bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Practitioner’s Perspective on Realignment
Authors: Still Wendy S.
Published: February 2016

This article offers a practitioner’s perspective on California’s criminal justice Realignment. Drawing on my direct experience implementing Realignment as the chief probation officer in the city and county of San Francisco, I argue that the San Francisco case illustrates how decarceration can occur without compromising public safety, and I offer a set of lessons for practitioners and policy-makers about how to achieve decarceration despite local political, organizational, and cultural barriers. Specifically, I identify interagency collaboration, investment in community corrections and a commitment to alternatives to incarceration and community engagement with the families of both victims and offenders as key facilitators of decarceration at the local level. I urge observers not to dismiss these lessons as idiosyncratic to San Francisco’s unique locale. Rather, my experience has been that even San Francisco’s exceptionally hospitable local culture is not enough to successfully implement reform; structural arrangements that institutionalize the practical implementation of cultural commitments to reduce reliance on incarceration are required.
Candidate Selection in Canada
Authors: Pruysers Scott , Cross William
Published: February 2016

This article examines how political parties choose their candidates in Canada’s decentralized multilevel setting. We examine the selection practices of the leading federal parties, focusing on the formal and informal rules relating to the eligibility and mobilization of voters and candidates, the distribution of power within the party, and representational outcomes. In doing so, we highlight how Canadian parties have approached the trade-off between competing democratic norms as each party attempts to find a delicate balance between grassroots authority and central party involvement. Despite typically being considered a local affair, the selection of candidates is highly influenced by the central party apparatus—both formally and informally. This central party authority, however, often results in considerable tension that erupts in public conflict. We suggest that while centralization may undermine membership participation, grassroots autonomy, and responsiveness, central party involvement may also enhance the democratic values of fairness, representation, and in some instances even participation.
Interaction of Motivation and Social Support on Abstinence Among Recovery Home Residents
Authors: Korcha Rachael A. , Polcin Douglas , Bond Jason
Published: February 2016

The impetus to abstain from alcohol and drugs is especially robust when individuals seek help. However, motivation to continue abstinence during ongoing recovery is less understood. The present study assessed how social support interacted with motivation to affect abstinence over an 18-month time period. A sample of 289 residents entering residential recovery homes was recruited and followed at 6-, 12-, and 18-months. Motivation was measured as the perceived costs and benefits of abstinence. Five social influence measures were used to assess interactive effects with costs and benefits on abstinence. Perceived costs and benefits of abstinence were robust predictors of abstinence over the 18-month assessment period. Two social support factors interacted with perceived benefits to influence abstinence: 12-step involvement and number of persons in the social network. Suggestions are made for recovery services to influence perceived costs, benefits, and social network characteristics.
Bilateral robotic priming before task-oriented approach in subacute stroke rehabilitation: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hsieh Yu-wei , Wu Ching-yi , Wang Wei-en , Lin Keh-chung , Chang Ku-chou , Chen Chih-chi , Liu Chien-ting
Published: February 2016

Objectives:

To investigate the treatment effects of bilateral robotic priming combined with the task-oriented approach on motor impairment, disability, daily function, and quality of life in patients with subacute stroke.

Design:

A randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Occupational therapy clinics in medical centers.

Subjects:

Thirty-one subacute stroke patients were recruited.

Interventions:

Participants were randomly assigned to receive bilateral priming combined with the task-oriented approach (i.e., primed group) or to the task-oriented approach alone (i.e., unprimed group) for 90 minutes/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks. The primed group began with the bilateral priming technique by using a bimanual robot-aided device.

Main measures:

Motor impairments were assessed by the Fugal-Meyer Assessment, grip strength, and the Box and Block Test. Disability and daily function were measured by the modified Rankin Scale, the Functional Independence Measure, and actigraphy. Quality of life was examined by the Stroke Impact Scale.

Results:

The primed and unprimed groups improved significantly on most outcomes over time. The primed group demonstrated significantly better improvement on the Stroke Impact Scale strength subscale ( p = 0.012) and a trend for greater improvement on the modified Rankin Scale ( p = 0.065) than the unprimed group.

Conclusion:

Bilateral priming combined with the task-oriented approach elicited more improvements in self-reported strength and disability degrees than the task-oriented approach by itself. Further large-scale research with at least 31 participants in each intervention group is suggested to confirm the study findings.
Comparison of remifentanil with dexmedetomidine for monitored anaesthesia care in elderly patients during vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty
Authors: Lee Jung Min , Lee Soo Kyung , Lee Sang Jun , Hwang Woon Suk , Jang Sung Wook , Park Eun Young
Published: February 2016

Objectives

This clinical trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. (NCT02476981) This randomized, prospective double-blind study compared remifentanil with dexmedetomidine for monitored anaesthesia care during minimally invasive corrections of vertebral compression fractures (vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty).

Methods

Patients > 65 years of age with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification I–III, scheduled for vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty under monitored anaesthesia care, received remifentanil (i.v. infusion 1–5 µg/kg/h) or dexmedetomidine (loading dose 0.3–0.4 µg/kg followed by i.v. infusion 0.2–1 µg/kg/h) to maintain observer's assessment of alertness/sedation (OAA/S) scale <4 during the procedure.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in demographic data between the remifentanil ( n = 37) and dexmedetomidine groups ( n = 38). Patients on dexmedetomidine experienced lower mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR), and higher SpO2 values, than patients on remifentanil. Compared with dexmedetomidine, remifentanil produced more respiratory depression, oxygen desaturation, and reduced the need for additional intraoperative opioids. There were no significant between-group differences in terms of recovery time, investigators’ satisfaction scores, or patients’ overall pain experiences.

Conclusions

During monitored anaesthesia care, dexmedetomidine provides less respiratory depression, lower MAP and HR, but also less analgesic effect than remifentanil in elderly patients undergoing vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty.
Assessing the Safety of Vitamin A Delivered Through Large-Scale Intervention Programs
Authors: Tanumihardjo Sherry A. , Mokhtar Najat , Haskell Marjorie J. , Brown Kenneth H.
Published: February 2016

Background:

Vitamin A (VA) deficiency (VAD) is still a concern in many parts of the world, and multiple intervention strategies are being implemented to reduce the prevalence of VAD and associated morbidity and mortality. Because some individuals within a population may be exposed to multiple VA interventions, concerns have been raised about the possible risk of hypervitaminosis A.

Objectives:

A consultative meeting was held in Vienna, Austria, in March 2014 to (1) review current knowledge concerning the safety and effectiveness of large-scale programs to control VAD, (2) develop a related research agenda, and (3) review current available methods to assess VA status and risk of hypervitaminosis A.

Methods:

Multiple countries were represented and shared their experiences using a variety of assessment methods, including retinol isotope dilution (RID) techniques. Discussion included next steps to refine assessment methodology, investigate RID limitations under different conditions, and review programmatic approaches to ensure VA adequacy and avoid excessive intakes.

Results:

Fortification programs have resulted in adequate VA status in Guatemala, Zambia, and parts of Cameroon. Dietary patterns in several countries revealed that some people may consume excessive preformed VA from fortified foods.

Conclusion:

Additional studies are needed to compare biomarkers of tissue damage to RID methods during hypervitaminosis A and to determine what other biomarkers can be used to assess excessive preformed VA intake.
Global Production in a Romanian Village: Middle-Income Economy, Industrial Dislocation and the Reserve Army of Labor
Authors: Miszczynski Milosz
Published: February 2016

This article contributes to the discussion about the process of relocation of industrial production. The study focuses on a community in Eastern Europe which witnessed a cycle of events: from localization of a high-scale global factory in 2007 to its unexpected displacement in 2012. In this study is analyzed the process of the community’s inclusion in the production system, and it is argued that the challenge of production mobility is distinctively different in middle-income economies. Employing a cultural approach to the study of global production, the process of social reconstruction caused by the investment is chronologically outlined and its outcomes for the local labor market and host community are described.
An equilibrium path for institutional change in China
Authors: Cao Shixiong , Ren Zhiguang
Published: February 2016

China’s economic and political reforms since 1978 represent one of the biggest institutional changes in the last century. Because most research has focused on the economics of institutional change rather than the evolution of political institutions, a theoretical framework to explain China’s rapid economic development is lacking. To understand the successes and failures of China’s institutional change, we reviewed China’s innovative political and economic practices during the past 30 years. We found that the country’s political and economic institutions combine to form a dynamic equilibrium that can explain the impressive economic results. China’s leaders dream of new institutions that will improve upon traditional Western capitalism, based on a combination of central planning with traditional capitalist approaches that increase the system’s flexibility. If China’s leaders can combine this approach with decreased social costs compared with previous socioeconomic systems, this will represent a new era and a model that other nations can follow.
Audit feedback on reading performance of screening mammograms: An international comparison
Authors: Hofvind S , Bennett RL , Brisson J , Lee W , Pelletier E , Flugelman A , Geller B
Published: February 2016

Objective

Providing feedback to mammography radiologists and facilities may improve interpretive performance. We conducted a web-based survey to investigate how and why such feedback is undertaken and used in mammographic screening programmes.

Methods

The survey was sent to representatives in 30 International Cancer Screening Network member countries where mammographic screening is offered.

Results

Seventeen programmes in 14 countries responded to the survey. Audit feedback was aimed at readers in 14 programmes, and facilities in 12 programmes. Monitoring quality assurance was the most common purpose of audit feedback. Screening volume, recall rate, and rate of screen-detected cancers were typically reported performance measures. Audit reports were commonly provided annually, but more frequently when target guidelines were not reached.

Conclusion

The purpose, target audience, performance measures included, form and frequency of the audit feedback varied amongst mammographic screening programmes. These variations may provide a basis for those developing and improving such programmes.
Perceptions and Reasons for Veiling
Authors: Bhowon Uma , Bundhoo Harshalini
Published: February 2016

This qualitative study aimed to capture the views and reasons for veiling by young Muslim women in a social context where ethnic/religious identity is not contested or threatened. In-depth, open-ended interviews were conducted with young Muslim women who had started wearing the veil for the past four to five years. There was consensus amongst the respondents that wearing the veil was an obligation in Islam and it only reflects their commitment to their religion. However, the meaning of the veil was not limited to a piece of clothing. Modesty was considered to be an important dimension of the veil and was self-prescriptive, a reminder to conduct their life according to the Muslim belief system. Wearing the hijab consolidated their awareness of themselves as Muslims and in their practice. The findings are discussed within the multicultural context of Mauritius.
Work Engagement and Its Relationship with Various Dimensions of Work-related Well-being in the Public Transport Industry
Authors: Buitendach Johanna H. , Bobat Shaida , Muzvidziwa Rutendo F. , Kanengoni Herbert
Published: February 2016

This study investigated work engagement and its relationship with various dimensions of employee well-being among Zimbabwean bus drivers ( n = 283). The participants completed variety of scales on various dimensions of work-related well-being: job satisfaction, happiness, stress/burnout, job demands and resources; and work engagement viz: the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ), Work-Related Flow inventory (WOLF), Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI) as well as the Job Demands-Resources Scale (JD-R). Data analysis consisted of correlations, multiple regressions and multivariate analysis of variance to determine, if relationship existed between various dimensions of work engagement, happiness, job satisfaction, burnout, job demands and resources, the influence of job demands and resources on work engagement, happiness, job satisfaction and burnout and to assess if differences existed between the variables. Findings contribute to an understanding of how job demands and resources impact on employee’s work engagement, job satisfaction, work happiness and burnout, as well as propose pathways on how to increase positive aspects of employee well-being.
A coupled layered thermomechanical shape memory alloy beam element with enhanced higher order temperature field approximations
Authors: Solomou Alexandros G , Machairas Theodoros T , Saravanos Dimitris A , Hartl Darren J , Lagoudas Dimitris C
Published: February 2016

This article describes the development and validation of a new thermomechanically coupled multi-layered shape memory alloy beam finite element. The finite element is formulated, assuming coupled equilibrium equations for the mechanical and thermal problems. The constitutive shape memory alloy model of Lagoudas and coworkers is implemented in the formulation. Multi-field kinematic hypotheses are proposed, combining a first-order shear displacement field with a sixth-order polynomial temperature field through the thickness of the beam, enabling adequate representation of the temperature and phase transformation profiles due to rapid thermal loading, uneven thermal loading, and boundary conditions and multi-layered configurations with variable thermal properties. The non-linear transient discretized equations of motion of the shape memory alloy beam are synthesized and solved using the Newton–Raphson method with an implicit time integration scheme. Numerical results illustrate the time response of uniform and bi-layered NiTi beams under various thermomechanical loads predicted by the developed finite element. Correlations of the beam element predictions with those of plane stress two-dimensional finite element shape memory alloy models demonstrate excellent agreement in the calculated displacement, temperature, and phase transformation fields. Additionally, the developed beam finite element yields computationally fast simulations providing an effective tool for the design and simulation of rod, beam, and strip shape memory alloy actuators and active structures.
How Not to Let Secrets Out When Conducting Qualitative Research With Dyads
Authors: Ummel Deborah , Achille Marie
Published: February 2016

Confidentiality is one of the cornerstones of research involving human participants. Researchers are the frontline gatekeepers of their participants’ right to confidentiality, and situations can arise that challenge this responsibility. This is the case when individuals who have shared a common experience (i.e., dyads) are interviewed separately, but interview results are disseminated within the context of dyads. Based on our experience of conducting research with dyads and given how little literature is available to serve as guide, we set out to write this article to share the knowledge we acquired and the solutions we found. We will describe both the ethical challenges and the methodological decisions involved in conducting qualitative research with dyads. The article also describes different modalities of dyadic analysis, their benefits and drawbacks. This endeavor seems especially relevant as research with dyads is emerging in several domains involving couples, families, caregivers and health.
Multilevel Exploratory Factor Analysis of the Feeling Word Checklist–24
Authors: Lindqvist Karin , Falkenström Fredrik , Sandell Rolf , Holmqvist Rolf , Ekeblad Annika , Thorén Agneta
Published: February 2016

Emotional reactions are a vital part of the therapeutic relationship. The Feeling Word Checklist–24 (FWC-24) is an instrument asking the clinician (or the patient) to report to what degree he or she has experienced various feelings during a therapeutic interaction. The aim of this study was to assess the factor structure of the clinician-rated FWC-24 when taking dependencies in the data into account. The sample was deliberately heterogeneous and consisted of 4,443 ratings made by 101 psychotherapists working with different psychotherapy methods in relation to 191 patients of different ages, genders, and with different primary diagnoses. A random intercept-only model revealed large intraclass correlation coefficients at the therapist level, indicating that a multilevel analysis was warranted. A two-level exploratory factor analysis with therapists as the between level and patients plus sessions as the within level was conducted. The items from FWC-24 were found to be best represented by four factors on the between level and four factors on the within level. The factor structures were largely similar on the two levels and were labeled Engaged, Inadequate, Relaxed, and Moved. The different factors explained different amounts of variance on different levels, indicating that some factors are more therapist dependent and some more patient dependent.
Etiopathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Thromboembolism in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Alkim Huseyin , Koksal Ali Riza , Boga Salih , Sen Ilker , Alkim Canan
Published: February 2016

The close relationship between inflammation and thrombosis affects the progression and severity of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The prevalence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) varies between 1% and 7% among patients with IBD. The VTE risk in patients with IBD is at least 3 times higher than that in the normal general population. The absolute risk is very high during hospitalization, active disease, and surgery. The IBD-related VTE occurs at younger ages and recurs more frequently. The development of thrombosis in IBD is due to the interaction of many hereditary and acquired risk factors. Each patient diagnosed with IBD should be evaluated for a personal and family history of thrombosis and for prothrombotic drug use. Although procoagulant factors are increased during the natural course of inflammation, natural anticoagulants and fibrinolytic activity are decreased. Although IBD is accepted as a prothrombotic condition, there is no treatment that can remove this risk from daily practice. Patient training is required to control important factors, such as long-term immobilization and smoking. Oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy should be avoided. Inducing permanent disease remission must be the key approach for the prevention of thrombosis. Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is the basis of prophylactic treatment, which reduces the thrombosis risk by 50%. Prophylaxis with LMWH should be administered to all patients with IBD hospitalized due to disease attack or surgery. Long-term or even life-long anticoagulation therapy should be planned if there is insufficient disease control, recurrent VTE attacks, positive thrombophilia tests, or thrombosis in vital veins.
Ultraviolet-C light effect on physicochemical, bioactive, microbiological, and sensorial characteristics of carrot (Daucus carota) beverages
Authors: Hernández-Carranza Paola , Ruiz-López Irving Israel , Pacheco-Aguirre Francisco Manuel , Guerrero-Beltrán José Ángel , Ávila-Sosa Raúl , Ochoa-Velasco Carlos Enrique
Published: February 2016

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of ultraviolet-C light on physicochemical, bioactive, microbial, and sensory characteristics of carrot beverages. Beverages were formulated with different concentrations of carrot juice (60, 80, and 100% [v/v]) and treated with ultraviolet-C light at different flow rates (0, 0.5, 3.9, and 7.9 mL s−1) and times (5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 min), equivalent to ultraviolet-C dosages of 13.2, 26.4, 39.6, 52.8, and 79.2 J cm−2. Total soluble solids, pH, and titratable acidity were not affected by the ultraviolet-C light treatment. Ultraviolet-C light significantly affected ( p < 0.05) color parameters of pure juice; however, at low concentration of juice, total color change was slightly affected ( ΔE = 2.0 ± 0.7). Phenolic compounds (4.1 ± 0.1, 5.2 ± 0.2, and 8.6 ± 0.3 mg of GAE 100 mL−1 of beverage with 60, 80, and 100% of juice, respectively) and antioxidant capacity (6.1 ± 0.4, 8.5 ± 0.4, and 9.4 ± 0.3 mg of Trolox 100 mL−1 of beverage with 60, 80, and 100% of juice, respectively) of carrot beverages were not affected by ultraviolet-C light treatment. Microbial kinetics showed that mesophiles were mostly reduced at high flow rates in carrot beverages with 60% of juice. Maximum logarithmic reductions for mesophiles and total coliforms were 3.2 ± 0.1 and 2.6 ± 0.1, respectively, after 30 min of ultraviolet-C light processing. Beverages were well accepted (6–7) by judges who did not perceive the difference between untreated and Ultraviolet-C light treated beverages.
Deconstructing the neoliberal “Entrepreneurial Self”: A critical perspective derived from a global “biophilic consciousness”
Authors: Fernández-Herrería Alfonso , Martínez-Rodríguez Francisco Miguel
Published: February 2016

Purpose – This text aims to shed light on the background of neoliberalism and the basic characteristics that underlie its approach to the “Entrepreneurial Self.” The neoliberal economy, and the concept of entrepreneurship which is driven by it, is defined by a range of perspectives which build its epistemology and explain its current development. It is important to make a critical deconstruction in order to offer an alternative to the neoliberal entrepreneurial self. This alternative involves a new identity. It is reconstructed as a revolutionary, empathic, and global communication technology from the “Internet of Things”, and is consistent with a worldview that makes sense of it. As a result of this review, we propose to reconceive the “Entrepreneurial Self” as a new critical reconstruction of our identity, which empathetically reconnects us with nature, as well as with the whole community of life. This stems from an ethics of care, the value of sharing, and the development of those interdependent networks which constitute our global “biophilic consciousness.” Each of these elements is far removed from the predatory culture of the neoliberal model.
Institutional Voids in an Emerging Economy
Authors: McCarthy Daniel J. , Puffer Sheila M.
Published: February 2016

Much has appeared in the literature about institutional voids, a component of institutional theory. Little has been written, however, about the effects of institutional voids on individuals in emerging market nations and how they might react in proactive ways, including leaving their home country problems to pursue opportunities elsewhere. This article focuses on how institutional voids can create opportunities not only for such individuals but also for the firms that they join and the national economies of their host countries. We illustrate this juxtaposition from problem to opportunity by providing background on institutional voids in Russia as well as the welcoming institutional environments experienced in the United States. We do so by presenting some early findings from a larger ongoing research project. We emphasize not only the individual successes of migrants we interviewed as they seized opportunities afforded by their substantial backgrounds but also the resulting benefits to the U.S. firms that they joined or founded, as well as to the U.S. innovation economy. As illustrations, we offer the profiles of three professionals who came from Russia around 2000. They are part of a much larger group that came from various countries of the former USSR whom we interviewed in the Silicon Valley and Boston–Cambridge innovation hubs.
Bubble–bubble interaction effects on dynamics of multiple bubbles in a vortical flow field
Authors: Cui Bing , Ni Baoyu , Wu Qigang
Published: February 2016

Bubble–bubble interactions play important roles in the dynamic behaviours of multiple bubbles or bubble clouds in a vortical flow field. Based on the Rayleigh–Plesset equation and the modified Maxey–Riley equation of a single bubble, bubble–bubble interaction terms are derived and introduced for multiple bubbles. Thus, both the Rayleigh–Plesset and modified Maxey–Riley equations are improved by considering bubble–bubble interactions and then applied for the multiple bubbles entrainment into a stationary Gaussian vortex. Runge–Kutta fourth-order scheme is adopted to solve the coupled dynamic and kinematic equations and the convergence study has been conducted. Numerical result has also been compared and validated with the published experimental data. On this basis, the oscillation, trajectory and effects of different parameters of double-bubble and multi-bubble entrainment into Gaussian vortex have been studied and the results have been compared with those of the cases without bubble–bubble interactions. It indicates that bubble–bubble interactions influence the amplitudes and periods of bubble oscillations severely, but have small effects on bubble trajectories.
Performance and emission characteristics of compression ignition engine operating with false flax biodiesel and butanol blends
Authors: Akar Mustafa Atakan
Published: February 2016

In this study, fuel properties, engine performance, and emission characteristics of diesel fuel, false flax biodiesel, and their blends with butanol have been evaluated. Blend ratios used in this study were diesel–biodiesel–butanol (70% diesel–20% biodiesel–10% butanol and 60% diesel–20% biodiesel–20% butanol by volume) and biodiesel–diesel (20% biodiesel–80% diesel and 100% biodiesel by volume). Experiments showed that 10% alcohol addition to diesel and biodiesel fuels caused a decrease in torque value up to 8.57%. When butanol ratio raised to 20%, torque value decreased to an average of 12.7% and power values decreased to an average of 13.57%. Specific fuel consumption increased to an average of 10.63% and 12.80% with 10% and 20% butanol addition, respectively. Alcohol addiction into conventional diesel and biodiesel fuel slightly increased NOX emissions. Supplement of alcohol decreased CO and CO2 emissions when it was entrained to diesel and increased it when it was added to biodiesel. It means that addition of alcohol to diesel changed CO and CO2 emissions.
Could providing financial incentives to research participants be ultimately self-defeating?
Authors: Zutlevics TL
Published: February 2016

Controversy over providing financial incentives to research participants has a long history and remains an issue of contention in both current discussions about research ethics and for institutional review bodies/human research ethics committees which are charged with the responsibility of deciding whether such incentives fall within ethical guidelines. The arguments both for and against financial incentives have been well aired in the literature. A point of agreement for many is that inducement in the form of financial incentive is permissible when the risk of harm to the individual is negligible in terms of degree and probability of occurrence. In the absence of harm to the individual, encouraging more people to participate in research would appear to be a good thing in so far as it will lead to statistically more robust research outcomes, which can then be translated into better healthcare and other practice. Whilst, on the face of it, this position seems highly defensible, I will explore the possibility that it is counterproductive – that is, providing individuals with financial incentives to become research participants may have the unintended outcome of reducing participation rates in some areas of research. In exploring this idea I will draw on empirical findings from the literature on crowding-out – the hypothesis that providing monetary incentives to people can backfire by overall reducing intrinsic motivation, in this instance intrinsic motivation to behave altruistically or undertake civic duties.
Market matters
Authors: Ferrucci Patrick , Painter Chad E
Published: February 2016

This study examines whether the award-winning news show The Newsroom depicted on HBO practises what John McManus defined as market-driven journalism. McManus posited that organizations practising market-driven journalism compete in the four markets he describes in his market theory for news production. This study found that The Newsroom depicts an organization that does indeed practise market-driven journalism, with results interpreted through the lens of market theory for news production.
Normative behaviourism and global political principles
Authors: Floyd Jonathan
Published: February 2016

This article takes a new idea, ‘normative behaviourism’, and applies it to global political theory, in order to address at least one of the problems we might have in mind when accusing that subject of being too ‘unrealistic’. The core of this idea is that political principles can be justified, not just by patterns in our thinking, and in particular our intuitions and considered judgements, but also by patterns in our behaviour, and in particular acts of insurrection and crime. The problem addressed is ‘cultural relativism’, understood here not as a meta-ethical doctrine but as the apparent ‘fact’ that people around the world have culturally varying intuitions and judgements of a kind that lead them to affirm different political principles. This is a problem because it seems to follow (1) that global agreement on any substantial set of political principles is impossible and (2) that any political theory in denial of this ‘fact’ would be, for that reason, deeply unrealistic. The solution to this problem argued for here is that if domestic political principles (i.e. principles intended to regulate a single state) could be justified by normative behaviourism, and in reference to culturally invariant behaviour, then an international system supportive of such principles is justifiable by extension.
A preliminary report: The new protocol of managing acute partial-thickness hand burns
Authors: Feng Jiajun , Yong Cheryl , Bin Kasmin Muhammad Razi , Tan Kok Chai , Tan Bien-Keem , Chong Si Jack
Published: February 2016

Background:

Optimal hand function recovery is the key to the successful management of hand burns. It starts with a timely burns coverage in the acute setting. A new hand burns protocol has been introduced to cover hand burn wounds within 24 hours after admission. BiobraneTM and split skin graft (SSG) are the coverage methods for partial-thickness burns. A three-year prospective study is being carried out to evaluate the short- and long-term clinical and functional outcomes of the two treatment modalities. This paper reports the preliminary short-term results of the first 34 hand burns of the study.

Methodology:

This report includes consecutive hand burns patients admitted between September 2014 and May 2015. The recruited hand burns patients underwent clinical and functional assessments seven days after the coverage with either SSG or BiobraneTM. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the outcomes.

Results and discussion:

Eleven burnt hands were treated with SSG and 23 with BiobraneTM. The clinical and functional outcomes, including range of motion, power and sensitivity, were similar in both treatment groups. Further study to recruit more patients is necessary to ascertain the significance of the above findings. More importantly, long-term functional outcomes have to be assessed to conclude the treatment efficacy of early hand burns coverage with BiobraneTM or SSG.
Understanding the changing nature of psychological contracts in 21st century organizations
Authors: Alcover Carlos-Maria , Rico Ramón , Turnley William H. , Bolino Mark C.
Published: February 2016

In recent years, scholars have increasingly recognized that the theoretical underpinnings of employee-organization relationships (EOR) are in need of further extension in light of recent organizational changes. In prior research, the study of EOR has been based on social exchange theory, and the psychological contract (PC) has played a central role in understanding this crucial aspect of organizational life. The main objective of this paper is to provide an integration of the existing literature by adopting a multiple-foci exchange relationships approach. Specifically, we looked at identification; the quality of relationships and exchanges with the leader, coworkers, and other organizational agents; justice perceptions involving several organizational sources; and perceived organizational, leader, and coworker support to expand our understanding of the PC. Overall, we advocate a multiple-foci exchange relationships approach that will ultimately enable us to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the complex nature of PCs in 21st century organizations.
Glibenclamide-induced profound hypoglycaemic crisis: a case report
Authors: Hussain Arshad , Ali Iftikhar , Khan Aziz Ullah , Khan Tahir Mehmood
Published: February 2016

The value of sulphonylureas in the long-term treatment of type II diabetes has been questioned. The potential benefits of an antidiabetic drug must be carefully weighed against the risk of developing hazardous adverse effects like hypoglycaemia. We present drug-induced hypoglycaemia in a 77-year-old Pakistani male who had hypertension, type II diabetes and renal parenchymal disease (grade I), presented to the emergency department complaining of a 1-day history of fever, loose motions and drowsiness. His fever was low grade, intermittent, and not associated with rigors and chills. He had four episodes of watery stools for 1 day, with no associated vomiting but with drowsiness. He was aphasic, unable to walk and did not recognize his family members. The patient was taken to his local doctor who found him to be hypoglycaemic, with a blood sugar of 45 mg/dl. He was managed with intravenous (IV) dextrose and referred to the hospital. Hypoglycaemia is perhaps the most widespread and underreported complication of oral hypoglycaemic agents and may lead to overwhelming morbidity and mortality. Patient evaluation and proper counselling may help in identifying patients at greatest risk and avoid complications associated with these commonly prescribed drugs.
Neoliberalism and Symbolic Boundaries in Europe
Authors: Mijs Jonathan J. B. , Bakhtiari Elyas , Lamont Michèle
Published: February 2016

Studies suggest that the rise of neoliberalism accompanies a foregrounding of individual responsibility and a weakening of community. The authors provide a theoretical agenda for studying the interactions between the global diffusion of neoliberal policies and ideologies, on the one side, and cultural repertoires and boundary configurations, on the other, in the context of local, national, and regional variation. Exploiting variation in the rate of adoption of neoliberal policies across European societies, the authors show how levels of neoliberal penetration covary with the way citizens draw symbolic boundaries along the lines of ethnoreligious otherness and moral deservingness.
Intra- and interspecies gene expression models for predicting drug response in canine osteosarcoma
Authors: Fowles Jared S. , Brown Kristen C. , Hess Ann M. , Duval Dawn L. , Gustafson Daniel L.
Published: February 2016

Background

Genomics-based predictors of drug response have the potential to improve outcomes associated with cancer therapy. Osteosarcoma (OS), the most common primary bone cancer in dogs, is commonly treated with adjuvant doxorubicin or carboplatin following amputation of the affected limb. We evaluated the use of gene-expression based models built in an intra- or interspecies manner to predict chemosensitivity and treatment outcome in canine OS. Models were built and evaluated using microarray gene expression and drug sensitivity data from human and canine cancer cell lines, and canine OS tumor datasets. The “COXEN” method was utilized to filter gene signatures between human and dog datasets based on strong co-expression patterns. Models were built using linear discriminant analysis via the misclassification penalized posterior algorithm.

Results

The best doxorubicin model involved genes identified in human lines that were co-expressed and trained on canine OS tumor data, which accurately predicted clinical outcome in 73 % of dogs (p = 0.0262, binomial). The best carboplatin model utilized canine lines for gene identification and model training, with canine OS tumor data for co-expression. Dogs whose treatment matched our predictions had significantly better clinical outcomes than those that didn’t (p = 0.0006, Log Rank), and this predictor significantly associated with longer disease free intervals in a Cox multivariate analysis (hazard ratio = 0.3102, p = 0.0124).

Conclusions

Our data show that intra- and interspecies gene expression models can successfully predict response in canine OS, which may improve outcome in dogs and serve as pre-clinical validation for similar methods in human cancer research.
Evx1 and Evx2 specify excitatory neurotransmitter fates and suppress inhibitory fates through a Pax2-independent mechanism
Authors: Juárez-Morales José L. , Schulte Claus J. , Pezoa Sofia A. , Vallejo Grace K. , Hilinski William C. , England Samantha J. , de Jager Sarah , Lewis Katharine E.
Published: February 2016

Background

For neurons to function correctly in neuronal circuitry they must utilize appropriate neurotransmitters. However, even though neurotransmitter specificity is one of the most important and defining properties of a neuron we still do not fully understand how neurotransmitter fates are specified during development. Most neuronal properties are determined by the transcription factors that neurons express as they start to differentiate. While we know a few transcription factors that specify the neurotransmitter fates of particular neurons, there are still many spinal neurons for which the transcription factors specifying this critical phenotype are unknown. Strikingly, all of the transcription factors that have been identified so far as specifying inhibitory fates in the spinal cord act through Pax2. Even Tlx1 and Tlx3, which specify the excitatory fates of dI3 and dI5 spinal neurons work at least in part by down-regulating Pax2.

Methods

In this paper we use single and double mutant zebrafish embryos to identify the spinal cord functions of Evx1 and Evx2.

Results

We demonstrate that Evx1 and Evx2 are expressed by spinal cord V0v cells and we show that these cells develop into excitatory (glutamatergic) Commissural Ascending (CoSA) interneurons. In the absence of both Evx1 and Evx2, V0v cells still form and develop a CoSA morphology. However, they lose their excitatory fate and instead express markers of a glycinergic fate. Interestingly, they do not express Pax2, suggesting that they are acquiring their inhibitory fate through a novel Pax2-independent mechanism.

Conclusions

Evx1 and Evx2 are required, partially redundantly, for spinal cord V0v cells to become excitatory (glutamatergic) interneurons. These results significantly increase our understanding of the mechanisms of neuronal specification and the genetic networks involved in these processes.
Painted plaster and glazed brick fragments from Achaemenid Pasargadae and Persepolis, Iran
Authors: Aloiz Emily , Douglas Janet G. , Nagel Alexander
Published: February 2016

Background

Architectural fragments of decorated walls, floors, and columns excavated by Ernst Herzfeld (1879–1948) at the archaeological sites of Persepolis and Pasargadae in Iran are housed in the Freer Study Collection at the Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery (FSG), Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Technical studies of these painted earthen plasters and glazed brick fragments were undertaken to enhance our knowledge of materials and technology of Achaemenid Persia between the late sixth and fourth centuries BCE. Initial analysis was done on the surface of the fragments using non-invasive X-ray fluorescence with a portable instrument. Polished cross-sections were used to examine the layering stratigraphy of paints and glazes, and to undertake compositional analysis using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.

Results

Up to five layers of paint are present on the Pasargadae plaster, constituting the remnants of a geometric design. The plasters were bound with clay tempered with an organic material that has long since degraded, leaving small voids throughout. Pigments identified include Egyptian blue, malachite green, red ocher, and cinnabar red. The floor fragments from Persepolis were finished with a lime plaster and two layers of hematite-rich paint. The brick fragments from Persepolis were found to be composed of high-silica material similar to faience, which were decorated with alkaline glazes, including a yellow glazed colored with lead antimonate, gray glaze colored with magnesium and iron, and green glazed colored with copper.

Conclusions

While the exact ages of the finishes are unknown, a similar technology was employed to decorate Achaemenid architecture in its principle Iranian cities. The variety of materials excavated by Herzfeld demonstrates the ability of Achaemenid artisans to work with multiple mediums to create a polychromatic finish including that of glazed tiles, earthen plaster tempered with gravel, earthen plaster tempered with organic matter, colored earths, pigmented paints and lime plasters. The layering of these materials can be seen and analyzed in cross-section although surface deterioration is often quite severe. The analysis of the compositional data on the architectural fragments inform their long-term preservation at the FSG as well as at the sites themselves.
Paramagnetic nanoparticles as nuclear magnetic resonance contrast agents in sandstone: Importance of nanofluid-rock interactions
Authors: Zhu Chunxiao , Daigle Hugh , Bryant Steven L.
Published: February 2016

Nuclear magnetic resonance has been applied in well logging to investigate pore size distribution with high resolution and accuracy based on the relaxation time distribution. However, due to the heterogeneity of natural rock, pore surface relaxivity, which links relaxation time and pore size, varies within the pore system. To analyze and alter pore surface relaxivity, we saturated Boise sandstone cores with positively charged zirconia nanoparticle dispersions in which nanoparticles can be adsorbed onto the sandstone pore wall, while negatively charged zirconia nanoparticles dispersions were used as a control group to provide the baseline of nanoparticle retention due to nonelectrostatic attraction. We have performed core flushing with deionized water, pure acid, and alkali with different pH values; compared properties of zirconia nanoparticles before and after exposure to Boise sandstone; analyzed the portion of zirconia nanoparticles retained in the rock; altered pore surface relaxivity; and linked the adsorbed nanoparticle concentration on the pore surface to the modified surface relaxivity. Our work has indicated that after two pore volumes of core flooding, there was approximately 1% of negatively charged nanoparticles trapped in the Boise sandstone core, whereas approximately 8%–11% of positively charged nanoparticles was retained in the Boise sandstone cores. Our results indicated that besides van der Waals attraction, electrostatic attraction was the driving force for retention of nanoparticles with a positive surface charge in sandstone cores. The attachment of nanoparticles onto sandstone surfaces changed the mineral surface relaxivity. Exposure to acidic or strong alkaline conditions increased the Boise sandstone surface relaxivity. After contact with Boise sandstone, the nanoparticles themselves exhibited increased relaxivity due to interactions between nanoparticles dispersion and mineral surface under different pH conditions.
Estimated Maximal Safe Dosages of Tumescent Lidocaine
Authors: Klein Jeffrey A. , Jeske Daniel R.
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND:

Tumescent lidocaine anesthesia consists of subcutaneous injection of relatively large volumes (up to 4 L or more) of dilute lidocaine (≤1 g/L) and epinephrine (≤1 mg/L). Although tumescent lidocaine anesthesia is used for an increasing variety of surgical procedures, the maximum safe dosage is unknown. Our primary aim in this study was to measure serum lidocaine concentrations after subcutaneous administration of tumescent lidocaine with and without liposuction. Our hypotheses were that even with large doses (i.e., >30 mg/kg), serum lidocaine concentrations would be below levels associated with mild toxicity and that the concentration-time profile would be lower after liposuction than without liposuction.

METHODS:

Volunteers participated in 1 to 2 infiltration studies without liposuction and then one study with tumescent liposuction totally by local anesthesia. Serum lidocaine concentrations were measured at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 24 hours after each tumescent lidocaine infiltration. Area under the curve (AUC∞) of the serum lidocaine concentration-time profiles and peak serum lidocaine concentrations (Cmax) were determined with and without liposuction. For any given milligram per kilogram dosage, the probability that Cmax >6 μg/mL, the threshold for mild lidocaine toxicity was estimated using tolerance interval analysis.

RESULTS:

In 41 tumescent infiltration procedures among 14 volunteer subjects, tumescent lidocaine dosages ranged from 19.2 to 52 mg/kg. Measured serum lidocaine concentrations were all <6 μg/mL over the 24-hour study period. AUC∞s with liposuction were significantly less than those without liposuction (P = 0.001). The estimated risk of lidocaine toxicity without liposuction at a dose of 28 mg/kg and with liposuction at a dose of 45 mg/kg was ≤1 per 2000.

CONCLUSIONS:

Preliminary estimates for maximum safe dosages of tumescent lidocaine are 28 mg/kg without liposuction and 45 mg/kg with liposuction. As a result of delayed systemic absorption, these dosages yield serum lidocaine concentrations below levels associated with mild toxicity and are a nonsignificant risk of harm to patients.