bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
State-feedback design for input-saturating quadratic systems with disturbance attenuation
Authors: Zhang Minsong , Chen Fu , Wang Yanqian
Published: August 2013

This paper addresses the problem of the locally stabilizing state-feedback control design for certain nonlinear quadratic systems subject to both actuator saturations and disturbance attenuations. The ideal control law consists of two parts: the main control part is designed to reduce the restricted [Formula: see text] gain which results from the mismatched disturbance in the controlled output, and the secondary control restrains the degradation of the disturbance attenuation performance which generates from the matched disturbance. Obviously, the proposed control law prevails over the conventional ones in dealing with the disturbance attenuation performance. Constructive conditions based on linear matrix inequalities are provided to ensure the local stability of the objective systems. Simulation examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
Afterword: Cultural Techniques and Media Studies
Authors: Parikka Jussi
Published: August 2013

This text reflects cultural techniques in relation to other concepts in cultural and media studies by addressing their relation to selected Anglo-American and French discussions. It also investigates the relation of cultural techniques to more recent material and speculative turns. Suggesting that the cultural techniques approaches introduce their own important material dimension to media-specific analysis of culture, the article argues that cultural techniques should be read in relation to recent post-Fordist political theory and explorations of the post-human in order to develop conceptual hybrids that are able to inject politics into media theoretical accounts, as well as excavate histories of cultural techniques of cognitive capitalism.
Safety and efficacy of recombinant activated factor VII for refractory hemorrhage in pediatric patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a single center review
Authors: Long MT , Wagner D , Maslach-Hubbard A , Pasko DA , Baldridge P , Annich GM
Published: August 2013

Background:

Medically refractory hemorrhage in patients on ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) support can have catastrophic complications. Recombinant-Activated Factor VII (rFVIIa; NovoSeven®) may provide lifesaving hemostasis; however, there are reports of catastrophic thrombosis related to its administration.

Objective:

This review attempts to add safety and efficacy data to existing literature regarding the use of rFVIIa for refractory hemorrhage in pediatric patients on ECMO support.

Design/Methods:

A retrospective chart review was performed for all pediatric patients on ECMO who received rFVIIa for refractory hemorrhage from 2004 to 2009. Data was extracted for each refractory bleeding event, including patient blood loss and transfused blood products in the 6 hours before the first dose, between rFVIIa doses and in the 6 hours after the final dose. For purposes of data collection, a hemorrhagic event was defined as new onset hemorrhage or a hemorrhage occurring at least 12 hours after the most recent dose of rFVIIa.

Results:

In total, seven patients aged 1 month to 15 years received rFVIIa for 14 different hemorrhagic events. There was no significant difference in blood loss or blood product transfusion associated with rFVIIa administration. There was one patient-related and one ECMO-related complication temporally associated with rFVIIa administration: decreased ECMO circuit oxygenator efficiency and the development of an intra-gastric clot requiring surgical evacuation.

Conclusion:

These data suggest limited efficacy for rFVIIa use for refractory hemorrhage in pediatric patients on ECMO support. There were two non-catastrophic complications temporally associated with its administration.
Incidence, Mechanisms, and Severity of Match-Related Collegiate Women’s Soccer Injuries on FieldTurf and Natural Grass Surfaces
Authors: Meyers Michael C.
Published: August 2013

Background:

Numerous injuries have been attributed to playing on artificial turf. Over the past 2 decades, however, newer generations of synthetic turf have been developed to duplicate the playing characteristics of natural grass. Although synthetic turf has been determined to be safer than natural grass in some studies, few long-term studies have been conducted comparing match-related collegiate soccer injuries between the 2 playing surfaces.

Hypothesis:

Collegiate female soccer athletes do not experience any difference in the incidence, mechanisms, and severity of match-related injuries on FieldTurf and on natural grass.

Study Design:

Cohort study: Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Female soccer athletes from 13 universities were evaluated over 5 competitive seasons for injury incidence, injury category, time of injury, injury time loss, player position, injury mechanism and situation, primary type of injury, injury grade and anatomic location, field location at the time of injury, injury severity, head and lower extremity trauma, cleat design, turf age, and environmental factors. In sum, 797 collegiate games were evaluated for match-related soccer injuries sustained on FieldTurf or natural grass during 5 seasons.

Results:

Overall, 355 team games (44.5%) were played on FieldTurf versus 442 team games (55.5%) on natural grass. A total of 693 injuries were documented, with 272 (39.2%) occurring during play on FieldTurf and 421 (60.8%) on natural grass. Multivariate analysis per 10 team games indicated a significant playing surface effect: F2,690 = 6.435, P = .002, n – β = .904. A significantly lower total injury incidence rate (IIR) of 7.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.2-8.1) versus 9.5 (95% CI, 9.3-9.7) ( P = .0001) and lower rate of substantial injuries, 0.7 (95% CI, 0.5-1.0) versus 1.5 (95% CI, 1.2-1.9) ( P = .001), were documented on FieldTurf versus natural grass, respectively. Analyses also indicated significantly less trauma on FieldTurf when comparing injury time loss, player position, injury grade, injuries under various field conditions and temperatures, cleat design, and turf age.

Conclusion:

Although similarities existed between FieldTurf and natural grass during competitive match play, FieldTurf is a practical alternative when comparing injuries in collegiate women’s soccer. It must be reiterated that the findings of this study may be generalizable to only collegiate competition and this specific artificial surface.
Effect of Postoperative Repair Integrity on Health-Related Quality of Life After Rotator Cuff Repair
Authors: Yoo Jae Hyun , Cho Nam Su , Rhee Yong Girl
Published: August 2013

Background:

Although rotator cuff repair is performed to improve health-related quality of life (HRQL) by reducing pain and improving shoulder function, it has not been clearly demonstrated that HRQL is improved in retear cases.

Purpose:

To compare HRQL outcomes after rotator cuff repair between patients with healed cuffs and those with retears using the Short Form–36 Health Survey (SF-36).

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 81 patients who underwent rotator cuff repair were enrolled in this study. There were 56 patients in the healed group and 25 patients in the retear group. The mean age at the time of surgery was 56 years (range, 35-73 years) in the healed group and 59.7 years (range, 45-74 years) in the retear group. The mean follow-up period was 29.7 months (range, 14-95 months) and 26.4 months (range, 13-101 months) in the healed and retear groups, respectively.

Results:

At final follow-up, the SF-36 scores for physical and mental component summaries (PCS and MCS, respectively) revealed significant improvement, from 36.6 to 51.2 (PCS) and 34.4 to 51.6 (MCS) in the healed group ( P < .0001 in both cases) and from 34.2 to 49.4 (PCS) and 33.4 to 53.2 (MCS) in the retear group ( P < .0001 in both cases). Mean scores on the SF-36 subscale for role limitations because of physical health problems (RP) were 52.3 in the healed group and 50.6 in the retear group. The RP and PCS scores were significantly higher in the healed group ( P = .007 and P = .025, respectively). All domains and component summaries also had a fair to moderate correlation (range, 0.296-0.496) with the SF-36 score.

Conclusion:

Although clinical shoulder outcome measures (University of California, Los Angeles [UCLA] and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES] scores) and all dimensions of the SF-36 showed significant improvement in both groups after rotator cuff repair, scores were significantly higher in the healed group on RP and PCS of the SF-36 as well as on the UCLA and ASES. There was no significant difference in MCS scores between the 2 groups. Despite similar improvements in the MCS scores, there were apparent objective differences between the groups. The values were statistically significant but clinically not significant for some of these measures.
Establishing the Reliability and Validity of a Computerized Assessment of Children’s Working Memory for Use in Group Settings
Authors: St Clair-Thompson Helen
Published: August 2013

The aim of the present study was to investigate the reliability and validity of a brief standardized assessment of children’s working memory; Lucid Recall. Although there are many established assessments of working memory, Lucid Recall is fully automated and can therefore be administered in a group setting. It is therefore ideally suited to large-scale screening or research purposes. The findings indicated suitable test–retest reliability. Scores were also correlated with children’s scores on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–IV working memory subtests, scholastic attainment, and ratings of children’s working memory behaviors. Working memory scores also distinguished between children with and without special educational needs. The findings are discussed in terms of practical implications for practitioners.
The Development and Validation of the Contextualized Assessment Tool for Risk and Protection Management (CAT-RPM)
Authors: Bower Julie M. , Carroll Annemaree , Ashman Adrian
Published: August 2013

Traditional resources for ascertaining risk and protection for disengaged youth are often unsuitable, due to the stamina and skill required to complete them. Many of these tools assess risk without considering participants’ potential for personal growth. The present study outlines the development and initial validation of a tool titled the Contextualized Assessment Tool for Risk and Protection Management (CAT-RPM), which was administered to 499 participants across a range of high school settings. Six factors emerged that were highly correlated and had good internal consistency. Multivariate tests strongly suggest that the CAT-RPM is a valid and psychometrically sound assessment tool for differentiating groups across sex, age, and antisocial behavior. The research reveals a reliable measure of risk and protection that can assist young people to recognize and build on their strengths and adds a positive dimension to traditional risk assessment tools.
Vortex development induced by part gap geometry and endwall configurations for variable stator vanes in a compressor cascade
Authors: Gottschall M , Vogeler K
Published: August 2013

The article describes investigations on the three-dimensional (3D) flowfield development near the endwall of a linear compressor cascade which is caused by specific part gap and endwall concepts of adjustable stator vanes. Their beneficial or harmful characteristics, previously measured with outlet loss and flow turning distributions, are investigated inside the passage at different stagger angles to analyse the origin and the interaction of the geometry-induced vortex system. Qualitative blade-to-blade measurements were conducted with particle image velocimetry in several spanwise positions as well as oil flow visualisation on the blade surfaces and the endwall. Improved three-dimensional (3D) numerical Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) calculations with Reynolds-stress turbulence models were carried out and enhance the experimental findings. Results indicate extensive interactions between secondary flow and leakage flow through a penny gap depending on the aerodynamic loading. The part clearance vortex development and its impact to the blade boundary layers downstream the passage is visualised and enhances the understanding of the geometry effect. Also, the impact of the endwall concepts without radial clearances to the endwall boundary layer is shown and explains their beneficial characteristics compared to a reference geometry.
Determining the long-term changes in biodiversity and provisioning services along a transect from Central Europe to the Mediterranean
Authors: Colombaroli Daniele , Tinner Willy
Published: August 2013

Climate, land use and fire are strong determinants of plant diversity, potentially resulting in local extinctions, including rare endemic and economically valuable species. While climate and land use are decisive for vegetation composition and thus the species pool, fire disturbance can lead to landscape fragmentation, affecting the provisioning of important ecosystem services such as timber and raw natural resources. We use multi-proxy palaeoecological data with high taxonomic and temporal resolution across an environmental gradient to assess the long-term impact of major climate shifts, land use and fire disturbance on past vegetation openness and plant diversity (evenness and richness). Evenness of taxa is inferred by calculating the probability of interspecific encounter (PIE) of pollen and spores and species richness by palynological richness (PRI). To account for evenness distortions of PRI, we developed a new palaeodiversity measure, which is evenness-detrended palynological richness (DE-PRI). Reconstructed species richness increases from north to south regardless of time, mirroring the biodiversity increase across the gradient from temperate deciduous to subtropical evergreen vegetation. Climatic changes after the end of the last ice age contributed to biodiversity dynamics, usually by promoting species richness and evenness in response to warming. The data reveal that the promotion of diverse open-land ecosystems increased when human disturbance became determinant, while forests became less diverse. Our results imply that the today’s biodiversity has been shaped by anthropogenic forcing over the millennia. Future management strategies aiming at a successful conservation of biodiversity should therefore consider the millennia-lasting role of anthropogenic fire and human activities.
Association of Asian ethnicity with disease activity in SLE: an observational study from the Monash Lupus Clinic
Authors: Golder V , Connelly K , Staples M , Morand E , Hoi A
Published: August 2013

Objective

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune condition with diverse clinical manifestations, is reported to have different expression in populations of different ancestry. Most previous studies compared patients of different ethnic groups from geographically distinct cohorts. In our study, we aimed to characterize disease manifestations in patients of different ethnic groups from a single centre, and studied patterns of disease activity over time.

Methods

Demographics, baseline disease characteristics and autoantibody profiles, and disease activity (SLEDAI) measured at each visit, were captured from all consenting patients prospectively followed between 2007 and 2011 in an urban teaching hospital lupus clinic. Ethnicity was self-reported.

Results

Asian ethnicity was significantly associated with more clinically severe SLE. Time-adjusted mean SLEDAI ( p = 0.01) and maximum SLEDAI ( p = 0.0018) were significantly higher in Asian patients. Asians were more likely to have renal disease (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.4–5.98; p = 0.004) and persistently active disease (PAD) (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.05–4.38, p = 0.04). Asian lupus patients also had a significantly higher proportion of autoantibody positivity to anti-dsDNA, anti-RNP, anti-Sm, anti-Ro and anti-La, as well as increased likelihood of hypocomplementaemia and immunosuppressant use.

Conclusion

In this single-cohort study, Asian ethnicity was found to be associated with increased SLE disease activity. This suggests significant inter-ethnic genetic contributions to the regulation of autoimmune responses and disease severity in SLE.
Public media communications about H1N1, risk perceptions and immunization behaviours: A Quebec–France comparison
Authors: Rousseau Cécile , Moreau Nicolas , Dumas Marie-Pier , Bost Ida , Lefebvre Sylvie , Atlani-Duault Laëtitia
Published: August 2013

During the H1N1 pandemic, governments tailored their communications plans in order to influence risk perception and promote public compliance with the public health plan measures. Considering the volume and the content of calls to flu information centres as indicators of the public risk perception, this mixed method study compares the relation between public communications, risk perception and immunization behaviour in Quebec and France. Results suggest that advocating for clear information and coordination between health authorities and the media promotes adherence to preventive behaviour. However, over-exaggerating the risks and minimizing the population’s agency may undermine health authority credibility.
Visionaries or False Prophets
Authors: Perri Frank S.
Published: August 2013

Theory and research on the psychology of white-collar offenders has historically been underdeveloped, and our understanding of the prototypical high-socioeconomic-status offenders, such as today’s chief executive officers and chief financial officers, first identified by Edwin Sutherland, has not benefited from the application of psychological trait theory. In this article, the author examines the negative synergy that develops when criminal thinking traits combine with the psychological traits of narcissism and psychopathy to create risk factors for white-collar offending. Psychological trait theory may be especially applicable to those who hold some of the highest positions in corporate organizations, who influence corporate culture, and who, at times, are considered visionaries in their respective industries.
A Survey of the Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Illinois Hospice and Palliative Care Organizations
Authors: Van Hyfte Gregory J. , Kozak Leila E. , Lepore Michael
Published: August 2013

This research assesses complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use and administration for patients and family caregivers in Illinois hospice and palliative care organizations. An online survey was administered to a sample of 108 contacts of Illinois organizations listed in the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization website, and 90.3% of the responding organizations offered some type of CAM. The top 5 most frequently offered CAM modalities to patients were pet therapy (64.5%), music therapy (61.3%), massage therapy (54.8%), art therapy (29.0%), and energy therapies (25.8%); these were the same top 5 offered to families but with different frequencies. Findings regarding utilization, administration, financing, and spiritual/cultural competency are discussed with policy recommendations for data collection, administrative improvements, and integration of CAM providers into service delivery.
Prevalence and Smoking Behavior Characteristics of Nonselected Smokers With Childhood and/or Adult Self-Reported ADHD Symptoms in a Smoking-Cessation Program
Authors: Fond Guillaume , Guillaume Sebastien , Jaussent Isabelle , Beziat Severine , Macgregor Alexandra , Bernard Paquito , Courtet Philippe , Bailly Daniel , Quantin Xavier
Published: August 2013

Background: ADHD involves impairing core symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity in children (childhood ADHD = CH) that may persist in adulthood (adult ADHD = AD). Conflicting findings have been found regarding AD prevalences among adult smokers, and it is unclear whether AD is associated with a more severe smoking behavior in adulthood. Objective: The aim of this article is (a) to determine CH and AD prevalences in a nonselected sample of adult smokers, (b) to describe the characteristics of smokers with ADHD symptoms versus those without, and (c) to determine whether CH and/or AD symptoms are risk factors for more severe smoking in adulthood. Method: Three hundred and seventy-three participants aged 18 years and over were prospectively recruited in a smoking-cessation unit. Participants were classified as “no ADHD symptoms,” “CH symptoms,” or “AD symptoms” according to their baseline score on the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS) alone (for CH symptoms) and WURS combined to the Adult Self Report Scale (ASRS) for AD symptoms. Other clinical variables were reported at first consultation. Results: (a) CH symptoms were reported in 15.3% (57/373) of the total sample, 42.1% (24/57) of whom also had persistent ADHD symptoms in adulthood (prevalence of AD was 24/373 = 6.4%). (b) In comparison with participants without ADHD symptoms, smokers with ADHD symptoms consume significantly more tobacco, but ADHD symptoms were no longer significantly associated with the daily number of smoked cigarettes after adjustment for sociodemographic variables. No significant association was found between the two groups and age at the first cigarette, age at onset daily smoking, and nicotine dependence. (c) Participants were categorized into three groups: Group 1 without ADHD symptoms lifetime (NH; n = 316), Group 2 with childhood history of ADHD symptoms (CH; n = 33), and Group 3 with Adult ADHD symptoms (AD; n = 24). The association with tobacco consumption (>20 cigarettes/day) was significant for CH only ( p = .02). After adjustment for gender, age, professional status, and educational level, this association was not longer significant. Conclusion: Childhood and adult ADHD symptoms are both highly prevalent among nonselected smokers but our study failed to show more severe smoking characteristics among these participants after adjustment with sociodemographic variables.
Analysis of failure modes of latticed sandwich skins under biaxial compression load
Authors: Neumeister M , Rapp H
Published: August 2013

The failure modes of open weave (latticed) sandwich skins under biaxial compression load are analysed. Due to the latticed structure of these sandwich face sheets, they are able to transfer loads in both directions. Tests show a distinct non-linear correlation between load and deformation. This non-linear load-deflection-behavior indicates that the failure may be induced by geometrical imperfections. Based on this assumption and measured geometrical imperfections, a mathematical model for the latticed face sheet consisting of beams under compression is derived. Several beams are combined within one or two cells of the honeycomb core to describe the failure modes. Furthermore, biaxial loading is analysed by using the finite element method. Experimental results are in good agreement with failure loads derived by analytical and by finite element method analyses as well.
Global buckling of a sandwich column with metal foam core
Authors: Jasion Paweł , Magnucki Krzysztof
Published: August 2013

The subject of the paper is about sandwich beam-column with a metal foam core. The global buckling phenomenon of an axially loaded member is investigated. Two analytical models of the beam-column are presented. In the first model, a classical one, the mechanical properties of the core are assumed to be linear. In the second model, the non-linear behaviour of the core is taken into account. Solutions of these two models are presented and the formulae for the critical loads are determined. The numerical finite element models of the beam-column are also elaborated and the linear buckling and the non-linear analyses are performed. The results of experimental tests on the aluminium sandwich beam-columns with aluminium foam core are described. Analytical, numerical finite element model and experimental values of the critical loads are compared.
Re-thinking rapport through the lens of progressivity in investigative interviews into child sexual abuse
Authors: Fogarty Kathryn , Augoustinos Martha , Kettler Lisa
Published: August 2013

Building rapport is considered important in investigative interviewing of children about alleged sexual abuse, but theoretical understanding of the nature of rapport and how to judge its presence remains sketchy. This article argues that the conversation analytic concept of progressivity may provide empirical tractability to the concept of rapport and indeed may be partially what people are detecting when they judge the presence of rapport. A single case is analysed, drawn from a corpus of 11 video-taped interviews with children conducted by police in an Australian sexual crime unit. Analysis focuses on how the interviewer responds when progressivity breaks down, and how restoration is collaboratively achieved. Findings are discussed in terms of implications for future work that might investigate a more thoroughly social interactional account of rapport, and in terms of new ideas about what might constitute skilful interviewing practices amongst investigative interviewers.
Cultivating hope
Authors: Beruchashvili Mariam , Moisio Risto , Gentry James W.
Published: August 2013

Building on prior theorizing on hope, dramaturgy of emotions, and the notion of transfiguration, this paper examines how the Weight Watchers brand elicits and embodies hope among its consumers. Based on the findings from a qualitative study of Weight Watchers, the authors propose a three-stage conceptualization of brand-centric hope cultivation. This conceptualization highlights the importance of collective processes in hope emergence, elevation, and emplacement in which religious vernacular guides how Weight Watchers express and experience brand-centric hope.
The Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility: A Medico-Legal Perspective
Authors: Delmage Enys
Published: August 2013

The minimum age of criminal responsibility is set in England and Wales at 10 years of age (Children and Young Persons Act 1963), whilst the effective age of most civil responsibilities is 16. Research allows us to consider the speed of development of key brain structures in terms of decision-making and this in turn aids in discussion of where the minimum age should be set. This article reviews the evolution of the minimum age of criminal responsibility and examines the setting of this age in light of both civil attainment ages and the current scientific understanding of brain development.
‘Unsafe, Unjust and Harmful to Wider Society’: Grounds for Raising the Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility in England and Wales
Authors: Goldson Barry
Published: August 2013

This article assesses critically the means by which social (symbolic) and statutory (institutionalized) constructions of child ‘offenders’ in England and Wales intersect and underpin processes of responsibilization and adultification. It is argued that securing immunity from prosecution should be the principal driver for raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility. In this sense the analysis is less concerned with questions of capacity and mens rea and more interested in: compliance with international human rights standards; modelling a system of justice that is broadly compatible with law, policy and practice in Europe (and elsewhere); ensuring that criminal law coheres with civil law; minimizing social harm and obtaining the best outcomes for children in conflict with the law, the wider community and the general public in respect of crime prevention and community safety. Finally, the prospects for such progressive reform within a context of heightened politicization are considered.
Developmental Factors Affecting Children in Legal Contexts
Authors: Lamb Michael E , Sim Megan PY
Published: August 2013

Developmental factors affect the way that children and young people behave in legal contexts. We first discuss developmental factors such as cognitive and emotional development, social expectations and suggestibility that affect young victims and suspects. We then describe some implications of these developmental factors for police interviewers and for the youth justice system more generally and call for the more differentiated treatment of young people according to their age and development.
An Age of Complexity: Children and Criminal Responsibility in Law
Authors: McDiarmid Claire
Published: August 2013

This article examines the age of criminal responsibility in law. It argues that the fair imputation of criminal responsibility requires understanding of a number of interlinked concepts, including knowledge of wrongfulness, understanding of criminality and its consequences and an internalized moral appreciation of the quality of the conduct. Taken together, alongside the child’s psychological development and lived experience, the matter is complex. Development from baby to adulthood also involves a shift from dependence to autonomy. The age of criminal responsibility must be set so as properly to take into account both the underlying complexity and the acquisition of autonomy.
The Embodied Experiences of Emerging Teachers
Authors: Beals Fiona Mary , Braddock Catherine , Dye Alison , McDonald Julie , Milligan Andrea , Strafford Ed
Published: August 2013

Collective biographical memory work attends to embodied experiences in relation to selected concepts. This article considers the concept of “the emerging teacher” to explore the relevance of collective biographical memory work for education practitioners. Six memories, written and shared in a series of writing workshops, collectively reveal that memories of emerging as a teacher are soaked in contradictions within vulnerability, chaos and order, and that, importantly, creativity emerges from the spaces in between. In reflecting on our work, we suggest that the approach offers emerging teachers an important liminal space and commonplace for exploring contradictions and allowing creativity.
Drones, maps and crescents: CBS News’ visual construction of the Middle East
Authors: Riopelle Cameron , Muniandy Parthiban
Published: August 2013

Over the last two years, the authors have noticed in CBS World News online an increased reliance on graphics inset into news articles in place of photojournalism, particularly in articles about Middle Eastern conflicts. What are the emergent patterns of this change? By analyzing the visual symbolism of these graphics, they discuss a number of distinct patterns, which they interpret by examining the following aspects: disconnections in the article between the visual and written text; the use of an image bank in composing these images; the de-contextualization of maps as out of place; the conflation of Islam and the Middle East through the juxtaposition of Islamic symbols with those of current military conflicts; the prevalence and influence of Arab exceptionalism; and finally the representation of Islam as monolithic.
Action Research in EdD Programs in Educational Leadership
Authors: Osterman Karen , Furman Gail , Sernak Kathleen
Published: August 2013

This exploratory study gathered information about the use of action research within doctor of education programs in educational leadership and explored faculty understanding of and perspectives on action research. Survey data established that action research is used infrequently to meet dissertation requirements. Contributing factors include lack of clarity regarding the nature of action research (AR) and concerns about methodological legitimacy. Because the development of collaborative leadership skills and the pursuit of social justice objectives are inherent to the action research process, these results call for additional discussion regarding this distinctive methodology and its role in the preparation of educational leaders at the doctoral level.
Dexmedetomidine
Authors: Tobias Joseph D. , Tulman David B. , Bergese Sergio D.
Published: August 2013

Objective. To provide a general descriptive account and review of the literature regarding the use of dexmedetomidine for sedation during fiberoptic bronchscopic (FOB) intubation. Data Source. A computerized bibliographic search of the literature regarding dexmedetomidine for FOB intubation. Main Results. Several anecdotal reports describe the use of dexmedetomidine to provide sedation during FOB intubation. Additionally, 7 prospective trials were identified. These prospective trials demonstrate the efficacy of dexmedetomidine in providing sedation during FOB intubation of the airway. In a placebo-controlled trial with midazolam used as the rescue medication, dexmedetomidine decreased the need for rescue midazolam and the combination of the 2 agents was better than midazolam alone. When compared with propofol, there were fewer airway and respiratory issues as well as improved patient comfort with dexmedetomidine. Although dexmedetomidine was found to be better than fentanyl, there was a higher incidence of adverse hemodynamic effects. Although dexmedetomidine was inferior to remifentanil, the study used a lower loading dose of dexmedetomidine than other studies (0.4 vs 1.0 µg/kg). Despite its efficacy, adverse hemodynamic effects were noted. In many cases, the incidence was higher with dexmedetomidine than the comparator agent. In all reported cases, these were corrected with the administration of atropine, a vasoactive medication (phenylephrine or ephedrine), and/or fluid. Conclusions. The present literature clearly reports the advantage of using dexmedetomidine to decrease the risk of adverse respiratory effects, including airway obstruction. However, there remain unanswered questions about dexmedetomidine for sedation during FOB intubation of the airway including dosing regimens for both the bolus and infusion, techniques to limit the potential for adverse hemodynamic effects, and whether it should be the sole agent or used in combination with another agent.
Targeting the Hsp90-associated viral oncoproteome in gammaherpesvirus-associated malignancies
Authors: Nayar Utthara , Lu Pin , Goldstein Rebecca L. , Vider Jelena , Ballon Gianna , Rodina Anna , Taldone Tony , Erdjument-Bromage Hediye , Chomet Max , Blasberg Ronald , Melnick Ari , Cerchietti Leandro , Chiosis Gabriela , Wang Y. Lynn , Cesarman Ethel
Published: August 2013

Key Points

Hsp90 oncoproteome analysis identifies relevant pathways in KSHV-associated primary effusion lymphoma that can inform novel combinatorial therapies. The Hsp90 inhibitor PU-H71 affects chaperoning of KSHV viral proteins, blocking latent and lytic viral functions.
Generalizations of the logarithmic Hardy inequality in critical Sobolev-Lorentz spaces
Authors: Machihara Shuji , Ozawa Tohru , Wadade Hidemitsu
Published: August 2013

In this paper, we establish the Hardy inequality of the logarithmic type in the critical Sobolev-Lorentz spaces. More precisely, we generalize the Hardy type inequality obtained in Edmunds and Triebel (Math. Nachr. 207:79-92, 1999). The generalized inequality allows us to take the exponents appearing in the inequality more flexibly, and its optimality is discussed in detail. O’Neil’s inequality and its reverse play an essential role for the proof.

MSC:46E35, 26D10.
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)-related cell adhesion molecules are co-expressed in the human lung and their expression can be modulated in bronchial epithelial cells by non-typable Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, TLR3, and type I and II interferons
Authors: Klaile Esther , Klassert Tilman E , Scheffrahn Inka , Müller Mario M , Heinrich Annina , Heyl Kerstin A , Dienemann Hendrik , Grünewald Christiane , Bals Robert , Singer Bernhard B , Slevogt Hortense
Published: August 2013

Background

The carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)-related cell adhesion molecules CEACAM1 (BGP, CD66a), CEACAM5 (CEA, CD66e) and CEACAM6 (NCA, CD66c) are expressed in human lung. They play a role in innate and adaptive immunity and are targets for various bacterial and viral adhesins. Two pathogens that colonize the normally sterile lower respiratory tract in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are non-typableHaemophilus influenzae(NTHI) andMoraxella catarrhalis. Both pathogens bind to CEACAMs and elicit a variety of cellular reactions, including bacterial internalization, cell adhesion and apoptosis.

Methods

To analyze the (co-) expression of CEACAM1, CEACAM5 and CEACAM6 in different lung tissues with respect to COPD, smoking status and granulocyte infiltration, immunohistochemically stained paraffin sections of 19 donors were studied. To address short-term effects of cigarette smoke and acute inflammation, transcriptional regulation of CEACAM5, CEACAM6 and different CEACAM1 isoforms by cigarette smoke extract, interferons, Toll-like receptor agonists, and bacteria was tested in normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells by quantitative PCR. Corresponding CEACAM protein levels were determined by flow cytometry.

Results

Immunohistochemical analysis of lung sections showed the most frequent and intense staining for CEACAM1, CEACAM5 and CEACAM6 in bronchial and alveolar epithelium, but revealed no significant differences in connection with COPD, smoking status and granulocyte infiltration. In NHBE cells, mRNA expression of CEACAM1 isoforms CEACAM1-4L, CEACAM1-4S, CEACAM1-3L and CEACAM1-3S were up-regulated by interferons alpha, beta and gamma, as well as the TLR3 agonist polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C). Interferon-gamma also increased CEACAM5 expression. These results were confirmed on protein level by FACS analysis. Importantly, also NTHI andM. catarrhalisincreased CEACAM1 mRNA levels. This effect was independent of the ability to bind to CEACAM1. The expression of CEACAM6 was not affected by any treatment or bacterial infection.

Conclusions

While we did not find a direct correlation between CEACAM1 expression and COPD, the COPD-associated bacteria NTHi andM. catarrhaliswere able to increase the expression of their own receptor on host cells. Further, the data suggest a role for CEACAM1 and CEACAM5 in the phenomenon of increased host susceptibility to bacterial infection upon viral challenge in the human respiratory tract.
Environmental determinants of islet autoimmunity (ENDIA): a pregnancy to early life cohort study in children at-risk of type 1 diabetes
Authors: Penno Megan AS , Couper Jennifer J , Craig Maria E , Colman Peter G , Rawlinson William D , Cotterill Andrew M , Jones Timothy W , Harrison Leonard C ,   ENDIA Study Group
Published: August 2013

Background

The incidence of type 1 diabetes has increased worldwide, particularly in younger children and those with lower genetic susceptibility. These observations suggest factors in the modern environment promote pancreatic islet autoimmunity and destruction of insulin-producing beta cells. The Environmental Determinants of Islet Autoimmunity (ENDIA) Study is investigating candidate environmental exposures and gene-environment interactions that may contribute to the development of islet autoimmunity and type 1 diabetes.

Methods/design

ENDIA is the only prospective pregnancy/birth cohort study in the Southern Hemisphere investigating the determinants of type 1 diabetes in at-risk children. The study will recruit 1,400 unborn infants or infants less than six months of age with a first-degree relative (i.e. mother, father or sibling) with type 1 diabetes, across five Australian states. Pregnant mothers/infants will be followed prospectively from early pregnancy through childhood to investigate relationships between genotype, the development of islet autoimmunity (and subsequently type 1 diabetes), and prenatal and postnatal environmental factors. ENDIA will evaluate the microbiome, nutrition, bodyweight/composition, metabolome-lipidome, insulin resistance, innate and adaptive immune function and viral infections. A systems biology approach will be used to integrate these data. Investigation will be by 3-monthly assessments of the mother during pregnancy, then 3-monthly assessments of the child until 24 months of age and 6-monthly thereafter. The primary outcome measure is persistent islet autoimmunity, defined as the presence of autoantibodies to one or more islet autoantigens on consecutive tests.

Discussion

Defining gene-environment interactions that initiate and/or promote destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells in early life will inform approaches to primary prevention of type 1 diabetes. The strength of ENDIA is the prospective, comprehensive and frequent systems-wide profiling from early pregnancy through to early childhood, to capture dynamic environmental exposures that may shape the development of islet autoimmunity.

Trial registration

Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials RegistryACTRN12613000794707.
Implementation of the Participatory Approach to increase supervisors’ self-efficacy in supporting employees at risk for sick leave; design of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kraaijeveld Ruben A , Schaafsma Frederieke G , Boot Cécile RL , Shaw William S , Bültmann Ute , Anema Johannes R
Published: August 2013

Background

The burden of sick leave for society and organisations underlines the urgent need to prevent sick leave. An effective workplace intervention for organisations to shorten sick leave episodes is the Participatory Approach (PA). In this study, we hypothesize that implementation of the PA for supervisors within organisations may prevent sick leave as well. However, implementation of the PA within an organisation is difficult, and barriers at different levels (employee, supervisor and organisational) exist. Therefore, the primary aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a multifaceted implementation strategy of the PA.

Methods

In a cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT) a multifaceted implementation of the PA will be compared with a minimal implementation strategy of the PA. Participating organisations are a university medical centre, a university and a steel factory. Randomisation will take place at department level. Intervention departments will receive a multifaceted implementation strategy of the PA, which incorporates a working group, supervisor training, and supervisor coaching. Control departments will receive the minimal implementation strategy of the PA, consisting of written information only. The primary outcome measure is self-efficacy of supervisors in joint problem solving to improve work functioning of employees with health complaints and to prevent sick leave. A secondary outcome measure at supervisor level is self-efficacy in communicating with employees about situations of reduced work functioning or being at risk for sick leave. Secondary outcome measures at employee level are attitude, self-efficacy, and social influence, with regard to addressing situations of reduced work functioning or being at risk for sick leave, as well as work functioning, psychological well being, and sick leave. Measurements will take place at baseline, and after six and twelve months follow-up. A process evaluation will be performed as well.

Discussion

This study will be relevant for all organisations with employees at risk for sick leave in health care, education, and industry. Study results will give an insight into the effectiveness of the multifaceted implementation strategy of the PA for supervisors to improve work functioning of employees with health complaints, and to prevent sick leave.

Trial registration

NTR3733
Circulating alpha-klotho levels are not disturbed in patients with type 2 diabetes with and without macrovascular disease in the absence of nephropathy
Authors: van Ark Joris , Hammes Hans-Peter , van Dijk Marcory C R F , Vervloet Marc G , Wolffenbuttel Bruce H R , van Goor Harry , Hillebrands Jan-Luuk
Published: August 2013

Background

Diabetes is associated with a high incidence of macrovascular disease (MVD), including peripheral and coronary artery disease. Circulating soluble-Klotho (sKlotho) is produced in the kidney and is a putative anti-aging and vasculoprotective hormone. Reduced Klotho levels may therefore increase cardiovascular risk in diabetes. We investigated if sKlotho levels are decreased in type 2 diabetes and associate with MVD in the absence of diabetic nephropathy, and whether hyperglycemia affects renal Klotho production in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

sKlotho levels were determined with ELISA in diabetic and non-diabetic patients with and without MVD, and healthy control subjects. Human renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs) were isolated and exposed to high glucose levels (15 and 30 mM) in vitro and Klotho levels were measured with qPCR and quantitative immunofluorescence. Klotho mRNA expression was quantified in kidneys obtained from long term (3 and 8 months) diabetic Ins2Akita mice and normoglycemic control mice.

Results

No significant differences in sKlotho levels were observed between diabetic patients with and without MVD (527 (433–704) pg/mL, n = 35), non-diabetic MVD patients (517 (349–571) pg/mL, n = 27), and healthy control subjects (435 (346–663) pg/mL, n = 15). High glucose (15 and 30 mM) did not alter Klotho expression in TECs. Long-term hyperglycemia in diabetic Ins2Akita mice (characterized by increased HbA1c levels [12.9 ± 0.3% (3 months) and 11.3 ± 2.0% (8 months)], p < 0.05 vs. non-diabetic mice) did not affect renal Klotho mRNA expression.

Conclusions

These data indicate that sKlotho levels are not affected in type 2 diabetes patients with and without MVD. Furthermore, hyperglycemia per se does not affect renal Klotho production. As type 2 diabetes does not alter sKlotho levels, sKlotho does not seem to play a major role in the pathogenesis of MVD in type 2 diabetes.
Association of supermarket characteristics with the body mass index of their shoppers
Authors: Lear Scott A , Gasevic Danijela , Schuurman Nadine
Published: August 2013

Background

Research on the built food environment and weight status has mostly focused on the presence/absence of food outlets while ignoring their internal features or where residents actually shop. We explored associations of distance travelled to supermarkets and supermarket characteristics with shoppers’ body mass index (BMI).

Methods

Shoppers (n=555) of five supermarkets situated in different income areas in the city were surveyed for food shopping habits, demographics, home postal code, height and weight. Associations of minimum distance to a supermarket (along road network, objectively measured using ArcGIS), its size, food variety and food basket price with shoppers’ BMI were investigated. The ‘food basket’ was defined as the mixture of several food items commonly consumed by residents and available in all supermarkets.

Results

Supermarkets ranged in total floor space (7500–135 000 square feet) and had similar varieties of fruits, vegetables and cereals. The majority of participants shopped at the surveyed supermarket more than once per week (mean range 1.2 ± 0.8 to 2.3 ± 2.1 times per week across the five supermarkets, p < 0.001), and identified it as their primary store for food (52% overall). Mean participant BMI of the five supermarkets ranged from 23.7 ± 4.3 kg/m2 to 27.1 ± 4.3 kg/m2 (p < 0.001). Median minimum distance from the shoppers’ residence to the supermarket they shopped at ranged from 0.96 (0.57, 2.31) km to 4.30 (2.83, 5.75) km (p < 0.001). A negative association was found between food basket price and BMI. There were no associations between BMI and minimum distance to the supermarket, or other supermarket characteristics. After adjusting for age, sex, dissemination area median individual income and car ownership, BMI of individuals who shopped at Store 1 and Store 2, the supermarkets with lowest price of the ‘food basket’, was 3.66 kg/m2 and 3.73 kg/m2 higher compared to their counterparts who shopped at the supermarket where the ‘food basket’ price was highest (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The food basket price in supermarkets was inversely associated with BMI of their shoppers. Our results suggest that careful manipulation of food prices may be used as an intervention for decreasing BMI.