bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on the Effect of Neurogenesis and Regulation of GSK3β/PP2A Expression in Acupuncture Treatment of Neural Functional Damage Caused by Focal Ischemia in MCAO Rats
Authors: Luo Ding , Fan Xiaonong , Ma Congcong , Fan Tongtao , Wang Xiaoguang , Chang Nvzi , Li Lingxin , Zhang Yanan , Meng Zhihong , Wang Shu , Shi Xuemin
Published: July 2014

170 SD rats were randomly divided to five groups. Rats in model group, no‐acupuncture group, and acupuncture group were subjected to MCAO surgery. Acupuncture group received 3 consecutive acupuncture treatments at a parameter that deep in 2 mm towards apex nasi and thrust/lifted at 3 times per second for 1 minute, while model group and no‐acupuncture group were no‐intervention control groups. Serious neural functional damage and sharp decrease of cerebral blood flow, obvious infarction volume, increased nestin mRNA expression, and immunopositive cells population (nestin+, BrdU+ and nestin/BrdU+) were found in MCAO rats which had not been observed in normal group and sham‐operated group. However, the damage was attenuated by rat’s “self‐healing” capacity 3 days after MCAO. And the “self‐healing” capacity can be strengthen by acupuncture treatment through increasing cerebral blood flow, neurogenesis, and regulation of gene transcription or GSK‐3β and PP2A expression. In conclusion, the present study indicates that the underlying mechanism of acupuncture treatment on neural functional damage caused by focal ischemia injury is a multiple interaction which may involve improved cerebral blood supply, neurogenesis, and regulation of gene transcription or GSK‐3β and PP2A expression in MCAO rats.
A New Method of PV Array Faults Diagnosis in Smart Grid
Authors: Cheng Ze , Wang Yucui , Cheng Silu
Published: July 2014

A new fault diagnosis method is proposed for PV arrays with SP connection in this study, the advantages of which are that it would minimize the number of sensors needed and that the accuracy and anti-interference ability are improved with the introduction of fuzzy group decision-making theory. We considered five “decision makers” contributing to the diagnosis of PV array faults, including voltage, current, environmental temperature, panel temperature, and solar illumination. The accuracy and reliability of the proposed method were verified experimentally, and the possible factors contributing to diagnosis deviation were analyzed, based on which solutions were suggested to reduce or eliminate errors in aspects of hardware and software.
Dirac Particle for the Position Dependent Mass in the Generalized Asymmetric Woods-Saxon Potential
Authors: Alpdoğan Soner , Havare Ali
Published: July 2014

The one-dimensional Dirac equation with position dependent mass in the generalized asymmetric Woods-Saxon potential is solved in terms of the hypergeometric functions. The transmission and reflection coefficients are obtained by considering the one-dimensional electric current density for the Dirac particle and the equation describing the bound states is found by utilizing the continuity conditions of the obtained wave function. Also, by using the generalized asymmetric Woods-Saxon potential solutions, the scattering states are found out without making calculation for the Woods-Saxon, Hulthen, cusp potentials, and so forth, which are derived from the generalized asymmetric Woods-Saxon potential and the conditions describing transmission resonances and supercriticality are achieved. At the same time, the data obtained in this work are compared with the results achieved in earlier studies and are observed to be consistent.
Voltage Dependent Anion Channel Is Redistributed during Japanese Encephalitis Virus Infection of Insect Cells
Authors: Fongsaran Chanida , Phaonakrop Narumon , Roytrakul Sittiruk , Thepparit Chutima , Kuadkitkan Atichat , Smith Duncan R.
Published: July 2014

Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, Japanese encephalitis remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in many parts of Asia. Japanese encephalitis is caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), a mosquito transmitted flavivirus. Many of the details of the virus replication cycle in mosquito cells remain unknown. This study sought to determine whether GRP78, a well-characterized flavivirus E protein interacting protein, interacted with JEV E protein in insect cells, and whether this interaction was mediated at the cell surface. GRP78 was shown to interact with JEV E protein by coimmunoprecipitation, and was additionally shown to interact with voltage dependent anion protein (VDAC) through the same methodology. Antibody inhibition experiments showed that neither GRP78 nor VDAC played a role in JEV internalization to insect cells. Interestingly, VDAC was shown to be significantly relocalized in response to JEV infection, and significant levels of colocalization between VDAC and GRP78 and VDAC and ribosomal L28 protein were seen in JEV infected but not uninfected cells. This is the first report of relocalization of VDAC in response to JEV infection and suggests that this may be a part of the JEV replication strategy in insect cells.
Large-Scale Characterization of DNA Methylation Changes in Human Gastric Carcinomas with and without Metastasis
Authors: Liu Zhaojun , Zhang Jun , Gao Yanhong , Pei Lirong , Zhou Jing , Gu Liankun , Zhang Lianhai , Zhu Budong , Hattori Naoko , Ji Jiafu , Yuasa Yasuhito , Kim Wooho , Ushijima Toshikazu , Shi Huidong , Deng Dajun
Published: July 2014

Purpose: Metastasis is the leading cause of death for gastric carcinoma. An epigenetic biomarker panel for predicting gastric carcinoma metastasis could have significant clinical impact on the care of patients with gastric carcinoma. The main purpose of this study is to characterize the methylation differences between gastric carcinomas with and without metastasis.

Experimental Design: Genome-wide DNA methylation profiles between 4 metastatic and 4 nonmetastatic gastric carcinomas and their surgical margins (SM) were analyzed using methylated-CpG island amplification with microarray. The methylation states of 73 candidate genes were further analyzed in patients with gastric carcinoma in a discovery cohort (n = 108) using denatured high performance liquid chromatography, bisulfite-sequencing, and MethyLight. The predictive values of potential metastasis-methylation biomarkers were validated in cohorts of patients with gastric carcinoma in China (n = 330), Japan (n = 129), and Korea (n = 153).

Results: The gastric carcinoma genome showed significantly higher proportions of hypomethylation in the promoter and exon-1 regions, as well as increased hypermethylation of intragenic fragments when compared with SMs. Significant differential methylation was validated in the CpG islands of 15 genes (P < 0.05) and confirmed using bisulfite sequencing. These genes included BMP3, BNIP3, CDKN2A, ECEL1, ELK1, GFRA1, HOXD10, KCNH1, PSMD10, PTPRT, SIGIRR, SRF, TBX5, TFPI2, and ZNF382. Methylation changes of GFRA1, SRF, and ZNF382 resulted in up- or downregulation of their transcription. Most importantly, the prevalence of GFRA1, SRF, and ZNF382 methylation alterations was consistently and coordinately associated with gastric carcinoma metastasis and the patients' overall survival throughout discovery and validation cohorts in China, Japan, and Korea.

Conclusion: Methylation changes of GFRA1, SRF, and ZNF382 may be a potential biomarker set for prediction of gastric carcinoma metastasis. Clin Cancer Res; 20(17); 4598–612. ©2014 AACR.
Urological Results after Fetal Myelomeningocele Repair in Pre-MOMS Trial Patients at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Authors: Carr Michael C.
Published: July 2014

Introduction: Myelomeningocele patients deal with multiple medical issues, including lower extremity neurological deficits, bowel and bladder incontinence and the sequelae of hydrocephalus secondary to a Chiari II malformation. In utero intervention holds the promise of reversing some of the sequelae and improving outcome. Material and Methods: Between 1998 and 2003 (preceding the formal Management of Myelomeningocele Study, MOMS), an initial group of 58 patients underwent in utero repair of their myelomeningocele between 21 and 25 weeks' gestation. Long-term (5-year) follow-up has occurred in this cohort of patients. Previous reports have documented decreased incidence of ventriculoperitoneal shunting and neuromotor functioning, showing improved outcomes compared with historical controls. Results: Overall, 4 fetal deaths occurred, while the majority of patients returned for follow-up for up to 5 years after closure. Phone follow-up has also been conducted for those who could not return. To date, 10 patients (18.5%) have successfully toilet-trained, while 2 patients have bowel continence and 1 has bladder continence but requires enemas; 2 patients who successfully toilet-trained developed spinal dermoid cysts requiring surgical resection. Discussion: Historically, in utero repair of myelomeningocele patients yields a greater percentage of patients who have achieved continence compared with those undergoing postnatal repair. The MOMS trial will compare contemporary urological outcomes of those patients undergoing either prenatal or postnatal repair in a randomized fashion. The results of this trial showed a decreased need for ventriculoperitoneal shunting in those patients who underwent in utero repair as well as an improvement in lower extremity function.
Brushing Cytology of the Biliary Tract: Bile Juice from the ERCP Sheath Tube Provides Cell-Rich Smear Samples
Authors: Wakasa Tomoko , Inayama Kumiko , Honda Tomoko , Shintaku Masayuki , Okabe Yoshihiro , Kakudo Kennichi
Published: July 2014

Objectives: To improve the diagnostic accuracy of bile smear cytology, we assessed two cell-yielding procedures. Study Design: One hundred and forty-one patients with biliary stricture underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and conventional brush sampling. The cytologist cut the brush head off the support wire, centrifuged it directly in tissue culture medium for 1 min at 3,000 rpm, centrifuged the medium again and then smeared the cell pellet onto slides. The remaining sheath tube was then cut into 12-cm segments, which were centrifuged in a centrifuge tube for 1 min at 3,000 rpm, collected and submitted for cytospin preparation. Results: The final histopathological diagnoses based on surgery, biopsy or clinical progression were evaluated for sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. Using conventional smears alone, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy in patients with biliary stricture were 66.1, 80.7 and 68.8%, respectively. For conventional smears, brush washing and sheath tube contents together, the sensitivity improved to 73.9%, specificity to 100% and accuracy to 78.7%. In the patients with bile duct carcinoma, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 87.3, 100 and 90.7%, respectively. Conclusion: Superior diagnostic accuracy was achieved when conventional smear procedures were combined with the two new procedures.
Primary Duodenal Adenocarcinoma without Stenosis: A Case Report with a Brief Literature Review
Authors: Usuda Daisuke , Hashimoto Yu , Muranaka Emiri , Okamura Hideyuki , Kanda Tsugiyasu , Urashima Sachio
Published: July 2014

This article focuses on the symptomatic and diagnostic problems of primary duodenal adenocarcinoma (PDA) by way of two case reports and a literature review. An 85-year-old woman with an adenocarcinoma in the 1st duodenal portion was offered palliative care. A 90-year-old woman with an adenocarcinoma in the 3rd duodenal portion was also offered palliative care. A unique finding in the two cases reported herein is that PDA did not cause stenosis and occlusion of the lumen. As no reports of PDA without stenosis have been published so far, these cases may add to our knowledge of PDA. The diagnosis of PDA is often delayed because its symptoms may be absent until the tumor has progressed, thus leading to a delay of several months. Patients typically present with a long history of variable and vague symptoms, and many are diagnosed with advanced disease. As regards clinical manifestations, abdominal pain is the most frequent symptom. The majority of these tumors are found to have infiltrated the duodenal wall at presentation, with many being unresectable due to local and distal invasion. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and gastrointestinal barium radiography are the main diagnostic tests for PDA, detecting 88.6 and 83.3% of tumors, respectively. In some cases, ultrasonography or computed tomography are useful for detecting PDA and determining vascular invasion.
Identification and characterisation of novel inhibitors on extrinsic tenase complex from Bungarus fasciatus (banded krait) venom
Authors: Kang Tse Siang , Chen Wan , Goh Leng Chuan , Kini Manjunatha
Published: July 2014

Snake venoms are excellent sources of pharmacologically active proteins and peptides, and hence are potential sources of leads for drug developments. It has been previously established that krait (Bungarus genus) venoms contain mainly neurotoxins. A screening for anticoagulants showed that Bungarus fasciatus venom exhibits potent anticoagulant effect in standard clotting assays. Through sequential fractionation of the venom by size exclusion and high performance liquid chromatographies, coupled with functional screening for anticoagulant activities, we have isolated and purified two anticoagulant proteins, termed BF-AC1 ( Bungarus fasciatus anticoagulant 1) and BFAC2. They have potent inhibitory activities (IC50 of 10 nM) on the extrinsic tenase complex. Structurally, these proteins each has two subunits covalently held together by disulfide bond(s). The N-terminal sequences of the individual subunits of BF-AC1 and BF-AC2 showed that the larger subunit is homologous to phospholipase A2, while the smaller subunit is homologous to Kunitz type serine proteinase inhibitor. Functionally, in addition to their anticoagulant activity, these proteins showed presynaptic neurotoxic effects in both in vivo and ex vivo experiments. Thus, BF-AC1 and BF-AC2 are structurally and functionally similar to β-bungarotoxins, a class of neurotoxins. The enzymatic activity of phospholipase A2 subunit plays a significant role in the anticoagulant activities. This is the first report on the anticoagulant activity of β-bungarotoxins and these results expand on the existing catalogue of haemostatically active snake venom proteins.
Factor Xa inhibits HMGB1-induced septic responses in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and in mice
Authors: Lee Wonhwa , Ku Sae-Kwang , Bae Jong-Sup
Published: July 2014

Nuclear DNA-binding protein high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) acts as a late mediator of severe vascular inflammatory conditions, such as sepsis. Activated factor X (FXa) is an important player in the coagulation cascade responsible for thrombin generation, and it influences cell signalling in various cell types by activating protease-activated receptors (PARs). However, the effect of FXa on HMGB1-induced inflammatory response has not been studied. First, we addressed this issue by monitoring the effects of post-treatment with FXa on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-mediated release of HMGB1 and HMGB1-mediated regulation of pro-inflammatory responses in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and septic mice. Post-treatment with FXa was found to suppress LPS-mediated release of HMGB1 and HMGB1-mediated cytoskeletal rearrangements. FXa also inhibited HMGB1-mediated hyperpermeability and leukocyte migration in septic mice. In addition, FXa inhibited the production of tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin (IL)-1β. FXa also facilitated the downregulation of CLP-induced release of HMGB1, production of IL-6, and mortality. Collectively, these results suggest that FXa may be regarded as a candidate therapeutic agent for treating vascular inflammatory diseases by inhibiting the HMGB1 signalling pathway.
Two new species of the genus Armascirus (Acari: Prostigmata: Cunaxidae) from India and Vietnam, with a description of the preimaginal stage of Armascirus fendai
Authors: KALÚZ Stanislav , ERMILOV SERGEY G. , VRABEC MICHAL
Published: July 2014

Two new mite species from India and Vietnam, viz. Armascirus denheyeri sp. nov. and Armascirus orientalis sp. nov. (Acari: Prostigmata, Cunaxidae), are described and figured together with the description of the deutonymph of Armascirus fendai from Slovakia.
A new tardigrade, Mutaparadoxipus duodigifinis gen. nov., sp. nov. (Heterotardigrada: Arthrotardigrada), from the Southeastern United States
Authors: GROSS VLADIMIR , MILLER WILLIAM R. , HOCHBERG RICK
Published: July 2014

A new genus and species of Arthrotardigrada is described from Florida, USA based on its unique adhesive pad/claw combinations. Mutaparadoxipus duodigifinis gen. nov., sp. nov., is characterized by well-developed, ventral secondary clavae that are adjacent to the mouth, pointed lateral and caudal alae, seminal receptacles with coiled ducts opening lateral to the gonopore, and all legs with digits bearing proximal adhesive pads. Distal claws are present on digits I–III of legs I–III, but are missing from digit IV. On leg IV, distal claws are present only on digits II & III. A single accessory point is present on claws II & III only. This is the fourth species discovered to date with proximal adhesive pads, increasing support for a clade of adhesive-padded arthrotardigrades, and is likely the sister taxon of Paradoxipus orzeliscoides. The incomplete set of claws may represent an evolutionary step in a progressive loss of claws hypothesized to have occurred within the Halechiniscidae. The subfamily Orzeliscinae is amended as a result.
The Response of the Sea Ice Edge to Atmospheric and Oceanic Jet Formation
Authors: Heorton Harold D. B. S. , Feltham Daniel L. , Hunt Julian C. R.
Published: July 2014

The sea ice edge presents a region of many feedback processes between the atmosphere, ocean, and sea ice (Maslowski et al.). Here the authors focus on the impact of on-ice atmospheric and oceanic flows at the sea ice edge. Mesoscale jet formation due to the Coriolis effect is well understood over sharp changes in surface roughness such as coastlines (Hunt et al.). This sharp change in surface roughness is experienced by the atmosphere and ocean encountering a compacted sea ice edge. This paper presents a study of a dynamic sea ice edge responding to prescribed atmospheric and oceanic jet formation. An idealized analytical model of sea ice drift is developed and compared to a sea ice climate model [the Los Alamos Sea Ice Model (CICE)] run on an idealized domain. The response of the CICE model to jet formation is tested at various resolutions.

It is found that the formation of atmospheric jets at the sea ice edge increases the wind speed parallel to the sea ice edge and results in the formation of a sea ice drift jet in agreement with an observed sea ice drift jet (Johannessen et al.). The increase in ice drift speed is dependent upon the angle between the ice edge and wind and results in up to a 40% increase in ice transport along the sea ice edge. The possibility of oceanic jet formation and the resultant effect upon the sea ice edge is less conclusive. Observations and climate model data of the polar oceans have been analyzed to show areas of likely atmospheric jet formation, with the Fram Strait being of particular interest.
Sensory impairment after stroke: Exploring therapists’ clinical decision making
Authors: Doyle Susan D. , Bennett Sally , Dudgeon Brian J.
Published: July 2014

Background.

Stroke survivors experience sensory impairments that significantly limit upper-limb functional use. Lack of clear research-based guidelines about their management exacerbates the uncertainty in occupational therapists’ decision making to support these clients.

Purpose.

This study explores occupational therapists’ clinical decision making regarding upper-limb, post-stroke sensory impairments that can ultimately inform approaches to support therapists working with such clients.

Method.

Twelve therapists participated in a qualitative descriptive study. Transcripts of semi-structured interviews were analyzed using content analysis.

Findings.

Three overarching categories were identified: deciding on the focus of interventions (describing intervention choices), it all depends (outlining factors considered when choosing interventions), and managing uncertainty in decision making (describing uncertainty and actions taken to resolve it).

Implications.

Providing training about post-stroke sensory impairment and decision making may improve therapists’ decision making and ultimately improve client outcomes. Further research is needed to understand the impact of uncertainty on occupational therapy decision making and resulting care practices.
Use of Colocated Multidisciplinary Services to Address Family Psychosocial Needs at an Urban Pediatric Primary Care Clinic
Authors: Vasan Aditi , Solomon Barry S.
Published: July 2014

Objective. To examine associations between use of on-site multidisciplinary services at a pediatric primary care clinic, perceptions of the clinic, and health care utilization. Study Design. Eighty caregivers were interviewed during clinic visits assessing on-site service use, satisfaction, and perception of the clinic as a medical home. Acute care, emergency department, and well-child visit data were abstracted from children’s medical records. Student’s t test and multivariate regression were used to examine associations between service use, satisfaction, and health care utilization. Results. Use of ≥3 clinic services was associated with improved satisfaction (Client Satisfaction Questionnaire–8 mean: 31.8 vs 31.0, P < .05), stronger perception of the clinic as a medical home (Parents’ Perception of Primary Care mean: 97.6 vs 93.4, P < .01), and increased missed well-child care visits (mean: 0.49 vs 0.20, P < .05). Conclusions. On-site service use was associated with improved caregiver satisfaction but decreased well-child visit adherence. Caregivers using support services may face barriers to accessing preventive care.
Growth of Healthy Term Infants Fed Partially Hydrolyzed Whey-Based Infant Formula
Authors: Borschel Marlene W. , Choe Yong S. , Kajzer Janice A.
Published: July 2014

Partially hydrolyzed formulas (pHF) represent a significant percentage of the infant formula market. A new whey-based, palm olein oil (PO)–free pHF was developed and a masked, randomized, parallel growth study was conducted in infants fed this formula or a commercially available whey-based pHF with PO. Infants between 0 and 8 days were to be enrolled and studied to 119 days of age. Growth and tolerance of infants were evaluated. Mean weight gain from 14 to 119 days of age was similar between groups. There were no significant differences between groups in weight, length, head circumference (HC), or length or HC gains. Infants fed the new PO-free pHF had significantly softer stools than those fed the PO-containing formula except at 119 days of age. This study demonstrates that whereas growth of infants fed different formulas during the first 4 months of life may be similar, infants may tolerate individual formulas differently.
Identifying Parental Preferences for Corticosteroid and Inhaled Beta-Agonist Delivery Mode in Children With Acute Asthma Exacerbations
Authors: Szlam Sarah , Arnold Donald H.
Published: July 2014

This study examines caregiver preferences of single-dose dexamethasone (DEX) versus 5-day oral prednisolone in treating acute asthma exacerbation in a pediatric emergency department (PED). A secondary objective was preference for mode of home inhaled β-agonist administration. Caregivers of patients 2 to 18 years with an acute asthma exacerbation treated in the PED completed a 1-page questionnaire including asthma history and preferences for steroids and β-agonist administration. One hundred caregivers completed the questionnaire. Within the preceding year, 79% had an asthma exacerbation and 73.7% (n = 99) were prescribed prednisolone. DEX was preferred by 79% of caregivers. Preferences were independent of caregiver demographics except in cases of prior intensive care admission, where DEX was less favored (odds ratio = 0.27, P < .046). No difference existed in mode of home β-agonist administration. Most caregivers prefer DEX in acute asthma exacerbation management. No difference exists for home β-agonists. These results may advise clinical practice in pediatric acute asthma exacerbation.
Environmental protection as international security: Conserving the Pentagon’s island bases in the Asia–Pacific
Authors: Harris Peter
Published: July 2014

Island bases are integral to US grand strategy in the Asia–Pacific. In this article, I discuss the increasingly common practice of using environmental protection initiatives to secure the Pentagon’s hold on these prized assets. I argue that nature reserves on or around militarized sites on Guam, the Central Pacific islands, and Diego Garcia serve to buttress US political control over the territory concerned. In short, nature reserves in the Pacific and Indian oceans give vital political cover to the island fortresses that they envelop by adding a public relations-friendly rationale for the US military’s occupation of colonized territories as well as an additional layer of politico-legal control.
Non-suicidal self-injury among psychiatric outpatient adolescent offspring of Croatian posttraumatic stress disorder male war veterans: Prevalence and psychosocial correlates
Authors: Boričević Maršanić Vlatka , Aukst Margetić Branka , Ožanić Bulić Suzana , Đuretić Irena , Kniewald Hrvoje , Jukić Tatjana , Paradžik Ljubica
Published: July 2014

Background:

The children of male veterans with combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at particularly high risk of emotional and behavioral problems. However, no studies have examined non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in this population of youth.

Aims:

To determine the prevalence and psychosocial correlates of lifetime NSSI in a sample of psychiatric outpatient adolescent offspring of Croatian PTSD male veterans.

Method:

Consecutive outpatient adolescent offspring of Croatian male PTSD veterans, aged 12 to 18 years, were assessed on the Deliberate Self Harm Inventory, the Youth Self-Report, the Family Assessment Device, the Parental Bonding Instrument and the Demographics Questionnaire.

Results:

Of the whole sample, 52.7% of adolescents reported NSSI at least once during their lifetime. Lifetime NSSI was significantly associated with internalizing symptoms (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.14; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04–4.42, p = .040), poor family functioning (adjusted OR = 6.54; 95% CI: 2.02–21.22, p = .002), lower maternal and paternal care (adjusted OR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.40–0.56, p = .000 and adjusted OR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.73–0.91, p = .000, respectively) and higher paternal control (adjusted OR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.59–2.14, p = .000) in multivariate analysis. No association was found between lifetime NSSI and any of the socio-demographic variables.

Conclusion:

NSSI is a significant clinical problem in outpatient adolescent offspring of PTSD male veterans, which may be influenced by clinical and family factors. Interventions aimed at reducing internalizing symptoms and improving family functioning and parental behaviors are needed in the treatment of adolescent offspring of male PTSD veterans engaging in NSSI.
Dual Attitudes toward the Model’s Race in Advertising
Authors: Lee Eunsun , Edwards Steven M. , La Ferle Carrie
Published: July 2014

The current research investigated the effect of model’s race on attitude toward the ad employing stringent methodology to achieve a high degree of internal validity. In an attempt to test the possibility of dual attitudes, we compared participants’ reactions with advertising model’s race by using both time-unconstrained and time-constrained measures. As a result, both African and Caucasian Americans reported similar attitudes toward ads with either African or Caucasian American models under a time-unconstrained condition. Under a time-constrained condition, Caucasian American participants did not report differences in their attitudes toward models of different races. Moreover, African American participants reported more positive attitudes toward the ad with Caucasian American models than with African American models. A similar pattern of reporting attitudes under a time-constrained condition was found when examining reaction times. The implications and contributions are discussed.
Discourse, institutional identities and intractable planning disputes: The case of Interstate I-710
Authors: Farhat Ramzi
Published: July 2014

This article argues that parties to planning disputes assume policy positions in concordance with institutional identities that are informed by reigning planning discourses. Building on the work of Kenneth Burke and its advancement through the perspective of positionality in socio-linguistics, a case study of the dispute around the completion of highway I-710 through South Pasadena, California, is used to illustrate how the potential for intractability increases when discourses are mutually reinforcing of a particular positionality. However, avenues to reconciliation can be found in exploiting constructive dispositions suggested by particular discourses in contingent discursive settings. The article ends by reinforcing that policy-makers pay increased attention to the discursive context of planning disputes.
Individual and Social Preferences
Authors: Graziano Mario
Published: July 2014

Standard economic theory usually analyzes the decisions made by individuals as a rational process in which each individual has sound and consistent preferences and makes decisions according to the principle of subjective expected utility maximization. Starting from the pioneering work of Herbert Simon and the research of cognitive psychologists Kahneman and Tversky, the contributions provided by cognitive-behavioral theory have repeatedly shown that real agents make choices in a way that differs systematically from standard theory, hence highlighting its limits. Rather than considering standard normative theory as false or unable to explain the data obtained by behavioral economists, several economists decided to develop new formal models that could include the results of different experiments and empirical observations that captured all dimensions of the choice made by an individual. In this sense, they proposed new models that were not intended to challenge standard theory but rather designed to provide a kind of psychological expansion to it. This article has the aim of describing and analyzing the advantages and limitations of these new models, which unfortunately are not always suited to describe the individual behavior, the individuals’ actions, or the equilibria due to the combination of the actions of several players. To overcome the limits of these models, we decided to take into consideration the unfortunately unfinished work of Michael Bacharach, who strived to understand the individual and collective forms of rationality without applying only analytical devices or a theoretical vision of the world but bringing rationality back to the perception level of the agents.
The Scope of Formal Equality of Opportunity
Authors: Bedi Sonu
Published: July 2014

Should a liberal constitution constrain the racially discriminatory actions of state as well as nonstate employers? This essay answers in the affirmative, arguing that once we take seriously the right to nondiscrimination on the basis of race in terms of employment, we realize that such a constitution must constrain the actions of both. In doing so, this essay draws from John Rawls’s four-stage sequence, a sequence that suggests one way philosophical principles translate into constitutional design. A Theory of Justice is the go-to theory for a wide range of political issues from a perspective of liberal theory, but scholars have paid less attention to it and comparative constitutional law. I take up this neglected inquiry by focusing on the distinction between the horizontal and vertical effect of a right not to be discriminated against on the basis of race in matters of employment. My analysis draws from the United States Constitution and the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. A vertical effect constrains state power: a right to nondiscrimination is violated only when a state or public body discriminates on the basis of race. A horizontal effect constrains nonstate actors: a private employer may violate rights by discriminating on the basis of race. I argue that, in line with the South African Constitution, Rawls importantly adopts a horizontal effect of the right not to be discriminated against on the basis of race by ensuring formal equality of opportunity. His theory of justice suggests that a liberal constitution ought to constrain the racially discriminatory actions of both state and nonstate (private) employers. This, in turn, represents an important response to racism that occurs in the private sphere.
The Right to Have Rights
Authors: Näsström Sofia
Published: July 2014

Recent years have witnessed an upsurge of political readings of the right to have rights. The gist of the argument is that this right only comes into being in the act of claiming or taking it. At the same time, the political reading suffers from a normative lacuna which is difficult to ignore if right is not to collapse into might. The present article seeks to show that this normative lacuna can be accounted for if one situates the political reading in relation to a certain form of government. Acknowledging Montesquieu’s influence on Arendt’s resort to the principles which guide political action, the article offers a new interpretation of the normative basis of the right to have rights. It argues, first, that this right is democratic, not political, and second, that the principle which sets the right in motion is responsibility, not freedom.
Good Readers and Good Liberals
Authors: McCarty Timothy Wyman
Published: July 2014

This article offers an interpretation of Vladimir Nabokov’s unique contribution to political theory as seen primarily through the lens of his novel Invitation to a Beheading. Although most frequently interpreted as an indictment of totalitarianism, the novel depicts a form of cruelty practiced not only by totalitarians, but also by the rulers and citizens of milder political orders, including liberalism. The novel suggests that such cruelty is more insidious than that familiar to readers of dystopian novels precisely because of its universality. This article demonstrates that Nabokov’s contribution to liberalism may be found in the surprising coherence between his aesthetic principles and his art, both of which critique the imposition of “general ideas” on either persons or books. What emerges is a picture of aesthetic liberalism in which Nabokov’s model for the ideal liberal citizen is neither the sensitive artist nor the apolitical aesthete, but rather the careful reader.
Perspectives on clinical leadership: a qualitative study exploring the views of senior healthcare leaders in the UK
Authors: Nicol Edward D , Mohanna Kay , Cowpe Jenny
Published: July 2014

Introduction

Clinicians are being asked to play a major role leading the NHS. While much is written on about clinical leadership, little research in the medical literature has examined perceptions of the term or mapped the perceived attributes required for success.

Objective

To capture the views of senior UK healthcare leaders regarding their perception of the term `clinical leadership' and the cultural backdrop in which it is being espoused.

Setting

UK Healthcare sector

Participants

Senior UK Healthcare leaders

Methods

Twenty senior healthcare leaders including a former Health Minister, NHS Executives, NHS Strategic Health Authority, PCT and Acute Trust chief executives and medical directors, Medical Deans and other key actors in the UK medical leadership arena were interviewed between 2010 and 2011 using a semi-structured interview technique. Using grounded theory, themes were identified and subsequently analysed in an attempt to answer the broad questions posed.

Main outcome measures

Not applicable for a qualitative research project

Results

A number of themes emerged from this qualitative study. First, there was evidence of changing attitudes among doctors, particularly trainees, towards becoming involved in clinical leadership. However, there was unease over the ambiguity of the term ‘clinical leadership’ and the implications for the future. There was, however, broad agreement as to the perceived attributes and skills required for success in healthcare leadership.

Conclusions

Clinical leadership is often perceived to be doctor centric and ‘Healthcare Leadership’ may be a more inclusive term. An understanding of the historical medico-political context of the leadership debate is required by all healthcare leaders to fully understand the challenges of changing healthcare culture. Whilst the broad attributes deemed essential for success as a healthcare leaders are not new, significant effort and investment, including a physical Healthcare Academy, are required to best utilise and harmonise the breadth of leadership talent in the NHS.
Adaptive stabilization for nonholonomic mobile robots with uncertain dynamics and unknown visual parameters
Authors: Yang Fang , Wang Chaoli
Published: July 2014

The visual servoing feedback torque stabilization controller of a nonholonomic mobile robot is developed in this paper. Firstly, a camera-object visual servoing kinematic model is introduced and a kinematic stabilizing controller is designed for the kinematic model. Then, an adaptive torque stabilizing controller is proposed in the presence of parametric uncertainties associated with the mechanical dynamics and the camera system. The stability of the proposed control system is rigorously proved through the Lyapunov method. Simulation results are provided to illustrate the performance of the control law.
Fault detection for singular networked control systems with randomly occurring delays and partially known distribution transmission delays
Authors: Wang Yanqian , Zhang Shuyu , Li Yongbo , Zhuang Guangming
Published: July 2014

In this paper, the fault detection problem is discussed for a class of discrete-time singular networked control systems with randomly occurring delays and network-induced delays. The considered randomly occurring delays include the multiple state delays and the infinite-distributed delay. Both of them are assumed to occur in random ways, which are governed by two independent stochastic variables satisfying the Bernoulli binary distribution. Network-induced delays are modeled as a discrete-time homogeneous Markov chain, and the transition probabilities of the Markov chain are partially known. A stochastic Lyapunov functional is constructed to design a full-order fault detection filter guaranteeing that the fault detection dynamics is stochastically admissible with a prescribed [Formula: see text] performance index. Hence, the fault detection filter design problem is converted into a convex optimization problem in terms of a set of linear matrix inequalities. If these linear matrix inequalities are feasible, the corresponding parameters of the designed fault detection filter are determined. Finally, a numerical example is addressed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed method.
Case Studies of Success
Authors: Tomlinson Carol Ann , Jarvis Jane M.
Published: July 2014

The underrepresentation of ethnic minority and economically disadvantaged students in gifted education must be understood in terms of broader school contexts and practices. This qualitative study investigated how teachers and schools contributed to the academic success of minority students of high potential from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Researchers collected observation, interview, and documentary data for 2 years at each of three case study sites with a reputation of effectiveness in supporting academic success of minority students from low-income backgrounds. Data indicated that (a) teachers and schools can positively affect achievement without being exemplary in all facets of their practice, (b) teachers’ and schools’ definitions of success shape students’ opportunities for achievement, (c) developing the capacities of high-potential students necessitates supported access to challenging curriculum for all minority students, and (d) educators who foster academic success in minority students support students to comfortably navigate dual cultural worlds.
Two concomitant congenital lung malformations mimicking a paravertebral mass
Authors: Haciibrahimoglu Gokhan , Aydogmus Umit , Bedirhan Mehmet Ali
Published: July 2014

We report the case of a 47-year-old woman who presented with the unique asymptomatic malformation of an extralobar pulmonary sequestration communicating with a bronchogenic cyst. Despite computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the chest, the diagnosis could not be established before a left thoracotomy was performed. The sequestrated lobe and bronchogenic cyst were then successfully resected.
Thinking outside of literacy
Authors: Machin-Mastromatteo Juan D
Published: July 2014

A brief reflection on what might be becoming the traditional way of conducting information and digital literacy activities, together with some recommendations in order to move beyond these traditional grounds. This reflection is framed within this age of social media and draws upon information literacy concepts, tools, and experiences.
Effects of gait training with a cane and an augmented pressure sensor for enhancement of weight bearing over the affected lower limb in patients with stroke: a randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Jung Kyoungsim , Kim Young , Cha Yuri , In Tae-Sung , Hur Young-Goo , Chung Yijung
Published: July 2014

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of gait training when using a cane with an augmented pressure sensor for enhancement of weight-bearing over the affected lower limb on the peak pressure force of the cane, muscle activation, and gait in patients with stroke.

Design:

Randomized controlled pilot study.

Setting:

Inpatient rehabilitation center.

Participants:

A total of 22 hemiparetic stroke patients were recruited and randomly divided into an experimental group ( n = 11) and control group, which later had a drop-out ( n = 10).

Interventions:

Subjects in the experimental group participated in gait training with auditory feedback for 30 minutes, five times a week for four weeks, whereas those in the control group received gait training without auditory feedback for the same amount of time.

Main measures:

The peak force of cane, muscle activation of gluteus medius, and vastus medialis oblique, single limb support phase of the affected leg, and gait speed before and after training were collected.

Results:

Significant improvement in the peak force of cane, muscle activation of gluteus medius and vastus medialis oblique, single limb support phase of the affected leg, and gait speed were observed in the experimental group (13.5 ±9.5 cm/s) compared with the control group (3.7 ±8.4 cm/s) ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Gait training using a cane with an augmented pressure sensor to enhance weight bearing over the affected lower limb is beneficial and effective in improving the peak force of cane, muscle activation, and gait in stroke patients.
Feasibility of the modified constraint-induced movement therapy in patients with median and ulnar nerve injuries: a single-subject A-B-A design
Authors: Rostami Hamid Reza , Khayatzadeh Mahany Mohammad , Yarmohammadi Narjes
Published: July 2014

Objective:

The present study aimed to determine feasibility and efficacy of the modified constraint-induced movement therapy on upper limb function in patients with median and ulnar nerve injuries.

Design:

Single subject, A1-B-A2 design.

Setting:

Occupational therapy outpatient clinic.

Subjects:

A convenience sample including three patients with median and ulnar nerve injuries.

Interventions:

Modified constraint-induced movement therapy as follows: an intensive practice with affected hand for one hour daily, five days per week, for four weeks while the healthy hand was immobilised using a splint during waking hours.

Main measures:

Semmes-weinstein monofilaments, Box and block test, and Disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand questionnaire. A blinded assessor administered the assessments in a random order across sessions, six times for the baseline phase (A1), four times for the intervention phase (B), and four times for the withdrawal phase (A2).

Results:

Touch perception did not occur after the intervention phase at the pulp of the index and little fingers. Manual dexterity and motor ability significantly improved (Box and block change scores exceeded the minimal detectable change of 5.5 blocks), as well performance in activities of daily living during real life (Disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand questionnaire change scores exceeded the clinically important change value of 20.9 points). These improvements maintained and even enhanced during the withdrawal phase.

Conclusions:

Modified constraint-induced movement therapy is a feasible and useful adjunct to rehabilitation of the patients with median and ulnar nerve injuries that warrants further research.
Decision to Adopt Medical Technology
Authors: Gold Heather Taffet , Pitrelli Kimberly , Hayes Mary Katherine , Murphy Madhuvanti Mahadeo
Published: July 2014

Objective. To understand decision making concerning adoption and nonadoption of accelerated partial breast radiotherapy (RT) prior to long-term randomized trial evidence. Methods. A total of 36 radiation oncologists and surgeons were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling strategies from September 2010 through January 2013. Semistructured phone interviews were conducted and audio-recorded and lasted 20–45 minutes. Qualitative analysis was conducted using a framework approach, iteratively exploring key concepts and emerging issues raised by subjects. Interviews were transcribed and imported into Atlas.ti v6. Transcripts were independently coded by 3 researchers shortly after each interview, followed by consensus development on each coded transcript. Barriers and facilitators of adoption, practice patterns, and informational/educational sources concerning accelerated partial breast RT were all assessed to determine major themes. Results. Nearly half of physicians were surgeons (47%), and half were radiation oncologists (53%), with 61% overall in urban settings. Twenty-nine of the 36 physicians interviewed used brachytherapy-based partial breast RT. Five major factors were involved in physicians’ decisions to adopt accelerated partial breast RT: facilitators encouraging adoption (e.g., enthusiastic colleagues and patient convenience), financial and prestige incentives, pressures to adopt (e.g., potential declines in referrals), judgment concerning acceptable level of scientific evidence, and barriers (e.g., not having appropriate machinery or referral mechanism in place). If technology was adopted, clinical guideline adherence varied. Conclusions. Technology adoption is based on financial and social pressures, along with often-limited scientific evidence and what seems “best” for patients. For technology adoption and diffusion to be rational and evidence-based, we must encourage appropriate financial payment models to curb use outside of research studies and promote development of additional treatment registries until sufficient evidence is gathered.