bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delayed detection of climate mitigation benefits due to climate inertia and variability
Authors: Tebaldi Claudia , Friedlingstein Pierre
Published: October 2013

Significance

One of the benefits of climate mitigation policies is the reduction of future warming. Here, we estimate the time at which we can detect the mitigation signal arising from reducing future emissions of greenhouse gases. Estimation of detection time is inherently a signal-to-noise issue, requiring consideration of uncertainties in both internal variability and model responses to anthropogenic influences. We provide detection times in terms of best estimates and uncertainty ranges. Our study addresses the critical question of how long we may need to wait until we can clearly identify the benefits (in terms of avoided warming) of different mitigation pathways. This question is not only of scientific relevance, but it is also of direct concern to policymakers and the public.
Work–family conflict, health services and medication use among dual‐income couples in Europe
Authors: Christiaens Wendy , Bracke Piet
Published: October 2013

Combination pressure or work–life imbalance is linked to adverse health. However, it remains unclear how work–family conflict is related to healthcare utilisation. Does work–family conflict function as a barrier or as a facilitator in relation to the use of health services and prescription medication? Lack of time may prevent people from visiting a doctor when they feel unwell. However, combination pressure can also be expected to intensify the use of health services, as the need for a quick fix is prioritised. Further, do women and men differ in their susceptibility to medicalisation and time pressure resulting from work–life imbalance? This article investigates the use of health services and prescription medication of dual‐income couples with children, based on data from 23 countries in the European Social Survey round 2 (Nwomen = 3755; Nmen = 3142). It was found that medical services and prescription medications are used more frequently in dual‐income couples experiencing work‐to‐family spillover, but for women only this is irrespective of their self‐reported health. Family‐to‐work spillover does not result in increased health service or medication use for either men or women. While women opt for a medical response to work–life imbalance, men's reluctance to seek formal health support is confirmed.
Defining an epidemic: the body mass index in British and US obesity research 1960–2000
Authors: Fletcher Isabel
Published: October 2013

Between the 1970s and the mid‐1990s the body mass index (BMI) became the standard means of assessing obesity both in populations and in individuals, replacing previously diverse and contested definitions of excess body weight. This article draws on theoretical approaches from the sociology of standards and science and technology studies to describe the development of this important new standard and the ways in which its adoption facilitated the development of obesity science, that is, knowledge about the causes, health effects and treatments of excess body weight. Using an analysis of policy and healthcare literatures, I argue that the adoption of the BMI, along with associated standard cut‐off points defining overweight and obesity, was crucial in the framing of obesity as an epidemic. This is because, I suggest, these measures enabled, firstly, the creation of large data sets tracking population‐level changes in average body weight, and, secondly, the construction of visual representations of these changes. The production of these two new techniques of representation made it possible for researchers in this field, and others such as policymakers, to argue credibly that obesity should be described as an epidemic.
Complexities and contingencies conceptualised: towards a model of reproductive navigation
Authors: van der Sijpt Erica
Published: October 2013

Current international attention to reproductive health behaviour is inspired by a western celebration of individual rights, autonomous action and rational choice. A predominant idea is that individuals should be free to act in accordance with their reproductive intentions and that, in doing so, they will attain their desired (and quantifiable) fertility outcomes. Yet such a framework leads to a misrepresentation of the reproductive dynamics on the ground, because individual fertility intentions are often not a priori defined, decisions are often not the result of rational calculation and reproductive happenings do not exist in a social vacuum. This article provides sociocultural evidence for a different conceptualisation of reproductive health behaviour. On the basis of long‐term anthropological fieldwork in the East Province of Cameroon, I will analyse the complexities of fertility‐related decision‐making. Two case studies from the field will show that reproductive happenings are often characterised by indeterminacy and contingency. In order to understand the complex ways in which women give direction to these uncertainties, I propose an encompassing framework of reproductive navigation that explicitly acknowledges the influence of sociality and corporeality on fertility aspirations and actions.
Size-Dependent Nanoparticle Margination and Adhesion Propensity in a Microchannel
Authors: Jurney Patrick , Agarwal Rachit , Singh Vikramjit , Roy Krishnendu , Sreenivasan S. V. , Shi Li
Published: October 2013

Intravenous injection of nanoparticles as drug delivery vehicles is a common practice in clinical trials of therapeutic agents to target specific cancerous or pathogenic sites. The vascular flow dynamics of nanocarriers (NCs) in human microcapillaries play an important role in the ultimate efficacy of this drug delivery method. This article reports an experimental study of the effect of nanoparticle size on their margination and adhesion propensity in microfluidic channels of a half-elliptical cross section. Spherical polystyrene particles ranging in diameter from 60 to 970 nm were flown in the microchannels and individual particles adhered to either the top or bottom wall of the channel were imaged using fluorescence microscopy. When the number concentration of particles in the flow was kept constant, the percentage of nanoparticles adhered to the top wall increased with decreasing diameter (d), with the number of particles adhered to the top wall following a d−3 trend. When the volume concentration of particles in solution was kept constant, no discernible trend was found. This experimental finding is explained by the competition between the Brownian force promoting margination and repulsive particle–particle electrostatic forces retarding adhesion to the wall. The 970 nm particles were found to adhere to the bottom wall much more than to the top wall for each of the three physiologically relevant shear rates tested, revealing the effect of gravitational force on the large particles. These findings on the flow behavior of spherical nanoparticles in artificial microcapillaries provide further insight for the rational design of NCs for targeted cancer therapeutics.
Development of a New Bolt Spacing Formula
Authors: Dan Do Tan , Bouzid Abdel-Hakim , Dao Thien-My
Published: October 2013

Bolted flange joints are extensively used to connect pressure vessels and piping equipment together. They are simple structures that offer the possibility of disassembly. However, they often experience leakage problems due to a loss of tightness as a result of a nonuniform distribution of gasket contact stresses in the radial and circumferential directions. Many factors contribute to such a failure; the flange and gasket stiffness, bolt spacing or a combination of them are to name a few. In our recent papers, the effect of bolt spacing was investigated based on the theory of circular beams on linear elastic foundation and on the theory of rings on nonlinear elastic foundation. The variations of the contact stress between bolts were of a concern. This paper is an extension of the work in which an analytical solution, based on the theory of circular beams resting in a linear elastic foundation, has been developed to determine a formulae for flange bolt spacing. The relationship between bolt spacing, gasket compression modulus, and flange thickness is deduced from an analysis that considers a maximum tolerated gasket contact stress difference between any two bolts.
A Numerical Method to Model Dynamic Behavior of Thin Inextensible Elastic Rods in Three Dimensions
Authors: Montgomery-Smith Stephen , Huang Weijun
Published: October 2013

Static equations for thin inextensible elastic rods, or elastica as they are sometimes called, have been studied since before the time of Euler. In this paper, we examine how to model the dynamic behavior of elastica. We present a fairly high speed, robust numerical scheme that uses (i) a space discretization that uses cubic splines, and (ii) a time discretization that preserves a discrete version of the Hamiltonian. A good choice of numerical scheme is important because these equations are very stiff; that is, most explicit numerical schemes will become unstable very quickly. The authors conducted this research anticipating describing the dynamic Kirchhoff problem, that is, the behavior of general springs that have natural curvature, and for which the equations take into account torsion of the rod.
An Efficient Formulation for General-Purpose Multibody/Multiphysics Analysis
Authors: Masarati Pierangelo , Morandini Marco , Mantegazza Paolo
Published: October 2013

This paper presents a formulation for the efficient solution of general-purpose multibody/multiphysics problems. The core equations and details on structural dynamics and finite rotations handling are presented. The solution phases are illustrated. Highlights of the implementation are presented, and special features are discussed.
Variation Simulation of Stresses Using the Method of Influence Coefficients
Authors: Lorin Samuel , Lindkvist Lars , Söderberg Rikard
Published: October 2013

In every manufacturing situation there are geometric deviations leading to variation in properties of the manufactured products. Variation affects the manufacturability, functions and aesthetics of the products. Therefore, a number of methods and tools have been developed during the last 20 yr in order to assure the geometric quality and to minimize the effect of variability. These methods and tools have mainly been developed for rigid- or sheet metal components. Plastics or composites have been an increasingly popular material due to their flexible mechanical properties and their relative ease in manufacturing. However, their mechanical properties are introducing challenges that have not often been addressed in the process of geometry assurance. One challenge is to assure that the stresses introduced, as a consequence of non-nominal assembly, are kept well below critical limits during the conditions of use. In this paper, we are proposing the use of the method of influence coefficients (MIC) to simulate the distribution of von Mises stresses in assembled components. This method will be compared to the more flexible but computationally much heavier direct Monte Carlo (DMC) method, which is not suitable for variation simulation due to the large number of runs required for statistical inference. Two industrial case studies are presented to elicit the need of the proposed method.
Settler Society and Postcolonial Apologies in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Lawn Jennifer
Published: October 2013

From the 1990s onward, collective apologies for historical injustices proliferated in political arenas across the globe, usually in response to intense activism by wronged parties or their descendants. Addressing this turn to symbolic reconciliation, I ask how such apologies might realign relationships between the Crown, indigenous communities, and settler society, with particular focus on apologies for the stolen generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children forcibly removed from their families in Australia, and on Treaty of Waitangi settlements in Aotearoa New Zealand. Interpretations of collective apologies as purely calculable, impossible, or self-interested transactions are rejected. Instead, I regard apologies as a powerful mode of discourse capable not only of acknowledging wrongdoing on the part of State authorities, but also of generating new forms of historical consciousness and collective identity within settler society. However, the extent of settler engagement in the politics of collective apologies varies greatly between Australia and New Zealand.
Experimental investigation on stainless steel welding with a 15 kW fibre laser
Authors: Foster M. , Beaulieu R. , Blais L. , Caron G. , Langlois M.
Published: October 2013

In the present study, attenuation of the laser beam because of the induced plume during bead-on-plate welding of an austenitic stainless steel plate with a 15 kW fibre laser beam, was investigated to better understand laser welding phenomena. A high-speed video camera was used to monitor the plume and keyhole behaviour. Attenuation and refraction levels, due to the induced plume, were measured by different wavelengths laser probes. Finally, a high resolution spectrometer was used to analyze spectral emission from the induced plasma plume by the fibre laser beam. The Boltzmann plot method was used to estimate the temperature of laser-induced plasma plume and Saha’s equation was applied to calculate the ionization degree.
Elastic scattering of electrons by calcium atoms
Authors: Hasan Mahmudul , Uddin M. Alfaz , Hossain M. Ismail , Haque A.K.F. , Basak A.K.
Published: October 2013

The differential, total, and momentum transfer cross sections along with the minima in the differential cross sections (DCSs) and the Sherman function S(θ) for the elastic scattering of electrons by calcium atoms have been calculated. These calculations are done within the framework of complex electron–atom optical potential and relativistic dynamics, in the energy range 1–2000 eV. The results obtained are in good agreement with the available experimental data and are better than the previous calculations in overall assessment. In the DCSs, the energies and angular positions of five critical minima have been confirmed. In the vicinity of these critical minima, nine maximum polarization points have been found within the range −0.90 ≤ S(θ) ≤ +0.73. Near the critical minima, a strong energy dependence of maximum polarization points is found.
CO-POIESIS: THE JOINT BIRTH OF KNOWLEDGE ACROSS ORGANIZATIONAL BOUNDARIES
Authors: BOUNCKEN RICARDA B. , TEICHERT THORSTEN A.
Published: October 2013

Knowledge generation across allying firms undoubtedly enriches a firm's knowledge base. While there is vast literature on knowledge transfer, i.e. absorption, there is however little research on joint knowledge creation across partners. We address this phenomenon as "co-poiesis", informed by the literature on collective mental models. We identify two distinct managerial antecedents of learning: pre-elaborated and emergent frames of alliance management. We investigate how these styles influence the development of relational knowledge and alliance performance. Our empirical study using SEM analyzes 196 project alliances in the New Media Industry. Findings indicate the need to align management styles to knowledge objectives.
Competition in the US Meatpacking Industry
Authors: Wohlgenant Michael K.
Published: October 2013

This article reviews and evaluates the recent literature on competition in the US meatpacking industry. Studies on market power in meatpacking indicate that concentration in procurement of livestock (cattle or hogs) has not adversely affected prices received by producers or prices paid by consumers. Indeed, there is evidence that producers may be better off because of lower processing costs due to the concentration and introduction of new technical innovations. Policies to restrict alternative marketing arrangements such as those proposed by GIPSA would make producers and consumers worse off. The beef and pork industries are quite complex and contain both spatial and temporal dimensions that can affect the level of competition. Fringe producers because of locational shift of industry and thin markets may be worse off. Establishment of niche enterprises may benefit these producers. In the future, incentives are to maintain steady long-run supplies of livestock to fully operate slaughtering and processing facilities.
Toxicity Assessment of Buprofezin, Lufenuron, and Triflumuron to the EarthwormAporrectodea caliginosa
Authors: Badawy Mohamed E. I. , Kenawy Anter , El-Aswad Ahmed F.
Published: October 2013

Earthworms are particularly important soil macroinvertebrates and are often used in assessing the general impact of pesticide pollution in soil. The present study was conducted in order to investigate the toxicity of three insect growth regulators (IGRs) buprofezin, lufenuron, and triflumuron, at different application rates and exposure times toward mature earthwormsAporrectodea caliginosa. The effects of these pesticides on the growth rate in relation to the activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) as biochemical indicators were evaluated to elucidate the mechanisms of action. Toxicity studies indicated that lufenuron was the most harmful pesticide to mature earthworms, followed in descending order by buprofezin and triflumuron. A reduction in growth rate in all pesticide-treated worms was dose-dependent over the 28-day exposure period, which was accompanied by a decrease in AChE and GST activities. Relationships between growth rate, AChE, and GST provided strong evidence for the involvement of pesticidal contamination in the biochemical changes in earthworms, which can be used as a bioindicator of soil contamination by pesticides.
A Valid Approach in Refractory Glossodynia: A Single-Institution 5-Year Experience Treating with Japanese Traditional Herbal (Kampo) Medicine
Authors: Okamoto Hideki , Chino Atsushi , Hirasaki Yoshiro , Ueda Keigo , Raimura Masaki , Namiki Takao
Published: October 2013

Glossodynia is often refractory to conventional medicine, and there is only limited evidence to guide clinicians in its management. Patients with refractory glossodynia are often introduced to Japanese traditional herbal (Kampo) medicine experts under such circumstances because Kampo medicine has become known in Japan to be effective in treating a wide variety of symptoms refractory to conventional medicine. Herein, we report our single-institution 5-year experience treating patients with Kampo medicine for primary glossodynia that was refractory to conventional medicine. We found that 69.2% of patients reported a beneficial effect of Kampo medicine on glossodynia, and the average onset of improvement was 8.0 ± 7.7 weeks after starting Kampo treatment. The top two frequently used Kampo medicines for glossodynia were seinetsuhokito and mibakuekkito among high responders who showed a decrease of severity by 50% or more. The top four most overlapped herbs among effective Kampo medicines for glossodynia were Glycyrrhiza Root, Ginseng Root, Hoelen, and Atractylodes (lancea) Rhizome, which compose an essential Kampo prescription called shikunshito. Although more research is required to further clarify the effectiveness of Kampo medicine, it has valid efficacy even in cases of glossodynia that remain incurable by conventional treatments.
Clinical Management of Suppurative Osteomyelitis, Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis, and Osteoradionecrosis: Report of Three Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Guimarães Eduardo Pereira , Pedreira Fernanda Rafaelly de Oliveira , Jham Bruno Correia , de Carli Marina Lara , Pereira Alessandro Antônio Costa , Hanemann João Adolfo Costa
Published: October 2013

In the past, osteomyelitis was frequent and characterized by a prolonged course, treatment response uncertainty, and occasional disfigurement. Today, the disease is less common; it is believed that the decline in prevalence may be attributed to increased availability of antibiotics and improvement of overall health patterns. Currently, more common osteomyelitis variants are seen, namely, osteoradionecrosis (ORN) and bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ). Osteomyelitis, ORN, and BRONJ can present with similar symptoms, signs, and radiographic findings. However, each condition is a separate entity, with different treatment approaches. Thus, accurate diagnosis is essential for adequate management and improved patient prognosis. The aim of this paper is to report three cases of inflammatory lesions of the jaws—osteomyelitis, ORN, and BRONJ—and to discuss their etiology, clinical aspects, radiographic findings, histopathological features, treatment options, and preventive measures.
Skin Cancer Knowledge, Beliefs, Self-Efficacy, and Preventative Behaviors among North Mississippi Landscapers
Authors: Nahar Vinayak K. , Ford M. Allison , Hallam Jeffrey S. , Bass Martha A. , Hutcheson Amanda , Vice Michael A.
Published: October 2013

There are slightly over one million workers in the landscape service industry in the US. These workers have potential for high levels of solar ultraviolet radiation exposure, increasing their risk of skin cancer. A cross-sectional sample of 109 landscapers completed a self-administered questionnaire based on Health Belief Model (HBM). The participants correctly answered 67.1% of the knowledge questions, 69.7% believed they were more likely than the average person to get skin cancer, and 87.2% perceived skin cancer as a severe disease. Participants believed that the use of wide-brimmed hats, long sleeved shirts/long pants, and sunscreen was beneficial but reported low usage of these and other sun protective strategies. The primary barriers to using sun protection were “I forget to wear it” and “it is too hot to wear.” Of the HBM variables, perceived benefits outweighing perceived barrier (, ) and self-efficacy (, ) were correlated with sun protection behaviors. The reasons for absence of the relationship between perceived skin cancer threat and sun protection behaviors could be lack of skin cancer knowledge and low rate of personal skin cancer history.
Effects of Calcium-Channel Noise on Dynamics of Excitation-Contraction Coupling in Paced Cardiac Cells
Authors: Ma Jiying , Xiao Dongmei
Published: October 2013

We study a simple discrete model with the impact of calcium-channel noise on the beat-to-beat dynamics of cardiac cells. The effects of the noise are assessed by bifurcation analysis and power spectrum analysis, respectively. It is shown that this model can undergo period-doubling bifurcation and Hopf bifurcation if there are not random perturbations. Under random perturbations, the period-doubling bifurcations of the model can be observed, and the invariant curve from Hopf bifurcation is perturbed to an annulus on the plane and then becomes a totally disordered and randomly scattered region. By the power spectrum analysis, we find that the existence of high-frequency peak in the power spectra links to the period-doubling orbits, while the existence of low-frequency peak corresponds to quasiperiodic orbit.
Strong Convergence to Common Fixed Points of a Countable Family of Asymptotically Strictly Quasi-ϕ-Pseudocontractions
Authors: Deng Wei-Qi
Published: October 2013

Based on an original idea, namely, a specific way of choosing the indexes of the involved mappings, we propose a new hybrid shrinking iteration scheme for approximating some common fixed points of a countable family of asymptotically strictly quasi-ϕ-pseudocontractions and obtain a strong convergence theorem in the framework of Banach space. Our result extends other authors, related results existing in the current literature. As application, an iterative solution to a system of equilibrium problems is provided.
Theoretical and Experimental Study of New Photochromic Bis-Spiropyrans with Hydroxyethyl and Carboxyethyl Substituents
Authors: Mukhanov E. L. , Dorogan I. V. , Chernyshev A. V. , Bezuglyi S. O. , Ozhogin I. V. , Lukyanova M. B. , Lukyanov B. S.
Published: October 2013

Two new asymmetrical bis-spiropyrans with nonequivalent spiropyran units have been investigated. Hydroxyethyl and carboxyethyl substituents have been used to improve thermal stability of the photoinduced merocyanine forms of the bis-spiropyrans. 2-Hydroxyethyl substituted compound is characterized by 4 times more stable merocyanine isomer. 2-Carboxyethyl substituent in the hetarene part enables chelation by metal ions and controllably stabilizes the merocyanine from thermal decay. As a result of theoretical modeling and photochemical experiments, it was shown that obtained compounds are perspective prototypes for multistate light-driven switches with improved stability of photoinduced forms.
Relationship between Plasma Aldosterone Levels and Left Ventricular Mass in Hypertensive Africans
Authors: Adebiyi Adewole , Akinosun Olubayo , Nwafor Chibuike , Falase Ayodele
Published: October 2013

Background.Hypertension is the most common cardiovascular disease worldwide and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Studies have suggested that the activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system play a major role in the target organ damage such as left ventricular hypertrophy occuring in hypertension. We sought to determine the relationship between plasma aldosterone and left ventricular mass in untreated African hypertensives.Methods.We recruited 82 newly diagnosed and untreated hypertensives and 51 normal controls. Measurements obtained included echocardiographic LV mass index, plasma aldosterone and renin.Results.The hypertensive subjects had lower renin levels (21.03[6.974] versus 26.66[7.592] ng.mL−1,P=0.0013), higher LV mass index (52.56[14.483] versus 42.02[8.315] g.m−2.7P<0.0001) when compared with the controls. There were no univariate associations between LV mass index and plasma aldosterone (r=0.0179,P=0.57) and between LV mass index and plasma renin (r=0.0887,P=0.61). In a multivariate model involving LV mass index and age, sex, body mass index (BMI), plasma aldosterone, plasma renin and systolic blood pressure (SBP), only age (P=0.008), BMI (P=0.046), and SBP (P=0.001) were independently associated with the LV mass index.Conclusions. In this group of hypertensive Africans, there is no independent association of plasma aldosterone with LV mass. The height of the blood pressure, the body mass index and the age of the subjects determined the LV mass.
Physical Properties of Macroporous Tungsten Oxide Thin Films and Their Impact on the Photocurrent Density
Authors: Riech I. , Acosta M. , Zambrano-Arjona M. A. , Peñuñuri F. , Rosado-Mendoza M. , Marín E. , Rodríguez-Fragoso P. , Mendoza-Álvarez J. G.
Published: October 2013

Tungsten trioxide (WO3) films were prepared using polystyrene spheres of two different diameters as a template in order to create porous layers. X-ray diffraction data and electron microscopy images show that annealed films exhibit polycrystalline structure with monoclinic phase and pore size of approximately hundred nanometers. The optical band gap energies have been determined by photoacoustic spectroscopy as 3.17 eV, and this value was not affected by sample morphology. Low temperature photoluminescence spectra exhibit broad band in the blue region. Deconvolutions of PL spectra show that there are two transitions which intensity depends on thin film pore size. We discuss the possible origin of this emissions associated with oxygen vacancies and surface states. A comparative study of the WO3films used as photoanodes is presented and correlated with PL results.
Comparison of Nocturia Response to Desmopressin Treatment between Patients with Normal and High Nocturnal Bladder Capacity Index
Authors: Hajdinjak Tine , Leskovar Jurij
Published: October 2013

Objective. To compare efficacy of desmopressin for treatment of nocturia between patients with normal and high nocturnal bladder capacity index (NBCi). Methods. Retrospective analysis of adult patients treated with desmopressin for nocturia. Patients were analyzed according to high or normal NBCi value before treatment. Results. 55 patients were identified, aged 49–84, 47 males, 8 females, who started desmopressin 0.2 mg nocte between 2009 and 2011. Two groups (N: normal and H: high NBCi) were similar regarding number, gender, age, 24 h urine volume, and nocturnal urine volume. On treatment, nocturnal volume decreased by mean of 364 mL. Number of nightly voids decreased in N group from 3.11 to 1.50, in H from 3.96 to 1.44. Nocturnal polyuria and nocturia indices also decreased significantly. NBCi remained the same in N group (0.56 on therapy) and in H group decreased to mean 0.63. All on‐treatment values were statistically similar in N and H groups. Pretreatment differences were abolished with treatment. NBCi was significantly correlated to nocturia reduction—larger reduction was observed in patients with higher NBCi. In 8/55 patients, hyponatremia was detected, but without clinical consequences. Conclusions. The results indicate that the effectiveness of desmopressin on nocturia is not dependent upon the patient′s pretreatment NBCi.
The Real Years of Europe? U.S.-West European Relations during the Ford Administration
Authors: Ludlow N. Piers
Published: October 2013

Little has been written about transatlantic relations during the presidency of Gerald R. Ford. This article shows that, contrary to what most of the recent historiography suggests, the brief period under Ford did make an important difference in U.S.-West European relations. During the Ford administration, the whole architecture of transatlantic relations was rearranged, creating structures and features that endured well after Ford and his secretary of state, Henry Kissinger, had left office. In particular, the Ford years witnessed the emergence of a pattern of quadripartite consultation between the United States, Britain, France, and West Germany on foreign policy issues; and the advent of multilateral economic summitry. Each of these innovations transformed the pattern of U.S.-West European dialogue.
Taxonomic revision of Mesamphiagrion Kennedy, 1920 from Colombia (Odonata: Coenagrionidae), with the description of four new species
Authors: BOTA-SIERRA CORNELIO ANDRÉS , ECHEVERRI MARTHA ISABEL WOLFF
Published: October 2013

The genus Mesamphiagrion Kennedy, 1920, occurs in the Pantepui region and northern Andes in South America and is most speciose in Colombia where the genus is less known. In this work, we record 10 species of Mesamphiagrion from Colombia, including four new species (Mesamphiagrion gaudiimontanum Bota-Sierra sp. nov., M. nataliae Bota-Sierra sp. nov., M. rosseri Bota-Sierra sp. nov., and M. santainense Bota-Sierra sp. nov.). We also redescribe the male of M. risi (De Marmels 1997) and describe the females of M. risi, M. ovigerum (Calvert, 1909), and M. occultum (Ris, 1918), which were previously unknown. Descriptions, photographs, illustrations, distribution maps, natural history notes, and a diagnostic key for males and females of Mesamphiagrion from Colombia are provided.
A new species of Liropus (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Caprellidae) from California, USA, with an illustrated key of the genus
Authors: GUERRA-GARCÍA JOSÉ M. , HENDRYCKS ED A.
Published: October 2013

A new species of the genus Liropus (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Caprellidae) is described based on specimens collected from a small cave of Santa Catalina Island, California. The new species, Liropus minusculus, can be distinguished from all its congeners mainly by the presence of anterolateral projections on pereonites 2, 3, and 4 (males), pereopod 5 one-articulate (although with a second article incompletely tabicated), basis of gnathopod 2 very elongate (males), and abdomen with two pairs of one-articulate appendages (males), one of them rudimentary. Up-to-date morphological comparisons among the world Liropus species are provided, together with an illustrated key to species. This is the first record of Liropus from the north-east Pacific.
Comment réduire la taille d’un assortiment sans affecter la perception de la variété ? Une étude des effets isolés de la largeur et de la profondeur d’un assortiment
Authors: Piris Yolande
Published: October 2013

Résumé

Cette recherche, réalisée en collaboration avec Carrefour et In Vivo, étudie la perception de la variété par le consommateur de manière à envisager des réductions d’assortiments. Nous mobilisons les caractéristiques intrinsèques de l’assortiment : la largeur et la profondeur. Nous interrogeons 1009 consommateurs en magasins laboratoires et mettons en évidence le rôle médiateur de la perception de la variété et la possibilité de réduire la variété d’un assortiment sans affecter la variété perçue par le consommateur.
Helping the Helpers
Authors: Moody Karen , Kramer Deborah , Santizo Ruth O. , Magro Laurence , Wyshogrod Diane , Ambrosio John , Castillo Catalina , Lieberman Rhonda , Stein Jerry
Published: October 2013

Background. Burnout, a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and diminished feelings of accomplishment, is common among pediatric oncology staff. This study explores a mindfulness-based course (MBC) to decrease burnout in a multidisciplinary group of pediatric oncology staff members in the United States and Israel. Materials and methods. Forty-eight participants, mostly nurses, were randomized to either the MBC intervention or a control group. MBC participants received eight weekly sessions of mindfulness education. The primary outcome studied was burnout. Secondary outcomes studied included depression and perceived stress. Results. Nearly 100% of the subjects exhibited signs of burnout at baseline and MBC did not result in any significant improvement in scores on burnout, perceived stress or depression scales. Qualitative analysis of diaries kept by subjects revealed reduced stress, improved inner peace, compassion and joy, better focus and self-awareness and less somatic symptoms in the intervention arm. Conclusions. Burnout is a major problem in pediatric oncology staff. Mindfulness practices can be taught in the workplace and may be a useful component of a multidimensional strategy to reduce burnout in this population.
Primitive CML cell expansion relies on abnormal levels of BMPs provided by the niche and on BMPRIb overexpression
Authors: Laperrousaz Bastien , Jeanpierre Sandrine , Sagorny Karen , Voeltzel Thibault , Ramas Sophie , Kaniewski Bastien , Ffrench Martine , Salesse Stéphanie , Nicolini Franck E. , Maguer-Satta Véronique
Published: October 2013

Key Points

In CML, early alterations of the BMP pathway are involved in the survival of hypersensitive LSCs and the expansion of myeloid progenitors. The leukemic niche provides higher concentrations of BMP2 and BMP4 that fuel a permanent and autonomous pool of leukemic progenitors.
Clinical features of patients with stress-induced cardiomyopathy associated with renal dysfunction: 7 case series in single center
Authors: Shin Min Ji , Rhee Harin , Kim Il Young , Yang Byeong Yun , Song Sang Heon , Lee Dong Won , Lee Soo Bong , Kwak Ihm Soo , Choi Jung Hyun , Seong Eun Young
Published: October 2013

Background

Stress-induced cardiomyopathy (sCMP) is characterized by transient wall-motion abnormalities involving the left ventricular apex and mid-ventricle that are precipitated by emotional or physical stress. As the heart and kidney influence each other’s function through bidirectional pathways, sCMP can induce renal dysfunction or be induced by renal dysfunction. This study reviewed the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with confirmed sCMP associated with renal dysfunction.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of the medical records of all patients from our institution who were diagnosed with sCMP from March 2010 to April 2012. Each patient’s demographic characteristics, presenting symptoms, triggering events, electrocardiographic characteristics, laboratory data, echocardiographic study findings, cardiac catheterization data, and outcomes were reviewed.

Results

Among 30 patients who were diagnosed with sCMP, 7 patients had associated renal dysfunction. Three patients were on maintenance hemodialysis (HD) and 4 patients had acute kidney injury (AKI). Their mean ejection fraction was 35.2% at initial echocardiography, and 57.2% at follow-up echocardiography. Pericardial effusion was detected in all HD patients initially; these patients were treated with intensive HD for suspected under-dialysis status. In patients with AKI, the mean peak serum creatinine was 4.17 mg/dL. Two patients were treated with continuous renal replacement therapy. One patient required maintenance HD, and 1 patient died. Two patients had full renal recovery to their baseline renal function at 7 and 14 days.

Conclusions

Patients with renal dysfunction including those with AKI and those undergoing HD can develop sCMP, renal function must be closely monitored in patients with sCMP. Additionally, it should be considered that patients on HD who develop sCMP may be under-dialyzed.
Pilot study of locomotion improvement using hybrid assistive limb in chronic stroke patients
Authors: Kawamoto Hiroaki , Kamibayashi Kiyotaka , Nakata Yoshio , Yamawaki Kanako , Ariyasu Ryohei , Sankai Yoshiyuki , Sakane Masataka , Eguchi Kiyoshi , Ochiai Naoyuki
Published: October 2013

Background

Locomotor training using robots is increasingly being used for rehabilitation to reduce manpower and the heavy burden on therapists, and the effectiveness of such techniques has been investigated. The robot suit Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) has been developed to rehabilitate or support motor function in people with disabilities. The HAL provides motion support that is tailored to the wearer’s voluntary drive. We performed a pilot clinical trial to investigate the feasibility of locomotor training using the HAL in chronic stroke patients, and to examine differences between two functional ambulation subgroups.

Methods

Sixteen stroke patients in the chronic stage participated in this study. All patients were trained with the HAL over 16 sessions (20–30 min/day within 2 days/week). Primary outcomes were walking speed, cadence, and number of steps recorded during a 10-meter walk test (10MWT). Berg balance scale (BBS) and timed up and go (TUG) were also measured. All outcome measures were evaluated without wearing HAL assistance before and after the intervention in all patients as well as in the dependent ambulatory and independent ambulatory subgroups.

Results

All participants completed the intervention with no adverse events. Gait speed, cadence, number of steps during the 10MWT, and BBS increased significantly from 0.41 m/s to 0.45 m/s (P = 0.031), from 68.6 steps/min to 72.0 steps/min (P = 0.020), from 37.5 steps to 33.1 steps (P = 0.017), and from 40.6 to 45.4 (P = 0.004) respectively. The TUG test score improved, although this difference was not statistically significant. The findings in the dependent ambulatory subgroup primarily contributed to the significant differences observed in the group as a whole.

Conclusions

This pilot study showed that locomotor training using the HAL is feasible for chronic stroke patients. Randomized controlled trials are now required to demonstrate the effectiveness of HAL-based rehabilitation over conventional therapies.

Trial registration

UMIN000002969
Genetic variations of E6 and long control region of human papillomavirus type 16 from patients with cervical lesion in Liaoning, China
Authors: Sun Zhengrong , Lu Zhitao , Liu Jianhua , Wang Guili , Zhou Weiqiang , Yang Lianxia , Liu Chao , Wang Bo , Ruan Qiang
Published: October 2013

Background

High-risk human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) is a risk factor for cervical cancer. Previous studies suggest that polymorphisms in the E6 gene or the long control region(LCR)of HPV16 may alter the oncogenic potential of the virus. The aims of this study were to investigate the genetic variations of HPV16 E6 gene and LCR in isolates from Chinese population and correlation of the E6 and LCR polymorphisms with disease status of infected patients.

Methods

HPV16 positive endocervical specimens were collected from 304 women living in Northeast of China. Sequences of E6 gene and LCR were analyzed by PCR-sequencing.

Results

Two lineages were found in the populations, including EUR lineage and As lineage. Based on the HPV16 prototype, the most frequent variation in the E6 gene was T178A/G (48.7%), followed by mutations of G94A (12.2%) and T350G (9.9%). The rank orders of incidence of E6 variations in amino acid were as follows: D25E (46.3%), L83V (9.9%) and H78Y (4.3%). Nucleotide variations in LCR were found in all the 304 isolates from HPV16 positive cervical samples. The most commonly observed LCR variations were the transition replacement G7193T, 7434CIns, G7521A and 7863ADel (100%). The As lineage was associated with HPV persistent infections and with disease status of ≥CIN2,3. The EUR lineage variants showed a negative trend of association with the severity of ≥CIN2,3. Among 41 variations found in LCR, 25 (61.0%) were located at the binding sites for transcription factors. Occurrence of ≥CIN2,3 was significantly associated with the mutations of R10G/L83V in E6 and the C7294T co-variation in LCR, after adjusting for ages of infected patients.

Conclusions

Associations between As lineage and HPV persistent infections, and with disease status of ≥CIN2,3, and an association between the EUR lineage and negative trend of association with the severity of ≥CIN2,3 were found in this study. An association between a co-variation of R10G/L83V in E6 and C7294T in LCR and an increased risk for developing CIN-2,3 was found in a HPV16 infected population of Chinese women. These findings indicate that HPV16 polymorphism influences development of CIN-2,3.
The association between the apolipoprotein A1/ high density lipoprotein -cholesterol and diabetes in Taiwan — a cross-sectional study
Authors: Jian Zhi-Hong , Lung Chia-Chi , Ko Pei-Chieh , Sun Yi-Hua , Huang Jing-Yang , Ho Chien-Chang , Ho Chia-Yo , Chiang Yi-Chen , Chen Chien-Jen , Liaw Yung-Po
Published: October 2013

Background

Traditional lipid indices have been associated with type 2 diabetes, but it remains uncertain which lipid index is the best discriminator for diabetes. In this study, we aimed to assess lipoproteins, traditional lipid variables, and other variables to discover their association with diabetes in the Taiwanese population.

Methods

Data from a nationwide cross-sectional population-based survey of 3087 men and 3373 women in 2002 were analyzed in this study. All participants were assessed for anthropometry, glycosylated hemoglobin, fasting sugar and lipid profiles with triglycerides, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) and B (ApoB). The ratio of LDL-C/HDL-C, ApoB/ApoA1, ApoB/LDL-C and ApoA1/HDL-C and other variables were analyzed to determine their potential roles in type 2 diabetes in the Taiwanese population. The Odds ratios (ORs) of the risk variables for diabetes were estimated using logistic regression and were adjusted for confounding factors.

Results

The increased ratio of ApoA1/HDL-C was significantly associated with diabetes in men (top tertile vs. lowest: OR 2.98; 95% CI: 1.12 - 7.92;P-trend = 0.030) and women (top tertile vs. lowest: OR 2.15; 95% CI: 1.00 - 4.59;P-trend = 0.047). A modest increased diabetic risk was evident with ApoB/LDL-C in women (top tertile vs. lowest: OR 2.03; 95% CI: 1.07- 3.85;P-trend = 0.028), but not in men (top tertile v. lowest: OR 1.69; 95% CI: 0.79- 3.62;P-trend = 0.198).

Conclusions

ApoA1/HDL-C had a significant linear association with diabetes in both sexes and was superior to other lipid and lipoprotein variables among the general Taiwanese population.
The impact of nurse working hours on patient safety culture: a cross-national survey including Japan, the United States and Chinese Taiwan using the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture
Authors: Wu Yinghui , Fujita Shigeru , Seto Kanako , Ito Shinya , Matsumoto Kunichika , Huang Chiu-Chin , Hasegawa Tomonori
Published: October 2013

Background

A positive patient safety culture (PSC) is one of the most critical components to improve healthcare quality and safety. The Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPS), developed by the US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, has been used to assess PSC in 31 countries. However, little is known about the impact of nurse working hours on PSC. We hypothesized that long nurse working hours would deteriorate PSC, and that the deterioration patterns would vary between countries. Moreover, the common trends observed in Japan, the US and Chinese Taiwan may be useful to improve PSC in other countries. The purpose of this study was to clarify the impact of long nurse working hours on PSC in Japan, the US, and Chinese Taiwan using HSOPS.

Methods

The HSOPS questionnaire measures 12 sub-dimensions of PSC, with higher scores indicating a more positive PSC. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using a generalized linear mixed model to evaluate the impact of working hours on PSC outcome measures (patient safety grade and number of events reported). Tukey’s test and Cohen’s d values were used to verify the relationships between nurse working hours and the 12 sub-dimensions of PSC.

Results

Nurses working ≥60 h/week in Japan and the US had a significantly lower OR for patient safety grade than those working <40 h/week. In the three countries, nurses working ≥40 h/week had a significantly higher OR for the number of events reported. The mean score on ‘staffing’ was significantly lower in the ≥60-h group than in the <40-h group in all the three countries. The mean score for ‘teamwork within units’ was significantly lower in the ≥60-h group than in the <40-h group in Japan and Chinese Taiwan.

Conclusions

Patient safety grade deteriorated and the number of events reported increased with long working hours. Among the 12 sub-dimensions of PSC, long working hours had an impact on ‘staffing’ and ‘teamwork within units’ in Japan, the US and Chinese Taiwan.