bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prehospital Stroke Care: Limitations of Current Interventions and Focus on New Developments
Authors: Yperzeele Laetitia , Van Hooff Robbert-Jan , De Smedt Ann , Valenzuela Espinoza Alexis , Van de Casseye Rohny , Hubloue Ives , De Keyser Jacques , Brouns Raf
Published: August 2014

Background: The global burden of stroke is immense, both in medical and economic terms. With the aging population and the ongoing industrialization of the third world, stroke prevalence is expected to increase and will have a major effect on national health expenditures. Currently, the medical treatment for acute ischemic stroke is limited to intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (IV r-tPA), but its time dependency leads to low utilization rates in routine clinical practice. Prehospital delay contributes significantly to delayed or missed treatment opportunities in acute stroke. State-of-the-art acute stroke care, starting in the prehospital phase, could thereby reduce the disease burden and its enormous financial costs. Summary: The first part of this review focuses on current education measures for the general public, the emergency medical services (EMS) dispatchers and paramedics. Although much has been expected of these measures to improve stroke care, no major effects on prehospital delay or missed treatment opportunities have been demonstrated over the years. Most interventional studies showed little or no effect on the onset-to-door time, IV r-tPA utilization rates or outcome, except for prenotification of the receiving hospital by the EMS. No data are currently available on the cost-effectiveness of these commonly used measures. In the second part, we discuss new developments for the improvement of prehospital stroke diagnosis and treatment which could open new perspectives in the nearby future. These include the implementation of prehospital telestroke and the deployment of mobile stroke units. These approaches may improve patient care and could serve as a platform for prehospital clinical trials. Other opportunities include the implementation of noninvasive diagnostics (like transcranial ultrasound and blood-borne biomarkers) and the reevaluation of neuroprotective strategies in the prehospital phase. Key Messages: Timely initiation of treatment can effectively reduce the medical and economic burden of stroke and should begin with optimal prehospital stroke care. For this, prehospital telemedicine is a particularly attractive approach because it is a scalable solution that has the potential to rapidly optimize acute stroke care at limited cost.
Family History of Myocardial Infarction and Cause-Specific Risk of Myocardial Infarction and Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Lind Caroline , Enga Kristin F. , Mathiesen Ellisiv B. , Njølstad Inger , Brækkan Sigrid K. , Hansen John-Bjarne
Published: August 2014

Background—

A family history of myocardial infarction (FHMI) has been shown to increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). The mechanism underlying the association remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to determine the risks of MI and VTE by FHMI using a cause-specific model and to explore whether atherosclerotic risk factors could explain the association between FHMI and VTE in a population-based cohort.

Methods and Results—

The study included 21 624 subjects recruited from the Tromsø Study in 1994 to 1995 and 2001 to 2002. Incident MI and VTE events were registered from date of enrollment to end of follow-up, December 31, 2010. There were 1311 MIs and 428 VTEs during a median follow-up of 15.8 years. FHMI was associated with a 52% increased risk of MI (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.35–1.70) and a 26% increased risk of VTE (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.55) in the cause-specific Cox model. Similar results were found using the traditional Cox model. The risk estimates by status of FHMI were highest for unprovoked deep vein thrombosis (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.69; 95% confidence interval, 1.12–2.56), and the risk increased with increasing number of affected relatives. Modifiable atherosclerotic risk factors slightly altered the association between FHMI and MI but had a negligible effect on the association between FHMI and VTE.

Conclusions—

FHMI was associated with increased risk of both MI and VTE in a cause-specific model. Apparently, the association between FHMI and VTE applied to unprovoked deep vein thrombosis and was not explained by modifiable atherosclerotic risk factors.
Sumo E2 Enzyme UBC9 Is Required for Efficient Protein Quality Control in Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Gupta Manish K. , Gulick James , Liu Ruijie , Wang Xuejun , Molkentin Jeffery D. , Robbins Jeffrey
Published: August 2014

Rationale:

Impairment of proteasomal function is pathogenic in several cardiac proteinopathies and can eventually lead to heart failure. Loss of proteasomal activity often results in the accumulation of large protein aggregates. The ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) is primarily responsible for cellular protein degradation, and although the role of ubiquitination in this process is well studied, the function of an ancillary post-translational modification, SUMOylation, in protein quality control is not fully understood.

Objective:

To determine the role of ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme 9 (UBC9), a small ubiquitin-like modifier–conjugating enzyme, in cardiomyocyte protein quality control.

Methods and Results:

Gain- and loss-of-function approaches were used to determine the importance of UBC9. Overexpression of UBC9 enhanced UPS function in cardiomyocytes, whereas knockdown of UBC9 by small interfering RNA caused significant accumulations of aggregated protein. UPS function and relative activity was analyzed using a UPS reporter protein consisting of a short degron, CL1, fused to the COOH-terminus of green fluorescent protein (GFPu). Subsequently, the effects of UBC9 on UPS function were tested in a proteotoxic model of desmin-related cardiomyopathy, caused by cardiomyocyte-specific expression of a mutated αB crystallin, CryAB
R120G
. CryAB
R120G
expression leads to aggregate formation and decreased proteasomal function. Coinfection of UBC9-adenovirus with CryAB
R120G
virus reduced the proteotoxic sequelae, decreasing overall aggregate concentrations. Conversely, knockdown of UBC9 significantly decreased UPS function in the model and resulted in increased aggregate levels.

Conclusions:

UBC9 plays a significant role in cardiomyocyte protein quality control, and its activity can be exploited to reduce toxic levels of misfolded or aggregated proteins in cardiomyopathy.
Improved Quality of Life After 1 Year With an Invasive Versus a Noninvasive Treatment Strategy in Claudicants
Authors: Nordanstig Joakim , Taft Charles , Hensäter Marlene , Perlander Angelica , Österberg Klas , Jivegård Lennart
Published: August 2014

Background—

The quality of evidence for invasive revascularization in intermittent claudication is low or very low. This prospective, randomized, controlled study tested the hypothesis that an invasive treatment strategy versus continued noninvasive treatment improves health-related quality of life after 1 year in unselected patients with intermittent claudication.

Methods and Results—

After clinical and duplex ultrasound assessment, unselected patients with intermittent claudication requesting treatment for claudication were randomly assigned to invasive (n=79) or noninvasive (n=79) treatment groups. Primary end point was health-related quality of life after 1 year, assessed with Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 version 1 and Vascular Quality of Life Questionnaire, and secondary end points included walking distances on a graded treadmill. The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 version 1 physical component summary (
P
<0.001) and 2 Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 version 1 physical subscales improved significantly more in the invasive versus the noninvasive treatment group. Overall, Vascular Quality of Life Questionnaire score (
P
<0.01) and 3 of 5 domain scores improved significantly more in the invasive versus the noninvasive treatment group. Intermittent claudication distance improved significantly in the invasive (+124 m) versus the noninvasive (+50 m) group (
P
=0.003), whereas the change in maximum walking distance was not significantly different between groups.

Conclusions—

An invasive treatment strategy improves health-related quality of life and intermittent claudication distance after 1 year in patients with stable lifestyle-limiting claudication receiving current medical management. Long-term follow-up data and health-economic assessments are warranted to further establish the role for revascularization in intermittent claudication.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01219842.
Buffering Social Influence: Neural Correlates of Response Inhibition Predict Driving Safety in the Presence of a Peer
Authors: Cascio Christopher N. , Carp Joshua , O'Donnell Matthew Brook , Tinney Francis J. , Bingham C. Raymond , Shope Jean T. , Ouimet Marie Claude , Pradhan Anuj K. , Simons-Morton Bruce G. , Falk Emily B.
Published: August 2014

Adolescence is a period characterized by increased sensitivity to social cues, as well as increased risk-taking in the presence of peers. For example, automobile crashes are the leading cause of death for adolescents, and driving with peers increases the risk of a fatal crash. Growing evidence points to an interaction between neural systems implicated in cognitive control and social and emotional context in predicting adolescent risk. We tested such a relationship in recently licensed teen drivers. Participants completed an fMRI session in which neural activity was measured during a response inhibition task, followed by a separate driving simulator session 1 week later. Participants drove alone and with a peer who was randomly assigned to express risk-promoting or risk-averse social norms. The experimentally manipulated social context during the simulated drive moderated the relationship between individual differences in neural activity in the hypothesized cognitive control network (right inferior frontal gyrus, BG) and risk-taking in the driving context a week later. Increased activity in the response inhibition network was not associated with risk-taking in the presence of a risky peer but was significantly predictive of safer driving in the presence of a cautious peer, above and beyond self-reported susceptibility to peer pressure. Individual differences in recruitment of the response inhibition network may allow those with stronger inhibitory control to override risky tendencies when in the presence of cautious peers. This relationship between social context and individual differences in brain function expands our understanding of neural systems involved in top–down cognitive control during adolescent development.
Adaptive Top–Down Suppression of Hippocampal Activity and the Purging of Intrusive Memories from Consciousness
Authors: Benoit Roland G. , Hulbert Justin C. , Huddleston Ean , Anderson Michael C.
Published: August 2014

When reminded of unwanted memories, people often attempt to suppress these experiences from awareness. Prior work indicates that control processes mediated by the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) modulate hippocampal activity during such retrieval suppression. It remains unknown whether this modulation plays a role in purging an intrusive memory from consciousness. Here, we combined fMRI and effective connectivity analyses with phenomenological reports to scrutinize a role for adaptive top–down suppression of hippocampal retrieval processes in terminating mnemonic awareness of intrusive memories. Participants either suppressed or recalled memories of pictures depicting faces or places. After each trial, they reported their success at regulating awareness of the memory. DLPFC activation was greatest when unwanted memories intruded into consciousness and needed to be purged, and this increased engagement predicted superior control of intrusive memories over time. However, hippocampal activity was decreased during the suppression of place memories only. Importantly, the inhibitory influence of the DLPFC on the hippocampus was linked to the ensuing reduction in intrusions of the suppressed memories. Individuals who exhibited negative top–down coupling during early suppression attempts experienced fewer involuntary memory intrusions later on. Over repeated suppressions, the DLPFC–hippocampus connectivity grew less negative with the degree that they no longer had to purge unwanted memories from awareness. These findings support a role of DLPFC in countermanding the unfolding recollection of an unwanted memory via the suppression of hippocampal processing, a mechanism that may contribute to adaptation in the aftermath of traumatic experiences.
Leeonychiurus, a new genus from East Asia (Collembola: Onychiuridae: Onychiurini)
Authors: SUN XIN , ARBEA JAVIER
Published: August 2014

A new genus of Onychiurini including five species is described from East Asia. Leeonychiurus gen. nov. differs in its antennal III sensory organ with granulated sensory clubs and 11 chaetae in the distal whorl of tibiotarsi. The main diagnostic characters of the genera from the tribe Onychiurini and the five species from the new genus are summarized. A new species, Leeonychiurus fusongensis sp. nov., is reported from northeast China and it can be easily distinguished from other species of the genus by the number of dorsal and ventral pseudocelli. The known Korean species L. polychaetosus is redescribed by the examination of the type materials.
Paracriodion Fragoso (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae): redefinition, with description of a new species from Bolivia
Authors: MONNÉ MIGUEL A.
Published: August 2014

The genus Paracriodion Fragoso, 1982, is redefined. A new species from Bolivia, P. morrisi sp. nov., is described. A key for Paracriodion species is included and new distributional data for P. romani (Aurivillius, 1926) are given.
A Comparative Study on Precipitation Climatology and Interannual Variability in the Lower Midlatitude East Asia and Central Asia
Authors: Yin Zhi-Yong , Wang Hongli , Liu Xiaodong
Published: August 2014

This study examines precipitation climatology and interannual variability in two regions in the lower midlatitude Asia to the east and west of the Tibetan Plateau, one located in monsoonal East Asia (the M region) and the other in semiarid central Asia (the W region). The focus is on the 5-month summer half year (May–September) for the M region and the winter half year (December–April) for the W region, corresponding to their respective rainy seasons. The main mechanism of moisture transport for the M region is the summer lower-tropospheric southerly winds, whereas the winter midtropospheric westerly circulation between 25° and 45°N is responsible for conducting moisture fluxes to the W region. It is further discovered that the winter precipitation series are positively correlated between the two regions (r = 0.47). There is also a weak cross-seasonal correlation between the winter W region precipitation and summer M region precipitation (r = 0.27). Winter westerly circulation over the W region is influenced by both the east Atlantic–western Russia and the polar–Eurasia extratropical teleconnection patterns, while El Niño–Southern Oscillation influences regional circulation patterns in both regions through teleconnections via the Indo-Pacific warm pool convection in winter and its lagged impact on the western North Pacific anticyclone over the Philippine Sea. In the meantime, responses of the regional winter circulation in the M region to the upstream westerly circulation intensity cause the correlation in winter precipitation between the two regions. Such linkages form the basis of the concurrent and cross-seasonal correlations in precipitation between the two remote regions.
Using a High-Frequency Fluorescent Oxygen Probe in Atmospheric Eddy Covariance Applications
Authors: Andersson Andreas , Rutgersson Anna , Sahlée Erik
Published: August 2014

During the years 2010–13, atmospheric eddy covariance measurement of oxygen was performed at the marine site Östergarnsholm in the Baltic Sea. The fast response optode Microx TX3 was used with two different types of tapered sensors. In spite of the increased lifetime, the optical isolated sensor is limited by the slower response time and is unsuitable for ground-based eddy covariance measurements. The sensor without optical isolation shows a −⅔ slope within the inertial subrange and attains sufficient response time and precision to be used in air–sea applications during continuous periods of 1–4 days. Spectral and cospectral analysis shows oxygen measured with the nonoptical isolated sensor to follow the same shape as for CO2and water vapor when normalized. The sampling rate of the Microx TX3 is 2 Hz; however, the sensor was found to have a limited response and resolution, yielding a flux loss in the frequency rangef> 0.3 Hz. This can be corrected for by applying cospectral similarity simultaneously using measurements of latent heat as the reference signal. On average the magnitude of the cospectral correction added 20% to the uncorrected oxygen flux during neutral atmospheric stratification.
Theoretical and Numerical Analysis of a Class of Semi-Implicit Semi-Lagrangian Schemes Potentially Applicable to Atmospheric Models
Authors: Beljadid Abdelaziz , Mohammadian Abdolmajid , Charron Martin , Girard Claude
Published: August 2014

In this paper, theoretical and numerical analyses of the properties of some complex semi-Lagrangian methods are performed to deal with the issues of the instability associated with the treatment of the nonlinear part of the forcing term. A class of semi-Lagrangian semi-implicit schemes is proposed using a modified TR-BDF2 method, which is the combination of the trapezoidal rule (TR) and the second-order backward differentiation formula (BDF2). The process used for the nonlinear term includes two stages as predictor and corrector in the trapezoidal method and one stage for the BDF2 method. For the treatment of the linear term, the implicit trapezoidal method is employed in the first step, the explicit trapezoidal method in the second step, and the implicit BDF2 method in the third step. The combination of these techniques leads to a family of schemes that has a large region of absolute stability, performs well for the purely oscillatory cases, and has good qualities in terms of accuracy and convergence. The use of the explicit method for the linear term in the second step makes the proposed class of schemes competitive in terms of efficiency compared to some well-known schemes that use two steps. Numerical experiments presented herein confirm that the proposed class of schemes performs well in terms of stability, accuracy, convergence, and efficiency in comparison with other, previously known, semi-Lagrangian semi-implicit schemes and semi-implicit predictor–corrector methods. The potential practical application of the proposed class of schemes to a weather prediction model or any other atmospheric model is not discussed and could be the subject of other forthcoming studies.
Existential Psychotherapy With a Person Who Lives With a Left Ventricular Assist Device and Awaits Heart Transplantation
Authors: Schulz Christian
Published: August 2014

This is a case report about long-term existential psychotherapy with a person who lived with a ventricular assist device after a fulminant heart attack and who awaited heart transplantation. The therapeutic relationship lasted over 2.5 years with over 120 therapy sessions in total. The frequency of meetings was flexible. Most meetings took place in the therapy office at the hospital, with 50 minutes per session on a weekly basis. In the acute care phase and in a subsequent crisis, this frequency was increased to daily meetings in the inpatient unit. Using heuristic inquiry as a methodological approach, a co-constructed case report was generated, including verbatim transcript from recorded therapy sessions. Core existential-humanistic themes are highlighted and discussed against the background of the underlying theory.
Validation of the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) Scale for Greek Patients
Authors: Lachanas Vasileios A. , Tsiouvaka Stergiani , Tsea Malamati , Hajiioannou Jiannis K. , Skoulakis Charalampos E.
Published: August 2014

Objective

Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale is a validated disease‐specific questionnaire for the assessment of Nasal Obstruction (NO). The aim of this study was to validate the Greek‐NOSE questionnaire.

Study Design

Prospective instrument validation study.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Subjects and Methods

NOSE questionnaire was translated into Greek and then translated back into English. A prospective study was conducted on adult patients with NO due to septal deviation (SD). Test‐retest evaluation of SD patients was carried out. Internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach's alpha test and test‐retest reliability with Pearson's test (correlation), kappa (reproducibility), and Bland‐Altman plot (extent of agreement). Validity was assessed by comparing scores of a control group of volunteers without NO to preoperative scores of SD patients undergoing septoplasty with Mann‐Whitney test. Responsiveness was assessed by comparing preoperative to 3 months postoperative scores of SD patients with paired t test and evaluating the magnitude of surgery effect.

Results

Test‐retest evaluation was accepted on 109 patients. The Greek‐NOSE had good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.74 for test and 0.76 for retest). All its items were significantly correlated between test and retest evaluation. NOSE showed high reproducibility (mean kappa: 0.75), and almost all differences in Bland‐Altman plot were between agreement thresholds. Controls (123 volunteers) had significant lower score. Postoperative scores were significantly lower than preoperative, and magnitude of surgery effect was high, both indicating good responsiveness.

Conclusion

The Greek‐NOSE questionnaire is a valid instrument with satisfactory internal consistency, reliability, reproducibility, validity, and responsiveness.
Hyaluronic Acid Behavior in the Lamina Propria of the Larynx with Advancing Age
Authors: Branco Anete , Rodrigues Sergio Augusto , Fabro Alexandre Todorovic , Fonseca‐Alves Carlos Eduardo , Martins Regina Helena Garcia
Published: August 2014

Objectives

To analyze the hyaluronic acid behavior in the lamina propria of the larynx with advancing age.

Study Design

Prospective study.

Setting

UNESP‐Univ Estadual Paulista, Botucatu Medical School, Brazil.

Subjects and Methods

Thirty vocal folds were obtained at necropsy from 10 adult males (30–50 years old) and 20 geriatric males (10: 60–75 years old; 10: over 76 years old). Midmembranous vocal fold sections were subjected to immunohistochemical reactions. Digital imaging software (ImageJ) was used to quantify the hyaluronic acid distribution over the lamina propria of vocal folds, from superficial to deep layers.

Results

Hyaluronic acid distribution was homogeneous for the larynges, at both superficial and deep layers (41.6 and 38.5, respectively). For both 30‐ to 50‐year‐old men geriatric age groups, hyaluronic acid level was lower at both layers.

Conclusion

Hyaluronic acid level in the lamina propria of the larynx of geriatric men decreases with advancing age at both layers of the lamina.
Halitosis and the Tonsils: A Review of Management
Authors: Ferguson Matthew , Aydin Murat , Mickel Joseph
Published: August 2014

Objective

Halitosis secondary to pathology of the palatine tonsils is considered airway (type 2) halitosis in the etiologic classification. Reports differ as to the proportion of objective halitosis complaints that have tonsillar etiology, with some giving this figure as 3%. Due to their immunologic role, even healthy tonsils usually possess some subclinical inflammation. The tonsil crypt system is also the most ideal environment for anaerobic bacterial activity in the upper respiratory tract. Tonsillar halitosis is thought to occur mainly because of chronic caseous tonsillitis and tonsillolithiasis (tonsil stones). Tonsillectomy and various cryptolysis techniques are reported to improve halitosis in such cases. In this article, diagnostic methods and evidence for interventions are reviewed.

Data Source

Medline search.

Review Methods

Studies reporting the efficacy of any intervention (medical or surgical) on tonsillar halitosis were included, whether halitosis was the focus or one of several measures.

Conclusions

There are insufficient high‐quality studies on this topic. Improved methodology, for example, use of control groups and utilization of more accurate halitosis detection/quantification techniques, are required.

Implications for Practice

Lack of evidence currently prevents firm conclusions, but the following is recommended: (1) Use reliable methods for halitosis diagnosis and confirmation of tonsillar etiology. Initial treatment such as tongue scraping is useful to rule out oral halitosis. (2) Tonsillar procedures are contraindicated in: subjective halitosis, non‐tonsillar etiology, or if medical management resolves halitosis. (3) Where indicated and where facilities permit, less invasive techniques such as laser cryptolysis may be preferable to tonsillectomy in adults, potentially avoiding general anesthetic and the higher risk associated with tonsillectomy in this group.
The Relationship between Total Quality Management Critical Success Factors and Knowledge Sharing in a Service Industry
Authors: Dabestani Reza , Taghavi Allahvirdi , Saljoughian Mohammad
Published: August 2014

Total quality management (TQM), its components, techniques and principles are extensively accepted by scholars as a comprehensive philosophy for improving organizational performance (OP). Moreover, findings suggest that a prerequisite for successfully implementing TQM is exchanging knowledge in the organization. However, the number of studies addressing the mentioned issue is limited. Also, the nature of knowledge and its interactions with TQM are not properly investigated. Current study investigates the role of employees’ different forms of knowledge sharing appreciation in their tendency to use TQM critical success factors (CSFs). In order to do so, knowledge sharing was divided into two categories of explicit and tacit, and the employees of the IT department of one of the largest companies in Middle East were selected and grouped based on their knowledge sharing characteristics. Further, ten categories were identified for TQM CSFs, and the employees’ appreciation of CSFs were measured. The data were gathered through two questionnaires. Finally, the subjects were plotted and grouped using Tacit–Explicit Analysis. The results indicated that while both Tacit and Explicit knowledge sharing positively correlates with CSF appreciation, a simultaneous increase in both types can bear much fruitful positive results.
No little plans
Authors: Ellem Christine
Published: August 2014

A number of important city-building projects across the early 20th century drew on the utopian ideas of the City Beautiful movement, an architectural response to the poverty and social dysfunctions generated by urban industrialism. This was also a moment in which the imperial connections and imperial ambitions of settler capitalist societies coincided with national projects. The curious co-existence of these ambitions was embodied in the capital city projects of the time – simultaneously imperial and national, and developed through an exchange of utopian ideas about architecture, planning, nature and modernity. Of these, Canberra is exemplary; the most fully realized. A hundred years later, its story is still largely told in narrow terms, as a parochial tale of incomplete nationalism. Shifting focus to explore Canberra in relation to other capital city building projects during the period offers a better understanding of the complex overlays of imperialism, nationalism and regionalism at play in new world settler societies, and the cultural traffic across the Anglophone world.
Bernard Smith’s Formalesque and the end of the history of art
Authors: Berryman Jim
Published: August 2014

The concept of the Formalesque preoccupied Bernard Smith during the last decades of his life. First propounded in Modernism’s History (1998), the Formalesque is a proposed period style describing the art of the 20th century. Yet, despite his ambitions for the Formalesque as a new classification for modern art, the idea failed to appeal to academic art history. This paper does not attempt to salvage the Formalesque from art-historical obscurity. But it does argue Smith’s work on this topic is relevant by virtue of the contribution it makes to debates about modernism and art history. Although Smith’s thesis emphasizes the necessity of period styles and the perennial development of art history, paradoxically, the Formalesque also highlights the limitations of art history. If the Formalesque has a place in art historiography, it belongs to a speculative discourse describing the end of the history of art.
Unspeakable resistance
Authors: Vandevoordt Robin
Published: August 2014

‘Tragedy’ is one of those curiously elastic words reserved for life's saddest spheres and events, irrespective of the forms in which they appear. Even though a vast body of genre studies has emerged, however, only a handful of studies have drawn cross-historical comparisons between tragic forms. This essay demonstrates how Walter Benjamin’s reflections on Attic tragedy may contribute to such a line of thought, focusing both on tragedies’ subversive potential and on the social-historical constellations in which they first emerged. In the first part, Benjamin’s conception of the Attic tragedies is explored by focusing on his The Origin of German Tragic Drama and the theoretical roots of his earlier work. According to Benjamin, Attic tragedies offered a messianic, dialectical critique on the social-historical constellation in which they appeared. The second part of the article discusses the relevance of these reflections for the analysis of contemporary tragic forms, thereby identifying the heirs of Attic tragedy outside the strict boundaries of ‘drama’.
Home abroad: Eastern European children’s family and peer relationships after migration
Authors: Sime Daniela , Fox Rachael
Published: August 2014

Despite a recent upsurge in migration research, the impact of family migration on children’s relationships has received relatively little attention. The existing literature is only beginning to give a voice to migrant children. This article aims to address this gap, as it draws on findings from a qualitative study conducted with 57 Eastern European children, newly arrived in Scotland. By exploring how children perceive old and new friendships after migration, as well as the changes that migration brings in family dynamics and roles, the article offers an understanding of children’s everyday practices that condition their social interactions after migration. It also reveals the centrality of children’s agency and the complex nature of the mechanisms which underpin children’s relationships after migration and emphasizes the multi-sited nature of migrant children’s lives.
Racial Disparities in Incarceration Increase Acceptance of Punitive Policies
Authors: Hetey Rebecca C. , Eberhardt Jennifer L.
Published: August 2014

During the past few decades, punitive crime policies have led to explosive growth in the United States prison population. Such policies have contributed to unprecedented incarceration rates for Blacks in particular. In this article, we consider an unexamined relationship between racial disparities and policy reform. Rather than treating racial disparities as an outcome to be measured, we exposed people to real and extreme racial disparities and observed how this drove their support for harsh criminal-justice policies. In two experiments, we manipulated the racial composition of prisons: When the penal institution was represented as “more Black,” people were more concerned about crime and expressed greater acceptance of punitive policies than when the penal institution was represented as “less Black.” Exposure to extreme racial disparities, then, can lead people to support the very policies that produce those disparities, thus perpetuating a vicious cycle.
“Utilizing” Signal Detection Theory
Authors: Lynn Spencer K. , Barrett Lisa Feldman
Published: August 2014

What do inferring what a person is thinking or feeling, judging a defendant’s guilt, and navigating a dimly lit room have in common? They involve perceptual uncertainty (e.g., a scowling face might indicate anger or concentration, for which different responses are appropriate) and behavioral risk (e.g., a cost to making the wrong response). Signal detection theory describes these types of decisions. In this tutorial, we show how incorporating the economic concept of utility allows signal detection theory to serve as a model of optimal decision making, going beyond its common use as an analytic method. This utility approach to signal detection theory clarifies otherwise enigmatic influences of perceptual uncertainty on measures of decision-making performance (accuracy and optimality) and on behavior (an inverse relationship between bias magnitude and sensitivity optimizes utility). A “utilized” signal detection theory offers the possibility of expanding the phenomena that can be understood within a decision-making framework.
Introduction: The self within the space–time of language performance
Authors: Bertau Marie-Cécile
Published: August 2014

Scientific research in a dialogical paradigm highlights processes and insists on human beings’ relatedness. The basic move is thus a shift from the self-contained “I” to the related self, where the other is seen as the self’s pre-condition. This must be accompanied by a similar shift with regard to language: language has to be viewed as a genuinely dialogical and plural phenomenon. Through five target articles and four commentaries addressing themes across the articles, this special issue takes a close look at the relationship between language and the self and explores some of the topics surfacing within the dialogical perspective: the “in-between” of the related subjects; movements, such as in speaking, listening, thinking, and writing, as an inherent part of the dynamics of the selves’ relatedness. As a result, language gets a rhetorical, phenomenal volume, and the subject is conceived as a self by virtue of its language performances.
Influence of cavity on the performance of particle damper under centrifugal loads
Authors: Zhang Chao , Chen Tianning , Wang Xiaopeng , Yu Kunpeng
Published: August 2014

Particle damping technology, which was developed from impact damping technology, has been successfully used in many fields for vibration reduction. However, the vibration reduction effect of a particle damper (PD) under centrifugal loads is poor and there have been few studies about it. Therefore, a particle damper under rotational conditions was modeled and the effect of the cavity was investigated in this paper. The cavity of the PD is a circular hole. The relationship of the normal pressure between particle layers and the depth in different orientations of the hole under centrifugal loads was established based on powder and soil mechanics. Moreover, the discrete element method was used to simulate the particle damper. In the conditions of rotation, the effects of the orientation and aspect ratio of the PD’s hole on the vibration reduction were studied. Results showed that the hole of the PD drilled perpendicular to the centrifugal load achieved better damping effect and a slender hole (the length is larger than the diameter) provided better vibration reduction effect. In addition, as the rotation speed increased, the optimal aspect ratio also increased. The results can be used as a guide in the design of particle dampers under rotational conditions.
Size dependent effect on the buckling and vibration analysis of double-bonded nanocomposite piezoelectric plate reinforced by boron nitride nanotube based on modified couple stress theory
Authors: Mohammadimehr Mehdi , Mohandes Masood , Moradi Mehdi
Published: August 2014

In this article, the buckling and vibration analysis of a double-bonded nanocomposite piezoelectric plate reinforced by a boron nitride nanotube based on the Eshelby-Mori-Tanaka approach is developed using modified couple stress theory under electro-thermo-mechanical loadings surrounded by an elastic foundation. Using Hamilton's principle, the governing equations of motion are obtained by applying a modified couple stress theory and the Eshelby-Mori-Tanaka approach for piezoelectric material and Kirchhoff plate. These equations are coupled for the double-layer plate using the Pasternak foundation and solved using Navier’s type solution. Then the dimensionless frequencies and critical buckling load for simply-supported boundary conditions are obtained. The effects of material length scale parameter, elastic foundation coefficients, aspect ratio ( a/b), length to thickness ratio ( a/h), transverse and longitudinal wave numbers on the dimensionless natural are investigated. The dimensionless frequency of a double-bonded nanocomposite piezoelectric plate increases with increasing length to thickness ratio and decreases with increasing aspect ratio. In addition, the effect of the elastic foundation on the dimensionless frequency of double-bonded nanocomposite piezoelectric plates is more considerable for higher elastic medium parameters. The critical buckling load also decreases with an increase in the dimensionless material length scale parameter.
Social Integration, Psychological Distress, and Smoking Behaviors in a Midwest LGBT Community
Authors: Sivadon Angela , Matthews Alicia K. , David Kevin M.
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) populations have smoking rates twice that of their heterosexual counterparts. To design effective outreach, prevention, and treatments for these individuals, a comprehensive understanding of associated factors is needed. OBJECTIVE: To increase understanding of how social integration and psychological distress are related to smoking behaviors among LGBT populations. DESIGN: A cross-sectional, descriptive study of 135 LGBT adults using an online data collection strategy. Multivariate analyses were performed to examine factors associated with current smoking status. RESULTS: Social integration was not significantly related to smoking behaviors in this LGBT population, although psychological distress was higher among smokers than nonsmokers. CONCLUSIONS: Although social support has been reported to have an impact on health behaviors in the general population, the present findings suggest that the benefits of social support may not apply to the smoking activities of LGBT individuals.
How much is it? Price representation practices in retail markets
Authors: Hagberg Johan , Kjellberg Hans
Published: August 2014

This article explores the notion of price representation, the various ways in which prices are made available to market participants, an important aspect of contemporary markets that has been relatively neglected in previous research. Specifically, the article uses the representation of prices in contemporary retail markets as a backdrop for theorizing about the role of price representations. We propose a number of conceptual relations between price representations, prices and the practices of producing them. We further elaborate on what price representations represent by relating their generation to the process of qualifying goods. We conclude by relating our conceptual discussion to existing research, drawing out implications for future research on prices and pricing, for theorizing about markets and for marketing strategy.
Critical HRD—A Mithridate?
Authors: Hill Bob
Published: August 2014

The Problem

Current crises such as the global financial meltdown, disparate distribution of income, growing economic inequalities, business and government complicity in favoring an economic elite, war on the middle class, and oppressive market behaviors have been linked to corporate and business practices, with little resistance from the academy, including the field of human resource development (HRD). In fact, HRD has been portrayed by some as collusive. Recent arguments suggest that critical HRD can recalibrate this equation. This article interrogates whether adding criticality to HRD can be an antidote to such complicity, that is, can it be a mithridate?

The Solution

Rather than baptize HRD in the waters of criticality, where HRD remains the center of gravity with critical theory merely informing it, this article proposes that a transdisciplinary approach has the potential to offer more effective interventions in the current crises. Transdisciplinarity, the space between the disciplines of HRD and critical theory, may open up a unity of knowledge beyond the canonical borders of either field, yielding a new holism with important implications for practice.

The Stakeholders

HR and OD professionals, adult educators, cultural critics.
Latino Beliefs About Biomedical Research Participation
Authors: Ceballos Rachel M. , Knerr Sarah , Scott Mary Alice , Hohl Sarah D. , Malen Rachel C. , Vilchis Hugo , Thompson Beti
Published: August 2014

Latinos are under-represented in biomedical research conducted in the United States, impeding disease prevention and treatment efforts for this growing demographic group. We gathered perceptions of biomedical research and gauged willingness to participate through elicitation interviews and focus groups with Latinos living on the U.S.–Mexico border. Themes that emerged included a strong willingness to participate in biomedical studies and suggested that Latinos may be under-represented due to limited formal education and access to health information, not distrust. The conflation of research and clinical care was common and motivated participation. Outreach efforts and educational interventions to inform Latinos of participation opportunities and clarify harms and benefits associated with biomedical research participation will be essential to maintain trust within Latino communities.
Resilience of Dutch probation officers: A critical need for a critical profession
Authors: Vogelvang Bas , Clarke Jo , Sperna Weiland Aleid , Vosters Nanne , Button Lori
Published: August 2014

This article presents the first research findings into the resilience of Dutch probation officers. The research has been a part of European-funded SPORE project, that aimed to identify approaches that appear to have a positive impact on probation officers’ resilience. The theoretical starting point for the research was the Stress Shield Model, developed and validated in research among police officers. This model views resilience as the capacity to cope with, adapt to, and develop from the demands, challenges and changes encountered as a result of working in a critical occupation. The model describes resilience as an outcome, resulting from the interaction between organizational, peer related, and individual factors.

By means of five focus groups and an internet survey consisting of questionnaires measuring the model factors, the research aimed to identify how the factors in the model influence the resilience of Dutch probation officers (POs), what effective or promising practices exist in the Netherlands for the purpose of strengthening resilience of POs, what supporting activities can be carried out by the management, and finally what recommendations can be made for developments at a national and European level.

The survey was completed by 165 POs. Results indicate that for Dutch POs it is not primarily clients who have a negative impact on their resilience. Worker resilience appears to be primarily threatened, but also developed and strengthened, by characteristics of the organization and team, as well as the characteristics of the individual worker himself. As an organization, the Dutch Probation Service appears to effectively build and sustain probation officers’ sense of empowerment, which prepares them for future stress. In addition, the research shows the importance of a resilient team and of an organization that provides teams with proper support. Based on these research findings, a set of detailed recommendations is presented that has now been adopted by the management of the Dutch Probation Service.
The Tao of myeloma
Authors: Boise Lawrence H. , Kaufman Jonathan L. , Bahlis Nizar J. , Lonial Sagar , Lee Kelvin P.
Published: August 2014

Multiple myeloma is a plasma cell malignancy in which significant advances have been observed during the last 15 years. Our understanding of the disease has been advanced through its molecular characterization. We have also seen improvements in patient care with the development of 2 new classes of active agents, proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs), resulting in a significant improvement in overall survival of myeloma patients such that it can now be debated as to whether some subsets of myeloma patients can be cured. However, the advances in our understanding of myeloma biology occurred in parallel with advances in treatment as opposed to being directly informed by the research. Moreover, the molecular characterization of malignant plasma cells would not have predicted the effectiveness of these novel therapies. We hypothesize that proteasome inhibitors and IMiDs are highly active because malignant plasma cells are constrained by many of the characteristics of their normal counterparts and these novel therapies target both normal plasma cell biology and the cancer biology of myeloma. Thus, a better understanding of normal plasma cell biology will likely yield as many actionable targets as mapping the genomic landscape of this disease.