bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Stage-specific Testicular Germ Cell Apoptotic Response to Low-dose Radiation and 2,5-hexanedione Combined Exposure. II
Authors: Catlin Natasha R. , Huse Susan M. , Boekelheide Kim
Published: March 2014

Testicular effects of chemical mixtures may differ from those of the individual chemical constituents. This study assessed the co-exposure effects of the model germ cell- and Sertoli cell-specific toxicants, X-irradiation (x-ray), and 2,5-hexanedione (HD), respectively. In high-dose studies, HD has been shown to attenuate x-ray-induced germ cell apoptosis. Adult rats were exposed to different levels of x-ray (0.5 Gy, 1 Gy, and 2 Gy) or HD (0.33%), either alone or in combination. To assess cell type-specific attenuation of x-ray effects with HD co-exposure, we used laser capture microdissection (LCM) to enrich the targeted cell population and examine a panel of apoptosis-related transcripts using PCR arrays. The apoptosis PCR arrays identified significant dose-dependent treatment effects on several genes, with downregulation of death receptor 5 ( DR5), Naip2, Sphk2, Casp7, Aven, Birc3, and upregulation of Fas. The greatest difference in transcript response to exposure was seen with 0.5 Gy x-ray exposure, and the attenuation effect seen with the combined high-dose x-ray and HD did not persist into the low-dose range. Examination of protein levels in staged tubules revealed a significant upregulation in DR5, following high-dose co-exposure. These results provide insight into the testis cell-specific apoptotic response to low-dose co-exposures of model testicular toxicants.
A Prospective, Randomized Study between the Small Jaw® and the Harmonic Focus® in Open Thyroidectomy
Authors: Hwang Seung Ook , Jung Jin Hyang , Park Ho Yong , Kim Wan Wook
Published: March 2014

Objectives

LigaSure Small Jaw® (LSJ) was recently developed and applied to thyroid surgery along with Harmonic Focus® (HF). We compared the 2 devices in open total thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Study Design

A prospective, randomized study.

Setting

Tertiary care center.

Methods

This prospective, randomized study included 126 patients enrolled between December 2011 and June 2012. The numbers of patients in the LSJ group and the HF group were 64 and 62, respectively. Operative times, drain output, parathyroid status, complications, laboratory data, hospital stay, and analgesia requirements were analyzed.

Results

Operation time, parathyroid status, postoperative complications including hypocalcemia, oral calcium supplement, calcium, parathyroid hormone, usage count of painkiller, and hospital stay were not different among the 2 groups. Ionized calcium on postoperative days 1, 2, and 10 was higher in the LSJ group (P =. 04, P =. 04, P =. 01), and drain output was lower in the LSJ group (106.8 vs 123.6 mL, P =. 01).

Conclusions

Open thyroidectomy for PTC using the HF or the LSJ was safe and effective and was not associated with any increase in complications. Surgical outcomes and operative morbidity were equivalent between the 2 groups.
Recurrent Pleomorphic Adenoma of the Parotid Gland: Intraoperative Facial Nerve Monitoring during Parotidectomy
Authors: Liu Huawei , Wen Weisheng , Huang Haitao , Liang Yongqiang , Tan Xinying , Liu Sanxia , Liu Changkui , Hu Min
Published: March 2014

Objective

To determine the benefit to postoperative facial function of intraoperative facial nerve monitoring (IFNM) during recurrent pleomorphic adenoma (RPA) parotid surgery.

Study Design

Cohort study with planned data collection.

Setting

Chinese PLA General Hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Fifty‐eight RPA parotidectomies were performed between 2004 and 2012. Recurrence was confirmed by histopathologic examination. None of the patients had preoperative facial palsy. Electromyography‐based IFNM was used in 28 patients; 30 patients were unmonitored. The durations of surgery and the severity of postoperative facial nerve palsy were compared between the 2 groups.

Results

There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in the incidence of immediate or permanent facial paralysis after RPA parotidectomy (P =. 95 and P =. 36, respectively). However, the differences in the average duration of surgery and the severity of postoperative facial nerve palsy after total parotidectomy or wide resection were significant (P <. 01 and P =. 01, respectively). In contrast, these differences were not significant after superficial parotidectomies (P =. 43 and P =. 49, respectively). The average recovery time of temporary facial nerve paralysis was significantly shorter in the monitored group compared with the unmonitored group, independent of surgical technique (P <. 01).

Conclusion

The use of IFNM during total or wide resection RPA parotidectomy reduced the duration of surgery and the incidence of postoperative facial paralysis and enhanced recovery. However, there was little impact on facial nerve outcomes when IFNM was used during superficial RPA parotidectomy.
Basic physiochemical and rheological properties of detergent sclerosants
Authors: Wong Kaichung , Chen Tony , Connor David E , Behnia Masud , Parsi Kurosh
Published: March 2014

Objectives

To determine the basic physiochemical properties and rheological activity of detergent sclerosants.

Methods

Sodium tetradecyl sulphate and polidocanol liquid and foam sclerosants were investigated in a range of concentrations (0.1–3%), liquid-plus-air fractions (1+2 to 1+8) and dilutions in water (stock solutions) or in normal saline. The embolic agent ethanol was investigated for comparison. Density was measured using a digital balance. Surface tension was measured by the Du Nuoy ring method and used to determine the critical micellar concentration. Viscosity was measured using a cone-plate rheometer for liquid and a modified parallel plate method for foam.

Results

Liquid sclerosant density decreased as the sclerosant concentration increased while foam density decreased with the increasing air fraction. The critical micellar concentration of polidocanol was 0.002% in both normal saline and water while that of sodium tetradecyl sulphate was 0.075% in normal saline and 0.200% in water. Viscosity of liquid sodium tetradecyl sulphate was lower than that of polidocanol. Foam sclerosants were at least 10,000-fold more viscous than liquid sclerosants and ethanol. All agents demonstrated a Non-Newtonian shear-thinning behaviour with a fall in viscosity at lower shear rates (<10 s–1). Polidocanol (but not sodium tetradecyl sulphate) foam viscosity progressively increased with increasing sclerosant concentration and liquid-plus-air fractions.

Conclusions

Liquid and foam sclerosants and ethanol are Non-Newtonian shear thinning fluids. Foam sclerosants are significantly more viscous than liquid agents.
Evaluating the transition from Regional Development Agencies to Local Economic Partnerships: The views of SMEs in the British West Midlands
Authors: James Laura , Guile David
Published: March 2014

After the election of the Conservative-Liberal Democrat Coalition in 2010, the UK Government instituted a radical reorganisation of governance structures for subnational economic development in England. This involved the abolition of Regional Development Agencies and the introduction of Local Enterprise Partnerships, defined as ‘joint local authority-business bodies brought forward by groups of local authorities to support local economic development across “functional economies”’ ( Department for Business Innovation and Skills, 2010 : 10). This article contributes to the debate about Local Enterprise Partnerships through an exploration and analysis of the views of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with regard to lessons to be learned from the old Regional Development Agency system and the transition to the new Local Enterprise Partnership system. Empirically, it focuses on the experiences of digital media firms in the West Midlands region (and now in the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership). The article draws on desk research and in-depth interviews with Regional Development Agencies and Local Authority employees involved in economic development, industry representatives and business support organisations, in addition to interviews with small and medium enterprise owners and self-employed consultants/freelancers. The research reported here adopted a longitudinal approach with four rounds of interviews between 2010 and 2013. Overall, disruption to publicly funded networks was seen as a significant cost of institutional change between Regional Development Agencies and Local Enterprise Partnerships. Valued functions of the Regional Development Agency were its role in increasing the visibility and coherence of the digital media sector and supporting networking. However, the SMEs reported considerable uncertainty regarding the role of the Local Enterprise Partnership and were concerned about the loss of well-functioning programmes and institutional support structures.
Long-term efficacy, tolerability and safety of nalmefene as-needed in patients with alcohol dependence: A 1-year, randomised controlled study
Authors: van den Brink Wim , Sørensen Per , Torup Lars , Mann Karl , Gual Antoni ,   for the SENSE Study Group
Published: March 2014

This study evaluated the long-term efficacy and safety of nalmefene treatment in reducing alcohol consumption. We randomised (1:3) 675 alcohol-dependent patients ≥ 18 years of age to 52 weeks of as-needed treatment with placebo or nalmefene 18 mg/day: A total of 112 patients (68%) in the placebo group and 310 (62%) in the nalmefene group completed the study. At month 6, the co-primary outcome variables showed no statistically-significant differences between the treatment groups; but at month 13, nalmefene was more effective than placebo, both in the reduction of the number of heavy drinking days (HDDs) (− 1.6 days/month (95% CI − 2.9; − 0.3); p = 0.017) and the reduction of total alcohol consumption (TAC) (− 6.5 g/day last month (95% CI − 12.5; − 0.4); p = 0.036). In a subgroup analysis of patients with high/very high drinking risk levels at screening and at randomisation (the target population), there was a significant effect in favour of nalmefene on TAC at month 6, and on both HDD and TAC at month 13. Improvements in Clinical Global Impression and liver enzymes were greater with nalmefene, compared to placebo. Most adverse events were mild or moderate, and transient; adverse events, including those leading to dropout, were more common with nalmefene. This study provides evidence for the long-term safety and efficacy of nalmefene as-needed in alcohol-dependent patients whom continue to drink heavily, following a brief intervention.
Understanding Different Types of Subsistence Economies
Authors: Banbury Catherine , Herkenhoff Linda , Subrahmanyan Saroja
Published: March 2014

The Batwa of Buhoma, Uganda, a remote hunter-gatherer community were evicted from their forest in 1992 in order to provide a sanctuary for the mountain gorillas. Based on individual and group interviews, this commentary provides a case study that describes how the Batwa now address their basic needs, and how they participate in the formation of subsistence markets and microenterprises. In positioning this study, four types of subsistence economies are identified: nature-based, nonprofit-based, market-based, and hybrid. In addition, different types of subsistence markets are identified, namely, within community and cross community markets. This then raises several questions for future research and for subsistence communities like the Batwa’s regarding how to achieve sustainability.
A disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM)10 is highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma and is associated with tumour progression
Authors: Zhang Wei , Liu Songyang , Liu Kuai , Wang Yingchao , Ji Bai , Zhang Xuechun , Liu Yahui
Published: March 2014

Objective

A disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM)10 has been implicated in the progression of various solid tumours. Little is known, however, about its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protein and transcript level expression of ADAM10 in HCC patients.

Methods

Samples of HCC and adjacent noncancerous liver tissue were taken during liver resection surgery. Immunostaining was used to measure ADAM10 protein expression levels and quantitative reverse– transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to measure ADAM10 mRNA expression levels. Levels of ADAM10 were compared, and a survival analysis undertaken.

Results

In total, 98 HCC patient samples were studied. There were significant associations between protein levels of ADAM10 and tumour grade, amount of tumour differentiation, tumour size and the presence of metastasis. Furthermore, ADAM10 protein expression was significantly associated with shortened patient survival.

Conclusions

ADAM10 is strongly expressed in a large proportion of HCC cases, which is in agreement with findings in other tumour entities. Expression of ADAM10 may serve as a useful molecular marker for HCC.
Geographies of development III
Authors: Ballard Richard
Published: March 2014

One of the more familiar tropes in development-related literature is that impoverished people are neither passive recipients of development nor passive victims of process that have caused their marginalization. This progress report examines two ways in which research has elaborated on this idea, namely the collective responses to the causes of deprivation on one hand and the collective effects of uncoordinated responses on the other. The first theme has been reanimated by remarkable mobilizations across the world, including revolutions, widespread expressions of frustration, demands for more substantive inclusion into society and distributional systems, and mobilizations to enhance autonomy through self-organization. The second theme considers how those regarded as being in need of development transform society beyond the frame of social movements, through the often uncoordinated appropriation of space for living and working at a scale which invalidates, to varying degrees, efforts by elites to control and exclude. While these two themes seem at times to be placed in normative competition with each other, many researchers recognize the exchanges and overlaps between different forms of development by the poor.
The Real Versus the Ideal
Authors: Casad Bettina J. , Salazar Marissa M. , Macina Veronica
Published: March 2014

Marriage is a rite of passage in U.S. culture influenced by fairy-tale expectations presented in the media and perpetuated through gender role socialization. Our study tested endorsement of marriage myths and benevolent sexism as predictors of engaged heterosexual college women’s premarital relationship outcomes and psychological well-being. Women in heterosexual relationships ( N = 99) completed an online questionnaire 6–12 months before their wedding. Results indicated endorsement of marriage myths predicted positive experiences, whereas benevolent sexism predicted negative experiences. However, several interactions indicated that women who rejected marriage myths but endorsed benevolent sexism showed more negative patterns including lower relationship satisfaction and confidence, lower educational expectations, and higher depression. Results are interpreted using self-discrepancy theory such that when actual and ideal experiences are congruent, higher relationship satisfaction and more positive well-being results, whereas discrepant actual–ideal experiences predict dissatisfaction and more negative well-being. These results have implications for counseling couples on holding realistic expectations for their romantic partners. Marriage counselors can advise couples about the potential negative consequences of endorsing benevolent sexism. Exposure of common myths or unrealistic expectations about one’s partner and relationship may decrease the real–ideal discrepancy and increase marital satisfaction, thus increasing the likelihood of relationship longevity.
Nanomechanic Properties of Polymer-Based Nanocomposites with Nanosilica by Nanoindentation
Authors: Xu Guo Cai , Li Ai Yuan , De Zhang Li , Yu Xiao You , Xie Ting , Wu Guo Sheng
Published: March 2014

The nanocomposites consist of nanometer silica fillers embedded in thermoset polymers, which were prepared by means of irradiation of ultraviolet light. The nanomechanic properties had been investigated by load–displacement analysis from nanoindentation experiments. The results obtained showed that the nanoindentation hardness is decreasing and tends to a certain value with increasing indentation depth, the value is among 1.91–4.11 GPa while the nanosilica contents varied from 0 to 5% within nanocomposites. Young’s modulus measured by nanoindentation is higher than the value by tensile test, namely EI = ET 1/4 2: 63 and the enhancement of Young’s modulus due to the presence of nanosilica with the above contents, EI = EI, 0 1/4 1: 7 2: 0 from 1: 8 2: 2 from tensile test, was compared to be consistent with each other in two different methods. So nanoindentation technique has been successfully applied for the valuation of the nanomechanic properties of nanocomposites with nanosilica.
Application of Statistic Estimation to Weldline Strength of Injectionmolded Thermoplastic Composites
Authors: Liu Shih-Jung , Yang Chang-Yao
Published: March 2014

The injection molding of thermoplastic composite materials has become an important process in industry, due to the possibility of producing near shape article having exceptional physical and mechanical properties. However there are still some problems that confound the overall success of this technology. The forming of weldlines wherever polymer flow fronts meet is one of them. In this report, an L’18 experimental matrix design based on the Taguchi method was conducted to study the effect of different processing parameters on the weldline strength of injection-molded thermoplastic composites. Experiments were carried out on a 4.1 oz reciprocating injection molding machine. The materials used were acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene, and 20 and 30% glass-fiber-filled ABS composites. A plate cavity with an obstacle in the center was used to create a weldline. After molding, the weldline strength of the composites was determined by a tensile tester. Various processing variables were studied in terms of their influence on the weldline strength of injectionmolded composites: melt temperature, mold temperature, melt filling speed, melt filling pressure, packing pressure, and size of the obstacle. For the factors selected in the experiments, size of obstacle and melt temperature were found to be the important parameters affecting the weldline strengths of injection-molded composites. The weldline strength of virgin material increased with the distance from the obstacle, while the weldline strength of composites decreased with the distance.
Deformation Mechanisms of Dry Textile Preforms under Mixed Compressive and Shear Loading
Authors: Ruggy Kevin L. , Cox Brian N.
Published: March 2014

Elementary analyses of a standard compression test and a new test configuration for combined compression and shear illuminate the mechanisms of deformation of dry fiber bundles in fiber preforms under multi-axial loads. Such stress states are central to fiber bundle behavior in thick preforms that are being manipulated in pressurized tools.

Sliding, buckling, compression, and shear deformation mechanisms are observed to operate at the single fiber bundle (tow) level. Shear includes deformation transverse to the axis of a tow (changes in cross-sectional shape) and axial shear (shear deflection of a tow segment acting as a short beam). Not all of these mechanisms have been addressed before in the extensive literature on textile deformation. The presence of multiple mechanisms complicates the quest for simple experiments that could be treated as standards for data acquisition. The need for new tests to be invented and standardized is highlighted.
Robust lap-time simulation
Authors: Timings Julian , Cole David
Published: March 2014

Lap-time simulation is an important computational tool for many motor racing teams, but the assumption of ideal operating conditions and a ‘perfect’ racing driver is usually made. The aim of this paper is to extend lap-time simulation to include robustness to disturbances on the vehicle and robustness to mistakes by the driver. A previously developed receding-horizon model predictive control with a convex optimisation method for lap-time simulation is extended with a tube-based technique for robust model predictive control. A linear quadratic regulator compensatory controller maintains the vehicle close to the nominal vehicle path and speed trajectories in the presence of disturbances to the vehicle. An ensemble of disturbed trajectories defines a tube of trajectories, which is then used to modify the nominal vehicle path so that the track boundary constraints are satisfied in the presence of the disturbances. The lap time versus r.m.s. steering velocity curves for two different vehicle models demonstrate the expected trade-off: a decrease in the activity of the compensatory steering control increases the tube width, which leads to a longer lap time. The technique has application to designing and setting up cars to perform well in the presence of disturbances.
Modelling of transient cornering and suspension dynamics, and investigation into the control strategies for an ideal driver in a lap time simulator
Authors: Colunga Ivan Fernandez , Bradley Andrew
Published: March 2014

Lap time simulation is one of the most powerful tools for evaluating design proposals in motorsport engineering. In particular, transient simulations play an important role as the ultimate and more accurate approach than other static or quasi-steady-state methodologies. In this paper, first, the method to transform the differential equations of a system into a formally linear continuous and then discrete state-space representation, particularised for a seven-degree-of-freedom suspension and a transient cornering model, is proposed. The use of time-variant coefficients in the matrices of the model will allow the non-linear and time-variant characteristics of these systems to be described. Second, in the case of the transient cornering model, this representation is translated into a transfer function in order to apply a discrete control strategy such as a finite-time strategy or a predictive strategy for an adaptive ideal driver. It was found that the calculation methodology described above can be successfully applied with a more than acceptable degree of accuracy according to comparison with the results using other mechanical or numerical software (ADAMS or Simulink). It was also observed that the use of the curvature of the track as a reference in the control closed loop is sufficiently accurate to force the car to follow the target path closely. Furthermore, both predictive control and finite-time control (including integration) provide excellent results with a smooth response of the steering input. Many lap time simulators are language specific; however, the methodology proposed in this paper will run in most programming languages.
Series hybrid powertrain simulation and hardware-in-the-loop application for a light-duty nontactical vehicle
Authors: Liao Y Gene , Khandaker Masuma
Published: March 2014

An improvement in the fuel economy of nontactical vehicles has and continues to be a significant initiative for US military ground vehicles. This paper investigates the potential improvement in the fuel economy of a prototype-built nontactical series hybrid cargo van. A baseline conventional vehicle is first modeled and validated. The current series hybrid van equipped with a lead–acid battery pack and an a.c. induction traction motor is then modeled and simulated in two driving cycles. A vehicle equipped with a nickel–metal hydride battery pack and a vehicle with a lithium-ion battery pack, together with an optimal hybrid powertrain control strategy, are simulated for further improvement in the fuel economy. The simulation results indicate improvements in the fuel economy of 39.6% and 43.6% for the vehicle with a nickel–metal hydride battery pack and the vehicle with a lithium-ion battery pack respectively. A hardware-in-the-loop application for motor-in-the-loop testing is also conducted to evaluate a permanent-magnet traction motor which is designed to replace the current induction motor. This study provides a design guideline and battery pack sizing for series hybrid powertrains in light-duty nontactical vehicles.
Impact of genital warts on emotional and sexual well-being differs by gender
Authors: Vriend Henrike J , Nieuwkerk Pythia T , van der Sande Marianne AB
Published: March 2014

To assess gender-specific impact of genital warts on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and to explore to what extent sexual characteristics and clinical symptoms influenced the impact on emotional and sexual well-being of both sexes. We conducted a survey of sexual and clinical characteristics from persons diagnosed with genital warts at STI clinics. HRQoL was measured using two measurement tools: 1) the generic EQ-5D; and 2) the genital warts-specific CECA-10 including an emotional well-being and a sexual activity dimension. The EQ-5D scores were compared with scores of the general population. Descriptive analyses were used to explore characteristics associated with HRQoL scores stratified for gender. The HRQoL-measurement tools showed that genital warts have especially an emotional impact. The impact of genital warts on HRQoL was greater for women than for men. In addition, the CECA-10 showed that in women the impact of genital warts on sexual activity was influenced by age, relationship status and number of warts. No related factors were seen in men. Genital warts have a greater impact on women than on men. In women, sexual and clinical factors influenced the impact of genital warts on well-being, whereas in men no such factors were found.
Positive Affect and Cognitive Control
Authors: Liu Ya , Wang Zhenhong
Published: March 2014

In most prior research, positive affect has been consistently found to promote cognitive flexibility. However, the motivational dimensional model of affect assumes that the influence of positive affect on cognitive processes is modulated by approach-motivation intensity. In the present study, we extended the motivational dimensional model to the domain of cognitive control by examining the effect of low- versus high-approach-motivated positive affect on the balance between cognitive flexibility and stability in an attentional-set-shifting paradigm. Results showed that low-approach-motivated positive affect promoted cognitive flexibility but also caused higher distractibility, whereas high-approach-motivated positive affect enhanced perseverance but simultaneously reduced distractibility. These results suggest that the balance between cognitive flexibility and stability is modulated by the approach-motivation intensity of positive affective states. Therefore, it is essential to incorporate motivational intensity into studies on the influence of affect on cognitive control.
Evaluating micronutrient concentrations in liver samples from abortions, stillbirths, and neonatal and postnatal losses in beef calves
Authors: Waldner Cheryl L. , Blakley Barry
Published: March 2014

The primary objective of the current study was to describe micronutrient concentrations in livers collected during postmortem examination from 501 beef calves and fetuses in western Canada. The most frequently identified deficiencies based on reported ranges for aborted fetuses were magnesium, copper, and vitamin E. For stillborn, neonatal, and postnatal calves, the most common deficiencies were magnesium, vitamin A, and vitamin E. However, for calves that died after 3 days of age, selenium deficiency was also very likely. Concentrations of all micronutrients examined in the study except zinc ( P = 0.85) were different among fetuses, stillbirths, and neonatal and postnatal losses. This included liver selenium, copper, manganese, molybdenum, iron, magnesium, vitamin A, and vitamin E ( P < 0.01). The percentiles of micronutrient concentrations for each age group, empirical prediction intervals for individual calves, and model predicted confidence intervals to compare with average concentrations from groups of calves were summarized for each age group. Information on cow, calf, and herd management attributes were available for 221 samples from 106 herds collected as part of study 1. Cow age, supplementation history, water quality, and herd location were associated with the concentration of iron, zinc, and molybdenum. The current study is unique in the number of samples included from young calves that were submitted as part of routine surveillance and not based on suspicion of either deficiency or toxicity. Most previous studies have been focused on older animals or fetuses and have contained a mix of beef and dairy animals with little or no information on their supplementation history.
Rapid detection of terbufos in stomach contents using desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Wilson Christina R. , Mulligan Christopher C. , Strueh Kurt D. , Stevenson Gregory W. , Hooser Stephen B.
Published: March 2014

Desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) is an emerging analytical technique that permits the rapid and direct analysis of biological or environmental samples under ambient conditions. Highlighting the versatility of this technique, DESI-MS has been used for the rapid detection of illicit drugs, chemical warfare agents, agricultural chemicals, and pharmaceuticals from a variety of sample matrices. In diagnostic veterinary toxicology, analyzing samples using traditional analytical instrumentation typically includes extensive sample extraction procedures, which can be time consuming and labor intensive. Therefore, efforts to expedite sample analyses are a constant goal for diagnostic toxicology laboratories. In the current report, DESI-MS was used to directly analyze stomach contents from a dog exposed to the organophosphate insecticide terbufos. The total DESI-MS analysis time required to confirm the presence of terbufos and diagnose organophosphate poisoning in this case was approximately 5 min. This highlights the potential of this analytical technique in the field of veterinary toxicology for the rapid diagnosis and detection of toxicants in biological samples.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for coproantigen detection of Trichuris vulpis in dogs
Authors: Elsemore David A. , Geng Jinming , Flynn Laurie , Cruthers Larry , Lucio-Forster Araceli , Bowman Dwight D.
Published: March 2014

Infections with Trichuris vulpis, the canine whipworm, may be challenging to diagnose even though characteristic bipolar eggs are shed by mature worms and may be recovered from feces. Decreased detection sensitivities because of using flotation solutions with specific gravities <1.3 and a lengthy prepatent period can lessen the diagnostician’s ability to detect infection. Coproantigen detection in feces is becoming an accepted form of diagnosing parasitic infections and can circumvent some of the factors that affect egg recovery. The development of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of whipworm-specific coproantigens in the feces of dogs with experimental and natural T. vulpis infections is reported herein. Whipworm-specific coproantigens were evidenced in feces from experimentally infected dogs using the newly developed ELISA starting as early as day 23 postinfection, while eggs were not detected in feces until day 69. In addition, 1,156 field fecal samples were tested using fecal flotation methods and the newly developed whipworm ELISA. Of these, 27 samples were found by flotation to be whipworm egg positive, while 35 had detectable antigen on the ELISA. Discrepant results were obtained in 12 samples; 2 egg-positive samples tested ELISA negative, and 10 ELISA-positive samples did not contain detectable egg levels. Using the fecal ELISA for the detection of whipworms in dogs should allow for earlier detection of infection, aid the identification of cases in the face of low egg shedding, and increase detection sensitivity as most commercial laboratories are using flotation solutions not optimal for T. vulpis egg detection.
Amino acid differences in cat adrenocorticotropin account for the inability of a human-based immunoradiometric assay to detect the molecule in cat plasma
Authors: Kemppainen Robert J.
Published: March 2014

A commercial immunoradiometric assay kit designed for the measurement of endogenous adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) concentrations in human plasma does not detect the molecule in plasma samples from cats. It was hypothesized that the inability of the assay to detect the molecule was related to variation(s) in the amino acid sequence of cat ACTH, compared with human ACTH. Cat ACTH complementary DNA was cloned from pituitary tissue and sequenced. The deduced structure showed amino acid differences from the human molecule with cat ACTH having a valine instead of alanine at amino acid 32 and a threonine instead of alanine at amino acid 34. Cat and human ACTH were synthesized along with 2 modified peptides containing alanine substitutions at cat ACTH 32 and 34. Only the human ACTH was detected using the commercial kit, indicating that an epitope recognized by one of the antibodies in the assay requires the presence of 2 alanines near the C-terminus of the molecule.
Social Work Science and Identity Formation for Doctoral Scholars Within Intellectual Communities
Authors: Barak Michàlle E. Mor , Brekke John S.
Published: March 2014

Three themes are central to preparing doctoral students for the professoriate: identity formation, scientific integration, and intellectual communities. In this article, we argue that these three themes are not separate pillars but interlocking circles. Our main thesis is that (1) social work must develop into a distinct integrative scientific discipline; (2) this recognition is core to the identity formation of doctoral scholars and, reflectively, their identity formation is central to the future development of social work as a scientific discipline; and (3) the sustainability of social work as a scientific discipline is dependent upon the development of intellectual communities. Developing social work as an integrative discipline will foster and congeal the identity of our scholars while allowing them to flourish within intellectual communities. Implications include nurturing a scientific sense of identity through a dialogical approach to doctoral education, creating and supporting intellectual communities, and making identity formation explicit in mentoring practices.
The Relation Between the Timing of Palliative Care and the Frequency and Timing of Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders Among Cancer Deaths in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Alsirafy Samy A. , Mohammed Amrallah A. , Al-Zahrani Abdullah S. , Raheem Ahmad A. , El-Kashif Amr T.
Published: March 2014

The medical records of 246 in-hospital cancer deaths were reviewed to explore the relation between palliative care (PC) timing and the frequency and timing of do-not-resuscitate (DNR) designation. The rate of DNR designation was 100% in patients referred to PC and 82% in those never referred ( P < .001). Patients were grouped into 4 groups: early PC (>90 days from PC referral to death), intermediate PC (>30-90 days), late PC (≤30 days), and no PC. The median DNR to death time was 96, 41, 11, and 3 days, respectively ( P < .001). The proportion of intensive care unit (ICU) deaths was 0%, 1%, 3%, and 27%, respectively ( P < .001). In conclusion, in a tertiary care hospital, earlier PC was associated with earlier DNR designation and less frequent ICU deaths among in-hospital cancer deaths.
Specificity and False Positive Rates of the Test of Memory Malingering, Rey 15-Item Test, and Rey Word Recognition Test Among Forensic Inpatients With Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Love Christopher M. , Glassmire David M. , Zanolini Shanna Jordan , Wolf Amanda
Published: March 2014

This study evaluated the specificity and false positive (FP) rates of the Rey 15-Item Test (FIT), Word Recognition Test (WRT), and Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) in a sample of 21 forensic inpatients with mild intellectual disability (ID). The FIT demonstrated an FP rate of 23.8% with the standard quantitative cutoff score. Certain qualitative error types on the FIT showed promise and had low FP rates. The WRT obtained an FP rate of 0.0% with previously reported cutoff scores. Finally, the TOMM demonstrated low FP rates of 4.8% and 0.0% on Trial 2 and the Retention Trial, respectively, when applying the standard cutoff score. FP rates are reported for a range of cutoff scores and compared with published research on individuals diagnosed with ID. Results indicated that although the quantitative variables on the FIT had unacceptably high FP rates, the TOMM and WRT had low FP rates, increasing the confidence clinicians can place in scores reflecting poor effort on these measures during ID evaluations.
Mediator’s Assessment of Safety Issues and Concerns (MASIC)
Authors: Pokman Viktoria , Rossi Fernanda S. , Holtzworth-Munroe Amy , Applegate Amy G. , Beck Connie J. A. , D’Onofrio Brian M.
Published: March 2014

We investigated reliability and validity of the Mediator’s Assessment of Safety Issues and Concerns (MASIC), a screening interview for intimate partner violence and abuse (IPV/A) in family mediation settings. Clients at three family mediation clinics in the United States and Australia ( N = 391) provided reports of the other parent’s IPV/A. Internal consistency of the total screen was excellent. A confirmatory factor analysis provided evidence that the MASIC assesses seven types of IPV/A: psychological abuse, coercive controlling behaviors, threats of severe violence, physical violence, severe physical violence, sexual violence, and stalking. Sex differences on differing types of violence victimization were generally consistent with previous research. Higher levels of victimization predicted self-reported consequences of abuse (e.g., fear, injuries). More abusive parties, as identified by their partners on the MASIC, had more Protective Orders and No Contact Orders and criminal convictions and crimes potentially related to IPV/A. Results provide initial evidence of the reliability and validity of the MASIC but more research is needed.
An Examination of the Measurement Equivalence of the Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale Across Individuals Who Identify With an Asian Ethnicity and Individuals Who Identify With a European Ethnicity
Authors: Wong Quincy J. J. , Moulds Michelle L.
Published: March 2014

A body of research has demonstrated that individuals with Asian ethnicity endorse higher levels of fear of negative evaluation compared with individuals with European ethnicity. To date, no study has examined whether this Asian-European difference may be confounded by the differential interpretation of the measures of fear of negative evaluation by the two groups. The current study thus aimed to examine the measurement equivalence of the 12-item Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation (BFNE) scale and its 8-item variant composed of straightforwardly worded items (BFNE-S) in a sample of individuals who identified with a Chinese ethnicity ( n = 204) and a sample of individuals who identified with an Anglo ethnicity ( n = 528). Measurement equivalence across the samples was obtained for a two-factor BFNE model and a one-factor BFNE-S model. However, the BFNE-S model demonstrated superior fit to the data. Using the BFNE-S, we found that the Chinese ethnicity sample scored significantly higher on the latent dimension of fear of negative evaluation compared with the Anglo ethnicity sample ( d = 0.24). These findings disambiguate previous research on Asian-European differences in fear of negative evaluation and highlight the need for the continued examination of the validity of measures across different ethnicities and cultures.
Detection of Hemophilia A Carriers in Azeri Turkish Population of Iran
Authors: Moharrami Tamouchin , Derakhshan Sima Mansoori , Pourfeizi Abbas Ali H. , Khaniani Mahmoud Shekari
Published: March 2014

Hemophilia A (HA) is an inherited X-linked coagulation disorder caused by the deficiency of factor VIII ( FVIII). Linkage analysis is a common indirect method for the detection of female carriers in families with HA. In the current study, 173 patients from 30 unrelated families with HA were recruited from the Azeri Turkish population of northwest Iran and analyzed for BclI and HindIII markers by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. We investigated the potential of using these markers for the detection of mutation in carriers through linkage analysis, which would be of tremendous use in prenatal diagnosis. Among the tested women, 47% and 35% were found to be heterozygous for BclI and HindIII polymorphic markers, respectively. The BclI and HindIII markers were informative for the detection of 63% and 17% potential carriers, respectively, demonstrating the effectiveness of the BclI marker for the detection of HA carriers among the Azeri Turkish population.
Not Looking Hard Enough
Authors: Crewe Ben
Published: March 2014

In her recent article on autoethnography and emotion in prison research, Jewkes suggests that “most prison studies remain surprisingly ungendered texts,” and that—on the whole—the scholars who have written about the emotional dimensions of prison research have been women. This article explores both of these claims. First, it draws attention to areas of prison research in which male researchers have been relatively reflexive about matters of emotion and masculinity, while also highlighting the way that some of the emotional dimensions of prison research can be identified even within the classic studies of prison sociology. Second, it suggests that one of the most striking omissions from most studies of men’s imprisonment is the analysis of “homosocial relations” between men—relations defined by flows of masculine intimacy that are submerged or expressed indirectly. Third, it describes some of the author’s experiences as a man undertaking research with imprisoned men, highlighting the degree to which entwined discourses of masculinity and class shaped the research process.
Facilitating Prisoner Ethnography
Authors: Piché Justin , Gaucher Bob , Walby Kevin
Published: March 2014

In this article, we reflect on the position of researcher-as-facilitator of prisoner ethnography. By privileging the standpoint and the voice of prisoners as a way of knowing about carceral spaces, we differentiate between the position of researcher-as-facilitator of prisoner ethnography and other approaches to ethnography in prisons. Based on our editorial work with the Journal of Prisoners on Prisons—a peer-reviewed and academically-oriented journal printed by a university press, featuring articles authored or co-authored by current and former prisoners—we discuss the process, possibilities, and constraints of this form of prison research.
Prison Ethnography as Lived Experience
Authors: Ugelvik Thomas
Published: March 2014

This article reflects on my own experiences as a prison researcher and my position within the cultural web of the prison society. From the first minute of the first day of fieldwork, I entered into perpetual negotiations about my position in the prison and my proper place in the ever-present struggle between (various factions of) prisoners and officers. Entering a prison as a researcher is both scary and exciting. How would I be greeted? Would I be accepted? Where would I fit in? What is the correct degree of closeness and distance between a researcher and the researched in such an environment? How can one best relate to and balance the very different positions that are being ascribed to you, such as “suspicious stranger,” “responsible professional,” “unwanted intruder,” and “trusted confidant”? With excerpts from my fieldnotes, I reveal my own thoughts and feelings about entering the prison for the first time, struggling to fit in and, finally, settling in to the field while remaining alert to the potential minefields surrounding me. I also describe my responses to the performative expectations of masculinity that made me “legible” and to some extent “legitimate” in the eyes of prisoners and prison staff.
Postscript
Authors: Liebling Alison
Published: March 2014

In this article, I reflect on the articles in this issue and on my own experiences of doing qualitative prisons research differently. Two of the most serious challenges faced by researchers “at the deep end” are the emotional demands and the threats to integrity encountered when methods or findings are regarded as “suspect.” These challenges are worth the struggle. The collective aim of prison scholarship is to make the prison world “intelligible,” to make “moral blindness” less likely or possible. Rich description is akin to actual experience and as such amplifies life, and enlarges sympathies, in ways that can “reshape human consciousness and with it the structure of society.” Research is reform, or it can be, as we strive to reconceptualize, or articulate, the strange and painful world that is the prison.
Tourism for development and the new global aid regime
Authors: Lacey Anita , Ilcan Suzan
Published: March 2014

This article analyses the new global aid regime’s championing of tourism as a solution to poverty as a continuum of colonial governmentalities. A key focus is an examination of tourism for development in Namibia, particularly the role of conservancies and the Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) programme in this promotion. We argue that this tourism promotion in Namibia is a vital example of tourism for development and part of an increasingly widespread promotion of tourism as a means of achieving broad advanced liberal development goals. We examine the growth of conservancies and suggest that they are a technology of colonial governmentality in Namibia’s tourism for development. They act to shape the physical environment, wildlife and livelihoods for the communities engaged in the conservancies in the name of tourism and advance liberal ideas of poverty reduction. The article concludes with consideration of the manner in which these conservancy programmes can be considered as extensions of colonial rule in the name of tourism for development.
The relationship between apathy and participation in therapeutic activities in nursing home residents with dementia: Evidence for an association and directions for further research
Authors: Ellis Julie M , Doyle Colleen J , Selvarajah Suganya
Published: March 2014

Apathy is one of the most frequent and early symptoms of dementia. Because apathy is characterised by lack of initiative and motivation, it leads to considerable burden being placed on carers to ensure that the person living with dementia has a reasonable quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between apathy and participation in therapeutic activities for older people with dementia living in nursing homes. Ninety residents were recruited into the study, and apathy was measured by nursing home staff using the Apathy Evaluation Scale Clinician version. Staff also compiled data on each resident’s involvement in therapeutic activities. Among this sample, the mean age was 84.8 years, and mean length of stay in the nursing home was 1.8 years. The mean apathy score was 50.4, indicating that on average the residents had a moderate level of apathy. Overall, residents participated in six activities per week and those residents who were involved in the most activities had the lowest levels of apathy. This paper provides evidence that residents involved in therapeutic activities have lower levels of apathy. Further research should be conducted on the direction of causality, whether apathy levels can be changed through participation in therapeutic activities, the relationship between dementia severity and modifiability of apathy, and the intensity of therapeutic activities required to maintain functioning.