bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Host-Symbiont Interactions for Potentially Managing Heteropteran Pests
Authors: Prado Simone Souza , Zucchi Tiago Domingues
Published: June 2012

Insects in the suborder Heteroptera, the so-called true bugs, include over 40,000 species worldwide. This insect group includes many important agricultural pests and disease vectors, which often have bacterial symbionts associated with them. Some symbionts have coevolved with their hosts to the extent that host fitness is compromised with the removal or alteration of their symbiont. The first bug/microbial interactions were discovered over 50 years ago. Only recently, mainly due to advances in molecular techniques, has the nature of these associations become clearer. Some researchers have pursued the genetic modification (paratransgenesis) of symbionts for disease control or pest management. With the increasing interest and understanding of the bug/symbiont associations and their ecological and physiological features, it will only be a matter of time before pest/vector control programs utilize this information and technique. This paper will focus on recent discoveries of the major symbiotic systems in Heteroptera, highlighting how the understanding of the evolutionary and biological aspects of these relationships may lead to the development of alternative techniques for efficient heteropteran pest control and suppression of diseases vectored by Heteroptera.
Photodegradation of Rhodamine B in Presence of CaO and NiO-CaO Catalysts
Authors: Kornprobst Tobias , Plank Johann
Published: June 2012

A CaO catalyst was prepared by mild calcination (650°C) of facilely precipitated Ca(OH)2and compared to an NiO-CaO catalyst obtained from an Ni(OH)2/Ca(OH)2coprecipitate as a precursor. Both catalysts degraded rhodamine B (RB) effectively when exposed to ultraviolet light but exhibited slower degradation under visible light conditions. Under UV light, CaO was more effective than NiO-CaO, while in visible light, the opposite was observed. A mechanistic study revealed no influence of the specific surface area of the catalysts on RB degradation, no adsorption of RB on the positively charged surfaces of the catalysts, and only incomplete degradation of RB. Consequently, both materials represent nonconventional photocatalysts.
A Memory Hierarchy Model Based on Data Reuse for Full-Search Motion Estimation on High-Definition Digital Videos
Authors: Lopes Alba Sandyra Bezerra , Silva Ivan Saraiva , Agostini Luciano Volcan
Published: June 2012

The motion estimation is the most complex module in a video encoder requiring a high processing throughput and high memory bandwidth, mainly when the focus is high-definition videos. The throughput problem can be solved increasing the parallelism in the internal operations. The external memory bandwidth may be reduced using a memory hierarchy. This work presents a memory hierarchy model for a full-search motion estimation core. The proposed memory hierarchy model is based on a data reuse scheme considering the full search algorithm features. The proposed memory hierarchy expressively reduces the external memory bandwidth required for the motion estimation process, and it provides a very high data throughput for the ME core. This throughput is necessary to achieve real time when processing high-definition videos. When considering the worst bandwidth scenario, this memory hierarchy is able to reduce the external memory bandwidth in 578 times. A case study for the proposed hierarchy, using32×32search window and8×8block size, was implemented and prototyped on a Virtex 4 FPGA. The results show that it is possible to reach 38 frames per second when processing full HD frames (1920×1080pixels) using nearly 299 Mbytes per second of external memory bandwidth.
Role of Multiparameter Analysis of AgNORs in FNA Smears of Thyroid Swellings in Differentiating Benign and Malignant Lesions
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Ismail , Hassan Md Quamrul , Bhattacharjee Pradip , Ahamad M. Shahab Uddin , Rahman Zillur
Published: June 2012

Background. The aim of this study is to assess the role of multiparameter analysis of silver (Ag)-stained nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs) technique on aspiration smears of thyroid swellings to distinguish between benign and malignant lesions.Materials and Methods. Aspiration smears from 166 cases of thyroid swellings were examined. Diagnosis was confirmed by histology in 61 cases. AgNOR staining was done on FNA smears according to silver-staining protocol proposed by the International Committee for AgNOR quantification. Multiparameter analysis of AgNORs such as mAgNOR, pAgNOR, and AgNOR size grade was done on 50–100 cells under oil immersion lens.Results. AgNOR parameter of benign and malignant thyroid lesions was compared and was found to be statistically significant. Out of 157 satisfactory AgNOR stained cases, 148 (94.3%) were benign lesions and 9 (5.7%) cases were malignant lesions. In AgNOR analysis, sensitivity was found to be 83.33%, specificity 100%, PPV 100%, NPV 98.21%, and accuracy was 98.36%.Conclusions. AgNOR analysis in the FNA smears is a simple, sensitive, and cost-effective method for differentiating benign from malignant thyroid swellings.
Characterizing Myocardial Edema and Hemorrhage Using Quantitative T2 and T2* Mapping at Multiple Time Intervals Post ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Zia Mohammad I. , Ghugre Nilesh R. , Connelly Kim A. , Strauss Bradley H. , Sparkes John D. , Dick Alexander J. , Wright Graham A.
Published: June 2012

Background—

Accurate characterization of the longitudinal trends of myocardial edema and hemorrhage has been previously limited by subjective qualitative methods. We aimed to prospectively characterize the evolution of myocardial edema and hemorrhage post acute myocardial infarction using quantitative measures.

Methods and Results—

Sixty-two patients were enrolled post primary percutaneous coronary intervention and underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance on a 1.5-T scanner at 48 hours, 3 weeks, and 6 months. Myocardial edema and hemorrhage were assessed by T2 and T2* mapping, respectively, in both infarct segment (IS) and remote segment (RS). At 48 hours, T2 is higher in IS compared with RS (56.7 ms versus 43.4 ms;
P
<0.01). At 3 weeks T2 remains higher in IS compared with RS (51.8 ms versus 39.5 ms;
P
<0.01), and subsequently equalizes by 6 months (39.8 ms versus 39.5 ms;
P
=nonsignificant). T2 is also increased in RS at day 2 versus 3 weeks (43.4 ms versus 39.5 ms;
P
<0.01). At 48 hours T2* was reduced in IS compared with RS (32.4 ms versus 37.4 ms;
P
<0.01). At 3 weeks (IS, 37.7 ms versus RS, 38.4 ms;
P
=nonsignificant) and 6 months (IS, 37.3 ms versus RS, 38.2 ms;
P
=nonsignificant), T2* values were equal in both segments.

Conclusions—

Quantification of myocardial edema and hemorrhage by T2 and T2* mapping is feasible post acute myocardial infarction and demonstrates that hemorrhage resolves faster than edema. Noninfarcted segments can also demonstrate edema in the acute phase possibly due to global hyperemia.
Nonmetallic textile composite bone plate with desired mechanical properties
Authors: Kharazi A Zargar , Fathi MH , Bahmani F , Fanian H
Published: June 2012

Braided textile composites can be proper candidates for orthopedic applications due to their high structural load capacity. In a previous study, we used the 3D finite element method (FEM) to model a braided textile composite made up of poly l-lactic acid/bioactive glass (PLLA/BG). Micromechanical analysis showed that, in a volume fraction of reinforcement (Vf) of 45% ± 1% (Mean ± SD), the elastic modulus and tensile strength of the composite were similar to those of the cortical bone. In the present study, PLLA/BG braided textile composite samples were fabricated with a Vf of 45%. The bonding between matrix and reinforcement improved as a result of using aminopropyl silane. The prepared samples were subjected to tension and bending tests. Results showed a good agreement between FEM and experimental results. Bending modulus and bending strength yielded acceptable values similar to those of the cortical bone. It may be concluded that the PLLA/BG braided composite is a good candidate for load-bearing orthopedic applications.
Epoxy resin/polyetherimide/carbon black conductive polymer composites with a double percolation structure by reaction-induced phase separation
Authors: Ma C Guo , Xi D Yong , Liu M
Published: June 2012

A novel double-percolation structural conductive polymer composite based on epoxy/polyetherimide/carbon black was prepared for the first time. The electrical property, phase structure of the composite and the selective distribution of carbon black were investigated. The results show that a reaction-induced phase separation between epoxy and polyetherimide can be observed in epoxy/polyetherimide/carbon black composites. In the blend with 16 wt% polyetherimide, polyetherimide phase changes from a dispersed phase to a three-dimensionally continuous phase, while epoxy converts to a globular dispersed phase. The selective distribution of carbon black in the blends is that almost all carbon black particles are located in polyetherimide phase. Accordingly, a double-percolation structure is formed when carbon black content comes to the percolation threshold in polyetherimide phase. In fact, the percolation threshold of carbon black reduces to 0.5 wt% in the blend with 16 wt% polyetherimide.
Effect of sintering stage in NiTi short-fibre-reinforced aluminium–silicon composites interface properties
Authors: Miranda G , Carvalho O , Silva FS , Soares D
Published: June 2012

This study is concerned with the influence of sintering stage duration on the interface load transfer capacity between NiTi fibres and AlSi matrix alloy and thus in the final composite strength. Short-fibre-NiTi/AlSi composites were produced by a pressure-assisted sintering process, under vacuum, for sintering stages of 20, 25 and 60 min. All the obtained composites, with different sintering stages, have shown the occurrence of load transfer from the matrix to fibres, indicating the development of an effective interface between fibre and matrix. Performed shear tests have shown a decaying of shear strength with increasing sintering stage, in the selected range of sintering times, with the lowest sintering time leading to higher properties. It was also concluded that with increasing sintering stage, the interface volume around the fibres increases and the load transfer capacity decreases.
Reintegrating Rebels into Civilian Life
Authors: Gilligan Michael J. , Mvukiyehe Eric N. , Samii Cyrus
Published: June 2012

Considerable resources are devoted to ex-combatant reintegration programs in current peace processes, but evidence on their effectiveness remains thin. We use original survey data to study an ex-combatant reintegration program implemented after Burundi's 1993-2004 civil war. Previous quantitative studies have found reintegration programs to be ineffective, but only ex-combatants who self-selected into programs were studied. We avoid such selection problems with a quasi-experimental design exploiting an exogenous bureaucratic failure. We find the program resulted in a 20 to 35 percentage point reduction in poverty incidence among ex-combatants and moderate improvement in livelihoods. But this economic boost does not seem to have caused political reintegration: while we find a modest increase in propensities to report civilian life as preferable to combatant life, we find no evidence that the program contributed to either more satisfaction with the peace process or a more positive disposition toward current government institutions.
TMJ Disc Removal
Authors: Hagandora C.K. , Almarza A.J.
Published: June 2012

The debate continues surrounding the use of disc removal (discectomy) as the primary surgical treatment for patients suffering from severe temporomandibular joint disorders. Furthermore, the effectiveness of pre-clinical animal models for predicting the response of the joint to discectomy in humans remains uncertain. This review compares the results of animal models with the most recent clinical findings while also focusing on investigations that use imaging as an assessment tool. After a review of the literature from well-established animal studies to clinical findings, it was found that the results of animal models for discectomy corresponded to the clinical findings seen in patients. Overall, there is adaptive remodeling or degeneration of the TMJ following discectomy. Additionally, there is some reduction in pain but with various amounts of dysfunction remaining following disc removal. Noteworthy, in the most recent clinical studies, imaging was not used as an outcome to assess the success of discectomy at preventing further joint degeneration.
Stumbling Words for a Determined Young Lady: Notes on Ruth 2:7b
Authors: Rulmu Callia
Published: June 2012

It is well known to both translators and students of the Bible, that some words or verses are very difficult, not only to translate but also to understand. The Hebrew text of Ruth 2:7b is one of them. The purpose of this paper is to consider some of the inherent problems of this text—such as unclear meaning of words and uncanny grammatical structures—and to provide an overview of ancient and modern ways to deal with the difficulties. While it is logical to assume that the author of Ruth expected to be understood (including when resorting to intentional ambiguity), we also need to consider that the original manuscripts are lost and that the possibility of a corrupted text could explain its awkwardness. The various translations of Ruth 2:7b stem from attempts to make sense of a text of which the exact original, word-by-word meaning might not be established beyond all reasonable doubt, but of which the basic intended meaning seeps through unmistakably: Ruth indeed is a hard worker, worthy of Boaz's attentions.
When the Apostles Became Kings: Ruling and Judging the Twelve Tribes of Israel in the Book of Acts
Authors: Wenkel David H.
Published: June 2012

It is widely accepted that the two volumes of Luke-Acts are based on an inaugurated eschatological framework. The kingdom of Christ has already been established, but it is not yet present in its fullness. Given this framework of “already/not yet,” how do we understand Jesus' promise to the Twelve in Luke 22:28–30 that they would “sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel?” If that is the promise, what does the fulfillment entail? Here we will examine Jesus' promise in Luke's Gospel and its fulfillment in the Book of Acts. The central proposal of this study is that the twelve apostles began to judge the twelve tribes of Israel in their inaugurated co-regency in the series of events following the ascension of Jesus and culminating in Pentecost.
New Testament Space/Spatiality
Authors: Stewart Eric C.
Published: June 2012

This Readers Guide introduces biblical interpreters to the use of spatial theory as it is applied to biblical texts. Modern geographers, anthropologists, and sociologists understand space to consist of the physical world in which people exist, the ideological underpinnings of understanding places as designated for certain activities while restricting other activities, and the lived practices of people within those places that sometimes challenge and sometimes reaffirm the expected uses of such places. Biblical scholars have only recently begun to consider how space fits into an analysis of the texts with which they are interested. These scholars use spatial theory to analyze the spaces of the Roman Empire and how Jesus and his early followers fit within those spaces, in some cases contesting dominant meanings and practices, while in other cases adopting the dominant spatial practices of their cultural contexts.
Depoliticized and Repoliticized Minerals in Latin America
Authors: Hogenboom Barbara
Published: June 2012

Control over mineral wealth has become a highly politicized issue in Latin America, and the region-wide leftwards political shift of the 2000s has profoundly changed mineral policies. After the neoliberal development model of free markets, the state has recently taken a center stage position again, at least with regard to oil, gas, and metallic minerals. This article studies the nature and implications of the shift from neoliberal to post-neoliberal mineral policies in Latin America, using a political economy angle. It analyzes the policies and politics of neoliberal regimes in the 1980s and 1990s, the subsequent booming markets and rising Chinese influences, and the new mineral policies of some Leftist governments. Finally, it discusses political conflicts related to these new policies.
Oil Development on Traditional Lands of Indigenous Peoples
Authors: Swing Kelly , Davidov Veronica , Schwartz Brendan
Published: June 2012

Two unrelated indigenous rainforest cultures are compared in relationship to their experiences with the oil industry in their territories. Despite their geographic separation, in Central Africa and western Amazonia, the acculturation process and its outcomes have been quite similar for the Bagyeli and the Waorani. In both cases, expectations for improvements in quality of life were high as the oil industry arrived but tremendous disappointments soon followed. Typically, indigenous people blame oil companies for creating unrealistic scenarios and for not following through with promises. To get its future neighbors on board with coming changes, enticements are a frequent part of conversations prior to establishment of industrial infrastructure and operations. Subsequent to development, indigenous people feel that they have been drawn into a negative situation, that they end up essentially abandoned by their governments, and that the oil companies come through with only a minimal proportion of what was originally offered.
The response to sulpiride in social anxiety disorder: D2 receptor function
Authors: Bell Caroline , Bhikha Shamina , Colhoun Helen , Carter Frances , Frampton Chris , Porter Richard
Published: June 2012

Some previous studies have suggested that patients with social anxiety disorder (SAD) have a hypoactive central dopaminergic system. Supporting this there have been reports from neuroimaging studies of reduced striatal D2 receptor binding in subjects with SAD. The aim of this study was to investigate D2 receptor sensitivity in patients with SAD compared with a group of matched, healthy controls using a neuroendocrine challenge with the selective D2 antagonist, sulpiride. D2 receptor function was assessed in 23 subjects with generalized SAD and 23 matched, healthy controls using a challenge with 400 mg of a selective D2 antagonist, sulpiride in a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover design. Response to sulpiride was measured by the change in prolactin level and changes in self-rated measures of social anxiety, mood and the ability to experience pleasure. There was no significant difference in prolactin response to sulpiride between the two groups. Sulpiride resulted in no effect in either the SAD or healthy control group on measures of social anxiety, mood or the ability to experience pleasure. Contrary to our hypothesis, in this study we found no evidence of reduced D2 receptor function in subjects with SAD compared with healthy controls.
Transparency in Healthcare
Authors: Clarke Pamela N. , Lacey Susan , Cox Karen
Published: June 2012

A dialogue on the concept of transparency by nurse administrators highlights specifics in the hospital setting. The authors of this column present exemplars from practice and issues related to safety, cost and the importance of data specific to nursing practice. The need for collaboration between service and academe is emphasized.
Transformational Mentorship Models for Nurse Educators
Authors: Jacobson Sheri L. , Sherrod Dennis R.
Published: June 2012

A consistent supply of competent and confident faculty is essential to meeting the growing demand for nurses. One way to ensure continuity among nurse educators is through faculty mentorship. There is very little literature about nurse educator mentorship models and no research was found that tested mentoring frameworks or strategies with nurse educators. The matriculation and retention of nursing faculty requires diligence in the areas of practice, teaching, and scholarship. The authors of this article discuss current nursing mentorship models and propose a new one for consideration.
Meditations on the Unitary Rhythm of Dying-Grieving
Authors: Malinski Violet M.
Published: June 2012

When someone faces loss of a loved one, that person simultaneously grieves and dies a little, just as the one dying also grieves. The author’s personal conceptualization of dying and grieving as a unitary rhythm is explored based primarily on her interpretation of Rogers’ science of unitary human beings, along with selected examples from related nursing literature and from the emerging focus on continuing bonds in other disciplines. Examples from contemporary songwriters that depict such a unitary conceptualization are given along with personal examples. The author concludes with her description of the unitary rhythm of dying-grieving.
Synthesis and characterization of certain photocrosslinkable thermotropic liquid crystalline random copolyesters containing arylidene moiety
Authors: Moli J. Arul , Vasanthi S. , Prakash N. , Singh D. Roop
Published: June 2012

A new series of 12 thermotropic liquid crystalline and photocrosslinkable random copolyesters were synthesized from terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid and 4,4'-oxybis(benzoic acid) with four different arylidene diols and a common diol 1,2-bis(4-hydroxybenzoyloxy)ethane by direct polycondensation with diphenylchlorophosphate. The resulting polymers had inherent viscosities in the range 1.20–1.74 dl/g. Their structural features were investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), 1H, and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The thermal behaviour of the copolyesters was investigated with differential scanning calorimetry and hot stage optical polarized microscopy. Our investigation on the effect of monomer structure on liquid crystalline behaviour shows that the copolymers containing bis(benzylidene)cycloalkanone exhibited higher melting and isotropization temperatures and extended liquid crystalline range. All of the copolymers showed some degree of crystallinity as evidenced by wide-angle X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The photocrosslinkability of these polymers was established with UV irradiation/UV spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy.
Microwave-assisted preparation of urethane-modified polyetheramide coatings from Jatropha seed oil
Authors: Alam Manawwer , Alandis Naser M.
Published: June 2012

We have developed urethane-modified polyetheramide (UPEtA) by the condensation polymerization reaction of N,N-bis (2-hydroxy ethyl) Jatropha oil fatty amide and hydroquinone to form polyetheramide (PEtA). Jatropha PEtA was further treated with toluylene-2,6-diisocyanate (TDI) in different weight percentage (15, 20, 25 wt%) to produce UPEtA. The structural elucidation of PEtA and UPEtA was carried out by Fourier transform infrared, proton nuclear magnetic resonance and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic techniques. The coatings of UPEtA were prepared on mild steel strips to investigate their physico-mechanical and corrosion resistance performance. Physico-chemical and physico-mechanical tests were performed by standard methods. Corrosion resistance tests were examined in different corrosive media, such as 3.5 wt% HCl, 3.5 wt% NaOH, 5.0 wt% NaCl, water and xylene. The thermal behavior of UPEtA was studied by thermogravimetric analyses. Our studies revealed that UPEtA may find application as an eco-friendly corrosion protective coating and may be safely used up to 200oC.
Varieties of poverty reduction: Inserting the poverty and social exclusion target into Europe 2020
Authors: Copeland Paul , Daly Mary
Published: June 2012

The aim of this article is to analyse the nature and significance of the recent European Union (EU) poverty and social exclusion target, which has become part of the EU’s new 10-year strategy, known as ‘Europe 2020’. It situates this analysis in the politics of social policy, at both transnational and national levels. The agreement on the target proved to be momentous and also contentious for the key actors involved – the Member States, the European Commission, the European Parliament – all of which were forced to change their position at some stage of the negotiations. The agreed target – to lift at least 20 million people out of poverty and social exclusion by 2020 – is ambitious and novel in an EU context. The analysis undertaken here underlines its specificity and some weaknesses. First, the target was the result of a political opportunity seized upon by a number of pro-social policy actors (some in the European Commission, the Parliament, certain Member States as well as non-governmental organizations), rather than an agreement to further Europeanize social policy. Second, the target is a compromise in that it is constituted quite diversely in terms of whether it will succeed by addressing income poverty, severe material deprivation and/or household joblessness. Third, the target allows much leeway in response by the Member States, in terms of both which definition they will use and what level of ambition they set for their target. As such, the target risks both incoherence as an approach to social policy and ineffectiveness in terms of precipitating significant action by the Member States to address poverty and social exclusion.
Predicting brain activity using a Bayesian spatial model
Authors: Derado Gordana , Bowman F DuBois , Zhang Lijun ,   and the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: June 2012

Increasing the clinical applicability of functional neuroimaging technology is an emerging objective, e.g. for diagnostic and treatment purposes. We propose a novel Bayesian spatial hierarchical framework for predicting follow-up neural activity based on an individual's baseline functional neuroimaging data. Our approach attempts to overcome some shortcomings of the modeling methods used in other neuroimaging settings, by borrowing strength from the spatial correlations present in the data. Our proposed methodology is applicable to data from various imaging modalities including functional magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography, and we provide an illustration here using positron emission tomography data from a study of Alzheimer's disease to predict disease progression.
Pediatric consent
Authors: Azotam Adaorah NU
Published: June 2012

This article will explore pediatric consent through the analysis of a clinical case study using the principles of biomedical ethics approach. Application of the principles of autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, and justice will be dissected in order to attempt to establish resolution of the ethical dilemma. The main conflict in this case study deals with whether the wishes of an adolescent for end-of-life care should be followed or should the desire of his parents outweigh this request. In terminal cancer, the hope of early palliative care and dignity in dying serve as priorities in therapy. Application of the moral principles to both sides of the dilemma aided in providing an objective resolution to uphold pediatric consent.
Migrant Beer Promoters’ Experiences Accessing Reproductive Health Care in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam
Authors: Webber Gail C. , Spitzer Denise L. , Somrongthong Ratana , Dat Truong Cong , Kounnavongsa Somphone
Published: June 2012

Migrant beer promoters in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam were surveyed to determine their experiences in accessing reproductive health care services in the cities of Phnom Penh, Vientiane, Bangkok, and Hanoi. A total of 7 health care institutions were chosen as popular with migrant beer promoters. Staff at these institutions provided information on the institution, and 390 beer promoters were surveyed about their experiences while accessing services. There were discrepancies between findings from the staff interviews and the experiences of the beer promoters. In general, the migrant women were satisfied with the cost, location, friendliness of the health care providers, and knowledge and skills of the providers. They were less positive about confidentiality and waiting times, though many still agreed that these were not an issue. Health care planners and providers should take note of the issues affecting access to reproductive health care services for migrant women when they design and implement services.
Art and Science in Health Care Research
Authors: Freshwater Dawn , Cahill Jane , Walsh Elizabeth , Muncey Tessa , Esterhuizen Philip
Published: June 2012

Research methods are usually dictated and driven by the research question. In the context of research in “closed” systems—for example, offender health settings—it is imperative that the research question takes into consideration the context in which the research is located. Conducting research that has action, transformation, and creativity at its heart is a significant challenge in closed cultures, for both the researcher and the researched. Using two exemplars, we question whether researchers should adopt a safe approach to researching these closed cultures and to what extent they should engage in methodological tensions and ethical dilemmas that provoke and support reflection on change. By reflecting on our previous research studies, we aim not so much to provide a definitive answer to this question but to suggest that researchers give careful consideration to the methods appropriate to both the context of the research and its purpose.
Divergent Views of Hope Influencing Communications Between Parents and Hospital Providers
Authors: Roscigno Cecelia I. , Savage Teresa A. , Kavanaugh Karen , Moro Teresa T. , Kilpatrick Sarah J. , Strassner Howard T. , Grobman William A. , Kimura Robert E.
Published: June 2012

This study evaluated parents’ and health care providers’ (HCPs) descriptions of hope following counseling of parents at risk of delivering an extremely premature infant. Data came from a longitudinal multiple case study investigation that examined the decision making and support needs of 40 families and their providers. Semistructured interviews were conducted before and after delivery. Divergent viewpoints of hope were found between parents and many HCPs and were subsequently coded using content analysis. Parents relied on hope as an emotional motivator, whereas most HCPs described parents’ notions of hope as out of touch with reality. Parents perceived that such divergent beliefs about the role of hope negatively shaped communicative interactions and reduced trust with some of their providers. A deeper understanding of how varying views of hope might shape communications will uncover future research questions and lead to theory-based interventions aimed at improving the process of discussing difficult news with parents.
Lifelong Significance of Disempowering Experiences in Prenatal and Maternity Care
Authors: Forssén Annika S. K.
Published: June 2012

In this article I show how the effects of harsh and humiliating treatment, experienced by a number of Swedish women in antenatal care and childbirth in the mid-20th Century, endured for the rest of their lives. This treatment was carried out by medical staff in conformity with a view of expectant mothers as irresponsible and ignorant and with the prevalent idea of “natural birth.” These effects were findings in an interview investigation that, with a colleague, I conducted into paid and unpaid work and health of 20 women, seen in a lifetime perspective. Our biomedical way of understanding risks and complications during pregnancy and birthing was confronted with many participants’ feelings of distress, guilt, and grief linked to their childbearing experience. I interpret the treatments as “violations of dignity” and as abuse. The consequences are similar to those following traumatic birth experiences described in today’s literature.
Psychiatrists’ Accounts of Insight
Authors: Galasiński Dariusz , Opaliński Konrad
Published: June 2012

Our main aim was to examine how insight into schizophrenia is discursively represented in psychiatrists’ accounts, how these accounts relate to the current psychiatric literature on insight, and their potential clinical consequences. The article is anchored in the constructionist view of discourse and is based on nine semistructured interviews with specialist psychiatrists. We discuss three dimensions of insight into schizophrenia in the data we collected: a sense of illness, criticism, and readiness to receive treatment. We argue that they are embodiments of the dominant medical perspective in the relations between patients and physicians. Whereas in the former two it is possessing and accepting psychiatric knowledge which constitutes having insight, in the latter it is unquestioning acceptance and trust in whatever treatment the doctor deems fit to administer. We conclude with a discussion of medicalization of experience of mental illness, which appears to be the preferred mode of patient narrative for psychiatrists.
Social Skills Training in Natural Play Settings
Authors: Aljadeff-Abergel Elian , Ayvazo Shiri , Eldar Eitan
Published: June 2012

Social skills are prerequisite to academic performance and success in school. Training of these skills is particularly important for students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) who have social deficits and struggle maintaining appropriate and accepted behavior in and outside of the classroom. Educating through the physical model is a social skills training program delivered in natural settings of physical activity and play. Designed for elementary special education teachers and physical education teachers, this article introduces the Educating Through the Physical Model and illuminates its merit as a natural-setting social skills intervention. Primarily the article extends theory to practice by sharing a sample of activities that can be implemented to target 12 behavioral goals that are included in the model for enhancing students’ social skills.
The Soul Mates Model
Authors: De La Lama Luisa Batthyany , De La Lama Luis , Wittgenstein Ariana
Published: June 2012

This article presents the integrative soul mates relationship development model, which provides the helping professionals with a conceptual map for couples’ relationship development from dating, to intimacy, to soul mating, and long-term flourishing. This model is informed by a holistic, a developmental, and a positive psychology conceptualization of the individual and the relationship. It integrates select concepts from narrative therapy, Gottman method, and Jungian analytic psychology. Two pictograms derived from 17th century alchemy are provided to facilitate the visual and metaphorical conceptualization of the model. The soul mates model applies to all individuals and couples interested in optimizing their relationship, regardless of marital status, religious affiliation, or sexual orientation. The model may be applied to counseling, therapy, and coaching interventions, as well as relationship education, research and measurement, courses in higher education, and couples’ workshops and retreats.
Conflicting Discourses
Authors: Ciechanowski Kathryn
Published: June 2012

This article provides micro analysis of one representative incident from a larger qualitative study to examine how third-grade bilingual students and their teacher negotiated academic disciplinary and popular culture discourses in a social studies unit on Jamestown and Pocahontas. Informed by discourse and linguistic analyses, this study explores the competing dominant and nondominant discourses as they intersected and overlapped in the complex literacy practices in this classroom. Ms. Montclair’s instruction was shaped by the textbook’s approach to social studies and accountability pressures of testing and content coverage. Yet the students drew from everyday popular resources in their thinking, taking up nonacademic discourses to understand content. This research explores the following questions: (a) What are the predominant discourses evident in the official curricular text and teacher’s enactment of it? (b) What are the discourses evident in children’s everyday resources drawn on to make sense of the school text? (c) How do specific linguistic features make possible these discourses and perspectives? Findings demonstrate that students navigated across multiple discourses that were different but represented dominant culture. As discourses intersected in class, participants provided a level of critical analyses but did not deeply take up nondominant perspectives despite their own positioning from linguistically and culturally nondominant backgrounds. By showing the complexity of literate and discursive practice, this article contributes to understandings of how bilingual and English language learner students confront the demands of academic disciplinary language, draw on their own resources to make sense of content, and require explicit instruction on language and social justice.
Providing confusion: The need for education not information in chronic care
Authors: Butterworth Kevin , Allam Omnia , Gray Alex , Butterworth Heather
Published: June 2012

Patient information is one aspect of meeting the needs of health service users; it is meant to empower patients and their carers in making informed decisions and managing their health needs. Mary Dixon-Woods described two types of discourse in patient education: the first is more concerned with making patients comply with their doctors orders and the second is about empowering patients and rejecting direction. This article looks at the aims of the two and shows that neither is capable of supporting highly successful best practice within medicine. Instead, a hybrid set of strategic aims are proposed for patient education created by merging the two discourses in the same way that John Dewey merged the child-centred and child-led schools of thought in education. These hybrid strategic aims for patient education are then used to develop requirements for an information system to support patient education, using a mixture of system centric and user centric approaches.
Glucose perturbations and cardiovascular risk: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Rydén Lars , Mellbin Linda
Published: June 2012

People with disturbed glucose metabolism are at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. This risk starts before diabetes, according to present definitions, is established. Early detection of impaired glucose tolerance and target-driven multifactorial management incorporating all risk factors in a broad sense may effectively improve the prognosis for these persons. Management includes early detection of glucose perturbations and preventing or delaying future diabetes among people with impaired glucose tolerance. In people with established diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and hyperglycaemia are all important factors to monitor and, if these are above the recommended levels, to treat, first hand with lifestyle-oriented recommendations, although usually supported by pharmacological interventions. Since impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes mellitus are rapidly increasing in the population, glucose perturbations as the cause of cardiovascular disease manifestations will become more common. Development of macrovascular complications substantially impacts care costs, and proper management of these individuals will therefore not only decrease personal suffering but also clearly impact health care expenditures.
The building envelope of Mediterranean houses: Optimization of mass and insulation
Authors: Serghides Despina K , Georgakis Chrissa G
Published: June 2012

In a series of optimization studies, this article investigated the building envelope of a residential building as to have the most cost-effective and energy-efficient impact on the thermal performance of the buildings in Mediterranean. Building simulations were performed to optimize designs of the components of the building envelope. Specifically, the variables of mass and insulation in combination with other important design variables and parameters and their effect on the thermal response of the building, assessed during both heating and cooling modes, were studied, outlined, and discussed. The performance of the parameters and their efficiency were compared with each other, and their effectiveness was expressed in the constructional aspects for buildings.
Informational education: Creating an understanding of justice
Authors: Budd John M.
Published: June 2012

There are many models for education that place students in the forefront. This proposed model for informational education presents a particular structural and pedagogical suggestion that aims at enabling students to grow intellectually. It also situates education, as a human action, with a system of justice. The intellectual and personal growth of students, as is demonstrated here, depends upon a clear idea of what is just within institutions and among people. Definitions and examples are offered wherever possible to illustrate the efficacy of the suggested model.
Predictors of Hate Crime Prosecutions
Authors: Byers Bryan D. , Warren-Gordon Kiesha , Jones James A.
Published: June 2012

Research on hate crime has focused primarily on law making, law enforcement, and victimization aspects. Few researchers have studied hate crime prosecutions even though this is an important element in such cases. This study uses data from the National Prosecutors Survey of 2001 to predict the likelihood of hate crime prosecutions. Given the data set is a census of prosecutors, it was necessary to add 10 new variables to the data based on the presence and absence of state hate crime laws and their characteristics. The data were subjected to logistic regression, and it was determined that the three strongest predictors of whether prosecutors pursue hate crime are the presence of (a) race, ethnicity, and religion as protected groups in state hate crime law, (b) sexual orientation as a protected status within state law, (c) the presence of an institutional vandalism provision in state-level hate crime law, and (d) if the prosecutor’s office assigned staff to handle community-related activities. The findings are discussed along with suggestions for future research.
Racial Disparity in Police Contacts
Authors: Crutchfield Robert D. , Skinner Martie L. , Haggerty Kevin P. , McGlynn Anne , Catalano Richard F.
Published: June 2012

Criminologists agree the race disparity in arrests cannot be fully explained by differences in criminal behavior. The authors examine social environment factors that may lead to racial differences in police contact in early adolescence, including family, peers, school, and community. Data are from 331 eighth-grade students. Blacks were almost twice as likely as Whites to report a police contact. Blacks reported more property crime but not more violent crime than Whites. Police contacts were increased by having a parent who had been arrested, a sibling involved in criminal activity, higher observed reward for negative behavior, having school disciplinary actions, and knowing adults who engaged in substance abuse or criminal behavior. Race differences in police contacts were partially attributable to more school discipline.
Pericytes promote selective vessel regression to regulate vascular patterning
Authors: Simonavicius Nicole , Ashenden Matthew , van Weverwijk Antoinette , Lax Siân , Huso David L. , Buckley Christopher D. , Huijbers Ivo J. , Yarwood Helen , Isacke Clare M.
Published: June 2012

Blood vessel networks form in a 2-step process of sprouting angiogenesis followed by selective branch regression and stabilization of remaining vessels. Pericytes are known to function in stabilizing blood vessels, but their role in vascular sprouting and selective vessel regression is poorly understood. The endosialin (CD248) receptor is expressed by pericytes associated with newly forming but not stable quiescent vessels. In the present study, we used the Endosialin−/− mouse as a means to uncover novel roles for pericytes during the process of vascular network formation. We demonstrate in a postnatal retina model that Endosialin−/− mice have normal vascular sprouting but are defective in selective vessel regression, leading to increased vessel density. Examination of the Endosialin−/− mouse tumor vasculature revealed an equivalent phenotype, indicating that pericytes perform a hitherto unidentified function to promote vessel destabilization and regression in vivo in both physiologic and pathologic angiogenesis. Mechanistically, Endosialin−/− mice have no defect in pericyte recruitment. Rather, endosialin binding to an endothelial associated, but not a pericyte associated, basement membrane component induces endothelial cell apoptosis and detachment. The results of the present study advance our understanding of pericyte biology and pericyte/endothelial cell cooperation during vascular patterning and have implications for the design of both pro- and antiangiogenic therapies.
S1PR1 is an effective target to block STAT3 signaling in activated B cell–like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Liu Yong , Deng Jiehui , Wang Lin , Lee Heehyoung , Armstrong Brian , Scuto Anna , Kowolik Claudia , Weiss Lawrence M. , Forman Stephen , Yu Hua
Published: June 2012

STAT3 plays a crucial role in promoting progression of human cancers, including several types of B-cell lymphoma. However, as a transcription factor lacking its own enzymatic activity, STAT3 remains difficult to target with small-molecule drugs in the clinic. Here we demonstrate that persistent activated STAT3 colocalizes with elevated expression of S1PR1, a G-protein–coupled receptor for sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), in the tumor cells of the activated B cell–like subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patient specimens. Inhibition of S1PR1 expression by shRNA in the lymphoma cells validates that blocking S1PR1 affects expression of STAT3 downstream genes critically involved in tumor cell survival, proliferation, tumor invasion, and/or immunosuppression. Using S1PR1 shRNA, or FTY720, an antagonist of S1P that is in the clinic for other indications, we show that inhibiting S1PR1 expression down-regulates STAT3 activity and causes growth inhibition of the lymphoma tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. Our results suggest that targeting S1P/S1PR1 using a clinically relevant and available drug or other approaches is potentially an effective new therapeutic modality for treating the activated B cell–like subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, a subset of lymphoma that is less responsive to current available therapies.
Pulmonary vascular disease in mice xenografted with human BM progenitors from patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Asosingh Kewal , Farha Samar , Lichtin Alan , Graham Brian , George Deepa , Aldred Micheala , Hazen Stanley L. , Loyd James , Tuder Rubin , Erzurum Serpil C.
Published: June 2012

Hematopoietic myeloid progenitors released into the circulation are able to promote vascular remodeling through endothelium activation and injury. Endothelial injury is central to the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a proliferative vasculopathy of the pulmonary circulation, but the origin of vascular injury is unknown. In the present study, mice transplanted with BM-derived CD133+ progenitor cells from patients with PAH, but not from healthy controls, exhibited morbidity and/or death due to features of PAH: in situ thrombi and endothelial injury, angioproliferative remodeling, and right ventricular hypertrophy and failure. Myeloid progenitors from patients with heritable and/or idiopathic PAH all produced disease in xenografted mice. Analyses of hematopoietic transcription factors and colony formation revealed underlying abnormalities of progenitors that skewed differentiation toward the myeloid-erythroid lineage. The results of the present study suggest a causal role for hematopoietic stem cell abnormalities in vascular injury, right ventricular hypertrophy, and morbidity associated with PAH.