bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Properties of message forwarding paths in social-aware disconnected mobile networks
Authors: Cai Qingsong , Niu Jianwei , Qiu Meikang , Liu Yang
Published: April 2012

One of the main challenges in social-aware disconnected mobile networks is how to effectively forward messages in the highly dynamic evolving topology. Most of the previous work rarely considers real traces of the mobile users, and consequently their proposed forwarding schemes cannot work efficiently in real scenarios. In this paper, we systematically analyze the node contact pattern based on the datasets collected from real experiments to study how the messages are delivered from end to end. We find that both the global encounter occurrence and the contact frequency exhibit unique power-law distributions, which implies apparent spatial dependencies among nodes, and the network connectivity greatly depends on some rarely occurring contacts. Using Time Evolving Graph, we analyze the Minimum Delay Paths (MDPs) for each node pair and find that the average length of a MDP is relatively small, even with a large number of nodes in the networks, which indicates that node cliques are inherently organized into a hierarchy structure as our human society is, and some rare encounters have a significant impact on the average length of the MDP and the message delivery delay.
Testing the strain hypothesis of the Demand Control Model to explain severe bullying at work
Authors: Notelaers Guy , Baillien Elfi , De Witte Hans , Einarsen Ståle , Vermunt Jeroen K
Published: April 2012

Workplace bullying has often been attributed to work-related stress, and has been linked to the Job Demand Control Model. The current study aims to further these studies by testing the model for bullying in a heterogeneous sample and by using latent class (LC)-analyses to define different demands and control groups and targets of severe bullying. High job demands were associated with a higher probability of being a target of severe bullying, which was particularly true for the very high job demands group. Low job control was also associated with a higher probability of being a target of severe bullying. Moreover, high job control buffered the negative effects of job demands on being a target of severe bullying, particularly when employees reported very little job control and high/very high job demands. Overall, the JDC-Model was supported, suggesting that being a target of severe bullying can be considered as a social behavioural strain.
Is the Scandinavian way of organizing challenged by the growing Chinese economy?
Authors: Westenholz Ann
Published: April 2012

The institutional order of organizing in working life is very different in Scandinavia and China. When Scandinavian and Chinese managers and employees meet in concrete work relations they not only work together on a product they also become engaged in institutional work dealing with the inconsistencies between the institutional orders of organizing. This in turn may affect the institutional orders by maintaining or transforming them. We don’t know what is going to happen as it depends on the awareness, skill and reflexivity of Scandinavian and Chinese institutional actors in the sense that these actors are able to work with institutionally defined orders.
Who stands to gain from union-led learning in Britain? Evidence from surveys of learners, union officers and employers
Authors: Stuart Mark , Cutter Jo , Cook Hugh , Winterton Jonathan
Published: April 2012

This article considers the potential gains which the union-led learning agenda may provide for its various stakeholders in Britain. To do this, it draws on extensive surveys of individual learners, trade union workers and employers to evaluate the extent of possible gains. The article argues that the union-led learning agenda may open a new and novel channel for unions to develop voice around learning at the workplace within a liberal market environment. The findings show that purported gains have been realized by all parties, but suggest that any notion of mutuality is dependent on the workplace structures of voice and codification that unions are looking to build around learning, such as learning agreements.
The role of early childhood personality in the developmental course of social adjustment
Authors: Kavčič Tina , Podlesek Anja , Zupančič Maja
Published: April 2012

This study explored children, preschool, and family characteristics that contribute to individual differences in the developmental trajectories of social competence and internalizing and externalizing behavior. Teachers reported on personality and social adjustment of 304 children at ages 3, 4, 5, and 6 years. Predictors of social adjustment included: (1) children’s gender and the ratings of extraversion, conscientiousness, disagreeableness, and neuroticism; (2) maternal and paternal education, and parent-reported parenting practices at the beginning of the study; and (3) the child’s age of entry to preschool. Child social adjustment was most strongly predicted by teacher-rated child personality. The change in a child’s rank-order position on social competence was related to the change in the rank-order position on extraversion; the change in internalizing behavior was related particularly to a change in neuroticism, and the change in externalizing behavior especially to a change in disagreeableness. Specific family variables and the child’s age at the time of entry into preschool played a minor but statistically significant role.
Fall Risk-Relevant Functional Mobility Outcomes in Dementia Following Dyadic Tai Chi Exercise
Authors: Yao Lan , Giordani Bruno J. , Algase Donna L. , You Mei , Alexander Neil B.
Published: April 2012

Whether persons with dementia benefit from fall prevention exercise is unclear. Applying the Positive Emotion-Motivated Tai Chi protocol, preliminary findings concerning adherence and effects of a dyadic Tai Chi exercise program on persons with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are reported. Using pre/posttest design, 22 community-dwelling AD-caregiver dyads participated in the program. Fall-risk-relevant functional mobility was measured using Unipedal Stance Time (UST) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) tests. Results showed that 19/22 (86.4%) AD patients completed the 16-week program and final assessment; 16/19 dyads (84.2%) completed the prescribed home program as reported by caregivers. UST adjusted mean improved from 4.0 to 5.1 (Week 4, p < .05) and 5.6 (Week 16, p < .05); TUG improved from 13.2 to 11.6 (Week 4, p < .05) and 11.6 (Week 16, p > .05) post intervention. Retaining dementia patients in an exercise intervention remains challenging. The dyadic Tai Chi approach appears to succeed in keeping AD-caregiver dyads exercising and safe.
Selective Neck Dissection in Node‐Positive Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
Authors: Givi Babak , Linkov Gary , Ganly Ian , Patel Snehal G. , Wong Richard J. , Singh Bhuvanesh , Boyle Jay O. , Shaha Ashok R. , Shah Jatin P. , Kraus Dennis H.
Published: April 2012

Objective

The optimal type of neck dissection in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with clinical cervical metastases has not been determined. The following study was performed to determine the rate of regional control with selective neck dissection (SND) in these patients.

Study Design

Case series with planned data collection.

Settings

Single institution, cancer center.

Methods and Subjects

Patients with cervical lymph node metastases from mucosal cancers of the head and neck who were treated with SND from 2000 to 2010 were selected. Demographics, tumor characteristics, extent of neck dissection, adjuvant treatments, locoregional control, and survival were recorded. Recurrence in the neck and disease‐specific survival (DSS) were primary and secondary end points.

Results

One hundred eight patients underwent SND. Sixty‐nine (64%) were male. Median age was 62 (20‐89) years. The most common primary site was the oral cavity (71.3%). Ninety‐five (88%) received adjuvant treatment. Median follow‐up was 21 months. Six patients (5.5%) had isolated recurrence in the dissected neck. Patients with N2C disease had poorer neck recurrence‐free survival. At the end of study, 64 (59.3%) patients had no evidence of disease, and 23 (21.3%) had died of disease. Two‐year DSS was 76.9%. Number of positive nodes (P =. 026) and positive surgical margins (P =. 001), among others, were predictors of poorer DSS.

Conclusion

In a highly selected group of patients with cervical lymph node metastases from head and neck SCC, selective neck dissection is effective in controlling the disease in the neck when performed in the setting of a multimodality treatment, including adjuvant radiotherapy or radiochemotherapy.
Monstrous Femininity
Authors: Calafell Bernadette Marie
Published: April 2012

This article centers the experiences of women of color in academia by placing my narrative alongside literature about shapeshifters/werewolves and racism and sexism in the academy. I use my narratives as a queer feminist of color in the academy to draw parallels between these experiences to explicate how women of color are constructed as monstrous Others. Through the performative rendering and naming of this parallel or metaphor the author hopes to evocatively implicate and draw readers into action or spaces of resistance.
Radiation vulcanization of filler-reinforced natural rubber/styrene butadiene rubber blends
Authors: Mohamed MA , Mounir R , Shaltout NA
Published: April 2012

Different composites were prepared from natural rubber/styrene butadiene rubber blends (50/50) using fixed 40 wt% content of silica, high-abrasion furnace carbon black, clay and titanium dioxide. The obtained composites were vulcanized using gamma irradiation up to 250 kilogray. The effect of fillers and irradiation dose on the mechanical properties such as tensile strength, tensile modulus at 100% elongation, elongation at break and hardness have been investigated. The %gel content and swelling number as physical properties, scanning electron microscope have been carried out as a function of absorbed dose for the blend and composites. The nature and particle size of filler and irradiation dose have a great effect on the mechanical properties. All studied properties of filled blend were enhanced; the reinforcing ability of the filler increased in the order of Hisil > high-abrasion furnace carbon black > clay > titanium dioxide. Scanning electron microscope studies of filled blend and unfilled blend have been carried out. The variation in properties was correlated with the morphology of the system.
Be Well
Authors: Kogan Alexis Coulourides , Gonzalez Jorge , Hart Bonita , Halloran Skip , Thomason Brenda , Levine Morgan , Enguidanos Susan
Published: April 2012

The objective of this article is to test the effectiveness of a multifaceted exercise and nutritional education intervention for chronically ill, community-dwelling older adults. A pre/post cohort design was implemented with measures of physical activity, fitness, depression, and anthropometry collected via 4-month in-person interview and telephone follow-up. The study was conducted at two community-based senior centers in the Los Angeles area and participants (n=62) were older adults aged 60 or older, with multiple chronic conditions, with one or more emergency department visits or hospital admissions in the previous 6 months, and at nutritionally moderate to high risk. The intervention was a fitness program providing nutritional counseling, low-impact exercise, and weight management. Results revealed significant improvements for hours of weekly exercise ( Z = −4.3, p < .001), daily walking distance ( Z = −5.7, p < .001), performance on fitness tests, depression ( Z = 3.9, p < .001), and body measurements were observed. Findings speak to the healthy benefits of exercise and good nutrition as possible alternatives or adjuncts to pharmacotherapy for weight loss and depression.
Mexican Parenting Questionnaire (MPQ)
Authors: Halgunseth Linda C. , Ispa Jean M.
Published: April 2012

The present study was conducted in four phases and constructed a self-report parenting instrument for use with Mexican immigrant mothers of children aged 6 to 10. The 14-item measure was based on semistructured qualitative interviews with Mexican immigrant mothers ( N = 10), was refined by a focus group of Mexican immigrant mothers ( N = 5), and was then completed by a larger sample of Mexican immigrant mothers ( N = 168). Children’s socioemotional and behavioral competence was examined on a subset of children ( N = 30) from family drawings and teacher reports of behavior. Items of the parenting instrument pertained to one of three general parenting constructs: Warmth, Monitoring, and Discipline. Using confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) and respecification procedures, the three models were found to be a good fit with the data. Subscales consisted of moderate levels of internal consistency and predicted several children’s behaviors.
The Importance of Symptom Validity Testing in Adolescents and Young Adults Undergoing Assessments for Learning or Attention Difficulties
Authors: Harrison Allyson G. , Green Paul , Flaro Lloyd
Published: April 2012

It is almost self-evident that test results will be unreliable and misleading if those undergoing assessments do not make a full effort on testing. Nevertheless, objective tests of effort have not typically been used with young adults to determine whether test results are valid or not. Because of the potential economic and/or recreational benefits of obtaining the diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or a learning disability (LD), concerns have been raised regarding the ease with which unimpaired young adults can feign either of these disorders to gain access to test accommodations, stimulant medication, or disability benefits. Much evidence has been presented recently regarding the need for symptom validity tests (SVTs) in assessment of college-aged students seeking diagnoses of LD and/or ADHD. Four cases are presented here in which intelligence and other test scores of young adults greatly underestimated their actual abilities, owing to poor effort that sometimes went undetected. Selected effort tests for use with young adults are discussed. Objective testing of effort is recommended to avoid misinterpreting invalid test data, which is why the use of effort tests is now standard practice in forensic neuropsychology.
Beyond Psychometric Evaluation of the Student—Task Determinants of Accommodation
Authors: Roberts Barbara L.
Published: April 2012

Students with learning disabilities obtain a wide range of recommended accommodations in secondary school, which they anticipate will continue into postsecondary education. Although the student’s specific learning disability (SLD) contributes to the accommodation planning process, it is not the sole determinant of appropriate accommodation. Academic requirements have integrity of their own, bona fide elements that cannot be altered without changing the nature of what is being taught or assessed. It is important to remain cognizant of bona fide requirements, which may not be altered when recommending academic accommodations. This is especially true when the student is heading into postsecondary or professional education. This article uses the World Health Organization’s model of disability and the human rights context to highlight the role of bona fide requirements in accommodation planning.
Bioterrorism: Toxins as Weapons
Authors: Anderson Peter D.
Published: April 2012

The potential for biological weapons to be used in terrorism is a real possibility. Biological weapons include infectious agents and toxins. Toxins are poisons produced by living organisms. Toxins relevant to bioterrorism include ricin, botulinum, Clostridium perfrigens epsilson toxin, conotoxins, shigatoxins, saxitoxins, tetrodotoxins, mycotoxins, and nicotine. Toxins have properties of biological and chemical weapons. Unlike pathogens, toxins do not produce an infection. Ricin causes multiorgan toxicity by blocking protein synthesis. Botulinum blocks acetylcholine in the peripheral nervous system leading to muscle paralysis. Epsilon toxin damages cell membranes. Conotoxins block potassium and sodium channels in neurons. Shigatoxins inhibit protein synthesis and induce apoptosis. Saxitoxin and tetrodotoxin inhibit sodium channels in neurons. Mycotoxins include aflatoxins and trichothecenes. Aflatoxins are carcinogens. Trichothecenes inhibit protein and nucleic acid synthesis. Nicotine produces numerous nicotinic effects in the nervous system.
A study of the secondary piston motion arising from changes in the piston skirt profile using a simplified piston skirt model
Authors: McFadden PD , Turnbull SR
Published: April 2012

An existing model of the interface between a parallel-sided piston skirt and the cylinder wall in an internal combustion engine is extended to allow the modelling of barrelling of the piston skirt. The effects of the skirt profile on the secondary motion of the piston and on the distribution of pressure in the lubricant film are examined. It is shown that piston secondary motion, and in particular rotation of the piston about the gudgeon pin, which might contribute to wear of the cylinder, can be reduced by appropriate positioning of the maximum diameter of the piston skirt in relation to the gudgeon pin and the centre of mass of the piston.
Sensitivity analysis in design of constructions made of functionally graded materials
Authors: Andrianov Igor V , Awrejcewicz Jan , Diskovsky Alexander A
Published: April 2012

This article is focused on analysis of influence of functionally graded material parameters in the problem of longitudinal rod deformations. This analysis is based on exact and asymptotic solutions. Accuracy rating of the proposed asymptotic method of calculating deformations in constructions made of functionally graded material is also given.
Weight estimation and significance testing for three focused statistics
Authors: Rogerson Peter A
Published: April 2012

Focused tests for clustering are designed to determine whether there is statistical evidence for raised incidence of some phenomenon around a prespecified location. The tests require definition of what is meant by ‘around’ the location, and this is achieved by specifying weights associated with surrounding locations. Different weight specifications will yield different levels of statistical significance, and because of the difficulty in knowing how to define the weights, it is tempting to try different definitions with the hope of finding one that is highly significant. This, however, introduces the problem of multiple testing; one will eventually be able to reject a null hypothesis if one tries often enough. This article describes approaches for adjusting the significance level when multiple tests, associated with varying definitions for the weights, are carried out. The approaches are developed for a local scan statistic, a maximum chi-square statistic, and a modified version of Stone’s statistic. An illustration is provided using leukemia data from central New York State.
A Passport to Password Best Practices
Authors: Moshfeghian Soolmaz , Ryu Young Sam
Published: April 2012

The relentless growth of password-protected Web site accounts and their varying protocols have resulted in significant complexity for both the users and the computer systems that must accommodate passwords. The goal of this study was to investigate the current design features and practices of various highly ranked Web sites and to provide design strategies and recommendations to enhance user experiences in password practices.
Development and the Environment
Authors: Badiani Reena , Jessoe Katrina K. , Plant Suzanne
Published: April 2012

In India, the government provides agricultural electricity subsidies amounting to 85% of the average cost of supply to encourage agricultural production and economic growth, especially among the rural poor. However, these agricultural input subsidies may compromise environmental quality and have the potential to reduce agricultural output in the long run. This article provides an overview of these subsidies in India, detailing the rationale behind their introduction and their evolution over time. It then examines the benefits of the subsidies, notably a rise in agricultural productivity and an increase in rural incomes. In addition, it considers the environmental and economic costs of this policy: accelerated groundwater extraction, increased electricity usage and in turn greenhouse gas emissions, a contribution to the intermittent and low-quality electricity service characteristic of India, and potential impacts on industrial growth. The authors then broaden the lessons learned from electricity subsidies in India to other countries and contextualize these findings within the discussion on environment and development.
The Promise and Problems of Pricing Carbon
Authors: Aldy Joseph E. , Stavins Robert N.
Published: April 2012

Because of the global commons nature of climate change, international cooperation among nations will likely be necessary for meaningful action at the global level. At the same time, it will inevitably be up to the actions of sovereign nations to put in place policies that bring about meaningful reductions in the emissions of greenhouse gases. Due to the ubiquity and diversity of emissions of greenhouse gases in most economies, as well as the variation in abatement costs among individual sources, conventional environmental policy approaches, such as uniform technology and performance standards, are unlikely to be sufficient to the task. Therefore, attention has increasingly turned to market-based instruments in the form of carbon-pricing mechanisms. We examine the opportunities and challenges associated with the major options for carbon pricing—carbon taxes, cap-and-trade, emission reduction credits, clean energy standards, and fossil fuel subsidy reductions—and provide a review of the experiences, drawn primarily from developed countries, in implementing these instruments. Our summary of relevant theory and survey of experience from industrialized nations may be helpful to those who wish to examine the potential applicability of carbon pricing in the context of developing countries.
Gender-Related Invariance of the Beck Depression Inventory II for Taiwanese Adolescent Samples
Authors: Wu Pei-Chen , Huang Tsai-Wei
Published: April 2012

The Chinese version of Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II-C) is one of the most used instruments to measure the severity of depression in Taiwan. The scarce literature regarding its psychometric properties (e.g., measurement invariance) highlighted the need and significance for such an investigation. The purpose of this study was to examine the gender-related measurement invariance of the BDI-II-C in an adolescent sample facing an entrance examination in the following two ways: (a) examining configural, metric, and scalar invariance using multigroup confirmatory factor analyses and (b) estimating the effects of any detected noninvariance on mean differences. The participants included 827 (416 boys and 411 girls) Taiwanese adolescents. Results indicate that measurement invariance was established at the level of configural, metric, and partial scalar invariance. Seven noninvariant intercepts (Items 2, 3, 7, 9, 10, 12, and 19) were identified, showing that there was differential additive response style bias for the BDI-II-C across gender groups. Additionally, the results demonstrated that the noninvariance had significant effects on interpretation based on gender latent mean difference as well as observed mean difference.
Reliability and Validity of the Online Continuous Performance Test Among Young Adults
Authors: Raz Sivan , Bar-Haim Yair , Sadeh Avi , Dan Orrie
Published: April 2012

Continuous Performance Tests (CPTs) are used in research and clinical contexts to measure sustained attention and response inhibition. Reliability and validity of a new Online Continuous Performance Test (OCPT) was assessed. The OCPT is designed for delivery over the Internet, thereby opening new opportunities for research and clinical application in naturalistic settings. In Study 1, participants completed the OCPT twice over a 1-week period. One test was taken at home and one in the laboratory. Construct validity was assessed against a gold standard CPT measure. Results indicate acceptable reliability between the home- and laboratory-administered tests. Modest to high correlations were observed between the OCPT scales and the corresponding scales of the gold standard CPT. Study 2 examined whether the OCPT may discriminate participants with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder from healthy controls. Results revealed significantly higher rates of omission and commission errors and greater response time variability in participants with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder relative to healthy controls. These results support the reliability and validity of the OCPT and suggest that it may serve as an effective tool for the assessment of attention function in naturalistic settings.
Effect of Uremia and Hemodialysis on Proteome Profile of Blood Platelets and Plasma
Authors: Walkowiak Bogdan , Sobol Anna B. , Walczynska Marta , Kaminska Marta
Published: April 2012

The aim of the present research was to assess the differences in blood platelet and plasma proteome profiles of patients with uremia in comparison with healthy participants. It was found that 23 peptides in the platelet proteome profiles of hemodialyzed patients and only 6 peptides in nondialyzed patients were upregulated. On the other hand, 18 peptides with reduced expression in nondialyzed patients and only 1 peptide in hemodialyzed patients were found. For serum, only 6 upregulated peptides in patients undergoing hemodialysis and 15 peptides in nondialyzed patients were found, most of these were about 10 kDa. A decrease in serum peptide expression was not observed. In conclusion, it should be noted that the process of hemodialysis modifies the platelet proteome to a greater extent than uremia alone, however the sera of nondialyzed patients have much larger amounts of low-molecular-weight peptides than those of hemodialyzed patients.
Neighborhood Associations and Social Capital in Japan
Authors: van Houwelingen Pepijn
Published: April 2012

Most households in Japan are a member of their neighborhood association (NHA). Japanese NHAs function as basic organizational building blocks that promote a sense of security and familiarity at the local level and facilitate the general organizational efficiency of Japanese society. In this empirically oriented paper, new information is provided with regard to the organizational structure, activities, autonomy, and social meaning of four NHAs in Hiroshima City. Simply by existing and visibly performing all kinds of functions, such as cleaning the neighborhood or patrolling the local area, Japanese NHAs can be viewed as a kind of social lubricant that increases the overall societal efficiency in Japan.
Neighborhood Attachment, Social Participation, and Willingness to Stay in China’s Low-Income Communities
Authors: Wu Fulong
Published: April 2012

Neighborhood attachment is an important factor that determines political and civic participation, which further help to enhance neighborhood stability. This article explores this argument in the context of Chinese cities. Contrary to common perception, although rural migrants do not identify themselves with the places where they live and do not actively participate in community activities, they express a relatively strong willingness to stay in these places. In contrast, the unemployed or retired urban residents actively participate in community activities but prefer to leave if possible. This article argues that the relation between neighborhood attachment and neighborhood stability is not straightforward, and in this context it is largely determined by the institutional design that excludes migrants’ involvement, turning them into “economic sojourners.”
Formal Theory Versus Stakeholder Theory
Authors: Chen Huey T. , Turner Nannette C.
Published: April 2012

Health promotion and social betterment program interventions are based on either formal theory from academia or stakeholder theory from stakeholders' observations and experiences in working with clients. Over time, formal theory-based interventions have acquired high prestige, while stakeholder theory-based interventions have been held in low esteem. Here we examine the assumption that formal theory-based interventions are superior to stakeholder-based interventions in addressing community problems. The article elaborates on these ideas via a case study of a community-based, environmental tobacco smoke prevention program evaluation. The authors conclude that although both types of interventions had their strengths and limitations in the real world, the stakeholder theory-based intervention was more viable and effective than the formal theory-based intervention in this case due to implementation reasons. Findings are useful in understanding these two intervention types, in developing better strategies to address community problems, and in advancing program theory and theory-driven evaluation.
Systemic supervision practices compared: A closer look at ‘reflection’ and ‘self’ in Multisystemic Therapy and Family Therapy supervision
Authors: Ali Ramón Karamat , Bachicha Daniel L
Published: April 2012

Family and systemic therapists are becoming increasingly interested in evidence-based practice. By implication, clinical supervision practices that support therapists need to keep step with this trend. Supervision practices within Multisystemic Therapy as a more outcome-focussed treatment model that works with families are compared with the supervision of family therapists working a mental health clinic. This paper looks at some of the more prominent supervisory practices in MST and Family Therapy and explores their similarities and differences. The various challenges that are present when working in clients’ homes are explored and implications for supervision discussed. Therapists who frequent clients’ homes may need a different skill-set and their supervisors in turn require taking a different approach. The clinical supervisor to a therapist working out in the community tends to (be able to) be more proactive. Systemic supervisors to more clinical based family therapist put emphasis on the explorative aspects of the therapeutic encounter including self-reflective practices, whereas MST supervisors’ primary focus remains on the clinical outcomes for the clients. The place of self-reflexivity in both approaches to supervision is explored. Case examples drawn from the authors’ own supervisory practice will be presented to illustrate the different practices presented.
Re-evaluating the role of television criticism in the British press
Authors: Rixon Paul
Published: April 2012

While television criticism is very popular with readers of newspapers, it has attracted little academic interest, whether as a form of journalistic practice or as part of a critical-public discourse on television. One of the most influential articles on television criticism was published by Mike Poole in 1984, in which he lambasted much of the existing television criticism for approaching television from within a literary-based paradigm, one which he thought was unsuitable for such a medium. Since this article was published, apart from a few articles and chapters, there has been little further attempt to analyse television criticism in the British press in any depth. In this article I argue that, at a time of dramatic changes occurring in the newspapers and television industries, there is a need to develop a better understanding of the form and role of television criticism.
Community-based participatory research with Mexican migrants in a new rural destination: A good fit?
Authors: Letiecq Bethany , Schmalzbauer Leah
Published: April 2012

In this article, we offer our reflections on our community-based participatory research (CBPR) project in partnership with Mexican migrants in a new rural destination of the Rocky Mountain West. To set the stage for our work, we first present the Montana migration context – a unique context in which the migrant community is hard to define, locate, and engage. Next, we present who we are and how we forged a partnership with Mexican migrants in Montana. We then provide the details of our project – Salud y Comunidad: Latinos en Montana – and reflect on the pragmatic and ethical challenges of using a CBPR approach in this context. Finally, we attempt to reframe some of the tensions and paradoxes inherent in community-based work with vulnerable communities and reflect on the question, ‘is CBPR a good fit?’ We aim for our analysis to contribute a unique perspective to the rich discussions underway about using CBPR to ameliorate health disparities and promote justice in marginalized communities.
A Rigid Disc for Protection of Exposed Blood Vessels During Negative Pressure Wound Therapy
Authors: Anesäter Erik , Borgquist Ola , Torbrand Christian , Roupé K. Markus , Ingemansson Richard , Lindstedt Sandra , Malmsjö Malin
Published: April 2012

Background. There are increasing reports of serious complications and deaths associated with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). Bleeding may occur when NPWT is applied to a wound with exposed blood vessels. Inserting a rigid disc in the wound may protect these structures. The authors examined the effects of rigid discs on wound bed tissue pressure and blood flow through a large blood vessel in the wound bed during NPWT. Methods. Wounds were created over the femoral artery in the groin of 8 pigs. Rigid discs were inserted. Wound bed pressures and arterial blood flow were measured during NPWT. Results. Pressure transduction to the wound bed was similar for control wounds and wounds with discs. Blood flow through the femoral artery decreased in control wounds. When a disc was inserted, the blood flow was restored. Conclusions. NPWT causes hypoperfusion in the wound bed tissue, presumably as a result of mechanical deformation. The insertion of a rigid barrier alleviates this effect and restores blood flow.
Outpatient Laparoscopic Repair of a Morgagni Hernia
Authors: Yamaguchi Seiji , Marshall M. Blair
Published: April 2012

Introduction. Morgagni hernia results from a rare congenital defect in the anterior diaphragm and can have symptomatic and/or asymptomatic presentation of abdominal viscera in the thorax. This is a case report of a Morgagni hernia repair done laparoscopically in the outpatient setting. Patient and technique. The patient was a 43-year-old man who had an evaluation for upper respiratory symptoms and was found to have a Morgagni hernia on subsequent workup. He underwent laparoscopic primary suture repair of the defect under general anesthesia and was discharged the same day without complications. He has not had a recurrence of his hernia in over a year of follow-up. Discussion. Laparoscopic repair of this patient’s Morgagni hernia could be safely performed in an outpatient setting with excellent outcome. This may be a feasible management option in future cases in a similar patient population.
What a Man Wants
Authors: Caperchione Cristina M. , Vandelanotte Corneel , Kolt Gregory S. , Duncan Mitch , Ellison Marcus , George Emma , Mummery W. Kerry
Published: April 2012

Little attention has been paid to the physical activity (PA) and nutrition behaviors of middle-aged men; thus, the aim of this study was to gather information and gain insight into the PA and nutrition behaviors of these men. Six focus group sessions were undertaken with middle-aged men ( N = 30) from regional Australia to explore the challenges and motivations to PA participation and healthy eating. Men had a good understanding of PA and nutrition; however, this was sometimes confounded by inconsistent media messages. Work commitments and family responsibilities were barriers to PA, while poor cooking skills and abilities were barriers to healthy eating. Disease prevention, weight management, and being a good role model were motivators for PA and healthy eating. By understanding what a man wants, PA and nutrition interventions can be designed and delivered to meet the needs of this hard-to-reach population.
Heat shock protein 90 inhibition: rationale and clinical potential
Authors: Den Robert B. , Lu Bo
Published: April 2012

Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is a molecular chaperone protein essential for cellular survival. Functionally, HSPs promote proper protein folding, prevent misfolding, and restore three-dimensional protein structure which is critical following toxic cellular stresses. Recently, targeting HSP90 pharmacologically has gained traction in cancer therapy. Oncogenic cells depend on their ability to withstand endogenous (anoxia, nutrient deprivation, pH changes, and deranged signaling pathways) and exogenous (chemotherapy and radiation therapy) stressors for survival. Pharmacological inhibition of HSP90 destabilizes proteins and leads to degradation through the proteasome. This article will review the utility of HSP90 inhibition, as well as the current adoption in clinical trials and practice.
Alcohol Outlet Availability and Excessive Alcohol Consumption in Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Schootman Mario , Deshpande Anjali D. , Lynskey Michael T. , Pruitt Sandi L. , Lian Min , Jeffe Donna B.
Published: April 2012

Background:

Breast cancer survivors who consume alcohol excessively are at increased risk of recurrence and have worse prognosis. Because the environments in which people live shape many health behaviors, there has been increased attention to how neighborhood environments (eg, alcohol outlet availability) may influence alcohol consumption. The authors hypothesized that proximity to alcohol outlets increases the likelihood of excessive consumption (ie, more than 1 drink/day) among breast cancer survivors independent of their personal or neighborhood characteristics.

Methods:

With the Missouri Cancer Registry, the authors conducted a cross-sectional study of 1047 female breast cancer survivors (aged 27-96 years) 1 year after diagnosis. Using telephone interviews, the authors obtained data regarding survivors’ alcohol consumption during the past 30 days and several covariates of alcohol use. They also obtained street addresses of all licensed alcohol outlets in Missouri and calculated the road network distance between a participant’s address of residence and the nearest alcohol outlet, using a geographic information system. Logistic regression was used to determine if distance was independently associated with excessive alcohol consumption.

Results:

Eighteen percent of participants reported consuming more than 1 drink on average per day. Women who lived within 3 miles of the nearest outlet were more likely to report excessive alcohol consumption (odds ratio: 2.09; 95% confidence interval: 1.08, 4.05) than women who lived at least 3 miles from the nearest outlet in adjusted analysis.

Discussion:

Opportunities exist to reduce excessive alcohol use among breast cancer survivors through policy (eg, restricting number of alcohol outlets) and behavioral (eg, counseling) interventions.
Early Identification of Exacerbations in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Yawn Barbara P.
Published: April 2012

Frequent exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) place a considerable burden on the health care system and are a major cause of decreased health-related quality of life, accelerated pulmonary decline, and mortality in individual patients. Primary care physicians are usually the first point of contact for patients experiencing an exacerbation and are therefore best placed to prevent, identify, and treat these events in a timely manner. This review addresses the triggers and risk factors for COPD exacerbations, including the exacerbation-prone phenotype. The prevention, prompt diagnosis, and early appropriate pharmacological/nonpharmacological treatment of COPD exacerbations is important, as early recognition of symptoms (as supported by tools for measuring the illness/wellness experience of COPD patients in primary care) and treatment lead to optimal recovery in these patients. The review also highlights the importance of the urgency in identifying exacerbations and the important role played by primary care physicians in the prevention and postexacerbation management of patients with COPD.
Methionine-induced hyperhomocysteinemia reverts fibrinolytic pathway activation in a murine model of acute promyelocytic leukemia
Authors: Jácomo Rafael H. , Santana-Lemos Barbara A. , Lima Ana Silvia G. , Assis Patricia A. , Lange Ana Paula A. , Figueiredo-Pontes Lorena L. , Oliveira Luciana O. , Bassi Sarah C. , Benício Mariana T. L. , Baggio Márcia S. , Garcia Aglair B. , Falcão Roberto P. , Rego Eduardo M.
Published: April 2012

Increased fibrinolysis is an important component of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) bleeding diathesis. APL blasts overexpress annexin II (ANXII), a receptor for tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), and plasminogen, thereby increasing plasmin generation. Previous studies suggested that ANXII plays a pivotal role in APL coagulopathy. ANXII binding to tPA can be inhibited by homocysteine and hyperhomocysteinemia can be induced by L-methionine supplementation. In the present study, we used an APL mouse model to study ANXII function and the effects of hyperhomocysteinemia in vivo. Leukemic cells expressed higher ANXII and tPA plasma levels (11.95 ng/mL in leukemic vs 10.74 ng/mL in wild-type; P = .004). In leukemic mice, administration of L-methionine significantly increased homocysteine levels (49.0 μmol/mL and < 6.0 μmol/mL in the treated and nontreated groups, respectively) and reduced tPA levels to baseline concentrations. The latter were also decreased after infusion of the LCKLSL peptide, a competitor for the ANXII tPA–binding site (11.07 ng/mL; P = .001). We also expressed and purified the p36 component of ANXII in Pichia methanolica. The infusion of p36 in wild-type mice increased tPA and thrombin-antithrombin levels, and the latter was reversed by L-methionine administration. The results of the present study demonstrate the relevance of ANXII in vivo and suggest that methionine-induced hyperhomocysteinemia may reverse hyperfibrinolysis in APL.
How I treat acquired aplastic anemia
Authors: Scheinberg Phillip , Young Neal S.
Published: April 2012

Survival in severe aplastic anemia (SAA) has markedly improved in the past 4 decades because of advances in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, immunosuppressive biologics and drugs, and supportive care. However, management of SAA patients remains challenging, both acutely in addressing the immediate consequences of pancytopenia and in the long term because of the disease's natural history and the consequences of therapy. Recent insights into pathophysiology have practical implications. We review key aspects of differential diagnosis, considerations in the choice of first- and second-line therapies, and the management of patients after immunosuppression, based on both a critical review of the recent literature and our large personal and research protocol experience of bone marrow failure in the Hematology Branch of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
A phase 1/2 study of lenalidomide with low-dose oral cyclophosphamide and low-dose dexamethasone (RdC) in AL amyloidosis
Authors: Kastritis Efstathios , Terpos Evangelos , Roussou Maria , Gavriatopoulou Maria , Pamboukas Constantinos , Boletis Ioannis , Marinaki Smaragda , Apostolou Theofanis , Nikitas Nikitas , Gkortzolidis Georgios , Michalis Eurydiki , Delimpasi Sossana , Dimopoulos Meletios A.
Published: April 2012

In this phase 1/2 study, we explored the feasibility and activity of an oral regimen of lenalidomide with low-dose dexamethasone and low-dose oral cyclophosphamide (RdC) in patients with primary systemic light chain amyloidosis. RdC was given for up to 12 cycles in prespecified cohorts at escalated doses: 13 patients were treated in phase 1 and 24 in phase 2; 65% were previously untreated, and most had renal and/or cardiac involvement and elevated cardiac biomarkers. Lenalidomide 15 mg/d and cyclophosphamide 100 mg/d were further evaluated in phase 2. On intention to treat, 20 (55%) patients achieved a hematologic response, including 3 (8%) complete remissions. Hematologic responses were seen at all dose levels and in 4 of 5 patients who had received bortezomib previously. An organ response was recorded in 22% of patients on intention-to-treat and in 40% of patients who survived at least 6 months. The median time to progression was 10 months and the 2-year survival was 41%. Fatigue, nonneutropenic infections, and rash were the most common toxicities. The results of the present study show that RdC is an oral regimen with activity in primary systemic light chain amyloidosis and may be an additional treatment option, especially for patients with preserved organ function or for patients who cannot receive or who relapse after bortezomib. This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00981708.
Non–cell-autonomous hedgehog signaling promotes murine B lymphopoiesis from hematopoietic progenitors
Authors: Cooper Christopher L. , Hardy Richard R. , Reth Michael , Desiderio Stephen
Published: April 2012

The role of hedgehog (Hh) signaling in B lymphopoiesis has remained unclear. We observed that the proliferation of pro-B cells in stromal cocultures was impaired by interruption of Hh signaling, prompting us to investigate whether the target of Hh antagonism was intrinsic or extrinsic to the B-lymphoid compartment. In the present study, using conditional deletion of the pathway activator gene Smo, we found that cell-autonomous Hh signaling is dispensable for B-cell development, B-lymphoid repopulation of the BM, and humoral immune function. In contrast, depletion of the Smo protein from stromal cells was associated with impaired generation of B-lymphoid cells from hematopoietic stem progenitor cells, whereas reciprocal removal of Smo from these cells had no effect on the production of B-cell progenitors. Depletion of Smo from stromal cells was associated with coordinate down-regulation of genes for which expression is associated with osteoblastoid identity and B-lymphopoietic activity. The results of the present study suggest that activity of the Hh pathway within stromal cells promotes B lymphopoiesis in a non–cell-autonomous fashion.
Identification of LMO2 transcriptome and interactome in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Cubedo Elena , Gentles Andrew J. , Huang Chuanxin , Natkunam Yasodha , Bhatt Shruti , Lu Xiaoqing , Jiang Xiaoyu , Romero-Camarero Isabel , Freud Aharon , Zhao Shuchun , Bacchi Carlos E. , Martínez-Climent Jose A. , Sánchez-García Isidro , Melnick Ari , Lossos Izidore S.
Published: April 2012

LMO2 regulates gene expression by facilitating the formation of multipartite DNA-binding complexes. In B cells, LMO2 is specifically up-regulated in the germinal center (GC) and is expressed in GC-derived non-Hodgkin lymphomas. LMO2 is one of the most powerful prognostic indicators in diffuse large B-cell (DLBCL) patients. However, its function in GC B cells and DLBCL is currently unknown. In this study, we characterized the LMO2 transcriptome and transcriptional complex in DLBCL cells. LMO2 regulates genes implicated in kinetochore function, chromosome assembly, and mitosis. Overexpression of LMO2 in DLBCL cell lines results in centrosome amplification. In DLBCL, the LMO2 complex contains some of the traditional partners, such as LDB1, E2A, HEB, Lyl1, ETO2, and SP1, but not TAL1 or GATA proteins. Furthermore, we identified novel LMO2 interacting partners: ELK1, nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFATc1), and lymphoid enhancer-binding factor1 (LEF1) proteins. Reporter assays revealed that LMO2 increases transcriptional activity of NFATc1 and decreases transcriptional activity of LEF1 proteins. Overall, our studies identified a novel LMO2 transcriptome and interactome in DLBCL and provides a platform for future elucidation of LMO2 function in GC B cells and DLBCL pathogenesis.