bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Estimation Methods for Resting Metabolic Rate in Critically Ill Adults
Authors: Frankenfield David C. , Coleman Abigail , Alam Shoaib , Cooney Robert N.
Published: November 2008

Background: Prediction of metabolic rate is an important part of the nutrition assessment of critically ill patients, yet there are limited data regarding the best equation to use to make this prediction. Methods: Standardized indirect calorimetry measurements were made in 202 ventilated, adult critical care patients, and resting metabolic rate was calculated using the following equations: Penn State equation, Faisy, Brandi, Swinamer, Ireton‐Jones, Mifflin, Mifflin × 1.25, Harris Benedict, Harris Benedict × 1.25, Harris Benedict using adjusted weight for obesity, and each of the adjusted weight versions of Harris Benedict × 1.25. The subjects were subgrouped by age and obesity status (young nonobese, young obese, elderly nonobese, elderly obese). Performance of each equation was assessed using bias, precision, and accuracy rate statistics. Results: Accuracy rates in the study population ranged from 67% for the Penn State equation to 18% for the weight‐adjusted Harris Benedict equation (without multiplication). Within subgroups, the highest accuracy rate was 77% in the elderly nonobese using the Penn State equation and the lowest was 0% for the weight‐adjusted Harris Benedict equation. The Penn State equation was the only equation that was unbiased and precise across all subgroups. The obese elderly group was the most difficult to predict. Therefore, a separate regression was computed for this group: Mifflin(0.71) + Tmax(85) + Ve(64) – 3085. Conclusions: The Penn State equation provides the most accurate assessment of metabolic rate in critically ill patients if indirect calorimetry is unavailable. An alternate form of this equation for elderly obese patients is presented, but has yet to be validated.
Reel life after prison: Repression and reform in films about release from prison
Authors: Bennett Jamie
Published: November 2008

This article examines the representation of release from prison in popular films. The article explores how prison films generally reflect and reinforce conventional views about crime and punishment, and in release from prison films this is seen in the predominant representation of violent, unreformed criminals being released from prisons to offend again. However, the article also identifies that images of reform and redemption appear in films and that this plays a role in maintaining a popular space for an alternative discourse. Two examples of reform-minded films about release from prison are compared and contrasted: Boy A (2007) and The Woodsman (2004). The article draws some conclusions about successful strategies of promoting penal reform through popular films and the difficulties of realizing this.
Outside the outsiders: Media representations of drug use
Authors: Taylor Stuart
Published: November 2008

This article is intended to highlight some key themes within the news media's reporting of drugs, drug users and drug-related crime.1 Its aim is to focus on how the news media represent illegal drugs and drug users and their causal links with further criminal behaviour. The article proposes that news media and governmental beliefs mirror each other and have both adopted a stance that serious or `problematic' drug use is dangerous and causes further criminality. It also asserts that both media coverage and policy direction are disproportionately aimed at specific stereotypes of drug users and drug-using offenders, to the point whereby simplistic notions have developed at the expense of a much wider and more complex discussion to the detriment of a holistic drugs discourse. The ramifications of such representations are that users of heroin and crack cocaine are thought of as risk-bearing `outsiders' and are actively excluded from society. The article will draw on a plethora of studies from across the globe through the belief that even in an era of media diversity and culturally diverse drug use, there are common globally identifiable themes within the news media's reporting of drugs and crime.
Validation of the confusion assessment method in the palliative care setting
Authors: Ryan K , Leonard M , Guerin S , Donnelly S , Conroy M , Meagher D
Published: November 2008

The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) is widely used in the palliative care setting despite the fact that its performance in this population has not been validated. The aim of the study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the CAM when used by Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors (NCHDs) working in a specialist palliative care unit. A pilot phase was performed in which NCHDs received a 1-hour training session based on the original CAM training manual. 32 patients underwent 33 assessments in the pilot phase but the sensitivity of the CAM was only 0.5 (0.22–0.78) and specificity was 1.0 (0.81–1.0). An 'enhanced' training programme was devised that took place over two 1-hour sessions and involved case-based learning focused on the areas where the NCHDs were experiencing difficulty. 52 patients underwent 54 assessments in the main phase of the study and the performance of the CAM improved significantly. Sensitivity was 0.88 (0.62–0.98) and specificity was 1.0 (0.88–1.0). The results suggest that the CAM is a valid screening tool for delirium in the palliative care setting but its performance is dependent on the skill of the operator. NCHDs require a certain standard of training before becoming proficient in its use.
Lamotrigine as an augmentation agent in treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder: a case report
Authors: Uzun Ö.
Published: November 2008

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a relatively common, often chronic and disabling disorder with high rates of partial and/or absent response to standard, recommended treatments. We report a case of treatment-resistant OCD that was successfully treated with a pharmacological augmentation of lamotrigine plus clomipramine. The patient, a 59-year-old woman, was on a stable dose of clomipramine (225 mg/day) when she was started on lamotrigine (up to 150 mg/day). After 10 weeks of this treatment, her clinical condition remarkably improved, as indicated by a significant decrease of the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale. This case suggests some preliminary evidence that the addition of glutamatergic agent lamotrigine may be useful in treatment-resistant OCD. However, further controlled studies are needed to support this finding.
A UK consensus on the administration of aripiprazole for the treatment of mania
Authors: Aitchison KJ , Bienroth M , Cookson J , Gray R , Haddad PM , Moore B , Ratna L , Sullivan G , Taylor D , Taylor M , Goodwin GM
Published: November 2008

Abstract

Aripiprazole has recently received approval for the treatment of moderate to severe manic episodes in bipolar I disorder and prevention of new manic episodes in aripiprazole-responsive patients. Aripiprazole differs from other antipsychotics in its pharmacology, and the need for prescribing guidance in the UK was recently identified. A UK multidisciplinary panel was convened in November 2007. This report describes the consensus agreed during the meeting on the optimal approach to prescribing aripiprazole: how best to approach initiation of, and switching to, treatment with aripiprazole and management strategies for side effects. A literature review of the randomised controlled clinical trials of aripiprazole in mania supports these recommendations. Aripiprazole should be initiated at 15 mg/day (range 5–20 mg/day). If necessary, adjunctive medication should be used in early treatment to manage side effects or assist in management of symptoms such as agitation. When switching to aripiprazole, the therapeutic dose of current treatment should be maintained while adding aripiprazole 15 (5–20) mg/day. Only once an effective dose of aripiprazole is reached should previous medication be reduced. Nausea, insomnia and agitation typically resolve within days. Some principles for dosing and switching are provided to assist with a successful treatment outcome with aripiprazole in mania.
Successful duloxetine treatment of a binge eating disorder: a case report
Authors: Bernardi S. , Pallanti S.
Published: November 2008

We report the successful treatment of a case of refractory binge eating disorder (BED) with duloxetine, a combined serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, resulting in complete remission of the patient’s bingeing behaviours. This case is discussed in the context of the existing literature on the psychopharmacology of BED. Results demonstrate that inhibition of 5-HT and noradrenaline reuptake by duloxetine markedly reduces food intake, suggesting that this may be a novel approach for the treatment of obesity.
Perceived Similarity Among Adolescent Friends
Authors: Linden-Andersen Stine , Markiewicz Dorothy , Doyle Anna-Beth
Published: November 2008

Perceived similarity of personality in same-sex friends was examined in a sample of 124 adolescents (63 girls). Adolescents rated themselves and a nominated friend ( n = 42 reciprocated, 82 non-reciprocated dyads) on developmentally relevant personality items assessing autonomy, prosociality, and responsive caregiving. Results from hierarchical linear modeling and multiple regression analyses generally supported predictions: Greater perceived similarity was marginally positively associated with more favorable ratings of friendship quality and significantly negatively associated with conflict ratings in the friendship. Adolescents in reciprocated friendships rated themselves as more similar in personality and more positive in friendship quality than did non-reciprocated dyads. A mediational analysis revealed that the association between reciprocity and perceived similarity was mediated by positive friendship quality. These findings suggest that reciprocated friends’ perceptions of being more similar in personality may in part be accounted for by their more favorable judgments of their friendship quality.
Do Private Religious Practices Moderate the Relation Between Family Conflict and Preadolescents’ Depression and Anxiety Symptoms?
Authors: Davis Kelly A. , Epkins Catherine C.
Published: November 2008

We extended past research that focused on the relation between family conflict and preadolescents’ depressive and anxiety symptoms. In a sample of 160 11- to 12-year-olds, we examined whether private religious practices moderated the relations between family conflict and preadolescents’ depressive and anxiety symptoms. Although preadolescents’ depressive and anxiety symptoms were not significantly associated with their private religious practices, preadolescents’ private religious practices moderated the relations between: (a) both mother- and preadolescent-reported family conflict and preadolescents’ anxiety symptoms; and (b) both mother- and preadolescent-reported family conflict and preadolescents’ depression symptoms. The relation between family conflict and depression and anxiety symptoms was significantly stronger for preadolescents low, versus high, in their private religious practices. Preadolescents’ sex was not differentially related to these findings. Results highlight the role that private religious practices may play in moderating the relation between family conflict and preadolescents’ internalizing symptoms. Implications of these findings and directions for future research are discussed.
Fire: plant functional types and patch mosaic burning in fire-prone ecosystems
Authors: Allen H.D.
Published: November 2008

Shared fire-survival and fire-persistence traits are found in taxonomically unrelated plant species that commonly grow in fire-prone ecosystems. Such traits include resprouting, after fire has killed the above-ground biomass, and postfire seed release after the death of individual plants. Classification of such traits has led to a change in focus from research on the impact of fire as a disturbance factor on individual species, towards research into plant functional types associated with fire. This has led to a better understanding of the timing and geographic evolution of such traits as either fire-adapted or as a selective response to other disturbance factors. The identification of fire-survival and fire-persistence traits in fire-prone ecosystems is the first focus of this paper. It is followed by a discussion of recent research which offers a critical reappraisal of patch mosaic burning as a means to increase landscape heterogeneity and biodiversity, including the role played by plant functional types in determining diversity. The fire-prone ecosystems of mediterranean-type shrublands and heathlands, savannas and grasslands, and boreal and other coniferous forests are the main geographic focus of the paper.
Assessing productivity of vegetation in the Amazon using remote sensing and modelling
Authors: Luus Kristina A. , Kelly Richard E.J.
Published: November 2008

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the following strategies used to assess productivity of vegetation: (1) measuring LAI and fPAR; (2) calculating band ratios representing soil and vegetation stresses; and (3) modelling net primary productivity. Amazonian site-specific challenges are addressed in relation to each of the approaches, and pertinent research gaps are delineated. Conclusions focus on the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, and describing optimal strategies for integrating the productivity of vegetation into future Amazonian land-use change research.
AC Electrical Properties of Epoxy/Silicon Carbide Whiskers Composites Coated with TiO 2 and Poly(divinylbenzene)
Authors: Elimat Z.M.
Published: November 2008

This article deals with the alternating current electrical properties of epoxy/silicon carbide whiskers composites coated with titanium dioxide and poly(divinylbenzene). The alternating current conductivity and dielectric properties was studied as a function of frequency in the range from 100 kHz to 2 MHz, and temperature in the range from 30 to 120°C. It was found that alternating current conductivity increases with increasing temperature and frequency. Some alternating current conductivity and dielectric properties of epoxy/SiC whiskers composites coated with titanium dioxide and poly(divinylbenzene) as dielectric constants, activation energy, and relaxation time were determined. The observed enhancement in alternating current conductivity is attributed to increase in the number of conduction paths created by the whiskers contacts in the composite to give higher electrical conductivity. The universal power-law of alternating current conductivity is observed in silicon carbide whiskers composites. The calculated power exponent (less unity) is physically acceptable within this applied model.
Mechanical and Thickness Swelling of Particleboard Composites Made from Three-Year-Old Poplar Clones
Authors: Nourbakhsh Amir
Published: November 2008

Particleboards were produced from three-year-old poplar clones (e.g., Populus euramericana.costanzo, Populus euramericana. 561.41, Populus euramericana triplo, Populus euramericana vernirubensis, Populus euramericana marilandica, Populus euramericana. I-214, Populus deltoides 77.51, Populus trichocarpa, Populus nigra. betulifolia). One-layer laboratory particleboards were made with the above materials, with, board density of 0.7 gr/cm3, the resin type of (UF), a hardener content of (1%), a hardener type of (NH 4Cl), a press pressure of 30 kg/cm2, and a press temperature of 160°C. Modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR), internal bond strength (IB). Thickness swelling of the specimens were tested according to EN Standard. Overall results showed that most panels made from above materials exceeded the EN Standards for IB, MOE, and MOR. However, thickness swelling (TS) values were higher (poor) than requirements. The highest MOR, MOE, IB were reached with P.e. costanzo, P.e. 561.41, P.e. vernirubensis and P. trichocarpa poplar clones. The lowest TS 2 h and TS 24 h were reached with P.e. 561.41 and I-214 of the three-year-old poplar clones. Most types of panels made in this study covered the MOE, MOR, and IB strength requirements for interior fitments stated in the EN Standards. Nevertheless, the TS of the panels were very poor. Poplar clone panels are suitable for interior decoration (furniture, wall, and ceiling paneling).
Clinician Ratings of Batterer Treatment Behaviors in Predicting Reassault
Authors: Gondolf Edward W. , Wernik Haran
Published: November 2008

This article examines the use of clinicians’ ratings of batterer program participants to predict their reassaults during a 6-month posttreatment follow-up and a longer and more inclusive postintake follow-up period ( n = 380). The ratings consist of 10 items that reflect the behavioral criteria used by clinicians in making judgment about treatment success. Logistic regressions and ROC analyses show that the sums of the clinician ratings are significant but weak predictors of especially severe reassaults in the longer postintake follow-up. Analyses of the individual items and the determinants of the ratings reveal attendance compliance and avoidance techniques to be the strongest predictors and suggest that participant motivation, represented by these items, underlies the ratings. The overall weak prediction, however, reinforces the limitations of clinical ratings and the need to augment them with additional information.
Disability and the Dedicated Wheelchair Athlete
Authors: Berger Ronald J.
Published: November 2008

The “supercrip” athlete is often derided as a figure that is antithetical to the interests of people with disabilities. But few researchers have questioned the assumptions of this complaint or examined it empirically. In this article I problematize the supercrip critique and argue for a more nuanced view of dedicated disabled athletes as offering both a disempowering and an empowering experience for people with disabilities. I report on the results of in-depth interviews of ballplayers and other personnel associated with a premier collegiate wheelchair basketball program, documenting the unintended social fissures that developed between elite athletes and nonathletes within this disability community, and revealing tensions between exclusionary and inclusionary aspects of the sport and between separatist and integrationist strategies of using sport for progressive social change and personal empowerment. I conclude by considering the broader implications of the study for the role of sport in the disability rights movement.
Reclaiming Discretion
Authors: Burns Stacy Lee , Peyrot Mark
Published: November 2008

In an attempt to involve drug-related defendants in treatment, California's Proposition 36 constrains judges' discretion to restrict access to treatment and to revoke treatment. Despite its formal rule scheme, judges nevertheless develop and implement strategies to coerce and persuade defendants into treatment compliance. Proposition 36 is an unexplored setting for examining the externally and interactionally imposed limits on judicial discretion and attempts by judges to reclaim it. This article describes strategies judges use in response to defendant noncompliance and shows how the alternatives available to defendants further constrain judicial attempts at coercion. While judges would rather find a way to make treatment work, ultimately defendants can opt out of treatment by choosing incarceration. Ironically, incarceration may be preferred by defendants because it may be a less onerous alternative. This perception constitutes an important interactional impediment to the judge's treatment option and significantly constrains judicial strategies to enhance treatment outcomes.
Who Are Volunteers in Japan?
Authors: Taniguchi Hiromi
Published: November 2008

Although Japan has a lower level of volunteering than many other countries, recent studies show slow but steady changes in its voluntary sector. Motivated by the scarcity of generalizable studies on volunteering among Japanese, the author examines the effects of demographic, socioeconomic, and social capital variables on the number of hours volunteered in Japan using data from the 2002 Japanese General Social Survey. Findings show that although demographic, socioeconomic, and social capital variables all help explain the level of volunteering, social capital variables appear to be stronger predictors than the other two types of variables. Religiosity is one of the most significant facilitators of volunteering, even though the large majority of Japanese do not practice organized religion. Frequent face-to-face contact with friends also increases volunteering hours. Most interestingly, individuals who interact more with foreigners volunteer more hours.
A survey of young people's reading in England
Authors: Maynard Sally , Mackay Sophie , Smyth Fiona
Published: November 2008

This article reports on selected results of a comprehensive survey of children's reading in England, carried out online in 2005 by the National Centre for Research in Children's Literature at Roehampton University. With 4182 responses from children living in England aged from 4 to 16 years, the survey is a follow-up to a similar study completed in 1996. The article concentrates on those issues included in the survey which are of particular interest to children's librarians, specifically questions relating to borrowing books, choosing books, reading recommendations, book reviews, school libraries and classroom book corners.
The extinct animal show: the paleoimagery tradition and computer generated imagery in factual television programs
Authors: Campbell Vincent
Published: November 2008

Extinct animals have always been popular subjects for the media, in both fiction, and factual output. In recent years, a distinctive new type of factual television program has emerged in which computer generated imagery is used extensively to bring extinct animals back to life. Such has been the commercial audience success of these programs that they have generated some public and academic debates about their relative status as science, documentary, and entertainment, as well as about their reflection of trends in factual television production, and the aesthetic tensions in the application of new media technologies. Such discussions ignore a crucial contextual feature of computer generated extinct animal programs, namely the established tradition of paleoimagery. This paper examines a selection of extinct animal shows in terms of the dominant frames of the paleoimagery genre. The paper suggests that such an examination has two consequences. First, it allows for a more context-sensitive evaluation of extinct animal programs, acknowledging rather than ignoring relevant representational traditions. Second, it allows for an appraisal and evaluation of public and critical reception of extinct animal programs above and beyond the traditional debates about tensions between science, documentary, entertainment, and public understanding.
Corporate Mergers and Acquisitions in India
Authors: Basu Debarati , Dastidar Somashree Ghosh , Chawla Deepak
Published: November 2008

This article estimates two models for the takeover selection process in India by identifying discriminating variables that help delineate bidder and target firms. Both discriminant analysis and logit regression have been used for the purpose of developing the appropriate frameworks based on sample data of companies involved in a merger, acquisition or takeover during the period 2002 to 2005. Variables tested were measures of leverage, size, liquidity, profitability, growth, operating efficiency, retention, return on equity and risk. Both the techniques identified liquidity, profitability, size, risk and growth as the most significant discriminating variables. Results indicated that targets have higher liquidity, growth and size on one hand and lower risk, leverage, profitability and operating efficiency on the other. These results appear rational and support the theory that takeovers are a market share enhancing mechanism. Synergy gains through economies of scale or scope, reducing cost of capital or increasing debt capacity could be other driving factors. The discriminant model correctly classifies bidder and target firms to the tune of 64.8 per cent and has been applied to holdout sample for the year 2006 for verifying its predictive power. The logit model appears to be a better fit for bidders with a prediction accuracy of 99.1 per cent, which increases to 100 per cent for the holdout set. In case of targets, prediction accuracy increases from 8.9 per cent to more than 23 per cent over the two data sets. Both models yield similar results as both formulations display the same relationships for the independent variables with the dependent and also find current ratio as being the most important variable. Owing to the moderate degree of success of the model, it is recommended that any of the models could be used for screening companies for takeovers while other tools and methodologies could be developed to facilitate further research and enable decision-making.
Discipline and Negotiation
Authors: Akella Devi
Published: November 2008

This article examines issues of power and control in learning organizations. The emphasis is on understanding the working environments of learning organizations, taking into consideration the intricacies of power and control. It focuses on the relationship between management and employees and its overall implications in the effective governance of these organizational forms. The paper critically analyses 42 in-depth interviews undertaken at a multinational situated in Botswana to deconstruct the democratic and participative models of learning organizations.
Challenges of Implementing Economic Value Added
Authors: Mittal R.K. , Sinha Neena , Singh Archana
Published: November 2008

In this case we present the process of implementation of an economic value added (EVA) framework in Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL), a leading fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) company in India, and the challenges faced by the company. It covers in detail the reasons for implementing the EVA framework in GCPL and the benefits derived by the company from it in the form of the SWOT analysis. It is shown that there is a positive link between the implementation of an EVA framework and improvement in the financial performance of a company. It ends with a debate on the effectiveness of EVA.
Foreign Institutional Investment in India
Authors: Dhamija Nidhi
Published: November 2008

The increase in the volume of foreign institutional investment (FII) inflows in recent years has led to concerns regarding the volatility of these flows, threat of capital flight, its impact on the stock markets and influence of changes in regulatory regimes. The determinants and destinations of these flows and how are they influencing economic development in the country have also been debated. This paper examines the role of various factors relating to individual firm-level characteristics and macroeconomic-level conditions influencing FII investment. The regulatory environment of the host country has an important impact on FII inflows. As the pace of foreign investment began to accelerate, regulatory policies have changed to keep up with changed domestic scenarios. The paper also provides a review of these changes.
Using Home Learning Tool Kits to Facilitate Family Involvement
Authors: Floyd Loury Ollison , Vernon-Dotson Lisa Jo
Published: November 2008

It is a widely held belief that increased family involvement enhances student academic achievement. When considering children with special needs, involvement is not only beneficial; it is often an essential ingredient in a child's success. Families of children with special needs are often limited by time constraints that inhibit school involvement. This leads to the need to extend learning opportunities to families of children with special needs as a means of increasing levels of involvement in their children's education. This article describes a collaborative project between teachers at a local elementary school in North Carolina and members of their Parent-Teacher Association. The Home Learning Tool Kit served as a bridge between home and school, thereby assisting in educating families about their children's academic progress. The project focused on extending learning opportunities to families as a means of increasing their levels of involvement in their children's education.
(Dis)Solving the Differences
Authors: Kurtts Stephanie A. , Matthews Catherine E. , Smallwood Tammy
Published: November 2008

Universal design for learning (UDL) holds promise for teachers who are struggling with creating lessons that allow all students access to and engagement with the general science curriculum. In this article, the authors demonstrate how a secondary physical science lesson about solubility and concentration can be designed for diverse learners' needs by implementing UDL concepts. The lesson plan serves as an example of UDL in providing appropriate instruction that supports access to the general physical science curriculum for all learners.
Lies, True Lies, and Conscious Deception
Authors: Alpert Geoffrey P. , Noble Jeffrey J.
Published: November 2008

Police officers often tell lies; they act in ways that are deceptive, they manipulative people and situations, they coerce citizens, and are dishonest. They are taught, encouraged, and often rewarded for their deceptive practices. Officers often lie to suspects about witnesses and evidence, and they are deceitful when attempting to learn about criminal activity. Most of these actions are sanctioned, legal, and expected. Although they are allowed to be dishonest in certain circumstances, they are also required to be trustworthy, honest, and maintain the highest level of integrity. The purpose of this article is to explore situations when officers can be dishonest, some reasons that help us understand the dishonesty, and circumstances where lies may lead to unintended consequences such as false confessions. The authors conclude with a discussion of how police agencies can manage the lies that officers tell and the consequences for the officers, organizations, and the criminal justice system.
Towards a cultural sociology of popular music
Authors: Bennett Andy
Published: November 2008

This article provides a series of critical reflections on the development of sociological studies in relation to popular music and the development of a cultural sociology of popular music. The piece begins by mapping the origins of popular music as a focus for academic study and the indebtedness of this body of work to Centre for Contemporary Cultural Studies-style cultural studies analyses of popular music audiences and their reception of popular music texts. This is followed by a review of sociological work on popular music and the emergence of what could be termed a proto-cultural sociological approach. The final section of the article considers the cultural turn, its impact on cultural approaches to sociology and the significance of this for the development of a cultural sociology of popular music.
Communicating With Local Elected Officials: Lessons Learned From Clean Indoor Air Ordinance Campaigns
Authors: O'Dougherty Maureen , Forster Jean , Widome Rachel
Published: November 2008

This article describes a study of the effectiveness of communication strategies used to influence policy makers to support local smoke-free laws in the Minneapolis—St. Paul metropolitan region. Twenty-seven of 41 members of three city councils and two county boards of commissioners were individually interviewed as were seven advocates who campaigned for the bans. Officials valued public health and economic data, public opinion polls, personally written e-mails, and dialogue with constituents. Phone banking messages indicated public support but were a nuisance. Officials felt that media ads were a waste of money and leafleting and other personal targeting were unacceptable. Advocates tended not to critically examine their own efforts for strengths and weaknesses and seemed unconcerned by public officials’ negative reception to some strategies. This case study suggests the need for reflection on the pros and cons of well-funded, highly orchestrated campaigns for public health policy, as these strategies may clash with the political process of building relationships.
Numerical simulation of heat transfer and fluid flow in GTA/Laser hybrid welding
Authors: Ribic B. , Rai R. , DebRoy T.
Published: November 2008

In order to understand the temperature fields, cooling rates and mixing in the weld pool, a comprehensive, three-dimensional heat transfer and fluid flow model is developed and tested by comparing model predictions with two sets of experimental data. The first set of data was taken from the literature. The experiments varied the separation distance between the heat sources for three arc current levels at a constant laser power. The second set of experiments analysed the effect of varying laser power for a constant heat source separation distance. The results demonstrate that the distance between the two heat sources significantly affects the cooling rates. The calculated results showed that the hybrid weld pool was very well mixed with strong convection currents resulting from the interaction between the electromagnetic and Marangoni forces. The calculated and experimental results showed that hybrid welding increases the weld pool width and gap bridgability when compared with laser welding. The weld pool depth in hybrid welding was affected mainly by the characteristics of the laser beam. Hybrid weld pool penetration depth is maximised at an optimal distance between the arc electrode and laser beam. The cooling rate increases significantly when the heat sources are separated beyond a critical distance. At close separation between arc and laser, calculations show that the arc radius must be decreased to achieve the observed weld depths.
Effect of adding materials on fume formation rate of lime titania type flux cored wire
Authors: Li X. B. , Jiang J. M. , Wang Z. H. , Wu Y. L. , He D. Y. , Xu D. L. , Yang J. P.
Published: November 2008

The effects of welding fume on welders’ health and the environment are of great interest to occupational hygienists and welding consumable manufactures. Since the welding fume sources from the welding consumables and the flux core of the wire is added in many kinds of materials, the effect of several kinds of adding materials on the fume formation rate of lime titania type flux cored wire were studied. Research results show that adding materials in the flux core can be classified into three categories: the first kind can enhance the fume formation rate, the second can lower the fume formation rate and the third has no effects. Effects of adding material content on the fume formation rate are as follows: fume formation rate is enhanced by increasing the Na2SiF6 content; ilmenite has no obvious effect on the fume formation rate; if the core of the wire is made of right match of metal powders and appropriate weight proportion of the feldspar, the fume formation rate can be greatly lowered; the fume formation rate decreases in a large scale if the feldspar content increases in an appropriate confine.
Simplified method for establishing constitutive equations and flow stress data for welding stress modelling
Authors: Aarbogh H. M. , M'Hamdi M. , Mo A. , Fjær H. G.
Published: November 2008

A new method, called the representative σ– T curve approach, has been proposed by which the temperature and microstructural dependency of the flow stress in welding stress simulation tools can be relatively easily determined. The method is based on the ideal plasticity approach and on considering the evolution of the material properties during the temperature cycle in Satoh testing as representative for that taking place in all material points in the heat affected zone in a real welding operation. The method requires prior knowledge to the relevant Continuous Cooling Transformation (CCT) diagram.
Study on metal transfer modes and welding spatter characteristics of self-shielded flux cored wire
Authors: Liu H.-Y. , Li Z.-X. , Li H. , Shi Y.-W.
Published: November 2008

The metal transfer behaviour of self-shielded flux cored wire and the resultant welding spatter were investigated by using a high speed camera. Three modes of metal transfer were found, i.e. bridging transfer without arc interruption in explosive form or by surface tension, globular repelled transfer and droplet transfer, while the former two modes played a key role in the weld metal transfer. Correspondingly, the bridge explosion, discontinuous globular repelled process and the misalignment of droplets transfer were the main factors causing the welding spatter.
Genetic disruption of p38α Tyr323 phosphorylation prevents T-cell receptor–mediated p38α activation and impairs interferon-γ production
Authors: Jirmanova Ludmila , Sarma Dandapantula N. , Jankovic Dragana , Mittelstadt Paul R. , Ashwell Jonathan D.
Published: November 2008

T cells possess a p38 activation alternative pathway in which stimulation via the antigen receptor (T-cell receptor [TCR]) induces phosphorylation of p38α and β on Tyr323. To assess the contribution of this pathway to normal T-cell function, we generated p38α knockin mice in which Tyr323 was replaced with Phe (p38αY323F). TCR-mediated stimulation failed to activate p38αY323F as measured by phosphorylation of the Thr-Glu-Tyr activation motif and p38α catalytic activity. Cell-cycle entry was delayed in TCR-stimulated p38αY323F T cells, which also produced less interferon (IFN)–γ than wild-type T cells in response to TCR-mediated but not TCR-independent stimuli. p38αY323F mice immunized with T-helper 1 (Th1)–inducing antigens generated normal Th1 effector cells, but these cells produced less IFN-γ than wild-type cells when stimulated through the TCR. Thus, the Tyr323-dependent pathway and not the classic mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase cascade is the physiologic means of p38α activation through the TCR and is necessary for normal Th1 function but not Th1 generation.
Glucocorticoid therapy increases COX-2 gene expression in nasal polypsin vivo
Authors: Pujols L. , Benitez P. , Alobid I. , Martinez-Antón A. , Roca-Ferrer J. , Mullol J. , Picado C.
Published: November 2008

The aim of the present study was to evaluate thein vivoregulation of cyclooxygenase-2 in nasal polyps.

In total, 65 patients with nasal polyps were randomly (3:1) treated with (n = 51; 33 with asthma) or without (n = 14) oral prednisone and intranasal budesonide for 2 weeks plus intranasal budesonide for 10 additional weeks. Biopsies were obtained at baseline and after 2 and 12 weeks of treatment. All samples were analysed for cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA. Attempts were made to detect cyclooxygenase-2 protein.

At baseline, cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2 expression did not differ between polyps from nonasthmatic and asthmatic patients. Cyclooxygenase-1 mRNA was unchanged by glucocorticoid treatment, while cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA increased in glucocorticoid-treated patients at week 2 compared with baseline and then decreased at week 12. Within subgroups, increased cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA was found at week 2 in polyps from nonasthmatic and asthmatic patients compared with baseline. At week 12, cyclooxygenase-2 expression remained high in nonasthmatics while it decreased in asthmatics. Cyclooxygenase-2 protein was not detected under any circumstances.

Glucocorticoid therapy enhances cyclooxygenase-2 expressionin vivoin nasal polyps, a finding that does not follow the generally accepted assumption that cyclooxygenase-2 expression is suppressed by glucocorticoids.
Occurrence ofChlamydia trachomatisandChlamydia pneumoniaein paediatric respiratory infections
Authors: Webley W. C. , Tilahun Y. , Lay K. , Patel K. , Stuart E. S. , Andrzejewski C. , Salva P. S.
Published: November 2008

An emerging body of evidence suggests that half of asthma in both children and adults is associated with chronic lung infection. The aim of the present study was to determine the frequency of viableChlamydia pneumoniae(Cp) andC. trachomatis(Ct) in the respiratory tracts of paediatric patients with chronic respiratory diseases.

Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples obtained from 182 children undergoing bronchoscopy for clinical reasons were assayed using PCR analysis,in vitrotissue culture and immunofluorescence staining for the presence ofCpandCt.

Chlamydia-specific DNA was detected by PCR in 124 (68%) out of 182 patients; 79 were positive forCp, 77 positive forCtand 32 for both organisms; 75 patients had cultivableChlamydia. CtDNA prevalence decreased, whereasCppositivity generally increased with age. A total of 59 out of 128 asthma patients and 16 out of 54 nonasthmatics wereChlamydiaculture positive. When the patients were divided into inflammatoryversusnoninflammatory airway disease, there were 69 (46%) out of 150 and six (18%) out of 32 BALF samples with cultivableChlamydia, respectively.

ViableChlamydia pneumoniaeandChlamydia trachomatisoccur frequently in children with chronic respiratory diseases and may be more prevalent in asthma patients. To the current authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of viableChlamydia trachomatisin the lungs of children.
Physical activity in patients with COPD
Authors: Watz H. , Waschki B. , Meyer T. , Magnussen H.
Published: November 2008

The present study aimed to measure physical activity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to: 1) identify the disease stage at which physical activity becomes limited; 2) investigate the relationship of clinical characteristics with physical activity; 3) evaluate the predictive power of clinical characteristics identifying very inactive patients; and 4) analyse the reliability of physical activity measurements.

In total, 163 patients with COPD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage I–IV; BODE (body mass index, airway obstruction, dyspnoea, exercise capacity) index score 0–10) and 29 patients with chronic bronchitis (normal spirometry; former GOLD stage 0) wore activity monitors that recorded steps per day, minutes of at least moderate activity, and physical activity levels for 5 days (3 weekdays plus Saturday and Sunday).

Compared with patients with chronic bronchitis, steps per day, minutes of at least moderate activity and physical activity levels were reduced from GOLD stage II/BODE score 1, GOLD stage III/BODE score 3/4 and from GOLD stage III/BODE score 1, respectively. Reliability of physical activity measurements improved with the number of measured days and with higher GOLD stages. Moderate relationships were observed between clinical characteristics and physical activity. GOLD stages III and IV best predicted very inactive patients.

Physical activity is reduced in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stage II/ body mass index, airway obstruction, dyspnoea, exercise capacity score 1. Clinical characteristics of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease only incompletely reflect their physical activity.
Early short-termversusprolonged low-dose methylprednisolone therapy in acute lung injury
Authors: Silva P. L. , Garcia C. S. N. B. , Maronas P. A. , Cagido V. R. , Negri E. M. , Damaceno-Rodrigues N. R. , Ventura G. M. , Bozza P. T. , Zin W. A. , Capelozzi V. L. , Pelosi P. , Rocco P. R. M.
Published: November 2008

The present study compared the effects of early short-term with prolonged low-dose corticosteroid therapy in acute lung injury (ALI).

In total, 120 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups. In the control group, saline was intratracheally (i.t.) instilled. In the ALI group, mice receivedEscherichia colilipopolysaccharide (10 μgi.t.). ALI animals were further randomised into four subgroups to receive saline (0.1 mLi.v.) or methylprednisolone (2 mg·kg−1i.v.) at 6 h, 24 h or daily (for 7 days, beginning at day 1). At 1, 3 and 8 weeks,in vivoandin vitrolung mechanics and histology (light and electron microscopy), collagen and elastic fibre content, cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and -2 were measured.

In vivo(static elastance and viscoelastic pressure) andin vitro(tissue elastance and resistance) lung mechanics, alveolar collapse, cell infiltration, collagen and elastic fibre content and the expression of MMP-9 and MMP-2 were increased in ALI at 1 week. Methylprednisolone led to a complete resolution of lung mechanics, avoided fibroelastogenesis and the increase in the expression of MMP-9 and MMP-2 independent of steroid treatment design.

Thus, early short-term, low-dose methylprednisolone is as effective as prolonged therapy in acute lung injury.
Do childhood respiratory infections continue to influence adult respiratory morbidity?
Authors: Dharmage S. C. , Erbas B. , Jarvis D. , Wjst M. , Raherison C. , Norbäck D. , Heinrich J. , Sunyer J. , Svanes C.
Published: November 2008

The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of childhood respiratory infections on adult respiratory health.

In 1992–1994, the European Community Respiratory Health Survey recruited community based samples of 20–44-yr-old people from 48 centres in 22 countries. Study participants completed questionnaires and underwent lung function testing. On average, 8.9 yrs later, 29 centres re-investigated their samples using similar methods. Mixed effects models comprising an estimate for the random variation between centres were used to evaluate the relevant associations.

In total, 9,175 patients participated in both studies, of whom 10.9% reported serious respiratory infections (SRI) before 5 yrs of age and 2.8% reported hospitalisation for lung disease (HLD) before 2 yrs if age. SRI was associated with current wheeze (odds ratio (OR) 1.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7–2.2), asthma (OR 2.5, 95% CI 2.2–3.1), and lower forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1; 89 mL; 95% CI 54–126), forced vital capacity (FVC; 49 mL; 95% CI 8–90) and FEV1/FVC ratio (−1.2%; 95% CI −1.8– −0.6). Childhood respiratory infections were also associated with new asthma (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.03–2.0), new wheeze (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.0–2.4) and persistent wheeze (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.4–3.6) but not with a decline in lung function. Similar findings were observed for HDL. These associations were significantly consistent across centres. SRI was associated with lower FEV1when excluding ever asthmatics and current wheezers. The impact of early infections was significantly larger in subjects exposed to maternal or active smoking.

The impact of childhood respiratory infections on the respiratory system may not only last into adulthood but also influence development and persistence of adult respiratory morbidity.
Air pollution during pregnancy and lung function in newborns: a birth cohort study
Authors: Latzin P. , Röösli M. , Huss A. , Kuehni C. E. , Frey U.
Published: November 2008

Post-natal exposure to air pollution is associated with diminished lung growth during school age. The current authors aimed to determine whether pre-natal exposure to air pollution is associated with lung function changes in the newborn.

In a prospective birth cohort of 241 healthy term-born neonates, tidal breathing, lung volume, ventilation inhomogeneity and exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) were measured during unsedated sleep at age 5 weeks. Maternal exposure to particles with a 50% cut-off aerodynamic diameter of 10 μm (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3), and distance to major roads were estimated during pregnancy. The association between these exposures and lung function was assessed using linear regression.

Minute ventilation was higher in infants with higher pre-natal PM10exposure (24.9 mL·min−1per μg·m−3PM10). The eNO was increased in infants with higher pre-natal NO2exposure (0.98 ppb per μg·m−3NO2). Post-natal exposure to air pollution did not modify these findings. No association was found for pre-natal exposure to O3and lung function parameters.

The present results suggest that pre-natal exposure to air pollution might be associated with higher respiratory need and airway inflammation in newborns. Such alterations during early lung development may be important regarding long-term respiratory morbidity.