bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DNA Reactivity as a Mode of Action and Its Relevance to Cancer Risk Assessment
Authors: Preston R. Julian
Published: October 2012

The ability of a chemical to induce mutations has long been a driver in the cancer risk assessment process. The default strategy has been that mutagenic chemicals demonstrate linear cancer dose responses, especially at low exposure levels. In the absence of additional confounding information, this is a reasonable approach, because risk assessment is appropriately considered as being protective of human health. The concept of mode of action has allowed for an opportunity to move off this default position; mutagenicity is now not considered as the driver but rather the mode of action is. In a more precise way, it is the set of key events that define a mode of action that is fundamental in defining the shape of a cancer dose response. A key event is an informative bioindicator of the cancer response and as such should be predictive of the tumor response, at least in a qualitative way. A clear example of the use of key events in cancer risk assessment is for DNA reactive chemicals. A series of such key events is initiated by the production of DNA damage in target cells from direct interaction of the chemical with DNA leading to the production of mutations by misreplication that results in  enhanced cell replication. This enhanced cell replication eventually leads to the development of preneoplastic cells and ultimately overt neoplasms. The response of each of these key events to dose of the chemical can inform the cancer dose–response curve shape. Thus, the dose–response curve for any DNA-reactive chemical can be predicted from knowledge of its mode of action and the behavior of the induced key events.
The Mortality Observed‐to‐Expected Ratio in Otolaryngology
Authors: Bennett Marc L. , Morath Julie M. , Yarbrough Dell , Sinard Robert , Netterville Jim , Eavey Roland D.
Published: October 2012

Objective

The mortality observed‐to‐expected (O:E) ratio is rapidly becoming the most important measured quality metric by allowing quantification and comparison of survival outcomes among different providers and institutions. Although the O:E ratio is monitored by external observers, the ratio is unfamiliar to individuals within most institutions.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Subjects and Methods

Twenty‐eight patients cared for by the Department of Otolaryngology died while in the hospital between January 2001 and December 2010. All patient charts were reviewed for indicators related to mortality. From January 2006 to December 2010, a standardized mortality O:E ratio had been available using the All Patient Refined–Diagnosis Related Group (APR‐DRG) grouper from the United Healthcare Consortium (UHC). The O:E ratio can be monitored over time to measure and quantify the effect of various interventions.

Results

The otolaryngology O:E ratio quarterly results have varied from 1.1 to 0.29, based on a standard of 1.0. Internally, results have been primarily the result of mortalities of patients on the Head and Neck Service. Attention to common postoperative complications, accurate coding of comorbidities, and the compassionate use of palliative care consults have led to a significant decrease in the O:E ratio. Conversely, transfers from other hospitals have increased the ratio.

Conclusion

The Department of Otolaryngology has reduced the O:E ratio by focusing attention on factors that have been shown to reduce mortality and to enhance compassionate terminal care.
Long-term Outcomes of Postoperative Septic Arthritis After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Schub David L. , Schmitz Leah M. , Sakamoto Flavia A. , Winalski Carl S. , Parker Richard D.
Published: October 2012

Background:

Septic arthritis is a rare but potentially devastating complication of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery. Several studies, including one by this group, have reported short- and medium-term outcomes, but to our knowledge there are no long-term follow-up studies.

Hypothesis:

Postoperative septic arthritis after ACL reconstruction surgery will lead to diminished long-term outcomes compared with surgery without infectious complications, likely related to the development of arthritis.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Four of 831 consecutive patients undergoing arthroscopically guided ACL reconstruction surgeries performed by 1 surgeon were previously reported on by this group at an average follow-up of 36 months. These same patients were contacted and reevaluated. Each patient underwent a physical examination, functional testing, and subjective evaluations with the SF-36, Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and Tegner activity scale scores. Plain film radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were analyzed by 2 musculoskeletal radiologists.

Results:

Average follow-up time for this study was 17.9 years, and average age was 44.3 years. No other injuries or surgeries had occurred from the time of the previous study. Each patient had a decline in SF-36, Lysholm, and IKDC score, and the average Tegner score was unchanged. Average vertical hop test performance and Biodex dynamometry were both improved. The average side-to-side displacement measured via the KT-1000 arthrometer was increased. Radiographic and MRI studies revealed progression of arthritis in all patients and ACL graft rupture in 1 patient.

Conclusion:

Patients who develop septic arthritis as a complication of ACL reconstruction surgery have diminished long-term subjective, functional, and radiographic outcomes compared with historical reports of uncomplicated cases, likely related to pain from advanced arthritis. As compared with their own earlier follow-up, these patients had declines in pain-related subjective measures but remained stable or improved in both functional testing and activity-related subjective scales.
Racial Threat and White Opposition to Bilingual Education in Texas
Authors: Hempel Lynn M. , Dowling Julie A. , Boardman Jason D. , Ellison Christopher G.
Published: October 2012

This study examines local contextual conditions that influence opposition to bilingual education among non-Hispanic Whites, net of individual-level characteristics. Data from the Texas Poll ( N = 615) are used in conjunction with U.S. Census data to test five competing hypotheses using binomial and multinomial logistic regression models. Our results support a “racial threat” hypothesis, suggesting that increasing opposition to bilingual education among Whites corresponds to changes in the Hispanic population. We find opposition to bilingual education among non-Hispanic Whites to be most pronounced in areas with substantial growth in an already sizeable Hispanic population, and least pronounced in areas of high growth rates and historically low proportions of Hispanics. Importantly, our results highlight the relevance of the interaction between minority group size and minority growth rates in generating majority opposition to bilingual education programs in the United States.
Effect of Rotational Therapy on Aspiration Risk of Enteral Feeds
Authors: Sams Valerie G. , Lawson Christy M. , Humphrey Ceba L. , Brantley Susan L. , Schumacher Leah M. , Karlstad Michael D. , Norwood Jamison E. , Jungwirth Julie A. , Conley Caroline P. , Kurek Stanley , Barlow Patrick B. , Daley Brian J.
Published: October 2012

Background: Enteral nutrition has been demonstrated to reduce ventilator days and the incidence of pneumonia, but the safest route for providing enteral nutrition to mechanically ventilated patients is unclear. Our objective was to determine if there is a difference between the incidences of microaspiration of gastric secretions in patients fed via a nasogastric tube vs a postpyloric tube while undergoing rotational therapy for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Materials and Methods: Institutional review board approval was obtained for this prospective, randomized study. Patients were randomized to gastric or postpyloric enteral feedings. Daily tracheal secretion samples were collected, and we used an immunoassay to detect pepsin. Using the data for aspiration and tube type, a univariate unadjusted odds ratio was calculated to assess the risk of aspiration between the 2 tube types. An independent samples t test was used to analyze the hypothesis that microaspiration significantly affects lung recovery from ARDS. Results: Of the 20 study patients, 9 (45%) received nasogastric feeds and 11 (55%) received postpyloric feeds. Western blot analysis for the presence of pepsin in each tracheal aspirate revealed microaspiration in 2 nasogastric (22%) and 2 (18%) postpyloric patients. The nasogastric tube provided a protective effect for aspirating with an odds ratio of .778 (95% confidence interval, .09–6.98). An independent samples t test was used and showed no significant change in PaO2:FiO2 ratio in the aspirating vs nonaspirating group (P = .552). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that enteral nutrition should not be delayed or stopped to position the tube in patients with ARDS on rotational therapy.
Bail and Sentencing
Authors: Sacks Meghan , Ackerman Alissa R.
Published: October 2012

Previous research on judicial decision making has shown that legal factors, such as offense severity and prior criminal record, exert a strong impact on sentencing decisions. In addition, studies have demonstrated that demographic factors, such as race and gender, also influence sentencing decisions. This study utilized a sample of ( n = 975) cases collected by New Jersey’s Criminal Disposition Commission, tracked from arrest through disposition, to assess the factors that influence sentencing decisions, with a specific focus on the role of pretrial release status. The authors found that pretrial detention does not influence the decision to incarcerate; however, pretrial detention does significantly and negatively affects the length of the sentence in cases that involve a sentence of incarceration.
The Impact of Aggravating and Mitigating Factors on the Sentence Severity of Sex Offenders
Authors: Amirault Joanna , Beauregard Eric
Published: October 2012

The aggravating and mitigating circumstances that contribute to increased, or decreased, sentence severity for sex offenders have largely been unexplored. Although previous studies have evaluated offending groups who have targeted adult-only, or children-only victims, the current study compares the sentencing outcomes of both offending groups. Using a sample of 519 federally sentenced sex offenders in the province of Quebec the current study explores the extent to which the Canadian criminal justice system penalizes offender- and offense-based characteristics. The results indicate that offense-based characteristics increased sentence severity for offenders who victimized adults and offender-based characteristics influenced sentence severity for offenders who victimized children. Findings are discussed within the context of previous studies to empirically explore sex offender sentencing and compare differences that aggravating and mitigating circumstances have on sentence outcomes.
How Do You Learn to Walk? Thousands of Steps and Dozens of Falls per Day
Authors: Adolph Karen E. , Cole Whitney G. , Komati Meghana , Garciaguirre Jessie S. , Badaly Daryaneh , Lingeman Jesse M. , Chan Gladys L. Y. , Sotsky Rachel B.
Published: October 2012

A century of research on the development of walking has examined periodic gait over a straight, uniform path. The current study provides the first corpus of natural infant locomotion derived from spontaneous activity during free play. Locomotor experience was immense: Twelve- to 19-month-olds averaged 2,368 steps and 17 falls per hour. Novice walkers traveled farther faster than expert crawlers, but had comparable fall rates, which suggests that increased efficiency without increased cost motivates expert crawlers to transition to walking. After walking onset, natural locomotion improved dramatically: Infants took more steps, traveled farther distances, and fell less. Walking was distributed in short bouts with variable paths—frequently too short or irregular to qualify as periodic gait. Nonetheless, measures of periodic gait and of natural locomotion were correlated, which indicates that better walkers spontaneously walk more and fall less. Immense amounts of time-distributed, variable practice constitute the natural practice regimen for learning to walk.
Emergent Filling In Induced by Motion Integration Reveals a High-Level Mechanism in Filling In
Authors: Lin Zhicheng , He Sheng
Published: October 2012

The visual system is intelligent—it is capable of recovering a coherent surface from an incomplete one, a feat known as perceptual completion or filling in. Traditionally, it has been assumed that surface features are interpolated in a way that resembles the fragmented parts. Using displays featuring four circular apertures, we showed in the study reported here that a distinct completed feature (horizontal motion) arises from local ones (oblique motions)—we term this process emergent filling in. Adaptation to emergent filling-in motion generated a dynamic motion aftereffect that was not due to spreading of local motion from the isolated apertures. The filling-in motion aftereffect occurred in both modal and amodal completions, and it was modulated by selective attention. These findings highlight the importance of high-level interpolation processes in filling in and are consistent with the idea that during emergent filling in, the more cognitive-symbolic processes in later areas (e.g., the middle temporal visual area and the lateral occipital complex) provide important feedback signals to guide more isomorphic processes in earlier areas (V1 and V2).
Shared Visual Attention Reduces Hindsight Bias
Authors: Wu Daw-An , Shimojo Shinsuke , Wang Stephanie W. , Camerer Colin F.
Published: October 2012

Hindsight bias is the tendency to retrospectively think of outcomes as being more foreseeable than they actually were. It is a robust judgment bias and is difficult to correct (or “debias”). In the experiments reported here, we used a visual paradigm in which performers decided whether blurred photos contained humans. Evaluators, who saw the photos unblurred and thus knew whether a human was present, estimated the proportion of participants who guessed whether a human was present. The evaluators exhibited visual hindsight bias in a way that matched earlier data from judgments of historical events surprisingly closely. Using eye tracking, we showed that a higher correlation between the gaze patterns of performers and evaluators (shared attention) is associated with lower hindsight bias. This association was validated by a causal method for debiasing: Showing the gaze patterns of the performers to the evaluators as they viewed the stimuli reduced the extent of hindsight bias.
Holocene palaeoceanographic evolution off West Greenland
Authors: Perner K , Moros M , Jennings A , Lloyd JM , Knudsen KL
Published: October 2012

Benthic foraminiferal assemblages from a core southwest of Disko Bugt provide a Holocene perspective (last ~7 ka BP) on ice-sheet/ocean interactions between the West Greenland Current (WGC) and the West Greenland ice sheet. Changes in the fauna reveal significant variations in the water mass properties (temperature and salinity) of the WGC through time. From 7.3 to 6.2 ka BP, a relatively warm/strong WGC influences ice-sheet melt in Disko Bugt and causes enhanced meltwater production, resulting in low surface-water productivity. The most favourable oceanographic conditions occur from 5.5 to 3.5 ka BP, associated with ‘thermal optimum-like’ conditions, encompassing minimum ice sheet extent in the Disko Bugt area. These conditions are attributed to: (1) reduced meltwater influence as the ice sheet is land based and (2) enhanced contribution of warm/saline water masses from the Irminger Current to the WGC. The transition into the late Holocene (last ~3.5 ka BP) is characterized by a cooling of oceanographic conditions, caused by increased advection of cold/low-salinity water masses from the East Greenland Current. A longer-term late-Holocene cooling trend within the WGC is attributed to the onset of Neoglacial cooling within the North Atlantic region. Superimposed on this cooling trend, multicentennial-scale variability within the WGC matches reconstructions from a nearby coring site in Disko Bugt as follows: (1) cooling at ~2.5 ka BP, linked to the 2.7 ka BP ‘cooling event’; (2) a warm phase centred at 1.8 ka BP, associated with the ‘Roman Warm Period’; (3) slight warming between 1.4 and 0.9 ka BP, linked to the ‘Medieval Climate Anomaly’; (4) severe cooling of the WGC after 0.9 ka BP, culminating at 0.3 ka BP during the ‘Little Ice Age’. We show that multicentennial-scale palaeoceanography variability along the West Greenland margin is driven by ocean forcing, i.e. variations in the relative contribution of Atlantic (Irminger Current) and Polar (East Greenland Current) water masses to the WGC during the last ~7 ka BP, influencing ice sheet dynamics.
Rational Use of Medicines: An Audit of Private Practitioners’ Prescription
Authors: Gupta Shiv Dutt , Lal Vivek , S.V. Vinod Kumar
Published: October 2012

We conducted this study to ascertain the prescribing behaviour among the private practitioners and to find out the deficiencies therein. A total of 389 outpatient prescriptions were reviewed for standard prescribing norms, therapeutic class and number of drugs prescribed and per day cost of prescription was derived. The prescriptions lacked vital information pertaining to patient’s age, sex, diagnosis and dosage. Antibiotics were the most widely prescribed drugs (37 per cent), followed by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and multivitamins. More than 65 per cent of NSAIDs were prescribed in the form of fixed-dose combinations. Polypharmacy (four or more drugs prescribed) was observed in 38.5 per cent prescriptions. None of the prescriptions carried drugs prescribed by unbranded generic names. Median per day cost of prescription was ₹29.30. The study concluded that the prescribing behaviour was irrational and largely, the prescriptions were incomplete. Implementing guidelines for appropriate prescription writing, standard treatment guidelines, emphasizing the importance of these practices in medical school curricula and continuing medical education programmes are necessary for more rational and safer drug prescribing and efficient drug therapy.
Validation of the DSSI-10 to Measure Social Support in a General Population
Authors: Wardian Jana , Robbins Danielle , Wolfersteig Wendy , Johnson Travis , Dustman Patricia
Published: October 2012

Objective: The purpose of this study was to validate the 10-item DSSI as a brief measure of social support for use in diverse adult populations. Methods: EFA was performed on 2010 Arizona Health Survey (AHS) data (n = 8215). Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) then confirmed the factors structure by gender, ethnicity, and age, as well as for the total population. DSSI-10 and subscales were compared with variables related to social support. Results: CFI confirms this structure exhibits a good model fit. Low self-reported health status and low self-reported quality of life were related to lower DSSI scores. Living alone was significantly negatively related to the DSSI-10. Conclusions: Researchers may confidently use DSSI-10 to measure social support for diverse adult populations. This instrument can be used in epidemiological studies to increase understanding of mental and physical health in relationship to social supports in the general population.
An Evaluation of 2 Online Advance Directive Programs
Authors: Klugman Craig M. , Usatine Richard P.
Published: October 2012

Since 1995, studies have shown mixed results in the efficacy of advance directives. With new technologies, advance care planning is being transformed through video, computer programs, electronic registries, and electronic health records. In Nevada and Texas, Web sites and mobile applications provide education, guided interviews, storage, and retrieval in multiple languages. Drawing on 371 completed evaluations from both states, the authors show that increasingly people are finding advance directive information on the Internet, completing directives to be prepared and to have control, and that the attraction of these Web sites is their ease of use. Users report where they keep their documents, with whom they have end-of-life conversations, and what medical care requests they make.
Reputation Cycles
Authors: Blom Robin , Davenport Lucinda D. , Bowe Brian J.
Published: October 2012

Accreditation is among various outside influences when developing an ideal journalism curriculum. The value of journalism accreditation standards for undergraduate programs has been studied and is still debated. This study discovers views of opinion leaders in U.S. journalism programs, as surveyed program directors give reasons for being accredited or not. The most important reason for schools with, or obtaining, accreditation is reputation enhancement. But many directors question accreditation’s value. Some perceive the cap on journalism credits that students can take as a limitation of student development and a hindrance to responding to increasing media industry convergence.
A Decade of EEG Theta/Beta Ratio Research in ADHD
Authors: Arns Martijn , Conners C. Keith , Kraemer Helena C.
Published: October 2012

Objective: Many EEG studies have reported that ADHD is characterized by elevated Theta/Beta ratio (TBR). In this study we conducted a meta-analysis on the TBR in ADHD. Method: TBR data during Eyes Open from location Cz were analyzed from children/adolescents 6-18 years of age with and without ADHD. Results: Nine studies were identified with a total of 1253 children/adolescents with and 517 without ADHD. The grand-mean effect size (ES) for the 6-13 year-olds was 0.75 and for the 6-18 year-olds was 0.62. However the test for heterogeneity remained significant; therefore these ESs are misleading and considered an overestimation. Post-hoc analysis found a decreasing difference in TBR across years, explained by an increasing TBR for the non-ADHD groups. Conclusion: Excessive TBR cannot be considered a reliable diagnostic measure of ADHD, however a substantial sub-group of ADHD patients do deviate on this measure and TBR has prognostic value in this sub-group, warranting its use as a prognostic measure rather than a diagnostic measure.
Identifying Barriers to Colonoscopy Screening for Nonadherent African American Participants in a Patient Navigation Intervention
Authors: Sly Jamilia R. , Edwards Tiffany , Shelton Rachel C. , Jandorf Lina
Published: October 2012

African Americans have a higher rate of colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality than other racial/ethnic groups. This disparity is alarming given that CRC is largely preventable through the use of endoscopy (screening colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy), yet rates of CRC screening among African Americans is suboptimal. Only 48.9% of African Americans are screened for CRC through endoscopy or fecal occult blood testing. As such, researchers have focused their efforts on the prevention of CRC through patient navigation (PN) services for colonoscopy screening. Although PN has been successful in increasing colonoscopy screening rates, screening rates of navigated participants could still be improved. Thus, the purpose of this exploratory study was to understand why patients, who received PN services, did not complete a colonoscopy. Sixteen participants were interviewed to identify salient themes related to noncompletion of the colonoscopy procedure. Major themes identified included the following: a lack of knowledge about CRC; fear/anxiety about the procedure, including unknown expectations, fear of pain, and fear of cancer diagnosis; inadequate physician communication about CRC and the colonoscopy exam; and believing that cancer leads to death. Participants felt that greater communication and explanation from their physician might help allay their fears. Our findings also suggest that a universal approach to PN, even within culturally targeted interventions, may not be appropriate for all individuals. Future interventions should consider gender-specific navigation and combining PN with nonmedical interventions to address other identified barriers.
The Use of an Audience Response System in an Elementary School–Based Health Education Program
Authors: DeSorbo Alexandra L. , Noble James M. , Shaffer Michele , Gerin William , Williams Olajide A.
Published: October 2012

Background. The audience response system (ARS) allows students to respond and interact anonymously with teachers via small handheld wireless keypads. Despite increasing popularity in classroom settings, the application of these devices to health education programming has not been studied. We assessed feasibility, engagement, and learning among children using an ARS compared with traditional pencil–paper formats, (ARS) for a stroke health education program. Method. We compared outcome data generated via an ARS-based intervention to pencil–paper controls, including test scores and missing data rates among 265 schoolchildren 9 to 11 years old participating in stroke education. Among 119 children, we evaluated the feasibility of ARS use and explored student motivation with a 10-item questionnaire. We assessed facilitator experience with both methods. Results. ARS use is feasible. Students reported having more fun ( p < .001), increased attention ( p < .001), participation ( p < .001), and perceived learning outcomes ( p < .001) compared with pencil–paper controls. Test scores showed highly positive improvement for both ARS and paper without additional benefits of ARS on learning. There was no difference in missing data rates ( p < .001). Educators preferred the ARS. Conclusion. The use of an ARS among children is feasible and improves student and facilitator engagement without additional benefits on stroke learning.
User Preferences for a Text Message–Based Smoking Cessation Intervention
Authors: Bock Beth C. , Heron Kristin E. , Jennings Ernestine G. , Magee Joshua C. , Morrow Kathleen M.
Published: October 2012

Younger adults are more likely to smoke and less likely to seek treatment than older smokers. They are also frequent users of communication technology. In the current study, we conducted focus groups to obtain feedback about preferences for a text message–based smoking cessation program from potential users. Participants ( N = 21, M age = 25.6 years, age range = 20-33 years) were current or recently quit smokers (M cigarettes/day = 12.8) who used text messaging. Participants completed questionnaires and participated in a 2-hour focus group. Focus groups were conducted using an a priori semistructured interview guide to promote discussion of the content and functionality of the intervention. Major themes from analysis of the focus groups included support for the acceptability of a text-based cessation program, suggestions for a more technologically broad-based program, and adjustments to the program structure. Participants recommended including social networking functions, user control of program output through an online profile, and text message features to promote interaction with the system. Interestingly, many participants suggested the program should begin on individuals’ identified quit day, challenging the procedures used in most cessation programs, which begin by preparing participants for a future quit date. Overall, younger adult smokers appear to be interested in participating in a smoking cessation program that uses text messages and web-based elements. Qualitative feedback regarding the perceived optimal features and structure of a technology-based intervention challenged traditional methods of implementing smoking cessation interventions and will inform the development of future programs.
Structure–Activity Differences of Chlorogenic Acid and Its Isomers on Sensitization via Intravenous Exposure
Authors: Lin Mingbao , Gong Wan , Wang Yingchao , Sun Lijuan , Fan Xiaohui
Published: October 2012

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is found in many plants that are used as medicinal substances in traditional Chinese medicine injectables (TCMIs). However, to date, there is controversy as to whether CGA is the major cause of TCMIs-related hypersensitivity administered intravenously. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the potential sensitization of CGA and structure–activity differences between its isomers using an intravenous exposure mouse model. The results showed that popliteal lymph nodes proliferation was significantly induced by CGA and its isomers. Both CGA and isochlorogenic acid A (iso-CGA A) significantly enhanced the secretion of trinitrophenyl (TNP) ovalbumin-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)G1; and iso-CGA B significantly induced TNP-specific IgG1, IgM, and IgG2b secreting. Furthermore, the results of quantitative structure–activity relationship analysis suggested that chemical structure factors, including atomic mass, electronegativity, atom shape and size, atom distribution, atomic weight, and atomic polarizabilities, the ionic currents, were significantly correlated with the potential sensitization of CGA and its isomers. In summary, when administered intravenously, the strength and type of sensitization may be correlated with structure differences in the CGA family.
Assessment of fine particulate matters in the subway system of Istanbul
Authors: Onat Burcu , Stakeeva Baktygul
Published: October 2012

The purpose of this study was to determine the concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) at six subway stations. The PM2.5 levels were compared at the platforms, inside the trains’ cabin and at the train driver’s cabin in the first section of the train. The measurements were grouped into three sections: (1) six underground platforms, (2) trains’ cabin and (3) train driver’s cabin in the Aksaray-Airport light metro line (M1) and the Taksim-4.Levent metro line (M2). On average, the highest PM2.5 concentrations were recorded in the underground platforms. The average daytime PM2.5 concentrations varied from 49.3 to 181.7 µg·m−3 at the two subway line platforms. The PM2.5 levels measured at five stations were higher than the ambient air PM2.5 standard declared by US-EPA, given as 35 µg·m−3 for a 24-h arithmetic mean. The second highest PM2.5 concentration was recorded inside the trains (61 to 73 µg·m−3), followed by train driver’s cabin (50 to 74 µg·m−3) of the M1 and M2 lines. When the train was in the subway tunnels, the PM2.5 concentrations increased. The correlation ( R2) between the PM2.5 level on the platform and the depth of the underground stations was 0.88 ( p<0.01). The highest PM2.5 levels were recorded in the morning and evenings.
Violent computer games in the German press
Authors: Sørensen Estrid
Published: October 2012

The most heated public debates on the subject of violent computer games in Germany take place following incidents of school shootings. Such reactions are often conceptualized as moral panics and signs of underlying social conflict. Focus is rarely on the violent computer games themselves. Actor-network theory allows for an analysis of how phenomena are sequentially drawn together, contingent upon the material available for the press at specific times, to which violent computer games can be related. Six months of press coverage following the 2006 school shooting in the German town of Emsdetten were not a continuous narrative of violent computer games, but divided into six distinct phases. In these, violent computer games achieved several different identities. Both the way the material was brought together in the press and the contingent events beyond the context of publishing houses were decisive for which identities were generated in the press, and which of these became the most enduring.
Effect of red mud on the mechanical properties of banana/polyester composites using design of experiments
Authors: Prabu V Arumuga , Manikandan V , Uthayakumar M
Published: October 2012

This study reveals the potential use of red mud, the industrial waste, as a filler material for making banana fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites. Composites are prepared through hand lay-up and subjected to mechanical testing to find impact, flexural, and tensile strengths. Taguchi design of experiments with L9 orthogonal array is used to optimize the parameter with respect to length, treatment, and weight fraction of fiber and red mud weight percentage. Fiber of different lengths (5, 10, and 15 mm) with different treatments (NaOH and silane), different weight fractions (15, 20, and 25 wt%), and red mud of different weight compositions (5, 10, and 15 wt%) are taken for this study. Scanning electron microscopy study is carried out to observe inference about the fracture behavior of composites and the optimized results are reported.
Optimization of multiple responses in the lost wax process using Taguchi method and grey relational analysis
Authors: Pattnaik Sarojrani , Karunakar DB , Jha PK
Published: October 2012

Investment casting process is one of the most versatile and flexible process which produces near net-shape metal components. The disposable pattern employed in the process is generally made up of wax blend, whose accuracy has a direct effect on the accuracy achievable in the final cast part. This article addresses an approach based on Taguchi method in integration with grey relational analysis for multi-response optimization of wax patterns made by the investment casting process. The experiments are planned using Taguchi’s L18 orthogonal array. The responses considered in this study are linear shrinkage, surface roughness and penetration, respectively. A grey relational grade obtained from grey relational analysis is used to determine the optimal process parameters. The significance of the process parameters on overall quality characteristics of the wax patterns has been evaluated quantitatively by the analysis of variance method. Optimal results have been verified through confirmation experiments, which indicate that the multi-performance characteristics of the wax patterns can be improved effectively through this approach. It was also found that though high injection temperature increases the surface finish of the wax blends, it adversely affects the mechanical properties of the wax blends.
Establishing an Education Program for Chronic Wound Care in China
Authors: Yu Ying , Fu Xiaobing
Published: October 2012

Chronic wounds in China are an important issue. However, wound care knowledge and the skill of health care professionals varies among hospitals and cities. The Chinese Tissue Repair Society (CTRS) has developed a 3-year training program in wound care in China that is sponsored by the World Diabetes Foundation and the Coloplast Access to Healthcare foundation. The project focuses on training physicians and nurses in wound care for patients with diabetic mellitus and other chronic skin wounds. In the past 2 years, 1618 health care professionals, including 915 physicians and 703 nurses, have been trained. Participants are from more than 200 hospitals in 21 provinces. About 1200 patients per month, on average, have benefited from this project. In total, 13 hospitals have become training bases to continue the education program. The aim of the program is to help Chinese medical professionals efficiently manage chronic wounds, thereby shortening the wound healing time, reducing the amputation rate and treatment costs, and improving quality of life.
Frequent Coinfection with Hepatitis among HIV-Positive Patients in Urumqi, China
Authors: Maimaiti Rena , Zhang Yuexin , Pan Kejun , Wubuli Maimaiti , Andersson Rune
Published: October 2012

Objective:

To analyze the epidemiology and outcome for patients with HIV coinfected with hepatitis in comparison with monoinfected patients.

Methods:

At the First Affiliated Hospital at Xinjiang Medical University in Urumqi, China, 395 patients were diagnosed with HIV between 2001 and 2010. The main routes of transmission were sexual (30%) and intravenous drug use (33%). The patient records were studied retrospectively.

Results:

A total of 135 patients had markers of viral hepatitis (34.2%). Abnormal liver function was seen among 48.9% of these patients. Hepatitis B surface antigen was positive in 24 patients (6.1%), with 15 (3.8%) being hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA positive, none on tenofovir treatment, because it is still not provided free in Xinjiang. Hepatitis C antibodies were found in 98 patients (24.8%), 46 (11.6%) were hepatitis C virus (HCV)-RNA positive. Only 1 patient had been treated with interferon and ribavirin. Both HBV and HCV were found in 13 (3.3%) of the patients.

Conclusions:

Nearly half of the HIV patients in Urumqi had markers of hepatitis. Only antiretroviral treatment is provided free, and most of the patients cannot afford the hepatitis treatment they need, which has to be addressed in the treatment programs.
The evolution of ultrasound in rheumatology
Authors: Kang Taeyoung , Lanni Stefano , Nam Jackie , Emery Paul , Wakefield Richard J.
Published: October 2012

Musculoskeletal ultrasound is a powerful tool not only for evaluating joint and related structures but also for assessing disease activity. Ultrasound in rheumatology has rapidly evolved and been incorporated into routine clinical practice over the past decade. Moreover, technological development of equipment has made it more accessible for rheumatologists. We present a review of advances in ultrasound in rheumatology, focusing on major chronological developments.
Black–White Differences in Tipping
Authors: Lynn Michael , Pugh Curt C. , Williams Jerome
Published: October 2012

Two studies found that higher socioeconomic status reduced differences between black and white patrons in stiffing and flat tipping, but increased black–white differences in the amount tipped by those who did tip. The finding that movement up the socioeconomic ladder increases black–white differences in tip size suggests that efforts to address the problems posed by those differences in tipping should not be confined to lower-class establishments and neighborhoods. Managers and executives of restaurants and restaurant chains catering to black customers of all socioeconomic levels are encouraged to reduce racial discrimination in service delivery and to address the other problems stemming from black–white differences in tipping by (1) hiring both black and white mystery shoppers to monitor the service provided to black guests; (2) increasing blacks’ awareness and internalization of tipping norms through community education, as well as information provided in the restaurant; or (3) replacing voluntary tipping with automatic service charges.
The Effect of Perceived Control on Consumer Responses to Service Encounter Pace
Authors: Noone Breffni M. , Wirtz Jochen , Kimes Sheryl E.
Published: October 2012

The ability to manage the time involved in a service process is critical to effective revenue management (RM). At the same time, customer satisfaction is also a key element of time management in services. In this study, we explore the time component of RM in services that sell time implicitly by examining a dining experience. Although service managers can use pace to manage the duration of a service encounter and increase capacity during periods of high demand, manipulating the pace may interfere with customer satisfaction. Prior research has shown that the relationship of perceived pace with customer satisfaction follows an inverted U-shape. If the service pace misses the “sweet spot” that balances pacing with customer satisfaction, the revenue benefits of increasing pace may be short-lived. Using a survey-based approach, we examine the moderating effect of restaurant customers’ perceived control of pace on the relationship between perceived pace and customer satisfaction. We found that when perceived control is low, perceived pace has a significant negative effect on customer satisfaction. However, when perceived control is high, consumers are less sensitive to variations in pace. This finding suggests that consumers’ perceived control of pace is instrumental to attenuating the negative effect of a fast pace on customer satisfaction.
Why Hotels? Economy Weakens but Hotels Remain Relatively Strong— What Gives? And What Might Give?
Authors: Corgel Jack , Woodworth Mark
Published: October 2012

Despite tepid economic indicators, the demand for hotel rooms in the United States has surged since the depths of the great recession in 2009. Bucking all apparent economic trends, lodging has been a leading industry during this sluggish economic recovery. This is different from past recovery periods when hotels typically lagged other industries. In this article, the authors identify and explain the economic forces behind the growth in lodging demand during the recovery. Then they examine future changes in lodging demand based on two different economic forecast scenarios.
The Buddy System
Authors: O’Donnell Clifford R. , Williams Izaak L.
Published: October 2012

Court arrest records were obtained on 475 men and women who participated in a youth mentoring program or were randomly assigned to a no-treatment control group 35 years previously. Overall, 46.9% were arrested as adults. The proportion of adults arrested varied from 10% to 75% depending on gender, arrests prior to referral, and program participation. The effects of the program continued into the adult years: Among those with an arrest before program referral, significantly fewer participants were arrested as adults; however, among those without an arrest before the mentoring program, significantly more female participants were arrested as adults. In addition, arrest records were obtained for 236 adults who were listed in their civil and criminal cases. Arrest rates differed significantly by types of adult relationships and by proportion of drug arrests. Activity theory, based on activities and relationships, was used to interpret the findings.
Bacteria differentially induce degradation of Bcl-xL, a survival protein, by human platelets
Authors: Kraemer Bjoern F. , Campbell Robert A. , Schwertz Hansjörg , Franks Zechariah G. , Vieira de Abreu Adriana , Grundler Katharina , Kile Benjamin T. , Dhakal Bijaya K. , Rondina Matthew T. , Kahr Walter H. A. , Mulvey Matthew A. , Blaylock Robert C. , Zimmerman Guy A. , Weyrich Andrew S.
Published: October 2012

Bacteria can enter the bloodstream in response to infectious insults. Bacteremia elicits several immune and clinical complications, including thrombocytopenia. A primary cause of thrombocytopenia is shortened survival of platelets. We demonstrate that pathogenic bacteria induce apoptotic events in platelets that include calpain-mediated degradation of Bcl-xL, an essential regulator of platelet survival. Specifically, bloodstream bacterial isolates from patients with sepsis induce lateral condensation of actin, impair mitochondrial membrane potential, and degrade Bcl-xL protein in platelets. Bcl-xL protein degradation is enhanced when platelets are exposed to pathogenic Escherichia coli that produce the pore-forming toxin α-hemolysin, a response that is markedly attenuated when the gene is deleted from E coli. We also found that nonpathogenic E coli gain degrading activity when they are forced to express α-hemolysin. Like α-hemolysin, purified α-toxin readily degrades Bcl-xL protein in platelets, as do clinical Staphylococcus aureus isolates that produce α-toxin. Inhibition of calpain activity, but not the proteasome, rescues Bcl-xL protein degradation in platelets coincubated with pathogenic E coli including α-hemolysin producing strains. This is the first evidence that pathogenic bacteria can trigger activation of the platelet intrinsic apoptosis program and our results suggest a new mechanism by which bacterial pathogens might cause thrombocytopenia in patients with bloodstream infections.
The microRNA-30 family targets DLL4 to modulate endothelial cell behavior during angiogenesis
Authors: Bridge Gemma , Monteiro Rui , Henderson Stephen , Emuss Victoria , Lagos Dimitris , Georgopoulou Dimitra , Patient Roger , Boshoff Chris
Published: October 2012

Delta-like 4 (DLL4), a membrane-bound ligand belonging to the Notch signaling family, plays a fundamental role in vascular development and angiogenesis. We identified a conserved microRNA family, miR-30, which targets DLL4. Overexpression of miR-30b in endothelial cells led to increased vessel number and length in an in vitro model of sprouting angiogenesis. Microinjection of miR-30 mimics into zebrafish embryos resulted in suppression of dll4 and subsequent excessive sprouting of intersegmental vessels and reduction in dorsal aorta diameter. Use of a target protector against the miR-30 site within the dll4 3′UTR up-regulated dll4 and synergized with Vegfa signaling knockdown to inhibit angiogenesis. Furthermore, restoration of miR-30b or miR-30c expression during Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) infection attenuated viral induction of DLL4. Together these results demonstrate that the highly conserved molecular targeting of DLL4 by the miR-30 family regulates angiogenesis.
Systemic delivery of a TLR7 agonist in combination with radiation primes durable antitumor immune responses in mouse models of lymphoma
Authors: Dovedi Simon J. , Melis Monique H. M. , Wilkinson Robert W. , Adlard Amy L. , Stratford Ian J. , Honeychurch Jamie , Illidge Timothy M.
Published: October 2012

Passive immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies has improved outcome for patients with B-cell malignancies, although many still relapse and little progress has been made with T-cell malignancies. Novel treatment approaches are clearly required in this disease setting. There has been much recent interest in developing therapeutic approaches to enhance antitumor immune responses using novel immunomodulatory agents in combination with standard of care treatments. Here we report that intravenous administration of the Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonist, R848 in combination with radiation therapy (RT), leads to the longstanding clearance of tumor in T- and B-cell lymphoma bearing mice. In combination, TLR7/RT therapy leads to the expansion of tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T cells and improved survival. Furthermore, those mice that achieve long-term clearance of tumor after TLR7/RT therapy are protected from subsequent tumor rechallenge by the generation of a tumor-specific memory immune response. Our findings demonstrate the potential for enhancing the efficacy of conventional cytotoxic anticancer therapy through combination with a systemically administered TLR7 agonist to improve antitumor immune responses and provide durable remissions.
Classification of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in Central and South America: a review of 1028 cases
Authors: Laurini Javier A. , Perry Anamarija M. , Boilesen Eugene , Diebold Jacques , MacLennan Kenneth A. , Müller-Hermelink H. Konrad , Nathwani Bharat N. , Armitage James O. , Weisenburger Dennis D.
Published: October 2012

The distribution of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) subtypes differs around the world but a systematic study of Latin America has not been done. Therefore, we evaluated the relative frequencies of NHL subtypes in Central and South America (CSA). Five expert hematopathologists classified consecutive cases of NHL from 5 CSA countries using the WHO classification and compared them to 400 cases from North America (NA). Among the 1028 CSA cases, the proportions of B- and T-cell NHL and the sex distribution were similar to NA. However, the median age of B-cell NHL in CSA (59 years) was significantly lower than in NA (66 years; P < .0001). The distribution of high-grade (52.9%) and low-grade (47.1%) mature B-cell NHL in CSA was also significantly different from NA (37.5% and 62.5%; P < .0001). Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was more common in CSA (40%) than in NA (29.2%; P < .0001), whereas the frequency of follicular lymphoma was similar in Argentina (34.1%) and NA (33.8%), and higher than the rest of CSA (17%; P < .001). Extranodal NK/T-cell NHL was also more common in CSA (P < .0001). Our study provides new objective evidence that the distribution of NHL subtypes varies significantly by geographic region and should prompt epidemiologic studies to explain these differences.