bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infarct Tissue Heterogeneity by Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging Is a Novel Predictor of Mortality in Patients With Chronic Coronary Artery Disease and Left Ventricular Dysfunction
Authors: Watanabe Eri , Abbasi Siddique A. , Heydari Bobak , Coelho-Filho Otavio R. , Shah Ravi , Neilan Tomas G. , Murthy Venkatesh L. , Mongeon François-Pierre , Barbhaiya Chirag , Jerosch-Herold Michael , Blankstein Ron , Hatabu Hiroto , van der Geest Robert J. , Stevenson William G. , Kwong Raymond Y.
Published: October 2014

Background—

Strategies for prevention of sudden cardiac death focus on severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, although most sudden cardiac death postmyocardial infarction occurs in patients with mild/moderate LV dysfunction. We tested the hypothesis that infarct heterogeneity by cardiac magnetic resonance is associated with mortality beyond LV ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with coronary artery disease and LV dysfunction. In addition, we examined the association between infarct heterogeneity and mortality in those with LVEF >35%.

Methods and Results—

We studied 301 patients with coronary artery disease and LV dysfunction referred for cardiac magnetic resonance. We quantified total infarct mass, infarct core mass, and peri-infarct zone (PIZ) normalized for total infarct mass (%PIZ) using signal-intensity criteria of >2 SDs, >3 SDs, and 2- to -3 SDs above remote myocardium, respectively. Mean LVEF was 41±14%. After 3.9 years median follow-up, 66 (22%) patients died (13 sudden cardiac death; 33 with LVEF >35%). In patients with LVEF >35%, below-median %PIZ carried an annual death rate of 2.8% versus 12% in patients with above-median %PIZ (
P
<0.001). In a multivariable model, %PIZ maintained strong association with mortality adjusted to patient age, LVEF, right ventricular ejection fraction, prolonged QT interval, and total infarct size and resulted in improve risk reclassification 0.492 (95% confidence interval, 0.183–0.817).

Conclusions—

Cardiac magnetic resonance infarct heterogeneity has a strong association with mortality independent of LVEF in patients with coronary artery disease and LV dysfunction, particularly in patients with mild or moderate LV dysfunction. Further studies incorporating cardiac magnetic resonance in clinical decision making for defibrillator therapy are warranted.
Chronic Central Nervous System MC3/4R Blockade Attenuates Hypertension Induced by Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibition but Not by Angiotensin II Infusion
Authors: da Silva Alexandre A. , do Carmo Jussara M. , Dubinion John H. , Bassi Mirian , Mokhtarpouriani Kasra , Hamza Shereen M. , Hall John E.
Published: October 2014

We examined whether central melanocortin 3 and 4 receptor (MC3/4R) blockade attenuates the blood pressure (BP) responses to chronic L-NAME or angiotensin II (Ang II) infusion in Sprague–Dawley rats implanted with telemetry transmitters, venous catheters, and intracerebroventricular cannula into the lateral ventricle. After 5 days of control measurements, L-NAME (10 μg/kg/min IV, groups 1 and 2) or Ang II (10 ng/kg/min IV, groups 3 and 4) were infused for 24 days, and starting on day 7 of L-NAME or Ang II infusion, the MC3/4R antagonist SHU-9119 (24 nmol/d, n=6/group; groups 1 and 3) or vehicle (saline 0.5 μL/h, n=6/group; groups 2 and 4) was infused intracerebroventricularly for 10 days. A control normotensive group also received SHU-9119 for 10 days (n=5). L-NAME and Ang II increased BP by 40±3 and 56±5 mm Hg, respectively, although heart rate was slightly reduced. MC3/4R blockade doubled food intake and reduced heart rate (≈40 to ≈50 bpm) in all groups. MC3/4R blockade caused only a small reduction in BP in normotensive group (4 mm Hg) and no change in rats receiving Ang II, although markedly reducing BP by 21±4 mm Hg in L-NAME–treated rats. After SHU-9119 infusion was stopped, food intake, heart rate, and BP gradually returned to values observed before SHU-9119 infusion was started. Ganglionic blockade at the end of L-NAME or Ang II infusion caused similar BP reduction in both groups. These results suggest that the brain MC3/4R contributes, at least in part, to the hypertension induced by chronic L-NAME infusion but not by Ang II.
Blood Pressure and Risk of All-Cause Mortality in Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease and Hemodialysis
Authors: Bansal Nisha , McCulloch Charles E. , Rahman Mahboob , Kusek John W. , Anderson Amanda H. , Xie Dawei , Townsend Raymond R. , Lora Claudia M. , Wright Jackson , Go Alan S. , Ojo Akinlolu , Alper Arnold , Lustigova Eva , Cuevas Magda , Kallem Radhakrishna , Hsu Chi-yuan
Published: October 2014

Studies of hemodialysis patients have shown a U-shaped association between systolic blood pressure (SBP) and mortality. These studies have largely relied on dialysis-unit SBP measures and have not evaluated whether this U-shape also exists in advanced chronic kidney disease, before starting hemodialysis. We determined the association between SBP and mortality at advanced chronic kidney disease and again after initiation of hemodialysis. This was a prospective study of Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort participants with advanced chronic kidney disease followed through initiation of hemodialysis. We studied the association between SBP and mortality when participants (1) had an estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min/1.73 m
2
(n=1705), (2) initiated hemodialysis and had dialysis-unit SBP measures (n=403), and (3) initiated hemodialysis and had out-of-dialysis-unit SBP measured at a Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort study visit (n=326). Cox models were adjusted for demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, and dialysis parameters. A quadratic term for SBP was included to test for a U-shaped association. At advanced chronic kidney disease, there was no association between SBP and mortality (hazard ratio, 1.02 [95% confidence interval, 0.98–1.07] per every 10 mm Hg increase). Among participants who started hemodialysis, a U-shaped association between dialysis-unit SBP and mortality was observed. In contrast, there was a linear association between out-of-dialysis-unit SBP and mortality (hazard ratio, 1.26 [95% confidence interval, 1.14–1.40] per every 10 mm Hg increase). In conclusion, more efforts should be made to obtain out-of-dialysis-unit SBP, which may merit more consideration as a target for clinical management and in interventional trials.
Tokyo's Ultimately Failed Bid for First-Tier International Financial Center Status: Why Did It Fall Short?
Authors: McKay Huw
Published: October 2014

Tokyo's bid to ascend to the very top tier of international financial centers (IFCs) was ultimately unsuccessful. This paper argues that to overcome the large disadvantages of being a latecomer, the IFC goal must be elevated above other competing objectives so that the necessary intermediate steps can be achieved in timely fashion. The most important specific failing was the inability of the Japanese yen to become a major international vehicle currency. With a sharper and earlier policy focus, particularly in the area of yen trade invoicing, Tokyo's bid for first tier IFC status would have been a more compelling one.
Pro-rural Policies, Income, and Inequality: Evaluating a Cash-for-Work Program in Rural China
Authors: Chen Yu , Démurger Sylvie
Published: October 2014

Despite the dramatic reduction of poverty in China over the past 35 years, poverty has not been fully eradicated in rural areas and, in the context of growing inequalities, it remains a national concern. This paper examines a local cash-for-work program launched in mountainous areas of the Beijing municipality in December 2004, with a view to understanding both the challenges and achievements of pro-poor programs in China. Using original household survey data, we first highlight the fairly good targeting performance of the program towards the local poor. Second, participation equations provide evidence of increasing local income without crowding out local agricultural activities. Finally, a decomposition of household income inequality by source highlights the strongly equalizing effect of the program on peasants' income.
Evolution of Machinery Production Networks: Linkage of North America with East Asia
Authors: Ando Mitsuyo , Kimura Fukunari
Published: October 2014

This paper investigates new developments in the pattern of machinery trade, with a focus on the extent and depth of production networks in North America. We pay particular attention to North America's trade links with East Asia, which have intensified in the last two decades. Investigation of changes in total trade value and the growth of trade on the extensive margin both demonstrates the expanding fragmentation of production in North America as well as the strengthening of connections with Mexico. Our quantitative analysis, which is based on gravity estimation of trade volume and extensive margin trade responses, also provides evidence that U.S. imports of machinery from East Asia are especially strong, and further, that Mexico's role has changed, as it now provides a bridge for trade between East Asia and the United States. These new developments in the pattern of machinery trade reflect reductions in services link costs, the further evolution of production sharing in the U.S.–Mexico nexus, and the strengthening competitiveness of production networks based in East Asia.
The Dynamics of Conflict in Southern Thailand
Authors: Engvall Anders , Andersson Magnus
Published: October 2014

The prolonged insurgency in Southern Thailand has claimed thousands of victims since the outbreak of major violence in 2004. Drawing on a unique data set covering all violent incidents since 2004, a hotspot analysis shows that the bulk of the violence is concentrated in clusters of sub-districts forming hotbeds of conflict. Drivers of conflict are identified through a comparative analysis of the hotspots of violence with less violent areas. The analysis shows that identity manifested in language use and religious practices (rather than international borders, infrastructure, and physical geography) influence the prevalence and patterns of violence.
An Open Military Economy: The British Conquest of South India Reconsidered, 1780-1799
Authors: Vartavarian Mesrob
Published: October 2014

This article examines the interaction between British colonial officials and indigenous military labour markets during the Anglo-Mysore Wars. When faced with a severe foreign threat the Company did not totally opt for fiscal-military methods of mobilization as is argued in the conventional historiography, but instead resorted to a policy of supporting warrior groups and local dealers who could service the Company’s military requirements. The British patronised a variety of military service groups rather than forcibly subordinated them to their control. War resulted in the diffusion of resources to non-state actors who organised the means of violence.
Rethinking Kingship and Authority in South Asia: Amber (Rajasthan), ca. 1560-1615
Authors: Sreenivasan Ramya
Published: October 2014

The literature on South Asian kingship has typically explored the idioms in which kingship—a king’s assertion of his right to rule—was articulated, while assuming ready consent to such assertions of royal authority among a king’s subjects, vassals, peers, and overlords. This paper re-examines the nature and limits of South Asian kingship by investigating the modes in which Man Singh Kachhwaha, a prominent regional chief in the Mughal Empire, claimed royal status. I examine how target audiences—consisting of literati, peers, rivals, and the Mughal overlord—may have received an ambitious chief’s claims to kingly status in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. This essay reinterprets the abundant evidence from Man Singh’s reign to reveal the character of kingship in South Asia as much more circumscribed and contingent than has often been assumed, and as continually open to challenge and contestation.
Rhinobatos whitei, a new shovelnose ray (Batoidea: Rhinobatidae) from the Philippine Archipelago
Authors: LAST PETER R. , CORRIGAN SHANNON , NAYLOR GAVIN
Published: October 2014

A new shovelnose ray, Rhinobatos whitei sp. nov., is described from material collected at fish markets of the southern Philippines. This ray was first formally indentified as an undescribed species more than a decade ago as part of a WWF funded survey of sharks and rays of the Philippines. It was considered to be most closely related to another shovelnose ray found nearby in the western North Pacific, R. schlegelii, but differs from that species in body shape and aspects of coloration, meristics and morphometry. It differs from all other shovelnose rays of the region in its NADH2 sequence, clustering together with an Indonesian species R. jimbaranensis, and another undescribed species from Borneo.
A new species of Triepeolus (Hymenoptera: Apidae), with comments on
T. utahensis (Cockerell) and T. melanarius Rightmyer
Authors: RIGHTMYER MOLLY G. , KONO YOSHIAKI , KOHN JOSHUA R. , HUNG KENG-LOU JAMES
Published: October 2014

Triepeolus matildae Rightmyer, sp. nov., from Mexico (Baja California) and USA (California) is described and both genders are differentiated from the closely related species T. utahensis (Cockerell) using morphological characters. The synonymy of T. utahensis and T. heterurus was established in Rightmyer (2008); however, the younger name was used in that treatment, an error that is corrected herein. Males of both T. matildae and T. utahensis are additionally differentiated from T. melanarius Rightmyer, which is morphologically similar in that gender only. DNA barcoding evidence supporting the recognition of the new species is additionally presented.
Calyptraeotheres sp. nov. (Crustacea: Decapoda: Pinnotheridae), symbiont of the slipper shell Crepidula striolata Menke, 1851 (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Calyptraeidae) from the Gulf of California, Mexico
Authors: AYÓN-PARENTE MANUEL , HENDRICKX MICHEL E.
Published: October 2014

Calyptraeotheres camposi sp. nov. is described from the Gulf of California, Mexico. The new species is close to C. granti (Glassell, 1933) and C. pepeluisi Campos & Hernández-Ávila, 2010 from the Mexican Pacific and to C. hernandezi Hernández-Ávila & Campos 2006 from the Western Atlantic. These four species feature a third maxilliped with a 2-segmented endopod palp and the exopod with unsegmented flagellum. Calyptraeotheres camposi sp. nov. differs from C. granti and C. hernandezi by having the eyes visible in dorsal view, the carapace with arcuate anterolateral margins, the dorsal, longitudinal depressions connected with the transversal depression, and the propodus of pereiopod 2 equal or slightly longer than the carpus. From C. pepeluisi it is distinguished by the absence of a transversal depression on the carapace and the longitudinal depressions not connecting, the carpus and propodus of the third maxilliped being sub-trapezoidal and sub-conical, respectively, in lieu of subrectangular, and the inner surface of the fixed finger nude instead of bearing short setae near the cutting edge and ventral margin.
A New Model of Current Retroflection Applied to the Westward Protrusion of the Agulhas Current
Authors: Arruda Wilton , Zharkov Volodymyr , Deremble Bruno , Nof Doron , Chassignet Eric
Published: October 2014

The dynamics of current retroflection and rings shedding are not yet fully understood. In this paper, the authors develop an analytical model of the Agulhas Current retroflection dynamics using three simple laws: conservation of volume, momentum balance, and Bernoulli’s principle. This study shows that, for a retroflecting current with a small Rossby number, this theoretical model is in good agreement with numerical simulations of a reduced-gravity isopycnal model. Otherwise, the retroflection position becomes unstable and quickly propagates upstream, leaving a chain of eddies in its path. On the basis of these findings, the authors hypothesize that the westward protrusion of the Agulhas retroflection and the local “zonalization” of the Agulhas Current after it passes the Agulhas Bank are stable only for small Rossby numbers. Otherwise, the retroflection shifts toward the eastern slope of the Agulhas Bank, where its position stabilizes due to the slanted configuration of the slope. This study shows that this scenario is in good agreement with several high-resolution numerical models.
Mental health professionals’ perspectives on the implementation of smoke-free policies in psychiatric units across England
Authors: Lawn Sharon , Feng Yi , Tsourtos George , Campion Jonathan
Published: October 2014

Background:

The original audit on which this 2013 secondary analysis is based, was conducted in 2010. It explored implementation of smoke-free policies from the perspective of unit managers in 147 psychiatric units across England comprising a randomly selected sample of nine different unit types.

Material:

Two main themes are presented: positive perspectives of smoke-free policy implementation, and barriers and problems with smoke-free policy implementation. Analysis of unit managers’ experiences and perspectives found that 96% of participants thought smoke-free policy had achieved positive outcomes for staff, patients, services and care.

Discussion:

Consistency of response was the most prominent factor associated with policy success. Quality of the physical environment and care delivery were clear positive outcomes which enabled the environment to be more conducive to supporting staffs’ and patients’ quit attempts. Lack of consistency and a prevailing culture of acceptance of smoking were identified as some of the most reported perceived continuing problems. Solutions included the need to acknowledge that this type of complex systems change takes time and ongoing staff education and training.

Conclusion:

Our results demonstrate the importance of taking into account the experiences and attitudes of staff responsible for enacting smoke-free policy.
Cross-Cultural Differences in a Global “Survey of World Views”
Authors: Saucier Gerard , Kenner Judith , Iurino Kathryn , Bou Malham Philippe , Chen Zhuo , Thalmayer Amber Gayle , Kemmelmeier Markus , Tov William , Boutti Rachid , Metaferia Henok , Çankaya Banu , Mastor Khairul Anwar , Hsu Kung-Yu , Wu Rongxian , Maniruzzaman M. , Rugira Janvier , Tsaousis Ioannis , Sosnyuk Oleg , Regmi Adhikary Jyoti , Skrzypińska Katarzyna , Poungpet Boonmee , Maltby John , Salanga Maria Guadalupe C. , Racca Adriana , Oshio Atsushi , Italia Elsie , Kovaleva Anastassiya , Nakatsugawa Masanobu , Morales-Vives Fabia , Ruiz Victor M. , Braun Gutierrez Ricardo A. , Sarkar Anindita , Deo Tripti , Sambu Lenah , Huisa Veria Elizabeth , Ferreira Dela Coleta Marilia , Kiama S. G. , Hongladoram Soraj , Derry Robbin , Zazueta Beltrán Héctor , Peng T. K. , Wilde Matthias , Ananda Fr. Arul , Banerjee Sarmila , Bayazit Mahmut , Joo Serenity , Zhang Hong , Orel Ekaterina , Bizumic Boris , Shen-Miller Seraphine , Watts Sean , Pereira Marcos Emanoel , Gore Ernesto , Wilson Doug , Pope Daniel , Gutema Bekele , Henry Hani , Dacanay Jovi Clemente , Dixon Jerry , Köbis Nils , Luque Jose , Hood Jackie , Chakravorty Dipti , Pal Ananda Mohan , Ong Laysee , Leung Angela , Altschul Carlos
Published: October 2014

We know that there are cross-cultural differences in psychological variables, such as individualism/collectivism. But it has not been clear which of these variables show relatively the greatest differences. The Survey of World Views project operated from the premise that such issues are best addressed in a diverse sampling of countries representing a majority of the world’s population, with a very large range of item-content. Data were collected online from 8,883 individuals (almost entirely college students based on local publicizing efforts) in 33 countries that constitute more than two third of the world’s population, using items drawn from measures of nearly 50 variables. This report focuses on the broadest patterns evident in item data. The largest differences were not in those contents most frequently emphasized in cross-cultural psychology (e.g., values, social axioms, cultural tightness), but instead in contents involving religion, regularity-norm behaviors, family roles and living arrangements, and ethnonationalism. Content not often studied cross-culturally (e.g., materialism, Machiavellianism, isms dimensions, moral foundations) demonstrated moderate-magnitude differences. Further studies are needed to refine such conclusions, but indications are that cross-cultural psychology may benefit from casting a wider net in terms of the psychological variables of focus.
Housing older Australians: Loss of homeownership and pathways into housing assistance
Authors: Ong Rachel , Wood Gavin , Colic-Peisker Val
Published: October 2014

In Australia and other ‘homeownership societies’ it has been conventional to think of housing pathways in terms of a smooth linear progression, leading to outright ownership in middle age and a retirement buffered by low housing costs. This vision of the welfare role of homeownership is an important buttress of Australian retirement incomes policy. However, this vision has been challenged in recent years as growing numbers of older Australians lose home ownership and consequently transition onto housing assistance programmes. Using Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey data we analyse pathways into housing assistance. A transition model is estimated that specifies older Australians’ pathway to housing assistance status as a function of key socioeconomic and demographic determinants such as wealth and debt, health, marital status, tenure and employment history programmes. We find that those losing home ownership have a higher chance of becoming users of housing assistance programmes than similarly positioned longer-term renters, a result that is particularly evident among ex-owners that are exposed to adverse biographical events. The theoretical implications of our findings for the scholarship on housing pathways are discussed.
Single-incision lift laparoscopic appendicectomy: A less expensive technique easy to learn
Authors: Gnanaraj J , Rhodes Michael
Published: October 2014

Appendicectomy is the most common abdominal operation performed on an emergency basis in most parts of the world. The laparoscopic technique has many advantages over conventional open surgery especially in women and obese patients. A further improved version introduced recently is using a single-incision (SILS). Inducing a pneumoperitoneum, as a necessary precondition of laparoscopic procedures, represents a restriction of the surgeon’s freedom of movement and can lead to typical though rare complications. Gasless laparoscopic surgery has most of the advantages of laparoscopic surgery without many of the disadvantages. It is also less expensive, and can be combined with regional anaesthesia. Furthermore, fewer disposable materials are necessary. We describe a series of single umbilical incision gasless laparoscopic appendicectomies performed in rural areas of India.
Screening for PTSD among Incarcerated Men
Authors: Wolff Nancy , Mchugo Gregory , Shi Jing , Huening Jessica , Frueh B. Christopher
Published: October 2014

Trauma exposure is overrepresented in incarcerated male populations and is linked to psychiatric morbidity, particularly posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study tests the feasibility, reliability, and validity of using computer-administered interviewing (CAI) versus orally administered interviewing (OAI) to screen for PTSD among incarcerated men. A 2 × 2 factorial design was used to randomly assign 592 incarcerated men to screening modality. Findings indicate that computer screening was feasible. Compared with OAI, CAI produced equally reliable screening information on PTSD symptoms, with test–retest intraclass correlations for the PTSD Checklist (PCL) total score ranging from .774 to .817, and the Clinician-Administered PTSD scale and PCL scores were significantly correlated for OAI and CAI. These findings indicate that data on PTSD symptoms can be reliably and validly obtained from CAI technology, increasing the efficiency by which incarcerated populations can be screened for PTSD, and those at risk can be identified for treatment.
Identifying the Barriers and Enablers to Nutrition Care in Head and Neck and Esophageal Cancers
Authors: Martin Lisa , de van der Schueren Marian A. E. , Blauwhoff‐Buskermolen Susanne , Baracos Vickie , Gramlich Leah
Published: October 2014

Background:The goal of this work was to identify barriers and enablers to the implementation of nutrition care in head and neck and esophageal (HNE) cancers and to prioritize barriers to help improve the nutrition care process.Materials and Methods: This study used a multimethod qualitative study design (including semistructured interviews, focus group). Interviews (n = 29) were conducted at 5 European sites providing care and treatment to patients with HNE cancers. A focus group (n = 21) reviewed and corroborated interview findings and identified priorities for nutrition care. Participants were healthcare providers and researchers with direct experience in the field of HNE cancer.Results: Five themes with accompanying barriers and enablers were identified related to nutrition care: (1) evidence for the benefit of nutrition interventions, (2) implementation of nutrition care processes (assessment, intervention, and follow‐up), (3) characteristics of healthcare providers, (4) site factors, and (5) patient characteristics. Focus group discussions identified 2 priorities that must be acted on to improve nutrition care: (1) improve the evidence base and (2) develop standardized nutrition care pathways.Conclusion: Themes related to nutrition care in HNE cancers were similar between sites, but barriers and enablers differed. Interview and focus group participants agreed the following actions will result in improvements in nutrition care: (1) enhance the evidence base to test the benefit of nutrition interventions, with a focus on resolving specific controversies regarding nutrition therapy, and (2) establish a minimum data set with a goal to create standardized nutrition care pathways where roles and responsibilities for care are clearly defined.
Updating Generalizability Theory in Management Research
Authors: LoPilato Alexander C. , Carter Nathan T. , Wang Mo
Published: October 2014

In the management literature, generalizability theory (GT) has been typically used to investigate the reliability of assessment center and job performance ratings. However, the management field has yet to take full advantage of the information GT can offer regarding the reliability of measurement. It is likely that GT has not been adopted because of the complexities involved with its notation and practical application. Moreover, current methods for obtaining accurate interval estimates around estimated variance components or their reliability coefficients are not easily implementable. Alternatively, Bayesian methods provide a different method for estimating GT variance components. Bayesian methods enable management researchers to estimate the posterior distributions of each GT variance component as well as the GT reliability coefficients. From these posterior distributions, researchers can easily obtain the interval estimates for each variance component and the corresponding reliability estimates. Conducting two studies, the authors examine what priors should be used when conducting a Bayesian GT analysis and what estimates should be used to summarize a variance component’s posterior distribution. Additionally, the authors find that under certain conditions, Bayesian methods perform better than frequentist methods.
Bullying and Victimization Among Gifted Children in School-Level Transitions
Authors: Pelchar Taylor K. , Bain Sherry K.
Published: October 2014

We examined rates of bullying and victimization among children identified as gifted who were in transition from elementary to middle school in a Southern U.S. school district. We also investigated levels of distress associated with bullying and victimization. Our results indicated that the fourth graders, before transition to middle school, reported a significantly higher prevalence of bullying compared with the fifth graders, following transition. We also found significant, strong correlations between victimization and levels of internalizing and total distress, and between bullying and levels of externalizing distress. We discuss the implications of our findings in terms of the need for protective factors and intervention services for children who are gifted and children in general education classrooms.
The 2011 Occupy Movements: Rancière and the Crisis of Democracy
Authors: Lorey Isabell
Published: October 2014

The Occupy movements in 2011 – this essay focuses mainly on Spain and the United States – have been more than moments of grassroots or direct democracy: they have been collective political practices testing forms of non-representationist democracy in the Europe of representative democracy to an unusually great extent. The precarious subjects of post-Fordism rejected political representation, and at the same time they struggled for a ‘real’ democracy. This oxymoron between representation and democracy structures the political philosophy of Jacques Rancière and corresponds with his well-known distinction between police and politics. This is one of the reasons why his thinking is helpful to understand them as decidedly political ones. However, the assembly as one of the central topoi of theories of democracy plays no prominent role in Rancière’s political philosophy. In contrast to this, I focus on the central practice of the assemblies in the Occupy movements and develop a concept of presentist democracy.
Quantifying Long-Term Care Preferences
Authors: Guo Jing , Konetzka R. Tamara , Magett Elizabeth , Dale William
Published: October 2014

Background. Current policies redirecting long-term care (LTC) delivery away from institutional care to home- and community-based services are being made in the absence of crucial evidence on preferences. Studies indicate that the shift to home care is generally not cost-saving; thus, an empirical assessment of effectiveness is needed to evaluate policies incenting home care investment. This study quantifies LTC preferences between different delivery modes. Design. This study extended the time tradeoff method to elicit utilities and LTC preferences associated with the receipt of different modes of LTC services, conditional on health states defined by varying levels of functional and cognitive impairment. Users’ LTC preferences are measured as differential utilities between alternative LTC options for each health state. Results. For the same health state, respondents ( n = 81) significantly preferred home care over institutional care, except for the most impaired health state. The preference for home care over institutional care is quantified as 0.30 quality-of-life (QOL) weight when people need help with only 1 activity of daily living (ADL). The preference for home care depends significantly on levels of disability and was weaker once the need for help became greater. Under the most severe health state of having moderate to severe dementia and needing help with 6 ADLs, the quantified home care preference was only 0.03 QOL weight and was not statistically significant. Limitations. Because the sample is mostly composed of African Americans, the results may not be generalizable to other racial and ethnic groups. Conclusions. People do not always strongly prefer home care over institutional care, as is often assumed. The costs of expanding home- and community-based care should be weighed against these preferences.
Boron-containing fire retardant rigid polyurethane–polyisocyanurate foams: Part II – preparation and evaluation
Authors: Paciorek-Sadowska Joanna , Czupryński Bogusław , Liszkowska Joanna
Published: October 2014

The method of preparation of boron compounds with the use of di(hydroxymethyl)urea derivatives and boric acid has been described. On the basis of our studies, it was found that application of the borates obtained, as a polyol component and simultaneously as a flame retardant in recipe for preparation of polyurethane–polyisocyanurate foams, had a positive effect on properties of foams. The resulting rigid foams were characterized by a lower brittleness, higher compressive strength and content of closed cells and significantly lower flammability in comparison with the standard foam. Flammability was determined by the methods of oxygen index, Butler’s test, infrared camera and cone calorimeter. The results of our studies showed that new polyols obtained on the basis of N,N′-di(methyleneoxy-4-hydroxybutyl)urea, N,N′-di(methyleneoxy-3-hydroxybutyl)urea, N,N′-di((methyleneoxy-2-hydroxymethylpropyl)urea and boric acid can be successfully applied for production of rigid polyurethane–polyisocyanurate foams. Application of the new compounds in recipe for preparation of foams improved their physico-mechanical properties.
Cognitive Improvement of Attention and Inhibition in the Late Afternoon in Children With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Treated With Osmotic-Release Oral System Methylphenidate
Authors: Slama Hichem , Fery Patrick , Verheulpen Denis , Vanzeveren Nathalie , Van Bogaert Patrick
Published: October 2014

Long-acting medications have been developed and approved for use in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These compounds are intended to optimize and maintain symptoms control throughout the day. We tested prolonged effects of osmotic-release oral system methylphenidate on both attention and inhibition, in the late afternoon. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 36 boys (7-12 years) with ADHD and 40 typically developing children. The ADHD children received an individualized dose of placebo or osmotic-release oral system methylphenidate. They were tested about 8 hours after taking with 2 continuous performance tests (continuous performance test–X [CPT-X] and continuous performance test–AX [CPT-AX]) and a counting Stroop. A positive effect of osmotic-release oral system methylphenidate was present in CPT-AX with faster and less variable reaction times under osmotic-release oral system methylphenidate than under placebo, and no difference with typically developing children. In the counting Stroop, we found a decreased interference with osmotic-release oral system methylphenidate but no difference between children with ADHD under placebo and typically developing children.
Acute Movement Disorders in Children
Authors: Goraya Jatinder Singh
Published: October 2014

We describe acute movement disorders in 92 children, aged 5 days to 15 years, from an Indian tertiary hospital. Eighty-nine children had hyperkinetic movement disorders, with myoclonus in 25, dystonia in 21, choreoathetosis in 19, tremors in 15, and tics in 2. Tetany and tetanus were seen in 5 and 2 children, respectively. Hypokinetic movement disorders included acute parkinsonism in 3 children. Noninflammatory and inflammatory etiology were present in 60 and 32 children, respectively. Benign neonatal sleep myoclonus in 16 and opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome in 7 accounted for the majority of myoclonus cases. Vitamin B12 deficiency in 13 infants was the most common cause of tremors. Rheumatic fever and encephalitis were the most common causes of acute choreoathetosis. Acute dystonia had metabolic etiology in 6 and encephalitis and drugs in 3 each. Psychogenic movement disorders were seen in 4 cases only, although these patients may be underreported.
Pyridox(am)ine-5-Phosphate Oxidase Deficiency Treatable Cause of Neonatal Epileptic Encephalopathy With Burst Suppression
Authors: Guerin Andrea , Aziz Aly S. , Mutch Carly , Lewis Jillian , Go Cristina Y. , Mercimek-Mahmutoglu Saadet
Published: October 2014

Pyridox(am)ine-5-phosphate oxidase deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder of pyridoxine metabolism. Intractable neonatal epileptic encephalopathy is the classical presentation. Pyridoxal-5-phosphate or pyridoxine supplementation improves symptoms. We report a patient with myoclonic and tonic seizures at the age of 1 hour. Pyridoxal-5-phosphate was started on the first day of life and seizures stopped at the age of 3 days, but encephalopathy persisted for 4 weeks. She had normal neurodevelopmental outcome at the age of 12 months on pyridoxal-5-phosphate monotherapy. She had novel homozygous pathogenic frameshift mutation (c.448_451del;p.Pro150Argfs*27) in the PNPO gene. Long-lasting encephalopathy despite well-controlled clinical seizures does neither confirm nor exclude pyridox(am)ine-5-phosphate oxidase deficiency. Normal neurodevelopmental outcome of our patient emphasizes the importance of pyridoxal-5-phosphate treatment. Pyridox(am)ine-5-phosphate oxidase deficiency should be included in the differential diagnosis of Ohtahara syndrome and neonatal myoclonic encephalopathy as a treatable underlying cause. In addition, we reviewed the literature for pyridox(am)ine-5-phosphate oxidase deficiency and summarized herein all confirmed cases.
A Pilot Study on the Protein Composition of Induced Nonpuerperal Human Milk
Authors: Perrin Maryanne Tigchelaar , Wilson Erica , Chetwynd Ellen , Fogleman April
Published: October 2014

Background:

Our understanding of the components of human puerperal milk is extensive and increasing, yet the literature on nonpuerperal human milk has been limited to studies that measure the success of induced lactation.

Objective:

This study aimed to describe the composition of total protein and key bioactive proteins when lactation is induced in nonpuerperal women.

Methods:

Two women who induced lactation in the absence of pregnancy provided weekly milk samples over a 2-month period for analysis of total protein, secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), lysozyme, and lactoferrin. Composition was compared to the mature milk of 3 puerperal control subjects who were 11 months postpartum.

Results:

Median total protein for subject A was 2.30 g/dL (interquartile range [IQR] = 0.46) and showed a significant downward trend over time ( P < .0001), whereas the median total protein for subject B was 2.21 g/dL (IQR = 0.18) and showed a nonsignificant decline ( P = .232). Total protein in both nonpuerperal subjects was elevated compared to control subjects. Secretory IgA activity declined for both nonpuerperal subjects over time, whereas lysozyme concentrations increased over time. Both sIgA and lysozyme approached the levels seen in the puerperal controls. Lactoferrin levels remained stable for both nonpuerperal subjects and were elevated compared to puerperal milk samples.

Conclusion:

This pilot study suggests that nonpuerperal milk has similar or higher levels of total protein, sIgA, lactoferrin, and lysozyme compared to puerperal, mature milk at 11 months postpartum, which warrants more attention as adoptive mothers increasingly choose to induce lactation.
Christian Witness on Abortion: The Examples of Paul Ramsey and Stanley Hauerwas
Authors: Fitzgerald John J.
Published: October 2014

Paul Ramsey and Stanley Hauerwas are arguably the most prominent United Methodist thinkers to date to write extensively on abortion. This article takes up a ripe and illuminating task neglected by the ethicists themselves and the secondary literature: bringing their views on this issue into conversation. More specifically, this article discusses their considerations on the value of unborn human life, the “hard cases,” the church community’s role, and the place of legal reform. The article concludes by placing their remarks in the context of official Catholic teaching, and contending that despite some shortcomings in the two thinkers’ considerations, Christians on different sides of the abortion debate should incorporate these authors’ insights by expressing a “rational account of fetal development” (as per Ramsey), a charitable approach to hard cases, a “theological idiom” (as per Hauerwas), and an appropriate level of political concern.
Technical and Scale Efficiency of Public District Hospitals in Kedah, Malaysia
Authors: Applanaidu Shri-Dewi , Samsudin Shamzaeffa , Ali Jamal , Dash Umakant , Chik Abdul Razak
Published: October 2014

In a bid to improve efficiency in health care, the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Malaysia has been implementing various health sector reforms such as expansion and upgrading of public health facilities. Even though efficiency study is vital for health care institution in monitoring performance, to date no study has been undertaken to measure technical and scale efficiencies of public hospitals in Kedah specifically. The objectives of this study are to measure technical and scale efficiencies among district public hospitals in the state of Kedah, Malaysia. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) technique was used in estimating the efficiency score of these hospitals. Data were obtained from nine public hospitals in Kedah for three years from 2008 to 2010. The DEA technique was used on pooled data which consists of 27 decision-making units (DMUs). The input data comprised the number of doctors, nurses and beds while the number of outpatients, inpatients, surgeries and deliveries performed represented the outputs. Of 27 DMUs, 74 per cent were technically efficient which lied on the best-practice frontier. The technical efficiency (TE) score of technical-inefficient hospitals ranged between 0.780 and 0.991 with the average of 0.935 while the score of scale-inefficient hospitals was between 0.832 and 0.992. The average score of 16 scale-inefficient DMUs was 0.938 which implies that, on average, these DMUs were able to reduce 6.25 per cent of their resources while maintaining the same number of output.
Examining the Interplay Among Family, Culture, and Latina Teen Suicidal Behavior
Authors: Gulbas Lauren E. , Zayas Luis H.
Published: October 2014

In this article, we explore the relationships among culture, family, and attempted suicide by U.S. Latinas. We analyzed qualitative interviews conducted with Latina teen suicide attempters ( n = 10) and their parents. We also incorporated data collected from adolescents with no reported history of self-harm ( n = 10) and their parents to examine why some individuals turned to suicide under similar experiences of cultural conflict. Our results reveal that Latina teens who attempted suicide lacked the resources to forge meaningful social ties. Without the tools to bridge experiences of cultural contradiction, the girls in our study described feeling isolated and alone. Under such conditions, adolescents turned to behaviors aimed at self-destruction. Unlike their peers who attempted suicide, adolescent Latinas with no lifetime history of attempted suicide were able to mobilize resources in ways that balanced experiences of acculturative tension by creating supportive relationships with other individuals.
Preferred fiber orientations in healthy arteries and veins understood from netting analysis
Authors: Cyron Christian J , Humphrey Jay D
Published: October 2014

In this paper we analyze the reinforcement of blood vessels by collagen fibers using the concept of netting analysis from composite theory. To this end, we interpret preferred fiber reinforcement as the solution to a weighted optimization problem having two competing targets, minimal pulse pressure and minimal material usage, under the constraint of mechanical stability against buckling in a physiologically reasonable range of blood pressures. We demonstrate that the solution to this optimization problem for large arteries is a helical reinforcement with fibers oriented diagonally and for small arteries and veins an orthogonal reinforcement consisting of axial and circumferential fibers. Both findings agree well with experimental data reported by others, which suggests the existence of an underlying mechanical principle for the establishment and maintenance of vascular fiber orientations under normal conditions.
The energy-absorption characteristics of metal tube-reinforced polymer foams
Authors: Alia RA , Guan Z , Jones N , Cantwell WJ
Published: October 2014

This paper presents a study on the potential offered by lightweight energy-absorbing foam structures reinforced with aluminium and steel cylindrical tubes subjected to compressive crushing. Initially, attention was focused on establishing the influence of the length as well as the diameter to thickness ratio of the metal tubes on the specific energy absorption (SEA) characteristics. The metal tubes were then embedded in a range of cross-linked PVC foams to investigate how the stiffness of the foam influences the SEA of the tubes and the failure modes. The results show that aluminium tubes offer a superior energy-absorbing capability relative to their steel counterparts and the SEA of the metal tubes remains roughly constant with an increase in the tube length. The energy-absorbing capability of the two types of metal tubes increased with decreasing value of inner diameter/thickness ratio. Small D/t tubes were also embedded into a range of polymer foams and tested at both quasi-static and dynamic rates of strain. It has been shown that that the stiffness of the foam does not modify the energy-absorbing behaviour of the metal tubes. This evidence suggests that it should be possible to predict the response of an energy-absorbing system containing an array of tubes using a simple rule of mixtures approach. The output of this study provides useful data on core materials for sandwich construction.
National identity and important Australians
Authors: Tranter Bruce , Donoghue Jed
Published: October 2014

Aspects of the national narrative of an advanced industrialised nation are examined in this research. Nationally representative survey data suggest the most important collective figures for Australian identity are the Anzacs, colonial free settlers and post-Second World War immigrants, while sporting heroes have a negligible influence upon what it means to be Australian. Although many Australians have ancestors who were transported, the convict ‘stain’ persists, while indigenous people are also under-represented in Australian identity myths. The most important individual Australians are not the heroes, saints or sages of an earlier ‘golden era’ nor contemporary sporting heroes, but political leaders, medical doctors and scientists who have (had) actual rather than mythical influence upon the everyday lives of Australians.
Burnout among trauma social workers: The contribution of personal and environmental resources
Authors: Ben-Porat Anat , Itzhaky Haya
Published: October 2014

In recent years, there has been increasing research interest in the negative consequences for therapists of working with trauma victims. In that context, burnout is a major concept used in the literature. One of the main questions examined in the literature relates to the factors that contribute to burnout. This question is particularly relevant to therapists working with trauma victims, but has hardly been examined among that population. To fill this gap, the present study sought to examine burnout among therapists working with trauma victims. In addition, we examined the contribution of the therapists’ background characteristics as well as the contribution of their personal resources (mastery, self-esteem, and role competence), and environmental resources (social and colleagues support). The study was conducted among a sample of 214 social workers who work with trauma victims at social services in Israel.

Findings

The research findings indicate that the participants’ levels of burnout were average. In addition, the therapist’s age, past exposure to trauma, self-esteem, and mastery, as well as influence (as a component of role competence) contributed significantly to burnout.

Applications

The study sheds light on the negative consequences of therapeutic work for therapists, and on the factors that lead to those consequences. The findings indicate that the impact of the therapists’ personal resources was more significant than that of environmental resources.