bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“The Promotora Explained Everything”
Authors: Shepherd-Banigan Megan , Hohl Sarah D. , Vaughan Catalina , Ibarra Genoveva , Carosso Elizabeth , Thompson Beti
Published: May 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe participant experiences of a household-level, community health worker-led intervention to improve diabetes-related health behaviors and outcomes.

Methods

The Home Health Parties (HHP) aimed to improve diabetes self-management among Hispanics living in a rural, agricultural area in eastern Washington State. Trained promotores (community health workers) delivered a series of education sessions and distributed incentives to support diabetes-related behavior change. Open-ended, semi-structured questionnaires were administered to a random sample of 40 HHP participants. Qualitative methods were used to code and analyze the interview transcripts.

Results

Four primary themes emerged from interviews: (1) participants’ desire for improving knowledge about diabetes; (2) experiences of building skills for diabetes management; (3) developing social support; and (4) embracing household-level change.

Conclusion

This study shows that involving family members and increasing social support are effective strategies for improving health behaviors and chronic health outcomes among vulnerable Hispanics living with diabetes. Our findings demonstrate several important considerations regarding the design of diabetes management interventions for rural Hispanic populations including the following: (1) promotores are critical as they provide social support and encourage behavior change by building relationships based on trust and cultural understanding; (2) well-designed tools that provide step-by-step examples of healthy behaviors, such as cookbooks, and tools that aid participants to monitor behavior change, such as pedometers and glucose monitors, serve to build skills and improve confidence to achieve goals; and (3) targeting households is a promising strategy for individual and family lifestyle changes that benefit the entire family unit.
A Demands and Resources Approach to Understanding Faculty Turnover Intentions Due to Work–Family Balance
Authors: Watanabe Megumi , Falci Christina D.
Published: May 2014

Using data collected on tenure-line faculty at a research-intensive Midwestern university, this study explored predictors of faculty job turnover intentions due to a desire for a better work–family balance. We adopted Voydanoff’s theoretical framework and included demands and resources both within and spanning across the work and family domains. Results showed that work-related demands and resources were much stronger predictors of work–family turnover intentions than family-related demands or resources. Specifically, work-to-family negative spillover was positively associated with work–family turnover intentions, and two work-related resources (job satisfaction and supportive work–family culture) were negatively associated with work–family turnover intentions. On the other hand, family-related demands and resources (within the family domain or boundary-spanning from family to work) did not significantly predict work–family turnover intentions.
Swearing in Political Discourse
Authors: Cavazza Nicoletta , Guidetti Margherita
Published: May 2014

An experimental study investigated the effect of politicians’ profanity and gender on their perceived and actual persuasiveness. Results showed that a candidate’s use of swear words increased the perception of language informality and improved the general impression about the source. The latter effect was particularly strong for male candidate, as female candidate was already evaluated positively, irrespective of her cursing. In addition, though the manipulation of the politician’s vulgarity did not directly affect participants’ self-reported likelihood of voting for him or her, an indirect effect through language informality and impression about the candidate emerged. On the contrary, profanity use reduced perceived persuasiveness of the message, suggesting that the influence of swearing could be automatic and unaware. Theoretical implications are discussed.
Journalists’ victimization experiences and fear of crime at the workplace: Results of a questionnaire survey from Greece and Cyprus
Authors: Kodellas Spyridon , Papastavrou Niki , Giannakoulopoulos Andreas , Koutsompolis Dimitris
Published: May 2014

Using a representative sample of 635 active professional journalists, this study is one of the first to examine the prevalence of non-lethal workplace victimization experiences and the extent of fear of crime among journalists. The results indicated a relatively high prevalence of physical victimization, an exceptionally high prevalence of psychological abuse and an average prevalence of property victimization among professional journalists. Additionally, it was found that journalists overall had relatively low levels of fear of crime at work. The analysis also revealed the sociodemographic and employment characteristics of professional journalists who were more closely associated with different types of victimization and fear of crime at work.
Treatment of endothelial cell with flavonoids modulates transendothelial leukocyte migration
Authors: Werner Isabella , Guo Fengwei , Kiessling Arndh H , Juengel Eva , Relja Borna , Lamm Peter , Stock Ulrich A , Moritz Anton , Beiras-Fernandez Andres
Published: May 2014

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the influence of the flavonoid oxerutin (Venoruton®, Novartis, Basel, Switzerland) on endothelial cell apoptosis and transendothelial migration of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and to elucidate the potential mechanisms affecting these processes.

Methods:

Human endothelial cells were treated with Venoruton to assess the potential effect on apoptosis and on the transendothelial migration process. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in endothelial cell after Venoruton treatment as well as reactive oxygen species levels were analyzed.

Results:

Low-dose Venoruton shows a protective effect on endothelial cells and inhibits transendothelial migration of peripheral blood mononuclear cells through an endothelial monolayer, but high-dose Venoruton inversely elevated transendothelial migration of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Meanwhile, a dose-dependent action of Venoruton on endothelial cell apoptosis could be observed. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression were gradually increased in endothelial cells with increasing Venoruton dosage. In addition, reactive oxygen species were significantly reduced by 0.1 mM and 0.5 mM Venoruton and elevated after high dose treatment.

Conclusion:

These data suggest that the increased transendothelial migration of peripheral blood mononuclear cells is related to the excessive activation of the nitric oxide-axis and subsequent relaxation of the endothelial cells.
Rural Energy Modeling and Planning
Authors: Poudyal Aditya , Paatero Jukka V.
Published: May 2014

Energy system planning becomes essential in order to match demand and supply, where cost minimization is a primary objective. In addition, it is also of great significance in assessing the proper mix of energy sources so that energy systems meet the given load profile in a most efficient and cost-effective way. Lately, climate change has brought an increased amount of challenge for energy systems planners. As a result, there are varieties of planning methods and tools available today, either commercially or noncommercially. However, from the literature it is evident that most of these tools are targeted primarily for the developed world, thus leaving the developing world behind, where the energy issue is even more critical. Hence, the principal focus of this article is on the study of rural energy systems planning tools that have been developed so far and an assessment of their features. In a nutshell, this article presents a background review on rural electrification studies from the perspective of available planning and modeling tools. First, an overview of the energy models and their classifications are briefly discussed in general. Afterward, various rural energy models developed so far are reviewed. This review article will give a quick and broad picture of rural energy models and assist researchers, policy makers, and energy planners who are working with energy systems in the developing world.
Consumption Conundrum of Bottled Water in India
Authors: Sharma Aviram , Bhaduri Saradindu
Published: May 2014

The rapid growth in consumption of bottled water across the globe has drawn attention of policy makers and academicians alike. However, its consumption practices have been examined primarily in the context of industrialized countries. Drawing on studies of Science, Technology and Society, Public Understanding of Science, and institutions, this article explores the nuances of the consumption conundrum of bottled water in India. This mixed method study relies on data collected through surveys and ethnography of consumption practices at selected sites in Delhi. We find reasons for bottled water consumption to vary with the site of consumption. Although the notions of “purity” and “scarcity” drive consumption behavior, these attributes are far from being objective. Rather, they are shaped by a complex mix of sociocultural factors, public understanding of science, and trust on various institutional mechanisms of water provisioning.
Fluoroscopically guided transurethral removal and/or replacement of ureteric stents in women
Authors: McCarthy Eoghan , Kavanagh John , McKernan Sean , O’Mahony Niamh , McEniff Niall , Ryan J Mark , Guiney Michael
Published: May 2014

Background

Traditionally double J ureteric stents have been removed and replaced via cystoscopy. Fluoroscopically guided procedures for the removal/replacement of stents using endovascular snare devices have previously been described as a successful alternative.

Purpose

To evaluate the technical and clinical success of fluoroscopically guided transurethral removal and/or replacement of ureteric stents in women. To assess radiation dose and screening time associated with this approach.

Material and Methods

A 31-month retrospective review of all ureteric stent removals and/or replacements under fluoroscopic guidance performed in a university hospital radiology department.

Results

One hundred and fourteen procedures were performed in 83 patients. Thirty ureteric stents were removed and 84 ureteric stents were replaced. The majority of patients required stents for urinary tract obstruction secondary to malignancy (78.3%). Overall technical and clinical success rates (defined respectively as satisfactory removal/replacement and drainage of the collecting system) of 98.2% were attained. Mean screening time was 13.9 min (range, 1.0–67.6 min). Effective radiation dose was in the range of 0.69–132 mSv with a mean of 11.18 mSv equating to the dose of a contrast-enhanced computed tomography abdomen/pelvis.

Conclusion

Transurethral ureteric stent removal and replacement under fluoroscopic guidance is highly successful, well tolerated by patients with acceptable radiation exposure, and can obviate the need for cystoscopic retrieval.
Changes of gray matter volume and amplitude of low-frequency oscillations in amnestic MCI: An integrative multi-modal MRI study
Authors: Zhao Zhi-Lian , Fan Feng-Mei , Lu Jie , Li Hui-Jie , Jia Long-Fei , Han Ying , Li Kun-Cheng
Published: May 2014

Background

Numerous studies have reported that the amnestic-type mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) patients have impaired brain structural integrity and functional alterations separately.

Purpose

To investigate the changes of gray matter and amplitude of low-frequency oscillations in patients with aMCI by combining structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Material and Methods

Thirty-four patients with aMCI and 34 controls were recruited. We adopted optimized voxel-based morphometry to detect regions with gray matter volume (GMV) loss induced by aMCI. Then regional differences in amplitude of slow-4 band (0.027–0.073 Hz) oscillations among these regions between patients and healthy controls were examined. Both slow-4 amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and slow-4 fractional ALFF (fALFF; the relative amplitude that resides in the low frequencies) were employed.

Results

Patients with aMCI demonstrated significant GMV loss in the ventral medial prefrontal cortex (vMPFC), posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), bilateral hippocampus, right superior parietal gyrus, left insula and left middle temporal gyrus ( P < 0.01). The patients exhibited significant decreases of slow-4 ALFF in the left hippocampus ( P = 0.05) and PCC ( P = 0.02), while the decreased slow-4 fALFF was detected in PCC ( P = 0.01) and increased slow-4 fALFF in vMPFC ( P = 0.03). In PCC, aMCI and controls exhibited significant different GMV-fALFF correlation ( P < 0.05), with opposite correlation trend.

Conclusion

The correlates between anatomical deficits and functional alterations in aMCI suggest that anatomical and functional deficits are linked to each other. The differences of GMV-fALFF correlations demonstrated altered anatomical-functional relationship in aMCI.
Demonstration of the Cell Clonality in Canine Hematopoietic Tumors by X-chromosome Inactivation Pattern Analysis
Authors: Mochizuki H. , Goto-Koshino Y. , Takahashi M. , Fujino Y. , Ohno K. , Tsujimoto H.
Published: May 2014

X-chromosome inactivation pattern (XCIP) analysis has been widely used to assess cell clonality in various types of human neoplasms. In this study, a polymerase chain reaction–based canine XCIP analysis of the androgen receptor ( AR) gene was applied for the assessment of cell clonality in canine hematopoietic tumors. This XCIP analysis is based on the polymorphic CAG repeats in the AR gene and the difference of methylation status between active and inactive X chromosomes. We first examined the polymorphisms of 2 CAG tandem repeats in the AR gene in 52 male and 150 female dogs of various breeds. The 2 polymorphic CAG repeats contained 9 to 12 and 10 to 14 CAGs in the first and second CAG repeats, respectively. Of the 150 female dogs, 74 (49.3%) were heterozygous for the first and/or second polymorphic CAG tandem repeats, indicating the utility of XCIP analysis in these dogs. Canine XCIP analysis was then applied to clinical samples from female dogs with canine high-grade lymphoma, chronic myelogenous leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, and benign lymph node hyperplasia. Of 10 lymphoma cell samples, 9 (90%) showed skewed XCIPs, indicating their clonal origins, whereas all the nonneoplastic lymph node samples showed balanced XCIPs. Moreover, bone marrow specimen from a dog with acute myelogenous leukemia and peripheral leukocyte specimens from 2 dogs with chronic myelogenous leukemia showed skewed XCIPs. XCIP analysis was successfully employed to demonstrate the cell clonality of canine hematopoietic tumors in this study and will be applicable to evaluate the clonality in various proliferative disorders in dogs.
Molecular Characterization of Cat Factor XII Gene and Identification of a Mutation Causing Factor XII Deficiency in a Domestic Shorthair Cat Colony
Authors: Bender D. E. , Kloos M. T. , Pontius J. U. , Hinsdale M. E. , Bellinger D. A.
Published: May 2014

Coagulation factor XII (FXII) may be important in cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases. We have identified and characterized a naturally occurring mutation in the feline FXII gene that results in a mutant protein and enzymatic loss of activity. Feline intron/exon gene structure and sequence were acquired by comparing DNA sequences obtained from a fragmented Felis catus genomic sequence and the National Center for Biotechnology Information’s Cross Species Megablast of multiple species’ FXII gene sequences. Fourteen exons ranging in size from 57 to 222 base pairs were confirmed spanning 8 Kb on chromosome A1. The 1828–base pair feline FXII messenger RNA (mRNA) sequence contains an open reading frame that encodes a protein of 609 amino acids with high homology to human FXII protein. Total RNA and mRNA purified from liver tissue of 4 wild-type/normal and 8 FXII-deficient cats confirmed the predicted mRNA sequence and identified one important single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). A single base deletion in exon 11 of the FXII coding gene in our colony of cats results in deficient FXII activity. Translation of the mRNA transcript shows a frame shift at L441 (C441fsX119) resulting in a nonsense mutation and a premature stop codon with a predicted 560–amino acid protein. The mutant FXII protein is truncated in the 3′ proteolytic light chain region of the C-terminus, explaining its loss of enzymatic activity. This study is the first molecular characterization of the feline FXII gene and the first identification of an FXII mutation in the domestic cat, providing insights into the origin and nature of feline FXII deficiency.
MEGA♪—Empirical Support for Nomenclature on the Anomalies
Authors: Miccio-Fonseca L. C. , Rasmussen Lucinda A. Lee
Published: May 2014

Applied are empirical findings supporting the authors’ previously presented nomenclature identifying two subsets of sexually abusive youth overlooked by most contemporary risk assessment tools: sexually violent and predatory sexually violent youth. The cross-validation findings on an ecologically framed risk assessment tool, MEGA ♪ ( Multiplex Empirically Guided Inventory of Ecological Aggregates for Assessing Sexually Abusive Children and Adolescents [Ages 19 and Under]) ( N = 1,056 male and female sexually abusive youth, ages 4-19, including youth with low intellectual functioning), from the United States, Canada, England, and Scotland, were utilized. Findings provided normative data, with cutoff scores according to age and gender. Most contemporary risk assessment tools have three levels ( low, moderate, and high), which may in fact be limited in assessing the range of risk level. The MEGA ♪ cross-validation established a new range of risk level, with the fourth level ( very high) definitively identifying the most dangerous youth, thus empirically supporting the nomenclature of sexually violent and predatory sexually violent youth.
Identification of material parameters from low cycle fatigue, thermomechanical fatigue and creep tests for damage prediction of thermomechanically loaded Ni-resist Type D-5S
Authors: Šeruga Domen , Gosar Aleš , Längler Frank , Nagode Marko
Published: May 2014

An experimental and numerical study of the mechanical behaviour of cast iron during a thermomechanical fatigue is presented here. The cast iron specimens under investigation were made of austenitic ductile iron Ni-resist Type D-5S which is mostly used for exhaust manifolds and turbocharger housings. Elastoplastic and viscoplastic material parameters were determined from low cycle fatigue tests at different strain rates and thermomechanical fatigue tests, respectively, and then compared to material parameters previously gained by a combination of low cycle fatigue tests at a single strain rate and creep tests. These material parameters were then used to perform thermal and structural finite element analyses from which fatigue and creep damages on the cast iron were calculated. While damage predictions calculated here vary, they are comparable to experimental observations.
Rehabilitation Regimen After Surgical Treatment of Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures
Authors: Huang Jiazhang , Wang Chen , Ma Xin , Wang Xu , Zhang Chao , Chen Li
Published: May 2014

Background:

The choice of rehabilitation management after the surgical repair of acute Achilles tendon (AT) ruptures remains controversial because of insufficient clinical evidence. The current study analyzes the postoperative rehabilitation of AT ruptures based on the current clinical evidence.

Purpose:

To identify and analyze the high-level clinical evidence regarding postoperative rehabilitation after the surgical repair of AT ruptures. Subgroup analyses were also performed to obtain more reliable and specific results.

Study Design:

Meta-analysis.

Methods:

The studies were retrieved by searching the Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases through the OVID retrieval engine from 1990 to August 14, 2013. Two independent reviewers critically reviewed the studies using preset inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality of the eligible studies was assessed by the Cochrane 12-item scale. All included studies were summarized, and their data were extracted. Subgroup analyses were performed according to the different protocols of early functional rehabilitation.

Results:

Nine studies, consisting of 6 randomized controlled trials and 3 quasi-randomized studies, were ultimately included. A total of 402 patients were identified. Six of the included studies utilized early weightbearing combined with early ankle motion exercises, while the other 3 only employed early ankle motion exercises. The subgroup analyses demonstrated that 11 of the 15 functional outcome measurements were significantly superior for patients who underwent both early weightbearing and ankle motion exercises than for those who underwent conventional cast immobilization. Similar rates of reruptures (odds ratio [OR], 1.36; 95% CI, 0.38-4.91; P = .64) and major complications (OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.24-1.87; P = .44) as well as a significantly lower rate of minor complications (OR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.27-0.95; P = .03) were also observed in this early functional rehabilitation group. For the patients who solely performed early ankle motion exercises, only 2 of the 14 functional measurements were observed to be significantly superior to immobilization. There were also no significant differences in the rates of reruptures (OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.08-2.70; P = .40) and other complications (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.41-2.92; P = .86) between the 2 groups.

Conclusion:

Postoperative early weightbearing combined with early ankle motion exercises is associated with a lower minor complication rate and achieves superior and more rapid functional recovery than conventional immobilization after surgical AT repair. In contrast, few advantages were identified when only early ankle motion exercises were applied.
The Progression of “Evolving Standards of Decency” in U.S. Supreme Court Decisions
Authors: Matusiak Matthew C. , Vaughn Michael S. , Carmen Rolando V. del
Published: May 2014

The non-static interpretation of the Eighth Amendment was first introduced by the U.S. Supreme Court in Weems v. United States. It was further named “evolving standards of decency,” in Trop v. Dulles. Although evolving standards of decency began as dicta, the principle is now enshrined constitutional doctrine. This article traces the history and application of evidence in identifying evolving standards of decency, from its philosophical origins through its influence on recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions. The article concludes by tracing the Court’s post hoc rationalization, which makes use of the doctrine controversial.
Assessing the Boundaries Between Criminal Justice and Criminology
Authors: Steinmetz Kevin F. , Schaefer Brian P. , del Carmen Rolando V. , Hemmens Craig
Published: May 2014

There has long been a debate about what, if anything, differentiates criminology and criminal justice programs. Both grew about of sociology and, to a lesser degree, law and political science. In the 1970s and early 1980s, debate arose over the scope and limits of the two. That debate has faded today but the perceptions emanating from that controversy linger. The current study seeks to reopen the debate and invite disciplinary reflection. Two sources of data are analyzed: (1) doctoral program curricula and (2) articles in the top-tier disciplinary journals. Results show criminology courses are well represented in criminal justice doctoral programs, while criminal justice courses constitute a comparatively smaller part of criminology doctoral programs. In top-tier disciplinary journals, criminology articles are more prevalent than criminal justice articles. Plausible explanations are advanced. It is hoped that these findings provide a new springboard for further research and discussion that will lead to a better understanding and delineation of these allied disciplines.
Thermal treatment of solid waste in view of recycling: Chromate and molybdate formation and leaching behaviour
Authors: Verbinnen Bram , Billen Pieter , Vandecasteele Carlo
Published: May 2014

Elevated Cr and Mo concentrations are often found in leachates of thermally treated solid waste, but there is no general explanation for this so far. Therefore, we studied the leaching behaviour after thermal treatment as a function of heating temperature and residence time for two types of solid waste: contaminated sludge and bottom ash from municipal solid waste incineration. The leaching behaviour of both waste streams was compared with experiments on synthetic samples, allowing deduction of a general mechanism for Cr and Mo leaching. Cr and Mo showed a similar leaching behaviour: after an initial increase, the leaching decreased again at higher temperatures. Oxidation of these elements from their lower oxidation states to chromate and molybdate at temperatures up to 600 °C was responsible for the increased leaching. At higher temperatures, both Mo and Cr leaching decreased again owing to the formation of an amorphous phase, incorporating the newly formed chromate and molybdate salts, which prevents them from leaching.
Electrical and mechanical properties of β-hydroxynaphthoic acid–multiwalled carbon nanotubes–polystyrene nanocomposites
Authors: Ayesh Ayman S , Ibrahim SS , Al-Jaafari Abdullah A , Abdel-Rahem Rami A , Sheikh Nadeem S , Kotb H Mahfoz
Published: May 2014

The effect of β-hydroxynaphthoic acid (β-HNA) addition on electrical and mechanical properties of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)–polystyrene (PS) composite at a fixed amount of MWCNTs (0.85 wt%) are delineated. Obtained electrical, mechanical, morphological, and Fourier transform infrared results showed that addition of β-HNA up to 1 wt% to MWCNTs-PS composite enhanced the dispersion of MWCNTs in the neat PS, formation of MWCNTs-PS network, relative permittivity, dielectric loss, and the electrical conductivity increased by about three orders of magnitude for the prepared composite. Dielectric relaxation results showed that at the domain frequency range, the relaxation process below 1.0 wt% β-HNA was mostly due to polymer molecular relaxation process, while at 1.0 wt% β-HNA, the composite relaxation behavior was mostly due to charge conductivity relaxation. Mechanical results showed that addition of β-HNA to composite system up to 1.0 wt% increased the elastic modulus, yield stress, and tensile strength of the composites by about 12.2, 17.1, and 10.0%, respectively, which indicated that the addition of β-HNA to composite system improved MWCNTs dispersion in PS matrix and enhanced the interfacial bond in the β-HNA-MWCNTs-PS network.
The effect of modifying agent on mechanical and thermal properties of titanium dioxide-filled poly(methyl methacrylate) film
Authors: Zhenhua Li
Published: May 2014

Poly(methyl)methacrylate (PMMA) composites with various contents of titanium dioxide (TiO2) were prepared. The effects of fiber content and modification on the mechanical properties and thermal behavior of PMMA composite film were studied. The use of organosolv lignin and acrylic acid together as a binary modifying agent for TiO2 filler increased both the strength and the ultimate strain of treated PMMA composites as compared to the untreated ones. The higher temperature dramatically increased the weight loss of all three sample categories. The organosolv lignin and acrylic acid mixture was more effective than a single modifying agent in reducing the thermal decomposition of PMMA/TiO2 composites.
Imagine! You Have Nothing to Lose: Collaboration and Play in Urban Development
Authors: Balug Katarzyna , Vidart-Delgado Maria
Published: May 2014

A community-driven, collaborative approach to urban development is central to the work of the Rebuild Foundation (RF). This group of artists has spent several years forging community ties while purchasing decrepit buildings in St Louis, gradually transforming them into creative incubators with residents. In winter 2012 Social Agency Lab, a collective of urban experts, gathered to work with youths that regularly partake in RF activities. The goal was to collaboratively develop an entry for Pruitt-Igoe Now, a competition to re-imagine the urban scar left by the demolition of the public housing project. In this article, we investigate the potentialities of play in forging a common language among diverse actors. We propose that this common language enables an agonistic model of the public that privileges dissent and instability over consensus. We argue that play enables diverse groups to collaboratively imagine and perform different possibilities of urban living beyond neat, authoritative urban visions.
The Commodification of Spectacle: Spectators, Sponsors and the Outlaw Biker Diegesis at Sturgis
Authors: Krier Daniel , Swart William J.
Published: May 2014

This article conceptualizes economies of spectatorship through a case study of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (SMR). Economies of spectatorship produce spectacular diegeses as commodities sold to spectators and sponsors. They develop through a dialectical process of progressive decontextualization as their diegeses are cross-marketed with discrepant products and services to reach new markets. Progressive decontextualization leads to diegetic incoherence that threatens the realization of profit. As an economy of spectatorship, the SMR produced an outlaw biker themed diegesis replete with vicarious action and consumable character gambles. The SMR progressively decontextualized as it cross-marketed its outlaw diegesis with establishment corporate, religious and political themes. The resulting diegetic incoherence threatened profits and required the SMR’s producers to make significant investments in order to stabilize its flow of spectators and sponsors. Conceptualizing such inherently negating processes is critical to understanding the commodification of spectacle in mature capitalism.
Influence of the axial turbine design parameters on the stator–rotor axial clearance losses
Authors: Grönman Aki , Turunen-Saaresti Teemu , Röyttä Pekka , Jaatinen-Värri Ahti
Published: May 2014

The drive towards lower emissions in aerospace engines promotes more efficient and physically smaller engines. One way to decrease the size of the axial turbine is to minimize the distance between successive stator and rotor rows. This can usually have either a positive or negative influence on the turbine performance. The reasons for this behaviour are not currently fully understood. In this study, a novel approach is taken to find new insights into this design question by analysing the influence of different design parameters on the turbine efficiency behaviour. Several different turbines are analysed using the literature. For the first time, the performed analysis reveals the design parameters, which correlate with the different efficiency curve shapes. The correlating parameters are the stator–rotor axial clearance, stator pitch to axial chord ratio, turning velocity Mach number and rotor aspect ratio. The mechanisms behind the found correlations are further analysed to connect the physical phenomena with the design parameters.
Numerical investigation of inlet boundary layer skew in axial-flow compressor cascade and the corresponding non-axisymmetric end wall profiling
Authors: Li Xiangjun , Chu Wuli , Wu Yanhui
Published: May 2014

This paper investigates the influence of boundary layer skew on flow structure, total pressure loss, and flow control technique numerically on a high-loaded axial-flow compressor cascade. We have developed two new models respectively about loss evaluation and end wall flow control mechanism for more specific analysis. The result shows that boundary layer skew weakens the secondary flow and delays the generation of passage vortex when incidence approaches 0°. This results in a reduction of total pressure loss mainly (89.4%) due to relieved corner separation. However, as incidence exceeds a certain value (+7°), severe corner separation or even earlier corner stall can be induced by inlet boundary layer skew. Optimization procedure for profiled end wall at inflow condition of +7° incidence is further carried out to investigate the impact of boundary layer skew on flow control technique. The result shows that boundary layer skew should be counted in the optimization design of profiled end wall because of its significant influence on the development of end wall flow. The optimum profiled end walls for cases with and without boundary layer skew show great difference in the manner of end wall flow control. According to the improvement of cascades’ performance, end wall profiling seems more efficient in reducing loss when influenced by the boundary layer skew.
Teleworking in the National Library and Archives of Iran: Teleworkers’ attitudes
Authors: Tahavori Zahra
Published: May 2014

This research aimed at investigating the attitudes of teleworkers in the National Library and Archives of the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding the regulations, benefits, and drawbacks of teleworking. For this purpose, a self-administered questionnaire consisting of demographic information was used, as well as close-ended and some open-ended questions. The findings indicated that despite some problems such as the low speed of the Internet, excessive workload, inflexibility of work time, and some ambiguities in regulations, all of the teleworkers intended to continue to telework. So, it is concluded that the benefits of teleworking outweigh its drawbacks in the National Library and Archives of Iran.
Treatment of moderately to severely active systemic lupus erythematosus with adrenocorticotropic hormone: a single-site, open-label trial
Authors: Fiechtner JJ , Montroy T
Published: May 2014

Background

Alternative therapeutic options are needed for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) not adequately controlled with or intolerant to traditional treatments. This study evaluated the efficacy of Acthar® Gel (ACTH(1-39)) for reducing active SLE severity among patients receiving underlying conventional maintenance therapies.

Methods

Ten females (mean age = 49 yrs, disease duration = 7 yrs, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index-2000 [SLEDAI-2 K] = 10) currently on maintenance self-administered ACTH(1–39) gel 1 mL (80 U/mL) for 7–15 days and were assessed weekly for 28 days. Outcome measures included Physician and Patient Global Assessments, SLEDAI-2 K, Lupus Quality of Life scale, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-Fatigue) scale, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein. Student’s t-test compared data obtained at days 7, 14, and 28 with those from baseline.

Results

The primary endpoint of SLEDAI-2 K improvement was reached at all observation times ( p < 0.05) and statistically significant improvements were observed for most other parameters. No treatment-related serious or unexpected adverse events were observed.

Conclusions

The trial results reveal that among SLE patients in need of therapeutic alternatives, ACTH(1-39) gel may provide significant disease activity reduction.
The beneficial effect of plasmapheresis in mixed connective tissue disease with coexisting antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Szodoray P , Hajas A , Toth L , Szakall S , Nakken B , Soltesz P , Bodolay E
Published: May 2014

The authors report a rare case of a female patient with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) with coexisting antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Five years after the diagnosis of MCTD high concentrations of anticardiolipin (anti-CL) and anti-β2-glycoprotein (anti-β2GPI) autoantibodies were present in the patient’s serum without thrombotic events. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation provoked APS, with the clinical manifestations of livedo reticularis, digital gangrene and leg ulcers. Skin biopsy from the necrotic area showed multiple fibrin microthrombi in the superficial vessels. Corticosteroid pulse therapy, and plasma exchange in combination with synchronized cyclophosphamide was administered, which led to improvement of the digital gangrenes, while no new lesions developed. The number of CD27high plasma cells decreased, and the previous high levels of autoantibodies also normalized in the peripheral blood. In the case of MCTD with coexisting APS combination therapy, including plasmapheresis has beneficial effects.
Central Venous Catheter Flushing Recommendations
Authors: Conway Margaret Anne , McCollom Claire , Bannon Cynthia
Published: May 2014

Background:

Treatment for many children with blood disorders or cancer includes the use of central venous catheters (CVCs). Few prospective studies have been conducted to address flushing guidelines in pediatric hematology oncology patients. Eighteen pediatric hematology oncology units were surveyed regarding current CVC flushing policies and procedures. Results reported extreme variations in CVC flush procedures, which instigated this systematic review.

Aims:

The purpose of this project was to critically review current literature and expert opinion regarding CVC flushing practice in the hopes of reporting standardized recommendations. Dissemination of consistent recommendations may reduce practice variability and complications associated with CVCs as well as increase patient and family confidence and competence in providing CVC care.

Methods:

Literature searches used PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, National Guidelines Clearinghouse, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Multiple reviewers evaluated results relevant to CVC flushing procedures. Studies excluded were those that included neonates, peripheral intravenous catheters, dialysis catheters, and valved catheters.

Results:

Evaluation of 5 randomized controlled trials, 3 observational studies, 2 systematic reviews, 7 guidelines, and 1 literature review using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) and Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation II (AGREE II) tools, an overall low level of evidence, and weak recommendation for practice was concluded.

Conclusion:

Weak recommendation for daily flushing of noninfusing Broviac/Hickman catheters and accessed implanted ports may be made. There was not sufficient evidence for heparin volume or concentration recommendations. No recommendations can be reported for peripherally inserted central venous catheters. Further research is indicated for CVC flushing procedures in pediatric hematology oncology patients.
Investigating potential substrates to maximize out-of-plane deflection of piezoelectric macro-fiber composite actuators
Authors: LaCroix Bradley W , Ifju Peter G
Published: May 2014

The work summarized here explores the application of various substrate materials to macro-fiber composites for the purpose of generating curvature. This research experimentally determines the free strain of the macro-fiber composite through its full range of actuation and then examines the resulting deflections when bonded to various substrates. In addition, loads are applied to the resulting unimorph while in a cantilever configuration and the deflections recorded. These results are used to validate finite element models, which are used to explore further design possibilities, including a bimorph configuration. The goal of this work is to determine the substrates that maximize curvature in both unloaded and loaded configurations. The results show that using thin and high modulus substrates results in the largest deflection under loading.
Developing Convict Criminology Beyond North America
Authors: Ross Jeffrey Ian , Darke Sacha , Aresti Andreas , Newbold Greg , Earle Rod
Published: May 2014

Despite its original vision of a community of ex-convict criminological and criminal justice experts, Convict Criminology (CC) has had difficulty with international expansion and has remained largely a North American movement. There are many reasons why this has occurred. This article reviews the efforts that have been made to internationalize CC in Europe and discusses some of the barriers it has faced. It also suggests prospects for moving the field forward in a truly international manner and the challenges that this entails.
Direct-to-Consumer Advertising
Authors: Monson Kathleen E. , Fink Joseph L.
Published: May 2014

Direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription-only medications is big business for pharmaceutical manufacturers and has altered the relationship between patients and health professionals. Seeing promotional messages from the manufacturer of a pharmaceutical can have both positive and negative impacts. These are discussed along with current efforts to control activities in this area as well as possible future developments.
Factors Contributing to Reduced Caregiver Strain in a Publicly Funded Child Mental Health System
Authors: Accurso Erin C. , Garland Ann F. , Haine-Schlagel Rachel , Brookman-Frazee Lauren , Baker-Ericzén Mary J.
Published: May 2014

This study examined caregiver strain in families who initiated mental health services for their child. Predictors of strain and the bidirectional relation between strain and child symptoms were examined. Participants included 218 children aged 4 to 13 with disruptive behavior problems and their caregivers, plus 96 psychotherapists, recruited from six publicly funded clinics. Child disruptive behavior severity and caregiver strain were assessed at baseline, 4, and 8 months. Multilevel models were used to examine predictors of reduced caregiver strain, and autoregressive cross-lagged models were used to examine the bidirectional relations between change in caregiver strain and behavior problems over time. There were small to medium decreases in caregiver strain over the 8 months after the initiation of mental health services, but few factors predicted change other than initial behavior problem severity. Whereas more severe initial child symptoms predicted greater reductions in caregiver strain, greater child symptom severity sustained at 4 months predicted lesser improvements in caregiver strain. Simultaneously, greater caregiver strain predicted less improvement in child symptom severity, suggesting that child symptom severity and caregiver strain affect each other over time. These results suggest that attending to both child and caregiver factors may be important in maintaining improvements after initiating usual care.
Relations Between Perceived Parental Acceptance and Children’s Psychological Adjustment in the Context of Differential Parental Power and Prestige in Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin Muhammad Kamal , Khaleque Abdul , Aktar Rumana , Hossain Kazi Nur
Published: May 2014

This article explored the effects of perceived maternal and paternal acceptance, power, and prestige on children’s psychological adjustment. The sample consisted of 254 children (59% boys) ages 9 through 12 years ( M = 10.88) from Bangladesh. The measures used were the child versions of the Parental Acceptance–Rejection Questionnaire for mothers and fathers, the youth version of the Parental Power–Prestige Questionnaire, and the child version of the Personality Assessment Questionnaire. Results showed that perceived maternal and paternal acceptance were significantly correlated with children’s (both boys’ and girls’) psychological adjustment. However, neither power nor prestige was significantly correlated with either maternal or paternal acceptance, or with children’s psychological adjustment. Results of hierarchical regression analyses revealed that both perceived maternal and paternal acceptance made significant independent contributions to children’s psychological adjustment. In addition, perceived maternal (but not paternal) power significantly moderated the relation between perceived maternal acceptance and children’s psychological adjustment.
Intentions in the Brain
Authors: Ansuini Caterina , Cavallo Andrea , Bertone Cesare , Becchio Cristina
Published: May 2014

Is it possible to understand the intentions of others by merely observing their movements? Current debate has been mainly focused on the role that mirror neurons and motor simulation may play in this process, with surprisingly little attention being devoted to how intentions are actually translated into movements. Here, we delineate an alternative approach to the problem of intention-from-movement understanding, which takes “action execution” rather than “action observation” as a starting point. We first consider whether and to what extent, during action execution, intentions shape movement kinematics. We then examine whether observers are sensitive to intention information conveyed by visual kinematics and can use this information to discriminate between different intentions. Finally, we consider the neural mechanisms that may contribute to intention-from-movement understanding. We argue that by reframing the relationship between intention and movement, this evidence opens new perspectives into the neurobiology of how we know other minds and predict others’ behavior.
Training Digital Age Journalists
Authors: Madison Eddie
Published: May 2014

Increasingly, top-tier journalism and media schools are entering into partnerships with mainstream media organizations to create and distribute student-produced content. While internships have long been a sanctioned way students learn professional practices, downturns in the economy have led to reductions in paid internship programs. On the rise are digital era practicums, which often challenge students to produce content that is on par with professional work. This investigates how students and educators at three universities experience and compare internships with practicums. It looks at benefits, costs, and concerns.
Effectiveness of the Direct Instruction Language for Learning Curriculum Among Children Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Shillingsburg M. Alice , Bowen Crystal N. , Peterman Richard K. , Gayman Mathew D.
Published: May 2014

Many children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit difficulties with complex language and social communication. Direct Instruction (DI) is an empirically supported curriculum designed to teach complex language skills to children with and at risk of learning disabilities. Only recently, the effectiveness of DI has been evaluated among children with autism. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of the DI Language for Learning curriculum among 18 children diagnosed with ASD. Immediate post-intervention language scores on curriculum post-tests were significantly higher than pre-intervention scores and remained significantly higher than pre-intervention scores up to 6 to 8 months following the intervention. Comparing language skills across groups, children already exposed to the intervention exhibited significantly higher language skills than their non-exposed waitlist counterparts.