bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring Opportunities for Engaging Public Health Organizations in Transportation Planning
Authors: Li Jianling , Casey Colleen , Brewer Lou K.
Published: February 2015

Despite a call for collaboration, there remain challenges to engaging the public health community in the regional transportation planning process. Using an integrated framework of network theory and collaborative planning, we explore collaboration barriers and opportunities between transportation and public health communities. Analysis of primary data collected from a focus group and secondary data from 43 national case studies suggests that major perceived barriers include a lack of formal and informal mechanisms and knowledge management practices that facilitate collaboration. Coordination of policies at multiple levels, leadership, trust, and data sharing are recognized as important tools for collaboration. Implications are discussed.
Adoption of Shadow Bid Pricing for Enhanced Application of “Value for Money” Methodology to PPP Programs
Authors: Tsukada Shunso
Published: February 2015

Since the inception of the private finance initiative (PFI) in the mid-1990s, PFI has undergone a significant change from service-oriented to investment-oriented projects including public private partnership (PPP) projects. In spite of this change, the value for money (VfM) methodology designed for evaluating the justifiability of PFI projects has not changed much for the last two decades. A question has arisen on whether the current VfM methodology is still valid for the assessment of PPP projects that depend much less on the government subsidy compared to service-oriented projects. This research is intended to revamp the current VfM methodology by adopting a shadow bid pricing (SBP) approach so as to make it applicable to PPP projects in a more straightforward manner. The validity of this SBP approach was tested by applying it to a real-world case in India (National Highway Development Program III) with positive finding of its validity.
A Four-Step Process to Assess the Fiscal Performance and Sufficiency of State Road Funds
Authors: Gibson Bryan , Denison Dwight , Wallace Candice , Kreis Doug
Published: February 2015

Aging transportation infrastructure and diminishing financial resources are challenging the management of state transportation systems. Policy makers and administrators are seeking fiscal performance measurement tools to better monitor and manage infrastructure. This article discusses and applies a four-step process to examine past revenue and expenditure trends to determine transportation expenditure sufficiency for state road funds, using the Kentucky Road Fund as a template. A comprehensive approach to this issue is utilized by demonstrating several possible measures of sufficiency and then presenting some future scenarios. Expenditures across various facets of the transportation system are then analyzed with a number of performance metrics as well as construction cost measures to estimate sufficiency. Finally, short-term forecasts of several revenue scenarios are presented to provide context for possible future funding levels under the current revenue regime. The Kentucky case study provides a template to analyze state road funds and potentially draw conclusions as to the continued solvency and state of transportation infrastructure. As policy makers better understand the sufficiency of road fund resources to meet transportation priorities, they will better understand the costs of meeting future transportation needs and the opportunity costs of diverting transportation resources to other policy priorities.
The learning burden of collocations: The role of interlexical and intralexical factors
Authors: Peters Elke
Published: February 2015

This study investigates whether congruency (+/– literal translation equivalent), collocate–node relationship (adjective–noun, verb–noun, phrasal-verb–noun collocations), and word length influence the learning burden of EFL learners’ learning collocations at the initial stage of form–meaning mapping. Eighteen collocations were selected on the basis of a pretest. They were divided into 9 congruent and 9 incongruent collocations and into 6 verb–noun collocations, 6 phrasal-verb–noun collocations and 6 adjective–noun collocations. Forty-one EFL learners (first language: Dutch) were asked to read a word list containing the 18 target collocations, their translation and a sample sentence and to complete four online exercises, in which the 18 collocations were presented twice. Learning gains were measured at three levels of sensitivity: form recall test 1, form recall test 2 (+ clue), form recognition test. Although mixed findings were revealed, all factors seemed to affect the learning difficultly of the collocations. Incongruent collocations appeared to be more difficult to recall than congruent ones. Adjective–noun collocations were better recalled and recognized than (phrasal) verb–noun collocations. Depending on the posttest, participants’ vocabulary size and word length of the individual constituents making up the collocation also affected the learning process.
Onset of maternal psychiatric disorders after the birth of a child with autism spectrum disorder: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Fairthorne Jenny , Jacoby Peter , Bourke Jenny , de Klerk Nick , Leonard Helen
Published: February 2015

Background:

Mothers of a child with autism spectrum disorder have more psychiatric disorders after the birth of their child. This might be because they have more psychiatric disorders before the birth, or the increase could be related to the burden of caring for their child.

Aims:

We aimed to calculate the incidence of a psychiatric diagnosis in women with no psychiatric history after the birth of their eldest child with autism spectrum disorder compared to women with no child with autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disability and no psychiatric history.

Methods:

By linking datasets from Western Australian population-based registries, we calculated the incidence of a psychiatric disorder in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder and compared to mothers of children with no autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disability. Negative binomial regression using STATA 13 was used for all analyses.

Results:

Apart from alcohol and substance abuse, mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder had higher incidences of all categories of psychiatric disorders than other mothers.

Conclusion and implications:

The increase of psychiatric disorders in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder and no psychiatric history compared to similar mothers with no child with autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disability might be due to a pre-existing genetic disposition coupled with an environmental trigger provided by the challenges of raising their children with autism spectrum disorder. In addition, the increased burden borne by the mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder might result in a higher incidence of psychiatric disorders in mothers who are not genetically disposed.
Process dissociation models in racial bias research: Updating the analytic method and integrating with signal detection approaches
Authors: Burke Christopher T.
Published: February 2015

Process dissociation models are an increasingly important methodology for studying the influence of race on rapid judgments and decisions. While the process dissociation method has contributed many insights into the processes underlying such judgments, there remain several unresolved analytic issues, including which process model best accounts for observed behavior, how best to account for individual differences in process estimates, and how to connect process dissociation estimates to related research stemming from the signal detection tradition. This paper reviews these issues in depth before presenting a simulation study, which allows for a comprehensive examination of the performance of different analytic approaches. Using the information gleaned from this simulation study, I present an updated approach to modeling process dissociation data that will better allow researchers to address questions of interest. Of primary importance, this approach uses a mixed-model framework, which allows for much better handling of individual differences.
Self-reported sexual and psychosocial health among non-heterosexual Danes
Authors: Graugaard Christian , Giraldi Annamaria , Frisch Morten , Falgaard Eplov Lene , Davidsen Michael
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Little is known about the sexual and psychosocial health of non-heterosexual Danes. Based on a large population study, the aim of this article was to compare quality-of-life-related key variables of heterosexual and non-heterosexual men and women, aged 16–66. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional data from the nationwide, representative Health and Morbidity Survey ( n = 8496) were used to compare variables concerning both general and sexual well-being of self-identified heterosexual and non-heterosexual respondents. Results: Nearly twice as many non-heterosexual than heterosexual men rated their sexual life as bad or very bad (22.5% versus 12.8%), while no statistical difference was seen among women (13.6% versus 10.6%). For both genders, significantly more non-heterosexuals than heterosexuals stated that their sexual needs were not met (17.9% versus 7.7% for men and 14.8% versus 6.9% for women), and significantly more non-heterosexuals reported acts of sexual violence (8.3% versus 2.1% for men and 35.8% versus 13.0% for women). Finally, non-heterosexual respondents had contemplated suicide more than twice as often as heterosexuals (15.9% versus 7.4% for men and 19.7% versus 8.3% for women). Actual suicide attempts were roughly three times more frequent in the non-heterosexual groups (8.3% versus 2.6 % for men and 11.8% versus 4.2% for women). Conclusions: Overall, non-heterosexual Danes reported higher degrees of sexual and/or psychosocial distress than heterosexuals. Further research is needed; but scientists, clinicians and public health workers should be aware that non-heterosexuals may pose specific health-related challenges and requirements.
Characteristics of drug-abusing females with and without children seeking treatment in Helsinki, Finland
Authors: Basnet Sushil , Onyeka Ifeoma N. , Tiihonen Jari , Föhr Jaana , Kauhanen Jussi
Published: February 2015

Aims: This study characterizes treatment-seeking female users of illicit drugs in Finland, and examines possible differences among women with or without children under 18. Methods: The subjects were 2526 drug-using clients from the Helsinki metropolitan area, who sought treatment at Helsinki Deaconess Institute between 2001 and 2008. A total of 775 (30.6%) were females with complete information regarding their parental status. Of these, 225 (29%) had children under 18. The proportion of women with children varied between 20% and 30% annually, except in 2006, when it peaked at 40.5%. Results: Women with children were more likely to be somewhat older ( p<0.001), married or cohabiting ( p<0.001), homeless ( p=0.007), unemployed ( p<0.001), and living with other illicit drug users ( p=0.014), compared with those without children. Self-referral and referral to treatment by child healthcare services were more common among those who had children ( p<0.001). A higher proportion of women with children reported use of opiates as the primary drug ( p<0.001), and used them more often intravenously ( p=0.001), and daily ( p=0.007), during the previous month. However, polydrug use ( p=0.607) and sharing of needles/syringes ( p=0.945) were similar in both groups. Prevalence of hepatitis B and C ( p=0.041 and p<0.001, respectively) were more common in females with children. Among women who had children, 34.2% had children living within the same household, 37.3% in foster care, and 22.7% elsewhere. Conclusions: Women with children had more risky drug consumption patterns, and were more likely to live with other drug users; this creates an unhealthy environment for child rearing.
Re-engaging with community work as a method of practice in social work: A view from Northern Ireland
Authors: Das Chaitali , O’Neill Martin , Pinkerton John
Published: February 2015

•  Summary: This article investigates community work as a method in social work in Northern Ireland (NI). It traces the processes that have led to the marginalisation of community work within social work practices and the complex relationship between community development and social work. Nonetheless, the welfare state is undergoing change wherein new agendas of personalisation, service user involvement, community engagement and partnership are emerging, which are changing the occupational space of social work. We argue that this change can be an opportunity through which social work can and must re-engage with community development, particularly within the existing political arrangements and sectarian context of NI. However, social work’s engagement in the community presents risks given its current relationship with the state and loss of trust within the Northern Irish community. We discuss these risks and further possibilities.

•  Findings: The article draws from contemporary literature on the current context of community development and service provision in NI social work’s involvement. The possibilities for community social work are explored through recent policy initiatives and the current situation of the community sector. Risks that stem from social work's relationship with the state, and with community organisations as well as the contradiction between discourses of partnership in service delivery and the ground reality are considered.

•  Applications: Our analysis suggests the need for: a) collective action by social workers through collective representation, b) a new conceptualisation of professionalism that incorporates partnerships with other workers in the care sector, and c) education that has contemporary resonance.
Democratising world heritage: The policies and practices of community involvement in Turkey
Authors: Human Helen
Published: February 2015

This article analyses Turkey’s efforts to institutionalise community involvement in the management of sites on the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). Drawing upon Sally Merry’s idea of ‘vernacularization’, it traces the strategic and contentious process by which Turkish politicians and bureaucrats interpret and implement UNESCO's best practice standard of community involvement in the management of heritage sites. It examines how global notions of cultural heritage preservation become entangled with local politics, resulting in competing claims about ethical norms and governance. Through an in-depth ethnographic exploration, the article looks at the effects of the resulting policies and social practices at the Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük, inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2012. The transnational World Heritage arena challenges state and public awareness; but it also has the unintended consequence of corroborating the existing hierarchies upon which governmental authority rests.
Brand volunteering
Authors: Cova Bernard , Pace Stefano , Skålén Per
Published: February 2015

Through collaborative marketing approaches, companies invite consumers to provide unpaid contributions. Companies commonly do this in the realm of brand communities. The key question this article addresses is how can a company lead consumers to offer unpaid contributions to brands as an act of free will? To answer this question, we develop a framework based on volunteer commitment research to study the actions a company takes to engage consumers in unpaid work for brands. We use this framework to analyse the online collaboration promoted by the carmaker Fiat with its brand community of Alfa Romeo enthusiasts (Alfisti). The research introduces the notion of brand volunteers, that is, brand enthusiasts who are committed to providing unpaid work for the exclusive benefit of the brand. With this notion, the article discusses the possibility of exploiting consumers in value co-creation and the existence of compromises, signifying an agreement between two collaborating parties in which one party (in our case, the consumer) temporarily puts aside possible sources of conflict.
Reflections on Designing a MPA Service-Learning Component
Authors: Roman Alexandru V.
Published: February 2015

This article provides the “lessons learned” from the experience of redesigning two sections (face-to-face and online) of a core master of public administration class as a service-learning course. The suggestions made here can be traced to the entire process of the project, from the “seed idea” through its conceptualization and implementation. The discussion relies heavily on quantitative and qualitative data collected during and at the completion of the two sections. On the whole, this article discusses some of the pedagogical and operationalization issues that are critical for the success of service-learning courses.
Psychometrics of the Fitness-to-Drive Screening Measure
Authors: Classen Sherrilene , Velozo Craig A. , Winter Sandra M. , Bédard Michel , Wang Yanning
Published: February 2015

We employed item response theory (IRT), specifically using Rasch modeling, to determine the measurement precision of the Fitness-to-Drive Screening Measure (FTDS), a tool that can be used by caregivers and occupational therapists to help detect at-risk drivers. We examined unidimensionality through the factor structure (how items contribute to the central construct of fitness to drive), rating scale (use of the categories of the rating scale), item/person-level separation (distinguishing between items with different difficulty levels or persons with different ability levels) and reliability, item hierarchy (easier driving items advancing to more difficult driving items), rater reliability, rater effects (severity vs. leniency of a rater), and criterion validity of the FTDS to an on-road assessment, via three rater groups ( n = 200 older drivers; n = 200 caregivers; n = 2 evaluators). The FTDS is unidimensional, the rating scale performed well, has good person (>3.07) and item (>5.43) separation, good person (>0.90) and item reliability (>0.97), with <10% misfitting items for two rater groups (caregivers and drivers). The intraclass correlation (ICC) coefficient among the three rater groups was significant (.253, p < .001) and the evaluators were the most severe raters. When comparing the caregivers’ FTDS rating with the drivers’ on-road assessment, the areas under the curve (index of discriminability; caregivers .726, p < .001) suggested concurrent validity between the FTDS and the on-road assessment. Despite limitations, the FTDS is a reliable and accurate screening measure for caregivers to help identify at-risk older drivers and for occupational therapy practitioners to start conversations about driving.
Tailored Calendar Journals to Ascertain Falls Among Older Adults
Authors: Stark Susan L. , Silianoff Tara J. , Kim H. Lyn , Conte Jane W. , Morris John C.
Published: February 2015

Although falls are a serious health risk for community-dwelling older adults, their ascertainment has been complicated by issues such as recall and reporting biases. We examined a novel method, individualized tailored calendars, to accurately ascertain falls in older adults. A convenience sample of 125 cognitively normal participants enrolled in longitudinal studies of healthy aging at the Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Ressearch Center was followed prospectively for 12 months. Tailored calendar journal pages were used to document falls daily and returned by mail monthly. Participants received a US$5 gift card incentive for each month returned. Participants returned 1,487 of 1,500 calendar months over the 12-month follow-up for 99.1% compliance rate. There were 154 falls reported. Tailored calendar journals and incentives may be effective in ascertaining falls among community-dwelling older adults. This tool could improve the accuracy of outcome measures for occupational therapy interventions.
Identifying and Evaluating the Therapeutic Strategies Used During a Manualized Self-Advocacy Intervention for Transition-Age Youth
Authors: Kramer Jessica M.
Published: February 2015

Prior to undertaking randomized control trials, pilot research should ensure that an intervention’s active ingredients are operationalized in manuals or protocols. This study identified the strategies facilitators reported to use during the implementation of a problem-solving self-advocacy intervention, Project “Teens making Environment and Activity Modifications” ( TEAM), with transition-age youth with developmental disabilities, and evaluated the alignment of strategies with the intervention’s hypothesized mechanisms of change. An iterative process was used to conduct a content analysis of 106 field notes completed by six facilitators. Facilitators used 19 strategies. Findings suggest that facilitators used strategies simultaneously to ensure universal design for learning, maximize relevance for individual trainees, and maintain a safe and encouraging environment. Facilitators can individualize Project TEAM in a way that operationalizes the mechanisms of change underlying Project TEAM. The quality of the intervention may improve by explicitly incorporating these strategies into the intervention protocol. The strategies may also be applicable to therapists implementing interventions informed by similar theoretical propositions.
The Effect of Conflict Type and Organizational Crisis on Perceived Strategic Decision Effectiveness
Authors: Hurt Kevin J. , Abebe Michael A.
Published: February 2015

The current study aims to investigate the effects of cognitive and affective conflict on two important attributes of perceived strategic decision effectiveness: perceived strategic decision quality and commitment. Specifically, we identify cognitive conflict as a nonlinear phenomenon and test whether the presence of an organizational crisis alters the relationship between conflict types (cognitive and affective) and perceived decision quality and commitment. Our analysis of data from 264 executives comprising a total of 64 strategic decision-making (SDM) teams indicates that the effect of cognitive conflict on perceived strategic decision outcomes is, in fact, nonlinear. Furthermore, the findings of the study also revealed that organizational crisis is a significant moderator of the relationship between both level of cognitive and affective conflict and perceived strategic decision quality. These results help clarify the mixed findings about the effects of cognitive conflict within SDM teams and provide some insight on how SDM teams can maximize conflict in the decision-making process, without incurring its costs. More important, our findings indicate that high crisis contexts tend to lessen the influence of both cognitive and affective conflict on perceived strategic decision quality, suggesting that intrateam conflict dynamics among top management teams to some extent could be superseded by the urgent need for prompt decision making and collaboration. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Optimisation of pharmacy content in clinical cancer research protocols: Experience of the United Kingdom Chemotherapy and Pharmacy Advisory Service
Authors: Debruyne Philip R , Johnson Philip J , Pottel Lies , Daniels Susanna , Greer Rachel , Hodgkinson Elizabeth , Kelly Stephen , Lycke Michelle , Samol Jens , Mason Julie , Kimber Donna , Loucaides Eileen , Parmar Mahesh KB , Harvey Sally
Published: February 2015

Background

Clarity and accuracy of the pharmacy aspects of cancer clinical trial protocols is essential. Inconsistencies and ambiguities in such protocols have the potential to delay research and jeopardise both patient safety and collection of credible data. The Chemotherapy and Pharmacy Advisory Service was established by the UK National Cancer Research Network, currently known as National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network, to improve the quality of pharmacy-related content in cancer clinical research protocols. This article reports the scope of Chemotherapy and Pharmacy Advisory Service, its methodology of mandated protocol review and pharmacy-related guidance initiatives and its current impact.

Methods

Over a 6-year period (2008–2013) since the inception of Chemotherapy and Pharmacy Advisory Service, cancer clinical trial protocols were reviewed by the service, prior to implementation at clinical trial sites. A customised Review Checklist was developed and used by a panel of experts to standardise the review process and report back queries and inconsistencies to chief investigators. Based on common queries, a Standard Protocol Template comprising specific guidance on drug-related content and a Pharmacy Manual Template were developed. In addition, a guidance framework was established to address ‘ad hoc’ pharmacy-related queries. The most common remarks made at protocol review have been summarised and categorised through retrospective analysis. In order to evaluate the impact of the service, chief investigators were asked to respond to queries made at protocol review and make appropriate changes to their protocols. Responses from chief investigators have been collated and acceptance rates determined.

Results

A total of 176 protocols were reviewed. The median number of remarks per protocol was 26, of which 20 were deemed clinically relevant and mainly concerned the drug regimen, support medication, frequency and type of monitoring and drug supply aspects. Further analysis revealed that 62% of chief investigators responded to the review. All responses were positive with an overall acceptance rate of 89% of the proposed protocol changes.

Conclusion

Review of pharmacy content of cancer clinical trial protocols is feasible and exposes many undetected clinically relevant issues that could hinder efficient trial conduct. Our service audit revealed that the majority of suggestions were effectively incorporated in the final protocols. The refinement of existing and development of new pharmacy-related guidance documents by Chemotherapy and Pharmacy Advisory Service might aid in better and safer clinical research.
Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Megson Ian L. , Treweeke Andrew T. , Shaw Andrew , MacRury Sandra M. , Setford Steven , Frias Juan P. , Anhalt Henry
Published: February 2015

Background: Oxidative stress is a detrimental feature of diabetes implicated in the progression of the disease and its complications. The relationship between insulin therapy and oxidative stress is complex. This study tested the hypothesis that improved glucose control, rather than insulin dose, is central to reduced oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes following continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII). Methods: In this 16-week, multicenter study, 54 CSII-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes (age 57 ± 10 years, HbA1c 69 ± 15 mmol/mol [8.5 ± 1.4%], diabetes duration 13 ± 6 years) treated with either oral antidiabetic agents (OAD) alone (n = 17), basal insulin ± OAD (n = 17), or multiple daily injections (MDI) ± OAD (n = 20) were the evaluable group. Diabetes medications except metformin were discontinued, and 16 weeks of CSII was initiated. Insulin dose was titrated to achieve optimal glycemic control. A plasma marker of oxidative stress relevant to cardiovascular disease (oxidized low density lipoprotein [ox-LDL]) was assessed at baseline and week 16. Results: CSII improved glycemic control (HbA1c −13 ± 2 mmol/mol [−1.2 ± 0.2%]; fasting glucose −36.6 ± 8.4 mg/dL; mean glucose excursion −23.2 ± 6.5 mg/dL, mean ± SE; all P < .001) and reduced ox-LDL (–10.5%; P < .05). The antioxidant effect was cohort-independent ( P > .05), but was significantly more pronounced in patients on statins ( P = .019). The effect of CSII was more closely correlated to improvements in glucose excursion ( P = .013) than to insulin dose ( P > .05) or reduction in HbA1c ( P > .05). Conclusions: CSII induces depression of plasma ox-LDL associated with change in glucose control, rather than with change in insulin dose. The effect is augmented in patients receiving statins.
Lifestyle measures in the management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: clinical and pathophysiological considerations
Authors: Kang J.H.-E. , Kang J.Y.
Published: February 2015

Several lifestyle and dietary factors are commonly cited as risk factors for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and modification of these factors has been advocated as first-line measures for the management of GORD. We performed a systematic review of the literature from 2005 to the present relating to the effect of these factors and their modification on GORD symptoms, physiological parameters of reflux as well as endoscopic appearances. Conflicting results existed for the association between smoking, alcohol and various dietary factors in the development of GORD. These equivocal findings are partly due to methodology problems. There is recent good evidence that weight reduction and smoking cessation are beneficial in reducing GORD symptoms. Clinical and physiological studies also suggest that some physical measures as well as modification of meal size and timing can also be beneficial. However, there is limited evidence for the role of avoiding alcohol and certain dietary ingredients including carbonated drinks, caffeine, fat, spicy foods, chocolate and mint.
Primary Care Providers’ Recommendations for Hypertension Prevention, DocStyles Survey, 2012
Authors: Fang Jing , Ayala Carma , Loustalot Fleetwood
Published: February 2015

Background: Healthy behaviors, including maintaining an ideal body weight, eating a healthy diet, being physically active, limiting alcohol intake, and not smoking, can help prevent hypertension. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of recommending these behaviors to patients by primary care providers (PCPs) and to assess what PCP characteristics, if any, were associated with making the recommendations. Methods: DocStyles 2012, a Web-based panel survey, was used to assess PCPs’ demographic characteristics, health-related behaviors, practice setting, and prevalence of making selected recommendations to prevent hypertension. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds of making all 6 recommendations, by demographic, professional, or personal health behavior characteristics. Results: Overall, 1253 PCPs responded to the survey (537 family physicians, 464 internists, and 252 nurse practitioners). To prevent hypertension, 89.4% recommended a healthy diet, 89.9% recommended lower salt intake, 90.3% recommended maintaining a healthy weight, 69.4% recommended limiting alcohol intake, 95.1% recommended being physically active, and 90.4% recommended smoking cessation for their patients who smoked. More than half (56.1%) of PCPs recommended all 6 healthy behaviors. PCPs’ demographic characteristics and practice setting were not associated with recommending all 6. PCPs who reported participating in regular physical activity (odds ratio [OR] 1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-2.67) and eating healthy diet (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.11-2.56) were more likely to offer all 6 healthy behavior recommendations than those without these behaviors. Conclusion: Most PCPs recommended healthy behaviors to their adult patients to prevent hypertension. PCPs’ own healthy behaviors were associated with their recommendations. Preventing hypertension is a multifactorial effort, and in the clinical environment, PCPs have frequent opportunities to model and promote healthy lifestyles to their patients.
The Mangle of Interprofessional Health Care Teams
Authors: Sommerfeldt Susan C.
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study was to explore dimensions of relational work in interprofessional health care teams. Practitioners from a variety of disciplines came together to examine teamwork and cocreate knowledge about interprofessionalism using forum theater. Interviews held prior to the workshop to explore teamwork were foundational to structuring the workshop. The forum theater processes offered participants the opportunity to enact and challenge behaviors and attitudes they experienced in health care teams. Throughout the workshop, aspects of professional identity, power, trust, communication, system structures, and motivation were explored. The activities of the workshop were analyzed using Pickering’s theory, identifying three mangle strands found in being a team: organizational influences, accomplishing tasks, and an orientation to care. Performativity was identified as having a bearing on how teams perform and how teamwork is enacted. Practice components were seen as strands within a mangling of human and nonhuman forces that shape team performativity.
Established and theoretical factors to consider in assessing the red cell storage lesion
Authors: Zimring James C.
Published: February 2015

The collection and storage of red blood cells (RBCs) is a logistical necessity to provide sufficient blood products. However, RBC storage is an unnatural state, resulting in complicated biological changes, referred to collectively as the “storage lesion.” Specifics of the storage lesion have been studied for decades, including alterations to cellular properties, morphology, molecular biology of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids, and basic metabolism. Recently, mass spectrometry–based “omics” technology has been applied to the RBC storage lesion, resulting in many new observations, the initial effects of which are more information than understanding. Meanwhile, clinical research on RBC transfusion is considering both the efficacy and also the potential untoward effects of transfusing stored RBCs of different ages and storage conditions. The myriad biological changes that have now been observed during the storage lesion have been extensively reviewed elsewhere. This article focuses rather on an analysis of our current understanding of the biological effects of different elements of the storage lesion, in the context of evolving new clinical understanding. A synopsis is presented of both established and theoretical considerations of the RBC storage lesion and ongoing efforts to create a safer and more efficacious product.
Polarized Raman spectroscopy with differing angles of laser incidence on single-layer graphene
Authors: Heo Gaeun , Kim Yong Seung , Chun Seung-Hyun , Seong Maeng-Je
Published: February 2015

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-grown single-layer graphene samples, transferred onto a transmission electron microscope (TEM) grid and onto a quartz plate, were studied using polarized Raman spectroscopy with differing angles of laser incidence (θ). Two different polarization configurations are used. In an in-plane configuration, the polarization direction of both incident and scattered light is parallel to the graphene plane. In an out-of-plane configuration, the angle between the polarization vector and the graphene plane is the same as the angle of laser incidence (θ). The normalized Raman intensity of the G-band measured in the out-of-plane configuration, with respect to that in the in-plane configuration, was analyzed as a function of θ. The normalized Raman intensity showed approximately cos2
θ-dependence up to θ = 70°, which can be explained by the fact that only the electric field component of the incident and the scattered photon in the out-of-plane configuration projected onto the graphene plane can contribute to the Raman scattering process because of the perfect confinement of the electrons to the graphene plane.
The impact of thickness and thermal annealing on refractive index for aluminum oxide thin films deposited by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Wang Zi-Yi , Zhang Rong-Jun , Lu Hong-Liang , Chen Xin , Sun Yan , Zhang Yun , Wei Yan-Feng , Xu Ji-Ping , Wang Song-You , Zheng Yu-Xiang , Chen Liang-Yao
Published: February 2015

The aluminum oxide (Al2O3) thin films with various thicknesses under 50 nm were deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) on silicon substrate. The surface topography investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed that the samples were smooth and crack-free. The ellipsometric spectra of Al2O3 thin films were measured and analyzed before and after annealing in nitrogen condition in the wavelength range from 250 to 1,000 nm, respectively. The refractive index of Al2O3 thin films was described by Cauchy model and the ellipsometric spectra data were fitted to a five-medium model consisting of Si substrate/SiO2 layer/Al2O3 layer/surface roughness/air ambient structure. It is found that the refractive index of Al2O3 thin films decrease with increasing film thickness and the changing trend revised after annealing. The phenomenon is believed to arise from the mechanical stress in ALD-Al2O3 thin films. A thickness transition is also found by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and SE after 900°C annealing.
High-resolution X-ray diffraction analysis of strain distribution in GaN nanowires on Si(111) substrate
Authors: Stanchu Hryhorii , Kladko Vasyl , Kuchuk Andrian V , Safriuk Nadiia , Belyaev Alexander , Wierzbicka Aleksandra , Sobanska Marta , Klosek Kamil , Zytkiewicz Zbigniew R
Published: February 2015

In this work, the influence of micro- and macro-deformation profiles in GaN nanowires (NWs) on the angular intensity distribution of X-ray diffraction are studied theoretically. The calculations are performed by using kinematical theory of X-ray diffraction and assuming the deformation decays exponentially from the NW/substrate interface. Theoretical modeling of X-ray scattering from NWs with different deformation profiles are carried out. We show that the shape of the (002) 2θ/ω X-ray diffraction profile (XDP) is defined by initial deformation at the NW's bottom and its relaxation depth given by the decay depth of the exponential deformation profile. Also, we demonstrate that macro-deformation leads to XDP shift, whereas micro-deformations are the cause of XDP's asymmetry and its symmetrical broadening. A good correlation between calculated and experimental XDP from self-assembled GaN NWs on Si(111) substrate was achieved by taking into account all parameters of micro- and macro-deformation profiles.
Comparative methylome analysis identifies new tumour subtypes and biomarkers for transformation of nephrogenic rests into Wilms tumour
Authors: Charlton Jocelyn , Williams Richard D , Sebire Neil J , Popov Sergey , Vujanic Gordan , Chagtai Tasnim , Alcaide-German Marisa , Morris Tiffany , Butcher Lee M , Guilhamon Paul , Beck Stephan , Pritchard-Jones Kathy
Published: February 2015

Background

Wilms tumours (WTs) are characterised by several hallmarks that suggest epimutations such as aberrant DNA methylation are involved in tumour progression: loss of imprinting at 11p15, lack of recurrent mutations and formation of nephrogenic rests (NRs), which are lesions of retained undifferentiated embryonic tissue that can give rise to WTs.

Methods

To identify such epimutations, we performed a comprehensive methylome analysis on 20 matched trios of micro-dissected WTs, NRs and surrounding normal kidneys (NKs) using Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 Bead Chips and functionally validated findings using RNA sequencing.

Results

Comparison of NRs with NK revealed prominent tissue biomarkers: 629 differentially methylated regions, of which 55% were hypermethylated and enriched for domains that are bivalent in embryonic stem cells and for genes expressed during development (P = 2.49 × 10-5). Comparison of WTs with NRs revealed two WT subgroups; group-2 WTs and NRs were epigenetically indistinguishable whereas group-1 WTs showed an increase in methylation variability, hypomethylation of renal development genes, hypermethylation and relative loss of expression of cell adhesion genes and known and potential new WT tumour suppressor genes (CASP8, H19, MIR195, RB1 and TSPAN32) and was strongly associated with bilateral disease (P = 0.032). Comparison of WTs and NRs to embryonic kidney highlighted the significance of polycomb target methylation in Wilms tumourigenesis.

Conclusions

Methylation levels vary during cancer evolution. We have described biomarkers related to WT evolution from its precursor NRs which may be useful to differentiate between these tissues for patients with bilateral disease.
Energy saving for OpenFlow switch on the NetFPGA platform based on queue engineering
Authors: Vu Tran Hoang , Luc Vu Cong , Quan Nguyen Trung , Thanh Nguyen Huu , Nam Pham Ngoc
Published: February 2015

Data centers play an important role in our daily activities. The increasing demand on data centers in both scale and size has led to huge energy consumption that rises the cost of data centers. Besides, environmental impacts also increase considerably due to a large amount of carbon emissions. In this paper, we present a design aimed at green networking by reducing the power consumption for routers and switches. Firstly, we design the Balance Switch on the NetFPGA platform to save consumed energy based on Queue Engineering. Secondly, we design the test-bed system to precisely measure the consumed energy of our switches. Experimental results show that energy saving of our switches is about 30% - 35% of power consumption according to variation of input traffic compared with normal Openflow Switch. Finally, we describe performance evaluations.
President's Page
Authors: Carstens Gustavo
Published: February 2015

The name of our society refers to geophysical exploration. Nowhere in our bylaws do we have a definition for what we must explore or what methods can be used. This allows us a great diversity and allows us to have members from varied disciplines. It is true that SEG initially was formed around those geophysicists focused on oil exploration and, to a lesser degree, mineral exploration, but during the past 85 years, we have been evolving into a more comprehensive society. Today, we have numerous members with different objectives who require a more defined and determined place within the Society.
Introduction to this special section: Near-surface geophysics
Authors: Werkema Dale , Lane John
Published: February 2015

The near-surface layer of the earth is of great interest and importance to humanity as we learn about our past, monitor natural resources and anthropogenic processes, extract resources and engineer structures for the present, and search for and protect groundwater for future generations. This special section of The Leading Edge covers a broad range of terrestrial and marine applications of near-surface geophysics ranging from engineering to archaeology. The articles include field studies, results of laboratory and modeling experiments, and reports on hardware and software developments by leading geophysicists across the globe.
A current look at geophysical detection of illicit tunnels
Authors: Sloan Steve
Published: February 2015

Clandestine tunnels continue to pose an invisible threat to secure facilities and national borders despite decades of work and resources expended by multiple governments. Tunnels are a low-tech solution to a more formidable and advanced adversary, requiring little more than time, patience, and manpower. If there is one thing that has been learned through previous work, it is that finding tunnels is a difficult and complex problem that does not have a simple solution. There is no “silver bullet” that will work in all geologic and cultural settings with a 100% success rate and a 0% false-positive rate. Despite the challenges, notable progress has been made in recent years through advancements that use near-surface seismic methods to detect tunnels.
AUV technology for seabed characterization and geohazards assessment
Authors: Campbell Kerry J. , Kinnear Stephen , Thame Alick
Published: February 2015

Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) are untethered submarine robots that can be used to carry out deepwater mapping and seabed-characterization surveys (seafloor to 150-m depth). AUV surveys are used in the marine petroleum industry for various exploration, environmental, geohazard, and engineering applications. Typically, AUVs are launched from a mother ship. They execute a preprogrammed survey pattern and are recovered, and the survey data are downloaded for analysis. Data on water depth, geomorphology, stratigraphy, and structure ranging downward to 150 m below the seafloor routinely are collected using a variety of sensing technology. Principal survey tools include a multibeam echo sounder to provide water column, bathymetric, and seafloor-reflectivity data; a side-scan sonar to provide high-resolution seafloor imagery; and a subbottom profiler (1- to 24-kHz seismic-reflection tool) to show subseafloor stratigraphy and structural features. Other AUV survey tools can include still cameras, lidar scanners, magnetometers, geochemical sensors (CO2, CH4, PAH, dissolved oxygen), and temperature and salinity sensors. AUV surveys help deepwater exploration and development to proceed efficiently and safely and thus have become an indispensable tool for deepwater operations.
Seafloor direct-current resistivity techniques for deep-marine, near-bottom gas-hydrate investigation
Authors: Xu Tian , Dunbar John , Gunnell Alan , Lutken Carol , Higley Paul , Lagmanson Markus
Published: February 2015

Geophysical investigations of the first 100 m below the seafloor in deep-marine environments are done to assess drilling hazards, to plan routes for pipelines and cables, and to study benthic organism communities. The tool of choice for these investigations is subbottom profiling, which uses acoustic signals in the range of 1 to 25 kHz to image near-bottom stratigraphy. An existing engineering-scale, direct-current resistivity (DCR) system for use in deep-marine, near-bottom environments has been adapted. It is potentially useful in settings in which the presence of free gas, gas hydrates, coarse sediment, cemented carbonate, or highly deformed sediment limits the effectiveness of the subbottom-profiling method. The adapted DCR system was used to survey Woolsey Mound, Mississippi Canyon Block 118 (MC118), Gulf of Mexico, to characterize the shallow gas-hydrate system. Three conventional modes of DCR data acquisition — continuous-resistivity profiling (CRP), static array, and time lapse with a fixed array — were evaluated on the deep seafloor. High-resistivity anomalies likely associated with high concentration of hydrate deposits were imaged with all three modes of acquisition.
Environmental applications of the IP method: Surveys of subsurface waste
Authors: Carlson Norman , Bouzid Nordine , Byrd Richard
Published: February 2015

Induced-polarization (IP) effects in electrical geophysical surveys have been used in mineral-exploration projects for many decades, but only in the past 15 years or so has IP in environmental geophysics become a more common, commercially applicable method. This is primarily because of improvements in the economics of the technique and in data quality resulting from equipment advances. One field of environmental applications in which the IP method has been particularly useful is the study of buried waste. In the past, IP data acquisition was relatively expensive, and as a result, many landfill IP surveys were limited in scope for budgetary reasons. With the improving economics of the method, however, extensive amounts of data have been acquired at more than 50 landfills. At one site alone, 95 lines of IP and resistivity data were acquired, and at another, more than 14,000 transmitter-receiver pairs were used. Examination of this large, diverse data set allows several interesting general conclusions to be drawn that were not evident from the more limited surveys in the past. For example, early interpretations of IP results over landfills assumed that the IP effect was primarily the result of metallic debris in the waste. However, from the large database over many landfills, it appears that multiple sources of the IP effect are associated with the waste, and IP anomalies are clearly evident over landfills that contain little or no metal. It is also clear that IP surveys are substantially more reliable than other more traditional waste-mapping methods such as resistivity (or its inverse, conductivity) and magnetics. In addition, comparisons of data sets over time suggest that the IP method might be a useful tool in monitoring the degradation of subsurface waste.