bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gabapentin Shows Promise in Treating Refractory Insomnia in Children
Authors: Robinson Althea A. , Malow Beth A.
Published: October 2012

Insomnia is prevalent in pediatrics, particularly in those with neurodevelopmental disorders. Gabapentin has shown promise in treating insomnia in adults. The purpose of our study was to review our experience with using gabapentin to treat insomnia in children. We identified 23 children, seen by the authors in our Pediatric Sleep Clinic from January 2009 to March 2012. The mean age was 7.2 years and 70% were male. The majority (87%) had been given diagnoses of neurodevelopmental or neuropsychiatric disorders. All parents received education in sleep behavioral interventions. The majority of children (70%) had both sleep-onset and sleep maintenance insomnia. The average starting dose of gabapentin was 5 mg/kg every bedtime and the maximal dose was 15 mg/kg every bedtime. At follow-up, improved sleep was noted in 78% of children. Adverse effects were noted in 6 children.
Importance of Utilizing a Sensitive Free Thyroxine Assay in Sturge-Weber Syndrome
Authors: Siddique Laila , Sreenivasan Aditya , Comi Anne M. , Germain-Lee Emily L.
Published: October 2012

Sturge-Weber syndrome has been found to result in hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction including central hypothyroidism. Because central hypothyroidism is more prevalent in Sturge-Weber syndrome than in the general population, we routinely evaluated thyroid function. Here we describe 5 children with Sturge-Weber syndrome on anticonvulsants and diagnosed with hypothyroidism based on thyroid function testing. All 5 patients were eventually tested utilizing the more accurate free thyroxine equilibrium dialysis assay. Results indicated that only 2 of the 5 patients, who exhibited the most severe symptoms, had true hypothyroidism. This case series demonstrates the benefits of using the free thyroxine by equilibrium dialysis when testing Sturge-Weber syndrome patients on antiepileptic medications. This testing algorithm is more cost-effective and also improves the quality of care by providing an accurate diagnosis more quickly. In addition, we propose consideration of this testing method in any patient taking anticonvulsants, most notably oxcarbazepine.
A Preliminary Evaluation of a Statewide Professional Development Program on Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Maddox Laura L. , Marvin Christine A.
Published: October 2012

Training and technical assistance programs for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have emerged in many states as educators, administrators, and institutions of higher education attempt to address the increasing needs for enhancing the knowledge and skills of educators and disseminating the ever-growing knowledge of educational practices. This report provides data from an evaluation study of a professional development effort conducted by a state-sponsored autism spectrum disorders network. Results documented the positive impact of an 18-month, mentored professional development experience for school-based professionals throughout the state. Surveys of trainees’ knowledge before and after training indicated shifts in their confidence, from basic knowledge of ASD characteristics and practices to confidence in their ability to implement ASD-related practices. In addition, mentors documented increased use of ASD practices in trainees’ classrooms using a checklist of ASD evidence-based practices.
Gender in Jeopardy!
Authors: Linneman Thomas J.
Published: October 2012

Uptalk is the use of a rising, questioning intonation when making a statement, which has become quite prevalent in contemporary American speech. Women tend to use uptalk more frequently than men do, though the reasons behind this difference are contested. I use the popular game show Jeopardy! to study variation in the use of uptalk among the contestants’ responses, and argue that uptalk is a key way in which gender is constructed through interaction. While overall, Jeopardy! contestants use uptalk 37 percent of the time, there is much variation in the use of uptalk. The typical purveyor of uptalk is white, young, and female. Men use uptalk more when surrounded by women contestants, and when correcting a woman contestant after she makes an incorrect response. Success on the show produces different results for men and women. The more successful a man is, the less likely he is to use uptalk; the more successful a woman is, the more likely she is to use uptalk.
Thermomechanical analysis and optimization of thermoplastic elastomer made of polypropylene and waste tire rubber
Authors: Olhagaray J , Dinzart F , Bouchart V , Lipinski P
Published: November 2012

This study presents the experimental characterization of new thermoplastic elastomers that comprised polypropylene and waste tire rubber (WTR). The processing was investigated to obtain standard tensile test samples. Particles and matrix compatibilization has been examined and the melt flow index was found to be a suitable way to determine the best ratio of compatibilizer. Additionally, standard mechanical tests were done on selected blends that have convenient compatibilizer concentration. Dynamic mechanical analysis tests have been carried out and storage modulus and loss factor were drawn as function of temperature. Influence of WTR concentration has been examined through quasistatic tensile tests ([Formula: see text] = 10−4, 10−3, 10−2 s−1). X-Ray tomography has been used to visualise the postmortem fracture surfaces as well as the internal microstructure of the samples. Image analyses have been performed via an in situ device in order to follow the  damage process of the samples occurring under tensile stress in this type of composite.
Online Political Engagement, Facebook, and Personality Traits
Authors: Quintelier Ellen , Theocharis Yannis
Published: November 2012

Despite the growing literature on the effects of personality traits on political participation, there is little discussion about the potential effects of such traits on the increasingly popular forms of online political engagement. In a changing media environment where social production and exposure becomes central, people with different personality traits may be inclined to engage into forms of participation that are different from those in the offline realm. Using the “Big Five” framework, we test the effect of personality traits on various forms of online and offline political engagement in a sample of undergraduate students. Consistent with long-standing empirical observations in the offline realm, our findings show that the effects of personality traits on online forms of political engagement do not differ. Only openness to experience and extraversion have an effect on online political engagement. For consciousness, agreeableness, and emotional stability only small effects were observed.
Silica-supported Ni(II) complex bearing [O^N] ligand and copolymerization to afford silica hybrid polynorbornenes nanocomposites
Authors: He Xiaohui , Yuan Bin , Chen Yiwang , Chen Defu
Published: October 2012

In situ polymerization is an ideal technique to make a perfect dispersion of nanosilica into polymer matrixes. So, in this article, a novel silica-supported β-ketoamine nickel(II) dibromide precatalyst was efficiently prepared and used in in situ slurry polymerizations of norbornene (NB) to afford a highly productive NB addition polymerization system in combination with tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane (B(C6F5)3) cocatalyst. It exhibited productivity of 176.8 kg of polynorbornene (mol Ni)−1 h−1 at a mole ratio of B/Ni = 20, and the catalyst deactivation kinetics in the early stage of polymerization fitted well by the first-order deactivation kinetics up to about 60 min. The catalyst system was also effective for the copolymerization of NB and 5-norbornene-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester to produce the addition-type copolymers with high-molecular-weights (3.28–3.45 × 105 g mol−1) and incorporation rates (8.1–49.1%) as well as narrow molecular weight distributions (polydispersity index = 1.6). The nanoparticles were confirmed to be well-dispersed in the polymer matrix with each individual nanoparticle surrounded by polymer. Transparency of nanocomposites could be kept up to about 60%. The brittleness of polymer was obviously improved, and the tensile strength of polymer film could be as high as 47.8 MPa.
New autophotosensitive semiaromatic hyperbranched polyimides with excellent thermal stabilities and low birefringences
Authors: Liu Changwei , Zhao Xiaogang , Li Yan , Yang Dong , Wang Lina , Jin Lin , Chen Chunhai , Zhou Hongwei
Published: October 2012

A series of autophotosensitive semiaromatic hyperbranched polyimides were prepared by (A2 + B3)-type method and endcapped with 3-aminophenylacetylene. The photosensitive-hyperbranched polyimides (PHBPIs) showed excellent solubility, excellent optical properties, and low birefringences in the range of 0.0010–0.0027, caused by their special hyperbranched structures and alicyclic chain segments reduced both intramolecular and intermolecular charge transfer complex effect. The cured films also showed high glass transition temperatures between 204°C and 220°C, excellent thermal stabilities with 10% thermal decomposing temperatures in the range of 476–495°C, and good mechanical properties. The PHBPIs had photosensitivities ( Dg) in the range of 80–162 mJ/cm2 and showed a clear negative image with a line width of 8 µm when exposed to an ultraviolet light of 365 nm ( i-line).
An investigation into the structures of linear quadratic controllers for vehicle rollover prevention
Authors: Yim Seongjin , Lim Chae Wook , Oh Myung-Hwan
Published: November 2012

This paper presents a comparison between structures of linear quadratic controllers for vehicle rollover prevention. Three types of linear quadratic controller, namely a linear quadratic regulator, a structured controller and a separated controller, are compared. These controllers can control yaw and roll motions. The point is whether the yaw motion and the roll motion can be controlled separately for effective rollover prevention. The separation between a yaw motion controller and a roll motion controller is captured by using structured and separated controllers. Simulations on the vehicle simulation software CarSim® are performed to show that a structured controller and a separated controller are equivalent to a linear quadratic regulator for vehicle rollover prevention.
Spectral analysis of the sound produced during femoral broaching and implant insertion in uncemented total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Whitwell George , Brockett Claire L , Young Steve , Stone Martin , Stewart Todd D
Published: November 2012

Preparation of the proximal femur using incremental broaches to create the ideal cancellous bone envelope is an important technique to perfect in uncemented hip arthroplasty. To guide broaching adequacy and final implant position, the surgeon can use audible pitch changes produced by the femoral broach and definitive implant. The aim of this study was to characterise these pitch changes by analysing the sound spectra created by the first broach, last broach and implant using spectral analysis software. The last broach and implant introduction spectra demonstrated low-frequency (400–1200 Hz) spectral peaks that were not detected when using the first broach. These frequencies corresponded to the natural resonant frequency of a standing sound wave within the femoral bone canal (~894 Hz) that was estimated using acoustic physics theory. The remaining spectral peaks were associated with transverse vibration modes produced by striking the metal broach handle and implant introducer and were a function of the constructs geometry and material properties.
Thermodynamic efficiency of low-carbon domestic heating systems: heat pumps and micro-cogeneration
Authors: Cooper Samuel , Hammond Geoffrey P , McManus Marcelle C
Published: October 2012

Energy and exergy analysis is employed to compare the relative thermodynamic performance of low-carbon domestic energy systems based on air source heat pumps and micro-combined heat and power (cogeneration) units. A wide range of current units are modelled under different operating conditions representative of the United Kingdom to determine the energy and exergy flows from primary energy inputs through to low-carbon heating system and then to end use. The resulting performances are then analysed in order to provide insights regarding the relative merits of the systems under the different operating constraints that may be experienced both now and into the future. Although current mid-range systems achieve comparable performance to a condensing gas boiler, the state-of-art offers considerable improvements. Micro-combined heat and power units and air source heat pumps have the technical potential to improve the energy performance of dwellings. The relative performance and potential of the systems is dominated by the electrical characteristics: the grid electrical generation efficiency, the power-to-heat demand ratio and the availability of electrical export. For total power-to-heat demands below 1:1.5, air source heat pumps have greater improvement potential as their energy efficiency is not constrained. At higher power-to-heat ratios, micro-combined heat and power units offer the potential for higher overall efficiency and this generally occurs irrespective of whether or not the thermal energy from them is used effectively.
In vitro effects of nitric oxide donors on apoptosis and oxidative/nitrative protein modifications in ADP-activated platelets
Authors: Sener A , Egemen G , Cevik O , Yanikkaya-Demirel G , Apikoglu-Rabus S , Ozsavci D
Published: October 2012

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important physiological signaling molecule. However, when produced in excessive amounts, NO can also have toxic effects. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of exogenous- and endogenous-derived NO on oxidative modifications of proteins and apoptosis in activated platelets. Washed platelets were incubated with l-arginine or nitroso-glutathione (GSNO) in the presence of adenosine diphosphate (ADP). After incubation, caspase-3 activity, phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization and the potential of mitochondrial membrane as markers of apoptosis were measured. In addition, the alterations in protein carbonylation (PCO) and nitrotyrosine (NT) formation as markers of protein oxidation were examined. Platelet activation with ADP (20 µM) significantly increased PCO and NT levels and apoptotic events. After incubation with l-arginine, platelet NO production increased significantly. This l-arginine-induced increase caused decreases in formerly increased PCO and NT levels associated with ADP-induced platelet activation. Stimulation of NO production with l-arginine protected platelets from apoptosis. GSNO caused an increase in protein NT levels. Despite this change, GSNO was effective in inhibition of P-selectin expression, platelet aggregation, protein carbonylation and apoptosis. The results suggest that l-arginine and GSNO-mediated NO leads to the inhibition of key apoptotic processes including caspase-3 activation, PS exposure and low mitochondrial membrane potential in washed platelets. The inhibitory effect of platelet clearance of l-arginine and GSNO may be a novel useful therapeutic property in clinical application.
Evaluation of paracetamol distribution and stability in case of acute intoxication in rats
Authors: Battal D , Hilal A , Daglioglu K , Unal I , Gulmen MK
Published: October 2012

Effects of different storing conditions on paracetamol concentration in biological samples of acute intoxicated rats were investigated. The stability and distribution of paracetamol was observed in postmortem serum, liver, kidney and brain tissues. The serum samples were stored for 30 days and daily changes were evaluated for paracetamol. A significant difference ( p = 0.05) was noticed on the 30th experimental day. Paracetamol serum levels changed as much as 66.30% and 33.78% for 4°C and −20°C, respectively. The stability of paracetamol in liver stored at −20°C was also evaluated for 30 days. The paracetamol concentration levels taken from liver samples dramatically decreased from 30.36% on the 1st day to 94.97% on the 30th day. The paracetamol distribution in organs was as 2.68 , 1.11 and 0.68 mg/g in liver, kidney and brain samples, respectively. Meaningful difference in paracetamol in serum and liver samples was in observed in 30th day values ( p = 0.05).
Single-agent duloxetine ingestions
Authors: Jacob J , Albert D , Heard K
Published: October 2012

Duloxetine is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, which is mainly used to treat depression. This retrospective study describes the demographic and clinical effects of duloxetine ingestions reported to the National Poison Data System (NPDS). NPDS data were searched for duloxetine exposures between 2004 and 2010. A total of 11,373 patients were included and exposures were divided into three groups of ages ≤6 years old, 7–12 years and >12 years. Neurological clinical effects occurred in 6.1% of the patients aged ≤6 years, 13.0% of the patients aged 7–12 years and 24.6% of the patients aged >12 years. Cardiovascular effects occurred in 1.4% of the patients aged ≤6 years old, 2.5% of the patients aged 7–12 years and 11.6% of the patients aged >12 years. Gastrointestinal effects occurred in 4.1% of the patients aged ≤6 years old, 16.6% of the patients aged 7–12 years and 13.8% of the patients aged >12 years. Tachycardia, nausea, vomiting, agitation/irritability, dizziness/vertigo and drowsiness were among the most common clinical effects in all three groups. Overall, 61.4% of the patients aged ≤6 years and 77.5% of the patients aged 7–12 years were managed in a non–health care facility, while 55.8% of the patients aged >12 years were referred to or already in a health care facility. We conclude that the majority of ingestions are benign in both pediatrics and adults. Most symptomatic patients have neurologic, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular effects. Most pediatric patients will be able to be managed in a non–health care facility.
Causes and predictors of mortality in hospitalized lupus patient in Sarawak General Hospital, Malaysia
Authors: Teh CL , Ling GR
Published: October 2012

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a serious autoimmune disease that can be life threatening and fatal if left untreated. Causes and prognostic indicators of death in SLE have been well studied in developed countries but lacking in developing countries. We aimed to investigate the causes of mortality in hospitalized patients with SLE and determine the prognostic indicators of mortality during hospitalization in our center. All SLE patients who were admitted to Sarawak General Hospital from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2010, were followed up in a prospective study using a standard protocol. Demographic data, clinical features, disease activities and damage indices were collected. Logistic regression and Cox regression analysis were used to determine the prognostic indicators of mortality in our patients. There were a total of 251 patients in our study, with the female to male ratio 10 to 1. Our study patients were of multiethnic origins. They had a mean age of 30.5 ± 12.2 years and a mean duration of illness of 36.5 ± 51.6 months. The main involvements were hematologic (73.3%), renal (70.9%) and mucocutaneous (67.3%). There were 26 deaths (10.4%), with the main causes being: infection and flare (50%), infection alone (19%), flare alone (19%) and others (12%). Independent predictors of mortality in our cohort of SLE patients were the presence of both infection and flare of disease (hazard ratio (HR) 5.56) and high damage indices at the time of admission (HR 1.91). Infection and flare were the main causes of death in hospitalized Asian patients with SLE. The presence of infection with flare and high damage indices at the time of admission were independent prognostic indicators of mortality.
A literature-based approach to evaluate the predictive capacity of a marker using time-dependent summary receiver operating characteristics
Authors: Combescure C , Daures JP , Foucher Y
Published: November 2012

Summary

Meta-analyses are popular tools to summarize the results of publications. Prognostic performances of a marker are usually summarized by meta-analyses of survival curves or hazard ratios. These approaches may detect a difference in survival according to the marker but do not allow evaluation of its prognostic capacity. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves evaluate the ability of a marker to predict time-to-event. In this article, we describe an adaptation of time-dependent summary receiver operating characteristic curves from published survival curves. To achieve this goal, we modeled the marker and the time-to-event distributions using non-linear mixed models. First, we applied this methodology to individual data in kidney transplantation presented as aggregated data, in order to validate the method. Second, we re-analyzed a published meta-analysis, which focused on the capacity of KI-67 to predict the overall survival of patients with breast cancer.
The Debt Crisis and the Loss of Freedom: A Call for Moral Imagination
Authors: Smith Raymond D.
Published: October 2012

The author posits that the value of individual freedom is best realized within the context of the Moral Imagination concept of philosopher Rudolph Steiner and that when freedom is seen more as a licence for deception and exploitation not only does the greater community suffer but also the party itself suffers character destruction. Thus, laissez-faire capitalism, as exemplified by the mortgage banking meltdown of 2008 and subsequent debt-based unemployment crisis, has not only impoverished millions, destroyed savings and bankrupted long-established investment firms, but also has further bonded the perpetrators to the morally undeveloped self-centredness of Lawrence Kohlberg’s least advanced moral stage (Kohlberg, 1981). Following a discussion of the folly and futility of the consumerist culture, the author argues that the solution lies in practicing the time tested values of caring and social responsibility on the part of government and mortgage bankers coupled with self-restraint and moderation on the part of investors and borrowers.
Need for Human Resource Development (HRD) Practices in Indian Universities: A Key for Educational Excellence
Authors: Ahmad S. Mufeed , Mir Ajaz Akbar
Published: October 2012

Today’s education system needs to be global. ‘World Class Education’ involves a globally accepted high standard of education. Every country needs an increasing number of highly educated people and skilled professionals in order to integrate into the globalization process. These professionals include scholars, philosophers and leaders with vision. Leaders are our human capital. The state must provide opportunities for higher education to create human capital that meets global standards. The overall development of a society is largely determined by the quality of its education, especially higher education. A well-educated, well-trained population could propel a nation towards rapid economic growth. Despite lack of natural resources, countries such as Japan, Korea and Singapore have made rapid economic progress. This was because they invested heavily in education and training. On the other hand, countries such as Nigeria or Congo, despite enormous natural resources, are poor and backward because of large-scale illiteracy and lack of skilled workforce. The aim of education is to create well-trained, competent and progressive individuals who can perform all kinds of tasks and take on a lot of responsibilities. Higher education is the stage of education that takes place at the post-secondary level, and is provided mostly and most meaningfully by universities. A university introduces its students to discussions and debates that prevail in various disciplines and fields of knowledge. The objective of a university is not only to create and disseminate knowledge but also to develop human resources that will accelerate the socio-economic development of the nation. This is possible only when the employees working in these universities are motivated and empowered. To achieve this objective, universities must restructure and redesign their HRD practices and processes. In this background, the present article analyzes the existing HRD practices and processes in 10 leading universities in India and how should these universities go about transforming their HR systems and mechanisms to meet the rapidly changing environmental demands. The research approach and methodology adopted to carry out this study includes collection of primary and secondary data. Primary data has been collected by administering a well-structured and well-designed questionnaire on HRD climate survey developed by XLRI Jamshedpur (India). The questionnaire had been administered to 1,000 respondents selected from the 10 leading universities of India. Data from both the sources were analyzed statistically by applying various statistical tools and techniques to find the conclusions, based on which the guidelines, recommendations and policy implications were made for the improvement of HRD practices in the universities.
The Circle of Inclusion: Sustainability, CSR and the Values that Drive Them
Authors: Kassel Kerul
Published: October 2012

This article examines the values that underlie notions of sustainability and corporate social responsibility, and how those values influence perspectives on who and what is included in decision-making. The author argues that the epistemologies of economic considerations in industrial practices, and how they are framed by science and technology, make it unlikely that practices towards sustainability will successfully avert expanding global crises unless the circle of inclusion is expanded to include other-than-human life.
Decision Support for Patients
Authors: Llewellyn-Thomas Hilary A. , Crump R. Trafford
Published: November 2012

Providing a patient with decision support involves helping that person to choose among two or more elective health care options. “Values Clarification” and “Preference Elicitation” are integral to the full decision-support process. During values clarification, the patient and clinician gain insight into the importance that the patient ascribes to the options’ positive and negative characteristics. During preference elicitation, the patient identifies which options are, overall, personally most favored (and, by corollary, which are least favored). This article identifies the roles that values clarification/preference elicitation (VC/PE) play in the full process of patients’ decision support, outlines various approaches to fostering VC/PE, and poses some fundamental and applied research questions about VC/PE. It also argues that, in order to proceed to answer the posed research questions, investigators in the field of patients’ decision support require a systematic set of criteria for comparing the performance of different VC/PE techniques.
The influence of inter-ring pressures on piston-ring/liner tribological conjunction
Authors: Chong WWF , Howell-Smith S , Teodorescu M , Vaughan ND
Published: November 2012

The article proposes a mathematical model, which predicts the frictional performance of an internal combustion engine compression ring in the vicinity of the top dead center region. It accounts for the blow-by induced inter-ring pressures drop and for the cavitation region at the trailing edge of the contact. The model is used to predict the behaviour of both new and worn compression rings for wide open throttle operating conditions. It is shown that the wear of the ring profile increases the oil film thickness decrease the frictional losses and significantly reduces the extent of the cavitation region.
Effects of raceway roundness and roller diameter errors on clearance and runout of a cylindrical roller bearing
Authors: Chen Guanci , Wang Baokun , Mao Fanhai
Published: October 2012

The actual radial clearance and runout of the bearing are different from design ones, because of the unavoidable raceway roundness and roller diameter errors of a cylindrical roller bearing. However, there is little knowledge about how the raceway roundness and roller diameter errors affect the radial clearance due to the lack of the analysis method. In this study, a mathematic model with algebraic equations is developed. The raceway curves are described by Fourier series. When the outer ring is turned a angle, iterative calculations are done until at least one roller contacts the raceways by judging whether the clearances between the rollers and inner raceway equal zero or not. Then the radial clearance and runout of the bearing can be determined when the outer ring is turned one revolution. The independent and synthetic effects of the raceway roundness and roller diameter errors on the radial clearance and runout of a cylindrical roller bearing are analyzed. Results show that the clearance and runout periodically vary with the increase of the flap number, which is also the harmonic number, of the rotating raceway. The ratio of the numbers of the raceway flaps and rollers determines the period. The clearance and runout of a cylindrical roller bearing are greatly affected by the rollers' diameter errors instead of their positions.
A thermal finite line contact EHL model of a helical gear pair
Authors: Zhu Caichao , Liu Mingyong , Liu Huaiju , Xu Xiangyang , Liu Libin
Published: November 2012

A thermal finite line contact elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) model is developed to study lubricated contact performance of a helical gear pair. Three typical engagement positions during a meshing cycle, i.e. the engage-in position, the engage-out position and the pitch point position are chosen to show effect of load, speed, and addendum modification on pressure distribution, film profile, temperature field, etc. Results show temperature rise increases as the load or the speed goes up. The temperature distribution when the gear pair engaging around the pitch point behaves like a V-shape with higher values at the end parts. For the case with a standard center distance, proper addendum modification, i.e., negative modification for the bigger gear and positive modification for the small gear is good for improving lubrication performance and the service life of the helical gear drive.
Binary phenomenon of hope: Perceptions of traumatized veterans
Authors: Levi Ofir , Liechtentritt Ronit , Savaya Riki
Published: October 2012

This is the second article in a phenomenological study of hope among 10 Israeli reserve soldiers with chronic posttraumatic stress disorder. The aim of the second analysis was to learn about the veterans’ conceptualization of hope. The picture of hope that emerges from the analysis of their interviews is of a binary phenomenon in which hope develops but may also be arrested, is conscious but also unconscious, and strengthens the individual but may also weaken one. These findings show the binary phenomenon of hope and how it contributes to coping with traumatic events and therefore can assist professional workers who treat individuals suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder.
Post-discharge experiences of children and their families following children’s surgery
Authors: Ford Karen , Courtney-Pratt Helen , FitzGerald Mary
Published: November 2012

Increasing rates of day surgery and decreasing length of hospital stay mean children’s recovery from surgery extends beyond hospital and into the home. The objective of this study is to improve the understanding of experiences of children and their families during recovery at home post surgery. This is an exploratory, interpretive study using diaries and semi-structured interviews with children and parents. Results from this research show that children recovering at home after surgery have increased dependency and are likely to become the centre of family life; re-establishing independence is a marker of recovery. When present, pain dominates the experience. The families that go home ill-prepared experience high levels of worry. In conclusion, recovery from surgery is influenced by multiple factors; overall, families and children are resilient. There is a role for health professionals to tailor and improve information provision to parents and children about post-operative recovery, including assessment and management of pain. Information should be made available that describes the experience of other families who have undergone a similar surgery, and families should be made aware of what information they need and how to access it before and after discharge.
Individual responsibility for healthcare financing: Application of an analytical framework exploring the suitability of private financing of assistive devices
Authors: Tinghög Gustav , Carlsson Per
Published: October 2012

Objective: To operationalise and apply a conceptual framework for exploring when health services contain characteristics that facilitate individuals’ ability to take individual responsibility for health care through out-of-pocket payment. In addition, we investigate if the levels of out-of-pocket payment for assistive devices (ADs) in Sweden are in line with the proposed framework. Method: Focus groups were used to operationalise the core concepts of sufficient knowledge, individual autonomy, positive externalities, sufficient demand, affordability, and lifestyle enhancement into a measurable and replicable rationing tool. A selection of 28 ADs were graded separately as having high, medium, or low suitability for private financing according to the measurement scale provided through the operationalised framework. To investigate the actual level of private financing, a questionnaire about the level of out-of-pocket payment for the specific ADs was administered to county councils in Sweden. Results: Concepts were operationalised into three levels indicating possible suitability for private financing. Responses to the questionnaire indicate that financing of ADs in Sweden varies across county councils as regards co-payment, full payment, discretionary payment for certain healthcare consumer groups, and full reimbursement. According to the framework, ADs commonly funded privately were generally considered to be more suitable for private financing. Conclusions: Sufficient knowledge, individual autonomy, and sufficient demand did not appear to influence why certain ADs were financed out-of-pocket. The level of positive externalities, affordability, and lifestyle enhancement appeared to be somewhat higher for ADs that were financed out-of-pocket, but the differences were small. Affordability seemed to be the most influential concept.
DodaLab: An urban health and demographic surveillance site, the first three years in Hanoi, Vietnam
Authors: Tran Toan K. , Eriksson BO , Nguyen Chuc TK , Horby Peter , Bondjers Goran , Petzold Max
Published: November 2012

Rationale: Health and demographic surveillance sites (HDSSs) are important sources for health planning and policy in many low and middle income countries. Almost all HDSSs are in rural settings. The article aims to present the experiences and some concrete results for the first three years of operation of an urban HDSS in Hanoi, Vietnam, and discuss advantages and disadvantages of conducting health studies in HDSSs. Design, population and sample size: The DodaLab urban HDSS was established in 2007 in three communes at different economic levels in Dong Da district, Hanoi, Vietnam. Demographic, social and economic information about 10,000 households and their 37,000 persons was obtained through household interviews. Quarterly follow-up was initiated to provide information about vital events, birth, death and migration. A new household survey was undertaken in 2009. The existing rural HDSS FilaBavi, started in 1999, with 12,000 households and 52,000 persons, was used as the blueprint. Conclusions: It was possible to establish and run an urban HDSS with experiences from the rural site. The urban and rural contexts are different and demographically, economically and socially complex, but the use of HDSSs can facilitate research beyond very simplified models for comparisons. General statements about external validity of results from the HDSS cannot be made. This issue has to be considered specifically in every situation as an integral part of the research so that the results can be made useful outside the researched HDSS and in performing relevant comparisons.
Drunken mobilities: Backpackers, alcohol, ‘doing place’
Authors: Jayne Mark , Gibson Chris , Waitt Gordon , Valentine Gill
Published: November 2012

This article seeks to advance the understanding of the role of alcohol, drinking and drunkenness as an important, if under-researched, element of tourism. In so doing, we work at the intersection of three bodies of writing focused on mundane mobilities; performativities of tourism and geographies of alcohol, drinking and drunkenness. Drawing on empirical research undertaken in Australia, we highlight how alcohol, drinking and drunkenness are key to backpacking holidays: first, to help soften a number of (un)comfortable embodied and emotional materialities associated with budget travel; second, as an aid to spatial and temporal imperatives of ‘passing the time’ and ‘being able to do nothing’ and finally, to heighten senses of belonging with fellow travellers and ‘locals’. Crucial is participation in specific experiential practices and performativities that are fundamental to practices of ‘doing place’. Alcohol, drinking and drunkenness are key to unpacking backpacking and offer potentially fruitful research avenues for broader theoretical and empirical debates in tourist studies.
The triple role of values in culturally adapted leadership styles
Authors: Mustafa Ghulam , Lines Rune
Published: October 2012

Prior research has established that culturally adapted leadership is associated with positive outcomes for organizations as well as for leaders and followers. However, the adaptation of leadership styles to national culture is under pressure mainly due to the professionalization of leadership grounded in a formal knowledge base that is predominantly derived from research in Anglo-American cultural settings and performed by Anglo-American leadership researchers. In this paper, we argue that the forces leading to a drift away from cultural adaptation are partly counteracted by three mechanisms tying leaders to the cultural context in which they operate. This theoretical perspective allows us to understand better observed leadership in a national setting as equilibrium between cultural forces and institutional forces grounded in culturally biased formal research and leadership education based on this research. To illustrate the added value of this perspective, we develop some specific propositions concerning the three mechanisms and their relative strengths under a variety of cultural conditions.
Starting a Family
Authors: Kessler Lawrence M. , Craig Benjamin M. , Saigal Christopher , Quinn Gwendolyn P.
Published: October 2012

Compared with previous generations in the United States, men today are starting families later in life and having fewer children. As a result birthrates in the United States have dropped sharply, and some men never make the transition into parenthood. Using data from the 2006-2010 National Survey of Family Growth, this study examines the characteristics of childless men in the United States between the ages of 15 and 44 ( N = 6,168) and whether these men want to have a child sometime in the future. Our main finding is that the majority of childless men want a child someday; however, by the age of 45 more than 1 in 7 still remain childless.
Effect of antimicrobial peptides from Apis mellifera hemolymph and its optimized version Api88 on biological activities of human monocytes and mast cells
Authors: Keitel Ulrike , Schilling Erik , Knappe Daniel , Al-Mekhlafi Moath , Petersen Frank , Hoffmann Ralf , Hauschildt Sunna
Published: October 2012

Apidaecin peptides are produced by the honeybee Apis mellifera as a major part of its non-specific defense system against infections. Having verified that the peptides apidaecin 1b and Api88—a designer peptide based on the native apidaecin 1b sequence—are highly active against Gram-negative bacteria, we studied their ability to modulate biological activities of human monocytes and mast cells (MC), two important cell types of the human innate immune system. We could show that both peptides are nontoxic and fairly resistant to degradation in cell culture medium containing 10% FBS. Among the peptides tested we found Api88 to inhibit LPS-induced TNF-α production in a concentration-dependent manner. Resting monocytes did not respond to Api88. Whilst Api88 neither induced migration nor affected the phagocytic activity of monocytes it partially inhibited the generation of reactive oxygen intermediates produced in response to LPS. In human MC, however, Api88 triggered degranulation and the mobilization of intracellular Ca2+-ions. Taken together these data clearly indicate that Api88 is a multifunctional molecule that can modulate biological responses of human monocytes and MC in addition to its antimicrobial activity.
Laser arc hybrid weld microstructure in nickel based IN738 superalloy
Authors: Ola O T , Ojo O A , Chaturvedi M C
Published: November 2012

A study of the microstructural characteristics of laser arc hybrid welded nickel based IN738 superalloy was performed. Laser arc hybrid welding produced a desirable weld profile in the alloy, similar to what is usually obtained during laser beam welding, and no cracking occurred exclusively in the fusion zone. Elemental partitioning pattern in the fusion zone was studied by electron probe microanalysis and calculating the volume fraction of the weld metal that resulted from the consumption of the filler wire. The result showed that Ti, Ta, Nb, Mo, Al and Zr partitioned into the interdendritic regions of the fusion zone. SEM and TEM examination of the fusion zone showed the presence of secondary solidification reaction constituents, which consists of MC type carbides. The study further revealed that non-equilibrium liquation of various second phases that were present in the alloy prior to welding contributed to intergranular liquation in the heat affected zone (HAZ), which consequently resulted in extensive HAZ intergranular cracking during welding. Although laser arc hybrid welding appears promising for improving the weldability of nickel based IN738 superalloy, a suitable weldability improvement procedure is required in order to minimise HAZ intergranular cracking and thereby enhance the applicability of this technology to the joining of the superalloy.
A hybrid projection method for solving a common solution of a system of equilibrium problems and fixed point problems for asymptotically strict pseudocontractions in the intermediate sense in Hilbert spaces
Authors: Watchararuangwit Chatchawan , Phuangphoo Pongrus , Kumam Poom
Published: October 2012

In this paper, we introduce a new iterative algorithm which is constructed by using the hybrid projection method for finding a common solution of a system of equilibrium problems of bifunctions satisfying certain conditions and a common solution of fixed point problems of a family of uniformly Lipschitz continuous and asymptotically

λ
i

-strict pseudocontractive mappings in the intermediate sense. We prove the strong convergence theorem for a new iterative algorithm under some mild conditions in Hilbert spaces. Finally, we also give a numerical example which supports our results.

MSC:47H05, 47H09, 47H10.
Fast and accurate haplotype frequency estimation for large haplotype vectors from pooled DNA data
Authors: Iliadis Alexandros , Anastassiou Dimitris , Wang Xiaodong
Published: October 2012

Background

Typically, the first phase of a genome wide association study (GWAS) includes genotyping across hundreds of individuals and validation of the most significant SNPs. Allelotyping of pooled genomic DNA is a common approach to reduce the overall cost of the study. Knowledge of haplotype structure can provide additional information to single locus analyses. Several methods have been proposed for estimating haplotype frequencies in a population from pooled DNA data.

Results

We introduce a technique for haplotype frequency estimation in a population from pooled DNA samples focusing on datasets containing a small number of individuals per pool (2 or 3 individuals) and a large number of markers. We compare our method with the publicly available state-of-the-art algorithms HIPPO and HAPLOPOOL on datasets of varying number of pools and marker sizes. We demonstrate that our algorithm provides improvements in terms of accuracy and computational time over competing methods for large number of markers while demonstrating comparable performance for smaller marker sizes. Our method is implemented in the "Tree-Based Deterministic Sampling Pool" (TDSPool) package which is available for download at http://www.ee.columbia.edu/~anastas/tdspool.

Conclusions

Using a tree-based determinstic sampling technique we present an algorithm for haplotype frequency estimation from pooled data. Our method demonstrates superior performance in datasets with large number of markers and could be the method of choice for haplotype frequency estimation in such datasets.
The genes and enzymes of the carotenoid metabolic pathway in Vitis vinifera L.
Authors: Young Philip R , Lashbrooke Justin G , Alexandersson Erik , Jacobson Dan , Moser Claudio , Velasco Riccardo , Vivier Melané A
Published: October 2012

Background

Carotenoids are a heterogeneous group of plant isoprenoids primarily involved in photosynthesis. In plants the cleavage of carotenoids leads to the formation of the phytohormones abscisic acid and strigolactone, and C13-norisoprenoids involved in the characteristic flavour and aroma compounds in flowers and fruits and are of specific importance in the varietal character of grapes and wine. This work extends the previous reports of carotenoid gene expression and photosynthetic pigment analysis by providing an up-to-date pathway analysis and an important framework for the analysis of carotenoid metabolic pathways in grapevine.

Results

Comparative genomics was used to identify 42 genes putatively involved in carotenoid biosynthesis/catabolism in grapevine. The genes are distributed on 16 of the 19 chromosomes and have been localised to the physical map of the heterozygous ENTAV115 grapevine sequence. Nine of the genes occur as single copies whereas the rest of the carotenoid metabolic genes have more than one paralogue. The cDNA copies of eleven corresponding genes fromVitis viniferaL. cv. Pinotage were characterised, and four where shown to be functional. Microarrays provided expression profiles of 39 accessions in the metabolic pathway during three berry developmental stages in Sauvignon blanc, whereas an optimised HPLC analysis provided the concentrations of individual carotenoids. This provides evidence of the functioning of the lutein epoxide cycle and the respective genes in grapevine. Similarly, orthologues of genes leading to the formation of strigolactone involved in shoot branching inhibition were identified:CCD7,CCD8andMAX1. Moreover, the isoforms typically have different expression patterns, confirming the complex regulation of the pathway. Of particular interest is the expression pattern of the threeVvNCEDs: Our results support previous findings thatVvNCED3is likely the isoform linked to ABA content in berries.

Conclusions

The carotenoid metabolic pathway is well characterised, and the genes and enzymes have been studied in a number of plants. The study of the 42 carotenoid pathway genes of grapevine showed that they share a high degree of similarity with other eudicots. Expression and pigment profiling of developing berries provided insights into the most complete grapevine carotenoid pathway representation. This study represents an important reference study for further characterisation of carotenoid biosynthesis and catabolism in grapevine.