreated, respectively (p = 0.0322). Inclusion of RS data resulted in a 24.9% change in treatment recommendations. There was no significant difference in recommendations between groups of participants.

Conclusions.

Breast oncology specialists tended to overestimate the risk of tumor recurrence compared with RS. RS provides useful information that improves patient selection for chemotherapy and changes treatment recommendations in approximately 25% of cases.
The Role of Irreversible HER Family Inhibition in the Treatment of Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Kwak Eunice
Published: October 2011

Small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) of the human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) include the reversible epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR/HER-1) inhibitors gefitinib and erlotinib. EGFR TKIs have demonstrated activity in the treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring activating EGFR mutations; however, multiple mechanisms of resistance limit the benefit of these drugs. Although resistance to EGFR TKIs can be intrinsic and correlated with molecular lesions such as in Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS; generally observed in a wild-type EGFR background), acquired resistance to EGFR TKIs can evolve in the setting of activating EGFR mutations, such as in the case of EGFR T790M mutations. Several irreversible inhibitors that target multiple members of the HER family simultaneously are currently in clinical development for NSCLC and may have a role in the treatment of TKI-sensitive and TKI-resistant disease. These include PF00299804, an inhibitor of EGFR/HER-1, HER-2, and HER-4, and afatinib (BIBW 2992), an inhibitor of EGFR/HER-1, HER-2, and HER-4. Results of large, randomized trials of these agents may help to determine their potential for the treatment of NSCLC.
Cetuximab Plus FOLFIRINOX (ERBIRINOX) as First-Line Treatment for Unresectable Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Phase II Trial
Authors: Assenat Eric , Desseigne Francoise , Thezenas Simon , Viret Frédéric , Mineur Laurent , Kramar Andrew , Samalin Emmanuelle , Portales Fabienne , Bibeau Frédéric , Crapez-Lopez Evelyne , Bleuse Jean Pierre , Ychou Marc
Published: October 2011

Background.

Triplet chemotherapy has demonstrated manageable toxicities and a favorable response rate. The addition of cetuximab to chemotherapy can increase treatment efficacy. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of cetuximab plus 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin (FOLFIRINOX), the ERBIRINOX regimen, as first-line treatment in patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

Patients and Methods.

In a phase II study, treatment consisted of weekly cetuximab plus biweekly. Treatment was continued for a maximum of 12 cycles and tumor response was evaluated every four cycles. The primary efficacy criterion was the complete response (CR) rate.

Results.

From April 2006 to April 2008, 42 patients were enrolled. The median age was 60 years (range, 32–76 years). The median duration of treatment was 5.2 months (range, 0.7–8.5 months), and a median of nine cycles was given per patient (range, 1–12 cycles). Five patients (11.9%) showed a CR, with a median duration of 23.1 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.8–39.7 months). The objective response rate was 80.9% (95% CI, 65.9%–91.4%). The median overall and progression-free survival times were 24.7 months (95% CI, 22.6 months to not reached) and 9.5 months (95% CI, 7.6–10.4 months), respectively. The most frequent grade 3–4 adverse events were diarrhea (52%), neutropenia (38%), and asthenia (32%).

Conclusion.

The ERBIRINOX regimen appears to be effective and feasible in first-line treatment of mCRC patients. These promising results led us to initiate a multicenter, randomized, phase II trial ([Research Partnership for Digestive Oncology] PRODIGE 14) in patients with potentially resectable mCRC.
An Innovative Method to Involve Community Health Workers as Partners in Evaluation Research
Authors: Peacock Nadine , Issel L. Michele , Townsell Stephanie J. , Chapple-McGruder Theresa , Handler Arden
Published: October 2011

Objectives. We developed a process through which community outreach workers, whose role is not typically that of a trained researcher, could actively participate in collection of qualitative evaluation data.

Methods. Outreach workers for a community-based intervention project received training in qualitative research methodology and certification in research ethics. They used a Voice over Internet Protocol phone-in system to provide narrative reports about challenges faced by women they encountered in their outreach activities as well as their own experiences as outreach workers.

Results. Qualitative data contributed by outreach workers provided insights not otherwise available to the evaluation team, including details about the complex lives of underserved women at risk for poor pregnancy outcomes and the challenges and rewards of the outreach worker role.

Conclusions. Lay health workers can be a valuable asset as part of a research team. Training in research ethics and methods can be tailored to their educational level and preferences, and their insights provide important information and perspectives that may not be accessible via other data collection methods. Challenges encountered in the dual roles of researcher and lay health worker can be addressed in training.
Smoking Behavior of US Youths: A Comparison Between Child Welfare System and Community Populations
Authors: Fettes Danielle L. , Aarons Gregory A.
Published: October 2011

Objectives. We compared rates of smoking for 2 groups of youths aged 12 to 14 years: those involved in the child welfare system (CW) and their counterparts in the community population. We then investigated factors associated with smoking for each group.

Methods. We drew data from 2 national-level US sources: the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being and the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. We estimated logistic regression models for 3 binary outcome measures of smoking behavior: lifetime, current, and regular smoking.

Results. CW-involved youths had significantly higher rates of lifetime smoking (43% vs 32%) and current smoking (23% vs 18%) than did youths in the community population. For CW-involved youths, delinquency and smoking were strongly linked. Among youths in the community population, multiple factors, including youth demographics and emotional and behavioral health, affected smoking behavior.

Conclusions. Smoking prevalence was notably higher among CW-involved youths than among the community population. In light of the persistent public health impact of smoking, more attention should be focused on identification of risk factors for prevention and early intervention efforts among the CW-involved population.
Effects of a Promotor-Based Intervention to Promote Physical Activity: Familias Sanas y Activas
Authors: Ayala Guadalupe X. ,   the San Diego Prevention Research Center Team
Published: October 2011

Objectives. This within-participants, single time-series study tested a train-the-trainer, promotor-based physical activity (PA) intervention to improve fitness and health indicators.

Methods. Thirty unpaid promotores were trained to promote PA through free exercise classes. Measurements of 337 female community participants at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months assessed changes in health indicators, including systolic and diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, body mass index (defined as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters), aerobic fitness, and hamstring flexibility, as well as self-reported health indicators (PA, depression) and psychosocial factors (barriers, self-efficacy, and social support—all specific to PA).

Results. Mixed effects models showed intervention participation improved systolic blood pressure (P ≤ .001), waist circumference (P ≤ .001), fitness (P ≤ .001), and hamstring flexibility (P ≤ .001). We also noted improvements in use of community resources (P ≤ .05), depressed mood and anhedonia (P ≤ .01), perceived barriers to be physically active (P ≤ .05), and community support for PA (P ≤ .001). Self-efficacy decreased (P ≤ .05), and participation dose (i.e., exposure), as measured by attendance at exercise classes, was not associated with observed changes.

Conclusions. Promotores can promote PA in their community and achieve meaningful changes in the residents' health.
Vulnerability of Female Drivers Involved in Motor Vehicle Crashes: An Analysis of US Population at Risk
Authors: Bose Dipan , Segui-Gomez, ScD Maria , Crandall Jeff R.
Published: October 2011

Objectives. Motor vehicle trauma has been effectively reduced over the past decades; however, it is unclear whether the benefits are equally realized by the vehicle users of either sex. With increases in the number of female drivers involved in fatal crashes and similarity in driving patterns and risk behavior, we sought to evaluate if advances in occupant safety technology provide equal injury protection for drivers of either sex involved in a serious or fatal crash.

Methods. We performed a retrospective cohort study with national crash data between 1998 and 2008 to determine the role of driver sex as a predictor of injury outcome when involved in a crash.

Results. The odds for a belt-restrained female driver to sustain severe injuries were 47% (95% confidence interval = 28%, 70%) higher than those for a belt-restrained male driver involved in a comparable crash.

Conclusions. To address the sex-specific disparity demonstrated in this study, health policies and vehicle regulations must focus on effective safety designs specifically tailored toward the female population for equity in injury reduction.
Sexual Orientation Differences in Asthma Correlates in a Population-Based Sample of Adults
Authors: Landers Stewart J. , Mimiaga Matthew J. , Conron Kerith J.
Published: October 2011

To understand what conditions may correlate with asthma diagnoses in the lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) population, we used Massachusetts Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data to construct multivariable logistic regression models separately for LGB individuals and heterosexuals. Current or former smoking and obesity were positively associated with history of an asthma diagnosis among both LGB individuals and heterosexuals. Being underweight (negative correlation) and overweight and reporting frequent symptoms of depression in the preceding 30 days also predicted a history of asthma diagnosis among heterosexuals.
Conceptual Models for Cumulative Risk Assessment
Authors: Linder Stephen H. , Sexton Ken
Published: October 2011

In the absence of scientific consensus on an appropriate theoretical framework, cumulative risk assessment and related research have relied on speculative conceptual models.

We argue for the importance of theoretical backing for such models and discuss 3 relevant theoretical frameworks, each supporting a distinctive “family” of models. Social determinant models postulate that unequal health outcomes are caused by structural inequalities; health disparity models envision social and contextual factors acting through individual behaviors and biological mechanisms; and multiple stressor models incorporate environmental agents, emphasizing the intermediary role of these and other stressors.

The conclusion is that more careful reliance on established frameworks will lead directly to improvements in characterizing cumulative risk burdens and accounting for disproportionate adverse health effects.
Meteorological parameters and pollution caused by Sulfur dioxide and their influence on construction materials and heritage
Authors: Preradovic Ljubisa , Ilic Predrag , Markovic Svetlana , Janjus Zoran
Published: October 2011

In work is presented research of presence Sulfur dioxide (SO2) on sample place where is intensive traffic and population density is high. Air quality monitoring was done with an automatic station. For the interpretation of the results are used monthly and annual patterns. On the basis of the detected pollutants during the air monitoring show the state of environmental conditions in terms of air pollution with Sulfur dioxide and influence of them on aero-pollution, structural materials and building heritage. Also is given evaluation of influence polluted air on building heritage. For statistical data processing and modeling of pollution along with meteorological parameters was used decision tree implementation of the analytical and statistical tool SPSS 17.
Experimental model for energy efficiency examination of pneumatic system
Authors: Blagojevic Vladislav , Stojiljkovic Miodrag , Nikolic Vlastimir
Published: October 2011

In pneumatic systems, which represent large energy consumers, energy saving is very important. Mostly, the costs of the electric power used for feeding the compressors in the production of compressed air amount to around 20% of the overall costs of electrical power for some factory. In order to examine energy efficiency of conventional pneumatic system as well as servo system, no matter on actuator type, in this paper the new experimental model for energy efficiency examination is proposed. It consists of two important parts, such as electric and pneumatic part. The conducted experiments have demonstrated that this new experimental model provides satisfactory results of actuator positioning and energy efficiency as well.
Design of narrow stopband recursive digital filter
Authors: Stancic Goran , Nikolic Sasa
Published: October 2011

The procedure for design of narrow stopband recursive digital filter realized through parallel connections of two allpass sub-filters is described in this paper. This solution also allows realization of complementary filter, using only one additional adder, and exhibit low sensitivity on coefficients quantization. The method is based on phase approximation of allpass sub-filter. The procedure is very efficient and solution can be obtained within only a few iterations even for large filter order n. Every stopband provides two more equations, one at notch frequency and the other at passband boundary. It is not possible to control attenuation at both passband boundaries, but described procedure provides that achieved attenuations are less or equal to prescribed values. Using this algorithm full control of passband edges is obtained comparing with existing methods where it is not possible.
VSI sliding mode control with regular multidimensional switching
Authors: Ryvkin Sergey
Published: October 2011

The novel VSI control is offered. It is characterized by a switching normalization of the discontinued control components in a sliding mode due to a special choice of switching surfaces. The suggested design approach allows providing high dynamics and accuracy indexes of the sliding mode system in a combination with the respect of requirements on electromagnetic compatibility. The possible hardware implementation is presented. The simulation results confirm a regular structure of VSI phase serial switching.
Numerical modeling of DC busbar contacts
Authors: Popa Ioan , Dolan Alin-Iulian
Published: October 2011

The paper presents two electro-thermal numerical models which can be used for the modeling and optimization of high currents busbar contacts for DC. The models are obtained by coupling of the electric model with the thermal field problem. The coupling is carried out by the source term of the differential equation which describes the thermal field. The models allows the calculation of the space distribution of the electric quantities (electric potential, the gradient of potential and the current density) and of the thermal quantities (the temperature, the temperature gradient, the Joule losses and heat flow). A heating larger than that of the busbar appears in the contact zone, caused by the contact resistance. The additional heating, caused by the contact resistance is simulated by an additional source injected on the surface of contact. The 2D model has been solved by the finite volumes method while the 3D model, by the finite elements method. Both models were experimentally validated. Using the models, one can determine the optimal geometry of dismountable contact for an imposed limit value of the temperature.
Analytical estimation of flux waveforms in 8/6 switched reluctance motors based on extension of flux tube method
Authors: Babaei Mojtaba , Faiz Jawad , Bahramgiri Maryam , Amini Sohrab
Published: October 2011

This paper presents a novel analytical methodology to model the four-phase 8/6 switched reluctance motor (SRM) for determination of the magnetic flux waveforms within the different sections of the motor. For this, 2-D finite-element analysis (FEA) of the motor is carried out to identify the flux tube plot within the motor at different rotor positions. Equations for calculation of inductance and flux-linkage characteristics of the SRM stator winding are derived as function of the motor specifications, rotor position and the stator current excitation. Voltage equation is then used to obtain the variation of the excitation current versus rotor positions. This obtained current waveform is then used to extend the flux tubes method equations to dynamics mode. Consequently, a model of the 8/6 SRM can be formed via the non-linear dynamic equations to calculate the flux waveform within the stator poles. The results obtained using the analytical method is verified by FEA and actual measurement of the motor. It is shown that this method is capable to predict accurately the flux shape in different portions of the 8/6 SRMs for a given excitation current shape.
The Internet as a field and a means in contemporary ethnological and anthropological research
Authors: Blagojevic Gordana
Published: October 2011

Cyber culture (synonyms for this term are: virtual culture, digital culture, net culture and the like) represents a multidisciplinary field of research. This paper focuses on the ways in which contemporary Internet technologies are used in ethnological and anthropological research. While studying cyber culture one needs to take into consideration the relativity of the division into virtual and real. The so-called virtual communities are often more real to their users than certain constructed communities from the so-called real reality. The Internet can be observed as a field and as a means for conducting research. Anthropologists introduced virtual ethnography as a conceptual and methodological approach to studying cyber culture. However, if we speak of actual scientific research, the term virtual ethnography is not an adequate one. The examined contents and communication with examinees are real. The other possible term is ethnography of the virtual world, but this term is not precise enough either, since the 'virtual world' is not limited only to the Internet. In my opinion, the most adequate terms are ethnography of the Internet and anthropology of the Internet. The Internet as a terrain for ethnological and anthropological research can be observed on several levels. Available information can be used as a data base, but also as material for analysis of existing textual, visual and audio contents. Previous research results show that in analyzing Internet phenomena one needs to take into consideration their physical background as well. Otherwise, the total context is lost. People with many different local identities enter the global cyber space. In this way cyber communities often portray the existing structures of relations. The Internet can be used both for establishing contacts with distance examinees and collecting data by methods of polls (by using electronic mail) and interviews (by using a camera and Skype). Theoretically speaking, a researcher who has access to fast Internet is able to contact examinees from different parts of the world (although they must also have access to the Internet). The advantages and faults of this kind of research conduct are viewed here as compared to research that demands immediate contact with examinees.