bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel liveness condition for S3PGR2
Authors: Chao Daniel Y , Chen Jiun-Ting , Yu Fang
Published: February 2012

Systems of simple sequential processes with resources (S3PR), modeled by ordinary Petri nets (OPNs) are live if and only if no siphons (a set of places) can ever become empty of tokens. Systems of simple sequential processes with general resources requirement (S3PGR2), modeled by general Petri nets (GPNs), are a generalization of S3PR. It has been a hot research topic to find the sufficient and necessary condition of liveness for S3PGR2. When an OPN (respectively, GPN) is deadlocked, the set of all unmarked (respectively, non-max-marked) places forms a siphon, which is said to be deadly marked. However, when an S3PGR2 is livelocked but not deadlocked, e.g., both live and dead transitions exist, the set of non-max-marked places, denoted by [Formula: see text], may not form a siphon. Thus, it is limited using deadly marked or max-controlled siphons to characterize liveness of S3PGR2. The first author proposed earlier max’ -controlled siphons to characterize liveness of S3PGR2. However, the presence of a set of non-max’ -marked places is not a sufficient condition for an S3PGR2 to be non-live and cannot be relied on to devise mixed integer programming (MIP) testing. In this paper, we present the sufficient and necessary liveness condition of S3PGR2. We define pivot markings, under which we prove that [Formula: see text] forms a siphon. To detect livelocks, the number of disabled arcs must be maximal under the pivot marking. This result is useful to reorient the MIP test of S3PR for S3PGR2.
The diffusion of alternative dispute resolution practices in Ireland
Authors: Teague Paul , Roche Bill , Hann Deborah
Published: February 2012

Recently, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) practices have gained increased exposure as a superior way of addressing workplace conflict. Several studies suggest that organizations in the USA have widely diffused some form of ADR. But uncertainty remains about whether this development is peculiar to the USA or whether it marks a more systemic shift in the way workplace conflict is addressed in organizations. The purpose of this article is to contribute to the debate about the importance of workplace ADR by examining the extent to which organizations based in Ireland have adopted ADR practices to address individual and group-based work problems. It also assesses the factors that influence the diffusion of ADR. The article finds that the diffusion of ADR practices has not been widespread in Ireland, with more innovation occurring in relation to ADR practices aimed at addressing group-based rather than individual-based workplace problems. US-ownership and high commitment HRM practices are found to be significant influences on the diffusion of ADR.
Who stays unwillingly in a job? A study based on a representative random sample of employees
Authors: Böckerman Petri , Ilmakunnas Pekka , Jokisaari Markku , Vuori Jukka
Published: February 2012

This article examines the antecedents of intentions to quit, job search and actual job switches during a follow-up period. The authors use a representative random sample of all Finnish employees. The data set both contains information on intentions to quit and on-the-job search from a cross-sectional survey and records employees’ actual job switches from longitudinal register data that can be linked to the survey. The authors study the contribution of adverse working conditions (harms, hazards, uncertainty and physically and mentally heavy work), work organization (promotion prospects, discrimination and supervisor support) and ease-of-movement factors (mental health, wage level). Adverse working conditions, poor promotion prospects, discrimination and mental health symptoms are positively related to unwillingly staying in a job, since these variables increase the probability of turnover intentions or job search but not actual job switches. These variables include both factors that push employees to job search and factors that make them less employable.
The impact of employer ascendancy on collective bargaining style: A review of the New Zealand experience
Authors: McAndrew Ian , Edgar Fiona , Geare Alan
Published: February 2012

Union density and collective bargaining coverage is on a downwards trend in many developed countries, and this is evident in New Zealand. Some suggest this decline is resulting in traditional approaches to collective bargaining being replaced with a more collaborative style. This article empirically explores the nature of collective bargaining and examines the attitudes and behaviours of managerial negotiators, in the New Zealand environment, which has seen unions marginalized then recently afforded some degree of legitimacy. The study supports the traditional vs collaborative dichotomy, and the attitudes and behaviour comprising these styles is consistent with the literature and managerial self-reports.
A Critical Review of a Spirituality Intervention
Authors: Tuck Inez
Published: February 2012

Although there is a growing interest in the topic of spirituality, there are few reports of spiritual interventions and limited empirical data to support their effectiveness. As health care practices become increasingly evidence based, the reliance on empirical data is critical. This article describes the spiritual intervention developed by the author and documents the testing of its effectiveness with clinical and nonclinical populations. The findings from a series of studies have been mixed. Preliminary studies reported that the intervention positively influenced patients’ outcomes, including overall quality of life and reduced selected stress responses. Significant positive trends were found that supported the potential effectiveness of the intervention for a variety of populations and clinical settings. However, subsequent testing in clinical trials indicated limited effect of the intervention although there were several noteworthy findings. The author discusses the implications of these findings for future investigations.
Providing Diabetes Self-Management Support in Rural Primary Care Clinics With Nurse Partners
Authors: Vetter-Smith Molly , LeMaster Joseph , Olsberg Joshua , Kruse Robin , Day Tamara , Mehr David
Published: February 2012

This study examined the roles and effectiveness of nurse partner–provided diabetes self-management (DSM) support in five rural primary care clinics. There were two to nine providers and one nurse partner in each clinic; nurses were licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in all but one clinic. Interviews with providers and observations of patient interactions assessed nurse roles, clinic processes, and communication patterns. Using immersion-crystallization methods, three major themes explained nurse partner role variation: “gatekeeper” role of providers, compression of time and space within clinic work flow, and nurses’ educational background and experience. While nurses’ education and experience were important, clinics where providers facilitated nurse participation in DSM support through focused communication and commitment of time and space most effectively integrated DSM support into their practice. Some quantitative measures improved; notably glycated hemoglobin level and patients’ frequency of blood glucose measurement. Study findings provide guidance on using nurses in primary care clinics to provide DSM.
Planning with Things
Authors: Beauregard Robert A.
Published: February 2012

This article claims a place for nonhuman things in the worlds of planning theory and practice. Using a fragment from a dialogue between a group of planners and a developer, I explore how things—apartment buildings, site plans, scale models, and parking spaces—shape planning practice. My concern is the micropolitics of planning and the way in which people interact with objects to convey authority and commitment and to establish mutual understandings.
Determination of chemical composition and genotoxic effects of essential oil obtained from Nepeta nuda on Zea mays seedlings
Authors: Bozari Sedat , Agar Guleray , Aksakal Ozkan , Erturk Filiz A , Yanmis Derya
Published: February 2012

We aimed to determine the genotoxic potential of essential oil (EO) obtained from Nepeta nuda. The chemical content of EO was measured via gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The most abundant contents were 4aα,7β,7aα-nepetalactone (18.10%), germacrene (15.68%) and elemol (14.38%). For genotoxic effects of EO, Zea mays’ seeds were exposed to four different concentrations of this oil. Inhibition of root and stem growth were observed with an increase in EO concentrations. Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method was used to determine the genotoxic effects of EO. Some changes occurred in RAPD profiles of germinated EO-treated seeds. Even though total soluble protein quantity vary, the data observed from the protein profiles of sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) showed that there was a little differentiation between band profiles of treated samples and control group. We concluded that the basis of interactions between plants, like allelopathy, may be related with genotoxic effects of EO.
Sulfonated poly(ether sulfone ether ketone ketone)/sulfonated poly(ether sulfone) blend membranes with reduced methanol permeability
Authors: Zeng Rong , Xiao Shuqin , Chen Lie , Chen Yiwang
Published: February 2012

Proton exchange membranes were prepared by blending sulfonated poly(ether sulfone ether ketone ketone) (SPESEKK) with sulfonated poly(ether sulfone) (SPES). The morphology, tensile strength, proton conductivity and methanol permeability of the blend membranes were investigated. The scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope observation indicates the good dispersion of the SPES in SPESEKK polymer matrix. The addition of SPES also enhances the tensile strength of the SPESEKK membrane. The blend membrane shows lower methanol diffusivity and higher proton conductivity with comparison to the pure SPESEKK membrane, ascribing to the inhabitation of the player SPES to methanol permeation and facilitation of the increment of sulfonic acid groups to the proton transport. The SPESEKK/SPES 5 : 5 membrane exhibits an appreciable tensile strength of 52.3 MPa and a reduced methanol permeability of 6.6 × 10−7 cm2 s−1. This SPESEKK/SPES composite membrane shows a potential feasibility as a promising electrolyte for direct methanol fuel cells.
Troubling calls for evidence: A critical race, class and gender analysis of whose evidence counts
Authors: Fine Michelle
Published: February 2012

Writing in the spirit of feminist psychologists who have historically refused to narrow the gaze of our craft, I want to cast a critical eye on popular calls for ‘evidence-based practice’ and more specifically research epistemologies funded to produce such evidence. Surrounded by sprawling debris reflecting the gendered, raced, classed and sexualized collateral damage of economic and political crisis, I find it most peculiar that psychologists have eagerly answered calls for ‘evidence’ – without a pause for asking: Why now? Whose evidence counts? What kinds of evidence are being privileged? What are we not seeing? As psychologists seek to produce ‘evidence’ of program effectiveness in contexts of huge inequality gaps in which state supports are being cut, funding streams, publication mandates, Impact Factors and high tier journals actively encourage researchers to narrow our focus on a discrete set of standardized indicators, drawn from random assignment of ‘subjects’ to ‘conditions,’ thereby whiting out the non-random cumulative landscape of injustice, resilience and resistance.
Maternal deaths in women with lupus nephritis: a review of published evidence
Authors: Ritchie J , Smyth A , Tower C , Helbert M , Venning M , Garovic VD
Published: February 2012

Background and objectives: Pregnancies in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis are considered high-risk due to high rates of maternal and fetal complications. However, there has not been a formal analysis addressing the issue of maternal deaths in these women. The aim of this study was to perform a literature review of the maternal deaths in women with SLE and lupus nephritis to: (1) identify the main causes of death and (2) discuss possible reasons for these causes, and strategies that may improve patient care and outcomes. Design, setting, participants, and measurement: We performed an extensive electronic literature search from 1962 to 2009 using online databases (PubMed, Embase, Lilacs, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Medline, and Science Citation Index). Studies were included if they reported pregnancies in patients with SLE and lupus nephritis with at least one reported maternal death. Results: We identified 13 studies that reported a total of 17 deaths in the 6 week post-partum period that were attributable to SLE and lupus nephritis. In all cases, death occurred in the setting of active disease, and was attributed either to infection in 41.2% ( n = 7), or disease activity in 29.4% ( n = 5). The remaining deaths were due to pulmonary embolus in 11.8% ( n = 2), pregnancy-associated cardiomyopathy in 5.9% ( n = 1), adrenal failure due to abrupt steroid withdrawal in 5.9% ( n = 1), and undefined in 5.9% ( n = 1). Conclusions: All maternal deaths in patients with SLE and lupus nephritis occurred in those with active disease, with disease activity/complications and infections (mainly opportunistic) being the two major causes. The presented evidence further supports timing of pregnancy relative to SLE activity, and the judicious use of immunosuppressive agents in pregnant patients.
Pharmacology Update
Authors: Pierce Deidre M. , Shipstone Emmanuel
Published: February 2012

Neuropathic pain in a common problem encountered in palliative care. When neuropathic pain is diagnosed, appropriate treatment is important in limiting the severe psychosocial impairment that can ensue with undertreated pain. Proper evaluation of the patient to clarify the type of pain experienced is the first step to determine appropriate management. Tapentadol is an oral mu-opioid receptor agonist and a noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor developed by Ortho-McNeil Janssen Pharmaceuticals and approved by the Food and Drug Administration in November 2008 for the treatment of moderate-to-severe acute pain in adult patients and for chronic pain in August 2011 in an extended release form. Tapentadol has been studied for use in nociceptive pain but few studies have yet been done to assess its efficacy in the treatment of neuropathic pain.
Qualitative Pain Classification in Hospice and Pain Therapy Unit
Authors: Raffaeli William , Andruccioli Jessica , Florindi Stefania , Ferioli Isabella , Monterubbianesi Maria Cristina , Sarti Donatella , Castellani Francesca , Giarelli Guido
Published: February 2012

In this study, we investigated patient's meaning attribution to pain in hospice and pain therapy unit, using a qualitative approach: narrative-based medicine. The data presented here were related to patients (n = 17) hospitalized in Rimini Hospice (Italy). These data were compared to those of patients (n = 21) with noncancer pain (control sample). The interviews were then analyzed according to the technique of thematic narrative analysis. The results of our research identified a differential process in pain processing in relationship to the meaning that the patient attributed to pain. The thematic analysis of the interviews allowed the inductive construction of a specific network of pain dimensions, which were summarized in “the pain chronogram.”
Integrative Palliative Care, Advance Directives, and Hospital Outcomes of Critically Ill Older Adults
Authors: Yoo Ji Won , Nakagawa Shunichi , Kim Sulgi
Published: February 2012

Objective:

To examine the associations between palliative care types and hospital outcomes for patients who have or do not have advance directives.

Method:

Using administrative claims and clinical data for critically ill older adults (n = 1291), multivariable regressions examined the associations between palliative care types and hospital outcomes by advance directive status.

Results:

Integrative palliative care was associated with lower hospital costs, lower adjusted probability of in-hospital deaths, and higher adjusted probability of hospice discharges. There was no difference in hospital outcomes by palliative care types in those with advance directives.

Conclusion:

Significantly lower hospital costs and in-hospital deaths with higher hospice discharges were observed in integrative palliative care compared to consultative palliative care, but these findings were diminished with the presence of advance directives.
Daring to Care
Authors: Adler Nancy J. , Hansen Hans
Published: February 2012

Whatever we choose to do, the stakes are very high. David Whyte (1994 , p. 298), poet

Researching questions that matter demands passionate conviction. Whether recognized as such or not, such conviction, combined with profound compassion, defines true scholarship. Daring to care requires courage—the courage to speak out and to act. Courage transforms convictions and compassion into action. Thus, by its very nature, daring to care calls into question the traditional role of rigid scientific objectivity and invites advocacy to play a vital role within our scholarly tradition. In focusing on daring to care, this article raises questions that academia must ask itself in order to support scholars in rigorously researching and teaching about issues that matter. It provides examples of scholarship that have required courage, conviction, and compassion, including a case example where the outcome of appropriate methodology is literally life or death. Throughout the discussion, readers are invited to consider what supports their core convictions, compassion, and courageous action in their own scholarship, teaching, and advocacy.
A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Hemostasis of Femoral Artery Using Topical Hemostatic Agent
Authors: Kordestani Soheila S. , Noohi Fereidoon , Azarnik Hossein , Basiri Hossein , Hashemi M. J. , Abdi S. , Mohebi A. , Madani M. , NayebHabib Farzaneh
Published: February 2012

Objective: Evaluation of the effect of using a topical hemostatic agent named “ChitoHem®” on different factors on patients undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography. Methods: The present blind, randomized, controlled study included 124 patients randomly divided into 2 groups. In the treatment group following femoral sheath removal, ChitoHem® powder and in the control group conventional hemostatic procedure was applied. Results: In the treatment group, time to hemostasis, ambulation, and the use of sandbag were significantly shorter compared with the control group, respectively (4.6 ± 1.3 vs 12.4 ± 4.4 minutes, 3.5 ± 2.7 vs 23.0 ± 1.73 hours and 1.6 vs 98.4%; P < .05). There were no significant differences in hematoma formation and re-bleeding between the 2 groups. Conclusion: It was exhibited ChitoHem® topical hemostatic powder used on treatment patients undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography was statistically superior at reducing the time to hemostasis and ambulation as well as the use of sandbags compared with manual compression in control group.
Impaired Endothelial-Dependent and Endothelium-Independent Vasodilatation in Patients With Thromboangiitis Obliterans
Authors: Brodmann M. , Hafner F. , Gary T. , Seinost G. , Pilger E.
Published: February 2012

Background:

Endothelial dysfunction is the key process in the development of atherosclerosis. The aim of our study was to evaluate endothelial dysfunction measured by the noninvasive technique of Celermajer that plays a role in the pathogenesis of thrombangitis obliterans.

Methods:

A total of 36 patients with thrombangitiis obliterans ([TAO]; mean age 44.9 ± 1.3 years) were compared with 30 healthy individuals (mean age 36.1 ± 1.8 years). High frequency ultrasound was used to measure changes in response to reactive hyperemia (leading to flow-mediated endothelium-dependent dilatation) and in response to 0.4 mg sublingual nitroglycerin ([NTG]; leading to NTG-induced, endothelium-independent dilatation).

Results:

Patients with TAO showed a lower but statistically not significant flow-mediated dilatation and a statistically significant reduced NTG-induced vasodilatation than the control group.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that both mechanisms play a role in patients with TAO, the endothelium-independent impaired vasodilatation even in a more significant way than the impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilatation.
A Survey of the Clinical Course and Management of Japanese Patients Deficient in Natural Anticoagulants
Authors: Yokoyama Kenji , Kojima Tetsuhito , Sakata Yoichi , Kawasaki Tomio , Tsuji Hajime , Miyata Toshiyuki , Okamoto Shinichiro , Murata Mitsuru
Published: February 2012

Few data are available on the clinical course of Japanese patients deficient in natural anticoagulants (antithrombin (AT), protein C, and protein S). We conducted a nationwide survey to reveal the clinical course of these patients. Questionnaires were sent to 321 council members of the Japanese Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Japanese Society for Vascular Surgery, and Japanese Society of Phlebology. A total of 103 responses were obtained and data of 183 patients were collected. Of 183 patients, 142 (78%) experienced at least one episode of venous thromboembolism (VTE). The first VTE occurred before the age of 40 years in 71 patients (45%). Venous thromboembolism recurred in 15 (39%) patients with AT deficiency and 19 (18%) patients with other deficiencies. These findings suggest that half of the first episodes of VTE in patients deficient in natural anticoagulants occur before middle age and the risk of VTE recurrence is high in patients with AT deficiency.
Immigration and Contract Problems Experienced by Foreign-Educated Nurses
Authors: Pittman Patricia , Herrera Carolina , Spetz Joanne , Davis Catherine R.
Published: February 2012

More than 8% of employed RNs licensed since 2004 in the United States were educated overseas, yet little is known about the conditions of their recruitment or the impact of that experience on health care practice. This study assessed whether the labor rights of foreign-educated nurses were at risk during the latest period of high international recruitment: 2003 to 2007. Using consensus-based standards contained in the Voluntary Code of Ethical Conduct for the Recruitment of Foreign-Educated Health Professionals to the United States, this study found 50% of actively recruited foreign-educated nurses experienced a negative recruitment practice. The study also found that nurses educated in low-income countries and nurses with high contract breach fees, were significantly more likely to report such problems. If, as experts believe may occur, the nursing shortage in the United States returns around 2014, oversight of international recruitment will become critically important to delivering high-quality health care to Americans.
Pay for Performance in Health Care
Authors: Eijkenaar Frank
Published: February 2012

Pay for performance (P4P) has become a popular approach to performance improvement in health care. Most of the P4P literature has focused on the United States and there is limited insight in the characteristics of major programs initiated in other countries. This article systematically describes and reviews P4P programs outside the United States. Our literature search identified 13 programs initiated in 9 countries. Although the programs share many similarities, they differ in several important respects, also when compared with the typical P4P program in the United States. In addition, there are clearly possibilities to increase incentive strength and minimize incentives for undesired behavior. In part, observed heterogeneity will be a consequence of contextual differences, but design choices often also seem to be made arbitrarily. In designing their programs, purchasers are hampered by limited knowledge of the influence of specific design choices and effective strategies to mitigate undesired behavior.
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
Authors: Barnes Andrew J. , Hanoch Yaniv , Wood Stacey , Liu Pi-Ju , Rice Thomas
Published: February 2012

Because many seniors choose Medicare Part D plans offering poorer coverage at greater cost, the authors examined the effect of price frames, brand names, and choice set size on participants’ ability to choose the lowest cost plan. A 2 × 2 × 2 within-subjects design was used with 126 participants aged 18 to 91 years old. Mouselab, a web-based program, allowed participants to choose drug plans across eight trials that varied using numeric or symbolic prices, real or fictitious drug plan names, and three or nine drug plan options. Results from the multilevel models suggest numeric versus symbolic prices decreased the likelihood of choosing the lowest cost plan (−8.0 percentage points, 95% confidence interval = −14.7 to −0.9). The likelihood of choosing the lowest cost plan decreased as the amount of information increased suggesting that decision cues operated independently and collectively when selecting a drug plan. Redesigning the current Medicare Part D plan decision environment could improve seniors’ drug plan choices.
OASIS Update
Authors: Niewenhous Susan S.
Published: February 2012

Home care clinicians continue to pursue information to help them ensure OASIS accuracy for the benefit of their patients as well as their organizations. This year, new requirements have been established by CMS that are challenging for agencies and, in some instances, very complex. In the July 2011 Q&As, CMS provides guidance for some aspects of the new regulations, such as the face-to-face encounter, and further clarifies OASIS questions that remain unclear.
The Health Lowdown on Caffeine
Authors: Alpert Patricia T.
Published: February 2012

Daily, approximately 90% of Americans consume caffeine in one form or another; coffee, tea, soft drinks, energy drinks and or chocolate. Besides its ability to provide increase wakefulness it has been touted to have many health benefits. Multiple studies show caffeine consumption provides cardiovascular protection and decreases the risk for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus, stroke in women, certain cancers and several neurological conditions. However, consumption in higher quantities does carry risk for adverse health condition.
Spinal cord trauma in a cat caused by ingestion of a splinter
Authors: Tanaka Toshiyuki , Akiyoshi Hideo , Shimazaki Hitoshi , Sato Akinori , Inada Masahiro , Kiyomiya Ken-ichi , Shimizu Junichiro , Cao Zheng , Li Yijyun , Hayashi Akiyoshi , Sone Katsuhito , Kitai Tadashi , Ohashi Fumihito
Published: February 2012

A 5-month-old male Abyssinian presented with right hemiplegia. Cervical radiographs, haematology and serum biochemistry were normal. A foreign body was identified on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Removal of the foreign body was carried out via a dorsal approach between the occipital bone and the C1 vertebral body using intra-operative CT. No complications were encountered. Thirty days after surgery, the cat was ambulatory.
Open surgical correction combined with an external splint for correction of a non-compliant pectus excavatum in a cat
Authors: Mestrinho Lisa A , Ferreira Carina A , Lopes António M , Niza Maria MRE , Hamaide Annick J
Published: February 2012

A 4-month-old domestic shorthair female cat weighing 1.3 kg was presented for evaluation of respiratory distress. The animal showed evident dyspnoea with exercise intolerance and a marked concave deformation of the sternum. After measurements of the fronto-sagittal and vertebral indexes, the pectus was classified as moderate and surgery was elected. Surgical correction was performed using an open approach to the sternum with osteotomy of the last sternebra and costochondral junctions of the eighth and ninth ribs bilaterally. A silicone based, U-shape external splint was manufactured and used to stabilise the sternum. Immediate and 5-week postsurgical radiographs revealed a decreased concavity of the sternum and an increase thoracic height at the level of the last sternebra. Postoperative results suggest that this technique could be an effective and economical option for cats with pectus excavatum with a non-compliant sternum.
Acceptability and compliance of atenolol tablet, compounded paste and compounded suspension prescribed to healthy cats
Authors: Khor Kuan Hua , Campbell Fiona , Rathbone Michael J , Greer Ristan M , Mills Paul C
Published: February 2012

This study was designed to evaluate the cats’ acceptance and compliance of the owners and cats towards an extemporaneously prepared palatable compounded atenolol (paste and suspension) formulation in comparison to the commercially obtained tablet, in a randomised, cross-over study design.The three formulations were prescribed twice daily for 6 days to 13 healthy privately-owned cats of 13 different owners, with varying levels of experience in medicating cats. Daily compliance was evaluated via an owner-completed diary, completed after each dose administered. Owner’s experience and preference of the formulation was evaluated via questionnaires given prior to, at the end of each treatment protocol, and upon completion of the study. Although compounded suspension was association with fewest missed doses, the majority of cat owners expressed a preference for the divided tablet. Atenolol tablets, compounded paste and suspension acceptance and compliance were comparable. Further work is now required to assess the amount and stability of the active ingredient and the robustness of the paste and suspension formulations prior to any bioavailability comparisons between the formulations.
Histology and morphometry of the testes of adult domestic cats (Felis catus)
Authors: Diagone Karen V , Feliciano Marcus AR , Pacheco Márcia R , Vicente Wilter RR
Published: February 2012

Testicles of 30 mongrel cats were analyzed histologically and morphometrically, divided into three groups: G1 (1–2 years old), G2 (over 2 and up to 4 years old) and G3 (over 4 and up to 6 years old). After orchiectomy and histopathology, the morphometric parameters studied were: thickness of the tunica albuginea (72 μm) and seminiferous epithelium (77.19 μm), perimeter (53.81; 90.57 μm), (54.80; 101.07 μm); area (174.23; 494.55 μm2), (176.68; 629.70 μm2); maximum diameter (14.94; 28.02 μm), (14.76; 31.66 μm); minimum diameter (13.25; 21.92 μm), (13.30; 24.52 μm); and shape factor (index for regularity of the format) (1.36; 1.36), (1.39; 1.35) of the nucleus and cytoplasm of spermatogonia and Leydig cells, respectively. The results can be used for comparative studies and contribute knowledge concerning the height of the seminiferous epithelium, thickness of the tunica albuginea and size of spermatogonia and Leydig cells.
Successful treatment of hepatic failure secondary to diazepam administration in a cat
Authors: Park Fiona M
Published: February 2012

A 2-year-old castrated male domestic shorthair cat developed acute hepatic failure following oral diazepam administration for behavioral problems. The patient survived with intensive supportive care and was discharged after 5 days in hospital. Successful treatment of diazepam-associated fulminant hepatic failure in cats has rarely been described in the veterinary literature.
Effects of maternally-derived antibodies on serologic responses to vaccination in kittens
Authors: DiGangi Brian A , Levy Julie K , Griffin Brenda , Reese Michael J , Dingman Patricia A , Tucker Sylvia J , Dubovi Edward J
Published: February 2012

The optimal vaccination protocol to induce immunity in kittens with maternal antibodies is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of maternally-derived antibody (MDA) on serologic responses to vaccination in kittens. Vaccination with a modified live virus (MLV) product was more effective than an inactivated (IA) product at inducing protective antibody titers (PAT) against feline panleukopenia virus (FPV). IA vaccination against feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV) and feline calicivirus (FCV) was more effective in the presence of low MDA than high MDA. Among kittens with low MDA, MLV vaccination against FCV was more effective than IA vaccination. A total of 15%, 44% and 4% of kittens had insufficient titers against FPV, FHV and FCV, respectively, at 17 weeks of age. Serologic response to vaccination of kittens varies based on vaccination type and MDA level. In most situations, MLV vaccination should be utilized and protocols continued beyond 14 weeks of age to optimize response by all kittens.
Increased incidence of thoracic wall deformities in related Bengal kittens
Authors: Charlesworth Timothy M , Sturgess Christopher P
Published: February 2012

Clinical records made during routine vaccinations were compared between populations of domestic shorthair cats and Bengal kittens. An increased incidence (12/244) of thoracic wall deformity was detected amongst the Bengal kittens. Deformities detected were: pectus excavatum (five), unilateral thoracic wall concavity (six) and scoliosis (one). Five-generation pedigrees were analysed for the affected kittens that showed a high degree of common ancestry indicating the likelihood of a familial cause.
Lacan and sexual difference in organization and management theory: Towards a hysterical academy?
Authors: Fotaki Marianna , Harding Nancy
Published: February 2012

The recent turn to Lacan’s work in critically-oriented Organization and Management Theory signals a welcome focus on one of the 20th century’s most influential thinkers. This article introduces Lacan’s thesis on gender, making a case for its importance for understanding organizations. We discuss two contrasting receptions to Lacan’s Seminar XX, from pro- and anti-Lacanian feminists, offer our own interpretation which can be summed up as a Lacanian inspired parody of the phallic signifier, and argue that Lacanian theorists should turn Lacan’s ideas back upon them/ourselves to question critically our own positions. Further we review Lacan’s seminar XVII and its analysis of four dominant discourses—the university, the master, the hysteric and the analyst. The advantages of the discourse of the hysteric for a Lacanian politics of gender, enabling us to undo our arguments from outside of our own gender and identity, are then identified. We thus advocate conceptual and empathetic (hysterical) bisexuality for critical scholarship within organization studies that already, perhaps unawares, is hysterical. This allows us to avoid, as much as possible, slipping into the frozen and sterile discourse of the master.
From Bismarck to Petraeus: The question of the social and the Social Question in counterinsurgency
Authors: Owens Patricia
Published: February 2012

This article situates ‘population-centric’ counterinsurgency in the context of the modern rise of the social realm as a distinct form of space and mode of governance. The first part establishes the historical novelty of the concept of the social in the history of political thought and describes the ontology of the modern social realm. The second section discusses one powerful response to the ‘Social Question’ within international theory: the convergence between realpolitik and socialpolitik identified by two founders of modern realism. Max Weber developed his understanding of the requirements of political order in the context of the emerging German administrative/welfare state, or Sozialstaat, which Otto von Bismarck had founded. We focus on this case not to endorse realist political strategy but to illuminate the continuing relevance of this paradigm of social regulation, which is at work in recent US-led counterinsurgency theory and practice.
Transnational ethnic ties and military intervention: Taking sides in civil conflicts in Europe,  Asia and North Africa, 1944–99
Authors: Nome Martin Austvoll
Published: February 2012

When politically marginal ethnic groups have transnational ties to co-ethnics in civil conflicts, the countries in which the marginal groups reside are more likely to intervene. Marginal-to-marginal group ties and marginal-to-dominant group ties between a group in a third-party country and actors in civil conflict increase the likelihood of military intervention. Familiar forms of ethnic ties such as politically dominant-to-marginal group ties and dominant-to-dominant group ties are merely special cases of ethnic ties between any group in a third-party country and co-ethnics in civil conflict. The article also presents evidence suggesting that ethnic ties affect how intervening countries take sides. Interveners tend to favour the government in civil conflicts when marginal groups in both countries have ethnic ties. Likewise, ties between two dominant groups are associated with government-biased interventions. In contrast, intervening countries whose dominant group has ties to a marginal group in civil conflict tend to favour the opposition. Overall, the results testify to the importance of including politically marginal groups’ ethnic ties when explaining how third-party countries behave.
Global norms and major state behaviour: The cases of China and the United States
Authors: Foot Rosemary , Walter Andrew
Published: February 2012

When do major states conform to or diverge from global behavioural norms? We argue that existing theories find it difficult to explain important aspects of this variation in behaviour and we offer instead a framework consisting of three explanatory variables: degree of ‘fit’ between global norms and dominant domestic-level norms; actor perceptions of procedural and substantive legitimacy; and actor perceptions of consequences for the global power hierarchy. We argue that the relative importance of these variables is contingent on the level of domestic salience of the issue area. When salience is high, the degree of normative fit is the primary driver of behavioural consistency; when salience is low, degree of fit becomes less important and the other two variables play a more powerful role in driving behavioural outcomes. We demonstrate how this framework helps to account for the behaviour of the two most important states in the global system, China and the United States, in five areas of central importance to the contemporary global order: the limited use of force, macroeconomic policy surveillance, the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, climate protection and financial regulation. Our argument also explains why globalization may reduce rather than increase levels of behavioural consistency with global norms.
A cluster randomised controlled trial of an adolescent smoking cessation intervention: Short and long-term effects
Authors: Dalum Peter , Paludan-Müller Georg , Engholm Gerda , Kok Gerjo
Published: February 2012

Background: There is a lack of effective smoking cessation interventions which have a high reach among adolescent smokers. Method: We conducted a randomised controlled trial of an adolescent smoking cessation intervention for students aged 15–21 at 22 continuation schools in Denmark. The intervention was a minimal intervention based on events with short counselling and a range of self-help materials. Our 1-month follow up consisted of 514 baseline daily smokers and the 14-month follow up of 369 daily smokers. Results: We found positive short-term effects regarding smoking cessation (adjusted OR 4.50, 95% CI 1.20–16.86), self-efficacy ( p=0.01), and intentions to quit ( p=0.004). However, none of these effects were maintained at 1-year follow up. The intervention was successful in reaching more than half of all daily smokers in the target group with more than 30% receiving counselling at least once in the intervention period. Conclusions: This trial shows that a “minimal” intervention can produce short-term effects but that this approach is insufficient in producing long-term effects.
Could the social environment trigger the induction of diabetes related autoantibodies in young children?
Authors: Karlén Jerker , Faresjö Tomas , Ludvigsson Johnny
Published: February 2012

Aims: The onset and progression of the autoimmune process leading to type 1 diabetes is partly dependent on genetic predisposition and partly on environmental factors. We have implemented a study design where 1-year-old children, from two equally sized, neighbouring but socioeconomically different cities, were compared for the induction of beta-cell autoantibodies. Methods: This study comprises 2448 newborn infants, all living in the urban parts of the twin cities, followed prospectively with regular biological samples and questionnaires in a major population-based study. Of these, a random sample of 1497 children were tested for tyrosine phosphatase (IA-2A) and 1409 children for glutamic acid decarboxylase (GADA). Other documented risk factors of beta-cell autoimmunity and type 1 diabetes, such as family characteristics, dietary factors, and psychosocial factors were also included in the analysis. Results: The risk for diabetes-related autoantibodies, both against GADA and IA-2A (>95% cut off), was significantly higher ( p<0.0001) among children from the blue-collar than from the white-collar city. This difference persisted still after adjustment for other previously documented risk factors. Some of these previously known risk factors remained significant in the multivariate analysis as independent explanatory factors, in addition to living in a blue-collar city. Conclusions:Factors in the social environment could trigger the induction of diabetes-related autoantibodies in 1-year-old children. These results point out that our present knowledge of factors influencing the autoimmune process might be widen to also include factors in the social environment of the community.
Online recursive estimation of remaining life using ultrasonic measurements
Authors: Singh Dheeraj S , Gupta Shalabh , Ray Asok
Published: February 2012

This article addresses diagnosis and prognosis of evolving fatigue crack damage in polycrystalline alloy structures. It presents a statistically inspired recursive method for in situ estimation of the remaining useful life in machinery components, based on real-time measurements. The underlying algorithm is built upon (a) symbolic dynamic filtering of (online) ultrasonic sensor data and (b) Karhunen–Loève decomposition of optical measurements for (off-line) construction of a stochastic model of fatigue crack propagation. The proposed method has been experimentally validated on a computer-instrumented and computer-controlled fatigue test apparatus for estimation of crack damage and prediction of the remaining useful life in test specimens, made of 7075-T6 aluminum alloys.
Technology-Enhanced Assessment of Math Fact Automaticity
Authors: Stickney Eric M. , Sharp Lindsay B. , Kenyon Amanda S.
Published: February 2012

Because math fact automaticity has been identified as a key barrier for students struggling with mathematics, we examined how initial math achievement levels influenced the path to automaticity (e.g., variation in number of attempts, speed of retrieval, and skill maintenance over time) and the relation between attainment of automaticity and gains in general math achievement. Findings indicated that most students did not meet the grade level recommendations for addition and subtraction identified by standards-setting organizations, but those that did were likely to achieve superior gains in math achievement, controlling for pretest scores. Relative to higher-achieving students, low-achieving students required more attempts to demonstrate automaticity, achieved automaticity later, and their speed of retrieval was lagging. Overall, low-achieving students were less likely to demonstrate fluent retrieval of math facts, but those that did also experienced particularly large gains in general math achievement.
Preliminary Evidence of the Technical Adequacy of Additional Curriculum-Based Measures for Preschool Mathematics
Authors: Polignano Joy C. , Hojnoski Robin L.
Published: February 2012

There has been increased attention to the development of assessment measures for evaluating mathematical skills in young children in order to inform instruction and intervention. However, existing tools have focused primarily on number sense with little attention to other areas of mathematical thinking such as geometry and algebra. The purpose of this study is to describe preliminary reliability and validity evidence for several curriculum-based measures designed to assess mathematical skills in preschool children. Interscorer, test–retest, alternate-form reliability, and concurrent validity of five tasks—Cardinality, Pattern Completion, Shape Naming Fluency, Shape Selection Fluency, and Shape Composition—were examined in a small sample of preschool-age children at risk for academic difficulties because of demographic characteristics. Results indicated strong interscorer reliability, moderate to strong test–retest reliability, and adequate alternate-form reliability. Concurrent validity coefficients ranged from weak and nonsignificant to strong, positive significant correlations. However, non-domain specific correlations were demonstrated, and there was no clear pattern of convergent and divergent validity. Findings are discussed in the context of necessary research in early math measurement for preschoolers.
Anatomical collateral ligament reconstruction in the hand using intraosseous suture anchors and a free tendon graft
Authors: Lee J. I. , Jeon W. J. , Suh D. H. , Park J. H. , Lee J. M. , Park J. W.
Published: February 2012

We describe anatomical collateral ligament reconstruction using a free tendon graft and intraosseous suture anchors in the digits. Eleven patients who underwent collateral ligament reconstruction at the proximal interphalangeal or metacarpophalangeal joints were enrolled in this study. Proper and accessory collateral ligaments were reconstructed using a free tendon graft in an anatomical configuration and the grafted tendons were fixed with suture anchors. The mean time from surgery to last follow-up was 9.2 months. All anchors used for fixation of grafted tendons remained securely at their original positions at the last follow-up visits. No significant complications were associated with the use of anchors. Clinical results were excellent in 10 patients and good in one. Anatomical reconstruction of collateral ligaments using suture anchors is simpler, faster, and safer than the conventional bone tunnel technique and it does not have the risks of breakage of bone bridges, skin irritation, or graft loosening.
Medium-term outcomes of pyrocarbon arthroplasty of the proximal interphalangeal joint
Authors: Hutt J. R. B. , Gilleard O. , Hacker A. , Citron N.
Published: February 2012

We evaluated the outcome of pyrocarbon arthroplasty for proximal interphalangeal joint osteoarthritis in 18 arthroplasties carried out by a single surgeon using the Ascension prosthesis (Ascension Orthopedics Inc., Austin, Texas) in 15 patients after a mean of 6.2 years. Significant and maintained improvements in pain scores at rest and on active movements were achieved for surviving implants, and the range of motion was comparable with preoperative measurements. The radiographs, which were evaluated for evidence of ongoing migration and potential failure, were of concern in 10 out of 18 joints. Two patients required implant removal.