bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal Modulations of the Active MJO Cycle Characterized by Nonlinear Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Jenkner Johannes , Hsieh William W. , Cannon Alex J.
Published: January 2011

A novel methodology is presented for the identification of the mean cycle of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) along the equator. The methodology is based on a nonlinear principal component (NLPC) computed with a neural network model. The bandpass-filtered input data encompass 30 yr with zonal winds at 850 and 200 hPa plus outgoing longwave radiation (OLR). The NLPC is conditioned on a sufficiently strong MJO activity and is computed both for the pooled dataset and for the dataset stratified into seasons. The NLPC for all data depicts a circular mode formed by the first two linear principal components (LPCs) with marginal contributions by the higher-order LPCs. Hence, the mean MJO cycle throughout the year is effectively captured by the amplitude of the leading two LPCs varying in quadrature. The NLPC for individual seasons shows additional variability, which mainly arises from a subordinate oscillation of the second pair of LPCs superimposed on the annual MJO signal. In reference to the all-year solution, the difference in resolved variability approximately accounts for 9% in solstitial seasons and 3% in equinoctial seasons. The phasing of the third LPC is such that convective activity oscillations over the Maritime Continent as well as wind oscillations over the Indian Ocean appear enhanced (suppressed) during boreal winter (summer). Also, convective activity oscillations appear more pronounced at the date line during both winter and summer. The phasing of the fourth LPC is such that upper-level westerlies over the Atlantic region are more persistent during boreal spring than during other seasons.
Simulation of oxidation in textile composites
Authors: Varghese Julian , Owens Brian C. , Whitcomb John D.
Published: January 2011

Modeling strategies were developed in order to reduce the computational effort required to simulate oxidation in textile composites. The oxidation behavior in heterogeneous configurations was found to be complex and dependent on a number of factors. A decoupled subdomain strategy for analyzing textile composites was evaluated and used to simulate the oxidation behavior in a graphite/PMR-15 plain-weave composite.
Salivary anti-Ro60 and anti-Ro52 Antibody Profiles to Diagnose Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: Ching K.H. , Burbelo P.D. , Gonzalez-Begne M. , Roberts M.E.P. , Coca A. , Sanz I. , Iadarola M.J.
Published: January 2011

Simple and non-invasive saliva-based diagnostics may be useful for the identification, understanding, and monitoring of autoimmune and infectious diseases. Previously, Luciferase Immunoprecipitation Systems (LIPS) were used for sensitive detection of patient serum autoantibodies in Sjögren’s Syndrome (SjS), a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the salivary and lacrimal glands. Here we explored the ability of LIPS to diagnose SjS based on IgG autoantibodies in patient saliva. From LIPS testing, anti-Ro60 autoantibodies were detected in the saliva of 70% (19/27) of SjS patients with 96% specificity. Positive anti-Ro60 autoantibodies were also found in 70% of the matched serum samples (96% specificity). LIPS detected Ro52 autoantibodies in the saliva and serum of 67% of SjS patients with 100% specificity. Overall, the autoantibody titers in saliva were approximately 4000-fold lower by volume than serum, but still distinguished seropositive patients from controls. These results suggest that LIPS salivary-based testing for SjS autoantibodies is a practical alternative to serum and compatible with point-of-care testing.
A Customer-Based Brand Equity Model for Upscale Hotels
Authors: Hsu Cathy H. C. , Oh Haemoon , Assaf A. George
Published: January 2011

The authors propose a customer-based brand equity model for use in global branding efforts and research, based on a series of qualitative and quantitative studies. They find new dimensions of brand equity that need to be considered by lodging researchers and operators. Components of brand equity generated from literature review and focus groups are ordered in theoretical relationships and the model structure is assessed against rival structures. The model is tested with data collected from travelers in 12 major cities in China and validated across several subgroups of travelers. Results support the validity and reliability of the proposed model.
Everyday working lives in a transnational corporation in Mexico: The contradictory cooptation of trade unionists
Authors: Mulinari Diana , Räthzel Nora , Tollefsen Aina
Published: January 2011

This article aims to contribute to the rich literature on neoliberalization and trade unions in Mexico by providing an examination of the contradictory relationships between capital, trade unions and the workers they represent, in a Swedish-based transnational corporation. The article investigates how the broader international relationships of dependency and exploitation are lived by workers and trade unionists in the everyday of a transnational corporation in Mexico, where the power of the trade unions has been undermined by politics of neoliberalization and by the demise of the ruling party, with which the unions are allied. Its thesis is that trade unions are changing from being power brokers between governments, companies and workers to becoming mediators of subordination to the company. While they still retain some of their power (for instance their participation in hiring and firing), they are becoming unable to secure work security and workers’ rights. In the everyday working life of a factory this means that unionists are torn between their need and wish to protect workers’ rights and their jobs as union officials. In this context, they experience a need to subordinate themselves and the workers they are supposed to represent to the strategy of the management. They employ a number of strategies to legitimate their existence, none of which appears to be very convincing to the workers. While the union’s strategies undermine their ability and that of the workers to organize for their rights, it also produces a dissatisfaction among workers that counters the company’s attempt to organize consent and motivation.
Infections and Patellar Tendon Ruptures After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Benner Rodney W. , Shelbourne K. Donald , Freeman Heather
Published: January 2011

Background: No studies document the incidence or results of infections and patellar tendon ruptures after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a contralateral patellar tendon autograft.

Purpose: To determine the results of patients who have infections and patellar tendon ruptures after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a patellar tendon autograft and compare the results between ipsilateral and contralateral grafts.

Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods: The authors determined the incidence of infections requiring surgical intervention and complete patellar tendon ruptures after surgery. Data were analyzed in 2 groups based on the graft source: ipsilateral (n = 2553) or contralateral (n = 2811). Data reviewed included range of motion, quadriceps strength, and subjective evaluations.

Results: Infections occurred in 9 ipsilateral patients (0.35%) and 4 contralateral patients (0.14%) ( P = .12). At final follow-up, less than normal knee extension was found in 4 ipsilateral patients and 1 contralateral patient; less than normal flexion was found in 4 ipsilateral patients and 2 contralateral patients. Patellar tendon ruptures occurred in 6 ipsilateral patients (0.24%) and 7 contralateral patients (0.25%) ( P = .92). At 1 month after patellar tendon repair, mean motion (degree of hyperextension–degree short of 0° extension–degree of flexion) in the contralateral group was 5-0-137 in the reconstructed knee and 5-0-118 in the graft-donor knee, which was greater than 5-0-98 found in the ipsilateral group for the reconstructed knee ( P < .05). The mean Noyes subjective score at a mean of 4 years postoperatively for the tendon-ruptured knee was 87 points in the ipsilateral group and 93 points in the contralateral group ( P = .32), which is comparable with the published normative data for the Noyes score reporting a mean score of 93.6 ± 8.3 points.

Conclusion: There were no significant differences in the incidence of infection or patellar tendon rupture between the ipsilateral and contralateral groups. Patients with complications after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a patellar tendon autograft may have less difficulty obtaining full knee motion when the graft is harvested from the contralateral knee.
Commentary: Is Urban Design Still Urban Planning? An Exploration and Response
Authors: Gunder Michael
Published: January 2011

This article considers the factors contributing to the recent international trend for a differentiation between planning and urban design. It considers these highly related fields from the perspective of neoliberalism, global competition, and the doxa of New Urbanism. The article argues that urban design needs to be retained as an important subset of planning practice, concerned with the physical design of cities, so that the core planning values of serving the public interest in the attainment of social equity, democratic civil society, and an ecologically sustainable future may be maintained in our city-building processes.
A Qualitative Study of the Dislocated Working Class
Authors: Fouad Nadya A. , Cotter Elizabeth W. , Carter Laura , Bernfeld Steven , Gray India , Liu Jane P.
Published: January 2011

This qualitative study examines factors that influence the career decisions of dislocated workers. The research focuses on individuals identified as working class, as this group has been relatively ignored in past research compared to individuals from higher socioeconomic statuses. Participants include 13 individuals (10 females and 3 males) ranging in age from 42 to 65 years. A total of 12 participants were identified as European American and 1 identified as African American. Participants' reported average incomes ranged from $21,000 to $60,000 per year. A consensual qualitative research approach was used to collect and analyze the data. Four major domains emerged, highlighting the importance of individual characteristics, the influence of others, developmental history, and decision-making processes in the career development of this particular sample. Results from the study highlighted the resilience and hopefulness of participants, despite the various barriers they encountered.
The Importance of Workplace Bullying to Vocational Psychology
Authors: Fitzpatrick Mary E. , Cotter Elizabeth W. , Bernfeld Steve J. , Carter Laura M. , Kies Ashley , Fouad Nadya A.
Published: January 2011

Workplace bullying is a significant problem in many adult work settings. Much of the research has been conducted by organizational psychologists. It is important for vocational scholars and practitioners to be knowledgeable about the phenomena of workplace bullying, as they are in a position to contribute to the literature base and to counsel perpetrators and targets of workplace bullying. Further, integration of workplace bullying constructs may improve the predictive ability of vocational theories. The authors discuss research findings related to workplace bullying that are relevant to the field of vocational psychology and formulate recommendations for both research and practice. Research on workplace bullying by vocational scholars could lead to a better understanding of individual career development and improved worker interventions.
Migrants’ Mental Health Perceptions and Barriers to Receiving Mental Health Services
Authors: Dow Helena D.
Published: January 2011

This article addresses the various perceptions people from other cultures have regarding mental health and mental illness and the unique coping mechanisms they use based on their cultural beliefs and values. The various barriers to receiving mental health services and the reasons for such barriers are also discussed. In addition, the article stresses the importance of using and implementing culturally appropriate and sensitive assessments and therapeutic interventions.
Staphylococcus aureus harbouring Enterotoxin A as a possible risk factor for multiple sclerosis exacerbations
Authors: Mulvey Michael R , Doupe Malcolm , Prout Michael , Leong Christine , Hizon Romeo , Grossberndt Amy , Klowak Meghann , Gupta Aneri , Melanson Maria , Gomori Andrew , Esfahani Farid , Klassen Loressa , Frost Emma E , Namaka Michael
Published: January 2011

Background: Staphylococcus aureus may produce superantigens that can non-specifically activate CD4+ cells to potentially target the myelin basic protein.

Objective: This study examined the association between individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and colonization with S. aureus harbouring superantigens.

Methods: Nasal swabs were collected from non-MS subjects and patients with MS who had not experienced a relapse in the past six months (MS stable group) and who had suffered a relapse within 30 days of study recruitment (MS exacerbation group). S. aureus was isolated from the anterior nares of participants following standard procedures and staphylococcal superantigen genes ( sea, seb, and tsst-1) were detected using standard laboratory PCR techniques.

Results: The study enrolled 204 patients, 80 in the non-MS and MS stable groups and 44 patients in the MS exacerbation group. Overall, 27.0% of patients were colonized with S. aureus with no significant differences identified between study groups. Amongst individuals colonized with S. aureus, the prevalence of sea was significantly greater in the MS exacerbation versus non-MS study group ( p < 0.05; odds ratio 7.9; 95% confidence interval 1.2–49.5).

Conclusions: The ability to rapidly screen patients for the presence of S. aureus producing sea may serve as a useful marker of a potential MS exacerbation.
Using no-show modeling to improve clinic performance
Authors: Daggy Joanne , Lawley Mark , Willis Deanna , Thayer Debra , Suelzer Christopher , DeLaurentis Po-Ching , Turkcan Ayten , Chakraborty Santanu , Sands Laura
Published: January 2011

‘No-shows’ or missed appointments result in under-utilized clinic capacity. We develop a logistic regression model using electronic medical records to estimate patients’ no-show probabilities and illustrate the use of the estimates in creating clinic schedules that maximize clinic capacity utilization while maintaining small patient waiting times and clinic overtime costs. This study used information on scheduled outpatient appointments collected over a three-year period at a Veterans Affairs medical center. The call-in process for 400 clinic days was simulated and for each day two schedules were created: the traditional method that assigned one patient per appointment slot, and the proposed method that scheduled patients according to their no-show probability to balance patient waiting, overtime and revenue. Combining patient no-show models with advanced scheduling methods would allow more patients to be seen a day while improving clinic efficiency. Clinics should consider the benefits of implementing scheduling software that includes these methods relative to the cost of no-shows.
The enduring effects of a United World College education as seen through a graduate’s eyes
Authors: Tsumagari Maki Ito
Published: January 2011

This article describes a study that examined evidence of the enduring effects of United World Colleges (UWC) education, arguably the only purely ideology-driven international education model. The study adopted an interpretive phenomenological analysis of an autoethnography by a UWC graduate. The study found that the graduate has incubated her own ideal in seeking relevance to the changing world for the whole life environment that UWC had provided to nurture international togetherness on a personal level and across the globe.
Some ABCA3 mutations elevate ER stress and initiate apoptosis of lung epithelial cells
Authors: Weichert Nina , Kaltenborn Eva , Hector Andreas , Woischnik Markus , Schams Andrea , Holzinger Andreas , Kern Sunčana , Griese Matthias
Published: January 2011

Background

ABCA3 transporter (ATP-binding cassette transporter of the A subfamily) is localized to the limiting membrane of lamellar bodies, organelles for assembly and storage of pulmonary surfactant in alveolar epithelial type II cells (AECII). It transports surfactant phospholipids into lamellar bodies and absence of ABCA3 function disrupts lamellar body biogenesis. Mutations of the ABCA3 gene lead to fatal neonatal surfactant deficiency and chronic interstitial lung disease (ILD) of children. ABCA3 mutations can result in either functional defects of the correctly localized ABCA3 or trafficking/folding defects where mutated ABCA3 remains in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER).

Methods

Human alveolar epithelial A549 cells were transfected with vectors expressing wild-type ABCA3 or one of the three ABCA3 mutant forms, R43L, R280C and L101P, C-terminally tagged with YFP or hemagglutinin-tag. Localization/trafficking properties were analyzed by immunofluorescence and ABCA3 deglycosylation. Uptake of fluorescent NBD-labeled lipids into lamellar bodies was used as a functional assay. ER stress and apoptotic signaling were examined through RT-PCR based analyses of XBP1 splicing, immunoblotting or FACS analyses of stress/apoptosis proteins, Annexin V surface staining and determination of the intracellular glutathion level.

Results

We demonstrate that two ABCA3 mutations, which affect ABCA3 protein trafficking/folding and lead to partial (R280C) or complete (L101P) retention of ABCA3 in the ER compartment, can elevate ER stress and susceptibility to it and induce apoptotic markers in the cultured lung epithelial A549 cells. R43L mutation, resulting in a functional defect of the properly localized ABCA3, had no effect on intracellular stress and apoptotic signaling.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that expression of partially or completely ER localized ABCA3 mutant proteins can increase the apoptotic cell death of the affected cells, which are factors that might contribute to the pathogenesis of genetic ILD.
Flexible taxonomic assignment of ambiguous sequencing reads
Authors: Clemente José C , Jansson Jesper , Valiente Gabriel
Published: January 2011

Background

To characterize the diversity of bacterial populations in metagenomic studies, sequencing reads need to be accurately assigned to taxonomic units in a given reference taxonomy. Reads that cannot be reliably assigned to a unique leaf in the taxonomy (ambiguous reads) are typically assigned to the lowest common ancestor of the set of species that match it. This introduces a potentially severe error in the estimation of bacteria present in the sample due to false positives, since all species in the subtree rooted at the ancestor are implicitly assigned to the read even though many of them may not match it.

Results

We present a method that maps each read to a node in the taxonomy that minimizes a penalty score while balancing the relevance of precision and recall in the assignment through a parameter q. This mapping can be obtained in time linear in the number of matching sequences, because LCA queries to the reference taxonomy take constant time. When applied to six different metagenomic datasets, our algorithm produces different taxonomic distributions depending on whether coverage or precision is maximized. Including information on the quality of the reads reduces the number of unassigned reads but increases the number of ambiguous reads, stressing the relevance of our method. Finally, two measures of performance are described and results with a set of artificially generated datasets are discussed.

Conclusions

The assignment strategy of sequencing reads introduced in this paper is a versatile and a quick method to study bacterial communities. The bacterial composition of the analyzed samples can vary significantly depending on how ambiguous reads are assigned depending on the value of the q parameter. Validation of our results in an artificial dataset confirm that a combination of values of q produces the most accurate results.
Stroke awareness decreases prehospital delay after acute ischemic stroke in korea
Authors: Kim Young Seo , Park Sang-Soon , Bae Hee-Joon , Cho A-Hyun , Cho Yong-Jin , Han Moon-Ku , Heo Ji Hoe , Kang Kyusik , Kim Dong-Eog , Kim Hahn Young , Kim Gyeong-Moon , Kwon Sun Uk , Kwon Hyung-Min , Lee Byung-Chul , Lee Kyung Bok , Lee Seung-Hoon , Lee Su-Ho , Lee Yong-Seok , Nam Hyo Suk , Oh Mi-Sun , Park Jong-Moo , Rha Joung-Ho , Yu Kyung-Ho , Yoon Byung-Woo
Published: January 2011

Background

Delayed arrival at hospital is one of the major obstacles in enhancing the rate of thrombolysis therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Our study aimed to investigate factors associated with prehospital delay after acute ischemic stroke in Korea.

Methods

A prospective, multicenter study was conducted at 14 tertiary hospitals in Korea from March 2009 to July 2009. We interviewed 500 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke who arrived within 48 hours. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate factors influencing prehospital delay.

Results

Among the 500 patients (median 67 years, 62% men), the median time interval from symptom onset to arrival was 474 minutes (interquartile range, 170-1313). Early arrival within 3 hours of symptom onset was significantly associated with the following factors: high National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, previous stroke, atrial fibrillation, use of ambulance, knowledge about thrombolysis and awareness of the patient/bystander that the initial symptom was a stroke. Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that awareness of the patient/bystander that the initial symptom was a stroke (OR 4.438, 95% CI 2.669-7.381), knowledge about thrombolysis (OR 2.002, 95% CI 1.104-3.633) and use of ambulance (OR 1.961, 95% CI 1.176-3.270) were significantly associated with early arrival.

Conclusions

In Korea, stroke awareness not only on the part of patients, but also of bystanders, had a great impact on early arrival at hospital. To increase the rate of thrombolysis therapy and the incidence of favorable outcomes, extensive general public education including how to recognize stroke symptoms would be important.
Preventing hospital admissions by reviewing medication (PHARM) in primary care: design of the cluster randomised, controlled, multi-centre PHARM-study
Authors: Leendertse Anne J , de Koning Fred HP , Goudswaard Alex N , Jonkhoff Andries R , van den Bogert Sander CA , de Gier Han J , Egberts Toine CG , van den Bemt Patricia MLA
Published: January 2011

Background

Medication can be effective but can also be harmful and even cause hospital admissions. Medication review or pharmacotherapy review has often been proposed as a solution to prevent these admissions and to improve the effectiveness and safety of pharmacotherapy. However, most published randomised controlled trials on pharmacotherapy reviews showed no or little effect on morbidity and mortality. Therefore we designed the PHARM (Preventing Hospital Admissions by Reviewing Medication)-study with the objective to study the effect of the total pharmaceutical care process on medication related hospital admissions and on adverse drug events, survival and quality of life.

Methods/Design

The PHARM-study is designed as a cluster randomised, controlled, multi-centre study in an integrated primary care setting. Patients with a high risk of a medication related hospital admission are included in the study with randomisation at GP (general practitioner) level. We aim to include 14200 patients, 7100 in each arm, from at least 142 pharmacy practices.

The intervention consists of a patient-centred, structured, pharmaceutical care process. This process consists of several steps, is continuous and occurrs over multiple encounters of patients and clinicians. The steps of this pharmaceutical care process are a pharmaceutical anamnesis, a review of the patient's pharmacotherapy, the formulation and execution of a pharmaceutical care plan combined with the monitoring and follow up evaluation of the care plan and pharmacotherapy. The patient's own pharmacist and GP carry out the intervention. The control group receives usual care.

The primary outcome of the study is the frequency of hospital admissions related to medication within the study period of 12 months of each patient. The secondary outcomes are survival, quality of life, adverse drug events and severe adverse drug events. The outcomes will be analysed by using mixed-effects Cox models.

Discussion

The PHARM-study is one of the largest controlled trials to study the effectiveness of the total pharmaceutical care process. The study should therefore provide evidence as to whether such a pharmaceutical care process should be implemented in the primary care setting.

Trial Registration

Trial number: NTR 2647
Barriers and facilitators to the dissemination of DECISION+, a continuing medical education program for optimizing decisions about antibiotics for acute respiratory infections in primary care: A study protocol
Authors: Allaire Anne-Sophie , Labrecque Michel , Giguère Anik , Gagnon Marie-Pierre , Grimshaw Jeremy , Légaré France
Published: January 2011

Background

In North America, acute respiratory infections are the main reason for doctors' visits in primary care. Family physicians and their patients overuse antibiotics for treating acute respiratory infections. In a pilot clustered randomized trial, we showed that DECISION+, a continuing medical education program in shared decision making, has the potential to reduce the overuse of antibiotics for treating acute respiratory infections. DECISION+ learning activities consisted of three interactive sessions of three hours each, reminders at the point of care, and feedback to doctors on their agreement with patients about comfort with the decision whether to use antibiotics. The objective of this study is to identify the barriers and facilitators to physicians' participation in DECISION+ with the goal of disseminating DECISION+ on a larger scale.

Methods/design

This descriptive study will use mixed methods and retrospective and prospective components. All analyses will be based on an adapted version of the Ottawa Model of Research Use. First, we will use qualitative methods to analyze the following retrospective data from the pilot study: the logbooks of eight research assistants, the transcriptions of 15 training sessions, and 27 participant evaluations of the DECISION+ training sessions. Second, we will collect prospective data in semi-structured focus groups composed of family physicians to identify barriers and facilitators to the dissemination of a future training program similar to DECISION+. All 39 family physicians exposed to DECISION+ during the pilot project will be eligible to participate. We will use a self-administered questionnaire based on Azjen's Theory of Planned Behaviour to assess participants' intention to take part in future training programs similar to DECISION+.

Discussion

Barriers and facilitators identified in this project will guide modifications to DECISION+, a continuing medical education program in shared decision making regarding the use of antibiotics in acute respiratory infections, to facilitate its dissemination in primary care on a large scale. Our results should help continuing medical educators develop a continuing medical education program in shared decision making for other clinically relevant topics. This will help optimize clinical decisions in primary care.
The efficacy of four-slice helical CT in evaluating pancreatic trauma: a single institution experience
Authors: Lee Wei-Jing , Foo Ning-Ping , Lin Hung-Jung , Huang Yen-Chang , Chen Kuo-Tai
Published: January 2011

Study objective

To assess the efficacy of computed tomography (CT) in evaluating patients with pancreatic trauma.

Methods

We undertook a retrospective review of all blunt trauma patients admitted to the Chi-Mei Medical Center from January 2004 to June 2006. Every patients underwent abdominal CT scan in emergency department and the CT scans were obtained with a four-slice helical CT. Diagnosis of a pancreatic injury in these patients was by surgical observation or by CT findings. Radiographic pancreatic injuries were classified as deep or superficial lesions. Deep lesions were defined as the hematomas or lacerations >50% thickness of the pancreas. Superficial lesions were described as the hematomas or lacerations <50% thickness of the pancreas; pancreatic edema; and focal fluid accumulation around the pancreas

Results

Nineteen patients with pancreatic trauma, fourteen males and five females, average age 40.6 ± 21.4 years, were included. Most patients (73.7%) with pancreatic trauma had associated organ injuries. CT was performed in all patients and laparotomy in 14 patients. CT was 78.9% sensitive in detecting pancreatic trauma. All deep pancreatic lesions revealed on CT required surgical treatment, and complication was discovered in two patients undergoing delayed surgery. Superficial lesions were managed conservatively.

Conclusion

Four-slice helical CT can detect most pancreatic trauma and provide practical therapeutic guidance. Delayed operation might result in complications and is associated with prolonged hospital stays.
Paradoxical ventilator associated pneumonia incidences among selective digestive decontamination studies versus other studies of mechanically ventilated patients: benchmarking the evidence base
Authors: Hurley James C
Published: January 2011

Introduction

Selective digestive decontamination (SDD) appears to have a more compelling evidence base than non-antimicrobial methods for the prevention of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP). However, the striking variability in ventilator associated pneumonia-incidence proportion (VAP-IP) among the SDD studies remains unexplained and a postulated contextual effect remains untested for.

Methods

Nine reviews were used to source 45 observational (benchmark) groups and 137 component (control and intervention) groups of studies of SDD and studies of three non-antimicrobial methods of VAP prevention. The logit VAP-IP data were summarized by meta-analysis using random effects methods and the associated heterogeneity (tau2) was measured. As group level predictors of logit VAP-IP, the mode of VAP diagnosis, proportion of trauma admissions, the proportion receiving prolonged ventilation and the intervention method under study were examined in meta-regression models containing the benchmark groups together with either the control (models 1 to 3) or intervention (models 4 to 6) groups of the prevention studies.

Results

The VAP-IP benchmark derived here is 22.1% (95% confidence interval; 95% CI; 19.2 to 25.5; tau2 0.34) whereas the mean VAP-IP of control groups from studies of SDD and of non-antimicrobial methods, is 35.7 (29.7 to 41.8; tau2 0.63) versus 20.4 (17.2 to 24.0; tau2 0.41), respectively (P < 0.001). The disparity between the benchmark groups and the control groups of the SDD studies, which was most apparent for the highest quality studies, could not be explained in the meta-regression models after adjusting for various group level factors. The mean VAP-IP (95% CI) of intervention groups is 16.0 (12.6 to 20.3; tau2 0.59) and 17.1 (14.2 to 20.3; tau2 0.35) for SDD studies versus studies of non-antimicrobial methods, respectively.

Conclusions

The VAP-IP among the intervention groups within the SDD evidence base is less variable and more similar to the benchmark than among the control groups. These paradoxical observations cannot readily be explained. The interpretation of the SDD evidence base cannot proceed without further consideration of this contextual effect.
Total variation regularization for depth-to-basement estimate: Part 1 — Mathematical details and applications
Authors: Martins Cristiano M. , Lima Williams A. , Barbosa Valeria C. , Silva João B.
Published: January 2011

We have developed an inversion approach that estimates the basement relief of a fault-bounded sedimentary basin. The sedimentary pack is approximated by a grid of 3D or 2D vertical prisms juxtaposed in the horizontal directions of a right-handed coordinate system. The prisms’ thicknesses represent the depths to the basement and are the parameters to be estimated from the gravity data. To obtain depth-to-basement estimates, we introduce the total variation (TV) regularization as a stabilizing function. This approach lets us estimate a nonsmooth basement relief because it does not penalize sharp features of the solution. We have deduced a compact matrix form of the gradient vector and the Hessian matrix of the approximation to the TV function that allows a regularized Gauss-Newton minimization approach. Because the Hessian matrix of the approximation to the TV function is ill conditioned, we have modified this Hessian matrix to improve its condition and to accelerate the convergence of the Gauss-Newton algorithm. Tests conducted with synthetic data show that the inversion method can delineate discontinuous basements presenting large slips or sequences of small-slip step faults. Tests on field data from the Almada Basin, Brazil, and from the San Jacinto Graben, California, U.S.A., confirm the potential of the method in detecting and locating in-depth normal faults in the basement relief of a sedimentary basin.
Manifolds with large isotropy groups
Authors: Kollross Andreas , Samiou Evangelia
Published: January 2011

We classify all simply connected Riemannian manifolds whose isotropy groups act with cohomogeneity less or equal to two.
On some Fano–Enriques threefolds
Authors: Karzhemanov Ilya
Published: January 2011

We give a classification of Fano threefolds X with canonical Gorenstein singularities such that X possess a regular involution which acts freely on some smooth surface in |– KX
|, and such that the linear system |– KX
| gives a morphism which is not an embedding. From this classification one gets, in particular, a description of some natural class of Fano–Enriques threefolds.
Characteristic forms of complex Cartan geometries
Authors: McKay Benjamin
Published: January 2011

We calculate relations on characteristic classes which are obstructions preventing closed Kähler manifolds from carrying holomorphic Cartan geometries. We apply these relations to give global constraints on the phase spaces of complex analytic determined and underdetermined systems of differential equations.
Polarities of Schellhammer planes
Authors: Poppitz Steffen , Stroppel Markus
Published: January 2011

We construct polarities for projective planes admitting a group of automorphisms that acts regularly on the complements of an anti-flag in the point and line set. In particular, we determine all polarities of the compact connected planes studied by I. Schellhammer and by P. Sperner. For both classes of planes we solve the conjugacy problem, and determine the set of absolute points for each one of the polarities. Among these polarities we find the first examples of elliptic polarities in non-Moufang compact projective planes.
On the local structure and the homology of CAT(κ) spaces and euclidean buildings
Authors: Kramer Linus
Published: January 2011

We prove that every open subset of a euclidean building is a finite-dimensional absolute neighborhood retract. This implies in particular that such a set has the homotopy type of a finite dimensional simplicial complex. We also include a proof for the rigidity of homeomorphisms of euclidean buildings. A key step in our approach to this result is the following: the space of directions ∑
oX of a CAT(κ) space X is homotopy equivalent to a small punctured disk Bɛ
(X, o) – o. The second ingredient is the local homology sheaf of X. Along the way, we prove some results about the local structure of CAT(κ)-spaces which may be of independent interest.
Dynameomics: protein dynamics and unfolding across fold space
Authors: Jonsson Amanda L. , Schaeffer R. Dustin , van der Kamp Marc W. , Daggett Valerie
Published: January 2011

All currently known structures of proteins together define ‘protein fold space’. To increase the general understanding of protein dynamics and protein folding, we selected a set of 807 proteins and protein domains that represent 95% of the currently known autonomous folded domains present in globular proteins. Native state and unfolding simulations of these representatives are now complete and accessible via a novel database containing over 11 000 simulations. Because protein folding is a microscopically reversible process, these simulations effectively sample protein folding across all of protein fold space. Here, we give an overview of how the representative proteins were selected and how the simulations were performed and validated. We then provide examples of different types of analyses that can be performed across our large set of simulations, made possible by the database approach. We further show how the unfolding simulations can be used to compare unfolding of structural elements in isolation and in different structural contexts, using as an example a short, triple stranded β-sheet that forms the WW domain and is present in several larger unrelated proteins.
Non-neuronal regulation and repertoire of cholinergic receptors in organs
Authors: Sato Tsuyoshi , Chida Dai , Iwata Takanori , Usui Michihiko , Hatori Kouki , Abe Takahiro , Takeda Shu , Yoda Tetsuya
Published: January 2011

Many studies on the cholinergic pathway have indicated that cholinergic receptors, which are widely expressed in various cells, play an important role in all body organs. In this review, we present the concept that cholinergic responses are regulated through a neuronal or non-neuronal mechanism. The neuronal mechanism is a system in which acetylcholine binds to cholinergic receptors on target cells through the nerves. In the non-neuronal mechanism, acetylcholine, produced by neighboring cells in an autocrine/paracrine manner, binds to cholinergic receptors on target cells. Both mechanisms subsequently lead to physiological and pathophysiological responses. We also investigated the subunits/subtypes of cholinergic receptors on target cells, physiological and pathophysiological responses of the organs via cholinergic receptors, and extracellular factors that alter the subtypes/subunits of cholinergic receptors. Collectively, this concept will elucidate how cholinergic responses occur and will help us conduct further experiments to develop new therapeutic agents.
Novel paper sizing agents based on renewables. Part 4: Application properties in comparison to conventional ASA sizes
Authors: Lackinger Elisabeth , Schmid Leo , Sartori Jürgen , Potthast Antje , Rosenau Thomas
Published: January 2011

Reactive paper sizing agents, such as alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA), provide hydrophobicity to paper. The reactive anhydride group of these reagents is highly susceptible to reaction with water and thus resistance against hydrolysis is of primary importance for their practical application. This study describes different application-relevant properties of recently developed sizing agents that are based on renewable vegetable oils including hydrolysis behavior, time-dependent sizing efficiency, and tendency to form deposits or foam. The novel sizing agents – maleated high oleic sunflower oil (MSOHO) and maleated rapeseed oil (MRSO) – are compared to conventional ASA as the state-of-the-art sizing agent. Although the reactive group is the same in all reagents, there are pronounced differences between the three reagents, with MSOHO showing the best performance, i.e., the slowest hydrolysis. This oil has a higher ratio of hydrophobic side chains that impede the water attack at the anhydride group. Also, the higher viscosity of MSOHO plays an important role in performance, because diffusion of water molecules into a MSOHO emulsion droplet is much slower than in the case of conventional ASA.
Polymorphic Regions Affecting Human Height Also Control Stature in Cattle
Authors: Pryce Jennie E , Hayes Ben J , Bolormaa Sunduimijid , Goddard Michael E
Published: January 2011

Orthologous positions of 55 genes associated with height in four human populations were located on the bovine genome. Single nucleotide polymorphisms close to eight of these genes were significantly associated with stature in cattle (Bos taurus and Bos indicus). This suggests that these genes may contribute to controlling stature across mammalian species.
Turning ZrO2 ceramics
Authors: Fledrich G. , Pálinkás I. , Keresztes R.
Published: January 2011

In place of brittle ceramics used so far have appeared up-to-date so-called tough ceramic materials resisting better against mechanical effects [1]. Such material is the zirconium-dioxide, too. The important advantage of hard-turning is the applicability of universal tool. Various outlines can be formed by a tool given. Machining ceramics in case of using traditional machining (turning, milling, drilling) requires special technological conditions (tools, machine-tools, technological parameters, etc.) [2] which are developing presently. We would like extending our research work in this course, too.
Low Reynolds number flow around and heat transfer from a heated circular cylinder
Authors: Bolló B.
Published: January 2011

The two-dimensional flow around a stationary heated circular cylinder at low Reynolds numbers of 50 < Re < 210 is investigated numerically using the FLUENT commercial software package. The dimensionless vortex shedding frequency (St) reduces with increasing temperature at a given Reynolds number. The effective temperature concept was used and St-Re data were successfully transformed to the St-Reeffcurve. Comparisons include root-mean-square values of the lift coefficient and Nusselt number. The results agree well with available data in the literature.
Sustainable geothermal energy utilization
Authors: Axelsson G.
Published: January 2011

Sustainable development involves meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. The Earth's enormous geothermal resources have the potential to contribute significantly to sustainable energy use worldwide and to help mitigate climate change. Experience from the use of geothermal systems worldwide, lasting several decades, demonstrates that by maintaining production below a certain limit the systems reach a balance between net energy discharge and recharge that may be maintained for a long time. Therefore, a sustainability time-scale of 100 to 300 years has been proposed. Studies furthermore indicate that the effect of heavy utilization is often reversible on a time-scale comparable to the period of utilization. Geothermal resources can be used in a sustainable manner either through (1) constant production below a sustainable limit, (2) step-wise increase in production or (3) intermittent excessive production with breaks during which other geothermal resources need to fill in the gap. The long production histories that are available for geothermal systems provide the most valuable data available for studying sustainable management of geothermal resources, and reservoir modelling is the most powerful tool available for this purpose. The paper reviews long utilization experiences from e.g. Iceland, France and Hungary and presents sustainability modelling studies for the Hamar geothermal system in Iceland and the Beijing Urban system in China. International collaboration has facilitated sustainability research and fruitful discussions as well as identifying several relevant research issues. Distinction needs to be made between sustainable production from a particular geothermal resource and the more general sustainable geothermal utilization, which involves integrated economical, social and environmental development. Developing a sustainability policy involves setting general sustainability goals and consequently defining specific sustainability indicators to measure the degree of sustainability of a given geothermal operation or progress towards sustainability.
Comfort and energy analysis of heating up
Authors: Kalmár T. , Kalmár F.
Published: January 2011

The research work was done in the Building Physics Laboratory of the Department of Building Services and Building Engineering, University of Debrecen. The test room could be heated by radiator, wall, floor and ceiling heating. The main goal of this research was to see how the internal temperature varies during the heating up period, how much is the increment during the 3 hours measurement and how much the energy consumption is. This paper presents the results of the research work. The obtained results have proven that in our case the ceiling and radiator heating gave the higher increment of operative temperature and the lower energy consumption.
The increased durability of reinforced concrete with hot dip galvanized rebars
Authors: Hegyi A. , Vermeşan H. , Rus V. , Vermeşan G.
Published: January 2011

The influence of hot dip galvanizing on the rebar/concrete adherence was studied. The kinetics of rebars corrosion in high chlorides content concrete was studied by electrochemical methods. Unprotected (black steel) and hot dip galvanized steel were studied. The results show a mechanical resistance improvement of reinforced concrete with hot dip galvanized rebars and a better corrosion performance of hot dip galvanized steel in concrete compared to the black steel.
Clinical evaluation of oropharyngeal dysphagia in Machado-Joseph disease
Authors: Corrêa Sabrina Mello Alves , Felix Valter Nilton , Gurgel Jonas Lírio , Sallum Rubens A. A , Cecconello Ivan
Published: January 2011

CONTEXT: In Machado-Joseph disease, poor posture, dystonia and peripheral neuropathy are extremely predisposing to oropharyngeal dysphagia, which is more commonly associated with muscular dystrophy. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical characteristics of oropharyngeal dysphagia in Machado-Joseph disease patients. METHOD: Forty individuals participated in this study, including 20 with no clinical complaints and 20 dysphagic patients with Machado-Joseph disease of clinical type 1, who were all similar in terms of gender distribution, average age, and cognitive function. The medical history of each patient was reviewed and each subject underwent a clinical evaluation of deglutition. At the end, the profile of dysphagia in patients with Machado-Joseph disease was classified according to the Severity Scale of Dysphagia, as described by O'Neil and collaborators. RESULTS: Comparison between dysphagic patients and controls did not reveal many significant differences with respect to the clinical evaluation of the oral phase of deglutition, since afflicted patients only demonstrated deficits related to the protrusion, retraction and tonus of the tongue. However, several significant differences were observed with respect to the pharyngeal phase. Dysphagic patients presented pharyngeal stasis during deglutition of liquids and solids, accompanied by coughing and/or choking as well as penetration and/or aspiration; these signs were absent in the controls. CONCLUSIONS: Oropharyngeal dysphagia is part of the Machado-Joseph disease since the first neurological manifestations. There is greater involvement of the pharyngeal phase, in relation to oral phase of the deglutition. The dysphagia of these patients is classified between mild and moderate.