bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SU‐E‐T‐411: Validation of Plan Dose Perturbation Software for Use in Patient Specific IMRT Quality Assurance
Authors: Nielsen M , Carlone M , Cruje C , MacPherson M
Published: November 2011

Purpose: Patient‐specific IMRT quality assurance typically compares measured and calculated dose distributions in‐phantom. The clinical importance of disagreement between measured and calculated dose is often difficult to interpret. Recently, software has been developed (3DVH Sun Nuclear, Florida USA) that calculates the “delivered” dose distributions in patients by perturbing the calculated dose using errors detected in planar dose measurements. The aim of this work was to validate the accuracy of 3DVH versus commercial treatment planning software (Varian Eclipse 8.9). Methods: 17 DMLC prostate IMRT treatment plans were modified by Matlab script by adding randomly distributed positional errors of 1 or 3 mm in the planned MLC positions. These modified plans were delivered to a 2D diode array (MapCheck2, Sun Nuclear). Measured doses were compared to the dose planes from the original or recalculated MLC modified plans and 3DVH calculated a “delivered” dose in the patient. DVH comparisons were made based on mean dose and D99 for the PTV, and mean and maximum dose for the bladder and rectal for each patient and MLC error. Results: Paired Data showed good agreement for planning system and 3DVH dose volume histograms for both targets and organs at risk for both modified and unmodified plans, regardless of MLC error induced. Structure mean dose values as measured for PTV, Bladder and Rectum agreed to within 1% and dose maximum data showing a discrepancy of 2%. Conclusions: 3DVH is a potentially useful tool to calculate delivered dose distributions during patient specific IMRT quality assurance. The 3DVH data allows the user to analyze the difference between planned and delivered dose to given structures. By introducing random delivery errors, we showed that the 3DVH software was able to detect small fluence changes. This demonstrates the accuracy of 3DVH software against a commercial treatment planning system.
WE‐G‐BRC‐04: A Hub‐and‐Spoke Residency Model for Meeting the 2014 ABR Mandate
Authors: Parker B , Hogstrom K , Gibbons J , Mitra R , Duhon J , Yang C , Wu H
Published: November 2011

Purpose: Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center (MBPCC) has established a Medical Physics Residency Program to provide clinical training to M.S. and Ph.D. graduates of the CAMPEP‐accredited Louisiana State University (LSU)‐MBPCC Medical Physics Graduate Program. It graduates approximately six students yearly, which equates to a need for twelve residency positions in a two‐year program. To address this need for residency positions, MBPCC decided to expand its maximum capacity of 6 residents to a total of 12 residents by developing a Consortium consisting of partnerships with radiation oncology physics residency programs located at regional outside clinical institutions. Methods: We feel that the proposed Consortium model offers:

• broader range of procedures than available at most single institutions

• exposure to more commercial products than training at most single institutions

• various approaches to clinical topics than may be available at most single institutions

• potential reduction of CAMPEP workload by producing smaller number of large programs

• broad evaluation and examination of all Consortium residents, regardless of training location, by representatives from each of the Consortium partner sites

MBPCC will be responsible for organization, accreditation, administration, and operation of the Consortium program. Partner institutions could then focus on clinical training of the residents. Results: The Consortium institutions have shown a great deal of support, both from their medical physics groups and administrations, in developing these partnerships. We are currently working with administrative personnel at each location to finalize the details of these partnerships through a Memorandum of Understanding. All partner sites are expected to begin resident training in July of this year. Conclusions: The Consortium is a network of for‐profit, non‐profit, academic, community, and private entities. These types of collaborative endeavors will be required to reach the number of residency positions needed to meet the 2014 ABR mandate and to maintain graduate medical physics training programs.
Deformed shell model results for two-neutrino double-beta decay of 82Se
Authors: Sahu R. , Srivastava P.C. , Kota V.K.B.
Published: November 2011

The half-life for two-neutrino double-beta decay has been calculated for 82Se, within the framework of the deformed shell model (DSM) based on Hartree–Fock states employing a modified Kuo interaction in 2p3/2, 1f5/2, 2p1/2, and 1g9/2 space with single particle energies (relative to a 56Ni core) for the four orbitals taken as 0.0, 0.78, 1.08, and 4.25 MeV, respectively. A reasonable description is obtained for the spectroscopic properties of yrast levels in 82Se, and similarly in the past 82Kr was studied successfully using DSM. The half-life calculated using DSM is ∼3.56 × 1020 a compared to the experimental value (0.92 ± 0.07) × 1020 a. We have also recalculated the half-life by including the 1f7/2 orbit in the preceding model space using the fpg interaction introduced by Sorlin et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett. 88, 092501 (2002)). The calculated half-life is 2.05 × 1019 a (0.58 × 1020 a if we include the quenching factor of 0.77).
The double slit experiment with polarizers
Authors: Holden M. , McKeon D.G.C. , Sherry T.N.
Published: November 2011

The double slit experiment provides a standard way of demonstrating how quantum mechanics works. We consider modifying the standard arrangement so that a photon beam incident upon the double slit encounters a polarizer in front of either one or both of the slits.
The Influence of Light at Night Exposure on Melatonin Levels among Canadian Rotating Shift Nurses
Authors: Grundy Anne , Tranmer Joan , Richardson Harriet , Graham Charles H. , Aronson Kristan J.
Published: November 2011

Background: Shift work has been identified as a risk factor for several cancer sites in recent years, with melatonin as a potential intermediate on the proposed causal pathway. This study examined the influence of nighttime light exposure on melatonin levels among 123 rotating shift nurses.

Methods: Nurses working a rotating shift schedule (two 12-hour days, two 12-hour nights, and five days off) were recruited and participated on a day and night shift in both the summer and winter seasons. Over each 48-hour study period, nurses wore a light data logger and provided two urine and four saliva samples.

Results: Saliva measurements showed that the pattern of melatonin production did not differ between day and night shifts. Mean light exposure was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) when nurses were working at night, although peak melatonin levels (P = 0.65) and the daily change in melatonin levels (P = 0.80) were similar across day/night shifts. Multivariate analysis did not show an association between light exposure and melatonin levels when data from both shifts was combined; however, when data from the night shift was considered alone, a statistically significant inverse relationship between light and change in melatonin was observed (P = 0.04).

Conclusion: These results show that light exposure does not seem to be strongly related to reduced melatonin production among nurses on this rapidly rotating shift schedule.

Impact: Future research considering more extreme shift patterns or brighter lighting conditions could further clarify the relationship between light exposure and melatonin production in observational settings. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(11); 2404–12. ©2011 AACR.
Area-Level Socioeconomic Position and Repeat Mammography Screening Use: Results from the 2005 National Health Interview Survey
Authors: Dailey Amy B. , Brumback Babette A. , Livingston Melvin D. , Jones Beth A. , Curbow Barbara A. , Xu Xiaohui
Published: November 2011

Background: Despite a considerable number of studies describing the relationship between area-level socioeconomic conditions and mammography screening, definitive conclusions have yet to be drawn. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between area-level socioeconomic position (SEP) and repeat mammography screening, using nationwide U.S. census SEP data linked to a nationally representative sample of women who participated in the 2005 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS).

Methods: An area-level SEP index using 2000 U.S. census tract data was constructed and categorized into quartiles, including information on unemployment, poverty, housing values, annual family income, education, and occupation. Repeat mammography utilization (dichotomous variable) was defined as having three mammograms over the course of 6 years (24-month interval), which must have included a recent mammogram (in past 2 years). Results were obtained by ordinary multivariable logistic regression for survey data. Women ages 46 to 79 years (n = 7,352) were included in the analysis.

Results: In a model adjusted for sociodemographics, health care factors, and known correlates of mammography screening, women living in more disadvantaged areas had lower odds of engaging in repeat mammography than women living in the most advantaged areas [OR comparing quartile 4 (most disadvantaged) to quartile 1 (most advantaged) = 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.50–0.80].

Conclusion: The results of this nationwide study support the hypothesis that area-level SEP is independently associated with mammography utilization.

Impact: These findings underscore the importance of addressing area-level social inequalities, if uptake of mammography screening guidelines is to be realized across all social strata. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(11); 2331–44. ©2011 AACR.
Significance of Smoking Machine Toxicant Yields to Blood-Level Exposure in Water Pipe Tobacco Smokers
Authors: Shihadeh Alan L. , Eissenberg Thomas E.
Published: November 2011

Background: The global increase in tobacco smoking with a water pipe (hookah, narghile, or shisha) has made understanding its health consequences imperative. One key to developing this understanding is identifying and quantifying carcinogens and other toxicants present in water pipe smoke. To do so, the toxicant yield of machine-generated water pipe smoke has been measured. However, the relevance of toxicant yields of machine-generated smoke to actual human exposure has not been established.

Methods: In this study, we examined whether carbon monoxide (CO) and nicotine yields measured with a smoking machine programmed to replicate the puffing behavior of 31 human participants who smoked a water pipe could reliably predict these participants' blood-level exposure. In addition to CO and nicotine, yields of polyaromatic hydrocarbons, volatile aldehydes, nitric oxide (NO), and “tar” were measured.

Results: We found that when used in this puff-replicating manner, smoking machine yields are highly correlated with blood-level exposure (nicotine: r > 0.76, P < 0.001; CO: r > 0.78, P < 0.001). Total drawn smoke volume was the best predictor of toxicant yield and exposure, accounting for approximately 75% to 100% of the variability across participants in yields of NO, CO, volatile aldehydes, and tar, as well as blood-level CO and normalized nicotine.

Conclusions: Machine-based methods can be devised in which smoke toxicant yields reliably track human exposure.

Impact: This finding indicates the basic feasibility of valid analytic laboratory evaluation of tobacco products for regulatory purposes. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(11); 2457–60. ©2011 AACR.
Conversion of the Mini-Mental State Examination to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Terminology and Scoring System
Authors: De Vriendt P. , Gorus E. , Bautmans I. , Mets T.
Published: November 2011

Background: In older patients, evaluation of the cognitive status is crucial. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is widely used for screening of cognition, providing fairly high sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility. Recently, a consensus emerged on the necessity of an international and transparent language, as provided by the WHO’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Most assessment tools however are not in accordance with the ICF. Objective: To reformulate the MMSE according to the ICF, both for the individual items and for the scoring system. Method: MMSE data (scores varying from 3 to 30/30) of (1) 217 cognitively healthy elderly, (2) 60 persons with mild cognitive impairment, (3) 60 patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and (4) 60 patients with moderate/severe AD were obtained from studies at a university hospital setting. Subjects were aged 65 years or more and recruited either through advertisement (group 1), from the geriatric day hospital (groups 2 and 3), or the geriatric ward (group 4). The allocation to the groups was done after multidisciplinary evaluation. The conversion of the MMSE to ICF-MMSE was done by content comparison and by subsequent translation of the scoring system using automatic algorithms. Results: All MMSE items were converted to the corresponding ICF categories. Three ICF domains were addressed: global and specific mental functions, general tasks and demands, divided over 6 ICF categories (orientation time/place, sustaining attention, memory functions, mental functions of language, undertaking a simple task). Scores on individual items were transformed according to their relative weight on the original MMSE scale, and a total ICF-MMSE score from 0 (no problem) to 100 (complete problem) was generated. Translation was satisfying, as illustrated by a good correlation between MMSE and ICF-MMSE. The diagnostic groups were distributed over the ICF-MMSE scores as expected. For each ICF domain, ICF-MMSE subscores were higher with increasing severity in cognitive decline. There was a higher dispersion, in accordance with the more detailed scoring possibilities of the ICF-MMSE. Conclusions: It is possible to adapt the MMSE to the ICF concept. This adaptation enhances interdisciplinary communication since it provides more clarity in assessment, with better visibility of the areas covered by the instrument.
No Consensus on Definition Criteria for Stroke Registry Common Data Elements
Authors: Albright Karen C. , Martin-Schild Sheryl , Bockholt H. Jeremy , Howard George , Alexandrov Andrei , Alexandrov Anne , Sline M. Rick , Grotta James C. , Savitz Sean I.
Published: November 2011

Background: Stroke registries contribute to the conduct of clinical research and to the assessment of health care quality control. Efforts to compare clinical outcomes and quality indicators between centers are dependent on standardized data elements, but it is unknown how stroke physicians define common data elements, such as hypertension or diabetes, when collecting data for registries at their centers. Methods: We conducted an internet-based survey of 91 centers affiliated with a university to assess their definitions of common data elements (CDEs) and compared their responses with standardized definitions, including those from the American College of Cardiology (ACC). Results: More than half (52%) of centers completed the survey. There was only modest agreement among respondents regarding definitions of CDEs in the survey and even less agreement on how the respondents’ definitions compared to ACC standards. Conclusions: Surveyed respondents do not agree on the definitions of CDEs, making comparisons between centers problematic. Standardized definitions of CDEs are needed to improve data collection for patient care and clinical research.
Inheritance of Its1 Region Microsatellite-Like Repeats in the Noble Crayfish, Astacus Astacus (Decapoda, Astacidea)
Authors: Alaranta Anna , Jussila Japo , Kokko Harri
Published: November 2011

We assessed heritability of an ITS1 microsatellite-like repeat pattern in the noble crayfish (Astacus astacus (Linnaeus, 1758)) on 17 families (parents and offspring) by using DNA fragment length analysis (ALFexpress). When the parental fragment length profiles and the profiles of F1 progeny were compared, 15% of the offspring were identical with the female and 36.7% of the offspring were identical with the male, and a total of 99.3% offspring showed parental fragmentation in their fragment length profile. Two out of the 300 offspring (0.7%) showed a fragment length profile with non-parental fragments, possibly because of unequal crossing over or rearrangement. This indicates that ITS1 microsatellite-like repeats were inherited parentally with minor exceptions. Our results show that ITS1 microsatellite-like repeats are parentally inherited and could thus be used to determine population level similarities among crayfish stocks.
Survival and Physical Damage in Swimming Crabs (Brachyura, Portunidae) Discarded from Trawling Fisheries in an Estuarine Ecosystem in Southeastern Brazil
Authors: Moreira F. N. , Vianna M. , Lavrado H. P. , Silva-Junior D. R. , Keunecke K. A.
Published: November 2011

The effects of mechanical stress caused by trawling, handling, air exposure, and discarding during fishing processes can cause irreversible damage to many bycatch organisms. The objective of this work was to evaluate quali-quantitatively the physical damage (loss of limbs) and differential survival among the portunid swimming crabs Callinectes danae Smith, 1869, Callinectes ornatus Ordway, 1863, and Achelous spinimanus (Latreille, 1819) in the pink shrimp trawling fishery in Guanabara Bay, Brazil. Physical damage was quantified by the incidence of lesions for each species in the following categories: male and female; juvenile and adult; and moulting and non-moulting organisms. The percentage of survivors was obtained through a 24-hour experiment in three consecutive days. The most frequently damaged species was C. danae; 58.9% of this species was observed to be injured. C. ornatus and A. spinimanus presented similar injury frequencies with injuries observed, respectively, in 44.3% and 43.5% of individuals of these species. The Chi-square value for male vs. female; juvenile vs. adult; and moulting vs. non-moulting organisms of each species did not exhibit significant differences except for adults and juveniles of C. danae. The most common type of damage observed among the species was the loss of chelipeds and/or pereiopods. Variance analysis did not detect significant differences in the survival of the various species at the different times of the experiment. The three species presented high survival percentages in all treatments, and live individuals of all species likely show similar recovery rates from trawling stress when returned to the sea.
Engaging the Leviathan: National Development, Corporate Globalisation and the Endorois' Quest to Recover their Herding Grounds
Authors: Sing'Oei Korir
Published: November 2011

This article examines in detail the recent landmark decision of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights in Centre for Minority Rights Development & Minority Rights Group (on behalf of the Endorois) v. Kenya. In particular, the article analyses the extent to which the Commission has given a new and more "African" life to indigenous peoples' human rights in the continent. While engaging in a juridical exposition of various rights germane to indigenous groups within the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, the article places this discourse in the context of globalisation whose (re)shaping of the state power has placed non-state corporations at the centre of development intervention with deleterious effects on insular groups.
A Fullerian Analysis of security Council Legislation
Authors: Powell C. H.
Published: November 2011

This article uses the term 'international legislation' to refer to the creation, by the Security Council, of norms by which the Council intends to bind all states, irrespective of their consent. The norms produced by the Council must in turn purport to modify some element of existing law, or to create new law, and they must be general in nature. Two resolutions of the Security Council emerge as 'legislative' under this definition: SCR 1373 of 2001 and SCR 1540 of 2004. Relying on the legal philosophy of Lon Fuller, this article will argue that these resolutions do not, in fact, produce law. Under Fuller's approach, the formal source of a norm is insufficient to determine that norm's legal status, as law is instead constituted by characteristics internal to the normative system. This article sets out these characteristics, analyses them and suggests how they might apply to the international setting. It argues that a practice of legality, in Fuller's terms, arises from three basic elements: reciprocity between the law-giver and those affected by the law; congruence between stated norms and exercises of public authority; and a respect for, and reliance on, the agency of those affected by the norms of the legal system. The article demonstrates that even formally valid activity has failed to attain the status of law because it has not followed these basic elements. It then argues that the Security Council is generally prevented by its very institutional structure from creating norms around which a practice of legality could emerge.
Theology of Religions, Universal Salvation, and the Holy Spirit
Authors: Awad Najeeb George
Published: November 2011

This article is an attempt at viewing the doctrine of salvation from a trinitarian point of view by shifting the focus of the inclusivist theology of religion from a traditional christocentric version into a version that, rather than only being linked to christology, is substantially linked and fundamentally based on a trinitarian doctrine of God. By this focus, I attempt at promoting a theology of religion that is based on the conviction that the non-christian religions can experience God's salvation by means of the particular work of the Spirit and not only by the work of the Son. The purpose is to take christocentric inclusivism into a more biblically comprehensive pneumatico-trinitarian attestation. In the Bible, the saviour of the world is the triune God as the Father, who reconciles the world to Himself particularly by virtue of His Son but universally by virtue of His Holy Spirit.
Espacios de tránsito: los paisajes del movimiento en el metro de Barcelona
Authors: Pellicer Isabel , Rojas Jesus , Vivas Pep
Published: November 2011

Los espacios de tránsito son vitales en la articulación de la red urbana y social. En ellos se materializa la interconexión, el movimiento y la tecnología, características que definen la sociedad actual. En este artículo mostraremos cómo estos espacios urbanos se construyen a través de las prácticas y los usos que se dan en ellos, exponiendo discursos y relaciones que se establecen en la ciudad actual. Para hacerlo, partiremos del ejemplo del metro de Barcelona. En los primeros apartados trataremos los espacios de tránsito. Luego expondremos nuestra propuesta para investigar los espacios urbanos: la etnografía urbana, reivindicando la recuperación de técnicas de recogida de datos que sean sensibles a la principal característica de la sociedad actual, el movimiento. A continuación abordaremos el caso del metro de Barcelona y los discursos que de él hemos recogido. Finalmente, reflexionaremos sobre cómo el constante movimiento se ha convertido en una forma de vida que transforma los hábitos y los espacios.
La iluminación en el Síndrome de Edificios Enfermos: ambientes urbanos y rurales
Authors: Tonello Graciela , Kirschbaum Carlos
Published: November 2011

El Síndrome de Edificios Enfermos (SBS en su sigla en inglés) se caracteriza por una significativa proporción de la población que experimenta síntomas tipo alérgicos que desaparecen o disminuyen al abandonar el edificio. Las causas exactas aún se desconocen y la inclusión de la iluminación dentro de los modelos explicativos de SBS merece mayor investigación

En tal contexto, el presente estudio de campo midió diferentes variables ambientales y su percepción, con hincapié en la iluminación, en 97 usuarios de locales urbanos y rurales. Este trabajo aporta datos y resultados para el desarrollo de un modelo más integral de SBS, lo cual brindaría una herramienta útil para arquitectos y diseñadores interesados en satisfacer las necesidades de los usuarios
Percepción de desorden, riesgo y seguridad: la influencia del método
Authors: Acuña-Rivera Marcela , Uzzell David , Brown Jennifer
Published: November 2011

De acuerdo con varios estudios, la evaluación de incivilidades físicas y sociales de los lugares forma parte del proceso mediante el cual la gente estima su nivel de seguridad. El estudio que aquí se presenta investiga si tal supuesto se mantiene cuando a la gente se le permite expresar lo que piensa de un lugar antes de evaluar el nivel de desorden físico y social del mismo. En primer lugar, los participantes debían escribir sus impresiones sobre tres vecindarios con distintos niveles de desorden, y después evaluar mediante un cuestionario cuán desordenados e inseguros les parecían. El análisis cualitativo mostró que aun cuando los participantes mencionaron el desorden físico del lugar, sólo algunos de ellos hicieron referencia a cuestiones de crimen e inseguridad. El análisis cuantitativo reveló que cuanto más desordenado se evaluaba un lugar mayor inseguridad se percibía. Las conclusiones sugieren que, por un lado, la percepción de desorden de un lugar no siempre evoca respuestas de inseguridad y, por el otro, que la relación encontrada entre desorden e inseguridad puede deberse al método de investigación utilizado.
Do lay people classify environmental transgressions in the same way as public administrations?
Authors: Martín Ana M. , Hess Stephany , Alonso Isabel , Frías-Armenta Martha
Published: November 2011

Environmental transgressions involve breaking environmental protection laws (EPL), constituting a singular kind of illegal conduct from a legal and psychosocial perspective. EPL encompass a wide variety of behaviours which is very broad-ranging and, therefore, require different evaluation criteria. This study analyzes the responses of 196 university students living in an area of high environmental protection to a questionnaire encompassing 20 common environmental transgressions in their immediate surroundings, which they had to evaluate using 14 scales. The results show that the dimensions of the participants' perceptive space are consistent with those obtained through other samples, episodes, scales and statistical procedures. These dimensions enabled 85% of transgressions to be correctly classified into the three categories commonly used by public administrations, with more accurate predictions found for Transgressions against the Natural Environment than for Pollution/Contamination and Construction Activities.
Current and anticipated activities, the presence of disability, and design implications for older adults
Authors: Webb Jennifer , Williams Brent T. , Smith Korydon H. , Leach Jerry L.
Published: November 2011

The present research explores the relationships between the presence of specific disabling conditions in the household, engagement in activities, and implications for the design of environments for older adults. The sample included 234 Arkansas residents between the ages of 60 and 93 that were contacted via random digit dialing. The instrument was comprised of demographic data, questions on activities in both current and anticipated (when I am old) lifestyle, and the presence of disabilities within the household. Significant relationships found between the presence of mobility impairments and lower levels of engagement in current activities such as childcare, driving, visiting family, dining out, and exercising reflect the continued need for adaptations to the environment. Significant relationships between the presence of a visual impairment and activities such as shopping, driving, visiting family, dining out, spending time outdoors, and volunteering highlight the lack of fit between environments in which significant data must be processed or which have not been designed to accommodate those with visual impairments. Activities in the home were not found to be significant within this disability category and this is perhaps due to the fact that individuals with visual impairments can control a home environment and be successful in a wide range of activities. An examination of activities with regard to depression indicates that of the nine significant relationships found, six are levels of engagement when they are old and include visiting family, entertaining friends, dining out, exercising, and engaging in religious, volunteer, and community activities. Additional findings with regard to exercise, transportation, are discussed with regard to person-environment fit
The role of community support and psychological well-being in aging in place
Authors: Cho Jinmyoung , Cook Christine C. , Martin Peter , Russell Daniel W.
Published: November 2011

This study examined the effect of community support and psychological well-being in aging on place in Iowa older people. The data of 1,134 older participants aged 65 years and over were analyzed in this study. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple sample analysis in Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using Mplus 6.1 were performed to assess how community support predicted aging in place through psychological well-being (loneliness, depression, self-rated health) and to compare this assessment between metropolitan (metro) and non-metropolitan (non-metro) residents. Differences between metro and non-metro residents were obtained in community support, depression and self-rated health. Multiple sample analysis showed that there was a difference in the relationships among community support, psychological well-being, and aging in place. We concluded that the environment—community and degree of urbanization—is a key factor in maintaining physical health as well as psychological well-being among older adults.
Actividades actuales y previstas, presencia de discapacidades y repercusiones para el diseño del entorno de las personas mayores
Authors: Webb Jennifer , Williams Brent T. , Smith Korydon H. , Leach Jerry L.
Published: November 2011

La presente investigación explora las relaciones entre la presencia en el hogar de ciertas condiciones discapacitantes específicas, la implicación en actividades y las repercusiones para el diseño del entorno de las personas mayores. La muestra se compone de 234 residentes del estado estadounidense de Arkansas de entre 60 y 93 años de edad, contactados mediante llamadas telefónicas a números aleatorios. Los instrumentos comprendían datos demográficos, preguntas sobre las actividades que realizan como parte de su estilo de vida actual, y del estilo de vida que prevén para el futuro ('cuando sea viejo'), y la presencia de discapacidades en el hogar. Las relaciones significativas encontradas entre presencia de problemas de movilidad y niveles bajos de implicación en actividades como cuidado infantil, conducir, visitar a familiares, salir a cenar y hacer ejercicio muestran que estas personas deben estar constantemente adaptándose a su entorno. Las relaciones significativas encontradas entre presencia de discapacidad visual y actividades como ir de compras, conducir, visitar a familiares, salir a cenar, pasar tiempo al aire libre y trabajar como voluntario ponen de relieve el pobre ajuste de las personas con discapacidades visuales a unos entornos en los que deben procesar muchos datos, o que no han sido diseñados teniendo en cuenta sus necesidades. Las actividades realizadas en el contexto del hogar no resultaron significativas para esta categoría de discapacidad; esto se debe quizás al hecho de que los individuos con discapacidades visuales pueden ejercer cierto control sobre este entorno, y así llevar a cabo de forma satisfactoria un amplio rango de actividades. El examen de las actividades que realizan las personas con depresión indica que, de las nueve relaciones significativas encontradas, seis tienen que ver con el nivel de implicación esperado cuando sean viejos: visitar a familiares, recibir a amigos, salir a cenar, hacer ejercicio e involucrarse en actividades religiosas, comunitarias y de voluntariado. Se debaten las implicaciones para el ajuste persona-entorno de los resultados encontrados en relación con el ejercicio, y el transporte
Dollars and sense: a budget-building framework of transparency for superintendent leadership
Authors: Bird James J.
Published: November 2011

School superintendents annually need to gain affirmative votes from their governing bodies to approve their district budgets. This paper proposes a framework through which the superintendent can express the district’s educational needs and concomitant resource allocations in conceptual terms rather than in multi-columned ledgers. The framework calls for transparency, the involvement of all stakeholders and simplicity. It posits the superintendent in the vital leadership position of being the catalyst for orchestrating change for continuous improvement across the district. Components of the framework include repositories for concepts including: staffing, programme improvement, curriculum development and capital outlay.
Strengths of postgraduate research in continuing professional development for professional educationalists
Authors: Taysum Alison
Published: November 2011

The foundation upon which knowledge was provided in universities was a search for truth with four core beliefs. The first was to be critical of the self, the second to be respectful of others, the third to be tolerant of opposing views and the fourth to be committed to the generation of new knowledge. These principles may be found in curriculums of postgraduate research where leaders gain access to the thinking tools required for democratically engaging in civic work, working for social justice and raising standards in their educational communities. This may be achieved by critiquing different conceptualisations of truth while maintaining respect, tolerance and a commitment to the generation of new knowledge. Therefore leaders doing postgraduate research at a university engage with many conceptualisations of truth or discourses that are brought together in their postgraduate research curriculum. This positions the university as a connector of discourses and as such it is a site of public and moral debate that stands against the erosion of the public space where no political, cultural, cognitive or hegemonic discourse is protagonistic. This study examines these claims and reveals how postgraduate research has equipped two leaders to improve practice within their educational communities.
A systematic review of the effectiveness of physical education and school sport interventions targeting physical activity, movement skills and enjoyment of physical activity
Authors: Dudley Dean , Okely Anthony , Pearson Philip , Cotton Wayne
Published: November 2011

This article presents a systematic review of published literature on the effectiveness of physical education in promoting participation in physical activity, enjoyment of physical activity and movement skill proficiency in children and adolescents. The review utilized a literature search, specifically publications listed in Ovid, A+ Education, ERIC, Sports Discus, Science Direct, PsychInfo from 1990 to June 2010. The literature search yielded 27,410 potentially relevant publications. Twenty-three articles met the inclusion criteria established for this review and applied by three independent reviewers. Articles were rated independently by three reviewers using a 10-item methodological quality scale derived from the CONSORT 2010 statement. The results of the review detail the nature, scope and focus of intervention strategies reported, and reported outcomes of interventions. The most effective strategies to increase children’s levels of physical activity and improve movement skills in physical education were direct instruction teaching methods and providing teachers with sufficient and ongoing professional development in using these physical education (PE) instruction methods. However, the review revealed a lack of high quality evaluations and statistical power to draw conclusions concerning the effectiveness of interventions conducted in physical education and school sport to improve enjoyment outcomes. It is argued that adequately powered interventions that target movement skills in secondary schools and evaluate school sport curriculum are urgently needed.
The Economic Burden Shouldered by Public and Private Entities as a Consequence of Health Disparities Between Men and Women
Authors: Brott Armin , Dougherty Adam , Williams Scott T. , Matope Janet H. , Fadich Ana , Taddelle Muguleta
Published: November 2011

On average, American men live shorter, less healthy lives than women. They are more likely to be the victim of a violent crime, die in a car crash, commit suicide, and be injured at work. In addition, men have higher death rates in 9 of the top 10 causes of death, and are less likely to receive routine preventative care, leaving men with a life span that is significantly shorter than women’s. Recently, policy makers and researchers have been paying more attention to health disparities including race, sex, and ethnicity. However, men are still noticeably absent from these discussions despite being significantly harmed by disparities in preventive care, quality of life, and overall health outcomes. Ignoring these disparities is costly in terms of lost productivity, lives lost, and financial costs incurred by the government and employers each year. Premature death and morbidity in men costs federal, state, and local governments in excess of $142 billion annually. It also costs U.S.employers and society as a whole in excess of $156 billion annually in direct medical payments and lost productivity and an additional $181 billion annually in decreased quality of life. As federal and state governments and the private sector struggle with increasing health entitlement burdens—including escalating health care costs—eliminating male health inequities emerges as an important source of savings. This analysis will examine the economic and intangible costs associated with the health disparities that exist between genders and the benefits reaped if these disparities are reduced or eliminated.
Seismic conditioning and attenuation of high-angle coherent noise in a mixed carbonate and siliciclastic setting, Campos Basin, offshore Brazil: A case study
Authors: Ogiesoba Osareni C. , Wright Wayne , Wang Fred , Popini M. V. , Franco M. P. , Lourenco A. T. , da Silva G. B. D.
Published: November 2011

We demonstrate the use of two industry-standard, noise-attenuating algorithms, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] filtering, to attenuate coherent noise, improve event continuity, and obtain more reliable interpretation within the Pampo field, Campos Basin, offshore Brazil. We analyze 3D seismic data for noise type and associated maximum dip, and then determine optimal attenuating parameters required by the algorithms. In the crossline direction, coherent noise with dips as high as 16 to 18 ms/trace in the data masks real reflected signals. In the inline direction, the noise exhibited an approximately zero dip. The filtering process eliminated noise trains and improved event continuity, as well as obtained better well-to-seismic tie. The output wavenumber associated with noise trains is less than the Nyquist wavenumber; therefore, we conclude that the noise is not related to spatial aliasing, but to other undetermined sources. Though the noise occurs within the entire data volume, it is most severe in the vicinity of the carbonate platform. By eliminating linear noise that masquerades as geologic structures, we obtain better imaging of the Albian succession and the younger Cretaceous turbidite sequences, as well as the top of Aptian salt. The result is a better interpretation.
Quest for consistency, symmetry, and simplicity — The legacy of Albert Tarantola
Authors: Mosegaard Klaus
Published: November 2011

On 6 December 2009, the distinguished Spanish-French physicist and geoscientist, Albert Tarantola, passed away at the age of 60. Born in Barcelona in 1949, he went to Paris where he lived most of his life, and worked as a professor at Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris. His extensive scientific production and remarkable achievements in inverse problem theory and geophysical data analysis established him as one of the most influential mathematical geoscientists of our time. He became the father of probabilistic inverse theory, a theory that he passionately defended against severe criticism and managed to propagate to a major part of the geophysical community. Another major achievement was his contributions to the theory of seismic waveform inversion—a work that right now is unfolding its potential in large-scale computations. Albert’s contributions were not limited to geoscience. He started his career in astrophysics, and later in his life he wrote several papers and books on physics and probability, including new formulations of fluid dynamics, elasticity theory, global positioning, and scientific inference. Albert possessed a unique combination of exceptional skills and remarkable mental energy. He was a veritable powerhouse with an unusual work ethic, and his passion for science will remain an ideal for all those who worked with him.
Imaging permafrost velocity structure using high resolution 3D seismic tomography
Authors: Ramachandran Kumar , Bellefleur Gilles , Brent Tom , Riedel Michael , Dallimore Scott
Published: November 2011

A 3D seismic survey (Mallik 3D), covering [Formula: see text] in the Mackenzie Delta area of Canada’s north, was conducted by industry in 2002. Numerous lakes and marine inundation create a complex near-surface structure in the permafrost terrain. Much of the near subsurface remains frozen but significant melt zones exist particularly from perennially unfrozen water bodies. This results in an irregular distribution of permafrost ice creating a complex pattern of low and high frequency near-surface velocity variations which induce significant traveltime distortions in surface seismic data. A high resolution 3D traveltime tomography study was employed to map the permafrost velocity structure utilizing first-arrival traveltimes picked from 3D seismic shot records. Approximately 900,000 traveltime picks from 3167 shots were used in the inversion. Tomographic inversion of the first-arrival traveltimes resulted in a smooth velocity model for the upper 200 m of the subsurface. Ray coverage in the model is excellent down to 200 m providing effective control for estimating velocities through tomographic inversion. Resolution tests conducted through horizontal and vertical checkerboard tests confirm the robustness of the velocity model in detailing small scale velocity variations. Well velocities were used to validate tomographic velocities. The tomographic velocities do not show systematic correlation with well velocities. The velocity model clearly images the permafrost velocity structure in lateral and vertical directions. It is inferred from the velocity model that the permafrost structure in the near subsurface is discontinuous. Extensions of surface water bodies in depth, characterized by low P-wave velocities, are well imaged by the velocity model. Deep lakes with unfrozen water, inferred from the tomographic velocity model, correlate with areas of strong amplitude blanking and frequency attenuation observed in processed reflection seismic stack sections.
Lactate shuttles at a glance: from physiological paradigms to anti-cancer treatments
Authors: Draoui Nihed , Feron Olivier
Published: November 2011

Hypoxia and oncogene expression both stimulate glycolytic metabolism in tumors, thereby leading to lactate production. However, lactate is more than merely a by-product of glycolysis: it can be used as a metabolic fuel by oxidative cancer cells. This phenomenon resembles processes that have been described for skeletal muscle and brain that involve what are known as cell-cell and intracellular lactate shuttles. Two control points regulate lactate shuttles: the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)-dependent conversion of lactate into pyruvate (and back), and the transport of lactate into and out of cells through specific monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs). In tumors, MCT4 is largely involved in hypoxia-driven lactate release, whereas the uptake of lactate into both tumor cells and tumor endothelial cells occurs via MCT1. Translating knowledge of lactate shuttles to the cancer field offers new perspectives to therapeutically target the hypoxic tumor microenvironment and to tackle tumor angiogenesis.
Mast cells express tyrosine hydroxylase and store dopamine in a serglycin-dependent manner
Authors: Rönnberg Elin , Calounova Gabriela , Pejler Gunnar
Published: November 2011

Here we show that mast cells contain dopamine and that mast cell activation causes dopamine depletion, indicating its presence within secretory granules. Dopamine storage increased during mast cell maturation from bone marrow precursors, and was dependent on the presence of serglycin. Moreover, the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase, the key enzyme in dopamine biosynthesis, was induced during mast cell maturation; histidine decarboxylase and tryptophan hydroxylase 1 were also induced. Mast cell activation caused a robust induction of histidine decarboxylase, but no stimulation of tyrosine hydroxylase or tryptophan hydroxylase 1 expression. The present study points toward a possible role of dopamine in mast cell function.
Cylindric embeddings of Cayley graphs
Authors: Droms Carl
Published: November 2011

An embedding of an infinite Cayley graph in the two–sphere has either one, two, or an infinite number of essential accumulation points of vertices. We obtain a list of group presentations which includes every group possessing a Cayley graph that can be embedded in the two–sphere with two essential accumulation points of vertices.
Health Effects Associated with Wastewater Treatment, Reuse, and Disposal
Authors: Peterson Jacob D. , Murphy Robert R. , Jin Yao , Wang Ling , Nessl Michael B. , Ikehata Keisuke
Published: November 2011

A review of the literature published in 2010 on topics relating to the public and environmental health risks associated with wastewater treatment, reuse, and disposal is presented. This review is divided into the following sections: wastewater treatment and management, ecological impacts and ecotoxicology, potable reuse, nonpotable reuse, and wastewater disposal and discharge.
A Domain-Specific Validation of the Core Self-Evaluations Scale
Authors: Miller Brian K. , Nicols Kay M.
Published: November 2011

Core self-evaluations have been recently proposed as indicating positive self-concept and as being predictive of various forms of subjective well-being. In an effort to further validate the Core Self-Evaluations Scale (CSES), structural equation modeling ( SEM) was employed in three independent samples of university students to examine the extent to which scores on the Core Self-Evaluations Scale predicted two measures of university satisfaction. Good fit was found for models that also controlled for status in college, student major, class satisfaction, life satisfaction, college grade point average, and overall grade fairness. Statistically significant relationships corrected for attenuation by SEM between scores on the Core Self-Evaluations Scale and university satisfaction range from .24 to .37.