bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinicopathologic Features and Outcomes in Endocapillary Proliferative IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Liu Li-jun , Li Guang-tao , Zhou Yang , Lv Ji-cheng , Zhang Hong
Published: April 2010

Objective: Clinical manifestations and histological lesions of IgA nephropathy are variable and correlate with the renal outcome of the patient. The aim of the present study is to clarify the clinicopathological features and the prognosis of patients with IgA nephropathy presenting with dominant diffuse endocapillary proliferative lesions. Methods: The morphological and clinical features of 126 patients with and without diffuse endocapillary proliferation were compared. 29 out of 126 are IgA nephritis patients with diffuse endocapillary proliferation. The others are patients without diffuse endocapillary proliferation. The prognosis of the patients in the 2 groups was analyzed and the effects of diffuse endocapillary proliferation on renal progression in patients with different renal function were also analyzed. Results: Patients with diffuse endocapillary proliferation show significantly higher proteinuria (p < 0.0001) and crescent percent (p < 0.05). There is no significant difference of renal survival in patients with or without diffuse endocapillary proliferation. Further analysis indicated that patients with diffuse endocapillary proliferation had better renal survival than those without it (log rank, p = 0.0561) if their renal function was normal, whereas renal survival of patients with diffuse endocapillary proliferation was worse than of those without it if their renal function was abnormal (log rank, p = 0.0763). Conclusion: IgA nephropathy with diffuse endocapillary proliferation shows a better prognosis in the patients with normal renal function, but it is a relative risk factor for end-stage renal disease in patients with abnormal renal function.
Is Anemia at Hospital Admission Associated with In-Hospital Acute Kidney Injury Occurrence?
Authors: Shema-Didi Lilach , Ore Liora , Geron Ronit , Kristal Batya
Published: April 2010

Background: The effect of acute kidney injury (AKI) on anemia has been well-documented. However, the effect of ‘preexisting’ anemia on AKI has been less addressed. The aims of the present study were to investigate (1) the association between anemia at hospital admission and AKI occurrence, and (2) the effect of ‘preexisting’ anemia on the clinical outcomes of AKI. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was undertaken among patients aged ≧17 years who were admitted to our hospital during the year 2006 (n = 34,802). Anemia at hospital admission and AKI occurrences were determined using the WHO definition and the RIFLE criteria, respectively. A subgroup of patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate ≧60 ml/min/1.73 m2 was analyzed separately to control for the effect of chronic kidney disease on anemia. Results: The cumulative incidence of AKI was 11.2% in anemic patients at hospital admission, compared to 5.5% in nonanemic subjects. The association between anemia at admission and AKI occurrence remained statistically significant after controlling for potential confounders (odds ratio 1.5, 95% CI 1.4–1.6). In addition, an association between anemia at hospital admission and clinical outcomes of AKI was observed. Conclusion: Anemia at hospital admission should be recognized as a potential risk factor for in-hospital AKI occurrence.
HIV-1 and Kidney Cells: Better Understanding of Viral Interaction
Authors: Mikulak Joanna , Singhal Pravin C.
Published: April 2010

HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) is the most common disease affecting untreated seropositive patients of African descent. Besides genetic (African descent) and HIV-1 infection (environmental), specific host factors such as activation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) have also been demonstrated to play a role in the manifestation of HIVAN. The recent identification of MYH9 as susceptible allele is a key step forward in our understanding for the pathogenesis of focal glomerulosclerosis in people of African-American descent. HIV-1 transgenic models have significantly advanced our knowledge base in terms of role of HIV-1 genes in general and individual gene in particular in the development of renal lesions mimicking HIVAN. These studies suggest that viral replication is not needed for the development of renal lesions. Renal biopsy data from HIVAN patients suggest that renal epithelial cells express HIV-1 genes and thus it may be sufficient to invoke HIVAN phenotype in the presence of specific host and genetic factors. On the other hand, immune response to infection may be required to induce HIV-1 associated immune complex kidney disease (HIVICK). Since renal cell lack conventional HIV-1 receptors, HIV-1 entry into renal cells has been a mystery. Recently, non-conventional pathways have been demonstrated to facilitate HIV-1 entry into renal cells in in vitro studies. These include presence of DEC-205 receptors in renal tubular cells and lipid rafts in podocytes. However, HIV-1 entry through these pathways only allows non-productive infection. It appears that the presence of specific genetic and host factors in in vivo conditions may be facilitating the development of the productive HIV-1 infection in kidney cells.
Cetuximab Given Every 2 Weeks plus Irinotecan Is an Active and Safe Option for Previously Treated Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Roca José-María , Alonso Vicente , Pericay Carles , Escudero Pilar , Salud Antonieta , Losa Ferrán , López Luis-Jesús , Guasch Imma , Méndez Miguel , Quintero-Aldana Guillermo , Grande Carlos , Vicente Pilar , Arrivi Antonio , Martin Cristina , Moreno Isabel , García Pilar , Antón Isabel , Constenla Manuel , Yubero Alfonso , Cirera Luis
Published: April 2010

Background: We gathered data from multiple institutions on the cetuximab regimen of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Methods: 126 patients from 19 centers were included from July 2006 to July 2007 in this prospective non-controlled study. Irinotecan-refractory metastatic colorectal cancer patients with Karnofsky ≧70 received cetuximab 500 mg/m2 every 2 weeks (q2w) in combination with irinotecan 180 mg/m2 q2w until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint was the progression-free rate at 12 weeks. Results: Median age was 65 years; 65.9% male; colon/rectum 64.3/34.1%; Karnofsky status ≤80/≧90% in 45.3/54.7% of the patients. The progression-free rate was 42.7 (95% CI 32.8–52.6) and 22.4% (95% CI 14.2–30.7) at 12 and 24 weeks, respectively. The main grade 3 or 4 toxicities were: diarrhea 13.5% and acne-like rash 10.3%. No grade 3 or 4 infusional or allergic reactions were reported. Conclusions: The progression-free rates confirm that cetuximab q2w in combination with irinotecan is an option, and is as active and safe as the standard weekly regimen.
Effects of Radiation Therapy on Myocardial Cell Integrity and Pump Function: Which Role for Cardiac Biomarkers?
Authors: Nellessen Ulrich , Zingel Manuela , Hecker Hartmut , Bahnsen Jens , Borschke Dorchpagma
Published: April 2010

Background: Radiation therapy to the mediastinum and breast can be associated with cardiac complications. Cardiac damage may manifest early during radiation therapy or occur late, years after radiation therapy has been finished. Hypothesis: Myocardial damage is associated with the release of both troponin I (TnI) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). The current study sought to determine whether radiation treatment to the mediastinum and breast leads to the release of cardiac biomarkers. Methods: The study comprised 23 patients: 18 with lung cancer and 5 with breast cancer. Radiation therapy was performed for up to 6 weeks. Total radiation dose was >45 Gy in each patient with a dose of 1.8 Gy per fraction. Blood samples to determine TnI and BNP were taken before and once a week during radiation therapy. Echocardiography was done before and after radiation had been finished. Results: Two patients died during the study. Both TnI and BNP levels increased significantly during the study (log10 scale); however, absolute and mean values remained on a relatively low level (mean preradiation and postradiation TnI: 0.007 ± 0.008, 0.014 ± 0.01 ng/ml; mean preradiation and postradiation BNP: 123 ± 147, 159 ± 184 pg/ml). Conclusion: Radiation therapy leads to cardiac cell damage and changes in the left ventricular loading conditions as suggested by a significant increase of the cardiac biomarkers TnI and BNP. Determination of serum levels seems to be superior to echocardiography in detecting radiation-induced cardiac damage. Serial measurements of cardiac biomarkers may facilitate the management of patients undergoing radiation therapy and may help to define subgroups at high risk of developing heart failure.
Anti-Adenovirus Activity of Epiandrosterone and Dehydroepiandrosterone Derivatives
Authors: Romanutti Carina , Bruttomesso Andrea C. , Castilla Viviana , Galagovsky Lydia R. , Wachsman Mónica B.
Published: April 2010

Background: Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) exhibits a wide range of biological functions including antiviral activity. In this work, we present in vitro anti-adenovirus (AdV) activity of seven DHEA and twelve epiandrosterone (EA) analogues. Methods: The cytotoxic effect of the compounds was determined by the MTT assay and the antiviral activity by a virus yield inhibition assay. The mode of antiviral activity was examined using time-of-addition experiments, adsorption and internalization assays and Western blot analysis. Results: EA, DHEA, and two synthetic derivatives inhibit virus replication with selectivity indices ranging between 42 and 83. Virus adsorption and internalization are not the target of the inhibitory action; meanwhile, AdV protein synthesis was diminished in the presence of DHEA. Conclusions: DHEA and some synthetic derivatives present antiviral activity similar to cidofovir, which was used as reference drug. These steroidal compounds adversely affect virus protein synthesis and viral mature particle formation.
A Vortex Relocation Scheme for Tropical Cyclone Initialization in Advanced Research WRF
Authors: Hsiao Ling-Feng , Liou Chi-Sann , Yeh Tien-Chiang , Guo Yong-Run , Chen Der-Song , Huang Kang-Ning , Terng Chuen-Teyr , Chen Jen-Her
Published: April 2010

This paper introduces a relocation scheme for tropical cyclone (TC) initialization in the Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecasting (ARW-WRF) model and demonstrates its application to 70 forecasts of Typhoons Sinlaku (2008), Jangmi (2008), and Linfa (2009) for which Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau (CWB) issued typhoon warnings. An efficient and dynamically consistent TC vortex relocation scheme for the WRF terrain-following mass coordinate has been developed to improve the first guess of the TC analysis, and hence improves the tropical cyclone initialization. The vortex relocation scheme separates the first-guess atmospheric flow into a TC circulation and environmental flow, relocates the TC circulation to its observed location, and adds the relocated TC circulation back to the environmental flow to obtain the updated first guess with a correct TC position. Analysis of these typhoon cases indicates that the relocation procedure moves the typhoon circulation to the observed typhoon position without generating discontinuities or sharp gradients in the first guess.

Numerical experiments with and without the vortex relocation procedure for Typhoons Sinlaku, Jangmi, and Linfa forecasts show that about 67% of the first-guess fields need a vortex relocation to correct typhoon position errors while eliminates the topographical effect. As the vortex relocation effectively removes the typhoon position errors in the analysis, the simulated typhoon tracks are considerably improved for all forecast times, especially in the early periods as large adjustments appeared without the vortex relocation. Comparison of the horizontal and vertical vortex structures shows that large errors in the first-guess fields due to an incorrect typhoon position are eliminated by the vortex relocation scheme and that the analyzed typhoon circulation is stronger and more symmetric without distortions, and better agrees with observations. The result suggests that the main difficulty of objective analysis methods [e.g., three-dimensional variational data assimilation (3DVAR)], in TC analysis comes from poor first-guess fields with incorrect TC positions rather than not enough model resolution or observations. In addition, by computing the eccentricity and correlation of the axes of the initial typhoon circulation, the distorted typhoon circulation caused by the position error without the vortex relocation scheme is demonstrated to be responsible for larger track errors. Therefore, by eliminating the typhoon position error in the first guess that avoids a distorted initial typhoon circulation, the vortex relocation scheme is able to improve the ARW-WRF typhoon initialization and forecasts particularly when using data assimilation update cycling.
Sport, Communication, and the Culture of Consumption: On Evolving and Emerging Markets
Authors: Wenner Lawrence A.
Published: April 2010

This article provides an editorial introduction to the first of two special issues of American Behavioral Scientist on “Sport, Communication, and the Culture of Consumption.” This first issue focuses on “Evolving and Emerging Markets” and brings together American, Canadian, British, and Australian scholars from media studies and communication, sociology, cultural studies, sport and physical education, and management. With diverse viewpoints and a range of tactics, these studies examine evolving and emerging strategies for an American-influenced model of sport that has been shaped by the logic and presses of consumption culture.
Diversity Change in Organizations: A Systemic, Multilevel, and Nonlinear Process
Authors: Gonzalez Jorge A.
Published: April 2010

Diversity change in organizations is described as a systemic, multilevel, and nonlinear process. Its systemic nature highlights the role of the environment and suggests a holistic approach to diversity change incorporating demographic and diversity-related cultural and political change. Multilevel issues illustrate the importance of configuration effects. Also, the nonlinear nature of diversity change shows its path dependency and its potential to spiral up or down across recurrent cycles. An integration of these three characteristics suggests that diversity change leads to the emergence of positive outcomes and unintended adverse side effects, which can cause it to gain upward or downward momentum or lead to inertia. These include intergroup relations outcomes (segregation, marginalization, assimilation, and integration), reactions to diversity change (resistance, cynicism, apathy, and commitment), and communication outcomes (silence and destructive or constructive voice). Implications for the study and management of sustainable diversity change in organizations are discussed.
The UK Labour Market and the 2008-9 Recession
Authors: Gregg Paul , Wadsworth Jonathan
Published: April 2010

The recession of 2008–9 inflicted a larger cumulative loss of UK output than any of the other postwar recessions. Nevertheless, employment rates remained higher than might have been expected given the experience of previous recessions. The main reasons for this appear to be a combination of high firm profitability levels going into the recession, supportive monetary and fiscal policies during the recession, reductions in real producer wages and relatively buoyant real consumer wages. Unemployment had reached its lowest levels for 30 years going in to the latest recession and has also remained relatively subdued through the downturn, certainly compared to previous recessions. A combination of lower inflow rates into unemployment, allied with a relatively higher outflow rate into employment underlie this. As government support for the economy is scaled back, it may be however that it will take a long time for employment to return to levels last seen before the recession.
Student Perceptions of High-Security School Environments
Authors: Bracy Nicole L.
Published: April 2010

Public schools have transformed significantly over the past several decades in response to concerns about rising school violence. Today, most public schools are high-security environments employing police officers, security cameras, and metal detectors, as well as strict discipline policies to keep students in line and maintain safe campuses. These changes undoubtedly influence the social climate of schools, yet we know very little about how students experience and perceive these measures. Via ethnographic research in two contemporary public high schools, the author examines students’ perceptions of high-security school environments, including perceptions of their school resource officer, schools’ discipline policies, punishments, and fairness in rule application. Findings show that students believe their schools to be safe places and think many of the security strategies their schools use are unnecessary. Students further express feeling powerless as a result of the manner in which their schools enforce rules and hand down punishments.
Darkwater’s Democratic Vision
Authors: Balfour Lawrie
Published: April 2010

This essay considers W. E. B. Du Bois’s Darkwater (1920) as a window onto Du Bois’s political theory at an underexamined stage of his career and onto a challenge at the heart of black political thought: how to formulate a conception of collective life that regards the humanity of black women and men as a central concern. Exploring Du Bois’s attempt to articulate what can be seen through the lens of an avowedly “black” perspective and his creative juxtaposition of different modes of writing, the author suggests why Darkwater remains a valuable resource for democratic theory in an age misleadingly described as “post-racial.”
Union members’ attitudes and perceptions about their union: Winning a representational election following a merger of four hospitals
Authors: Catano Victor M
Published: April 2010

In preparation for a representational election following a hospital merger, one union initiated a study of its members’ perceptions. Telephone interviews with a random sample of 410 union members assessed the union’s provision of service to its members, communication with members, union satisfaction, union democracy, union loyalty and their sense of community. Union loyalty, union satisfaction, sense of community and union democracy were the best predictors of the members’ views and attitudes about their union, and their predisposition to support the union in the representational election. The results demonstrate the importance of both instrumentality and socialization in a union’s survival.
Burnout in salespeople: A three-wave study to examine job characteristics’ predictions and consequences for performance
Authors: Castanheira Filipa , Chambel Maria José
Published: April 2010

The present study aims to test (1) the main effects of job demands and control on burnout and (2) the contribution of burnout to explaining variance in job performance, namely in-role performance and service-oriented organizational citizenship behaviour (service-OCB). The hypotheses were tested in a three-wave study among a sample of 94 Portuguese salespeople. The results provided partial evidence for the main cross-sectional effects of demands and control on burnout, but they did not provide evidence of carry-over effects six months later. Exhaustion was found to reduce extra-role performance over a six-month period.
Employee ownership and participation effects on outcomes in firms majority employee-owned through employee stock ownership plans in the US1
Authors: Kramer Brent
Published: April 2010

This article compares sales per employee for a panel of over 300 US firms which are majority employee-owned through employee stock ownership plans with a panel of closely matched, traditionally owned firms. Responses from a survey of firm work practices are used to estimate worker participation effects. Comparing matched firms, sales per employee are substantially and significantly higher for the employee-owned group of firms. This ‘employee-owned advantage’ is significantly greater among smaller firms, and (holding firm size constant) improves as the average employee’s ownership stake in firm stock goes up. Holding both firm size and employee stake constant, the employee-owned advantage is substantially (though not significantly) greater in the large group of firms which are 100 percent owned by their ESOP trusts. Holding firm size constant, increased production—worker influence on three facets of firm innovation also improves the advantage.
Individualizing Care for the Many
Authors: Nardacci Elizabeth A. , Bode Bruce W. , Hirsch Irl B.
Published: April 2010

Purpose

A generation of individuals with diabetes has come of age since the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial and the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study, providing demonstrable evidence that optimal glycemic control, achieved early with intensive therapy, yields a durable beneficial effect. Yet realizing the full potential of intensive therapy requires more frequent glucose monitoring and accurate interpretation of data. Because patients typically check no more than 3 or 4 times per day and rarely during the night, glucose variability, including glycemic spikes and asymptomatic hypoglycemia, may be missed. Short-term use of a professional continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device, worn by patients without access to real-time data, reveals patterns of high and low blood glucose undetectable by self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) alone. Clinicians interpret the continuous profile retrospectively to identify and adjust components of the insulin regimen responsible for nocturnal hypoglycemia, postprandial hyperglycemia, and other glucose excursions. This supplement discusses how professional CGM, used as an adjunct to SMBG, can help patients understand the effects of their behavior on glycemic control and consider the potential utility of diabetes technology in transforming knowledge to action.

Conclusion

Strategic implementation of professional CGM may improve the time- and cost-effectiveness of diabetes care while advancing more personalized treatment in the course of everyday practice.
Identification and Differentiation of Urban Centers in Phoenix Through a Multi-Criteria Kernel-Density Approach
Authors: Leslie Timothy F.
Published: April 2010

Research concerning geographical centers of economic activity has sought to explain patterns of development and interaction in cities. This article presents a new method of defining intraurban centers within a spatial economic framework as a combination of both employment and establishment kernel-smoothed patterns. The method is applied in Phoenix, a postmodern metropolis that has grown by more than a factor of thirty between 1950 and 2005 and is one of the largest and fastest growing metropolitan areas in the United States. Centers are found to vary considerably in their sectoral composition and are grouped based on their focus of secondary, retail, or high-order emphasis. A conditional logit model is used to show how each center differentiates with regard to establishment size and sector as well as the importance of center characteristics.
Mini ECC vs. conventional ECC: an examination of venous oxygen saturation, haemoglobin, haematocrit, flow, cardiac index and oxygen delivery
Authors: Döbele T. , Schwirtz G. , Gahl B. , Eckstein F.
Published: April 2010

In our clinical daily routine, it is noticeable that lower cardiac indices are reached more often without negative consequences when using mini extracorporeal circulation (ECC) systems than when using open ECC systems. We evaluated haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit, blood flow, cardiac index (CI) and mixed-venous oxygen saturation (vSO2) in patients undergoing surgery using mini ECC (n=10 cases) and ECC (n=10 cases). This analysis shows that, with a mini ECC system, the range of oxygen delivery is equal to that achieved when using an open standard ECC system, despite a lower cardiac index. This phenomenon can be explained through a significant lower haemodilution and, therefore, a higher concentration of haemoglobin.
Platelet-function analyzer closure times indicate shear stress-induced hemostatic abnormalities in patients with aortic valve stenosis and correlate with perioperative transfusion requirements
Authors: Sucker C. , Zotz RB , Kurt M. , Feindt P. , Litmathe J.
Published: April 2010

Background: Shear stress-induced hemostatic abnormalities are highly prevalent in patients with aortic valve stenosis. In this study, we determined closure times with a platelet-function analyzer (PFA-100, Dade Behring, Marburg, Germany) in patients admitted for aortic valve replacement to assess the correlation with the severity of aortic valve stenosis, blood loss, perioperative transfusion requirements, and need for re-thoracotomy.

Patients and Methods: Fifty consecutive patients (mean age [± SD] 68 ± 9 years) were enrolled. Closure times of epinephrin/collagen and adenosine diphosphate (ADP)/collagen cartridges were determined at least ten days after discontinuation of antiplatelet medication and compared to those of healthy control subjects without medication.

Results: Closure times of epinephrin/collagen (210 ± 69 sec vs. 140 ± 50 sec, p < 0.0001) and ADP/collagen (145 ± 58 sec vs. 108 ± 45 sec, p < 0.0001) cartridges were prolonged in patients with aortic valve stenosis. Intraoperative transfusion of red blood cell units was associated with the closure times of epinephrin/collagen (r = 0.28, p = 0.04) and ADP/ collagen cartridges (r = 0.28, p = 0.04). Total transfusion of red blood cell units was associated with ADP/ collagen closure times (r = 0.31, p = 0.02), but not epinephrin/collagen closure times (r = 0.26, p = 0.07). No significant association of closure times with intraoperative, postoperative and total transfusion of fresh frozen plasma units was observed.

Conclusions: Prolongation of closure times determined with a platelet-function analyzer is highly prevalent in patients with aortic valve stenosis and appears to reflect shear stress-induced hemostatic abnormalities. Since prolonged closure times are associated with increased perioperative transfusion of red blood cell units, the assay could significantly contribute to the identification of individuals at risk.
Mass balances and life-cycle inventory for a garden waste windrow composting plant (Aarhus, Denmark)
Authors: Andersen Jacob K , Boldrin Alessio , Christensen Thomas H , Scheutz Charlotte
Published: April 2010

A comprehensive life-cycle inventory of all consumptions and emissions of environmental relevance was made for the windrow composting plant treating garden waste in Aarhus (Denmark). The flows of materials and substances within the facility were balanced using the mass-balance model STAN. The overall fuel and electricity use at the facility (3.04 L diesel Mg—1 wet waste (ww) and 0.2 kWh Mg—1 ww) was low whereas the emissions of CH 4 and N2O from the windrows (2.4 ± 0.5 kg CH 4—C Mg—1 ww and 0.06 ± 0.03 kg N2O—N Mg—1 ww) were relatively high compared to data reported in similar studies. The loss of carbon during the 14-month-long composting was 56%. CH4 made up 2.1% of the C lost. Loss of nitrogen-containing compounds was identified as the most sensible and uncertain parameter and could be relevant for global warming (N 2O emissions), acidification (NH3 emissions), and eutrophication (NH3 and NO3 emissions). The compost produced had a very low content of heavy metals and was suitable for use in gardens and/or agriculture.
Influence of heating rate on the microstructure of glass foams
Authors: Pokorny Andrea , Vicenzi Juliane , Pérez Bergmann Carlos
Published: April 2010

In the present study, glass foams made of ground soda-lime glass obtained from transparent glass bottles and dolomite were investigated. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the influence of the heating rate on the microstructure of the obtained material and on its properties. The technological characterization of the ceramic bodies involved the determination of the volumetric expansion and average diameter of the pore. The microstructure was investigated by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Experimental results showed that the heating rate influenced both the volumetric expansion and the average diameter of the pore. Lower heating rates resulted in lower volumetric expansions since more CO2 escaped from within the ceramic body.
Possibilities of composting disposable diapers with municipal solid wastes
Authors: Colón Joan , Ruggieri Luz , Sánchez Antoni , González Aina , Puig Ignasi
Published: April 2010

The possibilities for the management of disposable diapers in municipal solid waste have been studied. An in-depth revision of literature about generation, composition and current treatment options for disposable diapers showed that the situation for these wastes is not clearly defined in developed recycling societies. As a promising technology, composting of diapers with source-separated organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) was studied at full scale to understand the process performance and the characteristics of the compost obtained when compared with that of composting OFMSW without diapers. The experiments demonstrated that the composting process presented similar trends in terms of evolution of routine parameters (temperature, oxygen content, moisture and organic matter content) and biological activity (measured as respiration index). In relation to the quality of both composts, it can be concluded that both materials were identical in terms of stability, maturity and phytotoxicity and showed no presence of pathogenic micro-organisms. However, compost coming from OFMSW with a 3% of disposable diapers presented a slightly higher level of zinc, which can prevent the use of large amounts of diapers mixed with OFMSW.
Evaluation of the regulation changes in medical waste management in Turkey
Authors: Eker Hasan Hüseyin , Bilgili Mehmet Sinan , Sekman Elif , Top Selin
Published: April 2010

In this study, a survey containing 28 questions concerning general information about the healthcare services, waste collection, training, waste quantities, storage and general evaluation was applied to 311 healthcare services. The response rate was 82%, which was considered acceptable for the evaluation of the results. The separate collection of medical waste and sharps was completely achieved in all of the healthcare services participating in the survey and 82.6% of the healthcare services used containers for separate collection of medical waste. Only 5% of the containers used for waste collection and temporary storage were inappropriate for collecting medical waste. Almost 33% of healthcare services organized courses monthly, 40% quarterly and 20% at least twice a year. A total of 88% of the hospitals have temporary storage depots for medical waste and all of these depots complied with the Medical Waste Control Regulation. The results of this study showed that the medical waste generation rate was 2.35 kg bed-1 day-1. The amount of liquid waste and sharps was determined for the first time in Turkey. The rate of separate collection for recyclables increased to 94%, having been 83% in 2006. The results indicate that in the period 2006—2009, the healthcare services conformed completely to the Medical Waste Control Regulation as it applied. Any deficiencies observed will be satisfied by precautionary actions that will be taken by hospital managers and local administrations.
Evaluation of pitch up of two-axle solid waste collection compactor trucks in the static condition
Authors: de Freitas Souza Rosilene Viana , Andrade Pinto João Mário , Cimini Carlos Alberto , de Souza Pereira Sérgio Luiz
Published: April 2010

The study of pitch up limit for solid waste collection compactor trucks in tilted public roads is of great relevance both for the planning of waste collection, mainly in cities with very uneven street gradient, or for use as a design parameter in projects involving public roads. Considering the typical construction and use of rear loader waste compactor equipment, the centre of gravity moves towards the rear of the vehicle as it is loaded, resulting in overload in the rear axle at the end of the waste collection period. In the city of Belo Horizonte (Brazil), several cases of pitch up have been reported for this type of vehicle, in streets with different inclinations and with loading situations in which the load box was not completely full. The present study investigated the variation of the imminence pitch up angles of the two-axle, rear-loading, solid waste collection compactor truck in a static condition, determined by the variation of its centre of gravity coordinates, which were obtained experimentally by means of a testing programme for different loading situations. The critical inclination angle was 0.347 rad (19.89°), which corresponds to a ramp inclination of 36.17%, for the condition of total weight of 157.06 kN (16 027 kgf) with payload of 63.42 kN (6472 kgf).
Planning in Neighborhoods with Multiple Publics: Opportunities and Challenges for Community-Based Nonprofit Organizations
Authors: Hum Tarry
Published: April 2010

New York City is the quintessential immigrant gateway, and its transformation to a majority “minority” city is evident in the complex demography of its numerous neighborhoods. Based on detailed case studies of two neighborhoods undergoing significant development pressures that pose a dramatic reshaping of community life, this article examines whether New York City community boards serve as a “pivotal” public arena to mitigate racial tensions and meaningfully engage diverse stakeholders including immigrants in neighborhood planning. The case studies of Sunset Park, Brooklyn and Flushing, Queens demonstrate that community boards do not necessarily engage all stakeholders in meaningful or sustained ways and are limited in advancing race relations in a challenging socioeconomic context. This article substantiates how community-based nonprofit organizations are essential to the institutional landscape of immigrant neighborhoods by engaging multiple publics in community planning.
Effects of Clinician-Assisted Emotional Disclosure for Sexual Assault Survivors: A Pilot Study
Authors: Anderson Timothy , Fende Guajardo Jennifer , Luthra Rohini , Edwards Katie M.
Published: April 2010

This study assessed the effects of clinician-assisted emotional disclosure (CAED), an integration of emotion focused therapy (Greenberg, Rice, & Elliott, 1993) and emotional disclosure, in ameliorating distress experienced by survivors of sexual assault. A total of 670 female university students were screened for both histories of sexual victimization and clinically significant levels of global psychological distress. Twenty-eight females entered the treatment phase of the study and were randomly assigned to participate in either treatment or no-treatment control conditions. Participants completed a battery of instruments at each evaluation to assess interpersonal, global, and traumatic stress symptoms. At termination and 1-month follow-up, there were no significant differences between CAED and control group on any of the outcome variables. However, there were several differences between the CAED treatment and control groups at 3 month posttreatment. Specifically, individuals in the CAED group reported significant reductions in interpersonal distress, namely, hostility and dependency and reductions in avoidance symptoms associated with posttraumatic stress disorder. These findings are useful for the development of emotion-focused therapies and, specifically, toward psychotherapy integration strategies that combine imaginal exposure with experiential techniques for emotional processing of previously avoided experience.
Relationships of the Big Five Personality Domains and Facets to Dimensions of the Healthy Personality
Authors: Betz Nancy E. , Borgen Fred H.
Published: April 2010

This study was designed to compare a new inventory measuring concepts of the ‘‘healthy personality’’ with the most widely used inventory of the Big Five personality traits, the NEO personality inventory—Revised (NEO-PI-R). Using adjectives as the stimulus materials, Borgen and Betz (2008) developed a 17-scale inventory called the Healthy personality inventory (HPI), where the 17 dimensions of personality were organized into five broader personality styles. Overall, the results of this study suggest strong correspondences of HPI productivity styles with Neuroticism-Extroversion-Openness (NEO) conscientiousness, HPI interpersonal styles with NEO Extraversion, and HPI intrapersonal styles with NEO Neuroticism. The NEO Openness and Agreeableness dimensions mapped less clearly on the NEO. The relationships of these findings to the wealth of previous data on the correlates of Big Five personality traits are discussed, as are the advantages of using a personality inventory with more positively oriented concepts and scale names. The authors suggest that a personality inventory based on positive psychology may facilitate the growing area of research on the relationships of personality to career variables.
The Psychological Work Preferences of Business Students
Authors: Gilbert G. Ronald , Burnett Meredith , Leartsurawat Watcharaphong
Published: April 2010

This study examines work preferences of 984 students across 6 disciplines within a business school—accounting, finance, information technology/decision science, management and international business, marketing, and hospitality management. Differences are found on 11 of the 17 measures. As predicted, we found that (a) accounting, finance, and information technology/ decision sciences students have the strongest preferences for analyzing data, (b) information technology/decision sciences students have the strongest preferences for working with objects, (c) marketing students have the strongest preferences for interacting verbally, being liked by others, and working with ideas, and (d) hospitality management students have the strongest preferences for helping others. These findings shed light on differences that exist among business students. These differences have important implications for faculty, career counselors, practitioners, and leaders of interdisciplinary cross-functional teams. The potential for academic ethnocentrism as a result of the psychological differences found is also discussed.
Intrinsic Plasticity in Acquired Epilepsy: Too Much of a Good Thing?
Authors: Graef John D. , Godwin Dwayne W.
Published: April 2010

Mechanisms of plasticity are important to the astounding capacity of the brain to adapt and learn. Ion channels are significant contributors to neuronal plasticity, but their dysfunction has been implicated in several nervous system diseases from movement disorders to epilepsy. Although many inherited ion channel mutations have been associated with these disorders, it has been recently recognized that channelopathies can also include aberrant ion channel function that is acquired after an insult or injury to the brain. These acquired alterations are being investigated in animal models of temporal lobe epilepsy, where studies have shown functional changes in voltage-gated ion channels that lead to increases in excitability. Studies of these hyperexcitable neurons have included recordings in the hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, and thalamus and support the existence of an extended seizure network with several nodes of altered activity that are established during epileptogenesis. A better understanding of the key ion channels and brain regions that are responsible for the development of this hyperexcitability, along with the molecular mechanisms involved, may provide novel treatment strategies for epilepsy.
Factors That Influence Police Conceptualizations of Girls Involved in Prostitution in Six U.S. Cities: Child Sexual Exploitation Victims or Delinquents?
Authors: Halter Stephanie
Published: April 2010

This study examined how the police conceptualize juveniles involved in prostitution as victims of child sexual exploitation (CSE) or delinquents. Case files from six police agencies in major U.S. cities of 126 youth allegedly involved in prostitution, who were almost entirely girls, provided the data for this inquiry. This study found that 60% of youth in this sample were conceptualized as victims by the police and 40% as offenders. Logistic regression predicted the youths’ culpability status as victims. The full model predicted 91% of youth’s culpability status correctly and explained 67% of the variance in the youths’ culpability status. The police considered youth with greater levels of cooperation, greater presence of identified exploiters, no prior record, and that came to their attention through a report more often as victims. In addition, the police may consider local youth more often as victims. It appears that the police use criminal charges as a paternalistic protective response to detain some of the youth treated as offenders, even though they considered these youth victims. Legislatively mandating this form of CSE as child abuse or adopting a ‘‘secure care’’ approach is needed to ensure these youth receive the necessary treatment and services.
Associations Between Nonverbal Behaviors and Subsequent Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors of Sexually Abused and Comparison Girls
Authors: Negriff Sonya , Noll Jennie G. , Shenk Chad E. , Putnam Frank W. , Trickett Penelope K.
Published: April 2010

This prospective, longitudinal study examined a sample of sexually abused and comparison girls to determine (a) whether there were patterns of behavior that differed between the groups and (b) whether nonverbal behaviors assessed at the initial visit (n = 147; M = 11.11 years; SD = 3.02) might predict sexual attitudes and behaviors at a later point in development (n = 144; M = 18.52 years; SD = 3.52). At the initial assessment, nonverbal behaviors during an interaction with an unknown male interviewer were factor analyzed revealing 3 factors: wary (e.g., pouting), affiliative (e.g., chin resting on hand), and coy (e.g., tongue show). Abused girls scored higher on the coy factor that was related to earlier age at first voluntary intercourse later in development (approximately 7 years later). High scores on the affiliative factor were related to higher sexual permissiveness and less negative attitudes toward sex. Results indicate that sexually abused girls showed early maladaptive patterns in interpersonal interactions, which were subsequently related to risky sexual attitudes and behaviors.
An Evaluation of Classification Criteria for Juvenile Sex Offenders
Authors: Skubic Kemper Therese , Kistner Janet A.
Published: April 2010

Victim age is commonly used in the classification of juvenile sexual offenders (JSOs). However, the results of studies comparing JSOs who offend peers (peer offenders) with those who offend children (child molesters) are variable and inconclusive. Reasons for this variability include the lack of attention to JSOs who offend both children and peers (mixed offenders) and the variability across studies in the classification criteria used to assign JSOs to subgroups. Some studies use victim age, others use offender—victim age discrepancies, and still others use a combination of victim age and age discrepancies to classify JSOs. These variations may result in samples of JSOs that are not comparable across studies. The primary purpose of the present research was to examine the strength of the relationship between JSO subgroup membership (child, peer, and mixed offenders) and personal, criminal history, and offense history variables using several different classification methods commonly used in JSO research. Patterns of relationships between subgroup membership and the dependent variables were then compared across the classification methods to determine whether changes in classification criteria changed the pattern of results. The results indicated that the pattern of relationships between subgroups and the dependent variables changed little when classification criteria varied. Consequently, variation in classification criteria is unlikely to be contributing to the inconsistencies of the findings when comparing victim age based subgroups of JSOs.
The Social Validity of Program-Wide Positive Behavior Support
Authors: Frey Andy J. , Lee Park Kristy , Browne-Ferrigno Tricia , Korfhage Tara L.
Published: April 2010

In preschool settings, the majority of interventions are individualized for children at high risk for challenging behavior. However, a few early childhood sites have begun to conceptualize and implement prevention and intervention initiatives modeled after the principles and key features associated with school-wide positive behavior support. In preschool settings, these efforts are referred to as program-wide positive behavior support (PWPBS). This article presents the findings of a descriptive evaluation in which 62 key stakeholders participated in focus group interviews to assess the social validity of a PWPBS initiative in the 1st year of implementation and to provide recommendations for how to improve the implementation effort. Other data sources included teacher surveys and classroom observations related to PWPBS goals and procedures, conducted intentionally to contextualize the social validity data gathered through the interviews. Results suggest that key stakeholders enthusiastically support the goals of the approach; perspectives about the procedures and outcomes varied considerably. Classroom observation and teacher survey data augment the qualitative data. Implications for model conceptualization and technical assistance efforts are discussed.
What Happens Next? Follow-Up From the Children’s Toddler School Program
Authors: Akshoomoff Natacha , Stahmer Aubyn C. , Corsello Christina , Mahrer Nicole E.
Published: April 2010

This study was a follow-up of a group of 29 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders at age 2 who attended an inclusive toddler program until age 3. Children ranged in age from 4 to 12 years at the time of the parent survey and follow-up testing.The majority of children were placed in a special education (noninclusive) preschool class, but among the children who were in elementary school at the time of follow-up, 63% were in general education classroom placement. Diagnoses of autism spectrum disorders remained stable, socialization skills remained a weakness, and child-related parental stress remained high despite average cognitive and language skills in the majority of children. Social skill development and support remained a service need.
Increasing Secondary Teachers’ Behavior-Specific Praise Using a Video Self-Modeling and Visual Performance Feedback Intervention
Authors: Hawkins Shannon M. , Heflin L. Juane
Published: April 2010

Teachers working with students with emotional/behavioral disorders (EBD) in elementary schools can be helped to increase use of an important behavioral strategy, behavior-specific praise statements (BSPS). Unfortunately, teachers’ behaviors return to baseline levels when researchers leave, and little is known about the use of praise on high school students. To investigate strategies to promote maintenance of behavior change, an intervention combining visual performance feedback and video self-modeling was implemented with three teachers of high school students with EBD. A multiple baseline with embedded withdrawal design demonstrated a functional relation between the intervention and increased use of BSPS; however, only one teacher continued to give BSPS when the intervention was withdrawn. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.