bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pandemic (H1N1) Influenza 2009 and Australian emergency departments: Implications for policy, practice and pandemic preparedness
Authors: FitzGerald Gerry , Aitken Peter , Shaban Ramon Z , Patrick Jennifer , Arbon Paul , McCarthy Sally , Clark Michele , Considine Julie , Finucane Julie , Holzhauser Kerri , Fielding Elaine
Published: February 2012

Objective: To describe the reported impact of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 on EDs, so as to inform future pandemic policy, planning and response management.

Methods: This study comprised an issue and theme analysis of publicly accessible literature, data from jurisdictional health departments, and data obtained from two electronic surveys of ED directors and ED staff. The issues identified formed the basis of policy analysis and evaluation.

Results: Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 had a significant impact on EDs with presentation for patients with ‘influenza‐like illness’ up to three times that of the same time in previous years. Staff reported a range of issues, including poor awareness of pandemic plans, patient and family aggression, chaotic information flow to themselves and the public, heightened stress related to increased workloads and lower levels of staffing due to illness, family care duties and redeployment of staff to flu clinics. Staff identified considerable discomfort associated with prolonged times wearing personal protective equipment. Staff believed that the care of non‐flu patients was compromised during the pandemic as a result of overwork, distraction from core business and the difficulties associated with accommodating infectious patients in an environment that was not conducive.

Conclusions: This paper describes the breadth of the impact of pandemics on ED operations. It identifies a need to address a range of industrial, management and procedural issues. In particular, there is a need for a single authoritative source of information, the re‐engineering of EDs to accommodate infectious patients and organizational changes to enable rapid deployment of alternative sources of care.
Impact of Culm Harvest on Seed Production in a Monocarpic Bamboo
Authors: Nath Arun Jyoti , Franklin Donald C. , Lawes Michael J. , Das Mukta Chandra , Das Ashesh Kumar
Published: February 2012

Successful regeneration of bamboos from seed is a key issue in the ecology of many tropical regions and the livelihoods of their inhabitants. The gregarious monocarpy of many bamboos may be driven by a need to satiate seed predators by seeding in abundance at infrequent intervals. In long‐lived clonal monocarps, seed production is expected to be positively related to the success of the clone in generating more and larger ramets during its lifetime. Ramification may be constrained by harvesting of culms, but it is unclear whether the reduction in productivity is proportional to the loss of reproductive biomass. We counted the seed produced by 661 culms (ramet stems) sampled from 90 clumps of the gregariously monocarpic bamboo Schizostachyum dullooa that is intensively harvested by villagers in northeastern India. The smallest clumps had fewer culms and few or no culms more than one year old. Seed production was indeed positively related to culm size and the number of culms in a clump. First‐year culms were markedly more productive than older culms after controlling for culm diameter and clump size. There was a negative effect of clump size on productivity per culm which may occur because clumps that had been harvested heavily were able to exploit resources retained in rhizomes from harvested culms. Nevertheless, small clumps produced much less seed than larger clumps, generating a risk of unknown magnitude that heavily harvested stands of monocarpic bamboos may be unable to satiate seed predators during their single opportunity for reproduction.
The impacts of nature experience on human cognitive function and mental health
Authors: Bratman Gregory N. , Hamilton J. Paul , Daily Gretchen C.
Published: February 2012

Scholars spanning a variety of disciplines have studied the ways in which contact with natural environments may impact human well‐being. We review the effects of such nature experience on human cognitive function and mental health, synthesizing work from environmental psychology, urban planning, the medical literature, and landscape aesthetics. We provide an overview of the prevailing explanatory theories of these effects, the ways in which exposure to nature has been considered, and the role that individuals’ preferences for nature may play in the impact of the environment on psychological functioning. Drawing from the highly productive but disparate programs of research in this area, we conclude by proposing a system of categorization for different types of nature experience. We also outline key questions for future work, including further inquiry into which elements of the natural environment may have impacts on cognitive function and mental health; what the most effective type, duration, and frequency of contact may be; and what the possible neural mechanisms are that could be responsible for the documented effects.
Analysis of Chromosome 19q13.42 Amplification in Embryonal Brain Tumors with Ependymoblastic Multilayered Rosettes
Authors: Nobusawa Sumihito , Yokoo Hideaki , Hirato Junko , Kakita Akiyoshi , Takahashi Hitoshi , Sugino Takashi , Tasaki Kazuhiro , Itoh Hideaki , Hatori Tsutomu , Shimoyama Yoshie , Nakazawa Atsuko , Nishizawa Shigeru , Kishimoto Hiroshi , Matsuoka Keiko , Nakayama Masahiro , Okura Naoki , Nakazato Yoichi
Published: February 2012

Recently, it was reported that ependymoblastoma and embryonal tumor with abundant neuropil and true rosettes (ETANTR) show 19q13.42 amplification at a high frequency, suggesting that these tumors may constitute a single entity. As ependymoblastic rosettes are the most prominent features in both subtypes, embryonal tumor with multilayered rosettes (ETMR) was proposed, for which 19q13.42 amplification represents a specific molecular hallmark. However, ependymoblastic rosettes are not specific to ependymoblastoma and ETANTR, and are also found in a few other embryonal tumors as well as immature teratomas, and knowledge on 19q13.42 amplification in these tumors is limited. In this study, we performed fluorescence in situ hybridazation (FISH) analysis and differential polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and detected 19q13.42 amplification in three out of four ETANTR, one ependymoblastoma and one medulloepithelioma with ETANTR components, whereas none of the two atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RT) with ependymoblastic rosettes nor two immature teratomas with developing neuroectodermal structures showed such amplification, suggesting that medulloepitheliomas would possibly be included in ETMR, and ependymoblastic rosettes in AT/RT do not signify that these tumors constitute ETMR. Also, we found C19MC rather than miR‐371‐373 was amplified in one ETANTR, suggesting that C19MC miRNA cluster seems to be more closely linked to the pathogenesis of ETMR.
Heterogeneity of Parent Rocks and Its Constraints on Geochemical Criteria in Weathering Crusts of Carbonate Rocks
Authors: Shijie WANG , Zhigang FENG
Published: February 2012

Abstract  Owing to the low contents of their acid‐insoluble components, carbonate rocks tend to decrease sharply in volume in association with the formation of weathering crust. The formation of a 1 m‐thick weathering crust would usually consume more than ten meters to several tens of meters of thickness of parent rocks. The knowledge of how to identify the homogeneity of parent rocks is essential to understand the formation mechanism of weathering crust in karst regions, especially that of thick‐layered red weathering crust. In this work the grain‐size analyses have demonstrated that the three profiles studied are the residual weathering crust of carbonate rocks and further showed that there objectively exists the heterogeneity of parent rocks in the three studied weathering crusts. The heterogeneity of parent rocks can also be reflected in geochemical parameters of major elements, just as the characteristics of frequency plot of grain‐size distribution. Conservative trace element ratios Zr/Hf and Nb/Ta are proven to be unsuitable for tracing the heterogeneity of parent rocks of weathering crust, but its geochemical mechanism is unclear. The authors strongly suggest in this paper that the identification of the homogeneity of parent rocks of weathering crust in karst regions is of prime necessity.
Lubrication of 2D Soft Elasto Hydrodynamic Contacts: Extension of the Amplitude Reduction Theory
Authors: Mora F. , Sainsot P. , Lubrecht A. A. , le Chenadec Y.
Published: February 2012

This paper is an extension of the Amplitude Reduction Theory to soft ElastoHydrodynamic contacts. The ART permits a quantitative prediction of the influence of surface roughness on the lubricant film thickness modification as a function of the operating conditions.
Normal and Tangential Contact Between Anisotropic Materials
Authors: Bagault C. , Baietto M.-C. , Ne´lias D.
Published: February 2012

A contact model using semi analytic methods, relying on elementary analytic solutions, has been developed. It is based on numeric techniques adapted to contact mechanics, with strong potential for inelastic, inhomogeneous or anisotropic problems. Recent developments aim to quantify displacements and stresses of an anisotropic material which is in contact with another anisotropic material. The influence of symmetry axes on the contact problem solution will be more specifically analyzed.
Smoothed Particle Methods and Their Applicability to Tribology
Authors: Kyle Jonathan P. , Terrell Elon J.
Published: February 2012

An in-house solver was created to simulate contact mechanics and hydrodynamic lubrication using smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH), SPH is a meshfree, particle-based method that can be used to solve continuum problems in solid and fluid mechanics. In this approach, the problem domain is represented by particles that move according to prescribed governing equations. Because smoothed particle methods have been shown to have the advantage of being able to model large deformations without concern of degradation in numerical accuracy, they have received recent interest for application to complex problems in tribology—the exploration of which is the focus of this study.
Large Thrust Bearing Modeling: Influence of Thermal Boundary Conditions and Runner Deformations on Results of TEHD Analysis
Authors: Wodtke Michal , Fillon Michel , Schubert Andreas , Wasilczuk Michal
Published: February 2012

In the paper, numerical TEHD results for one of the biggest water power plant Itaipu were compared to available measurement data. Numerical simulations were carried out with the use of bearing model for which the accuracy was previously confirmed with the measurements available for smaller bearings. Several cases were analyzed. The only differences between the cases are the applied boundary conditions. The influence of heat transfer coefficient assumed at bearing pad side walls and collar deformation on predicted bearing performance was determined. Some conclusions concerning large thrust bearing modeling were drawn on the basis of comparisons of the theoretical results to measurements for analyzed bearing system.
Design Considerations for Resilient Rolling Element Bearings Made From Low Modulus Superelastic Materials
Authors: DellaCorte Christopher , Stanford Malcolm K. , Manco Richard A. , Thomas Fransua
Published: February 2012

Nickel-titanium based superelastic materials are emerging as candidates for rolling element-bearing applications [1]. When properly prepared, these unique intermetallics are hard, exhibit excellent tribological properties and are intrinsically corrosion immune [2]. In addition, recent investigations have revealed that, unlike traditional bearing steels, superelastics can endure much higher levels of recoverable elastic strain during compressive deformation [3]. This behavior enables bearings that are more resilient to load induced damage such as raceway denting and from the ingestion of hard particles. Despite these positive attributes, these alloys differ significantly from conventional steels and these differences must be carefully considered to achieve successful applications. These differences include reduced elastic modulus, high hardness and enhanced resistance to indentation loads. The current paper introduces nickel-titanium based superelastic bearing materials and compares their properties to current bearing materials. General bearing design practices and manufacturing processes are also examined to identify and explore the challenges and opportunities for making resilient rolling element bearings utilizing this new class of superelastic materials.
Depletion of Monolayer Liquid Lubricant Films Induced by Laser Heating in Thermally Assisted Magnetic Recording
Authors: Tagawa Norio , Miki Takao , Tani Hiroshi
Published: February 2012

In this study, the lubricant depletion caused by laser heating was investigated for lubricant films with thicknesses greater than and less than one monolayer. The conventional lubricants Zdol2000 and Ztetrao12000 were used. It was found that the critical temperature at which lubricants start to deplete by laser heating strongly depends on the lubricant film thickness. To analyze the lubricant depletion mechanism, we carried out temperature programmed desorption (TPD) spectroscopy on the tested lubricant films. It was found that the lubricant depletion characteristics induced by laser heating could be explained using the experimental TPD spectroscopy results for the tested lubricant films. It was also found that the depletion mechanism involved the desorption or decomposition of the lubricant molecules that interacted with the diamond-like carbon thin films when the lubricant film thickness was less than one monolayer.
A Finite Element Method Approach to Modeling a Thermal-Electrical-Mechanical Coupled Field Contact
Authors: Hennessy R. P. , Adams G. G. , McGruer N. E.
Published: February 2012

This paper presents a finite element method approach for modeling a thermal-electrical-mechanical coupled-field contact comprised of an elastic hemisphere and an elastic half space. The goal of this model is to develop a fundamental understanding of the behavior of a multi-physics contact with a particular interest in the contact area. The results from the model illustrate a clear difference in contact behavior between force control and displacement control in the presence of an applied electrical potential. It is shown that, while Hertzian contact theory can be used to accurately predict the behavior of the contact under force control, a new relationship must be established to accurately predict the behavior of the contact under displacement control. This relationship can be applied to RF MEMS switch contact bumps as well as macro scale electrical contacts.
EXISTENCE AND UNIQUENESS OF SOLUTIONS FOR SINGULAR BOUNDARY VALUE PROBLEM ON TIME SCALES
Authors: LIU ZHENJIE
Published: February 2012

This paper investigates the existence and uniqueness of solutions for singular second-order boundary value problem on time scales by using mixed monotone method. The theorems obtained are very general and complement the previous known results. When the time scale 𝕋 is chosen as ℝ or ℤ, the problem will be the corresponding continuous or discrete boundary value problem.
Characterization of Gene Amplification–Driven SKP2 Overexpression in Myxofibrosarcoma: Potential Implications in Tumor Progression and Therapeutics
Authors: Li Chien-Feng , Wang Ju-Ming , Kang Hong-Yo , Huang Chiung-Kuei , Wang Jun-Wen , Fang Fu-Min , Wang Yu-Hui , Wu Wen-Ren , Li Shau-Hsuan , Yu Shih-Chen , Lee Jen-Chieh , Lan Jui , Shiue Yow-Ling , Wu Li-Ching , Huang Hsuan-Ying
Published: February 2012

Purpose: Myxofibrosarcoma remains obscure in molecular determinants of clinical aggressiveness, for which we elucidated implications of SKP2 amplification.

Experimental Design: Array comparative genomic hybridization was applied on samples and cell lines (NMFH-1 to OH931) to search causal genes of tumor progression. SKP2 gene dosage was determined in 82 independent tumors for clinical correlates. Stable SKP2 knockdown was achieved in myxofibrosarcoma cells to assess its oncogenic attributes and candidate mediators in prometastatic function. Pharmacologic assays were evaluated in vitro and in vivo for the therapeutic relevance of bortezomib.

Results: DNA gains frequently involved 5p in which three amplicons were differentially overrepresented in samples behaving unfavorably, encompassing mRNA-upregulated TRIO, SKP2, and AMACR genes. Detected in NMFH-1 cells and 38% of tumors, SKP2 amplification was associated with SKP2 immunoexpression and adverse prognosticators and independently predictive of worse outcomes. Nevertheless, SKP2-expressing OH931 cells and 14% of such tumors lacked gene amplification. Knockdown of SKP2 suppressed proliferation, anchorage-independent growth, migration, and invasion of sarcoma cells and downregulated motility-promoting genes, including ITGB2, ACTN1, IGF1, and ENAH. In vitro, bortezomib downregulated SKP2 expression at the mRNA level with p27kip1 accumulation, induced caspase activation, and decreased cell viability in myxofibrosarcoma cells but not in fibroblasts. In vivo, bortezomib inhibited growth of NMFH-1 xenografts, the cells of which displayed decreased SKP2 expression but increased p27kip1 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL).

Conclusions: As a predominant mechanism driving protein overexpression, SKP2 amplification confers tumor aggressiveness in myxofibrosarcoma. The sensitivity of myxofibrosarcoma cells to bortezomib with SKP2-repressing effect indicates the potentiality of ubiquitin-proteasome pathway as a therapeutic target. Clin Cancer Res; 18(6); 1598–610. ©2012 AACR.
Bifidobacteriumanimalis subsp. lactis BB-12 Administration in Early Childhood: A Randomized Clinical Trial of Effects on Oral Colonization by Mutans Streptococci and the Probiotic
Authors: Taipale T. , Pienihäkkinen K. , Salminen S. , Jokela J. , Söderling E.
Published: February 2012

A randomized clinical trial studied the effects of early ad-ministration of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 (BB-12) on oral colonization of (1) mutans streptococci (MS), and (2) BB-12. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, infants (n = 106) received probiotic bacteria (BB-12 group), xylitol (X group), or sorbitol (S group). Test tablets were administered twice a day (from the age of 1-2 months) with a novel slow-release pacifier or a spoon (daily dose of BB-12 1010 CFU, polyol 200-600 mg). Samples were collected from mucosa/teeth at the age of 8 months and 2 years for BB- 12 determination (qPCR) and plate culturing of MS (MSB, TYCSB), lactobacilli (Rogosa) and yeasts (Sabouraud). The MS levels of the mothers were determined (Dentocult SM Strip Mutans). The baseline characteristics of the three groups were similar. Mean duration of tablet delivery was 14.9 ± 6.7 months. In all groups, >90% of the mothers showed high MS counts (log CFU ≧5). MS colonization percentages of the children at the age of 2 years were rather low (BB-12 group: 6%; X group: 31%; S group: 10%; p < 0.05). The levels of lactobacilli and yeasts did not differ between the groups. BB-12 cell counts barely exceeding the detection limit were found in three of the oral samples of the 8-month-old children; however, the 2-year samples did not contain BB-12. The early administration of BB-12 did not result in permanent oral colonization of this probiotic or significantly affect MS colonization in the children.
Ensemble Probabilistic Forecasts of a Tornadic Mesoscale Convective System from Ensemble Kalman Filter Analyses Using WSR-88D and CASA Radar Data
Authors: Snook Nathan , Xue Ming , Jung Youngsun
Published: February 2012

This study examines the ability of a storm-scale numerical weather prediction (NWP) model to predict precipitation and mesovortices within a tornadic mesoscale convective system that occurred over Oklahoma on 8–9 May 2007, when the model is initialized from ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) analyses including data from four Engineering Research Center for Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere (CASA) X-band and five Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) S-band radars. Ensemble forecasts are performed and probabilistic forecast products generated, focusing on prediction of radar reflectivity (a proxy of quantitative precipitation) and mesovortices (an indication of tornado potential).

Assimilating data from both the CASA and WSR-88D radars for the ensemble and using a mixed-microphysics ensemble during data assimilation produces the best probabilistic mesovortex forecast. The use of multiple microphysics schemes within the ensemble aims to address at least partially the model physics uncertainty and effectively plays a role of flow-dependent inflation (in precipitation regions) during EnKF data assimilation. The ensemble predicts with high probability (approximately 0.65) the near-surface mesovortex associated with the first of three reported tornadoes. Though a bias toward stronger precipitation is noted in the ensemble forecasts, all experiments produce skillful probabilistic forecasts of radar reflectivity on a 0–3-h time scale as evaluated by multiple probabilistic verification metrics. These results suggest that both the inclusion of CASA radar data and use of a mixed-microphysics ensemble during EnKF data assimilation positively impact the skill of 2–3-h ensemble forecasts of mesovortices, despite having little impact on the quality of precipitation forecasts (analyzed in terms of predicted radar reflectivity), and are important steps toward an operational EnKF-based ensemble analysis and probabilistic forecast system to support convective-scale warn-on-forecast operations.
Understanding Tailored Internet Smoking Cessation Messages
Authors: Curtis Brenda
Published: February 2012

Although message tailoring has been shown to produce experimental effects in previous studies, the cognitive mechanisms through which tailoring works have not been sufficiently studied. Using the integrative model to predict intentions to use the nicotine replacement patch among adult smokers, this study examines how tailoring theoretical elements of the integrative model is effective in changing the theoretical mediators. Participants were randomized into one of two conditions. In the experimental condition, participants received messages tailored to some or all of the underlying behavioral, injunctive normative, or self-efficacy beliefs with the expectation that changing the underlying beliefs would result in experimental differences in the integrative model’s direct measures. This expectation was confirmed. The integrative model also worked well in predicting intentions to perform the target behavior; attitude, perceived normative pressure, and perceived behavioral control accounted for 53 percent of the variance in intentions. Attitude and normative pressure were the strongest predictors of intention. These results provide support for tailoring messages using a reasoned action approach and provide insight into the mechanism through which message tailoring operates.
Developing Media Interventions to Reduce Household Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption
Authors: Jordan Amy , Taylor Piotrowski Jessica , Bleakley Amy , Mallya Giridhar
Published: February 2012

In 2010, the city of Philadelphia launched a media campaign to reduce the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in homes with children as a strategy to combat obesity. Using the integrative model (IM) of behavioral change and prediction, a theory-based precampaign survey of Philadelphia parents was conducted to determine the most effective message content. Results indicated that intention to eliminate SSB consumption is attitudinally driven and suggested that effective messages should highlight feelings of nurturing and concern about child weight gain. Focus group testing led to the selection of a television ad, transit/print ad, and a radio spot that incorporated aspects of the theory-based results from the baseline survey. An online message testing experiment found that exposure to campaign messages increased intention to reduce SSBs and supported the underlying beliefs in the correct direction. These results illustrate how the IM can be applied to the development of a public health intervention.
New Avenues for Framing Research
Authors: de Vreese Claes H.
Published: February 2012

In this article, the author reviews the studies in this special issue of the American Behavioral Scientist. It is a strong collection of articles reporting findings from an integrated project that looks at frame building, frames, and effects of frames. The project is part of an exciting large-scale Swiss research program on democracy, NCCR. The author reflects not only on the contents of the issue but also on the framing concept in political communication research more generally. He offers suggestions for conceptual clarity and makes three recommendations about future framing research. They pertain to (a) the types of frames that framing researchers look at, (b) the dynamics of framing effects, and (c) advances in research designs in framing research.
Carotid Intima–Media Thickness and Carotid Plaques Improves Prediction of Obstructive Angiographic Coronary Artery Disease in Women
Authors: Timóteo Ana Teresa , Carmo Miguel Mota , Ferreira Rui Cruz
Published: February 2012

Does carotid intima–media thickness (cIMT), a surrogate marker of cardiovascular events, have predictive incremental value over established risk factors for stable coronary artery disease (CAD)? Prospective study of 300 patients, with suspected stable CAD, admitted for an elective coronary angiography and carotid ultrasound. The CAD patients had a higher cIMT, which showed a modest predictive accuracy for CAD (area under the receiver–operating characteristic curve 0.638, 95% confidence interval 0.576-0.701, P < .001). The cIMT was an independent predictor of CAD, together with age, gender, and diabetes. C-statistic for CAD prediction by traditional risk factors was not significantly different from a model that included cIMT, carotid plaque presence, or both. However, in women, it was significantly increased by the addition of cIMT or carotid plaque presence. Although cIMT cannot be used as a sole indicator of CAD, it should be considered in the panel of investigations that is requested, particularly in women who are candidates for coronary angiography.
Outcome of Patients With Regadenoson-Induced ST-Segment Depression but Normal Perfusion on Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography
Authors: Uthamalingam Shanmugam , Gurm Gagandeep S. , Ahmado Imad , Sidhu Manavjot S. , Flynn James
Published: February 2012

The prognostic significance of ischemic electrocardiographic (ECG) changes during Regadenoson vasodilator stress in patients with normal single-photon emission computed tomographic myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT-MPI) is not well described. Of 2473 patients who underwent Regadenoson vasodilator stress testing, 43 (77% women, mean age 72 ± 10 years) patients were included in the study. During a mean follow-up of 14 ± 7 months, cardiac death occurred in 1 patient; 5 patients underwent coronary revascularization and none had myocardial infarction. The annual rate of cardiac death and coronary revascularization was 1.9% and 9.9%, respectively. The finding of ischemic ECG changes with normal SPECT-MPI during regadenoson vasodilator stress testing is uncommon, occurs primarily in older women, and is associated with moderately higher subsequent cardiac event rate.
Tiered Housing Markets and their Relationship to Labour Market Areas
Authors: Jones Colin , Coombes Mike , Dunse Neil , Watkins David , Wymer Colin
Published: February 2012

This paper develops a tiered geography of local housing market areas (HMAs) that provides a national framework for spatial planning. It is derived from a theoretical understanding of the economic basis of HMAs. The analysis explores the relationships between the tiers of the HMA geography and local labour market areas. Drawing on this understanding, the empirical research generates sets of different potential geographies of HMAs for England based on an algorithm that applies criteria linked to the degree of closure of migration and/or commuting patterns. A range of theoretically appropriate criteria then enable the different geographies to be assessed. The choice of geography is guided by Chow tests of statistical differences in standardised house prices in neighbouring HMAs derived from hedonic regressions. Finally, conclusions are drawn on the validity of the approach developed. The empirical work is on England and datasets drawn from the Census and Land Registry.
Evaluation of Rehabilitation of Memory in Neurological Disabilities (ReMiND): a randomized controlled trial
Authors: das Nair Roshan , Lincoln Nadina B
Published: February 2012

Objective:

The evidence for the effectiveness of memory rehabilitation is inconclusive. The aim was to compare the effectiveness of two group memory rehabilitation programmes with a self-help group control.

Design:

Single-blind randomized controlled trial.

Participants:

Participants with memory problems following traumatic brain injury, stroke or multiple sclerosis were recruited from community settings.

Interventions:

Participants were randomly allocated, in cohorts of four, to compensation or restitution group treatment programmes or a self-help group control. All programmes were manual-based and comprised two individual and ten weekly group sessions.

Main measures:

Memory functions, mood, and activities of daily living were assessed at baseline and five and seven months after randomization.

Results:

There were 72 participants (mean age 47.7, SD 10.2 years; 32 men). There was no significant effect of treatment on the Everyday Memory Questionnaire ( P = 0.97). At seven months the mean scores were comparable (restitution 36.6, compensation 41.0, self-help 44.1). However, there was a significant difference between groups on the Internal Memory Aids Questionnaire ( P = 0.002). The compensation and restitution groups each used significantly more internal memory aids than the self-help group ( P < 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups on measures of mood, adjustment and activities of daily living ( P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

There results show few statistically significant effects of either compensation or restitution memory group treatment as compared with a self-help group control. Further randomized trials of memory rehabilitation are needed.
In vitro evaluation of the protective effects of 4-thujanol against mitomycin-C and cyclophosphamide-induced genotoxic damage in human peripheral lymphocytes
Authors: Kocaman Ayşe Yavuz , İstifli Erman Salih , Büyükleyla Mehmet , Rencüzoğulları Eyyüp , Topaktaş Mehmet
Published: February 2012

4-Thujanol (sabinene hydrate), a bicyclic monoterpene alcohol, is found in the essential oils of many aromatic and medicinal plants and is widely used as a fragrance and flavouring agent in many different products. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of 4-thujanol against the genotoxic effects induced by mitomycin C (MMC) and cyclophosphamide (CP) in human lymphocytes, using the chromosome aberrations, sister chromatid exchanges, and micronucleus tests, in the absence and in the presence of S9 mix, respectively. The cells were treated with 0.25 µg/mL MMC and 28 µg/mL CP as alone and cotreated with 13 + 0.25, 26 + 0.25, and 52 + 0.25 µg/mL 4-thujanol + MMC and with 13 + 28, 26 + 28, and 52 + 28 µg/mL 4-thujanol + CP as a mixture. The present study showed that 4-thujanol was unable to reduce the genetic damage induced by MMC, in the absence of S9 mix. On the other hand, probably the metabolites of 4-thujanol act as an antagonist and markedly antagonize CP-induced genotoxicity, in the presence of S9 mix. In general, 4-thujanol + MMC and 4-thujanol + CP decreased the mitotic index, proliferation index and nuclear division index to the same extent or more than those of individual exposure of MMC or CP. In conclusion, 4-thujanol significantly reduced ( p < 0.001) the genotoxic damage induced by CP but not MMC when compared with the respective positive control alone. We can suggest that 4-thujanol may improve the chemopreventive effects and may also reduce the harmful side effects of CP, which is widely used in chemotherapy against cancer, without reducing its antiproliferative activities.
Dietary ascorbic acid as a means to counter the stress of cypermethrin on the growth of freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis
Authors: Saha Suchismita , Kaviraj Anilava
Published: February 2012

Two months of experiments performed in outdoor vats in a 3 × 3 factorial design to evaluate the effects of three sublethal levels (0.0, 0.3 and 0.5 µg L−1) of cypermethrin on freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis fed with three different levels (0.0, 0.5 and 1.0 g kg−1) of ascorbic acid (AA) in the diet. Even the lower sublethal level (0.3 µg L−1) of cypermethrin produced significant reduction in growth and deposition of protein in the body of H. fossilis. Dietary supplement of AA at 0.5 g kg−1 failed to counter these ill effects of cypermethrin on H. fossilis, but a supplement of 1.0 g kg−1 AA significantly increased the AA reserve in the body of the fish, and the ill effects of cypermethrin on growth were reversed. It was concluded that the catfish H. fossilis required an exogenous supply of AA to counter the stress of cypermethrin.
Design optimization of an accumulator for reducing rotary compressor noise
Authors: Lee J , Lee U Yoon
Published: February 2012

This article deals with the optimization of an accumulator to reduce rotary compressor noise by maximizing the total transmission loss of an accumulator subjected to constraints on lower bounds of local transmission loss values. Transmission loss of an accumulator is described using the Helmholtz resonator theory to obtain the compressor noise characteristics. An experimental analysis of an accumulator is performed to identify the noise characteristics, and numerical data for use in design optimization are then obtained based on the Helmholtz resonator theory. Dominant design variables are selected via analyses of means, and are verified by back-propagation neural network based causality analysis. The back-propagation neural network is used to establish global approximate meta-models to accommodate the inherent non-linearity and multi-modality in the accumulator model. The genetic algorithm is employed as a global optimizer to find optimized accumulator designs in the context of approximation optimization.
High-fidelity simulation and legal/ethical concepts
Authors: Smith Katharine V , Witt Jacki , Klaassen JoAnn , Zimmerman Christine , Cheng An-Lin
Published: February 2012

Students in an undergraduate legal and ethical issues course continually told the authors that they did not have time to study for the course because they were busy studying for their clinical courses. Faculty became concerned that students were failing to realize the value of legal and ethical concepts as applicable to clinical practice. This led the authors to implement a transformational learning experience in which students applied legal and ethical course content in a high-fidelity human simulation (HFHS) scenario. A preliminary evaluation compared the new HFHS experience with in-person and online student groups using the same case. Based on both student and faculty perceptions, the HFHS was identified as the best of the three approaches for providing a transformational learning experience regarding legal and ethical content.
Obtaining and storage of ready-to-use segments from traditional orange obtained by enzymatic peeling
Authors: Sanchez-Bel P. , Egea I. , Serrano M. , Romojaro A. , Pretel M.T.
Published: February 2012

The aim of this study was to optimize all parameters implied in the process of obtaining orange segments as minimally processed product by enzymatic peeling, from the method of segment obtaining to the storage conditions, and also to evaluate two films with different permeability. Enzymatic peeling was carried out by fruit infusion under vacuum conditions in a commercial preparation of pectinases and cellulases (Peelzym II). The best condition to obtain Cadenera segments by enzymatic peeling was 1 mL/L of Peelzym II applied at 53 kPa with three vacuum pulses of 2 min and a subsequent period of 30 min in the enzymatic solution at atmospheric pressure. The segments were packaged in two films with different permeability and they were stored for 10 days at 4 °C. Samplings were carried out after 4, 7 and 10 days of storage. The results showed that the concentration of CO2 in the less permeable film (PA 120) ranged between 0.7 and 1.2 mL/100 mL, while in the most permeable one (PA 240) was around 0.2 mL/100 mL. Under these conditions, the weight loss was kept at low levels until day 7 of storage, showing a significant increase after 10 days. Colour (a/b) increased with the peeling process and it remained without significant changes during the whole storage period for both films. The antioxidant capacity slightly decreased after 10 days of storage. The microbial flora was reduced after the enzymatic peeling. Both the sensory and the microbiological quality were kept in adequate levels for consumption during 7 days. From this moment, they lost sweetness and aroma and the microbial development increased. Thus, the use of the most permeable film and a maximum storage time of 7 days are recommended to maintain the most quality of the segments.
Fragility of sugar melts
Authors: Liu Jiantong , Ren Zhenfeng , Lin Lejia , Li Hui , Jia Ran
Published: February 2012

Continuous viscosity of the sugar melt ranged from the superheated to the supercooled, was measured with a rotating viscometer. The thermal properties of sugars have been investigated by differential scanning calorimetric and thermogravimetry. The melt fragility and the fragility of the supercooled liquid have been calculated. This study indicated that, for the whole sugar system, the melt fragility and the fragility of the supercooled liquid separately show negative linear relations with the glass-forming ability and can be used as indicators of this property. In an individual sugar system, the fragility of the supercooled liquid has a direct proportion to melt fragility, which depends on the different inherent characteristic temperatures.
Illness beliefs and treatment beliefs as predictors of short and middle term outcome in depression
Authors: Glattacker Manuela , Heyduck Katja , Meffert Cornelia
Published: February 2012

The article investigates whether illness beliefs and beliefs about rehabilitation are predictors of short and middle term outcome in depression even when adjustments are made for variables, which are known to be predictors of the course of depression. Within the context of a non-controlled prospective study design, data were analyzed using forced entry hierarchical multiple regression analyses. The sample comprised N = 98 patients. Adjusting for a range of sociodemographic and medical predictors, illness beliefs and beliefs about rehabilitation predict outcome in depression. Illness beliefs and beliefs about rehabilitation are relevant starting points for designing patient-oriented interventions.
6 x 40 mins exercise improves body image, even though body weight and shape do not change
Authors: Appleton Katherine M
Published: February 2012

Body weight, shape and body image were assessed in 16 males and 18 females before and after both 6 x 40 mins exercise and 6 x 40 mins reading. Over both conditions, body weight and shape did not change. Various aspects of body image, however, improved after exercise compared to before, while no changes were found over reading. These findings have implications for exercise promotion where a possible role for body image in exercise adherence is suggested, and confirm current theories of body image, where changes in body image are mediated by body perceptions as opposed to actual body indices.
The personalization model revisited: An experimental investigation of the role of five personalization-based strategies on prejudice reduction
Authors: Ensari Nurcan , Christian Julie , Kuriyama Dawn Matsui , Miller Norman
Published: February 2012

In this paper, we report findings from a series of experimental studies investigating the role of five personalization-based strategies (individuation, self-disclosure, decategorization, self–other comparison, and empathy) on prejudice reduction. As anticipated, participants who were in the self-disclosure or individuation conditions developed more favorable attitudes towards other out-group members (Study 1). In Study 2, decategorization or self–other comparison allowed group members to discover similarities between the self and members of the out-group, thereby reducing negative out-group memory. Interestingly, when we explored the processes underlying the generalization of prejudice reduction to the out-group (Study 3), we found that the affective component of personalization (i.e., empathy) emerged as a more robust predictor of prejudice reduction than self–other comparison and decategorization. In conclusion, these studies provide the first empirical evidence of the effects of the five components of personalization in reducing prejudice across different contexts and different experimental paradigms.
The Impact of Election Day Registration on Voter Turnout and Election Outcomes
Authors: Neiheisel Jacob R. , Burden Barry C.
Published: February 2012

Voter registration is widely viewed as a barrier to voter participation in general, and especially so for likely Democratic voters. A popular remedy for both turnout effects is election day registration (EDR), which eliminates the closing date by permitting registration at the polls. Following earlier research we posit a small positive effect of EDR on turnout. But contrary to conventional wisdom, we theorize that individuals most likely to take advantage of EDR are in fact Republican voters. To investigate these causal effects we make use of a natural experiment in Wisconsin. When EDR was implemented in Wisconsin in 1976, only municipalities that already required registration were affected by the change in the law. Analysis of this intervention shows that EDR did increase turnout in Wisconsin but actually decreased the Democratic share of the two-party vote for president.
Strategic Party Government and the 2010 Elections
Authors: Koger Gregory , Lebo Matthew J.
Published: February 2012

This article applies the strategic parties framework to the 111th Congress and 2010 election results that followed. In 2009-2010, the Democrats pursued an ambitious agenda over the nearly unanimous opposition of Congressional Republicans, leading to a high level of partisanship on both sides. This partisanship was costly in the 2010 elections. Like other papers on this election, we find some evidence that key roll calls were linked to decreased electoral vote share. However, the clearer pattern is that overall patterns of partisanship had a consistent detrimental effect on incumbents running for reelection.
Long-term respiratory outcome of babies born prematurely
Authors: Ali Kamal , Greenough Anne
Published: February 2012

Chronic respiratory morbidity is a common adverse outcome of premature birth, particularly in infants who develop bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Prematurely born infants who had BPD may require supplementary oxygen at home for many months, but few remain oxygen dependent beyond 2 years of age. Readmission to hospital is common, particularly for those who had BPD, but only in the first 2 years after birth. The readmissions are usually for respiratory problems, particularly respiratory syncytial virus lower respiratory infections. Recurrent respiratory symptoms requiring treatment are common, particularly in those who had BPD, even at school age and in adolescence. Affected children have evidence of airways obstruction. Pulmonary function does improve with age, but children with BPD may have ongoing airflow limitation. Computed tomography of the chest gives helpful information at follow up of patients with ongoing respiratory problems who had BPD.
Neuroimaging of motor neuron diseases
Authors: Kassubek Jan , Ludolph Albert C. , Müller Hans-Peter
Published: February 2012

It is agreed that conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and spine is one of the core elements in the differential diagnostic work up of patients with clinical signs of motor neuron diseases (MNDs), for example amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), to exclude MND mimics. However, the sensitivity and specificity of MRI signs in these disorders are moderate to low and do not have an evidence level higher than class IV (good clinical practice point). Currently computerized MRI analyses in ALS and other MNDs are not techniques used for individual diagnosis. However, they have improved the anatomical understanding of pathomorphological alterations in gray and white matter in various MNDs and the changes in functional networks by quantitative comparisons between patients with MND and controls at group level. For multiparametric MRI protocols, including T1-weighted three-dimensional datasets, diffusion-weighted imaging and functional MRI, the potential as a ‘dry’ surrogate marker is a subject of investigation in natural history studies with well defined patients. The additional value of MRI with respect to early diagnosis at an individual level and for future disease-modifying multicentre trials remains to be defined. There is still the need for more longitudinal studies in the very early stages of disease or when there is clinical uncertainty and for better standardization in the acquisition and postprocessing of computer-based MRI data. These requirements are to be addressed by establishing quality-controlled multicentre neuroimaging databases.
Current nutraceuticals in the management of osteoarthritis: a review
Authors: Akhtar Nahid , Haqqi Tariq M.
Published: February 2012

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive degenerative joint disease that has a major impact on joint function and quality of life. Nutraceuticals and dietary supplements derived from herbs have long been used in traditional medicine and there is considerable evidence that nutraceuticals may play an important role in inflammation and joint destruction in OA. We review the biological effects of some medicinal fruits and herbs – pomegranate, green tea, cat’s claw, devil’s claw, ginger, Indian olibaum, turmeric and ananas – in an attempt to understand the pivotal molecular targets involved in inflammation and the joint destruction process and to summarize their toxicities and efficacy for OA management. So far there is insufficient reliable evidence on the effectiveness of ginger, turmeric and ananas. Pomegranate and green tea only have preclinical evidence of efficacy due to the lack of clinical data. In vivo and clinical studies are required to understand their targets and efficacy in OA. Limited in vitro and in vivo evidence is available for cat’s claw and Indian olibaum. More extensive studies are required before long-term controlled trials of whole cat’s claw and Indian olibaum extracts, or isolated active compounds, are carried out in patients with OA to determine their long-term efficacy and safety. Devil’s claw has not been rigorously tested to determine its antiarthritic potential in in vitro and in vivo models. There is strong clinical evidence of the effectiveness of devil’s claw in pain reduction. However, high-quality clinical trials are needed to determine its effectiveness. No serious side effects have been reported for any fruits and herbs. Overall, these studies identify and support the use of nutraceuticals to provide symptomatic relief to patients with OA and to be used as adjunct therapy for OA management. More high-quality trials are needed to provide definitive answers to questions related to their efficacy and safety for OA prevention and/or treatment.