bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mesoporous Silica SBA‐16 Functionalized with Alkoxysilane Groups: Preparation, Characterization, and Release Profile Study
Authors: de Andrade Gracielle Ferreira , Soares Daniel Cristian Ferreira , Almeida Ramon Kenned de Sousa , Sousa Edésia Martins Barros
Published: July 2012

A mesoporous material sphere based on silica, SBA‐16, was chemically modified with alkoxysilane using two different solvents: methanol and toluene. The influence of the chemical modification of the matrix on the release rate of a model drug was also studied. The structural characteristics of the materials were evaluated by small‐angle X‐ray diffraction, N2 adsorption, and transmission electron microscopy. The functionalization of the matrix was evaluated using thermal analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, 13C and 29Si solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance, and elemental analysis, CHN. The results show that alkoxysilane groups have been chemically bonded to silicon atoms on the surface of cubic Im3m mesoporous silica. The influence of the release rate of atenolol molecules from chemically modified mesoporous SBA‐16 could be identified, since significant differences could be observed among the release patterns of the different materials.
Preventive Role of Wire-Guided Cannulation to Reduce Hyperamylasemia and Pancreatitis Following Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
Authors: Mohammad Alizadeh Amir Houshang , Afzali Esmaeil Shamsi , zafar Doagoo Siavash , Mousavi Mirhadi , Mirsattari Dariush , Shahnazi Anahita , Zali Mohammad Reza
Published: July 2012

Background and Study Aims. The usefulness of wire-guided cannulation for avoiding hyperamylasemia and pancreatitis following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is conflicting, and therefore we designed this study to determine whether wire-guided cannulation reduces the rate of post-ERCP hyperamylasemia and pancreatitis and compare its efficacy to conventional method. Patients and Methods. Seven hundred and forty-eight patients with hepatobiliary diseases consecutively underwent diagnostic or therapeutic ERCP at the unit of Taleghani referral hospital in Tehran. Among them, 546 patients were eligible for wire-guided cannulation and underwent this procedure and others underwent sphincterotome biliary cannulation using contrast injection as the conventional method. Results. Patients in the two groups were comparable in terms of gender and age. Successful biliary cannulation was achieved similary in the guidewire and conventional group (89.2% versus 86.4%) that in 5.4% and 14.1% of them it was difficultly performed, respectively (P=0.003). The main pancreatic duct was more visualized in 99.0% of patients in conventional group in comparison with 79.0% in another group (P<0.001).
Multivariate regression analysis showed that wire-guided cannulation had a protective role for post-ERCP hyperamylasemia (OR: 0.336, 95% CI: 0.181–0.623, P<0.001). However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in rates of other procedure-related complications, such as, pancreatitis, bleeding, and perforation. Conclusion. The use of guidewire cannulation in comparison with conventional method can be accompanied with lower post-ERCP hyperamylasemia, and therefore selection of this cannulation technique especially in high-risk group is recommended.
Modeling Phosphorus Capture by Plants Growing in a Multispecies Riparian Buffer
Authors: Kelly J. M. , Kovar J. L.
Published: July 2012

The NST 3.0 mechanistic nutrient uptake model was used to explore P uptake to a depth of 120 cm over a 126 d growing season in simulated buffer communities composed of mixtures of cottonwood (Populus deltoidsBartr.), switchgrass (Panicum virgatumL.), and smooth brome (Bromus inermisLeyss). Model estimates of P uptake from pure stands of smooth brome and cottonwood were 18.9 and 24.5 kg ha−1, respectively. Uptake estimates for mixed stands of trees and grasses were intermediate to pure stands. A single factor sensitivity analysis of parameters used to calculate P uptake for each cover type indicated thatImax,k,ro, andLowere consistently the most responsive to changes ranging from −50% to +100%. Model exploration of P uptake as a function of soil depth interval indicated that uptake was highest in the 0–30 cm intervals, with values ranging from 85% of total for cottonwood to 56% for switchgrass.
Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Cells Contribute to the Stromal Myofibroblasts in Leukemic NOD/SCID MouseIn Vivo
Authors: Shirasaki Ryosuke , Tashiro Haruko , Oka Yoko , Matsuo Takuji , Yamamoto Tadashi , Sugao Toshihiko , Akiyama Nobu , Kawasugi Kazuo , Shirafuji Naoki
Published: July 2012

We recently reported that chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) cells converted into myofibroblasts to create a microenvironment for proliferation of CML cellsin vitro. To analyze a biological contribution of CML-derived myofibroblastsin vivo, we observed the characters of leukemic nonobese diabetes/severe combined immunodeficiency (NOD/SCID) mouse. Bone marrow nonadherent mononuclear cells as well as human CD45-positive cells obtained from CML patients were injected to the irradiated NOD/SCID mice. When the chimericBCR-ABLtranscript was demonstrated in blood, human CML cells were detected in NOD/SCID murine bone marrow. And CML-derived myofibroblasts composed with the bone marrow-stroma, which produced significant amounts of human vascular endothelial growth factor A. When the parental CML cells were cultured with myofibroblasts separated from CML cell-engrafted NOD/SCID murine bone marrow, CML cells proliferated significantly. These observations indicate that CML cells make an adequate microenvironment for their own proliferationin vivo.
Experimental Investigations on the Effects of Carbon and Nitrogen Sources on Concomitant Amylase and Polygalacturonase Production by Trichoderma viride BITRS-1001 in Submerged Fermentation
Authors: Juwon Arotupin Daniel , Emmanuel Ogunmolu Funso
Published: July 2012

The paper investigates the effects of different commercial carbon and nitrogen sources on the concomitant synthesis of amylase and polygalacturonase enzymes with the aim of optimizing them for maximal enzyme production. The microorganism used in this work was the fungus Trichoderma viride BITRS-1001, which had been previously identified as a highly active producer of amylase and polygalacturonase enzymes. The results showed that the different commercial carbon and nitrogen substrate significantly affected the concomitant syntheses of amylase and polygalacturonase in culture media supplemented with the different commercial carbon and nitrogen substrates. The result obtained suggested that for optimal and concomitant synthesis of the enzymes by Trichoderma viride BITRS-1001 in submerged fermentation, minimal medium supplemented with maltose and casein were the carbon and nitrogen substrates of choice.
Preparation and In Vivo Evaluation of Dichloro(1,2-Diaminocyclohexane)platinum(II)-Loaded Core Cross-Linked Polymer Micelles
Authors: Oberoi Hardeep S. , Nukolova Natalia V. , Zhao Yi , Cohen Samuel M. , Kabanov Alexander V. , Bronich Tatiana K.
Published: July 2012

The therapeutic performance of oxaliplatin can be improved by incorporating the central cis-dichloro(1,2-diaminocyclohexane)platinum(II) (DACHPt) motif into the core cross-linked block copolymer micelles. We describe here the preparation, cellular uptake, and in vivo evaluation of core cross-linked micelles loaded with DACHPt. Stable drug-loaded micelles were prepared at high drug loading (~25 w/w%) and displayed a considerably increased in vitro cytotoxicity compared to free oxaliplatin against A2780 ovarian cancer cells. The DACHPt-loaded micelle formulation was well tolerated in mice and exhibited improved antitumor activity than oxaliplatin alone in an ovarian tumor xenograft model.
Robust Semiparametric Optimal Testing Procedure for Multiple Normal Means
Authors: Liu Peng , Wang Chong
Published: July 2012

In high-dimensional gene expression experiments such as microarray and RNA-seq experiments, the number of measured variables is huge while the number of replicates is small. As a consequence, hypothesis testing is challenging because the power of tests can be very low after controlling multiple testing error. Optimal testing procedures with high average power while controlling false discovery rate are preferred. Many methods were constructed to achieve high power through borrowing information across genes. Some of these methods can be shown to achieve the optimal average power across genes, but only under a normal assumption of alternative means. However, the assumption of a normal distribution is likely violated in practice. In this paper, we propose a novel semiparametric optimal testing (SPOT) procedure for high-dimensional data with small sample size. Our procedure is more robust because it does not depend on any parametric assumption for the alternative means. We show that the proposed test achieves the maximum average power asymptotically as the number of tests goes to infinity. Both simulation study and the analysis of a real microarray data with spike-in probes show that the proposed SPOT procedure performs better when compared to other popularly applied procedures.
Urban Infestation Patterns of Argentine Ants,Linepithema humile, in Los Angeles
Authors: Gilboa Smadar , Klotz John H. , Nonacs Peter
Published: July 2012

Infestations of buildings by Argentine ants,Linepithema humile(Mayr), were monitored on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles. Foraging ant activity peaked during the hotter months of the year. The mean monthly maximum temperature, but not rainfall, positively correlated with indoor infestation frequency. Neither garden size nor the predominant groundcover vegetation correlated with the number of foraging ants at baits within gardens. Although the number of foraging ants outside a building varied over 40-fold, ant density in gardens did not predict the likelihood of infestation within the building. Also, the type of vegetative groundcover employed did not predict infestation frequency. There was, however, a significant negative relationship between the size of the garden outside of a building and the number of infestations. Given the large foraging area ofL. humileworkers, buildings next to small gardens may be infested simply because they lie within the “normal” foraging area of a colony. The best predictor of which rooms were infested within buildings was the presence of a water source. Thus providing water for ant colonies outside and away from buildings may be one method of integrated pest management to reduce the proclivity of ants to infest structures.
Temperament, Character, and Adolescents' Depressive Symptoms: Focusing on Affect
Authors: Garcia Danilo , Kerekes Nóra , Andersson Arntén Ann-Christine , Archer Trevor
Published: July 2012

Positive (PA) and negative affect (NA) are two separate systems markers of subjective well-being and measures of the state depression (low PA combined with high NA). The present study investigated differences in temperament, character, locus of control, and depressive symptoms (sleep quality, stress, and lack of energy) between affective profiles in an adolescent sample. Participants () were categorized into four affective profiles: “self-fulfilling” (high PA, low NA), “high affective” (high PA, high NA), “low affective” (low PA, low NA), and “self-destructive” (low PA, high NA). Personality was measured by the Temperament and Character Inventory and affective profiles by the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Schedule. The “self-fulfilling” profile was characterized by, compared to the other affective profiles, higher levels of sleep quality, less stress and more energy and also higher levels of persistence and a mature character (i.e., high scores in self-directedness and cooperativeness). “Self-destructive” adolescents reported higher levels of external locus of control, high scores in harm avoidance and reward dependence combined with less mature character. The results identify the importance of character maturity in well-being and suggest that depressive state can be positively influenced by promoting positive emotions which appears to be achieved by character development.
The Phosphorylation-Dependent Regulation of Mitochondrial Proteins in Stress Responses
Authors: Kanamaru Yusuke , Sekine Shiori , Ichijo Hidenori , Takeda Kohsuke
Published: July 2012

To maintain cellular homeostasis, cells are equipped with precise systems that trigger the appropriate stress responses. Mitochondria not only provide cellular energy but also integrate stress response signaling pathways, including those regulating cell death. Several lines of evidence suggest that the mitochondrial proteins that function in this process, such as Bcl-2 family proteins in apoptosis and phosphoglycerate mutase family member 5 (PGAM5) in necroptosis, are regulated by several kinases. It has also been suggested that the phosphorylation-dependent regulation of mitochondrial fission machinery, dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), facilitates appropriate cellular stress responses. However, mitochondria themselves are also damaged by various stresses. To avoid the deleterious effects exerted by damaged mitochondria, cells remove these mitochondria in a selective autophagic degradation process called mitophagy. Interestingly, several kinases, such as PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) in mammals and stress-responsive mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases in yeast, have recently been shown to be involved in mitophagy. In this paper, we focus on the phosphorylation-dependent regulation of mitochondrial proteins and discuss the roles of this regulation in the mitochondrial and cellular stress responses.
Temperature Estimation in the Combustion Chamber of an Internal Combustion Engine
Authors: Safakish Gholam Reza
Published: July 2012

The mathematical model of heat transfer phenomena is considered at the combustion chamber wall in an internal combustion (IC) engine. The mathematical model of proposed phenomena is established with respect to the crank angle. An inverse heat conduction problem is derived at the cylinder wall, and this problem is investigated numerically using Alifanov's regularization method. This problem studied as an optimization problem in which a squared residual functional is minimized with the conjugate gradient method. To show the ability of the proposed method, some test problems are considered.
Interaction between Overtraining and the Interindividual Variability May (Not) Trigger Muscle Oxidative Stress and Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis in Rats
Authors: Ferraresso Rodrigo Luiz Perroni , Buscariolli de Oliveira Renato , Macedo Denise Vaz , Alessandro Soares Nunes Lázaro , Brenzikofer René , Damas Danilo , Hohl Rodrigo
Published: July 2012

Severe endurance training (overtraining) may cause underperformance related to muscle oxidative stress and cardiomyocyte alterations. Currently, such relationship has not been empirically established. In this study, Wistar rats (n=19) underwent eight weeks of daily exercise sessions followed by three overtraining weeks in which the daily frequency of exercise sessions increased. After the 11th training week, eight rats exhibited a reduction of 38% in performance (nonfunctional overreaching group (NFOR)), whereas eleven rats exhibited an increase of 18% in performance (functional overreaching group (FOR)). The red gastrocnemius of NFOR presented significantly lower citrate synthase activity compared to FOR, but similar to that of the control. The activity of mitochondrial complex IV in NFOR was lower than that of the control and FOR. This impaired mitochondrial adaptation in NFOR was associated with increased antioxidant enzyme activities and increased lipid peroxidation (in muscle and plasma) relative to FOR and control. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis was higher in NFOR. Plasma creatine kinase levels were unchanged. We observed that some rats that presented evidence of muscle oxidative stress are also subject to cardiomyocyte apoptosis under endurance overtraining. Blood lipid peroxides may be a suitable biomarker for muscle oxidative stress that is unrelated to severe muscle damage.
Contribution of Yeast Models to Neurodegeneration Research
Authors: Pereira Clara , Bessa Cláudia , Soares Joana , Leão Mariana , Saraiva Lucília
Published: July 2012

As a model organismSaccharomyces cerevisiaehas greatly contributed to our understanding of many fundamental aspects of cellular biology in higher eukaryotes. More recently, engineered yeast models developed to study endogenous or heterologous proteins that lay at the root of a given disease have become powerful tools for unraveling the molecular basis of complex human diseases like neurodegeneration. Additionally, with the possibility of performing target-directed large-scale screenings, yeast models have emerged as promising first-line approaches in the discovery process of novel therapeutic opportunities against these pathologies. In this paper, several yeast models that have contributed to the uncovering of the etiology and pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases are described, including the most common forms of neurodegeneration worldwide, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases. Moreover, the potential input of these cell systems in the development of more effective therapies in neurodegeneration, through the identification of genetic and chemical suppressors, is also addressed.
Static Properties and Current-Driven Dynamics of Domain Walls in Perpendicular Magnetocrystalline Anisotropy Nanostrips with Rectangular Cross-Section
Authors: Martinez Eduardo
Published: July 2012

The current-induced domain wall motion along thin ferromagnetic strips with high perpendicular magnetocrystalline anisotropy is studied by means of full micromagnetic simulations and the extended one-dimensional model, taking into account thermal effects and edge roughness. A slow creep regime, where the motion is controlled by wall pinning and thermal activation, and a flow regime with linear variation of the DW velocity, are observed. In asymmetric stacks, where the Rashba spin-orbit field stabilizes the domain wall against turbulent transformations, the steady linear regime is extended to higher currents, leading to higher velocities than in single-layer or symmetric stacks. The pinning and depinning at and from a local constriction were also studied. The results indicate that engineering pinning sites in these strips provide an efficient pathway to achieve both high stability against thermal fluctuations and low-current depinning avoiding Joule heating. Finally, the current-driven dynamics of a pinned domain wall is examined, and both the direct and the alternating contributions to the induced voltage signal induced are characterized. It was confirmed that the direct contribution to the voltage signal can be linearly enhanced with the number of pinned walls, an observation which could be useful to develop domain-wall-based nano-oscillators.
Fluorescence Quenching by Reversible Charge Separation Followed by Ions Recombination and Their Separation Suppressed by Coulomb Attraction
Authors: Burshtein A. I. , Doktorov A. B.
Published: July 2012

The Stern-Volmer constant is specified for the luminescence quenched by reversible ionization of excited molecules. The exergonic branch of the Rehm-Weller free energy dependence of this constant is known to be a plateau determined by irreversible ionization being under diffusion control. In the endergonic region the ionization is reversible and competes with the irreversible in-cage recombination of ions and their escape from the cage. At strong Coulomb attraction the latter phenomenon is shown to be negligible compared to the former that determines the shape and location of the descending branch of the Rehm-Weller curve. At weaker Coulomb attraction (at higher solvent polarity), this curve turns down at larger endergonicity. The experimental data obtained in solvents of different polarities are put in order and in full accordance with present theory.
Cancer-Related Stress and Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Review
Authors: Chandwani Kavita D. , Ryan Julie L. , Peppone Luke J. , Janelsins Michelle M. , Sprod Lisa K. , Devine Katie , Trevino Lara , Gewandter Jennifer , Morrow Gary R. , Mustian Karen M.
Published: July 2012

A cancer diagnosis elicits strong psychophysiological reactions that characterize stress. Stress is experienced by all patients but is usually not discussed during patient-healthcare professional interaction; thus underdiagnosed, very few are referred to support services. The prevalence of CAM use in patients with history of cancer is growing. The purpose of the paper is to review the aspects of cancer-related stress and interventions of commonly used complementary and alternative techniques/products for amelioration of cancer-related stress. Feasibility of intervention of several CAM techniques and products commonly used by cancer patients and survivors has been established in some cancer populations. Efficacy of some CAM techniques and products in reducing stress has been documented as well as stress-related symptoms in patients with cancer such as mindfulness-based stress reduction, yoga, Tai Chi Chuan, acupuncture, energy-based techniques, and physical activity. Much of the research limitations include small study samples and variety of intervention length and content. Efficacy and safety of many CAM techniques and some herbs and vitamin B and D supplements need to be confirmed in further studies using scientific methodology. Several complementary and alternative medicine therapies could be integrated into standard cancer care to ameliorate cancer-related stress.
School Asthma Screening and Case Management
Authors: Moricca Michelle L. , Grasska Merry A. , BMarthaler Marcia , Morphew Tricia , Weismuller Penny C. , Galant Stanley P.
Published: July 2012

Asthma is related to school absenteeism and underperformance in elementary students. This pilot study assessed whether school nurse case management (CM) in children identified with asthma impacts academic performance and school absenteeism in one school. A validated questionnaire was used to identify children at risk for asthma and CM was provided to link these students to medical care and assure asthma action plans at school. In the 40 children with confirmed diagnosis who received CM, academic performance on standardized testing postintervention was similar to the 76 children who were low risk for asthma. Average days absent due to illness in the CM group were reduced from 5.8 to 3.7 days in the postintervention school year. School nurse screening, CM, and collaboration with a medical provider resulted in early identification, referral, and subsequent treatment of students at risk for asthma and may have contributed to reduced illness absences.
An Epidemiological Study of ADHD, Substance Use, and Comorbid Problems in Incarcerated Women in Sweden
Authors: Konstenius Maija , Larsson Henrik , Lundholm Lena , Philips Bjorn , van de Glind Geurt , Jayaram-Lindström Nitya , Franck Johan
Published: July 2012

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of ADHD and psychiatric comorbidity, including substance use in incarcerated women. Method: This was a cross-sectional study, consisting of two parts: (a) screening using the ADHD Self-Rating Scale (ASRS) and (b) diagnostic assessment using a structured interview. Results: A sample of 96 incarcerated women was screened and 56 underwent the diagnostic assessment. Twenty-nine percent of the women met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.) diagnostic criteria for adult ADHD in the diagnostic assessment. Forty-four of the women had misuse of alcohol, and 83% had misuse of narcotics the year prior to the incarceration. The ASRS showed sensitivity of 1.0 and specificity of 0.66. Conclusion: The prevalence rate of ADHD in incarcerated women was high and comparable to that in male offenders. Illicit stimulant use and antisocial personality disorder were significantly more common in women with ADHD. ASRS is useful as a screener in this population.
Health Considerations for Children With Congenital Heart Disease in School
Authors: O’Brien Patricia , Evangelista Juli-anne , Green Angela , Uzark Karen
Published: July 2012

School participation for children with congenital heart disease (CHD) can be challenging. Despite advances in treatment that have increased survival to adulthood and decreased morbidity, concerns remain about the health and safety of these students in the school environment. This article, the second in a series, discusses recent research on the increased incidence of neurodevelopmental disabilities that can impact academic performance in children with CHD. Exercise and sports participation is also addressed. School nurses are in a unique position to advocate for the child’s health needs in the school setting and facilitate communication with the health care team and school personnel.
Multifunctionality and diversity of GDSL esterase/lipase gene family in rice (Oryza sativa L. japonica) genome: new insights from bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Chepyshko Hanna , Lai Chia-Ping , Huang Li-Ming , Liu Jyung-Hurng , Shaw Jei-Fu
Published: July 2012

Background

GDSL esterases/lipases are a newly discovered subclass of lipolytic enzymes that are very important and attractive research subjects because of their multifunctional properties, such as broad substrate specificity and regiospecificity. Compared with the current knowledge regarding these enzymes in bacteria, our understanding of the plant GDSL enzymes is very limited, although the GDSL gene family in plant species include numerous members in many fully sequenced plant genomes. Only two genes from a large rice GDSL esterase/lipase gene family were previously characterised, and the majority of the members remain unknown. In the present study, we describe the rice OsGELP (Oryza sativa GDSL esterase/lipase protein) gene family at the genomic and proteomic levels, and use this knowledge to provide insights into the multifunctionality of the rice OsGELP enzymes.

Results

In this study, an extensive bioinformatics analysis identified 114 genes in the rice OsGELP gene family. A complete overview of this family in rice is presented, including the chromosome locations, gene structures, phylogeny, and protein motifs. Among the OsGELPs and the plant GDSL esterase/lipase proteins of known functions, 41 motifs were found that represent the core secondary structure elements or appear specifically in different phylogenetic subclades. The specification and distribution of identified putative conserved clade-common and -specific peptide motifs, and their location on the predicted protein three dimensional structure may possibly signify their functional roles. Potentially important regions for substrate specificity are highlighted, in accordance with protein three-dimensional model and location of the phylogenetic specific conserved motifs. The differential expression of some representative genes were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR. The phylogenetic analysis, together with protein motif architectures, and the expression profiling were analysed to predict the possible biological functions of the rice OsGELP genes.

Conclusions

Our current genomic analysis, for the first time, presents fundamental information on the organization of the rice OsGELP gene family. With combination of the genomic, phylogenetic, microarray expression, protein motif distribution, and protein structure analyses, we were able to create supported basis for the functional prediction of many members in the rice GDSL esterase/lipase family. The present study provides a platform for the selection of candidate genes for further detailed functional study.
The Relationship Between Abnormal Inventory Growth and Future Earnings for U.S. Public Retailers
Authors: Kesavan Saravanan , Mani Vidya
Published: July 2012

In this paper, we examine the relationship between inventory levels and one-year-ahead earnings of retailers using publicly available financial data. We use benchmarking metrics obtained from operations management literature to demonstrate an inverted-U relationship between abnormal inventory growth and one-year-ahead earnings per share for retailers. We also find that equity analysts do not fully incorporate the information contained in retailers' abnormal inventory growth in their earnings forecasts, resulting in systematic biases. Finally, we show that an investment strategy based on abnormal inventory growth yields significant abnormal stock market returns.
Process Flexibility Design in Unbalanced Networks
Authors: Deng Tianhu , Shen Zuo-Jun Max
Published: July 2012

Several design guidelines and flexibility indices have been developed in the literature to inform the design of flexible production networks. In this paper, we propose additional flexibility design guidelines for unbalanced networks, where the numbers of plants and products are not equal, by refining the well-known Chaining Guidelines. We study symmetric networks, where all plants have the same capacity and product demands are independent and identically distributed, and focus mainly on the case where each product is built at two plants. We also briefly discuss cases where (1) each product is built at three plants and (2) some products are built at only one plant. An extensive computational study suggests that our refinements work very well for finding flexible configurations with minimum shortfall in unbalanced networks.
Appointment Scheduling Under Patient No-Shows and Service Interruptions
Authors: Luo Jianzhe , Kulkarni Vidyadhar G. , Ziya Serhan
Published: July 2012

We consider an appointment-based service system (e.g., an outpatient clinic) for which appointments need to be scheduled before the service session starts. Patients with scheduled appointments may or may not show up for their appointments. The service of scheduled patients can be interrupted by emergency requests that have a higher priority. We develop a framework that can be utilized in determining the optimal appointment policies under different assumptions regarding rewards, costs, and decision variables. We propose two methods to evaluate the objective function for a given appointment schedule. We specifically consider two different formulations, both of which aim to balance the trade-off between the patient waiting times and server utilization and carry out a numerical study to provide insights into optimal policies. We find that policies that ignore interruptions perform quite badly, especially when the number of appointments to be scheduled is also a decision variable. We also find that policies that require equally spaced appointments perform reasonably well when the interruption rate is constant. However, their performance worsens significantly when the interruption rate is time dependent.
OM Forum—The Vital Role of Operations Analysis in Improving Healthcare Delivery
Authors: Green Linda V.
Published: July 2012

There is now a broad consensus among healthcare professionals that the U.S. healthcare delivery system is woefully inefficient and needs to be radically redesigned. Healthcare costs have always been a driving force in policy and management, but quality has become equally important in driving decisions, particularly since emerging payment systems include metrics on clinical and operational performance. With the increasing use of information technology to capture financial, operational, and clinical data and to coordinate care across time and different venues, there is a growing demand for operations analysts to examine processes of care and provide much-needed insights on how to better utilize resources to improve outcomes while reducing costs. In this paper, I describe some of the essential features of the U.S. healthcare system and some critical issues that provide opportunities for operations researchers to make important contributions.
A History of Seeing Essential English (SEE I)
Authors: Luetke-Stahlman Barbara , Milburn Wanda O.
Published: July 2012

Over the past 30 years, several Manual Codes on English have been developed in the United States. Unlike American Sign Language, which is a language independent of English, manual codes of English were designed to specifically reflect English and are signed in English word order. The first such system to appear during this time frame was Seeing Essential English (SEE I), developed by David Anthony, a deaf educator of the deaf. Today most educational programs for the deaf use Signing Exact English (SEE II) or Signed English and there is confusion about the nature and role of SEE I. This paper is designed to clear up some of the misconceptions that have grown up around SEE I, to provide some historical background about its development, and to review some research findings concerning its effectiveness.
Gender Differences in Wechsler Performance Scores of School-Age Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Authors: Slate John R. , Fawcett Julianna
Published: July 2012

WISC-III and WISC-R Performance IQs and subtests and WRAT-R scores of 47 deaf or hard-of-hearing school-age children were analyzed to determine whether differences in scores were present as a function of gender. Mean differences were present on the WISC-III and WISC-R Performance IQs, with boys scoring almost a full standard deviation higher than girls, and on the Performance subtests, with boys scoring significantly higher on four of the six WISC-III subtests and four of the five WISC-R subtests. Mean differences between boys and girls were not present on the achievement scores. Discriminant and regression analyses indicated differences between boys and girls in subtests most predictive of the Performance IQ. Hypotheses suggested to account for gender differences were that (a) the factor structure of the IQ measure was different for boys and girls and (b) differential teacher referral patterns were present. Implications of findings for future research are discussed.
Let's Talk: The Effect of Maternal Hearing Status on Interactions with Toddlers Who Are Deaf
Authors: Prendergast Susan G. , McCollum Jeanette A.
Published: July 2012

Eight dyads comprised of deaf toddlers and their deaf mothers (D-D dyads) and eight dyads in which only the toddlers were deaf (D-H dyads) were compared on the use and success of various means for establishing mutual attention for communication. Three different sequences of invitation and response resulting in mutual attention for communication were examined. Results indicated that for two of the types of invitation, the D-D dyads experienced significantly more episodes of mutual attention, not only because the deaf mothers were more active, but also because their deaf toddlers were more responsive. The relevance of these differences for development and for communication was explored, and implications were discussed for early intervention with D-H dyads.
Teachers' Ratings of the Communication Abilities of Their Deaf Students
Authors: Hyde Merv B. , Power Desmond J.
Published: July 2012

In this study, teachers' ratings of the speech intelligibility and receptive communication ability of 15 severely deaf and 15 profoundly deaf students using five methods of communication were compared with the students' scores on tests of these receptive communication methods. The teachers' ratings generally were lower than the test scores, and examination of the correspondence between ratings and test measures revealed a low level of association between the two. Only the correlation between ratings and test results for fingerspelling had an acceptable level of statistical significance. Teachers' ratings appeared to underestimate students' tested communicative abilities in all communication modes, a situation that could engender self-fulfilling prophecies of poor performance. It would therefore be useful to have relatively quick, reliable, valid procedures available for teachers to assess their students' communication competencies with the various manual and oral components of communication. Several such procedures are suggested.
A Comparison of Deaf and Hearing Subjects in Visual Nonverbal Sensitivity and Information Processing
Authors: Rollman Steven A. , Harrison Robert D.
Published: July 2012

This investigation compared deaf and hearing subjects in the degree of accuracy with which they can perceive visual nonverbal information about people, their short-term recall of visual information and the extent to which they focus on different parts of the body. Subjects were asked to gauge information about relationships between people shown in photographs and later to indicate what they remembered from the photos. Neither group demonstrated a statistically significant advantage in accuracy or recall. When comparing the reasoning processes used by the two groups to arrive at their conclusions it was found that deaf subjects were more than twice as likely as hearing subjects to base their judgments upon hand and arm behavior.
Causes of Deafness: Retrospection and Omens
Authors: Champie Joan
Published: July 2012

Professionals in the field of deaf education are familiar with common causes of hearing loss identified for each child entering school. Prenatal care, early screening and identification, and parent-infant programs seek to minimize the incidence and effects of deafness. However, in the nineteenth century deaf children began school at a much later age (often receiving only a few years of education) due to the prevalence of adventitious deafness. When enrolling their child, parents stated the perceived reason for loss of hearing. From today's enlightened perspective, these explanations may seem superficial or superstitious, but a review of the records provides a haunting image of the past, helping us to understand people and circumstances over 100 years ago. Current vaccines and medications can prevent or minimize many illnesses which cause deafness, but at the same time drugs, both legal and illegal, have created new dangers to the hearing mechanism. Awareness and prevention are crucial.
Itinerant Teachers: Responsibilities, Perceptions, Preparation, and Students Served
Authors: Luckner John L. , Miller Kevin J.
Published: July 2012

Increased numbers of deaf and hard of hearing students live at home, attend their neighborhood schools, and receive major portions of their educations from general education teachers with support from itinerant teachers of deaf and hard of hearing students. Although the itinerant service-delivery model is used extensively, there is a paucity both of information about itinerant teaching and of research that has examined its effectiveness. The purpose of this study was to begin a database of information about the job responsibilities, perceptions, and preparation of itinerant teachers, as well as about the characteristics of the students they serve. Data from surveys returned by 319 itinerant teachers was analyzed. The responses indicate that itinerant teaching differs in numerous ways from more-traditional approaches to educating deaf and hard of hearing students. Results, implications, concerns, and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Auditory Specialization in Deaf Children: Aural and Cognitive Interactions
Authors: Rittenhouse Robert K. , Kenyon Patricia L. , Healy Scottie
Published: July 2012

Hemispheric specialization in the brain has become a focus of study in recent years in an effort to better understand language acquisition and use in deaf children. To test the hypothesis that better-ear hearing acuity in severely hearing-impaired children will interact differentially with cognitive performance because of hemispheric influence, 27 children with bilateral, severe to profound hearing loss were divided into two comparison groups and a control group and were given a series of cognitive tasks of increasing difficulty. The authors conclude that hemispheric interactions may take place and affect cognitive performance in ways predictable from hemispheric-specialization theory and hearing ability. We offer suggestions for the focus of future research on this question.
The Classroom Communication Ease Scale: Development of a Self-Report Questionnaire for Mainstreamed Deaf Students
Authors: Garrison Wayne , Long Gary , Stinson Michael
Published: July 2012

This study describes efforts to develop a self-report psychological scale (CCES: Classroom Communication Ease Scale) to provide information about the extent to which mainstreamed deaf students think that they communicate effectively with teachers and peers, as well as how they feel about their communication experiences in mainstreamed classrooms. Data obtained from administration of the CCES to 50 deaf students enrolled in baccalaureate programs at a postsecondary technical institution were subjected to Rasch rating scale analysis. Fit of data to the measurement model resulted in a set of 42 items that empirically define the concept of "communication ease" in its cognitive aspects and a set of 21 items that elaborate the concept further in terms of its affective aspects.
A Review of AIDS Policies at Schools for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students
Authors: Deyo David A.
Published: July 2012

Surveys completed by state boards of education and state schools for the deaf and hard of hearing in 39 states/territories provided information about policies regarding students with HIV+/ AIDS. In addition, copies of the actual policies were provided by some survey respondents. Analysis of the survey data and content analysis of the policies themselves determined that policies vary in comprehensiveness from school to school and from state to state, from brief paragraphs to detailed, multipage sets of instructions. In many cases, these "policies" provide insufficient guidance for handling the complexities of placing and providing services to deaf and hard of hearing HIV+/AIDS students in a residential setting. The data reported and analyzed here were part of a larger but uncompleted study of AIDS policies at schools for deaf and hard of hearing students (see the editor's note).
Deaf Children's Spoken Language Output with a Hearing Peer and with a Hearing Mother
Authors: Niver Judith M. , Schery Teris K.
Published: July 2012

Knowledge of how deaf children use speech outside the classroom or therapy room may enhance our ability to improve their speech in a variety of situations and with a variety of communication partners. Past research has shown that deaf children's interactions in informal settings with their mothers and hearing peers create situations that can foster improved linguistic skills. In the current study, the amount and intelligibility of spoken language output in 15 deaf children ages 4-5 to 9-8 years during 15 minutes of free play with their mothers was compared with output and intelligibility during a similar session with a self-selected hearing peer. The results, which indicated that significantly more speech was produced during the children's interaction with their mothers, are discussed in terms of future research.
Criterion-Related Validity of Raven's Progressive Matrices with Deaf Residential School Students
Authors: Blennerhassett Lynne , Strohmeier Sara J. , Hibbett Cheryl
Published: July 2012

Criterion-related validity of Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM) was investigated using a sample of 107 deaf residential adolescents. Data collection involved retrieval of psychoeducational test scores (RPM; WISC-R Performance IQ; VMI-R; Bender-Gestalt; and SAT-HI Reading Comprehension, Spelling, and Language) from student files. Concurrent validity between the Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) and WISC-R PIQ was established, with significant ( p .001) correlations of .598 (using WISC-R deaf norms) and .616 (using WISC-R hearing norms). Predictive validity was supported by significant correlations between the SPM and SAT-HI Reading Comprehension, Spelling, and Language scores.
Hopwood, Affirmative Action, and Deaf Education
Authors: Andrews Jean F. , Martin Gabriel
Published: July 2012

Minority-deaf students constitute 43.5% of the deaf school-age population, yet only 11.7% of teachers and administrators in programs serving deaf students are persons of color. The ruling in Hopwood v. State of Texas (1996) banned the use of race as a major determinant in admissions to colleges and universities in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. This ruling, along with the current backlash against affirmative action policies, has hindered college administrators' efforts to recruit minorities in deaf education. We discuss Hopwood , affirmative action policies, and how both affect deaf education teacher training today. We also present an eight-step action plan for teacher-training colleges and universities to meet the need to increase the number of minority teachers and leaders and encourage state educational agencies and schools for the Deaf to do likewise.
Egocentric Language in Deaf Children
Authors: Kelman Celeste Azulay
Published: July 2012

E gocentric language is a generalization of Piaget's egocentric speech concept (1926/1969) investigated by Vygotsky (1962). Behaviors of eight children ages 2 to 5 years with profound congenital deafness were analyzed using six classes of egocentric language: motor reaction activity, silent lips articulation, murmur, oral-facial mimics, body expression, and vocalization. No child had received oral or sign language training. All attended videotaped play sessions. Events in which children engaged in "dialogue" with themselves or a toy, while pursuing a specific solution, were observed. Such extralinguistic behavior moves the thinking process toward problem solving like that of hearing children. Consequently, teachers should not interrupt when a deaf child is playing with or signing or vocalizing to a toy, because this behavior may be the manifestation of a reflexive moment and the generator of a decision process fundamental for cognitive development. Vocalization by a deaf child does not indicate willingness to speak; it merely manifests symbolic reasoning. Silent lips articulation and oral-facial mimics have the same effect and can also be interpreted.
National Survey of School Counselors Working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children: Two Decades Later
Authors: Zieziula Frank R. , Harris Greg
Published: July 2012

The first national survey of school counselors for deaf children was conducted by Marie Curtis in 1975. She found that deaf students needed counseling services and that existing services were poor to fair in meeting these students' needs. The purpose of the present study was to follow up on Curtis's study by seeking current information on the demography of school counselors as well as the present roles and skills of counselors working with deaf children. Survey respondents indicated that they spent most of their time providing individual and group counseling. A large majority of respondents said their communication skills with students were adequate or better. The three most frequently identified student problems seen were "problems with peer relations," "difficulty with decision making," and "poor self-esteem." Comparisons between the present study and the Curtis study indicate that counselor competence has improved in the intervening years. Specifically, survey respondents in the present study gave themselves much higher ratings in the areas of communication skills, training, and counseling skills.