bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drug knowledge of expatriate adolescents in the United Arab Emirates and their attitudes towards self-medication
Authors: Shehnaz Syed Ilyas , Khan Nelofer , Sreedharan Jayadevan , Arifulla Mohamed
Published: November 2013

Background: Adolescents have limited knowledge about medicines and their potential adverse effects. In this context, we aimed to investigate the basic knowledge of medicines, any differences in knowledge related to practice of self-medication (SM), attitudes towards SM and sources of information about medicines among expatriate adolescents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 324 students from four schools in the UAE using a self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 19.

Results: The sample of multi-ethnic students, with ages ranging from 14 to 19 years, was almost equally distributed between the genders. A total of 289 students reported to be self-medicating. More than 60% of adolescents had responded incorrectly to eight questions related to knowledge about medicines. There were no significant differences between mean scores for drug knowledge (maximum score=22) of self-medicating adolescents (12.1±4.32; SMAs) and those not practicing SM (12±4.53; NSMAs). Self-assessment of drug knowledge was perceived as good by 33% and satisfactory by 34% of SMAs. The majority of adolescents (87%) believed that SM was acceptable and reported being aware of its advantages and disadvantages. Parents and pharmacists were common sources of information about medicines.

Conclusion: The participants showed a positive inclination towards SM. The SMAs and NSMAs had similar knowledge about medicines. However, gaps in knowledge may lead to drug misuse and toxicity. Healthcare providers, pharmacists, educators and parents should be actively involved in health education strategies for rational use of medicines among adolescents in the UAE.
Reading, Listening, and Performing in Wilhelm Heinse’s Hildegard von Hohenthal (1796)
Authors: Irvine Thomas
Published: November 2013

Early in Wilhelm Heinse’s eccentric novel Hildegard von Hohenthal (1796) his characters confront the problem of how music works on the senses. The novel’s hero, Kapellmeister Lockmann, tunes a piano—to an idiosyncratic temperament of his own invention—as he proposes an intensely physical model for musical listening. He uses this demonstration, while simultaneously trying to start a love affair with the novel’s heroine, Hildegard von Hohenthal, to reclaim older ideas about natural temperaments and key characteristics in an era of heightened interest in the anatomy of cognition. But Heinse’s own opinions are not always the same as those of his characters. Drawing on his notebooks, I trace how Heinse struggled to come to terms with opposing views of his friend and colleague, the anatomist Samuel Thomas Soemmering, and of the philosopher Immanuel Kant of how sound affects the body. Soemmering’s Über das Organ der Seele (1796) and Kant’s Critique of Aesthetic Judgment (1790) both act as intertexts and paratexts to the novel, and Heinse more than once splits his own opinions about both books between his characters. The tuning scene addresses important questions about the hierarchy of the senses, the creation of musical meaning, and the freedom of performers and listeners to form their own interpretations of music. Heinse’s naturalist ideas about musical agency rub against the grain of a narrative—still current today—dominated by a transaction between heroic composers on the one side and awe-struck listeners on the other. To re-assess these ideas is to re-imagine a crucial hinge in music history.
The Interdisciplinary Project of Chicana History
Authors: ChÁvez-GarcÍa Miroslava
Published: November 2013

Chicana history has come a long way since its inception in the 1960s and 1970s. While initially a neglected area of study limited to issues of labor and class, today scholars in history, literature, anthropology, and sociology, among others, study topics of gender, culture, and sexuality, as well as youth culture, reproductive rights, migration, and immigration. In the process, these scholars contribute to the collective project of Mexican and Mexican American women’s history in the United States, making it diverse in its analytical themes, methodologies, and sources. Indeed, Chicana history is not confined by disciplinary boundaries. Rather, its cross-disciplinary nature gives it life. This article charts that interdisciplinarity and demonstrates its significance in expanding and recasting Chicano history more broadly.
Chicano/a Challenges to Nineteenth-Century History
Authors: Ramos Raúl A.
Published: November 2013

This article explores the usefulness of Chicano/a history to teaching and representing the nineteenth-century history of northern Mexico, U.S. imperial expansion, and the constructed nature of borders. Typically considered a twentieth-century discipline, Chicano/a historians have a long history of engaging the subject in the nineteenth century. This focus dovetails with recent critical works on race and gender in the U.S. West as well as transnational approaches to history. This article makes the case that the perspective on the nineteenth century provided by Chicano/a historians forces readers to reframe their understanding of the sweep of U.S. history.
Quantification of healthy and atretic germ cells and follicles in the developing and post-natal ovary of the South American plains vizcacha, Lagostomus maximus: evidence of continuous rise of the germinal reserve
Authors: Inserra P I F , Leopardo N P , Willis M A , Freysselinard A L , Vitullo A D
Published: November 2013

The female germ line in mammals is subjected to massive cell death that eliminates 60–85% of the germinal reserve by birth and continues from birth to adulthood until the exhaustion of the germinal pool. Germ cell demise occurs mainly through apoptosis by means of a biased expression in favour of pro-apoptotic members of theBCL2gene family. By contrast, the South American plains vizcacha,Lagostomus maximus, exhibits sustained expression of the anti-apoptoticBCL2gene throughout gestation and a low incidence of germ cell apoptosis. This led to the proposal that, in the absence of death mechanisms other than apoptosis, the female germ line should increase continuously from foetal life until after birth. In this study, we quantified all healthy germ cells and follicles in the ovaries ofL. maximusfrom early foetal life to day 60 after birth using unbiased stereological methods and detected apoptosis by labelling with TUNEL assay. The healthy germ cell population increased continuously from early-developing ovary reaching a 50 times higher population number by the end of gestation. TUNEL-positive germ cells were <0.5% of the germ cell number, except at mid-gestation (3.62%). Mitotic proliferation, entrance into prophase I stage and primordial follicle formation occurred as overlapping processes from early pregnancy to birth. Germ cell number remained constant in early post-natal life, but a remnant population of non-follicular VASA- and PCNA-positive germ cells still persisted at post-natal day 60.L. maximusis the first mammal so far described in which female germ line develops in the absence of constitutive massive germ cell elimination.

Free Spanish abstract

Spanish translation of this abstract is freely available athttp://www.reproduction-online.org/content/147/2/199/suppl/DC1
Predicting Adaptive Phenotypes From Multilocus Genotypes in Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis) Using Random Forest
Authors: Holliday Jason A , Wang Tongli , Aitken Sally
Published: November 2013

Climate is the primary driver of the distribution of tree species worldwide, and the potential for adaptive evolution will be an important factor determining the response of forests to anthropogenic climate change. Although association mapping has the potential to improve our understanding of the genomic underpinnings of climatically relevant traits, the utility of adaptive polymorphisms uncovered by such studies would be greatly enhanced by the development of integrated models that account for the phenotypic effects of multiple single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and their interactions simultaneously. We previously reported the results of association mapping in the widespread conifer Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis). In the current study we used the recursive partitioning algorithm ‘Random Forest’ to identify optimized combinations of SNPs to predict adaptive phenotypes. After adjusting for population structure, we were able to explain 37% and 30% of the phenotypic variation, respectively, in two locally adaptive traits—autumn budset timing and cold hardiness. For each trait, the leading five SNPs captured much of the phenotypic variation. To determine the role of epistasis in shaping these phenotypes, we also used a novel approach to quantify the strength and direction of pairwise interactions between SNPs and found such interactions to be common. Our results demonstrate the power of Random Forest to identify subsets of markers that are most important to climatic adaptation, and suggest that interactions among these loci may be widespread.
Evolutionary History and Genome Organization of DUF1220 Protein Domains
Authors: O’Bleness Majesta S , Dickens C Michael , Dumas Laura J , Kehrer-Sawatzki Hildegard , Wyckoff Gerald J , Sikela James M
Published: November 2013

DUF1220 protein domains exhibit the most extreme human lineage–specific (HLS) copy number increase of any protein coding region in the human genome and have recently been linked to evolutionary and pathological changes in brain size (e.g., 1q21-associated microcephaly). These findings lend support to the view that DUF1220 domain dosage is a key factor in the determination of primate (and human) brain size. Here we analyze 41 animal genomes and present the most complete account to date of the evolutionary history and genome organization of DUF1220 domains and the gene family that encodes them (NBPF). Included among the novel features identified by this analysis is a DUF1220 domain precursor in nonmammalian vertebrates, a unique predicted promoter common to all mammalian NBPF genes, six distinct clades into which DUF1220 sequences can be subdivided, and a previously unknown member of the NBPF gene family (NBPF25). Most importantly, we show that the exceptional HLS increase in DUF1220 copy number (from 102 in our last common ancestor with chimp to 272 in human; an average HLS increase of ∼28 copies every million years since the Homo/Pan split) was driven by intragenic domain hyperamplification. This increase primarily involved a 4.7 kb, tandemly repeated three DUF1220 domain unit we have named the HLS DUF1220 triplet, a motif that is a likely candidate to underlie key properties unique to the Homo sapiens brain. Interestingly, all copies of the HLS DUF1220 triplet lie within a human-specific pericentric inversion that also includes the 1q12 C-band, a polymorphic heterochromatin expansion that is unique to the human genome. Both cytogenetic features likely played key roles in the rapid HLS DUF1220 triplet hyperamplification, which is among the most striking genomic changes specific to the human lineage.
Variant in the 5′ Untranslated Region of Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Receptor Is Associated With Susceptibility to Mastitis in Cattle
Authors: Sugimoto Mayumi , Sugimoto Yoshikazu
Published: November 2013

Mastitis is a common infectious disease of the mammary gland and generates large losses in the dairy industry. By means of positional cloning and functional analysis techniques, we here show that insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) can possibly mediate susceptibility to mastitis through autophagy. Scanning the whole genome of cows (Bos taurus) that were susceptible or resistant to mastitis in the half-sib families revealed that susceptible cows had a relatively long stretch of cytosine residues (C stretch) in the 5′ untranslated region of IGF1R. The forebrain embryonic zinc finger-like (FEZL) transcription factor, which was previously identified as a factor controlling mastitis resistance in the same half-sib families, bound the C stretch of IGF1R. The susceptible type of FEZL with a glycine stretch containing 13 glycines (13G) and the longer C stretch of IGF1R together enhanced expression of IGF1R. Enhancing IGF1R inhibited autophagy in response to Streptococcus agalactiae invasion of mammary epithelial cells, whereas treatment with rapamycin, a known inducer of autophagy, rescued it. Cows carrying the variant combination of 13GFEZL might be more susceptible to mastitis as the result of impaired autophagy. Our results suggest that IGF1R could control innate immunity in mammals and serve as a potential tool for preventing mastitis.
Tandem-Repeat Patterns and Mutation Rates in Microsatellites of the Nematode Model OrganismPristionchus pacificus
Authors: Molnar Ruxandra I , Witte Hanh , Dinkelacker Iris , Villate Laure , Sommer Ralf J
Published: November 2013

Modern evolutionary biology requires integrative approaches that combine life history, population structure, ecology, and development. The nematode Pristionchus pacificus has been established as a model system in which these aspects can be studied in one organism. P. pacificus has well-developed genetic, genomic, and transgenic tools and its ecologic association with scarab beetles is well described. A recent study provided first mutation rate estimates based on mitochondrial genome sequencing and mutation accumulation line experiments that help resolve rather ancient evolutionary branches. Here, we analyzed the tandem-repeat pattern and studied spontaneous mutation rates for microsatellite markers by using the previously generated mutation accumulation lines. We found that 0.59%–3.83% of the genome is composed of short tandem repeats. We developed 41 microsatellite markers, randomly chosen throughout the genome and analyzed them in 82 mutation accumulation lines after 142 generations. A total of 31 mutations were identified in these lines. There was a strong correlation between allele size and mutation rate in P. pacificus, similar to Caenorhabditis elegans. In contrast to C. elegans, however, there is no evidence for a bias toward multistep mutations. The mutation spectrum of microsatellite loci in P. pacificus shows more insertions than deletions, indicating a tendency toward lengthening, a process that might have contributed to the increase in genome size. The mutation rates obtained for individual microsatellite markers provide guidelines for divergence time estimates that can be applied in P. pacificus next-generation sequencing approaches of wild isolates.
Genetic Architecture of Migration-Related Traits in Rainbow and Steelhead Trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Hecht Benjamin C , Thrower Frank P , Hale Matthew C , Miller Michael R , Nichols Krista M
Published: November 2013

Although migration plays a critical role in the evolution and diversification of species, relatively little is known of the genetic architecture underlying this life history in any species. Rainbow and steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) naturally segregate for both resident and migratory life-history types, respectively, as do other members of the salmonid family of fishes. Using an experimental cross derived from wild resident rainbow and wild migratory steelhead trout from Southeast Alaska and high throughput restriction-site associated DNA (RAD) tag sequencing, we perform a quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis to identify the number, position, and relative contribution of genetic effects on a suite of 27 physiological and morphological traits associated with the migratory life history in this species. In total, 37 QTL are localized to 19 unique QTL positions, explaining 4–13.63% of the variation for 19 of the 27 migration-related traits measured. Two chromosomal positions, one on chromosome Omy12 and the other on Omy14 each harbor 7 QTL for migration-related traits, suggesting that these regions could harbor master genetic controls for the migratory life-history tactic in this species. Another QTL region on Omy5 has been implicated in several studies of adaptive life histories within this species and could represent another important locus underlying the migratory life history. We also evaluate whether loci identified in this out-crossed QTL study colocalize to genomic positions previously identified for associations with migration-related traits in a doubled haploid mapping family.
oPOSSUM-3: Advanced Analysis of Regulatory Motif Over-Representation Across Genes or ChIP-Seq Datasets
Authors: Kwon Andrew T , Arenillas David J , Hunt Rebecca Worsley , Wasserman Wyeth W
Published: November 2013

oPOSSUM-3 is a web-accessible software system for identification of over-represented transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) and TFBS families in either DNA sequences of co-expressed genes or sequences generated from high-throughput methods, such as ChIP-Seq. Validation of the system with known sets of co-regulated genes and published ChIP-Seq data demonstrates the capacity for oPOSSUM-3 to identify mediating transcription factors (TF) for co-regulated genes or co-recovered sequences. oPOSSUM-3 is available at http://opossum.cisreg.ca.
The Lsktm1 Locus Modulates Lung and Skin Tumorigenesis in the Mouse
Authors: Galvan Antonella , Colombo Francesca , Noci Sara , Pazzaglia Simonetta , Mancuso Mariateresa , Manenti Giacomo , Broman Karl W , Saran Anna , Dragani Tommaso A
Published: November 2013

Alleles derived from skin tumor−resistant Car-R mice provide resistance to both skin and lung tumorigenesis over the susceptibility of the SWR/J strain. In an effort to map tumor modifier loci affecting both tumor types, we carried out a genetic linkage analysis in backcross SWR/J x (SWR/J x Car-R) mice and identified a locus (Lsktm1) on chromosome 1 linked to both skin (LOD score = 3.93) and lung (LOD score = 8.74) tumorigenesis. Two genes, Igfbp5 and Igfbp2, residing in this locus and belonging to the insulin-like growth factor binding protein family were expressed at significantly greater levels in normal lung tissue from cancer-resistant Car-R mice than in cancer-susceptible SWR/J mice. Overexpression of the recombinant Igfbp5 and Igfbp2 genes in two lung cancer cell lines significantly inhibited clonogenicity (P < 0.0001). Collectively, we have identified a single polymorphic locus that affects skin and lung tumorigenesis and identify Igfbp5 and Igfbp2 as candidate modifier genes of lung tumorigenesis.
Otitis Media with Effusion: Experiences of Children with Cleft Palate and Their Parents
Authors: Tierney Stephanie , O'brien Kevin , Harman Nicola L. , Sharma Ravi K. , Madden Colm , Callery Peter
Published: November 2013

Objective

To explore the views of children with cleft palate and their parents about daily life with otitis media with effusion and associated hearing loss.

Design

A qualitative study. Semistructured interviews were used to collect data from parents. Participatory techniques, including activities on a tablet computer, were used to collect data from children. Framework analysis was applied to interview transcripts.

Setting

Two English cleft units.

Participants

A purposive sample of parents of 37 children aged 0 to 11 years with experience of otitis media with effusion. Their children also took part if aged 6 to 11 years (n = 22).

Results

Themes related to the following: (1) emotions (frustration, anger, sadness, happiness, anxiety), (2) educational experiences (struggling at school, having to sit at the front of the class, requiring extra support, missing lessons for appointments or due to ear infections), (3) social interactions (isolation, communication, reliance on siblings, participation in activities).

Conclusions

A number of areas of interviewees' everyday life were affected by the presence of otitis media with effusion. Parents may need to be forewarned about the possible ongoing nature of this condition and its impact on a child's social and emotional experiences. Children may also benefit from age-appropriate information about otitis media with effusion and its treatment, including information on hearing tests, to help reduce any anxiety.
Congenital Platelet Disorder and Type I von Willebrand Disease Presenting as Prolonged Bleeding after Cleft Lip and Palate Repair
Authors: Pang John , Zelken Jonathan , Dorafshar Amir H. , Strouse John J. , Redett Richard
Published: November 2013

Cleft lip and palate can be associated with coagulopathy. Here, we report the first known case of congenital platelet disorder and von Willebrand disease presenting as prolonged bleeding after cleft lip and palate repair. After identifying the underlying pathology, platelet infusions and aminocaproic acid were given to decrease bleeding from a second surgical procedure. Whole exome sequencing identified a von Willebrand factor gene mutation, an adenine to guanine substitution at the c.475A location. A high index of suspicion should be had for coagulopathy in patients with syndromic cleft lip and palate.
CPCJ 50th Anniversary Editorial Board Commentary: Ethics and Health Policy—Then and Now
Authors: Sharp Helen M.
Published: November 2013

To celebrate the 50th year of the Cleft Palate–Craniofacial Journal we look back to where we started in 1964, where we are now, and speculate about directions for the future in a Then and Now editorial series. This editorial examines 50 years of social, policy, and regulatory changes that broaden the responsibility for research integrity to include the investigator, the journal editorial review process, and institutional oversight. Internationally recognized standards for authorship, publication of recognizable cases and images, and confidentiality of peer-review are addressed in the context of the history of the CPCJ. As we look to the future, the core principles will continue to guide the endeavor of research involving human subjects while adhering to our obligations to protect the interests of the people we serve.
Impact of reservoir operation on sediment deposition
Authors: Petkovsek Gregor , Roca Marta
Published: November 2013

Every year, reservoir sedimentation causes an estimated 1% reduction in the total capacity of reservoirs. When sediment deposits approach the dam, further issues related to sediment passing through the turbines, blocking of the outlets and dam safety arise. One of the possible ways to tackle these problems is by management of the sediment in the reservoir itself through a selected operation strategy. A long-term reservoir sedimentation model, Ressass, is used to explore the impact of reservoir operation on sediment deposition. This paper explores the influence of different water level management strategies that result from water supply and hydropower demands. The results show that preserving the live storage may increase the rate of approach of sediment deposits towards the dam. The findings may support reservoir managers when facing these sometimes opposite objectives. To illustrate the analysis, different theoretical strategies are applied to a case study of Tarbela, the largest dam and reservoir on the River Indus in Pakistan.
A Condensed Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Group for Binge Eating Disorder: Overcoming Winter Challenges
Authors: Erb Sarah , Farmer Antonina , Mehlenbeck Robyn
Published: November 2013

Although binge eating disorder (BED) is a recent diagnostic category, research for efficacious and effective treatment is well underway. This case study describes a dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills group for BED implemented in an outpatient community clinic. Although based on Safer, Telch, and Chen’s (2009) manual for BED and bulimia nervosa (BN), notable adaptations included shortening the group’s duration from 20 to 12 weeks, adding an interpersonal effectiveness module and DBT-informed “Holiday Plan” worksheets, and providing inclement weather alternatives. Despite the added challenges associated with winter treatment of BED (e.g., holiday meals, weather-related schedule interruptions), the 3 women who completed treatment no longer met criteria for BED at termination and their feedback suggested that the treatment was highly acceptable. Group members demonstrated clinically significant reductions in disordered eating behavior and improvements in self-esteem, emotion regulation, and quality of life. Treatment gains were maintained at 1-year follow-up. Our discussion includes treatment implications and recommendations for future research.
Denial Predicts Outcome in Anxiety Following Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Authors: Oei Tian-Po S. , Strodl Esben , Pang Jasmine , Cui Lixia
Published: November 2013

This study aimed to explore whether participants’ pretherapy coping strategies predicted the outcome of group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety and depression. It was hypothesized that adaptive coping strategies such as the use of active planning and acceptance would be associated with higher reductions, whereas maladaptive coping strategies such as denial and disengagement would be associated with lower reductions in anxious and depressed symptoms following psychotherapy. There were 144 participants who completed group CBT for anxiety and depression. Measures of coping strategies were administered prior to therapy, whereas measures of depression and anxiety were completed both prior to and following therapy. The results showed that higher levels of denial were associated with a poorer outcome, in terms of change in anxiety but not depression, following therapy. These findings suggest the usefulness of using the Denial subscale from the revised Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) as a predictor of outcome in group CBT for anxiety.
The Relationship of Hoarding Symptoms to Schizotypal Personality and Cognitive Schemas in an Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Sample
Authors: Rasmussen Jessica , Steketee Gail , Silverman Michelle , Wilhelm Sabine
Published: November 2013

This study examined hoarding symptoms and schizotypal personality traits (SPTs) in 38 patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and explored early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) as partial mediators between hoarding symptoms and schizotypal traits in OCD. Hoarding and symmetry/ordering symptoms were correlated with total schizotypal score on the Personality Disorder Questionnaire-4 (PDQ-4). Hoarding predicted the total number of schizotypal traits on the PDQ-4 after adjusting for symmetry/ordering symptoms. Schizotypal traits but not hoarding symptoms were significantly correlated with the social isolation and mistrust/abuse schemas. Schizotypal traits and hoarding were both associated with the emotional inhibition and emotional deprivation schemas, but neither of these mediated the relationship between schizotypal traits and hoarding. Clinical implications for understanding and treating hoarding and schizotypal personality in OCD are discussed.
Transformative Advance Care Planning: The Honoring Choices Minnesota Experience
Authors: Greene Barbara
Published: November 2013

In the United States, discussing end-of-life wishes and preferences has been taboo ever since death and dying moved from a stage of life to a medical condition. This article describes the transformative nature of a Minnesota health care initiative, Honoring Choices Minnesota (HCM). As the world's largest nongovernmental, voluntary community-centered initiative, HCM is changing the culture around speaking of death and dying, one conversation at a time.
Translational Research: A Concept Analysis
Authors: Wendler M. Cecilia , Kirkbride Geri , Wade Kristen , Ferrell Lynne
Published: November 2013

Background/conceptual framework: Little is known about which approaches facilitate adoption and sustainment of evidence-based practice change in the highly complex care environments that constitute clinical practice today. The purpose of this article was to complete a concept analysis of translational research using a modified Walker and Avant approach. Design/data collection: Using a rigorous and thorough review of the recent health care literature generated by a deep electronic search from 2004–2011, 85 appropriate documents were retrieved. Close reading of the articles by three coresearchers yielded an analysis of the emerging concept of translational research. Data analysis: Using the iterative process described by Walker and Avant, a tentative definition of the concept of translational research, along with antecedents and consequences were identified. Implications for health care professionals in education, practice, and research are offered. Further research is needed to determine the adequacy of the definition, to identify empirical referents, and to guide theory development. Results: The study resulted in a theoretical definition of the concept of translational research, along with identification of antecedents and consequences and a description of an ideal or model case to illustrate the definition. Implications/conclusions: Implications for practice and education include the importance of focusing on translational research approaches that may reduce the research-practice gap in health care, thereby improving patient care delivery. Research is needed to determine the usefulness of the definition in health care clinical practice.
Potential of natural treatment technologies for wastewater management in India
Authors: Starkl M. , Amerasinghe P. , Essl L. , Jampani M. , Kumar D. , Asolekar S. R.
Published: November 2013

High population growth, increasing urbanization and rapid economic development are exerting pressure on the already scarce water resources in India. Treatment and reuse of wastewater can play an important role in addressing some of the urban water challenges. Conventional treatment plants have many challenges, therefore, natural treatment systems (NTSs) are viewed as a cost-effective alternative, which are more suitable in the Indian context. This study builds on a desktop study of NTSs and presents a rapid sustainability assessment of 12 NTSs, highlighting the potential and viability of NTSs in India. The results show that the NTSs have a high potential for wastewater treatment. However, there are still gaps in knowledge related to aspects that hinder the sustainability of the systems. Risks associated with reuse of treated wastewater in agriculture, operational problems and social acceptance were perceived as frequent challenges. Self-sustaining financing methods and the use of by-products were viewed as added benefits.
Sub-national inequities in Philippine water access associated with poverty and water potential
Authors: Fehr Alexandra , Sahin Murat , Freeman Matthew C.
Published: November 2013

The Philippines is one of many countries to have achieved the Millennium Development Goal target for improved access to drinking water. However, the national average masks sub-national inequities in access that underlie important information for policy makers and that have implications for health and development. We conducted a geospatial analysis on water access at the household and school levels, total water potential, and poverty incidence. We also compared water access at the household level between 1998 and 2008. We found significant spatial autocorrelation for all variables: the northern region had higher access to improved water sources, lower levels of poverty and less total water potential than the central or southern regions. Further, these trends did not change from 1998 to 2008. This study identifies the most marginalized areas within the Philippines. Our approach could be used by policy makers, donors and service delivery providers within the Philippines and elsewhere to better target water infrastructure projects.
City sanitation ladder: moving from household to citywide sanitation assessment
Authors: Mehta Meera , Mehta Dinesh
Published: November 2013

Monitoring sanitation has generally focused on basic access with its implicit links to health impacts. The new thinking on urban sanitation monitoring goes beyond the household level facilities to encompass wider dimensions of equity, public health and natural environment. This requires an assessment of the full value chain from the user interface to storage, conveyance, treatment and disposal or reuse. In developing country context, this also necessitates incorporating other sanitation dimensions beyond excreta management, especially management of greywater, storm water and solid waste as these are often interlinked on the ground. In this context, it is important to revisit the concept of the sanitation ladder, widely used by the Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP), which has focused on household access. This paper suggests a framework for outcome-based citywide assessment of the full sanitation value chain across different sanitation sub-sectors. The ladder is redefined using a city sanitation score to assess city level performance. The suggested outcome-based assessment for different components of the value chain also provides a basis for city level monitoring of overall sanitation performance.
Pregnancy Outcomes According to Dialysis Commencing Before or After Conception in Women with ESRD
Authors: Jesudason Shilpanjali , Grace Blair S. , McDonald Stephen P.
Published: November 2013

Background and objectives

Pregnancy in ESRD is rare and poses substantial risk for mother and baby. This study describes a large series of pregnancies in women undergoing long-term dialysis treatment and reviews maternal and fetal outcomes. Specifically, women who had conceived before and after starting long-term dialysis are compared.

Design, setting, participants, & measurement

All pregnancies reported to the Australian and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplantation Registry from 2001 to 2011 (n=77), following the introduction of specific parenthood data collection, were analyzed.

Results

Between 2001 and 2011, there were 77 pregnancies among 73 women. Of these, 53 pregnancies were in women who conceived after long-term dialysis was established and 24 pregnancies occurred before dialysis began. The overall live birth rate (after exclusion of elective terminations) was 73%. In pregnancies reaching 20 weeks gestation, the live birth rate was 82%. Women who conceived before dialysis commenced had significantly higher live birth rates (91% versus 63%; P=0.03), but infants had similar birthweight and gestational age. This difference in live birth rate was primarily due to higher rates of early pregnancy loss before 20 weeks in women who conceived after dialysis was established. In pregnancies that reached 20 weeks or more, the live birth rate was higher in women with conception before dialysis commenced (91% versus 76%; P=0.28). Overall, the median gestational age was 33.8 weeks (interquartile range, 30.6–37.6 weeks) and median birthweight was 1750 g (interquartile range, 1130–2417 g). More than 40% of pregnancies reached >34 weeks’ gestation; prematurity at <28 weeks was 11.4% and 28-day neonatal survival rate was 98%.

Conclusions

Women with kidney disease who start long-term dialysis after conception have superior live birth rates compared with those already established on dialysis at the time of conception, although these pregnancies remain high risk.
The influence of the size and surface modification of TiO2 nanoparticles on the rheological properties of alkyd resin
Authors: Radoman Tijana , Dzunuzovic Jasna , Jeremic Katarina , Marinkovic Aleksandar , Spasojevic Pavle , Popovic Ivanka , Dzunuzovic Enis
Published: November 2013

Spherical TiO2 particles of different size were dispersed in alkyd resin
based on soybean oil. Four samples of TiO2 particles were used, three
commercial and one obtained by acid catalyzed hydrolysis of titanium
tetraisopropoxide. The size of the synthesized nanoparticles was determined
by transmission electron microscopy. Surface modification of TiO2
nanoparticles was performed with propyl gallate and lauryl gallate. The
influence of the size of TiO2 nanoparticles, their concentration and type of
the surface modification on the rheological properties of alkyd resin was
investigated. The obtained results have shown that the viscosity of the
prepared dispersions was higher than viscosity of the pure resin, it
increases with decreasing particle diameter and decreases with frequency
increase. Surface modified particles showed higher influence on the viscosity
of alkyd resin than unmodified, because their hydrodynamic volume is higher
due to the presence of the adsorbed gallates, leading to the increase of
effective volume fraction of particles in dispersion. For the lowest TiO2
concentration, the viscosity was higher for sample modified with lauryl
gallate, due to the higher thickness of the adsorbed layer. The increase of
concentration, because of less dispersion stability of the particles modified
with propyl gallate, leads to particles agglomeration. The presence of
agglomerates, which was confirmed by a change in the slope of the functional
dependence of storage modulus on loss modulus, leads to a rapid increase in
viscosity.
Evaluation and Evolution of Diabetes Mobile Applications: Key Factors for Health Care Professionals Seeking to Guide Patients
Authors: Ristau Ryan A. , Yang Jessica , White John R.
Published: November 2013

In Brief

Diabetes management has evolved with the presence of smartphones, offering a plethora of applications, or “apps,” to assist technologically savvy users. This rapidly growing field of mobile apps has hosted a multifarious selection ranging from novice startup software to programs designed for professional use. This article reviews some crucial factors for consideration when seeking to optimize diabetes management via smartphone.
Power and Pitfalls of Social Media in Diabetes Care
Authors: McMahon Kevin L.
Published: November 2013

In Brief

This article addresses modern patients' insatiable need for information as they make daily choices in managing diabetes. It introduces the resources available to diabetes patients and caregivers against the backdrop of the limitations medical practices face in meeting patients' information and support needs. Social media are described, along with ways in which health care providers might leverage digital technology to better support their patients. The author describes trends and studies that suggest how social media might be used in the future not only to meet patients' needs, but also to streamline clinical workflow.
Reinforcement of Teeth With Simulated Coronal Fracture and Immature Weakened Roots Using Resin Composite Cured by a Modified Layering Technique
Authors: Seyam RS , Mobarak EH
Published: November 2013

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the strengthening effect of resin composite, cured by a modified layering protocol, for teeth with simulated coronal fracture and weakened immature roots.

Methods

Fifty maxillary teeth were decoronated and their apices sectioned to standardize the length to 12 mm. Prepared teeth were equally distributed into five groups. Group 1VF root apices were flared with Pesso drills up to size 6. The roots were flared until a dentin thickness of only 1 ± 0.2 mm remained. Root ends were filled with mineral trioxide aggregate. The canals were backfilled with Vertise Flow following a modified layering protocol using two light-transmitting posts size 6 and 3. Next, a DT light post size 2 was cemented using the same material. Groups 2TS/MF and 3ED/PF were prepared and cured in the same way as group 1VF but filled with Clearfil Tri-S Bond/Majesty Flow and ED Primer II/Panavia F2.0 respectively. Group 4UF was similarly prepared but left unfilled (control). In group 5NW, roots were unflared but similarly filled as in group 3ED/PF. After 24 hours of storage, the fracture load was measured. The degree of cure for each tested material was indirectly measured using microhardness at different root levels (cervical, middle, and apical). Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Newman-Keuls post hoc test.

Results

Fracture load results revealed that groups 1VF and 2TS/MF had no statistically significant difference from group 5NW (p>0.05). For each tested material, no significant difference was found among microhardness values at different root levels.

Conclusion

It may be possible to reinforce the teeth with coronal fracture and immature weakened roots to be comparable with unweakened ones when composite is applied and cured by the modified layering technique.
Effect of the Prevalent Insect Species of Yam Chips on Consumers’ Acceptability of Yam Paste
Authors: Babarinde Samuel Adelani , Babarinde Grace Oluwakemi , Odewole Adeola Foluso , Alagbe Olubukola Omotoyosi
Published: November 2013

A survey was carried out between March and August 2010 to identify insect pests of stored yam chips in Ogbomoso Metropolis, Nigeria. Dried yam chips were randomly obtained from old stocks in 6 local markets within the metropolis on monthly basis. There was a significant (P < 0.05) difference in insect abundance based on month of sampling and insect species. Dinoderus porcellus (Coleoptera: Bostrychidae) was the most abundant species. Other species encountered were Araecerus fasciculatus (Degeer) (Coleoptera: Anthribidae), Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Tribolium castaneum Herbst (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). When chips were infested with Dinoderus porcellus and stored for 3 months, reconstituted thick paste (amala) was made from the flour and was evaluated for consumers’ acceptability. Sensory characteristics such as odour, colour, texture, appearance, taste and overall acceptability were significantly (P < 0.05) affected when compared with the paste prepared from the uninfested chips.
An Analysis of the Creative Potential in Individual Regions of The Czech Republic
Authors: Kloudová Jitka , Chwaszcz Ondřej
Published: November 2013

Purpose of the article: Although the economic growth and society are two independent terms at the first sight, they are in fact closely connected and interact with each other. The main topic of this work is the creative economy, which is considered to be a part of growth theories. Thanks to the new approach, theorists supplement these theories with the demographic and the socio-cultural factor. First, the work establishes a comprehensive theoretical framework for economic growth (linked with creativity). Furthermore, it analyses the representation of creativity in the regions of the Czech Republic.

Methodology/methods: The primary aim of this work is to carry out an analysis that charts the representation of the creative potential in the regions of the Czech Republic. The analysis uses the new creative index, which was created by modifying of the Richard Florida´s creative index. Consequently, the work uses the new creative index within the framework of smaller regional units as opposed to national groupings. Additional advantages of this model include the number and measurability of the indexes.

Scientific aim: The aim of this work is not just demonstrating the dependence between the presence of creative people and economic growth, but in addition, the work aims to seek out the factors that influence the allocation of creative employees.

Findings: The work demonstrates high mutual dependence between creativity and economic growth with the help of the correlation coefficient. The assumptions that creative regions are more attractive on the social and knowledge basis were also confirmed.

Conclusions (limits,implications etc): Territorial units must consequently work to develop conditions, which support the establishment and the development of the creative environment in order to retain their competitiveness and support the economic growth.
Knowledge Management and Organizational Culture: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Li Bing , Zhang Jianpeng , Zhang Xiaoxia
Published: November 2013

Purpose of the article Knowledge has been considered as the strategic assets and become the source of competitive advantage in organizations. Knowledge management thus receives the extraordinary attention from the top management. Many organizational factors have influences on knowledge management practices. This paper attempts to explore the empirical relationship between knowledge management and organizational culture in the specific situation of China’s commercial banking industry. Methodology/methods The relationship between knowledge management and organizational culture is quantitatively investigated by surveying bank managers. The scale of SECI modes is used to measure knowledge management process and the scale of Denison Organizational Culture Survey (DOCS) is used to measure organizational culture. We explore the underlying relationship by employing the statistical analyses such as correlation, regression and structural equation modeling. Scientific aim The research aims at testing the relationship between knowledge management and organizational culture, and furthermore if there exist linkages between cultural traits and SECI modes. Findings The results of the empirical study confirm the great and positive effect that organizational culture has on knowledge management. Different cultural traits contribute to different SECI modes. Conclusions For obtaining successful knowledge management practices in organizations, it is better to concern about the relationship between knowledge management and organizational culture. The limitation in the paper is the sampling size, which will be solved by an industry-wide survey in our future research.
A Path Model for Evaluating Dosing Parameters for Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Gannotti Mary E. , Christy Jennifer B. , Heathcock Jill C. , Kolobe Thubi H.A.
Published: November 2013

Dosing of pediatric rehabilitation services for children with cerebral palsy (CP) has been identified as a national priority. Establishing dosing parameters for pediatric physical therapy interventions is critical for informing clinical decision making, health policy, and guidelines for reimbursement. The purpose of this perspective article is to describe a path model for evaluating dosing parameters of interventions for children with CP. The model is intended for dose-related and effectiveness studies of pediatric physical therapy interventions. The premise of the model is: Intervention type (focus on body structures, activity, or the environment) acts on a child first through the family, then through the dose (frequency, intensity, time), to yield structural and behavioral changes. As a result, these changes are linked to improvements in functional independence. Community factors affect dose as well as functional independence (performance and capacity), influencing the relationships between type of intervention and intervention responses. The constructs of family characteristics; child characteristics (eg, age, level of severity, comorbidities, readiness to change, preferences); plastic changes in bone, muscle, and brain; motor skill acquisition; and community access warrant consideration from researchers who are designing intervention studies. Multiple knowledge gaps are identified, and a framework is provided for conceptualizing dosing parameters for children with CP.