bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infarct Volume Is a Pivotal Biomarker After Intra-Arterial Stroke Therapy
Authors: Yoo Albert J. , Chaudhry Zeshan A. , Nogueira Raul G. , Lev Michael H. , Schaefer Pamela W. , Schwamm Lee H. , Hirsch Joshua A. , González R. Gilberto
Published: March 2012

Background and Purpose—

Pretreatment infarct volume appears to predict clinical outcome after intra-arterial therapy. To confirm the importance of infarct size in patients undergoing intra-arterial therapy, we sought to characterize the relationship between final infarct volume (FIV) and long-term functional outcome in a prospective cohort of endovascularly treated patients.

Methods—

From our prospective intra-arterial therapy database, we identified 107 patients with acute ischemic stroke with anterior circulation proximal artery occlusions who underwent final infarct imaging and had 3-month modified Rankin Scale scores. Clinical, imaging, treatment, and outcome data were analyzed.

Results—

Mean age was 66.6 years. Median admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 17. Reperfusion (Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction 2A–3) was achieved in 78 (72.9%) patients. Twenty-seven (25.2%) patients achieved a 3-month good outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0–2), and 30 (28.0%) died. Median FIV was 71.4 cm
3
. FIV independently correlated with functional outcome across the entire modified Rankin Scale. In receiver operating characteristic analysis, it was the best discriminator of both good outcome (area under the curve=0.857) and mortality (area under the curve=0.772). A FIV of approximately 50 cm
3
demonstrated the greatest accuracy for distinguishing good versus poor outcome, and a FIV of approximately 90 cm
3
was highly specific for a poor outcome. The interaction term between FIV and age was the only independent predictor of good outcome (
P
<0.0001). The impact of FIV was accentuated in patients <80 years.

Conclusions—

Among patients with anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke who undergo intra-arterial therapy, final infarct volume is a critical determinant of 3-month functional outcome and appears suitable as a surrogate biomarker in proof-of-concept intra-arterial therapy trials.
Contemporary Outcome Measures in Acute Stroke Research
Authors: Lees Kennedy R. , Bath Philip M.W. , Schellinger Peter D. , Kerr Daniel M. , Fulton Rachael , Hacke Werner , Matchar David , Sehra Ruchir , Toni Danilo
Published: March 2012

Background and Purpose—

The diversity of available outcome measures for acute stroke trials is challenging and implies that the scales may be imperfect. To assist researchers planning trials and to aid interpretation, this article reviews and makes recommendations on the available choices of scales. The aim is to identify an approach that will be universally accepted and that should be included in most acute trials, without seeking to restrict options for special circumstances.

Methods—

The article considers outcome measures that have been widely used or are currently advised. It examines desirable properties for outcome measures such as validity, relevance, responsiveness, statistical properties, availability of training, cultural and language issues, resistance to comorbidity, as well as potential weaknesses. Tracking and agreement among outcomes are covered.

Results—

Typical ranges of scores for the common scales are described, along with their statistical properties, which in turn influence optimal analytic techniques. The timing of recovery on scores and usual practice in trial design are considered.

Conclusions—

The preferred outcome measure for acute trials is the modified Rankin Scale, assessed at 3 months after stroke onset or later. The interview should be conducted by a certified rater and should involve both the patient and any relevant caregiver. Incremental benefits at any level of the modified Rankin Scale may be acceptable. The modified Rankin Scale is imperfect but should be retained in its present form for comparability with existing treatment comparisons. No second measure should be required, but correlations with supporting scales may be used to confirm consistency in direction of effects on other measures.
Factors Influencing In-Hospital Delay in Treatment With Intravenous Thrombolysis
Authors: Mikulík Robert , Kadlecová Pavla , Czlonkowska Anna , Kobayashi Adam , Brozman Miroslav , Švigelj Viktor , Csiba Laszlo , Fekete Klara , Kõrv Janika , Demarin Vida , Vilionskis Aleksandras , Jatuzis Dalius , Krespi Yakup , Ahmed Niaz
Published: March 2012

Background and Purpose—

Shortening door-to-needle time (DNT) for the thrombolytic treatment of stroke can improve treatment efficacy by reducing onset-to-treatment time. The goal of our study was to explore the association between DNT and outcome and to identify factors influencing DNT to better understand why some patients are treated late.

Methods—

Prospectively collected data from the Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke-East registry (SITS-EAST: 9 central and eastern European countries) on all patients treated with thrombolysis between February 2003 and February 2010 were analyzed. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of DNT ≤60 minutes.

Results—

Altogether, 5563 patients were treated with thrombolysis within 4.5 hours of symptom onset. Of these, 2097 (38%) had DNT ≤60 minutes. In different centers, the proportion of patients treated with DNT ≤60 minutes ranged from 18% to 84% (
P
<0.0001). Patients with longer DNT (in 60-minute increments) had less chance of achieving a modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 1 at 3 months (adjusted OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.77–0.97). DNT ≤60 minutes was independently predicted by younger age (in 10-year increments; OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.87–0.97), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 7 to 24 (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.2–1.7), onset-to-door time (in 10-minute increments; OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.17–1.22), treatment center (
P
<0.001), and country (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

Thrombolysis of patients with older age and mild or severe neurological deficit is delayed. The perception that there is sufficient time before the end of the thrombolytic window also delays treatment. It is necessary to improve adherence to guidelines and to treat patients sooner after arrival to hospital.
Does Body Mass Index Impact on the Relationship Between Systolic Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Disease?
Authors: Tsukinoki Rumi , Murakami Yoshitaka , Huxley Rachel , Ohkubo Takayoshi , Fang Xianghua , Suh Il , Ueshima Hirotsugu , Lam Tai-Hing , Woodward Mark
Published: March 2012

Background and Purpose—

Elevated blood pressure and excess body mass index (BMI) are established risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) but controversy exists as to whether, and how, they interact.

Methods—

The interactions between systolic blood pressure and BMI on coronary heart disease, ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke and CVD were examined using data from 419 448 participants (≥30 years) in the Asia-Pacific region. BMI was categorized into 5 groups, using standard criteria, and systolic blood pressure was analyzed both as a categorical and continuous variable. Cox proportional hazard models, stratified by sex and study, were used to estimate hazard ratios, adjusting for age and smoking and the interaction was assessed by likelihood ratio tests.

Results—

During 2.6 million person-years of follow-up, there were 10 877 CVD events. Risks of CVD and subtypes increased monotonically with increasing systolic blood pressure in all BMI subgroups. There was some evidence of a decreasing hazard ratio, per additional 10 mm Hg systolic blood pressure, with increasing BMI, but the differences, although significant, are unlikely to be of clinical relevance. The hazard ratio for CVD was 1.34 (95% CI, 1.32–1.36) overall with individual hazard ratios ranging between 1.28 and 1.36 across all BMI groups. For coronary heart disease, ischemic stroke, and hemorrhagic stroke, the overall hazard ratios per 10 mm Hg systolic blood pressure were 1.24, 1.46, and 1.65, respectively.

Conclusions—

Increased blood pressure is an important determinant of CVD risk irrespective of BMI. Although its effect tends to be weaker in people with relatively high BMI, the difference is not sufficiently great to warrant alterations to existing guidelines.
A National Survey of Candidates
Authors: Katz Debra A. , Kaplan Marcia , Stromberg Sarah E.
Published: March 2012

To better focus efforts in recruiting psychoanalytic candidates, current candidates’ demographics, practice patterns, and satisfaction with psychoanalytic training were investigated. An anonymous web-based survey was distributed by e-mail to all candidates subscribing to the affiliate member e-mail list in 2009–2010. Surveys were completed by 226 of 565 affiliate members, for a return rate of 40%. The majority of respondents were women 45 to 64 years of age, married, with a doctoral degree, in private practice, with an annual household income of over $100,000. Most candidates devoted 11 to 30 hours a week to training and had no analysts or candidates in their workplace. Almost half had considered training for more than four years before matriculation, with financial issues cited most frequently as delaying entry. Over 80% of respondents were satisfied with their training. The most frequently cited reasons for dissatisfaction were a negative institute atmosphere, concerns about teaching or the curriculum, and difficulty finding cases. Candidates in training for eight years or more accounted for almost 20% of the group and were more often dissatisfied with training. This study demonstrates that the majority of current candidates are satisfied with training but suggests that recruitment may become increasingly difficult unless factors related to time, cost, case finding, graduation requirements, and institute atmosphere can be addressed.
Social capital, political participation, and trust in the police in urban China
Authors: Sun Ivan , Hu Rong , Wu Yuning
Published: March 2012

Trust in the police has emerged as a critical issue in China where the police have experienced a crisis of legitimacy. Only a small number of studies, however, have empirically assessed Chinese citizens’ trust in the police. Moreover, the effects of citizens’ participation in social and political activity on evaluations of the police have rarely been investigated. Using survey data collected from over 3,500 Chinese citizens in eight cities, this study examines the impact of social capital and political participation on trust in the police, controlling for demographic characteristics, sense of safety, and locality. Trust in the leaders of neighborhood committees increased the likelihood of trust in the police. A sense of safety also raised the odds of trust in the police. Citizens’ trust in the police is also predicted by trust in neighbors, participation in political activity, and gender. Trust in the police varies across cities and is explained by some common and distinctive variables.
Clinical Risk Factors for Adverse Events in Allopurinol Users
Authors: Ryu Hee Jung , Song Ran , Kim Hye Won , Kim Jin Hyun , Lee Eun Young , Lee Yun Jong , Song Yeong Wook , Lee Eun Bong
Published: March 2012

Allopurinol, one of the most commonly used uric acid–lowering agents, can cause serious adverse events. To investigate the risk factors for allopurinol‐induced adverse events, the authors enrolled 94 patients who developed allopurinol‐induced adverse events and 378 controls who were randomly chosen from 1934 patients who used allopurinol but did not develop any adverse events in this retrospective case control study. Univariate analysis showed that patients who developed allopurinol‐induced adverse events had more chronic kidney disease (46% vs 30%, P = .005), more hypertension (42% vs 30%, P = .036), less tumor lysis syndrome (P = .030), higher cholesterol (P = .013), and lower aspartate aminotransferase (P = .002) and alanine aminotransferase levels (P = .033) and more commonly used angiotensin receptor blockers (27% vs 15%, P = .007), colchicines (16% vs 5%, P = .010), or statins (19% vs 8%, P = .002) than those who did not. In multiple logistic regression analysis, the use of colchicines (odds ratio, 3.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.28‐7.58; P = .012) and statins (2.10; 1.03‐4.25; P = .041) was an independent risk factor predicting adverse events in allopurinol users. In conclusion, patients who use colchicine or statins are at significant risk for developing allopurinol‐induced adverse events.
The Violent Crime Linkage Analysis System
Authors: Snook Brent , Luther Kirk , House John C. , Bennell Craig , Taylor Paul J.
Published: March 2012

The interrater reliability of an internationally renowned crime linkage system—the Violent Crime Linkage Analysis System (ViCLAS)—was tested. Police officers ( N = 10) were presented with a case file and asked to complete a ViCLAS booklet. The level of occurrence agreement between each officer was calculated. Results showed a 30.77% level of agreement across the 106 variables examined. Agreement ranged from 2.36% for weapon variables to 62.87% for administration variables. Only 11 (10.38%) of the variables reached an acceptable level of agreement. Concerns pertaining to the validity of inferences produced using ViCLAS data are discussed, along with potential explanations for the findings, limitations of the study, and future research directions.
Vector space model for patent documents with hierarchical class labels
Authors: Chen Yen-Liang , Chiu Yu-Ting
Published: March 2012

A vector space model (VSM) composed of selected important features is a common way to represent documents, including patent documents. Patent documents have some special characteristics that make it difficult to apply traditional feature selection methods directly: (a) it is difficult to find common terms for patent documents in different categories; and (b) the class label of a patent document is hierarchical rather than flat. Hence, in this article we propose a new approach that includes a hierarchical feature selection (HFS) algorithm which can be used to select more representative features with greater discriminative ability to present a set of patent documents with hierarchical class labels. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated through application to two documents sets with 2400 and 9600 patent documents, where we extract candidate terms from their titles and abstracts. The experimental results reveal that a VSM whose features are selected by a proportional selection process gives better coverage, while a VSM whose features are selected with a weighted-summed selection process gives higher accuracy.
Imperfectly symmetrical: a discussion of Gilbert Achcar’s The Arabs and the Holocaust
Authors: Coury Ralph M.
Published: March 2012

This review provides a summary and evaluation of Gilbert Achcar’s history of Arab attitudes to the Holocaust (and related matters, such as fascism) from the early 1930s until the present. The author’s ability to integrate a story of Arab intellectual and political diversity with the story of how this diversity has often been reduced to a monolithic caricature is found to be magisterial. The review ends with the kind of critical interrogation that so formidable a work deserves: has Achcar exaggerated the role that ‘narrative’ might have in resolving political conflicts? Has he exaggerated the degree to which reactionary and/or fundamentalist Islamism has influenced modern Arab and Islamic thought? To what extent has he neglected to discuss the Jewish fundamentalist ideas that provide a religious basis for prejudice and aggression towards Palestinians and Arabs? Does he adequately address the relationship between Zionism/Israel and imperialism?
Professional development, values and strategy – the means for building strong libraries for the future!
Authors: Isberg Catharina
Published: March 2012

The library and information sector is undergoing massive change. In a changing world we must create environments that promote strong development to ensure a viable future and a library that provides benefits to all our customers. Professional development is an essential component of this environment. It must be in line with the organization’s strategy and values. Changes in customer expectations, behavior and technological development make it even more important to form the library’s identity and prioritize our activities. Values, strategy and professional development go hand in hand with the development process. Staff participation in the development process produces a climate that is creative and a means of ensuring success in the future. At the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences University Library we have worked with professional development, strategy and values as well as the concepts of staff empowerment and leadership. This effort has included all staff members and the results have been excellent.
The state of e-legal deposit in France: Looking back at five years of putting new legislation into practice and envisioning the future
Authors: Stirling Peter , Illien Gildas , Sanz Pascal , Sepetjan Sophie
Published: March 2012

The article describes the legal situation in France regarding the legal deposit of digital material, and shows how it has been implemented in practice at the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF). The focus is on web archiving, where the BnF has experience going back almost 10 years, but other aspects of digital legal deposit are discussed, with possible future developments and challenges. Throughout comparisons are made with the situations in other countries.
Learning to read before you walk: Portuguese libraries for babies and toddlers
Authors: Ramos Ana Margarida
Published: March 2012

The aim of this paper is to present and analyse some examples of public libraries which have been especially designed for babies and toddlers in Portugal, termed bebetecas in Portuguese, highlighting the role the promotion of reading from a very young age plays in the reader’s development. Some projects implemented in these areas, particularly those which target the family as an audience, but which in some cases are also intended for day care centres and nurseries, create an increased awareness of the role of the library in the dissemination of children's books, as well as creating dynamic reading habits at an early age. This strengthens family ties and promotes healthier and more balanced child development. Taking family and school as two important contexts for the development of the readers, the library becomes a privileged space and vehicle to promote good reading practices from a very young age, and where books can act as the backdrop for interaction between young children, their families and care givers.
Identification of Acetabular Labral Pathological Changes in Asymptomatic Volunteers Using Optimized, Noncontrast 1.5-T Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Schmitz Matthew R. , Campbell Scot E. , Fajardo Ryan S. , Kadrmas Warren R.
Published: March 2012

Background: Acetabular labral tears as a source of potential hip pain have received a great deal of attention in recent literature. The gold standard for identifying acetabular labral tears is hip arthroscopy, but recent advances in optimized, noncontrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have proven effectiveness in identifying intra-articular hip pathological changes without the invasive nature of hip arthroscopy or gadolinium-enhanced arthrography. There are little data in the literature on imaging results in an asymptomatic population.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to use an optimized, noncontrast 1.5-T MRI protocol to identify hip abnormalities, including paralabral cysts, in asymptomatic volunteers.

Study Design: Case series (prevalence); Level of evidence, 4.

Methods: In this study, 42 hips in asymptomatic patients with an average age of 34 years (range, 27-43 years) were prospectively imaged with optimized, noncontrast 1.5-T MRI scans. Two fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists interpreted the scans at 2 different points in time and commented on the presence of labral abnormalities including paralabral cysts. The results were analyzed for both interobserver and intraobserver reliability.

Results: Acetabular paralabral cysts were identified in 11 of 42 (26.2%) and 9 of 42 (21.4%) hips by the 2 respective radiologists, with an interobserver reliability of 90.5% (κ = .74) and intraobserver reliability of 95.2% (κ = .87). In addition, acetabular labral tears were identified in 36 of 42 (85.7%) and 34 of 42 (80.9%) hips, with an interobserver reliability of 90.5% (κ = .70) and intraobserver reliability of 95.2% (κ = .83).

Conclusion: Utilizing an optimized, noncontrast 1.5-T MRI protocol, we report the previously undescribed prevalence of acetabular labral pathological abnormalities and paralabral cysts in a young, asymptomatic population. This emphasizes the importance of correlating patient symptoms with history and physical examination when evaluating patients with hip pain and radiographic abnormalities as defined by MRI criteria. These data demonstrate that labral tears can occur without symptoms.
The genotoxic, hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic, haematotoxic and histopathological effects in rats after aluminium chronic intoxication
Authors: Geyikoglu Fatime , Türkez Hasan , Bakir Tülay Ozhan , Cicek Mustafa
Published: March 2012

Aluminium (Al) is used in water purification and is also present in several manufactured foods and medicines. Al is known to induce a broad range of physiological, biochemical and behavioural dysfunctions in laboratory animals and humans. This investigation was carried out to investigate the effects of subchronic exposure to Al (as AlCl3) in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly separated into two groups. Group 1 rats treated with sodium chloride served as the control, group 2 rats were treated with Al (as AlCl3, 5 mg/kg body weight) intraperitonally for 10 weeks. Animals were killed and blood samples were analyzed for blood serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzyme activities and creatinine, urea (U) and uric acid (UA) levels for evaluating hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Blood parameters including red blood cells (RBCs), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, haematocrit (Ht), platelets (PLTs) and white blood cells (WBCs) were compared between control and experimental group to assess haematoxicity. In order to determine the genotoxicity, the number of micronucleated hepatocytes (MNHEPs) was counted in isolated hepatocytes. In addition, histological alterations in liver and kidney samples were investigated. After exposure with Al, the enzymatic activities of ALP, AST, ALT and LDH, and the levels of U and UA significantly increased. RBC, WBC, PLT, Hb and Ht revealed significant decreases in experimental group compared to the control. AlCl3 caused a significant increase in MNHEPs. Furthermore, severe pathological damages were established in both liver and kidney samples. Subchronic exposure to low doses of Al can produce serious dysfunctions in rat blood, liver and kidney, and exposure to this metal can result in greater damages.
Loneliness as a Risk Factor for Hypertension in Later Life
Authors: Momtaz Yadollah Abolfathi , Hamid Tengku Aizan , Yusoff Suraya , Ibrahim Rahimah , Chai Sen Tyng , Yahaya Nurizan , Abdullah Siti Suhailah
Published: March 2012

Objective: The present study aims to determine the impact of loneliness on hypertension in later life. Method: Data for this study are derived from a sample of 1,880 older Malaysians via a cross-sectional survey entitled “Patterns of Social Relationships and Psychological Well-Being Among Older Persons in Peninsular Malaysia.” Loneliness is assessed by the PGCMS item, “How much do you feel lonely?” Data analysis is carried out using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19.0. Results: Nearly one third of respondents report high level of loneliness. The overall prevalence of hypertension is 39% (95% CI = 36.9-41.3). Logistic regression, controlling for sociodemographic factors and several chronic medical conditions, shows that loneliness significantly increases likelihood of hypertension in later life (OR = 1.31, p ≤ .05, 95% CI = 1.04-1.66). Discussion: The results show loneliness as a major risk factor for hypertension and call for health care professionals to be aware of the negative physiological effects of loneliness in old age.
Racial Differences in Dementia Care Among Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Sengupta Manisha , Decker Sandra L. , Harris-Kojetin Lauren , Jones Adrienne
Published: March 2012

Objectives: This article aims to describe potential racial differences in dementia care among nursing home residents with dementia. Methods: Using data from the 2004 National Nursing Home Survey (NNHS) in regression models, the authors examine whether non-Whites are less likely than Whites to receive special dementia care—defined as receiving special dementia care services or being in a dementia special care unit (SCU)—and whether this difference derives from differences in resident or facility characteristics. Results: The authors find that non-Whites are 4.3 percentage points less likely than Whites to receive special dementia care. Discussion: The fact that non-Whites are more likely to rely on Medicaid and less likely to pay out of pocket for nursing home care explains part but not all of the difference. Most of the difference is due to the fact that non-Whites reside in facilities that are less likely to have special dementia care services or dementia care units, particularly for-profit facilities and those in the South.
Effect of a Fall Prevention Program on Balance Maintenance Using a Quasi-experimental Design in Real-World Settings
Authors: Robitaille Yvonne , Fournier Michel , Laforest Sophie , Gauvin Lise , Filiatrault Johanne , Corriveau Hélène
Published: March 2012

Objectives:

To examine the effect of a fall prevention program offered under real-world conditions on balance maintenance several months after the program. To explore the program’s impact on falls.

Method:

A quasi-experimental study was conducted among community-dwelling seniors, with pre- and postintervention measures of balance performance and self-reported falls. Ten community-based organizations offered the intervention (98 participants) and 7 recruited participants to the study’s control arm (102 participants). An earlier study examined balance immediately after the 12-week program. The present study focuses on the 12-month effect. Linear regression (balance) and negative binomial regression (falls) procedures were performed.falls.

Results:

During the 12-month study period, experimental participants improved and maintained their balance as reflected by their scores on three performance tests. There was no evidence of an effect on falls.falls.

Discussion:

Structured group exercise programs offered in community-based settings can maintain selected components of balance for several months after the program’s end.
Modifying Measures Based on Differential Item Functioning (DIF) Impact Analyses
Authors: Teresi Jeanne A. , Ramirez Mildred , Jones Richard N. , Choi Seung , Crane Paul K.
Published: March 2012

Objectives:

Measure modification can impact comparability of scores across groups and settings. Changes in items can affect the percent admitting to a symptom.

Methods:

Using item response theory (IRT) methods, well-calibrated items can be used interchangeably, and the exact same item does not have to be administered to each respondent, theoretically permitting wider latitude in terms of modification.

Results:

Recommendations regarding modifications vary, depending on the use of the measure. In the context of research, adjustments can be made at the analytic level by freeing and fixing parameters based on findings of differential item functioning (DIF). The consequences of DIF for clinical decision making depend on whether or not the patient’s performance level approaches the scale decision cutpoint. High-stakes testing may require item removal or separate calibrations to ensure accurate assessment.

Discussion:

Guidelines for modification based on DIF analyses and illustrations of the impact of adjustments are presented.
Easy Grasp: A novel hybrid-driven manual medical instrument for laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Wang Xiaofei , Wang Shuxin , Li Jianmin , Zhang Guokai , He Chao
Published: March 2012

A novel compact manual instrument for laparoscopic surgery, Easy Grasp, is proposed and the prototype is developed. It is a hybridization of cable and link drives. The instrument conforms to the ergonomic engineering and it can realize roll, pitch, and yaw motions. Owing to the parallelograms and universal joints, the motions outside the abdomen can be mapped to the end-effector motions inside the abdomen exactly. The workspace of the wrist-like joint is a submanifold of special orthogonal group and is evaluated by the matrix exponential parameterization. The structure of the instrument is designed optimally on the basis of the kinematic analysis together with the global condition index. The instrument can not only satisfy the needs of basic tasks, but also be used to accomplish difficult tasks such as suturing and knot-tying. Experimental results show that the instrument works as well as commercial products. The ease of use will make the instrument effective in laparoscopic surgery. The structure of the instrument is a prototype for other manual instruments and provides a framework for instrument design.
The fault detection and diagnosis in rolling element bearings using frequency band entropy
Authors: Liu Tao , Chen Jin , Dong Guangming , Xiao Wenbing , Zhou Xuning
Published: March 2012

In vibration analysis, fault feature extraction from strong background noises is of great importance. Frequency band entropy based on short-time Fourier transform illustrates the complexity of every frequency component in the frequency domain, and it can be used to detect the periodical components hidden in the signal. This article shows how the frequency band entropy offers a robust way in detecting faults even when the signal is under strong masking noises. Furthermore, frequency band entropy provides a way of blindly designing optimal band-pass filters. The filtering signal combined with envelope analysis is helpful in fault diagnosis. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated on both simulated and actual data from rolling bearings.
Using assignment data to analyse a blended information literacy intervention: A quantitative approach
Authors: Walton Geoff , Hepworth Mark
Published: March 2012

This research sought to determine whether a blended information literacy learning and teaching intervention could statistically significantly enhance undergraduates’ information discernment compared to standard face-to-face delivery. A mixture of face-to-face and online activities, including online social media learning, was used. Three interventions were designed to develop the information literacies of first-year undergraduates studying Sport and Exercise at Staffordshire University and focused on one aspect of information literacy: the ability to evaluate source material effectively. An analysis was devised where written evaluations of found information for an assessment were converted into numerical scores and then measured statistically. This helped to evaluate the efficacy of the interventions and provided data for further analysis. An insight into how the information literacy pedagogical intervention and the cognitive processes involved in enabling participants to interact critically with information is provided. The intervention which incorporated social media learning proved to be the most successful learning and teaching approach. The data indicated that undergraduate students’ information literacy can be developed. However, additional long-term data is required to establish whether this intervention would have a lasting impact.
Effect of varying axial load under fixed boundary condition on admittance signatures of electromechanical impedance technique
Authors: Lim Yee Yan , Soh Chee Kiong
Published: March 2012

In recent years, researchers in the field of structural health monitoring have been rigorously striving to replace the conventional nondestructive evaluation techniques with the smart material–based structural health monitoring techniques. These techniques possess distinct advantages over the conventional techniques, such as capable of providing autonomous, real-time, reliable, and cost-efficient monitoring. For instance, the electromechanical impedance technique employing smart piezo-impedance transducer (lead zirconate titanate) is known for its sensitivity in detecting damage. The admittance signatures of the electromechanical impedance technique for structural health monitoring are susceptible to variation in the static load applied on the host structure, which should not be ignored. This article presents a series of experimental, analytical, and numerical studies conducted to investigate the effect of varying axial load in the presence of fixed boundary condition on the admittance signatures. Theoretically, the extensional vibration is not affected by any static axial load acting in the same direction. However, it is useful in identifying the effect of stiffening caused by the boundary condition upon increase in the axial force, which contributes to the discrepancy between the experiments and the analytical models. This study suggests that the effect of boundary condition is substantial, which should be carefully considered in real-life application of the electromechanical impedance technique for structural health monitoring.
Self-healing cementitious materials by the combination of microfibres and superabsorbent polymers
Authors: Snoeck Didier , Van Tittelboom Kim , Steuperaert Stijn , Dubruel Peter , De Belie Nele
Published: March 2012

Concrete cracks due to its low tensile strength. The presence of cracks endangers the durability as they generate a pathway for harmful particles dissolved in fluids and gases. Without a proper treatment, maintenance costs will increase. Self-healing can prevail in small cracks due to precipitation of calcium carbonate and further hydration. Therefore, the use of microfibres is proposed to control the crack width and thus to promote the self-healing efficiency. In the current research, crack sealing is also enhanced by the application of superabsorbent polymers. When cracking occurs, superabsorbent polymers are exposed to the humid environment and swell. This swelling reaction seals the crack from intruding potentially harmful substances. Mortar mixtures with microfibres and with and without superabsorbent polymers were investigated on their crack sealing and healing efficiency. Regain in mechanical properties upon crack healing was investigated by the performance of four-point-bending tests, and the sealing capacity of the superabsorbent polymer particles was measured through a decrease in water permeability. In an environment with a relative humidity of more than 60%, only samples with superabsorbent polymers showed healing. Introducing 1 m% of superabsorbent polymer gives the best results, considering no reduction of the mechanical properties in comparison to the reference, and the superior self-sealing capacity.
Trust Development in Swift Starting Action Teams
Authors: Wildman Jessica L. , Shuffler Marissa L. , Lazzara Elizabeth H. , Fiore Stephen M. , Burke C. Shawn , Salas Eduardo , Garven Sena
Published: March 2012

Swift starting action teams (STATs) are increasingly prevalent in organizations, and the development of trust is often a critical issue for their effectiveness. However, current theory and research do not provide a clear picture regarding how trust toward the team (i.e., the team as the target) is developed in these settings. The primary contribution of this article is to present a theoretical framework describing how individual-level trust toward one’s team is developed in STAT contexts. This article integrates several existing trust theories into one comprehensive context-specific multilevel theory of how trust develops in STATs from cognitive, affective, behavioral, and contextual perspectives. This framework furthers our understanding of the unique antecedents of initial trust in STATs, how trust attitudes are adjusted over the short amount of time the team interacts, and how the team context influences this developmental process.
Managing Family Demands in Teams
Authors: ten Brummelhuis Lieke L. , Oosterwaal Annemarije , Bakker Arnold B.
Published: March 2012

A majority of today’s workforce juggles work and family roles, whereby family life often interferes with work. Thus far, not much is known about work–family interference at the team level. This study explores how team members’ family demands influence team processes (taskwork and teamwork) and consequently, team performance. In addition, we investigate whether social support at work helps to prevent possible disadvantageous effects of team members’ family demands on team processes. Using a sample of 61 teams (520 employees), we found that team members’ average family demands were negatively related to supervisor-ratings of team performance, through reduced taskwork. Supervisor and organizational social support attenuated this negative relationship. Family demands were positively related to teamwork when coworker and supervisor support were high. These findings specify that under conditions of adequate support at work, harmful effects of a team’s family context on team performance are less likely, whereas teamwork is even enhanced.
Time-patterns of annualized relapse rates in randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials in relapsing multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nicholas Richard , Straube Sebastian , Schmidli Heinz , Pfeiffer Sebastian , Friede Tim
Published: March 2012

Background:

Although it is known that the annualized relapse rate (ARR) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) changes as disease progresses, in the design and analysis of trials in relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) constant ARRs are assumed.

Objectives:

This paper aims to assess time-patterns of trial ARR by conducting a systematic review of randomized, placebo-controlled trials in RMS.

Methods:

A systematic literature search was conducted by searching PubMed for randomized, placebo-controlled trials in RMS. In meta-analyses the following comparisons of trial ARR were carried out for the placebo controls and active treatment arms: months 1–6 vs. months 7–12, and months 1–12 vs. months 13–24.

Results:

A total of 52 trials was identified. Out of these, information on the time-dependence of trial ARR could be extracted from 13 trials. The ARR was by 25% ( p = 0.0005) and 40% ( p < 0.0001) higher in months 1–12 compared with months 13–24 for placebo and active treatments, respectively. Consequently, the treatment effects were by 13% ( p = 0.23) larger in the second year compared with the first year. Within the first year of follow-up the ARR was by 4% ( p = 0.75) and 23% ( p = 0.06) higher in months 1–6 compared with months 7–12 for placebo controls and active arms, respectively.

Conclusions:

Trial ARR decreases during a trial in RMS, which is in line with epidemiological findings and has implications for design and analysis of future trials. The observed decrease in trial ARR might be at least partially explained by regression to the mean. Individual patient data analyses are warranted.
Striking lives: Multiple narratives of South Asian women’s employment, identity and protest in the UK
Authors: Anitha Sundari , Pearson Ruth , McDowell Linda
Published: March 2012

This article draws on the narratives of the two groups of South Asian women (SAW) in the UK who took part in industrial disputes some 30 years apart, in order to examine the ways in which they have negotiated their way through their classed, racialized and gendered inclusion in the labour market. The comparison of the Grunwick and the Gate Gourmet disputes and the employment histories of the actors involved in these disputes enables us to explore the centrality of waged work to the social construction of a diasporic identity and the complexity of SAW’s identities in the UK. This article utilizes an intersectional framework, based on life history interviews, to reinterpret historical events by examining women’s experiences of industrial action in the context of their class backgrounds and changing class positions, and particular histories of migration and settlement.
The Here and There of a Femme Cave
Authors: Downey Genesis
Published: March 2012

In the seminal 1938 text, Homo Ludens, Johan Huizinga invokes the concept of the magic circle as a third space reserved solely for play. It is a space where play follows its own rules without regard to physical or imaginative constraints. With the advent of 21st-century digital technologies, the once clearly delineated contours of Huizinga’s circle have blurred and have come under increased scrutiny. This piece, through the use of autoethnographic narrative and the self-reflexive analysis of two girl gamers, argues that analysis of the 21st century magic circle should acknowledge the blurring of the circle’s contours, but analysis of that circle must also take into consideration the physical, social, and familial contexts in which digital play happens. In other words, contextualized physical space shapes how that still significant magic circle functions.
Favorable effect of priming with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in remission induction of acute myeloid leukemia restricted to dose escalation of cytarabine
Authors: Pabst Thomas , Vellenga Edo , van Putten Wim , Schouten Harry C. , Graux Carlos , Vekemans Marie-Christiane , Biemond Bart , Sonneveld Peter , Passweg Jakob , Verdonck Leo , Legdeur Marie-Cecile , Theobald Matthias , Jacky Emanuel , Bargetzi Mario , Maertens Johan , Ossenkoppele Gert Jan , Löwenberg Bob
Published: March 2012

The clinical value of chemotherapy sensitization of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with G-CSF priming has remained controversial. Cytarabine is a key constituent of remission induction chemotherapy. The effect of G-CSF priming has not been investigated in relationship with variable dose levels of cytarabine. We randomized 917 AML patients to receive G-CSF (456 patients) or no G-CSF (461 patients) at the days of chemotherapy. In the initial part of the study, 406 patients were also randomized between 2 cytarabine regimens comparing conventional-dose (199 patients) versus escalated-dose (207 patients) cytarabine in cycles 1 and 2. We found that patients after induction chemotherapy plus G-CSF had similar overall survival (43% vs 40%, P = .88), event-free survival (37% vs 31%, P = .29), and relapse rates (34% vs 36%, P = .77) at 5 years as those not receiving G-CSF. However, patients treated with the escalated-dose cytarabine regimen benefited from G-CSF priming, with improved event-free survival (P = .01) and overall survival (P = .003), compared with patients without G-CSF undergoing escalated-dose cytarabine treatment. A significant survival advantage of sensitizing AML for chemotherapy with G-CSF was not apparent in the entire study group, but it was seen in patients treated with escalated-dose cytarabine during remission induction. The HOVON-42 study is registered under The Netherlands Trial Registry (www.trialregister.nl) as #NTR230.
Phase 2 study of the JAK kinase inhibitor ruxolitinib in patients with refractory leukemias, including postmyeloproliferative neoplasm acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Eghtedar Alireza , Verstovsek Srdan , Estrov Zeev , Burger Jan , Cortes Jorge , Bivins Carol , Faderl Stefan , Ferrajoli Alessandra , Borthakur Gautam , George Solly , Scherle Peggy A. , Newton Robert C. , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Ravandi Farhad
Published: March 2012

We conducted a phase 2 study of ruxolitinib in patients with relapsed/refractory leukemias. Patients with acceptable performance status (0-2), adequate organ function, and no active infection, received ruxolitinib 25 mg orally twice a day for 4 weeks (1 cycle). Response was assessed after every 2 cycles of treatment, and patients who completed 2 cycles were allowed to continue treatment until disease progression. Dose escalation to 50 mg twice daily was permitted in patients demonstrating a benefit. Thirty-eight patients, with a median age of 69 years (range, 45-88), were treated. The median number of prior therapies was 2 (range, 1-6). Twelve patients had JAK2V617F mutation. Patients received a median of 2 cycles of therapy (range, 1-22). Three of 18 patients with postmyeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) showed a significant response; 2 achieved complete remission (CR) and one achieved a CR with insufficient recovery of blood counts (CRi). The responding patients with palpable spleens also had significant reductions in spleen size. Overall, ruxolitinib was very well tolerated with only 4 patients having grade 3 or higher toxicity. Ruxolitinib has modest antileukemic activity as a single agent, particularly in patients with post-MPN AML. The study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00674479.
A low protein diet during pregnancy provokes a lasting shift of hepatic expression of genes related to cell cycle throughout ontogenesis in a porcine model
Authors: Oster Michael , Murani Eduard , Metges Cornelia C , Ponsuksili Siriluck , Wimmers Klaus
Published: March 2012

Background

In rodent models and in humans the impact of gestational diets on the offspring's phenotype was shown experimentally and epidemiologically. Adverse environmental conditions during fetal development provoke an intrauterine adaptive response termed 'fetal programming', which may lead to both persistently biased responsiveness to extrinsic factors and permanent consequences for the organismal phenotype. This leads to the hypothesis that the offspring's transcriptome exhibits short-term and long-term changes, depending on the maternal diet. In order to contribute to a comprehensive inventory of genes and functional networks that are targets of nutritional programming initiated during fetal life, we applied whole-genome microarrays for expression profiling in a longitudinal experimental design covering prenatal, perinatal, juvenile, and adult ontogenetic stages in a porcine model. Pregnant sows were fed either a gestational low protein diet (LP, 6% CP) or an adequate protein diet (AP, 12% CP). All offspring was nursed by foster sows receiving standard diets. After weaning, all offspring was fed standard diets ad libitum.

Results

Analyses of the hepatic gene expression of the offspring at prenatal (94 dies post conceptionem, dpc) and postnatal stages (1, 28, 188 dies post natum, dpn) included comparisons between dietary groups within stages as well as comparisons between ontogenetic stages within diets to separate diet-specific transcriptional changes and maturation processes. We observed differential expression of genes related to lipid metabolism (e.g. Fatty acid metabolism, Biosynthesis of steroids, Synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies, FA elongation in mitochondria, Bile acid synthesis) and cell cycle regulation (e.g. Mitotic roles of PLK, G1/S checkpoint regulation, G2/M DNA damage checkpoint regulation). Notably, at stage 1 dpn no regulation of a distinct pathway was found in LP offspring.

Conclusions

The transcriptomic modulations point to persistent functional demand on the liver towards cell proliferation in the LP group but not in the AP group at identical nutritional conditions during postnatal life due to divergent 'programming' of the genome. Together with the observation that the offspring of both groups did not differ in body weight but in body composition and fat content, the data indicate that the activity of various genes led to diverse partitioning of nutrients among peripheral and visceral organs and tissues.