bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identity in Flux
Authors: Young Jennifer T. , Natrajan-Tyagi Rajeswari , Platt Jason J.
Published: April 2014

Study abroad is one aspect of global movement that connects individuals of diverse backgrounds. Individuals studying abroad are proffered to negotiate self-identity when they confront novelty and new contexts. This study chose to use the qualitative method of phenomenological interviews to examine how individuals experience themselves and others when abroad. Specifically, the study focused on modifications of self-identity via self-images. The results presented emotions, cognitions, and behaviors experienced by individuals during global encounters. The study indicates that individuals negotiate identity while studying abroad and modify self-images associated with personal identity (unique character traits) rather than social identity (shared traits with ingroup). The authors propose that identity among global citizens is an ongoing process that is context dependent and less stable than previously regarded.
The Functions of the Executive at 75
Authors: Godfrey Paul C. , Mahoney Joseph T.
Published: April 2014

The year 2013 marks the 75th anniversary of the publication of Chester I. Barnard’s classic, The Functions of the Executive, a groundbreaking contribution to management theory. We maintain that Barnard’s work provides a valuable perspective on the causes and potential solutions to challenges facing capitalism, business, and management consequent to the scandals and financial crises of the early 21st century. We believe Barnard would see a systemic failure of the moral dimension of organization as a driver of these crises, and that management theory and practice need to focus on both the science and the aesthetics of management. We look back on The Functions and provide a review of key elements of Barnard’s theory of organization. We then look forward from The Functions and see unique insights and solutions into the ongoing challenges of managerial morality.
Effects of Parental Interpersonal Power/Prestige and Acceptance on the Psychological Adjustment of Spanish Youth
Authors: Carrasco Miguel A. , Holgado Francisco P. , del Barrio Victoria
Published: April 2014

This article analyzed the moderator role of perceived interpersonal power and prestige in the relation between perceived parental acceptance and children’s psychological adjustment. The sample consisted of 187 children (43% boys) ranging in age from 9 through 12 years ( M = 10.58). The measures used were the child versions of the Parental Acceptance–Rejection Questionnaire, the youth version of the Parental Power–Prestige Questionnaire, and the child version of the Personality Assessment Questionnaire. Results indicate that perceived maternal acceptance and perceived paternal acceptance were significantly related to children’s psychological adjustment. Paternal acceptance was also significantly related to both interpersonal power and prestige. Results of hierarchical regression analyses revealed that perceived parental acceptance and interpersonal prestige made significant independent contributions to children’s (both boys’ and girls’) psychological adjustment. Analyses of the interactions between these variables revealed a moderating role of both perceived interpersonal power and prestige in the relationship between perceived paternal acceptance and children’s psychological adjustment.
An optimal and intelligent control strategy for a class of nonlinear systems: adaptive fuzzy sliding mode
Authors: Soltanpour Mohammad Reza , Khooban Mohammad Hassan , Khalghani Mohammad Reza
Published: April 2014

In this paper, an optimal adaptive fuzzy sliding mode controller is presented for a class of nonlinear systems. In the proposed control, in the beginning, the boundaries of parametric uncertainties, disturbances and un-modeled dynamics are reduced using a feedback linearization approach. Next, in order to overcome the remaining uncertainties, a sliding mode controller is designed. Mathematical proof shows that the closed-loop system with the proposed control is globally asymptotically stable. Using sliding mode control causes the undesirable chattering phenomenon to occur in the control input. Next, in order to remove the undesirable chattering phenomenon, an adaptive fuzzy approximator is designed to approximate the maximum boundary of the remaining uncertainties. Another mathematical proof shows that the closed-loop system with the proposed control is globally asymptotically stable in the presence of structured and unstructured uncertainties, and external disturbances. Finally, the self-adaptive modified bat algorithm is used to determine the coefficients of the adaptive fuzzy sliding mode control and the coefficients of the membership functions of the adaptive fuzzy approximator. To investigate the performance of the proposed controller, an inverted pendulum system is used as a case study. Simulation results verify the desirable performance of the optimal adaptive fuzzy sliding mode control.
Feature extraction and fault severity classification in ball bearings
Authors: Sharma Aditya , Amarnath M , Kankar PK
Published: April 2014

The present study attempts to diagnose severity of faults in ball bearings using various machine learning techniques, like support vector machine (SVM) and artificial neural network (ANN). Various features are extracted from raw vibration signals which include statistical features such as skewness, kurtosis, standard deviation and measures of uncertainty such as Shannon entropy, log energy entropy, sure entropy, etc. The calculated features are examined for their sensitivity towards fault of different severity in bearings. The proposed methodology incorporates extraction of most appropriate features from raw vibration signals. Results revealed that apart from statistical features uncertainty measures like log energy entropy and sure entropy are also good indicators of variation in fault severity. This work attempts to classify faults of different severity level in each bearing component which is not considered in most of the previous studies. Classification efficiency achieved by proposed methodology is compared to the other methodologies available in the literature. Comparative study shows the potential application of proposed methodology with machine learning techniques for the development of real time system to diagnose fault and it’s severity in ball bearings.
Vibration reduction at desired locations on a beam by creating nodes using tunable vibration neutralizers
Authors: Patil Sushil S , Awasare Pradeep J
Published: April 2014

Vibration neutralizers provide an effective method of attenuating tonal vibrations within a structure. In this paper, variable stiffness vibration neutralizers are used to impose zero displacement or nodes to reduce vibration at desired locations on a Euler-Bernoulli beam subjected to forced harmonic excitation. An iterative procedure is developed to find the required resonance frequencies of neutralizers to create nodes at selected locations. Numerical tests are performed to show the viability of the procedure that is developed. Experimental tests are conducted and results are compared with those obtained by numerical tests.
Further Investigation of Genetics and Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Stuart Gregory L. , McGeary John E. , Shorey Ryan C. , Knopik Valerie S.
Published: April 2014

We thank Drs. Abbey, Bennett, DeWall, and Way for making truly outstanding points in their thoughtful commentaries. We agree with the feedback and advice from all of these distinguished scientists. Future work on genetics and intimate partner violence (IPV) should, when possible, include a larger number of genetic variants, closely examine gene by environment interactions, and study potential mechanisms explaining the connection between genetics and IPV. As with any research, but particularly with respect to studies on a controversial topic such as genetic correlates of IPV, extreme caution should be taken prior to generalizing results or deriving any practical applications from the data. Clearly, replication and extension of the findings in other populations is essential. Ultimately, we believe that it is worth pursuing this line of work given the possible contributions it may make to understanding the etiology, prevention, and treatment of IPV in the future. Finding solutions to IPV will require the collaboration of a diverse group of constituents from many disciplines.
Non-Medical Prescription Stimulant Use in Graduate Students
Authors: Verdi Genevieve , Weyandt Lisa L. , Zavras Brynheld Martinez
Published: April 2014

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine graduate students’ non-medical use of prescription stimulant medication, and the relationship between non-medical use of prescription stimulants with academic self-efficacy, psychological factors (i.e., anxiety, depression, and stress), and internal restlessness. Method: The sample consisted of 807 graduate students from universities located in five geographic regions of the United States. Results: Past-year rates of self-reported non-medical use were determined to be 5.9%, with overall lifetime prevalence of 17.5%. Observed self-reported non-medical use of prescription stimulant medications was significantly correlated with self-reported levels of anxiety and stress, various aspects of internal restlessness, and perceived safety of the medications. Conclusion: Findings support graduate students’ motivations of non-medical prescription stimulant use to be both academic and social in nature. Effective prevention and education efforts are needed to help address the non-medical use of prescription stimulants by graduate students on university campuses.
Advances in Perfusion Techniques
Authors: Shann Kenneth , Melnitchouk Serguei
Published: April 2014

There is a growing demand from patients and referring physicians for minimally invasive cardiac surgery. Minimally invasive cardiac procedures are technically unique from conventional cardiac procedures and require a thorough understanding of the surgical, anesthetic, and perfusion strategies. Strategies include routine use of augmented venous drainage, alternative arterial and venous cannulation sites, and special cannulas designed for minimally invasive procedures. The following review describes the strategies and safety systems that should be considered when performing minimally invasive cardiac surgery.
Municipal interventions against inequalities in health: The view of their managers
Authors: Diez Elia , Morrison Joana , Pons-Vigués Mariona , Borrell Carme , Corman Diana , Burström Bo , Dominguez-Berjón Felicitas , Gandarillas Ana , Hoffmann Rasmus , Santana Paula , Camprubí Lluís
Published: April 2014

Background: European city councils are increasingly developing interventions against health inequalities. There is little knowledge about how they are perceived. This study describes and analyses good practices and challenges for local interventions on inequalities in health through the narratives of European city managers. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted. Each participating city (Amsterdam, Barcelona, Cluj-Napoca, Helsinki, Lisbon, London, Madrid, Rotterdam) selected interventions following these criteria: at least 6 months of implementation; an evaluation performed or foreseen; the reduction of health inequalities among their objectives, and only one of the interventions selected could be based on health care. Managers of these local interventions were interviewed following an outline. Eleven individual in-depth interviews describing nine local interventions were obtained. A thematic content analysis was performed. Results: One or more local interventions against health inequalities were identified in each city. Most relied on quantitative data and were linked to national strategies. Few interventions addressed socio-economic determinants. Health care, employment and education were the main determinants addressed. With variable depth, evidence-base, participation and intersectorality were regular components of the interventions. Half of them targeted the city and half some deprived neighbourhoods. Few interventions had been evaluated. Scarcity of funding and sustainability of the projects were the main perceived barriers by the managers. Conclusions: City intervention managers were familiar with health inequalities and concepts as intersectorality, participation and evidence-based action, but others such as socioeconomic aims, gradient approach, evaluation and sustainability were not so widely applied. Managers’ capacities and political leadership in governance for health should be reinforced.
The initial experience of introducing the Onstep technique for inguinal hernia repair in a general surgical department
Authors: Andresen K. , Burcharth J. , Rosenberg J.
Published: April 2014

Background and Aims:

A new technique for the repair of inguinal hernia, called Onstep, has been described. This technique places the mesh in the preperitoneal space medially and between the internal and external oblique muscles laterally. The Onstep technique has not yet been described outside the inventors’ departments. This study was based on the first 80 patients operated by the Onstep technique in a general surgical department. The objective of the study was to investigate postoperative pain and complications following the Onstep repair of inguinal hernia.

Material and Methods:

A total of 80 patients, operated in our department, were followed up in the medical files and contacted by letter. Patients were asked to fill out the Inguinal Pain Questionnaire, Carolinas Comfort Scale, and the Activity Assessment Scale, in order to assess postoperative pain.

Results:

No perioperative complications occurred. The response rate was 85% on the mailed questionnaires. No patients had any activities they were not able to perform. Activity Assessment Scale results: 80.3% did not have substantial pain-related impairment of daily function. Carolinas Comfort Scale results: 94.8% did not have a symptomatic repair. Inguinal Pain Questionnaire results: 95.5% reported no pain or pain that was easily ignored.

Conclusions:

It seems from this study that the Onstep technique is a safe method for inguinal hernia repair regarding perioperative and postoperative complications. The postoperative pain seems to be equal to or lower than after the Lichtenstein technique.
Physical–mechanical properties of automotive textile materials
Authors: Schwarz Ivana Gudlin , Kovačević Stana , Kos Ivana
Published: April 2014

The role of automotive textile materials is of great importance and therefore this paper analyses the properties of such materials – airbag fabrics and upholstery fabrics. Fundamental characteristics and construction parameters of airbag fabrics and artificial leather with bonded textile fabric on the back side, as well as joining (sewing) and quality of joining places of cut parts are crucial for durability, comfort and aesthetics of the automotive interior design, and therefore were analysed. Airbag fabric specificity and extreme values of several parameters are achieved by manufacturing process, with extremely high densities in the warp and weft direction, resulting in a great strength and air permeability properties of very low level. The most important parameters for upholstery fabrics (artificial leather) durability are breaking force and elongation at break, and they were tested in different circular directions. Tests showed the direction with greater breaking properties, what is of paramount importance.
An Examination of Stroke-Related Knowledge in Male Stroke Survivors Living in the South Carolina Stroke Belt
Authors: Ellis Charles
Published: April 2014

Racial differences have been observed in stroke-related knowledge and knowledge of specific stroke risk factors and stroke prevention practices. Using data from 134 male stroke survivors, racial differences in overall knowledge, risk factor knowledge, and stroke prevention practices were examined using the Stroke Knowledge Test. Knowledge that diabetes doubles ones risk of stroke was present in 48% of the participants, while knowledge of aspirin in the prevention of stroke by stopping blood clot formation was reported in 83% of the participants. Findings indicate participants were knowledgeable that obesity increased risk of stroke (71%) and high blood pressure was the most important stroke risk factor (70%). Participants indicated knowledge that diet, exercise, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol reduces risk of stroke (86%). In regression models, there were no significant race differences in overall stroke knowledge or the odds of knowledge of information related to stroke risk factors and stroke prevention practices after adjusting for age, education, and marital status. Although stroke-related knowledge did not differ by race, stroke survivors exhibited gaps in stroke knowledge particularly of knowledge of common risk factors. These factors should be considered in approaches to improve stroke-related knowledge in all stroke survivors.
Nano-SiC effect on wood electroless Ni–P composite coatings
Authors: Pan Yanfei , Huang Jintian , Guo Tongcheng , Zhang Shaobo
Published: April 2014

In this research, Ni–P/nano-SiC composite coatings were prepared on wood surface by simple electroless plating approach. The flatness, porosity, and crystallinity of Ni–P/nano-SiC composite coatings were investigated. The flatness and porosity of the composite coatings enhanced with the increase in nano-SiC content of the coatings, and the composite coatings were obtained within the range of 0.5–1.5 g (1.8 g/L) nano-SiC in the solution bath. The full width at half maximum values of Ni X-ray diffraction peaks in the composite coatings broadened and strengthened with the increment of nano-SiC content in the coatings, which triggered preferred growth direction of diffraction peaks. The composite structure was characterized with scanning electron microscopy images. The uniformity of particles in the composite coatings could be improved obviously with the increase in the nano-SiC content of the coatings because an amorphous phase of SiC hindered the movement of dislocations and declined the size of Ni–P crystallite. Besides, the flatness, porosity, and crystallinity of composite coatings depended on the P content in the composite coatings. P content can be decreased by increasing SiC content of plating solutions. The flatness, porosity, crystallinity, and wear resistance of composite coatings exhibited excellent properties as the content of nano-SiC in the composite coatings reached 1.0 g (1.8 g/L).
The impact of different regulatory models on the labour conditions, safety and welfare of indoor-based sex workers
Authors: Pitcher Jane , Wijers Marjan
Published: April 2014

Drawing on research in the UK and the Netherlands, this article considers the respective legislative backgrounds, recent policy changes and their implication for sex workers in off-street environments. It considers the impact of different regulatory models on the employment rights, safety and welfare of sex workers and explores how working conditions in different indoor settings might be improved through legal and policy changes. We argue that although decriminalization of sex work is a precondition to secure the labour and human rights of sex workers, the involvement of sex workers in policy development and facilitation of different modes of working are necessary to improve their working conditions and autonomy.
Piloting the promotion of bamboo skirt barriers to prevent Nipah virus transmission through date palm sap in Bangladesh
Authors: Nahar Nazmun , Mondal Utpal Kumar , Hossain M. Jahangir , Khan M. Salah Uddin , Sultana Rebeca , Gurley Emily S. , Luby Stephen P.
Published: April 2014

Drinking raw date palm sap contaminated with infected fruit bat saliva or urine is an important mode of Nipah virus transmission to humans in Bangladesh. Bamboo skirts are an effective way to interrupt bat access to the sap. We conducted a study from November 2008 to March 2009 to explore the effectiveness of higher- and lower-intensity interventions by promoting bamboo skirt preparation and use among sap harvesters ( gachhis). We spent 280 person-hours in two villages for the higher-intensity intervention and half that amount of time in two other villages for the lower-intensity intervention. To evaluate the interventions we followed up all gachhis once a month for three months. A high percentage of gachhis (83% in higher-, 65% in lower-intensity interventions) prepared and used a skirt of bamboo or other materials – jute stalk, dhoincha ( Sesbania aculeata), or polythene – at least once after intervention. In general, 15% of gachhis consistently used skirts throughout the sap collection season. The intensive nature of this intervention is very expensive for a large-scale programme. Future efforts should focus on developing a low-cost behaviour change intervention and evaluate if it reduces the human exposure to potentially contaminated fresh date palm sap.
Health-related and legal interventions: A comparison of allegedly delinquent and convicted opioid addicts in Austria
Authors: Koechl Birgit , Danner Simon M , Jagsch Reinhold , Brandt Laura , Fischer Gabriele
Published: April 2014

In Austria, judges can offer quasi-compulsory treatment options (in- and outpatient settings) as an alternative to imprisonment for drug-related delinquencies. A standard assessment of medical, psychological and legal data on the implementation of health-related and legal interventions in Austria was applied in 96 opioid-dependent individuals (10.4% female) undergoing quasi-compulsory treatment, receiving health-related measures. Additional data from the official prison registry were collected (data of 228 imprisoned individuals sentenced for drug-related crimes; 14.5% female) to gain comparable information to in- and outpatient health-related measure groups. Health-related measures were offered significantly more often to individuals charged with solely narcotics possession and/or trade, whereas imprisonment was filed significantly more often when concomitant property or violent crimes were committed in addition to drug possession/dealing (p < 0.001). Both cohorts had high prevalences of previous convictions (health-related measure 84.4%, prison 93.9%). The majority of patients in health-related measures suffered at the time of investigation from severe depression (62.5%), anxiety disorders (58.3%) and had a high loading of suicidal ideation (45.8%). Women showed a higher prevalence of affective disorders (p = 0.042), with higher administration rates of psychopharmacological medication (p = 0.045), whereas male offenders scored significantly higher in violent behaviour (p = 0.004). Inpatients showed a significantly higher burden of comorbid disorders compared to outpatients and reported a higher need for psychiatric treatment and legal counselling (all p < 0.001). The inpatient sample had a longer duration of opioid use (p = 0.024), a higher lifetime prevalence of intravenous drug use (p < 0.001) and a higher rate of hepatitis C infections (p = 0.012). Results confirm that imprisonment is sentenced to a vast extent for severe crimes, and health-related measure is well accepted among judges. However, based on patients’ high loading of previous convictions and alarmingly high burden of comorbidities, quality improvement and assurance in health-related measure are required when patients have their first contact with the criminal justice system. Continuous focus on applying diversion procedures is also required to reduce societal costs.
Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Humeral Capitellum
Authors: Kolmodin Joel , Saluan Paul
Published: April 2014

Background:

There is a paucity of information regarding the effect of lesion location on surgical outcomes in the treatment of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the humeral capitellum.

Purpose:

To survey the literature for conclusions that can be drawn regarding the effect of lesion location on treatment of capitellar OCD lesion. The hypothesis was that lesion severity and the need for more aggressive surgical interventions are increased for lesions that are located laterally on the capitellum.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

All studies from the past 20 years were determined using a literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases. Included studies were clinical studies that specifically commented on the location of the OCD defect on the capitellum. Excluded studies were case reports, review articles, and those that did not include information regarding the location of the OCD lesion on the capitellum.

Results:

Six studies met the inclusion criteria. Autograft reconstruction was found to yield reliable outcomes regardless of lesion location, as 87% (26/30) of lateral lesions had excellent or good outcomes using the Timmerman and Andrews score, while 91% (21/23) of central lesions had excellent or good outcomes. There was a trend toward improved outcomes with more aggressive surgical management of lateral lesions, specifically those involving the lateral cartilage margin. The failure rate for nonreconstructive operative management for lateral lesions was noted to be significant, as failure rates for peg fixation of lateral lesions was seen to be as high as 44% (4/9) in one of the studies.

Conclusion:

Studies regarding capitellar OCD lesion location, as it relates to symptom severity and surgical outcome, are limited. The literature suggests that lesions located on the lateral capitellum—particularly those involving the lateral cartilage margin—require more aggressive surgical management than those located medially. A refinement of the Takahara classification is proposed, which includes lesion location as a factor influencing surgical decision making.
National Interests and Global Norms in Australia’s Policies towards the Asia-Pacific
Authors: Makinda Samuel M.
Published: April 2014

Australia’s foreign policy towards the Asia-Pacific region is primarily driven by self-interest. Australian prime ministers, foreign ministers, diplomats and other political leaders have asserted on various occasions that their goal in the region has always been to promote Australia’s national interests while at the same time helping some of the states in the region meet some of their needs. However, Australia has not pursued self-interests to the exclusion of global values and norms. This article examines Australia’s policy towards the Asia-Pacific region and explains how governments have tried to align national interests with global values in the region since the Cold War ended.
Sites of Power and Resistance or Melting Pots? A Gendered Understanding of Islam through Sufi Shrines in Turkey
Authors: Akçapar Sebnem Koser , Jassal Smita Tewari
Published: April 2014

Turkey is located on ancient sacred geography comprising shrines or tombs of revered saints. Like in many other Islamic countries, visiting the shrines of Sufis ( ziyaret) and saint veneration is an ancient practice. Based on extensive fieldwork, this article investigates the dialectical analysis of ‘official’ and ‘popular’ religion and shifts in meaning given to ziyaret in the Republican history. This article helps us understand that shrines in Turkey are indeed sites of power and resistance between the state and people coming from different sectarian and socio-economic background. We conclude that despite diverse attitudes toward ziyaret, Sufi shrines open up an opportunity to serve as a melting pot between Alevis and Sunnis. Sufi shrines also provide a space to rethink about gender in Islam, allowing ways for women to connect with others and to express a gendered understanding on Islam through rituals.
The core autophagy protein ATG4B is a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in CML stem/progenitor cells
Authors: Rothe Katharina , Lin Hanyang , Lin Kevin B. L. , Leung Amy , Wang Hui Mi , Malekesmaeili Mehrnoush , Brinkman Ryan R. , Forrest Donna L. , Gorski Sharon M. , Jiang Xiaoyan
Published: April 2014

Key Points

The core autophagy protein ATG4B is highly expressed in CML stem/progenitor cells and may be useful in predicting treatment response. ATG4B knockdown reduces autophagy, impairs the survival of CML stem/progenitor cells, and sensitizes them to IM treatment.
Transcriptome assembly and microarray construction for Enchytraeus crypticus, a model oligochaete to assess stress response mechanisms derived from soil conditions
Authors: Castro-Ferreira Marta P , de Boer Tjalf E , Colbourne John K , Vooijs Riet , van Gestel Cornelis AM , van Straalen Nico M , Soares Amadeu MVM , Amorim Mónica JB , Roelofs Dick
Published: April 2014

Background

The soil worm Enchytraeus crypticus (Oligochaeta) is an ecotoxicology model species that, until now, was without genome or transcriptome sequence information. The present research aims at studying the transcriptome of Enchytraeus crypticus, sampled from multiple test conditions, and the construction of a high-density microarray for functional genomic studies.

Results

Over 1.5 million cDNA sequence reads were obtained representing 645 million nucleotides. After assembly, 27,296 contigs and 87,686 singletons were obtained, from which 44% and 25% are annotated as protein-coding genes, respectively, sharing homology with other animal proteomes. Concerning assembly quality, 84% of the contig sequences contain an open reading frame with a start codon while E. crypticus homologs were identified for 92% of the core eukaryotic genes. Moreover, 65% and 77% of the singletons and contigs without known homologs, respectively, were shown to be transcribed in an independent microarray experiment. An Agilent 180 K microarray platform was designed and validated by hybridizing cDNA from 4 day zinc- exposed E. crypticus to the concentration corresponding to 50% reduction in reproduction after three weeks (EC50). Overall, 70% of all probes signaled expression above background levels (mean signal + 1x standard deviation). More specifically, the probes derived from contigs showed a wider range of average intensities when compared to probes derived from singletons. In total, 522 significantly differentially regulated transcripts were identified upon zinc exposure. Several significantly regulated genes exerted predicted functions (e.g. zinc efflux, zinc transport) associated with zinc stress. Unexpectedly, the microarray data suggest that zinc exposure alters retro transposon activity in the E. crypticus genome.

Conclusion

An initial investigation of the E. crypticus transcriptome including an associated microarray platform for future studies proves to be a valuable resource to investigate functional genomics mechanisms of toxicity in soil environments and to annotate a potentially large number of lineage specific genes that are responsive to environmental stress conditions.
Trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress disorder and the effect of explanatory variables in paramedic trainees
Authors: Fjeldheim Celine B , Nöthling Jani , Pretorius Karin , Basson Marina , Ganasen Keith , Heneke Robin , Cloete Karen J , Seedat Soraya
Published: April 2014

Background

Emergency healthcare workers, including trainees and individuals in related occupations are at heightened risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression owing to work-related stressors.

We aimed to investigate the type, frequency, and severity of direct trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress symptoms and other psychopathology amongst paramedic trainees. In order to create a risk profile for individuals who are at higher occupational risk of developing PTSD, we examined risk and resilience factors that possibly contributed to the presence and severity of posttraumatic symptomatology.

Methods

Paramedic trainees (n = 131) were recruited from a local university. A logistic regression analysis was conducted using the explanatory variables age, gender, population group, trauma exposure, depression, alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, resilience and social support.

Results

94% of paramedic trainees had directly experienced trauma, with 16% meeting PTSD criteria. A high rate of depression (28%), alcohol abuse (23%) and chronic perceived stress (7%) and low levels of social support was found. The number of previous trauma exposures, depression, resilience and social support significantly predicted PTSD status and depression had a mediating effect.

Conclusion

There is a need for efficient, ongoing screening of depressive and PTSD symptomatology in trauma exposed high risk groups so that early psychological supportive interventions can be offered.
NOX2-generated oxidative stress is associated with severity of ultrasound liver steatosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Del Ben Maria , Polimeni Licia , Carnevale Roberto , Bartimoccia Simona , Nocella Cristina , Baratta Francesco , Loffredo Lorenzo , Pignatelli Pasquale , Violi Francesco , Angelico Francesco
Published: April 2014

Background

Chronic oxidative stress is one of the key mechanisms responsible for disease progression in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, so far, few studies reported increased circulating levels of oxidative stress markers in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver and no study has been performed with newer markers of systemic oxidative stress. The aim was to assess the relationship between urinary 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α and serum soluble NOX2-derived peptide and the severity of liver steatosis in subjects with non-alcoholic fatty liver.

Methods

The study was performed in 264 consecutive patients referred for suspected metabolic disease. Steatosis was defined according to Hamaguchi ultrasonographic criteria. Oxidative stress was assessed by urinary 8-iso- prostaglandin F2α and serum soluble NOX2-derived peptide levels.

Results

Patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver had higher (p < 0.001) mean values of urinary 8-iso-PGF2α and of serum soluble NOX2-derived peptide, alanine aminotransferase, Cytokeratin-18 and homeostasis model of insulin resistance and lower values of serum adiponectin as compared to those without. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and of its clinical features was significantly higher in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver. Same findings were also observed after the exclusion of obese subjects, or subjects with diabetes or with metabolic syndrome and in those not taking statin medication. In addition, the levels of urinary 8-iso-PGF2α were independent predictors of non-alcoholic fatty liver and a strong association of urinary 8-iso-PGF2α and of serum soluble NOX2-derived peptide with the severity of steatosis at ultrasound was also observed.

Conclusions

We demonstrated increased markers of oxidative stress in subjects with non-alcoholic fatty liver. Urinary 8-iso-PGF2α and serum soluble NOX2-derived peptide levels were independent from obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome and increased with the severity of liver steatosis at ultrasound.
Effects of changes in health insurance reimbursement level on outpatient service utilization of rural diabetics: evidence from Jiangsu Province, China
Authors: Zhang Lu , Wang Zhonghua , Qian Dongfu , Ni Jian
Published: April 2014

Background

Outpatient reimbursement levels of the New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme have changed in recent years in China, and those changes may have a greater impact on patients with chronic diseases due to their higher outpatient expenses. This study represents the first attempt to identify the effects of reimbursement level on outpatient service utilization for chronic patients in rural China and it also gives strong estimation results by conducting a tracer illness study in order to control for possible biases associated with studying several diseases together.

Methods

This study used difference-in-differences models to examine how changes in yearly maximum reimbursement amount and outpatient reimbursement rates affected rural residents with type 2 diabetes in three counties in Jiangsu Province, China. Other factors, such as sex, age and severity of illness, were also included in the model estimations. To make sure the treated group and control group are comparable, Propensity Score Match (PSM) was used to analysis the gender, age and severity of illness of the two groups.

Results

The results indicate that an increase in yearly maximum reimbursement amount for outpatient visits could cause an increase in yearly total outpatient expenses for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, changes in outpatient reimbursement rates between 2010 and 2011 did not significantly affect the utilization of different types of health institution.

Conclusions

The reimbursement rates of village clinics should be substantially increased from the existing basis and the gap of reimbursement rates among different institutions should be further widened. It is also important for village clinics to improve their services. Moreover, measures to improve the quality of care and scope of services at lower-level healthcare institutions, and promote the health service utilization of rural women should be considered.
A novel energy-efficient resource allocation algorithm based on immune clonal optimization for green cloud computing
Authors: Shu Wanneng , Wang Wei , Wang Yunji
Published: April 2014

Cloud computing is a style of computing in which dynamically scalable and other virtualized resources are provided as a service over the Internet. The energy consumption and makespan associated with the resources allocated should be taken into account. This paper proposes an improved clonal selection algorithm based on time cost and energy consumption models in cloud computing environment. We have analyzed the performance of our approach using the CloudSim toolkit. The experimental results show that our approach has immense potential as it offers significant improvement in the aspects of response time and makespan, demonstrates high potential for the improvement in energy efficiency of the data center, and can effectively meet the service level agreement requested by the users.
Think globally and solve locally: secondary memory-based network learning for automated multi-species function prediction
Authors: Mesiti Marco , Re Matteo , Valentini Giorgio
Published: April 2014

Background

Network-based learning algorithms for automated function prediction (AFP) are negatively affected by the limited coverage of experimental data and limited a priori known functional annotations. As a consequence their application to model organisms is often restricted to well characterized biological processes and pathways, and their effectiveness with poorly annotated species is relatively limited. A possible solution to this problem might consist in the construction of big networks including multiple species, but this in turn poses challenging computational problems, due to the scalability limitations of existing algorithms and the main memory requirements induced by the construction of big networks. Distributed computation or the usage of big computers could in principle respond to these issues, but raises further algorithmic problems and require resources not satisfiable with simple off-the-shelf computers.

Results

We propose a novel framework for scalable network-based learning of multi-species protein functions based on both a local implementation of existing algorithms and the adoption of innovative technologies: we solve “locally” the AFP problem, by designing “vertex-centric” implementations of network-based algorithms, but we do not give up thinking “globally” by exploiting the overall topology of the network. This is made possible by the adoption of secondary memory-based technologies that allow the efficient use of the large memory available on disks, thus overcoming the main memory limitations of modern off-the-shelf computers. This approach has been applied to the analysis of a large multi-species network including more than 300 species of bacteria and to a network with more than 200,000 proteins belonging to 13 Eukaryotic species. To our knowledge this is the first work where secondary-memory based network analysis has been applied to multi-species function prediction using biological networks with hundreds of thousands of proteins.

Conclusions

The combination of these algorithmic and technological approaches makes feasible the analysis of large multi-species networks using ordinary computers with limited speed and primary memory, and in perspective could enable the analysis of huge networks (e.g. the whole proteomes available in SwissProt), using well-equipped stand-alone machines.
Modeling on phosphor sedimentation phenomenon during curing process of high power LED packaging
Authors: Wang Yiman , Zheng Huai , Hu Run , Luo Xiaobing
Published: April 2014

In the LED packaging, the phosphor particles are usually mixed with silicone matrix material, and then dispensed onto the LED chips directly. Since the density of the phosphor particle is bigger than that of the silicone, the phosphor particles may settle in the silicone matrix because of the gravity during dispensing and curing processes. In this paper, a model was developed to investigate the phosphor sedimentation phenomenon in silicone during isothermal curing according to the Stokes’ law, and the size distribution of phosphor particles and the viscosity-time function of silicone during curing were built for the model. We compared the modeling results with the experimental results and found that the model can well simulate the sedimentation phenomenon. The modeling results show that the sedimentation velocity is inversely proportional to the viscosity of silicone and proportional to the size of phosphor particle. Phosphor particles sedimentation lasts for about 5 minutes during isothermal curing at 85°C, and the big particles accumulate in the bottom of the sample.
International study on inter-reader variability for circulating tumor cells in breast cancer
Authors: Ignatiadis Michail , Riethdorf Sabine , Bidard François-Clement , Vaucher Isabelle , Khazour Mustapha , Rothé Françoise , Metallo Jessica , Rouas Ghizlane , Payne Rachel E , Coombes Raoul Charles , Teufel Ingrid , Andergassen Ulrich , Apostolaki Stella , Politaki Eleni , Mavroudis Dimitris , Bessi Silvia , Pestrin Marta , Di Leo Angelo , Campion Michael , Reinholz Monica , Perez Edith , Piccart Martine , Borgen Elin , Naume Bjorn , Jimenez Jose , Aura Claudia Monica , Zorzino Laura , Cassatella Maria Cristina , Sandri Maria Teresa , Mostert Bianca , Sleijfer Stefan , Kraan Jaco , Janni Wolfgang , Fehm Tanja , Rack Brigitte , Terstappen Leon , Repollet Madeline , Pierga Jean-Yves , Miller Craig , Sotiriou Christos , Michiels Stefan , Pantel Klaus
Published: April 2014

Introduction

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have been studied in breast cancer with the CellSearch® system. Given the low CTC counts in non-metastatic breast cancer, it is important to evaluate the inter-reader agreement.

Methods

CellSearch® images (N = 272) of either CTCs or white blood cells or artifacts from 109 non-metastatic (M0) and 22 metastatic (M1) breast cancer patients from reported studies were sent to 22 readers from 15 academic laboratories and 8 readers from two Veridex laboratories. Each image was scored as No CTC vs CTC HER2- vs CTC HER2+. The 8 Veridex readers were summarized to a Veridex Consensus (VC) to compare each academic reader using % agreement and kappa (κ) statistics. Agreement was compared according to disease stage and CTC counts using the Wilcoxon signed rank test.

Results

For CTC definition (No CTC vs CTC), the median agreement between academic readers and VC was 92% (range 69 to 97%) with a median κ of 0.83 (range 0.37 to 0.93). Lower agreement was observed in images from M0 (median 91%, range 70 to 96%) compared to M1 (median 98%, range 64 to 100%) patients (P < 0.001) and from M0 and <3CTCs (median 87%, range 66 to 95%) compared to M0 and ≥3CTCs samples (median 95%, range 77 to 99%), (P < 0.001). For CTC HER2 expression (HER2- vs HER2+), the median agreement was 87% (range 51 to 95%) with a median κ of 0.74 (range 0.25 to 0.90).

Conclusions

The inter-reader agreement for CTC definition was high. Reduced agreement was observed in M0 patients with low CTC counts. Continuous training and independent image review are required.
Comparison of outcomes from sepsis between patients with and without pre-existing left ventricular dysfunction: a case-control analysis
Authors: Ouellette Daniel R , Shah Sadia Z
Published: April 2014

Introduction

The aim of this study was to determine if there are differences between patients with pre-existing left ventricular dysfunction and those with normal antecedent left ventricular function during a sepsis episode in terms of in-hospital mortality and mortality risk factors when treated in accordance with a sepsis treatment algorithm.

Methods

We performed a retrospective case-control analysis of patients selected from a quality improvement database of 1,717 patients hospitalized with sepsis between 1 January 2005 and 30 June 2010. In this study, 197 patients with pre-existing left ventricular systolic dysfunction and sepsis were compared to 197 case-matched patients with normal prior cardiac function and sepsis.

Results

In-hospital mortality rates (P = 0.117) and intubation rates at 24 hours (P = 0.687) were not significantly different between cases and controls. There was no correlation between the amount of intravenous fluid administered over the first 24 hours and the PaO2/FiO2 ratio at 24 hours in either cases or controls (r2 = 0.019 and r2 = 0.001, respectively). Mortality risk factors for cases included intubation status (P = 0.016, OR = 0.356 for no intubation), compliance with a sepsis bundle (P = 0.008, OR = 3.516 for failed compliance), a source of infection other than the lung (P = 0.019, OR = 2.782), and the initial mixed venous oxygen saturation (P = 0.004, OR = 0.997). Risk factors for controls were the initial platelet count (P = 0.028, OR = 0.997) and the serum lactate level (P = 0.048, OR = 1.104). Patients with pre-existing left ventricular dysfunction who died had a lower initial mean mixed venous oxygen saturation than those who survived (61 ± 18% versus 70 ± 16%, P = 0.002).

Conclusions

Clinical outcomes were not different between septic patients with pre-existing left ventricular dysfunction and those with no cardiac disease. There was no correlation between fluid administration and oxygenation at 24 hours in either cohort. The mortality risk factor profile of patients with pre-existing left ventricular dysfunction was different when compared with control patients, and may be related to oxygen delivery determinants.
The impact of food price increases on nutrient intake in Lebanon
Authors: Zaki Souhad Abou , Chaaban Jad , Nasreddine Lara , Chalak Ali
Published: April 2014

We evaluate the impact of the recent increases in major food prices on the intake of essential nutrients in Lebanon, a small heavily import-dependent economy. Using nationally representative households’ expenditure micro data, we derive food demand elasticities by estimating an Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS) model, and then use these elasticities to evaluate the impact of rising prices on the intake of major macro/micronutrients among Lebanese households. Our results show that the intake of nutrients such as calcium, zinc, iron, and folate decreased significantly following the recent food price shocks, especially in central urban areas. Our results highlight the pressing need for public interventions to fight and prevent nutrients’ deficiencies, especially in small import dependent economies.