bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Concealments of Carbon Markets and the Publicity of Love in a Time of Climate Change
Authors: Northcott Michael S.
Published: July 2010

The Kyoto Protocol and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change have failed to engage the nations in a cooperative approach to reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that are destabilizing the earth’s climate. Central to this failure is the resort to neo-liberal market techniques—and in particular markets in carbon emissions—for the management of emissions reduction. The resort to Carbon Emissions Trading (CET) reveals the problematic philosophical premises of economic neoliberalism, which include a preference for anonymous algorithms as managers of human affairs over face-to-face political communities and shared engagement of citizens and corporations in practices that promote the common good of a stable climate. It is proposed in this article that a core task of the church’s public responsibility in relation to climate change is to offer a theological critique of neoliberal approaches to climate change mitigation and against these to advance a spiritual theology of cooperative action for the common good of a stable climate in which love for near and distant neighbours, and creatures, is the key metaphor.
Cosmic Liturgy: The Theological Dignity of Creation as a Basis of an Orthodox Ecotheology
Authors: Munteanu Daniel
Published: July 2010

One of the most important contributions of Orthodox theology to ecotheology consists in its understanding of matter as an expression of the divine rationality. The logoi of the world are connected with the divine Logos and have an inner aspiration towards communion with God. Maximus Confessor’s view of the material world as potential church leads to a cosmic ecclesiology with direct significance for the overcoming of our contemporary ecological crisis. His theology of creatio originalis and of the new creation as transfigurated universe allows us to speak about the theological dignity of matter as the ‘home of God’, as well as a field of dialogue between creator and human beings. The Orthodox spirituality, as spirituality of theosis, of the transfiguration of matter through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is deeply ecological and, at the same time a source for a culture of healing communication, dialogue, love and respect of the ecosystems as expression of God’s rationality.
Understanding International Police Organisations: What the Researchers Do Not See
Authors: Peake Gordon
Published: July 2010

A dappled mix of politics, bureaucratic conservatism and ability of individuals means that the aperture for introducing and instantiating change in the organizations working on international policing is much smaller than that imagined by the global police studies community. Research needs to be better grounded in implementation realities. The article suggests some changes in practice on the part of researchers that could increase the likelihood of their work being acted upon.
International Law and the Responsibility to Protect: Clarifying or Expanding States' Responsibilities?
Authors: Welsh Jennifer , Banda Maria
Published: July 2010

The Responsibility to Protect (R2P) invokes one of the most powerful moral and legal terms in contemporary international politics – namely, responsibility. The nature of the relationship between R2P and international law and morality, however, remains contested, giving rise to questions lying at the core of R2P's normative foundations. What is the source of R2P? To whom is this responsibility attributable, and under what circumstances? Does R2P give rise to legal obligations? Such questions challenge International Relations (IR) theorists to look beyond their discipline for more insightful tools and methods of analysis. In this article, we apply a broadened theoretical framework to explain the ongoing controversy about R2P. In Part II, we borrow tools from moral philosophy to identify the source and the bearer of the responsibility to protect in today's international society. In Part III, we draw on international legal scholarship to analyse whether R2P has emerged as a 'new' norm of customary international law. We find that international endorsement of R2P has helped to clarify existing obligations in international law, but that intrinsic ambiguities in its articulation currently limit R2P's capacity to entrench new obligations for states to protect strangers. At the same time, our finding that R2P is an example of 'soft law' leads us to conclude that R2P can nonetheless exert significant influence on how states interpret their legal obligations and, in the coming decade, it may also help catalyse diplomatic efforts to reform the international architecture for preventing and responding to mass atrocities.
The International Community's Responsibility to Protect
Authors: Glanville Luke
Published: July 2010

The concept of the responsibility to protect (R2P) holds that not only do sovereign states have a responsibility to protect their populations, but so too does the international community. The international community is said to be responsible for encouraging and assisting states to protect and also for taking collective action to enforce the protection of populations in instances where states fail to carry out their obligations. This idea that the international community itself bears not merely a right but a responsibility to protect, through military intervention if necessary, is perhaps the most novel aspect of the R2P concept, and it would seem to have extraordinary implications. Yet it remains largely under-examined. In this article, I consider how the notion that the international community bears a responsibility to protect might be fruitfully understood and conceptualised. After briefly outlining from where this idea has emerged, I consider two interrelated questions: What kind of responsibility is it – moral, legal, or political, or some combination of the three? And who in particular bears the responsibility – the international community broadly speaking, particular international institutions such as the Security Council, regional organisations, or individual states?
Humanitarian Intervention after Kosovo: Iraq, Darfur and the Record of Global Civil Society
Authors: Murray Robert
Published: July 2010

Robert W. Murray reviews Aidan Hehir, Humanitarian Intervention after Kosovo: Iraq, Darfur and the Record of Global Civil Society (New York: Palgrave, 2008). ISBN 978-0230542211.
Suicide in Prison: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Suto Ildiko , Arnaut Genevieve L. Y.
Published: July 2010

Suicide is an important cause of death in prisons across the United States. Existing research on prison suicides has been criticized for focusing on static variables such as demographics. The purpose of the present investigation was to study dynamic variables by examining the experiences of 24 inmates who attempted suicide in prison. Inmates were interviewed in six state prison facilities in Oregon. The results were organized into three categories: mental health issues, relationship issues, and prison factors. The themes and subthemes of each category are illustrated with quotes, and results are discussed in light of relevant literature.
Simulation of wind farm operations and maintenance using discrete event system specification
Authors: Byon Eunshin , Pérez Eduardo , Ding Yu , Ntaimo Lewis
Published: July 2010

Wind farms provide a source of clean and renewable energy. However, unlike many industries where machines are operated under more or less static conditions, wind turbines suffer from stochastic loading due to the hourly or seasonal variation of wind speed and direction. The stochastic loading of wind turbines makes their degradation or failure prediction rather complex. This in turn makes the decision-making process of when and what type of maintenance action to undertake very challenging. This paper uses the discrete event system specification (DEVS) to develop a simulation model for wind farm operations and maintenance. The DEVS methodology1 provides a formal modeling and simulation framework based on dynamical systems theory and allows for hierarchical and modular model construction. We report on implementation results based on historical data that provide useful insights into wind farm operations under two different maintenance strategies, scheduled maintenance and condition-based maintenance. The results show that condition-based maintenance enables more wind power generation by reducing wind turbine failure rates and thus increasing wind turbine available.
Mobile robot obstacle avoidance using short memory: a dynamic recurrent neuro-fuzzy approach
Authors: Chen Chaochao , Richardson Paul
Published: July 2010

This paper presents a dynamic recurrent neuro-fuzzy system (DRNFS) with short memory for obstacle avoidance of mobile robots in unknown environments. The DRNFS is developed to avoid obstacles through supervised learning from a set of obstacle-avoidance trajectories provided by a human driver. The feedback connections added in the second layer of the DRNFS make the system cope with temporal problems, which allows the robot to memorize the previous environment information. The parameters and structure of the DRNFS can be automatically optimized through the learning process. The parameter optimization is realized by the ordered derivative algorithm, and the structure simplification is completed by the fuzzy rules similarity measure. Simulation results are presented to verify the feasibility of the proposed system.
DNA algorithm employing temperature gradient for Freeze-Tag Problem in swarm robotics
Authors: Zoraida B.S.E. , Arock Michael , Ronald B.S.M. , Ponalagusamy R.
Published: July 2010

The biological deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) strand is found to be a promising computing unit. An attempt has been made to solve Freeze-Tag Problem (FTP) using DNA. In this paper, the thermodynamic properties of DNA have been utilized along with other biochemical operations to obtain the optimal awakening schedule. Actual distance values are represented using the thermodynamic properties of DNA. The proposed method also finds the minimum spanning tree (MST) of the FTP to obtain the optimal awakening schedule. All possible Euler cycles of the different spanning trees of the problem are first generated. From this generated Euler cycle, the MST is obtained, which is the optimal awakening schedule to the problem. Moreover, the proposed approach can be adopted to solve many real-life applications like broadcasting and scheduling problems, with necessary modifications. In this work, an instance with seven robots is solved using DNA computing.
Bio-inspired robotics for air traffic weather information management
Authors: Bui Vinh , Pham Viet V. , Iorio Antony W. , Tang Jiangjun , Alam Sameer , Abbass Hussein A.
Published: July 2010

With the increase in automation to serve the growing needs and challenges of aviation, air traffic controllers (ATCs) are now faced with an information overload from a myriad of sources, both in graphical and textual format. One such source is weather information, which is typically comprised of wind speed, wind direction, thunderstorms, cloud cover, icing, temperature and pressure at various altitudes. This information requires domain expertise to interpret and communicate to ATCs, who then employ this information to manage air traffic efficiently and safely. Unfortunately, ATCs are not trained meteorologists, so there are significant challenges associated with the correct interpretation and utilization of this information by ATCs. In this paper, we propose a bio-inspired weather robot, which interacts with the air traffic environment and provides targeted weather-related information to ATCs by identifying which airspace sectors they are working on. It uses bio-inspired techniques for processing weather information and path planning in the air traffic environment and is fully autonomous in the sense that it only interacts with the air traffic environment passively and has an onboard weather information processing system. The weather robot system was evaluated in an experimental environment with live Australian air traffic, where it successfully navigated the environment, processed weather information, identified airspace sectors and delivered weather-related information for the relevant sector using a synthetic voice.
The Association Between Perceptions of Social Support and Maternal Mental Health: A Cumulative Perspective
Authors: Meadows Sarah O.
Published: July 2010

The question of how to best measure family processes so that longitudinal experiences within the family are accurately captured has become an important issue for family scholars. Using the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study ( N = 2,158), this article focuses on the association between trajectories of perceived supportiveness from biological fathers and mothers’ mental health problems 5 years after a birth. The relationship status between mothers and biological fathers is significantly related to her perceptions of his supportiveness, with married mothers reporting the highest levels of supportiveness followed by mothers in cohabiting unions, romantic non-coresidential unions, and, finally, mothers not in a romantic relationship. Controlling for both time-varying and time-invariant maternal and relationship characteristics, a positive slope of perceived supportiveness from biological fathers is associated with fewer subsequent mental health problems 5 years after the birth. The discussion calls attention to alternate modeling strategies for longitudinal family experiences.
Intercountry Versus Transracial Adoption: Analysis of Adoptive Parents’ Motivations and Preferences in Adoption
Authors: Yuanting Zhang  , Lee Gary R.
Published: July 2010

The United States is one of the major baby-receiving countries in the world. Relatively little research has focused on why there is such a high demand for intercountry adoption. Using in-depth qualitative interviews with adoptive parents, the authors explored the reasons why Americans prefer to adopt foreign-born children instead of adopting minority children domestically. Other than infertility reasons, concerns about domestic adoption, and the uneven domestic supply and demand of “desirable” children, the authors’ findings suggested that there was a perception that American children available for adoption presented difficult problems whereas foreign children presented interesting challenges. The “problems” inherent in children from American foster care were confounded with race differences. Studying adoption motivations will not only help us better understand the domestic adoption situation, especially why so many Black children are left behind in foster care, it may also reveal important insights into current race relations and distances between groups in the United States.
Stress and Inflammation: A Biobehavioral Approach for Nursing Research
Authors: Kang Duck-Hee , Rice Marti , Park Na-Jin , Turner-Henson Anne , Downs Charles
Published: July 2010

Despite known advantages, the use of biobehavioral approaches in nursing research remains limited. The purposes of this article are to (1) present applications of stress and inflammation in various health conditions as examples of biobehavioral concepts and (2) stimulate similar applications of biobehavioral concepts in future nursing research. Under a biobehavioral conceptual framework, studies on stress and selective inflammatory biomarkers in cardiovascular, cancer, and pulmonary health are reviewed and summarized. Inflammation underlies many diseases, and stress is a significant source of increased inflammation. Biobehavioral concepts of stress and inflammation are highly relevant to nursing research concerned with health-related issues. Diverse biobehavioral concepts are readily applicable and should be utilized in nursing research with children and adults. To stimulate further biobehavioral research, more training and resources for nurse scientists, more unified conceptual definitions and biobehavioral conceptual frameworks, rigorous and expanded methodologies, and more collaboration are essential.
Support for two increased vasopressinergic activities in depression at large and the differential effect of antidepressant treatment
Authors: Goekoop JG , de Winter RFP , Wolterbeek R , Wiegant VM
Published: July 2010

Animal models of depression support a pathogenetic role for vasopressinergic activation involving increased arginine vasopressin (AVP) release and AVP receptor (V1b) synthesis. Evidence of this has been found particularly in patients with highly anxious-retarded (HAR) and above-normal AVP (ANA) depression. A general pathogenetic theory however predicts vasopressinergic activities to play a role in at least all major depressive disorders, and antidepressant (AD) treatment to be mediated by vasopressinergic reduction. We tested these hypotheses by re-analysing the data of 66 depressed patients; 27 with and 39 without AD treatment. The plasma AVP concentration and the AVP-cortisol correlation were used as presumed parameters of AVP release and pituitary V1b receptor function. A high AVP-cortisol correlation ( r = 0.72; p < 0.001) was found in the non-AD group, and no correlation in the AD treatment group. AD treatment did not relate to plasma AVP concentration. The AVP-cortisol correlation in HAR and ANA depression was not explained by a low rate of AD treatment. These human data support the hypothesis of increased AVP release and receptor function as pathogenetic characteristics of major depression, and show selective normalization of the AVP-cortisol correlation, which is supposed to reflect the receptor function, by AD treatment.
Maternal Neonaticide Following Traumatic Childbirth
Authors: Nesca Marc , Dalby J. Thomas
Published: July 2010

Recent work has documented the relatively high incidence of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms in women during the birth delivery process and afterwards, even in uncomplicated births. This phenomenon, however, has yet to be linked with cases of neonaticide (child homicide in the first 24 hr of life) or infanticide (child homicide within the 1st year of life). Women are more likely to experience mental disorder after childbirth than at any other time in their lives, and the intentional killing of an offspring by a mentally ill mother is likely underreported. The immediate postpartum period is a time of heightened vigilance by health providers and, when the tragic death of an infant occurs, forensic professionals should specifically assess for PTSD. As an illustration, the authors present a case of maternal neonaticide that was directly linked to PTSD without any other concomitant mental disorder. PTSD is a viable mitigating factor to be examined in legal defenses of infanticide either in isolation or in conjunction with other factors.
Local Delivery of Nicotine does not Mitigate Fibrosis but may Lead to Angiogenesis
Authors: Ng Kenneth K. , Awad Neven , Brook Michael A. , Holloway Alison C. , Sheardown Heather
Published: July 2010

As with most implanted biomaterials, the wound healing response following implantation of a silicone breast implant leads to the formation of a fibrotic capsule. This can result in capsular contracture, a painful complication that often necessitates the removal of implant. It is well established that nicotine and nicotinic agonists inhibit inflammatory signaling. Based on the link between the inflammatory response and capsule formation, we hypothesized that local delivery of nicotine from the implant may lead to the reduction in inflammation and capsule thickness, which may ultimately reduce the incidence of capsular contracture. Nicotine was loaded into PDMS membranes using a previously established method. The loaded materials were implanted into the submammary pockets between the third and fourth mammary glands of rats. To confirm that the nicotine was acting locally and not systemically, serum cotinine, the primary metabolite of nicotine, was measured by ELISA at 3 days. Thirty days post implantation, the animals were euthanized and the tissue samples were fixed for histological analysis. Blood vessel density was measured immunohistochemically, while the capsule thickness was evaluated microscopically. While the presence of the nicotine metabolite, cotinine, in the serum at the early time points demonstrated that the nicotine was released locally from the devices, there were no significant differences in the capsule thickness between the control and experimental implants. However, the results indicated that there were differences in angiogenesis with the local delivery of nicotine, which may have other implications for the development of biomaterials.
Calcium Sulfate Spinal Cord Scaffold: A Study on Degradation and Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 Loading and Release
Authors: Åberg Jonas , Eriksson Olof , Spens Erika , Nordblom Jonathan , Mattsson Per , Sjödahl Johan , Svensson Mikael , Engqvist Håkan
Published: July 2010

Currently, there is no regenerative strategy for the spinal cord that is part of clinical standard of core. Current paths usually include combinations of scaffold materials and active molecules. In a recent study, a permanent dental resin scaffold for treatment of spinal cord injury was designed. The results from studies on rats were promising. However, for potential clinical use, a biodegradable scaffold material that facilitates drug delivery and the regeneration of the spinal cord needs to be developed. Also a biodegradable material is expected to allow a better evaluation of the efficacy of the surgical method. In this article, the suitability of hardened calcium sulfate cement (CSC) for use as degradable spinal cord scaffolds is investigated in bench studies and in vitro studies. Compressive strength, degradation and microstructure, and the loading capability of heparin-activated fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) via soaking were evaluated. The CSC could easily be injected into the scaffold mold and the obtained scaffolds had sufficient strength to endure the loads applied during surgery. When hardened, the CSC formed a porous microstructure suitable for loading of active substances. It was shown that 10 min of FGF1 soaking was enough to obtain a sustained active FGF1 release for 20–35 days. The results showed that CSC is a promising material for spinal cord scaffold fabrication, since it is biodegradable, has sufficient strength, and allows loading and controlled release of active FGF1.
Effects of Controlled Released BMP-7 on Markers of Inflammation and Degradation During the Cultivation of Human Osteoarthritic Chondrocytes
Authors: Gavenis Karsten , Pufe Thomas , Brandenburg Lars Ove , Schiffl Katharina , Schmidt-Rohlfing Bernhard
Published: July 2010

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of BMP-7 released from polylactide microspheres on the appearance of various catabolic and inflammatory cytokines secreted by osteoarthritic chondrocytes cultivated in a collagen gel. Articular chondrocytes of 15 patients suffering from osteoarthritis are transferred to a collagen type-I gel. Additionally, BMP-7 encapsulated into polylactide microspheres (50 ng BMP-7/mL gel) is added. After 14 days, gene expression and protein appearance of various genes involved in matrix turnover and inflammation are investigated by immunohistochemical staining and RT-PCR and compared to untreated controls. TNF-α, MMP-13, IL-6, IL-1β, and VEGF gene expressions are decreased in the treatment group. In contrast, BMP-7-induced matrix synthesis is not affected, leaving collagen type-II (Col-II) gene expression to be elevated, while collagen type-I (Col-I) is decreased. In summary, controlled release of low concentrated BMP-7 from polylactide microspheres leads to a decrease in gene expression of the investigated inflammation and matrix degradation markers whereas matrix synthesis is induced.
Poly(butylene succinate)/ Organo-montmorillonite Nanocomposites: Effects of the Organoclay Content on Mechanical, Thermal, and Moisture Absorption Properties
Authors: Phua Y.J. , Chow W.S. , Mohd Ishak Z.A.
Published: July 2010

Organo-montmorillonite (OMMT)-filled poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) nanocomposites were prepared by a melt mixing process with internal mixer, at various loading levels (i.e., 2—10 wt%) of OMMT. The effects of clay loading towards the mechanical and thermal properties were investigated through various characterizations such as melt flow index (MFI), density, mechanical tests, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), heat deflection temperature (HDT), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The 2 wt% OMMT-filled PBS gave the highest strength among the rest due to higher degree of exfoliation of layered silicates in PBS matrix. Further increment in OMMT loading had reduced the strength of nanocomposites, which believed to be the result of agglomerations. This can be further confirmed by XRD and TEM. However, increment in clay loading had enhanced the modulus of nanocomposites. Higher OMMT loading tends to give higher melt viscosity because of the presence of clay particles. Moisture absorption at different conditions was performed. The results showed that higher OMMT loading and moisture level tend to increase the overall moisture uptake and also the diffusion coefficient.
Midges as quantitative temperature indicator species: Lessons for palaeoecology
Authors: Velle G. , Brodersen K.P. , Birks H.J.B. , Willassen E.
Published: July 2010

Calibration data sets give a unique opportunity to establish patterns of biological existence and their statistical associations with environmental variables. By use of calibration data sets, environmental variables can be inferred quantitatively. The resulting long time-series may assist in distinguishing natural environmental variability from human-induced variability, both in terms of climate change and biotic turnover. However, the validity of the palaeoenvironmental reconstructions depends on their accuracy, precision and sensibility. Before performing palaeoenvironmental inferences, key mechanisms controlling contemporary species’ distribution, abundances and dynamics should be identified and understood. An inference model is developed to produce reconstructions. A major challenge lies in validating and interpreting the reconstructions. Calibration data sets involving midges (Diptera: Chironomidae) suggest that climate has a broad-scale, regional control over midge existence and abundance, often over-riding the influence of local within-lake variables. In recent years, the use of midges as quantitative indicators of past temperatures has greatly expanded. As the number of reconstructions increase, especially in Fennoscandia and North America, it seems the among-site variability is so large that it is unlikely to be due only to local differences in climate. Hence, we question whether the long climate gradients in calibration data sets can accurately be used to calibrate local variables, when most local gradients in time and space are short. Ten Holocene chironomid-inferred temperature curves from Fennoscandia are compared. We illustrate some general principles in palaeoecology by identifying factors that may cause bias. Especially, we consider how calibration data sets simplify the complexity of the real world by maximizing single ecological gradients and by not taking into account co-varying variables. We give some recommendations and criteria that chironomid analysis should meet in order to improve the reliability of the temperature inferences. Finally, we discuss how the complex interactions between species and environment may have implications when we aim at predicting future biodiversity.
Ostensibly ineffectual doses of cadmium and lipopolysaccharide causes liver damage in rats
Authors: Srinivasan Periasamy , Li Ya-Hui , Hsu Dur-Zong , Su Shih-Bin , Liu Ming-Yie
Published: July 2010

Various hepatotoxicants co-treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) have the potential to cause severe hepatic damage. Whether co-treatment with ostensibly ineffectual (without effect on customary clinical liver function tests, such as aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase) doses of cadmium (Cd) and LPS cause liver damage is still unknown. We examined the effects of treating ostensibly ineffectual doses of Cd and LPS on liver dysfunction as well as on liver histopathology. We injected rats with saline only, Cd only, LPS only, or a single ostensibly ineffectual dose of Cd (100 μg/kg body weight) plus LPS (0.1 mg/kg body weight). After 6 h, the rats were killed and their liver damage was assessed. Co-treated with ostensibly ineffectual doses of Cd and LPS had higher levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, hepatic lipid peroxidation, peroxynitrite, nitrite, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), but lower levels of hepatic metallothionein (MT) than did that treated with saline only, Cd only, and LPS only. Histopathological analysis of Cd only and LPS only showed apparent liver damage, but Cd plus LPS showed marked hepatic damage. We conclude that co-treating the rats with ostensibly ineffectual doses of Cd and LPS is hepatotoxic. Cd promotes LPS-initiated oxidative-stress-associated liver damage by increasing IL-1β and decreasing MT levels in rats.
How Do I Cope? Factors Affecting Mothers’ Abilities to Cope With Pediatric Cancer
Authors: Fletcher Paula C. , Schneider Margaret A. , Harry Rebecca J.
Published: July 2010

The overall objective of this exploratory research was to examine the lived experiences of female caregivers of children with cancer during diagnosis, treatment, and the period thereafter. Specifically, the authors examined factors that affected mothers’ abilities to cope with a diagnosis of cancer. The interviews were completed with 9 mothers of children who had been treated for pediatric cancer, in addition to 3 health care workers who provided care for families with children with cancer. From this process, a number of salient issues were identified, one of which was factors that assisted or hindered mothers’ abilities to cope. The subthemes of this theme consisted of: (1) support; (2) faith, positive thinking, and hope; (3) taking care of self; (4) being fearful and protective—keeping family close; and (5) living life— during and after the diagnosis. This research enabled caregivers of children with cancer to express their experiences about provision of care and factors that affected their ability to cope. Health care professionals, particularly pediatric oncology nurses and social workers, are perfectly aligned to help families reduce or manage the turmoil in families that must cope with a diagnosis of pediatric cancer.
RN Continuity in Home Health: Does It Make a Difference?
Authors: D'Errico Ellen M. , Lewis Mary Ann
Published: July 2010

Continuity of care in home health is valued but poorly understood. This article is about the delivery of nursing care to elderly home health patients and to determine if visits provided by the same RN improve selected “Outcome and Assessment Information Set” outcomes. Functional status, psychological status, and use of emergent care were examined. Cases selected represented individuals aged 65 years and older, with at least one chronic illness and a good prognosis. Patients received four or more visits from the same RN.The clinical and administrative billing records from an initial 60-day period yielded a convenience sample of 887 discharged cases from a suburban, U.S. hospital-based home health agency. Higher levels of RN continuity were associated with a decreased likelihood of neuro/emotional/behavioral issues for patients at discharge. The findings showed no relationship of RN continuity of care to functional status and use of emergent care for the period examined.
Expanding the Paradigm: Postsecondary Education Options for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Hart Debra , Grigal Meg , Weir Cate
Published: July 2010

This article will provide an overview of postsecondary education (PSE) options for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other Intellectual Disabilities (ID). Topics include a historical and philosophical discussion outlining how students with ASD and ID can benefit from postsecondary opportunities, a description of current PSE options, and models of implementation. In conclusion, implications and recommendations for future research, training and technical assistance are provided.
The Effect of Ventilation Rate and Filter Performance on Indoor Particle Concentration and Fan Power Consumption in a Residential Housing Unit
Authors: Noh Kwang-Chul , Hwang Jungho
Published: July 2010

This paper reports a study of the effect of ventilation rate and filters performance on indoor particle concentration and fan power consumption in a residential housing unit with a mechanical ventilation system. Through an adapted mass-balance model, indoor particle concentrations were calculated for various ventilation rates, filter performances and room sizes. Additionally, the influence of air-exchange effectiveness and cross-contamination around the exterior air vent on the indoor particle concentration was considered. Recirculation of indoor air was not considered. From the results, filters for which the performance was lower than MERV07 were found to be insufficient for reducing indoor particle concentrations below the levels obtained under no ventilation. A higher ventilation rate was needed for the given amount of indoor particle sources for a smaller size residential housing unit in comparison to the larger units. The minimum ventilation rate was less sensitive to variations in the air-exchange effectiveness inside the residential housing unit and the cross-contamination index around the exterior air vents. To satisfy the ventilation requirement for gaseous pollutants and keep the particle concentrations below those under no ventilation, a filter with a performance that would exceed MERV11 should be used when the size of the residential housing unit is in the range of 150—300 m3.
Predicted Performance of Shading Devices for Healthy Visual Environment
Authors: Hong Soo Lim  , Kim Gon
Published: July 2010

The main purpose of using a shading device is usually to prevent excessive sunlight from delivering into the building and to distribute daylight entering a building more evenly in space. However, in the design of a vertical fenestration system, there are a variety of considerations related to the building type and daylighting potentials such as: latitude, climatic characteristics, the position of the sun and outdoor obstructions. To enhance the performance of sun lighting control, a shading device should play a more efficient role according to the building shape and orientation. This paper examines the method designed to improve both the indoor natural illuminance and open view for a better visual environment. The main aim of the proposed approach is to provide a simplified calculation for the several conditions of shading device shapes based on the computer simulation analysis. The proposed method was conducted by dividing the internal illuminance into four types of the shading device systems due to the direct sun radiations. This was calculated by a Desktop Radiance program. The room dimensions were based on a unit module of apartments of 6 m (width) × 6.9 m (depth) × 2.7 m (height) with a window measuring 4.5 m × 2.43 m. The variables considered were: a basic horizontal louver, a blind system and a proposed experimental shading device.
Using the Internet to Give Children a Voice: An Online Survey of 10- and 11-Year-Old Children in Northern Ireland
Authors: Lloyd Katrina , Devine Paula
Published: July 2010

Over the years, researchers from different disciplines have used a wide variety of research methods to assess the views of children. Qualitative methods such as focus groups and small group discussions are particularly common. Much rarer are large-scale quantitative surveys that are a valuable way of comparing data from across different age groups and countries and over time. To test the feasibility of carrying out large-scale quantitative research with children, the authors undertook a pilot survey in Northern Ireland in June 2008. There were two notable innovations: First, it was a survey of all Primary 7 children (age 10 and 11 years); second, it used the Internet to gather the information, which has not been done on this scale before. This article discusses the methodology used to implement the pilot study and evaluates the use of the Internet for carrying out survey research with children.
Net-Map: Collecting Social Network Data and Facilitating Network Learning through Participatory Influence Network Mapping
Authors: Schiffer Eva , Hauck Jennifer
Published: July 2010

The authors describe how to use Net-Map,1 a low-tech, low-cost, interview-based mapping tool that can be used by researchers, facilitators, and implementers to (1) visualize implicit knowledge and understand the interplay of complex formal and informal networks, power relations, and actors’ goals; (2) uncover sources of conflicts as well as potentials for cooperation; (3) facilitate knowledge exchange and learning processes; and (4) develop visions and strategies to achieve common goals. The authors show that the tool can produce both qualitative and quantitative data to increase network understanding by going beyond the purely structure-driven approach of social network analysis (SNA) and combine structural measures with measures of attributes of actors, especially concerning their perceived influence and their goals. The authors present experiences from a field study from Ghana to illustrate the procedure and briefly discuss possible applications of the tool.
Counseling African Americans in Cardiac Rehabilitation: Implications for Comprehensive Lifestyle Modification
Authors: Artinian Nancy T. , Franklin Barry
Published: July 2010

African Americans are more likely to die of a myocardial infarction than any other racial group and have higher rates of sudden cardiac death, and in comparison to whites, these deaths are likely to occur at a younger age. Because secondary prevention interventions have been reported to reduce overall mortality, it is important that health care providers understand and respond with sensitivity to the needs and preferences that African Americans bring to cardiac rehabilitation. Providing culturally appropriate cardiac rehabilitation services to African Americans has the potential to improve access to care, quality of care, and health outcomes. This article reviews the historical legacy and general values and beliefs that African Americans bring to their participation in cardiac rehabilitation and examines values and beliefs about diet, weight, body image, exercise, rest, and preferences for depression treatment that should be considered when counseling African Americans. Social-ecological factors that influence the ability to commit to and maintain cardiovascular risk—reducing behaviors are also discussed. Strategies for responding to the health-related beliefs and cultural values of African Americans are examined.
Surface integrity in high speed end milling of titanium alloy Ti–6Al–4V
Authors: Daymi A. , Boujelbene M. , Ben Amara A. , Bayraktar E. , Katundi D.
Published: July 2010

Machined titanium components, such as medical prosthesis, require the greatest reliability, which is determined by process induced surface integrity. However, surface integrity of milled titanium components easily deteriorates due to the poor machinability of titanium alloys and cyclic chip loading during milling. Milling induced surface integrity, including anisotropic surface roughness, residual stress, surface microstructure alterations and microhardness, has received little attention. In the present study, a series of end milling experiments were conducted to comprehensively characterise surface integrity at various milling conditions of titanium alloy Ti–6Al–4V with TiAlN coated carbide cutting tools. The experiments were carried out under dry cutting conditions. For a range of cutting speeds, feeds and depths of cut, analyses of machined surface roughness, residual stress, microhardness and the microstructural observations were carried out. The present work aims to evaluate the influence of different milling conditions on workpiece surface integrity.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of hot rolled Fe–40 at-%Al intermetallic alloys with Zr and B addition
Authors: Haušild P , Karlík M , Šíma V , Alexander D T L
Published: July 2010

The microstructure and mechanical properties of hot rolled Fe–40 at-%Al based intermetallic alloys, with 0·1 at-%Zr and different additions of B (varying from 0·01 to 0·1 at-%), are characterised. The additions of Zr and B improve tensile properties at room and elevated temperatures. Increasing B content is also associated with a number of other effects. First, the fracture mode changes from intergranular decohesion to cleavage, which correlates with significant increases in the fracture toughness. Second, there is a certain stabilisation of dislocations arranged in parallel systems of slip bands, as shown by transmission electron microscopy. Numerous complex stacking faults on {100} planes are also observed in the alloy with the highest B content. Third, B is found to modify the formation of second phase particles; such particles (coarse and fine) are analysed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectrometry to obtain compositional information.
Microscopic analysis of Fe–Cr alloy produced by single roll strip casting
Authors: Das S , Seol J B , Kim Y C , Park C G
Published: July 2010

In the present investigation, the microstructures and mechanical properties of Fe–Cr alloy prepared by single roll strip casting were studied. Optical microstructure showed subgrain boundaries inside large grains. Cracks were observed along the grain boundary. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction study confirms the formation of chromium carbide at the grain boundary in the case of as cast alloy. Electron backscatter diffraction showed preferred orientation of grains in the as cast alloy. Carbides and undesired phases were not observed in heat treated alloy. Pores present in as cast samples expand after heat treatment process. Mechanical properties, like tensile strength, yield strength, elongation and hardness, of Fe–Cr single roll strip casting alloys were improved after heat treatment.
Production of Fe3Al–TiC nanocomposite by mechanical alloying of FeTi2–Al–C powders
Authors: Mehrizi M Z , Saidi A , Shamanian M
Published: July 2010

The aim of the present work was to produce Fe3Al/TiC nanocomposite by mechanical alloying of the FeTi230Al10C60 (in at-%) powder mixture. The morphology and the phase transformations in the powder during milling were examined as a function of milling time. The phase constituents of the product were evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The morphological evolution during mechanical alloying was analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results obtained show that high energy ball milling, as performed in the present work, leads to the formation of a bcc phase identified as Fe(Al) solid solution and an fcc phase identified as TiC and that both phases are nanocrystalline. Subsequently, the milled powders were sintered at 873 K. The XRD investigations of the powders revealed that after sintering, the material remained nanocrystalline and that there were no phase changes, except for the ordering of Fe(Al), i.e. formation of Fe3Al intermetallic compound, during the sintering process.
Complement-mediated inhibition of neovascularization reveals a point of convergence between innate immunity and angiogenesis
Authors: Langer Harald F. , Chung Kyoung-Jin , Orlova Valeria V. , Choi Eun Young , Kaul Sunil , Kruhlak Michael J. , Alatsatianos Markella , DeAngelis Robert A. , Roche Paul A. , Magotti Paola , Li Xuri , Economopoulou Matina , Rafail Stavros , Lambris John D. , Chavakis Triantafyllos
Published: July 2010

Beyond its role in immunity, complement mediates a wide range of functions in the context of morphogenetic or tissue remodeling processes. Angiogenesis is crucial during tissue remodeling in multiple pathologies; however, the knowledge about the regulation of neovascularization by the complement components is scarce. Here we studied the involvement of complement in pathological angiogenesis. Strikingly, we found that mice deficient in the central complement component C3 displayed increased neovascularization in the model of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and in the in vivo Matrigel plug assay. In addition, antibody-mediated blockade of C5, treatment with C5aR antagonist, or C5aR deficiency in mice resulted in enhanced pathological retina angiogenesis. While complement did not directly affect angiogenesis-related endothelial cell functions, we found that macrophages mediated the antiangiogenic activity of complement. In particular, C5a-stimulated macrophages were polarized toward an angiogenesis-inhibitory phenotype, including the up-regulated secretion of the antiangiogenic soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1. Consistently, macrophage depletion in vivo reversed the increased neovascularization associated with C3- or C5aR deficiency. Taken together, complement and in particular the C5a-C5aR axes are potent inhibitors of angiogenesis.
Treatment with the Bcl-xL inhibitor ABT-737 in combination with interferon α specifically targets JAK2V617F-positive polycythemia vera hematopoietic progenitor cells
Authors: Lu Min , Wang Jiapeng , Li Yan , Berenzon Dmitriy , Wang Xiaoli , Mascarenhas John , Xu Mingjiang , Hoffman Ronald
Published: July 2010

Polycythemia vera (PV) treatment with interferon α (IFNα) is frequently limited by dose-related toxicity. PV CD34+ cells are characterized by overexpression of Bcl-xL, which can be antagonized by ABT-737 leading to apoptosis. We explored the effects of ABT-737 and IFNα on PV hematopoiesis. Both IFNα and ABT-737 alone or in combination had a modest effect on normal hematopoiesis but each individually were able to markedly induce PV CD34+ cell apoptosis and suppress hematopoietic colony formation. The inhibitory activities of these agents in combination were greater against PV hematopoiesis than either agent alone. The exposure of PV CD34+ cells to low doses of IFNα and ABT-737 in combination resulted in the reduction of the proportion of JAK2V617F+ colonies similar to that observed with higher doses of IFNα. These data provide the rationale for combination therapy with low doses of IFNα and a BH3 mimetic for patients with PV.
Bcheck: a wrapper tool for detecting RNase P RNA genes
Authors: Yusuf Dilmurat , Marz Manja , Stadler Peter F , Hofacker Ivo L
Published: July 2010

Background

Effective bioinformatics solutions are needed to tackle challenges posed by industrial-scale genome annotation. We present , a wrapper tool which predicts RNase P RNA genes by combining the speed of pattern matching and sensitivity of covariance models. The core of is a library of subfamily specific descriptor models and covariance models.

Results

Scanning all microbial genomes in GenBank identifies RNase P RNA genes in 98% of 1024 microbial chromosomal sequences within just 4 hours on single CPU. Comparing to existing annotations found in 387 of the GenBank files, predictions have more intact structure and are automatically classified by subfamily membership. For eukaryotic chromosomes could identify the known RNase P RNA genes in 84 out of 85 metazoan genomes and 19 out of 21 fungi genomes. predicted 37 novel eukaryotic RNase P RNA genes, 32 of which are from fungi. Gene duplication events are observed in at least 20 metazoan organisms. Scanning of meta-genomic data from the Global Ocean Sampling Expedition, comprising over 10 million sample sequences (18 Gigabases), predicted 2909 unique genes, 98% of which fall into ancestral bacteria A type of RNase P RNA and 66% of which have no close homolog to known prokaryotic RNase P RNA.

Conclusions

The combination of efficient filtering by means of a descriptor-based search and subsequent construction of a high-quality gene model by means of a covariance model provides an efficient method for the detection of RNase P RNA genes in large-scale sequencing data.

is implemented as webserver and can also be downloaded for local use from http://rna.tbi.univie.ac.at/bcheck