bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is expressive suppression an effective coping strategy? A study of Chinese rescue medical staff following an earthquake
Authors: Gan Yiqun , Wen Yao , Wang Jiaying , Rodriguez Marcus A. , Gong Xinling , Xie XiaoFei
Published: July 2014

The current study examined the function of expressive suppression among Chinese rescue medical staff following a major earthquake. We administered self‐report questionnaires to (1) a sample of Chinese hospital medical staff (n = 305) who assisted victims of the Sichuan earthquake, and (2) a second sample of Chinese hospital medical staff (n = 149) who had not been exposed to a major stressor. To examine possible interaction effects among differing emotion regulation strategies, we also conducted structured interviews with a subset of rescue medical staff to obtain support for a positive function of expressive suppression and a mediating role of positive reappraisal. Structural equation modelling indicated that expressive suppression was associated with higher levels of job engagement and lower levels of job burnout among the rescue medical staff and that these effects were mediated by positive reappraisal. However, for regular medical staff (not exposed to traumatic stress), expressive suppression was associated with higher levels of both job engagement and job burnout; these effects were mediated by acceptance. These results provide preliminary evidence for the positive role of expressive suppression within Chinese culture.
Escape into the City: Everyday Practices of Commoning and the Production of Urban Space in Dublin
Authors: Bresnihan Patrick , Byrne Michael
Published: July 2014

In Dublin there are many needs and desires which are not met, or excluded, by the pattern of high rent, the commodification of social/cultural life, and the regulation of public space. Against this dynamic, Dublin has seen a number of experiments in urban commoning: people collectively finding ways of opening up space in order to do what they want. This might be as simple as wanting a space to work, to make food or to show films. Rather than trying to change this situation by appealing to existing institutions, these new urban commons are characterized by particular groups of people devising practical ways of escaping the forms of “enclosure” which limit what can happen in the city. This article takes a “militant research” approach to explore the potentials and limitations of these experiments in urban production and organization.
Diabetic macular oedema quantified with spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography – evaluation of boundary line artefacts and the effect on retinal thickness
Authors: Hodzic‐Hadzibegovic Delila , Sander Birgit A. , Lund‐Andersen Henrik
Published: July 2014

Purpose

To characterize frequency, morphological cause and time‐dependent change of boundary line artefacts in optical coherence tomography (OCT) examinations of centre‐involved diabetic macular oedema (ciDME) patients who underwent ranibizumab treatment with 1‐year follow‐up and to evaluate the impact of artefacts on retinal thickness.

Methods

One hundred and fourteen patients were examined with radial scan protocol by Topcon 3D OCT at baseline, 3 and 12 months. All B scans from all visits were examined for boundary line artefacts (artefacts) and were stratified by morphological element causing artefacts including hard exudates (HE), epiretinal membranes (ERM), optical opacities and serous detachments. Boundary line artefacts were manually corrected and the corrected central subfield thickness (CST) and macular volume were compared with automated values. Data were compared with a repeatability coefficient of 25 μm.

Results

Boundary line artefacts were found in 51.8% of the total 342 OCT examinations and in 25.5% of the total 2052 B scans. Morphological elements that caused artefacts in the total 2052 B scans were HE (10.6%), ERM (10.3%), optical opacities (4.4%), serous detachments (1.7%) and others (1.2%). The number of artefacts due to HE decreased significantly (p = 0.0005), and the number of artefacts due to ERM were unchanged (p = 0.087) during 12 months. In OCT examinations with artefacts caused by HE, manually corrected CST was statistically significant higher than automated value at baseline and 3 months. For ERM, manually corrected CST was statistically significant lower than automated value at baseline and 12 months.

Conclusion

Boundary line artefacts in OCT examinations of ciDME patients using Topcon 3D OCT occur in 51.8%. In situation of boundary line artefacts in centre 1‐mm area every fourth OCT examination has a change in CST beyond 25 μm.
Impaired balance and neurodevelopmental disabilities among children with congenital cytomegalovirus infection
Authors: Karltorp Eva , Löfkvist Ulrika , Lewensohn‐Fuchs Ilona , Lindström Katarina , Eriksson Westblad Mimmi , Teär Fahnehjelm Kristina , Verrecchia Luca , Engman Mona‐Lisa
Published: July 2014

Aim

Although cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common congenital infection, existing research has not provided us with a full picture of how this can affect children in the future. The aim of this case–control study was to evaluate disabilities in a well‐defined group of children with congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, who had been fitted with cochlear implants because of severe hearing impairment.

Methods

A multidisciplinary team assessed 26 children with congenital CMV infection for balance difficulties, neurodevelopmental disabilities and language and visual impairment. We also included a control group of 13 children with severe hearing impairment due to connexin 26 mutations.

Results

The majority of the children with congenital CMV infection (88%) displayed balance disturbances, including walking at a later age, but there were no cases in the control group. The CMV group also displayed frequent neurodevelopmental disabilities and feeding difficulties.

Conclusion

Congenital CMV infection affects the general development of the brain and gives rise to a complex pattern of difficulties. Identifying comorbid conditions is very important, as children with associated difficulties and disabilities need more support than children with just hearing impairment. Congenital CMV infection needs to be considered in children with hearing impairment and/or balance disturbance and/or neurodevelopmental disabilities.
The sensory profile of children with asthma
Authors: Engel‐Yeger Batya , Almog Meital , Kessel Aharon
Published: July 2014

Aim

Sensory hypersensitivity is one expression of sensory processing disorders (SPD) and results from the inability to regulate an appropriate response to a sensory input in an adaptive manner. We explored the sensory processing profile of children with asthma, based on reports from parents.

Methods

We studied 86 children between the ages of four and 11 years: 37 diagnosed with asthma and 49 healthy controls. The parents of all participants filled out the Short Sensory Profile (SSP) that measures the child's behavioural reactions to sensory stimuli in daily environments.

Results

Sensory processing disorders were more prevalent among children with asthma (F7,71 = 4.16, p = 0.001; ή2 = 0.29) than among healthy controls and were mainly reflected by hypersensitivity. While about 90% of the healthy children were reported to actively seek sensory stimuli, only 53% of the asthmatic children showed this trend. In the study group, 25.7% of the children's scores reflected abnormal sensory performance, compared with 0% of the controls (χ2=21.93; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Children with asthma may suffer from SPD. Our finding supports previous reports that suggest that the central nervous system is involved in the pathogenesis of atopic conditions. The sensory profile of children with asthma should be evaluated and treated as required.
Mobile Web 2.0 in the workplace: A case study of employees' informal learning
Authors: Gu Jia , Churchill Daniel , Lu Jie
Published: July 2014

Employees' informal learning in the workplace warrants more attention, and such learning could benefit from the latest mobile technologies such as Web 2.0 applications, which have increasingly been utilized and have the potential to enhance learning outcomes. This multiple‐case study examined the impact of mobile Web 2.0 applications on informal learning in the workplace by investigating employees' learning experiences with a mobile App to identify new possibilities of informal learning in the workplace. Learning is recorded as being active in the context of mobile Web 2.0. The findings within cases are provided, followed by a discussion of the overall context. Directions for future development are suggested.
Mechanisms of benzalkonium chloride toxicity in a human trabecular meshwork cell line and the protective role of preservative‐free tafluprost
Authors: Chang Caitlin , Zhang Angela Q , Kagan Dov B , Liu Hong , Hutnik Cindy ML
Published: July 2014

Background

Benzalkonium chloride (BAK) is a controversial ophthalmic preservative because of its prominent side‐effect profile. In this study, we examined the mechanism of BAK toxicity in human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMC) and compared the effects of BAK with tafluprost free acid, which is an active form of tafluprost commercially available in a preservative‐free formulation.

Methods

Primary HTMC were treated with different BAK concentrations over various exposure times. Cell viability was quantified using the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenol tetrazolium bromide assay, and apoptosis was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The cell viability of primary HTMC exposed to various concentrations and times of tafluprost free acid was also determined. Cells were treated with BAK and tafluprost free acid for 30 min at 37°C, and cell viability was again assessed. The effect of BAK on the gap junction protein Connexin‐43 (Cx43) expression was subsequently examined.

Results

BAK treatment resulted in a dose‐ and time‐dependent decline in cell viability. Apoptosis increased following BAK treatment. Tafluprost‐free acid treatment did not significantly affect cell viability. Tafluprost co‐treatment with BAK resulted in an increase in cell viability as compared with BAK treatment alone. BAK treatment upregulated Cx43 expression in HTMC.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that BAK is harmful to the health of cultured HTMC. Tafluprost is both safe and cytoprotective against BAK for these HTMC. The effect of tafluprost on the gap junctions of the HTM should be further investigated.
Board Capital,CEOPower andR&DInvestment in Electronics Firms
Authors: Chen Hsiang‐Lan
Published: July 2014

Manuscript Type

Empirical

Research Question/Issue

Building on resource dependence theory, this paper examines the effect of board capital and the moderating effect ofCEOpower onR&Dinvestment.

Research Findings/Insights

Based on a panel of electronics firms inTaiwan, the results indicate that board capital (directors' educational level, directors' industry‐specific experience and interlocking directorate ties) has a positive effect onR&Dinvestment and thatCEOpower positively moderates this effect. The empirical evidence suggests that when powerfulCEOsare present, directors with human and social capital will devote more effort to providing valuable strategic advice and resources and thus will supportR&Dinvestment to enhance innovative capabilities.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

This study contributes to knowledge on corporate governance by bridging the gap in the relationship between board capital andR&Dinvestment via an empirical inquiry into the influence ofCEOpower on a board's resource provision. The findings suggest that research aiming to elucidate the resource dependence role of board capital in shapingR&Dinvestment should consider the potential moderating role ofCEOpower. Thus, this study should not only supplement the resource dependence literature by providing a more thorough understanding of the relationship between board capital andR&Dinvestment but also delve into the black box ofCEO‐board relations, an important topic within corporate governance research.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

This study suggests that when the boards of firms competing in innovation throughR&Dinvestment (e.g., electronics firms) search for new board members, they should consider the educational level, industry‐specific experience and interlocking directorate ties of potential directors and how those potential directors complement or reinforce the existing board in order to enhance their ability to obtain valuable strategic information and substantial resources that would facilitate betterR&Dinvestment decisions. Additionally, thoseR&Dfirms may be advised to have a combination of a powerfulCEOand a board consisting of directors with more education, directors with industry‐specific experience and directors with interlocking directorate ties because the presence of a powerfulCEOmay motivate directors to provide ongoing advice and resources, leading to increasedR&Dinvestment necessary to enhance innovation capabilities.
Educational Policymaking and the Methodology of Positive Economics: A Theoretical Critique
Authors: Gilead Tal
Published: July 2014

By critically interrogating the methodological foundations of orthodox economic theory, Tal Gilead challenges the growing conviction in educational policymaking quarters that, being more scientific than other forms of educational investigation, inquiries grounded in orthodox economics should provide the basis for educational policymaking. He argues that the main methodological problem with accepting orthodox economic theory as a guide to educational policymaking is not, as commonly claimed, its alleged reliance on a materialistic and egoistic conception of human nature, but rather its embracement of a value‐free conception of science and the hypothetico‐deductive model of prediction. These, Gilead maintains, prevent economics‐based investigations from adequately dealing with questions of human agency and ethics, which are central to education. Orthodox economic thinking, he concludes, should not be accorded a dominant role in educational policymaking, but rather should only be viewed as providing one additional source of insight that has limited applicability.
Incidence and mortality of bullous pemphigoid in north‐east Poland (Podlaskie Province), 1999–2012: a retrospective bicentric cohort study
Authors: Serwin Agnieszka B. , Musialkowska Ewa , Piascik Marta
Published: July 2014

Background

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most frequently encountered autoimmune blistering disorder, affecting mainly elderly population. The aim of the study was to assess the incidence of BP in Podlaskie Province (north‐east Poland) in 1999–2012, socio‐demographic characteristics and mortality of patients with BP.

Methods

The number of newly diagnosed (in two regional hospitals) cases of BP per million inhabitants of the province in consecutive years was calculated and analysis of age, sex, and residency of patients performed.

Results

A total of 122 cases of BP were diagnosed (in 52 males and 70 females). The average annual incidence was 7.38 ± 3.51 per million inhabitants: 5.70 ± 4.16 and 9.26 ± 4.40 in urban and rural areas, P < 0.05, respectively, and had an increasing trend over the period analyzed. Age of patients with BP was 74.18 ± 12.12. The incidence among men and women over 75 years of age was 86.67 ± 61.39 and 51.49 ± 41.44, P < 0.05, respectively. The 1‐year mortality of patients was 32.35 and 18.42% (P < 0.05) in men and women, respectively. Overall mortality was 36.11%.

Conclusions

The incidence of BP in Podlaskie Province is almost twice as high among residents of rural than urban areas, and in males than females in advanced age. The results suggest that the incidence of BP will be increasing in an aging society, as will its impact on the quality of life of the population.
The impact of adopting person‐centred care approach for people with Alzheimer's on professional caregivers' burden: An interventional study
Authors: Hayajneh Ferial A , Shehadeh Anas
Published: July 2014

This study described the impact of adopting person‐centred care approach for people with Alzheimer's disease on professional caregivers' burden. The participants were subjected to a 4‐week structured training programme about person‐centred care. The programme's effectiveness was proven by using the Global Behavior Scale. Then a qualitative descriptive phenomenological approach was used to explore the impact of applying this programme on professional caregivers' burden. Data were collected from a sample of 10 professional caregivers using semi‐structured interviews. A total of three themes were identified: acceptance of disease‐related behaviours of people with Alzheimer's, therapeutic understanding of people with Alzheimer's feelings (empathy) and enhanced caregivers' adaptation to people with Alzheimer's demands (resiliency). Findings suggested that adopting person‐centred care approach for people with Alzheimer's disease reduces professional caregivers' burden.
Effect of clinical nursing pathway for endoscopic thyroidectomy in Chinese patients: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yang Yu , Hu Xinhua , Zhang Qiang , Cao Hui , Li Jun , Wang Junpeng , Shao Yang , Xin Shijie
Published: July 2014

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the use of a clinical nursing pathway for patients undergoing endoscopic thyroidectomy by conducting a meta‐analysis. Electronic databases were searched for relevant controlled trials published prior to August 2013. Only papers that compared the use of a clinical nursing pathway to usual care for patients undergoing endoscopic thyroidectomy were selected. The outcome measures were mean difference and 95% confidence interval for length of hospital stay and hospital charges and risk ratio for patient satisfaction. Six controlled trials were identified. The use of a clinical nursing pathway reduced the length of hospital stay and hospital charges. Furthermore, it improved patient satisfaction. This meta‐analysis indicates that application of a clinical nursing pathway appears to reduce length of hospital stay and hospital charges and improve patient satisfaction for patients undergoing endoscopic thyroidectomy.
Robustness and Precision: How Data Quality May Influence Key Dependent Variables in Infant Eye‐Tracker Analyses
Authors: Wass Sam V. , Forssman Linda , Leppänen Jukka
Published: July 2014

In recent years, eye‐tracking has become a popular method for drawing conclusions about infant cognition. Relatively little attention has been paid, however, to methodological issues associated with infant eye‐tracking. Here, we consider the possibility that systematic differences in the quality of raw eye‐tracking data obtained from different populations and individuals might create the impression of differences in gaze behavior, without this actually being the case. First, we show that lower quality eye‐tracking data are obtained from populations who are younger and populations who are more fidgety and that data quality declines during the testing session. Second, we assess how these differences in data quality might influence key dependent variables in eye‐tracking analyses. We show that lower precision data can appear to suggest a reduced likelihood to look at the eyes in a face relative to the mouth. We also show that less robust tracking may manifest as slower reaction time latencies (e.g., time to first fixation). Finally, we show that less robust data can manifest as shorter first look/visit duration. We argue that data quality should be reported in all analyses of infant eye‐tracking data and/or that steps should be taken to control for data quality before performing final analyses.
Student nurses' perceived challenges of nursing in India
Authors: Garner S.L. , Raj L. , Prater L.S. , Putturaj M.
Published: July 2014

Background

A profound nursing shortage exists in India. Increasingly nursing students in India are opting to migrate to practise nursing abroad upon graduation. Perceptions and attitudes about nursing are shaped during student experiences.

Purpose

The purpose in conducting this research was to illuminate student nurses' perceived challenges of nursing in India.

Setting and Sample

This study took place at a hospital‐based, private mission non‐profit school of nursing in Bengaluru, India. Purposive sampling of nursing students yielded 14 participants.

Methods

Photovoice, a qualitative participatory action research methodology, was used. Data were collected between August 2013 and January 2014. A strong international collaboration between researchers resulted in qualitative thematic interpretation of photographs, critical group dialogue transcripts, individual journal entries and detailed field notes.

Results

Two main themes were identified including the perceived challenges of a hierarchal system and challenges related to limited nursing workforce capacity. Subcategories of a hierarchal system included challenges related to image, safety, salary and balance. Subcategories of limited workforce capacity were migration, work overload, physical demand, incongruence between theory and practice, and knowledge.

Discussion

Nursing as a profession in India is still in its infancy when measured against standard criteria.

Implications for Health Policy

Change in health policy is needed to improve salary, safety for nurses, and nurse to patient ratios to address hierarchal and workforce capacity challenges in India.
Menstrual irregularities, fertility status, and ovarian function in female patients with leprosy in India
Authors: Khanna Neena , Singh Manjula , Rasool Seemab , Ammini Ariachery , Bhatla Neerja , Garg Vijay , Rao Sunder , Bhattacharya Sambit Nath
Published: July 2014

Background

Gonadal involvement in males in lepromatous leprosy is not uncommon, but there is a paucity of literature on the involvement of gonads in female patients with leprosy. This study was undertaken to determine if there is any menstrual dysfunction, alteration in fertility status and circulating luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin, and estradiol in female patients with paucibacillary (PB) and multibacillary (MB) leprosy.

Materials and methods

In a cross‐sectional study, 229 patients with leprosy (79 with PB leprosy and 150 with MB leprosy) and 100 age‐matched non‐leprosy controls were evaluated for menstrual function, fertility status, and circulating sex hormones.

Results

Twenty percent of patients with MB leprosy had menstrual irregularities post‐dating the onset of leprosy in comparison to 6.3% patients with PB leprosy, and this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). However, the fertility profile of patients with PB leprosy was comparable to that of patients with MB leprosy (P > 0.05). A significantly higher number of patients with MB leprosy (9.3%) had elevation of circulating FSH, LH, and prolactin vis‐à‐vis patients with PB leprosy (1.3%), and this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Similarly, the mean levels of LH, FSH, and prolactin were significantly elevated in patients with MB leprosy vis‐à‐vis patients with PB leprosy and controls (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Multibacillary leprosy may be associated with menstrual irregularities and elevation of gonadotropin hormones, indicating an ovarian dysfunction.
Community Partnership to Address Snack Quality and Cost in After‐School Programs
Authors: Beets Michael W. , Tilley Falon , Turner‐McGrievy Gabrielle , Weaver Robert G. , Jones Sonya
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND

Policies call on after‐school programs (ASPs) to serve more nutritious snacks. A major barrier for improving snack quality is cost. This study describes the impact on snack quality and expenditures from a community partnership between ASPs and local grocery stores.

METHODS

Four large‐scale ASPs (serving ˜500 children, aged 6‐12 years, each day) and a single local grocery store chain participated in this study. The nutritional quality of snacks served was recorded preintervention (18 weeks spring/fall 2011) and postintervention (7 weeks spring 2012) via direct observation, along with cost/child/snack/day.

RESULTS

Preintervention snacks were low‐nutrient‐density salty snacks (eg, chips, 3.0 servings/week), sugar‐sweetened beverages (eg, powdered‐lemonade, 1.9 servings/week), and desserts (eg, cookies, 2.1 servings/week), with only 0.4 servings/week of fruits and no vegetables. By postintervention, fruits (3.5 servings/week) and vegetables (1.2 servings/week) were increased, whereas sugar‐sweetened beverages and desserts were eliminated. Snack expenditures were $0.26 versus $0.24 from preintervention to postintervention. Partnership savings versus purchasing snacks at full retail cost was 24.5% or $0.25/serving versus $0.34/serving.

CONCLUSIONS

This innovative partnership can serve as a model in communities where ASPs seek to identify low‐cost alternatives to providing nutritious snacks.
Positive School Climate Is Associated With Lower Body Mass Index Percentile Among Urban Preadolescents
Authors: Gilstad‐Hayden Kathryn , Carroll‐Scott Amy , Rosenthal Lisa , Peters Susan M. , McCaslin Catherine , Ickovics Jeannette R.
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND

Schools are an important environmental context in children's lives and are part of the complex web of factors that contribute to childhood obesity. Increasingly, attention has been placed on the importance of school climate (connectedness, academic standards, engagement, and student autonomy) as 1 domain of school environment beyond health policies and education that may have implications for student health outcomes. The purpose of this study is to examine the association of school climate with body mass index (BMI) among urban preadolescents.

METHODS

Health surveys and physical measures were collected among fifth‐ and sixth‐grade students from 12 randomly selected public schools in a small New England city. School climate surveys were completed district‐wide by students and teachers. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to test the association between students' BMI and schools' climate scores.

RESULTS

After controlling for potentially confounding individual‐level characteristics, a 1‐unit increase in school climate score (indicating more positive climate) was associated with a 7‐point decrease in students' BMI percentile.

CONCLUSIONS

Positive school climate is associated with lower student BMI percentile. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind this relationship and to explore whether interventions promoting positive school climate can effectively prevent and/or reduce obesity.
In Preparation of the Nationwide Dissemination of the School‐Based Obesity Prevention Program DOiT: Stepwise Development Applying the Intervention Mapping Protocol
Authors: van Nassau Femke , Singh Amika S. , van Mechelen Willem , Brug Johannes , Chin A Paw Mai J. M.
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND

The school‐based Dutch Obesity Intervention in Teenagers (DOiT) program is an evidence‐based obesity prevention program. In preparation for dissemination throughout the Netherlands, this study aimed to adapt the initial program and to develop an implementation strategy and materials.

METHODS

We revisited the Intervention Mapping (IM) protocol, using results of the previous process evaluation and additional focus groups and interviews with students, parents, teachers, and professionals.

RESULTS

The adapted 2‐year DOiT program consists of a classroom, an environmental and a parental component. The year 1 lessons aim to increase awareness and knowledge of healthy behaviors. The lessons in year 2 focus on the influence of the (obesogenic) environment. The stepwise development of the implementation strategy resulted in objectives that support teachers' implementation. We developed a 7‐step implementation strategy and supporting materials by translating the objectives into essential elements and practical strategies.

CONCLUSIONS

This study illustrates how revisiting the IM protocol resulted in an adapted program and tailored implementation strategy based on previous evaluations as well as input from different stakeholders. The stepwise development of DOiT can serve as an example for other evidence‐based programs in preparation for wider dissemination.
Peripheral Matters: The Emergence of Legalized Politics in Local Struggles Over Unauthorized Immigration
Authors: Provine Doris Marie , Rojas‐Wiesner Martha Luz , Velasco Germán Martínez
Published: July 2014

National immigration policy meets the realities of unauthorized immigration at the local level, often in ways undesired by residents, as exemplified by the dramatic rise of local anti‐immigrant legislation in US states and municipalities. Scholars have studied why some states and municipalities, but not others, engage in immigration policy making. Such research is not designed, however, to evaluate how the basic structure of US government facilitates and shapes local protest. To probe that issue, we compare Chiapas, Mexico and Arizona, USA, both peripheral areas significantly affected by unauthorized immigration and national policies designed to control it. We find that the open texture of US federalism facilitates local activism, while Mexico's more centralized government does not. Activists within both states are similar, however, in deploying law creatively to critique national policy, a reminder of the growing worldwide significance of legal pluralism and legal consciousness in the politics of protest.
From Problems of Living to Problems of Law: The Legal Translation and Documentation of Immigrant Abuse and Helpfulness
Authors: Lakhani Sarah Morando
Published: July 2014

To apply for U Visa status, a temporary legal standing available to undocumented crime victims who assist law enforcement in investigations, immigrants must obtain validation of their experiences from police via a signed “certification” paper. This article investigates the challenges lawyers and immigrant crime victims face in translating and documenting victims' experiences into legal form. By analyzing interactions between Los Angeles attorneys and female undocumented immigrants, I explore how immigrant victims of violence prepare to approach police certifiers. Attorneys arbitrate between accounts of violence and immigrant‐police encounters and the legal cases they can develop, offering retrospective and prospective advice to immigrants about how to make effective pleas to police. Drawing attention to the devolutionary dynamics of an inclusive immigration policy, I show how nonfederal bureaucrats shape immigrants' eligibility for legalization remedies. In turn, I expose detrimental consequences of mixing street‐level administrative discretion with federal visa eligibility determinations.
Scenes of Execution: Spectatorship, Political Responsibility, and State Killing in American Film
Authors: Sarat Austin , Chan Madeline , Cole Maia , Lang Melissa , Schcolnik Nicholas , Sidhu Jasjaap , Siegel Nica
Published: July 2014

For as long as there have been motion pictures, scenes of execution have appeared in American film. This article examines those scenes over the course of the twentieth century and suggests that spectatorship, and what it means to watch, is central to scenes of execution in film. We are interested less in the intentions and politics of a filmmaker and more in what those scenes offer viewers. We argue that three central motifs of spectatorship characterized death penalty films during the more than 100‐year period that we studied. First, viewers are often positioned as members of an audience and many scenes of execution are presented in a highly theatrical fashion and, as a result, the line between spectatorship and witnessing is blurred. Second, in many scenes of execution viewers are brought “backstage” and provided chilling, intimate views of the machinery of death, privileged views unavailable outside of film. The third motif shifts the positioning of the viewer such that we stand in the shoes of those who are to be executed. We conclude by asking whether and how scenes of execution in American film provoke in viewers an awareness of the political responsibility inherent in their identities as democratic citizens in a killing state.
Genetic structure of the tall sea pen Funiculina quadrangularis in NW Scottish sea lochs
Authors: Wright Erin P. , Kemp Kirsty , Rogers Alex D. , Yesson Chris
Published: July 2014

The tall sea pen Funiculina quadrangularis has a patchy distribution around the UK, being found in sheltered waters below 20 m depth on the northwest coast of Scotland and Ireland. The limited distribution and sensitivity to bottom fishing activities make F. quadrangularis vulnerable to reduction in population numbers that may lead to genetic isolation and reduced diversity. Because of this vulnerability and low resilience to physical disturbance, the tall sea pen is recognised as a Species of Principle Importance under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act, 2006, UK. (http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/16/contents) and is also on the Biodiversity Action Plan list of Priority Species for the UK. In the Mediterranean it is recognised as a sensitive and essential fish habitat because it forms habitat for several commercially important crustaceans. The aim of this study was to understand the current state of the genetic structure and gene flow of F. quadrangularis in areas of NW Scotland. We developed 10 microsatellite markers and used them to genotype 176 samples from four populations. Overall, our results suggest that there is high genetic diversity and high gene flow between colonies of F. quadrangularis in and among locations in Loch Linnhe and Loch Duich. As a result of the high rates of gene flow, genetic differentiation between sites was low. This may provide resilience to human impacts if distant populations have a high connectivity. However, care must be taken, as small but significant isolation by distance was found between the most geographically distant sites and only a small part of the species range was examined in this study. The genetic tools developed here will provide a foundation for wider studies of this vulnerable species.
Structure and interactions of the Bacillus subtilis sporulation inhibitor of DNA replication, SirA, with domain I of DnaA
Authors: Jameson Katie H. , Rostami Nadia , Fogg Mark J. , Turkenburg Johan P. , Grahl Anne , Murray Heath , Wilkinson Anthony J.
Published: July 2014

Chromosome copy number in cells is controlled so that the frequency of initiation of DNA replication matches that of cell division. In bacteria, this is achieved through regulation of the interaction between the initiator protein DnaA and specific DNA elements arrayed at the origin of replication. DnaA assembles at the origin and promotes DNA unwinding and the assembly of a replication initiation complex. SirA is a DnaA‐interacting protein that inhibits initiation of replication in diploid Bacillus subtilis cells committed to the developmental pathway leading to formation of a dormant spore. Here we present the crystal structure of SirA in complex with the N‐terminal domain of DnaA revealing a heterodimeric complex. The interacting surfaces of both proteins are α‐helical with predominantly apolar side‐chains packing in a hydrophobic interface. Site‐directed mutagenesis experiments confirm the importance of this interface for the interaction of the two proteins in vitro and in vivo. Localization of GFP–SirA indicates that the protein accumulates at the replisome in sporulating cells, likely through a direct interaction with DnaA. The SirA interacting surface of DnaA corresponds closely to the HobA‐interacting surface of DnaA from Helicobacter pylori even though HobA is an activator of DnaA and SirA is an inhibitor.
Tuning transcription of nutrient utilization genes to catabolic rate promotes growth in a gut bacterium
Authors: Raghavan Varsha , Lowe Elisabeth C. , Townsend Guy E. , Bolam David N. , Groisman Eduardo A.
Published: July 2014

Cells respond to nutrient availability by expressing nutrient catabolic genes. We report that the regulator controlling utilization of chondroitin sulphate (CS) in the mammalian gut symbiont Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron is activated by an intermediate in CS breakdown rather than CS itself. We determine that the rate‐determining enzyme in CS breakdown is responsible for degrading this intermediate and establish that the levels of the enzyme increase 100‐fold, whereas those of the regulator remain constant upon exposure to CS. Because enzyme and regulator compete for the intermediate, B. thetaiotaomicron tunes transcription of CS utilization genes to CS catabolic rate. This tuning results in a transient increase in CS utilization transcripts upon exposure to excess CS. Constitutive expression of the rate‐determining enzyme hindered activation of CS utilization genes and growth on CS. An analogous mechanism regulates heparin utilization genes, suggesting that the identified strategy aids B. thetaiotaomicron in the competitive gut environment.
Necrotrophic effector‐triggered susceptibility (NETS) underlies the barley–Pyrenophora teres f. teres interaction specific to chromosome 6H
Authors: Liu Zhaohui , Holmes Danielle J. , Faris Justin D. , Chao Shiaoman , Brueggeman Robert S. , Edwards Michael C. , Friesen Timothy L.
Published: July 2014

Barley net form net blotch (NFNB), caused by the necrotrophic fungus Pyrenophora teres f. teres, is a destructive foliar disease in barley‐growing regions worldwide. Little is known about the genetic and molecular basis of this pathosystem. Here, we identified a small secreted proteinaceous necrotrophic effector (NE), designated PttNE1, from intercellular wash fluids of the susceptible barley line Hector after inoculation with P. teres f. teres isolate 0–1. Using a barley recombinant inbred line (RIL) population developed from a cross between the sensitive/susceptible line Hector and the insensitive/resistant line NDB 112 (HN population), sensitivity to PttNE1, which we have named SPN1, mapped to a common resistance/susceptibility region on barley chromosome 6H. PttNE1–SPN1 interaction accounted for 31% of the disease variation when the HN population was inoculated with the 0–1 isolate. Strong accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and increased levels of electrolyte leakage were associated with the susceptible reaction, but not the resistant reaction. In addition, the HN RIL population was evaluated for its reactions to 10 geographically diverse P. teres f. teres isolates. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping led to the identification of at least 10 genomic regions associated with disease, with chromosomes 3H and 6H harbouring major QTLs for resistance/susceptibility. SPN1 was associated with all the 6H QTLs, except one. Collectively, this information indicates that the barley–P. teres f. teres pathosystem follows, at least partially, an NE‐triggered susceptibility (NETS) model that has been described in other necrotrophic fungal disease systems, especially in the Dothideomycete class of fungi.
A pleiotropic drug resistance transporter is involved in reduced sensitivity to multiple fungicide classes in Sclerotinia homoeocarpa (F.T. Bennett)
Authors: Sang Hyunkyu , Hulvey Jon , Popko James T. , Lopes John , Swaminathan Aishwarya , Chang Taehyun , Jung Geunhwa
Published: July 2014

Dollar spot, caused by Sclerotinia homoeocarpa, is a prevalent turfgrass disease, and the fungus exhibits widespread fungicide resistance in North America. In a previous study, an ABC‐G transporter, ShatrD, was associated with practical field resistance to demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicides. Mining of ABC‐G transporters, also known as pleiotropic drug resistance (PDR) transporters, from RNA‐Seq data gave an assortment of transcripts, several with high sequence similarity to functionally characterized transporters from Botrytis cinerea, and others with closest blastx hits from Aspergillus and Monilinia. In addition to ShatrD, another PDR transporter showed significant over‐expression in replicated RNA‐Seq data, and in a collection of field‐resistant isolates, as measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. These isolates also showed reduced sensitivity to unrelated fungicide classes. Using a yeast complementation system, we sought to test the hypothesis that this PDR transporter effluxes DMI as well as chemically unrelated fungicides. The transporter (ShPDR1) was cloned into the Gal1 expression vector and transformed into a yeast PDR transporter deletion mutant, AD12345678. Complementation assays indicated that ShPDR1 complemented the mutant in the presence of propiconazole (DMI), iprodione (dicarboximide) and boscalid (SDHI, succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor). Our results indicate that the over‐expression of ShPDR1 is correlated with practical field resistance to DMI fungicides and reduced sensitivity to dicarboximide and SDHI fungicides. These findings highlight the potential for the eventual development of a multidrug resistance phenotype in this pathogen. In addition, this study presents a pipeline for the discovery and validation of fungicide resistance genes using de novo next‐generation sequencing and molecular biology techniques in an unsequenced plant pathogenic fungus.
Genetic linkage map construction for white jute (Corchorus capsularis L.) using SRAP, ISSR and RAPD markers
Authors: Chen Yanping , Zhang Liwu , Qi Jianmin , Chen Hui , Tao Aifen , Xu Jiantang , Lin Lihui , Fan Pingping
Published: July 2014

White jute (Corchorus capsularis) and dark jute (Corchorus olitorius) are two important cultivated crops that are used for natural fibre production. Some genetic maps have been developed for dark jute, but the genetic map information for white jute (C. capsularis) is limited. In this study, a linkage map comprising 44 sequence‐related amplified polymorphisms (SRAPs), 57 intersimple sequence repeats (ISSRs) and 18 randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) covering 2185.7 cM with a mean density of 18.7 cM per locus was constructed in an F2 population consisting of 185 individuals derived from a cross between two diverse genotypes of ‘Xinxuan No. 1’ and ‘Qiongyueqing’ in white jute. These markers were evenly distributed in the linkage groups without any clustering. This genetic linkage map construction will facilitate the mapping of agronomic traits and marker‐assisted selection breeding in white jute.
Does Inequality Lead to a Financial Crisis? Revisited
Authors: Gu Xinhua , Huang Bihong
Published: July 2014

Financial crises have been attributed to rising income inequality via its induced high household leverage as observed in the USA and similar economies. Alternatively it has been suggested this is not a general relationship since it was found that inequality had no bearing on crises in 14 advanced countries over 1920–2008; instead, low interest rates and business cycle expansions are found to be the only two robust determinants of credit booms leading to crises. Using a similar dataset, this paper provides no support for the generality of the above findings by embracing country heterogeneity. The paper shows that real evidence still points back to the inequality‐leverage–crisis nexus for financialized economies. The implication is that finance can hardly be sustainable under rising inequality.
On Offshoring and Trade Deficit
Authors: Beladi Hamid , Oladi Reza
Published: July 2014

The paper constructs a general equilibrium model of North–South trade with nontraded goods, real exchange rate, and a continuum of components that North partly offshores to South. It is shown that a protectionary policy which restricts offshoring may have the unintended consequence of widening the trade deficit.
SU‐C‐18C‐02: Specifcation of X‐Ray Projection Angles Which Are Aligned with the Aortic Valve Plane From a Planar Image of a Valvuloplasty Balloon Inflated Across the Aortic Valve
Authors: Fetterly K , Mathew V
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures provide a method to implant a prosthetic aortic valve via a minimallyinvasive, catheter‐based procedure. TAVR procedures require use of interventional fluoroscopy c‐arm projection angles which are aligned with the aortic valve plane to minimize prosthetic valve positioning error due to x‐ray imaging parallax. The purpose of this work is to calculate the continuous range of interventional fluoroscopy c‐arm projection angles which are aligned with the aortic valve plane from a single planar image of a valvuloplasty balloon inflated across the aortic valve.

Methods:

Computational methods to measure the 3D angular orientation of the aortic valve were developed. Required inputs include a planar x‐ray image of a known valvuloplasty balloon inflated across the aortic valve and specifications of x‐ray imaging geometry from the DICOM header of the image. A‐priori knowledge of the species‐specific typical range of aortic orientation is required to specify the sign of the angle of the long axis of the balloon with respect to the x‐ray beam. The methods were validated ex‐vivo and in a live pig.

Results:

Ex‐vivo experiments demonstrated that the angular orientation of a stationary inflated valvuloplasty balloon can be measured with precision less than 1 degree. In‐vivo pig experiments demonstrated that cardiac motion contributed to measurement variability, with precision less than 3 degrees. Error in specification of x‐ray geometry directly influences measurement accuracy.

Conclusion:

This work demonstrates that the 3D angular orientation of the aortic valve can be calculated precisely from a planar image of a valvuloplasty balloon inflated across the aortic valve and known x‐ray geometry. This method could be used to determine appropriate c‐arm angular projections during TAVR procedures to minimize x‐ray imaging parallax and thereby minimize prosthetic valve positioning errors.
SU‐C‐18C‐03: Dual‐Energy X‐Ray Fluoroscopy Imaging System
Authors: Virshup G , Fu D , Richmond M , Mostafavi H , Ganguly A
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

This work studies the clinical utility of dual energy (DE) subtraction fluoroscopy for fiducial‐free tumor tracking in lung radiation therapy (RT). Improvement in tumor visualization and quantification of tumor shift within a breathing cycle were analyzed.

Methods:

Twenty subjects who were undergoing RT for lung cancer were recruited following institutional review board approval. The subjects had a range of tumor sizes, locations in the lungs, and body sizes. An x‐ray imaging system was setup with the following components: (a) x‐ray tube (Varian G‐242, Varian Medical Systems (VMS), CA) (b) flat panel detector (4030CB, VMS, CA) and (c) x‐ray generator (EPS 50RF, EMD, Canada). Firmware and software modifications were made to the generator to allow 10 x‐ray pulse pairs with alternating low/high kV, 100 ms apart for ∼4s (one breathing cycle). Images were obtained at 4 angles: 0°, 45°, 90° and 135°. Weighted subtraction of a kV‐pair image set was used to create a “bone‐free” image of the lungs. The 2D tumor‐shift in each subtracted image and the 3D shift during a breathing cycle was calculated using all views.

Results:

The subjects enrolled had the following statistics: average age 62.3±7.1 years, 5 female/15 male, 11 had tumors on the right and 9 on the left and the average tumor size was ∼31.4±10.8 mm. X‐ray imaging conditions for the pulse pairs were: 70/120 kVp, 280/221 mA and 65/8 ms. For views where these parameters were insufficient 80/130 kVp, 280/221 mA and 60/12 ms was used. Tumor visibility improved for 0°, 45°, 90° and 135° in 100%, 55%, 75% and 80% of the cases respectively. Tumor shift during a breathing cycle was: 2.4±1.0 mm AP, 2.7±1.4 mm LR and 7.6±4.8 mm IS.

Conclusion:

DE subtraction fluoroscopy allowed improved visualization and quantification of movement of tumors in the lungs during a breathing cycle.

This study was entirely funded by Varian Medical Systems