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Kinds of Sources Used Selected AbstractsTreatment of Trauma- and Abuse-Related Dissociative Symptom Disorders in Children and AdolescentsJOURNAL OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRIC NURSING, Issue 1 2009Scott Weber EdD TOPIC:,Dissociation is believed to be one of the most common underlying psychological processes among children and adolescents receiving mental health treatment, but most of the dissemination of information about dissociation has occurred among psychiatrists and psychologists. PURPOSE:,Modes of treatment for dissociation as it affects children and adolescents are described. SOURCES USED:,Current research and practice scholarly articles on treatment of children and adolescents for dissociation and dissociative symptom disorders were accessed and critically reviewed. CONCLUSIONS:,Prognosis in children and adolescents can vary widely among patients and between the specific types of dissociation disorder; however, expert clinicians and researchers agree that early, intense treatment offers the greatest possibility of full recovery. [source] Narrative Methods and Children: Theoretical Explanations and Practice IssuesJOURNAL OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRIC NURSING, Issue 1 2008Lorna Bennett RN TOPIC:,The Narrative approach is an innovative way of working with children and adolescents experiencing mental health problems. This approach can be effectively integrated with the expressive arts and other nonverbal ways of accessing the life world of children. In addition, the approach promotes respect for and collaboration with the child in working towards healing and growth. PURPOSE:,In this paper core features of the narrative approach are described; the theoretical and philosophical and evidence base for this approach as well as its congruence with the special nature and needs of children will be explored. Finally, the benefits and challenges of this approach in relation to a specific clinical situation will be highlighted. SOURCES USED:,Published literature and the author's clinical experiences. CONCLUSION:,Narrative methods are ideally suited for addressing needs of children experiencing mental health problems and can enhance therapeutic effectiveness. Some of the challenges associated with its use include: finding creative ways to apply specific narrative concepts and methods with diverse clinical issues/problems; learning to collaborate with children and respect them as experts in their own lives; and shifting the nursing focus from a problem-focused orientation to a strength-oriented and child-centered approach. [source] Dating Violence Prevention in Middle School and High School YouthJOURNAL OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRIC NURSING, Issue 1 2005Sharron M. Close MS TOPIC:, Dating violence and interpersonal abuse among middle school and high school students. PURPOSE:, To review the current literature and evaluate the need of conducting further study in order to create early interventions for the prevention of relationship abuse. SOURCES USED:, Case report and review of the literature. CONCLUSIONS:, Dating violence among middle school and high school youth must be addressed by screening risk and offering anticipatory guidance during each health maintenance visit in order to prevent victimization of youth in dating and attraction relationships. [source] Sexual Abuse of BoysJOURNAL OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRIC NURSING, Issue 1 2005Sharon M. Valente RN TOPIC:, Sexual abuse in childhood can disable self-esteem, self-concept, relationships, and ability to trust. It can also leave psychological trauma that compromises a boy's confidence in adults. While some boys who willingly participate may adjust to sexual abuse, many others face complications, such as reduced quality of life, impaired social relationships, less than optimal daily functioning, and self-destructive behavior. These problems can respond to treatment if detected. PURPOSE:, In this paper, we examine the prevalence, characteristics, psychological consequences, treatment, and coping patterns of boys who have been sexually abused and their failure to disclose abuse unless asked during a therapeutic encounter. Nurses have a responsibility to detect the clues to sexual abuse, diagnose the psychological consequences, and advocate for protection and treatment. SOURCES USED:, Computerized literature search of the Medline and PsychInfo literature and books on sexual abuse of boys. CONCLUSIONS:, Psychological responses to abuse such as anxiety, denial, self-hypnosis, dissociation, and self-mutilation are common. Coping strategies may include being the angry avenger, the passive victim, rescuer, daredevil, or conformist. Sexual abuse may precipitate runaway behavior, chronic use of sick days, poor school or job performance, costly medical, emergency and or mental health visits. In worst cases, the boy may decide that life is not worth living and plan suicide. The nurse has a key role to play in screening, assessing, and treating sexual abuse children. [source] Mortality after care among young adult foster children in SwedenINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL WELFARE, Issue 3 2001Bo Vinnerljung This exploratory study looks at mortality after care among 13,100 former Swedish foster children, placed before their teens. Sources used are two national databases, on child welfare interventions and causes of death. Risk ratios of death for foster children are compared with those of their peers in the general population and with a comparison group, consisting of 10,668 young adults from adverse home backgrounds, who never entered foster family care before their teens. Both ex-foster children and the comparison group were young adults (19,26 years old) at time of follow-up. Results show a moderately elevated risk ratio for both groups compared with peers in the general population, mainly due to more frequent unnatural deaths, especially suicides. Time at first placement was not related to mortality among men, but there was a weak tendency of a higher risk ratio for girls placed at age 7,12. Information on time spent in care is used with caution, due to possible problems with reliability. Almost all comparisons between the foster care and the comparison group fell short of statistical significance. For foster children who had spent more than five years in care, the risk ratio tended to be higher than for foster children with shorter care experience, and similar to that of the comparison group. Foster children who had been in care for less then six years thus tended to have a lower risk ratio than the comparison group. [source] Surgical Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: The Columbia Presbyterian ExperienceJOURNAL OF CARDIAC SURGERY, Issue 5 2006Veli K. Topkara M.D. However, it is not widely applied due to its complexity, increased operative times, and the risk of bleeding. Various energy sources have been introduced to simplify the traditional "cut and sew" approach. Methods: This study involves patients undergoing surgical atrial fibrillation ablation (SAFA) at a single institution from 1999 to 2005. Type of concomitant procedures, preoperative clinical characteristics, and chronicity of AF were evaluated in overall patient population. Parameters including surgical approach, lesion pattern, and energy source used were collected intraoperatively. Clinical outcomes examined were postoperative rhythm success, stroke, early mortality, and long-term survival. Results: Three hundred thirty-nine patients were identified. Three hundred twenty-eight (96.8%) patients had associated cardiac disease and underwent concomitant procedures; 75.8% of patients had persistent AF. Energy sources used were microwave (49.8%), radiofrequency (42.2%), and laser (8.0%). In 41.9% of cases a pulmonary vein encircling lesion was the only lesion created. Combination lesion sets were performed in the remaining cases. Rhythm success rates at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months were 74.1%, 68.2%, 74.5%, and 71.1%, respectively. Patients who underwent surgical removal of left atrial appendage by means of stapling or simple excision had no early postoperative stroke. Early mortality was 4.9%. Postoperative survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 89.6%, 83.1%, and 78.0%. Conclusions: Surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation is a safe and effective procedure in restoring sinus rhythm with excellent postoperative survival rates. Further advancements in the field will eventually result in minimally invasive procedures with higher success rates. [source] Optimization of C:N ratio and minimal initial carbon source for poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) production by Bacillus megateriumJOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 12 2009Débora Jung Luvizetto Faccin Abstract BACKGROUND: The aim of this research was the optimization of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate),P(3HB),production in submerged cultures of Bacillus megaterium in a mineral medium using sucrose as carbon source and nitrogen as the limiting substrate. Small-scale experiments were carried out in shake flasks at 30 °C and 160 rpm in order to evaluate the best initial sucrose concentration and carbon:nitrogen ratio to maximize biomass accumulation and biopolymer production. An objective function in terms of residual sucrose and P(3HB) production was proposed in order to optimize the amount of carbon source used and the production of P(3HB). RESULTS: High production of P(3HB) was obtained, with approximately 70% (CDW) accumulation in cells without nitrogen limitation and strongly correlated with the pH of the culture. Scaling-up the system to cultures in a bioreactor, with or without pH control, a reduction of P(3HB) accumulation (around 30% CDW) was observed when compared with shaker cultures, suggesting a possible role of oxygen limitation as a stress signaling for P(3HB) synthesis. CONCLUSIONS: Results of our experiments showed that Bacillus megaterium was able to produce P(3HB) at one of the highest production rates so far reported for this bacterium, making this microorganism very interesting for industrial applications. Comparisons of shaker and bench-scale bioreactor experiments show both the importance of pH and aeration strategies. It is likely that complex aeration strategies linked to cell metabolism will be necessary for further developments using this bacterium. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Greenhouse Gas Profile of a Plastic Material Derived from a Genetically Modified PlantJOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY, Issue 3 2000Devdatt Kurdikar Abstract: This article reports an assessment of the global warming potential associated with the life cycle of a biopolymer (poly(hydroxyalkanoate) or PHA) produced in genetically engineered corn developed by Monsanto. The grain corn is harvested in a conventional manner, and the polymer is extracted from the corn stover (i.e., residues such as stalks, leaves and cobs), which would be otherwise left on the field. While corn farming was assessed based on current practice, four different hypothetical PHA production scenarios were tested for the extraction process. Each scenario differed in the energy source used for polymer extraction and compounding, and the results were compared to polyethylene (PE). The first scenario involved burning of the residual biomass (primarily cellulose) remaining after the polymer was extracted from the stover. In the three other scenarios, the use of conventional energy sources of coal, oil, and natural gas were investigated. This study indicates that an integrated system, wherein biomass energy from corn stover provides energy for polymer processing, would result in a better greenhouse gas profile for PHA than for PE. However, plant-based PHA production using fossil fuel sources provides no greenhouse gas advantage over PE, in fact scoring worse than PE. These results are based on a "cradle-to-pellet" modeling as the PHA end-of-life was not quantitatively studied due to complex issues surrounding the actual fate of postconsumer PHA. [source] A new route for the direct synthesis of Al2O3/SiC nanopowder mixtures by the carbothermal reduction of parent oxidesAICHE JOURNAL, Issue 5 2010Cavus Falamaki Abstract The direct synthesis of Al2O3/SiC nanopowders from the parent oxides Al2O3 and SiO2 through mullite carbothermal reduction as intermediate phase has been investigated. The effect of the amount of excess stoichiometric carbon (active charcoal, AC) as sole carbon source on the microstructure evolution has been studied. The effect of type of carbon source (AC, graphite (G), 50 wt % AC 50 wt % G mixture, 57 wt % AC 43 wt % G mixture) on the microstructure evolution was investigated using 30 wt % excess stoichiometric carbon. The effect of reaction temperature, reaction duration, initial green compact thickness, and carbon source on the mullite conversion, morphology, and surface area of the final powders has been thoroughly investigated. The calculated activation energy is in the range of 203,230 kJ mol,1, depending on the carbon source used. The synergetic effect observed for the AC/G mixtures has been accordingly explained. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010 [source] Degree of conversion and temperature rise during polymerization of composite resin samples with blue diodesJOURNAL OF ORAL REHABILITATION, Issue 6 2001A. Kne To ensure an adequate clinical composite filling light source for photopolymerization is of great importance. In everyday clinical conditions commonly used unit for polymerization of composite material is halogen curing unit. The development of new blue superbright light emitting diodes (LED) of 470 nm wavelengths comes as an alternative to standard halogen curing unit of 450,470 nm wavelengths. The purpose of this study was to compare the degree of conversion (DC) and temperature rise of four hybrid composite materials: Tetric Ceram, Pertac II, Valux Plus and Degufill Mineral during 40 s illulmination with standard halogen curing unit Heliolux GTE of 600 mW cm,2 intensity, Elipar Highlight soft-start curing unit of 100 mW cm,2 (10 s) and 700 mW cm,2 (30 s) intensity and 16 blue superbright LED of minimal intensity of 12 mW cm,2 on the surface and 1 mm depth. The results revealed only a little bit higher DC values in case of polymerization with even 66 times stronger halogen curing units which showed twice higher temperature than blue diodes. Temperature and DC obtained are higher on the surface than on 1 mm depth regardless on the light source used. [source] Milk production of dairy goats fed diets with different legume seeds: Effects of amino acid composition of the rumen undegradable protein fractionJOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 13 2008E Ramos Morales Abstract BACKGROUND: To establish the effect of the nature of four different legume seeds, lupins (L), faba beans (FB), bitter vetch (BV) and vetch (V) on the production and composition of goat milk, we studied the ruminal degradation of these legumes, and the amino acid (AA) composition of the seeds and that of the undegradable fractions of the protein sources. Four isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were designed, and in each case 30% of the protein was supplied by one of the different legume seeds. A group of eight Granadina goats was used to study the utilisation of these diets for milk production. The goats were allocated to a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square. RESULTS: Ruminal fermentation modified the AA profile of the protein of the legume seeds which was different in each case. However, milk production remained unchanged irrespective of the diet consumed. On the contrary, and despite the high level of degradability of the protein in the different legumes, the concentration of total protein, casein (CN) and overall ,S1 -CN and ,S2 -CN in milk depended on the protein source used. CONCLUSION: The concentration of total protein in milk, as well as its composition, was apparently determined by the AA composition of the corresponding fraction of the rumen-undegradable protein. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Influence of lipase and/or emulsifier addition on the ileal and faecal nutrient digestibility in growing pigs fed diets containing 4% animal fat,JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 12 2004NA Dierick Abstract Information on the addition of lipase and/or emulsifiers to less digestible or saturated fat sources, such as tallow or other animal fats, used in swine feeding is very limited. Therefore, in a 4 × 4 Latin square design, the effects of adding lipase (0.05% L5, microbial source) and/or an emulsifier (0.3% Lysoforte) on the apparent ileal (AID) and faecal (AFD) digestibility of the main nutrients and fatty acids in particular were studied with four ileal-cannulated growing pigs (female, initial live weight 20 kg) fed diets containing barley/soybean meal supplemented with 4% animal fat. The fat source contained 35% saturated (S) and 65% unsaturated (U) fatty acids. All diets were free of antibacterial substances (antibiotics, copper sulphate or zinc oxide beyond requirements), in order to avoid interactions between the parameters studied and the gut flora. Lipase addition did not affect the AID or AFD of fat. However, the digestibility of minor fatty acids (C6:0, C14:0) was significantly improved by lipase at both ileal and faecal level. On the other hand, lipase supplementation (P < 0.05) improved the AID of dry matter (DM) and energy as well as the AFD of DM, organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ash and energy. Addition of an emulsifier did not have any significant influence on the AID or AFD of fat, while the AID values of DM, OM, CP and energy as well as the AFD values of DM, OM, CP and ash were significantly (P < 0.05) improved. Adding lipase in combination with an emulsifier to the diets decreased (P < 0.05) the AID and AFD of fat, with minor effects on the AID and AFD of the non-fat components of the diet. The lack of improvement in the digestion of fat by exogenous lipase and/or emulsifier may be related to the rather high U/S ratio (0.65:0.35) of the animal fat source used and to the mode of incorporation of the emulsifier (no pre-dispersion in the fat source). Furthermore, during the trial the diets, stored at room temperature, showed a steady increase in their content of free fatty acids (to more than 700 g kg,1 fat), due to endogenous lipase activity, leaving less room for upgrading the digestion of animal fat by exogenous lipase and/or emulsifier. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Hygroreception in olfactometer studiesPHYSIOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 3 2009ANDRÉS S. MARTÍNEZ Abstract In olfactometric studies, a technique used to measure insect behavioural bias towards airborne chemicals, many of the factors that could affect the bioassay outcome other than the volatiles themselves are carefully controlled (e.g. lighting conditions, temperature, spatial position, physiological state of the insects, time of day when the bioassay is performed) but one factor, namely humidity, is overlooked frequently when studying responses to plant volatiles. Many insect species respond positively and negatively to changes in humidity and, during bioassays, differences arising from odour choices with different water vapour release rates might have confounding effects versus the original intent of the behavioural study. The present study aims to assess the effect of different substrates on the water vapour content of air in an olfactometer-like set-up. The results show that airflow humidity is affected by the odour source used in the olfactometer air flow. In addition, the response of the aphid parasitoid Aphidius colemani Viereck (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae) is studied towards different humidities and plant material in an olfactometer. The present study suggests that humidity needs to be controlled in olfactometric studies. [source] Changes in 13C/12C of oil palm leaves to understand carbon use during their passage from heterotrophy to autotrophy,RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY, Issue 16 2009Emmanuelle Lamade The carbon isotope composition of leaf bulk organic matter was determined on the tropical tree Elaeis guineensis Jacq. (oil palm) in North Sumatra (Indonesia) to get a better understanding of the changes in carbon metabolism during the passage from heterotrophy to autotrophy of the leaves. Leaf soluble sugar (sucrose, glucose and fructose) contents, stomatal conductance and dark respiration, as well as leaf chlorophyll and nitrogen contents, were also investigated. Different growing stages were sampled from leaf rank ,6 to rank 57. The mean values for the ,13C of bulk organic matter were ,29.01,±,0.9, for the leaflets during the autotrophic stage, ,27.87,±,1.08, for the petioles and ,28.17,±,1.09, for the rachises, which are in the range of expected values for a C3 plant. The differences in ,13C among leaf ranks clearly revealed the changes in the origin of the carbon source used for leaf growth. Leaves were 13C-enriched at ranks below zero (around ,27,). During this period, the ,spear' leaves were completely heterotrophic and reserves from storage organs were mobilised for the growth of these young emerging leaves. 13C-depletion was then observed when the leaf was expanding at rank 1, and there was a continuous decrease during the progressive passage from heterotrophy until reaching full autotrophy. Thereafter, the ,13C remained more or less constant at around ,29.5,. Changes in sugar content and in ,13C related to leaf ranks showed an interesting similarity of the passage from heterotrophy to autotrophy of oil palm leaves to the budburst of some temperate trees or seed germination reported in the literature. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The effect of different carbon sources on the nutritional value of bioflocs, a feed for Macrobrachium rosenbergii postlarvaeAQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 4 2010Roselien Crab Abstract A 15-day lab-scale experiment was performed to determine the possible use of bioflocs as a feed for Macrobrachium rosenbergii postlarvae. The bioflocs were grown on acetate, glycerol and glucose. A glycerol-fed reactor was initially inoculated with a Bacillus spores mixture. The highest protein content was obtained in the (glycerol+Bacillus) bioflocs, i.e. 58±9% dry weight (DW). The glycerol and acetate bioflocs showed a lower, but similar content (42,43% DW) and glucose bioflocs contained 28±3% DW. Higher total n-6 fatty acid contents were observed in the glycerol and (glycerol+Bacillus) bioflocs. The vitamin C content was variable, up to 54 ,g ascorbic acid g,1 DW in the glycerol bioflocs. Bioflocs were fed to M. rosenbergii postlarvae as the sole feed. High survival levels were obtained in the (glycerol+Bacillus) and glucose groups, i.e. 75±7% and 70±0% respectively. This was significantly higher than the starvation control (0% survival after 15 days). This indicated that the prawns were able to feed on the bioflocs. These results are in accordance with the biofloc's nutritional parameters and suggest that the choice of the carbon source used for growing bioflocs is of prime importance. [source] Effectiveness of Corticosteroid Treatment in Acute Pharyngitis: A Systematic Review of the LiteratureACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 5 2010Andrew Wing Abstract Objectives:, The objective was to examine the effectiveness of corticosteroid treatment for the relief of pain associated with acute pharyngitis potentially caused by group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus (GABHS). Methods:, This was a systematic review of the literature. Data sources used were electronic databases (Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Biosis Previews, Scopus, and Web of Science), controlled trial registration websites, conference proceedings, study references, experts in the field, and correspondence with authors. Selection criteria consisted of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which corticosteroids, alone or in combination with antibiotics, were compared to placebo or any other standard therapy for treatment of acute pharyngitis in adult patients, pediatric patients, or both. Two reviewers independently assessed for relevance, inclusion, and study quality. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) were calculated and are reported with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results:, From 272 potentially relevant citations, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. When compared to placebo, corticosteroids reduced the time to clinically meaningful pain relief (WMD = ,4.54 hours; 95% CI = ,7.19 to ,1.89); however, they provided only a small reduction in pain scores at 24 hours (WMD = ,0.90 on a 0,10 visual analog scale; 95% CI = ,1.5 to ,0.3). Heterogeneity among pooled studies was identified for both outcomes (I2 = 81 and 74%, respectively); however, the GABHS-positive subgroup receiving corticosteroid treatment did have a significant mean reduction in time to clinically meaningful pain relief of 5.22 hours (95% CI = ,7.02 to ,3.42; I2 = 0%). Short-term side effect profiles between corticosteroids and placebo groups were similar. Conclusions:, Corticosteroid administration for acute pharyngitis was associated with a relatively small effect in time to clinically meaningful pain relief (4.5-hour reduction) and in pain relief at 24 hours (0.9-point reduction), with significant heterogeneity in the pooled results. Decision-making should be individualized to determine the risks and benefits; however, corticosteroids should not be used as routine treatment for acute pharyngitis. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:476,483 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine [source] Processed animal products with emphasis on polyunsaturated fatty acid contentEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF LIPID SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 5 2009Sabine Sampels Abstract The fat composition of processed fish and meat varies due to the source of the animal diet and to the fats used during processing. The aim of this study was to analyse the fatty acid profiles in some commonly available fish and meat fast foods. Variation between similar products from different brands indicated the use of different fat sources during processing. Especially in fish products, a high variation was found in the n -6/n -3 ratio, being up to more than 400-fold higher than in plain fish, which might be of special concern in the evaluation of diet-related health claims. Many products showed considerable differences compared to those included in the official database used for calculation of dietary intake. This leads to the conclusion that the fat sources used during processing of fast food should be reported and available to the consumers. Interdisciplinary dialogue between all sectors involved in food production, processing and health care is proposed to evaluate optimal development of fast foods with nutritionally favourable fat composition. [source] Review of quality of life: menorrhagia in women with or without inherited bleeding disordersHAEMOPHILIA, Issue 1 2008M. SHANKAR Summary., The objectives of this study were to identify the impact of menorrhagia on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of women in general and those with inherited bleeding disorders and to identify the commonly used tools in assessing quality of life. A review of studies evaluating quality of life in women suffering from menorrhagia was conducted. Data sources used included electronic databases Medline and Embase. Reference lists and bibliographies of the relevant papers and books were hand-searched for additional studies. Eighteen of the 53 studies identified measured quality of life prior to treatment of menorrhagia. Ten of the studies used a validated measure of quality of life. Five studies involving a total of 1171 women with menorrhagia in general and using SF-36 were considered for further review. The mean SF-36 scores in women with menorrhagia were worse in all the eight scales when compared with normative scores from a general population of women. Three studies, involving 187 women, assessed the quality of life in women with menorrhagia and inherited bleeding disorders. None of these studies used a validated HRQOL score making it difficult for comparison. However, all reported poorer scores in study women compared to the controls. In conclusion, HRQOL is adversely affected in women with menorrhagia in general and in those with inherited bleeding disorders. HRQOL evaluation is useful in the management of women with menorrhagia for assessment of treatment efficacy. [source] Information sources used by older adults for decision making about tourist and travel destinationsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CONSUMER STUDIES, Issue 5 2007Ian Patterson Abstract Over the past decade, the older market has emerged as an extremely important one because of its increased purchasing power for most consumer goods and services. The tourism and leisure industry is also targeting people aged 65 years and older, because many possess a relatively large share of discretionary money that they want to spend on travel. This has resulted in increasing attention by the mass media and the advertising industry in particular. This paper discusses the main types of information sources that are used by older adults when they make decisions about tourist and travel destinations, and particularly focuses on the importance of word-of-mouth sources and personal experiences. It also explores the influence of the mass media on trip decision making for older adults, and discusses the importance of brochures, magazines and television as information sources for older adults. Finally, it critiques the lack of senior models in advertising campaigns for travel products that are aimed at the older market. [source] Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Materials Prepared by Ammoxidation as Solid Base Catalysts for Knoevenagel Condensation and Transesterification ReactionsADVANCED SYNTHESIS & CATALYSIS (PREVIOUSLY: JOURNAL FUER PRAKTISCHE CHEMIE), Issue 9 2010Naokatsu Kan-nari Abstract Nitrogen-doped carbon materials were prepared by ammoxidation of commercial carbon sources (carbon black and activated carbon) and applied as base catalysts for Knoevenagel and transesterification reactions. It was shown that these carbon materials were active and the activities were different depending on the ammoxidation conditions (temperature and ammonia concentration in air) and carbon sources used. The bulk, textural, and surface properties of the nitrogen-doped carbon materials were examined by several methods to clarify possible factors determining their final catalytic activities. The activated carbon-derived catalysts were more active than the carbon black-derived ones. The surface area and porosity were not responsible for this difference between the two carbon sources but the difference in the reactivity with oxygen was important. The reactivity of carbon sources with oxygen should influence the doping of nitrogen onto their surfaces by ammoxidation with ammonia and air and the resulting activities as base catalysts. The catalytic activity increases with the amount of nitrogen doped and, therefore, the nitrogen doped should be responsible for the catalytic activities. In addition, the activities are maximal at a ratio of nitrogen to oxygen of around 1, suggesting the importance of cooperative functions of nitrogen and oxygen on the surface of carbons. [source] Surgical Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: The Columbia Presbyterian ExperienceJOURNAL OF CARDIAC SURGERY, Issue 5 2006Veli K. Topkara M.D. However, it is not widely applied due to its complexity, increased operative times, and the risk of bleeding. Various energy sources have been introduced to simplify the traditional "cut and sew" approach. Methods: This study involves patients undergoing surgical atrial fibrillation ablation (SAFA) at a single institution from 1999 to 2005. Type of concomitant procedures, preoperative clinical characteristics, and chronicity of AF were evaluated in overall patient population. Parameters including surgical approach, lesion pattern, and energy source used were collected intraoperatively. Clinical outcomes examined were postoperative rhythm success, stroke, early mortality, and long-term survival. Results: Three hundred thirty-nine patients were identified. Three hundred twenty-eight (96.8%) patients had associated cardiac disease and underwent concomitant procedures; 75.8% of patients had persistent AF. Energy sources used were microwave (49.8%), radiofrequency (42.2%), and laser (8.0%). In 41.9% of cases a pulmonary vein encircling lesion was the only lesion created. Combination lesion sets were performed in the remaining cases. Rhythm success rates at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months were 74.1%, 68.2%, 74.5%, and 71.1%, respectively. Patients who underwent surgical removal of left atrial appendage by means of stapling or simple excision had no early postoperative stroke. Early mortality was 4.9%. Postoperative survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 89.6%, 83.1%, and 78.0%. Conclusions: Surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation is a safe and effective procedure in restoring sinus rhythm with excellent postoperative survival rates. Further advancements in the field will eventually result in minimally invasive procedures with higher success rates. [source] Medicine information sources used by nurses at the point of careJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 17-18 2010Mwidimi Ndosi No abstract is available for this article. [source] Antecedents of consumer relative preference for interpersonal information sources in pre-purchase searchJOURNAL OF CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR, Issue 5 2005Mehdi Mourali Abstract Past research has demonstrated clearly the importance of pre-purchase information search within the buying process. Scholars have identified several sources used by consumers in order to obtain information relevant to their purchase situation. Among the various information sources, interpersonal non-commercial sources seem to play an important role in consumers' choice decisions. The present study examines potential antecedents of consumer relative preference for interpersonal information search. The proposed antecedents include personality traits such as individuals' susceptibility to interpersonal influence, their need for cognition and their self-confidence, as well as individual differences in product knowledge and perceived risk associated with the purchase of a specific product. Using structural equation modelling on survey data (419 respondents), seven hypotheses , describing relationships between the diverse variables of the model , were tested. The results indicate that consumer relative preference for interpersonal information search was significantly influenced by consumers' susceptibility to interpersonal influence, their need for cognition, their self-confidence and their product knowledge. Consumers' product knowledge also influenced their perceived risk, which did not affect their preference for interpersonal search significantly. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Painful Steps of Progress from Crisis Planning to Contingency Planning: Changes for Disaster Preparedness in TurkeyJOURNAL OF CONTINGENCIES AND CRISIS MANAGEMENT, Issue 1 2002Murat Balamir Excessive losses in natural disasters in Turkey are, to a large extent, a consequence of omissions and deficiencies in the structuring of ,disasters' and ,development' laws, as well as negligent land-use practices and avoidance of control in building processes. Two extreme forms of legal and organizational structures in disasters policy could be formulated as the ,fatalist' and ,self-reliance, models. Their contrasts can be investigated in terms of (a) the use of information concerning natural phenomena in formal planning procedures; (b) pre- or post-disaster emphasis in preparations; (c) the political or technical basis of decisions; (d) the extraordinary or routine nature of responses; (e) the general or specialized nature of financial sources used; (f) and their compatibility with the order of priorities in risk management. An evaluation of the conventional policy in Turkey clarifies a position closer to the ,fatalist' model and indicates the lines of action for improvements. However, after the 1999 earthquakes, the conventional approach in disaster policy has been restructured. With the newly introduced ,Obligatory Building Insurance', ,Building Control', and ,Professional Proficiency' systems, greater emphasis is now given to mitigation efforts, and the introduction of contingency planning practices is more likely to happen. [source] Maillard Reaction Products as Encapsulants for Fish Oil PowdersJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 2 2006Mary Ann Augustin ABSTRACT The use of Maillard reaction products for encapsulation of fish oil was investigated. Fish oil was emulsified with heated aqueous mixtures comprising a protein source (Na caseinate, whey protein isolate, soy protein isolate, or skim milk powder) and carbohydrates (glucose, dried glucose syrup, oligosaccharide) and spray-dried for the production of 50% oil powders. The extent of the Maillard reaction was monitored using L*, a*, b* values and absorbance at 465 nm. Encapsulation efficiency was gauged by measurement of solvent-extractable fat and the oxidative stability of the fish oil powder, which was determined by assessment of headspace propanal after storage of powders at 35 °C for 4 wk. Increasing the heat treatment (60 °C to 100 °C for 30 to 90 min) of sodium caseinate-glucose-glucose syrup mixtures increased Maillard browning but did not change their encapsulation efficiency. The encapsulation efficiency of all heated sodium caseinate-glucose-glucose syrup mixtures was high, as indicated by the low solvent-extractable fat in powder (<2% powder, w/w). However, increasing the severity of the heat treatment of the sodium caseinate-glucose-glucose syrup mixtures reduced the susceptibility of the fish oil powder to oxidation. The increased protection afforded to fish oil in powders by increasing the temperature-time treatment of protein-carbohydrate mixtures before emulsification and drying was observed irrespective of the protein (sodium caseinate, whey protein isolate, soy protein isolate, or skim milk powder) and carbohydrate (glucose, glucose/dried glucose syrup, or oligosaccharide/dried glucose syrup) sources used in the formulation. Maillard reaction products produced by heat treatment of aqueous protein-carbohydrate mixtures were effective for protecting microencapsulated fish oil and other oils (evening primrose oil, milk fat) from oxidation. [source] The Physicochemical Quality Characteristics of Charcoal Grilled MackerelsJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 3 2002M-Y. Kim ABSTRACT: : The effects of different fuel sources used in grilling on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of mackerel were investigated. Oak and sawdust charcoals were used as fuel sources. The content of saturated fatty acids was increased during grilling. Histidine was the most predominant amino acid; grilling significantly increased glutamic acid. Mackerel shows a high inosine 5,-monophosphate content that is increased during grilling. Oak charcoal and sawdust charcoal contained high levels of potassium and sodium, respectively. Potassium content was increased at the surface muscle of oak charcoal grilled mackerel (OM). The flavor preference for OM was significantly (p < 0.05%) higher than for sawdust charcoal grilled mackerel. These results indicate that physicochemical and sensory properties of grilled foods can be affected by the fuel source. [source] Knowledge and use of evidence-based nutrition: a survey of paediatric dietitiansJOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 5 2003D. E. Thomas Abstract Objective To survey paediatric dietitians' knowledge and use of evidence-based nutrition (EBN). Design Cross-sectional survey using reply-paid questionnaires. Subjects Paediatric dietitians in Australian teaching hospitals. Main outcome measures Age, sex, appointment, clinical practice, research activities; attitudes to, training in and use of EBN; and perceived barriers to use of EBN. Statistical analysis Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (SPSS). Results Fifty-nine (86%) of 69 questionnaires were returned. Most (97%) dietitians were women working full-time (63%), mean age 37 years (±9 SD). Most (75%) dietitians encountered knowledge gaps less than five times per week and most (87%) questions related to therapy. The majority (95%) performed their own literature searches, less than five times per month. All had access to ,1 electronic literature databases including Medline (n = 58, 98%), Cochrane Library (n = 44, 75%) and CINAHL (n = 35, 59%). Information sources used most often were Medline and consultation with colleagues. Reported barriers to using EBN were lack of time (n = 53, 90%) or lack of skills for critical appraisal of published articles (n = 51, 86%) or literature searching (n = 48, 81%). While 53 (90%) believed in an evidence-based approach, 43 (73%) either did not practise EBN or rated themselves as beginners. Conclusion Most dietitians favoured evidence-based practice, but reported lack of time, skills or rapid access to electronic databases as barriers to its practice. [source] Uncertainty and Information Search Activities: A Study of Owner,Managers of Small High-Technology Manufacturing FirmsJOURNAL OF SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT, Issue 4 2003Jeffrey E. McGee This study examines the relationship among perceived strategic uncertainty (PSU), environmental scanning, and the information sources used by owner,managers of a sample of 153 small high-technology manufacturing firms. The results suggest that increased scanning activities are associated with high levels of PSU. Perhaps most importantly, the results also suggest that owner,managers of younger firms respond to uncertainty differently than their counterparts in more mature firms. Specifically, owner,managers of younger firms appear to respond to higher PSU by relying more heavily on personal and external information sources. Owner,managers of older firms, on the other hand, rely more heavily on internal and impersonal information sources to address environmental uncertainty. [source] Primary care needs of patients who have undergone gender reassignmentJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NURSE PRACTITIONERS, Issue 4 2005Mary Sobralske PhD Purpose The purpose of this article is to inform nurse practitioners (NPs) about the primary care needs of patients who have undergone gender reassignment, either by hormone therapy alone or in conjunction with surgery. Data sources Data sources used were mainly from a review of the literature about gender identity disorder and gender reassignment. Information was also gathered from several leading surgeons on gender reassignment surgical procedures and subsequent clinical considerations. Conclusions There is very little written on the primary care clinical ramifications of transsexual patients and how clinicians can adapt their approaches to healthcare delivery to accommodate their special situations. Implications for practice Implications for practice include how an NP can adapt clinical practice approaches to provide for patients who have undergone gender reassignment. Changes that occur in the transsexual process may warrant noncustomary primary healthcare screening and examination. [source] West Nile virus: lessons from the 21st centuryJOURNAL OF VETERINARY EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE, Issue 1 2004DACVECC, DACVIM, Pamela A. Wilkins DVM Abstract Introduction: West Nile virus (WNV) first appeared in the United States in 1999, causing illness and death in birds, horses, and humans. While the initial outbreak of this sometimes deadly viral disease was limited to the northeastern United States, the virus had an inexorable migration across the continental United States over the next 3 years, causing huge losses among the affected species. The purpose of this review is to present currently available information regarding the epi-demiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of WNV infection. Veterinarians, particularly those in an emergency practice, serve as an important source of reliable information regarding this disease for animal owners and the public in general. Data sources: Data sources used for the preparation of this review include computer-based searches of PubMed and Commonwealth Agricultural Bureaux (CAB) abstracts. A search in PubMed using ,West Nile' retrieved 1468 ,hits' or references, while a similar search in CAB abstracts produced 815 references. Additional information was obtained from various meeting proceedings, particularly data presented in abstract form, and from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website dedicated to WNV. Human data synthesis: Prior to the mid-1990s, reported large-scale epidemics of WNV infection in humans predominantly presented as acute, mild, febrile disease, sometimes associated with lymphadenopathy and skin rash. The recent large epidemic in the United States, in contrast, has prominently featured encephalitis, particularly among the elderly. Additionally, polio-encephalomyelitis-like complications resulting in long-term neurologic sequelae have been reported. There are many WNV-permissive native avian and mosquito hosts in the Unites States and there appear to be few limitations to the spread of the disease in the United States. It is expected that the virus will be identified in all 48 continental states, Mexico, and Canada by the end of 2003. Veterinary data synthesis: The horse is the animal species most affected by the recent WNV epidemic in the United States, and losses to the equine industry have been large and unprecedented. A United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)-approved vaccine against WNV has been in use in horses since 2001 and appears to be effective in limiting the incidence of disease in well-vaccinated populations. WNV infection has been documented in other species of mammals, including camelids (alpaca/llamas) and dogs, and veterinarians should include WNV as a differential diagnosis for animals presenting with clinical signs consistent with central nervous system infection. A large concern exists for endangered bird populations, particularly birds of prey, whether in zoos or in the wild. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||