bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation of betaine, N,N-dimethylglycine, choline, glycerophosphorylcholine, taurine and trimethylamine-N-oxide in the plasma and urine of overweight people with type 2 diabetes over a two-year period
Authors: McEntyre Christopher J , Lever Michael , Chambers Stephen T , George Peter M , Slow Sandy , Elmslie Jane L , Florkowski Christopher M , Lunt Helen , Krebs Jeremy D
Published: July 2014

Background

Plasma betaine concentrations and urinary betaine excretions have high test-retest reliability. Abnormal betaine excretion is common in diabetes. We aimed to confirm the individuality of plasma betaine and urinary betaine excretion in an overweight population with type 2 diabetes and compare this with the individuality of other osmolytes, one-carbon metabolites and trimethylamine- N-oxide (TMAO), thus assessing their potential usefulness as disease markers.

Methods

Urine and plasma were collected from overweight subjects with type 2 diabetes at four time points over a two-year period. We measured the concentrations of the osmolytes: betaine, glycerophosphorylcholine (GPC) and taurine, as well as TMAO, and the one-carbon metabolites, N, N-dimethylglycine (DMG) and free choline. Samples were measured using tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

Results

Betaine showed a high degree of individuality (or test-retest reliability) in the plasma (index of individuality = 0.52) and urine (index of individuality = 0.45). Betaine in the plasma had positive and negative log-normal reference change values (RCVs) of 54% and −35%, respectively. The other osmolytes, taurine and GPC were more variable in the plasma of individuals compared to the urine. DMG and choline showed high individuality in the plasma and urine. TMAO was highly variable in the plasma and urine (log-normal RCVs ranging from 403% to −80% in plasma).

Conclusions

Betaine is highly individual in overweight people with diabetes. Betaine, its metabolite DMG, and precursor choline showed more reliability than the osmolytes, GPC and taurine. The low reliability of TMAO suggests that a single TMAO measurement has low diagnostic value.
Characterization of a Novel Periodontal Ligament-specific Periostin Isoform
Authors: Yamada S. , Tauchi T. , Awata T. , Maeda K. , Kajikawa T. , Yanagita M. , Murakami S.
Published: July 2014

Periostin is a mesenchymal cell marker predominantly expressed in collagen-rich fibrous connective tissues, including heart valves, tendons, perichondrium, periosteum, and periodontal ligament (PDL). Knockdown of periostin expression in mice results in early-onset periodontitis and failure of cardiac healing after acute myocardial infarction, suggesting that periostin is essential for connective tissue homeostasis and regeneration. However, its role(s) in periodontal tissues has not yet been fully defined. In this study, we describe a novel human isoform of periostin (PDL-POSTN). Isoform-specific analysis by reverse-transcription polymerase chain-reaction (RT-PCR) revealed that PDL-POSTN was predominantly expressed in the PDL, with much lower expression in other tissues and organs. A PDL cell line transfected with PDL-POSTN showed enhanced alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) activity and calcified nodule formation, compared with cells transfected with the full-length periostin isoform. A neutralizing antibody against integrin-αv inhibited both ALPase activity and calcified nodule formation in cells transfected with PDL-POSTN. Furthermore, co-immunoprecipitation assays revealed that PDL-POSTN bound to integrin αvβ3 more strongly than the common isoform of periostin, resulting in strong activation of the integrin αvβ3-focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling pathway. These results suggest that PDL-POSTN positively regulates cytodifferentiation and mineralization in PDL cells through integrin αvβ3.
Exploring the applicability of equine blood to bloodstain pattern analysis
Authors: Larkin Bethany A J , Banks Craig E
Published: July 2014

Bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) is the forensic application of the interpretation of distinct patterns which blood exhibits during a bloodletting incident, providing key evidence with its ability to map the sequence of events. Here, we explore the use of equine blood and investigate its suitability within the field of BPA. Blood is a complex fluid, and finding a suitable safe substitute to human blood that encompasses all of its characteristics has been the focus of many investigations. Animal blood has been concluded as the closest and therefore the most suitable alternate. However, it seems that currently only porcine blood is most prominently utilised.

In this study, equine blood was investigated, using two different anti-clotting methods, where blood impacts were explored over a typical range of varying impact velocities upon a selection of commonly encountered surfaces. Key BPA parameters, such as the diameters of the resulting bloodstains, number of spines and area of origin were measured, which were subsequently applied into previously derived BPA equations.

We find that defibrinated equine blood is a suitable alternative and offers the same conclusive outcomes to human blood. This gives bloodstain pattern investigators and researchers an additional choice of blood which can be of benefit when certain bloods are difficult to attain or when the activity involves the usage of a large quantity of blood. Additionally we explore the effect on BPA of aged blood, which revealed a significant decrease in stain diameter of up to 12.78 % when blood has been left for 57 days. A shelf life of no more than 12 days is recommended when blood is refrigerated at 4℃.
Types of outcomes in factional rivalries: Lessons from non-democratic parties in Turkey
Authors: Ayan Musil Pelin , Dikici Bilgin Hasret
Published: July 2014

In non-democratic parties, oppositional factions have difficulty making inroads to the top executive party organs. There are two consequences for these groups: party split or leadership removal. In the former case, the oppositional faction exits and establishes its own party. In the latter, the opposition succeeds in altering the balance of power by removing the leader and the party goes through change. This article suggests that the level of power concentration within the dominant faction matters for the type of outcome in factional rivalries. If the power is concentrated in the hands of a small elite, the divisions within the elite can help the oppositional faction remove the party leader. If the power resides only with a single leader, the oppositional faction is likely to lose the struggle against the dominant faction and decide to exit. This study explores the causal mechanisms involved by comparing six non-democratic parties from Turkey.
Transracial Adoption, Neoliberalism, and Religion
Authors: Perry Samuel L.
Published: July 2014

Scholars of transracial adoption (TRA) have theorized that neoliberal ideology—valuing unregulated markets, welfare-retrenchment, color-blindness, and privatized charity—has catalyzed support for TRA among political and religious conservatives as a way of relieving governments from subsidizing poor minority children in foster care or their families on welfare. Drawing on theories linking neoliberal ideology, conservative Protestantism, and race, I examine neoliberalism’s effect on support for TRA and its possible moderating relationship with evangelicalism across both Whites and non-Whites. Analyses of national survey data demonstrate that both neoliberalism and evangelicalism in their main-effects are either unassociated or negatively associated with TRA approval. However, neoliberalism interacts with evangelicalism such that evangelicals who hold more strongly to neoliberal views are more inclined to support TRA. This effect holds across both White and racial minority respondents. Findings suggest that neoliberalism leads to greater support for TRA primarily within the context of evangelical Protestantism, thereby helping account for growing enthusiasm toward TRA among conservative Protestants.
The Contemporary Significance of ‘Pauperist’ Style
Authors: Negrin Llewellyn
Published: July 2014

A prominent feature of contemporary fashion has been the mainstreaming of ‘pauperist’ style in which motifs of poverty such as worn materials and frayed hems are deliberately sought after as a new form of glamour. What began as an act of rebellion amongst youth subcultures of the 1960s and ’70s has now become a widespread phenomenon. As will be argued in this paper, poverty chic has become a new form of status distinction that disavows its extravagance. Whereas in the past, superior social status was often indicated through ostentatious dress, now a ‘humbler’ sartorial style is preferred in an era marked by financial, political and environmental crises. The popularity of pauperist style today lies in the fact that it assuages the anxieties provoked by these crises through its conversion of poverty into an aesthetic style.
A simple view of linguistic complexity
Authors: Pallotti Gabriele
Published: July 2014

Although a growing number of second language acquisition (SLA) studies take linguistic complexity as a dependent variable, the term is still poorly defined and often used with different meanings, thus posing serious problems for research synthesis and knowledge accumulation. This article proposes a simple, coherent view of the construct, which is defined in a purely structural way, i.e. the complexity directly arising from the number of linguistic elements and their interrelationships. Issues of cognitive cost (difficulty) or developmental dynamics (acquisition) are explicitly excluded from this theoretical definition and its operationalization. The article discusses how the complexity of an interlanguage system can be assessed based on the limited samples with which SLA researchers usually work. For the areas of morphology, syntax and the lexicon, some measures are proposed that are coherent with the purely structural view advocated, and issues related to their operationalization are critically scrutinized.
Service-Enriched Housing
Authors: Castle Nicholas , Resnick Neil
Published: July 2014

Introduction: The purpose of this research was to determine whether service-enriched housing (i.e., the Staying at Home [SAH] program) in publicly subsidized buildings for low-income older adults influenced resident outcomes. Method: Eleven elderly high-rise buildings were used. Seven buildings had the SAH program and four did not. Information was collected from resident questionnaires, housing managers data, and medical information. A total of 10 desired outcomes were proposed as part of SAH (e.g., health improvements, receive more non-institutional services, receive more preventive services, and be less likely to be institutionalized). Information was collected over the course of the SAH program every 6 months from December 2008 through June 2011. Results: Overall, 736 surveys were completed by SAH program participants and 399 were completed by control group participants. Seven of the ten desired outcomes were achieved, and in 3 of the ten cases, no differences between the SAH group and control group were identified. The program was also beneficial with respect to cost savings. Conclusion: On the basis of these findings, the SAH program should be viewed as a success. In this case, service-enriched housing for elders in high-rise buildings would appear to be beneficial.
Landfill mining in Austria: Foundations for an integrated ecological and economic assessment
Authors: Hermann Robert , Baumgartner Rupert J , Sarc Renato , Ragossnig Arne , Wolfsberger Tanja , Eisenberger Martin , Budischowsky Andreas , Pomberger Roland
Published: July 2014

For the first time, basic technical and economic studies for landfill mining are being carried out in Austria on the basis of a pilot project. An important goal of these studies is the collection of elementary data as the basis for an integrated ecological and economic assessment of landfill mining projects with regard to their feasibility. For this purpose, economic, ecological, technical, organizational, as well as political and legal influencing factors are identified and extensively studied in the article. An important aspect is the mutual influence of the factors on each other, as this can significantly affect the development of an integrated assessment system. In addition to the influencing factors, the definition of the spatial and temporal system boundaries is crucial for further investigations. Among others, the quality and quantity of recovered waste materials, temporal fluctuations or developments in prices of secondary raw material and fuels attainable in the markets, and time and duration of dumping, play a crucial role. Based on the investigations, the spatial system boundary is defined in as much as all the necessary process steps, from landfill mining, preparing and sorting to providing a marketable material/product by the landfill operator, are taken into account. No general accepted definition can be made for the temporal system boundary because the different time-related influencing factors necessitate an individual project-specific determination and adaptation to the facts of the on-site landfill mining project.
The Cross-Domain Effects of Work and Family Role Stressors on Public Employees in South Korea
Authors: Ryu Geunpil
Published: July 2014

Understanding work and family role transition activities is very important as without knowing the mechanism, policymakers cannot design effective family-friendly programs. This research addressed two research questions: (a) Do work and family role stressors in the public sector have cross-domain effects? and (b) Does gender moderate the cross-domain effects? The Korea Labor and Income Panel Study (KLIPS) was used as a secondary data set to address these research questions. A random-effects model (i.e., a three-level hierarchical linear model) was used to take into account heterogeneity across families and individuals. Findings revealed that work role stressors such as monthly salary and working hours were positively related to life satisfaction, but family stressors were not significantly associated with job satisfaction, partially supporting the cross-domain effect. Furthermore, gender did not moderate the cross-domain effects.
The Interplay of Trait Anger, Childhood Physical Abuse, and Alcohol Consumption in Predicting Intimate Partner Aggression
Authors: Maldonado Rosalita C. , Watkins Laura E. , DiLillo David
Published: July 2014

The current study examined three well-established risk factors for intimate partner aggression (IPA) within Finkel and Eckhardt’s I3 model, including two impellance factors—trait anger and childhood physical abuse history—and the disinhibiting factor of alcohol consumption. Participants were 236 male and female college students in a committed heterosexual dating relationship who completed a battery of self-report measures assessing childhood physical abuse, trait anger, alcohol consumption, and IPA perpetration. Results revealed a significant three-way interaction showing that as the disinhibition factor alcohol consumption increased, the interaction of the two impelling factors, trait anger and childhood physical abuse, became increasingly more positive. Individuals who had high levels of childhood physical abuse and alcohol consumption were at greater risk of IPA perpetration when trait anger was high. Consistent with the I3 model, these findings suggest that trait anger and a history of childhood physical abuse may increase tendencies to aggress against one’s partner, whereas alcohol consumption may reduce individuals’ abilities to manage these aggressive tendencies. The importance of interplay among these risk factors in elevating IPA risk is discussed, as are the implications for clinicians working with male and female IPA perpetrators.
Social Issues in the Family Enterprise
Authors: Van Gils Anita , Dibrell Clay , Neubaum Donald O. , Craig Justin B.
Published: July 2014

In this introduction, we discuss social issue research in the management and family business literatures, focusing on ethics, corporate social responsibility, and philanthropic practices of family enterprises. Next, we introduce and highlight four articles accepted for publication. The editorial concludes by presenting future research questions at the social issues—family business interface. Our review of 35 articles, as well as those included in this Special Issue, suggest that family businesses are more attuned and attentive to social issues and stakeholders than nonfamily business. Noneconomic motivations (e.g., reputation, socioemotional wealth, and stewardship) appear particularly salient to family enterprises.
Prediction of pump–circuit interactions by computational fluid dynamics calculations coupled with a one-dimensional acoustic model
Authors: Barrio R , Keller J , Fernández J , Blanco E , Parrondo J
Published: July 2014

Centrifugal pumps generate perturbations due to the intermittent interaction between the blades and the volute that represent a dynamic load which limit the pump’s performance. Their magnitude depends on the acoustic coupling between pump and piping, and so there is interest in reducing the blade-passing frequency excitation by modification of the acoustic impedance of the piping. The objective of this work is to investigate the pressure pulsations predicted in a three-dimensional numerical model of a commercial pump under different coupling conditions. For this purpose, an expression for the acoustic impedance in a basic arrangement is deduced first. This impedance is imposed at the exit boundary of the model by means of an external user-defined function to characterize the impulse pipeline. Simulations are carried out from part flow to overflow and a range of impedances. The predictions for a specific flow rate are compared with experimental measurements of the blade-passing frequency amplitude at the exit of the pump. It is observed that the largest amplitudes among the coupling conditions tested reach relative values of about 11%.
Creep–rupture model of aluminum alloys: Cohesive zone approach
Authors: Kim Kyungmok
Published: July 2014

In this article, a creep–rupture model of aluminum alloys is developed using a time-dependent cohesive zone law. For long-term creep rupture, a time jump strategy is used in a cohesive zone law. Stress–rupture scatter of aluminum alloy 4032-T6 is fitted with a power law form. Then, change in the slope of a stress-rupture line is identified on a log–log scale. Implicit finite element analysis is employed with a model containing a cohesive zone. Stress–rupture curves at various given temperatures are calculated and compared with experimental ones. Results show that a proposed method allows predicting creep–rupture life of aluminum alloys.
Suppressing vibration in a functionally graded material plate using genetic algorithm particle swarm optimization and sliding mode control system
Authors: Moghaddam Jalal Javadi , Bagheri Ahmad
Published: July 2014

In this paper, a particle swarm optimization sliding mode control system is proposed to suppress the vibration of a functionally graded material (FGM) plate. The dynamic response repression of the FGM plate containing distributed piezoelectric sensors and actuators under the effect of a nonlinear control system is presented. The formulation of the problem is based on the classical laminated plate theory and the principle of virtual displacements. The particle swarm optimization is used for the vibration control of the (FGM) plate. In this study, a function of the sliding surface is considered as an objective function and then the control effort is produced by the particle swarm method and sliding mode control strategy. To verify the accuracy and stability of the proposed control system, a traditional sliding mode control system is designed and fabricated to suppressing the vibration in the FGM plate.
Coupled finite element and multibody system dynamics modeling of a three-dimensional railroad system
Authors: El-Ghandour Ahmed I , Hamper Martin B , Foster Craig D
Published: July 2014

During the last two centuries, railroad vehicles have been an important means of transportation of both people and cargo, due to their economic and comfort advantages. Railroad vehicles are a highly economical means of transporting large quantities of cargo over long distances, and also provide a safe and comfortable means of passenger transport. Over the last 30 years or so, the finite element method (FEM) has become more widely used to model railroad systems including the rails, sleepers and substructure. Multibody system dynamics (MBS) software programs are used to model the contact between the wheels and the rails in an effort to study the contact forces and the general dynamics of railroad vehicles. Coupling both the FEM and MBS is a very useful technique to build a reliable model that includes the advantages of both methods. In this work, a full three-dimensional finite element model is created that uses beam, solid and spring elements to model the rails, fasteners, sleepers and substructure. The model treats the rails and the substructure as deformable bodies. Mode shapes of the finite element model are extracted for use in a MBS code to analyze the deformation of the track and substructure under dynamic loading conditions. The results of this new model agree well with results published in the literature.
Student Interest for Environment/Sustainability Undergraduate Programmes: Recent Australian Experience
Authors: Thomas Ian
Published: July 2014

Increasingly, employers are seeing the need to have employees who have capabilities in sustainability. The hope is that there will be a sufficient number of appropriately educated people to enter the environment profession to meet the needs of these employers and the community. For some two decades a range of university programmes in Australia have been graduating a steady stream of environment professionals. However, recent data for the preferences expressed by prospective students for environment and sustainability related programmes indicates that there has not been a growth in the popularity of these programmes as might be expected from the public awareness of environmental issues. Rather, there has been a trend of reduced popularity. If the future needs of employers and the broad community for environment professionals is to be met, increased numbers of young people will have to be attracted to the university programmes. Without going into specifics, the article provides some broad suggestions for what could be done.
Revisiting the ‘Trans-human’ Gestalt: Discussing ‘Nature’ and ‘Development’ with Students of Sustainable Business
Authors: Kopnina Helen
Published: July 2014

This article explores the perceptions of development through metaphor use by students of International Business Management Studies at The Hague University. Students’ reflections upon the concepts of nature and development before and after educational intervention are examined through discourse analysis and narrative analysis. Results show that initially students reflect the dominant development paradigm which tends to conflate ‘nature’ with ‘natural resources’. This study suggests that the critical course has the potential to shift the student focus from the unquestioning acceptance of economic development and instrumental view of nature to recognition of more ecologically benign and culturally variable paths to sustainability. In terms of pedagogy, the ‘trans-human’ Gestalt, or mindset conducive to planetary consciousness, may require a distinct type of didactic strategy, discussed in this article. It is concluded that while transformative social learning towards sustainability requires the integrative switching back and forth between the various mindsets, effective, ecologically engaged and critical learning may require a more fixed, committed and above all affirmative action approach.
Sustainability Assessment of University of Gondar, Gondar, North-west Ethiopia
Authors: Moges Haimanot Gebrehiwot , Kifle Desalegn Woldeyohannes , Lotz-Sisitka Heila , Woldyohhanes Solomon Meseret
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the cross-institutional assessment of sustainable development practices in the University of Gondar (UoG). The focus of the assessment was the level of UoG academic departments’ integration of sustainability concerns in teaching, research and community service. Management contributions to sustainable development, student initiatives on sustainability issues and policy statements about sustainable development of UoG were also considered in the assessment.

The data collection was based on the Unit-based Sustainability Assessment Tool (USAT); in addition, supplementary information was collected through observations across the four campuses of UoG from January to February 2012.

The result of the assessment showed that only a few academic departments have incorporated sustainability concerns in their curricula and teaching approach. The initiation and commitment of academic departments in mainstreaming sustainability concerns in the research and community service delivered were relatively poor. The operation and management of UoG showed inadequate sustainable development practices on waste management, energy utilization and purchasing from environment-friendly companies. In addition, the written policy and statements of UoG did not reflect sustainability in an explicit manner. The university is expected to respond to the key themes defined through sustainability declarations on higher education; there is also a need to establish the relevance of these in relation to the systemic environment.

From the study undertaken, we have learnt that sustainability assessment of universities using USAT will be more valuable, if universities have already initiated the embedding of sustainability so that USAT can be used to benchmark the continual improvement.
Investigation of polymerase chain reaction assays to improve detection of bacterial involvement in bovine respiratory disease
Authors: Bell Colin J. , Blackburn Paul , Elliott Mark , Patterson Tony I. A. P. , Ellison Sean , Lahuerta-Marin Angela , Ball Hywel J.
Published: July 2014

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) causes severe economic losses to the cattle farming industry worldwide. The major bacterial organisms contributing to the BRD complex are Mannheimia haemolytica, Histophilus somni, Mycoplasma bovis, Pasteurella multocida, and Trueperella pyogenes. The postmortem detection of these organisms in pneumonic lung tissue is generally conducted using standard culture-based techniques where the presence of therapeutic antibiotics in the tissue can inhibit bacterial isolation. In the current study, conventional and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were used to assess the prevalence of these 5 organisms in grossly pneumonic lung samples from 150 animals submitted for postmortem examination, and the results were compared with those obtained using culture techniques. Mannheimia haemolytica was detected in 51 cases (34%) by PCR and in 33 cases (22%) by culture, H. somni was detected in 35 cases (23.3%) by PCR and in 6 cases (4%) by culture, Myc. bovis was detected in 53 cases (35.3%) by PCR and in 29 cases (19.3%) by culture, P. multocida was detected in 50 cases (33.3%) by PCR and in 31 cases (20.7%) by culture, and T. pyogenes was detected in 42 cases (28%) by PCR and in 31 cases (20.7%) by culture, with all differences being statistically significant. The PCR assays indicated positive results for 111 cases (74%) whereas 82 cases (54.6%) were culture positive. The PCR assays have demonstrated a significantly higher rate of detection of all 5 organisms in cases of pneumonia in cattle in Northern Ireland than was detected by current standard procedures.
Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry for rapid identification of Brachyspira species isolated from swine, including the newly described “Brachyspira hampsonii”
Authors: Warneke Hallie L. , Kinyon Joann M. , Bower Leslie P. , Burrough Eric R. , Frana Timothy S.
Published: July 2014

The Brachyspira species traditionally associated with swine dysentery and other diarrheal diseases in pigs are Brachyspira hyodysenteriae, Brachyspira pilosicoli, and, to a lesser extent, Brachyspira murdochii. “ Brachyspira hampsonii” is a recently proposed novel species that causes clinical disease similar to that caused by B. hyodysenteriae. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) systems are increasingly available in veterinary diagnostic laboratories, are less expensive, and are faster than traditional microbiological and molecular methods for identification. Thirty-three isolates associated with Brachyspira species of importance to swine were added to an existing MALDI-TOF MS database library. In total, species included in the library were: B. hyodysenteriae, “ B. hampsonii” clades I and II, Brachyspira innocens, Brachyspira intermedia, B. murdochii, and B. pilosicoli. A comparison between MALDI-TOF MS and nox sequencing was completed on 176 field isolates. Of the 176 field isolates, 174 (98.9%) matched species identification by both methods. Thirty field isolates were identified by both methods as “ B. hampsonii”. Twenty-seven of the 30 (90%) “ B. hampsonii” field isolates matched clade designation in both assays. The nox sequencing identified 26 as “ B. hampsonii” clade I and 4 as clade II. Comparatively, MALDI-TOF MS identified 25 of the 30 as “ B. hampsonii” clade I and 5 as clade II. The current study indicates MALDI-TOF MS is a reliable tool for the identification of swine Brachyspira species; however, final clade designation for “ B. hampsonii” may still require molecular techniques.
Analytical confirmation of Xanthium strumarium poisoning in cattle
Authors: Botha Christo J. , Lessing Dries , Rösemann Magda , van Wilpe Erna , Williams June H.
Published: July 2014

Xanthium strumarium, commonly referred to as “cocklebur,” rarely causes poisoning in cattle. When mature, this robust, annual weed bears numerous oval, brownish, spiny burs. Only the seeds in the burs and young seedlings (cotyledonary leaves) contain the toxic principle, carboxyatractyloside. In the Frankfort district of the Free State Province of South Africa, a herd of 150 Bonsmara cows were allowed to graze on the banks of a small river, where mature cocklebur was growing. Four cows died while grazing in this relatively small area. Clinical signs ranged from recumbency, apparent blindness, and hypersensitivity to convulsive seizures. During necropsy, burs completely matted with ingesta were located in the rumen content. The most distinctive microscopic lesions were severe, bridging centrilobular to midzonal hepatocyte necrosis and hemorrhage. Ultrastructurally, periacinar hepatocytes were necrotic, and novel electron-dense cytoplasmic needle-like crystals were observed, often in close association with peroxisomes. Carboxyatractyloside concentrations were determined using liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). Carboxyatractyloside was present in rumen contents at 2.5 mg/kg; in burs removed from the rumen at 0.17 mg/kg; in liver at 66 ng/g, and was below the limit of quantitation in the kidney sample, estimated at approximately 0.8 ng/g. Based on the presence of the plants on the riverbank, the history of exposure, the clinical findings, the presence of burs in the rumen, and the microscopic and ultrastructural lesions, X. strumarium poisoning in the herd of cattle was confirmed and was supported by LC-HRMS.
Impact of a Teen Weekend on the Social Support Needs of Adolescents With Cancer
Authors: Stegenga Kristin
Published: July 2014

Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the psychosocial stressors of a cancer diagnosis because of the unique expectations of their developmental stage. Their developing autonomy and self-image place them at increased risk for negative outcomes related to cancer diagnosis. One response to the developmental and supportive care needs of adolescents with cancer (AYA) was the development of a teen weekend, named Teenapalooza by participants, which was intended to provide a social outlet for AYA to spend time with other AYA. Teens engaged in activities together and spent the night at a centrally located venue supervised by trained medical and child life staff. It became apparent to staff that Teenapalooza was providing more than fun and an opportunity to spend time with other AYA to participants. However, the mechanisms of support were poorly understood. A convenience sample of 9 prior Teenapalooza participants, aged 14 to 17 years, participated in qualitative interviews to better understand these mechanisms so that future interventions could build on this supportive framework.
Damage detection in composite materials structures under variable loads conditions by using fiber Bragg gratings and principal component analysis, involving new unfolding and scaling methods
Authors: Sierra-Pérez Julián , Güemes Alfredo , Mujica Luis E , Ruiz Magda
Published: July 2014

An innovative methodology based on the use of fiber Bragg gratings as strain sensors and strain field pattern recognition is proposed for damage detection in composite materials structures. The strain field pattern recognition technique is based on principal component analysis. Damage indices ( T2 and Q) and detection thresholds are presented. New techniques for unfolding and scaling tridimensional matrices arrays obtained from structures working under variable load conditions are presented.
Does Policy Adoption Change Opinions on Minority Rights? The Effects of Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage
Authors: Kreitzer Rebecca J. , Hamilton Allison J. , Tolbert Caroline J.
Published: July 2014

The Iowa Supreme Court adopted an unpopular but unanimous ruling in Varnum v. Brien, which established same-sex marriage. Using a unique panel study conducted immediately before and after the court decision, we evaluate the impact of policy adoption on changing opinions on minority rights. The signaling of new social norms pressured some respondents to modify their expressed attitudes. We find that respondents whose demographic characteristics would predict support for marriage equality, but previously did not, were more likely to shift their opinions to be consistent with the new state law. A policy feedback mechanism may be responsible for the rapid diffusion of laws legalizing same-sex in the states.
Political Perceptions in the Obama Era
Authors: McKenzie Brian D.
Published: July 2014

Using three national surveys from the Great Recession period in America, I demonstrate two aspects of group-based political attitudes beyond citizens’ partisanship preferences: (1) the economic scapegoating of African Americans by whites during the recession and (2) Latinos’ and African Americans’ use of their marginalized economic status as a lens for understanding how mortgage companies and bankers treated their communities during the downturn. I also discuss the broad impact of disparate economic opinions on citizens’ political outlook for the future. The key patterns of political attitudes are shown to be remarkably consistent from 2009 to 2012.
Reading the Road Signs
Authors: Anestis Joye C. , Finn Jacob A. , Gottfried Emily , Arbisi Paul A. , Joiner Thomas E.
Published: July 2014

This study examined the utility of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2 Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) Validity Scales in prediction of premature termination in a sample of 511 individuals seeking services from a university-based psychology clinic. Higher scores on True Response Inconsistency–Revised and Infrequent Psychopathology Responses increased the risk of premature termination, whereas higher scores on Adjustment Validity lowered the risk of premature termination. Additionally, when compared with individuals who did not prematurely terminate, individuals who prematurely terminated treatment had lower Global Assessment of Functioning scores at both intake and termination and made fewer improvements. Implications of these findings for the use of the MMPI-2-RF Validity Scales in promoting treatment compliance are discussed.
Retroperitoneal fibrosis due to B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma: Responding to rituximab!
Authors: Alvarez Argote Juliana , Bauer Frank A , Posteraro Anthony F , Dasanu Constantin A
Published: July 2014

Retroperitoneal fibrosis is a rare disease manifesting as chronic soft tissue fibrosis in the retroperitoneum, with potential anatomic and/or functional compromise of adjacent organs. It can be primary (idiopathic) or secondary to other conditions such as cancers, autoimmune disorders, or drugs. We report herein a 66-year-old patient with symptomatic retroperitoneal fibrosis leading to bilateral hydronephrosis and renal failure, in whom, after a complex diagnostic work-up and protracted clinical course, a B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the retroperitoneal space and several vertebral bodies was identified. The patient was treated with radiation therapy and weekly rituximab infusions, with resolution of hydronephrosis and lower back pain. We include a thorough literature review on etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis of retroperitoneal fibrosis. A meticulous search for malignancy is necessary in this rare condition that, if positive, may have significant therapeutic and prognostic implications.
A three-dimensional finite element solution of frictional wheel–rail rolling contact in elasto-plasticity
Authors: Zhao Xin , Li Zili
Published: July 2014

Wear, rolling contact fatigue, and plastic deformation are the major failure modes of railway wheels and rails. Proper analyses of the failure mechanisms as well as improvement in design and maintenance require an accurate evaluation of the stress and strain states. Solution of frictional rolling contact between wheel and rail in elasto-plasticity seems, however, still to lack in the literature. This paper presents a model for such a solution. A 3D finite element model is built up to simulate the rolling contact. The focus is on the tangential problem, namely the distributions of surface shear stress and micro-slip as well as the distinction of areas of adhesion and slip in the contact patch. With the presented model the assumptions of half space, linear elasticity and quasi-static or steady state, which are often employed in existing solution of rolling contact, are dropped. A bilinear elasto-plastic material with isotropic hardening is employed to examine the effects of plasticity on frictional rolling. It is found that when plastic flow occurs, the contact patch in the rail top changes from an ellipse into an egg shape; the cross influence between the normal and tangential contact problems become stronger: the normal solution is not independent of the tangential solution any more, and the tangential solution is greatly affected by the normal solution. The model can be applied to investigation of the relationships between material properties, plastic deformation, frictional work, wear, and crack initiation. Such relationships may help in better understanding the occurrence of corrugation, head checks, and squats, and may further be used for design of fatigue resistant materials and profiles of wheel and rail.
Multiple sclerosis and psychiatric disorders: Comorbidity and sibling risk in a nationwide Swedish cohort
Authors: Johansson Viktoria , Lundholm Cecilia , Hillert Jan , Masterman Thomas , Lichtenstein Paul , Landén Mikael , Hultman Christina M
Published: July 2014

Background:

Psychiatric disorders are known to be prevalent in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective:

The objective of this paper is to study comorbidity between MS and bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and depression in a nationwide cohort and to determine whether shared genetic liability underlies the putative association.

Methods:

We identified ICD-diagnosed patients with MS ( n = 16,467), bipolar disorder ( n = 30,761), schizophrenia ( n = 22,781) and depression ( n = 172,479) in the Swedish National Patient Register and identified their siblings in the Multi-Generation Register. The risk of MS was compared in psychiatric patients and in matched unexposed individuals. Shared familial risk between MS and psychiatric disorders was estimated by sibling comparison.

Results:

The risk of MS was increased in patients with bipolar disorder (hazard ratio (HR) 1.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6–2.2, p < 0.0001) and depression (HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.7–2.0, p < 0.0001). MS risk in schizophrenia was decreased (HR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4–0.9, p = 0.005). The association between having a sibling with a psychiatric disorder and developing MS was not significant.

Conclusion:

We found a strong positive association between MS and bipolar disorder and depression that could not be explained by genetic liability. The unexpected negative association between MS and schizophrenia might be spurious or indicate possible protective mechanisms that warrant further exploration.
Has radical participatory online media really ‘failed’? Indymedia and its legacies
Authors: Giraud Eva
Published: July 2014

This article evaluates the contemporary state of radical participatory online news network Indymedia. After examining criticisms levelled at Indymedia from within critical communications and social movement studies, it provides a tabulated overview of current network activity and then develops a theoretical analysis of problems faced by Indymedia centres in a range of regions (focusing on centres in Latin and North America, Africa, West Asia and Western Europe). Finally, the article concludes by discussing how activists have attempted to overcome these problems and emphasizes the ongoing legacy of Indymedia within contemporary social movements such as Occupy. I argue that although there has been a steep decline in the number of active centres from 2010 onwards, the existence of flourishing centres in Latin America, Oceania, Western Europe and the United States and continued importance of practices pioneered by Indymedia in contemporary social movements are indicative of the ongoing value of radical participatory online media for activists.
Digital representation and Occupy Wall Street’s challenge to political subjectivity
Authors: Creech Brian
Published: July 2014

This article considers the ways in which practices of digital representation were deployed in the Occupy Wall Street movement, arguing that acts of self-representation render intelligible not just the politics of a movement like Occupy Wall Street but also make sensible the relations of power such projects are immersed within. Building upon the notion that the specific power of the movement was exercised via a situated understanding of representation, this essay investigates how a digitally mediated sensibility made the broader critiques at the core of the Occupy movement not only intelligible to those inside and outside the movement but also offered a mode of subject constitution that pushed against liberal notions of political subjectivity.
Securing patient safety through quality assurance in a mixed economy of healthcare: The role of accreditation
Authors: Cochrane David
Published: July 2014

Independent accreditation is the third component of comprehensive regulatory systems of countries with a mixed economy of healthcare provision such as the United States and Australia. Now that the Health and Social Care Act 2013 is fueling more pluralistic provider and commissioner models in England, this article explores the case for requiring all suppliers of publicly funded healthcare to be formally accredited. In doing so, it sets out the benefits of independent accreditation, describes the international market including the UK-based accreditation bodies, lists some NHS providers who have already opted to be accredited and sets out a proposed way forward based on the recent experience of South Africa.
Assessment of the therapeutic alliance of youth and parents with team members in youth residential psychiatry
Authors: Lamers Audri , Vermeiren Robert RJM
Published: July 2014

Although therapeutic alliance is widely acknowledged as a key component for therapeutic change, its role is almost unknown in youth residential psychiatry. A likely reason for the lack of research is the absence of assessment tools and procedures for youth residential settings. This study assesses the psychometric properties of the Dutch version of the Family Engagement Questionnaire (FEQ), an alliance measure completed by team members. In addition, agreement among team members is explored. Eleven youth psychiatric day and inpatient units participated. Parent counsellors and case managers of 86 patients from 6 to 17 years old reported on the therapeutic alliance. Exploratory factor analysis of team members’ reports resulted in meaningful structures, with child and parent alliance scales primarily corresponding to the conceptualization of the developers and earlier factor analysis. Internal reliability and validity were good for most of the subscales. The hypothesis that team members would show low levels of agreement in their reports of the therapeutic alliance was confirmed, demonstrating the need to include multiple team members in assessment procedures. Overall, this study underscores the psychometric properties of the Dutch version of the FEQ. Team members in residential youth psychiatric settings are encouraged to reflect regularly with their colleagues on the youth and parent therapeutic alliance.
Teaching in the foreign language classroom: How being a native or non-native speaker of German influences culture teaching
Authors: Ghanem Carla
Published: July 2014

The study explores the complexities associated with graduate language instructors’ NS/NNS identities and teaching of culture. Researchers, who work mainly in the English as a Second/Foreign Language field, have been discussing this divide and have examined the advantages and disadvantages each group brings to the profession, but not the influence this divide might have on teaching practices, especially in regards to teaching the culture. Research on foreign language teachers other than English is almost non-existent. This study investigates eight graduate instructors of German – four NSs and four NNSs of German at a large southwestern US university. The participants included novice and advanced instructors teaching different levels of German. The findings illustrate that NS/NNS identities influenced graduate instructors’ self-perception, confidence, and comfort in the classroom in regard to teaching culture. In discussing their identities, instructors also used various interpretive repertoires, underscoring their individuality and their experiences. The study’s findings suggest that the NS/NNS teacher identities need to be included in training in order to support FL language teaching and learning.
Attending cervical cancer screening, opportunities and obstacles: A qualitative study on midwives’ experiences telephoning non-attendees in Sweden
Authors: Broberg Gudrun , Strander Björn , Ellis Joy , Adolfsson Annsofie
Published: July 2014

Aim: As part of a research project aimed at increasing participation in the cervical cancer screening program (CCS), we explored midwives’ unique experiences of telephoning non-attendees and offering Pap smear appointments. Methods: Twenty midwives, in four focus groups, discussed their experiences of a study investigating ways to increase participation in the CCS. The group discussions were tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim and underwent qualitative content analysis. Results: Speaking with more than 1000 non-attendees provided the midwives with new perspective on the CCS and they realised that improving it might address a number of reasons for not participating. These reasons were often related to logistics, such as scheduling flexibility and appointment booking. The telephone conversations revealed that some women required more individual attention, while it was discovered that others did not require screening. The midwives considered the CCS to be life-saving; participating in this screening activity gave them a sense of satisfaction and pride. Conclusions: This study shows that midwives can improve access and prevent non-attendance at the cervical cancer screening program when they are aware of women’s varying requirements for attending screening.