bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cuban stalagmite suggests relationship between Caribbean precipitation and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation during the past 1.3 ka
Authors: Fensterer Claudia , Scholz Denis , Hoffmann Dirk , Spötl Christoph , Pajón Jesús M , Mangini Augusto
Published: July 2012

Here we present the first high-resolution δ18O record of a stalagmite from western Cuba. The record reflects precipitation variability in the northwestern Caribbean during the last 1.3 ka and exhibits a correlation to the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO). This suggests a relationship between Caribbean rainfall intensity and North Atlantic sea-surface temperature (SST) anomalies. A potential mechanism for this relationship may be the strength of the Thermohaline Circulation (THC). For a weaker THC, lower SSTs in the North Atlantic possibly lead to a southward shift of the Intertropical Convergence Zone and drier conditions in Cuba. Thus, this Cuban stalagmite records drier conditions during cold phases in the North Atlantic such as the ‘Little Ice Age’. This study contributes to the understanding of teleconnections between North Atlantic SSTs and northern Caribbean climate variability during the past 1.3 ka.
Further Validation of a U.S. Adult Social Self-Efficacy Inventory in Chinese Populations
Authors: Fan Jinyan , Meng Hui , Zhao Bihua , Patel Trishna
Published: July 2012

The authors report further validity evidence for the Chinese version of a U.S. adult social self-efficacy inventory, the “Perceived Social Self-Efficacy” (PSSE) scale in Chinese populations. Study 1 participants were 323 new graduate students enrolled at a large university in an east coast city of the People’s Republic of China. Differential item functioning analysis indicated that the internal structure of the Chinese PSSE scale was invariant over individuals with different levels of respect for authority. Study 2 participants were 204 undergraduate students enrolled at a medium-sized university in the southeast region of China. Chinese PSSE scores were significantly related to scores in the three components of subjective well-being: life satisfaction, positive affect, and negative affect. Personal self-esteem and two collective self-esteem dimensions were found to mediate the above relationships.
Do Interests and Cognitive Abilities Help Explain College Major Choice Equally Well for Women and Men?
Authors: Päßler Katja , Hell Benedikt
Published: July 2012

The present study examines whether vocational interests, measured by Holland’s RIASEC model, and objectively assessed cognitive abilities, were useful in discriminating among various major categories for a sample of 1990 German university students. Interests and specific abilities, in combination, significantly discriminated among major categories and furthermore, ability measures added incremental validity to prediction based on interest measures alone. Logistic regression analyses revealed significant differences in predictor importance between women and men. Furthermore, overall gender differences in interests and cognitive abilities were identifiable within major categories as well. Implications for career counseling are discussed.
The Gendered Dynamics of Power in Disputes Over the Postseparation Care of Children
Authors: Elizabeth Vivienne , Gavey Nicola , Tolmie Julia
Published: July 2012

A dichotomized picture of postseparation parents has emerged in family law that juxtaposes violent relationships with those that are “normal.” Domestic violence scholars and advocates have played a role in reproducing this picture in their quest to secure protection for women and children. Although sympathetic, we argue this construction generates a number of problems: in particular, it obscures the gender power dynamics in relationships where women have not experienced violence. Interviews with separated mothers in dispute over contact arrangements reveal that there are significant continuities in the gender power dynamics they experience, despite differences in their exposure to male partner violence.
Interpersonal Victimization Among a National Sample of Latino Women
Authors: Cuevas Carlos A. , Sabina Chiara , Milloshi Riva
Published: July 2012

This article presents results from the Sexual Assault Among Latinas (SALAS) study, which obtained lifetime prevalence rates of interpersonal violence from a national sample of adult Latino women. Results show that more than half of the women in the study (53.6%) reported at least one victimization experience during their lifetime, with approximately two thirds of the victimized women (66.2%) experiencing more than one victimization incident, pointing to significant levels of polyvictimization and revictimization patterns across all victimization types. The results provide estimates of lifetime interpersonal violence and present a broader scope of the victimization experiences for this population.
Is the Hospitality and Tourism Curriculum Effective in Teaching Personal Social Responsibility?
Authors: McKercher Bob , Mackenzie Murray , Prideaux Bruce , Pang Sharon
Published: July 2012

This study assesses how well hospitality and tourism programs instill a sense of personal social responsibility among their students. Climate change is used as a representative example of a global environmental issue to measure attitudes of students who have taken subjects such as ethics, sustainability, social responsibility, impacts, sustainable planning, and environmental studies with students who have not taken subjects of this nature. The article compares the views of a sample of 2,436 students in 21 economies. The results reveal that the student cohort that took subjects on ethics, sustainability, and social responsibility were no more likely to express stronger environmental attitudes or change their environmental behaviors than the cohort that had not taken subjects of this nature. Surprisingly, counterintuitive results were revealed, whereby students who had taken subjects that incorporated aspects of personal social responsibility exhibited no greater tendency to accept personal responsibility. Instead, both groups were equally likely to transfer blame to an ethereal “other.” The study concludes by suggesting that a major rethink of sustainability and social consciousness raising subjects is required.
Toward Understanding Consumer Processing of Negative Online Word-of-Mouth Communication
Authors: Lee Chung Hun , Cranage David A.
Published: July 2012

Although many hospitality organizations strive to handle negative word of mouth (NWOM) online, limited research has attempted to understand the influence of NWOM on potential consumers’ buying behaviors in order to suggest the appropriate organizational response strategies to NWOM communication. In an attempt to bridge this gap, the authors identified the roles of consensus in NWOM communication and how organizational responses to NWOM affect the ways in which potential consumers evaluate service organizations—by making attributional judgments and forming attitude. The results show that consensus in online NWOM communication plays a pivotal role in influencing how potential consumers incorporate NWOM into their evaluations about the organization. Additionally, these NWOM consensus effects are contingent on organizational response strategies. Finally, the authors discuss theoretical and practical implications, limitations, and directions for future research.
Customer Engagement With Tourism Brands
Authors: So Kevin Kam Fung , King Ceridwyn , Sparks Beverley
Published: July 2012

Although customer engagement (CE) has emerged as a widely used term in many industries, including tourism and hospitality, academic research lacks a clear conceptualization and rigorous measurement of the construct. This study develops and validates a 25-item CE scale that comprises five factors: identification, enthusiasm, attention, absorption, and interaction. The scale, developed from a survey of hotel and airline customers, demonstrated strong psychometric properties across multiple samples and showed CE to exert a positive significant influence on behavioral intention of loyalty for both hotel and airline customers. The scale offers a framework for future empirical research in this increasingly important area, and it provides a useful tool for tourism practitioners to collect insights into customer psychological and behavioral connections with their brands beyond the service consumption experience.
Efficiency Analysis of the Australian Accommodation Industry
Authors: Assaf A.George , Agbola Frank W.
Published: July 2012

This article measures and compares performance in the accommodation industry across Australian states and territories. The authors specify a Bayesian frontier model and estimate the model using panel data spanning the period 1998 to 2009. The results indicate that there are differences in efficiency across states and territories and also between sectors. Empirical results show that the hotel sector is the most efficient, followed by the guest house and motel sector and, finally, the serviced apartment sector. The Bayesian regression results indicate that the key determinants of efficiency in the accommodation industry are the international attractiveness of the state or territory, the share of large accommodation providers in the sector, and the prevailing economic conditions within the state or territory. The findings that the efficiency measures differ across regions and types of sector indicate that adopting a holistic approach to policy formulation and implementation may not be appropriate to ensure competitiveness of the accommodation industry in Australia.
Effects of Cuisine Experience, Psychological Well-Being, and Self-Health Perception on the Revisit Intention of Hot Springs Tourists
Authors: Lin Chung-Hsien
Published: July 2012

This study proposes and tests a structural model regarding the effects of cuisine experience and psychological well-being on hot springs tourists’ revisit intentions and examines the moderating effect that self-health perception has on the relationships between these constructs. A questionnaire was administered to 524 Taiwanese tourists at the Bei-Tou hot springs area. The results indicated that cuisine experience and psychological well-being influence hot springs tourists’ revisit intentions and only cuisine experience affects psychological well-being; however, the significance of these factors varied based on the self-health perception levels (high or low) of tourists in the sample. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
An Efficiency-Based Metafrontier Approach To Menu Analysis
Authors: Fang Chin-Yi , Hsu Fu-Sung
Published: July 2012

The decision about which dishes should appear on the menu is crucial to attracting customers and maximizing restaurant profitability. There is a paucity of empirical research on quantifying the effects of particular menu items on the efficiency of a restaurant. The present research used an innovative metafrontier-to-data-envelopment analysis method to aid decision making when distinguishing between desirable, improved, and undesirable menu items by efficiency measurements to increase a restaurant’s profitability. The metatechnology ratio obtained via the metafrontier approach compared the technology level in different meal periods. The results, based on real data gathered during 3 months from two same-brand units of a chain restaurant, show that the efficiency of the metafrontier-to-data-envelopment analysis method increased the profitability of the restaurants by more than 15% compared with the traditional menu-engineering method. The metatechnology ratios also identified that the skill level differed between the meal periods, which was because of the presence of different operators. Managerial and strategic implications for menu planners and future research are described.
Profiling the Potential “Green” Hotel Guest
Authors: Barber Nelson A.
Published: July 2012

Environmental factors are increasingly important in the hospitality industry, with “green” operations receiving more attention from the hotel industry. As a result, major hotel brands, such as Starwood, have started environmental initiatives with far-reaching effects on the development and operation of their properties. But are consumers ready for these changes, who are they, and what benefits do they perceive as important? To answer these questions, hoteliers must understand how to position their hotel and attract the right customer. Following prior research, and adapting a psychographic segmentation approach, this study segmented respondents into shades of green, then determined their preferences for hotel offerings of products and services and the perceived benefits they seek. The results highlight the importance of environmental attitudes in the prediction of green consumer behavior. The results show that the shades of green consumers are reasonably distinct and different in terms of identifiable characteristics and behavior patterns and suggest targeting specific strategies to particular green consumer segments as a powerful operational tool in attracting and retaining more guests.
The Contribution of Norm Familiarity to Race Differences in Tipping
Authors: Lynn Michael
Published: July 2012

A large web-based survey found that (a) awareness of the 15% to 20% tipping norm partially mediates Black–White and Hispanic–White differences in restaurant tip size and (b) norm awareness predicts restaurant tip size for Blacks, Hispanics, and Whites alike. These findings replicate and extend previous research results reported by Lynn and suggest that race differences in tipping can be reduced by reducing race differences in awareness of the 15% to 20% restaurant tipping norm.
Seroprevalence of subtype H3 influenza A virus in South Korean cats
Authors: Jeoung Hye-Young , Shin Bo-Hye , Lee Won-Ha , Song Dae-Sub , Choi Young-Ki , Jeong WooSeog , Song Jae-Young , An Dong-Jun
Published: July 2012

To investigate the potential transmission of subtype H3 influenza virus to cats, a serological survey was carried out in South Korea. Serum samples (n = 1027) were obtained from 809 pet cats and 218 domesticated cats living in urban colonies (D-cats) from 2008 to 2010, and tested using an influenza anti-nucleoprotein (NP)-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test, which was recommended by the World Organization for Animal Health. Anti-influenza virus antibodies were detected in 3.12% and 2.43% of cat sera tested using the NP-specific ELISA and HI test, respectively. Anti-H3 antibodies were also identified when the HI assay was used for influenza virus serotyping. These data may indicate the sporadic transmission of subtype H3 influenza virus from other infected species to cats in South Korea.
Central nervous system aquaporin-4 autoimmunity presenting with an isolated cerebral abnormality
Authors: Kim Su-Hyun , Kim Woojun , Kook Myeong-Cherl , Hong Eun-kyung , Kim Ho Jin
Published: July 2012

Advances in the understanding of central nervous system aquarporin-4 autoimmunity have promoted the recognition of diverse clinical presentations beyond the traditional view of neuromyelitis optica. We describe a patient who developed hemiparesis caused by an extensive cerebral lesion as an initial manifestation of central nervous system aquarporin-4 autoimmunity. Although the patient had no history of optic neuritis or myelitis, not only was serum anti-aquarporin-4 antibody positive, but an imaging, treatment response and histopathological features also revealed characteristic findings suggestive of central nervous system aquarporin-4 autoimmunity. The present case highlights the importance of a comprehensive evaluation for anti-aquarporin-4 antibody even in patients presenting with isolated cerebral lesions.
Radiologically isolated syndrome – incidental magnetic resonance imaging findings suggestive of multiple sclerosis, a systematic review
Authors: Granberg Tobias , Martola Juha , Kristoffersen-Wiberg Maria , Aspelin Peter , Fredrikson Sten
Published: July 2012

With increasing availability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), there is also an increase in incidental abnormal findings. MRI findings suggestive of multiple sclerosis in persons without typical multiple sclerosis symptoms and with normal neurological findings are defined as radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS). Half of the persons with RIS have their initial MRI because of headache, and some have a subclinical cognitive impairment similar to that seen in multiple sclerosis. Radiological measurements also show a similarity between RIS and multiple sclerosis. Approximately two-thirds of persons with RIS show radiological progression and one-third develop neurological symptoms during mean follow-up times of up to five years. Cervical cord lesions are important predictors of clinical conversion. Management has to be individualised, but initiation of disease modifying therapy is controversial and not recommended outside of clinical trials since its effects have not been studied in RIS. Future studies should try to establish the prevalence and long-term prognosis of RIS, its impact on quality of life, and define the role of disease modifying therapy in RIS.
Reproductive decision making after the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS)
Authors: Alwan S , Yee IM , Dybalski M , Guimond C , Dwosh E , Greenwood TM , Butler R , Sadovnick AD
Published: July 2012

Objective:

This study aimed to determine reproductive practices and attitudes of North Americans diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) and the reasons for their reproductive decision making.

Methods:

A self-administered questionnaire on reproductive practices was mailed to 13,312 registrants of the North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis (NARCOMS) database who met inclusion criteria for the study. Completed questionnaires were then returned to the authors in an anonymous format for analysis.

Results:

Among 5949 participants, the majority of respondents (79.1%) did not become pregnant following diagnosis of MS. Of these, 34.5% cited MS-related reasons for this decision. The most common MS-related reasons were symptoms interfering with parenting (71.2%), followed by concerns of burdening partner (50.7%) and of children inheriting MS (34.7%). The most common reason unrelated to MS for not having children was that they already have a “completed family” (55.6%). Of the 20.9% of participants who decided to become pregnant (or father a pregnancy) following a diagnosis of MS, 49.5% had two or more pregnancies.

Conclusion:

This study indicates that an MS diagnosis does not completely deter the consideration of childbearing in MS patients of both genders.
Cortico-muscular coherence as an index of fatigue in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Tomasevic L , Zito G , Pasqualetti P , Filippi MM , Landi D , Ghazaryan A , Lupoi D , Porcaro C , Bagnato F , Rossini PM , Tecchio F
Published: July 2012

Background:

Highly common in multiple sclerosis (MS), fatigue severely impacts patients’ daily lives. Previous findings of altered connectivity patterns led to the hypothesis that the distortion of functional connections within the brain-muscle circuit plays a crucial pathogenic role.

Objective:

The objective of this paper is to identify markers sensitive to fatigue in multiple sclerosis.

Methods:

Structural (magnetic resonance imaging with assessment of thalamic volume and cortical thickness of the primary sensorimotor areas) and functional (cortico-muscular coherence (CMC) from simultaneous electroencephalo- and surface electromyographic recordings during a weak handgrip task) measures were used on 20 mildly disabled MS patients (relapsing–remitting course, Expanded Disability Status Scale score ≤ 2) who were recruited in two fatigue-dependent groups according to the Modified Fatigue Index Scale (MFIS) score.

Results:

The two groups were similar in terms of demographic, clinical and imaging features, as well as task execution accuracy and weariness. In the absence of any fatigue-dependent brain and muscular oscillatory activity alterations, CMC worked at higher frequencies as fatigue increased, explaining 67% of MFIS variance ( p=.002).

Conclusion:

Brain-muscle functional connectivity emerged as a sensitive marker of phenomena related to the origin of MS fatigue, impacting central-peripheral communication well before the appearance of any impairment in the communicating nodes.
Very early MS — insights from MRI
Authors: Simon Jack
Published: July 2012

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is likely to play an increasing role in efforts to understand the earliest changes in multiple sclerosis (MS) and narrowing the gap to new insights provided by the recent pathology literature showing early meningeal and cortical inflammatory disease and cortical gray matter demyelination. Much of the insight into early MS already comes from MRI as it evaluates patients at the time of a clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). Series show transition of tissue from normal to abnormal, and now often reveal gray matter more so than white matter pathology, deep gray more than cortical gray, and quantitative MRI changes preceding atrophy in early MS. But the CIS population is heterogeneous, likely including patients with many years’ duration, as well as relatively recent onset disease. Efforts to evaluate earlier disease, possibly sub-populations of CIS, patients at risk for MS with strict criteria for a radiologically isolated syndrome, and tumefactive MS, combined with advanced MRI technology, may bring us closer to in vivo insight into truly early or earliest MS.
Sharing and Web 2.0: The emergence of a keyword
Authors: John Nicholas A.
Published: July 2012

Sharing is the constitutive activity of Web 2.0. But when did ‘sharing’ become the term used to describe the activities that constitute participation in Web 2.0? What does sharing mean in this context? What is its rhetorical force? This paper argues that a new meaning of sharing has emerged in the context of Web 2.0 with three main features: fuzzy objects of sharing; the use of the word ‘share’ with no object at all; and presenting in terms of sharing functions of social network sites that used not to be so described. Following a critique of the use of the notion of sharing by social network sites, the article concludes by suggesting affinities between sharing in Web 2.0 and in other social spheres.
Optimization of the inlet air line of an automotive turbocharger
Authors: Serrano José Ramón , Margot Xandra , Tiseira Andrés , García-Cuevas Luis Miguel
Published: July 2012

This paper presents different aspects of air inlet behaviour near the inducer of a radial compressor and shows how the geometry can contribute to its stability and performance. Unfortunately, the space reserved for installation of an automotive turbocharger in a vehicle is constantly being reduced, so it is necessary to study the effects that elbows and abrupt changes in flow directions originate on the compressor performance. The work presented in this paper studies the effect that different 90° elbows have on the compressor with respect to its ideal, straight, no-elbow configuration, in order to obtain the best possible elbow configuration.

The methodology followed has been to, initially, study different geometries in computational fluid dynamics code in order to obtain the best possible configuration. Then, several 90° elbows were constructed and characterized on a continuous flow test bench in order to validate the computational fluid dynamics results and to obtain optimum results. The elbows were then installed on a radial compressor and tested on a hot, continuous turbocharger test bench, where the compressor was characterized and maps were obtained with each different elbow. The results were compared with respect to the ideal, no-elbow configuration, which was taken as the base performance.

After analysing the results obtained, it is possible to observe that in most of the cases, the elbows have a negative effect on the compression ratio, which tends to be reduced, especially at high rotor velocities and high air mass flow. On the other hand, the effect on the surge limit seems to be positive, as the surge line shifts to lower air mass flows, although the maximum mass flow allowed is reduced. It seems as if the compressor map shifts to the left with a reduction in compression ratio. From theoretical and experimental studies, it has been concluded that flow uniformity index and pressure loss are the most important factors affecting the performance of the compressor.
Can a compromise be fair?
Authors: Jones Peter , O’Flynn Ian
Published: July 2012

This article examines the relationship between compromise and fairness, and considers in particular why, if a fair outcome to a conflict is available, the conflict should still be subject to compromise. It sets out the defining features of compromise and explains how fair compromise differs from both principled and pragmatic compromise. The fairness relating to compromise can be of two types: procedural or end-state. It is the coherence of end-state fairness with compromise that proves the more puzzling case. We offer reasons why people should be allowed to resolve conflicting or competing claims through compromise, even if compromise comes at the expense of end-state fairness, but we resist the suggestion that the primary rationale for compromise is to be found in non-ideal circumstances.
Rigorist cosmopolitanism
Authors: Nili Shmuel
Published: July 2012

What counts as global ‘harm’? This article explores this question through critical engagement with Thomas Pogge’s conception of negative duties not to harm. My purpose here is to show that while Pogge is right to orient global moral claims around negative duties not to harm, he is mistaken in departing from the standard understanding of these duties. Pogge ties negative duties to global institutions, but I argue that truly negative duties cannot apply to such institutions. In order to retain the global force of negative duties, we need to dissociate these duties from global institutions: each society’s negative duty to stop harming specific other societies ought to be seen as independent of global institutional change. In order to establish this thesis, I criticize both the features and the derivation of Pogge’s variant of negative duties. I conclude that one must see global negative duties as applying to the relations between specific sovereign societies as unitary agents rather than to global institutions. I then show how this view of negative duties can yield significant global reform, based on Pogge’s own accusations concerning democracies’ conferral of trading privileges upon dictators who embezzle state resources. After presenting the normative, empirical, and strategic advantages of such reform, I anticipate Poggean objections.
Health Literacy in Adult Education
Authors: Chervin Cara , Clift Joseph , Woods LaKeesha , Krause Elizabeth , Lee Kien
Published: July 2012

Incorporating health literacy in adult education instruction is a promising approach to increasing the health equity of people who face racial/ethnic health disparities. Six adult education centers throughout a small Northeast state received 1-year Health Literacy Project grants from a local foundation to increase their capacity to teach health literacy through Study Circles. The evaluation of the project assessed changes in adult learners’ skills needed to navigate health systems, manage chronic diseases, and engage in preventive behavior; learners’ self-efficacy; and how the education centers increased their capacity to teach health literacy skills to adult learners of color. Quantitative and qualitative data indicated that students’ knowledge about health issues and self-efficacy increased significantly as a result of the health literacy instruction. All six centers improved their capacity to teach health literacy. By the end of the Health Literacy Project, almost three quarters of classes included health literacy instruction. Almost half of the Study Circle teachers continued to attend professional development activities for health literacy and share their knowledge with other teachers. Each center also developed partnerships with health care providers and created an infrastructure to continue to teach health literacy. Implications of the identified strengths and challenges on future efforts to increase health literacy and equity are considered.
A Comparative Approach to Using the Diabetes Prevention Program to Reduce Diabetes Risk in a Worksite Setting
Authors: Dallam George M. , Foust Carol P.
Published: July 2012

The rapidly increasing rate of non–insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM) among both market economy and developing countries is a worldwide health phenomenon. The number of diabetics worldwide has been projected to increase from 135 million in 1995 to 300 million in 2025. The purpose of this study was to examine the relative effectiveness of three different approaches to the implementation of the Diabetes Prevention Program, a standardized diabetes prevention curriculum, in various worksite organizations within a single community. The methods of implementation selected included an intensive one-on-one counseling approach, a support group meeting approach, and a passive transfer of information approach. The intervention was successful in creating significant mean improvements overall in the participants who completed the 26-week program as follows: (a) reduction in overall mean body weight and mean body mass index, (b) reduction in overall average mean arterial blood pressure, (c) reduction in overall mean diabetes risk score, and (d) increase in overall mean physical activity level. Although the largest proportion of these changes occurred in the one-on-one intervention group, significant changes in some factors were found in all groups. This illustrates the utility of an on-site and incentive-driven approach to diabetes risk factor modification in the workplace.
A Cyber-based Behavioral Model
Authors: Robinson David , Cybenko George
Published: July 2012

While long considered an important aspect of strategic and theater planning, situational awareness (SA) is the linchpin to both cyber planning and execution. As stated in Joint doctrine, before military activities in the information environment can be accurately and effectively planned, the “state” of the environment must be understood. At its core, cyber situational awareness requires understanding the environment in terms of how information, events, and actions will impact goals and objectives, both now and in the near future. Joint Information Operations (IO) doctrine defines three layers of information inherent to this; physical, informational, and cognitive. While a fair amount of time and effort has been focused on the physical and informational aspects of cyber situational awareness, very little emphasis has been placed on the cognitive layer as it relates to cyber space and how best to model and analyze it. This research examines aspects of the cognitive level by defining a cyber-based behavioral model contingent on the activities a user performs while on the Internet. We believe this is foundational to completely defining a cyber situational awareness model, thus providing commanders and decision makers a more comprehensive and real time view of the environment in which they are operating.
An Adversarial Model for Expressing Attacks on Control Protocols
Authors: Butts Jonathan , Rice Mason , Shenoi Sujeet
Published: July 2012

In this paper we present a model for expressing attacks on control protocols that involve the exchange of messages. Attacks are modeled using the notion of an attacker who can block and/or fabricate messages. These two attack mechanisms cover a variety of scenarios ranging from power grid failures to cyber attacks on oil pipelines. The model provides a method to syntactically express communication systems and attacks, which supports the development of attack and defense strategies. For demonstration purposes, an attack instance is modeled that shows how a targeted messaging attack can result in the rupture of a gas pipeline.
Electrospun composite polycaprolactone scaffolds for optimized tissue regeneration
Authors: Nelson M Tyler , Keith Joshua P , Li Bing-Bing , Stocum David L , Li Jiliang
Published: July 2012

There is evidence to suggest that the development of a stable microvasculature at the site of a critical-sized bone defect or fracture aids in repairing or regenerating bone. Identifying a tissue engineering scaffold that optimizes bone tissue and blood vessel development could improve regenerative capabilities. In this paper we study the proliferation and directed differentiation potentials of endothelial colony forming cells and mesenchymal stem cells cultured on electrospun polycaprolactone matrices and compare them with data obtained for composite polycaprolactone–hydroxyapatite, polycaprolactone–hydroxyapatite/β-tricalcium phosphate and polycaprolactone–small intestine submucosa electrospun matrices. Polycaprolactone–hydroxyapatite and polycaprolactone–hydroxyapatite/β-tricalcium phosphate fibers on average displayed a two-fold increase in fiber diameter and average pore-size area as compared with polycaprolactone or polycaprolactone–small intestine submucosa scaffolds. X-ray diffraction showed that significant additions of hydroxyapatite, hydroxyapatite/β-tricalcium phosphate and small intestine submucosa were present in the composite scaffolds. Incorporating hydroxyapatite or hydroxyapatite/β-tricalcium phosphate into the polycaprolactone fiber increased the modulus and ultimate tensile strength significantly. Both endothelial colony forming cell and mesenchymal stem cell proliferation was two-fold greater on polycaprolactone–small intestine submucosa scaffolds; whereas on polycaprolactone–hydroxyapatite and polycaprolactone–hydroxyapatite/β-tricalcium phosphate scaffolds only endothelial colony forming cell proliferation was observed to be significant. Alkaline phosphatase analysis for mesenchymal stem cell-seeded scaffolds indicated that only polycaprolactone–small intestine submucosa scaffolds displayed significant increases after 10 days of culture, suggesting an osteoblast phenotype. Electrospun polycaprolactone–small intestine submucosa scaffolds stimulated proliferation of both cell types and directed mesenchymal stem cell differentiation, providing a stable platform to investigate the potential of endothelial colony forming cell in directing bone tissue repair or regeneration.
A surveillance system for monitoring, public reporting, and improving minority access to cancer clinical trials
Authors: Carpenter William R , Tyree Seth , Wu Yang , Meyer Anne-Marie , DiMartino Lisa , Zullig Leah , Godley Paul A
Published: July 2012

Background

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has recommended that each person with cancer should have access to clinical trials, which have been associated with improving care quality and disparities. With no effective enrollment monitoring system, patterns of trial enrollment remain unclear.

Purpose

We developed a population-based, statewide system designed to facilitate monitoring of cancer trial enrollment and targeting of future interventions to improve it.

Methods

Person-level cancer incidence data from the North Carolina Central Cancer Registry (NCCCR), person-level treatment trial accrual data from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and county-level Area Resource Files (ARF) measures for 12 years, 1996–2007, were studied. Deidentified person-level data necessitated county-level analysis. Enrollment rates were estimated as the ratio of trial enrollment to cancer incidence for each race, gender, year, and county combination. Multivariable analysis examined factors associated with trial accrual. Sensitivity analyses examined spurious fluctuations and temporal discordance of incidence and enrollment.

Results

The NCI treatment trial enrollment rate was 2.39% for whites and 2.20% for minorities from 1996 to 2007, and 2.88% and 2.47%, respectively, from 2005 to 2007. Numerous counties had no minority enrollment. The 2005–2007 enrollment rates for white and minority females was 4.04% and 3.59%, respectively, and for white and minority males was 1.74% and 1.36%, respectively. Counties with a medical school or NCI Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP)-affiliated practice had higher trial enrollment.

Limitations

We examined NCI trial accrual only – industry-sponsored and investigator-initiated trials were excluded; however, studies comprise the majority of all clinical trial participants. Delays in data availability may hinder the immediacy of population-based analyses.

Conclusions

Model stability and consistency suggest that this system is effective for population-based enrollment surveillance. For North Carolina, it suggests a worsening disparity in minority trial enrollment, though our analyses elucidate targets for intervention. Regional enrollment variation suggests the importance of access to clinical research networks and infrastructure. Substantial gender differences merit further examination.
Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia of the digit: MRI features with histological correlation
Authors: Kitagawa Y. , Tamai K. , Kim Y. , Hayashi M. , Makino A. , Takai S.
Published: July 2012

To clarify the magnetic resonance (MR) features of the pure form of intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia, MR images (MRIs) from five patients were retrospectively reviewed and compared with histological findings. The images showed a heterogeneous, iso- to slightly high signal intensity mass on T1-weighted images and a mass with a central heterogeneous, iso- to slightly high signal intensity area completely or incompletely surrounded by peripheral high signal intensity areas on T2-weighted images. Heterogeneous enhancement was observed after gadolinium administration. Histological studies indicated that the central heterogeneous area on T2-weighted images corresponded to thrombi (organized and/or hyalinized) and/or papillary endothelial proliferation, and also that the peripheral high signal intensity area corresponded to vascular blood space and/or papillary endothelial proliferation. The pure form of intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia showed relatively characteristic features on MRIs.
Local anaesthesia versus intravenous regional anaesthesia in endoscopic carpal tunnel release: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sørensen A. M. , Dalsgaard J. , Hansen T. B.
Published: July 2012

We carried out a prospective randomized trial in 38 patients to compare intravenous regional anaesthesia with local anaesthesia in endoscopic carpal tunnel release using the Agee single-portal technique. There was no significant difference in reported pain during surgery. Immediately after surgery, patients in the local anaesthesia group reported significantly less pain in the hand and at the tourniquet. Two hours after surgery, patients in the local anaesthesia group reported significantly less hand pain. Moreover, significantly fewer patients in the local anaesthetic group required additional analgesics during the first 2 hours after operation. We conclude that local anaesthesia reduces post-operative pain in endoscopic carpal tunnel release compared with intravenous regional anaesthesia.
Chronic cough as a complication of treatment with statins: a case report
Authors: Psaila Matthew , Fsadni Peter , Montefort Stephen
Published: July 2012

Statins are widely used for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. For this reason, knowledge of the side effects and interactions pertaining to this class of pharmaceuticals is of utmost importance to all physicians. In this text a case report is presented of an eighty year old gentleman, referred to the respiratory clinic at Mater Dei Hospital Malta after developing dry cough on being treated with simvastatin and fluvastatin. An attempt at switching over to a placebo was made with resolution of symptoms. This is the second described case in the literature of lone cough associated with statin therapy necessitating treatment discontinuation in our patient. Possible hypothesis are discussed as well as suggestions for further research to unravel the underlying mechanisms of this association.
Gene expression of single human mesenchymal stem cell in response to fluid shear
Authors: Zhang Hu , Kay Alasdair , Forsyth Nicholas R , Liu Kuo-Kang , El Haj Alicia J
Published: July 2012

Stem cell therapy may rely on delivery and homing through the vascular system to reach the target tissue. An optical tweezer model has been employed to exert different levels of shear stress on a single non-adherent human bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cell to simulate physiological flow conditions. A single-cell quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that collagen type 1, alpha 2 ( COL1A2), heat shock 70-kDa protein 1A ( HSPA1A) and osteopontin ( OPN) are expressed to a detectable level in most of the cells. After exposure to varying levels of shear stress, there were significant variations in gene transcription levels across human mesenchymal stem cells derived from four individual donors. Significant trend towards upregulation of COL1A2 and OPN gene expression following shear was observed in some donors with corresponding variations in HSPA1A gene expression. The results indicate that shear stress associated with vascular flow may have the potential to significantly direct non-adherent stem cell expression towards osteogenic phenotypic expression. However, our results demonstrate that these results are influenced by the selection process and donor variability.
Effect of recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB-coated sutures on Achilles tendon healing in a rat model: A histological and biomechanical study
Authors: Cummings Stephen H , Grande Daniel A , Hee Christopher K , Kestler Hans K , Roden Colleen M , Shah Neil V , Razzano Pasquale , Dines David M , Chahine Nadeen O , Dines Joshua S
Published: July 2012

Purpose:

Repairing tendon injuries with recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB has potential for improving surgical outcomes. Augmentation of sutures, a critical component of surgical tendon repair, by coating with growth factors may provide a clinically useful therapeutic device for improving tendon repair. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to (a) coat Vicryl sutures with a defined dose of recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB without additional coating excipients (e.g. gelatin), (b) quantify the recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB released from the suture, and (c) use the recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB-coated sutures to enhance tendon repair in a rat Achilles tendon transection model.

Methods:

Vicryl sutures were coated with 0, 0.3, 1.0, and 10.0 mg/mL concentrations of recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB using a dip-coating process. In vitro release was quantified by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Acutely transected rat Achilles tendons were repaired using one of the four suture groups ( n = 12 per group). Four weeks following repair, the tensile biomechanical and histological (i.e. collagen organization and angiogenesis) properties were determined.

Results:

A dose-dependent bolus release of recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB occurred within the first hour in vitro, followed by a gradual release over 48 h. There was a significant increase in ultimate tensile strength ( p < 0.01) in the two highest recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB dose groups (1.9 ± 0.5 and 2.1 ± 0.5 MPa) relative to controls (1.0 ± 0.2 MPa). The modulus significantly increased ( p = 0.031) with the highest recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB dose group (7.2 ± 3.8 MPa) relative to all other groups (control: 3.5 ± 0.9 MPa). No significant differences were identified for the maximum load or stiffness. The histological collagen and angiogenesis scores were comparable in all groups, although there was a trend for improved collagen organization in the recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB-treated groups ( p = 0.054).

Conclusions:

The results of this study suggest that recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB can be used to reproducibly coat Vicryl sutures and improve remodeling in a rat Achilles tendon transection model by significantly decreasing the resulting cross-sectional area, thus improving the material properties of the repaired tendon.
The Association between Racial Socialization and Depression
Authors: Granberg Ellen M. , Edmond Mary Bond , Simons Ronald L. , Gibbons Frederick X. , Lei Man-Kit
Published: July 2012

The authors use a profile analysis strategy to identify five composite types of racial socialization practices or “racial socialization meta-messages.” The authors assess the association between racial socialization meta-messages received during late adolescence and depressive symptoms in young adulthood. They find that a guarded racial socialization meta-message (one that combines warnings about discrimination with direction to be wary and cautious when dealing with majority group members) is associated with elevated depressive symptoms when respondents are between the ages of 20 and 22 years. The authors also find that an empowered racial socialization meta-message (one that combines warnings about discrimination with strategies for overcoming racial prejudice) partially buffers respondents against the mental health consequences of racial discrimination.
The Politics of Self-Craft
Authors: Glasgow Sara M.
Published: July 2012

As the global challenges posed by chronic, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) run into longer life expectancies and restrictive fiscal environments, public health programs must respond to these issues. In doing so, health practitioners have framed NCDs as apolitical and largely the product of an individual’s risk behavior. Consequently, governance strategies embraced by public health to address NCDs emphasize the role of the private sector, including opportunities for patient self-management of illness. The Expert Patients Programme (EPP), an initiative of the U.K. Department of Health, applies to a range of chronic conditions. Via a case analysis of the EPP, this article argues that public health governance of NCDs is increasingly a project of individuals’ self-governance, and that although the techniques of the EPP are constructed as politically neutral, they rather demonstrate a pervasive neoliberal political rationality: in devolving public health responsibilities to the private sector and in constructing the healthy, active participant whose primary aim is to return to an economically productive life.
Improving University Research Value
Authors: O’Reilly Kelley , Johnson Jeffrey , Sanborn Georgiann
Published: July 2012

This article investigates the current data management practices of university researchers at an Intermountain West land-grant research university in the United States. Key findings suggest that researchers are primarily focused on the collection and housing of research data. However, additional research value exists within the other life cycle stages for research data—specifically in the stages of delivery and maintenance. These stages are where most new demands and requirements exist for data management plans and policies that are conditional for external grant funding; therefore, these findings expose a “gap” in current research practice. These findings should be of interest to academics and practitioners alike as findings highlight key management gaps in the life cycle of research data. This study also suggests a course of action for academic institutions to coalesce campus-wide assets to assist researchers in improving research value.