bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dissemination and Implementation Research
Authors: Proctor Enola
Published: October 2014

Implementation research seeks to inform how to deliver evidence-based interventions, programs, and policies in real-world settings so their benefits can be realized and sustained. The ultimate aim of implementation research is building a base of evidence about the most effective processes and strategies for improving service delivery. Implementation research builds upon effectiveness research and then seeks to discover how to use specific implementation strategies and move those interventions into specific settings, extending their availability, reach, and benefits to clients and communities. This entry provides an overview of implementation research as a component of research translation and defines key terms, including implementation outcomes and implementation strategies, as well as an overview of guiding theories and models and methodological issues including variable measurement, research design, and stakeholder engagement.
Jeff, Morris F. X., Jr.
Authors: Kirven Joshua
Published: October 2014

Dr. Morris F. X. Jeff Jr. (1938–2003) was an Afrocentric-centered social worker, practitioner, activist, advocate, trainer, and consultant who spoke with clarity on urban problems and solutions using an African-centered paradigm.
Early Brain Development for Social Work Practice
Authors: Combs-Orme Terri
Published: October 2014

Development of the brain in the first 3 years of life is genetically programmed but occurs in response to environmental stimuli. The brain is organized “from the bottom up,” that is, from simpler to more complex structures and functions, so the experiences and environment that shape early development have consequences that reach far into the future. This entry describes the ontogeny and processes of fetal and infant brain development, as well as major risks to early brain development (during pregnancy and after birth), with emphasis on the factors seen in social-work practice. Neuroscience research is changing social work practice, and understanding early brain development and the contributors to poor development is critical for social workers in medical, mental health, child welfare, and other practice settings.
Crime and Criminal Behavior
Authors: Severson Margaret E.
Published: October 2014

This entry includes contemporary definitions of crime, theoretical ideas about the etiology of criminal behavior, and information about the methods used to estimate crime rates in the United States. The focus of this entry is on adult prisoners. Key issues such as disproportionate minority incarceration, the acceleration in the number of women entering into the criminal justice system over the last 20 years, and the prevalence of persons with mental illnesses in the nation's jails and prisons are addressed. Current controversies and practices such as risk reduction efforts and rehabilitation strategies are described.
Jenkins, Esau
Authors: Logan Sadye L. M.
Published: October 2014

Esau Jenkins (1910–1972) was a grass-roots activist who used a community-based approach to aid the oppressed and impoverished African American families and children in the low country regions of South Carolina.
Crisis Interventions
Authors: Roberts Albert R.
Published: October 2014

Crisis intervention has been used to help millions of at-risk and vulnerable social work clients throughout the world. Acute crisis-inducing situations range from the sudden loss of a loved one to a Stage IV cancer diagnosis to a school shooting spree. This entry includes definitions and descriptions of crisis theory and crisis intervention protocols. It traces the historical background on the development of crisis intervention programs. The next two sections discuss social work roles and techniques with persons in crisis, and evidence-based crisis intervention protocols based on the latest meta-analysis.
HIV/AIDS and People of Color
Authors: Rountree Michele , McElhaney Peebles Courtney
Published: October 2014

Communities of color are disproportionately burdened by the prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Research has shown that race and ethnicity in the United States are population characteristics that correlate with other fundamental determinants of health outcomes. This entry will chronicle the history of the epidemic, report the disparate impact of the disease affecting communities of color, and acknowledge the social determinants of health that contribute to the vulnerability of risk. A call to address the imbalance of health inequities, with a complement of individual-level interventions and new approaches that address the interpersonal, network, community, and societal influences of disease transmission, is discussed.
Program Implementation
Authors: Bertram Rosalyn M.
Published: October 2014

For more than two decades, academic professional degree programs, as well as behavioral health, education, public health and social services have grappled with how to integrate the emerging science of implementation and evidence-based programs, policies or practices into their organizations and systems. During these initial decades of the 21st century, peer-reviewed journals such as Implementation Science, Implementation Research and Practice, and Global Implementation Research and Applications were established. Concurrently, special issues or sections of other journals are also adding to our knowledge of policy and program implementation as was as of academic program preparation and organizational development of a workforce versed in the implementation of effective, sustainable programs or practices. A recent study of this explosion of peer-reviewed outlets was published in Frontiers in Public Health.

Organizations such as the Society of Implementation Research Collaboration and the Global Implementation Society offer international conferences as venues for interdisciplinary exploration and development of the science and practice of sound, sustainable implementation of effective policies, programs, or practices. Registries of evidence-based or supported programs are provided by Blueprints for Health Youth Development, the California Evidence Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare, The National Child Traumatic Stress Network, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse, and others.

Guidance on program or practice selection implementation can be found through websites maintained by the Active Implementation Research Network, the Child and Family Evidence-Based Practice Consortium, the Franklin Porter Graham Child Development Institute’s National Implementation Research Network, the University of Maryland School of Social Work’s Institute for Innovation and Implementation and many other organizations.
Incarcerated Women
Authors: O’Brien Patricia
Published: October 2014

This article summarizes the incidence of women in the United States who have been sentenced to prison as a consequence of a felony conviction for violation of state or federal laws. It also describes their characteristics and co-occurring health conditions; issues that contribute to women’s experiences after release from prison, including those that lead to success and failure during re-entry; and gendered practices and policies that provide alternatives to incarceration.
Individual Practice with Undocumented Immigrants
Authors: Marsiglia Flavio F. , Booth Jaime M. , Baldwin Adrienne
Published: October 2014

Undocumented immigrants represent a large and vulnerable population in the United States. When conducting individual practice with undocumented immigrants, social workers must be aware of the laws that impact service provision, the unique psychosocial stressors that are experienced by this population, as well as their strengths that can be built upon. To that end, this chapter provides a snapshot of who undocumented immigrants are, a history of laws governing immigration in the in United States, an overview of the current legal climate, and a discussion of the process of acculturation and psychosocial stressors and strengths. Specifically, this chapter outlines environmental, instrumental, social, interpersonal, and societal sources of stress and strength. The chapter concludes with a discussion of how laws and unique psychosocial stressors impact individual practice with undocumented immigrants and provides suggestions for culturally competent practice.
International Aid, Relief, and Humanitarian Assistance
Authors: Monico Carmen , Rotabi Karen Smith , Abu Sarhan Taghreed
Published: October 2014

International development, humanitarian aid, and relief are at the heart of international social work practice. They have evolved historically and globally; shaped by world markets, social and environmental forces, including natural disasters. Considering this context, the authors cluster relevant social-work theories and practices as (a) human rights perspectives and (b) ecological, feminist, and cultural theories. They discuss both micro and macro practice, with an emphasis on the latter. Case studies are presented with the overlay of relevant international conventions, guidance, and international private law. A continuum of humanitarian assistance is presented considering different countries. Guatemala is a prominent example in addition to Haiti’s massive earthquake of 2010 with recent revelations of sexual abuse and exploitation by humanitarian aid workers, post-conflict community-based practices in Afghanistan, and the largest cross-border forced migration in modern history of Iraqi, and Syrian refugees with this second group being of particular concern given their mass displacement. Capacity building as related to social work training is emphasized. This entry concludes that much remains to be accomplished with regard to capacity building among humanitarian assistance organizations so that the principles and practice strategies of international social work are institutionalized.
Cultural Institutions and the Arts
Authors: Gutiérrez Lorraine , Creekmore Mark
Published: October 2014

The arts and cultural institutions can be powerful resources for promoting the development of individuals and communities. Social work agencies and cultural institutions share similar goals at the individual and community levels, such as personal improvement, the creation of social bonds, expression of communal meaning, and economic growth. Studies on the use of arts in social work practice suggest that they can be powerful tools for intervention. These collaborations were essential to practice in the social settlements and in economic policies of the New Deal. Social work practice into the future can build upon this historical engagement.
Community Macro Practice Competencies
Authors: Soska Tracy M.
Published: October 2014

Community macro practice is one of three spheres of macro social work practice along with human services management and policy practice. The historical context on macro practice and community practice since the Council on Social Work Education first adopted competency-based professional education through its Education Policies and Accreditation Standards in 2008 is important to appreciate how macro practice competencies have evolved. It is also salient to understand how the Association of Community Organization and Social Action (ACOSA) has been at the forefront of developing macro practice and, especially, community practice competencies, and it these efforts present the most current framework of community macro practice competencies entailed in ACOSA’s Community Practice Certificate partnership program with schools of social work.
Culturally Competent Practice
Authors: Lum Doman
Published: October 2014

This article defines cultural competence and culturally competent practice and focuses on cultural awareness, knowledge acquisition, and skill development as key components. It traces the historical development of cultural competence in the disciplines of psychology and social work, pointing out how cultural competence has become a professional standard. Cultural competence has also been recognized on the federal and state health and human services levels. Cultural competence is viewed on the practitioner, agency, and community levels as well as the micro, mezzo, and macro dimensions. Among the implications for practice are the issues of cultural competence and cultural competencies, the ethics of cultural competence, social context, and biculturation and multiculturalization. Cultural competence research is briefly surveyed, as is the relationship between cultural competence and critical race theory.
Notification that new names of prokaryotes, new combinations and new taxonomic opinions have appeared in volume 64, part 7, of the IJSEM
Authors: Oren Aharon , Garrity George M.
Published: October 2014

This listing of names of prokaryotes published in a previous issue of the IJSEM is provided as a service to bacteriology to assist in the recognition of new names and new combinations. This procedure was proposed by the Judicial Commission [Minute 11(ii), Int J Syst Bacteriol
41 (1991), p. 185]. The names given herein are listed according to the Rules of priority (i.e. page number and order of valid publication of names in the original articles).
The status of the name Lactobacillus rogosae Holdeman and Moore 1974. Opinion 88.Judicial Commission of the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes
Authors: Tindall B. J.
Published: October 2014

The Judicial Commission affirms that the combination

Lactobacillus rogosae

Holdeman and Moore 1974 represented by the type strain ATCC 27753 listed on the Approved Lists of Bacterial Names does not appear to be currently represented by an extant type strain. Further work is needed to determine whether a derivative of the original type can be found or whether a neotype can be designated.
The Request for an Opinion that the current use of the genus name Mycoplasma be maintained and Mycoplasma coccoides be considered a legitimate name is denied. Opinion 92.
Authors: Tindall B. J.
Published: October 2014

The Judicial Commission affirms that the request that the current use of the genus name

Mycoplasma

be maintained and

Mycoplasma coccoides

be considered a legitimate name is denied.
High-throughput synchrotron X-ray diffraction for combinatorial phase mapping
Authors: Gregoire J. M. , Van Campen D. G. , Miller C. E. , Jones R. J. R. , Suram S. K. , Mehta A.
Published: October 2014

Discovery of new materials drives the deployment of new technologies. Complex technological requirements demand precisely tailored material functionalities, and materials scientists are driven to search for these new materials in compositionally complex and often non-equilibrium spaces containing three, four or more elements. The phase behavior of these high-order composition spaces is mostly unknown and unexplored. High-throughput methods can offer strategies for efficiently searching complex and multi-dimensional material genomes for these much needed new materials and can also suggest a processing pathway for synthesizing them. However, high-throughput structural characterization is still relatively under-developed for rapid material discovery. Here, a synchrotron X-ray diffraction and fluorescence experiment for rapid measurement of both X-ray powder patterns and compositions for an array of samples in a material library is presented. The experiment is capable of measuring more than 5000 samples per day, as demonstrated by the acquisition of high-quality powder patterns in a bismuth–vanadium–iron oxide composition library. A detailed discussion of the scattering geometry and its ability to be tailored for different material systems is provided, with specific attention given to the characterization of fiber textured thin films. The described prototype facility is capable of meeting the structural characterization needs for the first generation of high-throughput material genomic searches.
Generalized Titarenko's algorithm for ring artefacts reduction
Authors: Miqueles E. X. , Rinkel J. , O'Dowd F. , Bermúdez J. S. V.
Published: October 2014

A fast algorithm for ring artefact reduction in high-resolution micro-tomography with synchrotron radiation is presented. The new method is a generalization of the one proposed by Titarenko and collaborators, with a complete sinogram restoration prior to reconstruction with classical algorithms. The generalized algorithm can be performed in linear time and is easy to implement. Compared with the original approach, with an explicit solution, this approach is fast through the use of the conjugate gradient method. Also, low/high-resolution sinograms can be restored using higher/lower-order derivatives of the projections. Using different order for the derivative is an advantage over the classical Titarenko's approach. Several numerical results using the proposed method are provided, supporting our claims.
Visualization of microvessels by angiography using inverse-Compton scattering X-rays in animal models
Authors: Fujii Toshiharu , Fukuyama Naoto , Tanaka Chiharu , Ikeya Yoshimori , Shinozaki Yoshiro , Kawai Toshiaki , Atsumi Takuji , Shiraishi Takashi , Sato Eiichi , Kuroda Ryunosuke , Toyokawa Hiroyuki , Yamada Kawakatsu , Ikari Yuji , Mori Hidezo
Published: October 2014

The fundamental performance of microangiography has been evaluated using the S-band linac-based inverse-Compton scattering X-ray (iCSX) method to determine how many photons would be required to apply iCSX to human microangiography. ICSX is characterized by its quasi-monochromatic nature and small focus size which are fundamental requirements for microangiography. However, the current iCSX source does not have sufficient flux for microangiography in clinical settings. It was determined whether S-band compact linac-based iCSX can visualize small vessels of excised animal organs, and the amount of X-ray photons required for real time microangiography in clinical settings was estimated. The iCSX coupled with a high-gain avalanche rushing amorphous photoconductor camera could visualize a resolution chart with only a single iCSX pulse of ∼3 ps duration; the resolution was estimated to be ∼500 µm. The iCSX coupled with an X-ray cooled charge-coupled device image sensor camera visualized seventh-order vascular branches (80 µm in diameter) of a rabbit ear by accumulating the images for 5 and 30 min, corresponding to irradiation of 3000 and 18000 iCSX pulses, respectively. The S-band linac-based iCSX visualized microvessels by accumulating the images. An iCSX source with a photon number of 3.6 × 103–5.4 × 104times greater than that used in this study may enable visualizing microvessels of human fingertips even in clinical settings.
A three-dimensional cyanide-bridged heterometallic coordination polymer: poly[[diacetonitrilediaqua[μ2-3,6-bis(pyridin-2-yl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine-κ4N1,N6:N3,N4]tetra-μ-cyanido-tetracyanidodimanganese(II)molybdate(IV)] dihydrate]
Authors: Xu Xiao-Juan
Published: October 2014

A metal coordination polymer, {[Mn2Mo(CN)8(C12H8N6)(CH3CN)2(H2O)2]·2H2O}n, has been synthesized by the reaction of Mn(ClO4)2·6H2O with 3,6-bis(pyridin-2-yl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (bptz) and (Bu3N)3[Mo(CN)8] at room temperature. The polymer was characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and X-ray diffraction, and the magnetic properties were also investigated. The X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the compound is a new three-dimensional coordination polymer with a PtS-type network. Magnetic investigation shows antiferromagnetic coupling between adjacent Mn2+cations.
Ionothermal synthesis and crystal structure of a new organic–inorganic hybrid compound:catena-poly[bis(1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium) [hepta-μ-bromido-pentacuprate(I)]]
Authors: Karanović Ljiljana , Poleti Dejan , Đorđević Tamara
Published: October 2014

A new organic–inorganic hybrid compound,catena-poly[bis(1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium) [μ5-bromido-tri-μ3-bromido-tri-μ2-bromido-pentacuprate(I)]], {(C6H11N2)2[Cu5Br7]}n, has been obtained under ionothermal conditions from a reaction mixture containing Ba(OH)2·8H2O, Cu(OH)2·2H2O, As2O5, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide and distilled water. The crystal structure consists of complex [Cu5Br7]2−anions arranged in sinusoidal {[Cu5Br7]2−}nchains running along theaaxis, which are surrounded by 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium cations. Three of the five unique Br atoms and one of the three CuIatoms occupy special positions with half-occupancy (a mirror plane perpendicular to thebaxis, site symmetrym). The CuIions are in a distorted tetrahedral coordination environment, with four Br atoms at distances ranging from 2.3667 (10) to 2.6197 (13) Å, and an outlier at 3.0283 (12) Å, exceptionally elongated and with a small contribution to the bond-valence sum of only 6.7%. Short C—H...Br contacts build up a three-dimensional network. The Cu...Cu distances within the chain range from 2.8390 (12) to 3.0805 (17) Å, indicating the existence of weak CuI...CuIcuprophilic interactions.
Sex differences in risk perception in deep‐diving bottlenose dolphins leads to decreased foraging efficiency when exposed to human disturbance
Authors: Symons John , Pirotta Enrico , Lusseau David
Published: October 2014

Individuals make behavioural decisions by weighing potential advantages and costs (e.g. increased food intake vs. increased risk of predation). When animals change their activities in response to a perceived threat, their energetic input may decline. Marine ecotourism, including whale and dolphin watching, is growing globally and cetaceans perceive interactions with tour vessels as a form of risk. Observable behavioural changes need to be linked to bioenergetic effects to determine the potential population consequences of this disturbance.

We developed a theoretical optimal dive model for bottlenose dolphins under three potential types of perceived risk resulting from human interactions at the surface (decreasing instantaneous risk, increasing instantaneous risk and no risk). We compared the predictions of these theoretical models to observed dive cycles of foraging male and female dolphins in the presence and absence of tour vessels. We used mixture models to classify dive types and mixed effects models to analyse changes in the interbreath interval of surface and bottom dives and the frequency of estimated bottom dives.

Males significantly increased bottom time and performed fewer bottom dives when boats were present, matching predictions of our theoretical model for perceived decreasing instantaneous risk. In contrast, females significantly decreased bottom times and increased the frequency of bottom dives, matching predictions from the model for perceived increasing instantaneous risk. Therefore, our empirical results suggest differences in the perception of risk between sexes.

Synthesis and applications. By comparing theoretical predictions with observed dive data, our study suggests that boat interactions during foraging can cause decreased net energy gain over a foraging bout for both sexes, with females being more impacted. The population under study is currently listed as critically endangered. Understanding whether these predicted energetic impacts affect an individual's vital rates will provide a link to the population‐level consequences of this disturbance. Previous analytical approaches have failed to capture the costs associated with disturbance during foraging, leading to management recommendations that only protect animals from increased energetic expenditure. We suggest that the current management scheme should be revised to include foraging areas in order to secure the energy intake of animals.
Host–microbe interactions via membrane transport systems
Authors: Konishi Hiroaki , Fujiya Mikihiro , Kohgo Yutaka
Published: October 2014

Living organisms take in essential molecules and get rid of wastes effectively through the selective transport of materials. Especially in the digestive tract, advanced transport systems are indispensable for the absorption of nutrients and elimination of waste products. These transport pathways control physiological functions by modulating the ionic environment inside and outside the cells. Moreover, recent studies have shown the importance of the expression of trafficking‐related molecules and the population of gut microbiota. We found that the molecules secreted from microorganisms are imported into the cells via transporters or endocytosis and that they activate cell survival pathways of intestinal epithelial cells. These findings indicate that the interactions between the gut microbiota and host cells are mediated, at least partly, by the membrane transport systems. In addition, it is well known that the breakdown of transport systems induces various diseases. This review highlights the significance of the transport systems as the pathogenic molecules and therapeutic targets in gastrointestinal disorders. For example, abnormal expression of the genes encoding membrane transport‐related molecules is frequently involved in digestive diseases, such as colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. We herein review the significance of these molecules as pathogenic and therapeutic targets for digestive diseases.
Effect of temperature on the life history parameters of noctuid lepidopteran stem borers, Busseola fusca and Sesamia calamistis
Authors: Khadioli N. , Tonnang Z.E.H. , Ong'amo G. , Achia T. , Kipchirchir I. , Kroschel J. , Le Ru B.
Published: October 2014

The influence of temperature on the development, mortality, fecundity and life table parameters of two important noctuid African cereal pests, Busseola fusca and Sesamia calamistis was investigated under laboratory conditions. Experiments were carried out with larvae reared on artificial diet under eight constant temperatures (12°C, 15°C, 18°C, 20°C, 25°C, 28°C, 30°C and 35°C) and a 12L:12D photoperiod. Life table parameters were calculated using Insect Life Cycle Modelling (ILCYM) software. At 12°C and 35°C insects failed to develop. Mean development time for both species decreased with increasing temperature for all stages. Between 15°C and 30°C, mean larvae development time is divided by four for both species and adult mean longevity is divided by 1.5 and 2.5, for both sexes of S. calamistis and B. fusca, respectively. Fecundity varied according to temperature; the highest was estimated at 22°C and 24°C for B. fusca and S. calamistis, respectively. The lower thermal threshold for B. fusca and S. calamistis was, respectively, 6°C and 9°C, while the upper thermal threshold was 31°C and 32°C, respectively. The highest intrinsic rate of natural increase for B. fusca was obtained at 25°C while for S. calamistis it was obtained at 28°C. The highest net reproduction was obtained at 25°C for both species, but it was higher for S. calamistis than for B. fusca. The shortest population doubling time was observed at 25°C for B. fusca and at 28°C for S. calamistis. The optimum temperature range for development of both species was 25–28°C. The lower lower thermal threshold found for B. fusca than for S. calamistis and the higher upper thermal threshold found for S. calamistis than for B. fusca explain in part the observed distribution of both species in sub‐Saharan Africa with S. calamistis occurring in all the agro‐ecological zones but being usually more common than B. fusca in savannah lowland and B. fusca reported mainly from mid and high altitude areas.
The real effects of corporate fraud: evidence from class action lawsuits
Authors: Yuan Qingbo , Zhang Yunyan
Published: October 2014

Using a sample of lawsuit firms from 1996 to 2009, this study examines whether fraud revelation through shareholder class action affects corporate financing and investment policies. We predict that revelation of fraud damages defendant firms' reputation and undermines credibility of their financial disclosure. As a result, such firms experience difficulty in financing and reduce investment accordingly. Consistent with our prediction, we find that fraud‐committing firms experience a decline in total financing (total investment) by 1.5 per cent (0.8 per cent) of total assets after fraud revelation. Difference‐in‐differences analyses reinforce our main findings. The impact is more pronounced for firms with lower inherent fraud incidence.
Histological Study of the External, Middle and Inner Ear of Horses
Authors: Blanke A. , Aupperle H. , Seeger J. , Kubick C. , Schusser G. F.
Published: October 2014

Clinical, anatomical and histological aspects of the equine acoustic organ have been poorly investigated and illustrated in literature so far. It is understood that an intact acoustic organ and hearing function are of vital importance for the well‐being of flight animals like horses. The knowledge of the acoustic organ is usually transferred analogously from other mammals to horses. The purpose of this study was to provide a detailed and complete histological description of the healthy equine auditory organ, and to determine its congruity to other mammalians. Anatomical dissections and histological preparations were carried out on ten cadaver heads. Specimens of various parts of the equine acoustic organ were taken and evaluated histologically. The histological composition of external, middle and inner ear structures are predominantly congruent to those of other mammals, especially to human beings. Unique inwardly directed rete pegs within the osseous ear canal and the prominent tensor tympani muscle are described for the first time. Results obtained in this study can be employed as references for further research on the equine acoustic organ and improve the understanding of the clinical development of hearing loss, otitis externa/media/interna or tympanosclerosis.
Folic acid supplementation and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene variations in relation to in vitro fertilization pregnancy outcome
Authors: Murto Tiina , Kallak Theodora K. , Hoas Annica , Altmäe Signe , Salumets Andres , Nilsson Torbjörn K. , Skoog Svanberg Agneta , Wånggren Kjell , Yngve Agneta , Stavreus‐Evers Anneli
Published: October 2014

Objective

To study folic acid intake, folate status and pregnancy outcome after infertility treatment in women with different infertility diagnoses in relation to methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677C>T, 1298A>C and 1793G>A polymorphisms. Also the use of folic acid supplements, folate status and the frequency of different gene variations were studied in women undergoing infertility treatment and fertile women.

Design

Observational study.

Setting

University hospital.

Population

Women undergoing infertility treatment and healthy, fertile, non‐pregnant women.

Methods

A questionnaire was used to assess general background data and use of dietary supplements. Blood samples were taken to determine plasma folate and homocysteine levels, and for genomic DNA extraction. A comparison of four studies was performed to assess pregnancy outcome in relation to MTHFR 677 TT vs. CC, and 1298 CC vs. AA polymorphisms.

Main outcome measures

Folic acid supplement intake, and plasma folate, homocysteine and genomic assays.

Results

Women in the infertility group used significantly more folic acid supplements and had better folate status than fertile women, but pregnancy outcome after fertility treatment was not dependent on folic acid intake, folate status or MTHFR gene variations.

Conclusion

High folic acid intakes and MTHFR gene variations seem not to be associated with helping women to achieve pregnancy during or after fertility treatment.
Improved Anti‐Emetic Efficacy of 5‐HT3 Receptor Antagonists in Cancer Patients with Genetic Polymorphisms of ABCB1 (MDR1) Drug Transporter
Authors: Zoto Teuta , Kilickap Saadettin , Yasar Umit , Celik Ismail , Bozkurt Atilla , Babaoglu Melih Onder
Published: October 2014

Chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) remains a major adverse effect decreasing quality of life in patients with cancer. Genetic variations among patients may be responsible for part of the lack of efficacy of anti‐emetic drugs. The aim of this study was to investigate how the genetic variants of the drug transporter ABCB1 (MDR1) gene affect anti‐emetic treatment with 5‐HT3 receptor antagonists. Patients (n = 239) receiving moderately or highly emetogenic chemotherapy and ondansetron or granisetron were included in the study. Anti‐emetic responses were recorded daily. The primary end‐point of the assessment was the total control rates of CINV in the acute and delayed phases after chemotherapy. Genotyping was performed by PCR‐RFLP. In the acute phase, patients with ABCB13435TT, 1236TT or 2677TT genotypes had a higher control rate of CINV than other genotype groups: (64.7% in 3435TT versus 45.7% in 3435CC+CT, p = 0.016; 65.1% in 1236TT versus 46.4% in 1236CC+CT, p = 0.027; 66.7% in 2677TT versus 46.5% in other genotypes, p = 0.021). Subjects carrying homozygous variant alleles together (TT‐TT‐TT) showed a significantly higher protection from nausea and vomiting (67.7% in TT‐TT‐TT versus 47.1% in other genotypes, p = 0.032). After the logistic regression analysis with adjustment for other known covariates, the total control rate was significantly higher in the 3435TT genotype group during the acute phase (p = 0.021). No significant change was found between the total control rates among genotypes in the delayed phase. Each of three 3435TT, C1236TT, 2677TT genotypes of ABCB1 and their combination was associated with about 50% higher anti‐emetic response to 5‐HT3 receptor antagonists in the acute phase of chemotherapy in patients with cancer receiving moderately or highly emetogenic chemotherapy. ABCB1 (MDR1) genotypes may contribute to predict the anti‐emetic efficacy of 5‐HT3 antagonists.
Pedagogical cues encourage toddlers' transmission of recently demonstrated functions to unfamiliar adults
Authors: Vredenburgh Christopher , Kushnir Tamar , Casasola Marianella
Published: October 2014

Young children use pedagogical cues as a signal that others' actions are social or cultural conventions. Here we show that children selectively transmit (enact in a new social situation) causal functions demonstrated pedagogically, even when they have learned and can produce alternative functions as well. Two‐year‐olds saw two novel toys, each with two functions. One experimenter demonstrated one function using pedagogical cues (eye contact and child‐directed speech) and a second experimenter demonstrated the alternative function using intentional actions towards the object, but without pedagogical cues. Children imitated both functions at equal rates initially, indicating equal causal learning from both types of demonstration. However, they were significantly more likely to enact the pedagogical function for a new adult not present during the initial demonstrations. These results indicate that pedagogical cues influence children's transmission of information, perhaps playing a role in the dissemination of cultural conventions from a young age.
Cognitive–communication disorders in children with traumatic brain injury
Authors: Turkstra Lyn S , Politis Adam M , Forsyth Rob
Published: October 2014

Children with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at risk of developing cognitive–communication disorders that have devastating effects on their school life, family life, and social life. These problems can be difficult for families to describe and may be overlooked by community‐based providers who are unfamiliar with TBI sequelae. To support the identification and management of cognitive–communication disorders, we review the common signs and symptoms of these disorders in children with TBI and discuss principles of assessment and intervention.
Osteochondral dysplasia of the coxofemoral joints in a Friesian foal: Clinical findings and methods of diagnosis
Authors: Hermans H. , Veraa S. , Ploeg M. , Boerma S. , Hazewinkel H. A. W. , Back W.
Published: October 2014

Diseases of the coxofemoral (hip) joint are infrequently diagnosed in horses. Most cases are presented as an unilateral condition and usually are of traumatic origin. This case report describes a Friesian foal with a clinically obvious thoracolumbar kyphosis, combined with a weight‐shifting stance and a shortened stride of both hindlimbs. General clinical and lameness examinations, computed tomographic examination of the pelvis, and macroscopic and histopathological examinations of the coxofemoral joints were performed. This revealed a final, phenotypical diagnosis of a primary osteochondral dysplasia of both coxofemoral joints with secondary osteoarthritis. Similar to the occurrence of this condition in other species and considering the small genetic basis of the Friesian horse breed, a genetic predisposing factor is suspected to play a key role in the developing mechanism of dysplastic coxofemoral joint disease in horses as illustrated with this case. Computed tomography scanning appears to be a useful imaging technique in the detection of coxofemoral joint disease in small horses and foals.
Associations between Positive Parenting Practices and Child Externalizing Behavior in Underserved Latino Immigrant Families
Authors: Holtrop Kendal , McNeil Smith Sharde' , Scott Jenna C.
Published: October 2014

This study examined whether five specific parenting practices (i.e., monitoring, discipline, skill encouragement, problem solving, and positive involvement) were associated with reduced child externalizing behaviors among a sample of Latino immigrant families. It utilized baseline data from 83 Latino couples with children participating in a larger randomized controlled trial of a culturally adapted parenting intervention. Results reveal that monitoring, discipline, skill encouragement, and problem solving each made independent contributions to the prediction of child externalizing behavior, although not all in the expected direction. Further analyses examining mothers and fathers separately suggest that mother‐reported monitoring and father‐reported discipline practices uniquely contributed to these findings. These results may have important implications for prevention and clinical intervention efforts with Latino immigrant families, including the cultural adaptation and implementation of parenting interventions with this underserved population.
Differential involvement of glutathione S‐transferase mu 1 and multidrug resistance protein 1 in melanoma acquired resistance to vinca alkaloids
Authors: Attaoua Chaker , Vincent Laure‐Anaïs , Abdel Jaoued Aida , Hadj‐Kaddour Kamel , Baï Qiang , De Vos John , Vian Laurence , Cuq Pierre
Published: October 2014

On account of its extreme intrinsic resistance to apoptosis and of its strong ability to become chemoresistant after a primary response to drugs, malignant melanoma (MM) is still a therapeutic challenge. We previously showed that glutathione S‐transferase mu 1 (GSTM1) acts in synergy with multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) to protect GSTM1‐transfected human CAL1 melanoma cells from toxic effects of vincristine (VCR). Herein, we investigated the role of these proteins in the acquired resistance of CAL1 cells to vinca alkaloids (VAs). Resistant lines were established by continuous exposure (>1 year) of parental CAL1‐wt cells to VCR, vindesine (VDS), or vinorelbine (VRB): CAL1R‐VCR, CAL1R‐VDS, CAL1R‐VRB, respectively. All resistant lines displayed more than 10‐fold increase in resistance to their selection VA, and specifically expressed GSTM1. Suggesting a direct interaction between this protein and VAs, each VA specifically decreased the GSTM1‐mediated glutathione conjugation activity in cell lysates. Curcumin (GSTM1 inhibitor), BSO (glutathione synthesis inhibitor), and MK571 (MRP1 inhibitor) considerably reversed the acquired resistance to VCR and VDS, but not to VRB. Microarray data analysis revealed similar gene expression patterns of CAL1R‐VCR and CAL1R‐VDS, and a distinct one for CAL1R‐VRB. These data suggest a differential involvement of GSTM1 and MRP1 in acquired resistance to VAs. A coordinated expression and activity of GSTM1 and MRP1 is required to protect CAL1 cells from VCR and VDS, while the simple expression of GSTM1 is sufficient, possibly by a direct drug/protein interaction, to confer resistance against VRB.
Fracture life prediction and sensitivity analysis for hollow extrusion dies
Authors: Qamar S. Z.
Published: October 2014

It has been reported in literature that extrusion dies most often fail by fatigue fracture. Experimental studies have shown that cracks pre‐exist in dies because of various factors including machining, heat treatment and surface hardening. High levels of repeated mechanical and thermal loads result in crack propagation leading to ultimate fracture failure. In an earlier work by the authors, a simplified approach of plate‐with‐edge‐crack was used to develop a fracture mechanics based fatigue life prediction model for tube dies. In the current work, extrusion die is modeled as a pressurized‐cylinder‐with‐internal‐crack, a more realistic approach for a hollow (tube) die. Stochastic nature of various fatigue‐related die parameters has been used to reflect their variability. Monte Carlo simulation has been performed to forecast fracture failure of extrusion dies under a given set of operating conditions and mechanical properties. Predicted mean‐time‐to‐failure is quite close to actual average extrusion die life data from the industry. Using tube die as a basis, fracture life of other hollow profiles can be estimated through their shape complexity values.

Analysis has also been carried out to evaluate how sensitive fracture life of hollow extrusion dies is to material and process parameters. Major findings are that die life is highly sensitive to initial crack size, wall thickness, profile outer diameter and billet length; moderately sensitive to Paris constant and extrusion ratio; and only slightly sensitive to fracture toughness and ram speed. These results can contribute to a deeper understanding of the factors responsible for fracture failure of an extrusion die exposed to thermo‐mechanical fatigue environment.
Fatigue experimental analysis and numerical simulation of FSW joints for 2219 Al–Cu alloy
Authors: Sun G. , Niu J. , Wang D. , Chen S.
Published: October 2014

Fatigue properties of friction stir welding (FSW) butt joints for Al–Cu alloy 2219‐T6 were investigated by experimental analysis and numerical simulation. Microstructure characteristics of FSW butt joints for 2219 aluminium alloy were studied during different fatigue stages. Micro hardness values and grain sizes across the FSW joint at different cycles were measured to study the fatigue properties of the joint. Local mechanical performances of the FSW butt joints were investigated based on the micro tensile tests. Fatigue parameters of different regions in the FSW joints were obtained from the four‐point‐correlation method. The local stress and strain response of the FSW joints were obtained based on mechanical performances of the micro tension specimens. The comparison results between simulation and tests analysis show that the built finite element model is effective for estimating the weak areas for FSW joints.
Crack and Damage Velocities in Ballistic Experiments
Authors: Anderson Charles E. , Bigger Rory P. , Weiss Carl E.
Published: October 2014

A series of ballistic impact experiments were conducted against a borosilicate glass (Borofloat®33) bonded to a polycarbonate substrate. Two of the objectives of the experiments were to measure crack velocities in the glass, and to measure the damage velocity in the glass. The speed of distinct propagating cracks was found to be 1.92 ± 0.03 km/s, independent of impact velocity. The maximum rate of damage propagation was found to be a function of impact velocity, but the damage velocity plateaued at 2.07 ± 0.04 km/s.
MiRNA‐30a inhibits AECs‐II apoptosis by blocking mitochondrial fission dependent on Drp‐1
Authors: Mao Cuiping , Zhang Jinjin , Lin Shengcui , Jing Lili , Xiang Jing , Wang Meirong , Wang Bingsi , Xu Pan , Liu Weili , Song Xiaodong , Lv Changjun
Published: October 2014

Apoptosis of type II alveolar epithelial cells (AECs‐II) is a key determinant of initiation and progression of lung fibrosis. However, the mechanism of miR‐30a participation in the regulation of AECs‐II apoptosis is ambiguous. In this study, we investigated whether miR‐30a could block AECs‐II apoptosis by repressing mitochondrial fission dependent on dynamin‐related protein‐1 (Drp‐1). The levels of miR‐30a in vivo and in vitro were determined through quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR). The inhibition of miR‐30a in AECs‐II apoptosis, mitochondrial fission and its dependence on Drp‐1, and Drp‐1 expression and translocation were detected using miR‐30a mimic, inhibitor‐transfection method (gain‐ and loss‐of‐function), or Drp‐1 siRNA technology. Results showed that miR‐30a decreased in lung fibrosis. Gain‐ and loss‐of‐function studies revealed that the up‐regulation of miR‐30a could decrease AECs‐II apoptosis, inhibit mitochondrial fission, and reduce Drp‐1 expression and translocation. MiR‐30a mimic/inhibitor and Drp‐1 siRNA co‐transfection showed that miR‐30a could inhibit the mitochondrial fission dependent on Drp‐1. This study demonstrated that miR‐30a inhibited AECs‐II apoptosis by repressing the mitochondrial fission dependent on Drp‐1, and could function as a novel therapeutic target for lung fibrosis.
Protein kinase Cδ promotes proliferation and induces malignant transformation in skeletal muscle
Authors: Czifra Gabriella , Szöllősi Attila , Nagy Zsuzsanna , Boros Miklós , Juhász István , Kiss Andrea , Erdődi Ferenc , Szabó Tamás , Kovács Ilona , Török Miklós , Kovács László , Blumberg Peter M. , Bíró Tamás
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we investigated the isoform‐specific roles of certain protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms in the regulation of skeletal muscle growth. Here, we provide the first intriguing functional evidence that nPKCδ (originally described as an inhibitor of proliferation in various cells types) is a key player in promoting both in vitro and in vivo skeletal muscle growth. Recombinant overexpression of a constitutively active nPKCδ in C2C12 myoblast increased proliferation and inhibited differentiation. Conversely, overexpression of kinase‐negative mutant of nPKCδ (DN‐nPKCδ) markedly inhibited cell growth. Moreover, overexpression of nPKCδ also stimulated in vivo tumour growth and induced malignant transformation in immunodeficient (SCID) mice whereas that of DN‐nPKCδ suppressed tumour formation. The role of nPKCδ in the formation of rhabdomyosarcoma was also investigated where recombinant overexpression of nPKCδ in human rhabdomyosarcoma RD cells also increased cell proliferation and enhanced tumour formation in mouse xenografts. The other isoforms investigated (PKCα, β, ε) exerted only minor (mostly growth‐inhibitory) effects in skeletal muscle cells. Collectively, our data introduce nPKCδ as a novel growth‐promoting molecule in skeletal muscles and invite further trials to exploit its therapeutic potential in the treatment of skeletal muscle malignancies.
A river flash flood forecasting model coupled with ensemble Kalman filter
Authors: Kimura N. , Hsu M.‐H. , Tsai M.‐Y. , Tsao M.‐C. , Yu S.‐L. , Tai A.
Published: October 2014

A flash flood forecasting model including a state‐of‐the‐art data assimilation method was developed to provide a precise water stage forecast for flood emergency response. The model integrates a flash flood routing model (FFRM) coupled with an ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) and an artificial neural network (ANN) submodel. In the model, the ANN forecasts river water stages at gauge stations first. Then, these are used as the initial and boundary conditions of the FFRM. The water stages, simulated from the FFRM, are then corrected by the EnKF for lead time. The model was applied to the Tanshui River watershed in northern Taiwan during past typhoons. The model forecasts almost covered the data observed during a typhoon period to within 95% confidence intervals. Compared with the use of FFRM without EnKF, the forecast water stages from the EnKF improved the accuracy at the conjunctions between upstream and downstream channels and the steep slope location.