bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Permeation of Light Gases through Hexagonal Ice
Authors: Durão Joana , Gales Luis
Published: September 2012

Gas separation using porous solids have attracted great attention due to their energetic applications. There is an enormous economic and environmental interest in the development of improved technologies for relevant processes, such as H2 production, CO2 separation or O2 and N2 purification from air. New materials are needed for achieving major improvements. Crystalline materials, displaying unidirectional and single-sized pores, preferentially with low pore tortuosity and high pore density, are promising candidates for membrane synthesis. Herein, we study hexagonal ice crystals as an example of this class of materials. By slowly growing ice crystals inside capillary tubes we were able to measure the permeation of several gas species through ice crystals and investigate its relation with both the size of the guest molecules and temperature of the crystal.
The Role of the Enteral Route and the Composition of Feeds in the Nutritional Support of Malnourished Surgical Patients
Authors: Nespoli Luca , Coppola Sara , Gianotti Luca
Published: September 2012

In surgical patients, malnutrition is an important risk factor for post-operative complications. In undernourished patients undergoing major gastrointestinal procedures, preoperative enteral nutrition (EN) should be preferred whenever feasible. It may be given either orally or by feeding tubes, depending on patient compliance. Early oral intake after surgery should be encouraged, but if an insufficient postoperative oral intake is anticipated, tube feeding should be initiated as soon as possible. The use of immunomodulating formulas offers significant advantages when compared to standard feeds and the positive results on postoperative complications seem independent from the baseline nutritional status. In malnourished patients, the optimal timing and dose of immunonutrition is unclear, but consistent data suggest that they should be treated peri-operatively for at least two weeks.
Nitrogen enrichment differentially affects above‐ and belowground plant defense
Authors: Jamieson Mary A. , Seastedt Timothy R. , Bowers M. Deane
Published: September 2012

• Premise of the Study: Human nitrogen (N) inputs to terrestrial ecosystems have greatly increased in recent years and may have important consequences for plant growth, reproduction, and defense. Although numerous studies have investigated the effects of nitrogen addition on plants, few have examined both above‐ and belowground responses within a range of predicted increase and apart from concomitant increases in other nutrients.

• Methods: We conducted a greenhouse experiment to study the consequences of increased nitrogen inputs, such as those from atmospheric N deposition, on plant performance, chemical defenses, and allocation tradeoffs for an invasive species, Linaria dalmatica. This plant produces iridoid glycosides, which are a group of terpenoid compounds.

• Key Results: Soil nitrogen enrichment increased growth, reproduction, and whole‐plant iridoid glycosides while decreasing some costs of defense. Interestingly, nitrogen addition had varying effects on defense allocation to above‐ and belowground tissues. Specifically, there was no change in iridoid glycoside concentrations of shoots, whereas concentrations decreased in flowers by ∼35% and increased in roots by >400%.

• Conclusions: Observed increases in plant performance and chemical defenses may have implications for the invasion potential of L. dalmatica. Moreover, our results highlight the importance of evaluating both above‐ and belowground plant defenses. In particular, findings presented here indicate that research focused on leaf‐level defenses may not detect key allelochemical responses, including changes in plant resistance traits that could affect consumers (e.g., herbivores and pathogens) that specialize on different plant tissues as well as plant fitness and invasion success.
Gb Virus C Infection is Associated with a Reduced Rate of Reactivation of Latent HIV and Protection against Activation-Induced T-Cell Death
Authors: Rydze Robert T , Bhattarai Nirjal , Stapleton Jack T
Published: September 2012

Background

GB virus C (GBV-C) coinfection is associated with reduced immune activation and a block in CD4+ T-cell proliferation following interleukin-2 (IL-2) therapy in HIV-infected individuals. We examined peripheral blood mono-nuclear cells (PBMCs) from HIV-infected subjects with and without GBV-C viraemia to determine if GBV-C correlated with reactivation of latent HIV, T-cell proliferation or T-cell survival following in vitro activation with phytohaemag-glutinin A and IL-2 (PHA/IL-2).

Methods

HIV-infected subjects whose HIV viral load was suppressed on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) for >6 months were studied. PBMCs were cultured with and without PHA/IL-2 and monitored for HIV reactivation, proliferation and survival. GBV-C viraemia and in vitro replication were detected by real-time RT-PCR. HIV reactivation was determined by measuring HIV p24 antigen in culture supernatants. Proliferation was measured by counting viable cells and survival measured by flow cytometry.

Results

Of 49 HIV-infected individuals, 26 had GBV-C viraemia. Significantly less HIV reactivation and PBMC proliferation following in vitro activation with PHA/IL-2 was observed in samples from GBV-C viraemic subjects compared with non-viraemic controls. Following 5 weeks in culture, GBV-C replication was associated with preservation of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells compared with non-viraemic controls.

Conclusions

GBV-C appears to inhibit immune activation and IL-2 signalling pathways, which might contribute to a reduction in reactivation of latent HIV from cellular reservoirs. In addition, GBV-C viraemia was associated with a reduction in activation-induced T-cell death. GBV-C-associated T-cell effects could contribute to the observed protective effect of GBV-C coinfection in HIV-infected individuals.
A Prospective Evaluation of Pulmonary, Systemic and Hepatic Haemodynamics in HIV–HCV-Coinfected Patients before and after Antiviral Therapy with Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin
Authors: Reiberger Thomas , Payer Berit A , Ferlitsch Arnulf , Sieghart Wolfgang , Breitenecker Florian , Aichelburg Maximilian C , Schmied Brigitte , Rieger Armin , Trauner Michael , Peck-Radosavljevic Markus ,   Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab and Vienna HIV & Liver Study Group
Published: September 2012

Background

Patients coinfected with HIV and HCV are at risk for developing portal hypertension (PHT), hyper-dynamic circulation and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Data on the influence of antiviral therapy with pegylated interferon-α (PEG-IFN-α) and ribavirin (RBV) are limited.

Methods

Haemodynamic parameters, including hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), pulmonary arterial pressure (PAPmean), cardiac output (CO) and systemic vascular resistance (SysVR), were prospectively evaluated before and after PEG-IFN-α+RBV therapy in 80 HIV–HCV-coinfected patients.

Results

Baseline evaluation showed a mean HVPG of 4.7 mmHg, CO of 6.15 l/min and PAPmean of 14.8 mmHg. PHT was present in 26% of patients, hyperdynamic circulation in 5% and PAH in 4%. Patients with advanced fibrosis (METAVIR stage F3/F4; n=32) had significantly higher CO ( P=0.008), lower SysVR ( P=0.035), higher PAPmean ( P=0.018) and higher pulmonary vascular resistance ( P=0.022) than patients with stage F0–F2 fibrosis ( n=48). Both hyperdynamic circulation and PAH were significantly associated with liver stiffness, fibrosis stage and portal pressure; a non-significant trend was found for CD4+ T-cell counts and HIV RNA levels. No significant changes in PAPmean, CO and SysVR were observed after PEG-IFN-α+RBV treatment, although a significant decrease in HVPG was noted in patients with HCV eradication ( P=0.013).

Conclusions

The overall prevalence of hyperdynamic circulation and PAH in HIV–HCV coinfection is low. Advanced fibrosis, increased liver stiffness, elevated portal pressure and probably CD4+ T-cell count and HIV viraemia represent risk factors for hyperdynamic circulation and PAH. PHT is present in 26% of HIV–HCV-coinfected patients evaluated for antiviral therapy. Successful HCV eradication significantly decreases HVPG.
A Pilot Study to Assess Inflammatory Biomarker Changes When Raltegravir is Added to a Virologically Suppressive Haart Regimen in HIV-1-Infected Patients with Limited Immunological Responses
Authors: Lichtenstein Kenneth A , Armon Carl , Nagabhushanam Vijaya , Efaw Benjamin J , Frazer-Abel Ashley , Hiserote Melissa E , Alam Rafeul
Published: September 2012

Background

Despite successful suppression of HIV-1 with HAART, some patients do not have robust immunological recovery. Chronic inflammation from persistent immune activation could contribute to this poor response, resulting in HIV-1 disease progression and the development of some non-HIV-1 comorbidities.

Methods

We conducted a pilot study of 30 HIV-1-infected patients with undetectable viral loads and poor CD4+ T-cell responses on long-term stable HAART to assess whether the addition of raltegravir would have an effect on biomarkers of chronic inflammation. A total of 26 patients were followed for 1 year on the intensified regimen. In addition to T-cell responses, we evaluated changes in activated CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells, several pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and memory cell responses to HIV-1-associated peptides.

Results

Although there was no improvement in CD4+ T-cell counts, the percentage change in CD4+%, CD4+/ CD8+ ratios and RANTES (regulated on activation normal T-cells expressed and secreted) increased significantly while the percentage change in CD8+ T-cell counts and CD8+%, activated CD4+ T-cells and several pro-inflammatory chemokines and cytokines decreased significantly. The percentage change in HIV-1-specific nef, pol set 1, gag and env memory T-cells also declined.

Conclusions

The addition of raltegravir to a virologically suppressive HAART regimen in patients with poor immunological responses resulted in the reduction of several pro-inflammatory biomarkers; increases were seen in RANTES levels and CD4+/CD8+ T-cell ratios. The clinical relevance of these observations is beyond the scope of this study.
DataPlay
Authors: Macklin Colleen
Published: September 2012

DataPlay is a research project inspired by the concept of a “ludic age” (Chaplin & Zimmerman, 2008), where the challenges of extracting knowledge from the “data deluge” of the information age (Economist, 2010) are met with game-based approaches to information design. This paper examines Mannahatta: The Game in order to illustrate the issues involved in translating large datasets into games and game mechanics. The prescriptive work of Tufte (1983, 1990) regarding information visualization provides a conceptual framework and is applied to this paper. Tufte’s (1983, 1990) approach is convergent and divergent from the strategies uncovered in the research into games as ways to not just visualize, but directly experience data.
Content Design Patterns for Game-Based Learning
Authors: Maciuszek Dennis , Ladhoff Sebastian , Martens Alke
Published: September 2012

To address the lack of documented best practices in the development of digital educational games, the authors have previously proposed a reference software architecture. One of its components is the rule system specifying learning and gameplay content. It contains quest, player character, non-player character, environment, and item rules. Documented content design patterns can assist in the authoring of such rules. This paper reports on four studies that have collected quest, character, environment, and item design patterns by analysing a variety of media. A selection of the results is presented, as well as a discussion of how the patterns can be used in designing educational game content.
Motivational Aspects of Gaming for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Saridaki Maria , Mourlas Constantinos
Published: September 2012

The attention to learners with special needs, in particular those with intellectual disabilities, is an area of continuous development. It is considered important to develop adaptive educational solutions for the integration of people with educational difficulties according to their needs. Digital games provide an attractive and direct platform in order to approach students of every intellectual level. However, practical game based learning application in the special education classroom is still regarded with skepticism by educators, or has been treated solely as an extrinsic reinforcement. Moreover, the design and usage of digital games as a motivational tool for students with intellectual disabilities has not been thoroughly documented. This paper presents a review of the motivational theories and research findings regarding the usage of digital games in the educational experience of users with intellectual disabilities, with a scope to define the potentials, prerequisites and possible limitations of such an intervention.
Possibility Spaces
Authors: King Elizabeth
Published: September 2012

Interactive technologies provide today’s youth a low stakes sandbox to collect experiences (Gee, 2004) and try tasks and identities (Gee, 1991) that push the boundaries of “known” and open up the world of possibility. Pairing affordances of video games with the possible selves framework (Markus & Nurius, 1986), research involved using The Sims 2 life-simulation properties to encourage a friendship group of teenage males to create simulations of their hoped for and feared potential selves. While all participants reported increased crystallization (Super, 1981) of characteristics within their hoped for future self, at the conclusion of the intervention most participants still demonstrated an imbalance between feared and hoped potential selves. This suggests the need for additional work in the area of vocational and academic asset exploration, as well as the need to connect the consideration of possible self actualization to believable and realizable action plans.
Formulating a Serious-Games Design Project for Adult Offenders with the Probation Service
Authors: Bates Matthew Ian , Brown David , Cranton Wayne , Lewis James
Published: September 2012

This paper documents an investigation evaluating if adult offenders can benefit from a facilitated serious-games design project as part of their probation program. Research has observed a participatory design group of adult offenders working with their probation managers and a PhD researcher to create a new serious-game for use by the probation service. A voluntary participant group of six male offenders was observed over a five week design process using the game authoring software Game-Maker. Weekly meetings have allowed participants to learn basic game authoring skills and share design ideas within a multi-disciplinary team. Investigators have observed the amount and type of assistance required by participants when interacting with new software, the range and suitability of ideas communicated by participants, and the ability of participants to convert their ideas into functional media. This paper presents qualitative results from this exploratory field study and compares the results to previous investigations with secondary school children.
The Use of Motion Tracking Technologies in Serious Games to Enhance Rehabilitation in Stroke Patients
Authors: Burton Andrew M. , Liu Hao , Battersby Steven , Brown David , Sherkat Nasser , Standen Penny , Walker Marion
Published: September 2012

Stroke is the main cause of long term disability worldwide. Of those surviving, more than half will fail to regain functional usage of their impaired upper limb. Typically stroke upper limb rehabilitation exercises consist of repeated movements, which when tracked can form the basis of inputs to games. This paper discusses two systems utilizing Wii™ technology, and thermal and visual tracking respectively to capture motions. The captured motions are used as inputs to specially designed games, which encourage the users to perform repeated rehabilitation movements. This paper discusses the implementation of the two systems, the developed games, and their relative advantages and disadvantages. It also describes the upcoming testing phase of the project.
Historical Perspectives on Games and Education from the Learning Sciences
Authors: Shelton Brett E. , Satwicz Tom , Caswell Tom
Published: September 2012

This paper reviews three classic theorists’ writing on games, learning, and development. Piaget, Vygotsky, and Bruner all wrote about games and play as important to thinking and learning. This review attempts to synthesize their perspectives as a means to revisit underused theoretical perspectives on the role of games in education. The views of Piaget and Vygotsky are applied with respect to the role of games and play in learning and development to the design of a popular commercial game. Bruner’s perspective offers the embodiment of games into a larger and controversial curriculum intended to teach young people about human culture. Each of the perspectives is reviewed and considered in light of new gaming technologies and their potential for educational change.
Agent-Based Modeling and Simulation of Intelligent Distributed Scheduling Systems
Authors: Rolón Milagros , Martínez Ernesto
Published: September 2012

For responsiveness and agility, disruptive events must be managed locally to avoid propagating the effects along the value chain. In this work, a novel approach based on emergent distributed scheduling is proposed to overcome the traditional separation between task scheduling and execution control. An interaction mechanism designed around the concept of order and resource agents acting as autonomic managers is described. The proposed Manufacturing Execution System (MES) for simultaneous distributed (re)scheduling and local execution control is able to reject disturbances and successfully handle unforeseen events by autonomic agents implementing the monitor-analyze-plan-execution loop while achieving their corresponding goals. For detailed design of the autonomic MES and verification of its emergent behaviors, a goal-oriented methodology for designing interactions is proposed. Encouraging results obtained for different operating scenarios using a generative simulation model of the interaction mechanism implemented in Netlogo are presented.
A Review of Research of Coordination Approaches in Distributed Production Systems
Authors: Renna Paolo
Published: September 2012

The increasing of global competition and the need for rapid response to market changes drive manufacturing enterprises to adopt new business models. This chapter examines the recent years of research developed in the field of coordination approaches to support distributed production systems. The papers discussed concern the period of 2004-2010 published in international ISI journals. The research articles are classified according to nine fields of research: operational research models; collaborative architecture; negotiation and bargaining models; capacity exchange; revenue sharing; chemical engineering; electronic approach; general review; case study. The analysis of the literature highlights that the articles are distributed uniformly over the years analyzed. The most fields investigated are the collaborative architecture and operational research models, while emerging fields are the chemical engineering and revenue sharing based approaches. The discussion underlines the limitation of the literature and suggests the directions for future research.
Statistical Machine Translation
Authors: Specia Lucia
Published: September 2012

Statistical Machine Translation (SMT) is an approach to automatic text translation based on the use of statistical models and examples of translations. SMT is the current dominant research paradigm for machine translation and has been attracting significant commercial interest in recent years. In this chapter, the authors introduce the rationale behind SMT, describe the currently leading approach (phrase-based SMT), and present a number of emerging approaches (tree-based SMT, discriminative SMT). They also present popular metrics to evaluate the performance of SMT systems and discuss promising research directions in the field.
Issues and Challenges in Building Multilingual Information Access Systems
Authors: Varma Vasudeva , Mogadala Aditya
Published: September 2012

In this chapter, the authors start their discussion highlighting the importance of Cross Lingual and Multilingual Information Retrieval and access research areas. They then discuss the distinction between Cross Language Information Retrieval (CLIR), Multilingual Information Retrieval (MLIR), Cross Language Information Access (CLIA), and Multilingual Information Access (MLIA) research areas. In addition, in further sections, issues and challenges in these areas are outlined, and various approaches, including machine learning-based and knowledge-based approaches to address the multilingual information access, are discussed. The authors describe various subsystems of a MLIA system ranging from query processing to output generation by sharing their experience of building a MLIA system and discuss its architecture. Then evaluation aspects of the MLIA and CLIA systems are discussed at the end of this chapter.
Inventory of Leader Sternness (ILS)
Authors: Winner W. David , Ricketson Rushton S.
Published: September 2012

The Inventory of Leader Sternness (ILS) is a new leadership construct designed to measure sternness in an adult self-directed leader. Sternness, as a leadership construct, is derived from the writings of Sun Tzu in The Art of War as proposed by Carr, Coe, Derrick, and Ponton (2007). Winner (2008) developed the ILS to measure three co-occurring behavioral intentions of sternness: (a) a willingness to establish obedience through rewards and punishments within limits, (b) consistency in actions to ensure good behavior through rituals and respect, and (c) a determination to do the difficult tasks of leadership. The ILS is a valid and reliable instrument for use in the assessment of sternness in an adult self-directed leader.
The Shepherd Leadership Inventory (SLI)
Authors: Swalm Jamie
Published: September 2012

Because shepherding is one of the oldest occupations of humanity, the metaphor of the shepherd as leader dates back thousands of years and is a universal image. Therefore, the shepherd leader metaphor is an ideal vehicle through which to study leadership. The Shepherd Leadership Inventory (SLI) measures the degree to which individual leaders are leading as shepherd leadership in the workplace. Through the initial study of the shepherd leader metaphor beginning with the Scriptures and continuing through modern authors, it was determined shepherd leaders are leaders who insure the wellbeing of their followers through the three primary leader behaviors of guiding, providing, and protecting. The Shepherd Leadership Inventory (SLI) incorporates items to assess these behaviors and was validated through the use of principal component factor analysis. This chapter discusses the background and development of the SLI including reporting on the reliability and validity of the instrument. The results of the inventory are discussed along with commentary on the SLI’s relevance to researchers and practitioners. Information regarding cost and location, as well as additional reading recommendations, is included.
A Systems Approach to Cloud Computing Services
Authors: Aggarwal Anil
Published: September 2012

Cloud services are becoming part of every company’s “right”mare. They know it is the future but are afraid to jump on the cloud computing bandwagon. This may be due to lack of standardization, evolving technology, and/or fear of loss of privacy and security. However, every emerging technology has its root in early adopters who defy the common wisdom, take chances, and help it to evolve into something marketable. They get the first advantage before it becomes a norm. History is full of such examples: e-commerce, m-commerce, online banking, check in through kiosk, et cetera. Companies who were early adopters still have an advantage over late adopters. Amazon.com and eBay are prime examples of this. As technology evolves, it transfers from “push” to “pull” cycle. Cloud services are in their infancy and still evolving around “push” cycle. The number of companies offering cloud services is multiplying exponentially. This chapter presents a systems approach to cloud computing services. Specifically, it examines issues in the context of the system development life cycle (SDLC). For completeness purposes, the chapter discusses issues in relation to SDLC; however, in practice, each user has to customize this approach to suit their own application(s).
Security in Cloud Computing
Authors: Desai Alpana M. , Mock Kenrick
Published: September 2012

Cloud computing has recently emerged in prominence and is being rapidly adopted by organizations because of its potential and perceived benefits of flexibility and affordability. According to surveys conducted in 2008 and 2009 by International Data Corporation (IDC) of IT executives and CIOs, security was cited as the top concern for the adoption of cloud computing. Enterprises that plan to utilize cloud services for their infrastructure, platform, and/or software needs must understand the security risks and privacy issues related to cloud computing. This chapter discusses the technical, legal, and policy/organizational security risks of cloud computing, and reviews recommendations/strategies for managing and mitigating security threats in cloud computing. It also presents vendor-specific solutions and strategies that cloud service providers are implementing for mitigating security risks in cloud computing.
Facilitating the Integration of Open Educational Courses
Authors: Columbus Yolanda Debose
Published: September 2012

The open educational movement is primarily about facilitating a philosophical view: the idea that universal access to quality education should be a global priority. Open educational courses are byproducts of the implementation of this philosophy. Unfortunately, the principles that are fueling the open educational movement are in direct opposition to the typical culture found in higher education institutions in the United States. The lack of awareness of or indifference to these cultural differences can hinder the integration of open educational resources. Successful integration of open educational courses into degreed programs requires an acknowledgement of the cultural dissonance that may result as well as a systematic plan for addressing it. This chapter highlights some of these cultural differences and outlines a framework for addressing them.
Measuring Language Learners’ Speaking Proficiency in a Second Language Using Economical Digital Tools
Authors: Swanson Peter B.
Published: September 2012

Rising costs, combined with an increasing lack of flexibility of commercial course management technology tools such as uLearn and Blackboard, have prompted educators to consider other options. New advances in free and open source software, webware, and hardware are becoming attractive alternatives for educators and school systems due to decreased funding. These innovative digital tools hold promise to help educators overcome a variety of impediments to teaching and learning in the 21st century such as fostering student motivation. In the context of second/foreign language learning, the author seeks to present various technologies to P-16 educators that can be used for student oral language assessment. The author provides an overview of the obstacles language teachers must overcome in order to teach more effectively, as well as a synopsis of various options with which language instructors may not be familiar. Afterwards, findings from empirical research comparing the use of digital technology for the measurement of student speaking proficiency to the more conventional face-to-face method are presented. Student and instructor perceptions of using free and open source software are discussed, and the chapter concludes with a discussion of challenges that can appear when changes in assessment methods take place as well as avenues for future research.
Exploring Capacity of Construction Industry Post Disaster Housing Reconstruction
Authors: Sathyendrakajan Nadarajapillai , Karunasena Gayani , Wedikkara Chitra
Published: September 2012

The need to manage disasters through construction industry and its wide role in achieving successful reconstruction projects has gained importance in recent years. Hence, construction industry development through capacity building is becoming inevitable to successful management of disasters. This study aims to explore the capacity of construction industry in post disaster housing reconstruction during the recent past. A questionnaire survey was conducted among contracting organizations involved in post disaster housing reconstruction to explore existing capacities. The study found that contractors place more emphasis on human, finance and management aspects in capacity building. Contractors’ financing base changed by a considerably smaller proportion in response to reconstruction circumstances and credit facilities indicates an increase. Main challenges faced in reconstruction are shortage of labourers and materials. This study dentities of existing capacities and highlights areas which need capacity building to successfully face challenges of future post disaster housing reconstruction.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/besl.v11i1.4582 Built - Environment - Sri Lanka, Vol. 11 , Issue 01 : 2012: 2-6
Assessment of sustainability in the built environment: possible directions for developing countries
Authors: Emmanuel R
Published: September 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/besl.v11i1.4623 Built - Environment - Sri Lanka, Vol. 11 , Issue 01 : 2012: 1
Detection of Nipah Virus RNA in Fruit Bat (Pteropus giganteus) from India
Authors: Yadav Pragya D. , Raut Chandrashekhar G. , Shete Anita M. , Mishra Akhilesh C. , Towner Jonathan S. , Nichol Stuart T. , Mourya Devendra T.
Published: September 2012

The study deals with the survey of different bat populations (Pteropus giganteus, Cynopterus sphinx, and Megaderma lyra) in India for highly pathogenic Nipah virus (NiV), Reston Ebola virus, and Marburg virus. Bats (n = 140) from two states in India (Maharashtra and West Bengal) were tested for IgG (serum samples) against these viruses and for virus RNAs. Only NiV RNA was detected in a liver homogenate of P. giganteus captured in Myanaguri, West Bengal. Partial sequence analysis of nucleocapsid, glycoprotein, fusion, and phosphoprotein genes showed similarity with the NiV sequences from earlier outbreaks in India. A serum sample of this bat was also positive by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for NiV-specific IgG. This is the first report on confirmation of Nipah viral RNA in Pteropus bat from India and suggests the possible role of this species in transmission of NiV in India.
Variation in Inflammatory/Regulatory Cytokines in Secondary, Tertiary, and Quaternary Challenges with Dengue Virus
Authors: Sierra Beatriz , Pérez Ana B. , Alvarez Mayling , García Gissel , Vogt Katrin , Aguirre Eglys , Schmolke Kathrin , Volk Hans-Dieter , Guzmán María G.
Published: September 2012

Secondary heterologous dengue infection is a risk factor for severe disease manifestations because of the immune-enhancement phenomenon. Succeeding clinical infections are seldom reported, and the clinical course of tertiary and quaternary dengue infections is not clear. Cuba represents a unique environment to study tertiary/quaternary dengue infections in a population with known clinical and serologic dengue markers and no dengue endemicity. We took advantage of this exceptional epidemiologic condition to study the effect of primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary dengue infection exposure on the expression of pro-inflammatory and regulatory cytokines, critical in dengue infection pathogenesis, by using a dengue infection ex vivo model. Whereas secondary exposure induced a high cytokine response, we found a significantly lower expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, interleukin-10, and tumor growth factor-β after tertiary and quaternary infectious challenge. Significant differences in expression of the cytokines were seen between the dengue immune profiles, suggesting that the sequence in which the immune system encounters serotypes may be important in determining the nature of the immune response to subsequent infections.
Impact of a School-Based Hygiene Promotion and Sanitation Intervention on Pupil Hand Contamination in Western Kenya: A Cluster Randomized Trial
Authors: Greene Leslie E. , Freeman Matthew C. , Akoko Daniel , Saboori Shadi , Moe Christine , Rheingans Richard
Published: September 2012

Handwashing with soap effectively reduces exposure to diarrhea-causing pathogens. Interventions to improve hygiene and sanitation conditions in schools within low-income countries have gained increased attention; however, their impact on schoolchildren's exposure to fecal pathogens has not been established. Our trial examined whether a school-based water, sanitation, and hygiene intervention reduced Escherichia coli contamination on pupils' hands in western Kenya. A hygiene promotion and water treatment intervention did not reduce risk of E. coli presence (relative risk [RR] = 0.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.54–1.56); the addition of new latrines to intervention schools significantly increased risk among girls (RR = 2.63, 95% CI = 1.29–5.34), with a non-significant increase among boys (RR = 1.36, 95% CI = 0.74–2.49). Efforts to increase usage of school latrines by constructing new facilities may pose a risk to children in the absence of sufficient hygiene behavior change, daily provision of soap and water, and anal cleansing materials.
Boiling as Household Water Treatment in Cambodia: A Longitudinal Study of Boiling Practice and Microbiological Effectiveness
Authors: Brown Joseph , Sobsey Mark D.
Published: September 2012

This paper focuses on the consistency of use and microbiological effectiveness of boiling as it is practiced in one study site in peri-urban Cambodia. We followed 60 randomly selected households in Kandal Province over 6 months to collect longitudinal data on water boiling practices and effectiveness in reducing Escherichia coli in household drinking water. Despite > 90% of households reporting that they used boiling as a means of drinking water treatment, an average of only 31% of households had boiled water on hand at follow-up visits, suggesting that actual use may be lower than self-reported use. We collected 369 matched untreated and boiled water samples. Mean reduction of E. coli was 98.5%; 162 samples (44%) of boiled samples were free of E. coli (< 1 colony-forming unit [cfu]/100 mL), and 270 samples (73%) had < 10 cfu/100 mL. Storing boiled water in a covered container was associated with safer product water than storage in an uncovered container.
The Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors in College-Aged Students
Authors: Dalleck Lance C. , Kjelland Emily Marguerite
Published: September 2012

Purpose.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by a constellation of metabolic risk factors that consist of the following: atherogenic dyslipidemia, elevated blood pressure, elevated glucose associated with insulin resistance, prothrombotic state, and proinflammatory state. The objective of the study was to quantify the prevalence of MetS among college students and to determine whether fatness (body mass index [BMI] and waist circumference) or physical activity was more strongly associated with individual components of the MetS.

Design.

A cross-sectional study.

Setting.

Eau Claire, Wisconsin, United States.

Subjects.

Authors collected health history information and performed assessments of individual MetS components for 207 college students aged 18 to 24 years.

Measures.

Physical activity levels were self-reported, while direct measurements were obtained for MetS components (waist circumference, blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)–cholesterol, triglycerides, blood glucose).

Analysis.

Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis.

Results.

The prevalence of MetS was found to be 6.8% according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines. The authors also found that 42.5% and 13.0% of our sample had one and two MetS components, respectively. Waist circumference was independently associated (p < .05) with HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and systolic blood pressure.

Conclusion.

Our findings provide evidence for the presence of MetS on college campuses. It also appears, in part, that central adiposity contributes to the high incidence of individual MetS components. Given the elevated lifetime risk for cardiovascular disease and lower survival for those with risk factors in young adulthood, there appears to be a need for primary prevention programs within university and college settings.
Participation in Community-Originated Interventions is Associated with Positive Changes in Weight Status and Health Behaviors in Youth
Authors: Whetstone Lauren MacKenzie , Kolasa Kathryn M. , Collier David N.
Published: September 2012

Purpose.

To assess changes in children's health behaviors and weight status after participation in community-originated interventions.

Design.

Prospective cohort study following body mass index (BMI) z-score trajectory over time.

Setting.

Schools and community settings in 19 locations in North Carolina.

Subjects.

A total of 1144 children, with an average age of 9.5 years, participating in community-originated physical activity and nutrition interventions, such as active recess and healthy cafeteria offerings, and environment and policy changes designed to prevent and reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity. Retention from baseline to final collection was 54%.

Measures.

Self-reported physical activity and eating behaviors; measured height and weight were collected at baseline and after interventions (average of 20 months). Z-score was compared with expected growth without intervention.

Analysis.

Descriptive statistics, χ2 tests and t-tests, and ANOVA analyses of variance to assess changes in health behaviors and weight status.

Results.

More than 11% of children improved their weight status, and 86% of children who began at a healthy weight remained there. The average BMI for children who were overweight at enrollment was significantly lower after intervention (1.1 kg/m2 lower for boys and 0.88 kg/m2 lower for girls). Overweight and obese children who made improvements in key health behaviors showed greater decreases in BMI z-score than those who did not improve those behaviors (increased fruit [−.2207 vs. −.0793] and vegetable [−.2215 vs. −.0855] intake, and drinking less soda [−.1985 vs. −.0912]). There were no significant increases in physical activity, and changes in physical activity were not related to decreases in BMI z-score in this study.

Conclusion.

Community-originated interventions to raise awareness about food choices and to change policies and environments may improve BMI z-scores.
Identification of Environmental, Managerial, and Sociodemographic Correlates of Hiker Volume on the Florida National Scenic Trail
Authors: Hochmair Hartwig H. , Cucinella Joshua , Stein Taylor V.
Published: September 2012

Purpose.

The purpose of this study was to identify the association of environmental, managerial, and sociodemographic variables with hiker volume on the Florida National Scenic Trail.

Design.

Monthly hiker count data from 43 count stations along the Florida National Scenic Trail were used. For each station the characteristics of the built and natural environment as well as sociodemographic variables were computed within a Geographic Information System based on census, land use, and land cover data, together with managerial data.

Setting.

Counts were performed on access points of the Florida National Scenic Trail located between the panhandle area in the northwest and the Everglades in the south.

Subjects.

A total of 34,734 hikers were counted across the 43 stations over 12-month periods for years 2003–2004 and 2008–2009.

Measures.

Hiker volume was measured through infrared counters and registration cards at trail access points.

Analysis.

A negative binomial regression with monthly hiker counts as response variable.

Results.

Positive associations with hiker volume were observed for (population density per hectare)2 (β = .207, p < .02), residential areas (β = .041, p < .0003), household income between $25,000 and $49,999 (β = .266, p < .0001), household income between $50,000 and $99,999 (β = .135, p < .0001), open water (β = .135, p < .0001), and station kilometers north (β = .003, p < .0001). Negative associations with hiker volume were observed for age <18 (β = –.305, p < .0001) and presence of trail fees (β = –.583, p < .0001). Positive and negative associations were observed for different categories in categorical variables including prominent vegetation type (p < .0001), trail management agency (p < .0001), and month (p < .0001).

Conclusions.

The correlates should be considered for the design, planning, and promotion of hiking trails in publicly managed areas to increase hiker volume.
“Eat Healthy, Stay Active!”: A Coordinated Intervention to Improve Nutrition and Physical Activity among Head Start Parents, Staff, and Children
Authors: Herman Ariella , Nelson Bergen B. , Teutsch Carol , Chung Paul J.
Published: September 2012

Purpose.

Examine the effectiveness of the “Eat Healthy, Stay Active!” pilot program, a multisite, 6-month educational intervention to promote healthy nutrition and physical activity among Head Start staff, parents, and children.

Design.

Comparison of within-group preintervention and postintervention knowledge and behavior, along with anthropomorphic measurements.

Setting.

The study was conducted in a convenience sample of six large Head Start agencies in five states.

Subjects.

Participants included 496 staff, 438 parents, and 112 preschool children.

Intervention.

The 6-month intervention consisted of core trainings and reinforcing activities for staff and parents that aligned with children's curricula.

Measures.

Pre-post questionnaires and anthropometric measurements examined changes in body mass index (BMI), knowledge, and behaviors related to nutrition and physical activity.

Analysis.

Paired t-tests to compare preintervention and postintervention weights and BMI; multiple regression analyses to examine associations between weight changes and other covariates, including knowledge and behavior changes, controlling for sociodemographic variables.

Results.

Each group of participants demonstrated significant reductions in BMI (mean = 30.1 to 29.2; p < .001 in adults and 17.0 to 16.6; p < 0.001 in children) and in the proportion of obese children (30% to 21%; p < .001) and adults (45% to 40%; p < .001). Child weight changes correlated with parent weight changes.

Conclusion.

This intervention showed promising initial results, with potential effectiveness as an intervention to promote healthier behaviors among adults and children in Head Start settings.
Evaluating the Quality and Accessibility of Physical Activity Resources in Two Southern Cities
Authors: Adamus Heather J. , Mama Scherezade K. , Sahnoune Iman , Lee Rebecca E.
Published: September 2012

Purpose.

Access and quality of physical activity resources (PARs) influence physical activity (PA) participation. This study examined the type, size, accessibility, features, amenities, and incivilities of PARs in two cities.

Design.

Researchers identified all PARs within an 800-meter radius of the homes of participants from a larger study. Each PAR was evaluated by a trained assessor.

Setting.

PARs were evaluated in Houston and Austin, Texas.

Patients.

The final sample included 1326 PARs in Houston and 297 in Austin, Texas.

Measures.

The 2010 Physical Activity Resource Assessment (PARA), a direct-observation audit tool, was used to assess the type, size, accessibility, features, amenities, and incivilities of a PAR.

Analysis.

Both t-tests and analyses of variance were used to determine differences in features, amenities, and incivilities by city, type, and accessibility.

Results.

Houston PARs had greater amenities (t[421] = 4.445; p < .001) and fewer incivilities (t[371] = −6.89; p < .001) than Austin PARs. Combination resources had the highest score for features (M = 9.94; standard deviation [SD] = 5.62); fitness clubs had the highest score for amenities (M = 17.06; SD = 5.27); and trails had the most incivilities (M = 4.23; SD = 4.88). Free PARs had greater features (F[3, 1509] = 16.87; p < .001), amenities (F[3, 1500] = 3.13; p = .025), and incivilities (F[3, 1540] = 21.97; p < .001) than pay for use PARs.

Conclusion.

Improvements to quality and maintenance of existing free PARs may be an economical strategy to increase PA.
The role of bariatric surgery in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Leong WB , Taheri S
Published: September 2012

Medical treatments for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and class II and above obesity (body mass index greater than 35 kg/m2) are currently limited to treatment of diabetes and prevention of its vascular complications. Bariatric surgery is by far the most effective treatment not only for weight loss, but also for improvement or remission of diabetes. This editorial examines the current evidence for the impact of bariatric surgery on weight loss and type 2 diabetes.
Serum neuron-specific enolase and S100 calcium binding protein B biomarker levels do not improve diagnosis of acute stroke
Authors: González-García S , González-Quevedo A , Peña-Sánchez M , Menéndez-Saínz, C , Fernández-Carriera R , Arteche-Prior M , Pando-Cabrera A , Fernández-Concepción O
Published: September 2012

Background: The high sensitivities and specificities reported for blood biomarkers as a supportive test in the diagnosis of acute stroke do not correspond with their performance for decision-making in emergency situations.

Methods: Seventy-two patients with suspected stroke were recruited: 44 with ischaemic stroke, 17 with haemorrhagic stroke and 11 stroke mimics, as well as a high-risk control group of 79 individuals. Serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S100 calcium binding protein B (S100B) biomarker levels were determined on admission, using immunoassay kits. The sensitivities and specificities of NSE and S100B for distinguishing acute stroke from stroke mimics and high-risk controls were calculated.

Results: For cut-off values (NSE ≤14 micrograms per litre and S100B ≤130 nanograms per litre) the sensitivity was 53% and 55% respectively. Specificity was 64 for both versus the stroke mimic group. Specificity was higher (79% and 86% respectively) when calculated on the basis of the control group.

Conclusions: This study supports the evidence indicating that serum levels of NSE and S100B do not improve the diagnosis of acute stroke.
Blood pressures in subjects for life assurance medical examination and the effect of ten minutes recumbent rest
Authors: Pengelly CDR , Morris J
Published: September 2012

Background: The prevalence of hypertension in a population is the sum of those individuals with a blood pressure (BP) exceeding 140/90 mm Hg plus those with normal BP on antihypertensive therapy (this is usually about 20–30% of the population). Rest normally reduces BP but the frequency and extent of the fall remains unclear.

Methods: This study analysed the results of 1,008 consecutive life assurance examinations in which BP was recorded twice, before and after a ten minute period of recumbent rest.

Results: Two hundred and twelve subjects had initial BPs of more than 140/90 mm Hg (21%). When all those receiving antihypertensive treatment but with normal BPs were included, this was 26.5%. Of the 212 subjects, BP was at a normal level in 147 (69%) after ten minutes at rest.

Conclusion: BP measurement after a ten minute period of standardised rest could more accurately identify true hypertension.