bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endobronchial intubation in thoracic surgery: Which side should be preferred?
Authors: Kaplan Tevfik , Ekmekçi Perihan , Kazbek Baturay Kansu , Ogan Nalan , Alhan Aslıhan , Koçer Bulent , Han Serdar , Tüzüner Filiz
Published: June 2015

Aim

This study was undertaken to compare the clinical performance of right versus left double-lumen endotracheal tubes placed without using fiberoptic bronchoscopy in thoracic surgery operations.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of patients who were operated on in our institution between January 2013 and February 2014. We analyzed clinical performance in terms of hypoxia, hypercapnia, and adequate deflation of the lungs with both left- and right-sided double-lumen endotracheal tubes.

Results

There were 80 patients with a mean age of 53.74 ± 15.59 years. Right-sided double-lumen tubes were used in 33 patients, and left-sided double-lumen tubes were used in 47. Perioperative hypoxi ( p < 0.05), hypercapnia ( p < 0.01), and inadequate deflation of the lung ( p < 0.001) were found more frequently with the use of right-sided double-lumen endotracheal tubes. Arterial blood gas analyses in the post-anesthesia care unit showed that high pCO2 (>45 mm Hg), low pH (<7.36), and high lactate levels (>4 mmol L−1) were more frequent with right-sided double-lumen endotracheal tubes ( p < 0.001). The incidence of atelectasis was greater ( p < 0.001) and the duration of hospital stay was longer ( p = 0.02) with the use of right-sided double-lumen endotracheal tubes.

Conclusion

Right-sided double-lumen endotracheal tubes resulted in poorer clinical performance. Therefore, a left-sided double-lumen endotracheal tube should be preferred in thoracic surgery operations when an appropriate size of fiberoptic bronchoscope is not available.
Improving the School Context of Early Adolescence Through Teacher Attunement to Victimization
Authors: Norwalk Kate E. , Hamm Jill V. , Farmer Thomas W. , Barnes Kathryn L.
Published: June 2015

The present study examined the effects of teacher attunement to victimization on student perceptions of the bullying culture of their schools as a means of fostering a sense of belonging among early adolescents. Participants ( n = 1,264) in sixth grade reported on the frequency that they had been bullied, and teachers were asked to report students who were “picked on.” Teacher attunement represented the correspondence between self-identified and teacher-identified victims. Attunement at the beginning of the school year was related to positive changes in student reports that their peers would intervene in bullying; in turn, sense of belonging was greater when students perceived that their peers would intervene in bullying. Teacher attunement was indirectly related to greater belonging through its impact on student perceptions of the bullying context.
Using Clickers in a Large Business Class
Authors: Rana Nripendra P. , Dwivedi Yogesh K.
Published: June 2015

As more and more institutions are integrating new technologies (e.g., audience response systems such as clickers) into their teaching and learning systems, it is becoming increasingly necessary to have a detailed understanding of the underlying mechanisms of these advanced technologies and their outcomes on student learning perceptions. We proposed a conceptual model based on the technology acceptance model to understand students’ use behavior and satisfaction with clickers. The valid response from 138 second-year business students of Digital Marketing module taught in a British university, where clickers are extensively used in the teaching and learning process, made the basis for data analysis. The results provided a strong support for the proposed model with a reasonably adequate variance (i.e., adjusted R2) of 67% on behavioral intentions and sufficiently high variance on use behavior (i.e., 86%) and user satisfaction (i.e., 89%).
Bone Disease in the Common Marmoset
Authors: Olson E. J. , Shaw G. C. , Hutchinson E. K. , Schultz-Darken N. , Bolton I. D. , Parker J. B. , Morrison J. M. , Baxter V. K. , Pate K. A. Metcalf , Mankowski J. L. , Carlson C. S.
Published: June 2015

The common marmoset ( Callithrix jacchus) is a New World primate that is used in biomedical research due to its small size and relative ease of handling compared with larger primates. Although bone disease in common marmosets is well recognized, there are very few detailed descriptions in the literature that cover the range of lesions seen in these animals. For all animals used to model human disease, it is important to be aware of background lesions that may affect the interpretation of study findings. This retrospective study details bone diseases encountered in marmoset breeding colonies at 2 different institutions. Affected marmosets at Johns Hopkins University had lesions compatible with diagnoses of rickets, fibrous osteodystrophy and osteopenia. Affected marmosets at the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center exhibited severe lesions of osteoclastic bone resorption and remodeling that had an unusual distribution and were not easily categorized into a known disease entity. The purpose of this report is to document these naturally occurring skeletal lesions of common marmosets and suggest an approach to evaluating skeletal disease in prospective studies of these animals that will allow the most accurate diagnoses.
Transnational capital and the technology of domination and desire
Authors: Harris Jerry
Published: June 2015

The revolution in information technologies has brought about a fundamental shift in the productive forces. It has become the organising tool of the transnational capitalist class in their drive to global financialisation and production. In important areas information technology has radically reduced the socially necessary labour time to produce great concentrations of wealth, the results of which have significant impacts on social relations. Additionally, the desire for new information technology products, particularly in the realm of social networking and media, has led to a monetarisation of our private information. The control of mega data servers, by both the state security apparatus and information technology corporations, has led to new forms of coercion. This dialectic, of consent and coercion, is consistent with Gramsci’s theory of cultural and ideological hegemony.
The auto-mobility of Gran Torino’s American immigrant dream: cars, class and whiteness in Detroit’s post-industrial cityscape
Authors: Kinney Rebecca J.
Published: June 2015

This article argues that Clint Eastwood’s 2008 film Gran Torino presents a regeneration of the myth of the American Immigrant Dream through the trope of auto-mobility, a conceptual shorthand for self-reliance and class mobility. Rather than reading the film as an embrace of multicultural America, as many of its reviewers do, the author argues that the film operates to redeploy the idea of collective American immigrant identity through a reaffirmation in the ‘possessive investment in whiteness’. In particular, an analysis of the mobility implied between non-white centre city and the white Detroit suburban periphery, ultimately suggests that the typical paradigm of the American Dream – job, car, house – is possible for immigrants and people of colour, but only through a literal departure from the poor, inner city, which is represented as simultaneously pathological and non-white.
Anti-racism: totem and taboo – a review article
Authors: Burnett Jon
Published: June 2015

Against a backdrop of punishing austerity measures, the ascent of the neoliberal project and the undermining of multiculturalism, anti-anti-racism is seeing a renascence in the UK. This resurgent critique decries anti-racism as set against white working-class communities, argues that it exists to serve a liberal elite, and that it feeds into a multicultural dogma undermining western culture. Fear of the charge of racism, it is argued, prevents discussion and rational policy measures to manage immigration, race and identity. This review article examines three recent books embodying aspects of these claims, as well as showing how a liberal ceding of ground to the Right on the intersections of race and class ultimately bolsters its arguments.
‘Where nothing else will do’: judicial approaches to adoption in England and Wales
Authors: Doughty Julie
Published: June 2015

The judicial approach to making an adoption order where birth parents do not give their consent suddenly changed after a UK Supreme Court judgement in mid-2013, which examined the position in the light of the Human Rights Act 1998 – Re B [2013] UKSC 33. This article argues that this case did not set a higher threshold for such an order to be made but confirmed existing domestic and European human rights law. However, the unintended consequences of the judgement were an opportunity for the judiciary to take issue with government policy to increase the rate of adoption and with recent family justice reforms, which have constrained judicial oversight of care proceedings. An unprecedented rate of contested litigation, based on perceived shortcomings in social work assessments and judgements in the lower courts, has caused uncertainty and delays in planning for children, with a slowing in the rate of children being adopted, although with little evidence of any associated benefits for birth parents. It is concluded that the confusion caused for potential adopters and practitioners needs to be resolved, so that timely decision-making for children can be prioritised.
The Patient Acceptable Symptomatic State for the Modified Harris Hip Score and Hip Outcome Score Among Patients Undergoing Surgical Treatment for Femoroacetabular Impingement
Authors: Chahal Jaskarndip , Van Thiel Geoffrey S. , Mather Richard C. , Lee Simon , Song Sang Hoon , Davis Aileen M. , Salata Michael , Nho Shane J.
Published: June 2015

Background:

There is minimal information available on the threshold at which patients consider themselves to be well for patient-reported outcome measures used in patients treated with hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).

Purpose:

To determine the patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) for the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and the Hip Outcome Score (HOS) in patients with FAI treated with arthroscopic hip surgery.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A consecutive series of patients at a single institution with FAI who were treated with arthroscopic labral surgery, acetabular rim trimming, and femoral osteochondroplasty were eligible. The mHHS (score range, 0-100) and the HOS (score range, 0-100) were administered at baseline and at 12 months postoperatively. An external anchor question at 1 year postoperatively was utilized to determine PASS values: “Taking into account all the activities you have during your daily life, your level of pain, and also your functional impairment, do you consider that your current state is satisfactory?”

Results:

There were 130 patients (mean ± SD age, 35.6 ± 11.7 years), and 42.3% were male. Based on a receiver operator curve analysis, the PASS values—at which patients considered their status to be satisfactory—at 1 year after surgery were 74 (mHHS), 87 (HOS–activities of daily living subscale), and 75 (HOS–sports subscale). The PASS threshold was not affected by baseline scores across different instruments. However, patients with higher baseline scores were more likely to achieve the PASS (odds ratios: 3.36 [mHHS], 3.83 [HOS–activities of daily living], 3.38 [HOS-sports]). Age and sex were not significantly related to the odds of achieving the PASS for the mHHS or the HOS.

Conclusion:

This is the first study to determine the PASS for 2 commonly used hip joint patient-reported outcome measures in patients undergoing surgery for FAI. The study findings can allow researchers to determine if interventions related to FAI are meaningful to patients at the individual level across various domains and will also be useful for responder analyses in future randomized trials related to hip arthroscopy and the treatment of FAI.
Inflammation and Neovascularization in Hip Impingement
Authors: Elias-Jones Cameron J. , Farrow Luke , Reilly James H. , Kerr Shauna , Meek R. M. Dominic , Kelly Michael P. , Campton J. Luke , Millar Neal L.
Published: June 2015

Background:

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a significant cause of osteoarthritis (OA) in young active patients, but the pathophysiology remains unclear. Increasingly, mechanistic studies point toward an inflammatory component in OA.

Purpose:

This study aimed to characterize inflammatory cell subtypes and neovascularization in FAI by exploring the phenotype and quantification of inflammatory cells and neovascularization in FAI versus OA samples.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Ten samples of the labrum were obtained from patients with FAI (confirmed diagnosis) during open osteochondroplasty or hip arthroscopic surgery. Control samples of the labrum were collected from 10 patients with OA who were undergoing total hip arthroplasty. Labral biopsy specimens were evaluated immunohistochemically by quantifying the presence of macrophages (CD68, CD206, interleukin-13 [IL-13]), T cells (CD3), mast cells (mast cell tryptase), and vascular endothelium (CD34, vascular endothelial growth factor).

Results:

Labral biopsy specimens obtained from patients with FAI exhibited significantly greater macrophage, mast cell, and vascular endothelium expression compared with control OA labral samples ( P < .05). The most significant difference was noted in macrophage ( P < .01) and mast cell ( P < .05) expression. Further subtyping of macrophages in FAI using the CD206 tissue marker and IL-13 revealed an M2 phenotype, suggesting that these cells are involved in a regenerate versus degenerate process. There was a modest but significant correlation between mast cells and CD34 expression ( r = 0.4, P < .01) in FAI samples.

Conclusion:

This study provides evidence for an inflammatory cell infiltrate in FAI along with significant neovascularization. In particular, the significant infiltration of mast cells and macrophages was demonstrated, suggesting a role for innate immune pathways in the events that mediate hip impingement.

Clinical Relevance:

Further mechanistic studies to evaluate the net contribution and hence therapeutic utility of these cellular lineages and their downstream processes may reveal novel therapeutic approaches to the management of early hip impingement.
High Incidence of Infraspinatus Muscle Atrophy in Elite Professional Female Tennis Players
Authors: Young Simon W. , Dakic Jodie , Stroia Kathleen , Nguyen Michael L. , Harris Alex H.S. , Safran Marc R.
Published: June 2015

Background:

Isolated infraspinatus muscle atrophy is common in overhead athletes, who place significant and repetitive stresses across their dominant shoulders. Studies on volleyball and baseball players report infraspinatus atrophy in 4% to 34% of players; however, the prevalence of infraspinatus atrophy in professional tennis players has not been reported.

Purpose:

To investigate the incidence of isolated infraspinatus atrophy in professional tennis players and to identify any correlations with other physical examination findings, ranking performance, and concurrent shoulder injuries.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 125 professional female tennis players underwent a comprehensive preparticipation physical health status examination. Two orthopaedic surgeons examined the shoulders of all players and obtained digital goniometric measurements of range of motion (ROM). Infraspinatus atrophy was defined as loss of soft tissue bulk in the infraspinatus scapula fossa (and increased prominence of dorsal scapular bony anatomy) of the dominant shoulder with clear asymmetry when compared with the contralateral side. Correlations were examined between infraspinatus atrophy and concurrent shoulder disorders, clinical examination findings, ROM, glenohumeral internal rotation deficit, singles tennis ranking, and age.

Results:

There were 65 players (52%) with evidence of infraspinatus atrophy in their dominant shoulders. No wasting was noted in the nondominant shoulder of any player. No statistically significant differences were seen in mean age, left- or right-hand dominance, height, weight, or body mass index for players with or without atrophy. Of the 77 players ranked in the top 100, 58% had clinical infraspinatus atrophy, compared with 40% of players ranked outside the top 100. No associations were found with static physical examination findings (scapular dyskinesis, ROM glenohumeral internal rotation deficit, postural abnormalities), concurrent shoulder disorders, or compromised performance when measured by singles ranking.

Conclusion:

This study reports a high level of clinical infraspinatus atrophy in the dominant shoulder of elite female tennis players. Infraspinatus atrophy was associated with a higher performance ranking, and no functional deficits or associations with concurrent shoulder disorders were found. Team physicians can be reassured that infraspinatus atrophy is a common finding in high-performing tennis players and, if asymptomatic, does not appear to significantly compromise performance.
Mucociliary clearance techniques for treating non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis: Is there evidence?
Authors: Snijders D , Fernandez Dominguez B , Calgaro S , Bertozzi I , Escribano Montaner A , Perilongo G , Barbato A
Published: June 2015

Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (nCFb) is an acquired condition of variable etiology. An impaired mucociliary clearance seems to be one of the mechanisms behind nCFb, and treatment involves antibiotics, mucoactive agents, and airway clearance techniques (ACTs). Traditional ACTs have four components: postural drainage, percussion, vibration of the chest wall, and coughing. Reviewing the international medical literature on the use of ACTs for patients with nCFb from 1989 to the present day, we retrieved 93 articles, of which 35 met our selection criteria for this analysis. We reviewed active cycle of breathing techniques (ACBT), forced expiration techniques (FET), autogenic drainage, postural drainage, oscillating positive expiratory pressure (OPep), high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO), and exercise or pulmonary rehabilitation. Overall, ACTs appear to be safe for individuals (adults and children) with stable bronchiectasis; where there may be improvements in sputum expectoration, selected measures of lung function, and health-related quality of life. Unfortunately, there is a lack of RCTs in nCFb patients, especially in children. Moreover, none of the studies describes long-term effects of ACTs. It should be noted that a single intervention might not reflect the longer-term outcome and there is no evidence to recommend or contest any type of ACTs in nCFb management. Multicenter RCTs are necessary to evaluate the different techniques of ACTs especially in children with nCFb.
Sex-related clinical aspects in insect venom anaphylaxis
Authors: Nittner-Marszalska Marita , Liebhart Jerzy , Dor-Wojnarowska Anna
Published: June 2015

Experimental studies, epidemiological data, and clinical observations suggest that the gender factor is involved in the development and manifestation of IgE-dependent allergic diseases. We intend to answer the question if sex-related factors may play a role in Hymenoptera venom allergy (HVA). In the majority of recent studies the frequency of HVA symptoms with respect to both LL and SYS reactions is similar for men and women, while proven sensitization to insect venom is less frequent in women. Studies assessing clinical reactivity in HVA indicate that male sex and vespid venom allergy are factors increasing the risk of severe allergic reactions. Regarding the risk of adverse events associated with gender in the course of venom immunotherapy (VIT), the results of two large EAACI multicenter studies are discordant. In the first study, women showed increased risk of VIT adverse events. In the latter, systemic allergic side effects were not associated with gender. Despite theoretical premises and certain clinical observations indicating an important role of estrogens in allergic diseases, their influence on stinging insects’ venom hypersensitivity is not unequivocal and remains still open. Further studies on the safety of VIT in females seem to be advisable.
Neuroplastic Sensorimotor Resting State Network Reorganization in Children With Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy Treated With Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy
Authors: Manning Kathryn Y. , Menon Ravi S. , Gorter Jan Willem , Mesterman Ronit , Campbell Craig , Switzer Lauren , Fehlings Darcy
Published: June 2015

Using resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we aim to understand the neurologic basis of improved function in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy treated with constraint-induced movement therapy. Eleven children including 4 untreated comparison subjects diagnosed with hemiplegic cerebral palsy were recruited from 3 clinical centers. MRI and clinical data were gathered at baseline and 1 month for both groups, and 6 months later for the case group only. After constraint therapy, the sensorimotor resting state network became more bilateral, with balanced contributions from each hemisphere, which was sustained 6 months later. Sensorimotor resting state network reorganization after therapy was correlated with a change in the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test score at 1 month (r = 0.79, P = .06), and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure scores at 6 months (r = 0.82, P = .05). This clinically correlated resting state network reorganization provides further evidence of the neuroplastic mechanisms underlying constraint-induced movement therapy.
Is Celiac Disease an Etiological Factor in Children with Nonsyndromic Intellectual Disability?
Authors: Sezer Taner , Balcı Oya , Özçay Figen , Bayraktar Nilufer , Alehan Füsun
Published: June 2015

To determine the prevalence of celiac disease in children and adolescents with nonsyndromic intellectual disability, we investigated serum levels of tissue transglutaminase antibody and total IgA from 232 children with nonsyndromic intellectual disability and in a healthy control group of 239 children. Study participants who were positive for tissue transglutaminase antibody underwent a duodenal biopsy. A total of 3 patients in the nonsyndromic intellectual disability group (5.45%) and 1 in the control group (0.41%) had positive serum tissue transglutaminase antibody ( P > .05). Duodenal biopsy confirmed celiac disease in only 1 patient who had nonsyndromic intellectual disability. In this present study, children with nonsyndromic intellectual disability did not exhibit a higher celiac disease prevalence rate compared with healthy controls. Therefore, we suggest that screening test for celiac disease should not be necessary as a part of the management of mild and moderate nonsyndromic intellectual disability. However, cases of severe nonsyndromic intellectual disability could be examined for celiac disease.
Personality Profile of Male Adolescents With Tourette Syndrome: A Controlled Study
Authors: Balottin Laura , Selvini Claudia , Luoni Chiara , Mannarini Stefania , Chiappedi Matteo , Seri Stefano , Termine Cristiano , Cavanna Andrea E.
Published: June 2015

Tourette syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by multiple tics and commonly associated with behavioral problems, especially obsessive-compulsive disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The presence of specific personality traits has been documented in adult clinical populations with Tourette syndrome but has been underresearched in younger patients. We assessed the personality profiles of 17 male adolescents with Tourette syndrome and 51 age- and gender-matched healthy controls using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–Adolescent version, along with a standardized psychometric battery. All participants scored within the normal range across all Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–Adolescent version scales. Patients with Tourette syndrome scored significantly higher than healthy controls on the Obsessiveness Content Scale only ( P = .046). Our findings indicate that younger male patients with Tourette syndrome do not report abnormal personality traits and have similar personality profiles to healthy peers, with the exception of obsessionality traits, which are likely to be related to the presence of comorbid obsessive compulsive symptoms rather than tics.
Perioperative Alanyl‐Glutamine–Supplemented Parenteral Nutrition in Chronic Radiation Enteritis Patients With Surgical Intestinal Obstruction
Authors: Yao Danhua , Zheng Lei , Wang Jian , Guo Mingxiao , Yin Jianyi , Li Yousheng
Published: June 2015

Background: A prospective, randomized, controlled study was performed to evaluate the effects of perioperative alanyl‐glutamine–supplemented parenteral nutrition (PN) support on the immunologic function, intestinal permeability, and nutrition status of surgical patients with chronic radiation enteritis (CRE)–induced intestinal obstruction. Methods: Patients who received 0.4 g/kg/d alanyl‐glutamine and isonitrogenous PN were assigned to an alanyl‐glutamine–supplemented PN (Gln‐PN) group and a control group, respectively. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and glutamine, body fat mass (FM), immunologic function, and intestinal permeability were measured before and after surgery. Results: Serum glutamine levels of the Gln‐PN group significantly exceeded that of the control group (P < .001; Gln‐PN, baseline 460.7 ± 42.5 vs 523.3 ± 48.6 µmol/L on postoperative day 14 [POD14], P < .001; control, baseline 451.9 ± 44.0 vs 453.8 ± 42.3 µmol/L on POD14, P = .708). Lactulose/mannitol ratios of both groups decreased over time (Gln‐PN, baseline 0.129 ± 0.0403 vs 0.024 ± 0.0107 on POD1 4; control, baseline 0.125 ± 0.0378 vs 0.044 ± 0.0126 on POD14, P < .001 in both groups). CD4/CD8‐positive T‐lymphocyte ratios significantly rose in both groups, with significant intergroup difference (P < .001; Gln‐PN, baseline 1.36 ± 0.32 vs 1.82 ± 0.30 on POD14, P < .001; control, baseline 1.37 ± 0.25 vs 1.63 ± 0.31 on POD14, P < .001). In the Gln‐PN group, FM increased from 3.68 ± 1.68 kg at baseline to 5.22 ± 1.42 kg on POD14 (P < .001). FM of control group increased from 3.84 ± 1.57 kg at baseline to 5.40 ± 1.54 kg on POD14 (P < .001). However, there were no significant intergroup differences (P = .614). Conclusion: Gln‐PN significantly boosted the immune state and decreased the intestinal permeability of CRE patients. However, Gln‐PN was not superior to standard PN in improving the nutrition state and intestinal motility of surgical patients with CRE‐induced intestinal obstruction.
Characterization of antibacterial and adhesion properties of chitosan-modified glass ionomer cement
Authors: Ibrahim Marrwa A , Neo Jennifer , Esguerra Roxanna J , Fawzy Amr S
Published: June 2015

Objectives

The aim is to investigate the effect of modifying the liquid phase of a conventional glass ionomer restorative material with different chitosan volume contents on the antibacterial properties and adhesion to dentin.

Methods

The liquids of commercially available restorative glass ionomer cements (GIC) were modified with chitosan (CH) solutions at different volume contents (5%, 10%, 25%, and 50%). The GIC powders were mixed with the unmodified and the CH-modified liquids at the desired powder/liquid ( P/ L) ratio. For the characterization of the antibacterial properties, Streptococcus mutans biofilms were formed on GIC discs and characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), confocal microscopy, colony forming unit (CFU) count, and cell viability assay (MTS). The unmodified and CH-modified GICs were bonded to dentin surfaces and the micro-tensile bond strength (µTBs) was evaluated and the interface was investigated by SEM.

Results

Modification with CH solutions enhanced the antibacterial properties against S. mutans in terms of resistance to biofilm formation, CFU count, and MTS assay. Generally, significant improvement in the antibacterial properties was found with the increase in the CH volume content. Modification with 25% and 50% CH adversely affected the µTBs with predominant cohesive failure in the GIC. However, no difference was found between the control and the 5% and 10% CH-modified specimens.

Conclusion

Incorporation of acidic solutions of chitosan in the polyacrylic acid liquid of GIC at v/v ratios of 5–10% improved the antibacterial properties of conventional glass ionomer cement against S. mutans without adversely affecting its bonding to dentin surface.
Clouding the Judgment of Domestic Violence Law: Victim Blaming by Institutional Stakeholders in Cambodia
Authors: Brickell Katherine
Published: June 2015

This article examines victims’ purported complicity in the judicial failures of domestic violence law to protect them in Cambodia. It is based on 3 years (2012-2014) of research in Siem Reap and Pursat Provinces on the everyday politics of the 2005 “Law on the Prevention of Domestic Violence and the Protection of the Victims” (DV Law). The project questioned why investments in DV Law are faltering and took a multi-stakeholder approach to do so. In addition to 40 interviews with female domestic violence victims, the research included 50 interviews with legal and health professionals, NGO workers, low- and high-ranking police officers, religious figures, and local government authority leaders who each have an occupational investment in the implementation and enforcement of DV Law. Forming the backbone of the article, the findings from this latter sample reveal how women are construed not only as barriers “clouding the judgment of law” but also as actors denying the agency of institutional stakeholders (and law itself) to bring perpetrators to account. The findings suggest that DV Law has the potential to entrench, rather than diminish, an environment of victim blaming. In turn, the article signals the importance of research on, and better professional support of, intermediaries who (discursively) administrate the relationship between DV Law and the victims/citizens it seeks to protect.
Fuel-efficient exhaust thermal management using cylinder throttling via intake valve closing timing modulation
Authors: Garg Akash , Magee Mark , Ding Chuan , Roberts Leighton , Shaver Greg , Koeberlein Edward , Shute Ray , Koeberlein David , McCarthy James , Nielsen Douglas
Published: June 2015

Most diesel engines meet today’s strict NOx and particulate matter emission regulations using after-treatment systems. A major drawback of these after-treatment systems is that they are efficient in reducing emissions only when their catalyst temperature is within a certain range (typically between 250  °C and 450 °C). At lower engine loads this is a major problem as the exhaust temperatures are usually below 250 °C. The primary objective of this study was to analyze “cylinder throttling” via both delayed and advanced intake valve closure timing. The effect of cylinder throttling on exhaust gas temperatures, fuel consumption, in-cylinder combustion and emissions is outlined. A significant increase in turbine outlet temperature accompanied by a decrease in fuel consumption, NOx, and particulate matter emissions was observed. Both delayed and advanced intake valve closure timings were equally effective. The increase in exhaust gas temperatures was attributed to a drop in air flow through the engine, which resulted from a reduction in the volumetric efficiency via cylinder throttling. The increase in fuel efficiency resulted from a decrease in the pumping work through a reduction in air flow through the engine. Reductions in NOx are attributed to the combined effect of a lower in-cylinder temperature due to a reduction in piston-motion-induced compression and a shift to a more premixed combustion mode. Particulate matter emissions were also reduced as a result of additional premixing. At the 1200 RPM and 2.5 bar brake mean effective pressure (BMEP) operating point, both delayed and advanced intake valve closure timings resulted in a turbine outlet temperature increase from 195 °C to 255 °C accompanied by an increase in brake thermal efficiency of 1.5% (absolute) and a reduction in brake-specific NOx and particulate matter emissions by 40% and 30%, respectively.
Dynamic modelling, validation and handling performance analysis of a skid-steered vehicle
Authors: Ni Jun , Hu Jibin , Li Xueyuan
Published: June 2015

Skid-steering technology has been widely used for wheeled vehicles, because a skid-steered vehicle has great mobility so that it is able to pivot steer a larger internal hull volume. In this paper, an 8 × 8 skid-steered all-terrain vehicle equipped with a double-stream hydromechanical transmission was introduced. In order to discuss the handling performance and to obtain general conclusions, an analytical lateral dynamic model of a skid-steered vehicle was proposed and verified experimentally. Furthermore, the handling performance of the skid-steered vehicle was compared with an Ackermann steered vehicle of the same dimensions. The results show that the skid-steered vehicle has a lower ‘stability factor’ and a totally different motion attitude, that the turn centre of the skid-steered vehicle will move forwards during acceleration at a constant radius and that the transient handling performance of the skid-steered vehicle is better than that of the Ackermann steered vehicle. Furthermore, from an analysis of the lateral slip angles of the tyres during a constant-radius turn, it can be concluded that the tyres of a skid-steered vehicle easily become worn because of the larger lateral slip angles.
Grouping Promotes Equality
Authors: Colby Helen , DeWitt Jeff , Chapman Gretchen B.
Published: June 2015

Decisions about allocation of scarce resources, such as transplant organs, often entail a trade-off between efficiency (i.e., maximizing the total benefit) and fairness (i.e., dividing resources equally). In three studies, we used a hypothetical scenario for transplant-organ allocation to examine allocation to groups versus individuals. Study 1 demonstrated that allocation to individuals is more efficient than allocation to groups. Study 2 identified a factor that triggers the use of fairness over efficiency: presenting the beneficiaries as one arbitrary group rather than two. Specifically, when beneficiaries were presented as one group, policymakers tended to allocate resources efficiently, maximizing total benefit. However, when beneficiaries were divided into two arbitrary groups (by hospital name), policymakers divided resources more equally across the groups, sacrificing efficiency. Study 3 replicated this effect using a redundant attribute (prognosis) to create groups and found evidence for a mediator of the grouping effect—the use of individualizing information to rationalize a more equitable allocation decision.
Early school leaving in Scandinavia: Extent and labour market effects
Authors: Bäckman Olof , Jakobsen Vibeke , Lorentzen Thomas , Österbacka Eva , Dahl Espen
Published: June 2015

The article explores the extent to which the organization of vocational tracks in upper secondary school affects the labour market risks associated with early school exit. The Nordic countries share many features, but the upper secondary school systems differ significantly in how their vocational tracks are organized. Denmark and Norway have dual vocational tracks, that is, they combine school-based education and workplace apprenticeships, whereas in Finland and Sweden they are primarily school based. We analyse administrative longitudinal data from the mid-1990s to the mid-2000s in the four countries and find the highest vocational track dropout rates in Norway and the lowest in Finland. The results indicate that the relative labour market effect of dropping out from a vocational track is most detrimental in Norway. It is also in Norway that we find the greatest gender differences in this respect.
Antioxidant and nephroprotective potential of butylated hydroxyanisole against ferric nitrilotriacetate-induced oxidative stress and early tumor events
Authors: Ansar S , Iqbal M
Published: June 2015

The present study was aimed to study protective effect of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), a phenolic antioxidant used in foods on ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA)–induced nephrotoxicity. Male albino rats of Wistar strain (4–6 weeks old) weighing 125–150 g were used in this study. Animals were given a single dose of Fe-NTA (9 mg kg−1 body weight) after treatment with BHA (1 and 2 mg animal−1 day−1). Fe-NTA treatment enhanced ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity to 5.3-fold, and [3H]-thymidine incorporation in DNA to 2.5-fold in kidney compared with the corresponding saline-treated control, whereas glutathione (GSH) levels and the activities of antioxidant enzymes decreased to a range of 2- to 2.5-fold in kidney. These changes were reversed significantly in animals receiving a pretreatment of BHA. The enhanced ODC activity and DNA synthesis showed a reduction to 2.12-fold and 1.15-fold, respectively, at a higher dose of 2 mg BHA day−1 animal−1, compared with the Fe-NTA-treated groups. Pretreatment with BHA prior to Fe-NTA treatment increased GSH and the activities of antioxidant enzymes to a range of 1.5- to 2-fold in kidney. The results indicate that BHA suppresses Fe-NTA-induced nephrotoxicity in male Wistar rats.
Accounting for dropout reason in longitudinal studies with nonignorable dropout
Authors: Moore Camille M , MaWhinney Samantha , Forster Jeri E , Carlson Nichole E , Allshouse Amanda , Wang Xinshuo , Routy Jean-Pierre , Conway Brian , Connick Elizabeth
Published: June 2015

Dropout is a common problem in longitudinal cohort studies and clinical trials, often raising concerns of nonignorable dropout. Selection, frailty, and mixture models have been proposed to account for potentially nonignorable missingness by relating the longitudinal outcome to time of dropout. In addition, many longitudinal studies encounter multiple types of missing data or reasons for dropout, such as loss to follow-up, disease progression, treatment modifications and death. When clinically distinct dropout reasons are present, it may be preferable to control for both dropout reason and time to gain additional clinical insights. This may be especially interesting when the dropout reason and dropout times differ by the primary exposure variable. We extend a semi-parametric varying-coefficient method for nonignorable dropout to accommodate dropout reason. We apply our method to untreated HIV-infected subjects recruited to the Acute Infection and Early Disease Research Program HIV cohort and compare longitudinal CD4+ T cell count in injection drug users to nonusers with two dropout reasons: anti-retroviral treatment initiation and loss to follow-up.
Causes of mortality in farmed mink in the Intermountain West, North America
Authors: Wilson David J. , Baldwin Thomas J. , Whitehouse Chelsea H. , Hullinger Gordon
Published: June 2015

The primary causes of mortality were identified in postmortem examination of 339 (90.9%) of 373 farmed mink ( Neovison vison; syn. Mustela vison) from January 2009 through June 2014 at the Utah Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (Logan, Utah). Mink were raised under farm conditions in the Intermountain West in North America, except for 1 submission of mink from Wisconsin. In the 339 mink where cause(s) of death were established, 311 (91.7%) died from a single disease or condition, whereas 28 (8.3%) had 2 diseases or conditions contributing to death. Where cause(s) of death were evident, 11 diseases accounted for 321 (94.7%) of the diagnoses: bacterial pneumonia (67, 18.8%), Aleutian mink disease (61, 17.7%), mink viral enteritis (56, 16.2%), hepatic lipidosis (28, 8.1%), nutritional myopathy (24, 7%), bacterial enterocolitis (17, 4.9%), bacterial septicemia (16, 4.6%), starvation (15, 4.3%), epizootic catarrhal gastroenteritis of mink (14, 4.1%), pancreatitis (13, 3.8%), and bacterial metritis (10, 2.9%). In 34 (9.1%) animals, a cause of death was not evident. In an additional 16 (4.3%) of the mink, botulism was suspected from clinical history but could not be confirmed by laboratory testing. Control measures for the most common causes of death in farmed mink include testing and removal of positive animals (Aleutian mink disease), vaccination ( Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia, mink viral enteritis), avoidance of obesity in mink (hepatic lipidosis), and environmental management, including maintaining clean water cups, floors, feed troughs, cages, feed silos, feed truck tires, workers’ shoes, dining areas for farm personnel, leather mink handling gloves, street clothes, and coveralls.
Histologic and clinical features of primary and secondary vasculitis
Authors: Swann James W. , Priestnall Simon L. , Dawson Charlotte , Chang Yu-Mei , Garden Oliver A.
Published: June 2015

Inflammation of the blood vessel wall has been reported infrequently in dogs, and it may occur without apparent cause (primary vasculitis) or as a pathologic reaction to a range of initiating insults (secondary vasculitis). The aims of our study were to report histologic, clinical, and survival data from a large series of cases with primary and secondary vasculitis, and to compare the clinical parameters and outcome data between groups. Clinical data was collected retrospectively from the medical records of 42 client-owned dogs with a histologic diagnosis of primary or secondary vasculitis, and follow-up information was obtained. Cases were grouped according to clinical and histologic descriptors, and biochemical, hematologic, and survival data was compared between groups. Several forms of primary vasculitis were observed, and vascular inflammation was observed in conjunction with numerous other diseases. Female dogs were more likely to develop primary vasculitis, and serum globulin concentration was greater in dogs with primary vasculitis compared to those with underlying disease. All dogs with primary vasculitis of the central nervous system died or were euthanized shortly after presentation, but other forms of primary vasculitis could be managed effectively. In conclusion, presentation of clinical cases in this series was variable, and there did not appear to be well-defined vasculitic syndromes as described in people.
Reconceiving SNAP
Authors: Besharov Douglas J.
Published: June 2015

Since its creation, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has changed from an antihunger program to an income-supplementation program. Because the program (and its predecessor Food Stamp Program) was not designed for this purpose, the result is a program that has many unintended and, many believe, negative effects. The key challenge is to modernize a massive income support program that started as a small food assistance program. The author proposes an effort to rationalize the current patchwork of programs that make up the U.S. safety net—in a way that balances what looks to be long-term weak demand for labor with the need to minimize the work and marriage disincentives in current law.
Econometrics of Estimating Causal Effects
Authors: Lewis Michael A.
Published: June 2015

Quantitative social work researchers are often interested in estimating the causal effects of various types of interventions. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are typically thought to be the “gold standard” when it comes to estimating such effects. RCTs, however, are sometimes neither ethical nor feasible, which means researchers will need alternatives if they’re still interested in estimating causal effects. Economists have dealt with this issue as well and have developed econometric tools for estimating causal effects in the absence of data from RCTs. Many social work researchers may not be familiar with these methods, and the purpose of this article is to provide a “bird’s eye” overview of them. Readers should obtain enough here to understand the issues involved in using these methods as well which ones might be useful for their research and, therefore, worth pursuing further.
Multilevel Perspectives on Female Sterilization in Low-Income Communities in Mumbai, India
Authors: Brault Marie A. , Schensul Stephen L. , Singh Rajendra , Verma Ravi K. , Jadhav Kalpita
Published: June 2015

Surgical sterilization is the primary method of contraception among low-income women in India. This article, using qualitative analysis of key informant, in-depth interviews, and quantitative analyses, examines the antecedents, process, and outcomes of sterilization for women in a low-income area in Mumbai, India. Family planning policies, socioeconomic factors, and gender roles constrain women’s reproductive choices. Procedures for sterilization rarely follow protocol, particularly during pre-procedure counseling and consent. Women who choose sterilization often marry early, begin conceiving soon after marriage, and reach or exceed ideal family size early due to problems in accessing reversible contraceptives. Despite these constraints, this study indicates that from the perspective of women, the decision to undergo sterilization is empowering, as they have fulfilled their reproductive duties and can effectively exercise control over their fertility and sexuality. This empowerment results in little post-sterilization regret, improved emotional health, and improved sexual relationships following sterilization.
Responding to Scars After Breast Surgery
Authors: Slatman Jenny , Halsema Annemie , Meershoek Agnes
Published: June 2015

This article represents a phenomenological study on how women endow meaning to their scarred bodies after breast cancer treatment. Data collection consisted of multiple interviews with 10 women who had mastectomy, and 9 women who had breast-saving surgery. Against the background of the phenomenological premise that one’s body can appear to oneself in various ways, we identified meaningful differences between experiences that go together with one’s body “at a distance” and experiences that go together with one’s body’s “closeness.” The diversity in body experiences we have revealed in our study calls for reconsidering the prejudiced critique of the “body as object” in mainstream phenomenology of health care, and invites medical professionals to develop the ability to recognize different perspectives on embodiment.
Creative Responses to a Drug- or Alcohol-Related Death
Authors: Valentine Christine , Walter Tony
Published: June 2015

This article takes a sociocultural approach to examining creative responses to a traumatic death and loss and their contribution to further understanding of grief, identity, and continuing bonds. Based on qualitative interviews with family members bereaved after a drug- or alcohol-related death, the article explores how, in circumstances which threaten identity and continuity of being, grief may find expression through public and private creativity. Indeed, such creativity was apparent despite negative cultural representations of such deaths invalidating the grief of those left behind, who may suffer profound guilt, isolation, and disturbing memories. While interviewees reported such negative effects, psychologically considered symptomatic of complicated grief disorder, they also conveyed creative responses to negative stereotypes, rebuilding identities, and continuing bonds. These responses, through which interviewees communicated both vulnerability and resilience, revealed a complex and nuanced picture of grief following traumatic loss.