bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Powdered Cocaine Flows Across the United States
Authors: Chandra Siddharth , Peters Samuel , Zimmer Nathaniel
Published: March 2014

Patterns of flows of cocaine across the United States are identified using open-source price data. The data set consists of wholesale prices for powdered cocaine for 112 U.S. cities published biannually by the National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC) between 2002 and 2011. For each of the 6,126 possible unique pairs of cities in the sample, cocaine is inferred to flow from the city with the lower price to the city with the higher price if the prices in the two cities show a correlation that exceeds a threshold value. This threshold value is calibrated using data on anecdotal city-to-city flows published by the U.S. Department of Justice. The results show a striking pattern of cocaine flows from the south and west of the United States to the north and east. A cluster analysis of cities based on inward and outward links is used to classify each city as a “source,” “destination,” “transit,” or “isolate.”
Towards a Pedagogy of Grammar Instruction
Authors: Richards Jack C. , Reppen Randi
Published: March 2014

Grammar can be viewed both as knowledge and as ability. When viewed as knowledge, the focus is on rules for sentence formation. When viewed as ability, the focus is on how grammar is used as a resource in the creation of spoken and written texts. Twelve principles are proposed as the basis for a pedagogy that focusses on acquiring learning to use grammar in texts. Each principle is illustrated with examples from classroom practice.
Chronic neuronopathic type of Gaucher’s disease with progressive myoclonic epilepsy in the absence of visceromegaly and bone involvement
Authors: Botross Nevein Philip , Riad Amgad Abadir , Viswanathan Shanthi , Nordin Rusli Bin , Lock HN
Published: March 2014

Introduction

Gaucher’s disease is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by the deficiency of glucocerebrosidase. Gaucher’s disease has three clinical types: non-neuronopathic (Type 1), Acute Neuropathic (Type 2) and chronic neuronopathic (Type 3). The chronic neuronopathic (Type 3) is characterised by a variety of disease variants with onset in childhood with hepatomegaly, skeletal lesions and later slow horizontal saccades, treatment-resistant generalised tonic–clonic and myoclonic seizures, dementia, progressive spasticity, cognitive deterioration, ataxia and death in the second or third decade of life.

Case presentation

We describe a case of a 17-year-old girl who was born normally but subsequently developed treatment-refractory seizures at the age of nine with myoclonus, oculomotor apraxia, ataxia and cognitive decline. Enzyme activity of beta-glucocerebrosidase was found to be low without visceromegaly or bone involvement.

Conclusion

Screening for lysosomal enzyme activity should be done in patients exhibiting features suggestive of progressive myoclonic epilepsy.
The Verb-Second Phenomenon in the Old English Bible
Authors: Cichosz Anna , Gaszewski Jerzy
Published: March 2014

The article investigates the incidence of verb-second (V-2) main declarative clauses in the Old English translation of the book of Genesis as an example case of potential representativeness of a translated text for the purposes of syntactic investigations. We explore whether constituent order patterns found in the analyzed text conform with the rules and tendencies described for Old English in general and try to determine whether the Latin original has an influence on the order of the target text. This is achieved by working with a parallel corpus. In the analysis we consider a number of factors mentioned in the literature in connection with the V-2 phenomenon. The study shows that the researched text closely follows the tendencies identified in original Old English compositions and that the Latin influence on the translation is very limited. The findings and the developed methodology have implications for studies of both Old English and other Old Germanic languages since they enable the expansion of the corpora used in historical syntactic research.
William Worthy’s Concept of “Institutional Rape” Revisited
Authors: Silverman Robert Mark , Lewis Jade , Patterson Kelly L.
Published: March 2014

This article examines the role of anchor institutions in the urban revitalization process. We use case study analysis to understand how concerns about residential displacement are addressed by anchor institutions in the urban planning process. This analysis is designed to build upon William Worthy’s critique of anchor-based development during the 1960s and 1970s. Our analysis examines the degree to which his concept of “institutional rape” applies to contemporary urban revitalization efforts. The article focuses on university and medical campus expansion in Buffalo, NY. We describe how the planned expansion of the Buffalo-Niagara Medical Campus has raised concerns about the displacement of residents living in a neighboring subsidized housing development. We conclude that despite incremental improvements in the planning process designed to facilitate coordination between anchor institutions and grassroots interests, resident empowerment has not been fully realized. Instead, the planning process continues to be dominated by institutional interests with limited community input. Consequently, residents worked through grassroots organizations, local government, and the media to resist anchor-based development. In light of these findings, we recommend that the role of residents in the planning process for neighborhood revitalization become more institutionalized through the negotiation of community benefit agreements and other linkages.
Hemodynamic Correlates of Drug-induced Vascular Injury in the Rat Using High-frequency Ultrasound Imaging
Authors: Swanson Terri A. , Conte Teri , Deeley Ben , Portugal Susan , Kreeger John M. , Obert Leslie A. , Joseph E. Clive , Wisialowski Todd A. , Sokolowski Sharon A. , Rief Catherine , Nugent Paul , Lawton Michael P. , Enerson Bradley E.
Published: March 2014

Several classes of drugs have been shown to cause drug-induced vascular injury (DIVI) in preclinical toxicity studies. Measurement of blood flow and vessel diameter in numerous vessels and across various tissues by ultrasound imaging has the potential to be a noninvasive translatable biomarker of DIVI. Our objective was to demonstrate the utility of high-frequency ultrasound imaging for measuring changes in vascular function by evaluating blood flow and vessel diameter in the superior mesenteric arteries (SMA) of rats treated with compounds that are known to cause DIVI and are known vasodilators in rat: fenoldopam, CI-1044, and SK&F 95654. Blood flow, vessel diameter, and other parameters were measured in the SMA at 4, 8, and 24 hr after dosing. Mild to moderate perivascular accumulations of mononuclear cells, neutrophils in tunica adventitia, and superficial tunica media as well as multifocal hemorrhage and necrosis in the tunica media were found in animals 24 hr after treatment with fenoldopam and SK&F 95654. Each compound caused marked increases in blood flow and shear stress as early as 4 hr after dosing. These results suggest that ultrasound imaging may constitute a functional correlate for the microscopic finding of DIVI in the rat.
Estrous Cycle-dependent Morphology in the Reproductive Organs of the Female Göttingen Minipig
Authors: de Rijk Eveline , van den Brink Hetty , Lensen Joost , Lambregts Ankie , Lorentsen Helle , Peter Birgit
Published: March 2014

The present study describes the normal histology of female reproductive organs during the estrous cycle in the Göttingen minipig. For this purpose, sexually mature females were sacrificed at different phases of the cycle (follicular/proliferation, ovulation, and early-, mid-, and late-luteal/secretory phase). Ovaries, uterus, cervix, vagina, and mammary gland tissues were processed for microscopic evaluation. Sexual maturity was assured by selecting females in which at least 1 progesterone peak was measured. Stage-distinguishing features in ovaries were the Graafian follicles (disrupted vs. nondisrupted) and corpora lutea of recent and preceding cycles (size, cell morphology, and structural composition). In the uterus, stage-specific markers were epithelial morphology, secretory activity (using periodic acid–Schiff/hematoxylin staining), and epithelial mitosis and/or apoptosis. The other reproductive organs were not suitable to discriminate between the different phases of the cycle due to a high morphologic variability (mammary gland, and vagina) or absence of clear morphologic differences between the phases (cervix). The increased use of young minipigs (frequently immature/peripubertal) in preclinical testing requires more knowledge on the histologic cyclic changes. With the present morphologic description of the morphologic characteristics of the reproductive tract in recently ovulating minipigs, a guidance for staging the estrous cycle and determination of sexual immaturity is provided.
Societal‐level Risk Factors Associated with Pediatric Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review
Authors: Vasconcellos Adam P. , Colello Stephanie , Kyle Meghann E. , Shin Jennifer J.
Published: March 2014

Objective

To determine if the current body of evidence describes specific threshold values of concern for modifiable societal‐level risk factors for pediatric hearing loss, with the overarching goal of providing actionable guidance for the prevention and screening of audiological deficits in children.

Data Sources

Three related systematic reviews were performed. Computerized PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library searches were performed from inception through October 2013 and were supplemented with manual searches.

Review Methods

Inclusion/exclusion criteria were designed to determine specific threshold values of societal‐level risk factors on hearing loss in the pediatric population. Searches and data extraction were performed by independent reviewers.

Results

There were 20 criterion‐meeting studies with 29,128 participants. Infants less than 2 standard deviations below standardized weight, length, or body mass index were at increased risk. Specific nutritional deficiencies related to iodine and thiamine may also increase risk, although data are limited and threshold values of concern have not been quantified. Blood lead levels above 10 µg/dL were significantly associated with pediatric sensorineural loss, and mixed findings were noted for other heavy metals. Hearing loss was also more prevalent among children of socioeconomically disadvantaged families, as measured by a poverty income ratio less than 0.3 to 1, higher deprivation category status, and head of household employment as a manual laborer.

Conclusions

Increasing our understanding of specific thresholds of risk associated with causative factors forms the foundation for preventive and targeted screening programs as well as future research endeavors.
Prevention of pulmonary embolisms associated with vena cava filter implantation
Authors: Han Bing , Ge Chang-qing , Zhang Hong-guang , Zhou Chen-guang , Ji Guo-hui , Yang Zheng , Zhang Liang
Published: March 2014

Objective:

To investigate the prevention of pulmonary embolism (PE) by the implantation of inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs).

Methods:

Data of 1058 patients treated for lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) between January 2005 and January 2012 were analyzed retrospectively and divided into those with and without PE.

Results:

Of the 1058 patients, 34 had PEs (3.2%) and 1024 did not. Multivariable analyses showed that PEs were less likely to occur in patients with IVCFs than in those without IVCFs (odd ratio [OR] =  0.028, P < 0.001), and were more likely to occur in patients with vena cava thrombosis than in those without vena cava thrombosis (OR =  19.094, P < 0.001). Analyses stratified by DVT site showed that vena cava thrombosis was the only risk factor of PE for patients with a left DVT (crude OR =  12.814, P < 0.001), and IVCF implantation was the only protective factor for PE for patients with a right or bilateral DVT (crude OR =  0.028, P =  0.001). IVCF patency rate for follow-up was 98.7% with no filter migration, declination, or failure of expansion.

Conclusions:

IVCFs can reduce the occurrence of PEs in patients with DVTs.
The microfinance sector in Vietnam: An overview of its present state and future prospects
Authors: Marbán-Flores Raquel
Published: March 2014

The microfinance sector in Vietnam is appealing for study, due both to the type of institutions operating in it and its impressive growth rates. This article aims to explain the current situation of the sector as well as to point out the main obstacles that could slow down this growth. This is firstly done through an analysis of available published data. Given that these data provide a limited perspective of the actual situation, comprehensive field work was carried out based on surveys and in some cases direct interviews with the different agents operating in the Vietnamese microfinance sector. Special consideration was given to indicators associated with the possible introduction of innovations enabled by Information and Communications Technologies.
Unstimulated and glucose-stimulated ghrelin in depressed patients and controls
Authors: Paslakis Georgios , Westphal Sabine , Hamann Bettina , Gilles Maria , Lederbogen Florian , Deuschle Michael
Published: March 2014

Introduction:

The neuropeptide ghrelin stimulates hunger and weight gain. Ghrelin actions have been associated with depression in a number of preclinical and clinical studies, although some studies comparing basal peripheral ghrelin levels between depressed patients and controls found no differences between the groups.

Methods:

Twenty patients with a melancholic depressive episode and 15 controls received a 75 g glucose load and ghrelin levels were measured at 0, 30, 60 and 90 min after the beginning of the test. The patients were then either treated with mirtazapine ( n=10) or venlafaxine ( n=10) and underwent the same procedure (glucose load and ghrelin assessment) after four weeks of treatment.

Results:

Basal ghrelin concentrations did not differ between patients and controls, although the ghrelin responses following the glucose load were lower in patients and differed significantly to the controls’ responses. After treatment, the patients’ ghrelin responses to the glucose load increased by trend and approximated those in the control group.

Conclusion:

Ghrelin is involved in appetite-regulating pathways during depression. For the first time we show that a functional test procedure using a standardised glucose load is more suitable than the assessment of basal peripheral ghrelin levels to detect differences between diagnostic groups.
Local Managerial Strategies for External Versus Own Source Fiscal Resources
Authors: Kim Jungbu , Oh Seong Soo
Published: March 2014

Although empirical evidence abounds on the determinants of intergovernmental transfers in the decentralized context, not many studies focus on the career and educational characteristics of local elected administrators. As local governments around the world are assuming increasingly more revenue authorities and expenditure responsibilities where local administrators play the role of managers as well as politicians, examining how local fiscal strategies are formulated is of critical importance for designing and managing intergovernmental fiscal relations. Utilizing fiscal data on Korean local governments from 2007 through 2010, this article provides some evidence that local governments with elected administrators who have previous business careers are less effective in securing external subsidies, but better at raising revenues from their own sources, relative to those with political experience. We also report that local administrators who graduated from the nation’s top universities are substantially more capable of attracting subsidies. Our findings suggest that local managers’ individual characteristics are an integral component of the game between the central and subnational governments in the distribution of intergovernmental transfers.
Immunohistochemical levels of cyclo-oxygenase-2, matrix metalloproteinase-9 and vascular endothelial growth factor in papillary thyroid carcinoma and their clinicopathological correlations
Authors: Meng Xian-Ying , Zhang Qiang , Li Qun , Lin Shan , Li Jie
Published: March 2014

Objective

To measure the levels of cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) immunostaining in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and benign thyroid tumours, and to investigate potential correlations between their levels and clinicopathological characteristics.

Methods

The levels of immunohistochemical staining of COX-2, MMP-9 and VEGF proteins were measured in tumours from patients with PTC and compared with specimens from patients with benign thyroid tumours. The association between the levels of COX-2, MMP-9 and VEGF proteins and clinicopathological characteristics in patients with PTC was also analysed.

Results

A total of 66 patients with PTC and 40 patients with benign thyroid tumours participated in the study. The rates of positive immunostaining for COX-2, MMP-9 and VEGF in PTC tumours were significantly higher than those in benign thyroid tumours. There were significant positive associations between positive immunostaining for COX-2, MMP-9 and VEGF proteins and age (≥45 years), clinical stage (III–IV) and tumour diameter (≥2 cm).

Conclusion

Combined immunohistochemical evaluation of the levels of COX-2, MMP-9 and VEGF in PTC might be a useful marker for the diagnosis of PTC.
Utilization of rapid infusion system with cold saline in the induction of therapeutic hypothermia
Authors: Jin Sung Woong , Choi Yoon Hee , Lee Dong Hoon
Published: March 2014

Objective

To examine the cooling effectiveness of a rapid infusion system (RIS) during induction of therapeutic hypothermia.

Methods

This laboratory study simulated the effect of three fluid delivery methods: rapid dripping without any other equipment (control); RIS; pressure bag. Cold energy loss (℃ × min) was calculated as: (temperature of the proximal thermoprobe – temperature of the distal thermoprobe) × (total infusion time).

Results

Infusion time was significantly shorter and cold energy loss significantly lower in the RIS group than in the two other groups.

Conclusions

RIS preserves the cold energy of fluid more effectively than pressure bag or control. RIS allows for rapid infusion at a constant pressure and can be easily applied in an emergency setting.
One Country, Two Cultures
Authors: Hui Cora Y. T. , Lo T. Wing
Published: March 2014

Over-reliance on confession has had a long history in the Chinese criminal justice system. Recent high-profile wrongful conviction cases have raised public awareness of the coercive and torturous methods used to extract confessions. Despite the return of Hong Kong to Chinese sovereignty, Hong Kong remains a common law jurisdiction and the most serious criminal offences are tried by a jury. The present study empirically examines the relative impact of DNA evidence, confession, eyewitness testimony, and victim testimony in a Hong Kong–Chinese mock juror sample. The results show that the participants placed greater value on DNA evidence than on confession, and placed the lowest value on testimonial evidence. It is argued that the situation of “one country, two cultures” remains strong: Whereas participants are still influenced by the Chinese criminal justice concept of confession, their judgment is still predominately influenced by the scientific evidence as commonly practiced in the West. Thus, no solid evidence has been found to confirm the emergence of mainlandization in Hong Kong’s criminal justice system.
Continuous Consolidation of Commingled Glass and Polypropylene Roving
Authors: Bates Philip , Ekhator Iyobosa
Published: March 2014

Commingled roving is made up of a heterogeneous mixture of glass and thermoplastic fibers in the solid state. This material can be used in pultrusion forming and injection molding operations. In many of these processes, the commingled material must first be consolidated into a tape form. In this research, a continuous consolidation process was developed. The consolidation quality of the pultruded tape as a function of process and equipment parameters were assessed using flexural testing, glass fiber weight content, and scanning electron microscopy. Results showed that pins have strong effects on distributive and dispersive mixing of the glass fiber in the polymer matrix. Simple models are developed to simulate the polymer flow through the fiber bundle.
Estimation of Entry Pressure Drop during Conical Die Flow of Carbon Black-Filled Rubber Compound
Authors: Liang Ji
Published: March 2014

The flow behavior of polymer melts in a conical die extrusion was discussed in the present paper. On the basis of simplified suppositions, a mathematical model for estimation of entry pressure drop was established by using a tensor analysis method. The rheological properties of rubber compound, such as flow curves, viscosity, entry pressure drop, and extrudate swell, were measured by employing a capillary rheometer in a temperature range of 90–130° C and apparent shear rates varied from 50 to 103 s-1. It was found that the shear flow for the sample obeyed the Power law, and the first normal stress difference increased with increasing shear rates at the channel wall as an exponential function. Furthermore, the entry pressure drop during extrusion of the samples was estimated by using this model. The results showed that the predictions of entry pressure drop were basically consistent with the measured data from the experiments of the sample.
Thermal Analysis Comparison between Three Random Glass Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastic Matrix Composites Bonded by Adhesives Using Microwaves
Authors: Ku H. S. , Lee K. F. , Li C. W. , Widjaya B.
Published: March 2014

This paper compares the thermal analysis of three types of random glass fiberreinforced thermoplastic matrix composites joined by adhesives using microwave energy. Fixed frequency, 2.45 GHz, microwave facility is used to join 33% by weight random glass fiber-reinforced nylon 66 {Nylon 66/GF (33%)], 33% by weight random glass fiber-reinforced low-density polyethylene composite [LDPE/GF (33%)] and 33% by weight random glass fiber-reinforced polystyrene composite [PS/GF (33%)]. With a given power level, the composites were exposed to various exposure times to microwave irradiation. The primer or coupling agent used was 5-min two-part adhesive. The heat distribution of the samples of the three types of composites was analysed and compared. The relationship between the heat distribution and the lap shear strength of the samples was also compared and discussed.
Hypertriglyceridemic Pancreatitis Caused by the Oral Contraceptive Agent Estrostep
Authors: Abraham Mary , Mitchell Jennifer , Simsovits Debra , Gasperino James
Published: March 2014

Norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol (Estrostep; Warner Chilcott, Rockaway, New Jersey) is an “estrophasic” type of oral contraceptive, which combines a continuous low progestin dose with a gradually increasing estrogen dose. In clinical trials, this medication failed to produce clinically significant changes in serum lipid levels. We report a case of severe hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis in a 24-year-old woman caused by Estrostep, occurring nearly 10 years after she began using the drug. The patient was admitted to the medical intensive care unit (ICU) for aggressive volume resuscitation and management of severe electrolyte abnormalities. Laboratory studies obtained on admission indicated severe hypertriglyceridemia (2,200 mg/dL), hyponatremia (120 mEq/L), and hypocalcemia (0.78 mmol/L). Amylase and lipase levels were also elevated (193 and 200 U/L, respectively). Ranson score calculated after 48 hours of admission was 4, and her Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) IV score was 35. Treatment included an insulin infusion, ω-3 fatty acid esters, and gemfibrozil. The insulin infusion reduced serum triglyceride levels by 50% after 1 day of treatment and to 355 mg/dL by day 7 of her ICU course. We believe that this is the first reported case of severe, acute hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis caused by this medication.
“Honor,” Collectivity, and Agnation
Authors: Payton Joanne
Published: March 2014

“Honor”-based violence (HBV) is increasingly recognized as form of violence against women and girls, but is neither fully conceptualized nor integrated into risk management strategies that are increasingly used to address gender-based violence in Europe and Anglophone states. This article will argue that there are grounds for the differentiation of HBV as a sub-category of gender-based violence which may affect risk management. Research was based in an analysis of 40 case files taken from Arabic- and Kurdish-speaking clients of a London nongovernment organization (NGO) providing services to women facing violence. Interrelations were found between “honor,” agnation, and collectivity in their experiences of violence, with ramifications for service provision.
Motives for Event Volunteering
Authors: Güntert Stefan T. , Neufeind Max , Wehner Theo
Published: March 2014

This research addressed volunteering in the context of an international sports event. The functional approach assumes that matching volunteers’ motives and environmental affordances predicts favorable outcomes. We tested this assumption with respect to event volunteering and proposed two additional motivational functions that may be served by event volunteering: good citizenship and excitement. The results show that the total match index (TMI) proposed by Stukas, Worth, Clary, and Snyder accounted for additional variance in satisfaction and the intent to volunteer again, above and beyond the variance explained by motives and affordances alone. Furthermore, beyond the TMI, matching the excitement motive accounted for additional variance in outcomes. The conceptual innovation of excitement as an intrinsic volunteer motive was supported by a theoretically consistent moderator effect: The association between autonomy and volunteer outcomes was stronger for volunteers with a high excitement motive. Theoretical and practical implications regarding the design of volunteer jobs are discussed.
Steering-based fault-tolerant control for the braking failures of an independent driving electric vehicle
Authors: Lu Shao-Bo , Lim Chee Wah , He Yao-Bin
Published: March 2014

This paper focuses on the safety and stability of a four-wheel independent driving electric vehicle under various braking failure conditions. The power of this four-wheel independent driving electric vehicle is generated from four in-wheel motors using by-wire technology. A dynamic coupling vehicle model with the function of four-wheel driving and four-wheel steering, which includes a flexible suspension system, is established. Subsequently, by combining the change in the non-linear tyre forces at each corner, a quantitative analysis of the transient dynamic behaviours is conducted for different braking failure cases. The control authorities for front steering and rear steering are presented for the special electric vehicle model. Based on functional redundancy of corrective yaw moment generation, three steering control strategies are proposed for fault tolerance in braking failure cases, which include control of the front steering, control of the rear steering and control of the integrated front and rear steering. The controllers of the steering system are designed on the basis of the integral sliding-mode method and a simplified reference model with four-wheel steering. Finally, the effect of the steering control strategies for different braking failure cases are compared with numerical simulations. The result suggests that braking failure could be effectively controlled by using the functional redundancy of the steering system. However, not all steering corrective techniques are available; some even cause performance deterioration for the special condition, and an appropriate control strategy is recommended for different failure cases.
Estimating HIV incidence in eastern European country of Georgia: 2010–2012
Authors: Tsertsvadze Tengiz , Chkhartishvili Nikoloz , Dvali Natia , Karchava Marine , Chokoshvili Otar , Tavadze Lia , Gamkrelidze Amiran , Zohrabyan Lev
Published: March 2014

The knowledge of HIV incidence is essential to better understand patterns of HIV transmission. We estimated HIV incidence over 2010–2012 in the eastern European country of Georgia. Mathematical modeling using Spectrum software and assay-based recent infection testing algorithm were applied. The study included 1155 HIV patients newly diagnosed in 2010–2012 (84% of total diagnoses). Of them, 231 were determined to be recently infected on the recent infection testing algorithm. The proportion of recent cases did not differ between 2010, 2011 and 2012 (20.4% vs. 19.4% vs. 20.2%, p = 0.94). Both study methods derived comparable estimates ranging from 0.2 to 0.3%, which is up to twice as high as rates of new diagnosis reported in the same period. Despite the relatively stable HIV incidence over 2010–2012, the epidemic continues to grow because of the increasing gap between HIV-infected and diagnosed persons. Increased efforts are needed to reduce the number of people with undiagnosed HIV.
Nutritive value of winter-collected annual twigs of main European woody species, mistletoe and ivy and its possible consequences for winter foddering of livestock in prehistory
Authors: Hejcman Michal , Hejcmanová Pavla , Stejskalová Michaela , Pavlů Vilém
Published: March 2014

In Central Europe, forest grazing was probably the main way of providing winter feeding for livestock in prehistory; the main components of this diet most likely included annual twigs of woody species ( Acer platanoides, Betula pendula, Carpinus betulus, Corylus avellana, Fagus sylvatica, Fraxinus excelsior, Picea abies, Pinus sylvestris, Populus tremula, Quercus robur, Salix caprea, Tilia cordata and Ulmus glabra), Hedera helix, Viscum album and senescent grassland biomass; however, their nutritive value has never been compared. Biomass samples were collected in the Czech Republic in February 2013 and analysed for concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, fibre and lignin. With the help of a recent analogy from the Altai Mountains (Russia), possible consequences of winter grazing on the development of forest vegetation and cattle breeds in prehistory were assessed. Hedera and Viscum were the best forage available in winter, and their nutritive value, according to the highest N and lowest fibre and lignin concentrations, was higher than the nutritive value of all winter-collected annual twigs of woody species. Nutritive value of annual twigs of all woody species was very low, especially compared with the quality of meadow hay, leaf-fodder or senescent steppe grassland biomass. Therefore, Hedera and Viscum might have been preferentially grazed by livestock and collected by ancient farmers for the supplementary feeding of privileged animals. According to recent analogy, annual twigs of woody species were browsed by livestock. Their insufficient quality could be one of the reasons for the low body size of cattle recorded in prehistory. The most realistic model of livestock breeding in prehistory seems to be year-round grazing, opening forests and causing deforestation in the surroundings of prehistoric settlements.
Relationship between vegetation and modern pollen-rain along an elevational gradient on Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Authors: Schüler Lisa , Hemp Andreas , Behling Hermann
Published: March 2014

Modern pollen-rain studies are crucial for the calibration and interpretation of fossil pollen records. In East Africa, numerous pollen records provide important insights into the impact of human populations and climate change on tropical ecosystems. However, the confident use of fossil pollen data to reconstruct vegetation and climate dynamics requires well-founded knowledge regarding the relationship between pollen deposition and modern-day vegetation, which is still deficient for large parts of the African continent and non-existent for the tropical East African Mountains. In this study, we investigated the relationship between vegetation and modern pollen-rain along the elevational gradient of Kilimanjaro. We apply multivariate data analysis to assess the relationship between vegetation and modern pollen-rain and quantify the representativeness of forest zones. We further assessed the taxonomic level needed for differentiation between forest zones based on the modern pollen-rain assemblage, biodiversity patterns and pollen and spore drift. In the montane vegetation of Kilimanjaro, it is sufficient to analyse the pollen-rain on plant family level in order to derive the forest zone of the surrounding vegetation. Along this elevational gradient, pollen and spore dispersal is strongly influenced by regional wind patterns, but their deposition reflects the diversity patterns of the surrounding vegetation. This study represents the first statistical analysis of pollen vegetation relationship along an elevational gradient in Africa. Hence, this paper improves confidence in interpretation of palynological records from the tropical East African Mountains and may refine past climate reconstructions for a more accurate comparison of data and modelling.
Joint modeling of HIV data in multicenter observational studies: A comparison among different approaches
Authors: Brombin Chiara , Di Serio Clelia , Rancoita Paola MV
Published: March 2014

Disease process over time results from the combination of event history information and longitudinal process. Commonly, separate analyses of longitudinal and survival outcomes are performed. However, discharging the dependence between these components may cause misleading results. Separate analyses are difficult to interpret whenever one deals with observational retrospective multicenter cohort studies where the biomarkers are poorly monitored over time, while the survival component may be affected by several sources of bias, such as multiple endpoints, multiple time-scales, and informative censoring. We discuss how joint modeling of longitudinal and survival data represents an effective strategy to incorporate all information simultaneously and to provide valid and efficient inferences, thus allowing to produce a better insight into the biological mechanisms underlying the phenomenon under study. Accounting for the whole dynamics of the disease process is crucial in retrospective longitudinal studies. In this work, we present different approaches for modeling longitudinal and time-to-event data, retrieved from 648 HIV-infected patients enrolled in the Italian cohort of the CASCADE (Concerted Action on SeroConversion to AIDS and Death in Europe) study, one of the largest AIDS collaborative cohort studies. In particular, we evaluate CD4 lymphocyte evolution over time (from the date of seroconversion) and overall survival, CD4 being one of the most important immunologic biomarker for HIV progression. Besides a standard separate modeling approach, we consider two alternative joint models: the traditional joint model and the joint latent class mixed model. Advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches are discussed. To compare the performances of these models, cross-validation procedures are also performed.
Bayesian hierarchical modelling of noisy spatial rates on a modestly large and discontinuous irregular lattice
Authors: MacNab Ying C , Read Simon , Strong Mark , Pearson Tim , Maheswaran Ravi , Goyder Elizabeth
Published: March 2014

We present Bayesian hierarchical spatial model development motivated from a recent analysis of noisy small area response rate data, named the Booster data. The Booster data are postcode-level aggregates from a recent mail-out recruitment for a physical exercise intervention in deprived urban neighbourhoods in Sheffield, UK. Bayesian hierarchical Bernoulli-binomial spatial mixture zero-inflated Binomial models were developed for modelling overdispersion and for separation of systematic and random variations in the noisy and mostly low crude response rates. We present methods that enabled us to explore the underlying spatial rate variation, clustering of low or high response rate areas and neighbourhood characteristics that were associated with variations and patterns of invitation mail-outs, zero-response and response rates. Three spatial prior formulations, the intrinsic conditional autoregressive or (iCAR), the Besag-York-Mollié (BYM) and the modified BYM models, were explored for their performance on modelling sparse data on a modestly large and discontinuous irregular lattice. An in-depth Bayesian analysis of the Booster data is presented, with the resulting posterior estimation and inference implemented via Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation in WinBUGS. With increasing availability of spatial data referenced at fine spatial scales such as the postcode, the sparse-data situation and the Bayesian models and methods discussed herein should have considerable relevance to small area disease and health mapping and to spatial regression.
Canine parvovirus 2c infection in a cat with severe clinical disease
Authors: Miranda Carla , Parrish Colin R. , Thompson Gertrude
Published: March 2014

Canine parvovirus 2 (CPV-2) is considered the main pathogen responsible for acute gastroenteritis in dogs, causing vomiting and hemorrhagic enteritis mainly. However, infection in cats by CPV variants causes clinical signs similar to Feline panleukopenia virus. The current study reports a case of CPV-2c in a domestic cat, in Portugal. The findings suggest that more surveys are needed to know the true prevalence and significance of cats in CPV epidemiology worldwide.
Bridging the Gap Between Continuous Sedation Until Death and Physician-Assisted Death
Authors: Rys Sam , Deschepper Reginald , Mortier Freddy , Deliens Luc , Bilsen Johan
Published: March 2014

The distinction between continuous sedation until death (CSD) and physician-assisted death (PAD) has become a topic of medical ethical debate. We conducted 6 focus groups to examine how nursing home clinicians perceive this distinction. For some, the difference is clear whereas others consider CSD a form of euthanasia. Another group situates CSD between pain relief and ending life. Arguments for these perspectives refer to the following themes: intention, dosage of sedative drugs, unconsciousness, and the pace of the dying process. Generally, CSD is considered emotionally easier to deal with since it entails a gradual dying process. Nursing home clinicians have diverging perceptions of the relation between CSD and PAD; some consider CSD to be more than a purely palliative measure, that is, also as a means to hasten death.
Consensually Defined Facets of Personality as Prospective Predictors of Change in Depression Symptoms
Authors: Naragon-Gainey Kristin , Watson David
Published: March 2014

Depression has robust associations with personality, showing a strong relation with neuroticism and more moderate associations with extraversion and conscientiousness. In addition, each Big Five domain can be decomposed into narrower facets. However, we currently lack consensus as to the contents of Big Five facets, with idiosyncrasies across instruments; moreover, few studies have examined associations with depression. In the current study, community participants completed six omnibus personality inventories; self-reported depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline and 5 years later. Exploratory factor analyses suggested three to five facets in each domain, and these facets served as prospective predictors of depression in hierarchical regressions, after accounting for baseline and trait depression. In these analyses, high anger (from neuroticism), low positive emotionality (extraversion), low conventionality (conscientiousness), and low culture (openness to experiences) were significant prospective predictors of depression. Results are discussed in regard to personality structure and assessment, as well as personality–psychopathology associations.
Situating the Self in Prison Research
Authors: Rowe Abigail
Published: March 2014

Despite the central importance of ethnographic methods to sociological understandings of imprisonment, ethnographies of prison life have tended to evade ideas of “connectedness” between researcher and participant. This arguably underplays the epistemological possibilities of the unique characteristic of participant observation: the presence of the embodied, subjectively perceiving researcher in the field. Using data from English women’s prisons, this article argues that attending to the (inter)subjective dimensions of ethnographic research can bring gains in sociological understanding. The analysis considers moments of disruption in field research, exploring themes of emotion, identity, and power. It focuses particularly on experiences of being positioned and misplaced by prisoners and prison staff, and of negotiating a researcher identity as a gay woman in a field in which sexuality is a pervasive theme. It is suggested that making the self visible in the text offers both substantive insights and a response to some of the dilemmas generated by even marginal participation in a complex field like a prison.
Insider and Out
Authors: Earle Rod
Published: March 2014

Prison ethnographers in the United Kingdom have offered rich and diverse accounts of penal interiors, and prisoners’ views and experiences have been, for the most part, reported with sensitivity, creativity, and insight. In the midst of this relatively flourishing qualitative research activity, the actual voices prisoners, and of ex-prisoners who are now prison researchers, have been relatively subdued, although there are signs that this may be about to change. In this article, I explore some of the potentials, possibilities, and problems afforded by insider research—that is, research that draws on direct experience of penal confinement—and explore whether, and how, “spending time” is different from “serving time.” As opportunities to “do prison research differently” emerge, I critically examine some of the epistemological claims and potentials of insider research, its relations to ethnography, and the relevance of advocacy groups, such as Convict Criminology.
Prison Research From the Inside
Authors: Newbold Greg , Ian Ross Jeffrey , Jones Richard S. , Richards Stephen C. , Lenza Michael
Published: March 2014

A perspective that has often been absent in criminal justice research is that of former prisoners. This article discusses the establishment, in 1997, of “convict criminology,” a group of scholars producing research informed by their experiences of crime and the criminal justice process; that is, either those who have served time themselves or who have operated alongside prisoners as professionals in custodial settings. It is argued that such scholars face similar dilemmas to others in terms of emotionalism, but suggests that their emotions are of a different nature. While an “insider” perspective cannot lay claim to scientific “objectivity,” the article argues that the existence of emotion does not invalidate an “insider” criminologist’s views. Rather, the passion engendered by the experience of incarceration can add color, context, and contour to data collection, findings, and analysis and may therefore be regarded as an essential thread in the tapestry of criminological inquiry.
Strengthening the Role of Science in the Environmental Decision-Making Processes of Executive Government
Authors: Lalor Briony M. , Hickey Gordon M.
Published: March 2014

Internationally, there is a growing call to embrace more participatory and democratic approaches to environmental science and policy to improve sustainability outcomes. This presents a particular challenge in Westminster-based systems of government, where participatory and inclusive structures for policy making are considered inherently difficult due, in part, to the high concentration of power in the executive and political elite. To better understand this challenge, we conducted exploratory research into the science–policy experiences of former environment ministers (politicians) and senior bureaucrats who have held executive roles in provincial/ state and federal governments across Canada and Australia and the national governments of New Zealand, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. Our results suggest that government organizations could further strengthen a culture of policy-relevant research and evidence-based policy on environment issues by fostering more decentralized approaches to policy and more democratic approaches to scientific knowledge production that better accounts for the complexity of environmental decision making.
Community Trial of a Comprehensive Psychosocial Treatment for HFASDs
Authors: Lopata Christopher , Toomey Jennifer A. , Thomeer Marcus L. , McDonald Christin A. , Fox Jeffery D. , Smith Rachael A. , Meichenbaum David L. , Volker Martin A. , Lee Gloria K. , Lipinski Alanna M.
Published: March 2014

This community effectiveness trial examined the feasibility and efficacy of a comprehensive psychosocial treatment for 28 children, aged 7 to 10 years with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders (HFASDs). Treatment included instruction and therapeutic activities targeting social skills, face-emotion recognition skills, interest expansion, and interpretation of non-literal language skills. A behavioral program was instituted to foster skills acquisition and reduce ASD symptoms and problem behaviors. Feasibility was supported in high levels of fidelity and satisfaction. Significant improvements were found for the children’s non-literal language skills and parent ratings of target social and communicative skills, broader social performance, and ASD symptoms. Secondary staff ratings corroborated parent ratings. Results suggest that the treatment, when administered by a community agency, was feasible and yielded positive outcomes similar to prior randomized clinical trials (RCTs).
Contextualising women's mental distress and coping strategies in the time of AIDS: A rural South African case study
Authors: Burgess Rochelle , Campbell Catherine
Published: March 2014

Increasing attention is paid to impacts of HIV/AIDS on women's mental health, often framed by decontextualized psychiatric understandings of emotional distress and treatment. We contribute to the small qualitative literature extending these findings through exploring HIV/AIDS-affected women's own accounts of their distress—focusing on the impacts of social context, and women's efforts to cope outside of medical support services. Nineteen in-depth interviews were conducted with women experiencing depression or anxiety-like symptoms in a wider study of services in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Thematic analysis was framed by Summerfield's emphasis on contexts and resilience. Women highlighted family conflicts (particularly abandonment by men), community-level violence, poverty and HIV/AIDS as drivers of distress. Whilst HIV/AIDS placed significant burdens on women, poverty and relationship difficulties were more central in their accounts. Four coping mechanisms were identified. Women drew on indigenous local resources in their psychological re-framing of negative situations, and their mobilisation of emotional and financial support from inter-personal networks, churches and HIV support groups. Less commonly, they sought expert advice from traditional healers, medical services or social workers, but access to these was limited. Though all tried to supplement government grants with income generation efforts, only a minority regarded these as successful. Findings support ongoing efforts to bolster strained mental health services with support groups, which often offer valuable emotional and practical support. Without parallel poverty alleviation strategies, however, support groups may sometimes offer little more than encouraging passive acceptance of the inevitability of suffering—potentially exacerbating the hopelessness underpinning women's distress.