bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lithofacies architecture of basaltic andesite lavas and their interaction with wet-sediment: Port a’ Chroinn, Kerrera, NW Scotland
Authors: Rawcliffe Heather J. , Brown David J.
Published: May 2014

Synopsis

Lavas of the Lorne Plateau Volcanic Succession (LPVS) crop out on the island of Kerrera, NW Scotland, and were emplaced during the Devonian Period, synchronous with Old Red Sandstone (ORS) terrestrial sedimentation. These flows are discontinuously exposed for
c
. 3 km at Port a’ Chroinn, Kerrera, and typically comprise blocky, basal breccias, coherent, crystalline cores, and clinker flow tops, interpreted as basaltic andesite ’a’a lavas. Gradational zones are observed from coherent core, through highly vesicular core, to semi-coherent lava and normally graded clinker. Prismatically jointed, inflated pahoehoe lavas are also present, but have few characteristic morphological features. Localized domains of magma–sediment mingling occur at the bases of several lavas, with clasts of basaltic andesite within a sandstone matrix. These domains are interpreted as peperites, formed as lava flowed over and mingled with unconsolidated, wet sediment that had been deposited on the surfaces of underlying lavas during periods of volcanic quiescence.
H1-antihistamines exacerbate high-fat diet-induced hepatic steatosis in wild-type but not in apolipoprotein E knockout mice
Authors: Raveendran Vineesh V. , Kassel Karen M. , Smith Donald D. , Luyendyk James P. , Williams Kurt J. , Cherian Rachel , Reed Gregory A. , Flynn Colleen A. , Csanaky Iván L. , Lickteig Andrew L. , Pratt-Hyatt Matthew J. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Dileepan Kottarappat N.
Published: May 2014

We examined the effects of two over-the-counter H1-antihistamines on the progression of fatty liver disease in male C57Bl/6 wild-type and apolipoprotein E (ApoE)−/− mice. Mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 3 mo, together with administration of either cetirizine (4 mg/kg body wt) or fexofenadine (40 mg/kg body wt) in drinking water. Antihistamine treatments increased body weight gain, gonadal fat deposition, liver weight, and hepatic steatosis in wild-type mice but not in ApoE−/− mice. Lobular inflammation, acute inflammation, and necrosis were not affected by H1-antihistamines in either genotype. Serum biomarkers of liver injury tended to increase in antihistamine-treated wild-type mice. Serum level of glucose was increased by fexofenadine, whereas lipase was increased by cetirizine. H1-antihistamines reduced the mRNA expression of ApoE and carbohydrate response element-binding protein in wild-type mice, without altering the mRNA expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c, fatty acid synthase, or ApoB100, in either genotype. Fexofenadine increased both triglycerides and cholesterol ester, whereas cetirizine increased only cholesterol ester in liver, with a concomitant decrease in serum triglycerides by both antihistamines in wild-type mice. Antihistamines increased hepatic levels of conjugated bile acids in wild-type mice, with the effect being significant in fexofenadine-treated animals. The increase was associated with changes in the expression of organic anion transport polypeptide 1b2 and bile salt export pump. These results suggest that H1-antihistamines increase the progression of fatty liver disease in wild-type mice, and there seems to be an association between the severity of disease, presence of ApoE, and increase in hepatic bile acid levels.
Perceptions and profiles of interviews with interpreters: A police survey
Authors: Wakefield Shellee J , Kebbell Mark R , Moston Stephen , Westera Nina
Published: May 2014

Policing organisations across the developed world increasingly need language interpreters to communicate with non-native speaking people. Little research has investigated police perceptions of using interpreter services, despite their growing need, documented concerns and lack of a widely accepted best practice. A survey of 413 police officers documented interpreted interviews in Australia and assessed police perceptions of those interviews. Interviews carried out by police included a higher number of suspect interviews and interviews via telephone interpreters. Cases more often involved sexual assault, assault and domestic violence. Indigenous people, victims and witnesses were identified as potentially vulnerable to not being provided interpreters. Police views on the use of interpreting services were generally positive; however, length of interviews, cost and inadequate training were identified as potential deterrents. Implications for police are discussed, as are ways to reduce negative police perceptions, create informed guidelines and improve interpreting service use.
Optimising the length of random breath tests: Results from the Queensland Community Engagement Trial
Authors: Mazerolle Lorraine , Bates Lyndel , Bennett Sarah , White Gentry , Ferris Jason , Antrobus Emma
Published: May 2014

Research suggests that the length and quality of police–citizen encounters affect policing outcomes. The Koper Curve, for example, shows that the optimal length for police presence in hot spots is between 14 and 15 minutes, with diminishing returns observed thereafter. Our study, using data from the Queensland Community Engagement Trial (QCET), examines the impact of encounter length on citizen perceptions of police performance. QCET involved a randomised field trial, where 60 random breath test (RBT) traffic stop operations were randomly allocated to an experimental condition involving a procedurally just encounter or a business-as-usual control condition. Our results show that the optimal length of time for procedurally just encounters during RBT traffic stops is just less than 2 minutes. We show, therefore, that it is important to encourage and facilitate positive police–citizen encounters during RBT at traffic stops, while ensuring that the length of these interactions does not pass a point of diminishing returns.
Psychological outcomes following the Victorian Black Saturday bushfires
Authors: Bryant Richard A , Waters Elizabeth , Gibbs Lisa , Gallagher H Colin , Pattison Philippa , Lusher Dean , MacDougall Colin , Harms Louise , Block Karen , Snowdon Elyse , Sinnott Vikki , Ireton Greg , Richardson John , Forbes David
Published: May 2014

Objective:

We aimed to map the prevalence and predictors of psychological outcomes in affected communities 3–4 years after the Black Saturday bushfires in the state of Victoria, Australia.

Methods:

Baseline assessment of a longitudinal cohort study in high-, medium-, and low-affected communities in Victoria. Participants included 1017 residents of high-, medium-, and low-affected fire communities. Participants were surveyed by means of a telephone and web-based interview between December 2011 and January 2013. The survey included measures of fire-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and general PTSD from other traumatic events, major depressive episode, alcohol use, and general psychological distress.

Results:

The majority of respondents in the high- (77.3%), medium- (81.3%), and low-affected (84.9%) communities reported no psychological distress on the K6 screening scale. More participants in the high-affected communities (15.6%) reported probable PTSD linked to the bushfires than medium- (7.2%) and low-affected (1.0%) communities (odds ratio (OR): 4.57, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.61–8.00, p = 0.000). Similar patterns were observed for depression (12.9%, 8.8%, 6.3%, respectively) (OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.17–2.85, p = 0.008) and severe psychological distress (9.8%, 5.0%, 4.9%, respectively) (OR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.23–3.55, p = 0.007). All communities reported elevated rates of heavy drinking (24.7%, 18.7%, 19.6%, respectively); however, these were higher in the high-affected communities (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.01–1.89, p = 0.04). Severe psychological distress was predicted by fear for one’s life in the bushfires, death of someone close to them in the bushfires, and subsequent stressors. One-third of those with severe psychological distress did not receive mental health assistance in the previous month.

Conclusions:

Several years following the Black Saturday bushfires the majority of affected people demonstrated resilience without indications of psychological distress. A significant minority of people in the high-affected communities reported persistent PTSD, depression, and psychological distress, indicating the need for promotion of the use of health and complementary services, community-based initiatives, and family and other informal supports, to target these persistent problems.
Un/veiling Women’s Bodies
Authors: Selby Jennifer A
Published: May 2014

Heated discussion in the media, costly and laborious government commissions, and restrictive legal recommendations in France and Québec, Canada, have recently focused on the undesirability of face-covering veils (burqas and niqabs) in the public sphere. This article charts how these sites have, at the same time, concretized a contrasting idealized presentation of a desirable secular female body. This examination is grounded in recent Secularism Studies scholarship that argues that, like forms of religiosity, secularisms include a range of social and physical dispositions (Warner, 2008; see also Asad, 2003; Calhoun et al., 2011; Fadil, 2011; Jakobsen and Pellegrini, 2008; Mahmood, 2009). Through consideration of two recent niqab-wearing women’s cases outside of Paris and in Montréal, and with reference to theories of governmentality (Fassin, 2010; Foucault, 1980, 1988; Guénif-Souilamas, 2006) and to Joan Wallach Scott on seduction (2011), I examine the regulatory functions and normalizing delineations of female sexuality within restrictions against full-face hijabs.
Normative Power Europe and the importance of discursive context: The European Union and the politics of religion
Authors: Larsen Henrik
Published: May 2014

This article attempts to demonstrate the importance of the discursive context for whether and, if so, how the European Union (EU) can exert normative power in different policy areas. Surprisingly, the concept of power has not been extensively discussed in the academic literature on Normative Power Europe, with the notable exceptions of Diez (2013); Keene (2012); Forsberg (2011) and Huelss (2011) (who also discuss the meaning of the ‘normative’). Focusing on power, the question asked in this article is how the discursive context of the politics of religion affects the EU’s ability to exert normative power in this area. The article examines the politics of religion by looking at the case of the debate about human rights versus religion in the United Nations Human Rights Council after the year 2000. The broader point addressed in the article is whether the EU can exert normative power regardless of the discursive context of the policy area concerned.
Effect of specimen history on structure and in-plane permeability of woven fabrics
Authors: Endruweit A , Zeng X , Long AC
Published: May 2014

Before being processed into composites, reinforcement fabrics may undergo repeated involuntary deformation, the complete sequence of which is here referred to as specimen history. To mimic its effect, fabric specimens were subjected to sequences of defined shear operations. For single fabric layers with unconstrained thickness, quantitative evaluation of photographic image data indicated that repeated shear deformation results in a residual increase in inter-yarn gap width. This translates into an increase in measured fabric permeabilities in multi-layer lay-ups at given compaction levels. The extent of both interrelated effects increases with increasing yarn density in the fabric and with increasing maximum angle in the shear history. Additional numerical permeability predictions indicated that the increase in permeability may be partially reversed by through-thickness fabric compression. The observations suggest that the effect of involuntary deformation of the fabric structure can result in variations in the principal permeability values by factors of up to 2.
Vicarious Resilience, Vicarious Trauma, and Awareness of Equity in Trauma Work
Authors: Hernandez-Wolfe Pilar , Killian Kyle , Engstrom David , Gangsei David
Published: May 2014

This qualitative study examines the coexistence of vicarious resilience and vicarious trauma and explores the inclusion of intersectional identities in trauma work with torture survivors in specialized programs across the United States. A constructionist framework and a method of constant comparison discovered themes that speak about the effects of witnessing how clients cope constructively with adversity, and intersectional identities in social context. The data suggest that trauma therapists can be potentially transformed by their clients’ resilience in positive, but not painless, ways. Choosing to work in the trauma field with survivors of torture and politically motivated violence involves immersion in profound ongoing experiences of intertwined pain, joy, and hope, and expanding the boundaries of self—personally and professionally.
Patient autonomy as a limit on a doctor's duty to follow-up
Authors: de Costa Alex
Published: May 2014

The principle of personal autonomy means that patients are free not to attend scheduled medical appointments and to risk the complications that may occur as a consequence of their non-attendance. But the situation may be more complicated if the patient’s doctor recognises that the patient may be vulnerable to a particular risk. What are the limits of the doctor's obligation to follow-up or recall the patient for a further consultation? Some recent cases cast light upon this issue.
The Relationship Between Academic Self-Efficacy and Academic-Related Boredom
Authors: Liu Yangyang , Lu Zuhong
Published: May 2014

The present study sought to examine the relationship between Chinese high school students’ academic self-efficacy and their academic-related boredom. Another objective was to explore the moderating effects of mono-amine-oxidase type A ( MAOA) gene polymorphism on this relationship. In a sample of 514 Chinese high school students, we measured their academic self-efficacy and academic-related boredom from Grades 10 to 12. In addition, we collected their DNA. Data were analyzed by using a linear mixture model. The results indicated that students’ academic self-efficacy negatively predicted their academic-related boredom. The relationship between academic self-efficacy and academic-related boredom was more reliable for students with the 3-repeat allele than for the students with the 4-repeat allele. The findings suggested that the functional polymorphism of MAOA gene moderated the relationship between academic self-efficacy and academic-related boredom.
African American Girls’ Ideal Dating Relationship Now and in the Future
Authors: Debnam Katrina J. , Howard Donna E. , Garza Mary A. , Green Kerry M.
Published: May 2014

Adolescence is a particularly important and challenging time for developing long-lasting romantic relationship patterns. However, limited empirical research has explored teen perceptions of ideal partner characteristics during adolescence or their significance to the quality of current and future relationships. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 33 African American high school girls to shed light on the qualities desired in their dating relationships and relational factors that influence teen dating behaviors. Guided by the Social Ecological Framework, interviews were transcribed verbatim and entered into ATLAS.ti, for coding and analysis. Girls discussed the important influence of parents in choosing a partner and provided positive depictions of friendship and marriage with a suitable partner. More research is needed to understand how and why adolescents desire particular characteristics, how socialization shapes teen perceptions, and how these preferences may be related to current and future adolescent dating choices, including violence perpetration and victimization.
Are You Insulting Me? Exposure to Alcohol Primes Increases Aggression Following Ambiguous Provocation
Authors: Pedersen William C. , Vasquez Eduardo A. , Bartholow Bruce D. , Grosvenor Marianne , Truong Ana
Published: May 2014

Considerable research has shown that alcohol consumption can increase aggression and produce extremes in other social behaviors. Although most theories posit that such effects are caused by pharmacological impairment of cognitive processes, recent research indicates that exposure to alcohol-related constructs, in the absence of consumption, can produce similar effects. Here we tested the hypothesis that alcohol priming is most likely to affect aggression in the context of ambiguous provocation. Experiment 1 showed that exposure to alcohol primes increased aggressive retaliation but only when an initial provocation was ambiguous; unambiguous provocation elicited highly aggressive responses regardless of prime exposure. Experiment 2 showed that alcohol prime exposure effects are relatively short-lived and that perceptions of the provocateur’s hostility mediated effects of prime exposure on aggression. These findings suggest modification and extension of existing models of alcohol-induced aggression.
Goal Difficulty and Openness to Interpersonal Goal Support
Authors: Righetti Francesca , Kumashiro Madoka , Campbell Sarah B.
Published: May 2014

When people pursue important goals, they are often surrounded by close others who could provide help and support for the achievement of these goals. The present work investigated whether people are more likely to be open to such interpersonal goal support from a romantic partner when they perceive their goals as being easy versus difficult. Using a multiple methods approach, three studies revealed that, compared with the pursuit of easy goals, when people pursue difficult goals, they are less likely to seek out and be open to support from their romantic partner. Studies 2 and 3 revealed that the effect of goal difficulty on openness to support was partially mediated by loss in self-efficacy. Finally, Study 3 revealed that lack of openness to support can have detrimental long-term consequences for the relationship, as it undermines relationship well-being.
Institutional Exclusion and Tribal Interest
Authors: Rout Satyapriya , Patnaik Pratyusna
Published: May 2014

The article investigates whether the political inclusion and representation of Scheduled Tribes through decentralization empower the tribal communities in India to counter the process of exclusion. It examines the capacity of decentralized government to represent the tribal interests and empower the tribal communities in the Scheduled Areas of Orissa, an eastern Indian province. The article concludes that there exists a systematic and strategic exclusion of tribal representatives, who were ready and capable to participate in local government and successfully represent tribal interests. It argues that exclusion and disempowerment of tribal representatives is not an outcome of their backward socioeconomic status or inability to participate in local government, but a result of a political–economic process strategically imposed on them. The article highlights a vicious circle of exclusion, where on the one hand, the tribal representatives performed low because of their exclusion, and on the other inability to effectively function as representatives further led to their exclusion from decentralized government. The empirical work for the article is based on case study of two Gram Panchayats, which were the center of tribal conflict against the Vedanta Alumunia Company in the state of Orissa in India.
The Free Market Experiment in Latin America
Authors: Pineo Ronn
Published: May 2014

This article examines the performance of neoliberal economic policies in Latin America over the last several decades. Scrutiny is given to growth, development, inequality, poverty, and social concerns. Recent evidence is brought to bear in evaluating the efficacy of neoliberalism with respect to these matters. Following the work of Henry Bruton, the article offers a reconsideration of the conventional critique of prior import substitution industrial policies. Finally, building upon a wide array of recent works in economic developmental theory, the article puts forward some policy recommendations for promotion of economic development in Latin America.
Repair of congenital heart defects associated with single pulmonary artery
Authors: Bockeria Leo A , Makhachev Osman A , Khiriev Titalav Kh , Podzolkov Vladimir P , Zelenikin Mikhail A , Kim Aleksey I , Zaets Sergey B
Published: May 2014

Background

Experience with complete repair of congenital heart defects associated with unilateral absence of a pulmonary artery is limited. The aim of this retrospective study was to present our surgical experience of this complex category of patients, to analyze immediate results of surgical interventions, and to suggest a rational surgical strategy.

Methods

Of 37 patients with a single pulmonary artery who underwent complete repair of associated heart defects, the left or right pulmonary artery was absent in 32 and 5, respectively. The most frequent heart defects were tetralogy of Fallot ( n = 25) and ventricular septal defect ( n = 8). The median age of these patients was 7.1 years. Preoperative examinations included echocardiography, cardiac catheterization and angiocardiography, with quantitative assessment of the single pulmonary artery. In-hospital parameters of surgical outcome were analyzed.

Results

Recorded hospital mortality was 2.7% (1/37). The single death was in a patient with tetralogy of Fallot, agenesis of the left pulmonary artery, and a small diameter of the contralateral pulmonary artery (Nakata index 174 mm2·m−2). The right-to-left ventricular systolic pressure ratio after complete tetralogy of Fallot repair in patients who survived the operation was 0.58 ± 0.11.

Conclusions

Complete repair of congenital heart defects in patients with unilateral absence of a pulmonary artery is associated with a relatively low risk. If the hilar artery is of adequate size, surgical intervention should attempt restoration of the communication between the disconnected hilar artery and the pulmonary trunk, in addition to repairing the heart defects.
Utility contra utilitarianism: Holbach’s international ethics
Authors: Devellennes Charles
Published: May 2014

Holbach is a largely forgotten figure of the history of ideas. Yet his work was influential on a number of historical thinkers, notably Marx. Famous for his materialistic atheism, Holbach has much to contribute to other fields, and this article details his contribution to international ethics, as well as its applicability in contemporary debates. By reviving his utilitarian theory, this article seeks to rehabilitate a subtle understanding of this ethical theory and contribute to a growing literature on eighteenth-century utilitarian thought and its applicability to contemporary international relations. This article introduces the utilitarian theory of Holbach, detailing the role that virtue ethics plays within it and showing the relative contribution of Holbach to utilitarian debates, notably against the thought of Bentham. Lastly, it applies Holbach’s complex conception of self-interest to the field of international ethics, showing the challenges he raises to realist and liberal theories of international relations, as well as the normative theories of Walzer and Rawls.
Conditional equity risk premia and realized variance jump risk
Authors: Wang Zhanglong , Wang Kent , Pan Zheyao
Published: May 2014

This study explores the relationship between realized variance jump risk and conditional equity risk premium. Using high frequency records of the Standard & Poor’s 500 index, we construct a realized variance measure and estimate its jump component using a Heterogeneous Autoregressive model augmented by a jump component. We find strong evidence that the realized variance jump risk measure significantly relates to excess stock market returns in-sample and out-of-sample from 1998 to 2010. Further, the predictive power of the variance jump remains both statistically and economically significant after controlling for commonly-used return predictors, and is also independent from variance risk premium and price jump risk. Calibration-based evidence is also consistent with our empirical findings.
The relationship between migraine and infant colic: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gelfand Amy A , Goadsby Peter J , Allen I Elaine
Published: May 2014

Context

Infant colic is a common and distressing disorder of early infancy. Its etiology is unknown, making treatment challenging. Several articles have suggested a link to migraine.

Objective

The objective of this article was to perform a systematic review and, if appropriate, a meta-analysis of the studies on the relationship between infant colic and migraine.

Data sources

Studies were identified by searching PubMed and ScienceDirect and by hand-searching references and conference proceedings.

Study selection

For the primary analysis, studies specifically designed to measure the association between colic and migraine were included. For the secondary analysis, studies that collected data on colic and migraine but were designed for another primary research question were also included.

Data extraction

Data were abstracted from the original studies, through communication with study authors, or both. Two authors independently abstracted data.

Main outcomes and measures

The main outcome measure was the association between infant colic and migraine using both a fixed-effects model and a more conservative random-effects model.

Results

Three studies were included in the primary analysis; the odds ratio for the association between migraine and infant colic was 6.5 (4.6–8.9, p < 0.001) for the fixed-effects model and 5.6 (3.3–9.5, p = 0.004) for the random-effects model. In a sensitivity analysis wherein the study with the largest effect size was removed, the odds ratio was 3.6 (95% CI 1.7–7.6, p = 0.001) for both the fixed-effects model and random-effects model.

Conclusions

In this meta-analysis, infant colic was associated with increased odds of migraine. If infant colic is a migrainous disorder, this would have important implications for treatment. The main limitation of this meta-analysis was the relatively small number of studies included.
Proton pump inhibitor-related headaches: A nationwide population-based case-crossover study in Taiwan
Authors: Liang Jen-Feng , Chen Yung-Tai , Fuh Jong-Ling , Li Szu-Yuan , Chen Tzeng-Ji , Tang Chao-Hsiun , Wang Shuu-Jiun
Published: May 2014

Background

Headaches resulting from proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use could cause discontinuation of PPI in as many as 40% of patients who experience such headaches. Previous studies focusing on acute headache risk from PPI use are rare and limited to clinical trials of a single PPI.

Objectives

To investigate the association between PPI use and headache with a nationwide population-based case-crossover study.

Methods

Records containing the first diagnosis of any headache, including migraine and tension-type headaches, were retrieved from Taiwan National Health Insurance Database (1998–2010). We compared the rates of PPI use for cases and controls during time windows of 7, 14, and 28 days. The adjusted self-matched odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from a conditional logistic regression model were used to determine the association between PPI use and headache.

Results

Overall, 314,210 patients with an initial diagnosis of any headache during the study period were enrolled. The adjusted ORs for headache risk after PPI exposure were calculated for three time periods (within 7 days = 1.41, p = 0.002, 95% CI 1.14–1.74; within 14 days = 1.36, p < 0.001, 95% CI 1.16–1.59; within 28 days = 1.20, p = 0.002, 95% CI 1.07–1.35). Subgroup analyses showed female patients had an increased risk of headache. Among PPIs, lansoprazole and esomeprazole had the highest risks of headache incidence, which were similar to that of nitrates.

Conclusion

PPI usage is associated with an increased risk for acute headache. Female patients and use of lansoprazole or esomeprazole present the greatest risks of headache.
Improving Reading Skills of Students With Disabilities Using Headsprout Comprehension
Authors: Cullen Jennifer M. , Alber-Morgan Sheila R. , Schnell Senny T. , Wheaton Joe E.
Published: May 2014

Reading comprehension is a critical skill for school success. Struggling readers can benefit from computer-assisted instruction that utilizes components of effective instruction (e.g., frequent practice, immediate feedback). The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Headsprout Comprehension, a computer-assisted reading program, on the reading comprehension of six elementary students with high-incidence disabilities (i.e., learning disabilities, emotional disturbance, and other health impairment–attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (OHI-ADHD). A multiple baseline across participants’ design demonstrated that Headsprout Comprehension was functionally related to substantial increases in reading comprehension for all six participants as measured by Ohio Achievement Assessment (OAA) passage comprehension questions and AIMSweb Maze assessments.
Xanthan gum inhibits cartilage degradation by down-regulating matrix metalloproteinase-1 and -3 expressions in experimental osteoarthritis
Authors: Han Guan-Ying , Mei Xi-Fan , Ling Pei-Xue , Guo Yue-Wei , Zhu Xi-Qiang , Shao Hua-Rong , Liu Fei , Zhang Tian-Min
Published: May 2014

We previously reported that intra-articular injection of xanthan gum protected the joint cartilage and reduced osteoarthritis progression. In this study, the effects of xanthan gum on chondrocytes apoptosis were evaluated using the labeling assay, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay, to determine the protein expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1, 3, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 using immunohistochemistry and Western blot assay in cartilage of papain-induced rabbit osteoarthritis model. Compared to the negative control group, intra-articular injection of xanthan gum, once every 2 weeks for 5 weeks significantly inhibited chondrocytes apoptosis and matrix metalloproteinase-1 and -3 protein expression levels and also enhanced the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 production in cartilage. No significant differences between the xanthan gum-treated group and the sodium hyaluronate-treated group (intra-articular injection of sodium hyaluronate only once a week for 5 weeks) were observed.
Preparation of complex porous scaffolds via selective laser sintering of poly(vinyl alcohol)/calcium silicate
Authors: Shuai Ci-jun , Mao Zhong-zheng , Han Zi-kai , Peng Shu-ping
Published: May 2014

Biodegradable polymer/bioceramic composite scaffolds can overcome the limitations of polymer scaffolds such as poor compressive strength and bioactivity. In this study, poly(vinyl alcohol)/calcium silicate (CaSiO3) composite scaffolds with fully interconnected porous structures and customized shapes were successfully fabricated via selective laser sintering. The microstructure, porosity, and mechanical properties of the scaffolds were characterized. Based on the results, CaSiO3 particles were well dispersed and embedded in the poly(vinyl alcohol) matrix after sintering. The compressive strength increased with increasing the content of CaSiO3 up to 15 wt%, and then decreased with further increasing CaSiO3 content to 20 wt%. Our study also revealed that the scaffolds could not be fabricated successfully as fewer poly(vinyl alcohol) particles fused together when CaSiO3 was higher than 20 wt%. Based on the in vitro data, the poly(vinyl alcohol)/CaSiO3 composite scaffolds possess good bioactivity and cytocompatibility.
Polymeric prodrugs of ampicillin as antibacterial coatings
Authors: Prudencio Almudena , Stebbins Nicholas D , Johnson Michelle , Song MinJung , Langowski Bryan A , Uhrich Kathryn E
Published: May 2014

A novel ampicillin prodrug containing two carboxylic acid functionalities was synthesized by reacting ampicillin with acyl chloride in the presence of base. This prodrug was subsequently converted into a poly(anhydride-amide) via solution polymerization. The polymer, which chemically incorporates the ampicillin prodrug into the polymeric backbone, was developed as a film to prevent infections associated with medical devices by controlled, localized release of antimicrobials. The robust polymer coatings exhibiting strong adhesion to stainless steel were produced under elevated temperature and reduced pressure. The in vitro hydrolytic degradation of the polymer into the ampicillin prodrug was measured and the antibacterial activity of polymer-derived coatings was examined using a Gram-positive bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, the polymer cytotoxicity was screened using fibroblasts. The ampicillin prodrug demonstrated antibacterial activity and the polymer demonstrated no cytotoxic effects on fibroblasts. Based on these results, the biodegradation of the antimicrobial-based poly(anhydride-amide) into the prodrug displays substantial promise as an implant or implant coating to reduce device failure resulting from bacterial infections.
Degradable poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogels: Synthesis, physico-chemical properties and in vitro characterization
Authors: Saez-Martinez Virginia , Olalde Beatriz , Martinez-Redondo Diana , Braceras Iñigo , Morin Fabrice , Valero Jesus , Castro Begoña
Published: May 2014

Designing degradable hydrogels is complicated by the structural and temporal complexities of the gel and evolving tissue. A major challenge is to create scaffolds with sufficient mechanical properties to restore initial function while simultaneously controlling temporal changes in the gel structure to facilitate tissue formation. Poly(ethylene glycol) was used in this work, to form biodegradable poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogels with hydrolyzable poly-l-lactide segments in the backbone. Non-degradable poly(ethylene glycol) was also introduced in the formulation to obtain control of the degradation profile that encompasses cell growth and new tissue formation. The dependence on polymer composition was observed by higher degradation profiles and decreased mechanical properties as the content of degradable segments was increased in the formulation. Based on in vitro tests, no toxicity of extracts or biomaterial in direct contact with human adipose tissue stem cells was observed, and the ultraviolet light treatment did not affect the proliferation capacity of the cells.
Chitosan coating to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of calcium sulfate-based antibiotic therapy in the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis
Authors: Beenken Karen E , Smith James K , Skinner Robert A , Mclaren Sandra G , Bellamy William , Gruenwald M Johannes , Spencer Horace J , Jennings Jessica A , Haggard Warren O , Smeltzer Mark S
Published: May 2014

We demonstrate that coating calcium sulfate with deacetylated chitosan enhances the elution profile of daptomycin by prolonging the period during which high concentrations of antibiotic are released. Coatings reduced initial bolus release of daptomycin by a factor of 10 to approximately 1000 µg/ml, and levels remained above 100 µg/ml for up to 10 days. Chitosan-coated and uncoated calcium sulfate implants with and without 15% daptomycin were evaluated in an experimental model of staphylococcal osteomyelitis through bacteriology scores, radiology, histopathology, and Gram staining. Significant reduction in bacteriology scores was observed for implants containing daptomycin and coated with chitosan compared with all the other groups. We confirm that the use of chitosan-coated calcium sulfate beads for local antibiotic delivery can be correlated with an improved therapeutic outcome following surgical debridement in the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis.
Visual Environment, Attention Allocation, and Learning in Young Children
Authors: Fisher Anna V. , Godwin Karrie E. , Seltman Howard
Published: May 2014

A large body of evidence supports the importance of focused attention for encoding and task performance. Yet young children with immature regulation of focused attention are often placed in elementary-school classrooms containing many displays that are not relevant to ongoing instruction. We investigated whether such displays can affect children’s ability to maintain focused attention during instruction and to learn the lesson content. We placed kindergarten children in a laboratory classroom for six introductory science lessons, and we experimentally manipulated the visual environment in the classroom. Children were more distracted by the visual environment, spent more time off task, and demonstrated smaller learning gains when the walls were highly decorated than when the decorations were removed.
Cytotoxicity of low-shrink composites with new monomer technology on bovine dental pulp-derived cells
Authors: Yalcin M , Ahmetoglu F , Sisman R , Bozkurt BS , Hakki SS
Published: May 2014

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of four low-shrink composites with new monomer technology on the bovine dental pulp-derived cells (bDPCs).

Materials and methods:

Ten samples were prepared for each group composites, and the samples were immersed in 7 mL of culture medium for 72 h at 37°C to extract residual monomer or cytotoxic substances. The culture medium containing the material extracts was sterile filtered for use on the cell cultures. Materials were incubated in medium with serum for 72 h. bDPCs were maintained in a medium with serum. A real-time cell analyzer was used to evaluate cell survival. After seeding 200 mL of the cell suspensions into the wells (10,000 cells/well) of the E-plate 96, bDPCs were treated with bioactive components released by the composite materials (1:1 and 1:2 dilutions) and monitored every 15 min for 50 h.

Results:

According to analysis of variance, there were significant differences between the cell indexes of the control and GC kalore ( p < 0.05) and Bisco Reflexions ( p < 0.001) groups for the 1:1 dilutions at 25 h. When evaluated at 50 h, 1:1 dilutions of GC Kalore ( p < 0.01) and Bisco Reflexions ( p < 0.001) reduced cell survival significantly.

Conclusions:

Although composites resins are being advanced, their cytotoxic effects have been proceeding till this time. However, two of the four materials tested significantly reduced cell viability when compared with control.

Clinical relevance:

Research should focus on the cytotoxicity of composites in addition to their mechanical properties.
Longitudinal data subject to irregular observation: A review of methods with a focus on visit processes, assumptions, and study design
Authors: Pullenayegum Eleanor M , Lim Lily SH
Published: May 2014

When data are collected longitudinally, measurement times often vary among patients. This is of particular concern in clinic-based studies, for example retrospective chart reviews. Here, typically no two patients will share the same set of measurement times and moreover, it is likely that the timing of the measurements is associated with disease course; for example, patients may visit more often when unwell. While there are statistical methods that can help overcome the resulting bias, these make assumptions about the nature of the dependence between visit times and outcome processes, and the assumptions differ across methods. The purpose of this paper is to review the methods available with a particular focus on how the assumptions made line up with visit processes encountered in practice. Through this we show that no one method can handle all plausible visit scenarios and suggest that careful analysis of the visit process should inform the choice of analytic method for the outcomes. Moreover, there are some commonly encountered visit scenarios that are not handled well by any method, and we make recommendations with regard to study design that would minimize the chances of these problematic visit scenarios arising.
The Impact of Cultural Competence Education on Short-Term Medical Mission Groups
Authors: Steinke Mary K. , Riner Mary E. , Shieh Carol
Published: May 2014

Background: There are large numbers of short-term medical mission (STMM) groups traveling yearly from the United States to underdeveloped countries. Medical professionals educated in the Western biomedical model of treatment have an ethnocentric view of how to treat illness. Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to demonstrate that a 2-hour culturally sensitive educational program administered to medical professionals travelling to Haiti on a STMM could raise their cultural competency as measured by a specific tool. Method: The participants were invited to a short educational program designed to help them understand their own biases and make better treatment decisions for their patients based on the five constructs of Dr. Campinha-Bacote’s cultural competence model. Findings: Following an evidence-based educational program, the members of the STMM groups demonstrated improved levels of cultural competency. Implications: This program could provide an appropriate way to raise the cultural competency of medical mission health care providers.
Deterministic model of biomolecular networks with stimuli-responsive properties
Authors: Creasy M Austin , Freeman Eric C , Philen Michael K , Leo Donald J
Published: May 2014

A deterministic model is presented for predicting the passive and stimuli-responsive characteristics of biomolecular networks. These biomolecular networks consist of multiple bilayer interfaces that can incorporate stimuli-responsive molecules such as peptides and proteins. A model is presented and a lumped parameter method is used to obtain the network equations for several case studies. The model is then utilized to predict the response of a biomolecular network that exhibits rectification behavior due to the presence of voltage-responsive protein incorporated into the interfacial bilayer. This article demonstrates the electric response of systems of biomolecular networks and prompts further research into their use for engineering applications.
Cultural Adaptation of Interventions in Real Practice Settings
Authors: Marsiglia Flavio F. , Booth Jamie M.
Published: May 2014

This article provides an overview of some common challenges and opportunities related to cultural adaptation of behavioral interventions. Cultural adaptation is presented as a necessary action to ponder when considering the adoption of an evidence-based intervention with ethnic and other minority groups. It proposes a roadmap to choose existing interventions and a specific approach to evaluate prevention and treatment interventions for cultural relevancy. An approach to conducting cultural adaptations is proposed, followed by an outline of a cultural adaptation protocol. A case study is presented, and lessons learned are shared as well as recommendations for culturally grounded social work practice.
Causality and Causal Inference in Social Work
Authors: Palinkas Lawrence A.
Published: May 2014

Achieving the goals of social work requires matching a specific solution to a specific problem. Understanding why the problem exists and why the solution should work requires a consideration of cause and effect. However, it is unclear whether it is desirable for social workers to identify cause and effect, whether it is possible for social workers to identify cause and effect, and, if so, what is the best means for doing so. These questions are central to determining the possibility of developing a science of social work and how we go about doing it. This article has four aims: (1) provide an overview of the nature of causality; (2) examine how causality is treated in social work research and practice; (3) highlight the role of quantitative and qualitative methods in the search for causality; and (4) demonstrate how both methods can be employed to support a “science” of social work.
What Might Online Delivery Teach Us About Blended Management Education? Prior Perspectives and Future Directions
Authors: Arbaugh J. B.
Published: May 2014

Although the term has roots in the training and development literature, blended learning has only recently begun to be studied in management education. This article examines the literatures of blended and fully online management education to determine whether there are factors that may influence instructional effectiveness that are unique to blended learning. The review provides tentative support for the premise that opportunities for enhanced learner control of the learning process and group cohesiveness and collaboration may be distinguishing advantages of blended learning in management education. The article concludes by discussing pressing research issues, including discovering optimal blends, differentiating from or integrating blending with the concept of “flipped classrooms,” distinguishing the effects of blending from other potential confounds, determining the effects of subject matter and program level, and seeking increased thought leadership on blended perspectives from classroom-based management education scholars.
Psychometric Properties of the Parent and Teacher ADHD Rating Scale (ADHD-RS)
Authors: Makransky Guido , Bilenberg Niels
Published: May 2014

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders in childhood and adolescence. Rating the severity of psychopathology and symptom load is essential in daily clinical practice and in research. The parent and teacher ADHD-Rating Scale (ADHD-RS) includes inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity subscales and is one of the most frequently used scales in treatment evaluation of children with ADHD. An extended version, mADHD-RS, also includes an oppositional defiant disorder subscale. The partial credit Rasch model, which is based on item response theory, was used to test the psychometric properties of this scale in a sample of 566 Danish school children between 6 and 16 years of age. The results indicated that parents and teachers had different frames of reference when rating symptoms in the mADHD-RS. There was support for the unidimensionality of the three subscales when parent and teacher ratings were analyzed independently. Nonetheless, evidence for differential item functioning was found across gender and age for specific items within each of the subscales. The findings expand existing psychometric information about the mADHD-RS and support its use as a valid and reliable measure of symptom severity when used in age- and gender-stratified materials.
Effect of tiger nut-derived products in gluten-free batter and bread
Authors: Aguilar Núria , Albanell Elena , Miñarro Begoña , Guamis Buenaventura , Capellas Marta
Published: May 2014

Tiger nut is a tuber used to produce tiger nut milk that yields a high quantity of solid waste, which can be dried and used as fiber source. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the quality of gluten-free bread formulated with different tiger nut-derived products in order to substitute soya flour (which is an allergen ingredient) and, at the same time, increase the use of tiger nut-derived products. Four gluten-free formulations based on corn starch and containing tiger nut milk, tiger nut milk by-product, tiger nut flour, or soya flour (as reference formulation) were studied. Tiger nut milk increased G′ of gluten-free batter and rendered breads with the softest crumb (502.46 g ± 102.05), the highest loaf-specific volume (3.35 cm3/g ± 0.25), and it was mostly preferred by consumers (61.02%). Breads elaborated with tiger nut flour had similar characteristics than soya flour breads (except in color and crumb structure). The addition of tiger nut milk by-product resulted in a hard (1047.64 g ± 145.74) and dark ( L* = 70.02 ± 3.38) crumb bread, which was the least preferred by consumers. Results showed that tiger nut is a promising ingredient to formulate gluten-free baked products.