bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depressive Symptoms and Cigarette Smoking in American Workers
Authors: Kenney Brent A. , Holahan Charles J. , North Rebecca J. , Holahan Carole K.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

This study examined the relationship between depressive symptoms and cigarette smoking in a large sample of American workers.

Methods.

We used data from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States. Seventy percent of individuals completed a telephone survey. The present study focused on 2593 individuals working for pay. Measures included depressive symptoms, job level, and current smoking status.

Results.

In a logistic regression analysis, depressive symptoms significantly predicted smoking status among workers (p < .01). In follow-up x2 analyses, the link between depressive symptoms and smoking was consistent across gender (p < .01) and job levels (p < .01).

Discussion.

Depressive symptoms among workers present an underlying obstacle to the success of worksite smoking cessation efforts. Findings highlight the need for increased cooperation between workplace mental health and medical health promotion programs and for tailoring smoking cessation programs to depressed workers. Limitations include self-report cross-sectional data and an underrepresentation of minority group members and individuals of low socioeconomic status.
Hardiness and Support at Work as Predictors of Work Stress and Job Satisfaction
Authors: McCalister Katherine T. , Dolbier Christyn L. , Webster Judith A. , Mallon Mark W. , Steinhardt Mary A.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To test a theoretically and empirically based model linking potential protective resources (hardiness, coworker and supervisor support) to the outcomes of work stress and job satisfaction and replicating the relationship of work stress to job satisfaction while accounting for the potential influence of negative affectivity.

Design.

A cross-sectional research design using survey data collected from two convenience samples.

Setting.

Two worksites: (1) a high-tech company and (2) a government agency.

Subjects.

High-tech employees (N = 310; response rate, 73.8%) and government agency employees (N = 745; response rate, 49.7%).

Measures.

The Dispositional Resilience Scale measured hardiness and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule measured negative affectivity. Coworker and supervisor support were measured using the Coworker Support Scale and the Supervisor Support Scale, respectively. The Perceived Work Stress Scale measured work stress, and a single item from the Job Satisfaction Scale assessed overall job satisfaction.

Results.

A multiple-group path analysis examined the proposed model. Similar patterns of association were found for both samples and suggested a more parsimonious model without the path from negative affectivity to job satisfaction. The model supports the protective nature of hardiness and support at work with regard to work stress and job satisfaction.

Conclusion.

Explanations of relationships depicted in the model, practical implications for reducing work stress and enhancing job satisfaction, limitations and future directions are discussed.
Employer Coverage of Clinical Preventive Services in the United States
Authors: Bondi Maris Ann , Harris Jeffrey R. , Atkins David , French Molly E. , Umland Beth
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To characterize employers' coverage of clinical preventive services.

Design.

Mercer Human Resource Consulting Inc. included questions on clinical preventive services as part of its National Survey of Employer-Sponsored Health Plans, 2001.

Setting.

A national sample of employers of a large, medium, and small number of employees, including governments.

Subjects.

Respondents self-identified as most knowledgeable about the organization's health benefits.

Measures.

Weighted analyses of responses to eight survey questions on health promotion.

Results.

The survey was completed by 2180 employers, and the response rate was 21%. More than 90% of employers included increased productivity and decreased health care costs among their most important reasons for coverage of clinical preventive services. Within health insurance, coverage of physical examinations, immunizations, and screenings generally exceeded 50%, but coverage of lifestyle modification services was less than 20%. Only 20% of employers covered tobacco cessation services, and only 4% of employers provided an “optimal” benefit. We compared employers' offerings with a published ranking, by impact and value, of clinical preventive services. We found the biggest discrepancy in tobacco cessation services and alcohol problem prevention, which ranked high in terms of impact and value but are offered by only 20% and 18% of employers, respectively.

Conclusions.

Employers seek financial return from their offerings of clinical preventive services to employees, but they are least likely to offer the services most likely to provide this return.
Evaluation of a Dutch Public-Private Partnership to Promote Healthier Diet
Authors: van Assema Patricia , Steenbakkers Mieke , Stapel Hanna , van Keulen Hilde , Ronda Gaby , Brug Johannes
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

Public-private partnerships may help to promote healthy diets. We assessed customers' exposure to and the acceptability of a Dutch public-private healthy diet campaign in butcher's shops and investigated the effects on the purchase of lean meat and the use of liquid cooking margarine and potential behavioral determinants.

Methods.

The pretest-posttest control group design included 486 customers (242 experimental and 244 control) of butcher shops representing 64% of the original sample. Campaign exposure, acceptability, and behavioral effects were measured by a questionnaire.

Results.

Seventy-one percent of the customers noticed the campaign. Scores on the acceptability were positive to very positive. Regression analysis revealed that customers in the experimental condition evaluated the campaign better (B = .415; p < .05) and felt more encouraged to buy lean meat (B = .252; p < .05) than customers in the control condition. No effects on behavior were found.

Discussion.

Study design limitations included possible campaign exposure of control group participants. The study shows the feasibility and acceptability of a joint health-promoting activity through a public-private partnership, but there were no effects on behavior.
An Evaluation of a Lyme Disease Prevention Program in a Working Population
Authors: Nolan Karen , Mauer Matthew P.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

Lyme disease vaccine was offered to New York State Department of Health employees considered at risk for Lyme disease because of their job duties. This evaluation was conducted to assess (1) attitudes that affected employees' decisions to accept or decline the vaccine, (2) preventive behaviors among employees who received the vaccine, and (3) effectiveness of the educational modalities offered in improving knowledge of Lyme disease and Lyme disease vaccine.

Methods.

A total of 190 eligible employees were identified and were offered two educational modalities before deciding whether to receive the vaccine. The subsequent evaluation involved three telephone interviews, one pre-education and two posteducation-vaccination, to assess factors affecting the decision about vaccination and attitudes, behaviors, and knowledge among vaccine recipients (N = 30) and nonrecipients (N = 160).

Results.

This evaluation indicated that the majority of vaccine recipients decided to receive the vaccine because of an anticipated risk of tick exposure. For employees who declined vaccination, many were concerned about the safety (64%), novelty (56%), or efficacy (48%) of the vaccine. Posteducation knowledge of Lyme disease vaccine significantly improved among those who attended an education session compared with those who did not and was retained 1 year later.

Discussion.

The results suggest that when a vaccine-related disease-prevention program is undertaken, (1) attitudes about disease risks and vaccine risks influence decisions to accept vaccination, and (2) in-person education should be a mandatory element of the program.
A Field Test of a Web-Based Substance Abuse Prevention Training Program for Health Promotion Professionals
Authors: McPherson Tracy L. , Cook Royer F. , Back Anita S. , Hersch Rebekah K. , Hendrickson April
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To evaluate a multimedia substance abuse prevention (SAP) training program for health promotion (HP) practitioners designed to provide opportunities for behavioral modeling and skills building and to motivate and build confidence in ability to integrate SAP into HP offerings.

Methods.

Using a posttest only design, 192 practitioners were randomly assigned to receive web-based (experimental group) or print-based (control group) training. Feelings about ability to conduct effective SAP programming, reactions to training materials, and knowledge about substance abuse and how to implement SAP were assessed. The experimental group also rated specific aspects of the web training.

Results.

The experimental group gave high evaluation ratings, scored significantly higher on self-efficacy items, and gave significantly higher ratings on 12 of 15 reaction items.

Conclusion.

Web-based training was more engaging, understandable, user-friendly, useful, comprehensive, and motivating than print-based training; it is believed to be more effective in helping to integrate substance abuse prevention; and it will serve as a continuous resource.
Successfully Improving Physical Activity Behavior after Rehabilitation
Authors: van der Ploeg Hidde P. , Streppel Kitty R. M. , van der Beek Allard J. , van der Woude Luc H. V. , Vollenbroek-Hutten Miriam M. R. , van Harten Wim H. , van Mechelen Willem
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To determine the effects of the physical activity promotion programs Rehabilitation & Sports (R&S) and Active after Rehabilitation (AaR) on sport and daily physical activity 1 year after in- or outpatient rehabilitation.

Design.

Subjects in intervention rehabilitation centers were randomized into a group receiving R&S only (n = 315) and a group receiving R&S and AaR (n = 284). Subjects in six control centers (n = 603) received usual care.

Setting.

Ten Dutch rehabilitation centers.

Subjects.

Subjects consisted of 1202 rehabilitation patients. Most frequent diagnoses were stroke, neurological disorders, and back disorders.

Intervention.

Both the sport stimulation program (R&S) and the daily physical activity promotion program (AaR) consisted of personalized tailored counseling.

Measures.

Two sport outcomes and two daily physical activity outcomes were assessed with questionnaires at baseline and 1 year after rehabilitation.

Analysis.

Multilevel analyses comparing both intervention groups to the control group.

Results.

The R&S program showed no significant effects. Intention-to-treat analyses in the R&S + AaR group showed borderline significant improvements in one sport (odds ratio [OR] = 1.66, p = .02) and both physical activity outcomes (OR = 1.68, p = .01 and regression coefficient = 10.78, p = .05). On-treatment analyses in the R&S + AaR group showed similar but stronger effects.

Conclusions.

The combination of the R&S and AaR programs improved physical activity behavior and sport participation 1 year after in- or outpatient rehabilitation. The R&S program alone did not have any effects.
A Stage-Targeted Physical Activity Intervention among a Predominantly African-American Low-Income Primary Care Population
Authors: Whitehead Dori , Bodenlos Jamie S. , Cowles Margaret L. , Jones Glenn N. , Brantley Phillip J.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To examine the efficacy of a stage-targeted physical activity intervention among low-income African-Americans.

Methods.

207 participants were randomly assigned to groups and administered baseline measures. Intervention participants were mailed stage-targeted physical activity information, whereas control participants received low-sodium diet brochures. Measures were readministered by phone 1 and 6 months later, with response rates of 69% and 46%, respectively.

Results.

69% of participants were African-American and 64% had a monthly household income of <$1000. A doubly-multivariate analysis of variance indicated that intervention participants reported more physical activity than control participants at 1 month (F(1, 204) = 4.03, p < .05). Unlike control participants, intervention participants reported significant stage progression at 1 month, according to a McNemar χ2 test. Gains attenuated by 6 months.

Conclusions.

The current study supports the use of this intervention among low-income African-Americans. Limitations include use of self-report measures and small sample size.
Workers' Perceptions about Worksite Policies and Environments and Their Association with Leisure-Time Physical Activity
Authors: Lucove Jaime C. , Huston Sara L. , Evenson Kelly R.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To estimate the employed population's exposure to perceived worksite policies and environments hypothesized to promote physical activity and to determine their relationship to leisure-time physical activity.

Design.

Cross-sectional, random-digit-dial telephone survey.

Setting.

Community.

Subjects.

Employed adults (n = 987) in six North Carolina counties.

Measures.

Outcomes included any leisure-time physical activity, recommended physical activity, and work-break physical activity. Perceived worksite policies and environments included on-site fitness facility at work, safe place to walk outside work, paid time for activity, subsidized health-club membership, and flexible work schedule.

Analysis.

Descriptive statistics were used to describe the study population and exposure to perceived worksite policies and environments. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate relationships between perceived worksite policies and environments and physical activity, controlling for age, race, sex, educational status, disability, and general health status.

Results.

Various supportive worksite policies and environments were reported by 15% to 56% of employed participants. Associations between perceived worksite policies and environments and physical activity were strongest for having paid time for non–work-related physical activity, an on-site fitness facility at work, and subsidies for health clubs. Recommended activity was not associated with perceived worksite policies and environments.

Conclusion.

Worksite policies and environments are promising factors for future study in physical activity promotion. Studies should evaluate these relationships in other populations and explore measurement error in self-reported worksite policies and environments.
Carbon dynamics and community production in the Mississippi River plume
Authors: Guo Xianghui , Cai Wei-Jun , Huang Wei-Jen , Wang Yongchen , Chen Feizhou , Murrell Michael C. , Lohrenz Steven E. , Jiang Li-Qing , Dai Minhan , Hartmann Justin , Lin Qi , Culp Randy
Published: November 2011

Dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), total alkalinity (TAlk), pH, and dissolved oxygen (DO) were determined in the Mississippi River plume during five cruises conducted in the spring, summer, and fall. In contrast to many other large rivers, both DIC and TAlk were higher in river water than in seawater. Substantial losses of DIC, relative to TAlk, occurred within the plume, particularly at intermediate salinities. DIC removal was accompanied by high DO, high pH, and nutrient depletion, and was attributed to high phytoplankton production. As a result, the carbonate saturation in the plume became much higher than in ocean and river waters. A mixing model was used to determine DIC removal. We provide evidence that the use of a two—end‐member (river and ocean) mixing model was valid during late summer and fall (low discharge period). However, for other periods we used salinity and TAlk to delineate a mixing model that included two river end members and an ocean end member. Net community production rates in the plume, estimated using a box model, peaked in the summer and were among the highest reported to date for large river plumes. In the summer and fall, biological production in the river plume consumed a majority of the available nutrients, whereas during the spring only a small fraction of the available nutrients were consumed in the plume. Biological production was the dominant process influencing pH and carbonate saturation state along the river—ocean gradient, whereas physicochemical dynamics of mixing played an important role in controlling the TAlk and DIC distributions of this large river plume.
Watershed land use and river engineering drive wetland formation and loss in the Mississippi River birdfoot delta
Authors: Tweel Andrew W. , Turner R. Eugene
Published: November 2011

The Mississippi River basin was developed for agriculture at an unprecedented scale and intensity within the last 200 yr. These changes favored erosion and sediment transport, which were subsequently reduced by soil conservation practices, the trapping of sediment behind large reservoirs, and channel engineering. We discuss the relationship between sediment loading and the growth, loss, and stability of wetlands in the Mississippi River birdfoot delta (MRBD). We report an anthropogenically driven increase in mean suspended sediment concentrations in the Mississippi River below New Orleans, from a modeled 350 mg L−1 (174 × 109 kg yr−1) at the end of the 18th century to a measured maximum of 675 mg L−1 (348 × 109 kg yr−1) in the late 19th century, followed by a sharp reduction, and then a period of stabilization at 157 mg L−1 (91 × 109 kg yr−1) after 1962. Changes in wetland area of the MRBD over the past two centuries reflect variations in sediment supply during periods of increasing, decreasing, and stable sediment loading, and are distinct from wetland loss patterns in other areas of coastal Louisiana. The rapid growth of the MRBD until the 1930s, which has been used as a reference for one of the world's largest wetland restoration efforts, may not be a suitable archetype for the majority of the coast. Additionally, future variation in sediment supply to the MRBD would likely change the total wetland area of the MRBD.
Interannual variability of ozone and carbon monoxide at the Whistler high elevation site: 2002–2006
Authors: Macdonald A. M. , Anlauf K. G. , Leaitch W. R. , Chan E. , Tarasick D. W.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. In spring 2002, an atmospheric measurement site was established at the peak of Whistler Mountain in British Columbia, Canada to measure trace gases, particle chemistry and physics, and meteorology. This paper uses continuous measurements from March 2002 to December 2006 to investigate the influence of trans-Pacific transport and North American forest fires on both O3 and CO at Whistler. Annual mean mixing ratios of O3 and CO were 41 ppbv (monthly means of 35–48 ppbv) and 145 ppbv (monthly means of 113–177 ppbv) respectively with both species exhibiting an annual cycle of late-winter to early-spring maxima and summer minima. The absence of a broad summer O3 peak differs from previously-reported high altitude sites in the western US. The highest monthly-averaged O3 and CO mixing ratios relative to the 5-yr monthly means were seen in fall 2002 and spring 2003 with increased O3 and CO of 10 % and 25 % respectively. These increases correspond to anomalously-high values reported at other Northern Hemisphere sites and are attributed to fires in the Russian Federation. Air mass back trajectory analysis is used to associate the mean enhancements of O3 and CO with trans-Pacific transported or North American air masses relative to the Pacific background. Mean values of the enhancements for March to June in trans-Pacific air masses were 6 ppbv and 16 ppbv for O3 and CO respectively. In summers 2002–2006, higher CO and O3 mixing ratios were almost always observed in North American air masses and this relative enhancement co-varied for each year with the western US and Canada total wildfire area. The greatest enhancements in O3 and CO were seen in 2004, a record year for forest fires in Alaska and the Yukon Territory with average O3 and CO mixing ratios 13 and 43 ppbv above background values.
The Arctic vortex in March 2011: a dynamical perspective
Authors: Hurwitz M. M. , Newman P. A. , Garfinkel C. I.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. Despite the record ozone loss observed in March 2011, dynamical conditions in the Arctic stratosphere were unusual but not unprecedented. Weak planetary wave driving in February preceded cold anomalies in the polar lower stratosphere in March and a relatively late breakup of the Arctic vortex in April. La Niña conditions and the westerly phase of the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) were observed in March 2011. Though these conditions are generally associated with a stronger vortex in mid-winter, the respective cold anomalies do not persist through March. Therefore, the La Niña and QBO-westerly conditions cannot explain the observed cold anomalies in March 2011. In contrast, positive sea surface temperature anomalies in the North Pacific may have contributed to the unusually weak tropospheric wave driving and strong Arctic vortex in late winter 2011.
Analysis of vegetation and land cover dynamics in north-western Morocco during the last decade using MODIS NDVI time series data
Authors: Höpfner C. , Scherer D.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. Vegetation phenology as well as the current variability and dynamics of vegetation and land cover, including its climatic and human drivers, are examined in a region in north-western Morocco that is nearly 22 700 km2 big. A gapless time series of Normalized Differenced Vegetation Index (NDVI) composite raster data from 29 September 2000 to 29 September 2009 is utilised. The data have a spatial resolution of 250 m and were acquired by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor. The presented approach allows to compose and to analyse yearly land cover maps in a widely unknown region with scarce validated ground truth data by deriving phenological parameters. Results show that the high temporal resolution of 16 d is sufficient for (a) determining local land cover better than global land cover classifications of Plant Functional Types (PFT) and Global Land Cover 2000 (GLC2000) and (b) for drawing conclusions on vegetation dynamics and its drivers. Areas of stably classified land cover types (i.e. areas that did not change their land cover type) show climatically driven inter- and intra-annual variability with indicated influence of droughts. The presented approach to determine human-driven influence on vegetation dynamics caused by agriculture results in a more than ten times larger area compared with stably classified areas. Change detection based on yearly land cover maps shows a gain of high-productive vegetation (cropland) of about 259.3 km2. Statistically significant inter-annual trends in vegetation dynamics during the last decade could however not be discovered. A sequence of correlations was respectively carried out to extract the most important periods of rainfall responsible for the production of green biomass and for the extent of land cover types. Results show that mean daily precipitation from 1 October to 15 December has high correlation results (max. r2=0.85) on an intra-annual time scale to NDVI percentiles (50 %) of land cover types. Correlation results of mean daily precipitation from 16 September to 15 January and percentage of yearly classified area of each land cover type are medium up to high (max. r2=0.64). In all, an offset of nearly 1.5 months is detected between precipitation rates and NDVI values. High-productive vegetation (cropland) is proved to be mainly rain-fed. We conclude that identification, understanding and knowledge about vegetation phenology, and current variability of vegetation and land cover, as well as prediction methods of land cover change, can be improved using multi-year MODIS NDVI time series data. This study enhances the comprehension of current land surface dynamics and variability of vegetation and land cover in north-western Morocco. It especially offers a quick access when estimating the extent of agricultural lands.
Detection, tracking and event localization of interesting features in 4-D atmospheric data
Authors: Limbach S. , Schömer E. , Wernli H.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. We introduce a novel algorithm for the efficient detection and tracking of interesting features in spatial-temporal atmospheric data, as well as for the precise localization of the occurring genesis, lysis, merging and splitting events. The algorithm is based on the well-known region growing segmentation method. We extended the basic idea towards the analysis of the complete 4-D dataset, identifying segments representing the spatial features and their development over time. Each segment consists of one set of distinct 3-D features per time step. The algorithm keeps track of the successors of each 3-D feature, constructing the so-called event graph of each segment. The precise localization of the splitting events is based on a search for all grid points inside the initial 3-D feature which have a similar distance to all successive 3-D features of the next time step. The merging event is localized analogously considering inverted direction of time. We tested the implementation on a four-dimensional field of wind speed data from European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) analyses and computed a climatology of upper-tropospheric jet streams and their events. We compare our results with a previous climatology, investigate the statistical distribution of the merging and splitting events, and illustrate the meteorological significance of the jet splitting events with a case study. A brief outlook is given on additional potential applications of the 4-D data segmentation technique.
Simple physics-based models of compensatory plant water uptake: concepts and eco-hydrological consequences
Authors: Jarvis N. J.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. Many land surface schemes and simulation models of plant growth designed for practical use employ simple empirical sub-models of root water uptake that cannot adequately reflect the critical role water uptake from sparsely rooted deep subsoil plays in meeting atmospheric transpiration demand in water-limited environments, especially in the presence of shallow groundwater. A failure to account for this so-called "compensatory" water uptake may have serious consequences for both local and global modeling of water and energy fluxes, carbon balances and climate. Some purely empirical compensatory root water uptake models have been proposed, but they are of limited use in global modeling exercises since their parameters cannot be related to measurable soil and vegetation properties. A parsimonious physics-based model of uptake compensation has been developed that requires no more parameters than empirical approaches. This model is described and some aspects of its behavior are illustrated with the help of example simulations. These analyses demonstrate that hydraulic lift can be considered as an extreme form of compensation and that the degree of compensation is principally a function of soil capillarity and the ratio of total effective root length to potential transpiration. Thus, uptake compensation increases as root to leaf area ratios increase, since potential transpiration depends on leaf area. Results of "scenario" simulations for two case studies, one at the local scale (riparian vegetation growing above shallow water tables in seasonally dry or arid climates) and one at a global scale (water balances across an aridity gradient in the continental USA), are presented to illustrate biases in model predictions that arise when water uptake compensation is neglected. In the first case, it is shown that only a compensated model can match the strong relationships between water table depth and leaf area and transpiration observed in riparian forest ecosystems, where sparse roots in the capillary fringe contribute a significant proportion of the water uptake during extended dry periods. The results of the second case study suggest that uncompensated models may give biased estimates of long-term evapotranspiration at the continental scale. In the example presented here, the uncompensated model underestimated total evapotranspiration by 5–7% in climates of intermediate aridity, while the ratio of transpiration to evaporation was also smaller than for the compensated model, especially in arid climates. It is concluded that the parsimonious physics-based model concepts described here may be useful in the context of eco-hydrological modeling at local, regional and global scales.
Brief communication "Tree impacts into a flexible rockfall protection system"
Authors: Volkwein A. , Vogel A. , Gerber W. , Roth A.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. In hilly terrain, on account of both timber exploitation as well as severe storms, fallen tree trunks can begin to slide, thus constituting a source of danger for people and infrastructure. Any flexible rockfall protection system that is installed under such conditions should also be designed to withstand these unique loading conditions (falling trees). A series of tests was successfully conducted with free-falling trunks. The tests showed the behaviour of a rockfall protection system, also in comparison to similar rockfall events. Numerical simulations were performed to check performance against the field tests. It could be shown that barriers can be tested and designed for tree impacts according to similar rockfall impacts.
Scaling properties of pH fluctuations in coastal waters of the English Channel: pH as a turbulent active scalar
Authors: Zongo S. B. , Schmitt F. G.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. We consider here pH and temperature fluctuations in marine waters, recorded at fixed points using high resolution automatic devices. We analyze time series coming from 4 monitoring stations located along French coast: one station is situated in the coastal area off Boulogne-sur-mer (Eastern English Channel) and 3 stations in the Bay of Seine. All these pH time series reveal large fluctuations at all scales similar to turbulent temperature fluctuations. We compare the pH and temperature time series through Fourier spectral analysis methods: spectra, compensated spectra, cospectra. We find good scaling properties of pH fluctuations, with power spectral slopes close to 1.5 for marine stations and 1.2 for the estuarine station. These analyses show that pH fluctuations in marine waters are strongly influenced by turbulent hydrodynamical transport, and may be considered as a turbulent active scalar.
Managing the Stress Response: The Use of Biofeedback and Neurofeedback with Olympic Athletes
Authors: Dupee Margaret , Werthner Penny
Published: November 2011

Excessive stress and tension are major threats to optimal athletic performance. The goal of this project was to help the athletes optimize the management of their stress response through self-awareness and self-regulation of the activation levels of their autonomic and central nervous systems. Fifteen elite athletes preparing for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics underwent an EEG and psychophysiological stress assessment, as well as a bio–neurofeedback (BNFK) training intervention. Both athletes and coaches reported that the bio–neurofeedback intervention helped the athletes in managing the stress of training and competition and was a factor in producing better performances.
A New International Law of Citizenship
Authors: Spiro Peter J.
Published: November 2011

Will international law colonize the last bastion of sovereign discretion? As a matter of traditional doctrine, international law has had little to say about the citizenship practices of states and the terms on which states determine the boundaries of their memberships. Through much of the Westphalian era, states have been essentially unconstrained with respect to who gets citizenship and on what terms. Historically, citizenship status has been considered a matter of national self-definition, jealously insulated more as a matter of reflex than justification. Nationality has been equated with identity, in most cases coinciding with ethnic, religious, or other sociocultural community markers, which, in turn, have more or less mapped onto territorial spaces.
Charge Nurse Perspectives on Frontline Leadership in Acute Care Environments
Authors: Sherman Rose O. , Schwarzkopf Ruth , Kiger Anna J.
Published: November 2011

A recently issued report from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in the United States on the Future of Nursing included a recommendation that nurses should receive leadership development at every level in order to transform the healthcare system. Charge nurses, at the frontline of patient care in acute care settings, are in key positions to lead this change. This paper presents findings from research conducted with nurses in the Tenet Health System. Charge nurses from ten facilities who attended a one-day work shop were surveyed to gain insight into the experience of being a frontline leader in today's acute care environment. The relationship of these findings to the IOM report and the implications for both the Tenet Health System and other healthcare organizations that are working to support nurses who assume these challenging roles are discussed.
Imaging Techniques in Acute Coronary Syndromes: A Review
Authors: Zimmerman Stanley K. , Vacek James L.
Published: November 2011

Coronary heart disease (CHD) remains the leading cause of death in the United States. National review of Emergency Department (ED) visits from 2007 to 2008 reveals that 9% are for chest pain. Of these patients, 13% had acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) (Antman et al., 2004). Plaque rupture with thrombus formation is the most frequent cause of ACS, and identifying patients prior to this event remains important for any clinician caring for these patients. There has been an increasing amount of research and technological advancement in improving the diagnosis of patients presenting with ACS. Low-to-intermediate risk patients are the subgroup that has a delay in definitive treatment for ACS, and a push for methods to more easily and accurately identify the patients within this group that would benefit from an early invasive strategy has arisen. Multiple imaging modalities have been studied regarding the ability to detect ischemia or wall motion abnormalities (WMAs), and an understanding of some of the currently available noninvasive and invasive imaging techniques is important for any clinician caring for ACS patients.
Voltage Assessment in Distributed Network with Photovoltaic Plant
Authors: Zhou Niancheng , Zhu Jizhong
Published: November 2011

This paper presents an approach to analyze the steady-state voltage change in distributed network with or without connection of Photovoltaic (PV) plant. Several scenarios are discussed: the voltage drop of distribution feeders with or without PV plant; the voltage impact in distributed network with different weather conditions; the impacts of PV power plant capacity on the voltage. A practical distribution system with PV plant in China is used for simulation. The results and analysis are reported.
The Effectiveness of Psychosocial Interventions with Cancer Patients: An Integrative Review of the Literature (2006–2011)
Authors: Raingruber Bonnie
Published: November 2011

Background. Previous integrative literature reviews and meta-analyses have yielded conflicting results regarding the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions for cancer patients. Methods. An integrative review of the literature focused on 19 randomized, controlled trials (2006–2011) was completed to examine the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions for cancer patients. Eligibility criteria: Inclusion criteria were the study was an English language randomized controlled clinical trial. Results. Seven studies involved nurses. Eleven studies resulted in positive outcomes. Overall, study quality was limited. In eight studies the intervention was not adequately described, 7 studies did not contain a hypothesis, 4 did not include clear eligibility criteria, 10 studies did not randomize appropriately, 9 did not list recruitment dates, 11 did not include a power analysis, 14 did not include blinded patients or data collectors, 11 did not use an intent-to-treat analysis, 10 did not clarify reasons for drop outs, and 11 did not discuss treatment fidelity. Conclusions. Future studies should build on previous findings, use comparable outcome measures, and adhere to standards of quality research. Qualitative studies are needed to determine what cancer patients of varied ages, cancer stages, and racial/ethnic backgrounds believe would be an effective intervention to manage their psychosocial needs.
Short-Term Calorie Restriction in Early Life Attenuates the Development of Proteinuria but Not Glucose Intolerance in Type 2 Diabetic OLETF Rats
Authors: Nakano Daisuke , Diah Suwarni , Kitada Kento , Hitomi Hirofumi , Mori Hirohito , Masaki Tsutomu , Kobori Hiroyuki , Nishiyama Akira
Published: November 2011

Childhood obesity is becoming more prevalent; however, the influence of obesity or dieting during childhood on outcomes in adulthood is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of short-term calorie restriction (CR) and high-calorie feeding with high-fat or high-sucrose diets during early life on the development of glucose tolerance and diabetic nephropathy in later life of Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima fatty (OLETF) rats. Neither high-calorie intake nor CR at 7–13 weeks of age affected glucose tolerance of 27-week-old OLETF rats. On the other hand, proteinuria was lower at 27 weeks of age in CR rats than in the other rats. These results suggest that short-term CR at a young age protects against the development of renal injury in later life. In contrast, short-term high-calorie intake or CR at a young age does not appear to affect glucose metabolism in later life.
Prediction Model of the Fusion Microzone on Sliding Contact Surface
Authors: Lu Yan , Liu Zuomin
Published: November 2011

The current paper is motivated by the need to understand the factors in generating the fusion microzone in sliding systems. The objectives are to analyze the different elements' varied influence on the engineering surface's temperature rise. The current paper developed the prediction model based on the thermal conduct theory. A solution based on the Green's function method is combined with the grid method for calculating the temperature rise and distribution. The research indicates that: frictional heat is closely related to the sliding velocity, its value is in proportion to the sliding velocity; the thermal properties of the material are one of the key points to decide the temperature rise; the load is another main factor in increasing the temperature rise; comparing with other elements, the roughness may be the least effective to the temperature rise.
Multiple Myeloma and Diabetes
Authors: Issa Zeinab A. , Zantout Mira S. , Azar Sami T.
Published: November 2011

Multiple myeloma is a malignant plasma cell disorder that accounts for approximately 10% of all hematologic cancers. It is characterized by accumulation of clonal plasma cells, predominantly in the bone marrow. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing; therefore, it is expected that there will be an increase in the diagnosis of multiple myeloma with concomitant diabetes mellitus. The treatment of multiple myeloma and diabetes mellitus is multifaceted. The coexistence of the two conditions in a patient forms a major challenge for physicians.
Nonconvex Compressed Sampling of Natural Images and Applications to Compressed MR Imaging
Authors: Shao Wenze , Deng Haisong , Wei Zhuihui
Published: November 2011

There have been proposed several compressed imaging reconstruction algorithms for natural and MR images. In essence, however, most of them aim at the good reconstruction of edges in the images. In this paper, a nonconvex compressed sampling approach is proposed for structure-preserving image reconstruction, through imposing sparseness regularization on strong edges and also oscillating textures in images. The proposed approach can yield high-quality reconstruction as images are sampled at sampling ratios far below the Nyquist rate, due to the exploitation of a kind of approximate l0 seminorms. Numerous experiments are performed on the natural images and MR images. Compared with several existing algorithms, the proposed approach is more efficient and robust, not only yielding higher signal to noise ratios but also reconstructing images of better visual effects.
Is it Safe to Use a Diuretic to Treat Seizures Early in Development ?
Authors: Ben-Ari Y. , Tyzio R.
Published: November 2011

There has been considerable interest in using bumetanide, a diuretic chloride importer NKCC1 antagonist, to reduce intracellular chloride ([Cl−]i) in epileptic neurons, thereby shifting the polarity of GABA from excitatory to inhibitory and ameliorating the actions of GABA-acting antiepileptic drugs. However, a recent study raises the important issue of potential deleterious actions of bumetanide on immature neurons, because reduction of (Cl−)i also alleviates a major source of excitation in developing neurons, upon which GABA exerts a trophic action. This review considers the importance of separating intrauterine from postnatal effects of bumetanide in normal versus pathologic neurons.
Photoclickable Surfaces for Profluorescent Covalent Polymer Coatings
Authors: Dietrich Mathias , Delaittre Guillaume , Blinco James P. , Inglis Andrew J. , Bruns Michael , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher
Published: November 2011

The nitrile imine‐mediated tetrazole‐ene cycloaddition reaction (NITEC) is introduced as a powerful and versatile conjugation tool to covalently ligate macromolecules onto variable (bio)surfaces. The NITEC approach is initiated by UV irradiation and proceeds rapidly at ambient temperature yielding a highly fluorescent linkage. Initially, the formation of block copolymers by the NITEC methodology is studied to evidence its efficacy as a macromolecular conjugation tool. The grafting of polymers onto inorganic (silicon) and bioorganic (cellulose) surfaces is subsequently carried out employing the optimized reaction conditions obtained from the macromolecular ligation experiments and evidenced by surface characterization techniques, including X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and FT‐IR microscopy. In addition, the patterned immobilization of variable polymer chains onto profluorescent cellulose is achieved through a simple masking process during the irradiation.
Copper‐Catalyzed Chloroamination of Alkynes: Highly Regio‐ and Stereoselective Synthesis of (E)‐β‐Chloro‐Enesulfonamides
Authors: Liu Xue‐Yuan , Gao Pin , Shen Yong‐Wen , Liang Yong‐Min
Published: November 2011

An efficient copper catalysis system for the chloroamination of alkynes with chlorosulfonamide at room temperature is described, providing a highly regio‐ and stereoselective procedure for the synthesis of (E)‐β‐chloro‐enesulfonamides in moderate to good yields.
Organocatalytic Enantioselective Michael‐Addition of Malonic Acid Half‐Thioesters to β‐Nitroolefins: From Mimicry of Polyketide Synthases to Scalable Synthesis of γ‐Amino Acids
Authors: Bae Han Yong , Some Surajit , Lee Jae Heon , Kim Ju‐Young , Song Myoung Jong , Lee Sungyul , Zhang Yong Jian , Song Choong Eui
Published: November 2011

Highly enantioselective biomimetic Michael addition reactions of malonic acid half thioesters (MAHTs) to a variety of nitroolefins, affording the optically active γ‐amino acid precursors, were developed by employing the Cinchona‐based squaramides (up to >99% ee). Remarkably, this biomimetic process is enantioconvergent, a highly desirable feature of a catalytic asymmetric reaction, whereby E/Z‐isomers of the nitroolefins afford the same product enantiomer. The synthetic utility of this organocatalytic protocol was also demonstrated in the formal synthesis of pharmaceutically important γ‐amino acids such as baclofen. Moreover, a quantum chemical analysis of the catalyst‐substrate complexes is shown to give a detailed and instrumental insight into the origin of the observed catalytic activity.
Aryl Diazonium versus Iodonium Salts: Preparation, Applications and Mechanisms for the Suzuki–Miyaura Cross‐Coupling Reaction
Authors: Bonin Hélène , Fouquet Eric , Felpin François‐Xavier
Published: November 2011

This review gives an overview of the use of unusual diazonium and iodonium salts as electrophiles for the Suzuki–Miyaura reaction. The discussion mainly focuses, with a critical view, on catalytic systems developed with these electrophiles. The review also discusses their general properties and preparation as well as mechanistic aspects. A last and brief comparison of diazonium versus iodonium salts, by highlighting advantages and drawbacks of both, gives the reader an understandable resumé.
N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Annulation of Bromoenal and 1,3‐Dicarbonyl Compounds
Authors: Sun Fang‐Gang , Sun Li‐Hui , Ye Song
Published: November 2011

Highly enantioselective [3+3] annulation reactions of bromoenals and 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds are reported. In addition, both enantiomers of the resultant dihydropyranone could be easily obtained by choosing N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) with the same stereocenter but different substituents under the optimized reaction conditions.
Lack of association between p.Ser167Asn variant of Parkin and Parkinson's disease: A meta‐analysis of 15 studies involving 2,280 cases and 2,459 controls
Authors: Zhang Yi , Wang Zhen‐Zhen , Sun Hong‐Mei
Published: November 2011

Previous clinical trials have evaluated the association between Parkin p.Ser167Asn (c.601G>A) variant and Parkinson's disease (PD) risk. However, the results remain conflicting rather than conclusive. Therefore, we performed this meta‐analysis to assess whether pooled results show the association. We performed structured literature searches for studies addressing the association between the Parkin p.Ser167Asn variant and PD risk. We conducted analyses of study characteristics, heterogeneity, and funnel plot asymmetry in analyses analogous to additive, dominant, recessive, and general genetic models with the odds ratio (OR) as the measure of association. When 15 eligible studies (n = 4,739 subjects) were pooled into the meta‐analysis, there was no evidence for significant association in additive genetic model between Parkin p. Ser167Asn variant and PD risk (OR = 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.83–1.25;P = 0.866). The OR for the dominant model was 1.06 (95% CI = 0.80–1.41) while the OR for the recessive model was 0.90 (95% CI = 0.71–1.14). The OR for the heterozygous was 1.07 (95% CI = 0.80–1.43) while the OR for the homozygotes was 1.19 (95% CI = 0.81–1.74). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, no significant association was found in any genetic model. Begg's funnel plot and Egger's test provided visual and statistical evidences for funnel plot symmetry, suggesting no presence of publication bias. In summary, the meta‐analysis strongly suggests that Parkin p. Ser167Asn variant is not associated with PD risk. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.