bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From the Journal of Psychiatry & Law Archives: Bernard L. Diamond. M.D. on “The Psychiatrist as Advocate”
Authors: Weiss Kenneth J. , Sadoff Robert L.
Published: February 2015

Dr. Bernard L. Diamond (1973) published the first article in the first issue of the Journal of Psychiatry & Law. Entitled “The Psychiatrist as Advocate,” it was a follow-up to his famous editorial, “The Fallacy of the Impartial Expert” (Diamond, 1959). Given the impossibility of total impartiality, the expert witness can still be ethical, but then undertake a form of activism. After nearly 40 years, we continue to reassess our boundaries as expert witnesses. In this article, the author has asked Dr. Robert L. Sadoff to comment on Dr. Diamond's ideas in the context of contemporary ethics.
“Justice's Beautiful Face”: Bob Sadoff and the Redemptive Promise of Therapeutic Jurisprudence
Authors: Perlin Michael L.
Published: February 2015

Therapeutic jurisprudence (TJ) provides a framework for psycholegal analysis that has had no difficulty in attracting adherents within the law and a broad range of health-oriented disciplines. Although psychiatry has proven perhaps predictably less willing to embrace TJ, the work of Robert L. Sadoff, M.D. provides a heartening exception. Dr. Sadoff's career stands for many enlightening principles—not least of which is the redemptive promise of TJ.
When Mii Is Me
Authors: Ratan Rabindra A. , Dawson Michael
Published: February 2015

The present research examines the processes involved in the psychological and behavioral effects of avatar use. We offer and explore a new concept, avatar self-relevance, which potentially moderates avatar use effects and thus may help explain why such effects are augmented by using (compared with viewing) an avatar. Results from an experimental study suggest that avatar self-relevance after avatar use, as reflected by physiological responses to observing (without controlling) the avatar get beaten up, is higher for people who maintain a psychological connection to the avatar, while lower for people for whom the disconnection from the avatar is highly salient, with avatar gender consistency and an avatar-emotion connection contributing to the former and an avatar-body connection contributing to the latter. This research offers a middle ground between self-perception and priming-oriented explanations of the theoretical mechanisms involved in avatar use effects.
Language Use and Influence Among Minority, Majority, and Homogeneous Group Members
Authors: Van Swol Lyn M. , Carlson Cassandra L.
Published: February 2015

This article tests conversion theory through linguistic analysis of group discussions and also tests the effects of linguistic mimicry in homogeneous groups and minority/majority groups. Supporting conversion theory, majorities had a more interpersonal, outward focus as tested through use of more third person plural pronouns (“they”). Supporting conversion theory’s validation process, minority members who used a higher percentage of causation words were more influential. Majority members who used more second person pronouns (“you”) had less influence in the group, in support of previous research that found that “you” words were counterproductive with conflict. It was hypothesized that there would be a positive relationship between linguistic mimicry and discussion of information shared by all group members, but this was only found in homogeneous groups.
Risk Transfer Valuation in Advance Pricing Agreements Between Multinational Enterprises and Tax Authorities
Authors: Afik Zvika , Lahav Yaron
Published: February 2015

Advance pricing agreements (APAs) are long-term contracts between multinational taxpayers and tax authority(ies), according to which the taxpayer consents to use the agreed upon transfer price for its related transactions for a fixed period of time. We argue that for such an agreement to be based on the principle of arm’s length, the specified transfer price(s) should include a premium that captures the risk transferred from one entity to another. When this risk is not accounted for, the long-term transfer pricing policy specified in the agreement (although supported by tax authorities) is not arm’s length. We present a pricing model that can be easily applied to value such risk by incorporating it to the transfer price determined by the APA.
Thriving in Central Network Positions: The Role of Political Skill
Authors: Cullen Kristin L. , Gerbasi Alexandra , Chrobot-Mason Donna
Published: February 2015

Theory suggests that thriving, the feeling of vitality and experience of learning, is in large part determined by the social environment of employees’ workplace. One important aspect of this social environment is the position of an individual in the communication network. Individuals who are sources of communication for many colleagues often receive benefits because other employees depend heavily on these individuals for information; however, there may also be drawbacks to this dependence. In particular, employees who are central in the communication network may experience more role overload and role ambiguity and, in turn, lower levels of workplace thriving. Individual differences are also likely to explain why some individuals are more likely to thrive. Relying on research that views organizations as political arenas, we identify political skill as an individual difference that is likely to enhance workplace thriving. Using a moderated-mediation analysis, we find support for the indirect cost of communication centrality on workplace thriving through role overload and role ambiguity. Furthermore, we identify both direct and moderating effects of political skill. Specifically, political skill mitigates the extent to which employees experience role ambiguity, but not role overload, associated with their position in the communication network, and these effects carry through to affect thriving. Star employees are often central in communication networks; with this in mind, we discuss the implications of our findings for employees and organizations.
Far from Home, But at Home: Indian Migrant Workers in the Iranian Oil Industry
Authors: Atabaki Touraj
Published: February 2015

This article revisits the life and times of Indian migrant workers in Persia/Iran during the first half of the twentieth century, and discusses their contributions to the founding, development and eventual consolidation of the Persian/Iranian oil industry. A number of factors that shaped this experience are investigated. They include the geographic and ethno-religious origins of Indian labourers; the policies adopted by the oil company (APOC), labour agencies and the Government of India to recruit workers and regulate their working conditions and terms of contract; and the lived experience of the workers once they were hired and began working in the Persian/Iranian oil industry.

Across nearly half a century, Indian workers in the Persian/Iranian oil industry faced a variety of labour experiences ranging from coerced recruitment as indentured workers during wartime, to wage labour with a negotiated contract and protection under colonial labour laws. I will discuss how these workers responded to the various recruitment policies, the demanding working conditions and labour discipline imposed on them, their remuneration and wage-structures, and their living conditions and housing situation.

Records of the lengthy presence of Indian workers in the oil industry provide us with numerous stories of contestation, resistance and negotiations for better working and living conditions. Ultimately, the story of Indian migrant workers is also a story of accommodating within an emerging multinational corporation. I situate the history of migrant labour agencies within the framework of colonial labour practices. By examining the workers’ encounter with multiple class, ethnic and territorial identities, I survey the changing relations of both solidarity and discord between Indian migrant workers and indigenous Iranian workers.2
Towards Adivasi Studies: New Perspectives on ‘Tribal’ Margins of Modern India
Authors: Chandra Uday
Published: February 2015

Daniel J. Rycroft and Sangeeta Dasgupta (eds), The Politics of Belonging in India: Becoming Adivasi. Routledge, Abingdon and New York, 2011, xvii + 238 pp., $112.57 (hbk).

Sanjukta Das Gupta and Raj Sekhar Basu (eds), Narratives from the Margins: Aspects of Adivasi History in India. Primus Books, New Delhi, 2012, 312 pp., INR 995.

Crispin Bates and Alpa Shah (eds), Savage Attack: Tribal Insurgency in India. Social Science Press, New Delhi, 2014, 306 pp., INR 725.
Book Review: P.K. Basant, The City and the Country in Early India: A Study of Malwa
Authors: Kaul Shonaleeka
Published: February 2015

P.K. Basant, The City and the Country in Early India: A Study of Malwa, Primus Books, New Delhi, 2012, 369 pp., price ₹1150.
Observation and analysis of three gifted underachievers in an underserved, urban high school setting
Authors: Cavilla Derek
Published: February 2015

Underachievement among gifted students is a paradox that frustrates educators because of the significant disparity between students’ potential and their performance. Complicating the issue is the highly individualized nature of the underperformance, which must take into consideration factors of student culture, socio-economic status, motivation, and the environment. Once these factors are considered, both the intellectual and affective needs of the gifted underachiever must be examined and supported in order to try and bridge the gap between known ability and actual performance. This case study examines the factors behind three gifted underachievers in an urban, high school setting. Through interviews and observation, the researcher sheds light on the potential influences of each individual’s level of underachievement and shares insight into how it was addressed in the classroom through the lenses of motivation, culture and context, and the environment. While the approaches and outcomes for each student are different, one theme emerged: students were more effective at instituting change in their lives once they had fully accepted and embraced that they were both gifted and underachieving.
‘Justice and Peace Will Kiss Each Other’ (Psalm 85.10b): Minjung Perspectives on Peace-building
Authors: Kim Sebastian
Published: February 2015

During the period of military-backed government (1961–1988), South Korea faced various political and economic challenges: poverty and inequality in society; human rights abuses by military governments; and confrontation with the communist North. This article examines Psalm 85: 10 in the light of the political context of South Korea and the way minjung theologians and artists understood and utilized the passage for their struggle with the governments and mega-companies. The article argues that the fight for justice for the poor and oppressed is what has brought a sustainable peace in South Korea, and that although justice seeking and peace-building should be implemented simultaneously as the Scripture implies, if one has to prioritize between the two, justice-seeking has to take precedence.
Neural correlates of change in major depressive disorder anhedonia following open-label ketamine
Authors: Lally Níall , Nugent Allison C , Luckenbaugh David A , Niciu Mark J , Roiser Jonathan P , Zarate Carlos A
Published: February 2015

Anhedonia is a cardinal symptom of major depression and is often refractory to standard treatment, yet no approved medication for this specific symptom exists. In this exploratory re-analysis, we assessed whether administration of rapid-acting antidepressant ketamine was associated specifically with reduced anhedonia in medication-free treatment-refractory patients with major depressive disorder in an open-label investigation. Additionally, participants received either oral riluzole or placebo daily beginning 4 hours post-infusion. A subgroup of patients underwent fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography scans at baseline (1–3 days pre-infusion) and 2 hours post-ketamine infusion. Anhedonia rapidly decreased following a single ketamine infusion; this was sustained for up to three days, but was not altered by riluzole. Reduced anhedonia correlated with increased glucose metabolism in the hippocampus and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) and decreased metabolism in the inferior frontal gyrus and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). The tentative relationship between change in anhedonia and glucose metabolism remained significant in dACC and OFC, and at trend level in the hippocampus, a result not anticipated, when controlling for change in total depression score. Results, however, remain tenuous due to the lack of a placebo control for ketamine. In addition to alleviating overall depressive symptoms, ketamine could possess anti-anhedonic potential in major depressive disorder, which speculatively, may be mediated by alterations in metabolic activity in the hippocampus, dACC and OFC.
Understanding responder neurobiology in schizophrenia using a quantitative systems pharmacology model: Application to iloperidone
Authors: Geerts Hugo , Roberts Patrick , Spiros Athan , Potkin Steven
Published: February 2015

The concept of targeted therapies remains a holy grail for the pharmaceutical drug industry for identifying responder populations or new drug targets. Here we provide quantitative systems pharmacology as an alternative to the more traditional approach of retrospective responder pharmacogenomics analysis and applied this to the case of iloperidone in schizophrenia. This approach implements the actual neurophysiological effect of genotypes in a computer-based biophysically realistic model of human neuronal circuits, is parameterized with human imaging and pathology, and is calibrated by clinical data. We keep the drug pharmacology constant, but allowed the biological model coupling values to fluctuate in a restricted range around their calibrated values, thereby simulating random genetic mutations and representing variability in patient response. Using hypothesis-free Design of Experiments methods the dopamine D4 R-AMPA (receptor–alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid) receptor coupling in cortical neurons was found to drive the beneficial effect of iloperidone, likely corresponding to the rs2513265 upstream of the GRIA4 gene identified in a traditional pharmacogenomics analysis. The serotonin 5-HT3 receptor-mediated effect on interneuron gamma-aminobutyric acid conductance was identified as the process that moderately drove the differentiation of iloperidone versus ziprasidone. This paper suggests that reverse-engineered quantitative systems pharmacology is a powerful alternative tool to characterize the underlying neurobiology of a responder population and possibly identifying new targets.
Detecting impairment: Sensitive cognitive measures of dose-related acute alcohol intoxication
Authors: Cash Catherine , Peacock Amy , Barrington Helen , Sinnett Nicholas , Bruno Raimondo
Published: February 2015

The cognitive impairment that results from acute alcohol intoxication is associated with considerable safety risks. Other psychoactive substances, such as medications, pose a similar risk to road and workplace safety. However, there is currently no legal limit for operating vehicles or working while experiencing drug-related impairment. The current study sought to identify a brief cognitive task sensitive to a meaningful degree of impairment from acute alcohol intoxication to potentially stand as a reference from which to quantify impairment from other similar substances. A placebo-controlled single-blind crossover design was employed to determine the relative sensitivity of four commonly-administered cognitive tasks (Compensatory Tracking Task, Digit Symbol Substitution Test, Brief Stop Signal Task and Inspection Time Task) to alcohol-related impairment in male social drinkers at ~0.05% ascending breath alcohol concentration (BrAC), ~0.08% peak BrAC and 0.05% descending BrAC. The Inspection Time Task was identified as the most sensitive task, detecting a medium to large magnitude increase in impairment ( g ≈ 0.60) at 0.05% ascending and descending BrAC, and a large magnitude effect size ( g = 0.80) at 0.08% peak BrAC. The remaining tasks failed to demonstrate sensitivity to dose-dependent and limb-dependent changes in alcohol-induced impairment. The Inspection Time Task was deemed the most sensitive task for screening alcohol-related impairment based on the present results. Confirmation of equivalence with other drug-related impairment and sensitivity to alcohol-induced impairment in real-world settings should be established in future research.
The effect of sulfurization on the grinding wheel cutting ability in the internal cylindrical grinding of nickel superalloys
Authors: Nadolny Krzysztof , Sienicki Walery , Wojtewicz Michał
Published: February 2015

One possible way of preventing excessive growth of smearings/loads on the grinding wheel active surface is the introduction of compounds such as sulfur, graphite, or wax into the grinding wheel volume which exerts an active influence on adhesion during the process of impregnation. Limiting the formation of smearings/loads on the grinding wheel active surface is of crucial importance to achieve effective grinding of hard-to-cut materials (such as nickel superalloys) which are characterized by considerable ductility and a strong chemical affinity to abrasive grains, among other things. This article presents the results of experimental tests performed on plunge grinding and the influence of sulfur impregnation of grinding wheels on the smearing/load intensity on the grinding wheel active surface during the process of internal cylindrical plunge grinding of openings made from Inconel® alloy 600 and Incoloy® alloy 800HT®. Bearing steel 100Cr6 was included in the tests as a reference material. Grinding wheels were impregnated with a new method of gravitational sulfurization combined with centrifuging. The experiments carried out show that the adhesive properties of sulfur allowed for considerable limitation of smearing/loading of the grinding wheel active surface with machined material. This mainly concerned limiting the formation of the largest and most technologically undesirable smearings/loads of the intergranular spaces. The presence of sulfur in the grinding wheel volume had a minor influence on the intensity of smearings/loads in the microareas of the active abrasive grains’ apexes. The tests also showed an increase of 32%–49% in the value of parameter Sa in the surfaces ground with grinding wheels impregnated with sulfur for all the examined materials.
Structural synthesis of a class of 3-DOF wrist mechanisms with redundantly-actuated closed-loop units
Authors: Qu Haibo , Fang Yuefa , Guo Sheng
Published: February 2015

In this paper, a new method is proposed for the structural synthesis of a class of redundantly-actuated parallel wrists (RaPWs) with three rotational degrees of freedom of the moving platform and symmetrical structures based on screw theory. First, the new procedure for structural synthesis of RaPWs with closed-loop actuated unit is proposed and the constraint system of the moving platform of RaPWs is analyzed. Then, considering the inclusion relation between the primary constraint system and the limb constraint system, the type of kinematic limb is determined. The synthesis of type-1 and type-2 kinematic limbs is dealt with based on the obtained closed-loop actuated unit and open-loop sub-limb. Next, the RaPWs are synthesized and a number of new RaPWs have been identified. Finally, the condition for proper actuator selections of RaPWs is revealed, and one example is used to perform the validation.
Nonlinear dynamic analysis for a rectangular HSLA steel plate subjected to low velocity impact
Authors: Dai Hong-Liang , Jiang Hao-Jie
Published: February 2015

Based on the von Karman equation and classical theory of thin plates, a set of nonlinear governing equations for a rectangular high strength low alloy (HSLA) steel plate subjected to low velocity impact is deduced, they are expressed with displacements of the mid-plane for the HSLA steel plate. By using the finite difference method and the Newmark method, the unknown variable functions are discretized in the space and time domains, the whole problem is solved by the iterative method synthetically. Numerical results denote that the thickness to length ratio, boundary conditions and initial impact velocity of the impactor have great influences on the nondimensional deflection and normal stress of the HSLA plate that subjected to low velocity impact, moreover, the initial impact velocity affects a lot on the contact force.
BDNF 196 G/A and COMT Val158Met Polymorphisms and Susceptibility to ADHD: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lee Young Ho , Song Gwan Gyu
Published: February 2015

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether the brain-derived neurotrophic factor ( BDNF) 196 G/A or catechol- O-methyltransferase ( COMT) Val158Met polymorphisms is associated with susceptibility to ADHD. Method: We conducted a meta-analysis of the associations between the BDNF 196 G/A and COMT Val158Met polymorphisms and ADHD. Results: Sixteen studies consisting of 3,594 patients with ADHD and 4,040 controls were included in this meta-analysis. Our results showed no association between ADHD and the BDNF 196A allele in all participants (odds ratio [OR] = 0.958, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.800, 1.146], p = .638), European or Asian population. Meta-analysis indicated no association between ADHD and the COMT G allele in all study participants (OR = 1.078, 95% CI = [0.962, 1.207], p = .196), European or Asian population. Conclusion: This meta-analysis showed a lack of association between the BDNF 196 G/A and COMT Val158Met polymorphisms and ADHD.
Influence of festival attribute qualities on Slow Food tourists’ experience, satisfaction level and revisit intention
Authors: Jung Timothy , Ineson Elizabeth M , Kim Mincheol , Yap Matthew HT
Published: February 2015

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of Slow Food festival attributes on visitors’ overall experience, their satisfaction level and revisit intention. A total of 209 usable questionnaires were collected from visitors at Mold Slow Food festival, and exploratory factor analysis was conducted using analysis of moment structures version 19.0. A theoretical model representing the relationships among festival attribute qualities, experience quality, satisfaction level and revisit intention is examined using path analysis. With the addition of new paths from programmes to satisfaction and from food and other amenities to satisfaction, a revised theoretical model emerged. It indicated that all three festival attribute qualities (programmes, food and other amenities and entertainment) have direct impacts on the visitors’ overall experience and satisfaction; however, only the quality of food and other amenities contributed directly to revisit intention of the Slow Food festival.
Investigator Triangulation
Authors: Archibald Mandy M.
Published: February 2015

The purpose of this article is to explore investigator triangulation (IT), a collaborative strategy with potential for mixed methods research (MMR). A critical review of the literature was conducted to identify IT’s core elements and its use in MMR. Five databases, 2 MMR journals, and 13 MMR texts were searched for evidence of IT according to preestablished inclusion criteria. IT descriptions and applications were inconsistent and lacked detailed reporting. Incongruence between IT procedures and associated claims were present. IT was generally limited to single-strand data analysis and was used predominantly to reduce researcher bias. IT’s potential as a generative and pragmatic research strategy used to engage with tensions emerging through diversity in MMR is explored and reporting guidelines are presented.
The Dispositif between Foucault and Agamben
Authors: Frost Tom
Published: February 2015

This article interrogates the specter of resistance in the writings of Giorgio Agamben and Michel Foucault, arguing they open up divergent ways of theorizing resistance to power. This article’s focus is on both philosophers’ use and interpretation of the dispositif, or apparatus, which controls and orders subjects, and which is the target for forms of resistance. Whereas for Foucault resistance is a practice existing as a transcendent possibility for any individual, Agamben reads such transcendent forms of resistance as ultimately reinforcing the control of the dispositif, arguing that only a turn to ontology and immanent politics can resistance be meaningful.
Immigrant and native-born adolescents’ civic knowledge and attitudes in Sweden and the United States: Emergent citizenship within developmental niches
Authors: Barber Carolyn , Torney-Purta Judith , Wilkenfeld Britt , Ross Jessica
Published: February 2015

Using the Developmental Niche for Emergent Participatory Citizenship (Torney-Purta and Amadeo, 2011) as a framework, we examined differences between immigrant and native-born youth’s civic knowledge and support for women’s rights in Sweden and the United States, and explored whether experiences with peers and parents, and in formal and informal educational contexts, could account for such differences. Using data from the IEA Civic Education Study of 1999, we found that immigrants had lower civic knowledge and less support for women’s rights than their native-born peers in both countries. Differences in civic knowledge were partially explained in both countries by the lower likelihood of immigrants speaking the tested language at home, and remaining gaps were moderated by differences in the association of school activities with knowledge between the two groups. Gaps in support for women’s rights were partially explained by differences in language spoken at home (a possible proxy for cultural dissimilarity) in the United States, but not in Sweden. Experiences in various social or educational contexts, including perceptions of supportive classroom and school climates, were predictive of civic outcomes overall, but did little to account for differences in attitudes between the two groups in either country.
Researching citizenship education in Africa: Considerations from Ghana and Liberia
Authors: Quaynor Laura J.
Published: February 2015

Within the last 30 years, the African continent has experienced significant changes related to democracy, governance, and education; however, large-scale international studies of citizenship education have not included African nations. Despite this gap, youth political movements incubated in universities and secondary schools have been influential factors in political change; in addition, youth currently make up a large portion of the population of Africa, with 43% of the population under the age of 14. The ways that young people understand and enact citizenship will shape the direction of their nations and the continent. This article discusses considerations for researching citizenship education in post-colonial nations in Africa. Drawing on qualitative and quantitative studies of civic education in Ghana and Liberia, the paper proposes four major considerations for researchers: first, the importance of situating conceptions of citizenship in the context of historical and contemporary issues; second, the importance of considering reciprocity in research ethics; third, the need to consider the impact of the researcher on the work, and fourth, the willingness to look for civic influences beyond the civics classroom and the school.
A Negative Correlation Between Blood Glucose and Acetone Measured in Healthy and Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Patient Breath
Authors: Rydosz Artur
Published: February 2015

Background:

Exhaled acetone analysis has long been recognized as a supplementary tool for diagnosis and monitoring diabetes, especially type 1 diabetes. It is essential, therefore to determine the relationship between exhaled acetone concentration and glucose in blood. Usually, a direct linear correlation between this both compounds has been expected. However, in some cases we can observe a reverse correlation. When blood glucose was increasing, breath acetone declined.

Methods:

The breath analysis as a supplementary tool for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes makes sense only in case of utilization of portable analyzers. This need has created a market for gas sensors. However, commercially available acetone gas sensors are developed for measuring samples at several tens part per million. The exhaled acetone concentration was measured using commercial acetone gas sensor (TGS 822, 823 Figaro, Arlington Heights, IL, USA Inc) with micropreconcentrator in low temperature cofired ceramics. The reference analyzer–mass spectrometry (HPR-20 QIC, Hiden Analytical, Warrington, UK) was used.

Results:

Twenty-two healthy volunteers with no history of any respiratory disease participated in the research, as did 31 patients diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Respectively, 3 healthy volunteer and 5 type 1 diabetes mellitus subjects with reverse trend were selected. The linear fitting coefficient various from 0.1139 to 0.9573. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the correlation between blood glucose concentrations and under different conditions, for example, insulin levels, as well as correlate the results with clinical tests, for example, Hb1Ac.

Conclusions:

It is well known that the concentration of acetone is strongly influenced by diet, insulin treatment, and so on. Therefore, much more complex analysis with long-term measurements are required. Thus, presented results should be regarded as tentative, and validation studies with the analysis of clinical test and in a large number of patients, including control groups, need to be carried out.
Effects of 49 Different Rare Hb Variants on HbA1c Measurement in Eight Methods
Authors: Little Randie R. , La’ulu Sonia L. , Hanson Steven E. , Rohlfing Curt L. , Schmidt Robert L.
Published: February 2015

Background:

Previous studies have shown interference with HbA1c measurement from the 4 most common heterozygous Hb variants (HbAS, HbAE, HbAC, and HbAD) with some assay methods. Here we examine analytical interference from 49 different less common variants with 7 different HbA1c methods using various method principles.

Methods:

Hb variants were screened using the Bio-Rad Variant or Variant II beta thal short program, confirmed by alkaline and acid electrophoresis, and identified by sequence analysis. The Trinity ultra2 boronate affinity high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method and Roche Tinaquant immunoassay were used as primary and secondary comparative methods, respectively, since these methods are least likely to show interference from Hb variants. Other methods included were the Tosoh G7 and G8, Bio-Rad D-10 and Variant II Turbo, Diazyme Enzymatic, and Sebia Capillarys 2 Flex Piercing. To eliminate any inherent calibration bias, results for each method were adjusted using regression verses the ultra2 with nonvariant samples. Each method’s calibration-adjusted results were compared and judged to be acceptable if within the 99% prediction interval of the regression line for nonvariant samples.

Results:

Almost all variant samples were recognized as such by the ion-exchange HPLC methods by the presence of abnormal peaks or results outside the reportable range. For most variants, interference was seen with 1 or more of the ion-exchange methods. Following manufacturer instructions for interpretation of chromatograms usually, but not always, prevented reporting of inaccurate results.

Results:

Laboratories must be cautious about reporting results when the presence of a variant is suspected.
Bleeding risk with systemic thrombolytic therapy for pulmonary embolism: scope of the problem
Authors: Daley Mitchell J. , Murthy Manasa S. , Peterson Evan J.
Published: February 2015

Acute pulmonary embolism represents a major complication of venous thromboembolism that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Guidelines recommend the rapid initiation of anticoagulation and consideration of thrombolytic therapy in select patients, including those with hypotension or at high risk of developing hypotension. Evaluation for thrombolytic therapy should only be considered after assessment of contraindications and risk for major bleeding. The objective of this perspective article is to evaluate the bleeding risk associated with systemic thrombolytic therapy in the management of acute pulmonary embolism and discuss strategies to minimize this risk. Risk stratification of acute pulmonary embolism will be discussed to identify patient populations that warrant specific consideration of risk for major bleeding with thrombolytic therapy. In addition, the incidence, patient-specific risk factors, and pharmacologic characteristics, including concurrent anticoagulation and thrombolytic therapy, will be evaluated in the context of risk for major hemorrhage. Finally, supporting evidence for strategies to minimize risk of hemorrhage, including evaluation of contraindications, weight adjusted dosing, infusion strategy and catheter-directed thrombolytic administration will be evaluated. Despite published guidelines and review articles, select aspects to thrombolytic therapy for the management of pulmonary embolism remain controversial and under recognized, including risk of major hemorrhage. When making decisions about the role of thrombolytic therapy in pulmonary embolism, clinicians must be knowledgeable about the associated risks of thrombolytic therapy and individually evaluate patient risk factors prior to determining appropriate candidacy for thrombolytic therapy. For patients considered to be at high risk of major bleeding, strategies to minimize risk should be considered, including weight-adjusted doses and catheter directed therapy. Additional research is needed specific to the acute pulmonary embolism setting to validate risk factors and strategies to minimize major hemorrhage.
Binaries, continuums, and intersections: Women public relations professionals’ understandings of gender
Authors: Place Katie R
Published: February 2015

This qualitative study of 45 women public relations professionals explores how the essentializing of gender shapes the public relations industry. The focus on the meaning-making of women practitioners proposes a more complex understanding of gender in public relations and speaks to gendered tensions experienced among other communication professionals. Responding to feminists’ call for gender to be explored in more holistic ways, I posed the research question, How do women public relations practitioners define gender? Participants defined gender as a binary construct, a social construct, and a phenomenon linked to age, race, and ethnicity. Findings suggest that some women public relations professionals are cognizant of gender scripts present in the industry, yet are vocalizing and enacting sexist stereotypes about women and gender. This study complements previous feminist theorizing by illustrating gender as relational and discursive as well as intersectional and ‘situated knowledge’.
Shifting, broadening, and diversifying: How gay pride organizations are reshaping their mission to build crucial relationships in a complex 21st century stakeholder network
Authors: Mundy Dean E
Published: February 2015

This study explores the 21st century context of ‘Gay Pride’. Leaders of gay pride organizations in major US cities revealed through in-depth interviews how they plan and execute what have become major events that attract millions of visitors annually. These leaders emphasized how their mission has changed over time. Forty years of progress toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) equality has helped create a more inclusive environment that demands more from today’s gay pride organizations. Accordingly, the leaders detailed how they are adjusting their operational and communication strategy to better forge and maintain productive relationships among today’s immensely complex stakeholder network. The findings contribute to social movement scholarship and offer insight regarding the intersection of relationship management theory and stakeholder theory.
Assessment of the Cost–Benefit Literature on Early Childhood Education for Vulnerable Children
Authors: Dalziel Kim M. , Halliday Dale , Segal Leonie
Published: February 2015

Given international interest in evidence-informed early education policy, we sought to interpret what is often a confusing literature on the performance of early childhood education programs. We explore whether they represent a good return on investment and the factors affecting their transferability. A systematic review was conducted to identify all cost–benefit (C-B) studies of center-based programs enrolling disadvantaged children prior to age 5 compared with a matched group. From a search across all pertinent databases in 2013, 13 economic evaluations relating to six distinct programs were identified that met the inclusion criteria. Of the six programs, half were reported as producing a substantial net benefit (benefits considerably greater than cost) representing a good investment, while for the other half, costs were greater than benefits. We explore possible reasons for the considerable divergence in economic outcomes. The primary driver was the divergent effectiveness of the programs reported in the original outcome studies, and to a lesser extent the scope of benefits included in the economic evaluation and period of follow-up. The context in which programs were delivered and program intensity differed markedly. The two oldest (1960s and 1970s) small randomized control trials of high intensity produced far better outcomes and return on investment than more recent large-scale service delivery. This collection of C-B studies challenges the expectation of good returns on investment from the rollout of early childhood programs. A checklist is provided to assist policy makers with the interpretation of C-B studies.
Multiple Targetoid Lesions in the Spleen
Authors: Bassuner Kurt J. , Kirkpatrick Daniel L. , Northrup Mindy , Connors James P.
Published: February 2015

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most prevalent hematologic malignancy of adults in the western hemisphere. Involvement of the spleen is not uncommon, often presenting as diffuse enlargement due to infiltration of neoplastic cells. A case is presented of an 81-year-old woman with a past medical history of CLL who was incidentally found to have multiple, focal splenic infiltrates on sonography. The patient had a normal sized spleen, which is a less common occurrence with splenic invasion by CLL. As current CLL guidelines discourage imaging but rely on evidence of organ involvement, this finding was critical in staging the patient properly. The sonographic appearance of this rare condition is described, and the advantages of sonography in its evaluation are discussed.
Impaired thymic expression of tissue-restricted antigens licenses the de novo generation of autoreactive CD4+ T cells in acute GVHD
Authors: Dertschnig Simone , Hauri-Hohl Mathias M. , Vollmer Madeleine , Holländer Georg A. , Krenger Werner
Published: February 2015

Key Points

Loss of thymic ectopic self-antigen expression during murine acute GVHD is responsible for the de novo generation of autoreactive T cells. Functional impairment of the thymus medulla mechanistically links acute GVHD to posttransplantation autoimmunity.
Cooperative emergency braking warning system in vehicular networks
Authors: Tsai Ming-Fong , Chao Yung-Cheng , Chen Lien-Wu , Chilamkurti Naveen , Rho Seungmin
Published: February 2015

Safety applications in vehicular networks have been popular research topics in recent years, such as forward collision warning, emergency braking warning and intersection collision warning systems. The basic safety message broadcast from each car transmits the position, car speed and car heading information. Neighbouring cars receiving this information can decide if there is any danger within the next second. However, the safety application message has positioning accuracy and time-critical problems. Accurate positioning of the car provides a more effective warning to the driver. Moreover, the reliable and efficient delivery of safety information needs to be improved when the penetration rate increases. Hence, this paper proposes a cooperative emergency braking warning system to solve the above problems. This is a system that integrates a camera sensor to construct the state of neighbourhood cars in order to solve the first problem. It then proposes to reduce the repeat and derivable information between the broadcast messages in order to solve the second problem. The proposed system has been implemented to provide a safer driving environment.
Locus of control and the labor market
Authors: Cobb-Clark Deborah A
Published: February 2015

This paper reviews the role of locus of control in the labor market. I begin with a discussion of the conceptual origins of locus of control, including its relationship to related concepts such as self-efficacy, motivation, and self-control. The relationship between locus of control and labor market success is then summarized. In doing so, I pay careful attention to what we know about three potential mechanisms – human capital investments, hiring decisions, and optimal incentive contracts – through which locus of control might operate. Finally, the broader implications of these relationships for public policy and future research are discussed.
Compatibility analysis of reactive dyes by exhaustion-fixation and adsorption isotherm on knitted cotton fabric
Authors: Haque Abu Naser Md Ahsanul , Hannan MA , Masud Rana Md
Published: February 2015

Compatibility analysis was done by exhaustion, fixation and adsorption isotherm upon three reactive dyes; Remazol Red RR, Remazol Yellow RR and Remazol Blue RR. The known solutions of each dye were tested in UV-visible spectrophotometer and the extinction coefficients were calculated by drawing absorbance versus concentration curve. Dyeing processes were carried out in 4 different dye concentrations (0.5%, 1%, 2% and 3%) for each of the dye. The post dye and post wash liquors were tested in UV-visible spectrophotometer and the dye concentrations of those solutions were calculated through the Beer-Lambert law. The exhaustion%, fixation% of all three dyes was compared between them and their adsorption isotherm models were drawn. In between Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm model, the last one had the supremacy. Among the dyes, Blue RR had better exhaustion performance although it was not pleasingly attached with the fiber during fixation. Red RR was excellent in both exhaustion and fixation stages. It was found that in deeper concentrations the compatibility among these three dyes would be low. But experimental data shows that introducing more electrolytes and reducing the temperature as well as the alkali amount can improve these dyes’ compatibility.
Cocaine modulates HIV-1 integration in primary CD4+ T cells: implications in HIV-1 pathogenesis in drug-abusing patients
Authors: Addai Amma B , Pandhare Jui , Paromov Victor , Mantri Chinmay K , Pratap Siddharth , Dash Chandravanu
Published: February 2015

Epidemiologic studies suggest that cocaine abuse worsens HIV-1 disease progression. Increased viral load has been suggested to play a key role for the accelerated HIV disease among cocaine-abusing patients. The goal of this study was to investigate whether cocaine enhances proviral DNA integration as a mechanism to increase viral load. We infected CD4+ T cells that are the primary targets of HIV-1 in vivo and treated the cells with physiologically relevant concentrations of cocaine (1 µM–100 µM). Proviral DNA integration in the host genome was measured by nested qPCR. Our results illustrated that cocaine from 1 µM through 50 µM increased HIV-1 integration in CD4+ T cells in a dose-dependent manner. As integration can be modulated by several early postentry steps of HIV-1 infection, we examined the direct effects of cocaine on viral integration by in vitro integration assays by use of HIV-1 PICs. Our data illustrated that cocaine directly increases viral DNA integration. Furthermore, our MS analysis showed that cocaine is able to enter CD4+ T cells and localize to the nucleus-. In summary, our data provide strong evidence that cocaine can increase HIV-1 integration in CD4+ T cells. Therefore, we hypothesize that increased HIV-1 integration is a novel mechanism by which cocaine enhances viral load and worsens disease progression in drug-abusing HIV-1 patients.
Phase III Trial Evaluating the Addition of Bevacizumab to Endocrine Therapy As First-Line Treatment for Advanced Breast Cancer: The Letrozole/Fulvestrant and Avastin (LEA) Study
Authors: Martín Miguel , Loibl Sibylle , von Minckwitz Gunter , Morales Serafín , Martinez Noelia , Guerrero Angel , Anton Antonio , Aktas Bahriye , Schoenegg Winfried , Muñoz Montserrat , Garcia-Saenz José Ángel , Gil Miguel , Ramos Manuel , Margeli Mireia , Carrasco Eva , Liedtke Cornelia , Wachsmann Grischa , Mehta Keyur , De la Haba-Rodriguez Juan R.
Published: February 2015

Purpose

To test whether combining bevacizumab, an anti–vascular endothelial growth factor treatment, with endocrine therapy (ET) could potentially delay the emergence of resistance to ET.

Patients and Methods

A multicenter, randomized, open-label, phase III, binational (Spain and Germany) study added bevacizumab (15 mg/kg every 3 weeks) to ET (ET-B; letrozole or fulvestrant) as first-line therapy in postmenopausal patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) –negative and hormone receptor–positive advanced breast cancer. We compared progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), overall response rate (ORR), response duration (RD), time to treatment failure (TTF), clinical benefit rate (CBR), and safety.

Results

From 380 patients recruited (2007 to 2011), 374 were analyzed by intent to-treat (184 patients on ET and 190 patients on ET-B). Median age was 65 years, 270 patients (72%) had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0, 178 patients (48%) had visceral metastases, and 171 patients (46%) and 195 patients (52%) had received prior chemotherapy or ET, respectively. Median PFS was 14.4 months in the ET arm and 19.3 months in the ET-B arm (hazard ratio, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.65 to 1.06; P = .126). ORR, CBR, and RD with ET versus ET-B were 22% versus 41% (P < .001), 67% versus 77% (P = .041), and 13.3 months versus 17.6 months (P = .434), respectively. TTF and OS were comparable in both arms. Grade 3 to 4 hypertension, aminotransferase elevation, and proteinuria were significantly higher in the ET-B arm. Eight patients (4.2%) receiving ET-B died during study or within 30 days of end of treatment.

Conclusion

The addition of bevacizumab to ET in first-line treatment failed to produce a statistically significant increase in PFS or OS in women with HER2-negative/hormone receptor–positive advanced breast cancer.