bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gas signatures from Escherichia coli and Escherichia coli‐inoculated human whole blood
Authors: Umber Brandon J , Shin Hye‐Won , Meinardi Simone , Leu Szu‐Yun , Zaldivar Frank , Cooper Dan M , Blake Donald R
Published: July 2013

Background

The gaseous headspace above naïve Escherichia Coli (E. coli) cultures and whole human blood inoculated with E. coli were collected and analyzed for the presence of trace gases that may have the potential to be used as novel, non‐invasive markers of infectious disease.

Methods

The naïve E. coli culture, LB broth, and human whole blood or E. coli inoculated whole blood were incubated in hermetically sealable glass bioreactors at 37°C for 24 hrs. LB broth and whole human blood were used as controls for background volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The headspace gases were collected after incubation and analyzed using a gas chromatographic system with multiple column/detector combinations.

Results

Six VOCs were observed to be produced by E. coli‐infected whole blood while there existed nearly zero to relatively negligible amounts of these gases in the whole blood alone, LB broth, or E. coli‐ inoculated LB broth. These VOCs included dimethyl sulfide (DMS), carbon disulfide (CS2), ethanol, acetaldehyde, methyl butanoate, and an unidentified gas S. In contrast, there were several VOCs significantly elevated in the headspace above the E. coli in LB broth, but not present in the E. coli/blood mixture. These VOCs included dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS), methyl propanoate, 1‐propanol, methylcyclohexane, and unidentified gases R2 and Q.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates 1) that cultivated E. coli in LB broth produce distinct gas profiles, 2) for the first time, the ability to modify E. coli‐specific gas profiles by the addition of whole human blood, and 3) that E. coli‐human whole blood interactions present different gas emission profiles that have the potential to be used as non‐invasive volatile biomarkers of E. coli infection.
Harvesting and analysis of weak signals for detecting lone wolf terrorists
Authors: Brynielsson Joel , Horndahl Andreas , Johansson Fredrik , Kaati Lisa , Mårtenson Christian , Svenson Pontus
Published: July 2013

Lone wolf terrorists pose a large threat to modern society. The current ability to identify and stop these kinds of terrorists before they commit a terror act is limited since they are hard to detect using traditional methods. However, these individuals often make use of Internet to spread their beliefs and opinions, and to obtain information and knowledge to plan an attack. Therefore there is a good possibility that they leave digital traces in the form of weak signals that can be gathered, fused, and analyzed.

In this article we present an analysis method that can be used to analyze extremist forums to detect digital traces of possible lone wolf terrorists. This method is conceptually demonstrated using the FOI Impactorium fusion platform. We also present a number of different technologies which can be used to harvest and analyze pieces of information from Internet that may serve as weak digital traces that can be fused using the suggested analysis method in order to discover possible lone wolf terrorists.
Do Something, Quick!
Authors: Robbins Bruce
Published: July 2013

“Do Something, Quick!” lays out some of the formal qualities of the philosophical example considered as a literary genre, the subject of the three essays that follow. This introduction takes Adam Smith’s famous imagining of a hypothetical earthquake in China, from The Theory of Moral Sentiments, to illustrate the generic excess of examples, which are interesting in part because they are never reducible to the arguments they supposedly exemplify. It then proceeds to use the example to trouble the apparent opposition between utilitarianism—the implicit target of many philosophical examples—and Kantian aesthetics, thereby suggesting a new usefulness for both.
The Biopolitics of Recognition: Making Female Subjects of Globalization
Authors: Cheah Pheng
Published: July 2013

This essay evaluates the rise of recognition as an important analytical category in critical theory for understanding the normative grounds of social and political struggles for global justice in the contemporary world. It begins with a discussion of different variants of the recognition paradigm (Nancy Fraser, Axel Honneth, and Judith Butler) in order to argue that none of them can adequately account for the formation of various female subjects of globalization. It then addresses the following questions: How does the account of normativity in the recognition paradigm ironically consolidate and reinforce the oppressive dynamic of power in contemporary globalization? How are progressive policies for global human development focusing on women and their supporting human rights instruments necessarily woven into the processes and technologies of power that capitalize humanity?
Gamification and Other Forms of Play
Authors: Jagoda Patrick
Published: July 2013

Throughout the developed world, in which digital media have achieved a ubiquitous status for many people, games have become an exemplary cultural form that serves as a prominent metaphor of everyday competition and success. This essay explores gamification—a term that derives from behavioral economics and refers to the use of game mechanics in traditionally nongame activities—as a form that economic, social, and cultural life increasingly takes in the present. After exploring how the gamified world of the early twenty-first century departs dramatically from a society oriented around the production of what Guy Debord called “spectacles,” I turn to three recent digital games that problematize gamification: SPENT (2011), Third World Farmer (2006), and Thresholdland (2010). Each of these games repurposes a different digital game genre (the role-playing game, the construction and management simulation game, and the transmedia game) and tackles a different topic (poverty and homelessness in the United States, underdevelopment of the Third World, and immigration struggles in Europe). Despite these differences, they all actively challenge the victory-oriented nature of gamification while critically foregrounding the structural failure and mass loss perpetuated by systems of contemporary capitalism. In the conclusion, the essay explores play as a precarious, uncertain, but also transformative relation that might complicate the gamified elements (points, badges, and reputation systems) that so often organize games and social practices in the early twenty-first century.
Synthesis of Substituted [6]Phenacenes through Suzuki–Miyaura Coupling of Polyhalobenzene with Alkenylboronates and Sequential Intramolecular Cyclization via C–H Bond Activation
Authors: Chang Ning-hui , Mori Hiroki , Chen Xi-chao , Okuda Yasuhiro , Okamoto Takeru , Nishihara Yasushi
Published: July 2013

A series of substituted [6]phenacenes were synthesized through the Suzuki–Miyaura coupling and intramolecular double cyclization, using a polyhalobenzene and two different alkenylboronates. This methodology provides a direct route to unsymmetrical [6]phenacenes. The physicochemical properties of four [6]phenacenes were evaluated using UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopies as well as cyclic voltammetry.
Reporting research antibody use: how to increase experimental reproducibility
Authors: Helsby Matthew A , Fenn Joe R , Chalmers Andrew D
Published: July 2013

Research antibodies are used in a wide range of bioscience disciplines, yet it is common to hear dissatisfaction amongst researchers with respect to their quality. Although blame is often attributed to the manufacturers, scientists are not doing all they can to help themselves. One example of this is in the reporting of research antibody use. Publications routinely lack key details, including the host species, code number and even the company who supplied the antibody. Authors also fail to demonstrate that validation of the antibodies has taken place. These omissions make it harder for reviewers to establish the likely reliability of the results and for researchers to reproduce the experiments. The scale of this problem, combined with high profile concerns about experimental reproducibility, has caused the Nature Publishing Group to include a section on antibody information in their recent Reporting Checklist for Life Science Articles. In this commentary we consider the issue of reporting research antibody use and ask what details authors should be including in their publications to improve experimental reproducibility.
Validity and Efficiency of Breath Exercises to reduce stage fright at the music classroom
Authors: Ramos Pablo Ramos
Published: July 2013

This paper reviews the most relevant literature in the field of stage fright associated with musical performance, both in adulthood as in childhood. It also presents the findings of studies that have analyzed this feature of personality at schools and highlights the reasons causing stage fright, such as: pressure in presence of parents and other students, perfectionism, and low resistance to stress.

On the other hand, this paper relates the development of stage fright with the loss of self-esteem, which affects child's education at large. Potential therapies that could be implemented in the classroom are discussed in order to cope with this anxiety. Breath techniques are the most important strategies because of their efficiency and ease of application.

Finally, a Decalogue is established as a guide for action to combat performance anxiety which generalist and music teachers could take into account ahead of a first play at schools.
Ethnomusicology and Music Education: Crossroads for knowing music, education, and culture
Authors: Campbell Patricia S.
Published: July 2013

The influences of ethnomusicological theory and method on scholarly and practical aspects of music education will be considered here, as well as the nature of music education's impact on the scholarship and teaching by ethnomusicologists. An examination of books, monographs, journal articles, instructional materials, and conference proceedings is underway to determine ideas and practices of overlapping interest. The writings of John Blacking, Charles Keil, Bruno Nettl, Tim Rice, and the Seegers and the Lomaxes are among those scholars whose work is relevant to music education scholarship, and issues of mutual interest are emerging: cross-cultural perspectives of music cognition, the mind-body and music-dance dualities, children's music culture, the pedagogy of world music, and research approaches to the study of music, musical thought, and musical behavior. Following a description of the actual influences by each field on the other, discussion will shift to the potential of the fields to learn from one another and to construct deeper understandings of music in society and its schools.
Tragedy in the Postanesthesia Care Unit; Mix-ups between Risperidone and Ropinirole
Authors: Cohen Michael R. , Smetzer Judy L.
Published: July 2013

These medication errors have occurred in health care facilities at least once. They will happen again—perhaps where you work. Through education and alertness of personnel and procedural safeguards, they can be avoided. You should consider publishing accounts of errors in your newsletters and/or presenting them at your inservice training programs.

Your assistance is required to continue this feature. The reports described here were received through the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Medication Errors Reporting Program. Any reports published by ISMP will be anonymous. Comments are also invited; the writers’ names will be published if desired. ISMP may be contacted at the address shown below.

Errors, close calls, or hazardous conditions may be reported directly to ISMP through the ISMP Web site ( www.ismp.org ), by calling 800-FAIL-SAFE, or via e-mail at ismpinfo@ismp.org . ISMP guarantees the confidentiality and security of the information received and respects reporters’ wishes as to the level of detail included in publications.
Docetaxel and Cisplatin Regimen for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Yang Jessie , Solimando Dominic A. , Waddell J. Aubrey
Published: July 2013

The complexity of cancer chemotherapy requires pharmacists be familiar with the complicated regimens and highly toxic agents used. This column reviews various issues related to preparation, dispensing, and administration of antineoplastic therapy, and the agents, both commercially available and investigational, used to treat malignant diseases.
Oxymetazoline (Topical): Rosacea
Authors: Generali Joyce A. , Cada Dennis J.
Published: July 2013

This Hospital Pharmacy feature is extracted from Off-Label Drug Facts, a publication available from Wolters Kluwer Health. Off-Label Drug Facts is a practitioner-oriented resource for information about specific drug uses that are unapproved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This new guide to the literature enables the health care professional or clinician to quickly identify published studies on off-label uses and determine if a specific use is rational in a patient care scenario. References direct the reader to the full literature for more comprehensive information before patient care decisions are made. Direct questions or comments regarding Off-Label Drug Uses to jgeneral@kumc.edu .
Assessment of Prophylactic Antibiotic Use in Patients with Surgical Site Infections
Authors: Goede Whitney J. , Lovely Jenna K. , Thompson Rodney L. , Cima Robert R.
Published: July 2013

Background

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are the leading cause of hospital-acquired infections and are associated with substantial health care costs, with increased morbidity and death. The Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP) contains standards that are nationally reported with the aim of improving patient outcomes after surgery. Our institution's standards for antimicrobial prophylaxis in the perioperative period are more stringent than these measures and may be considered “beyond SCIP.” The 4 elements of appropriate antimicrobial prophylaxis are timing, antibiotic selection, dosing, and intraoperative redosing.

Objective

To quantify antimicrobial SSI prophylaxis compliance in accordance with institutional standards and to identify potential opportunities for improvement.

Methods

Patients aged 18 years or older were included if they had an SSI between January 1, 2009, and June 30, 2010, according to the database maintained prospectively by the Infection Prevention and Control Unit. Adherence to our institution's practice standards was assessed through analysis of antibiotics administered—timing in relation to the incision, closure, and tourniquet inflation times for the procedure and antibiotic selection, dose, and redosing.

Results

Overall noncompliance with all 4 elements of antimicrobial prophylaxis was 75.4% among the 760 cases. Repeat dosing had the greatest noncompliance (45.1%); antibiotic selection had the lowest incidence of noncompliance (10.8%).

Conclusions

Noncompliance existed in each element of antimicrobial SSI prophylaxis, with antibiotic redosing leading in noncompliance. With the implementation of tools to assist the surgical team in following institutional standards, noncompliance will likely decline and additional research opportunities will exist.
Evaluating Incorporation of Drug Restrictions into Computerized Drug Order Entries after Transition to an Electronic Health Record
Authors: Rodriguez Ryan , Staley Benjamin , Hatton Randy C.
Published: July 2013

Background

Incorporation of drug restriction policy into electronic drug order entries (DOEs) can promote responsible medication use and resource utilization when implemented systematically.

Objective

To identify drugs that require further incorporation of formulary restriction policy into their DOEs after migration to an electronic health record with computerized prescriber order entry (CPOE).

Methods

After transition to CPOE, test orders for formulary restricted drugs were entered in the CPOE environment. Data were collected about rationale for drug restriction, type of formulary restriction, presence of incorporation of restriction policy into the DOE, and whether incorporation was consistent with a recommended method. Restricted drugs requiring revision of policy incorporation into their DOEs were analyzed to create a prioritized task list based on rationale for the restriction.

Results

Of all restricted drugs, 63.6% (287/451) did not have restriction policy incorporated into their DOEs consistent with the recommended method and therefore required revision. Eighteen percent (81/451) of restricted drugs had no incorporation of restriction policy in their DOEs. Safety was the rationale for restriction in 21% (17/81) of these, which received highest priority for revision. When drugs were orderable but restricted, 61.9% (78/126) lacked optimal incorporation of policy in DOEs to promote adherence. When drugs were not orderable, 64% (206/322) did not provide guidance to formulary alternatives in DOEs when they should have.

Conclusion

After transition to CPOE, almost two-thirds of all analyzed restricted drugs lacked optimal incorporation of formulary restriction policies in their DOEs. DOEs with restrictions related to safety reasons were among those most frequently requiring revision. Some DOEs can better promote adherence and provide guidance to prescribers through revision. Predefined, systematic implementation strategies should be used during changes in computerized drug use processes.
Primer on the Implementation of a Pharmacy Intranet Site to Improve Department Communication
Authors: Hale Holly J.
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of the article is to describe the experience of selecting, developing, and implementing a pharmacy department intranet site with commentary regarding application to other institutions. Clinical practitioners and supporting staff need an effective, efficient, organized, and user-friendly communication tool to utilize and relay information required to optimize patient care.

To create a functional and user-friendly department intranet site, department leadership and staff should be involved in the process from selection of product through implementation. A product that supports both document storage management and communication delivery and has the capability to be customized to provide varied levels of site access is desirable. The designation of an intranet site owner/developer within the department will facilitate purposeful site design and site maintenance execution. A well-designed and up-to-date site along with formal end-user training are essential for staff adoption and continued utilization.

Conclusion

Development of a department intranet site requires a considerable time investment by several members of the department. The implementation of an intranet site can be an important step toward achieving improved communications. Staff utilization of this resource is key to its success.
Alogliptin
Authors: Cada Dennis J. , Levien Terri L. , Baker Danial E.
Published: July 2013

Each month, subscribers to The Formulary Monograph Service receive 5 to 6 well-documented monographs on drugs that are newly released or are in late phase 3 trials. The monographs are targeted to Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committees. Subscribers also receive monthly 1-page summary monographs on agents that are useful for agendas and pharmacy/nursing in-services. A comprehensive target drug utilization evaluation/medication use evaluation (DUE/MUE) is also provided each month. With a subscription, the monographs are sent in print and are also available on-line. Monographs can be customized to meet the needs of a facility. A drug class review is now published monthly with The Formulary Monograph Service. Through the cooperation of The Formulary, Hospital Pharmacy publishes selected reviews in this column. For more information about The Formulary Monograph Service, call The Formulary at 800-322-4349. The July 2013 monograph topics are prothrombin complex concentrate (human), cysteamine bitartrate delayed-release capsules, doxylamine succinate/pyridoxine hydrochloride, tedizolid phosphate, and sofosbuvir. The DUE/MUE is on canaglifozin.
Clinical Decision Support Systems Governance and the Pharmacy Department
Authors: Fox Brent I. , Felkey Bill G.
Published: July 2013

The Meaningful Use criteria include a variety of core requirements that all electronic health record systems must demonstrate. An increasing level of functionality from clinical decision support systems is one of those requirements. In this article, we discuss general and specific aspects of clinical decision support systems, including potential roles for pharmacy in governance.
Departure from local thermal equilibrium during ICP-AES and FAES: Characterization in terms of collisional radiative recombination activation energy
Authors: Zaranyika Mark F. , Mahamadi Courtie
Published: July 2013

A simplified rate model is presented showing that when analytes are determined by atomic spectroscopy first in the absence, and then in the presence, of easily ionizable elements (EIEs) as interferents, the change in collisional radiative recombination activation energy, ∆E
a, is zero when the system conforms to local thermal equilibrium (LTE). ∆E
a values of –7.462, –7.925, and –8.898 eV were obtained when Ca(II), Mg(II), and Sr(II), respectively, were determined by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP‑AES) in the absence and presence of excess Li, while ∆E
a values of –6.477 and –7.481 eV were obtained when Mg(II) and Sr(II), respectively, were determined in the absence and presence of excess K as interferent. A value of –2.223 eV for ∆E
a was obtained when Mg(I) was determined by air-acetylene flame atomic emission spectrometry (FAES) in the absence and presence of excess K. The data confirm that all the systems studied were not in LTE, and suggest pre-LTE collisional radiative recombination in the absence of the interferent in all cases, and that collisional radiative recombination involving electrons from the interferent can occur from the ambipolar diffusion state or the LTE state. Possible causes for departure from LTE, and a possible collisional radiative recombination mechanism to account for the ∆E
a values obtained, are discussed.
Inherent dynamical preferences in carbocation rearrangements leading to terpene natural products
Authors: Pemberton Ryan P. , Hong Young J. , Tantillo Dean J.
Published: July 2013

An introduction to the application of quantum chemical dynamics calculations to mechanistic problems in the field of terpene biosynthesis is provided. A bare bones introduction to the fundamentals of chemical dynamics is followed by a brief account of previous applications to terpene-forming carbocation reactions, a discussion of questions in this field that dynamics calculations may help answer, and a description of current problems to which dynamics calculations are being applied.
High-Throughput Immunoassay for the Biochemical Diagnosis of Friedreich Ataxia in Dried Blood Spots and Whole Blood
Authors: Oglesbee Devin , Kroll Charles , Gakh Oleksandr , Deutsch Eric C , Lynch David R , Gavrilova Ralitza , Tortorelli Silvia , Raymond Kimiyo , Gavrilov Dimitar , Rinaldo Piero , Matern Dietrich , Isaya Grazia
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is caused by reduced frataxin (FXN) concentrations. A clinical diagnosis is typically confirmed by DNA-based assays for GAA-repeat expansions or mutations in the FXN (frataxin) gene; however, these assays are not applicable to therapeutic monitoring and population screening. To facilitate the diagnosis and monitoring of FRDA patients, we developed an immunoassay for measuring FXN.

METHODS

Antibody pairs were used to capture FXN and an internal control protein, ceruloplasmin (CP), in 15 μL of whole blood (WB) or one 3-mm punch of a dried blood spot (DBS). Samples were assayed on a Luminex LX200 analyzer and validated according to standard criteria.

RESULTS

The mean recovery of FXN from WB and DBS samples was 99%. Intraassay and interassay imprecision (CV) values were 4.9%–13% and 9.8%–16%, respectively. The FXN limit of detection was 0.07 ng/mL, and the reportable range of concentrations was 2–200 ng/mL. Reference adult and pediatric FXN concentrations ranged from 15 to 82 ng/mL (median, 33 ng/mL) for DBS and WB. The FXN concentration range was 12–22 ng/mL (median, 15 ng/mL) for FRDA carriers and 1–26 ng/mL (median 5 ng/mL) for FRDA patients. Measurement of the FXN/CP ratio increased the ability to distinguish between patients, carriers, and the reference population.

CONCLUSIONS

This assay is applicable to the diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of FRDA. This assay can measure FXN and the control protein CP in both WB and DBS specimens with minimal sample requirements, creating the potential for high-throughput population screening of FRDA.
The Implementation of Embedded Value (EV) Reporting in Israel: Myth and Reality
Authors: Eden Yoram
Published: July 2013

In recent years, we have witnessed increasing acceptance of embedded value (EV) reporting as the most robust measure of shareholder value for life and health insurance businesses. Therefore, the Commissioner of Insurance in Israel decided to request insurance companies to disclose the EV of their life, pension and health insurance business annually, beginning with the annual statements for FY 2007. Even though the insurance and financial community expected the publication of the EV data and emphasized its importance, the reaction of the capital market seemed to ignore the EV data. All things being equal, if an insurer is writing profitable new business, its market capitalization should exceed its EV. However, the market capitalization of all listed insurance companies in Israel is far below their reported EV, and the gap is growing. The purpose of this article is twofold: (a) to suggest several explanations for this apparent EV “puzzle,” both competing and complementary; (b) to argue that although the question of whether the EV report and market-consistent EV methodology really indicate the fair value of the insurance company remains controversial, the EV report contains data that give better insights into the forces driving operating performance and the impact of management actions. “The EV analysis should also be considered when evaluating management performance and remuneration schemes.”
Die „Sammlung Aschebücher“: Qualitätssicherung in der
Digitalisierung
Authors: Krumeich Kirsten
Published: July 2013

Die Digitalisierungsstrategie der Herzogin Anna Amalia Bibliothek
verfolgt langfristig das Ziel, bis zu 4 000 restaurierte „Aschebücher“ in
digitalen Reproduktionen zugänglich zu machen. Sie werden als eigenständige
Sammlung im Online-Angebot „Monographien Digital“ präsentiert. Zur Sicherung
eines hohen Qualitätsstandards erfolgen Auswahl und digitale Transformation
der Werke nach definierten Kriterien und Vorgaben. Ein qualifizierter
externer Dienstleister wurde in einem dreistufigen Vergabeverfahren
ermittelt. Kontinuierliches Management begleitet den Prozess und stellt die
Qualität der Digitalisate ebenso wie die konservatorische Bewahrung der
Originale sicher.
Human neuronal cells: epigenetic aspects
Authors: Kukucka Jessica , Wyllie Tessa , Read Justin , Mahoney Lauren , Suphioglu Cenk
Published: July 2013

Histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) promote histone posttranslational modifications, which lead to an epigenetic alteration in gene expression. Aberrant regulation of HATs and HDACs in neuronal cells results in pathological consequences such as neurodegeneration. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease of the brain, which has devastating effects on patients and loved ones. The use of pan-HDAC inhibitors has shown great therapeutic promise in ameliorating neurodegenerative ailments. Recent evidence has emerged suggesting that certain deacetylases mediate neurotoxicity, whereas others provide neuroprotection. Therefore, the inhibition of certain isoforms to alleviate neurodegenerative manifestations has now become the focus of studies. In this review, we aimed to discuss and summarize some of the most recent and promising findings of HAT and HDAC functions in neurodegenerative diseases.
The subelliptic heat kernel on the three-dimensional solvable Lie groups
Authors: Baudoin Fabrice , Cecil Matthew
Published: July 2013

We study the subelliptic heat kernels of the CR three-dimensional solvable Lie groups. We first classify all left-invariant sub-Riemannian structures on three-dimensional solvable Lie groups and obtain representations of these groups. We give expressions for the heat kernels on these groups and obtain heat semigroup gradient bounds using a new type of curvature-dimension inequality.
Pairs of diagonal quadratic forms and linear correlations among sums of two squares
Authors: Browning Timothy D. , Munshi Ritabrata
Published: July 2013

For suitable pairs of diagonal quadratic forms in eight variables we use the circle method to investigate the density of simultaneous integer solutions and relate this to the problem of estimating linear correlations among sums of two squares.
Gender differences in the mental health literacy of young people
Authors: Furnham Adrian , Annis Jennifer , Cleridou Kalia
Published: July 2013

Aim: This study explored the influence of gender on the mental health literacy (MHL) of young people.

Method: In all, 370 young people (aged 17–22 years) completed one of two questionnaires, in which they had to label/provide a diagnosis for nine vignettes of people with different mental health disorders. Half the vignettes had a male and the other half had a female character. They also rated the vignette person on nine scales.

Results: There was much variance in recognition for the different disorders, with a range of 77.0%–27.3% of participants “correctly” labeling the vignettes. Very few gender differences were found, but age and experience of/education in mental health were found to be positively correlated with MHL.

Conclusion: Gender differences in MHL may not be as great as previously thought. Although some disorders were recognized by the majority of participants, there are still common disorders that were not.
Does it help to train attention in dyslexic children: pilot case studies with a ten-session neurofeedback program
Authors: Au Alma , Ho Gladys S.M. , Choi Elizabeth W.M. , Leung Patrick , Waye Mary M.Y. , Kang Kenneth , Au Kit-yee
Published: July 2013

Neurofeedback is a biofeedback training of electroencephalogram (EEG) activity through operant conditioning where an individual is trained to increase or inhibit the brain activity in specific frequency ranges. Studies have demonstrated its efficacy to reduce inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with the mostly used training protocols on modulation of θ/β ratio. Given the comorbidity and common cognitive deficits between ADHD and developmental dyslexia, this study aimed to explore the effects of θ/β neurofeedback on cognitive deficits in Chinese dyslexic children. In the present case study, a multiple-baseline design was adopted, and the effects of training were investigated from both neurophysiological and neuropsychological levels. Four dyslexic children completed 10 weekly sessions of θ suppression and β enhancement neurofeedback training in the sensorimotor cortex. Pre- and post-assessments consisted of neurophysiological measures, neuropsychological assessments, and parental reports. Neurofeedback training reduced θ/β ratios in all participants. All participants also improved in measures of auditory vigilance and phonological awareness.
Educational options, difficulties, and barriers for vision, hearing, and mobility impaired persons living in Bangkok
Authors: Thianthai Chulanee
Published: July 2013

Widening educational inequality can easily be made by dismissing the problem holistically and not noticing diversity among each group of disabled people. This research aims to strive for an in-depth understanding of the entire educational experiences in integrated education and the significance of education for disabled people, through the voice of the vision, hearing, and mobility impaired living in Bangkok, Thailand. The research aims to answer the following objectives: (i) factors related to Thai parents’ decision-making in choosing the type of school for their disabled children; (ii) problems occurring in the Thai integrated educational system for vision, hearing, and mobility impaired students regarding challenges, obstacles in certain subjects, and negative social attitudes that pertain to education; (iii) perceptions on what the Thai education system lacks; and (iv) importance of education in the lives of disabled Thai people. A variety of ethnographic methodology, namely, participant observation, in-depth interviews, and focus group interviews were employed in order to capture the relevant and repeated emerging themes of the findings.
A Comprehensive Overview of Different Protection Schemes in Micro-Grids
Authors: Mirsaeidi Sohrab , Mat Said Dalila , Wazir Mustafa Mohd. , Habibuddin Mohd. Hafiz , Miveh Mohammad Reza
Published: July 2013

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in applying micro-grid systems not only to improve reliability but also to enhance power quality. One of the major challenges associated with the implementation of micro-grids is to design an appropriate protection scheme which has the ability to protect micro-grids in both grid-connected and islanded mode. In order to overcome this challenge, different approaches have recently appeared in the literatures. This paper aims to provide an introspective review of the available protection schemes used for addressing micro-grid protection issues in both grid-connected and islanded mode. In addition to description of existing protection schemes to date and categorizing them into specific clusters, a comparative analysis is done in which the merits and demerits of each methodology are evaluated.
3D-Visualisierungen – Potenziale in Forschung und Lehre im Kontext von Informationswissenschaft und Medieninformatik / Visualizations with 3D – its potential for research and education in information science and media informatics / Visualisations en 3D – potentiels dans la recherche et l’enseignement dans le contexte des sciences de l’information et de l’informatique des médias
Authors: Brockelmann Martin , Wolff Christian
Published: July 2013

Dieser Artikel beschäftigt sich mit den Möglichkeiten der Informationsaufbereitung durch computergenerierte dreidimensionale Elemente. Visualisierungen durch 3DGrafiken und Animationen können im Vergleich zum Informationsgehalt andersartiger Darstellungen einen kommunikativen Mehrwert aufweisen, der den höheren Aufwand der Erzeugung rechtfertigt. Es wird die Frage aufgeworfen, in welchen Forschungsgebieten der Informationswissenschaft und Medieninformatik der Einsatz von räumlichen Repräsentationen angebracht ist und inwieweit sich die Fokussierung auf eine Informationsübermittlung durch eine virtuelle 3D-Umgebung mit den gesteigerten Anforderungen an das Kommunikationssystem in Einklang bringen lässt. Durch die menschliche Ausrichtung auf möglichst natürliche und realistische Erscheinungen bei der Informationsaufnahme ist die Verwendung der dritten Dimension im Kommunikationsprozess ausgenommen hilfreich, es bedarf zuvor allerdings einer Konzeption geeigneter Einsatzprinzipien, die der großflächigen Anwendung im Bedarfsfall gerecht werden.
Event-Based Communication in Distributed Model Predictive Control
Authors: Groß Dominic , Jilg Martin , Stursberg Olaf
Published: July 2013

We investigate a scheme for event-based communication in distributed model predictive control (DMPC) of dynamically coupled linear discrete-time systems. In DMPC, a key issue is to determine how and when to communicate information between local controllers. Instead of considering a given and static communication scheme, we propose an approach to balance communication load and performance. First-order sensitivities of the local MPC solutions with respect to communicated information are used to decide whether communication between controllers may lead to improved performance.
Synchronizing Subspaces of Networks of Identical Linear Control Systems
Authors: Helmke Uwe , von Heusinger Anna
Published: July 2013

We consider the synchronization problem for networks of linear control systems where the node systems are identical and the interconnection structure is constant. Both synchronizability and stabilizability problem are tackled within the common framework of synchronizing subspaces.
Creep and shrinkage of high-strength self-compacting concrete: experimental and analytical analysis
Authors: Aslani Farhad , Maia Lino
Published: July 2013

In the present paper, a numerical and experimental study about creep and shrinkage behavior of a high strength self-compacting concrete is performed. Two new creep and shrinkage prediction models based on the comprehensive analysis on the available models of both conventional concrete and self-compacting concrete are proposed for high strength self-compacting concrete structures. In order to evaluate the predictability of the proposed models, an experimental program was carried out. A concrete which develops 60 MPa within 24 h was used to obtain experimental results. Several specimens were loaded: (i) at different ages and (ii) with different stress-to-strength ratios. Deformation in non-loaded specimens was also measured to assess shrinkage. All specimens were kept under constant stress during at least 600 days in a climatic chamber with temperature and relative humidity of 20°C and 50%, respectively. Results showed that the new models were able to predict deformations with good accuracy, although provided deformations overestimated slightly.
Two Stages Cooperative Learning by Ability Indicators
Authors: Wu YuLung
Published: July 2013

The teaching system in Taiwan is currently based on large classes where teachers cannot control student situations totally. In E-Learning System, a teacher who reviews a student's learning situation must examine the students' learning records according to different items, and further organize and define the students' current learning situations, which is inconvenient for the teacher. This study proposes two stages cooperative learning strategy for diagnosing and improving learning effect of students. At the self-learning stage, students are learning individually. The proposed system diagnoses students' learning situation with ability indicator. Teachers and students can obtain the last learning situation by using OLADS at any moment. At the mutual learning stage, this study conducts the experiment by grouping and according to the figures, and complementary ability grouping is more effective than random grouping. In the learning evaluation, the learning effectiveness of the experimental group is significantly higher than the control group of students. The experiment shows that students at the mutual learning stage can enhance learning effectiveness by group discussion and complementary abilities.
Skills-O-Mat: Computer Supported Interactive Motion- and Game-Based Training in Mixing Alginate in Dental Education
Authors: Hannig Andreas , Lemos Martin , Spreckelsen Cord , Ohnesorge-Radtke Ulla , Rafai Nicole
Published: July 2013

The training of motor skills is a crucial aspect of medical education today. Serious games and haptic virtual simulations have been used in the training of surgical procedures. Otherwise, however, a combination of serious games and motor skills training is rarely used in medical education. This article presents Skills-O-Mat, an interactive serious game for training rhythmic and period motor skills. In its first application the game supports dental students being trained in alginate mixing in a blended learning course. Designed as reusable component, the game follows an effective learning design and uses constant immediate feedback to support students' learning. The effectiveness of the use of the game in learning was compared to learning in a traditional workshop using a randomized controlled trial ( N = 30 test group, N = 25 control group). Participants of the evaluation were dental students aged 20 to 23 years in the 2nd year of study (40% male, 60% female; 46.7% with no experience, 50% had little experience in mixing alginate). An analysis of the results of the evaluation gives indications of the positive learning effect of the game. The game was rated a valuable instrument for teaching and developing practical skills.
Student Laptop Use and Scores on Standardized Tests
Authors: Kposowa Augustine J. , Valdez Amanda D.
Published: July 2013

Objectives:

The primary objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between ubiquitous laptop use and academic achievement. It was hypothesized that students with ubiquitous laptops would score on average higher on standardized tests than those without such computers.

Methods:

Data were obtained from two sources. First, demographic and computer usage information was obtained through face-to-face interviews of 4th and 5th grade students enrolled in an ethnically diverse elementary school in Southern California. Student achievement and related data were obtained from existing school records. An unmatched case-control group design was implemented. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate techniques were performed on the data.

Results:

Overall English/Language Arts and Mathematics scores for the entire sample were 359 and 396 respectively in 2008. Students who were given 24/7 laptop computers, however, had higher scores in English/Language Arts ( M = 392.7, SD = 34.98) than students without laptops ( M = 338.54, SD = 39.69). In Mathematics, students with laptops had a mean of 448.1 ( M = 448.1, SD = 56.83), whereas those without laptops had an average of 365.05 ( M = 365.05, SD = 52.64). Independent sample t-tests showed that these differences between cases and controls were statistically significant.

Conclusions:

Results showed that, in general, ubiquitous laptop computers improve student performance in English Language/Arts, Mathematics, and Science. These findings contradict other studies that have shown that 24/7 laptops have no effect on student achievement. It is suggested that policy makers continue judicious use of technology in the education curriculum.
What Do Learners and Pedagogical Agents Discuss When Given Opportunities for Open-Ended Dialogue?
Authors: Veletsianos George , Russell Gregory S.
Published: July 2013

Researchers claim that pedagogical agents engender opportunities for social learning in digital environments. Prior literature, however, has not thoroughly examined the discourse between agents and learners. To address this gap, we analyzed a data corpus of interactions between agents and learners using open coding methods. Analysis revealed that: (1) conversations between learners and agents included sporadic on-task interactions with limited follow-up; (2) conversations were often playful and lighthearted; (3) learners positioned agents in multiple instructional/social roles; (4) learners utilized numerous strategies for understanding agent responses; (5) learners were interested in agents' relationship status and love interests; and (6) learners asked personal questions to the agent but did not reciprocate to requests to talk about themselves.
Archaeology of the Tarr Log House: An Historic Farmstead in Eastern Ohio
Authors: Keener Craig S. , Nye Kevin , Niedermier Joshua
Published: July 2013

Numerous historical residential sites are recorded yearly in eastern Ohio as a result of CRM investigations. Most do not result in the accumulation of intensive data due to prior disturbances, small artifact assemblages, or lack of corroborative historical information. This article summarizes results of the investigation of the Tarr log house located in Jefferson County, Ohio. Excavations and artifact analysis identified depositional patterning around the house foundation that indicated differing uses of the surrounding yard during the nineteenth century versus later occupations. Depositional patterning was also successful in determining architectural features associated with the house not evident on the surface. Use of ceramic index values (Manson and Snyder, 1997; Miller, 1980, 1991) in conjunction with historical research of the families associated with the site resulted in the creation of two socioeconomic status patterns. The patterns and findings discovered at Tarr are compared with other contemporary sites in Ohio.
Paleocoastal Lithic use on Western Santarosae Island, California
Authors: Jew Nicholas P. , Erlandson Jon M. , White Frances J.
Published: July 2013

California's Northern Channel Islands have produced several Paleocoastal assemblages that include some of the most intricate and finely crafted lithic technologies in the Americas. Current understanding of chert use and availability on the islands comes primarily from research on Late Holocene sites from Santa Cruz Island, where chert sources played an important role in providing microdrills for Late Holocene Olivella bead production. New data from Terminal Pleistocene and Early Holocene sites suggest that Paleocoastal peoples relied heavily on other cherts from San Miguel and Santa Rosa islands. To examine the deeper history of lithic use on the islands, we analyzed eight Paleocoastal lithic assemblages from San Miguel and Santa Rosa, which were part of the larger island of Santarosae until about 10,000 years ago. We discuss lithic availability and material preference for formal and expedient stone tool manufacture on the Northern Channel Islands between ∼12,000 and 7,500 years ago.
Functional and Stylistic Variability in Paleoindian and Early Archaic Projectile Points from Midcontinental North America
Authors: White Andrew A.
Published: July 2013

Early projectile points from Midcontinental North America vary significantly in size and shape. Understanding the functional and stylistic aspects of this variability on a large spatial scale is a precursor to using this class of artifacts to evaluate and refine models of the social interaction of early hunter-gatherers in this region. Metric data from a sample ( n = 1771) of Early Paleoindian (ca. 11,050-10,800 RCYBP), Late Paleoindian (ca. 10,300-10,000 RCYBP), and Early Archaic (ca. 10,000-8000 RCYBP) projectile points are analyzed to partition elements of functional and stylistic variability. Changes in the coefficient of variation of specific attributes are compared to expectations about how functional and stylistic variability should be manifest in these tools. Variability in hafting width and thickness appear to be constrained by functional considerations. The mixture of variables most closely related to hafting width shifts during the transition from lanceolate to notched points.
Regular graphs with small second largest eigenvalue
Authors: Koledin Tamara , Stanic Zoran
Published: July 2013

We consider regular graphs with small second largest eigenvalue (denoted by
?2). In particular, we determine all triangle-free regular graphs with ?2 ?
?2, all bipartite regular graphs with ?2 ? ?3, and all bipartite regular
graphs of degree 3 with ?2 ? 2.