bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aortic Valve Replacement in the Elderly
Authors: Ashikhmina Elena A. , Schaff Hartzell V. , Dearani Joseph A. , Sundt Thoralf M. , Suri Rakesh M. , Park Soon J. , Burkhart Harold M. , Li Zhuo , Daly Richard C.
Published: August 2011

Background—

Few data exist on long-term outcomes of elderly patients after aortic valve replacement. We evaluated latest follow-up information for patients ≥70 years of age after aortic valve replacement.

Methods and Results—

Late overall survival of 2890 consecutive patients ≥70 years of age who underwent aortic valve replacement between January 1993 and December 2007 was reviewed retrospectively, analyzed, and stratified by preoperative and intraoperative variables. Observed 5-, 10-, and 15-year late postoperative survival was lower than generally expected (68%, 34%, and 8% versus 70%, 42%, and 20%, respectively;
P
<0.001). Independent predictors of late death included older age, renal failure, diabetes mellitus, stroke, myocardial infarction, immunosuppression, prior coronary artery bypass grafting, implanted pacemaker, lower ejection fraction, hypertension, and New York Heart Association class III or IV. After stratification by age–comorbidity risk score, 10-year survival for the lowest-risk group (n=946 [33%]) was similar to expected survival (55% versus 55%;
P
=0.50), but for the highest-risk group (n=564 [20%]), survival was significantly lower than expected (9% versus 26%;
P
<0.001). For 229 pairs of propensity-matched patients with mechanical or biological prostheses, survival was not significantly different (67%, 40%, and 19% versus 71%, 45%, and 7% at 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively;
P
=0.81). Structural deterioration of bioprostheses occurred in 64 patients (2.4%).

Conclusions—

Survival of elderly patients after aortic valve replacement is influenced by age and preoperative comorbidities; 33% at lowest risk had overall survival similar to that of an age- and sex-matched general population. There was no sufficient evidence that valve type affected survival. Structural deterioration of aortic bioprostheses was rare.
Uncontrolled and Apparent Treatment Resistant Hypertension in the United States, 1988 to 2008
Authors: Egan Brent M. , Zhao Yumin , Axon R. Neal , Brzezinski Walter A. , Ferdinand Keith C.
Published: August 2011

Background—

Despite progress, many hypertensive patients remain uncontrolled. Defining characteristics of uncontrolled hypertensives may facilitate efforts to improve blood pressure control.

Methods and Results—

Subjects included 13 375 hypertensive adults from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANESs) subdivided into 1988 to 1994, 1999 to 2004, and 2005 to 2008. Uncontrolled hypertension was defined as blood pressure ≥140/≥90 mm Hg and apparent treatment-resistant hypertension (aTRH) when subjects reported taking ≥3 antihypertensive medications. Framingham 10-year coronary risk was calculated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify clinical characteristics associated with untreated, treated uncontrolled on 1 to 2 blood pressure medications, and aTRH across all 3 survey periods. More than half of uncontrolled hypertensives were untreated across surveys, including 52.2% in 2005 to 2008. Clinical factors linked with untreated hypertension included male sex, infrequent healthcare visits (0 to 1 per year), body mass index <25 kg/m
2
, absence of chronic kidney disease, and Framingham 10-year coronary risk <10% (
P
<0.01). Most treated uncontrolled patients reported taking 1 to 2 blood pressure medications, a proxy for therapeutic inertia. This group was older, had higher Framingham 10-year coronary risk than patients controlled on 1 to 2 medications (
P
<0.01), and comprised 34.4% of all uncontrolled and 72.0% of treated uncontrolled patients in 2005 to 2008. We found that aTRH increased from 15.9% (1998–2004) to 28.0% (2005–2008) of treated patients (
P
<0.001). Clinical characteristics associated with aTRH included ≥4 visits per year, obesity, chronic kidney disease, and Framingham 10-year coronary risk >20% (
P
<0.01).

Conclusion—

Untreated, undertreated, and aTRH patients have consistent characteristics that could inform strategies to improve blood pressure control by decreasing untreated hypertension, reducing therapeutic inertia in undertreated patients, and enhancing therapeutic efficiency in aTRH.
Differential Clinical Responses to Everolimus-Eluting and Paclitaxel-Eluting Coronary Stents in Patients With and Without Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Stone Gregg. W. , Kedhi Elvin , Kereiakes Dean J. , Parise Helen , Fahy Martin , Serruys Patrick W. , Smits Pieter C.
Published: August 2011

Background—

Some (but not all) prior trials have reported differential outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention with paclitaxel-eluting stents versus stents eluting rapamycin analogs according to the presence of diabetes mellitus. These studies lacked sufficient power to examine individual safety and efficacy end points.

Methods and Results—

To determine whether an interaction exists between the presence of diabetes mellitus and treatment with everolimus-eluting stents compared with paclitaxel-eluting stents, we pooled the databases from the Clinical Evaluation of the Xience V Everolimus Eluting Coronary Stent System in the Treatment of Patients With De Novo Native Coronary Artery Lesions (SPIRIT) II, SPIRIT III, SPIRIT IV, and A Trial of Everolimus-Eluting Stents and Paclitaxel-Eluting Stents for Coronary Revascularization in Daily Practice (COMPARE) trials in which percutaneous coronary intervention was performed in 6780 patients, 1869 (27.6%) of whom had diabetes mellitus. Patients without diabetes mellitus treated with everolimus-eluting stents compared with paclitaxel-eluting stents had significantly reduced 2-year rates of mortality (1.9% versus 3.1%;
P
=0.01), myocardial infarction (2.5% versus 5.8%;
P
<0.0001), stent thrombosis (0.3% versus 2.4%;
P
<0.0001), and ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization (3.6% versus 6.9%;
P
<0.0001). In contrast, among patients with diabetes mellitus, there were no significant differences between the 2 stent types in any measured safety or efficacy parameter. Significant interactions were present between diabetic status and stent type for the 2-year end points of myocardial infarction (
P
=0.01), stent thrombosis (
P
=0.0006), and target lesion revascularization (
P
=0.02).

Conclusions—

We have identified a substantial interaction between diabetes mellitus and stent type on clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention. In patients without diabetes mellitus, everolimus-eluting stents compared with paclitaxel-eluting stents resulted in substantial 2-year reductions in death, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, and target lesion revascularization, whereas no significant differences in safety or efficacy outcomes were present in diabetic patients.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifiers: NCT00180310 (SPIRIT II), NCT00180479 (SPIRIT III), NCT00307047 (SPIRIT IV), and NCT01016041 (COMPARE).
Inhibition of Prolyl Hydroxylase Domain-Containing Protein Downregulates Vascular Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor
Authors: Matsuura Hirohide , Ichiki Toshihiro , Ikeda Jiro , Takeda Kotaro , Miyazaki Ryohei , Hashimoto Toru , Narabayashi Eriko , Kitamoto Shiro , Tokunou Tomotake , Sunagawa Kenji
Published: August 2011

Inhibition of prolyl hydroxylase domain-containing protein (PHD) by hypoxia stabilizes hypoxia-inducible factor 1 and increases the expression of target genes, such as vascular endothelial growth factor. Although the systemic renin-angiotensin system is activated by hypoxia, the role of PHD in the regulation of the renin-angiotensin system remains unknown. We examined the effect of PHD inhibition on the expression of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT
1
R). Hypoxia, cobalt chloride, and dimethyloxalylglycine, all known to inhibit PHD, reduced AT
1
R expression in vascular smooth muscle cells. Knockdown of PHD2, a major isoform of PHDs, by RNA interference also reduced AT
1
R expression. Cobalt chloride diminished angiotensin II–induced extracellular signal–regulated kinase phosphorylation. Cobalt chloride decreased AT
1
R mRNA through transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms. Oral administration of cobalt chloride (14 mg/kg per day) to C57BL/6J mice receiving angiotensin II infusion (490 ng/kg per minute) for 4 weeks significantly attenuated perivascular fibrosis of the coronary arteries without affecting blood pressure level. These data suggest that PHD inhibition may be beneficial for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases by inhibiting renin-angiotensin system via AT
1
R downregulation.
Hypercalcemia Reduces Plasma Renin via Parathyroid Hormone, Renal Interstitial Calcium, and the Calcium-Sensing Receptor
Authors: Atchison Douglas K. , Harding Pamela , Beierwaltes William H.
Published: August 2011

Acute hypercalcemia inhibits plasma renin activity (PRA). How this occurs is unknown. We hypothesized that acute hypercalcemia inhibits PRA via the calcium-sensing receptor because of parathyroid hormone-mediated increases in renal cortical interstitial calcium via TRPV5. To test our hypothesis, acute in vivo protocols were run in sodium-restricted, anesthetized rats. TRPV5 messenger RNA expression was measured with real-time quantitative RT-PCR. Acute hypercalcemia significantly decreased PRA by 37% from 32.0±3.3 to 20.3±2.6 ng of angiotensin I per milliliter per hour (
P
<0.001). Acute hypercalcemia also significantly increased renal cortical interstitial calcium by 38% (1.73±0.06 mmol/L) compared with control values (1.25±0.05 mmol/L;
P
<0.001). PRA did not decrease in hypercalcemia in the presence of a calcium-sensing receptor antagonist, Ronacaleret (22.8±4.3 versus 21.6±3.6 ng of angiotensin I per milliliter per hour). Increasing plasma calcium did not decrease PRA in parathyroidectomized rats (22.5±2.6 versus 22.0±3.0 ng of angiotensin I per milliliter per hour). Parathyroidectomized rats were unable to increase their renal cortical interstitial calcium in response to hypercalcemia (1.01±0.11 mmol/L). Acutely replacing plasma parathyroid hormone levels did not modify the hypercalcemic inhibition of PRA in parathyroid-intact rats (39.1±10.9 versus 16.3±3.2 ng of angiotensin I per milliliter per hour;
P
<0.05). Renal cortical TRPV5 messenger RNA expression decreased by 67% in parathyroidectomized (
P
<0.001) compared with intact rats. Our data suggest that acute hypercalcemia inhibits PRA via the calcium-sensing receptor because of parathyroid hormone–mediated increases in renal cortical interstitial calcium via TRPV5.
AMP Activated Protein Kinase-α2 Regulates Expression of Estrogen-Related Receptor-α, a Metabolic Transcription Factor Related to Heart Failure Development
Authors: Hu Xinli , Xu Xin , Lu Zhongbing , Zhang Ping , Fassett John , Zhang Ying , Xin Yi , Hall Jennifer L. , Viollet Benoit , Bache Robert J. , Huang Yimin , Chen Yingjie
Published: August 2011

The normal expression of myocardial mitochondrial enzymes is essential to maintain the cardiac energy reserve and facilitate responses to stress, but the molecular mechanisms to maintain myocardial mitochondrial enzyme expression have been elusive. Here we report that congestive heart failure is associated with a significant decrease of myocardial estrogen-related receptor-α (ERRα), but not peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor
-
γ coactivator 1α, in human heart failure samples. In addition, chronic pressure overload in mice caused a decrease of ERRα expression that was significantly correlated to the degree of left ventricular dysfunction, pulmonary congestion, and decreases of a group of myocardial energy metabolism–related genes. We found that the metabolic sensor AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK) regulates ERRα expression in vivo and in vitro. AMPKα2 knockout decreased myocardial ERRα (both mRNA and protein) and its downstream targets under basal conditions, with no change in myocardial peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor
-
γ coactivator 1α expression. Using cultured rat neonatal cardiac myocytes, we found that overexpression of constitutively active AMPKα significantly induced ERRα mRNA, protein, and promoter activity. Conversely, selective gene silencing of AMPKα2 repressed ERRα and its target gene levels, indicating that AMPKα2 is involved in the regulation of ERRα expression. In addition, overexpression of ERRα in AMPKα2 knockout neonatal cardiac myocytes partially rescued the repressed expression of some energy metabolism-related genes. These data support an important role for AMPKα2 in regulating the expression of myocardial ERRα and its downstream mitochondrial enzymes.
Influence of Sea Surface Temperature on Humidity and Temperature in the Outflow of Tropical Deep Convection
Authors: Luo Zhengzhao Johnny , Kley Dieter , Johnson Richard H. , Liu G. Y. , Nawrath Susanne , Smit Herman G. J.
Published: August 2011

Multiple years of measurements of tropical upper-tropospheric temperature and humidity by the Measurement of Ozone and Water Vapor by Airbus In-Service Aircraft (MOZAIC) project are analyzed in the vicinity of deep convective outflow to study the variations of temperature and humidity and to investigate the influence of the sea surface temperature (SST) on the outflow air properties. The principal findings are the following. 1) The distribution of relative humidity with respect to ice (RHi) depends on where a convective system is sampled by the MOZAIC aircraft: deep inside the system, RHi is unimodal with the mode at ~114%; near the outskirts of the system, bimodal distribution of RHi starts to emerge with a dry mode at around 40% and a moist mode at 100%. The results are compared with previous studies using in situ measurements and model simulations. It is suggested that the difference in the RHi distribution can be explained by the variation of vertical motions associated with a convective system. 2) Analysis of MOZAIC data shows that a fractional increase of specific humidity with SST, q−1 dq/dSTT, near the convective outflow is about 0.16–0.18 K−1. These values agree well with previous studies using satellite data. Because MOZAIC measurements of temperature and humidity are independent, the authors further analyze the SST dependence of RHi and temperature individually. Temperature increases with SST for both prevalent flight levels (238 and 262 hPa); RHi stays close to constant with respect to SST for 238 hPa but shows an increasing trend for the 262-hPa level. Analysis conducted in this study represents a unique observational basis against which model simulations of upper-tropospheric humidity and its connection to deep convection and SST can be evaluated.
Large Decadal Decline of the Arctic Multiyear Ice Cover
Authors: Comiso Josefino C.
Published: August 2011

The perennial ice area was drastically reduced to 38% of its climatological average in 2007 but recovered slightly in 2008, 2009, and 2010 with the areas being 10%, 24%, and 11% higher than in 2007, respectively. However, trends in extent and area remained strongly negative at −12.2% and −13.5% decade−1, respectively. The thick component of the perennial ice, called multiyear ice, as detected by satellite data during the winters of 1979–2011 was studied, and results reveal that the multiyear ice extent and area are declining at an even more rapid rate of −15.1% and −17.2% decade−1, respectively, with a record low value in 2008 followed by higher values in 2009, 2010, and 2011. Such a high rate in the decline of the thick component of the Arctic ice cover means a reduction in the average ice thickness and an even more vulnerable perennial ice cover. The decline of the multiyear ice area from 2007 to 2008 was not as strong as that of the perennial ice area from 2006 to 2007, suggesting a strong role of second-year ice melt in the latter. The sea ice cover is shown to be strongly correlated with surface temperature, which is increasing at about 3 times the global average in the Arctic but appears weakly correlated with the Arctic Oscillation (AO), which controls the atmospheric circulation in the region. An 8–9-yr cycle is apparent in the multiyear ice record, which could explain, in part, the slight recovery in the last 3 yr.
A pilot study on a knowledge-based case library to support suicide risk assessment
Authors: Cheung C.F. , Wang W.M. , Leung Zeno C.S.
Published: August 2011

This article describes the system development processes for an electronic case library, built to facilitate and support the suicide prevention service provided by a social service organization in Hong Kong. It is a knowledge management system in which both ‘rule-based reasoning’ (RBR) and ‘case-based reasoning’ (CBR) are adopted. Initial test results, potentials and limitations of this knowledge management approach are discussed.
Applicability of Amartya Sen’s human development perspectives to the fields of reproductive health and social work
Authors: Jayasundara Dheeshana S.
Published: August 2011

There is a significant lack of development studies on reproductive health, especially in developing countries. The field of social work has especially marginalized the study of reproductive health. Adding to this deficiency is the lack of meaningful theoretical frameworks guiding the reproductive field, especially in developing countries. This paper explores Amartya Sen’s theoretical perspectives as a possible theoretical framework that both guides the reproductive field and helps social work put reproductive health at the forefront of its agenda.
Global City Theory and the New Urban Politics Twenty Years On
Authors: Ancien Delphine
Published: August 2011

In this paper, a framework is developed for analysing the ‘(new) urban politics’ (NUP) of global cities. The paper is structured around three main sections. First, it briefly reviews the global city literature alongside some of its main criticisms, with a particular emphasis on its ‘political deficit’. Secondly, it suggests that this shortcoming can be addressed through the establishment of a conversation with the NUP literature. These scholarships have developed parallel to each other but their relationship has been rather weak. It is argued that such cross-fertilisation presents an opportunity to refashion and bring forward the NUP in the particular context of global cities, but only if it is developed through a historical geographical materialist approach. Finally, the paper draws the contours of a conceptual framework to address the NUP of global cities, drawing mainly from the case of London. The conclusion sets out elements of a future research agenda.
The Global City Comes Home
Authors: Keil Roger
Published: August 2011

‘New urban politics’ in the 1980s coincided largely with a process of intense restructuring and globalisation. Mindful of the specific problems of transposition of American concepts to the European case, this paper revisits the Frankfurt urban regime. Based on interviews with decision-makers in 2008, the paper argues that today’s Frankfurt regime has turned its attention inward. The region, while still important for the structured coherence of the global city, has been depoliticised as problematic issues tend to be sectoralised and cast in technological terms. The global has lost its lustre as a self-explanatory concept for urban development and urban politics has regrouped as a set of functionalist specialty discourses such as that of the creative city. As city politics was re-localised, it also became largely devoid of traditional political conflict. Instead, questions of social justice and diversity were partly integrated into the formal and bureaucratic political process.
Dosing and Monitoring of Trace Elements in Long‐Term Home Parenteral Nutrition Patients
Authors: Btaiche Imad F. , Carver Peggy L. , Welch Kathleen B.
Published: August 2011

Background: Trace elements (TEs) dosing and monitoring in home parenteral nutrition (PN) patients vary with their underlying conditions. Methods: This retrospective observational study evaluated parenteral TE dosing, serum TE concentrations and monitoring, and dose‐concentration relationships between TE doses and serum TE concentrations in 26 adult and adolescent home PN patients. Results: There was a total of 40,493 PN days. Average parenteral zinc doses of 9.1 mg/d and 7.6 mg/d resulted in the majority of serum zinc concentrations (90%) within normal range in patients with and without short bowel syndrome (SBS), respectively. Selenium at about 70 mcg/d resulted in about 60% of serum selenium concentrations within normal range, with 38% of values below normal in patients with and without SBS alike. Copper at 1 mg/d resulted in 22.5% of serum copper concentrations above the normal range. The majority of serum manganese (94.6%) and chromium (96%) concentrations were elevated. Serum TE concentrations were infrequently monitored. Significant relationships existed between doses and serum concentrations for zinc (P < .0001), manganese (P = .012), and chromium (P < .0001) but not for selenium or copper. Conclusions: TE doses in home PN should be individualized and adjusted based on regular monitoring of TE status. In long‐term home PN patients, higher zinc and selenium doses may be necessary to maintain their normal serum concentrations. Lower copper doses and restrictions of manganese and chromium supplementation may be needed to avoid their accumulation. Relationships between TE doses and serum TE concentrations vary for each TE and underlying clinical conditions.
Maintenance of Parenteral Nutrition Volume Reduction, Without Weight Loss, After Stopping Teduglutide in a Subset of Patients With Short Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Compher Charlene , Gilroy Richard , Pertkiewicz Marek , Ziegler Thomas R. , Ratcliffe Sarah J. , Joly Francisca , Rochling Fedja , Messing Bernard
Published: August 2011

Background: Teduglutide was discontinued after being tested for ≥ 24 weeks in patients with parenteral nutrition (PN) ‐dependent short bowel syndrome in a clinical trial for efficacy to reduce PN volume. This study was describes change in body mass index (BMI) and PN volume over 12 months in patients who stopped drug after the clinical trial. Methods: Prescribed PN volume, weight, and complications were reported. Patients with stable (NEUT, n = 15) or decreased (DEC, n = 7) PN volume by 12 months after stopping drug (NEUT/DEC, n = 22) were compared to those who had increased PN volume (INC, n = 15). With drug response defined by ≥20% reduction from pre‐drug PN volume to end of drug therapy, 12 INC and 13 NEUT/DEC patients were drug responders. Results: Eleven of 20 eligible sites reported data for 39 of 53 eligible study participants, with follow‐up data for 37. INC patients had shorter colon and less frequently had colon in continuity than NEUT/DEC. BMI was decreased at 3, 6, and 12 months relative to the first off‐drug visit in INC patients (P = .001), but not in NEUT/DEC patients. Change in BMI off‐drug was predicted by colon and small bowel length, baseline BMI, and on‐drug change in PN volume (adjusted R2 = 0.708). Conclusions: Gastrointestinal anatomy, baseline BMI, and PN volume reduction on‐drug predicted change in BMI off‐drug. Whether this response would be maintained for a longer time or in the context of a challenging clinical situation has not been evaluated.
An Insulin Protocol for Management of Hyperglycemia in Patients Receiving Parenteral Nutrition Is Superior to Ad Hoc Management
Authors: Jakoby Michael G. , Nannapaneni Nischala
Published: August 2011

Background: The authors investigated whether an insulin protocol for parenteral nutrition (PN)–induced hyperglycemia is superior to conventional management relying primarily on sliding‐scale insulin at a large county hospital. Methods: A prospective cohort study with historical controls was completed. Adult patients receiving PN were managed with a protocol that determined insulin doses based on carbohydrate delivery and capillary blood glucose (CBG) if half or more of CBG measurements in the first 24 hours after initiation of PN exceeded 140 mg/dL. Control data were obtained from records of patients who met study eligibility criteria but had been managed before implementation of the insulin protocol. Results: Mean CBG after the start of insulin therapy was 138 ± 37 mg/dL for protocol patients and 159 ± 46 mg/dL for controls (P < .0001). Proportion of CBG values in the target range of 80–140 mg/dL was 60% in the protocol group and 35% in the control group (P < .0001). Hypoglycemia, defined as CBG <80 mg/dL, occurred infrequently but more often in the protocol group (3% vs 1%, P = .012). There was no difference in total daily insulin between groups, although protocol patients received mostly scheduled insulin (93% total daily dose), whereas control patients received predominantly supplemental insulin (66% total daily dose). Conclusions: Protocol‐directed management of PN‐induced hyperglycemia is superior to ad hoc insulin dosing. Linking insulin to carbohydrate in PN leads to improved glycemic control with a low rate of hypoglycemia.
Shared Authentic Leadership and New Venture Performance
Authors: Hmieleski Keith M. , Cole Michael S. , Baron Robert A.
Published: August 2011

This study applied affective events theory (AET) as a framework for understanding the relationship between the shared authentic leadership of new venture top management teams (TMTs) and the performance of their firms. Results, based on a national (United States) random sample of new ventures, demonstrated a positive indirect effect of shared authentic leadership behavior on firm performance, an effect that operated through TMTs’ positive affective tone. These findings contribute to entrepreneurship and strategic management literatures by illustrating that AET (a micro-level theory) is a conceptually relevant framework for understanding the impact of TMTs on firm performance (i.e., upper echelons theory and research). With respect to the leadership and organizational behavior literatures, the authors’ results indicate that authentic leadership may be particularly beneficial when shared among team members.
Therapy and Prognosis of Intracranial Invasive Olfactory Neuroblastoma
Authors: Jiang Guang‐Yi , Li Fang‐Cheng , Chen Wen‐Kuan , Liu An‐Min , Cai Wang‐Qing
Published: August 2011

Objective

There is currently no consensus on a standardized treatment strategy for olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB), especially for intracranial invasion. This purpose of this study is to explore the appropriate treatment modality and prognostic factors of intracranial invasive ONB.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

The study was conducted at the Sun Yat‐sen Memorial Hospital and the Cancer Center of Sun Yat‐sen University, China.

Subjects and Methods

Twenty‐five cases of intracranial invasive ONB were collected and investigated using a retrospective review analysis from patients diagnosed between 1980 and 2005.

Results

The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year overall survival rates for the group were 55%, 46%, and 31%, respectively. The subgroups who did not receive surgical treatment had worse survival rates than those who did receive treatment. In particular, patients who did not receive any therapy did not live past 1 year. In contrast, the group of patients treated by intranasal resection in combination with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy showed a slightly better survival rate. It is important to note that the group of patients treated by craniofacial surgery combined with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy had a markedly favorable prognosis, with 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year overall survival rates of up to 100%, 88%, and 66%, respectively.

Conclusions

Craniofacial surgery in combination with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy was an effective treatment for intracranial invasive ONB. In addition, it was found that age may not be an important prognostic factor for intracranial invasive ONB; however, the rate of intracalvarial invasion was found to be a potent marker for predicting the prognosis of patients.
Cross-Cultural Evaluation of the WHOQOL-BREF Domains in Primary Care Depressed Patients Using Rasch Analysis
Authors: Rocha Neusa Sica , Power Mick J. , Bushnell Donald M. , Fleck Marcelo P.
Published: August 2011

Background. The Rasch model prescribes procedures to ensure that a scale constructed from multiple items conforms to fundamental requirements of interval scales of measurement. Objective. To test the Rasch properties of the domains of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument–abbreviated version (WHOQOL-BREF) in depressed patients from primary care settings. Design. Cross-sectional, cross-national study. Setting. Primary care. Patients. The sample consisted of 1193 patients having a confirmed diagnosis of depression from 6 countries (Australia, Brazil, Israel, Russia, Spain, and the United States) involved in the Longitudinal Investigation of Depression Outcomes (LIDO) study. Measurements. The Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) diagnosed depression, whereas the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) assessed severity of depression. The WHOQOL-BREF measured generic quality of life (QOL). Results. Three of the 4 WHOQOL-BREF domains (physical, psychological, and environment) conform to the Rasch model expectations, following adjustments required mainly because of individual item misfit or differential item functioning (DIF) due to age or country. The social domain showed relatively poor psychometric properties, as observed in previous studies. Conclusions. The Rasch analysis demonstrated that, with some modifications, all domains of the WHOQOL-BREF, except for the social domain, provide an interval scale measure of generic subjective QOL in the context of depressed primary care patients in 6 countries worldwide.
From the Inside/Out
Authors: Hass Aida Y. , Saxon Caryn E.
Published: August 2011

The application of criminal justice sanctions is often misguided by a failure to recognize the need for a comprehensive approach in the transformation of offenders into law-abiding citizens. Restorative justice is a growing movement within criminal justice that recognizes the disconnect between offender rehabilitative measures and the social dynamics within which offender reentry takes place. By using restorative approaches to justice, what one hopes of these alternative processes is that the offenders become reconnected to the community and its values, something rarely seen in retributive models in which punishment is imposed and offenders can often experience further alienation from society. In this study, the authors wish to examine factors that contribute to failed prisoner reentry and reintegration and explore how restorative reintegration processes can address these factors as well as the needs, attitudes, and perceptions that help construct and maintain many of the obstacles and barriers returning inmates face when attempting to reintegrate into society.
The Effectiveness of Reintegrative Shaming and Restorative Justice Conferences
Authors: Kim Hee Joo , Gerber Jurg
Published: August 2011

This article examines the effectiveness of diversionary restorative justice (RJ) conferences through the eyes of juvenile offenders. In Australia, Reintegrative Shaming Experiments (RISE) are based on Braithwaite’s theory of reintegrative shaming. Previous studies, although showing that RISE reported high levels of victim satisfaction and positive changes in the attitudes of offenders, also demonstrated that it has different outcomes for juvenile offenders depending on the type of offense with which they were charged. However, the effectiveness of RISE in terms of the offenders’ perceptions has not been addressed, and the impact of the offenders’ perceptions about RISE still remains under investigation. Using Australian data from RISE between 1995 and 1999, this article examines juvenile offenders’ perceptions on preventing reoffending, repaying the victim and society, and the degree of repentance. The data were taken from interviews with juvenile offenders to measure their perceptions after the court or RISE processing. A comparison of standard court processing effects and RISE on juvenile offending, including property crime, shoplifting, and violent offenses, was undertaken. The results from this study were somewhat inconsistent with previous research. In this study, there was no significant relationship between RJ conference and the offenders’ own perceptions on the prevention of future offending. However, it was found that there were treatment effects on repaying the victim, repaying society, and the degree of feeling repentance, and that younger offenders wanted to repay the victim/society and feel repentance.
Practicalities of individual producer responsibility under the WEEE directive: experiences in Germany
Authors: Rotter Vera Susanne , Chancerel Perrine , Schill Wolf-Peter
Published: August 2011

In theory, individual producer responsibility (IPR) creates incentives for ‘design-for-recycling’. Yet in practice, implementing IPR is challenging, particularly if applied to waste electric and electronic equipment. This article discusses different options for implementing IPR schemes under German WEEE legislation. In addition, practical aspects of a German ‘return share’ brand sampling scheme are examined. Concerning ‘new’ WEEE put on the market after 13 August 2006, producers in Germany can choose between two different methods of calculating take-back obligations. These can be determined on the basis of ‘return shares’ or ‘market shares’. While market shares are regularly monitored by a national clearing house, the ‘return share’ option requires sampling and sorting of WEEE. Herein it is shown that the specifics of the German WEEE take-back scheme require high sample sizes and multi-step test procedures to ensure a statistically sound sampling approach. Since the market share allocation continues to apply for historic waste, producers lack incentives for choosing the costly brand sampling option. However, even return share allocation might not imply a decisive step towards IPR, as it merely represents an alternative calculation of market shares. Yet the fundamental characteristics of the German take-back system remain unchanged: the same anonymous mix of WEEE goes to the same treatment operations.
Reaching cost-saving effects by a mixed collection of light packagings together with residual household waste?
Authors: Janz Alexander , Günther Marko , Bilitewski Bernd
Published: August 2011

To enforce material recycling of household waste at high levels, separate collection schemes often under a producer’s responsibility regime were implemented in Germany since the 1970s and 1990s, respectively. The separate collection of recyclables (Sorting—Transportation—Sorting—Recovery’ system) is assumed, guaranteeing higher purities of the collected material streams but also causing higher costs for logistics and the processing of the waste fractions. Several authors argue that since the rapid development of automatic sorting systems in recent years, a mixed collection of recyclables and residual household waste with a downstream sorting strategy (Transportation—Sorting—Recovery system) is cheaper than the currents system while keeping the product quality constant. This paper evaluates the economic saving potentials in logistics and the extra costs for separation technologies when implementing a mixed collection system for light packagings together with residual household waste in an East German city. The results show that costs for process technologies in a mixed collection system can overcompensate cost-saving potentials in logistics.
Effects of the Self-Directed IEP Delivered Using Computer-Assisted Instruction on Student Participation in Educational Planning Meetings
Authors: Kelley Kelly R. , Bartholomew Audrey , Test David W.
Published: August 2011

The Self-Directed IEP has been demonstrated to be effective in improving students’ abilities to lead their own Individualized Education Program (IEP) planning meetings. However, teachers need methods that are both effective for teaching students to lead their own educational planning meetings and efficient methods. One method that has been effective in the classroom to teach a variety of skills is computer-assisted instruction. This study used a multiple-probe design across participants to examine the effects of the Self-Directed IEP, adapted for the computer, on improving students’ abilities to lead their own educational planning meetings. Results indicated a functional relationship between the Self-Directed IEP and participation levels in meetings. Follow-up data show that students were able to generalize and maintain these skills. Future research considerations and implications for practice are discussed.
Modelling of the thrust force of the drilling operation on PA6–nanoclay nanocomposites using particle swarm optimization
Authors: Soleymani Yazdi M R , Razfar M R , Asadnia M
Published: August 2011

This paper presents a new approach for modelling the thrust force in the drilling of PA6–nanoclay (NC) nanocomposite materials, by using a particle-swarm-optimization-based neural network (PSONN). In this regard, the advantages of the statistical experimental algorithm technique, experimental measurements, particle swarm optimization, and artificial neural network were exploited in an integrated manner. For this purpose, numerous experiments for PA6 and PA6–NC nanocomposites were conducted to obtain the thrust force values using a high-speed steel drill 2 mm in diameter with a 118° point angle. Then, a predictive model for the thrust force was created using the PSONN algorithm. The training capacity of the PSONN was compared with that of the conventional neural network. The results indicate that, when the NC content in PA6 is increased, the thrust force of the drilling operation on this material is decreased significantly. Also, the results obtained about the modelling of the thrust force showed the good training capacity of the proposed PSONN algorithm, compared with that of a conventional neural network.
Optimization of cutting conditions in WEDM process using regression modelling and Tabu-search algorithm
Authors: Sadeghi M , Razavi H , Esmaeilzadeh A , Kolahan F
Published: August 2011

The material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness (SR) are the key output measures of wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM). In this paper, the influence of several process parameters, such as the discharge current, pulse interval, open-circuit voltage and servo voltage on the MRR and SR of WEDM, were investigated. Experimental data were initially collected based on the Taguchi method of experimental design. Modelling was carried out using regression analysis and the analysis of variance techniques, and mathematical relationships between the parameters and their related outputs were developed and tested. A Tabu search algorithm was then used to minimize a weighted sum of the outputs that represent different measures of machining quality and determine the optimal set of parameters for any combination of the weighting factors. The final results present the optimized MRR and SR of the process and confirm the efficiency and abilities of the model.
Addressing the impact of high levels of product variety on complexity in design and manufacture
Authors: Roy R , Evans R , Low M J , Williams D K
Published: August 2011

Management of complexity arising from high levels of product variety is a critical problem in the automotive and other industries. In the premium vehicle sector, this is particularly important with customer expectation of personalized products. The levels of resultant complexity in business operations, from product development to supply, lead to erosion in profitability and/or a higher price for the consumer. An integrated framework to analyse variety, complexity, and its associated costs to guide product development decisions is not well developed. This paper presents a high-level design for variety framework to inform decisions on variety and complexity, underpinned by cost and revenue analysis. The work potentially has much wider application than just in the premium vehicle sector.
Heat transfer in hot stamping of high-strength steel sheets
Authors: Tondini F , Bosetti P , Bruschi S
Published: August 2011

This paper focuses on the determination of the heat transfer coefficient (HTC) between blanks and dies in the hot stamping of high-strength steel sheets. Experiments to record the temperature evolution inside the dies were carried out on custom-built test equipment, where process conditions typical of hot stamping could be reproduced, but avoiding any deformation of the metal sheet. The HTC was determined by using an inverse analysis procedure, based on the comparison between temperature measured inside the dies and temperatures calculated by means of a numerical model of the test. HTCs between the steel blank and dies made of different materials were identified, showing that the use of ceramic inserts can modify the cooling rate inside the blank in order to avoid a complete martensitic transformation. Moreover, the influence of the contact pressure was investigated, proving that HTC dependence on this factor is not negligible.
Analysis of the geometric effect on the forming accuracy in laser forming
Authors: Shi Y , Hu J , Dong C
Published: August 2011

In laser forming, as well as the desirable bending deformation, undesirable deformations including bending along the heating line, warping, and local thickening of heating area are also produced. These undesirable deformations have important influences on the forming accuracy of a plate. The values of the undesirable deformations are different for different plate geometries. To control the forming accuracy and to optimize the process parameters, the effects of the plate geometry on the bending deformation along the heating line, the warping deformation, and the micro-convex height are analysed in this paper. The results show that the forming accuracies of a plate when keeping the laser process parameters constant are different for various plate geometries. Consequently, the plate geometries must be considered in the inaccuracy evaluation and control of components obtained by laser forming.
Optimization of working parameters of water jet cutting in terms of depth and width of cut
Authors: Ozcelik Y , Gursel M , Ciccu R , Costa G , Bortolussi A
Published: August 2011

The purpose of this study is to optimize different operational parameters, such as the nozzle diameter, traverse velocity, standoff distance, and pump pressure, with reference to cutting efficiency parameters, namely, depth and width of cut, in the cutting operation using a pure water jet on Sardinian basalt samples. Width of cut, which has not been previously mentioned in literature, was used as the second cutting efficiency parameter in this study. Also, 37 water jet cutting tests on Sardinian basalt samples were carried out based on the factorial design of the experiment at two levels and with the four operational parameters given above using Design Expert 7.0. In addition to these cutting tests, control and repetition tests were also performed and in total, 72 cutting operations were made in this study. The two-factor interaction (2FI) model was developed utilizing experimental measurements for the depth and width of cut after performing 37 cutting operations. The adequacy of the predicted regression model equations was tested using the very well-known method of analysis of variance. These model equations were used to optimize the operational parameters for the desired depth and width of cut. Cuttability charts indicating the optimum working point with respect to the depth and width of cut for Sardinian basalt samples were developed and presented in this study. These charts could be of help in the natural stone industry in terms of a more efficient usage of the water jet cutting machine. As a result of this study, the optimum values of working parameters for Sardinian basalt stone samples were found to be 0.8 mm for the nozzle diameter, 90 MPa for the pressure, 5 mm for the standoff distance, and 4 m/min for the traverse velocity for the pure water jet cutting system. In these optimum cutting conditions, a depth of 7.694 mm and a width of 1.986 mm were predicted to be the cutting values. These values go well with the measurements.
Observation of acoustic emission from gas bubble inception and burst
Authors: Husin S , Addali A , Mba D
Published: August 2011

This technical note presents an experimental investigation aimed at exploring acoustic emission (AE) from gas bubble formation, motion, and destruction. AE in this particular investigation covers the frequency range between 100 and 1000 kHz. It is shown that AE energy and amplitude are directly correlated to bubble size at inception and burst.
Middle-Holocene dynamics of Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock) in northern New England, USA
Authors: Oswald W. Wyatt , Foster David R.
Published: August 2011

The abrupt, range-wide decline of Tsuga canadensis ~5500 calibrated years before present (cal. yr BP) is one of the most-studied events in North American paleoecology. Little attention, however, has been given to an earlier Tsuga decline, dated to ~6000 cal. yr BP in southern Ontario, Canada. To investigate whether this event occurred elsewhere in eastern North America, we analyzed the middle-Holocene interval of a lake-sediment record from Knob Hill Pond, located in northern Vermont, USA, an area of historically high Tsuga abundance. A dramatic, short-lived drop in Tsuga pollen abundance does occur at ~6000 cal. yr BP in the Knob Hill Pond record, indicating that Tsuga populations declined in various parts of its range. We hypothesize that both middle-Holocene declines of Tsuga were caused by the deleterious effects of pronounced droughts on this moisture-sensitive tree. Close examination of pollen data from a transect of sites across New England reveals that the earlier decline of Tsuga is present in other records, although some aspects of the event appear to have varied geographically. While northern and higher-elevation sites exhibit a nearly full recovery of Tsuga populations between the two declines, records further to the south are characterized by a stair-step pattern of progressive decline. At sites near its southern range limit, relatively warm conditions between ~6000 and 5500 cal. yr BP were apparently not conducive to the reestablishment and survival of Tsuga, and thus it was unable to recover between the drought events.
High spatial resolution electron probe microanalysis of tephras and melt inclusions without beam-induced chemical modification
Authors: Hayward Chris
Published: August 2011

Wavelength dispersive analysis of tephra grains and melt inclusions by EPMA has been carried out using a focused beam of 3 µm diameter without detected loss of sodium or potassium in standard glasses, including anhydrous basalts, a slightly hydrated rhyolite and a sodium-rich intermediate composition. The ability to make analyses without chemical modification is strongly dependent upon current density at the analysis site. Analysis with narrow beams requires extremely low beam currents that are normally associated with energy dispersive analysis. Experiments indicate that a value of 0.1 nA/µm2 must not be exceeded, at least for moderately hydrated samples, if sodium loss is to be avoided. High resolution analysis without beam-induced analytical artefacts enables fully quantitative analysis of very distal and/or highly vesicular tephras and very small melt inclusions without the need to use post-analysis corrections. This development has enabled high quality analyses from crypto-tephra layers that were previously impossible to analyse, and has removed the potential for sampling bias within mixed tephra layers by making (in most cases) tephra grains accessible for analysis. The use of focused beams also increases the level of automation, and hence the cost-effectiveness of data collection. The current data suggest limits to the applicability of the beam conditions reported, and that they may lead to alkali loss in compositions most prone to beam-induced modification such as significantly hydrated and/or sodic tephras.