bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Bionic Auditory Membrane With Non-Uniform Thickness for Acoustic Sensor With Wide-Range Frequency Selectivity
Authors: Shintaku Hirofumi , Kawano Satoyuki
Published: June 2012

In this study, we propose a bionic auditory membrane (BAM) which realizes the wide-range frequency selectivity by non-uniform thick structure. BAM developed here is an acoustic sensor consisting of flexible bridges that vibrate by applying acoustic wave. BAM works as frequency analyzer via resonance of vibration; the eigen frequencies of bridges are changed by varying the dimensions such as the length and the thickness. To overcome difficulties in fabricating three-dimensional structures by conventional microfabrication, a novel method was developed using a grayscale lithography and a negative photoresist. The thicknesses of bridges are varied by different tones of grayscale patterns in a photomask. BAM consisting of 64 bridges with various thicknesses from 6.6 μm to 49 μm is successfully fabricated and integrated in 2.0 mm × 30 mm area by single photolithography process. The eigen frequencies of the vibration were measured in air. The results revealed that the range of the frequency selectivity is from 16.7 kHz to 502 kHz, which is drastically widened by the non-uniform thick bridges compared with the uniform ones.
Experimental Study on Flow Control of λDNA in Electrode-Embedded Microchannel
Authors: Uehara Satoshi , Yukimoto Naoya , Shintaku Hirofumi , Kawano Satoyuki
Published: June 2012

In this paper, we report the experimental study on novel DNA separation using electrode-embedded microchannel. A microchannel with an interdigitated electrode on the wall was developed for investigation. The experiment was carried out with flowing solution including λDNA by pressure driven flow. DC voltage of ∼2 V was applied to the interdigitated electrode. Under the ideal condition, λDNA is trapped on electrode and released from it stochastically. From the observation, it was found that the velocity of λDNA was decreased by the electric field when it approached to a positive electrode. Furthermore, we theoretically estimated the trajectory of flowing λDNA in the microchannel. Comparing the experimental and theoretical results, it was found that the electric field by the interdigitated electrodes was shielded by electrolyte in the solution.
Resist–substrate interface tailoring for generating high-density arrays of Ge and Bi2Se3 nanowires by electron beam lithography
Authors: Hobbs Richard G. , Schmidt Michael , Bolger Ciara T. , Georgiev Yordan M. , Fleming Peter , Morris Michael A. , Petkov Nikolay , Holmes Justin D. , Xiu Faxian , Wang Kang L. , Djara Vladimir , Yu Ran , Colinge Jean-Pierre
Published: June 2012

The authors report a chemical process to remove the native oxide on Ge and Bi2Se3 crystals, thus facilitating high-resolution electron beam lithography (EBL) on their surfaces using a hydrogen silsesquioxane (HSQ) resist. HSQ offers the highest resolution of all the commercially available EBL resists. However, aqueous HSQ developers such as NaOH and tetramethylammonium hydroxide have thus far prevented the fabrication of high-resolution structures via the direct application of HSQ to Ge and Bi2Se3, due to the solubility of components of their respective native oxides in these strong aqueous bases. Here we provide a route to the generation of ordered, high-resolution, high-density Ge and Bi2Se3 nanostructures with potential applications in microelectronics, thermoelectric, and photonics devices.
A Validated Tumorgraft Model Reveals Activity of Dovitinib Against Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Sivanand Sharanya , Peña-Llopis Samuel , Zhao Hong , Kucejova Blanka , Spence Patrick , Pavia-Jimenez Andrea , Yamasaki Toshinari , McBride David J. , Gillen Jessica , Wolff Nicholas C. , Morlock Lorraine , Lotan Yair , Raj Ganesh V. , Sagalowsky Arthur , Margulis Vitaly , Cadeddu Jeffrey A. , Ross Mark T. , Bentley David R. , Kabbani Wareef , Xie Xian-Jin , Kapur Payal , Williams Noelle S. , Brugarolas James
Published: June 2012

Extensively validated tumorgraft model shows activity of investigational agent dovitinib against renal cell carcinoma.
Phase 1 Study of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy and Interleukin-2—Tumor and Immunological Responses
Authors: Seung Steven K. , Curti Brendan D. , Crittenden Marka , Walker Edwin , Coffey Todd , Siebert Janet C. , Miller William , Payne Roxanne , Glenn Lyn , Bageac Alexandru , Urba Walter J.
Published: June 2012

Stereotactic body radiation therapy enhances tumor response rate to high-dose interleukin-2 in a phase 1 study.
Identification of Naturally Occurring Fatty Acids of the Myelin Sheath That Resolve Neuroinflammation
Authors: Ho Peggy P. , Kanter Jennifer L. , Johnson Amanda M. , Srinagesh Hrishikesh K. , Chang Eun-Ju , Purdy Timothy M. , van Haren Keith , Wikoff William R. , Kind Tobias , Khademi Mohsen , Matloff Laura Y. , Narayana Sirisha , Hur Eun Mi , Lindstrom Tamsin M. , He Zhigang , Fiehn Oliver , Olsson Tomas , Han Xianlin , Han May H. , Steinman Lawrence , Robinson William H.
Published: June 2012

Myelin fatty acids resolve neuroinflammation.
Microbiota, Disease, and Back to Health: A Metastable Journey
Authors: Blumberg Richard , Powrie Fiona
Published: June 2012

The gut microbiota affects many immune-related diseases; the next step is to harness this knowledge for therapeutics.
Wunderlich's syndrome (spontaneous renal haemorrhage)
Authors: Ahmad Mehtab , Arora Mudit , Reddu Rajesh , Rizvi Imran
Published: June 2012

Wunderlich's syndrome is a rare condition characterised by spontaneous non-traumatic renal haemorrhage into the subcapsular and perirenal space. The commonest cause of Wunderlich's syndrome is renal neoplasms, with angiomyolipoma and renal cell carcinoma being the most common benign and malignant lesions, respectively. We report a case of Wunderlich's syndrome in a 46-year-old woman. She presented in the emergency department with the chief complaints of sudden onset of abdominal pain with no significant medical history. Imaging findings and clinical history led to the diagnosis of Wunderlich's syndrome. The patient underwent left partial nephrectomy and recovered without any complications. She is presently doing well.
INCREASING POWER BY USING HAPLOTYPE SIMILARITY IN A MULTIMARKER TRANSMISSION/DISEQUILIBRIUM TEST
Authors: ABAD-GRAU MARÍA M. , MEDINA-MEDINA NURIA , MORAL SERAFÍN , MONTES-SOLDADO ROSANA , TORRES-SÁNCHEZ SERGIO , MATESANZ FUENCISLA
Published: June 2012

It is already known that power in multimarker transmission/disequilibrium tests may improve with the number of markers as some associations may require several markers to be captured. However, a mechanism such as haplotype grouping must be used to avoid incremental complexity with the number of markers. 2G, a state-of-the-art transmission/disequilibrium test, implements this mechanism to its maximum extent by grouping haplotypes into only two groups, high and low-risk haplotypes, so that the test has only one degree of freedom regardless of the number of markers. The test checks whether those haplotypes more often transmitted from parents to offspring are truly high-risk haplotypes. In this paper we use haplotype similarity as prior knowledge to classify haplotypes as high or low risk ones and start with those haplotypes in which the prior will have lower impact i.e. those with the largest differences between transmission and non-transmission counts. If their counts are very different, the prior knowledge has little effect and haplotypes are classified as low or high risk as 2G does. We show a substantial gain in power achieved by this approach, in both simulation and real data sets.
MODULATION OF FRET THROUGH THE SPECTRAL-OVERLAP STRATEGY
Authors: YU HAIBO , XIAO YI
Published: June 2012

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) is an important photophysical mechanism which finds many applications in biophotonics, particularly in biological sensing and imaging. It is well known, there are two major factors that determine the efficiency of FRET. One is the distance between the donor and the acceptor, and the other is the overlap of the donor's emission and the acceptor's absorption spectra. However, while the distance-modulation of FRET is very popular, the spectral-overlap-modulation draws much less attention.

In this talk, I would like to illustrate the importance of the strategy of spectral-overlap-modulation. The presentation will include our works on the construction of highly efficient FRET systems featuring the short and rigid linker between the donor and acceptor moieties, and several typical examples of spectral-overlap-modulation strategy applied in the development of ratiometric sensors.
EVALUATING THE PH SENSITIVITY OF CARBON NANOTUBE-POLYANILINE THIN FILMS WITH DIFFERENT DOPANTS
Authors: VANDENBERG AILEEN , LOH KENNETH J.
Published: June 2012

The objective of this study is to characterize the pH sensing performance of carbon nanotube-based thin films and compare them to their non-carbon nanotube-based counterparts. A layer-by-layer technique is employed for fabricating the nanocomposites, and pH sensitivity is encoded by incorporating polyaniline (PANI) by itself or with single-walled carbon nanotubes during film fabrication. In particular, polyaniline is doped with different counter ions such as hydrochloric acid (HCl) and methane sulfonic acid (MeSA) for fabricating four different thin film sample sets. The as fabricated films are subjected to various pH buffer solutions ranging from pH 1 to 13 while their electrical properties are simultaneously measured using two different techniques. First, time-domain bulk film resistance measurements have been conducted, and the findings show that all four types of films exhibit pH sensitivity. Their bulk film resistances increase in tandem with increasing pH. Second, frequency-domain electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) has also been conducted when the films are exposed to different pH buffers. The recorded EIS spectra have been fit to a proposed equivalent circuit model consisting of resistors, capacitors and a constant-phase element. The results suggest that the MeSA-based films exhibit linear sensitivity, whereas the HCl-based films exhibit a bilinear sensitivity in the time-domain case. Both HCl- and MeSA-based films exhibit a bilinear pH response in the frequency domain. The equivalent circuit has also revealed that the equivalent parallel capacitor and the constant-phase element of the HCl-and MeSA-doped films also exhibit an inverse bilinear sensitivity to pH buffer solutions.
From Semantics to Feelings: How Do Individuals with Schizophrenia Rate the Emotional Valence of Words?
Authors: Pinheiro Ana P. , McCarley Robert W. , Thompson Elizabeth , Gonçalves Óscar F. , Niznikiewicz Margaret
Published: June 2012

Schizophrenia is characterized by both emotional and language abnormalities. However, in spite of reports of preserved evaluation of valence of affective stimuli, such as pictures, it is less clear how individuals with schizophrenia assess verbal material with emotional valence, for example, the overall unpleasantness/displeasure relative to pleasantness/attraction of a word. This study aimed to investigate how schizophrenic individuals rate the emotional valence of adjectives, when compared with a group of healthy controls. One hundred and eighty-four adjectives differing in valence were presented. These adjectives were previously categorized as “neutral,” “positive” (pleasant), or “negative” (unpleasant) by five judges not participating in the current experiment. Adjectives from the three categories were matched on word length, frequency, and familiarity. Sixteen individuals with schizophrenia diagnosis and seventeen healthy controls were asked to rate the valence of each word, by using a computerized version of the Self-Assessment Manikin (Bradley and Lang, 1994). Results demonstrated similar ratings of emotional valence of words, suggesting a similar representation of affective knowledge in schizophrenia, at least in terms of the valence dimension.
Priapism in Antipsychotic Drug Use: A Rare but Important Side Effect
Authors: Sinkeviciute Igne , Kroken Rune A. , Johnsen Erik
Published: June 2012

Priapism is a rare but important side effect of antipsychotic drugs which may evolve into a urological emergency. Most antipsychotic drugs are alpha-1 adrenergic antagonists, which is thought to be the principal mechanism involved in antipsychotic-induced priapism. Other aetiologies exist, however. A case is presented with multiple episodes of priapism during the use of several different antipsychotic drugs. The case is representative of many patients treated with antipsychotic drugs, as there were hyperprolactinemia, and illicit drug use, which are known causes of priapism. Moreover, the patient used combinations of antipsychotic drugs. The case thus illustrates the etiological complexity which could delay a diagnosis of antipsychotic-induced priapism, and the problem of establishing a link between priapism and one particular ingredient of a drug combination. The case presents how a treatment regimen was finally established balancing antipsychotic efficacy to acceptable side effects and offers guidance to physicians regarding how antipsychotic-induced priapism may be resolved.
Microcirculation and Macrocirculation in Cardiac Surgical Patients
Authors: Tripodaki Elli-Sophia , Tasoulis Athanasios , Koliopoulou Antigoni , Vasileiadis Ioannis , Vastardis Leonidas , Giannis Giorgos , Argiriou Mihalis , Charitos Christos , Nanas Serafim
Published: June 2012

Background. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between microcirculatory alterations after open cardiac surgery, macrohemodynamics, and global indices of organ perfusion.Methods. Patients' microcirculation was assessed with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and the vascular occlusion technique (VOT).Results. 23 patients undergoing open cardiac surgery (11 male/12 female, median age 68 (range 28–82) years, EuroSCORE 6 (1–12)) were enrolled in the study. For pooled data, CI correlated with the tissue oxygen consumption rate as well as the reperfusion rate (, and , , resp.). In addition, both total oxygen delivery (DO2, mL/min per m2) and total oxygen consumption (VO2, mL/min per m2) also correlated with the tissue oxygen consumption rate and the reperfusion rate. The tissue oxygen saturation of the thenar postoperatively correlated with the peak lactate levels during the six hour monitoring period (, ). The tissue oxygen consumption rate (%/min) and the reperfusion rate (%/min), as derived from the VOT, were higher in survivors compared to nonsurvivors for pooled data [23 (4–54) versus 20 (8–38) ] and [424 (27–1215) versus 197 (57–632) ], respectively.Conclusion. Microcirculatory alterations after open cardiac surgery are related to macrohemodynamics and global indices of organ perfusion.
A Low-Cost Launch Assistance System for Orbital Launch Vehicles
Authors: Nizhnik Oleg
Published: June 2012

The author reviews the state of art of nonrocket launch assistance systems (LASs) for spaceflight focusing on air launch options. The author proposes an alternative technologically feasible LAS based on a combination of approaches: air launch, high-altitude balloon, and tethered LAS. Proposed LAS can be implemented with the existing off-the-shelf hardware delivering 7 kg to low-earth orbit for the 5200 USD per kg. Proposed design can deliver larger reduction in price and larger orbital payloads with the future advances in the aerostats, ropes, electrical motors, and terrestrial power networks.
Application Layer Systematic Network Coding for Sliced H.264/AVC Video Streaming
Authors: Nazir Sajid , Stanković Vladimir , Andonović Ivan , Vukobratović Dejan
Published: June 2012

Application Layer Forward Error Correction (AL-FEC) with rateless codes can be applied to protect the video data over lossy channels. Expanding Window Random Linear Codes (EW RLCs) are a flexible unequal error protection fountain coding scheme which can provide prioritized data transmission. In this paper, we propose a system that exploits systematic EW RLC for H.264/Advanced Video Coding (AVC) slice-partitioned data. The system prioritizes slices based on their PSNR contribution to reconstruction as well as temporal significance. Simulation results demonstrate usefulness of using relative slice priority with systematic codes for multimedia broadcast applications.
Longitudinal Pathogenesis Study of Young Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) after Experimental Challenge withMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis(MAP)
Authors: Mackintosh Colin , Clark Gary , Tolentino Brendan , Liggett Simon , de Lisle Geoff , Griffin Frank
Published: June 2012

Paratuberculosis progresses more quickly in young red deer than in sheep or cattle. This study describes the clinical, immunological and pathological changes over a 50-week period in fourteen 4-month-old red deer that received heavy oral challenge withMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis(MAP). At 4 and 12 weeks post challenge they were anaesthetized and a section of jejunal lymph node was surgically removed for culture, histopathology, and genetic studies. All 14 deer became infected, none were clinically affected, and they had varying degrees of subclinical disease when killed at week 50. Week 4 biopsies showed no paratuberculosis lesions, but MAP was cultured from all animals. At weeks 12 and 50 histopathological lesions ranged from mild to severe with corresponding low-to-high antibody titres, which peaked at 12–24 weeks. IFN-γresponses peaked at 8–15 weeks and were higher in mildly affected animals than in those with severe lesions.
Improved Stability Analysis for Neural Networks with Time‐Varying Delay
Authors: Li Yongming , Tian Junkang , Zhao Jinzhou , Zhang Liehui , Li Tiejun
Published: June 2012

This paper concerned the problem of delay‐dependent asymptotic stability for neural networks with time‐varying delay. A new class of Lyapunov functional dividing the interval delay is constructed to derive some new delay‐dependent stability criteria. The obtained criteria are less conservative because free‐weighting matrices method, a convex optimization approach, and a mixed dividing delay interval approach are considered. Finally, numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Protected Gold Nanoparticles with Thioethers and Amines As Surrogate Ligands
Authors: Siddiqui M. Rafiq H.
Published: June 2012

Dodecyl sulfide, dodecyl amine, and hexylamine were shown to act as surrogate ligands (L) via metastable gold nanoparticles. By collating analytical and spectroscopic data obtained simultaneously, empirical formula Au24L was assigned. These impurity‐free nanoparticles obtained in near quantitative yields showing exceptional gold assays (up to 98%Au) were prepared by a modification of the two‐phase method. Replacement reactions on the Au24L showed that Au:L ratios may be increased (up to Au55:L (L= (H25C12)2S)) or decreased (Au12:L (L= H2NC12H25 and H2NC6H13)) as desired. This work encompassing the role of analytical techniques used, that is, elemental analysis, variable temperature 1H NMR, FAB mass spectrometry, UV‐Vis spectroscopy, thin film X‐ray diffraction, and high‐resolution electron microscopy (HREM) has implications in the study of size control, purity, stability, and metal assays of gold nanoparticles.
Relevance of Electrical Remodeling in Human Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Healey Jeff S. , Israel Carsten W. , Connolly Stuart J. , Hohnloser Stefan H. , Nair Girish M. , Divakaramenon Syamkumar , Capucci Alessandro , Van Gelder Isabelle C. , Lau Chu-Pak , Gold Michael R. , Carlson Mark , Themeles Ellison , Morillo Carlos A.
Published: June 2012

Background—

In animal models of atrial fibrillation (AF), changes in atrial electrophysiological properties are associated with the development of AF. Their relevance to human AF is unclear.

Methods and Results—

The Asymptomatic Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke Evaluation in Pacemaker Patients and the Atrial Fibrillation Reduction Atrial Pacing Trial enrolled 2580 patients receiving a dual-chamber pacemaker, who were older than the age of 65 and had a history of hypertension, but no history of AF. Serial noninvasive electrophysiological testing was performed over 2 years in a subgroup of 485 patients. There were no differences in the clinical characteristics between patients with and those without device-detected atrial tachyarrhythmias during the first year. Patients with atrial tachyarrhythmias had longer paced (153±29 versus 145±28 ms;
P
=0.046) and sensed (128±46 versus 118±25 ms;
P
=0.06) P-wave durations and were more likely to have AF induced during electrophysiological testing (23.5% versus 13.6%;
P
=0.03). They had similar corrected sinus node recovery times at 90 bpm (388±554 versus 376 ± 466 ms;
P
=0.86), atrial effective refractory periods at 90 bpm (250±32 versus 248±36 ms;
P
=0.70), and rate-adaptive shortening of the atrial effective refractory periods (14±13 versus 12±14 ms;
P
=0.11). There were no significant differences in the change in electrophysiological properties over 2 years between patients with and those without atrial tachyarrhythmias.

Conclusions—

Prolonged P-wave duration, but not differences in atrial effective refractory periods, was associated with the development of atrial tachyarrhythmias in pacemaker patients.
Integrated Computational and Experimental Analysis of the Neuroendocrine Transcriptome in Genetic Hypertension Identifies Novel Control Points for the Cardiometabolic Syndrome
Authors: Friese Ryan S. , Ye Chun , Nievergelt Caroline M. , Schork Andrew J. , Mahapatra Nitish R. , Rao Fangwen , Napolitan Philip S. , Waalen Jill , Ehret Georg B. , Munroe Patricia B. , Schmid-Schönbein Geert W. , Eskin Eleazar , O’Connor Daniel T.
Published: June 2012

Background—

Essential hypertension, a common complex disease, displays substantial genetic influence. Contemporary methods to dissect the genetic basis of complex diseases such as the genomewide association study are powerful, yet a large gap exists betweens the fraction of population trait variance explained by such associations and total disease heritability.

Methods and Results—

We developed a novel, integrative method (combining animal models, transcriptomics, bioinformatics, molecular biology, and trait-extreme phenotypes) to identify candidate genes for essential hypertension and the metabolic syndrome. We first undertook transcriptome profiling on adrenal glands from blood pressure extreme mouse strains: the hypertensive BPH (blood pressure high) and hypotensive BPL (blood pressure low). Microarray data clustering revealed a striking pattern of global underexpression of intermediary metabolism transcripts in BPH. The MITRA algorithm identified a conserved motif in the transcriptional regulatory regions of the underexpressed metabolic genes, and we then hypothesized that regulation through this motif contributed to the global underexpression. Luciferase reporter assays demonstrated transcriptional activity of the motif through transcription factors HOXA3, SRY, and YY1. We finally hypothesized that genetic variation at
HOXA3
,
SRY
, and
YY1
might predict blood pressure and other metabolic syndrome traits in humans. Tagging variants for each locus were associated with blood pressure in a human population blood pressure extreme sample with the most extensive associations for
YY1
tagging single nucleotide polymorphism rs11625658 on systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, and fasting glucose. Meta-analysis extended the
YY1
results into 2 additional large population samples with significant effects preserved on diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, and fasting glucose.

Conclusions—

The results outline an innovative, systematic approach to the genetic pathogenesis of complex cardiovascular disease traits and point to transcription factor YY1 as a potential candidate gene involved in essential hypertension and the cardiometabolic syndrome.
Proximal Cerebral Arteries Develop Myogenic Responsiveness in Heart Failure via Tumor Necrosis Factor-α–Dependent Activation of Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Signaling
Authors: Yang Jingli , Hossein Noyan-Ashraf M. , Meissner Anja , Voigtlaender-Bolz Julia , Kroetsch Jeffrey T. , Foltz Warren , Jaffray David , Kapoor Amita , Momen Abdul , Heximer Scott P. , Zhang Hangjun , van Eede Matthijs , Henkelman R. Mark , Matthews Stephen G. , Lidington Darcy , Husain Mansoor , Bolz Steffen-Sebastian
Published: June 2012

Background—

Heart failure is associated with neurological deficits, including cognitive dysfunction. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying reduced cerebral blood flow in the early stages of heart failure, particularly when blood pressure is minimally affected, are not known.

Methods and Results—

Using a myocardial infarction model in mice, we demonstrate a tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα)–dependent enhancement of posterior cerebral artery tone that reduces cerebral blood flow before any overt changes in brain structure and function. TNFα expression is increased in mouse posterior cerebral artery smooth muscle cells at 6 weeks after myocardial infarction. Coordinately, isolated posterior cerebral arteries display augmented myogenic tone, which can be fully reversed in vitro by the competitive TNFα antagonist etanercept. TNFα mediates its effect via a sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)–dependent mechanism, requiring sphingosine kinase 1 and the S1P
2
receptor. In vivo, sphingosine kinase 1 deletion prevents and etanercept (2-week treatment initiated 6 weeks after myocardial infarction) reverses the reduction of cerebral blood flow, without improving cardiac function.

Conclusions—

Cerebral artery vasoconstriction and decreased cerebral blood flow occur early in an animal model of heart failure; these perturbations are reversed by interrupting TNFα/S1P signaling. This signaling pathway may represent a potential therapeutic target to improve cognitive function in heart failure.
Relationship Between Mean Platelet Volume and Atherosclerosis in Young Patients With ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Ozkan Bugra , Uysal Onur Kadir , Duran Mustafa , Sahin Durmus Yildiray , Elbasan Zafer , Tekin Kamuran , Cagliyan Caglar Emre , Cayli Murat
Published: June 2012

Increased mean platelet volume (MPV) is associated with poor clinical outcome in patients with acute coronary syndrome. We evaluated the predictive role of MPV in young patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This study includes 373 patients who presented to our hospital with AMI (group 1: 134 young patients, males aged <45 years and females aged <55 years; group 2: 239 older patients) and 141 adults with normal coronary angiography as a control group (group 3). In group 1, the levels of MPV and hemoglobin were higher than that in groups 2 and 3. In group 1, blood urea nitrogen levels were lower than that in groups 2 and 3 and creatinine levels were lower than that in group 2. After multivariate analysis, MPV and age were independent predictors of AMI in young patients.
The problems of legitimation and potential conflicts in a world political community
Authors: Patomäki Heikki
Published: June 2012

There are good security and political economy reasons for furthering integration towards a world political community (WPC), possibly assuming the form of a world state. However, would these reasons provide a legitimate and sustainable basis for the WPC? It is argued in this article that, while the standard security-military and functionalist political economy arguments for world unification may work to a certain point, they are insufficient and may become counterproductive. Especially if perceived in terms of rationally calculative orientation of action, they are not enough and may even work against the WPC. There must also be a belief in normative legitimacy, which may be anchored in universal principles such as popular democracy and human rights. In this light, theories of civilizing process and stages of ethico-political learning are explored. Collective human learning not only explains the quest for democratization but also points towards cosmopolitan ethico-political sentiments. However, there is an internal relationship between democracy and identity, and identities tend to be particular. The case is made, first, for thinking that the otherness of one’s narrated ‘self’ can be located either in the past or, alternatively, in our contemporary being, when seen from a point of view of a possible future position in world history. Second, within a higher level identity-in-difference, a co-constitutive and mutually transformative relation between self and others can involve letting many differences just be.
Actorness and legitimacy of the European Union
Authors: Čmakalová Kateřina , Rolenc Jan Martin
Published: June 2012

The article surveys the current state of the academic debate about actorness and legitimacy of the European Union. It investigates various kinds of EU’s actorness, as well as concepts and categories of its legitimacy, and attempts to trace their relationships, which remains an underdeveloped aspect of the discussion. We examine a wide range of scholarly articles, books and other academic sources in assessing the quality and fairness of the respective discussions and suggest that, within the current mostly normative debate, a positive evaluation of the EU’s legitimacy is unattainable and that it is necessary to acquire a fairer notion of what kind of international actor the Union is.
Decision Styles and Rationality
Authors: Curşeu Petru Lucian , Schruijer Sandra G. L.
Published: June 2012

This study investigates the relationship between the five decision-making styles evaluated by the General Decision-Making Style Inventory, indecisiveness, and rationality in decision making. Using a sample of 102 middle-level managers, the results show that the rational style positively predicts rationality in decision making and negatively predicts indecisiveness, whereas the avoidant style positively predicts indecisiveness.
The Effects of Peer Coaching on the Evaluation Knowledge, Skills, and Concerns of Gifted Program Administrators
Authors: Cotabish Alicia , Robinson Ann
Published: June 2012

To increase knowledge and skills in program evaluation, a peer-coaching intervention provided one-on-one professional development to gifted program administrators. This randomized field study examined the effects of peer coaching on evaluation knowledge and skills and on administrators’ concerns about implementing more rigorous program evaluations. In addition, the peer-coaching intervention focused on increased access to program services for culturally diverse and low-income gifted learners. Results revealed a statistically significant increase in gifted administrators’ knowledge of and skills in program evaluation attributed to the peer-coaching intervention. Peer-coached program administrators were less distracted and more focused on implementing program evaluation and reported decreased concerns about implementing them. Peer coaching did not increase placements for culturally diverse and low-income learners in program services; however, peer coaching positively affected referral rate for traditionally underrepresented groups.
City-county Consolidation and Local Government Expenditures
Authors: Faulk Dagney , Grassmueck Georg
Published: June 2012

As more local governments consider consolidation of government functions, officials are concerned about the expected impact on expenditures. Using a treatment group of consolidated city-counties and a control group of city-counties that considered but rejected consolidation through the referendum process, the authors examine differences in per capita local government expenditures. The statistical analysis shows that per capita expenditures in consolidated communities are not statistically different from those that considered and rejected consolidation. These results suggest that consolidation is not likely to decrease expenditures in the typical consolidated local government.
Seeing like a Rover: Visualization, embodiment, and interaction on the Mars Exploration Rover Mission
Authors: Vertesi Janet
Published: June 2012

Based on more than 2 years of ethnographic immersion with the Mars Exploration Rover mission, this paper examines the representational work and associated embodied practices through which the science and engineering team makes decisions about how and where to move their robots. Building on prior work in Science and Technology Studies on the importance of embodiment to visualization, the paper posits that such practices also contribute to the production and maintenance of social order within the organizational context of the laboratory. It thus places visualization technologies and techniques in the context of the social organization of scientific work, contributing to our understanding of representation in scientific practice.
The Regional Benefits of the Employer of Last Resort Program
Authors: Murray Michael J.
Published: June 2012

The Employer of Last Resort (ELR) program is a New Deal type of program to provide a government position for anyone seeking work. Unlike private industries who compete over prices and wages, the ELR “industry” is not meant to compete with the private sector; rather it provides public services that are not offered by the private sector. The task here is to estimate the private sector effects of the implementation of the ELR program for the State of Missouri.

JEL Codes: B51, C3, E11, E12, E23, E24
Aging Without Driving
Authors: Choi Moon , Mezuk Briana
Published: June 2012

This study characterized older adults who do not drive (former and never drivers) and examined how this group of elders has changed over the past 15 years. Sample included community-living adults aged 70 to 85 who do not drive from the 1993 Asset and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest Old Study ( N = 1,979) and 2008 Health and Retirement Study ( N = 1,119). Chi-square and t tests were used to assess differences between never and former drivers and between cohorts. Logistic regression was used to examine the predictors of having never driven. The driving status among older adults has improved over the past 15 years as the proportion of never drivers declined from 11% to 2%. However, nondriving has become more concentrated among ethnic minority women, and the gaps in education and net worth between former and never drivers widened over the 15 years.
The Effectiveness of Adult Day Services for Older Adults
Authors: Fields Noelle L. , Anderson Keith A. , Dabelko-Schoeny Holly
Published: June 2012

Adult Day Service (ADS) centers offer a variety of services to meet the needs of older adults and their caregivers. During the last decade, ADS has received increased attention due to shifts in policy toward home and community-based services for an aging population. This article reviews the effectiveness of ADS from 2000 to the present, with particular attention given to caregiver and participant outcomes, health care utilization, and future directions in ADS research. Multiple databases were searched to identify relevant research and 61 articles were selected for review based on inclusion criteria. The results of this review emphasize the need to implement and test more specific interventions targeting the needs of the ADS population.
Use of a Dementia Training Designed for Nurse Aides to Train Other Staff
Authors: Irvine A. Blair , Beaty Jeff A. , Seeley John R. , Bourgeois Michelle
Published: June 2012

Problematic resident behaviors may escalate in long-term care facilities (LTCs). If nurse aides (NAs) are not nearby, the nearest staff to intervene may be nondirect care workers (NDCWs), who have little or no dementia training. This pilot research tested Internet dementia-training program, designed for NAs, on NDCWs in a LTC setting. Sixty-eight NDCWs participated, filling out two baseline surveys at 1-month intervals and a posttest survey after training. The surveys included video-situation testing, items addressing psychosocial constructs associated with behavior change, and measures training-acceptance. Paired t tests showed significant positive effects on measures of knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and behavioral intentions, with small-moderate effect sizes. Nursing staff as well as non–health care workers showed improved scores, and the website training program was well received by all participants. These results suggest that Internet training may allow staff development coordinators to conserve limited resources by cross-training of different job categories with the same program.
Race, sport and social support: A comparison between African American and White youths’ perceptions of social support for sport participation
Authors: Shakib Sohaila , Veliz Philip
Published: June 2012

There is a substantial theoretical literature arguing that African American families, more than other ethnic groups, push their children towards sports. However, there is a dearth of generalizable empirical research examining whether African American families do in fact encourage their children to participate in sport more than families of other ethnic groups do, or whether families encourage their youth more than non-kin, such as teachers, coaches and peers. Using a nationally representative US sample of 2185 third- through twelfth-graders, this study compares African American youths’ perceptions of encouragement for sports participation relative to other groups. Results indicate that relative to White, Hispanic and Asian youth, African American youth are more likely to receive encouragement for sports participation from all sources (total encouragement scores). While African Americans are also more likely to obtain encouragement from family members and non-kin than other ethnic groups are, African Americans receive equal amounts of encouragement from family and non-kin sources. The results of this study suggest that both African Americans and the larger community emphasize sport more for African American youth than for other youth.
Capturing the Elusive Working-Age Population With Disabilities
Authors: Burkhauser Richard V. , Houtenville Andrew J. , Tennant Jennifer R.
Published: June 2012

The purpose of this study is to examine the implications of using different approaches to estimating the U.S. working-age population with disabilities. The approaches compared are the traditional work-activity limitation question, the Census Bureau’s newer six-question sequence that does not include a work-activity limitation question, and the combination of the two. With data from the Current Population Survey and the American Community Survey, the authors demonstrate that using the work-limitation question or the six-question sequence alone results in an underestimate of the size of the working-age population with disabilities (assuming the International Classification of Disability, Health, and Functioning conceptualization of disabilities). Furthermore, the authors show that using the sample of the working-age population with disabilities identified by the six-question sequence will lead to biased estimates of key social policy success parameters; in particular, it will overestimate their employment rates and underestimate the share that are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income-Disabled Adults benefits relative to the broader sample that includes a work-limitation question and the six-question sequence.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of CPR for In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Lidhoo Pooja
Published: June 2012

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is one of the most commonly performed medical interventions. However, the true effectiveness of CPR remains unknown as it presents significant challenges for evaluation and research. Many resuscitation practices are driven by nonquantitative reasoning and may not be evidence based. Several studies have been published on survival after in-hospital CPR. However, the reported survival rates from one hospital to another vary significantly due to a number of reasons such as type of hospital, presence of specialized cardiac units, patient demographics, differences in inclusion criteria, outcome definitions and so on. Further research is indicated to evaluate the true effectiveness of CPR for in-hospital cardiac arrest.
Usefulness of Palliative Prognostic Index for Patient With Advanced Cancer in Home Care Setting
Authors: Hamano Jun , Maeno Takami , Kizawa Yoshiyuki , Shima Yasuo , Maeno Tetsuhiro
Published: June 2012

Aims:

This study aimed to clarify the accuracy of the Palliative Prognostic Index (PPI) for advanced cancer patients in home care settings.

Method:

The study included 65 advanced cancer patients who received home visiting services between April 2007 and June 2009, and who died at home or in the hospital. Using the medical records from initial home visits, we retrospectively calculated PPI scores along with sensitivity and specificity.

Results:

For 3- and 6-week survival, prognostic prediction demonstrated respective sensitivities of 55% and 63%, and specificities of 79% and 77%.

Conclusion:

The sensitivity of the PPI for advanced cancer patients in home care settings was lower than reported for those in palliative care units. Development of prognostic tools suitable for home care settings is needed.
Increasing Access—A Qualitative Study of Homelessness and Palliative Care in a Major Urban Center
Authors: Krakowsky Yonah , Gofine Mirriam , Brown Pnina , Danziger Jana , Knowles Holly
Published: June 2012

Rates of morbidity and mortality are significantly higher in homeless populations. Homeless people experience many barriers to receive adequate palliative care. This qualitative study examines how a major urban city’s palliative care resources can be improved to increase access and better serve the homeless. Audiotaped interviews were preformed with 7 homeless care providers in Toronto, Canada, and their transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings of the study suggest that in order to increase access and to serve the city’s terminally ill homeless better, the following 4 areas must be addressed: (1) increasing positive interaction between the health care system and the homeless, (2) training staff to deal with the unique issues confronting the homeless, (3) providing patient-centered care, and (4) diversifying the methods of delivery.
When Self-Management and Surveillance Collide
Authors: Jensen Jaclyn M. , Raver Jana L.
Published: June 2012

Despite arguments for the benefits of self-management for enhancing employees’ motivation to work toward organizational goals, many managers fail to give their employees control and instead engage in surveillance to gain compliance. Drawing on personal control and reactance theories, the authors propose self-management would relate to increased discretionary contributions, that is, organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), but when supervisory surveillance is also in place, OCB would be diminished and counterproductive work behavior (CWB) would increase. The authors further propose that these effects would be mediated by employees’ perceptions of autonomy and the degree to which they believe the organization trusts them. Two studies establish the beneficial effects of self-management on OCB and illustrate the detrimental effects for employees and organizations when self-management and surveillance collide.
Agomelatine Treatment with Adolescents with ADHD
Authors: Niederhofer Helmut
Published: June 2012

Objective:

Antidepressants, in particular Atomextine, along with stimulants have demonstrated benefit in the treatment of ADHD. Agomelatine is a new antidepressant with additional affinities to the melatonergic system. As ADHD has been associated with sleep disorders, it is assumed that Agomelatiine might serve as a therapeutic alternative to treat patients with the ADHD refractory to first line medications.

Method:

Ten late adolescents were evaluated in a placebo controlled manner.

Results:

Agomelatine’s effect was superior to that of placebo but appeared to be less than that of first line medications such as methylphenidate.

Conclusion:

Agomelatine may be a useful second line medication for individuals with ADHD, particularly if they suffer from additional sleep disorders.
Safety Assessment of Bacillus licheniformis Me1 Isolated from Milk for Probiotic Application
Authors: Nithya Vadakedath , Muthukumar Serva P. , Halami Prakash M.
Published: June 2012

In this study, an in vivo toxicological safety assessment of Bacillus licheniformis Me1, a native isolate from milk, was performed. An acute toxicity study in male albino Wistar rats demonstrated no treatment-related illness or mortality. A 90-day subchronic oral toxicity study using 2 doses (1.1 × 1010 and 1.1 × 1011 colony-forming unit [CFU]/kg body weight [BW], respectively) failed to show dose-dependent illness or mortality. Moreover, neither significant differences in serum biochemical and hematological analyses nor histopathological changes in organs or tissues were found when compared to the control groups. The no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) was found to be greater than 1.1 × 1011 CFU/kg BW. The in vivo micronucleus assay in mice did not reveal any signs of genotoxic effect at any of the doses tested. Furthermore, dermal and acute eye irritation tests conducted in rabbits showed no edema or erythema and ocular lesions. These results suggest that B licheniformis Me1 can be considered safe for food industry applications.
Islamists, democracy and Turkey
Authors: Gurses Mehmet
Published: June 2012

The rise of Islamist movements in the Muslim world has been the subject of heated debate among scholars and policymakers. One group of scholars argues that Islamists use elections as a façade and warn against their political ascendency via electoral democracy. Another group of scholars, however, points to the moderating effects democracy has on views held by Islamists. This article does not present a novel theory but rather attempts to improve on existing studies by providing a test for the inclusion-moderation hypothesis using the data on Turkey collected by the World Values Survey. The findings from the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression analysis, as well as in-depth face-to-face interviews with ranking members of the Islamist parties and communities in Turkey, show that Islamists develop positive attitudes toward electoral democracy to the extent that they are allowed to share power. Islamists’ support for democracy, however, seems to be fragmented, provisional and driven by pragmatism more than a principled commitment to democratic norms and values.
An investigation into adolescents’ experience of cognitive behavioural therapy within a child and adolescent mental health service
Authors: Donnellan Deanna , Murray Craig , Harrison James
Published: June 2012

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is frequently referenced within NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) guidance and is a recommended psychological therapy for a number of different mental health disorders for both adults and children. This is due to the current body of quantitative research around CBT demonstrating its efficacy for a range of mental health difficulties. However, CBT has not been as well addressed within the qualitative field and this gap in research is even more obvious when looking at CBT conducted with children and adolescents. This interpretative phenomenological study explored adolescents’ experiences of a course of CBT within a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) in a one-to-one format. Three female adolescents who had completed an agreed contract of therapy with the CBT service took part in semi-structured interviews. Four superordinate themes emerged from analysis and highlighted components within CBT that were important to the sample. These were engagement, the therapeutic relationship, the impact of CBT on change and the manner in which CBT was delivered. The findings are discussed with relevance to current policy and pertinent literature as well as implications for service delivery and future research.