bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Properties of green composites with regenerated cellulose fiber and soybean-based thermoset for technical applications
Authors: Ramamoorthy Sunil K , Kundu Chanchal K , Adekunle Kayode , Bashir Tariq , Skrifvars Mikael
Published: September 2013

Composites were developed by reinforcing available non-woven Lyocell and viscose in acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO). Compression molding was used to make composites with 40–60 wt% fiber content. The fiber content comprises only Lyocell or viscose fiber, or mixture of these fibers in known ratio. Hybrid composites were made by a mixture of both the fibers in known ratio and it affects the properties. The effect of hybridization was evident in most tests which gives us an opportunity to tailor the properties according to requirement. Lyocell fiber reinforced composites with 60 wt% fiber content had a tensile strength and modulus of about 135 MPa and 17 GPa, respectively. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed that the Lyocell fiber reinforced composites had good viscoelastic properties. The viscose fiber reinforced composites had the high percentage elongation and also showed relatively good impact strength and flexural modulus. Good fiber-matrix adhesion reflected in mechanical properties. SEM images were made to see the fiber-matrix compatibility.
Later Life Care Planning Conversations for Older Adults and Families
Authors: Stolee Paul , Zaza Christine , Sharratt Michael T.
Published: September 2013

While most older adults have thought about their future care needs, few have discussed their preferences with family members. We interviewed older persons (24), adult children (24), health professionals (23), and representatives of stakeholder associations (3) to understand their views and experiences on later life care (LLC) planning conversations, in terms of (a) their respective roles, and (b) barriers and facilitators that should be taken into account when having these conversations. Roles described included that of information user (older persons), information seeker (family members), and information provider (health care providers). The study identified practical and emotional considerations relevant to LLC planning conversations. This study found strong support for planning for LLC before the need arises, as well as important potential benefits for older adults, family members, and health professionals. There is interest in, and need for, resources to guide families in LLC planning.
Forming of thermoplastic plain woven carbon composites
Authors: Yin Hongling , Peng Xiongqi , Du Tongliang , Chen Jun
Published: September 2013

By combining carbon woven fabric with thermoplastics, a thermostamping process was proposed to form composite parts with complex double curvatures in one step and to implement affordable application of fiber-reinforced composites in automotive industry. In the proposed process, a laminated carbon woven fabrics with thermoplastic grains were heated, then transferred rapidly to a preheated mold for thermostamping, and cooled down to form the composite part. Various thermoplastics including polyamide 6, polypropylene, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene were used as matrix materials. It is demonstrated that high-quality parts can be achieved with the proposed forming process and defects are controllable. The experiment results show that the rheological characteristics of thermoplastic resin, the fixed method of mold, and the yarn orientation of the composite blank are very important factors in the thermostamping process. With the proposed process, it is feasible to implement the high-volume and low-cost manufacturing of fiber-reinforced composite parts.
Characterization of chemically modified sawdust-reinforced recycled polyethylene composites
Authors: Islam Md Nazrul , Islam Md Sakinul
Published: September 2013

Chemically treated sawdust-reinforced recycled polyethylene composites were fabricated by the injection molding method, and the effect of fiber treatment on the physicomechanical properties of the composites were examined. Upon treatment with sodium hydroxide and benzoyl chloride, the hydrophilic nature of sawdust was significantly reduced. The physical properties of the composites such as water absorption, thickness swelling, and biodegradation behavior revealed that upon fiber surface modification, the composites have attained significant resistance to moisture absorption and microbial attacks. The mechanical properties of the chemically treated sawdust-reinforced composites were found to be improved compared to those of the untreated ones, suggesting that better fiber–matrix interfacial adhesion has occurred upon treatment of sawdust. This was further supported by surface morphology of the tensile-fractured surfaces of the composites captured by scanning electron microscopy that showed much less microvoids and interfacial flaws compared to those of the untreated ones.
Influence of cross-linked system on morphology and properties of thermoplastic vulcanizates based on isotactic polypropylene and ethylene propylene diene monomer
Authors: Prut EV , Medintseva TI , Kochanova OV , Erina NA , Zhorina LA , Kuleznev VN
Published: September 2013

Thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) based on isotactic polypropylene (iPP) and oil-free/oil-extended ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber were prepared by dynamic vulcanization. Their rheological and tensile properties as well as morphological peculiarities were examined and compared with those of uncured blends. Vulcanization was performed using two types of cross-linking agents: phenolic resin and sulfur-accelerating systems. Dynamic vulcanization was shown to change the melt viscosity of oil-free and oil-extended iPP/EPDM blends. These changes were found to depend on both rubber content and type of vulcanizing agent. For identical composition, the melt viscosity of TPVs cured by sulfur system was higher than that of blends cured by phenolic resin system (PRS). Dynamic vulcanization by PRS decreased tensile properties of TPVs in comparison with sulfur vulcanization. Morphology of iPP/EPDM blends studied by atomic force microscope was found to be dependent on the ratio of components, type of elastomer, and nature of vulcanizing system.
Career Advancement in a Family-Owned French Construction Firm Under Changing Labor Legislation and Market Demand, 1946-1985
Authors: Bonneuil Noël , Martini Manuela
Published: September 2013

Personnel data from a small French construction firm’s archives were followed up for 1946-1985 to examine family firm employment practices in historical perspective. The firm had limited scope to favor national origin, seniority, or kinship; kin of management were not paid more than nonkin. Event history analysis reveals macroeconomic context and individual qualification as the main variables explaining wage-level changes. The need to respond to market conditions and maintain good labor relations favored skill over seniority and kinship. Ultimately, however, family-style managerial practices failed to link wages to performance, compromising financial stability and contributing to the firm’s demise.
Synthesis, spectral and thermal characterization of polyester derived from 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexane
Authors: Latha G. , Natarajan M. , Balaji K. , Murugavel S. C.
Published: September 2013

A series of polyesters with pendant cyclohexane ring as a cardo group were synthesized by reacting 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)cylcohexane (bisphenol-Z (BPZ)) with diacid chlorides. The molecular structures of the monomer and polymers were confirmed by spectral analyses. Thermal properties were studied using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The thermogravimetric data revealed that the polymers are stable up to 190°C and start to degrade thereafter. The thermal stability initially increases with increase in spacer length and then decreases due to negative effects of the spacer. In the present study, Arrhenius, Broido and Horowitz–Metzger models have been used to calculate the degradation kinetic parameters.
Hyperbranched cyclic and multicyclic poly(etherketone)s by polycondensation of isosorbide and isomannide with 2,6,4′-trifluorobenzophenone and 1,3,5-tris(4-fluorobenzoyl) benzene
Authors: Bennour Haythem , Medimagh Raouf , Fildier Aurélie , Raffin Guy , Hangouet Marie , Chatti Saber , Zina Mongia Said , Kricheldorf Hans R.
Published: September 2013

1,3,5-Tris(4-fluorobenzoyl)benzene (TFBB) and 2,6,4′-trifluorobenzophenone (TFB) were polycondensed with isosorbide and isomanide. All polycondensations were performed in a mixture of dimethyl sulfoxide and toluene with potassium carbonate as promotor. Optimal concentration to avoid gelation was set at 0.06 mol L−1. The different cyclization tendencies on the basis of monomers conformations are discussed. In the TFB series, the feed ratio isosorbide/TFB was varied from 1.0:1.0 to 1.5:1.0. A majority of linear and hyperbranched species were identified as main reaction products by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization–time-of-flight mass spectrometry regardless of the diol with slight cyclization tendency for isomannide. When TFBB was polycondensed with isosorbide, the cyclization tendency was significantly improved. The products obtained at a feed ratio of 1.41/1.0 and 1.51/1.0 were rich in cyclic and multicyclic species. More interesting results were obtained from the polycondensation of TFBB and isomannide, giving rise majoritarily to cyclic, bicyclic, and multicyclic species. Differential scanning calorimetric measurements indicated high glass transition temperature (around 200°C).
Ferritin in the antiphospholipid syndrome and its catastrophic variant (cAPS)
Authors: Agmon-Levin N , Rosário C , Katz B-S Porat , Zandman-Goddard G , Meroni P , Cervera R , Stojanovich L , Blank M , Pierangeli SS , Praprotnik S , Meis E de , Seguro L Parente , Ruffatti A , Pengo V , Tincani A , Doria A , Shoenfeld Y
Published: September 2013

Background

Ferritin is an iron storage protein considered also as an acute phase reactant with high levels in various inflammatory conditions. Recently, a plausible role for ferritin in the pathogenesis of immune-mediated and especially autoimmune diseases has been suggested. However, the link between ferritin and the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) has been rarely explored. Therefore, in the current study we evaluated ferritin levels and their correlation to clinical and serological manifestations in patients with APS. We further analyzed ferritin levels among patients with the catastrophic variant of APS (cAPS).

Methods

Ferritin levels were determined in serum samples of 176 APS patients and 98 matched healthy controls according to age and sex (LIAISON, DiaSorin, Italy). APS samples were further analyzed for antiphospholipid (anti-cardiolipin, anti- beta-2-glycoprotein, lupus anticoagulant) and anti-infectious antibodies (CMV, EBV, rubella, toxoplasma, HBV) (LIAISON, DiaSorin, Italy). Clinical, serological and demographic manifestations were recorded. An additional analysis of ferritin levels among 14 patients with cAPS was performed.

Results

Hyperferritinemia was present in 9% vs. 0% of APS patients and controls, respectively ( p < 0.001). Among patients with APS, ferritin levels correlated with venous thrombosis, cardiac, neurological, and hematological manifestations and the presence of anti-CMV-IgM antibodies. Hyperferritinemia was present in 71% of cAPS patients, and ferritin levels among this subgroup were significantly higher compared with APS-non-cAPS patients (816 ± 847 ng/ml vs. 120 ± 230 ng/ml, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Herein, we found that hyperferritinemia correlates with the presence of APS, its clinical manifestations and specifically with the catastrophic variant of this disease. Hyperferritinemia was also linked with anti-CMV antibodies among patients with APS. These associations allude to a pathogenic role of ferritin in the pathogenesis of APS, and the plausible role of ferritin as a marker of ensuing cAPS, although further studies are needed to elucidate these associations.
Lessons learned from the 2011 debacle of the Fukushima nuclear power plant
Authors: Sugiman Toshio
Published: September 2013

The history of nuclear power generation in Japan is analyzed with respect to how the organizational structure of the “nuclear villages,” composed of government, private companies and the academic world, negotiated with the growing technology before the Fukushima accident took place. Although nuclear specialists were aware of the potential for a disaster, that did not prevent the enthusiasm for nuclear. The majority of people trusted that new technology would make life easier. The organizational structure of the village consisted of a triangle in which each of the three groups and sub-groups maintained relationships with each other and with the village as a whole to secure its own share of the economic benefits. Based on the sociological theory of norm, we demonstrate that the structure and nature of the relationships in the village facilitated the acceptance of nuclear power despite the element of threat.
Teaching Communication Skills to Hospice Teams
Authors: Hamilton Gillian , Ortega Rosio , Hochstetler Vicki , Pierson Kristen , Lin Peiyi , Lowes Susan
Published: September 2013

Introduction:

Communication skills are critical in hospice care but challenging to teach. Therefore, a hospice agency developed a communication skills laboratory for nurses and social workers.

Methods:

Learners role-played 3 common hospice scenarios. The role-play modalities were in-person, Second Life, and telephone. Learners were scored on 4 communication aspects.

Results:

Learners in all modalities rated the laboratory as very effective. However, learners in the Second Life and phone modality showed greater improvements from scene 1 to 3 than those in the in-person modality. There were no significant differences in improvement between the Second Life and phone modalities.

Conclusion:

Results support the effectiveness of this communication skills laboratory while using different teaching modalities and show phone and Second Life role-plays were more effective than an in-person role-play.
Perceived Barriers and Enablers to Referrals to Community-Based Hospice Palliative Care Volunteer Programs in Canada
Authors: Claxton-Oldfield Stephen , Marrison-Shaw Hayley
Published: September 2013

Two separate studies were conducted to identify perceived barriers and enablers to referrals to community-based hospice palliative care volunteer programs in 2 Atlantic Canadian provinces. In study 1, a physician, home support nurse manager, social worker, and volunteer coordinator (VC) were interviewed. More barriers than enablers were identified. Based on these results and a review of the literature, a “Perceived Barriers and Enablers to Hospice Palliative Care Volunteer Referrals Questionnaire” (PBEQ) was developed. In study 2, a total of 10 VCs completed the PBEQ and (1) rated the extent to which they perceived 18 items to be barriers to referrals; (2) rated the extent to which they perceived 12 items to be enablers to referrals; and (3) described additional barriers and enablers. A Tips for Referrals sheet was created.
Can We Vaccinate Against Atherosclerosis?
Authors: Chyu Kuang-Yuh , Shah Prediman K.
Published: September 2013

A large body of evidence implicates the immune system in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Both active and passive immunizations have been tested as immunomodulation strategies to confer protective effect against atherogenesis. This review focuses on the current knowledge of the complex role and the potential for immune modulation therapy via active immunization for atherosclerosis.
Supplementation of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Prevents Increase in Arterial Stiffness After Experimental Menopause
Authors: Losurdo Pasquale , Grillo Andrea , Panizon Emiliano , Cappellari Gianluca Gortan , Fabris Bruno , Bardelli Moreno , Biolo Gianni , Zanetti Michela , Carretta Renzo
Published: September 2013

Background:

Menopause is associated with increased arterial stiffness, an independent marker of cardiovascular risk. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (N3-PUFAs) are thought to have multiple cardiovascular benefits, including prevention of arterial stiffness. We investigated whether treatment with N3-PUFA prevents increase in arterial stiffness in ovariectomized rats, an animal model of experimental menopause.

Methods:

A total of 43 Wistar rats, 2 months old, were divided into 3 groups, control, sham surgery, normal diet (CTRL, n = 15); ovariectomy, normal diet (OVX, n = 14); and ovariectomy with N3-PUFA supplementation (0.8 g/kg/d in daily gavages administration; OVX + O3, n = 14). Two months after surgery, carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and arterial blood pressure (BP) were measured by carotid and femoral cannulation. Aortic morphometric measurements were performed after dissection.

Results:

Ovariectomy caused a significant increase in BP ( P < .05), PWV ( P < .0001), and elastic modulus ( P = .001) compared to CTRL. After ovariectomy, N3-PUFA supplementation completely prevented increase in arterial stiffness ( P < .0001 vs OVX) and BP ( P < .05 vs OVX) and resulted in a significant increase in body weight and aortic thickness.

Conclusions:

In an experimental model of menopause, N3-PUFA supplementation prevents arterial stiffening and other vascular changes induced by ovariectomy. These results represent a therapeutic benefit of N3-PUFAs in prevention of postmenopausal cardiovascular disease.
Renin–Angiotensin System Blocking Drugs
Authors: Robles Nicolás Roberto , Cerezo Isis , Hernandez-Gallego Roman
Published: September 2013

The two major classes of drugs that target the RAS are the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and the selective AT1 receptor blockers (ARBs). Although both of these drug classes target angiotensin II, the differences in their mechanisms of action have implications for their effects on other pathways and receptors that may have therapeutic implications. Both ACEIs and ARBs are effective antihypertensive agents that have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular and renal events. Direct inhibition of renin –the most proximal aspect of the RAS –became clinically feasible from 2007 with the introduction of aliskiren. This latter drug has been shown to be efficacious for the management of hypertension. Combined therapy of direct renin-inhibitors with ACEIs or ARBs has been tested in some clinical situations as congestive HF and proteinuria with diverse results. This article tries to offer an updated review of current knowledge on the use of RAS blocking drugs in clinical settings.
Novel Oral Anticoagulants in Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Gallego Pilar , Roldán Vanessa , Lip Gregory Y. H.
Published: September 2013

Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) confers an increased risk of thromboembolism, with a 5-fold higher risk of ischemic stroke. Oral anticoagulation (OAC) has shown to be highly effective in preventing stroke and mortality compared to placebo and is also used in patients without AF for both treatment and prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism. The OAC halts the coagulation by different mechanisms. Until recently, the only option was the vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), but their inherent limitations have promoted the development of novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs), which may offer efficacious and safer alternatives. Patients should be carefully selected to receive the most suitable treatment for each one. As the VKA efficacy and safety largely rely on the time the patient remains within the therapeutic range, this could be a useful selection criterion. Bleeding remains the main complication of all OACs. Although clinical trials of stroke prevention in AF have shown a significant reduction in hemorrhagic stroke and intracranial bleeding with the NOACs, as prescriptions are increasing, clinicians need to be prepared to accurate management of bleeding complications. Withholding the drug is usually enough for most cases of mild bleeding, but in patients with major, life-threatening bleeding, other measures, such as fluid replacement and blood transfusion, might be necessary while waiting for specific reversal agents that may reach the market soon. In case of acute bleeding, the accurate estimation of anticoagulant effect could also be needed, but the currently available coagulation tests only offer a qualitative measure. While awaiting long-term safety data, the choice between all these available therapies should be based on patient preferences, compliance, and ease of administration as well as on local factors affecting cost-effectiveness. But the increasing variety of therapeutic options when chronic OAC is needed can only improve the provided health care.
Trolling as provocation
Authors: McCosker Anthony
Published: September 2013

This article explores the productive role of provocation in YouTube publics in the context of two culturally and geographically situated visual events that took place in New Zealand throughout 2011. Through qualitative analysis of the extensive comments fields for the two videos, the article examines the nature of participatory acts associated with what has been called at different times flaming, hating or trolling. The article argues that such acts can only be properly understood within their cultural and geographic context and in their ability to affect and extend ‘agonistic’ publics. The analysis addresses online passion, conflict and vitriol through the notion of ‘acts of citizenship’, as productive forms of provocation.
The transmediated self
Authors: Elwell J Sage
Published: September 2013

We are spending more and more of our lives online. Meanwhile, the combination of constant connectivity and ubiquitous computing is folding the material world itself into an expansive ‘Internet of things’. As a result the line between life online and life off-line has become blurred in an existential equivalence of the digital and the analog. In this networked ecosystem, the old Web 1.0 notion of an anonymous digital persona that is separate from off-line, analog self-identity is no longer applicable. A new paradigm for conceptualizing the dialectic of digital–analog self-identity is needed. To that end, I argue that in our age of networked connectivity, self-identity is being fashioned according to the aesthetics of transmedia production. I conclude that the transmedia paradigm, taken as a model for interpreting self-identity in the liminal space between the virtual and the real, reveals a transmediated self constituted as a browsable story-world that is integrated, dispersed, episodic, and interactive.
Europe as façade
Authors: de Kloet Jeroen
Published: September 2013

In China, numerous buildings employ an overtly baroque style, alluding to a hyper-Europe. In the context of an intensification of nationalistic Chinese sentiments that help maintain the Chinese nation-state, Europe remains an important constitutive outside. What cultural translations from Europe to China are at stake here, when Europe is turned into a façade? Inspired by the work of Rey Chow and Michel Foucault, this article reads these façades as constitutive mirrors, both heterotopian and utopian, that open up possibilities to rethink the notion of culture and its geopolitical manifestations. To analyse the imagination of Europe in such models, websites of real estate developers are analysed, showing how for them, Europe is a fantasy to capitalise on, signifying craftsmanship and a pastoral and rich and full life. In contrast, the artwork Mirage City by Amsterdam-based artist Meiya Lin questions the presence and perpetual multiplication of a hyper-Europe in today’s China. In the final part of this article the author reflects upon the ways in which the presence of Europe in China interpellates him.
How do experts define relevance criteria when initiating Health Impact Assessments of national policies?
Authors: Kraemer Stella RJ , Gulis Gabriel
Published: September 2013

Aim: The aim of this article is to present how the Danish Disease Prevention Committee (DDPC) members and HIA-experts understand when HIA is “relevant”, which in this context means when there is “presumed to be a direct and documented effect on the health and morbidity of citizens”. Method: DDPC members were interviewed face-to-face; HIA experts participated in an e-survey. Results: Six DDPC members were interviewed and 100 HIA-experts participated in a survey. The DDPC members consider direct as the link between determinants and the related risk factors. The HIA experts consider direct as the link between policy and the related risk factors. Both groups favour the use of scientific evidence according to the traditional biomedical evidence hierarchy but HIA-experts also judge that there is value in using evidence that can be considered weak such as local community knowledge. Conclusions: It is clear that the DDPC recommendation gives rise to a discussion on differing perceptions of relevance. The same definition can be used for both direct and indirect effects depending on interpretation. Documented evidence for an effect is desirable in the form provided by the traditional biomedical evidence hierarchy but HIA-experts emphasises use of local knowledge. The primary criteria for initiating a HIA, is whether the outcome of the HIA is expected to be taken into account in the decision-making process. The second criteria, is how do decision-makers perceive or interpret a decision to be relevant for HIA. This has implications for how and whether HIA will be implemented in Denmark in the future.
Beyond bureaucracy: Emerging trends in social care informatics
Authors: Wastell David , White Sue
Published: September 2013

Existing information technology systems in much of UK social care have been designed to serve the interests of the bureaucracy rather than supporting professional practice or improving services to the public. The ill-starred Integrated Children’s System in statutory children’s services is typical. The Integrated Children’s System is a system for form-filling, micro-managing professional practice through an enforced regime of standard processes and time scales. In this article, we argue against this dominant design. We provide several examples where technology has enabled alternative modes of support for professional work, based on socio-technical principles. One such system is Patchwork, which describes itself as a ‘Facebook for Social Work’; its aim is to support multi-professional teams working with vulnerable families.
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards: What determines the judgements of Best Interests Assessors? A factorial survey
Authors: Carpenter John , Langan Joan , Patsios Demi , Jepson Marcus
Published: September 2013

The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards were introduced in England and Wales to protect the interests of people with learning disabilities, dementia and neurological conditions resident in hospitals and care homes. The Safeguards apply when residents lack capacity to make decisions about their care and treatment in circumstances that may amount to a deprivation of their liberty. Best Interests Assessors must establish whether a deprivation of liberty has occurred. However, there is no definition in statute; instead, the identification of factors which define a deprivation of liberty is evolving through case law. A factorial survey was used to identify the factors which influenced the professional judgements of 93 Best Interests Assessors (three-quarters social workers) who generated 798 responses to randomly generated vignettes.

Findings

Coercive staff behaviour was the strongest statistical predictor of a deprivation of liberty judgement, followed by the resident’s response. Other indicators of staff control, including the use of medication to reduce agitation, restriction of movement and family unhappiness with care were also significant. The resident’s condition, gender/age and the setting were not significant predictors. Best Interests Assessors were generally confident in their decision making; there were no differences in confidence associated with Best Interests Assessors’ professions.

Applications

Reviews of the operation of the Safeguards stress significant complexity in defining a deprivation of liberty. Nevertheless, this study suggests that the factors which Best Interests Assessors take into account are rooted in the fundamental principles of the Safeguards and an informed appreciation of case law. Best Interests Assessors and local authorities, in their role as supervisory bodies, must keep up to date with developments.
Spironolactone enhances the beneficial effect of aliskiren on cardiac structural and electrical remodeling in TGR(mRen2)27 rats
Authors: De Mello Walmor C
Published: September 2013

Objective:

To investigate the influence of simultaneous administration of spironolactone (20 mg/kg per day, intraperitoneal (i.p.)) and aliskiren (50 mg/kg per day, i.p.) for a period of eight weeks on cardiac remodeling in TGR(mRen2)27 rats.

Methods:

Echocardiographic and electrophysiological and histological methods were used to determine the influence of spironolactone and aliskiren on cardiac remodeling.

Results:

1) the beneficial effect of aliskiren on SBP was enhanced by simultaneous administration of spironolactone; 2) echocardiographic studies showed that the left ventricle diameter (LVD), the left ventricle end diastolic volume (LVEDV) and the left ventricle posterior wall thickness (LVPW) were significantly reduced by the combination of both drugs when compared with aliskiren alone; 3) the ejection fraction was also increased; 4) histological studies indicated a greater decline in perivascular and interstitial fibrosis when both drugs were used; 5) the decrease of electrical remodeling of the left ventricle caused by aliskiren was further reduced by simultaneous administration of spironolactone; 6) the cardiac refractoriness increased by aliskiren was further incremented by spironolactone. Spironolactone (20 mg/kg per day) alone increased the ejection fraction and reduced LVD, LVEDV and LVPW but its effect was smaller than that achieved with the combination spironolactone plus aliskiren.

Conclusion:

The combination of an aldosterone inhibitor with a direct renin inhibitor proved to be of greater benefit for cardiac structural and electrical remodeling in this experimental model of hypertension than aliskiren alone.
Working reflexively with ethical complexity in narrative research with disadvantaged young people
Authors: Kearns Sarah
Published: September 2013

This article draws on the author’s experience of a narrative inquiry project with young people who were designated within the policy context in Scotland as at risk of social exclusion and in need of ‘More Choices, More Chances’. The project explored how the young people’s narratives of transition integrated the concept of ‘critical moments’, namely how the complex interplay between self and social structures was seen to be embedded at key transitional stages. The relevance of professional support was also examined through engaging with themes of identity construction and inclusion at these ‘moments’, and through highlighting choices and constraints to choice as the overarching theme.

This article focuses on the methodological dimensions of the research through the lens of ethical practice and social justice, interrogating notions of researcher reflexivity, empowerment, authenticity and transferability in accessing and representing the marginalized ‘voices’ of the participants, and exploring the ethical dilemmas which arose in this process. The use of visual tools to prompt and represent the young people’s narratives is examined in the light of the interweaving of substantive and participatory aims. In conclusion key questions are posed in relation to how far the research may contribute to a social justice agenda.
Peer group association, the acceptance of norms and violent behaviour: A longitudinal analysis of reciprocal effects
Authors: Seddig Daniel
Published: September 2013

Differential association and social learning theory assume delinquent peers to be instigators and reinforcers of delinquent behaviour and norms favourable of delinquency. Control theory, on the other hand, assumes that delinquents will group together with peers that share a common normative and behavioural background. Interactional theory as an integrative paradigm argues that both – influence and selection – processes might be active simultaneously and are embedded in a reciprocal causal relationship. This paper tests the reciprocity between the association with delinquent peer groups, the acceptance of pro-violent norms and violent delinquency during adolescence with data from a German longitudinal panel study in a longitudinal structural equation model. Results indicate that peers, norms and violence are interactionally related and that influence and selection processes are active simultaneously. Moreover, further structural dimensions are able to explain delinquent peer group association, the acceptance of pro-violent norms and violence in early adolescence.
What’s wrong with ‘compassion’? Towards a political, philosophical and theological context
Authors: Hordern Joshua
Published: September 2013

In some popular and political discourse, ‘compassion’ is commonly conceived as a simple or ‘given’ aspect of the world. And yet public discussion also focusses on whether ‘compassion' has gone wrong in some way, suggesting that there might be various more or less satisfactory versions of compassion. At the same time, some thinkers doubt whether compassion should any longer be expected of those working in healthcare. This article draws on philosophical and theological resources to argue that the conceptual context which forms compassion is crucial for determining the ethos of healthcare. The discussion explores three themes – politics, suffering and responsibility – which must be addressed in order to understand what is wrong with compassion, to identify lines of future investigation and to develop possible remedies.
The Great Recession of 2007 and California Nurses: A Descriptive Analysis
Authors: Tellez Michelle Sardenberg-Hersh , Neronde Pamela , Wong Sherly
Published: September 2013

This study investigates the effect of the Recession of 2007 on nurses’ wages, demographics, human capital, and work environment characteristics using data from the California Board of Registered Nursing Surveys of 2006, 2008 and 2010. Findings suggest that the labor force is maximized, with nurses working as much as they can on their primary nursing positions (51 weeks a year). As the economy recovers, the nurse shortage will resurge. Intense focus in three policy areas is recommended: education, faculty training, and recruitment and retention of African Americans, Hispanics, and older nurses.
Obesity and Climate Change
Authors: Webb Gary James , Egger Garry
Published: September 2013

Obesity and climate change are 2 modern world dilemmas. However, despite an understanding of many of the causal factors relating to each, large-scale interventions have had minimal impact on either problem to date. Some behaviors associated with obesity (eg, processed food consumption, nonrenewable fuel use, etc) also affect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with climate change. This suggests that interventions aimed at curbing GHGs might also have public health benefits. Personal carbon trading is an emission reduction intervention that has been proposed to influence obesity-related behaviors. This article builds on the links between obesity and climate change and discusses some of the early findings of the Norfolk Island Carbon and Health Evaluation study designed to assess the impact of personal carbon trading on obesity and GHG emissions. Early results suggest that health and environmental scientists should be working more closely to develop cross-disciplinary initiatives and messages around health and environmental issues.
Compulsory licensing of drug products in developing countries
Authors: Saroha Satish , Kaushik Deepak , Nanda Arun
Published: September 2013

Compulsory licensing of drug products is a very hot issue in today’s pharmaceutical world. Compulsory licensing of a drug product allows the government to issue the license of manufacturing the drug to a third person. The third person has to give some 5–10% royalty to the patent holder (the quantum of royalty is decided by the government and not by the patentee). The issue emerged after developing nations were given TRIPS flexibilities to implement the system when lives of large population are at stake. Compulsory licenses have been given in many countries like Thailand, Brazil, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Rwanda, Malaysia, Indonesia and recently India. India issued compulsory license over Bayer’s anticancer drug Naxaver (Sorafenib) to generic company Natco Pharma Ltd. United States has criticized the Indian decision. United States has also put Thailand on watch list after Thailand has issued compulsory licenses to three antiretroviral drugs. Compulsory licensing of drug products is very beneficial for the patients but is considered a big threat for the pharmaceutical companies. The branded drug makers spend billion dollars to patent a drug product. It is claimed by the pharmaceutical majors that the royalty of 5–10% given by generic drug makers to these companies is not enough to recoup their loss. The present article explores the utilization of “Compulsory Licensing” by several countries, exemplified by India and Brazil in particular, and highlights the patentees’ concerns of losing profits. The authors have attempted to negate the concern of the patentees over the use of compulsory licensing.
Seguimos con la actualidad . . . The first-person plural nosotros ‘we’ across Spanish media genres
Authors: Serrano María José , Aijón Oliva Miguel Ángel
Published: September 2013

The purpose of this article is to analyze Spanish first-person plural subjects as a cognitively grounded grammatical choice serving various discursive functions. Both the expressed and omitted variants of the subject will be considered, even if omission is by far the more frequent choice in Spanish and the more communicatively versatile one. The particularly vague reference of omitted nosotros ‘we’ – always involving an extension of the self towards a wider notional scope – results in a remarkable variety of possible contextual projections. It can be used to signal speaker identities as well as manage interpersonal relationships through the iconic suggestion of viewpoint coincidence. First-person plural clauses are quantitatively and qualitatively investigated across two corpora of contemporary Spanish comprising a variety of spoken and written genres. It is found that, aside from the basic distinction between hearer-exclusive and hearer-inclusive first persons, a third, intermediate variant can be considered, that of empathic hearer-exclusive uses. These are typical of interactions where involvement of the audience is sought even if they are not referentially included in the subject, as is usual in some varieties of spoken mass-media discourse. Each one of the referential variants is used with different frequencies and contextual repercussions, depending on the socio-functional demands and goals of particular textual genres.
Yoga as an Alternative and Complementary Approach for Stress Management
Authors: Sharma Manoj
Published: September 2013

Stress has become a global public health problem. Yoga offers one possible way of reducing stress. The purpose of this study was to look at studies from 2011 to May 2013 and examine whether yoga can be an efficacious approach for managing stress. A systematic search of Medline, CINAHL, and Alt HealthWatch databases was conducted for quantitative articles involving all schools of yoga. A total of 17 articles met the inclusion criteria. Six of these were from the United States, 3 from India, 2 from the United Kingdom, and 1 each from Australia, Brazil, Germany, Iraq, Sweden, and Taiwan. Of the 17 studies, 12 demonstrated positive changes in psychological or physiological outcomes related to stress. Despite the limitations, not all studies used a randomized controlled design, had smaller sample sizes, had different outcomes, had nonstandardized yoga intervention, and had varying lengths, yoga appears to be a promising modality for stress management.
Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings of a Malignant Hepatic Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma
Authors: Baek Soo-heui , Yoon Jung-Hee
Published: September 2013

We report the case of a rare solitary small nodular form of malignant hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma in a patient followed by computed tomography and gadoxetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)–enhanced magnetic resonance imaging with histological analysis. This case showed early peripheral septal and nodular enhancement and delayed centripetal enhancing pattern with capsular retraction, mimicking peripheral cholangiocarcinoma, inflammatory pseudotumor, or metastases. The histological and immunohistochemical findings were diagnostic of a malignant hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma.
CMV serostatus still has an important prognostic impact in de novo acute leukemia patients after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: a report from the Acute Leukemia Working Party of EBMT
Authors: Schmidt-Hieber Martin , Labopin Myriam , Beelen Dietrich , Volin Liisa , Ehninger Gerhard , Finke Jürgen , Socié Gerard , Schwerdtfeger Rainer , Kröger Nicolaus , Ganser Arnold , Niederwieser Dietger , Polge Emmanuelle , Blau Igor W. , Mohty Mohamad
Published: September 2013

Key Points

Donor and/or recipient CMV seropositivity is still associated with an adverse prognosis in de novo acute leukemia patients after allo-SCT.
Genome-wide copy-number analyses reveal genomic abnormalities involved in transformation of follicular lymphoma
Authors: Bouska Alyssa , McKeithan Timothy W. , Deffenbacher Karen E. , Lachel Cynthia , Wright George W. , Iqbal Javeed , Smith Lynette M. , Zhang Weiwei , Kucuk Can , Rinaldi Andrea , Bertoni Francesco , Fitzgibbon Jude , Fu Kai , Weisenburger Dennis D. , Greiner Timothy C. , Dave Bhavana J. , Gascoyne Randy D. , Rosenwald Andreas , Ott German , Campo Elias , Rimsza Lisa M. , Delabie Jan , Jaffe Elaine S. , Braziel Rita M. , Connors Joseph M. , Staudt Louis M. , Chan Wing-Chung
Published: September 2013

Key Points

Chromosome copy-number alterations that may affect immune surveillance and the NF-κB and p53 pathways are more frequent in tFL than FL. Abnormalities involving chromosomes 6 and X are predictive of overall survival in FL.
Mast cells suppress murine GVHD in a mechanism independent of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells
Authors: Leveson-Gower Dennis B. , Sega Emanuela I. , Kalesnikoff Janet , Florek Mareike , Pan Yuqiong , Pierini Antonio , Galli Stephen J. , Negrin Robert S.
Published: September 2013

Key Points

Mice lacking mast cells have severely exacerbated GVHD compared with WT controls. Engraftment of mast cells into C75BL/6-KitW-sh/W-sh mast cell–deficient animals improves survival but not if the mast cells are derived from IL-10 KO mice.
Pneumococcal disease seasonality: incidence, severity and the role of influenza activity
Authors: Weinberger Daniel M. , Harboe Zitta B. , Viboud Cécile , Krause Tyra G. , Miller Mark , Mølbak Kåre , Konradsen Helle B.
Published: September 2013

We tested whether the effect of influenza activity on invasive pneumococcal disease incidence and severity varies between age and comorbidity groups.

Weekly rates of invasive pneumococcal disease were obtained from the Danish National Laboratory Surveillance System (1977–2007). Influenza-like illness data were collected from a sentinel surveillance system at the Statens Serum Institut (Copenhagen, Denmark). We fitted Poisson regression models for invasive pneumococcal disease, with predictors of seasonality, trends and influenza activity, and allowed the influenza activity variable to vary by comorbidity level and clinical presentation.

Influenza activity accounted for 8.4% (95% CI 4.8−11.9%) and 6.9% (95% CI 5.4–10.2%) of all invasive pneumococcal disease cases among those aged 15–39 and ≥40 years, respectively, but had no measurable impact among children aged <15 years. Influenza activity was associated with significant increases in the incidence of invasive pneumococcal pneumonia in both children and adults. The association was more pronounced among younger adults without comorbidities. Case fatality also varied seasonally among the elderly, and this variation might be associated with influenza activity.

Pneumococcal incidence and the severity of disease varied seasonally and between age groups. The effect of influenza activity on pneumococcal disease varied between children and adults, and this difference was largely due to differences in disease presentation.
Lipid mediator profiles differ between lung compartments in asthmatic and healthy humans
Authors: Larsson Nirina , Lundström Susanna L. , Pinto Rui , Rankin Gregory , Karimpour Masoumeh , Blomberg Anders , Sandström Thomas , Pourazar Jamshid , Trygg Johan , Behndig Annelie F. , Wheelock Craig E. , Nording Malin L.
Published: September 2013

Oxylipins are oxidised fatty acids that can exert lipid mediator functions in inflammation, and several oxylipins derived from arachidonic acid are linked to asthma. This study quantified oxylipin profiles in different regions of the lung to obtain a broad-scale characterisation of the allergic asthmatic inflammation in relation to healthy individuals.

Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), bronchial wash fluid and endobronchial mucosal biopsies were collected from 16 healthy and 16 mildly allergic asthmatic individuals. Inflammatory cell counts, immunohistochemical staining and oxylipin profiling were performed. Univariate and multivariate statistics were employed to evaluate compartment-dependent and diagnosis-dependent oxylipin profiles in relation to other measured parameters.

Multivariate modelling showed significantly different bronchial wash fluid and BALF oxylipin profiles in both groups (R2Y[cum]=0.822 and Q2[cum]=0.759). Total oxylipin concentrations and five individual oxylipins, primarily from the lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway of arachidonic and linoleic acid, were elevated in bronchial wash fluid from asthmatics compared to that from healthy controls, supported by immunohistochemical staining of 15-LOX-1 in the bronchial epithelium. No difference between the groups was found among BALF oxylipins.

In conclusion, bronchial wash fluid and BALF contain distinct oxylipin profiles, which may have ramifications for the study of respiratory diseases. Specific protocols for sampling proximal and distal airways separately should be employed for lipid mediator studies.