bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pancreatitis of the Gastroduodenal Groove: A Case Report
Authors: German Vasileios , Ekmektzoglou Konstantinos A. , Kyriakos Nicolaos , Patouras Paraskevas , Kikilas Athanasios
Published: October 2010

Groove pancreatitis, a form of chronic pancreatitis affecting the head of the pancreas, is localized within the groove between the pancreas head, duodenum, and common bile duct. We report a case of a male patient with groove pancreatitis who initially underwent a duodenal preserving gastrenteranastomosis. Unfortunately, the patient's symptoms were only partially controlled, necessitating a pancreaticoduodenectomy in due course as the definite surgical restoration procedure. The surgical approach selected proved inadequate since the patient's symptoms did not resolve over time. This reflects that by-pass operations like these are not indicated for the management of patients with groove pancreatitis.
The Analysis of the Natural Smoke Filling Times in an Atrium
Authors: Wu Guan-Yuan , Chen Ruu-Chang
Published: October 2010

This paper presents an investigation on the scenarios of the natural smoke filling times in an atrium due to a located floor fire. Based on the Heskestad's correlation, the heat release rate and the effective height of the fire source were transformed into an equation associated with the diameter and perimeter of the fire source. Neglecting the thermal effect for heat release due to relatively small temperature rise in the atrium and applying the assumption of mass conservation, the height of smoke layer interface can be derived. In this study, the various plume models such as McCaffrey's correlation, Zukoski's correlation, Thomas's correlation and NFPA 92B's correlation are considered with both steady fire and unsteady fire situations. The comparisons between the theoretical results and the experimental data were also made and discussed.
A New Approximation Method for Common Fixed Points of a Finite Family of Generalized Asymptotically Quasinonexpansive Mappings in Banach Spaces
Authors: Yatakoat Pornsak , Suantai Suthep
Published: October 2010

We introduce a new iterative scheme to approximate a common fixed point for a finite family of generalized asymptotically quasinonexpansive
mappings. Several strong and weak convergence theorems of the proposed iteration in Banach spaces are established. The main results obtianed in this
paper generalize and refine many known results in the current literature.
Exact Solutions of the Generalized Benjamin‐Bona‐Mahony Equation
Authors: Liu Xun , Tian Lixin , Wu Yuhai
Published: October 2010

We apply the theory of Weierstrass elliptic function to study exact solutions of the generalized Benjamin‐Bona‐Mahony equation. By using the theory of Weierstrass elliptic integration, we get some traveling wave solutions, which are expressed by the hyperbolic functions and trigonometric functions. This method is effective to find exact solutions of many other similar equations which have arbitrary‐order nonlinearity.
Concentration‐Dependent Protection by Ethanol Extract of Propolis against γ‐Ray‐Induced Chromosome Damage in Human Blood Lymphocytes
Authors: Montoro A. , Barquinero J. F. , Almonacid M. , Montoro A. , Sebastià N. , Verdú G. , Sahuquillo V. , Serrano J. , Saiz M. , Villaescusa J. I. , Soriano J. M.
Published: October 2010

Radioprotection with natural products may be relevant to the mitigation of ionizing radiation‐induced damage in mammalian systems; in this sense, propolis extracts have shown effects such as antioxidant, antitumoral, anti‐inflammatory, and immunostimulant. We report for the first time a cytogenetic study to evaluate the radioprotective effect, in vitro, of propolis against radiation‐induced chromosomal damage. Lymphocytes were cultured with increasing concentrations of ethanol extract of propolis (EEP), including 20, 40, 120, 250, 500, 750, 1000, and 2000 μg mL−1 and then exposed to 2 Gy γ‐rays. A significant and concentration‐dependent decrease is observed in the frequency of chromosome aberrations in samples treated with EEP. The protection against the formation of dicentrics was concentration‐dependent, with a maximum protection at 120 μg mL−1 of EEP. The observed frequency of dicentrics is described as negative exponential function, indicating that the maximum protectible fraction of dicentrics is approximately 44%. Free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities are the mechanisms that these substances use to protect cells from ionizing radiation.
A Randomized Controlled Exploratory Evaluation of Standardized Ayurvedic Formulations in Symptomatic Osteoarthritis Knees: A Government of India NMITLI Project
Authors: Chopra Arvind , Saluja Manjit , Tillu Girish , Venugopalan Anuradha , Sarmukaddam Sanjeev , Raut Ashwini Kumar , Bichile Lata , Narsimulu Gumdal , Handa Rohini , Patwardhan Bhushan
Published: October 2010

The multidisciplinary “New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative” Arthritis Project was undertaken to validate Ayurvedic medicines. Herbal formulations in popular use were selected by expert consensus and standardized using modern tools. Our clinical strategy evolved from simple exploratory evaluations to better powered statistically designed drug trials. The results of the first drug trial are presented here. Five oral formulations (coded A, B, C, D and E), with a common base of Zingiber officinale and Tinospora cordifolia with a maximum of four plant extracts, were evaluated; with placebo and glucosamine as controls. 245 patients suffering from symptomatic OA knees were randomized into seven arms (35 patients per arm) of a double blind, parallel efficacy, multicentric trial of sixteen weeks duration. The groups matched well at baseline. There were no differences for patient withdrawals (17.5%) or adverse events (AE) of mild nature. Intention‐to‐treat efficacy analysis, demonstrated no significant differences (P < .05) for pain (weight bearing) and WOMAC questionnaire (knee function); placebo response was high. Based on better pain relief, significant (P < .05) least analgesic consumption and improved knee status, “C” formulation was selected for further development. Controlled exploratory drug trials with multiple treatment arms may be used to economically evaluate several candidate standardized formulations.
Studies of Complex Biological Systems with Applications to Molecular Medicine: The Need to Integrate Transcriptomic and Proteomic Approaches
Authors: Silvestri Elena , Lombardi Assunta , de Lange Pieter , Glinni Daniela , Senese Rosalba , Cioffi Federica , Lanni Antonia , Goglia Fernando , Moreno Maria
Published: October 2010

Omics approaches to the study of complex biological systems with potential applications to molecular medicine are attracting great interest in clinical as well as in basic biological research. Genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics are characterized by the lack of an a priori definition of scope, and this gives sufficient leeway for investigators (a) to discern all at once a globally altered pattern of gene/protein expression and (b) to examine the complex interactions that regulate entire biological processes. Two popular platforms in “omics” are DNA microarrays, which measure messenger RNA transcript levels, and proteomic analyses, which identify and quantify proteins. Because of their intrinsic strengths and weaknesses, no single approach can fully unravel the complexities of fundamental biological events. However, an appropriate combination of different tools could lead to integrative analyses that would furnish new insights not accessible through one‐dimensional datasets. In this review, we will outline some of the challenges associated with integrative analyses relating to the changes in metabolic pathways that occur in complex pathophysiological conditions (viz. ageing and altered thyroid state) in relevant metabolically active tissues. In addition, we discuss several new applications of proteomic analysis to the investigation of mitochondrial activity.
Hopelessness and Excessive Drinking among Aboriginal Adolescents: The Mediating Roles of Depressive Symptoms and Drinking to Cope
Authors: Stewart Sherry H. , Sherry Simon B. , Comeau M. Nancy , Mushquash Christopher J. , Collins Pamela , Van Wilgenburg Hendricus
Published: October 2010

Canadian Aboriginal youth show high rates of excessive drinking, hopelessness, and depressive symptoms. We propose that Aboriginal adolescents with higher levels of hopelessness are more susceptible to depressive symptoms, which in turn predispose them to drinking to cope—which ultimately puts them at risk for excessive drinking. Adolescent drinkers (n=551; 52% boys; mean age=15.9years) from 10 Canadian schools completed a survey consisting of the substance use risk profile scale (hopelessness), the brief symptom inventory (depressive symptoms), the drinking motives questionnaire—revised (drinking to cope), and quantity, frequency, and binge measures of excessive drinking. Structural equation modeling demonstrated the excellent fit of a model linking hopelessness to excessive drinking indirectly via depressive symptoms and drinking to cope. Bootstrapping indicated that this indirect effect was significant. Both depressive symptoms and drinking to cope should be intervention targets to prevent/decrease excessive drinking among Aboriginal youth high in hopelessness.
Adhesion of Pathogenic Bacteria to Food Contact Surfaces: Influence of pH of Culture
Authors: Mafu Akier Assanta , Plumety Corinne , Deschênes Louise , Goulet Jacques
Published: October 2010

The adhesion ofAeromonas hydrophila, Escherichia coliO157:H7,SalmonellaEnteritidis, andStaphylococcus aureusto hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces in cultures with different pHs (6, 7, and 8) was studied. The results indicated that the type of material had no effect on the attachment capacity of microorganisms, while environmental pH influenced the adhesion ofA. hydrophila, E. coli,andS. aureusto both solid substrates. The attachment ofS.Enteritidis (P>.05) was not affected by the type of substrate or the culture pH, whereasE. colidisplayed the weakest affinity for both polystyrene and glass surfaces. No correlation was established between the physicochemical properties of the materials, or the bacterial and the rate of bacterial adhesion, except forS. aureus. Photomicrographs have shown that surfaces were contaminated by small clusters ofS.Enteritidis whileS. aureusinvaded the food contact surfaces in the form of small chains or cell aggregates.
Curcumin Enhances the Effect of Cisplatin in Suppression of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma via Inhibition of IKKβ Protein of the NFκB Pathway
Authors: Duarte Victor M. , Han Eugene , Veena Mysore S. , Salvado Amanda , Suh Jeffrey D. , Liang Li-Jung , Faull Kym F. , Srivatsan Eri S. , Wang Marilene B.
Published: October 2010

Previous experiments have shown that curcumin or cisplatin treatment suppresses growth of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). To study the potential cooperative effect of both agents, two HNSCC cell lines were treated with curcumin or cisplatin alone or in combination. In vivo studies consisted of intravenous tail vein injection of liposomal curcumin, with intraperitoneal cisplatin, into nude mice growing xenograft HNSCC tumors. Introduction of curcumin and suboptimal concentrations of cisplatin showed a significant suppressive effect compared with treatment with either agent alone. Reduced expression of cyclin D1, IκBα, phospho-IκBα, and IKKβ occurred in cisplatin- and curcumin-treated cell lines. Confocal microscopy showed expression of IKKβ in the nucleus of the cell lines. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay on DNA isolated from IKKβ immunoprecipitated samples showed PCR amplification of interleukin-8 promoter sequences, a binding site of NFκB, indicating an interaction between IKKβ and NFκB. Curcumin inhibited IKKβ in the cytoplasm and nucleus, leading to reduced NFκB activity, with no effect on phospho-AKT. In vivo studies showed significant growth inhibition of xenograft tumors treated with a combination of liposomal curcumin and cisplatin. The suppressive effect of curcumin was mediated through inhibition of cytoplasmic and nuclear IKKβ, resulting in inhibition of NFκB activity. Cisplatin treatment led to cellular senescence, indicating an effect mediated by p53 activation. The mechanisms of the two agents through different growth signaling pathways suggest potential for the clinical use of subtherapeutic doses of cisplatin in combination with curcumin, which will allow effective suppression of tumor growth while minimizing the toxic side effects of cisplatin. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(10); 2665–75. ©2010 AACR.
Context-Dependent Role of Angiopoietin-1 Inhibition in the Suppression of Angiogenesis and Tumor Growth: Implications for AMG 386, an Angiopoietin-1/2–Neutralizing Peptibody
Authors: Coxon Angela , Bready James , Min Hosung , Kaufman Stephen , Leal Juan , Yu Dongyin , Lee Tani Ann , Sun Ji-Rong , Estrada Juan , Bolon Brad , McCabe James , Wang Ling , Rex Karen , Caenepeel Sean , Hughes Paul , Cordover David , Kim Haejin , Han Seog Joon , Michaels Mark L. , Hsu Eric , Shimamoto Grant , Cattley Russell , Hurh Eunju , Nguyen Linh , Wang Shao Xiong , Ndifor Anthony , Hayward Isaac J. , Falcón Beverly L. , McDonald Donald M. , Li Luke , Boone Tom , Kendall Richard , Radinsky Robert , Oliner Jonathan D.
Published: October 2010

AMG 386 is an investigational first-in-class peptide-Fc fusion protein (peptibody) that inhibits angiogenesis by preventing the interaction of angiopoietin-1 (Ang1) and Ang2 with their receptor, Tie2. Although the therapeutic value of blocking Ang2 has been shown in several models of tumorigenesis and angiogenesis, the potential benefit of Ang1 antagonism is less clear. To investigate the consequences of Ang1 neutralization, we have developed potent and selective peptibodies that inhibit the interaction between Ang1 and its receptor, Tie2. Although selective Ang1 antagonism has no independent effect in models of angiogenesis-associated diseases (cancer and diabetic retinopathy), it induces ovarian atrophy in normal juvenile rats and inhibits ovarian follicular angiogenesis in a hormone-induced ovulation model. Surprisingly, the activity of Ang1 inhibitors seems to be unmasked in some disease models when combined with Ang2 inhibitors, even in the context of concurrent vascular endothelial growth factor inhibition. Dual inhibition of Ang1 and Ang2 using AMG 386 or a combination of Ang1- and Ang2-selective peptibodies cooperatively suppresses tumor xenograft growth and ovarian follicular angiogenesis; however, Ang1 inhibition fails to augment the suppressive effect of Ang2 inhibition on tumor endothelial cell proliferation, corneal angiogenesis, and oxygen-induced retinal angiogenesis. In no case was Ang1 inhibition shown to (a) confer superior activity to Ang2 inhibition or dual Ang1/2 inhibition or (b) antagonize the efficacy of Ang2 inhibition. These results imply that Ang1 plays a context-dependent role in promoting postnatal angiogenesis and that dual Ang1/2 inhibition is superior to selective Ang2 inhibition for suppression of angiogenesis in some postnatal settings. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(10); 2641–51. ©2010 AACR.
Maytansine and Cellular Metabolites of Antibody-Maytansinoid Conjugates Strongly Suppress Microtubule Dynamics by Binding to Microtubules
Authors: Lopus Manu , Oroudjev Emin , Wilson Leslie , Wilhelm Sharon , Widdison Wayne , Chari Ravi , Jordan Mary Ann
Published: October 2010

Maytansine is a potent microtubule-targeted compound that induces mitotic arrest and kills tumor cells at subnanomolar concentrations. However, its side effects and lack of tumor specificity have prevented successful clinical use. Recently, antibody-conjugated maytansine derivatives have been developed to overcome these drawbacks. Several conjugates show promising early clinical results. We evaluated the effects on microtubule polymerization and dynamic instability of maytansine and two cellular metabolites (S-methyl-DM1 and S-methyl-DM4) of antibody-maytansinoid conjugates that are potent in cells at picomolar levels and that are active in tumor-bearing mice. Although S-methyl-DM1 and S-methyl-DM4 inhibited polymerization more weakly than maytansine, at 100 nmol/L they suppressed dynamic instability more strongly than maytansine (by 84% and 73%, respectively, compared with 45% for maytansine). However, unlike maytansine, S-methyl-DM1 and S-methyl-DM4 induced tubulin aggregates detectable by electron microscopy at concentrations ≥2 μmol/L, with S-methyl-DM4 showing more extensive aggregate formation than S-methyl-DM1. Both maytansine and S-methyl-DM1 bound to tubulin with similar KD values (0.86 ± 0.2 and 0.93 ± 0.2 μmol/L, respectively). Tritiated S-methyl-DM1 bound to 37 high-affinity sites per microtubule (KD, 0.1 ± 0.05 μmol/L). Thus, S-methyl-DM1 binds to high-affinity sites on microtubules 20-fold more strongly than vinblastine. The high-affinity binding is likely at microtubule ends and is responsible for suppression of microtubule dynamic instability. Also, at higher concentrations, S-methyl-DM1 showed low-affinity binding either to a larger number of sites on microtubules or to sedimentable tubulin aggregates. Overall, the maytansine derivatives that result from cellular metabolism of the antibody conjugates are themselves potent microtubule poisons, interacting with microtubules as effectively as or more effectively than the parent molecule. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(10); 2689–99. ©2010 AACR.
Maytansinoid-Antibody Conjugates Induce Mitotic Arrest by Suppressing Microtubule Dynamic Instability
Authors: Oroudjev Emin , Lopus Manu , Wilson Leslie , Audette Charlene , Provenzano Carmela , Erickson Hans , Kovtun Yelena , Chari Ravi , Jordan Mary Ann
Published: October 2010

Maytansine and its analogues (maytansinoids) are potent microtubule-targeted compounds that inhibit proliferation of cells at mitosis. Antibody-maytansinoid conjugates consisting of maytansinoids (DM1 and DM4) attached to tumor-specific antibodies have shown promising clinical results. To determine the mechanism by which the antibody-DM1 conjugates inhibit cell proliferation, we examined the effects of the cleavable anti-EpCAM-SPP-DM1 and uncleavable anti-EpCAM-SMCC-DM1 conjugates on MCF7 human breast tumor cells. We also examined the effects of the free maytansinoids, maytansine and S-methyl DM1 (a version of DM1 that is stable in cell culture medium), for comparison. Both the conjugates and free maytansinoids potently inhibited MCF7 cell proliferation at nanomolar and subnanomolar concentrations, respectively, by arresting the cells in mitotic prometaphase/metaphase. Arrest occurred in concert with the internalization and intracellular processing of both conjugates under conditions that induced abnormal spindle organization and suppressed microtubule dynamic instability. Microtubule depolymerization occurred only at significantly higher drug concentrations. The results indicate that free maytansinoids, antibody-maytansinoid conjugates, and their metabolites exert their potent antimitotic effects through a common mechanism involving suppression of microtubule dynamic instability. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(10); 2700–13. ©2010 AACR.
The Beginning of Literati Poetry: Four Poems from First-century BCE China
Authors: Raft Zeb
Published: October 2010

This article examines a set of four tetrasyllabic poems from the first century BCE, situating them between the ancient poetry of the Shijing and the medieval poetry that would appear two centuries later. The author outlines the emergence of a learned elite in the latter half of the Western Han and shows how the intellectual and socio-political background of this group is instantiated in the poems. As statements of a classicist mentality ascendant in the late Western Han, the poems stand firmly in their age, but as products of this newly emerging group they bear definite connection to the literati poetry of medieval China. Thus, the poems offer a viewpoint onto both the scholarly culture of the first century BCE and the poetic culture of early medieval China.
Emerging from Anonymity: The First Generation of Writers of Songs and Drama in Mid-Ming Nanjing
Authors: Tan Tian Yuan
Published: October 2010

This article traces the first generation of writers of songs and drama in Nanjing who emerged from the anonymous context of early Ming court entertainment and established their name and reputation in the second half of the fifteenth century. These writers—Shi Zhong (1437-after 1516), Chen Duo (1454?-1507?), and Xu Lin (1462-1538)—represented a different mode of writing songs and drama. For them it was no longer a professional occupation, as in the case of the court performers, but became part of their cultural and social life. The extent to which our knowledge of these first-generation qu writers depends on local sources and on acts of remembrance by later Nanjing authors is also examined.
Royal Hospitality and Geopolitical Constitution of the Western Zhou Polity
Authors: Khayutina Maria
Published: October 2010

The present article examines how political communication and administration were effected in the Western Zhou polity (1046/5-771 BC) and investigates the significance of the royal residences as political and administrative centers. Bronze inscriptions referring to royal receptions that were offered to Zhou regional rulers, rulers of non-Zhou polities, royal officers and other subjects provide the basis for this study. It is argued that the form of "royal hospitality" described in these inscriptions was a political and, partially, administrative institution of the Zhou kings, and that its territorial localization both reflected and defined the geopolitical constitution of the polity. The article concludes by arguing that in the "larger Zhou polity" embracing the regional states of the zhuhou, political communication was decentralized, and that none of the royal residences held the status as political "capital" throughout the entire period. It is further found that a process of territorial centralization was underway in the territories under the direct control of the king, and that the oldest royal residence Zhou-under-Qi was gradually established as political and administrative capital.
Recurrent Supersynoptic Evolution of the Great Plains Low-Level Jet
Authors: Weaver Scott J. , Nigam Sumant
Published: October 2010

The evolution of supersynoptic (i.e., pentad) Great Plains low-level jet (GPLLJ) variability, its precipitation impacts, and large-scale circulation context are analyzed in the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR)—a high-resolution precipitation-assimilating dataset—and the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis. The analysis strategy leans on the extended EOF technique, which targets both spatial and temporal recurrence of a variability episode.

Pentad GPLLJ variability structures are found to be spatially similar to those in the monthly analysis. The temporal evolution of the supersynoptic GPLLJ-induced precipitation anomalies reveal interesting lead and lag relationships highlighted by GPLLJ variability-leading precipitation anomalies. Interestingly, similar temporal phasing of the GPLLJ and precipitation anomalies were operative during the 1993 (1988) floods (drought) over the Great Plains, indicating the importance of these submonthly GPLLJ variability modes in the instigation of extreme hydroclimatic episodes. The northward-shifted (dry) GPLLJ variability mode is linked to large-scale circulation variations emanating from remote regions that are modified by interaction with the Rocky Mountains, suggesting that the supersynoptic GPLLJ fluctuations may have their origin in orographic modulation of baroclinic development.
Rewriting the Climatology of the Tropical North Atlantic and Caribbean Sea Atmosphere
Authors: Dunion Jason P.
Published: October 2010

The Jordan mean tropical sounding has provided a benchmark reference for representing the climatology of the tropical North Atlantic and Caribbean Sea atmosphere for over 50 years. However, recent observations and studies have suggested that during the months of the North Atlantic hurricane season, this region of the world is affected by multiple air masses with very distinct thermodynamic and kinematic characteristics. This study examined ∼6000 rawinsonde observations from the Caribbean Sea region taken during the core months (July–October) of the 1995–2002 hurricane seasons. It was found that single mean soundings created from this new dataset were very similar to C. L. Jordan’s 1958 sounding work. However, recently developed multispectral satellite imagery that can track low- to midlevel dry air masses indicated that the 1995–2002 hurricane season dataset (and likely Jordan’s dataset as well) was dominated by three distinct air masses: moist tropical (MT), Saharan air layer (SAL), and midlatitude dry air intrusions (MLDAIs). Findings suggest that each sounding is associated with unique thermodynamic, kinematic, stability, and mean sea level pressure characteristics and that none of these soundings is particularly well represented by a single mean sounding such as Jordan’s. This work presents three new mean tropical soundings (MT, SAL, and MLDAI) for the tropical North Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea region and includes information on their temporal variability, thermodynamics, winds, wind shear, stability, total precipitable water, and mean sea level pressure attributes. It is concluded that the new MT, SAL, and MLDAI soundings presented here provide a more robust depiction of the tropical North Atlantic and Caribbean Sea atmosphere during the Atlantic hurricane season and should replace the Jordan mean tropical sounding as the new benchmark soundings for this part of the world.
In Situ Calibration of Hot-Film Probes Using a Collocated Sonic Anemometer: Angular Probability Distribution Properties
Authors: Kit E. , Grits B.
Published: October 2010

In a recent paper by Kit et al., a novel algorithm for the calibration of hot-film probes using a collocated sonic anemometer combined with the neural network approach is described. An important step in the algorithm is the generation of a calibration dataset by an appropriate low-pass filtering of the voltage and velocity time series obtained from hot-film probes and a sonic anemometer, correspondingly. Kit et al. report that a polynomial least squares fit that was used to approximate the relations of these voltage–velocity data from the dataset failed while a neural network approach worked satisfactorily. The same polynomial fit worked successfully with a calibration dataset obtained using a standard calibration unit that enables one to generate calibration data at evenly distributed yaw angles, varying in a wide range (−30°, 30°). In the current study, an attempt is made to uncover the reason for the failure of the polynomial fit algorithm with a sonic anemometer–based calibration dataset (SBS-PF). The probability densities of the velocity angles for the calibration dataset, as well as for a full velocity dataset obtained using the neural network approach, are computed. Also developed are theoretical expressions for the same angular density probability distributions based on the following assumptions: (i) an axisymmetric turbulent velocity field, (ii) Gaussian density probability distribution for velocity components, and (iii) weak correlations between the velocity components (i.e., the probability density distribution of the entire velocity vector is a product of probabilities of its components). The agreement between measured and theoretical angular probability distributions is good. The results herein indicate that the angular density probability of the low-pass-filtered calibration dataset is twice as narrow as that of the full velocity time series. This result can explain the failure of the polynomial fit to reconstruct the full velocity time series satisfactorily as resulting from the intrinsic property of this algorithm to ascribe a large weight to the highly concentrated points and a light weight to the thinly concentrated points while performing fitting.
Learning from Climate Variability: Adaptive Governance and the Pacific ENSO Applications Center
Authors: Lynch Amanda H. , Brunner Ronald D.
Published: October 2010

Adaptive governance is a pattern that began to emerge from conflicts over natural resources in the American West a few decades ago. This was a pragmatic response to the emerging evidence that effective control was dispersed among multiple authorities and interest groups, that efficiency was only one of the many goals to be reconciled in policy decision processes, and that science itself was politically contested. Climate change as a policy problem exhibits many of these same features and has similarly led to gridlock in international and national forums. But humankind is not without guidance in securing the protection of life, limb, and livelihood in the face of environmental distress, particularly with regard to the challenge of adaptation. One effective analogy can be drawn to adaptations in the face of large climate variability such as El Niño. This paper compares adaptive governance with the tradition of scientific management in the international climate change regime, and it explores an example of adaptive governance in responding to the effects of a severe El Niño event in the Pacific islands. This event illustrates some of the specific kinds of human choices that will be made by those who are concerned about climate change as a policy problem. The basic choice is not scientific management or adaptive governance but continuing with business as usual or opening the frame to a wider range of possibilities.
Peer-group indicators of social inclusion among pupils with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) in mainstream secondary schools: A comparative study
Authors: Symes Wendy , Humphrey Neil
Published: October 2010

The number of pupils with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) attending mainstream schools is increasing, but there is evidence that their needs may not be fully met. Previous research has suggested that such pupils are at an increased risk of social exclusion. In light of this, the aim of the current study was to examine the sociometric status, perceived levels of peer social support, and the frequency of bullying experienced by this group of learners. Our sample comprised 40 pupils with ASD, 40 pupils with dyslexia, and a reference group of 40 pupils with no identified special educational needs, matched by age and gender (and, for the ASD and dyslexic groups, the stage of the SEN Code of Practice). Participants completed the Social Support Scale for Children (Harter, 1985) and the My Life in School Questionnaire (Arora & Thompson, 1987), and their peers completed the Social Inclusion Survey (Frederickson & Graham, 1999). Our analyses indicated that pupils with ASD experienced higher levels of rejection and lower levels of acceptance than either reference group. They also reported lower levels of peer social support and higher levels of bullying. These findings are discussed in relation to previous research and the efficacy of the inclusion movement.
Parental involvement in secondary schools in New Zealand: Implications for school psychologists
Authors: Hornby Garry , Witte Chrystal
Published: October 2010

An extensive international literature now supports the potential of parental involvement (PI) for improving children’s academic achievements and social outcomes. This research also suggests that involvement which schools organize themselves is more effective than externally imposed PI programmes. It is therefore important to investigate PI practices in schools so that guidance on effective PI can be based on actual evidence from schools. This article reports the results of a survey of parental involvement (PI) practices in 21 secondary schools in New Zealand. Interviews were conducted with school principals using a schedule that focused on 11 aspects of PI. Analysis of data from the interviews indicates that all 21 secondary schools had a variety of PI practices in place. Notable gaps in PI provision were: a lack of written school policies on PI; the ad hoc nature of the organization of PI by schools; the lack of specific strategies to involve diverse parents; a limited focus on parent education; and, a lack of training for teachers on PI. Implications for improving the practice of PI in secondary schools and for the role of school psychologists in this, are discussed.
The development of school psychological services in the Chinese mainland: A Chinese perspective
Authors: Ye Yi-Duo , Fang Bi-Ji
Published: October 2010

Influenced by governmental policy, school psychological services in the Chinese mainland are a recent phenomenon with a history of only about 20 years, which can be divided into two stages: exploration and development. To give a comprehensive account of the development of school psychological services in the Chinese mainland, this article reviews their developmental history, analyses their status quo and features, identifies some contemporary problems, and suggests possible directions for the future development.
An ecological understanding of youth suicide in South Korea
Authors: Lee Seung-yeon , Jun Sung Hong  , Espelage Dorothy L.
Published: October 2010

This article reviews risk factors for youth suicide in South Korea (hereafter referred to as Korea), based on the ecological systems theory. Although youth suicide is a major concern for Korean society, understanding of this phenomenon has been limited since most of the empirical studies address personal characteristics without much consideration to larger environmental contexts for Korean adolescents. This review integrates many empirical findings on Korean adolescents’ suicidal ideation or behaviours within the context of micro-, meso-, exo-, macro-, and chrono-systems that surround an individual. Finally, it draws implications on assessment and intervention strategies for youth suicide that school psychologists and other mental health professionals in Korean schools can utilize.
Poor school satisfaction and number of cannabis using peers within school classes as individual risk factors for cannabis use among adolescents
Authors: Hoff Dominic A. , Andersen Anette , Holstein Bjørn E.
Published: October 2010

There is little information available on the topic of poor school satisfaction as a risk factor for cannabis use among adolescents. We examined if there was an association between poor school satisfaction, school class cannabis use and individual cannabis use. Further, we investigated if many cannabis users within the school class statistically interacted with poor school satisfaction upon the association with individual cannabis use. A cross-sectional study of 1317 Danish 15-year-olds in 95 school classes in a random sample of schools. The exposure variables were school satisfaction and school class cannabis use. The criterion variable was individual cannabis use, three times or more (last 12 months). Poor school satisfaction (OR 2.78, 95% CL = 1.83—4.23), attending a school class with >2 cannabis users (OR 3.68, 95% CL = 2.21—6.12) were associated with cannabis use. In our study there was not a significant statistically interaction between number of cannabis users in school classes and poor school satisfaction upon individual cannabis use (p = 0.183). We found that poor school satisfaction and school class cannabis use where both associated with higher individual cannabis use. The risk factors did not significantly interact and may suggest that they function as individual exposure factors towards adolescent cannabis use.
The Impact of Altitude and Diet on Anemia in School-Aged Children in Lago San Pablo, Ecuador
Authors: Smith Janette L. , Johnston N. Paul , Dearden Kirk A. , Eggett Dennis L. , Campbell Alison K.
Published: October 2010

Childhood anemia is often complicated in developing nations by altitude-induced polycythemia, parasitosis, and dietary inadequacy; however, school-aged children are often overlooked in research and public health efforts. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of anemia among school-aged children in rural Ecuador and to investigate the etiology of anemia in this population to assist program development. A cross-sectional design and cluster sampling was used to sample 347 children aged 5 to 12 years in 5 communities in the Andean region. Altitude ranged from 2795 to 3240 m above sea level. Data collection included health and diet questionnaires, fecal parasite and finger-stick hemoglobin analysis, and anthropometric measures. World Health Organization standards were applied to adjust hemoglobin for altitude and determine the rate of anemia. Parasitosis affected 95% of children tested but showed no statistical impact on anemia. Anemia prevalence rose from 15% to 65%, once adjusted for altitude. Significant factors affecting anemia included failure to adjust for altitude and low dietary intakes of vitamins A, B 12, folate, and zinc, with a minimal proportion of nutrients from animal-source foods. Dietary niacin and calcium were significantly correlated with the reduction of anemia (P < .05). Anemia prevention programs may benefit from increased emphasis on animal-source foods.
Effects of Fiber-Fortified Foods on Children With Constipation
Authors: Flogan Carla , Dahl Wendy
Published: October 2010

The aim of this pilot study was to determine the acceptability of fiber fortification and its effect on gastrointestinal function, abdominal discomfort, and energy and fiber intakes in children with a history of constipation. Participants (n = 13; 2-10 years) were randomly assigned to 3-week fiber and placebo periods in a crossover design. Participants consumed snack foods with or without added pea hull fiber (1.4-3.4 g of fiber per serving), as well as inulin (4.5 g of fiber per day) or maltodextrin control added to beverages. Stool frequency, stool consistency, abdominal pain, and compliance were documented. Fiber fortification improved daily stool frequency (n = 10; 0.54 ± 0.18 vs 0.67 ± 0.26; P = .002) during weeks 2 and 3. No differences between treatments were found for estimated intestinal transit time or abdominal pain. Inulin was consumed more consistently than snacks. Mean energy intake was reduced with fiber versus placebo (n = 12; 1441 ± 285 vs 1307 ± 296 kcal/day; P < .05), and fiber intakes increased significantly (n = 12; 11.1 ± 2.6 vs 17.1 ± 2.5 g/day; P < .001). Fiber fortification was well accepted and significantly increased fiber intakes. Fiber fortification may lower energy intakes in constipated children, although the effect on bowel habits in this convenience sample remains unclear.
Screen-printed Cu2S-based Counter Electrode for Quantum-dot-sensitized Solar Cell
Authors: Deng Minghui , Huang Shuqing , Zhang Quanxin , Li Dongmei , Luo Yanhong , Shen Qing , Toyoda Taro , Meng Qingbo
Published: October 2010

Cu2S-based counter electrodes screen-printed on different substrates for CdS/CdSe quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells are reported. The photovoltaic conversion efficiency of 3.71% was obtained with Cu2S counter electrode deposited on conductive substrate due to low charge-transfer resistance. By addition of conductive carbon material, a cell with Cu2S/C composite counter electrode screen-printed on insulated glass substrate displayed an efficiency of 3.37%. These results showed the potential application of such Cu2S-based counter electrode for large-scale quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells in the future.
Structural Control of Three-dimensional Assemblies of Anisotropic Gold Nanoparticles Based on Their Different Shapes
Authors: Kuwahara Yutaka , Mizoguchi Daigou , Yoshimori Keishiro , Endo Hiroaki , Iwanaga Mio , Iwanaga Tomoki , Sawada Tsuyoshi , Goto Motonobu , Shosenji Hideto , Yamada Sunao
Published: October 2010

We have observed novel formation of differently shaped three-dimensional aggregates among hydrophobic gold nanospheres, nanorods, and nanobones. Gold nanobones preferentially formed spherical assemblies of 100-nm scale. In the case of gold nanorods, the shapes of assemblies were profoundly affected by the aspect ratios, changing from spherical to bundle-like structure.
N-Formylation of Amines Catalyzed by Nanogold under Aerobic Oxidation Conditions with MeOH or Formalin
Authors: Preedasuriyachai Patcharee , Kitahara Hiroaki , Chavasiri Warinthorn , Sakurai Hidehiro
Published: October 2010

Gold nanoclusters stabilized by poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (Au:PVP) are active and selective catalysts for N-formylation of amines under aerobic oxidation using methanol or formalin as a formyl source.
Integrating telemedicine instruction into the curriculum: expanding student perspectives of the scope of clinical practice
Authors: Bulik Robert J , Shokar Gurjeet S
Published: October 2010

We have developed a telemedicine elective for fourth-year medical students to learn about the delivery of primary care telemedicine. The goals were to expose medical students to telemedicine as a method for delivery of primary care and to reinforce the importance of doctor-patient communication during the health-care encounter. The elective lasted four weeks. It had three components: two online introductory courses to telemedicine; site visits to near and distant telemedicine sites; and a reflective writing paper. In the first year, seven medical students out of a class of 230 chose the telemedicine elective from a list of 188 alternatives. Evaluation ratings and the students’ written comments, along with end-of-course discussions, indicated that the telemedicine elective was a valuable experience. An elective in the medical school curriculum may be a useful way of providing future physicians with an understanding of telemedicine.
Identification of determinants for weight reduction in overweight and obese children and adolescents
Authors: Schiel Ralf , Kaps Alexander , Bieber Gerald , Kramer Guido , Seebach Henning , Hoffmeyer André
Published: October 2010

We conducted a pilot trial of electronic technology integrated into the treatment of children and adolescents who are overweight or obese. A total of 30 patients (mean age 14 years, mean BMI 32.7 kg/m2) were admitted to our hospital to participate in a structured treatment and teaching programme (STTP). To assess physical activity and eating habits, a mobile motion sensor board (MoSeBo) or a sensor for physical activity, integrated into a mobile phone with digital camera (DiaTrace) was used. Over an average period of four days of monitoring, the mean intensity (15.4 activity units) and duration of physical activity (267 min/d) were recorded with the mobile sensors. The mean time spent walking was 64 min/d, running 11 min/d, cycling 24 min/d and car driving 21 min/d. There were significant differences ( P < 0.001) between self-reported physical activity and objective assessment: in general the duration of physical activity documented by children and adolescents was much higher than the objective assessment. Similarly, the real caloric intake was higher than the self-estimates ( P = 0.085). A multivariate analysis showed that the following variables were significantly associated with weight reduction in the hospital STTP (R-squared = 0.59): high motivation, intrafamilial conflicts, duration of physical activity assessed with the MoSeBo/DiaTrace system, and the body fat mass at onset of therapy. All children and adolescents included in the trial completed it. Although the MoSeBo/DiaTrace system was used for a relatively short period in each patient, the high acceptance demonstrated that it could be integrated into therapy easily.
Telehealth in palliative care in the UK: a review of the evidence
Authors: Kidd Lisa , Cayless Sandi , Johnston Bridget , Wengstrom Yvonne
Published: October 2010

We reviewed telehealth applications which were being used in palliative care settings in the UK. Electronic database searches (Medline, CINAHL, PsychInfo and Embase), searches of the grey literature and cited author searches were conducted. In total, 111 papers were identified and 21 documents were included in the review. Telehealth was being used by a range of health professionals in oncology care settings that included specialist palliative care, hospices, primary care settings, nursing homes and hospitals as well as patients and carers. The most common applications were: out-of-hours telephone support, advice services for palliative care patients, carers and health professionals, videoconferencing for interactive case discussions, consultations and assessments, and training and education of palliative care and other health-care staff. The review suggests that current technology is usable and acceptable to patients and health professionals in palliative care settings. However, there are several challenges in integrating telehealth into routine practice.
Capacity Sizing Under Parameter Uncertainty: Safety Staffing Principles Revisited
Authors: Bassamboo Achal , Randhawa Ramandeep S. , Zeevi Assaf
Published: October 2010

We study a capacity sizing problem in a service system that is modeled as a single-class queue with multiple servers and where customers may renege while waiting for service. A salient feature of the model is that the mean arrival rate of work is random (in practice this is a typical consequence of forecasting errors). The paper elucidates the impact of uncertainty on the nature of capacity prescriptions, and relates these to well established rules-of-thumb such as the square-root safety staffing principle. We establish a simple and intuitive relationship between the incoming load (measured in Erlangs) and the extent of uncertainty in arrival rates (measured via the coefficient of variation) that characterizes the extent to which uncertainty dominates stochastic variability or vice versa. In the former case it is shown that traditional square-root safety staffing logic is no longer valid, yet simple capacity prescriptions derived via a suitable newsvendor problem are surprisingly accurate.
Competitive Consequences of Using a Category Captain
Authors: Subramanian Upender , Raju Jagmohan S. , Dhar Sanjay K. , Wang Yusong
Published: October 2010

Many retailers designate one national brand manufacturer in each product category as a “category captain” to help manage the entire category. A category captain may perform demand-enhancing services such as better shelf arrangements, shelf-space management, and design and management of in-store displays. In this paper, we examine when and why a retailer may engage one manufacturer exclusively as a category captain to provide such service and the implications. We find that demand substitutability of competing brands gives rise to a service efficiency effect—service that expands the category is more effective in increasing a manufacturer's sales and margin than service that shifts demand from a rival's brand. We show that the service efficiency effect may motivate a category captain to provide a service that benefits all brands in the category even though doing so is more costly. We further show that, in categories that are less price competitive, there is higher competition between manufacturers to become the category captain. Consequently, a retailer may obtain better service by using a category captain than by engaging both manufacturers simultaneously. Our findings may help explain why a retailer may rely on a category captain despite concerns regarding opportunism and why there is limited empirical evidence of harm to rival manufacturers.