bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Religion on Sexual Self-Perception and Sexual Satisfaction in Patients Suffering from Schizophrenia and Depression
Authors: Peitl Marija Vučic , Peitl Vjekoslav , Pavlovic Eduard
Published: September 2009

Objective:

It is well documented that religion has an impact on mental health of both healthy people and mental health patients. However, scientific research regarding the influence of religion on sexual experiences and sexual self-perception in mental health patients and healthy people is very scarce.

Goal:

Therefore, our goal was to research how and in what measure religious and atheistic views of patients suffering from depression and schizophrenia and healthy people influence their sexual functions and sexual self-perception.

Subjects and Methods:

This research was conducted on 100 patients suffering from schizophrenia and 100 patients suffering from depression, while 100 healthy individuals served as a control group. DMS-IV criteria were used when diagnosing schizophrenia and depression. In order to research the aspects of sexual self-perception we used Bezinović's questionnaire and Arizona sexual experience scale (ASEX) to research the aspects of sexual intercourse.

Results:

Results show that Roman-Catholic patients suffering from schizophrenia experience greater sexual satisfaction than Eastern-Orthodox or atheist schizophrenic patients. Among patients suffering from depression in regard to their differing religious views there were no significant differences regarding sexual satisfaction or the aspects of sexual self-perception. Furthermore, there is a significant difference among healthy individuals when taking into consideration religious views. We established that Muslims have a significantly stronger sexual drive then atheists, Roman-Catholic or Eastern-Orthodox individuals. Compared to Roman-Catholic and Eastern-Orthodox individuals, atheists have better consciousness of their own sexuality.

Conclusion:

We can conclude that religious views have an influence on sexual functioning and sexual self-perception of patients suffering from depression and schizophrenia and also healthy individuals. Thus, further research on a bigger sample of participants—not only of those religious denominations covered in this research, but also of those that are less present in our society and of other mental health disorders and illnesses—is needed.
Delirium in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Grover Sandeep , Malhotra Savita , Bharadwaj Rahul , Bn Subodh , Kumar Suresh
Published: September 2009

Objective:

To study the clinical profile of children and adolescents (< 14 years) referred to the Consultation-Liaison (CL) psychiatry services of a Tertiary Care Centre.

Design:

Retrospective chart review.

Setting:

Patients seen by the CL psychiatry services of Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh.

Participants:

Subjects diagnosed as delirium (as per ICD-10) during their inpatient stay was done. Main outcome measures: phenomenology of delirium and response to treatment.

Result:

Forty-six children and adolescents were diagnosed as delirium by the psychiatry consultation-liaison team. The most common underlying pathology was infection of various types, followed by neoplasms. All subjects exhibited sleep-wake cycle disturbance and impaired orientation. Other common symptoms were impaired attention (89.5%), impaired short-term memory (84.2%), agitation (68.4%), and lability of affect (60.5%). Delusions and hallucinations were reported by only a few patients. Most of the patients were treated with low dose haloperidol and they responded well.

Conclusion:

Sleep wake cycle disturbances and cognitive dysfunction are common in children and adolescents with delirium.
Intensity of Resistance Exercise Determines Adipokine and Resting Energy Expenditure Responses in Overweight Elderly Individuals
Authors: Fatouros Ioannis G. , Chatzinikolaou Athanasios , Tournis Symeon , Nikolaidis Michalis G. , Jamurtas Athanasios Z. , Douroudos Ioannis I. , Papassotiriou Ioannis , Thomakos Petros M. , Taxildaris Kyriakos , Mastorakos George , Mitrakou Asimina
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the time course of leptin, adiponectin, and resting energy expenditure (REE) responses in overweight elderly males after acute resistance exercise protocols of various intensity configurations.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Forty inactive men (65–82 years) were randomly assigned to one of four groups (n = 10/group): control, low-intensity resistance exercise, moderate-intensity resistance exercise, and high-intensity resistance exercise. Exercise energy cost, REE, leptin, adiponectin, cortisol, insulin, lactate, glucose, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs), and glycerol were determined at baseline, immediately after exercise, and during a 72-h recovery period.

RESULTS

Exercise energy cost was lower in high-intensity than in low-intensity and moderate-intensity groups (221.6 ± 8.8 vs. 295.6 ± 10.7 and 281.6 ± 9.8 kcal, P < 0.001). Lactate, glucose, NEFAs, and glycerol concentrations increased (P < 0.001) after exercise and returned to baseline thereafter in all groups. REE increased (P < 0.001) in all groups at 12 h in an intensity-dependent manner (P < 0.05). REE reached baseline after 48 h in the low- and moderate-intensity groups and after 72 h in the high-intensity group. Cortisol peaked in all active groups after exercise (P < 0.001) and remained elevated (P < 0.001) for 12 h. After adjustment for plasma volume shifts, leptin remained unaltered. Adiponectin concentration increased after 12 h and remained elevated for 24 h only in the high-intensity group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Resistance exercise does not alter circulating leptin concentration but does increase REE and adiponectin in an intensity-dependent manner for as long as 48 and 24 h, respectively, in overweight elderly individuals. It appears that resistance exercise may represent an effective approach for weight management and metabolic control in overweight elderly individuals.
Association Among Acrylamide, Blood Insulin, and Insulin Resistance in Adults
Authors: Lin Chien-Yu , Lin Yu-Chuan , Kuo Hsu-Ko , Hwang Juey-Jen , Lin Jiunn-Lee , Chen Pau-Chung , Lin Lian-Yu
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVE

Exposure to acrylamide in foodstuffs and smoking has become a worldwide concern. The effect of acrylamide on glucose homeostasis is not known. The goal of the present study was to test the hypothesis that trace acrylamide exposure might be independently associated with both reduced blood insulin and reduced insulin resistance.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We examined 1,356 participants with reliable measures of glucose homeostasis and Hb adducts of acrylamide (HbAA) and glycidamide from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003–2004. Glucose homeostasis was assessed by the measurement of plasma glucose, serum insulin, and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).

RESULTS

In a linear regression model, a 1-unit increase in log HbAA was associated with a decrease in serum insulin (β coefficient = −0.20 ± 0.05, P = 0.001) and HOMA-IR (β coefficient = −0.23 ± 0.05, P < 0.001). After HbAA concentrations were divided into quartiles in the fully adjusted models, the adjusted serum insulin level and HOMA-IR significantly decreased across quartiles of HbAA (Ptrend < 0.001 for both). In subgroup analysis, the association of HbAA levels with HOMA-IR and insulin levels was stronger in subjects who were white or had ever smoked or in subjects with a lower education level or a BMI <25 or >30 kg/m2.

CONCLUSIONS

Acrylamide is associated with reduced serum insulin levels in adults. Further clinical and animal studies are warranted to clarify the putative causal relationship.
Cost-Related Nonadherence to Medications Among Patients With Diabetes and Chronic Pain
Authors: Kurlander Jacob E. , Kerr Eve A. , Krein Sarah , Heisler Michele , Piette John D.
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVE

In the face of financial constraints, diabetic patients may forgo prescribed medications, causing negative health effects. This study examined how cost and noncost factors are associated with patterns of cost-related nonadherence to medications (CRN).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a cross-sectional survey of patients using medications for both diabetes and chronic pain (n = 245). Patients reported their income, out-of-pocket medication costs, education level, depressive symptoms, and medication-related beliefs and whether they cut back because of cost on 1) both diabetes and pain medications, 2) diabetes medications only, 3) pain medications only, or 4) neither. Multinomial logistic regression was used to model patients' adjusted odds ratios (AORs) of falling into these four possible categories.

RESULTS

Of the patients, 9% cut back on medications for both conditions, 13% cut back on diabetes medications alone, and 9% cut back on pain medications alone. Income <20,000 USD (AOR = 5.7, P = 0.008) and monthly medication costs >50 USD (AOR = 3.9, P = 0.02) increased patients' odds of CRN for both conditions versus neither. Low-income patients also were more likely to selectively forgo pain medications (AOR = 9.1, P = 0.001) but not diabetes medications (AOR = 2.1, P = 0.12). More depressive symptoms (AOR = 1.6, P = 0.006) and negative medication-related beliefs (AOR = 1.7, P = 0.02) increased patients' odds of cutting back selectively on medications for diabetes but not pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who forgo medications for both diabetes and chronic pain appear to be influenced primarily by economic pressures, whereas patients who cut back selectively on their diabetes treatments are influenced by their mood and medication beliefs. Our findings point toward more targeted strategies to assist diabetic patients who experience CRN.
Physical Therapists’ Management of Patients in the Acute Care Setting: An Observational Study
Authors: Jette Diane U. , Brown Rebecca , Collette Nicole , Friant Wendy , Graves Lloyd
Published: September 2009

Background

Previous literature has not fully described physical therapists’ management of patients across diagnoses in the acute care setting or how that management might vary by facility.

Objective

The purposes of this study were to describe patient management by physical therapists in the acute care setting and to examine variations in patient management across facilities.

Design

This was an observational study.

Methods

Fifty clinicians practicing at 3 academic medical centers in the northeastern United States agreed to participate. Over a 2-week period, clinicians completed checklists indicating the details of patient visits. Logistic analyses, controlling for patient age and diagnosis and accounting for clustering of data, were conducted to examine the odds of patients having several categories of examinations, goals, and interventions.

Results

Participants provided 2,364 visits to 896 patients. More than 75% of patients in each facility received examinations, goals, and interventions related to functional ability. Median number of visits per patient, duration of visits, and number of visits in which the patient was not treated varied across facilities. Patients with orthopedic conditions were more likely than those with medical/surgical conditions to receive several types of examinations, goals, and interventions. The odds of patients having examinations, goals, and interventions related to functional abilities were greater in facility 2 than in facility 1.

Limitations

Limitations include the convenience sample, use of an untested data collection tool, and use of only age and diagnosis to control for case mix.

Conclusion

This study of physical therapist practice in 3 acute care facilities suggests that patient management focuses on functional activity. There was no clear pattern of examinations, goals, and interventions related to specific diagnoses. A small degree of variation was found in practice across the facilities.
A dynamic nonlinear relationship between the static and pulsatile components of intracranial pressure in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Eide Per K. , Rapoport Benjamin I. , Gormley William B. , Madsen Joseph R.
Published: September 2009

Object

In the search for optimal monitoring and predictive tools in neurocritical care, the relationship of the pulsatile component of intracranial pressure (ICP) and the pressure itself has long been of great interest. Higher pressure often correlates with a higher pulsatile response to the heartbeat, interpreted as a type of compliance curve. Various mathematical approaches have been used, but regardless of the formula used, it is implicitly assumed that a reproducible curve exists. The authors investigated the stability of the correlation between static and pulsatile ICPs in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) who were observed for several hours by using data sets large enough to allow such calculations to be made.

Methods

The ICP recordings were obtained in 39 patients with SAH and were parsed into 6-second time windows (1,998,944 windows in 197 recordings). The ICP parameters were computed for each window as follows: static ICP was defined as the mean ICP, and pulsatile ICP was characterized by mean ICP wave amplitude, rise time, and rise time coefficient.

Results

The mean ICP and ICP wave amplitudes were simultaneously high or low (the expected correlation) in only ~ 60% of observations. Furthermore, static and pulsatile ICP correlated well only over short intervals; the degree of correlation weakened over periods of hours and was inconsistent across patients and within individual patients over time. Decorrelation originated with abrupt shifting and gradual drifting of mean ICP and ICP wave amplitude over several hours.

Conclusions

The relationship between the static and pulsatile components of ICPs changes over time. It evolves, even in individual patients, over a number of hours. This can be one reason the observation of high pulsatile ICP (indicative of reduced intracranial compliance) despite normal mean ICP that is seen in some patients with SAH. The meaning and potential clinical usefulness of such changes in the curves is uncertain, but it implies that clinical events result not only from moving further out on a compliance curve; in practice, the curve, and the biological system that underlies the curve, may itself change.
Environmental Determinants of Asthma among School Children Aged 13-14 in and around Polokwane, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Maluleke Kidi  Rose , Worku Zeleke
Published: September 2009

Asthma has become a public health issue since the 1960’s. Factors associated with asthma are environmental and genetic. This study is based on a random sample of 742 students aged 13-14 attending various schools at Polokwane, in the Province of Limpopo in South Africa. Survey logistic regression and multi-level analyses were used for data analysis. The study identifies three key determinants of asthma at the district, school and individual levels. The study shows that persistent cough (OR = 4.01), exposure to smoke at the household level (OR = 2.39) and lack of access to flush toileta at the household level (OR = 1.89) are key predictors of asthma in children. Variability at the level of districts accounts for 46% of total variance. Variability at the level of schools accounts for 33% of total variance.
Novel Nanocomposite Materials for Advanced Li-Ion Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Cai Chuan , Wang Ying
Published: September 2009

Nanostructured materials lie at the heart of fundamental advances in efficient energy storage and/or conversion, in which surface processes and transport kinetics play determining roles. Nanocomposite materials will have a further enhancement in properties compared to their constituent phases. This Review describes some recent developments of nanocomposite materials for high-performance Li-ion rechargeable batteries, including carbon-oxide nanocomposites, polymer-oxide nanocomposites, metal-oxide nanocomposites, and silicon-based nanocomposites, etc. The major goal of this Review is to highlight some new progress in using these nanocomposite materials as electrodes to develop Li-ion rechargeable batteries with high energy density, high rate capability, and excellent cycling stability.
Preparation and Characterization of Novel Gellan Gum Hydrogels Suitable for Modified Drug Release
Authors: Matricardi Pietro , Cencetti Claudia , Ria Roberto , Alhaique Franco , Coviello Tommasina
Published: September 2009

Innovative hydrogels obtained by physical and chemical crosslinking of deacylated Gellan gum have been characterized in terms of water uptake, rheological properties and compressibility, and the behaviour of the tested materials, according to the type of the obtained network, is thoroughly discussed. The release from the various gels of loaded model molecules of different steric hindrance was also investigated and the trend of the release profiles has been related to the structures proposed for the physical and the chemical hydrogel.
Fast and Green Microwave-Assisted Conversion of Essential Oil Allylbenzenes into the Corresponding Aldehydes via Alkene Isomerization and Subsequent Potassium Permanganate Promoted Oxidative Alkene Group Cleavage
Authors: Luu Thi X. Thi , Lam Trinh  To , Le Thach  Ngoc , Duus Fritz
Published: September 2009

Essential oil allylbenzenes from have been converted quickly and efficiently into the corresponding benzaldehydes in good yields by a two-step “green” reaction pathway based on a solventless alkene group isomerization by KF/Al2O3 to form the corresponding 1-arylpropene and a subsequent solventless oxidation of the latter to the corresponding benzaldehyde by KMnO4/CuSO4·5H2O. The assistance by microwave irradiation results in very short reaction times (
Primary Cilia: Highly Sophisticated Biological Sensors
Authors: Abou Alaiwi Wissam  A. , Lo Shao  T. , Nauli Surya  M.
Published: September 2009

Primary cilia, thin hair-like structures protruding from the apical surface of most mammalian cells, have gained the attention of many researchers over the past decade. Primary cilia are microtubule-filled sensory organelles that are enclosed within the ciliary membrane. They originate at the cell surface from the mother centriole that becomes the mature basal body. In this review, we will discuss recent literatures on the roles of cilia as sophisticated sensory organelles. With particular emphasis on vascular endothelia and renal epithelia, the mechanosensory role of cilia in sensing fluid shear stress will be discussed. Also highlighted is the ciliary involvement in cell cycle regulation, development, cell signaling and cancer. Finally, primary cilia-related disorders will be briefly described.
Preparation of a Nanosized As2O3/Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 Complex and Its Anti-Tumor Effect on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Zhang Jia , Zhang Dongsheng
Published: September 2009

Manganese-zinc-ferrite nanoparticles (Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4, MZF-NPs) prepared by an improved co-precipitation method and were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS). Then thermodynamic testing of various doses of MZF-NPs was performed in vitro. The cytotoxicity of the Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles in vitro was tested by the MTT assay. A nanosized As2O3/Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 complex was made by an impregnation process. The complex’s shape, component, envelop rate and release rate of As2O3 were measured by SEM, EDS and atom fluorescence spectrometry, respectively. The therapeutic effect of nanosized As2O3/Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 complex combined with magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) on human hepatocelluar cells were evaluated in vitro by an MTT assay and flow cytometry. The results indicated that Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 and nanosized As2O3/Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 complex were both prepared successfully. The Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles had powerful absorption capabilities in a high-frequency alternating electromagnetic field, and had strong magnetic responsiveness. Moreover, Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 didn’t show cytotoxicity in vitro. The therapeutic result reveals that the nanosized As2O3/Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 complex can significantly inhibit the growth of hepatoma carcinoma cells.
REMOTE, a Wireless Sensor Network Based System to Monitor Rowing Performance
Authors: Llosa Jordi , Vilajosana Ignasi , Vilajosana Xavier , Navarro Nacho , Suriñach Emma , Marquès Joan Manuel
Published: September 2009

In this paper, we take a hard look at the performance of REMOTE, a sensor network based application that provides a detailed picture of a boat movement, individual rower performance, or his/her performance compared with other crew members. The application analyzes data gathered with a WSN strategically deployed over a boat to obtain information on the boat and oar movements. Functionalities of REMOTE are compared to those of RowX [1] outdoor instrument, a commercial wired sensor instrument designed for similar purposes. This study demonstrates that with smart geometrical configuration of the sensors, rotation and translation of the oars and boat can be obtained. Three different tests are performed: laboratory calibration allows us to become familiar with the accelerometer readings and validate the theory, ergometer tests which help us to set the acquisition parameters, and on boat tests shows the application potential of this technologies in sports.
Assessing Public Attitudes and Behaviour to Household Waste Management in Cameroon to Drive Strategy Development: A Q Methodological Approach
Authors: Mbeng Lawrence  O. , Probert Jane , Phillips Paul  S. , Fairweather Roy
Published: September 2009

Household waste is an environmental and public health problem, especially for the large cities in Sub-Saharan African countries. While the improper management of household waste in Cameroon is linked to the systematic failure of policy makers and municipal authorities to identify the most sustainable ways of dealing with it in such a manner that is in line is with their socio-economic aspirations, the impact of public attitudes and behaviour has been neglected. It is in this context that this paper uses Q-methodology, a powerful methodology for identifying the different trends in behaviour in the management of household waste in Douala, Cameroon.
A cellular study of teosinte Zea mays subsp. parviglumis (Poaceae) caryopsis development showing several processes conserved in maize
Authors: Dermastia Marina , Kladnik Aleš , Dolenc Koce Jasna , Chourey Prem S.
Published: September 2009

The evolutionary history of maize (Zea mays subsp. mays) is of general interest because of its economic and scientific importance. Here we show that many cellular traits described previously in developing caryopses of maize are also seen in its wild progenitor teosinte (Zea mays subsp. parviglumis). These features, each with a possible role in development, include (1) an early programmed cell death in the maternal placento‐chalazal (P‐C) layer that may lead to increased hydrolytic conductance to the developing seed; (2) accumulation of phenolics and flavonoids in the P‐C layer that may be related to antimicrobial activity; (3) formation of wall ingrowths in the basal endosperm transfer layer (BETL); (4) localization of cell wall invertase in the BETL, which is attributed to the increased transport capacity of photosynthates to the sink; and (5) endoreduplication in endosperm nuclei suggested to contribute to increased gene expression and greater sink capacity of the developing seed. In maize caryopsis, these cellular traits have been previously attributed to domestication and selection for larger seed size and vigor. Given the conservation of the entire cellular program in developing teosinte caryopses described here, we suggest that these traits evolved independently of domestication and predate human selection pressure.
Getting to Know You: Development of an RN-to-BSN Online Orientation
Authors: Hansen Eileen , Clark Connie Lynn , McCleish Joan M. , Hogan Joah R.
Published: September 2009

Traditional nursing program orientations may not meet the needs of today's RN-to-BSN students. This article describes how both the informational and social goals of an orientation program may be effectively accomplished in a more flexible manner that meets students' needs by moving from a face-to-face format to an online format using a course management system.
Nursing Students' Perceptions of the Clinical Learning Environment in Nursing Homes
Authors: Berntsen Karin , Bjørk Ida Torunn
Published: September 2009

Clinical placements are important in the learning processes of nursing students. In Norway, clinical placement in nursing homes is obligatory for nursing students, and this is a demanding and complex setting for learning. This study aimed to assess how first-year nursing students perceived their learning environment in nursing homes and to explore which factors in the clinical learning environment had the greatest influence on students' overall satisfaction with their clinical placement. Students rated their perceptions of the psychosocial learning environment using the Clinical Learning Environment Inventory. Students perceived the learning environment as moderately positive. Mean scores were the highest on the Personalization subscale and the lowest on the Innovation subscale. Students who highly valued Innovation, Involvement, and Personalization had higher scores on the Satisfaction sub-scale. The results of this study indicate that major work is needed to develop the learning context for students in nursing homes.
Engaging Nursing Students in a Long-Term Relationship with a Home-base Community
Authors: Kruger Barbara J. , Roush Connie , Olinzock Barbara J. , Bloom Kathaleen
Published: September 2009

At the University of North Florida School of Nursing, students, faculty, and community partners engage in a long-term relationship with a home-base to address community issues and student learning objectives. Community home-bases can be geographic or programmatic, but they serve as the central place where all of the partners come together and participate in mutually beneficial service-learning activities. The Home-base model addresses the unique integration of this partnership in the undergraduate curriculum, distinguished by the continuity of the student's clinical practice in one place throughout their nursing program. Findings from formative evaluation indicated that students “see the big picture,” “shed underly ing prejudices,” “value upstream approaches,” and “make a difference.” This article describes the development and structure of the Home-base model, identifies preliminary outcomes, and discusses implications for nursing education.
Collagen Cross-Linking in Early Keratoconus With Riboflavin in a Femtosecond Laser-Created Pocket: Initial Clinical Results
Authors: Kanellopoulos Anastasios John
Published: September 2009

Purpose:

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel femtosecond laser-assisted technique for intrastromal administation of riboflavin and higher fluence ultraviolet A (UVA) light in collagen cross-linking (CXL) for keratoconus.

Methods:

Ten eyes with early keratoconus were treated with CXL and followed for a mean of 26 months (range: 18 to 36 months). Using a femtosecond laser, a 100-µm deep, 7-mm diameter intrastromal pocket was created. Two 0.1-mL doses of 0.1% riboflavin solution were infused into the pocket and the cornea was irradiated with 7 mW/cm2UVA light of mean 370 nm wavelength for 15 minutes.

Results:

Mean uncorrected visual acuity improved from 20/40.5 to 20/32.5, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity was unchanged at 20/20, mean sphere was reduced by 0.50 diopters (D), mean cylinder was reduced by 0.90 D, and maximum mean keratometry (K) reduced from 48.70 to 47.90 D. No ectasia progression (defined as increase in K over 3-month followup) and no statistically significant change in endothelial cell count was noted during follow-up. The mean thinnest corneal thickness appeared to initially reduce but the mean returned to at least the preoperative level by 18 months. All patients returned to full activities within 1 day postoperative. No adverse effects were noted in any of the cases studied.

Conclusions:

This novel epithelium-sparing, rapid soak-and-treat method of intrastromal riboflavin instillation and higher fluence UVA light for CXL appears to be safe and effective. No negative biomechanical effect (ectasia/epithelial ingrowth) was noted due to the femtosecond laser–created pocket. Because minimal epithelial injury occurs using this technique, postoperative pain appears to be significantly reduced.

[J Refract Surg.2009;25:1034–1037.]
Work-readiness skills in the Fasset Sector
Authors: Raftopoulos Melandi , Coetzee Sanet , Visser Deléne
Published: September 2009

The objective of the study was to determine the work -readiness skills that are regarded as important by employers and graduates in the Fasset Sector of South Africa. A cross-sectional survey design was  used  to  achieve  this  objective.  Two  convenience  samples, namely  24  employers  and  333 graduates, completed  the Work Readiness Skills Scale. This scale was validated as a one-factor model with  an  alpha  coeffcient of  0.88. Oral  and written  communication,  self-discipline,  time management, interpersonal skills and teamwork, problem-solving skills and positive work ethic were rated as important skills for securing employment in this sector by employers and graduates alike. In addition, employers valued numeracy skills and motivation, whereas graduates regarded confidence and  leadership skills as  important. The results have implications for the curriculum design of the Fasset Work Readiness Programme presented to graduates in this industry.
Fabrication of Flexible Binary Amplitude Masks for Patterning on Highly Curved Surfaces
Authors: Bowen Audrey M. , Nuzzo Ralph G.
Published: August 2009

This paper describes soft lithography methods that expand current fabrication capabilities by enabling high‐throughput patterning on nonplanar substrates. These techniques exploit optically dense elastomeric mask elements embedded in a transparent poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) matrix by vacuum‐assisted microfluidic patterning, UV–ozone‐mediated irreversible sealing, and chemical etching. These protocols provide highly flexible photomasks exhibiting either positive‐ or negative‐image contrasts, which serve as amplitude masks for large‐area photolithographic patterning on a variety of curved (and planar) surfaces. When patterning on cylindrical surfaces, the developed masks do not experience significant pattern distortions. For substrates with 3D curvatures/geometries, however, the PDMS mask must undergo relatively large strains in order to make conformal contact. The new methods described in this report provide planar masks that can be patterned to compliantly compensate for both the displacements and distortions of features that result from stretching the mask to span the 3D geometry. To demonstrate this, a distortion‐corrected grid pattern mask was fabricated and used in conjunction with a homemade inflation device to pattern an electrode mesh on a glass hemisphere with predictable registration and distortion compensation. The showcased mask fabrication processes are compatible with a broad range of substrates, illustrating the potential for development of complex lithographic patterns for a variety of applications in the realm of curved electronics (i.e., synthetic retinal implants and curved LED arrays) and wide field‐of‐view optics.
A sequence optimization strategy for chromatographic separation in reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Du Xueling , Li Ye , Yuan Qipeng
Published: August 2009

A sequence optimization strategy combining an artificial neural network (ANN) and a chromatographic response function (CRF) for chromatographic separation in reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography has been proposed. Experiments were appropriately designed to obtain unbiased data concerning the effects of varying the mobile phase composition, flow‐rate, and temperature. The ANN was then used to simultaneously predict the resolution and analysis time, which are the two most important features of chromatographic separation. Subsequently, a CRF consisting of resolution and analysis time was used to predict the optimum operating conditions for different specialized purposes. The experimental chromatograms were consistent with those predicted for given conditions, which verified the applicability of the method. Furthermore, the proposed optimization strategy was applied to literature data and very good agreement was obtained. The results show that a strategy of sequential combination of ANN and CRF can provide a more flexible and efficient optimization method for chromatographic separation. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010
Development of historical exposure estimates of cosmic radiation and circadian rhythm disruption for cohort studies of Pan Am flight attendants
Authors: Waters Martha A. , Grajewski Barbara , Pinkerton Lynne E. , Hein Misty J. , Zivkovich Zachary
Published: August 2009

Background

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is conducting cohort studies of flight crew employed by the former Pan American World Airways company (Pan Am) as part of an effort to examine flight crew workplace exposures and health effects. Flight crew are exposed to elevated levels of cosmic radiation and to disruption of circadian rhythm when flying across multiple time zones. Methods exist to calculate cosmic radiation effective doses on individual flights; however, only work histories which provided an employee's domicile (home base) history rather than a record of every flight flown were available.

Methods/Results

We developed a method for estimating individual cumulative domicile‐based cosmic radiation effective doses and two metrics for circadian rhythm disruption for each flight attendant: cumulative times zones crossed and cumulative travel time during the standard sleep interval.

Conclusions

The domicile‐exposure matrix developed was used to calculate exposure estimates for a cohort mortality study of former Pan Am flight attendants. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:751–761, 2009. Published 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Language preference and non‐traumatic low back disorders in washington state workers' compensation
Authors: Bonauto David K. , Smith Caroline K. , Adams Darrin A. , Fan Z. Joyce , Silverstein Barbara A. , Foley Michael P.
Published: August 2009

Background

Workers in the United States with limited English proficiency likely perform more hazardous work, experience higher rates of work‐related injury and illness, and have worse disability outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a descriptive study of employment characteristics, timeliness and utilization of workers' compensation (WC) insurance benefits, cost and occupational health outcomes for Washington State WC state fund, non‐traumatic low back disorders (LBD) claimants by language preference.

Results

A greater proportion of Spanish language preferring (SLP) LBD claims filed were accepted and resulted in lost work time than English language preferring (ELP) LBD claims. There were significant differences in the demographic, employment, and occupational characteristics between the SLP and ELP compensable claimant populations. The SLP LBD compensable claimants had greater time loss duration, greater medical and total claim costs, more use of physical therapy and vocational services than the ELP LBD compensable claimants. With the exception of the timeliness for providing the first time loss payment, the time periods for provision of insurance benefits did not differ between the SLP and ELP populations. SLP compensable claimants received less back surgery and had comparable permanent partial disability payments to the ELP population. Employers were more likely to protest the acceptance of a SLP compensable than one in an ELP LBD compensable claim.

Conclusion

For those injured workers accessing the Washington State WC system, we observed differences based on language preference for pre‐injury, and workers compensation outcomes. Further research is needed to explain the observed differences. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:204–215 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Erratum: Validation of self‐reported occupational exposures in meatpacking workers
Authors: Lander Lina , Sorock Gary , Stentz Terry L. , Eisen Ellen A. , Mittleman Murray , Hauser Russ , Perry Melissa J.
Published: August 2009

“When this article was originally published in Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:707–715, 2009, it contained an error on page no. 708, line no. 3 under the heading Study Population. The corrected line appears on the next page. The author deeply regrets the error.”
Social behavior in fission–fusion groups of red uakari monkeys (Cacajao calvus ucayalii)
Authors: Bowler Mark , Bodmer Richard
Published: August 2009

Primates living in large groups that divide to forage must have social systems compatible with this mode of living. Uakari monkeys (Cacajaospp.) live in large groups and exhibit a form of fission–fusion grouping, but their social organization is poorly understood. We present some of the first data on social behavior for this genus based on a study onCacajao calvus ucayalii. They traveled in multimale multifemale groups of highly variable sizes, with bachelor units on the periphery. Adult males were affiliative, and adult females associated with more than one adult male. Adult females typically traveled with their dependent offspring and an older juvenile within the group. In parties of two or more males, individuals engaged in previously unreported display behaviors and acted together to aggressively chase other males. Breeding was seasonal, and mating occurred away from other group members. We speculate on the social organization ofC. calvus ucayalii, in which dispersal may be bisexual and peripheral males are affiliative with one another. Affiliated males appear to cooperate in fighting and displaying to other males for access to females during the breeding season. Am. J. Primatol. 71:976–987, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The strategic use of sex in wild female western gorillas
Authors: Doran‐Sheehy Diane M. , Fernández David , Borries Carola
Published: August 2009

Human females, unlike most mammals, are sexually active outside of fertile periods. This decoupling of sexual behavior from its conceptive function has had an enormous impact on human social relationships, and yet we know little about why there was selection for nonconceptive mating. Here we examine one form of nonconceptive mating, the mating that occurs during pregnancy or post‐conceptive (PC) mating, in wild western gorillas (Gorilla gorilla). Using a near complete mating record for five females during gestation, we show that pregnant females varied in the timing and frequency of mating, and used PC mating conditionally, synchronizing copulations to occur on days when other females mated, and refraining from mating for lengthy periods when no other females mated. As pregnant females mated exclusively with the same male before and after conception, and mated in response to group female (and not male) behavior, we conclude that western gorillas used PC mating as a form of female competition, and not to confuse paternity or to obtain immediate benefits from the male, as suggested earlier. The male initiated copulations preferentially with females of high rank, rather than distinguishing between pregnant and cycling females. Therefore, PC mating appears to be a strategy by which high‐ranking pregnant females attempt to minimize male interest in other females, while reinforcing their own status and potentially delaying conception in others. These findings indicate that female‐mating competition is more important than considered earlier, and may be a factor in the evolution of nonconceptive mating in humans. Am. J. Primatol. 71:1011–1020, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Muscle magnetic resonance imaging involvement in muscular dystrophies with rigidity of the spine
Authors: Mercuri Eugenio , Clements Emma , Offiah Amaka , Pichiecchio Anna , Vasco Gessica , Bianco Flaviana , Berardinelli Angela , Manzur Adnan , Pane Marika , Messina Sonia , Gualandi Francesca , Ricci Enzo , Rutherford Mary , Muntoni Francesco
Published: September 2009

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate whether the visual analysis of muscle magnetic resonance imaging scans can identify specific patterns of muscle involvement.

Methods

We assessed scans from 83 patients with muscle disorders characterized by rigidity of the spine secondary to mutations in 4 different genes. The conditions studied were rigid spine syndrome (SEPN1 defects), Bethlem myopathy, and Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy, allelic disorders caused by Col6A1, Col6A2, and Col6A3 mutations, the autosomal dominant form of Emery–Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (LMNA defects) and calpain‐deficient limb girdle muscular dystrophy (CAPN3 defects). The scans of 25 patients affected by other myopathies were also reviewed as a control group. The scans were compared with the previously described patterns.

Results

In 82% of the scans in the study group (68/83) the patterns were classified as “typical” of 1 of the 5 forms studied, and in 7 (8%) were consistent with 1 of the reported patterns but not entirely typical. With one exception, the patterns identified were always consistent with the appropriate genetic diagnosis. The remaining scans (9%) had only minimal changes and were uninformative. None of the scans of the 25 patients in the control group had patterns that could be classified as typical of the 5 forms examined. The sensitivity to detect selective patterns in relation to the genetic diagnosis was 0.9.

Interpretation

These findings suggest that muscle magnetic resonance imaging could be used in clinical practice as an additional tool in the differential diagnosis of muscle disorders with prominent spinal rigidity. ANN NEUROL 2010;67:201–208
High‐frequency electroencephalographic oscillations correlate with outcome of epilepsy surgery
Authors: Jacobs Julia , Zijlmans Maeike , Zelmann Rina , Chatillon Claude‐Édouard , Hall Jeffrey , Olivier André , Dubeau François , Gotman Jean
Published: September 2009

Objective

High‐frequency oscillations (HFOs) in the intracerebral electroencephalogram (EEG) have been linked to the seizure onset zone (SOZ). We investigated whether HFOs can delineate epileptogenic areas even outside the SOZ by correlating the resection of HFO‐generating areas with surgical outcome.

Methods

Twenty patients who underwent a surgical resection for medically intractable epilepsy were studied. All had presurgical intracerebral EEG (500Hz filter and 2,000Hz sampling rate), at least 12‐month postsurgical follow‐up, and a postsurgical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). HFOs (ripples, 80–250Hz; fast ripples, >250Hz) were identified visually during 5 to 10 minutes of slow‐wave sleep. Rates and extent of HFOs and interictal spikes in resected versus nonresected areas, assessed on postsurgical MRIs, were compared with surgical outcome (Engel's classification). We also evaluated the predictive value of removing the SOZ in terms of surgical outcome.

Results

The mean duration of follow‐up was 22.7 months. Eight patients had good (Engel classes 1 and 2) and 12 poor (classes 3 and 4) surgical outcomes. Patients with a good outcome had a significantly larger proportion of HFO‐generating areas removed than patients with a poor outcome. No such difference was seen for spike‐generating regions or the SOZ.

Interpretation

The correlation between removal of HFO‐generating areas and good surgical outcome indicates that HFOs could be used as a marker of epileptogenicity and may be more accurate than spike‐generating areas or the SOZ. In patients in whom the majority of HFO‐generating tissue remained, a poor surgical outcome occurred. ANN NEUROL 2010;67:209–220
Facile way to disperse single‐walled carbon nanotubes using a noncovalent method and their reinforcing effect in poly(methyl methacrylate) composites
Authors: Liu Xiaoqing , Chan‐Park Mary B.
Published: August 2009

In this work, a noncovalent method was used to functionalize and thereby disperse single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in dimethylformamide with poly[methyl methacrylate‐co‐(fluorescein O‐acrylate)] as a surfactant, and then the resultant poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)‐based nanocomposites were fabricated via solution casting. The dispersion level of carbon nanotubes in the solvent was investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The results showed that carbon nanotubes were well wrapped by the surfactant, and small carbon nanotube bundles several nanometers or less in diameter and several micrometers in length were obtained. Both scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy confirmed the uniform dispersion of SWCNTs in the PMMA matrix. The mechanical properties of the composites were determined with a universal tension tester. The PMMA composite containing 2 wt % SWCNTs showed improved tensile properties versus neat PMMA, showing 56 and 30% enhancements of the tensile modulus and tensile stress, respectively. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Effects of superfine silk protein powders on mechanical properties of wet‐spun polyurethane fibers
Authors: Liu Hongtao , Xu Weilin , Liu Xiuying , Xu Jie , Li Wenbin , Liu Xin
Published: August 2009

Mechanical measurements were employed to investigate the effects of three types of superfine silk protein powder on tensile strength, elongation, and elasticity of wet‐spun Pellethane® 2363‐80AE polyurethane (PU) fiber. These superfine silk protein powders included undegummed silk (with both native silk fibroin and sericin, water insoluble), native silk fibroin (with native silk fibroin only, water insoluble), and regenerated silk fibroin (with regenerated silk fibroin only, water soluble) in powder form. Experimental data derived from the mechanical measurements illustrated that the miscibility between the PU and regenerated silk fibroin were superior to that between PU and the other two silk proteins. This may be attributed to the similar chemical structure and microphase separation of PU and regenerated silk fibroin with lower molecular weight than native silk fibroin. This preliminary work may provide some information for biomimetic processing of silk‐inspired PU biofibers, which combine elasticity of synthetic PU with biofunction of natural silk fibroin for special biomedical applications. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Electromagnetic properties and mechanical properties of Ni0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4/polyolefin elastomer composites for high‐frequency applications
Authors: Yang Haibo , Lin Ying , Zhu Jianfeng , Wang Fen
Published: August 2009

A low‐loss flexible magnetic composite with Ni0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4 (NZO) ultrafine particles embedded in a thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer matrix was fabricated with extrusion technology. The electromagnetic and mechanical properties of the as‐prepared composites were investigated in detail. The results indicate that as the volume of the ceramic fillers increased, the permittivity, permeability, and dielectric and magnetic loss of the composite all increased. The cutoff frequencies of the composites were all above 1 GHz. Because of the low resistivity of NZO, the dielectric losses of the composites were big and decreased with frequency below 100 MHz. Good frequency stability of the permittivities and permeabilities and low dielectric and magnetic losses within the measurement range were observed. All of the composites showed very good flexibility. With increasing volume of the ceramic filler, the tensile strength and elongation decreased. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009