bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in Platelet Count as a Predictive Tool in Sickle Cell Acute Vaso-Occlusive Crises: A Pediatric Study
Authors: Shanley Leticia A. , Ebeling Myla , Titus M. Olivia
Published: March 2011

Objective. Studies have shown that platelets play an important role in the pathophysiology of vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) in sickle cell disease. This study investigates whether changes in platelet indices from baseline can be predictive of complications during acute pain crisis. Methods. Data were obtained from pediatric sickle cell patients in the well-clinic setting and compared with data gathered during VOC (n = 67). Primary outcome was complicated (admission, acute chest syndrome, transfusion, etc) versus uncomplicated (discharge from emergency department without subsequent return) course. Results. Patients with uncomplicated courses had larger platelet declines (53.7) than those with complicated courses (14.8, P = .005). Conclusions. The study suggests that patients with uncomplicated VOC are more likely to experience a larger decline in platelets. The predictive value is limited by the need to have preexisting steady-state data and relatively small decline. Ongoing studies are needed to identify useful laboratory data to help predict severity of VOC.
Career Trajectories of Urban Teachers
Authors: Rinke Carol R.
Published: March 2011

This article addresses teacher retention in urban schools, focusing on high-need secondary science classrooms. As a longitudinal study, this research investigated how eight case study teachers conceived of their careers and career moves. The experiences and perspectives of three case study teachers indicated that they were situated along a continuum from those who aimed to integrate fully into the educational system to those who wanted to participate in it for a limited period of time. Teachers negotiated their perspectives with the workplace context to shape participation in school communities, relationships with students and colleagues, and career directions.
Efficacy of Metabolic Modulators in Ischemic Heart Disease: An Overview
Authors: Kalra Bhupinder S. , Roy Vandana
Published: March 2011

Myocardial ischemia results in a decrease in oxygen supply to the heart, leading to cardiac dysfunction. Present therapeutic strategies for treating myocardial ischemia or infarction focus on maintaining coronary artery patency by either fibrinolysis or primary percutaneous intervention. Although these approaches have dramatically improved the prognosis in patients with angina pectoris and myocardial infarction, the complication of myocardial ischemia remains a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. A novel approach that entails improving and optimizing cardiac energy metabolism of the ischemic myocardium by pharmacologically manipulating different metabolic pathways in the heart holds promise in limiting myocardial damage. Metabolic support of the ischemic myocardium is aimed at increasing glycolysis and residual oxidative phosphorylation of glucose along with decreasing fatty acid oxidation. This review discusses the various metabolic modulators, both conventional and new, along with documented evidence in both acute and chronic angina.
Silica Obtained Via Pyrolysis of Waste ‘Green’ Tyres - A Filler for Tyre Tread Rubber Blends
Authors: Ivanov M. , Mihaylov M.
Published: March 2011

A solid product SiO2D has been obtained as a result of subjecting the tread of ‘green’ tyres to pyrolysis-cum-water vapor. It has been found by IR-FTIR and EDXRF spectroscopy that the product contains 65% of SiO2, 30% of carbon, 3% of ZnO, and 2% of other components. The mechanical and dynamic properties, and SEM micrographs of the vulcanizates of model sSBR/BR-based blends having a different SiO2D filler content have been compared to those of vulcanizates filled with conventional SiO2 and carbon black at a 2 : 1 ratio. Composites comprising ZnO as well as such comprising zinc salts of long-chain fatty acids have been investigated. Differences have been established neither in the mechanical properties (Modulus 300, tensile strength, abrasion, etc.) nor in the dynamic properties (heat build-up, tan δ, etc.) of the vulcanizates filled with SiO2D and of those filled with conventional SiO2 and carbon black at a 2 : 1 ratio. The size of SiO2D particles has been found to be the same as that of conventional SiO2. Their distribution in the rubber matrix also does not differ.
When Goal Sharing Produces Support That Is Not Caring
Authors: Kappes Heather Barry , Shrout Patrick E.
Published: March 2011

Four studies used experimental and correlational methods to investigate the effect of a “partner-achievement goal,” or a personal goal for a relationship partner’s successful achievement. This goal led support providers to offer unhelpful support about how to play a computer game (Study 1). It also predicted poor achievement for dieting support recipients (Study 2). The effects of partner-achievement goals were moderated by recipient expectations of success and mediated by recipient effort. Recipients with low expectations of their own success requested that their provider partners with partner-achievement goals refrain from offering them support (Study 3); they also invested less time studying Latin grammar and learned fewer Latin words over one week (Study 4). Together, these findings highlight the unique behavioral consequences of partner-achievement goals for both members of a relationship.
Physician‐Delivered Malnutrition
Authors: Franklin Glen A. , McClave Stephen A. , Hurt Ryan T. , Lowen Cynthia C. , Stout Allyson E. , Stogner Lisa L. , Priest Nicole L. , Haffner Mary E. , Deibel Karl R. , Bose Dana L. , Blandford Barbara S. , Hermann Tyler , Anderson Mary E.
Published: March 2011

Background: Traditional practices of placing patients nil per os (NPO) or on clear liquid diet (CLD) deter delivery of optimal nutrition care and are not always supported by sound physiologic principles. Objective: This perspective survey evaluated the incidence of this practice, the reasons for such orders, and the response to intervention by the Multidisciplinary Nutrition Team (MNT). Methods: All patients admitted to University of Louisville Hospital were monitored by MNT dietitians and were candidates for the study if they were placed NPO upon CLD for ≥3 days. The MNT determined appropriateness of diet orders. Results: Out of 1192 admissions, 22.6% of the patients (n = 262, 61% male, mean age 46.1 years) were found to be NPO or on CLD for ≥3 days (mean 5.2 days NPO, 1.04 days CLD), and were entered in the study. Uncertainty regarding the reason for the specific diet order occurred more often when patients were placed on CLD than when made NPO (32.1% vs. 15.0% of cases, respectively, P < 0.05). NPO diet orders were more often deemed appropriate by the MNT than were orders for CLD (58.6% vs. 25.6%, respectively, P < 0.05). Compliance with MNT recommendations was low at 40.0%. Conclusions: Despite an active MNT, 22% of patients were made NPO or placed on CLD for a prolonged period of time. More than a third of diet orders for NPO and two thirds of orders for CLD were inappropriate and poorly justified. Improving the adequacy of nutrition therapy is hampered by noncompliance with MNT recommendations.
A training programme did not increase agreement between allied health clinicians prioritizing patients for community rehabilitation
Authors: Harding Katherine E , Taylor Nicholas F , Leggat Sandra G , Wise Vicki L
Published: March 2011

Objective: To evaluate the effect of formal training on agreement between clinicians making decisions on client priority.

Setting: A centralized intake service receiving referrals for a community rehabilitation programme.

Design: Agreement was measured between the priority categories allocated to consecutive referrals by one of five clinicians in the referral office compared with a second rating made by an independent occupational therapist, blinded to the initial priority rating. Data collection followed the implementation of four 1-hour workshops involving all raters, designed to increase consistency of triage decisions. Results were compared to a previous study conducted prior to the training.

Participants: Two hundred and one consecutive referrals received for community rehabilitation services, triaged by experienced clinicians with allied health or nursing qualifications.

Outcome measure: Agreement using weighted kappa (κw).

Results: There was no change in agreement between clinicians after training, compared with a previous study in the same setting. Agreement remained moderate (κw = 0.50), with clinicians disagreeing on approximately 30% of referrals.

Conclusions: Three out of 10 clients will receive a different priority rating and waiting time for rehabilitation services depending on which clinician in the referral office made the rating. This result was not improved by conducting a training programme.
The Preferred Priorities for Care document in Motor Neurone Disease: Views of bereaved relatives and carers
Authors: Preston Harriet , Fineberg Iris Cohen , Callagher Pauline , Mitchell Douglas J
Published: March 2011

Increasing emphasis is being placed on the need for advanced care planning (ACP) at the end of life. The Preferred Priorities for Care (PPC) document is a patient-held record promoted by the End of Life Care Strategy as an ACP tool to promote discussion and communication amongst patients, family and health care providers. However, little research exists into evaluating its effectiveness or exploring patient and carer views, particularly in non-malignant disease. Because the majority of patients with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) lose verbal communication, early discussion of patients’ wishes and preferences, a central aspect of ACP, is vital. This study examined MND patients’ bereaved relatives’ experiences of using the PPC document and their perceptions about its impact on end-of-life care using qualitative methods. Key findings adding to existing literature were that the PPC document was felt to have little impact on end-of-life care amongst this patient group and that there was a perceived lack of awareness of the document amongst health care professionals (HCPs), in particular hospital staff. This was felt to limit the effectiveness of the document. This has obvious implications for practice, looking at awareness amongst HCPs and ways to improve this situation, particularly in light of the current pressures to meet patient preferences at the end of life.
Effect of Treatment Interruption and Intensification of Antiretroviral Therapy on Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Advanced HIV
Authors: Joyce Vilija R. , Barnett Paul G. , Chow Adam , Bayoumi Ahmed M. , Griffin Susan C. , Sun Huiying , Holodniy Mark , Brown Sheldon T. , Kyriakides Tassos C. , Cameron D. William , Youle Mike , Sculpher Mark , Anis Aslam H. , Owens Douglas K.
Published: March 2011

Background. The effect of antiretroviral therapy (ART) interruption or intensification on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in advanced HIV patients is unknown. Objective. To assess the impact of temporary treatment interruption and intensification of ART on HRQoL. Design. A 2 x 2 factorial open label randomized controlled trial. Setting. Hospitals in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Patients. Multidrug resistant (MDR) HIV patients. Intervention. Patients were randomized to receive a 12-wk interruption or not, and ART intensification or standard ART. Measurements. The Health Utilities Index (HUI3), EQ-5D, standard gamble (SG), time tradeoff (TTO), visual analog scale (VAS), and the Medical Outcomes Study HIV Health Survey (MOS-HIV). Results. There were no significant differences in HRQoL among the four groups during follow-up; however, there was a temporary significant decline in HRQoL on some measures within the interruption group during interruption (HUI3 −0.05, P = 0.03; VAS −5.9, P = 0.002; physical health summary −2.9, P = 0.001; mental health summary −1.9, P = 0.02). Scores declined slightly overall during follow-up. Multivariate analysis showed significantly lower HRQoL associated with some clinical events. Limitations. The results may not apply to HIV patients who have not experienced multiple treatment failures or who have not developed MDR HIV. Conclusions. Temporary ART interruption and ART intensification provided neither superior nor inferior HRQoL compared with no interruption and standard ART. Among surviving patients, HRQoL scores declined only slightly over years of follow-up in this advanced HIV cohort; however, approximately one-third of patients died during the trial follow up. Lower HRQoL was associated with adverse clinical events.
Segmentation and modeling of visually symmetric objects by robot actions
Authors: Li Wai Ho , Kleeman Lindsay
Published: March 2011

Robots usually carry out object segmentation and modeling passively. Sensors such as cameras are actuated by a robot without disturbing objects in the scene. In this paper, we present an intelligent robotic system that physically moves objects in an active manner to perform segmentation and modeling using vision. By visually detecting bilateral symmetry, our robot is able to segment and model objects through controlled physical interactions. Extensive experiments show that our robot is able to accurately segment new objects autonomously. We also show that our robot is able to leverage segmentation results to autonomously learn visual models of new objects by physically grasping and rotating them. Object recognition experiments confirm that the robot-learned models allow robust recognition. Videos of the robotic experiments are also made available.
Ulcerative Cheilitis in a Rhesus Macaque
Authors: Bailey C. C. , Miller A. D.
Published: March 2011

A 2-year-old, female, simian immunodeficiency virus E543–infected rhesus macaque ( Macaca mulatta) was presented for necropsy following euthanasia due to a history of diarrhea, weight loss, and a small, round ulcer along the left labial commissure. Histopathologic examination of the ulcer revealed infiltration by large numbers of degenerate and nondegenerate neutrophils and macrophages admixed with syncytial epithelial cells. Rare epithelial cells contained herpetic inclusion bodies. These cells stained positive for Human herpesvirus 1 via immunohistochemistry, and DNA sequencing confirmed the presence of closely related Macacine herpesvirus 1 (B virus).
A Critical Review of the Effectiveness of Rodent Pharmaceutical Carcinogenesis Testing in Predicting for Human Risk
Authors: Alden C. L. , Lynn A. , Bourdeau A. , Morton D. , Sistare F. D. , Kadambi V. J. , Silverman L.
Published: March 2011

The pharmaceutical industry and regulatory agency toxicology testing paradigms in the United States currently appear successful, in part because of the continuously increasing life expectancy and the declining age-adjusted cancer rates in the United States. Although drugs likely have a minimal impact on the population statistics for cancer rates, pharmaceutical pathologists and toxicologists must focus on the individual risk for pharmaceutical carcinogenesis. As our understanding of carcinogenesis increases exponentially, and after hundreds if not thousands of rodent cancer tests, significant improvement in the precision of human pharmaceutical carcinogenesis hazard identification should now be possible and would enable a reduction in the substantial false-negative and false positive-rates reported herein. The appropriate use of acute, subchronic, chronic, and special toxicology tests to identify the major associated cancer risk factors, specifically, hormonal modulation, immunosuppression, genetic toxicity, and chronic toxicity, can be recognized through this review of pharmaceutical carcinogens. Significant opportunities exist for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the current cancer risk assessment paradigm.
Geography and education II
Authors: Winter Christine
Published: March 2011

The subject of Geography maintains a relatively strong position in English universities today. In contrast, the subject is experiencing declining popularity in schools. In this article I report on recent developments in the English school curriculum for 11–14-year-olds which have contributed to the current state of health of Geography. At the same time, I warn against complacency on the part of university Geographers researching and teaching worldwide by advising a certain mindfulness around school curriculum policy reform in England and its impact on the future of Geography in universities. I begin by introducing current education policy reform affecting Geography before summarizing findings from four research studies to serve as snapshots of the impact of changes on school curricula. Following a discussion of the implications of policy changes for the future health and status of school Geography, I conclude by discussing examples of Geography education research studies which demonstrate how school Geography might contribute to the ‘imagination of alternatives and concrete demonstrations of other ways of living in a society’ ( Massey, 2009 : 137).
Randomized controlled trial of the CGRP receptor antagonist MK-3207 in the acute treatment of migraine
Authors: Hewitt David J , Aurora Sheena K , Dodick David W , Goadsby Peter J , Ge Yang (Joy) , Bachman Robert , Taraborelli Donna , Fan Xiaoyin , Assaid Christopher , Lines Christopher , Ho Tony W
Published: March 2011

Background: This study evaluated the CGRP receptor antagonist MK-3207 for acute treatment of migraine.

Methods: Multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, two-stage adaptive study with two interim efficacy analyses to facilitate optimal dose selection. Migraine patients were initially randomized to MK-3207 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 mg or placebo to treat a moderate/severe migraine. One or more doses were to be discontinued based on the first interim analysis and a lower or higher dose could be added based on the second interim analysis. The primary endpoint was two-hour pain freedom.

Results: A total of 547 patients took study medication. After the first interim analysis, the two lowest MK-3207 doses (2.5, 5 mg) were identified as showing insufficient efficacy. Per the pre-specified adaptive design decision rule, only the 2.5-mg group was discontinued and the five highest doses (5, 10, 20, 50, 100 mg) were continued into the second stage. After the second interim efficacy analysis, a 200 mg dose was added due to insufficient efficacy at the top three (20, 50, 100 mg) doses. A positive dose-response trend was demonstrated when data were combined across all MK-3207 doses for two-hour pain freedom ( p < .001). The pairwise difference versus placebo for two-hour pain freedom was significant for 200 mg ( p < .001) and nominally significant for 100 mg and 10 mg ( p < .05). The incidence of adverse events appeared comparable between active treatment groups and placebo, and did not appear to increase with increasing dose.

Conclusions: MK-3207 was effective and generally well tolerated in the acute treatment of migraine.
Possible site of action of CGRP antagonists in migraine
Authors: Tfelt-Hansen Peer , Olesen Jes
Published: March 2011

Background: The calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonists olcegepant and telcagepant are very potent drugs. Both are effective in migraine but in doses much higher than would be predicted from receptor binding and other in vitro results. This could perhaps suggest an effect of CGRP antagonists behind the blood-brain barrier (BBB), i.e. in the central nervous system (CNS).

Methods: Comparison of doses needed for CGRP blocking effect in vitro with dose needed in vivo in man and monkeys. Discussion of these doses in relation to doses needed for anti-migraine activity.

Results: In vivo studies in monkeys and man showed that high doses compared to doses needed in vitro are needed to block capsaicin-induced in skin blood flow, a CGRP-mediated reaction. These doses are close to those needed for anti-migraine activity.

Conclusion: The apparently high doses of CGRP receptor antagonists, olcegepant and telcagepant needed for anti-migraine effect are not so high after all. They do not allow a conclusion as to whether CGRP antagonists act on peripheral sites or central sites in migraine.
Tissue Ingrowth After Implantation of a Novel, Biodegradable Polyurethane Scaffold for Treatment of Partial Meniscal Lesions
Authors: Verdonk René , Verdonk Peter , Huysse Wouter , Forsyth Ramses , Heinrichs Eva-Lisa
Published: March 2011

Background: A novel, biodegradable, aliphatic polyurethane scaffold was designed to fulfill an unmet clinical need in the treatment of patients with irreparable partial meniscal lesions.

Hypothesis: Treatment of irreparable partial meniscal lesions with an acellular polyurethane scaffold supports new tissue ingrowth.

Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods: Fifty-two patients (with 34 medial and 18 lateral lesions) were recruited into a prospective, single-arm, multicenter, proof-of-principle study and treated with the polyurethane scaffold. The scaffold was implanted after partial meniscectomy using standard surgeon-preferred techniques for suturing. Tissue ingrowth was assessed at 3 months by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) and at 12 months by gross examination during second-look arthroscopy, in the course of which a biopsy sample from the inner free edge of the scaffold meniscus was taken for qualitative histologic analysis.

Results: Tissue ingrowth at 3 months was demonstrated on DCE-MRI in 35 of 43 (81.4%) patients. All but one 12-month second-look (43 of 44 [97.7%]) showed integration of the scaffold with the native meniscus and all biopsy specimens (44) showed fully vital material, with no signs of cell death or necrosis. Three distinct layers were observed based on morphologic structure, vessel structure presence or absence, and extracellular matrix composition.

Conclusion: The DCE-MRI demonstrated successful early tissue ingrowth into the scaffold. The biopsy findings demonstrated the biocompatibility of the scaffold and ingrowth of tissue with particular histologic characteristics suggestive of meniscus-like tissue. In conclusion, these data show for the first time consistent regeneration of tissue when using an acellular polyurethane scaffold to treat irreparable partial meniscus tissue lesions.
Cost-saving biological nitrogen removal from strong ammonia landfill leachate
Authors: Wang Y. , Pelkonen M. , Kaila J.
Published: March 2011

The aim of the study was to develop an improved management mode in Ämmässuo landfill (Finland) for leachate ammonium-nitrogen removal, to minimize the leachate management costs and secure compliance with the uptrend requirements of regulations for on-site leachate management. With a single sequential batch simulation reactor, the minimum C/N ratio was detected as 1.7 (adjusted by external carbon addition), to achieve the acceptable removal efficiency of 99, 62 and 74% in NH 4-N, total nitrogen and chemical oxygen demand, respectively. Both total nitrogen removal and efficiency of carbon use were correlated with an increasing NO-2 /NO-x ratio indicating higher performance with denitrification via nitrite. It was estimated that the leachate management cost could be reduced by 28 to 38%.
Transformation of methyltin chlorides and stannic chloride under simulated landfill conditions
Authors: Björn Annika , Hörsing Maritha , Ejlertsson Jörgen , Svensson Bo H
Published: March 2011

There is increasing concern regarding the fate of methyltins in the environment, particularly since large amounts of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics are deposited in landfills. The potential transformation of methyltin chlorides and stannic chloride in landfills was investigated, by incubating the target substances at concentrations relevant to landfill conditions (100 and 500 µg Sn L−1). The amounts of methane formed in all treatment bottles, and controls, were measured to evaluate the general microbial activity of the inocula and possible effects of methyltins on the degradation of organic matter. The methyltins and stannic chloride were found to have no significant inhibitory effects on the activity of landfill micro-organisms, and the methanol used to disperse the tin compounds was completely degraded. In some experimental bottles, the methanol degradation gave rise to larger methane yields than expected, which was attributed to enhanced degradation of the waste material. Alkyltin analyses showed that monomethyltin trichloride at an initial concentration of 500 µg Sn L−1 promoted methylation of inorganic tin present in the inoculum. No methylation activities were detected in the incubations with 100 µg Sn L−1 methyltin chlorides (mono-, di- or tri-methyltin), but demethylation occurred instead. Levels of soluble inorganic tin increased during the incubation period, due partly to demethylation and partly to a release of tin from the waste inocula.
Neonatal Electroencephalography: Review of a Practical Approach
Authors: Shany Eilon , Berger Itai
Published: March 2011

Neonatal electroencephalography (EEG) recordings have routinely been performed for more than half a century. ‘‘Old’’ technical difficulties are no longer of concern with the advent of modern digital technology. Still, many ‘‘old’’ issues are at debate: characterization of neonatal EEG features, identification of EEG waveforms with potential clinical correlates, the role of neonatal EEG in prediction of neurodevelopmental outcome, and use of new devices. In the past decades, neonatal EEG and emerging issues’ literature has greatly expanded. In this review, the authors have summarized some of these issues to increase the availability of the information for both clinical and research purposes. They propose an up-to-date concentrated practical approach to this rapidly expanding ‘‘subfield’’ of neonatal neurology.
Maintained Hand Function and Forearm Bone Health 14 Months After an In-Home Virtual-Reality Videogame Hand Telerehabilitation Intervention in an Adolescent With Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Golomb Meredith R. , Warden Stuart J. , Fess Elaine , Rabin Bryan , Yonkman Janell , Shirley Bridget , Burdea Grigore C.
Published: March 2011

Virtual reality videogames can be used to motivate rehabilitation, and telerehabilitation can be used to improve access to rehabilitation. These uses of technology to improve health outcomes are a burgeoning area of rehabilitation research. So far, there is a lack of reports of long-term outcomes of these types of interventions. The authors report a 15-year-old boy with hemiplegic cerebral palsy and epilepsy because of presumed perinatal stroke who improved his plegic hand function and increased his plegic forearm bone health during a 14-month virtual reality videogame hand telerehabilitation intervention. A total of 14 months after the intervention ended, repeat evaluation demonstrated maintenance of both increased hand function and forearm bone health. The implications of this work for the future of rehabilitation in children with neurological disabilities are discussed in this article.
Students With Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Baer Robert M. , Daviso Alfred W. , Flexer Robert W. , McMahan Queen Rachel , Meindl Richard S.
Published: March 2011

This study examined the outcomes of 409 students with mental retardation or multiple disabilities from 177 school districts in a Great Lakes state. These students with intellectual disabilities were interviewed at exit and 1 year following graduation. The authors developed and tested three regression models—two to predict full-time employment and one to predict college enrollment after graduation. Although inclusion was a significant predictor of postsecondary education, career and technical education and work study programs did not reach significance as predictors of postschool employment. For these students, gender and minority issues contributed to most of the variance. These findings point to the need for more holistic career and technical education and work study models for these students.
The Speed of Collapse: The Space-Time Dimensions of Capitalism’s First Great Crisis of the 21st Century
Authors: Hassan Robert
Published: March 2011

The essay analyses the global economic crisis from a critical perspective on the function of capital accumulation in space-time. It argues that the relative ‘speed of collapse’ is a historically new phenomenon that has been generated through the neoliberal and ICT driven mode of capitalism that has dominated since the 1970s. The ‘speed of collapse’, I argue, will be followed by a rapid financially led recovery that signals not that the system is self-stabilizing and durable, but that the system is out of control. This lack of control and the irreconcilable effects of space-time upon a constantly accumulating capital with fewer and fewer profitable outlets mean that a future system crisis is both inevitable and will carry greater destructive resonance.
Canada’s Senior Public Service and the Typology of Bargains: from the Hierarchy of Senior Civil Servants to A Community of ‘‘Controlled’’ Entrepreneurs
Authors: Bourgault Jacques
Published: March 2011

New Public Management (NPM) developments have changed the way the Canadian public service works. Specifically, they have changed a number of aspects of the work, role and management of the senior public service and its relationship with politicians. Hood and Lodge have proposed a typology of these relationships, and if their typology is applied to Canada, we find that senior officials used to adopt a hierarchist-type position with respect to political leaders. But has their position changed since the advent of NPM? The evidence shows that senior executive profiles and practices have become managerialized. In terms of the typology, the change has been relatively small, and the push toward entrepreneurship and individualism has been offset by an increasing number of systemic controls.
Efficacy and safety of tacrolimus therapy for lupus nephritis: a systematic review of clinical trials
Authors: Lee YH , Lee H-S , Choi SJ , Ji J Dae , Song GG
Published: March 2011

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus for the treatment of lupus nephritis (LN). A systematic review of clinical trials on tacrolimus in LN was conducted. Seven studies met the review inclusion criteria. Two studies were case-control studies, and five studies were open-label trials. One randomized controlled trial (RCT) found that tacrolimus significantly improved lupus nephritis disease activity index (LNDAI) as compared with a placebo, but no difference was observed between these two groups in terms of treatment-related adverse events. The other case-control study compared tacrolimus with standard protocols of oral cyclophosphamide or azathioprine for the treatment of membranous LN and found that efficacies were similar. All five open-label prospective studies concluded that tacrolimus is safe and effective as an induction and maintenance therapy for LN or for the treatment of LN with persistent proteinuria that failed to respond to prednisolone and immunosuppressants. In conclusion, this systematic review shows that tacrolimus may be effective as an induction and maintenance therapy for LN or as a treatment for LN with persistent proteinuria despite gold standard treatment. However, further RCTs are needed to compare tacrolimus with standard regimens for the treatment of LN.
Exploring the Influence of Islam on the Perceptions of Mental Illness of Volunteers in a Johannesburg Community-based Organisation
Authors: Laher Sumaya , Khan Sumayyah
Published: March 2011

Current understandings of mental illness are rooted in Western paradigms and fail to incorporate indigenous understandings. Swartz (2002) argues that the way certain conditions are labelled in different settings and how they are expressed in different cultures, need to be taken into consideration. Thus, this study explores the perceptions of mental illness in a sample of eight volunteer counsellors at a community-based organisation in Johannesburg, South Africa. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the counsellors to determine their understanding of mental illness and to establish the role played by Islam on the perceptions of mental illness. Responses were analysed using thematic content analysis. These results are discussed within the broader framework of Islam and mental illness.
Displacement and Resettlement in Tribal and Non-tribal Dominated Dam Projects of Orissa
Authors: Hota Laxmi Bilash , Suar Damodar
Published: March 2011

This study examines ( i) whether productive use of compensation money, participation, support and self-efficacy facilitate the rehabilitation of the displaced and ( ii) whether self-efficacy mediate between the rehabilitation of the displaced and the productive use of compensation, participation and support. One hundred and seventy two displaced families from two tribal-dominated and 232 displaced families from two non-tribal dominated medium irrigation projects in Orissa (India) were interviewed for the study. Using the conceptual algorithm of ( a) equal or increased income and ( b) equal or improved housing conditions of a displaced family compared to pre-displacement status, a family was considered to be rehabilitated. Of the total interviewees, 56.4 per cent families in tribal dominated and 36.2 per cent families in non-tribal dominated projects are found to be rehabilitated. Except for the productive use of compensation money, the rehabilitated oustees in tribal and non-tribal dominated projects have more participated in resettlement and rehabilitation activities, received more support and have high self-efficacy compared to non-rehabilitated oustees. Displaced persons with high self-efficacy have utilised the tangible support, informational support, the compensation money in more productive ways, and have participated in more rehabilitation activities to reconstruct their livelihood than the displaced persons having moderate and low self-efficacy. Hence, the enhancement of the self-efficacy of potential oustees prior to physical dislocation will enable them to be rehabilitated.
Explaining large-N cooperation: Generalized social trust and the social exchange heuristic
Authors: Mannemar Sønderskov Kim
Published: March 2011

This paper presents a new argument that links generalized social trust and collective action in situations with a large number of actors who do not have specific information on each other. Generalized social trust enhances large -N cooperation through the social exchange heuristic, which stimulates conditional cooperation in social dilemmas. Using data from a survey in four countries and recycling behavior as an indicator of collective action, this explanation is tested with individual-level data. While the relationship between generalized social trust and large -N collective action is often hypothesized, there is scant micro-level evidence as it has mainly been tested at the macro level. The results show that people holding generalized social trust cooperate more readily in large -N dilemmas, and that they most likely do so because of the social exchange heuristic.
Wireless Active Vibration Control of Thin Cylindrical Shells Laminated with Photostrictive Actuators
Authors: Wang X.J. , Yue H.H. , Jiang J. , Deng Z.Q. , Tzou H.S.
Published: March 2011

In this study, a thin cylindrical shell is actively controlled by photostrictive patches which can produce photodeformation strains under the illumination of ultraviolet lights. Governing equations of the cylindrical shell laminated with the photostrictive actuators oriented in the circumferential direction are established. With the uniform illumination and the alternate illumination schemes, the bending control effect and the membrane control effect of the new actuator configuration are analyzed and evaluated with respect to the curvature angles of the cylindrical shell. Considering the multi-field coupling behavior of the photostrictive actuators, two types of control algorithms with constant light intensity and variable light intensity are adopted. Using the two control algorithms, time histories of the transverse displacement, control light intensity, photo-induced electric field, temperature, and control force are presented. The results of time history analysis show that the constant light intensity control provides better control performance as compared with the variable light intensity control. Based on the configuration of two paired actuators, both the uniform illumination and the alternate illumination schemes are analyzed and compared. The alternate illumination scheme improves the modal control effects to some modes which are decided by the actuator configuration and the mode shapes of the cylindrical shell.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and Abnormal Neuronal Plasticity
Authors: Medina Alexandre E.
Published: March 2011

The ingestion of alcohol during pregnancy can result in a group of neurobehavioral abnormalities collectively known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). During the past decade, studies using animal models indicated that early alcohol exposure can dramatically affect neuronal plasticity, an essential property of the central nervous system responsible for the normal wiring of the brain and involved in processes such as learning and memory. The abnormalities in neuronal plasticity caused by alcohol can explain many of the neurobehavioral deficits observed in FASD. Conversely, improving neuronal plasticity may have important therapeutic benefits. In this review, the author discuss the mechanisms that lead to these abnormalities and comment on recent pharmacological approaches that have been showing promising results in improving neuronal plasticity in FASD.
Active vibration suppression of moderately thick rectangular plates
Authors: Farhadi S , Hosseini-Hashemi SH
Published: March 2011

In the present work, active vibration suppression of moderately thick rectangular plates by means of piezoelectric actuators is investigated. Based on Lagrange energy method, a finite element formulation is presented for mathematical modeling of the system. Using modal controllability criterion, a simple method is offered for optimal placement of the piezoelectric actuator. For a cantilevered plate with specific characteristics, the optimal position of a piezoelectric patch is investigated. Then, for suppression of plate vibrations, an active damping controller is designed using modal velocity feedbacks. Numerical simulations are then performed for studying the performance of the designed controller. Presented simulations indicate the feasibility of vibration control of moderately thick plates by means of high voltage piezoelectric actuators. These simulations also show that, for a specific excitation force, the maximum required voltage for vibration suppression approaches to an asymptotic value as the values of modal feedback gains increase. This conclusion is of high importance in practical controller design.
Comparative study of finite element model updating methods
Authors: Arora Vikas
Published: March 2011

The effects of vibrations present major hazards and operating limitations ranging from discomfort (including noise), malfunctioning, reduced performance, early breakdown and structural failure which, in the worst case can be catastrophic. Hence, accurate mathematical models are required to describe the vibration characteristics of structures, which subsequently can be used for design purposes to limit the negative effects of vibrations. Finite element (FE) predictions are often called into question when they are in conflict with test results. Inaccuracies in FE models and errors in results predicted by them can arise due to the use of incorrect modeling of boundary conditions, incorrect modeling of joints, and difficulties in modeling of damping. This has led to the development of model updating techniques, which aim at reducing the inaccuracies present in an analytical model in the light of measured dynamic test data. In this paper, a detailed comparison of two approaches of obtaining updated FE models are evaluated with the objective that the frequency response functions (FRFs) obtained from updated FE models are able to predict the measured FRFs accurately. In the first method, the updated FE model is obtained by a direct method, which uses modal data. In the second method, the updated model is obtained by an iterative method, which uses FRF data and is also a parameter-based method. The effectiveness of both methods is evaluated by numerical examples, as well as by actual experimental data. Firstly, a study is performed using a numerical simulation based on fixed-fixed beam structure. The numerical study is followed by a case involving actual measured data for the case of an F-shaped test structure. The updated results have shown that the iterative method gives 20% better matching of FRFs with the experimental data and also the predictions of the iterative method is better than the direct method beyond the considered frequency range. The updated results have shown that the FE model obtained using the response function method, an iterative method, can be used to derive accurate model of the system. Updated models obtained by both methods are subsequently evaluated for its application in dynamic design.
Rolling element bearing fault diagnosis using autocorrelation and continuous wavelet transform
Authors: Kankar PK , Sharma Satish C , Harsha SP
Published: March 2011

In this paper, fault diagnosis methodology is proposed for rolling element bearings, which utilizes autocorrelation of raw vibration signals to reduce the dimension of vibration signals with minimal loss of significant frequency content. It is observed that dimension of vibration signal is reduced to 10% with negligible loss of information. After reducing the dimension of vibration signals, coefficients of continuous wavelet transform are calculated using six different base wavelets. The base wavelet that maximizes the energy to Shannon entropy ratio is selected to extract statistical features from wavelet coefficients. Finally, a comparative study is carried out with the calculated statistical features as input to two supervised soft computing techniques like Artificial Neural Network and Support Vector Machine (SVM) for faults classification. The proposed method is applied to the rolling element bearings fault diagnosis and complex Gaussian wavelet is selected based on maximum energy to Shannon entropy ratio. The test results show that the SVM identifies the fault categories of rolling element bearing more accurately and has a better diagnosis performance. It is also observed that classification accuracy is improved with autocorrelation.
Expression profiles of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related molecules in demyelinating lesions and multiple sclerosis
Authors: Cunnea Paula , Mháille Aoife Ní , McQuaid Stephen , Farrell Michael , McMahon Jill , FitzGerald Una
Published: March 2011

Background: Increasing evidence associates the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress signalling pathway as a potential treatment target in multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: To establish the expression profile of markers of ER stress both in demyelinating biopsy specimens and microdissected lesions in human post-mortem MS tissue. Methods: Immunohistochemical detection of C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), immunoglobulin heavy chain binding protein (BiP), and hypoxia marker antigen D-110 in biopsies from three patients with MS primary or secondary progressive, three patients with clinically isolated syndrome, and one patient with lesional epilepsy was carried out. Laser capture microdissection of normal, perilesion and lesion tissue from post-mortem MS tissue and non-diseased control tissue was performed, followed by real-time PCR to detect ER stress genes. Results: In biopsy specimens, increased expression of the ER and hypoxic stress molecules in a range of cell types in most of the actively demyelinating lesions and perilesions was detected. Real-time PCR analysis demonstrated statistically significant elevated expression of the ER stress genes in normal-appearing white matter relative to control white matter. Moreover, significantly increased expression of CHOP was detected in the perilesion of active plaques ( p < 0.01). Conclusions: Our results, showing detection of elevated expression of ER stress molecules in lesional tissue, offer compelling evidence for further investigation of the ER stress signalling pathway as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of MS.
Transitional ideal point models for longitudinal multinomial outcomes
Authors: de Rooij Mark
Published: March 2011

For the analysis of longitudinal data, three families of models are generally distinguished: the marginal, the transitional and the subject-specific family. In this paper, we will propose a transitional model for the analysis of change for a nominal response variable. Such an analysis is often hampered by the dimensionality of the problem. We use multidimensional scaling techniques, more specifically the ideal point model, in order to reduce the dimensionality. The model can handle pure transitional data but also allows for explanatory variables. Two empirical examples will be discussed in order to illustrate all the virtues of the model.
Responding to Young Runaways: Problems of Risk and Responsibility
Authors: Malloch Margaret S , Burgess Cheryl
Published: March 2011

This article examines responses to young runaways in Scotland. Based on the findings of a scoping study commissioned by the Scottish Coalition for Young Runaways, it highlights the challenges of defining young runaways and assessing the scale and nature of running away from home and substitute care. Specifically, the article critically considers constructions of ‘risk’ and ‘responsibility’ that have come to be applied to distinguish ‘genuine’ runaways from others and the problems this distinction creates for appropriate responses aimed at meeting the needs of all young people who run away.
Children, Young People and Requests for Police Station Legal Advice: 25 years on from PACE
Authors: Kemp Vicky , Pleasence Pascoe , Balmer Nigel J.
Published: March 2011

Informed by data extracted from 30,921 police electronic custody records, drawn from 44 police stations across four police force areas and including 5153 records of juveniles aged 10 to 17 years, this article examines the take-up of legal advice by children and young people in police stations in England and Wales. There are wide variations in the extent to which juveniles request and receive legal advice when compared to adults but also between juveniles of different ages. Such variations are explored both in relation to the age of detainees and the type and seriousness of offence and case disposal. Also examined are variations based on different police force areas. The implications emanating from children’s differential access to legal advice at police stations are considered in relation to children’s rights.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Problem Gambling
Authors: de Lisle Steven M. , Dowling Nicki A. , Sabura Allen J.
Published: March 2011

This article describes treatment of a female problem gambler using mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). The treatment protocol was adapted for problem gamblers from the manualized MBCT intervention developed by Segal, Williams, and Teasdale. Gambling behavior and mindfulness practice were monitored using daily diary entries maintained by the participant. The Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory—II, and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire were administered at pretreatment, posttreatment, 4-week follow-up, and 10-week follow-up phases. The Client Satisfaction Questionnaire was also used to assess acceptability of the intervention. The participant abstained from gambling, and anxiety and depression scores significantly reduced to subclinical levels over the assessment period. Exploration of mindfulness facets revealed that MBCT for problem gambling (MBCT-PG) may be useful in promoting acceptance of distressing thoughts and emotions. However, the participant did not maintain an intensive mindfulness-meditation practice over the follow-up phase of the intervention. The clinical implications of this case study are discussed.