bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Official relocation and self-help development: Three housing strategies under ambiguous property rights in China’s rural land development
Authors: Song Jing
Published: February 2014

The recent trend to develop rural land in western China has resulted in the large-scale relocation of villagers. It has also given rise to self-help development of housing. By examining long-established research on both formal urban development and informal village settlements, this study examines self-built housing, collective-endorsed housing and urban relocation housing in one western Chinese village. Their coexistence was made possible by ambiguities in property rights. The state–collective divide and the urban–rural dichotomy in property rights were restructured in land development, and villagers were able to use various means to take advantage of transitional, favourable deals to gain short- or long-term returns. Specifically, self-developed housing met market demands and traditional lifestyles, but witnessed a gap between de jure and de facto property rights and could not be easily formalised, whereas officially sanctioned relocation provided long-term homeownership but with ambiguous de jure property rights and failed to fully integrate villagers into urban neighbourhoods. To a lesser extent, collective endorsement added to the legitimacy of self-help development.
Selection Errors of Random Route Samples
Authors: Bauer Johannes J.
Published: February 2014

Random route samples are widely used in face-to-face surveys. Most previous studies of random route sample quality compare the data collected by random route samples with data from reliable sources, such as the German Microcensus. While these studies usually find few differences in the distributions of demographic variables, it is possible that other substantive variables of interest are biased if random route samples select households with unequal probabilities. This article takes a different approach to assessing the quality of random route samples. Since random routes are used when no complete list of respondents is available, it is assumed that all units have the same selection probability. This assumption is tested, by simulating all possible random routes within a German city and calculating the probability of selection for each household. The simulation results show that all three sets of tested random route instructions lead to strong deviations from a uniform distribution and two create systematic biases.
Race and Recognition
Authors: Neville Helen A. , Viard Brigitte , Turner Lou
Published: February 2014

Building on the early work of Frantz Fanon, we explored the concept of recognition as an aspect of Black racial identity or the degree of being seen by others and ourselves as equal or morally worthy persons deserving respect. We collected 64 racial life narratives with self-identified Black adults in four contexts: Australia, Bermuda, South Africa, and the United States. We uncovered a core theme of Global Recognition or the desire to be seen as complex Black individuals with rich, diverse lives and innate value as human beings. Two main themes emerged that either promoted (i.e., Racial Recognition and Acceptance) or hindered this sense of Global Recognition (i.e., Lack of Racial Recognition and Acceptance). Each of these themes consisted of two subthemes. In addition, participants described four types of behaviors designed to achieve Global Recognition: Challenging Oppression, Competition, Self-Affirmation, and Racial Performance.
The trajectories of child’s internalizing and externalizing problems, social competence and adolescent self-reported problems in a Finnish normal population sample
Authors: Korhonen Marie , Luoma Ilona , Salmelin Raili K. , Helminen Mika , Kaltiala-Heino Riittakerttu , Tamminen Tuula
Published: February 2014

Group-based modeling techniques are increasingly used in developmental studies to explore the patterns and co-occurrence of internalizing and externalizing problems. Social competence has been found to reciprocally influence internalizing and externalizing problems, but studies on its associations with different patterns of these problems are scarce. Using data from a Finnish longitudinal normal population sample, trajectories of internalizing and externalizing problems were formed using the Child Behavior Checklist completed by the mother at the child’s age of 4- to 5-years-old, 8- to 9-years-old, and 16- to 17-years-old ( N = 261). The results indicate that adolescent’s self-reported internalizing and externalizing problems based on the Youth Self Report were associated with the trajectories of internalizing and externalizing problems. Social competence both in early childhood and in adolescence was poorer among children with chronic internalizing problems and among those with adolescent-onset externalizing problems. One-third of the children who had a chronically high level of internalizing problems had an initially high but decreasing level of externalizing problems, while 33% of the adolescents with adolescent-onset externalizing problems had a chronically high level of internalizing problems. School psychologists are encouraged to screen for internalizing problems from children with behavioral, academic or social problems.
Bullying in German boarding schools: A pilot study
Authors: Pfeiffer Jens P. , Pinquart Martin
Published: February 2014

Adolescents who attend boarding schools share more time with peers than do students from day schools which, in turn, could provide more opportunities for bullying. Furthermore, some students attend boarding schools because of former social problems. In order to analyse the role of these factors, we examined the bullying behaviour of 706 German adolescents at boarding and day schools in a cross-sectional design. Adolescents at boarding schools showed higher levels of bullying by comparison to adolescents in day schools. Elevated levels of overt bullying in boarding schools could be explained by selection effects. In addition, more time spent with peers was associated with elevated levels of relational victimization. Furthermore, being overtly bullied showed stronger negative associations with life-satisfaction in students from boarding school than in students living at home.
The Impact of Hispanic Ethnicity on Knowledge and Behavior Among Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Bhargava Amit , Wartak Siddharth A. , Friderici Jennifer , Rothberg Michael B.
Published: February 2014

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to measure the current level of awareness of the American Heart Association’s 7 risk/protective factors of cardiovascular health among adults with diabetes of Hispanic and non-Hispanic origin and to identify factors associated with knowledge deficits.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey measured demographic data, personal behaviors/health factors, cardiovascular disease (CVD) history, and knowledge of 7 components of ideal cardiovascular health (smoking, obesity, exercise, diet, cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood glucose). A subset of 331 Hispanic and white patients with diabetes was surveyed. Knowledge scores were dichotomized between full knowledge (7 components) and less than full knowledge and compared between ethnicities using multiple logistic regression.

Results

Seventy-nine percent of surveys were returned; 50.5% of subjects were Hispanic. Median age was 64.5 years with 60.7% being female. Two-thirds of the sample completed high school and 26% reported comorbid CVD. Recognition of diabetes as a risk factor didn’t differ by ethnicity. Thirty-five percent of respondents identified 7 American Heart Association risk factors. Hispanics were less likely to identify 7 components. After adjustment for education and English literacy, the difference disappeared. Better knowledge was positively associated with healthier behaviors for high cholesterol, hypertension, and exercise only among white patients.

Conclusions

Hispanic patients with diabetes exhibit less knowledge about CVD risk/protective factors due to lower education and English literacy. Educational interventions should be tailored to those with less education/limited English proficiency.
Intensive, progressive exercise improves quality of life following lumbar microdiskectomy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Beneck George J , Popovich John M , Selkowitz David M , Azen Stan , Kulig Kornelia ,   on behalf of Physical Therapy Clinical Research Network (PTClinResNet)
Published: February 2014

Objective:

The purpose of the study was to examine changes in quality of life measures in patients who have undergone an intensive exercise program following a single level microdiskectomy.

Design:

Randomized controlled trial with blinded examiners.

Setting:

The study was conducted in outpatient physical therapy clinics.

Subjects:

Ninety-eight participants (53 male, 45 female) who had undergone a single-level lumbar microdiskectomy allocated to receive exercise and education or education only.

Interventions:

A 12-week periodized exercise program of lumbar extensor strength and endurance training, and mat and upright therapeutic exercises was administered.

Outcome measures:

Quality of life was tested with the Short Form 36 (SF-36). Measurements were taken 4–6 weeks postsurgery and following completion of the 12-week intervention program. Since some participants selected physical therapy apart from the study, analyses were performed for both an as-randomized (two-group) design and an as-treated (three-group) design.

Results:

In the two-group analyses, exercise and education resulted in a greater increase in SF-36 scales, role physical (17.8 vs. 12.1) and bodily pain (13.4 vs. 8.4), and the physical component summary (13.2 vs. 8.9). In the three-group analyses, post-hoc comparisons showed exercise and education resulted in a greater increase in the SF-36 scales, physical function (10.4 vs. 5.6) and bodily pain (13.7 vs. 8.2), and the physical component summary (13.7 vs. 8.9) when compared with usual physical therapy.

Conclusions:

An intensive, progressive exercise program combined with education increases quality of life in patients who have recently undergone lumbar microdiskectomy.
Task-dependent impedance and implications for upper-limb prosthesis control
Authors: Blank Amy A. , Okamura Allison M. , Whitcomb Louis L.
Published: February 2014

Modern-day prosthetic limbs are currently unable to imitate the versatile interaction behaviors of real human arms. Although humans can vary the impedance of their arms, commercially available prosthetic limbs have impedance properties that cannot be directly controlled by users. We investigate the hypothesis that user-selectable prosthesis impedance properties could improve the user’s ability to interact effectively with a variety of environments. We report the results of a series of human subject studies exploring this hypothesis using either a virtual prosthesis or a robot arm as a prosthesis proxy. We observed human performance with different stiffness and damping levels in the prosthesis proxy in two one-degree-of-freedom tasks: (1) a force minimization task and (2) a trajectory tracking task. The virtual prosthesis studies focus on human performance in an ideal simulated system to avoid limitations of a physical implementation, whereas the robot arm study focuses on performance changes that result from limitations of physical robotic hardware. The virtual prosthesis results showed that task-dependent impedance can improve user performance and that users can evaluate the effects of changing impedance. The robot arm results showed similar performance benefits of task-dependent impedance in a physical robotic system. These studies identified areas in which non-ideal characteristics of the physical system limited users’ performance; most notably, the physical system could not achieve the low damping levels that helped subjects reduce contact forces in the virtual prosthesis studies. Thus, we identify some design considerations for prostheses with user-selectable impedance that can achieve useful impedance ranges for improving user performance.
Susceptibility-weighted imaging for stem cell visualization in a rat photothrombotic cerebral infarction model
Authors: Ha Bon Chul , Jung Jisung , Kwak Byung Kook
Published: February 2014

Background

In cell therapy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used to visualize superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)-labeled stem cells homing to a lesion. Improving traceability is to utilize the sequence that maximizes sensitivity to the susceptibility effect of SPIO.

Purpose

To explore the best method by comparing the MRI sequences to visualize mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) labeled with SPIO.

Material and Methods

Human bone marrow (hBM)-derived MSCs were labeled by internalization of SPIO nanoparticles. In vitro MRI was performed for the SPIO-labeled hBM-MSCs in tubes with T2-weighted (T2W), T2*-weighted (T2*W), and susceptibility-weighted images (SWI). Contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and volumes of dark signal of SPIO-labeled hBM-MSCs were obtained on images of each sequence. Photothrombotic cerebral infarction (PTCI) was induced in eight rats, and 2.5 × 105 SPIO-labeled hBM-MSCs were infused through the tail vein on the third day. In vivo MRI of the rat brain was performed using a 3.0 T MRI on the first, third, seventh, and 14th days. CNRspio was obtained on T2W imaging, T2*W imaging, and SWI. The dark signals were compared with the SPIO-positive cells of Prussian blue staining.

Results

In vitro MRI of 5 × 105 SPIO-labeled hBM-MSCs showed the CNR and volume of dark signal to be 63, 517 mm3 in SWI, 41, 228 mm3 in T2*W imaging, and 56, 41 mm3 in T2W imaging, respectively. In vivo MRI showed a dark signal surrounding the high signal intensity of PTCI. Pathologically, the dark signals were matched with SPIO-labeled hBM-MSC in the corresponding rat. The dark signal was most prominent in SWI, then T2*W imaging, and finally in T2W imaging ( P <0.05). In SWI, other causes of dark signals were matched with the veins and the choroid plexuses on histopathology.

Conclusion

SWI can visualize SPIO-labeled hBM-MSCs more sensitively, earlier, and with larger size and greater contrast than T2W imaging and T2*W imaging.
The value of inflammatory parameters in the prognosis of malignant mesothelioma
Authors: Abakay Ozlem , Tanrikulu Abdullah Cetin , Palanci Yilmaz , Abakay Abdurrahman
Published: February 2014

Objective

This study investigated the relationship between potential prognostic parameters that may be associated with increased inflammation and survival in patients with malignant mesothelioma (MM).

Methods

This retrospective study assessed potential prognostic parameters measured at the time of MM diagnosis. Data on asbestos exposure, histopathological subtype of MM and laboratory parameters were collected.

Results

In 155 patients with MM (90 male), mean survival time was 13.9 months. In univariate analysis, age ≥60 years and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) ≥3 were associated with significantly shortened median survival times. In multivariate analysis, nonepithelial subtype, red cell distribution width (RDW) ≥20% and NLR ≥3 were associated with significantly shortened median survival times. Mortality rate was increased 2.77-, 1.67- and 1.52-fold in patients with RDW ≥20%, NLR ≥3 and nonepithelial subtype, respectively. Nonepithelial subtype, white blood cell count ≥11 200 µl and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio ≥300 at baseline were associated with a heightened NLR value.

Conclusions

The NLR and RDW were significant predictive factors for MM prognosis.
Cisatracurium pretreatment with tourniquet reduces propofol injection pain: A double-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kim Yun-Hee , Namgung Jin , Lim Choon-Hak
Published: February 2014

Objectives

To investigate the efficacy of pretreatment with cisatracurium for prevention of pain associated with propofol injection, and compare its efficacy with that of lidocaine.

Methods

Patients undergoing general anaesthesia were randomized to receive normal saline (control group), lidocaine (0.5 mg/kg), 0.03 mg/kg cisatracurium or 0.15 mg/kg cisatracurium. All drugs were administered into the largest dorsal vein of the hand with venous occlusion for 30 s, followed by propofol (0.5 mg/kg). Pain was evaluated using a four-point scale.

Results

The incidence and severity of pain was significantly lower in the lidocaine and 0.15 mg/kg cisatracurium groups than the control and 0.03 mg/kg cisatracurium groups (n = 50/group). There was no significant difference between the lidocaine and 0.15 mg/kg cisatracurium groups in the incidence and severity of pain.

Conclusions

0.15 mg/kg cisatracurium effectively decreases the incidence and severity of pain induced by propofol injection without any significant complications.
Opportunistic conservation at former military sites in the United States
Authors: Havlick David G.
Published: February 2014

Recent military base closures and realignments in the United States have opened dozens of former training and testing sites to new uses and priorities. One common transition is to designate these lands as national wildlife refuges. This presents conservation opportunities on hundreds of thousands of hectares previously under military control, but the ecological restoration and subsequent reuse of these lands is complex and fraught with challenges. Unexploded ordnance, soil and water contamination, reinforced structures, and other military remainders exist on many of these sites, and wildlife refuge managers typically receive little funding or training to contend with such relicts. This paper acknowledges some of the real conservation opportunities provided by military-to-wildlife (M2W) refuges, but emphasizes that restoration and conservation measures at these sites remain bounded by physical and sociopolitical constraints. One outcome of these constraints is ‘opportunistic conservation’, where habitat and wildlife goals are shaped or constrained by the lingering presence of prior military uses. Working from case studies and interviews conducted at M2W sites in the United States, this research suggests that opportunistic conservation represents a limited vision for restoration and conservation at these places that also potentially obscures these limitations. At many of these same sites, however, more affirmative opportunistic conservation efforts exhibit creative responses given the conditions that exist.
Evaluating the Evidence Base of Performance Feedback in Preservice Special Education Teacher Training
Authors: Cornelius Kyena E. , Nagro Sarah A.
Published: February 2014

Performance feedback is commonly used during field experiences to improve desired teaching behaviors in preservice teachers. The authors identify eight single-subject studies examining the effects of performance feedback in preservice teachers to determine the evidence base for this practice. These eight studies are reviewed using quality indicators specific to single subject. Positive findings are shown across seven of the eight studies. Targeted behaviors showing the most change are those focused on implementation fidelity of evidence-based instructional strategies. Teacher-specific behaviors do improve after receiving performance feedback. However, the change in these behaviors was not consistent across all studies. Five studies met all rigorous standards of quality research and surpass additional requirements pertaining to evaluating single-subject research. The authors conclude that performance feedback is an evidence-based practice when used to increase implementation fidelity of instructional practices. Implications to the field of special education teacher preparation are discussed.
Narrative fidelity to the Little Red Book in the framing efforts of the Red Guard Movement: A theoretical model for foundational documents
Authors: Holland Jeremy J
Published: February 2014

My research interests take strong cues from much theorizing performed within the social movement theoretical community. Building on framing insights pioneered by David Snow and Robert Benford, I focus on how much narrative fidelity a political activist’s speech has to culturally exalted primary source text(s); this is what I have termed foundational documents. I am proposing a foundational document theoretical model that interacts with novel concepts emerging among critical discourse analysts, and with insights produced within social movement studies under the cultural paradigm. This framework is intended to uncover resonating ideational elements within foundational texts. These are the crucial elements social movement entrepreneurs utilize in order to create culturally potent frame presentations.
Characterization and finite element modeling of Galfenol minor flux density loops
Authors: Deng Zhangxian , Dapino Marcelo J
Published: February 2014

This paper focuses on the development of a 3D hysteretic Galfenol model which is implemented using the finite element method (FEM) in COMSOL Multiphysics®. The model describes Galfenol responses and those of passive components including flux return path, coils and surrounding air. A key contribution of this work is that it lifts the limitations of symmetric geometry utilized in the previous literature and demonstrates the implementation of the approach for more complex systems than before. Unlike anhysteretic FEM models, the proposed model can describe minor loops which are essential for both Galfenol sensor and actuator design. A group of stress versus flux density loops for different bias currents is used to verify the accuracy of the model in the quasi-static regime. Through incorporating C code with MATLAB, the computational efficiency is improved by 78% relative to previous work.
Finite element model updating of flexural structures based on modal parameters extracted from dynamic distributed macro-strain responses
Authors: Hong Wan , Wu Zhishen , Yang Caiqian , Wu Gang , Zhang Yufeng
Published: February 2014

This article presents a novel strategy for finite element model updating of flexural structures. The method is based on modal parameters extracted from dynamic distributed macro-strain responses. The objective function that comprised low-order modal macro-strain and frequency was established first, while local bending stiffness, density, and boundary conditions of structures can be selected as the design variables. Both numerical simulation and experiment were conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The long-gauge macro-strain sensors chosen in this article are first addressed, and the fundamental sensing properties of the macro-strain sensors confirm great dynamic measurement capacity. Simulation and experimental results show that both the local parameter (bending stiffness) and the global parameters (mass density and rotational stiffness of support) can be well identified. Notably, the updated finite element model can predict local response modal macro-strain and global response (frequency and displacement mode) because the local information-sensitive index and global information-sensitive index are included in the objective function. Therefore, the proposed finite element model updating strategy constitutes a new alternative in performance assessment of flexural structures.
Influence of adhesive bond layer on power and energy transduction efficiency of piezo-impedance transducer
Authors: Moharana Sumedha , Bhalla Suresh
Published: February 2014

This article deals with the analysis of the power consumption in the piezoelectric ceramic patch of lead zirconate titanate and the losses arising from the adhesive bonding with the host structure. When a lead zirconate titanate patch is utilized as an impedance transducer in the electromechanical impedance technique, it acts both as a sensor and as an actuator (dual effect) for the range of frequency. Power consumption occurs in two forms. First part of the energy is used to actuate the lead zirconate titanate patch and produce deformations. The other part of the energy is dissipated within the piezo-mechanical system due to the internal mechanical loss and the associated heat generation. The determination of the power consumption characteristics for an active piezo-system is very important for designing an efficient intelligent structure with optimized mass and energy combination. Adhesive bond itself acts as an added stiffness, mass and damper and plays an important role in mechanical and electrical energy conversion. Hence, a detailed investigation is needed to characterize the power consumption and energy issues associated with bond layer driven by lead zirconate titanate patch, which is the main aim of this article.
Ultrasonic monitoring of the early-age hydration of mineral admixtures incorporated concrete using cement-based piezoelectric composite sensors
Authors: Lu Youyuan , Ma Hongyan , Li Zongjin
Published: February 2014

The early-age hydration processes of concretes with mineral admixtures have been monitored and evaluated by a newly developed ultrasonic method based on embedded cement-based piezoelectric composite sensors. With the embedded ultrasonic (P-wave) measurement system, the waveform, wave velocity, attenuation coefficient index, and frequency-domain spectrum of detected ultrasonic waves during hydration can be recorded. The mineral admixtures examined include fly ash, slag, and silica fume, which replace part of the cement in concrete mixtures. It is found that the ultrasonic transmission parameters can be related to the microstructure changes of the concrete. Both the acceleration effects of silica fume and the retardation effects of fly ash and slag on the early hydration of concrete can be determined and explained through the analysis and comparison of the characteristics of the velocity curves. The attenuation coefficient index curve provides additional observation for the study of hydration kinetics. Moreover, the function of fresh concrete in filtering the high-frequency component of the wave varies with time, and concrete can be considered as low-pass frequency spectral filter. Frequency spectra analysis at different ages of fresh concrete provides useful information to reveal the early-age hydration process.
Teaching Adolescent Students With Learning Disabilities to Self-Advocate for Accommodations
Authors: Prater Mary Anne , Redman Ashleigh Smith , Anderson Darlene , Gibb Gordon S.
Published: February 2014

In the general education classroom students with learning disabilities (LD) often need academic accommodations to be successful. These accommodations are typically selected and implemented by their general education teachers, not by the students themselves. High school students with LD were taught to recognize when an accommodation was needed, select the appropriate accommodation, request the accommodation, and then implement the accommodation in the general education classroom. To evaluate the effectiveness of the instruction, four students were observed in the general classroom.
A Systematic Review of Web-Based Educational Interventions
Authors: Fredericks Suzanne , Martorella Géraldine , Catallo Cristina
Published: February 2014

A complement to in-hospital educational interventions is web-based patient education accessed during the home recovery period. While findings demonstrate the effectiveness of web-based patient education interventions on patient outcomes, they fall short of identifying the characteristics that are associated with desired outcomes. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the characteristics of web-based patient education interventions that are associated with producing changes in self-care behaviors. A systematic review involving 19 studies was conducted to determine the most effective components of a web-based intervention. Findings suggest that the most effective form of web-based patient education is one that is interactive and allows patients to navigate the online system on their own. The findings from this systematic review allow for the design of a web-based educational intervention that will promote increased performance of self-care behaviors during the home recovery period.
The Effect of an On-Site Vision Examination on Adherence to Vision Screening Recommendations
Authors: Chu Raymond , Huang Kristine , Barnhardt Carmen , Chen Angela
Published: February 2014

Vision screenings are intended to efficiently identify students with possible visual impairment and initiate a referral for diagnosis and treatment. In many cases, at-risk students do not access the recommended care or experience delays in receiving care. The purpose of this article is to report the effect on adherence to vision screening recommendations by providing the eye examination at the students’ school and at no cost. Of the 1,306 students screened, 382 (29.2%) were identified with possible visual impairment. Parental consent for examination was obtained for 198 (51.8%) students. Our vision screening and examination program yielded similar adherence to follow-up as stand-alone vision screening programs. Future program considerations should address perceptual barriers that may be contributing to parental nonadherence to vision screening recommendations.
Endocannabinoids in Synaptic Plasticity and Neuroprotection
Authors: Xu Jian-Yi , Chen Chu
Published: February 2014

Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are endogenous lipid mediators involved in a variety of physiological, pharmacological, and pathological processes. While activation of the eCB system primarily induces inhibitory effects on both GABAergic and glutamatergic synaptic transmission and plasticity through acting on presynaptically expressed CB1 receptors in the brain, accumulated information suggests that eCB signaling is also capable of facilitating or potentiating excitatory synaptic transmission in the hippocampus. Recent studies show that a long-lasting potentiation of excitatory synaptic transmission at Schaffer collateral (SC)-CA1 synapses is induced by spatiotemporally primed inputs, accompanying with a long-term depression of inhibitory synaptic transmission (I-LTD) in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. This input timing–dependent long-lasting synaptic potentiation at SC-CA1 synapses is mediated by 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) signaling triggered by activation of postsynaptic N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors, group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), and a concurrent rise in intracellular Ca2+. Emerging evidence now also indicates that 2-AG is an important signaling mediator keeping brain homeostasis by exerting its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in response to harmful insults through CB1/2 receptor-dependent and/or -independent mechanisms. Activation of the nuclear receptor protein peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ apparently is one of the important mechanisms in resolving neuroinflammation and protecting neurons produced by 2-AG signaling. Thus, the information summarized in this review suggests that the role of eCB signaling in maintaining integrity of brain function is greater than what we thought previously.
Novel Approaches and Opportunities for Cardioprotective Signaling Through 3′,5′-Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate Manipulation
Authors: Bice Justin S. , Burley Dwaine S. , Baxter Gary F.
Published: February 2014

Limiting the injurious effects of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion is a desirable therapeutic target, which has been investigated extensively over the last three decades. Here we provide an up to date review of the literature documenting the experimental and clinical research demonstrating the effects of manipulating cGMP for the therapeutic targeting of the injurious effects of ischemic heart disease. Augmentation of the cyclic nucleotide cGMP plays a crucial role in many cardioprotective signaling pathways. There is an extensive body of literature which supports pharmacological targeting of cGMP or upstream activators in models of ischemia-reperfusion to limit injury. NO donors have long been utilised to manipulate cGMP, and more recently non-NO synthase derived NOx species have been investigated, resulting in their evaluation in clinical trials for the treatment of ischemic heart disease. Encouraging results demonstrate that natriuretic peptides are worthy candidates in manipulating cGMP and its downstream effectors to afford cytoprotection. Synthetic ligands have been designed which co-activate natriuretic peptide receptors to improve targeting this pathway. Advances have been made in targeting the soluble guanylyl cyclase which catalyzes the production of cGMP independently of the endogenous ligand NO using NO-independent stimulators and activators of sGC. These novel compounds show promise as a new class of drugs that target this signaling cascade specifically under pathological conditions when endogenous NO production may be compromised. Regulating the degradation of cGMP via phosphodiesterase inhibition also shows therapeutic potential. It is clear that production and regulation of cGMP is complex, indeed its spatial production and cellular distribution are only just emerging.
Sustainable Behavior in the Business Sphere
Authors: Lülfs Regina , Hahn Rüdiger
Published: February 2014

This conceptual article illuminates multiple determinants of sustainable behavior in companies by adapting the comprehensive action determination model proposed by Klöckner and Blöbaum. We apply this behavioral model specifically to the corporate sphere and illustrate that its determinants match the theoretical and empirical research on sustainable behavior in companies. By extending the model to the business context and by applying it to the broad sphere of sustainability, we build a connection between psychological findings (especially those related to environmental psychology) and research on organizational behavior and provide a coherent framework for corporate interventions to enforce individual sustainable behavior fostering corporate sustainability. In doing so, we provide an extensive overview of contemporary research on the psychological determinants of sustainable behavior within companies.
Testing a Model of Participant Retention in Longitudinal Substance Abuse Research
Authors: Gilmore Devin , Kuperminc Gabriel P.
Published: February 2014

Longitudinal substance abuse research has often been compromised by high rates of attrition, thought to be the result of the lifestyle that often accompanies addiction. Several studies have used strategies including collection of locator information at the baseline assessment, verification of the information, and interim contacts prior to completing the follow-up to minimize attrition, however it is unclear whether these strategies are equally effective for participants struggling with varying levels of housing stability, support for sobriety, and substance abuse severity. The current study extends research supporting the effectiveness of follow-up strategies with a focus on locator form completion and continual verification contacts. Results indicated that each additional piece of locator form information and verification contact significantly and independently increased the odds for completing a follow-up interview, and that these effects were not moderated by participant characteristics. Practical and theoretical implications for longitudinal substance abuse research are discussed.
Detection of feline Mycoplasma species in cats with feline asthma and chronic bronchitis
Authors: Schulz Bianka S , Richter Petra , Weber Karin , Mueller Ralf S , Wess Gerhard , Zenker Isabella , Hartmann Katrin
Published: February 2014

Little is known about the aetiology of inflammatory lower airway disease in cats. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Mycoplasma species in cats with feline asthma (FA) and chronic bronchitis (CB). The study population consisted of 17 cats with FA/CB, and 14 sick cats without clinical and historical signs of respiratory disease, which were euthanased for various other reasons. Nasal swabs, nasal lavage and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were taken from patients from both groups. Mycoplasma species culture with modified Hayflick agar and Mycoplasma polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed on all samples followed by sequencing of all Mycoplasma species-positive samples for differentiation of subspecies. PCR testing detected significantly more Mycoplasma species-positive BALF samples than Mycoplasma culture ( P = 0.021). When cats with oropharyngeal contamination were excluded from comparison, the numbers of Mycoplasma species-positive BALF samples in the group with FA/CB (6/17) and the control group (4/9) were not significantly different ( P = 0.6924). While all nasal samples of the cats with FA/CB were negative for Mycoplasma organisms, five samples in the control group ( P = 0.041) were positive on PCR. Sequencing revealed Mycoplasma felis in all PCR-positive samples. Mycoplasma species can be detected in the lower airways of cats with FA/CB, as well as in the BALF of sick cats without respiratory signs. Further studies are warranted to investigate the possibility that Mycoplasma species represent commensals of the lower respiratory tract of cats.
Combined visual and motor evoked potentials predict multiple sclerosis disability after 20 years
Authors: Schlaeger Regina , Schindler Christian , Grize Leticia , Dellas Sophie , Radue Ernst W , Kappos Ludwig , Fuhr Peter
Published: February 2014

Background:

The development of predictors of multiple sclerosis (MS) disability is difficult due to the complex interplay of pathophysiological and adaptive processes.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether combined evoked potential (EP)-measures allow prediction of MS disability after 20 years.

Methods:

We examined 28 patients with clinically definite MS according to Poser’s criteria with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, combined visual and motor EPs at entry (T0), 6 (T1), 12 (T2) and 24 (T3) months, and a cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan at T0 and T2. EDSS testing was repeated at year 14 (T4) and year 20 (T5). Spearman rank correlation was used. We performed a multivariable regression analysis to examine predictive relationships of the sum of z-transformed EP latencies ( s-EPT0) and other baseline variables with EDSST5.

Results:

We found that s-EPT0 correlated with EDSST5 (rho=0.72, p<0.0001) and ΔEDSST5-T0 (rho=0.50, p=0.006). Backward selection resulted in the prediction model: E (EDSST5)=3.91–2.22×therapy+0.079×age+0.057× s-EPT0 (Model 1, R2=0.58) with therapy as binary variable (1=any disease-modifying therapy between T3 and T5, 0=no therapy). Neither EDSST0 nor T2-lesion or gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing lesion quantities at T0 improved prediction of EDSST5. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.89 for model 1.

Conclusions:

These results further support a role for combined EP-measures as predictors of long-term disability in MS.
Using secondary analysis of qualitative data of patient experiences of health care to inform health services research and policy
Authors: Ziebland Sue , Hunt Kate
Published: February 2014

Qualitative research is recognized as an important method for including patients' voices and experiences in health services research and policy-making, yet the considerable potential to analyse existing qualitative data to inform health policy and practice has been little realized. This failure may partly be explained by: a lack of awareness amongst health policy makers of the increasing wealth of qualitative data available; and around 15 years of internal debates among qualitative researchers on the strengths, limitations and validity of re-use of qualitative data. Whilst acknowledging the challenges of qualitative secondary data analysis, we argue that there is a growing imperative to be pragmatic and to undertake analysis of existing qualitative data collections where they have the potential to contribute to health policy formulation. Time pressures are inherent in the policy-making process and in many circumstances it is not possible to seek funding, conduct and analyse new qualitative studies of patients' experiences in time to inform a specific policy. The danger then is that the patient voice, and the experiences of relatives and carers, is either excluded or included in a way that is easily dismissed as ‘unrepresentative’. We argue that secondary analysis of qualitative data collections may sometimes be an effective means to enable patient experiences to inform policy decision-making.
An award controversy: Anthropology, architecture, and the robustness of knowledge
Authors: Allen Stewart
Published: February 2014

Despite the universal presence of architectural forms in human societies, architecture, as a serious topic of anthropological enquiry, has been somewhat overlooked by the discipline as a whole. This article draws upon an anthropology of architecture as ‘process’ to explore the controversy involved in a disputed architectural award presented to a non-governmental organisation (NGO) in Rajasthan, India. The author follows the manner in which the actors involved in the controversy define and construct the situation, in the process bringing to light normally overlooked aspects of development and architecture. In this conceptualisation, the built form is imagined as neither exclusively social nor material but rather processual, in which the currents and paths of myriad relationships turn static constructions into complex spaces of conflict and negotiation. The article concludes that only by paying attention to the material forms of such processes can we account for how certain narratives triumph over others.
Ritual healing and mental health in India
Authors: Sax William
Published: February 2014

Ritual healing is very widespread in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, and is by far the most common option for those with serious behavioral disturbances. Although ritual healing thus accounts for a very large part of the actual health care system, the state and its regulatory agencies have, for the most part, been structurally blind to its existence. A decade of research on in this region, along with a number of shorter research trips to healing shrines and specialists elsewhere in the subcontinent, and a thorough study of the literature, suggest that such techniques are often therapeutically effective. However, several considerations suggest that ritual healing may not be usefully combined with mainstream “Western” psychiatry: (a) psychiatry is deeply influenced by the ideology of individualism, which is incompatible with South Asian understandings of the person; (b) social asymmetries between religious healers and health professionals are too great to allow a truly respectful relationship between them; and (c) neither the science of psychiatry nor the regulatory apparatus of the state can or will acknowledge the validity of “ritual therapy”—and even if they did so, regulation would most likely destroy what is most valuable about ritual healing. This suggests that it is best if the state maintain its structural blindness to ritual healing.
Lifestyle Preference Theory: No match for young Australian women
Authors: Johnstone Melissa , Lee Christina
Published: February 2014

Women’s work and family choices are affected by social pressures and external constraints. Understanding young women’s aspirations for future work and family is important for understanding their future needs and for developing supportive work–family practices and policies. Despite criticism, Lifestyle Preference Theory has been argued to explain women’s life choices, and historically has been used to inform Australian policy. We address three issues: whether Lifestyle Preference Groups are consistent with young Australian women’s stated preferences; whether aspirations are consistent over time; and whether women’s later lives are consistent with their earlier stated preferences. Using four waves of data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH), young women’s work and family aspirations were investigated cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Most aspired to both paid work and family; most changed their preferences over time; and the fit between preferences in 2000 and lifestyle in 2009 was modest. Lifestyle Preference Theory was not an adequate fit to the data.
Reconsidering ‘virtuous circle’ and ‘media malaise’ theories of the media: An 11-nation study
Authors: Curran James , Coen Sharon , Soroka Stuart , Aalberg Toril , Hayashi Kaori , Hichy Zira , Iyengar Shanto , Jones Paul , Mazzoleni Gianpietro , Papathanassopoulos Stylianos , Rhee June Woong , Rojas Hernando , Rowe David , Tiffen Rod
Published: February 2014

This study, based on a content analysis of television news and survey in eleven nations, explores the split between those who see the media as politically alienating and others who see the media as encouraging greater political involvement. Here, we suggest that both positions are partly right. On the one hand, television news, and in particular public service television news, can be very effective in imparting information about public affairs and promoting a culture of democracy in which news exposure, public affairs knowledge, sense of democratic competence and political interest feed off each other. On the other hand, the views represented in public affairs news are overwhelmingly those of men and elites, which can discourage identification with public life.
Media production in a transnational setting: Three models of immigrant journalism
Authors: Shumow Moses
Published: February 2014

This study presents an empirical, qualitative investigation into the practices of Venezuelan journalists in South Florida. The Venezuelan population in the United States has more than doubled in the past decade, making it the fastest growing sub-population of Latinos in the country, and a majority of these new arrivals have settled in South Florida. Given the rapid changes this community has undergone in the previous 10 years, the results of this investigation provide a more complete picture of global journalism and transnational migration in the digital media era through the recognition of the complexities inherent in the work of immigrant journalists, offering new contributions to conceptualizations of immigrant assimilation as non-linear and providing an updated framework for understanding the production of Spanish-language, immigrant media in the United States. Three models of immigrant journalism are presented and discussed as a final result of the research.
Breaking Women’s Health Taboos
Authors: Sundstrom Beth
Published: February 2014

This study explored diffusion of innovations theory as a particularly relevant and useful theory to the social marketing approach. In-depth interviews with 44 biological mothers of newborns were conducted to understand their communication behaviors, system norms, and social networks. A grounded theory approach was used to expand diffusion of innovations theory by investigating social network influences on women’s innovativeness. Findings suggest opportunities to apply diffusion of innovations theory to better understand women’s health and the health of their families. This study provides a basis for the use of qualitative research to diffuse behaviors where desired health behaviors emerge by listening to the target audience. According to participants, online networks offer reprieve from system norms that create a taboo around women’s health issues. These women engaged in complex research and decision-making processes about health that involved trusting themselves and their newborns. Additionally, findings contribute to theory development by revealing participants’ experiences of stigma and silence, which suggest that gender, as well as race and class, should be an integral component of the empty vessels fallacy in the diffusion of innovations theory.